TALKERS

November PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round One

November 2019 PPM Data – Information for the November 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s November 2019 survey period covered October 10 – November 6. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats –An October increase of three-tenths (1.8 – 2.1, 6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk WOR is followed by November’s one-tenth loss to 2.0 (6+); however, “710 The Voice of New York” repeats at #19. Off a total of three-tenths via four straight down or flat trends (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+), Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” stays at #22. May’s one-tenth increase halted five straight sweeps without an improvement that resulted in an overall decline of four-tenths. Just as it was in October, news/talk WABC (1.1 – 1.0, -.1, 6+) is tied with WKXW at #22.

Despite dropping one-tenth to 3.7 (6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN (Giants) advances from eighth to seventh. New York City’s “Fan” replaced September’s -.6 with an October +.6 (3.8 – 3.2 – 3.8, 6+). September’s 3.2 was its lowest 6+-showing since March (3.0). A combined +.5 in September/October (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) surrenders one-tenth in November to 2.0 (6+) and repeats at #19, where it is tied with WOR (see above).

Stuck on 3.6 (6+) in July and August and then on 3.4 (6+) in September and October, Entercom-owned all-news WINS regains two-tenths and is back at 3.6 (#11 to #9, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM picks up two-tenths as well, wiping away October’s decrease of a similar magnitude (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.5, #17 to #15, 6+). Prior to August’s improvement of one-tenth, WCBS-AM faltered by a collective full-share via four straight declines (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+).

In five successive reports without a loss (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM is up an overall eight-tenths and is unchanged at #14. Co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM has nearly tripled (+.3) its 6+ AQH share in five consecutive up or flat trends (.2 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .5, #30 to #28, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – A collective -1.0 in three consecutive drops (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.3, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 for R&B” recaptures half that deficit with a half-share improvement to 5.8 (6+) and carries on in third-place. Down an overall nine-tenths in three successive slips (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU not only ends the slide with a +.2 to 3.6 (6+), “103.5 KTU” returns to the top ten (#11 to #9). Stymied at 7.7 (6+) in August and September, adult contemporary sibling WLTW is now off an overall six-tenths in three consecutive down or flat moves (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+) but “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 the 29^th consecutive ratings period. Before jumping nine-tenths in August, WLTW logged a 6.8 (6+) in May, June, and July. A combined -5.3 in January/February (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), WLTW was +5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). Urban contemporary cluster-mate WWPR is a collective -1.1 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+) as “Power 105.1” drifts from the top ten (#7 to #13) with its lowest 6+-showing since January (3.2, as well). Having been down or flat the past four sweeps for a net decline of four-tenths (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WNSH “New York’s Country 94.7” is up one-tenth to 2.5 (flat at #15, 6+). After posting an April 2019 through July 2019 topline of .8 – .6 – .6 – .5 (6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is unlisted for the fourth consecutive month.

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Steady in eighth-place, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI is nonetheless an overall -1.2 via five straight sweeps without an increase (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). “AM 640” was a combined +.8 in May/June (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+). Its internet stream logged a .8 (6+) in May but has been a “no show” ever since. After more than doubling (+.7) its 6+ AQH share in four consecutive up or flat trends (.6 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA drops three-tenths to 1.0 (#29 to #32, 6+). Down three-tenths in September (1.0 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” repeats October’s 6+ AQH share (.8) and market rank (#33). Cumulus Media-owned KABC more than doubled (+.4) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (.3 – .4 – .5 – .7, 6+) but “790 News-Talk-Evolved” forfeits one-tenth to .6 (#35 to #38, 6+).

As a result of nearly doubling (+.7) its 6+ AQH share in three successive up or flat moves (.8 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+), Disney-owned sports talk KSPN “710 ESPN” (Rams) vaults from #32 to #25. November’s loss of one-half share by iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KLAC (Chargers) expunges its combined +.5 in September/October (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.3, 6+) as “AM 570 LA Sports” falls from #25 to #31. In June and July, KLAC and KSPN were deadlocked at #27 (1.4, 6+).

Having logged an August 2019 through October 2019 topline of 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 (6+), Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” adds four-tenths to 3.0 – its best 6+-stat since 3.1 in March – and is back in the top ten (#12 to #10). Prior to picking up one-tenth in July, KNX had five straight negative or neutral monthlies accounting for a full-share loss in that January 2019 – June 2019 timeframe (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+).

An overall +.6 in four consecutive reports without a loss (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.4, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” forfeits three-tenths to 2.1 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#17 to #22).

