Category: Industry News

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

New Programming Lineup at ‘The Team 980’ in Washington; ‘Cooley and Kevin’ Exit AM Show. There’s a new weekday program schedule for sports talker WTEM, Washington “The Team 980” as Radio One assumes control of the station it is acquiring from Dan Snyder’s Red Zebra.  The morning team of Chris Cooley and Kevin Sheehan is out and Al Galdi takes over the 6:00 am to 10:00 am daypart. The  Washington Post reports that midday personality Bram Weinstein, as well as “Inside the Locker Room” hosts Scott Jackson and Rick “Doc” Walker are also off the schedule as Fred Smoot is now host of the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show, followed by Brian Mitchell and Scott Linn from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Steve Czaban holding down the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm program.  The paper says program director Chris Johnson reports the station is “still in the process of finalizing our lineup.”  Both Walker and Cooley will continue to work the Washington Redskins game day broadcasts on the station this season.

Lar Larson Celebrates 15 Years in National Syndication.  KXL, Portland-based Lars Larson is celebrating his 15^th year in national syndication tomorrow (8/15). Larson tells TALKERS magazine, “Wednesday, August 15, 2018 marks 15 years since the national syndication of the Lars Larson show. That’s the day I took over what had been the Laura Ingraham show on Westwood One.  When Westwood dropped the show after six years of syndication, Peter Kosann (who left his position as CEO of Westwood two years earlier) was there to rescue me with his brand-spanking-new Compass Media Networks.  Since then, Peter and his team have grown our affiliates and advertisers to make the Lars Larson show more successful than ever.  I’ve done the show live from NYC, DC & Jerusalem among others, as well as the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and literally dozens of towns – big and small – across the country.  Last November, the show was broadcast live from the East Room of the White House with President Donald J. Trump as the star guest.  Compass has agreed to carry my show through at least 2023, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ll keep talking for my friend Peter Kosann till he pulls the mic from my cold, dead hands.  Meanwhile, my show on the Radio Northwest Network marks 18 years in regional syndication throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho on 24 stations, including its flagship, ‘FM News 101’ KXL.”

Mark Sturcken to Lead Sales for iHeartMedia West Palm Beach/Fort Pierce Stations. Radio sales pro Mark Sturcken is named SVP of sales for iHeartMedia’s West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce stations, including news/talk outlets WJNO-AM, West Palm Beach and WZTA-AM, Fort Pierce/Vero Beach, plus sports talk WBZT-AM, West Palm Beach.  Sturcken was most recently director of sales for Beasley Media Group’s Las Vegas cluster.  iHM West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce market president Mark McCauley says, “Mark brings more than 20 years of radio sales and management experience to us and we’re excited to welcome him back to iHeartMedia.  Mark is a highly regarded leader in our industry and we look forward to having him lead our sales operation in West Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.”

TALKERS News Notes.  According to a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Maria Sciullo, Steel City reporter Marty Griffin is leaving CBS Corp.’s KDKA-TV where he was featured in the “Get Marty” consumer assistance segment.  Griffin also hosts the late-morning “Inside Story with Marty Griffin” show on Entercom’s KDKA-AM and is continuing in that role. The television station says Griffin left at the end of July to pursue new opportunities…..Westwood One – in collaboration with Cult Favorite Media – is launching a new podcast titled, “Run Like a Girl,” hosted by voiceover artist and screenwriter Tracy Fraim.  The show will introduce listeners to different female candidates from across the country who are running the political race of their lives.  In addition, now through election day, the podcast goes inside the Gretchen Whitmer campaign for exclusive access to one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the country – Michigan.  Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes states, “The time is now for these exceptional women.  They’re courageous and tenacious, and we are proud to shine our spotlight on their personal stories and support them with a massive radio, social, and influencer marketing campaign.”…..Salem Media Group is acquiring Hilary Kramer’s investment newsletters GameChangers, High Octane Trader, Value Authority and Inner Circle as well as the websites HilaryKramer.com and KramerCapitalResearch.com.  In a press release, Salem says that “adding Hilary Kramer to Eagle Financial Publications’ portfolio of investment newsletters and trading services adds more depth to an already powerful mix of products.”…..Radio pro Bo Woods is partnering with Pastor Ron Merrell to launch a new, daily, 20-minute podcast called the “Ronnie and Bo” show.  Woods says, “Our basic premise is to entertain each other, relating life experiences and observations.  I believe that if we’re having fun, then the listener is too.”  Woods is the son of National Radio Hall of Fame air personality, Jack Woods.  “My father was half of a radio morning team show.  I followed in his footsteps when I got into radio, but it wasn’t until I started working with Ronnie that I knew exactly what he did.” Woods has served with Dial Global satellite; KRTH, Los Angeles “K-EARTH 101”; KLUV-FM, Dallas; and WWDE-FM, Norfolk.

Omarosa Book/Recording Case, Trump-Russia Investigation/Strzok Fired by FBI, DC White Nationalist Rally, Paul Manafort Trial, Tuesday Primary Elections, Turkey’s Lira Crisis, Aretha Franklin Ill, NFL Pre-season, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/13).  The secret White House recording made by Omarosa Manigault Newman and the release of her book; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents and the related firing of FBI agent Peter Strzok; Sunday’s white nationalist rally in Washington, DC; the trial of former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort; today’s primary elections in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont and Connecticut; the financial crisis affecting Turkey’s lira and fears of global repercussions; reports of singer Aretha Franklin’s declining health; NFL pre-season activity; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Steve McKay moves from Cumulus Media’s Wilmington, North Carolina cluster to the company’s Columbia, South Carolina station group to serve as program director for adult contemporary WTCB “B106.7” and classic hits WOMG.  Cumulus Columbia VP and market manager Rick Prusator says, “Steve McKay’s experience in our formats on WTCB and WOMG has delivered top ratings and revenues for the radio stations he has guided and his addition to our already great team in Columbia will bring immediate results.  Steve’s commitment to creating greater listener experiences and coaching his team to help them be their best is why I think he is the perfect leader to guide our team at this time.”…..Radio One Washington announces the return of DJ Quicksilva as the host of the all new afternoon drive “Quicksilva Show” on WERQ, Baltimore “92Q” and WKYS, Washington.  The show launched on WERQ on Monday (8/6) and will debut on WKYS on August 20. Quicksilva says, “I’m really excited to be back on the air doing what I love to do which is inspire and motivate all while making a party on your radio daily.  The Quicksilva show’s mission is to use my platform and voice to help others #InRealLife.”…..Hubbard Radio’s country WIL, St. Louis says that “because St. Louis is known as ‘the best baseball city’ in America,” it was “proud to present Dan & Shay with genuine, customized St. Louis Cardinals baseball jerseys before their recent show in St. Louis.”  Pictured below are (from l-r): Dan Smyers, WIL personality Kelly from Arnold, Shay Mooney, and WIL assistant program director/music director Danny Montana.

