Category: Industry News
Thursday, December 14, 2018
FCC to Commence 2018 Quadrennial Review of Ownership Rules. At its open meeting yesterday (12/12), the Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to launch the 2018 Quadrennial Review of the Commission’s media ownership
rules. The rules subject to this quadrennial review obligation are the Local Radio Ownership Rule, the Local Television Ownership Rule, and the Dual Network Rule. In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission seeks comment on whether these three rules continue to serve the public interest or whether they should be modified or eliminated in light of changes to the media marketplace. Republican Chairman Ajit Pai and GOP commissioners Michael O’Rielly and Brendan Carr approved. Democratic commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel approved in part and objected in part. She wrote in her statement, in part, “Newspapers have collapsed, and 
stations are increasingly owned by national companies with limited ties to the communities they serve. What is emerging are news deserts – areas of the country where national news dominates but local news is disappearing. Competition matters. It is axiomatic that more owners in more markets can mean more ideas. It can mean more news. The converse is also true. Too much consolidation can reduce the number of voices, jobs, and the newsgathering that results…We seek comment on a proposal allowing a single company to own an unlimited number of FM and AM radio stations in most communities in this country. That could mean one company controls every radio station in the town where you live…To the extent this rulemaking offers thoughtful reform, I approve. But in other aspects, I dissent. It fails to honestly assess the impact of too many changes we propose on the values of localism, competition, and diversity that have informed this agency’s media policies in the past—and I believe should still inform our efforts in the future.”
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FOX News Channel and Hannity Finish 2018 on Top of Cable Ratings. A story in The Hill citing Nielsen data reveals that FOX News Channel finished 2018 in first place in the cable TV battle, posting its best prime-time audience ever: 2.5 million average viewers. Liberal
cable newser MSNBC also enjoyed its best year, wrapping the year in second place behind FNC with 1.8 million average viewers in prime time. As far as individual personalities go, FNC’s Sean Hannity had the highest-rated show. His 
average viewership was 3.275 million. Over at MSNBC, Rachel Maddow’s program was second behind “Hannity” with 2.881 million average viewers. While both FOX News Channel and MSNBC enjoyed prime-time ratings increases this year over 2017 (up 3% and 12%, respectively), CNN was down 6% from last year with 990,000 average viewers in prime time. Following Sean Hannity and Rachel Maddow in the list of the top five cable news/talk shows were three more FNC programs: “Tucker Carlson Tonight” with 2.827 million average viewers, “The Ingraham Angle” with Laura Ingraham – 2.61 million, and “The Five” with 2.38 million.
Scripps Media Officially Out of Radio Biz; Lotus Communications, Bustos Media, and Family Life Broadcasting Close. Yesterday (12/12), the closings took place for the sale of
stations related to Scripps Media’s exit from the radio station business. After divesting of the first 26 of its radio station properties earlier in the year, Scripps sold its remaining eight radio properties in the Tucson and Boise markets to Lotus 
Communications for $8 million. In order to comply with FCC ownership caps, Lotus spun off news/talk KQTH-FM, Tucson to Family Life Broadcasting and rhythmic oldies KTGV-FM, Tucson “106.3 The Groove” to Bustos Media. Scripps Media was created in the 2015 merger of Milwaukee-based Journal Communications and Cincinnati-based E.W. Scripps in which the print properties kept the Journal name and the radio stations joined Scripps’ television assets under the Scripps Media banner.
Cumulus to Air Ben Shapiro in PM Drive on WABC, New York. New York news/talk WABC will air the new Westwood One-syndicated Ben Shapiro two-hour radio show in addition to
the one-hour podcast from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, beginning January 7. The Cumulus Media station already airs the podcast right after the “Savage Nation” with Michael Savage. In the New Year, Savage is transitioning to hosting a one-hour, daily live show and a one-hour podcast instead of his current three-hour live show. WABC program director Craig Schwalb comments, “Ben is a fascinating host that completely cuts through the sameness that is political talk radio right now. It’s the perfect time for us to expand his programming on 77 WABC.”
Paul J Schneider Wraps KBOI, Boise Morning Show Career Tomorrow. As announced
earlier this year, longtime KBOI, Boise morning personality Paul J Schneider will leave his morning show duties after his regular broadcast tomorrow (12/14). Schneider will continue to work with KBOI producing weekly features and a blog as well as continuing to cover Boise State Football for Learfield Sports. Schneider says, “I have been privileged to work with great morning show partners and to be on AM radio in its heyday. I was able to call the Boise State games through their growth trajectory and when not all the games were broadcasted live on TV.”
WFNZ, Charlotte Host Frank Garcia Arrested on Assault Charges. According to a story in
the Charlotte Observer, afternoon drive sports talk host Frank Garcia was charged with misdemeanor assault on a female last Saturday (12/8). The report indicates Garcia is not related to the 29-year-old woman who suffered minor injuries in the incident. Garcia – a former Carolina Panthers offensive lineman – co-hosts the afternoon show on Entercom’s WFNZ, Charlotte “The Fan” with Kyle Bailey. He is also an assistant coach for the Charlotte Catholic High School football team.
Harry Hurley Guests on Brian Kilmeade Show. Pictured above is WPGG, Atlantic City morning personality Harry Hurley (left) with FOX News Channel and FOX News Radio star Brian Kilmeade (right) on Monday morning (12/10). Hurley is a regular fill-in for Todd Starnes on his FOX News Radio syndicated program.
ABC Radio Offering End-of-Year Programming. Affiliates of ABC Radio are being offered five long-form shows and eight short-form programs for year-end programming. The long
-form shows include: “Journeys of Faith” featuring the most memorable moments from ABC News senior national correspondent Paula Faris’ popular podcast of the same name; “Playback 2018,” a one-hour special anchored by ABC News correspondents Cheri Preston and Aaron Katersky featuring an in-depth look at the biggest stories of the year; “2018: As It Happened,” a three-hour retrospective of some of 2018’s top stories, as told through highlights of ABC News Radio’s breaking news coverage; “Perspective” is a special year-end edition of ABC News’ award-winning weekly newsmagazine; and “World News This Year” takes a look back at the major news events of the past year in 2018’s final edition of this weekly show.
Trump-Democrats Meeting, Trump-Russia Investigation, Cohen Sentenced, Immigration Issues, Google Congressional Testimony, May Survives/Brexit Issue, Time’s Person of the Year, Financial Markets Activity, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/12). Tuesday’s White House meeting between President Trump and democrats Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer over funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen sentenced to three years; the migrants in Tijuana and immigration reform; Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee about political bias; British Prime Minister Theresa May survives a no-confidence vote and the Brexit challenges; Time’s “Person of the Year” are journalists from the U.S., Myanmar, the Philippines, and Jamal Khashoggi; the world’s financial markets activity; and NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Washington Examiner Editorial Director Hugo Gurdon Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The Washington Examiner, located in the nation’s capital, has built a growing reputation with increasing influence for its coverage of politics, public policy and the federal government from an independent, moderate conservative perspective. It has evolved through various platform iterations both in print and online since its roots as a group of suburban DC news outlets collectively known as the Journal Newspapers, Inc. which was purchased in 2004 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Philip Anschutz. Anschutz combined them into a single news entity, the Washington Examiner in 2005 under the umbrella of his holding company Clarity Media
Group, which in turn operates the publishing company Media DC. Today, Media DC owns and operates the Washington Examiner, which has grown into a full-service online news organization, along with its weekly print arm, the Washington Examiner Magazine, that has been functioning effectively as a DC insider’s close up look at the workings of the federal government. It also owns the separately operated national conservative political opinion print magazine, the Weekly Standard. The Washington Examiner is currently in the process of boldly expanding its weekly magazine to take on a larger scope both in its subject matter and geographic distribution. Beginning in 2019, it will remain in print, but be nationally distributed and targeted to political observers across America interested in the goings on in Washington, DC. Washington Examiner editorial director Hugo Gurdon is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Gurdon is a distinguished journalist with an international background. He joined the Washington Examiner after serving as editor-in-chief of The Hill. Before that, he was an editor and reporter at the Daily Telegraph of London and the National Post of Canada. His writing has also appeared in such publications as the European edition of the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and The Guardian. In this conversation, Harrison and Gurdon discuss the general state of print journalism in the ever-expanding digital era as well as the inner ideological struggles and debates that impact the media within the American conservative movement during the turbulent Age of Trump. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Save the Date! TALKERS Convention Set for Friday, June 7, 2019 in New York City. Save the date and register as an “early bird” to save on the cost. The 22nd annual installment of the longest-running, most-important national talk media convention has been set for Friday, June 7, 2019 in New York City. Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will take place again at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan. The conference will feature more than 50 top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry – including talent, programmers, managers and owners – with a focus on talk radio and its role in the rapidly accelerating digital age. This will include programming, sales, marketing, and technology as well as the full spectrum of concerns, challenges and opportunities facing modern-day talk broadcasters and broadcasting organizations. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, one-on-one conversations and exhibits of the latest services and equipment available to broadcasting professionals. Like its predecessors, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story will also provide its attendees with unparalleled networking opportunities and social mixers including breakfast, lunch, and a closing cocktail reception — all in a single, power-packed day! Full agenda details, speaker roster and hotel information will be posted in TALKERS during the days and weeks ahead. As is customary with TALKERS conventions, Talkers 2019: Telling the Story is only open to members of the professional media industry and communications students. Because seating is limited, and the event has been an early sellout every year since the 1990s, in order to maintain this policy, non-refundable registrations can only be purchased via telephone with a credit card. Full registration, including all functions, meals, and refreshments, costs $329 per person. However, those registering before 5:00 pm ET on December 21, 2018 pay only $279. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Miami, Entercom names Jessie Penate, a.k.a. DJ JPS, evening personality and music director for CHR WPOW “Power 96.” He’s been with the station since 2016 when he joined as a mixer after winning the station’s “Mix
Master” competition. He says, “I’m thrilled to continue this journey on the station I grew up listening to, working with a talented team filled with passion and energy.”…..iHeartMedia and Fox Broadcasting Company announce the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air live Thursday, March 14, 2019 on FOX-TV, from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The event will once again broadcast live simultaneously on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on iHeartRadio. iHeartMedia president of entertainment enterprises John Sykes says, “This is a show that is truly controlled by music fans, because it celebrates the artists and songs that they listened to all year long on our 850 broadcast radio stations and the iHeartRadio app. FOX has established itself as a premier television destination for music fans, which has made it a natural home for our Awards.”…..February’s 61st GRAMMY Awards will once again include Westwood One as the official broadcast partner in which radio stations will be offered a comprehensive array of special programming and exclusive content. Westwood One will welcome select local stations and national programs to its Westwood One Backstage at the GRAMMY Awards, which takes place in the days leading up to the February 10 television broadcast. It will also offer a two-hour “GRAMMYs Nomination Special” airing February 2-3 in CHR/hot AC, AC, and urban formats; “GRAMMYs Week Highlights,” airing February 4-10; and the “GRAMMYs Red Carpet Countdown.”…..Marker Broadcasting’s adult contemporary KJJZ, Palm Springs “KOOL 95.9 FM” adds Premiere Networks’ Delilah for evenings…..Cumulus Media’s CHR WRQX, Washington announces the winning schools in its 2nd Annual mix107.3 Holiday Choir Competition. The competition was divided into two categories – kindergarten through 8th grade and high school. North Bethesda Middle School in Bethesda, Maryland won in the first category and gets $2,500 for its music program and Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland won the high school division and will receive $5,000 for its music education program…..Entercom’s country WUSY, Chattanooga “US 101” is seeking a midday personality. Find all the information about applying here.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Which Are the Strongest News/Talk Markets in America? TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian looks at the data from Nielsen Audio’s most recent PPM ratings – the November 2018 survey – and presents an overview of the PPM markets with the strongest news/talk listenership based on 6+ numbers. Whether certain markets just like news/talk radio more than others or whether it’s consistently well-programmed stations that attract and keep listeners who are likely to enjoy news/talk – or a combination of the two – is a matter up for debate. It’s interesting to note that the top two markets for news/talk listening – Milwaukee and Cincinnati – are in states that played important roles in the most recent elections. The November PPM survey showed Milwaukee’s two news/talk outlets – Good Karma’s WTMJ and iHeartMedia’s WISN – combined for a 16.3 share (6+). In Cincinnati, iHeartMedia’s WLW and WKRC combined for a 13.6 share. See the rest of Mike Kinosian’s report here.
Final Open Meeting of 2018 at FCC to Launch Quadrennial Review of Broadcast Ownership Rules. Wednesday’s 10:30 am to 12:30 pm open meeting of the Federal Communications Commission will include, among other agenda items, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would initiate the 2018 Quadrennial Review of the commission’s broadcast ownership rules and other rules. As most broadcasters are aware, the Commission “is required by law to review certain broadcast ownership rules every four years to determine whether the rules remain ‘necessary in the public interest as the result of competition’ and to repeal or modify any rule it finds is no longer in the public interest.” Of the three rules subject to the review, one is the Local Radio Ownership Rule (the other two relate to TV). Looking at radio, the review will: seek comment on whether the Local Radio Ownership Rule, which limits the total number of radio stations that may be commonly owned in a market, continues to promote competition, localism, and viewpoint diversity in today’s radio marketplace; seek comment on possible modifications to the rule’s operation, including the relevant product market, market size tiers, numerical limits, and AM/FM subcaps; and seek comment on whether to make permanent the interim contour-overlap methodology used to determine ownership limits in areas outside Nielsen Audio Metro markets and on how to treat transactions involving markets embedded within a larger Nielsen Audio Metro market. Currently, in the largest markets (45 signals or more), ownership is limited to eight stations with no more than five of either FM or AM. Earlier this year, the National Association of Broadcasters proposed the following changes: companies operating in the top 75 radio markets could own up to eight FM stations and an unlimited number of AM signals. Companies in markets 76 and up (and in unrated markets) would be allowed to operate with no limits. The NAB also added a proposal related to the incubator program that would allow companies in that program to own up to 10 FM signals in the top 75 markets.
iHeartMedia Bankruptcy Court Dates Updated. After the postponement of yesterday’s
previously scheduled Confirmation Hearing for iHeartMedia’s Fifth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, Judge Marvin Isgur set a series of new hearing dates, starting with the December 17 hearing to address class action issues, including the question of whether the company has the authority to settle such claims. A hearing on January 10 will focus on confirmation issues; hearings on January 17 and 22 will also address the class action matters, and remaining confirmation issues will be addressed on January 23. This Plan reduces iHeartMedia’s funded debt by approximately $10.3 billion – to $5.75 billion. The Plan also provides for the separation of iHeartMedia’s radio and outdoor advertising segments.
WIBC, Indianapolis Host Tony Katz Goes into National Syndication. Talk radio host Tony Katz is syndicating a three-hour talk show titled, “Tony Katz Today” via his Tomorrow Media
and his first affiliate is Star City Broadcasting’s WSHY-AM/W282CJ, Lafayette, Indiana “The Patriot 104.3 FM.” Katz hosts the morning drive program on Emmis Communications’ WIBC-FM, Indianapolis as well as the 11:00 am to 1:00 pm show. He says, “The WIBC morning show has been a massive success and continues to grow. With ‘Tony Katz Today,’ I’m able to talk about the things that matter most to people across the Midwest and across America. I’m thrilled to be adding ‘The Patriot’ to the family.” Emmis Indianapolis director of programming David Wood adds, “I brought Tony in four years ago to build our morning show. He did it in two. Over the past 18 months doing middays as well, his numbers have only grown. He’s more than ready to be a part of the national landscape. He’s a perfect replacement for Laura Ingraham or for any daypart.”
NPR and Coalition of Podcasters Unveil RAD Ratings Technology. RAD stands for Remote Audio Data, the new podcast analytics technology that shares podcast listening metrics back to publishers, “with extreme care and respect for user privacy.” NPR.org has the story that
explains NPR and close to 30 companies – including Acast, AdsWizz, ART19, Awesound, Blubrry Podcasting, Panoply, Omny Studio, Podtrac, PRI/PRX, RadioPublic, Triton Digital, WideOrbit, and Whooshkaa – worked to develop RAD. Podcast advertisers are naturally leery of download numbers for the obvious reason that downloads don’t equal listens. So, RAD marks the podcast filed at numerous points throughout the program to determine how long the consumer listened. The story goes on to say, “One of these working groups was focused on security and data integrity, with the goal of keeping user privacy and measurement goals in alignment. RAD’s current framework supports an anonymous session ID that persists for 24 hours and the analytics endpoints only receive the RAD events, these session IDs, IP addresses and if configured, user agent.” Acast co-founder and chief product officer Johan Billgren says, “Measurement has been one of the open challenges in the podcast industry for a long time. As the medium continues to grow, universal metrics will be key to its success.”
TALKERS News Notes. Nationally syndicated talk radio star Glenn Beck paid off $27,000
worth of layaway items at a Walmart in Texas on Saturday (12/8), just two days before the final payments were due. The good deed of the Premiere Networks personality was reported in the Dallas News. Beck said he was inspired by actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry, who paid off all the layaway accounts at two Atlanta Walmart stores. Beck and his family, who were on the way to a Christmas party, broadcast via Facebook live as they walked into Walmart and met with the layaway department to pay each account individually. In the video, Beck challenged other conservative media personalities, including Mark Levin, Steven Crowder, and Bill O’Reilly to do the same. Beck said on his radio show, “You don’t have to spend the money that Tyler 
Perry or I spent. You can just go in and just give $100, or $50, or $10. You are not going to believe what a difference it makes.”…..Comrex announces a new partnership with audioone gmbh. The latter firm serves Austria, Germany, and Switzerland supplying the latest in technology for digital broadcast, for both television and radio. Comrex says it is thrilled to partner with a distributor that shares their care for customer support. Comrex is exhibiting with audioone at “Hamburg Open,” held at Studio Hamburg MCI GmbH on January 17, 2019…..Baseball play-by-play pro Tim Neverett announces he’s not returning to the Boston Red Sox for radio broadcasts next season, exiting Entercom’s radio play-by-play team. Entercom is now searching for his replacement to sit alongside Joe Castiglione for the 2019 season…..Howard Stern and SiriusXM announce they will begin presenting “Howard 100: The Best of the Interviews” on the Howard 100 channel on Monday (12/17). Celebrity interviews that will be re-broadcast include: Cardi B, Jon Bon Jovi, Stephen Colbert, James Corden, Claire Danes, Snoop Dogg, Jennifer Lawrence, Paul McCartney, Mandy Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Amy Schumer, Ringo Starr, Ben Stiller, and many more.
Trump Government Shutdown Threat, Trump-Russia Investigation/Cohen Sentencing, Google Congressional Testimony, France Terror Attack, Time’s Person of the Year, Financial Markets Activity, Brexit Complications, Aquaman Film, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/11). Tuesday’s White House meeting between President Trump and democrats Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer over funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and today’s sentencing of former Trump attorney Michael Cohen; Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s testimony before the House Judiciary Committee about political bias, privacy matters and other issues; the terror attack in Strasbourg, France that took three lives; chatter about Time magazine’s “Person of the Year”; activity in the world’s financial markets; the political tensions in Britain over the exit from the European Union; the new Aquaman film; and the week’s NFL 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 Cat Thomas joins Entercom to serve as operations manager for music outlets hot AC KYKY “Y98,” adult contemporary KEZK, and CHR KNOU “Now 96.3,” effective January 1. He was most recently with Cumulus Media as vice president of
contemporary formats. During his career he’s also served with CBS RADIO in Las Vegas. Thomas says, “I can’t tell you how energized I am to be joining the passionate team at Entercom. I’m looking forward to working with [president of programming] Pat Paxton again, [SVP/market manager] Becky [Domyan] and the entire St. Louis operation. The dedication and positive culture the staff exude is truly amazing. We are all playing to win, and I cannot wait to be a part of the great things to come.”…..In Cleveland, iHeartMedia debuts new hip hop outlet “REAL 106.1” on WAKS-HD2/W291BV. iHeartMedia North Ohio Region president Keith Hotchkiss says, “We are extremely excited to add ‘REAL 106.1’ to our diverse portfolio of stations in the Cleveland market. ‘REAL 106.1’ will play the top songs from the top artists in the urban format.”…..Longtime Atlanta radio personality Christopher Rude returns to the airwaves in the region. According to a report by Rodney Ho at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Rude is now handling mornings on rock outlet WJBB-AM/W296CX, Winder, Georgia. Rude, who hosted his “Rude Awakening” morning show on sports talk WCNN for 15 years, says of working with independent owner Jeff Batten, “It doesn’t take a week and five meetings to get a segment or a promotion on the air. Reminds me a lot of what got me into radio in the first place. A group of people who are hungry to see the station grow and they all wear several hats doing it.”…..Cami Marlowe is named afternoon personality and APD at Cumulus Media’s CHR WABD, Mobile. She was most recently with New South Radio’s CHR WYOY “Y 101” in Jackson, Mississippi.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
PPM Analysis: News/Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on the news/talk format. The news/talk stations that saw the biggest weekly 6+ AQH share improvement over the October 2018 survey were iHeartMedia’s WISN, Milwaukee (+ 0.9) and Emmis Communications’ WIBC-FM, Indianapolis (+ 0.7). On the negative side, Bonneville’s KSL, Salt Lake City was down a 1.8 share, iHeartMedia’s KOA, Denver dipped a 1.1 share and Good Karma’s WTMJ, Milwaukee was off a full share. Year-over-year, Cox Media Group’s WOKV-AM/FM, Jacksonville was a big winner, up 3.5 shares. On the flip side, iHeartMedia’s KOGO, San Diego dropped 1.9 shares since November 2017. Five news/talk outlets ranked #1 in their markets in November: Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta (8.6 share); iHeartMedia’s WLW, Cincinnati (10 share); Good Karma’s WTMJ, Milwaukee (9.4 share); Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton (8.3 share); and Cox’s WOKV, Jacksonville (11.2 share). See the entire report here.
Latest Settlement Talks May Push Back iHeartMedia Chapter 11 Exit. The latest events in iHeartMedia’s journey through Chapter 11 reorganization may push the company’s exit further into the future, according to a piece in Bloomberg Law. The story says that as the result of Monday’s court filings indicating objections to the Plan because of iHM’s settlement talks with Gamco Asset Management, the actual exit from bankruptcy protection could move past the anticipated February time frame. The piece says it appears certain creditors object to iHM and Gamco settling a class-action suit, arguing that such suits shouldn’t be settled in bankruptcy court. Today (12/11), was the original Confirmation Hearing date that’s been pushed back by the negotiations.
Maxwell Schaeffer to Host Weekend Show on WHO, Des Moines. According to a report in the Des Moines Register, longtime Des Moines radio personality Maxwell Schaeffer is
returning to the airwaves hosting the Saturday morning “Maxwell & Friends” program on news/talk WHO-AM, beginning January 5. Schaeffer has been with the iHeartMedia Des Moines cluster serving as director of promotions and marketing since August. Previously, he spent 23 years as morning host on Saga Communications’ classic hits KIOA-FM. Schaeffer tells the paper, “I kind of want the show to feel like we’re having a brunch party. Maybe without the mimosas — or at least visually. It is the radio, after all.” WHO program director Michael Dorwart comments, “It really just seemed like the wise move for us was to let him get settled then find where’s the right place to get him in an on-air role. Saturday morning seemed like a really good fit. We’re really not looking for a hardcore talk show.”
KRLA, Los Angeles-Based ‘The Bigger Picture with Timothy Spangler’ Reaches 250th Episode – Now Available for Syndication Distributed via Salem Radio Network. This Sunday (12/16) will see Los Angeles’ “The Bigger Picture with Timothy Spangler” air its
landmark 250th episode on local Salem Media Group O&O KRLA “AM870 the Answer.” The Sunday night call-in show has been airing on the SRN Southern California affiliate since March of 2013. The show is hosted by commentator/talk show host Timothy Spangler and co-hosted by Phillip Sparks and David C Fisher. Spangler tells TALKERS, “We started the show five-and-a-half years ago with a very different view on what live AM radio could and should be. We wanted our show to appeal to a much broader and younger audience than was currently being engaged by stations across the country – what we like to refer to as the #AltCenter. Fortunately, Los Angeles is a great inspiration for us.” Broadcasting live from the studios of KRLA 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight PT, the program covers a wide range of issues both domestic and international, punctuated by a unique blend of humor and wry observation. The show is now also available in other markets through Salem Radio Network (via XDS “SRN2 – The Bigger Picture”). For more information, check out the website www.biggerpictureradio.com.
KQTH-FM, Tucson Wraps News/Talk Format. Tomorrow, Tucson news/talk KQTH-FM flips
from news/talk to a religious format as Family Life Radio closes on its purchase of the station in a divestiture from the Scripps Media–Lotus Communications transaction. The FM news/talk format was originally installed on the station in April of 2007 by Journal Communications. The station transitioned to Scripps Media with the merger of Journal and E.W. Scripps. The station was airing mostly syndicated talk in addition to local morning show “Tucson’s Morning News” with Mike Rapp.
Trump-Russia Probe, Migrant Caravan/Border Wall Issue, Clean Water Act Changes, Google CEO to Testify, Financial Markets Activity, Brexit Complications, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/10). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and the battle in Washington over funding for the border wall; the EPA’s proposed changes to the Clean Water Act; Google CEO Sundar Pichai to testify before a House subcommittee about bias allegations and China’s Project Dragonfly; the recent stock selloff and concerns about a bearish 2019; the Brexit complications dogging British Prime Minister Theresa May; and the weekend’s NFL 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. In the San Diego market the executive management team operating Local Media San Diego has entered into an agreement to acquire the company operating alternative XETRA “91X,” CHR XHITZ “Z90,” and rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5.” The management team consists of vice president and general manager Gregg Wolfson, chief financial officer Norm McKee, and director Steve McNeely. Wolfson says, “LMSD has always operated locally and the transition to local ownership is the final step to firmly plant our flag as San Diego’s local media provider.”…..More cuts at Hubbard Radio-owned stations as the KRWM “Warm 106.9” drops morning team Allan Fee, Ashley Ryan, and producer Kevin Justik. At sister country KNUC, evening personality Michael Kraig Mason exits…..Urban One flips Gospel WPPZ “Praise 107.9” to rhythmic oldies as “Classix 107.9” while keeping the Gospel format on WPPZ-HD2…..Pictured below is WHTZ, New York “Z100”-based, Premiere Networks syndicated morning personality Elvis Duran (left) on the December 7 episode of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon (right). The two discussed Duran’s taking care of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his getting engaged on the unluckiest day of the year – Friday the 13th.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Report: Cumulus Interested in WGN-AM, Chicago. According to a report by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Cumulus Media – owner of news/talk WLS-AM, classic hits
WLS-FM and alternative WKQX – is interested in buying legendary news/talk WGN-AM. Television station company Nexstar has bid to acquire Tribune Media – 42 TV stations, numerous digital properties and cable channel WGN America – for $4.1 billion. A report in Crain’s Business Chicago indicates that although Nexstar is “in no hurry” to sell WGN-AM, it is not planning to build out a radio division and will likely sell the station. None of the major radio operators are up against the AM ownership cap in Chicago so Cumulus, Entercom, Hubbard or iHeartMedia could be contenders to acquire the station. Feder says that Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary Berner told staffers Cumulus would be interested in the station.
John Hanson Named Program Director for WCCO-AM, Minneapolis. Taking over after the
departure last month of station OM and PD Andy Bloom as program director for news/talk WCCO-AM is John Hanson. He joins the station from the company’s Kansas City sports talk duo KCSP “610 Sports Radio” and KWOD “1660 The Score.” Entercom Twin Cities SVP and market manager Shannon Knoepke says, “John brings extensive knowledge of the Minneapolis community to his new role with 830 WCCO. I trust our listeners will enjoy the innovative and exciting programing that he will add to the station.” Prior to joining Entercom in 2013, Hanson co-hosted “Twin Cities Live” on KSTP-TV, Minneapolis.
Jeff Styles Returns to the Air in Chattanooga. Former WGOW-FM, Chattanooga morning drive personality Jeff Styles is back on the air in the market today on Brewer Broadcasting’s
news/talk WPLZ-HD4/W224AZ “NoogaRadio 92.7 FM” for a daily show in the 8:00 am to 10:00 am slot. Styles was let go from WGOW by Cumulus Media after being arrested during a road 
rage incident in which he was shot in the arm by the other motorist. The case was bound over to a grand jury but the charges against him were dropped. WGOW subsequently named midday host Brian Joyce host of “The Morning Press” with co-hosts Jim Reynolds and Kevin West. Styles’ new program is called “Fred the Show” – Fred stands for Free Radio Every Day – and Styles says, “I’m excited to have a platform to listen, and talk to, listeners again…I’m chomping at the bit, excited to stir things up!”
Doug McIntyre to Exit KABC, Los Angeles. Longtime KABC-AM, Los Angeles personality
Doug McIntyre announces he’s leaving the Cumulus Media news/talk station after his contract expires at the end of this month. McIntyre is also a columnist for the Los Angeles Daily News. In a Tweet, McIntyre says, “Time for me to say goodbye. After 22 years, I will do my last show at KABC this Friday, December 14th. What a great run and wonderful experience it has been. This was a tough call, but I appreciate KABC management for for respecting my decision.”
Nielsen Audio: News/Talk Top Format in PPM Markets. According to data from Nielsen
Audio, overall (Persons 6+), news/talk is the most-listened-to radio format of 2018 to this point with 10% of the AQH audience. Looking at the 25-54 demographic, CHR was again the dominant format with 8% of the AQH audience. Although news/talk’s audience skews older, it still was the third most-listened-to format (tied with adult contemporary) with 7% of the AQH audience. Keep in mind that Nielsen lumps public radio news/talk in with its commercial brethren and that certainly adds some youth to that figure, as it likely does with the 18-34 demo, in which news/talk scores 4.3% of the AQH share.
The Bob & Tom Show Renews with iHeartMedia for 13 Affiliate Stations. The nationally
syndicated “Bob & Tom” show announces it has struck a renewal deal with iHeartMedia to continue being carried by 13 of the company’s radio stations, including home base WFBQ, Indianapolis; WQMF, Louisville; WTUE, Dayton and more. The program is distributed by Westwood One. Show host Tom Griswold says, “Thanks to [EVP/GM iHeartMedia national programming group] Brad Hardin and all the folks at iHeart for keeping our long relationship moving forward. Many of these stations have been with us for years, so they are jewels in the ‘Bob & Tom’ crown. Actually, we started our syndication at WFBQ and we’re happy to continue our close and unique tie with that special group in Indianapolis.”
Kim Komando Show to Air on Bloomberg TV in January. Beginning on Saturday, January 5, the new, television version of the weekly Kim Komando program will air on the Bloomberg Television Network at 4:00 pm ET. Komando’s show is produced by her WestStar
Multimedia Entertainment firm and the TV show will be produced at WestStar’s $8 million broadcast center in Phoenix. Komando says, “We’re thrilled to take our content to an international audience. We’re taking what we’ve perfected on the airwaves over the last 20 years, reaching millions of Americans each week and sharing it worldwide. How cool is that?” The press release says that the program “will be expertly produced to speak to Bloomberg’s loyal audience of business executives, industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs.” Komando adds, “We’re all about tech wellness and helping consumers use technology to enrich their lives and improve their businesses.”
