Monday, May 20, 2019

Vince Benedetto Selected to Receive TALKERS 2019 “Humanitarian of the Year” Award.  One of the rising stars in the field of independent radio station ownership, Vince Benedetto, founder and CEO of Bold Gold Media Group has been selected by the TALKERS editorial board to be the 2019 recipient of “The Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Talk Radio Broadcaster” – also known as the “Humanitarian of the Year” award.  Locally owned, operated and programmed, Bold Gold was founded by Benedetto in 2005 with the aim of becoming the preeminent radio broadcast group in Northeast Pennsylvania and Upstate New York. Bold Gold serves three primary regions: The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, The Pocono Lake Region (Northern Pocono Mountains), and the Catskill Mountains of New York.​  It consists of a combination of 14 music- and talk-formatted stations.  Before entering broadcasting as an entrepreneur, Benedetto was a U.S. Air Force captain who also served as a special agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigation (known as OSI).  Special agents for OSI are responsible for conducting felony level investigations and engaging in counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism activities world-wide in support of our Air Force and Department of Defense operations.  Benedetto came under consideration for the TALKERS award for the work he has done in establishing the Bold Gold Broadcast and Media Foundation – a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3) organization with a mission of supporting the education and training of tomorrow’s broadcast and media leaders.  Bold Gold, through its fundraising and charitable efforts, provides education and training support, as well as funding to educational institutions and organizations who are preparing America’s future communicators.  The organization also works to raise awareness of the importance of young thought-leaders seeking a career in the field of broadcasting, media, and journalism. One of the Foundation’s first major projects was to build WRFH-FM (101.7 FM)/WRFH-LP “Radio Free Hillsdale” at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan.  The new campus-based radio station that signed on the air in 2015 offers students an opportunity to receive both academic and first-hand experience in the art of communicating over the airwaves to large audiences.  The foundation’s second project was to build a recording studio at the Allan P. Kirby Center of ​Constitutional Studies and Citizenship located in the heart of Washington, DC.  The studio, also dedicated in 2015, is used by the Kirby Center to further its mission of teaching the U.S. Constitution, the debate that brought it to life, and the principles that give it meaning.  In addition to Kirby Center staff, the studio is also used by Hillsdale College faculty and students, visiting broadcasters and journalists, and national leaders.  The “Humanitarian of the Year” award will be presented to Vince Benedetto at Talkers 2019: Telling the Story on Friday, June 7 in New York City.  The convention is four days away from being completely sold out.  To register, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413 or click here for more information.

ONLY FOUR DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER:  Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Nearing a Sellout!  The 22^nd annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention is on the verge of being sold out.  The final deadline for registrations being accepted is this Friday, May 24 at 5:00 pm ET.  According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “In order to maintain the intimacy and effectiveness of this heritage event, it must be open only to members of the media industries and be in a special type of venue with limited seating and capacity.  We have resisted the impulse to grow this event beyond that level of efficiency.  That is one of the reasons it is so popular and has enjoyed such amazing longevity.”  To obtain registration information and avoid being shut out before the deadline, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.  For an up to the minute agenda, please click here.

Monday Memo: Them. Long-ago English teacher Holland Cooke turns in a book report sure to challenge those of us in talk radio.  In Them: Why We Hate Each Other, How to Heal, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican, details how media feed and exploit our angry national conversation; and where we go from here.  See HC’s entire column here.

‘Andy and Randy’ New Midday Show at ‘92.9 The Game’ in Atlanta. Sports talk WZGC-FM, Atlanta “92.9 The Game” announces its new midday show is “The Midday Show with Andy and Randy,” – hosted by Andy Bunker and Randy McMichael.  Bunker moves to middays from his evening show with the station and McMichael – who enjoyed an 11-year NFL career – has been hosting the Saturday morning “College Game Time” show at the station.  They take over for John Michaels and Rick Kamla, who exited the station in March. Entercom Atlanta SVP and market manager Rick Caffey says, “Andy has been a listener favorite since he joined ‘92.9 The Game’ and has built great chemistry with Randy.  Andy and Randy’s collaboration, along with their bold and honest take on Atlanta sports, will be a great addition to our programming.”

TALKERS News Notes. The latest book from nationally syndicated radio talk show host Mark Levin bump’s Howard Stern’s newest memoir from its perch as the top-selling book on Amazon.  Levin’s book is titled, Unfreedom of the Press (Threshold Editions, 2019), and has achieved the top ranking based on pre-order sales…..Former KIRO-FM, Seattle afternoon drive personalities Ron Upshaw and Don O’Neill are launching a weekly podcast and a real estate company 18 weeks after being let go by the Bonneville news/talk outlet.  The Seattle Times reports that the popular duo, whose contracts were not renewed, have both earned their real estate brokers licenses and have formed Ron and Don Brokers with Windermere Real Estate.  Read the story here…..Alexandria, Minnesota news/talk outlet KXRA-AM is adding another FM signal to its broadcasts.  The Paradis Broadcasting-owned station broadcasts on its 1490 AM frequency as well as on translator K262AT at 100.3 FM.  Now, the company is adding a second translator at 105.7 that will allow it to cover Pope County…..TALKERS magazine sends condolences to the family and friends of WVON, Chicago overnight personality Alpheus “Ywain” Fields, who died at his home on Saturday (5/18) at the age of 57.  Fields first joined WVON in 1983 as an intern.  He was soon hired as a board operator and production assistant.  During his 36-year career with the station he served in numerous capacities in the programming department.

Nashville Talk Host Phil Valentine Renews with WWTN-FM. Talk radio pro Phil Valentine inks a new, long-term deal with Cumulus Media to continue hosting his daily, afternoon drive show on WWTN-FM, Nashville “99.7 SuperTalk.”  Cumulus says that in addition to hosting his program, the new deal includes Valentine working with the company “on a variety of projects, including the development and creation of original content podcasts, and other multimedia projects and events.”  The first in a series of podcasts to launch is PodGOATS, hosted by newcomer Campbell Valentine and co-hosted by his father, Phil Valentine.  The show is “a dynamic conversation between a Baby Boomer and a Millennial with thought-provoking and hilarious discussions on everything from what they would possibly do if the grid went down, to spies, to the top historical events that changed the world to religion.”  Phil Valentine says, “I was the morning guy when we launched ‘SuperTalk 99.7WTN’ back in 1995.  That’s where I started in talk radio.  I plan to finish my career at WTN sometime way down the road.  This is home, and I’m glad to be here for the long haul.”

Nolan to Lead Townsquare Media’s Quincy-Hannibal Operations. Sales and management pro Libby Nolan is joining Townsquare Media’s Quincy-Hannibal, Missouri operations to serve as market president and chief revenue officer.  Nolan was most recently with Entercom and Emmis in St. Louis as general sales manager.  Townsquare’s Quincy-Hannibal cluster includes news/talk KHMO-AM, country KICK-FM, classic country KICK-AM, and adult contemporary KRRY.  Townsquare regional VP Kelly Quinn says, “Libby is a perfect match for what we look for in a leader at Townsquare.  She brings with her exceptional experience in building sales teams and utilizing local talent to its fullest potential, which will enhance our ‘Local First’ approach in Quincy-Hannibal.”

Justin Amash Impeachment Tweet, U.S.-China Trade War, U.S.-Iran War Talk, New Anti-Abortion Laws, Trump Immigration Plan, ‘Game of Thrones’ Finale, and NBA/NHL Playoff Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Michigan Republican Congressman Justin Amash issues a tweet saying President Trump has committed impeachable offenses; the tariffs the U.S. and China are planning to place on each other’s exports; President Trump’s warning to Iran to “never threaten the U.S. again”; the highly restrictive abortion law passed in Alabama and a similar bill expected to become law in Missouri; the Trump administration’s immigration plan; the finale of HBO’s “Game of Thrones”; and NBA/NHL playoff action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Michelle Stevens joins Entercom’s New York operations to serve as assistant program director for hot AC WNEW-FM and classic hits WCBS-FM.  Stevens comes to Entercom from her most recent position as director of brand management for Connoisseur Media.  Entercom New York market manager Susan Larkin states, “Michelle possesses valuable expertise in programming and talent development, and she will be a much-welcomed asset to our stations.  She has a stellar track record for developing top-rated brands and we are looking forward to her contributions at two of New York’s most loved stations.”…..Hubbard Radio’s country KNUC, Seattle “New Country 98.9 The Bull” names Wingnut the station’s midday personality, hosting the 9:00 am to 2:00 pm program. Additionally, he’ll serve as APD and music director.  Station PD Scott Mahalick says, “You can have the best strategy in the best building in the world, but if you don’t have Wingnut in your hallways you’re only half steppin’.  I’m proud to say we have us a Wingnut in OUR hallways!”  Wingnut was previously afternoon drive host and APD/MD at Entercom’s crosstown country KKWF “100.7 The Wolf.”…..At Milwaukee non-commerical triple A WYMS “88Nine Radio Milwaukee,” music journalist Evan Rytlewski is named web editor for the station’s site.  Rytlewski served as music editor for the local alt-weekly Shepherd Express for 13 years and has been a regular contributor to Pitchfork, among other national music publications…..Envision Networks’ nationally syndicated rock show “The Chop Shop” celebrates its 15^th anniversary.  The program is hosted by WRIF-Detroit’s Steve Black, who says, “My love of rock ‘n’ roll directed me into radio nearly 30 years ago.  It was that same passion that opened these shows to syndication 15 years ago.  And I see the impact music makes on our lives every day.  Some of my happiest moments are helping listeners find new music or remember a special moment attached to one of their favorite songs.”

April 2019 PPM Data – Part Four. April 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 April 2019 survey period covered March 28 – April 24. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Down a combined seven-tenths in March/April (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+), Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” departs the top ten (#10 to #12).

In back-to-back reports, Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” gains one-tenth (1.6 – 1.7 -1.8, 6+) yet drops from a tie at #17 to #19. This marks the third time in the last five ratings periods that iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” logs a .6 (.6 – .5 – .4 – .6 – .6, flat at #24, 6+).

January 2019 through April 2019 fluctuations by KUT are +1.6 (January); -.6 (February); +.7 (March); and a mammoth -2.0 in April (9.5 – 7.5, 6+). On top the past three months, the University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk outlet segues to second-place with its lowest 6+-showing (7.5) since August 2018’s 7.1.

Austin Music Formats – The (6+) adult contemporary share in Texas’ capital city balloons by +2.4. Leading the way is Entercom’s KKMJ “Majic 95.5 Better Music For A Better Workday,” whose nine latest report-to-report shifts are: -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 in April (5.0 – 6.5, seventh to third, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 9.5 represents its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017 (12.4). 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” erases that deficit completely with a magnitude-matching April increase (1.1 – 2.0, +.9, #20 to #16, 6+). Meanwhile, co-owned triple A KGSR-HD2 debuts with a .8 (#23, 6+). A robust +1.2 by iHeartMedia’s KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” (5.7, eighth to fifth, 6+) puts an end to 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 timeframe, KASE plummeted by -1.9 in “Holiday” 2018; improved by +1.2 in January; and lost six-tenths in February. Directly after posting a January +1.2 (5.0 – 6.2, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin, Texas Original” is -1.3 in three straight decreases (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.9, sixth to eighth, 6+). The market’s other country player – Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” – is unchanged from March in 6+-share (2.0) and market rank (#16). A January drop of one-tenth interrupted three straight increases that nearly doubled (+1.1) its 6+-stat (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.4, 6+). Improving by three-tenths in March/April (8.4 – 8.6 – 8.7, 6+), Emmis adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob-FM” progresses from the runner-up slot to #1. This is the first time that “Bob” occupies the top spot since December 2018 when KBPA scored an 8.3 (6+). Conversely, regional Mexican sibling KLZT “107.1 La Z,” which was +1.2 in March (5.5 – 6.7, 6+), surrenders two-thirds of that increase (5.9, -.8, third to fourth, 6+). Prior to March, KLZT last reached the six-share level in October 2016 (6.1). After finishing with a 1.0 in March (#21, 6+), Principle Broadcasting Foundation triple A KDRP-LP “Sun Radio – The Best Music Under The Sun” vanishes from print.

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – By dropping four-tenths to 6.1 (fifth to seventh, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” suspends three straight sweeps without a loss that accounted for a +1.9 (4.6 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+). Progressing from #18 to #17, Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” improves by four-tenths in March/April (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+).

In an alternating up/down pattern that commenced in “Holiday” 2018, Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” has a topline of: 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.2, #14 to #15, 6+). Contrast that to co-owned/similarly-formatted model of consistency WDNC “620 The Ticket” (#25) whose August 2018 through April 2019 topline is: .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 (6+).

Regaining half (+.1) of March’s two-tenths decrease (7.5 – 7.3 – 7.4, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” continues in third-place. WUNC was -.9 (November 2018); +1.0 (January 2019); and -.6 (February).

Raleigh Music Formats – The three latest shifts by iHeartMedia’s WRDU “Classic Rock 100.7” are +.6 (February); -.8 (March); and +.9 in April (5.4 – 6.3, seventh to fifth, 6+). Moreover, this (6.3) is its best 6+-showing since September 2015’s 6.5. Co-owned WNCB posts an impressive April gain of nine-tenths as well (2.9, #15 to #13, 6+), wiping away February/March’s loss of six-tenths (2.6 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). “New Country B-93.9” logs its highest 6+-stat since September 2018 (also 2.9). Meanwhile, its format foe – Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “94.7 Today’s Best Country” – tacks on seven-tenths to a March gain of three-tenths (6.2 – 6.5 – 7.2, 6+), and climbs from fifth to fourth. Since debuting in print in “Holiday” 2018, classic country cluster-mate WQDR-AM “Just Right Country – AM 570” has a 6+ topline of: .1 – .1 – .4 – .8 – .8 (#21). Even though it is a collective -1.5 in three straight down or flat trends (11.0 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 for the ninth 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. A combined -1.6 in March/April (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.2, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WQOK “K-97.5” drops from third to sixth. This follows three straight sweeps without a loss that yielded two-tenths (7.6 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). On the heels of a March decrease of six-tenths, Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WRTP “His Radio” falters by another seven-tenths (2.5 – 1.9 – 1.2, #16 to #20, 6+). As a result of regressing by one-half share to 3.2 (#11 to #12, 6+), Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW “Pulse FM All The Hits” concludes at three its consecutive string of up or flat moves that led to a gain of eight-tenths (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). March’s 3.7 is its highest 6+-stat since June 2018’s 3.8. Similarly-formatted WDCG, which was +1.5 in January/February (4.5 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+), is a combined -.9 in March/April (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+) as iHeartMedia-owned “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” slips from seventh to ninth. Curtis Media Group-owned regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” is a collective -1.4 in four straight reports without an increase (3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), but advances from #17 to #16.

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – To say the least, the nine most recent ratings periods have been a wild rollercoaster ride for Emmis news/talk WIBC. In that stretch, “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” has been: -.7 (September); +1.0 (October); +.7 (November); -.9 (December); -.9 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); and -1.2 in April (6.4 – 5.2, sixth to eighth, 6+). The high points (7.2, 6+) came in November and February, while April’s 5.2 is the lowest 6+-stat in that timeframe.

While remaining steady at #16, sports talk sibling WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” improves by three-tenths (2.0 – 2.3, 6+) and opens up a full-share advantage over iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station,” which loses one-half share in three straight sweeps without an increase (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3, #17 to #18, 6+). After five straight times of logging a .1 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WXNT doubles it to .2 (#22, 6+); this is the 15^th consecutive sweep that “CBS Sports AM 1430” has notched either a .1 or .2 (6+).

All but one-tenth of Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI’s collective +1.5 in three gains in succession (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+) is obliterated by an April -1.4 to 4.3 (6+); WFYI departs the top ten (#7 to #11).

Indianapolis Music Formats – While perhaps not quite as volatile as the recent ratings history of Emmis news/talk WIBC (noted above), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” has experienced some significant shifts lately. It was a whopping +2.9 in January (virtually eliminating December/“Holiday” 2018’s -3.0); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); and +1.7 in April (8.5 – 10.2, 6+). Not only is WJJK #1 for the fourth month in a row, it registers the highest 6+-share (10.2) in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing October 2018’s 10.0. After spending six straight sweeps on top, “Classic Hits 104.5” slipped to third in “Holiday” 2018 but returned to #1 in January. A non-Christmas music month +1.7 would usually grab top honors for largest increase in a market, but WJJK’s feat is outdone by Emmis adult contemporary WYXB, which is +1.9 to 8.8 (6+), as “B-105.7” progresses from third to second. The huge uptick applies the brakes to three negative moves in succession that accounted for a roughly 58% (-9.5) loss of its 6+ AQH share (16.4 – 7.6 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+). It leaps over Cumulus Media’s WFMS (second to third) even though “95.5 The Country Station” follows March’s +1.1 with a gain of seven-tenths (6.2 – 7.3 – 8.0, 6+). Having finished on top in April 2018, May, and June, WFMS was +1.0 (April 2018); +.5 (May); -.5 (July); -.7 (August); +.9 (October); -1.8 (December); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); +1.1 (March); and is +.7 (April). Three successive bumps by Emmis-owned/similarly formatted WLHK netted a +2.2 (4.4 – 5.2 – 5.9 – 6.6, 6+), but “Country 97.1 Hank FM” returns one-tenth in April to 6.5 (6+) and continues in fifth-place. Prior to adding eight-tenths in January, “Hank” was an overall -1.3 in three straight decreases (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+). Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” gains eight-tenths in four successive up or flat trends (4.6 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+) and advances from ninth to seventh. The last time Sarkes Tarzian triple A WTTS appeared in print was more than seven years ago (February 2012, 2.8, #16). “World Class Rock 92.3 – Experience The Music” resurfaces in April with a 3.1 (#4, 6+). As both Entercom hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix” and Radio One rhythmic CHR WHHH “Hot 96.3” drop one-half share, they display identical March to April profiles: 5.1 – 4.6 (6+), tenth to ninth. WNTR’s March 5.1 is its highest 6+-stat since January 2018’s 5.5; “Hot” is a cumulative -1.5 in four successive negative moves (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is off seven-tenths in three straight declines (4.1- 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4, flat at #12); while co-owned/similarly-formatted WQRA Air 1 – Worship Now” is without an increase for the sixth sweep in succession for a net loss of one-half share (.7 – .5 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .2, #22, 6+). In four consecutive down or flat reports, Cumulus Media CHR WYRG “Energy 93.9” is off six-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.2, #18 to #19, 6+).

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – No station in Nielsen Audio’s 48 PPM-markets makes a greater (6+) March 2019 – April 2019 escalation than Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ (5.9 – 8.8, +2.9) as the Brewers flagship leaps from fourth to second. Its March 5.9 marked the first time “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” slipped below a six-share (6+) since January 2018 (5.3). Some of its representative shifts include +1.9 (April 2018); +2.5 (October); -1.0 (November); -2.6 (December); and +2.9 (April 2019). Climbing from eighth to sixth, iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130,” which sputtered by -1.7 in February/March (6.8 – 6.1 – 5.1, 6+), regains four-tenths to 5.5 (6+). “News/Talk 1130” boasted a January +2.2.

Off one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+) Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” slips from #15 to #16. Surrendering half the six-tenths it gained in February/March (1.3 – 1.0, -.3, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” tumbles from #15 to #18. Prior to February’s 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+). In late-November (2018), iHeartMedia transitioned CHR WRNW “97.7 Now” to “97.3 The Game.” The station’s December 2018 through April 2019 topline is: 2.8 – .3 – .6 – .4 – .6 – .3 (#21 to #22, 6+). Co-owned WOKY “The Big 920” returns the one-tenth it picked up in March (.2 – .3 – .2, #23 to #24, 6+). After popping up with a .5 (6+) in November 2018, Good Karma Brands’ WAUK has disappeared from print.

Three straight sweeps 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 surrenders four-tenths to 4.4 (ninth to tenth, 6+). While flat at 1.1 (6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD advances from #18 to #17.

