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January 2020 PPM Ratings

TALKERS | February 19, 2020

January 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round One

TALKERS | February 19, 2020

January 2020 PPM Data – Information for the January 2020 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s January 2020 survey period covered January 2 – 29. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Off an overall four-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR ends the slide with a +.2 to 1.9 (6+); however, “710 The Voice of New York” departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). Cumulus Media-owned WABC gains three-tenths to 1.4 (#23 to #22, 6+), its best 6+-showing in nearly a year (1.5, February 2019, 6+). Falling below a one-share is Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5,” which is down one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.1 – 1.0 – .9, flat at #24, 6+). Prior to December, “New Jersey 101.5” had been off three-tenths via four straight negative or neutral trends (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+). WABC and WKXW were tied at #22 in October and November.

A collective -1.2 in three consecutive decreases (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Brooklyn Nets) erases nearly half the deficit with a +.5 to 3.1 (#14 to #12, 6+). Similarly, WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers) – which was off an overall half-share via three straight drops (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+) – answers with a gain of six-tenths (2.1, #22 to #19, 6+).

Having been a combined -.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom-owned all-news WINS posts a January increase of one-half share to 3.5 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#12 to #10). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is down a combined two-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.4, three-way tie at #15 to #16, 6+); December’s 2.6 was its best 6+-showing since May 2019 (2.6, as well).

While it remains at #15, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM flips its “Holiday” 2019 loss of eight-tenths into a January 2020 improvement of one-half share (2.4 – 2.9, 6+). Co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM regains the one-tenth it lost in “Holiday” 2019 (.5 – .4 – .5, flat at #29, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – A collective -1.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+), after being an overall +.2 via four straight up or flat moves (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” notches a +.7 (5.0, fifth to third, 6+). By gaining four-tenths to 3.9 (eighth to sixth, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” suspends four negative or neutral moves in a row that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+). Improving by one-half share (each) are WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Radio Station” (2.1, #20 to #19, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WARW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (.4 – .9, #24, 6+). WQXR erases its collective -.5 in four straight down or flat sweeps (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+). A combined +6.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.1 – 9.6 – 13.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW falters by -5.3 to 8.0 (6+), but “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 the 32^nd ratings period in a row. December’s increase halted three consecutive down or flat moves that resulted in an overall loss of six-tenths (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+). In five successive dips, CHR sibling WHTZ lost an overall nine-tenths (5.3 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+). “Z-100 – New York’s #1 Hit Music Station” pulls the plug with a +.3 to 4.7 (6+) yet backslides from fourth to fifth. Three straight up or flat moves by Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ resulted in a +1.9 (4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 6.6, 6+); “Mega 97.9 – Numero Uno on the Planet” surrenders six-tenths (6.0, 6+) but continues in second-place. A loss of one-half share (3.5 – 3.0, 6+) sends Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT tumbling from the top ten (#8 to #14). Nonetheless, “Hot 97” is within three-share range (6+) for the 21^st sweep in succession. Urban AC cluster-mate WBLS “#1 for R&B” has lost eight-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 5.0, flat at #3, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.9 through seven successive down or flat sweeps (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” bounces back with a +.7 to 3.3 (6+) and continues in ninth-place. Without an increase the past three reports for a net loss of three-tenths (1.3 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” gains one-tenth to 1.1 (#30 to #29, 6+). Up three-tenths and two-tenths, respectively, are iHeartMedia-owned KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” (.6 – .9, #35 to #33, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” (.7, #38 to #36, 6+). The latter had been down or flat the past three ratings periods for a loss of two-tenths (.7 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+).

Tied at #29 are iHeartMedia’s KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #30 to #29, 6+) and Disney-owned/similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN” (.9 – 1.1, +.2, #32 to #29, 6+). KLAC (Clippers) had surrendered eight-tenths in three consecutive drops (1.8 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+). Its November loss of one-half share erased its combined September/October +.5 (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.3, 6+). KSPN (Lakers) lost 40% (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share in December/”Holiday” 2019 (1.5 – 1.2 – .9, #30 to #32, 6+). In June and July, KLAC and KSPN were deadlocked at #27 (1.4, 6+).

Off two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom all-news KNX recaptures the combined loss of four-tenths with a January 2020 +.4 to 3.0 (6+) yet “1070 News Radio” downslides from ninth to tenth.

Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in September (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” repeats at #20.

Los Angeles Music Formats – Notching gains of eight-tenths (each) are Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-LOVE” (4.1, seventh to fifth, 6+) and Entercom adult hits KCBS-FM “93.1 Jack FM Playing What We Want” (3.9, eighth to seventh, 6+). KLVE wipes away its combined -.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.1 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Los Angeles’ version of “Jack” hadn’t had an increase the past five sweeps for a net loss of -1.0 (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+). In three successive dips, smooth AC cluster-mate KTWV surrendered six-tenths (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+), but “94.7 The Wave” answers with a +.7 to 4.6 (6+) and continues in fourth-place. Without an increase the past seven months for a net loss of -1.0 (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), Meruelo Media Holdings’ KLOS “95.5 Southern California’s Classic Rock” ends the skid with a +.6 to 2.9 (#17 to #11, 6+). Improving by six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia urban contemporary KRRL (2.6, #19 to #13, 6+). “Real 92.3” was off a combined six-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.6 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). Three iHeartMedia siblings improve by one-half share (each): hot AC KBIG “104.3 My FM” (4.8, flat at #3, 6+); CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” (4.1, steady at #5, 6+); and alternative KYSR “Alt 98.7” (2.9, #13 to #11, 6+). In five straight sweeps without an increase, “My FM” was a collective -1.1 (5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). “Kiss” was down three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), while “Alt 98.7” was off a combined three-tenths in that same timeframe (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). A collective +8.5 via three straight sweeps without a loss (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.3 – 13.7, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary KOST regresses by -7.2 to 6.5 (6+); however, “Coast 103.5” is #1 the third month in a row. After setting the pace 12 ratings periods in succession, KOST shifted to the runner-up slot in October. “Coast” had been in a 5.8 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.9 pattern (June – July – August – September, 6+), before sputtering by seven-tenths in October. A collective -.7 in three straight sweeps without an increase (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH picks up one-tenth to 5.3 (6+) and carries on in the runner-up slot. “K-Earth 101” occupied the top spot in October and November. Three consecutive up or flat moves by KRTH yielded nine-tenths (5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.9). When “K-Earth” added six-tenths in September, it curtailed three downward trends in succession that accounted for a collective loss of eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD continues an alternating down/up pattern that commenced last August (2.7 – 2.3 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.5, #13 to #14, 6+); 2.4 in “Holiday” 2019 was the lowest 6+-stat for “Recuerdo” since February (2.4, as well).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Following back-to-back losses of one-half share (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+), Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN “Radio 720” answers with a January 2020 increase of eight-tenths and returns to the top ten (3.8, #11 to #8, 6+). Locked on 2.3 (6+) the fifth time in succession, Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM advances from #19 to #18.

Although down just two-tenths (3.5 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls) slumps from #6 to #13. WSCR was a combined -1.2 in November/December (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+). In three straight down or flat moves, Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” has lost a collective half-share (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4, #24 to #25, 6+).

After being down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom all-news WBBM-AM responds with a half-share increase to 5.4 (third to second, 6+). Its October gain of one-tenth halted eight successive negative or neutral moves that accounted for an overall -1.4 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+).

Off four-tenths in “Holiday” 2019, Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ posts a January 2020 increase twice that magnitude (3.1 – 3.9, +.8, eighth to seventh, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – The top four January 2020 finishers in the “Windy City” are separated by three-tenths of a share (6+). A cumulative -2.2 in three consecutive setbacks (5.5 – 4.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” roars back with a +1.6 to 4.9 (seventh to fifth, 6+). The just-concluded negative streak directly followed October’s +1.3 (4.2 – 5.5, 6+). “The Mix” exited the top spot in September when it eroded by -1.5 (5.7 – 4.2, 6+). In August, WTMX notched a +.5 (5.2 – 5.7, 6+) and proceeded from second to first. WTMX was #1 in April, May, and June; April’s 5.9 was the highest 6+-stat for “Mix” since November 2017’s 6.3. Off a combined six-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.2 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” chalks up a +1.0 and leaps into the top twenty (2.6, #16, 6+). An increase of eight-tenths to 3.6 (6+) enables iHeartMedia CHR WKSC to vault from #15 to #9; “103.5 Kiss FM” was down four-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.2 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). Without an increase the past six sweeps for an overall loss of eight-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), Hubbard classic rocker WDRV “97.1 The Drive” applies the brakes with a January 2020 uptick of seven-tenths (5.3, fourth to third, 6+). Improving by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are WDRV adult contemporary sibling WSHE “100.3 SHE” (3.6, #11 to #9, 6+) and Venture Technologies Group-owned/similarly-formatted WRME-LP “Me TV 87.7” (3.5, unchanged at #11, 6+). WSHE was a combined -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), while WRME-LP was -1.1 (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+). Having more than tripled (+9.5) its 6+-stat via four straight spikes (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 9.5 – 13.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” erodes by -8.2 to 5.5 but is #1 the third time in a row. Co-owned urban AC WVAZ “V-103,” which was up six-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+), forfeits one-half share to 5.2 (6+) and shifts from second to fourth. In six successive down or flat trends, Cumulus Media alternative WKQX is a collective -1.2 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, #18 to #19, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. Following three straight up or flat trends that yielded six-tenths (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO repeats “Holiday” 2019’s 2.2 (#14 to #15, 6+). July 2019’s 1.7 (6+) marked the first time KSFO fell below a two-share since July 2017’s 1.8. Cluster-mate KGO, which lost one-half share in three straight reports without an increase (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2, 6+), adds three-tenths to 1.5 (#27 to #25, 6+). Stuck on .2 (6+) in July and August; on .3 (6+) in September and October; and on .2 (6+) in November and December, iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” repeats “Holiday” 2019’s .1 (flat at #36, 6+).

Down a total of three-tenths via three negative or neutral trends in succession (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” roars back with a +1.1 to 4.8 (seventh to third, 6+). Although up one-tenth (1.5 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) slips from #22 to #23.

Not only does KCBS-AM replace December/“Holiday” 2019’s combined loss of one-half share (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 (6+) with a January 2020 gain of seven-tenths (8.4, 6+), the Entercom all-news operation marches from second to first. KCBS-AM was #1 from September through December.

Four recent fluctuations for California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED include September/October’s -1.2 (7.1 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+); November/December’s +1.6 (5.9 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+); “Holiday” 2019’s -1.2; and January 2020’s +1.2 (6.3 – 7.5, third to second, 6+). KQED was San Francisco’s first-place finisher in June, July, August, and tied at the top (with KCBS-AM) in September. San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” posts its fifth successive sweep without a loss for an overall +.3 (.7 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – 1.0, #28 to #27, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – In three straight dips, Entercom hot AC KLLC was -1.0 (5.0 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+), but “Alice @ 97.3” bounces back with a +.7 to 4.7 (6+) and is steady in fourth-place. Improving by seven-tenths as well in January 2020 (to 4.5, unchanged at #5, 6+) is Bonneville CHR KMVQ “99.7 Now – The Bay’s #1 For All The Hits,” which had been trending 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.8 (6+). The rollercoaster ride continues for KISQ “98.1 The Breeze.” The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet was an overall +.9 via five successive positive or flat moves (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+) before surrendering eight-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+) and now regains six-tenths to 4.3 (seventh to sixth, 6+). November’s 4.5 was the best 6+ stat for “The Breeze” since March (5.0). Meanwhile, Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” falters by -6.6 (10.7 – 4.1, 6+), slumping from first to seventh. KOIT-FM was off a collective six-tenths in four successive negative or neutral trends (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), before notching a combined +7.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 4.8 – 10.7, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight down or flat moves in succession by Cumulus Media’s WBAP result in a loss of six-tenths (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+); “News Talk 820” was +.8 in October/November (3.6 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+). Tied at #34 are co-owned KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” (flat at .5, steady at #34, 6+) and Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” (.4 – .5, +.1, #35 to #34, 6+).

Returning in full the three-tenths it picked up in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” drops from #17 to #19. In addition to pulling the plug on ten down or flat reports in succession that accounted for a roughly 59% (-1.6) of its 6+ AQH share (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” (1.5, +.4, 6+), progresses from #27 to #23. While Disney/ESPN’s KESN (Mavericks) notches its seventh consecutive up or flat trend for a collective gain of one-half share (.7 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+), “103.3 ESPN Dallas” backslides from #27 to #29.

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

After being off two-tenths in back-to-back reports (3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA is flat at 2.8 (#14 to #15, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – On the heels of faltering by one-half share (4.4 – 3.9, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned country outlet KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” rebounds with a January 2020 uptick of eight-tenths to 4.7 (sixth to fourth, 6+). KPLX lost a combined half-share in October/November (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+) but fully erased that deficit with a December +.5. “The Wolf” was locked on 3.9 (6+) in July and August, before notching a one-half share improvement in September. Ironically, co-owned/similarly-formatted KSCS “New Country 96.3” posts a +.8 as well (5.2, fourth to third, 6+). “New Country” was off one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+). Picking up one-half share (each) are Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNO “Que Buena 94.1” (3.5, #12 to #10, 6+) and Cumulus Media CHR KLIF-FM “Hot 93.3” (1.7, #20, 6+). “Que Buena” lost six-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+); “Hot” was trending 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.2 (November – December – “Holiday” 2019, 6+). In addition to advancing from third to second, iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is up two-tenths to 5.9 (6+), thus curtailing five straight negative or neutral sweeps that accounted for a cumulative full-share loss (6.7 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.2 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). “Kiss” had been the market leader nine months in a row before slipping to second in October. An August increase of nine-tenths wiped away the collective nine-tenths KHKS lost as a result of three straight negative or neutral moves (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). Five upticks in a row by adult contemporary cluster-mate KDGE led to a collective +7.6 (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 5.0 – 10.3, 6+), but “Star 102.1” surrenders a -5.9 to 4.4 (6+) and slips from first to fifth. “Holiday” 2019’s 10.3 was the best 6+-showing for “Star” since “Holiday” 2018’s 7.1. Taking over for KDGE at #1 is Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “Your Life … Inspired,” which tacks on four-tenths to “Holiday” 2019’s +1.6 (6.9 – 7.3, second to first, 6+). KLTY was a combined -1.3 in November/December (6.6 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+). Slipping by one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia hot AC KDMX “Now 102.9 – More Music/More Variety” (#8 to #12, 6+) and Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB “Smooth R&B 105.7” (2.3, #14 to #18, 6+). KDMX was up seven-tenths in three straight boosts (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+), but is now a combined -1.4 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). In three straight spikes, KRNB gained six-tenths (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.8, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 Nobody Plays More 80s” is within 4.0 – 4.6 range (6+) the 14^th sweep in succession (4.0 – 4.4, +.4, steady at #5, 6+).

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – There’s yet more good news for iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740,” which is an overall +2.1 via six straight positive or neutral moves (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.4, sixth to fifth, 6+). Unchanged at #28, co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” posts a .3 (6+) the fifth time in the last six survey periods (.3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+).

After forfeiting one-tenth to 1.5 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019, Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” regains two-tenths to 1.7 (flat at #22, 6+). It’s déjà vu for iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” (Rockets) and Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5”: They are tied at #26 with a .4 (6+) – exactly as they were in “Holiday” 2019. KBME is an overall -1.1 the last three sweeps (1.5 – .6 – .4 – .4, 6+), while KFNC has lost three-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (.7 -.5 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Off four-tenths to 2.7 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019, University of Houston news/talk KUHF bounces back with a +1.0 to 3.7 (#18 to #12, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – Replacing its combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+) with a January 2020 +1.1 (4.6, 6+), Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “93-Q Country” enters the top ten (#11 to #7). The wild ride continues for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9,” which was a collective +1.9 via six straight increases (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+); -1.1 in “Holiday” 2019; and now +.9 in January 2020 (5.7 – 6.6, third to second, 6+). December’s 6.8 was its best 6+-showing since January 2019 (7.0). Five straight drops by Entercom adult hits KKHH accounted for a -1.3 (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+), but “95.7 The Spot” responds with a +.7 to 5.1 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Regaining the half-share it squandered in “Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” progresses from fourth to third. “The Eagle” was an overall +1.3 via three improvements in a row (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+); was -1.0 in November; +.5 in December; -.5 in “Holiday” 2019; and +.5 in January 2020. October’s 6.6 was its highest 6+-stat since September 2017 (6.7). Notwithstanding it is -4.6 (11.6 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” is #1 the third sweep in succession. KODA was a combined +.5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.8 – 7.8 – 11.6, 6+). Prior to December, “Sunny” lost roughly 52% (-6.3) of its 6+ AQH share in 11 straight sweeps without an increase (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). KODA was the market leader 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. Radio One rhythmic CHR KBXX “97.9 The Box,” which picked up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), surrenders nine-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#7 to #14). Urban AC cluster-mate KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” is a combined -1.6 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5, 6+) and shifts from second to fourth. Prior to slipping to #2 in December, KMJQ spent four straight months on top. “Majic,” which was a combined +1.3 in August/September (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+), crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) in May 2018 (7.2) and then again in September (7.1, 6+). Directly following “Holiday” 2019’s increase of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.9, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KQQK El Norte 107.9” forfeits one-half share to 2.4 (#16 to #19, 6+); “Holiday” 2019’s 2.9 was its best 6+-stat since March (3.3). Down one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz” ends the mini-slide with a +.3 to 3.8 (flat at #11, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -1.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.3 – 9.1 – 8.0, 6+), following five straight sweeps without a loss for a collective +3.0 (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.6 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 9.3, 6+), WSB-AM busts out a +2.0 to 10.0 (6+). The Cox Media Group news/talk station is #1 the seventh month in a row and it’s the first time any Atlanta station has reached double-digits since WSB-AM recorded a 10.2 (6+) in January 2018. Furthermore, WSB-AM’s +2.0 represents the largest (6+) “Holiday” 2019 – January 2020 increase in any of these 12 PPM-markets. After posting a .3 (6+) four times in a row, Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” improves by one-half share to .8 (#29 to #26, 6+). Tied at #31 are iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” (.3 – .2, -.1 #29 to #31, 6+) and Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community,” which has lost a total of two-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (.4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .2, flat at #31, 6+).

Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” continues an alternating up/down pattern that began in October (4.6 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+) and is unchanged at #7. Following seven consecutive up or flat months for a net gain of +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN is now a combined -1.5 through five losses in a row (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2, #22 to #21, 6+).

On the heels of “Holiday” 2019’s -.8 to 2.8 (6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE picks up one-tenth (2.9, 6+) and repeats at #14. The October 2019 through January 2020 topline for Georgia State University news/talk WRAS is: .6 – .8 – .8 – .6 – .7 (#26 to #27, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Following back-to-back modest decreases (3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WWWQ erupts with a +1.1 to 4.2 (6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #9). It is the first time “Q-99.7” reaches the four-share level (4.2) since June (4.0). Moreover, it overtakes iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which regains the two-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2019 (4.0 – 3.8 – 4.0, flat at #10, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, “Power” was a cumulative +1.1 in three straight advances (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+). Four drops in a row by Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV led to a -1.4 (6.5 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 5.1, 6+); however, “97.1 The River” halts the slide with an increase of eight-tenths to 5.9 (sixth to third, 6+). A combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WAMJ “Majic 107.5 & 97.5” slices that deficit by 60% (5.5, +.6, eighth to fifth, 6+). In three straight sweeps without an increase, gospel sibling WPZE was an overall -1.3 (4.1 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+) but “Praise 102.5 Atlanta’s Inspiration Station” applies the brakes with an uptick of four-tenths to 3.2 (#14 to #13, 6+). WPZE had been +1.3 via three successive up or flat moves (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). Eliminating all but one-tenth of “Holiday” 2019’s loss of six-tenths, iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” continues at #12 (3.6, +.5, 6+). The half-share increase curtails four successive slips that resulted in an overall -1.8 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+). The April 2019 through July 2019 topline for “The Bull” was 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 (6+). Flat at 2.8 (6+), after being off one-half share in “Holiday” 2019, Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” drops from #14 to #15. In December, WKHX added three-tenths to November’s increase of six-tenths (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+). A combined +2.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 4.8 – 6.7, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” relinquishes a -2.2 to 4.5 (second to eighth, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 6.7 was its strongest 6+-stat since July (8.5). Entering the December sweep, “The Fish” lost approximately 56% of its 6+ AQH share (-4.9) via five decreases in a row (8.8 – 8.5 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). WFSH had been #1 four straight months before shifting to #7 in August. Radio Training Network’s similarly-formatted WVFJ “The Joy FM,” which improved by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2019, forfeits one-half share (2.8 – 2.3, #14 to #17, 6+). WVFJ logged 11 straight sweeps between 1.4 – 1.9 (6+), before reaching the two-share level in “Holiday” 2019 (2.8, 6+). The last time WVFJ extended to a two-share was January 2019 (2.0, 6+). Directly following its impressive +1.9 to 4.3 (6+), Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” spirals by -1.7 to 2.6 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#9 to #16). Its “Holiday” 2019 increase suspended six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in a -1.0 (3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). Within 5.2 – 5.8 range (6+) from September through “Holiday” 2019 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” regresses by one-half share to 4.9 (fifth to sixth, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – In three successive down or flat trends, Entercom-owned WPHT lost seven-tenths and fell below a two-share (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.6, 6+). In January 2020, “Talk Radio 1210” erases that shortfall completely with a +.7 to 2.3 (#20 to #18, 6+). Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW gained four-tenths via six consecutive sweeps without a loss (.7 – .8 – .8 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), but “New Jersey 101.5” drops one-tenth to 1.0 (#22 to #23, 6+).

Entercom sports talk WIP was +1.6 in October/November (6.6 – 7.5 – 8.2, 6+); -1.5 in December (8.2 – 6.7, 6+); and now +1.1 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (6.7 – 7.3 – 7.8, 6+). Moreover, “Sports Radio 94.1” progresses from second to first. Before falling to third in December, WIP had been #1 three months in a row. November’s 8.2 was its best 6+-stat since February 2018’s 8.7. When Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM (76ers, Flyers) dropped one-tenth to 2.9 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019, it interrupted six reports in a row without a loss for a collective gain of nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). In January 2020, “97.5 The Fanatic” is up three-tenths to 3.3 (#13 to #12, 6+).

It’s been a wild ride lately for Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060,” which was 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+); +.5 as a result of three consecutive up or flat moves (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+); -.5 to 3.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019; and now +1.4 in January 2020 (4.8, ninth to seventh, 6+).

The three most recent fluctuations by public radio news/talk WHYY are +.7 (3.3 – 4.0, December, 6+); -.7 (4.0 – 3.3, “Holiday” 2019, 6+); and +1.2 (3.3 – 4.5, January 2020, tenth to ninth, 6+). Entering the November sweep, WHYY was a cumulative +1.2 in four straight positive or neutral reports (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – After dropping eight-tenths in December, Beasley Media Group-owned WMMR faltered by another seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+). It’s a different story though in January 2020 as “93.3 Everything That Rocks” roars back with a +1.8 to 6.4 (fifth to third, 6+). Before picking up one-tenth in November, WMMR had lost an overall four-tenths in five successive sweeps without an increase (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+). A collective -2.1 in four decreases in a row (5.7 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom-owned WXTU “Philly’s Country Station 92.5 XTU” makes up two-thirds of the deficit with a +1.4 to 5.0 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Recording increases of +1.1 (each) are iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” (6.6, third to second, 6+) and Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM – Playing Anything We Feel Like” (3.1, #18 to #14). WDAS-FM had been a cumulative -1.1 in four straight losses (6.6 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+). “Ben” improved in December by one-half share, but was -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019. December’s 3.5 was its best 6+-showing since June 2016’s 3.7. Shaking off “Holiday” 2019’s loss of eight-tenths with a January 2020 spike of nine-tenths (3.0 – 2.2 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WRFF “Radio 104.5 Philadelphia’s Alternative Rock” advances from #17 to #14. Co-owned adult contemporary WISX “106.1 The Breeze,” which was a collective -1.9 in four straight down or flat reports (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.0, 6+), posts a +.8 to 3.8 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #10). Even though it answers “Holiday” 2019’s -2.0 with an uptick of seven-tenths (5.5 – 6.2, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WMGK moves from a third-place tie to fourth. “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” had been +1.0 in three straight up or flat moves (6.5 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+). Down a combined six-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WIOQ “Q-102 Philly’s #1 Hit Music Station” bounces back with a one-half share gain to 2.9 (6+) but backslides from a tie at #15 to #16. Suffering the largest (6+) “Holiday” 2019 – January 2020 erosion of any station in these 12 PPM-markets is Entercom adult contemporary WBEB “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” (18.6 – 6.1, –12.5, first to fifth, 6+). This comes immediately after its “Holiday” 2019 +9.7 (8.9 – 18.6, 6+). “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” was +1.1 in three straight increases (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+); -1.2 in November (6.6 – 5.4, 6+); and +3.5 in December. Classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL “Nobody Plays More 80s” is an overall -1.2 in four consecutive down or flat moves (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.6, fifth to eighth, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – A cumulative -1.6 through five straight down or flat trends (4.7 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” roars back with a +1.5 to 4.6 (ninth to sixth, 6+). The August 2019 through January 2020 topline for Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is: 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.2 (#27 to #24, 6+).

Over and above being a combined +1.0 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM jumps from third to first. The Brooklyn Nets flagship was a combined -1.6 in November/December (6.4 – 6.1 – 4.8, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers), which was off a combined half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.2, flat at #15, 6+), is unlisted in Long Island’s January 2020 report.

Entercom’s all-news WINS was -.7 (October); +.5 (November/December); -.6 in “Holiday” 2019; and now +.6 in January 2020 (3.0 – 3.6, tenth to ninth, 6+). WINS was +1.1 in August/September (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM, which gained two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), dips one-tenth to 2.7 (#11 to #14, 6+). WCBS-AM was a combined -.8 in October/November (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+).

Up a total of four-tenths in the last three sweeps (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM progresses from #22 to #20.

Long Island Music Formats – After trending 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 (October – November – December – “Holiday” 2019, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” hauls out a +1.2 to 5.5 (fifth to second, 6+). It is tied in the runner-up slot with iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ “Z-100 New York’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which posts an identical profile: 4.3 – 5.5 +1.2, fifth to second, 6+). “Z-100” was off nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2019. A combined -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.2 – 3.9 – 2.7, 6+), Connoisseur Media adult contemporary WKJY “98.3 Long Island’s Place To Relax” erases two-thirds of that shortfall with a +1.0 to 3.7 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #8). Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” is a collective +1.2 via five straight sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.2, fifth to fourth, 6+). Substituting its -.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+) with January 2020’s +.6 (3.2, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” moves from #14 to a three-way tie at #11. Making gains of one-half share (each) are Connoisseur Media classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM” (3.2, #12 to #11, 6+) and Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” (2.3, #21 to #15, 6+). “Max” lost a combined eight-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+); WNEW-FM was off seven-tenths in three straight declines (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+). It is a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1 for WALK-FM “97.5 Real Variety” (10.3 – 4.4, -5.9, 6+), which slides from first to seventh. Entering this sweep, the Connoisseur Media hot AC was a collective +6.5 through four successive spikes (3.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 6.1 – 10.3, 6+) with 10.3 its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 10.5. After more than tripling November’s stat for a combined +6.5 (3.2 – 6.7 – 9.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” craters by -6.5 to 3.2 (6+), spiraling from #2 to #11.

Riverside

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

Co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is without an increase the ninth time in succession (.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #21 to #20, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” does not appear in print the 26^th straight sweep.

As a result of three straight up or flat trends (.7 – .7 – .8 – 1.2, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR is up one-half share and progresses from #13 to #12. Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” improves by four-tenths (.1 – .5, 6+) and reenters the top twenty (#21 to #17).

Riverside Music Formats – In addition to setting the pace the fourth ratings period in a row, Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” racks up a +.9 to 7.9 (6+), thus halting a combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.2 – 7.9 – 7.0, 6+). KLYY was up one-half share in November and +1.3 in July/August (6.2 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+). December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when “Jose” recorded a 10.4. Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in September (2.7 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 3.1, 6+), Estrella Media regional Mexican KRQB “Que Buena 96.1” advances from seventh to sixth with its best 6+-stat since May (3.1, as well). Logging gains of six-tenths (each) are Entercom country KFRG “K-Frog 95.1” (steady at #3) and Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-LOVE” (2.2 – 2.8, eighth to seventh, 6+). “K-Frog” is a collective +1.5 via three upticks in a row (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+) and reaches the five-share level (5.2, 6+) for the first time since July (5.1). KLVE was locked on 3.1 (6+) in November and December, and faltered by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2019. By gaining one-tenth to 6.4 (flat at #2, 6+), Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA halts three straight down or flat reports that led to a cumulative -1.6 (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+). KOLA was dislodged from the top spot in November, after setting the pace in September and October. September/October’s +1.0 (6.9 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+) followed July/August’s -1.7 (8.6 – 7.6 – 6.9, 6+). KOLA was the market leader in April, May, June, and July before segueing to #2 in August. Falling from sixth to eighth, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” is a cumulative -1.2 as a result of three straight setbacks (3.9 – 3.6 – 2.9 – 2.7, 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 the eighth time in a row.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

TALKERS | February 18, 2020

Beasley Broadcast Group 2019 Q4 Net Revenue Dips 4.6%; Full Year Net Revenue Up 1.6%. In reporting 2019 fourth quarter financial results, Beasley Broadcast Group states that “the $3.5 million, or 4.6%, year-over-year decrease in net revenue during the three months ended December 31, 2019 reflects the cyclical impact of strong political advertising revenue recorded in the prior year period, partially offset by fourth quarter 2019 revenue increases in six of the company’s market clusters.” The decrease in operating income in Q4 reflects “the year-over-year decrease in station operating income, in addition to higher corporate expenses related to digital growth investments and a $12.4 million non-cash impairment charge related to Beasley’s AM stations in Boca Raton and Atlanta and a $1.3 million impairment loss on an investment, partially offset by a $17.1 million gain from land and tower sales during the period.” Net revenue for all of 2019 was $261.1 million, an increase of 1.6% over 2018. Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley says, “Fiscal year 2019 was an active and productive period for Beasley as we continued to make significant progress rolling out our digital expansion and transformation initiatives across the company, while advancing our revenue diversification strategies and actively managing our local radio platform to drive long-term SOI growth and margin expansion. Beasley’s fourth quarter net revenue decline of $3.5 million primarily reflects a $2.8 million reduction in political advertising revenue compared to the prior year period. While we were not able to fully offset the cyclical impact of political revenue, the fourth quarter radio advertising environment remained healthy with six of our markets generating year-over-year revenue increases. By opportunistically divesting several non-core land and tower assets in 2019, Beasley generated a 31% increase in full year free cash flow over the prior year period, which enabled us to complete several strategic growth and diversification investments in our broadcast, digital, technology and esports platforms throughout the year. Our fourth quarter results highlight the value we have begun extracting from our digital transformation strategy investments. In the fourth quarter, Beasley generated digital revenue growth of approximately 44% on a year-over-year basis, with digital now accounting for 9.2% of total revenue, compared to 6.1% of total revenue in the prior year period. With our focus on quality content production and consumer engagement, we are growing audience share across our digital platforms while delivering multi-platform turnkey marketing solutions to advertisers and brands. Overall, we are pleased with the momentum and trajectory of our digital initiatives and look forward to this growth trend continuing in 2020.”

Jim Louth Rises to APD at Boston’s ‘98.5 The Sports Hub.’ Eleven-year station programming staffer Jim Louth is promoted from midday show executive producer to assistant program director at Beasley Media Group’s sports talker WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub.” During his career, Louth produced New England Patriots broadcasts for 16 seasons, spent six years as a producer at sports talk WSKO-AM, Providence “790 The Score,” and two years at ESPN in Bristol. The APD position opened after Rick Radzik was promoted to program director following Mike Thomas’ departure for WMVP-AM, Chicago “ESPN 1000.” Radzik says, “Jim has been with the station since day one. He’s done a great job, not only producing our midday programming, but also overseeing our New England Patriots game day broadcasts over the past decade. His institutional knowledge of the Sports Hub’s operation and relationships with the staff make Jim the perfect choice for the APD position.”

TALKERS News Notes. A new report from marketing firm Claritas and sales force Market Enginuity concludes that “podcast advertising campaigns result in an average 10 times lift relative to print, digital, and TV.” The white paper reports that “new marketing tools are allowing advertisers and marketers to gain deeper insights into the effectiveness of podcast channels. In November 2018, Claritas acquired the omni-channel attribution platform Barometric and has since collected and reported on campaign results across more than 100 advertisers, which drove a deeper analysis in the channel’s effectiveness as compared to non-podcast channels. This analysis, across industries such as consumer packaged goods, automotive, direct brands, finance and insurance, shows that while non-podcast channels historically result in a 2.6% lift in conversions – with common channels such as digital display at 1.1% lift, print at 2.4% and linear TV at 3.1% – podcast channels are driving 34% lift on average.” See more here…..Cadence13 announces an exclusive partnership with The Dolan Twins – brothers Ethan and Grayson Dolan – for the launch of their first-ever podcast, “Deeper with The Dolan Twins.” The Dolan Twins have a combined following of over fifty million followers across all platforms, have won five Teen Choice Awards in three years, and earned a spot on Time magazine’s list of Most Influential Teens. The weekly podcast debuts on Tuesday, February 25…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One News has once again won the Golden Mike Award from the Southern California Radio Television News Association. Pictured at right is Los Angeles-based correspondent Jim Roope, who traveled to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. This is the fifth consecutive year that Westwood One News and Roope have won the Golden Mike award.

Pop Music Historian and Curator Barry Scott of “The Lost 45s” Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the true legends of oldies radio, Barry Scott, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Scott is the host of the long-running, Boston-based music radio show, “The Lost 45s,” which has been on the radio since 1981 and in national syndication since 1993. The premise of the show is that top 40 radio of the golden era (1960s – 1990s) missed a tremendous number of valid hit records that deserved airplay due to faulty research, closed-mindedness and a lazy, follow-the-leader mentality. (“It’s not on the list suggested by our consultant.”) Many of these songs have gone on to be completely forgotten within music radio culture. Harrison states, “I had the pleasure of programming Barry’s flagship station in Boston back in the 80s and was amazed at the loyal following this weekend show generated – even within the context of a classic rock format. Barry’s excellent curation and fascinating storytelling created tremendous interest in songs that were either obscure or considered unprogrammable within standard format categories. In today’s music radio desert, where pop music history is largely ignored or generally forgotten, this show is a priceless beacon of the culture that originally illuminated music radio.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Presidential Race, Covid-19 Pandemic/Locust Plague, DOJ Controversy, Boy Scouts File for Bankruptcy, and U.S. vs Huawei Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/17). The Democrats battling to take on President Trump in November and tomorrow night’s debate in Las Vegas; the coronavirus pandemic and the locust plague that affected East Africa moves to China; the controversy over Attorney General William Barr’s administration of the Justice Department and accusations it’s reducing Roger Stone’s sentencing recommendation under pressure from President Trump; under financial pressure from sex abuse lawsuits, the Boy Scouts of America files for bankruptcy; and the U.S.’s battle against China’s Huawei over its 5G platform were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Girls Night Out. A great conversation between longtime radio pals took place along the waterway in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida as Compass Media Networks senior director of news/talk affiliate sales Susan O’Connell visited TALKERS South during her travels through the Sunshine State. Pictured (l-r): Former ABC Radio Networks executive Gloria Briggs, O’ Connell, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, and author/professor, Bernadette Duncan.

TALKERS Convention Set for June 5 in New York. The June 5 TALKERS convention will be the 23rd annual installment of the longest-running, most-important national talk media convention. This year it is titled, Talkers 2020: The Rise of the Media, and takes place at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan. More detailed information about the agenda is forthcoming, but the event will feature more than 50 top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry — including talent, programmers, managers and owners with a focus on talk radio and its role in the rapidly accelerating digital age and the fundamental changes in the platforms upon which it is carried and distributed. Full registration, including all functions, meals, and refreshments, costs $329 per person. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Detroit’s “Mojo in the Morning” show is celebrating its 20^th anniversary at iHeartMedia’s WKQI “Channel 955” with a special broadcast on Friday (2/21). The program, hosted by Mojo and Spike with co-host Shannon, will be broadcast live on WKQI as well as sister stations WSNX, Muskegon, Michigan and WVKS-FM, Toledo “92.5 KISS-FM.” Also appearing on the special broadcast will be original cast members Sara Fouracre, Chad Mitchell, and Eric Harthen. iHeartMedia Detroit SVP of programming Tony Travatto says, “‘Mojo in the Morning’ is the Mount Rushmore of Detroit radio. The talented cast and show are continually striving to do bigger and better things than before and have evolved over the years to connect even more with the Detroit community. ‘Mojo in the Morning’ is one of the most accessible, cutting-edge, and successful shows in Detroit and we’re honored to have it on our program lineup.”

Monday, February 17, 2020

TALKERS | February 17, 2020

Mike Broomhead Takes Over Morning Daypart on KTAR-FM, Phoenix. Phoenix media personality Mike Broomhead begins hosting the 8:00 am to 12:00 noon daypart on Bonneville’s news/talk KTAR-FM, Phoenix, effective next Monday (2/24). Broomhead, who was longtime morning host at iHeartMedia’s crosstown KFYI-AM, replaces “The Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes Show.” Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manager Scott Sutherland says, “We are extremely excited to add one of the most talented talk show hosts in the country to our powerful lineup. Mike is a values-driven, influential thought leader who is committed to making a positive impact in our community, which is core to the KTAR mission.” Broomhead comments, “I can’t wait to be on FM talking to a massive and diverse audience about important issues on the most historic radio station in Phoenix. KTAR is Arizona and so am I. I’m so excited to go to work with the talented news, talk, and digital teams.” Broomhead also hosts a weekly show on cable’s AZTV.

Monday Memo: Crash For Cash! In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke says, “Rip-off this spot…I did!” Read it here.

Presidential Election, Impeachment Aftermath/Roger Stone Sentencing, Coronavirus, Dennis Smacks Britain, and Trump at Daytona Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Democrats battling to challenge President Trump in November and next weekend’s Nevada caucuses; the president’s post-impeachment temperament and the controversy over changes in Roger Stone’s sentencing recommendation; the status of the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic; winter storm Dennis ravages Britain with high winds and flooding rains; and President Trump serves as grand marshal for the Daytona 500 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS News Notes. The New York Post reports that CBS is the target of a sexual harassment lawsuit filed in New York. The suit seeks $10 million and class action status as complainant Jacquelyn Musiello – a former payroll staffer in the human resources department at CBS RADIO – alleges that she was forced to quit her position because of “physical and emotional distress” after being sexually harassed by talent. She also states that she was witness to numerous other situations in which others were the victims of harassment. Additionally, she describes uncomfortable incidents with former WCBS-FM, New York personality Dan Taylor. He left the company last July after it came to light that New York Attorney General Letitia James initiated an investigation into the former CBS RADIO properties…..DMR/Interactive names Tony Bannon VP/marketing strategy. He most recently served in the sales department at Cumulus Media’s Cincinnati station group. He’ll serve with DMR/Interactive at its Covington, Kentucky offices. President/COO Andrew Curran says, “Tony is passionate and knowledgeable about radio. His experience in both Diary and PPM markets is truly an asset. Clients will benefit from his creative and analytical approach.”…..At the Podcast Movement Evolutions conference in Los Angeles last week, it was announced that new organization called The Podcast Academy is being created and will produce a “Golden Mics” award ceremony that will debut in early 2021. The announcement was made by Wondery CEO Hernan Lopez. The industry non-profit organization will be overseen by a 10-member board of governors. Lopez says, “Film, television, music – all other major forms of art have long-ago established a member-based academy with the goal of fostering and celebrating creative excellence. It’s time for podcasts to establish their own. I am delighted to be joined by a diverse group of people who really care about excellence, from across the country, representing all kinds of podcasts, from public radio to independents and networks.”

Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Chi is the new afternoon drive personality on NRG Media’s hot AC KQKQ, Omaha “Sweet 98.5,” effective today (2/17). She’ll also serve as music director for NRG’s hip hop KOPW “Power 106.9.” She was most recently an air personality and music director for SummitMedia’s crosstown CHR KQCH. NRG general manager Mark Shecterle says, “We could not be more pleased with the addition of Chi to the NRG family. Chi has a great reputation in the market with both listeners and clients. She will be a great addition to our team, and we are blessed to have her.”…..Saga Communications brings Riley Reed aboard the Q Crew at CHR WQPO, Harrisonburg, Virginia “Q101.” He was most recently with Connoisseur Media at former alternative WWYY, Lehigh, Pennsylvania “Spin Radio 107.1.” Saga Harrisonburg operations manager Paul “Uncle Pauly” McDaniel says, “I’ve known of Riley for 10-plus years and watched him on social media grow from an intern to a morning show host over the years. He’s a digital machine and will complement the already-fantastic job HRG is doing with our station socials.”

Monday Memo: High Impact, Soft Sell

TALKERS | February 17, 2020

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Auto body repair was always an opportune radio advertising category; then came texting-while-driving. Ka-CHING.

Rip-off this copy, which I myself ripped-off.

These copy points are culled from ads for competing shops in an all-out radio air war in a market I monitor regularly; and it’s moved the needle for a half-dozen of my client stations.

