TALKERS

February 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Four

February 2020 PPM Data – Information for the February 2020 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 survey period covered January 30 – February 26. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly following three straight decreases that led to a collective -1.4 (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.6, 6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” is a combined +1.0 in January/February (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.6, eighth to seventh, 6+). October’s 5.0 was KLBJ-AM’s best 6+-performance in more than six years (5.0, as well, June 2013). Up or flat the past five sweeps for a net gain of one-tenth (.3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+), Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” drops one-tenth to .3 (6+), but remains at #26.

Included in November 2019 through February 2020’s up/down/up/down pattern by Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” is February’s -.6 (2.5 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 1.6, #16 to #18, 6+). Returning the one-tenth it added in January (.5 – .6 -.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” remains at #25.

Not only does KUT add six-tenths to January’s +1.5 (7.4 – 8.9 – 9.5, 6+), the University of Texas at Austin-owned public radio news/talk facility repeats at #1. In “Holiday” 2019, KUT shifted to #2, following three sweeps in a row on top. Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: +1.6 (January 2019); +.7 (March); -2.0 (April); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); +2.0 (October); -.5 (November); +.5 (December); -1.9 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); and +.6 (February). This is KUT’s highest 6+-stat since March (9.5, as well).

Austin Music Formats – Adding a +.6 to January’s half-share boost (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” elevates from tenth to seventh, where it is tied with co-owned news/talk KLBJ-AM (see above). In the market’s adult contemporary contest, Entercom-owned KKMJ “Majic 95.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” falters by roughly 47% (-5.5) in January/February (11.8 – 6.7 – 6.3, 6+) and repeats in third-place. KKMJ was a combined +6.7 in December “Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 6.3 – 11.8, 6+) and had a “Holiday” 2019-only visit to #1. In “Holiday” 2019, “Majic” became the first Austin station to record double-digits (11.8, 6+) since it did so in “Holiday” 2017 (12.4). Sinclair Telecable’s similarly-formatted KGSR “Star 93.3” follows “Holiday” 2019’s increase of seven-tenths (2.0 – 2.7, 6+) with a combined -.6 in January/February (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.1, #14 to #15, 6+). After logging three consecutive up or flat trends for a net gain of two-tenths (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” slips by one-tenth to 1.2 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #22). Elsewhere in the country format, iHeartMedia’s KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” improves by four-tenths (4.8 – 5.2, fifth to fourth, 6+), while co-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” forfeits one-tenth (3.7 – 3.6, #11 to #12, 6+). An overall -1.2 as a result of three drops in a row (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 4.2, 6+), KVET-FM cut that deficit in half with a January +.6. Immediately prior, it was a combined +2.2 in September/October (3.3 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), with September’s 5.5 its best 6+-showing since May (5.8, 6+). Up one-tenth in January, KASE was -.9 (November); +.9 (December); and -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on one-half share to January’s +1.8 (5.3 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” advances from third to second. Unlisted in January, Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” reappears with a 2.0 (#16, 6+). A combined +.3 in November/December (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), WPTF dropped one-tenth in “Holiday” 2019 to 1.2 (#19, 6+).

Erasing 70% of January’s +1.0 (3.7 – 3.0, -.7, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” fades from the top ten (#9 to #14).

A combined +.8 in January/February (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” repeats at #4.

Raleigh Music Formats – In addition to supplementing January’s +1.5 with a February increase of two-tenths (7.2 – 8.7 – 8.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” repeats at #1. After four straight sweeps on top, WFXC shifted to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019. “Foxy” spent 12 consecutive survey periods at #1; had an August-only stay at #2; and returned to #1 in September. Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: +1.1 (January 2019); -1.1 (February); -.6 (July); -.6 (October); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.5 (January 2020). January 2019’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Dropping from seventh to ninth, urban contemporary cluster-mate WQOK “K-97.5” is an overall -2.5 in four straight setbacks (7.5 – 6.8 – 6.3 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). November’s 7.5 was its strongest 6+-stat since February (7.8). A combined +.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WRDU “100.7 Raleigh’s Classic Rock” regresses by one-half share to 5.4 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Off six-tenths (5.8 – 5.2, 6+), Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR-FM is in seventh-place. “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” was a collective -1.9 through five successive decreases (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+). Reaching the market from Greensboro, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG was an overall +1.8 as a result of three straight up or flat trends (.4 – .4 – .4 – 2.2, 6+), but is now -1.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.2 – 1.9 – .5 – .5, #21, 6+). Among the Curtis Media Group stations unlisted in January and reappearing in February are: adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB Your Life/Your Music” (5.1, #8, 6+); CHR WPLW-FM “Pulse FM” (4.3, #10, 6+); classic hits-oldies WKIX “KIX 102.9 Carolina’s Greatest Hits” (3.6, #12, 6+); classic hits-oldies WPTK “Just Right Radio” (1.1, #18, 6+) and the internet stream of WQDR-FM “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” (.5, #21, 6+).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Progressing from third to second, Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” obliterates “Holiday” 2019’s -1.3 (6.7 – 5.4, 6+) with a combined January/February increase double that magnitude (+2.6) and reaches the eight-share level (5.4 – 7.6- 8.0, 6+). Its recent (6+) shifts include: +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); -1.2 (April); +.9 (June); +.5 (August); -.5 (October); +.6 (November); -1.3 (“Holiday” 2019); and +2.2 (January 2020).

Locked on 2.8 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2019, sports talk cluster-mate WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” returns the two-tenths it gained in January (2.8 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+) yet climbs from #13 to #12. Via three straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” nets three-tenths (.9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+) and continues to be affixed at #18.

A combined +1.1 in January/February (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI improves from ninth to eighth.

Indianapolis Music Formats – With a January/February +2.1 (5.4 – 6.4 – 7.5, sixth to fourth 6+), Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank” snuffs out December/“Holiday” 2019’s -2.0 (7.4 – 6.2 – 5.4, 6+). “Hank” was +1.3 in October. Despite eroding by -9.3 in January/February (18.2 – 9.1 – 8.9, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WYXB “B-105.7” is #1 the fourth time in a row. WYXB was an overall +10.8 through three increases in succession (7.4 – 8.8 – 10.2 – 18.2, 6+). Its 18.2 (“Holiday” 2019) represents the largest 6+-performance by any Indianapolis station in the PPM-era. Directly following January’s +.9 (3.8 – 4.7, 6+), Sarkes Tarzian triple A WTTS “92.3 Experience The Music” forfeits seven-tenths (4.0, eighth to tenth, 6+). In advance of shedding one-tenth in “Holiday” 2019, WTTS was +1.2 in four successive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+). Continuing an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in June (6.7 – 5.9 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” dips from fourth to fifth. Despite being +1.3 in January/February (6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” backslides from second to third. Having occupied the top spot 11 sweeps in a row, WJJK dropped to second in December. Its 11.1 (July and September) represents the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing April’s 10.2. Among WJJK’s recent (6+) fluctuations are: +2.9 (January 2019); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); +1.7 (April); +1.4 (July); -1.1 (August); +1.1 (September); -.7 (October); -2.2 (December); -1.4 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.1 (January 2020). Seven successive decreases by WZPL “99.5 ZPL” accounted for a roughly 48% decline (-3.0) of its 6+ AQH share (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+). In January/February, however, the Entercom CHR is +1.0 (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.2, tenth to ninth, 6+). Unchanged in seventh-place, Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM has an alternating August 2019 through February 2020 down/up pattern of: 4.5 – 4.4 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 5.4 (6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” posted a 3.4 (6+) in June but is unlisted the ninth time in a row.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding a +1.0 to January’s increase of two-tenths (4.0 – 4.2 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WISN progresses from seventh to fifth. “News/Talk 1130” was a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+). WISN overtakes Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks), which is off eight-tenths in January/February (5.9 – 5.3 – 5.1, fifth to sixth, 6+). Directly prior to “Holiday” 2019’s increase of two-tenths, WTMJ was -2.7 in November/December (8.4 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+).

The market’s four major sports talkers are separated by one-half share in February, versus six-tenths of a share in January. Surrendering the one-tenth it picked up this time last month (-.9 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” is flat at #14. In a similar vein, Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” forfeits January’s +.2 (.8 – 1.0 – .8, #14 to #16, 6+). It is tied with Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan,” which is down one tenth (.9 – .8, steady at #16, 6+). Flat at #21, iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” has lost three-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Despite completely erasing half of “Holiday” 2019’s -.8 with back-to-back gains of two-tenths (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM backslides from seventh to eighth. Following January’s +.5 to 1.6 (6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD drops three-tenths to 1.3 (6+) and repeats at #12.

Milwaukee Music Formats – January’s deadlock at the top is broken with an exclamation point as iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” posts a +1.0 (7.9 – 8.9), while Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” falters by nine-tenths (7.9- 7.0). Whereas WRIT is #1 the fifth time in a row, “Mix” has a January-only stay at the top and segues to #2. Plummeting by -3.9 in January (11.8 – 7.9, 6+), WRIT spent four straight months at #1 before slipping to the runner-up slot in October. “Holiday” 2019’s 11.8 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Its recent (6+) moves include: -1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); +.8 (June); -1.3 (October); -.5 (November); +4.0 (“Holiday” 2019); -3.9 (January 2020); and +1.0 (February). After posting an increase of seven-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.6, 6+), “Mix” faltered by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019 but notched a +1.8 in January (6.1 – 7.9, 6+). Prior to December (7.6), the last time WMYX reached the seven-share level was in November 2015 (7.0, 6+). A cumulative +6.2 as a result of three bumps in a row (5.2  – 5.7 – 6.8 – 11.4, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB “B-93.3” is -4.4 in January/February (11.4 – 7.3 – 7.0, 6+), but advances from third to second. In “Holiday” 2019, “B-93.3” reached double-digits (11.4, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (10.3). In three downturns in succession, iHeartMedia-owned WMIL was a collective -2.1 (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+) but “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” is now +1.4 in January/February (5.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, steady at #4, 6+). Ever since Magnum Media’s WRJN “Your Radio Friend” debuted in print this past December, it has tripled (+.6) its 6+ AQH share, posting a topline of: .3 – .3 – .4 – .9 (6+). The hybrid classic-hits oldies/information outlet zooms from #20 to #14. With their “Holiday” 2019 (6+) AQH share and market rank information in parentheses, the following Saga Communications stations are unlisted the second month in a row: WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” (5.6, fifth, 6+); WHQG “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” (4.7, eighth, 6+); urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3” (3.2, #13, 6+); and rhythmic CHR WNRG “Energy 106.9” (1.5, #15, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Sevens are wild for Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7,” which was -.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.1 –, 6+); +.7 to 4.8 (January 2020, 6+); and now down one-tenth to 4.7 (#8 to #7, 6+). Entering the December sweep, WWTN was +1.7 in six up or flat sweeps in a row (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). Trending 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.2 (“Holiday” 2019 – January – February, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” remains at #17. When WLAC logged a 2.4 (6+) in December, it marked the first time the station reached the two-share level in more than four years (2.0, October 2015).

A collective -1.1 in three straight negative or neutral trends (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” rebounded with a +.7, but erodes in February by -1.5 (4.7 – 3.2, #9 to #13, 6+). Off four-tenths (1.0 – .6, 6+), Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) departs the top twenty (#19 to #22).

Following January’s +1.1 (4.6 – 5.7, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” relinquishes two-tenths to 5.5 (fifth to sixth, 6+); WPLN-FM was -1.2 in “Holiday” 2019.

Nashville Music Formats – Responding to January’s -5.5 (15.8 – 10.3, 6+) with a February +1.3 (11.6, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” sets the pace the fourth consecutive sweep. A combined +8.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.5 – 9.7 – 15.8, 6+), WJXA has been: -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); +1.0 (May); -1.6 (October); +2.2 (December); +6.1 (“Holiday” 2019); -5.5 (January 2020); and +1.3 (February). Co-owned adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” adds a +1.0 to January’s increase of three-tenths (6.2 – 6.5 – 7.5, 6+) and continues in the runner-up slot. In three successive improvements, Nashville’s version of “Jack” was +2.1 (6.8 – 8.0 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+) but then posted three drops in a row for an overall -2.7 (8.9 – 7.8 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+). October 2019 marked WCJK’s first time at #1 since April. On the heels of January’s increase of nine-tenths, iHeartMedia CHR WRVW adds six-tenths (5.6 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+); nonetheless, “107.5 The River” segues from second to fourth. Immediately in advance of the December report, WRVW netted nine-tenths via five straight sweeps without a loss (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2, 6+), but was then -.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.6, 6+). Three contemporary Christian outlets combine for a -1.9. Specifically, WAY Media’s WAYM drops eight-tenths (4.2 – 3.4, #11 to #12, 6+); Salem Media Group’s WFFH “94 FM The Fish” is down six-tenths (3.2 – 2.6, #14 to #16, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation’s WLVU surrenders one-half share to 1.4 (flat at #18, 6+). WAYM nearly quadrupled (+3.1) its 6+ AQH share in six straight up or flat moves (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 4.2, 6+). WFFH was a collective +1.6 in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 4.0, 6+), only to forfeit half that increase (-.8) in January. Directly prior, “The Fish” dropped approximately 47% (-2.1) of its 6+-share as a result of four down or flat moves in a row (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.2 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). In three straight negative or neutral moves, WLVU is a collective -1.0 (2.4 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.4, 6+). “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” was +.6 in December (1.8 – 2.4, 6+), following October/November’s -1.7 (3.5 – 2.6 – 1.8, 6+). Not only does iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” add eight-tenths onto January’s +1.7 to cross the seven-share mark (4.7 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+), it advances from fourth to third. Immediately prior, WSIX was down or flat six times in a row for a collective -1.5 (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+), then +2.7 in seven consecutive positive or neutral sweeps (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.2, 6+). Squandering the three-tenths it picked up in January (4.7 – 5.0 – 4.7, 6+), Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” remains at #7. WSM-FM was +1.6 in October/November (4.5 – 5.0 – 6.1, 6+) and -1.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.7, 6+). Co-owned WKDF “Nash FM 103.3,” which was a collective -1.6 in three straight downturns (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.3, 6+), ends the slide with an increase of two-tenths to 3.5 (#13 to #11, 6+). A loss of six-tenths (1.0 – .4, 6+) nudges Nashville Public Radio’s classical WFCL “91 CL” off the top twenty (#19 to #24).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Leveling off after January’s +1.2 (2.5 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” progresses from eighth to seventh. Nearly tripling (+.7) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (.4 – .6 – .8 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “News Radio 920” pushes up from #18 to #16. In nine consecutive down or flat reports, Cumulus Media’s WPRV lost a collective four-tenths (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+), but “AM 790 Talk & Business” pulls the plug with a +.1 to .4 (flat at #21, 6+).