Milwaukee Music Formats – Milwaukee Radio Alliance-owned alternative WLUM “102.1 Sounds Different” is an overall +1.8 in three straight bumps (2.5 – 3.0 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+) and moves from #12 to #11. Whereas January’s 2.5 is its lowest-ever 6+ PPM stat, this (4.3) is its best since August 2017’s 4.3. Rebounding from a March loss of eight-tenths with an April improvement of nearly the same magnitude (9.4 – 10.1, +.7, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the fifth sweep in succession. 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 six most recent moves are -1.0 (December); +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); – 1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); and +.7 (April). After scoring back-to-back gains of nine-tenths (4.5 – 5.4 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom CHR WXSS “103.7 Kiss FM” forfeits approximately 78% (-1.4) of that February/March bounty with a -1.4 to 4.9 (6+), drifting from third to eighth. With a 6.3 in March, “Kiss” reached the six-share level (6+) for the first time since December 2012 (6.1). Hot AC sibling WMYX “99.1 The Mix” has lost seven-tenths in four down or flat reports (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.4, sixth to seventh, 6+). Unchanged at #11, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WKKV is a collective -2.2 in three straight sweeps without an increase (6.5 – 5.4 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+). Immediately prior to the February sweep, “V-100.7 Jams” was an overall +2.0 via three successive gains (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.9 – 6.5, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Locked on 3.2 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019, and then on 3.6 (6+) in February and March, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” sputters by four-tenths and is back at 3.2 (#13 to #14, 6+). In three straight improvements, iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC netted seven-tenths (1.0 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), but “Talk Radio 1510” forfeits three-tenths to 1.4 (#17 to #19, 6+).

Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (5.5 – 4.8, sixth to ninth) continues an October 2018 through April 2019 alternating up/down sequence: +1.3 (October); -.9 (November); +.2 (December); -.8 (“Holiday 2018”); +.3 (January 2019); -.7 (February); +1.1 (March); and -.7 (April). Ironically, Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” (+.2, #17 to #16) is also in an up/down pattern: 1.3 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9, (6+).

Following a combined +2.1 in January/February (3.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” is -1.3 in March/April (5.7 – 4.8 – 4.4, flat at #10, 6+). With an April loss of seven-tenths, its internet stream all but disappears, as evidence by this January 2019 through April 2019 topline: 1.1 – 1.1 – .8 – .1 (#28, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – Six-tenths proves to be particularly noteworthy this sweep for two stations in the Midwest Communications cluster. In the case of adult hits WCJK, a gain of six-tenths to 8.4 (6+) pushes “96.3 Jack FM Playing What We Want” from the runner-up slot to #1. From January 2019 through April 2019, “Jack” nets a +2.4 (6.0 – 6.7 – 7.8 – 8.4, 6+) and reaches the eight-share level (8.4, 6+) for the first time since July 2018’s 8.1. Its five most recent shifts are +1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.1 (March); and +.6 (April). On the flipside, adult contemporary sibling WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music,” which had been #1 the past 15 ratings periods, forfeits six-tenths to 8.2 (6+) and assumes WCJK’s vacated position at #2. “Mix” is an overall -5.9 in four straight setbacks (14.1 – 10.6 – 9.3 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+). Eleven recent fluctuations for “Mix” are: +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); and -.6 (April). January’s -3.5 interrupted three consecutive positive spikes that led to a +6.0 (8.1 – 9.0 – 10.9 – 14.1, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 14.1 is the highest 6+-share for any Nashville outlet since WJXA’s 14.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Continuing to enjoy its progressive roll, Cumulus Media country outlet WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” is a collective +2.2, owing to five straight upticks (4.1 – 4.2 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+) and advances from fifth to fourth. Prior to March, “103.3 Nash FM” last hit the six-share threshold in June 2013. There is a similar story for iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country,” which racks up a +1.7 in four consecutive up or flat trends (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), inching up from eighth to seventh. Unchanged at #8 is the other country FM in “Music City USA,” Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon,” which has lost two-tenths in four successive mostly flat/modestly-down sweeps (5.2 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+). Posting increases of seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are Educational Media Foundation WLVU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (3.0 – 3.7, #14 to #13, 6+) and WAY Media’s WAYM “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” (1.5, #21 to #18). Both of these contemporary Christian outlets were down six-tenths in March; WAYM was actually a combined -.8 in February/March (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.0, 6+). Up six-tenths in April, iHeartMedia CHR WRVW “107.5 The River” (seventh to sixth) has an alternating down/up “Holiday” 2018 through April 2019 pattern of: 5.0 – 4.9 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.9 (6+). Flat at #4, co-owned WNRQ “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” is a combined -1.2 in March/April (7.5 – 6.6 – 6.3, fourth, 6+), directly after logging a +1.1 in January/February (6.4 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite adding one-tenth (3.7 – 3.8, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” backslides from seventh to eighth. Down two-tenths in March, WPRO-AM’s February gain of one-tenth halted three successive down or flat moves that accounted for an overall -1.0 (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+). For the third report in a row, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” (#11 to #12) has a month-to-month shift of two-tenths (1.9 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+). After having lost a collective four-tenths through three straight down or flat Providence reports (1.4 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+), co-owned Boston hybrid news-talk WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” adds three-tenths to 1.3 (6+) and advances from #18 to #15. By returning the two-tenths it acquired in March (.6, flat at #20), Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” suspends four straight (modest) increases that nearly tripled (+.5) its 6+-stat (.3 – .4 – .5 – .6 – .8, 6+).

Up seven-tenths in January onto to return a combined six-tenths in February/March, Entercom sports talk WVEI dials up a four-tenths gain in April (3.6 – 4.0, eighth to seventh, 6+).

After being tied at #12 in February and March, The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH (1.6 – 2.0, +.4, #12 to #10, 6+) and WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH (flat at 1.6, #12 to #13, 6+) get a bit untangled. By gaining one-tenth in January, WELH ended three straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall loss of eight-tenths (2.6 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+). In January, WGBH was stable at 1.6 (6+) following “Holiday” 2018’s decrease of seven-tenths.

Providence Music Formats – Shaking off a March loss of one-half share, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” (fifth to fourth) roars back with a +1.6 to 7.6, its highest 6+-share since July 2018’s 8.1. In four straight positive spikes (5.6 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.8, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is +2.2 (fourth to third); this follows a collective -3.1 as a result of three declines in succession (8.7 – 8.2 – 6.9 – 5.6, 6+). Debuting in February with a .3 (6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WNBH “Big 101.3” follows with a .4 (March, 6+) and .5 in April (#21, 6+). Immediately after “Holiday” 2018’s lofty 16.2 (6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI posted a consistent January – February – March topline of 9.1 – 9.3 – 9.2 (6+). Not only does “Lite Rock 105” have a one-half share bump to 9.7 (6+), it advances from second, where it had been the past three sweeps, to first. Prior to 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. Displaced from the top spot after three straight months there and segueing to second-place is iHeartMedia’s WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll,” which falters by nine-tenths to 9.6 (6+). The loss interrupts four consecutive ratings periods without a loss 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. This Rhode Island market’s 6+ CHR share softens by -1.3, virtually equally divided between Townsquare Media’s WFHN “Fun 107 – The South Coast’s #1 Hit Music Station” (-.7, #9 to #11, 6+) and Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music – 92 PRO FM” (7.2, third to fifth, 6+). “Fun 107” has now lost more than 50% (-2.3) of its 6+-share in three straight slips (4.2 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 1.9, 6+). Immediately in advance of this negative stretch, WFHN more than tripled (+3.0) 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+). WPRO-FM’s April -.6 pulls the plug on three straight gains that netted a +1.4 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+); 7.8 in March is its best 6+-stat since September 2018’s 8.4.

Norfolk – Not only has iHeartMedia alternative WNOH gained six-tenths in four straight upticks (.8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.4, 6+), “Alt 105.3” cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). Following five negative or (mostly) flat sweeps for a net loss of three-tenths (1.6  -1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.3, 6+), rhythmic oldies cluster-mate WHBT “92.1 The Beat” gains four-tenths in March/April (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+) and is steady at #9. The January 2019 through April 2019 toplines of Saga classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI “103 Jamz” are virtually identical. “The Fox” is 7.5 – 7.4 – 7.6 – 7.8 (third to second, 6+), while “103 Jamz” is 7.5 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 7.8 (unchanged at #2, 6+). A combined -2.4 in March/April (12.9 – 11.6 – 10.5, 6+), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is nonetheless #1 for the fourth month in a row. Until April’s 10.5, it had posted a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher 37 of 38 times. WVKL 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. Adult contemporary sibling WWDE “101.3 2WD,” which was up three-tenths in March, surrenders eight-tenths (6.6 – 5.8, 6+), slipping from fourth to fifth. Its December/“Holiday” 2018 +7.9 (5.7 – 7.2 – 13.6, 6+) culminated with a 13.6 – the strongest 6+-showing in WWDE’s PPM-history. After being a combined +1.0 in February/March (1.6 – 2.4 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned rhythmic hot AC WMOV “Movin’ 107.7” forfeits six-tenths to 2.0 (6+) but remains in eighth-place. As a result of seven successive down or flat sweeps, WMOV was –4.3 (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .7, 6+); +5.7 via five straight upticks (.7 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 6.4, 6+); and was -4.8 in “Holiday” 2018/January 2019 (6.4 – 4.9 – 1.6, 6+). While it carries on in seventh-place, Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” drops three-tenths to 2.8 (6+), thus curtailing three straight gains that yielded a +1.1 (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Immediately prior to this streak, WPTE was a collective -1.5 in four straight declines (3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.0, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being an overall -1.8 in three straight setbacks (10.4 – 9.7 – 8.8 – 8.6, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” manages to progress from second to first. This is WOKV’s lowest 6+-share since September 2018 (8.6, as well), while November 2018’s 11.2 is its best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era.

Even though iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” is down or flat the sixth consecutive time for a net loss of one-half share (.8 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3, 6+) it returns to the top twenty (#21 to a three-way tie at #19).

A cumulative +1.5 in five increases in a row (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), public news/talk WJCT “Your Community – Your World” is off two-tenths to 3.5 (6+) but advances from #12 to #11.

Jacksonville Music Formats – After posting a +1.2 in January, iHeartMedia-owned urban AC WSOL was a combined -1.4 in February/March (6.1 – 5.6 – 4.7, 6+). Now in April, “V-101.5” logs a gain of seven-tenths to 5.4, climbing seventh to fifth. Gospel cluster-mate WKSL-HD3 is without a loss for the third straight time for a net increase of one-half share 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 (#15 to #14, 6+). Conversely, co-owned rock WKSL-HD2, which was trending 1.0 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .6 (6+), disappears from print. It is a March-only stay at #1 for Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle,” which is off six-tenths to 8.3 (6+) and segues to a second-place tie. In addition, the decrease pulls the plug on three bumps 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 a similar scenario, iHeartMedia-owned WWJK “107.3 Planet Radio – Jacksonville’s Rock Station” forfeits nine-tenths to 3.1 (#9 to #12, 6+), curtailing three gains in succession that accounted for a +1.8 (2.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+). In December/“Holiday” 2018, WWJK was a combined -1.4 (3.6 – 2.8 – 2.2, 6+). Cox Media Group CHR WAPE “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which was an overall +2.1 in three successive up or flat moves (5.2 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 7.3, 6+), forfeits one-tenth to 7.2 (6+) but remains in fourth-place. Entering the top twenty at #19 is iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WQIK-HD2, which gains two-tenths in eight straight sweeps without a loss (.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3, 6+). As a result of seven consecutive negative moves (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 4.5, 6+), co-owned WQIK “Jacksonville’s Country 99.1” is a -2.5 and slips from fifth to eighth. Its format rival – Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “Gator Country 99.9” – erases February’s half-share loss with a March/April increase of six-tenths (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+) and continues in ninth-place. At the same time that WGNE’s adult contemporary sibling WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” slips by four-tenths (8.7 – 8.3, third to a second-place tie, 6+), Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WEZI “Easy 102.9” adds four-tenths (4.5 – 4.9, eighth to seventh, 6+). Prior to a +.3 in March, WEJZ lost more than 50% (-7.9) of its 6+ AQH share in January/February (16.3 – 8.5 – 8.4, 6+). It was +8.4 December/“Holiday” 2018 (7.9 – 10.7 – 16.3, 6+), with “Holiday” 2018’s 16.3 the highest 6+-mark for any Jacksonville station since “Holiday” 2015 when WEJZ notched a 19.5. Meanwhile, by relinquishing six-tenths in March, WEZI surrendered roughly half of January/February’s +1.1.

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – By piling on four-tenths to March’s +.3 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” progresses from tenth to ninth and has its best 6+-showing (2.7) since July 2018’s 2.9. A combined -.7 in February/March (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.0, 6+), co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” is up three-tenths to 2.3 (#12 to #11, 6+). After having lost roughly 55% (-1.6) of its 6+ AQH share in four successive negative moves (2.9 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.4 – 1.3, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” wipes away half that deficit with a +.8 to 2.1 (#17 to #12, 6+). Doubling (+.5) its 6+-stat in three straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .7 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+), iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD enters the West Palm Beach top twenty (#22 to #20).

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

Slipping from seventh to eighth, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN has lost eight-tenths in three successive decreases (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – When iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL lost one-tenth in March, it snapped at three its consecutive string of positive spikes that netted a +1.2 (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.5, 6+). “Today’s Kool 105.5” answers in April with a +.7 to 7.1, its best 6+-stat since July 2016’s 7.5, and advances from third to second. Conversely, following a March increase of seven-tenths, Hubbard Broadcasting-owned/similarly-programmed WEAT-FM “Sunny 107.9” spirals by -1.2 (8.2 – 7.1, 6+) and trades places with WOLL (second to third). “Sunny” was a combined -3.2 in January/February (10.7 – 7.8 – 7.5, 6+). Up six-tenths (5.3 – 5.9, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WMBX “X-102.3” is steady in fourth-place and has its highest 6+-share (5.9) since May 2018’s 6.2. Immediately on the heels of erupting with a +2.0 in March, co-owned hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” craters by an even more humongous -2.2 (9.2 – 11.2 – 9.0, 6+) but is #1 for the fourth month in a row. Its March 11.2 is its highest 6+-share since November 2017 (11.2, as well). Having faltered by -1.0 in January, WRMF was frozen on 9.2 (6+) in January and February. A cumulative -1.9 via five consecutive down or flat reports (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” halts the slide by picking up two-tenths to 2.7 (6+) and remains in ninth-place. Off one-half share (1.5 – 1.0, 6+), Moody Bible Institute gospel WRMB “89.3 Moody Radio” fades from #15 to #20.

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to being -1.2 in March/April (4.4 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI departs the top ten (#10 to #11); “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” was +1.4 in January/February (3.0 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+).

After more than doubling (+.5) its 6+ AQH share in three consecutive increases (.4 – .5 – .6 – .9, 6+), Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” returns one-tenth to .8 (#15 to #14, 6+).

While it remains anchored at #13 for the 12^th consecutive time, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” erodes by seven-tenths (2.3 – 1.6, 6+). Off three-tenths to .5 (#16 to #17, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC halts at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted two-tenths (.6 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .8, 6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – Four consecutive sweeps without a loss by iHeartMedia CHR WMKS have generated a collective +1.8 (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.6, 6+) as “100.3 Kiss-FM” climbs from tenth to ninth and reaches the four-share level (4.6, 6+) for the first time in exactly one year (4.1, April 2018). Improving by seven-tenths (each) are Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH “102 Jamz” (6.5 – 7.2, steady at #4, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up” (2.5 – 3.2, #12 to #11, 6+). Prior to faltering by one-half share in March, WJMH was an overall +.9 through three consecutive positive moves (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.0, 6+). Five straight declines by WQMG resulted in a -2.3 (11.4 – 10.8 – 10.3 – 9.9 – 9.6 – 9.1, 6+), but “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” applies the brakes with a +.6 to 9.7 (6+). Moreover, the Entercom urban AC marches to #1 after a March-only stay in the runner-up slot. Up one-full share in November, WQMG spent 11 straight sweeps at #1 in 2018 before segueing to #2 in December. While setting the pace in January and February (2019), its consecutive streak of reaching double-digits (6+) ended in January (2019) at 26. In March, WQMG was replaced at #1 by adult hits cluster-mate WSWM “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything,” but the roles are reversed in April, as WQMG pushes “Simon” from first to third. The four most recent fluctuations by WSMW are +.9 (January); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); and -1.6 in April (9.8 – 8.2, 6+). Prior to March, the last time WSMW reached #1 was August 2016 when it logged a 10.5 (6+). Whereas March’s 9.8 its best 6+performance since July 2018’s 10.0, April’s 8.2 is its weakest in more than three years (8.1, March 2016). In the market’s country tussle, Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” regains the two-tenths it squandered in March (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” loses a cumulative seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, 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). Flat in March, “Q-104.1” substituted January’s +.7 with a February -.7 (5.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+). April results keep WPAW and WTQR at #6 and #8, respectively.

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Recapturing the one-tenth it lost in March (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather,” which was a combined +1.8 in January/February (2.6 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), progresses from tenth to eighth.

Dipping from #11 to #12, Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” is off four-tenths via three straight reports without an increase (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Its internet stream appeared with a .1 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018; disappeared from print in January and February; and resurfaces in March and April (.1 – .1, #18, 6+). It is tied (at #18) with co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790,” which is without an increase for the tenth straight time (including eight consecutive .1 showings) for a collective loss of three-tenths (.4 – .4 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 -.1 – .1 – .1, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – Notwithstanding that it has back-to-back upticks of six-tenths (5.8 – 6.4 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia gospel WHAL “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” carries on in fifth-place with its best 6+-showing (7.0) in exactly one year (7.1, April 2018). Stuck on 3.3 (6+) in February and March, Entercom’s country WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” displays an April improvement of six-tenths and enters the top ten (3.9, #13 to #9, 6+). On top the sixth time in a row and in double-digits the 13^th successive sweep, iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” is nonetheless -1.2 in March/April (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is the highest 6+-share in more than six years (13.5, December 2012) for “V-101,” which was +2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (10.5 – 11.5 – 12.8, 6+). In addition to KJMS, co-owned WDIA “AM 1070 – The Heart & Soul of Memphis” erodes by -1.0 as well and is actually an overall -1.5 in three successive setbacks (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 3.8, sixth to tenth, 6+). Following a “Holiday” 2018 -.7 and a January +1.5, Entercom hot AC WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” is a cumulative -1.8 in February, March, and April (5.6 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.8, eighth to tenth, 6+). Forfeiting the one-half share gain it attained in March (1.1 – 1.6 – 1.1, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” drops from #14 to #15. In “Holiday” 2018, WKIM reached the five-share level (6+), but was a combined -4.0 in January/February (5.1 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+). Its AC rival is steady in third place, but Entercom’s WRVR “104.5 The River” is -1.2 in March/April (8.9 – 7.8 – 7.7, 6+). Prior to April’s loss of one-tenth, WRVR’s seven most recent moves were: +2.4 (October); -.1 (November); -1.6 (December); +2.0 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.1 (January 2019); +.7 (February); and -1.1 (March). “Holiday” 2018’s 11.3 is its strongest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9 (#6).

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – Locked in third-place, Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” is an overall +2.4 via four straight positive spikes (5.2 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 7.3 – 7.6, 6+). Off a collective four-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .9, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM slips to #15; “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” had finished at #14 the past three reports. This marks the 11^th report in a row that iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” logs a .1 (#17).

The November 2018 through April 2019 topline for iHeartMedia sports talk WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” is 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 (unchanged at #12, 6+).

As part of an alternating up/down pattern that began in December 2018, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” is +.3 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.9 (January 2019); -.9 (February); +.1 (March); and -.6 in April (5.3 – 4.7, flat at #9, 6+). After losing four-tenths in March, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” erases half that decline with an April gain of two-tenths (1.5 – 1.1 – 1.3, flat at #14, 6+).