Friday, February 14, 2020

TALKERS | February 14, 2020

Brett Winterble Named Afternoon Drive Host at WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte. Recently let go from San Diego news/talk KFMB-AM – along with the rest of the staff as the station changes hands from Tegna to new owner Local Media San Diego – is talk show host Brett Winterble, who begins his new gig at Entercom’s heritage talker WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte on Monday (2/17). Entercom SVP and market manager Matthew Hanlon says, “Brett Winterble represents the future of audio. When John Hancock took this exact seat on WBT 30 years ago, he was a progressive-minded voice in the market, placing an emphasis on issues that affected the community. Brett takes on a similar role in a new and meaningful way for our loyal audience. He cares about the listener and demonstrates a genuine interest in the community. We’re thrilled that Brett is joining our team.” In addition to his five-year stint at KFMB-AM, Winterble hosted afternoon drive at KFWB-AM, Los Angeles and served as a producer for Rush Limbaugh and Michael Reagan. Winterble takes over the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm show from John Hancock, who announced his retirement in October 2019.

NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. The new episode titled, “Off to the Races!” looks back at this past week of February 10-14, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Todd Feinburg, talk show host, WTIC, Hartford; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, syndicated talk show host, Compass Media Networks; Heidi Harris, talk show host, KMZQ, Las Vegas; and Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter, The Epoch Times. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC Friday evenings between 6:00-7:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KFNX, Phoenix; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA as well as appearing on the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.

‘New Jersey 101.5’ to Hold Town Hall on Prisoner Re-Entry. Next Thursday (2/20), Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” will present the next in its Town Hall series, addressing the issue of re-entry of New Jersey residents into mainstream society, including the unique and specific challenges faced by these residents and their families. ‘NJ101.5’ special projects director and morning news anchor Eric Scott will moderate the Town Hall. He says, “Our Town Hall broadcasts help create a better understanding among New Jersey residents while seeking to identify real and practical solutions to some of our state’s most difficult issues. More than half of those being released from prison in New Jersey today will be rearrested within three years. Almost a third will be sent back to prison. This program will explore ways to break the cycle of recidivism and confront the challenges of returning former inmates to society.” Expert panelists will include: former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey, whose work with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation is well-known throughout the state; Haywood Gandy, who was released from prison in 2018 after serving 20 years on armed robbery and other charges and is now the director of re-entry for The H.U.B.B. (Help Us Become Better) Arts & Trauma Center in Newark; Daniel Lombardo, president and CEO of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley; and Jessica O’Neill, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Camden. Online, under the direction of ‘New Jersey 101.5’ digital managing editor Louis C. Hochman, the Town Hall will be streamed via Facebook Live, with representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Reentry Coalition of New Jersey, and Volunteers of America available to answer questions and provide resources for persons in need.

SBG Announces Creation of All-Female Marketing Team. Syndication and sales firm Sun Broadcast Group announces the formation of an all-female marketing team consisting of 11-year SBG veteran Loren Christofori – who has been promoted to director of marketing, former Envision Networks marketing and affiliate specialist, Jen Weisfeld – now in the role of marketing manager, and SBG alum Amber Kelley joining as marketing assistant. SBG president and founder Jason Bailey, “I know I speak for the entire SBG family when I say how proud we are to introduce this new all-female marketing team. Anyone who knows me knows that I take our brand very seriously. I couldn’t be more excited to place the next chapter of the SBG story in the hands of Loren, Jen, and Amber. I’m thrilled to see all the great ideas they have come to life.”

BFoA Names 2020 Leadership Awards Recipients. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces the recipients of the 2020 Leadership Awards that will be presented at the Broadcasters Foundation Annual Breakfast on April 22 in Las Vegas during the NAB Show. This year’s honorees are: Marci Burdick, senior advisor to Schurz Communications, retired; Kim Guthrie, president & chief executive officer, Cox Media Group; Kraig Kitchin, partner, Sound Mind LLC; Weezie Kramer, COO, Entercom Communications; Barbara Kreisman, chief, Video Division, FCC; Leo MacCourtney, president, Katz Television Group. The Broadcasters Foundation will also present the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award during the Breakfast. That honoree will be announced shortly.

Galaxy Media Celebrates 30 Anniversary. Earlier this week (2/12), Galaxy Media Partners celebrated 30 years of service to the Central New York Community. It was on that date in 1990 that Pam and Ed Levine began operation of WKLL-FM, Frankfort in the Utica market with its first studios and offices in the back of a diner. The company added stations in Syracuse in 1993, with additional acquisitions in 2001 and 2007. Galaxy created an events division in 2007 that has grown to encompass all of Central New York and New York State. Also in 2007, Galaxy became the flagship station for Syracuse University athletics and created a sports marketing division. Company president and CEO Ed Levine says, “We are proud to celebrate 30 years of service to the Central New York Community. Pam and I intend to continue to serve the Syracuse and Utica markets for many years to come.”

Beasley Personality Marisa Magnatta Hosts ‘Path to Pro… How to Be a Player in Esports.’ Philadelphia morning show personality Marisa Magnatta is hosting Beasley Media Group’s first ever “Path to Pro … How to be a Player in Esports” live event today from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Nerd Street Gamers in Philadelphia. Esports experts and success stories will take part in panel discussions that will “provide attendees with an ‘insiders’ perspective on esports and the many paths that an individual can take to pursuing a career in professional gaming and what life is like as an elite player in the Overwatch League, as well as explore the different paths one might take to get there.” WMMR-FM personality Magnatta says, “The feedback I’ve received after hosting the first season of ‘FTW Philly’ on NBC Sports Philadelphia has been all over the map…from expert to novice. The most common question I hear is, how do you actually start a career in esports? Our ‘Path to Pro’ event will be the ultimate guidebook for anyone interested in achieving their esports dream!”

The Presidential Race/New Hampshire Primary Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 10-14, 2020. The Democrats battling to take on President Trump in November and the results of Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio during the week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the aftermath of the impeachment trial of President Trump. Coming in at #3 was the controversy surrounding Trump’s influencing the sentencing of Roger Stone, and presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg’s 2015 racist stop & frisk comments and race relations at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.

TALKERS News Notes. Boston sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” enters into a multi-year partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts. The collaboration between the Beasley Media Group station and the non-profit “will be instrumental in helping to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and support all major programs, such as the Summer Games, scheduled to take place June 12-14 at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Boston. WBZ-FM program director Rick Radzik says, “It is an honor and privilege to partner with a tremendous organization that makes a difference in the lives of others like Special Olympics. As the leading sports radio station in the country, we believe it’s important to align ourselves with an organization that offers support and inclusion for so many athletes, who otherwise might not have the opportunity to participate. It’s the perfect fit!”…..Podcast producer Cadence13 – part of Entercom’s RADIO.COM – is starting production on a new sports documentary podcast franchise that will explore “a wide range of compelling stories and people from the world of sports.” Season one will focus on the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal. Season one will be hosted and written by Ben Reiter, the author of the New York Times bestseller Astroball: The New Way to Win it All…..iHeartMedia is expanding the iHeartPodcast Network with more Spanish-language and Hispanic-focused offerings with a slate of podcasts hosted and co-produced by radio personality Enrique Santos, who also serves as chairman and chief creative officer of iHeartLatino. iHeartMedia is launching a multi-year development, co-production, and distribution partnership with multicultural digital audio network, reVOLVER…..Entercom and Univision sign an agreement for all-news WCBS-AM to produce Spanish-language coverage of New York Mets baseball on Univision’s Spanish hits outlet WQBU, New York “Que Buena 92.7.” Entercom New York regional president and market manager Susan Larkin says, “We’re pleased to partner with Univision New York to bring New York Mets games to Spanish-speaking fans. As the unrivaled leader in local sports coverage, we’re looking forward to bringing our premier content to an even broader audience through this strategic partnership.”…..Condolences to the family and friends of career radio pro George Woods, who died on February 8. During his career, Woods was a talk host at such stations as WOW-AM, KKAR-AM, and KFAB-AM in Omaha and KCMO-AM, Kansas City. During the latter part of his career, he built and operated the multi-format, on-demand internet radio platform Radio George. Woods also served on the board of the non-profit radio organization The Conclave, volunteered for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and travelled extensively with his wife Nancy Kaywood, who also serves on the Conclave board. She suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Bob Woodruff Foundation in Woods’ name.

FOX News Radio Positions Open. There are three news posts that FOX News is seeking to fill. The first is Overnight Freelance Anchor for FOX News Radio in Washington, DC, Los Angeles or New York City. FOX says, “As a radio news anchor you will work under tight deadlines and deliver top notch newscasts. You have a passion for breaking news and the flexibility to work on a days’ notice.” See more about that position and apply here. The second position is staff producer and news editor for FOX News in New York City. In this position you will supervise the staff for FOX’s network radio news operation, Fox News Headlines 24/7. As the producer/news editor you are editorial leader, working with news anchors to craft the content and structure of a 24/7 news operation. See more about that position here. The third position is Freelance Radio Master Control Operator in New York. For this position the company is seeking a technically strong and motivated operator to provide technical oversight over all FOX News Radio platforms, including FOX News Radio’s terrestrial operation, FOX News Talk and FOX News Headlines 24/7. See more and apply for this position here.

Great Radio Management Opportunity. A broadcast owner has an immediate opening in a Northwest radio market for a general manager who is a self-directed individual with managerial skills, strong sales experience, and organizational talents. Candidate must have an established, result-oriented history. Must be a community-minded individual and possess written and verbal communications skills and leadership direction with the ability to convey to others. The successful candidate must maximize growth of the station while developing overall sales department operations; perform operational tasks; create sales and promotional opportunities; and have a willingness to recruit, hire, train, and support station staff. Must have thorough knowledge of radio broadcast industry. Three years proven sales experience required. B.A. Degree in Broadcast Journalism a “plus.” Successful candidate will be compensated equal to qualifications and performance. EOE. Contact: Radio Northwest, 18925 SW 84th Avenue, Tualatin OR 98062 503.223.6769. Email: kbnp@kbnp.com

Digital Content Producer. At Entercom’s Charlotte cluster consisting of news/talk WBT-AM/FM, sports talk WFNZ-AM/W273DA, and hot AC WLNK “The Link” has an immediate opening for a digital content producer. The company says, “The ideal candidate is an exceptional, quick-thinking multi-tasker with a passion for news, sports, music, entertainment and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment to producing top-quality multimedia content for all cluster stations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Research, write, edit, and publish original content for our websites. Ensure all daily content is optimized for SEO. Monitor social media for story ideas. Effectively post to social media to drive engagement and traffic while following company strategy and policy. Execute web initiatives as directed. Work closely with digital content coordinator and other team members to achieve digital goals. Participate in all applicable Entercom training to fully take advantage of tools and best practices. Other duties as assigned.” See more about this position and apply here. EOE.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

TALKERS | February 13, 2020

Cumulus Media Re-Vamps Mornings at KGO and KSFO in San Francisco. Station air personality Nikki Medoro is being promoted from her role on KGO’s Chip Franklin show in afternoons to host of her own “The Morning Show with Nikki Medoro” on KGO, effective March 2. Medoro will be joined by station news pro Bret Burkhart. The new show takes over for the KSTE, Sacramento-based, syndicated “Armstrong & Getty” program that is moving over to mornings at sister news/talker KSFO. That daypart at KFSO opened up when Brian Sussman chose to retire from the station last month. Cumulus San Francisco operations manager Lee Hammer says, “Nikki has done a tremendous job working with Chip Franklin in afternoon drive, and she’s earned this opportunity to host mornings on KGO. Nikki and Bret will bring a fresh approach to the day’s news, both locally and nationally. They’ll also invite the Bay Area’s listeners to join the conversation and share their opinions. I’m also excited that Armstrong and Getty will be staying in our station family, just moving down the dial to KSFO. Joe and Jack are fantastic entertainers, super knowledgeable and they’re not afraid to share their opinions. They’ll be a great addition to the KSFO lineup.”

Bonnie Lucas to Retire from WHO-AM, Des Moines Morning Show. After serving at iHeartMedia’s heritage news/talk WHO-AM, Des Moines for the past 25 years, Bonnie Lucas – one half of the “Van and Bonnie in the Morning” show – will retire after the March 6 program. Lucas told listeners to Wednesday’s program that she’s been thinking about retirement since last fall. She said she’s looking forward to spending time with her spouse, doing some traveling, and not getting up at 2:30 am on weekdays. Lucas joined co-host (and station PD) Van Harden in the early 1990s after Connie Murad left the morning show co-host role.

Presidential Race, Wuhan Coronavirus, Roger Stone Sentencing, Antarctic Iceberg/Global Warming, and Trump Budget/Growing Deficit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/12). The aftermath of the New Hampshire Democratic primary; the status of the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact; the controversy over the sentencing phase of Trump attorney Roger Stone’s trial; the report of a large iceberg breaking off Antarctica and the related ongoing climate change debate; and the Trump administration’s fiscal 2021 budget and the U.S.’s growing deficit were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Former Trump Press Secretary Sean Spicer to Host Newsmax TV Show. The latest addition to the Newsmax TV program lineup is “Spicer & Co.” – hosted by former White House press secretary Sean Spicer. The program will debut on March 3 at 6:00 pm ET from broadcast studios near the White House. Newsmax Media says Spicer “will lead an ensemble of Washington insiders, experts, journalists, and power brokers to analyze the day’s top headlines from the Beltway and the key news from the U.S. and the world.” Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Sean has been on the inside of how decisions are made in a way so few have. He was a success as White House press secretary because he connected to ordinary Americans.” Ruddy notes that Spicer’s press conference ratings were “off the charts, a phenomenon that hasn’t happened before or since.” Spicer comments, “We are going to offer viewers a unique perspective and insights into what’s really happening – who is up, who’s down – and most importantly how it’s going to affect their lives. I’ve had a front row seat to how Washington works at the highest levels – in the White House, Congress, the Pentagon, and K Street. We are going to invite our viewers into a conversation that is totally unique. We will ask the questions and cover the topics that everyone in America is thinking about, but no one is asking or talking about.”

MIW Radio Group Releases Results of 20^th Annual Gender Analysis Study. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group is releasing the results of its 20^th annual MIW Gender Analysis Study that analyzes the number of women in radio broadcasting rising to management ranks. The data specifically tracks the progress of female professionals holding general manager, sales manager, and program director positions. The study reveals that 19.5% of 2,189 stations in the study had women holding the general manager position in 2019, an increase of almost a half of percentage point from 2018. This number continues to show consistent growth from 2004, when the percentage of female general managers was only 14.9%. MIW says the best management opportunities for women in radio continue to be in sales management as 33.1% of 3,715 stations had a woman sales manager in 2019. But, the study also concludes that the greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program director. Women currently program only 11.62% of 1,304 stations in the study versus 10.6% last year. However, on a positive note, this is the first time this number has grown in 14 years. MIW national spokeswoman Denyse Mesnik says, “The MIW Gender Analysis Study is the impetus for the MIW’s mentoring programs that serve female professionals in all aspects of the radio industry. When the numbers on our annual analysis rise, as they did slightly this year, we work even harder to encourage and mentor our female colleagues who are striving for, and/or have achieved, management positions in radio.”

Joe Pags Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the hardest-working, fastest-rising stars in syndicated talk radio, Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Syndicated by Compass Media Networks and seen on Newsmax TV, “The Joe Pags Show,” broadcasts live weekdays 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET and is carried on more than 125 radio stations across America. Plus, his weekend show, “The Weekend with Joe Pags” is carried on more than 200 stations. Pags is ranked 14^th on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred. In a free-wheeling conversation that sounds like a chat between two friends from Long Island, Pags – the grandson of immigrant Italian bricklayers – discusses his blue-collar roots and their impact on his view of today’s hot issues. Harrison and Pags talk about politics, polarization, and the president as well as music, pop culture, and social media in the digital era. In addition to being a world-class talker, Pags is also a professional saxophone player and musician – skills that are utilized in his broadcasts that include satirical song parodies and occasional appearances playing the national anthem at sporting events. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Stigall Billboards Adorn Philly Roadways. Commuters in the Philadelphia market are likely to see billboards like the one above for Chris Stigall’s new morning drive show on Salem Media Group’s WNTP-AM, Philadelphia “AM 990 The Answer.” Stigall tells TALKERS magazine, “At a time radio companies are scaling back, I’m so excited to work for Salem Media who thinks enough of their people and their products to tell the community at large about them! It’s a true investment – not just in me and my show – but in radio as a whole. What a statement! Salem believes in what they’re doing, and they put their money where their mouths are! In this case, where my mouth is.”

Lunching with TALKERS Convention Videographer Art Vuolo. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (l) had lunch with “radio’s best friend,” legendary videographer Art Vuolo (r) yesterday (2/12) in Jupiter, Florida to discuss plans for the forthcoming 23^rd annual TALKERS Convention set for New York on Friday June 5. Vuolo will again be contracted to produce the video recordings of the event which is destined to be another historic industry milestone. Harrison states, “We are honored to have a radio-savvy artist of Mr. Vuolo’s caliber in charge of preserving the priceless content of this conference for posterity.” Talkers 2020: The Rise of the Media Station is only open to members of the broadcasting industry, related fields and communications students. It is again expected to be an advance sellout and non-refundable registrations can only be obtained via telephone with credit card. Full registration, including all functions, meals, and refreshments, costs $329 per person. To register or obtain sponsorship information, please call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media maven Robert Feder reports that Chicagoland radio personality Mark Zander is joining Good Karma Brands-operated sports talker WMVP-AM “ESPN 1000” as a part-time and weekend host. Zander was most recently program director at Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s rock WXRX-FM and sports talk WNTA-AM in Rockford…..On-air pro Rob Carson is auditioning for the late morning gig at WTZA-AM/W271CV, Atlanta all this week. Station co-operators Will Regan and Jamie Chapman are leasing the signals from K&Z Broadcasting. They have already launched the station with Shannon Burke and Kara Stockton in morning drive, Mike Brooks in early afternoon, and Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson in afternoon drive…..FOX Sports Radio says it set a “new benchmark in January, reaching more than 13 million podcast listens – an increase of +88% over the previous year.” It adds that “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” podcast was the strongest performer, up +59% year-over-year. The FSR stream also experienced its best month ever in January, increasing +25% year-over-year. FSR is a division of Premiere Sports Network…..Entercom sports talk KRLD-FM, Dallas “105.3 The Fan” and the MLS’ FC Dallas agree to a deal in which the station will assist in producing soccer shows for the 2020 season. KRLD-FM will host the “The Luchi Gonzalez Show,” on Thursdays at 1:30 pm during the 2020 MLS regular season, offering exclusive insight from the FC Dallas head coach…..Motor Racing Network is “throwing the Green Flag” on its 50th season of NASCAR coverage with almost 30 hours of programming originating from the “World Center of Racing,” Daytona International Speedway from February 8-16. Commonly known as Daytona Speedweeks, MRN announcers and production crew are producing six race broadcasts, three editions of the signature program “NASCAR LIVE,” five separate NASCAR Cup Series practices, and qualifying for the “Great American Race.” MRN Daytona programming culminates with the 62nd running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16 that will be carried live on more than 400 radio station partners across the country.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Entercom’s hot AC KRSK-FM, Portland “105.1 The Buzz,” Liz Luda and Mike Vezzola join as morning show co-hosts. At the same time, Jamie Tanchyk comes aboard as assistant program director and afternoon drive host. Prior to joining Entercom, Luda served as a morning show co-host and promotions director for Flinn Broadcasting in Memphis. Vezzola was previously an on-air personality at WODS-FM, Boston; WTIC-FM, Hartford; and WZMX-FM, Hartford. Entercom Portland SVP and market manager Kim Martinez says, “Building a strong on-air team is why Entercom Portland is the platinum standard for our listeners and advertisers. Liz and Mike’s fun and energetic chemistry coupled with Jamie’s exuberant on-air style and programming prowess cements ‘105.1 The Buzz’ as the go-to for young, active listeners in Portland.”

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

TALKERS | February 12, 2020

‘New Jersey 101.5’ Stars Dennis & Judi Announce ‘UnPLUGGED’ Performance. WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” midday personalities Dennis Malloy and Judi Franco are performing a live stage show titled, “Dennis & Judi: UnPLUGGED,” at Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at The Count Basie Center in Red Bank, New Jersey on Saturday, May 2. The station says that the live show “will feature many of the elements that make ‘Dennis & Judi’ popular among the station’s audience, including live music, audience interaction, and special guests.” Ron de Castro is market president for Townsquare Media and he adds, “We’re excited to offer this very special night with New Jersey 101.5’s top-rated midday show hosts. Dennis and Judi’s 20 plus-year-long friendship has a special chemistry that transcends multiple media every day, and now we’re pleased to add the dimension of a live stage show to their already substantial brand.”

Covering the New Hampshire Primary. News networks and some talk radio hosts were in New Hampshire on Tuesday covering the state’s Democratic primary election. CBS News Radio was headquartered in Manchester for the New Hampshire primary with reporter Steve Dorsey there, Steven Portnoy with Pete Buttigieg, WCBS-AM reporter Steve Burns with Bernie Sanders, and Jim Krasula with former Vice President Joe Biden in Columbia, South Carolina. Pictured at right is Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) with Steve Burns. FOX News Radio offered live coverage of the returns with FOX News national correspondent Jared Halpern anchoring plus political analyst Josh Kraushaar and FNR reporters Tonya J. Powers and Jessica Rosenthal. In addition, FNR produced a number of podcasts focused on the race, including “The Campaign with Bret Baier” and the latest from anchor Dana Perino and FOX News politics editor Chris Stirewalt’s “I’ll Tell You What.” Plus, FOX News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade show is broadcasting live from Manchester throughout the week. Pictured at left is WNRI, Woonsocket, Rhode Island talk host John DePetro, who took his radio program to New Hampshire to cover the primary. Westwood One News‘ coverage of the primary included correspondent Bob Costantini (right) at the Bernie Sanders victory celebration at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester.

iHeartMedia Unveils iHeartPodcast AdSuite. Today (2/12) at Podfront LA 2020, iHeartMedia unveiled its iHeartPodcast AdSuite – a package of tools designed to help marketers drive results via “iHeartMedia’s unmatched podcast offerings, distribution and listener reach.” iHeartPodcast Network president Conal Byrne says, “As the podcast industry continues to evolve and capture massive consumer attention, advertisers and brands are looking for tools and products to capture and measure the impact. They are often left without a system for quantitatively monitoring the success, impact. and reach of podcast advertising. As the leader in the space of both audio and podcasting, we are meeting this challenge head on, offering a new suite of cutting-edge podcast ad products – from better targeting to boosted reach across broadcast radio – as well as pulling together performance and insights across the multiple platforms where we reach audiences.” The company says the iHeartPodcast AdSuite provides advertisers “with diverse ad formats and customization tools. Through these products, iHeartMedia has created a dynamic range of options for advertisers and brands to reach their audiences with targetability and scale without sacrificing the listener experience.”

Allgeier to Lead Leighton Broadcasting in Winona. Sales and management pro Jim Allgeier is appointed general manager for Leighton Broadcasting’s Winona, Minnesota station group that includes news/talk KWNO and four music brands. He was most recently market manager for Federated Media’s Fort Wayne, Indiana operations. Leighton vice president of sales and marketing Stephanie Theisen says, “Jim is an accomplished media expert with experience in radio and beyond. The addition of a radio veteran like Allgeier, with over 19 consecutive years in the business, will provide the direction and leadership we have been seeking for our Winona market.”

Presidential Race-NH Primary, Wuhan Coronavirus, Roger Stone Case, Trump Budget-Deficit Concerns, Weinstein Trial, and Jussie Smollett Indicted Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday. The Democrats battling to challenge President Trump in November and Tuesday night’s New Hampshire primary; the status of the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic and the effect on China’s economy; four prosecutors resign as the Justice Department reduces the sentencing of convicted Trump attorney Roger Stone; the Trump administration’s fiscal 2021 budget and the Fed’s concerns about the soaring deficit; the sexual assault trial of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein; and actor Jussie Smollett’s indictment on disorderly conduct charges were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Raleigh CHR WDCG-FM “G105” adds air personality Danny Meyers to “The Showgram” alongside Erica, Ben, and Ashleyh. iHeartMedia Raleigh SVP of programming Trevor Morini says, “I am incredibly excited to welcome Danny to ‘The Showgram.’ Danny’s extensive track record of morning show success and experience coupled with the other talented hosts make this the perfect fit for ‘G105.’” Meyers joins the Raleigh market from iHeartMedia Norfolk, where he most recently served as the morning show host on hot AC WMVN “MOViN 107.7.”…..Cumulus Media names Brian Roberts program director for hot AC KEHK-FM, Eugene, Oregon “Star 102.3” and adult contemporary KSCR-AM/FM. Roberts moves to Eugene from his most recent position with Cumulus programming adult contemporary WPEZ-FM, Macon, Georgia “Z93.7.”…..Air personality Greg Rivers leaves Alpha Media’s news/talk WHBC, Canton, Ohio to join iHeartMedia’s adult contemporary WMXY, Youngstown, Ohio as morning show host…..Estrella Media, Inc. appoints Eddie León executive vice president, radio programming. In this position, León will be responsible for overseeing programming at Estrella Media’s 17 owned-and-operated radio stations across the U.S., including the Don Cheto Radio Network…..Matt Stockman is the new director of programming for Pillar of Fire’s contemporary Christian WAWZ-FM, New York “Star 99.1.” He was most recently a program director with K-Love.

PPM Analysis: “Holiday” 2019 Extra

TALKERS | February 11, 2020

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

LOS ANGELES — A time-honored tradition continues this week as the first workout for major league baseball pitchers and catchers will be held for roughly half the teams tomorrow (Wednesday, 2/12), while battery-mates for approximately the other half of MLB teams return to work Thursday (2/13).

Thus, the calendar confirms what “King Kelly” (Ray Milland) and “Monk Lanigan” (Paul Douglas) would state in the 1949 film of the same name, “It Happens Every Spring.”

Those in radio have been accustomed to wild ratings fluctuations this time of year and have a consensus reaction: “It happens every ‘holiday’ ratings period.”

For historical context, ever since Arbitron (and now Nielsen Audio) added a thirteenth yearly sweep called “Holiday” in 2007, we’ve witnessed positive spikes by stations playing wall-to-wall Christmas for a roughly six-week period leading up to December 25.

Concurrently, there’s usually a corresponding decline in listenership to stations not caught up in the all-Christmas music mood.

The following breakouts reflect those stations in PPM-markets that either improved their 6+-stat by at least one full-share or regressed by that margin or greater in the “Holiday” 2019 sweep (December 5, 2019 – January 1, 2020).

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

TALKERS | February 11, 2020

Pete Spriggs Retires from WSB, Atlanta; Drew Anderssen to Assume PD Duties. Longtime Cox Media Group programmer Pete Spriggs is retiring as director of branding and programming for news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta. Current senior manager of programming and operations Drew Anderssen will step into Spriggs’ role, effective February 28. Spriggs began his career with Cox at Dayton’s news/talk WHIO-AM. He spent three years at the company’s WDBO-AM, Orlando before taking on programming duties at WSB, Atlanta in 2000. Spriggs says, “WSB will go down in history as one of the greatest radio stations in the world, and I’m humbled to have been the program director there for 19 years. I’ve worked with some of the finest talent in this business. Several of them are in either the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame or the National Radio Hall of Fame and we’ve all worked together to make life better for our listeners in Atlanta and Georgia. It has been an awe-inspiring experience for me, and I’m so grateful to CMG for trusting me with the ‘keys’ to such a great ‘kingdom.’” CMG EVP radio Bill Hendrich says, “I have had the pleasure of working with Pete for over 25 years. Along with being the best news/talk program director in the business, Pete is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Cox Media Group has benefited greatly from Pete’s leadership in Dayton, Orlando, Atlanta, and as our news/talk format leader. We are definitely a better company because Pete Spriggs was on our team. He will be missed, and we all wish him the best going forward.” Prior to joining WSB, Drew Anderssen spent years in programming and research for Cox Media Group in Orlando, Florida and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company says, “Anderssen brings an immense amount of experience and devotion to his role and CMG looks forward to continuing their partnership to ensure WSB remains an industry leader.”

Newsmax TV Names Emerald Robinson White House Correspondent. Broadcast journalist Emerald Robinson joins Newsmax TV as White House correspondent where she’ll work alongside Newsmax chief White House correspondent John Gizzi. Robinson was most recently chief White House correspondent for One America News Network. Speaking about her new position, Robinson says, “Newsmax TV has become a major force in Washington’s media universe and I’m thrilled to be a part of its major expansion. Americans trust Newsmax to deliver truthful, unbiased reporting – and that’s what we do every day.” Robinson began her journalism career as host of “The Daily Orbit,” a syndicated science and technology news show. Her experience also includes entertainment, political, and economic beats. During her tenure on the White House beat, Robinson has covered presidential foreign trips including the Helsinki and Singapore Summits.

Dallas’ ‘The Ticket’ Moves Bob Sturm to ‘The Hardline’ Afternoon Show. In the wake of the recent retirement of longtime afternoon drive station personality Mike Rhyner, Cumulus Media’s KTCK-AM/FM, Dallas “The Ticket” announces midday co-host Bob Sturm moves to afternoon drive to partner with Corby Davidson as co-hosts of “The Hardline.” Danny Balis continues to produce the PM drive show. Sturm has co-hosted the midday “BaD Radio” with Dan McDowell since 2000. Filling Sturm’s role on “BaD Radio” is show producer Jake Kemp, who moves up to the co-host role. Cumulus Dallas/Houston RVP Dan Bennett says, “Bob Sturm has earned the trust and following from our listeners for over 20 years and is one of the finest sports talk talents in America. This move made perfect sense and we are excited to entertain our listeners with the new afternoon drive team of Bob Sturm and Corby Davidson, and with Jake Kemp and Dan McDowell for ‘BaD Radio’ in middays.” Sturm adds, “Our station lost an absolute icon in Mike Rhyner to retirement and we must all pull together to bridge that gap. I am honored to join forces with The Hardline’s Corby Davidson and Danny Balis to see what we can dream up from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and we can’t wait to get to our mighty challenge. Dan McDowell and Jake Kemp will make a fantastic duo themselves from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. Dan McDowell is the closest friend I might ever find in this business and I owe him an immeasurable debt.”

SiriusXM Drops $75 Million into SoundCloud. Audio entertainment giant SiriusXM builds up its relationship with SoundCloud via a purchase of $75 million of securities for a minority stake in the open audio platform. SiriusXM, via subsidiary Pandora, began an ad sales relationship with SoundCloud in 2019 in which advertisers and brands could purchase SoundCloud’s U.S. ad inventory directly through Pandora, leveraging Pandora’s direct sales capabilities, targeting data, and audio programmatic platform. SiriusXM says that SoundCloud and Pandora’s combined U.S. audience constitutes more than 100 million unique listeners. SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer says, “SoundCloud’s unique platform serves a vital role in today’s music ecosystem where new artists are discovered and build their fan base, and established artists experiment and connect directly with their fans in highly effective ways. We admire SoundCloud’s loyal and growing audience, its offering for creators, and its reputation and popularity in global music communities. We believe this is another opportunity to continue creating value for SiriusXM stockholders by investing in expanding digital audio platforms.” As part of the minority stake acquisition, the SoundCloud board of directors will expand to include two individuals designated by SiriusXM.

World Radio Day Honor Goes to WTOP. In celebration of the forthcoming observance of World Radio Day coming up this Thursday (2/13), the American Academy of Radio – a subsidiary of the Academia Española de la Radio (Spanish Academy of Radio) – presented the World Radio Day “American Radio Station of the Year” award to Hubbard Radio’s all-news outlet WTOP, Washington, DC. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) executive board recommended to the General Conference the proclamation of World Radio Day, on the basis of a wide consultation process, carried out in 2011. The leader of the project, the Academia Española de la Radio, received support for the proposal from diverse stakeholders, including major international broadcasters and broadcasting unions and associations. The date of February 13, the day United Nations Radio was established in 1946, was proposed by the Director-General of UNESCO which proclaimed February 13 as World Radio Day. The objectives of the day are to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio; to encourage decision-makers to establish and provide access to information through radio; as well as to enhance networking and international cooperation among broadcasters. The jury appointed to judge stations for the American honor are: Heather Cohen, EVP of The Weiss Agency; Deborah Parenti, publisher of Radio Ink/RBR/TVBR/Podcast Business Journal; Francisco R. Montero, managing partner of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth; Paul MacLane, managing director of content, B2B media technology brands and editor-in-chief of Radio World; Michael Harrison, editor and publisher of TALKERS magazine; and Paul Rotella, president and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association. In addition to WTOP, nominated stations were KIIS-FM, Los Angeles; WRHU, Hofstra University; and WFUV, Fordham University. Pictured at this morning’s (2/11) ceremony in the station’s offices and studios are jurists Frank Montero (l) and Paul McLane (r) delivering the trophy to WTOP general manager Joel Oxley (c).

Trump Budget Proposes Elimination of CPB Funding. In the Trump Administration’s budget for Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2022, the line item for funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would be reduced from about $445 million to about $30 million. CPB president and CEO Patricia Harrison says, “We look forward to working with Congress in the continued pursuit of our statutory public service mission of supporting educational, informational and diverse content that addresses the needs of our nation’s citizens – a mission the American people overwhelmingly trust in and support. The federal appropriation to CPB is the foundation of our uniquely American, public-private partnership that supports our nation’s public media system – a system of more than 1,500 locally controlled and operated public television and radio stations across the country. This seed money pays invaluable dividends to millions of Americans and their families in the form of content and resources that educate, inform and inspire. Through public media initiatives such as American Graduate and Ready To Learn, stations provide high-quality educational content and community engagement that helps Americans prepare for success in school and career. As the most trusted news source in America, local public media stations offer journalism that elevates local stories to a national audience. Further, public media stations’ infrastructure provides critical communications functions during local and national emergencies to first responders and emergency management officials.” Of course, funding is ultimately left to Congress which has historically ignored such calls for CPB defunding.

TALKERS News Notes. Conservative media personality and author Todd Starnes has been chosen to moderate a Fathom Events panel discussion for the upcoming theatrical documentary, Patterns of Evidence: The Red Sea Mystery. The panel discussion was recently filmed at the Ark Encounter and will be shown nationwide in theaters on February 18. Starnes is host of the nationally syndicated, daily talk radio program, “The Todd Starnes Show” and the short-form “Todd Starnes News & Commentary” – both distributed by Hamilton Strategies. The long-form show recently added new affiliate stations KARN-FM, Little Rock; KWAM, Memphis; and KLUP-AM, San Antonio…..The “Always in Fashion” radio program, starring fashion industry pro Mark Weber (left) and his son Jesse (right), moves from Cumulus Media’s WABC, New York to iHeartMedia’s WOR, New York. The show airs Saturday nights from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Sundays from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Weber says, “Throughout my career, I have worked with the best and that’s precisely what has led me to iHeartMedia’s 710 WOR. We’re thrilled to join the number one audio company and broadcast on one of the leading talk stations in NYC.”…..Nashville sports talk hosts Derrick Mason and Braden Gall announce via Twitter that they have been let go from their morning show duties on The Cromwell Group’s sports talk WPRT-FM “102.5 The Game.” Back in December, third host Nick Kayal exited the station. The WPRT website offers no indication of the station’s intentions for the daypart. Mason played wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans from 1997 through 2004…..ABC Audio will officially launch the ABC Power Portal at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville on February 19. ABC says the ABC Power Portal is “the first on-demand, original video service for distribution to radio station websites, apps and social media platforms. ABC Power Portal will house a wide range of music and entertainment videos as well as breaking news and obituary content, all produced by ABC Audio. These new videos, along with social media teasers, will be available daily for download by Power Portal affiliates as white label content, allowing stations to add their own logos and sponsor ads to the videos prior to publication. ABC Audio executive director business strategies, programming and distribution Heidi Oringer says, “I’m thrilled to debut the ABC Power Portal and offer stations the type of digital content television outlets have had access to for so long. This turn-key platform is essential for radio’s digital expansion and allows affiliates to take advantage of ABC Audio’s unmatched array of content.” ABC Audio posted content from last Sunday’s Oscars. Below is an image of the Power Portal dashboard.

Presidential Race, Wuhan Coronavirus, Trump Budget-Border Wall, Oscars Political Speeches, Russians Track U.S. Satellites, Chinese Equifax Hackers, and MLB Playoffs Proposal Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/10). The New Hampshire primary and the Democrats’ race to take on President Trump in November; the status of the Wuhan coronavirus and the effects on China’s economy; President Trump’s budget and the cuts to services and increase in border wall funding; the political speeches at Sunday evening’s Oscars ceremony; the report the Russian’s are tracking U.S. military satellites; Chinese military hackers are accused of executing the Equifax breach; and MLB floats a new playoff format in which division winners get to choose opponents among top news/talk stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Shreveport, Louisiana programmer and air personality Nina Montgomery – who serves as PD and DJ on Cumulus Media’s urban AC KVMA “Magic 102.9” – was recently honored for her significant contributions to Shreveport’s African-American Community. Montgomery was recognized at the Shreveport-Bossier-DeSoto African-American Scholarship Awards Banquet. Cumulus Shreveport VP and market manager Aaron Criswell says, “Nina has been a spark of light for the African-American Community in Shreveport and Bossier City for many years. Nina has committed to spread this light to the community and listeners of urban AC powerhouse KVMA-FM, day in and day out.”…..Entercom appoints Lisa Powell SVP and market manager for its Greensboro, North Carolina cluster that includes hip hop WJMH “102 JAMZ,” country WPAW “93.1 The Wolf,” urban AC WQMG, adult contemporary WSMW “98.7 Simon,” and Gospel outlets WEAL-AM and WPET-AM. Entercom regional president Doug Abernethy says, “For over two decades, Lisa has faithfully led our sales efforts in the Triad and obtained outstanding results. We are excited to recognize her accomplishments with a well-deserved promotion and are confident in her ability to lead our cluster to further growth.”…..The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show” cast member Kellie Rasberry is launching her second podcast, this one based on the morning show’s “Love Letters to Kellie” segment. It’s being produced by longtime show producer Robert Ehrman. Rasberry says, “Robert and I have been working on this project for quite some time and I’m so excited that we finally get to share it with the world! While we’ll be having a lot of fun on this podcast, I realize people are trusting me to give them advice that can often have serious consequences. I don’t take that lightly.” She already hosts a podcast titled, “A Sandwich and Some Lovin.’”…..SiriusXM announces that Harry Styles will perform for SiriusXM and Pandora on Friday, February 28 at a secret location in New York City. The intimate set for SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners will feature Styles performing songs from his recent sophomore album, Fine Line, released via Columbia Records. The event will also include an interview with Harry Styles and “The Morning Mash Up” hosts Ryan Sampson, Nicole Ryan, and Stanley T.

PPM Analysis: Holiday 2019 Extra. TALKERS magazine manager editor Mike Kinosian offers this “extra” look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2019 PPM survey. This report looks at the weekly 6+ AQH share movement from the December 2019 survey to the Holiday 2019 survey, based on degree of improvement or loss, by format and more. See the analysis here.

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Analysis:
Adult Contemporary Part Two

TALKERS | February 10, 2020

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

LOS ANGELES — The overwhelming majority of adult contemporary program directors simply cannot wait for the start of the “Holiday” survey period and they constantly express their gratitude that this thirteenth survey period was ever added to the annual ratings calendar

“Holiday,” of course, is the sweep in which many ACs (as well as some stations in other formats) temporarily pull the plug on regular programming and transition to wall-to-wall Christmas music.

It once again needs to be emphasized that not all adult contemporary outlets opt for the all-Christmas music tactic

Station executives have been asking the same question for years: When will the all-Christmas music phenomenon finally run out of gas?

To help give a clearer picture of where this genuine juggernaut programming strategy stands for adult contemporary, we’ve gathered data from the past six “Holiday” survey periods

First noteworthy nugget: “Holiday” 2019 AC stats greatly mirror those of “Holiday” 2018.

Monday, February 10, 2020

TALKERS | February 10, 2020

Monday Memo: THIS Time for Sure! A week after Rush Limbaugh’s news stunned us, many affiliates are still asking what to do. In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke has a suggestion. Read it here.

Presidential Race, Wuhan Coronavirus/Economic Impact, Attacks on Cops, Trump Budget-Border Wall Funding, and the Oscars Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The aftermath of the Iowa Caucuses and the buildup to Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary; the status of the Wuhan coronavirus and its effect on the Chinese economy and the world’s financial markets; the two planned attacks on New York City police officers; President Trump’s budget proposal that includes heightened military and border wall spending and reduced foreign aid and safety net spending; and Sunday night’s Academy Awards show were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Cox Media Group to Sell Ohio Papers to Cox Enterprises Inc. The Apollo Global Management-controlled Cox Media Group is agreeing to sell its Ohio dailies – the Dayton Daily News, the Springfield Sun-News, and the JournalNews to its former owner, Cox Enterprises Inc. (CEI is a minority owner of Cox Media Group). If you recall, CEI sold the majority of CMG to Apollo in a deal that closed in December. However, the courts reversed the FCC’s ruling to rescind the cross-ownership ban, forcing CMG to either sell the newspapers or take them off a daily print schedule in order to comply with the ban. Apollo Global Management co-lead partner of private equity David Sambur says, “Apollo is committed to strengthening local media. When faced with the unfortunate requirements of an antiquated regulation, we would not accept an outcome that reduced local news coverage for the people of Dayton, Springfield and Butler County. We applaud the FCC for working with us and providing us the flexibility to find a stable, long-term buyer who is committed to providing the citizens of Ohio with award winning journalism.” Following the sale, Rob Rohr will continue his role as vice president and general manager of CMG broadcast outlets news/talk WHIO-AM/FM, country WHKO, and rock WZLR plus WHIO-TV. Following the sale, the Ohio newspapers will be under the interim operational leadership of Jana Collier, who currently serves as vice president of content at CMG Ohio. The sale of the papers to CEI is expected to close in the coming weeks.

