TALKERS

September 2019 PPM Takeaways – Round Two

September 2019 PPM Data – Information for the September 2019 ratings period has been released for: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s September 2019 survey period covered August 15 – September 11. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these markets.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Stuck on 5.3 (6+) in July and August, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL forfeits two-tenths to 5.1 (fifth to seventh, 6+). July’s increase of nine-tenths halted three successive March through June declines that accounted for an overall –2.4 (6.8 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4, 6+); March’s 6.8 represents its best 6+-stat in the PPM-era. After posting a .2 (6+) in August 2018, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted for the 14^th sweep in succession.

Following three consecutive reports of a 3.4 (6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM (Nationals) adds one-tenth to 3.5 (#12 to #11, 6+). In June, “106.7 The Fan” recaptured almost half (three-tenths) the eight-tenths lost in May. Replacing July/August’s combined -.3 with a September +.3 (.9 – .7 – .6 – .9, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” moves from #23 to #21. Cumulus Media suspended its news/talk simulcast of WMAL-AM & WMAL-FM on July 1, with the former becoming sports talk WSBN “ESPN 630 AM The Sports Capitol.” WSBN checked in with a .1 (#29, July, 6+); was unlisted in August; and resurfaces in September (.1, #30, 6+).

Notwithstanding that it drops one-half share (8.0 – 7.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM jumps from third to first. Prior to gaining one-tenth in August, WTOP-FM was an overall -2.5 in six successive down or flat sweeps (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7 – 8.7 – 8.7 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+). It shifted to the runner-up slot in July after six straight months at #1. More than doubling (+.5) its 6+ stat through four consecutive up or flat moves (.4 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .9, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH progresses from #23 to a four-way tie at #21.

Tied for the top spot in August, American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” sputters by eight-tenths in September and slips to a second-place tie (8.2 – 7.4, 6+). July’s boost of four-tenths suspended three successive slips that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.0, 6+). Immediately prior to gaining three-tenths in March, WAMU was -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and -1.2 (February).

Washington, DC Music Formats – Three upticks in succession by Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS have produced a +2.0 (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 6.2, 6+) as “91.9 Christian Music Radio” leaps from seventh to fourth. Drifting from the top ten (#9 to #16) is iHeartMedia’s WMZQ “98.7 Today’s Best Country,” which falters by -1.0 (3.7 – 2.7, 6+) and falls below a three-share (2.7, 6+) for the first time since February (2.8). This time last month, Radio One urban AC WMMJ “Majic” and public radio news/talk WAMU were deadlocked at #1. They are still tied in September but not at #1 as both suffer an identical loss of eight-tenths (8.2 – 7.4, first to second, 6+). When WMMJ added two-tenths in July, it interrupted three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to that skid, “Majic” put together six successive increases that netted a +1.8 (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). Howard University’s similarly-programmed WHUR is off an overall seven-tenths in four monthlies in succession without an increase (6.5 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). After finishing in fourth-place the past four sweeps, WHUR shifts to fifth. Down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), WHUR regained that deficit with a May pickup of two-tenths. Its March loss of one-tenth stymied three successive increases that accounted for a +1.2 (5.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+). An overall -1.2 as a result of three consecutive down or neutral reports (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5” exits the top ten (#9 to #12) with its lowest 6+-stat (3.4) since March (3.2). Anchored in ninth-place, Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC notches a 3.7 the third time in the last four sweeps (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+). Classic hits-oldies sibling WIAD “94.7 The Drive – DC’s Greatest Hits” is off a cumulative eight-tenths in three downward trends in a row (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6, #16 to #17, 6+).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – There just doesn’t seem to be any stopping iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston,” which is +1.8 via nine positive or neutral trends in succession (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9, unchanged at #8, 6+). Co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200,” which added one-tenth three months in a row (.4 – .5 – .6 – .7, 6+), forfeits that collective three-tenths (.4, #25 to #29, 6+).

Three setbacks in succession by Beasley Media Group-owned sports talk WBZ-FM (Patriots, Celtics, Bruins) resulted in a roughly 47% loss (-3.3) of its 6+ AQH-share (7.0 – 5.6 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+). In September though, “98.5 The Sports Hub” roars back with a +1.3 to 5.0 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Seven recent shifts for “The Sports Hub” include: -1.0 (December 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); -.8 (February); +.8 (May); -1.4 (June); -1.8 (July); and +1.3 (September). WBZ-FM bypasses Entercom-owned sports talk WEEI-FM (Red Sox), which is flat at 3.7 but backslides from eighth to ninth. Seven sample shifts for WEEI-FM include: -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); -.5 (March); +.6 (April); and -.6 (July).

Unchanged at #5, iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM returns 40% of August’s half-share increase (5.5 – 5.3, -.2, 6+). Prior to that +.5, “News Radio 1030” was stuck on 5.0 (6+) five months in a row.

Trending 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.4 (June – July – August – September, 6+), Boston University news/talk WBUR falls from seventh to tenth. WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH nets eight-tenths in three consecutive up or flat trends (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, #14 to #13, 6+) and reaches the three-share level (3.0, 6+) the first time in nearly a year (3.4, October 2018).

Boston Music Formats – A combined -1.2 in August/September (8.8 – 7.7 – 7.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” is nonetheless #1 the sixth month in a row. The July/August decrease completely eliminates back-to-back (June and July) increases of six-tenths (7.6 – 8.2 – 8.8, 6+). When WROR dropped two-tenths in May, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that delivered a +2.2 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Cluster-mate WBOS “Boston’s Rock 92.9 Rocks” is up eight-tenths in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.2 – 3.2, #13 to #12, 6+). Boston’s (6+) pacesetters thus far this calendar year have been: iHeartMedia-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (January, 7.3, and February, 7.4, 6+); WROR (March and April, 7.8 – both times, 6+); WROR and WXKS-FM (May, 7.6, 6+); and WROR (June, 8.2; July, 8.8; August, 7.7; and September, 7.6, 6+). In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia’s aforementioned WXKS-FM is an overall -1.3 in four consecutive negative or neutral moves (7.6 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+) but “Kiss 108” retains the runner-up slot the fourth straight month. A one-half share increase in May took “Kiss 108” to 7.6, its strongest 6+-performance since August 2018’s 7.8. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is without an increase the eighth consecutive time for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6, #19 to #20, 6+). In addition to dropping from third to fourth, Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” is an overall -1.1 in three dips in succession (6.9 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+). “Magic” was a combined +.8 in May/June (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), with June’s 6.9 the highest 6+-stat for WMJX since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5. The April 2019 through September 2019 (6+) profiles of Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” and Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1” remain similar. “Hot,” which was -1.0 in four straight down or flat moves (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), picks up one-tenth to 3.4 (#11 to #10, 6+), while “Mix” is -.9 in five consecutive months without an increase (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.0, #11 to #13, 6+).

Miami

Spoken-Word Formats – The April 2019 through September 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is an extremely steady 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.5 (#17 to #18, 6+).

Doubling its 6+ AQH share as a result of three straight spikes (.5 – 6 – .7 – 1.0, 6+), Entercom-owned WQAM “560 The Joe,” (Dolphins) elevates from #28 to #25. Conversely, co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” is down 67% (-.6) in three setbacks in succession (.9 – .8 – .6 – .3, #29 to #30, 6+).

Off seven-tenths in July/August (2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN answers with a half-share increase to 2.1 (steady at #21, 6+).

While we usually limit our spoken-word coverage to English-language stations, it’s worth noting that Grupo Latino de Radio- GLR Spanish news/talk WSUA Radio Caracol 1260,” which posted a .8 (6+) in July but was unlisted in August, reappears in September with a .8 (#28, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – A combined +1.2 in August/September (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” jumps from fifth to third. Continuing a down/up pattern that commenced in May (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM – Joven Como Tu” advances from tenth to eighth. Tied at #12 are mainstream CHR rivals iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (flat at 3.1, #11 to #12, 6+) and Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” (3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #13 to #12, 6+). “Y-100” gained three-tenths in August, while “Hits 97.3” lost three-tenths the same sweep. On top the ninth consecutive ratings period (including a three-way tie at #1 in February), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” drops six-tenths and has a June 2019 through September 2019 topline of 7.6 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.0 (6+). “Easy” was down eight-tenths in February; up by that same magnitude in March; and notched an improvement of … eight-tenths in June. Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” was up one-tenth in July/August (5.4 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), but forfeits two-tenths in September to 5.3 (fourth to fifth, 6+). July’s one-tenth increase curtailed four straight down or flat sweeps that led to an overall -1.2 (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+). “Lite” was in third-place March, April, May, and June. Despite being down or flat the fourth time in succession for a net loss of three-tenths (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss Country 99.9” climbs from #16 to #15. Spanish Broadcasting System-owned Spanish tropical WXDJ “El Zol 106.7” is an overall -1.4 in seven straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+) and carries on in ninth-place.

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though KIRO-FM drops one-tenth (5.1 – 5.0, 6+), the Bonneville news/talk facility progresses from fifth to fourth. Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” repeats August’s 6+ AQH share (1.5) and market rank (#22). When Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI picked up two-tenths in August, it halted five successive negative or neutral reports that accounted for a more than 50% loss (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share since February (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .7, 6+); “Talk Radio 570” is off one-tenth in September (.9 – .8, #25 to #26, 6+).

