Friday, February 22, 2019

Entercom Q4 Same-Station Net Revenue Up 4%.  Since Entercom closed the CBS RADIO deal in mid-November of 2017, comparisons of fourth quarter 2018 to fourth quarter of 2017 are only relevant on a same-station basis.  Entercom certainly became a much bigger player in the radio business from a revenue standpoint as a result of the CBS merger. Its net revenue for the full year of 2018 was $1.46 billion – almost three times as much as the full year of 2017 that totaled $593 million.  On a same-station basis, the fourth quarter of 2018 was good – up 4% on same-station net revenue of $411 million.  But for the whole of 2018, same-station net revenue shrank 3.9% – from $1.52 billion in 2017 to $1.46 billion in 2018.  Entercom president and CEO David Field says, “I am pleased to report that Entercom delivered strong organic revenue and EBITDA growth in Q4 as our performance continues to accelerate across the organization and we gain traction on our various scale-driven growth initiatives.  2018 was a year of transformational enhancements on many fronts and we begin 2019 as a much stronger organization than we were a year ago.  We are making excellent progress across our strategic focus areas, including Radio.com which is now the fastest growing digital audio app in the US, Entercom Analytics which has grown to exceed 5,000 connected customers, and the Entercom Audio Network which is gaining significant momentum.  2019 is off to a good start with solid pacing growth in the first and second quarters and we are excited about the year ahead.”

Juliet Huddy Joins Curtis Sliwa for WABC Middays. Beginning Monday, 77 WABC Radio adds former FOX News Channel personality Juliet Huddy to the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show with Curtis Sliwa for the new “Curtis and Juliet” show.  Most recently, WABC had paired Sliwa with Rita Cosby – who had been with the station as political editor, as well – but she exited the station in late December.  Huddy began her career with FOX News Channel in 1998 working out of its Miami and Los Angeles bureaus.  She moved to the NYC headquarters in 2001 and worked on “FOX & Friends,” “DaySide,” and her own nationally syndicated talk show, “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet.”  She left FNC in September of 2016 to launch the music website, BlondeAndCrossbones.com – dedicated to hard rock and heavy metal.   Sliwa says, “I worked with Juliet Huddy for four years on ‘Good Day Early Call NY.’  We were like a brother and sister arguing and discussing the issues of the day.  They were not just political.  We delved into cultural, social, and personal issues, especially male/female issues that most people are interested in.  WABC is giving us that opportunity to talk about those same issues in this age where Trump talk dominates the airwaves from a male/female perspective.”  Huddy adds, “I’m genuinely so excited to host alongside Curtis.  We’ve become more than colleagues over the years; we’re friends.”

Entercom Brings Cox Media Group and Bonneville Content Aboard RADIO.COM. In content distribution deals with both Cox Media Group and Bonneville, live channels for all of those companies’ stations as well as on-demand audio will be available on Entercom’s RADIO.COM platform. Entercom chief digital officer J.D. Crowley says, “We are pleased to welcome Cox Media Group’s radio stations and Bonneville and their great content to the RADIO.COM platform as we continue to expand our premium content offerings to super-serve our large and rapidly growing audience of listeners across hundreds of devices.  Great partnerships like these further strengthen RADIO.COM’s position as the premiere destination for live and on-demand audio news, entertainment, music and sports content in markets all across the U.S.”  CMG content on RADIO.COM includes live-stream broadcasts from 55 stations in 11 markets in addition to leading podcasts like “The Von Haessler Doctrine” and “The Mark Kaye Show.”  Bonneville content includes live streams from 22 local radio stations in six markets, as well as leading podcasts such as “Above & Beyond: The Intersection of Faith and Sports,” “Your Last Meal,” “Mindfulness, Wellness & You,” and “Stuff Your Dad Knows.”

Border Wall Emergency Declaration Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 18-22. The political battle over President Trump’s emergency declaration to fund the U.S.-Mexico wall project was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At #2 was the status of the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents.  Coming in at #3 was the slate of Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020, followed by the Jussie Smollett “attack” case at #4.  The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  See this week’s entire chart here.

TALKERS News Notes. Radio pro Bob Stei joins Media Staffing Network as account manager and recruiter.  The media staffing and consulting firm says that Stei is charged with guiding a variety of functions.  Founder and CEO Laurie Kahn says, “Over the past two years, MSN has significantly increased its number of hiring solutions, ranging from placing a wider array of positions across media to developing hands-on and online tools that help media companies hire more effectively, strategically, and proactively.  Bob brings a passion and knowledge about broadcasting and recruiting that will help MSN expand into new areas.”   During his career, Stei has served at such stations as WNEW-FM, New York; WMGK, Philadelphia; WBAB, Long Island; and WCHR, Toms River, New Jersey…..Singer and actor Joey Fantone launches a new podcast with manager and longtime friend Joe Mulvihill via PodcastOne called “Two Cups of Joe.”  The former NSYNC singer was recently “unmasked” on the hit TV show “The Masked Singer” and in the premiere episode he talks with Donnie Wahlberg, who was rumored to be under the rabbit mask as the show’s suspense built…..Tenderfoot TV and Cadence13 announce the launch of a new true crime podcast called, “To Live and Die in LA,” hosted by award-winning journalist and Rolling Stone contributing editor Neil Strauss.  The series takes a deep dive into the mysterious disappearance of 25-year-old aspiring actress Adea Shabani, who disappeared from her apartment complex near Hollywood’s famous Walk of Fame in February of last year…..Westwood One and NBC Sports Radio announce a rare hockey hat trick happening this weekend as broadcasters Kenny Albert and Joe Micheletti will call three NHL games during a 24-hour period for MSG Networks, Westwood One, and NBC Sports Radio.  On Saturday at 1:00 pm ET, the New York Rangers host the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Micheletti will be joined in the broadcast booth by play-by-play announcer Sam Rosen.  Albert, now in his 23rd season as the radio voice of the Rangers, will simultaneously call the play-by-play action on WEPN “ESPN 98.7,” the radio home of the Rangers, alongside analyst Dave Maloney.  Following the game, Albert and Micheletti will go straight to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and team up to broadcast Westwood One/NBC Sports Radio’s national radio coverage of the NHL Stadium Series matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night at 8:00 pm ET.  Albert and Micheletti will be joined onsite by rinkside reporter Kelly Chase and host Steve Mears.  After the game, the duo will then travel down south to Washington, DC for MSG Networks’ television and radio broadcast of the New York Rangers/Washington Capitals game on Sunday at 12:30 pm ET at Capital One Arena.  Albert and Micheletti serve as Westwood One/NBC Sports Radio’s lead NHL broadcast crew and will be on the call together for select playoff games this year, including their fourth straight season calling the Stanley Cup Final.

TALKERS Publisher Visits Hubbard Cluster in West Palm Beach.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison paid a visit to longtime colleagues at the Hubbard Radio cluster headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida yesterday (2/21).  While there, he guested for an hour of on-air conversation about the hot issues with WFTL, Fort Lauderdale/Miami/West Palm Beach midday host (and TALKERS Heavy Hundred member) Joyce Kaufman (above, left). He also visited with the cluster’s creative director (and production wizard) Mick McCabe (below, right) who worked with Harrison as producer/board op for the legendary “Harrison’s Mic” talk show on KMET, Los Angeles back in the early 1980s.

BFoA Announces New Time for Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament. The Broadcasters Foundation of America reports that this year’s Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament will begin at 8:00 am for registration and breakfast, followed by a shot-gun start at 9:00 am on Sunday, April 7, at the Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas.  The annual fundraiser is held during the NAB Show in honor of the Broadcasters Foundation chairman emeritus Philip J. Lombardo and raises money to help broadcasters in acute need.  The BFoA says, “Every year, top-level broadcast industry leaders and celebrities turn out in support of the Foundation’s mission and to enjoy a morning of golf with their colleagues before the NAB kicks into high gear.”  For more information on purchasing a spot or a foursome, please click here.

Cumulus Rising Talk Radio Star Larry O’Connor Is This Week’s Guests on Harrison Podcast. WMAL, Washington, DC/KABC, Los Angeles radio talk show host Larry O’Connor is this week’s guest on the PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  For the past several years, O’Connor, based in the nation’s capital, has been successfully hosting the 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm afternoon drive show on Cumulus Media’s Washington, DC powerhouse WMAL-AM/FM. Six weeks ago, he added a separate mid-morning 10:00 am -12:00 noon show on Cumulus’s KABC, Los Angeles, via remote, to his weekday schedule.  Harrison and O’Connor discuss his new two-station, bi-coastal schedule and the differences he perceives between talk audiences in these markets.  The discussion also explores Donald Trump’s impact on the media as well as society in general and delves back to the days of O’Connor’s pre-radio career in the legitimate theater where he spent a number of years as the general manager of the Schubert Theater in Los Angeles before joining the early incarnation of Breitbart News as an online writer and radio commentator.  O’Connor reflects on his relationship with the late Andrew Breitbart. 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 daily email newsletter and every page on Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Chicago CHR WBBM-FM “B96” names Kenzie K midday personality, taking over for Nikki Imbrascio, who exited the Entercom station last week after 10 years.  Kenzie K comes to Chicago from Tampa where she was midday host at Beasley Media Group’s hip hop WLLD “WiLD 94.1.”  She says, “I cannot wait to join the amazing Entercom team in the city I’ve always dreamt of.  Thank you to [market manager] Jimmy de Castro, [VP of programming] Todd Cavanah and [music director] Erik Bradley for this incredible opportunity.  I’m looking forward to getting to know listeners in the Windy City.”…..Beasley Media Group appoints Philly radio pro Nicole Siberry digital program director for classic rock WMGK-FM and country WXTU-FM in Philadelphia.  Siberry was most recently promotions and programming coordinator for Entercom’s CHR WTDY and classic hits WOGL.  There she was responsible for creating content and video for the stations’ social media platforms…..Max Media Denver names Jowcol “Boogie D” Dolby operations and program director for hip hop KFCO “Flo 107.1” and rhythmic oldies KJHM-FM “Jammin 101.5,” effective March 11.  Previously, Boogie D served with Radio One in markets including: Detroit, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Washington, and Charlotte.  Max Media president and GM Jeff Norman says, “We are thrilled to have Boogie D on board, he’ll bring a fresh prospective and approach to our programming department.  Boogie D has demonstrated an ability to win in competitive environments and our radio stations are poised to grow to the next level under his leadership.”

January 2019 PPM Data – Part Three. January 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 January 2019 survey period covered January 3 – 30. See all the 6+ numbers here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – An improvement of four-tenths to 4.2 (ninth to eighth, 6+) by Alpha Media news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” pulls the plug on three straight negative moves that accounted for a -1.5 (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Off two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” gains three-tenths in January 2019 to 2.1 (6+) and remains at #19. Recapturing the three-tenths it squandered in “Holiday” 2018 (1.0 – .7 – 1.0, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” jumps from #26 to #23.

An overall -1.4 via four consecutive decreases (2.3 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .9, 6+), Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” concludes that slump with a +.2 to 1.1 (#23 to #22, 6+). It is one-tenth ahead of Alpha Media-owned KXTG “The Game,” which was down four consecutive times as well, losing a cumulative six-tenths in that stretch (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .9, 6+). “The Game” picks up one-tenth to 1.0 (6+) and continues at #23. For the third time in the last four sweeps, iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Sports Radio 620”/Portland Trailblazers flagship logs a .7 (.7 – .6 – .7 – .7, #26 to #27, 6+).

Blowing up “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2 with a January 2019 +1.2, Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB advances from second to first (9.3 – 8.1 – 9.3, 6+). Continuing the “1.2” theme, prior to “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2, KOPB was a collective +1.2 in five straight up or flat trends (8.1 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.9 – 9.2 – 9.3, 6+). KOPB had been on top from January 2018 to August 2018 (including a tie in April), before dropping to second in September. Its recent fluctuations include: +1.1 (January 2018); -1.1 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.5 (May); +.7 (October); -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); and +1.2 (January 2019.

Portland Music Formats – It took iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLTH exactly one report to obliterate “Holiday” 2018’s -1.6 (7.0 – 5.4, 6+) as “106.7 The Eagle” soars to a January 2019 +1.7 (7.1, fifth to second, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 5.4 marked the first time “The Eagle” was below a six-share (6+) since March 2018’s 5.5. A collective -1.7 in October and November (5.8 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+), Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 Uniquely Portland” has followed with a +7 (December); -.5 (“Holiday” 2018); and now a +1.2 (4.3 – 5.5, sixth to fifth, 6+). The September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 topline for Salem Media Group regional KRYP was 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 (6+), but “El Rey 93.1” erupts with a +1.3 to 3.3 (#18 to #15, 6+). Not only is All Classical Public Media’s KQAC a collective +1.8 through three straight positive spikes (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 4.4, 6+), “All Classical Portland” enters the top ten (#11 to #7). In addition, it reaches the four-share level (4.4, 6+) for the first time in nearly two years ago (4.2, February 2017). Seven straight down or flat trends by Entercom’s KWJJ resulted in a -1.9 (4.6 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.7, 6+), but “99.5 The Wolf – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” suspends that streak with a +1.1 to 3.8 (#15 to #11, 6+). Its alternative and hot AC cluster-mates KNRK “94/7 Portland Alternative” (3.5 – 4.2, tenth to eighth, 6+) and KRSK “105.1 The Buzz – Today’s Best Mix” (3.1 – 3.6, unchanged at #13, 6+) are up seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively. Even though co-owned KGON is +1.2 in three straight gains (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+), “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” backslides from third to fourth. Entering the December sweep, KGON was a collective -1.0 through four decreases in a row  (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). Immediately prior to that negative streak, “Portland’s Classic Rock” had been without a loss four straight times for a +1.6 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+). Following back-to-back stays at #1 and a combined +8.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.2 – 11.4 – 16.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW is -9.2 (7.0, first to third, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, “K-103” had its strongest 6+-showing (16.2) since “Holiday” 2017 (16.9). On the heels of a massive “Holiday” 2018 +2.4 (3.2 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” surrenders seven-tenths to 4.9 (third to sixth, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – A January gain of four-tenths (3.6 – 4.0, 6+) enables Entercom news/talk WBT to progress from #12 to #11. The Carolina Panthers flagship was a combined -.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.3 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), after being +1.4 in October and November (2.9 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+).

Nearly tripling (+1.1) its 6+ share via seven straight positive or flat moves (.6 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), co-owned sports talk (and Charlotte Hornets key station) WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” climbs from #19 to #18.

Regaining in full “Holiday” 2018’s nine-tenths’ loss, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” moves from #17 to #16 (1.8 – 2.7, +.9, 6+). Flat at #21, South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC is without an increase for the fourth straight time and is down four-tenths in that stretch (.7 – .6 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+).

Charlotte Music Formats – It is a strong sweep for the market’s two country FMs as iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” is +1.2 (4.4 – 5.6, eighth to fifth, 6+), while Beasley Media Group’s WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” posts a gain of nine-tenths (6.4 – 7.3, third to second, 6+). Entering the November sweep, “The Kat” was an overall +1.1 in four successive months without a loss (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), but was then a combined -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+). Prior to January 2019’s +.9, WSOC had been without an increase the past four reports for an overall -1.3 (7.7 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.6 – 6.4, 6+). On top in September, October, and November, WSOC segued to third in December. Four-tenths ahead of “Country’s Hottest Hits” is iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO, which all but erases “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2 with a +1.1 (6.6 – 7.7, 6+) to march from second to first. Immediately in advance of that -1.2, “102.9 The Lake” 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+). Notching a January 2019 +1.1 as well is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” whose five most recent fluctuations are -.5 (October); -.5 (November); +.6 (2.4 – 3.0, 6+, December); -.6 (3.0 – 2.4, 6+, “Holiday” 2018); and +1.1 in January 2019 (2.4 – 3.5, #16 to #12, 6+). At the conclusion of the November sweep, WRCM was a collective -1.9 in five straight decreases (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). Owing to four consecutive setbacks, iHeartMedia’s WRFX was a collective -1.7 (6.4 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 4.7, 6+), but “99.7 The Fox – Charlotte’s Classic Rock” suspends that streak with a +1.0 to 5.7 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Having faltered by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” roars back with a gain of nine-tenths (3.9 – 4.8, tenth to seventh, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 3.9 was its lowest 6+-stat in exactly one year (3.8, “Holiday” 2017). Radio One’s WOSF had been in a May 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 down/up pattern (4.1 – 3.7 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+). In January 2019, “105.3 RnB” adds six-tenths to its “Holiday” 2018 half-share increase (5.3, 6+), but backslides from a three-way tie at #5 to #6. In addition to having its consecutive string of positive or flat moves which produced an overall +7.8 halted at four (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 8.0 – 12.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC “K-104.7 More Music/Better Variety” slumps from first to eighth (12.9 – 4.6, -8.3, 6+). Its 12.9 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-showing by any Charlotte station since “Holiday” 2015, when WKQC logged a 13.2. Co-owned mainstream CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1” is -1.2 via four consecutive negative or flat trends (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2, #11 to #14, 6+).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding seven-tenths to its “Holiday” 2018 gain of three-tenths (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk and San Antonio Spurs’ flagship WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” cruises from ninth to sixth. WOAI’s November loss of one-tenth halted at three a consecutive string of improvements that yielded a +1.0 (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+). Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” has a July 2018 – “January 2019 topline of: 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 (#24, 6+).

While it stays at #29, iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” is up one-tenth to .4 (6+), thus curtailing five straight down or flat reports that resulted in a loss of four-tenths (.7 – .7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .3, 6+).

A combined -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX bounces back with a +.8 (3.5, #16 to #12, 6+).   

