TALKERS

July 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Four

July 2020 PPM Data – Information for the July 2020 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s July 2020 survey period covered June 18 – July 15. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM-markets.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Stuck on 5.5 (6+) in May and June, Waterloo Media Group-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” picks up two-tenths to 5.7 (6+) and continues in third-place. Prior to forfeiting nine-tenths in May, KLBJ-AM posted four consecutive gains for a +2.8 (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 6.4, 6+). Flat at #26, Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” has a February 2020 through July 2020 topline of: .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .3 – .2 (6+).

Off a combined three-tenths in June/July (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” repeats at #22. The alternating March through July up/down sequence for iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” is 5 – .6 – .4 – .5 – .4 (unchanged at #25, 6+).

On top five survey periods in succession before segueing to the runner-up slot in June (where it remains in July), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT is an overall -3.0 in four straight declines (10.3 – 9.8 – 8.5 – 7.8 – 7.3, 6+). Three successive increases yielded a +2.9, enabling KUT to hit double-digits for the first time in its PPM-history (7.4 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.3, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations include: -1.6 (June 2019); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); +2.0 (October); -1.9 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); +.8 (March); -1.3 (May); and -.7 (June 2020).

Austin Music Formats – Not only is Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA a collective +1.1 via three straight bumps (8.1 – 8.4 – 8.5 – 9.2, 6+), “103.5 Bob-FM” repeats at #1 with its best 6+-stat since July 2019 (9.2, as well). Also notching a July 2020 increase of seven-tenths is Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ (5.7, fourth to third). “Majic 95.5 Better Music For A Better Workday” had been -1.4 as a result of three consecutive down or flat moves (6.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+). In an alternating January 2020 through July 2020 down/up pattern that includes July’s increase of three-tenths, Waterloo Media Group’s KROX “101-X Alternative Austin” is: 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 (#14 to #12, 6+). Replicating June’s decline of six-tenths (5.5 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s country-formatted KVET-FM remains in fifth-place. “The Austin Texas Original” was up nine-tenths in April/May (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.5, 6+) and had its best 6+-showing since last October (5.5, as well). Elsewhere in the country format, KVET-FM sibling KASE, which was off six-tenths in May/June (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+), gains four-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#12 to #10). In the six sweeps between “Holiday” 2019 and May 2020, “Austin’s #1 For New Country” logged a 3.6 (6+) four times (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+). Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” has lost more than half (-1.2) its 6+ AQH share in three drops in succession (2.2 – 1.7 – 1.2 – 1.0, flat at #22, 6+). KOKE-FM was a combined +1.0 in March/April (1.2 – 1.3 – 2.2, 6+). Two Waterloo Media Group HD-2 channels regress by one-half share: Spanish contemporary KLZT-HD2 (1.2, #17 to #21, 6+) and triple A KGSR-HD2 (1.0, #20 to #22, 6+). KLZT-HD2 gained three tenths in three straight up or flat trends (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), while KGSR-HD2 garnered four-tenths in May/June (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – By notching a July spike of six-tenths to 6.8 (sixth to third, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” snaps at four its consecutive string of decreases that resulted in an overall -1.4 (7.6 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+). A collective -1.2 in three straight drops (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), Curtis Media Group’s WPTF “News Radio 680” is flat at #16.

Four-tenths behind WPTF and unchanged at #17 is Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan,” which logs a 1.1 (6+) the third time in the last four sweeps (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1,  6+).   

Progressing from fourth to second, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” notches its third straight gain for a collective +1.0 (6.1 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+).

Raleigh Music Formats – Tacking on a hefty +1.2 to June’s increase of two-tenths (4.9 – 5.1 – 6.3, 6+), Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB Your Life/Your Music” jumps from eighth to fourth with its best 6+-stat since last October (6.3, as well). In eight straight sweeps without an increase, CHR cluster-mate WPLW-FM lost roughly 48% (-2.5) of its 6+ AQH share (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+). In July though, “Pulse FM” applies the brakes with a +.8 to 3.5 (#14 to #11, 6+). Following five consecutive gains that netted a +2.7 (7.2 – 8.7 – 8.9 – 9.2 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC is -1.1 in June/July (9.9 – 8.9 – 8.8, 6+). Nonetheless, “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 the seventh time in a row. On top four successive sweeps, WFXC shifted to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019. January 2019’s +1.1 took “Foxy” to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Up eight-tenths in May/June (6.1 – 6.7 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WRDU “100.7 Raleigh’s Classic Rock” erodes by -1.1 to 5.8 (third to seventh, 6+). A collective +2.0 via three positive spikes in a row (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 7.3, 6+), Radio One gospel WNNL “The Light 103.9” forfeits exactly half that windfall (6.3, -1.0, second to fourth, 6+). In June, WNNL reached the seven-share level (7.3, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2019 (7.0, 6+). After more than doubling (+2.4) its 6+ AQH share in seven consecutive up or flat moves (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+), Educational Information Corporation’s WCPE “The Classical Station” relinquishes one-third of that increase (3.7, -.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Faltering by seven-tenths are Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5 – The Variety That Makes You Feel Good” (5.8, fifth to seventh, 6+) and Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” (4.3, flat at #9, 6+). A combined -2.7 in March/April (7.5 – 6.6 – 4.8, 6+), “Mix” followed with a +1.7 in May/June (4.8 – 5.5 – 6.5, 6+). “Mix” was +2.2 (“Holiday” 2019) and -1.7 (January). Off nine-tenths in April/May, “K-97.5” picked up one-half share in June.

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Stabilizing after May/June’s -2.9 (10.3 – 8.9 – 7.4, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” picks up one-tenth and one ranker (7.4 – to 7.5, fifth to fourth, 6+). WIBC previously logged four straight increases for a +4.9 (5.4 – 7.6 – 8.0 – 8.8 – 10.3, 6+).

Albeit off one-half share in June/July (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), sports talk cluster-mate WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” progresses from #16 to #15. After gaining two-tenths in back-to-back reports (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” has its 6+ AQH share sliced by 50% (-.7) in June/July (1.4 – 1.1 – .7, #18 to #19, 6+).

Three straight gains by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI yielded a +1.6 (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.3 , 6+); however, in four straight drops, it is -1.7 (5.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6, tenth to ninth, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – Tied for boasting the largest (6+) June 2020 – July 2020 increase (+1.9) by any station in these 12 PPM-markets is Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “B-105.7” (8.8 – 10.7, 6+). In addition to roaring back from June’s loss of eight-tenths WYXB is #1 the third time in a row. Its five most recent fluctuations are: +.6 (March); -1.2 (April); +1.3 (May); -.8 (June); and +1.9 (July). “B-105.7” had been on top five reports in succession prior to shifting to fourth in April. It was an overall +10.8 through three consecutive increases (7.4 – 8.8 – 10.2 – 18.2, 6+), but was then -9.3 in January/February (18.2 – 9.1 – 8.9, 6+). WYXB’s 18.2 (“Holiday” 2019) represents the strongest 6+-performance by any Indianapolis station in the PPM-era. Gaining eight-tenths each are Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM (5.9, eighth to seventh, 6+) and Cumulus Media hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix” (#15 to #10). WTLC-FM was down nine-tenths in May/June (6.0 – 5.9 – 5.1, 6+) and had its lowest 6+-share since last November (5.1, as well). Having had its 6+-stat carved by 75% (-2.1) in April/May (2.8 – 2.0 – .7, 6+), “The Mix” more than quadruples (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share in June/July (.7 – 2.4 – 3.2, 6+). Plummeting by a whopping -1.1 are iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Indy’s Classic Rock” (third to fifth) and Emmis’ WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” (fourth to sixth). WFBQ erodes by -3.2 in three consecutive dips (10.1 – 8.2 – 8.0 – 6.9, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat (6.9) since “Holiday” 2019’s 6.6. As a result of three drops in succession, “Hank” is -1.9 (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 6.4, 6+). A combined +.8 in May/June (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), Sarkes Tarzian-owned triple A WTTS “92.3 Experience The Music” relinquishes seven-tenths to 3.2 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Immediately prior to the May sweep, WTTS was -1.6 via three consecutive slips (4.7 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+). In the market’s CHR tussle, Cumulus Media’s WZPL “99.5 ZPL” forfeits six-tenths (4.9, seventh to eighth, 6+), while Radio One’s similarly-formatted WNOW “100.9 Radio Now” is off one-half share (#14 to #15). WZPL was +1.2 in May/June (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.5, 6+), as was WNOW (1.3 – 1.8 – 2.5, 6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU posted a 3.4 (6+) in June 2019, but Indianapolis’ version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is unlisted the 14^th time in a row.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly after logging four straight spikes that accounted for a +5.3 (4.0 – 4.2 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 9.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” is a collective -2.4 in three straight declines (9.3 – 8.6 – 7.2 – 6.8, second to fourth, 6+). WISN was on top in April and May. Despite being without an increase the third time in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” progresses from sixth to fifth. WTMJ was a combined +1.2 in March/April (5.1 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+). The repetitive March 2020 through July 2020 topline for Alpha Media-owned WLIP “AM 1050 Kenosha’s News & Talk” is: .5 – .6 – .5 – .6 – .5 (#17 to #18, 6+).  

Once again, four Milwaukee sports talk stations are separated by three-tenths of a share; in July, they combine for a 1.5 (6+). The only one in the quartet not losing ground is iHeartMedia-owned WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” (flat at .6 and remaining at #17, 6+). Down one-tenth each are Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” (.5 – .4, #19 to #20, 6+); Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” (.4 3 .4, flat at #21, 6+); and iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920,” which has its tenth straight sweep without an increase for a net loss of one-half share (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2, #22 to #23, 6+).

A combined -1.4 in May/June (5.0 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM picks up three-tenths to 3.9 (flat at #9, 6+). Off one-half share through three straight down or flat reports (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD halts the skid with a +.1 to 1.0 (#15 to #16, 6+).    

Milwaukee Music Formats – Milwaukee’s top three July 2020 finishers are separated by seven-tenths of a share. One member of that trio is WLDB “B-93.3.” The Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary outlet was +6.2 through three straight boosts (5.2 – 5.7 – 6.8 – 11.4, 6+); then lost nearly 60% (-6.7) of its 6+ AQH share in five consecutive downturns (11.4 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.7, 6+); and is now +2.5 in June/July (4.7 – 5.7 – 7.2, fifth to second, 6+). This (7.2) is its highest 6+-stat since January’s 7.3. Alternative sibling WLUM “FM 102.1 Sounds Different” logs its seventh successive positive or neutral sweep for a +1.7 and crosses the five-share level (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3, eighth to seventh, 6+). Highlighted by June’s mammoth +2.2, iHeartMedia-owned WMIL was an overall +2.7 in three spikes in a row (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 8.7, 6+). In July, “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” falters by nine-tenths to 7.8 (6+) but repeats at #1. Co-owned urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7,” which was +1.1 via five reports in succession without a loss (4.7 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.8, 6+), stumbles by four-tenths to 5.4 (fourth to sixth, 6+). With their “Holiday” 2019 (6+) AQH share and market rank information in parentheses, the following Saga Communications stations are unlisted the seventh month in a row: WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” (5.6, fifth, 6+); WHQG “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” (4.7, eighth, 6+); urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3” (3.2, #13, 6+); and rhythmic CHR WNRG “Energy 106.9” (1.5, #15, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Bouncing back from May/June’s -.8 (5.4 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+) with a July gain of two-tenths to 4.8 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WWTN progresses from tenth to ninth. “Super Talk 99.7” was up seven-tenths in March/April (4.7 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). Unchanged at #17, iHeartMedia’s WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” was a combined +.5 in March/April (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.7, 6+), but is -1.0 in three downturns in succession (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+).

Off three tenths in June – following May’s increase of eight-tenths – Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” regains one-half share (2.4 – 2.9, #14 to #13, 6+). As a result of six straight sweeps without an increase, Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” has lost 70% (-.7) of its 6+ AQH share (1.0 – .6 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3, #22 to #23, 6+).

After gaining three-tenths in June (3.7 – 4.0, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” is off two-tenths to 3.8 (6+) but remains at #11.

Nashville Music Formats – Not only is Midwest Communications-owned adult contemporary WJXA a collective +1.3 in three straight increases (8.1 – 8.2 – 8.4 – 9.4, 6+), “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” repeats at #1. After spending five consecutive sweeps on top, WJXA shifted to #2 in April. “Mix” has been: -1.6 (October 2019); +2.2 (December); +6.1 (“Holiday” 2019); -5.5 (January 2020); +1.3 (February); -1.9 (March); -1.6 (April); and +1.0 (July). Nearly quintupling (+1.1) its 6+ AQH share in June/July (.3 – 5. – 1.4, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s classical-formatted WFCL “91 Classical” cracks the top twenty (#21 to #18), hitting double-digits (1.4) for the first time since January’s 1.0. By gaining six-tenths to 2.9 (#15 to #13, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFFH “The Fish” pulls the plug on six successive negative or neutral reports that resulted in a -1.7 (4.0 – 3.2 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). After scoring back-to-back gains of eight-tenths (4.0 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WRVW “107.5 The River” sputters by two-tenths to 5.4 (seventh to eighth, 6+). Meanwhile, similarly-programmed WRVW-HD2 debuts in print with a .6 (#21, 6+). The three latest (highly volatile) fluctuations by iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” are: -1.6 (May); +2.7 (June); and -1.5 (7.8 – 6.3, third to fifth, July, 6+). Entering the May ratings period, “The Rock” more than doubled (+3.4) its 6+ AQH share in four straight spikes, including April’s +2.1 (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.6 -6.7, 6+). Continuing the theme of three most recent trends, co-owned WSIX has been: +1.2 (7.1 – 8.3, May, 6+); -1.2 (8.3 – 7.1, June, 6+); and -.7 (7.1 – 6.4, fourth to third, July, 6+). “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 For New Country” had a May-only stay on top and was off one-tenth in March/April (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+). Elsewhere in the country format, Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” continues its alternating down/up pattern that commenced in December 2019 (5.5 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.5, eighth to sixth, 6+). Slipping from ninth to tenth, co-owned WKDF “Nash FM 103.3” records a March 2020 through July 2020 topline of: 4.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.6 (6+). Prior to May, “Nash FM 103.3” was a collective +1.7 through three straight increases (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+). Meanwhile, the alternating down/up pattern in that same (March through July) timeframe for Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU includes July’s loss of fourth-tenths: 1.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 3.2 – 2.8 (#13 to #15, 6+). In June, “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” reached the three-share level (3.2) for the first time since last September (3.5). Down or flat eight reports in a row for a -1.2 (1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .7 – .5 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+), TBLC Media’s Spanish contemporary WNVL “Activa” is unlisted the fourth month in a row.

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – After more than doubling (+3.6) its 6+ AQH share in four straight up or flat trends (2.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 6.1, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” is an overall -1.7 in three drops in succession (6.1 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.4, flat at #7, 6+).

Even though it returns the two-tenths it gained this time last month (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “News Radio 920” continues at #16. Flat at .5 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” drops from #21 to #22. This immediately follows ten consecutive up or flat reports that netted four-tenths (.3 – .3 -.3 -.3 -.3 -.3 -.3 – .4 – .4 – .6 – .7, 6+).

In six straight down or flat survey periods, Entercom sports talk WVEI has essentially lost half (-2.1) its 6+ AQH share (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+) yet advances from tenth to ninth.

A combined -.9 in April/May (2.2 – 1.5 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston’s WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” repeats June’s AQH and market rank (1.5, #14, 6+).

Without an increase the fourth time in a row for a net loss of -1.3 (3.2 – 3.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Flat at #12, Rhode Island Public Radio news/talk WNPN is down one-half share in three straight negative or neutral moves (2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 , #12, 6+). After posting either a .6 (6+) or .4 (6+) February 2020 through June 2020 (.6 – .4 – .6 – .4 – .4, 6+), The Wheeler School-owned news/talk WELH “89.3 The Public’s Radio” slips to .3 (flat at #23, 6+).

Providence Music Formats – Over and above adding eight-tenths to June’s +.7 (9.4 – 10.1 – 10.9, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” marches from second to first. Ousted from the top spot after six straight months at #1 is iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” (10.6, -.1, 6+), which trades places with WCTK. WHJY was up one-half share in May/June (10.2 – 10.6 – 10.7, 6+). Prior to the April ratings period, it was an overall +2.6 through three successive increases (8.0 – 9.4 – 10.2 – 10.6, 6+). Without an increase five successive sweeps for a collective -1.4 (7.4 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music 92 PRO-FM” applies the brakes with a half share gain to 6.5 (fifth to fourth, 6+). June’s 6.0 was its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2019’s 5.8. After netting a +1.3 as a result of four straight positive or neutral moves (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” surrenders nine-tenths to 5.2 (fourth to fifth, 6+). Unchanged in third-place, Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI is +1.2 in June/July (6.1 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+). “Lite Rock 105” was -8.3 (16.8 – 8.9 – 8.5, January/February, 6+); +1.3 (8.5 – 9.8, March, 6+); -1.9 (9.8 – 7.9, April, 6+) -1.8 (7.9 – 6.1, May, 6+); and +.9 (6.1 – 7.0, June, 6+).