Rebounding from a collective -1.3 as a result of four straight down or flat trends (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” (Mariners, Seahawks) logs an increase of seven-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and jumps from #17 to #12. Adding one-half share to August’s +.3 (.5 – .8 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” improves from #28 to #23.

Returning 75% of August’s increase of four-tenths (3.2 – 2.9, -.3, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO drops from #13 to #15; August’s 3.2 was its best 6+-stat since November 2017’s 3.4.

As a result of four consecutive decreases (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW is a collective -1.6 and drifts from fourth to ninth.

Seattle Music Formats – An uptick of one-half share to 2.4 (6+) by Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KCMS-FM pulls the plug on five setbacks in succession that resulted in an overall -1.4 (3.3 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+) and returns “Spirit 105.3” to the top twenty (#21 to #18). There’s another tie at #1 and it’s a familiar scenario with the Seattle stations involved. The incumbent – Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” – drops four-tenths (6.4 – 6.0, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is flat at 6.0 (6+) but moves from second to a first-place tie. June’s first-place deadlock between these same two outlets was emphatically broken in July when KZOK gained nine-tenths while KQMV spiraled by eight-tenths. The roles were reversed in August as “MOViN’ 92.5” logged a +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, third to first, 6+) while “Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” eroded by -1.0 (7.0 – 6.0, first to second, 6+). An overall -1.0 in four successive down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), KQMV ended the slump in June with a gain of one-tenth. “MOViN’” made it to #1 in April, the first time it reached the lead spot since November 2018. As a result of August’s -1.0, KZOK snapped its consecutive string of eight straight positive spikes that produced a +3.3 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 7.0, 6+). Immediately in advance of that particular run, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). Repeating in third-place, Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound” is a combined +1.1 in August/September (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.5, 6+), while Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KRWM “Warm 106.9” is up six-tenths in the comparable period (4.3 – 4.9 – 4.9, sixth to fifth, 6+). “The Sound” and “Warm” were separated by one-tenth in May (4.5 – 4.3, 6+); June (also 4.5 – 4.4, 6+); and July (4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Prior to plummeting by -1.1 in April, “The Sound” was an overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Entering the May sweep, “Warm 106.9” recorded a 4.8 (6+) in three of the previous four reports (4.8 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. Tight as well is the country battle between Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country” (4.3 – 4.6, +.3, ninth to seventh, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull” (4.2 – 4.4, +.2, #12 to #10, 6+). “The Wolf” erased May’s +.9 with June/July’s combined -.9 (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+). Prior to April, when it regressed by six-tenths, KKWF was a cumulative +1.4 as a result of three straight upticks (3.3- 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). Meanwhile, after more than doubling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in eight successive up or flat sweeps (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), “The Bull” surrendered one-tenth in August. Spiraling by one-half share each are iHeartMedia CHR KBKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” (3.2 – 2.7, #13 to #17, 6+); Classic Radio’s KING “Classical Radio 98.1” (#18 to #19); and Bustos Media regional Mexican KDDS “La Grand 99.3” (.9 – .4, #28, 6+).This (2.7) is the lowest 6+-stat for “Kiss” since February’s 2.3. KING is now -1.0 in three straight decreases (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.2) and has its weakest 6+-showing since January (2.0).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Six straight negative or neutral sweeps by Cumulus Media’s WJR (Lions) led to a -1.7 (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+), but “News Talk 760” is a combined +.3 in August/September (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3, #19 to #18, 6+).

An overall -1.5 in three successive setbacks (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM (Tigers) applies the brakes with a September increase of four-tenths to 4.3 (6+); “97.1 The Ticket” returns to the top ten (#11 to #10).

Significant ups/downs continue for co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950,” which was #1 in March; a combined -1.4 in June/July (6.2 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+); a whopping +1.1 in August; but -.5 in September (5.9 – 5.4, second to fifth, 6+).

A half-share increase to 2.1 (#20 to #19, 6+) by Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM ends its (repetitive) April 2019 through August 2019 topline of 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 (6+). It had been nearly two years since WUOM last reached the two-share level (November 2017, 2.1, as well, 6+). Wayne State University news/talk WDET adds one-tenth to August’s +.2 (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+) and remains at #21.

Detroit Music Formats – After being -1.0 owing to four straight survey periods without an increase (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “97.9 – Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” is now a combined +.5 in August/September (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.6, #14 to #13, 6+). Improving by two-tenths (6.9 – 7.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” is #1 the third month in a row. Its June/July +.8 (6.4 – 6.5 – 7.2, 6+) followed three successive down or flat months that accounted for a -1.4 (7.8 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.4, 6+). In March, WCSX eroded by -1.3 to shift from first to second. Co-owned urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC, which was a combined +1.3 in July/August (3.9 – 4.1 – 5.2, 6+), drops one-tenth to 5.1 (6+). Even so, “105.1 The Bounce” advances from seventh to a three-way tie at sixth. In August, WMGC reached the five-share level the first time since February 2017 (5.2, as well). The 1.6 (6+) August advantage iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” held over Entercom’s similarly-formatted WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” widens to two full shares. The reason: WNIC gains three-tenths (5.6 – 5.9, fifth to second), while WDZH drops one-tenth and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). WNIC lost six-tenths in August (6.2 – 5.6, 6+). After its 6+ AQH share eroded by nearly two-thirds (-11.8) in four successive negative trends (17.9 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+), WNIC answered with a May increase of four-tenths. Its “Holiday” 2018 17.9 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. On top in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share via four straight increases (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+). Meanwhile, “The Breeze” is an overall -.9 in three straight declines (4.8 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+). CHR WDZH “Amp Radio” became adult contemporary “The Breeze” in early-November (2018). In eight successive reports without a loss (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+), WDZH more than doubled (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share. Off a collective seven-tenths in three straight down or flat reports (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), cluster-mate WYCD “99.5 Detroit Country Music” repeats at #9. Its format rival, Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM,” is +1.3 through seven consecutive positive or neutral sweeps (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+) and advances from #17 to #16. This (2.9) is its best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 3.0. Shortly after a 3.4 (6+) March debut, iHeartMedia classic rock WLLZ “106.7 Detroit’s Wheels” is down a collective eight-tenths in three straight decreases (4.3 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.5, June – July – August – September, #11 to #14, 6+). A loss of six-tenths (5.7 – 5.1, 6+) sends co-owned CHR WKQI “Channel 95.5 Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” from fourth to sixth with its lowest 6+-stat (5.1) since 4.4 in “Holiday” 2018. Beasley Broadcast Group’s newly-acquired urban AC WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM” falters by one-half share (3.5 – 3.0, #14 to #15, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +1.0 in three consecutive positive or neutral reports (3.2 – 3.3 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (Arizona Cardinals) erases June’s -.8 (4.0 – 3.2, 6+) and repeats at #6. Conversely, iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” has lost nine-tenths via four drops in succession (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+) and slips from #15 to #18.

Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM (Arizona Diamondbacks) repeats August’s 6+ AQH share (2.4) and market rank (#15); “98.7 Arizona Sports” was -1.0 in June/July (3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+).

The June 2019 through September 2019 topline for Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ is 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 (#11 to #10, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – On the heels of three straight decreases that resulted in a -.9 (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country” has answered with four successive upticks accounting for a +1.0 (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+) and continues in fifth-place. Its format foe, Entercom’s KMLE “Country 107.9,” remains at #13 but is a cumulative -1.0 through three straight downward moves (3.8 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). Steady at #12, Hubbard Broadcasting alternative KDKB “93.3 Alt AZ” is up a collective seven-tenths in three bumps in succession (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+). Following five consecutive increases that yielded an overall +1.7 (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ drops three-tenths to 6.7 (6+) but is #1 the third time in a row. August’s 7.0 was its strongest 6+-showing since January (7.0, as well). As a result of three consecutive positive or neutral moves, Family Life Communications contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” nets seven-tenths (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.8, 6+) and checks in at #23. Flat at #10, iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” is an overall -1.7 via four straight decreases (5.3 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). Prior to August’s 3.7, the last time “Kiss” fell below a four-share (6+) was “Holiday” 2017 (3.0). Five increases in a row netted Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL an overall +2.3 (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 6.3, 6+) and its best 6+-stat (6.3) in more than two years (July 2017, 6.4, 6+). In September, however, “94.5 Phoenix Classic Hits” surrenders four-tenths (5.9, 6+) and slips from second to fourth.

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating in sixth-place, Entercom-owned WCCO (Minnesota Twins) is a combined +.7 in August/September (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+). “News Radio 830” lost one-tenth in July, halting three consecutive improvements that accounted for a +2.1 (3.3 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+). After gaining six-tenths in August, iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” surrenders one-third of that increase (3.0 – 2.8, -.2, #14 to #15, 6+). One-tenth behind KTLK is Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1,” which recaptures the two-tenths it lost in August (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.7, #17 to #16, 6+). July’s +.4 interrupted four straight decreases that led to a net loss of -1.1 (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+).