San Antonio Music Formats – Virtually each of the 36 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far has produced its share of substantial “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 increases, although we hadn’t seen a single station register an increase of three full-shares … until now. Accomplishing that truly noteworthy accomplishment is iHeartMedia-owned KAJA. Major shifts aren’t new for “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station,” which was +.5 (September); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +3.0 in January 2019 (6.0 – 9.0, 6+). Moreover, KAJA leaps from fourth to first. Continuing in third-place is similarly-formatted, Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader.” Six of its recent fluctuations include: +.9 (August); -.8 (September); +.9 (November); -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +1.8 (5.1 – 6.9, 6+). September’s loss ended three straight gains that accounted for a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.8, 6+). These two country combatants were tied in June and separated by just one-tenth in April, September, and “Holiday” 2018. Applying the brakes to four straight setbacks that accounted for an overall -2.8 (8.8 – 8.3 – 6.9 – 6.4 – 6.0, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” displays a +1.9 to 7.9 (6+) and is in the runner-up slot for the fourth straight time. Prior to dropping to #2 in November, KONO-FM had been on top the previous ten sweeps. Meanwhile, its internet stream improves by one-half share (.2 – .7, #27, 6+). A combined -1.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.3 – 4.6 – 3.5, 6+), Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want” answers with a January 2019 +1.3 to 4.8 (tenth to fourth, 6+). A +1.2 enables Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG to vault into the top five (#11 to #5). “Magic 105.3 – Today’s Best Music” had been down six-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Adding six-tenths to its “Holiday” 2018 +.1 (2.6 – 3.2, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV advances from #18 to #16. When the December 2018 sweep concluded, San Antonio’s version of “Positive & Inspiring K-Love” was -1.3 in three consecutive negative or flat trends (3.8 – 3.4 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). Somewhat mirroring KZLV, iHeartMedia CHR KXXM “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on one-half share to “Holiday” 2018’s +.2 (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.8, #11 to #10, 6+). Owing to three positive spikes in succession, adult contemporary cluster-mate KQXT was +10.6 (4.3 – 9.5 – 14.9, 6+) and #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. In January 2019 though, “Q-101.9” plunges by -10.7 to 4.2 (6+), drifting from first to seventh. KQXT’s “Holiday” 2018 14.9 is the highest 6+-share by any San Antonio station in the PPM-era. In four consecutive down or flat survey periods, Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM is a collective -1.9 (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.1 – 3.5, 6+) as “Que Buena 92.9” departs the top ten (#7 to #12). Off six-tenths as well in January 2019 is Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KSAH “Norteno,” which is -1.1 in three successive down or flat trends (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.2, #15 to #19, 6+).

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does a +1.5 to 7.6 (6+) by iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK completely eliminate its cumulative -.9 in three straight declines (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.1, 6+), “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” jumps from third to a first-place tie. KFBK was +1.4 in October (5.6 – 7.0, 6+). Up two-tenths to 2.5 (6+), co-owned KSTE remains at #14. “Talk 650” was an overall +.7 via three consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.3 – 2.6 – 3.0- 3.0, 6+) and then a combined -.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.0 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+).

Following four straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall loss of four-tenths (1.3, 1.3 – 1.2 – .9 – .9, 6+), Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” gains three-tenths to 1.2 (#23 to #22, 6+). Slipping from #23 to #25, Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” is a collective -.7 in three successive down or flat reports (1.6 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+).

On the heels of forfeiting one full-share, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ sputters by another eight-tenths (5.9 – 5.1, fourth to sixth, 6+). Prior to “Holiday” 2018’s -1.0, KXJZ notched five successive sweeps without a loss, netting a +2.4 since July (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+); December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Flat at #26, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has an October 2018 through January 2019 topline of: .6 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 (6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – Trending 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.4 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+), Entercom’s KKDO erupts with a +1.2 to 4.6 (6+) sending “Alt 94.7 Sacramento’s Alternative” into the top ten (#11 to #8). Co-owned KRXQ “98 Rock,” which was off one-half share in “Holiday” 2018 (4.8 – 4.3, 6+) answers with a +1.1 to 5.4 (sixth to fourth, 6+). In early-November (2018), iHeartMedia transitioned KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” to adult contemporary as “92.5 The Breeze.” KBEB had been up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5, September – October – November, 6+) but then off one-tenth to 2.4 (6+) in December. Now, however, “The Breeze” is a combined +1.3 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.1 – 3.7, 6+), advancing from #13 to #12. Making January 2019 leaps of six-tenths in addition to KBEB are iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” (3.7 – 4.3, flat at #9, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVB “Positive & Inspiring K-Love” (.8 – 1.4, #18, 6+). The wild ride continues for Bonneville’s KNCI. A combined -.9 in August and September (5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), “New Country 105.1” was an overall +1.5 in three straight gains (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 5.7, September – October – November – December, 6+); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.5 in January 2019 (4.2 – 4.7, steady at #7, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well is iHeartMedia classic rocker KYRV “93.7 The River,” which is +1.1 in three upticks in succession (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.3, unchanged at #5, 6+). A boost of two-tenths (7.4 – 7.6, 6+) is enough to lift Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” from second to a first-place tie. On top for ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December, “The Eagle” faltered by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018. Its recent fluctuations include +1.0 (May 2018); +.9 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (September); -.5 (October); -1.1 (November); and -.8 (“Holiday” 2018). After notching a combined December and “Holiday” 2018 +7.6 (6.2 – 8.8 – 13.8, 6+) and occupying the #1 slot in both of those sweeps, adult contemporary sibling KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” returns in its entirety that increase (6.2, -7.6, first to third, 6+). Its “Holiday” 2018 13.8 is the highest 6+-share by any Sacramento station since “Mix” logged a 14.2 in “Holiday” 2017. Lotus Communications regional Mexican KVMX “La Ranchera,” which had been trending 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 (6+), drops one-half share to 1.0 (#18 to #23, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Roaring back from “Holiday” 2018’s -.7 with a +1.1 (4.0 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” progresses from eighth to seventh.

Co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” which was off nine-tenths in November and December (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.5, 6+), is now a combined +1.6 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (5.5 – 5.8 – 7.1, fifth to fourth, 6+). The September 2018 through January 2019 topline for iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” is: .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 (#19 to #17, 6+).

Continuing at #11, Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” bounces back from a one-half share “Holiday” 2018 loss with a +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2, 6+).

Pittsburgh Music Formats – A collective -1.6 via four straight decreases (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom-owned WDSY “Y-108” Pittsburgh’s Country” answers with a +1.1 to 4.6 (tenth to eighth, 6+). Off a combined seven tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM – Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” wipes away that shortfall with a +1.0 to 6.1 (sixth to fifth, 6+). After being without a loss the past three reports for a cumulative +4.1 (9.5 – 9.5 – 9.7 – 13.6, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW erodes by -5.5 to 8.1 (6+), but “94.5 – 3WS” is #1 for the 24^th consecutive ratings period. “Holiday” 2018’s 13.6 is the best 6+-showing for any Pittsburgh station since “3WS” posted a 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Via five straight positive spikes (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 7.7 – 9.9, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH was an overall +4.6, but “Wish 99.7” falters by -4.1 to 5.8 (second to sixth, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though Bonneville’s KSL substitutes “Holiday” 2018’s -.6 with a January 2019 +.6 (5.2 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” backslides from fourth to sixth. KSL was +2.4 in October to 7.2 (#1), its highest 6+-share since April’s 8.1, but then -1.8 in November. Likewise, iHeartMedia’s KNRS completely eradicates “Holiday” 2018’s -1.4 with a January 2019 +1.4 (4.7 – 3.3 – 4.7, 6+). In this case though, “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” progresses from #12 to #7. KNRS was a combined +1.0 in October and November (3.9 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+) and had its strongest 6+-showing (4.9) since March 2017’s 5.6.

After posting an August 2018 – December 2018 topline of 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8, Broadway Media-owned KALL sputtered by seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 to 1.1 (#20 to #22, 6+); “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” vanishes from print in January 2019.

A combined -.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER recaptures all of it in January 2019 – and one-tenth more – with a +.6 to 2.9 (#14 to #12, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Albeit the height of understatement – but nonetheless – iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” is on an incredible rollercoaster ride. It was -1.1 (October); +1.5 (November); -1.4 (December); -1.3 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +2.0 in January 2019 (4.4 – 6.4, sixth to second, 6+). In calendar year 2018, KODJ held sole possession of the top spot or was tied for the lead in June, July, August, September, and November. Registering robust increases of +1.3 (each) are Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” (6.0, third to fourth, 6+) and iHeartMedia CHR KZHT “97.1 ZHT – Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.8, unchanged at #5, 6+). “Now” gained two-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, while KZHT was a collective -1.4 in four negative moves in succession (5.9 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+). Five consecutive decreases by Cumulus Media country KUBL accounted for an overall -2.8 (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+) but “K-Bull 93” is now +1.2 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.1 – 3.4 – 4.3, ninth to eighth, 6+). Gaining eight-tenths each are its adult contemporary and rock siblings, KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” (4.2, steady at #9, 6+) and KUER “Utah’s Rock Station (2.7, #18 to #13, 6+). A combined -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+), KBEE had a December decrease that interrupted three straight gains netting +1.8 (2.7 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+). “Utah’s Rock Station” was -1.0 in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.9 – 2.6 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+). Up six-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia’s KAAZ “Rock 106.7” (2.3, #20 to #16, 6+) and Capital Broadcasting’s KSQN “103.1 The Wave – The Next Wave of New Wave” (1.3, #18, 6+). “Rock 106.7” was -.9 in three straight decreases (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.7, 6+), while “The Wave” was -.5 via four successive setbacks (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .7, 6+). Progressing from #16 to #13, Cumulus Media’s KHTB “101.9 Alternative Utah” has more than doubled (+1.4) its 6+-stat through five straight sweeps without a decrease (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.7, 6+). The good news first for Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI is that it is #1 for the third straight report. After three straight increases that netted a staggering +16.2 (5.6 – 5.7 – 12.7 – 21.8, 6+), however, “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day” craters by an eyepopping -13.9 to 7.9 (6+). KSFI was the only PPM-market station in “Holiday” 2018 to reach the 20-share level (6+).

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Transforming its “Holiday” 2018 loss of three-tenths into a January 2019 increase twice that magnitude (1.6 – 2.2, +.6, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #17). Off a collective four-tenths in three slips in succession (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” gains two-tenths to 1.1 (#25 to #23, 6+).

Regaining the one-tenth it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (.8 – .7 – .8, 6+), Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” advances from #28 to #25.

A combined -.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), directly following a +1.3 via six consecutive increases (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR posts a +.7 to 3.7 (6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #10).

Las Vegas Music Formats – An improvement of one full-share by KKLZ “96.3 – Hits of the Eighties & More” (6.1 – 7.1, steady at #2, 6+) takes the Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet to its highest 6+-share (7.1) since August 2018’s 7.5. An overall +1.1 through three consecutive positive or flat trends (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 4.3, 6+), Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” leaps into the top ten (#11 to #6). By adding seven-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF “Zona Mx 103.5 ” pops back into the top twenty at #16. Notching gains of six-tenths (each) are Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” (2.7 – 3.3, unchanged at #13, 6+) and the University of Nevada’s KUNV “91.5 – Jazz and More” (1.4 – 2.0, #20, 6+). “Hot,” which was a combined +1.1 in November and December (2.4 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), rebounds from a -.8 in “Holiday” 2018. Even though Lotus Communications’ KXPT is without a loss for the eighth straight survey period for an overall +1.8 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), “97.1 The Point – #1 For Classic Rock” backslides from third to fourth; 5.5 is its best 6+-performance in more than two years (5.9, October 2016). A one-half share increase by cluster-mate KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” to 2.6 (#17 to #15, 6+) ends a mini-slide that resulted in a one-half share decrease (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+). A combined +4.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.3 – 9.1 – 12.8, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE surrenders a -5.3 to 7.5 (6+) but “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music for a Better Workday” is #1 for the sixth time in a row. Prior to being #1 from September through January 2019, “Sunny” set the pace in March, May, June, and July. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is the highest 6+-share for any Las Vegas station since the 14.0 KSNE logged in “Holiday” 2016. With a November – December – “Holiday” 2018 topline of 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.3 (6+), Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS regresses by eight-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and drifts from the top ten (#6 to #11). “Old School 105.7 – #1 For Throwbacks” is under a four-share (6+) for the first time since “Holiday 2017’s 3.8.

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – All but wiping away its combined -1.6 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.2 – 4.5 – 3.6, 6+) with a January 2019 +1.5 to 5.1 (6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM progresses from tenth to eighth. At the conclusion of the November 2018 sweep, “News 96.5” was an overall +1.9 due to five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Meanwhile, a six-tenths’ boost to 3.7 (#12 to #11, 6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” suspends five straight declines that resulted in a -1.6 (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+). Its August +1.0 curtailed three straight decreases that generated a -1.8 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). Anchored at #15, news/talk cluster-mate WFLF is up four-tenths to 2.2 (6+), halting three successive setbacks that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+). Just before that, in four consecutive reports without a loss, WFLF nearly doubled (+1.2) its 6+-share (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+).

An increase of two-tenths (.6 – .8, 6+) propels Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” into the top twenty (#23 to #20). While it advances from #23 to #22, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” has lost more than half (-.8) of its 6+ AQH share in five straight down or flat trends (1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+).

Regaining just over half of its “Holiday” 2018 loss of eight-tenths (2.7 – 3.2, +.5, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” carries on at #13.

Orlando Music Formats – A cumulative -2.2 via four down or flat moves in a row (7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 5.8 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105-9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” wipes away nearly all that shortfall with a whopping +2.0 (6.9, seventh to fourth, 6+). After spending 11 consecutive ratings periods at #1, iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM was in the runner-up slot in December and “Holiday” 2018, with a combined -1.1 in those two reports (8.9 – 8.3 – 7.8, 6+). “Rumba 100” breaks out a +1.5 in January 2019 (7.8 – 9.3, 6+) and returns to the lead position. April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Co-owned CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on seven-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (7.3 – 7.4 – 8.1, 6+) and climbs from third to second. Notwithstanding that it nearly replicates “Holiday” 2018’s increase of seven-tenths with a January 2019 +.6 (5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” backslides from fifth to sixth. A December decline of three-tenths halted three consecutive up or flat moves that yielded two-tenths (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). Slightly similar to “Mix,” Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB adds one-half share to “Holiday” 2018’s +.2 (6.5 – 6.7 – 7.2, 6+) but “Star 94.5” is able to jump from fourth to third. In addition to being a combined +8.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.8 – 9.8 – 14.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF was #1 in those two sweeps. In January, however, “Magic 107.7” erodes by -7.4 to 6.9 (6+) and drops to fourth. “Holiday” 2018’s 14.3 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 15.9. The internet stream of Cox Media Group-owned WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits,” which appeared with a .7 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018, vanishes from print in January 2019.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia news/talk WLW manage to obliterate “Holiday” 2018’s -2.1 in one fell swoop with a +2.4 (7.5 – 9.9, 6+), the flagship of the Reds and Bengals zooms from fourth to first. WLW spent six consecutive months at #1 before segueing to #2 in December. Its recent shifts include a combined +2.0 (January and February); -1.0 (March); +1.6 (April); -1.2 (May); -1.4 (September); +1.7 (October); -.8 (November); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +2.4 (January 2019). Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati,” which was down three-tenths in consecutive sweeps (3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), adds one-half share to 3.5 (6+), yet departs the top ten (#10 to #11).

Even though sports talk sibling WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” picks up two-tenths (1.0 – 1.2, 6+) it backslides from #17 to #18.

Down nine-tenths through five successive sweeps without an increase (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU ends that skid with a +.4 to 3.0, but remains at #13.

Cincinnati Music Formats – Following a December-only stay at #1, Cumulus Media-owned classic hits-oldies WGRR shifted to third in “Holiday” 2018, as a result of a -1.8 (9.9 – 8.1, 6+). Roaring back with a January 2019 +1.5 (to 9.6, 6+), “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” climbs to second. 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+), with December’s 9.9 its strongest 6+-stat since March 2018’s 10.4. In three successive sweeps without an increase, its classic rock sibling – WOFX – had a collective loss of nine-tenths (5.2 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+), but “92.5 The Fox” dials up a +1.4 to 5.7 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Down or flat the past five survey periods for a collective -2.6 (7.9 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+), Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” answers with a +1.2 to 6.5 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Even though co-owned WUBE adds a +1.0 to “Holiday” 2018’s +.3 (8.1 – 8.4 – 9.4, 6+),“B-105.1 Cincinnati’s Country” shifts from second to third. The four most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia CHR WKFS are +.7 (November); -.7 (December) another -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.9 in January 2019 (2.7 – 3.6, 6+) as “Kiss 107.1 Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). In advance of November’s +.7, “Kiss” recorded six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.5 (4.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+). Radio One urban AC WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School” is a combined +.6 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (2.5 – 2.6 – 3.1, #13 to #12, 6+). A collective +9.4 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.2 – 8.3 – 14.6), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98.5” spirals by -.8.2 to 6.4 (first to fifth, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6 is the highest 6+-share by any Cincinnati station in the PPM-era. On the heels of its “Holiday” 2018 +.7, iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” regresses by one-half share (5.0 – 4.5, sixth to seventh, 6+). After posting a September 2018 – December 2018 topline of 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.0 – .7 (#20, 6+), Grant County Broadcasters’ classic country WNKR disappeared from print in “Holiday” 2018, but it resurfaces with a 1.2 (#18, 6+). At the same time, Educational Community Radio’s WOBO “88.7 The Station For Something For Everyone,” which had an October through “Holiday” 2018 topline of 1.2 – 1.1 – .2 – .0 (6+), reemerges with a 1.3 (#17, 6+). In August, WDBZ “Soul 101.5” registered a .9 (6+) to finish at #20, but the Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies outlet is unlisted for the sixth month in a row.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight declines (6.8 – 6.3 – 5.2 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM was an overall -2.6, but “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” responds with a +.9 to 5.1 and is back in the top ten (#11 to #9, 6+). An October increase of eight-tenths halted four successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.6 (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+).