Falling from sixth to eighth, Entercom sports talk WVEI continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in February 2019 and includes February 2020’s -.7: 4.1- 3.6 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 3.4 (6+). July’s 3.1 is its lowest 6+-stat since March 2018 (2.8).

Netting four-tenths in January/February (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” continues at #13.

After posting a positive spike of one-half share this time last month, WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (2.8, #9, 6+). Off one-tenth (.7 – .6, 6+), The Wheeler School-owned news/talk WELH “89.3 The Public’s Radio,” which was -1.3 in December, remains at #20.

Providence Music Formats – A combined +1.1 in January/February (3.9 – 4.1 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” advances from sixth to fifth. Over and above adding eight-tenths to January’s +1.4 (8.0 – 9.4 – 10.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” repeats at #1 with its best 6+-stat since June (10.2, as well). After four months in succession at #1, WHJY segued to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019, when it was -1.3. A December gain of six-tenths wiped away October/November’s loss of equal magnitude (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7, 6+). Following “Holiday” 2019’s -1.9 (8.3 – 6.4, 6+), Hall Broadcasting’s WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is +2.1 in January/February (6.4 – 7.8 – 8.5 third to second, 6+). Entering the September sweep, WCTK was a collective +1.7 in three straight improvements (7.6 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3, 6+). Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX “Hot 106” nets nine-tenths in January/February (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.6, #11 to #10, 6+). An overall -1.9 via three straight down or flat sweeps (7.6 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB suspended the streak in January with a +.1; however, “B-101” plummets by -1.0 in February (5.8 – 4.8, fifth to sixth, 6+). The four most recent fluctuations for Townsquare Media CHR WFHN “Fun 107 The Southcoast’s #1 Hit Music Station” are: +.8 (December); -.8 (“Holiday” 2019); +.7 (January 2020); and now -.5 in February (2.6 – 2.1, #10 to #11, 6+). December’s 2.7 was its strongest 6+-stat since February 2019 (3.7). Unlisted the ninth month in a row are Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3,” which posted a 1.2 in June (#16, 6+) and classic hits-oldies sibling WSKP “Good Times … Great Oldies” (.8, #19, June 2019, 6+).

Norfolk

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though it is down or flat the fifth straight time for a net loss of three-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” nonetheless pushes up from tenth to ninth.

Norfolk Music Formats – Recapturing in full the seven-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.2 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WNVZ “Z-104” progresses from seventh to fifth. After being an overall +2.7 in three spikes in succession (11.7 – 12.7 – 14.1 – 14.4, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WVKL forfeits more than half that increase (14.4 – 12.9, -1.5, 6+). Despite that loss, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 the 15^th consecutive ratings period. WVKL had been the market pacesetter 25 successive times before shifting to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018. When WVKL recorded a 9.1 (6+) in August, it marked the first time since January 2014 (9.8) that the station failed to log double-digits (6+). Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in July and includes February’s -.7 (8.0 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 7.8 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI “103 Jamz” repeats in the runner-up slot. Up four-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8, 6+), jazz-formatted WHOV “Smooth 88.1 The Essence of Hampton University” forfeits one-half share to 1.3, (#11 to #13), its lowest 6+-stat since April (1.3, as well). Following January’s massive -2.0 (3.1 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV regains 10% with a +.2 to 1.3 (6+) and is in a tie at #13 (with WHOV). “MOViN’ 107.7” was +1.7 in December/“Holiday” (1.4 – 1.9 – 3.1, 6+). There’s not much January 2020 – February 2020 movement in the adult contemporary arena. Entercom’s WWDE “101.3 2WD” repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (5.2, #3, 6+), while Max Broadcast Group’s WVBW “92.9 The Wave” is up two-tenths to 3.8 (6+), yet slips from a fifth-place tie to seventh. WWDE was +8.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.3 – 6.9 – 12.4, 6+) but faltered by -7.2 in January. Immediately prior to its February +.2, “The Wave” was a collective -1.5 via three drops in a row (5.1 – 4.6 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). These three Saga Communications-owned properties are unlisted the second month in a row: WAFX “106.9 The Fox – Hampton Roads’ Classic Rock”; WNOR “FM 99 Rocks”; and adult standards WJOI “Joy FM – Great Songs/Great Memories.” WAFX was -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.3 – 6.7 – 5.8, #4, 6+); WNOR lost basically half (-4.5) its 6+ AQH share via four consecutive downturns (9.1 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+), finishing fifth in “Holiday” 2019; and WJOI logged a .2 in “Holiday” 2019 (#17, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it is a cumulative +2.3 through three upticks in succession (8.1 – 8.3 – 9.8 – 10.4, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” segues from a tie at #1 to #2. WOKV-FM had been the market leader from July through November and is in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September (10.4, as well).

Anchored at #18, iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” follows January’s improvement of three-tenths with a February loss of four-tenths (1.2 – .8, 6+). Surrendering the one-tenth it gained via four straight up or flat moves (.3 – .4 – .4 -.4 – .4, 6+), Cox Media Group sports talk WOKV-AM “690 AM ESPN Jacksonville” exits the top twenty (.3, #20 to #22, 6+).

Public radio news/talk WJCT, which gained eight-tenths in January (2.9 – 3.7, 6+), is off three-tenths to 3.4 (6+), but repeats in tenth-place.

Jacksonville Music Formats – Storming back from January’s -8.6 with a robust +2.2 (18.4 – 9.8 – 12.0, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ is #1 the fourth ratings period in a row. It shared the lead in January with Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM (see above). In four consecutive up or flat moves, WEJZ was +11.0 (7.4 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 10.8 – 18.4, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 18.4 was the highest 6+-showing by any Jacksonville station in four years (WEJZ, 19.7, “Holiday” 2015, 6+). Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s WEZI “Easy 102.9 – adds one-half share to January’s +1.0 (4.1 – 5.1 – 5.6, seventh to sixth, 6+). WEZI’s January increase interrupted five successive downturns that accounted for a -2.8 (6.9 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.1, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 4.1 was the lowest 6+-figure for “Easy” since “Holiday” 2018 (4.0). CHR cluster-mate WAPE “Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which was an overall -2.1 as a result of seven successive sweeps without an increase (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.5, applies the brakes with a +.8 (5.3, ninth to seventh, 6+). Still in that Cox Media Group cluster, classic hits-oldies WJGL-FM “Eagle 96.9” is -1.8 in January/February (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.0, third to fifth, 6+), while urban contemporary WJGL-HD2 picks up one-half share (1.5 – 2.0, #17 to #15, 6+). WJGL-FM bounced back from December’s -.5  with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.1. Three successive improvements delivered “Eagle 96.9” a net gain of seven-tenths (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+). Three straight sweeps without a loss by iHeartMedia’s rock WWJK yielded one-half share (2.7 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.2, 6+); however, “Planet Radio 107.3” regresses by seven-tenths to 2.5 (#12 to #13, 6+). A combined +1.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (3.7 – 4.0 – 5.5, 6+), Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “99.9 Gator Country” relinquishes one-half share to 5.0 (sixth to eighth, 6+). WGNE had been within 4.1 – 4.7 range (6+) five survey periods in succession (4.3 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+) before faltering in December by eight-tenths to 3.7, its lowest 6+-stat since June (3.5). As a result of eight consecutive sweeps without an increase, Cox Media Group-owned WXXJ “X-106.5 Jacksonville’s New Alternative” is a collective -1.3 (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, #16 to #17, 6+).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – An increase of four-tenths this time last month by iHeartMedia-owned WJNO halted three straight drops that accounted for a 1.2 (4.0 – 3.7 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+); “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (3.2, #8, 6+). Co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” follows January’s half-share improvement (2.4 – 2.9, 6+) with a -1.2 and tumbles out of the top ten (1.7, #9 to #13, 6+).

Without an increase the fourth sweep in succession for a roughly 62% loss (-1.3) of its 6+ AQH share (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” drops from #16 to #20. Without a West Palm Beach loss the fourth straight time for a net gain of two-tenths (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD “610 News Radio” pushes up from #19 to #18.

The November 2019 through February 2020 topline for Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” is: .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 (#22 to #24, 6+).

After being -.8 (October/November, 6+); +.8 (December); and -1.0 (Holiday” 2019), Dade County School Board public radio news/talk WLRN is a combined +.9 in January/February (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.9, tenth to ninth, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – Nearly matching January’s +1.7 with a strong +1.3 (4.6 – 6.3 – 7.6, 6+), WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” jumps from fourth to second. In five setbacks in a row, the iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary outlet was an overall -2.8 (7.4 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 4.6, 6+). Its Spanish contemporary sibling, WRLX “Mia 92.1,” is in alternating down/up pattern (2.4 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.5, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). On the heels of January’s +1.1 (7.7 – 8.8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF “Variety from the 90s and Now” drops one-tenth to 8.7 (6+) but repeats at #1. After spending 12 ratings periods on top, WRMF slid to #2 in “Holiday” 2019 (-1.5) with its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (7.7, as well). It substituted November’s -.6 with December’s +.6  (9.2 – 8.6 – 9.2, 6+). Co-owned urban AC WMBX “X-102.3,” which logged a +1.8 this time last month (5.0 – 6.8, 6+), craters by -2.3 to 4.5 (third to fourth, 6+). Only Atlantic Gateway Communications’ Washington, DC  contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” had a greater (6+) January 2020 – February 2020 decrease (7.2 – 4.7, -2.5, 6+). Still in that Hubbard Broadcasting cluster, WIRK “New Country 103.1” posts its fourth drop in a row for an overall loss of -1.8 and falls below a four-share (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.7, flat at #6, 6+). Off six-tenths are iHeartMedia classic rock and CHR siblings WKGR “Gater 98.7” (4.4, unchanged at #5, 6+) and WHYI “Y-100” (1.6, #11 to #15, 6+). WKGR had been a collective +1.9 in three upticks in a row (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+), while “Y-100” was up four-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+). The three most recent shifts by iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM – Joven Como Tu” are: -.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +.9 (January 2020); and now -.5 in February (1.8 – 1.3, #13 to #16, 6+).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding eight-tenths to January’s +.9 (3.0 – 3.9 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” moves from ninth to eighth.

Unlisted in January, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” reappears with a .7 (#15, 6+); it had a .6 (#15, 6+) in “Holiday” 2019.

Repeating in tenth-place, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD follows January’s +.9 with a gain of three-tenths (2.1 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+). Posting a repetitive December 2019 through February 2020 topline of 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 (6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill public radio news/talk WUNC slips from #13 to #14.

Greensboro Music Formats – In addition to being a combined +1.2 in January/February (6.9 – 7.0 – 8.1 fifth to third, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH “102 Jamz” crosses the eight-share mark (8.1, 6+) for the first time since June 2018 (8.2). Improving by seven-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG (8.1, steady at #3, 6+) and co-owned rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up” (3.0, #12 to #11, 6+). Following its “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1, WMAG cratered by approximately 54% (-8.8) of its 6+ AQH share (16.2 – 7.4, 6+). Directly prior, four successive spikes netted WMAG a +9.9 (6.3 – 6.4 – 7.5 – 10.2 – 16.2, 6+). In six successive down or flat moves, WVBZ was an overall -2.5 (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). That directly followed five straight improvements that accounted for a +2.3 (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). The internet stream of Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” pops on with a .7 (#15, 6+). The combination of urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” posting a +.6 (10.5, second to first, 6+) and adult hits WSMW eroding by -1.5 (10.4 – 8.9, first to second, 6+) results in the Entercom cluster-mates swapping places. Owing to three straight setbacks, WQMG was a -1.1 (11.0 – 10.9 – 10.1 – 9.9, 6+). In 2019, WQMG was #1 in January, February, April, May, July, and December. An overall +3.1 as a result of four up or flat sweeps in a row (8.8 – 9.5 – 10.9 – 10.9 – 11.9, 6+), “Simon” hit the eleven-share level (11.9, November 2019, 6+) for the first time since February 2018 (11.4). Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: +.9 (January 2019); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); -1.6 (April); +1.1 (May); +.5 (June); -1.0 (July); +.7 (August); +1.4 (September); +1.0 (November); -1.2 (December); -2.2 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.9 (January 2020); and -1.5 (February). The market’s two country rivals are now separated by one share (6+): Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” is 5.5 – 5.2 (-.3, flat at #7, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” is 4.6 – 4.2 (-.4, eighth to ninth, 6+). Both were down six-tenths in December and up six-tenths in January. Over the course of the last 23 sweeps (June 2018 through February 2020), WTQR has triumphed over WPAW 12 times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, May, July, November, and December); WPAW has come out on top on nine occasions (December 2018, February 2019, March, April, August, September, “Holiday” 2019, January 2020, and February); and there have been two ties (June 2019 and October 2019).

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Up seven-tenths in January/February 2019, iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” climbs from seventh to sixth (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+) and reaches the five-share level for the first time since September’s 5.2.

Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” is in a down/up/down pattern (3.5 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). Co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790” regains the two-tenths it lost in January (.3 – .1 – .3, flat at #20, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – Not only does Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO bounce back from January’s loss of two-tenths with an increase four times that magnitude to cross the nine-share mark (8.3 – 9.1, 6+), “103.5 The Best Mix of R&B” marches from a second-place tie to first. Entering the January sweep, WRBO was +1.4 In three straight spikes (7.1 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.5, 6+). This is its best 6+-performance since April (9.1, as well). Dislodged from the top spot after 16 consecutive times there is iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101,” -1.7 in five down or flat reports in succession (10.5 – 10.5 – 9.7 – 9.4 – 9.2 – 8.8, first to second, 6+). Its October +1.0 more than counteracted August/September’s -.6 (10.1 – 9.8 – 9.5, 6+). By gaining one-tenth to 3.3 (flat at #11, 6+), co-owned WEGR “Rock 102.7” suspends three successive downturns that led to a -1.3 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). As Entercom’s country-formatted WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” gains one-half share and enters the top ten (3.5, #12 to #10, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WGKX “Today’s Best Country Kix 106” falters by that same margin (4.0 – 3.5, -.5, ninth to tenth 6+). WLFP and WGKX are tied in tenth-place and were deadlocked at #9 in October. In four straight negative or neutral sweeps, “The Wolf” was -1.2 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). “Kix” 106” was -1.7 in December/“Holiday 2019” (4.8 – 4.4 – 3.1, 6+) and then +.9 in January. Directly prior, it gained +1.4 in five successive sweeps without a loss (3.4 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). In addition to WLFP, iHeartMedia’s WDIA “1070 The Heart & Soul of Memphis” improves by one-half share, as it nets eight-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.9 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.7, steady at #13, 6+). Including -1.1 in February, Entercom hot AC WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” continues an alternating up/down pattern (3.9 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 3.8, sixth to eighth, 6+). A combined -3.3 in January/February (9.0 – 6.3 – 5.7, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate WRVR “104.5 The River” repeats in fifth-place. Directly prior to January, WRVR was +2.5 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 9.0, 6+). After being off six-tenths in December and then +1.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (6.5 – 7.0 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned gospel WHAL “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” forfeits one-half share to 7.8 (second to third, 6+).

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – Up one-half share in January/February (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2, 6+), Entercom-owned  WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” progresses from sixth to fifth. This was preceded by four successive down or flat reports resulting in a -1.7 (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 5.7, 6+). Anchored at #13, Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” counters January’s -.1 with an increase of two-tenths (.6 – .8, 6+). Following 21 straight times of notching a .1 (6+), iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” records a .2 (#17 to #16, 6+).

WPOP’s sports talk cluster-mate, WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford,” has a June 2019 through February 2020 topline of: 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.8 (#11 to #12, 6+).

Adding one-half share to January’s +.6 (3.5 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” continues in ninth-place. Flat at #14, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” surrenders the one-tenth it gained in January (.3 – .4 – .3, 6+).

Hartford Music Formats – A February +1.1 enables Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX to zoom from eighth to fourth; “Hot 93.7” is +1.3 in January/February (5.1 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+). Down or flat the past four sweeps for an overall loss of eight-tenths (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 ends the slide with a +.5 to 2.1 (#12 to #11, 6+). A combined +8.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.8 – 11.5 – 18.4, 6+) and -7.7 in January to 10.7 (6+), Entercom adult contemporary WRCH “Lite 100.5” gains three-tenths (11.0, #1 the 45^th consecutive time, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 18.4 is the best 6+-showing of any Hartford station since WRCH’s 18.0 in “Holiday” 2018. Ten of its recent (6+) shifts include: -6.9 (January 2019); +1.0 (February); -1.0 (March); -1.3 (April); +1.0 (May); -1.0 (July); +1.2 (September); +1.7 (December); +6.9 (“Holiday” 2019); and -7.7 (January 2020). On the heels of its January +1.9 (5.5 – 7.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKSS “Kiss 95.7 All The Hits” relinquishes all but six-tenths (6.1, -1.3, third to sixth, 6+). Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC-FM” is in an alternating up/down pattern that includes February’s +.9 (6.2 – 7.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 5.5, fifth to eighth, 6+). Despite not having an increase the eighth time in succession for a net loss of two-tenths (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WNTY “Kool Radio – Good Times/Great Oldies” advances from #15 to #14.

February 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Three

February 2020 PPM Data – Information for the February 2020 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus; a technical glitch has affected the Las Vegas report. Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 survey period covered January 30 – February 26. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – Down eight tenths in “Holiday” 2019 and then bouncing back with a January 2020 half-share increase, Alpha Media-owned news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” drops two-tenths (5.1 – 4.9, fifth to fourth, 6+). Despite logging its sixth straight up or flat trend for a net gain of one-half share (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” backslides from #17 to #18. After gaining four-tenths in January, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” sheds three tenths in February (1.5 – 1.2, flat at #22, 6+). Unchanged at #28, Salem Media Group’s KPAM “AM 860 The Answer” is without an increase the fifth time in a row for a net loss of just one-tenth (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in September (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.2 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+), Alpha Media sports talk KXTG “The Game” repeats at #21. Entercom’s similarly-formatted KFXX “1080 The Fan” is down a collective four-tenths in five successive negative or neutral trends (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), yet advances from #23 to #22. Returning January’s increase of two-tenths (7 – .9 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” is flat at #24.

Surrendering half of January’s +.6 (8.5 – 8.2, -.3, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB segues from a first-place tie to the runner-up slot. On top in October, KOPB has been -2.0 (February/March); +.6 (April); -.9 (May); +.5 (August); +1.1 (October); -.6 (November); and +.6 (January 2020).

Portland Music Formats – From different ends of the musical spectrum, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KXJM “Jam’n 107.5” (#15 to #10) and All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” (#16 to #12) each boast February 2020 increases of nine-tenths. KXJM is +1.0 in January/February (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.7, 6+), while KQAC halts four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a net loss of seven-tenths (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” (6.1, fourth to third, 6+) and Entercom’s KNRK “94.7 Alternative Portland” (#14 to #10). Immediately prior, KLTH had been an overall -3.1 in three downturns in a row (8.5 – 7.1 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+). “The Eagle” had a November-only stay at #1. KNRK has been within 3.0 – 3.7 range in each of the last ten survey periods (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). Off seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (2.9 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate KRSK “105.1 The Buzz” jumps one-half share to 2.7 (#20 to #19, 6+). Albeit down one-tenth (8.5 – 8.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103” is #1 the fourth sweep in succession. It shared the lead in January with public radio news/talk KOPB (see above). A combined +6.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.4 – 9.1 – 13.9, 6+), KKCW regressed by -5.4 in January; 13.9 was its highest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2. “K-103” was on top in July, August, and September, before slipping to #2 in October. In three straight bumps, Entercom-owned KGON was a combined +1.5 (3.1 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), but “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” drops two-tenths to 4.4 (6+). Even so, KGON progresses from ninth to sixth. This particular positive streak directly followed four straight decreases that accounted for an overall -2.8 (5.9 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+). Five recent (6+) shifts for its adult hits sibling KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” include: +.6 (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.7, September/October 6+); -1.1 (5.7 – 4.8 – 4.6, November/December 6+); +2.1 (4.6 – 6.7, “Holiday” 2019, 6+); -.8 (January 2020); and now -1.2 in February (5.9 – 4.7, third to fifth, 6+). A combined +2.5 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (2.4 – 3.0 – 4.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” surrenders 28% of that increase (4.2, -.7, sixth to ninth, 6+). After logging a January improvement of seven-tenths, Alpha Media CHR KBFF “Live 95.5” regresses by one-half share (4.2 – 4.9 – 4.4, flat at #6, 6+). “Live 95.5” was off eight-tenths via three drops in a row (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +1.8 in January/February, Entercom news/talk WBT crosses the five-share level and advances from eighth to sixth (3.5 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+).

Co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” repeats January’s 1.4 (6+), but slips from #17 to #18.

Steady at #15, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE adds one-tenth to January’s +.6 (2.0 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+).

Charlotte Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia classic rock WRFX stack a +1.1 onto January’s increase of four-tenths (6.4 – 6.8 – 7.9, 6+), “99.7 The Fox” repeats at #1. Directly prior, “The Fox” had been an overall -1.9 via three straight setbacks (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.3 – 6.4, 6+). WRFX was ousted from the top spot in December, after three successive months there. November’s decrease halted four consecutive improvements that accounted for a +2.9 (5.4 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 7.5 – 8.3, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations for adult hits sibling WLKO “102.9 The Lake” are: +.7 (September/October); -.5 (November); +.8 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.0 (January 2020); and now +.5 in February (6.7 – 7.2, unchanged at #2, 6+). Alternative cluster-mate WEND hauls out a February +1.1 as well with “106.5 The End” crossing the four-share level and entering the top ten (3.2 – 4.3, #14 to #10, 6+). A loss of seven-tenths to 4.7 (seventh to eighth, 6+) by Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF “105.3 RnB” completely erases the overall +.7 it accumulated through four straight up or flat trends (4.7 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). Unchanged in ninth-place, Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” is without an increase the third month in a row for a net loss of six-tenths (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Within 2.0 – 2.3 range (6+) in each of the last five sweeps (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+), Davidson College’s WDAV “89.9 Classical Public Radio” falters by one-half share to 1.6 (flat at #16, 6+). Finishing at fifth and seventh, respectively, are Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” (5.9 – 5.5, -.4, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” (5.5 – 5.2, -.3, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, WSOC was -1.2, while WKKT was -1.1; both were +1.0 in January. WSOC has been -1.5 (June/July); +.8 (August); -1.2 (September/October); +1.5 (November); -1.0 (December) -1.2 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.0 (January 2020). In advance of August/September’s -1.1 (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+), “The Kat” was a collective +1.3 via five successive positive or neutral moves (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+).

 San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Supplementing January’s +.4 with a February increase of six-tenths (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” (Spurs) carries on in third-place. Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” improves by one-tenth (1.5 – 1.6, 6+) and one ranker (#22 to #21).

Likewise, Alpha Media sports talk KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” gains one-tenth (.5 – .6, 6+) and one ranker  (#29 to #28). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” is flat at .5 (6+) and remains at #29.

A combined +.7 in January/February (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+) after December/“Holiday” 2019’s -.8 (3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX progresses from #15 to #14.

San Antonio Music Formats – Jumping eight-tenths (each) are Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” (5.8 – 6.6, steady at #2); co-owned KISS “Rocks San Antonio” (3.7 – 4.5, #11 to #5, 6+); and classic rock cluster-mate KTKX “106.7 The Eagle” (4.1, #13 to #9). Recent (6+) “Y-100” shifts include: +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.6 (March); +.6 (May); -.5 (July); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.1 (January 2020); and +.8 (February). Without an increase four successive sweeps for an overall -1.6 (4.8 – 4.6 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), KISS ended the slide in January with a half-share increase. “The Eagle” curtails three straight downturns that accounted for a -.9 (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+). Down or flat the past four ratings periods for a net loss of -1.8 (5.5 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), hot AC sibling KSMG “Magic 105.3” posts a +.4 to 4.1 and reenters the top ten (#11 to #9). In the Univision Radio cluster, rhythmic hot AC KVBH “Vibe 107.5” (#17 to #16) and Spanish contemporary sibling KMYO “Latino Mix 95.1” (#20 to #17) each improve by six-tenths. KVBH is up seven-tenths in January/February (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9, 6+), while KMYO gains eight-tenths in the same period (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+). An overall -1.3 in four straight down or flat reports, (4.6 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Alpha Media CHR KTFM “Energy 94.1” pulls the plug with a +.3 to 3.6 (steady at #13, 6+). The three latest shifts by Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet KONO-FM are -1.8 (“Holiday” 2019); +.8 (January 2020); and -.7 in February (7.5 – 6.8, 6+). Nonetheless, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. KONO-FM was the market leader ten ratings periods in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2019. Prior to that sweep, KONO-FM was a cumulative +1.8 in four consecutive spikes (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.2 – 8.5, 6+). Having more than doubled (+2.9) its 6+ AQH share in three straight up or flat moves (2.4 – 2.4 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” spirals by -1.6 to 3.7 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#4 to #12). A combined +1.1 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary KZEP “104.5 Latino Hits” has that increase evaporate with a February -1.2 (2.6, #10 to #17, 6+). The seven-tenths that Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” picked up in January vanishes in its entirety (5.1 – 4.4, -.7, fifth to seventh, 6+). A loss of one-half share sends regional Mexican cluster-mate KSAH below a two-share (1.6, #19 to #20, 6+). “Norteno 104.1” had been within 2.0 – 2.6 territory (6+) in each of the last eight sweeps.

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of January’s robust +2.7 to 8.6 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFBK sheds two-tenths to 8.4 (6+). At this time last month, “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” was in a first-place tie but it now has sole possession of the lead. Flat at 2.2 (6+), following January’s +.7, co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” slips from #14 to #15.

Despite losing three-tenths in January/February (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” proceeds from #19 to #18. Off one-tenth in January/February (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+), Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” (Kings) repeats January’s market rank (#21). These two sports talkers were tied in July, August, and October.

After picking up three-tenths in January, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ relinquishes all of it (4.4 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+) and slips from seventh to eighth. December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history.

Sacramento Music Formats – When KZZO “Now 100.5 Today’s Best Hits” notched an increase of two-tenths in January, it suspended three straight decreases that led to a -1.8 (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.6, 6+). The Bonneville hot AC tacks on nine-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and jumps from #13 to #11. Chalking up a February +.9 as well is Entercom-owned KRXQ “98 Rock” (fifth to fourth), which is +1.4 via three straight upticks (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 6.2, 6+). Whereas iHeartMedia adult contemporary KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” posts a +.6 (4.2 – 4.8, ninth to seventh, 6+), Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KYMX “Mix 96” falters by -1.0 (fourth to sixth). “The Breeze” has been a combined +.9 (August/September); -.9 (October); +.6 (November); -.8 (December/“Holiday” 2019); and +1.1 (January/February). Through four consecutive spikes, “Mix” tripled (+8.4) its 6+ AQH share (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 6.1 – 12.6, 6+), with 12.6 representing its largest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 13.8. While it was #1 in “Holiday” 2019, KYMX is -7.6 in January/February  (12.6 – 6.0 – 5.0, 6+). In the 17 reports since KBEB’s format switch from country to AC in mid-November 2018, “Mix” has prevailed 15 times; “The Breeze” has come on top once (September, 4.8 to 4.2, 6+); and the two AC rivals were tied in November 2019. In addition to KBEB, its classic rock sibling, KYRV “93.7 The River,” improves by six-tenths (5.1, eighth to fifth, 6+) as well. The increase suspends three straight losses that led to a -.6 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). In three successive bumps, KSFM was +1.8 and crossed the four-share level (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 4.9, 6+), but the Entercom-owned rhythmic CHR regresses by eight-tenths to 4.1 (sixth to ninth, 6+). Even though Entravision Spanish adult hits KXSE logs its sixth up or flat report in succession for an overall increase of nine-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+),“La Suavecita 104.3” slips from #15 to #16. Mirroring iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK’s (6+) January 5.9 – 8.6, +2.7, third to first move (see above), Bonneville-owned KNCI “New Country 105.1” surrenders one-half share to 8.1 (6+) and shifts from a first-place tie to the runner-up slot. KNCI had a December-only stay at #1, as it plummeted by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019. Entering the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, “New Country 105.1” was up or flat three times in a row for a net gain of one-half share (6.9 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). Owing to five sweeps in a row without an increase, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” is a cumulative -1.7 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8, #12 to #13, 6+). After doubling (+1.3) its 6+-stat through three consecutive gains (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+), Lotus Communications regional Mexican KVMX-FM “La Ranchera” is now an overall -1.4 in three drops in a row (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.5 – 1.2, flat at #18, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Steady in ninth-place, Entercom’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” tacks on three-tenths to January’s +.9 (3.1 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+).