In addition to being a cumulative +2.2 in five straight positive or neutral moves (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) rockets from ninth to fourth. This (6.1) is its best 6+-stat since November 2018’s 6.7. Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500,” which lost two-tenths in four successive sweeps without an increase (.8 – .7 – .7 -.6 – .6, 6+), picks up one-tenth to .7 (#23 to #22, 6+).

While steady at #3, Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW slips by one-tenth to 6.4 (6+), thus snapping at three its consecutive string of positive spikes that produced a +2.2 (4.3 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+).

Minneapolis Music Formats – Roughly cutting in half August’s loss of nine-tenths with a September improvement of one-half share (5.5 – 6.0, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” rises from seventh to sixth; KTIS-FM was up a combined three-tenths in June/July (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.4, 6+). Albeit down two-tenths (7.4 – 7.2, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” repeats at #1. KSTP-FM has held (or shared) the top spot in January, March, April, June, August, and September. It has been +1.9 (January); -.8 (February); +.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.8 (May); flat (June); -.4 (July); +1.1 (August); and -.2 (September). Its format rival, iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97.1,” regains one-third of August’s -.9 (4.2 – 4.5, +.3, 6+) and repeats at #11. Shifts this year for “Cities 97.1” include +1.2 (January) -.5 (February); +.2 (March); +.5 (April); -.2 (May); flat (June); +.6 (July); -.9 (August); and +.3 (September). Deflating by six-tenths each are Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” and Northern Lights Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KZGO “GO-95.3.” This is the third straight down or flat move for “93-X” for a net loss of nine-tenths (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5, fourth to ninth, 6+). “GO-95.3” has lost approximately half (-1.5) its 6+ AQH-share via six consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.6, #18 to #19, 6+). Ousted from the top spot in June by KSTP-FM, iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies outlet KQQL “Kool 108” returned the favor in July, but was (again) dislodged by KSTP-FM in August. After racking up a July improvement of nine-tenths, “Kool 108” has faltered by one-half share in both August and September (7.5 – 7.0 – 6.5, 6+) but remains in the runner-up slot. Before logging a +1.0 in May, KQQL had approximately 54% (-6.8) of 6+ AQH share vanish through four straight negative or flat trends (12.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+). Having posted five consecutive positive or neutral trends that yielded a +1.2 (2.1- 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP “The Current – Great Music Lives Here” surrenders one-tenth to 3.2 (6+) but remains at #13. August’s 3.3 was its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (3.3, as well). The market’s two major country FMs record modest August 2019 – September 2019 gains. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s KEEY “K-102” is up a combined four-tenths in August/September (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.3, #11 to #12, 6+), while Entercom’s KMNB “102.9 The Wolf,” which forfeited one-half share in July/August (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+), recaptures 60% of that deficit in September (3.1, +.3, #15 to #14, 6+). KEEY “K-102” was -1.0 in June/July (4.9 – 4.8 – 3.9, 6+), with July’s 3.9 its lowest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.4. KMNB “102.9 The Wolf” lost eight-tenths in four successive down or neutral trends (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), but ended the slide with June’s +.4.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – The wild ride continues for iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600,” which was +1.0 via three straight increases (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 5.0, February through May, 6+); a combined -.5 in June/July (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.5, 6+); +.5 in August (4.5 – 5.0); and -.7 in September (5.0 – 4.3, sixth to seventh, 6+). Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM was an overall -.6 via three consecutive slips (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), but erased that deficit in August with a +.6 to 2.5 (6+). In September though, “AM 760” is down two-tenths to 2.3 (#16 to #20, 6+). Steady at #22, iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” is up an overall half-share via three consecutive San Diego improvements (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+).

Down two-tenths, following August’s increase of three-tenths, Entercom-owned KWFN (Padres) is forced off the top twenty (2.2 – 2.0, #19 to #21, 6+); “97.3 The Fan” lost one-tenth in back-to-back (June and July) sweeps (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). After recording a .8 (6+) four times in the last five sweeps (.8 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” breaks out a +.4 to 1.2 (6+) and remains at #23.

Even though San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS shows a gain of two-tenths (6.0 – 6.2, 6+), it backslides from first to second. Before falling to third in July, KPBS was on top the previous six months.

San Diego Music Formats – Hauling out hefty full-share improvements are Local Media San Diego-programmed XHRM “Magic 92.5” (4.5 – 5.5, eighth to third, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” (2.5 – 3.5, #16 to #12, 6+). This is the highest 6+-stat for “Magic” since April (5.5, as well); the last time “Amor” reached the three-share level (6+) was last October (3.2). Over and above bouncing back from August’s erosion of seven-tenths with a September uptick of nine-tenths (5.7 – 6.6, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” jumps from fourth to first. “Sunny” was a collective +1.7 in five successive improvements (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+) and had a July-only stay at #1. Prior to July 2019, the last time KXSN hit #1 was July 2018 (6.2, 6+). A combined +1.0 in August/September (1.5 – 1.7 – 2.5, 6+), UniRadio regional Mexican XHTY “Invasora 99.7” reenters the top twenty (#21 to #16) and matches the 2.5 (6+) it posted in March. Meanwhile, Univision Radio’s similarly-formatted KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” is -1.6 in August/September (6.0 – 5.8 – 4.4, third to sixth, 6+), following four consecutive positive or neutral moves that accounted for a +1.0 (5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.0, 6+). Six consecutive positive or neutral sweeps by iHeartMedia CHR KHTS resulted in a +1.6 (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+). That streak, however, is halted in September as “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by nine-tenths to 5.0 (second to fifth, 6+). Immediately prior, KHTS was a cumulative -2.3 as a result of four straight decreases (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). After dropping one-half share in August, Entercom-owned adult contemporary KYXY regresses by another seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.0, 6+), skidding from seventh to tenth. KYXY was a combined +1.7 in June/July (3.5 – 4.2 – 5.2, 6+), with July’s 5.2 its best 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2018’s 8.4.

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – After being a collective -1.5 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.5 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” expunges approximately half that deficit (+.8) in three successive modest bumps (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8, #14 to #12, 6+). Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” is up or flat the fourth time in succession and nets one-half share in that stretch (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8, #16 to #15, 6+).

Down a combined six-tenths in July/August (2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays, Buccaneers) answers with a half-share September increase to 2.6 (#18 to #16, 6+).

Having logged a 1.7 (6+) in three of the last five sweeps (1.7 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7, 6+), University of South Florida news/talk WUSF is up one-tenth to 1.8 (6+) and continues at #20.

Tampa Music Formats – This time last month, Tampa Bay’s (6+) adult contemporary share increased by +1.1. The format does even better in September as Cox Media Group cluster-mates WDUV “Lite Favorites” and WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” combine for a +1.5. At #1 the 85^th straight time, WDUV is +.7 (9.2 – 9.9, , 6+), while WWRM is +.8 and advances from sixth to third (5.2 – 6.0, 6+). “Lite Favorites” faltered by seven-tenths in June, directly after a May gain of three-tenths suspended four straight negative trends that resulted in a -4.7 (13.7 – 11.8 – 11.6 – 10.6 – 9.0, 6+). WDUV’s 13.7 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-stat for any Tampa station since its 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. “Magic 94.9” plummeted by -1.0 in July to 4.7, its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.9. This (6.0) though is WWRM’s best 6+-showing since April’s 6.2. Up a combined nine-tenths in August/September (5.1 – 5.4 – 6.0, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WXGL inches up from fourth to third. In four straight negative or neutral moves, “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” was a cumulative -2.4 (7.5 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 5.7 – 5.1, 6+). Supplementing August’s improvement of seven-tenths with a September +.6 (4.6 – 5.3 – 5.9, 6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” carries on at #5. Off a combined -1.5 in August/September (6.7 – 6.6 – 5.2, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Q-105” falls from second to sixth with its lowest 6+-stat (5.2) since February’s 4.9. Co-owned Spanish contemporary WYUU “92.5 Maxima,” which had been trending 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.1 (6+), sputters by six-tenths to 2.5 (#15 to #17, 6+). In addition to slipping from eighth to tenth, iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 for New Country” loses eight-tenths in three successive decreases (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.9, 6+). Ironically, the last time WFUS dropped below a four-share (6+) was exactly two years ago (September 2017, 3.8, 6+). Despite forfeiting two-tenths (6.3 – 6.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” progresses from third to second. Rhythmic CHR sibling WLLD “Wild 94.1,” which was an overall +1.1 via six successive up or flat trends (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), is off three-tenths to 4.4 (6+) but stays at #7. Directly following three straight improvements that yielded a +1.4 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” is now -1.5 in three successive decreases (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+) but advances from #11 to #10. Flat at #12, iHeartMedia CHR WFLZ “93.3 FLZ” is off a collective one-half share in three consecutive negative or neutral moves including 3.8 the last four sweeps (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+). In the same May 2019 through September 2019 timeframe, Cox Media group’s similarly-formatted WPOI “Hot 101.5” is down eight-tenths via four successive sweeps without an increase (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7, #12 to #14, 6+). WFLZ and WPOI were deadlocked at #12 in August.