Eclectic Gathering. A diverse group of communications figures gathered last night (2/9) for a dinner symposium on media and politics organized by Newsmax at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Among the topics discussed were the 2020 presidential race, the state of talk radio, and the history of tabloid journalism in Western culture. Pictured (l-r): Bernadette Duncan, author/professor; Michael Harrison, founder TALKERS; Cable Neuhaus, legendary journalist/correspondent; Christopher Ruddy, CEO, Newsmax; Iain Calder, former president/editor, National Enquirer; Steve Lapa, president, Lapcom Communication Corp.; Herb Mallard, international issues blogger; and Nicole DiCocco, executive director, H.O.P.E. Foundation for a Better Tomorrow.

Entercom and NBC Agree to Share Content in Philly. This content-sharing partnership between Entercom’s all-news KYW-AM and NBC’s WCAU-TV “NBC 10” and WWSI-TV “Telemundo62” is multiplatform across all broadcast channels, websites, and social media. As part of the agreement, KYW Newsradio and WCAU and WWSI “will work together to better serve the community via improved access and coverage of live, local breaking news, general news, weather, sports, politics and entertainment in both English and Spanish languages.” Content from the partnership will also be shared across Entercom Philadelphia sister stations WPHT-AM, WIP-FM, WTDY-FM, WOGL-FM, and WBEB-FM. Entercom Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “We’re thrilled that the region’s most experienced and innovative radio team is joining forces with the most forward-thinking team in local television. This strategic partnership will provide the Philadelphia area with the most immediate, accurate, and compelling news, weather, traffic, and entertainment reports.”

WWO Blog: Agencies Want More Reach and Better Attribution from Podcasting. According to the latest blog post from Cumulus Media | Westwood One chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard, a new study of advertisers and agencies suggests that in order for podcasting to become a $2 billion per year advertising medium, it will have to achieve 44% reach and improved attribution. In the study, agencies and brands say the responses from the 95 executives surveyed centered around improved measurement and attribution. Besides that, “Some indicate content will need to step up: ‘Larger scale content…a big breakthrough in the content space.’ Others note podcast discovery and search needs improvement. A number feel big marketers coming into the podcast space will be a major accelerator. Several point to the major opportunity to monetize ‘the longer tail shows which are being relatively ignored.'”

TALKERS News Notes. Former Illinois U.S. Representative Joe Walsh has ended his race for the Republican nomination for president. Walsh was hosting the evening program for Salem Radio Network and a local afternoon show at Salem’s WIND-AM “AM 560 The Answer” prior to his late-August announcement he’d challenge Donald Trump for the nomination. As Chicago media writer Robert Feder notes in his column, Walsh has no plans to attempt to return to the talk radio business. He told the Daily Herald, “I don’t like President Trump, so I have no home on conservative talk radio.” Steve Cortes took over the WIND-AM show and WIND-AM morning drive co-host Dan Proft is hosting the syndicated evening show…..Legendary actor Robert Conrad – who hosted a talk radio show on the Southern California-based CRN Digital Talk Radio network in his later years – died on Sunday (2/8) at the age of 84. His radio program was called “The Lounge with Robert Conrad.” Of course, he starred on such television hits as “The Wild, Wild West” and “Baa Baa Black Sheep.”

Post Impeachment, Steve Bannon Transitions Radio Show. With the impeachment trial of President Trump behind the nation, Stephen K. Bannon transitions his “War Room: Impeachment” radio program into the new two-hour daily radio show “War Room: 2020” and “War Room: Pandemic” on The John Fredericks Radio Network. Joining Bannon on the programs are former Trump for President campaign communications director Jason Miller and Brexit comms chief Raheem Kassam.

PPM Analysis: AC Part 2. In this second look at the adult contemporary Holiday 2019 PPM survey results, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his analysis of data from the past six Holiday PPM surveys from Nielsen Audio. See the story here.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. The NAB announces that top 40 radio legend John Records Landecker will be inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame at the 2020 NAB Show during the April 20 Achievement in Broadcasting Dinner at the Encore in Las Vegas. NAB EVP of industry affairs Steve Newberry says, “John Records Landecker has had a profound impact on radio and has inspired generations of new talent. His induction into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame symbolizes the personal connection between DJs and their audiences and how innovative personalities can influence radio programming.”…..At the Buffalo operations of Townsquare Media, Chris Crowley adds operations manager for the cluster to his duties. Crowley will continue to serve as brand manager for country WYRK and adult contemporary WMSX. Simultaneously, urban AC WBLK afternoon personality Yasmin Young is promoted to brand manager for the station…..Pacific Media Group announces David Baronfield is the new market manager for its Oahu station group, beginning February 18. The Oahu cluster includes CHR KDDB “102.7 Da Bomb,” rhythmic AC KUMU, alternative KPOI “ALT 105.9,”and Hawaiian KQMQ “Da Pa’ina.” He was most recently director of sales and Hagadone Media Group Hawaii. Pacific Media Group president and CEO Chuck Bergson says, “After an extensive nationwide search, David was the perfect person to step in as the leader of the Honolulu stations. He is a proven and accomplished leader who has extensive experience in the radio business, has excelled in medium and large markets across the country serving in all aspects – programming, engineering, promotions, and sales. David has been successful in the Hawaii business community, developed key relationships, and has an understanding of what makes Hawaii such a special and unique place to live and do business. In the end, what made David different from the rest is his understanding of what makes radio ‘magic,’ and that is when it is live, local, and community-based.”

Monday Memo: THIS Time for Sure!

TALKERS | February 10, 2020

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — February 3, 1959: They were en route to Fargo, North Dakota, to give a concert, but they never made it. The small plane carrying Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper crashed in an Iowa corn field.

February 3, 2020: As Iowans prepared to caucus that night, Rush Limbaugh shocked us with news that many in talk radio fear could be, to our format, “The Day The Music Died.”

Friday, February 7, 2020

TALKERS | February 7, 2020

LAST DAY! Early Bird Special Ends Today for TALKERS Convention Set for June 5 in New York. This Friday, February 7 is the last day to take advantage of the early bird special price for the TALKERS convention. The June 5 event will be the 23rd annual installment of the longest-running, most-important national talk media convention. This year it is titled, Talkers 2020: The Rise of the Media Station, and takes place at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan. More detailed information about the agenda is forthcoming, but the event will feature more than 50 top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry – including talent, programmers, managers and owners – with a focus on talk radio and its role in the rapidly accelerating digital age and the fundamental changes in the platforms upon which it is carried and distributed. Full registration, including all functions, meals, and refreshments, costs $329 per person. However, those registering before 5:00 pm ET on Friday, February 7 pay only $279 – a significant early bird discount. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. The new episode titled, “Rush to Glory!” looks back at this past week of February 3-7, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Jim Bohannon; talk show host, Westwood One; Blanquita Cullum, talk show host, WCGO, Chicago; Ethan Bearman, attorney/commentator, FOX News Channel; Daliah Wachs, M.D., talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; and Mark Jurkowitz, senior writer, Pew Research Center. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC Friday evenings between 6:00-7:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KFNX, Phoenix; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA as well as appearing on the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.

TALKERS News Notes. At Cumulus Media’s sports talk WHLD-AM, Buffalo “1270 AM The Fan,” the local Jerry Sullivan show is cancelled, leaving the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon show to be replaced by syndicated programming from CBS Sports Radio. Sullivan announced the end of his show via Twitter, saying, “The radio show went off the air today for a lack of financial support. Thanks to anyone who listened on ‘1270 The Fan’ over the last 18 months. Buffalo needs an alternative voice more than ever.”…..Marc Kestecher signs a new contract to continue serving as ESPN Radio’s lead NBA play-by-play voice. ESPN says that in addition to NBA duties, Kestecher will call a “full slate of NFL, college football, college basketball and host studio coverage for marquee events. Kestecher says, “I’m so grateful to continue my play-by-play and host role with ESPN Radio, working with some of the best people in the industry. From basketball to football to baseball, this job continues to challenge and reward me in so many ways.”

Presidential Race/Iowa Caucus/Voting Integrity Top News/Talk Story for Week of February 3-7. The related presidential race, Iowa Caucus results and technical problems, and concerns about voting integrity combined to be the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the State of the Union Address. Coming in at #3 was the acquittal of President Trump at his impeachment trial, followed by the concerns about a global pandemic of the Wuhan coronavirus at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. San Diego morning radio couple Rob and Joss Taylor (below) move from Entercom’s adult contemporary KYXY to the company’s sister classic hits KXSN “Sunny 98.1,” beginning February 24. The “Mornings with Rob & Joss” show will air weekdays from 5:00 am to 9:00 am. Entercom San Diego SVP and market manager Karyn Cerulli says, “Rob and Joss possess an incredible work ethic and dedication to their show and the San Diego community. Over the last year, they have built strong connections with their audience and we’re excited to continue to watch them grow. Their fun, upbeat personalities will shine on ‘Sunny 98.1.’”…..Cumulus Media’s adult contemporary WRRM-FM, Cincinnati “Warm 98.5” names Gina Ferraro midday personality. Ferraro comes to Cumulus from iHeartMedia’s Dayton hot AC WMMX-FM. Cumulus Cincinnati RVP and market manager Dave Crowl says, “We are excited to have Gina join the Cincinnati and WRRM team. She has sound knowledge of the listening audience base in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and the corridor heading north of Cincy towards Dayton. We look forward to her contributions.” Ferraro takes over the midday show after Race Taylor left to join WCBS-FM, New York last July…..In Erie, programming pro Vinnie Marino is named program director for Cumulus Media’s adult contemporary WXKC-FM and hip hop WXKC-HD2/W282BR “104.3 The Vibe.” He was previously on air at Press Communications’ classic rock WWZY-FM, Long Branch, New Jersey “The Boss 107.1.” Cumulus Erie VP and market manager Chuck Poet says, “We are really excited to have Vinny join the Cumulus Erie team. Vinny’s numerous media experiences in different forms of radio and other media make him the top choice to bring a fresh perspective to the entire Erie cluster.”…..Dayton air personality Aaron “Woody” Woods moves from Alpha Media’s sports talk WING-AM across town to Cox Media Group’s country WHKO “K99.1” to serve as morning drive co-host alongside morning personality and station PD Nancy Wilson.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

TALKERS | February 6, 2020

Tom Bauerle Solo Again in WBEN-AM, Buffalo Afternoons; Report Alleges Internal Strife and More. According to a report in the Buffalo Chronicle, talk show host Tom Bauerle is back to being a solo performer in afternoon drive on Entercom’s WBEN 930 AM after co-host David Bellavia left the show with no explanation. The piece says a rift between Bauerle and Bellavia is the reason for the change. It also reports speculation that Bellavia is in line to take over the late morning show from Sandy Beach as he is considering retirement. However, what’s far more bizarre is the Chronicle piece accuses Bauerle of “lashing out at members of his audience” and alleges that Bauerle sexually harassed the wife of a caller to the show. David Bellavia is still with WBEN. A station spokesperson tells TALKERS, “We have adjusted his duties to allow him the flexibility to continue with his Medal of Honor duties. We are incredibly proud to continue our relationship with him and will soon be announcing a new venture with him.”

Quote of the Week. There has been a lot of reaction, positive and negative, to Rush Limbaugh receiving the Medal of Freedom at the recent State of the Union Address. The following quote deemed “brilliant” by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is attributed to Steve Lapa (pictured above), president of South Florida-based Lapcom Communication Corp.: “How ironic is the talk radio world?! The man who was #1 on the ‘No Buy’ list received the #1 civilian honor by the President of the United States. How many agency marketing directors will open their thinking to what great talk radio is about… and the deep influence of great talent?”

iHeartMedia and VSiN Partner with XFL for Sports Betting Audio Content. The new XFL inaugural season begins on Saturday (2/8) and the league has teamed with Vegas Stats & Information Network and iHeartMedia to create audio BetCasts for two games each week during the 2020 10-week regular season and two-week post-season. The BetCasts will feature VSiN sports betting experts covering XFL games live from VSiN’s studios in Las Vegas through a wagering lens. These digital audio broadcasts, available on the iHeartRadio app, will deliver real-time odds, as well as in-depth analysis of the events behind those changing lines to inform fans during the live action of the games. VSiN founder and CEO Brian Musburger says, “It’s great to see a league like the XFL embrace sports betting as a way to drive fan engagement and interest. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the forward-thinking executives at both the XFL and iHeart to deliver the most credible and actionable sports betting content to football fans around the country on the number one audio platform.”

TALKERS News Notes. Retired Orlando talk radio personality Jim Philips authored an op ed piece in the Orlando Sentinel that decries the loss of local talent in radio. Pointing to the recent staff cutbacks and radio leaders such as iHeartMedia and Entercom, Philips says he’s a realist who understands the business is changing, but says, “This doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Philips hosted “The Philips Phile” on WTKS-FM “Real Radio 104.1” for 30 years prior to his retirement in 2018…..Lazer Broadcasting and MLB’s San Francisco Giants extend their radio partnership for three‐years – through the 2022 season – for games to air on its newly launched Spanish sports talk KSFN-AM, San Francisco “Unanimo Deportes.” Lazer Broadcasting chief revenue officer Gerardo Martinez says, “The San Francisco Giants are a first-class organization with legions of faithful Latino fans, and we’re excited to be the official home of the SF Gigantes in Español. The professional sports journalism that ‘Unanimo Deportes’ brings to sports fans is unmatched.”…..The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that “Inside Edition” Emmy Award-winning anchor Deborah Norville will host its 2020 Golden Mike Award dinner taking place Wednesday, March 4, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. This annual event is a major fundraiser for the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation to help broadcasters in acute need. As previously announced, this year’s Golden Mike Award honoree will be Dave Lougee, president and chief executive officer of TEGNA Inc. and the Lifetime Achievment Award will be presented to George Beasley, founder and chairman of Beasley Media Group.

Puckett Named Sales Manager for Beasley Southwest Florida; Johnson Rises to National Sales Manager. Radio sales pro Ellen Puckett is promoted to sales manager for Beasley Media Group’s Ft. Myers station group that includes news/talk WJBX, sports talk WWCN “ESPN Southwest Florida,” and four music brands. She’s been with the cluster since September of 2016, most recently as a senior AE. She comments, “As I move into this new phase with Beasley Media Group, I’m delighted to be working with a strong existing sales team. I look forward to using my skills in training and development to help our team introduce new products into the marketplace while continuing to grow our existing core business to provide results for our advertisers.” At the same time, Todd Johnston is upped from his account executive position to national sales manager for the cluster. Director of sales Allyson Hillman says, “We are thrilled to be able to promote Todd to his new role. His talent in negotiating and research are guaranteed to help us win in the national arena in the Ft. Myers market!”

WELI-AM, New Haven Adds FM Signal. New Haven, Connecticut news/talk WELI-AM adds FM translator W245DK to its broadcast, giving listeners to the iHeartMedia station the option to hear it on the 96.9 FM frequency. iHeartMedia Hartford Region president Steve Honeycomb says, “We are thrilled to be able to increase the reach of these heritage programs to listeners in the northern part of Connecticut. With this new signal, listeners will get to experience our unique programming like never before.”

Impeachment Ends in Acquittal, Iowa Caucuses/Presidential Race, Russian ‘Information Warfare,’ Wuhan Coronavirus, Financial Markets Activity/Macy’s Announces Closures, and Kirk Douglas Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/5). The Senate votes to acquit President Donald Trump of the impeachment charges against him; the Iowa caucuses technical woes and the race for the Democratic nomination; FBI Director Chris Wray’s warming that the Russians are engaging in “information warfare” over the 2020 election; the status of the Wuhan coronavirus; activity on the world’s financial markets and Macy’s news it will shutter 125 stores; and actor Kirk Douglas dies at 103 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. At the Cox Media Group stations on Long Island, longtime VP and general manager John Shea is retiring and the company announces that current director of sales Katelin Tinley will assume the VP/GM role. Tinley began her career with CMG as an AE back in 2005. The CMG Long Island operations includes CHR WBLI, classic rock WBAB and its digital media platforms. CMG EVP radio Bill Hendrich says of Shea, “John is the kind of passionate leader that we love at CMG. John loves his team. He loves his stations. And he loves Long Island. We are losing a friend and a great business partner but know that he has worked hard for this day and wish him the absolute best in his retirement.”…..SiriusXM announces that Pearl Jam will perform at Harlem’s world-famous Apollo Theater in a special invitation-only concert for SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners on Thursday, March 26. The special event comes days before the band embarks on the U.S. leg of their Pearl Jam 2020 tour. The concert will take place just hours ahead of the release of the band’s new album Gigaton, that goes on sale at midnight. The concert will air live on the band’s dedicated SiriusXM’s Pearl Jam Radio channel.

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Analysis: News/Talk

TALKERS | February 5, 2020

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

LOS ANGELES — A comprehensive news/talk analysis concludes our four-part series of “Holiday” 2019 overviews.

Included in this thorough synopsis are all commercial, English-language news/talk outlets (including online streams, if applicable) that appeared in any of Nielsen Audio’s 48 PPM-markets (“Holiday” 2019).

Unless otherwise noted, information for each station and stream was factored into all of our highlighted charts.

Spoiler Alert: In a sweep dominated by FM outlets playing wall-to-wall Christmas music (please see yesterday’s adult contemporary summary), news/talk stations are either down or flat in more than eight of ten cases (84%, December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019, 6+).

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

TALKERS | February 5, 2020

Trump Honors Rush Limbaugh with Presidential Medal of Freedom. During Tuesday evening’s State of the Union Address, President Trump surprised Premiere Networks nationally syndicated superstar Rush Limbaugh by announcing him as the recipient of the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This came the day after Limbaugh announced to his radio audience that he’s battling advanced lung cancer and would be missing some time on his radio show for treatment. First Lady Melania Trump placed the medal around Limbaugh’s neck. The president said, “Here tonight is a special man, someone beloved by millions of Americans who just received a stage 4 advanced cancer diagnosis. This is not good news, but what is good news is that he is the greatest fighter and winner that you will ever meet. Rush Limbaugh, thank you for your decades of tireless devotion to our country. And, Rush, in recognition of all that you have done for our nation, the millions of people a day that you speak to and that you inspire, and all of the incredible work that you have done for charity, I am proud to announce tonight that you will be receiving our country’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”

Buck Sexton to Host Evening Show on WOR, New York. Nationally syndicated talk host – and former CIA officer and NYPD counter-terrorism expert – Buck Sexton is joining the “710 WOR, The Voice of New York” program schedule as host of a new, local show airing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, beginning February 10. He hosts a daily Premiere Networks program that feeds live from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Sexton says, “I’m thrilled at this opportunity to speak to my fellow New Yorkers in drive time on the airwaves of the legendary WOR. I grew up in this city and worked to defend it as part of NYPD Intelligence. I love this town, it’s my true home – and that’s the passion and experience I’ll bring on air every night to WOR.” Sexton also appears frequently on FOX News Channel and other outlets as a political commentator and national security analyst. Pictured above are (from l-r): WOR APD Scott Lakefield, Sexton, and WOR PD Tom Cuddy.

PPM Analysis: News/Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on the commercial news/talk format. This survey period, when listening shifts to Christmas music for so many people, is always tough for news/talk and this year was no different. About 60% of news/talk stations in PPM markets saw their weekly 6+ AQH share go down from the December 2019 survey to the Holiday survey. However, iHeartMedia’s KTRH, Houston led the 16% pack that went up with a five-tenths increase for a 4.6 share. Comparing Holiday 2018 to Holiday 2019, 46% of news/talk stations in PPM markets were up, with iHeartMedia’s WREC, Memphis up 1.8 shares for a 4.4 share and both KTRH, Houston and WOAI, San Antonio up 1.7 shares for a 4.6 share and 5.3 share, respectively. Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta was the lone news/talk station ranking #1 in its market during the Holiday 2019 survey. See all the data here.

RAB and Borrell: Radio Breaks $1 Billion Digital Ad Threshold. According to the latest research released by the Radio Advertising Bureau and Borrell Associates, the radio industry’s digital ad revenue passed the $1 billion mark in 2019 and now accounts for 10% of total advertising revenue. The report indicates local radio stations grew revenue by 25% in 2019 and are forecast to see growth of 29% this year and that digital revenue is now growing faster for the radio industry than it is for any other media segment that is also selling digital advertising. RAB president and CEO Erica Farber says, “As radio continues to gain renewed interest by advertisers and the media buying community, they are recognizing radio’s assets beyond broadcast. This report underscores the importance of being a well-trained and knowledgeable radio professional and the RAB continues to deliver the digital training and professional development required for radio sellers to best serve their clients.” The annual report showed that the average station made $299,213 in digital revenue in 2019, and the average market cluster made $1.3 million. The average revenue for the top five performers ranged from $664,651 for top performing clusters in the smallest of markets to $17.1 million in the largest. The findings are a part of the RAB and Borrell’s 8th annual report, “Digital Sales Skyrocket, Hitting $1 Billion.” It is being released today to RAB members. It analyzes online ad revenue from 3,488 radio stations, as well as survey responses from 1,006 local radio buyers and a survey of 208 radio managers.

SiriusXM Pro Forma Q4 Revenue Up 6%. That figure is for SiriusXM Holdings Inc – the company that includes SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Pandora Media. The company also provides figures from the fourth quarter of 2019 and 2019 full-year data in its filing. Fourth quarter revenue was $2.1 billion – up 38% from Q4 2018. 2019 full-year revenue was $7.8 billion, an increase of 35% over 2018. Revenue was boosted by the acquisition of Pandora Media on February 1, 2019. The Company’s net income declined 3% to $243 million in the fourth quarter, while full-year net income totaled $914 million, down from $1.2 billion in 2018 due to higher acquisition, refinancing, and depreciation and amortization expenses in 2019. On a pro forma basis, fourth quarter revenue grew 6% from $1.9 billion and full-year revenue climbed 8% from $7.3 billion in the prior year periods. Pro forma figures assume the Pandora acquisition closed on January 1, 2018. SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer states, “I am so proud of SiriusXM’s milestone performance last year. Not only did we achieve our 10th consecutive year of one million-plus self-pay net additions, but we successfully completed the acquisition of Pandora Media and drove each business to record-high financial performance. Looking forward to 2020, we’re excited about a new decade of opportunity before us and confident in reiterating our guidance for the year.”

TALKERS News Notes. Correspondent and teen influencer for Radio Disney – Sammy Jaye – is the star of the new iHeartMedia podcast titled, “Let’s Be Real with Sammy Jaye.” iHeartMedia says the podcast addresses “a range of topics from mental health, political activism and the pressures of social media to lighter topics like friendships, dating and pop culture.” It’ll feature interviews with celebs including Meghan Trainor, Kesha, FINNEAS, Julia Michaels, Liza Koshy, activist Nadya Okamoto, and many more…..Cadence13 unveils a new podcast available on the RADIO.COM platform starring Dell and Sonya Curry, parents of NBA star Steph Curry. The show is titled, “Raising Fame: Sports Edition,” and features “the raw and unfiltered stories, unique perspectives, and personal memories from those who raised icons” in the sports sphere…..The Piscataquis Observer reports that Dale Duff exits Townsquare Media’s sports talk WEBQ-FM, Bangor, Maine “The Ticket” where he was brand manager to return to his hometown of Houlton, Maine and Northern Maine Media’s WHOU-FM. Duff will work on the company’s WHOU.live video streaming service headlining its sports coverage…..Earlier today (2/5), listeners tuning in to Westwood One’s “First Light” morning program heard program host Michael Toscano (pictured below) interview astronaut Christina Koch from the International Space Station. The interview was recorded yesterday (2/4) while Koch was in orbit, just 48 hours before she returns to earth after 328 days in space. Koch talked about her 139 million miles of orbit, her six spacewalks that took her outside the orbiting laboratory for more than 42 hours, and the experiments she was involved with.

Impeachment Trial, Iowa Caucus Snafu, State of the Union, Coronavirus, Financial Markets Activity, and Oscars Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/4). The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump; the technical problems dogging the Iowa Democratic Caucuses; Tuesday evening’s State of the Union Address by President Trump; concerns about a global pandemic of the coronavirus; the financial markets activity in response to the coronavirus; and this Sunday evening’s Academy Awards were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Twin Cities radio star Tom Barnard signs a multi-year contract extension with Cumulus Media to continue hosting mornings on KQRS, Minneapolis where he’s been a fixture since 1986. In 2017, Barnard was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and in 2018 entered the Pavek Museum, honoring Minnesota broadcasters. Barnard says, “I’m so grateful to the listeners and advertisers for supporting the ‘KQ Morning Show’ for the past 34 years. Thanks to them, all my years as a morning host will be spent at the legendary KQRS. Thanks to Shelly for the support system she provides me. I’m so honored to continue to do what I love in my hometown. I can’t ask for anything more.”…..Entercom announces the addition of AJ Gibson to the morning show for CHANNEL Q on RADIO.COM’s LGBTQ+ Talk Radio Network. Gibson will join co-host Mikalah Gordon on “The Morning Beat” airing weekdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm ET, effective immediately. Entercom regional president Jeff Federman says, “AJ is a talented on-air personality with a great work ethic and commitment to excellence. We’re excited to welcome him to ‘The Morning Beat’ alongside Mikalah. AJ is a fixture on Hollywood red carpets and top-selling author who inspires audiences with his story and perspective on a myriad of topics. We’re looking forward to waking up with him on CHANNEL Q.”…..Portland, Maine salsa maker Kelly Towle is joining morning host Blake Hayes on Saga Communications’ hot AC WMGX, Portland “Coast 93.1” after winning the auditions to take over for co-host Eva Matteson, who is leaving morning radio after 15 years on the WMGX AM show. Towle works marketing and selling for her Plucked Fresh Foods company and sings in a local funk band…..WHTS-FM, Grand Rapids “105.3 HOT FM” morning program “The Gray and Green Show” – starring Rachael Gray and Jackie Green – is honored by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters with two MAB Broadcast Excellence Awards in the Commercial & Network Radio category: Best Morning Show Broadcast Personality or Team and Best Feature/Use of Medium. MAB’s Broadcast Excellence Awards will be presented on March 4, 2020, at the conclusion of the Great Lakes Media Show at the Lansing Center in Lansing.

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Analysis:
Adult Contemporary

TALKERS | February 4, 2020

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

LOS ANGELES — The format that leads the way in the all-Christmas music programming strategy – adult contemporary – is the focus of the third in our four-part series of “Holiday” 2019 overviews.

While stations from other formats engage in wall-to-wall Christmas music, adult contemporary was the originator and, by an overwhelming majority, remains the most common proponent.

Full disclosure: Not every adult contemporary station listed here played all-Christmas music during the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, and 20% of our sample register a December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 decline.

Whether or not they programmed all-Christmas music from early/mid-November through Christmas Day, all adult contemporary facilities that rank in the top 20 in a PPM-market (6+, “Holiday” 2019) comprise the following scoreboards in the industry’s most extensive overview of a “Holiday” ratings sweep.

Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings information in this “Holiday” 2019 report are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

TALKERS | February 4, 2020

Joyce Kaufman Reduces Show to One Hour in New WFTL, West Palm Beach Schedule. Longtime South Florida talk show host Joyce Kaufman is moving to a new start time and will host a one-hour show as Hubbard Radio reveals “News/Talk 850” WFTL’s new program schedule. Kaufman says, “I am definitely not being pushed out. In fact, I wanted to retire, and the station management said you can’t leave completely. So, I am very grateful that they have been so gracious and accommodating.” The new lineup is as follows: “The South Florida Morning Show with Jennifer Ross and Bill Adams” from 5:30 to 10:00 am; FOX News Radio’s “The Brian Kilmeade Show” from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon; Joyce Kaufman from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm; Radio America’s “The Dana Show” from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; Westwood One’s “The Ben Shapiro Show” from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm; and “The Dave Ramsey Show” from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Hubbard Radio SVP and market manager Elizabeth Hamma says, “Joyce Kaufman has been an important piece to 850 WFTL for nearly 30 years. We are happy she remains part of our very exciting new lineup.”

Former KRLD-FM, Dallas Duo ‘Ben & Skin’ Land at Classic Rock ‘97.1 The Eagle.’ Sports talk duo “Ben & Skin” left Entercom’s KRLD-FM, Dallas “The Fan” in October saying they had a new gig lined up. Now, we learn that the duo is the new afternoon show at iHeartMedia’s classic rock KEGL, Dallas “97.1 The Eagle,” effective Monday (2/10). Ben Rogers and Jeff “Skin” Wade will be on the air from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Kevin “KT” Turner will handle news duties and Krystina Ray will serve as producer. Rogers says, “We’re beyond excited to reconnect with listeners. They’ve always been the fuel for our rocket ship, and we think they’re absolutely going to love this no-holds-barred version of our show. We’ll have complete freedom to combine everything we’re passionate about into three hours of unfiltered comedy, pop culture and sports talk. We plan to explore it all in the funniest and most entertaining ways possible.” Wade adds, “When we were offered the opportunity to be on a station that we grew up listening to, it got our creative juices flowing in a way that we hadn’t felt in a long time. This is huge for us.”

FOX Nation’s Abby Hornacek Debuts ‘Getting Schooled’ Podcast. A new podcast from FOX News Radio launches, hosted by FOX Nation travel, lifestyle and sports personality Abby Hornacek, titled “Getting Schooled.” FNR says, “With a new episode released every Monday, Hornacek will be joined by guests and experts in the field to uncover the origins behind popular buzz words and phrases. Episode one features FOX News Channel’s politics editor Chris Stirewalt as he dives into the definition of ‘caucus’ and why Iowa is the first in the nation to cast their vote and more.” Hornacek is the host of three series on FOX Nation: “PARK’D,” in which Hornacek takes viewers behind-the-scenes of United States national parks; “Ride to Work,” in which she conducts light-hearted interviews with various FOX Nation hosts and FNC personalities as she drives them to work; and “American Arenas,” in which she embraces her passion for sports and travels to the country’s most beloved fields and sporting venues.

Julie Landry Named VP of Consumer Engagement for ‘New Jersey 101.5.’ Marketing and sales pro Julie Landry is named vice president for consumer engagement for Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5.” In this role, Landry will lead Townsquare Accelerate, that works with key local and regional clients to develop creative approaches that will address their business needs. ‘NJ 101.5’ president and chief revenue officer Ron deCastro says, “Julie has a long track record of working across diverse client industries at several NYC advertising agencies and is a leading voice in the influencer marketing and branded content field. She will be leading the process to develop breakthrough, cross-channel programs that deliver results for our key clients.” Prior to joining Townsquare, she co-founded Wellness Amplified, an influencer marketing agency in New York, and was VP group account director at the Integer Group and VP account director at Wunderman in New York. Landry will work with Kristin Roderick, recently named vice president of partnership sales, “in order to help local and regional clients unlock great results, using the full range of Townsquare’s multiplatform marketing offerings.” She says, “I’m looking forward to partnering with Ron, Kristin, and the Townsquare ‘New Jersey 101.5’ sales team to bring Townsquare’s innovative broadcast and digital capabilities to life, to engage consumers and deliver superior business results for our local customers.”

TALKERS News Notes. Broadcast executive and podcast pioneer Gary Leland joins BizTalkRadio as executive vice president, a move the company says “recognizes the need to increase the digital footprint and marketing of the brand. Company COO Scott Miller says, “BizTalkRadio has been a strong option for business and lifestyle content. We continue to grow our radio footprint, but to support our affiliates we felt we needed a stronger digital and social media focus. Gary is well known in the radio podcasting space and is a marketer by nature.”…..Former WOR, New York; WRKO, Boston; and WTKK-FM, Boston talk host Jay Severin comes out of retirement to host a weekly, Sunday evening show throughout the 2020 election cycle on Westport Communications’ WBOQ-FM, Gloucester, Massachusetts. The 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm program will be available as a podcast after broadcast via North of Boston Podcast Services…..The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that University of Kentucky football and men’s basketball radio play-by-play announcer Tom Leach is brokering the three-hour Sunday morning block on iHeartMedia’s WLAP-AM, Lexington in order to continue the “Sunday Morning Sports Talk” show that was cancelled as part of iHeartMedia’s recent workforce reduction. Leach brought back two of the three hosts – Larry Vaught and Anthony White – as Mark Buerger elected not to return. Instead, show producer Curtis Burch is joining Vaught and White. Leach already brokers his daily, one-hour “The Leach Report” show on WLAP-AM and WKJK, Louisville…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that former WSCR, Chicago morning drive personality Brian Hanley has joined Good Karma Brands-operated WMVP “ESPN 1000” to serve as a weekend and fill-in host. He’ll also co-host the weekly “ESPN 1000 Hockey Show.” Hanley co-hosted AMs on “The Score” before exiting 18 months ago…..MLB’s Minnesota Twins sign a multi-year partnership with Skyview Networks to use the company’s Skyview Networks’ AdView inventory management and live read capture software. This allows the process of scheduling ads and reporting them for billing to be fully controlled by the franchise’s broadcast team and front office. Twins senior broadcast manager Andrew Halverson says, “After thoroughly researching the market, it is clear that Skyview Networks’ industry-leading AdView software is best suited to enhance our day-to-day broadcast operations, while also driving greatly-improved efficiencies in our reporting processes. We are eager to partner with Skyview’s team to maximize their resources for the betterment of our broadcasts and our advertisers alike.”

Sun Broadcast Group Acquires Envision Networks. Cleveland-based Envision Networks is being acquired by Sun Broadcast Group, a Gen Media Partners company. SBG says that this acquisition increases its national footprint with an additional 1,300 affiliates in both general market and Hispanic. It also adds to SBG’s portfolio of programming and services “Paul Shaffer’s Day in Rock,” BOB FM, MeTV FM, “The Rooster,” and more. As part of the transaction, Envision co-founders Danno Wolkoff and Laura Orkin become stockholders in the expanded SBG. They also join the executive team with Wolkoff serving as SBG’s chief development officer and Orkin accepting the position of vice president of business operations.

Iowa Caucus Problems/Presidential Race, Impeachment Trial, Coronavirus Concerns/Financial Markets Reactions, State of the Union Address, Rush Limbaugh Cancer Revelation, and Super Bowl LIV Aftermath Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/3). The issues affecting the results of the Iowa Caucuses; the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump; concerns about a possible coronavirus pandemic and the financial markets’ reactions to it; tonight’s State of the Union address to Congress; the talk radio and political world’s reaction to Rush Limbaugh’s announcement of his lung cancer diagnosis; and reaction to the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

PPM Analysis: Adult Contemporary. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on adult contemporary. Needless to say, the Holiday book is generally huge for AC stations that flip to Christmas music. Which AC station made the biggest weekly 6+ AQH share jump from the December 2019 survey? Check out the report here.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Cumulus Media’s WFYR, Peoria announces it has re-branded as “97.3 River Country” from its previous “97.3 NASH FM.” The station’s new weekday lineup is: “The Ty Bentli Show” in mornings, Wes from 9:00 am to 10:00 am; Cathy Taylor from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm; Doc Watson from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm; Biscuit from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm; and Brian from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Analysis:
National Basketball Association Flagships

TALKERS | February 3, 2020

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

LOS ANGELES — Last Sunday’s helicopter crash (1/26) that took the life of former Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant (and eight others, including Bryant’s daughter, Gianna) prompted us to conduct this extensive “Holiday” 2019 ratings recap of National Basketball Association radio flagships.

The following scoreboards are for an NBA team’s English-language, Nielsen Audio subscribing key station during the “Holiday” 2019 sweep (December 5, 2019 – January 1, 2020).

Some NBA teams have an AM and FM flagship and/or an emergency alternative (backup); however, we are showing one lead station per team.

Mirroring the one-station-per-team model, no NBA flagship in this analysis has ratings data from multiple Nielsen Audio metros.

Therefore, stats for the primary stations of the Knicks (WEPN-FM) and Brooklyn Nets (WFAN-FM) are limited to their home market of New York City, even though one or both of those stations may appear in ratings reports for Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) and/or Middlesex-Somerset-Union.

The same applies to the primary station of the Golden State Warriors, KGMZ, which is listed in both San Francisco and San Jose – only information from the San Francisco report is used here.

The lone time Hubbard Broadcasting’s federal talk WFED (Washington Wizards) appeared in print for the sweeps covered in this analysis (August 2019 through “Holiday” 2019, and “Holiday” 2018) was November 2019 (.1, 6+). Thus, it is excluded from this entire summary.

Flagships of the Oklahoma City Thunder (WWLS) and New Orleans Pelicans (KLRZ) are in non-PPM markets. As a result, information for those two stations is not included in this report.

Ratings data for Toronto Raptors flagship CJCL is unavailable.

All stats cited here are full-week, Monday – Sunday, 6:00 am – 12:00 midnight and not limited to any specific day-part.

The first day of the 2019 – 2020 NBA season was October 22.

Monday, February 3, 2020

TALKERS | February 3, 2020

Rush Limbaugh Announces That He Has Been Diagnosed with Advanced Lung Cancer – News Shocks Industry

Premiere Networks superstar Rush Limbaugh ended his 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET program today with the shocking news that he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

He made the following statement:

“This day has been one of the most difficult days in recent memory, for me, because I’ve known this moment was coming,” Limbaugh said. “I’m sure that you all know by now that I really don’t like talking about myself and I don’t like making things about me… one thing that I know, that has happened over the 31-plus years of this program is that there has been an incredible bond that had developed between all of you and me.

“So, I have to tell you something today that I wish I didn’t have to tell you. It’s a struggle for me because I had to inform my staff earlier today.

“I can’t help but feel that I’m letting everybody down. The upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer.

“I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer… diagnosis confirmed by two medical institutions on January 20^th after first discovering something not right on January 12^th.

“I thought about not telling anybody, it is what it is. You know me, I’m the mayor of Realville. This has happened and my intention is to come here every day I can, and do this program as normally and competently and expertly as I do each and every day because that is the source of my greatest satisfaction professionally, personally.

“I told the staff today that I have a deeply personal relationship with God that I do not proselytize about, but I do, and I have been working that relationship tremendously.

“I am, at the moment, experiencing zero symptoms.

“I hope I will be talking about this as little as necessary in the coming days, but we’ve got a great bunch of doctors, a great team assembled, we’re at full speed ahead on this. It’s just now a matter of implementing what we are going to be told later this week.”

Limbaugh indicated that he “hopes” to be back on Thursday further stating, “If not, it’ll be as soon as I can. Every day I’m not here I’ll be thinking of you and missing you.”

TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison has released the following statement: “Anything I have to say about Rush’s importance to the radio industry as well as the national conversation has been said countless times before. He is cumulatively the most influential individual in the modern era of talk media and any change in his role will have enormous impact. We pray for his swift and complete recovery.”

Monday Memo: Cue ‘Centerfield.’ Consultant Holland Cooke describes the morning after the Super Bowl as “like the morning after the Iowa Caucus in Des Moines or the morning after the New Hampshire Primary in Manchester: sagebrush and tumbleweed. The crowd has moved on.” And he outlines opportunities for exploiting what he calls “the best radio sport.” Read it here.

‘Bill and Wendy’ Podcast to Debut On WLSAM.com. Chicago media personalities Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder – most recently hosting a midday show at crosstown WGN-AM – are signing on with Cumulus Media to host a podcast on WLSAM.com, effective today. Cumulus says, “Since their early days at the legendary WLUP-FM “The LOOP” in the 1990s, Wendy and Bill have also been heard hosting weekday programming on Chicago radio powerhouses WKQX and WGN-AM 720. As a team, they have amassed thousands upon thousands of on-air hours conducting celebrity interviews, providing a laugh, and discussing the topics that are most important to their audiences and themselves. Once considered to be our generation’s ‘slightly edgier Donnie and Marie,’ Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder proudly bring you their version of a world gone mad! (Or at least, slightly ticked off.)”

Juandolyn Stokes Named New Midday Host at WAOK-AM, Atlanta. At Entercom’s urban news/talk outlet WAOK-AM, Atlanta, Juandolyn Stokes is named the new midday show host. Stokes is the founding pastor of Deeper Life In Christ Ministries in Conyers, Georgia and will host “On Point with Juandolyn Stokes” daily from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, effective immediately. Entercom Atlanta SVP and market manager Rick Caffey says, “Juandolyn Stokes is a leader in our community and embodies the WAOK mission, which serves as an informative, empowering, engaging and entertaining voice of Atlanta. It is our goal to provide our city with everything they need to navigate their world and I believe the addition of Juandolyn, as well as our new weekday lineup, will benefit our audience on all platforms.” Stokes’ show followed “The Rashad Richey Morning Show” and leads into Reach Media’s syndicated “Keepin’ It Real with Rev. Al Sharpton.” “Too Much Truth with Derrick Boazman” airs in afternoon drive on the station.