Flat at 5.4 (6+), Entercom sports talk WKRK slips from seventh to eighth. Just prior to December, “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” netted a +2.0 in five successive improvements (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+).

Substituting “Holiday” 2018’s -1.1 with January 2019’s +1.1 (2.1 – 3.2, 6+), Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN progresses from #14 to #13.

Cleveland Music Formats – A cumulative -3.7 through five consecutive decreases (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” bounces back with a +1.7 to 6.1 (tenth to fourth, 6+). Similarly, after three consecutive decreases that resulted in a -1.3 (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.2, 6+), co-owned WMMS “100.7 – Cleveland’s Rock Station” erupts with a +1.6 to 4.8 (6+) and lands in the top ten (#13 to #10, 6+). Off four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom’s WNCX “98.5 – Cleveland’s Classic Rock” posts a positive spike twice that magnitude (6.9, +.8, fifth to third, 6+). Displaying gains of seven-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia CHR WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.3 – 4.0, steady at #12, 6+) and co-owned urban contemporary WAKS-HD2 (.7 – 1.4, #17 to #15, 6+). “Kiss” was down one-half share in “Holiday” 2018. WAKS-HD2 surfaced in July with a .1 (6+); failed to appear in the next five reports; but reemerged in “Holiday” 2018. While it repeats at #1, co-owned classic hits-oldies WMJI “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” follows “Holiday” 2018’s massive +2.8 with a -1.7 (10.7 – 9.0, 6+). A combined +4.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.6 – 8.2 – 10.3, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” surrenders a -4.3 to 6.0 (6+) and segues from second to sixth. In advance of the December sweep, “Star” was off eight-tenths in three negative moves in a row (6.4- 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). Dropping from fourth to seventh, Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” is a collective -1.0 in four successive setbacks (6.8 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.4 – 5.8, 6+). Resurfacing in print in October, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFHM trended 5.4 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 5.4 (#7, 6+), but “95.5 The Fish” vanishes in January 2019.

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Two big bounce-backs in the Entercom cluster find news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather,” a combined -1.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+) logging a +1.2 to 4.6 (#14 to #7, 6+), while KMBZ-AM “Talk 980,” which lost half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.6 – 1.8 – 1.3, 6+) notches a +.6 to 1.9 (#20 to #18, 6+). KMBZ-FM was a combined +.7 in October and November (4.4 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), while KMBZ-AM was up four-tenths in October. Steady at #22, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” is trending .7 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 (6+).

A combined -.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810,” breaks out a +1.3 to 5.0 (6+) and vaults into the top ten (#12 to #6). WHB more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+-share in six straight gains (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0 – 4.2, 6+). In three consecutive decreases, Entercom’s KCSP lost nine-tenths (3.5 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+) but “610 Sports Radio” adds three-tenths in January 2019 to 2.9 (#17 to #16, 6+).

Down seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, KCUR responds with a +.3 to 3.4 (#15 to #14, 6+). The University of Missouri news/talk outlet was a collective +.8 in November and December.

Kansas City Music Formats – An overall -1.6 in three straight downturns (5.6 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+), Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country” roars back with a combined +2.0 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.7 – 5.0 – 5.7, fifth to third, 6+). Over and above adding six-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s half-share increase (9.0 – 9.5 – 10.1, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” is #1 for the ninth straight time and has its strongest 6+-stat (10.1) since July 2017’s 10.3. The December loss of seven-tenths by the Kansas City Chiefs’ flagship halted six straight sweeps without a loss for an overall +2.7 (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.8 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Over the course of the last three ratings periods, Entercom-owned KQRC spiraled by an overall -2.8 (7.5 – 7.0 – 6.1 – 4.7, 6+) but “98.9 The Rock” picks up four-tenths to 5.1 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Its November one-half share loss suspended three straight increases that yielded a +2.0 (5.5 – 6.5 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+). A combined +2.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.2 – 5.1 – 7.0, 6+), Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC relinquishes a -3.8 to (3.2, 6+) as “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” freefalls from #2 to #15. “Holiday” 2018’s 7.0 is its best 6+ showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 8.1. Immediately after posting a +1.6, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM falters by -1.3 (6.7 – 5.4, third to fourth, 6+). By picking up one-tenth in December, “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” pulled the plug on eight successive March through November declines that accounted for a combined -3.1 (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+); KCMO-FM was #1 in March 2018, April, and May. As a result of five consecutive positive or flat sweeps, CHR sibling KCHZ was +1.4 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), but “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” sputters by seven-tenths to 3.8 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). Urban AC cluster-mate KMJK “Magic 107.3 – Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B,” which was an overall +2.0 in four consecutive upticks (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 4.7, 6+), forfeits 25% of that bounty (4.2, -.5, sixth to tenth, 6+).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – Off a combined six-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.7, 6+), directly after an overall +.9 in three straight increases (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” dials up a +1.3 to 7.0 (sixth to fifth, 6+).

Among the fluctuations for RadiOhio sports talk outlet – and flagship of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets – WBNS-FM since it reappeared in print in August 2018 are: +1.1 (October); -.4 (November); +1.0 (December) and -2.0 in “Holiday” 2018 (7.3 – 5.3, seventh, 6+). “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” is unlisted in January 2019. Climbing from #18 to #17, iHeartMedia sports talk WXZX “105.7 The Zone” is trending (.9 – .6 – .9 – .7 – .7, 6+).

By posting a +1.1 to 4.5 (eighth to seventh, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU ends a mini-slide that resulted in a loss of six-tenths (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – Tacking on a +1.1 to its “Holiday” 2018 improvement of four-tenths (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WNCI “97.9 Columbus Hit Music” jumps from fourth to second with its highest 6+-share (8.3) since September 2018’s 9.4. Slightly more than three full-shares ahead of it is co-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” (11.4, +.8, 6+), which is #1 for the 14^th sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. Its January 2019 uptick applies the brakes to six straight downturns 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); -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); and +.8 (January 2019). Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, adult hits WODC, which was a combined +3.7 in back-to-back (December and “Holiday” 2018) improvements (5.0 – 5.8 – 8.7, 6+), surrenders a -4.1 to 4.6 (6+) as “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” skids from third to sixth. Its December increase halted three consecutive declines that generated an overall -1.7 (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+). That particular sequence immediately followed four consecutive boosts that netted a +1.6 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.7, 6+). As a result of three positive spikes in a row (5.9 – 6.3 – 7.7 – 9.7, 6+), Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY was a cumulative +3.8, but “Sunny 95” relinquishes exactly half that increase with a -1.9 to 7.8 (second to third, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 9.7 is WSNY’s best 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 11.0.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

40^th Anniversary of Founding of Guardian Angels Coincides with Release of SLIWONICS. Tonight, Cumulus Media’s WABC, New York and early afternoon personality Curtis Sliwa are celebrating the 40^th anniversary of Sliwa’s founding of the Guardian Angels at the company’s Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17 at WABC Radio.  At the same time, Sliwa’s book titled, SLIWONICS, is being released.  Sliwa says the book “explains the many terms that I have used in 27 years of doing talk radio that are malaprops, spoonerisms, and fractured phrases.” He says that this evening he will read from the book “in a ‘Masterpiece Theatre’ way.”

Mayfield Promoted at Ramsey Media. Media executive Brian Mayfield is promoted to the role of executive vice president of Ramsey Media – the company founded by nationally syndicated talk radio star Dave Ramsey.  The company says that this move expands his role to include the Ramsey Solutions Operating Board and Executive Committee speaking into global initiatives company-wide.  Mayfield continues to lead Ramsey Media managing distribution and monetization of The Ramsey Network that features “The Dave Ramsey Show,” “The Rachel Cruze Show,” “The Chris Hogan Show,” “The Ken Coleman Show,” “Business Boutique,” and “The Anthony O’Neal Show.”  Mayfield joined Ramsey Solutions in 2009 and has led the Ramsey Media team since 2012.

Armstrong & Getty Interview Outspoken News Pro Lara Logan. On the heels of her much-publicized interview with former Navy Seal and podcaster Mike Ritland, former CBS News reporter Lara Logan appeared on the KSTE, Sacramento-based Armstrong & Getty program to talk about political bias, objective journalism, and more.  She’s been embraced by conservatives since this story first broke for calling out news organizations for their lack of objectivity.  However, she told Armstrong & Getty, “I just want to say one thing.  If I say one thing loudly and clearly, louder than anything I ever said, I want to say if there is any person out there or any group that is trying to paint me as some kind of ‘right-winger’ or some kind of conservative, I reject that with every fiber of my being and my soul.  I reject that with everything in me.  I am not a politician and I am not going to be labeled by any of them.  I do my job the same way no matter who’s in power.  No matter who’s in power I do my job the same on ‘60 Minutes’ as I did on a newspaper in South Africa or when I was filling in for radio stations.”  Hear the interview here.

Westwood One News Scores Deal for 45 Cox Media Group Music Stations. A new agreement to provide breaking news coverage on 45 Cox Media Group music stations in Atlanta, Houston, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, San Antonio, and other markets – in addition to the signing of news/talk WWBA-AM, Tampa – puts Westwood One News at the 900-affiliate mark.  The company also reports the re-signing of affiliates, including: WINS-AM, New York and KYW-AM, Philadelphia.  Cumulus Media EVP, marketing and president of Westwood One Suzanne Grimes says, “Westwood One News has expanded rapidly due to our trustworthy global news reporting, which stations can locally brand and seamlessly embed into their programming. Reaching 900 stations over four years is an amazing milestone and a testament to Bart Tessler, Jim Jones, the Westwood One News team, and our affiliate sales team.”

Francesa-Kay Battle in New York Illustrates Challenges Faced in Selling Talk. The Andrew Marchand column in the New York Post addressing the sports talk radio battle between WFAN’s Mike Francesa and WEPN’s Michael Kay highlights some of the challenges facing talk broadcasters – sports, news/talk, or otherwise – when it comes to selling based on ratings.  Marchand reports that Kay beat Francesa in Nielsen’s January PPM (Men 25-54) with a 5.8 share over Francesa’s 5.0 share.  The piece goes on to address the difference in ratings when a station uses Total Line Reporting.  Further, Marchand notes that if total audience is the ultimate measuring stick, then Kay’s YES Network television audience needs to be included, too.

TALKERS News Notes. The mayor of Atlanta made news there by responding to a social media post by former WSB-AM/WSBB-FM talk host and current commentator Neal Boortz.  WXIA-TV, Atlanta reports that Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms took issue with Boortz’s tweet that compares the Democratic Party’s treatment of blacks today to that of plantation owners during slavery.  You can see the story here.  Though Boortz retired from his regular talk show in 2013, he still does a daily commentary for WSB…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that longtime Chicago journalist and former WCPT-AM, Chicago talk host Ben Joravsky is back in the audio game with a new, daily talk show being streamed live by the Chicago Reader and the Sun-Times…..Podcast producer Cadence13 is named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies for 2019. The list honors the businesses making “the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s volatile world.”  Cadence 13 partners Spencer Brown and Chris Corcoran say, “We are thrilled to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative media companies of 2019.  This wouldn’t be possible without the trust and dedication of our incredible partners, the hard work, passion and execution of our entire team, and the creative and innovative environment we promote here at C13.”

Trump-Russia Investigation, Border Wall Emergency Declaration Challenge, Jussie Smollett Case, 2020 Presidential Hopefuls, Putin Threatens U.S., Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Scandal, Venezuela Unrest, and NBA/NCAA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/20).  The expectation that the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents will wrap soon; the U.S.-Mexico border wall project, President Trump’s emergency declaration, and the 16 states suing over the emergency declaration; actor Jussie Smollett is charged with filing a false police report after charging he was assaulted in Chicago; the Democrats declaring their 2020 presidential candidacy; Russian president Vladimir Putin threatens the U.S. with military retribution if the U.S. installs missiles in Europe; the Vatican’s plans to take up issues surrounding the cascade of sexual abuse charges against its clergy; the political unrest in Venezuela as conditions under Nicolas Maduro deteriorate; and NBA and NCAA basketball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Next month’s iHeartRadio Music Awards will include three new awards to be given to artists during the two-hour, live television and radio event. The 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards will honor Alicia Keys with the iHeartRadio Innovator Award; Garth Brooks with the Artist of the Decade Award; and Halsey with the iHeartRadio Fangirls Award presented by L’Oréal Paris.  The sixth annual iHeartRadio Music Awards airs live on Thursday, March 14 from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on FOX TV and across iHeartMedia radio stations as well as the iHeartRadio platform from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles…..Westwood One is launching a new, weekend radio show starring Elaina Smith called “With Elaina,” targeted to country music outlets.  WWO says the show is “designed for pop culture junkies, entertainment fans, and country music lovers” and “showcases Elaina doing what she does best – talking about life, love, movies, music, celebrity news, and of course, country music.” Smith says, “Launch day can’t come soon enough.  I’ve been waiting to do a show like this for years.  We’re going to have a blast bringing my pop culture background and millennial vibe to country music fans in a whole new way.”

January 2019 PPM Data – Round Two. January 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 January 2019 survey period covered January 3 – 30. 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 – Without a loss from June 2018 through November 2018 for an overall +1.6 (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), WMAL was then a combined -.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+). Not only does the Cumulus Media news/talker bounce back with a January 2019 +1.4 (4.3 – 5.7, sixth to fifth, 6+), WMAL establishes a new record for its best 6+-stat (5.7) in the PPM-era.

Flat at #14, Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” returns half (one-tenth) of the two-tenths it picked up in “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 3.1, -.1, 6+). The +.2 in “Holiday” 2018 followed four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective loss of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+). Stuck on .9 (6+) in November and December, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” is a combined -.3 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (.9 – .8 – .6, #21 to #23, 6+).

After eroding by one full-share in “Holiday” 2018, Hubbard all-news WTOP roars back with a +2.0 (8.4 – 10.4, 6+) and returns to #1 with its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). Having set the pace for 11 straight ratings periods, WTOP segued to the runner-up slot in December.

It took just one ratings period for American University-owned news/talk WAMU to completely obliterate “Holiday” 2018’s massive -2.2, as “The Mind Is Our Medium” hangs out a January 2019 +2.5 (7.3 – 9.8, fourth to second, 6+). There have been a plethora of major (6+) “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 increases but this (WAMU’s +2.5) is the largest one we’ve seen in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far. Immediately prior to “Holiday” 2018, WAMU was an overall +1.9 via five straight increases (7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 9.0 – 9.5, 6+). While this (9.8) is the best 6+-stat for WAMU since May 2017’s 10.7, its 7.3 in “Holiday” 2018 is its softest 6+-stat since 6.9 in “Holiday” 2015. “The Mind Is Our Medium” finished at #2 ten 10 times in calendar year 2018.

Down or flat five straight times for a loss of two-tenths (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+), Entercom business news outlet WDCH doubles (+.3) its 6+-stat to .6 (#24 to #23, 6+).

Washington, DC Music Formats – Not only is Entercom hot AC-turned-classic hits-oldies WIAD an overall +1.5 via four straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+), “94.7 The Drive – DC’s Greatest Hits” rockets into the top ten (#16 to #9). With a September through “Holiday” 2018 topline of 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.0 (6+), co-owned Spanish tropical WLZL “El Zol 107.9” posts a one-half share gain to 1.5 (#20 to #19, 6+), its strongest 6+-stat in just over one year (1.5, as well in “Holiday” 2017). Owing to four straight upticks (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+), Radio One-owned urban AC WMMJ “Majic” is an overall +1.1 and continues at #3. At the same time, its format foe – Howard University’s WHUR – tacks on two-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.9 (6.2 – 6.4, 6+), advancing from fifth to fourth. A collective -1.4 via three straight decreases (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” picks up one-tenth to 3.6 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). Manning Broadcasting hot AC and classic hits-oldies cluster-mates WAFY “Key 103” and WWEG “106.9 The Eagle”  surface at .8 (#21, 6+) and .6 (#23, 6+), respectively. A combined +5.6 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.8 – 7.3 – 10.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today” sputters by -6.1 in January 2019 to 4.3 (6+), tumbling from first to sixth. Prior to being -1.0 in November, WASH was +2.1 in September and October (3.7 – 4.4 – 5.8, 6+). Forfeiting nearly all of the seven-tenths it accrued in “Holiday” 2018 (4.0 – 3.4, -.6, 6+), Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ WETA “Classical 90.9” exits the top ten (#7 to #12). When WETA dropped three-tenths in December, it halted at five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that accounted for a collective +1.4 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Having faltered by -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” notches a +.1 to 2.2 (6+) and carries on at #17.  November 2018’s 3.2 is the best 6+-stat for WRKO in more than four years (3.3, November 2014).

There are more wild fluctuations for this market’s two mammoth sports talkers as Entercom’s WEEI-FM answers “Holiday” 2018’s loss of seven-tenths with a +1.7 (3.7 – 3.0 – 4.7, 6+) to return to the top ten (#11 to #8), while Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” piles on a +1.6 to its one-half share increase in “Holiday” 2018 (5.1 – 5.6 – 7.2, third to second, 6+). Off by -1.0 in December, WBZ-FM is the key station of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, as well as the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. The flagship of the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox, WEEI-FM cratered two full-shares in December.

While it is unchanged at #6, iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” posts a +1.2 to 5.5 (6+), thus applying the brakes to four straight decreases that resulted in a collective -1.1 (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+).