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Duplicating August’s -1.0 (5.0 – 4.0 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOA (Rockies, Broncos) drifts from #5 (July) to #11 (August) to #16 (September). By way of perspective, “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” was second in October 2018. While co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” has lost a combined three-tenths in August/September (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2, #21 to #22, 6+), cluster-mate KDFD “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” logs its third straight increase and is +1.0 since June (.1 – .2 – .8 – 1.1, #24 to #25, 6+).

An overall +1.1 via three gains in succession (2.4 – 2.5 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” progresses from #15 to #12. Taking an even greater jump though is KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM, which dials up a +1.0 (.4 – 1.4, 6+) and vaults from #29 to #21. “Altitude Sports Radio 92.5” last reached a one-share (6+) exactly one year ago (1.0, September 2018).

Surrendering two-tenths (5.1 – 4.9, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR repeats at #6; KCFR was -1.6 in June and +.8 in July. In six consecutive reports without an increase, Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC has lost more than 70% (-1.3) of its 6+ AQH-share (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1 – .8 – .5 – .5, #28 to #29, 6+).

Denver Music Formats – An increase of eight-tenths (2.6 – 3.4, #17 to #13, 6+) takes Entravision regional Mexican KXPK “La Tricolor 96.5” to its highest 6+-stat since July 2018 (3.4, as well). A one-half share gain by Bonneville-owned country KYGO (5.7 – 6.2, 6+), coupled with a drop of six-tenths by Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” (6.2 – 5.6), results in KYGO (third to first) and KQMT (first to third) swapping places. It was an August-only stay at #1 for “The Mountain,” which sees its successive string of positive or neutral moves that produced a +1.5 end at five (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+). August 2019’s 6.2 was the highest 6+-stat for KQMT since 6.6 in August 2018. After spending June and July at #1, KYGO was ousted from the top by KQMT. Four straight up or flat trends netted KYGO a +1.4 (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+); it then regressed seven-tenths in May; and posted a +1.0 in June. Flat at #14, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KWBL “106.7 The Bull” is down a combined four-tenths in August/September (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), immediately after notching a +1.7 in three straight improvements (2.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+). July’s 3.7 was KWBL’s highest 6+-stat since it switched to country in mid-December 2017. An overall +1.0 in three successive reports without a loss (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” surrenders that entire bounty and three-tenths more (4.3, -1.3, fourth to eighth, 6+). The three most recent shifts by iHeartMedia-owned KTCL are -.6 (5.4 – 4.8, July, 6+); +.7 (4.8 – 5.5, August, 6+); and -.5 in September (5.5 – 5.0, fifth to fourth, 6+). “Channel 93.3 – Denver’s Modern Rock” was frozen on 5.4 (6+) in May and June. Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” is a collective -1.7 in five consecutive sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.3 – 2.9, #16 to #17, 6+), while iHeartMedia CHR KPTT “95.7 The Party” is an overall -1.1 owing to four successive decreases (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.3, #12 to #14, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating at #12, Hearst Television’s news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” (Ravens) gains seven-tenths in August/September (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+), thus erasing 70% of June/July’s -1.0 (2.8 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+). Bouncing back from August’s loss of six-tenths with a September increase half that magnitude (1.4 – 1.7, +.3, 6+), similarly-formatted independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” progresses from #17 to #15. Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL-FM repeats August’s 6+ AQH-share (.1) and market rank #30.

Off six-tenths in August/September (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” (Orioles) slips from eighth to ninth.

WJZ-FM’s business news sibling WDCH returns August’s gain of three-tenths (1.1 – 1.4 – 1.1, #17 to #19, 6+).

Adding one-tenth to August’s +.7 (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” continues at #11. In addition to dropping four-tenths in three straight Baltimore reports without an increase (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – .8, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU exits the top twenty (#19 to #23).

Baltimore Music Formats – A robust +1.2 (5.0 – 6.2) enables iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” to jump from sixth to third. The last time Baltimore’s “Jack” reached the six-share level (6+) was just over two years ago (July 2017, 6.0, 6+). Despite duplicating August’s +.6 (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+), Shamrock Communications-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” remains in eighth-place. Entering the August sweep, “The Bay” was an overall -2.3 in five straight reports without an increase (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 3.9, 6+). Prior to July, the last time “The Bay” slipped below a four-share (6+) was February 2018 (3.8). Erasing all but two-tenths of July/August’s -.7 (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+) with a September improvement of one-half share, Entercom adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” backslides from fourth to fifth. Recapturing the three-tenths it squandered in August (9.1 – 8.8 – 9.1, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” is #1 the fourth straight month. A combined +1.8 in June/July (7.3 – 8.1 – 9.1, 6+), “Magic” reached the nine-share level (9.1, 6+, July) for the first time since January’s 9.0. Co-owned urban contemporary WERQ carries on in the runner-up slot although “92 Q Jams” forfeits nine-tenths (8.4 – 7.5, 6+). An overall -1.8 in three down or flat moves in a row (9.8 – 8.8 – 8.0 – 8.0, 6+), WERQ curtailed the slide with an August spike of four-tenths. April’s 9.8 marked the first time WERQ reached the nine-share level (6+) since July 2016’s 9.2. Down one-half share each are iHeartMedia’s WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” (6.7 – 6.2, flat at #3, 6+) and Radio One Washington, DC urban contemporary WKYS (1.7 – 1.2, #16 to #17, 6+). WPOC lost one-half share in four straight down or flat moves (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+) but followed with a combined +.9 in July/August (5.8 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). WKYS had gained seven-tenths in three consecutive positive or neutral moves (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.7, 6+). This is the 14^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 – An overall -2.3 in four successive losses (7.3 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” (Cardinals) applies the brakes with a whopping +1.4 to 6.4 (6+) and rockets from seventh to second. Co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” adds three-tenths to August’s half-share increase (2.3 – 2.8 – 3.1, #18 to #17, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (3.1) since June 2018’s 3.3.

Having fully erased July’s -.6 with an August/September +.6 (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” climbs from #16 to #15.

The March 2019 through September 2019 (6+) topline for University of Missouri news/talk KWMU (#15 to #16) is: 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3.

St. Louis Music Formats – An increase of nine-tenths (4.7 – 5.6, 6+) takes KEZK “The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” to its highest (6+) showing (5.6) since February’s 7.0; the Entercom adult contemporary outlet zooms from tenth to fifth. After being an overall -2.2 via four consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.2 – 6.7 – 6.0 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+), Gateway Creative Broadcasting contemporary Christian KLJY curtails the skid with a +.2 to 5.2 (6+) yet “99.1 Joy FM” backslides from seventh to ninth. In addition to being on top the fifth straight month, Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” displays an increase of seven-tenths (8.6 – 9.3, 6+). In February, KSHE was tied for #1 with iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU and took sole possession of first-place the following month. “Real Rock Radio” had to share the lead again in April but on that occasion, it was with Entercom news/talk KMOX. KSHE has had sole possession of the top spot in May, June, July, August, and September. Some of its recent shifts include: -.7 (Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +1.3 (March); -1.6 (April); +.9 (June); and +.7 (September). Aforementioned KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” returns in its entirety August’s +.9 (6.8 – 5.9, -.9, 6+) and slips from second to fourth. August’s 6.8 was its best 6+-stat since March (6.8, as well). As is the case with KLOU, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL is down nine-tenths in September. A combined +.6 in July/August (5.8 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+), “New Country 92.3” dips from third to seventh (6.4 – 5.5, 6+). Its format challenger, iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country,” continues an up/down pattern that commenced in February: +.5 (February); -.5 (March); +.9 (April); -.7 (May); +.5 (June); -.2 (July); +.5 (August); and now -.4 in September (5.0 – 4.6, seventh to tenth, 6+). Entercom CHR KNOU “Now 96.3,” which was a combined -1.3 in June/July (5.1 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+), relinquishes in total August’s +.7 (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.8, #11 to #14, 6+).

September 2019 PPM Takeaways – Round One

September 2019 PPM Data – Information for the September 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino, Middlesex (New Jersey) and San Jose. Nielsen Audio’s September 2019 survey period covered August 15 – September 11. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these markets.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – After gaining one-half share in July/August (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” relinquishes 40% of that increase (1.8, -.2, 6+) and slips from #18 to #20. Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” has an extremely consistent March 2019 through September 2019 topline: 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 (6+) and continues at #22. May’s one-tenth increase halted five straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall loss of four-tenths. Surrendering in its entirety the three-tenths it racked up in July/August (.9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – .9, 6+), news/talk WABC falls from #22 to #24.

Not only does WFAN (Yankees, Giants) falter by six-tenths (3.8 – 3.2, 6+), the Entercom sports talk outlet fades from the top ten (#9 to #13) with its softest 6+-showing (3.2) since March 2019’s 3.0. Off an overall four-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.0 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) ends the slide with an increase of two-tenths and returns to the top twenty (1.8, #21 to #20, 6+).

In three consecutive negative or neutral trends, WINS lost seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+). The Entercom all-news outlet picks up two-tenths in August (3.4, 6+) yet backslides from #11 to #12. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM (Mets) repeats July’s 2.5 but dips from #14 to #15. Prior to August’s improvement of one-tenth, WCBS-AM faltered by a collective full-share via four straight declines (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+).