Columbia Sports Talker Teddy Heffner Moves to iHeartMedia’s WCOS-AM. Longtime Columbia sports radio personality Teddy Heffner – who was losing his daily sports talk show on Glory Communications’ WGCV, Columbia, South Carolina because of its pending format change – will continue talking sports in Columbia on iHeartMedia’s WCOS-AM “FOX Sports 1400.” Heffner served with iHeartMedia for almost 20 years before exiting in 2014. iHeartMedia SVP of programming LJ Smith says, “We are looking forward to having Teddy back on ‘FOX Sports 1400.’ His knowledge of sports and the connection he has with his listeners is really unique to Columbia radio. And now people can listen to him no matter where they live or travel, on the iHeartRadio App.

SCBA’s Callahan Joins Saga Communications. Media sales pro Thom Callahan is leaving the Southern California Broadcasters Association to join Saga Communications as director of business development. Callahan has been serving as president of the SCBA and current SCBA chairman Miles Sexton will serve as interim president while the group seeks a permanent replacement. Callahan says, “I am proud of the value we have created for Southern California radio and will miss so many of the great radio members we have. However, the opportunity to work with CEO Ed Christian and the great Saga team was just too compelling. I wish the SCBA great success moving forward.”

PPM Analysis: NBA Flagships. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on stations that serve as flagship stations for NBA play-by-play. This report shows comparisons of station performances from the December 2019 survey to the Holiday 2019 survey, from December 2018 to December 2019, market rankings, and more. See it all here.

TALKERS News Notes. St. Louis media personality Martin Kilcoyne is back with CH Holdings’ news/talk KTRS, St. Louis after exiting crosstown sports talk KFNS-AM two weeks ago. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Dan Caesar reports, that Kilcoyne – whose main gig is as sports director for KTVI-TV, St. Louis – begins a new position with KTRS after having hosted a regular, daily show there in the past. Kilcoyne tells Caesar, “I’ll be basically a correspondent, a contributor. I think it will be a lot of fun to be on different shows, have a chance to kind of appear in a columnist role. I can talk about sports news of the day but kind of venture off into life stories, too, and have a little bit of fun. I had a good run there and I think the audience is somewhat familiar with me and I’m familiar with the station. So, I think it’s a good fit. It’s a really professional operation, which has gotten me excited.”…..Bonneville’s news/talk KTTH, Seattle is hosting a GOP Gubernatorial Forum on Friday, February 28 at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. Station afternoon drive host Jason Rantz is moderating the free event. He says, “This won’t be a boring debate of canned answers to fit in :30 second slots. This will be an in-depth look at the issues that matter to voters most. Candidates will be challenged, the pace will be quick, and solutions to Washington’s biggest problems will be demanded of all the Republican candidates.”…..The Forum of Fargo reports that Dom Izzo’s “Hot Mic” show heard on Forum Communications’ WDAY-AM, Fargo from 9:00 am to 11:00 am daily, is now being simulcast on television on WDAY-Xtra. Izzo launched his radio show in September of 2019 after stepping back from his nightly sportscasts. He says, “This was something they talked to me about right away when they initially approached me about moving off the set. This was the thing I was most excited about was the chance to do something different that hadn’t been done before in this market.”…..Cumulus Media’s classic rock and Kansas City Chiefs flagship KCFX-FM “101 The Fox” aired a special re-broadcast of the 1969 Super Bowl IV win featuring Bill Grigsby, and all of the original game day content with no commercials. That re-broadcast led right into the “101 The Fox” pre-game show live from Super Bowl LIV in Miami….FOX News Radio is presenting live national network coverage from Des Moines today for the Iowa Caucus beginning at 7:00 pm ET with a FOX News Podcast special, “The Campaign with Bret Baier,” followed by live coverage of the results anchored by FNR’s national correspondent Jared Halpern, FNR political analyst Josh Kraushaar, and FNR reporters Tonya J. Powers and Jessica Rosenthal. Additionally, the nationally syndicated “Guy Benson Show” is broadcasting live from Des Moines from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET as is the nationally syndicated “Brian Kilmeade Show” from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET…..Entercom sports talker WZGC-FM, Atlanta “92.9 The Game and the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks announce a new, multiyear contract extension of their broadcast partnership. The extension includes the broadcast of all 82 Hawks regular season and all postseason games as well as 30-minute pre- and post-game shows. As part of the agreement, sister stations urban contemporary WVEE-FM “V-103” and WSTR-FM “Star 94.1” will provide additional promotional support.

Impeachment Trial, Wuhan Coronavirus, Financial Markets Activity, Presidential Race, Brexit, and Super Bowl LIV Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Senate’s vote not to hear witnesses in the Donald Trump Impeachment Trial; concerns about a coronavirus pandemic; the effects the Wuhan coronavirus is having on the world’s financial markets; Monday’s Iowa caucuses and the Democrats battling for the nomination to face Donald Trump in November; the U.K. officially exits the European Union; and the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Dance-formatted WPTY, Long Island “Party 105.3” names “Steve and Leeana” co-hosts of the morning show. JVC Media says, “Steve and Leeana have been a part of Long Island radio mornings for decades and now they will be part of mornings on ‘Party 105!’” The company says, “While many radio stations around the dial have been consolidating, cutting staff, bringing in national shows from other markets, and terminating jobs, JVC is doing the opposite and going back to what made radio great – live, local, and home grown.” JVC Media president John Caracciolo says, “This is live, local and hometown radio the way it is supposed to be, we’re not phoning it in. To say you are live and local isn’t enough; the radio personalities have to be involved in the community, involved in local charities and events and become ambassadors for the radio station. There is no better team to do this than Steve and Leeana.”…..Radio One Buffalo, LLC owner and operator Buddy Shula announces that former WGRF-FM, Buffalo overnight and evening personality Cindy Chan is joining the station’s personality lineup. Shula says, “While other companies are firing great on-air talent here in Buffalo and all over the country, making radio just a jukebox, WECK-AM/FM continues to appreciate what live DJs bring to our radio culture and community and we continue to hire. As a kid I grew up in Buffalo listening to Cindy Chan. I loved her conversational on-air approach and her unique style of communicating, plus she really knows her music, and relates it so well to listeners.” Cindy Chan will begin with her “Dance, Sing and Boogie-Woogie” show on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Monday Memo: Cue ‘Centerfield’

TALKERS | February 3, 2020

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — The morning after the Super Bowl…OOPS…was I supposed to say “The Big Game?”

Anyway: The morning after the Super Bowl is like the morning after the Iowa Caucus in Des Moines or the morning after the New Hampshire Primary in Manchester: sagebrush and tumbleweed. The crowd has moved on. And now we turn our attention to…

Friday, January 31, 2020

TALKERS | January 31, 2020

NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled, “Can I Get a Witness?” looks back at this past week of January 27-31, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Chris Stigall, talk show host, WNTP, Philadelphia “AM 990 The Answer”; Howard Monroe, talk show host/owner WKKX/WVLY, Wheeling, WV; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter, The Epoch Times; Pamela Garber, counselor and therapist, New York City; and Bali Samra, human resources consultant/commentator, Pioneer Valley Radio, Springfield, MA. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC on Friday evenings between 6:00-7:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KFNX, Phoenix; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA as well as appearing on the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.

iHeartMedia Re-Brands Sports WTSO, Madison; Cancels Two Local Shows. In Madison, Wisconsin, iHeartMedia makes changes to sports talker WTSO-AM, re-branding the station from its current “The Big 1070” to “1070 The Game,” and altering the daily lineup. Effective Monday (2/3), “The Crossover with Ted Davis & Dan Needles” and “Drew & K.B.” are gone from the lineup. Longtime Wisconsin sports media personality Mike Heller moves from mornings to afternoon drive (without current morning co-host Dolphin), and Steve Czaban takes over the 6:00 am to 9:00 am daypart. Czaban also hosts the afternoon drive show on Radio One’s WTEM, Washington, DC “The Team.” In middays, “The Dan Patrick Show” airs from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, followed by FOX Sports Radio’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. iHeartMedia Madison market president Drew Lautner says, “Wisconsin has a strong and diverse sports fan base. We believe we have assembled the best of the best to deliver news, commentary, differing opinions, on-field insight and an occasional laugh to our loyal listeners.”

Townsquare Media Begins Operating Duluth Sports Talk Station. Ahead of its intended purchase of WWAX-FM, Duluth, Townsquare Media enters into a time brokerage agreement with owner Twin Ports Radio and will move the sports format to its own WEBC-AM. It will also move its classic rock format from translator W293CT to WWAX-FM as “Sasquatch 92-1.” the changes are expected to take place the week of February 17. WWAX “92.1 The Fan” airs content from iHeartMedia’s The Fan Radio Network” emanating from KFXN, Minneapolis. Townsquare has acquired the Duluth-Superior radio broadcast rights for the Minnesota Vikings for the next four seasons. Townsquare Media Duluth market president and chief revenue officer Mary Niemeyer says, “All of these programming moves greatly improve the experience for our local listeners and the marketing solutions we can provide for our local advertising partners, enhancing our position as a premiere local media company in the Northland. We are thrilled to bring ‘The Fan’ back home to WEBC along with the Minnesota Vikings, while providing our rabid ‘Sasquatch’ audience extended reach on 92.1 FM.”

Report: Changes on Tap for Sports Talk KFNS-AM, St. Louis. According to Dan Caesar’s story in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, KFNS-AM, St. Louis co-owner Randy Markel has reached an agreement to sell a 50% interest in the station to local attorney Mark Goldenberg and Archford Capital Strategies CEO Jim Maher. The story indicates that lineup changes are a possibility as the newly constituted ownership group considers the station’s future. Markel tells the paper that afternoon host – longtime St. Louis talk radio figure – Frank O. Pinion currently hosts the afternoon drive show but his general interest show is not as sports intensive as the new ownership may desire. Other St. Louis sports talk personalities mentioned as possible additions to the station include Kevin Slaten, Brian McKenna, and Jeff Gordon.

PPM Analysis: All-News. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2019 PPM survey, today focusing on the all-news format. Not surprisingly, 87% of all-news stations saw their weekly 6+ AQH share decline from the December survey to the Holiday survey. Sixty percent of all-news stations lost weekly 6+ AQH share from Holiday 2018 to Holiday 2019. Entercom’s KCBS-AM, San Francisco was the highest ranked all-news station during the Holiday PPM survey, ranking #2 in the market. See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.

Impeachment Trial Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 27-31. The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the status of the Wuhan coronavirus, tied with U.S.-China Relations and the economy. Coming in at #3 was the Democrats battling to challenge President Trump in November, followed by the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s complete chart here.

Kal Rudman Shutters FMQB. After almost 52 years in business, founder and publisher Kal Rudman is shutting down the radio industry tip sheet Friday Morning Quarterback, better known as FMQB. Rudman has sold the assets of the publication to Deane Media Solutions. In a statement, Rudman says, “I am retiring from the music industry, but not the radio business. For a long time, I have focused much of my philanthropic efforts in the medical world, and now I am merging that with radio. For over 50 years, I have been the specialist in predicting countless hits for numerous artists, and I’ve received unique recognition by the music industry as not only a tastemaker but a star maker. However, times have changed drastically, along with the industry, and it was time for me to move on to my original passion, medicine.”

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Waterloo Media’s classic rock KLBJ-FM, Austin shifts the “Dudley & Bob with Matt” show from morning drive to afternoon drive, effective Monday (2/3). Station program director and PM drive host LA Lloyd moves to mornings. Waterloo SVP and market manager Scott Gillmore states, “Austinites listen to the radio in their cars. Afternoon traffic is worse and afternoon commutes are longer. Now, the drive home just got way more fun with ‘Dudley & Bob with Matt’ – and the boys get to sleep in for the first time in decades, too. Everybody’s talking in the mornings. But now there’s a true Austin pro playing great classic rock and getting you to work in a great mood. LA Lloyd on 93.7 KLBJ-FM.”…..iHeartMedia launches a classic hits station on translator W265CV, Madison, Wisconsin as “U-100.9, Madison’s Super ‘60s and ‘70s Station, effective tomorrow (2/1). iHeartMedia Madison market president Drew Lautner says, “I’m extremely excited to be part of this new station launch. Madison missed having a station that is dedicated to airing top ‘60s and ‘70s music – so we’re excited to step up and give listeners what they want with the new ‘U-100.9.’”…..NRG Media flips KPTY-AM/K297BS from CHR to country as “107.3 HANK FM – Playing the Legends of Country.” NRG Media operations manager Jeff Winfield says, “Country music is about great stories. In addition to playing classic county on ‘HANK’ we will go behind the music and share those stories with our listeners. We’ll have features like ‘HANK’s Music Vault,’ ‘Stories Made the Music,’ ‘HANK Artist Spotlight’ and ‘Rewind County.’”

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Analysis:
The All-News Format

TALKERS | January 31, 2020

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

LOS ANGELES — An overview of all-news stations initiates our wide-ranging four-part series of “Holiday” 2019 ratings summaries.

The following scoreboards reflect data from all-news properties that appear in the top 20 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019, a PPM sweep that covered December 5 (2019) through January 1 (2020).

Entercom owns all but three stations listed in this format analysis.

Non-Entercom all-news operations in this report are iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston (also listed in Providence); Hubbard Broadcasting Washington, DC’s WTOP-FM; and Sinclair Broadcast Group Seattle’s KOMO.

Ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations paying Nielsen Audio for its data.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

TALKERS | January 30, 2020

Air Personalities Out at Tyler Media’s Oklahoma City News/Talk and Sports Stations. A number of air personalities at Tyler Media’s Oklahoma City stations have been let go in what appears to be a major money-saving move. News/talk KOKC-AM/K237GE morning drive host Jack Elliott posted the news on his Facebook page that he and the “entire air staff” have been let go. The station’s website now indicates an all-syndicated lineup. Afternoon host and program director Mac Mullings, PM drive personality Chad Alexander, and sister sports talk KRXO “107.7 The Franchise” morning host Andrew Gilman and afternoon sports talk host Colby Daniels also have been let go. KOKC has replaced the local morning show with “America in the Morning” and Radio America’s “The Dana Show” with Dana Loesch occupies the afternoon drive daypart.

Report: Shannon Burke and Kara Stockton to Host Mornings on WTZA-AM, Atlanta. According to Rodney Ho at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, talk personalities Shannon Burke and Kara Stockton are joining the new talk station being launched on WTZA-AM/ W271CV, Atlanta on Monday (2/3). Station co-operators Will Regan and Jamie Chapman are leasing the signals from K&Z Broadcasting. Atlanta talk personalities Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson and Mike Brooks are also joining the station’s lineup. Burke and Stockton worked together at Cumulus Media‘s talk WYAY-FM, Atlanta prior to the company selling that signal to Educational Media Foundation. Burke also hosts afternoons at JVC Media‘s WDYZ-AM/W288CJ, Orlando “Florida Man Radio.” He’ll work both shows, hosting the WZTA program from Orlando. Ho’s story also indicates that the station is holding two-week tryouts for the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm daypart and former Phoenix talk host (and Arizona congressman) J.D. Hayworth will give it a go as will radio personality Rich Sullivan.

Theisen Promoted to VP of Sales and Marketing for Leighton Broadcasting. Sales pro Stephanie Theisen is named vice president of sales and marketing for Leighton Broadcasting. She currently serves the company as general sales manager for the company’s St. Cloud, Minnesota market and will continue in that role through 2020. Leighton operates 26 radio stations in seven markets and also produces events and is an interactive design and marketing company. Leighton Enterprises CEO Bob Leighton says, “The addition of Theisen as VP of sales and marketing will support the structure of our company as we continue to grow and expand. Stephanie has a successful track record in sales, team building, and hiring. We are looking forward to her focus in those areas in markets outside of our corporate headquarters, in 2020 and beyond.” Theisen adds, “In the coming months I will focus on amplifying the impact Leighton Broadcasting has in the communities we serve. Leighton is a robust company with talented employees throughout our locations and divisions. I am thrilled to serve as the VP of sales and marketing for this incredible company.”

‘Grant & Danny’ to Air on WRNL, Richmond. The WJFK-FM, Washington-based “Grant & Danny” Show featuring Grant Paulsen and Danny Rouhier is now being simulcast on Entercom’s Richmond, Virginia sports talk outlet WRNL-AM “Sports Radio 910 The Fan” from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm. Paulsen and Rouhier both joined WJFK-FM in 2009 and have been partners on the midday show since 2014. Entercom Virginia SVP and market manager Bennett Zier says, “I’m excited to welcome Grant and Danny to the Capital City. They are a welcomed addition as we continue serving Richmond and the surrounding markets with premier sports content and coverage of local and regional teams.”

TALKERS News Notes. Sports media personality Jorge Sedano’s Los Angeles radio show on ESPN-owned KSPN “ESPNLA” is moving to a new daypart effective Monday (2/3). Sedano has been hosting the early evening show that’s often pre-empted by Lakers games. He tweets that effective Monday the “Sedano Show” will air from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon PT…..Entercom’s Philadelphia sports talker WIP-FM “SportsRadio 94WIP” is holding a daylong “Andy Reid Appreciation Day” today (1/30) to celebrate the career and accomplishments of former Eagles and current Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Reid took the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, losing to the New England Patriots 24-21. The station says that today it will “break down Reid’s career through discussions with former NFL players and on-air hosts Ike Reese and Jon Ritchie, both of whom were on Reid’s Super Bowl team.” Program director Spike Eskin says, “It’s finally time to give Andy credit where credit is due. I look forward to celebrating his great career and reminiscing on old Eagles memories with our on-air staff as we root for ‘Big Red’ to win his first Super Bowl.”…..iHeartMedia and OZY Media have entered into a multi-year deal to co-produce and promote a slate of iHeartRadio Original Podcasts, with three shows set to be released this year and distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network. The first co-produced podcast will be “Around the World,” a travel and culture podcast featuring stories of changemakers and renegades from around the world who are doing the unexpected in the face of adversity. The content will originate from OZY’s groundbreaking year-long editorial project that saw them report three stories from every country on earth. The two additional podcasts set to launch this year include a spin-off series from OZY’s “The Thread” and a scripted series.

Impeachment, Wuhan Coronavirus, Presidential Race, Trump Middle East Peace Plan, Kobe Bryant Death, and Weinstein Trial Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/29). The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump; concerns about a global outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus; the Democrats battling to face Donald Trump in November; reaction to the Trump Administration’s Middle East peace plan; the aftermath of the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant; and the rape trial of former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

WUHAN CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Investigative Reporter Joshua Philipp Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the most knowledgeable journalists covering U.S.-China relations, Joshua Philipp, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Philipp is the senior investigative reporter with the New York City-based international news organization, The Epoch Times – the multi-language, global newspaper launched in 2000 by freedom-seeking Chinese-Americans – that specializes, among its many beats, in fearlessly keeping tabs on China and the Chinese Communist Party. The podcast was recorded on January 27 and presents an up-to-date account of what is currently known about the still-unnamed “coronavirus” that burst on the scene in the past few weeks emanating from the central Chinese city of Wuhan and has begun to spread and cause illness at an alarming pace putting health officials all around the world on increasingly high alert. The crisis offers tremendous insight into the methodology of the Chinese Communist Party and will, undoubtedly have an impact on the superpower’s activities in world affairs in the coming months. This is a major news/talk media story with serious health, political, and economic implications. To listen to the entire podcast NOW, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. It’s in the immediate aftermath of two related tragedies that morning drive personality Gary Smith is retiring from Neversink Radio’s classic hits, WABT-FM, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania “Pocono 96.7.” On January 7, Smith’s co-host Elisa Chase died suddenly after a brief illness at the age of 38. Then, the day after Chase’ memorial service, her husband died at their home. The station says, “Smith took time off after his colleague’s death and went back on the air with his ‘Gary in the Morning Show’ last week to do a memorial. It turned out it would be his last show.” On its website, the station writes to its listeners, “As you likely have heard, we lost our beloved Elisa in early January. Between this and the sudden death of her husband, our entire organization is in pain over these losses. Gary has taken this quite hard as Elisa was his ‘radio wife.’”…..Colorado Public Radio’s triple A KVOQ-FM, Denver “Indie 102.3” hired on-air pro Jason Thomas to host the afternoon drive show, effective February 5. Thomas hosted afternoons at Entercom’s triple A WXRT, Chicago for the past 12 years. “Indie 102.3” program director Willobee Carlin says, “We are thrilled to have Jason join our ‘Indie 102.3’ team. His background and success in the radio world will be incredible assets to both the station and Colorado’s music scene. He has an obsession for music that is truly contagious, and I can’t wait to see how that translates onto our airwaves.” Thomas comments, “The team at ‘Indie 102.3’ has been incredibly welcoming, and it’s been eye-opening to see how committed everyone is to Colorado and its music scene. I can’t think of a station/city combo that’s a better fit for me, and I’m excited to work and learn alongside a team that’s loaded with true music junkies that want to serve and connect with our listeners.”

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

TALKERS | January 29, 2020

Talk Hosts Cover Trump’s Wildwood Rally. Talk radio hosts from the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York areas were in attendance at last night’s Trump rally at the Wildwoods Convention Center at the Jersey Shore. Above at left is WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley with a front row view as President Trump speaks. At top right is WPHT, Philadelphia morning drive host Rich Zeoli (right) talking with the first person in line to get a ticket for admission, Duke (left). At bottom right is WNYM, New York “AM 970 The Answer” afternoon personality Kevin McCullough (right) with Republican National Committee spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany (left). Rally organizers say some 175,000 tickets were requested for the event although the venue holds 7,000. McCullough tells TALKERS magazine campaign officials are considering another rally at a future date in Northern New Jersey at the Meadowlands Sports Complex.

Staffs of News/Talk KFMB-AM and Adult Hits KFMB-FM in San Diego Given Notice. Some 45 staffers at Tegna’s two radio stations in San Diego have been given their two-week notice in advance of the stations’ transfer of ownership to Local Media San Diego after February 7. The San Diego Reader reports that the staffers were told that new owner LMSD is keeping four salespeople and one commercial production person. Tegna says that it’s now up to LMSD to decide if it wants to hire any of the dismissed employees back. From news/talk KFMB-AM, local talk personalities Brent Winterble, Mike Slater, and Mark Larson are among the casualties. It’s unclear at this time what LMSD’s format plans are for the two stations. The hosts are still working through February 7 at which time all employees will receive their severance packages. Tegna acquired the radio stations in 2018 along with two television stations from Midwest Television for $325 million.

PodcastOne Partners with Spotify for Podcast Distribution. Podcasts by such stars as basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, WWE legend Steve Austin, bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe, and comedian Adam Carolla will soon be available worldwide via Spotify. Spotify’s Lauren Jarvis says, “We are thrilled to bring PodcastOne’s 400-plus hours of fresh, weekly content to Spotify’s global listeners. From longtime-running favorites like ‘The Adam Carolla Show,’ ‘Ladygang,’ and Kaitlyn Bristowe’s ‘Off the Vine,’ to shows from superstars like Shaquille O’Neal and T.I., we know that we are adding podcasts for diverse listener tastes to Spotify’s catalogue.” Spotify listeners worldwide will be able to enjoy each of PodcastOne’s 300-plus programs, including original content produced by PodcastOne Global. Eventually, Australian fans will be able to stream PodcastOne’s content as well, with the addition of PodcastOne Australia content in partnership with Southern Cross Austereo. PodcastOne CEO Peter Morris comments, “PodcastOne is thrilled to make our extensive catalogue available to the Spotify audience. Combining the power, talent, and reach of the leading ad-supported podcast network, PodcastOne, with Spotify’s best-in-class technology, and listening and user experience is a can’t miss. This partnership creates new cross-promotional opportunities for us both and increases the accessibility of PodcastOne’s hundreds of programs for our listeners. It’s been great to work with Lauren Jarvis and the Spotify team, as we launch our new partnership.”

Erika Beasley Promoted to VP of Digital Content for Beasley Media Group. At Beasley Media Group, Erika Beasley rises from her corporate digital content director position to vice president of digital content. In this new role, she’ll be responsible for overseeing content creation on the company’s many digital platforms. Beasley Media Group chief content officer Justin Chase says, “Erika’s outstanding work throughout the years, in a variety of different roles, speaks for itself. Her many contributions to the company’s digital transformation has moved us forward in profound ways. I look forward to Erika partnering with our vice president of digital market, Jennifer Williams, and the company’s highly talented digital content team to further expand our digital footprint.”

Impeachment, Trump Wildwood Rally, Presidential Race, Coronavirus, and Trump’s Middle East Plan Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/28). The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump; the large crowd gathered at last night’s Trump rally in Wildwood, New Jersey; the Democrats battling to challenge President Trump in November; concerns about a global epidemic of the Wuhan coronavirus; and the Trump Administration’s unveiling of its Middle East peace plan were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS News Notes. Cable news/talk outlet FOX News Channel is celebrating its ratings success. In an internal memo, FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott and president and executive editor Jay Wallace say, “We passed CNN at the end of January 2002 in viewership in the key 25-54 demo in both Today Day and Primetime and never looked back. There is no other network in cable that can lay claim to this level of consistent dominance with one of the most loyal and passionate audiences in the country.”…..WSCR, Chicago morning drive personality David Haugh has exited his gig with the Chicago Tribune where he was a sports columnist. Haugh, who co-hosts the “Mully & Haugh” show with Mike Mulligan, spent 17 years with the Tribune – the last 10 as a sports columnist – according to Chicago media writer Robert Feder…..Trenton, New Jersey-based Penn National Gaming is acquiring a 36% interest in the sports media firm Barstool Sports for $163 million – $135 million in cash and $28 million in non-voting convertible preferred stock. Kennedy Rose has the story in the Philadelphia Business Journal. In addition to its digital content that enjoys 66 million unique visitors per month, Barstool broadcasts radio shows via its own channel on SiriusXM…..Pictured below is KQTM-FM, Albuquerque “101.7 The Team” afternoon drive personality Jim Villanucci (right) with KQTM personality Sam Hauser (left) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (center). Gentry — a star high school football player in Albuquerque and a big fan of the station — stopped by the studios to say hello. “101.7 The Team” airs a regular slate of high school football games during the season.

Legendary Jock Harry Harrison Dies at 89. Top 40-era New York radio legend Harry Harrison died yesterday (1/28) after complications from numerous health issues. Harrison worked on air at WMCA – one of the WMCA Good Guys – and at WABC, as well as later at WCBS-FM. He retired from the latter in 2003. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame last fall. Photo: Art Vuolo Jr.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. An administrative law judge with the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Stephens Media Group violated labor laws when it let a number of air personalities go from its Watertown and Massena, New York stations in 2018. Judge Charles J. Muhl ruled that not only must Stephens hire the fired staffers back but must compensate the affected workers for financial losses and tax consequences. Stephens tells NNY360 that it plans to appeal certain aspects of the ruling…..The entire staff – both on-air and off – of adult hits KFMB-FM, San Diego was given its two-week notice as owner Tegna prepares to close on the sale of the station (and sister news/talk KFMB-AM) to Local Media San Diego. Out of work are Chris Cantore, Meryl Klemow, Cha Cha Harlow, Robin Roth, and Rick Lawrence. They are working through February 7, at which point they will receive their severance packages. It’s not clear what LMSD’s plans are for the station, which as part of the sale contract, must give up the KFMB-FM call letters…..In Duluth, Minnesota, Patti Banner joins J.D. Justice as co-host of the morning show on Midwest Communications’ country KTCO-FM “Kat Country 98.9.” She was most recently with Cherry Creek Radio’s adult contemporary KONA, Tri-Cities, Washington as morning drive co-host. She takes over for Brookie the Rookie, who leaves for a gig outside the radio business…..This year’s iHeartCountry Festival taking place on May 2 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin will feature the following acts: Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Dustin Lynch, Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Jon Pardi and Chase Rice, plus Hot Country Knights, Bobby Bones and more.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

TALKERS | January 28, 2020

Talk Radio Plays Role in Build-Up to Jersey Shore Trump Rally. Local talk radio has been front and center during the two days leading up to President Trump’s rally tonight (1/28) in Wildwood, New Jersey. Pictured above is WNTP, Philadelphia “AM 990 The Answer” morning drive personality Chris Stigall – who broadcast his Tuesday morning show from Wildwood – posing for a selfie with some members of the large crowd gathered near the convention center hoping to get tickets to attend tonight’s event. WPGG, Atlantic City morning drive host Harry Hurley hosted Lara Trump – wife of Eric Trump – on Monday’s program to talk about the president’s rally and the intense demand for tickets. Hurley also had the opportunity to interview “Duke” – the man with the unique designation of being the first person in line at the convention center to get a ticket. Hear that interview here. WPHT, Philadelphia late morning talk host Dom Giordano says, “Due to Wildwood being a small resort town, this became Trumpstock. This became a town taken over by Trump supporters. On air, there was a feeling that this was a once-in-a-lifetime event that resulted in huge crowds in Wildwood.”

Senator Sherrod Brown Seeks Answers About iHeartMedia Layoffs. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) penned a letter to iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman last week asking for information about the recent “employee dislocation.” In the letter, Brown tells Pittman – after pointing to Pittman’s $9 million bonus in 2017 and $9.3 million incentive bonus in 2018 – “It is difficult enough to understand the decision to continue the hollowing out of local media outlets by laying off disc jockeys in smaller communities. But it is particularly difficult to make sense of this decision given that it came after a significant increase in the company’s executive compensation over the last few years.” Pittman is not bound by law to answer Brown’s questions, but TALKERS suspects he’ll do Brown the courtesy of a reply of some sort. Here are the four questions he’d like answered by February 14: 1) How many workers were affected by iHeartMedia’s recent layoff announcement? Of those workers, how many are in Ohio? 2) The company is reportedly giving severance to the affected workers. Please provide details about the severance provided, including whether it includes severance pay and if so, how much and whether it includes health care benefits, and if so for how long. 3) Is the company giving affected workers priority consideration in the hiring process for any currently open positions in the company? Is the company going to give affected workers priority consideration in the hiring process for any positions that become open in the future? If so, for how long will affected workers be given hiring preference? 4) Is the company offering or paying for any training affected workers might seek to help them find new employment? If so, please provide details about the training offered or paid for, including the type of training, the length of time a worker can pursue such training, and, in the case of training paid for by iHeartMedia, the amount the company will pay for the worker to obtain such training.

FCC Close to Dismissing Renewal Applications for Entertainment Media Trust’s St. Louis Market Stations. An FCC administrative law judge is giving Entertainment Media Trust’s Dennis J. Watkins, trustee, until February 18 to comply with a request for information and an order to show cause why the applications for license renewal for four AM stations and an FM translator construction permit should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute. In an Order to Show Cause, Judge Jane Hinckley Halprin outlines the numerous failures to comply with FCC requests on the part of Trustee Watkins – including not showing up for a December 5, 2019 prehearing conference. This comes almost eight years after petitioner Mark Kern challenged the license renewals of KFTK-AM, East St. Louis; WQQW, Highland, Illinois; KZQZ, St. Louis; and KQQZ, DeSoto, Missouri alleging that Robert Romanik – a convicted felon – is illegally controlling the stations. Kern alleges that Romanik – who operates the stations d/b/a Insane Broadcasting Company – helped fund the Trust’s acquisition of the stations although he’s not part of any FCC applications. Romanik hosts a daily show on KQQZ from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The website says of his show, “‘The Grim Reaper of Radio’ is not politically correct or politically incorrect, he’s politically insane!!”

Round Four of Holiday PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2019 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. The survey period was December 5 through January 1. Perhaps on the strength of the Green Bay Packers playoff run and the performance of the first-place Milwaukee Bucks, flagship WTMJ – owned by Good Karma Brands – adds two-tenths to its 6+ weekly AQH share for a 5.9 share and the #4 rank. Cox Media Group’s news/talk WOKV-FM, Jacksonville halts a three-survey slide with a two-tenths increase to finish the Holiday survey at an 8.3 share and the #2 rank. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways here.

Impeachment/Bolton Manuscript, Presidential Race, Pompeo-NPR Spat, Coronavirus, Kobe Bryant Death, SCOTUS Immigration Ruling, and Grammy Awards/Race Relations Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/27). The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump and the manuscript penned by former national security adviser John Bolton; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in November; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s anger with NPR over Ukraine line of questioning; concerns over the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus; the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and eight others in a helicopter crash; the Supreme Court overrules a lower court’s stay on the Trump Administration’s “public charge” rule for low income immigrants; and Sunday’s Grammy Awards and allegations of bias against black artists were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Jayn is promoted to the role of music supervisor for Entercom’s hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” and alternative KITS “ALT 105.3.” She continues as afternoon drive personality and APD for KLLC. Entercom San Francisco SVP and market manager Greg Nemitz says, “Besides being the musical muse behind ‘Alice’ for the past 16 years, Jayn has been an integral part of the ‘ALT 105.3’ music team alongside APD and music director Aaron Axelsen. Jayn and Aaron together are an unstoppable force and will continue to make these two stations leaders in this market.” Jayn joined “Alice @ 97.3” in 2004 as assistant program director and music director. She expanded her role to midday host in 2006 before transitioning to afternoon drive in 2014…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One announces six new affiliate stations for the nationally syndicated urban AC show “Rick and Sasha.” They include: WGNU-AM/FM, St. Louis; WMXU-FM, Columbus/Starkville, Mississippi; WKZJ-FM, Columbus, Georgia; KVMA-FM, Shreveport; WQVE-FM, Albany, Georgia; and WBXB-FM, Edenton, North Carolina…..On-air pro Kathy Vogel is moving from Rubber City Radio’s classic rock WONE-FM, Akron where she hosted middays to the company’s new adult contemporary WNWV, Cleveland “107.3 JenY FM” as morning drive personality…..Air personality Tim Burger announces via a Facebook post that he’s exited SummitMedia’s country KFDI-FM, Wichita after three years as part of the morning show. He says, “I am so grateful I was able to be part of a heritage radio station that the people in Wichita have turned to for over 50 years.”…..In the Scranton/Wilkes Barre market, Mark Hoover is promoted to program director for Shamrock Communications’ classic rock WEZX “Rock 107.” Hoover has been serving as afternoon host and promotions coordinator. He’ll continue to handle the afternoon shift and manage the promotions department.

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Four

TALKERS | January 28, 2020

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2019 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2019 survey period covered December 5 (2019) – January 1 (2020). Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being a collective -1.4 in three straight setbacks (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.6, 6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” continues in ninth-place. October’s 5.0 was its best 6+-performance in more than six years (5.0, as well, June 2013). Repeating at #26, Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” is without a loss the fourth time in a row with a net gain of one-tenth (.3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4, 6+).

After more than doubling (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share through six consecutive bumps (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” relinquishes exactly half that increase (2.1, -.8, #14 to #16, 6+). In three straight down or flat moves, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” is down a total of four-tenths (.9 – .8 – .5 – .5, flat at #25, 6+).

On top the past three months, University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT (9.3 – 7.4, 6+) segues to second. KUT’s shifts in 2019 include: +1.6 (January); -.6 (February); +.7 (March); -2.0 (April); -.1 (May); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); -.6 (September); +2.0 (October); -.5 (November); +.5 (December); and -1.9 (“Holiday” 2019).

Austin Music Formats – Tacking on a “Holiday” 2019 +5.5 to December’s +1.2 (5.1 – 6.3 – 11.8, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” jumps from third to first. Down four-tenths in October/November (5.5 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), KKMJ becomes the first Austin station to record double-digits (11.8, 6+) since it did so in “Holiday” 2017 (12.4). Up seven-tenths and matching August’s 2.7 (2.0 – 2.7, 6+), Sinclair Telecable’s similarly-formatted KGSR “Star 93.3” advances from #17 to #14. Improving by one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KPEZ “102.3 The Beat” (#13 to #7) and Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” (steady at #15). “The Beat” has its best 6+-stat (4.2) since July (4.4), while “Que Buena” is without a loss the third time in a row (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+). KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” is an overall -1.2 in three drops in a row (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 4.2, fifth to seventh, 6+). The iHeartMedia country station was a combined +2.2 in September/October (3.3 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), with September’s 5.5 its best 6+-showing since May, when KVET-FM reached 5.8 (6+). The three most recent shifts by co-owned/similarly-programmed KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” are -.9 (November); +.9 (December); and -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.2 – 5.1 – sixth to ninth, 3.6, 6+). Having more than doubled (+3.0) its 6+ AQH share via five successive gains (2.8 – 3.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.8, 6+), Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KFMK “Spirit 105.9” drops eight-tenths in December/“Holiday 2019 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.0, 6+) and repeats at #4. Owing to seven setbacks in succession, Sinclair Telecable adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob-FM” is a collective -2.1 (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 7.8 – 7.2, 6+). “Bob” spent six consecutive sweeps at #1; was in the runner-up slot the last three months; and now, slips to third-place. In an alternating up/down pattern that began in September (3.7 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), co-owned KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” exits the top ten (#10 to #12). As a result of six consecutive positive or neutral trends, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLJA tripled (+1.4) its 6+ AQH-share (.7 – .8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+); however, “Amor 107.7” surrenders four-tenths to 1.7 (#15 to #17, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – Off four-tenths (5.7 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” slips from sixth to eighth. A combined +.3 in November/December (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” drops one-tenth in “Holiday” 2019 to 1.2 (6+) and remains at #19.

A collective +1.0 in three straight improvements (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” relinquishes 40% (-.4) of that increase in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+) yet climbs from #14 to #13.

Including “Holiday” 2019’s loss of eight-tenths, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” continues an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in February: 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 8.5 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 6.0 (third to fifth, 6+).

Raleigh Music Formats – Having squandered eight-tenths in November/December (7.7 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL answers with a “Holiday” 2019 +2.2 to 9.1, its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018 (9.6). Moreover, “Mix 101.5 – The Variety That Makes You Feel Good” progresses from second to first. On top the past four sweeps, Radio One urban AC WFXC (7.2, 6+) segues to the runner-up slot. Up one-half share in November/December (8.2 – 8.3 – 8.7, 6+), “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” spent 12 consecutive survey periods at #1; had an August-only stay at #2; and returned to #1 in September. Its August gain of two-tenths ended six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -2.8 (11.0 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+). Recent WFXC (6+) fluctuations include: +1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.1 (February); -.6 (July); -.6 (October); and -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019). January’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Winning ways continue for Radio One gospel WNNL “The Light 103.9,” which is a collective +2.5 in four straight bumps and reaches the seven-share mark (4.5 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.2 – 7.0, fifth to third, 6+). Notching gains of one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia’s WRDU “Classic Rock 100.7” (5.6, ninth to sixth, 6+) and Curtis Media Group WYMY “La Ley 101.1 FM” (1.0 – 1.5, 6+). WRDU is bouncing back from December’s loss of nine-tenths to 5.1, its lowest 6+-stat since July 2018’s 4.7. Meanwhile, WYMY returns to the top twenty (#21 to #18) with its best 6+-stat (1.5) since July (1.6). As WYMY hot AC sibling WPLW-AM “Star 92.9 – The Triangles Best Variety” notches a +.5 (#22), CHR sibling WPLW-FM “Pulse FM” regresses by seven-tenths and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). This marks the sixth successive report without a loss for “Star,” which more than quadruples (+.7) its 6+-figure in that timeframe (.2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .4 – .9, 6+); “Pulse FM” is a combined -.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). The three latest fluctuations for Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” are: +1.3 (November); -.7 (December); and -.5 in “Holiday” 2019 (6.8 – 6.3, third to fourth, 6+). November’s 7.5 was its strongest 6+-stat since February (7.8). Through five successive downturns, Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” is a collective -1.9 (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.9, eighth to ninth, 6+). By gaining one-tenth to 5.4 (unchanged at #7, 6+), its adult hits sibling, WBBB “96.1 BBB Your Life – Your Music,” curtails three straight decreases that accounted for an overall -1.5 (6.8 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.3, 6+). December’s 5.3 was WBBB’s lowest 6+-stat since March (5.0).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1,” which has been: -.9 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); -1.2 (April); +.9 (June); +.5 (August); -.5 (October); +.6 (November); and now -1.3 in “Holiday” 2019 (6.7 – 5.4, fourth to fifth, 6+).

Three consecutive increases by Emmis’ WFNI yielded a +1.2 (1.7 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (2.8, #14, 6+). Unchanged at #18, iHeartMedia-owned WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” has a June 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline of: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – .9 – 1.0 (6+).