TALKERS News Notes. In a report by Paul Farhi in The Washington Post, it’s revealed that NPR employs “an army of temps” that for them creates a “workplace of anxiety and insecurity.” Farhi writes,
“Without temporary workers — who are subject to termination without cause — NPR would probably be unable to be NPR. Temps do almost every important job in NPR’s newsroom: They pitch ideas, assign stories, edit them, report and produce them. Temps not only book the guests heard in interviews, they often write the questions the hosts ask the guests.” Temp workers are covered under NPR’s union contract and they make a base salary as per that contract. According to the piece, about 20%-22% of NPR’s 483 union staffers are temps…..iHeartMedia and Learfield announce 
that new Milwaukee sports talk outlet WRNW “97.3 The Game” will serve as the new radio home of the Wisconsin Badger Sports Network in Milwaukee. iHeartMedia division president Jeff Tyler comments, “We have enjoyed great success with many of our new sports/talk and entertainment brands and are excited about the launch of ‘97.3 The Game’ for Milwaukee and Southwestern Wisconsin. We are also pleased to continue and expand our longtime partnership with Learfield’s Badgers Sports Properties and the University of Wisconsin with ‘The Game,’ ‘The Big 920’ and all the other Milwaukee stations and of course our iHeartRadio brand.”…..National radio rep firm Gen Media Partners announces its acquisition of Regional
Reps and The Tacher Company. In a press release, GMP says, “While the newly acquired companies will continue to operate on behalf of the radio stations they represent, Gen Media Partners’ combined roster of 4,000 radio station partners will create more opportunities for national advertisers, particularly when they are looking for scale in radio.” GMP CEO Kevin Garrity says, “With the increased scale and reach, we can develop more national opportunities and generate more agency business for our independent radio partners, while we continue to provide the exceptional service and support that are our hallmark.” Regional Reps chairman Stuart Sharpe exits while Greg Tacher and Joe Costello of The Tacher Company and Jeff Slivka of Regional Reps remain with their respective companies and take on expanded roles within the Gen Media Partners organization.
Trump-Russia Investigation, Trump Cabinet, Financial Markets Activity, Charlottesville Murder Conviction, Southeast Winter Storm, Paris Riots, Huawei CFO Arrest, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; changes in the Trump cabinet as William Barr to be nominated for attorney general, Heather Nauert to be UN ambassador; and questions arise about a new chief of staff; the huge stock selloff and the activity on the world’s financial markets; James Alex Fields Jr. is convicted of murder in the death of Heather Heyer at the 2017 Charlottesville protests; a winter storm dumps heavy snow in the Southeast; France continues to deal with violent protests over economic matters; the tense U.S.-China relations after the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver, BC; and the weekend’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
PPM Analysis: Urban Contemporary. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 PPM survey, today looking at urban contemporary. Three PPM market urban contemporary stations had improved more than a share over the November 2017 survey: Urban One’s WQOK, Raleigh “K97.5” (up 1.5); iHeartMedia’s WZRL, Indianapolis “Real 98.3” (up 1.4); and Urban One’s WERQ, Baltimore “92 Q Jams” (up 1.1). There are no urban contemporary outlets that rank #1 in their markets (6+), but WQOK, WERQ, and iHeartMedia’s WUBT, Nashville all ranked #2 in their respective markets in the November 2018 survey. See the whole report here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. The Toledo Blade reports a major shuffle of morning show talent at the Cumulus Media cluster in Toledo. Beginning next Monday (12/17), classic hits WRQN morning hosts Cliff and Lyn will join Gary Shores on country WKKO-FM, 99.9 “K-100.” Denny Schaffer’s morning team moves from hot AC WQQO-FM to WRQN. Meanwhile Eric Chase, who handles evenings on WQQO, assumes mornings on the station. The following Monday (12/21), Jeremy “Pyke” Peterson takes over mornings on classic rock WXKR-FM as Mark Benson retires after a 22-year stint with the station…..In Seattle, Michael Kraig exits Hubbard Broadcasting’s country KNUC where he’d been handling the evening show.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Sean Hannity Tops Mediaite ‘Influential’ List. Consumer publication Mediaite unveils its 2018 list of the most influential figures in news media, and Premiere Networks/FOX News Channel superstar Sean Hannity is #1 this year. Mediate says of Hannity: “There are many figures in media and on the air at FOX News that form what certain critics refer to as
President Donald Trump’s ‘shadow cabinet.’ Only one of them has phone calls with the president on a truly regular basis. When Sean Hannity isn’t chatting with the leader of the free world over the phone – they talk policy, media, ratings, and gossip – he’s speaking to him through his FOX News primetime show. Did we mention Hannity is the highest-rated cable news show in the United States? It has been for two years running. And not by any small measure. Hannity regularly notches a whopping three million viewers a night and sometimes breaks four. His three-hour radio show garners millions of listeners too, making Hannity a veritable media empire in and of himself. He has no shortage of critics who argue that his sort of advocacy doesn’t belong on a news network, but despite that Hannity has emerged as the king of cable news — after playing the long game over two decades at FOX. Pair that with a direct line to the White House, and there’s simply no one more influential.” The list – composed of 75 media figures including talk hosts, news anchors, comedians, executives, reporters and more – includes two other personalities doing radio work. Laura Ingraham, who is transitioning her talk radio show to a podcast in the New Year, is ranked #36, and Westwood One-syndicated radio talk host Mark Levin is #67.
iHeartMedia Chapter 11 Confirmation Hearing Postponed. That December 11 Confirmation Hearing for iHeartMedia’s Chapter 11 reorganization is postponed to “a future date.” We
don’t know what date that is as it’s not been set. According to a filing with Bankruptcy Court in Houston, iHeartMedia and Wilmington Savings Fund Society are agreeing to the extension. WSFS represents holders of two issues of senior notes and it appears they and iHM have more to hammer out before proceeding with the Confirmation Hearing. In the meantime, as iHeart moves toward exiting Chapter 11 reorganization (sometime in early 2019, the company hopes) CEO Bob Pittman issues a company-wide pep talk memo reminding staffers they work for a company with a “unique position” in the media business. Regarding the press the company’s bankruptcy proceeding is getting and the reports of companies like Liberty Media wanting a piece of iHM, Pittman says, consider it a “compliment” that there are those out there who want a piece of iHM’s equity.”
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk Radio. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s November PPM survey, today focusing on sports talk. A comparison with the October survey indicates about half the sports talkers in PPM markets saw their weekly 6+ AQH share go up and the other half declined. Entercom’s WSCR, Chicago saw the biggest decline as it was down 1.4 shares. The company’s WBZ-FM, Boston realized the highest gain of 0.8 shares. Comparing November 2017 to this year, Entercom’s WVEI-FM, Providence was the big winner, up 2.2 shares to a 5.4 share, while Capitol Broadcasting’s WCMC-FM, Raleigh dropped 2.8 shares year-over-year. WFAN is tops in Long Island as the Entercom sports talker ranked #1 in November. A big month in sports talk in Boston saw WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” rank #2 with a 6.1 share and crosstown competitor WEEI rank #3 with a 5.7 share. See the entire report here.
Michael Berry Show Adds Digital Director. The nationally syndicated Michael Berry show announces it adds Josh Benoit to the staff as digital director. Berry’s KTRH, Houston-based
talk show is currently heard in almost 20 markets. Berry states, “I’m adding critical skills to my team so that the Michael Berry show is equipped for the next few years of exciting growth and expansion. I want our on-air content to continue to engage and entertain and I want to use the tools of technology to take that content and share it in more places. Josh is the perfect talent to do that. His relationships within the industry, as well as his focus on quality daily content, will prepare for us for an exciting future.” Benoit, who works on air as Josh Reno, will continue his weekend roles with alternative KTBZ, Houston and classic rock KYRV, Sacramento. The Michael Berry show features executive producer Chad Nakanishi, the “King of Ding” Ramon Robles, “Producer Kenny” Webster, research director Sandra Peterson, “and a cast of characters and frequent callers.”
Glenn Beck’s Mercury One Charity Assists Lincoln Presidential Library. Upon learning that one-of-a-kind Abraham Lincoln artifacts were in danger of being sold to pay off debt,
Glenn Beck’s Mercury One charity launched the “5 4 Lincoln” campaign that raised $50,869. A collection of documents and artifacts, owned by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation and housed at the Lincoln Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, is not paid off and the foundation still owes $9.2 million. If the foundation can’t make the payments, artifacts will have to be sold to raise the money. Beck says, “When I heard about the museum and the help they needed last summer, we started a ‘5 4 Lincoln’ fundraiser. Thousands of my listeners have signed up to donate $5 a month to help grow the library and preserve these treasures. I wish we could do it all, but we are excited to play any role in helping. Join us at 54Lincoln.com. We are committed through the long haul.”
TALKERS News Notes. Los Angeles news/talk KFI is presenting the eighth annual “KFI PastaThon,” an on-air fundraising event to help feed local children in need all day today (12/7)
at the Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove. Proceeds will benefit Caterina’s Club, a charitable organization that helps feed, house and educate children in need in the Orange County. During the 17-hour live broadcast, all of KFI’s on-air personalities – Bill Handel, Jennifer Jones Lee, Gary Hoffmann, Shannon Farren, John Kobylt, Ken Chiampou, and Tim Conway Jr. – are on site encouraging listeners to donate packaged pasta, jars of pasta sauce and money to help feed local children in need. KFI program director Robin Bertolucci says, “This is an entire station and community effort. Not only does ‘KFI PastaThon’ help feed children in need but it also aims to end the cycle of poverty. We are grateful for our incredibly giving listeners.” Since 2010, KFI has raised more than $1.8 million and 340,000 pounds of pasta and sauce to benefit Caterina’s Club…..CBS-
TV’s “The Talk” is replacing Julie Chen – wife of embattled, former CBS Corp. chief Les Moonves – with “Dancing with the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Chen left the show as the allegations of sexual impropriety against Moonves began to heat up…..Westwood One News is producing a series of 20 year-in-review reports – one-minute vignettes showcasing the year’s biggest stories. Westwood One News is also providing to affiliate stations two long-form, year-in-review programs: “The Year in Review – The Big Stories,” hosted by correspondent Michael Toscano, and “The Year in Review – People and Entertainment,” hosted by correspondent John Trout. These programs will replace “The Week in Review” and “America This Week,” respectively, the weekends of December 22 and 23 and December 29 and 30, 2018.
Death of George H.W. Bush Top News/Talk Story for Week of December 3-7. The passing of former President George H. W. Bush was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At # 2 this week was the Trump-Russia investigation. Coming in at #3 was the migrant surge at the U.S.-Mexico border, followed by financial markets activity at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Jim Bohannon Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the longest-running and most highly regarded talk show hosts in radio, Jim Bohannon, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Bohannon broadcasts via Westwood One to hundreds of stations every weekday evening between 10:00 pm and 1:00 am ET. He has been a professional radio personality for 58 years and is still going strong. Along the way, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Special Recognition First Amendment Award from the Radio
Television Digital News Association and a nomination for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Marconi Radio Award for Network Syndicated Personality of the Year. He was named by TALKERS as the 2013 recipient of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in addition to being a perennial member of the publication’s “Heavy Hundred” – the 100 most important radio talk show hosts in America. He is also an inductee into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Known for his even-handed approach to the issues and big, friendly personality, Bohannon is an extremely likeable figure, popular with his radio colleagues and listeners alike. He and Harrison engage in an informal discussion about the major issues and interests facing America during the Age of Trump from divisive political polarity and political correctness to the state of the First Amendment and celebrity gossip. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Philadelphia CHR WTDY welcomes new morning drive show “Coop and Casey” to the air. Sean “Coop” Tabler (left) and Casey Reed (right) take on morning show duties as the station recently transitioned from country to CHR. Reed comes to WTDY from crosstown CHR
WIOQ. Tabler was most recently morning host at country WGH, Norfolk, Virginia. Entercom Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “We are so excited to bring Coop to Philly and to welcome Casey back to the 96.5 TDY family. Together, their focus on all things Philadelphia, along with their infectious energy is just what WTDY’s listeners are looking for in the morning.”…..At iHeartMedia’s hot AC WMTX, Tampa “Mix 100.7,” Laura Diaz is leading the new “Mix Morning Show with Laura Diaz,” starting January 3. She joins “Mix 100.7” from iHeartMedia Orlando’s CHR WXXL “XL106.7,” where she co-hosted “Johnny’s House” with Johnny Magic for the past seven years. She says, “My great-grandparents emigrated from Spain to Tampa in search of the American Dream. To think that 103 years later I have the opportunity to be the female lead on a morning show and continue the dream is overwhelming! I’m grateful and humbled to be able to join a community-focused station like ‘Mix 100.7’ and to continue doing what I love with iHeartMedia.”…..At Hubbard Radio’s country WYGY, Cincinnati “97.3 The Wolf,” air staffers Ernie Brown, Pete Miller, and Jimmy Salzurulo exit as the station appears to be going jockless. That report comes from WVXU’s John Kiesewetter who also talks with Brown about his career in Cincinnati radio…..Beasley Media Group parts ways with adult contemporary WPBB, Tampa “B98.7” morning team Chadd & Kristi after almost two years. The station is in Christmas mode and rumors in the market are that a format change may be in store for WPBB…..The Envision Networks-syndicated weekend rock show “Chop Shop Guitar Show” is celebrating the production of the 800th consecutive program. On this weekend’s program, host Steve Black is joined by Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger from Halestorm and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitar maestro Al Pitrelli…..Superadio Networks and CTC Productions announce an affiliation and sales partnership agreement to syndicate “Explicitly Old School with T-Boz,” a daily radio show hosted by Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins from the legendary super group TLC. The one-hour, daily show is designed to air on rhythmic, urban, urban AC and throwback stations and features hip hop and R&B artists such as Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, P Diddy, and more.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Longtime Baltimore Talk Show Host/Reporter Les Kinsolving Passes at 90. Known for his no-holds-barred questioning tactic as a White House reporter and for his regular talk show on WCBM, Baltimore, Les Kinsolving cut a colorful figure in the Baltimore-Washington
market and across the talk radio industry. Kinsolving – born Charles Lester Kinsolving – died early Tuesday morning. He had triple bypass surgery in 2005 after suffering a heart attack. WCBM morning personality and program director Sean Casey said in a message posted on Twitter: “Les was one of the founding fathers of WCBM. I hired him in 1990 after a strong recommendation from out former colleague Tom Marr. Les was a fearless reporter/broadcaster who confronted the Jim Jones cult, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and covered the White House in his signature red jacket.” Casey notes that Kinsolving hosted “Uninhibited Radio” on the station for 28 years before his health declined and he was forced to retire several months ago.
PPM Analysis: All-News. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on all-news outlets. Ratings movement (weekly 6+ AQH share) from the October survey to the November survey among all-news stations was pretty much split fifty-fifty – half the stations saw an increase and about half went down. The same goes for a comparison to last November’s PPM survey, about half the stations were up and the other half were down. This month, four all-news stations ranked in the top five in their respective markets. Entercom’s WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago and Hubbard’s WTOP-FM, Washington both ranked #1, while the Entercom’s KCBS-AM ranked #2 in San Francisco and #3 in adjacent San Jose and its WWJ, Detroit also ranked #3. See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
Moffett to Lead SummitMedia Springfield. Taking over the leadership of SummitMedia’s
new Springfield, Missouri station group is Janelle Moffett, who rises from general sales manager to president. She begins leading the cluster that includes news/talk KSGF-AM/FM, country KTTS, CHR KSPW, and adult hits KRVI upon the exit of retiring president Rex Hansen. Moffett says, “We have great stations and a talented, committed team here. We will make certain we continue to entertain and inform our listeners, deliver results for our clients, and serve our wonderful Springfield community. I’m very excited about all the possibilities ahead for us!”
Forbes Publishes ‘Highest-Paid Radio Hosts’ Piece. In a story in Forbes by Hayley
Cuccinello, the five highest-paid talk hosts are ranked. Topping the list this year is SiriusXM star Howard Stern, estimated to be making $90 million. Premiere Networks star Rush Limbaugh is #2 with an estimated $84.5 million made this year. At #3 is Premiere’s Ryan Seacrest with $74 million, followed by Premiere/FOX News superstar Sean Hannity at #4 with $34 million and Premiere’s Glenn Beck in fifth place with $8.5 million. The piece also delves into the merger of Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze digital platform and CRTV and other radio talk show issues.
TALKERS News Notes. There’s a publication – currently only available to “lawmakers, decision-makers, and others involved in D.C.’s political process” – that Clarity Media Group
announces is expanding to the public arena. The weekly Washington Examiner magazine will launch on January 1 “with a new look, an expanded editorial range, and an increase in its distribution.” Under the continued editorial leadership of editorial director Hugo Gurdon, the expanded magazine will publish 44 issues per year. Clarity Media president and CEO Ryan McKibben says, “Over the years, we’ve frequently been asked if individuals outside of the Beltway could subscribe to the publication. With this expansion and relaunch, our aim is for the new, national Washington 
Examiner to build on its position as a leader in providing a conservative perspective on the events of the day.”…..Nielsen Audio holds a client webinar today to brief them on the transformation of the measurement of 200-plus small and medium markets measured with the Audio Diary from a quarterly or two times a year static view to monthly reporting. Nielsen says the change “will enable clients to react more quickly to marketplace changes.” Continuous diary measurement will be released in stages with the first phase beginning in mid-2019 in 47
markets presently measured four times a year…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that WGN-AM, Chicago news reporter/anchor Dometi Pongo is also hosting a new Twitter Live video titled, “Need to Know.” The program is produced by MTV News and “offers a ‘deep dive’ on a major story of the day and each afternoon he recaps the day’s top stories.”…..KORE Broadcasting’s sports talk KORE, Eugene, Oregon “FOX Sports Eugene” adds “The Dan Patrick Show” to its weekday morning lineup, effective December 17…..SiriusXM is broadcasting live from the Baseball Winter Meetings beginning Sunday (12/9). Both the MLB Network Radio and Mad Dog Sports Radio channels will broadcast live from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas where club owners, front office executives, managers and many others from the major and minor leagues will gather to discuss offseason baseball business.
Bush Ceremonies, Trump-Russia Investigation, Migrants at U.S.-Mexico Border, U.S.-China Trade War, Mercurial Dow, ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ Controversy, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/5). The ceremonies honoring late President George H. W. Bush; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and the border wall issue; the Trump administration’s tariff policy toward China; the up-and-down Dow and concerns about a returning bear market; radio stations are caught in a controversy over the lyrics to “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”; and the week’s NFL 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 Josh Gebhart, a.k.a. Jay Jay, moves from Cumulus Media’s Twin Cities operations where he was an air personality and producer, to the company’s Eugene, Oregon cluster to serve as program director for hot AC KEHK “Star 102.3” and sister adult contemporary
KSCR-AM/FM. Cumulus Eugene operations manager Al Scott says, “It’s great to finally have a PD here in the building to steer KEHK through this very competitive radio market. Josh brings a lot of enthusiasm to the table and is breathing fresh life into the station!…..Sheridan Broadcasting names Tracey Harvey creative 
director. In her new position, she’ll be charged with developing the company’s new web presence – including audio and video content. She’ll also be responsible for expanding the company’s social media content and branding footprint by identifying new business partnerships…..Cumulus Media’s urban AC KMEZ is moving from its current 106.7 frequency to the 102.9 frequency it previously occupied, effective today (12/6). As a result, hip hop KKND “Power 102.9” goes away. The station is being branded “Z 102.9.” Program director J’Michael Francois says, “During the first 30 days, ‘Z 102.9’ will be heard both on 102.9 and on 106.7 so that all our current listeners will know that KMEZ will now be heard on 102.9 FM…..Mariah Carey is the special guest host of the Premiere Networks-syndicated R&B show “The Sweat Hotel” with Keith Sweat. In addition to playing R&B slow jams and taking song requests, the award-winning artist will play music from her new album, Caution, as well as some of her fan-favorite hits…..TMZ reports that rock radio and television personality Matt Pinfield was hit by a speeding car while walking in Los Angeles. The report says Pinfield’s leg was broken in two places and he received a wound to his head that required stitches. Pinfield was most recently morning host at Cumulus Media’s triple A KFOG, San Francisco.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
WCCO-AM, Minneapolis Names Cory Hepola Late Morning Host. Transitioning from television to radio in the Twin Cities is Cory Hepola, who will assume the host role from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Entercom’s WCCO-AM, effective January 7. Hepola – an Emmy Award-
winning news anchor – has been serving as anchor at KARE-TV, Minneapolis. Hepola says, “Growing up in Perham, Minnesota, just seeing or hearing the iconic call letters – WCCO – gives me chills. The history here is amazing; for nearly 100 years, brilliant people have been laying a successful foundation of respect and trust at WCCO Radio. I’m thankful to be adding my voice, energy, and personality to this already incredibly talented staff.” During Hepola’s two-decade career as a journalist, Hepola has worked in Fargo, North Dakota; Rochester, New York; and Austin, Texas. He takes over for the retiring John Hines.
Rex Hansen Retires as VP/GM of SummitMedia’s Springfield, Missouri Cluster. At the Springfield, Missouri cluster of SummitMedia – just acquired in a purchase from Scripps
Media – vice president and general manager Rex Hansen is resigning from the post he’s held for 19 years, effective at the end of January. During his career at the station group, Hansen led the launch of three radio brands, including news/talk KSGF-AM/FM – a winner of the Edward R. Murrow National Award for outstanding news coverage in 2012 and 2015. The cluster also includes country KTTS, CHR KSPW “Power 96.5,” and adult hits KRVI “106.7 The River.” Hansen says, “Working with these stations for the last two decades has been a dream come true. Serving Springfield and the surrounding communities has been a passion of our team. Helping create a better community has been and continues to be our mission. I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife Pam and our family. There is a strong leadership team in place at SummitMedia Springfield that has been developed and fully prepared for this moment. I’m confident they will continue our successful record. It’s been a great ride!”
TALKERS News Notes. Media tech pro Sue Gilks is appointed director, Asia-Pacific for
Comrex Corporation. In this role, she’ll work with distributors in the region to support existing customers and further develop the markets. During her 30-year career she’s served as a senior manager in the international broadcast arena with a number of world-leading technology companies, including: DTC,Tandberg TV, Motorola, and Sony. She will be in attendance at BES Expo 2019 in New Delhi on January 17-19 representing Comrex with Technomedia Solutions in Stall 60…..A preliminary autopsy report from the Paducah, Kentucky police
indicates no evidence of foul play in the death of former, longtime KGO, San Francisco talk show host Ray Taliaferro. His body was found on Sunday (12/2) about a mile from where he was last seen after being missing for three weeks. KGO-TV, San Francisco reports that authorities say exposure to the elements may have precipitated his death…..Actor, talk host, and radio producer Dominick Brascia died at his
home in Bozeman, Montana on November 26 at age 61. During his career he acted in movies and on such shows as Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, “Knight Rider,” “Iron Eagle,” “Night Court,” “Busted,” “My Life as a Troll,” and many others. His radio career included stops at KSTE, Sacramento; KXNT, Las Vegas; WERC, Birmingham; and KNRC-AM, Denver. His most recent gig was as host of “Dominick in the Morning” on Townsquare Media’s KMMS, 
Bozeman. Read his obituary here…..ABC News Radio announces special coverage of the funeral and services for former President George H.W. Bush. Coverage will be anchored by correspondent Aaron Katersky along with fellow correspondents Karen Travers, Stephanie Ramos, and Lana Zak in Washington, Jim Ryan in Houston, and contributors Ann Compton, Steve Roberts, and more…..Syndicated Solutions Incorporated announces VP/affiliate sales Steve Downes is retiring on December 20 after an 18-year stint with the company.
Share of Ear: Advertisers Have Misperception of Pandora and Spotify Audiences. According to the third quarter “2018 Share of Ear” report (research into U.S. audio usage) from Edison Research, “advertisers and agencies incorrectly perceive the audience size of
Pandora and Spotify. Advertisers perceptions finds that advertisers and agencies believe Spotify has a 23% share of audio time spent while Pandora is slightly less at 21%. AM/FM radio is perceived at 36%. The truth: AM/FM radio has a 47% share while ad-supported Pandora is 4% and ad-supported Spotify is only 2% of audio time spent.” Cumulus Media chief insights officer Pierre Bouvard writes about the most recent data on his blog. He points to the study’s AM/FM usage data that says, “Americans spend substantially more time daily with AM/FM radio than Spotify and Pandora: AM/FM radio dominates daily time spent with nearly two hours daily among persons 18+ compared to Pandora’s 12 minutes and Spotify’s 10 minutes daily.” If smart speakers are what is going to bring live radio broadcasts back into the home, the growing use of the device is good news for radio. The study reports that “smart speaker ownership soars to 24% of all Americans in October 2018: Smart speaker ownership is still on the rise, tripling in just 2 years.”
Trump-Russia Investigation/Flynn Testimony, Bush 41 Remembrances, Dow Plunges/Trump-Xi Meeting, MBS’ Role in Khashoggi Murder, Cancer Test Breakthrough, Les Moonves Investigation, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/4). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the related “no-prison Time” request for Michael Flynn from Mueller; the death of former President George H. W. Bush; the Dow plunges 800 points amidst confusion over President Trump’s remarks after meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping; the controversy over Mohammed bin Salman’s role in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi; researchers in Australia announce the development of a 10-minute blood test for cancer; the investigation into allegations of sexual assault against embattled, former CBS chief Les Moonves; and the week’s NFL 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. Personality Ty Bentli takes the driver’s seat on the former “Ty, Kelly, and Chuck” show based in Nashville and heard on Cumulus Media’s country WKDF “NASH FM 103.3.” Westwood One announces it is launching the new show, hosted by Bentli with Chuck Wicks
still on board and “an expanded cast of friends and characters who will get real, get down, and get country.” Kelly Ford left the show earlier in the fall. Cumulus Media EVP, marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes says, “We are excited to showcase Ty in this new morning environment where his genuine and engaging personality really shines. He connects with listeners in a very real way and this is the perfect forum for him to bring more good will, compassion, and 
cheer to our lives every morning.”…..In Detroit, Cumulus Media names Lance Tidwell director of FM programming, in charge of country WDRQ “NASH FM 93.1” and hot AC WDVD. He takes over for Robbie Bridges who exits the post to relocate to the East. Tidwell recently exited his position with Townsquare Media as operations manager for the company’s Fort Collins, Colorado cluster…..Changes at Townsquare Media’s hot AC WSJO, Atlantic City as brand manager Heather DeLuca moves her air shift from middays to afternoons and Chelsea Corrine takes over the midday show, moving from sister country WPUR “Cat Country 107.3.”…..Benztown appoints Scott “Justin Case” Mayton to the newly created position of director, national imaging. The company says that in this new role, he’ll provide dedicated ‘white glove’ service to national media companies signing group imaging deals. At the same time, Benztown promotes audio imaging pro Matt Anderson to director, custom imaging, in which he’ll oversee Custom Imaging for Benztown and its audio affiliates across the U.S. and Canada.….iHeartMedia Denver’s rock KBCO is named the first-ever FM station to be inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. During an induction ceremony at Denver’s Paramount Theater last night (12/3), KBCO was recognized as one of the most influential radio stations in music, community involvement, and multimedia. National touring artist Amos Lee read the proclamation and presented the award to KBCO program director Scott Arbough. Additional highlights from the night included a special video tribute from Nathaniel Rateliff as well as a video highlight reel of KBCO’s accomplishments from
throughout the years…..There’s a cool opportunity at Service Broadcasting’s hip hop KKDA, Dallas “K104.” The station is seeking an innovative music director and show producer to play an integral role on its SBG Content Factory team. This is a unique position for a creative music maven, content curator, and show director who can drive audience engagement, ratings and revenue success. Send your resume package, success stories, and philosophies on music scheduling, morning shows, and marketing with references to: SBG HR Manager Debbie Henry at jobs@k104fm.com No phone calls please. Service Broadcasting is an EOE.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Armstrong & Getty Launch in National Syndication. KSTE, Sacramento-based morning program Armstrong & Getty – Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty – is rolling out into national syndication. The program is currently heard on 15 stations in the Western U.S., including KGO, San Francisco; KFMB-AM, San Diego; KEX, Portland; KKAT, Salt Lake City; KHHO, Seattle; and more. But that’s going to change as the program goes fully national. Craig Whetstine is handling affiliation relations for Armstrong & Getty Media and reports that the show is fed live on XDS from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm ET. He adds, it would be “a great alternative for stations looking to replace Laura Ingraham with another live show in that daypart.” Whetstine can be reached at 503-975-6153 or emailed at craig@armstrongandgetty.com. Check out this video of a “behind-the-scenes” tour with Armstrong & Getty.
Report: Liberty Media Seeking Up to 35% of Reorganized iHeartMedia. According to a story in the New York Post, John Malone-led Liberty Media is talking with iHeartMedia’s
creditors to acquire approximately a 35% ownership in the post-Chapter 11 iHeartMedia. The piece suggests that “gaining control of iHeart would give Liberty a music four-pack, as it already owns 71 percent of publicly listed SiriusXM Radio. Sirius in September agreed to buy streaming service Pandora Media. Liberty also owns 33 percent of listed Live Nation 
Entertainment, which owns Ticketmaster.” The story goes on to note that post-Chapter 11, “creditors Pimco and Franklin Resources will own about 25 percent of the business, while Liberty, which owns $660 million of iHeart debt, will end up with between 4 percent and 5 percent of iHeart post-bankruptcy. Liberty in June unsuccessfully tried to buy 40 percent of iHeart at a $2.9 billion valuation…Liberty is expected to want only a minority iHeart stake so it does not have to consolidate financials and hurt Liberty’s trading multiple.”
News Anchor Judy Pielach Takes WGN-AM Buyout. According to a report by Chicago media maven Robert Feder, WGN afternoon news anchor Judy Pielach is taking the buyout
being offered by Tribune Media. Her last day handling the news on the afternoon show with Roe Conn and Anna Davlantes will be December 21. She’s been with the station for 32 years. Also taking the buyout are engineers Aubrey Mumpower and Ben Cortez. The future ownership of WGN-AM is up in the air as television operator Nexstar has successfully bid to acquire Tribune Media and, should the deal make it through the regulatory process, most media watchers believe Nexstar would sell the lone radio outlet. Potential suitors include iHeartMedia, Entercom, and Hubbard since all three companies have space under the ownership caps in Chicago.
Chris X Joins KSEV, Houston for Afternoon Show. Houston talk station KSEV names Chris X host of the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm daypart. The station is owned by Texas Lieutenant
Governor Dan Patrick who introduces him as “a strong conservative and the new generation of conservative talk.” Chris X says, “I couldn’t be happier to be part of ‘The Voice of Texas.’ Houston is my hometown and I’ve been listening to this station for the last 30 years. There is plenty of anger and division out there, but I prefer to embrace this sociological environment with a little humor and lot of common sense, which has been lacking in today’s political discourse.”
Westwood One to Rep Fox News Radio Programming. Beginning on December 31, Westwood One will begin representing ad sales for FOX News Radio’s long-form talk
programming. As such, Westwood One will be the exclusive seller for FNR’s Brian Kilmeade, Todd Starnes, and Tom Shillue programs as well as the weekday and weekend editions of 
“Benson & Harff,” the weekend “I’ll Tell You What with Perino & Stirewalt,” “FOX News Sunday,” and “From Washington” shows. WWO president Suzanne Grimes states, “Westwood One is known for unique, exclusive, premium content partnerships with iconic brands, and FOX News Radio is a terrific addition to our portfolio. We’re excited to bring this impressive talk lineup to blue-chip advertisers on our radio, podcast, and streaming channels.”
TALKERS News Notes. This week, FOX News Radio is covering the passing of former President George H. W. Bush and the memorial services with live reports for all radio affiliates through Thursday, December 6. Gurnal Scott, Jared Halpern, Jon Decker, Jeff Monosso and Tonya J. Powers are leading the coverage. Additionally, FOX News Headlines 24/7 will provide updates every 15 minutes on SiriusXM…..Chicago urban talk outlet WVON is presenting a five-part radio docu-series reporting on “the declining Black population in what was once considered America’s Black Mecca.” The program is titled, “Exodus: Movement of the People,” and will chronicle the two migrations that occurred in the past century; the first that made Chicago home to more than 1.2 million Blacks and the series of occurrences which has caused the decline of nearly 300,000 of its residents. WVON reporter and special assignment producer Josh McGhee wrote and produced the five-part series that includes exclusive interviews from a number of long-time residents, historians, demographers, and urban planners. It will air Monday through Friday at 7:50 am, 11:50 am, 4:50 pm and 7:50 pm on WVON from December 9 – December 13, and can also be accessed live on the iHeartRadio…..NPR president and CEO Jarl Mohn announces he will transition into the role of president emeritus of the media organization when his contract runs out at the end of June, 2019. In a memo to NPR staff, Mohn also announced that he and wife Pam are donating $10 million to the organization to demonstrate their commitment to helping it “achieve long-term financial stability, particularly at a time when journalism is under economic and political pressures.” The NPR board of directors are beginning a search for the company’s next chief…..Glamour and iHeartMedia are premiering the first episode of “Broken Harts,” Conde Nast’s first investigative podcast in collaboration with HowStuffWorks. The series features director Justine Harman and books editor Elisabeth Egan joining field reporter Lauren Smiley to explore the case of Jennifer Hart, her wife Sarah their six adopted children who all died after Jennifer Hart drove off a cliff in California, killing all eight of them. Also, from iHeartMedia on the iHeartRadio platform is “The Ron Burgundy Podcast.” The audio series will launch on the iHeartRadio Podcast Network in early 2019, co-produced by Funny Or Die. The first of 24 episodes will launch in the first quarter of 2019.
