Category: Industry News

Monday, September 9, 2019

NewsTalk 99.7 & AM 630 WPRO to Present Opioid Crisis Special. This Friday (9/13), Cumulus Media’s “NewsTalk 99.7 FM & AM 630 WPRO” in Providence is presenting a day of broadcasts “aimed at confronting the opioid crisis and how it affects Rhode Island and Southern New England.” Titled, “Enough: WPRO’s Opioid Awareness Day,” all of the station’s programs – “The News with Gene Valicenti,” “The Tara Granahan Show,” “The Matt Allen Show,” “The Dan Yorke Show,” and “The Gresh Show” will “bring listeners personal stories of addiction and recovery, information about city and state programs designed to help, and the physical and physiological effects of opioids which lead to the addiction.”  Cumulus Media Providence market manager Holly Paras says, “As the opioid crisis continues to threaten the state of Rhode Island, WPRO understands that we have a responsibility to use our voice and our platform to discuss this terrifying epidemic. I am proud to be part of a station that understands this responsibility and is bringing this difficult but critically important conversation to the community.”  Guests will include former Boston Celtics player Chris Herren, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit, mental health advocate and former congressman Patrick Kennedy, recovery advocate John Tassoni, leaders from industries affected by the crisis, first responders, and more.

Monday Memo: Happy Birthday, Walkman. Consultant Holland Cooke’s Monday Memo recognized the 40^th birthday of the Sony Walkman.  He writes that, yes, “cassettes seem ancient now, but Sony saw the future 40 years ago.  And today, smart broadcasters are cashing-in.”  The Walkman allowed personal, isolated listening (via headphones) to go mobile and that paved the way for today’s podcasts.  Read more here.

FOX News Radio Signs with Triton Digital for Audio Advertising Technology. This deal between FOX News Radio and Triton Digital allows FNR to the global technology and service leader in the digital audio and podcast industry.  The new deal will “leverage the comprehensive suite of audio advertising serving technology to allow insertion of targeted ads into FNR’s original podcasts.  The network will also utilize Triton’s podcast management system for enhanced distribution across multiple podcast listening platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and Stitcher.  Additionally, the partnership will enable listeners access to daily FNR programs, such as “The Brian Kilmeade Show” and “The Guy Benson Show,” as ad supported full-length podcasts.

Trump Cancels Afghanistan Peace Talks, 2020 Presidential Race, Hurricane Dorian/Bahamas Relief, U.S.-China Relations/Hong Kong Protests, Dems Trump Impeachment Strategy, and NFL Opening Weekend Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend.  The news that President Trump canceled previously secret negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government; the Democrats and Republicans challenging President Trump in 2020; Hurricane Dorian’s weekend track and the devastation left in the Bahamas; U.S.-China trade relations and the continuing Democracy protests in Hong Kong; the Democrats’ strategy for building an impeachment case against President Trump; and the NFL’s opening weekend were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

WTAM, Cleveland Presenting Geraldo Rivera-Hosted 2020 Election Event. Tomorrow (9/10), iHeartMedia’s Cleveland news/talk outlet “Newsradio WTAM 1100” is presenting, “Ohio: The Heart of 2020,” a live event hosted by FOX News correspondent-at-large and WTAM air personality Geraldo Rivera. The program will take place from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and will feature a panel including: Shontel Brown, chairperson for the Democratic Party of Cuyahoga County; Rob Frost, chairman for the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County; Ohio Lieutenant Governor (and former Ohio Secretary of State) Jon Husted; Bill Wills, co-host of “Cleveland’s Morning News with Wills and Snyder” on WTAM 1100; and Tom Beres, former WKYC-TV, Cleveland senior political correspondent. Listeners are being given chances to attend the invite-only event by listening to the daily, 9:00 am to 10:00 am “Geraldo in Cleveland” program.

Joey Brooks Named SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia Connecticut. Programming pro Joey Brooks moves from his position at iHeartMedia’s Miami cluster – PD for hot AC WMIA and APD for CHR WHYI – to Connecticut to serve as senior vice president of programming for the Hartford and New Haven markets that include news/talk stations WPOP-AM and WELI-AM and sports talkers WUCS-FM and WAVZ-AM.  iHeartMedia Hartford region president Steve Honeycomb says, “Joey’s experience of leadership, drive, and passion for radio will be an amazing addition to our iHeartMedia teams in Hartford and New Haven.   There is no doubt that Joey will take our nine market-leading radio brands to the next level as we continue to provide the best entertainment for our listeners.”

Former MLB Player and WXOS-FM, St. Louis Host Chris Duncan Passes at 38.  He left Hubbard Radio’s WXOS-FM, St. Louis “101 ESPN” back in January to focus on his health.  On Friday (9/6), Chris Duncan died after a seven-year battle with brain cancer. Duncan came up into the big leagues in 2005 and was an integral part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2006 World Series Championship.  After leaving baseball, he began his career as a sports talk radio host on “101 ESPN.” He was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and underwent treatment.  He made progress and returned to the air as a co-host of the midday show, “The Turn,” until leaving earlier this year.

TALKERS News Notes. Today (9/9), the new “Florida Man Radio” talk format debuts on JVC Media’s WDYZ-AM, Altamonte Springs and W288CJ, Oviedo in the Orlando market. The station features Bubba the Love Sponge in morning drive, followed by Scott Ledger in middays and Shannon Burke in afternoon drive…..When the Texas Radio Hall of Fame inducts its class of 2019, George Gimarc, producer of Envision Networks’ nationally syndicated 24/7 comedy format, “Today’s Comedy,” will among its members.  The induction celebration takes place on November 2 at the Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications.  Gimarc is recognized for his work at KZEW-FM, KDGE-FM, and KRQX-FM in Dallas.  Gimarc is credited with being instrumental in the birth of the classic rock and alternative formats…..Art Bell fans are being treated to classic “Coast to Coast AM” programs as  Premiere Networks makes the Art Bell Vault – content from the years Art Bell hosted “Coast to Coast AM” – available online to Coast Insider subscribers.  Premiere says, “As part of our initial 20 shows launching the Art Bell Vault, we’re showcasing some truly iconic episodes like the 1995 appearance of aspiring time traveler ‘Mad Man Marcum,’ who detailed his attempts to build a machine to journey into the past.  Coast Insiders can also hear Mel Waters discuss a bottomless hole said to be in his backyard and a man named ‘Bugs,’ who purportedly shot a Bigfoot.  In addition to that, subscribers can hear Art Bell’s first conversations with Father Malachi Martin as well as Dr. Michio Kaku.”