Up an overall half-share in three successive reports without a loss (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM advances from #16 to #14. The February 2019 through September 2019 topline for co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM is .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .3 – .3 – .3 (flat at #33, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – This marks Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM’s fourth consecutive positive or neutral sweep for an overall gain of eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+) as “NEW 102.7” marches from tenth to eighth. There’s a similar positive story for cluster-mate WNYL “Alt 92.3 – New York’s New Alternative,” which nets six-tenths in six straight reports without a decrease (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5, #16 to #15, 6+). Bouncing back from August’s dip of four-tenths with a half-share uptick (3.1 – 3.6, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT-FM “Amor 93.1” cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). Immediately before August’s drop, “Amor 93.1” notched four successive up or neutral moves for an overall gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). In five straight sweeps without an increase, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT lost seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+) but “Hot 97” shakes loose with a +.4 to 3.5 (#12 to #11, 6+). Having logged a 6.8 (6+) in May, June, and July, WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” erupted with a jump of nine-tenths in August to 7.7 (6+). The iHeartMedia adult contemporary facility repeats that 7.7 (6+) in September and is #1 the 27^th consecutive ratings period. The 7.7 (6+) in August and September matches what was recorded in March when “Lite FM” posted a one-half share increase; WLTW  surrendered seven-tenths in April. A combined -5.3 in January/February (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), “Lite FM” was +5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). It has a full two-share lead over Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits,” which hasn’t had an increase since June but has only lost one-tenth in that stretch (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). Although backsliding from a three-way tie at #18 to #19, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Station” yields eight-tenths in four successive boosts (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+). In addition to being up a combined half share in July/August (4.8 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ recorded its highest 6+-stat in more than two years (5.3, as well, in April 2017). While it carries on in fourth-place “Z-100” is down one-tenth in August to 5.2 (6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Erasing May/June’s combined +.8 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+) with an overall -1.0 in three straight decreases (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5, June – July – August – September, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” segues from sixth to seventh. This (3.5) is its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.2. Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA has nearly doubled June’s .6 in July/August/September (.8 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+) although “AM 870 The Answer” regresses from #29 to #30. KRLA lengthens to four-tenths its lead over iHeartMedia-owned KEIB, which drops to .7 (#32 to #35, 6+); “AM 1150 The Patriot” had posted a 1.0 in three of the last four sweeps (1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+). Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” is up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.3 – .4 – .5, 6+), progressing from #40 to #38.

The flagship of the Dodgers and Chargers, iHeartMedia’s KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (1.3 – 1.4, +.1, unchanged at #28, 6+) stretches to six-tenths its advantage over Disney-owned (Angels, Rams key station) KSPN “710 ESPN” (flat at .8, #36 to #33, 6+). In June and July, the two sports talkers were deadlocked at #27 (1.4, 6+).

With an extremely steady April 2019 through September 2019 topline of 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.7 (6+), Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” advances from #14 to a three-way scrum at #12. Prior to picking up one-tenth in July, KNX had five straight negative or neutral monthlies accounting for a full-share loss in that January 2019 – June 2019 timeframe (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+).

Via three consecutive reports without a loss, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” nets two–tenths (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+) but backslides from #21 to #23.

Los Angeles Music Formats – Over the course of its nine successive up or flat trends that have yielded nine-tenths, Cumulus Media-to-Meruelo Media Holdings KLOS “95.5 Southern California’s Classic Rock” has recorded a 3.3 (6+) four times in a row (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, eighth to ninth, 6+). Co-owned Spanish contemporary KLLI “Cali 93.9 – #1 For Reggaeton y Mas” doubles its 6+-stat via four straight reports without a loss (.9 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.8, #24, 6+). Meanwhile, co-owned rhythmic CHR KPWR “Power 106” is off a collective four-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7, #11 to #12, 6+). At the same time that Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101” adds six-tenths (5.0 – 5.6, third to second, 6+), smooth AC sibling KTWV “94.7 The Wave” falters by the same margin (4.8 – 4.2, -.6, flat at #4, 6+). While “K-Earth” pulls the plug on three downward trends in succession that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), “The Wave” suffers its fourth consecutive down or flat report resulting in a cumulative -1.0 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+). This (4.2) is the lowest 6+-stat for KTWV since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.6. In a 5.8 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.9 pattern (June – July – August – September, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103.5” is #1 the 12^th straight time. Prior to January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), KOST was an overall +8.4 through five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). Despite recording its fifth straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.2 (4.1 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), hot AC sibling KBIG “104.3 My-FM” must settle for a backward move (second to third). The 5.3 in August and September is KBIG’s strongest 6+-showing in exactly one year (5.5, September 2018). Zooming from #16 to #12 with its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018 (2.7, as well), Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105 FM” is up a collective one-half share in four consecutive sweeps without a decrease (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). By picking up two-tenths to 3.8 (seventh to sixth, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” applies the brakes to six consecutive negative or neutral sweeps that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+). Prior to June, the last time “Kiss” was under a four-share (6+) was in “Holiday” 2018 (3.5). Entercom-owned/similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory the 28^th time in a row and records a 2.3 (6+) the fourth time in the last six reports (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, #19 to a four-way tie at #16, 6+). In four consecutive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned alternative KYSR has gained seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.9, #12 to #11, 6+). “Alt 98.7” has a half-share advantage over format rival, Entercom-owned KROQ, which is +.5 as a result of four successive up or neutral reports (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.4, #18 to #15, 6+). KROQ’s June gain of one-tenth ended four consecutive sweeps without positive movement that resulted in a collective half-share deficit (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). In the last ten ratings periods (“Holiday” 2018 through September 2019), Santa Monica College-owned variety KCRW has recorded a 1.1 (6+) six times and a 1.3 (6+) the other four (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1, #30, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – An increase of four-tenths (2.8 – 3.2, #16 to #12, 6+) takes Tribune Media news/talk WGN (White Sox) to its best 6+-showing (3.2) since February’s 3.5. WGN was locked on 2.9 (6+) in April and May and then on 3.0 (6+) in June and July. Conversely a loss of four-tenths forces Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM off the top twenty (2.1 – 1.7, #20 to #21, 6+); 1.7 is its lowest 6+-stat since March (1.7, as well).

Up a combined half-share in August/September (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) progresses from sixth to fifth. Trending 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.6 (May – June – July – August – September, 6+), Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” jumps from #25 to #23.

Flat in fourth-place, Entercom all-news WBBM-AM (Bears) is an overall -1.4 via eight successive down or neutral moves (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). WBBM-AM finished on top in January, February, and March.

In three consecutive spikes, Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ gains four-tenths (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+) and climbs from #16 to #15.

Chicago Music Formats – Wiping away July/August’s -1.0 (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+) with a September +1.1 to 4.9 (6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” vaults from seventh to third and has its best 6+-showing (4.9) in nearly a year (5.0, 6+, October 2018). Not only is iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ a collective +1.4 in three straight bumps (4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+), “V-103” progresses from third to first. As is the case with aforementioned WLS-FM, WVAZ records its best 6+-stat since October 2018 (5.7, as well), which is the last time “V-103” reached #1. Departing the top spot is Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix,” which craters by -1.5 (5.7 – 4.2, first to sixth, 6+). In July, the combination of a three-tenths uptick by WTMX classic rock sibling WDRV “97.1 The Drive” and an equal margin decrease by “The Mix” resulted in the cluster-mates swapping places at first and second. In August, “The Mix” notched a +.5 (5.2 – 5.7, 6+) and proceeded from second to first. WTMX was #1 in April, May, and June before giving way to “The Drive” in July; April’s 5.9 was the highest 6+-stat for “Mix” since November 2017’s 6.3. Repeating at #10, Cumulus Media’s WKQX “The New Home For Alternative” is a collective +.8 in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). After logging three gains in a row for a collective increase of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Venture Technologies Group-owned adult contemporary WRME-LP returned two-tenths in August; however, “FM 87.7 – Me TV” rebounds with a September bump of four-tenths to 3.3 (#14 to #11, 6+). June’s 3.0 marked the first time WRME-LP reached the three-share level (6+) since November 2018’s 3.3. Its two AC rivals are down slightly in September. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s WLIT “93.9 Lite FM,” which had been without a loss five times in a row for a collective gain of six-tenths (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), regresses by three-tenths to 4.2 (fifth to sixth, 6+), while Hubbard Broadcasting’s WSHE “100.3 SHE” drops two-tenths (3.1 – 2.9, #11 to #15, 6+). “Lite FM” was a combined +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+). Before faltering by one-half share in May, WSHE notched an overall increase of eight-tenths via four consecutive positive or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). The market’s two main country outlets have August 2019 to September 2019 fluctuations of one-tenth. On the plus side, Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” is 2.6 – 2.7 (+.1, steady at #18), whereas iHeartMedia-owned WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” is 1.6 – 1.5 (-.1, #23 to #24, 6+). This is the third time in the last six reports that WUSN “US-99” posts a 2.7 (2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+); WEBG logged a 1.6 (6+) the past three sweeps. Before dropping two-tenths in June, “Big” had been up or flat the previous seven survey periods for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+). Window to the World Communications’ WFMT “98.7 – Chicago’s Classical and Folk Music Radio” is without an increase the sixth time in a row and is down an overall one-half share in that stretch (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .8, #29, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. Dropping from #21 to #22, Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO is in a June 2019 through September 2019 pattern of 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 1.7 (6+). July 2019’s 1.7 marked the first time KSFO fell below a two-share for the first time since July 2017’s 1.8. Ironically, cluster-mate KGO records a similar repetitive June 2019 through September 2019 sequence: 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 (#24 to #25, 6+). KGO was down one-tenth in June (1.7 – 1.6, 6+), so this is actually the fourth straight time it has had a month-to-month shift of one-tenth. After logging a .2 (6+) in seven of the last eight sweeps, iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” gains one-tenth to .3 (#35 to #34, 6+).