Broadcasters Foundation of America Launches Year-End Appeal. The Broadcasters Foundation of America has launched its annual year-end appeal for tax-deductible personal donations to the Guardian Fund and corporate contributions to the Angel Initiative. The year-end drive asks broadcasters to reflect on their success and good fortune and give back with a tax-deductible personal or corporate donation that will help the Broadcasters Foundation
continue its mission of delivering financial assistance to broadcasters in acute need. The BFoA is a 501(c)3 charity, and the only charitable organization devoted exclusively to broadcasting professionals. The year-end giving campaign comes as more broadcasters than ever before are reaching out for monthly or emergency relief. This year, the Broadcasters Foundation will award more than $1.3 Million in aid, surpassing last year’s record-setting figure of more than $1 million. Close to $300,000 of this year’s total is for the emergency assistance that is disbursed quickly to broadcasters whose lives or homes have been affected by the unprecedented number and severity of natural disasters, including Hurricanes Maria, Florence, and Michael and the wildfires in California. Monthly aid is distributed to qualifying broadcasters who have been confronted with unexpected medical emergencies, including life-threatening critical illnesses and devastating tragic accidents. BFoA chairman Dan Mason says, “Our lives can change in the blink of an eye. In its 70-plus years of existence, the Broadcasters Foundation has provided financial aid to every broadcaster who qualified. It is only through the generosity of the people in our industry that the Broadcasters Foundation can continue to deliver this much-needed assistance to those in our profession who need it most.”
Trump-Russia Investigation, the Passing of George H.W. Bush, Migrants at U.S. Border, Government Shutdown Threat, Russia-Ukraine Tensions, Brexit Process, Paris Protests, College Football Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/3). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the death of former President George H. W. Bush; the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border where migrants seeking entry into the U.S. have amassed; the threat of a government shutdown over border wall funding; the tensions over the military incursion into Ukraine by Russia; the status of Britain’s exit from the European Union; the rollback of the gas tax in France after violent protests in Paris; the NCAA’s College Football Playoff selections; and the weekend’s NFL 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. Radio personality Brian “Sludge” Haddad is returning to Chicago from Philadelphia where he’s been creative director at Entercom’s sports talk WIP to host the morning show on alternative WKQX. Haddad and co-host Ali Mattacola and executive producer Justin Nettlebeck. Brian Phillips has been hosting the morning show for past year and will transition to a part-time role with the station…..Former country WMIL, Milwaukee and country WKTI, Milwaukee personality Karen Dalessandro joins Saga Communications’ rock WKLH, Milwaukee for fill-in work. She was most recently with WKTI before the station flipped to sports talk as Good Karma Brands assumed operations…..Programming pro Brad Hansen, most recently with country KRST, Albuquerque, is named operations manager for Townsquare Media’s Northern Colorado cluster that includes country KUAD and four other music formatted stations.
November 2018 PPM Data – Part Four. November 2018 ratings information has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 survey period covered October 11 – November 7. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.
Austin Spoken-Word Formats – A November gain of four-tenths to 4.5 (6+) by Emmis
news/talk KLBJ-AM erases its combined -.3 in September and October (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+) as “News Radio 590 AM” progresses from ninth to eighth. This (4.5) is its highest 6+-share since March (4.6).
Regaining the one-tenth it lost in October (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports 
talk KTXX continues at #16. “The Horn” posted a +.5 in June; was -.9 in July; and +1.0 in September. The 2.5 in November (and September) is its best 6+-stat since December 2016 (2.5, as well). Albeit flat at #24, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” has more than doubled its 6+-share as a result of seven straight sweeps without a loss (.3 – .3 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .7, 6+).
This is the third straight month at #1 for University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT (8.6 – 8.5, -.1, 6+), which had been a collective +1.5 in September and October (7.1 – 7.9 – 8.6, 6+).
Austin Music Formats – After dropping three-tenths in October, University of Texas at Austin-owned triple A KUTX erases it with an increase twice that margin (2.1 – 2.7, +.6, #18 to #15, 6+). Just before October’s -.3, “98.9 The Austin Music Experience” was up an overall six-tenths via six straight sweeps without a loss (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). Unchanged in the runner-up slot, Emmis adult hits KPBA “103.5 Bob-FM” is a cumulative +1.0 in three straight up or flat moves (7.3 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.3, 6+). Conversely, regional Mexican sibling KLZT “107.1 La Z” is off a collective seven-tenths in October and November (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.8, fourth to sixth, 6+), while co-owned KLBJ-FM is a collective -1.3 in three straight sweeps without an increase; “93.7 The Rock of Austin” departs the top ten (4.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4, #10 to #11, 6+). The last three sweeps have found Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ -1.2 (September); +1.2 (October); and now -.5 in November (6.7 – 6.2, 6+), but “Majic 95.5” continues at #3. Its 6.7 in August and October is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.4. Level at #20, urban AC KKMJ-HD3 hasn’t had a decrease since February and is up three-tenths in that stretch (1.2- 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+). Off by one-half share in addition to KKMJ is KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin, Texas Original” (5.1 – 4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). Before posting a +.6 in September, the iHeartMedia-owned country outlet was an overall -1.7 in four straight downward trends (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.6 – 4.7, 6+). Moving from fifth to fourth is co-owned and similarly-programmed KASE (5.3 – 5.4, +.1, 6+), which has been within 5.1 – 5.7 range (6+) in each of the last 10 ten survey periods. “Austin’s #1 For New Country” was -.5 (May); +.5 (June); -.5 (July) and a combined +.6 in August and September. Up two-tenths (1.3 – 1.5, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). With a combined +.6 in August and September (.8 – 1.0 – 1.4, 6+), KOKE-FM erased three straight decreases that produced a loss of six-tenths (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .8, 6+).
Raleigh Spoken-Word Formats – Down four-tenths to 5.9 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk
WTKK dips from fifth to sixth. In September and October, “106.1 Stay Connected” was a collective +1.2 (5.1 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+). A July increase of four-tenths halted three down or flat trends that produced a loss of three 
tenths (5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). Having nearly doubled (+.8) its 6+-share in eight straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+), Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” falters by two-tenths in November to 1.6 (#17 to #18, 6+).
A cumulative +.6 in September and October (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting
sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” surrenders two-tenths to 2.2 (#14 to #16, 6+). Its increase of four-tenths in September stopped three losses in a row that accounted for more than a 50% reduction (-2.1) of its 6+-share (3.9 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+).
Over the last five survey periods, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” has gone from third to first (June, +9); first to third (July, -1.1); third to first (August, +1.2, 6+); first to second (September, -.4+); unchanged at second; and now in November, second to third (8.3 – 7.4, -.9, 6+).
Raleigh Music Formats – Powered by a +1.8 to 7.1 (6+), Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5” zooms from eighth to fourth. The massive November increase obliterates its collective -1.7 in September and October (7.0 – 5.8 – 5.3, 6+). Earlier this calendar year, “Mix” was an overall +2.6 via three April, May, and June improvements; -1.3 (July); +.6 (August); and a collective -1.7 in September and October. Roaring back from October’s loss of two-tenths with a November uptick of nine-tenths (9.4 – 10.3, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is on top for the third straight month with its strongest 6+-stat (10.3) since January’s 10.7. While it notches a gain of eight-tenths (2.5 – 3.3, 6+), Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW “Pulse FM – All The Hits” remains at #12. It is a bit over two-shares (6+) behind iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WDCG “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.5 – 5.4, -.1, seventh to eighth, 6+). Prior to posting a one-half share increase in October, “G-105” was a combined -1.3 in four straight down or flat trends (6.3 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Just after adding one-tenth in October, Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “94.7 QDR Today’s Best Country” erodes by -1.7 (8.0 – 6.3, 6+), segueing from third to fifth with its lowest 6+-stat (6.3) since “Holiday” 2016’s 6.0. With a +1.0 in September, WQDR halted three straight downward moves that led to a collective -1.2 (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+). Its format rival – iHeartMedia-owned WNCB “B-93.9 #1 For New Country” – is an overall -1.0 in three downturns in a row (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.3, #12 to #14, 6+). A four-tenths decrease in September suspended at four its consecutive string of increases that netted six-tenths (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+).
Indianapolis Spoken-Word Formats – By tacking on seven-tenths to a full-share October
increase, Emmis news/talk WIBC – which was off seven-tenths in September – progresses from fifth to third.
Just as they were in October, WIBC sports talk sibling WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” and iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” are tied at #16. Both are up one-tenth to 2.3 (6+). WFNI improved by six-tenths in September, while WNDE notched a one-half share gain in October.
Off a combined three-tenths in September and October (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1, 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI erases that deficit with a one-half share increase to 4.6 and is back in the top ten (#11 to #9).
Indianapolis Music Formats – Despite being off one-tenth to 9.9 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WJJK is #1 for the fifth month in a row. The loss, however, does pull the plug on five successive uptrends which yielded a +3.2 (6.8 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.6 – 9.7 – 10.0, 6+). In October, “Classic Hits 104.5” reached 10.0, the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Within 4.3 – 4.9 range (6+) in each of the last seven sweeps (4.7 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erodes by one full-share to 3.5 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12, 6+). While the FM signal of Entercom hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix” falters by one-half share (#13 to #12, tied with WKLU) and continues a down/up pattern that started in June (4.3 – 3.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), its online “stream” debuts at .6 (#22, 6+). Five straight decreases by Radio One CHR WNOW for a collective -1.3 (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+) send “100.9 Radio Now” from #14 to #15. Dropping from third to fourth, Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “B-105.7” is off a collective seven-tenths in October and November (7.5 – 7.1 – 6.8, 6+), following four consecutive up or flat moves for an overall +1.4 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.5, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share shrinks one full-share as Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” sputters by seven-tenths (5.7 – 5.0, sixth to eighth, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” falters by three-tenths (8.3 – 8.0, second, 6+). “Hank” improved by six-tenths in October after September’s -1.5. On top in April, May, and June, WFMS has been -.5 (February); +1.0 (April); +.5 (May); -.5 (July); -.7 (August); and +.9 (October).
Milwaukee Spoken-Word Formats – While it relinquishes 40% of October’s massive +2.5
(10.4 – 9.4, -1.0, 6+), Good Karma Brands news/talk WTMJ repeats at #1. “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” is the key station of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Milwaukee Brewers. Adding nine-tenths to October’s +.4 (6.0 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WISN vaults from ninth to fifth. 
In advance of October, “News/Talk 1130” was a combined -2.1 in four straight decreases (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.6, 6+).
The market’s sports talk scene has become more crowded as – approximately three-quarters through the November sweep – Good Karma Brands shifted country WKTI (3.4 – 2.3, -1.1, #12 to #15, 6+) to “94.5 ESPN.” In addition, co-owned, Jackson-licensed WAUK “ESPN Milwaukee” debuts with a .5 (#20, 6+). It is tied there with iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920,” which has quintupled its 6+-share in seven successive sweeps without a loss (.1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .4 – .5, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” drops four-tenths to 1.5 (#16 to #17, 6+), snapping at four its consecutive string of increases that accounted for a collective +.7 (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.9, 6+).
Flat at #12, University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM follows October’s gain of seven-tenths with a +.2 (3.4 – 3.6, 6+). Prior to October, WUWM ranked #14 for three straight months and had been within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for 17 consecutive sweeps. The June 2018 – November 2018 topline for Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD is .9 – .9 – .7 – .9 – .7 – .8 (flat at #19, 6+).
Milwaukee Music Formats – As of November 1, iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” is without a direct format competitor as Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country” has transitioned to sports (see above). Already making the most of the situation, WMIL is a collective +2.2 in three positive spikes in succession, including November’s +1.3 (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.2 – 7.5, fourth to third, 6+). WKTI finishes its country tenure with an overall -2.1 in six straight decreases (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.3, 6+). After an astonishing 43 consecutive ratings periods at #1, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” was knocked out of the top spot in October by Good Karma Brands news/talk WTMJ. WRIT trailed WTMJ by 2.5 shares in October but, with a gain of eight-tenths (7.9 – 8.7, steady at #2) and WTMJ dropping one full-share, “Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” narrows the lead to seven-tenths. Notwithstanding that is an overall -1.3 in four negative moves in succession (4.1 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance alternative WLUM “FM 102.1 Sounds Different” manages to improve from #14 to #13. Flat at #6, Saga Communications’ WHQG “102.9 The Hog – Everything That Rocks” is off one-half share in three successive modest downturns (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+), while co-owned rhythmic CHR WNRG “Energy 106.9” more than doubles (+.9) its 6+-share with its third straight gain (.8 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.7, #17 to #16, 6+).
Nashville Spoken-Word Formats – Once again, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super
Talk 99.7” – which departs the top ten – logs a month-to-month fluctuation of two-tenths (4.0 – 3.8, -.2, #10 to #11, 6+). Dating back to March, it has – in that stretch – been 3.5 – 3.7; 3.7 – 3.5; 3.5 – 3.3; 3.3 – 3.5; and 3.8 – 4.0 (6+).
The May 2017 – November 2018 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” (#20 to #19) indicates a (6+) high of 1.4 and (6+) low of .8: 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 – .8 – .7 – 1.1 – 1.2.
Having more than doubled (+3.3) its 6+-share in four consecutive up or flat moves (3.0 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 5.0 – 6.3, 6+), Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” surrenders nine-tenths in November to 5.4 (fifth to seventh). October’s 6.3 was the highest 6+-share for the Tennessee Titans’ flagship since January’s 6.5. Steady at #18, Cromwell Group-owned sports talk WPRT “102.5 The Game” is a collective +1.0 via three consecutive improvements (.7 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+), wiping out roughly half of its -1.9 in four straight decreases (2.6 – 2.5 – .9 – .8 – .7, 6+).
Owing to three setbacks in succession, Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” is a collective -1.5 (4.9 – 4.6 – 3.6 – 3.4, #12 to #14, 6+).
Nashville Music Formats – Transforming October’s loss of seven-tenths into a November gain of nine-tenths (8.1 – 9.0, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” sets the pace for the 10th successive ratings period. Among its fluctuations this calendar year are: -6.7 (January); +1.0 (February); -.5 (May); +1.0 (June); +.9 (August); -.9 (September); -.7 (October); and now +.9 (November). As a result of four upticks in a row (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4, sixth to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WRVW “107.5 The River” is a combined +2.0. This (6.4) is its highest 6+-share since 6.6 in March. A loss of one-half share to 2.6 (#14 to #16, 6+) by Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU “Positive & Inspiring K-Love” suspends five consecutive sweeps without a loss that generated an overall increase of eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). In three straight downturns, iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” is a combined -1.3 (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.6 – 6.5, third to fourth, 6+). August’s 7.8 was the best 6+-stat for WNRQ, which was an overall +1.5 via four consecutive increases (6.3 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.8, 6+), since January (7.8, as well). In the market’s three-way country battle, Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” (-1.0 in September) logs an improvement of eight-tenths (5.8 – 6.6, sixth to third, 6+), while co-owned WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” posts its third increase in a row for a +.7 (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3, stable at #10, 6+). At the same time, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country,” which had been +1.2 (4.3 – 5.1 – 5.5, August-September-October), falters by one-half share (5.5 – 5.0, eighth to ninth, 6+).
Providence Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +1.1 in four straight increases (3.7 – 4.0 –
4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” advances from eighth to seventh. Its August increase halted three straight down or flat sweeps for a -1.0 (4.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+). A combined +.6 via four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 
1.7 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” is steady at #12. This directly follows an overall loss of nine-tenths through five straight decreases (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+). Returning the one-tenth it picked up in October (.5 – .6 – .5, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” continues at #21. In five straight Providence sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia Boston’s WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” is up three-tenths (.8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 -1.1, #16 to #17, 6+).
Up or flat for the fourth time in a row for a net gain of two full-shares (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk WVEI inches up from seventh to sixth. Before dropping six-tenths in July, WVEI was a collective +1.2 in three upticks in a row (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+).
After logging a +.4 in September and October (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.6, 6+), The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH surrenders six-tenths of that combined +.8 in November (2.0, 6+), dropping from ninth to tenth. In advance of adding four-tenths in September, WELH was off one-half share in six straight sweeps without an increase (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+). It is tied at #10 with WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH, which follows October’s one-half share gain with a loss of three-tenths (2.3 – 2.0, 6+). In September, WGBH returned the four-tenths it earned in August (1.8 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+). Immediately prior to the May sweep, these two outlets finished back-to-back four straight times and were tied in May at #10.
Providence Music Formats – Having lost a combined eight-tenths in three straight setbacks (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+), Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX “Hot 106” bounces back with a gain of one-half share to 2.3 (6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #9). Stable at 9.4 (6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate WWLI “Lite Rock 105” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. June’s 10.3 is its highest 6+-stat since 12.3 in “Holiday” 2017. Forfeiting 90% of its combined September and October +1.0 (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” slips to 4.6 (-.9, sixth to eighth, 6+). Off by one-half share each are Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” (8.7 – 8.2, second to third, 6+) and iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” (6.9 – 6.4, flat at #5, 6+). Ironically, both “Cat Country” and “B-101” were up one-half share in October. Prior to October’s +.5, WWBB was a combined -1.7 in August and September.
Norfolk – With a one-half share increase (1.2 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WNOH has its best 6+-stat (1.7) since April’s 1.8 as “Alt 105.3” breaks into the top ten (#11 to #9). Nearly tripling (+1.2) its 6+-share in four upticks in succession (.7 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.9, 6+), rhythmic hot AC sibling WMOV “Movin’ 107.7” advances from ninth to eighth.
Immediately prior to this particular run, “Movin’ 107.7” lost 86% of its 6+-share (-4.3) through seven successive sweeps without an increase, (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .7, 6+). Although it is without an increase for the third sweep in a row for a -2.4 (15.5 – 13.7 – 13.7 – 13.1), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 for the 24th straight time and posts a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 32nd time in the last 33 sweeps. Its 15.5 in August sets the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. Following five consecutive months in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI falls to fourth, as “103 Jamz” is a combined -2.0 in October and November (8.2 – 7.0 – 6.2, 6+). Its erosion of -1.2 in October curtailed five consecutive up or flat moves that yielded an overall gain of nine-tenths (7.3 – 7.4 – 7.9 – 8.1 – 8.1 – 8.2, 6+). In four consecutive (albeit slight) decreases (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WWDE is off a combined six-tenths and segues from fourth to fifth; “101.3 2WD” was +1.3 in June and July (5.0 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+). The rollercoaster ride continues for Saga Communications’ WNOR “99 Rocks,” which was an overall -2.5 via four straight declines (8.3 – 7.3 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+); roared back with a +1.1 in October; and is now -.6 (6.9 – 6.3, 6+) but carries on at #3. Flat at #7, Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” falters by one-half share to 2.9, its lowest 6+-stat since April (2.9, as well). There are two new Norfolk entries this month, the online “stream” of Entercom’s WNVZ “Z-104 Norfolk Rhythmic Music,” which debuts with a .4 (#14, 6+) and the online “stream” of co-owned urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today,” popping on with a .1 (#15, 6+).
Greensboro Spoken-Word Formats – By adding four-tenths to October’s +.3 (3.8 – 4.2, 6+),
iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” climbs from tenth to ninth; WPTI was down eight-tenths in September.
Flat at #16, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” hands over half of October’s +.2 (.4 – .3, -.1, 6+). Going into the October sweep, WSJS lost 75% (-.6) of its 6+ AQH share as a result of six straight down or flat moves (.8 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .2 – .2 -.2, 6+).
One streak continues for Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD and another one ends. It’s the sixth consecutive time that “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” finishes at #13, but after four straight up or flat trends that netted four-tenths (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+), WFDD falters by one-half share to 1.9 (6+). Its +.1 in August concluded at four a consecutive string of down or flat monthlies for an overall -.5 (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). Meanwhile, the May through November topline for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC (unchanged at #15) is: 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – .8 (6+).
Greensboro Music Formats – Adding one full-share (10.4 – 11.4, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” finishes at #1 for the 11th straight sweep and 24th straight time that it is in double-digits (6+). October’s +.2 pulled the plug on five successive decreases that resulted in a net loss of -2.0 (12.2 – 12.0 – 11.2 – 10.9 – 10.5 – 10.2, 6+). After being off a combined nine-tenths in three straight declines (10.0 – 9.7 – 9.6 – 9.1, 6+), adult hits cluster-mate WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” picks up two-tenths to 9.3 (6+) and stays in the runner-up slot for the 11th straight sweep. A July gain of nine-tenths halted five consecutive decreases that accounted for an overall -2.5 (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.3 – 9.4 – 9.1, 6+). Having occupied the #12 position for five consecutive sweeps, WMKS “100.3 Kiss FM All the Hits” bumps up to #11. The iHeartMedia CHR was +.5 in September (2.9 – 3.4, 6+); -.6 in October (3.4 – 2.8, 6+); and now +.9 in November (2.8 – 3.7, 6+). Prior to August, “Kiss” was a collective -1.4 in three downward moves in a row (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+). Remaining at #3 with its highest 6+-showing (8.5) since 16.1 in “Holiday” 2017, adult contemporary sibling WMAG “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Variety” is up or flat for the third straight month for a collective +1.7 (6.8 – 7.9 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). In the market’s always competitive country battle, iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” gains three-tenths (6.4 – 6.7, 6+), while Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” falters by four-tenths (5.9 – 5.5, 6+). The two rivals remain at #5 and #7, respectively. “Q-104.1” was a combined -.8 in October and September; “The Wolf” was up one-half share in October.
West Palm Beach Spoken-Word Formats – Answering October’s loss of four-tenths with a
November increase of six-tenths (2.0 – 2.6, 6+), Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” progresses from #12 to #11. October’s -.4 ended at four its consecutive string of upticks that netted seven-tenths (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+). Conversely, after gaining one-half share in 
October, iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” drops one-tenth to 2.3 (#11 to #12, 6+). WJNO was a combined -1.0 in August and September (2.9 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). This is the third straight month at 1.8 (6+) for co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches,” which slips from #13 to #14; WZZR gained one-half share in August. In addition to erasing the four-tenths it gained through three straight increases (.9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+), Miami news/talk sibling WIOD departs the top twenty (.9, #18 to #22, 6+).
Three straight improvements by WLRN resulted in a collective +1.0 (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+), but the Dade County School Board news/talk station forfeits 60% of that increase (3.3, -.6, sixth to eighth, 6+).
West Palm Beach Music Formats – Tacking on one-half share to October’s robust +1.1 and advancing from sixth to fifth is WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF (3.9 – 4.4, 6+). “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” was down one-half share in September but now has its best 6+-share (4.4) since January’s 5.3. Stable at #10, iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WRLX “Mia 92.1” is +1.3 through five positive spikes in a row (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Its similarly-formatted Miami sibling, WZTU “94.9 Donde Viven Tus Hits,” debuts at #22 in West Palm Beach with a .8 (6+). Having posted an overall +1.7 in five consecutive reports without a loss (9.0 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 9.4 – 10.0 – 10.7, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC WRMF relinquishes all of that increase and one-tenth more to 8.9 (6+). The -1.8 represents the largest (6+) October 2018 – November 2018 decrease by any station in the 12 PPM-markets shown here. Even so, “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” is #1 for the 11th survey period in a row. Its 10.7 in October was the highest 6+-share for WRMF since November 2017’s 11.2. The market’s two mainstream adult contemporary outlets continue to remain close together as iHeartMedia-owned WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” adds two-tenths to October’s +.1 (5.4 – 5.6, 6+) but drops from a second-place tie to third, while Alpha Media’s WEAT “Sunny 107.9” improves by four-tenths (4.6 – 5.0, 6+) and remains at #4. Prior to October’s increase, “Kool” was an overall -1.2 via three straight decreases (6.5 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+). “Sunny” was up four-tenths in August and September, but then down six-tenths in October.
Jacksonville Spoken-Word Formats – Over the course of the last five survey periods, Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV has been -.7 (July); +.5 (August); -.6 (September); +2.0 (October); and now +.6 in November to 11.2, its best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. The station’s “old” record of 10.6 (6+) was set … this time last month. Moreover, “104.5 – 
Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” repeats at #1. Prior to October, the last time WOKV finished first was in May when it scored a 9.3 (6+).
Having logged a .5 (6+) in each of the last three sweeps, iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “Sports Radio 930” improves three-tenths to .8 (#20 to #18, 6+).
As a result of three consecutive downward moves (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.2, 6+), public news/talk WJCT is a combined -1.2 and remains at #13.
Jacksonville Music Formats – Within 4.2 – 4.7 range (6+) in each of the last seven survey periods (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL records a gain of eight-tenths to 5.2, its best 6+-showing since 5.3 in March; “V-101.5” carries on at #8. Not only is Cox Media Group CHR WAPE an overall +1.6 through five straight upticks (5.4 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 7.0, fifth to fourth, 6+), “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” has its strongest 6+-share (7.0) since “Holiday” 2016’s 7.4. In the market’s adult contemporary tussle, WAPE sibling WEZI remains on a roll: “Easy 102.9” is an overall +1.9 through four straight improvements (3.4 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+). This immediately follows three straight down or flat trends that produced a collective -1.2 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+). Simultaneously, Renda Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” is a collective -2.7 via three straight setbacks (10.6 – 9.8 – 8.6 – 7.9, 6+). August’s 10.6 was the best 6+-showing for WEJZ, which was #1 in June, July, August and September, since “Holiday” 2017’s 11.9. WEZI and WEJZ remain at #7 and #3, respectively. After debuting in October with a 1.1, Delmarva Educational Association contemporary Christian WCRJ “The Joy FM” adds one-half share to 1.6 (#17 to #16, 6+). Following six successive downward moves that resulted in an overall -2.2 (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+), Renda Broadcasting-owned WGNE notches a +.4 to 4.1 (6+) as “Gator Country 99.9” repeats at #9. Despite a loss of seven-tenths (9.2 – 8.5, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle” is in the runner-up slot for the third month in a row.
Memphis Spoken-Word Formats – Regaining the three-tenths it lost in October (3.4 – 3.1 –
3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” remains in tenth-place. July’s +.2 to 3.1 (6+) interrupted five straight sweeps without an increase for an overall loss of six-tenths (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+).
Off six-tenths in July, Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” has followed with four straight gains for an overall +.9 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.2, #12 to #11, 6+).
Memphis Music Formats – The market’s top three stations are all in double-digits (6+). Boasting the largest (6+) October 2018 – November 2018 upswing by any station in the 12 PPM-markets shown here (8.8 – 10.7, +1.9, 6+), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO advances from third to second. Moreover, this (10.7) is the highest 6+-share for “Soul Classics and Today’s R&B” in its PPM-history. Prior to adding two-tenths in October, WRBO was a combined -1.4 in four successive sweeps without an increase (10.0 – 9.3 – 8.8 – 8.8 – 8.6, 6+). Anchored at #5, iHeartMedia gospel WHAL “95.7 Halleluiah – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” is up one full-share in three straight positive spikes (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). This streak directly follows six successive down monthlies in a row for a collective -2.7 (7.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.1 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Having logged six downward moves in succession for an overall -2.7 (9.8 – 9.4 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.2 – 7.1, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” is up three-tenths to 7.4 (6+) and remains at #4. A gain of three-tenths to 4.7 (ninth to seventh, 6+) by WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” pulls the plug on four straight decreases that accounted for a combined -2.4 (6.8 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). Entering the July sweep, the Entercom hot AC was an overall +2.3 in four straight increases (4.5 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.8, 6+). Basically stabilizing after October’s massive +2.4, its adult contemporary cluster-mate, WRVR “104.5 The River,” is off one-tenth (11.0 – 10.9, 6+), repeating at #1. October’s 11.0 is its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9. Its format rival – Cumulus Media’s WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” (steady at #14) – is an overall +.7 in five consecutive reports without a loss (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+). When co-owned WGKX lost two-tenths in September, it suspended three straight increases that netted +1.8 (3.4 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+). “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country,” however, falters by one-half share in back-to-back (October and November) sweeps (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+), segueing from #7 to #9.
Hartford Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of October’s +.8, Entercom news/talk
WTIC-AM is off two-tenths (7.0 – 6.8, 6+0 but continues in fifth-place. Going into the October sweep, “News Talk 1080” notched a 6.2 (6+) in each of the previous three sweeps. Thus far this calendar year, Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” has an ultra-consistent topline: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1 (6+) and remains at #14.
Despite faltering by four-tenths (2.0 – 1.6, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” advances from #13 – #12.
A combined +1.1 in three positive spikes in a row (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” progresses from ninth to eighth. 
Directly in advance of this streak, WNPR was -2.4 after seven straight down or flat trends (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+). Meanwhile, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” has a collective loss of one-half share through three negative moves in succession (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.1, flat at 14, 6+). An August gain of three-tenths halted five successive down or flat trends that led to a -1.2 (2.5 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3, 6+).
Hartford Music Formats – While unchanged at #11, Red Wolf Broadcasting’s Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 displays an increase of seven-tenths (2.4 – 3.1 6+). In addition to being an overall +1.4 via three straight improvements (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” marches from fourth to second with its highest 6+-stat since May (7.8, as well). Up four-tenths to 6.8 (unchanged at #6, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” applies the brakes to five straight decreases that accounted for a -1.9 (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Albeit down eight-tenths (11.4 – 10.6, 6+), its adult contemporary cluster-mate, WRCH “Lite 100.5,” is #1 for the 28th consecutive ratings period and is in double-digits (6+) for the 25th time in the last 27 sweeps. Following July’s -2.2, “Lite” rebounded with a +1.2 in August, which stymied four straight March through July downward moves that accounted for a -4.1 (14.3 – 13.2 – 13.1 – 12.4 – 10.2, 6+). Faltering by eight-tenths as well is iHeartMedia CHR WKSS (7.9 – 7.1, 6+), which slides from second to fourth with its lowest 6+-stat since April’s 6.9. As a result of three straight declines (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting’s WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Hartford’s Classic Rock” is an overall -1.3 and slips from eighth to ninth.
Monday, December 3, 2018
Glenn Beck and Mark Levin Merge TheBlaze and CRTV into Blaze Media. Multiplatform media organizations TheBlaze and CRTV are merging into one company called, Blaze Media.
According to the press release, “The new company will have a monthly multiplatform reach of over 165 million and will be the largest independent, traditionally conservative multiplatform media company in the United States.” The company will be led by co-presidents Tyler Cardon, formerly 
president of TheBlaze, and Gaston Mooney, formerly the president of CRTV. Effective immediately, subscribers to CRTV and TheBlaze Premium will have access to the digital streaming content of both CRTV and
TheBlaze, including over 30 original shows. Blaze Media’s television lineup includes conservative programming, including, “The Glenn Beck Program,” “LevinTV,” “Louder with Crowder,” “The News and Why it Matters,” and 
“America,” hosted by Eric Bolling. The new company says the merger will also allow Blaze Media to expand its lineup of linear programming in 2019 to reach its cable and satellite television audiences. Mark Levin comments, “Tens of millions of Americans have had it with the biased, ideologically driven mainstream media outlets that sanctimoniously advance their own agendas under the guise of ‘news’ and ‘journalism.’ Conservatives actually believe in a free press and the rest of the Constitution. This is why I started LevinTV, which grew into the CRTV digital network. In order to further expand and offer the public an alternative to liberal media group-think, I’m very excited about the merger of TheBlaze and CRTV. The timing is perfect.”