Hartford Music Formats – By racking up a robust increase of nine-tenths after its March +.4 (7.2 – 7.6 – 8.5, unchanged in second-place, 6+), Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC-FM” brings to a halt the down/up pattern it began in August 2018: 7.2 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 6.3 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.6 (6+). This (8.5) is WTIC-FM’s highest 6+-share since July 2018 (8.6). Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale Connecticut’s Classic Rock”  improves by seven-tenths in March/April (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.0, 6+). In addition to climbing from eighth to seventh, “The Whale” has its best 6+-stat since October 2017 (6.0, as well). Entercom adult contemporary WRCH has certainly experienced considerable shifting in each of the past seven reports. “Lite 100.5” was -.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); and is -1.3 in April. Although #1 for the 34^th consecutive ratings period, WRCH drops to 9.8 (6+); it had been in double-digits (6+) in 30 of the last 32 sweeps. A combined +1.1 in February/March (5.0 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WHCN “105.9 The River” surrenders eight-tenths to 5.3 (seventh to eighth, 6+); March’s 6.1 is its best 6+-stat since August 2018’s 6.5. Flat at #5, Entercom-owned rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” is -1.4 in March/April (7.9 – 6.6 – 6.5, 6+), following a January/February +1.1 (6.8 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+).

Friday, May 17, 2019

TALKERS CONVENTION UPDATE:  Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Nearing a Sellout!  The 22^nd annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention is on the verge of being sold out.  The final deadline for registrations being accepted is one week from today – Friday, May 24 at 5:00 pm ET.  According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “In order to maintain the intimacy and effectiveness of this heritage event, it must be open only to members of the media industries and be in a special type of venue with limited seating and capacity.  We have resisted the impulse to grow this event beyond that level of efficiency.  That is one of the reasons it is so popular and has enjoyed such amazing longevity.”  To obtain registration information and avoid being shut out before the deadline, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.  For an up to the minute agenda, please click here.

Trinity Broadcasting Adds Eric Metaxas’ Radio Show. Starting today (5/17), Salem Radio Network’s “The Eric Metaxas Radio Show” will have a half-hour “Best of” component that will be seen on cable each Friday at 6:00 pm on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. The television version will be repeated Sundays at 10:30 pm. Salem Broadcast president Dave Santrella remarks that Trinity Broadcasting has “proven to be a great partner in this unique venture. We are delighted to see this show develop into a regular weekend program seen across the country on the TBN cable platform.” Salem Radio Network senior vice president Phil Boyce comments, “We are delighted to see some of Eric’s interviews reach an even bigger audience through TBN’s platform, where more people will get a chance to enjoy his wit, wisdom, and unique personality.” Meanwhile, TBN president Matt Crouch adds that Metaxas’ show “brings a unique depth and flair to TBN’s programming lineup. Eric’s longstanding reputation as a man of both faith and intellect is a perfect fit for TBN’s growing broadcast team of thought and faith leaders.” Yale University grad Metaxas is the founder/host of the New York City-based event series “Socrates in the City: Conversations on the Examined Life” and has been hosting his Salem radio show since 2015.

Meyer Named Entravision Chief Revenue and Product Officer. It will be a homecoming for Karl Alonso Meyer who – effective immediately – becomes Entravision Communications’ chief revenue and product officer. Entravision chair/chief executive officer Walter F. Ulloa comments, “We are delighted to welcome Karl back to Entravision. With his vast experience, strong leadership skills, and extensive knowledge of the company, he is the ideal candidate to drive our sales and revenue initiatives.” Meyer adds, “Entravision is like a second home to me. Having the chance to rejoin the company in this critical role is an exciting opportunity. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back and working again with the talented Entravision team. The media landscape is constantly changing and I look forward to bringing a unique perspective that will help the business continue its success.” Los Angeles-based Meyer first joined Entravision in 2004 and spent ten years with the company as vice president/general manager of its Los Angeles radio outlets and later as executive vice president/integrated marketing solutions for the western region.

Steve ‘The Big Dog’ Duemig Passes. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in February 2017, Steve “The Big Dog” Duemig, 64, died yesterday morning (Thursday, 5/16). Up until approximately 15 months ago, Duemig did afternoon drive for iHeartMedia Tampa sports talk WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio.” A posting on the station’s website notes, “WDAE is mourning the loss of sports radio icon Steve ‘The Big Dog’ Duemig. WDAE and iHeartMedia Tampa Bay would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of ‘The Big Dog,’ Steve Duemig.” Before joining WDAE in 1996, Duemig spent five years at cross-town WFNS. For two years, he was the color analyst for the Tampa Bay Lightning. In addition, Duemig hosted a weekly call-in program on Fox Sports Radio, and the 13-year PGA golfer co-hosted a program on The Golf Channel.

TALKERS News Notes. One of the strongest voices in liberal/progressive talk radio – Bill Press – is pulling the plug on his daily morning show after a 14-year run. His last program will air in two weeks (5/31). While Press concludes his syndicated radio platform, he’ll begin podcasting next month, reportedly with a focus on the Democratic primaries. To his more than 32,000 Twitter followers, the 79-year-old Press wrote, “In case you missed it: We’ve had a great 14-year run of daily shows, but it’s time to transition. Don’t worry – my voice will still be front and center as we enter the 2020 election. Big news coming soon.” ….. Deputy Washington editor Shirley Henry is promoted to NPR’s chief Washington editor. She joined NPR five years ago as senior Washington desk editor and was boosted to deputy Washington editor in 2015. NPR News executive editor Edith Chapin notes, “As we further ramp up our election work while staying focused on the current administration, Shirley is poised to lead the team to break stories and provide the daily reporting, enterprise, and context our audience has come to expect. Her multi-platform experience meshed perfectly with the desk leadership in adopting a story first approach to reporting.” Henry has a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University and dual Bachelor’s degrees from Boston University in Journalism and International Relations. Henry served as lead editor for White House coverage and was co-editor of the “NPR Politics” podcast. She previously worked at CNN‘s Washington bureau ….. Through its broadcasting agreement with Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN), SiriusXM will air coverage of tomorrow’s (Saturday, 5/18) Preakness Stakes from Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course. The Preakness is the second jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. The satcaster airs all Triple Crown races, as well as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The wire-to-wire race broadcast of the Preakness is provided by NBC Sports Radio and produced in partnership with HRRN and Westwood One. Later today (Friday, 5/17) at 3:00 pm (ET), SiriusXM will air HRRN’s broadcast of the 95^th Black-Eyed Susan Stakes….. The 15^th biennial CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer tournament will air live on Entravision Communications’ radio and television stations from (Saturday) June 15 through (Sunday) July 7. Entravision president/chief operating officer Jeffery Liberman states, “We are only a month away from the start of the biggest soccer tournament being played in the United States. Bottom line: If you’re a soccer fan, you’re watching the Gold Cup. Besides being the most-seen sport around the world, it features teams our audiences follow. That’s powerful and provides an amazing opportunity for our advertisers.” Founded in 1991, the Gold Cup is an international FIFA soccer tournament. With teams from 16 countries participating, this will be the largest Gold Cup ever. The tournament will feature the four highest-ranked nations based on the CONCACAF Ranking Index: the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Entravision’s live coverage includes 24 games on 17 of its radio stations in 14 markets ….. For the third day in a row,TALKERS has an item regarding Bubba The Love Sponge and this time, it comes directly from the source. On his Facebook page, BTLS notes that he “couldn’t come up with a deal” to continue airing his show on Genesis Communications Tampa news/talk WWBA “AM 820 Gotta Know Now,” so he recommends Tampa Bay fans listen to the show online ….. While terms were not immediately disclosed, Alpha Media agrees to acquire Gray Television Amarillo’s Spanish adult hits KEYU. An application is being filed with the FCC for the transfer. In Amarillo, Alpha Media already owns news/talk KGNC-AM, KGNC-FM “Amarillo’s Country 97.9,” and classic hits-oldies KXGL “100.9 The Eagle.” Kalil & Co. brokered the transaction for both parties.

TALKERS Week in Review Radio Show for Monday, May 13 – Friday, May 17 Now Posted.  The latest installment of the new weekly one-hour radio program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation” is now posted.  Guest this week include:  Kevin Casey of TALKERS; Jim Blasingame, host of the Small Business Advocate radio show; Sid Rosenberg, morning show co-host of WABC, New York;  award-winning journalist, Donna Francavilla, president of Alabama Media Professionals; and nationally syndicated host, Lars Larson of Compass Media Networks.  To listen to the show, please click here.

U.S.- China Trade War Top News/Talk Story for Week of May 13-17. The tariffs the U.S. and China are placing on each other’s exports and the financial markets’ reactions were the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, occupying the top spot on the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the Mueller Report aftermath and the subpoena of Donald Trump, Jr. Coming in at #3 was the new Alabama abortion law and the threat to Roe v Wade, followed by the 2020 presidential race and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s entrance into the Democratic primary 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 complete chart here.

Mike McVay Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Longtime radio industry programmer, executive, and consultant Mike McVay, who after eight years is leaving his position as EVP/content and programming for Cumulus Media at the end of June to re-launch his consultation firm, McVay Media, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne presentation “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Harrison and McVay engage in a candid conversation about the events that led to his leaving Cumulus by his own choice as well as his views on the future of that company, the state of radio ratings methodology, advertising agency practices, operating on a playing field with multiple distribution points, the care and nurturing of talent in this new era, significant differences between music and talk radio and opportunities and challenges inherent in radio station ownership going forward. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Regional senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Kentucky-Indiana region, Michael Jordan, adds duties as band coordinator for iHeartCountry. In that capacity, he reports to iHeartCountry executive vice president/programming Rod Phillips. Jordan has held several positions at iHeartMedia Louisville and Lexington (Kentucky), including senior vice president/programming; program director for WMAZ, Louisville and WBUL, Lexington; and director of NTR and promotions for iHeartMedia Lexington. His philanthropic involvement includes working with the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital and Lexington Cancer Foundation ….. Two-year Alpha Media Louisville WDJX “99.7 DJX” program director/afternoon drive personality JD Garfield will be leaving the CHR outlet at the end of this month. “I’d like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the entire staff of talented and amazing individuals at Alpha Media Louisville for giving me the amazing opportunity to stand at the helm of one of the premiere CHR stations in the country,” he comments. “It truly has been a rewarding experience that I’ll never forget.” Garfield joined Alpha Media from Boise Idaho’s KWYD. He previously programmed in Madison (Wisconsin) at WJQM, and was operations manager in Springfield, Missouri at KQRA and KOSP ….. Director of operations/program director Darrin Arriens signs a multi-year contract extension with Entercom Charlotte hot AC WLNK “The Link.” ….. After spending 20 years at Connoisseur Media Long Island adult contemporary WKJY “K-98.3,” afternoon drive talent Jodi Vale exits. “Radio is my first love,” she notes. “I am absolutely not hanging up my beloved headphones.” As I finish up my master’s degree in communications with an emphasis in education, I look forward to teaching future broadcasters in the academic setting.” ….. New to nights/social media director at Albany Broadcasting rhythmic CHR WAJZ “Jamz 96.3” is Alexandra Wurst, who most recently did nights in South Bend (Indiana) at Mid-West Family Broadcasting CHR WQLQ. According to WAJZ operations manager/program director Jon Reilly, “We could not be more excited about this dynamic on-air personality. [Alexandra] has great energy and enthusiasm and we are looking forward to her fresh and unique sound at night.”

April 2019 PPM Data – Part Three. April 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 April 2019 survey period covered March 28 – April 24. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – The nine-tenths’ January/February gain racked up by Alpha Media news/talk KXL (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+) vanishes and becomes a -1.0 in March/April (4.7 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+) as “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” slips from #11 to #13. Up two-tenths (2.1 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” continues at #18. Locked on .9 (6+) in February and March, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” picks up one-tenth to 1.0 (#25 to #24, 6+).

Without a loss the fourth successive sweep for a net gain of six-tenths (.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+), co-owned sports talk KXTG “The Game” carries on at #21. Flat at #23, Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” loses one-tenth in back-to-back reports (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+). It is tied with iHeartMedia-owned Portland Trailblazers flagship KPOJ “Sports Radio 620,” which doubles (+.5) its 6+-stat since February (.5 – .8 – 1.0, #26 to #23, 6+) and reaches a one-share (1.0, 6+) for the first time since July 2018’s 1.1.

A combined -2.0 in February/March (9.3 – 7.7 – 7.3, 6+), KOPB erases 30% of the deficit with a +.6 to 7.9 (6+) and remains in the runner-up slot; the Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet had a one-month (January 2019) stay at #1. Ten recent KOPB fluctuations include: +1.1 (January 2018); -1.1 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.5 (May); +.7 (October); -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.2 (January 2019); -1.6 (February); and +.6 (April).

Portland Music Formats – A stout +3.5 via three consecutive bumps (5.4 – 7.1 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH has that streak snapped by losing three-tenths to 8.6 (6+); however, “106.7 The Eagle” is #1 for the third month in a row. Prior to February, KLTH last reached the eight-share level (6+) nearly eight years ago (May 2011, 8.1, as well). In three straight sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” nets +2.3 and is steady in sixth-place. “The Fish” ranked #18 in January. Conversely, All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” is a collective -1.8 in three consecutive down or flat moves (4.4 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.6, 6+), dropping from #14 to #17. 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. Off four-tenths to 4.6 (fifth to seventh, 6+), Alpha Media’s KBFF “Live 95.5” snaps at three its consecutive string of increases that accounted for a +1.1 (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+). A collective +1.2 in three straight gains (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), cluster-mate KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” falters by three-tenths to 4.2 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Its 4.5 in March is the highest 6+-stat by KUPL since February 2018’s 4.7. After improving by eight-tenths to 4.2, its best 6+-stat since July 2018’s 4.6, Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” surrenders four-tenths to 3.8 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – Having notched back-to-back gains of four-tenths (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT is now a combined -.7 in March/April (4.4 – 4.3 – 3.7, #11 to #12, 6+).

In an alternating up/down sequence that began in “Holiday” 2018 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.2, 6+), co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” has lost four-tenths in that stretch; the Charlotte Hornets flagship slips from #18 to #19.

Erasing all but one-tenth of March’s -.6 with an April increase of one-half share (2.3 – 2.8, 6+), University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE advances from #16 to #14. “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” was a  combined +1.1 in January/February (1.8 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+). While flat at .3 (6+), South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC drops from #21 to #22.

Charlotte Music Formats – By gaining eight-tenths to 2.0 (#19 to #17, 6+), Davidson College-owned WDAV “89.9 Classical Public Radio” pulls the plug on four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of one-half share (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). Country boasts a #1/#2 finish in “The Queen City.” Even though Beasley Media Group’s WSOC returns the two-tenths it gained in March (6.8 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+), “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” repeats in first-place; it was tied for the lead in February. 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. A combined -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” was +1.2 in January; lost three-tenths in February; but is a combined +.8 in March/April  (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3, fourth to second, 6+). Three straight upticks by Beasley Media Group mainstream CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1” yield a +1.9 (3.2 – 3.6 – 4.7 – 5.1, ninth to seventh, 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+). Faltering by seven-tenths (each) are urban AC sibling WBAV “V-101.9” (6.2 – 5.5, third to fifth, 6+) with its lowest 6+-stat (5.5) in two years (5.3, April 2017), and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (3.3 – 2.6, #13 to #16, 6+). The five most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake” are -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.4 (February); +.5 (March); and -.5 in April (6.8 – 6.3, flat at #2, 6+). 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.

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Powered by a +1.1 (4.2 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI zooms from eighth to fourth. In addition, this marks the first time the San Antonio Spurs’ flagship reaches the five-share level (5.3, 6+) 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+). Via three successive up or flat trends, Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” nets three-tenths (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+) and progresses from #23 to #22.

Finishing at #31 and #32, respectively, are Alpha Media sports talk KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” (flat at .4, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” (.6 – .3, -.3, 6+).

Down three-tenths in back-to-back reports (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), after a January/February +1.0 (2.7 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX drops from #12 to #15.

San Antonio Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for KQXT “Q-101.9.” The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet bounced back from January’s -10.7 (14.9 – 4.2, 6+) with a February increase of four-tenths; sputtered by six-tenths in March; but racks up a +.8 in April (4.0 – 4.8, ninth to sixth, 6+). Without an increase the past six sweeps for a collective -2.6 (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM Que Buena 92.9” answers with an April +.7 to 3.5 (#16 to #12, 6+). Picking up one-half share (each) are KROM’s rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KBBT “98.5 The Beat” (tenth to ninth) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (3.4, #15 to #13, 6+). “The Beat” is up eight-tenths through three straight positive or flat trends (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (4.4) since August 2018’s 4.5. “K-Love” was off three-tenths in February/March (3.2 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+). Notwithstanding it has lost 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” repeats at #1. 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. Co-owned KTKX “106.7 The Eagle – San Antonio’s Only Classic Rock,” which netted nine-tenths in February/March (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+), forfeits eight-tenths to 4.1 (6+) and drifts from fifth to tenth. Both of the market’s country powerhouses falter by four-tenths in April. Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” slips 6.9 – 6.5 (6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” drops 6.2 – 5.8 (6+). Despite the losses, they continue at #2 and #3, respectively. Recent shifts for “KJ-97” include +.5 (September 2018); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +3.0 (January 2019); and –1.9 (March). Meanwhile, “Y-100” has been +.9 (August 2018); -.8 (September); +.9 (November); -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); and -.6 in March.

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three straight sweeps without an increase, KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” falters by -1.6 (7.6 – 7.0 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+) but remains in the runner-up slot. The iHeartMedia-owned news/talk facility was tied for first in January. Returning the four-tenths it gained in March (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+), co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” slips from #14 to #15.

At the same time that Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” adds one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.7 – 8. – .9, #25 to #24, 6+), Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” forfeits one-tenth and has lost four-tenths in three straight down or flat trends (1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .8, #21 to #25, 6+).

December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in the PPM-history of KXJZ, but the Capital Public Radio news/talk outlet follows with five straight decreases for a roughly 50% loss (-3.4) of its 6+-share (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Unchanged at #26, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has an October 2018 through April 2019 topline of: .6 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .7 (6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – Trending 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.7 (January – February – March, 6+), Entercom alternative KKDO “Alt 94.7” breaks out an increase of nine-tenths to 5.6 (eighth to fifth, 6+). A positive spike of one-half share by Entravision rhythmic CHR KHHM takes “Hot 103.5” (#16 to #14) to its highest 6+-share since November 2018 (2.5, as well). Despite being down six-tenths in March/April (8.6 – 8.5 – 8.0, 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). In the lead position for ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December, “The Eagle” faltered by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018. Nine 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); and -.5 (April). The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share softens by -1.1, nearly equally divided between iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” (4.3 – 3.7, -.6, ninth to tenth, 6+) and Entercom-owned KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” (-.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+) before dropping two-tenths in March. A combined -7.8 in January/February (13.8 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+), “Mix 96” gained two-tenths in March. After logging three consecutive improvements that yielded an overall +1.4  (4.2 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), Bonneville’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” falters by one-half share to 5.1 (fifth to eighth, 6+). A collective +1.5 in three straight September –October – November – December (2018) gains, KNCI has been -1.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +.5 (January 2019); +.8 (February); and -.5 (April). For the 14^th successive survey period, Entravision Communications’ similarly-formatted KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” logs a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.5 (2.1 – 2.2, +.1, #15 to #16, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Notching a +1.1 to 5.1 (6+) in January, Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” has followed with three straight drops for a collective -1.0 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1, ninth to tenth, 6+).

Co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” which lost seven-tenths in February/March (7.1 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+), gains four-tenths (6.4 – 6.8, 6+); the Pirates flagship remains in fourth-place. While it departs the top twenty (#17 to #22), iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” continues its consistency, as reflected by this September 2018 through April 2019 topline: .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 (6+).