Three straight up or flat sweeps by Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR-AM (Giants, 49ers) yielded a +1.1 (3.3 – 3.3 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+) but “The Sports Leader” forfeits seven-tenths to 3.7 (6+), falling from third to seventh. Less than a week before the September ratings period concluded (9/6), co-owned triple A KFOG jettisoned its longtime music format and became sports talk KNBR-FM (1.0 – .9, -.1, #28, 6+). By gaining one-tenth to 1.6 (#26 to #24, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” halts three consecutive declines that accounted for a -1.8 (3.3 – 3.0 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+). KGMZ nearly doubled (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three straight sweeps without a loss, (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 3.3, 6+).

Even though KGMZ all-news sibling KCBS-AM (Raiders) drops one-tenth (6.5 – 6.4, 6+), it moves from the runner-up slot to a first-place tie. KCBS-AM last reached #1 in May.

KCBS-AM is deadlocked at the top with Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED, which spirals seven-tenths to 6.4 (#1 the fourth time in a row, 6+), thus almost completely erasing its +.8 in three consecutive improvements (6.3 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). August’s 7.1 was its best 6+-stat since 7.3 in March. San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is trending -1.0 – .9 – .8 – 1.0 – .9 – .7 (April – May – June – July – August – September, #28 to #31, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Not only does Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN tack on a whopping +1.7 to August’s increase of four-tenths (2.7 – 3.1 – 4.8, 6+), “107.7 The Bone” rockets from tenth to third. KSAN was a combined -1.3 in June/July (4.0 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+). Off a collective four-tenths via three straight down or flat moves (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” responds with a September increase of nine-tenths to 4.7 (seventh to fourth, 6+). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned KIOI “Star 101.3” notches its sixth report in a row without a decrease and has earned six-tenths in that stretch (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5, ninth to eighth, 6+). Despite being up an overall six-tenths via three successive modest increases (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+) and having its best 6+-stat (4.2) since April’s 4.4, adult contemporary cluster-mate KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” backslides from fourth to fifth. August’s gain of seven-tenths by co-owned rhythmic CHR KYLD vanishes as “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” surrenders nine-tenths (4.0 – 3.1, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#5 to #11). Entering the August sweep, KYLD lost eight-tenths as a result of four successive down or flat trends (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+). A dip of one-half share (2.5 – 2.0, 6+) sends Entercom-owned KITS “Alt 105.3 The Bay Area’s Alternative” from #13 to #19. Albeit down three-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.3, eighth to tenth, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” is within 3.0 – 3.9 range the 15^th time in a row. April 2019’s 3.7 represents its best 6+-stat since October 2018’s 3.9. After logging five straight reports without a loss for a net gain of seven-tenths (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” has dropped a cumulative three-tenths in four consecutive down or flat trends (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7, unchanged at #22, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Entering the July sweep, Cumulus Media’s WBAP had been positive or flat six successive survey periods for a +1.8 (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). “News Talk 820” has since been -.6 (July); +.4 (August); and now -.3 in September (3.9 – 3.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). Four successive up or neutral sweeps by Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM result in a gain of two-tenths (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .5, 6+) as “570 News & Information” remains at #36. It is one-tenth ahead of Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer,” which repeats August’s .4 and #37 rank (6+).

After a June/July +.8 (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM (Rangers, Cowboys) lost two-tenths in August but “105.3 The Fan” rebounds with a +.3 in September (2.1 – 2.4, #20 to #19, 6+). Owing to six reports in succession without an increase, Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” has lost nearly half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4, flat at #25, 6+). Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas,” which had a month-to-month fluctuation of one-tenth four times in a row (.8 – .9, 6+); (.9 – .8, 6+); (.8 – .7, 6+); and (.7 – .8, 6+), picks up two-tenths to 1.0 (#31 to #30, 6+).         

With a July – August – September topline of 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 (6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” carries on at #23.

August’s increase of three-tenths by KERA curtailed four straight negative or neutral moves that resulted in a collective -1.0 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+); the North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet repeats August’s 6+ AQH share (3.2) and market rank (#11).

Dallas Music Formats – Posting a gain of seven-tenths to 3.3 (6+), Entercom regional Mexican KMVK halts three straight downward moves that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+). Moreover, “La Grande 107.5” vaults from #16 to #9. Locked on 3.9 (6+) in July and August, Cumulus Media’s country-formatted KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” hangs out a one-half share improvement to 4.4 (sixth to fourth, 6+). At the same time, co-owned/similarly-formatted KSCS “New Country 96.3” is without an increase the third straight time for a cumulative loss of six-tenths (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Setting the pace the ninth month in a row is iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” (6.7 – 6.5, -.2, 6+). An August increase of nine-tenths wiped away the collective nine-tenths “Kiss” lost as a result of three straight negative or neutral moves (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). Its May dip of four-tenths brought to a close four successive up or flat sweeps that netted eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). April’s 6.7 was KHKS’ best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 6.9. Continuing in the runner-up slot, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” is an overall +1.5 via three straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+). KLTY was stymied on 4.2 (6+) in April and May before slipping to 4.0 (6+) in June. Ups/downs continue for WAY Media’s similarly-formatted KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real,” which was -1.2 in March; a combined +1.2 in April/May (1.1 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+); -1.4 in June; +.2 in July; -.5 in August; and now +.4 in September (.6 – 1.0, #32 to #30, 6+). A combined +.8 in July/August (1.2 – 1.6 – 2.0, 6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting triple A KKXT “91 KXT” falters by six-tenths to 1.4 (#25, 6+). Tied with KKXT is Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KNOR “La Raza 93.7,” which forfeits in its entirety August’s half-share increase (1.4 – 1.9 – 1.4, #23 to #25, 6+).

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – Down or flat the past four reports for a net loss of one-half share (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH ends the slide with a one-tenth gain to 3.4 (#15 to #14, 6+). “News Radio 740” was -.7 in December 2018 (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 in “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and +.7 in January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, 6+). Co-owned KPRC lost half (-.2) its 6+ AQH-share in five straight sweeps without an increase (.4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2, 6+) but “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” picks up one-tenth to .3 (#31 to #29, 6+).

Cluster-mate KBME “Sports Talk 790” (Astros) returns the three-tenths it acquired in August (1.1 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+) but continues at #22. Catching KBME is Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” (Texans), which has an April 2019 through September 2019 topline of: 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 (#24 to #22, 6+). For the eighth straight time, Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5” is without an increase for a net loss of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .5 – .5, flat at #26, 6+).

After relinquishing one-tenth in back-to-back survey periods (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF is up six-tenths to 2.9 (#19 to #17, 6+), its best 6+-showing in nearly a year (3.0, October 2018).

Houston Music Formats – In addition to being a combined +1.2 in August/September (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.5, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” soars from fourth to second with its highest 6+-stat (6.5) in exactly two years (6.7, September 2017). This time last month, Radio One urban AC KMJQ advanced from second to first. “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” not only repeats at #1, it chalks up an increase of nine-tenths to 7.1 (6+) and is a combined +1.3 in August/September (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+). KMJQ last crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) in May 2018 (7.2). A collective +.7 in three straight bumps (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” inches up from fifth to fourth. A September increase of two-tenths by Cumulus Media CHR KRBE “104.1 – Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.5 to 4.7, eighth to seventh, 6+) suspends five consecutive negative or neutral trends that led to an overall decline of eight-tenths (5.3 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+). Three straight up or neutral moves by Entercom hot AC KHMX accounted for a +1.7 (3.0 – 3.4 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+) but September’s loss of nine-tenths to 3.8 (6+) knocks “Mix 96.5” out of the top ten (#7 to #12). Spanish contemporary cluster-mate KLOL “Mega 101 FM” is a combined -1.0 in August/September (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.2, #13 to #15, 6+). This is the sixth time in the last seven survey periods that adult hits sibling KKHH “95.7 The Spot” posts a 6+ AQH share between 5.0 – 5.7 (5.1 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.5, third to fifth, 6+). Dropping from second to third, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA has lost roughly 51% (-6.2) of its 6+ AQH share in nine straight months without an increase (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). “Sunny 99.1” was at #1 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. Immediately in advance of this spiral, KODA was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive gains (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). It had been more than two years since KODA slipped below a six-share (June 2017, 5.8, 6+). Urban contemporary cluster-mate KQBT “93.7 The Beat,” which was off an overall eight-tenths in four straight reports without an increase (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+), pulls the plug with a +.2 to 3.8 (#14 to #12, 6+). As Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “The New Country 93-Q” gains one-tenth to 4.6 (steady at #8, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” drops one-tenth to 4.2 (6+) yet improves from tenth to ninth. KKBQ is trending 4.8 – 4.7- 4.5 – 4.6 (June – July – August – September, 6+).  Before losing two-tenths in March, KILT-FM had been +1.7 via three bumps in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +1.3 via three straight up or flat trends (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.6 – 7.6, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM repeats at #1. Following three consecutive months on top, WSB-AM slipped to the runner-up slot in April. Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” doubles its 6+ stat in three successive reports without a loss (.2 – .2 – .3 – .4, #29 to #27, 6+). In a tie just below WAOK are Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” (.3 – .2, -.1 flat at #29, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640.” The latter had lost three-tenths via twelve straight down or flat trends (.4 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+) but picks up one-tenth .2 (#33 to #29, 6+).