The July 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 2019 alternating up/down pattern by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI (including “Holiday” 2019’s -1.1) is: 4.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 3.7 (eighth to ninth, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – Three mega-increases in succession deliver Emmis adult contemporary WYXB a cumulative +10.8 (7.4 – 8.8 – 10.2 – 18.2, 6+) as “B-105.7” repeats at #1. Over and above that, WYXB now boasts the largest 6+-performance (18.2) by any Indianapolis station in the PPM-era. “B-105.7” was +.9 in three straight June through September gains (7.4 – 7.8 – 8.0 – 8.3, 6+) and then -.9 in October. The station WYXB dislodged from the top spot after 11 months in a row there – Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” – is -4.5 via four straight downturns (11.1 – 10.4 – 10.2 – 8.0 – 6.6, second to third, 6+). WJJK’s 11.1 (July and September) represents the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing April’s 10.2. Among WJJK’s dramatic 2019 fluctuations are: +2.9 (January); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); +1.7 (April); +1.4 (July); -1.1 (August); +1.1 (September); -.7 (October); -2.2 (December).; and -1.4 (“Holiday” 2019). As a result of seven successive decreases, Entercom CHR WZPL has its 6+ AQH share eroded by roughly 48% (-3.0) as “99.5 ZPL” exits the top ten (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.2, #9 to #11, 6+). On the heels of December’s -1.2, Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank” forfeits another eight-tenths (7.4 – 6.2 – 5.4, 6+) yet advances from sixth to a fifth-place tie. “Hank” was up one-tenth in November, after its October +1.3 neutralized August/September’s -1.2 (7.2 – 7.1 – 6.0, 6+). Dropping one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” (flat at #3) and Cumulus Media hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix” (3.4 – 2.9, flat at #13, 6+). In an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in June and includes December’s +1.0 and “Holiday” 2019’s -.5, “Q-95” is: 6.7 – 5.9 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 7.1 – 6.6 (6+). “The Mix,” which was trending 2.9 – 3.3 – 2.9 (September – October – November, 6+), logged a +.5 in December. A +1.2 in four successive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), Sarkes Tarzian triple A WTTS is off one-tenth to 3.8, 6+); nonetheless, “92.3 Experience The Music” proceeds from a tenth-place tie to eighth. After posting a 3.4 (6+) in June, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU is unlisted the seventh time in a row.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Off a whopping -2.7 in November/December (8.4 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ (Packers, Bucks) answers with a “Holiday” 2019 increase of two-tenths (5.9, sixth to fourth, 6+). “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” was a combined +1.3 in September/October (7.1 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+) and had an October-only stay at #1. In three straight increases, iHeartMedia’s WISN gained one-half share (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), but “News/Talk 1130” falters by -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.0, flat at #9, 6+).

Tied at #18 are iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” (1.4 – .9, #15 to #18) and Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” (.7 – .9, +.2, #22 to #18, 6+). “The Game” and “The Fan” are one-tenth ahead of Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” (.9 – .8, -.1, #19 to #20, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WOKY is down a total of three-tenths in three straight decreases (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4, 6+), “The Big 920” moves from #24 to #23.

Following five up or flat sweeps in a row that netted a +1.8 (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.4 – 4.8, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM surrenders eight-tenths to 4.0 (flat at #9, 6+). Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD, which doubled (+.8) its 6+ AQH share in four consecutive up or flat reports (.8 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.6, 6+), is -.5 in December/“Holiday 2019” (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1, #18 to #17, 6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – Owing to three upticks in succession, Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB is a cumulative +6.2 (5.2 – 5.7 – 6.8 – 11.4, 6+). Down six-tenths in September/October (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2, 6+), “B-93.3” cracks double-digits (11.4) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (10.3). Three consecutive down or flat moves by WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” accounted for a -1.8 (9.6 – 8.3 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). The iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet, however, roars back in “Holiday” 2019 with a +4.0 to 11.8 (6+) and is #1 the third time in a row. WRIT spent four straight months in the lead before segueing to the runner-up slot in October. “Holiday” 2019’s 11.8 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Recent (6+) moves by WRIT include: +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); – 1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); +.8 (June); -1.3 (October); -.5 (November); and +4.0 (“Holiday” 2019). After notching an increase of seven-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.6, 6+), Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” spirals by -1.5 (6.1, second to third, 6+). Prior to December (7.6), the last time “Mix” reached the seven-share level was in November 2015 (7.0, 6+). Eroding by -1.4 (each) are Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” (third to fifth) and iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” (fifth to sixth). WKLH is down or flat the sixth time in a row for a -2.8 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 5.6, 6+); WMIL is -2.1 in three downturns in succession (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+). As a result of three straight increases, Saga Communications’ WHQG was an overall +1.4 (4.1 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), but “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” is a combined -.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.7, seventh to eighth, 6+). When Entercom CHR WXSS posted a +.4 in December, it interrupted five straight reports without an increase (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, however, “103.7 Kiss-FM” falters by six-tenths to 3.8 (flat at #11, 6+). Saga Communications urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3” has lost eight-tenths via three down or flat moves in a row (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.2, #12 to #13, 6+). After nearly tripling (+1.2) its 6-stat in four straight sweeps without a loss (.7 – .9 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.9, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance classic hits-oldies WZTI “Fonz FM – Milwaukee’s Pop, Soul, & Rock ‘N Roll” drops one-tenth (1.8, flat at #14, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Down seven-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+), directly after its +1.7 in six up or flat sweeps in a row (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” slips from ninth to tenth. Four consecutive improvements by iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC netted +1.0 (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.4, 6+); however, “Talk Radio 1510” forfeits four-tenths to 2.0 (#16 to #17, 6+). In December, WLAC reached the two-share level (2.4) for the first time in more than four years (2.0, October 2015).

Despite being an overall -1.1 in three straight down or flat moves (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) advances from #12 to #11. Prior to this streak, “The Zone” netted a +2.4 in four straight upticks (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+). Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) is down an overall one-half share in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8, #20 to #19, 6+).

Recent shifts by Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” include: August/September’s +1.8 (5.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+); October/November’s -1.5 (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+); December’s +.4 (5.4 – 5.8, 6+); and -1.2 in “Holiday” 2019 (5.8 – 4.6, fourth to eighth, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – Stacking a +6.1 onto December’s +2.2 (7.5 – 9.7 – 15.8, 6+) Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” repeats at #1. This time last year, WJXA posted a 14.1 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations by “Mix” include: +3.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); -.5 (March); -.6 (April); +1.0 (May); -1.6 (October); +2.2 (December); and +6.1 (“Holiday” 2019). Repeating at #2, co-owned WCJK “96.3 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” is -2.7 in three drops in a row (8.9 – 7.8 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+). This immediately follows its overall +2.1 in three successive spikes (6.8 – 8.0 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+). October marked WCJK’s first time at #1 since April, when it logged an 8.4 (6+). A collective +1.6 in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 4.0, 6+), Salem Media Group’s WFFH “The Fish” jumps from #14 to #11. “94 FM The Fish” previously lost approximately 47% (-2.1) of its 6+-share as a result of four down or flat moves in a row (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.2 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). Educational Media Foundation’s similarly-formatted WLVU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” was a collective +1.5 in three June through September improvements (2.0 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.5, 6+); a combined -1.7 in October/November (3.5 – 2.6 – 1.8, 6+); +.6 in December (1.8 – 2.4, 6+); and now -.5 in “Holiday” 2019 (2.4 – 1.9, #16 to #18, 6+). In five straight sweeps without a loss, WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYM “WAY-FM” is an overall +1.8 (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+) and is flat at #15. In the market’s CHR tussle, Midwest Communications’ WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” gains six-tenths (2.1 – 2.7, #18 to #16, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRVW “107.5 The River” drops one-half share (6.1 – 5.6, flat at #3, 6+). WNFN is bouncing back from December’s loss of one-half share. After five straight reports without a loss for a net gain of nine-tenths (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2, 6+), “The River” dropped one-tenth in December. The three most recent shifts by Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” are -.7 (November); +.6 (December); and +.5 in “Holiday” 2019 (4.6 – 5.1, tenth to fifth, 6+). Prior to the December sweep, “92-Q” was a collective -1.5 in three decreases in succession (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+). That immediately followed an overall +1.3 via four successive gains (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.5, 6+). Faltering by eight-tenths (each) are Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” (5.5 – 4.7, fifth to sixth, 6+); Cromwell alternative WBUZ “102.9 The Buzz” (3.6, #11 to #13, 6+); and iHeartMedia’s WNRQ “105.9 The Rock” (#12 to #14). WSM-FM was +1.6 in October/November (4.5 – 5.0 – 6.1, 6+) and -.6 in December. Entering the October sweep, “Nash Icon” had lost an overall seven-tenths in four straight negative or neutral trends (5.2 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). WBUZ had been an overall +2.0 in three consecutive improvements (2.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.4, 6+). In six consecutive decreases, WNRQ is a cumulative -4.5 (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.5 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+). Tied with WSM-FM is iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country,” which is down or flat the sixth time in a row for a collective -1.5 (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.7, seventh to sixth, 6+). This comes immediately after WSIX was +2.7 in seven consecutive up or flat sweeps (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.2, 6+). Nashville Public Radio classical-formatted WFCL, which gained one-half share in six successive sweeps without a loss (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 -.7 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), forfeits six-tenths to .6 (#19 to #22, 6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit down a combined half-share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), Cumulus Media–owned WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” progresses from ninth to eighth. Regaining the two-tenths it lost in December (.6 – .4 – .6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” pushes up from #18 to #16. November’s one-tenth increase halted eight straight down or flat moves that accounted for an approximately 75% reduction (-1.6) of its 6+-AQH share (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – .9 – .9 – .7 – .5, 6+). As a result of eight down or flat reports in succession, Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” has lost four-tenths (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, flat at #19, 6+).

Entrenched in seventh-place, Entercom sports talker WVEI continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in February: 4.1- 3.6 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 3.8 (6+). July’s 3.1 is its lowest 6+-stat since March 2018’s 2.8.

Having doubled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share in October/November (.9 – 1.4 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston news – talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” surrenders one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.2, flat at #14, 6+).

WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH is a combined -.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.3, eighth to ninth, 6+). Following December’s -1.3, The Wheeler School’s news/talk outlet WELH repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.3, #19, 6+). November’s gain of two-tenths suspended six consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+).

Providence Music Formats – December’s tie at #1 is broken with emphasis by Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105,” which hauls out a +7.5 and has nearly doubled (+8.3) its 6+-stat in three bumps in a row (8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3 – 16.8, 6+). Its 16.8 (6+) is six-tenths better than “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2 (6+). After four months in succession at #1, iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” (9.3 – 8.0, -1.3, 6+) segues to the runner-up slot. WHJY wiped away October/November’s loss of six-tenths (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7, 6+) with a December gain of equal magnitude. Having occupied the lead position three months in a row, WHJY shifted to the runner-up slot in August; “94 HJY” was +.7 in September. Even though Hall Broadcasting-owned WCTK plummets by -1.9 (8.3 – 6.4, 6+), “Cat Country 98.1” continues in third-place. Entering the September sweep, WCTK was a collective +1.7 in three straight improvements (7.6 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3, 6+). August’s 9.3 (#1, 6+) represented its highest 6+-share since 10.1 in July 2018. “Cat Country” then posted three consecutive down or flat reports that led to an overall -1.5 (9.3 – 8.3 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+) and gained one-half share in December. Unchanged in fifth-place, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” is an overall -1.9 in three sweeps in a row without an increase (7.6 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+). Regressing by eight-tenths and seven-tenths, respectively, are Townsquare Media CHR WFHN “Fun 107 The Southcoast’s #1 Hit Music Station” (1.9, ninth to tenth, 6+) and iHeartMedia Boston’s similarly-programmed WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” (1.7 – 1.0, #12 to #16, 6+). Off three-tenths in October/November (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), “Fun 107” was up eight-tenths in December to 2.7, its strongest 6+-stat since February’s 3.7. “Kiss 108” gained a total of four-tenths in November/December (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+). Also in the CHR arena, Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music PRO FM” is -1.2 in four consecutive down or flat trends (7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.2 – 5.8, 6+) yet advances from fifth to fourth. Unlisted the seventh month in a row are Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3,” which posted a 1.2 in June (#16, 6+) and classic hits-oldies sibling WSKP “Good Times … Great Oldies” (.8, #19, June 2019, 6+).

Norfolk

Spoken-Word Formats – After almost doubling (+1.0) its 6+-stat in five consecutive up or flat moves (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” surrenders one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) but continues at #11.

Norfolk Music Formats – Reinforcing December’s +2.6 with a “Holiday” 2019 +5.5 (5.1 – 4.3 – 6.9 – 12.4, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WWDE “101.3 2WD” jumps from third to second with its best 6+-stat (12.4) since “Holiday” 2018’s 13.6. Max Broadcast Group’s similarly-formatted WVBW “92.9 The Wave,” which posted four straight up or flat sweeps for a +1.7 (3.4 – 4.2 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), is a combined -1.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.6 – 3.7, sixth to seventh, 6+). In addition to being #1 the 13^th time in a row, Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is a combined +2.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (11.7 – 12.7 – 14.1, 6+). “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” had been the market pacesetter 25 successive survey periods before shifting to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018. When WVKL recorded a 9.1 (6+) in August, it was the first time since January 2014 (9.8) that the station failed to log double-digits (6+). Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. Following six successive trends without an increase that resulted in a two-thirds loss (-.7) of its 6+-stat (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV “MOViN’ 107.7” is +1.7 in December/“Holiday” (1.4 – 1.9 – 3.1, 6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #8). Without a loss the fifth straight time for a net gain of one-half share (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), urban-rhythmic oldies cluster-mate WHBT “92.1 The Beat” climbs from #12 to #11. Immediately after logging a +1.6 in November, Saga Communications’ WAFX “106.9 The Fox – Hampton Roads’ Classic Rock” regresses by -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.3 – 6.7 – 5.8, flat at #4, 6+). November’s 7.3 represents the highest 6+-stat since June’s 8.2 for “The Fox,” which was a combined +2.1 in October/November (5.2 – 5.7 – 7.3, 6+). Prior to September’s 5.2, WAFX last fell below a six-share (6+) in December 2018 (5.5). There’s another major shift for co-owned WNOR. While unchanged at #5, “FM 99 Rocks” has lost basically half (-4.5) its 6+ AQH share via four consecutive downturns (9.1 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+). Directly before this streak, WNOR was +3.2 via six consecutive up or flat trends (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 8.9 – 9.1, 6+). September’s 9.1 (6+) marked the first time in its PPM-history that WNOR appeared in print with a 6+-share reaching the nine-share level (6+). Max Broadcast Group’s WGH-FM “New Country 97.3 The Eagle” is a combined -1.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.3 – 3.5 – 2.9 (eighth to tenth, 6+). Locked on 2.6 (6+) in October, November, and December, co-owned WVHT “Hot 100 – Today’s Hits Now” dips six-tenths to 2.0 (#10 to #13, 6+). Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in July 2019 (8.0 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 7.8 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI “103 Jamz” drops from second to third.

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – By adding two-tenths to 8.3 (steady at #2, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” pulls the plug on three straight downturns that accounted for a -2.3 (10.4 – 9.4 – 9.1 – 8.1, 6+). Prior to December, WOKV-FM had been the market leader the previous five months.

Off one-tenth in back-to-back reports (1.1 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” repeats at #18. “The Game” more than quintupled (+.9) its 6+ AQH through four straight gains (.2 – .5 – .7 – .9 – 1.1, 6+).

Three improvements in a row by WJCT led to a net gain of eight-tenths (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+) but the public radio news/talk outlet forfeits seven-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.5 – 2.9, #11 to #12, 6+).

Jacksonville Music Formats – A whopping +11.0 in four consecutive positive or neutral trends (7.4 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 10.8 – 18.4, 6+), WEJZ repeats at #1. Moreover, the Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary outlet logs the highest 6+-showing (18.4) by any Jacksonville station in exactly four years (WEJZ, 19.7, “Holiday” 2015, 6+). Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s WEZI “Easy 102.9” – is an overall -2.8 in five successive setbacks (6.9 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.1, 6+) and carries on in seventh-place. This (4.1) is its lowest 6+-figure since “Holiday” 2018 (4.0). Rebounding from December’s loss of one-half share with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.1 (6.7 – 7.8, 6+), WEZI’s classic hits-oldies sibling, WJGL “Eagle 96.9,” moves from fourth to third. Three improvements in a row delivered WJGL a net gain of seven-tenths (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+). As a result of four successive upticks, iHeartMedia-owned WQIK was a collective +1.6 (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.0, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, however, “99.1 Jacksonville’s Country” craters by -3.0 to 4.0 (third to eighth, 6+). WQIK’s -3.0 is the largest (6+) December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 decrease by any station in the 48 PPM-markets. Catching “Jacksonville’s Country” is Renda Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WGNE “99.9 Gator Country” (3.7 – 4.0, +.3, ninth to eighth, 6+). WGNE had been within 4.1 – 4.7 range (6+) five survey periods in succession (4.3 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+) before sputtering in December by eight-tenths to 3.7, its lowest 6+-stat since June’s 3.5. Having lost a total of nine-tenths in six consecutive down or flat ratings periods (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WWJK “107.3 Planet Radio – Jacksonville’s Rock Station” ends the slide with a +.3 to 3.0 (#13 to #11, 6+). As of this past March, CHR sibling WKSL “97.9 Kiss FM” has been in an alternating up/down pattern: 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 5.2 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 2.4 (#12 to #13, 6+). Despite being an overall -2.1 via six negative or neutral moves in a row (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.5, 6+), WKSL’s format rival – Cox Media Group’s WAPE “Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” – advances from seventh to sixth. Co-owned alternative WXXJ “X-10.5” is off eight-tenths in six straight downturns (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1, #14 to #15, 6+).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though iHeartMedia-owned WJNO is an overall -1.2 in three straight drops (4.0 – 3.7 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” pushes up from ninth to eighth. Prior to September, WJNO was an overall +2.0 in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+). After gaining seven-tenths through three consecutive improvements (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” forfeits three-tenths to 2.4 (6+) but elevates from tenth to ninth. Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” is -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+) and repeats at #17. October’s decrease of nine-tenths interrupted four straight gains that accounted for a +1.0 (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+). Logging a .7 (6+) the fourth time in the last five West Palm Beach reports (.7 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD “610 News Radio” progresses from #23 to #22.

Without an increase the fourth sweep in a row for a net loss of half (-.3) its 6+ AQH share (.6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .3, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” falls from #24 to #25.

Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN was -.8 (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.2, October/November, 6+); +.8 (2.2 – 3.0, December, 6+); and now -1.0 (3.0 – 2.0, “Holiday” 2019, #8 to #10, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – Owing to four straight increases, Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary WEAT-FM is +8.1 (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.6 – 6.3 – 12.5, 6+) and marches from second to first. “Sunny 107.9” reaches double-digits (12.5, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (10.7). WEAT-FM was a -2.2 in August/September (6.6 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). Prior to September, the last time “Sunny” fell below a five-share (6+) was in October 2018 (4.6). After spending the last 12 ratings periods at #1, hot AC cluster-mate WRMF “Variety from the 90s and Now” (9.2 – 7.7, -1.5, 6+) slides to #2 with its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (7.7, as well). WRMF substituted November’s -.6 with December’s +.6 (9.2 – 8.6 – 9.2, 6+). Prior to November, WRMF was an overall +1.4 as a result of three straight gains (7.8 – 8.3 – 8.5 – 9.2, 6+). At the same time that WEAT-FM posts four consecutive gains, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” is an overall -2.8 in five setbacks in a row (7.4 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 4.6, 6+), slipping from third to fourth. WOLL was -.8 in July (7.2 – 6.4, 6+) and +1.0 in August to 7.4, its best 6+-showing since July 2016 (7.5). A combined +.9 in November/December (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.9, 6+), co-owned CHR WLDI “Wild 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” jumps from seventh to sixth. After losing roughly 57% of its 6+-share (-2.1) as a result of five straight sweeps without an increase (3.7 – 3.7 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 1.6, 6+), Spanish contemporary sibling WRLX “Mia 92.1” halts the slide with a +.4 to 2.0 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#13 to #10). Still in that iHM cluster, a half-share decrease takes Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM – Joven Como Tu” below a one-share (1.4 – .9, #17 to #19, 6+). Immediately after scoring a +1.3 (.3 – 1.6, 6+), Glades Media Spanish contemporary WWRF “AM 1380 Radio Fiesta” forfeits the increase in its entirety (.3 – 1.3, 6+) and fades from the top twenty (#13 to #25).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – Off six-tenths in three down or flat reports in a row (3.6 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” continues in ninth-place.

This is the third consecutive time that Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” regresses by one-tenth (.9 – .8 – .7 – .6, flat at #15, 6+).

Trending 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 (October – November – December – “Holiday” 2019, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD slips from #12 to #13. Prior to December, “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” occupied the #13 spot 19 ratings periods in succession. Down one-tenth (1.5 – 1.4, 6+) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC is steady at #14.

Greensboro Music Formats – Four bumps in a row for a cumulative +9.9 (6.3 – 6.4 – 7.5 – 10.2 – 16.2, 6+) propel iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG from third to first. This (16.2) is the best 6+-showing for WMAG since “Holiday” 2018 (16.5). It’s a December-only stay at #1 for Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” (10.9 – 10.1, -.8, first to second, 6+). WQMG was a combined +2.1 in October/November (8.9 – 10.3 – 11.0, 6+) and had its best 6+-stat (11.0, November 2019) since November 2018 (11.4). On the heels of December’s -1.2 to 10.7 (6+), adult hits sibling WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” further plummets by -2.2 to 8.5 (second to third, 6+). “Simon” had been an overall +3.1 as a result of four up or flat sweeps in a row (8.8 – 9.5 – 10.9 – 10.9 – 11.9, 6+), hitting the eleven-share level (11.9) for the first time since February 2018 (11.4). Among its 2019 (6+) fluctuations are: +.9 (January); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); -1.6 (April); +1.1 (May); +.5 (June); -1.0 (July); +.7 (August); +1.4 (September); +1.0 (November); -1.2 (December); and -2.2 (“Holiday” 2019). Up one-half share in December (6.6 – 7.1, 6+), Dick Broadcasting’s WKRR “Rock 92” follows with a “Holiday” 2019 decrease of -1.3 (5.8, fourth to fifth, 6+). Co-owned CHR WKZL “107.5 KZL The #1 Hit Music Station,” a combined +1.1 in November/December (5.1 – 6.0 – 6.2, 6+), surrenders a -1.2 to 5.0 (unchanged at #6, 6+). Swapping places are Entercom’s country-formatted WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” (flat at 4.9, eighth to seventh, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” (5.0 – 4.0, -1.0, seventh to eighth, 6+). Both of the country rivals were down six-tenths in December. “Q-104.1” was up four-tenths in November, while “The Wolf” improved by three-tenths; WTQR was -.7 in October and WPAW was -1.6. Over the course of the last 21 sweeps (June 2018 through “Holiday” 2019), WTQR has triumphed over WPAW 12 times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, May, July, November, and December); WPAW has come out on top seven times (December 2018, February 2019, March, April, August, September, and “Holiday” 2019; and there have been two ties (June 2019 and October 2019). The 6+-share of iHeartMedia-owned rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up” is sliced in half (-2.4) via five successive negative or neutral trends (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.4, unchanged at #11, 6+). This directly follows five straight improvements that accounted for a +2.3 (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+).

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Stuck on 4.8 (6+) in November and December, iHeartMedia news/talk WREC drops four-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+); “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” moves from a sixth-place tie to seventh.

Following four successive sweeps without a loss for an overall +1.2 (2.3 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” forfeits half that increase (2.9, -.6, 6+) and remains at #12. September’s increase halted seven consecutive down or flat trends that led to a collective -1.7 (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+). Co-owned WMC-AM repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.3, #20, 6+). Entering the December sweep, “ESPN 790” had been up or flat 14 straight sweeps for a net gain of three-tenths (.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 -.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .3 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share improves by +3.3 in “Holiday” 2019. Leading the way is Entercom’s WRVR “104.5 The River,” which is actually +2.5 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 9.0, 6+) and progresses from fourth to second. This (9.0) is the best 6+-stat for “The River” since “Holiday” 2018 (11.3). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” more than doubles December’s 1.4 (6+) with a +1.5 to 2.9 (#14 to #12, 6+), its strongest 6+-showing in one year (5.1, “Holiday” 2018). Prior to dropping three-tenths in December, WKIM posted four consecutive up or flat reports for a +1.0 (.7 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.7, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is +1.4 in three bumps in a row (7.1 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.5, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat (8.5) since May (8.7), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO “103.5 The Best Mix of R&B” backshifts from the runner-up slot to third. Improving by one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia-owned gospel WHAL “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” (6.5 – 7.0, unchanged at #5, 6+) and Shelby County Schools-owned urban AC WQOX “88.5 The Voice of SCS” (1.5, #17 to #15, 6+). After gaining nine-tenths in October/November (6.2 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+), WHAL regressed by six-tenths in December. WQOX had been down a collective four-tenths in three straight down or flat reports (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS is a collective -1.1 in three straight sweeps without an increase (10.5 – 10.5 – 9.7 – 9.4, 6+), “V-101” is #1 the 15^th time in a row. Its October +1.0 eliminated August/September’s -.6 (10.1 – 9.8 – 9.5, 6+). Prior to June’s loss of six-tenths to 9.8 (6+), KJMS reached double-digits (6+) 14 successive ratings periods. After netting a +1.4 in five successive sweeps without a loss and notching its best 6+-stat (4.8) since January’s 5.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WGKX “Today’s Best Country Kix 106” is -1.7 in December/“Holiday 2019” (4.8 – 4.4 – 3.1, eighth to tenth, 6+). Owing to three consecutive dips, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” was -.8 (4.3 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5, June – July – August – September, 6+); +.7 (October); but is a combined -1.2 in three straight decreases (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0, flat at #11, 6+). “Kix” and “The Wolf” were tied for ninth-place in October. Meanwhile, unlisted since January 2016, North Mississippi Media Group’s WEBL resurfaced in print this past August. Coldwell, Mississippi-licensed “Country Legends 95.3 The Rebel” has lost half (-.7) its 6+ AQH share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.4 – .9 -.7, #18 to #19, 6+). While unchanged in ninth-place, iHeartMedia’s WEGR “Rock 102.7” is -.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 and falls below a four-share (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+).

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it is -1.7 in four successive down or flat sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” progresses from sixth to fifth. Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” is without a loss the fourth time in a row for a net gain of three-tenths (.4 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .7, 6+) and continues at #13. This marks the 20^th survey period in a row that iHeartMedia’s WPOP records a .1 (6+) – “News Radio 1410” carries on at #16.

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

After being within 4.2 – 4.7 range (6+) in each of the last nine survey periods (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” erodes by -1.0 to 3.5 (6+) but repeats at #9. University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” has lost more than 70% (-.8) of its 6+ AQH share as a result of four consecutive down or flat trends (1.1 – .8 – .4 – .4 – .3, 6+) and is unchanged at #14.

Hartford Music Formats – Setting the pace the 43^rd consecutive time, Entercom adult contemporary WRCH is a combined +8.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.8 – 11.5 – 18.4, 6+) and has the best 6+-showing of any Hartford station (18.4) since WRCH’s 18.0 in “Holiday” 2018. WRCH recorded an 18.3 in “Holiday” 2017. “Lite 100.5” was off nine-tenths in October/November (10.7 – 10.1 – 9.8, 6+). Nine of its recent (6+) shifts include: -6.9 (January); +1.0 (February); -1.0 (March); -1.3 (April); +1.0 (May); -1.0 (July); +1.2 (September); +1.7 (December); and +6.9 (“Holiday” 2019). The wild ride continues for iHeartMedia-owned WWYZ “Country 92.5,” which was -.7 (7.9 – 7.2 – 7.2, August/September, 6+); +.5 (7.2 – 7.7, October, 6+); -1.0 (7.7 – 6.7, November 6+); +.5 (6.7 – 7.2, December, 6+); and now -1.8 in “Holiday” 2019 to 5.4 (third to seventh, 6+). A collective +1.2 in three straight up or flat moves (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 7.3, 6+), Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC-FM” forfeits a -1.1 to 6.2 (6+) but stays at #2. December’s 7.3 was its best 6+-stat since May (7.7). Rhythmic CHR sibling WZMX falters by seven-tenths (5.8 – 5.1, seventh to eighth, 6+). When “Hot 93.7” picked up one-tenth in December, it suspended four straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a -1.4 (7.1 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 5.7, 6+). Repeating in fourth-place, Red Wolf Broadcasting-owned WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Connecticut’s Classic Rock” is an overall -1.4 in three drops in succession (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 5.8, 6+). Its alternative and Spanish tropical cluster-mates WMRQ-FM “Radio 104.1” (flat at #10) and WMRQ-HD2 (unchanged at #11) are down eight-tenths and one-half share, respectively. “Radio 104.1” is -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.0 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+), while WMRQ-HD2 is without an increase the third time in a row for an overall -.7 (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.7, 6+). Still in that Red Wolf Broadcasting cluster, classic hits-oldies WNTY “Kool Radio – Good Times/Great Oldies” is down or flat the sixth successive time for a net loss of two-tenths (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+) but advances from #15 to #14.

Monday, January 27, 2020

TALKERS | January 27, 2020

Monday Memo: Format Solution? Ever get a song stuck in your head? Consultant Holland Cooke shares one that stuck in his 40 years ago. And when you click-to-listen in this week’s column, HC thinks you could hear an opportunity. Check it out here.

Impeachment/Bolton Manuscript, Presidential Race, Coronavirus Concerns, U.S.-Iran Tensions/Rocket Attack on Baghdad Embassy, the Grammy Awards, and Kobe Bryant Death Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The impeachment trial of President Trump and the related manuscript by former Trump national security adviser John Bolton in which he suggests there was a quid pro quo; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in November; the Wuhan coronavirus and concerns about a global epidemic; the tensions between the U.S. and Iran and the rocket attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad; Sunday night’s Grammy Awards ceremony; and the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others in a helicopter crash were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

New Sports Talk Station ‘The Gambler’ Launches in Akron-Cleveland. This new gambling-centric sports talk outlet on WARF-AM, Akron launched by iHeartMedia Cleveland airs a mix of traditional sports talk shows and wagering-focused programs. iHeartMedia says, “‘FOX Sports 1350 AM, The Gambler’ will focus on sports talk with a concentration on gambling, including top-of-the-hour wagering updates from the VSiN (Vegas Stats and Information Network) and will feature programming from the BetR Network, including ‘My Guys in the Desert,’ hosted by American sportscaster, Brent Musberger. The station will also broadcast a mix of programming offering betting guides, handicapping, and betting strategies as well as signature programming from FOX Sports Radio, including ‘The Herd with Colin Cowherd’ and ‘FOX NFL Kickoff Simulcast,’ as well as ‘The Red Zone’ and ‘The Lombardi Line,’ hosted by former Cleveland Browns general manager Mike Lombardi.”

Karyn Cerulli Succeeds Bob Bolinger at Entercom San Diego. The Times of San Diego has the story from the market’s Entercom cluster. Director of sales Karyn Cerulli is promoted to SVP and market manager for the station group as Bob Bolinger is leaving the role he’s held with the cluster since 2015. Bolinger tells the paper he’s not retiring. “The last four and a half years I have spent with Entercom have been among the most rewarding of my career. I am very proud and grateful for what this amazing Entercom San Diego team has accomplished and wish them and Karyn only the very best.” Bolinger joined Entercom from CBS RADIO. He’d been with the San Diego stations since 2009.

iHeartMedia Names News Executives. In Pennsylvania, iHeartMedia announces that Brit Goldstein is named area president for iHeartMedia Pennsylvania. At the same time, Nick Mickley is the new market president of iHeartMedia Harrisburg, Reading, and Lancaster; and Dave Hovel is named area SVP of programming for iHeartMedia Pennsylvania. In this new position, Goldstein is responsible for creating new business and revenue opportunities, overseeing all programming, business and sales teams for iHeartMedia Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Eastern Shore stations. He reports to division president Shosh Abromovich. In his new role, Hovel oversees all on-air content as well as music and digital programming operations for the Salisbury, Wilmington, Allentown, Harrisburg, Erie, Reading, Lancaster, and Williamsport markets.

New Lineup at KIRO-FM, Seattle; ‘Tom & Curley’ Move to PM Drive. It was a year ago that the “Candy, Mike & Todd” show – co-hosted by Candy Harper, Mike Lewis, and Todd Herman – took over for the “Ron & Don” – featuring Ron Upshaw and Don O’Neill – in afternoon drive on Bonneville International’s KIRO-FM, Seattle. Now, that show is gone and the late morning “Tom & Curley” program hosted by Tom Tangney and John Curley moves to afternoon drive, effective Wednesday (1/29). While both Candy Harper and Todd Herman exit the station, Mike Lewis partners with the station’s Aaron Mason to host the new 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm program. The new late morning show (9:00 am to 12:00 noon) features award-winning Seattle journalist Ursula Reutin and the station’s Gee Scott, who moves from the evening daypart. Regarding the afternoon drive change, KIRO-FM program director Bryan Buckalew says, “Tom and John are at the top of their game. They have a unique ability to tackle the news from both sides of the issue, which consistently connects with listeners.”

Tim Weisberg New Host of Art Bell’s ‘Midnight in the Desert.’ Beginning tonight (1/27), radio pro Tim Weisberg takes over the hosting duties on the late-night radio show, “Midnight in the Desert,” the last program created by the late Art Bell. Weisberg has been filling in on the program since 2018. He currently serves as digital managing editor for Townsquare Media’s New Bedford, Massachusetts stations. He’s also hosted the paranormal radio program/podcast “Spooky Southcoast” for 14 years – a project he’ll continue in addition to his new duties. Weisberg has served as a writer/researcher/producer on paranormal television programs such as “Ghost Stalkers,” “Ghost Asylum,” and “Haunted Towns.” He has also been featured in front of the camera on programs such as “Ghost Adventures,” “My Ghost Story,” “MonsterQuest,” “Most Haunted Towns,” and will be featured in two upcoming television series in 2020. He is also the author of two books on the paranormal and is an award-winning sportswriter covering the New England Patriots and previously covering the Boston Celtics. “Midnight in the Desert” was started by Art Bell in 2015. The title of the program comes from a song written specifically for Bell by country music superstar Crystal Gayle. Bell and subsequent hosts have continued to use the song, with Gayle’s blessing, as the program’s closing theme, something Weisberg said will continue. “Although nobody will ever replace Art Bell, we at MITD think it’s important to honor his memory as the one who started it at all, especially this program. While the best way we can pay tribute is to just continue to discuss these topics in a long-form, objective style, keeping the name and the theme song is just a small touch to make sure Art is never far from our thoughts.”

Round Three of Holiday PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The survey period was December 5 through January 1. Spoken-word radio always faces a challenge during the calendar month of December due to holiday-related lifestyle changes and Christmas music listening. In this batch of markets, the most positive news comes out of Kansas City where, thanks to the success of the Super Bowl bound Chiefs, sports talk radio enjoyed increased listening. Union Broadcasting’s WHB got a three-tenths bounce to finish with a weekly 6+ AHQ share of 3.9 – good for the #9 ranking. Entercom’s KCSP adds a half share to land at 2.7 and the #15 ranking in the market. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways here.

TALKERS News Notes. Journalist Don Steinberg wrote a piece – published Saturday (1/25) – for Philadelphia Magazine that’s a deep-dive into Philly-based Entercom. Interviewed for the piece are CEO David Field, Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff, and others. The story addresses the company’s struggling stock price, its efforts to establish a leading position in the digital audio entertainment realm, and former employees’ gripes about management style, among others. Read it here…..WHO, Des Moines afternoon drive talk host Simon Conway is being asked by the U.S. State Department – via its Foreign Press Centers – to host a telephone briefing for foreign journalists to explain the Iowa Caucuses. The briefing is non-partisan. Conway says, “It’s a great honor to be asked. The point is to make sure that journalists around the world understand the process and report it accurately.”…..Sports media personalities Mark Titus and Tate Frazier are joining FOX Sports and Cumulus Media’s Westwood One for the new “Titus and Tate” podcast, available in visual formats on FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports app and social media platforms. The audio version from Westwood One is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and more. Westwood One is the exclusive audio distribution and ad sales representation partner of the “Titus & Tate” podcast..…Barstool Radio on SiriusXM is broadcasting live from Miami Beach today through Friday, ahead of Super Bowl LIV. Barstool’s biggest personalities, including Dave Portnoy, Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz, Kevin ‘KFC’ Clancy, PFT Commenter, Kayce Smith, Willie Colon and others – will host their shows live from Tequila Chicas in the heart of South Beach…..The Mayo Clinic Radio team unveils the new “Mayo Clinic Q&A” podcast. It features Mayo Clinic physicians, researchers, and care teams sharing knowledge about topics including cancer, heart health, scientific advances, artificial intelligence, and wellness. Mayo Clinic Radio co-hosts Thomas Shives, M.D., and Tracy McCray anchor the new podcast. Mayo Clinic Radio says, “While the weekly, hour-long ‘Mayo Clinic Radio’ program will continue to deliver easy-to-understand answers on more than 250 outlets across the U.S., each episode of the ‘Mayo Clinic Q&A’ podcast will highlight one subject.” Dr. Shives adds, “With the resources of Mayo Clinic and thousands of physicians and medical experts supporting us, this tool is one more way to educate busy consumers on how to stay healthy and also help them learn more about serious or complex health topics.”…..iHeartMedia Denver announces that Mike Rice is the new play-by-play announcer for the Colorado Rockies baseball on flagship KOA, Denver. Rice has been with KOA since 2002, serving in a number of sports roles, including studio host for the Denver Broncos, fill-in play-by-play announcer for the Colorado Rockies, and anchoring morning sportscasts. He also serves as sports director for KOA, a position he will retain. Rice joins Jack Corrigan, who is entering his 18th season as a play-by-play announcer for the Rockies. In addition to play-by-play duties, Rice will host “Rockies All Access,” airing every Saturday on KOA…..Entercom sports talk outlet KRLD-FM, Dallas and the MLB’s Texas Rangers extend their broadcast deal to have the station continue to serve as the team’s radio flagship for the Texas Rangers Radio Network and the team’s English language radio play-by-play broadcasts…..The nationally syndicated “Motley Fool Money” show with host Chris Hill adds new stations KIFG-AM and KIFG-FM in Iowa City and WPVC-LPFM, in Charlottesville, Virginia to its roster of affiliates.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Chicago, Premiere Networks announces today that “The Sweat Hotel” – starring Keith Sweat – will move from the overnight daypart to the evening slot on iHeartMedia’s urban contemporary WVAZ “V103.”…..Dallas rock outlet KEGL “97.1 The Eagle” unveils the lineup for BFD 2020, taking place Sunday, May 24 at Dos Equis Pavilion. Featured acts will be: Disturbed, Chevelle, The Pretty Reckless, Dirty Honey, The HU, Puddle of Mudd, Badflower, and Dinosaur Pile-Up. iHeartMedia regional SVP of programming Patrick Davis says, “‘The Eagle’ is delivering yet another stellar lineup to kick off the summer concert season with BFD 2020. Fans of ‘97.1 The Eagle’ always expect a great lineup and this year’s will not disappoint them.”

Monday Memo: Format Solution?

TALKERS | January 27, 2020

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Ever get a song stuck in your head? You’re about to. It’s a song that’s been stuck in mine for 40 years. And as Americans are about to hear a modern version for the next several months, this older take has me wondering if – and admittedly hoping that – I have spotted an opportunity for radio.

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Three

TALKERS | January 25, 2020

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2019 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2019” survey period covered December 5 (2019) – January 1 (2020). Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – Following five consecutive sweeps without a loss that yielded an overall +1.3 (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), Alpha Media-owned news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” relinquishes eight-tenths to 4.6 (fourth to fifth, 6+). Several recent KXL shifts include: -1.0 (March/April); +1.1 (May/June); -.7 (July); +.6 (August); and -.8 (“Holiday” 2019). Progressing from #18 to #17, iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” posts its fourth straight up or flat trend for a net gain of two-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). Stuck on 1.3 (6+) in November and December, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” drops two-tenths to 1.1 (flat at #23, 6+). The June 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline for Salem Media Group’s KPAM “AM 860 The Answer” is: .3 – .3 – .3 -. 3 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4 (#29 to #27, 6+).

When Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” dropped one-tenth in December to 1.5 (6+), it suspended four straight up or flat months that produced a collective half-share gain (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+). “The Fan” repeats December’s 1.5 (6+) but advances from #22 to #21. Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in September (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.2, 6+), Alpha Media sports talk KXTG “The Game” slides from #21 to #22. Having nearly quadrupled (+.8) its 6+-stat in three improvements in succession (.3 – .4 – .9 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” (Trailblazers) returns half that increase (.7, -.4, #24 to #25, 6+).

Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB substitutes December’s increase of four-tenths with “Holiday” 2019’s loss of the equal magnitude (7.9 – 8.3 – 7.9, 6+) and carries on in the runner-up slot. KOPB, which had an October-only stay at #1, has been +1.2 (January); -2.0 (February/March); +.6 (April); -.9 (May); +.5 (August); +1.1 (October); and -.6 (November).