Phil Valentine to Wrap National Show; Focus on WTN-FM, Nashville Show. After 11 years in national syndication, Phil Valentine is ending his syndication effort via Westwood One,
effective January 4, and will continue hosting his daily talk radio show at Cumulus Media’s WWTN-FM, Nashville “Super Talk 99.7 WTN.” In a statement, Valentine says, “I want to thank all the affiliate stations and the Westwood One affiliate team for their support of ‘The Phil Valentine Show’ over the years. It was a difficult decision for me to eliminate the syndicated show; however, after the recent success of my novel Barbican: A Sterling McQueen Spy Story, I made the difficult decision to focus not only on my writing, but also the development of The Conservative’s Handbook into a podcast series complete with expert guests on each subject covered in the book. I will remain the host of the popular Phil Valentine show in my hometown of Nashville, as heard on WWTN.”
Nexstar Media Group Agrees to Buy Tribune Media for $4.1 Billion; Fate of WGN-AM Unknkown. According to a report by Reuters, Nexstar Media Group Inc is offering Tribune
Media $4.1 billion for its broadcast properties – 42 television stations, cable’s WGN America, various digital properties, and lone radio asset WGN-AM, Chicago. The story notes that Nexstar outbid private equity firm Apollo Global Management LLC with its all-cash offer. Unlike 
previous suitor Sinclair Broadcasting that owns three Seattle market radio stations, Nexstar Media holds no radio properties. It is unclear at this time if Nexstar has any interest in operating a major market news/talk radio outlet or not. Back in August, Tribune put the kibosh on the Sinclair deal after regulators referred to Sinclair’s previous divestments as a “sham” because the company still operated the stations in question. The deal with Nexstar would make it the largest television operator in the country. Expect the Justice Department to scrutinize this deal very closely.
iHeartMedia Reports Creditors ‘Overwhelmingly’ Support Fifth Re-Org Plan. Ahead of the December 11 Confirmation Hearing for iHeartMedia’s Chapter 11 reorganization, the company issues a statement announcing that voting results for its Fifth Amended Joint
Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization indicate that “every class of creditors entitled to vote has voted to approve the Plan. More than 90% of the votes cast by creditors and shareholders who participated in the vote approved the Plan, demonstrating substantial support for, and far exceeding the votes necessary to confirm, the Plan.” iHeartMedia calls this “a value-maximizing restructuring that comprehensively addresses the company’s funded debt obligations and positions iHeartMedia for continued growth and long-term success. The Plan will reduce iHeartMedia’s funded debt by approximately $10.3 billion—to $5.75 billion—and result in the separation of iHeartMedia’s radio and outdoor advertising businesses.”
iHeartMedia Net Revenue Soars in October. As it has been doing since April, iHeartMedia is filing monthly financial data reports with the Securities Exchange Commission as it works through the Chapter 11 reorganization process. The most recent filing for the month of October shows revenue was $349.4 million – the highest we’ve seen since April’s $417.9 figure. But net income rockets to $100.2 million – an increase of more than 157% from September’s $11.9 million. Operating income also rises, from $62.4 million to $104.8 million. But those scrutinized payments to outside professionals (the one’s attending to the Chapter 11 business) spiked to the highest figure yet — $21 million.
Former KGO, San Francisco Host Ray Taliaferro Found Dead in Kentucky. The search for
missing retired radio talk show host Ray Taliaferro ended tragically as his body was found in a wooded area in Paducah, Kentucky three weeks after he’d disappeared. The story from KGO-TV, San Francisco states that authorities have released no details surrounding his disappearance and cause of death. Taliaferro – who hosted the overnight talk show on KGO-AM, San Francisco from 1977 through 2011 – was last seen talking with the manager of a Paducah pizza parlor before disappearing. The initial public statement by local authorities indicated Taliaferro may have been suffering from symptoms of dementia.
Chad Benson Takes Over Afternoons on KXNT, Las Vegas. As TALKERS reported on November 19, longtime Las Vegas talk radio personality Alan Stock is exiting the afternoon
drive show on Entercom’s KXNT-AM, Las Vegas. Now, the station confirms that Radio America-syndicated talk host Chad Benson will begin in the afternoon drive daypart today (12/3). The KXNT website states, “If you’ve never listened to Chad’s show, we suggest you check it out – because he isn’t the talk host you’re used to! He is conversational and informative, all while being irreverent and very funny.” Meanwhile, Alan Stock begins producing “The Alan Stock Answer” – a daily feature that will air on KXNT at 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 6:30 pm every Monday through Friday.
TALKERS News Notes. The Salem Radio Network’s SRN News and TOWNHALL News announce they will provide live coverage of the state funeral of former President George H.W.
Bush on Wednesday (12/5) from the National Cathedral in Washington. Coverage will be anchored by White House correspondent Greg Clugston. Additionally, all SRN nationally syndicated talk shows hosted by Mike Gallagher, Eric Metaxas, Hugh Hewitt and others will pay tribute to President George H. W. Bush beginning today (12/3). SRN v.p./News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup says, “America has lost a great leader and a Godly family man. I had the honor of personally interviewing George H.W. Bush in New Orleans the morning he was announcing Dan Quayle as his 1988 vice presidential running mate. Even in that high-pressure moment, he was exceptionally generous with his time…exuding a grace and gentle strength that would define him for the rest of his days.”…..E.W. Scripps Company closes on its acquisition of Triton Digital for $150 million. Scripps forecasts that the acquisition will generate more than $3 million in revenue. President and CEO Adam Symson says, “The Triton acquisition aligns with the Scripps strategy of fueling company growth by being opportunistic in the marketplace and responsive to the changing needs of media consumers.”…..SiriusXM announces that former NBA pros Carlos Boozer, Caron Butler, Ryan Hollins, and Kenyon Martin are joining the roster of hosts on its SiriusXM NBA Radio channel. They’ll join the rotation of hosts on the all-new afternoon program “No Look Pass,” airing weekdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET.
George H.W. Bush Dies, Trump at G20/Xi Jinping Meeting, Looming Government Shutdown, Migrant Caravan/Mexican Border Issue, Trump-Russia Investigation, Paris Riots, Qatar to Quit OPEC, College Football Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Former President George H.W. Bush dies at age 94; President Trump’s appearance at the G20 summit in Argentina and his meeting to China’s Xi Jinping to temper the tariff battle between the two countries; the threat of a government shutdown over President Trump’s border wall funding issue; the migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and U.S. immigration policy; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and Michael Cohen’s plea deal; Qatar announces it will quit OPEC in the New Year; the NCAA names the four teams for this year’s College Football Playoffs; and the weekend’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, iHeartMedia promotes weekend personality Lisa Dent to midday host on country WEBG, Chicago “Big 95.5.” She takes over for Amber “Alabama” Cole, who left the station for personal reasons. Dent previously served with Entercom’s crosstown country outlet WUSN “US99” as both a midday personality and co-host of the morning show with Ramblin’ Ray Stevens…..The changes at Entercom’s country KMNB, Minneapolis are not too drastic as the country format stays in place and the station is re-imaged as “102.9 The Wolf.” SVP and market manager Shannon Knoepke states, “‘102.9 The Wolf’ will be the Twin Cities’ station for the biggest country hits from then and now. From today’s leading artists to all-time essential country favorites, every song beats the pulse of Nashville all day, every day. We’re excited for our fans – ‘The Wolfpack’ – and clients to continue on this journey with us as we create a close-knit community of fans.” On-air pro Greg Thunder joins the station as host of “The Wolf Wake Up Crew.” Current morning show anchor Paul “PT” Thomas expands his role to also host the “Home Town Country Sunday Night” program…..In Rochester, Entercom names Whitney Young the new morning drive co-host alongside Corey James at CHR WPXY. Young joined the station in 2017 as midday host, then became part of the morning show on an interim basis in May…..Dick Broadcasting names Mica Cadena, a.k.a. LA Rock program director, eliminating the “acting” from her title. Company vice president Jason Goodman says, “It was an obvious decision to promote Mica to PD of WXQR as she was doing the role already. WXQR has been on the air for 40 years and recently Mica has led WXQR to its highest ratings ever.”
November 2018 PPM Data – Part Three. November 2018 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 survey period covered October 11 – November 7. See all the 6+ date from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets.
Portland Spoken Word Formats – Consistently in 5.0 – 5.3 range from July through
November (5.0 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KXL “101 FM News – Stay Connected” repeats at #4, following four successive months (June – September) at #5. Meanwhile, 
iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend on Us” is unchanged from October in both 6+-share (2.2) and 6+-market rank (#18), with 2.2 its best 6+-showing in more than two years (2.2, as well, in August 2016). Flat at #23, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” is up a collective three-tenths in October and November (.8 – .9 – 1.1, 6+).
After returning the six-tenths it gained in September (1.7 – 2.3 – 1.7, August-September-October, 6+), Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” sputters by another four-tenths in November to 1.3 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #21, 6+). Portland’s “Fan” was a collective +.9 in August and September (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+); however, just prior to August, it
posted six straight down or flat moves that resulted in a -1.0 (2.4 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+). Right behind KFXX is Alpha Media-owned KXTG “The Game” (-.2, flat at #22, 6+), which is trending (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2, July through November, 6+). Meanwhile, the flagship of the Portland Trailblazers – iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Rip City Sports Radio 620” – logs its third increase in a row (.4 – .5 – .5 – .7, #28 to #25, 6+), which nearly doubles (+.3) its 6+-share since August.
Without a loss for the fourth time in a row for a collective +1.1 (8.1 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.9 – 9.2, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB repeats at #1 with its best 6+-stat (9.2) since March (9.5). KOPB had been on top from January to August (including a tie in April), before dropping to second in September. This calendar year, KOPB has been +1.1 (January); -1.1 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.5 (May); and +.7 (October).
Portland Music Formats – Locked on 4.0 (6+) in September and October, Alpha Media CHR KBFF erupts with a +.9 to 4.9, its highest 6+-share in exactly two years (5.3, November 2016); “Live 95.5” advances from eighth to fifth. Owing to a one-tenth gain to 2.9 (#17 to #16, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station” applies the brakes to five successive down or flat monthlies that accounted for a combined loss of -1.2 (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+). An overall -.9 in three straight decreases (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), co-owned KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” improves by six-tenths as well (3.8 – 4.4, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #7). Cluster-mate KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 for New Country” posts a gain of six-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.6, 6+) and jumps from #14 to #12. Prior to October, “The Bull” was -1.6 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). As the result of its November improvement, KUPL bypasses Entercom’s similarly-formatted KWJJ, which is a cumulative -1.1 in five straight sweeps without a gain (4.6 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+); “99.5 The Wolf – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Despite more than doubling (+2.3) its 6+-share in four straight up or flat trends (1.7 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Entering the August sweep, “The Fish” had been down in each of the previous four monthlies for a cumulative -.8 (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). Up four-tenths to 3.3 (#16 to #14, 6+), Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz – Today’s Best Mix” curtails four successive decreases that resulted in a combined -1.0 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+). The seven-tenths increase that iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” posted in October is obliterated in November with a -.8 (7.6 – 6.8, flat at #3, 6+). Just prior to the October ratings period, “The Eagle” had been down or flat four straight months for a collective loss of four-tenths (7.3 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.9, 6+). Four successive reports without a loss netted iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW a +1.6 (7.2 – 7.7 -7.9 – 8.8 – 8.8, 6+), but “K-103” forfeits six-tenths to 8.2 (flat at #2, 6+). October’s 8.8 was the best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 16.9 for KKCW, which was #1 in December 2017 (13.0, 6+); “Holiday” 2017 (16.9, 6+); and tied for first (with KOPB) in April 2018 (8.5, 6+). Dropping six-tenths as well in November is All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” (3.2 – 2.6, #13 to #17, 6+). A collective -1.0 as a result of four decreases in a row (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom-owned KGON falls from fifth to sixth. Immediately prior to this streak, “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” had been without a loss four straight times for a +1.6 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+).
Charlotte Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does Entercom news/talk outlet WBT add one-half share to October’s +.9 (2.9 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), the flagship of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers enters the top ten (#12 to #10). This is WBT’s highest 
6+-share since February (4.3, as well). Flat at #19, co-owned sports talk WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” more than doubles (+.7) its 6+ share via four straight up or flat moves (.6 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+). This particular streak follows four straight sweeps without an increase for the key station of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets that resulted in a -1.1 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.1 – .7 – .6, 6+).
Four downward trends in succession by University Radio Foundation news/talk station WFAE accounted for a combined -1.6 (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), but “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” picks up two-tenths to 2.7 (6+), moving from #17 to #15. The July through November topline for South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC is: .5 – .6 – .5 – .7 – .6 (flat at #20, 6+).
Charlotte Music Formats – In another ratings report full of tremendous news for iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO, “102.9 The Lake” nets an overall +3.0 as the result of seven straight months without a loss (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+) and progresses from third to second. Additionally, this (7.1) is the strongest 6+-share for “The Lake” since December 2017’s 7.2. An increase of one-half share to 4.5 (6+) by Radio One’s WOSF “105.3 RnB” puts an end to its July – October sequence of 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.0 (6+); 4.5 represents its strongest 6+-share since 4.9 in March. Level at 7.5 (6+), Beasley Media Group’s WSOC is #1 for the third month in a row. A loss of two-tenths in October by “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” ended four straight up or flat reports that netted a +1.5 (6.2 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+). Prior to August, the last time WSOC reached the seven-share level (6+) was “Holiday” 2016 (7.0). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country,” which was an overall +1.1 in four successive months without a loss (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), dips four-tenths to 6.7 (second to fourth, 6+). After being a combined +1.3 in September and October (2.7 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WHQC “Channel 96.1” surrenders nearly half that increase in November (3.4 -.6, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Down by one-tenth in both September and October (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” posts a gain of three-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and ranks eighth for the sixth month in a row. In five straight decreases, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is a collective -1.9 (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.4, #15 to #17, 6+). Off one-half share in November as well is Radio One gospel WPZS “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” (2.9, flat at #14, 6+), which had been a collective +.7 in September and October (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+). While flat at #4, Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” is nonetheless -1.9 as the result of four straight negative moves (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). “V-101.9” was +1.4 in May; eroded by -1.2 in June; and erased that -1.2 in its entirety in July with a +1.2.
San Antonio Spoken-Word Formats – Despite surrendering one-tenth to 4.4 (6+)
iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” improves from eighth to seventh. The loss, however, ends at three its consecutive string of improvements that yielded one 
full-share (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+) for the San Antonio Spurs’ flagship. October’s 4.5 was its best 6+-showing since April 2017 (4.5, as well). The July 2018 – November 2018 topline for Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” (#21 to #22) is 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.5 (6+).
Without an increase for the third straight month (.7 – .7 – .6 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” nonetheless advances from #29 to #28.
Anchored at #12, Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX “Hear Yourself Think” nets one full-share as a result of four consecutive up or flat trends (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6, 6+).
San Antonio Music Formats – There’s a major development at the top of this Texas market’s November 2018 leaderboard as the 2.2-share (6+) advantage that Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” held in October over co-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” vanishes. The end result is that KONO-FM (8.3 – 6.9, -1.4, first to second, 6+), which had been on top the past ten sweeps, trades places with “Y-100” (6.1 – 7.0, +.9, second to first, 6+). When KONO-FM sputtered by one-half share in October, it halted at four a consecutive string of increases that yielded a +2.2 (6.6 – 7.0 – 7.7 – 7.8 – 8.8, 6+). In September, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” reached the eight-share threshold (8.8) for the first time since November 2016’s 8.2. As far as “Y-100” is concerned, September’s loss of eight-tenths curtailed three straight gains that accounted for a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.8, 6+). In August, KCYY reached the six-share level (6.8) for the first time since October 2017’s 6.0. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” levels off at 5.0 (fourth to sixth, 6+) after plummeting by -1.1 in October (6.1 – 5.0, 6+). A collective -1.3 in March and April, “KJ-97” answered with a +.6 in May. Off by one-tenth in September and October (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZAR “Air 1 Positive Hits” busts out a +.8 to 2.5 and enters the top twenty (#18), with its best 6+-stat (2.5) since May’s 2.4. Faltering by nine-tenths and one-half share, respectively, though are its contemporary Christian cluster-mates KZLV (3.4 – 2.5, #12 to #18, 6+) and KMLR (.8 – .3, #30, 6+), both of which use the “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” identity. A one-tenth gain to 3.0 (6+) in October by KXXM interrupted five April through September decreases that accounted for an overall -2.1 (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+). In November, the iHeartMedia CHR piles on another seven-tenths to 3.7 (6+) as “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” zooms from #16 to #11. Down or flat the past three sweeps for an overall -1.6 (4.9 – 4.0 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3 – Today’s Best Music” improves by six-tenths to 3.9 and jumps into the top ten (#14 to #10). By notching a one-half share gain (4.9 – 5.4, 6+), co-owned classic rock KTKX “106.7 The Eagle” elevates from fourth to third. Completely erasing October’s six-tenths’ gain (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Univision Radio’s KXTN “107.5 Tejano & Proud” tumbles from #10 to #14; October’s 3.8 was its best 6+-performance since February’s 4.0. While it remains at #7, Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio” has its consecutive string of up or flat moves that yielded an overall +1.0 stall at four (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+).
Pittsburgh Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it is off one-tenth, Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM manages to improve from ninth to eighth. The March through November high/low range for “News Radio 1020” is 4.6/4.0: (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+).
After picking up three-tenths in October, co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” regresses by seven-tenths in November (6.4 – 5.7, fourth to sixth, 6+). “The Fan” was +2.0 in April (5.8 – 7.8, 6+); -2.0 in three straight May – June – July declines (7.8 – 7.4 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+); +1.4 in August (5.8 – 7.2, 6+); and -1.1 in September. Unchanged at .2 (#23, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG “970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” has notched either a .1 (6+) or a .2 (6+) in each of the last 19 ratings periods.
A loss of two-tenths to 3.2 (#11 to #13, 6+) by Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” ends three straight positive spikes that produced a cumulative +1.4 (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+).
Pittsburgh Music Formats – Displaying its best 6+ showing since January (6.8, as well), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH is an overall +1.5 as the result of three upticks in a row (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8, 6+). “Wish 99.7” progresses from fifth to fourth. Owing to three straight gains (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WXDX “105.9 The X” is an overall +.9, as the flagship of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins inches up from eighth to seventh. Level at 9.5 (6+) after October’s loss of seven-tenths, classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” is on top for the 21st consecutive ratings period. Anchored in the runner-up slot for the 11th successive sweep, co-owned rocker WDVE posts its third bump in succession for a +1.0 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.3 – 8.7, 6+); WDVE was off eight-tenths in August. Led by Entercom-owned WDSY “Y-108” Pittsburgh’s Country (4.8 – 4.4, -.4, seventh to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 – Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” (3.4 – 3.7 (+.3, steady at #11, 6+), four mainstream country facilities appear in the top twenty. The other members of that quartet are Forever Media siblings, both using the “Froggy” identity WOGG (1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #16 to #14, 6+) and WOGI (.9 – 1.0, +.1, #20, 6+). Off one-half share to 7.0, its lowest 6+-showing since June (7.0, as well), Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “96.9 Bob FM – We Play Anything” carries on at #3. The January through November (6+) high/low range for “Bob” is 7.9/7.0.
Sacramento Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating at #2, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk
KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” dips two-tenths (7.0 – 6.8, 6+) following October’s massive +1.4. Immediately prior to the October ratings period, KFBK hadn’t posted an increase in the eight previous reports resulting in an overall -3.0 (8.6 – 8.1 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). Co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” is a collective +.7 via three consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.3 – 2.6 – 3.0- 3.0, 6+) and continues at #13.
Doubling (+.8) its 6+-share since August (.8 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom’s KIFM-AM carries on at #19. Just before this particular streak, “ESPN Radio 1320” lost 50% of its 6+-share (-.8) in three straight decreases (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1 – .8, 6+). For the third sweep in succession, Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” has a fluctuation of one-tenth, 1.1 – 1.2, 1.2 – 1.3, 1.3 – 1.2 (6+) and is flat at #21.
As noted above, KFBK notched a huge (+1.4) October gain. It is the turn this time for news/talk KXJZ (+1.1, third to
second). Moreover, the Capital Public Radio outlet is without a loss for the fourth straight time for an overall +1.9 since July (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+) and KXJZ crosses the six-share threshold (6.4, 6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. This is the fifth occurrence in the last nine sweeps that Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has recorded a .6 (flat at #26, 6+).
Sacramento Music Formats – A combined -.9 in August and September (5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), Bonneville’s KNCI completely erases that deficit in October and November (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1, +.9, 6+) as “New Country 105.1” jumps from eighth to fifth. At the same time, iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” is up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5, steady at #14, 6+), while the market’s other country outlet, Entravision Communications-owned KNTY “101.9 The Wolf,” is flat at 2.0 (#16 to #17, 6+). By gaining six-tenths (4.4 – 5.0, steady at #6, 6+), Entercom CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” logs its best 6+-showing since May’s 5.6. Improving by one-half share each are KUDL’s rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KSFM (3.2 – 3.7, #12 to #11, 6+) and iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101.1” (3.9 – 4.4, #10 to #8, 6+), which has its best 6+-stat (4.4) since August 2015’s 4.7. Notwithstanding that is a cumulative -1.6 in back-to-back sweeps (9.7 – 9.2 – 8.1, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share (8.1) since April’s 8.0, Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” is #1 for the 10th straight time. “The Eagle” was +1.0 (May); +.9 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (September); -.5 (October); and now -1.1 (November). Up two-tenths and flat at #14 (2.3 – 2.5, 6+), Entravision Communications rhythmic CHR KHHM “Hot 103.5” is within 2.2 – 2.9 range for the 13th consecutive sweep. As a result of having its 6+-share sliced in half (1.8 – .9, -.9, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVB “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” drifts from the top twenty (#18 to #25). In three down or flat months in succession (4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom-owned KKDO is a combined -.8. “Alt 94.7 – Sacramento’s Alternative” exits the top ten (#9 to #12) with its lowest 6+-share since May (3.4, as well).
Salt Lake City Spoken-Word Formats – It’s another dramatic fluctuation for Bonneville’s
KSL, which follows October’s massive +2.4 to 7.2, its highest 6+-share since April’s 8.1, with a -1.8 to 5.4 (6+). Consequently, “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” has a one-month stay at #1 and slumps to fifth. Prior to October, the last time KSL reached #1 was in April. 
By picking up four-tenths in August, KSL pulled the plug on three consecutive declines that accounted for a -3.5 (8.1 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.6, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” is a combined +1.0 in October and November (3.9 – 4.7 – 4.9, level at #7, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing (4.9) since March 2017’s 5.6.
The August 2018 – November 2018 topline for Broadway Media-owned KALL is 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 (6+), with “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” remaining at #21. Immediately in advance of that, KALL was an overall +.5 via four consecutive positive or flat moves (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+).
A collective -.8 in September and October (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER picks up one-tenth in November to 2.8 (#15 to #13, 6+). Brigham Young University news/talk KUMT debuted in September with a .9 (6+); was off six-tenths in October to .3 (#26 to #27, 6+); and disappears in November.
Salt Lake City Music Formats – Locked in a three-way tie at #3 in October, iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” roars back from a -1.1 (6.7 – 5.6, 6+) with a +1.5 to 7.1 (6+) and takes over at #1. Previously this calendar year, KODJ held sole possession of the top spot or was tied for the lead in June, July, August, and September. Its gain of three-tenths in September curtailed three straight decreases that accounted for a loss of one-half share (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Part of that October three-way scrum at #3 was KODJ’s format rival, Bonneville’s KRSP “103.5 The Arrow,” which improves by one-half share to 6.1, progressing to the runner-up slot. “The Arrow” had been off four-tenths in three straight (mostly) flat or down moves (6.0 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+). Notching one-half share October – November gains as well are independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” (4.2 – 4.7, ninth to eighth, 6+) and Broadway Media alternative KXRK “X-96 Utah’s Original Alternative” (3.8 – 4.3, 6+). “Z 104” has its highest 6+ share since March (4.7, as well), while “X-96” cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). Even though Cumulus Media adult contemporary KBEE is a collective +1.8 via three straight upticks (2.7 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” backslides from eighth to ninth. “B-98.7” gained six-tenths between April and July (2.7 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). On the other hand, co-owned country KUBL “K-Bull 93” is an overall -2.1 in four consecutive decreases (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12).
Las Vegas Spoken-Word Formats – As it posts a 1.9 for the third time in the last four sweeps
(1.9 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT falls out of the top twenty (#20 to #21). Prior to gaining two-tenths in August, “News Talk Radio 840” had been down or flat the previous three ratings periods for a net loss of four-
tenths (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+). In a somewhat similar vein, Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” records a 1.1 (6+) for the fourth time in the last seven survey periods, 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.1 (6+), dropping from #24 to #25.
Doubling (+.5) its 6+ share through four up or flat trends (.5 – .6 – .9 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), Lotus Communications sports talk
KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” advances from #26 to #25.
In addition to being an overall +1.3 in six consecutive positive spikes (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR enters the top ten (#11 to #10).
Las Vegas Music Formats – Within 2.4 – 2.8 range (6+) in each of the last seven reports (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+), Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG explodes with a +.9 to 3.3, its strongest 6+-stat since March (3.3, as well), and “Hot 97.5” zooms into the top ten (#16 to #10). Trending .8 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .9 (June through October, 6+), University of Nevada’s KUNV “91.5 Jazz & More” logs a +.7 to 1.6, reaching the one-share level (6+) for the first time since May (1.1). Not only does Lotus Communications’ KXPT advance from fifth to third, “97.1 The Point – #1 For Classic Rock” is an overall +1.8 in five straight positive spikes (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+) and has its best 6+-performance (5.5) in just over two years (5.9, October 2016). On top for the third month in a row is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 Better Music for a Better Workday,” which basically stabilizes (8.4 – 8.3, -1, 6+), after September and October’s combined +2.1 (6.3 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+). October’s (8.4) represents the highest 6+-share for “Sunny” since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.5. This calendar year, KSNE has been on top in March, May, June, July, September, October, and November. Even though an increase of two-tenths to 1.8 (6+) by Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF suspends three negative moves in succession that accounted for a -1.2 (2.8 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 1.6, 6+), “103.5 Zona Mx” backslides from #21 to #22. On the heels of October’s -.7, Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” erodes by another eight-tenths in November (5.1 – 4.3, fourth to sixth, 6+). As it entered the October ratings period, “Old School 105.7” was a cumulative +1.7 in five straight increases (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.8, 6+). Surrendering all of October’s +.5 and one-tenth more (3.8 – 3.2, -.6, 6+), Faith Communications’ contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” falls from the top ten (#10 to #12). October’s 3.8 was its highest 6+-stat since January’s 3.9. Faltering by six-tenths as well is Entercom rhythmic hot AC KXQQ “Q-100.5” (seventh to ninth), which is a collective -1.3 in three losses in succession (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+). Co-owned hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1” (third to fourth) drops one-half share to 5.4, its lowest 6+-showing since February (5.4, as well).
Cincinnati Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that WLW (10.8 – 10.0, 6+) remains at
#1 for the sixth consecutive sweep, it has been a rollercoaster ride for the iHeartMedia news/talk outlet. Some recent fluctuations for WLW include: a combined +2.0 (January and February); -1.0 (March); +1.6 (April); -1.2 (May); -1.4 (September); +1.7 (October); and now -.8 (November). October’s 10.8 was the highest 6+-share in more than two years (10.8, as well, in June 2016) for the flagship of MLB’s Reds and NFL’s Bengals. Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” has an up/down July through November topline of 3.6 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.6 (6+) and drops from ninth to tenth. July’s increase of eight-tenths halted four straight monthly reports without an increase for a collective -1.0 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+).
Following October’s one-half share gain to 1.4 – its best 6+-stat since May (1.4, as well) – sports talk sibling WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” levels out at 1.4 and repeats at #17.
Off a collective four-tenths in three successive sweeps without an increase (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU is back to July’s 3.1 (6+) and carries on at #12.
Cincinnati Music Formats – Having logged six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.5 (4.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKFS erases nearly half the loss with a gain of seven-tenths (4.1, 6+). “Kiss 107.1 Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” is back in the top ten (#11 to #9). Although it is without an increase for the third successive time for a collective -1.3 (7.9 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+), Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” remains in fourth-place. Anchored at #3, country sibling WUBE “B-105” is up one full-share via three straight up or flat monthlies (7.9 – 8.3 – 8.9 – 8.9, 6+). This is the strongest 6+-stat for “B-105” in more than two years (8.9, as well, August 2016). Elsewhere in the market’s country format, Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash-FM” picks up one-tenth (1.8 – 1.9, #15 to #16, 6+), while WUBE cluster-mate WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” (#18) improves by two-tenths to 1.0, its best 6+-stat since February (1.0, as well). “The Wolf” had recorded either a .8 (6+) or a .9 (6+) in each sweep between March and October. In August, WDBZ registered a .9 (6+) to finish at #20, but the Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies is unlisted for the third month in a row. At #19 in October (1.2, 6+), Educational Community Radio’s WOBO “The Station With Something For Everyone” vanishes in November.
Orlando Spoken-Word Formats – Unchanged in eighth-place, Cox Media Group news/talk
WDBO-FM “News 96.5” is an overall +1.9 in five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+) and has its best 6+-performance (5.2) in more than a year (6.1, September 2017). Conversely, iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We 
Say What We Want” has lost a collective eight-tenths in three straight declines (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+) and continues at #11. Its +1.0 in August suspended three straight decreases that resulted in a -1.8 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). Having nearly doubled (+1.2) its 6+-share as the result of four successive sweeps without a loss (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WFLF surrenders three-tenths to 2.4 (6+) yet improves from #15 to #14.
At the same time that Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” gains three-tenths to 1.4 (#20 to a three-way tie at #17), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” drops two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (1.3 – 1.1 – .9, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).
Anchored at #12, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” has been +.5 (September); -.7 (October); and now +.3 in November (3.3 – 3.6, 6+).
Orlando Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM on top for the 11th straight time, “Rumba 100” hangs out a +.8 to 8.9 (6+), thus ending at three its consecutive string of downturns that resulted in an overall -3.5 (11.6 – 10.1 – 8.2 – 8.1, 6+). April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Moreover, “Rumba” breaks the October tie at #1 with co-owned CHR WXXL, which gains one-tenth (8.1 – 8.2, 6+), but segues to the runner-up slot. A one-half share September increase by “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” halted three downward moves in a row that accounted for a collective -1.7 (8.9 – 8.4 – 7.8 – 7.2, 6+). By posting an increase of seven-tenths to 7.1 (6+), its highest 6+-stat in exactly one year (8.1, November 2017), Cox Media Group-owned WMMO advances from fourth to third. WMMO was locked on 6.6 (6+) in July, August, and September, before dropping to 6.4 (6+) in October. Two-tenths behind “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” is urban AC cluster-mate WCFB “Star 94.5 – Orlando’s Only R&B,” which is an overall +1.4 in five straight sweeps without a loss (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 6.9, third to fourth, 6+). Flat at #7, Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” records its third sweep in a row without a loss and is a modest +.2 in that stretch (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). Off a collective one-half share as a result of being down or flat for the fourth ratings period in a row (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WJRR “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station” continues at #13.
Cleveland Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of its October gain of eight-tenths,
iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” forfeits one-half share (6.8 – 6.3, 6+) and drops from a four-way tie at #3 to #5. October’s +.8 halted four successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.6 (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+).
Meanwhile, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (steady at #9) is up an overall two full-shares via five successive improvements (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+), directly following a combined -1.8 in three straight (March through June) setbacks (5.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+).
Off four-tenths in October, Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN erases half that decrease in November with a gain of two-tenths (2.8 – 3.0, 6+) and continues at #13; September’s 3.2 was its best 6+-showing since February’s 3.6.