Even though it is off a combined seven-tenths in March/April (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” continues at #11.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – After logging three straight sweeps without an increase resulting in a -1.8 (8.7 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 6.9, 6+), Steel City Media adult hits WRRK is a combined +1.1 in March/April (6.9 – 7.4 – 8.0, 6+) as “96.9 Bob FM” stays in-place at #3. In back-to-back (February and March) sweeps, WDVE posted identical gains of eight-tenths (7.6 – 8.4 – 9.2, 6+). Even though the iHeartMedia-owned rocker forfeits nine-tenths in April, it is #1 for the third month in succession. Its December loss of one-half share interrupted three consecutive gains that netted a +1.0 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.3 – 8.7, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, WDVE tumbled by -1.0 (8.2 – 7.2, 6+). WDVE spent 11 successive sweeps in the runner-up slot before dropping to third in December. Unchanged in fifth-place, co-owned CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” has lost seven-tenths by not having an increase three sweeps in a row (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). The market’s two hot ACs are separated by two full-shares, as Entercom’s WBZZ “Star 100.7” gains two-tenths (4.8 – 5.0, seventh to sixth, 6+), while Steel City Media’s WLTJ “Q-92.9” surrenders four-tenths to 3.0 (flat at #12, 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+). Three Forever Media-owned stations that have been unlisted the last four ratings periods return in April: Country WOGI “Froggy” (1.2, #19, 6+); classic hits-oldies WPKL “Pickle” (.9, #20, 6+); and country WOGG “Froggy” (.8, #21, 6+). In December 2018 (the last sweep in which they appeared), WOGI was 1.2 (#18, 6+); WPKL scored a 1.1 (#20, 6+); and WOGG finished with a 1.4 (#16, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – An April gain of seven-tenths by Bonneville-owned KSL erases in its entirely a March loss of the same magnitude as “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” (steady at #6) posts a 5.2 for the fourth time in the last six sweeps (5.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+). After eroding by -1.0 in March, iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” stabilizes at 4.1 (6+) but slips from eighth to ninth; KNRS was +1.8 in January/February (3.3 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+). In back-to-back sweeps, Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” gains one-tenth (.2 – .3 – .4, #21, 6+).

For the fourth month in a row, Broadway Media-owned KALL “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” is unlisted.  After posting an August 2018 – December 2018 topline of 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8, KALL lost seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 to 1.1 (#20 to #22, 6+).

Having lost nine-tenths in March/April (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER dips from #14 to #15.

Salt Lake City Music Formats – With a steady “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 topline of 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.8 (6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “My 99.5” explodes in April with a +1.2 to 5.0 (ninth to seventh, 6+). Despite being down or flat the third straight time for a net loss of six-tenths (6.0- 5.6 – 5.4- 5.4, 6+), Capital Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KBZN “Now 97.9 – Today’s Best Music” advances from fifth to fourth. By gaining six-tenths (1.6 – 2.2, #17 to #15, 6+), Brigham Young University-owned KBYU “Classical 89” records its best 6+-stat (2.2) since November 2018’s 2.4. Five consecutive increases by Bonneville-owned classic hits-oldies KRSP deliver an overall +2.5 (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Moreover, “103.5 The Arrow” marches from second to first where it succeeds Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day.” On top the past five ratings periods, KSFI (8.9 – 8.1, -.8, 6+) segues to the runner-up slot. “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 +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 third decrease in succession for an overall loss of eight-tenths (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Netting a +2.9 via three straight upticks (4.4 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” surrenders a -1.1 to 6.2 (6+) but continues in third-place. On the heels of dropping two-tenths (6.2 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KZHT “97.1 Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by another six-tenths to 5.4 (flat at #4, 6+).

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored at #15, Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” is up or flat the fourth straight time for an overall increase of eight-tenths (1.6 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+) and has its best 6+-performance (2.4, February, March, and April) since February 2017’s 2.8. Meanwhile, Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” notches a 1.1 (6+) for the third time in the last four sweeps (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+) and continues at #23.

In addition to being +1.6 in four straight bumps (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR progresses from seventh to fifth.

Las Vegas Music Formats – Within 2.1 – 2.7 territory (6+) in each of the last five ratings periods (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS erupts with a +1.0 to 3.4 (6+). Moreover, “Star 107.9 Vegas’ Best Variety” cracks the top ten (#15 to a three-way tie at #10, 6+) and reaches the three-share level (3.4, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 3.0. Breaking a “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 topline of 3.7 – 2.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 with an increase of eight-tenths to 4.5 (its best 6+-stat since September 2018’s 4.8), Entercom-owned CHR KLUC “98.5 Vegas’ #1 Hit Music Station” jumps from tenth to seventh. Rebounding from its March loss of nine-tenths with an April increase of two-tenths (8.3 – 7.4 – 7.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – Hits of the Eighties & More” is on top for the third month in a row. February’s 8.3 marked the first time KKLZ reached the eight-share level (6+) in its PPM-history; it hadn’t been at #1 since August 2018. The station it succeeded – iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music for a Better Workday” – is -7.3 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (12.8 – 7.5 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 5.5, 6+) and drops from second to third. 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. KSNE was a combined +4.5 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (8.3 – 9.1 – 12.8, 6+). The three latest shifts for Lotus Communications’ KXPT “97.1 The Point – #1 For Classic Rock” are -.5 (February); +.5 (March); and -.9 in April (4.5, fourth to fifth, 6+). In eight straight up or flat survey periods prior to February, “The Point” was an overall +1.8 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+) with 5.5 its best 6+-performance since October 2016 (5.9). Having logged 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+), Beasley Media Group’s KCYE “102.7 The Coyote – #1 For New Hit Country” is now a combined -1.2 in March/April (3.9 – 3.4 – 2.7, #12 to #14, 6+). Faltering by seven-tenths in April as well is Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio,” which has lost nine-tenths in three straight declines (4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.4, seventh to tenth, 6+). Trending 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.3 (January – February – March, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF “Zona Mx 103.5” sputters by one-half share in April to 1.8 (#17 to #19, 6+).

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – After being a combined +1.9 in January/February (3.6 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM “News 96.5” loses one full-share in March/April 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+), slipping from eighth to tenth. Its internet stream surrenders one-half share (.8 – .3, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #22). The November 2018 through April 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” is between a 3.1 – 3.9 (6+): 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.9, #12 to #11). A combined +1.0 in January/February (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.8, 6+), news/talk cluster-mate WFLF is unchanged from March in 6+-share (2.5) and market rank (#15).

Doubling February’s 6+- stat (4. – 5. – .8, 6+), sports talk sibling WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” cracks the top twenty (#22 to #20), while Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” gains one-tenth to .3 (#23 to #22, 6+).

Not only does Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE have its consecutive string of positive moves that yielded a collective +1.3 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+) end at three, “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” departs the top ten (#8 to #12).

Orlando Music Formats – The three most recent fluctuations for Cox Media Group rhythmic CHR WPYO “Power 95.3 – Orlando’s New #1 For All The Hits” are +1.2 (February); -.6 (March); and +.9 in April (4.2 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 5.7, ninth to seventh, 6+). “Power” was off eight-tenths “Holiday” 2018/January 2019 (5.0 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+). Tacking on seven-tenths to March’s +.2 (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” proceeds from seventh to fifth, reaching the six-share level for the first time since June 2018’s 6.0. In a game of musical chairs involving iHeartMedia cluster-mates, Spanish tropical WRUM “Rumba 100” advances from second to first, while CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” (8.4, -.6, 6+) drops from first to second. This is an exact flip-flop from what happened this time last month. The decrease of six-tenths by WXXL pulls the plug on four improvements in a row that resulted in a +1.7 (7.3 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 8.4 – 9.0, 6+). A combined -1.0 in March/April (9.5 – 8.9 – 8.5, 6+), “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. As a result of four straight setbacks, co-owned WJRR “101.1 – Orlando’s Rock Station” has lost nine-tenths (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.6, #13 to #14, 6+). Adult contemporary sibling WMGF “Magic 107.7” picks up one-tenth to 5.9 (fifth to sixth, 6+), thus applying the brakes to three straight decreases accounting for an overall -8.5 (14.3 – 6.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). “Magic” was a combined +8.5 December/“Holiday” 2018 (5.8 – 9.8 – 14.3, 6+). By dropping three-tenths to 7.9 (flat at #3, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105-9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” snaps at three its consecutive string of increases that generated a +3.3 (4.9 – 6.9 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+).

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – The January 2019 through April 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WLW is a stable 9.9 – 9.7 – 9.9 – 9.5 (6+), as the Reds’ flagship – which had a one-month (January) stay at #1 – remains in the runner-up slot. Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” gains one-tenth in back-to-sweeps (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #10). For the ninth time in a row, Radio One’s WDBZ “The Buzz – Your Talk Station” is unlisted. It registered a .9 (6+) in August 2018 to finish at #20.

Returning to the iHeartMedia cluster, sports talk WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” is unchanged from March in 6+-share (.9) and market rank (#18), while co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” is off two-tenths (.6 – .4, #21, 6+).

After being an overall +1.1 via three consecutive gains (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU surrenders six-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and falls out of the top ten (#9 to #13).

Cincinnati Music Formats – The four latest shifts for Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” are -8.2 (January); +.4 (February); -.6 (March); and now +.6 in April (6.2 – 6.8, steady in fourth-place, 6+). Registering an April gain of six-tenths as well and finishing one-tenth behind “Warm” is its classic rock cluster-mate WOFX “92.5 The Fox” (5.1 – 5.7, sixth to fifth, 6+). There’s more great news in that Cumulus Media cluster as classic hits-oldies WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” is +3.2 in four successive upticks (8.1 – 9.6 – 10.2 – 11.1 – 11.3, 6+) and is #1 for the third sweep in succession. Following a December-only stay at #1, WGRR cratered 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+). Radio One urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” (#13 to #11) scores an overall seven-tenths in four consecutive reports without a loss (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+). Since the first of the year, Hubbard Broadcasting-owned WUBE “B-105.1 Cincinnati’s Country” (flat at #3), has been +1.0 (January); -.7 (February);  -.8 (March) and -.6 in April (7.9 – 7.3, 6+). Hot AC sibling WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” has lost nine-tenths as a result of three drops in a row (6.5 – 6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6, fifth to sixth, 6+). While it remains in eighth-place, iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” is without an increase for the fourth consecutive ratings period and has forfeited nine-tenths in that stretch (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+).

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – Transforming March’s -.6 into an April +.9 (4.9 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” advances from eighth to seventh; the Indians flagship logged a January/February +1.3 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+). After a lengthy absence, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer – News-Opinion-Insight” resurfaces in print with a .5 (#18, 6+).

Off by -1.2 in February and then up four-tenths in March, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” regresses by seven-tenths (5.4 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 3.9, 6+) but is anchored in tenth-place.

After posting a 3.2 (6+) in January, February, and March, Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN picks up two-tenths to 3.4 (#11 to #12, 6+) and is one-half share behind WKRK.

Cleveland Music Formats – In four consecutive upticks, iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” is an overall +3.5 (4.4 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.9, fifth to third, 6+), virtually offsetting its cumulative -3.7 through five consecutive losses (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 4.4, 6+). Steady in fourth-place, Entercom-owned WNCX “98.5 – Cleveland’s Classic Rock” was -.4 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +.6 (March); and is now +.6 (again) in April (7.0 – 7.6, 6+). This (7.6) is its highest 6+-share since August 2018’s 8.6. Over that exact timeframe, the five most recent fluctuations by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI are +2.8 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.7 (January 2019); +.8 (February); +1.0 (March); and now -1.0 in April (10.8 – 9.8, 6+). Despite returning that full-share March increase, “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” is on top for the fifth straight ratings period. Co-owned mainstream CHR WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” forfeits eight-tenths (3.9 – 3.1, 6+), slipping from #11 to #14. A March increase of three-tenths by Entercom hot AC WQAL halted three successive negative moves that led to an overall -1.6 (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+); however, in April, “Q-104 Plays The Hits” relinquishes seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.2, #11 to #12, 6+). “Q-104” is tied (at #12) with Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFHM “95.5 The Fish” (3.2), which was unlisted in January, February, and March, after recording a 5.4 (seventh, 6+) in “Holiday” 2018.

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a January/February +2.2 (3.4 – 4.6 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” has lost a combined eight-tenths in March/April (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8, fourth to sixth, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM  “Talk 980,” which dropped two-tenths in March, improves by three-tenths (2.0 to 2.3, 6+) yet backslides from #19 to #20. Having more than doubled (+.8) its 6+-stat in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (.6 – .7 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” drops one-tenth to 1.3 (6+) and repeats at #21.

Off six-tenths in February, Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” rallies with a combined March/April +1.7 (2.3 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+). The flagship of the Royals not only catapults into the top ten (#16 to #10), it bypasses Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810,” which is -1.9 via three straight negative or flat trends (5.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.1, #12 to #14, 6+); WHB notched a +1.3 in January.

Without a loss the fourth month in a row (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR has gained a collective nine-tenths, erasing its “Holiday” 2018 loss of seven-tenths.

Kansas City Music Formats – Precisely doubling (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three positive spikes in a row (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 3.0, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5” elevates from #19 to a three-way tie at #15 with its strongest showing (3.0) since January 2018’s 3.5. Another part of that three-way logjam at #15 is Cumulus Media-owned KCJK “X-105.1 Kansas City’s Alternative,” which is a cumulative +1.2 in four successive upticks (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 3.0, #18 to #15, 6+). The last time “X-105.1” reached the three-share threshold (6+) was September 2016 (3.1). A combined +1.0 in March/April (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+), Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q104 – New Hit Country” jumps from fourth to sixth with its best 6+-stat since June 2018 (5.9, as well). Over and above being +2.5 via three consecutive bumps (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+), KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits,” repeats at #1. Immediately prior to April’s modest increase of two-tenths, the Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet has been +1.6 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +1.2 (February); and +1.1 (March). February’s 6.9 is its highest 6+share since July 2018’s 7.1. A combined -2.8 in February/March (10.1 – 8.2 – 7.3, 6+), cluster-mate KCFX bounces back with an increase of four-tenths to 7.7 (unchanged at #2, 6+). January’s 10.1 is the strongest 6+-stat since July 2017’s 10.3 for “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station,” which gave way to KCMO-FM after spending ten consecutive sweeps at the top spot. Four November 2018 through February 2019 spikes by Carter Broadcast Group urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” netted a +1.5 (5.4 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+). “Hot 103” surrenders 60% (-.9) of that increase in March/April (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+) but carries on in third-place. A collective -1.6 via four successive setbacks (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+) by Cumulus Media CHR KCHZ “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” (#15 to #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 – Eroding two full-shares as a result of three dips in succession (7.0 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610,” which was +1.3 in January (5.7 – 7.0, 6+), continues in fifth-place.

Unlisted in January, February, and March, RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” returns with a 4.7 (sixth, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, the Columbus Blue Jackets flagship posted a 5.3 (seventh, 6+).

Tied with WBNS-FM at #6 is Ohio State University news/talk WOSU, whose January 2019 through April 2019 topline is 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 (6+).

Columbus Music Formats – In addition to being #1 for the 17^th sweep in a row, iHeartMedia-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” (11.8 – 13.0, 6+) has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. Its January increase of eight-tenths pulled the plug on six straight declines that resulted in a collective -5.7 (16.3 – 15.1 – 15.0 – 14.5 – 13.0 – 12.7 – 10.6, 6+). Recent 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); and +1.2 (April). Notwithstanding that CHR sibling WNCI is a collective –1.1 through three successive decreases (8.3 – 8.0 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+), “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” actually climbs from fourth to third. On the other hand, Ohio State University’s WOSA has more than doubled (+.6) its 6+ AQH share as a result of six consecutive up or flat moves (.5 – .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+) yet “Classical 101” backslides from #16 to #17. Without a loss the fifth report in a row for a net increase of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+), Saga Communications hot AC WVMX “Mix 107.9” inches up from #12 to #11. Up two-tenths in February/March (7.8 – 7.8 – 8.0), adult contemporary cluster-mate WSNY “Sunny 95” sputters by -1.0 to 7.0 (third to fourth, 6+). While it continues in the runner-up clot, co-owned WLVQ “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96” falters by three-tenths to 8.4 (6+), thus curtailing three straight increases that resulted in a +1.9 (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.1 – 8.7, 6+). Having more than tripled (+1.3) its 6+-figure in nine straight positive or flat sweeps (.5 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+), Radio One gospel WJYD “Joy 107.1” has that streak broken by dropping one-tenth to 1.7 (#14 to #15, 6+).

Thursday, May 16, 2019

2019 RTDNA Newsroom Survey Shows More Radio News Being Produced, More Staff Added. The 2019 RTDNA/Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University Newsroom Survey – conducted annually for the past 25 years by Emeritus Distinguished Professor Bob Papper – indicates that “more radio and TV stations are producing more news, hiring more staff, investing in investigative and community-service reporting and adapting to changing technology.”  The news for commercial news/talk radio stations isn’t necessarily good since it appears greater participation in the survey by public radio newsrooms and major market newsrooms has beefed up those numbers.  Papper says, “The latest RTDNA/Hofstra University Survey shows the typical (median) radio news operation had a full-time news staff of one – the same as it’s been since I started doing these surveys 25 years ago.  All told, 80.8% of all multi-station local groups operate with a centralized newsroom.  That’s down 3 points from last year’s 84.1%.  The biggest differences in radio news staffing are between commercial and non-commercial stations. Along with a news director, the average commercial radio station has half a reporter (0.5) while the average non-commercial station has almost 2 (1.9). On the other side, the average commercial station has about a third of a person (0.3) in sports, and the average non- commercial station has zero. Usually, we go from year to year in radio news staffing with little to no change. Not this year. The median – or typical – number of radio news people at a station remained at 1.  That’s the same number it’s been for the quarter century that I’ve been doing this survey. But the average number of radio news people (per station) in this year’s survey soared from 2 to 3.1.  That’s a huge jump. And while we see that jump at its most pronounced at major market stations, every market category went up.”  Read more here

WMFS, Memphis to Launch ‘Giannotto & Jeffrey’ Afternoon Show. Sports talk WMFS-AM/FM, Memphis “92.9 FM ESPN” is launching a new 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show featuring Mark Giannotto and Jeffrey Wright on Monday (5/20). Giannotto is a lead columnist for the Memphis Commercial Appeal who previously was a sports reporter for the Washington Post.  Wright serves as producer for the station’s 9:00 am to 11:00 am show hosted by Geoff Calkins and lead fill-in host.  The station says Connor Dunning will serve as the show’s executive producer. Dunning also is the social media/web/marketing lead for Entercom Memphis.

WSGW’s ‘Listen to the Mrs.’ Debuts in Podcast Form. The “Listen to the Mrs.” show has aired on WSGW, Saginaw, Michigan for the past 66 years, making it one of the longest-running talk shows in Michigan.  Now, the program that began as an “on-air, kitchen-to-kitchen network sharing recipes and homemaker tips over the phone” is morphing into a podcast.  Alpha Media announces the debut of the podcast version of “Listen to the Mrs.” with co-hosts Ann Williams (left) and Art Lewis (right).  Williams serves as the station’s news director and Lewis hosts the daily 9:00 am to 10:00 am program on the station.  Operations manager Dave Maurer says, “While we still like to hear from people raving about a great dish they had and sharing the recipe, the days of listeners calling to ask if we have a meatloaf recipe have given way to the Internet browser. Our new approach is sharing food trends, new cooking methods, and lifestyle information.”  WSGW has published 11 limited edition cookbooks over the past 30 years.  Only number 11 remains available.

KOZN, Omaha Hosts Olympic Champion Katie Ledecky. Olympic swimming champion Katie Ledecky (center) is pictured above with sports talk hosts Gary Sharp (left) and Damon Benning (right).  She appeared on the station’s morning show to promote the Olympic Swim Trials returning to Omaha.