Nielsen’s Summer Format for 2018 Trending Towards Classic Hits.  In years past, classic rock and classic hits have been the formats to watch in Nielsen’s summer format of the year.  That’s calculated in PPM markets across the country comparing the format’s January-May 6+ AQH with the 6+ AQH for June-August.  The format with the most improvement takes the honor.  With August to go, classic hits is up 0.2 share over its January-May total.  Nielsen is also watching the trends in listening for Millennials (Persons 18-34).  The chart below shows AQH share among Millennials for July surveys from 2011 through 2017.  CHR continues to see erosion as its July 2018 AHQ share was 10.3.

Takeaways from July PPM – Round Two. Below are managing editor Mike Kinosian’s Twelve Takeaways from Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 PPM ratings survey.  This second report includes the 12 markets of Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Each month this calendar year (January 2018 – June 2018), Hubbard all-news WTOP and American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” finished first and second, respectively. There is a modification in July, however, as WTOP (9.5 – 9.3, -.2, 6+) remains at #1 for the seventh straight time, but WAMU (8.3 – 7.6, -.7, 6+) segues to third. WTOP rebounded from April’s -.8 with a +.1 in May (10.4 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Following four consecutive months at #1, WTOP shifted to second-place in “Holiday” 2017. With a +1.3 in January (9.3 – 10.6, 6+), however, it reclaimed the top spot with its best 6+-stat since March 2011’s 10.6. Moreover, that +1.3 halted three successive declines that produced an overall -.5 (9.8 – 9.6 – 9.4 – 9.3, 6+). A collective -2.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.6 – 8.9 – 7.6, 6+), WAMU gained back 85% of that loss in January with a +1.7 and was -1.1 in March. It exited the top spot in September, after spending eight straight months there. Down one-half share to 3.2 (#11 to #13, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” interrupts three upticks in succession that netted a +1.3 (2.4 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+). Before notching a +.6 in January, the Washington Nationals flagship was without an increase in four straight survey periods for a roughly 50% decline (-1.7) of its 6+ AQH share (3.5 – 3.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+). On the flipside, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL, which was a combined -1.5 via three consecutive downward moves (5.0 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+), adds two-tenths in July to 3.7 (#13 to #11, 6+). In March, WMAL reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time in the PPM-era (5.0). It was without an increase in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017 for an overall -1.0 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+) before dialing up a +1.1 in January. Since appearing in print in May 2017, Entercom business news WDCH (#23 to #24) is trending .3 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 and is without an increase for the third month in a row.

Washington, DC Music Formats – Once again, urban AC rivals WMMJ and WHUR take center stage and combine to elevate the format by a +1.3. The majority of that increase is supplied by Radio One-owned WMMJ, which continues on an historic roll with its sixth straight up or flat report for a collective +2.3 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+). Moreover, “Majic” (third to second) registers the highest 6+-stat (7.9) in its PPM history, breaking the “old” record set this time last month. Meanwhile, after four straight reports without an increase for an overall -1.4  (7.1 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), Howard University’s WHUR (steady at #4) is a combined +1.1 in June and July (5.7 – 6.3 – 6.8), with July’s 6.8 its best 6+-showing since January’s 7.1. In April, “Majic” pulled ahead of WHUR for the first time since November 2015, which was when the two rivals were tied at 4.7 (6+). In each sweep since then, WHUR had been on top until WMMJ picked up two-tenths to 5.8, while WHUR faltered by four-tenths to 5.7. The February 2018 – June 2018 6+ topline for WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety” was a steady 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 4.8, but the iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet sputters in July by -1.0 to 3.8, drifting from fifth to ninth. This (3.8) marks the first time in the PPM-era that WASH has been below a four-share (6+). Despite being without an increase for the third sweep in succession for a -.4 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), co-owned WBIG “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock Station” climbs from sixth to fifth. With a July gain of three-tenths to 3.9 (#6+), Radio One urban contemporary WKYS wipes out the -.2 it logged in five straight down or flat surveys (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #8). Its similarly-formatted Baltimore sibling – WERQ “92-Q” – surfaces in the Washington, DC report with a .7 (6+), debuting at #20. Following three modest upticks in succession for an overall gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom hot AC WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” surrenders four-tenths to 3.1 (#13 to #14, 6+). Its format foe – Cumulus Media’s WRQX – picks up one-tenth (4.0 – 4.1, 6+) and inches up from seventh to sixth. “Mix 107.3” was an overall +1.7 in six consecutive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), before recording a -.4 in June. Three consecutive minor decreases totaling four-tenths (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+) are enough to force Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC-FM out of the top ten (#9 to #11). Within 2.4 – 2.9 range (6+) for the eighth successive sweep (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WWDC “DC-101” drops from #15 to #17.

