Category: Industry News

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Ted Nugent Tells ‘Curtis & Eboni’ Americans Must Tone It Down. On WABC, New York’s midday Curtis & Eboni show with Curtis Sliwa and Eboni K. Williams, legendary rocker and prominent Second Amendment advocate Ted Nugent called for toning down the violent political rhetoric in the country, vowing he will do the same.  In the wake of yesterday’s shooting at the GOP baseball practice for the Congressional Baseball charity game, Nugent appeared on WABC and spoke about the matter.  Hear that audio here.  Nugent has a history of over-the-top rhetoric, including referring to President Obama as a “subhuman mongrel.”  He also has used language inviting political opponents to “put their lips on my machine gun.”

Deportes Media Sues Over Sale of KTRB, San Francisco to East Bay Broadcasting.  KTRB-AM, San Francisco had been operated as a Spanish sports talk station since it entered into an LMA with station Receiver Susan L. Uecker in May of 2011.  In June of 2015, the former Pappas Telecasting station was sold to East Bay Broadcasting, operated by the managing partners of Salem Media Group.  Now, Deportes Media is suing East Bay, Salem, Uecker, Media Acquisition Trust, and broker Kalil & Co in District Court in San Francisco over the sale.  Deportes claims that it wanted to buy the station; that Uecker knew the company wanted to buy it and there were clauses in their LMA deal to give it the first opportunity to acquire the station.  Deportes notes in its suit, “A number of conditions were built into the lease to discourage other potential suitors from acquiring the station out from under Plaintiff, robbing it of the hard work it had invested in building the station.  For example, the agreement contained a no-shop provision that prevented anyone from offering the radio station for sale.  Additionally, the contract specified that any buyer would have to honor the full term of Plaintiff’s lease, meaning it would likely be years from the time of acquisition until a new owner could begin making its own programming decisions or trying to integrate KTRB into any other media plays or other strategies.  Most importantly, the contract contained a “Programmer’s Right of First Refusal” clause.  This Right of First Refusal explicitly gave Plaintiff the right to match any competitors purchase offer within ninety (90) days so that KTRB could not be bought out from under it.”  It’s suing Uecker for breach of contract; Media Trust, Kalil and Salem for tortious interference with contract; and all for violation of California’s unfair competition law.  It is seeking actual and compensatory damages.

Tony Matteo Named iHM’s RSVPP for California-Nevada. Programmer Tony Matteo moves from iHeartMedia’s Omaha Region – based in Wichita, Kansas — to a new post with the company as region senior vice president of programming for the  Central California/Nevada Region.  Matteo will work with on-air personalities and program directors from the 36 radio station brands in that area.  He comments, “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a group of incredibly talented programmers, on-air talent and managers in the Wichita market and Omaha Region and together we’ve accomplished much.  The outstanding brands built by the iHM Central California/Nevada team have a ton of momentum.  I’ll be proud to join and help continue the region’s winning streak.”

TALKERS News Notes. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Windy City sports blogger and podcaster Dan Katz, a.k.a. Barstool Big Cat, is joining WMVP, Chicago “ESPN Radio” as a weekly contributor to Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman’s afternoon drive “Waddle & Silvy” show.  Katz tweeted that he’ll be on each Thursday around 4:00 pm…..Also from Robert Feder, WMVP personality Jordan Cornette – who co-hosts the midday show with David Kaplan – is one of three co-hosts (alongside Felicia Lawrence and Danielle Robay) of a new Chicago morning television show slated to start later this summer titled, “The Jam.”  Cornette is a former Notre Dame basketball star who also serves as color commentator for CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports 1…..SiriusXM is presenting live coverage of the 2017 NCAA Men’s College World Series starting Saturday (6/17).  The play-by-play is produced and provided by Westwood One and airs on SiriusXM’s College Sports Nation channel…..Architecture firm V Three Studios recently designed new facilities for Native Broadcast Enterprise’s properties in St. Michaels, Arizona.  KTNN “The Voice of the Navajo Nation” and KWRK “Capital Country” recently moved its operations to a new state-of-the-art, 7,352-square-foot facility.  The new facility features eight studios supporting AM/FM radio and digital broadcast capabilities reaching listeners beyond reservation lines, providing Navajo people across the country, and even overseas, with a connection to home.  V Three worked with Native Broadcast Enterprise to create a facility that celebrates the Navajo culture and reflects the station’s mission of educating, informing and entertaining the Navajo people, many of whom rely on the station as the only source of news and entertainment.  Navajo-owned design/build firm LAM Corporation developed the building shell and site work…..Mediabase promotes Minal Patel to project manager.  Patel joined Mediabase in 2008 as the director of client services and has advanced through various departments in the company…..Regional Reps Corp. signs Falls Media LLC’s KWFB-FM, Wichita Falls, Texas to an exclusive representation agreement.