TALKERS News Notes. The Tampa Bay Times is reporting that Bubba the Love Sponge is in danger of losing his Bubba Raceway Park property in Ocala, Florida that contains a racetrack, and his Bubba Radio Network studios.  The paper says he’s facing foreclosure on the property as Valley National Bank is suing him saying he owes more than $94,000 after defaulting on a line of credit…..The Weiss Agency – a talent agency representing award-winning local and nationally syndicated radio personalities and producers – is launching TWA Podcast Studio and its first program is, “Ghost Magnet with Bridget Marquardt.”  Celebrity paranormal investigator Bridget Marquardt is best known as a star of E! Networks’ “The Girls Next Door.”  In this podcast, she embarks “on an exploration of self-described ghost magnets and the spirits, poltergeists, and pookas they attract.”   This newly launched podcast division is headed by radio and publishing pro Joe Garner and will develop, produce, and distribute podcasts with the agency’s roster of talent as well as third party partnerships with outside talent and producers…..Westwood One News is presenting a Memorial Day Weekend program that takes listeners back to 1939, titled, “America on the Eve of War.”  The half-hour program is hosted by Westwood One News correspondent Barbara Kusak and explores the events leading up to the year Germany invaded Poland, Britain and France attacked Germany, and World War II was launched.  It’s available to affiliates for air Friday, May 21 through Monday, May 24…..The nationally syndicated “Motley Fool Money” radio show hosted by Chris Hill adds Hutton Broadcasting’s KTRC, Santa Fe to its roster of affiliate stations…..Pictured below is FOX Sports Radio personality Clay Travis – host of “Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis” – at the Regions Tradition Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament at the Greystone Golf & Country Club in Hoover, Alabama last week.  From left to right are: Widespread Panic lead singer John Bell, Travis, professional golfer Steve Stricker, singer/American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, and University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart.

U.S.-China Trade War, Alabama Abortion Law, 2020 Presidential Politics, Trump Immigration Reform Plan, U.S.-Iran Tensions, and China’s Moon Exploration Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/15). The trade war between the U.S. and China; the passage of a strict anti-abortion law in Alabama and the threat to Roe v Wade; New York Mayor Bill de Blasio enters the Democratic race for the nomination in 2020; President Trump announces his immigration reform plan; the military tensions between the U.S. and Iran; and China’s exploration of the dark side of the moon 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. New York City air personality Cubby moves over from iHeartMedia’s hot AC WKTU to the company’s adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” to co-host the morning show with Christine Nagy.  He takes over for Bob Bronson, who left the station last Friday after 10 years hosting mornings.  Cubby’s move from WKTU means Carolina Bermudez will host the WKTU morning show solo until a new co-host is named.  WLTW PD and iHeartMedia AC brand manager Chris Conley says, “Cubby is one of New York’s most entertaining and highly respected on-air personalities, and we’re incredibly excited that he’ll be joining the ‘Lite FM’ family.”…..Country WQNU, Louisville “Q103.1” names Kristin Monica afternoon drive personality and assistant program director, taking over for Kevin “Gravy” Canup, who is now serving as SummitMedia’s Knoxville cluster operations manager. Monica was most recently with Cumulus Media’s country WFYR, Peoria…..Bustos Media Holdings acquires KRCW, Royal City, Washington from Farmworkers Educational Radio Network, Inc. for $200,000.  Bustos Media CEO Amador Bustos says, “The purchase of KRCW will give us our ninth FM station in Eastern Washington.  Starting today (5/15), KRCW will be operated under an LMA and become part of the popular “LA MAQUINA” radio network.  KALIL & CO., INC. was the exclusive broker for this transaction.

April 2019 PPM Data – Round Two. April 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 April 2019 survey period covered March 28 – April 24. 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 – Following three straight improvements that yielded a collective +2.5 (4.3 – 5.7 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+) and its best 6+-stat (6.8) in the PPM-era, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL relinquishes 52% of that increase with a -1.3 to 5.5 (fourth to fifth, 6+). For the ninth sweep in succession, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted; it posted a .2 (6+) in August 2018.

Adding eight-tenths to the one-tenth it gained in March (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Nationals flagship WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” jumps from a three-way tie at #13 into the top ten (#9). Steady at #23, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” is up a combined three-tenths in March/April (.5 – .7 – .8, 6+).

In addition to being an overall -1.7 in three straight setbacks (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7 – 8.7, 6+), Hubbard all-news WTOP, which had sole possession of first place the past three sweeps, now shares the lead. January 2019’s 10.4 is its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). Stuck on .4 (6+) in February and March, Entercom business news outlet WDCH adds one-tenth to .5 (6+) and stays at #25.

Albeit down two-tenths (8.9 – 8.7, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU moves from second-place to a first-place tie with WTOP. 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 – Steady in sixth-place, contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” is an overall +1.8 as a result of four upticks in succession (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.6 – 5.3, 6+). The Atlantic Gateway Communications outlet erases its -1.4 through four straight September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 declines (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+). A combined +.7 in March/April (2.7- 2.8 – 3.4, 6+), Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications-owned WETA “Classical 90.9” advances from #16 to #13. Within three-share range (6+) in each of the last 24 ratings periods, Radio One urban contemporary WKYS gains two-tenths to 4.0 (6+) and carries on in eighth-place. The last time WKYS wasn’t between 3.0 – 3.9 (6+) was May 2017 (2.9). While it remains in third-place for the fifth time in a row, its urban AC cluster-mate WMMJ “Majic” forfeits four-tenths to 7.8 (6+), thus curtailing six successive increases that netted a +1.8 (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). Its format foe – Howard University’s WHUR – drops one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+) yet progresses from fifth to fourth. Its March loss of one-tenth pulled the plug on three successive upticks that accounted for a +1.2 (5.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+). Ups/downs continue for iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today,” which was a combined +5.6 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.8 – 7.3 – 10.4, 6+); sputtered by -6.1 (January); rebounded with a +.7 (February); regressed by -.6 (March); and now adds one-tenth in April (4.4 – 4.5, steady at #7).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO remains at #14, “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” is without a loss the fourth time in a row for an overall gain of four-tenths (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). November 2018’s 3.2 is its best 6+-stat in more than four years (3.3, November 2014). Conversely, co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” is down or flat for the third straight time (.6 – .5 – .4 – .4, #27, 6+).

While it continues in third-place, Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” is off one full-share via three straight down or flat trends (7.2 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+). Recent fluctuations for the key station of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots (as well as the Bruins and Celtics) include +.4 (September 2018); +.9 (October); +.8 (November); -1.0 (December); +.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); and -.8 (February). Meanwhile, Entercom-owned WEEI-FM 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 now +.6 in April (3.2 – 3.8, 6+). The flagship of the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox returns to the top ten (#11 to #10), although it is actually down six-tenths from a year ago (4.4, #9, April 2018, 6+).

A combined +1.3 in January/February (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” is unchanged from March in 6+ share (5.0) and market rank (sixth).

Major shifts continue for Boston University news/talker WBUR, which was -1.5 through five consecutive down or flat August through “Holiday” 2018 ratings periods (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.2, 6+); +1.5 (January); and now -2.4 in three drops in a row (5.7 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 3.3, #8 to #11, 6+). WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH is off a combined seven-tenths in March/April (2.7 – 2.2 – 2.0, #18 to #19, 6+).

Boston Music Formats – Anchored in seventh-place, Beasley Media Group’s WKLB is an overall +1.3 in four straight upticks (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). By gaining one-tenth in January, “Country 102.5” applied the brakes to 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+). Format challenger – iHeartMedia-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull Boston’s #1 For New Hit Country” – is without a loss the fifth time in succession for a net gain of four-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2, #20 to #16, 6+). An overall +2.2 through four consecutive up or flat trends (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” repeats at #1. In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia-owned WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” has a January 2019 through April 2019 topline of 7.3 – 7.4 – 7.3 – 7.1 (6+) and carries on in the runner-up slot, while Entercom’s WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is in two-share range (2.2, -.2, #14 to #16, 6+) for the 18^th time in a row. February’s 7.4 is the highest 6+-showing since August 2018’s 7.8 for “Kiss,” which was #1 from January 2018 through November 2018, as well as January 2019 and February 2019. Gaining one-tenth (each) are Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1 – Boston’s Best Variety” (3.8 – 3.9, tenth to ninth, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WXLO “104.5 XLO” (#20 to #19), which reaches the market from Worcester. Up seven-tenths in four consecutive positive or flat trends (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), WXLO has its best 6+-stat since November 2014 (2.0, as well).

Miami

English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – This marks the fourth consecutive sweep without a loss for iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station,” which gains one-half share in that timeframe (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, #18 to #17, 6+).

Extending a positive streak as well is Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket,” which scores two-tenths in five straight positive or flat sweeps (.6 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .8, #27 to #25, 6+). Before picking up one-tenth in February, “The Ticket” was down or flat three successive reports for a loss of three-tenths (.9 – .6 – .6 – .6, 6+). Co-owned WQAM “Sports Radio 560” returns the two-tenths it picked up in March (.5 – .7 – .5, #27 to #29, 6+). March’s +.2 ended three consecutive sweeps without an increase that led to a decrease of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .6 – .5, 6+).

Advancing from #20 to #19, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN is up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – In addition to bouncing back from a March forfeiture of one-tenth with an April increase of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.5, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WFLC “Hits 97.3” leaps into the top ten (#14 to #10). Prior to slipping to 2.9 (6+) in March, WFLC had been within 3.0 – 3.7 range (6+) in each of the previous 15 survey periods. Its format rival – iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” – has a steady December 2018 through April 2019 topline of 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.5 (6+) and slips from #17 to #18. 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+). The two rivals are separated by one full-share (6+) in April, compared to three-tenths in March. Notwithstanding a drop of one-tenth (7.4 – 7.3, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” is #1 for the fourth report in succession (which includes February’s three-way tie at #1). 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. Carrying on in third-place is Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF “101.5 Lite FM,” which has a January 2019 through April 2019 topline of 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 (6+). An overall +1.9 through three October 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 gains in succession (5.4 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 7.3, 6+), “Lite FM” notched its best 6+-stat (7.3 in “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, for the 12^th straight ratings period, an adult contemporary controls or has a share of Miami’s lead position (6+). Off a combined eight-tenths in March/April (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ “El Zol 106.7” drops from seventh to ninth. As a result of four successive down or flat moves, co-owned WCMQ “Zeta 92.3” is -1.0 (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.1, fourth to sixth, 6+). Still in that SBS cluster, Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7” is off six-tenths in March/April (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#10 to #16). In the market’s urban contemporary contest, Cox Media Group’s WEDR “99 Jamz” has lost eight-tenths via three straight declines (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4, ninth to eighth, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WMIB “103.5 The Beat” has a consistent January 2019 through April 2019 topline of 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9 (6+) and remains at #14.

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – Stabilizing from March’s -1.1 (5.9 – 4.8), KIRO-FM is unchanged in 6+-share (4.8) and market rank (fourth). The Bonneville news/talk outlet was a combined +1.0 in January/February (4.9 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+). Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” has lost roughly 43% of its 6+-stat (-.9) in March/April (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.2, #22 to #23, 6+), following a January/February increase of six-tenths (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+). It is now tied with Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570,” which falters four-tenths in March/April (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2, #24 to #23, 6+), after gaining seven-tenths in January/February (.9 – 1.4 – 1.6, 6+).

Tacking on a massive +1.4 to a March gain of eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.9 – 4.3, 6+), Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” rockets into the top ten (#17 to #6). In four consecutive November 2018 through February 2019 declines (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.0 – 2.1, 6+), the Mariners’ flagship lost roughly 50% (-2.0) of its 6+ AQH share. Down one-tenth (1.4 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” remains at #22.

In four straight reports without a loss, KOMO was up seven-tenths (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), but the Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news operation forfeits three-tenths to 2.8 (6+) and slides from #15 to #18.

On the heels of March’s -1.0 (8.0 – 7.0, 6+), KUOW craters by another -1.3 to 5.7 (6+) and segues to second after three months in a row at #1. The Northwest Public Radio news/talk outlet was a combined +2.1 in January/February (5.9 – 7.4 – 8.0, 6+).

Seattle Music Formats – Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station,” which nets +1.9 in five straight bumps (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+), progressing from fourth to third. Immediately in advance of this streak, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). Even though it has logged five successive up or flat sweeps for a collective +1.4 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s “New Country 98.9 The Bull” KNUC backslides from #12 to #13. The three most recent shifts for Classic Radio, Inc.-owned KING “98.1 Listener-Supported Classical Music” are +.9 (February); -.5 (March); and now +.7 in April (2.4 – 3.1, #21 to #15, 6+). Its October 2018 through January 2019 topline was a consistent 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0 (6+). Sandwiching a 2.5 (February and March) between a 3.0 in January and April (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KUBE “Seattle’s #1 For Hip-Hop” progresses from #20 to #17. Despite losing a collective four-tenths in three straight down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV moves from second to first. It is the first time at #1 for “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” since November 2018. An overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound” relinquishes a -1.1 to 4.1 (#3 to a three-way tie at #8, 6+). As the result of six successive months (May 2018 through November 2018) without a loss (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), country KMPS-turned-AC KSWD was +1.7. Overtaking “The Sound” is adult contemporary rival, Hubbard Broadcasting’s KRWM “Warm 106.9,” which records a 4.8 for the third time in the last four reports (4.8 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Entering the January sweep, “Warm” more than tripled (+7.8) its 6+-share as the result of three straight improvements (3.4 – 4.1 – 8.8 – 11.2, 6+); KRWM was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. Faltering by six-tenths are Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country” (4.1, seventh to eighth, 6+) and Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3” (2.7, 6+), which drifts from #12 to #19. Prior to April, “The Wolf” was a cumulative +1.4 as a result of three straight bumps (3.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+), while “Spirit” was up one-half share in February/March (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). In four straight sweeps without an increase, Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ is a collective -2.0 (5.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1, flat at #15, 6+); moreover, “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” has its lowest 6+-stat (3.1) since May 2017’s 3.0.

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Having posted a 3.7 (6+) in January, Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” notches a 3.5 for the third month in a row (#14 to #15, 6+).

Locked on 5.0 (6+) in February and March after January’s 5.2 (6+), Entercom sports talk/Tigers flagship WXYT-FM“97.1 The Ticket” is up four-tenths to 5.4 (eighth to sixth, 6+).

Co-owned WWJ erodes by eight-tenths in back-to-back reports (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.1, 6+) as “News Radio 950” shifts to the runner-up slot after a March-only stay in first-place. WWJ was a combined +1.6 in January/February (6.1 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+).

For the fourth time in succession, WUOM logs a fluctuation of three-tenths (1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.6, 6+); the Michigan Public Media news/talk facility returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). Wayne State University news/talk WDET is down one-tenth in consecutive reports and trades places with WUOM (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3, #20 to #21, 6+).

Detroit Music Formats – Down six-tenths in February, Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” has gained nine-tenths in March/April (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.4, #19 to #18, 6+). This (2.4) is its highest 6+-stat since July 2018’s 2.5. Country rival, Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 – Detroit Country Music,” surrenders half of March’s +.4 with an April loss of two-tenths (5.1 – 4.9, seventh to eighth, 6+). As was the case with “Nash FM,” WYCD regressed by six-tenths in February, as well. It’s been a seesaw experience lately for Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX. In March, “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” sputtered by -1.3 (7.8 – 6.5, 6+) to shift from first to second. Now in April, it loses another two-tenths (6.5 – 6.3, 6+) yet reclaims the top spot. The March/April decline of -1.5 follows back-to-back gains of nine-tenths (6.0 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+). January’s +.9 erased half of December/“Holiday” 2018’s -1.8 (7.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+). WCSX spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September. As of March, “Detroit’s Classic Rock” has a direct competitor in the form of iHeartMedia’s WLLZ “106.7 Detroit’s Wheels,” formerly alternative WDTW “Alt 106.7.” In its first monthly report, “Wheels” – resurrecting the WLLZ call letters used in the “Motor City” in the 1980s and 1990s – more than doubled (+1.9) the 6+-share on that frequency in February (1.5 – 3.4, 6+). “Wheels” now adds four-tenths to 3.8 (#15 to #14, 6+). A combined +.8 in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” falters by two-tenths to 5.2 (sixth to seventh, 6+). Its CHR sibling, WDZH “Amp Radio,” transitioned to adult contemporary in early-November (2018), as “98.7 The Breeze.” With its new format, “The Breeze” is an overall +1.7 in six successive reports without a loss (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.0, #12 to #11, 6+). The station it is chasing – iHeartMedia AC WNIC – has eroded by nearly two-thirds (-11.8) over the past four sweeps (17.9 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+) yet inches up from third to a second-place tie. Its 17.9 in “Holiday” 2018 is by far the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. Via four straight increases, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+); “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” was #1 in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018.

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Locked on 3.4 (6+) in January and February, Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM follows with a March/April gain of eight-tenths (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+) and stays in eighth-place. Albeit flat at 2.6 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” nonetheless climbs from #18 to #17.

An increase of one-tenth (2.3 – 2.4, 6+) is enough to push Bonneville sports talk/Arizona Diamondbacks flagship KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” into the top twenty (#22 to #20). In a noteworthy Spanish sports talk development, Univision Radio’s KHOV “Univisión Deportes Radio” gains one-half share (.1 – .6, #32, 6+).

While off one-tenth in back-to-back-reports (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ carries on at #12; KJZZ was a combined +1.1 in January/February (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – After trending 6.5 – 5.4 – 5.3 (January – February – March, 6+) for a net loss of -1.2, Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” erases that deficit completely with an April +1.2 to 6.5 (6+) and repeats in the runner-up slot. It trails iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” by one-tenth. The four latest shifts by “The Mountain,” which is #1 for the third month in a row, are -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January/February); -.8 (March); and +.7 in April (5.9 – 6.6, 6+). An overall -9.7 through just three drops in succession (15.0 – 7.0 – 6.3 – 5.3, 6+), adult contemporary sibling KESZ pulls the plug by gaining two-tenths to 5.5, but backslides from second to third. January’s -8.0 halted four positive increases in a row that netted +8.9 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 9.7 – 15.0, 6+), with 15.0 its highest 6+-showing since 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Within 3.0 – 3.9 range in each of the last seven sweeps (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” dials up +.6 to 4.0, its best 6+-showing since September 2018 (4.0, as well) and cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). Entering the March sweep, iHeartMedia’s KNIX improved by one-half share via five consecutive survey periods without a loss (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+). In March/April, however, “102.5 Today’s Best Country” has now lost eight-tenths (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3, sixth to seventh, 6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KAIZ “Air 1 – Worship Now” debuts with a .5 (#34, 6+). Up a collective nine-tenths via three successive improvements (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI “101.9 La Campesina” loses all but one-tenth of that increase (2.9, -.8, #11 to #15, 6+). Sputtering by seven-tenths are Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOMR “Amor 106.3” (2.0, #17 to #22, 6+) and iHeartMedia regional Mexican KOY “El Patron” (#27 to #31, 6+). In four straight sweeps without a loss, “Amor 106.3” more than doubled (+1.4) its 6+-stat (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.7, 6+), while “El Patron” exactly doubled (+.7) its 6+-figure (.7 – 1.4) in March and more than quadrupled its (6+) January showing. Not only does a loss of six-tenths to 3.3 (6+) knock Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” out of the top ten (#10 to #13), it suspends three sweeps without a loss that accounted for a gain of nine-tenths (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.9, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Transforming its March decrease of seven-tenths into an increase more than twice that magnitude (3.3 – 4.8, +1.5, 6+), Entercom-owned Twins flagship WCCO returns to the top ten (#12 to #8). By gaining eight-tenths in January/February, “News Radio 830” ended six straight down or flat moves accounting for an overall -1.2 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+). Although off one-half share in March/April (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+), after being +1.2 in January/February (2.2 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” remains at #13. In three straight down or flat trends (3.3 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.6, unchanged at #16, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” has lost seven-tenths.

Immediately after gaining four-tenths, which halted four declines in succession resulting in a -2.3 (6.7 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.4,  6+), KTLK cluster-mate KFXN erodes by nine-tenths (4.8 – 3.9, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #12). Prior to November, “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” logged four consecutive increases that yielded a +3.0 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+). Posting its fourth report in a row without a loss for a net gain of two-tenths (.6 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” carries on at #24.