In one fell swoop, Boston University news/talker WBUR makes its overall -1.5 through five consecutive down or flat ratings periods (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.2, 6+) vanish with a +1.5 (5.7, seventh to fifth, 6+). Even though WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH gains two-tenths (2.4 – 2.6, 6+), it backslides from #14 to #15.

Boston Music Formats – Off one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” responds with a gain of six-tenths to 7.3 (6+), marching from second to first. This (7.3) is the highest 6+-showing since August 2018’s 7.8 for “Kiss,” which was #1 from January 2018 through November 2018. With a November – December – “Holiday” 2018 topline of 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.6 (6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” records a +.6 as well (6.2, steady at #3, 6+). Logging improvements of one-half share (each) are Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1 – Boston’s Best Variety” (3.4 – 3.9, unchanged at #9, 6+) and co-owned WAAF “107.3 – The Only Station That Really Rocks” (1.2 – 1.7, #22 to #20, 6+). Within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) the past 19 sweeps, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” busts out a +.4 to 3.1 (#13 to #12, 6+). Owing to three straight increases (5.3 – 5.6 – 8.9 – 14.5, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WMJX netted a +9.2 and spent December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018 at #1. In January 2019, however, “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” sputters by -8.4 to 6.1 (6+) and slips to fourth. “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5 is its strongest 6+-showing since 14.8 in “Holiday” 2015. The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share takes a further hit as iHeartMedia’s WSRS “96-1 SRS – Worcester’s At-Work Station,” which more than doubled (+.9) its 6+-share since surfacing in August 2018 (.6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+), surrenders one full-share to .5 (#20 to #27, 6+). Despite adding one-tenth to 3.6 (6+), thus ending seven successive down or flat reports that accounted for a combined loss of -1.2 (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” backslides from eighth to tenth. Its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s #1 For New Hit Country” – is without an increase for the third straight time for a -.3 (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, #18 to #19, 6+).

Miami

English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” recaptures two-tenths to 2.4 (6+) and carries on at #18. Its December loss of one-tenth halted three consecutive gains that yielded six-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+).

Over the course of the last nine sweeps (May 2018 – “Holiday” 2018), Entercom’s WQAM has logged a .9 (6+) six times and a .8 (6+) the other three. In January 2019, however, “Sports Radio 560” is down three-tenths to .6 (#25 to #26, 6+). It is tied with co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket,” which is without an increase for the third straight time (.9 – .6 – .6 – .6, #30 to #26, 6+).

After surrendering six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN answers with a +.7 (2.2 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+) and returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – As the result of a +.7, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR reaches a 5.2 (seventh to sixth, 6+) and ends three straight flat or down trends (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Moreover, this (5.2) is the first time since February 2017 that “99 Jamz” isn’t within 4.0 – 4.9 range (6+). Flipping “Holiday” 2018’s seven-tenths’ loss into a January 2019 gain of six-tenths (3.9 – 4.5, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ “106.7 El Zol” climbs from ninth to eighth; 3.9 in “Holiday” 2018 is its lowest 6+ showing since May 2018’s 3.7. Flat at #15, iHeartMedia-owned CHR WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” is without an increase for the fourth straight sweep for a collective -.5 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). On the other hand, Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WFLC “Hits 97.3” is up one-tenth to 3.1 (#13 to #12, 6+), thus snapping three successive down or flat trends that produced an overall loss of three-tenths (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). Without an increase the last three reports for a three-tenths’ deficit (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss Country 99.9” posts a one-half share increase to 3.1 (#17 to #12, 6+). For the ninth straight ratings period, an adult contemporary occupies Miami’s lead position (6+). This time, it’s Cox Media Group-owned WFEZ “Easy 93.1” (7.1 – 7.4, +.3, second to first, 6+), which dislodges/trades places with Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” (6.4, -.9, first to second, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. It bounced back from November’s loss of seven-tenths with a December increase of three-tenths. Meanwhile, “Lite FM” had been an overall +1.9 through three positive spikes in succession (5.4 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 7.3, 6+) and notched its best 6+-stat (7.3) since January 2018’s 7.4. WLYF erased half of October’s -.6 with a November improvement of three-tenths. A collective +1.0 via five straight up or flat trends (3.9 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.9, 6+) iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM Donde Viven Tus Hits” returns two-tenths to 4.7 (sixth to seventh, 6+). Off six-tenths (3.6 – 3.0, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7” fades from the top ten (#10 to #14). With similar call letters of aforementioned WRMA, Moody Bible Institute’s religious teaching WRMB all but disappears (1.5 – .2, -1.3, #32, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.7 through three straight negative trends (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM responds with a January 2019 +.7 to 5.6 (fifth to third, 6+). Its November loss of six-tenths curtailed three straight gains which yielded a +1.5 (5.1 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+). Co-owned KTTH breaks a negative streak as well: “Conservative Talk Radio” dials up a +.4 to 1.9 (flat at #22, 6+), ending a December and “Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that nonetheless resulted in slicing in half (-1.5) its 6+-share (3.0 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+). Just before December’s decrease, KTTH put together three increases in a row for a collective +.9 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+). Continuing this theme, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570,” which was a collective -.4 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.3 – 1.2 – .9, 6+), is up one-half share to 1.4 (#25 to #24, 6+). Through six straight May through November reports without a loss, KVI was up three-tenths (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+).

Not so lucky as its Seattle news/talk counterparts, Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM is an overall -1.1 in three straight setbacks (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.0, 6+) and drifts out of the top ten (#10 to #14). “ESPN 710,” the flagship of the Seahawks and Mariners, was up by a combined seven-tenths in October and November. By logging a +.6 to 1.6 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM climbs from #24 to #23. “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” was down a collective four-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+), following four consecutive up or flat sweeps that nearly tripled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .7 – .9 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+).

Trending 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO improves by one-half share to 2.9 (#17 to #16, 6+). Off by three-tenths in December, KOMO was -.2 in June (2.6 – 2.4, 6+); +.2 in both August and September (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+); -.2 in October (2.7 – 2.5, 6+); and +.2 in November (2.5 – 2.7, 6+).

On top in September 2018, Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW registers a robust +1.5 (5.9 – 7.4, 6+) and returns to #1, after spending December and “Holiday” 2018 in the runner-up slot.

Seattle Music Formats – Adding a +1.3 to its “Holiday” 2018 increase of four-tenths (5.3 – 5.7 – 7.0, 6+), Hubbard CHR KQMV “Movin’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” inches up from third to second with its highest 6+-stat (7.0) since July 2018’s 7.8. Down four-tenths in December and then by another six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom’s KKWF not only erases that entire full-share deficit with a +1.0 to 4.3 (6+), “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For New Country” zooms into the top ten (#15 to #8). In eight consecutive down or flat reports, hot AC sibling KHTP was a collective -1.4 (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+), but “Hot 103.7” erases nearly half that shortfall with a +.6 to 2.6 (#20 to #18, 6+). There’s a bit of a similarity with iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station,” which is up a combined seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4, ninth to seventh, 6+), immediately after being a collective -1.6 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). December 2018’s 3.7 is the lowest 6+-showing for KZOK since its 3.6 in December 2017. Notching a January 2019 uptick of one-half share as well is Entercom’s KNDD “107.7 The End – Alternative Seattle,” which is a collective +1.1 via five straight positive or flat trends (3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.7, seventh to sixth, 6+). Without an improvement the past eight reports for a collective -2.2 (6.2 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned KISW “99.9 Seattle Rock Music” is up three-tenths to 4.3 (6+) and remains at #8. Having more than tripled (+7.8) its 6+-share as the result of three straight gains (3.4 – 4.1 – 8.8 – 11.2, 6+), Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” surrenders a -6.4 to 4.8 (6+) and drops from first to fourth. Its November improvement of seven-tenths suspended four successive decreases that produced an overall -1.6 (5.0 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+). On the heels of recording a “Holiday” 2018 +1.3, Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” returns it entirely (5.1 – 3.8, -1.3, 6+) and skids from fourth to tenth. “Holiday” 2018’s 5.1 is its highest 6+-stat since 5.7 in “Holiday” 2017. A collective +.8 through three straight up or flat trends (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), Crista Media contemporary Christian KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3” sees it all disappear with a January 2019 loss of nine-tenths (2.8, #11 to #17, 6+).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Following its combined December and “Holiday” 2018 -1.7 (4.7 – 4.1 – 3.0, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WJR responds with a +.7 to 3.7 (#13 to #12, 6+). Entering the December 2018 sweep, “News Talk 760” was +1.1 through four straight gains (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+).

The rollercoaster ride continues for Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” which was +1.8 via three increases in a row (4.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+); -1.3 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.6 in January 2019 (4.6 – 5.2, 6+). Notwithstanding the increase, the flagship of the Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers backslides from fifth to eighth.    

Transforming “Holiday” 2018’s seven-tenths’ loss into a lofty +1.4 (6.1 – 7.5, 6+), co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” leaps from the runner-up slot to #1. Its November one-half share decrease halted three consecutive gains that yielded an overall +1.6 (5.5 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+).

Down one-tenth in back-to-back survey periods (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM makes up for it with a +.3 in January 2019 to 1.9 (#20 to #19, 6+). By gaining one-tenth in September, WUOM curtailed eight straight survey periods without an increase for a collective -.3 (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+). Four straight gains by WDET resulted in an overall +.9 (.6 – .7 – .8 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+), but the Wayne State University news/talk facility is now without an increase for the third straight time for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, flat at #22, 6+).

Detroit Music Formats – In addition to registering a +1.6 to 5.3 (6+), which pulls the plug on three successive declines that resulted in a cumulative -1.9 (5.6 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 – Detroit Country Music” returns to the top ten (#11 to #6). Ironically, WYCD isn’t the only Detroit out making a “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 leap of +1.6, as Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Everything That Rocks” does so as well (4.4 – 6.0, seventh to fourth, 6+). Its October 2018 – “Holiday” 2018 topline was 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.4 (6+). With a gain of nine-tenths to 6.9 (steady at #3, 6+), co-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” wipes away precisely half of its December and “Holiday” 2018 -1.8 (7.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+). A November improvement of one-half share suspended three straight declines that led to a -1.0 (8.3 – 7.9 – 7.4 – 7.3, 6+). WCSX spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September. Progressing by nine-tenths as well is iHeartMedia CHR WKQI “Channel 95-5 Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.4 – 5.3, seventh to sixth, 6+). Down or flat the past five sweeps for a -1.4 (5.2 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” notches a +.7 to 4.5 (6+) and continues at #10. Also logging a +.7 is Detroit Classical & Jazz Educational Radio’s WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days/Jazzy Nights” (1.8 – 2.5, #18 to #17, 6+), which reaches a two-share (6+) for the first time since July 2018’s 2.0. Owing to four straight increases, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share since September (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+) and spent December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018 at #1. In January 2019, however, “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” plummets by -10.8 to 7.1 (6+) and segues to #2. “Holiday” 2018’s 17.9 is easily the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. Off two-tenths to 4.2 (6+), Beasley Media Group’s WMGC “105.1 The Bounce – Detroit’s Throwback Hip-Hip and R&B” ends three straight gains that netted a +1.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#7 to #11).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.3 – 3.5 – 2.8, 6+), after being a collective +1.2 via four increases in a row (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), KTAR-FM picks up six-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and is back in the top ten (#12 to #10). In November, the Bonneville news/talk outlet reached the four-share level (6+) for the first time since January’s 4.0. Off three-tenths in back-to-back survey periods (2.9 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI regains one-half share (2.8, #18 to #17, 6+). After dropping four-tenths in September, “News Talk 550” duplicated October’s gain of two-tenths in November (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+).

As a result of four straight setbacks, Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM was a combined -1.2 (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), but “98.7 Arizona Sports” logs a +.2 to 2.2 (6+) and cracks the top twenty (#21 to #20). September 2018 marked the first time the flagship of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes, and Arizona Diamondbacks reached the three-share level (6+) since October 2017’s 3.0.

After being without an increase the past three sweeps for an overall loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ erases that deficit with a gain of seven-tenths (3.2, #15 to #13, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – Ups/downs continue for iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything,” which was a collective +.4 via three straight up or flat trends (5.9 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+); -1.2 in “Holiday” 2018; and now +.9 in January 2019 (5.1 – 6.0, fourth to third, 6+). Dialing up a gain of nine-tenths as well is Entravision’s KVVA “92.7 La Suavecita” (2.5 – 3.4, 6+), which vaults into the top ten (#15 to #10). Down or flat the past three ratings periods for an overall -1.2 (5.6 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” notches a +.7 to 5.1 (seventh to fifth, 6+). Unchanged at #19, The Yucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA “Hot,” which had been without an increase the past six sweeps for a collective -1.3 since July (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+), ends that streak by picking up two-tenths to 2.4 (6+). While it is #1 for the fifth straight time, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ surrenders more than half of its 6+ AQH share (15.0 – 7.0, -8.0, 6+). The decrease suspends four upticks in a row that yielded a collective +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. After spending ten straight sweeps at #1, KESZ shifted to the runner-up slot in September. At #30, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KQMR “Latino Mix 100.3” sees its 6+-stat slashed in half (1.2 – .6, -.6, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Applying the brakes to six straight down or flat moves that accounted for an overall -1.2 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” dials up a +.7 to 3.9 (#13 to #12, 6+). The Timberwolves and Twins flagship has been +.8 (April 2018); -.8 (May); -.8  (June); +.5 (July); -.6 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.7 (January 2019). Tied at #14 are iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” (3.3, +.3, #15 to #14, 6+) and Hubbard news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” (2.2 – 3.3, +1.1, #18 to #14, 6+). KTLK, which gained seven-tenths in October, had been -1.1 in three successive ratings periods without an increase (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+). Meanwhile, “My Talk 107.1” was off a cumulative seven-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), after being up a collective four-tenths in October and November (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+).

Following four consecutive increases that netted a +3.0 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” is -1.8 in three decreases in succession (6.7 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 4.9,  6+). The flagship of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild drops from sixth to eighth. Flat at #25, Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” regains the one-tenth it dropped in “Holiday” 2018 (.7 – .6 – .7, 6+).

In three straight setbacks KNOW lost a total of seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+), but the Minnesota Public Radio news/talker rebounds with a +1.0 to 5.0 (ninth to sixth, 6+). Immediately prior to this streak, KNOW logged three straight increases for a collective +1.0 (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+).

Minneapolis Music Formats – This particular sweep proves especially productive for the Twin Cities’ hot ACs as Hubbard’s KSTP-FM “KS-95” hauls out a +1.9 (5.3 – 7.2, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KTCZ “Cities 97.1” flashes a +1.2 (3.3 – 4.5, #12 to #11, 6+). Moreover, “KS-95,” which spiraled by -1.0 in back-to-back sweeps (7.3 – 6.3 – 5.3, 6+), leaps from seventh to first. It held the lead position seven straight times before being ousted in August; KSTP-FM returned to #1 in October and November. In “Holiday” 2018, “Cities 97.1” eroded by nine-tenths to 3.3, its lowest 6+-performance since April 2018 (3.3, as well). A combined -1.6 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.6 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” bounces back with a +1.0 to 5.0 (ninth to sixth, 6+). Fully erasing its combined December and “Holiday” 2018 -.8 (2.2 – 1.7 – 1.4, 6+) with a gain of that same magnitude (2.2, +.8, 6+), Minneapolis Public Schools’ KBEM “Jazz 88” climbs from #20 to #19. There are more ups/downs for Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X,” which was an overall +.8 in four straight sweeps without a loss (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.4, 6+); -.5 in “Holiday” 2018; and now +.6 in January 2019 (5.9 – 6.5, unchanged at #2, 6+). This marks the sixth time in a row that Minnesota Public Radio classical outlet KSJN is without a decrease for a collective +1.1 (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1, #14 to #16, 6+). With a .5 (6+), Borgen Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WDGY “The Original Rock N Roll Station” pops on at #27. A combined +6.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.6 – 8.7 – 12.6, 6+), following a collective -1.4 in October and November (8.0 – 6.7 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL has its 6+-stat carved in half (12.6 – 6.3, -6.3, 6+), as “Kool 108 Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” falls from first to third. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.6 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Minneapolis station since “Kool” logged a 14.2 in “Holiday” 2017. Up or flat the past three sweeps for a +1.2 (4.6 – 5.0 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” falters by -1.0 to 4.8 and tumbles from fourth to ninth. It’s been a rollercoaster ride recently for University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” KTIS-FM, which was a collective -.8 via three straight sweeps without an increase (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+); +.9 (“Holiday” 2018); and now -.6 in January 2019 (5.2 – 4.6, eighth to tenth, 6+). Having more than doubled (+1.0) its 6+-share in four successive up or flat trends (.8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.8, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WGVX “Love 105 FM” returns half that increase with a -.5 to 1.3 (#19 to #20, 6+).

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – By logging a one-half share increase to 4.4 (ninth to eighth, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO suspends three straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a collective loss of eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+). Recent “News Radio 600” fluctuations include +.8 (January 2018); -.7 (February); +.8 (March); +.6 (May); -.6 (August); -.7 (December); and +.5 (January 2019). October 2017’s 7.2 is KOGO’s highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. Over and above picking up three-tenths (1.6 – 1.9, 6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” enters the top twenty (#21 to #20). While down a combined half-share in four straight sweeps without an increase (1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” moves from #23 to #22.

A positive spike of six-tenths to 1.5 (#25 to #21, 6+) by Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” applies the brakes to three consecutive down or flat reports that resulted in a loss of three-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – .9 – .9, 6+). This (1.5) is its best 6+-performance since February 2018’s 1.6. Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” records its third straight up or flat move for a +.4 (.7 – .8 – .8 – 1.1, #24, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station,” which had been down or flat the past three reports for a -.4 (.9 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+), gains three-tenths to .8 (#26, 6+).