Cooke: Car Money Moving Back to Radio.  Radio consultant Holland Cooke says that not too long ago, Detroit wanted dealers to move ad money from radio to digital.  Now, some of that money is moving back.  But, the radio auto ad needs to be effective in order for dealers to be glad they re-invested in radio.  He’s got some tips here.

Veteran Radio/TV Newswoman/Talk Show Host Donna Francavilla Returning to NYC via WCBS.  She’s a “Jersey girl” who has been in the talk media business for more than three decades building a stellar reputation among those in the know for her solid talent, media flexibility, entrepreneurial resilience and downright intelligence.  And now, she was just hired at WCBS “Newsradio 880” as a part-time news anchor/reporter – a development that has prompted her after all these years to pick up stakes in Birmingham, Alabama and move back to the Big Apple to spend more time close to her parents, children and friends in the Northeast.  For those who wonder where she’s been all these years, Donna Francavilla spent the last 16 years covering major national news stories in Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle as a freelancer for CBS Radio News.  She also served as a television reporter at WBMA and WVTM-TV as well as filling-in as a talk show host on WAPI, Birmingham “Talk 99 FM.”  She has also run her own multi-media services company, Frankly Speaking Communications (franklyspeakingcommunications.com) which still serves as an umbrella company for her many activities ranging from air talent and voice actor to public speaker; from talent coach and consultant to public relations strategist.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Donna Francavilla is one of the most talented, hardworking people in all of talk media.  I’ve had the pleasure of following her career since the first year we published this trade journal.  An extremely likable individual, she has always done it the hard way, never had an easy ride or a long-term, high-profile job.  Yet everyone knows how much quality – on so many levels – she brings to the table.  The fact that she is risking her established lifestyle in Birmingham to return to the Northeast and go into ‘training’ for a part-time gig at WCBS is one of the most compelling radio human interest stories to come down the pike in a long time.  Go Donna – we are all pulling for you!”  Francavilla brings a boatload of experience with her to WCBS.   She was named the 2016 Communicator of Achievement by Alabama Media Professionals, has worked in the newsrooms and on air at stations KYW, Philadelphia; Tunnel Radio, Boston; WTOP, Washington, DC; as well as WINZ, Miami and she is also a former director-at-large for the RTDNA.

GOP Baseball Practice Shooting, Sessions Senate Testimony/Trump-Russia Investigation, Megyn Kelly-NBC Criticism, Warmbier-North Korea Case, Bachelor in Paradise Scandal, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/14). The politically motivated shooting of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and others at a practice for the congressional charity baseball game; the testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the related special counsel investigation into possible links between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the criticism of NBC and Megyn Kelly over her scheduled interview with Alex Jones; North Korea’s release of comatose U.S. student Otto Warmbier; the flap over the cessation of production of ABC-TV’s “Bachelor in Paradise”; 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.

Former KNOX, Grand Forks Owner Hoberg Dies.  One-time owner of news/talk KNOX-AM Grand Forks, North Dakota Justin Hoberg died last Friday at age 87.  Hoberg started his career at KNOX as an account executive and purchased the station in 1966.  He sold that station – along with others – to Peoria Journal Star in 1972 and stayed with the stations as Peoria’s VP and general manager.  According to the Grand Forks Herald, he is credited with transforming the station into a talk radio outlet.