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Up one-tenth in back-to-back monthlies (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk WEEI-FM (ninth to eighth) overtakes Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (eighth to tenth), which is a combined -1.9 in June and July (5.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+). Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM was +1.4 in January, halting three decreases in a row that produced an overall -1.9 (5.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). It roared back from a cumulative -2.0 in February and March (5.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+) with a +1.0 in April. WBZ-FM was -1.5 in February. Adding four-tenths to June’s +.1 (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM progresses from fifth to fourth. After three straight improvements for a cumulative +1.5 (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+), “News Radio 1030” was -.9 in April; 6.4 in March is its best 6+-stat since January 2017’s 6.6. Owing to a two-tenths improvement to 2.5 (#15 to #13, 6+), news/talk sibling WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” applies the brakes to three downward moves in a row for a collective loss of seven-tenths (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). The market’s two public news/talkers are off by a combined seven-tenths. Specifically, Boston University’s WBUR (fourth to fifth) is down three-tenths (5.9 – 5.6, 6+), while WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH (#11 to #12) forfeits four-tenths and is a combined -1.6 in three decreases in a row (4.7 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.1, 6+). In June, WBUR surrendered half of May’s +.6 with a loss of three-tenths. It was a collective -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017; +.7 in January; and +1.0 in March. WGBH was off two-tenths in both February and March and – as was the case with WBUR – improved by seven-tenths in January.

Boston Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WXKS-FM up or flat for the third straight time for an overall gain of seven-tenths (7.1 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.8, 6+), “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” sets the pace for the seventh straight ratings period. “Kiss” rebounded from a -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.9 in January (6.4 – 7.3, 6+) and was off by one-half share in April. It exited the top spot in December, after three straight months there. Meanwhile, the “Holiday” 2017 – July 2018 topline trending for its format challenger, Entercom’s WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” (#15 to #16, 6+) is 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2. Repeating in the runner-up slot is Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 Boston’s Greatest Hits,” which is up an overall six-tenths via three modest upticks in succession (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+). Notching its third straight increase as well is rhythmic hot AC sibling WBQT “Hot 96.9” (3.0 – 3.4 – 4.0 – 4.1, tenth to ninth, 6+), which has its highest 6+-share (4.1) since January 2017’s 4.4. This is the fourth month in a row without a loss for Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1 Boston’s Best Variety” (flat at #11), which is up two-tenths in that stretch (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+). It’s a remarkably similar story for Beasley Media Group alternative WBOS “Alt 92.9 – Boston’s Alternative,” which is up two-tenths in four straight up or flat trends (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0, unchanged at #18, 6+). A combined +.8 in April and May (2.2 – 2.6 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 For R&B” is now a collective -.9 in June and July (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.1, #14 to #17, 6+). Having been up an overall seven-tenths in May and June (4.7- 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” returns six-tenths to 4.8 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic CHR WJMN “JAM’N 94.5” surrenders all but one-tenth of the six-tenths it gained in June (2.9 – 2.4, -.5, #13 to #15, 6+) and is within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 13^th successive sweep. Northeast Broadcasting triple A WXRV “92.5 The River” is off four-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), while Entercom’s WAAF “The Only Station That Really Rocks” is -.8 in three consecutive decreases (2.3 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+); WXRV and WAAF remain at #19 and #20, respectively. Operating out of Providence, Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” (#23) nearly doubles its 6+ Boston stat in seven successive up or flat trends (.7 – .8 – .9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+). Elsewhere in the country format, Beasley Media Group-owned WKLB “102.5 Boston’s Hottest Country” (flat at #7) is off two-tenths (4.7 – 4.5, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s #1 for New Hit Country” (#17 to #13) gains four-tenths (2.1 – 2.5, 6+). Following three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective loss of -1.0 (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+), WKLB bounced back with a +.7 in June. Entering the July sweep, “The Bull” posted four straight month-to-month fluctuations of one-tenth (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+).

Miami

English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – Linked together in June at #20, iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is flat at 2.0 (6+) and stays at #20, while Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN drops two-tenths (2.0 – 18, 6+) and falls to #21. A one-half share loss in May by WIOD halted seven straight positive or flat trends that netted an overall nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). In advance of a +.5 in January, WLRN was a collective -.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). In the sports talk arena, Entercom’s WQAM “Sports Radio 560” regains the one-tenth it lost in June (.9 – .8 – .9, flat at #25, 6+), while cluster-mate WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” is off one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.9 – .8 – .7, #25 to #27, 6+). When “The Ticket” posted a .8 (6+) in June, it curtailed five consecutive .9 postings (6+); WQAM’s May gain of two-tenths stalled five sweeps in succession without an increase for a collective -.8 (1.5 – 1.2 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – Following modest back-to-back gains of one-tenth and two-tenths (5.0 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR “Amor 107.5” explodes with a whopping +1.6 to 6.9 (6+) and marches from fifth to first, where it catches Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1.” WFEZ  advanced from second to first in June. Following three straight months without a decrease for an overall gain of eight-tenths (6.7 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+), “Easy” sputters by six-tenths in July to 6.9 (6+). Prior to April, “Easy” had been within 6.2 – 6.8 range (6+) in each of the previous 12 sweeps. In addition to the July -.6 by “Easy,” the market’s adult contemporary 6+-share softens by another three-tenths as Entercom’s WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” (fourth to fifth) is down by that margin and is actually a collective -1.2 in three straight sweeps without an increase (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.8 – 5.5, 6+). This (5.5) is the lowest 6+-share for “Lite” in exactly one year (5.2, July 2017). Just one-tenth behind co-leaders WFEZ and WAMR is Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot,” which is off three-tenths (7.1 – 6.8, 6+), sliding from second to third. As the result of four straight (slight) upticks (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+) iHeartMedia urban contemporary WMIB “103.5 The Beat” (#16 to #14) is up one-half share, while Cox Media Group’s like-formatted WEDR “99 Jamz” (eighth to sixth) is flat in that same March 2018 – July 2018 timeframe, trending 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 (6+). Down a combined eight-tenths in June and July (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMIA “93.9 MIA – Variety From The ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” slips from #15 to #18. Three-tenths of a share separates Miami’s two mainstream CHRs: Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” is off one-tenth (3.7 – 3.6, 6+) yet advances from #11 to #10, while iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” gains two-tenths (3.1 – 3.3, 6+) to climb from #13 to #12. Down or flat nine reports in a row for a collective -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), WFLC was +.6 in June. Locked on 4.0 (6+) in January and February, “Y-100” eroded by eight-tenths in March. These two CHRs were separated by one-tenth in both April and May. At the same time that Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ “106.7 El Zol” (ninth to seventh) picks up three-tenths (4.2 – 4.5, 6+), Univision Radio’s similarly-programmed WRTO “Mix 98.3” (#10 to #11) forfeits three-tenths to 3.5 (6+), thus snapping at four a consecutive string of increases that yielded nine-tenths (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+). WXDJ answers May’s -1.1 with a combined June and July increase of eight-tenths (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+). Immediately before May’s -1.1, “106.7 El Zol” was an overall +1.3 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). The March 2018 – July 2018 topline (6+) trending for Entercom rhythmic CHR WPOW “Power 96” (steady at #16) is 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7.