Los Angeles Music Formats – As a result of seven straight sweeps without a loss (3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” is an overall +1.0 and progresses from fifth to fourth. Prior to October, “K-Love” last reached the four-share level in February 2018 (4.0, as well). The top two finishers in October 2019 are both flat in November 2019. Specifically, Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101” nets nine-tenths in three consecutive up or flat moves (5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.9) and stays at #1. When “K-Earth” added six-tenths in September, it applied the brakes to three downward trends in succession that accounted for a collective loss of eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Prior to October 2019, KRTH last reached the #1 spot in October 2018 (5.0, 6+). The station it succeeded at #1 – iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST – repeats October’s 6+ AQH share (5.2) and market rank (#2). “Coast 103.5” had been in a 5.8 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.9 pattern (June – July – August – September, 6+), before sputtering by seven-tenths in October. After setting the pace 12 ratings periods in succession, KOST shifted to the runner-up slot in October. Immediately before January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), KOST was an overall +8.4 through five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). A loss of seven-tenths (2.1 – 1.4, 6+) takes Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KKLQ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” from #22 to #28 with its lowest 6+-stat since May (1.4, as well). In addition to departing the top ten (#9 to #12), Meruelo Media Holdings’ KLOS “95.5 Southern California’s Classic Rock” has its fifth month in a row without an increase for a net loss of one-half share (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). Conversely, rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KPWR “Power 106,” which was off a collective six-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), halts the slide with a +.2 to 2. 7 (#14 to #13, 6+). Separated by one-tenth of a share are iHeartMedia-owned alternative KYSR “Alt 98.7” (2.5 – 2.7, +.2, #14 to #13, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-formatted KROQ (2.2 – 2.6, +.4, #19 to #15, 6+). Before dropping four-tenths in October, KYSR had gained seven-tenths in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+). Similarly, KROQ was +.5 as a result of four successive up or neutral reports (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+) but lost two-tenths in October. Not only is Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA off a collective four-tenths in four-straight sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), “LA 101.9” exits the top twenty (#19 to #21).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to its third uptick in succession (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN “Radio 720” nets a +1.2 (ninth to eighth). WGN was locked on 2.9 (6+) in April and May and then on 3.0 (6+) in June and July. Following October’s improvement of six-tenths (2.1 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM is unchanged at 2.3 (6+), climbing from #19 to #18.

Having been up an overall half-share in three straight sweeps without a loss (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” relinquishes nine-tenths in November to 3.4 (6+) and spirals from the top ten (#6 to #13). Notwithstanding it has gained one-half share in three modest bumps (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” backslides from #21 to #22.

Entercom all-news WBBM-AM (Bears) is part of a three-way scrum at #1 (4.9 – 5.1, +.2, fourth to first, 6+). Its +.1 in October curtailed eight successive down or neutral moves that accounted for an overall -1.4 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). WBBM-AM finished on top in January, February, and March.

Progressing from #12 to #11, Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ is +1.0 in five successive positive spikes (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – The market’s three major adult contemporary outlets combine to inflate the format’s 6+ share by +1.2. Leading the way is Hubbard Broadcasting’s WSHE “100.3 SHE,” which is a combined +1.2 in October/November (2.9 – 3.4 – 4.1, tenth to seventh, 6+). Before faltering by one-half share in May, WSHE notched an overall increase of eight-tenths via four consecutive positive or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). Up a combined half-share in October/November (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” advances from sixth to fifth and has its strongest 6+-stat (4.7) since January’s 5.0. Also in the AC format, Venture Technologies Group-owned WRME-LP “FM 87.7 – Me TV” is a cumulative +.6 as a result of three jumps in a row (2.9 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+) yet falls from a tenth-place tie to eleventh. After logging three gains in succession for a collective increase of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), WRME-LP returned two-tenths in August. On the other hand, Alpha Media (suburban) adult contemporary WSSR “Star 96.7” forfeits eight-tenths (1.1 – .3, #36, 6+). In addition to WSHE, Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “Que Buena 105.1” notches a gain of seven-tenths (3.6, #16 to #10, 6+), thus snapping at four a consecutive string of down or flat moves that accounted for a net loss of three-tenths (3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+). After a lengthy hiatus from being listed in print, Crawford Broadcasting urban contemporary WPWX “Power 92” resurfaces with a 1.2 (#26, 6+); co-owned urban AC WSRB “106.3 Chicago’s R&B” has a 1.0 (#29, 6+). Tied with WBBM-AM at #1 (see above) are iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103” (5.4 – 5.1, -.3, second to first, 6+) and Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” (4.8 – 5.1, +.3, fifth to first, 6+). “V-103” had a September-only stay at #1. October’s loss of three-tenths ended WVAZ’s string of three straight increases that netted a +1.4 (4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+). In September, “V-103” recorded its best 6+-stat since October 2018 (5.7, as well), which had been the last time WVAZ reached #1. Meanwhile, this (5.1) is the highest 6+-showing for “Chicago’s Classic Hits” in more a year (5.4, September 2018). On the heels of October’s +1.3 (4.2 – 5.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” plummets by -1.1 to 4.4 (6+) and tumbles from first to sixth. “The Mix” exited the top spot in September when it eroded by -1.5 (5.7 – 4.2, 6+). In July, the combination of a three-tenths uptick by WTMX classic rock sibling WDRV “97.1 The Drive” and an equal margin decrease by “The Mix” resulted in the cluster-mates swapping places at first and second. In August, “The Mix” notched a +.5 (5.2 – 5.7, 6+) and proceeded from second to first. WTMX was #1 in April, May, and June before giving way to “The Drive” in July; April’s 5.9 was the highest 6+-stat for “Mix” since November 2017’s 6.3. Window to the World Communications’ WFMT “98.7 – Chicago’s Classical and Folk Music Radio” is without an increase the eighth time in a row and has lost roughly half (-.6) its 6+ AQH share in that March 2019 through November 2019 stretch (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7 – .7, flat at #31, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. For the fourth time in the last six ratings periods, KSFO posts a 2.0 (2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+); the Cumulus Media news/talker moves from #19 to a five-way tie at #14. July 2019’s 1.7 (6+) marked the first time KSFO fell below a two-share since July 2017’s 1.8. Cluster-mate KGO, which recorded a  June 2019 through September 2019 topline of: 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 (6+), repeats October’s 1.7 (#23 to #22, 6+). Stuck on .2 (6+) in July and August and then on .3 (6+) in September and October, iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” returns to .2 (#33 to #35, 6+).

Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” (49ers) continues an alternating up/down pattern that began in July (4.1 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.9, sixth to seventh, 6+). Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game,” which nets a collective half-share via three straight upticks, is included in the aforementioned five-way scrum at #14 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+). KGMZ nearly doubled (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three straight sweeps without a loss, (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 3.3, 6+) and then had three consecutive declines that accounted for a -1.8 (3.3 – 3.0 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+).

In a first-place tie in September, KGMZ all-news sibling KCBS-AM (Raiders) doubles October’s increase of six-tenths with a +1.2 (6.4 – 7.0 – 8.2, 6+) and is #1 the third month in a row. Prior to September, KCBS-AM last reached #1 in May.

A combined -1.2 in September/October (7.1 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED roars back with a November +1.4 to 7.3 (6+) and repeats in the runner-up slot. KQED was the first-place finisher in June, July, August, and tied at the top (with KCBS-AM) in September; August’s 7.1 was its best 6+-stat since 7.3 in March. San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is without an increase the fourth straight time for an overall -.3 (1.0 – .9 – .7 – .7 – .7, 6+) yet advances from #30 to #28.

San Francisco Music Formats – Up an overall nine-tenths via five successive positive or neutral trends (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+) and having its best 6+-stat (4.5) since 5.0 in March, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” is steady in fourth-place. Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KOIT-FM “96.5 “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” has lost an overall six-tenths in four successive down or flat trends (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5, eighth to ninth, 6+). Logging decreases of six-tenths each are Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” (4.4, third to fifth, 6+) and University of Southern California-owned classical KDFC (2.0, #12 to a five-way tie at #14, 6+). “Alice” was off a collective four-tenths via three straight down or flat moves (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), immediately before being a combined +1.2 in September/October (3.8 – 4.7 – 5.0, 6+). KDFC was up one-half share in September/October (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+). Having been within 3.0 – 3.9 range (6+) in each of the last 16 sweeps, iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” gains two-tenths to 4.1 (seventh to sixth, 6+). In six consecutive down or flat trends, Bonneville-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” has dropped an overall seven-tenths (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3, 6+), sliding from #24 to #26. This streak directly follows five straight reports without a loss for a net gain of seven-tenths (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +.8 in October/November (3.6 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP progresses from sixth to fifth. “News Talk 820” was a collective a +1.8 from “Holiday” 2018 through June 2019 (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). Through six successive positive or neutral sweeps, co-owned KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” doubles (+.3) its 6+ AQH share (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6, #35 to #34, 6+). Returning October’s one-tenth increase (.4 – .5 – .4, 6+), Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” drops from #35 to #36.

Frozen on 2.4 (6+) in September and October, Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) surrenders two-tenths to 2.2 (#18 to #20, 6+). Without an increase the seventh report in succession (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2, #29 to #26, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” has lost roughly 55% (-1.5) of its 6+ AQH share. Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” posts its fourth consecutive positive or neutral trend for a collective gain of four-tenths (.7 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, #32 to #29, 6+).