On the heels of January’s +1.5, co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” forfeits four-tenths (7.9 – 7.5, 6+) but carries on in fourth-place. Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.2, #20, 6+).

Returning the three-tenths it added in January (3.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” dips from ninth to tenth.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – Tacking seven-tenths onto January’s +1.2 (3.1 – 4.3 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom-owned WDSY “Pittsburgh’s Country Y-108” progresses from eighth to sixth. Entering the January sweep, “Y-108” was a combined -2.1 in three straight drops (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 3.1, 6+). That immediately followed a +1.0 in three up or flat shifts in succession (4.2 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” is a combined +1.2 in January/February (1.9 – 2.7 – 3.1, #12 to #11). “Big 104.7” faltered by one-half share to 1.9 (“Holiday” 2019, 6+), halting 13 successive survey periods of posting a 6+-stat within 2.3 – 2.9 range. Answering January’s -5.4 (13.6 – 8.2, 6+) with a February improvement of one-half share to 8.7 (6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet WWSW “94.5 3WS” is #1 the third time in a row. WWSW occupied the runner-slot three months in succession before proceeding to #1 (with a +5.0) in “Holiday” 2019. Immediately prior to the October sweep, “3WS” spent three successive months on top. A combined –2.6 in January/February (7.6 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH drops from fifth to sixth. When “Wish 99.7” picked up four-tenths in December, it halted six consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall -1.7 (6.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Flat at #11, Entercom hot AC WBZZ “Star 100.7” is a collective  -1.4 via three consecutive down or flat reports (4.5 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding two-tenths to January’s +.9 (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” is unchanged at #7. KNRS was +2.0 (3.2 – 5.2, November, 6+); -1.0 to 4.2 (6+) in December; and -.1 to 4.1 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019. It has a three-tenths advantage over Bonneville’s KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” (5.0 – 4.9, -.1, seventh to eighth, 6+). The two were tied in January, when KSL logged a +1.0. Entering the January sweep, KSL was a collective -2.4 in three successive decreases (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 4.0, 6+); KSL was +2.4 in October (4.0 – 6.4, 6+). Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” has nearly tripled (+.5) its 6+ AQH share since “Holiday” 2019 (.3 – .6 – .8, flat at #18, 6+).

Up seven-tenths in January/February (1.7 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER remains at #15.

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Off eight-tenths this time last month (4.6 – 3.8, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KENZ recoups one-half share (4.3, +.5, 6+) and continues at #11. “Power 94.9 Utah’s New Hit Music” was a combined +1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.1 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+). Jumping one-half share as well in February is Brigham Young University’s KBYU “Classical 89,” which is a combined +.9 in January/February (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.2, flat at #16, 6+). Tied in fourth place are iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “My-99.5” (5.8 – 5.5, -.3, third to fourth, 6+) and its format rival, Capital Broadcasting’s KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” (5.5, -.1, flat at #4, 6+). KJMY’s January +2.1 demolished its overall -2.2 through five setbacks in a row (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+). KBZN was down eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 and +1.4 in January (4.2 – 5.6). Following January’s -12.6 (21.1 – 8.5, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI erodes by another nine-tenths to 7.6 (6+), but “FM 100.3 Better Music/Better Work Day” is #1 the sixth successive sweep. Entering the January ratings period, KSFI was a collective +14.8 via four consecutive upticks (6.3 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 11.0 – 21.1, 6+) and was the only PPM-market station to reach the 20-share level (21.1, 6+) in “Holiday” 2019. Moreover, KSFI was the only PPM-market outlet to accomplish that feat in “Holiday” 2018 (21.8, 6+); “Holiday” 2017 (23.2, 6+); “Holiday” 2016 (20.6, 6+); and “Holiday” 2015 (21.4, 6+). Three consecutive down or flat reports by Listeners Community Radio triple A KRCL led to a loss of two-tenths (.7 – .6 – .5 – .5, 6+); however, “90.9 Community Connection – Music Discovery” picks up two-tenths to .7 (unchanged at #19, 6+). After dropping one-half share as a result of four straight sweeps without an increase (.8 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .3, 6+), independent KSOP-AM “1370 – Utah’s Home For Classic Country” ends the slide with a one-tenth gain to .4 (6+) and continues at #21. These Broadway Media stations are unlisted the 15^th  sweep in a row: adult hits KYMV; alternative KXRK; CHR KUDD; country KEGA; and rhythmic CHR KUUU.

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – Piling on a +.5 to January’s increase of eight-tenths (3.3 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WDBO-FM “News 96.5,” which was -.7 in “Holiday” 2019, progresses from tenth to ninth. WDBO-FM is two-tenths ahead of iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WTKS  (4.6 – 4.4, -.2, seventh to tenth, 6+). “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” was -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019) and then +1.2 (January 2020). A combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019, co-owned WFLF “News Radio Orlando” expunges 90% of that shortfall with a January/February +.9 (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.3, #15 to #13, 6+).

Tied at #18 are Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando and iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted (Magic flagship) WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader.” WDBO-AM returns the two-tenths it gained in January (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.2, #17 to #18, 6+), while “The Game” is up three-tenths in January/February (.9 – 1.1 – 1.2, #20 to #18, 6+).

On the heels of January’s +.7 (2.6 – 3.3, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” drops one-tenth to 3.2 (flat at #14, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – Progressing by eight-tenths (each) are Cox Media Group’s WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” (5.4 – 6.2, unchanged at #5, 6+) and rhythmic CHR sibling WPYO “Power 95.3 Orlando’s New #1 For All The Hits”  (4.5 – 5.3, ninth to sixth, 6+). In January, WMMO regained the one-half share it squandered in “Holiday” 2019. Meanwhile, “Power” was -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+) and +.7 in January. Major ups/down continue for Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s,” which – despite being off eight-tenths – repeats at #1 (9.2 – 8.4, 6+). WOCL ballooned by +3.1 through four consecutive (April through August) spikes (7.9 – 9.0 – 9.4 – 10.8 – 11.0, 6+); was -2.5 in September/October (11.0 – 9.5 – 8.5, 6+); +.6 (November); -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.1 – 9.0 – 8.0, 6+); +1.2 (January 2020); and now -.8 (February). Before segueing to the runner-up slot in December, “Sunny” was #1 seven straight sweeps. A loss of one-half share (3.4 – 2.9, #13 to #15, 6+) by cluster-mate WQMP sends “FM 101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” to its lowest 6+-showing since July (2.9, as well). Continuing in third-place, iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM “Rumba 100.3” is down or flat the third consecutive time for a net loss of -1.0 (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+). Conversely, CHR cluster-mate WXXL “XL-106.7,” which was -1.4 via three sweeps in succession without an increase (7.5 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.1, 6+), ends the slide with a +.3 to 6.4 (flat at #4, 6+). JVC Media’s WOTW “103.1 The Wolf – New Country + All Time Favorites,” which was trending 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 (October – November – December, 6+), is unlisted the third time in a row.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia news/talk WLW is +1.2 in January/February (7.1 – 8.1 – 8.3, 6+), directly following a -3.6 through five straight down or flat moves (10.7 – 10.7 – 9.8 – 8.7 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+). Three straight drops by co-owned WKRC accounted for a net loss of one-half share (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.6, October through “Holiday” 2019, 6+), but “55 KRC The Talk Station” obliterates that loss with a January/February +1.2 (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.8, tenth to ninth, 6+).

Sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” has its 6+ AQH share carved in half (-.8) via four straight sweeps without an increase (1.6 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8, #17 to #19, 6+). The extremely consistent April 2019 through February 2020 topline for co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” is: .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 (steady at #23, 6+).

This is the sixth sweep in a row without an increase for Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU, which has lost eight-tenths in that timeframe (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1, #14 to #17, 6+).

Cincinnati Music Formats – Within 1.0 – 1.8 range (6+) in each of the last 11 survey periods, Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WGUC “Classical 90.9” breaks out a +1.6 to 2.7 (#17 to #14, 6+). Nearly wiping away January’s loss of nine-tenths with a February +.8 (3.2 – 2.3 – 3.1, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” jumps from #15 to #13. Adding six-tenths to January’s +1.9 (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WUBE “Get Your Country On B-105.1” repeats at #3. WUBE had been an overall -2.3 in three drops in succession (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.0 – 5.0, 6+). A collective -1.9 via five successive sweeps without an increase (4.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” applies the brakes with a +.4 to 3.2 (flat at #12, 6+). After flaunting a January +2.8 to 11.3 (6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” forfeits nearly half that bounty (10.1, -1.2, 6+) but repeats at #1. Entering the January sweep, WGRR lost a collective nine-tenths in three consecutive down or flat moves (9.4 – 9.3 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). It was #1 in eight of 2019’s 13 ratings periods: The exceptions were January, August, September, October, and “Holiday” 2019. The station WGRR replaced at #1 – co-owned adult contemporary WRRM – is a combined -7.6 in January/February (13.1 – 6.2 – 5.5, fourth to fifth, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, “Warm 98.5” jumped from third to first. It was a combined +7.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 6.9 – 13.1, 6+) with 13.1 its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6. Four consecutive significant upticks by Grant County Broadcasters’ WNKN generated a collective +3.3 (2.1 – 2.9 – 4.1 – 4.7 – 5.4, 6+). “Classic Country” sputters by one-half share to 4.9 (6+) but remains in sixth-place.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – Recent (6+) fluctuations by iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” include: -.6 (March); +.9 (April); -.7 (May); +.5 (June); +.5 (July); +1.1 (August); -.7 (September) -.7 (October); -.6 (November); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.1 (January 2020); and now +.5 in February (5.3 – 5.8, steady at #8, 6+). Radio One’s WZAK-HD3 debuted in print in November and had a topline of .6 – 1.2 – 1.5 (6+); WZAK-HD3 is unlisted the second straight month. After recording a .9 (6+) in four successive sweeps, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer, News-Opinion-Insight” is unlisted as well. WHK was unlisted in July, August, and September, resurfacing in print in October.

Following January’s increase of two-tenths (4.7 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WKRK spirals by -1.3 and exits the top ten (3.6, #9 to #11). “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” was -1.4 in “Holiday” 2019, after more than doubling (+3.1) its 6+ AQH share via six successive increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 5.3 – 5.7 – 6.1, 6+).

Not only does WCPN tack on two-tenths to January’s +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), the Ideastream-owned public radio news/talk outlet enters the top ten (#11 to #9).

Cleveland Music Formats – Powered by a +1.1 (7.2 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies WMJI “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” zooms from fifth to second. On top three consecutive months, WMJI was dislodged in December. Recent (6+) “Majic” shifts include: +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.6 (July); -1.0 (August); +.8 (September); +.8 (November); -.6 (December); +2.0 (Holiday” 2019); -3.6 (January 2020); and +1.1 (February). One-half share ahead of WMJI is co-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country,” which drops seven-tenths (9.5 – 8.8, 6+) but repeats at #1. Its five most recent (6+) shifts are: +.9 (November); -.7 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +2.3 (January 2020); and -.7 (February). A combined -4.1 in January/February (11.8 – 8.3 – 7.7, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” falls from second to fourth. On top in December and “Holiday” 2019, “Star” had been without a loss four straight sweeps for an overall +5.2 (6.6 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 9.0 – 11.8, 6+). Flat at #13, Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” has lost roughly half (-2.4) its 6+ AQH share as a result of five straight decreases (5.0 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+).

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Returning 30% of January’s +1.0 (5.6 – 5.3, -.3, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” slips from third to fifth. KMBZ-FM was -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” adds three-tenths to January’s +.2 (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+) and inches up from #19 to #18. While it remains at #20, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” drops two-two-tenths to 1.4 (6+), thus snapping at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted six-tenths (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.6, 6+).

A combined +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (3.6 – 3.9 – 4.8, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” surrenders seven-tenths to 4.1 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Off four-tenths (3.0 – 2.6, 6+), directly after being a combined +.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (2.2 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom-owned KCSP “610 Sports Radio” drops from #14 to #15.

In addition to doubling January’s gain of two-tenths (3.7 – 4.1, +.4, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR enters the top ten (#12 to #9). KCUR was +.6 (November); -.6 (December); and -.6 (“Holiday” 2019).