Continuing its down/up sequence that began in December 2018 (4.2 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW slips from ninth to tenth.

Minneapolis Music Formats – Tacking on an impressive +1.1 to March’s +.1 (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.7, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KQRS leaps from fifth to second. “Minnesota’s Classic Rock,” which had been within five-share range (6+) in each of the last 13 sweeps, has its best 6+-stat (6.7) since December 2016’s 6.9. A collective +1.9 via three straight bumps (4.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 6.5, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM advances from fifth to third. “Twin Cities Christian Radio – Always Uplifting” reaches the six-share threshold (6.5, 6+) for the first time since January 2016’s 6.4. The Twin Cities’ (6+) hot AC share escalated by +3.1 (January); deflated by -1.3 (February); improved by +.8 (March); and is +1.0 in April. That latter increase is equally divided between Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSTP-FM “KS-95” (7.0 – 7.5, repeating at #1, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned KTCZ “Cities 97.1” (4.2 – 4.7, #11 to #9, 6+). “KS-95” was +1.9 in January; regressed by -.8 in February; and was +.6 in March. Meanwhile, after plummeting nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 to 3.3, its lowest 6+-performance since April 2018 (3.3, as well), “Cities 97.1” was +1.2 (January) -.5 (February); and +.2 in March (4.0 – 4.2, level at #11, 6+). With a February gain of seven-tenths, mainstream CHR cluster-mate KDWB progressed from third to first. In March, “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” repeated February’s 7.0, its best 6+-stat since September 2018’s 7.2, and shared the top spot with KSTP-FM. An April decline of six-tenths to 6.4 (6+), however, sends KDWB from a first-place tie to fourth. Co-owned classic hits-oldies outlet KQQL “Kool 108” has lost roughly 54% (-6.8) of its 6+ AQH share through four straight negative or flat trends (12.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.8, third to fifth, 6+). An overall +1.2 in four successive improvements (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Northern Lights Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KZGO “Go Radio – Modern Minnesota Music” has that streak halted with a loss of two-tenths (2.9, #14 to a three-way tie at #13, 6+).

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – By gaining two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4, ninth to eighth, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” eliminates February’s loss of four-tenths. January’s one-half share increase curtailed three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective forfeiture of eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+). An overall +.9 as a result of four successive increases (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760 – Talk & Breaking News” progresses from #19 to #18. After picking up one-tenth in March to halt five consecutive San Diego losses that eventuated in a collective -.6 (1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” regresses by two-tenths to 1.0 (#22 to #23, 6+).

Entercom-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” nearly doubles March’s .9 (1.7, +.8, 6+) as the flagship of the Padres  advances from #23 to #21. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” does double February’s 6+-stat (.4 – .5 – .8  #27 to #25, 6+). Even though Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM was +.7 through four consecutive up or flat trends (.9 – .9 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6, #21, 6+) with 1.6 its best 6+-performance since February 2018 (1.6, as well), “The Mighty 1090” has gone silent.

Three straight gains by San Diego State University-owned news/talk outlet KPBS resulted in a +2.6 (5.1 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+), but it craters by -1.7, the largest (6+) March 2019 – April 2019 decrease of any station in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve reviewed so far, to 6.0 (6+). Even so, KPBS is on top for the fourth month in a row.

San Diego Music Formats – Adding nine-tenths to March’s +.3 (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” jumps from fifth to second with its best 6+-stat since October 2018 (5.9, as well). As a result of four straight setbacks (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned CHR KHTS was a cumulative -2.3, but “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” rebounds with a combined March/April +1.2 (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.5, seventh to fourth, 6+). By adding an April increase of six-tenths to a one-tenth gain in March (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+), Local Media San Diego-programmed alternative XTRA-FM “91-X” advances from #20 to #17. Faltering by eight-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia-owned KGB “San Diego’s Classic Rock” (fourth to seventh) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” (2.8 – 2.0, #15 to #20). An overall +2.2 through three consecutive improvements (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.9, 6+), KGB is -1.4 in March/April (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.5, 6+). In February, “San Diego’s Classic Rock” reached the five-share level (5.9, 6+) for the first time since May 2018’s 5.1. A March uptick of eight-tenths by “Amor 102.9” 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+). Following three bumps in a row for a net increase of one-half share (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” surrenders the entire spike (2.7, -.5, 6+) and falls from #12 to #16. In three consecutive improvements, Local Media San Diego-programmed urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM was a collective +1.3 (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+), but “Magic 92.5, The Beat of San Diego” surrenders four-tenths to 5.5 (second to fourth, 6+).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to a downturn of nine-tenths to 3.6, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” has its successive string of increases which netted a +1.4 (3.1 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+) halted at three and drifts from the top ten (#7 to #13, 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 regresses by six-tenths in April (3.1 – 2.5, #15 to #17, 6+). A January gain of three-tenths interrupted three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a -1.0 (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+).

Down by a combined six-tenths in February/March (2.3 – 2.1 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” answers with an April spike of nine-tenths to 2.6 (6+) as the Rays’ key station jumps from #19 to #16.

The “Holiday” 2018 through April 2019 topline for University of South Florida news/talk WUSF is: 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 (#18 – #19, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – A mini-slide by Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE that resulted in a one-half share loss (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+) concludes as “The Joy FM” notches a +1.0 to 4.9 (6+) and vaults into the top ten (#11 to #6). Anchored at #8, iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” is without a loss the sixth successive sweep for a +1.2 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+). In three-share range (6+) in each of the last 16 reports, Cox Media Group CHR WPOI breaks out a +.7 to 4.1 (#13 to #10, 6+), as “Hot 101.5 – Tampa Bay’s New Hit Music” reaches the four-share level for the first time since “Holiday” 2017’s 4.0. It overtakes iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WFLZ “93.3 Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel,” which is trending 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0 (February – March – April, #9 to #11, 6+). The consecutive string at #1 for Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV hits 81, but “Lite Favorites” is a cumulative -4.7 in four straight setbacks (13.7 – 11.8 – 11.6 – 10.6 – 9.0, 6+). This (9.0) is its lowest 6+-showing since October 2018’s 8.9 and ends its streak of reaching double-digits (6+) at five. Its January decrease interrupted three straight gains that netted +4.8 (8.9 – 9.7 – 10.8 – 13.7, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 13.7 is the highest 6+-stat for any Tampa station since WDUV’s 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. On the heels of March’s mammoth +2.1, co-owned WXGL “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” relinquishes roughly 43% of that gain (7.5 – 6.6, -.9, 6+) but repeats in the runner-up slot. In five successive sweeps without an increase prior to the March report, “The Eagle” was an overall -1.5 (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+); it last reached the seven-share level (6+) in August 2018 (7.1).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – After posting January’s 4.8 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” was frozen on 4.7 (6+) in February and March. The flagship of the Colorado Rockies notches a half-share increase in April to 5.2 (seventh to fifth, 6+). Co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” has a “Holiday” 2018 through April 2019 topline of 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.3 (#25 to #24, 6+).

While flat at #17, Bonneville-owned KKFN is a collective -1.5 in three straight setbacks (4.1 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” was -1.2 December/“Holiday” 2018; +.9 (January 2019); and -.8 (February). KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” doubles February’s 6+ stat (.3 – .4 – .6, 6+) and continues at #27.

Not only does Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR erase 45% of March’s -2.0 with a +.9 to 6.5 (6+), it reclaims the top spot. KCFR was a combined +1.2 in January/February (6.4 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+) and was #1 in September 2018, October, and November before segueing to #2 in December. Surrendering the three-tenths it picked up in March (1.5 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC falls from #19 to #21.

Denver Music Formats – Good news continues for Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS, which is a collective +1.7 in four straight up or flat trends (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+). Moreover, “KS-107.5” cracks the top ten (#13 to #9). Improving by one-half share (each) are hot AC sibling KALC “Alice 105.9” (4.5, #11 to #10, 6+) and classic rock cluster-mate KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” (4.7 – 5.2, seventh to fifth, 6+). KALC gained seven-tenths in February (4.0 – 4.7, 6+), curtailing three straight downturns that were responsible for a loss of seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), but was down seven-tenths in March (4.7 – 4.0, 6+). Repeating in the runner-up position, Bonneville’s country KYGO is +1.4 via four straight up or flat trends (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). Leaping from fifth to third, iHeartMedia’s KRFX “Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox” nets +1.4 in four straight sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+). The four most recent fluctuations for KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL are +1.2 (January); -.6 (February); +1.2 (March); and -.9 in April (6.3 – 5.4, 6+). “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” concludes its March-only stay at #1 and segues to #3. On the heels of March’s increase of seven-tenths (4.6 – 5.3, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” plummets by -1.3 to 4.0 (6+), fading from the top ten (#4 to #12). 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). Owing to three successive setbacks, Entravision’s KJMN “La Suavecita 92.7” is an overall -1.2 (4.7 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), slipping from #11 to #13.

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – While it remains at #11, independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” is down or flat the third time in a row for a collective loss of four-tenths (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). This is the third time in the last four survey periods that Hearst Television news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” logs a 2.7 (2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.7, #13 to #12, 6+). Having doubled (+.3) its 6+ Baltimore stat in four straight up or flat sweeps (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+), Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL is off one-tenth to .5 (#26 to #28, 6+).

Following three slips in a row that resulted in a -1.0 (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Orioles flagship WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” slices the deficit in half with a half-share gain to 4.4 (tenth to eighth, 6+).

Co-owned business news WDCH answers March’s loss of four-tenths with an April uptick of seven-tenths (.9 – 1.6, 6+) and returns to the top twenty (#21 to #16).

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” slips from #12 to #13; WYPR was a combined +1.1 in January/February (2.3 – 3.1 – 3.4 (6+). American University-owned news/talk WAMU, which gained one-tenth in March, drops three-tenths (1.5 – 1.2, #17 to #19, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – In addition to being a robust +2.2 in March/April (7.6 – 8.3 – 9.8, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92 Q Jams” is #1 for the third straight time and reaches the nine-share level (6+) for the first time since July 2016’s 9.2. Its January +1.0 applied the brakes to three consecutive declines that resulted in a -1.2 (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+). Up one-half share in March, Entercom gospel WLIF-HD2 surrenders nearly twice that magnitude (1.9 – 1.0, -.9, #16 to #20, 6+). After posting a 15.2 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, adult contemporary sibling WLIF-FM is trending 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.4 – 5.8 (third to fourth, 6+). Still in that Entercom cluster, WWMX “Mix 106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix,” which had been without a loss four times in a row for a collective +1.0 (4.2 – 4.2 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+), falters by four-tenths to 4.8 (6+) but continues in sixth-place. Following three positive spikes in a row for a net gain of six-tenths (1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WWDC “DC-101” drops two-tenths to 2.0 (#14 to #15, 6+). For the eighth sweep in a row, 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 – The only station in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve highlighted so far making a (6+) March 2019 to April 2019 increase of at least two full-shares is Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” (5.1 – 7.3, +2.2, 6+). Moreover, the St. Louis Cardinals flagship makes one of the most significant leaps within the top ten by vaulting from seventh to a first-place tie. The last time KMOX occupied the top spot was October 2018 (8.4, 6+). A combined +.8 in January/February (1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+), co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” is now off four-tenths in March/April (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.1, #17 to #18, 6+).

After back-to-backs losses of one-half share (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+), Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” picks up one-tenth to 3.2 (#16 to #15, 6+).

Having posted a February gain of four-tenths, University of Missouri news/talk KWMU is now -1.3 in March/April (4.5 – 3.7 – 3.2, #14 to #15, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – The three most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia’s KSD are +.5 (4.0 – 4.5, 6+, February); -.5 (4.5 – 4.0, 6+, March); and now +.9 in April (4.0 – 4.9, 6+), as “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” reenters the top ten (#12 to #9). In late-2018, KSD was -.8 (August); +.5 (October); +.9 (November); -.5 (December); and -.6 in “Holiday” 2018. Its format rival – Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL “New Country 92.3” – was up seven-tenths in March, but sputters by three-tenths in April (6.1 – 5.8, 6+), slipping from fourth to sixth. In February, WIL was down six-tenths to 5.4, its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017 (5.4, as well). A genuine model of consistency, urban AC cluster-mate KATZ-FM has recorded a 6+-share between 2.1 – 2.5 in each of the last 16 sweeps. In April, however, “100.3 The Beat” erupts with a one-half share gain to 2.7 (6+) and continues at #17. 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. Now in April, KSHE again has to share the lead – this time with Entercom news/talk KMOX (see above). The six most recent shifts for KSHE are +.5 (December); -.7 (Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +1.3 (March); and -1.6 in April (8.9 – 7.3, 6+); 8.9 is its highest 6+-share since November 2016 (8.6). Aforementioned KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” was +1.6 in January but has since floundered by -1.7 in three dips in succession (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.8 – 6.2, third to fourth, 6+).

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Atlanta Talker WYAY-FM’s Last Day Is May 31.  Like its hot AC sister in New York – WPLJ-FM – news/talk WYAY-FM, Atlanta will end its talk format on May 31 as the station will change hands, leaving the Cumulus Media fold and becoming carrier of Educational Media Foundation’s Christian music format “K-Love.”  The station’s talk personalities have been operating in a sort of limbo since the sale of the stations was announced in February. Talk hosts looking for new gigs include: Atlanta talk icon Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson, Shelley Wynter, Shannon Burke, and Mike Brooks.

Panama City Radio Stations to Broadcast Trump Speeches Daily Through 2020 Election. The trio of Panama City, Florida radio stations that Gulf Coast Media Inc. bought from Powell Broadcasting – classic rock WRBA-FM, country WKNK-FM, and adult hits WASJ-FM – will broadcast portions of speeches by President Trump each hour through the 2020 election, owner Samuel Rogatinsky says.  Powell sold the stations after Hurricane Michael damaged the facilities, knocking them off the air.  The president has promised to provide federal aid to the region and Rogatinsky says the company wants to thank him.  A statement from Gulf Coast Media explains, “Gulf Coast Media, Inc. senior management acknowledged that broadcasting the president’s speeches may not be consistent with conventional commercial FM radio, but we have taken this approach to show the community’s sincere appreciation for President Donald Trump’s work in Panama City and Bay County.”  The company says it will honor requests from other candidates to air time in order to comply with the FCC’s equal access rules.  Rogatinsky tells the Orlando Sentinel, “Really, we just want to have inspirational type things because the community is so down.  Nobody else is really promising or doing anything.  They want to hear what he has to say.”

TALKERS News Notes. FOX News Radio is launching a new, weekly podcast featuring FOX Business Network’s Liz Claman, titled, “Everyone Talks to Liz Claman.”  The program debuts today (5/15) with new episodes dropping every Wednesday.  The program features “interviews with motivational figures and entrepreneurs and provides an inspirational look into the key factors that drive today’s business elite.”…..Chicago urban talk station WVON-AM announces that former Cook County Board president Todd Stroger is joining the Maze Jackson-hosted morning show.  The new program is called “The Maze Jackson Morning Show with Todd Stroger” and airs from 6:00 am to 9:00 am.  Midway Broadcasting chair Melody Spann Cooper states, “Todd joining the team is a no-brainer in a town where politics is a second sport.” Stroger had been guest hosting the program prior to being offered a full-time position…..Bubba the Love Sponge has filed an amended complaint against Cox Media Group and WHPT, Tampa morning drive personality Mike Calta, stating that the company and Calta conspired to destroy his radio career by: falsely claiming Bubba’s ratings on then-WBRN-FM, Tampa were improving because of tampering; releasing the Hulk Hogan sex tape; pressuring Nielsen to remove PPM panelists with heavy Bubba listening; and more.  Bubba is requesting a jury trial and seeks damages to be determined at trial…..Pictured below is Salem Radio Network talk host Sebastian Gorka (left) in the Oval Office with President Trump (right).  Gorka served as national security strategist for Trump’s 2016 campaign and was a White House adviser prior to launching his SRN show, “America First,” in January.  Photo: Tia Dufour.

Skyview Networks Unveils Summer Agency-Focused Events. Saying that this summer’s “star-studded, agency-focused, pre-upfronts events calendar” features big names in news and entertainment, including CBS Audio’s Jane Pauley and Jill Schlesinger, as well as one of the hottest events of the summer, ABC’s GMA Concert Series, Skyview Networks reveals its schedule “designed to give agencies access to premiere talent and high-profile brand opportunities that can drive future integration development.”  These events include: the GMA Concert Series (May-Sept); the Radio Disney Music Awards, June 6, Los Angeles; Carla Hall Dinner, June 12, New York; Jane Pauley Luncheon, June 13, New York; and CBS Television/CBS Audio, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Taping, TBD.

U.S.-China Trade War, 2020 Presidential Politics, U.S.-Iran Tensions, Anti-Abortion Legislation, Southern Border Migrant Issues, S.F. Facial Recognition Ban, U.S. Birthrate Hits 30-Year Low, and NBA and NHL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/14). The tariffs the U.S. and China are placing on each other’s exports; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf and Iran’s threats against U.S. interests; the recent anti-abortion legislation passed in Alabama and other states and the threat to Roe v Wade; the state of illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border; the city of San Francisco makes use of facial recognition technology illegal; the birth rate in the U.S. hits a 30-year low; and the NBA and NHL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Traffic Reporter Opportunity. This gig is in Miami where iHeartMedia’s Total Traffic & Weather Network is seeking a traffic reporter to work on WIOD “NewsRadio 610.” TTWN says, “We are looking for an energetic on-air talent, that can deliver a conversational sound. Previous traffic reporting isn’t required. If you have a natural sound, previous audio experience, and are willing to put in the work and effort, we’ll show you the ropes!” For information and to apply, click here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Orlando alternative outlet WQMP “FM 101.9” has a new program director as Entercom names Matthew Malone to the position.  Malone previously served with Cumulus Media’s alternative KCJK, Kansas City “X105.1” as APD and music director.  He comments, “I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Entercom Orlando team and to be working with [SVP and market manager] Claudia [Menegus].  Being a part of a company that is actively embracing the alternative format, helping it grow, and under the guidance of a programmer that I have long respected – [SVP of programming] Mike Kaplan – I know that we can accomplish great things in Central Florida.”…..WDVE, Pittsburgh afternoon drive personality Sean McDowell announces he’s retiring from rock WDVE and the radio biz after 41 years in radio and 26 with WDVE.  McDowell broke the news on Randy Baumann’s morning drive program on the iHeartMedia station…..Twin Cities afternoon drive personality Moon, a.k.a. Larry Thompson, is leaving Hubbard Radio’s hot AC KSTP-FM “KS95” after 45 years in the radio business to focus on his health.  Moon, who co-hosts the afternoon show with Staci Matthews, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005.  Station PD Leighton Peck says, “We will all miss Moon’s incredible sense of humor and the fun he brings to the air and in the hallways.”…..Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters names Angie Fitzsimmons morning drive host at country KKGO, Los Angeles, “Go Country 105.”

April 2019 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the April 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s April 2019 survey period covered March 28 – April 24. 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.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – For the third successive month, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR surrenders one-tenth (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+); even so, “710 The Voice of New York” continues at #22. Off one-tenth as well is Cumulus Media-owned news/talk WABC (1.3 -1.2, flat at #23, 6+). It is tied with Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5,” which has dropped a collective four-tenths in five straight down or flat sweeps (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+).

Obliterating its combined February/March loss of three-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+) with an April spike of +1.2 to 4.2 (6+), Entercom sports talk/Yankees’ flagship WFAN rockets from #12 to #6. Conversely, WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York,” the key station of the Knicks, is off four-tenths (2.2 -1.8, #18 to #20, 6+), thus snapping at three its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded eight-tenths (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2, 6+).