The July 2019 through November 2019 topline for Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” is: 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 (flat at #22, 6+).

This marks the fourth time in a row that North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA records a 3.2 (#12 to #13, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – Piling on a whopping +1.3 to October’s increase of four-tenths (3.6 – 4.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KSCS “New Country 96.3” leaps from eighth to third, crossing the four-share level (4.9, 6+) for the first time since February’s 4.1. Its October uptick curtailed three straight losses that resulted in a cumulative decrease of six-tenths (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted KPLX “99.5 The Wolf,” which dropped four-tenths in October, is down one-tenth to 3.9 (seventh to eighth, 6+). “The Wolf” was locked on 3.9 (6+) in July and August, before notching a one-half share improvement in September. In the contemporary Christian arena, a +1.2 by Educational Media Foundation-owned KYDA enables “Air 1 – Worship Now” to cross the three-share level (2.2 – 3.4, 6+) and rocket from #20 to #11. Salem Media Group’s KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” falters by -1.0 to 5.6 (6+). Not only does KLTY suspend four straight up or flat trends that led to a collective +2.6 (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.6, 6+), it drops to #2 after an October-only stay at #1. KLTY was frozen on 4.2 (6+) in April and May before slipping to 4.0 (6+) in June. Similarly-formatted KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real,” which was -1.2 (March); a combined +1.2 in April/May (1.1 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+); -1.4 (June); +.2 (July); -.5 (August); +.4 (September); and -.4 (October), is +.1 in November (.6 – .7, flat at #33, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia CHR KHKS is down a cumulative half-share in three straight sweeps without an increase (6.7 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.2, 6+), “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” returns to the top spot, after one month at #2. “Kiss” had been the pacesetter ninth months in a row before trading places with KLTY at #2 in October. An August increase of nine-tenths wiped away the collective nine-tenths KHKS lost as a result of three straight negative or neutral moves (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). Its May dip of four-tenths brought to a close four successive up or flat sweeps that netted eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). April’s 6.7 was the best 6+-stat for “Kiss” since May 2018’s 6.9. Co-owned classic rock KZPS “Lone Star 92.5” is off a collective nine-tenths as a result of four successive slips (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, fourth to seventh 6+).

Houston                              

Spoken-Word Formats – A collective +.8 in three straight increases (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740” is unchanged at #11. This directly follows a net loss of one-half share in four successive negative or neutral reports (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). For the third month a row, co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” logs a .3 (flat at #29, 6+).

Advancing from #23 to #22, cluster-mate KBME “Sports Talk 790” is a combined +.4 in October/November (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+). One-tenth behind is Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” (Texans), which has gained four-tenths through five consecutive up or flat moves (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4, #22 to #23, 6+). Eight straight negative or neutral trends by Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC led to a net loss of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .5 – .5, 6+) but “ESPN 97.5” is now up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.5 – .6 – .7, flat at #26, 6+).

A collective +.8 in three straight reports without a loss (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF advances from #17 to #16.