Music Radio News and Career Moves.  Country KNIX, Phoenix appoints Lois Lewis assistant program director and music director, effective July 17.  Lewis previously served with iHeartMedia in the same capacity at KWNR, Las Vegas “95.5 The Bull.”  She’ll host middays – including the 90’s @ Noon feature – plus be responsible for record label relations, concert booking, as well as on-air content and music programming.  iHM EVP of programming for the West Division Steve Geofferies says, “I’ve worked with Lois for over four years and have always appreciated her tremendous attention to detail and great relationships.  She’s quickly becoming one of the best on-air talents we have in the country format.  Plus, I love the amazing energy she brings to the building.”…..On-air pro Bill Dollar transfers from Cumulus Media’s Montgomery, Alabama cluster to the company’s Albany, Georgia station group to serve as its operations manager.  In addition to his operations duties, Dollar will host the midday show on country WKAK “NASH FM 104.5” as well as the afternoon drive show on rock WJAD “Rock 103.5.”  In Albany, Cumulus also operates classic country WNUQ “NASH Icon 102.1,” AC WEGC “Mix 107,” urban contemporary WQVE “V101.7,” news/talk WALG-AM, and sports talk WGPC-AM “1450 The Fan.”…..Alpha Media promotes Crystal Legends to program director of country WRNS, Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Alpha EVP of programming Scott Mahalick says Legends brings 20 of experience to the position.  “It is great to have bench strength and promote from within Alpha Media.  Crystal has the chops, passion, and love of people to drive WRNS every day.”…..American General Media is agreeing to buy four Albuquerque stations from Univision.  The stations – hip hop KKSS, classic rock KIOT, regional Mexican KJFA, and hip hop KKRG – will be added to the company’s existing holdings in the market.  However, due to FCC ownership rules, AMG will divest some of its properties.  It will sell hot AC KAGM-FM to VCY America Inc.; CHR KDLW-FM to BB Broadcasting LLC; KJFA-FM to Vanguard Media LLC; and will donate classical KHFM-FM to KHFM Community Partners, which will convert the broadcasting license to non-commercial.  Kalil & Co., Inc. is the exclusive broker for the transactions.

Round Three of May PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey period covered April 27 – May 24. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 markets below.

 TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Portland – This time last month, KMHD had its 6+-share erode by just over 50% (1.8 – .8, -1.0, 6+), but the Mount Hood Community College jazz outlet recoups 90% of the loss with a +.9 to 1.7 (#23 to #21). The January through April (6+) trends for Entercom’s KNRK have been 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5, but “94.7 Alternative Portland” posts a gain of eight-tenths to 3.3 (6+) to advance from #16 to #14. It is the first time “Alternative Portland” reaches the three-share level (6+) in just over one year ago (3.0, 6+, April 2016). Without a loss for the fourth straight time for a collective +2.1, (3.2 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), classic rock sibling KGON climbs from sixth to fourth. When KGON registered a +.8 in February, it brought to an end eight straight sweeps without a gain that resulted in a combined -1.7 dating back to last June (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). Prior to these last three sweeps, KGON last crossed the five-share threshold (6+) in March 2015 (5.5). Off by one-half share in April, iHeartMedia-owned KLTH “106.7 The Eagle – Portland’s Classic Hits Station” bounces back with a gain of six-tenths (6.2 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+) and carries on in third-place. Adult contemporary cluster-mate KKCW regains the three-tenths it dropped in April and one-tenth more (8.6 – 8.3 – 8.7, +.4, 6+) as “K-103” is #1 for the 36^th time in the last 38 ratings periods. The razor-thin one-tenth advantage it had in April over Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB expands to 1.3 shares, with KOPB sputtering by eight-tenths (8.2 – 7.4, steady at #2, 6+). Both stations gained nine-tenths in March. “K-103” was off by nine-tenths in February; KOPB declined by one full-share, completely surrendering January’s +1.0, after a -.7 in “Holiday” 2016. The last time KOPB crossed the eight-share level (6+) was in March 2016 (8.0, 6+). After registering four straight gains for an overall +1.7 (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” is now a combined -1.8 in March and April (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Nonetheless, it actually progresses from eighth to seventh (6+), overtaking (by one-tenth) Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” (4.5, fourth to eighth, 6+). In April, “The Bull” halted three straight months of notching a 4.2 (6+) by busting out with a +1.3 to 5.5 – its strongest 6+-showing since last July’s 5.5 – but surrenders all but three-tenths of the increase (-1.0). A January +.9 ended three straight decreases for “The Bull” that resulted in a combined -1.8 (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 3.3, 6+). Up or flat the past three sweeps for a combined +.7 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS returns the entire seven-tenths as “104.1 The Fish” is back at 1.9 (#15 to #18). Following April’s full-share increase to 4.5 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” surrenders 60% of it (4.5 – 3.9, -.6, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). In April, Alpha Media rhythmic CHR KWEE regained the four-tenths it lost in March (2.3 – 1.9 – 2.3, 6+) but now “WE – 96.3” falters by one-half share to 1.8, slipping from #19 to #20.