Music Radio News and Career Moves. KOAS-FM, Las Vegas “Jammin’ 105.7” afternoon drive personality Paco Lopez is promoted to program director of the Beasley Media Group hip hop station.  He’ll continue his on-air role with the station. Beasley Las Vegas VP and market manager Peter Burton says, “We are lucky to have such a seasoned and successful professional from the format on our team.  Having been on the air and programmed in format successfully in markets like Washington DC, New York, Houston, and Miami, we consider ourselves lucky to have Paco on staff here in Las Vegas.  He’s also an incredibly positive influence in the building. We are looking forward to him having great success with us here in Las Vegas.”…..Phoenix CHR KZZP “104.7 KISS FM” adds the YEA Networks-syndicated “Tino Cochino Radio” program to its schedule for the 8:00 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart.  Station PD Mat Mitchell says, “My dream to have one of the best top 40 on-air personalities and influencers in the country join our program lineup has come true.  Tino, Raquel and Nicasio are among the most driven people I’ve met in the industry and I cannot wait for their new night show to start in Phoenix while they continue to expand their syndication profile.”…..Pictured below at the WJMN, Boston “Summer Jam” event yesterday (9/8) is rapper Megan Thee Stallion (center) with WJMN personalities. Megan sat down for an interview with morning host Ashlee in which she said she believes Nikki Minaj will record again, contrary to her recent surprise retirement announcement.  Seen with Megan are (from l-r): DJ Pup Dawg, Ashlee, Santi, and DJ 4eign.  Photo: Bethany Anna

August 2019 PPM Data. August 2019 ratings information has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s August 2019 survey period covered July 18 – August 14. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – News/talk KLBJ-AM is a collective +2.0 via three straight upticks (2.8 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+) and leaps from ninth to fifth with its best 6+-performance (4.8) in more than six years (5.0, June 2013).

Up three-tenths in both July and August (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” progresses from #18 to #16. Even though iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KVET-AM nearly doubles (+.3) its 6+ AQH-share in three straight up or flat moves (.4 – .5 – .5 – .7, 6+), “1300 AM The Zone” backslides from #24 to #25.

Notwithstanding a strong August +1.2 to 7.9, its highest 6+-performance since 9.5 in March, University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT remains in the runner-up slot. KUT’s eight shifts this calendar year include: +1.6 (January); -.6 (February); +.7 (March); -2.0 (April); -.1 (May); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); and +1.2 (August). June’s 5.8 was its lowest 6+-showing since April 2017 (5.8, as well).

Austin Music Formats – Piling on a +1.1 to July’s increase of three-tenths (2.8 – 3.1 – 4.2, 6+), CRISTA Media contemporary Christian KFMK “Spirit 105.9” zooms into the top ten (#13 to #9), reaching the four-share level (4.2, 6+) for the first time since February’s 4.6. In five successive reports without a loss, alternative KROX “101-X” nets a +1.3 (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #10) with its best 6+-showing (3.9) since September 2018’s 4.0. A collective -2.7 in four straight decreases (6.7 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+), directly following March’s +1.2, regional Mexican KLZT “107.1 La Z” ends the slide with a +.3 to 4.3 (tenth to eighth, 6+). More than doubling (+.8) its 6+ AQH-share in July/August (.7 – .8 – 1.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLJA “Amor 107.7” cracks the top twenty with its best 6+-stat (1.5, #20, 6+) since 1.6 in January. Despite being a combined -.6 in July/August (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7, 6+), adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob-FM” is #1 the fifth month in a row. June’s 9.3 was its highest 6+ share since “Holiday” 2018 (also 9.3). Prior to this past April, the last time “Bob” occupied the top spot was December 2018 (8.3, 6+). Dropping from fourth to seventh, Entercom hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7” is -1.8 in July/August (6.4 – 5.9 – 4.6, 6+), directly following May/June’s combined +1.1 (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+). In the market’s three-way country contest, iHeartMedia-owned KASE improves by one-tenth (4.8 – 4.9, 6+) and one ranker (fifth to fourth). “Austin’s #1 For New Country” was a combined -1.0 in June/July (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+), immediately after +1.5 in three straight bumps (4.3 – 4.5 – 5.7 – 5.8, 6+). It plummeted by -1.9 in “Holiday” 2018; improved by +1.2 in January; and was -.6 in February. The other two country combatants, however, aren’t as lucky as KASE in August: Genuine Austin Radio’s KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” surrenders eight-tenths (1.8, #16 to #17, 6+), while KASE’s sibling, KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin Texas Original,” erodes by -1.2 and fades from the top ten (#7 to #13). For KOKE-FM, it ends four straight sweeps without a loss that netted six-tenths (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+); July’s 2.6 was its best 6+-stat since February’s 2.7. Meanwhile, KVET-FM is an overall -2.5 in three successive downturns (5.8 – 5.2 – 4.5 – 3.3, 6+), following May’s +.9. “The Austin Texas Original” was +1.2 in January (5.0 – 6.2, 6+) and hadn’t been below a four-share (6+) in more than six years (3.1, February 2013). Adult contemporary KGSR is an overall +.8 in three consecutive positive or neutral trends (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.7,  6+) and progresses from #15 to #14. Its current 2.7 represents the best 6+-showing for “97.1 Austin City Limits Radio” ever since it flipped from triple A to AC this past March (2019). Even though Entercom’s similarly-formatted KKMJ is a combined -1.4 in July/August, “Majic 95.5 – Better Music for a Better Workday” remains in third-place. Completely erasing July’s +.6 (4.4 – 3.8, -.6, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KPEZ “102.3 The Beat” departs the top ten (#8 to #11). July’s 4.4 was its highest 6+-share in more than two years (4.7, June 2017). Off six-tenths as well in August is University of Texas at Austin triple A KUTX “98.9 The Austin Music Experience” (2.2 – 1.6, #16 to #19, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.8 in four straight downturns (6.5 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” ends the slide with a half-share increase to 5.2 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” records a 6+ AQH share between 1.0 – 1.9 the 21^st time in a row but is off one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7, flat at #16, 6+).