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to a loss of nine-tenths (5.6 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” fades from fifth to ninth. A combined -.6 in February and March, “97.1 The Ticket” was up nine-tenths in April. Prior to January’s +1.0, the Detroit Tigers flagship was -2.2 as a result of four losses in a row. Locked on 5.8 (6+) in May and June, cluster-mate WWJ “News Radio 950” slips by three-tenths to 5.5 (6+) and carries on in fourth-place. Following four up or flat trends in succession for a collective +1.0, WWJ was -.8 in April. In three straight negative trends (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” is a collective -.7 and segues from #11 to #12. Prior to the January sweep, WJR was -.9 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+). Even though Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM (#19 – #20) is without an increase for the seventh straight survey period, it has lost just two-tenths in that timeframe (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+). After being down or flat the past three sweeps for a loss of two-tenths (.9 – .9 – .7 -.7, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET picks up one-tenth to .7 and is steady at #22 (6+).

Detroit Music Formats – A collective -1.4 in May and June (7.9 – 7.1 – 6.5, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC erases half that deficit with a +.7 to 7.2 (6+). After four straight months at #1, “Detroit’s Greatest Hits”    lost eight-tenths in May and fell to #2; WOMC carries on in the runner-up slot in July. Its -.8 in May ended four consecutive up or flat sweeps that netted an overall +1.8 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.9, 6+). When Beasley Media Group’s WCSX dropped two-tenths in June, it pulled the plug on five straight positive spikes that generated a +2.5 (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6 – 7.9, 6+). In July, “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” answers with a gain of six-tenths to 8.3 (6+) and is #1 for the third month a row. Locked on 1.4 (6+) in April, May, and June, Detroit Classical and Jazz Educational Radio, LLC’s WRCJ breaks out a gain of six-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and enters the top twenty (#21 to #19). While it remains in third-place, Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Everything That Rocks” tumbles by three-tenths to 5.3 (6+), thus ending four consecutive improvements that led to a combined +1.5 (4.4 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.9, 6+); June’s 5.9 was its strongest 6+-stat since January 2017 (5.9, as well). Simultaneous with iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” (eighth to fourth) gaining two-tenths (5.3 – 5.5, 6+), Radio One rival, WDMK “105.9 Kiss FM – The Real Sound of ‘The D’” (#11 to #13), loses two-tenths (3.7 – 3.5, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share shrinks by four-tenths, as Entercom’s WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Best Country” (tie at #5 to a three-way tie at #4) is off one-tenth (5.6 – 5.5, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” sputters by three-tenths to 2.5 (#16 to #17), its lowest 6+-showing since Holiday 2017’s 2.1. Three down or flat moves in succession by WYCD accounted for a cumulative loss of one-half share but that was fully erased in June with a +.5. When “Nash FM” slipped by two-tenths in June, it halted five consecutive up or flat moves that netted nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). There is only slight June 2018 – July 2018 movement with the market’s two mainstream CHR players, although iHeartMedia’s WKQI iHeartMedia’s WKQI “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” (#10 to #11) is without an increase for the sixth successive sweep for an overall -.9 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-programmed WDZH “98.7 Amp Radio” (#17 to #15) is a combined +.4 in June and July (2.4 – 2.8, 6+), after having suspended three straight setbacks of one-tenth each (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – In the Bonneville cluster, news/talk KIRO-FM (5.1, second to sixth, 6+) and sports talk sibling KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” (3.5, #9 to #11, 6+) each surrender seven-tenths. The very steady KIRO-FM October 2017 – June 2018 6+-topline trending was: 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.8. As a result of four positive spikes in succession (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), Seattle Mariners flagship KIRO-AM was a combined +1.9. Prior to May, the last time KIRO-AM reached the four-share level (6+) was in October 2015 (4.3). Despite being down or flat for the third straight sweep for an overall -1.1 (6.5 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+), KUOW climbs from a fifth-place tie to a third-place tie. The Northwest Public Radio news/talker took over the runner-up slot in May after a one-month stay at #1. On top for four straight months before dropping to second in December, KUOW was +1.5 in January (6.4 – 7.9, 6+) as it returned to #1. When it lost six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, KUOW ended five consecutive up or flat trends that netted a +1.3 (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+). In addition to posting its fourth up or flat trend in succession for an overall gain of seven-tenths (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+), Bonneville’s KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). As a result of four losses in a row, KTTH was -.8 (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, October 2017 – January 2018, 6+). Logging a 2.3 (6+) for the third time in the last five survey periods (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group’s all-news KOMO drops out of the top twenty (#20 to #22). The (6+) topline February 2018 – July 2018 trending for co-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” (#24 to #25) is a remarkably consistent 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1. Locked on .6 (6+) in May and June, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” forfeits one-tenth to .5 (#27 to #28, 6+). Crista Media religious teaching KCIS – which notched a .5 (6+) in May – vanished in June but reappears in print in July with a .4 (#29, 6+).