2) Charlotte – An increase of one-full share (3.9 – 4.9, 6+) enables Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link – Charlotte’s Best Mix” to record its best 6+-share in nearly a year (4.9, 6+, June 2016) and return to the top ten (#11 to #8). Down the past three sweeps for a collective -.8 (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” regains all of it and is back at 2.3 (#18 to #17). With its third successive increase for a net +1.1 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” rises from sixth to third, recording its best 6+-stat since last October’s 6.3. On the heels of April’s +.8, co-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits” adds six-tenths (5.2 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+) and remains in second-place. Prior to April, “Country’s Hottest Hits” was a cumulative -1.8 in three successive downward moves dating back to the “Holiday” 2016 report (7.0 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Moreover, 5.2 in March was the lowest 6+-share in its PPM-history. It has an eight-tenths lead over its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat” (5.8, -.1, third to fourth, 6+). In “Holiday” 2016, “The Kat” trailed “Country’s Hottest Hits” by three full-shares (7.0 to 4.0, 6+). Albeit off by one-half share since March (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), classic rock cluster-mate WRFX “99.7 The Fox” is #1 for the fifth month in a row. Immediately in advance of that, “The Fox” posted three consecutive positive trends that accounted for a +1.3 (6.4 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). Its +.8 in January curtailed a series of three consecutive downward moves that yielded a -1.5 (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Owing to a -.4 to 5.4 (6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG snaps at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a gain of six-tenths (5.2 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+); “Power 98” drops from fourth to sixth. The market’s (6+) CHR share erodes by six-tenths as Beasley Media Group’s WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -.2 (4.6, eighth to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WHQC “Channel 96.1” is -.4 (4.7 – 4.3, ninth to tenth, 6+). “Kiss” had been up or flat the past four sweeps netting a full-share (3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). With a -.2 in April, “Channel 96.1” had its string of consecutive increases that produced a cumulative +1.4 snapped at three (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.9, 6+).

3) San Antonio – As the result of three straight increases – the latest by a robust +1.3 – Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX nearly doubles its 6+-share (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.8, 6+) and rockets from #17 to #12. It had been almost two years (August 2015, 3.0, 6+) since KSTX reached the three-share level (6+). In a somewhat similar vein, iHeartMedia’s KZEP had notched three straight modest gains for a net of one-half share (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), but “104.5 Latino Hits” erupts with a +1.2 (3.5, 6+) to bump up from #18 to #16. This represents the best 6+-showing for “Latino Hits” since “Holiday” 2014 (3.8, 6+). Trending 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.3 (6+), Univision Radio’s KMYO “Latino Mix 95.1” dials up a +1.1 to 3.4 (#18 to 17). Up two-tenths to 5.2 (6+), regional Mexican sibling KROM “Estereo Latino 92.9” ends at three its consecutive skein of downward trends that accounted for a -2.4 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+) and jumps from fifth to third. It was a combined +2.2 in “Holiday” 2016 and January (6.2 – 7.4, 6+). In three straight improvements (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is up one full-share; KZLV began appearing in print this past December and moves from #16 to #14. Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH-FM has logged a 3.2 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps, but “Las Estacion de la Raza” improves by six-tenths to 3.8 (6+), climbing from #15 to #12. By gaining four-tenths in April, iHeartMedia’s KXXM ended at six its string of consecutive down or flat trends that produced a -1.1 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+). Now in May, “Mix 96.1 – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on another half share to 4.2 (#12 to #11, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations for Cox Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM are October 2016’s -1.0; November’s +.9; December’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; January’s +1.1; April’s +.8; and now May’s -.6 (7.6 – 7.0, 6+). Even so, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” occupies the top spot for the fourth successive time; KONO-FM departed the lead position in October after nine straight sweeps there. The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, which lost one full-share (-1.0) in February; was a collective +1.5 in March and April (5.2 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.6, 6+); but regresses by -1.0 in May (5.6 – 4.6, 6+). It drifts from second to seventh. With an 11.8 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 report, “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Best Variety” finished at #1. Stuck on 3.7 (6+) in March and April, Univision Radio’s KXTN “Tejano and Proud” returns its March +.9 and is back at 2.8, plummeting from #12 to #19. Dropping six-tenths in both April and May (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, third to fourth, 6+) is Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio,” which – prior to April – had been up or flat the previous three sweeps for a +.7 (5.4 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+).