While Entercom all-news WINS is unchanged from March in both 6+-share (3.7) and market rank (ninth), co-owned/similarly-programmed Mets flagship WCBS-AM forfeits one-half share (3.4 – 2.9, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #13). WINS was a combined -1.1 in February/March (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+), while WCBS-AM gained three-tenths in March (3.1 – 3.4, 6+).

Part of the three-way tie at #13 (which includes WCBS-AM) is WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM, which gains three-tenths to 2.9 (#14 to #13, 6+), curtailing four successive down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.0 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). Having seen its 6+ share sliced in half (-.3) in February/March (.6 – .4 – .3, 6+), co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM picks up one-tenth to .4 (#33 to #31, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – With a January – February – March topline of 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6 (6+), Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” busts out a gain of one-half share to 3.1 (#14 to #11, 6+). Although flat at #17, Cumulus Media’s similarly formatted WPLJ is without a loss for the fourth straight sweep (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+) for a cumulative gain of one-half share. WPLJ is soon to become contemporary Christian when its sale to Educational Media Foundation is finalized. On the heels of posting a one-half share increase, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW forfeits seven-tenths (7.7 – 7.0, 6+), but “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 for the 22^nd consecutive ratings period. A January/February -5.3 (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), WLTW was +5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). It holds a one-half share lead over Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B,” which is down four-tenths to 6.5 (steady at #2, 6+). The loss suspends three straight gains that accounted for a collective +1.3 (5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+). For the eighth time in a row, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 KTU” (unchanged at #11) is within 3.1 – 3.6 range ( 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+). Its format rival – Emmis’ WQHT “Hot 97” – loses three-tenths (3.8 – 3.5, 6+) and slips from seventh to tenth. Before gaining one-tenth to 3.8 (6+) in March, “Hot” notched a 3.7 (6+) in five of the previous six sweeps (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+); WKTU logged a 3.1 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, and February 2019. Despite having recorded four consecutive ratings periods without a loss for an overall net of eight-tenths (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WNSH “New York’s Country 94.7” backslides from a three-way tie at #14 to #16.

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +.8 in January/February (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” has lost three-tenths in March/April (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+) but carries on in seventh-place. Its internet stream debuted in February with a .6 (6+); repeated it in March; and adds one-tenth in April (.7, #37 to #36, 6+). Tied at #33 are Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” and iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot.” KRLA is down one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.0 – .9 – .8, #30 to #3, 6+), while “The Patriot” notches a .8 (6+) for the fifth time in the last six survey periods (.8 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .8, flat at #3, 6+). Down or flat the past four times for an overall loss of two-tenths (.7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” picks up one-tenth to .6 (#40 to #39, 6+).

Nearly doubling March’s 6+-stat (.7 – 1.3, +.6, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk – and flagship of the 2018 National League champion Dodgers – KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” leaps from #34 to #27. As a result of three down or flat moves in a row, Disney-owned/Lakers key station KSPN “710 ESPN” is off one-half share (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+) but remains at #29.

Without an increase the third time in a row as well is Entercom’s KNX, which not only falters by nine-tenths in that timeframe (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+), “1070 News Radio” exits the top ten (#9 to #12).

Erasing one-third of March’s loss of six-tenths with a gain of two-tenths (2.1 – 2.3, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” returns to the top twenty (#21 to a four-way logjam at #18).

Los Angeles Music Formats – In addition to extending its consecutive string of increases to four for a net gain of nine-tenths (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom adult hits KCBS-FM “93.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” progresses from sixth to fourth with its best 6+-stat since May 2018 (4.2, as well). Likewise, smooth AC sibling KTWV “94-7 The Wave” is a collective +1.4 as a result of its fourth uptick in succession (3.6 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.0, 6+) and continues in third-place. In five consecutive up or flat moves, Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KLAX “97.9 La Raza” is a collective +1.0 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1, ninth to eighth, 6+). Not only does Meruelo Media Holdings rhythmic CHR KPWR continue its repetitive sequence (3.0 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+), “Power 106” returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). Soon-to-be sibling KLOS records its fourth straight up or flat move for a net gain of four-tenths (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+) and advances from #14 to #12. Meruelo Media Holdings is acquiring KLOS from Cumulus Media for $43 million and has already begun programming the station under a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA). After logging a 13.0 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST has followed with a 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.3 (6+) as “Coast 103.5” is the market leader for the seventh straight time. Prior to January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), KOST was an overall +8.4 via five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). Repeating in the runner-up slot, Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101” is a cumulative +1.1 through five straight up or flat trends (4.4 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+). Up two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.6, January – February – March, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” forfeits six-tenths to 3.0 (eighth to tenth, 6+). While it remains in fifth-place, iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” has lost nine-tenths in three straight setbacks (5.0 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+). In four consecutive upticks, Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” has more than doubled (+1.4) its 6+-stat (1.1 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5, 6+) and enters the top twenty at #17. After both of the market’s mainstream CHRs dropped one tenth in March, they are down in April, as well. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” is off four-tenths in March/April (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0, fourth to sixth, 6+), while Entercom-owned KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” has lost one-half share in the same stretch (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.3, #12 to #18, 6+). “Kiss” was a combined +.9 in January/February (3.5 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+); “Amp” – which is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory for the 23^rd time in a row – gained four-tenths in February. There are certain parallels in the alternative battle, as iHeartMedia’s KYSR “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” is down one-tenth (2.4 – 2.3, #17 to #18, 6+), while Entercom-owned KROQ has lost a collective four-tenths in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0, #19 to #22, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Following February’s one-half share gain, Tribune Media news/talk and White Sox flagship WGN has surrendered six-tenths (3.5 – 3.1 – 2.9, #11 to #14, 6+). In each of the last three sweeps, WLS-AM notched a 1.7 (6+) but the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet improves by one-tenth in April to 1.8 (#22 to #21, 6+).  

Down a combined half-share in February/March (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Cubs key station WSCR “670 The Score” answers with an increase of nine-tenths to 3.7 (6+), rocketing from #16 to #8 with its best 6+-showing (3.7) since October 2018’s 4.2. Up one-tenth in consecutive ratings periods (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+), Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” advances from #27 to #24.

On top the past three sweeps, Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM has lost a collective nine-tenths in three successive declines (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3, 6+) and segues to fourth-place.

A combined +.8 as a result of three consecutive improvements (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ sputters by six-tenths to 2.8 (6+) and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #15).

Chicago Music Formats – Over and above chalking up a one-half share gain to register its highest 6+-stat (5.9) since November 2017’s 6.3, Hubbard hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” marches from second to first. Steady at #3, co-owned classic rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” is a collective +1.5 in its fourth successive increase (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing (5.4) since 5.5 in August 2018. At the same time, adult contemporary sibling WSHE “100.3 SHE” scores eight-tenths via four consecutive up or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, tenth to ninth, 6+). Proceeding from third to second, iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103” nets nine-tenths in March/April (4.7 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+), on the heels of being a cumulative -1.4 in eight straight down or flat trends (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). By gaining three-tenths to 3.2 (#14 to #12, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WKSC “103.5 Kiss FM Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” overtakes Entercom CHR WBBM-FM “B-96” (3.0 – 3.1, +.1, flat at #13, 6+). Prior to April, “Kiss” displayed five consecutive 2.9 showings (6+), after dialing up a November 2018 3.3 (6+); “B-96” gained eight-tenths in March. Albeit flat at #23, iHeartMedia-owned WEBG is up or flat for the sixth time in a row; “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” is up three-tenths in that stretch (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+). Despite picking up one-tenth (2.6 – 2.7, 6+), its format foe – Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” – backslides from #17 to #18. In three straight improvements, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM was an overall +.9 (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+), but “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” forfeits six-tenths to 3.9 (6+) and is unchanged in fifth-place. Up or flat the past three sweeps for a collective gain of six-tenths (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom urban-rhythmic oldies WBMX “104.3 Jams” relinquishes three-tenths to 3.3 (eighth to ninth, 6+). In three successive declines (5.5 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO is -1.6, yet “Que Buena 105.1” advances from sixth to fifth. Its January increase of nine-tenths halted a December/“Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). Tied in fifth-place with WOJO is iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, which is an overall -9.4 as a result of four consecutive sweeps without an increase (13.3 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.9, seventh to fifth, 6+); “93.9 Lite FM” was a combined +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats – The December 2018 through April 2019 topline of Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO is: 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 (#15 to #16, 6+). Cluster-mate KGO has lost a collective eight-tenths via seven successive down or flat sweeps (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, #24 to #26, 6+). This marks the fourth straight month that iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” has logged a .2 (#34, 6+).

Off three-tenths in February/March (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+), Cumulus Media sports talk/Giants flagship KNBR “The Sports Leader” roars back with a +1.0 to 3.6 (6+), vaulting into the top ten (#13 to #7). Having recorded a 1.8 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (1.8 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” is up one-tenth to 1.9 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#22 to #19).

While it remains in the runner-up slot, all-news cluster-mate KCBS-AM is off a collective seven-tenths in three straight dips (7.0 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), directly after three consecutive gains for an overall +1.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 7.0, 6+).

On top for the fourth straight month, KQED is nonetheless down one-half share (7.3 – 6.8, 6+); the Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet lost nine-tenths in February. More than tripling (+.9) its 6+-share in nine successive sweeps without a loss (.4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is now off a combined three-tenths in March/April (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0, flat at #28, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Within 3.0 – 3.9 range for the tenth time in a row (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” has its highest 6+-stat (3.7) since October 2018’s 3.9 and leaps from eighth to fifth. A combined +1.2 via three straight gains (3./8 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary KISQ erases half that increase with a loss of six-tenths (4.4, third to fourth, 6+). Prior to January, “98.1 The Breeze” had been off a combined nine-tenths in three setbacks in a row (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+). Overtaking KISQ is Bonneville-owned/similarly-formatted KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” (4.8 – 4.6, -.2, fourth to third, 6+), which completely erased February’s -.5 with a March +.5. KOIT-FM improved its 6+-stat by seven full-shares in December/“Holiday” 2018, (3.7 – 6.4 – 10.7, 6+), but was a combined -6.4 in January/February (10.7 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). Flat at #11, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” is +1.0 in three straight sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (3.0) since September 2018’s 3.1. Entering the top twenty at #19, Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” logs its fourth straight up or flat trend for a gain of six-tenths (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+). In three successive improvements, Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN was +1.1 (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+), but “107.7 The Bone” falters by two-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and slips from sixth to ninth. Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” is down one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, sixth to seventh, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KIOI “Star 101.3” is off one-half share in three consecutive down or flat trends (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9, flat at #12, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight upticks accounting for a +1.4 by Cumulus Media’s WBAP (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+) completely erases its December/“Holiday” 2018 loss of nine-tenths (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+). Moreover, “News Talk 820” leaps into the top ten (#15 to #9). After posting a .7 (6+) in each of the last three sweeps, Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” adds two-tenths to .9 (#34 to #32, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” – which added one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.3 – .4 – .5, 6+) – drops one-tenth to .4 (#36 to #37, 6+).

Sports talk cluster-mate, KTCK is unchanged from March in 6+-share (2.7) and market rank (#16). “The Ticket All Sports All The Time” had been in an alternating down/up pattern (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+). Having lost roughly half (-1.5) its 6+-share in three straight declines (3.1 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” drops from #22 to #23. The flagship of the Texas Rangers was a +1.0 in seven straight sweeps without a loss (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+). An increase of two-tenths to .8 (#35 to #34, 6+) by Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” halts six straight down or flat trends that resulted in its 6+-share being sliced in half (-.6) in that timeframe (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .8 – .6, 6+).

Without a loss for the fourth month in a row for a net gain of one-half share (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM progresses from #19 to #17. “News Radio 1080” has been within a (6+) high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0 since “Holiday” 2016.

A collective +.8 via three improvements in a row (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet KERA falters by three-tenths to 3.6 (seventh to tenth, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – There is plenty of movement in the market’s contemporary Christian arena. On the plus side, an uptick of seven-tenths (3.5 – 4.2, 6+) enables Salem Media Group’s KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” to return to the top ten (#11 to #5), while WAY Media’s KAWA “WAY-FM, Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” improves by one-half share (1.1 – 1.6, #31 to #23, 6+) after eroding by -1.2 in March. Conversely, however, First Dallas Media-owned KCBI “90.0 Encouraging Music/Words of Hope” has its 6+-stat carved exactly in half (-.9) via three successive dips (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – .9, #32, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation’s KYDA “Air 1 Worship Now” relinquishes one-half share (2.4 – 1.9, #18 to #21, 6+). This directly follows a March increase of six-tenths to 2.4, its strongest 6+-showing since December 2016 (2.4, as well). As a result of three successive drops (7.1 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE lost approximately half (-3.6) its 6+-share, but “Star 102.1” wipes away 25% of that deficit with an April gain of nine-tenths to 4.4 (6+), catapulting into the top five (#11 to #3). In eight successive sweeps without a loss, KDGE almost tripled (+4.4) its 6+-stat (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 5.1 – 7.1, 6+). Not only is co-owned CHR KHKS #1 for the fourth month in a row, “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is a collective +.8 in four straight sweeps without a loss (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat (6.7) since May 2018’s 6.9. On top 12 straight times, “Kiss” shifted to #3 in “Holiday” 2018. Stuck on 4.2 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 and then on 5.1 (6+) in February and March, classic rock cluster-mate KZPS “Lone Star 92.5” stumbles by seven-tenths to 4.4 (second to third, 6+). A combined +.9 in February/March (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), Service Broadcasting urban contemporary KKDA-FM “K-104” surrenders six-tenths to 3.0 (6+) and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #15). Having logged three straight positive spikes for a +1.2 (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+), Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” drops two-tenths to 4.2 (fourth to fifth, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted KSCS “New Country 96.3” is off one-tenth (3.6 – 3.5, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #13).

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – Flat at #12, iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH has a January 2019 through April 2019 topline of 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.8 (6+). “News Radio 740” was -.7 in December (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 in “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and +.7 in January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, 6+). Repeating March’s .4 (6+), co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” checks in at #29.

Finishing at #22, #23, and #24, respectively, are Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” (.9 – 1.1, +.2, 6+); iHeartMedia-owned/Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” (.6 – 1.0, +.4, #27 to #23, 6+); and Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5” (flat at .8, unchanged at #24, 6+). KILT-AM lost a combined half-share in January/February; KBME reaches a one-share (6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 1.1; and – before losing one-tenth in March – KFNC had been up or flat six sweeps in succession for a net gain of three-tenths (.6 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .9 – .9, 6+).

Following a January gain of eight-tenths, University of Houston news/talker KUHF is off a combined half-share in three straight slips (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.2, #19 to #20, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – Down or flat the past three survey periods for a loss of seven-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+), KSBJ Educational Foundation contemporary Christian KSBJ “89.3 – God Listens” erases that deficit with an increase of eight-tenths to 4.9 (tenth to seventh, 6+), its strongest 6+-showing since February 2018’s 5.0. Entering the April sweep, iHeartMedia’s KQBT “93.7 The Beat” had an interesting topline of 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.8 (6+). “The Beat” busts out a gain of six-tenths to 4.4 (steady at #11, 6+), extending its consecutive up or flat streak to six; it is +1.1 in that stretch. In the market’s country contest, Entercom’s KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” regains the two-tenths it lost in March (5.2 – 5.0 – 5.2, sixth to fourth, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “93-Q” is flat at 4.7 (repeating in ninth-place, 6+). Before losing two-tenths in March, “The Bull” had been +1.7 via three upticks in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+); “93-Q” gained eight-tenths in March. Notwithstanding that iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA is an overall -4.6 in three slips in succession (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5, 6+), “Sunny 99.1” is #1 for the 13^th straight time. Immediately in advance of this slide, KODA was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive gains (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). The four most recent fluctuations for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” are +.5 (January,  6.5 – 7.0, 6+); -.8 (February, 7.0 – 6.2, 6+); +.5 (March, 6.2 – 6.7, 6+); and now -.6 (April, 6.7 – 6.1, flat at #2, 6+). Prior to plummeting -1.5 in “Holiday” 2018, “Que Buena 102.9” was a collective +3.3 through five successive increases (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 8.0, 6+). Down one-tenth in March, Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KQQK “El Norte 107.9” falters by another half-share in April (3.3 – 2.8, #16 to #17, 6+). While it repeats at #21, co-owned/similarly-formatted KTJM “La Raza” picks up two-tenths to 2.1 (6+), pulling the plug on five consecutive ratings periods without an increase for a collective loss of eight-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Following three straight months at #1, WSB-AM slips to the runner-up slot. The Cox Media Group news/talk outlet erased two-thirds of December/“Holiday” 2018’s combined -2.1 with a January 2019 +1.4. It was -.9 in February; +.1 in March; and now declines by one-half share in April (7.1 – 6.6, -.5, 6+). WSB-AM had been on top 37 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. A loss of one-half share (1.4 – .9, #22 to #25, 6+) takes Cumulus Media’s WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” below a one-share for the first time in nearly seven-years (.8, July 2012). Owing to three straight up or flat moves (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3  1.4, 6+), WYAY gained two-tenths. Elsewhere in the market’s news/talk format, Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” picks up one-tenth to .4 (flat at #29, 6+), curtailing three dips in a row that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3, 6+), while Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” (.3 – .1, -.2, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” (.2 -.1, -.1, 6+) are tied at #31.

As a result of being a combined -.9 in March/April (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” drifts from the top ten (#9 to #14). Conversely, Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is up one-half share in March/April (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+), as the AM flagship of the Atlanta Braves advances from #20 to #18.

On the heels of a mammoth -1.4 in March, City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE is up two-tenths (3.4 – 3.6, #13 to #11, 6+). At the same time, however, Georgia State University news/talk WRAS dips two-tenths (.8 – .6, #226 to #28, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Over and above posting its third straight increase for an overall +2.1 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” vaults from fifth to first with its best 6+-showing (7.0) since 8.6 in “Holiday” 2018. By tacking on one-half share to March’s increase of two-tenths (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” cracks the top ten (#11 to #9). Before eroding by -1.0 in February, “The Bull” was a collective +1.4 through four straight increases (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+). Its country rival, Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits,” adds two-tenths (2.9 – 3.1, 6+) and progresses from #16 to #14. “Kicks,” which was off three-tenths in March, rebounded from January’s loss of six-tenths with an identical magnitude increase in February (2.6 – 3.2, +.6). There is an interesting development in the market’s competitive urban AC battle as the format’s 6+ share deflates by -1.5, immediately after it improved (in March) by +1.4. More to the point, Radio One’s WAMJ “Majic,” which was +2.5 via three successive positive spikes (4.4 – 5.4 – 6.3 – 6.9, 6+), sputters by eight-tenths to 6.1, shifting from second to fourth. Simultaneously, Cox Media Group-owned WALR “Kiss 104.1 Atlanta’s R&B,” +1.4 in February/March (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+), returns half that increase (5.2, -.7, fourth to seventh, 6+). Both of the market’s mainstream CHRs are off one-tenth with each losing two rankers: Dropping from #9 to #11 is iHeartMedia’s WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.7 – 3.6, 6+), while Cumulus Media-owned WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” falls from #11 to #13 (3.5 – 3.4, 6+). Stuck on 3.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 before dropping to 3.0 (6+) in February, “Power” broke out a +.7 in March. “Q-100” logged a +.7 in January; forfeited six-tenths in February; and was flat in March.

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Without an increase the third straight time for an overall loss of four-tenths (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” slips from #18 to #20. Flat at #23, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” drops one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3, 6+).

At the same time, Entercom’s WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” improves by two-tenths in consecutive ratings periods (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+) as the Phillies’ flagship – which was -1.3 in February – proceeds from fourth to third. Dropping from #14 to #15, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” – the key station of the 76ers and Flyers – has an October 2018 – April 2019 topline of 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.6 (6+).

While off a collective -1.0 via three declines in a row (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom’s KYW repeats in ninth-place. “News Radio 1060” was down eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, but rebounded in January with a gain of seven-tenths (4.3 – 5.0, 6+).