Norfolk

Spoken-Word Formats – Bouncing back from June’s half share loss with a July gain of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+), Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” climbs from #14 to #12. May’s increase of two tenths suspended seven straight down or flat reports that accounted for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.3, 6+).

Norfolk Music Formats – Negating June’s -1.0 with a +1.1 (13.2 – 12.2 – 13.3, 6+), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” makes it 20 consecutive times at #1. WVKL was –1.5 (February); +.7 (March); -1.0 (April); +.6 (May); -1.0 (June); and +1.1 (July). August 2018’s 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. The alternating down/up pattern of iHeartMedia alternative WNOH (#12 to #14) includes July’s -.8, which took “Alt 105.3” below a one-share: 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.5 – .7 (6+). It is now part of iHeartMedia’s Black Information Network. Off one-half share each are Entercom adult contemporary WWDE “101.3 2WD” (4.6 – 4.1, third to fourth, 6+) and WNVZ “Z-104” (3.6 – 3.1, fifth to seventh). WWDE was +.9 in May and -1.1 in June. After losing more than 60% (-7.7) of its 6+ AQH share through three straight setbacks (12.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.7, 6+), “2WD” was +1.0 in April/May (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.7, 6+). “Z-104” posted an increase of seven-tenths in June. Prior to that, it was -1.0 in three successive drops (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+). These three Saga Communications-owned properties are unlisted the sixth month in a row: WAFX “106.9 The Fox – Hampton Roads’ Classic Rock”; WNOR “FM 99 Rocks”; and adult standards WJOI “Joy FM – Great Songs/Great Memories.” WAFX was -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.3 – 6.7 – 5.8, #4, 6+); WNOR lost basically half (-4.5) its 6+ AQH share via four consecutive downturns (9.1 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+), finishing fifth in “Holiday” 2019; and WJOI logged a .2 in “Holiday” 2019 (#17, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Three drops in a row by Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM account for an overall -3.9 (13.4 – 10.4 – 9.9 – 9.5, 6+), but “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” remains in the runner-up slot. Immediately prior, it garnered a +5.3 in five consecutive increases (8.1 – 8.3 – 9.8 – 10.4 – 11.8 – 13.4, 6+).

Off three-tenths (.9 – .6, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” slips from #18 to #19. “The Game” was a combined +.6 in March/April (.8 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+) but surrendered the entire increase in May.

Erasing back-to-back losses of seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.2 – 2.5, 6+) with a June/July +1.5 (2.5 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+), public radio news/talk WJCT reenters the top ten (#12 to #10).

Jacksonville Music Formats – Owing to four straight setbacks, WEJZ “96.1 The Most Music For Your Workday” was -1.8 (12.0 – 11.1 – 10.8 – 10.7 – 10.2, 6+), but the Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary outlet pulls the plug with a +1.4 to 11.6 (6+) and is #1 the third time in a row. In addition, WEJZ notches double-digits the sixth consecutive sweep and eighth time in the last nine reports. WEJZ held the top spot from December 2019 through February 2020. Meanwhile, Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WEZI is down or flat the third time in a row for a -1.3 (5.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, seventh to eighth, 6+). “Easy 102.9” has its lowest 6+-stat (4.3) since “Holiday” 2019’s 4.1. As a result of three positive trends in a row, Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “99.9 Jacksonville’s Hottest Country” is +2.0 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.9 – 6.0, seventh to fifth, 6+). Conversely, iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “Jacksonville’s Country 99.1” falters by a full-share to 4.5 (fifth to seventh). WQIK was +1.9 in May/June (3.6 – 4.9 – 5.5, 6+), directly after being down or flat three reports in succession for a -1.0 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+). After logging a 6.3 (6+) in four of the last six survey periods (6.3 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL “V-101.5” improves by one-half share to 6.6 (6+) and continues in fourth-place. Good Tidings Trust’s religious teaching WAYR “WAY Radio Jacksonville” pops on with a .6 (#19, 6+). In six straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia CHR WKSL was a cumulative +1.7 (2.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 4.1, 6+), but “97.9 Kiss-FM” surrenders roughly half that windfall with a -.8 to 3.3 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – Down or flat the third time in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” drops from sixth to seventh. It previously posted four consecutive up or flat reports that generated an overall +1.9 (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.7, 6+). Co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches,” which was up one-half share in March/April (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.2, 6+), regresses by three-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9, flat at #12, 6+). Following six straight negative or neutral trends that resulted in a -1.4 (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” answers with three straight improvements netting six-tenths (.7 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3, #14 to #15, 6+). Locked on .7 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD “610 News Radio” is now stuck on .6 (6+) in June/July (#20 to #19, 6+).

Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” logs a .2 (6+) the third time in the last four reports (.2 – .7 – .2 – .2, #23 to #24, 6+).

Despite dropping one-tenth (3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Dade County School Board public radio news/talk WLRN advances from ninth to eighth. Prior to May’s loss of one-tenth, WLRN was an overall +.9 in four straight up or flat reports (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – On a roll, Hubbard Broadcasting urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” is a collective +2.8 (which includes July’s +1.4) as a result of four straight spikes (3.0 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 5.8, fifth to third, 6+). This (5.8) is its best 6+-stat since January’s 6.8. After faltering by six-tenths in June, iHeartMedia CHR WLDI “WiLD 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” answers with a +1.0 (3.7 – 4.7, eighth to sixth, 6+). Prior to June’s decrease, WLDI was +1.0 in four straight up or flat reports (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+). Adult contemporary cluster-mate WOLL “Today’s KOOL 105.5” remains in the runner-up slot and continues an alternating up/down pattern that includes July’s +.6: 7.6 – 7.7 – 6.7 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 7.5 (6+). Unlisted in April, May, and June, WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “WAY-FM” reappears with a 2.6 (#10, 6+). After logging a May +3.7 and a June -1.9, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF “Variety from the 90s and Now” is up a modest three-tenths (8.3 – 8.6, 6+) and #1 the third straight time. Entering the May sweep, WRMF was -2.3 via three straight setbacks (8.8 – 8.7 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+). It had been on top three months in a row before falling to third in April. After spending 12 ratings periods at #1, WRMF slid to #2 in “Holiday” 2019 (-1.5). A combined +1.2 in May/June (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.9, 6+), co-owned WIRK relinquishes 75% of that increase (3.0, -.9, sixth to ninth, 6+). Prior to May, “New Country 103.1” was an overall -2.8 in six straight down or flat reports (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). On the heels of June’s +1.2 (5.0 – 6.2, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WEAT “Sunny 107.9” sputters by eight-tenths to 5.4 (third to fourth, 6+). Part of a three-way March tie at #1, WEAT emerged in sole possession of the lead, but eroded by -2.2 in May. “Sunny” was up three-tenths in February/March (7.4 – 7.6 – 7.7, 6+) and then off one-half share (7.7 – 7.2, April, 6+). Dropping six-tenths each are iHeartMedia Miami CHR WHYI “Y-100” (1.7, #10 to #13) and Glades Media Spanish contemporary WWRF “AM 1380 Radio Fiesta” (1.2 – .6, #14 to #19, 6+). “Y-100” was a combined +1.0 in May/June (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.3, and had its best West Palm Beach showing (2.3, 6+) since last September (2.5, 6+). Before notching a +.8 in June, WWRF had a January 2020 through May 2020 topline of: .3 – .4 – .5 – .2 – .4 (6+). “AM 1380 Radio Fiesta” logged a +1.3 in December 2019 (.3 – 1.6, 6+), but forfeited the increase in its entirety the very next sweep (.3 – 1.3, “Holiday” 2019, 6+). A combined +1.5 in May/June (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WKGR “98.7 The Palm Beaches’ Rock Station” forfeits one-third of that increase (5.3, -.5, fourth to fifth, 6+).

 Greensboro

 Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.4 via three straight drops (5.6 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+), WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” continues in ninth-place. The iHeartMedia news/talker had been a collective +2.6 via four consecutive gains (3.0 – 3.9 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+).

Down one-tenth in May/June (-.5 – .5 -.4, 6+), Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” gains two-tenths in July to .6 (flat at #15, 6+).

Adding one-half share to June’s +.3 (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD carries on at #11. The December 2019 through July 2020 topline for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill public radio news/talk WUNC is: 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 (#14 to #13,  6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – Sharing top honors with Emmis Indianapolis adult contemporary WYXB (see above) for registering the largest (6+) June 2020 – July 2020 increase (+1.9) by any station in these 12 PPM-markets, Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” (8.3 – 10.2, 6+) continues in the runner-up slot. Entering the May report, “Simon” was a collective -2.8 in three straight drops (10.4 – 8.9 – 8.1 – 7.6, 6+). Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: +1.4 (September 2019); +1.0 (November); -1.2 (December); -2.2 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.9 (January 2020); +1.2 (May); and +1.9 (July). Tacking on eight-tenths to June’s +1.3 (6.7 – 8.0 – 8.8, 6+), WMAG remains in third-place. In three straight declines, the iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet was -1.4 (8.1 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+). Four successive spikes delivered WMAG a +9.9 and a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1 (6.3 – 6.4 – 7.5 – 10.2 – 16.2, 6+). In January though, WMAG had its 6+ AQH share plummet by roughly 54% (16.2 – 7.4, 6+). After posting an 11.1 (6+) three times in a row, Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” slips two-tenths to 10.9 (6+), but is #1 the fifth successive sweep. The July slip suspended four consecutive up or flat trends that yielded a +1.2 (9.9 – 10.5 – 10.8 – 11.1 – 11.1 – 11.1, 6+), This directly follows three consecutive losses that resulted in a -1.1 (11.0 – 10.9 – 10.1 – 9.9, 6+). In 2019, WQMG was #1 in January, February, April, May, July, and December. The three most recent fluctuations by Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” are: +.7 (1.8 – 2.5, May, 6+); -.6 (2.5 – 1.9, June, 6+); and -.9 (1.9 – 1.0, July, #13 to #14, 6+). Prior to May, WYMY had been without an increase four reports in a row for a net loss of one-half share (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+). Including July’s loss of eight-tenths, Dick Broadcasting classic rock WKRR “Rock 92” is -1.7 in three straight decreases (8.3 – 7.5 – 7.4 – 6.6, flat at #4, 6+).

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Off one-tenth (5.5 – 5.4, 6+), WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” slips from fifth to seventh. The iHeartMedia news/talker plummeted by -1.5 in May.

The March 2020 through July 2020 alternating up/down pattern for Entercom’s WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” is: 2.3 – 1.8 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 2.0 (#14 to #13, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – Improving by +1.0 and +.5, respectively, are Entercom’s WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” (steady at #12) and Cumulus Media-owned/similarly (country)-formatted WGKX “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country” (unchanged at #8). In the last three sweeps, “The Wolf” is +1.0 (2.2 – 2.2- 2.2 – 3.2, 6+), while “Kix 106” is +1.4 in the same period (3.3 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+). Neither station was down in that stretch. Notching July 2020 increases of seven-tenths are: Cumulus Media’s WXMX “98.1 The Max – Maximum Rock” (6.0 – 6.7, steady at #4, 6+); adult contemporary sibling WRVR “104.5 The River” (seventh to sixth); and iHeartMedia’s WDIA “1070 The Heart & Soul of Memphis” (3.7, unchanged at #10, 6+). After crossing the six-share threshold by notching three straight increases for a collective +2.3 (4.2 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.5, 6+), “Max” relinquished one-half share in June. “The River” is +1.1 in June/July (4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing since February (5.7, as well). Having more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+ AQH stat through five straight up or flat trends (1.9 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 4.1, 6+), WDIA forfeited half (-1.1) that increase in May/June (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.0, 6+). Up one-half share are WDIA’s gospel and classic rock cluster-mates WHAL “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” (steady at #5) and WEGR “Rock 103 – Memphis’ Classic Rock” (3.7, #10 to #11, 6+). In three bumps in succession, WHAL is +1.0 (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+); WEGR was down nine-tenths in May/June (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.0 6+). Up eight-tenths in June/July (9.9 – 10.4 – 10.7, 6+), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO “103.5 The Best Mix of R&B” is #1 the fifth straight time. May’s -1.2 interrupted three consecutive improvements that generated a +2.8 (8.3 – 9.1 – 11.0 – 11.1, 6+) and enabled WRBO to hit double-digits (11.0) for the first time since November 2018 (10.7). Entering the January sweep, it was +1.4 in three improvements in succession (7.1 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.5, 6+). Three straight gains by iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK netted a +2.4 (6.8 – 7.3 – 8.1 – 9.2, 6+), but “K-97” is -1.8 in June/July (9.2 – 9.1 – 7.4, second to third, 6+). WHRK was a combined -1.0 in January/February (7.8 – 6.9 – 6.8, 6+). While it remains in the runner-up slot, urban AC cluster-mate KJMS  spirals by –1.1 to 8.0 (6+). In three straight sweeps without a loss “V-101” was up six-tenths (8.5 – 8.7 – 9.1 – 9.1, 6+). As a result of five straight survey periods without an increase, Mid-South Public Communications’ classical WKNO has lost half (-1.0) its 6+ AQH share (2.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, #17 to #16, 6+).

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – Following six successive up or flat moves that yielded a +2.1 (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+), Entercom-owned WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” craters by -1.7 to 6.1 (fourth to seventh, 6+). Having trended .7 – .8 – .7 (April – May – June, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” dials up a gain of six-tenths to 1.3 (#14 to #13, 6+). Remaining at #15, iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” logs a .2 (6+) the third time in a row. In 23 consecutive reports, WPOP recorded either a .1 (6+) or a .2 (6+) – then notched a .7 (April, 6+).

WPOP’s sports talk cluster-mate, WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford,” is down one-half share in June/July (1.4 – 1.1 – .9, #13 to #14, 6+).

Four successive reports without an increase by Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” resulted in a -2.0 (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+); however, WNPR ends the slide with a gain of three-tenths to 2.9 (#11 to #10, 6+). Owing to six consecutive down or flat trends, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” has lost half (-.2) its 6+ AQH share (.4 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, flat at #15, 6+).

Hartford Music Formats – Stacking nine-tenths onto June’s improvement of seven-tenths, Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” crosses the seven-share level and inches up from fifth to fourth (6.0 – 6.7 – 7.6, 6+). June’s spike curtailed three straight modest dips that accounted for a net loss of four-tenths (6.4 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). Adult contemporary cluster-mate WRCH “Lite 100.5” is +1.8 via three straight upticks (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 10.7, 6+) and is #1 the third time in a row. A combined -2.1 in March/April (11.0 – 9.9 – 8.9, 6+), WRCH segued to the runner-up slot after 46 straight times at #1. “Lite 100.5” was a combined +8.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.8 – 11.5 – 18.4, 6+) and -7.7 in January; 18.4 is the best 6+-showing by any Hartford station since WRCH’s 18.0 in “Holiday” 2018. Recent (6+) WRCH shifts include: +1.7 (December); +6.9 (“Holiday” 2019); -7.7 (January 2020); -1.1 (March); -1.0 (April 2020); and +.5 (June). It shared the lead in May with Red Wolf Broadcasting classic rock WDRC-FM, which is -1.3 in June/July (9.4 – 9.3 – 8.1, 6+); “102.9 The Whale” repeats in the runner-up slot. Off three-tenths in February (6.8 – 6.5, 6+), WDRC-FM countered with a +2.4 in March/April (6.5 – 7.6 – 8.9, 6+). Following four reports in a row without a loss for a collective +1.4 (1.6 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 3.0, 6+), Spanish tropical sibling WMRQ-HD2 is -1.0 in June/July (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.0, #10 to #12, 6+). Down or flat the third time in a row for an overall -1.9 (9.8 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 7.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” continues in third-place. Red Wolf Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WNTY “Kool Radio – Good Times/Great Oldies” is without an increase the 13^th time in succession for a net loss of three-tenths (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+) and carries on at #15.

July 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Three

July 2020 PPM Data – Information for the July 2020 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 July 2020 survey period covered June 18 – July 15. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM-markets.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – Carving May’s -1.0 in half with a June/July +.5 (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+), Alpha Media-owned news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” continues in third-place. In the iHeartMedia cluster, KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” posts a July gain of two-tenths to 3.8 (#13 to #12, 6+). Its June drop of three-tenths followed nine straight up or flat moves that generated an overall +1.6 (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). Albeit flat at 1.4 (6+), Alpha Media news/talk KUFO progresses from #22 to #21. “Freedom 970” was off four-tenths in April/May (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+), but purged the shortfall in June with a +.4. Flat at #27, Salem Media Group’s KPAM “AM 860 The Answer” has logged either a .4 (6+) or .5 (6+) in each of the last eleven (11) survey periods: .5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .5, 6+).