Portland Music Formats – After losing eight-tenths in October/November (8.2 – 8.2 – 7.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103,” answers with a combined December “Holiday” 2019 +6.5 (7.4 – 9.1 – 13.9, 6+) and repeats at #1. This (13.9) is its highest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2. KKCW was on top in July, August, and September, before slipping to #2 in October. Its September +1.1 dispelled July/August’s -.7 (7.8 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+). A combined -1.1 in November/December (5.7 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” hauls out a “Holiday” 2019 +2.1 to 6.7 (fifth to third, 6+). “Charlie” was up six-tenths in September/October (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.7, 6+). Improving by six-tenths (each) are KYCH cluster-mate KGON “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” (tenth to sixth) and Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” (3.0, #19 to #12, 6+). KGON is a combined +1.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.1 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), directly after being an overall -2.8 in four straight decreases (5.9 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+). KFIS had been trending 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.4 (October – November – December, 6+). Its regional Mexican cluster-mate, KRYP “93.1 El Rey,” picks up one-half share (3.1, #17 to #11, 6+). “El Rey” was down eight-tenths in November/December (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.6, 6+). Up one-half share in November/December (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KKRZ “Z-100” spirals by -1.3 to 2.8 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#8 to #14). On the heels of December’s -1.4 (8.5 – 7.1, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” further falters by -1.2 (5.9 third to fourth, 6+). Entering the December ratings period, “The Eagle” – which had a November-only stay at #1 – was an overall +1.6 via three upticks in a row (6.9 – 7.1, 8.0 – 8.5, 6+); 8.5 was its best 6+-showing since April’s 8.6. The recent rollercoaster ride for Alpha Media triple A KINK “Uniquely Portland” includes six straight down or flat moves accounting for a -1.7 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), directly followed by a +.8 (December), and now a -1.0 in “Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 2.6, #11 to #16, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share shrinks by -1.5 as Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” sputters by eight-tenths (#15 to #19) and Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” drops seven-tenths (3.2, ninth to tenth, 6+). “The Bull” is an overall -1.5 in its third straight decrease (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.2, 6+); “The Wolf” was up two-tenths in November/December (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). KUPL rebounded from September’s -1.2 with an October +.8 (to 3.7, 6+), thus halting three consecutive setbacks in which it lost roughly half (-2.8) its 6+ AQH share (5.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 2.9, 6+). A combined +1.5 in August/September (3.5 – 3.7 – 5.0, 6+), with September’s 5.0 its strongest (6+) showing since August 2017’s 5.2, KWJJ erased September’s +1.3 with an October -1.3 (3.7 – 5.0 – 3.7, 6+). Off one-half share, Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz Today’s Best Mix” is trending 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.3 (October – November – December – “Holiday” 2019, #16 to #18, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – After gaining eight-tenths via four successive up or flat trends (3.3 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT (Carolina Panthers) forfeits 75% of that increase (3.5, -.6, 6+) but remains in ninth-place.

Co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” has lost a total of seven-tenths in three straight drops (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2, unchanged at #18, 6+).

Albeit down six-tenths (2.6 – 2.0, #14 to #17, 6+), University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE has remained within 2.1 – 2.9 range (6+) in all 13 monthly reports for calendar year 2019.

Charlotte Music Formats – Through four straight upticks (4.9 – 5.3 – 6.2 – 8.6 – 14.5, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC is a cumulative +9.6; “K-104.7 More Music/Better Variety” repeats at #1. This time last year, “K-104.7” posted a 12.9 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). Similar to what happened in Portland (see above), Charlotte’s two country outlets are negatively impacted by the extremely strong “Holiday” 2019 showing of an adult contemporary outlet (WKQC) that played all-Christmas music. Specifically in Charlotte, Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” is -1.2 (fourth to seventh) and iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” is -1.1 (4.5, sixth to eighth, 6+). Wild swings are not uncommon lately for WSOC, which was -1.5 in June/July (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+); +.8 (August); -1.2 in September/October (6.8 – 6.1 – 5.6, 6+); +1.5 (November); -1.0 (December) and now -1.2 in “Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 4.9, 6+). Prior to segueing to June’s runner-up slot, “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” was on top the previous four months. Meanwhile, as it entered the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, WKKT was trending 5.5 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.6 (6+). In advance of August/September’s -1.1 (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+), “The Kat” was a collective +1.3 via five successive positive or neutral moves (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+). Immediately following December’s +.8, adult hits cluster-mate WLKO “102.9 The Lake” spirals by -1.0 (6.7 – 5.7, third to fourth, 6+). WLKO was a combined +.7 in September/October (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.4, 6+) but then -.5 in November. Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, classic rock WRFX “99.7 The Fox” is an overall -1.9 via three straight setbacks (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.3 – 6.4, 6+) but repeats at #2. “The Fox” was ousted from the top spot in December, after three successive months there. November’s decrease halted four consecutive improvements that accounted for a +2.9 (5.4 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 7.5 – 8.3, 6+). Prior to September, WRFX last reached #1 in March 2018 (7.3, 6+). This is the fourth consecutive sweep without an increase for Beasley Media Group CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1,” which is -1.8 in that stretch and falls below a four-share (5.1 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.3, #9 to #12, 6+). Despite being a collective -1.5 through four straight decreases (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WHQC “Hits 96.1” reenters the top ten (#11 to #9). In three successive up or flat trends, alternative sibling WEND gained seven-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+) but “106.5 The End” surrenders one-half share to 2.9 (#12 to #13, 6+).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though iHeartMedia-owned WOAI (Spurs) is off a total of four-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” progresses from fourth to third. Immediately prior, WOAI was an overall +1.4 in four successive up or flat moves (4.3 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+). In addition to being down seven-tenths in three consecutive slips (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” exits the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Without a loss the fifth straight report and tripling (+.4) its 6+ AQH share in that timeframe (.2 – .3 – .3 – .5 – .5 – .6, 6+), Alpha Media sports talk KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” checks in at #28. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” is down or flat the fourth time in a row for a net loss of three-tenths (.7 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .4, #31, 6+).

Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX, which was up one-half share in three improvements in a row (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+), is now off a total of eight-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7, #13 to #16, 6+).

San Antonio Music Formats – Stacking a “Holiday” 2019 +4.0 onto November/December’s +3.0 (3.5 – 3.6 – 6.5 – 10.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9” pushes up from second to first. This (10.5) is its best 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.9. Down or flat the past four reports for a collective -1.0 (3.4 – 3.4 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erupts with a +2.9 to 5.3 (6+) and catapults from #17 all the way to #3. Conversely, co-owned/similarly-formatted KZAR “Air 1 – Worship Now” was up seven-tenths in October/November (.9 – 1.0 – 1.6, 6+), but loses 50% (-.8) of its 6+ AQH share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.6 – 1.4 – .8, #26, 6+). Off one-tenth in November/December (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), Texas Public Radio’s classical KPAC answers with a gain of six-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and enters the top twenty at #18. Setting the pace the past ten ratings periods, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” plummets by -1.8 (8.5 – 6.7, 6+) and segues to second-place. Furthermore, the loss curtails four consecutive upticks, fully erasing the cumulative +1.8 (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.2 – 8.5, 6+). In a further irony, September’s increase interrupted three decreases in succession that accounted for an overall -1.8 (8.5 – 8.2 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+). “San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” had been the runner-up five successive times before progressing to #1 in March. This is yet another market (see Portland and Charlotte above) where two country stations are squeezed by an adult contemporary station (KQXT) that played wall-to-wall Christmas music in the “Holiday” sweep. In this particular Texas metro, Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” spirals by -1.0 (5.7 – 4.7, third to fifth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” sputters by six-tenths (4.4 – 3.8, fifth to seventh, 6+). “Y-100” was off one-tenth in December and “KJ-97” lost two-tenths. KCYY’s one-tenth increase in November suspended five straight decreases that accounted for an overall -1.5 (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.4 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7, 6+). Recent shifts for “Y-100” include: +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.6 (March); +.6 (May); -.5 (July); and -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019). “KJ-97” answered October’s -1.1 with a November gain of three-tenths. Before September’s +.3, KAJA was -1.1 in three consecutive losses (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.1, 6+). “KJ-97” has been -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +3.0 (January 2019); –1.9 (March); -.5 (July); -1.1 (October); and -.6 (“Holiday” 2019). In three straight down or flat reports, Alpha Media CHR KTFM is an overall -1.3 (4.6 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.3, 6+); “Energy 94.1” leaves the top ten (#8 to #13). Dropping one-half share (each) are Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat” (4.3 – 3.8, sixth to seventh, 6+); regional Mexican cluster-mate KROM “Que Buena 92.9” (eighth to ninth); and Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3” (eighth to ninth, as well). “The Beat” was up six-tenths in December. “Que Buena” has lost eight-tenths as a result of three consecutive setbacks (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+), while “Magic” is -1.8 in three straight drops (5.5 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+).

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Following five successive sweeps without a loss that netted a +1.5 (5.2 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK is down eight-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.7 – 6.2 – 5.9, 6+) but carries on in third-place. November’s 6.7 was the best 6+-stat for “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” since February (7.0). In five downturns in succession, co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” is an overall -1.8 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 1.7 – 1.5, #16 to #17, 6+).

Advancing from #20 to #17, Entercom sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” continues an alternating up/down pattern that commenced in August (.8 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+). Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” (Kings) is up three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (.8 – .9 – 1.1, flat at #21, 6+). These two sports talkers were tied in July, August, and October.

Up nine-tenths in November (5.1 – 6.0, 6+), Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ is now a combined -1.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.0 – 5.6 – 4.4, fifth to seventh, 6+). December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history.

Sacramento Music Formats – Not only does Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX exactly triple (+8.4) its 6+ AQH share through four consecutive spikes (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 6.1 – 12.6, 6+), “Mix 96” progresses from fourth to first. This (12.6) is its largest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 13.8. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” has been a combined +.9 (August/September); -.9 (October); +.6 (November); and -.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7, ninth to tenth, 6+). In the 15 reports since KBEB’s format switch from country to AC in mid-November 2018, “Mix” has prevailed 13 times; “The Breeze” has come on top once (September, 4.8 to 4.2, 6+); and the two AC rivals were tied in November 2019. Having faltered by an overall -1.5 in three straight decreases (4.7 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom alternative KKDO halts the skid with a +.8 to 4.0 (6+); “Alt 94.7” reenters the top ten (#12 to #8). Co-owned rhythmic CHR KSFM is up seven-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.8, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #9) with its best 6+-stat since August 2018 (3.8, as well). Entravision’s similarly-formatted KHHM “Hot Hits Fuego 103.5,” which was a collective +1.0 through four straight sweeps without a loss (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.7, 6+), forfeits four-tenths to 2.3 (#14 to #15, 6+). It is a December-only stay at #1 for Bonneville-owned KNCI, as “New Country 105.1” plummets by -1.5 to 5.9 (6+) and segues from first to third. Entering the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, KNCI was up or flat three times in a row for a net gain of one-half share (6.9 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). When Entercom-owned CHR KUDL picked up three-tenths in December, it interrupted six consecutive sweeps without an increase that led to an overall -1.5 (6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, however, “106.5 The End” erodes by -1.2 (4.8 – 3.6, 6+) and exits the top ten (#6 to #11). Departing the top ten as well is Bonneville hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5 Today’s Best Hits,” which is -1.8 as a result of three straight dips (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.6, #10 to #13, 6+). Recent fluctuations for Entercom’s KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” include: +1.0 (February); -.5 (April); +.9 (May); -.6 (June); -.5 (July); and -.8 in “Holiday” 2019 (7.3 – 6.5, flat at #2, 6+). In December, KSEG shifted from first to second. “The Eagle” had been on top the previous ten months. Its July 2019 through November 2019 topline was: 7.8 – 7.9 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 7.6 (6+). After doubling (+1.3) its 6+-stat through three consecutive bumps (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+), Lotus Communications regional Mexican KVMX-FM “La Ranchera” slips by one-tenth to 2.5 (6+) but advances from #15 to #14.

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite eroding by -1.0 in “Holiday” 2019 (4.1 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” carries on in tenth-place.

Co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” which was +1.4 in September/October (5.7 – 6.3 – 7.1, 6+), surrenders half that increase (-.7) via three straight drops (7.1 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.4, fourth to fifth, 6+). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” (Steelers) is off three-tenths (.4 – .1, 6+) but advances from #23 to #20.

Similarly, Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station,” up a combined half-share November/December (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.2, 6+), returns that bounty in its entirety (3.7, -.5, 6+) but progresses from ninth to eighth.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – In the runner-slot the past three months, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW hauls out a +5.0 (8.6 – 13.0, 6+) and proceeds to #1. This (13.0) is the first time “94.5 3WS” is in double-digits since its 13.6 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018. WWSW was -.5 (December); +.9 (November); and a combined -1.0 (September/October). Immediately prior to the October sweep, “3WS” spent three successive months at #1. Its September loss of four-tenths halted three increases in succession that led to an overall +1.5 (7.7 – 8.5 – 8.9 – 9.2, 6+). On top the past three months and +1.4 in three successive spikes (8.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 9.7, 6+), co-owned rocker WDVE (Steelers) craters by -1.5 (8.2, first to second, 6+). Prior to the October ratings period, WDVE was a collective -1.2 through three consecutive negative trends (9.5 – 8.7 – 8.6 – 8.3, 6+). When WSHH picked up four-tenths in December, it pulled the plug on six consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall -1.7 (6.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, “Wish 99.7” tacks on a +2.6 (5.0 – 7.6, 6+) and inches up from fifth to fourth. In “Holiday” 2018, the Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary outlet notched a 9.9 (6+). After being up seven-tenths through four straight positive or neutral trends (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom hot AC WBZZ “Star 100.7” sputters by -1.1 to 3.4 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Steel City Media’s similarly-formatted WLTJ “Q-92.9,” which gained a combined nine-tenths in November/December (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6, 6+), spirals by -1.0 to 2.6 (flat at #12, 6+). December’s 3.6 was its best 6+-stat since July (3.9). The market’s (6+) country share shrinks by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019. Entercom-owned WDSY “Pittsburgh’s Country Y-108” is a combined -2.1 in three straight setbacks (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 3.1, flat at #10, 6+). This immediately follows its +1.0 in three positive or neutral shifts in succession (4.2 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+). Within 2.3 – 2.9 range (6+) the past 13 survey periods, iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” falters by one-half share to 1.9 (#13 to #14, 6+). Faltering by eight-tenths and six-tenths, respectively, are WPGB’s alternative and CHR cluster-mates, WXDX “105.9 The X” (4.9 – 4.1, flat at #7, 6+) and WKST “96.1 Kiss – Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” (fifth to sixth). Prior to “Holiday” 2019’s -.8, “The X” (Penguins) was -.7 (November) and +.7 (December). “Kiss” is without an increase the fifth consecutive sweep for a net loss of -2.2 and falls below a five-share (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+). Unlisted in “Holiday” 2019 are these Forever Media outlets: classic hits-oldies WKPL (1.5, #15, December 2019, 6+); country WOGI (1.3, #16, December 2019, 6+); classic country WLYI (1.2, #17, December 2019, 6+); country WOGG (.6, #21, December 2019, 6+); and classic hits-oldies WPKL (.6, #21, December 2019, 6+). They were unlisted as well in July, August, and September, reappearing in print in October, November and December.

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of November’s +2.0 (3.2 – 5.2, 6+) and then December’s -1.0 to 4.2 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” basically levels out to a 4.1 (-.1, 6+) yet vaults from #11 to #6. October’s increase of four-tenths halted three straight down or flat sweeps that led to a loss of nine-tenths (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Now trailing KNRS (by one-tenth) is Bonneville-owned KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM,” which is a collective -2.4 in three successful setbacks (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 4.0, 6+) and tumbles from second to eighth. KSL was +2.4 in October (4.0 – 6.4, 6+). When KSL gained six-tenths in September (3.4 – 4.0, 6+), it suspended four consecutive down or flat moves that led to a collective -1.8 (5.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+); August’s 3.4 is KSL’s lowest-ever 6+ PPM-stat. Down or flat the third time in a row for a net loss of two-tenths (.5 – .5 – .4 – .3, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” continues at #21.

This is the 13^th sweep in a row that Broadway Media sports talk KALL “ESPN 700” is unlisted.

After gaining two-tenths in December, University of Utah news/talk KUER forfeits three-tenths (2.0 – 1.7, unchanged at #15, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Making the biggest news is Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI, which is #1 the fourth time in a row. Furthermore, “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day” registers its fourth uptick in succession for an eye-popping +14.8 (6.3 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 11.0 – 21.1, 6+) and is the first PPM-market station thus far to reach the 20-share level (21.1, 6+) in “Holiday” 2019. Also noteworthy is that KSFI was the only PPM-market outlet to accomplish that feat in “Holiday” 2018 (21.8, 6+). “FM 100.3” was on top five consecutive months; segued to the runner-up slot in April; and returned to #1 in May and June. On the other hand, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” is -1.4 in three straight slips (4.0 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+) but advances from #14 to #13. KBEE gained six-tenths in October, reaching the four-share level (4.0) for the first time since January’s 4.2. Having lost roughly 45% (-3.2) of its 6+ AQH share in four consecutive decreases (7.1 – 6.5 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” slumps from third to ninth. Independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country Station” is a combined -1.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 and falls below a four-share (5.0 – 4.8 – 3.7, eighth to tenth, 6+). Although it regresses by eight-tenths in back-to-back reports and falls below a five-share (5.7 – 4.9 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KZHT “97.1 ZHT Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” repeats in sixth-place. Also sputtering by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 is Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” (4.2, fourth to fifth, 6+), which was up one-tenth in November and December (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Notwithstanding that iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY is an overall -2.2 as a result of five downturns in a row (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+), “My-99.5” remains at #10. A combined -1.1 in October/November (3.9 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+) and then +.9 in December (to 3.7, 6+), co-owned KAAZ “Rock 106.7” surrenders six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (3.1, flat at #12, 6+). Without an increase the ninth sweep in a row for a roughly 47% loss (-.8) of its 6+ AQH share (1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .9, 6+), Capital Broadcasting’s KSQN “103.1 The Wave – Your Classic Alternative” is anchored at #18. These Broadway Media stations are unlisted the 13^th sweep in a row: adult hits KYMV; alternative KXRK; CHR KUDD; country KEGA; and rhythmic CHR KUUU.

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite dropping a total of three-tenths in December/“Holiday 2019” (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom-owned KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” progresses from #18 to #17. Four successive sweeps without a decrease by Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN resulted in a gain of one-half share (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+), but “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” forfeits four-tenths to 1.1 (#22 to #23, 6+).

In six consecutive up or flat trends, Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN more than tripled (+1.0) its 6+ AQH-share (.4 – .5 – .5 -.5 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+), but “ESPN Radio 1100” is now off a collective four-tenths in three (modest) slips in a row (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, flat at #24, 6+). In a three-way tie at #26 are KWWN siblings KRLV “Fox Sports Radio Las Vegas” (.4 – .4 – .3, 6+) and KBAD “920 AM The Game” (.4 – .3 – .3, 6+), and Entercom sports talk KXST “CBS Sports Radio 1140 AM” (.5 – .4, – .3, 6+).

Three major drops in a row by KNPR accounted for a roughly 52% loss (-2.5) of its 6+ AQH share (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.3 – 2.3, 6+). The Nevada Public Radio news/talk outlet regained six-tenths in December and repeats December’s 2.9 in “Holiday” 2019 (#11 to a four-way tie at #10, 6+).

Las Vegas Music Formats – More than doubling its November stat in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.5 – 8.7 – 15.8, +8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE repeats at #1. “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music For A Better Workday” exceeds its “Holiday” 2018 showing by three full-shares (15.8 versus 12.8, 6+). Furthermore, this (15.8) is the highest 6+-share by any Las Vegas station in the PPM-era. September’s loss of nine-tenths snapped at three its consecutive string of upticks that yielded a +3.8 (4.8 – 6.0 – 7.6 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to May, “Sunny” last fell below a five-share (6+) in October 2017 (4.8, as well). In four straight sweeps without a loss, Beasley Media group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Jammin’ 105.7” is a collective +1.3 (2.6 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.9, eighth to sixth, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (3.9) since March (4.0). In addition to improving by eight-tenths via three successive up or flat moves (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG enters the top ten (#12 to #9). In each of the last 11 survey periods, “Hot 97.5” logged a 6+share between 2.2 – 2.8. Chavez Radio Group regional Mexican KYLI “96.7 La Campesina” doubles (+.8) November’s .8 to 1.6 (6+) and checks in at #21. This time last month, KXPT “97.1 The Point #1 For Classic Rock” had the dubious distinction of recording the largest (6+) November 2019 – December 2019 decrease (-2.8) by any station in the 48 PPM-markets. The Lotus Communications-owned outlet is -2.3 in “Holiday” 2019 and has collapsed by a combined -5.5 in four straight erosions (5.8 – 5.4 – 2.6 – .3, 6+), sinking from #12 to #26. In the 36 PPM-markets we’ve highlighted thus far, no station has a greater December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 decrease than KXPT and Washington, DC public radio news/talk WAMU (both -2.3, 6+). Ironically, immediately in advance of this negative streak, “The Point” was an overall +1.3 through three improvements in a row (4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.8, 6+). A collective +2.0 through six consecutive increases (6.1 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.0 – 8.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “Hits of the ‘80s and More” forfeits 85% of that increase (8.1 – 6.4, -1.7, 6+) but continues at #2. December’s 8.1 was its best 6+-share since February (8.3). KKLZ had a November-only stay at #1 before being ousted by KSNE. Previously, KKLZ took over from KSNE at #1 in February, remaining on top through June, but (again) gave way to “Sunny.” The +1.5 (6+) advantage that Entercom-owned hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1” held in December over Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted KVGS “Star 107.9” is sliced to four-tenths. “Mix” falters by -1.3 (5.9 – 4.6, third to fourth, 6+), while “Star” drops two-tenths to 4.2 (flat at #5, 6+). KMXB was up seven-tenths in December with 5.9 its best 6+-stat since May’s 6.5. By dropping two-tenths, KVGS interrupts five successive sweeps without a loss that yielded a +1.1 (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+). Entercom rhythmic hot AC KXQQ is -1.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 3.8 – 2.9, sixth to tenth, 6+). “Q-100.5” was +1.6 in October/November (2.9 – 3.6 – 4.5, 6+), directly after four straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -2.1 (5.0 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). In the market’s country skirmish, Beasley Media Group’s KCYE “102.7 The Coyote” is an overall -1.6 in seven straight sweeps without an increase (4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.5, #12 to #15, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KWNR “95.5 The Bull – Las Vegas’ New Country Leader” is a collective -1.5 in four drops in a row (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9, #19 to #18, 6+).

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – Down two-tenths in December and now -1.1 in “Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” slips from eighth to ninth. It is one-tenth ahead of Cox Media Group’s WDBO-FM, which falters by seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.3, 6+), yet reenters the top ten (#11 to #10). “News 96.5” was a combined -1.3 in October/November and then up two-tenths in December. WTKS’ cluster-mate, WFLF “News Radio Orlando,” is -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.4, #13 to #15, 6+), directly after gaining nine-tenths in October/November (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+).

Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (1.2, #17). In three straight down or flat moves, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” (Magic) has lost two-tenths (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), yet advances from #20 to #18.

Off eight-tenths in three decreases in succession (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE slips from #13 to #14; “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” was +.9 in September/October (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – Adding a +6.0 to December’s +2.3 (7.1, 9.4 – 15.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” repeats at #1 and outdistances the 14.3 (6+) it logged in “Holiday” 2018. In fact, this (15.4) is the highest 6+-stat by any Orlando station since WMGF’s 15.9 in “Holiday” 2017. In addition to plummeting from 4.2 – 2.9 (6+), Cox Media Group-owned WWKA “K-92.3 Orlando’s #1 For New Country” exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Eight recent “K-92” fluctuations include: -.5 (May); +.6 (June); -.5 (August); +.6 (September); -.9 (October); +.9 (November); -.5 (December); and now -1.3 in “Holiday” 2019. JVC Media’s similarly-formatted WOTW “103.1 The Wolf – New Country + All Time Favorites,” which was trending 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 (October – November – December, 6+), is unlisted in “Holiday” 2019. Major ups/down continue for Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s.” WOCL netted a +3.1 through four consecutive (April through August) upticks (7.9 – 9.0 – 9.4 – 10.8 – 11.0, 6+); was a combined -2.5 in September/October (11.0 – 9.5 – 8.5, 6+); +.6 (November); and -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.1 – 9.0 – 8.0, unchanged at #2). Before segueing to the runner-up slot in December, “Sunny” was #1 seven straight sweeps. Hot AC sibling WOMX “Mix 105.1” is a combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.2 – 4.3, sixth to seventh, 6+). When iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM gained nine-tenths in December, it curtailed five decreases in a row that led to an overall -2.1 (8.7 – 8.5 – 7.8 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.6, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, however, “Rumba 100.3” regresses by six-tenths (7.5 – 6.9, flat at #3, 6+). Entravision Communications’ similarly-formatted WNUE is unlisted the 12^th successive report. Off one-half share (each) are Cox Media Group cluster-mates WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” (fifth to sixth) and rhythmic CHR WPYO “Power 95.3 Orlando’s New #1 For All The Hits” (ninth to eighth). WMMO is in an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in August (6.0 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+), while “Power” is -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+). After gaining four-tenths in seven up or flat trends in succession (.7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), University of Central Florida-owned WUCF “89.9 Jazz & More” drops two-tenths to .9 (6+) but repeats at #18.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to five setbacks in succession, iHeartMedia news/talk WLW (Bengals) is a combined -3.6 (10.7 – 10.7 – 9.8 – 8.7 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+) and slips from second to third. WLW was on top in August, September, and October. Despite being off one-half share via three straight drops (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+), co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” progresses from #14 to #13.

Having more than tripled (+1.1) its 6+ AQH share in four straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .8 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.6, 6+), sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” forfeits one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.6 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+) and remains at #17. The extremely consistent April 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline for co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” is: .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 (flat at #23, 6+).

After posting a 2.9 (6+) in each of the past four ratings periods, Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU sputters one-half share to 2.4 (#12 to #14, 6+).

Cincinnati Music Formats – Over and above adding a +.6.2 to December’s +1.4 (5.5 – 6.9 – 13.1, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM jumps from third to first with its highest 6+-stat (13.1) since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6. Immediately prior to the December sweep, “Warm 98.5” was an overall -2.0 in six consecutive decreases (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+). Ousted from the top spot is classic hits-oldies sibling WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits,” which has lost nine-tenths in three consecutive down or flat moves (9.4 – 9.3 – 8.5 – 8.5, first to second, 6+). WGRR was #1 in eight of 2019’s 13 ratings periods: The exceptions were January, August, September, October, and “Holiday” 2019. In three consecutive upticks, Grant County Broadcasters’ WNKN “Classic Country” has more than doubled (+2.6) its 6+ AQH share (2.1 – 2.9 – 4.1 – 4.7, 6+) and advances from eighth to sixth. In addition to being up six-tenths through three straight positive or neutral trends, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WEBN-HD3 crosses the one-share threshold (.5 – .5 – .6 – 1.1, 6+, #20 to #17, 6+). Meanwhile, WEBN-FM “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” is a collective -1.5 as a result of four successive sweeps without an increase (4.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2, ninth to tenth, 6+). Despite being an overall -2.3 in three setbacks in succession and falling below a six-share (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.0 – 5.0, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WUBE “Get Your Country On B-105.1” repeats in fourth-place. Faltering by eight-tenths (each) are WUBE’s hot AC and rhythmic hot AC cluster-mates WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (fifth to fourth) and WREW “Mix 94.9” (sixth to eighth, 6+), as well as WUBE’s format rival, Cumulus Media’s WNNF “Cat Country 94.1” (#14 to #16). After recording a +.8 in November, “Q-102” is an overall –1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.7 – 5.8 – 5.0, 6+). Within 4.0 – 4.9 range (6+) in each of the past 16 sweeps, “Mix” is -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 and falls below a four-share (4.7 – 4.5 – 3.7, 6+). A collective +2.0 in three straight spikes (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.9, 6+), “Cat Country,” has that increase completely wiped away with a December/“Holiday” 2019 -2.0 (2.7 – 1.9, 6+).

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -3.0 in five setbacks in a row (7.2 – 6.5 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” drops from eighth to ninth. Recent WTAM fluctuations include: -.6 (March); +.9 (April); -.7 (May); +.5 (June); +.5 (July); +1.1 (August); -.7 (September) -.7 (October); -.6 (November); and -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019). Ever since debuting in November, Radio One’s WZAK-HD3, has a topline of .6 – 1.2 – 1.5 (flat at #16, 6+). WZAK-HD3 simulcasts co-owned WERE “News Talk 1490 The People’s Station.” Unlisted in July, August, and September, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer, News-Opinion-Insight” resurfaced in print in October and records a .9 (6+) the fourth time in a row (unchanged at #18, 6+).

Having more than doubled (+3.1) its 6+ AQH share via six successive upticks (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 5.3 – 5.7 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) slumps by -1.4 to 4.7 (sixth to seventh, 6+).

Three successive positive or neutral flat moves netted WCPN nine-tenths (2.7 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), but the Ideastream-owned news/talk station surrenders one-half share to 3.1 (#11 to #13, 6+); WCPN was -1.3 in September (4.0 – 2.7, 6+).

Cleveland Music Formats – Entercom adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” is without a loss the fourth straight sweep for an overall +5.2 (6.6 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 9.0 – 11.8, 6+) and repeats at #1. One year ago, WDOK notched a 10.3 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). It has a one-share lead (6+) over iHeartMedia-owned WMJI (8.8 – 10.8, 6+), which repeats in the runner-up slot. After three consecutive months on top, “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” was dislodged in December by WDOK. The market leader eight straight sweeps, WMJI shifted to third in August. Recent “Majic” shifts include: +2.8 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.7 (January 2019); +.8 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.6 (July); -1.0 (August); +.8 (September); +.8 (November); -.6 (December); and +2.0 (Holiday” 2019). Off one-tenth in consecutive reports (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), Ideastream’s WCLV “Classical 104.9” erupts with a +.9 to 2.3 (6+) and continues at (#15). Unlisted July through September and then -1.0 October – November – December (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFHM “95.5 The Fish” gains seven-tenths to 2.7 (unchanged at #14, 6+). The three most recent shifts by iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” are +.9 (November); -.7 (December); and -1.1 in “Holiday” 2019 (8.3 – 7.2, flat at #3, 6+). WGAR’s June 2019 through October 2019 topline was: 8.1 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 8.0 – 8.1 (6+). Spiraling by eight-tenths (each) are Radio One urban AC WZAK-FM (7.5 – 6.7, fourth to fifth, 6+) and Entercom hot AC WQAL “Q-104” (3.8, flat at #10, 6+). WZAK-FM has been -1.1 (July); +1.5 (August/September); -1.2 (October/November); +.5 (December); and -.5 (“Holiday” 2019). WQAL’s -.8 halts four consecutive up or flat trends that netted eight-tenths (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+). Within 3.1 – 3.9 range the 12^th successive time (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM” advances from #13 to #12.

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly following three straight up or flat trends that yielded a +1.6 (4.5 – 5.4 – 6.1 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” is -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.3 – 4.6, fifth to seventh, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” is down three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8, flat at #19, 6+). Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” has a July 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline of: 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 (6+) and is anchored at #21.

An increase of three-tenths (3.6 – 3.9, 6+) lifts Union Broadcasting’s WHB back into the top ten (#12 to #9); “Sports Radio 810” was down six-tenths in November/December (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+). After faltering by six-tenths in November and December (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom-owned KCSP “610 Sports Radio” bounces back with a “Holiday” 2019 increase of one-half share (2.7, #17 to #15, 6+). November’s decline stopped three straight improvements that netted nine-tenths (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+).

This is the third straight report that University of Missouri news/talk KCUR has a shift of six-tenths: +.6 (4.1 – 4.7, November, 6+); -.6 (4.7 – 4.1, December, 6+); and -.6 (4.1 – 3.5, “Holiday” 2019, #9 to #12, 6+).

Kansas City Music Formats – Entrenched in the runner-up slot the past six months, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is a combined +4.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 and jumps to #1 (8.6 – 9.3 – 12.8, 6+). This (12.8) is the first time KCMO-FM has reached double-digits (6+) since “Holiday” 2017 (10.4). From January through June, “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” was +3.8 through six successive sweeps without a loss (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 9.2 – 9.2, 6+). Nine of the station’s recent fluctuations include: +1.6 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +1.2 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.3 (June); -.6 (August); +.6 (October); +.7 (December); and +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019). Supplanted at #1 is co-owned KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” (Chiefs), which had been the pacesetter the past six sweeps. KCFX returns December’s increase of three-tenths (9.9 – 10.3 – 9.9, 6+) and trades place with KCMO-FM. “The Fox” was a combined +1.2 in September/October (9.3 – 10.3 – 10.5, 6+). In 2019’s 13 survey periods, KCFX ended up on top nine times (January, February, May, July, August, September, October, November, and December), while KCMO-FM was #1 the other four (March, April, June, and “Holiday” 2019). Answering December’s loss of seven-tenths with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.9 (3.1 – 5.0, 6+), Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” zooms from #14 to #5 with its best 6+-stat (5.0) since “Holiday” 2018 (7.0). “KC-102.1” was up nine-tenths in October/November (2.9 – 3.4 – 3.8, 6+). Co-owned KFKF “Country 94.1,” which sputtered by seven-tenths in December, bounces back with a gain of six-tenths (5.7 – 6.3, 6+) and repeats at #3. Largely on the strength of November’s +1.5, “Country 94.1” was +1.9 in October/November (4.5 – 4.9 – 6.4, 6+). Elsewhere in the country format, KFKF cluster-mate KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country,” which logged a +1.3 in December, forfeits eight-tenths (4.7 – 3.9, seventh to ninth, 6+); Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” – up one-half share in December – is down one-tenth (4.3 – 4.2, unchanged at #8, 6+). Entering the December sweep, “Q-104” was an overall -1.6 in three straight downturns (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.5, – 3.4, 6+). “The Wolf,” meanwhile, posted a +1.0 in November and was a combined -1.4 in September/October (4.2 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). Up a total of four-tenths in November/December (3.2 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5” stumbles by seven-tenths to 2.9 (#12 to #14, 6+). Continuing an alternating down/up pattern that began in August (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KCHZ “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” falls from #15 to #17. The three most recent shifts by Entercom hot AC KZPT are: +.6 (4.1 – 4.7, November, 6+); +.5 (4.7 – 5.2, December, 6+); and -.5 in “Holiday” 2019 (5.2 – 4.7, flat at #6). In December, “99.7 The Point” reached the five-share level (5.2, 6+) for the first time in more than two years (5.1, November 2017). Without an increase the fourth time in a row, Cumulus Media-owned KCJK “105.1 The X – Kansas City’s Rock Alternative” is a collective -1.0 (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6, flat at #20, 6+). Prior to November, the last time KCJK fell below a two-share (6+) was in February (1.9).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – By regaining one-tenth of November/December’s -.4 (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” advances from fifth to fourth.

A -1.7 sends Tegna’s WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” from second to seventh. Its alternating down/up pattern is: 7.0 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 5.7 (October – November – December – “Holiday” 2019). Co-owned/similarly formatted WBNS-AM logs a .2 (6+) the fourth time in a row and falls from #19 to #20.

After being up nine-tenths through three straight gains (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU is a combined -2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.2 – 4.6 – 2.9, eighth to ninth, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – Jumping from sixth to second, iHeartMedia adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus” is a collective +5.6 in three straight bumps (3.8 – 3.9 – 5.9 – 9.4, 6+). This directly trails three downturns in a row that accounted for a -1.8 (5.6 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+). WODC has been -4.1 (January 2019); +.9 (May); -.5 (June); +1.0 (July); -.9 (August); -.5 (September); +2.0 (December); and +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019). Immediately on the heels of being a combined -1.4 in September/October (7.6 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY roars back with an overall +3.5 in three successive up or flat trends (6.2 – 6.7 – 7.2 – 9.7, 6+); “Sunny 95” marches from third to first. This is the best 6+-stat for WSNY since “Holiday” 2018 (9.7, as well). On top the past 25 ratings periods, iHeartMedia-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country,” a combined -3.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (10.9 – 9.8 – 7.7, 6+), segues to #3. By logging a 9.8 in December, WCOL failed to reach double-digits (6+) for the first time since June 2017. Sample WCOL fluctuations include: -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.2 (April); -1.3 (May); -.6 (June); -.8 (October); -1.1 (December); and -2.1 (“Holiday” 2019). Faltering by one-half share (each) are WCOL’s urban contemporary sibling WZCB “106.7 The Beat” (2.8, flat at #11, 6+); Radio One’s WCKX “Power 107.5” (tenth to ninth); and WCKX gospel sibling WJYD “Joy 107.1” (1.0, #15 to #17, 6+). “The Beat” was up eight-tenths in October/November and down seven-tenths in December. In four straight sweeps without an increase, “Power” has lost eight-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+). “Joy” gained nine-tenths in four successive increases (1.1 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+) but then regressed by one-half share in December to 1.5 (#14 to #15, 6+). Down or flat the sixth straight time for a net loss of one-half share (1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WXZX has its lowest 6+-stat since March (1.2, as well); “105.7 The Brew” continues at #16.

Friday, January 24, 2020

TALKERS | January 24, 2020

NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, WONK-FM, Washington, DC. The new episode titled, “New Boogie Virus in the Closet of Our Fears!” looks back at this past week of January 20-24, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Howie Carr, talk show host, Howie Carr Radio Network; Michael Riedel, talk show host, WOR, New York; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Dana Cheng, senior reporter China news, The Epoch Times; and Ryan Wrecker, talk show host, KMOX, St Louis. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on WONK-FM, Washington, DC on Friday evenings between 6:00-7:00 pm. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KFNX, Phoenix; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; the Virginia Talk Radio Network and Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA as well as appearing on the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.

Lynda Lopez Returns to WCBS-AM, New York. After leaving Entercom’s all-news WCBS-AM, New York in 2016, news pro Lynda Lopez is back with the station handling the midday news anchor position as well as serving as a special projects reporter. The Emmy Award-winning journalist was most recently a television and radio news anchor for ABC News and previously was an anchor and reporter for WCBS-TV, WNYW-TV and WWOR-TV in New York. She has also served as a contributor for Latina Magazine, Glamour, and Glam Belleza Latina. She was a news anchor and special correspondent for WCBS-AM from 2009 through 2016. Lopez succeeds recently retired WCBS news anchor Pat Farnack. Entercom New York regional president and market manager Susan Larkin says, “I’m happy to welcome Lynda back to our exceptional on-air WCBS 880 team. I am confident her breadth of experience and her skillset engaging audiences, as well as her established presence in this market, will enable her to thrive in this role and successfully keep New Yorkers informed daily.”

Round Two of Holiday PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. The survey period was December 5 through January 1. As noted yesterday, the calendar month of December can be challenging for spoken-word stations as Christmas music becomes a popular choice for radio listeners and holiday activities break up typical listening patterns. That said, Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub” tacked four-tenths on to its December survey weekly 6+ AQH share for a 5.5 share and the #5 rank in the market. iHeartMedia’s all-news WBZ-AM gains 1.2 shares to finish the survey at a 6.0 share and the #3 rank in the Boston market. And in San Diego, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOGO adds three-tenths to finish the Holiday survey at a 4.7 share. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways here.

New York Festivals Radio Awards Debuts Storytellers Gala at NAB Show. On April 21 at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, New York Festivals Radio Awards kicks off its inaugural Storytellers Gala in celebration of the 10^th year of NYF’s strategic partnership with the annual NAB Show. New York Festivals says that with the digital audio arena encompassing music-streaming, podcasts, online, and satellite radio, radio has come a very long way since the first radio broadcast of election coverage by KDKA on November 2, 1920. In honor of this momentous invention, New York Festivals Radio Awards will celebrate 100 years of radio while bringing together global storytellers from both the radio and TV & film industry on the same stage. Radio storytelling begins with a distinctive voice and ends with a captivating narrative that engages listeners on a broad range of topics. New York Festivals Radio Awards’ robust roster of categories celebrates the innovative storytelling from content creators from 40 countries around the world. From Live Shows to Entertainment Specials, Sports to Talk Radio, Music Shows to News, Serialized Storytelling to Podcasts and Audiobooks, powerful storytelling today succeeds in engaging listeners and illustrating that the voice of the storyteller is loud, clear and very much alive in radio. TALKERS magazine publisher and NYF Radio Awards Advisory Board member Michael Harrison says, “The NYF is right in sync with the most important movement taking place in media today – a revival of enthusiasm for the art of storytelling. Storytelling has been the foundation of oral communications from the dawn of language to the present-day explosion in technology. The idea of outstanding storytellers from around the planet gathering in Las Vegas to celebrate this most evolved element of human connectivity is deeply gratifying to those of us who love the spoken word and remain in awe of its power.” The deadline to enter the 2020 Radio Awards competition is February 1, 2020. To enter please visit: here. For additional information visit: Rules and Regulations.

TALKERS News Notes. Virginia-based conservative talk media personality John Fredericks is the focal point in a Washington Post piece about the Trump administration and news/talk radio. In the story by Sarah Ellison titled, “Trumpworld Has Converted the Nation’s Regional Talk Radio Hosts Into a Loyal Army,” she writes, “Pouring attention on regional talk radio hosts is a classic Trumpworld move: giving relatively unknown characters proximity to the White House has paid off with a disproportionate amount of attention and praise lavished on the president and his agenda.” Read the piece here at Fredericks’ TrumpNationNews.com…..The National Sports Media Association has named WTOP-FM, Washington senior sports director and long-time Wizards radio play-by-by broadcaster Dave Johnson “D.C. Sportscaster of the Year.” WTOP director of news and programming Julia Ziegler says, “Dave is one of the hardest working guys I have ever met. We are so thrilled and excited to see Dave honored for the amazing work he has done throughout his career. Dave is an incredible journalist and amazing person to work alongside each day.” This season marks Johnson’s 23^rd as the voice of the team on the Washington Wizards Radio Network…..The Consumer Technology Association – owner and producer of the annual CES – came under fire from some quarters for bringing Ivanka Trump in to serve as a keynote speaker for the CES 2020 earlier this month. CTA president and CEO Gary Shapiro defends the organization’s move – and has some choice words for its “totally uninformed” critics – on the Westwood One Podcast Network’s “Think About This with Shelly Palmer and Ross Martin.”