Cleveland Music Formats – On top of being a collective +2.8 in three upticks in succession (6.0 – 6.5 – 7.5 – 8.8, 6+), WZAK marches from second to first. It is quite a turnaround for the Radio One urban AC, which had lost roughly 40% (-4.1) of its 6+ AQH share in five straight down or flat trends between March and August (10.1 – 9.6 – 8.1 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.0, 6+). Ousted from the top spot after five straight months at #1 is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits,” which – despite registering a +.4 (7.8 – 8.2, 6+) – shifts to #2. Its October loss of -1.5 suspended four straight improvements that – ironically – generated an overall +1.5 (7.8 – 8.4 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.3, 6+). Among WMJI’s fluctuations this calendar year are: -1.9 (January); +1.9 (February); -2.0 (March); +1.0 (April); -1.5 (May); +.6 (June); +.6 (September); and -1.5 (October). CHR cluster-mate WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” completely wipes away October’s one-half share decrease with a like-margin November increase (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+) but remains at #12. Dropping from third to fourth, co-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” is a collective -1.6 in three successive decreases (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Over in the Entercom cluster, WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” (third to fifth) is an overall -2.1 (8.4 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.3, 6+) via three straight dips and has its lowest 6+-stat since April’s 6.0, while adult contemporary sibling WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102.” is -.8 in three negative moves in a row (6.4- 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, seventh to eighth, 6+).
Kansas City Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on four-tenths to October’s +.3 (4.4 – 4.7 –
4.8, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” pushes ahead from sixth to fourth. An August gain of seven-tenths interrupted five straight February through July decreases that accounted for a -1.7 (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 
3.9, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980,” which was up four-tenths in October, is flat at 2.6 (6+), but slips from #18 to #19. When Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM picked up one-tenth in October to .7 (6+), it ended three down or flat reports that accounted for a loss of two-tenths (.7 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+); however, “Talk Radio 710 AM” returns that one-tenth in November (.6, flat at #23, 6+).
Winning ways continue for Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810,” which has more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+-share in six straight upticks (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0 – 4.2, tenth to ninth, 6+). WHB was -.9 in February; +.9 in March; an overall -2.0 in April and May (4.0 – 2.9 – 2.0, 6+); and +1.2 in October. Forfeiting all but one-tenth of October’s +.4 (3.5 – 3.2, -.3, 6+), Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” slumps from #14 to #17.
In October, KCUR returned the three-tenths it gained in September (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), but in November, the University of Missouri news/talk outlet posts a one-half share increase to 3.5 (#15 to #14, 6+).
Kansas City Music Formats – By adding six-tenths to October’s +.1 (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3 – Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” shifts from #16 to #15. Off one-half share in October, Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” jumps six-tenths as well (2.7 – 3.3, #17 to #16, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (3.3) since April’s 3.9. Hot AC cluster-mate KZPT “99.7 The Point,” a collective -.8 in four straight down or flat moves (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), adds one-tenth to 3.9 but moves from #12 to #13. This is yet another extremely powerful report card for Cumulus Media’s KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station,” which is #1 for the sixth time in a row and an overall +2.7 in six straight sweeps without a loss (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.8 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Furthermore, this (9.7) is the highest 6+-stat for the Kansas City Chiefs’ flagship since July 2017’s 10.3. On the other hand though, classic hits-oldies sibling KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is a combined -3.1 in eight successive March through November declines (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+), dipping from fourth to sixth. “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” was #1 in March, April, and May. Despite forfeiting one-half share to 7.0 (6+), thus curtailing three straight upticks for a cumulative +2.0 (5.5 – 6.5 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+), Entercom-owned KQRC “98.9 The Rock” advances from third to second. Down one-half share as well is Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” (4.7 – 4.2, sixth to ninth, 6+). A mere two-tenths separates the market’s three country outlets. Specifically, by posting a gain of three-tenths to 4.3 (6+), Entercom’s WDAF not only zooms from tenth to seventh, “106.5 The Wolf” pulls the plug on six straight sweeps without an increase for an overall loss of nine-tenths (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). It is tied at #7 with Steel City Media’s KBEQ, which is a combined -1.3 in October and November (5.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Nonetheless, “Q-104 New Hit Country,” which gained six-tenths in September, progresses from ninth (to seventh). Meanwhile, co-owned KFKF “Country 94.1” is a combined -2.1 as a result of three downturns in succession (6.2 – 5.3 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #11).
Columbus Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight positive spikes (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.3,
6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” is an overall +.9 and progresses from fifth to fourth.
Seventh-ranked in January with a 4.4 (6+) – but then vanishing from print – RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” reappeared in October with +1.1 (5.6 – 6.7, #4, 6+). The flagship of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets relinquishes four-tenths in November to 6.3 (6+) but remains at #4. After posting an April through October topline of .9 – 1.0 – .9 – .5 – .9 – 1.1 – .9 (6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WXZX “105.7 The Zone” is off three-tenths to .6 (#16 to #18, 6+).
Answering October’s -1.1 with a November gain of one-half share (3.5 – 4.0, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU inches up from ninth to eighth. Immediately prior to the October sweep, WOSU had a net gain of seven-tenths via three straight up or flat monthlies (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+).
Columbus Music Formats – In addition to being a combined +1.1 in three straight increases (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.8, 6+), Radio One’s WCKX “Power 107.5” cracks the top ten (#12 to #9) with its best 6+-showing since September 2017 (3.8, as well). By duplicating October’s +.6 (6.5 – 7.1 – 7.7, 6+), Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-FM 96 – Iconic Rock” marches from third to second and displays its best 6+-stat since January 2017’s 7.9. Despite being a cumulative +1.1 in four up or flat trends in a row (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZCB “106.7 The Beat” backslides from #10 to #11. Albeit that it has eroded by -3.3 in four straight setbacks (16.3 – 15.1 – 15.0 – 14.5 – 13.0, 6+), co-owned WCOL is #1 for the 11th sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. When “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” was -1.2 in August, it concluded five consecutive increases for an overall +4.0 (12.3 – 13.4 – 14.4 – 14.5 – 15.7 – 16.3, 6+). Among the major fluctuations for “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” this calendar year are +3.1 (January); -1.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.0 (April); +1.2 (June); +.6 (July); 1.2 (August); -.5 (October); and -1.5 (November). Following 10 consecutive reports at #2, WCOL’s CHR sibling, WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” (7.8 – 7.1, -.7, 6+), falls to #3. WNCI was +1.3 in June; a collective -1.8 in July and August (10.7 – 10.0 – 8.9, 6+); +.5 (September); -1.6 (October); and -.7 (November). Adult hits cluster-mate WODC is an overall -1.7 as a result of three consecutive dips (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), but “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” carries on at #7. This present streak immediately follows four consecutive improvements that netted a +1.6 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.7, 6+).
Friday, November 30, 2018
Cumulus Detroit Market Manager Tom O’Brien to Retire. Radio sales and management pro Tom O’Brien joined news/talk WJR-AM, Detroit as director of sales in 2004. Seven years later
he was upped to vice president and market manager for the entire Cumulus Media Detroit station group. Now, after 40 years in the business, O’Brien is retiring. Prior to joining WJR, O’Brien was general sales manager and station manager at CBS RADIO’s all-news WWJ-AM for 14 years. Cumulus EVP of operations Dave Milner says, “We thank Tom for his significant contributions to radio, to Cumulus, and to the Detroit community and wish him all the best in his retirement.” O’Brien says, “Working with the team at WJR, ‘The Great Voice of the Great Lakes,’ and Cumulus Detroit has been a privilege. Thank you to my first boss Tony Salvadore, my last boss Dave Milner, and all the team members and clients in between for a really enjoyable career.”
WCCF, Punta Gorda, Florida Host Jeff Collins to Retire from Radio. After a 45-year career in radio, news/talk WCCF-AM morning personality Jeff Collins, a.k.a. the Golden Hippo, is
retiring from his position hosting the wake-up show in the Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte market. Collins has been with the iHeartMedia station for 22 years. Station manager Robin Craig tells Charlotte Florida Weekly, “It’s not an easy task to be able to host a two-hour radio show. It’s harder than it looks. And it’s really a unique talent because, in the world of radio, dead air is your killer because people will turn the channel. So what Jeff has had the ability to do is never have dead air, always keep the guest engaged, the listeners engaged, our customers engaged. He’s the master.”
TALKERS News Notes. Changes are coming to the NBC Sports Radio network, according to a memo Westwood One sent to affiliate stations. The gist of the memo is that the network is
trimming its longform programming and will focus on sports updates and a few radio shows. The memo states, “The revised programming schedule in 2019 will consist of best in class live, up to the minute sports updates at the top and bottom of the hour 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. ‘PFT Live with Mike Florio’ on weekday mornings 6am-9am ET with a west coast feed from 6am-9am PT, ‘Best of PFT with Mike Florio’ and ‘Safety Blitz with 
Rodney Harrison’ every Saturday, and a new fast-paced, unique PM drive program focused on what matters to today’s sports fan from 3pm-7pm ET weekday afternoons.”…..Former WCCO-AM, Minneapolis program director Wendy Paulson is named executive director of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, effective January 2, 2019. Paulson has also served with Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and the Pinky Swear Foundation. She’s most recently been serving as market manager for CenturyLink. She says, “I am absolutely delighted for this opportunity with the MBA and I am looking forward to collaborating with and supporting our outstanding group of Minnesota broadcasters.”…..FOX News Radio is debuting three new podcasts, starting with today’s unveiling of “Tyrus and Timpf,” a weekly podcast featuring FOX Nation host of “UN-PC” Tyrus and FOX News contributor Kat Timpf. On December 3, FNR will release “RIDDLE: The Podcast,” led by FOX News anchor and senior correspondent Eric Shawn. The series was created in conjunction with the FOX Nation special, “Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa.” And on December 17, FNR will launch “Martha MacCallum – The Untold Story,” hosted by MacCallum. This weekly podcast will give listeners a chance to hear the story behind several famous figures, including some you may not know.
Hubbard Seeking Land for New Cincinnati Facility. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Hubbard Radio has put in a bid on vacant land in the Oakley neighborhood of Cincinnati
upon which it plans to build a 30,000-square-foot office building and broadcast facility. The land is valued at $522,000 and the City Planning Commission will vote on the company’s bid on December 7. Hubbard’s stations – country outlets WUBE and WYGY, hot AC signals WKRQ, and WREW – are currently housed at its offices in the Walnut Hills neighborhood. The story notes that the company intends to move all 142 of its current Cincinnati staffers to the new facility and hire an additional 37 people, bringing the total annual payroll to “about $14.2 million.”
Trump-Russia Investigation Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 26-30. The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the migrant caravan and Mexico border issue. Coming in at #3 was Nancy Pelosi’s nomination for House Speaker, followed by the GOP winning the Mississippi U.S. senate seat at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published evert Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Innovative British Broadcaster Graham Mack Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The program director of London-based Fix Radio is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Noted British talk show talent and programmer Graham Mack joins Michael Harrison from the UK in a fascinating discussion about the new multi
-platform radio station in which he is involved that is targeted primarily to construction workers, builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and tradespeople from a wide array of blue-collar industries. The two engage in a deep-dive conversation about the new format, as well as a number of topics including Brexit, the state of British politics, the Monarchy, class structure in England, and the view from the UK of Donald Trump. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right hand column on every page of the TALKERS email newsletter and Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Minneapolis, Christy Taylor is promoted from her APD, music director, and midday gig at Go Media’s alternative KQGO “GO 96.3” to program director. She’s been with the station since May…..Chris “Fenway” Daugherty
rises to program director at Beasley Media Group’s CHR WHHD, Augusta, Georgia, He’s been serving with the station as assistant program director and afternoon host. Beasley Augusta operations 
manager Tee Gentry says, “We always love to promote from within. Fenway has proven he can do this job and do it well. I look forward to his fresh ideas and leadership in helping us take ‘HD 98.3’ to the next level.”…..WSJM, Inc. brings Stephanie O’Sullivan to the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor market to co-host the morning show at hot AC WCXT “The Coast” and serve as promotions director. O’Sullivan has worked in Chicago as a weekend personality with Hubbard’s adult contemporary WSHE…..Westwood One announces the availability of the holiday show “An American Country Christmas with Kix Brooks” that delivers “24 hours of unique content featuring Christmas classics and an array of top country stars sharing their favorite holiday memories and traditions, including: Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldredge, Miranda Lambert, and many more.” The program is available for air from Saturday, December 22 through Tuesday, December 25, 2018.
November 2018 PPM Data – Round Two. November 2018 ratings information has been released for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 survey period covered October 11 – November 7. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.
Washington, DC Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss for the fifth month in succession,
Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL is +1.6 in that June through November stretch (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+) and moves up from sixth to fifth. Moreover, this (5.1) is its best 6+-stat in the PPM-era.
Off a collective four-tenths in three straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 
3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” slips from #11 to #13. The Washington Nationals’ flagship completely erased July’s -.5 with an August +.5 (3.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+). Regaining the two-tenths it lost in October (.9 – .7 – .9, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” is
back in the top twenty (#22 to #20). “The Team” had a lengthy hiatus from Nielsen Audio; reappeared in June with a 1.0 (6+); immediately disappeared again in July (0.0); returned in August with a .9 (6+); repeated that .9 (6+) in September; and dipped to .7 (6+) in October.
On top for the 11th straight ratings period, Hubbard all-news WTOP is down four-tenths but is within 9.3 – 9.9 range for the eighth successive month (9.6 – 9.7 – 9.5 – 9.3 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 9.5, 6+).
An overall +1.4 via four straight increases (7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 9.0, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU records its best 6+-stat (9.0) since February’s 9.2. “The Mind Is Our Medium” is in the runner-up slot for the tenth time this calendar year; the only exception was in July, when WAMU finished third. By gaining four-tenths in August, WAMU curtailed three straight flat or downward trends that resulted in a collective loss of nine-tenths (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.6, 6+).
An August gain of two-tenths to .5 (6+) by WDCH ended three straight months without an increase (5 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+); however, the Entercom business news outlet is now down or flat for the third straight time (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4, #23 to #24, 6+).
Washington, DC Music Formats – Following five consecutive decreases that accounted for an overall loss of nine-tenths (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC-FM is a collective +.7 in October and November (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.9, #14 to #11, 6+). Even though Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ WETA is without a loss for the fifth consecutive report for a collective +1.4 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), “Classical 90.9” backslides from #11 to #12. Prior to September, WETA had been within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous 22 ratings periods. Posting a 6+-share between 2.4 – 2.9 the past 11 sweeps (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WWDC “DC-101” adds four-tenths to 3.2 (#16 to #15, 6+). An impressive +2.1 in October and November (3.7 – 4.4 – 5.8, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today” erodes by one full-share in November to 4.8 (fourth to sixth, 6+). October’s 5.8 represents its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 9.7. Off four-tenths in October (4.9 – 4.5, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” falters by another half-share to 4.0 (seventh to tenth, 6+). Appearing back-to-back are urban AC rivals, Radio One-owned WMMJ “Majic” (6.4 – 6.7, +.3, 6+) and Howard University’s WHUR (flat at 5.8, 6+). “Majic” (-.9 in October) is in third-place for the fourth straight month, while WHUR (-1.0 in October) finishes fourth for the eighth sweep in succession. Following six straight up or flat reports for a collective +2.3 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+), WMMJ faltered by nine-tenths in August. July 2018’s 7.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM history. After four straight reports without an increase for an overall -1.4 (7.1 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), WHUR was 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.
Boston Spoken-Word Formats – Notching its third uptick in succession for an overall gain of
eight-tenths (2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO progresses from #13 to #12. Moreover, this (3.2) is the best 6+-stat for “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” in exactly four years (3.3, November 2014).
Beantown’s two sports talkers occupy November 2018’s #2 and 
#3 positions, as well as combining for an 11.8 (6+), which is +1.4 from October’s 10.4. Specifically, Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” registers its fourth straight increase for a whopping +2.3 (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 5.3 – 6.1, fourth to second, 6+), while Entercom’s WEEI-FM adds six-tenths to October’s +.5 (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.7,
6+), vaulting from eighth to third. As it entered the September ratings period, WEEI-FM had been an overall +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 5.1, 6+); WBZ-FM was a combined -1.9 in June and July (5.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+). WBZ-FM is the flagship of the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins; WEEI-FM is the key station of the Boston Red Sox. As noted above, the November 2018 survey period ended November 7; the Red Sox captured the World Series crown on October 28.
A loss of three-tenths (5.3 – 5.0, 6+) drops iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” from a three-way tie at #4 to #8.
Tumbling from third to sixth, Boston University’s news/talk WBUR logs a 5.5 (6+) for the third month in a row. A loss of eight-tenths (3.4 – 2.6, #12 to #14, 6+) takes WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH to its lowest 6+-showing in more than two years (June 2016, 2.6, as well). Its June 2018 – October 2018 (6+) topline was 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4.
Boston Music Formats – Up eight-tenths via three straight positive spikes (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” inches up from tenth to ninth. Flat at #13, iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 For R&B” is a collective +1.0 as the result of three successive increases (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+). On top for the 11th consecutive ratings period, its mainstream CHR sibling – WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” – picks up two-tenths to 6.9 (6+), thus pulling the plug on three straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall -1.1 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+). October’s 6.7 is the lowest 6+-showing for “Kiss” since “Holiday” 2017’s 6.4. Its format challenger, Entercom’s WODS (#16 to #15), is without a loss for the fourth consecutive time for a collective gain of three-tenths. The “Holiday” 2017 – November 2018 topline trending for “103.3 Amp Radio” is: 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 (6+). Occupying the runner-up slot in September and October, Beasley Media Group-owned WROR classic hits-oldies “105.7 Boston’s Greatest Hits” slumps by six-tenths (6.2 – 5.6, 6+) and falls to fourth. Within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 17th straight sweep, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” (2.6 – 2.4, -.2, 6+) slips from #15 to #16. Down or flat for the fifth successive sweep for a combined loss of nine-tenths (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” continues in ninth-place, while iHeartMedia-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country” adds three-tenths (1.8 – 2.1, 6+) and remains at #18.
Miami English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – Pushing up from #19 to #18,
iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is a collective +.6 in three consecutive gains (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+).
Recapturing the one-tenth it lost in October (.9 – .8 – .9, 6+), 
Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” climbs from #29 to #27. Its three-tenths’ increase in September curtailed seven straight (mostly) flat or down trends that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (.9 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .7 – .6, 6+). “The Ticket” overtakes co-owned WQAM “Sports Radio 560,” whose May through November stats are: .9 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .9 – .9 – .8 (#27 to #28, 6+).
After being up a collective four-tenths as a result of three gains in succession (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN returns one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) and drops from #19 to #20.
Miami Music Formats – One positive streak continues for WFEZ but another one ends. The Cox Media Group adult contemporary outlet is #1 for the sixth straight month; however, “Easy 93.1” sputters by seven-tenths to 7.2 (6+), thus curtailing at three its successive string of increases that netted one full-share (6.9 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 7.9, 6+). After three straight months without a decrease for an overall gain of eight-tenths (6.7 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+), WFEZ faltered by six-tenths in July. Erasing half of October’s -.6 with a November +.3 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” advances from fifth to fourth. “Lite” was a collective +.5 in August and September (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). Without a loss for the third month in a row for a collective +.8 (3.9 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM Donde Viven Tus Hits” moves from seventh to sixth. Immediately after the market’s (6+) share for mainstream CHR increased by one-half share in October, it drops by a collective two-tenths in November. The decrease is equally divided between iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (-.1, unchanged at #10, 6+) and Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” (3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #11 to #12, 6+). “Y-100” is trending 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.3 (March – November, 6+). Before October’s gain of three-tenths, “Hits 97.3” was down three sweeps in a row for an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+). Remaining at #6, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” has posted a 4.7 in five of the last nine survey periods: 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 (6+).
Detroit Spoken-Word Formats – Progressing from tenth to ninth, Cumulus Media’s WJR
“News Talk 760” is a combined +1.1 through four straight gains (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). Its +.2 in August suspended three straight negative trends that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+).
Three positive spikes in a row by Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM 
“97.1 The Ticket” (flat at #5) produce a combined +1.8 (4.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+) for the flagship of the Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings.
While steady at #3, co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” falters by one-half share to 6.6 (6+), thus snapping three consecutive gains that yielded an overall +1.6 (5.5 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+). October’s 7.1 was its strongest 6+-stat since March 2017’s 7.4.
An increase of two-tenths (1. 6 – 1.8, 6+) takes Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM from #20 to #18. By gaining one-tenth in September, WUOM halted eight straight survey periods without an increase for a collective -.3 (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+). Owing to four straight gains, Wayne State University news/talk WDET (anchored at #22) has a 6+ AQH share that is 2.5 times greater than it was in June (.6 – .7 – .8 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+).
Detroit Music Formats – Not only does Beasley Media Group’s WCSX repeat at #1, “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” dials up a +.5 to 7.8 (6+), which pulls the plug on three straight declines that led to a cumulative -1.0 (8.3 – 7.9 – 7.4 – 7.3, 6+). WCSX spent four straight months at #1 before being ousted in September. Improving by one-half share as well in November is iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” (5.8 – 6.3, 6+), which has its strongest 6+-share (6.3) since June 2017’s 6.4 yet backslides from fifth to sixth. Off by seven-tenths is mainstream CHR cluster-mate WKQI “Channel 95.5 Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.1 – 4.4, 6+), which slips from eighth to tenth. Steady at #7, Entercom’s WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Best Country” regresses by seven-tenths as well to 4.9, its lowest 6+-stat since January (also 4.9). 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. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WDRQ is unchanged from October in 6+ AQH share (2.2) and 6+ AQH rank (#17). Prior to October’s +.2, “93.1 Nash FM” was -1.0 in four consecutive decreases (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+). Three negative trends in a row by hot AC sibling WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” (flat at #11) have accounted for a -1.3 (5.2 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.9, 6+).
Seattle Spoken-Word Formats – While it carries on in the runner-up slot, Bonneville
news/talk KIRO-FM surrenders six-tenths to 6.0 (6+), thus curtailing three straight increases that netted a +1.5 (5.1 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+). Before a loss of seven-tenths in June, KIRO-FM had an October 2017 – June 2018 6+-topline of 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 
5.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.8. Despite recording its third increase in a row for a collective +.9 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+), co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” backslides from #16 to #17. Steady at #24, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” is without a loss for the sixth consecutive report (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+) and is up three-tenths since May.
Piling on four-tenths to October’s +.3 (3.7 – 4.1, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” inches up from tenth to ninth. Immediately prior to October, the flagship of the Seahawks and Mariners was off eight-tenths via three straight down or flat trends (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). In four consecutive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” has nearly tripled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .7 – .9 – 1.4 – 1.4, steady at #23, 6+).
All-news KOMO is making moves in increments of two-tenths. The Sinclair Broadcast Group facility was down two-tenths in June (2.6 – 2.4, 6+); up two-tenths in both August and September (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+); down two-tenths in October (2.7 – 2.5, 6+); and now up two-tenths in November (2.5 – 2.7, flat at #19, 6+).
Following four consecutive up or flat trends that netted an overall nine-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW relinquishes one-half share to 5.8 (6+) but remains in third-place; KUOW was #1 in September. October’s 6.3 was its highest 6+-share since April’s 6.5. Entering the August sweep, KUOW was an overall -1.1 in three straight down or flat sweeps (6.5 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+).
Seattle Music Formats – The good news for iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM is that a one-tenth gain to 4.7 (6+) ends three straight declines that resulted in a collective -1.8 (6.4 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.6, 6+); the somewhat bad news is “95.7 The Jet” slides from fifth to sixth. In four successive setbacks (5.0 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+), KRWM was -1.6 but the Hubbard adult contemporary answers in November with a gain of seven-tenths to 4.1 (6+) as “Warm 106.9” returns to the top ten (#14 to #9). Meanwhile, steady at #4, Entercom’s similarly-programmed KSWD “The Sound” is a whopping +1.7 as the result of six successive months without a loss (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). These two stations wound up going head-to-head in early-December 2017 when Entercom transitioned country KMPS to KSWD “The Sound.” In the September sweep, “The Sound” overtook “Warm 106.9” – for the first time since KSWD’s format shift to AC. Prior to a +.3 in June, KRWM was -7.1 (or down roughly 60%) in five consecutive 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 AC station’s strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015; “Warm” was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2017. Even though it is off two-tenths (6.8 – 6.6, 6+), KRWM’s CHR cluster-mate KQMV “MOViN 92.5” repeats at #1; it finished on top in June, July, and August, as well. KQMV was +1.7 in July (6.1 – 7.8, 6+); -1.4 in August; -.6 in September to 5.8, its lowest 6+-showing since April’s 5.6; and +1.0 in October. Down or flat for the sixth straight sweep for a collective -1.6 (6.2 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom’s KISW “99.9 Seattle Rock Music” drops from sixth to seventh. Co-owned rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7” is a collective -1.1 in six consecutive reports without an increase (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+) and is anchored at #20.
Phoenix Spoken-Word Formats – Reaching the four-share level (6+) for the first time since
January’s 4.0, Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM “Arizona’s News Station” (tenth to ninth) is a collective +1.2 in four increases in a row (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+). After dropping four-tenths in September, iHeartMedia’s KFYI replicates October’s gain of two-tenths (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+) and climbs from #16 to 
#15. Prior to September, “News Talk 550” logged four straight gains that netted eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+).
After its one-half share September increase to 3.1 (6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” is a combined -1.0 in October and November (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.1, 6+) and fades from the top twenty (#13 to #21). September 2018 marked the first time the key station of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes, and Arizona Diamondbacks reached the three-share level (6+) since October 2017’s 3.0.
A loss of three-tenths (3.1 – 2.8, 6+) dispatches Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ from #12 to #16. October’s 3.1 was its best 6+-showing since April’s 3.6.
Phoenix Music Formats – A cumulative -2.1 (or roughly -50%) in seven successive down or flat trends (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI not only wipes away more than half that deficit with a robust +1.3 to 3.3 (6+), “101.9 Campesina” vaults from #21 to #13. At the same time that Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” improves by one-half share (3.5, #13 to #10, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” falters by the same margin (5.2, flat at #4, 6+). “Live” was off seven-tenths in October (3.7 – 3.0, 6+); “Kiss” had been an overall +.7 in three straight sweeps without a loss (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+). In addition to KALV, notching gains of one-half share are Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT “Que Buena 105.9” (2.8 – 3.3, #15 to #13, 6+); Family Life Communications contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” (.8 – 1.3, #26, 6+); and The Yucaipa Companies’ classic hits-oldies KOAI “The Oasis” (#19), which is a collective +.8 in six straight sweeps without a loss (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.3, 6+). Adding three-tenths to October’s +.5 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ repeats at #1. KESZ entered the October sweep with four consecutive declines (including September’s -1.2) that accounted for an overall -2.9 (9.0 – 8.7 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 6.1, 6+). After spending ten straight sweeps at #1, KESZ shifted to the runner-up slot in September. The station’s 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016. Following three upticks in a row that netted nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.4, 6+), The Yucaipa Companies’ rhythmic CHR KKFR “Power 98.3” surrenders seven-tenths to 1.7 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#19 to #23). Faltering by six-tenths is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVA “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (.8 – .2, #35, 6+). Up or flat the past five ratings periods for an overall gain of eight-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+), Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” surrenders one-half share to 5.1 (6+), but continues in fifth-place. Dropping from ninth to tenth, Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” is off seven-tenths through three straight decreases (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+). Without an increase for the fourth straight month, The Yucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA “Hot” is a collective -1.0 since July (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5 – 2.5, #19 to #18, 6+).
Minneapolis Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored at #11, Entercom-owned WCCO is off
three-tenths to 4.1, thus interrupting four straight months of logging a 4.4 (6+). Recent fluctuations for “News Radio 830” have been +.8 (April); -.8 (May); -.8 (June); and +.5 (July). The Timberwolves and Twins flagship is tied at #11 with iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities 
News Talk AM 1130,” which levels off at 4.1, following an October gain of seven-tenths. Up one-tenth (2.8 – 2.9, 6+), Hubbard news/talk KTMY advances from #16 to #15. An August improvement of three-tenths by “My Talk 107.1” halted three straight down or flat moves that accounted for an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+).
A cumulative +3.0 in four consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” marches from third to second. This streak directly follows four dips in a row that produced a collective
-2.1 (5.8 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). With a February through November topline of 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8 – .7 – 1.0 (6+), Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” improves from #24 to #21.
After three straight increases that produced a +1.0 (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW drops two-tenths to 4.5 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Immediately prior, KNOW was a collective -2.2 in four negative moves in a row (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+).
Minneapolis Music Formats – Down a collective nine-tenths in four consecutive reports without an increase (4.2 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom’s KMNB “Minneapolis Country Music – Buz’n @ 102.9” picks up two-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and carries on at #14. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” duplicates October’s +.2 (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+) and proceeds from seventh to sixth. Albeit down two-tenths (7.5 – 7.3, 6+), Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM repeats at #1. Prior to being up a combined four-tenths in September and October (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+), “KS-95” logged four straight downward trends that accounted for a -1.5 (8.6 – 7.9 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+). KSTP-FM held the lead position seven straight sweeps before being ousted in August. Its format rival, iHeartMedia hot AC KTCZ, which had a 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.2 July through October topline, drops four-tenths to 3.8 (6+) and remains at #13. Following four consecutive increases for a cumulative +1.0 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.2, 6+), “The Cities” dropped six-tenths in August. This is the third negative move in a row for Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.7, #15 – #16, 6+), which is a collective -.8 since August.
San Diego Spoken-Word Formats – Although it is flat at 4.7 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk
KOGO progresses from seventh to sixth. “News Radio 600” was +.8 (January); -.7 (February); +.8 (March); +.6 (May); and -.6 (August). October 2017’s 7.2 is KOGO’s highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. Finishing at #23 and #24, respectively, are 
Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” (1.6 for the third straight month, flat at #23, 6+) and iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” (1.7 – 1.3, -.4, #22 to #24, 6+).
There is little movement in the market’s sports talk arena. Specifically, Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” repeats at #24 with 1.2, its highest 6+-stat since April’s 1.2. Off one-tenth in back-to-back monthlies (.9 – .8 – .7, 6+), Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” falls from #26 to #27, while iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” forfeits three-tenths (.9 – .6, #25 to #29, 6+).
The amazing April to November journey continues for San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS. It shifted from first to second in April; returned to #1 in May; dropped from first to third in June; slipped from third to fourth in July; returned to first in August; segued from first to second in September; and repeats at #1 in October and November (6.7 – 6.8, +.1, 6+). KPBS was up seven-tenths in August.
San Diego Music Formats – At the same time that iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” is without a loss for the third straight time for an overall +1.1 (2.2 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.3, #16 to #11, 6+), Tegna’s similarly-formatted KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM-BFM” erodes by nine-tenths (3.7 – 2.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #14). In addition to KIOZ, co-owned CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” (6.1 – 6.6, steady at #2, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDQ “Air 1 Positive Hits” (.2 – .7, #27, 6+) improve by one-half share as well. In seven consecutive sweeps without a loss, “Channel 93.3” (#1 in September) was a collective +2.8 (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), but it lost two-tenths in October. An overall -1.4 in four straight down or flat trends (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom’s KSON “103.7 New Country” picks up three-tenths to 5.2 (sixth to fourth, 6+). In five downward or flat moves in a row (4.0 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN was a collective -1.9 (approximately -50%), but “104.5 Radio Latina” is up two-tenths to 2.3 (#20 to #19, 6+). Without an increase for the fourth report in a row for a collective -1.0 (5.9 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+), Local Media of San Diego-operated XHRM “Magic 92.5 The Beat of San Diego” dips from fourth to fifth. After posting a +1.1 in September (2.6 – 3.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” forfeits all of it and one-tenth more (-1.2) in October and November (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.5, #14 to #17, 6+). In September, KLVJ reached the three-share threshold (3.7, 6+) for the first time since March (3.1). Off by one-half share as well are Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 San Diego’s Greatest Hits” (5.9 – 5.4, flat at #3, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” (2.7, #12 to #16, 6+), which had been +1.0 via three straight upticks (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.2, 6+).