Kansas City Music Formats – Purging the -1.8 that resulted through three straight negative reports (6.7 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.9, 6+) with a February +1.9 (seventh to third), Carter Broadcast Corporation urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” has its best 6+-stat (6.8) since September’s 7.0. On top the third straight time, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is nonetheless -3.8 in January/February (12.8 – 10.0 – 9.0, 6+). KCMO-FM was a combined +4.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.6 – 9.3 – 12.8, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 12.8 marked the first time the station reached double-digits (6+) since “Holiday” 2017 (10.4). Recent (6+) fluctuations for “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” include: +1.2 (February 2019); +1.1 (March); +1.3 (June); -.6 (August); +.6 (October); +.7 (December); +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019); -2.8 (January 2020); and -1.0 (February). As a result of three straight sweeps without an increase, Entercom-owned KQRC “98.9 The Rock” has lost six-tenths (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.2, #12 to #13, 6+). Co-owned alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” is in an alternating down/up pattern that began in October (2.2 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.5 – 2.2, #16 to #19, 6+). January’s 2.5 was the best 6+-stat for “The Buzz” since its 2.6 in July. Despite being down or flat the sixth time in a row for an overall -1.2 (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KCJK “105.1 The X – Kansas City’s Rock Alternative” reenters the top twenty (#21 to #20). The market’s three country players are separated by 1.2 shares (6+). Specifically, Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” is up three-tenths, remaining in third place (5.6 – 5.9, 6+); Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” drops two-tenths, slipping from sixth to seventh (5.0 – 4.8, 6+); and like its Steel City Media cluster-mate KFKF, KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country” notches a gain of three-tenths (4.4 – 4.7, ninth to eighth, 6+). In January, WDAF improved by eight-tenths and KBEQ posted a half-share increase; KFKF regressed by seven-tenths.

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” is an overall +2.6 through three straight upticks (6.0 – 6.1 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+).

Continuing an alternating down/up pattern that began in October (7.0 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+), Tegna’s WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” slips from fourth to fifth. Co-owned/similarly formatted WBNS-AM posts a .2 the sixth successive time and continues at #15.

After logging a January +1.4 (2.9 – 4.3, 6+), Ohio State University public radio news/talk WOSU forfeits three-tenths to 4.0 (fifth to seventh, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – A collective +5.6 in three straight upticks (3.8 – 3.9 – 5.9 – 9.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WODC surrendered a -5.3 in January. Storming back with a February +1.1 to 5.3 (6+), “93.3 The Bus” rides from sixth to fourth. WODC was -4.1 (January 2019); +.9 (May); -.5 (June); +1.0 (July); -.9 (August); -.5 (September); +2.0 (December); +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019); -5.2 (January 2020); and +1.1 (February). As a result of four consecutive sweeps without a decrease, One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” nets a +1.2 (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.6, steady at #8, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing (3.6) since May (4.3). Up four-tenths (9.8 -10.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” repeats at #1. Following 25 consecutive ratings periods at #1, WCOL segued to #3 in “Holiday” 2019. By logging a 9.8 (6+) in December, WCOL failed to reach double-digits (6+) for the first time since June 2017. Sample (6+) WCOL fluctuations include: +.8 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.2 (April); -1.3 (May); -.6 (June); -.8 (October); -1.1 (December); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2019); and +2.1 (January 2020). Trending down/up/down (3.3 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WZCB “106.7 The Beat” carries on in ninth-place. Tied at #9 with WZCB is Radio One’s WCKX “Power 107.5,” which is an overall -1.2 through six straight down or flat reports (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). For the second month in a row, the following Saga Communications stations are unlisted: adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95,” which had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1; WLVQ “Iconic Rock Q-96 FM”; hot AC WVMX “Mix 107.9”; and classic hits-oldies WNND “Rewind 103.5 & 104.3.”

February 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Two

February 2020 PPM Data. Information for the February 2020 ratings period has been released for Washington (DC), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 survey period covered January 30 – February 26. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Spoken-word claims the market’s top three February 2020 finishers, which includes Cumulus Media news/talk outlet WMAL. On the heels of January’s +1.9, WMAL adds four-tenths (6.9 – 7.3, fifth to third, 6+) with 7.3 representing the best 6+-stat in its PPM-history, eclipsing 6.9 in … January 2020. This marks the 20^th sweep in succession that Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

After bouncing back from December/“Holiday” 2019’s -2.7 (4.8 – 2.7 – 2.1, 6+) with January’s +.5, Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” relinquishes that increase in its entirety (2.6 – 2.0, -.6, #15 to #17, 6+). “The Fan” posted six straight positive or neutral moves for an overall +1.7 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+), including the highest 6+-share (4.8) by any D.C. sports talk outlet in the PPM-era. Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” has lost four-tenths via five sweeps in succession without an increase (1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .7, #20 to #21, 6+).

Adding four-tenths to January’s +.5 (6.9 – 7.4 – 7.8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP-FM pushes from second to a first-place tie. The all-news operation segued to the runner-up slot in July, following six straight months at #1. For the fourth time in a row, Entercom business news WDCH posts a move of one-tenth (.5 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .5, #24 to #23, 6+).

Six recent shifts by American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” include: -.8 (8.2 – 7.4, September, 6+); +.7 (7.4 – 8.1, October, 6+); +.8 (8.1 – 8.9, November, 6+); -2.3 (8.8 – 6.5, “Holiday” 2019); +.8 (6.5 – 7.3, January 2020); and now +.5 (7.3 – 7.8, third to a first-place tie with WTOP-FM). Before dropping to fourth in “Holiday” 2019, WAMU was on top the previous three reports.

Washington, DC Music Formats – Off six-tenths as a result of three setbacks in a row (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WKYS posts a half-share increase to 3.2 (6+) and continues at #13. After a January 2020-only visit to the top spot, co-owned urban AC WMMJ “Majic” sputters by eight-tenths (7.5 – 6.7, 6+) and segues from first to fourth. From September 2019 through February 2020, “Majic” has been -.8 (8.2 – 7.4, September, 6+); +.6 (7.4 – 8.0, October, 6+); -.6 (8.0 – 7.4, November, 6+); +.2 (7.4 – 7.6, December, 6+); -.2 (7.6 – 7.4, “Holiday” 2019, 6+); +.1 (7.4 – 7.5, January); and -.8 (February). Despite surrendering two-tenths (6.0 – 5.8, 6+), Howard University’s similarly-formatted WHUR advances from seventh to sixth. WHUR was up eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.2 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). By picking up one-tenth to 2.7 (flat at #15), Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC curtails six straight sweeps without an increase that led to a net loss of -1.1 (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+). An overall +2.2 through three straight upticks (5.0 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” forfeits the entire increase and three-tenths more (4.7, -2.5, fourth to seventh, 6+). Notwithstanding it has lost nearly half (-6.7) its 6+ AQH share in January/February (12.9 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” climbs from sixth to fifth. Down seven-tenths in November, WASH answered with a combined +7.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.4 – 8.1 – 12.9, 6+) and was #1 in “Holiday” 2019.

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on three-tenths to January’s +.7 (2.8 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” progresses from tenth to eighth. This directly follows four consecutive down or flat reports that accounted for a collective -1.1 (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). Co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” more than doubles (+.4) its 6+ AQH in five straight reports without a loss (.3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .7, #28 to #26, 6+).

Up seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM (Celtics, Bruins) sheds four-tenths to 5.4 (fourth to fifth, 6+); “98.5 The Sports Hub” was -1.1 in December. After posting a January increase of four-tenths, Entercom-owned sports talker WEEI-FM falters by seven-tenths (4.2 – 3.5, seventh to tenth, 6+). WEEI-FM was a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+). Four consecutive positive or neutral reports accounted for a +1.6 (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+).

Following “Holiday” 2019/January 2020’s +1.4 (4.8 – 6.0 – 6.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM relinquishes six-tenths (5.6, third to fourth, 6+). January’s 6.2 was the best 6+-showing for “News Radio 1030” since March 2018 (6.4, 6+).

Tied at #12 are Boston University news/talk WBUR (3.3 – 2.9, -.4, flat at #12, 6+) and WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH (#13 to #12, 6+). WBUR cut its December/“Holiday” 2019 -1.8 (4.5 – 3.9 – 2.7, 6+) by one-third with a January 2020 +.6. WGBH is in alternating up/down pattern that begin in September (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+).

Boston Music Formats – After an approximately 50-year run as a rocker, Entercom’s WAAF transitioned to contemporary Christian WKVB February 22 under new owners Educational Media Foundation. “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” has doubled (+.8) its 6+ AQH share through three straight spikes (.8 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.6, #21, 6+). Bouncing back from January’s -9.5 (15.2 – 5.7, 6+) with a February gain of one-half share to 6.2 (6+) Entercom-owned WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” advances from fifth to third. Entering the January 2020 sweep, “Magic” – #1 in “Holiday” 2019 – was a collective +10.5 in three jumps in a row (4.7 – 5.8 – 8.0 – 15.2, 6+). Adding two-tenths to January’s +1.9 (6.2 – 8.1 – 8.3, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet WROR repeats at #1. WROR was the market leader nine survey periods in a row, before segueing to second in “Holiday” 2019; “105.7 – 80s & More” was a combined -2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.5 – 8.1 – 6.2, 6+). Off one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia’s WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” (5.7 – 5.2, fifth to sixth) and Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” (1.0, #21 to #24, 6+). Directly following a one-half share loss (5.5 – 5.0, 6+), WZLX posted a +.7 in January. “Holiday” 2019’s 5.0 was the lowest 6+-stat for WZLX since July 2018 (4.8). “Cat Country” was locked on 1.5 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019 and January 2020.

Miami

Spoken-Word Formats – As part of a December 2019 through February 2020 down/up pattern (2.5 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 610 Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” repeats at #20.

Owing to four dips a row, Entercom-owned WQAM “560 The Joe” (Florida Panthers) has lost half (-.7) its 6+ AQH share (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .7, #25 to #28, 6+). It is tied with co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” (Heat), which records a one-tenth fluctuation the fourth successive sweep (.7 – .6 – .7 – .8 – .7, #27 to #28, 6+).

Unchanged at #13, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN adds three-tenths to January’s +.9 (2.0 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – Not only does WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” tack on seven-tenths to January’s +.1 (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.8, 6+), the iHeartMedia-owned CHR enters the top ten (#12 to #9). Immediately prior to January, “Y-100” was off four-tenths via three down or flat moves in a row (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). By picking up four-tenths to 3.3 (#13 to #12, 6+), Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WFLC “Hits 97.3” applies the brakes to three straight down or flat reports that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+). With a November 2019 through January 2020 topline of 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 (6+), Entercom alternative WSFS “104.3 The Shark” breaks out a +.6, crossing the two-share level (2.2, 6+) and cracking the top twenty (#19). Logging improvements of one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia classic rock and Spanish contemporary cluster-mates WBGG “Big 105.9” (3.8, tenth to ninth, 6+) and WZTU “Tu 94.9” (steady at #11). “Big” was -1.0 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). Meanwhile, WZTU is in an alternating up/down pattern (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+). Following five straight reports without a decrease for a net gain of one-half share (7.0 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ forfeits two-tenths to 7.3 (6+) but “Easy 93.1” is #1 the 15^th consecutive time. WFEZ was -.8 (February 2019) and +.8 in both March and June. Up eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.8 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” surrenders six-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and continues in fifth-place. A combined -.9 in January/February (5.1 – 4.7 – 4.2, 6+), Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” slips from sixth to eighth with its lowest 6+-stat (4.2) since July’s 4.1.

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – No sooner does Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM dial up a January +1.1 than “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” relinquishes all of that increase plus one-tenth more (6.0 – 4.8, -1.2, second to fourth, 6+). In three straight up or flat moves, news/talk cluster-mate KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” gains one-half share (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+) but slips from #21 to #22. After posting a January increase of six-tenths, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” returns half of it (1.4 – 1.1, -.3, unchanged at #25, 6+).

Without an increase the fourth time in a row for a net loss of -1.4 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 2.5, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” drifts from #12 to #20. After gaining one-tenth in January, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” surrenders one-half share (1.9 – 1.4, #23 to #24, 6+).

Adding nine-tenths to January’s +.6, Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO crosses the four-share level and cracks the top ten (2.6 – 3.2 – 4.1, #14 to #9, 6+).

Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW was -.8 (“Holiday” 2019); +.2 (January); and now -.7 in February (6.1 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 4.8, third to fourth, 6+). Prior to “Holiday” 2019, KUOW was a cumulative +1.6 through three straight improvements (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+).

Seattle Music Formats – Roaring back from January’s -1.9 (5.1 – 3.2, 6+) with a February +1.3 to 4.5 (6+), Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound” rockets from #14 to #7. In advance of “Holiday” 2019’s +1.0, “The Sound” was an overall -1.4 via three straight decreases (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+). Although flat at 5.3 (6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KRWM nonetheless elevates from fourth to second. A combined +4.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 6.6 – 9.2, 6+), “Warm 106.9” was -3.9 in January. AC rivals KRWM (#1 in December and “Holiday” 2019) and KSWD were separated by one-tenth in May (4.5 – 4.4, 6+); June (4.5 – 4.4, as well, 6+); and July (4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull” tacks on seven-tenths to January’s +.1 (2.5 – 2.6 – 3.3 , #18 to #13, 6+). Entering the January sweep, “The Bull” was an overall -1.9 as a result of four drops in a row (4.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). Off one-half share in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” vanishes that deficit with a +.6 to 5.1 (sixth to third, 6+). As a result of four upticks in a row, Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” is a collective +1.5 (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.3 – 4.5, eighth to seventh, 6+). Having improved by one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV drops one-tenth to 6.5 (6+) but “MOViN 92.5” repeats at #1. Up six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7” forfeits one-half share to 3.1 (#11 to #16, 6+).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding four-tenths to January’s +.8 (1.6 – 2.4 – 2.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WJR progresses from #17 to #16. “News Talk 760” was a combined -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.1 – 2.2 – 1.6, 6+).

Immediately after hauling out a January +1.1 to 4.9 (6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Pistons, Red Wings) relinquishes nearly half that increase (4.4, -.5, seventh to ninth, 6+). “The Ticket” was -1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 4.8 – 3.8, 6+).

Co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” follows “Holiday” 2019’s loss of seven-tenths with a January/February +.9 (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #6).

Inching up from #19 to #18, Wayne State University news/talk WDET nets seven-tenths in three straight bumps (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+). A combined +.7 in January/February (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM repeats at #20.