Without an increase the past nine reports for a roughly 44% drop (-.7) of its 6+ AQH share (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9, 6+), Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” applies the brakes with a +.2 to 1.1 (#23 to #22, 6+). Directly after netting four-tenths in three consecutive gains (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KXTG “The Game” is -1.1 in June/July (1.9 – 1.6 – .8, #21 to #23, 6+). Although it remains at #30, iHeartMedia-owned KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” picks up one-tenth to .3 (6+), thus snapping at five a consecutive string of down or flat sweeps that resulted in a roughly 78% loss of its 6+ AQH share (.9 – .7 – .6 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+).

Notwithstanding that it records a drop the third month in succession for a collective -1.3 (10.1 – 9.3 – 9.1 – 8.8, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB is #1 the fourth time in a row. KOPB and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW are the only Portland stations to achieve double-digits (6+) in the PPM-era; KOPB was a combined +1.9 in March/April (8.2 – 9.9 – 10.1, 6+).

Portland Music Formats – As a result of notching a +.9, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KXJM not only continues its alternating up/down sequence but “JAM’N 107.5” reaches a five-share (3.6 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 5.0, eighth to fifth, 6+). Repeating in the runner-up slot is its aforementioned adult contemporary cluster-mate, KKCW “K-103,” which is +1.5 via three straight upticks (5.6 – 5.9 – 6.7 – 7.1, 6+). May’s increase pulled the plug on four straight setbacks that led to an approximately 60% (-8.3) loss of its 6+ AQH share (13.9 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1 – 5.6, 6+). Setting the pace four sweeps in succession (including sharing January’s lead with public radio news/talk KOPB), “K-103” segued to #2 in March. A combined +6.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.4 – 9.1 – 13.9, 6+), KKCW regressed by -5.4 in January; 13.9 was its highest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2. In four straight up or flat moves, CHR sibling KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station” nets eight-tenths and remains at #11 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). When Entercom adult hits KYCH gained four-tenths this time last month, it suspended five consecutive slips in which it basically lost half (-3.3) its 6+ AQH share (6.7 – 5.9 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+). In July, “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” adds six-tenths (3.8 – 4.4, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#11 to #7). In three consecutive reports without a loss, Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 Independent Portland” gains eight-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+) and elevates from #20 to a four-way scrum at #15. A combined +1.5 in April/May (3.0 – 4.3, 4.5, 6+), All Classical Public Media KQAC is -1.5 in June/July (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.0, 6+). Ranking #10 in June, “All Classical Portland” joins KINK as part of the four-way logjam at #15. Mount Hood Community College jazz outlet KMHD continues an alternating up/down pattern that includes July’s -.8: 2.3 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 2.2 (#16 to #20, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being -1.2 in three slips in succession (7.1 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom-owned WBT progresses from fourth to third. “Charlotte’s News Talk” had more than doubled (+3.6) its 6+ AQH share through four increases in a row (3.5 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 5.7 – 7.1, 6+).

Co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” is without an increase the fourth consecutive time for a net loss of seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.1, flat at #18, 6+).

The very consistent January 2020 through July 2020 topline for iHeartMedia contemporary Christian WRFX-HD2 is: .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .2 – .1 (6+). As of June 29, it joined iHeartMedia’s Black News Network.

Up seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+), University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE advances from #14 to #11.

Charlotte Music Formats – The wild ride continues for Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits,” which was -1.2 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.0 (January 2020); +2.6 via three consecutive February through May increases (5.5 – 5.7 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+); -.8 (8.1 – 7.3, June, 6+); and now a whopping +1.5 (7.3 – 8.8, July, 6+). Furthermore, WSOC storms from second to first. “Country’s Hottest Hits” last occupied the top spot in May 2019. At this time last month, WSOC had a nine-tenths advantage over iHeartMedia-owned/similarly programmed WKKT, but it widens considerably (to 3.4) as “96.9 The Kat Charlotte’s #1 For New Country” spirals by -1.0 to 5.4 (third to seventh, 6+). “The Kat” had been +1.2 through four spikes in succession (5,2 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.4, 6+). Segueing to the runner-up slot after setting the pace the past six sweeps is iHeartMedia classic rock WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which is an overall -3.5 in three straight downturns (10.2 – 8.4 – 8.0 – 6.7, 6+). Entering the May sweep, WRFX was a collective +3.8 via four successive increases (6.4 – 6.8 – 7.9 – 8.1 – 10.2, 6+) and reached double-digits (10.2, 6+). The only other Charlotte station hitting double-digits in the PPM-era is Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, which has done it seven times. Immediately prior, “The Fox” had been -1.9 via three straight drops (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.3 – 6.4, 6+). Pushing up from #12 to #11, Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link Charlotte’s Best Mix” is a cumulative +1.3 in three bumps in a row (2.1 – 2.4 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+). By picking up one-tenth to 4.9 (flat at #8, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake We Play Anything” halts three successive drops that accounted for a -2.5 (7.3 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+). The market’s (6+) CHR share shrinks by -1.5 as iHeartMedia-owned WHQC “Hits 96.1” is -.8 (3.9, ninth to tenth, 6+) and Beasley Media Group’s WNKS “Kiss 95.1” is -.7 (2.8, #11 to #15, 6+). “Hits 96.1” was +1.3 in May/June (3.4 – 3.7 – 4.7, 6+) and had its strongest 6+-stat (4.7) since last September’s 5.0. “Kiss” was up three tenths in May/June (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – The market’s top six July 2020 finishers are separated by six-tenths of a share. Included in that group is iHeartMedia-owned WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather,” which has been: +1.0 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.3, January/February, 6+); -.5 (6.3 – 5.8, March, 6+); +2.1 (5.8 – 7.9, April, 6+); -.8 (7.9 – 7.1, May, 6+); -.6 (7.1 – 6.5, June); and now -1.0 (6.5 – 5.5, flat at #2, 6+). While WOAI is a collective -2.4 the last three reports (7.9 – 5.5, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” notches three modest advances in the same timeframe for a +.7 (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.1, #21 to #20, 6+).

Alpha Media sports talk KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” and iHeartMedia-owned KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” are finally separated. The two were deadlocked at #28 in May and at #30 in June, but KTKR gains two-tenths (.4 – .6, #27, 6+), while KZDC is up one-tenth (.4 – .5, #29, 6+).

After losing nine-tenths in four straight decreases (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX ends the slide with a +.3 to 2.8 (#17 to #16, 6+).

San Antonio Music Formats – Improving by eight-tenths each are Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Que Buena 92.9” (5.5, sixth to second, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (#15 to #11). Prior to being -.9 in May/June (5.6 – 5.3 – 4.7, 6+), “Que Buena” was +1.9 in four consecutive up or flat trends (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.6, 6+). Matching February’s 3.7, KZLV is +1.1 in June/July (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+). Albeit that it follows June’s -1.5 with a July -1.1 (8.4 – 6.9 – 5.8, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the seventh consecutive time. Directly prior, KONO-FM netted a +1.6 through three jumps in a row (6.8 – 7.3 – 8.2 – 8.4, 6+). “San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” had been the market leader ten successive ratings periods before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2019. KONO-FM was -1.8 (“Holiday” 2019); +.8 (January 2020); and -.7 (February). Even though Cox Media Group’s KCYY logs its third straight spike for a collective increase of seven-tenths (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” downslides from third to fourth. “Y-100” was a combined -2.0 in March/April (6.6 – 6.3 – 4.6, 6+). For the third time in the last five survey periods, Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat” records a 2.8 (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 2.8, #13 to #16, 6+).

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight hefty declines, iHeartMedia-owned KFBK is an overall -3.7 (11.6 – 9.4 – 8.9 – 7.9, 6+) and – after six straight times at #1 – “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” shifts to #3. KFBK was +2.7 in January and a combined +3.2 in March/April (8.4 – 10.3 – 11.6, 6+). April 2020’s 11.6 is its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era, besting the previous high (10.3) set in March 2020. After returning the three-tenths it added in May (1.8 – 2.1 – 1.8 +), cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” erupts with a +1.2 to 3.0 (#15 to #13, 6+). The last time KSTE reached the three-share level was September 2019 (3.0, as well). May’s increase suspended three straight downturns that led to a loss of four-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+).

Despite losing nearly half (-.5) its 6+ AQH share in three straight reports without an increase (1.1 – .8 – .6 – .6, 6+), Entercom sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” progresses from #22 to #21. Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KHTK “Sports 1140” is off three-tenths in June/July (.8 – .6 – .5, -.2, #22 to #23, 6+). These two sports talkers were deadlocked last July, August, and October.

As a result of three modest increases, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ nets one-half share (4.5 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+) and repeats in sixth-place.

Sacramento Music Formats – A combined -1.3 in May/June (4.4 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KSFM wipes away approximately half the deficit with a +.7 to 3.8 (6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #9).

Bonneville hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5 Today’s Best Hits” replicates June’s +.6 and is an overall +2.3 in three straight jumps (1.8 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 4.1, tenth to seventh, 6+). KZZO was +1.1 in January/February (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.7, 6+) and -1.9 in March/April (3.7 – 3.2 – 1.8, 6+). In an alternating down/up pattern that includes July’s +.5, co-owned KNCI “New Country 105.1” is trending: 7.9 – 7.7 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 8.2 (third to second, 6+). It is two-tenths from the lead now held by Entercom classic rock KSEG “96.9 The Eagle” (8.8 – 8.4, -.4, second to first, 6+). A one-tenth June loss terminated three straight advancements that resulted in a +1.9 (7.0 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 8.9, 6+). Co-owned CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” craters by -1.3 and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #14) as it continues an alternating down/up sequence of 4.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 2.5 (6+). A combined -1.2 in June/July (5.1 – 4.9 – 3.9, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX slips from sixth to eighth. “Mix 96” set the pace in “Holiday” 2019 (12.6, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths each are Entercom-owned KRXQ “98 Rock” (flat at #4) and iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” (eighth to tenth). KRXQ is -1.7 in three straight drops (7.5 – 7.2 – 6.4 – 5.8, 6+), immediately after being +2.7 through five jumps in a row (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 7.5, 6+). Three consecutive increases by “V-101” yielded a +1.4 (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), directly following six straight down or flat reports for an overall -1.9 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -2.2 in May/June (7.3 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+), KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” improves by three-tenths to 5.4 (6+) and is anchored in fourth-place. The Entercom-owned heritage outlet was previously +4.2 via four straight spikes (3.1 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 5.6 – 7.3, 6+).

Co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” which gained four-tenths in May, is -1.9 in June/July (6.3 – 4.5 – 4.4, eighth to ninth, 6+). May’s increase interrupted three straight slips that resulted in a -2.0 (7.9 – 7.5 – 6.7 – 5.9, 6+).

Precisely mirroring KDKA-AM (see above), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” logs a July 5.1 – 5.4 (6+) and continues at #4.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – It’s unrealistic to think iHeartMedia rocker WDVE would approach (let alone top) June’s gigantic +2.4 (8.5 – 10.9, 6+). Instead, it settles for a modest decline of four-tenths to 10.5 (6+) and is #1 the fifth month in a row. Prior to June (10.9), the last time WDVE reached double-digits (6+) was October 2017 (10.2). WDVE’s very consistent “Holiday” 2019 through May 2020 topline was: 8.2 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.5 (6+). In addition to being steady in the runner-up slot, classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 3WS” nets a +2.4 via three successive gains (7.1 – 8.1 – 9.2 – 9.5, 6+). This (9.5) is its best 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2019’s 13.6. WWSW was a combined -1.6 in March/April (8.7 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+). Co-owned CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss-FM” is +1.1 in three sweeps in a row without a loss (3.9 – 4.3 – 5.0 – 5.0, flat at #6, 6+), directly after being -1.2 in three straight drops (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 3.9, 6+). Alternative cluster-mate WXDX “105.9 The X,” which was -1.5 as a result of four consecutive slips (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.5, 3.8 – 3.6, 6+), ends the slide with a +.3 to 3.9 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #10). A loss of nine-tenths takes Steel City Media adult hits WRRK below a seven-share (7.1 – 6.2, 6+) for the first time since February 2019 (6.9), but “96.9 Bob FM” remains in third-place. After posting four straight spikes that resulted in a +2.7 (1.9 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” is -1.2 in three straight drops (4.6 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12). In “Holiday” 2019, “Big 104.7” faltered by one-half share to 1.9, halting 13 successive survey periods of posting a 6+-stat within 2.3 – 2.9 range. Conversely, Entercom-owned WDSY is up a total of one-half share in these last three sweeps (4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+). “Pittsburgh’s Country Y-108” is unchanged in seventh-place. Once again unlisted are Forever Media classic country WLYI; classic hits-oldies WPKL; classic hits-oldies WKPL; country WOGG; and country WOGI. These five Forever Media stations were unlisted “Holiday” 2019 through March 2020 and reappeared April 2020 through June 2020.

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Reducing May/June’s -1.0 (6.3 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+) by exactly 50% with a half-share increase to 5.8 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” jumps from seventh to fifth. Four consecutive sweeps without a loss garnered KNRS a +2.2 (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.3, 6+). It leapfrogs Bonneville’s KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM,” which is down the third time in a row for a collective -3.6 (8.8 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.2, sixth to eighth, 6+). A combined +3.9 in March/April (4.9 – 6.0 – 8.8, 6+), KSL had an April-only stay at #1. Repeating at #21, Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” has its 6+ AQH share reduced by exactly 50% (-.5) as a result of three down or flat moves in a row (1.0 – .7 – .5 – .5, 6+). KKAT had more than tripled (+.7) its 6+ AQH share through four straight sweeps without a loss (.3 – .6 – .8 – .8 – 1.0, 6+).

After an approximately three-year hiatus from appearing in print, Larry H. Miller Communications Corporation sports talk KZNS “The Zone” resurfaced in June with a .6 (#19, 6+) and repeats those stats in July.

After picking up three-tenths in June (2.0 – 2.3, 6+), University of Utah public radio news/talk KUER slips one-tenth to 2.2 (6+) but continues at #15. KUER was down nine-tenths in April/May (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.0, 6+). Brigham Young University public radio news/talk KUMT replicates June’s AQH share and market rank (.5, #21, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Classic hits-oldies outlets occupied Salt Lake City’s top two spots in June. That’s the case in July as well, but the stations swap places. Over and above being a collective +1.9 in three straight spikes (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.6 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” marches from second to first. This (7.2) represents its strongest 6+-stat in over a year (7.4, June 2019). Meanwhile, a combined -1.5 in June/July (8.1 – 7.7 – 6.6, 6+), Bonneville’s KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” segues from first to second. June’s loss interrupted three straight improvements that accounted for a +2.2 (5.9 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 8.1, 6+). The alternating down/up pattern by Cumulus Media CHR KENZ “Power Utah’s New Hit Music” includes July’s increase of eight-tenths: 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 4.0 (#13 to #11, 6+). Its country cluster-mate, KUBL “K-Bull 93 FM,” logs its third straight sweep without a loss for a net gain of nine-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.6, eighth to sixth, 6+). A collective +2.0 in six straight sweeps without a loss (3.7 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country Station” forfeits two-tenths to 5.5 (fifth to seventh, 6+). June’s 5.7 was its highest 6+-stat since last August’s 5.8. Off three-tenths in May/June (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KAAZ notches a +.6 to 4.2 (6+), enabling “Rock 106.7” to reenter the top ten (#11 to #9). Hot AC cluster-mate KJMY “My-99.5” is a combined -1.6 in June/July (4.7 – 4.3 – 3.1, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #14). CHR sibling KZHT “Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” continues an alternating up/down sequence that’s within 4.2 – 4.7 range (6+) each time and includes July’s half-share decrease: 4.6 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.2 (flat at #9, 6+). Unlisted the 20^th sweep in a row are Broadway Media-owned adult hits KYMV; alternative KXRK; CHR KUDD; country KEGA; and rhythmic CHR KUUU.

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Tied in March (2.1, 6+), then separated by three-tenths of a share (6+) the next three months, Entercom-owned KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” and Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” are within one-tenth of each other. Since the March report, KXNT is trending 3.2 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4 (#16 to #18, 6+), while KDWN is 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.3 (#19 to #20, 6+).

Unchanged at #29, Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” has its AQH share split in half (.8 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Having been an overall +1.3 through three straight improvements (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), Nevada Public Radio news/talk KNPR is -1.0 in June/July (3.9 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#7 to #13).