Houston Music Formats – Erasing October’s loss of six-tenths with a November uptick of seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KRBE jumps from ninth to sixth. A September increase of two-tenths by “104.1 – Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” interrupted five consecutive negative or neutral trends that led to an overall decline of eight-tenths (5.3 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+). Having dropped an overall half-share in three slips in succession (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+), Entercom’s country-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” answers with an increase of six-tenths to 4.7 (ninth to seventh, 6+). Before losing two-tenths in March, KILT-FM had been +1.7 via three bumps in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+). Two-tenths behind and repeating at #8 is its format rival, Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “The New Country 93-Q,” which is trending 4.8 – 4.7- 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 (June – July – August – September – October – November, 6+). A combined -1.4 in September/October (4.7 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+), immediately after three straight positive or flat moves that accounted for a +1.7 (3.0 – 3.4 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom hot AC KHMX “Mix 96.5” is up one-half share to 3.8 (#15 to #12, 6+). Five straight positive spikes by Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN yield a +1.7 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+) as “Que Buena 102.9” progresses from third to second. This (6.6) is its best 6+-showing since March (6.7). Owing to a +.3 to 3.5 (6+), Entercom Spanish contemporary KLOL “Mega 101 FM” pulls the plug on three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a -1.0 (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.2, #16 to #14, 6+). After surrendering four-tenths in October to 6.7 (6+), Radio One urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” responds with a +.1 to 6.8 (6+) and is #1 the fourth month in a row. Prior to September’s 7.1 (6+), KMJQ – which was a combined +1.3 in August/September (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+), last crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) in May 2018 (7.2). An overall +1.3 in three upticks in a row (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” falters by -1.0 in November to 5.6 (6+) and segues from second to fourth. October 2019’s 6.6 was its highest 6+-stat since September 2017 (6.7). In seven of the last eight survey periods, Entercom adult hits KKHH posted a 6+ AQH share between 5.0 – 5.7 (5.1 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). In November, however, “95.7 The Spot” sputters by one-half share to 4.9 (6+) but carries on in fifth-place. Regressing by one-half share as well is Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOVE “Amor 106.5” (3.1, #14 to #16, 6+), which just finished netting one-half share through four successive positive or neutral moves (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+). This marks the 11^th straight sweep that iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA is without an increase (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). In that timeframe, “Sunny 99.1” has lost roughly 52% (-6.3) of its 6+ AQH share but climbs from fourth to third. KODA was the market leader 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. Immediately in advance of this spiral, “Sunny” was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive gains (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). It had been more than two years since KODA slipped below a six-share (June 2017, 5.8, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Winning ways continue for WSB-AM, which not only is #1 the fourth month in a row but the Cox Media Group news/talk outlet is an overall +3.0 as a result of five straight up or flat trends (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.6 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 9.3, 6+). Finishing at #29, #30, and #31, respectively, are Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community”; Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer”; and iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640.” WAOK has doubled (+.2) its 6+ stat in five successive reports without a loss (.2 – .2 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .4, flat at #29, 6+). WGKA has an August 2019 through November 2019 topline of: .3 – .2 – .3 – .3 (steady at #30, 6+), while for the 13^th time in succession, WGST (.2, +.1, #35 to #31, 6+) notches either a .1 or .2 (6+).

Owing to four successive positive spikes, Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) nets +2.3 (2.8 – 3.4 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.1, steady at #7, 6+). Before August’s increase, “The Game” was an overall -1.2 in five straight negative or neutral sweeps (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). Following seven consecutive monthlies without a loss for a net gain of +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN is now a combined -.9 in October/November (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.8, #16 to #18, 6+).

Within 3.2 – 3.7 range (6+) the ninth sweep in a row (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE drops from #11 to #14. Up two-tenths (.6 – .8, 6+), Georgia State University news/talk WRAS repeats at #26.

Atlanta Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for Cumulus Media-owned CHR WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits,” which was +.4 (June); -.9 (July/August); +.3 (September); -.7 (October); and now +.7 in November (2.7 – 3.4, #14 to #12, 6+). Its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station,” is up seven-tenths in October/November (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.6, #13 to #11, 6+). Off three-tenths in September/October (6.2 – 6.2 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” answers with an increase of six-tenths to 6.5 (6+, equaling what it recorded in May) and remains in the runner-up slot. As Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” notches a +.6 (3.0, #17 to #15, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WUBL “94.9 The Bull” falters by one-half share (eighth to ninth, 6+). A combined +.4 in August/September (2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), “Kicks” was off one-half share in October. August’s increase halted three straight dips that resulted in a net loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Off three-tenths in March, WKHX later faltered by four-tenths in May. “The Bull” had been an overall +.9 via three successive positive spikes (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+), but is now a combined -1.1 in October/November (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+). Its April 2019 through July 2019 topline was 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 (6+). When “The Bull” dropped one-tenth in June, it interrupted three straight increases that produced a +.8 (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). While it advances from ninth to eighth, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” has its fifth decrease in a row for an approximately 56% erosion (-4.9) of its 6+ AQH share (8.8 – 8.5 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). WFSH had been #1 four straight months before shifting to #7 in August. When “The Fish” lost three-tenths in July, it halted at five a consecutive string of bumps that netted an overall +3.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9 – 8.8, 6+). Down a collective seven-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” slips from #14 to #16. Faltering by seven-tenths each are Radio One gospel WPZE “Praise 102.5 Atlanta’s Inspiration Station,” which exits the top ten (#9 to #12) and Clark Atlanta University’s WCLK “Jazz 91.9,” which departs the top twenty (2.1 – 1.4, #19 to #21, 6+). WPZE had been +1.3 via three successive up or flat moves (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). Co-owned urban contemporary WAMJ-HD2, which was an overall +.9 in three improvements in succession (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 2.0, 6+), falters by four-tenths to 1.6 (flat at #20, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – An October gain of eight-tenths by Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” is followed by November’s one-tenth loss (2.3 – 2.2, #18 to #19, 6+). Even though it is without a decrease the fourth sweep in succession for a +.2 (.7 – .8 – .8 – .9 – .9, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” backslides from #23 to #25.