Detroit Music Formats – Over and above tacking on six-tenths to January’s +1.3 (4.6 – 5.9 – 6.5, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKQI storms from third to first. “Channel 95.5” was up three-tenths in November/December (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+) and then off one-half share in “Holiday” 2019. Exiting the top spot after four straight sweeps there is WKQI’s adult contemporary sibling WNIC “100.3 The Best Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today,” which is -8.9 in January/February (14.8 – 6.3 – 5.9, first to third, 6+). WNIC was +9.2 through five successive bumps (5.6 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 9.5 – 14.8, 6+). Its 17.9 in “Holiday” 2018 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. Independent urban contemporary WGPR “Hot 107.5,” which surrendered a -1.1 to 1.5 (6+) in January, answers with a February improvement of six-tenths (2.1, #21 to #18, 6+). The three latest shifts by Entercom’s WYCD “99.5 Detroit Country Music” are: -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.0 (January 2020); and now -.7 in February (4.4 – 3.7, #10 to #13, 6+). In that same vein, co-owned classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” has been +.5 (December); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.4 (January 2020); and now -.5 in February (6.1 – 5.6, second to fourth, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Although down one-tenth, following January’s increase of nine-tenths, Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (3.9 – 3.8, 6+) progresses from eighth to seventh. KTAR-FM was -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+). In four straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia’s KFYI nets six-tenths (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+) but “News Talk 550” slips from #12 to #14.

Conversely, Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (Suns, Arizona Coyotes) is an overall -1.2 via five consecutive negative or neutral moves (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9, #21 to #22, 6+).

In an alternating up/down pattern since November (3.9 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ drops from ninth to tenth.

Phoenix Music Formats – Not only does Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ more than double (+2.0) its 6+ AQH share in January/February and cross the three-share level for the first time since May’s 3.3 (1.8 – 2.4 – 3.8, 6+), “La Tricolor 103.5” catapults from #18 into the top ten (#7). Stacking seven-tenths onto January’s +1.2 (1.3 – 2.5 – 3.2, #6+), Family Life contemporary Christian KFLR leaps from #17 to #12. “Family Life Radio” was a combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.3, 6+). The four most recent shifts by Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL are +.8 (December); -.8 (“Holiday” 2019);  +.7 (January 2020); and now +.6 in February (6.5 – 7.1, steady at #2, 6+). Expanding by six-tenths as well and cracking the top ten is Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT “Que Buena 105.9” (#12 to #9, 6+), which is a cumulative +1.5 in five straight spikes (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+). A combined +.7 in January/February (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” jumps from seventh to fifth. Despite being off three-tenths following January’s -11.0 (19.2 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate KESZ sets the pace the ninth consecutive sweep. Leading up to January, KESZ was +12.5 through four bumps in succession (6.7 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 11.0 – 19.2, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 19.2 was its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018’s 15.0. The wild ride continues for hot AC sibling KMXP. “Mix 96.9” was -1.5 through six straight down or flat sweeps (4.4 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+); +1.3 in January; but now -1.2 in February (4.2 – 3.0, #6 to #16, 6+). Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain” forfeits one-half share (5.7 – 5.2, 6+) but carries on in third-place.

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to being down a collective seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” (Minnesota Timberwolves) departs the top ten (#10 to #11). Tied at #13 are Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” and iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130.” KTMY is trending 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 (flat at #13, 6+), while KTLK picks up two-tenths (2.8, #15 to #13, 6+), thus suspending four straight down or flat moves that resulted in the loss of a collective half-share (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+).

Falling from first to fourth, iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Wild) has been: -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.6 (January 2020); and -1.6 in February (8.4 – 6.8, 6+). Prior to “Holiday” 2019, KFXN was a cumulative +3.9 in eight positive or neutral trends in succession (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.3 – 6.1 – 6.8 – 7.3 – 7.8, 6+) and had a December-only stay at #1. Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” has a December 2019 through February 2020 topline of .8 – .6 – .8 – .7 (#22 to #24, 6+).

The four most recent fluctuations by Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW are: +.5 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +.6 (January 2020); and +.7 in February (6.3 – 7.0, fourth to third, 6+).

Minneapolis Music Formats – Notwithstanding that it drops one-tenth (8.2 – 8.1, 6+) after January’s mammoth +2.4, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM repeats at #1. A combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.6 – 7.4 – 5.8, 6+), “KS-95” solely held or shared the top spot in January 2019, March, April, June, August, September, October, and November. It was +1.9 (January 2019); -.8 (February); +.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.8 (May); +1.1 (August); -1.6 (“Holiday’ 2019); and +2.4 (January 2020). Its format rival – iHeartMedia-owned KTCZ “Cities 97.1” – is without a loss the third straight sweep for a net gain of two-tenths (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #10). By notching a +.3 to 2.7 (#16 to #15, 6+), Entercom’s KMNB “102.9 The Wolf” pulls the plug on four straight downturns that accounted for a collective -1.0 (3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102” gains one-half share in January/February (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+) and climbs from #12 to #11. Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM” is in an alternating down/up pattern: 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 5.0 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Steady at #16, Minnesota Public radio classical KSJN notches its third bump in a row for a collective gain of four-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). After posting an October 2019 through December 2019 topline of 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 (6+), Milestone Radio KLCI “Total Country Bob FM” is unlisted the third report in succession.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Recent shifts by iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” include: +.5 (August); -.7 (September); +.7 (October); -.6 (December); -.9 (January 2020); and now +.7 in February (3.8 – 4.5, ninth to seventh, 6+). Up one-half share in January/February (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” climbs from #20 to #18. In three straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI netted four-tenths (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), but “AM 640” surrenders two-tenths to 1.9 (flat at #21, 6+).

Following four successive sweeps without a loss that yielded six-tenths (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), Entercom-owned sports talk KWFN “97.3 The Fan” erodes by nine-tenths to 1.6 (6+) and fades from the top twenty (#15 to #22). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” drops three-tenths in January/February (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2, #22 to #23, 6+).

Steady in third-place, KPBS follows January’s +1.1 by adding another one-tenth (4.8 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+). The San Diego State University-owned news/talk facility was -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.3 – 6.0 – 4.8, 6+).

San Diego Music Formats – A bump of +1.0 (4.8 – 5.8, sixth to fourth, 6+) powers Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” to its best 6+-showing since August (5.8, as well). Logging increases of one-half share (each) and improving by two rankers are Entercom alternative KBZT “Alt 94.9” (#13 to #11) and UniRadio regional Mexican XHTY “Invasora 99.7” (#14 to #12). Possessing extremely similar profiles, KBZT nets nine-tenths in January/February (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+), while XHTY is up seven-tenths in the same timeframe (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN, +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.0, 6+), surrenders one-half share to 6.5 (6+). It’s a January-only stay at #1 for “Sunny 98.1 San Diego’s Greatest Hits,” which segues to the runner-up slot. Albeit down one-tenth (6.8 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” takes over at #1. Off four-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+), KMYI posted a January 2020 +1.8. Co-owned CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” was -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.2, 6+); +1.1 (January 2020); and now -.9 in February (5.3 – 4.4, fourth to eighth, 6+).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – Up three-tenths in back-to-back reports (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” jumps from #17 to #13. The December 2019 through February 2020 topline for iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” is: 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.0 (#13 to #16, 6+).    

Flat at #20, iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” is -1.0 as a result of six straight negative or neutral moves (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+).

Conversely, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF is a collective +1.4 via seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.1, #13 to #15, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – The last three ratings periods have been especially volatile for WMTX. Following a September through December topline of 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 (6+), “Mix 100.7” erupted with a “Holiday” 2019 +2.3 to 6.0 (#11 to #2, 6+), only to crater by -2.4 in January 2020 to 3.6 (second to tenth, 6+). The iHeartMedia hot AC dusts itself off in February with a +1.2 (4.8, tenth to fourth, 6+). Purging January’s loss of seven-tenths with a February uptick of nine-tenths (5.0 – 5.9, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” glides from fifth to third. Its November – December – “Holiday” 2019 topline was 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.7 (6+). Notwithstanding it is -1.5 in January/February (11.2 – 9.9 – 9.7, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is #1 the 91^st time in succession. January’s decrease suspended three straight improvements that led to a +3.3 (7.9 – 8.6 – 9.8 – 11.2, 6+). WDUV was up seven-tenths in September, but -2.0 in October. WDUV’s 13.7 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-stat by any Tampa station since its 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. When co-owned/similarly-programmed WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” notched a January gain of six-tenths, it applied the brakes to four successive down or flat trends that led to a loss of eight-tenths (6.0 – 6.0 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+). In February though, “Magic” plummets by -1.5 (5.8 – 4.3, third to seventh, 6+). Anchored in the runner-up slot, Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” falters by three-tenths to 6.9 (6+), thus curtailing four successive jumps that netted a +2.0 (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 7.2, 6+). By contrast, Beasley Media Group rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1” picks up two-tenths to 3.6 (flat at #12, 6+), which ends four consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -1.5 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). A loss of one-half share (3.0 – 2.5, #16 to #18, 6+) takes classic rock cluster-mate WPBB “98.7 The Shark” to its lowest 6+-stat (2.5) since September (2.4).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Enhancing January’s +.8 with a February boost of three-tenths (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KDFD “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” repeats at #13. Its “Holiday” 2019 loss of three-tenths suspended six increases in succession that yielded a +2.7 (.1 – .2 – .8 – 1.1 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). Separated by two-tenths are KDFD news/talk cluster-mates KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” (1.6, +.2, #21 to #22, 6+) and KHOW “Talk Radio 630” (1.4, +.4, flat at #23, 6+). KOA had been without an increase the past three sweeps for a -1.1 (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.4, 6+); “Talk Radio 630” was down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+).

Following January’s +.6 to 3.1 (6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) surrenders four-tenths to 2.7 (#14 to #15, 6+). Prior to January, “The Fan” was an overall -1.2 via four negative or neutral sweeps in succession (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). Flat at .9 (6+), KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” (Colorado Avalanche) slips from #24 to #25. The KSE Radio Ventures station lost more than half (-.8) its 6+-stat in four consecutive drops, (1.4 – 1.3 – .9 – .7 – .6, 6+).

In an alternating down/up pattern since August (5.1 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 6.3 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR segues from first to third. KCFR has been -1.6 (June); +.8 (July); +.5 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019); and +.7 (January 2020). Up a combined three-tenths in January/February (.5 – .6 – .8, 6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC progresses from #28 to #26.

Denver Music Formats – With a December 2019 through February 2020 topline of 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 3.7 (6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” has its best (6+) performance (3.7, #16 to #12, 6+) since July’s 4.0. Off eight-tenths in three straight negative or neutral trends (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.5 – 1.1, 6+), Max Media rhythmic hot AC KJHM “Jammin’ 101.5” ends the slide with a one-half share increase to 1.6 (#21, 6+). Not only is iHeartMedia classic rock KRFX up seven-tenths in January/February (5.0 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+), “103.5 The Fox” advances from second to first. Faltering by seven-tenths (each) are Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real Music Variety” (4.8 – 4.1, sixth to eighth, 6+) and Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” (#11 to #14). KOSI was +10.3 through four successive sweeps without a loss (4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 6.7 – 14.4, 6+), but spiraled by -9.6 in January. It occupied the top spot in December and “Holiday” 2019. “Alice” is in an alternating down/up pattern (4.5 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+). In eight consecutive positive or neutral sweeps, KVOD tripled (+1.8) its 6+ AQH share (.9 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+) but the Colorado Public Radio classical-formatted outlet drops three tenths to 2.4 (#16 to #18, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Winning ways continue for Hearst Television-owned WBAL “News Radio – Expect More,” which is an overall +2.6 via eight successive positive spikes since July (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.4, tenth to eighth, 6+). After logging a January +1.0 (2.3 – 3.3, 6+), independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” adds one-tenth (3.4, steady at #12, 6+). Through four straight up or flat trends, Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL gains four-tenths (.1 – .1 – .4 – .5 – .5, unchanged at #25, 6+).

In addition to slumping by -1.2 (5.1 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” exits the top ten (#6 to #11).

WJZ-FM’s business news sibling WDCH is up four-tenths in January/February and cracks the top twenty (.5 – .6 – .9, #24 to #19, 6+).

Adding two-tenths to January’s +1.4 (2.9 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” progresses from eighth to seventh. WYPR was off nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.8 – 3.6 – 2.9, 6+). American University-owned news/talk WAMU repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.5, #25, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – After cratering by -9.5 in January (16.0 – 6.5, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” answers with a February +1.0 to 7.5 (6+) and advances from third to second. Stuck on 5.9 (6+) in October and November, WLIF was +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 7.9 – 16.0, 6+) and had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1. “Today’s 101.9” leapfrogs Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q Jams,” whose alternating down/up pattern includes February’s +.6 (6.9 – 6.1 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 7.4, second to third, 6+). Improving by one-half (each) in February are Entercom-owned WWMX “Mix 106.5 – Baltimore’s Best Mix” (3.6 – 4.1, #11 to #10, 6+); Morgan State University jazz outlet WEAA (#16 to #14); and iHeartMedia’s WBIG “Big 100” (1.4, #19 to #16, 6+);  When “Mix” picked up three-tenths in January, it interrupted four straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -2.1 (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 3.3, 6+). WEAA is a combined +.7 in January/February and reaches a two-share (1.3 – 1.5 – 2.0, 6+); WBIG had lost three-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9, 6+). Even though Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM surrenders 60% of January’s +1.0 (8.7 – 8.1, -.6, 6+), “Magic 95.9” repeats at #1. WWIN-FM was dislodged from the top spot in “Holiday” 2019, after seven successive months there. “Magic” was -.8 (October); +.6 (November); -.9 (December); +1.0 (January 2020); and -.6 (February). This is the 20^th sweep in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” sputters by six-tenths to 5.1 (fourth to eighth, 6+). KMOX was -2.7 in November/December (7.2 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Off nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” is +1.9 in January/February (2.7 – 4.0 – 4.6, #15 to #11, 6+). Immediately prior to December, KFTK was an overall +1.3 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.3 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+).

WXOS “101 Sports” returns half of January’s +.6 (4.6 – 4.3, -.3, #11 to #13, 6+). The Hubbard Broadcasting sports talker was -.9 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+) and +.6 in January 2020 (4.0 – 4.6, 6+).