Las Vegas Music Formats – Stuck on 1.8 (6+) in May and June, Entercom alternative KXTE “X-107.5” erupts with a +.8 to 2.6, its strongest 6+-showing since January (2.6, as well) and cracks the top twenty (#21 to #16). Posting July 2020 gains of six-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music For A Better Workday” (6.1 – 6.7, steady at #2, 6+) and Lotus Communications’ KXPT “97.1 The Point #1 For Classic Rock” (sixth to third). “Sunny” erases half of June’s -1.2, a decline responsible for dropping “Sunny” from #1 to #2. Immediately prior to June, KSNE held (or shared) the top spot seven successive survey periods. Its May increase of six-tenths to 7.3 (6+) curtailed at four a consecutive string of decreases that resulted in an overall -.8.6 (15.3 – 8.6 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 15.3 is the highest 6+-share by any Las Vegas station in the PPM-era. The rollercoaster ride continues for “The Point,” which has been: +.2.6 (January/February); -1.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.5 (May); -.6 (June); and +.6 (July). While it is off two-tenths after June’s robust +1.5 (6.4 – 7.9 – 7.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet KKLZ “96.3 Hits of the 80s and More” repeats at #1. KKLZ was a combined +1.7 in May/June (6.2 – 6.4 – 7.9, 6+) and recorded its strongest 6+-stat (7.9) since last December (8.1). Up six-tenths in May/June (4.4 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+), Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” surrenders eight-tenths to 4.2 (third to fourth, 6+). Faltering by seven-tenths each are Lotus Communications Spanish adult hits KWID “La Buena 101.9” (4.6 – 3.9, fourth to sixth, 6+) and co-owned KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” (3.2 – 2.5, #11 to #17, 6+). By recording a June increase of six-tenths, “La Buena” applied the brakes to four consecutive downturns that resulted in a -1.2 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). Conversely, when KOMP lost four-tenths this time last month, it suspended five straight spikes that more than doubled (+1.9) its 6+ AQH share (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.6, 6+). Finishing at eighth and ninth, respectively, are Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9” (3.5, -.1, flat at #8, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-formatted KMXB “Mix 94.1” (3.4, +.4, #13 to #9, 6+). Star was up three-tenths in May/June (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), while “Mix” halts at four its consecutive string of down or flat reports that accounted for a -2.7 (5.7 – 5.5 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+).

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – Flat at #8, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WTKS is a collective -2.6 in three drops in a row (6.7 – 6.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+); “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” was +2.3 in March/April (4.4 – 5.1 – 6.7, 6+). Approximately 11 days into the July survey period (6/29), Cox Media Group’s WDBO-FM “News 96.5” became Spanish contemporary WOEX “Exitos 96.5.” Its news/talk programming shifted to WDBO-AM, where “Orlando’s News Talk” replaces sports talk “ESPN 580 Orlando,” which had lost eight-tenths in five straight down or flat trends (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .6 – .6 – .6, 6+). WDBO-AM’s signal is simulcast on FM translator W297BB (107.3 FM). While it is off the third time in succession for a -1.3 (2.8 – 2.2 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WFLF “News Radio Orlando” continues at #17.

After trending .9 – .8 – .9 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” gains three-tenths to 1.2 (#20, 6+).

Including its current increase of one-tenth, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in December (3.0 – 2.6 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 3.2 – 2.3 – 2.4, #14 to #13, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – Rarely does a station’s internet stream post a +1.0, but such is the case with Cox Media Group’s country-formatted WWKA (1.2 – 2.2, #20 to #16, 6+). The previous (6+) high for WWKA’s internet stream was 1.6 this past January. The FM signal itself garnered a cumulative +3.6 via six consecutive spikes (2.9 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.5, 6+), but “K-92.3 Orlando’s #1 For New Country” slips one-tenth to 6.4 (third to fourth, 6+). Winning ways continue for Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL, which is +3.7 in three significant bumps in a row and hits double-digits (6.4 – 7.4 – 9.3 – 10.1, 6+). In addition, “105.9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” repeats at #1. This current positive streak directly follows three drops in a row that accounted for a -2.8 (9.2 – 8.4 – 8.2 – 6.4, 6+). On top in January, February, and March, WOCL was +1.2 (January) and -.8 (February). In four consecutive reports without a loss, co-owned WQMP “FM 101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” gains nine-tenths (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.5, #13 to #11, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since last September (3.5, as well). Cox Media Group-owned urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” was +4.3 in three straight jumps (4.6 – 5.0 – 6.9 – 8.9, 6+); -3.0 in May/June (8.9 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+); and is now +.5 in July (5.9 – 6.4, sixth to fourth, 6+). “Star” had an April-only stay at #1. Not only does a whopping -1.4 send Entercom hot AC WOMX below a three-share (4.2 – 2.8, 6+), “Mix 105.1” exits the top ten (#10 to #12). After logging a collective +2.1 in five straight gains (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJRR “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station” regresses by six-tenths in back-to-back reports (5.1 – 4.5 – 3.9, eighth to ninth, 6+). Dropping six-tenths as well is University of Central Florida’s WUCF (1.3, #16 to #19, 6+); “89.9 Jazz & More” was up nine-tenths in May/June (1.0 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+). Despite being +2.6 in three straight sweeps without a loss (3.4 – 4.8 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” backslides from fifth to sixth. On top in December 2019 (9.4, 6+) and “Holiday” 2019 (15.4, 6+), WMGF was then -12.0 through four straight downturns (15.4 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 5.7 – 3.4, 6+). JVC Media’s WOTW “103.1 The Wolf – New Country + All Time Favorites,” which was trending 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 (October – November – December, 6+), is unlisted the seventh time in a row.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – While it repeats in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia’s heritage news/talk WLW is down the third time in a row for a collective -3.7 (12.9 – 10.3 – 9.4 – 9.2, 6+). This directly follows four straight gains that netted a +5.8 (7.1 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 10.1 – 12.9, 6+). Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” was +.8 (May); -.7 (June); and is now +.4 (3.6 – 4.0, tenth to eighth, July, 6+). Directly prior to April, WKRC was +1.2 through three successive sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+).

Continuing an alternating down/up sequence which includes its current increase of three-tenths, sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” climbs from #22 to #21 (1.1 – .8 -1.0 – .5 – .6 – .4 – .7, 6+). Co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” repeats June’s AQH share and market rank (.1, #24, 6+).

A combined +.6 in June/July (1.8 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU continues at #16.

Cincinnati Music Formats – After being without an increase four sweeps in succession for a -2.1 (11.3 – 10.1 – 10.0 – 9.2, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR stacks a July +1.0 onto June’s +.9 (9.2 – 10.1 – 11.1, 6+); “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. WGRR was on top in January 2020 and February 2020, as well as reaching #1 in eight of 2019’s 13 ratings periods. Prior to posting a January +2.8, “Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” lost a collective nine-tenths in three consecutive down or flat moves (9.4 – 9.3 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). Adult contemporary cluster-mate WRRM “Warm 98.5” is an overall +2.0 in three straight upticks (4.4 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). Four consecutive declines by “Warm” led to an overall -8.7 (13.1 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, WRRM jumped from third to first. It was a combined +7.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 6.9 – 13.1, 6+), with 13.1 its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6. After doubling May’s +.6 with a June +1.2 (4.0 – 4.6 – 5.8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” erodes by -1.0 to 4.8 (fourth to seventh, 6+). Its May/June +1.8 followed three straight decreases that led to a -2.2 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 4.0, 6+). On the heels of its half-share June increase (7.3 – 7.8, 6+), co-owned WUBE “B-105 Get Your Country On” forfeits seven-tenths to 7.1 (6+) but remains in third-place. “B-105” lost eight-tenths in March/April (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.7, 6+) and notched a May gain of six-tenths. Up a full-share in April/May (1.9 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio’s WGUC “Classical 90.9” falters by -1.4 in June/July (2.9 – 2.1 – 1.5, #16 to #17, 6+). When iHeartMedia CHR WKFS notched a June increase of four-tenths, it curtailed four straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -.9 (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). In July, however, “Kiss 107.1” forfeits one-half share (3.3 – 2.8, #13 to #14, 6+). In three consecutive increases, Cumulus Media-owned classic rock WOFX was +1.2 (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), but “92.5 The Fox” slips two-tenths to 5.0 (seventh to sixth, 6+). In June, it crossed the five-share level (5.2) for the first time since last October’s 5.0.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – Although remaining in fifth-place, iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” sputters the third time in a row for a -2.2 (8.8 – 7.7 – 7.1 – 6.6,  6+). This follows a collective +4.6 through four straight spikes (4.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.2 – 8.8, 6+).

Off six-tenths in June/July (2.7 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom’s WKRK remains at #14. In May, “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” gained three-tenths to halt three consecutive decreases that accounted for an approximately 52% loss (-2.5) of its 6+ AQH share (4.9 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.4, 6+).

Three decreases in a row by Ideastream-owned public radio news/talk WCPN resulted in a -1.9 (5.2 – 4.8 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), but it answers with a July increase of one-half share to 3.8 (#12 to #11, 6+). Prior to the just concluded negative streak, WCPN logged three consecutive gains that netted a +2.1 (3.1 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 5.2, 6+).

Cleveland Music Formats – Responding to April’s -1.7 with three successive spikes that deliver a +1.7 (6.8 – 7.5 – 8.2 – 8.5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI progresses from fourth to second. “Majic 105.7” was a combined +1.3 in February/March (7.2 – 8.3 – 8.5, 6+). By duplicating June’s +.6 (2.8 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WAKS “96.5 Kiss-FM Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” enters the top ten (#11 to #10, 6+). Albeit unchanged at #7, co-owned adult hits WHLK “106.5 The Lake We Play Anything” is a combined +1.9 in three straight gains (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.8 – 6.3, 6+). Steady in eighth-place, Entercom hot AC WQAL “Q-104” is without a loss the third straight time for a +1.4 (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+). Following eight straight sweeps without a loss that generated a +4.0 (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 8.0 – 9.1 – 10.1 – 10.2 -11.0, 6+), co-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” drops two-tenths to 10.8 (6+) but is #1 the fifth time in a row. June’s 11.0 is its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Its three previous bests (all in a row) were 10.2 (May 2020, 6+); 10.1 (April 2020, 6+) and 9.1 (March 2020, 6+). Immediately after gaining nine-tenths, Radio One urban AC WZAK plummets -1.3 (9.0 – 7.7, second to fourth, 6+). May’s increase of eight-tenths took WZAK to the eight-share level (7.3 – 8.1, 6+) for the first time since last September (8.2).

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – After having logged a +1.4 in May (5.4 – 6.8, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” is -2.5 in June/July (6.8 – 5.5 – 4.3, seventh to tenth, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM, which was -1.0 in May, repeats June’s 2.8 (6+); “Talk 980” slips from #14 to #16. Flat at #20, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” is down or flat the fifth straight time for a net loss of three-tenths (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+).

Down four-tenths this time last month (3.0 – 2.6, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” recaptures three-tenths to 2.9 (#17 to #14, 6+). After losing two-thirds (-2.0) of its 6+ AQH share in five successive slips (3.0 – 2.6 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+), Entercom-owned KCSP “610 Sports Radio” ends the slide with a one-tenth pickup to 1.1 (#21 to #20, 6+).

With June/July’s +1.4 (3.1 – 3.6 – 4.5, #11 to #9, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR nearly negates April/May’s -1.7 (4.8 – 3.5 – 3.1, 6+).

Kansas City Music Formats – The largest (6+) June 2020 – July 2020 increase (+1.7) by any station in these 12 PPM-markets is turned in by Steel City Media CHR KMXV, which nearly doubles (+2.9) its 6+ AQH share in three straight upticks (3.0 – 3.4 – 4.2 – 5.9, ninth to fourth, 6+). “Mix 93.3” is bouncing back after being down three sweeps in a row for a -1.1 (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+). Displaying increases of eight-tenths each are KMXV cluster-mate KFKF “Country 94.1” (7.1, fourth to third, 6+) and University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5” (4.2, #13 to #11). In May/June, “Country 94.1” was -4.1 (10.4 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+), while “Life 88.5” was +1.4 in that same period (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.4, 6+). Entercom’s country-formatted WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” continues an alternating up/down pattern that began last November and includes July’s +.2: 3.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.9 (sixth to fourth, 6+). The tie at #1 between Cumulus Media classic rock and classic hits-oldies siblings is broken: KCFX “101 The Fox Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” gains two-tenths (8.2 – 8.4, 6+) to take sole possession of the lead, while KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” regresses by nine-tenths (8.2 – 7.3, 6+) and shifts to the runner-up slot. Even though “The Fox” spiraled by -1.0 (8.7 – 7.7, May 2020, 6+), it advanced to #1. KCFX was -1.0 (March); +1.1 (April); -1.0 (May); and +.5 (June). Following four successive downturns that resulted in a -5.9 (12.8 – 10.0 – 9.0 – 8.6 – 6.9, 6+), KCMO-FM notched +.7 in May. A combined +4.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.6 – 9.3 – 12.8, 6+), “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” spent four consecutive sweeps on top before shifting to third in April. Recent (6+) KCMO-FM fluctuations include: +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019); -2.8 (January 2020); -1.0 (February); -1.7 (April); +.7 (May); +.6 (June); and -.9 (July). Cluster-mate KCJK “105.1 The X – Kansas City’s Rock Alternative,” which was +2.1 in May/June (1.4 – 2.2 – 3.5, 6+), surrenders approximately half that windfall (2.4, -1.1,#12 to #17). This directly follows an overall -1.2 as a result of eight straight sweeps without an increase, (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+). In an alternating down/up pattern that includes July’s -.8, Entercom-owned KQRC is: 3.4 – 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 2.9 (6+), as “98.9 The Rock” falls below a three-share and exits the top ten (#10 to #14). A combined -1.0 in June/July (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.9, third to fourth, 6+), Carter Broadcast Group urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” has its lowest 6+-stat (5.9) since January (4.9).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – After logging a -3.0 in May/June (10.6 – 9.0 – 7.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN answers with a half-share July spike to 8.1 (6+) and carries on in the runner-up slot. “News Radio 610” immediately prior was a collective +4.6 as a result of five successive increases (6.0 – 6.1 – 8.0 – 8.6 – 9.4 – 10.6, 6+).  

Substituting June’s -.7 with a July +.7 (3.6 – 2.9 – 3.6, 6+), Tegna’s WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” remains in eighth-place. WBNS-FM was -1.7 in March/April (5.2 – 4.8 – 3.5, 6+). Co-owned/similarly formatted WBNS-AM, which recorded a .1 (6+) in back-to-back reports; was unlisted in May; returned in June with a .2; and now replicates that .2 and #16 finish (6+).

An alternating up/down pattern that Ohio State University public radio news/talk WOSU initiated in January 2020 includes July’s increase of two-tenths: 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 4.1 (fifth to sixth, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – After posting an April – May – June topline of 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7 (6+), One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River Uplifting & Encouraging” breaks out a +.7 and crosses the four-share level (4.4, seventh to fifth, 6+). Ups/downs continue for iHeartMedia CHR WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ #1 Hit Music Station,” which was +1.2 (6.1 – 7.2 – 7.3, January/February, 6+); -1.8 (7.3 – 6.7 – 5.5, March/April, 6+); +1.1 (5.5 – 6.6, May 6+); -.3 (6.6 – 6.3, June, 6+); and is +.4 (6.3 – 6.7, flat at #3, July, 6+). On top the eighth time in a row, co-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” follows June’s +1.1 with a -.8 (9.5 – 10.6 – 9.8, 6+). A May decrease halted four consecutive improvements that yielded a +3.4 (7.7 – 9.8 -10.2 -10.5 – 11.1, 6+). Following 25 consecutive ratings periods on top, WCOL segued to #3 in “Holiday” 2019. WCOL has been: -1.1 (December 2019); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +2.1 (January 2020); -1.6 (May 2020); +1.1 (June); and -.8 (July). Forfeiting six-tenths each are WCOL’s adult hits and urban-rhythmic oldies siblings WODC “93.3 The Bus We Play Anything” (5.6, flat at #4, 6+) and WYTS “Throwback 105.3” (flat at #11). Owing to three straight spikes, “The Bus” netted a +1.7 (4.5 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+) and had its best 6+-stat (6.2) since “Holiday” 2019’s 9.4. WYTS is down seven-tenths in June/July (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.2, 6+). This is the seventh month in a row that these four Saga Communications stations are unlisted: adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95,” which had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1; WLVQ “Iconic Rock Q-96 FM”; hot AC WVMX “Mix 107.9”; and classic hits-oldies WNND “Rewind 103.5 & 104.3.”

July 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Two

July 2020 PPM Data. Information for the July 2020 ratings period has been released for Washington (DC), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s July 2020 survey period covered June 18 – July 15. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM-markets.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats –  A combined -1.8 in May/June (10.0 – 9.3 – 8.2, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL picks up two-tenths to 8.4 (6+) and is #1 the fourth month in a row. Just prior to the May sweep, WMAL doubled (+5.0) its 6+ AQH share through four straight positive spikes (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.8 – 10.0, 6+). April’s 10.0 marked the first time in WMAL’s PPM-history that it reached double-digits. For the 25^th sweep in succession, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

In an alternating up/down pattern that began in “Holiday” 2019 and includes July 2020’s increase of three-tenths, Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” is: 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 1.3 – 1.6 (#19 to #17, 6+). Its 4.8 (November 2019) is the heftiest 6+-share by any D.C. sports talk outlet in the PPM-era. Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” repeats June’s AQH share and market rank (1.0, #20, 6+). WTEM previously gained four-tenths via three straight up or flat moves (.7 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+).