Seattle Music Formats – A June increase of two-tenths (5.9 – 6.1, 6+) was enough to lift Hubbard CHR KQMV from third to first. Now, “MOViN 92.5” solidifies its hold on the top spot with a +1.7 to 7.8 (6+). That +1.7 represents the largest (6+) June 2018 – July 2018 improvement by any station in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve summarized so far. The last time KQMV reached the seven-share level (6+) was in February (7.1). At the same time, KUBE (formerly CHR KPWK), which was a collective +.8 in five straight sweeps without a loss (2.8 – 2.8- 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), surrenders the entire eight-tenths to 2.8 (6+), fading from #12 to #17. Taking over the runner-up slot (from third-place in June) is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet,” which is a collective +1.4 in four straight up or flat trends (5.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+). This (6.4) is the first time KJR-FM crosses the six-share level (6+) in more than two years (6.1, May 2016). The tie at #14 between the market’s two country FMs – Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” and Hubbard’s KNUC “98.9 The Bull” (formerly KVRQ) – is broken as “The Wolf” improves by one-half share and vaults to #10, whereas “The Bull” sputters by four-tenths to 3.0 (6+) and remains at #14. In a bit of a ratings oddity that dates back to October 2017, “The Wolf” continues a precise down/up pattern and is +.8 in that time period: (3.1 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+). Meanwhile, entering the July 2018 ratings period, “The Bull” more than tripled (+2.4) its 6+-stat as the result of six straight survey periods without a loss (1.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+) and reached the three-share level (3.4, June 2018) for the first time since September 2017’s 3.1. In addition to “The Wolf,” Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” (4.5, tenth to seventh, 6+) and Classic Radio KING “98.1 Listener-Supported Classical Music” (2.1 – 2.6, #21 to #19, 6+) were up one-half share in July. As far as “The End” is concerned, the +.5 wipes away three straight down or flat moves that generated a -.5 (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+). The recent rollercoaster ride for public KNKX “Your Connection to Jazz and Blues” (#12 to #14) includes a -.7 in May (to 3.0 – its lowest 6+-share since January 2017’s 3.0); +.6 in June; and -.6 in July (3.7 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+). Prior to May, KNKX was consistently within 3.6 – 3.9 territory in each of the previous nine sweeps (3.8 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+). Having added three-tenths in June, Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM (seventh to eighth) surrenders more than twice as much in July with a -.7 to 4.3, its lowest 6+-stat since October 2016 (4.3, as well). Prior to June’s improvement, “Warm 106.9” was -7.1 (or down roughly 60%) in five successive down or flat sweeps (11.8 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Its 11.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was the station’s strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Owing to a +.4 in November, “Warm” – which was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 – halted three straight down or flat trends that generated a combined -1.2 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). Format challenger, Entercom’s KSWD (#16 to #13), is an overall -.8 in four straight down or flat trends (4.1 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+); “The Sound” posted a one-half share gain in March (3.6 – 4.1, 6+). Following five consecutive sweeps without an increase for a cumulative -1.3 (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM – Seattle’s New Hit Music” picks up one-tenth to 2.9 (6+) and climbs from #17 to #16. Its format rival – Sinclair Broadcast Group’s KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” (eighth to ninth) – drops two-tenths to 4.1 (6+); Star was +.3 in both May and June (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite recording its third straight uptick that has produced a collective +.7 (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+) iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” backslides from #14 to a tie at #15. When KFYI lost one-tenth in March, it ended at three its successive string of upticks that netted nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). By notching a +.6 to 3.0 (#17 to #14, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ pulls the plug on three consecutive negative moves that accounted for a combined -1.5 (3.9 – 3.6 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). Up three-tenths in April but then a combined -.5 in May and June, KTAR-FM gains one-tenth in July (3.1 – 3.2, 6+) and continues at #11. The Bonneville news/talk outlet was +.8 in January (3.2 – 4.0, 6+), followed by an overall -.7 in February and March (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Stuck on 2.5 (6+) in June and July, sports talk sibling KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” slips from #15 to #17. From January through May, the Arizona Diamondbacks flagship was a collective +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+). Prior to the just-concluded positive streak, KMVP-FM registered four consecutive down or flat trends in which it lost 50% of its 6+ AQH share (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – Topping the list of several particularly wild June 2018 – July 2018 swings in this Arizona market is the lofty +1.6 recorded by adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything,” which comes on the heels of its strong June improvement of eight-tenths (3.5 – 4.3 – 5.9, 6+). “The Mountain” climbs from an eighth-place tie all the way to second, reaching the five-share level (5.9, 6+) for the first time in exactly two years (5.0, July 2016). Quadrupling its 6+-share (.3 – 1.2, +.9, 6+) Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVA “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” checks in at #26. Meanwhile, a station with similar call letters to KLVA – The Yucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA – improves six-tenths to 3.5, its finest 6+-showing since last August’s 3.6, as “Hot” cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). Format foe – iHeartMedia’s KMXP “Mix 96.9” (fourth to third) is a collective +1.1 in June and July (4.5 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). By posting June’s +.8, “Mix” regained 80% of the collective full-share it lost in April and May (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Notwithstanding a mighty -1.2 (8.7 – 7.5, 6+), adult contemporary sibling KESZ sets the pace for the ninth straight report. A combined -9.8 in three straight declines (16.4 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+), KESZ was up seven-tenths in April and then logged a gigantic +1.7 in May; 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016. As the result of July’s lofty -1.1 to 5.5 (6+), Hubbard’s KSLX obliterates in its entirety the +1.1 it netted in six straight sweeps without a loss (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+). Moreover, “Classic Rock 100.7,” which had been entrenched in the runner-up slot eight consecutive ratings periods, shifts to fifth. It isn’t the only station in the market to erode by -1.1 in July though as Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” does so (4.3 – 3.2, 6+) and exits the top ten in the process (#8 to #11). Another similarity between “Classic Rock 100.7” and “Live 101.5” is that KALV’s -1.1 nearly erases the +1.3 it accumulated via three straight upticks (3.0 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+). Within 5.2 – 5.6 range (6+) each month this calendar year (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country & All-Time Favorites” continues at #3, while its format challenger – Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” – is a collective -.5 in June and July (4.3 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+) but advances from tenth to ninth. A cumulative -1.8 in four successive negative trends (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.2 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI “101.9 Campesina” drifts from #15 to #20.