Following January’s +1.0 to 4.2 (6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU forfeits 80% of that increase (3.4, -.8, #13 to #15, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – Albeit off four-tenths (11.2 – 10.8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” repeats at #1. KSHE segued to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019, after eight consecutive months on top. Its “Holiday” 2019 -1.1 halted four consecutive improvements that yielded a +2.2 (8.6 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.8 – 10.8, 6+). December’s 10.8 marked the first time KSHE hit double-digits in the PPM-era. Sample (6+) KSHE shifts include: +2.0 (January 2019); +1.3 (March); -1.6 (April); +.9 (June); +.7 (September); +1.0 (November); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.5 (January 2020). After posting a January +1.0 to 6.5 (6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU repeats that 6.5 (6+) and continues in the runner-up slot. “The Best Variety of the 70s, 80s, & 90s” was a combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.3 – 7.0 – 5.5, 6+). Down four-tenths in November/December (4.3 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” is a combined +1.5 in three straight upticks (3.9 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.4, eighth to fifth, 6+). The market’s two major country competitors are separated by one-tenth of a share as Hubbard-owned WIL “New Country 92.3” is down one-tenth (4.8 – 4.7, flat at #9, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” adds three-tenths (4.3 – 4.6, #12 to #11, 6+). WIL and KSD were each up one-half share in January. WIL was a combined -1.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.6 – 4.7 – 4.3, 6+). When “The Bull” gained three-tenths in December, it halted three consecutive declines that led to a loss of seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+); however, KSD forfeited eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019.

February 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round One

February 2020 PPM Data – Information for the February 2020 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 February 2020 survey period covered January 30 – February 26. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to adding one-tenth to January’s increase of two-tenths (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). Red Apple Media’s WABC repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (1.4, #22); 1.4 is its best 6+-showing since 1.5 in February 2019. Without an increase the third straight time for an overall loss of two-tenths (1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+), Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” nonetheless advances from #24 to #23.

After gaining one-half share in January to halt three consecutive decreases that led to a collective -1.2 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Brooklyn Nets) falters by eight-tenths (3.1 – 2.3, #12 to #17, 6+). It’s a similar scenario for WEPN-FM (Knicks, Rangers), which improved by six-tenths in January to curtail three straight drops (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), but “98.7 ESPN New York” surrenders four-tenths in February (2.1 – 1.7, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #21).

Following a January increase of one-half share, Entercom-owned all-news WINS boosts by one-tenth (3.5 – 3.6, 6+) and one ranker (tenth to ninth). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is off two-tenths via three successive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+) but progresses from #16 to #15; December’s 2.6 was its best 6+-showing since May 2019 (2.6, as well).

Adding two-tenths to January’s improvement of one-half share (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM jumps from #15 to #12. Co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM records a .5 the fourth time in the last five sweeps (.5 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .5, #29 to #27, 6+).

New York City Music Formats –  Replicating January’s +.7 (4.3 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+), WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #3. The Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet was a collective -1.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+), after being an overall +.2 via four straight up or flat moves (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). As a result of seven straight upticks, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WXNY “X.96.3” more than doubles (+2.1) its 6+ AQH share and crosses the four-share mark (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1, tenth to seventh, 6+). On top the 33^rd ratings period in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” is -6.0 in January/February (13.3 – 8.0 – 7.3, 6+), after being +6.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.1 – 9.6 – 13.3, 6+). In three straight down or flat moves, WBLS lost eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+). Even though the Emmis urban AC ends the slide with a +.4 to 5.4 (6+), “#1 for R&B” backslides from third to fourth.

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats –  Tacking on an increase of one-half share to January’s +.7 (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI progresses from ninth to seventh. “AM 640” had been an overall -1.9 through seven successive down or flat sweeps (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (1.1, #29, 6+). Prior to gaining one-tenth in January, “AM 870 The Answer” was down or flat three reports in a row for a net loss of three-tenths (1.3 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+). This is the third up or flat report in succession by iHeartMedia-owned KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” for a net spike of four-tenths (.6 – .6 – .9 – 1.0, #33 to #32, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” has gained four-tenths in January/February (.5 – .7 – .9, #36 to #35, 6+).

Down one-tenth and two-tenths, respectively, are iHeartMedia’s KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (1.1 – 1.0, #32, 6+) and Disney-owned/similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN” (1.1 – .9, #35, 6+). KLAC (Clippers) and KSPN (Lakers) were tied at #29 in January. The two sports talk rivals were deadlocked at #27 in June and July.

After recapturing a combined December/“Holiday” 2019 loss of four-tenths with January’s +.4, Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (3.0, tenth, 6+).

Remaining at #20, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is up two-tenths in January/February (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+).

Los Angeles Music Formats – Having recorded a .6 (6+) in each of the past three sweeps, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFSH “95.9 The Fish” doubles that stat to 1.2 (6+) and checks in at #28. This (1.2) is the first time that “The Fish” has reached the one-share level (6+) in more than four years (1.0, 6+, November 2015). While it is the market leader the fourth time in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST is -8.0 in January/February (13.7 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+). “Coast 103.5” was an overall +8.5 via three straight sweeps without a loss (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.3 – 13.7, 6+). It has a half-share advantage (6+) over Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101,” which forfeits the one-tenth it picked up this time last month (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.2, flat at #2, 6+). Prior to January, KRTH lost seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+); “K-Earth” occupied the top spot in October and November. Three successive dips by smooth AC cluster-mate KTWV resulted in a net loss of six-tenths (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+), but “94.7 The Wave” is +.8 in January/February (3.9 – 4.6 – 4.7, fourth to third, 6+). In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia’s KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” (4.1 – 4.4, +.3, unchanged at #5, 6+) has a more than a two-to-one lead over Entercom’s KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” (flat at 2.0, #21 to #22, 6+). “Kiss” was down three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+); “Amp” was -.6 in the same timeframe (2.5 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+). Separated by one-tenth of a share are iHeartMedia’s alternative KYSR “Alt 98.7” (2.9 – 2.6, -.3, #11 to #12, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-formatted KROQ, which is trending 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 (flat at #14, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Up one-tenth after January’s increase of eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+), Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN “Radio 720” moves from eighth to seventh. Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM notches a 2.3 (6+) the sixth time in succession but slips from #18 to #19.

Off eight-tenths in January/February (3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls) dips from #13 to #14. As a result of four consecutive sweeps without an increase, Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” has lost a cumulative seven-tenths (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, #25 to #27, 6+).

Not only does WBBM-AM add four-tenths to January’s half-share gain (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8, 6+), the Entercom all-news operation marches from second to first. Its October gain of one-tenth halted eight successive negative 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+).

In an alternating down/up pattern since December (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ falls from seventh to ninth.

Chicago Music Formats –The market’s top three February 2020 finishers are separated by one-half share. Without an increase the last three reports for a net loss of two-tenths (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican WLEY “La Ley 107.9” responds with a February +.7 to 2.6 (6+) and zooms into the top twenty (#21 to #15). Tacking a one-half share onto January’s +1.6 (3.3 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” vaults from fifth to second. Immediately prior, “The Mix” was a collective -2.2 in three consecutive downturns (5.5 – 4.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). WTMX exited the top spot in September when it eroded by -1.5 (5.7 – 4.2, 6+); “Mix” was #1 in April, May, and June. Following three straight sweeps at #1, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” (5.5 – 4.8, -.7, 6+) segues to fifth. “Lite FM” more than tripled (+9.5) its 6+-stat via four straight upticks (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 9.5 – 13.7, 6+), but plummeted by -8.2 in January. Venture Technologies Group-owned/similarly-formatted WRME-LP “Me TV 87.7” falters by -1.1 (3.5 – 2.4, #11 to #18, 6+), while the market’s other major AC – Hubbard Broadcasting’s WSHE “100.3 SHE” – forfeits three-tenths (3.6 – 3.3, ninth to tenth, 6+). WSHE improved by six-tenths in January and WRME-LP was up one-half share. WSHE was a combined -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+); “Me TV 87.7” was -1.1 (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+). A collective -1.2 in six successive down or flat trends (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), Cumulus Media alternative WKQX applies the brakes with a +.1 to 2.3 (flat at #19, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. A loss of four-tenths (2.2 – 1.8, 6+) sends Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO from #15 to a four-way logjam at #19. Three straight up or flat trends yielded six-tenths (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3, September through December, 6+). Part of that four-way tie at #19 is KSFO’s cluster-mate KGO, which adds three-tenths in back-to-back months (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.8, #25 to #19, 6+). By gaining one-tenth (.1 – .2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” progresses from #36 to #34.

No sooner does Cumulus Media-owned KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” chalk up a January +1.1 than it surrenders -1.3 in February (3.7 – 4.8 – 3.5, third to eighth, 6+). Up one-tenth in consecutive reports (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) continues at #23.

Entercom all-news operation KCBS-AM is a combined +1.0 in January/February (7.7 – 8.4 – 8.7, 6+) and repeats at #1. KCBS-AM was on top from September through December.

Five recent fluctuations for California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED include: September/October’s -1.2 (7.1 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+); November/December’s +1.6 (5.9 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+); “Holiday” 2019’s -1.2; January 2020’s +1.2; and February’s -.9 (7.5 – 6.6, flat at #2, 6+). KQED was San Francisco’s first-place finisher in June, July, August, and tied at the top (with KCBS-AM) in September. After five successive sweeps without a loss for an overall +.3 (.7 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – 1.0, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” drops two-tenths to .8 (#27 to #29, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Immediately after sputtering by -6.6 (10.7 – 4.1, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” bounces back with a +.7 to 4.8 (seventh to third, 6+). Setting the pace in “Holiday” 2019, KOIT-FM was off a collective six-tenths in four successive negative or neutral trends (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), before notching a combined +7.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 4.8 – 10.7, 6+). Down four-tenths via three straight modest dips (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KRBQ “Q-102.1 The Bay’s Old School” erases the deficit with a +.6 to 2.4 (#19 to #14, 6+). It is a somewhat similar situation for iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD. “WiLD 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” was down one-half share in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+), but wipes away the deficit completely with a half-share increase to 3.1 (#11 to #10, 6+). The +.7 that Entercom hot AC KLLC racked up in January all but disappears in February as “Alice @ 97.3” drops six-tenths (4.7 – 4.1, fourth to sixth, 6+). In three straight dips, KLLC was -1.0 (5.0 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Off six-tenths via three straight down or flat moves in succession (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” halts the skid by picking up two-tenths to 4.0 (6+) and continues at #8. Co-owned KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” records a .5 the sixth time in the last eight sweeps (.5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+) and stays at #34. In a similar vein, Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” logs a .4 the fifth time in the last eight survey periods (.4 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .4, #34 to #35, 6+).

Regressing by three-tenths in back-to-back reports (2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” repeats at #19. Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” is a combined +.5 in January/February (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.6, #23 to #21, 6+). This comes directly after ten down or flat reports in succession that accounted for a roughly 59% loss (-1.6) of its 6+ AQH share (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+). Following seven consecutive up or flat trends that yielded one-half share (.7 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+), Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” (Mavericks) forfeits two-tenths to 1.0 (#29 to #32, 6+).

Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” has a July 2019 through February 2020 topline of: 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 (#20 to #21, 6+).

This is North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA’s seventh down or flat report in succession for a net decline of four-tenths (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8, #15 to #14, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – Registering improvements of nine-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia hot AC KDMX “Now 102.9 – More Music/More Variety” (3.2 – 4.1, #12 to #7, 6+) and Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB “Smooth R&B 105.7” (2.3 – 3.2, #18 to #13, 6+). Both KDMX and KRNB were off one-half share in January. “Now” had been up seven-tenths in three straight spikes (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+), but was a combined -1.4 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). In three straight upticks, KRNB gained six-tenths (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.8, 6+). Albeit that it surrenders the four-tenths it picked up in January (6.9 – 7.3 – 6.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “Your Life … Inspired” repeats at #1. KLTY was +1.6 in “Holiday” 2019 (5.3 – 6.9,6+) and a combined -1.3 in November/December (6.6 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 Nobody Plays More 80s” is within 4.0 – 4.6 range (6+) the 15^th sweep in succession (4.4 – 4.6, +.2, steady at #5, 6+). There’s practically no movement in the country competition between Cumulus Media siblings KSCS “New Country 96.3” (flat at 5.2 and unchanged at #3, 6+) and KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” (4.7 – 4.6, -.1, fourth to fifth, 6+). The cluster-mates gained eight-tenths (each) in January. “New Country” was off one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+). “The Wolf” lost a combined half-share in October/November (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+), but fully erased that deficit with a December increase of one-half share.

Houston                              

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to seven consecutive positive or neutral moves, iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740” is an overall +2.4 (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.4 – 5.7, fifth to fourth, 6+). The September 2019 through February 2020 topline for co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” is: .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 (#28 to #26, 6+).

In an alternating up/down pattern that began in November and includes February’s -.5, Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” continues at #22 (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.2, 6+). Tied for the third time in a row are iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” (Rockets) and Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5.” KBME is an overall -1.2 (or -80%) the last four sweeps (1.5 – .6 – .4 – .4 – .3, #26 to #27, 6+), while KFNC has lost four-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (.7 -.5 – .4 – .4 – .3, #26 to #27, 6+).

Flat at 3.7 (6+) following January’s +1.0, University of Houston news/talk KUHF progresses from #12 to #11.

Houston Music Formats – In addition to recording its third successive spike for a net increase of +2.1 (including February’s +1.3), independent contemporary Christian KSBJ “89.3 God Listens” crosses the five-share level (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.4, tenth to sixth, 6+). Despite being a combined -4.9 in January/February (11.6 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+) after a +.5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.8 – 7.8 – 11.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” is #1 the fourth successive sweep. Prior to December, “Sunny” lost roughly 52% (-6.3) of its 6+ AQH share in 11 straight sweeps 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+). KODA was the market leader 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. Major ups/downs continue for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9,” which was a collective +1.9 via six straight increases (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +.9 (January 2020); and now -.9 in February (6.6 – 5.7, second to fourth, 6+). December’s 6.8 was its best 6+-showing since January 2019 (7.0). Locked on 4.2 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019 and January 2020, Entercom’s country-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” regresses by seven-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #15). Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “93-Q Country” – is flat at 4.6 (seventh to eighth, 6+). KKBQ substituted its combined December/”Holiday” 2019 -1.0 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+) with a January 2020 +1.1.