Up one-tenth (7.6 – 7.7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM occupies the runner-up slot the third month in succession. Having logged three straight down or flat trends (.7 – .6 – .5 – .5, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 & 105.7” regains the two-tenths it lost and is back at .7 (#25 to #21, 6+).

Without an increase the fourth straight time for an overall -2.1 (8.7 – 8.4 – 7.4 – 6.8 – 6.6, 6+), American University-owned public radio news/talk WAMU repeats in fifth-place. “The Mind Is Our Medium” was in a first-place tie with Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM in February before taking sole possession of the lead in March. After gaining one-half share in April/May (.4 – .8 – .9, 6+), Pacifica Foundation public radio news/talk WPFW is off four-tenths in June/July (.9 – .6 – .5, #23 to #25, 6+).

Washington, DC Music Formats – In addition to marching from fourth to a second-place tie, Howard University urban AC WHUR is a collective +1.8 via three straight upticks (5.9 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.7, 6+). It overtakes Radio One’s similarly-formatted WMMJ “Majic – The Real Sound of the DMV,” which – despite notching its fifth successive sweep without a loss for a net gain of four-tenths (6.7 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+) – slips from third to fourth. Doubling June’s increase of three-tenths with a July +.6 (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rocker WBIG-FM “BIG 100” enters the top ten (#12 to #9) with its best 6+-stat (3.7) since February’s 3.8. While unchanged at #6, adult contemporary cluster-mate WASH “Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” posts its third spike in succession for an overall +.8 (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+). Likewise, CHR sibling WIHT “Hot 99.5 DC’s #1 Hit Music Station” is +1.2 via three consecutive bumps and continues in eighth-place (2.7 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). The trend in that iHM cluster continues as alternative WWDC “DC-101” is up six-tenths in three advances in a row (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.7, unchanged at #9, 6+). Immediately after being a collective +1.8 in three straight reports without a loss (4.5 – 4.7 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ classical-formatted WETA surrenders a -2.3 in June/July (6.3 – 5.2 – 4.0, 6+) yet continues in seventh-place. Up one-half share this time last month, Manning Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WWEG “106.9 The Eagle” continues its alternating down/up sequence (.9 – .7 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.9 – 1.8, flat at #16, 6+).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Following four successive sweeps without a loss that yielded a +2.5 (2.8 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” is -1.1 via three straight slips (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2, flat at #7, 6+). After nearly doubling (+.5) its 6+ AQH share in April/May (.6 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” returns that increase in its entirety in June/July (1.1 – .8 – .6, #24 to #27, 6+).

Continuing an alternating up/down sequence that began in “Holiday” 2019 and includes July’s +.2 (5.5 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” carries on in eighth-place. In four consecutive downturns, WEEI-FM was an overall -1.7 (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), but the Entercom-owned sports talker applies the brakes with an increase of one-tenth to 2.6 (steady at #15, 6+).

Despite gaining a combined eight-tenths in June/July (5.9 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM backslides from third to fourth. “News Radio 1030” was off one-half share in April/May (6.4 – 6.3 – 5.9, 6+).

Dropping from ninth to tenth, Boston University public radio news/talk outlet WBUR has lost a collective half-share via four straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). Following three improvements in a row that netted a +1.7 (2.9 – 3.6  – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation public radio news/talk WGBH spirals by -1.8 in June/July (4.6 – 3.2 – 2.8, #11 to #12, 6+).

Boston Music Formats – An overall -1.4 in three straight setbacks (6.2 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom-owned adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” obliterates that shortfall with a June/July +2.1 (4.8 – 6.1 – 6.9, fifth to third, 6+). February’s one-half share gain followed January’s -9.5 (15.2 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+). Boston’s market leader in “Holiday” 2019, WMJX entered the January 2020 sweep a collective +10.5 through three bumps in succession (4.7 – 5.8 – 8.0 – 15.2, 6+). In four straight jumps, WZLX was +2.5 (5.2 – 6.3 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 7.7, 6+), but the string is suspended as “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” is off three-tenths to 7.4 (6+). Nonetheless, the iHeartMedia-owned facility is #1 the fourth month in a row. WZLX was -.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +.7 (January 2020); and -.5 (February). Beasley Media Group-owned/similarly-formatted WBOS “Boston’s Rock 92.9” is down the third straight time for a -1.0 and departs the top ten (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, #9 to #11, 6+) with its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2019 (3.0, as well). Formerly CHR WODS “103.3 Amp Radio,” Entercom adult hits WBGB “Big 103 – Music Unleashed” logs its third uptick in succession for a net gain of eight-tenths (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.8, #20 to #19, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share deflates by -1.2, nearly equally divided between WZLX cluster-mate WBWL “101.7 The Bull” (2.3, -.7, #13 to #16, 6+) and Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” (5.4, -.5, flat at #6, 6+). Three straight down or flat trends by “The Bull” accounted for a loss of six-tenths (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.8, 6+), but WBWL was +1.2 in May/June (1.8 – 1.9 – 3.0, 6+). WKLB followed May’s +1.7 with a June increase of three-tenths (3.9 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+). Meanwhile, reaching “Beantown” from Providence, Hall Communications’ similarly-formatted WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” notches its third modest advance in a row for a cumulative +.4 (.6 – .7 – .8 – 1.0, #24, 6+). A loss of one-half share (1.6 – 1.1, 6+) takes Emerson College’s WERS “88.9 Discover & Rediscover Your Music” to its lowest 6+-stat since January (1.1, as well) and off the top twenty (#19 to #22).

Miami

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit flat at 1.7 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WIOD “News Radio 610 Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” climbs from #22 to #21.

Entercom-owned sports talk WQAM “560 The Joe” is off four-tenths in June/July (1.0 – .7 – .6, flat at #26, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat in exactly one year (.6, as well, July 2019). Down three-tenths in June/July (.5 – .4 -.2, 6+), co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” falls from #27 to #30.

Three straight gains by WLRN netted a +1.7 (2.0 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), but the Dade County School Board public radio news/talk station is off a total of six-tenths in four consecutive slips (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.1, #11 to #13, 6+).

A combined -1.4 in May/June (4.1 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), Union Radio Network of Florida Spanish news/talk WURN-AM “Actualidad 1040 AM” logs a half-share increase to 3.2 (#15 to #12, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia CHR WHYI an overall +1.3 via three straight spikes (2.3 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.6, 6+), “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” enters the top ten (#13 to #9). Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WFLC “Hits 97.3 Miami’s New Hit Music” is down four-tenths in June/July (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6, #15 to #17, 6+). Remaining at second and fifth, respectively, are adult contemporary rivals Cox Media Group’s WFEZ “Easy 93.1” and Entercom-owned WLYF “101.5 Lite FM.” WFEZ is up six-tenths as a result of three gains in succession (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.0, 6+), while “Lite” is in an April through July up/down pattern (4.9 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.1, 6+). As a result of three consecutive improvements, WHQT was +2.0 (6.4 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+), but the streak is snapped as “Hot 105” surrenders 25% of that increase with a -.5 to 7.9 (6+). Nonetheless, the Cox Media Group urban AC is #1 the third month in a row. Following five down or flat reports in succession for a -1.4 (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish tropical WRTO “Mix 98.3” halts the skid with a +.3 to 2.3 (#20 to #19, 6+). Even though it more than doubles (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (1.2 – 1.9 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WMIA backslides from #14 to #15; “93.9 MIA” was -1.0 in March/April (2.2 – 1.8 – 1.2, 6+). Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that includes July’s -.9, classic rock cluster-mate WBGG “Big 105.9” is trending: 3.9 – 4.4 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.0 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#7 to #14).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a collective +2.4 via three straight boosts (4.8 – 6.0 – 6.9 – 7.2, 6+), Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM levels off with a combined loss of one-tenth in June/July (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+); “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” is #1 the fifth successive sweep. Down one-tenth (2.5 – 2.4, 6+), news/talk cluster-mate KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is #19 the third month in a row. Before dropping three-tenths in May, KTTH was +1.2 via five consecutive up or flat moves (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). In March, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI posted a 1.1 (#22, 6+), but “Talk Radio 570” is unlisted the fourth straight month.

As of January 2020, Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” is in an alternating down/up pattern that includes July’s one-tenth increase (3.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 1.5 – 1.6, flat at #23, 6+). Regaining the two-tenths it squandered in June (1.0 – .8 – 1.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950”  advances from #25 to #24.

Jumping from eighth to sixth, Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO nets one-half share in June/July (4.4 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), directly after dropping one-half share in April and again in May (5.4 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+).

Off nine-tenths in April/May (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW erases all but one-tenth of that deficit in June/July and continues in fourth-place (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+); KUOW was +.7 in March.

Seattle Music Formats – The March 2020 through June 2020 topline for iHeartMedia CHR KBKS was: 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 (6+), but “Jubal 106.1” erupts in July with a +1.2 to 3.0 (6+) and rockets back into the top twenty (#14). By dialing up an increase of seven-tenths to 5.5 (sixth to third, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” negates its May/June loss of six-tenths (5.4 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+). Not only does Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM rack up its third straight gain for a net increase of six-tenths (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+), “Warm 106.9” reenters the top ten (#12 to #9). Meanwhile, Entercom-owned/similarly-formatted KSWD “94.1 The Sound” is off one-half share in June/July (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+) and remains at #11. In four of the last five survey periods, KISW has posted a 4.6 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), but the Entercom rocker adds six-tenths and crosses the five-share level (5.2, eighth to fifth, 6+). The alternating down/up pattern of iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KUBE “Seattle’s #1 For Hip-Hop” includes July’s +.5: 2.6 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 2.3 (#20, 6+). At the same time that Entercom’s country-programmed KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” progresses by one-half share (3.4 – 3.9, #13 to #12), its format foe – Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KNUC “98.9 The Bull” – craters by -1.7 (4.6 – 2.9, #8 to #15). When “The Wolf” gained three-tenths in June, it curtailed four straight down or flat trends that resulted in a net loss of eight-tenths (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+). Stuck on 3.3 (6+) in February and March and then on 3.2 (6+) in April and May, “The Bull” hung out a +1.4 in June. The five most recent fluctuations by Classic Radio classical KING are: +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2, March, 6+); +.6 (4.2 – 4.8, April, 6+); -.7 (4.8 – 4.1, May, 6+); +1.2 (4.1 – 5.3, June, 6+); and -.9 (5.3 – 4.4, July, third to eighth, 6+). Dropping one-half share each are Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” (sixth to ninth) and Friends of KEXP-owned KEXP “90.3 Where The Music Matters” (#17 to #21). “The End” continues its alternating up/down sequence (4.5 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). After nearly tripling (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share in three straight spikes (1.0 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), KEXP drops to 2.2 (6+). A collective +2.2 as a result of five successive sweeps without a loss (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is down four-tenths to 6.3 (6+), but continues in the runner-up slot.

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Though four successive improvements, Cumulus Media’s WJR was +3.2 (1.6 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 4.8, 6+). “News Talk 760,” however, follows with a -1.4 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, #17 to #16, 6+).

By gaining one-half share to 4.1 (#13 to #12, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” pulls the plug on three straight drops that accounted for a -1.2 (4.8 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+).

Co-owned WWJ, which was -1.0 in May/June (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+), picks up one-tenth to 5.5 (steady at #3, 6+). “News Radio 950” previously was a collective +2.5 through four successive bumps (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+).

WDFN posts a .2 (6+) the third time in a row. As of June 29, the iHeartMedia outlet joined the Black News Network.

Having more than doubled (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share in five successive increases (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 3.0, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET is down or flat the third time in a row for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, #20 to #19, 6+). Off seven-tenths in April/May (2.3 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM is up one-tenth in June/July (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+) and remains at #21.

Detroit Music Formats – In addition to jumping from fourth to second, Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” is without a loss the fifth time in a row for a collective +2.3 and reaches the six-share level (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+). Despite recapturing the two-tenths it lost this time last month (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “Detroit’s New Country 93.1” backslides from #11 to #13. After being an overall -1.5 as a result of three consecutive downturns (4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 2.8, 6+), hot AC sibling WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music” is +1.5 in three straight advances (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.3, tenth to ninth, 6+). Not only does Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX repeat at #1, “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” is a combined +2.1 in three straight spikes (5.2 – 5.4 – 6.7 – 7.3, 6+). WCSX reaches the seven-share threshold (7.3) for the first time since last September’s 7.1. “Detroit’s Classic Rock” was #1 in March, as well. Even though iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WLLZ posts its fifth report in a row without a loss for a net gain of eight-tenths (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), “106.7 Detroit’s Wheels” backslides from a tie at #13 to #14. A combined -1.0 in May/June (4.6 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+), Radio One urban AC WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM” purges 60% of that deficit with an increase of six-tenths to 4.2 (6+) and cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned WMXD “Mix 92.3” is -1.1 through three successive setbacks (6.4 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.3, second to fifth, 6+). Three straight up or flat trends by CHR cluster-mate WKQI “Channel 95.5 Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” account for a net gain of eight-tenths (4.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). Still in that iHM cluster, adult contemporary WNIC “The Best Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” gains nine-tenths in three successive upticks (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.7, eighth to seventh, 6+). Without a loss the third report in a row as well (for a collective +.3) is Entercom-owned similarly-formatted WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” (2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9, steady at #17, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Locked on 4.6 (6+) in May and June, Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM adds one-tenth to 4.7 (sixth to fifth, 6+). KTAR-FM was a combined +2.3 in March/April (3.8 – 4.6 – 6.1, 6+). Three-tenths behind KTAR-FM is iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550,” which bounces back from June’s -.7 with an increase of three tenths (4.1 – 4.4, eighth to sixth, 6+). Immediately prior to June, KFYI nearly doubled (+2.3) its 6+ AQH share in seven up or flat reports in succession (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+).

Flat at #23, Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” is off six-tenths in June/July (2.2 – 1.8 – 1.6, 6+).

In seven of the last eight survey periods, Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ has logged a 6+ AQH share between 3.4 – 3.8 (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.8, flat at #10, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – In three consecutive dips, KOOL was -2.1 (7.2 – 6.3 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+) but halts the slide with a +.3 to 5.4 (flat at #4, 6+). Immediately prior, the Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet recorded three increases in a row accounting for a +1.4 (5.8 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.2, 6+). A combined +.9 in June/July (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.9, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOMR “Amor 106.3” progresses from #19 to #16. Conversely, its cluster-mate with similar calls – KQMR “Latino Mix 100.3” – falters by one-half share (1.8 – 1.3, #25, 6+). In a similar vein, Riviera hot AC KMVA “Hot” gains one-half share (#19 to #18), while Entravision Spanish adult hits KVVA “La Suavecita” sputters by the same margin (#15 to #20). Over the course of the last three sweeps, “Hot” is +1.4 (1.2 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+), while ““La Suavecita” is -.7 in the same timeframe (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+).  Having lost roughly 72% (-2.3) of its 6+ AQH share in four decreases in succession (3.2 – 2.8 – 1.9 – 1.3 – .9, 6+), Family Life Communications contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” pulls the plug with a +.1 to 1.0 (#29 to #27, 6+). While it is #1 the 14^th consecutive report, KESZ is off one-half share, immediately following June’s increase of eight-tenths (6.8 – 7.6 – 7.1, 6+). The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet was a combined -1.5 in April/May (8.3 – 7.3 – 6.8, 6+). Entering the January ratings period, KESZ was +12.5 through four straight gains (6.7 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 11.0 – 19.2, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 19.2 was its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018’s 15.0. Regressing by six-tenths each are cluster-mate KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” (second to third) and Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” (fifth to ninth). “The Mountain” was up nine-tenths in May/June (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+) and had its highest 6+-stat (6.3) since December’s 7.1. Immediately after more than tripling (+3.7) its 6+ AQH share (1.8 – 2.4 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.5, 6+), KLNZ is now in an alternating up/down pattern (5.5 – 4.6, 4.8 – 4.2, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to being a combined -1.3 in June/July (5.6 – 5.5 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” departs the top ten (#8 to #11). WCCO had been an overall +2.0 as a result of three straight up or flat trends (3.6 – 4.6 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+). This marks the fourth sweep in a row that iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” has a fluctuation of one-tenth: 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6 (steady at #15, 6+). By gaining one-tenth to 2.0 (#17 to #16, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” suspends five straight down or flat moves that accounted for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+).

Following a May increase of four-tenths (5.5 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” surrenders nine-tenths in June/July (5.9 – 5.6 – 5.0, seventh to eighth, 6+). KFXN had a December-only stay at #1. Flat at #24, Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM gains one-tenth to .3 (6+); “ESPN 1500” had been without an increase the past five times for a net loss of six-tenths or 75% of its 6+ AQH share (.8 – .7 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .2, 6+).