Tacking on seven-tenths to October’s increase of nine-tenths (6.6 – 7.5 – 8.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” (Eagles) is #1 the third time in a row and has its best 6+stat (8.2) since February 2018’s 8.7. WIP gained eight-tenths in August. Leaping from #17 to #12, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” is up a collective nine-tenths via five straight reports without a loss (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+). The last time “The Fanatic” reached the three-share level (6+) was in March (3.0).      

After eight sweeps in succession without an increase that resulted in an overall -1.6 (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” is up one-half share in October/November (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #10).

A cumulative +1.2 In four straight up or neutral reports (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+), public radio news/talk WHYY forfeits four-tenths to 3.3 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). In October, WHYY reached the three-share level (3.7, 6+) for the first time since February’s 3.0.

Philadelphia Music Formats – A combined +1.0 in October/November (6.5 – 6.6 – 7.5, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” carries on in second-place. Co-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks,” which lost an overall four-tenths in five successive sweeps without an increase (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+), ends the slide by picking up one-tenth to 6.1 (fifth to fourth, 6+). In its extremely limited PPM ratings history, Mega-Philadelphia LLC-owned/Camden, New Jersey-licensed Spanish tropical WEMG “La Mega 105.7 – Today’s Hottest Hits” has quadrupled its September numbers (.3 – .6 – 1.2, 6+) and checks in at #22. Following its overall +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WBEB “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” surrenders the entire increase and one-tenth more (5.4, -1.2, second to sixth, 6+). Although it is a combined -.7 in October/November (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WISX “106.1 The Breeze” advances from ninth to eighth. Significant swings continue for its urban contemporary sibling WUSL “Power 99,” which was +.8 in four successive (February through June) up or flat trends (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+); -.6 in July/August (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+); +1.1 in September; and now a combined -1.0 in October/November (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.0, eighth to ninth, 6+). September’s 5.0 is its best 6+-performance in more than two years (5.6, July 2017). Up eight-tenths in three straight bumps (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom’s WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” forfeits two-tenths to 2.9 (#13 to #15, 6+). WTDY was -1.0 in four straight March 2019 through July 2019 decreases (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN “88.5 Vinyl At Heart,” which was -1.1 in four straight down or flat moves (2.6 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), adds one-tenth to 1.6 (flat at #21, 6+). Immediately prior, it logged six straight sweeps without a loss for a +1.2 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+). Thus far in 2019, WIP was on top in January; its classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” was #1 in February; WBEB was #1 in March; WMGK set the pace in April; WBEB did so in May and June; WMGK returned to #1 in July and August; WIP and WDAS-FM were tied for the lead in September; and WIP has been #1 in October and November.

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.0 via three straight down or flat trends (4.7 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” drops from seventh to ninth. Continuing at #26 is news/talk WABC, which was up three tenths in August/September (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+); down two-tenths in October; and now up one-tenth in November (1.1 – 1.2, 6+).

Albeit off three-tenths (6.4 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN (Giants) repeats at #1; WFAN was +.9 in October (5.5 – 6.4, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) is a collective +.8 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+) and carries on at #14.

Entercom’s all-news WINS bounces back from October’s -.7 with a November +.1 (3.1 – 3.2, unchanged at #11, 6+). Off three-tenths in July, WINS followed with a +1.1 in August/September (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is a combined -.8 in October/November (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.4, #14 to #17, 6+), immediately after being a collective +.7 in three straight up or flat trends (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+).

Following five successive up or flat trends that accounted for a gain of four-tenths (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM drops two-tenths to 1.5 (flat at #23, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – A combined -.7 in September/October (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+), directly after posting three straight positive or flat moves that yielded six-tenths (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+), Connoisseur Media adult contemporary WKJY “98.3 K-JOY Long Island’s Place to Relax” dials up a +.8 to 4.2 (ninth to seventh, 6+). Whereas this (4.2) is its best 6+-showing since March (4.3), October’s 3.4 was its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.2. Meanwhile, classic hits-oldies sibling WBZO, which netted nine-tenths via three upticks in a row  (2.1 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+) immediately following a collective -1.6 via three straight drops (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1, 6+), lost one-tenth in October. “Max FM” posts a +.6 in November to 3.5 (#13 to #10, 6+). A collective -1.0 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock” applies the brakes with a +.4 to 4.0 (6+) and remains in eighth-place. The April 2019 through November 2019 topline for Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WPLJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is: 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.5 – .5 – 0.0 – .4 – 1.1 – 1.2 (flat at #26, 6+). When EMF officially closed on its purchase of WPLJ from Cumulus Media on May 31, it transitioned the station from hot AC to contemporary Christian.

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – After three months in a row of recording a .1 (August, September, and October, 6+), iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is unlisted. KKDD was unlisted in May, June and July, as well.