Denver Spoken-Word Formats – No sooner did iHeartMedia news/talk KOA explode with a
+1.1 in October than “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” has it all erased (5.1 – 6.2 – 5.1, -1.1, second to third, 6+). The May through September topline for the flagship of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies was 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 5.1 (6+). Continuing an 
up/down pattern, iHeartMedia news/talk KHOW is +.3 (June); -.2 (July); +.1 (August); -.4 (September); +.1 (October); and now -.3 in November (1.8 – 1.5, 6+) as “Talk Radio 630” repeats at #21.
As a result of posting four increases in a row for an overall +1.9 (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” cracks the top ten (#11 to #9) with its strongest 6+-showing (4.4) since October 2017’s
4.5. In early-September, KSE Radio Ventures transitioned country KWOF “The Wolf” to KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5.” The flagship of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche sputtered by seven-tenths in October but picks up one-tenth in November (1.0 – .3 – .4, #29 to #30, 6+).
For the third month in a row, KCFR is #1, but the Colorado Public Radio news/talk station is off one-tenth to 6.6 (6+), pulling the plug on three consecutive gains that netted +1.5 (5.2 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+). Earlier this calendar year, KCFR was #1 in January, March, and May. While flat at 1.2 (6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC drops from #22 to #24.
Denver Music Formats – Ever since debuting in print in February, iHeartMedia’s KWBL had been trending 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 (6+), but “106.7 The Bull – Colorado’s New Country” explodes in November with a +.7 to 3.5 (#17 to #13). Following three consecutive improvements in which it more than doubled (+1.9) its 6+ AQH share (1.5 – 1.7 – 2.3 – 3.4, 6+) Colorado Public Radio classical outlet KVOD forfeits all but one-tenth of that entire bounty (3.4 – 1.6, -1.8, 6+), as it spirals from #14 to #20. On the heels of October’s -.4, KSE Radio Ventures’ hot AC KIMN “Mix 100 Today’s Best Mix” sputters by twice that margin in November (4.2 – 3.4, -.8, 6+), exiting the top ten (#9 to #14; “Mix” was up seven-tenths in September. Flat at #8, its format foe – Entercom’s KALC “Alice 105.9” – is an overall +.9 in three straight improvements (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). The internet stream of KALC “Alice 105.9” debuts with a .7 (#26, 6+). In addition to “Mix,” Bonneville’s country KYGO falters by eight-tenths and is a cumulative -1.2 in three consecutive decreases (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0, third to fourth, 6+). Off by one-half share (2.8 – 2.3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” slips from #17 to #19. Notwithstanding that it is a collective -1.1 in four successive sweeps without an increase (6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” advances from sixth to fifth. KOSI was up or flat five consecutive months (February through July) for an overall +1.4 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+). July’s 6.0 is the strongest 6+-showing for KOSI since Holiday’s 2017’s 11.5.
Tampa Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.9 in September and October (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), following August’s +.6, iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” erases roughly half the deficit with a one-half share 
increase to 3.8 (#15 to #11, 6+). The flagship of the NHL’s Tampa Lightning was +.5 in January and February; -.5 (March); +.8 (April); -.7 (July); +.6 (August); -.6 (October); and now +.5 in November. Although it is steady at 3.6 (6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” nonetheless segues from #11 to #14. It erased September’s -.2 with an October gain of three-tenths. Prior to September, “The Bone” was without a loss the previous four sweeps for a +.8 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+).
After being up a collective six-tenths in September and October (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” forfeits four-tenths to 2.3 and slides from #17 to #19.
WDAE is tied at #19 with University of South Florida news/talk WUSF, which is an overall +.9 in three consecutive increases (1.4 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (2.3) since February’s 2.8.
Tampa Music Formats – Over and above logging an increase of eight-tenths (8.9 – 9.7, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is in the lead position for an astonishing 75th successive ratings period. In addition, it flashes its strongest 6+-stat (9.7) since “Holiday” 2017’s 11.9. It is an exceptionally strong sweep for iHeartMedia hot AC WTMX “Mix 100.7,” which records its third uptick in succession for a collective +1.2 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#13 to #7) with its highest 6+-share since March (4.1, as well). A one-half share improvement to 5.2 (sixth to fourth, 6+) by Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Q-105” applies the brakes to three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective -1.7 (6.4 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 4.7, 6+). Gaining one-half share as well is Radio Statesboro regional Mexican WTMP “Caliente 96.1” (.2 – .7, #23, 6+). Three consecutive decreases by Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE resulted in a -1.0 (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+), but “The Joy FM” adds three-tenths to 4.0 (6+), climbing from tenth to eighth. On the heels of posting a +.5 in October, Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” relinquishes nearly twice that gain in November (6.7 – 5.8, -.9, 6+) but remains in third-place. Its one-half share improvement in October ended at three a consecutive string of decreases that led to a one-half share loss (6.7 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.2, 6+). The market’s always close CHR battle finds iHeartMedia-owned CHR WFLZ “93.3 FLZ – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” down two-tenths to 4.0 (seventh to eighth, 6+), while Cox Media Group-owned WPOI “Hot 101.5” notches a +.3 (3.6 – 3.9, 6+) to return to the top ten (#11 to #10). WFLZ had been up or flat the past three sweeps for a +.6 (3.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+).
Baltimore Spoken-Word Formats – Both independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating
Talk – Breaking News” (3.6 – 3.5, 6+) and Hearst Television news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” (2.6 – 2.5, 6+) are off one-tenth in November. They remain at #11 and #13, respectively. WCBM was -.5 in September and +1.0 in October. This is the fourth
time in a row that WBAL has had a (6+) fluctuation of one-tenth: 2.5 – 2.4; 2.4 – 2.5; 2.5 – 2.6; and 2.6 – 2.5. When WBAL gained one-tenth in September to 2.5 (6+), it halted five straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a collective -.9 (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+). Since resurfacing in the Baltimore report in May, Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL has a topline of .7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .4 (#27, 6+).
An overall +1.1 as a result of four straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” returns all but one-tenth (4.1, -1.0, sixth to ninth, 6+). Baltimore’s “Fan” was +.6 (January); -.6 (February); +1.0 (April); a combined -1.0 in May and June; and now -1.0 in November.
Despite tacking on three-tenths to October’s +.4 (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” is locked at #12. WYPR was a collective -.5 in August and September (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). Off one-tenth (1.5 – 1.4, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU drops from #15 to #16. Before slipping to 1.0 (6+) in August, WAMU notched a 1.1 (6+) five consecutive times in the Baltimore report.
Unchanged at #25, Entercom business news WDCH has a March through November topline of: .8 – .8 – .8 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .8 – .7 ( 6+).
Baltimore Music Formats – Erasing its collective -1.8 from four successive negative moves (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.1 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+) with a combined +2.1 in three straight gains (5.0 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.1, 6+) Entercom adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” advances from fourth to third. This (7.1) is the highest 6+-share for WLIF since 16.3 in “Holiday” 2017, when “Today’s 101.9” was #1. Without an increase the past three months has resulted in a loss of nine-tenths for iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR (5.5 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+), but “102.7 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” is up one-tenth to 4.7 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Having wiped away September’s +.1 with October’s -.2 (8.7 – 8.8 – 8.6, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM picks up one-tenth to 8.7 (6+). “Magic 95.9” is on top for the 11th successive sweep. In three consecutive decreases (11.6 – 11.5 – 10.3 – 9.4, 6+), “Magic” was an overall -2.2, but it responded in June with a +.3. Urban contemporary cluster-mate WERQ (7.9 – 7.7, -.2, 6+) is anchored in the runner-up slot for the seventh month in a row; “92-Q Jams” was up nine-tenths in August. In addition to halting at three its consecutive string of increases that nearly tripled (+.7) its 6+-share (.4 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” is off six-tenths to .5 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #26). This marks the third month in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).
St. Louis Spoken-Word Formats – On top in September and October, Entercom news/talk
KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” drops to second, owing to a loss of nine-tenths to 7.5 (6+). Entering the November sweep, the St. Louis Cardinals’ flagship had been a collective +1.0 via three increases in succession (7.4 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+). Locked on 2.6 (6+) in August and September, Emmis-to-Entercom’s KFTK is now stuck on 2.8 (6+) in October and November as 
“FM News Talk 97.1” remains at #17. When KFTK gained two-tenths in October, it suspended three straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+).
Four straight up or flat moves by Hubbard sports talk WXOS netted a +1.3 (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+) with October’s 4.0 its strongest 6+-showing since January (4.0, as well). In November, however, “101 Sports” is off three-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and slumps from #11 to #14.
Steady at #15, University of Missouri news/talk KWMU is up or flat for the sixth ratings period in succession for a net gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+).
St. Louis Music Formats – After being a collective -1.2 in three downward moves in a row (4.5 – 4.2 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s country-formatted KSD “93.7 The Bull” charges back with a +1.4 in October and November (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.7, 6+). In addition to entering the top ten (#13 to #8), KSD has its highest 6+-share since April 2017 (4.7, as well). Its format rival – Hubbard-owned WIL “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country” – is a collective +1.0 in four straight up or flat moves (5.5 – 6.1 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+) and remains in fourth-place. Down a combined half-share in September and October (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative KLLT “Alt 104.9 – St. Louis’ New Alternative” answers in November with a gain of six-tenths to 2.3 (#19 to #18, 6+). Returning in print this past April, Gateway Creative Broadcasting’s KLJY “99.1 Joy FM” has the distinction of being the only contemporary Christian outlet in the 24 PPM-markets whose November 2018 data has been released thus far to reach #1 (8.0 – 8.2, +.2, third to first, 6+). Its eight 6+- stats this calendar year are: 7.2 – 5.9 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 7.8 (August, #1) – 7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 (November, #1). After racking up a +1.4 in September and October (6.7 – 7.8 – 8.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” surrenders nine-tenths (7.2, second to third, 6+). Meanwhile, a decrease of eight-tenths (4.9 – 4.1, 6+) takes Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” to its lowest 6+-stat since May 2016 (4.1, as well) and out of the top ten (#9 to #11).
Thursday, November 29, 2018
WDAE, Tampa Unveils Midday ‘Pat & Aaron Show.’ A couple of weeks ago, iHeartMedia announced that “Ron & Ian” – Ron Diaz and Ian Beckles – would be the new afternoon drive show
on WDAE-AM/W237CW, Tampa Bay “95.3 WDAE.” Now, the station reveals the new early afternoon program (12:00 noon to 3:00 pm) “The Pat & Aaron Show,” co-hosted by Pat Donovan and Aaron Jacobson. Both are current staffers with iHeartMedia Tampa. Donovan has been a reporter/producer for WDAE for close to seven years. He’s been on air as part of the weekend program, “The Insiders,” featuring Rick Stroud from the Tampa Bay Times, Jenna Laine from ESPN and Trevor Sikkema from PewterReport.com. Jacobson has served as a producer and host for WDAE and sister news/talk WFLA for close to five years. He’s currently co-host of the “AM Tampa Bay” with legendary broadcaster Jack Harris and he will continue in that role in addition to the new show. Jacobson says, “Pat and I could not be more excited to start this wild ride. As hard as we worked for this moment, none of it would be possible without the support of our listeners. I can’t wait to take on this new journey alongside the entire ‘95.3 WDAE’ team as well as with our listeners in the Bay Area.”
Francesa and Kay in Tight NYC Sports Talk Battle. The New York media is watching the
sports talk radio competition and Newsday’s Neil Best notes that WFAN’s Mike Francesa and WEPN’s Michael Kay tied with 6.2 shares (Men 25-54) in afternoon drive for the second straight monthly PPM survey from Nielsen Audio. The competition between the two afternoon shows has intensified since Francesa’s return to WFAN following a four-month retirement. Traditionally, Francesa has dominated in the ratings battle, but Kay’s performance is an achievement and station owner ESPN is letting the industry know with an e-blast from its PR department (at right).
TALKERS News Notes. New Salem Radio Network talk show host Dr. Sebastian Gorka got some high praise from President Trump for his new book, Why We Fight (2018, Regnery
Publishing). The president tweeted, “Sebastian Gorka, a very talented man who I got to know well while he was working at the White House, has just written an excellent book, ‘Why We Fight.’ Much will be learned from this very good read.” Gorka begins hosting the daily 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET show on SRN on January 1…..Richmond market news/talk WJFN-FM announces the addition of the “Find Your Roar” program with host Susan Platt to its weekend schedule. Platt is a longtime congressional staff leader and award-winning political campaign manager who previously worked for former Vice President Joe Biden during his U.S. Senate tenure. The station is owned by syndicated talk show host John Fredericks, who says, “Bringing Susan Platt into the WJFN program lineup strengthens our roster of Virginia-based news/talk and political analysis. This move demonstrates our commitment to offering fresh and diverse perspectives on the news of the day and explaining what it means about the way our government functions and how it impacts people’s everyday lives.”…..Syndicated talk radio show host Walter M Sterling is sitting in on
Entercom’s news/talk KMOX, St. Louis from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm this evening (11/29). Sterling is the host of the syndicated Sunday evening program “Sterling on Sunday,” heard on KMOX. Sterling says, “Well there is just no explaining this 
decision. Blame Steve Moore, the program pirector.”…..SiriusXM talk personality Joe Madison is being honored by The Trayvon Martin Foundation with its 2019 Champion for Justice Award. Madison will receive the honor at the organization’s “Peace Walk & Talk” on February 9, 2019…..A new business-fueled podcast titled, “The Brink,” premieres on the iHeartRadio platform. The show is hosted by Jonathan Strickland and Ariel Kristen in which the two discuss their business experiences with listeners. During each episode, Strickland and Kristen offer advice and suggest mechanisms for making some of the tough business decisions all business leaders eventually make during their careers…..Salem Media Group’s news/talk KHNR, Honolulu “The Answer” adds the “Motley Fool Money” radio show with host Chris Hill to its weekend program schedule.
Trump-Russia Investigation, Dow Soars After Fed Chief Comments, Migrant Caravan/Mexican Border Issue, Pelosi Nominated for Speaker, U.S. Life Expectancy Falls, Trump at G20 Meeting, Les Moonves Allegations, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/28).The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the related collapse of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort’s plea deal; the Dow posts a huge gain after Fed chief Jerome Powell speaks of slower rate hikes, the caravan of Honduran migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and the related border wall funding issue; Nancy Pelosi secures support for nomination for House Speaker; the latest report from the CDC detailing a decline in life expectancy in the U.S.; President Trump’s appearance at the G20 summit in Argentina and a possible meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin; the allegations of rape against former CBS chairman Les Moonves; and the week’s NFL 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 Bobby Duncan is the new program director at Entercom’s classic rock KGON-FM, Portland, effective December 3. Entercom Portland SVP and market manager Bill Ashenden says, “Bobby has a proven track record of managing great on-air teams and
stations, as well as their respective digital channels, and we are confident that his experience will translate to success for 92.3 KGON. We are thrilled to welcome Bobby to the KGON team and are certain he will enhance the heritage rock station that our listeners have come to know and love.” Duncan began his career as an on-air personality for sister station KLOL-FM, Houston. He has also served in management and consulting roles for then-KKRW, Houston; WXMX and WKIM in Memphis; and WGRD, Grand Rapids…..According to Joe Holleman’s report at the St. Louis Post Dispatch, the latest round of cuts at Hubbard Radio are in the St. Louis cluster and include morning show personality Spencer Graves of classic hits WARH’s “Spencer’s Neighborhood,” his co-host Brandon
“Brando” Ludmann, longtime rock KSHE program director Rick Balis, and KSHE personality Carl “The Intern” Middleman…..In Indianapolis, Emmis names Ryan Wild the new program director for country WLHK, “97.1 Hank FM.” Wild was 
previously with Scripps Media in Milwaukee programming then-country WKTI before its sale to Good Karma Brands and flip to sports talk. Emmis Indianapolis director of programming David Wood says, “Ryan had everything we were looking for: creativity, passion, great communication skills, and strategic vision. He has led his stations to success in some very competitive situations. I’m thrilled to have his leadership for our team.”…..Programming pro Gary Nolan announces he’s exiting his position as program
director at Cumulus Media’s hot AC KQHN, Shreveport, Louisiana to return to Kansas City to be with family. Nolan says, “I guess you can call it semi-retirement. I hope to work part time for a KC station, however if something came up in KC full time that’s as good a fit, I certainly would take a look at it.” During his career, Nolan has programmed such stations as: WLTW, New York; WLTE, Minneapolis; KRWM, Seattle; and KOSI, Denver…..In Providence, Maddie Grimaldi is promoted to midday personality at Hall Communications’ country WCTK “Cat Country 98.1,” taking over for Meredith Thompson who exited the industry. Grimaldi has been serving as a fill-in host after working with the station in the promotions department.
November 2018 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the November 2018 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 survey period covered October 11 – November 7. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets below.
New York City Spoken-Word Formats – A cumulative +.6 in September and October (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” returns half that
increase in November (2.0, -.3, #16 to #19, 6+). Despite recording its seventh straight month without a loss (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” remains at #23. Down or flat for six consecutive sweeps (February through August) for a collective decrease of three-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+), WABC picked 
up two-tenths in September and then was unchanged in both 6+ AQH share (1.1) and 6+ AQH rank (#24) in October. An error on the part of Nielsen in the initial release of this month’s 6+ numbers to the trade press indicated Cumulus Media‘s WABC was unlisted. Nielsen corrected the mistake. WABC was up 0.1 from October to a 1.2 share.
After bouncing back from a loss of eight-tenths in September with an October increase of 
one-half share (3.9 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN sputters by seven-tenths to 3.7, moving from a three-way tie at #6 to #8, 6+. The 4.7 logged by the flagship of the Yankees, New York Giants, and Brooklyn Nets in May, July and August is its best 6+-showing since 5.2 in November 2017. Up or flat for the fourth straight month for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1. 7 – 1.8, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” advances from #21 to #20; the New York Jets and New York Knicks flagship was locked on 1.7 (6+) in May and June.
Frozen on 4.2 (6+) in July, August, and September, Entercom all-news WINS is now locked on
4.4 (6+) in October and November; it remains at #6. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is a combined +.6 in three consecutive upticks (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+) and progresses from #14 to a three-way tie at #11. In July, WCBS-AM ended three successive down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+).
WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s news/talk WNYC-FM lost a cumulative seven-tenths in May, June, and July (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+); gained seven-tenths in August; surrendered six-tenths in September; recaptured six-tenths in October (2.8 – 3.4, 6+); but falters by four-tenths in November to 3.0 (#11 to #15, 6+). While flat at .5 (6+), co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM breaks out of a four-way tie at #29 to #28. Prior to September’s .6 (6+), WNYC-AM recorded a .5 (6+) three times in a row.
New York City Music Formats – As the result of four successive up or flat trends (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS climbs from third to second. After being in the five-share range (6+) for 33 sweeps in succession, “107.5 – #1 For R&B” recorded a 6.1 (6+) in June 2018. In back-to-back survey periods, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW is off by four-tenths (7.5 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+), but “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 for the 16th successive sweep. An overall -1.6 through three setbacks in succession (8.5 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.9, 6+), WLTW was a combined +.6 in August and September (6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5, 6+). Prior to November 2018 and July 2018, “Lite FM” previously fell below a six-share (6+) in October 2017 (6.6). Continuing a down/up pattern that began in December 2017 (3.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.1- 3.2, 6+), co-owned urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” advances from #13 to #11. After shrinking by three-tenths in October, the market’s (6+) hot AC share bounces back with a collective +.4, as Entercom’s WNEW “NEW 102.7” is up three-tenths (2.8 – 3.1, #15 to #14, 6+), while Cumulus Media-owned WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” picks up one-tenth (2.0 – 2.1, #19 to #18, 6+).
Los Angeles Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it is down or flat for the sixth time in a row for a collective loss of eight-tenths (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+),
iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” climbs from eighth to seventh. Off two-tenths (1.3 – 1.1, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” tumbles from #25 to #31. It is tied there with iHeartMedia news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot,” which is flat at 1.1 (#30 to #31, 6+). Following four months in a row at .4 (6+), Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” was off one-tenth to .3 in October but gains two-tenths in November to .5 (#43 to #40, 6+).
In a stunning ten (10) successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned KLAC has more than quintupled (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share (.4 – .4 – .5 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+) and is nearing the top twenty (#24 to #22). “AM 
570 LA Sports” is the flagship of the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers, which lost the 2018 World Series (on October 28) to the Boston Red Sox in five games. In addition, KLAC is one of the key stations of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN,” the Los Angeles Rams’ AM flagship, has practically doubled its 6+-stat (+.7) in three positive spikes in a row (.8 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.5, flat at #25, 6+). Prior to August’s loss of four-tenths, KSPN gained one-tenth in three straight sweeps (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+).
A collective -.4 in September and October (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio” improves by one-tenth in November to 2.8 (#14 to #11, 6+); KNX was up four-tenths in August. The November sweep ended just prior to the mass killings in Thousand Oaks and the devastating wildfires.
The eight most recent 6+ stats for Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” (#15 to #14) are an extremely steady 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7.
Los Angeles Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST register its third straight (albeit modest) uptick in succession for an overall gain of one-half share (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+), “Coast 103.5” marches from second to first. It is a short (October-only) stay at the top for Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101,” which falters by one-half share to 4.5 (6+) and segues to third-place. Entering the November sweep, “K-Earth” was trending 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 (6+). Prior to October 2018, the last time a non-iHeartMedia-owned station was #1 in Los Angeles was November 2015 – and it was “K-Earth” with a 5.7 (6+). Sandwiched between KOST and KRTH is iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM,” which is off for the fifth straight month for an overall loss of -1.1 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), but climbs from third to second. When “My-FM” was dislodged from the top spot in October, it ended a string of five successive months at #1. Off two-tenths in consecutive monthlies (4.6 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss-FM” gains two-tenths (4.4, steady at #4, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” drops one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps and is a collective -.7 in three straight dips (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1, #21 to #22, 6+). Following five successive up or flat trends for a net gain of four-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” drops one-tenth to 2.4 (#16 to #18, 6+) but is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 37th time in succession. Two other positive streaks come to an end as Cumulus Media’s KLOS “95.5 The Rock of Southern California” surrenders one-tenth (2.9, ninth to tenth, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary KRRL “Real 92.3” forfeits two-tenths (2.8, #9 to #11, 6+). KLOS had been a combined +.5 in three straight gains (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+); “Real” was +.4 in four successive up or flat trends (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+). The June 2018 – September 2018 (6+) topline for KXOS was 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3, but regional Mexican “Mega 96.3” is unlisted for the second sweep in a row.
Chicago Spoken-Word Formats – Posting its third straight up or flat trend for a collective
+.7 (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN jumps from #15 to #11. Entering the August sweep, the key station of the Chicago White Sox notched three consecutive upticks for a combined full-share gain (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). Unchanged at #22, Cumulus 
Media news/talk WLS-AM has a May through November topline trending of 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.6. Its +.2 in July ended four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a one-half share loss (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+).
Following a gain of eight-tenths in September, Entercom sports talk WSCR (flagship for both
the Cubs and Bulls) plummets by -1.5 in October and November (4.3 – 4.2 – 2.8, 6+), fading from #6 to #18. Prior to September, “670 The Score” logged a fluctuation of one-tenth in each of the previous three months (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” (#24 to #23) is up four-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+).
Over and above being a collective +1.1 in three consecutive upticks (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM storms from second to first. Immediately in advance of this streak, the Chicago Bears flagship logged six straight down or flat showings for a collective -.7 (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+).
Jumping from #19 to #16, Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ is up or flat for the third month in a row for a +.7 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.9, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (2.9) since April’s 3.0.
Chicago Music Formats – Via four consecutive increases, Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “Que Buena 105.1” is +1.4 (4.0 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.4, third to second, 6+). It has been a series of ups/downs in one-half share increments lately for WSHE, which had been without a loss five consecutive months for a +.5 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+) until surrendering the entire half-share increase in October to 2.6 (6+). In November, however, the Hubbard adult contemporary facility regains that half-share decline in its entirety (3.1 – 2.6 – 3.1, #16 to #13, 6+). Meanwhile, Venture Technologies Group AC WRME-LP is within 3.3 – 3.8 range (6+) for the tenth month in a row, but is without an increase for the third successive time for a collective -.5 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). Even so, “FM 87.7 Me TV” returns to the top ten (#11 to #9). Surrendering the three-tenths it gained in October (3.2 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary-turned hot AC-turned adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). After ten straight months at #1, urban AC cluster-mate WVAZ “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” falters by four-tenths (5.7 – 5.3, 6+) and shifts to third. Its gain of one-tenth in June halted four straight down or flat trends that produced a loss of nine-tenths (6.8 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9, 6+). Bumping up from eighth to seventh, Entercom’s WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” logs its third straight 3.7 (6+) and is within 3.0 – 3.9 range for the 16th consecutive time. Simultaneously, iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 – Chicago’s New Country” has its third (slight) decrease in a row for a collective -.4 (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4, #22 to #23, 6+). The last seven topline stats for Entercom’s WBBM-FM “B-96 Chicago’s New Hit Music” (#18 to #20) are: 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 (6+).
San Francisco Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of October’s seven-tenths’ increase,
KSFO surrenders one-half share (3.1 – 2.6, #11 to #14, 6+). The Cumulus Media news/talker was a combined -1.0 in August and September (3.4 – 3.0- 2.4, 6+). Immediately prior to August, KSFO 
put together four successive increases for an overall +1.3 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+). In an up/down sequence that began in July, cluster-mate KGO is an overall +.4 (1.7 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.1, #17 to #18, 6+). August’s increase of four-tenths ended four successive down or flat trends that resulted in a collective loss of three-tenths (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+).
Without an increase the past three ratings periods for a cumulative -1.2 (3.7 – 3.7 – 2.9 – 2.5,
6+), co-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” adds four-tenths to 2.9 (#15 to #13, 6+). After being a combined +.6 in three straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ forfeits two-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#18 to #21); “95.7 The Game” was -1.1 in July (2.6 – 1.5, 6+).
Erasing October’s +.3 (5.3 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+), all-news cluster-mate KCBS-AM nonetheless finishes in the runner-up slot for the tenth time in a row. Frozen on 5.4 (6+) in April and May, KCBS-AM was then stuck on 5.5 (6+) in June and July.
On top for the tenth straight month, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED solidifies that market position with a gain of seven-tenths (6.7 – 7.4, 6+). This (7.4) is its best 6+-performance since May’s 8.1. Its gain of four-tenths in September ended five downward trends in a row that accounted for a -2.5 (8.9 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is flat in both 6+ AQH share (.6) and 6+ AQH rank (#31). Entering the October sweep, it logged a one-half share five times in the previous seven monthlies (.5 – .5 – .6 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+).
San Francisco Music Formats – A robust gain of eight-tenths (2.8 – 3.6, 6+) propels KOSF “iHeart 80s @ 103.7” into the top ten (#13 to #7). Conversely, a loss of six-tenths (3.6 – 3.0, 6+) sends Bonneville urban AC KBLX “#1 For Today’s R&B and Old School” from #6 to #12. An overall +1.1 in six straight up or flat sweeps (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” carries on at #10. Prior to August, “The Bone” recorded a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.9 in each of the previous 40 sweeps. After having logged a 2.1 in three of the last five sweeps (2.1 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), University of Southern California-owned classical outlet KDFC posts a one-half share increase to 2.6 (#18 to #14, 6+). Pulling the plug on three down or flat trends in succession (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” is up one-tenth to 3.5 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Improving by two-tenths each are its fellow hot ACs, iHeartMedia-owned KIOI “Star 101.3” (3.6 – 3.8, sixth to fourth, 6+), and Alpha Media’s KEZR “Mix 106 Today’s Best Music” (1.6 – 1.8, #23, 6+). Meanwhile, in the market’s adult contemporary contest, iHeartMedia’s KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” is off three-tenths (4.7 – 4.4, 6+) and is steady at #3, while Bonneville-owned KOIT-FM loses two-tenths (3.9 – 3.7, 6+), slipping from fourth to sixth.
Dallas Spoken-Word Formats – On a roll, Cumulus Media’s WBAP (#15 to #13) is without a
loss for the fifth time in a row and is a collective +1.1 in that stretch (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+). Immediately in advance of the September sweep, “News Talk 820” posted a 2.2 (6+) in three of the previous five sweeps (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+). Finishing at #35 and #36, respectively, are Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” (.9 – .7, -.2, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” (flat at .4, 6+).
There is very little movement among the market’s three sports talk outlets, as Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” is off one-tenth (3.2 – 3.1, #12 to #15, 6+); up one-tenth, Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” has its fourth straight sweep without a loss for a +.4 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5, flat at #18, 6+); and ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” is a collective +.3 in four straight up or flat moves (.9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), but slips from #30 to #29.
While it is a consistent 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 (6+) from June through November, Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM is within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0.
North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA notches its third increase in a row for an overall gain of seven-tenths (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3, #13 to #11, 6+). Before September’s +.4 to 3.0, KERA logged a 6+-stat in the two-share range for 37 consecutive sweeps.
Dallas Music Formats – After improving by seven-tenths in September and then forfeiting eight-tenths in October, WAY Media contemporary Christian KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” bounces back with an increase of six-tenths in November (1.6 – 2.3 – 1.5 – 2.1, #24 to #22, 6+). Also improving by six-tenths in November is Entercom regional Mexican KMVK “La Grande 107.5” (2.2 – 2.8, #19 to 16, 6+), which scores its best 6+-stat since February (2.8, as well). Although down one-half share (6.6 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is on top for the 11th straight time. “Kiss” was +1.1 in August, after a combined -1.4 in June and July (6.9 – 6.3 – 5.5, 6+). Down or flat for the fourth sweep in succession, Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB “105.7 Smooth R&B” is a combined -.8 in that stretch (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.3, #15 to #19, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat (2.3) since last December’s 2.2. Tied at #4 are Cumulus Media country siblings KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” (4.2 – 4.1, -.1, unchanged at #4, 6+) and KSCS “New Country 96.3” (fifth to fourth, 6+). An October gain by “The Wolf” halted six straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall loss of three-tenths (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). “New Country” is -1.1 in four straight reports without an increase (5.2 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). July’s 5.2 represents the best-ever 6+ share in KSCS’ PPM history and first time it ever reached the five-share level (6+).
Houston Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of six-tenths (3.7 – 4.3, 6+) enables iHeartMedia
news/talk KTRH to crack the top ten (#12 to #7) and to post its strongest 6+-stat (4.3) since February 2017’s 4.4. “News Radio 740” was a combined -.9 in August and September (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+) and up one-half share in October.
Among the market’s sports talk competitors, KTRH cluster-mate/Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” is trending 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1 (6+). It is flat at #22, where it’s tied with Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610,” as the Houston Texans’ AM flagship logs a 1.1 (#23 to #22, 6+) for the third straight month. Meanwhile, Gow Communications’ KFNC is steady at .8 (#26 to #25, 6+) – “ESPN 97.5” has its best 6+-showing since May (.8, as well).
In four straight down or flat moves, University of Houston news/talk KUHF is off one full-share (3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.4, 6+) and slips from #17 to #20.
Houston Music Formats – In addition to registering its fourth successive uptick for a collective +2.1 (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” progresses from third to second. This (6.8) is the highest 6+ share for “Que Buena” since its 7.4 in January 2017. Seven-tenths ahead of it is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA (7.2 – 7.5, +.3, 6+), which is #1 for the seventh month in a row. The 12.5 by “Sunny 99.1” in “Holiday” 2017 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston station reached double-digits (6+) since that ratings period. In the runner-up slot the past six months, Radio One urban AC KMJQ is flat at 6.1 (6+), but slips to #3; “Majic 102.1 – The People’s Station” was tied for #1 in April. A collective -1.5 in three successive downward moves (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” drifts from fifth to ninth. Three straight upticks by Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOVE accounted for an overall +1.7 (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.5, 6+), but “Amor 106.5” sputters by four-tenths to 4.1 and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). In October 2018, KOVE reached the four-share level (4.5, 6+) for the first time since October 2016.