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – The last four fluctuations for Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” (#12 to #9) are +.8 (April); -.8 (May); -.8  (June); and now +.5 in July (4.7 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+). The Minnesota Twins flagship was locked on 4.4 (6+) in December 2017 and “Holiday” 2017 and then on 5.0 (6+) in January 2018 and February. This marks the fourth negative move in a row for Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW for a collective -2.2 (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+) as it exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Recent fluctuations include -.7 (February); +.7 (March); -.5 (April) +.7 (May) and -.7 (July). Backsliding from #15 to #17, Hubbard news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” is off an overall seven-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). Its March loss of three-tenths stopped four straight up or flat moves that generated a +1.2 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+). A collective -2.1 in four decreases in a row (5.8 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned sports talk KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” dips from #11 to #12; “K-Fan” was -1.5 in February. Flat at #14, iHeartMedia’s KTLK regains half of June’s -.6 (3.3 – 3.6, +.3, 6+). Prior to the June sweep, “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” was +1.4 in five successive sweeps without a loss (2.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). Trending 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .8 – 1.0 (6+), Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” returns to the top twenty (#22 to #20).

Minneapolis Music Formats – In June and July, Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” is a collective +.9 (5.0 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+) and advances from seventh to fourth. Notwithstanding that it is -1.1 in three straight downward trends (8.6 – 7.9 – 7.8 – 7.5, 6+), Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” is on top for the seventh sweep in a row. Its -.7 in May pulled the plug on four successive progressive moves that netted +2.8 (5.8 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6, 6+). Following three straight up or flat trends that accounted for a one-half share increase (6.6 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), “KS-95” was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.1 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+). Up a collective full-share in four consecutive positive spikes (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KTCZ “The Cities” cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). In five consecutive sweeps without a loss, American Public Media Group classical KSJN (flat at #15) is up a collective +1.2 (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+). The market’s country stations are basically stagnant in July: iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” is off one-tenth to 5.6 (fifth to sixth, 6+) and Entercom’s KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9” is steady in both 6+-share (4.2) and market rank (#10). The loss of one-tenth by “K-102,” however, is significant as it concludes six successive sweeps without a loss that yielded a +2.3 (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). January’s +1.1 halted six straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -2.9 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.4, 6+). Within 3.4 – 3.9 range (6+) between January and May (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), KMNB is now a combined +.6 in three straight up or flat trends (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 –  4.2, 6+) with June and July’s 4.2 its strongest 6+-stat since September 2017’s 4.4. This is the fifth consecutive month that Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” (fifth to seventh) is without an increase for a cumulative -.7 (6.2  – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.5, 6+).

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite gaining three-tenths (5.5 – 5.8, 6+), KPBS backslides from third to fourth. The San Diego State University-owned news/talk facility shifted from first to second in April; returned to #1 in May; and – down nine-tenths in June – dropped from first to third. KPBS was on top four times in 2017: February, August, September, and December. Seven-tenths behind KPBS is iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO, which is frozen on 5.1 (6+), segueing from fourth to fifth. “News Radio 600” was +.8 in January; -.7 in February; +.8 in March; and +.6 in May. When KOGO lost six-tenths in November, its successive string of up or flat monthlies that generated a collective +1.9 was snapped at four (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+); October 2017’s 7.2 is KOGO’s highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” is up two-tenths to 1.8 (#22 to #21, 6+). Its June increase of one-tenth curtailed three straight negative moves that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+). After a multi-year hiatus, iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” resurfaces in the San Diego report (1.6, #23, 6+). Three of the market’s sports talkers combine for a -.8 (6+): Tied at #26 are Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” (1.1 – .8, -.3, 6+) and Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (1.0 – .8, -.2, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” slides from #26 to #28 (.9 – .6, -.3, 6+).

San Diego Music Formats – On the strength of a full-share increase (3.7 – 4.7, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” zooms into the top ten (#11 to #7) with its best 6+-showing (4.7) since January’s 4.8. Tacking on nine-tenths to June’s +.5 (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+), Local Media San Diego-operated Comunicación XERSA XHRM “Magic 92.5” cruises from fifth to a second-place tie. After three increases in a row that produced a +1.1 (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+), “Magic 92.5” sputtered by four-tenths in May. Major ups/downs continue for Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits,” which registered a -1.6 in March, all but erasing its +1.9 through five straight gains (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). “Sunny” rebounded in April with a +.5; was -.7 in May; answered with a +.8 in June; and by piling on a +.5 in July (5.7 – 6.2, 6+), advances from second to first. It supplants cluster-mate KSON (6.3 – 5.9, -.4, first to second, 6+), whose stay at #1 lasted just one sweep. An April loss of one-tenth by “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” ended three straight positive trends that netted a cumulative +2.5 (3.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+). After surrendering six-tenths in June, Local Media San Diego-operated CHR XHTZ regresses by another seven-tenths (4.5 – 3.9 – 32, 6+) as “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” departs the top ten (#9 to #12). Also stumbling by seven-tenths in July is iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” (4.9 – 4.2, sixth to ninth, 6+), while sibling KGB-FM “101.5 San Diego’s Classic Rock Station” falters by six-tenths (4.9 – 4.3, sixth to eighth, 6+). Having posted a 2.7 (6+) in each of the last four ratings periods, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” surrenders one-half share to 2.2 (#16 to #20, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Down eight-tenths in May; up four-tenths in June; and now off one-tenth in July (5.4 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOA is steady at #4. Following January’s one-half share loss, “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” picked up one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+) and posted a +1.4 in April to zoom from ninth to first but the flagship of the Colorado Rockies exited the top spot in May after a one-month run. Shadowing KOA is Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR, which is also -.1 (5.3 – 5.2, 6+), thus remaining one-tenth behind KOA. It was a brief one-month stay at #1 (in May) for KCFR, which lost seven-tenths in June. In addition to being on top in May, KCFR was #1 in January and March. When it faltered by six-tenths in February, the station’s consecutive string of improvements that netted a cumulative +1.5 (4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+) ended at three. After picking up three-tenths to 2.2 (6+) in June, iHeartMedia news/talk KHOW returns two-tenths to 2.0 (6+) but stays at #19. Immediately in advance of the June sweep, “Talk Radio 630” had been down or flat four sweeps in a row for an overall setback of four-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 -1.9, 6+). Replicating June’s -.5 (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+) Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” (#15 to #16) posts its lowest 6+-stat (2.5) in exactly one year (July 2017, 2.3). “The Fan” was +1.0 in March; off four-tenths in April; and then up two-tenths in May. Its +.4 in January curtailed three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a cumulative -1.3 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+). Community Radio for Northern California news/talk KUNC drops one-tenth (1.0 – .9, #26 to #27, 6+). Prior to June’s 1.0, KUNC recorded a .7 (6+) in each of the three previous sweeps.