As of June 29, iHeartMedia’s KQQL-HD2 (.2, #25, July 2020, 6+) joined the Black News Network.

Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW replicates June’s AQH share and rank (7.0, #3, 6+). KNOW was -1.6 in May (8.2 – 6.6, 6+) and then up four-tenths in June.

Minneapolis Music Formats – Three consecutive slips by KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” resulted in a -1.8 (7.2 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 5.4, 6+), dropping it below a six-share (5.4) for the first time since last August’s 5.5. In June/July though, the University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian outlet is up eight-tenths (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.2, eighth to sixth, 6+). Adding six-tenths to June’s one-tenth increase (7.4 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” is #1 the third straight time. June’s gain interrupted four consecutive down or flat sweeps that resulted in a -.8 (8.2 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). On top in January and February, KSTP-FM segued to the runner-up slot in March. A combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.6 – 7.4 – 5.8, 6+), KSTP-FM solely held or shared the top spot in January 2019, March, April, June, August, September, October, and November. A combined -1.3 in March/April (3.8 – 3.4 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KTCZ “Cities 97.1” answers with a collective +1.8 in three straight advances (2.5 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, unchanged at #11, 6+). In an alternating up/down pattern that includes July’s +.5, co-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” reenters the top ten: 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.6 (#11 to #10, 6+). Even though Entercom adult hits KZJK is +1.0 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.9 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+), “104.1 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” backslides from sixth to seventh. Conversely, Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP “89.3 The Current,” which doubled (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share via four successive spikes (2.5 – 2.6 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), forfeits one-tenth to 4.9 (6+), yet climbs from tenth to ninth. Minneapolis Public Schools’ KBEM “Jazz 88 FM,” which was trending 2.1 – 1.8 (April – May, 6+), disappeared from print in June but resurfaces with a 1.6 (#18, 6+). This time last month, Milestone Radio’s KLCI notched a 1.5 (#19, 6+), but “Total Country Bob-FM” disappears from print. KLCI was unlisted in December, “Holiday” 2019, and January 2020, as well.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Dropping from fifth to sixth, iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” is without an increase the third month in a row for a net loss of -2.1 (6.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+). Entering the May sweep, KOGO was a collective +2.8 via three straight spikes (3.8 – 4.5 – 5.5 – 6.6, 6+). Off one-tenth in June, news/talk sibling KGB-AM “AM 760” (formerly Tegna’s KFMB-AM) answers with a +.4 to 2.6 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#21 to #16, 6+). A combined +1.3 in March/April (1.9 – 2.4 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” is -1.0 in three straight San Diego drops (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.2, #17 to #20, 6+).

Entercom sports talk KWFN “97.3 The Fan” is up or flat the third time in succession for a net gain of two-tenths (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3, #22 to #21, 6+). After losing eight-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” logs a +.1 to .8 (#24 to #23, 6+).  

The three latest fluctuations by San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS are: -1.4 (8.5 – 7.1, May, 6+); -1.6 (7.1 – 5.5, June, 6+); and +.8 (5.5 – 6.3, June, fourth to a first-place tie, 6+). Four increases in a row just prior netted a +3.7 (4.8 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.9 – 8.5, 6+).

San Diego Music Formats – Adding six-tenths onto June’s increase of one-tenth enables Entercom adult contemporary KYXY to reenter the top ten (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.0, #11 to #9, 6+). A combined +1.9 in May/June (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.8, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KXSN “Sunny 98.1 San Diego’s Greatest Hits” forfeits one-half share to 6.3 (6+), tying it for first with KPBS (see above). “Sunny” succeeded KPBS at #1 this time last month. Three consecutive dips by KXSN resulted in a -2.1 (7.0 – 6.5 – 6.0 – 4.9, 6+). “Sunny” had a January-only stay at #1 and was +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.0, 6+). Dropping six-tenths each are iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” (5.8 – 5.2, second to fourth, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” (#13 to #19). A combined -2.3 in April/May (7.2 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+), “Star” bounced back with a +.9 in June. On top in February and March, “Star” posted a January 2020 +1.8 and gained one-half share in March. The alternating up/down sequence for “Amor” is: 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.4 (6+). After gaining nine-tenths in three consecutive gains (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), Local Media of San Diego CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” falters by four-tenths to 3.3 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.4 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” slips from #14 to #15. It is one-tenth ahead of Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio,” which is trending: 3.1 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 (#17 to #16, 6+). WHPT’s internet stream improves by seven-tenths and enters the top twenty (.8 – 1.5, #20, 6+).

Down seven-tenths through four drops in a row (1.9 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).

After being a cumulative +2.4 in eight consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 4.1, 6+), University of South Florida public radio news/talk WUSF is now down or flat the fourth straight report for a -1.1 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0, #16 to #17, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – Simultaneous with the half-share gain by Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” (4.8 – 5.3, sixth to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 for New Country” falters by nine-tenths (third to sixth). Having posted a 3.9 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), WQYK broke out a +.9 in June. WFUS was -.7 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.1, February/March, 6+); +1.5 (4.1 – 5.6, April, 6+); -.5 (5.6 – 5.1, May, 6+); +.6 (5.1 – 5.7, June, 6+); and now -.9 (5.7 – 4.8, July, 6+). Also on a rollercoaster ride is Beasley Media Group Spanish contemporary WYUU “92.5 Maxima,” which has been: -.5 (March); +.7 (April); -.6 (May); +.8 (June); and now +.7 in July (3.2 – 3.9, #15 to #10, 6+). Continuing the theme, the seven most recent shifts by Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” are: -.7 (5.7 – 5.0, January, 6+); +.9 (5.0 – 5.9, February, 6+); -.7 (5.9 – 5.2, March, 6+); +.6 (5.2 – 5.8, April, 6+); +.7 (5.8 – 6.5, May, 6+); -1.1 (6.5 – 5.4, June, 6+); and now +.6 (5.4 – 6.0, July, fourth to second, 6+). In three straight gains, Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WRBQ “Q-105” nets nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.5, fifth to fourth, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since last November (5.5, as well). Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WDUV (8.2 – 7.9, -.3, 6+) is #1 an astounding 96^th time in succession. “Lite Favorites” was up four-tenths in June; its +1.2 in May halted four straight downturns that accounted for a -4.6 (11.2 – 9.9 – 9.7 – 9.4 – 6.6, 6+). Conversely, January’s decrease concluded three straight improvements that led to a +3.3 (7.9 – 8.6 – 9.8 – 11.2, 6+). Off one-half share each are WDUV’s adult contemporary sibling WWRM “Magic 94.9” (4.0, eighth to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” (sixth to eighth). “Magic” plummeted by -1.2 in April; was +.8 in May; and surrenders the half-share it garnered in June. “Mix” has lost seven-tenths in June/July (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). At the same time that Cox Media Group-owned CHR WPOI “Hot 101.5 Tampa Bay’s New Hit Music” gains two-tenths (3.5 – 3.7, flat at #12, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-programmed WFLZ “93.3 FLZ – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” drops two-tenths (3.6 – 3.4, #11 to #14, 6+). This time last month, the two rivals were -.6 and -.7, respectively. In four straight sweeps without a loss, “Hot” gained one-half share (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). WFLZ notched a May +1.2 and recorded a four-share (4.3, 6+) for the first time since last October (4.2).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Down four-tenths in May and again in June (4.6 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KDFD “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” picks up two-tenths to 4.0 (6+), climbing from tenth to ninth. KDFD was +1.2 in April (3.4 – 4.6, 6+). In three straight reports without an increase, news/talk cluster-mate KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is off four-tenths (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7, #19 to #20, 6+). Albeit flat following June’s one-tenth increase (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” progresses from #24 to #23.

Immediately after equalizing the -1.0 from three straight drops (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+) with a May +1.0 to 3.1 (6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” regresses by -1.3 in June/July (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.8, #17 to #18, 6+). Up one-tenth in May, KSE Radio Ventures-owned KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” has lost half (-.3) its 6+ AQH share in June/July (.6 – .4 – .3, flat at #31, 6+).

Down two-tenths in July (5.8 – 5.6, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR nonetheless repeats at #3. KCFR was +2.6 in March/April (5.2 – 6.3 – 7.8, 6+) and -2.1 in May (7.8 – 5.7, 6+). Even though it’s flat at .6 (6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC advances from #29 to #28.

Denver Music Formats – Dialing up positive spikes of nine-tenths each are Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain Denver Adult Rock” (fourth to second) and KSE Radio Ventures-owned classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” (sixth to fourth). Prolonging its alternating down/pattern, “The Mountain” is: 3.8 – 3.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 5.8 (6+). A collective -1.9 in three straight downward sweeps (4.8 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 2.9,  6+), “Kool 105” is now +2.6 in three straight upticks (2.9 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.5, 6+). This (5.5) is the first time “Kool” has reached the five-share level since August 2019 (5.6). A combined -1.6 in May/June (7.6 – 7.5 – 6.0, 6+), Bonneville country outlet KYGO slices that deficit nearly in half with a +.7 to 6.7 and is #1 the third time in a row. Despite being +3.3 through four consecutive improvements (4.3 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 6.3 – 7.6, 6+), KYGO shifted from a first-place March deadlock to April’s runner-up slot. That bit of irony was corrected in May: KYGO was down one-tenth but proceeded from second to first. Three straight up or flat trends netted KBCO “97.3 World Class Rock” a +1.3 (3.6 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9, 6+), but the iHeartMedia triple A erodes by -1.2 to 3.7 (6+) and drifts from the top five (#4 to #12). It is below a four-share (3.7, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2019 (3.9). Faltering by six-tenths each are Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” (3.1, #12 to #14, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KPTT “95.7 The Party” (2.9, #14 to #15, 6+). “Alice” was +1.0 in May/June (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+). “The Party” was +1.3 in the same timeframe (2.2 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+), directly after three survey periods in a row  without an increase that led to a -2.0 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.2, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three slips in succession, Hearst Television-owned WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is an overall -1.9 (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1, eighth to ninth, 6+). This directly follows ten successive boosts for a collective +4.2 (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 6.0, 6+). Independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” was -.8 in May/June (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.3, 6+), but expunges 75% of that shortfall with a +.6 to 3.9 (#11 to #10, 6+). Prior to May, WCBM was +1.8 via four straight increases (2.3 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL repeats June’s AQH share and market rank (.4, #28, 6+).

After spiraling by -1.0 in June, Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” regains 30% of the shortfall (2.5 – 2.8, +.3, flat at #12, 6+). May’s increase of four-tenths interrupted three straight declines that led to an overall -2.0 (5.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+).

Through five consecutive increases, WJZ-FM’s business news sibling WDCH nearly quadrupled (+1.3) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+); however, “Bloomberg 99.1 & 105.7” is -.6 in June/July (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.2, #16 to #18, 6+).

Following three consecutive losses that accounted for a -1.4 (5.7 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.3, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” picks up two-tenths to 4.5 (ninth to seventh, 6+). American University-owned news/talk WAMU had a net loss of one-tenth in May/June (.8 – .7 – .7, 6+) but posts a July gain of four-tenths to 1.0 (#21 to #20, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – Roaring back from June’s -1.0 with a July +.7 (1.6 – 2.3, 6+), Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC “Maryland’s Classical Music Station” pushes up from #15 to #14. WBJC was frozen on 1.4 (6+) in February and March, and then, after a +1.2, was locked on 2.6 (April and May, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is -1.1 in June/July (10.5 – 9.6 – 9.4, 6+) after being +2.6 in April/May (7.9 – 9.3 – 10.5, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” is #1 the seventh time in a row. In May, WWIN-FM reached double-digits (10.5, 6+) for the first time in more than two years (April 2018, 10.3, 6+). “Magic” exited the top spot in “Holiday” 2019, after seven successive months there. It was -.8 (October 2019); -.9 (December); +1.0 (January 2020); -.6 (February); +1.4 (April); +1.2 (May); and -.9 (June). As a result of three drops in succession, Shamrock Communications’ WZBA “100.7 The Bay Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” is -1.7 (5.9 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 4.2, fifth to eighth, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat (4.2) since “Holiday” 2019’s 3.8. In three straight positive spikes, Hearst Television’s WIYY was a collective +1.5 (5.0 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.5, 6+). In July, “98 Rock” erodes by -1.1 to 5.4 (6+) yet progresses from fourth to third. For the past four months, the #1 and #2 finishers have been Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” and co-owned urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q Jams.” That familiar scenario is suspended in July as “92-Q Jams” spirals by -1.0 to 5.9 (6+) and shifts from the runner-up slot to third-place. WERQ had been trending 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.9 (6+). Taking its place is iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” (6.8, -.1,6+), which shared the #2 position with WERQ in June. WPOC was -1.8 (April); +1.2 (May); and +1.3 (June). This is the 25^th sweep in succession that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – An increase of three-tenths to 5.0 (6+) enables Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” to progress from tenth to ninth. KMOX was a combined -2.2 in May/June (6.9 – 5.9 – 4.7, 6+), directly after a +1.8 in March/April (5.1 – 5.4 – 6.9, 6+). Co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1,” which was -2.4 in May/June (6.5 – 4.9 – 4.1, 6+) following four straight upticks that delivered a +3.8 (2.7 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.5 – 6.5, 6+), is up four-tenths to 4.5 (flat at #12, 6+).

By picking up two-tenths in June, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS pulled the plug on four straight decreases that accounted for a roughly 52% (-2.4) vaporization of its 6+ AQH share (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.4 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+). In July, however, “101 Sports” falters by one-half share (2.4 – 1.9, #15 to #18, 6+).

A collective -2.2 via five consecutive decreases (4.2 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU ends the slide with a +.3 to 2.3 (#18 to #16, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – Owing to seven successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “The Best Variety of the 70s, 80s, and 90s” is +3.5 (5.5 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.0, 6+) and remains entrenched in the runner-up slot. In back-to-back reports, Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” posts an increase of seven-tenths (4.5 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+) and leaps from sixth to third. WARH was off six-tenths in April/May (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.5, 6+). KEZK “The Best Mix of the 80s & Today” continues an alternating down/up pattern that includes July’s +.5 and takes the Entercom adult contemporary outlet where it was in March (5.3 – 3.0 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 5.3, unchanged at #7, 6+). Albeit -2.0 in June/July (13.7 – 13.4 – 11.7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” is #1 the seventh consecutive time. Prior to June’s decrease, KSHE was +3.1 in April/May (10.6 – 12.9 – 13.7, 6+). Its 13.7 (May 2020) is the station’s strongest-ever performance in the PPM-era, eclipsing the previous record of 12.9 set the previous month (April 2020). After eight consecutive months on top, “Real Rock Radio” segued to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019. KSHE was +1.0 (November 2019); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); +2.3 (April); +.8 (May); and -1.4 (July). Eroding by eight-tenths each are Radio One urban AC and urban contemporary cluster-mates WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” (fourth to sixth) and KHHL “Hot 104.1” (#12 to #14). Over the course of the last three survey periods, WFUN is a collective -1.1 (6.5 – 6.3 – 6.2 – 5.4, 6+), while “Hot” is an overall -1.4 in that same stretch (4.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+). The tie between the market’s two country foes is broken as WIL “New Country 92.3” gains four-tenths (4.8 – 5.2, seventh to eighth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull” drops one-tenth (4.8 – 4.7, seventh to tenth, 6+). WIL had lost six-tenths in three straight down or flat reports (5.4 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Prior to picking up four-tenths in June, “Bull” dropped two-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+).

July 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round One

July 2020 PPM Data – Information for the July 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 July 2020 survey period covered June 18 – July 15. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM-markets.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately following April’s +1.1 to 3.0 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” is a collective -1.2 in three straight drops (3.0 – 2.4 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+) and repeats at #19. Although flat at 1.4 (6+), Red Apple Media news/talk WABC climbs from #22 to a tie at #21. After gaining one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.8 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” falters by one-tenth to .9 (#24 to #23, 6+).

Anchored at #20, WFAN – which improved by four-tenths in May/June (1.4 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+) – forfeits one-tenth to 1.7 (6+). The Entercom sports talker had lost approximately 54% (-1.7) of its 6+ AQH share via three straight decreases (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.4, 6+). Similarly-formatted WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” is off seven-tenths in June/July (1.6 – 1.0 – .9, flat at #24, 6+). Entering the May sweep, WEPN-FM dropped nine-tenths in three straight downturns (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2, (1.5 – 1.2, 6+).

Three successive increases by WINS yielded a +2.2 (3.5 – 3.6 – 4.7 – 5.7, 6+), but the Entercom-owned news operation is -1.9 in three successive declines (5.7 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.8, flat at #7, 6+). In June, co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM regained the three-tenths that vanished in May (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+); however, WCBS-AM surrenders six-tenths to 2.8 (6+) and tumbles from the top ten (#9 to #14).