Impeachment Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 20-24. The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in November. Coming in at #3 was the Wuhan coronavirus and U.S.-China relations, followed by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and the subject of climate change at #4. The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Two morning shows have been dismissed at Entercom’s San Diego station group. AJ Machado and Sara Perry are gone from classic hits KXSN “Sunny 98.1” after a little less than two years there. They had previously served with adult contemporary KYXY “96 Soft Rock” in the market. Also exiting the cluster are Dana DiDonato and Jayson Prim from alternative KBZT “Alt 94.9.” They came to San Diego from Cox Media Group’s CHR WBLI, Long Island, replacing the “Cantore & Woods” show. There has been no announcement from the company on its plans for the morning dayparts on the two stations…..In Denver, Entercom names Chuck Sullivan the SVP and market manager for the cluster that includes four music brands – classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain,” CHR KALC “Alice 105.9,” nostalgia KEZW-AM “Timeless Music,” and hip hop KQKS “KS 107.5” — as well as comedy KQKS-HD2…..SuiteRadio’s 24/7 hot AC format “The Planet” – syndicated by Envision Networks – adds new affiliate station WKSO-FM, Natchez, Louisiana to is roster of stations. The Planet’s on-air lineup features personalities Maria Todd, Atom Smasher, and Mark Carrillo. Core artists include: Adele, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna, and Coldplay.

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Two

TALKERS | January 24, 2020

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Data. Information for the “Holiday” 2019 ratings period has been released for Washington (DC), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2019 survey period covered December 5 (2019) – January 1 (2020). Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Stalled at 5.1 (6+) in September and October before posting a November increase of six-tenths, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL is off a combined seven-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.0, sixth to seventh, 6+). March 2019’s 6.8 represents the best 6+-stat in its PPM-history. For the 18^th sweep in succession, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

Following six straight positive or neutral moves for an overall +1.7 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” is a combined -2.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 2.7 – 2.1, #15 to #16, 6+). In November, the flagship of the 2019 World Series champion Nationals registered the highest 6+-share (4.8) by any D.C. sports talk outlet in the PPM-era. Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team,” which gained one-half share in September/October (.6 – .9 – 1.1, 6+), is off three-tenths through three down or flat moves in a row (1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8, flat at #19, 6+). Cumulus Media sports talk WSBN “ESPN 630 AM The Sports Capitol” repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.2, #26, 6+).

Although a combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.1 – 7.9 – 6.9, 6+), after November’s increase of seven-tenths, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM continues in third-place. It segued to the runner-up slot in July, following six straight months at #1. Entercom business news WDCH drops one-tenth (.6 – .5, flat at #23, 6+).

On top the past three months, American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” follows December’s one-tenth dip with a -2.3 (8.9 – 8.8 – 6.5, 6+) and segues to fourth. WAMU’s -2.3 is the largest (6+) December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 decrease in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve highlighted thus far. Recent WAMU shifts include: -.8 (8.2 – 7.4, September, 6+); +.7 (7.4 – 8.1, October, 6+); +.8 (8.1 – 8.9, November, 6+); and -2.3 (“Holiday” 2019).

Washington, DC Music Formats – Having surrendered seven-tenths in November, WASH “Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” roars back with a combined +7.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.4 – 8.1 – 12.9, 6+) as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary station marches from second to first. WASH logged a 10.4 (6+) this time last year (“Holiday” 2018) and was a combined +.8 in September/October (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+). Not only does Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association-owned WETA purge its combined November/December loss of eight-tenths (3.8 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+) with a “Holiday” 2019 boost of +1.3, “Classical 90.9” crosses the four-share threshold (4.3, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #8). After trending 5.2 – 5.4 – 5.2 (October – November – December, 6+), Howard University urban AC WHUR picks up six-tenths to 5.8 (seventh to sixth, 6+). When WHUR added two-tenths in November, it suspended five down or flat reports in a row that accounted for a collective -1.3 (6.5 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Its format rival, Radio One’s WMMJ “Majic,” drops two-tenths, yet progresses from fourth to second. On a September 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 seesaw, “Majic” has been -.8 (8.2 – 7.4, September, 6+); +.6 (7.4 – 8.0, October, 6+); -.6 (8.0 – 7.4, November, 6+); +.2 (7.4 – 7.6, December, 6+); and -.2 (7.6 – 7.4, “Holiday” 2019, 6+). When WMMJ added two-tenths in July, it suspended three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Notwithstanding it is without an increase the fifth time in succession for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC climbs from #14 to #13.

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Although unchanged at #12, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” is a collective -1.1 as a result of four consecutive down or flat reports (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). This directly follows nine successive positive or neutral trends that yielded a +1.8 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+). Co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.4, #27, 6+).

Rebounding from December’s -1.1 with a “Holiday” 2019 increase of four-tenths (5.1 – 5.5, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Patriots, Celtics, Bruins) carries on in fifth-place. “The Sports Hub” had been an overall +2.5 in three spikes in succession (3.7 – 5.0 – 6.1 – 6.2, 6+). November’s 6.2 was its best 6+-stat since May (7.0). Meanwhile, four consecutive positive or neutral reports by WEEI-FM accounted for a +1.6 (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+); however, the Entercom-owned sports talker is a combined -1.1 in December “Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.6 – 3.8, flat at #7, 6+). November 2019’s 4.9 represents the strongest 6+-showing for WEEI-FM since its 5.7 in November 2018.

Having lost an overall seven-tenths through four straight down or flat sweeps (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM eradicates that deficit with a +1.2 to 6.0 (sixth to third, 6+). This (6.0) is the first time “News Radio 1030” reaches the six-share level (6+) in nearly two years (6.4, March 2018, 6+).

After November’s +1.0 (3.5 – 4.5, 6+), Boston University news/talk WBUR is a combined -1.8 in December/ “Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 3.9 – 2.7, 6+) and drifts from the top ten (#8 to #13). Down six-tenths in November and then up two-tenths in December, WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH falters by six-tenths (3.3 – 2.7, 6+) and is tied with WBUR at #13. WGBH’s November decrease snapped at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +1.5 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+).

Boston Music Formats – As a result of three robust upticks in succession, Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” is a collective +10.5 (4.7 – 5.8 – 8.0 – 15.2, 6+) and progresses from second to first. Its 15.2 (“Holiday” 2019, 6+) is seven-tenths higher than “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5 (6+). Entering the November ratings period, “Magic” had a net loss of -2.2 via four decreases in a row (6.9 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.7, 6+). WMJX was a combined +.8 in May/June (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+). The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share gets a further boost of eight-tenths from iHeartMedia’s WSRS, which not only is trending .6 – 1.2 – 2.0 (6+), “Worcester’s At-Work Station” is propelled into the top twenty (#23 to #18). In Boston’s “Holiday” 2018 report, WSRS logged a 1.5 (6+). Setting the pace the past nine survey periods, Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” spirals by a combined -2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.5 – 8.1 – 6.2, 6+), segueing from first to second. October’s increase of three-tenths followed WROR’s combined -1.2 in August/September (8.8 – 7.7 – 7.6, 6+). The August 2019 through December 2019 topline for iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM was: 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.5 (6+), but “Kiss 108” falters by nine-tenths to 5.6 (third to fourth, 6+). Within 3.0 – 3.9 (6+) range in each of the past ten sweeps, Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1 Boston’s Best Variety” stumbles by six-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #11). Forfeiting one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia’s WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” (5.5 – 5.0, fourth to sixth, 6+) and co-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull – New Hit Country” (2,1, #11 to #16). This (5.0) is the lowest 6+-stat for WZLX since July 2018’s 4.8; “The Bull” was up a combined six-tenths in November/December (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+). As a result of seven down or flat reports in a row, iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 The Beat of Boston” is a cumulative -1.6 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 1.3 – 1.1, #21 to #23, 6+).

Miami

English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – In the past nine survey periods (April through December), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD logged a 6+-stat no higher than 2.7 and no lower than 2.5. “News Radio 610 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station,” however, sputters by one-half share in “Holiday” 2019 (2.5 – 2.0, #16 to #17, 6+).

Having nearly tripled its 6+ AQH share (+.7) through five consecutive increases (.5 – 6 – .7 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom-owned WQAM “560 The Joe” (Dolphins, Florida Panthers) is now off three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+) but remains at #23. Co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” (Heat), which more than doubled its 6+-stat in October/November (.3 – .5 – .7, 6+), regains the one-tenth it lost in December (.6 – .7, #29 to #27, 6+).

Off three-tenths (2.3 – 2.0, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN repeats at #17.

Miami Music Formats – There is a first-place “Holiday” 2019 tie and it involves two adult contemporary rivals. Specifically, Cox Media Group’s WFEZ “Easy 93.1” logs its fourth straight positive or neutral report for a net gain of one-half share (7.0 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+) and is #1 the 13^th consecutive time. “Easy” was down eight-tenths in February; up by that same magnitude in March; and notched an improvement of … eight-tenths in June. Catching it at the top is Entercom-owned WLYF “101.5 Lite FM,” which is an overall +2.2 in four successive sweeps without a loss (5.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.5, second to a first-place tie, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, WFEZ notched a 7.1 (6+); WLYF a 7.3 (6+). Owing to three straight decreases, Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ was a collective -1.0 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+), but “102.7 The Beach” erases 80% of that deficit with a +.8 to 5.6 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Flat at #19, co-owned WKIS “Kiss Country 99.9” is without an increase the eighth successive month for a net loss of -1.4 and falls below a two-share (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.7, 6+). The market’s two mainstream CHR outlets are again separated by four-tenths as Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” is flat at 3.4 but leaves the top ten (#10 to #11, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” repeats December’s 3.0 (6+), dropping from #13 to #14. Prior to faltering by three-tenths in December, WFLC “Hits 97.3” was up seven-tenths through three spikes in a row (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+). Meanwhile, “Y-100” has lost a total of four-tenths via three straight reports without an increase (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). This is directly after gaining eight-tenths in four straight up or flat trends (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – Over the course of the last nine survey periods (May through “Holiday” 2019), Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” has logged a 4.9 (6+) four times and a 5.0 (6+) three times (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 4.9, fourth to fifth, 6+). News/talk cluster-mate KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” recaptures the two-tenths it lost in December (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.8, #23 to #22, 6+). Although it has surrendered one-third (-.4) of its 6+ AQH share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.2 – 1.1 – .8, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” remains at #25.

Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” (Seahawks) repeats December’s 6+ AQH hour share and rank (3.7, #11, 6+). September’s increase of seven-tenths halted four straight down or flat trends that resulted in a collective -1.3 (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). Having more than quadrupled (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share in five consecutive positive or neutral moves (.5 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” falters by three-tenths to 1.8 (flat at #22, 6+).

Off a collective half-share in three successive down or flat trends (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO falls from #14 to #18; August’s 3.2 was its best 6+-stat since November 2017’s 3.4.

A cumulative +1.6 through three straight improvements (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW relinquishes half that increase (5.3, -.8, flat at #3, 6+). Immediately prior, it had been -1.6 through four consecutive decreases (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+).

Seattle Music Formats – It isn’t quite the #1/#2 format finish as in Miami (see above) but Seattle adult contemporary facilities rank first and fourth this sweep. Repeating at #1 is Hubbard Broadcasting’s KRWM, which is a combined +4.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 6.6 – 9.2, 6+). This time last year, “Warm 106.9” recorded an 11.2 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). Entering the November survey period, “Warm” was up a collective seven-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without a decrease (4.3 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KSWD was a combined -1.4 via three straight decreases (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+) but “94.1 The Sound” answers with a +1.0 to 5.1 (ninth to fourth, 6+). “The Sound” and “Warm” were separated by one-tenth in May (4.5 – 4.4, 6+); June (4.5 – 4.4, as well, 6+); and July (4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Progressing by +1.0 in “Holiday” 2019 is Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 – Today’s Best Mix,” which is a collective +2.0 in three consecutive bumps (2.4 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 4.4, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#13 to #7). As was the case with “Star,” iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM logged a December increase of seven-tenths and was +1.0 in November/December (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+); however, “95.7 The Jet” spirals by -1.0 in “Holiday” 2019 to 3.8 (sixth to ninth, 6+). Off a cumulative -1.5 in three decreases in succession (4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf #1 For Country” is -1.1 via three slips in succession (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.8, seventh to ninth, 6+). This immediately follows three straight increases that netted eight-tenths (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+). At the same time, Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull” is an overall -1.9 as a result of four drops in a row (4.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.5, #16 to #19, 6+). 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 and gained two-tenths in September. Within 2.1 – 2.7 range (6+) in each of the last ten survey periods, Friends of 88.5’s KNKX sputters by seven-tenths to 1.9 (6+). “Your Connection to Jazz, Blues, and NPR News” departs the top twenty (#18 to #21).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Four improvements in a row by Cumulus Media’s WJR (Lions) accounted for a +1.1 (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+) but “News Talk 760” is now a combined -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 and falls below a two-share (3.1 – 2.2 – 1.6, #18 to #19, 6+).

In a somewhat similar scenario, Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Pistons, Red Wings) was a collective +1.6 in three straight upticks (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.5, 6+) but is -1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 4.8 – 3.8 (#7 to #12, 6+). “The Ticket” had been an overall -1.5 through three successive decreases (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+).

A December increase of two-tenths by co-owned WWJ halted three successive downturns that resulted in an overall -1.5 (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+); however, “News Radio 950” relinquishes seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (4.6 – 3.9, 6+). Furthermore, WWJ – which was #1 in March and posted a +1.1 in August – exits the top ten (#8 to #11).

Regaining the one-tenth it lost in December (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET advances from #22 to #20. In addition to being off one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.0 – 1.6 – 1.3, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM falls from the top twenty (#20 to #21).

Detroit Music Formats – Mirroring what has happened in Seattle (see above), adult contemporary facilities in Detroit occupy the #1 and #4 positions. On top the third month in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The Best Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” is a stunning +9.2 through five successive upticks (5.6 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 9.5 – 14.8, 6+). By way of comparison, in “Holiday” 2018, WNIC displayed a 17.9, 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+). A combined -1.1 in November/December (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom-owned/similarly formatted WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” obliterates that deficit with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.8 to 4.9 (6+), rocketing 11 rankers from from #15 to #4. This (4.9) is the strongest 6+-stat for “The Breeze” since it switched from CHR (“Amp Radio 98.7”) in mid-November 2018. Down or flat three reports in a row for a collective loss of six-tenths (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Detroit Classical and Jazz Educational Radio, LLC’s WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days/Jazzy Nights” then picked up one-tenth in November (2.2, 6+); lost four-tenths in December (1.8, 6+); and now gains six-tenths (2.4, #19 to #18, 6+). After improving by one-half share in December, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits,” plummets by a margin three times that magnitude (6.2 – 4.7, -1.5, second to sixth, 6+) and has its lowest 6+ performance (4.7) since “Holiday” 2018’s 4.6. Having logged a 5.8 (6+) in October, November, and December, Beasley Media Group rock WRIF “101 Rocks Detroit” spirals by -1.0 to 4.8 (third to fifth, 6+). In five consecutive sweeps without an increase, Entercom’s WYCD “99.5 Detroit Country Music” lost a cumulative nine-tenths (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+); picked up one-tenth in December (4.5, 6+); and now erodes by -1.1 in “Holiday” 2019 (3.4, #9 to #13, 6+). In the iHeartMedia cluster, classic rock WLLZ “106.7 Detroit’s Wheels” regresses by eight-tenths (#13 to #17), while CHR WKQI “Channel 95.5” drops one-half share (4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). “Wheels” is a combined -.9 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.5, 6+); “Channel 95.5” was up three-tenths in November/December (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Off six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 after December’s loss of four-tenths (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (Arizona Cardinals) drops from seventh to ninth. Repeating December’s 2.8 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” progresses from #14 to #12.

A collective -1.1 via three slips in succession (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.0, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (Suns, Arizona Coyotes) shifts from #17 to #18. KMVP-FM was a combined -1.0 in June/July (3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+) and then +1.0 via three straight up or flat trends (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.1, 6+). Meanwhile, co-owned KTAR-AM repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.3, #30, 6+).

Up six-tenths through five consecutive reports without a loss (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ surrenders one-half share to 3.5 (fifth to sixth, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – In the driver’s seat the seventh time in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is a whopping +12.5 through four upticks in succession (6.7 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 11.0 – 19.2, 6+) and boasts the highest 6+-stat (19.2) of any station in the 24 PPM-markets highlighted thus far. This is its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018’s 15.0. September’s decrease suspended five consecutive improvements that netted a +1.7 (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.0, 6+). Up nine-tenths as a result of four successive sweeps without a loss (6.2 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain” craters by -1.5 to 5.6 (second to third), its lowest 6+-figure since May (5.4). Flat at #4, Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” is -1.3 in three consecutive negative or neutral reports (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.1, 6+) and is below a six-share (5.1) for the first time since March (5.3). Immediately after KOOL improves by eight-tenths (5.8 – 6.6, 6+), the Entercom classic hits-oldies station surrenders the increase in its entirety (5.8, -.8, 6+) yet climbs from third to second. Despite being -1.0 in three straight negative or neutral moves (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” advances from ninth to eighth. Family Life contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” is a combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.3, #25, 6+). Somewhat similarly, iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country & All-Time Favorites” is a collective -2.3 via four consecutive drops (5.2 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+) yet reenters the top ten (#12 to #10). KNIX is one-tenth ahead of Entercom’s similarly-programmed KMLE “Country 107.9,” which was a combined +.5 in October/November (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), but -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, flat at #12, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – WCCO “News Radio 830” repeats December’s AQH share and market rank (4.3, #10, 6+). November’s -1.8 curtailed three straight up or flat moves that yielded seven-tenths for the Entercom-owned flagship of the Minnesota Timberwolves (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+). Three consecutive increases yielded one-half share for Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+); however, “My Talk 107.1” is off three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.7, #14 to #13, 6+). KTMY is one-tenth ahead of iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130,” which gained six-tenths in August but is off one-half share in three straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6, #15 to #14, 6+).

A cumulative +3.9 in eight positive or neutral trends in succession (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.3 – 6.1 – 6.8 – 7.3 – 7.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild) is -1.0 to 6.8 (6+). After a December-only stay at #1, “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” falls to #3. Unchanged at #22, Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” is off 33% (-.3) in December/“Holiday” 2019 (.9 – .8 – .6, 6+).

Following December’s increase of one-half share to 6.8 (6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW erodes by -1.1 to 5.7 (fifth to sixth, 6+).

Minneapolis Music Formats – By more than doubling (+5.9) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (5.7 – 5.9 – 7.0 – 11.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KQQL not only demolishes its overall -1.8 from three decreases in a row (7.5 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+),“Kool 108” zooms from fourth to first. This time last year, KQQL logged a 12.6 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). Ousted from the penthouse in June by Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, “Kool 108” returned the favor in July, but was (again) dislodged by KSTP-FM in August. Prior to posting a +1.0 in May, KQQL had approximately 54% (-6.8) of its 6+ AQH share vanish through four straight negative or flat trends (12.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+). When KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” slipped by one-tenth (to 7.3, 6+), in December, it interrupted three straight gains that accounted for an overall +1.9 (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.5 – 7.4, 6+). The University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian outlet bounces back with a +.9 to 8.2 (third to second, 6+), three full-shares higher than “Holiday” 2018’s 5.2. Up seven-tenths in December/ “Holiday” 2019 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WGVX “Love 105 FM” advances from #19 to a three-way tie at #17. A combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.6 – 7.4 – 5.8, 6+), previously-mentioned KSTP-FM “KS-95” falls from second to fifth. The Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC solely held or shared the top spot in January, March, April, June, August, September, October, and November. KSTP-FM was +1.9 (January); -.8 (February); +.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.8 (May); +1.1 (August); and now -1.6 (“Holiday’ 2019). Regressing by six-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” (eighth to ninth); co-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” (#11 to #12); and Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP “The Current – Great Music Lives Here” (2.3, #13 to #17, 6+). KDWB is off nine-tenths in December/ “Holiday” 2019 (5.3 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+); “K-102” is -1.3 in the same timeframe (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+); and “The Current” was up four-tenths in November/December (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+). In three drops in succession, KEEY’s format competitor, Entercom’s KMNB “102.9 The Wolf,” has lost nine-tenths (3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+) and is flat at #15. After posting an October 2019 through December 2019 topline of 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 (6+), Milestone Radio‘s KLCI “Total Country Bob FM” is unlisted in “Holiday” 2019.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Slicing in half December’s loss of six-tenths with a “Holiday” 2019 increase of three-tenths (4.4 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” progresses from eighth to sixth. Recent KOGO fluctuations include: +1.0 via three straight February through May increases; a combined -.5 in June/July; +.5 (August); -.7 (September); +.7 (October); and -.6 (December). A spike of three-tenths (1.7 – 2.0, 6+) is sufficient to propel iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” into San Diego’s top twenty (#22 to #19). Conversely, a dip of three-tenths forces Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM from the top twenty (#20 to #21). “AM 760” is off eight-tenths in five consecutive negative or neutral moves (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+).

Up a collective four-tenths in three successive sweeps without a loss (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom-owned sports talk KWFN “97.3 The Fan” advances from #19 to #17. In seven consecutive up or flat reports, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” has nearly doubled (+.7) its 6+ AQH share (.8 – .8 – .8 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, steady at #22, 6+).

Following four straight reports without a loss that netted four-tenths (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS is now a combined -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.3 – 6.0 – 4.8, second to fifth, 6+). Before falling to third in July, KPBS was on top the previous six months.

San Diego Music Formats – Tacking on a +4.5 to December’s +2.9 (3.7 – 6.6 – 11.1, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KYXY repeats at #1. One year ago, KYXY posted an 8.4 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). A combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” drops from fifth to eighth. Uniradio regional Mexican XHTY “Invasora 99.7” relinquishes eight-tenths from November/December’s +1.1 (2.1 – 2.5 – 3.2, 6+) and slips from #12 to #15 (2.4, 6+). December 2019’s 3.2 was its best 6+-stat since December 2018’s 3.4. This is the fourth straight sweep without an increase for Local Media San Diego-programmed urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5,” which is -1.0 in that stretch (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.5, fourth to seventh, 6+). Without an increase the fifth sweep in succession for an overall -1.5 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” slides from #16 to #20. Co-owned KGB-FM “101.5 San Diego’s Classic Rock,” which was a collective -1.5 in five straight setbacks (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+), ends the slide with a +.4 to 3.4 (#13 to #11). When KGB-FM posted a 3.5 (6+) in October, it marked the first time since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.8 that the station had fallen below a four-share.

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – Three decreases in a row by iHeartMedia-owned WFLA resulted in a -1.0 (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+), but “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” halts the slide with a one-tenth improvement to 2.9 (#16 to #14, 6+). Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” falters by one-half share (3.1 – 2.6, #14 to #17, 6+). Entering the October sweep, WHPT gained one-half share through four consecutive up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+).

Flat at #20, iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Buccaneers) has lost nine-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-showing since March (1.7, as well).

As a result of five consecutive positive spikes, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF is a collective +1.0 (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, #18 to #15, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – In addition to being +3.3 via three upticks in succession (7.9 – 8.6 – 9.8 – 11.2, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is #1 the 89^th straight time. WDUV was up seven-tenths in September but -2.0 in October. WDUV’s 13.7 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-stat by any Tampa station since its 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. A +2.3 by iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX enables “Mix 100.7” to reach the six-share level (6.0, 6+) and to rocket from #11 to #2. The September 2019 through December 2019 topline for “Mix” was: 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 (6+). Tied with WMTX in the runner-up slot is Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM,” which is up a combined eight-tenths in three upticks in succession (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). An overall +1.1 via six consecutive up or flat trends through August (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1” has since been -.3 (September); +.5 (October); and -1.5 in three decreases in a row (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.6 – 3.4, #12 to #13, 6+). In December, Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” and iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 for New Country” were tied in seventh-place. The two format rivals are deadlocked again in “Holiday” 2019 as each loses four-tenths (4.6 – 4.2, 6+) as they fall to eighth. WQYK was up two-tenths in December. WFUS’ “Holiday” 2019 loss curtails three straight increases that accounted for a net gain of seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+). Its October improvement interrupted three straight slips that resulted in a cumulative loss of eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.9, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – After recording six spikes in a row for a +2.7 (.1 – .2 – .8 – 1.1 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KDFD “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” surrenders three-tenths to 2.5 (#15 to #16, 6+). Locked on 2.5 (6+) in November and December, news/talk cluster-mate KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” (Broncos) falters by four-tenths to 2.1 (#17 to #18, 6+). Its November gain of one-tenth ended at four a consecutive string of decreases that accounted for an approximately 54% erosion (-2.6) of its 6+ AQH share (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.0 – 3.0 – 2.4, 6+). Anchored at #23, co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” follows December’s increase of two-tenths with a one-tenth loss (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+).

A collective -1.2 in three down or flat sweeps in a row (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) nonetheless climbs from #17 to #16. This streak directly follows its overall +1.3 through four successive gains (2.4 – 2.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+). As a result of four consecutive drops, KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM (Colorado Avalanche) has lost more than half (-.8) its 6+-stat (1.4 – 1.3 – .9 – .7 – .6, #26 to #27, 6+); “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” was +1.0 in September.

In an alternating down/up pattern since August (5.1 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 6.3 – 4.8, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR segues from second to third. KCFR has been -1.6 (June); +.8 (July); +.5 (October); +1.0 (December); and now -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019). After being up three-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .5 – .7 – .8, 6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC is off three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (.8 – .6 – .5, flat at #29, 6+).

Denver Music Formats – Four successive sweeps without a loss by Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI net a whopping +10.3 (4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 6.7 – 14.4, 6+), as “101.1 Real Music Variety” repeats at #1. In “Holiday” 2018, KOSI logged a 12.8 (6+). Entering the September ratings period, KOSI lost a collective half-share in five down or flat months in a row (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Without a decrease the seventh consecutive sweep for an overall +1.7 (.9 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+), Colorado Public Radio classical-formatted KVOD proceeds from #16 to #15. After gaining eight-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” is a combined -1.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.5 – 3.5, 6+) and drifts from the top ten (#6 to #11). Four successive up or flat trends by iHeartMedia’s KRFX generated a collective four-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+); however, “Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox” is a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.0, 6+). Even so, KRFX – which had a November-only stay at #1 – advances from third to second. Bonneville-owned country KYGO is -1.9 through four decreases in a row (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.3, flat at #4, 6+). KYGO occupied the top spot in June, July, September, and October. Regressing by six-tenths, iHeartMedia alternative KTCL “Channel 93.3” (4.6 – 4.0, 6+) remains in fifth-place. Despite being off six-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures-owned classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” progresses from sixth to fifth.

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Winning ways continue for Hearst Television-owned WBAL “News Radio – Expect More,” which not only is an overall +1.6 in six consecutive positive spikes (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+), the Ravens flagship cracks the top ten (#11 to #9). This is its strongest 6+-stat since September 2017 (3.4, as well). Even though independent news/talk WCBM drops one-tenth (2.4 – 2.3, 6+) “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” advances from #14 to #13.

After posting three straight up or flat reports for a net gain of seven-tenths (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” drops one-tenth to 4.8 (6+) but actually bumps up from eighth to fifth. It is the tenth straight time WJZ-FM is within 4.2 – 4.9 range (6+).

WJZ-FM’s business news sibling WDCH returns the two-tenths it picked up in December (.5 – .7 – .5, #23 to #24, 6+).

Following four successive increases that yielded a +1.2 (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” is off nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.8 – 3.6 – 2.9, 6+) and leaves the top ten (#10 to #11). By picking up one-tenth in November and December (.7 – .8 – .9, 6+), WAMU suspended four straight down or flat Baltimore sweeps that resulted in a one-half share loss (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – .8 – .7, 6+). The American University-owned news/talk station though regresses by one-half share to .4 (#21 to #26, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – Locked on 5.9 (6+) in October and November, WLIF is an astonishing +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 7.9 – 16.0, 6+) as “Today’s 101.9” marches from second to first. This (16.0) is the first time the Entercom adult contemporary property has reached double-digits (6+) since “Holiday” 2018 (15.2). Dislodged from the top spot after seven successive months there is Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM (8.0 – 7.7, -.3, first to second). “Magic 95.9” was -.8 (October); +.6 (November); and -.9 in December. A combined +1.8 in June/July (7.3 – 8.1 – 9.1, 6+), WWIN-FM reached the nine-share level (9.1, 6+, July) for the first time since January’s 9.0. An overall -2.3 via four straight decreases (8.4 – 7.5 – 7.4 – 6.9 – 6.1, 6+), its urban contemporary cluster-mate, WERQ “92-Q Jams,” answers with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.0 to 7.1 (steady at #3, 6+). After being in the runner-up slot six months in a row, WERQ slipped to third in December. As a result of four straight sweeps without an increase, Entercom-owned WWMX “Mix 106.5 – Baltimore’s Best Mix” is -2.1 and falls below a four-share (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 3.3, sixth to tenth, 6+). Dropping from seventh to eighth, iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want” has its fourth setback in succession for a collective -2.5 (6.2 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 3.7, 6+). Up one-half share in October/November (6.2 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+), co-owned WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” is a combined -1.9 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.7 – 6.1 – 4.8, third to fifth, 6+). CHR sibling WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” logs its third drop in a row for a collective -1.7 (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.0, #12 to #14, 6+). Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, alternative WWDC “DC-101,” which was up four-tenths in November/December (1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+), forfeits one-half share to 1.6 (flat at #15, 6+). Owing to three slips in a row, Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” is a cumulative -1.5 (6.4 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 4.9, fifth to fourth, 6+). Stuck on 3.8 (6+) in November and December, Shamrock Communications’ WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” sputters by six-tenths to 3.8 (6+) yet proceeds from ninth to seventh. This is the 18^th sweep in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -2.7 in November/December (7.2 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX picks up two-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 to 4.7 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #7). “The Voice of St. Louis” was +2.2 in September/October (5.0 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+). Co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1,” which was an overall +1.3 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.3 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), is now off nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.7, flat at #17, 6+).

As a result of four straight increases (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.9, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk WXOS was a cumulative +1.8, but “101 Sports” forfeits half that increase (-.9) in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, -.6, 6+) and repeats at #12.

Without an increase the third time in a row for a net loss of nine-tenths (4.1 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.2, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU slips from #13 to #15.

St. Louis Music Formats – Owing to five bumps in a row (4.7 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 8.9 – 14.2, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KEZK “102.5 The Best Mix of the 80s & Today” more than triples its 6+-stat (+9.5) and marches from second to first. This (14.2) is the strongest 6+-showing for KEZK since its 15.6 in “Holiday” 2018. Two positive streaks by Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KSHE come to an end: “95 Real Rock Radio” segues to the runner-up slot after eight consecutive months on top and is -1.1 (to 9.7, 6+), suspending four consecutive upticks that accounted for an overall +2.2 (8.6 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.8 – 10.8, 6+). December’s 10.8 marked the first time KSHE hit double-digits in the PPM-era. In February, KSHE was tied at the top 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; that time, it was with Entercom news/talk KMOX. Recent KSHE shifts include: +2.0 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +1.3 (March); -1.6 (April); +.9 (June); +.7 (September); +1.0 (November); and -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019). Posting “Holiday” 2019 improvements of one-half share (each) are Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” (5.5, fifth to third, 6+) and Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” (4.4, #14 to #10, 6+). “The Arch” concludes three straight down or flat trends that resulted in a net loss of six-tenths (5.6 – 5.5 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+); WFUN was down four-tenths in November/December (4.3 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). Flat at #3, iHeartMedia’s aforementioned classic hits-oldies KLOU “The Best Variety of the 70s, 80s, & 90s” is a combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.3 – 7.0 – 5.5, 6+). When co-owned KSD gained three-tenths in December, it halted three consecutive declines that led to a loss of seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, however, “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” forfeits eight-tenths (4.6 – 3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #13). Although it repeats in eighth-place, Hubbard Broadcasting’s KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” is -1.4 via four straight setbacks (6.0 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+).

Thursday, January 23, 2020

TALKERS | January 23, 2020

Entercom Enlists Claritas to Assist with Attribution. This collaboration between Entercom and data-driven marketing firm Claritas will “enable advertisers to measure attribution and accurately determine the portions of their podcast and streaming campaigns that contributed to a purchase, store visit. or app download.” Entercom EVP of digital sales Ken Lagana says, “Podcasting is a critical and exciting business segment with exponential growth opportunities. We are thrilled to partner with Claritas and integrate their measurement technology capabilities into our existing radio and digital audio attribution suite. This new tool helps us fill a critical gap in the industry and allows us the ability to offer clients the opportunity to accurately measure ROI for podcasts and other digital campaigns.” Entercom says that with its podcast footprint growing exponentially, it needed to expand its existing over-the-air and digital attribution capabilities to include the podcast medium. The partnership with Claritas will allow advertisers to “calculate the total lift in business outcomes directly attributable to podcast and digital streaming and break out lift by the different components of a campaign, like target audiences, creative, geographic location visit, and more. The measurement tools provide a valuable component to advertisers for their attribution capabilities to tie multichannel exposures to offline and online conversions and revolutionize the way campaign effectiveness is measured.”

WIP’s Angelo Cataldi Honored by Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. WIP-FM, Philadelphia morning drive host Angelo Cataldi was honored on Monday (1/20) with the Bill Campbell Broadcast Award from the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. The award is named after the legendary Philadelphia broadcaster and recognizes local sportscasters, talk show hosts, and radio and television reporters who display an excellence in broadcasting. Cataldi says, “This award has great meaning to me for several reasons. First, it falls on the exact date of my 30th anniversary at WIP. Second, it comes from the Philadelphia sports writers, a role which I’m very proud to have had. Last, but not least, this award bears the name of one of my inspirations in broadcasting, Bill Campbell. I will never live up to Bill’s legacy, but this award gives me more reason than ever to try.” Cataldi has hosted mornings on the Entercom sports talk station since 1990. Prior to that he was the Philadelphia Eagles beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he earned two Pulitzer Prize nominations.

Round One of Nielsen’s Holiday PPM Survey Released. The first of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s Holiday PPM survey is released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The survey period was December 5 through January 1. The Holiday book is rarely good news for news/talk, all-news, or sports stations as the all-Christmas music stations grab a lot of the cume in each market and listeners’ routines are disrupted by holiday activities. Still, there are some positive stories to tell from this year’s Holiday survey. iHeartMedia’s news/talk KTRH, Houston posted a half share increase over the December survey to land at a 4.6 share (weekly, 6+ AQH share). Entercom’s sports talk WZGC, Atlanta “92.9 The Game” added a one-tenth share – the fifth positive move over the last six surveys to rise from July’s 2.8 share to the Holiday survey’s 5.0 share. Entercom’s WIP-FM, Philadelphia rises six tenths to finish the Holiday survey at a 7.3 share and the #2 rank in the market. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways here.

Talking Freedom in Hong Kong. Pictured above is “Free Talk Live” co-host Mark Edge (right) with a freedom activist (left) in Hong Kong. Edge tells TALKERS magazine that he went to Hong Kong to report on its freedom movement, noting that “at ‘Free Talk Live’ we care about freedom everywhere in the world.” Edge says that since the activists were asking Western media to come and report on their movement, they thought it was important. He says there were about 400 people in attendance for an event on a Wednesday at noon and about 20 counter-protestors waving Chinese flags that the activists believe were paid to be there. The five-finger hand gesture seen above symbolizes the five demands the activists are making: withdrawal of the extradition bill (which has happened), amnesty for arrested protesters, an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality, implementation of complete universal suffrage, and democratic elections for Hong Kong’s leader.

TALKERS News Notes. News pro Katie Couric and iHeartMedia announce the “Next Question with Katie Couric” podcast is returning to the iHeartRadio platform for season two. iHeartMedia says that in the second season, “Couric will continue to examine critical issues like America’s staggering maternal mortality rate, the environmental impact of meat consumption, the most cutting-edge health and wellness regimens, and the 2020 presidential election.” The first episode drops today and examines the Equal Rights Amendment and the history of an effort that began in 1923. Season two will also debut additional bonus episodes called “Next Question Live” – taped in front of a live audience in which Couric hosts intimate conversations with CEOs, entrepreneurs and business trailblazers. Allbirds co-founder and co-CEO Tim Brown kicks off the series discussing how his career in professional sports inspired him to make sustainable, fashionable shoes…..Satellite broadcaster SiriusXM announces its plans for coverage of Super Bowl LIV week in Miami. Its NFL Radio channel will be broadcasting live from Miami with personalities Gil Brandt, David Diehl, Bruce Gradkowski, Torry Holt, Pat Kirwan, Ed McCaffrey, Jim Miller, Kirk Morrison, Brady Quinn, Charlie Weis, Solomon Wilcots, Alex Marvez, Bruce Murray, John Clayton and Howard Balzer on site. Additionally, the play-by-play of Super Bowl LIV will be broadcast in seven languages, including: Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), German, French, Hungarian, and Portuguese…..The nationally syndicated home show “The Money Pit Home Improvement Program” with host Tom Kraeutler adds new affiliate stations WMOV-AM, Ravenswood, West Virginia; WBLF-AM, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania; and KMAD-AM, Madill, Oklahoma…..Condolences to the family and friends of media broker Glenn Serafin, who passed away on Monday (1/20) at 69 after suffering a massive stroke. Serafin served two terms as president of the National Association of Media Brokers from 2013-2017. Prior to founding Serafin Bros in 1993, he spent eight years specializing in domestic broadcast brokerage and finance as a vice president of international investment banking firm Communications Equity Associates. Earlier in his career, he served in news, sales, and management at The Associated Press.

SRN News to Cover Trump at March for Life. When President Trump becomes the first U.S. president to make a live appearance at the annual March for Life in Washington, DC tomorrow (1/24), Salem Radio Network will provide live coverage. The network will provide an unanchored audio feed of the president’s remarks for affiliate stations beginning at 12:00 noon ET. SRN VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “Donald Trump will be the first president to address the pro-life march in its 47-year history. Previous occupants of the Oval Office have only sent written messages or addressed the annual March for Life via speakerphone.”

Impeachment, Presidential Race, Wuhan Coronavirus, Davos 2020, and Hawaii Cop Slayings Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/22). The impeachment process taking place in the U.S. Senate; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in November and Hillary Clinton’s attacks on Bernie Sanders; concerns about the Wuhan Coronavirus and China’s quarantine of Wuhan City; the subject of climate change at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland; and Hawaiian legislators’ response to the killing of two Honolulu police officers were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

WOR, New York, Morning Co-Host Michael Riedel Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Longtime Broadway theater critic-turned-political-news/talker Michael Riedel is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Riedel, along with Len Berman, is the co-host of the morning show on WOR, New York in which he presents the conservative perspective and Berman expresses the liberal point of view on today’s hottest issues. Harrison and Riedel talk about the state of today’s highly polarized national conversation focusing on the nature of Donald Trump and the extraordinary role he is playing as an agent of change in these turbulent times. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Portland hot AC KKCW “K103” announces the new morning show is “K103 Mornings with Stacey & Mike,” effective February 3. Mike Chase joins iHeartMedia after exiting Entercom’s crosstown country KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” in October where he co-hosted the morning show. Chase is being partnered with “K103” afternoon personality Stacey Lynn for the new AM show. iHeartMedia Portland market president Pete Landry says, “‘K103’ has a long history of extraordinary morning shows and I couldn’t be more excited about this next chapter. Both Stacey and Mike are experienced broadcasters who love what they do.”…..In Dallas, Mac Daniels exits Cumulus Media’s country KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” and sister country KSCS “New Country 96.3” where he’d been program director since 2016…..Cochise Media Licenses enters into an agreement to sell classic rock KDVK-FM, Dove Creek, Colorado to Desert Explorer Communications, LLC.

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round One

TALKERS | January 23, 2020

“Holiday” 2019 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2019 survey period covered December 5 (2019) – January 1 (2020). Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being down an overall four-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” reenters the top twenty (#21 to #19). With an October through “Holiday” 2019 topline of 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.1 (6+), Cumulus Media-owned WABC slips from #22 to #23, one-tenth ahead of Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” (1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #23 to #24, 6+). Prior to December, “New Jersey 101.5” had been off three-tenths via four straight down or flat trends (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+). WABC and WKXW were tied at #22 in October and November.

Dropping from #11 to #14, Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Giants, Brooklyn Nets) is a collective -1.2 in three consecutive slumps (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). WFAN-FM replaced September’s -.6 with an October +.6 (3.8 – 3.2 – 3.8, 6+). Not only is WEPN-FM off an overall half-share via three straight decreases (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets, Knicks, Rangers) departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Up or flat four reports in a row for a net gain of four-tenths (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom-owned all-news WINS is now a combined -.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+), drifting from #8 to #12. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM forfeits two-tenths (2.6 – 2.4, 6+) yet advances from #16 to a three-way tie at #15; December’s 2.6 was its best 6+-showing since May (2.6, as well).