Atlanta Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to being #1 for the 36th consecutive time, Cox
Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is a collective +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2 – 8.6, 6+) after being down 
three-tenths in July and August (7.8 – 7.6 – 7.5, 6+). Returning October’s +.2 (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” continues at #20; WYAY was -1.0 in August (2.3 – 1.3, 6+). Entercom news/talk WAOK checks in at #27 with its sixth sweep in a row without a loss (.1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+).
After being an overall +1.7 in four positive spikes in succession (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk and Atlanta Falcons flagship WZGC “92.9 The Game” relinquishes three-tenths to 3.6 (#11 to #13, 6+). The April 2018 through November 2018 (6+) topline for Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is: 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.0 – 1.9; the AM flagship of the Atlanta Braves remains at #18. When WCNN lost two-tenths in July, it halted seven successive sweeps without a decrease that netted eight-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+).
As a result of four straight up or flat trends (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE is a collective +.8 and enters the top ten (#11 to #10). This directly follows five consecutive down or flat sweeps in a row for an overall -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+). Georgia State University news/talk WRAS (#26 to #24) improves by four-tenths to 1.0, its best 6+-stat since February (1.0, as well).
Atlanta Music Formats – Following three consecutive decreases that led to a -1.1 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” answers with a gain of six-tenths (3.5, #17 to #14). A combined +.7 in September and October (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” returns three-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). Approximately halfway through the October sweep, Woman’s World Broadcasting-owned WTSH “Your Georgia Country” transitioned to regional Mexican as “La Raza” (#31 in October) but disappears from print (.6 – .1 – 0.0, 6+). Without a loss for the seventh straight time for a cumulative gain of +1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” climbs from seventh to sixth, while its format foe – Cumulus Media’s WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” – picks up two-tenths (4.2 – 4.4, eighth to seventh, 6+). When “Q-100” lost one-tenth in October, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat moves that netted three-tenths (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+). Up one-half share in October to its highest 6+-share (7.2) in more than two years (7.3, April 2016), Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” erodes by -1.1 to 6.1 (second to third), its lowest 6+-stat since February’s 5.8. Following a (repetitive 6+) May through August sequence of 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7, Radio One-owned WHTA “Hot 107.9” is a combined -1.4 in three straight downward moves (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.3, #13 to #15, 6+). Owing to three negative trends in succession, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” is an overall -1.5 (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.4, sixth to seventh, 6+); August’s 5.9 is the strongest 6+-showing for “The Fish” since its 6.0 in January.
Philadelphia Spoken-Word Formats –
Anchored at #14, Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” has nearly doubled its 6+ AQH share
(+1.4) in seven straight ratings periods without a decrease (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). Up one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” advances into the top twenty (#22 to #20).
It is a quick (October-only) stay at #1 for Entercom’s WIP “Sports Radio 94.1,” which erodes by one full-share (7.3 – 6.3, 66+) and drifts from first to sixth-place. The key station of the Eagles and Phillies was -.8 (February); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); -.5 (June); +.7 (August); +1.4 (October); and now -1.0 (November). Meanwhile, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” adds two-tenths to October’s +.7 (1.8 – 2.5 – 2.7, #16 to #15, 6+). Prior to October, “The Fanatic” was without a gain the previous five months for an overall decline of one full-share (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+).
Off three-tenths (5.5 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom’s KYW falls from seventh to eighth; “News Radio 1060” was +.7 in August.
Continuing a down/up pattern that began in June, public news/talk WHYY is 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.4 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12). An August increase of one-half share interrupted three successive declines for an overall -1.1 (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+).
Philadelphia Music Formats – By registering a +.6 to 7.4 (6+), WOGL not only applies the brakes to three straight negative trends that accounted for a combined -1.4 (8.2 – 7.5 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+), “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” leaps from third to first. The Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet finished first in August and segued to second in September. July’s 8.2 represents its highest-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Progressing by six-tenths as well is Beasley Media Group-to-Entercom’s WXTU (5.4, eighth to seventh, 6+). After a September gain of four-tenths, “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” surrendered more than twice that increase with a loss of nine-tenths to 4.8 (6+), its lowest 6+-showing since 4.6 in March. Co-owned adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM” improves by one-half share to 2.6 (#18 to #16, 6+), thus curtailing at three a consecutive string of downward trends that yielded a -1.3 (3.4 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.1, 6+). Jerry Lee Radio-to-Entercom adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” relinquishes all but two-tenths of October’s +.7 (7.0 – 6.5, -.5, second to fourth, 6+). Immediately prior to October, WBEB was a collective -2.2 in three consecutive decreases (8.5 – 7.8 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). WBEB was on top from March through June before being dislodged in July. In “Holiday” 2017, WBEB achieved its most potent 6+-share since 17.9 in “Holiday” 2016.
Long Island Spoken-Word Formats – After doubling its 6+ share (+1.8) in September and October (1.8 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” forfeits one-half share to 3.1, fading from #9 to #14. For the fifth time in the last eight months, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC logs a 1.4 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4, #25, 6+). Its +.1 in August stopped four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+).
Included as part of a three-way tie at #1 is Entercom sports talk WFAN, which is on top for the fourth month in a row. The flagship of the Yankees, Giants, and Brooklyn Nets, however, erases October’s +.6 with a November loss of eight-tenths (5.6 – 4.8, 6+). October’s 5.6 was the strongest 6+-showing in Long Island for WFAN since November 2017’s 5.9. New York Jets flagship WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York,” which gained six-tenths in October as well (1.6 – 2.2, 6+), slips by one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) but stays at #16. WEPN had been off seven-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6, #22, 6+), immediately after five consecutive upticks for a +1.2 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+).
Separated by just one-tenth of a share are Entercom all-news WINS (3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #13 to #11, 6+) – which was up six-tenths in October – and co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM, which is +.9 in six straight up or flat trends (2.4 – 2.5 –
2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.3, #15 to #12, 6+). Prior to the September sweep, WINS showed a month-to-month fluctuation of three-tenths four straight times: +.3 (May); -.3 (June); -.3 (July); and +.3 (August).
WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM, which had been trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 (February 2018 – September 2018, 6+), and ranked #19 in September is unlisted for the second month in a row.
Long Island Music Formats – Following six straight months without an increase that accounted for a collective loss of four-tenths (5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WHTZ picks up one-tenth to 4.8 (6), which is sufficient to advance “Z-100” from fourth to part of the aforementioned three-way logjam at #1. The third part of that trio at #1 (in addition to WFAN and WHTZ) is Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM. Off one-tenth (4.9 – 4.8, 6+), “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” nonetheless proceeds to the top from the runner-up slot. In three increases in succession, WCBS-AM was +1.2 (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+). Immediately prior to that, however, it was a collective -1.2 via five straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+). Regressing by one-half share each are Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “97.5 – Real Variety” (4.9 – 4.4, second to fourth, 6+) and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” (2.2 – 1.7, #17 to #21, 6+). Dropping from seventh to ninth, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “102.3 – Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” is an overall -1.7 in four straight drops (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+). Down or flat for the fifth consecutive time for an overall decline of seven-tenths (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT slips from #15 to #16; “Hot 97” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the 49th consecutive ratings period.
Riverside Spoken-Word Formats – After dropping four-tenths in August, San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR notches its third straight (albeit modest) increase (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+) and climbs from #12 to #11. 
KVCR nearly doubled its 6+-stat in June and July (.9 – 1.1 – 1.7, 6+). Having doubled September’s .3 (6+) to .6 (6+) in October, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” surrenders two-tenths to .4 (6+) and stays at #17.
Debuting in July with a .2 (6+), iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” gained
one-tenth in August; was flat in September; up one-tenth in October; and now down two-tenths in November (.4 – .2, #18 to #20, 6+).
Co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” (formerly KUBE) disappeared from print in June; resurfaced in July (.2, 6+); dropped one-tenth in August; added one-tenth in both September and October; but drops one-tenth in November (.3 – .2, 6+) and is tied with KKDD at #20. Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted for the tenth month in a row.
Riverside Music Formats – A one-half share increase (1.5 – 2.0, 6+) elevates Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 Positive Hits” to its highest 6+-stat since March (2.0, as well). Setting the pace for the sixth successive sweep is Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” (9.5 – 9.4, -.1, 6+), which posted a gigantic +2.5 in September. A loss of four-tenths in October ended five straight increases that netted an astonishing +5.3, more than doubling its 6+-stat since April (4.6 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 9.9, 6+). This follows five sweeps in succession without an increase for an overall -3.0 (7.6 – 7.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+). June 2018 marked the first time “Jose” was in the lead position since “Holiday” 2017 when it scored a 7.3 (6+). Prior to September, KLYY last reached the nine-share level (6+) in February 2017 (9.2). Recapturing two-tenths of October’s -.3 (7.2 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA is anchored in the runner-up slot for the sixth month in a row. KOLA held the lead position in May with a 6.5 (6+). Its +.3 in July ended four downward trends in succession that generated a -2.1 (8.4 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). Co-owned KCAL-FM “96.7 Rocks” has lost nearly half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share as the result of six straight sweeps without an increase (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, #11 to #12, 6+). Without a gain the past six months for a collective -.6 (.7 – .6 – .6 – .4 – .3 – .1 – .1, 6+), Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXSB “Radio Lazer” picks up one tenth to .2 (#23 to #20, 6+). Down one-half share (1.8 – 1.3, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” is in one-share range (6+) for the 15th successive ratings period, but departs the top ten (#10 to #13). Entering the August sweep, iHeartMedia Spanish adult hits KFOO “La Preciosa 1440 AM” recorded a .3 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (.3 – .3 – .5 – .3, 6+), before posting a +.7 to 1.0 (6+). Unlisted in September and October, it returns in November with a .1 (#23).
San Jose Spoken-Word Formats – Having logged four positive spikes in succession for a cumulative +1.3 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KGO forfeits eight-tenths to 2.2 (#13 to #17, 6+). July’s increase curtailed four successive downward sweeps for a -1.4 (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+). Flat at 1.2 (6+), co-owned news/talk KSFO progresses from #25 to #24. Its +.1 in October stymied three consecutive downward moves that resulted in the evaporation of exactly half (-1.1) of its 6+-share (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.1, 6+).
Sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” is a combined -1.2 in three straight down or flat moves (4.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Although flat at #26, Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game”
gains one-half share (.6 – 1.1, 6+).
Conversely, all-news sibling KCBS-AM is off by one-half share (6.2 – 5.7, 6+) and – after finishing in second-place the past three months – segues to #3. Its loss of eight-tenths in July halted four consecutive up or flat trends that netted +1.4 (5.8 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+) and its strongest 6+ (San Jose) showing since November 2017 (7.2, as well).
Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED rebounded from July and August’s -1.6 (7.5 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+) with a +.3 in September to 6.2 (6+), jumping from sixth to fourth. For the second month in a row, however, KQED is unlisted.
San Jose Music Formats – Not only is Alpha Media hot AC KEZR a collective +2.5 in October and November (4.0 – 5.1 – 6.5, 6+), “Mix 106 Today’s Best Music” vaults from eighth (September) to fifth (October) to second (November). KEZR was +.9 in three straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), before a collective -.9 in August and September (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). There is an equal amount of celebration in that Alpha Media cluster regarding classic hits-oldies KBAY, which is an overall +2.0 in October and November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.3, 6+) and “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1, reaching the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2016’s 8.0. Prior to October, the last time KBAY held the lead spot was “Holiday” 2015 – when it was an adult contemporary outlet. On the heels of October’s +1.2, iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3” (eighth to fourth) tacks on an additional seven-tenths to 5.1, its strongest San Jose showing in exactly one year (5.3, November 2017). Within 2.2 – 2.8 range in each of the last six sweeps (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+), rhythmic CHR sibling KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” posts a one-half share improvement to 2.9 (#16 to #12), its highest 6+-stat since April’s 3.0. An overall -2.4 as the result of three declines in succession (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” tumbles from fourth to sixth. Three increases in a row (5.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+) netted Bonneville-owned KUFX a collective +1.7, but “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” is now -2.1 in October and November (6.9 – 5.9 – 4.8, third to fifth, 6+). Before shifting to #3 in October, KUFX had been #1 for three straight months. Following five successive gains for an overall +2.1 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 6.1, 6+), Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY is a collective -2.4 in three consecutive negative trends (6.1 – 5.4 – 4.5 – 3.7, sixth to eighth, 6+). It is the first time “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” is below a four-share (6+) since January’s 3.8. Flat at #6, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” surrenders 70% (3.8, -.7, 6+) of the +1.0 it gained in September and October (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+). A loss of six-tenths (3.2 – 2.6, 6+) drops Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” out of the top ten (#10 to #15), while Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-programmed KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” falters by one-half share (1.7 – 1.2, #24, 6+).
Middlesex Spoken-Word Formats – The positives continue for Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5,” which is #1 for the fifth month in a row and +2.3 in six straight increases (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3, 
6+). In addition, this is its best 6+-share since January (8.3, as well). “New Jersey 101.5” was on top four ratings periods in succession before segueing to #2 in May. Without a loss for the fifth time in a row and precisely doubling (+1.7) its 6+-share (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR progresses from #15 to #13. Despite being (slightly) down or flat for the fifth straight sweep for a loss of two-tenths (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+) Cumulus Media news/talk WABC improves from #24 to #23.
Returning all but two-tenths of October’s +.7 (4.2 – 3.7, -.5, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN dips from sixth to seventh. Its October increase ended four Middlesex-Somerset-Union decreases in succession that accounted for a -.9 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is +1.2 through five consecutive up or flat trends (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+); the flagship of the New York Jets remains at #17.
While Entercom all-news WCBS-AM gains three-tenths and enters the top twenty (#22 to #19, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS drops three-tenths (1.7 – 1.4, #24, 6+). In three upticks in a row, WCBS-AM is up eight-tenths (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+); WINS had recorded a 1.7 (6+) in each of the last six Middlesex-Somerset-Union monthlies.
An August gain of three-tenths by WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM halted five straight losses (3.4 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+) that accounted for a nearly 50% erosion of its 6+ share (-1.6). In September, WNYC-FM dropped two-tenths to 1.9 (6+), but it is unlisted for the second straight month.
Middlesex Music Formats – After six consecutive downward trends that resulted in an overall -1.9 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+), Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” responds with a one-half share increase to 3.4 (#17 to #13, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well are Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – #1 For R&B” (5.1 – 5.6, steady at #3, 6+) and Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” (3.0 – 3.5, #15 to #10, 6+). WBLS registered an October 2018 – November 2018 half share increase in its home (New York City) metro, as well. In the last 11 survey periods, WKTU “103.5 KTU” has notched a 3.4 (6+) four times and a 3.3 (6+) four times; the iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR is off seven-tenths in November to 2.7 (#13 to #18, 6+). Following four increases in succession for an overall +.8 (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” forfeits four-tenths to 4.5 (6+), but carries on in fifth-place. Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” is down or flat for the fifth straight time for an overall loss of nine-tenths (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0, #14 to #16, 6+). Erasing the four-tenths it gained through three straight up or (mostly) flat trends (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+) with a -.6 in November to 3.5 (flat at #7, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” has its lowest 6+ Middlesex-Somerset-Union showing since 3.3 in September 2016.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Former KPAM, Portland Personalities Win Unpaid Wages Case. In a case before the Bureau of Labor and Industries in the state of Oregon, former KPAM, Portland personalities
Margie Boule and Carl Wolfson prevailed in a decision to pay them back wages. Pamplin Broadcasting, which no longer owns the station, hired Boule and Wolfson as independent contractors and argued that as such, they were not due 
overtime wages. Pamplin argued that, alternatively, that if the two were employees, then they were exempt creative professional employees. The BLI did not buy Pamlin’s arguments and ordered the company to pay Boule and Wolfson $12,361.52 each. It also ordered Pamplin to pay $30,700 in civil penalties. The agency concluded that although the two were called independent contractors by KPAM, they were treated like full-time staffers. For example, witnesses for KPAM testified that requests for Boule and Wolfson to attend client events, charity fundraisers, and seminars – duties outside execution of their radio show – were “purely optional.” But the BLI ruled that “part of any job is to cooperate with people with whom one works” and claims that requests were optional are not “credible.”
Grappler’s Guide To Grinding Out Pinpoint Podcasts. Managing editor Mike Kinosian talks with pro wrestler and podcaster Brimstone about his new venture,
“The Grindhouse Radio” podcast. Brimstone says he’s aware people find the huge number of podcasts out there daunting. “Some are amazing and others aren’t so good. Podcasting gives people a taste of the grandeur of show business. People can do it from their phone or from one microphone in their bedroom. It is fantastic that podcasts can be done at so many different levels. Many other podcasts don’t take pride in sound quality like we do. Our show is classified as ‘comedy,’ but we are all about popular culture. While we aren’t comedians, we are fun and funny.” Read the whole story here.
Entercom Honored for Mental Health Special. The September nationally broadcast special “I’m Listening” earns Entercom a 2018 Community Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness North Texas. “I’m Listening” was a two-hour live, commercial-free broadcast
special to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention as part of Entercom’s multi-platform “I’m Listening” campaign. The broadcast aired across all of the company’s stations nationwide on Sunday, September 9, 2018 and via their respective livestreams on RADIO.COM to mark the start of National Suicide Prevention Week. The special broadcast welcomed medical experts, artists and celebrities connected to the cause to join the conversation about mental health, as well as live calls from listeners. The year-long campaign also included suicide prevention PSAs, on-air promos and a dedicated website with information and resources to end the stigma around mental health discussions. Entercom SVP programming innovation Liana Huth says, “‘I’m Listening’ is one of our signature productions meant to save lives. We know that talking makes a difference and our stations are proud to help remove the stigma around mental illness. It’s okay to not be okay. Many thanks to our partners, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council. Together we are part of a vast network working every day to help and serve those affected.”
‘Coast to Coast AM’ Christmas Album Re-Released to Benefit Veterans Charity. The
holiday album “Holiday Magic Coast Style” is being re-released in time for this year’s holiday season. Sales of the disc benefit various veterans’ hospitals across the country. It features traditional holiday songs and poems performed by fan-favorite guests of the Premiere Networks-syndicated radio program, including best-selling author Whitley Strieber, author and paranormal expert Rosemary Ellen Guiley, paranormal investigator Joshua P. Warren, UFO Phil, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, actor/singer Pat Boone, and others. “Coast to Coast AM” host George Noory also performs a special rendition of “O Come All Ye Faithful.” It is produced by “Coast to Coast AM” senior producer Tom Danheiser and TDClark Entertainment and is currently available for purchase on Amazon.
Facebook Takes Big Step in Gaining MRC Accreditation. Considering all the negative press Facebook and founder Mark Zuckerberg have been getting lately, clearing this step in the Media Rating Council accreditation chase is good news. Broadcasters won’t be happy, but Facebook and Instagram have passed an audit of its internal data collection process and that’s a step toward getting accreditation from the MRC for third-party measurement of ad viewability. The next step in the process is for the MRC to audit the process of Facebook and Instagram getting their data to third-party measurement firms. See the Ad Age story here.
Trump-Russia Investigation/Manafort Plea Deal, Caravan Migrants/Border Wall Issue, Trump Denies Climate Change Report, Russia-Ukraine Tensions, Hyde-Smith Wins Miss. Senate Seat, GM Job Cuts, Pelosi’s House Speaker Battle, Brexit Deal, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/27). The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the related collapse of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort’s plea deal; the caravan of Honduran migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and the related border wall funding issue; the government’s ominous climate change report and President Trump’s declaration he doesn’t agree with it; Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine; Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith wins the Mississippi U.S. Senate seat race; reactions to GM’s announcement that it will cut U.S. jobs and close plants; Nancy Pelosi’s battle to regain the House Speaker role; the latest action in Britain’s move to exit the EU; and the weekend’s NFL 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. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that 11 positions in all and two overnight jocks were let go from Hubbard Radio’s Chicago station group. The air personalities – Mike Roberts of hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” and Brian Travis of adult contemporary WSHE “100.3” – both hosted the overnight daypart. While there were criticisms of Hubbard’s decision in the comments section of Feder’s story, he points our that “Hubbard Radio Chicago had been among the last local station groups to broadcast live around the clock at all of its stations.”…..Premiere Networks announces the availability of a country music holiday special hosted by CMT personality Cody Alan. “Home for the Holidays” is a four-hour, barter-free show highlighted by conversations with country music stars including: Braid Paisley, Maren Morris, and Martina McBride, among others, who will share stories of Christmas memories, favorite gifts, and family traditions. The radio special will also feature a mix of chart-topping and holiday-themed songs. It’s available for air from December 22-25.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
iHeartMedia Launches New FM Sports Talker in Milwaukee. The sports talk radio battle in Brew Town is getting serious as iHeartMedia flips CHR WRNW to sports talk as “97.3 The Game, Sports Talk That Rocks,” effective immediately. iHM already owns WOKY “The Big
920” that carries primarily FOX Sports Radio content. Across town is Entercom’s WSSP-AM/W289CB “105.7 FM The Fan” airing local sports talk during the day and syndicated fare at night. And, of course, there’s Good Karma Brands’ new FM sports talker WKTI “ESPN Milwaukee 94.5” that’s airing the same mix of local and ESPN Radio programming as sister suburban AM WAUK, Waukesha. Good Karma also owns news/talk WTMJ (thanks to its recent $16 million acquisition of the two stations from Scripps Media) which has the play-by-play broadcast rights to Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks games. Getting back to “97.3 The Game,” the station will air a blend of local and syndicated content including: former Brewers beat writer and Milwaukee radio host Drew Olson, Milwaukee Bucks radio voice Ted Davis, WISN-TV sports director Dan Needles, FOX Sports Wisconsin’s Dario Melendez, Spectrum Sports’ Bob Brainerd, longtime market morning personality Kevin Brandt, a.k.a. KB, and Wisconsin Badgers sports voice Mike Heller. “The Game” program director Tim Scott says, “Sports talk in Milwaukee is about to change. Milwaukee is more than just a great sports town and ‘97.3 The Game’ will reflect that.”
Salem Launches Multimedia Ad Agency. In order to effectively sell its broad range of media options, Salem Media Group announces it has developed Salem Surround, “a nationwide multimedia ad agency with locations in 35 markets across the country.” The press release says that “in addition to selling audio and digital advertising on its 116 radio stations and
websites, Salem Surround offers a comprehensive suite of digital marketing services to develop and execute audience-based marketing strategies for clients on both the local and national levels.” Salem Media Group CEO Edward Atsinger adds, “From our beginning as just a few local radio stations to the nationwide multi-platform media company we are today, Salem has worked hard to stay in tune with our listeners, readers, clients, and partners to meet their growing needs. Salem Surround is yet another way for us to serve with excellence nationwide, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.” Company VP of digital marketing Jamie Cohen states, “With consumers spending more and more time on smart phones and tablets, the media landscape has become significantly more complicated for business owners and marketers to navigate. The one-size-fits-all marketing approach of just a decade ago has quickly become outdated. Combining the power of Salem Radio with a full-service digital advertising strategy will allow us to go above and beyond in meeting the needs of advertisers around the country.”
NBA’s Spurs Sign with Skyview Networks for Broadcast Services. The NBA’s San Antonio Spurs are working with Skyview Networks, using the latter’s radio distribution network and AdView Inventory Management software for its WOAI, San Antonio-based play-by-play
broadcasts. Skyview says its “AdView system provides inventory scheduling, revenue reporting, and affidavit reconciliation in one consolidated system. This allows the organization’s front office to manage the complex nature of play-by-play contracts with ease. Now the Spurs have access to detailed inventory tracking, which in turn generates instant affidavits to speed the billing and receivables process.” Skyview VP of business development Matt Stys says, “I am thrilled to call the San Antonio Spurs a partner. We are proud of the package of services we provide, and I am confident in the value the Spurs will receive with our high-quality distribution and streamlined inventory management system.”
Programmer/Researcher Roberts Succumbs to Cancer. Programmer and research expert Dave Roberts (Kelliher) lost his long battle against cancer last Saturday (11/24). The former architect and PD of San Francisco’s KRQR “The Rocker” became vice president of programming for the RKO Radio Networks and vice president of FM programming for CBS. He and RKO news vice president Dave Cooke formed Roberts/Cooke Media Research. In
addition to consulting news/talk outlets, Roberts provided research to television stations and retailers. His on-air credits included stops in San Francisco (KYA and KIOI “K-101”); Anaheim (KEZY); Riverside-San Bernardino (KMEN); Fresno (KYNO); and Honolulu (KPOI). SoundOut president/North America Rob Sisco hired Roberts at “K-101” in 1981. “Dave went on to host national radio shows and filled-in several times for Casey Kasem on ‘American Top 40,’” Sisco points out. “Jo [Interrante] and I hired him when we had IS Inc to host RKO Radio Networks artist profiles we produced, ‘Music Star Special,’ and ‘The Hot Ones.’ Dave narrated more than 250 shows for RKO. He was an amazing talent, a brilliant programmer and researcher, a delightfully nice man, and a dear friend to all who knew him. Rest in peace my dear friend – you are missed.” Of Roberts, veteran programmer (WGN, Chicago; WBAP, Dallas; WCCO, Minneapolis; NRG Media) Bob Shomper comments, “The absolute best research guy around – and an even better person.” RKO Radio Networks’ former director of affiliate relations Julie Spira states, “My heart aches seeing this news. I loved working with Dave at RKO Radio Networks. May he rest in peace.” John Evans notes, “We’ve lost another brilliant broadcaster. I was lucky to have worked with Dave at KYA from 1979 until [Rob] Sisco grabbed him for ‘K-101.’ We were doing great radio in those storied days and Dave was one of the best. His shows for RKO and IS Inc were top notch.” Owing to the fact Roberts held a Ph.D. in communications research from the University of Oregon, he was often called “Dr. Dave.” Surviving Roberts, who turned 70 earlier this month, is his wife – Walsh College (Troy, Michigan) president Marsha Kelliher. A private funeral for Roberts will be held later this week, followed by a memorial.
Talking Trump. Pictured above are former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski (right) and Citizens United president (and former Trump deputy campaign manager) David Bossie (left) at the ABC News Radio studios where they talked to affiliate stations about their new book, Trump’s Enemies: How the Deep State Is Undermining the Presidency (2018, Center Street). (Photo: ABC News)
Trump-Russia Investigation/Manafort Allegedly Violates Plea Deal, GM Announces Job Cuts, Climate Change Report, U.K. Facebook Documents, Undecided Congressional Races, Russia-Ukraine Aggression, Mars Landing, the Brexit Deal, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/26). The anticipated release of Robert Mueller’s report on the investigation into potential connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the related allegation from Mueller that former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort lied to investigators after making his plea deal; General Motors announces job cuts and plant closings in the U.S.; the U.S. government’s ominous climate change report and President Trump’s response; the U.K.’s possession of Facebook documents relative to the Cambridge Analytica data use scandal; the status of the remaining 2018 election results; global response to Russia’s military aggression in the Ukraine; NASA’s successful Mars InSight landing mission; the U.K.’s latest Brexit deal with the EU nations and its implications for U.S.-U.K. trade; and the weekend’s NFL 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. Pittsburgh Entercom-owned radio stations WBZZ-FM, “100.7 STAR” and country WDSY “Y108” are presenting “A Concert for Unity” to benefit the rebuilding of Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh, the site of the deadly assault on worshippers there on October 27. The event, live from Pittsburgh’s Byham Theater on Sunday, December 2, will feature Dan + Shay, FRZY, and The Andy Davis Band and will be broadcast live on both stations. All proceeds from the show are going to rebuild Tree of Life. Entercom Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “Pittsburgh suffered an unfathomable tragedy and our community has come together to support our neighbors in their time of need. Through the generosity of local Pittsburgh artists and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, ‘A Concert for Unity’ will directly support the rebuilding of Tree of Life.”…..Morning show personality Frank Lario exits Beasley Media Group’s country WXTU, Philadelphia where he was working alongside Andie Summers, who is holding down the show solo while a search is
on for a partner…..Programming pro Robyn Simone is named PD at Cumulus Media’s urban AC WLXC, Columbia, South Carolina “KISS 103.1,” effective December 10. During her career, Simone has served for 10 years with Radio One 
in markets including Detroit and Cleveland…..Sales pro Kimberly Parker is named general sales manager at Cumulus Media’s country WIVK, Knoxville. She most recently served as VP of advertising with the Las Vegas Media Group. She comments, “It’s great to be back in Knoxville. This is my home. I know the wonderful history and significance of WIVK in East Tennessee and I am honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this talented and well-established staff.”…..Big Broadcasting’s KOKO-FM, Fresno flips from oldies to classic hip hop and R&B as “Jammin’ 94.3” entering into a deal with Envision Networks for programming and ad sales. Station program director Mike Marino says, “Our unique blend of old school and R&B throwbacks super serves an adult female audience ignored by other contemporary and gold-based radio stations in the market. Passion levels for this music are off the charts. Fresno will get the ‘feels’ from Jammin.’”…..Tragic news strikes iHeartMedia’s hip hop WWWZ, Charleston, South Carolina “Z93 Jamz” as authorities in Beaufort County report finding the body of 28-year-old Nathaniel Scott Jr., known on the radio as DJ Tough Love, in a wooded area where he’d been shot to death. Authorities are still investigating the matter.
Monday, November 26, 2018
Legendary KGO Talk Host Ray Taliaferro Missing; Last Seen in Paducah Pizza Joint. Retired talk show host Ray Taliaferro – an overnight personality on KGO, San Francisco from 1977 to 2011 – has been missing for 15 days now after last being seen at The Mellow Mushroom pizza restaurant in Paducah, Kentucky. Media reports indicate Taliaferro was last seen talking with the manager of the restaurant and was wearing black pants, a black turtleneck and a black leather jacket. Authorities say the 79-year-old may have been experiencing symptoms of dementia.
TALKERS News Notes. According to a report by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Tribune Media is offering its employees – including those at its only radio property, WGN-AM
– voluntary buyouts as part of a year-end staff reduction program. Feder quotes Tribune Media SVP of corporate relations Gary Weitman saying it is a “very small program that will ultimately affect a little more than 1 percent of our employees.” Feder notes that it’s not clear if layoffs would be the result of the voluntary program not meeting its goals…..Baltimore news/talk WBAL-AM now has an FM presence as Hearst fires up translator W268BA at 101.5 FM. Station president and general manager Cary Pahigian comments, “While WBAL radio will continue to serve Maryland at 1090 AM with our powerful 50,000-watt signal, our new FM signal at 101.5 is a monumental advancement for the region’s most influential radio station. FM 101.5, along with our popular mobile app, will help WBAL connect with significantly more listeners. WBAL is now available on every available broadcast, mobile and digital platform.”…..Radio news pro Sean Hall was killed in a car crash in Richmond County, New Hampshire. He was 63. Hall – whose career experience included positions with CNN Radio; NBC Radio; Mutual Broadcasting System; WTOP, Washington; and more – was working as a weekend news reporter for Saga Communications’ news/talk WKBK, Keene, New Hampshire…..Pictured below is Pioneer Valley Radio general manager Brad Shepard (on set, at left) with Massachusetts State Senator Eric Lesser (right) during a co-production between hyper-local digital media platform, Springfield, Mass.-based Pioneer Valley Radio and East Longmeadow Cable Access Television. During the program, Shepard and Lesser discussed the Senator’s continued efforts in an east-west rail connection in the state, the ongoing opioid crisis, efforts to keep seniors in their homes with appropriate care, recreational marijuana, and a controversial stance on the electoral college.