Piling on nine-tenths to August’s +.6 (2.8 – 3.4 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) cruises into the top ten (#11 to #8), reaching the four-share level (4.3, 6+) for the first time since February (4.0). Before August’s increase, “The Game” was an overall -1.2 in five straight negative or neutral sweeps (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN (Braves) makes it seven consecutive monthlies without a loss for a net gain of +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), as “Sports Radio The Fan” climbs from #17 to #16.

Within 3.3 – 3.7 range the seventh sweep in a row (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE slips from #11 to #12. Georgia State University news/talk WRAS gains a total of two-tenths via four successive up or flat moves (.5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7, unchanged at #25, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Not only does Radio One gospel WPZE fully obliterate the nine-tenths lost in four straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+) with an increase of nine-tenths to 3.7 (6+), “Praise 102.5 Atlanta’s Inspiration Station” zooms into the top ten (#16 to #10). Conversely, an August 2019 – September 2019 fluctuation of nine-tenths is unlucky for iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.8 – 2.9, -.9, 6+), which departs the top ten (#9 to #14). “Power” gained seven-tenths in March and six-tenths in May. Answering August’s half-share loss with a September boost of three-tenths is WWPW’s format rival, Cumulus Media-owned WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits,” which leapfrogs “Power” (3.1 – 3.4, #13 to #11, 6+). In July, “Q-100” returned the four-tenths it gained the previous sweep. It logged a +.7 in January; relinquished six-tenths in February; and had a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.6 (6+). Anchored at #8 the past three months, iHeartMedia’s country-formatted WUBL “94.9 The Bull” pushes up to #7 and gains an overall nine-tenths via its third successive positive spike (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+). WUBL’s April 2019 through July 2019 topline was 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 (6+). When “The Bull” dropped one-tenth in June, it interrupted three straight increases that produced a +.8 (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” is a collective +.4 in August/September (2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, flat at #14, 6+). August’s increase of four-tenths by “Kicks” halted three straight dips that accounted for a net loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Off three-tenths in March, “Kicks” later faltered by four-tenths in May. Following four upticks in a row that yielded a +1.2 (5.2 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WALR “Kiss 104.1 Atlanta’s R&B” relinquishes half that bounty with a -.6 to 5.8 (second to fifth, 6+). Three straight setbacks by Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” have resulted in an approximately 52% erosion (-4.6) of its 6+ AQH share (8.8 – 8.5 – 4.7 – 4.2, seventh to ninth, 6+). WFSH had been at #1 four straight months before shifting to seventh in August. When “The Fish” lost three-tenths in July, it halted at five a consecutive string of bumps that netted an overall +3.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9 – 8.8, 6+). A cumulative +1.3 in three straight upticks (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.0, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM sputters by two-tenths to 5.8 (6+) but inches up from sixth to a fifth-place tie. In August, “B-98.5” reached the six-share level (6.0, 6+) for the first time in more than four years (May 2015, 6.1, 6+). Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” is down a collective seven-tenths in three straight negative or neutral sweeps (3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.7, #14 to #16, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Off three-tenths (1.8 – 1.5, 6+), Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” once again departs the top twenty (#20 to #22). Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” repeats August’s .8 (#25 to #24, 6+).

Even though Entercom sports talk WIP (Phillies, Eagles) surrenders one-tenth (6.7 – 6.6, 6+), “Sports Radio 94.1” marches from second to a first-place tie; WIP gained eight-tenths in August. In three straight sweeps without a loss, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” nets three-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4, #18 to #17, 6+). June’s 2.1 was its lowest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 1.8.

An overall -1.6 in eight sweeps in succession without an increase (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” is locked at #10.

While public radio news/talk WHYY is up a cumulative four-tenths in three straight up or neutral reports (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), it slips from a four-way tie at #12 to #14.

Philadelphia Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL “Power 99,” which netted eight-tenths in four successive up or flat trends (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+); surrendered six-tenths in July/August (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+); and now posts a robust +1.1 (5.0, ninth to eighth, 6+). September’s 5.0 is its best 6+-performance in more than two years (5.6, July 2017). A combined +.6 in August/September (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WBEB “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” jumps from sixth to fourth. Over and above being +1.3 via three upticks in a row (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” progresses from third to a first-place tie with Entercom sports talk WIP (see above). Prior to July, WDAS-FM lost a collective eight-tenths since March via three consecutive negative or neutral moves (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.3, 6+). The station ousted at #1 by WIP and WDAS-FM, Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, falters by four-tenths (6.9 – 6.5, 6+) and segues to third. Frozen on 6.6 (6+) in May and June, WMGK gained four-tenths in July to 7.0, its highest 6+-stat since February 2018’s 7.1, but lost one-tenth in August. Dropping from fourth to fifth, co-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” has squandered four-tenths in four successive sweeps without an increase (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). So far in 2019, Entercom sports talk WIP was on top in January; its classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” was #1 in February; AC cluster-mate WBEB was #1 in March; WMGK set the pace in April; WBEB did so in May and June; WMGK returned to #1 in July and August; and now WIP and WDAS-FM are tied for the lead in September. In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia-owned WIOQ “Q-102” fails to show an increase the sixth time in a row and is down six-tenths in that stretch (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7, #12 to #15, 6+). Flat at #16, Entercom’s WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” is up one-tenth in consecutive reports (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). WTDY was -1.0 in four straight March 2019 through July 2019 decreases and its profile in that timeframe was very similar to WIOQ’s (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). Six straight sweeps without a loss netted University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN a +1.2 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), but “88.5 Vinyl At Heart” is now -.8 in three straight down or flat moves (2.6 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #21). After logging a .5 in back-to-back sweeps (July and August, 6+), Forever Media country WXCY is unlisted.

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Five consecutive increases by iHeartMedia news/talk WOR more than doubled (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 4.7, 6+) but “710 The Voice of New York” is off two-tenths to 4.5 (flat at #4, 6+). Repeating at #26, news/talk WABC is up three tenths in August/September (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+).

In addition to having its consecutive streak of up or flat reports that generated a +1.3 suspend at six (4.3 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN (Yankees, Giants) segues to #2 after five months in a row at #1. August’s 5.6 was its highest 6+ Long Island share since October 2018 (5.6, as well). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is up three-tenths in August/September (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2, #18 to #19, 6+), immediately after -.4 in June/July (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+).

Stuck on 3.0 (6+) in May and June and then off three-tenths in July, Entercom all-news WINS has followed with a +1.1 in August/September (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+) as it cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). When it remains at #12, co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is a collective +.7 in three straight up or flat trends (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+).

Four consecutive sweeps without a loss by WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM yield three-tenths (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6, #25 to #24, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – Replacing WFAN at #1 (see above) is Cox Media Group CHR WBLI, which is an overall +1.1 via three successive sweeps without a loss (4.5 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6, second to first, 6+). In the Connoisseur Media cluster, classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM” gains nine-tenths in three spikes in a row (2.1 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0, #15 to #14, 6+), immediately following a collective -1.6 via three straight drops (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1, 6+). Slipping below a four-share (6+), co-owned hot AC WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5” posts a down or neutral trend the fourth time in a row for a -1.3 and dips from fifth to ninth (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+). After logging three straight positive or flat moves that yielded six-tenths (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WKJY “98.3 K-JOY Long Island’s Place to Relax” drops one-half share to 3.6, its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.2. WKJY exits the top ten (#8 to #11) and is leapfrogged by iHeartMedia New York’s similarly-formatted WLTW “106.7 Lite FM,” which gains a cumulative eight-tenths in four bumps in a row (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). Without a loss in each of the last five sweeps, WLTW’s New York City CHR sibling WHTZ had a net gain of one-half share (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+); however, “Z-100” stumbles in September by one-tenth to 4.9 (flat at #3, 6+). Five consecutive up or flat reports by Entercom alternative WNYL accounted for a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+) but “Alt 92.3” surrenders three-tenths to 2.4 (6+) and falls from #15 to #16.