Denver Music Formats – Not only does KSE Radio Ventures hot AC KIMN erase June’s -.4 with a July +.5, “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix” enters the top ten (#12 to #9). It is actually part of a four-way scrum there (at #9) that includes Entercom’s similarly-formatted KALC “Alice 105.9,” whose last four 6+-stats (April – May – June – July) are 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.1. Down or flat the past three sweeps for a -.6 (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), rhythmic CHR sibling KQKS “KS-107.5” makes up all but one-tenth of the deficit with a +.5 to 3.9 (unchanged at #13, 6+). Classic rock cluster-mate KQMT “99.5 The Mountain – A Mountain of Classics” adds four-tenths to June’s massive +1.2 (4.9 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+) and repeats at #1. Bouncing back from June’s -1.1 with a gain of four-tenths (4.8 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+) is similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned KRFX “103.5 The Fox,” which is another member of that four-way logjam at #9 (up from #11 in June). Its 3.7 in June caused “The Fox” to fall below a four-share for the first time since “Holiday” 2015 (3.9).  Immediately after logging three consecutive up or flat trends that yielded a +1.0 (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” is a combined -1.1 in June and July (5.6 – 5.0 – 4.5, sixth to seventh, 6+). While May’s 5.6 is its most potent 6+-stat since December 2016’s 5.7, July 2018’s 4.5 is its softest since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.8. This is the fifth month in a row that Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI is up or flat for a collective +1.4 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+); “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” progresses from third to second, one-half share behind “The Mountain.” This (6.0) is the strongest 6+-showing for KOSI since Holiday’s 2017’s 11.5. The fourth station in the aforementioned four-way tie at #9 is co-owned KPTT “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which is down three-tenths to 4.1 (eighth to ninth, 6+), thus curtailing three straight upticks that resulted in a +1.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.4, 6+); June’s 4.4 is its strongest 6+-performance since August 2017 (4.4, as well). A cumulative -1.6 in four straight decreases (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” gains one-tenth to 2.8 (6+) and progresses from  #16 to #15.

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – In five of the last six sweeps, iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” has had a (6+) fluctuation of at least four-tenths. In January and February it was a +.5 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+); -.5 in March (3.7 – 3.2, 6+); +.8 in April (3.2 – 4.0, 6+); +.4 in May (4.0 – 4.4, 6+); and now -.7 in July (4.3 – 3.6, #9 to #11). Despite notching three straight up or flat trends for a +.4 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” backslides from #15 to #16. A one-tenth setback in April ended three straight increases that produced a gain of one-half share (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), while a January improvement of three-tenths curtailed four straight down or flat trends for a collective -1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). Stuck on 2.3 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” is now locked on 2.2 (6+) in June and July, but remains at #18. Starting with the “Holiday” 2017 report, the Tampa Bay Rays flagship was up or flat for the next five survey periods for a +.8 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+). The March 2018 – July 2018 topline trending for University of South Florida news/talk WUSF (flat at #20) is 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.7 (6+). When WUSF added two-tenths in June, it halted six successive ratings periods without an increase that accounted for a collective -1.6 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – Progressing from fifth to third, Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” adds a full-share to June’s +.4 (5.0 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+) and reaches the six-share level (6.4) for the first time since May 2017 (6.0). After logging four straight up or flat trends that accounted for a gain of seven-tenths (8.4 – 8.9 -9.0 – 9.0 – 9.1, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” slips three-tenths to 8.8 (6+), but dominates at #1 for the 71^st successive ratings period. “Lite Favorites” was -3.5 in January and February (11.9 – 8.8 – 8.4, 6+), following a +1.5 in “Holiday” 2017 (10.4 – 11.9, 6+). Also under the AC umbrella, Beasley Media Group’s WPBB “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” forfeits in its entirety June’s +.6 (1.9 – 2.5 – 1.9, #17 to #19, 6+). Its January 2018 – May 2018 topline was 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 (6+); June’s 2.5 is its best (6+) showing since 4.0 in “Holiday” 2017. Having regained the three-tenths it lost in May with a +.3 in June, classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WRBQ “Q-105” doubles that June increase with a +.6 in July to 6.4 (6+), advancing from #4 to part of a three-way tie at #3. The other two players in that three-way logjam at #3 are the aforementioned WWRM, as well as WRBQ’s format rival – Cox Media Group’s WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” (6.7 – 6.4, -.3, second to third, 6+). Until this sweep (July 2018), the last time “The Eagle” didn’t prevail over “Q-105” was in February 2016 when WRBQ scored a 5.6 (6+) to WXGL’s 5.1 (6+). Four straight up or flat trends by iHeartMedia-owned WXTB netted eight-tenths (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), but “98 Rock” (seventh to tenth) surrenders all of that increase and an extra one-tenth (3.8, -.9, 6+); June’s 4.7 is its strongest 6+-showing since October 2017 (4.7, as well). In the market’s CHR battle, Cox Media Group’s WPOI “Hot 101.5” (3.5 – 3.9, +.4, #13 to #9, 6+) overtakes iHeartMedia-owned WFLZ “93.3 – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” (3.7 – 3.6, -.1, #12 to #11, 6+). The two stations were tied at 3.9 (6+) in March, but “Holiday” 2017 marked the last time “Hot” (4.0, 6+) beat WFLZ (3.8, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Following five decreases in a row for a cumulative -1.7 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” answers with a July increase of six-tenths to 3.1 (#14 to #11, 6+). Despite picking up three-tenths (4.0 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” backslides from ninth to tenth. “The Fan” was +.6 (January); -.6 (February); +1.0 (April); and a combined -1.0 in May and June (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). When the Orioles flagship improved by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it brought to a close three straight downward moves producing an overall -1.8 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Finishing back-to-back are independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” (2.9 – 2.8, -.1, #11 to #12, 6+) and Hearst Television news/talker WBAL (2.5, -.3, #12 to #13, 6+), which had logged a 2.8 (6+) the past three months. For the fifth consecutive time, Washington, DC’s WAMU records a 1.1 (6+) in the Baltimore report – the American University-owned news/talker, however, slips from #15 to #18. Radio One news/talk WOLB “1010 News Radio,” which was trending .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 (6+), vanished in February and March; resurfaced in April with a .2 (#22, 6+); disappeared in May and June; but is back in July with a .3 (#31).