In five straight down or flat moves, Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC has lost three tenths (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+); “99.9 The Fan” finishes at #15 the fifth time in a row. Co-owned/similarly-formatted model of consistency WDNC “620 The Ticket” has an August 2018 through August 2019 topline of: .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .1  (#24 to #26, 6+).

Up eight-tenths in June but down three-tenths in July, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” posts an August +1.0 (7.5 – 8.5, 6+), marching from second to first. WUNC, which was +1.0 in January and -.6 in February, has its best 6+-stat (8.5) in exactly one year (8.8, August 2018).

Raleigh Music Formats – As a result of seven consecutive positive or neutral moves, Radio One gospel WNNL “The Light 103.9 – The Triangle’s Inspiration Station” is a collective +1.5 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+) and jumps from tenth to eighth. This is its strongest 6+-stat since October 2018 (5.2, as well). Following 12 consecutive survey periods at #1, urban AC cluster-mate WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” segues to #2. Ironically, “Foxy” backslides after picking up two-tenths to 8.4 (6+), thus snapping six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -2.8 (11.0 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+). Six of its recent (6+) fluctuations include: +.9 (November 2018); -1.5 (December); +1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.1 (February); and -.6 (July). January’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. When Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL gained two-tenths in July, it suspended four successive down or flat sweeps that resulted in a -2.1 (8.6 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.5 – 6.5, 6+). “Mix 101.5 – The Variety That Makes You Feel Good,” however, forfeits six-tenths in August (6.7 – 6.1, 6+) and shifts from third to sixth. This (6.1) is the lowest 6+- showing for WRAL since October 2018’s 5.3. Off one-half share in August, iHeartMedia-owned CHR WDCG “G-105 – Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” slips from seventh to tenth. “G-105” was a combined -.9 in March/April  (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+); +1.1 in May/June (5.1 – 5.5 – 6.2, 6+); and is now -1.1 in July/August (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.1, 6+). Dropping by one-half share as well are Curtis Media Group classic hits-oldies WKIX “KIX 102.9 – Carolina’s Greatest Hits” (3.5 – 3.0, flat at #12, 6+) and Educational Information Corporation’s WCPE “89.7 FM The Classical Station” (2.9 – 2.4, #13 to #14, 6+). After being an overall +1.8 in six straight sweeps without a loss (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+), Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB – Your Life/Your Music” drops two-tenths to 6.4 (6+) but remains in fifth-place. It is a similar scenario for co-owned WPLW “Pulse FM,” which forfeits one-tenth to 4.4 (steady at #11, 6+), thus interrupting three successive up or flat trends which netted a +1.3 (3.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+). July’s 4.5 was its best 6+-showing in over two years (4.9, June 2017). As a result of eight down or flat Raleigh reports in succession (3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.3, 6+), Curtis Media Group-owned regional Mexican WYMY has had its 6+ AQH share sliced by roughly 59% (-1.9); “La Ley 101.1” continues at #17.

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Eleven of the 13 most recent (6+) fluctuations for Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” are: -.7 (September 2018); +1.0 (October); +.7 (November); -.9 (December); -.9 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); -1.2 (April); +.9 (June); and +.5 in August (6.0 – 6.5, steady at #5, 6+).

Although unchanged at #16, Emmis’ WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” has lost seven-tenths via three straight drops (2.4 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+). In six successive sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia’s WNDE dropped eight-tenths (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+), but “Indy’s Sports Station” ends the slump with a +.1 to 1.1 (flat at #18, 6+). Cumulus Media’s WXNT “CBS Sports AM 1430” repeats July’s .1 (#22 to #21, 6+).

Down seven-tenths in June (4.6 – 3.9, 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI rebounds with a combined +1.4 in July/August (3.9 – 4.9 – 5.3, steady at #8, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – Having regressed by -1.3 in June/July (7.2 – 6.7 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Indy’s Classic Rock” answers with an August increase of one-half share to 6.4 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Prior to July’s 5.9, “Q-95” hadn’t been below a six-share (6+) since March 2017’s 5.8. Improving by one-half share in August 2019 as well is University of Indianapolis-owned jazz-classical WICR (.6 – 1.1, #20 to #18, 6+), which passes the one-share level (1.1, 6+) for the first time since March, when it reached 1.2 (6+). On top the eighth consecutive month, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” follows July’s massive +1.4 with a -1.1 (11.1 – 10.0, 6+). July’s 11.1 is the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing April’s 10.2. Among WJJK’s 2019 (6+) shifts are: +2.9 (January); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); +1.7 (April); +1.4 (July); and -1.1 (August). After spending six straight sweeps at #1, “Classic Hits 104.5” slipped to third in “Holiday” 2018 but returned to #1 in January 2019. Having logged a May – June – July topline of 7.4 – 7.6 – 7.5 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” (third to fourth) falters by six-tenths to 6.9, its lowest 6+-stat since 6.1 in “Holiday” 2018. Despite being down one-tenth, Emmis’ similarly-formatted WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank” (7.2 – 7.1, fourth to third, 6+) leapfrogs WFMS. Prior to July’s 7.2, “Hank” last reached the seven-share threshold in May 2018 (7.1); WLHK was a combined +1.1 in June/July (6.1 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+). The day after the June sweep commenced (5/24), WFMS’ CHR sibling WYRG “Energy 93.9” flipped to rock WNDX. In June and July, “93.9-X” responded by nearly tripling (+2.3) its 6+-stat (1.3 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+, 6+), jumping from #18 (May) to #16 (June) to #12 (July). In August, however, WNDX relinquishes six-tenths to 3.0 (6+) but repeats at #12.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Slipping from third to fourth, Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Brewers, Packers) is an overall -2.3 in three straight setbacks (9.4 – 8.7 – 7.6 – 7.1, 6+). This directly follows April/May’s +3.5 (5.9 – 8.8 – 9.4, 6+). Likewise, iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” is a collective -1.1 via three decreases in succession (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+), vaporizing the six-tenths gained in April/May (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+).