A mammoth +2.1 by KPBS (5.1 – 7.2, 6+) wipes away an overall -1.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.8 – 6.2 – 5.1, 6+) and propels the San Diego State University-owned news/talker from second to first. KPBS was #1 in October, November, and December before shifting to #2 in “Holiday” 2018.

San Diego Music Formats – Adding a +1.1 to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom-owned KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” leaps from eighth to third. Somewhat similarly, iHeartMedia’s KGB “San Diego’s Classic Rock” tacks on seven-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5, 6+) and progresses from tenth to sixth. This marks the fourth straight up or flat trend for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5,” which is +1.3 in that timeframe (4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.5, third to second, 6+). Down or flat six consecutive reports for a collective -1.3 (5.9 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), Local Media of San Diego-operated XHRM “Magic 92.5 The Beat of San Diego” picks up two-tenths to 4.8 (sixth to fifth, 6+). As a result of six straight sweeps without a loss, Entercom adult contemporary KYXY nearly tripled (+5.4) its 6+-stat (3.0 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 5.8 – 8.4, 6+) and posted its highest 6+-performance (8.4, “Holiday” 2018) in exactly one year (9.5, “Holiday” 2017). A January 2019 -4.5 to 3.9 (6+), however, sinks KYXY from #1 to #11. Following a “Holiday” 2018 loss of two-tenths (5.2 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” drops another six-tenths to 4.4 (third to eighth, 6+). While flat at #6, co-owned CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a collective -2.1 in three straight declines (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+). In seven consecutive sweeps without a loss, KHTS (#1 in September) was a collective +2.8 (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), but it lost two-tenths in October. In four negative moves in a row, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ was a collective -1.6 (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.1, #17 to #19, 6+), but San Diego’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” disappears from print in January 2019. KLVJ posted a +1.1 in September when it reached the three-share threshold (3.7, 6+) for the first time since March (3.1). Immediately after the 6+ AQH share of classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM had been carved precisely in half (2.4 – 1.2, 6+), “105.7 Max FM” sputters by another one-half share to .7 (#23 to #27, 6+).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.7 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.8 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” rebounds with a one-half share gain to 3.6 (#14 to #12, 6+). The flagship of the NHL’s Tampa Lightning was a combined -.9 in September and October (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), following August’s +.6. Up three-tenths to 2.9 (#16 to #15, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” halts three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a -1.0 (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+). “The Bone” erased September’s -.2 with an October gain of three-tenths.

Up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” advances from #19 to #18. WDAE was a combined +.6 in September and October (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), but that disappeared in November and December (2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+).

After surrendering one-half share in “Holiday” 2018, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF recaptures three-tenths (1.7 – 2.0, #20 to #19, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – An overall +1.5 in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” progresses from eighth to seventh. Three setbacks in a row by Beasley Media Group country WQYK resulted in a -1.8 (6.7 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+), but “99.5 QYK” makes up one-third of that decrease with a +.6 to 5.5 (fourth to third, 6+). Albeit that the first-place finisher holds an exactly two-to-one lead over the runner-up, the market has (Cox Media Group-owned) adult contemporary outlets at #1 and #2. Through four straight upticks, WWRM is +1.0 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+) as “Magic 94.9 – Tampa Bay’s Best Music” bumps up from third to second with its strongest 6+-stat since July 2018’s 6.4. Despite eroding by -1.9 (13.7 – 11.8, 6+), its Cox Media Group adult contemporary sibling, WDUV “Lite Favorites,” is #1 for the 78^th successive ratings period. Its January 2019 decrease interrupts three straight gains that netted a +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. Having precisely doubled (+2.3) its 6+-stat via four straight up or flat monthlies (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.7 – 4.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WPBB craters by -2.9 to 1.7 freefalling from #6 to #20. During the December 2018 sweep, WPBB used the “B-98.7” handle, but the day after Christmas (12/26), it changed format and imaging to “98.7 The Shark – The Next Generation Of Classic Rock.” Back in the iHeartMedia cluster, urban-rhythmic oldies WMTX-HD2, which quadrupled (+.9) its 6+-stat through six straight up or flat moves (.3 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .9 – 1.2, 6+), falters by eight-tenths to .4 (#21 to #2.6, 6+), while sibling WXTB “98 Rock” sputters by six-tenths (4.1 – 3.5, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #13). One streak continues for Cox Media Group-owned WXGL and another ends as “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” is -1.5 in four successive declines (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+), but after six straight times at #2, it slips to #4.

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – In three negative moves in succession (6.2 – 5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” was an overall -1.9 but the flagship of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies hangs out a +.5 to 4.8 (seventh to sixth, 6+). KOA was +1.1 (October); -1.1 (November); and -.6 in December. In a somewhat similar scenario, co-owned news/talk KHOW “Talk Radio 630,” which was off a collective seven-tenths in three successive reports without an increase (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1, 6+), improves by three-tenths to 1.4 (#23 to #22, 6+).

A combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN erases 75% of the shortfall with a +.9 to 4.1 (#13 to #10, 6+). Directly before that, “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” posted four increases in a row for an overall +1.9 (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+). KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5,” the flagship of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, adds one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.3 – .4 – .5, #29 to #27, 6+). Up until September (2018), KKSE-FM was country KWOF “The Wolf.”

Not only does KCFR wipe away “Holiday” 2018’s one-half share loss with a January 2019 increase of seven-tenths (6.9 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+), the Colorado Public Radio news/talk station progresses from second to first. KCFR was on top in September, October, and November before segueing to #2 in December. A one-tenth November decline ended three consecutive gains that netted +1.5 (5.2 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+). Although falling from #21 to #22, Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC is in a repetitive 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.4 (6+) sequence.

Denver Music Formats – Off one-half share through three decreases in a row (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.5, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” logs a +1.2 to 5.7 (fifth to third, 6+). Racking up a January 2019 increase of +1.2 as well is Entravision’s KJMN (4.7, #12 to #8, 6+); “La Suavecita 92.7” had been trending 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 (6+). Locked on 5.0 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018 (after a 5.5, 6+, in November), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “97.3 World Class Rock” records a +1.0 to 6.0 (6+) and advances from third to second. Along the same line, Entercom’s classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain,” which was frozen on 4.5 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018 (after a 4.9, 6+, in November), improves by nine-tenths to 5.4 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Despite gaining three-tenths to 4.6 (6+), thus halting five consecutive decreases that resulted in a -1.9 (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), Bonneville’s country KYGO backslides from seventh to ninth. In three straight sweeps without a loss, adult contemporary cluster-mate KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” was an overall +7.9 (4.9 – 4.9 – 7.6 – 12.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. In January 2019 though, KOSI forfeits -7.5 to 5.3 (6+) and slips to fifth. Immediately prior to December, KOSI was a collective -1.1 in four successive sweeps without an increase (6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+). The last time any Denver station reached the 12-share level (6+) was four years ago (KOSI, 12.4, “Holiday” 2014). In a reverse of the previously-cited KBCO and KQMT situations, KSE Radio Ventures hot AC KIMN “Mix 100 Today’s Best Mix,” which notched a 3.8 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018 (after a 3.4, 6+, in November), regresses by one-half share to 3.3 (#11 to #13, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – At the same time that independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” adds nine-tenths (3.4, #12 to #11, 6+), Hearst Television news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” gains seven-tenths (2.7, #14 to #13, 6+). WCBM had been off by one-half share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), while WBAL lost a collective six-tenths in three slips in a row (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). WCBM was -.5 in September and +1.0 in October. Prior to the December sweep, WBAL had a (6+) fluctuation of one-tenth four times in a row: 2.5 – 2.4; 2.4 – 2.5; 2.5 – 2.6; and 2.6 – 2.5. Ever since resurfacing in the Baltimore report in May, Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL has a topline of  .7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 (#29 to #28, 6+).

A combined +.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.1 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” – which was -1.0 in November – drops one-half share (4.4, fourth to eighth, 6+). Baltimore’s “Fan” was +.6 (January); -.6 (February); +1.0 (April); a combined -1.0 (May and June); -1.0 (November); +.5 (December); and -.5 (January 2019).

Rebounding from an overall -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+) with a +.8 to 3.1 (6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” climbs from #13 to #12. November’s +.3 was erased with a December -.3. After faltering by four-tenths, American University-owned news/talk WAMU answers with a gain of six-tenths (1.3 – 1.9, #17 to #15, 6+).

By picking up four-tenths (.7 – 1.1, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH cracks the top ten (#23 to #19) with its best 6+-stat since December 2017 (1.1, as well).

Baltimore Music Formats – Powered by a +1.3 to 6.0 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country,” which had a November through “Holiday” 2018 topline of 5.8 – 5.1 – 4.7 (6+), progresses from sixth to fourth. This (6.0) is its highest 6+-stat since August 2018’s 6.2. Following 11 straight survey periods at #1, Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM shifted to second in December. It remained there in “Holiday” 2018 when it lost seven-tenths, but “Magic 95.9” dials up a +1.1 (7.9 – 9.0, 6+) and is back on top, with its strongest 6+-showing (9.0) since July 2018’s 9.5. Improving by +1.1 as well is Hearst Television-owned WIYY “98 Rock” (5.1, tenth to sixth, 6+), which had been trending 5.0 – 4.3 – 4.0 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+). Three consecutive declines by Radio One urban contemporary WERQ resulted in a -1.2 (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+) but “92 Q Jams” responds with a +1.0 to 7.7 (third to second, 6+). An overall -1.2 in three straight setbacks (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+), Shamrock Communications’ classic rock WZBA “100.7 The Bay” answers with a +.7 to 5.6 (fourth-place tie to fifth, 6+). Up seven-tenths as well is Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC “Maryland’s Classical Music Station” (1.9 – 2.6, #15 to #14, 6+). Locked on 4.2 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018 (after a 5.2, 6+, in November), Entercom hot AC WWMX “106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix” posts a gain of six-tenths to 4.8 (eighth to seventh, 6+). Having more than tripled (+10.2) its 6+-stat as the result of five straight upticks (5.0 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.1 – 10.1 – 15.2, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” spirals by -8.7 to 6.5 (first to third, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 15.2 is the highest 6+-share by any outlet in the market since WLIF posted a 16.3 in “Holiday” 2017. Also in the adult contemporary arena, iHeartMedia Washington, DC’s WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today” has its 6+ AQH share cut by two-thirds (1.2, -2.4, #11 to #18, 6+). In six positive or flat Baltimore reports in succession, WASH nearly quadrupled (+2.6) its 6+-stat (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 2.1 – 3.6, 6+). This is the sixth time in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -3.0 through three straight decreases (8.4 – 7.5 – 6.9 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX picks up two-tenths to 5.6 (6+), but “The Voice of St. Louis” backslides from sixth to seventh. On top in September and October, the St. Louis Cardinals’ flagship entered the November sweep a collective +1.0 via three increases in succession (7.4 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+). Co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1,” a collective -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.8 – 2.5 – 1.7, 6+), records a half-share increase to 2.2 (6+) but remains at #18. When KFTK gained two-tenths in October, it curtailed three straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+).

Flat at #10, Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” is a combined +.5 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+). Four straight June 2018 through October 2018 up or flat moves netted WXOS a +1.3 (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+).

Without an increase in each of the last five sweeps for an overall loss of three-tenths (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU erupts with a +.9 to 4.1 (#13 to #10, 6+), its highest 6+-share since October 2017 (4.1, as well). Before faltering by three-tenths in December, KWMU had been without a loss for six consecutive ratings periods for a net gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – The three most recent fluctuations for Hubbard-owned KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” are +.5 (December); -.7 (Holiday” 2018); and now a whopping +2.0 in January 2019 (6.1 – 8.1, fourth to second, 6+). The last time KSHE reached the eight-share level (6+) was in November 2016 (8.6). Adding a lofty +1.6 to “Holiday” 2018’s +.1 (6.2 – 6.3 – 7.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” carries on in third-place. Bouncing back from “Holiday” 2018’s loss of eight-tenths with an improvement nearly twice that magnitude (4.9 – 6.4, +1.5, 6+), Hubbard’s KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” advances from seventh to fifth. With a November – December – “Holiday” 2018 topline of 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.5 (6+), Entercom CHR KNOU “Now 96.3 All The Hits” breaks out a +.9 to 3.4 (#16 to #14, 6+), matching the 3.4 it posted in June 2018. In addition to being up a combined six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (8.0 – 8.1 – 8.6, 6+), Gateway Creative Broadcasting contemporary Christian KLJY progresses from second to first. Reappearing in print in April 2018, “99.1 Joy FM” has reached #1 in August, November, and January 2019 and this (8.6) is its highest 6+-share in the April 2018 through January 2019 timeframe. A collective -1.2 via five consecutive survey periods without an increase (4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 – St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” gains four-tenths to 3.5 (#15 to #13, 6+). Owing to three straight up or flat tends (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.8 – 15.6, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KEZK tripled (+10.4) its 6+ numbers and spent December and “Holiday” 2018 at #1. In January 2019 though, “The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” falters by -9.1 to 6.5 (6+), giving way to KLJY and falling from first to fourth. “Holiday” 2018’s 15.6 is the loftiest 6+-share by any St. Louis station in the PPM-era. This is the fourth straight down or flat trend by Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” for a collective -1.8 (4.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.1, #11 to #16, 6+).

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

iHeartMedia and ‘Disgraceland’ Creator Announce Deal; Season 3 to Premiere on Radio. Season 3 of the true crime podcast “Disgraceland” – produced and hosted by Jake Brennan – will be available on the iHeartRadio platform, it was announced at today’s Winter Podcast Upfront.  In announcing the deal, iHeartMedia notes that each new episode will premiere on its broadcast radio stations before being available digitally.  The first episode of Season 3 is part-one of a two-part program about Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love.  Brennan says, “I can’t wait for ‘Disgraceland’ listeners to hear Season 3. They can expect more of the same highly entertaining stories from the seedy underbelly of rock and roll past and present, but with a whole new cast of characters: Kurt and Courtney, Ike and Tina, Johnny Cash and Amy Winehouse to name a few.  More death, self-destruction, scandal, amazing music, and pre-set mellotron loops.”  Brennan will also create new, original podcasts later this year.  Two of those include: “Rocka Rolla,” focusing on the “madness and genius of Phil Spector,” and “The 27 Club,” a new anthology series that explores the lives of rock stars who died mysteriously at the age of 27.

February 19 Declared Jillian Barberie Breast Cancer Awareness Day in LA. Yesterday (2/19) was declared “Jillian Barberie Breast Cancer Awareness Day” in the City of Los Angeles. The KABC-AM, Los Angeles morning personality announced late last year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The declaration from the office of Councilman Bob Blumenfield states that Barberie “made her recovery journey public to encourage, support and honor the tens of thousands of women and their family members who endure the same challenge.” Blumenfield says, “Jillian has made honesty, full public disclosure and transparency a hallmark of her storied and acclaimed media career. When she was given a life altering diagnosis, she decided to step up and use her experiences to shed more light on this disease.  Early detection is vital and for the sake of the countless families who are impacted by it every day, we must continue to break down stigmas around cancer.”  Barberie reponds, “I am beyond moved and honored to receive this recognition. My fight is the fight of so many and I am committed to raising the awareness of the impact of breast cancer on so many women and their families. My thanks to Councilman Blumenfield and the city council, for this great honor, to all my colleagues at KABC and Cumulus Los Angeles for their support, and to the many people who have sent their messages of love.” Barberie co-hosts KABC’s “The Morning Drive” with John Phillips.

‘Motley Fool Money’ Celebrates 10 Years.  “Motley Fool Money” host Chris Hill checks in with TALKERS magazine to report the show is celebrating its 10^th anniversary.  Hill says “Motley Fool Money” launched on February 22, 2009 as a 15-minute, weekly podcast.  A year later it made the leap to radio as a nationally syndicated program.  It currently airs on 55 stations across the U.S. He says the program paved the way for a series of finance-related podcasts that the company now produces.