4) Pittsburgh – More than halting a brief slide that produced a -.4 (8.3 – 8.1 – 7.9, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKST dials up an increase three times that margin (9.1, +1.2, 6+) and “96.1 Kiss – Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” remains in third-place. On the heels of April’s gain of eight-tenths (3.3 – 4.1, 6+), alternative sibling WXDX piles on another full-share to 5.1 (6+), as “The X at 105.9” moves from ninth to seventh. In the market’s country matchup, CBS Radio-owned WDSY “Pittsburgh’s Country Y-108” improves by one-half share (3.9 – 4.4, unchanged at #10, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 for New Country” slumps by nine-tenths (3.8 – 2.9, flat at #11, 6+). Without a decrease in January, February, and March, “Y-108” was +.8 in that stretch (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), but it lost six-tenths in April. By adding two-tenths this time last month, “Big 104.7” halted three straight declines that accounted for a -1.2 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+). In addition to posting its third consecutive increase netting a +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” repeats at #1. Immediately before picking up eight-tenths in March, “3WS” was -4.6 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.7 – 9.3 – 9.1, 6+). Owing to three straight increases (4.9 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+), CBS Radio news/talk KDKA-AM was +1.4, but now in back-to-back sweeps (April and May) “News Radio 1020” is a combined -1.6 (6.3 – 5.7 – 4.7, 6+) to drop from seventh to eighth. Although it remains at #4, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob” has faltered by nearly two full-shares in four consecutive declines (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.5 – 6.7, 6+).

5) Sacramento – A combined -.6 in back-to-back monthlies (9.2 – 9.0 – 8.6, 6+, February – March – April), CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96” recaptures all of it to 9.2 (6+) and is #1 for the fourth successive time. Ranked third for five straight sweeps before reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2016, KYMX rebounded from January’s -4.8 with a full-share February increase (13.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+). After eing a combined +2.4 in November and December, “Mix” was +5.2 in “Holiday” 2016. Registering a 2.1 in five of the last eight ratings periods (2.1 –   2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KXSE “Jose 104.3” (#17 to #19) sputters by one-half share to 1.6, its lowest 6+-stat since last August (1.6, as well). Owing to a -.1 to 3.3 (6+), co-owned country KNTY “101.9 – The Wolf” (#9 to #11) witnesses its streak of successive increases which generated a +1.5 (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.4, 6+) end at five. Prior to April, the last time Sacramento’s “Wolf” reached the three-share level (6+) was November 2014 (3.0, 6+). Another positive streak in the format continues though as iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 For New Country” puts together its third straight improvement for a +.8 (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Remaining at #14, “The Bull” had been within 2.1 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous seven ratings periods. Unchanged at #5, co-owned KYRV “The River” is off by one-tenth to 4.9 (6+), thus halting at four the frequency’s string of consecutive gains that netted almost three full-shares (2.1 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 5.0, 6+). Several days into the April ratings period (4/3), adult hits KQJK “Jack FM” became classic rock KYRV “The River,” which improved KQJK’s March numbers by +1.5. The switch was made when “Jack” ranked ninth. Not only does Entercom’s KRXQ depart the top ten (#9 to #13), “98 Rock” is without an increase for the seventh successive ratings period for a collective -2.6 (5.8 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+). Flat at #16, iHeartMedia news/talk KSTE has its fourth straight negative trend and is -1.5 since January (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.4, 6+).

6) Salt Lake City – Independent country KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” (eighth to sixth, 6+) and classic country sibling KSOP-AM “AM 1370 – Utah’s Home for Classic Country” (1.1, #24, 6+) log gains of eight-tenths and one-half share, respectively. It is the third straight uptick for “Z-104” (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.3, 6+) for a combined +1.3 and its strongest 6+-stat since July’s 5.9. “Classic Country” registered a .6 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps. Elsewhere in the mainstream country format, Cumulus Media’s KUBL “K-Bull 93” (flat at #3) drops four-tenths to 5.5 (6+), thus ending four straight upward moves that netted a +2.6 (3.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+). In advance of January’s +1.0, “K-Bull” sputtered for five consecutive months and was a combined -2.2 since August (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). For the fifth straight ratings period, KYMV “Rewind 100.7” is either up or flat and has more than doubled its 6+-share in that timeframe (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.3 ,6+). Moreover, the Broadway Media adult hits outlet reaches a two-share for the first time since last October’s 2.0 and enters the top twenty at #18. The market’s CHR tussle has an interesting scenario as “Rewind” cluster-mate KUDD “Mix 105.1 – All the Hits” forfeits 60% of its combined March and April +1.5 (3.5 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 4.1, -.9, 6+), drifting from fifth back to tenth. Prior to March, “Mix” was trending 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 (6+); April’s 5.0 was its best 6+-stat since last July’s 5.3. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KZHT lost eight-tenths in April to curtail three straight progressive trends that yielded a +1.3 (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), but “97.1 – Salt Lake City’s #1 Hit Music Station” regains 75% of April’s decrease (4.9 – 5.5, +.6, 6+), moving from #6 to a three-way tie at #3. Co-owned KAAZ “106.7 – Everything That Rocks” (#13 to #11) ends its 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.4 (6+) trending with a gain of one-half share to 3.9, its best 6+-performance in exactly one year (4.5, 6+, May 2016). Even though it picked up six-tenths in April – shaking off March’s massive -1.7 – Bonneville’s KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” remained at #2. Ironically, it drops four-tenths in May (6.9 – 6.5, 6+) yet advances to #1. Following three straight sweeps at #1, “FM 100.3” shifted to #2, having dropped 12.3 shares in January (20.6 – 8.3, 6+). Until that massive January spiral, “FM 100.3” didn’t have a decrease since April (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 11.4 – 20.6, 6+), nearly quadrupling its 6+-stat since then with a staggering +15.3. The station it dislodges at #1 is its news/talk cluster-mate KSL (6.0, 6+), which shifts to the runner-up slot. Recent KSL fluctuations include +2.0 (October), -.9 (November), +1.1 (December), -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.1 (January); -2.1 (February); +.6 (April); and now a -1.1 in May. Broadway Media rhythmic CHR KUUU “U-92” (2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #17 to #16, 6+) is within 2.0 – 2.8 range (6+) for the 12^th straight time.