Five Milwaukee sports talk outlets combine for a 2.2 (August 6+), down from 2.3 (July, 6+) and 2.4 (June, 6+). After tripling its 6+-stat since April (.3 – .6 – .8 – 9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WRNW “The Game” drops two-tenths to .7 (flat at #16, 6+). CHR WRNW “Now” became sports talk “The Game” in late-November (2018). July’s .9 was the best 6+-stat on that frequency since 2.8 in December 2018. While flat at .7 (6+) Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” catches WRNW at #16. July’s +.1 ended three straight winless sweeps in which WKTI lost roughly half (-.7) its 6+ audience (1.3 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .6, 6+). A collective -1.0 in five straight dips (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .6, – .4, 6+), Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” ends the slide with a +.1 to .5 (#21 to #20, 6+). WRNW cluster-mate WOKY “The Big 920” posts a .2 (6+) the eighth time in the last ten sweeps (.2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, flat at #22, 6+). After popping on with a .5 (November 2018, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ WAUK disappeared from print in the next seven ratings periods. It returned in June with a .2; dropped one-tenth to .1 (6+) in July; and repeats that .1 in August (#28 to #26, 6+).

By gaining three-tenths to 3.3 (flat at #13, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM halts five straight negative or neutral moves that resulted in a collective -1.8 (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+). After logging five straight negative or neutral moves that led to a loss of one-half share (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 -.8, 6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD regains 60% of that shortfall (1.1, +.3, #17 to #15, 6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – Answering July’s mammoth -1.6 with an August uptick of six-tenths (5.1 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” jumps from eighth to sixth; July’s 5.1 was its lowest 6+-stat since November 2018’s 4.8. The May through August topline for Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB “B-93.3” is 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.8 (seventh to fifth, 6+). Three spikes in succession by iHeartMedia-owned WMIL yield a +2.2 (5.3 – 5.9 – 7.1 – 7.5, 6+) as “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” progresses from fourth to third with its highest 6+-stat since January (7.5, as well). Notwithstanding it surrenders the three-tenths gained in July (9.4 – 9.7 – 9.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the third month in a row. A combined +1.1 in June/July (8.6 – 9.4 – 9.7, 6+), WRIT occupied the lead position five straight sweeps before segueing to #2 in May with its lowest 6+-figure (8.6) since December 2018’s 7.7. Having spent 43 consecutive ratings periods at #1, “Big FM” shifted to #2 in October 2018. “Holiday” 2018’s 11.5 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Eight of its recent (6+) moves are: -1.0 (December); +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); – 1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); and +.8 (June). Despite posting five reports in a row without a loss for a +1.1 (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+), co-owned urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7 Jams” backslides from a fifth-place tie to seventh. Major (6+) ups/downs continue for Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock,” which was -1.1 in four straight negative or flat moves (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 7.3 – 7.0, 6+); a whopping +1.4 in July; but -.6 in August (8.4 – 7.8, unchanged at #2, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Up one-half share via three straight positive or neutral trends (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” advances from #12 to #11. Returning the four-tenths it added in July (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” remains at #17. July’s 1.8 was its best 6+-stat in nearly four years (2.0, October 2015).

Somewhat mirroring its news/talk cluster-mate WWTN (see above), Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) gains a combined one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2, #14 to #12, 6+). Prior to June, the last time WGFX fell below a three-share (6+) was July 2017 (2.7, as well). In four straight down or flat moves Cromwell Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” has lost nearly two-thirds (-1.2) of its 6+ AQH-share (1.9 – 1.1 – .8 – .8 – .7, #21 to #22, 6+).