Border Wall, Trump-Russia Investigation, 2020 Presidential Hopefuls, Lara Logan Journalism Criticism, Covington Student Sues Washington Post, Jussie Smollett Case, Venezuela Unrest, Catholic Clergy Abuse Scandal, NFL-Kaepernick Settlement, NBA/NCAA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/19).The U.S.-Mexico border wall project, President Trump’s emergency declaration, and the 16 states suing over the emergency declaration; the growing list of Democrats entering the 2020 presidential race, including Bernie Sanders; former CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Lara Logan’s criticism of agenda-driven journalism; the family of Covington Catholic student Nicholas Sandmann sues the Washington Post for $250 million; the investigation into actor Jussie Smollett’s claim of being assaulted in Chicago; President Trump ramps up criticism of Nicolas Maduro’s regime in Venezuela amidst the political unrest; the latest revelations of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church; the settlement of Colin Kaepernick’s collusion suit against the NFL; and NBA and NCAA basketball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

iHeartRadio Music Festival Returns to Las Vegas September 20-21. The eighth iHeartRadio Music Festival will take place this year on September 20-21 in Las Vegas, iHeartMedia announced today (2/20). The evening performances will take place at the T-Mobile Arena and the Daytime Stage will take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on Saturday, September 21. The Daytime Stage features performances by both popular and emerging artists.  As it has done in the past, the festival will broadcast live via iHeartMedia radio stations will be featured as an exclusive national television broadcast special on The CW Network at a later date.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Jason Kidd is moving from Cumulus Media’s hot AC WRXQ, Washington – in the process of being sold to religious broadcaster Educational Media Foundation – to Entercom’s classic hits WIAD “94.7 The Drive” to host the morning drive program, effective immediately.  Entercom Washington SVP and market manager Phil Zachary says, “Jason’s boundless energy and local connection to the D.C. market made him a strong candidate early in the search process.  Once we had the opportunity to meet and discuss his innovative ideas, there was no doubt that Jason was ideally suited to host mornings on ‘The Drive.’”…..Beasley Media Group Philadelphia announces Nicole Michalik is named the new weekday afternoon drive personality on country WXTU, effective February 25.  Michalik appeared on the radio in Philly on WISX-FM and WIOQ-FM.  She’s also been on television as a contestant on NBC-TV’s “The Biggest Loser.”  She is currently hosting the podcast “Why Are You Following Me?”  She replaces Mark Razz, who was recently promoted to program director and is currently splitting the midday shift with Brian Mckay…..Sales pro Andy Anderson is appointed president of sales for American Urban Radio Networks.  In this role, Anderson will be responsible for the network’s sales, marketing strategy, digital expansion and new business development.  He’s been with AURN for the past 11 years as vice president sales for the Eastern Region…..The YEA Networks-syndicated Tino Cochino Radio show adds another new affiliate.  Saga Communications’ hip hop WMXZ-HD2/W257BQ, Charleston, South Carolina “99.3 The Box” is airing the program from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm…..SiriusXM announces that alternative rockers Weezer will perform in an exclusive concert on Wednesday, February 27 at the Black Cat nightclub in Washington, DC.  The intimate set for SiriusXM listeners will feature Weezer performing music from their new album, Weezer (Black Album) ahead of its March 1 release via Crush Music/Atlantic Records.  In addition to their new music, the performance will also feature Weezer playing numerous hits from their iconic albums as well as covers from their most recent hit covers album, Weezer (Teal Album).….The Tom Joyner Foundation’s “Party with a Purpose” cruise to benefit Historically Black Colleges and Universities sets sail on its epic 20th voyage from Miami on April 7.  The Carnival Magic cruise makes stops at Amber Cove, San Juan, and St. Thomas.  This year’s cruise will feature entertainment favorites, informative seminars, morning inspiration, fitness classes, notable celebrities, and popular theme nights. Music superstars including Janet Jackson, Maxwell, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, KEM, and more will headline the entertainment lineup.  Joyner is pictured below on deck with listeners on a previous cruise.

January 2019 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the January 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 January 2019 survey period covered January 3 – 30. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight decreases, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR lost a collective nine-tenths (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.4, 6+), but “710 The Voice of New York” retrieves four-tenths to 1.8 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). WOR was a cumulative +.6 in September and October (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+). When Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW dropped two-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, it ended eight straight monthly reports without a loss that netted one-half share (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+). In January 2019, “New Jersey 101.5” is flat at 1.4 (#21 to #22, 6+). Up or flat five straight sweeps for an overall increase of three-tenths (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC lost one-tenth in “Holiday” 2018 but regains it in January 2019 (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2, unchanged at #24, 6+).

Three losses in succession by Entercom sports talk WFAN resulted in a -1.2 (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), but the flagship of the New York Giants, Brooklyn Nets, and Yankees is up one-tenth to 3.3 (tenth to ninth, 6+). Off a cumulative four-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.8 – 1.5- 1.4, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” picks up four-tenths (1.8, #21 to #20, 6+). Entering the December sweep, the flagship of the New York Jets and New York Knicks notched an overall gain of four-tenths via four straight up or flat monthlies (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1. 7 – 1.8, 6+).

Entercom all-news siblings WINS and WCBS-AM transform their combined -.9 in “Holiday” 2018 into a January 2019 +1.3, as the former is up one full-share (3.8 – 4.8, seventh to fifth, 6+), while the latter improves by three-tenths (3.0 – 3.3, #13 to #9, 6+). WINS was off one-half share in “Holiday” 2018, while WCBS-AM is rebounding from a “Holiday” 2018 loss of four-tenths, which halted four consecutive upticks that produced a net gain of eight-tenths (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+).

While flat at 3.2 (6+), WNYC-FM departs the top ten (#10 to #11). The WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk outlet had been a cumulative -.7 (May, June, and July); +.7 (August); -.6 (September); +.6 (October); -.4 (November); +.6 (December); and -.4 (“Holiday” 2018). Co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM, which logged a .5 (6+) in each of the past four sweeps, is up one-tenth to .6 (#29 to #27, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – Erasing its combined December and “Holiday” 2018 -1.2 (6.3 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+) with a January 2019 +1.3 to 6.4 (6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” pushes up from third to second. It is one-tenth ahead of Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B,” which is up seven-tenths (5.6 – 6.3, 6+), yet backslides from second to third. Major fluctuations continue for Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9,” which was a collective +.5 (October and November, 4.3  – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+); -.6 (December); +.8 (“Holiday” 2018, 4.2 – 5.0, 6+); and now +.5 in January 2019 (5.5, steady at #4, 6+). Off a collective three-tenths in three straight down or flat sweeps (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), Cumulus Media country WNSH is up four-tenths to 2.4 (#19 to #16, 6+). Next month, the (pending) new owner of “94.7 Nash FM” – Entercom – will begin operating the station. While it is #1 for the 19^th successive sweep, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” falters by -4.9 to 7.6 (6+). “Lite FM” was a combined +5.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). In four straight up or flat reports, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WQXR netted nine-tenths (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+), but “New York’s Classical Music Radio Station” surrenders all of it and fades from the top twenty (1.4, -.9, #15 to #22, 6+). Unchanged at #8, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97”  is without an increase for the eighth straight time for a cumulative loss of one-half share (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). The sale of Cumulus Media’s WPLJ (2.0 – 2.3, +.3, #19 to #17, 6+) to Educational Media Foundation is expected to close in early-summer, at which time EMF will flip the hot AC to contemporary Christian.

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.2 via eight straight down or flat trends  (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” wipes out half that deficit with a +.6 to 3.8 (6+, ninth to sixth). Co-owned news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” is up one-tenth (.8 – .9, 6+) and carries on at #31. Regaining the two-tenths it dropped in “Holiday” 2018, Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” (.8 – .6 – .8, 6+) advances from #38 to #33. Off one-tenth (.7 – .6, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” slips from #33 to #37. Prior to “Holiday” 2018, KABC was up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (.3 – .5 – .7, 6+).

The AM flagship of the National Football Conference champion Los Angeles Rams – KSPN “710 ESPN” – records a one-half share gain (1.6, #27 to #25, 6+). Disney-owned KSPN was down two-tenths in consecutive survey periods (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+), after practically doubling its 6+-stat (+.7) through three straight gains (.8 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Chargers AM key station KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” gains two-tenths to .9 (#33 to #31, 6+). The flagship of the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers posted ten successive ratings periods without a loss – in which time it more than quintupled (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share (.4 – .4 – .5 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+), but then plummeted by -1.4 in December.  

Obliterating its “Holiday” 2018 loss of one-half share with a January 2019 +1.1 (2.6 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio,” which was up three-tenths in December, returns to the top ten (#13 to #7).

Within 2.3 – 2.7 range in each of the last 11 sweeps (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” erupts with a one-half share increase to 2.8 (6+) and rockets into the top ten (#16 to #10).

Los Angeles Music Formats – Even though it erases “Holiday” 2018’s -.9 with a January 2019 +1.0, iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” (4.9 – 4.0 – 5.0, 6+) remains in third-place. When KBIG gained two-tenths in December, it snapped at five a consecutive string of decreases that resulted in an overall loss of -1.1 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). “My FM” spent five successive months at #1 before being dislodged in October. Within 4.0 – 4.9 range (6+) for 19 straight survey periods, co-owned mainstream CHR KIIS faltered by one-half share to 3.5 in “Holiday” 2018, but “102.7 Kiss FM” roars back with a +.8 to 4.3 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory for the 20^th  time in a row (2.3 – 2.4, +.1, 6+), yet drifts from #16 to #20. Gaining seven-tenths (each) are KAMP’s classic-hits oldies and smooth AC cluster-mates KRTH “K-Earth 101” (5.1, steady at #2, 6+) and KTWV “94-7 The Wave” (3.6 – 4.3, unchanged at #4, 6+), as well as Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” (1.1 – 1.8, #23, 6+). On top in October 2018, “K-Earth” regains in its entirety the seven-tenths it lost in five straight down or flat trends (5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+). KLYY’s co-owned/similarly-formatted KSSE, which was trending 1.1 – .8 (6+) disappears from print. Unlisted the past four sweeps, Grupo Radio Centro regional Mexican KXOS “Mega 96.3” returns with a 1.0 (#30, 6+), while California State University – Northridge triple A KCSN debuts with a .6 (#37, 6+). An overall +8.4 via five upticks in succession (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST surrenders a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), but “Coast 103.5” is #1 for the fourth straight time. Down or flat the past eight sweeps for an overall -1.2 (2.6 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “Zona MX 101.9” picks up two-tenths to (1.6, 6+), yet slips from #24 to #25. A loss of one-half share by Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary KXOL (3.3 – 2.8, sixth to tenth, 6+) takes “Mega 96.3” to its lowest 6+-showing (2.8) since June 2018’s 2.6. In addition to being without an increase for the sixth straight time for an overall loss of one-half share (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KBUE “Que Buena” exits the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 2.6 – 2.2, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN wipes away 80% of that deficit with a +.8 to 3.0, propelling itself back into the top twenty (#21 to #12). Immediately prior to the December sweep, the key station of the Chicago White Sox logged three straight up or flat trends for a collective +.7 (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+). Off one-half share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM answers with a January 2019 gain of six-tenths to 1.7 (#26 to #22, 6+).

Up an overall one-half share in three straight gains (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” (flagship for both the Cubs and Bulls) inches up from ninth to eighth. WSCR was up eight-tenths in September and then -1.5 in October and November (4.3 – 4.2 – 2.8, 6+). Flat at 1.2 (6+), ESPN-owned WMVP slips from #24 to #26. Prior to surrendering three-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, “ESPN Chicago 1000” was up one half-share in four straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+).

Not only does Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM substitute its “Holiday” 2018 loss of four-tenths with a January 2019 gain of nine-tenths (5.3 – 6.2, 6+), the flagship of the NFL’s Chicago Bears marches from second to first. WBBM-AM – which was a collective +1.1 via four consecutive up or flat trends (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+) – shifted from first to second in December.

Regaining all of the three-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2018 and one-tenth more (2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #14 to #12, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ logs its best 6+-showing since April 2018 (3.0, as well). Its loss of three-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 ended four straight up or flat trends that generated a gain of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – With a May 2018 – “Holiday” 2018 topline between 4.1 – 4.9 (4.7 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101. 9 The Mix” explodes with a +1.0 to 5.4 (fifth to third, 6+). This is its best 6+-stat in exactly one year (5.4, as well in January 2018). While it remains at #6, co-owned classic rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” adds six-tenths (3.9 – 4.5, 6+) for its highest 6+-showing (4.5) since 5.5 in August 2018. An increase of nine-tenths to 5.5 (fourth to second, 6+) by Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “Que Buena 105.1” curtails its December – “Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). By picking up one-tenth to 3.7 (steady at #7, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” halts four straight setbacks that resulted in a cumulative -1.8 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+). Improving by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are adult contemporary outlets WSHE (2.5 – 3.1, 6+) and WRME-LP “87.7 FM Me TV – Me Music” (2.8, 6+). Hubbard Broadcasting’s “100.3 SHE” leaps into the top ten (#16 to #10),while Venture Technologies Group’s “FM 87.7 Me TV” advances from #19 to #16. WRME-LP had been down or flat five successive times for a collective -1.5 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+). A combined +10.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+), the market’s other AC – iHeartMedia’s WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” – surrenders a -8.3 to 5.0 (6+), segueing from first to fourth. This marks the fifth time in a row that Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” is without an increase for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8, #13 to #16, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, WUSN had been within 3.0 – 3.9 range in each of the prior 17 ratings periods. A collective -1.3 in seven straight down or flat trends (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103” drops from third to fifth.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats –Off three times in succession for a -1.0 (3.1 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO picks up two-tenths to 2.3 (6+), yet backslides from #15 to #16. KSFO was up seven-tenths in October, after being a combined -1.0 in August and September (3.4 – 3.0- 2.4, 6+). Cluster-mate KGO is a cumulative -.6 in four successive down or flat sweeps 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #22, 6+).

Notwithstanding that it gains two-tenths (2.7 – 2.9, 6+), co-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” moves from #12 to #13. Prior to November, KNBR was without an increase the previous three ratings periods for a cumulative -1.2 (3.7 – 3.7 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). Continuing an up/down pattern (2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” continues at #18. KGMZ was a combined +.6 in three straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+), before faltering by two-tenths in November.

Not only does all-news cluster-mate KCBS-AM log its third consecutive positive spike for an overall +1.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 7.0, 6+), it progresses from third to second. At #2 ten (10) straight sweeps before shifting to #3 in December, KCBS-AM was in 5.3 – 5.8 range (6+) between February 2018 – “Holiday” 2018.

A one-half share improvement returns KQED (7.5 – 8.0, 6+) to #1. Following 11 straight months at #1, the Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk station fell to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. This (8.0) is its best 6+-performance since May’s 8.1. In eight successive sweeps without a loss, San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” nets six-tenths (.4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .9 – 1.0, 29 to #28, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Down four-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” answers with a +.8 to 4.2 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Similarly, Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3,” which declined by one-half share in December and “Holiday” 2018   (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) bounces back with a January 2019 increase of seven-tenths to 3.7 (ninth to sixth, 6+). After posting one-half share increases in consecutive sweeps (2.1 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), University of Southern California-owned classical outlet KDFC dropped one-tenth in “Holiday” 2018 but notches a +.6 in January 2019 (3.6, ninth to seventh, 6+). Displaying increases of one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia’s KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” (4.3, steady at #4, 6+) and Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” (3.1, #13 to #9, 6+). “The Breeze” had been off a combined nine-tenths in three setbacks in a row (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+), while “The Bone” lost eight-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+). An overall -.9 in five consecutive negative or flat trends (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3, 6+), Entercom’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” adds two-tenths to 1.5 (#25 to #23, 6+). At the same time, Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “Hot Country 95.3,” which hadn’t had an increase in five straight reports and surrendered 50% (.9) of its 6+-share in that stretch (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .9, 6+), is up two-tenths to 1.1 (flat at #27, 6+). After improving its 6+-stat by seven full-shares in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.7 – 6.4 – 10.7, 6+), Bonneville-owned adult contemporary KOIT-FM falters by -5.9 to 4.8 (6+) and shifts from first to third. For the third sweep in a row, iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary KMEL “106.1 #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” notches a fluctuation of one-half share. It was -.5 (3.5 – 3.0, December, 6+); +.5 (3.0 – 3.5, “Holiday” 2018, 6+); and now -.5 in January 2019 (3.5 – 3.0, fifth to tenth, 6+). In six straight reports without an increase (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.4, #23 to #24, 6+), Entercom alternative KITS “Alt 105.3 The Bay Area’s Alternative” is an overall -.7.

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” regains one-half share to 2.8 (#19 to #16, 6+). Immediately prior to December, WBAP was without a loss five monthlies in a row for a collective +1.1 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+). Progressing from #35 to #34, Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” is up two-tenths to 3.7 (6+), thus ending four straight down or flat trends that resulted in a loss of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .7 – .6 – .5, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” is without an increase for the fifth time in a row (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3, #36 to #37, 6+).

In seven straight sweeps without a loss (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” is a +1.0 and climbs from #14 to #13. Up by one-half share as well in January 2019 is Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” (2.9, #18 to #15, 6+), which had been off a collective eight-tenths in three dips in a row (3.2 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). Even though ESPN’s KESN is down one-tenth (1.0 – .9, 6+), “103.3 ESPN Dallas” advances from #33 to #32.

Having been down or flat five straight times for an overall decline of three-tenths (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” picks up two-tenths to 2.2 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#23 to #20). Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM remains within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0.

Locked on 3.1 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018,North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA is up three-tenths to 3.4 (#13 to #12, 6+). Before September’s +.4 to 3.0, KERA logged a 6+-stat in the two-share range for 37 consecutive sweeps.

Dallas Music Formats – Trending 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.6 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+), Entercom adult hits KJKK busts out a +1.3 to 4.9 (6+), elevating “100.3 Jack FM” from ninth all the way to second. The rollercoaster ride continues for WAY Media contemporary Christian KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real,” which has been +.7 (September); -.8 (October); +.6 (November); a combined -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.2, 6+); and now +.6 in January 2019 (1.2 – 1.8, #30 to #24, 6+). Improving by six-tenths as well in January 2019 is Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX “99.5 The Wolf,” which not only returns to the top ten (3.8, #11 to #9, 6+), it pulls the plug on three straight negative trends that resulted in a -1.0 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). It is one-tenth behind co-owned/similarly-formatted KSCS (3.8 – 3.9, +.1, 6+), which had been -1.4 in six straight down or flat reports (5.2 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+); “New Country 96.3” backslides from sixth to eighth. Up by one-half share (each) are Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNO “Que Buena 94.1” (3.5 – 4.0, tenth to sixth, 6+); Entercom’s similarly-formatted KMVK “La Grande 107.5” (2.5 – 3.0, #16 to #14, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDA “Air 1 Worship Now” (1.5 – 2.0, #21, 6+). In eight successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia adult contemporary 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+), but “Star 102.1” regresses by -2.9 to 4.2 (6+) and segues from first to fourth. Replacing it at #1 is co-owned CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” (5.9 – 6.1, +.2, 6+). On top 12 straight times, “Kiss” shifted to #3 in “Holiday” 2018. On the heels of a +1.8 in “Holiday” 2018, Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV surrenders all but three-tenths of that gain (6.1 – 4.6, -1.5, second to third, 6+). Four successive improvements netted Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY a combined +1.4 (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), but “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” forfeits one full-share to 3.6, dropping it from the top ten (#4 to #11). When Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB gained four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, it ended five consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a combined -1.0 (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+). In January 2019 though, “105.7 Smooth R&B” returns eight-tenths (2.5 – 1.7, 6+) and fades from the top twenty (#16 to #26). Co-owned urban contemporary KKDA “K-104” is without an increase for the third straight time for a collective loss of six-tenths (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.7, #11 to #17, 6+).