7) Las Vegas – Three-tenths of a share separates May 2017’s top three finishers. Down or flat in four straight sweeps for a -.7 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF rolled out a +1.2 in January, but followed with three straight losses: -1.6 in February; -.6 in March; and -.5 in April (5.0 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). It adds two-tenths in May though to shift from #19 to #17 (2.5, 6+). At this time last month, iHeartMedia’s KWNR “95.5 Las Vegas’ New Country Leader” enjoyed a 1.7-share advantage over Beasley Media Group-owned KCYE “The Coyote – We Are Country.” Fast-forward to May results where “The Coyote” dials up a +1.4 (#11 to #5, 6+), while KWNR drops six-tenths (5.2 – 4.6, third to seventh, 6+), giving KCYE a three-tenths lead over its format foe. This is the third straight gain for “The Coyote” for a collective +1.8 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.9, 6+). Consistent with its three most recent trends of 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.2 (6+), co-owned KOAS urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” erupts with a +.8 to 6.0 (6+). It carries on at #3, one-tenth behind classic hits-oldies sibling KKLZ (6.4 – 6.1, -.3, 6+). Off by a combined four-tenths the past two sweeps (.8 – .7 – .4, 6+), news/talk sibling KDWN logs a one-half share gain to .9, its best 6+-share since last November’s 1.1, and checks in at #24. There continues to be some wild moves for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5,” which has recently been +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; and now -1.2 in May (6.8 – 8.6 – 7.5 – 6.3, 6+). Nevertheless, “Sunny” is on top for the seventh consecutive time. Five straight up or flat trends generated a +8.3 for “Sunny” (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 14.0, 6+) before January’s -.7.3 to 6.7 (6+). Following three successive downward trends (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), KSNE was +.7 in September and +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for 22 ratings periods in a row. In addition to KWNR, Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” (seventh to ninth, 6+) and Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9” (#16 to #20, 6+) are down by six-tenths. “The Rock Station” had been without a decrease the past four sweeps for a +1.6 (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.7, 6+), while “Star” is a combined -1.0 in three straight decreases (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+).

8) Cincinnati – In 4.2 – 4.7 territory (6+) the past four sweeps, Hubbard rhythmic hot AC WREW “Mix 94.9 – Cincinnati’s Best Mix” matches the 5.3 (6+) it posted last June by unfurling a full-share increase to march from eighth to sixth. A gain of eight-tenths by Cumulus Media classic rocker WOFX takes “The Fox” to 6.0 (sixth to fifth), its finest 6+-showing since November 2015 (6.0, as well). Chalking up gains of one-half share each are iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107 – Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.1 – 4.6, tenth to seventh, 6+); Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (6.8, steady at #4, 6+); and its country cluster-mate WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” (1.4, #21 to #17, 6+). Prior to May, the three most recent trends for “Q-102” were 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 (6+); the increase by “The Wolf” curtails three straight downward trends that produced a loss of one full-share (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.5 -.9, 6+). For the first time since last August, iHeartMedia news/talk WLW can be found at #1. As with KSFI, Salt Lake City though (see above) “The Big One” (#2 in April) backs into the top spot as it is down three-tenths (9.3 – 9.0, 6+). Moreover, the Cincinnati Reds flagship must share the lead with Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet WGRR (9.5 – 9.0, -.5, 6+), which has actually been #1 every month this calendar year. In April, WLW answered a combined -1.2 in February and March (8.4 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+) with a +2.1 to 9.3, its finest 6+-showing since last June’s 10.8. Conversely, March’s 7.2 was the lowest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Co-owned, fellow news/talker WKRC erodes by one full-share (5.3 – 4.3, 6+) and drifts from fifth to tenth. Meanwhile, WGRR posted a full-share gain in April, after a -.7 in March (9.2 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+). Prior to the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, WGRR occupied the top spot for four straight months. A +.8 in January ended four successive down or flat sweeps that produced a -1.6 (9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+) as WGRR progressed from second to first. Backsliding by one-half share each are Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School,” off for the third straight time (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9, #12 to #13, 6+) and co-owned WDBZ “Soul 101.5” (1.9 – 1.4, #16 to #17).