Erasing July’s one-half share loss (5.6 – 5.1, 6+) with an August +1.1 to 6.2 (6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” climbs from seventh to fourth. The news/talk/classical hybrid outlet was a combined +1.2 in May/June (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – In three consecutive negative or neutral sweeps, WCJK “96.3 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” was a collective -1.6 (8.4 – 7.6 – 7.6 – 6.8, 6+); however, the Midwest Communications-owned adult hits outlet roars back with an August +1.2 to 8.0 (third to second, 6+). CHR cluster-mate WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” (#16 to #15) has logged a 1.9 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+) but erupts in August with a +1.0 to 2.9, its best 6+-showing in nearly two years (3.0, October 2017). Despite gaining two-tenths, its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WRVW “107.5 The River” – backslides from sixth to seventh. “The River” has a March through August topline of: 5.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5. Not only is Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK an overall +1.3 in four upticks in succession (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.5, ninth to seventh, 6+), “92-Q” reaches a five-share for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (5.5, as well). An overall +1.6 in three successive upticks (8.2 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.8, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” relinquishes three-tenths to 9.5 (6+) but is #1 the fourth month in a row. Seven recent (6+) WJXA fluctuations include: +1.9 (December 2018); +3.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); -.5 (March); -.6 (April); and +1.0 (May). WJXA’s “Holiday” 2018’s 14.1 is the highest 6+-share for any Nashville outlet since its 14.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFFH “The Fish” is -1.3 in July/August (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.2, #11 to #12, 6+), directly following a collective +1.0 through four straight increases (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). In three reports in succession without an increase, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUBT “101.1 The Beat” is -1.2 (6.8 – 6.3 – 5.6 – 5.6, flat at #5, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share (5.6) since December 2016 (4.9). An impressive +2.7 in seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” forfeits six-tenths to 5.6 (fourth to fifth, 6+). It reached the six-share level (July 2019, 6.2, 6+) for the first time since April 2017’s 6.1. A combined -1.6 in three straight losses (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 4.7, 6+), Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WKDF pulls the plug with a +.2 to 4.9 (tenth to ninth, 6+). In advance of the aforementioned streak, “103.3 Nash FM” was a collective +2.2 in five straight gains (4.1 – 4.2 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon,” which notched a 5.0 (6+) five times in the last six sweeps (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+), sputters by three-tenths to 4.7 (eighth to tenth, 6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of three-tenths to 3.4 (flat at #7, 6+) by Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” halts three consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). Despite being down or flat the sixth time in a row for a more than 50% reduction (-1.2) in its 6+-AQH share (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – .9 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” moves from #17 to a three-way tie at #16. Off four-tenths as a result of three successive declines (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” repeats at #20.

Bouncing back from July’s half-share loss to 3.1, its lowest 6+-stat since March 2018’s 2.8, Entercom sports talker WVEI notches a +.3 (3.4, flat at #7, 6+).

In four consecutive ratings periods without an increase, iHeartMedia Boston hybrid news – talk WBZ-AM has lost four-tenths (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9, 6+); “News Radio 1030” drops from #16 to the three-way scrum at #17.

After gaining six-tenths in July (1.6 – 2.2, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH returns one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) and is unchanged at #9. In four successive sweeps without an increase (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.4, 6+), The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH has lost a total of six-tenths and repeats at #11.

Providence Music Formats – Over and above being a collective +1.7 in three straight spikes (7.6 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3, 6+), Hall Broadcasting country WCTK leaps from third to first. This (9.3) is the highest 6+-share for “Cat Country 98.1” in just over one year (10.1, July 2018) and first time at #1 since that same (July 2018) sweep. It succeeds iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll,” which had been #1 the past three months. A combined -1.6 in July/August (10.2 – 9.8  – 8.6, 6+), WHJY segues to #2. An April loss of nine-tenths forced WHJY from the top spot after three straight months there. The decline halted four consecutive positive or flat moves that netted a +2.0 (8.5 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 10.5, 6+). Before taking over at #1 in January, WHJY was in the runner-up slot September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018. A loss of six-tenths (9.1 – 8.5, second to third, 6+) sends Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” to its lowest 6+-share (8.5) in almost four years (7.2, October 2015). Seven recent (6+) shifts for iHeartMedia-owned hot AC WSNE include: -.9 (November 2018); -1.0 (Holiday” 2018); +.5 (March); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); +1.4 (July); and -.5 in August (5.7 – 5.2, flat at #6, 6+). July’s 5.7 was its best 6+-performance in just over two years (June 2017, 5.7, as well). Prior to June’s loss of seven-tenths, “Coast 93.3” was a collective +1.2 in three consecutive improvements (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+). In the CHR arena, Townsquare Media CHR WFHN, which had its 6+-stat shrink by two-thirds (-2.8) via six down or flat reports in succession (4.2 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.4, 6+), ends the slide with a +.4 to 1.8. Moreover, “Fun 107 – The South Coast’s #1 Hit Music Station” returns to the top ten (#14 to #10). Immediately in advance of the just-mentioned streak, WFHN more than tripled (+3.0) its 6+-stat as a result of six successive up or flat moves (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 4.2, 6+). Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music 92 PRO-FM” is down seven-tenths in three straight negative or neutral trends (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.8 – 6.7, 6+) and continues in fifth-place. Up a collective half-share as a result of five successive up or flat Providence moves (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” falters by two-tenths to 1.4 (6+) and shifts from #12 to a three-way tie at #11. Also part of that three-way logjam at #11 is Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX “Hot 106,” which is -1.0 in three losses in succession (2.4 – 2.3 – 1.8 – 1.4,  6+). Disappearing from print in July and August are Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3,” which posted a 1.2 in June (#16, 6+) and classic hits-oldies sibling WSKP “Good Times … Great Oldies” (.8, #19, June 2019, 6+).

Norfolk

Spoken-Word Formats – After a hiatus of just over three years (July 2016), Max Broadcast Group Holdings outlets are listed again.

The only entry appearing in print under the spoken-word umbrella in this Virginia market is Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1,” which has a July/August topline of 1.2 – 1.4 (#16 to #14, 6+); its internet stream, which notched a .1 in July (#19, 6+), disappears in August.