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly following its January +2.0, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM piles on a +1.4 (10.0 – 11.4, 6+) and is #1 the eighth month in a row. Moreover, this (11.4) is WSB-AM’s strongest 6+-showing in the PPM-era and only the third time any Atlanta station has reached the 11-share level (6+). Despite dropping two-tenths (.8 – .6, 6+), Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” progresses from #26 to #25. Having lost two-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (.4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .2, 6+), Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” curtails the slide with a +.1 to .3 (#31 to #29, 6+). Flat at .2 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” repeats at #31.

Slumping by seven-tenths (4.6 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” slips from seventh to tenth. After posting seven consecutive up or flat months 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 -1.7 through six losses in a row (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, #21 to #23, 6+).

Adding four-tenths to January’s +.1 (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE advances from #14 to #13. The October 2019 through February 2020 topline for Georgia State University news/talk WRAS is: .6 – .8 – .8 – .6 – .7 – .6 (#27 to #25, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Eliminating January’s loss of one-half share with a February increase of the same magnitude (4.9 – 5.4, +.5, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” inches up from sixth to fifth. One-tenth of a share separates the market’s urban AC rivals: Cox Media Group’s WALR “Kiss 104.1” is off three-tenths (5.8 – 5.5, unchanged at #4, 6+), while Radio One’s WAMJ “Majic 107.5 & 97.5” drops one-tenth (5.5 – 5.4, flat at #5, 6+). A combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.9, 6+), WAMJ sliced that deficit by 60% in January with a +.6. It’s the same margin (one-tenth) between the two major CHR players, as Cumulus Media’s WWWQ “Q-99.7” improves by one-tenth (4.2 – 4.3, ninth to seventh, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” picks up two-tenths (4.0 – 4.2, tenth to ninth, 6+). Following back-to-back modest decreases (3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), “Q-99.7” hauled out a +1.1 in January, reaching the four-share level (4.2) for the first time since June (4.0). Entering the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, “Power” was a cumulative +1.1 in three straight advances (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+). There is a bit more distance between the country combatants, but it’s still relatively close with iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” (3.6 – 3.5, -.1, flat at #12, 6+) holding a nine-tenths advantage over Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” (2.8 – 2.6, -.2, unchanged at #15, 6+). “The Bull” was down six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 but rebounded with a +.5 in January 2020. The half-share increase halted four successive slips that resulted in an overall -1.8 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+). “Kicks” was off one-half share in “Holiday” 2019, after being a combined +.9 in November/December (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Off two-tenths (2.3 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom-owned WPHT slips from #18 to #19; “Talk Radio 1210” notched a +.7 in January. While flat at 1.0 (6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” dips from #23 to #24.

Wild shifts continue for Entercom sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94.1.” It was +1.6 (October/November; -1.5 (December); +1.1 (“Holiday” 2019/January 2020); and now -2.0 in February (7.8 – 5.8, first to fourth, 6+). Before falling to third in December, WIP had been #1 three months in a row. Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM (76ers, Flyers) relinquishes the four-tenths it gained in January (2.9 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+) and slips from #12 to #15. A “Holiday” 2019 decrease of one-tenth interrupted six straight up or flat reports that yielded nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+).

Following January’s +1.4, Entercom-owned KYW “News Radio 1060” is down one-tenth (4.8 – 4.7, 6+) and one ranker (seventh to eighth).

A combined +1.6 in January/February (3.3 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+), public radio news/talk WHYY progresses from ninth to seventh. WHYY was +.7 in December and -.7 in “Holiday” 2019.

Philadelphia Music Formats – On the heels of logging a January +1.1, Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM – Playing Anything We Feel Like” boasts a +1.2. “Ben” crosses the four-share level (3.1 – 4.3, 6+) and enters the top ten (#14 to #10). WBEN-FM improved by one-half share in December, but was -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019. It’s a #1/#2 finish for its rock and classic rock cluster-mates WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” (6.4 – 6.9, +.5, third to first) and WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” (6.2 – 6.4, +.2, fourth to second, 6+ ). After dropping eight-tenths in December, WMMR faltered by seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+). It was a different story though in January 2020 as it notched a +1.8. Before picking up one-tenth in November, WMMR had 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+). WMGK answered “Holiday” 2019’s -2.0 with a January improvement of seven-tenths. “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” had been +1.0 in three straight up or flat moves (6.5 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+). In addition to WMMR, iHeartMedia CHR WIOQ “Q-102 Philly’s #1 Hit Music Station” (2.9 – 3.4, #16 to #12, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-programmed WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” (2.7, #19 to #16) are up by one-half share, as well. “Q-102” was down a combined six-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), but rebounded with a one-half share gain in January. “Today’s Hits” was without an increase the past four reports for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+). Co-owned adult contemporary WBEB “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” is a combined –13.5 in January/February (18.6 – 6.1 – 5.1, flat at #5, 6+). This comes directly following its “Holiday” 2019 +9.7 (8.9 – 18.6, 6+). “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” was +1.1 in three straight increases (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+); -1.2 in November (6.6 – 5.4, 6+); and +3.5 in December. In an alternating up/down pattern since November (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WPPZ “107.9 Philly’s Classic R n B” has its lowest 6+-stat (2.7) since May (2.5) and falls from #12 to #16. In five consecutive negative or neutral moves, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “Nobody Plays More 80s” is an overall -1.2 (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6, eighth to ninth, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of a January +1.5 to 4.6 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” falters by four-tenths to 4.2 (flat at #6, 6+). WOR was a cumulative -1.6 through five straight down or flat trends (4.7 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+). The August 2019 through February 2020 topline for Red Apple Media news/talk WABC is: 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1 (unchanged at #24, 6+).

A combined +1.0 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Brooklyn Nets) relinquishes all but one-tenth of that increase (4.7, -1.1, 6+), segueing from first to third. WFAN-FM was a combined -1.6 in November/December (6.4 – 6.1 – 4.8, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers), which was off a combined half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.2, flat at #15, 6+), is unlisted in Long Island for the second month in a row.

Entercom’s all-news WINS was .7 (October); +.5 (November/December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2019); +.6 (January 2020); and now -.1 in February (3.6 – 3.5, #9 to #11, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is off three-tenths in January/February (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.5, #14 to #15, 6+).

In addition to halting at three a consecutive string of increases that netted four-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM exits the top twenty (1.5, -.4, #20 to #21, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – Doubling January’s +.6 with a February +1.2 (2.6 – 3.2 – 4.6, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” rockets from a three-way tie at #11 all the way to #4. Not only is Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM a collective +2.0 via six straight sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.2 – 6.0, 6+) “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” reaches the six-share level (6.0, 6+) and storms from fourth to first. A combined +1.0 in January/February (2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105” jumps from #15 to #12. Classic rock cluster-mate WAXQ “Q-104.3” nets seven-tenths via three straight positive or neutral trends (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.2, ninth to sixth, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since September (4.2, as well). Cox Media Group-owned/similarly-formatted WBAB “Long Island’s Only Classic Rock,” which was +1.2 in January, forfeits 75% of that increase (5.5 – 4.6, -.9, second to fourth, 6+). WBAB had been trending 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 (October – November – December – “Holiday” 2019, 6+). CHR sibling WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All The Hits” is in alternating up/down pattern that began in November (4.9 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.0, fifth to eighth, 6+). Following January’s -5.9 (10.3 – 4.4, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM relinquishes another six-tenths (3.8, seventh to ninth, 6+). WALK-FM had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1. Entering the January sweep, “97.5 Real Variety” was a collective +6.5 through four successive bumps (3.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 6.1 – 10.3, 6+) with 10.3 its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 10.5. Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” returns in full January’s half-share improvement (1.8 – 2.3 – 1.8, #15 to #19, 6+). WNEW-FM was off seven-tenths in three straight declines (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – After notching a .1 (6+) in August, September, and October, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is unlisted the fifth time in a row. Likewise, KKDD did not appear in print in May, June, and July.

Flat at #20, co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is without an increase the tenth time in succession (.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” does not appear in print the 27^th straight sweep.

Up one-half share via three straight up or flat trends (.7 – .7 – .8 – 1.2, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR forfeits two-tenths (1.0, flat at #12, 6+). After improving by four-tenths in January, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” returns two-tenths (.5 – .3, unchanged at #17, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – Tacking on eight-tenths to January’s gain of six-tenths (2.2 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+), KLVE “107.5 K-LOVE” advances from seventh to fifth. The Univision Radio Spanish contemporary outlet was locked on 3.1 (6+) in November and December, and faltered by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2019. By gaining three-tenths to 3.0 (steady at #8, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” pulls the plug on three straight downturns that accounted for a cumulative -1.2 (3.9 – 3.6 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+). On the heels of January’s +.9 to 7.9 (6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” sputters by four-tenths to 7.5 (6+) but is #1 the fifth time in a row. January’s increase suspended a combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.2 – 7.9 – 7.0, 6+). KLYY was up one-half share in November. 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. After nearly doubling (+.8) its 6+-stat in three straight up or flat moves (.9 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” falters by six-tenths to 1.1 (6+) but remains at #11. A collective +1.5 via three spikes in succession (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom country KFRG “K-Frog 95.1” surrenders four-tenths to 4.8 (6+) and continues in third-place. In January, “K-Frog” reached the five-share level (5.2, 6+) for the first time since July (5.1). 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 the ninth time in a row.

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding six-tenths to January’s improvement of seven-tenths (1.3 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KGO leaps from #20 to a five-way scrum at #12. KGO was a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.4 – 2.3 – 1.3, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted KSFO, which was up four-tenths this time last month, repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (1.3, #22, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since May (1.3, as well).

Sports talk sibling KNBR “The Sports Leader” was down a combined -.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019; +.9 in January; and now -1.4 in February (4.7 – 3.3, sixth to eighth, 6+). Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) is part of that aforementioned five-way tie at #12 (2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #13 to #12, 6+).

The six most recent San Jose fluctuations for Entercom all-news KCBS-AM are -.5 (October); +.7 (November); -.8 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2019); +.6 (January 2020); and now +.7 in February (5.7 – 5.2 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.7, fifth to fourth, 6+).

Steady in second-place, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED follows January’s +1.2 with a loss of four-tenths (6.9 – 6.5, 6+). A combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday 2019 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+), KQED was +1.0 in November (5.9 – 6.9, 6+) and had a November-only stay at #1. The December 2019 through February 2020 topline for San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW is: .7 – .8 – .7 – .8 (#28 to #27, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – By dialing up a +.7 to 6.1 (steady at #3, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC KEZR “Mix 106.5 Today’s Best Music” pulls the plug on five straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a net loss of -1.3 (6.7 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths as well in February is Bonneville urban AC KBLX “102.9 R&B and Old School” (1.1 – 1.8, #26 to #20, 6+). After vanishing from print in January 2019, KBLX reappeared in print in January 2020. Albeit down one-half share (8.1 – 7.6, 6+), KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the fourth time in a row. The Alpha Media classic hits-oldies facility was a combined +1.5 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (6.6 – 7.4 – 8.1, 6+). Following six successive months on top, KBAY segued to #2 in November when it plummeted by -2.0 (8.6 – 6.6, 6+). As a result of three setbacks in succession, iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3” is an overall -1.3 and falls below a three-share (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.6, #10 to #12, 6+). Three straight boosts by Cumulus Media classic rock KSAN resulted in a collective +1.2 (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+), but “107.7 The Bone” forfeits nearly half that increase (2.2, -.5, #13 to #19, 6+). Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena,” which was a collective -1.4 through three drops in a row (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 1.9, #20, 6+), is unlisted the second month in succession.

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing an alternating down/up pattern that started in October (5.9 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” slips from third to fifth. An overall -2.1 in four straight decreases (3.6 – 3.0 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” ends the slide with a +.1 to 1.6 (#21 to #20, 6+). Flat at #23, Red Apple Media news/talk WABC returns January’s increase of three-tenths (.8 – 1.1 – .8, 6+).

Major ups/downs continue for Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Brooklyn Nets), which was -.7 (September); +1.4 (October/November); -1.5 (December/“Holiday” 2019); +1.4 (January 2020); and now -1.0 in February (5.0 – 4.0, fifth to tenth, 6+). Off six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.1, #17 to #19, 6+), after being an overall +1.1 via four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers) is unlisted the second consecutive month.

Entercom all-news WCBS-AM, which gained two-tenths this time last month, repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (2.1, #19, 6+). In January, co-owned/similarly-programmed WINS picked up two-tenths to interrupt five straight down or flat trends that accounted for a net loss of six-tenths (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+); however, WINS forfeits one-half share (1.7 – 1.2, #20 to #22, 6+).

Despite dropping one-tenth after January’s +.7 (1.7 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM progresses from #18 to #17.

Middlesex-Somerset-Union Music Formats – The four latest Middlesex trends for WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” are +.6 (December); -1.4 (“Holiday” 2019); +.5 (January 2020); and +1.1 in February (6.1 – 7.2, 6+). The Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet carries on at #2. After three successive months at #1, WCBS-FM shifted to #2 in “Holiday” 2019. “New York’s Greatest Hits” dropped two-tenths in November, thus interrupting five gains in a row that netted a +2.6 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.8 – 6.6, 6+). Replacing January’s loss of seven-tenths with a February +.8 (2.7 – 3.5, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9 – Numero Uno on the Planet” elevates from #15 to #13. “Mega” was a collective +1.1 via three straight increases (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+); this (3.5) is its best 6+-showing since May (3.6). Improving by one-half share each are Emmis urban AC WBLS “#1 For R&B” (sixth to third) and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105” (steady at #14). WBLS is trending 4.9 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 5.4 (6+) in this New Jersey market, while “Power” gains six-tenths in January/February (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+). Repeating at #1, co-owned classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” is +1.8 in January/February (5.6 – 7.0 – 7.4, 6+). This time last month, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Radio Station” and Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” each posted positive spikes of six-tenths. In February though, WQXR falters by seven-tenths (1.4 – .7, #22 to #24, 6+), while WNEW-FM surrenders one-half share (4.6 – 4.1, seventh to ninth, 6+). Entering the January sweep, WNEW-FM was an overall -1.0 in three straight down or flat trends (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.0, 6+).