9) Orlando – The third successive increase by Cox Media Group’s WMMO (unchanged at #3) is by a hefty +1.2 and enables “98.9 – Orlando’s Classic Hits” to cross the eight-share threshold (6.6 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 8.2, 6+). The December 2016 – March 2017 6+-line for iHeartMedia’s WJRR was 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7. With back-to-back one-half share increases, “Orlando’s Rock Station” is 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.7 (6+) and it climbs from ninth to eighth. A one-half share gain is also logged by Cox Media Group rhythmic CHR WPYO (3.7 – 4.2, 6+), sending “Power 95.3” into the top ten (#11 to #10). While the (Spanish contemporary) HD2 channel of co-owned WCFB improves by one-half share and remains at #17 (1.2 – 1.7, 6+), urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” surrenders nine-tenths (6.4 – 5.5, fifth to sixth, 6+). Within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 32^nd straight time, Community Communications news/talk WMFE (flat at 2.5, 6+), climbs from #14 to #13. Continuing its steady pace, Entravision-owned Spanish tropical WNUE advances for the sixth straight ratings period – this time, by two-tenths to 2.5 (#15 to #13, tied with WMFE). The five previous gains in this WNUE streak were by one-tenth (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+). On top for the fifth consecutive month, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRUM “Rumba 100.3” drops six-tenths to 12.2 (6+). The 12.8 it registered in April was the best-ever 6+-share in its PPM-history, eclipsing by two-tenths the previous record (12.6, 6+), set in March. Prior to January, “Rumba” was on top in October, November, and December. A collective +2.7 via four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), CHR sibling WXXL “XL-106.7” stumbles by -1.1 to 8.8, but carries on in the runner-up slot; April’s 9.9 was its strongest 6+-share since September’s 10.4. As the result of three consecutive decreases (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2, 6+), FM news/talk sibling WTKS is a collective -1.4 and moves from #13 to #15. Not only does the University of Central Florida’s WUCF have its consecutive streak of up or flat trends conclude at five (.7 – .8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), “89.9 – Jazz & More” exits the top twenty (#18 to #21).

10) Cleveland – The top six May 2017 finishers are separated by nine-tenths of a share. Unchanged at #6, iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM is up or flat for the fifth successive sweep (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0, 6+), with the Cleveland Indians’ flagship +1.6 in that stretch. Following four straight negative trends that yielded a loss of nearly five shares (10.4 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” picks up three-tenths to 5.8 (6+) and inches up from ninth to eighth. A combined +1.3 in March and April (6.8 – 7.3 – 8.1, 6+), co-owned WNCX relinquishes two-tenths 7.9 (6+). Mirroring what we have detailed in Salt Lake City and Cincinnati (see above), however, a loss isn’t necessarily a bad thing at the front-end of the rankers. In this particular case, “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” backs into #1 (from #3 in April). Departing the penthouse is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” (8.4 – 7.7 -.7, 6+), which had been #1 each month this calendar year and now segues to #2. A +.2 in April snapped at three WMJI’s consecutive string of downward moves that accounted for a collective -1.6 (9.8 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 8.2, 6+). Prior to December’s +.1, “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” was off by nearly three full-shares in three straight downward trends (11.5 – 10.8 – 9.6 – 8.6, 6+) and slipped to #2. September’s -.7 ended five straight gains for a cumulative +1.2 (10.3 – 10.7 – 10.9 – 11.3 – 11.4 – 11.5, 6+) and marked the first time in the previous 17 ratings periods that WMJI was not in double-digits (6+). WMJI was +1.1 in “Holiday” 2016. Tied with WMJI at #2 is Radio One urban AC WZAK, which is off by one-half share (8.2 – 7.7, 6+). Counting the May sweep, the five most recent trends for co-owned WGAR “99.5 – Cleveland’s Country” are 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 7.3 – 7.1 (6+); it is unchanged at #5. Up one-tenth (3.8 – 3.9, 6+), CBS Radio’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is anchored at #12 for the 17^th successive sweep. Behind it at #13 for the 14^th time in a row is Ideastream’s WCPN, which returns the three-tenths it gained in April (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+). Prior to a -.2 in February, WCPN was without a decrease for eight consecutive ratings periods netting a combined +1.8 (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.8, 6+).