Norfolk Music Formats – Only one station in the 48 PPM-markets registers a (6+) July 2019 – August 2019 increase of at least two full-shares and that honor goes to … WNOR “FM 99 Rocks” (+2.1). In fact, the Saga Communications-owned facility hasn’t had a decrease the last five survey periods and is a stunning +3.0 in that timeframe (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 8.9, fourth to second, 6+). Moreover, “FM 99 Rocks” reaches the eight-share level (8.9, 6+) for the first time since May 2018’s 8.3 (6+). WNOR is now just two-tenths from the top spot. While Entercom urban AC WVKL is #1 the eighth consecutive month, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is a combined -2.3 in July/August (11.4 – 10.0 – 9.1, 6+). Prior to its present 9.1 (August 2019, 6+), WVKL last failed to log double-digits (6+) in January 2014 (9.8). WVKL was a combined -2.4 in March/April (12.9 – 11.6 – 10.5, 6+) and then added a +1.0 in May to 11.5 (6+). “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” had been the market pacesetter 25 successive survey periods before segueing to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018. Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. In the market’s tight adult contemporary battle, Max Broadcast Group’s WVBW “92.9 The Wave” logs an increase of eight-tenths (3.4 – 4.2, ninth to sixth, 6+), while Entercom’s WWDE “101.3 2WD” is up a combined six-tenths in July/August (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.0, sixth to fifth, 6+). Repeating at #11, iHeartMedia alternative WNOH “Alt 105.3” has nearly tripled (+1.4) its 6+-stat in eight straight survey periods without a loss (.8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Eroding by -1.2 (5.0 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom’s WNVZ “Z-104 Norfolk Rhythmic Music” drops from fifth to eighth with its lowest 6+-stat (3.8) since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.6. Although off seven-tenths (3.2 – 2.5, 6+), Max Broadcast Group-owned WVHT “Hot 100” repeats at  #10. An overall +1.2 in three consecutive up or flat trends (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.2, 4.0, 6+), Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” falters by six-tenths to 4.0 (eighth to ninth, 6+). July’s 4.0 was the best 6+-showing for “The Point” since September 2017’s 4.4. Down by six-tenths as well in August is Max Broadcast Group’s country WGH-FM “97.3 The Eagle” (4.7 – 4.1, flat at #7, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Doubling July’s +.5 with an August +1.0 (7.5 – 8.0 – 9.0, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” repeats at #1. July’s increase halted five consecutive down or flat sweeps that accounted for a collective -2.9 (10.4 – 9.7 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.6 – 7.5, 6+). Tied for the top spot in May, WOKV-FM had sole possession of first-place in January, February, and April.

By adding three-tenths (.5, #20 to #19, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” applies the brakes to nine consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a net loss of 75% (-.6) of its 6+-stat (.8 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3 -.3 – .2 – .2, 6+).

Down or flat the fifth consecutive time for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+), public news/talk WJCT slips from #12 to #13. Immediately prior to April, “Your Community – Your World” was a cumulative +1.5 in five increases in a row (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+).

Jacksonville Music Formats – Separated by nine-tenths of a share in July, the market’s two major adult contemporary outlets are now within six-tenths of each other. More to the point, in five consecutive upticks, Cox Media Group’s WEZI “Easy 102.9” is an overall +2.4 (4.5 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.9, 6+) and rockets from seventh to third. A combined +1.1 in January/February, WEZI surrendered roughly half that increase with a March loss of six-tenths. This (6.9) represents the highest 6+-showing for “Easy” in its approximately four-year AC history. The station WEZI is chasing – Renda Broadcasting’s similarly-programmed WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” – notches a +.3 (7.2 – 7.5, 6+) and inches up from third to second. August’s increase curtails four decreases in a row that resulted in a collective -1.5 (8.7 – 8.3 – 7.6 – 7.5 – 7.2, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 16.3 by adult contemporary WEJZ is the highest 6+-mark for any Jacksonville station since “Holiday” 2015 when it notched a 19.5 (6+). Segueing from second to fourth, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle” is -2.1 in three straight setbacks (8.6 – 8.1 – 7.3 – 6.5, 6+). After a March-only stay at #1, “The Eagle” shifted to a second-place tie in April; progressed to a first-place tie in May; and had sole possession of first-place in June. WJGL’s April loss of six-tenths interrupted three upticks in succession that resulted in a +1.6 (7.3 – 8.1 – 8.6 – 8.9, 6+). Meanwhile, co-owned urban contemporary WJGL-HD2 drops one-half share (2.1 – 1.6, #15 to #16, 6+). Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “99.9 Gator Country” is a combined +1.2 in July/August (3.5 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+) and advances from ninth to eighth. This time last month, iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 Jacksonville’s Country”; urban contemporary cluster-mate WJBT “93.3 The Beat”; and Cox Media Group CHR WAPE “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” were deadlocked in fourth-place (6.6, 6+). All three are down in August with WQIK taking the biggest hit, plummeting -1.2 to 5.4 (seventh), its lowest 6+-stat since April’s 4.5. Both WAPE and WJBT were up six-tenths in July but they each regress by seven-tenths to 5.9 (6+) and are tied again – this time at #5. Thus, they have identical (6.0 – 6.6 – 5.9, 6+) June – July – August profiles. In advance of the July sweep, WAPE had been an overall -1.3 in three straight down or flat moves (7.3 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 6.0, 6+) with June’s 6.0 its weakest 6+-stat since 5.2 in “Holiday” 2018. Meanwhile, “The Beat” – which was +1.4 in June – had its best showing (6.6, July 2019, 6+) since May 2017’s 7.2.

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – It’s another positive report for iHeartMedia-owned WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk,” which is an overall +2.0 in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.0, steady at #6, 6+). June marked the first time WJNO reached the three-share level since December 2017’s 3.3. Repeating at #11, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” is a cumulative +.9 in three spikes in a row (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6, 6+). By gaining two-tenths to 2.1 (#14 to #13, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” halts three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). Miami news/talk sibling WIOD “610 News Radio” is up four-tenths in three modest bumps in succession (.6 – .8 – .9 – 1.0, #20 to #19, 6+).

Locked on .3 (6+) in June and July, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” picks up one-tenth to .4 (#22, 6+). After posting a .1 (6+) in August 2018, iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WBZT “1230 The Zone” has been a “no-show” in the subsequent 13 ratings periods.

Returning the two-tenths it picked up in July (2.9 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN remains in tenth-place.