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – For the third sweep in succession, iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH records a move of seven-tenths: -.7 December (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and now +.7 January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, #16 to #12, 6+). “News Radio 740” posted a November gain of six-tenths to 4.3, its strongest 6+-stat since February 2017’s 4.4.

In six straight up or flat trends (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” was a collective +.5, but the AM flagship of the Houston Texans drops two-tenths to 1.2 (6+) and repeats at #22. After four straight monthlies of notching a .8 (6+), Gow Communications’ KFNC “ESPN 97.5” is up one-tenth to .9 (#25 to #23, 6+), while KTRH cluster-mate/Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” regains the one-tenth it dropped in “Holiday” 2018 (.6 – .5 – .6, #28 to #27, 6+).

Down or flat the past six ratings periods for a collective -1.5 (3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+), University of Houston news/talker KUHF erases roughly half the deficit (2.7, +.8, #21 to #18, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – After seven straight sweeps without an increase for an overall -1.8 since June 2018 (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz” posts a gain of seven-tenths (3.9, #14 to #10, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths as well is Entercom’s KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” (3.8 – 4.5, ninth to eighth, 6+), which pulls ahead of Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted KKBQ “93-Q Country,” which despite gaining four-tenths to 4.3 (6+), slips from eighth to ninth. KKBQ was a collective -1.5 in four straight reports without an increase (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+). Improving by one-half share (each) are Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” (6.5 – 7.0, unchanged at #2, 6+) and Cox Media Group classic rocker KGLK “The Eagle” (5.3, sixth to fourth, 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+). “The Eagle” pulls the plug on three consecutive downward moves that resulted in a collective loss of six-tenths (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+). Steady at #6, KSBJ Educational Foundation contemporary Christian KSBJ “89.3 – God Listens” is an overall +1.5 via seven straight sweeps without a loss (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). A cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive upticks (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KODA “Sunny 99.1” erodes by -3.5 to 8.6 (6+) but is the market leader for the tenth straight time. In “Holiday” 2017, “Sunny” recorded a 12.5, the station’s strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston facility reached double-digits (6+) since that particular ratings period. Off seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.1, 6+), Univision Radio’s KOVE “Amor 106.5” fades from the top ten (#9 to #16) with its lowest 6+-stat (3.1) since July 2018’s 2.8. A collective +1.6 as the result of five positive spikes in succession (3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR KBXX “97.9 The Box” drops one-half share to 4.6 (fourth to seventh, 6+). Down one-half share as well in January 2019 is Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KAMA “Latino Mix” (2.2, #17 to #20, 6+), which had been trending 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 (6+). An overall -2.0 in six successive sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” continues at #11.

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -2.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.6 – 7.9 – 6.5, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM wipes away two-thirds of that deficit with a +1.4 to 7.9 (6+); moreover, it returns to #1. WSB-AM had been #1 37 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. Prior to November 2018, WSB-AM was a collective +1.1 in three straight gains (7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2 – 8.6, 6+). Flat at 1.2 (6+), WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” remains at #22. WYAY, which Cumulus Media is selling to Educational Media Foundation, was -1.0 in August (2.3 – 1.3, 6+). Following eight consecutive sweeps in a row without a loss for an overall gain of six-tenths (.1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .4 – .5 – .6 -.6 – .7, 6+), Entercom news/talk WAOK is off two-tenths to .5 (#25 to #28, 6+).

Co-owned sports talk/Atlanta Falcons flagship WZGC “92.9 The Game” is a combined -.5 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #12). Prior to November 2018, WZGC was an overall +1.7 in four consecutive positive moves (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.9,  6+). Unchanged at #19, Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” regains half (+.1) of the two-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+). After three straight down or flat trends for a collective -.5 (2.4 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), the Atlanta Braves flagship picked up one-tenth in December.

Bouncing back from a “Holiday” 2018 loss of six-tenths with a January 2019 +1.0 (3.7 – 4.7, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE zooms back into the top ten (#11 to #6). Immediately before the “Holiday” 2018 ratings period, WABE was a collective +1.2 as a result of five straight up or flat trends (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+). Georgia State University news/talk WRAS is down or flat for the third time in a row for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.0 – .7 – .7 – .7, #25 to #26, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Until dropping seven-tenths to 4.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, WAMJ “Majic” had been within 5.1 – 5.6 range (6+) for ten consecutive sweeps. Now in January 2019, the Radio One urban AC posts a +1.0 to 5.4 (seventh to fourth, 6+), its strongest 6+-stat since June 2018’s 5.6. Gospel sibling WPZE “Praise 102.5 Atlanta’s Inspiration Station,” which also lost seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, gains one-half share (3.0 – 3.5, #15 to #13, 6+). A combined -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” makes up 70% of that deficit with a +.7 to 4.1 (#12 to #10, 6+). When “Q-100” lost one-tenth in October, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat moves that netted three-tenths (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+). Having almost doubled (+4.2) its 6+-share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 5.4 – 8.6, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” flounders by -3.7 to 4.9, slipping from first to fourth. In advance of the December sweep, WFSH posted three negative trends in succession that accounted for an overall -1.5 (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+). A “Holiday” 2018 increase of one-half share by Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM halted at three a consecutive string of decreases that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), but “B-98.5” erodes by -1.0 in January 2019 (5.6 – 4.6, fifth to seventh, 6+). Down six-tenths to 2.6 (#14 to #16, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” puts an end to what was a September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 up/down pattern (3.4 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+). Conversely, its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull,” is a collective +1.4 via four straight increases (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+) and is steady at #9. November’s gain of six-tenths followed three consecutive decreases that led to a -1.1 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.9 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), immediately following seven straight ratings periods without a decrease that generated a +1.4 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” produces a +.5 to 2.5 (#18 to #17, 6+). Up one-tenth (1.3 – 1.4, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” climbs from #22 to #21.

An improvement of one-tenth (7.1 – 7.2, 6+) is enough to propel Entercom sports talk WIP from second to first; “Sports Radio 94.1” was #1 in October, as well. The flagship of the Eagles and Phillies was -.8 (February 2018); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); -.5 (June); +.7 (August); +1.4 (October); -1.0 (November); and +.8 (“Holiday” 2018). Without a loss the past four ratings periods for an overall +1.0 (1.8 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” is off one-tenth to 2.7 (#12 to #16, 6+). Prior to October, the key station of the 76ers and Flyers was without an improvement the previous five months for an overall -1.0 (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+).

After spiraling by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” rebounds with a +.7 (4.3 – 5.0, steady at #7, 6+).

A collective -1.1 via three declines in a row (3.8 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), public news/talk WHYY picks up two-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and continues at #14. An August increase of one-half share interrupted three successive negative trends for an overall -1.1 (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – Trending 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.9 (August through November, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WMGK dropped seven-tenths in December and then seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018. “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK,” however, roars back in January 2019 with a +1.6 to 7.1 (fourth to second, 6+) and is one-tenth behind #1 finisher WIP. In mid-November, iHeartMedia transitioned rhythmic hot AC WISX “Real 106.1” to adult contemporary as “106.1 The Breeze – Philly’s Relaxing Favorites.” WISX was off eight-tenths in its first report as an AC (December 2018), but is a combined +1.9 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (2.5 – 3.0 – 4.4, 6+) and is already in the top ten (#11 to #9). Its format rival – Entercom adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” –  suffers a whopping -10.3 (16.3 – 6.3, 6+) and slips from first to third. In back-to-back gains, WBEB was +10.1 (6.5 – 10.4 – 16.6, 6+).“Today’s 101.1 More FM” was on top from March through June before being dislodged in July. A combined -2.4 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.0, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” responds with a +1.3 to 6.3 (fifth to a three-way tie for third, 6+). November’s increase of six-tenths curtailed three straight negative trends that accounted for a combined -1.4 (8.2 – 7.5 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). WOGL finished first in August 2018 and segued to second in September. The last three sweeps have been particularly interesting for Beasley Media Group’s WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks,” which is -.6 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +1.1 in January 2019 (6.5 – 5.9 – 4.9 – 6.0, unchanged at #6, 6+). Prior to December, WMMR had been an overall +1.1 via four straight up or flat trends (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+). In that same vein, Entercom’s WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” has recently been -.9 (October); +.6 (November); -1.1 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.9 (3.6 – 4.5, ninth to eighth, January 2019, 6+). After a September gain of four-tenths, WXTU surrendered more than twice that increase with a loss of nine-tenths. With a November – December – “Holiday” 2018 topline of 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.6 (6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” logs a gain of seven-tenths to 2.3 (flat at #19, 6+). Up six-tenths (2.4 – 3.0, #16 to #13, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM” has its best 6+-showing (3.0) since July 2018’s 3.4. Surfacing at #26 and #28, respectively, are Delmarva Broadcasting hot AC and country siblings WSTW “93.7 Today’s Best Variety” (.7, 6+) and WXCY “New Country 103.7” (.5, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Three decreases in succession by iHeartMedia news/talk WOR accounted for a -1.5 (3.6 – 3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), but “710 The Voice of New York” adds three-tenths to 2.4 (#16 to #15, 6+). In September and October, WOR doubled (+1.8) its 6+ share (1.8 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+). Down or flat the past four sweeps (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC picks up one-tenth to 1.4 (6+) yet backslides from #25 to #26. Its August increase of one-tenth stopped four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+).

A collective -1.4 via three drops in a row (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN pulls the plug by gaining four-tenths to 4.6 (6+), progressing from #4 to a three-way tie at #2. In November, the flagship of the Giants, Brooklyn Nets, and Yankees was in a three-way tie at #1. Owing to three decreases in a row (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN lost one-half share, but the key station of the New York Jets is up two-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and stays at #20. As was the case with WFAN, “98.7 ESPN New York” gained six-tenths in October.

This market’s (6+) all-news share balloons by +1.3 as Entercom’s WINS is up eight-tenths (2.8 – 3.6, #11 to #10, 6+), while co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM gains one-half share (2.9 – 3.4, #10 to #12, 6+). WINS lost four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 and WCBS-AM was off three-tenths. The two cluster-mates were tied in December and separated by one-tenth of a share in November.

Unlisted in October 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+); and adds four-tenths in January 2019 (2.1, #17, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – Off eight-tenths in December and then down seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (3.9 – 3.1 – 2.4, 6+), Connoisseur Media classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM” follows with a January 2019 +1.1 to 3.5 (#14 to #11, 6+).After three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.0 (4.2 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.2, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WKJY “Long Island’s K-98.3” gains seven-tenths to 3.9 (6+) and continues at #8. Ascending by seven-tenths as well in January 2019 is Cox Media Group–owned WBAB “102.3 Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” (3.8, unchanged at #9, 6+), which had been an overall -1.9 in six straight down or flat trends (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). Having been down or flat the past seven sweeps for an overall decline of -1.3 (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” answers with a gain of six-tenths to 2.1 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#24 to #17). Prior to December, WQHT had been within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) the previous 49 consecutive Long Island ratings periods. In six straight down or flat ratings periods, Cumulus Media country WNSH lost 50% (-1.2) of its 6+ AQH share (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.2, 6+), but “94.7 – Nash FM” is up one-half share to 1.7 (#26 to #22, 6+). Licensed to Bridgehampton (New York), LRS Radio adult contemporary WBAZ “102.5 BAZ – Refreshing & Relaxing Music” debuts with a .5 (#33, 6+). Through six consecutive sweeps without a loss, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” more than doubles (+1.4) its 6+-stat (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.6, #12 to #14, 6+). A combined +6.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 6.5 – 10.5, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “97.5 – Real Variety” surrenders a -4.5 to 6.0 (6+) but is #1 for the third straight time. “Real Variety” was off one-half share in November. More than tripling (+6.4) its 6+-stat in seven Long Island sweeps in succession without a loss (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 6.3 – 9.2, 6+), iHeartMedia New York City adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” has its 6+-share slashed exactly in half (4.6, -4.6, 6+) yet continues in the runner-up slot. In six straight down or flat trends (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.4, #14 to #15, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – #1 For R&B” is an overall -1.5.

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the fourth consecutive down or flat trend for iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” (.4 – .2 – .2 -.2 – .1, #21 to #24, 6+). KKDD debuted in July with a .2 (6+); gained one-tenth in August; was flat in September; and up one-tenth in October.

Co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” (formerly KUBE) disappeared from print in June; resurfaced in July (.2, 6+); dropped one-tenth in August; and added one-tenth in both September and October. It is without an increase for the fourth successive time (.3 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1, flat at #24, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted for the 13^th straight sweep.

San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR erases its “Holiday” 2018 loss of two-tenths with an increase of four-tenths (1.1 – 1.5, #13 to #11, 6+). A collective -.4 in three straight losses (.6 – .4 – .3 – .2, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is up one-tenth to .3 (#21 to #20, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – Pulling the plug on four straight negative trends that resulted in a collective -1.7  (3.8 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.1, 6+), LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” dials up a +.6 to 2.7 (ninth to seventh, 6+). An October loss of four-tenths halted five straight increases that netted +5.3, more than doubling its 6+-stat since April (4.6 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 9.9, 6+). Notwithstanding it is a collective +1.8 via five successive up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “89.7 – Family Friendly” slips from fourth to fifth. Setting the pace for the ninth successive sweep, Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” follows “Holiday” 2018’s -2.0 with a more modest decrease of three-tenths (8.5 – 8.2, 6+). “Jose” was +1.1 in December and +2.5 in September. 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. Up one-tenth (7.2 – 7.3, 6+), Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA is secure in the runner-up slot for the ninth time in a row. KOLA hit #1 in May 2018 with a 6.5 (6+). Flat at 1.4 (#12 to #13, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” is in one-share range (6+) for the 18^th successive ratings period. Without an increase the past three sweeps for a net loss of four-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), regional Mexican sibling KSCA “Zona Mx 101.9” adds two-tenths to 2.7 (eighth to seventh, 6+). Lazer Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KAEH “Radio Lazer” is without a loss for the sixth report in a row (.1 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, #17 to #20, 6+). This is the fourth straight down or flat report for iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music,” which is off seven-tenths in that timeframe (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3, flat at #6, 6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to four straight sweeps without an increase, Cumulus Media’s KGO is an overall -1.1 (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9, #18 to #19, 6+). Prior to November’s -.8, KGO posted four improvements in a row for a cumulative +1.3 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KSFO, which was a collective -.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.2 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), gains three-tenths to 1.2 (#27 to #25, 6+). Its October increase of one-tenth ended three consecutive downward moves that resulted in the disappearance of exactly half (-1.1) of its 6+-share (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.1, 6+).

By adding six-tenths to 3.4 (#13 to #11, 6+), sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” halts five straight down or flat moves that yielded a combined -1.6 (4.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game,” which was a collective +.9 in November and December, is up four-tenths (1.4 – 1.8, #25 to #21, 6+).

Over and above being a collective +1.4 in three straight up or flat moves (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.1, 6+), all-news sibling KCBS-AM marches from fourth to first with its best 6+-stat (7.1) since June 2018’s 7.2.

Unlisted in October and November, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED returned in December with a 6.7 (6+); added four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018; but drops two-tenths in January 2019 (7.1 – 6.9, flat at #2, 6+). In December, San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW debuted with a .5 (6+). It added two-tenths to .7 in “Holiday” 2018 and is flat in January 2019 (.7, #30 to #26, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – A collective +1.3 in November and December (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD faltered by seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, but “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” bounces back with a +.9 (3.0 – 3.9, 6+) and rockets into the top ten (#12 to #7). Regaining in its entirety the eight-tenths it squandered in “Holiday” 2018 (4.6 – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate KIOI “Star 101.3” progresses from seventh to fifth. Having posted a +1.2 in October and a +.7 in November, “Star” relinquished one-half share in December. A combined -1.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.0 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), after being an overall +1.7 in October and November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” is up seven-tenths (6.9, third to second, 6+). In November, “Bay FM” reached the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2016 (8.0, as well). Improving by six-tenths (each) are Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” (3.3 – 3.9, tenth to seventh, 6+), which spiraled by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, and Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KVVF “Hot 105.7” (2.4, 6+), which was trending 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8 (6+). A December gain of four-tenths by KRTY curtailed three consecutive negative trends that resulted in a collective -2.4 (6.1 – 5.4 – 4.5 – 3.7, 6+). Prior to the aforementioned streak, “Hot Country” was an overall +2.1 via five successive gains (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 6.1, 6+). November’s 3.7 marked the first time KRTY was below a four-share (6+) since January’s 3.8. “Hot 105.7” catapults from #22 to #13. Via five straight down or flat trends, Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN was an overall -1.1 (2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+) but “107.7 The Bone” is up one-half share to 1.7 (#26 to #22, 6+). Gaining one-half share as well is Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” (.9 – 1.4, #24). As the result of five straight upticks (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), KOIT-FM was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018. The Entercom adult contemporary facility, however, is unlisted in San Jose’s January 2019 report. An overall +1.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.8 – 4.4 – 5.3, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG forfeits one full-share (4.3, fifth to sixth, 6+). Immediately in advance of the December sweep, “Amor 100.3” was -2.4 through three declines in succession (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 3.8, 6+). In four successive San Jose setbacks, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ has lost roughly half (-2.3) its 6+-share (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.2, #14 to #15, 6+); “98.1 The Breeze” was a combined +1.0 in September and October (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+). Similarly, Bonneville-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” sees its 6+ AQH share sliced nearly in half (-3.2) in five straight declines (6.9 – 5.9 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, seventh to ninth, 6+). Three increases in a row netted it a collective +1.7 (5.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+). Before shifting to #3 in October, KUFX had been #1 for three straight months.