This is the sixth time in succession that co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is without an increase (.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #23 to #22, 6+) and the 23^rd straight sweep that similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” does not appear in print.

Up a collective three-tenths in three straight positive or neutral trends (.5 – .8 – .8 – .9, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR forfeits two-tenths to .7 (#12 to #15, 6+). Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” has its fourth straight down or flat report for a net loss of two-tenths (.3 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .1, #20 to #22, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – Without a decrease the fourth time in succession, Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXRS “La Mejor 105.7 – Mas, Mas Musica” is +1.6 in that stretch (.3 – .3 – .4 – .8 – 1.9, #13 to #11, 6+). In seven straight up or flat reports, co-owned/similarly-formatted KAEH “Radio Lazer” has doubled (+.3) its 6+ AQH share (.3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .5 – .6 – .6, #17 to #16, 6+). Without an increase the past three sweeps for an overall -1.0 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” halts the slide with a +.4 to 3.8 (fourth to third, 6+). Having surrendered more than half (-1.9) its 6+-share via seven consecutive decreases (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE picks up two-tenths to 2.0 (tenth to ninth, 6+). In advance of this just-concluded streak, “Old School 104.7” chalked up a +1.6 in three successive improvements (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). After trending 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.7 (August – September – October, 6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” busts out a half-share increase to 8.2 (6+) and marches from second to first. KLYY was +1.3 in July/August (6.2 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to the July report, “Jose” was an overall -4.3 in seven straight declines (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+). KLYY had been in the runner-up slot in April, May, June, and July. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when “Jose” recorded a 10.4. Ousted from the top after setting the pace in September and October is Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA (7.9 – 7.3, -.6, first to second, 6+). September/October’s +1.0 (6.9 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+) follows July/August’s -1.7 (8.6 – 7.6 – 6.9, 6+). KOLA occupied the top spot in April, May, June, and July before segueing to #2 in August. Immediately prior to July/August’s -1.7, KOLA was +1.8 via three successive positive spikes (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+). Entercom’s KFRG “New Country K-Frog” is a combined -.8 in October/November (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.7, third to fourth, 6+) and falls below a four-share (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2016 (3.7, as well). While All-Pro Broadcasting rhythmic hot AC KHTI “Hot 103.9 The I.E.’s Best Mix” adds one-tenth to .9 (flat at #13, 6+), thus pulling the plug on three drops in a row that accounted for a collective loss of seven-tenths (1.5 – 1.1 – .9 – .8, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary KATY “101.3 The Mix” is an overall -.7 via five straight decreases (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .8 – .7 – .6, #16, 6+). Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted for the fifth month in a row.

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite posting its fourth straight up or flat trend for a collective +1.0 (1.4 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), KGO backslides from #16 to #18. This comes directly after the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet surrendered more than 50% of its 6+ AQH share (-1.6) in ten straight negative or neutral San Jose sweeps (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KSFO repeats October’s 6+ AQH share (.9) and market rank (#26). In August, KSFO gained two-tenths, thus halting three successive declines that accounted for a loss of roughly half (-.7) its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .8, 6+).

Locked on 3.6 (6+) in August and September, sports talk sibling KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” (49ers) is a combined +.9 in October/November (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.5, sixth to fifth, 6+). After dropping six-tenths in August, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ is +1.6 in three successive upticks (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.8 – 2.6, 6+); “95.7 The Game” leaps into the top twenty (#21 to #14). September’s increase suspended three straight declines that eroded nearly two-thirds (-1.9) of its 6+ AQH share (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.6 – 1.0, 6+).

Entercom all-news KCBS-AM (Raiders) wipes away October’s loss of one-half share with a November bump of seven-tenths (5.7 – 5.2 – 5.9, fourth to third, 6+). KCBS-AM was -1.9 in three straight March through May decreases.