Baltimore Music Formats – Dramatic shifts continue for iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country,” which was a combined -2.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.2 – 6.2 – 4.6, 6+); +2.5 in January; -.9 in February, -1.5 in April; +.6 in May; +.5 in June and now +.8 in July (6.0 – 6.8, fourth to third, 6+). Displaying a +.8 in July as well is its CHR sibling, WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.6, tenth to seventh, 6+), which hadn’t had an increase the previous four sweeps for a -.5 (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+). Slipping from third to sixth, Entercom adult contemporary WLIF is a collective -1.6 in three straight downward trends (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.1 – 5.2, 6+). “Today’s 101.9” was #1 in December 2017 (9.7, 6+) and “Holiday” 2017 (16.3, 6+). Having registered six successive ratings periods without a loss for an overall +1.8 (3.4 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+), Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” forfeits eight-tenths to 4.4 (sixth to ninth, 6+). While both are down two-tenths from June, Radio One urban AC and urban contemporary cluster-mates WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” (9.7 – 9.5, 6+) and WERQ “92-Q Jams” (7.1 – 6.9, 6+) finish first and second, respectively, for the third sweep in a row; “Magic” though is #1 for the seventh month in a row. In three successive decreases (11.6 – 11.5 – 10.3 – 9.4, 6+), WWIN-FM was an overall -2.2 but it bounced back with a +.3 in June. “Magic” occupied the top spot for four sweeps in succession before segueing to #2 in December. After going eight straight sweeps without a loss for an overall +3.8 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2 – 10.4 – 10.6 – 11.6, 6+), “Magic” lost one-tenth in March. A one-half share jump in June took “92-Q Jams” to 7.1, its best 6+-share since September 2017’s 7.8. Long absent from being listed in the Baltimore report, seven Washington, DC signals return in print. Five of the seven are iHeartMedia outlets: alternative WWDC (1.7, #15, 6+); classic rock WBIG (1.4 #16, 6+); adult contemporary WASH (1.0, #19, 6+); CHR WIHT (.8, 6+); and country WMZQ (.8, 6+). The others reappearing in Baltimore are Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX (1.3, #17, 6+) and Radio One urban contemporary WKYS (1.0, #19, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – Down six-tenths (8.0 – 7.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” ends a two-month stay at #1 and shifts to the runner-up slot. The St. Louis Cardinals flagship was a whopping +2.3 in April, while May’s 8.3 represents its highest 6+-stat since September 2017’s 8.4. Following a January +1.0, KMOX was a combined -.6 in February and March. Finishing back-to-back-to-back are University of Missouri news/talk KWMU (3.2 – 3.4, +.2, #15 to #14, 6+); Emmis-to-Entercom KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” (3.3 – 3.1, -.2, #14 to #15, 6+); and Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” (2.7 – 3.0, +.3, #17 to #16, 6+).  By registering a half-share increase in January, KWMU halted three successive downward moves that accounted for a -.9 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). Off by an overall half-share in February and March (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), it added one-tenth in April. Owing to May’s +.3, “FM News Talk 97.1” ended three straight negative moves that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Prior to a January gain of seven-tenths, KFTK was a cumulative -1.4 in three consecutive decreases (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+). July’s three-tenths increase by “101 Sports” concludes three straight negative moves that generated a loss of eight-tenths (3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+). A combined -.7 from November through “Holiday” 2017 (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), WXOS posted a +.8 in January; -.6 in February; +.1 in March; and -.6 in April.

St. Louis Music Formats – On the heels of eroding by a combined -1.5 in May and June, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” recaptures nine-tenths in July (6.9 – 7.8, 6+) and marches from second to first. After being #1 for four consecutive months (January through April), “St Louis’ Greatest Hits” shifted to #2 in May. An overall -2.0 in January and February (9.5 – 7.9 – 7.5, 6+), KLOU made up 45% of that loss in March and April (7.5 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+). It rebounded from December’s -.8 with a +2.2 in “Holiday” 2017. A miniature yoyo effect is present with Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1,” which was +.5 (May); -1.0 (June); and is now +.7 in July (2.9 – 3.6, #16 to #13, 6+). May’s 3.9 is its best 6+-showing since 4.3 in “Holiday” 2017. Entercom adult contemporary KEZK “102.5 The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” (seventh to fifth) is an overall +1.7 in six consecutive up or flat trends (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.9 –   4.9 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). Five successive negative moves by Radio One urban AC WFUN accounted for an overall -1.5 (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+) but “95.5 R&B + Old School For The Lou” erases one-third of that decrease with a +.5 to 5.8 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Via three successive decreases, Emmis-to-Entercom CHR KNOU “Now 96.3 All The Hits” (#13 to #17) is off by one full-share (3.7 -3.4 – 3.4 – 2.7, 6+). Surrendering six-tenths each are Hubbard rocker KSHE (6.9 – 6.3, second to fourth, 6+) and co-owned WIL “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country” (6.1 – 5.5, sixth to eighth, 6+). By logging a one-half share increase in May, KSHE stymied three consecutive downward trends that accounted for a -1.2 (6.9 – 6.7 – 5.9 – 5.7, 6+); it was +.7 in June. Leading into the June report, WIL was without a loss for six survey periods in succession for a +1.9 (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+), but then cratered by -1.1. Unlisted for 18 straight sweeps, Gateway Creative contemporary Christian KLJY returned in June with a 6.6 (6+) and although “99.1 Joy FM” is down one-tenth in July to 6.5 (6+), it advances from fourth to third.