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – Unlisted in May, June and July, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” resurfaces with a .1 in August (#20, 6+) and a .1 in September (#23, 6+).

This is the fourth time in a row co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is without an increase (.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #20 to #23, 6+) and the 21^st straight sweep that similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted.

Advancing from #14 to #13, San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR logs a .8 (6+) the third time in the last six reports (.8 – .4 – .6 – .5 – .8 – .8, 6+). In a similar vein, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” posts a .3 (6+) the fourth time in the last six ratings periods (.1 – .3 – .1 – .3 – .3 – .3, #16 to #19, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – A collective -1.7 as a result of faltering in six of the last seven sweeps (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 2.4, 6+), Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN answers with a September +1.0 to 3.4 (eighth to fourth, 6+). In August, “Family Friendly 89.7” fell below a three-share (2.4, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 2.7. Not only does KOLA haul out a September +.8 (6.9 – 7.7, 6+) to carve away roughly half of July/August’s -1.7 (8.6 – 7.6 – 6.9, 6+), the Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies station returns to #1. KOLA occupied the top spot in April, May, June, and July before segueing to #2 in August. Immediately prior to July/August’s -1.7, KOLA was +1.8 via three successive positive spikes (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+). Off two-two-tenths (7.5 – 7.3, 6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose,” which was +1.3 in July/August (6.2 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+), drops from first to second. Immediately in advance of the July report, KLYY was an overall -4.3 in seven straight declines (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+). “Jose” had been in the runner-up slot in April, May, June, and July. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. Unchanged in fourth-place, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” is -1.0 in August/September (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+). Following four consecutive down or flat trends that led to a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB pulls the plug with a +.2 to 2.7 (seventh to eighth, 6+). August’s 2.5 was the lowest 6+-showing for “Que Buena 96.1” since November 2018’s 2.3. Forfeiting roughly half (-1.8) its 6+-share via six consecutive decreases (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE continues in ninth-place. Leading up to this particular streak, “Old School 104.7” chalked up a +1.6 in three successive improvements (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted for the third month in a row.

Middlesex

Spoken-Word Formats – The top five (6+) September 2019 finishers in this metro are separated by six-tenths of a share with Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW setting the pace the eighth straight ratings period. “New Jersey 101.5,” however, has lost roughly 27% (-2.2) of its 6+-share in eight consecutive (January 2019 through September 2019) negative or neutral trends (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.6 – 5.9, 6+).

Leveling off at 3.5 (6+) following August’s gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” backslides from #12 to #13. New York City news/talk WABC doubled (+.6) its 6+ Middlesex-Somerset-Union share via three upticks in succession (.6 – .7 – .9 – 1.2, 6+), but surrenders four-tenths to .8 (#24 to #25, 6+).

Three straight gains by Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Yankees, Giants) yielded eight-tenths (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+) but New York’s “Fan” falters by seven-tenths to 3.7 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Down a collective nine-tenths through three consecutive negative or neutral trends (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” halts the slide with a +.1 to 1.7 (#23 to #21, 6+).

While flat at #20, Entercom all-news WINS drops two-tenths to 1.9 (6+), thus snapping four consecutive increases that accounted for a one-half share gain (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+). It is two-tenths ahead of co-owned/similarly-programmed WCBS-AM (Mets), which has lost eight-tenths in three slips in succession (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.7, #22 to #21+).

August’s increase of one-tenth to 2.0 (6+) by WNYC-FM curtailed three consecutive decreases that accounted for a collective loss of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). In September, however, the WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk station regresses by one-half share to 1.5 (#21 to #23, 6+).

Middlesex Music Formats – In addition to posting an impressive +1.1, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” zooms from eighth to second and is now just one-tenth behind frontrunner WKXW (see above). Four Middlesex upticks in a row by WCBS-FM have netted a +1.8 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.8, 6); “New York’s Greatest Hits” last reached the five-share level (6+) in this New Jersey metro in March 2018 (5.5). Bumping up by eight-tenths each are Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” and Entercom-owned WNYL “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” (#15 to #13). “Star” is a combined +.9 in August/September (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.2, 6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #9) with its best 6+-stat since January (4.2, as well). “Alt 92.3” was down six-tenths in August to 2.7, its lowest 6+-stat since 2.5 in “Holiday” 2018. Stacking a +.7 onto August’s +.6 (4.4 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 – New York’s Classic Rock” jumps from sixth to third. Co-owned rhythmic CHR WKTU substitutes August’s loss of six-tenths with a September gain of that magnitude (3.1 – 2.5 – 3.1, #17 to #15, 6+). July’s +.3 interrupted three down or flat moves in a row by “103.5 KTU” that led to a loss of two-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” nets a +1.0 in five up or flat moves in succession (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+) and repeats at #10. Off seven-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” picks up one-tenth to 3.1 (6+) but backslides from #14 to #15. A combined -3.4 in June/July (3.8 – 2.0 – .4, #22 to #30, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WPLJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” disappeared from print in August but the former Cumulus Media-owned hot AC resurfaces in September with a .5 (#26, 6+). Following five successive improvements that yielded a +1.7 (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom hot AC WNEW “NEW 102.7” regresses by four-tenths to 4.7 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Immediately after posting an August increase of nine-tenths, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” and Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” each relinquish eight-tenths in September. “Magic was a collective +1.9 in four consecutive positive or neutral trends (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 5.3, 6+) but drops to 4.5 (fourth to eighth, 6+); August’s 5.3 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 5.8. The 6.3 that WBLS recorded in August is its highest (6+) Middlesex performance since June’s 6.8. Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9” is without an increase the fifth straight time for a -1.1 since April (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6, #15 to #17, 6+). Townsquare Media hot AC WJLK-FM “94.3 The Point” is down one-half share (.8 – .3, #30, 6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – After surrendering more than 50% of its 6+ AQH share (-1.6) in ten straight negative or neutral San Jose sweeps (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KGO puts together back-to-back increases of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.8 – 2.2, flat at #19, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KSFO returns August’s +.2 (.8 #24 to #27, 6+). KSFO gained two-tenths in August, thus halting three successive declines that accounted for a loss of roughly half (-.7) of its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .8, 6+).

While flat at 3.6 (6+), Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” (Giants) improves from eighth to seventh. KNBR-AM erased June’s half-share decrease and posted a 4.2 (6+) three times in the previous four reports (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+). Less than a week before the September ratings period concluded (9/6), co-owned triple A KFOG ditched its longtime music format and became sports talk KNBR-FM (1.8 – 1.2, -.6, #24, 6+). Like KNBR-AM, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” was down six-tenths in August but picks up one-tenth to 1.1 (#24 to #25, 6+), thus suspending three straight sharp declines that eroded nearly two-thirds (-1.9) of its 6+ AQH share (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.6 – 1.0, 6+). This came immediately after a +1.4 as a result of three consecutive increases (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.9, 6+).

A one-tenth bump to 5.7 (flat at #4, 6+) by Entercom all-news KCBS-AM ends its repetitive April 2019 through August 2019 topline of: 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 (6+). KCBS-AM was -1.9 in three straight March through May decreases.

Repeating its (6+) August 2019 market share and rank (6.0, #3) is Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED, which immediately prior was a collective -1.1 in three straight slips (7.1 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). Up six-tenths in July (.7 – 1.3, 6+) but then down three-tenths to 1.0 (6+) in August, San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW is flat at 1.0 (#24 to #26, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – Not only is Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ an overall +1.5 in four straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.6 – 2.5, 6+), “93.3 La Raza” zooms into the top twenty (#21 to #16). The last time KRZZ reached the two-share level (6+) in San Jose was July 2017 (2.0). Posting back-to-back increases of six-tenths (.1 – .7 – .1.3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KJLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” progresses from #28 to #23. “K-Love” surfaced with a .6 (6+) in June but then lost one-half share in July (to .1, 6+). Improving by six-tenths as well in September is iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “106.1 #1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” (2.7, #17 to #13), whose July/August’s -.6 (2.7 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+) vanishes. The rollercoaster ride continues for Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3,” which was an overall -1.1 in three successive declines (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+); +.9 (July); -1.5 (August); and now +.5 in September (4.4 – 4.9, unchanged at #5, 6+). After dialing up an August +1.3 (7.3 – 8.6, 6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY is off three-tenths to 8.3 (6+) but “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the fifth consecutive month. “Bay FM” answered April’s -1.5 with a May +1.3 (6.2 – 7.5, 6+), returning to #1 after an April-only stay at #2. Prior to the April sweep, KBAY had been +1.5 via three upticks in a row (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). Slipping from seventh to ninth, Bonneville-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” spirals by a collective -2.7 via four straight setbacks (5.8 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 3.9 – 3.1, 6+). Forfeiting all but one-tenth of August’s +.6 (3.6 – 3.1, -.5, 6+) Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” falls from eighth to ninth. In August, “Que Buena” had its best 6+-stat (3.6) in nearly two years (3.8, November 2017). Unlisted in San Jose the ninth month in a row are Bonneville cluster-mates adult contemporary KOIT-FM “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites”; CHR KMVQ “Now 99.7”; and urban AC KBLX “102.9 R&B and Old School.”