After being an overall +1.1 in six successive reports without a loss (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM surrenders eight-tenths to 2.4 (#11 to the aforementioned three-way scrum at #15, 6+). Having nearly tripled (+.3) its 6+ AQH share in six consecutive up or flat trends (.2 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .5, 6+), co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM drops one-tenth to .4 (6+) but proceeds from #30 to a four-way tie at #29.

New York City Music Formats – A collective +6.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.1 – 9.6 – 13.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 the 31^st ratings period in succession. “Lite FM” outdistances its “Holiday” 2018 showing by eight-tenths (13.3 versus 12.5, 6+). December’s increase curtailed three consecutive down or flat moves that resulted in an overall loss of six-tenths (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+). In addition to being a collective +1.9 in three straight up or flat moves (4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 6.6, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9 – Numero Uno on the Planet” crosses the six-share threshold (6.6, 6+) and advances from third to second. Tacking on one-half share to December’s +.2 (.9 – 1.1 – 1.6, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WPLJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” enters the top twenty (#20) with its best 6+-stat (1.6) since May – its last sweep as a Cumulus Media-owned hot AC. A collective -1.1 in four successive sweeps without an increase (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+) and logging its lowest 6+-showing since January (3.2, as well), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” ends the slide with a +.1 to 3.3 (#11 to #10, 6+). Co-owned CHR WHTZ “Z-100 – New York’s #1 Hit Music Station” has lost an overall nine-tenths in five successive dips (5.3 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+) yet bumps up from fifth to fourth. Locked on 5.8 (6+) in November and December, Emmis urban AC WBLS “#1 for R&B” falters by eight-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and segues from second to third. In the Entercom cluster, classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” sputters by six-tenths (fourth to fifth) and hot AC sibling WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” is off one-half share (4.1 – 3.6, flat at #6, 6+). WCBS-FM is a collective -1.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+) after being an overall +.2 via four straight up or flat moves (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). WNEW-FM posted a December increase of seven-tenths. As a result of four negative or neutral moves in a row, iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” is down a collective eight-tenths (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+) and slips from seventh to eighth.

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being an overall -1.9 through seven successive down or flat sweeps (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” progresses from tenth to ninth. KFI was a combined +.8 in May/June (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+). There is virtually no movement among Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” (1.0 the third month in a row, #32 to #30, 6+); iHeartMedia-owned KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” (repeating December’s .6 after October and November’s .8, flat at #35, 6+); and Cumulus Media’s KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” down or flat the third time in a row for a loss of two-tenths (.7 – .6 – .6 – .5, #35 to #38, 6+).

Even though iHeartMedia’s KLAC (Chargers, Clippers) has surrendered eight-tenths in three consecutive drops (1.8 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+) “AM 570 LA Sports” advances from #31 to #30. KLAC’s November loss of one-half share erased its combined September/October +.5 (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.3, 6+). Disney-owned/similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN” (Rams, Lakers) has lost 40% (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share in December/”Holiday” 2019 (1.5 – 1.2 – .9, #30 to #32, 6+). KSPN nearly doubled (+.7) its 6+ stat in three successive up or flat moves (.8 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+). In June and July, KLAC and KSPN were deadlocked at #27 (1.4, 6+).

Following November’s 3.0 – its best 6+-stat since 3.1 in March – Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” relinquishes two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+) yet progresses from #12 to a three-way deadlock at #9. Its August 2019 through October 2019 topline was: 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 (6+).

Continuing an alternating up/down pattern (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 1.9, September through “Holiday” 2019, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” falls from #17 to #20.

Los Angeles Music Formats – A collective +8.5 via three straight sweeps without a loss (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.3 – 13.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST repeats at #1. This marked the 19^th holiday season in a row that “Coast 103.5” played all-Christmas music. A year ago at this time, KOST logged a 13.0 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). After setting the pace 12 ratings periods in succession, KOST shifted to the runner-up slot in October. “Coast” had been in a 5.8 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.9 pattern (June – July – August – September, 6+), before sputtering by seven-tenths in October. Also in the all-Christmas music mode during the “Holiday” 2019 sweep was Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “GO Country 105 FM,” which gains four-tenths (2.1 – 2.5, #20 to #12, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH is off a collective seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Having occupied the top spot in October and November, “K-Earth 101” repeats in the runner-up slot. Three consecutive up or flat moves by KRTH yielded nine-tenths (5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.9). When “K-Earth” added six-tenths in September, it curtailed three downward trends in succession that accounted for a collective loss of eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Prior to October 2019, KRTH last reached the #1 spot in October 2018 (5.0, 6+). Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD continues an alternating down/up pattern (2.7 – 2.3 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.4, 6+). “Recuerdo” departs the top ten (#9 to #13) with its lowest 6+-stat since February (2.4, as well). A loss of one-half share by KAMP takes “97.1 Amp Radio” below a two-share (2.4 – 1.9, 6+) as the Entercom CHR fades from #14 to #20. Its format rival – iHeartMedia’s KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” – is down three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+) and continues in fifth-place. Without an increase the seventh month in a row for a net loss of -1.0 (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), Meruelo Media Holdings’ KLOS “95.5 Southern California’s Classic Rock” drops from #13 to #17. It is tied with Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA, which had been off a collective six-tenths in five consecutive down or flat sweeps (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+); however, “LA 101.9” pulls the plug with a +.3 to 2.3 (#22 to #17, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the second time in a row that Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN surrenders one-half share (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+) as “Radio 720” departs the top ten (#7 to #11). Just prior, WGN logged three spikes in a row that resulted in a +1.2 (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+). Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM notches a 2.3 (6+) the fourth month in succession, but drops from #18 to #19.

An increase of four-tenths to 3.5 (6+) is enough to propel Entercom sports talk WSCR (Bulls) from #14 all the way to #6; “670 The Score” was a combined -1.2 in November/December (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+). The one-half share that Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP gained via three bumps in a row (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+) evaporates as “ESPN Chicago 1000” is a combined -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.4, #23 to #24, 6+).

Down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom all-news WBBM-AM (Bears) repeats in third-place. Its October increase of one-tenth halted eight successive down or neutral moves that accounted for an overall -1.4 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+).

Following six successive sweeps without a loss that led to a +1.0 (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ forfeits 40% of that increase (3.1, -.4, seventh to eighth, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – More than tripling (+9.5) its 6+-stat via four straight upticks (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 9.5 – 13.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT repeats at #1. Its 13.7 (“Holiday” 2019, 6+) is four-tenths higher than “Holiday” 2018’s 13.3 (6+). After logging a 3.8 (6+) in October, November, and December, Entercom triple A WXRT “93 XRT Chicago’s Finest Rock” sputters by seven-tenths to 3.1 (sixth to eighth), its lowest 6+-figure since March (3.1, as well). Displaying losses of one-half share (each) are Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” (fourth to fifth) and alternative cluster-mate WKQX (#15 to #18). In December, WLS-FM, which was in a three-way November tie at #1, returned November’s +.3 (4.8 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+). November’s 5.1 was the highest 6+-showing for “Chicago’s Classic Hits” in more than a year (5.4, September 2018). WKQX is a collective -1.0 in five successive down or flat trends (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). Notwithstanding that Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX is a cumulative -2.2 in three consecutive setbacks (5.5 – 4.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), “101.9 The Mix” actually elevates from tenth to seventh. This streak directly follows October’s +1.3 (4.2 – 5.5, 6+). “The Mix” exited the top spot in September when it eroded by -1.5 (5.7 – 4.2, 6+). In July, the combination of a three-tenths gain 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.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. Three straight up or flat trends by KSFO yielded six-tenths (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+) but the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet drops one-tenth to 2.2 (unchanged at #14, 6+). July 2019’s 1.7 (6+) marked the first time KSFO fell below a two-share since July 2017’s 1.8. Cluster-mate KGO has lost one-half share in three straight reports without an increase (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2, #22 to #27, 6+). Stuck on .2 (6+) in July and August; on .3 (6+) in September and October; and on .2 (6+) in November and December, iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” slips to .1 (#33 to #36, 6+).

Down three-tenths via three negative or neutral trends in succession (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” (49ers) continues in seventh-place. Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) repeats December’s 6+ AQH share (1.5) and market rank (#22). After posting a collective half-share gain via three straight spikes (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), “The Game” had that increase wiped away in its entirety in December (1.5, -.5, 6+).

In addition to being down one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 (6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM (Raiders) – which was #1 the past four months – segues to #2. Prior to September, KCBS-AM last reached #1 in May.

Three recent fluctuations for California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED include September/October’s -1.2 (7.1 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+); November/December’s +1.6 (5.9 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+); and now “Holiday” 2019’s -1.2 (6.3, second to third, 6+). KQED was San Francisco’s first-place finisher in June, July, August, and tied at the top (with KCBS-AM) in September. December’s 7.5 was its best 6+-stat since 8.0 in January. San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” repeat’s December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.8, #28, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Off a collective six-tenths in four successive negative or neutral trends (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM answers with a combined +7.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 4.8 – 10.7, 6+). Moreover, “96.5 “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” marches from third to first, precisely mirroring “Holiday” 2018’s 10.7 (6+). At the same time, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” surrenders eight-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.7, fourth to seventh, 6+). “The Breeze” was up an overall nine-tenths via five successive positive or flat moves (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+) and had its best 6+-stat (4.5) since 5.0 in March. Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” drops one-half share (2.8 – 2.3, 6+), dipping from #12 to #13. As a result of four straight down or flat moves, Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY lost one-half share (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+) but “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” halts the slide with an increase of one-tenth to 2.1 (#18 to #15, 6+). After three successive up or flat trends by KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” delivered eight tenths (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), the iHeartMedia urban contemporary facility is off three-tenths to 3.8 (sixth to fifth, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – The +.8 Cumulus Media’s WBAP racked up in in October/November (3.6 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+) vanishes with a December/“Holiday” 2019 decrease of six-tenths (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+); however, “News Talk 820” advances from ninth to seventh. Co-owned KLIF-AM doubled (+.3) its 6+ AQH share in seven successive up or flat sweeps, (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6, 6+) but “570 News & Information” forfeits one-tenth to .5 (steady at #34, 6+). Off one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.5 – .4 – .3, 6+), Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” regains one-tenth to .4 (#37 to #35, 6+).

Up a total of three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) inches up from #18 to #17. This marks the tenth down or flat report in succession for Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, #26 to #27, 6+). The flagship of the Stars has lost roughly 59% (-1.6) of its 6+ AQH share. It is now tied at #27 with Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” (Mavericks), which notches its sixth consecutive positive or neutral trend for a collective gain of four-tenths (.7 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1, #28 to #27, 6+).

Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” has a July 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline of: 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5 (#22 to #21, 6+).

Following four straight months of logging a 3.2 (6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA is off two-tenths in back-to-back reports (3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8, #13 to #14, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – Over and above posting its fifth spike in a row for a collective +7.6 (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 5.0 – 10.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE “Star 102.1” cracks double-digits (10.3, 6+) and jumps from third to first. This (10.3) is the best 6+-showing for “Star” since “Holiday” 2018’s 7.1. In five straight negative or neutral sweeps (6.7 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.2 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), CHR cluster-mate KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is down a cumulative full-share and shifts from first to third. “Kiss” had been the market leader nine months in a row before slipping to second in October. An August increase of nine-tenths wiped away the collective nine-tenths KHKS lost as a result of three straight negative or neutral moves (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). Its May dip of four-tenths brought to a close four successive up or flat sweeps that netted eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). A combined -1.3 in November/December (6.6 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “Your Life … Inspired” roars back with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.6 to 6.9 (6+) and is steady in the runner-up slot. Conversely, Educational Media Foundation-owned/similarly-formatted KYDA “Air 1 – Worship Now” is a combined -2.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.4 – 2.2 – 1.4, #20 to #22, 6+), immediately after its November +1.2 (2.2 – 3.4, 6+). The seven-tenths that iHeartMedia hot AC KDMX “Now 102.9 – More Music/More Variety” accumulated in three straight bumps (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+) is wiped away with a “Holiday” 2019 loss of nine-tenths to 3.7 (fifth to eighth, 6+). Classic rock sibling KZPS “Lone Star 92.5,” which was off a collective nine-tenths via four successive downturns (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+) before December’s +.1 to 4.3 (6+), forfeits seven-tenths to 3.6 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Although down six-tenths to 4.0 (flat at #5, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 Nobody Plays More 80s” is within 4.0 – 4.6 range (6+) the 13^th sweep in succession. Faltering by one-half share (each) are Cumulus Media-owned/country-formatted KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” (4.4 – 3.9, seventh to sixth, 6+); Entercom regional Mexican KMVK “La Grande 107.5” (3.5 – 3.0, #10 to #12, 6+); and North Texas Public Broadcasting triple A KKXT “91.7 Independent Music radio for North Texas” (1.3 – .8, #30, 6+). KPLX lost a combined half-share in October/November (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+) but fully erased that deficit with a December +.5. “The Wolf” was locked on 3.9 (6+) in July and August, before notching a one-half share improvement in September. Off seven-tenths in October/November (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+), KMVK answered with a December increase of nine-tenths, reaching the three-share level (3.5) for the first time since May’s 3.0.

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740,” which is an overall +1.3 via five straight positive or neutral moves (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.6, eighth to sixth, 6+). This directly follows a net loss of one-half share in four successive down or flat reports (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). For the fourth time in the last five survey periods, co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” posts a .3 (flat at #28, 6+).

After gaining six-tenths in six consecutive up or flat moves (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” (Texans) forfeits one-tenth to 1.5 (flat at #22, 6+). Tied at #26 are iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” (Rockets) and Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5.” KBME is a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.5 – .6 – .4, #25 to #26, 6+), while KFNC is trending .5 – .6 – .7 -.5 – .4 (flat at #26, 6+).

Four straight reports without a loss netted KUHF an overall eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), but the University of Houston news/talk station loses four-tenths to 2.7 (#15 to #18, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – Stacking a +3.8 onto December’s +2.0 (5.8 – 7.8 – 11.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” repeats at #1. Prior to December, KODA lost roughly 52% (-6.3) of its 6+ AQH share in 11 straight sweeps without an increase (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). This time last year, “Sunny” recorded a 12.1 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). KODA was the market leader 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. An increase of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.9, #19 to #16, 6+) takes Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KQQK “El Norte 107.9” to its best 6+-stat (2.9) since March (3.3). After eight consecutive negative or neutral reports that resulted in a -1.6 (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), contemporary Christian KSBJ “89.3 God Listens” breaks out a +.6 to 3.9 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#14 to #10. A collective +1.9 via six straight spikes (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” forfeits a -1.1 to 5.7 (unchanged at #3, 6+). December’s 6.8 was its best 6+-showing since January (7.0). While repeating in the runner-up slot, Radio One urban AC KMJQ erodes by -1.0 (7.1 – 6.1, 6+). Prior to slipping to #2 in December, “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” spent four straight months on top. KMJQ, which was a combined +1.3 in August/September (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+), crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) in May 2018 (7.2) and then again in September (7.1, 6+). Five Houston stations falter by one-half share in “Holiday” 2019: Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” (6.1 – 5.6, flat at #4, 6+); Entercom hot AC KHMX “Mix 96.5” (3.5, #10 to #11); iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz” (4.0 – 3.5, #10 to #11, 6+); urban contemporary cluster-mate KQBT “93.7 The Beat” (3.2, #13 to #14, 6+); and Cox Media Group classic country KTHT “Country Legends 97.1” (1.6, #20 to #21, 6+). “The Eagle” was an overall +1.3 via three upticks in a row (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+); -1.0 in November; +.5 in December; and now -.5 in “Holiday” 2019. October’s 6.6 was its highest 6+-stat since September 2017 (6.7). “Mix” was a combined +.7 in November/December (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+). Stuck on 4.5 (6+) in October and November, “The Buzz” has now lost one-half share in back-to-back sweeps. “The Beat” had been trending 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.7 (6+), while “Country Legends” is below a two-share (1.6, 6+) for the first time since June (1.9).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Following five straight sweeps without a loss for a collective +3.0 (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.6 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 9.3, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is now a combined -1.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.3 – 9.1 – 8.0, 6+). Nevertheless, WSB-AM is #1 the sixth month in a row. Tied at #29 are Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer,” which logs a .3 (6+) the fourth time in a row (flat at #29) and iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” (.2 – .3, +.1 #31 to #29, 6+). One-tenth behind WGKA and WGST is Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community,” which is trending .4 – .3 – .2, (#29 to #31, 6+).

Having dropped two-tenths in December, Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) regains one-tenth (4.9 – 5.0, 6+) and is unchanged at #7. “The Game” had been +2.3 via four successive increases (2.8 – 3.4 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+). Following seven consecutive up or flat months for a net gain of +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN is now a combined -1.4 through four losses in a row (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Within 3.2 – 3.7 range (6+) the past ten sweeps (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE spirals by eight-tenths to 2.8 (#11 to #14, 6+). The October 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline for Georgia State University news/talk WRAS is: .6 – .8 – .8 – .6 (flat at #26, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – A combined +2.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 4.8 – 6.7, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” leaps from eighth to second with its strongest 6+-stat (6.7) since July (8.5). Entering the December sweep, “The Fish” lost approximately 56% of its 6+ AQH share (-4.9) via five decreases in a row (8.8 – 8.5 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). WFSH had been #1 four straight months before shifting to #7 in August. When “The Fish” lost three-tenths in July, it halted at five a consecutive string of bumps that netted an overall +3.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9 – 8.8, 6+). Radio Training Network’s similarly-formatted WVFJ improves by nine-tenths. After eleven straight sweeps between 1.4 – 1.9 (6+), “The Joy FM” cracks the two-share level (1.9 – 2.8, #17 to a four-way tie at #14, 6+). The last time WVFJ reached a two-share was January 2019 (2.0, 6+). In addition to WFSH, Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” notches a +1.9 (to 4.3, #16 to #9, 6+), thus pulling the plug on six straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -1.0 (3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). Dropping from fourth to eighth, Radio One urban AC WAMJ “Majic 107.5 & 97.5” is a combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.9, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share shrinks by -1.1 as iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” is -.6 (#10 to #12), while Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” is off one-half share (2.8, #13 to #14). WUBL is now an overall -1.8 in four successive slips (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+). The April 2019 through July 2019 topline for “The Bull” was 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 (6+). In December, WKHX added three-tenths to November’s increase of six-tenths (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+). A combined +.4 in August/September (2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), “Kicks” was off one-half share in October. August’s increase halted three straight dips that resulted in a net loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Owing to four drops in a row, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV “97.1 The River” is -1.4 (6.5 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 5.1, fifth to sixth, 6+). Despite being -1.3 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.1 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), Radio One gospel WPZE “Praise 102.5 Atlanta’s Inspiration Station” advances from #15 to #14. WPZE had been +1.3 via three successive up or flat moves (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). A cumulative +1.1 in three straight advances (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” is off two-tenths to 3.8 (ninth to tenth, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Down an overall seven-tenths in three successive down or flat trends, Entercom–owned WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” falls below a two-share (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.6, #19 to #20, 6+). Without a loss the sixth time in a row for a net gain of four-tenths (.7 – .8 – .8 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” progresses from #24 to #22.

The rollercoaster ride continues for Entercom sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” (Eagles), which was +1.6 in October/November (6.6 – 7.5 – 8.2, 6+); -1.5 in December (8.2 – 6.7, 6+); and now +.6 in “Holiday” 2019 (6.7 – 7.3, third to second, 6+). Before falling to third in December, WIP had been #1 three months in a row. November’s 8.2 was its best 6+-stat since February 2018’s 8.7. Without a loss the past six reports for a collective gain of nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers, Flyers) drops one-tenth to 2.9 (#14 to #13, 6+). Prior to November, the last time “The Fanatic” reached the three-share level (6+) was in March (3.0, as well).

Up one-half share as a result of three consecutive up or flat moves (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” erases that increase in its entirety with a “Holiday” 2019 -.5 to 3.4 (6+) yet progresses from tenth to ninth. Prior to the just-concluded streak, KYW was 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+).

Substituting December’s +.7 (3.3 – 4.0, 6+) with “Holiday” 2019’s -.7 (4.0 – 3.3, 6+), public radio news/talk WHYY slips from eighth to tenth. Entering the November sweep, WHYY was a cumulative +1.2 in four straight positive or neutral reports (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – Flaunting a +9.7 (8.9 – 18.6, 6+), the loftiest (6+) December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here, Entercom adult contemporary WBEB repeats at #1. Furthermore, 18.6 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. This time last year, WBEB posted a 16.6 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” was +1.1 in three straight increases (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+); -1.2 in November (6.6 – 5.4, 6+); and +3.5 in December. On the other hand, Beasley Media Group’s WMGK records the most significant (6+) December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 erosion by any station in these 12 PPM markets (5.5, -2.0, second to third, 6+). “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” had been a combined +1.0 in the last three reports (6.5 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+). Co-owned adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM – Playing Anything We Feel Like,” which improved in December by one-half share, craters by three times that margin (3.5 – 2.0, -1.5, #12 to #18, 6+). December’s 3.5 was its best 6+-showing since June 2016’s 3.7. Not only is WBEB’s format rival, iHeartMedia-owned WISX, a collective -1.9 in four straight down or flat reports (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.0, 6+), “106.1 The Breeze” departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Off eight-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia-owned WRFF “Radio 104.5 Philadelphia’s Alternative Rock” (3.0 – 2.2, #14 to #17, 6+) and University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN “88.5 Vinyl At Heart” (1.8 – 1.0, #23, 6+). After dropping eight-tenths in December, Beasley Media Group-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” falters by another seven-tenths (6.1 – 5.3 – 4.6, flat at #5, 6+). Before picking up one-tenth in November, WMMR had lost an overall four-tenths in five successive sweeps without an increase (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+). As was the case with WMMR, Entercom-owned WXTU “Philly’s Country Station 92.5 XTU” sputtered by eight-tenths in December and is now a collective -2.1 in four successive decreases (5.7 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 3.6, seventh to eighth, 6+). Down one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” (fourth to third) and its CHR cluster-mate WIOQ “Q-102 Philly’s #1 Hit Music Station” (#16 to #15). WDAS-FM is a cumulative -1.1 in four straight setbacks (6.6 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+), while “Q-102” is down a combined six-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “Nobody Plays More 80s” is a cumulative -1.2 in three consecutive dips (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.6, sixth to fifth, 6+). An overall -1.4 in the last three sweeps (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL applies the brakes with a gain of one-tenth to 3.7 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #7). “Power 99” was +.8 in four successive (February through June) up or flat trends (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+); -.6 in July/August (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+); and +1.1 in September, with September’s 5.0 its best 6+-performance in more than two years (5.6, July 2017).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being an overall -1.6 through five straight down or flat trends (4.7 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” reenters the top ten (#11 to #9). The August 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline for Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is: 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, flat at #27, 6+).

A combined -1.6 in November/December (6.4 – 6.1 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Giants, Brooklyn Nets) picks up one-tenth to 4.9 (fifth to third, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets, Knicks, Rangers), which was a collective +.8 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), is off a combined half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.2, flat at #15, 6+).

Entercom’s all-news WINS was -.7 (October); +.5 (November/December); and now -.6 in “Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.0, ninth to tenth, 6+). Off three-tenths in July, WINS followed with a +1.1 in August/September (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+). A combined -.8 in October/November (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM gains two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8, #14 to #11, 6+).

Up one-tenth in both December and “Holiday” 2019 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM progresses from #23 to #22.

Long Island Music Formats – Not only is Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM a collective +6.5 through four successive spikes (3.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 6.1 – 10.3, 6+),“97.5 Real Variety” marches from second to first. This (10.3) is the best 6+-stat for WALK-FM since “Holiday” 2018’s 10.5. Notwithstanding that it has more than tripled November’s stat for a combined +6.5 (3.2 – 6.7 – 9.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” backshifts from first to second. Last year at this time, WLTW notched a 9.2 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). Connoisseur Media’s similarly-formatted WKJY is a combined -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 and falls below a three-share (4.2 – 3.9 – 2.7, 6+), as “98.3 Long Island’s Place To Relax” exits the top ten (#8 to #12). Advancing from sixth to fifth, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” is trending 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 (October – November – December – “Holiday” 2019, 6+). It is tied with Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits,” which is up three-tenths in four straight sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3, seventh to fifth, 6+). Off nine-tenths is iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ “Z-100 New York’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.2 – 4.3, third to fifth, 6+). The April 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 Long Island topline for Educational Media Foundation’s WPLJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is: 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.5 – .5 – 0.0 – .4 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 (flat at #25, 6+). When EMF officially closed on its purchase of WPLJ from Cumulus Media on May 31, it transitioned the station from hot AC to contemporary Christian.

Riverside

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

Flat at #21, co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is without an increase the eighth time in succession (.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” does not appear in print the 25^th straight sweep.

Locked on .7 (6+) in November and December, San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR is up one-tenth to .8 (6+) and climbs from #14 to #13. Returning the one-tenth it gained in December (.1 – .2 – .1, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” leaves the top twenty (#20 to #21).

Riverside Music Formats – Off one-half share in three successive down or flat reports (3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+), Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “Family Friendly 89.7” wipes away the deficit with a +.9 to 3.8 (seventh to fourth), its best 6+-performance since March (3.8, as well). Meanwhile, Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted the seventh month in a row. Up a combined nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom country KFRG “K-Frog 95.1” carries on in third-place with its highest 6+-stat (4.6) since July (5.1). On top the third month in a row, Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” is nonetheless a combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.2 – 7.9 – 7.0, 6+). KLYY was up one-half share in November and +1.3 in July/August (6.2 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to the July report, “Jose” was an overall -4.3 in seven straight declines (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+); KLYY had occupied the runner-up slot in April, May, June, and July. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when “Jose” recorded a 10.4. Steady in the runner-up slot, Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA is a cumulative -1.6 in three straight down or flat reports (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+). KOLA was dislodged from the top spot in November, after setting the pace in September and October. September/October’s +1.0 (6.9 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+) followed July/August’s -1.7 (8.6 – 7.6 – 6.9, 6+). KOLA was the market leader 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+). Stuck on 3.1 (6+) in November and December, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-LOVE” erodes by nine-tenths and falls below a three-share (2.2, sixth to eighth, 6+). Off nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 3.6 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” segues from fourth to sixth.

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Not only is KGO a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.4 – 2.3 – 1.3, 6+), the Cumulus Media news/talker exits the top twenty (four-way tie at #15 to #22). KGO had been a collective +1.0 via four straight positive or neutral trends (1.4 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). After posting three successive sweeps without a decrease for a net gain of two-tenths (.8 – .9 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), co-owned news/talk KSFO drops one-tenth to .9 (6+) but remains at #25. In August, KSFO gained two-tenths, thus halting three consecutive declines that accounted for a loss of roughly half (-.7) its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .8, 6+).

Although down seven-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+), sports talk sibling KNBR-AM (49ers) advances from seventh to sixth. “The Sports Leader” gained nine-tenths in October/November (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.5, 6+). Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) picks up two-tenths (2.3 – 2.5, 6+), bumping up from the aforementioned four-four tie at #15 to #12. September’s increase suspended three straight declines that eroded nearly two-thirds (-1.9) of its 6+ AQH share (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.6 – 1.0, 6+).

On the heels of December’s loss of eight-tenths, KCBS-AM (Raiders) surrenders another seven-tenths (5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+) but remains in fourth-place. The Entercom all-news station was up seven-tenths in November.

Following November’s +1.0 (5.9 – 6.9, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED is a combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.7, flat at #2, 6+). KQED had a November-only stay at #1. Prior to November, KQED last reached #1 in the San Jose report in April (6.9, 6+). Having lost roughly half (-.6) its 6+-share through five down or flat trends in a row (1.3 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9 – .7, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW halts the slide with a gain of one-tenth to .8 (unchanged at #27, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – Flat in December, Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY improves by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (6.6 – 7.4, 6+) and repeats at #1. Following six successive months on top, “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” segued to #2 in November when it plummeted by -2.0 (8.6 – 6.6, 6+). KBAY was +1.3 in August and nearly erased April’s -1.5 with a May +1.3 (6.2 – 7.5, 6+). It returned to #1 after an April-only stay at #2. A combined +.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” leaps from #19 to #12. Conversely, Lazer Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KXZM “93.7 Radio Lazer,” which was a collective +1.0 in three straight up or flat moves (.7 – .9 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+), forfeits eight-tenths to .9 (#22 to #25, 6+). Immediately after posting a December increase of seven-tenths, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG surrenders all of it (4.5 – 3.8, -.7, fifth to sixth, 6+). “Amor 100.3” was frozen on 3.8 (6+) in October and November. Regional Mexican cluster-mate KSOL “Que Buena” is a collective -1.4 through three drops in a row and falls below a two-share (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 1.9, #15 to #20, 6+). On the other hand, rhythmic CHR sibling KVVF “Latino Mix 105.7,” which was an overall -1.2 through six consecutive down or flat trends (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+), pulls the plug with a gain of three-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and reenters the top twenty (#22 to #19). 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” are unlisted in San Jose the 13^th month in a row.

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately after adding four-tenths in December, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW drops three-tenths (5.6 – 5.3, 6+) and shifts from fourth to fifth. Entering the December sweep, “New Jersey 101.5” had lost roughly 36% (-2.9) of its 6+-share in ten consecutive sweeps without an increase (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.2, 6+). While remaining at #21, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” is an overall -1.9 in three straight decreases (3.6 – 3.0 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+). This directly follows four up or flat trends in a row that netted seven-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+). As a result of three successive declines, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC has lost one-third (-.4) of its 6+ AQH share (1.2 – 1.1 – .9 – .8, unchanged at #25, 6+).

Major ups/downs continue for Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Giants, Brooklyn Nets), which was -.7 (September); +1.4 (October/November); and now -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.1 – 3.6, eighth to tenth, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets, Knicks, Rangers), which was an overall +1.1 via four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), falters by six-tenths to 2.1 (#17 to #19, 6+). Just prior, WEPN had been down a collective nine-tenths through three consecutive negative or neutral trends (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+).

Following gains of four-tenths in back-to-back reports (1.4 – 1.8 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom all-news WCBS-AM surrenders three-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and repeats at #20. In five straight negative or neutral trends, co-owned/similarly-programmed WINS has lost six-tenths (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.5, flat at #23, 6+).

Despite returning the two-tenths it gained in December (1.7 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM progresses from #22 to #21.

Middlesex-Somerset-Union Music Formats – Marching from second to first, iHeartMedia New York City adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” is a combined +6.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.4 – 6.9 – 11.1, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat (11.1) in this New Jersey market since “Holiday” 2018’s 11.4. On top the 31^st ratings period in succession in NYC (see above), “Lite FM” was -.5 (August/September); +.7 (October); and -.9 (November) in Middlesex. A collective -1.5 in four consecutive down or flat trends (5.3 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WMGQ “Magic 98.3 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” roars back with a +1.7 to 5.5 (ninth to fourth, 6+). This (5.5) is the strongest 6+- stat for “Magic” since it logged a 5.8 in “Holiday” 2018. In addition to jumping from #16 to #12, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9 – Numero Uno on the Planet” is a cumulative +1.1 via three straight upticks (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (3.4) since May (3.6). Cutting in half December’s -1.0 (4.2 – 3.2, 6+) with a “Holiday” 2019 +.5 to 3.7 (6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” reenters the top ten (#13 to #9). November’s one-tenth decrease interrupted six consecutive up or flat moves that yielded a +1.6 (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.3, 6+). Having lost a collective eight-tenths over the last three sweeps (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 KTU” applies the brakes with a gain of two-tenths to 2.5 (#18 to #17, 6+). On the heels of its December increase of six-tenths (6.4 – 7.0, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM erodes by -1.4 to 5.6 (6+). After three successive months at #1, “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” segues to #2. When WCBS-FM dropped two-tenths in November, it interrupted five Middlesex gains in a row that yielded a +2.6 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.8 – 6.6, 6+). Hot AC sibling WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” is an overall -1.0 in three straight down or flat trends (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.0, fifth to eighth, 6+). The three latest fluctuations for Cumulus Media-owned WNSH “New York’s Country 94.7” are +.6 (November); -.6 (December); and -.6 in “Holiday” 2019 (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2 – 2.6, #13 to #16, 6+). An overall +1.7 via five straight up or flat moves (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1” is off three-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #11).

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

TALKERS | January 22, 2020

New Talk Format to Launch on WTZA, Atlanta. According to a report by Rodney Ho in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, local entrepreneur Will Regan is leasing WTZA-AM, Atlanta and translator W271CV at 102.1 FM to air a news/talk format featuring Atlanta talk radio icon Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson in afternoon drive. Peterson will continue to work with show cast members Pete Davis, Jim Gossett, and producer Brent “Flounder” Dundon. Peterson was most recently heard in the market on WYAY-FM “Talk 106.7” (now WAKL) prior to Cumulus Media selling the signal to Christian broadcaster Educational Media Foundation. Mike Brooks, who also hosted a show on “Talk 106.7,” is slated to host the 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm program. Regan tells Ho that he’s still looking for morning and midday hosts. The station is expected to debut on February 3.

Impeachment, Trump at Davos, Presidential Race, Wuhan Coronavirus, Honduran Immigrant Caravan, Putin’s Power Grab, and Megxit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/21). Tuesday’s battle in the Senate over procedure for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump; the various topics Trump addressed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland; the Democrats battling to take on President Trump in November; the Wuhan Coronavirus affecting China and the first confirmed case in the U.S. in Washington state; the status of the migrant caravan attempting to get from Honduras to the U.S.; Vladimir Putin’s attempt to re-engineer the Russian constitution to remain in power; and Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s move to Canada were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Networks Gear Up for Super Bowl LIV. Radio networks covering Super Bowl LIV are announcing their plans. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One – the official network radio partner of the National Football League – is presenting play-by-play of the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on February 2. Kevin Harlan handles the play-by-play with Super Bowl XXXIV MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner as the lead analyst. Former NFL referee turned rules analyst Gene Steratore joins the radio broadcast booth. Former All-Pro offensive lineman Tony Boselli returns for a fourth straight year as sideline reporter and is joined by longtime field reporter Laura Okmin, who is making her debut on the Super Bowl crew. Jim Gray anchors the pregame and halftime coverage with appearances by Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and New England Patriots quarterback and six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Westwood One is producing the hourlong preview show “Seven Days to Sunday — The Road to Super Bowl LIV” that airs each evening from January 26 through February 1, hosted by Scott Graham and co-hosted by a different WWO analyst each night. FOX Sports Radio – a division of Premiere Sports Network – is on site in Miami during Super Bowl week broadcasting its shows from Radio Row at the Miami Beach Convention Center. “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”; “Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis”; “The Doug Gottlieb Show”; Straight Outta Vegas with RJ Bell”; and “The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard and Rob Parker” will emanate from the Convention Center while AT&T/DIRECTV’s “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Rich Eisen Show” will broadcast live from South Beach.

TALKERS News Notes. Arkansas Business reports that Cumulus Media has downsized at the Little Rock cluster and that three staffers from news/talk KARN-FM’s news department have exited. The publication says news and traffic anchor Chris Ingram, anchor and reporter Heidi Sohl, and traffic reporter Chris Counts are all out…..In the Twin Cities, reporter and air personality Danny Cunningham leaves Hubbard Radio’s sports talk KSTP-AM “SKOR North” after his contract was not renewed. Cunningham – who co-hosted the “Vikings Vent Line” show and hosted the “Raised by Wolves” podcast in addition to his reporting duties covering the NBA’s Timberwolves – announced his departure via social media…..Lima News reports that Woof Boom Radio’s sports talk WWSR, Lima, Ohio “93.1 The Fan” has filled the afternoon drive daypart with “The Drive With Marty Bannister.” He takes over after longtime market sports personality and PM drive host Vince Koza succumbed to cancer in December. Bannister is currently play-by-play announcer for Ohio University’s men’s and women’s basketball. He also serves with Spectrum TV and the Ohio High School Athletic Association radio network…..Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman and current WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “The Fanatic” morning drive personality Tra Thomas was honored by his hometown of DeLand, Florida last weekend. The city re-named Eastside Park and Playground after Thomas during a ceremony that was part of a number of events linked to the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. Thomas has stayed active in charity efforts in the city where his parent’s still reside, helping fund Our Daily Bread, a nonprofit outreach ministry at Bethel A.M.E. Church that provides bagged groceries, and clothing; paying off his church’s mortgage and purchasing a bus for the church; and buying books for the Tra Thomas Book Club with the Boys & Girls Club of DeLand, the DeLand Library and the Chisholm Community Center…..Sison Broadcasting’s news/talk WVMT, Burlington adds Envision Networks’ “60 Seconds of Service” to its programming, airing twice daily each week. The one-minute feature spotlights the men, women, and even animals in uniform who have served their country and their communities…..Late night talk radio star Jim Bohannon is being honored with induction into the Missouri Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame. The induction takes place on June 6 at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark as part of the 2020 Awards Banquet at the MBA annual convention. Bohannon’s program is syndicated nationally via Westwood One.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Emily Boldon – who serves as vice president of AC formats and STRATUS music scheduling for Cumulus Media – moves back to the company’s Atlanta headquarters. Boldon had been working from the company’s Providence cluster and was serving as program director for AC WWLI “Lite Rock 105.” With the recent arrival of new operations manager Mary Ellen Kachinske – who is also the new PD of WWLI – Boldon is free to return south. Cumulus VP of programming operations John Dimick says, “If there was ever any doubt about Emily’s programming acumen, she proved her skills with the tremendous growth and continued success of ‘Lite Rock 105’ Providence while maintaining our company’s leadership in the AC format. Now it’s time to bring her back to Atlanta where she can continue to lead our AC stations and focus more of her time and effort on improving the company’s STRATUS system.”…..UJA-Federation of New York names SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein its Music Visionary of the Year. He’ll be recognized for his exceptional professional accomplishments and commitment to philanthropy at the annual Music Visionary of the Year Award Luncheon on June 4 in New York City. Daniel Glass, president & founder of Glassnote Entertainment Group and vice chair of UJA’s Entertainment, Media & Communications Division, says, “Scott’s vision and leadership have made an indelible impact on the world of music and entertainment. Scott is the perfect recipient of this prestigious award because he is always ahead of the cultural and technology curve. He is responsible for the discovery and growth of so many careers.”…..On-air pro Robyn Cisar exits Cumulus Media’s hot AC KURB-FM, Little Rock “B 98.5” where she was co-host of the morning drive “Kevin and Robyn Show” with Kevin Idol. She posted on Facebook, “It’s all still a blur, but news travels fast. I have never loved a job more than I did working with Kevin on ‘B98.5.’ I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to do what I did. I’ll always remember it and treasure the memories.”…..Skyview Networks’s “The Dana Cortez Show” adds two new affiliates as Campesina’s KBHH, Fresno “Forge 95.3” and KBDS, Bakersfield “Forge 103.9” add the show to their program lineups…..Big Radio names three new program directors to its Rock County radio operations. Paul Michaels assumes the programming duties for rock WWHG “105.9FM – The Hog”; Micki Morgret is program director for 90s-formatted WBEL-AM/W222AU, Beloit/W255CZ, Janesville “The Beat 92.3FM and 98.9FM”; and Greg “Big Red” Hanthorn is the new PD for country WGEZ-AM/W270CW, Beloit “Iron Country.”

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

TALKERS | January 21, 2020

Beasley Ups Justin Chase to Chief Content Officer. Programming pro Justin Chase is promoted from his EVP of programming position to chief content officer for Beasley Media Group. The company says that in his new role, Chase “will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of on-air content and digital on behalf of the company.” Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley says, “Justin has done an incredible job overseeing our company’s on-air brands. I look forward to him enhancing and expanding our content on all of our on-air and digital platforms across the company.” Chase comments, “I am so grateful to the Beasley family and the entire corporate staff for their support and confidence in me taking on this new role within the company. The programming and digital teams at Beasley are first class and I feel lucky to be surrounded by the best of the best every day.”

Lori Burgess Rises to Chief Operating Officer for Beasley Esports. Another executive promotion at Beasley Media Group has Lori Burgess moving from her chief digital content officer post to chief operating officer at Beasley Esports. Prior to joining Beasley in her previous position, she consulted for the company on integrated marketing strategy. Speaking about her new role leading Beasley Esports, Burgess says, “The esports industry is on the verge of going mainstream. Our timing and expansion into this space will firmly poise Beasley Media Group to own and influence the next generation of consumers. The company’s ability to provide compelling esports content, leverage strategic partnerships, and compete at the most elite levels will ensure our foundation as this sector begins to dominate the media and sports-market/entertainment conversation and commands more sponsorship partnerships.” Burgess served for more than two decades in the publishing industry with brands including: The Hollywood Reporter, Prevention Magazine, Conde Nast’s Mademoiselle and House & Garden; Elle Magazine; Seventeen Magazine, and Niche Media.

Crossover Media Group to Partner with Just the News for Podcasts and Video. In yesterday’s edition of TALKERS, we wrote about the coming launch of the news organization, Just the News – a multi-platform news operation founded by award-winning investigative journalist and commentator John Solomon. Today, it’s being announced that Crossover Media Group – a cross-platform content-production and advertising-sales firm – is entering into a partnership with Just the News to produce, sell, and distribute its audio and video programming. CMG will handle advertising sales and distribution of the video and audio content and assist in production of programming that will be found at JustTheNews.com. Among the inaugural audio programs will be: “John Solomon Reports,” a twice-weekly podcast featuring the veteran investigative reporter and editor in chief of Just the Ne

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