Tied with WCBS-AM at #14 is WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk station WNYC-FM, which is -2.3 via three consecutive drops (5.1 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.8, #13 to #14, 6+). In three straight down or flat trends, co-owned public radio news/talk WNYC-AM has dropped roughly half (-.5) its 6+ AQH share (1.1 – .7 – .7 .6, 6+) and is unchanged at #27.

New York City Music Formats – Roaring back from June’s -2.1 with July’s +1.3 (8.7 – 6.6 – 7.9, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ is #1 the fourth time in a row. Entering the June sweep, “Mega 97.9” had been an overall +2.8 via three straight increases (5.9 – 6.5 – 7.7 – 8.7, 6+). WSKQ was off seven-tenths in January/February (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.9, 6+). This time last month, “Mega 97.9” was deadlocked for the lead with Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM, but “New York’s Greatest Hits” drops four-tenths (6.6 – 6.2, 6+) and segues to second-place. WCBS-FM was +1.3 in May/June (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.6, 6+), thus wiping away April’s loss of nine-tenths. In three consecutive gains, WCBS-FM was an overall +1.9 (4.3 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+), directly after its -1.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+). Down or flat the last three survey periods for a net loss of -1.1, Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” slices away roughly half that shortfall with a +.6 to 3.0 (#16 to #12, 6+). In an alternating down/up sequence that includes July’s +.5 (2.8 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT-FM “Amor 93.1” cracks the top ten (#15 to #10). Meanwhile, Univision Radio’s similarly-formatted WXNY “X-96.3,” which was +1.4 in May/June (3.1 – 3.2 – 4.5, 6+), plummets by -1.0 to 3.5 (sixth to eighth, 6+). On the heels of June’s improvement of eight-tenths, iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ regresses by one-half share (5.7 – 5.2, 6+) but carries on at #4. Immediately prior to May, “Q-104.3” was a collective +1.8 through four straight sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 5.3, 6+). Following three straight up or flat reports that generated a +.7 (.9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.6, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WPLJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” forfeits two-tenths to 1.4 (flat at #21, 6+). June’s 1.6 was its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2019 (1.6, as well).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats  – In addition to gaining three-tenths (4.4 – 4.7, 6), KFI progresses from fourth to second. “AM 640” was a combined -1.1 in May/June (5.5 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+). The iHeartMedia news/talk property more than doubled (+2.9) its 6+ AQH share from “Holiday” 2019 through April 2020; crossed the five-share threshold; and had an April-only stay at #1 (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 5.5,  6+). April 2020 marked the first time KFI reached #1 since March 2011 (4.9, 6+). Off four-tenths in three straight down or flat reports (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” falls from #25 to #28. Cumulus Media’s KABC almost tripled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share as a result of four consecutive improvements (.5 – .7 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.4, 6+), but “790 News-Talk-Evolved” is off four-tenths via three sweeps in succession without an increase (1.4 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0, #33 to #32, 6+). KABC is one-tenth ahead of iHeartMedia-owned KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot,” which has a March 2020 through July 2020 topline of: .8 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .8 – .9 (#36 to #35, 6+).

Steady at #38, iHeartMedia’s KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” gains a collective one-tenth in three straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .5 – .6 – .6, 6+). Disney-owned/similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN” is without an increase the sixth time in a row for a net decrease of seven-tenths (1.1 – .9 – .8 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4, #42 to #41, 6+). In addition to both being flat in July, KLAC and KSPN were each off one-tenth in March; -.4 in April; and unchanged in May.

Surrendering 70% of June’s +1.0 (3.9 – 3.2, -.7, 6+), Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio” departs the top ten (#6 to #12). Following a March improvement of eight-tenths, KNX was down nine-tenths in April/May (3.8 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+).

Regaining the two-tenths it lost in June (1.7 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” advances from #25 to #23.

Los Angeles Music Formats – By gaining one-half share to 4.6 (fifth to third, 6+), Entercom smooth AC KTWV “94.7 The Wave” pulls the plug on three slips in succession that accounted for a net loss of eight-tenths (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+). Over and above posting its fifth straight report without a loss for a net gain of nine-tenths (5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KRTH “K-Earth 101” is #1 the third consecutive month. KRTH held the top spot in March and shifted to second in April. Prior to March, “K-Earth” last occupied the #1 position in October and November. Off by one-half share each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary and hot AC cluster-mates KOST “Coast 103.5” (4.6, second to third, 6+) and KBIG “104.3 My-FM – More Music/More Variety” (4.4, third to fifth, 6+). Prior to logging a +.9 this time last month to 5.1 (6+), “Coast” was an overall -9.5 through five straight setbacks (13.7 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 5.1 – 4.5 – 4.2, 6+). After four sweeps in a row at #1, KOST shifted to the runner-up slot in March. “Coast” had been a collective +8.5 via three consecutive positive or neutral sweeps (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.3 – 13.7, 6+). “My-FM” was up eight-tenths in May/June (4.1 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+), with June’s 4.9 its highest 6+-showing since last October (4.9, as well). After losing seven-tenths in three straight drops (2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+), alternative cluster-mate KYSR “Alt 98.7” is +1.1 via three bumps in succession (2.2 – 2.4 – 3.1 – 3.3, #12 to #11, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Following four straight increases that resulted in an overall +2.6 (3.0 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.6, 6+), Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN “Radio 720” is -2.3 owing to three slips in a row (5.6 – 5.2 – 4.5 – 3.3, seventh to ninth, 6+). Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM “890 AM” is down four-tenths in that same timespan and exits the top twenty (2.4 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.0, #19 to #21, 6+).

As a result of seven successive reports without an increase, Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” is an overall -2.0 (3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.5 – 1.5, #24 to #23, 6+). By gaining two-tenths to 1.0 (flat at #27, 6+), Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” applies the brakes to eight consecutive down or flat sweeps that resulted in a -1.1 (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – .8, 6+).

Up one-tenth (6.9 – 7.0, 6+), Entercom all-news WBBM-AM & WCFS-FM is on top the sixth time in a row. Immediately prior to being -1.5 in May/June (8.4 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+), “News Radio 780 AM & 105.9 FM” was a collective +3.5 through four straight gains (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+).

A combined +1.8 in March/April (3.6 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ is down the third straight report for a -2.2 (5.4 – 4.7 – 3.8 – 3.2, ninth to tenth,  6+).

Chicago Music Formats – Off eight-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (2.8 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), Entercom CHR WBBM-FM “B-96 Chicago” ends the slide with +.7 to 2.7 (#19 to a four-way tie at #14, 6+). Co-owned triple A WXRT “93 XRT Chicago’s Finest Rock” continues to be on a roll with its seventh straight report without a loss for a collective +1.4 (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.5, eighth to seventh, 6+). Separated by six-tenths are Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country,” up six-tenths in three straight gains (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, #15 – #14, 6+), and iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country,” which nets nine-tenths in four consecutive reports without a loss (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.1, #22 – #20, 6+). Tied at #14 are two ACs that have their dissimilar streaks broken. As a result of four consecutive reports with a loss, Venture Technologies Group-owned WRME-LP netted six-tenths (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+), but “Me TV FM 87.7” forfeits half that windfall (2.7, -.3, #12 to #14, 6+). Conversely, in five consecutive down or flat reports, WSHE “100.3 SHE” was a collective -1.3 (3.6 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+); however, the Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary outlet curtails the skid with a +.4 to 2.7 (#17 to #14, 6+). Cumulus Media alternative WKQX is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory the ninth successive ratings period and nets nine-tenths in three straight gains (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9, #13 to #12, 6+). A combined +1.0 in May/June (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “Que Buena 105.1” returns 70% of the boon with a -.7 and exits the top ten (3.1, #9 to #11, 6+). June’s 3.8 was the strongest 6+-showing for “Que Buena” since April 2019’s 3.9. A June increase of six-tenths enabled Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM to reach the five-share level (5.2, 6+) for the first time since last November (5.1); however, “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” falters by six-tenths to 4.6 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Regressing by one-half share each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” (5.0, fourth to fifth, 6+) and Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican WLEY “La Ley 107.9” (#15 to #21). WLIT was -10.0 in four straight decreases (13.7 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+), but rebounded with a May/June +1.8 (3.7 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+). “Lite FM” was #1 in December 2019, “Holiday” 2019, and January 2020. “La Ley” is a collective -1.1 as a result of three straight dips (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.0, 6+); 2.0 is its lowest 6+-stat since 1.9 in January.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. For the third time in a row, Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “560 – The Bay Area’s Exclusive Hot Talk” has a month-to-month fluctuation of one-tenth (1.8 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7, flat at #20, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KGO is down approximately 44% (-.8) via five straight sweeps without an increase (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0, flat at #27, 6+). The November 2019 through July 2020 trending for iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” is: .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1, #35 to #34, 6+). Slightly more than two weeks into the July ratings period (6/30), KKSF was one of 15 iHeartMedia stations to become inaugural affiliates of the Black Information Network.

After faltering by four-tenths in June (2.3 – 1.9, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” answers with a July gain of six-tenths (2.5, #19 to #15, 6+). In four straight downturns, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ lost nine-tenths (1.7 – 1.4 – 1.0 – .9 – .8, 6+), but “95.7 The Game” ends the slide with a +.1 to .9 (flat at #28, 6+).

Despite dropping six-tenths (8.9 – 8.3, 6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM repeats at #1. Before faltering by -1.4 in May, KCBS-AM had been on top three successive sweeps and was an overall +2.2 in four successive up or flat moves (7.7 – 8.4 – 8.7 – 9.9 – 9.9, 6+).

Albeit flat at #2, California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED is -2.5 via three drops in succession (9.9 – 8.7 – 7.8 – 7.4, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations for KQED include: -1.2 (September/October); +1.6 (November/December); -1.2 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.2 (January 2020); -.9 (February); +1.5 (March); +1.8 (April); -1.2 (May); and -.9 (June). Unchanged at #29, San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is without an increase the third time in a row for a net loss of four-tenths (.9 – .7 – .5 – .5, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – After notching a March 2020 through June 2020 topline of 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.0 (6+), Bonneville urban AC KBLX “R&B And Old School” erupts with a +1.0 to reach the three-share level and the top ten (3.0, #17 to #10, 6+). A collective -1.4 through four straight downturns (4.8 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+), adult contemporary sibling KOIT-FM “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” pulls the plug with a gain of three-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and is steady in sixth-place. Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” records its seventh straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.4 (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7, seventh to sixth, 6+). On the other hand, co-owned regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” is in an alternating up/down pattern that includes July’s loss of one-half share (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.0, #12 to #19, 6+). Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-formatted KRZZ “La Raza” is down eight-tenths in three slips in succession and departs the top twenty (2.4 – 2.3 -1.8 – 1.6, #20 to #21, 6+). After netting seven-tenths through five straight up or flat reports (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), Cumulus Media classic rock KSAN “107.7 The Bone” surrenders one-tenth t0 3.8 (6+), but carries on in fifth-place.

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being an overall -1.2 via three consecutive declines (4.1 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” progresses from #16 to #15.

Remaining at #35, cluster-mate KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” is trending .6 – .4 – .4 – .6 – .5 (March 2020 through July 2020, 6+). It is tied with Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer,” which had logged a .4 in each of the past three sweeps (.4 – .4 – .4 – .5, #36 to #35, 6+). KLIF-AM and KSKY were tied at #35 in April and May, as well.

Having lost one-tenth in consecutive reports (1.7 – 1.6 – 15, 6+), Entercom sports talk KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” picks up two-tenths to 1.7 (#22 to #21, 6+). Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” repeats June’s 6+ AQH share (1.3) and market rank (#26). Meanwhile, Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” records a .7 the third time in the last five sweeps (.7 – .6 – .8 – .7 – .7, #32 to #31, 6+).

A combined -.6 in April/May (1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+), Entercom-owned KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” is up three-tenths in June/July (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5, #26 to #24, 6+).

In three straight drops, North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA lost nine-tenths (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+), but halts the slide with an increase of three-tenths to 2.8 (#17 to #16, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – Displaying improvements of six-tenths each are Cumulus Media-owned KSCS “New Country 96.3” (sixth to third); iHeartMedia rocker KEGL “97.1 The Eagle” (4.1, #11 to #7, 6+); and Estrella Media regional Mexican KZZA “106.7 La Ranchera” (#19 to #18). “New Country” is up seven-tenths in June/July (4.4 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat (5.1) since February’s 5.2. “The Eagle” lost two-tenths in May/June (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), while “La Ranchera” is a combined +.9 in June/July (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+). At the same time those three “Big D” outlets gain six-tenths, four others regress by six tenths. That quartet includes: Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “Your Life … Inspired” (6.1 – 5.6, -.5, first to second, 6+); First Dallas Media’s similarly-formatted KCBI “90.0 Encouraging Music/Words of Hope” (#24 to #30); iHeartMedia classic rock KZPS “Lone Star 92.5” (third to sixth); and Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNO “Que Buena 94.1” (3.7, eighth to tenth, 6+). KLTY was up one-tenth in June (6.0 – 6.1, 6+), directly after being -1.0 in April/May (7.0 – 6.7 – 6.0, 6+). Following its combined -1.3 in November/December (6.6 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+), KLTY was +1.6 in “Holiday” 2019 (5.3 – 6.9, 6+). Immediately prior to gaining six-tenths in June, KCBI was off three-tenths in three straight down or flat reports (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8, 6+). After being without a loss three times in a row for a +1.3 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 5.1, 6+), “Lone Star 92.5” is -.8 in June/July (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). “Que Buena” was an overall +1.5 via three consecutive boosts (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.2, 6+). KLTY and iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” have occupied the #1 and #2 spots from January 2020 through June 2020. “Kiss” has been #2 each sweep other than May and now in July (#1). After surrendering seven-tenths in June, “Kiss” regains three-tenths (5.9 – 6.2, 6+) and segues from second to first. A combined -1.0 in March/April (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+), KHKS negated that deficit with a May +1.3. In an alternating down/up pattern since “Holiday” 2019 (3.7 – 3.2 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate KDMX “102.9 More Music/More Variety” repeats in fifth-place.

Houston                              

Spoken-Word Formats – After recapturing the three-tenths it lost in May (6.3 – 6.0 – 6.3, April – May – June, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740” falters by seven-tenths to 5.6 (fourth to sixth, 6+); KTRH was +1.7 in April. Co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” has a fluctuation of one-tenth the third time in a row (.2 – .3 – .4 – .3, flat at #27, 6+).

There’s not much movement among Houston’s three sports talk outlets as Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” gains one-tenth (.8 – .9, #24 to #23, 6+); iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” is flat at .5 (unchanged at #26, 6+), as is Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5,” which has lost four-tenths in nine straight sweeps without an increase (.7 -.5 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, #28 to #27, 6+).

In five consecutive decreases, University of Houston news/talk KUHF is an overall -1.1 (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6, #17 to #18, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – In an alternating up/down sequence that includes July’s whopping +1.1 enabling it to reach the six-share level (5.1 – 5.6 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 6.0, 6+), Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” jumps from seventh to fourth. Not only is Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOVE +1.8 in four straight upticks, “Amor 106.5” enters the top ten (#13 to #8), crossing the four-share threshold (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 4.2, 6+). Radio One CHR KROI “Radio Now 92.1” more than doubles (+.7) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (.5 – .6 – .7 – 1.2, #22, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing since January (1.2, as well). Up seven-tenths in April/May (5.8 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), urban AC sibling KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” is a combined -1.4 in June/July (6.5 – 5.7 – 5.1, fifth to seventh, 6+). Over and above being +1.6 in three straight sweeps without a loss (5.5 – 6.2 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” repeats at #1. After four successive sweeps on top, KODA fell to the runner-up slot in March. May’s increase halted four straight setbacks that resulted in a collective -6.1 (11.6 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.5, 6+). “Sunny 99.1” was +.5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.8 – 7.8 – 11.6, 6+) and the market leader 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. Down six-tenths in June/July (7.0 – 6.9 – 6.4, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” slips from second to third. “The Eagle” was +1.2 In April and shared the top spot in May. As a result of four successive sweeps without an increase, Entercom Spanish contemporary KLOL “Mega 101 FM” is -1.1 (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.2, flat at #14, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Following its combined May/June -3.5 (13.9 – 11.1 – 10.4, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM & WSBB-FM “Atlanta’s News & Talk” chalks up a gain of two-tenths to 10.6 (6+) and is #1 the 13^th straight sweep. April’s 13.9 marked the first time in the PPM-era that any Atlanta station reached the 13-share level (6+). Off one-half share in May/June (1.2 – 1.0 – .7, 6+), Salem Media Group’s WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” regains two-tenths to .9 (#26 to #24, 6+). It has a six-tenths advantage over Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community,” which has lost half (-.3) its 6+ AQH share in three straight reports without an increase (.6 – .4 – .4 – .3, flat at #30, 6+). Approximately two weeks into the July ratings period (6/30), WGST was one of 15 iHeartMedia-owned stations to become the first affiliates of the Black Information Network. In its final sweep as “Talk Radio 640,” WGST was off two-tenths (.4 – .2, #32, 6+).