Middlesex

Spoken-Word Formats – It’s a brief (“Holiday” 2018-only) time away from #1 for Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” (6.9 – 8.1, +1.2, second to first, 6+). “New Jersey 101.5” occupied the top spot for   six straight sweeps, before shifting to #2 in “Holiday” 2018 with a -1.1. When it lost three-tenths in December, WKXW had its consecutive string of increases that netted +2.3 halted at six (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3, 6+). November 2018’s 8.3 was its best 6+-share since January 2018 (8.3, as well). Completely erasing its overall -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.4 – 2.8, 2.4, 6+) with a January 2019 +1.0 to 3.4 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR leaps from #17 to #12. Entering the December sweep, WOR was without a loss the previous five ratings periods and precisely doubled (+1.7) its 6+-share (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+). Without an increase the past seven reports for an overall loss of roughly half (-.9) its 6+ AQH share (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.2 – .8, 6+) Cumulus Media news/talk WABC adds two-tenths to 1.0 (6+) but remains at #26.

Following three consecutive slips which accounted for a -1.0 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN is up three-tenths to 3.5 (#13 to #11, 6+). Its October increase of seven-tenths ended four Middlesex-Somerset-Union decreases in succession that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” has lost six-tenths in three straight reports without an increase (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.3, #18 to #19, 6+). The New York Jets flagship was +1.2 through five consecutive up or flat trends, (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+).

Both Entercom all-news outlets show “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 increases: WCBS-AM regains the four-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (2.3 – 1.9 – 2.3, #22 to #19, 6+), while WINS improves for the third straight time (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, #23 to #24, 6+).

Missing from print in October and November, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM reappeared in December (2.6, #18, 6+); was down six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (2.0, #21, 6+); and is up one-half share in January 2019 to 2.5 (#18, 6+).

Middlesex Music Formats – Tacking on eight-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.2 (5.1 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” jumps from fourth to second with its best (6+) Middlesex-Somerset-Union figure (6.1) since June 2018’s 6.8. Displaying improvements of seven-tenths (each) are Pillar Of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” (3.5 – 4.2, ninth to seventh, 6+) with its highest 6+performance (4.2) since May 2018’s 4.6, and Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1” (2.3, #20, 6+), which had been trending 2.5 – 2.0 – 1.6 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+). At the same time, up one-half share are Entercom-owned WNYL “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” (3.0, flat at #16, 6+), which had been trending 3.1 – 2.7 – 2.5 (6+), and Beasley Media Group’s WDHA “105.5 The Rock Of New Jersey” (1.3 – 1.8, #24, 6+). By improving two-tenths to 4.5 (fifth to fourth, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WHTZ “Z-100” applies the brakes to four successive down or flat moves that accounted for a collective -1.1 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+). Owing to five straight Middlesex-Somerset-Union upticks (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.5 – 11.4, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WLTW was an overall +6.5. In January 2019, however, “106.7 Lite FM” plummets by -6.2 to 5.2 (first to third, 6+). On the heels of its +1.7 in “Holiday” 2018, Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WMGQ “Magic 98.3 Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” forfeits -1.3 (5.8 – 4.5, third to fourth, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 5.8 is the highest 6+-share for “Magic” since February 2018’s 5.9.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

WISN, Milwaukee’s Mark Belling Sidelined by Stroke. Afternoon drive talk show host Mark Belling reportedly told his listeners that he’ll be taking “a few days” off from his work at iHeartMedia’s news/talk WISN, Milwaukee after suffering a stroke during his program back on February 11.  The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Belling is not having problems talking – a common effect of a stroke – but that his peripheral vision is affected and Belling says it makes reading difficult.  He told his listeners that on the February 11 program he began experiencing a “weird sensation” that progressed. “It was not excruciating, it was not debilitating.  Your head’s crumbling inside.”  Belling added that reading copy live is a part of his program and that is very difficult.  “I’ve got to do this right or I’m not going to be able to come back and be any good at this thing — at all.”  He says he may do some one-hour segments of his show before coming back full time, but “nothing is set in stone.”

Phil Kornblut Building Network for South Carolina Sports Talk Show. Longtime South Carolina sports talk host Phil Kornblut’s statewide “SportsTalk” show was dealt a setback last month when Learfield Communications shut down the South Carolina Radio Network that distributed the program for more than 30 years.  Kornblut is continuing his 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily show show, based at Glory Communications’ WQXL-AM/W264DF, Columbia, and is building a roster of stations across the state to carry the program.  The Post and Courier reports Kornblut saying he has a network of 20 stations ready to carry the show beginning on February 25.  At the same time, Kornblut says University of South Carolina football standout Rick Sanford is joining the program.  Korblut is quoted saying, “He’s one of the great athletes to come out of this state and one of the great Gamecocks of all time, and he’s made himself into a very good sports talk show host.  His name and knowledge will bring a lot to the show.  He wants to cover press conferences, go to games.  He’s really throwing himself into it, and I think it’ll be fun.”

WWL-AM/FM, New Orleans Host Scoot Victim of Hit and Run. The picture here is of WWL-AM/FM early afternoon talk host Scoot in the hospital after being struck by a hit-and-run motorcyclist in New Orleans early in the morning of February 15.  The station’s website posted the photo along with the story.  Authorities are still seeking information in an attempt to find the driver.  Scoot was crossing Canal Street near the corner of Canal and Bourbon when he was hit.  WWL management says, “Scoot’s ok, but he’s recovering from some tough injuries to his body.”  Police have video from surveillance cameras, but the lack of light and the speed of the motorcycle make it impossible to identify the driver.  They are seeking help from nearby businesses to see if better surveillance footage is available.

Crossover Media Group Takes on Ad Sales for Nancy Grace Show. Cross-platform content-production and advertising-sales firm Crossover Media Group is now handling ad sales for SiriusXM’s daily, two-hour “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” program.  As part of the agreement with Red Seat Ventures, Crossover Media Group is also handling ad sales and sponsorship support for the program’s social media channels.  Crossover sales managing member Sue Freund says, “Nancy has that rare storyteller’s ability to connect with audiences.  The addition of ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ places CMG in an even stronger position to offer marketers access to hard-to-reach female demographics with proven national personalities.”

BFoA Names 2019 Leadership Award Recipients. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces this year’s recipients of the 2019 Leadership Awards.  The awards will be presented at the Broadcasters Foundation annual breakfast on Wednesday, April 10 in the Brahms Room of the Encore Hotel in Las Vegas during the NAB Show.  The 2019 Leadership Awards honorees are: Bobby Caldwell, owner & CEO, East Arkansas Broadcasters, Inc.; Jean Dietze, president, affiliate relations, NBC Broadcasting; Richard A. Foreman, president, Richard A. Foreman Associates, Inc.; Mark Gray, CEO, Katz Media Group; Paul McTear, former president & CEO, Raycom Media; David Poltrack, chief research officer, CBS Corporation and president,CBS Vision.  The Leadership Awards are given annually by the BFoA in recognition of career contributions to the broadcast industry and the community at-large.

Border Wall Issue/Emergency Declaration Suit, Trump-vs ‘SNL,’ McCabe on ’60 Minutes,’ 2020 Democratic Hopefuls/Sanders Enters, Venezuela Unrest, Florida ‘Pledge’ Arrest, Jussie Smollett Case, NBA/NCAA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/18). The U.S.-Mexico border wall project, President Trump’s emergency declaration, and the 16 states suing over the emergency declaration; President Trump’s feud with “Saturday Night Live” and Alec Baldwin over its parody of him; former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe’s interview on Sunday’s “60 Minutes”; the growing list of Democrats entering the 2020 presidential race, including Bernie Sanders; President Trump ramps up criticism of Nicolas Maduro’s regime in Venezuela amidst the political unrest; the case of the Florida sixth grader arrested after refusing to say the Pledge of Allegiance; the investigation into actor Jussie Smollett’s controversial attack by two individuals in Chicago; and NBA and NCAA hoops action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Phoenix, Entercom swaps morning shows at classic hits KOOL-FM and country KMLE.  Beginning February 25, Maria Knight and Chad Mitchell (pictured at right) will take over the morning daypart on KMLE “Country @ 107.9.”  Meanwhile, Niko Petrou (left) will move from KMLE to KOOL-FM for mornings.  Entercom Phoenix SVP and market manager Dave Pugh states, “This transition will allow us to maximize the content we deliver daily to this market.  Maria and Chad are market veterans who know and love the country format and we are excited for KMLE listeners to get to know them.  Niko has a great connection to Phoenix and we are confident that his passion and energy will enable him to connect with KOOL’s listeners.”…..On-air pro Alek Halverson joins Entercom’s Seattle country outlet KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” where he’ll serve as afternoon drive personality and music director, effective February 21.  He comes to Entercom from his most recent position as Radio Fargo-Moorhead’s CHR KLTA, Fargo where he was afternoon host, APD, and music director.   Entercom Seattle SVP and market manager Jack Hutchison comments, “Alek’s passion for radio and dedication to entertaining people on air and on social media makes him a great addition to our team. We are excited to welcome him to Seattle and to start a new chapter of afternoon drive in Seattle.”…..Midday personality Nikki Imbrascio exits Entercom’s CHR WBBM-FM, Chicago “B96” after 10 years in the position.  Her bio, etc. has been scrubbed from the station’s website and no successor has been named at this point…..The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that the recent station swap between Cumulus Media and Entercom that’s turning ownership of Indy stations CHR WZPL, AC WNTR and sports talk WXNT-AM over to Cumulus will mean a move of those stations from their current studios, but no timetable has been set.  Cumulus already owns classic hits WJJK-FM, country WFMS, and CHR WYRG in the market.  The three new stations will join the current three at Cumulus’ Shadeland Avenue studios. The report says no format changes are planned but TALKERS magazine has speculated that the company will not continue to operate two CHR stations in the market and will eventually flip underperformer WYRG to another format…..As reported by the Terre Haute Tribune Star, WFNB-FM has flipped from adult contemporary to alternative as “92.7 The Rock.”  DLC Media president and GM Dave Crooks tells the paper, “That was a bold move.  We had done some research over the last several months.  It looked like my original idea of trying to have all gold-based formats (adult hits or classic hits) was creating some duplication and chasing the same listeners.  So, we decided to make this move to help us expand our reach.”  Core artists will include: Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, Green Day, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Alice in Chains.

Monday, February 18, 2019

Hannity and Limbaugh Cited as Talk Media’s Political Influence Gains Attention. Multi-media news/talk superstar Sean Hannity is often said by some Trump administration critics to be an unofficial member of the president’s cabinet.  However one feels about that sentiment, it is clear that the conservative news/talk media has some degree of influence in Trump administration policy.  That becomes more evident when President Trump says such things as, “Sean Hannity has been a terrific, terrific supporter of what I do.”  And about Rush Limbaugh: “He can speak for three hours without a phone call.  Try doing that sometime.  For three hours he speaks.  He’s got one of the biggest audiences in the history of the world.  I mean, this guy is unbelievable.”  Those quotes come from a New York Times piece covering the president’s Rose Garden press event on Friday (2/15).  Although Trump also said, “They don’t decide policy,” there’s a general sentiment among political and media types that the president looks to conservative talk media to understand what his base is thinking.  At this morning’s meeting of the TALKERS editorial staff, publisher Michael Harrison stated, “One of the most significant yardsticks in determining a communication platform’s success is influence.  How much of a difference does it make in the scheme of things?  Does it move the needle?  Since the modern era of talk radio began with the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, the medium and its hosts have been judged heavily by the level of influence they wield in their communities and markets. Taking this into account, the influence Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and others maintain in the Age of Trump is remarkable and certainly a boon to talk media of all political flavors.”

New Evening Lineup at KNBR, San Francisco. Bay Area sports talk outlet KNBR announces changes to its evening “KNBR Tonight” programming that airs from 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.  The Cumulus Media station bring Bay Area native Mark Willard aboard to host the 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm portion of the show and moves current evening personality Drew Hoffar to the 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight portion.  KNBR program director Jeremiah Crowe states, “I’m extremely excited to welcome Mark back to the Bay Area and into our KNBR family.  ‘KNBR Tonight’ is about connecting with fans as the games are being played and Mark will excel in that arena across all KNBR platforms.  Listeners now also get to hear Drew shine as a solo host in his own time slot.  ‘KNBR Tonight’ will continue to serve as THE nightly destination for local sports talk and I can’t wait to hear these two dynamic personalities back-to-back on ‘The Sports Leader!’”  Willard comes to KNBR from his most recent gig with iHeartMedia’s KLSD, San Diego “XTRA Sports” where he was midday host.  He’s also served with FOX Sports Radio Network; KSPN, Los Angeles “710 ESPN”; and ESPN’s SportsNation based in LA.

Woodward Makes Programming Moves at WHBY and WSCO in Green Bay/Appleton, Wisconsin. The news/talk and sports talk stations in the Green Bay-Appleton market operated by Woodward Radio Group have a new brand manager as Jonathan Krause assumes the role.  Krause comes to news/talk WHBY and sports talk WSCO “The Score” from his most recent position with Cumulus Media’s news/talk WOSH, Oshkosh.  Krause says, “I look forward to continuing the traditions of WHBY and WSCO providing high-quality information and entertainment for the Fox Valley.  And I hope to expand our community involvement throughout the region.”  At the same time, the company welcomes Appleton native Brian Butch to WSCO as a member of the “B.J. and The Bear” morning drive show with host B.J. DeGroot.  Butch will also serve as a part-time sales executive for WHBY and WSCO.

Monday Memo: YOUR Four?  Consultant Holland Cooke’s Monday Memo offers up a call-in topic for today’s President’s Day holiday.  There are four (generally) revered U.S. presidents depicted on Mt. Rushmore – Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lincoln. What if your listeners could vote for their four favorite presidents to be immortalized in stone?  Read Cooke’s Monday Memo column here.

WPHT Radiothon Raises $151,000 for Liberty USO. Friday’s second annual WPHT Radiothon to benefit Liberty USO – an organization that provides active, Guard, and Reserve military and their families with programs and services at the United Service Organization of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey – raised $151,535.  Air personalities from Entercom’s news/talk WPHT are pictured above taking part in the daylong broadcast.  They are (from l-r): afternoon drive host Rich Zeoli, late morning personality Dom Giordano, and morning talk host Chris Stigall.

TALKERS News Notes. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, WGN-AM weekend radio personality Amy Guth is embarking on a daily podcast project for Crain’s Chicago Business.  The show is called “The Daily Gist” and will consist of “a mix of the day’s top stories and an in-depth segment in which Guth will interview a Crain’s reporter or columnist.”…..Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics are announcing they have radio broadcast deals for the 2019 season.  The team has a three-company deal that will see games air on Salem Media Group’s news/talk KTRB-AM, San Francisco “The Answer,” Bonneville’s sports talk KHTK, Sacramento, and digital platform Tune In.  In the broadcast booth will be play-by-play team Ken Korach and Vince Cotroneo.  Chris Townsend is serving as studio host with Ray Fosse making guest appearances…..In Baltimore, longtime Baltimore Orioles play-by-play voice Joe Angel is retiring after 19 years with the team (and 42 years in the business).  Games are broadcast on Entercom’s WJZ-FM “The Fan.”…..The MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates have a new broadcast team for games that air on Entercom’s KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan.”  The station says Dan Zangrilli will return to host the station’s pregame and postgame broadcasts, a role he held from 2012 to 2016.  Jack Zduriencik will return for his fourth season as an analyst.  Station veteran Kraig Riley, who has been with “93.7 The Fan” since 2010 as a producer, will join the broadcast team for the first time alongside Zangrilli and Zduriencik.

Border Wall Emergency Declaration, Trump-vs ‘SNL,’ McCabe on ’60 Minutes,’ 2020 Presidential Hopefuls, Fatal Chicago Workplace Shooting, Amazon/NYC Breakup, Jussie Smollett Case, Payless Shutters U.S. Stores, and NBA/NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The aftermath of President Trump’s emergency declaration to use Pentagon funds for the U.S.-Mexico wall project; President Trump’s attack on “Saturday Night Live” for its parody of his emergency declaration presser; former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe’s interview on Sunday’s “60 Minutes”; the Democrats lining up to challenge President Trump in 2020 and former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld considers challenging Trump in the Republican primary; the workplace shooting in Aurora, Illinois that took the lives of five; Amazon’s decision to back out of its proposed Queens operations after political pressure from Democrats; the controversy surrounding actor Jussie Smollett’s assault accusations; retail icon Payless Shoes to close U.S. stores; and NBA and NHL 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. In Dallas programming and on-air pro Jesse Salazar adds assistant program director duties to his afternoon on-air role and music director responsibilities at Radio One’s rhythmic CHR KBFB “97.9 The Beat.”  Radio One Dallas vice president of programming operations Mark McCray says, “Jesse has the experience, attitude, and work ethic that makes his graduation to APD an easy decision.”…..On-air pro Chris Payne joins Evans Broadcasting’s alternative KRAT, Reno, “ALT 92.9” to host the morning drive program.  Payne was most recently in an on-air role with Shamrock Communications’ crosstown KRZQ prior to it flipping from alternative to adult contemporary in July of 2017.