West Palm Beach Music Formats – This market’s first eight August 2019 finishers are either up or flat from July 2019, with each station in the top four gaining a minimum of one-half share (6+). Leading the way in that category is iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5,” which roars back from July’s -.8 with an August +1.0 (7.2 – 6.4 – 7.4, third to second, 6+). Whereas this (7.4, August 2019) is the best 6+-showing for “Kool” since July 2016’s 7.5, the 6.4 (6+) in July 2019 was its softest since March (6.4, as well). Meanwhile, Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WEAT-FM “Sunny 107.9” craters by -1.5 (6.6 – 5.1, second to third, 6+). When “Sunny” gained one-tenth in July, it suspended three straight decreases that accounted for an overall -1.7 (8.2 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Prior to its current 5.1 (6+), “Sunny” last fell below a six-share in November 2018 (5.0, 6+). A collective -2.2 in three straight decreases (5.9 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” answers with a +.8 to 4.5 (sixth to fourth, 6+). April’s +.6 took WMBX to 5.9, its highest 6+-share since May 2018’s 6.2. Up six-tenths and advancing from #12 to #11, iHeartMedia Miami CHR WHYI “Y-100” logs a (6+ West Palm Beach) share between 2.0 – 2.6 the fourth time in a row (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+). With an August +.5 to 8.3 (6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF pulls the plug on four successive downturns that led to a whopping -3.4 (11.2 – 9.0 – 8.8 – 8.2 – 7.8, 6+). Furthermore, “Variety from the 90s and Now” is #1 the eighth time in a row. July’s 7.8 was its lowest 6+-share – and first time below an eight-share (6+) – since “Holiday” 2016 (7.7). Conversely, WRMF logged a +2.0 in March to 11.2, its highest 6+-share since November 2017 (11.2, as well). Three drops in succession by WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF led to a -1.0 (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+), but “WAY-FM Uplifting – Upbeat – Real” ends the slide with a one-tenth increase to 1.8 (#15 to #14, 6+). Without a loss the past three reports for a net gain of three-tenths (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WKGR “GATER 98.7” (fourth to ninth) sputters by seven-tenths to 3.3, its lowest 6+-stat since February 2016 (3.3, as well). Despite being +1.7 via three straight up or flat trends (2.0 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Spanish contemporary cluster-mate WRLX “Mia 92.1” backslides from sixth to seventh.

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding one-half share to July’s +.6 (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” carries on at #10. This (4.3) is its best 6+-stat since February’s 4.4.

In four straight sweeps without a loss, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” nets two-tenths (.8 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0, steady at #14, 6+).

On one hand, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD is #13 the 16^th consecutive ratings period, but “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” forfeits two-tenths to 2.3 (6+), thus snapping three straight increases that yielded nine-tenths (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC doubles (+.5) its 6+ AQH-share in four successive up or flat moves (.5 – .8 – .8 – .8 – 1.0, #15 to #14, 6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – The market’s two powerhouse country stations log strong (6+) July 2019 – August 2019 improvements – but – they swap places. After being without an increase the past three reports for an overall loss of one-half share (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” erases the shortfall with a +.8 to 6.0 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Before dropping two-tenths in March, “The Wolf” had three consecutive shifts of one-half share: -.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +.5 (January 2019); and +.5 (February). With a May through July topline of 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 (6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” follows with a gain of six-tenths to 5.9 (6+) and continues at #7. In three straight sweeps without an increase, WTQR was a cumulative -1.0 (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), but erased 70% of that deficit in May with a +.7 to 5.7 (6+). Flat in March, “Q-104.1” cancelled out January’s +.7 with a February -.7 (5.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+). Over the course of the last 16 sweeps (June 2018 through August 2019), WTQR has prevailed over WPAW ten times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, May, and July); WPAW has come out on top five times (December 2018, February 2019, March, April, and August; and the two were tied in June 2019 (5.3, 6+). Five straight positive spikes by iHeartMedia-owned rocker WVBZ have netted +2.3 (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, steady at #9, 6+). In June, “105.7 – Man Up” reached the four-share level (4.1, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 4.0. This marks the third time this calendar year (March, June, and now in August) that Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” is #1 (8.8 – 9.5, +.7, second to first, 6+). Its eight (6+) fluctuations in 2019 are: +.9 (January); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); -1.6 (April); +1.1 (May); +.5 (June); -1.0 (July); and +.7 (August). Prior to its March stay at #1, WSMW last reached #1 in August 2016 when it logged a 10.5 (6+). Occupying the top spot the other five months in 2019 is co-owned urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School,” which slips to second (9.5 – 9.3, -.2, 6+). April’s increase of six-tenths curtailed five straight declines that resulted in a -2.3 (11.4 – 10.8 – 10.3 – 9.9 – 9.6 – 9.1, 6+). WQMG’s consecutive streak of reaching double-digits (6+) was snapped at 26 in January; it has been within 9.1 – 9.9 (6+) range ever since. Even though iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG craters by -1.5 to 6.9 (6+), “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, and Today” remains in third-place. A combined +.5 in June/July (7.9 – 8.1 – 8.4, 6+) WMAG has its lowest 6+-stat (6.9) in exactly one year (6.8, 6+, August 2018. Off six-tenths (3.5 – 2.9, #11 to #12, 6+), co-owned CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss FM – All The Hits” slips below a three-share (2.9, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018’s 2.8.

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight jumps by iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” (steady at #8) have yielded seven-tenths (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+).