An overall -1.5 in six straight reports without an increase (4.6 – 3.9 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” repeats at #11. May’s increase of four-tenths by Dickey Broadcasting-owned WCNN interrupted eight sweeps in succession without an increase that led to a -1.7 (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+); however “680 The Fan” is down two-tenths in back-to-back reports (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0, #24 to #25, 6+).

After picking up one-tenth in May and June (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE forfeits two-tenths and is back to 2.2 (flat at #17, 6+). Off a collective two-tenths in three straight down or flat trends (.7 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+), Georgia State University news/talk WRAS picks up one-tenth to .6 (#29 to #28, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – An increase of one-half share lifts Clark Atlanta University’s WCLK “Jazz 91.9” to 1.9, its best 6+-performance since last October’s 2.1, and onto the top twenty (#18). On the heels of posting a half-share increase this time last month, iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” erodes by eight-tenths (3.6 – 2.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #13). In three straight down or flat trends, “Power” was -1.1 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). Regressing by six-tenths each are Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” (seventh to ninth) and Cumulus Media’s WKHX “New Country 101.5” (2.4, #13 to #15, 6+). “Fish” is in an alternating down/up sequence: 4.3 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 4.3 – 3.7 (6+). “New Country” gained seven-tenths in May/June (2.3 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+). Its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” – is +1.1 in three straight bumps (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.3 – 4.4, flat at #7, 6+). While it repeats in third-place, Cox Media Group urban AC WALR “104.1 Kiss FM – Atlanta’s R&B” is -2.4 through three successive slumps (9.3 – 8.4 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+); WALR was +3.8 in March/April (5.5 – 5.9 – 9.3, 6+). Within 6.0 – 6.9 range (6+) the tenth time in a row (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 6.9 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” continues in fourth-place. After trending .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 (6+), iHeartMedia alternative WRDA is unlisted the third time in a row.

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing at #19, Entercom-owned WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” has a March 2020 through July 2020 topline of: 1.7 – 2.0 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 (6+). Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” is up or flat the third time in a row for a net gain of three-tenths (.8 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1, flat at #23, 6+).

A combined -1.6 in June/July (5.9 – 4.7 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WIP slips from sixth to tenth. Before falling to third in December, “Sports Radio 94.1” had been #1 three months in a row. The April 2020 through July 2020 topline for Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” is: 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.6 (#22 to #21, 6+).

Having rebounded from May’s -1.5 with a June increase of three-tenths (5.8 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom-owned KYW sputters by four-tenths to 5.7 (fourth to fifth, 6+). “News Radio 1060” was a combined +2.6 in March/April (4.7 – 6.6 – 7.3, 6+).

Directly following its overall +2.1 in three straight improvements (3.3 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), public radio news/talk WHYY is -1.0 in four consecutive reports without an increase (5.4 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4, eighth to ninth, 6+). WHYY was +.7 in December and -.7 in “Holiday” 2019.

Philadelphia Music Formats – Stacking a massive +2.0 onto June’s impressive +1.3 (3.0 – 4.3 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom-owned adult contemporary WBEB “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” rockets from tenth to third. Five consecutive setbacks by WBEB led to a collective –15.6 or a roughly 84% loss of its 6+ AQH share (18.6 – 6.1 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+). Its negative streak came directly after a December/“Holiday” 2019 +13.2 (5.4 – 8.9 – 18.6, 6+). As a result of three straight bumps, iHeartMedia CHR WIOQ “Q-102 Philly’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a cumulative +1.2 (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.3, #15 to #13, 6+). In an alternating up/down pattern which includes returning June’s increase of two-tenths (6.3 – 9.2 – 8.9 – 9.1 – 8.9, 6+), urban AC sibling WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” is #1 the fourth report in succession. Six straight sweeps without a loss by Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL yielded a collective +1.0 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.6, 6+), but “Nobody Plays More 80s” spirals by -1.1 to 4.5 (fifth to seventh, 6+). A combined -1.9 in March/April (4.3 – 4.1 – 2.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 BEN-FM” is +1.7 through three straight up or flat moves (2.4 – 3.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, #11 to #12, 6+). Following five sweeps in succession without a loss that yielded a collective +2.5 (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 8.0, 6+), cluster-mate WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” is -1.9 in June/July (8.0 – 6.8 – 6.1, second to fourth, 6+). WMGK answered “Holiday” 2019’s -2.0 with a January improvement of seven-tenths. Co-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” is in an alternating up/down pattern: 6.9 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 7.3 – 6.5 – 6.7 (third to second, 6+). Up eight-tenths through four straight positive or neutral moves (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+), Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WPPZ “Classix 107.9 Philly’s Classic R&B” returns 75% of the windfall (2.9, -.6, #13 to #14, 6+). Temple University’s WRTI “90.1 Your Classical and Jazz Source” is -1.2 via three consecutive slips (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.7 – 2.2, #15 to #17, 6+). Asa result of three straight advances, University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN crossed the two-share level and nearly doubled (+1.1) its 6+ AQH share (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 2.4, 6+), but “88.5 Vinyl At Heart – Rhythms Not Algorithms” sputters by three-tenths to 2.1 (flat at #18, 6+). In addition to re-entering the top ten (#12 to #10), iHeartMedia alternative WRFF “Alt 104.5” nets a collective +1.8 through four up or flat trends in a row (2.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Three slumps in succession by iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” have resulted in a -2.8 (6.7 – 5.7 – 4.4 – 3.9, fourth to seventh, 6+). WOR’s April +2.9 rocketed it from #8 to #1. This is the fifth time in a row Red Apple Media news/talk WABC records a positive or neutral trend for a net increase of three-tenths (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4, flat at #24, 6+).

Up one-half share in May/June (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM drops two-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is unlisted in Long Island the seventh month in a row. WEPN was -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.2, #15, 6+).

Via three straight drops, Entercom’s all-news WINS is -1.4 (5.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9, sixth to seventh, 6+), directly following a combined +1.8 in March/April (3.5 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+). Stuck on 2.5 (6+) in May and June, after being off nine-tenths in May, co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM gains one-tenth to 2.6 (flat at #14, 6+).

Albeit off one-half share in four down or flat moves in succession (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM advances from #27 to #25.

Long Island Music Formats – In five straight Long Island sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia New York City CHR WHTZ was -1.9 (5.5 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), but “Z-100” responds with a July +1.0 to 4.6 (ninth to fourth, 6+). Similarly, three drops in succession by Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM resulted in a -2.2 (7.0 – 6.0 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+); however, “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” erases nine-tenths of the deficit (5.7, third to second, 6+). Immediately prior, WCBS-FM was an overall +3.0 via seven straight Long Island sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 7.0, 6+) and occupied the lead position in February and March. Co-owned alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3” posts its third straight up or flat sweep for a +1.0 (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.6, #20 to #14, 6+). Cox Media Group-owned CHR WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All The Hits” is in alternating up/down pattern that began in November and includes July 2020’s +.6 (4.9 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 4.5, seventh to fifth, 6+). On the heels of improving by six-tenths (6.0 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” plummets by -1.6 to 5.0 (first to third, 6+). WAXQ’s May decrease of two-tenths terminated five straight up or flat moves that netted a +2.7 (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 6.2, 6+). Despite being down three-tenths (6.2 – 5.9, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WBAB “102.3 Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” takes over at #1 from its classic rock rival WAXQ. This time last month, WBAB spiraled by -1.2, shifting from first to second. WBAB was an overall +2.8 via three straight spikes, including May’s +1.2 (4.6 – 4.7 – 6.2 – 7.4, 6+). Steady in seventh-place, Connoisseur Media-owned hot AC WALK-FM “97.5 Real Variety” has nearly doubled (+1.8) its 6+ AQH share in three straight reports without a loss (2.1 – 3.0 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+). Via four successive drops, WALK-FM lost roughly 80% (-8.2) of its 6+ AQH share (10.3 – 4.4 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 2.1, 6+). It had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1. Entering the January sweep, WALK-FM was a collective +6.5 through four successive improvements (3.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 6.1 – 10.3, 6+), with 10.3 its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 10.5. Ever since resurfacing in print in February, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation classical-formatted WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Radio Station” is trending: .9 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – .4 (#28, 6+). Up nine-tenths in three successive sweeps without a loss (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 2.0, 6+), Entercom-owned WNSH “New York’s Country 94.7” surrenders three-tenths to 1.7 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#18 to #21).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – After posting a .1 (6+) last August, September, and October, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is unlisted the tenth time in a row.

Co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM,” which wasn’t in print in April or May, repeats June’s .1 (#19 to #17, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted the 32^nd sweep in succession.

Approximately two weeks into the July ratings period (6/30), KFOO was one of 15 iHeartMedia-owned stations to become Black Information Network’s first affiliates. KFOO recorded a .3 (6+) in June, but does not appear in the July report.

Frozen on .4 (6+) in May and June, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” gains two-tenths to .6 (#15 to #13, 6+). In an alternating up/down sequence since March (1.3 – 1.4 – .4 – .6 – .5, 6+), San Bernardino Community College public radio news/talk KVCR slips from #14 to #15.

Riverside Music Formats – Down nine-tenths in May/June (4.1 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA erases all but one-tenth of the shortfall with a +.8 to 4.0 (seventh to fifth, 6+). A combined -1.6 in May/June (9.6 – 8.7 – 8.0, 6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY picks up three-tenths to 8.3 (6+) and is #1 the tenth time in a row; “Jose” was +2.6 in April. January’s +.9 interrupted December/“Holiday” 2019’s -1.2 (8.2 – 7.9 – 7.0, 6+). Three successive downturns by Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN have resulted in an approximately 56% loss (-3.2) of its 6+ AQH share (5.7 – 4.9 – 3.7 – 2.5, fifth to eighth, 6+). Through five straight improvements, “Family Friendly 89.7” essentially doubled (+2.8) its 6+ AQH share (2.9 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.7, 6+). Forfeiting six-tenths each are Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA (steady at #3) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” (#11 to #12). KOLA is in an alternating down/up pattern (6.2 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 5.5, February through July, 6+); “Recuerdo” is -1.1 in June/July (1.8 – 1.3 – .7, 6+). The five most recent fluctuations by Entercom country outlet KFRG “K-Frog 95.1” are +.5 (March); -.8 (April); +1.9 (May); +.6 (June); and now -.5 in July (4.8 – 5.3 – 4.5 – 6.4 – 7.0 – 6.5, flat at #2, 6+). Before dropping four-tenths in February, KFRG was a collective +1.5 via three increases in a row (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.2, 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 14^th consecutive time.

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of four successive slips, Cumulus Media news/talk KGO is a collective -1.3 (2.9 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.6, #21 to #24, 6+). Off six-tenths in April, co-owned/similarly-formatted KSFO “560 – The Bay Area’s Exclusive Hot Talk” nets four-tenths in three straight modest gains (.8 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2, flat at #26, 6+).

Sports talk cluster-mate KNBR, which spiraled by -1.1 this time last month, wipes away nearly half that loss with a +.5 (1.9 – 2.4, #17 to #13, 6+); “The Sports Leader” was -1.9 in February/March (4.7 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+). Down or flat the past five reports for a collective -1.1 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” applies the brakes with a +.3 to 1.9 (6+) and is in a five-way scrum at #19.

In three straight gains, KCBS-AM was a collective +2.5 (4.4 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 6.9, 6+), but the Entercom all-news operation is now -2.2 via four drops in succession (6.9 – 6.4 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 4.7, fourth to fifth, 6+). KCBS-AM has been -.5 (October); +.7 (November); -.8 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.2 (March); and -.9 (July 2020).

A combined +2.8 in March/April (6.5 – 7.4 – 9.3, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED is -2.7 in three straight downturns (9.3 – 8.4 – 7.7 – 6.6, unchanged at #2, 6+). KQED was -1.2 in December/“Holiday 2019 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+) and had a November-only stay at #1. Following three straight advances in which it more than doubled (+1.0) its 6+ AQH share (.7 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.7, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW drops a collective seven-tenths via three consecutive slips (1.7 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.0, #26 to #27, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – In an alternating down/up sequence that includes July’s robust +1.0 (fifth to third), Alpha Media hot AC KEZR “Mix 106.5 Today’s Best Music” is: 5.0 – 3.3 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 6.0 (6+). In a slightly shorter rotating pattern, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD is trending 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.8 (6+). On the strength of July’s +.8, “WiLD 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” cracks the top ten (#14 to #9). Continuing the alternating pattern theme which in this case includes July’s +.7, Entercom CHR KMVQ “99.7 Now The Bay’s #1 For All The Hits” is 3.3 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.6 (6+) and leaps into the top ten (#17 to #10). As a result of six consecutive sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia-owned hot AC KIOI was -2.7 (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+), but “Star 101.3” is a combined +.9 in June/July (1.2 – 1.6 – 2.1 (#21 to #15, 6+). Notwithstanding it is off one-half share in June/July (9.6 – 9.4 – 9.1, 6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” is the market leader the ninth sweep in succession. KBAY was -.5 (February); +.5 (March); and +1.2 in April (8.1 – 7.6 – 8.1 – 9.3, 6+). Returning to the theme of alternating down/up sequences, iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” drops nine-tenths and is trending: 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 3.3 – 2.4 (#9 to #13, 6+). Unlisted four straight months, Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL resurfaced in June with a 3.3 (6+), but surrenders eight-tenths in July to 2.5 (#9 to #11, 6+). Immediately before disappearing, “Que Buena” was a collective -1.4 through three consecutive drops (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 1.9, #20, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” (sixth to seventh) and Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXZM “Radio Lazer” (1.3, #17 to #25, 6+). In three straight down or flat trends, “The Breeze” has lost seven-tenths (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+); “Radio Lazer” was up one-half share in May/June (1.4 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+). In seven consecutive sweeps without a loss, Bonneville’s KUFX was a collective +2.8 and crossed the six-share level (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 6.1, 6+). “K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock,” however, drops one-tenth to 6.0 (6) and is unchanged at #3. Following four straight sweeps without a loss for a +1.2 (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” is -1.7 in four consecutive drops (3.5 – 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, #17 to #22, 6+).

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight increases delivered Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW a collective +1.6 (5.2 – 6.0 – 6.7 – 6.8, 6+), but “New Jersey 101.5” is -1.1 in June/July (6.8 – 6.5 – 5.7 (unchanged at #3, 6+). Regaining half of the two-tenths it dropped in June (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” repeats at #20, 6+). As a result of four consecutive positive or neutral moves, Red Apple Media news/talk WABC picks up four-tenths (.5 – .8 – .9 – .9 – .9, steady at #23, 6+).

Despite picking up one-tenth to 2.4 (6+), thus suspending three consecutive decreases that resulted in a -1.9 (4.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN slumps from #14 to #15. WFAN was +1.4 (January) and -1.0 (February). Unlisted in Middlesex five months in a row, similarly-programmed WEPN reappeared in June with a 1.2 (6+) and drops three-tenths to .9 (flat at #22, 6+).

Off one-half share in May/June (2.4 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom New York City all-news WCBS-AM regains one-tenth to 2.0 (#19 to #17, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS, which was +1.0 in March/April (1.2 – 1.6 – 2.2, 6+), is -1.4 through three consecutive drops (2.2 – 1.4 – .9 – .8, #23 to #25, 6+).

WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM repeats June’s AQH share (2.0, 6+) and market rank (#17).

Middlesex-Somerset-Union Music Formats – With a colossal +2.3 (3.4 – 5.7, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ is responsible for the largest (6+) June 2020 – July 2020 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. Furthermore, “Mega 97.9” catapults from #11 to #3. Spanish contemporary sibling WPAT-FM adds nine-tenths and is in an alternating down/up pattern: 3.5 – 2.0 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 4.0 (#12 to #10, 6+). “Amor 93.1” has its best 6+ Middlesex stat since January (4.0, as well). Even though it is off the third time in succession for a collective -2.3 (12.4 – 11.2 – 10.4 – 10.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” leads the field the seventh sweep in a row. May’s loss interrupted four consecutive increases that accounted for a +6.7 (5.6 – 7.0 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 12.4, 6+). Its 12.4 in April tied adult contemporary cluster-mate WLTW “Lite FM” for Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s highest 6+-share recorded in the PPM-era. After trending 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.1 (April – May – June, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “#1 For R&B” stumbles by eight-tenths to 5.3 (fourth to fifth, 6+). Rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WQHT “Hot 97,” which gained six-tenths this time last month and was up seven-tenths in May/June, surrenders seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.3, sixth to eighth, 6+). A combined +1.2 in May/June (4.1 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia New York City CHR WHTZ “Z-100” relinquishes half that windfall with a -.6 to 4.3 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Promptly after breaking out a +1.1 to 3.9 (6+), Entercom-owned WNYL forfeits roughly half that increase (3.4, -.5, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Entering the June sweep, “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” was off seven-tenths via four straight sweeps without an increase (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+).