11) Kansas City – Owing to a +.8 (3.9 – 4.7, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC KMJK not only has its best 6+-performance since last October’s 4.9, “Magic 107.3 – Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” cracks the top ten (#13 to #7). Co-owned classic rock KCFX “The Fox,” which bounced back from a -.8 in March with a full-share gain in April, adds two-tenths (8.5 – 8.7, 6+) and is #1 for the fifth straight time.       Before its +1.0 in April, “The Fox” registered three consecutive declines accounting for a -1.5 (9.0 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+). On top from May through September and then in December, KCFX had five straight uptrends prior to January’s -.5 for a cumulative +1.8 (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.9 – 9.0, 6+). After six straight down or flat trends in which it eroded by more than three full-shares (7.2 – 7.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” gains four-tenths to 4.4 (6+) and carries on at #10. By regaining the one-tenth it lost April (5.7 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+), Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” progresses from fifth to third. As the result of three consecutive increases prior to April’s -.1 “Country 94.1” was a collective +2.1 (3.6 – 4.1 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+). It entered the December 2016 sweep with four consecutive up or flat trends that accounted for a +1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), but was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (4.9 – 4.3- 3.6, 6+). This time last month, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WDAF-FM “106.5 The Wolf” improved by four-tenths to 4.0 (6+), thus curtailing its 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.6 (6+) trending. Now, “The Wolf” adds another one-half share (4.5, 6+), shifting from a three-way tie at #10 to #8. It is one-tenth ahead of Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 – #1 For New Country,” which forfeits half of the six-tenths it gained in April (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, 6+) to tumble from seventh to tenth. Turning to the market’s CHR battle, the format’s 6+-share spikes by -1.2. Specifically, after posting four straight improvements for a nearly two-share cumulative gain (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), Steel City Media’s KMXV “Mix 93.3 – Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by seven-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and slips from fourth to fifth. At the same time, Cumulus Media’s KCHZ, which had been without a loss in each of the past six survey periods netting a +1.2 (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+) surrenders nearly half that increase (3.3, -.5, 6+) but “95-7 The Vibe – All the Hits” remains at #14. Down one-tenth, University of Missouri-owned news/talk KCUR (flat at #15) is without an increase for the fourth successive time for a -.9 (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+).

12) Columbus – Steady at #11, Ohio State University’s WOSU adds two-tenths to 3.0 (6+), thus pulling the plug on three straight negative trends that accounted for a -1.1 (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+). Similarly, Radio One urban AC WXMG “Magic 95.5 – Columbus’ Best R&B” (unchanged at #12) is up one-tenth to 2.8 (6+), halting three successive downward sweeps (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+) that yielded a -.9. The game of musical chairs for the top spot, principally between iHeartMedia CHR and country siblings WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” and WCOL, continues. Taking its turn this month with back-to-back gains of one-half share (following a -.9 in March) is “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9, second to first, 6+). Its one-half share improvement, coupled with a massive -1.3 by WCOL (10.5 – 9.2, 6+), sends the latter to the runner-up slot. With a combined improvement of two full-shares over the January and February sweeps (7.8 – 9.1 – 9.8, 6+), WNCI advanced from second to first in February. Prior to January, however, the CHR outlet was down or flat in each of the previous six surveys for a collective -4.4 (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 7.8, 6+). In calendar year 2016, “Columbus’ Hit Music” was on top in January, February, March, August, September, and December. After regaining the top spot from WNCI in March, WCOL not only repeated in April but added four-tenths (10.1 – 10.5, 6+). WCOL was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; and now -1.3 in May (10.5 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 9.2, 6+). In 7.1 – 7.9 range (6+) the past four ratings periods, Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-96 Iconic Rock” (third to fifth) spirals by -1.2 to 6.1, its lowest 6+-share since last October’s 5.5. Unlisted for the fifth straight month is Radio One gospel WJYD “Joy 107.1” (1.0, #15, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).