Albeit unchanged at #13, Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” is -1.7 in seven consecutive down or flat trends (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat since July 2018 (2.3, as well). Co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790” is without an increase the 14^th straight time (including twelve consecutive .1 showings) for a collective loss of three-tenths (.4 – .4 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 -.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #18 to #21, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – This Tennessee market’s (6+) adult contemporary share improved by two-tenths in June; was -1.1 in July; and balloons by +1.3 in August. Precisely obliterating July’s -.8 with a +.8 (6.6 – 5.8 – 6.6, 6+), Entercom’s WRVR “104.5 The River” progresses from fifth to fourth. In advance of June’s +.1, “The River” was an overall -2.4 in three straight declines (8.9 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+). While “Holiday” 2018’s 11.3 is its strongest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9 (#6), July’s (5.8) was its lowest since May 2017’s 5.7. Nine recent (6+) WRVR fluctuations include: +2.4 (October 2018); -1.6 (December); +2.0 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.1 (January 2019); +.7 (February); -1.1 (March); -1.2 (May); -.8 (July); and +.8 (August). While unchanged at #16, its adult contemporary rival – Cumulus Media’s WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” – picks up one-half share in August and is in an alternating down/up pattern: 1.1 – .9 – 1.0 – .7 – 1.2 (April through August, 6+). July’s .7, was its lowest 6+-stat since transitioning from urban-rhythmic oldies to AC in late-2017. WKIM surrendered nearly half (-.7) its 6+ AQH-share in April/May (1.6 – 1.1 – .9, 6+). “The Bridge” reached the five-share level (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, but was a combined -4.0 in January/February (5.1 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+). Down or flat the past four reports for a collective -1.2 (4.6 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+), cluster-mate WGKX “Kix 106 – Today’s Best Country” hangs out a +.7 to 4.1 and enters the top ten (#11 to #9). Despite returning the three-tenths it picked up in July (9.8 – 10.1 – 9.8, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” is #1 the tenth time in a row. July’s increase curtailed four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a -1.8 (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.4 – 9.8, 6+). Prior to June’s loss of six-tenths to 9.8 (6+), KJMS reached double-digits (6+) in each of the previous 14 ratings periods. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is the highest 6+-share since December 2012’s 13.5 for “V-101,” which was +2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (10.5 – 11.5 – 12.8, 6+). North Mississippi Media Group’s WEBL “Country Legends 95.3 The Rebel” (1.2, 6+) and classic hits-oldies WOWW “Guess FM – Memphis’ Greatest Hits” (.6, 6+) pop on at #16 and #19, respectively. Following three straight bumps for a +1.2 (3.3 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WXMX “98.1 The Max – Maximum Rock” surrenders all but two-tenths of that increase (3.5, -1.0, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #11) with its lowest 6+-stat (3.5) since December 2018’s 3.0. July’s increase of two-tenths to 3.4 (6+) by iHeartMedia-owned WDIA halted five successive downturns that accounted for a -2.1 (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). In August though, “AM 1070 – The Heart & Soul of Memphis” falters by eight-tenths (2.6, #11 to #12, 6+). Its CHR sibling, KWNW “101.9 Kiss FM,” nearly doubled (+1.2) its 6+ AQH in June/July (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.5, 6+) with July’s 2.5 its best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. “Kiss” relinquishes seven-tenths in August to 1.8 (6+) but remains at #14. Regressing by seven-tenths as well in August is Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO “103.5 The Best Mix of R&B,” which is a collective -.2.7 via four successive setbacks (9.1 – 8.7 – 7.5 – 7.1 – 6.4, third to fifth, 6+). The last time WRBO fell below a seven-share (6+) was exactly four years ago (August 2015, 6.9, 6+).

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – While it repeats at #7, Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” follows July’s -1.1 with an August loss of one-tenth to 6.2, its lowest 6+-stat since February’s 5.9. Down one-half share in July, Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” is up one-tenth (.5 – .6, 6+) and gains one ranker (#15 to #14). After being a “no-show” in June 2018, iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” has logged a .1 (6+) in each of the subsequent 15 survey periods (#18 to #16, 6+).

In four straight sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia sports talk WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” has lost three-tenths (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, unchanged at #12, 6+).

In back-to-back sweeps, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” improves by one-tenth (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, steady in ninth place, 6+). July’s increase curtailed three straight drops that accounted for a collective -1.1 (5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+). Notwithstanding that its 6+ AQH share has been sliced exactly in half (-.8) via three drops in succession (1.6 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .8, 6+), University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” advances from #14 to #13.

Hartford Music Formats – A collective -1.5 in six straight down or flat trends (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ “Radio 104.1” applies the brakes with a +1.0 to 4.1 and continues in tenth-place. Co-owned Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2, which was without an increase the past survey periods and -1.0 in that stretch (2.6 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.6, 6+), improves by six-tenths to 2.2 (flat at #11, 6+). Prior to July, the last time WMRQ-HD2 fell below a two-share (6+) was May 2018 (1.9). A combined -.4 in June/July (6.4 – 6.3 – 6.0, 6+), classic rock cluster-mate WDRC-FM (eighth to fourth) erupts with a +.9 to 6.9, the highest 6+-stat for “102.9 The Whale” since it flipped to classic rock in January 2015. The station’s previous best was in March 2014 (7.0, 6+), when WDRC-FM was classic hits-oldies. By gaining one-tenth to 9.5 (6+), Entercom adult contemporary WRCH ends a June/July slide that accounted for a -1.4 (10.8 – 10.4 – 9.4, 6+). Moreover, “Lite 100.5” is #1 the 38^th consecutive time. Nine of its recent (6+) shifts include: -.8 (November 2018); +1.8 (December); -6.9 (January); +1.0 (February; -1.0 (March); -1.3 (April); +1.0 (May); and -1.0 (July). The +5.6 in “Holiday” 2018 was to 18.0, the strongest 6+-showing for any Hartford station since WRCH recorded an 18.3 in “Holiday” 2017). Prior to slipping to 9.8 in April, “Lite” was in double-digits (6+) in 30 of the previous 32 sweeps. Following three straight reports without a loss that netted +1.9 (5.3 – 5.7 – 7.2 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WHCN “105.9 The River” spirals by -1.1 to 6.1 (6+) and drifts from third to eighth. July’s 7.2 was its best 6+-showing since May 2018’s 7.7. On the heels of July’s +1.2 to 7.9, its highest 6+-share since August 2017’s 8.3, co-owned WWYZ surrenders more than half that bounty (7.2, -.7, 6+) but repeats in the runner-up slot. In advance of July’s increase, “Country 92.5” was an overall -1.0 in five consecutive negative or neutral sweeps (7.7 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7, 6+).