Owing to three consecutive down or flat trends, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED lost four-tenths (6.3 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.9, 6+) but obliterates that deficit with a +1.0 to 6.9 (6+) and leaps from third to first. The last time KQED reached #1 in the San Jose report was in April (6.9, 6+). After three straight months of logging a 1.0 (6+), San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW drops one-tenth to .9 (#24 to #26, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – Following a July/August loss of six-tenths (2.7 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “106.1 #1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” answers with three jumps in a row for an overall +1.2 (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #9). Nearly doubling October’s .9 with a positive spike of eight-tenths to 1.7 (6+), Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXZM “Radio Lazer 93.7” jumps to #22. Progressing six-tenths each are Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” KRTY (4.0, ninth to sixth, 6+) and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” (2.9, #17 to #11, 6+). KRTY was a combined -.7 in September/October (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+), while “The Breeze” had lost four-tenths in three straight modest decreases (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+). Following six successive months at #1, Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY segues to #2. Furthermore, “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” has the largest (6+) October 2019 – November 2019 decrease of any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here (8.6 – 6.6, -2.0, 6+). “Bay FM,” which was +1.3 in August, nearly erased April’s -1.5 with a May +1.3 (6.2 – 7.5, 6+), returning to #1 after an April-only stay at #2. Prior to the April sweep, KBAY had been +1.5 via three upticks in a row (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). A collective +1.2 in three straight improvements (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” forfeits nine-tenths to 2.5 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#9 to #16). Also in the hot AC format, iHeartMedia’s KIOI surrenders seven-tenths (4.2 – 3.5, fifth to eighth, 6+). “Star 101.3 More Music/More Variety” substituted August/September’s -.5 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+) with an October boost of eight-tenths; October’s 4.2 was its best 6+ San Jose showing since January’s 4.6. Off one-half share each are Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” (3.3 – 2.8, #11 to #12, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” (2.6, #13 to #14, 6+). “Que Buena” has its lowest 6+-stat (2.8) since June’s 2.7; “Wild” had just netted eight-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (2.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). As a result of five consecutive down or flat trends, Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KVVF “Latino Mix 105.7” has lost nine-tenths (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0, #18 to #19, 6+); this (2.0) is its weakest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2018’s 1.8. Unlisted in San Jose the 11^th month in a row are Bonneville cluster-mates adult contemporary KOIT-FM “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites”; CHR KMVQ “Now 99.7”; and urban AC KBLX “102.9 R&B and Old School.”

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – In ten consecutive sweeps without an increase (January 2019 through November 2019), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW has lost roughly 36% (-2.9) of its 6+-share (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.2, 6+). “New Jersey 101.5,” which had been on top eight sweeps in succession, now repeats at #2. Off six-tenths to 3.0 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” interrupts four up or flat trends in a row that led to a +.7 (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+) and spirals from #11 to #16. The August 2019 through November 2019 Middlesex-Somerset-Union topline for news/talk WABC is: 1.2 – .8 – 1.2 – 1.1 (#25 to #24, 6+).

Completely wiping away September’s loss of seven-tenths with an October/November +1.4 (3.7 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Giants) leaps from seventh to third. Three straight gains by New York’s “Fan” yielded eight-tenths (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) is an overall +1.1 via three upticks in succession (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.7, flat at #18, 6+), immediately after being down a collective nine-tenths through three consecutive negative or neutral trends (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+).

Flat at #21, Entercom all-news WINS logs a 1.9 (6+) the fourth time in the last five Middlesex reports (1.9 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+). Its September loss of two-tenths suspended four consecutive increases that accounted for a one-half share gain (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-programmed WCBS-AM, which was a collective -1.1 in four drops in a row (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.4, 6+), ends the slide with a +.4 to 1.8 (#23 to #22, 6+).

Down one-tenth (1.8 – 1.7, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM slips from #22 to #23. August’s increase of one-tenth to 2.0 (6+) stopped three consecutive decreases that accounted for a collective loss of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+).

Middlesex-Somerset-Union Music Formats – Three down or flat trends in a row by Cumulus Media-owned WNSH yielded a -.9 (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+) but “New York’s Country 94.7” regains two-thirds of that deficit with a +.6 to 3.8 (#14 to #11, 6+). Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1” is an overall +1.7 via four straight improvements (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+) and advances from #12 to #11 where it is tied with WNSH. Without an increase the past six sweeps for a -1.4 since April (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), WPAT’s Spanish tropical cluster-mate WSKQ “Mega 97.9” gains two-tenths to 2.5 (6+) and continues at #19. In addition to jumping from eighth to fifth, iHeartMedia New York City CHR WHTZ “Z-100” logs a +.4 to 5.0 (6+), thus applying the brakes to four straight losses that resulted in a -2.0 (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+). As a result of five Middlesex boosts in succession, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM gained a +2.6 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.8 – 6.6, 6+). The streak comes to an end in November as “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” drops two-tenths to 6.4 (6+) but repeats at #1. Continuing to set the pace in New York City (see above), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” has had a recent seesaw ride in Middlesex. “Lite FM” was off one-half share in August/September (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6, 6+); posted an October increase of seven-tenths; and now sputters by nine-tenths in November (5.3 – 4.4, third to ninth, 6+). October’s 5.3 was WLTW’s best (6+) Middlesex stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 11.4. While unchanged at #10, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” drops one-tenth to 4.2 (6+), thus snapping at six its consecutive string of up or flat moves that yielded a +1.6 (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.3, 6+).