For the second month in a row, public news/talk WHYY falters by four-tenths (3.0 – 2.6 – 2.2, #16 to #18, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – After trending 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.2 (January – February – March, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erupts with a +1.2 to 3.4 (#19 to #12, 6+). A combined -1.3 in February/March (7.1 – 6.7 – 5.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WMGK not only logs a +1.0 to 6.8 (6+), “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” leaps from sixth to first. It displaces Entercom-owned WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” (7.0 – 6.7, -.3, first to second, 6+), which has a March-only stay at #1. Philly’s market leader from March 2018 through June before being dislodged in July, WBEB was +10.1 (6.5 – 10.4 – 16.6, 6+) just prior to January 2019’s -10.3 (16.3 – 6.3, 6+); it gained one-half share in March. By forfeiting three-tenths to 4.5 (unchanged at #8, 6+), format challenger, iHeartMedia’s WISX “106.1 The Breeze – Relaxing Favorites,” interrupts four up or flat trends that generated a combined +2.3 (2.5 – 3.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Formerly rhythmic hot AC “Real 106.1,” WISX became adult contemporary “106.1 The Breeze” in mid-November (2018). Anchored in seventh-place, Beasley Media Group-owned WXTU “92.5 Philly’s Country Station” is a collective +2.2 through four straight gains (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.8, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing since July 2018 (5.8, as well). Also notching an April gain of eight-tenths is iHeartMedia’s WRFF (3.1 – 3.9, #13 to #10, 6+), as “Radio 104.5 – Philadelphia’s Alternative Rock” has its best 6+-stat (3.9) since November 2017’s 4.0. Segueing from second to fifth, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” is a combined -1.1 in March/April (7.1 – 6.8 – 6.0, 6+), after its +2.1 in January/February (5.0 – 6.3 – 7.1, 6+). WOGL jumped from a three-way tie for third (January) to first in February. Three successive improvements by Beasley Media Group-owned WMMR accounted for an overall +1.7 (4.9 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+), but “93.3 Everything That Rocks” surrenders seven-tenths to 5.9 (third to sixth, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Recapturing the three-tenths it squandered in March (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” jumps from #19 to #15. Although it repeats at #25, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is off one-tenth to 1.4 (6+), snapping at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted two-tenths (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+).

Not only does Entercom sports talk WFAN rack up a gain of seven-tenths (4.4 – 5.1, 6+), the Yankees’ flagship zooms from fourth to a first-place tie with its highest 6+-share in Long Island (5.1) since October 2018’s 5.6. Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is unchanged from March in 6+-share (1.8) and market rank (#21).

An increase of one-half share (3.3 – 3.8, 6+) enables Entercom all-news WCBS-AM to enter the top ten (#11 to #8). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS has lost eight-tenths in three straight slips (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 2.8, #13 to #14, 6+). These two siblings were a combined +1.3 in January.

Unlisted in October 2018 and November, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM resurfaced in December (2.0, #17, 6+); was off three-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (1.7, #19, 6+); added four-tenths in January 2019; but is down or flat for the third time in succession for a net loss of one-half share (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.6 – 1.6, #22 to #24, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – Without an increase in each of the last four ratings periods for an overall loss of eight-tenths (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” answers with a gain of six-tenths to 5.1 (6+) and ties sports talk cluster-mate WFAN at #1. Following five straight times at #1, Connoisseur Media-owned hot AC WALK-FM shifts to the runner-up slot. A combined +6.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 6.5 – 10.5, 6+), “97.5 – Real Variety” has now lost over half its 6+-share (-5.5) in four consecutive declines (10.5 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). A collective -5.8 through three drops in succession (9.2 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” concludes that slide with a one-tenth increase (3.5, tenth to ninth, 6+). The six most recent fluctuations for Connoisseur Media classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM” are -.8 (December 2018); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January); -.5 (February); +.7 (March); and now -.5 in April (3.7 – 3.2, #8 to #12, 6+). Four successive sweeps without a loss by Cox Media Group-owned WBAB netted a +1.3 (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), but “102.3 Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” drops four-tenths to 4.0 (fourth to sixth, 6+). Tied with identical 2.4 – 2.1 (-.3, #15 to #19, 6+) profiles are Connoisseur Media-owned WWSK “94.3 The Shark – Long Island’s Home For Everything That Rocks” and Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7,” as the two stations have positive streaks come to an end. “The Shark” was a cumulative +.9 in five straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.4, 6+), while “NEW 102.7” “logged four up or flat reports in succession for a +.8 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the seventh consecutive sweep that iHeartMedia news talk KKDD is without an increase (.4 – .2 – .2 -.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+), but “1290 News Talk IE” manages to move from #24 to #23.

It is tied with co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM,” whose November 2018 through April 2019 topline is .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .1 (6+). For the 16^th straight sweep, similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted.

In a December 2018 through April 2019 down/up pattern which includes April’s loss of nine-tenths (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.7 – .8, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR drops from #11 to #13 and has lost one-half share in that timeframe. Meanwhile, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is down or flat for the third time in a row (.3 – .2 – .1 – .1, #24 to #23, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – The Inland Empire’s huge news is that Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA gains four-tenths (6.8 – 7.2, second to first, 6+) at the same time that Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” regresses by that magnitude (7.4 – 7.0, -.4, first to second, 6+). “Jose” and KOLA had been at #1 and #2, respectively, in each of the past 11 sweeps. KOLA hit #1 in May 2018 with a 6.5 (6+). “Jose” is off for the fifth consecutive report for a collective -3.5 (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0, 6+). December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. A collective -1.9 via four successive negative trends (2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2 – .3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian outlet KLRD “Air 1 Worship Now” wipes away nearly half that deficit with a +.9 to 1.2 (#19 to #12, 6+). Progressing by one-half share are Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” (4.1 – 4.6, steady at #4, 6+) and Liberman regional Mexican KRQB “Que Buena 96.1” (2.8 – 3.3, unchanged at #8, 6+). “K-Love” was stuck on 4.6 (6+) in January and February, before sputtering by one-half share in March; “Que Buena” had been within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) in each of the last 11 ratings periods. In three successive improvements, LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE was a collective +1.6 (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), but “Old School 104.7” is off three-tenths to 3.4 (flat at #7, 6+). After posting five consecutive up or flat trends for an overall gain of two-tenths (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), Univision Radio-owned Spanish adult hits KRCD returns one-tenth to 1.4 (#12 to #11, 6+); “Recuerdo” is in one-share range (6+) for the 20^th successive ratings period.

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – This marks Cumulus Media news/talk KGO’s seventh straight San Jose sweep without an increase for an overall -1.1 (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9, #18 to #19, 6+). Meanwhile, four straight up or flat moves by co-owned news/talk KSFO have accounted for a one-half share increase (.9 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5, #22 to #23, 6+).

Off three-tenths in February/March (3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” rebounds with a +1.1 to 4.2 (6+) as the flagship of the Giants inches up from eighth to seventh. In consecutive sweeps, Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game” picks up two-tenths (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9, #20 to #19, 6+).

All-news sibling KCBS-AM is -1.5 in March/April (7.1 – 6.7 – 5.6, third to fourth, 6+), directly after a collective +1.4 in four straight ratings periods without a loss (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+).

Albeit down two-tenths (7.1 – 6.9, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED marches from second to first. A combined -.9 in January and February (7.1 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), KQED erased that deficit in its entirety with a gain of nine-tenths in March. Having added one-tenth in back-to-back (February/March) sweeps (.7 – .8 – .9, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW is flat in April (.9, #27 to #26, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – No other station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here makes a larger (6+) March 2019 – April 2019 improvement than Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” (3.8 – 5.3, +1.5, sixth to fifth, 6+). On the other end of the spectrum, Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” suffers the largest (6+) March 2019 – April 2019 decrease of any station in these 12 PPM-markets (7.7 – 6.2, -1.5, first to second, 6+). We are not through though with the magnitude of 1.5, as – prior to the April sweep – “Bay FM” had been +1.5 via three upticks in a row (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). For a change of pace, it was a combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (8.0 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), after being an overall +1.7 in October/November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+). Co-owned hot AC KEZR “Mix 106 – Today’s Best Music,” which gained six-tenths in in three straight up or flat trends (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), regresses by eight-tenths to 4.8 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Format rival, iHeartMedia’s KIOI “Star 101.3,” is a collective -1.1 in three straight slips (4.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.5, seventh to eighth, 6+). “Star” was -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, “Holiday” 2018, 6+); +.8 (3.8 – 4.6, January 2019, 6+); and -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, February, 6+). For the fourth straight month, Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM is unlisted in San Jose. As the result of five straight increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), it was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018. KOIT-FM remains in print in the San Francisco report.

Middlesex

Spoken-Word Formats – On top for the fourth month in a row, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW has nonetheless lost an overall eight-tenths in three straight drops (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5 – 7.3, 6+); “New Jersey 101.5” was +1.2 in January. Locked on 3.4 (6+) in January and February, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR slips by three-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8, #14 to #18, 6+). January’s +1.0 completely erased the overall December/“Holiday” 2018 -1.0. After three straight times of notching a 1.0 (6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC falters by three-tenths to .7 (#26 to #27, 6+).

An increase of seven-tenths (3.0 – 3.7, 6+) elevates Entercom sports talk/Yankees key station into the top ten (#15 to #10). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is a collective -1.1 in six straight ratings periods without an increase (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, #23 to #24, 6+).

Entercom all-news/Mets flagship WCBS-AM has gained a combined seven-tenths in March/April (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.9, #19 to #16, 6+), while, in the same stretch, co-owned/similarly-programmed WINS is down three-tenths (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.6, flat at #25, 6+). Prior to March WINS posted four straight gains that accounted for a one-half share increase (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+). Even though it adds one-tenth (2.4 – 2.5, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM backslides from #19 to #20; WNYC was up a combined eight-tenths in January/February (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.8, 6+).

Middlesex Music Formats – Having surrendered three-tenths in March, WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” roars back with a +1.0 (2.3 – 3.3, 6+) and reenters the top twenty (#21 to #15). The Cumulus Media hot AC is in the process of being sold to Educational Media Foundation and will flip to contemporary Christian when the deal receives final approval. Climbing from third to second, iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WHTZ “Z-100” is a combined +1.9 in four straight improvements (4.3 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+). Immediately in advance of this string, “Z-100” was without an increase four successive times for a collective -1.1 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+). Off a combined three-tenths in February/March (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WWPR “Power 105.1” responds with a gain of seven-tenths to 3.7 (#15 to #10, 6+). Entering the top ten as well is Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1,” which picks up one-half share (3.3 – 3.8, #12 to #8, 6+). Regressing by one-half share are Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” (4.1, steady in fifth-place, 6+) and Emmis owned rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” (3.2 – 2.7, #13 to #19, 6+). WCBS-FM had been up six-tenths through three consecutive gains (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+). When “Hot” picked up two-tenths in March, it halted five straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). In addition to logging its fourth straight decrease for an overall -2.4 (5.8 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 Today’s Hits – Yesterday’s Favorites” fades from the top ten (#9 to #14).

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Round One of April PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio have been released for 12 markets, including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex (New Jersey). You can see all the 6+, weekly AQH share data from subscribing stations here. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian will present his “Twelve Takeaways” from this first round of ratings information in tomorrow’s edition of TALKERS magazine online.

Post: Francesa Takes First Month of Spring Ratings.  The New York Post continues its reporting on the sports talk radio war in the Big Apple, today writing that WFAN afternoon drive personality Mike Francesa beat WEPN PM driver Michael Kay in the Men 25-54 demographic with a 7.0 share to Kay’s 6.1 share, according to Nielsen Audio’s April PPM survey.   If you recall, there’s been disagreement between the two stations over whether WFAN should include its stream audience since it sells streaming ads separately.  WEPN – which airs the same ads on air and online – made noise about Michael Kay’s strong performance in the Winter book (Jan., Feb., and March PPM surveys) and arguments ensued about whether he could really claim victory.

Neal Bird Joins Sun & Fun and Key Networks. Affiliate sales pro Neal Bird is named senior account executive for Sun & Fun Media and Key Networks.  Bird spent the last 11 years with Westwood One, the last five years as VP of affiliate sales for music & entertainment and backstage events.  Bird’s joining the companies comes just a few weeks after Key Networks’ April 29 launch of the new, 15-minute daily radio program, “The O’Reilly Update,” starring Bill O’Reilly.  Sun & Fun and Key Networks chief revenue officer Dennis Green comments, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Neal and am delighted to welcome him to the Sun & Fun Media team and Key Networks.  Neal has strong relationships throughout the radio industry and is known as someone who gets the job done and delivers for his clients.  He will be an integral part of growing our core business while helping chart a course in building our new syndication division at Key Networks.”  Bird adds, “It’s an exciting time at Sun & Fun Media as its core business is as strong as ever and now, with the launch of Key Networks and ‘The O’Reilly Update,’ the future is even brighter.  With that, I’m thrilled to be joining the great team that Rob, Roger, and Dennis have assembled and I look forward to working with our valued partners and in growing the business.”

Radio One Returns WDBZ, Cincinnati to Urban News/Talk. The Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting on the move by Radio One to reverse the 2016 decision to flip urban news/talk WDBZ-AM/W268CM, Cincinnati to rhythmic oldies as “Soul 101.5.”  The station returned to its previous “The Buzz” brand with a new program lineup.  Remaining with the station is late morning talk host Lincoln Ware (his was the only talk show to survive the previous format change and remain on air in the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon slot). Emanuel Livingston hosts 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, and former Cincinnati Mayor Dwight Tillery begins hosting the 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm show, effective June 3.  The Tom Joyner Show remains in AM drive and the station carries “Keepin’ It Real” with Al Sharpton.  Radio One Cincinnati vice president and general manager Mitch Galvin tells the paper, “With the climate of Cincinnati and the United States right now, there is more of a need for talk and the voice of the inner city to have an outlet, and that’s what we wanted to accomplish by bringing it back.”  Lincoln Ware is quoted saying, “This 2020 election is going to be like none you’ve seen before.  There are too many right-wing stations out there and we’ve got to balance it out.  ‘The Buzz’ will add a little weight toward that balance.”

Full Power Radio Launches ‘Trump 103.3 WDRC’ to Promote FM Translator and New Program Lineup. The trio of Connecticut talk stations – WDRC-AM, Hartford; WMMW-AM, Meriden; and WSNG-AM, Torrington – gets an FM partner as Full Power Radio fires up translator W277DT at 103.3 FM and temporarily re-brands as “Trump 103.3 WDRC.”  A press release from Full Power says the station is airing promos that call for the firing of Governor Ned Lamont and demand “No New Tolls or Taxes for Connecticut.”  Owner John Fuller says, “There is a real hunger for the truth and ‘Trump 103.3’ will report and uncover statewide waste and corruption that conventional media are afraid to touch.”  The program lineup includes: “Brad Davis and Friends” in morning drive, Salem Radio Network’s Mike Gallagher in late mornings, and local host Lee Elci shares the noon hour with Bill O’Reilly’s “The O’Reilly Update.”  Afternoons include Radio America’s Dana Loesch and Westwood One’s Michael Savage and Ben Shapiro.  Wayne Allyn Root is heard in the evening daypart. After a period, the station will return to its “The Talk of Connecticut” brand.

Progressive Talk Radio Returns to Madison on FM. Madison-area signal WTTN-AM, Columbus added an FM translator at 92.7 on Saturday (5/11) that brings progressive talk back to Madison on the FM band.  The last time the format aired in the market on FM was on iHeartMedia’s WXXM “The Mic 92.1.”  But iHeartMedia flipped that station to classic hits in 2016.  Mike Crute’s “Resistance Radio” format is airing on the signals, as well as on the signal he purchased from Good Karma in 2017, WRRD-AM, Waukesha, Wisconsin in the Milwaukee market.  Crute co-hosts the daily “The Devil’s Advocates” program that airs in afternoon drive.  The stations also air WYD Media’s “Thom Hartmann Program” and “Stephanie Miller Show” as well as local personalities Earle Ingram Jr., and Bryan Kelly.

Good Karma Re-Aligns Sports Programming on Milwaukee Stations.  A couple of new, local shows will begin airing on Good Karma Brands’ Milwaukee sports talk stations and that will have an effect on sister news/talk outlet WTMJ.  Good Karma operates WKTI-FM and WAUK-AM as “ESPN Milwaukee.”  Beginning June 4, WAUK-AM will carry the entire ESPN Radio lineup except for the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart in which Doug Russell will host “ESPN Milwaukee Podcenter.”  As for WKTI-FM, the station will debut “Gabe & Chewy,” airing from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and co-hosted by Gabe Netzel and former Green Bay Packers tight end Mark Chmura.  Also, former Marquette University basketball star Tony Smith partners with Bryan Dee for the 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm program.  Greg Matzek moves over from WTMJ to host a daily noon hour program and Doug Russell hosts a nightly 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm program.  Good Karma Brands vice president and market manager Steve Wexler says moving some of the sports talk from WTMJ will allow for new, non-sports programming in evenings when there are no Milwaukee Brewers or Milwaukee Bucks games on WTMJ.  He says, “We will be adding local talk content to WTMJ in the evening that will feature new voices and perspectives.  We’re on the lookout for additional local, compelling, and entertaining personalities to add to WTMJ.”

U.S.-China Trade War, Mueller Testimony, ‘Heartbeat’ Abortion Laws, 2020 Presidential Politics, U.S.-Iran Tensions, Immigration Policy, and NBA/NHL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/13). The financial markets’ reactions to the U.S.-China tariff war; the possibility that special counsel Robert Mueller testifies before congress; the passing of “heartbeat” laws restricting abortion in several states and a possible challenge to Roe v Wade; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the saber-rattling between the U.S. and Iran; U.S. policy regarding migration at the Southern border; and NBA and NHL playoff action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS News Notes. Best-selling author, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur Heather Monahan joins PodcastOne with her debut podcast, “Creating Confidence.”  In this series, Monahan shares the techniques and strategies to create your confidence, pursue your dreams and leapfrog the villains that get in the way.  The debut episode features top-ranked podcaster, Gary Vaynerchuk…..iHeartRadio announces that its podcast “Stuff You Missed in History Class” posted its first branded episode in partnership with Warner Bros Pictures. The episode delves into the historical perspective of the Godzilla legend, exploring how this iconic story came about during WWII and subsequently gained mainstream attention…..WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley is filling in for nationally syndicated talk radio host Tom Shillue on FOX News Radio’s 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET program today (5/14).

Music Radio News and Career Moves. The new on-air lineup at Entercom’s Atlanta CHR WSTR “Star 94.1” is officially revealed after last week’s changes that saw Jeff Dauler, Mike Marino, and Heather Branch exit the station.  The station adds personalities Mark Owens and Curtis Slade as co-hosts of the morning drive “Jenn & Friends” show with host Jenn Hobby.  In addition to contributing to the morning show, Amanda Kelly is promoted to midday host.  Finally, Kannon takes over the afternoon drive program.  Mark Owens served for the last six years as a producer at sister sports talker WZGC-FM “92.9 The Game.”  Curtis Slade began his career as an interior design consultant and then went on to host a weekly segment on WWXM-FM, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Jeannine Riley is producing the morning show…..Cumulus Media promotes three at its Worcester, Massachusetts cluster.  Classic hits WWFX “100 FM The Pike” program director Chuck Perk adds operations manager duties for classic country WORC-FM “98.9 FM NASH Icon.”  Keith Stephens is named program director for WORC-FM, and Matt Henry is upped to promotions director for AC WXLO, WWFX and WORC-FM…..Programming pro Tom Ferguson is appointed program director for Times-Shamrock Communications-owned alternative WFUZ, Wilkes Barre-Scranton “ALT 92.1.”  Ferguson programmed WFUZ from 2013 through 2017 and had most recently been hosting afternoon drive at Entercom’s crosstown classic hits WMQX “Max 102.3.”…..Jodi Vale exits Connoisseur Media’s adult contemporary WKJY, Hempstead, New York “K98.3” in order to finish her master’s degree in communications.