Interview: Salem Media Group’s Phil Boyce. Programming pro Phil Boyce, SVP at Salem Radio Network chats with Goldman McCormick Public Relations co-founder Ryan
McCormick about programming news/talk radio in the current era. Boyce tells McCormick that his years in the business have taught him important lessons about what news/talk audiences want. He says when analyzing effective talk talent, he looks for three basic things: “Are they teaching me something I want to learn about an important topic or are they doing a show focused on themselves and assuming listeners are into their every waking moment? Second, are they able to take a complicated issue and break it down in a way that makes me understand and, in some cases, want to pump my fist in agreement? And third is formatics: do they set up a topic well with a brilliant monologue? Do they tease around the break to make me come back? Do they give me the sense that this is the most fun a human being can have and they are having it? If it is a team show, do they have that elusive ‘chemistry, camaraderie, and rapport?’” Read the entire interview here.
Migrants Arrive at Tijuana, Global Warming Report, Trump-Russia Investigation, Mississippi Run-Off Election, Chinese Gene-Edited Babies, U.K.’s Facebook Investigation, Thanksgiving Holiday/Midwest Blizzard, Russia-Ukraine Tensions, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The U.S. closes the San Diego-Mexico border as the migrant caravan attempts to overrun border security; the U.S. Global Change Research Program climate report that predicts dire natural and economic consequences from global warming; the expectation of a Trump-Russia report from special counsel Robert Mueller; the Mississippi special senate election between Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democrat Mike Espy; a Chinese researcher claims success in first gene-edited babies; the U.K. gains Facebook documents related to the Cambridge Analytica case; the Thanksgiving holiday and the Midwest blizzard that affected holiday travel; Russia seizes Ukrainian ships in military skirmish; and the NFL’s weekend action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the holiday weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A format flip appears to be in the works for Entercom’s country KMNB, Minneapolis “BUZ*N @ 102.9” after seven years as a country station. The KMNB website says, “Thanks for BUZ*N with us Minnesota and western Wisconsin! Sadly, though the buzz is about to wear off…on Monday, December 3rd at 7am.” The station has been a consistent runner-up in the ratings (Persons 6+) to iHeartMedia’s KEEY. Prior to adopting a country format, the station was an adult contemporary outlet as WLTE – a format that lives on on the KZJK-HD2 channel – and speculation is the AC format will return. Will it be a “Breeze?”…..El Paso programming pro Ted “Bobcat” Brown is retiring from iHeartMedia’s country KHEY after a 10-year stint to relocate to Biloxi to help his wife care for her aging mother, he announces in a Facebook post.
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Shecterle to Lead NRG’s Omaha Cluster. In Omaha, radio executive Mark Shecterle is named market manager at NRG Media’s station group that includes: news/talk KOIL, sports talk
duo KZOT-AM “1180 The Zone” and KOZN “1620 The Zone,” hot AC KQKQ “Sweet 98.5” rock KOOO “101.9 The Keg,” rhythmic CHR KOPW “Power 106.9,” and regional Mexican KMMQ-AM/K258DC. Shecterle was most recently vice president of sales south for United States Traffic Network. He previously served with Radio One, Total Traffic & Weather Network, and Westwood One. NRG president and CEO Mary Quass states, “We are thrilled to have Mark join NRG. He brings extensive experience in management, sales, and marketing to the market. He understands the importance of NRG’s mission to provide great local radio. We are confident with Mark’s leadership, he will continue to develop innovative strategies for the market while providing great local radio.”
FCC to Begin 2018 Quadrennial Review of Media Ownership Rules. Chairman Ajit Pai writes in his blog post at the FCC’s website that the agency will begin the 2018 Quadrennial Review of broadcast ownership rules and will “begin with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
which seeks public input on the relevant rules, such as the Local Radio Ownership Rule, as well as several diversity-related proposals.” That will begin at the FCC’s Open Meeting on December 12. The ownership rules are a hot-button issue in the radio industry. Some argue for liberal changes in the ownership regulations to help radio station owners compete in the audio arena with the largely unregulated digital audio and satellite radio services. Other media industry players – most notably iHeartMedia – are against any further relaxation of ownership caps. The National Association of Broadcasters is proposing changes that would allow companies operating in the top 75 radio markets to own up to eight FM stations and an unlimited number of AM 
signals. Companies in markets 76 and up (and in unrated markets) would be allowed to operate with no limits. The NAB also added a proposal related to the incubator program that would allow companies in that program to own up to 10 FM signals in the top 75 markets. When the NAB released this proposal back in June, FCC commissioner Michael O’Rielly said he was open to considering it, stating that marketplace definition is key for him. “I’ve critiqued the Department of Justice and FCC merger reviews in the past – AM radio only competes with AM radio, FM radio only competes with FM radio and newspapers only compete with newspapers. That’s a crazy perspective that no longer applies, if it ever did.”
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas. Pictured above is Genesis Communications Network syndicated talk radio personality Dr. Daliah Wachs standing beside the Christmas tree her program donates to the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas – a charity that helps adults with disabilities gain employment and enjoy a variety of social services.
Trump Stands by Saudis, Dow Plummets, Democrats’ House Speaker Battle, Trump Answers Mueller Questions, Ivanka Email Case, California Wildfires; Avenatti Assault Allegation, Romaine Lettuce Warning, Thanksgiving Holiday/Eastern Cold Snap, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/20). Reaction to President Trump’s decision to deny Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s role in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi; concern about the world’s financial markets as the Dow drops more than 500 points; the internal battle among Democrats over Nancy Pelosi as next speaker of the house; President Trump finishes his written answers to special counsel Robert Mueller; the controversy over Ivanka Trump’s use of her personal email account for government business; the devastation from California’s wildfires; the allegation of assault against Stormy Daniels attorney Michael Avenatti by a former girlfriend; the CDC’s warning about the safety of the romaine lettuce in the U.S.; the Thanksgiving holiday and the Eastern U.S. cold snap; and the week’s NFL 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. The death of legendary disc jockey and voice artist Casey Kasem is the subject of a CBS TV special this Saturday evening (10:00 pm ET) as “48 Hours: The Mysterious Death of Casey Kasem” looks at the claims of Kasem’s second wife Jean – who says his children by his first wife killed him in an attempt to get his money – and the Kasem children (Kerri, Julie and Michael), who say Jean Kasem is guilty of elder abuse. Casey Kasem died in 2014 after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Saturday’s edition of “48 Hours” is hosted by Peter Van Sant…..iHeartRadio strikes a deal with Waze for the latter’s traffic and map app to sync with iHeartMedia’s digital platform to provide both audio streaming and directions without having to leave the iHeartRadio app. iHM says, “The integration enables users to sync their Waze and iHeartRadio apps to access their favorite iHeartRadio features within Waze navigation or access Waze navigation inside iHeartRadio.”…..Brew City non-commercial triple A WYMS, Milwaukee “88Nine” announces
the results of its first “Backline” accelerator program from it and partner gener8tor that is assisting up-and-coming Milwaukee musicians Lex Allen, Crystal Knives, Abby Jeanne, and Zed Kenzo. The 12-week music business immersion program helped the artists learn about the business and take part in collaborations in multiple cities, such as New York, Los Angeles and London. The “Backline” program was created by WYMS to help Milwaukee musicians break out nationally. Acceptance into the program for the four artists included $20,000 in equity-and royalty-free grant funding for each musician to be used toward furthering their careers. The musicians have been using the grants to pay for equipment, recording sessions, travel, publicity services, photography and video. WYMS is owned by the Milwaukee Public Schools.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Minihane Says ‘Difference of Opinion’ Led to Departure from WEEI, Boston. Appearing on public television outlet WGBH-TV, Boston’s “Greater Boston” program with host Jim Braude on Monday (11/19), former WEEI, Boston morning personality Kirk Minihane
explained his exit from the “Kirk & Callahan” program, saying he and station owner Entercom had a “difference of opinion” on how the morning show should go forward. He said, “There was just a philosophical difference between the station — Entercom, the ownership — and me. They wanted to go one way. I didn’t want to go that way.” Minihane said he was asked to sign a document that he wasn’t comfortable with. “It basically said you can’t be interesting, you can’t be mean-spirited, you can’t take chances, you can’t rip the Red Sox, you can’t rip the Boston Globe. And I said, ‘I’m not going to participate.’” As reported last week, Minihane will launch a national program on Entercom’s RADIO.COM in 2019, he’ll host his own podcast and will write for the digital platform as well. Mike Mutnansky now co-hosts the WEEI morning show with Gerry Callahan. Read coverage of the WGBH-TV appearance here.
Nielsen Names IBM SVP David Kenny New CEO. Ratings and consumer behavior giant Nielsen Holdings LLC names former IBM senior vice president David Kenny its new chief executive officer, effective December 3. Kenny takes over for the retiring Mitch Barns at a time when the company is reviewing its corporate strategy – led by board chairman James Attwood – and that could lead to a sale of either its Watch (ratings) or Buy (consumer behavior) segments or a sale of the entire company. Kenny will earn $1.3 million in base salary, the opportunity to earn up to $1.9 million in the Annual Incentive Plan, and participation in the Long Term Incentive Plan. Additionally, Nielsen agrees to compensate Kenny for his loss of unvested equity in IBM with 487,505 Nielsen RSUs (Make Whole RSUs) that will vest in three equal annual installments through 2021; Nielsen will pay him $2.5 million on February 15, 2019 for his loss of an IBM cash retention award; and will pay him $1.5 million upon starting his employment for his loss of the IBM 2018 annual incentive payout.
PodcastOne Launches Four New Podcasts. New programs launching on PodcastOne this month include: “Chad’s World,” starring “Bachelorette” villain Chad Johnson; “Zane’s World”
in which world traveler Zane digs deeper into places he’s featured on his other travel shows and shares unheard, amazing stories and interviews celebrities about their experiences; “Selfie Made,” with author Meredith Rojas on building one’s online brand; and “Just Between Us,” with “Good Witch” star Bailee Madison and her sister Kaitlin Vilasuso. PodcastOne chairman and CEO Norm Pattiz says, “We’re really proud to have created a prime space for social and on-screen influencers to extend their digital brands in the rapidly growing podcast space. We have seen great success in the last year with influencers like Kaitlyn Bristowe, Spencer and Heidi Pratt, Kim Zolciak, and more and we’re excited to welcome these four new programs to the party!”
TALKERS News Notes. Talk radio dynamo Simon Conway (left) – heard in afternoon drive on
iHeartMedia’s WHO, Des Moines and sister WMT-AM, Cedar Rapids – is pulling a couple of days of double duty this week. In addition to his own show, he’s also sitting in for WOAI-AM San Antonio-based, nationally syndicated talk show host Joe “Pags” Pagliarulo (right)…..As Major League Baseball’s New York Mets change flagship stations from iHeartMedia’s WOR to Entercom’s WCBS-AM, Mets color analyst of the past six seasons Josh Lewin is leaving New York to return to San Diego to host pre- and post-game shows for San Diego Padres radio broadcasts. Lewin also handles play-by-play for UCLA football. He previously worked in San Diego doing radio broadcasts for the NFL’s Chargers…..This Thanksgiving weekend, ABC News is making available a three-hour special titled, “America Gives Thanks,” hosted by ABC News correspondent Aaron Katersky that will “highlight tales of prosperity, hope, and kindness that Americans across the country have experienced. It will feature stories of Americans in diverse situations including survivors of wildfires, students from Africa given a chance to succeed in the United States, and recipients of kidney transplants.”…..Voxnest announces that podcast producer and host Jonathan Zenti joins the company as head of content. Voxnest notes that Zenti is an award-winning podcast producer and host with more than a decade of distinguished experience across the industry who was most recently made a member of the advisory committee for PRX’s Google Podcast creator program.
Acosta Pass Restored/New WH Press Rules, Democrats’ Internal House Speaker Battle, Democrats’ Whitaker Challenge, Federal Asylum Claims Ruling, Gun Violence Incidents, California Wildfires, Sinking Dow, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/19). The White House restores CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s press pass and institutes new rules for reporters covering the White House; the Democrats’ battle over Nancy Pelosi as next House Speaker; Senate Democrats challenge appointment of acting AG Matthew Whitaker; the federal ruling blocks President Trump’s asylum ban; Monday’s spate of gun violence; the devastation from California’s wildfires; the reeling Dow loses 400 points and the plummeting of tech stocks; and the weekend’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
‘Stuttering’ John Melendez Is Guest on Harrison Podcast. Media personality John Melendez, who spent 15 years as an outrageous sidekick and field reporter on Howard Stern’s radio and TV shows, followed by a 10-year stint as announcer and writer on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Melendez, whose “Stuttering John” character rose to fame in the Howard Stern universe for asking unsuspecting celebrities extremely intimate and embarrassing questions, has just published a
memoir, Easy for You to Say (Rare Bird Books, 2018). It discusses his lifelong battle against stuttering going all the way back to his experiences being bullied in school as well as his colorful media career and the major stars with whom he interacted. Melendez talks to Harrison quite candidly about his relationships with both Stern and Leno as well as his perspective on the industry and life. According to Harrison, “This guy is extremely interesting. He’s lived both a charmed life and career which he discusses in candid detail in our conversation. What a great guest!” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Pittsburgh, Michael “Frogman” Ovadia exits Forever Media’s country WOGI, “Froggy 104.3” after four years there. Erika “Aligator” Hink – co-host of the “Frogman & Gator” show – continues to host the program solo…..Madison, Wisconsin morning personality Pat O’Neill announces via social media that he’s exiting Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s adult contemporary WMGN “MAGIC 98” for a yet-to-be-named gig he’ll start in January…..WXKS-FM, Boston “Kiss 108” morning drive icon Matt Siegel – host of the “Matty in the Morning” show – comes home with the Broadcaster of the Year award from the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association’s “Sound Bites” event. The honor is given annually to “a Massachusetts radio or TV broadcaster who has shown an unwavering dedication to the evolution of broadcasting, breathing life into his/her work by being creative, enthusiastic, and committed to the community.” The iHeartMedia personality says, “I am thrilled to receive this honor. I can’t believe I’ve gotten to wake up the city of Boston for the past 38 years while working alongside some of my closest friends. I am very humbled and appreciative to be recognized with such high honors.”…..Also from the MBA Sound Bites Awards, Entercom rock WAAF, Boston grabs first place in the “Digital Media” category for “LB’s Big Decision,” featured on the station’s website…..Entercom unveils its “Channel Q” format on KKHH-HD2 in Houston. Entercom Houston SVP and market manager Sarah Frazier comments, “Since its inception in October, ‘Channel Q’ (formerly known as ‘Out Now’) has provided a voice for the LGBTQ+ community and we are very excited to bring that voice to the Houston area. We believe this is a perfect fit considering our long-term partnership with Pride Houston.”
Monday, November 19, 2018
Kim Carrigan Out as Kuhner Returns to AMs on WRKO, Boston; Doug “V.B.” Goudie Moves to Middays. The new program schedule on iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston launches on Monday (11/26) and in morning drive will be “The Kuhner Report” with Jeff
Kuhner. He moves from the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart and replaces the “Boston’s Morning Show” with Kim Carrigan and Doug “V.B.” Goudie. V.B. moves to the early afternoon show hosting “V.B. in the Middle” and Carrigan 
apparently departs. The station says in a press release, “‘The Kuhner Report’ will continue to cover today’s latest headlines and breaking political news. Conservative Jeff Kuhner will continue to tackle cutting-edge, hot-button, political, social and foreign policy issues. ‘V.B. in the Middle’ will also discuss today’s biggest political headlines, showcasing V.B.’s humorous, creative opinions as well as his connection with the Boston listeners.” WRKO program director and iHeartMedia Boston VP of news/talk Robert Sanchez adds, “Jeff Kuhner believes what he says and says what he believes. Bostonians need an energy burst in the morning and with Jeff, their commute just erupted.”
Alan Stock to Exit Afternoon Drive on KXNT, Las Vegas for New Role at Station. Although still not confirmed at press time, TALKERS sources indicate that a programming
shuffle is about to take place at Entercom’s heritage talk outlet in Las Vegas, KXNT with the official announcement coming this week. Local market mainstay 
(and TALKERS Heavy Hundred luminary) Alan Stock will move out of the 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm afternoon drive position to be replaced by a yet-to-be-named syndicated program and play a reduced, but still-important, role at the station as its “commentator.” Stock will deliver a live, daily, early afternoon, short-form political commentary that will be replayed several times later in the day. Word is that Stock’s on-air presence at the station will also include a live, long-form weekend program to be announced at a later date. Further unconfirmed rumors indicate Stock might be replaced in afternoon drive by Radio America syndicated host Chad Benson. Stay tuned!
iHeartMedia Files Fifth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan with Bankruptcy Court. December 11 is still the date that iHeartMedia will be in Bankruptcy Court in Houston for
confirmation of its Chapter 11 reorganization plan. Ahead of that, the company has filed the Fifth Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan with the court and the deadline for filing objections with this latest plan is November 28. The plan outlines the New Term Loans to be issued by parent company iHeartCommunications. They include: an Asset-Based Loan of $450 million with a five-year term; a Term Loan of $3.5 billion with a seven-year term; $800 million in secured notes with a seven-year term; and $1.45 billion in unsecured bonds with an eight-year term. The Plan also lays out the salaries of chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and COO and CFO Rich Bressler – both of whom who will make $1.5 million in salary per year and whose annual Target Bonuses will be $3.4 million. Note that these figures are for the year 2019 and beyond that changes in the employment terms are at the discretion of the board of directors.
iHeartMedia to Acquire Jelli Inc. This move takes the relationship between iHeartMedia and cloud-based ad platform developer Jelli Inc. to the next level, with iHM acquiring the company whose technology powers its SoundPoint programmatic platform. iHeartMedia goes on to say that this deal will enable it to “further leverage Jelli’s assets to continue to
create for brands a digital-compatible buying platform for broadcast radio that includes targeting and creative optimization based on data and attribution tools compatible with the offerings of the major digital players. In addition, ‘Expressway from Katz,’ the industry’s programmatic buying ad exchange for the country’s leading radio groups, will continue to remain independently run by Katz, powered by 
Jelli.” Brian Kaminsky, president of SmartAudio and analytics group for iHeartMedia, says, “Facebook and Google pioneered a new way for advertisers to interface with media partners to improve targetability, the ease of buying and measurement of results, and our programmatic platform puts us in the position to participate in the modern data driven ecosystem for our broadcast radio audience as well as our digital audiences. We have been excited by the advances we made with Jelli as our partner and the acceptance from our advertising partners.” The press release makes no mention of the terms of the deal, but says that “Jelli will continue to operate as a company within iHeartMedia, Inc. led by president and CEO Michael Dougherty and his team. The Jelli division will continue to be based in Silicon Valley and will become iHeartMedia’s primary ad technology operation.”
Larry King Weighs In with Strong Opinions on Jim Acosta Story and the State of Journalism. Veteran radio and TV talk show host Larry King dropped in on Friday (11/16) for an unplanned chat during the recording of this past weekend’s RT America show “The Big Picture with Holland Cooke.” The impromptu, seven-minute interview took place while King was visiting the network’s Washington, DC headquarters. During the provocative conversation that delved into the state and future of journalism in America, King candidly described the daily briefings and press conferences held at the Donald Trump White House as “a sideshow… reality TV… that has nothing to do with governing.” King elaborated, “The whole thing is a show and when Jim Acosta [engaged in the argument with the President] he became part of the show. Trump loves that!” To view the entire conversation between King and Cooke, please click here. King hosts a nightly show, “Larry King Now,” on RT America from his studio in Los Angeles via a licensing agreement between the network and his program that originates on Ora TV and is also seen on Hulu. Holland Cooke is also a senior correspondent for TALKERS.
Hoffman to Lead Entercom Indianapolis. Rising from vice president of sales for Entercom’s Indianapolis cluster to SVP and general manager is Ben Hoffman. He is now in charge of the
cluster that includes sports talk WXNT-AM “CBS Sports 1430 AM,” CHR WZPL, and adult contemporary WNTR “107.9 The Mix.” Entercom region president Dave Alpert states, “For the past seven years at Entercom Indianapolis, Ben has demonstrated strong leadership qualities, high energy and the ability to be a collaborative team leader with a strong ability to win. This is a well-deserved promotion for Ben to senior vice president and market manager and we are looking forward to the great work that Ben will continue to produce.” Prior to joining Entercom, Hoffman served as station manager and director of sales for Townsquare Media in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Judge’s Ruling in CNN-White House Suit, Trump-Russia Investigation, Trump FOX News Interview/Schiff Attack, House Speaker Battle, California Wildfires, Migrant Caravan, U.K.’s Brexit Chaos, U.S.-China Trade War/Pence at APEC Summit, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. A judge rules the White House must return CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s press credentials; the status of the investigation into possible connections between the Trump campaign and Russian agents; President Trump’s FOX News interview with Chris Wallace and his Twitter attack on Congressman Adam Schiff; the internal battle among Democrats over the next Speaker of the House; the status of the California wildfires and the latest death toll; the caravan of migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border; the political chaos surrounding Britain’s exit from the E.U.; the U.S. trade war with China and Vice President Mike Pence’s appearance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit; and the weekend’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. St. Louis country outlet KSD-FM “93-7 The Bull” announces Gail Austin is the new program director for the station. Back in April, Jules Riley was promoted from PD for KSD and sister classic hits KLOU to senior vice president
of programming for the entire iHeartMedia St. Louis cluster. Austin previously served with the company in the programming departments of both WQIK, Jacksonville and WCOL, Columbus. Riley comments, “We are thrilled to welcome Gail back to iHeartmedia and excited to watch her take ‘The Bull’ to new heights. We spoke with a number of talented programmers, but Gail’s competitive drive, creativity, and talent development made her our ideal candidate.”…..At morphing WTDY, Philadelphia, Entercom moves program director Bobby Smith off the air and “Coop & Casey” are the new morning show. The station is transitioning into a CHR as the result of the company’s recent acquisition of hot AC WBEB “B101.1.”…..Air personality Brian Holmes exits Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s rhythmic CHR WJQM, Madison “93.1 Jamz” after three-and-a-half years hosting “The Freak Show” in the evenings…..ABC Radio is offering a Thanksgiving holiday radio show for country stations called, “Holiday Season Serenade.” The three-hour program is hosted by country star Martina McBride, who will take a look at stars’ holiday favorites including food, decorations, traditions, gifts and music. The special will feature Christmas songs by top country artists such as Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Brett Eldredge, Chris Young, Scotty McCreery, and more.
Friday, November 16, 2018
WDAE, Tampa Names ‘Ron & Ian’ Afternoon Drive Show. Longtime Tampa Bay and WDAE sports talk personality Steve Duemig focuses on his health as he continues
treatment for a brain tumor. He’ll step aside as the station names Ron Diaz and Ian Beckles hosts of the afternoon drive “Ron & Ian” show, effective Monday, November 26. This is a return to the station for the duo who exited three years ago in a programming reshuffle. Producer Jay Recher remains in the afternoon slot as a “key part of the program.” Diaz says, “The band is back together and it’s about time to rock. During the year that the show first began, the Lightning won the Stanley Cup. No pressure guys let’s do it again.” Beckles adds, “I am super excited to reunite with Ron and Jay to create the Ron & Ian show 2.0. Tampa Bay has been begging for its return, so I hope everyone is ready.”
WXYT-FM, Detroit Personality Mike Valenti to Launch Podcast on RADIO.COM. Motor City sports talk personality Mike Valenti – heard in afternoon drive on Entercom’s sports talker WXYT-FM – is the latest to launch a podcast on the
company’s digital platform RADIO.COM. Titled, “Always Aggravated,” the weekly program “is a chance for fans to go behind the scenes with Valenti and his cast of characters from his daily afternoon drive show.” Entercom Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “Mike is an extraordinary talent who is loved by Detroit sports fans. This podcast will be an extension of his show, giving fans access to an unfiltered Mike Valenti.” Valenti comments, “This podcast is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time. It gives us the chance to go beyond what we are able to discuss in our daily show. Nothing is off limits and I am very excited about the opportunity to appeal to listeners around the country.”
Tennessee Won’t Prosecute Former WGOW-FM, Chattanooga Talk Host Jeff Styles. The good news for former WGOW-FM, Chattanooga morning personality Jeff Styles is that the state won’t be prosecuting him on an aggravated assault charge; the bad news is the road rage incident from last June cost him his job at the Cumulus
Media talk station. Styles testified that Nick Bullington was driving recklessly toward him and waving a gun before Styles got out of his car at a red light and attacked Bullington’s vehicle with a tomahawk. Bullington fired his weapon and Styles was hit in the arm. The case was bound to a grand jury but now the state is electing not to prosecute. The Chattanoogan reports Styles’ attorney Lee Davis told the court, “Jeff Styles called 911 after he was shot. He cooperated in the police investigation and testified in court. Jeff has done everything possible to be fully accountable for his actions. I appreciate the care and deliberation that District Attorney Neal Pinkston has taken in the review of this case. On behalf of Jeff Styles, I want to express my support and appreciation of the state’s decision after careful review to dismiss this matter.”
iHeartMedia Monthly Operating Report: September Revenue Up 9.6%. As it has
been doing while working its way through Chapter 11 reorganization, iHeartMedia files another monthly operating report with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This report – for the month of September – notes that revenue was $325.9 million, an increase of 9.6% over August’s $299.4 million figure. Operating income was down 20.6% to $62.4 million and net income was $11.9 million – down a dramatic 140% from August’s net income of $66.9 million. During September, iHeartMedia paid out $15.8 million to outside professionals assisting in the reorganization process.
TALKERS News Notes. There’s been no official communique from Entercom
Minneapolis but after seven months with the cluster, operations manager Andy Bloom exits. He’d been in charge of operations at heritage news/talk WCCO-AM, country KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9,” and adult hits KZJK “104.1 JACK FM.” Previously, Bloom had been with CBS RADIO as operations manager for sports talk WIP-FM and news/talk WPHT in Philadelphia. Bloom simply tells the Pioneer Press, “WCCO is a legendary station. I wish them luck.”…..The Boston Beasley Media Group stations are taking part in the third official “Massachusetts Civility Day” proclaimed by Governor Charlie Baker. National Civility Foundation executive director Judith Bowman says the purpose of tomorrow’s (11/17) event is “to have every person in every family, every company…consciously 
perform a random act of kindness. Day of Civility is timely given our coarse global climate and particularly fitting as we enter the Thanksgiving holiday season.”…..Pictured at left are some of the staff members of Alpha Media Alaska posing with their “Goldie Awards” from the Alaska Broadcasters Association. The cluster garnered four awards: KFDQ-AM, Anchorage’s “Big Alaska Show” for Best Radio Show; sports talk KHAR for Best Sports Play-By-Play; classic hits KEAG-FM, Anchorage for Best Radio Commercial (:30); and country KBRJ-FM for Best Radio Commercial (over :30). Pictured here are (from l-r): “Big Alaska Show” host Steve Stripling, KBRJ-FM program director Joe Campbell, Lindsey Dailey, Steven Franklin, and John Miller.
Talkin’ Turkey. KIDO, Boise morning drive personality Kevin Miller (dressed as a turkey) is pictured here broadcasting from inside a Walmart in Nampa, Idaho where he’s been living to collect turkeys for the Boise Rescue Mission. This is Miller’s eighth year living at and broadcasting from the Walmart to help the cause. With him in the photo are KTVB-TV, Boise’s Larry Gebert (left) and Boise Rescue Mission CEO Reverend Bill Roscoe (right).
CNN-White House Suit Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 12-16. CNN’s suit against the White House for the pulling of reporter Jim Acosta’s press credentials was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was Florida election re-counts and the related allegations of voter fraud by President Trump. Coming in at #3 was the status of the Trump-Russia investigation, followed by the migrant caravan and U.S. illegal immigration policy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
30th Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. In New York City last night (11/15), 10 radio broadcasters were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. A number of talk personalities were enshrined, including longtime New York radio talk host Joan Hamburg, pictured above with actor Alan Alda, who introduced her, stating, “She has the ability to interview anybody with grace and good humor.” Other talk hosts enshrined were: Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, SiriusXM personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Jonathon Brandmeier, Westwood One syndicated host Mark Levin, WFAN legend Mike Francesa, and sports talker Nanci Donnellan, a.k.a., the Fabulous Sports Babe (who was unable to attend). Music radio personalities inducted included WAXQ, New York morning host Jim Kerr and Kid Kelly, along with consultant Fred Jacobs. Pictured below are (from l-r): Jacobs, Levin, Kerr, and Brandmeier.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Country WQIK, Jacksonville promotes music director John Scott to program director, effective immediately. Scott will report to iHeartMedia SVP of programming Gary “Geewiz” Christopher, who says, “We are thrilled to have John transition to program director for the number one country station in Jacksonville. He understands our listeners and brings his passion and extensive knowledge of the market to this role and we know he will continue to contribute to our station’s ongoing success.” Over the past 28 years, he has served WQIK as morning show host, midday personality, and afternoon drive jock…..Entercom’s rock KISW, Seattle is presenting the fourth annual “Live Day.” This year’s event will feature broadcasts of the station’s morning show “BJ & Migs” and afternoon show “The Mens Room” in front of a live audience with no recorded commercials, sound effects or music. More than 100 performers and producers are involved in creating eight hours of completely live radio. “Live Day” will emanate from Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom on Tuesday (11/20) and feature a cast of local musicians, Foley artists and comedians, and station on-air talent including “BJ & Migs,” Ryan Castle, Taryn Daly, and talent from The Mens Room. KISW legacy talent Kathy Faulkner and Spike O’Neill will also be in attendance…..WWPR, New York-based morning show “The Breakfast Club” raised more than $200,000 during its second annual #Change4Change to benefit PROJECT 375, an organization whose mission is to raise awareness of mental health, ending the stigma and raising funds for treatment. The Breakfast Club personalities DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne Tha God worked in support of PROJECT 375, a charity co-founded by NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall and his wife Michi. PROJECT 375 offers several free community programs and resources addressing mental health such as Project Prevent, which provides technology-driven mental health first aid training for parents, teachers and anyone working closely with youth; and Mind Over Matter Talks, where members of the organization visit schools to speak with students, principals, community leaders and parents about mental health…..Bobby Bones show co-host Amy Brown is launching an iHeartRadio original podcast called “4 Things with Amy Brown,” focused on featuring “4 Things” listeners can do to promote healthy well-being and to “maintain an attitude of gratitude, while sprinkling joy and giving back in their daily lives.” Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott states, “Amy is an integral part of some of our most-popular Country radio programs. We’ve seen firsthand how her loyal following of fans stays connected across any and every platform, so this podcast is a natural next step.”…..Sun Broadcast Group celebrates its 10th anniversary. The national radio network is now headquartered in New York City and Boca Raton and is home to “The Country Fried Mix with DJ Sinister,” multiple nationally syndicated shows hosted by “Fitz,” “The Woody & Wilcox Show,” and Sun Latino among many others.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Alpha Officially Files to Sell West Palm Beach Cluster to Hubbard for $88 Million. When the Agreement in Principle was announced back in late September, Alpha
Media said it was divesting of some of its stations to lower its debt leverage. Today we learn that it has filed to sell the West Palm Beach cluster to Hubbard Radio for $88 million. The station group includes news/talk WFTL-AM, sports talk WMEN-
AM/WIRK-HD2; adult contemporary WEAT-FM; hot AC WRMF; country WIRK-FM; and urban contemporary WMBX-FM. Alpha Media’s Bob Proffitt states, “While we are sad to see these great stations leave the Alpha family, we are equally happy for Elizabeth Hamma and her excellent and dedicated team to join Hubbard Radio.” Hubbard Radio CEO Ginny Morris adds, “This is an exciting opportunity for Hubbard Radio. West Palm Beach is a terrific market and the Alpha Media radio stations set the standard for excellence in south Florida. We feel honored to welcome these great radio stations into the Hubbard Radio family.” KALIL & CO., INC. is the exclusive broker for this transaction.
Minihane Remains with Entercom for RADIO.COM Presence; Callahan and Mut Continue in WEEI, Boston Mornings. Sports media personality Kirk Minihane has been off the “Kirk & Callahan” morning drive show at Entercom’s WEEI, Boston since taking a medical leave back in early September. Recent social media posts by
Minihane hinted there may have been problems between he and the company but that no longer appears to be the case as Entercom announces Minihane will launch a new digital radio show, podcast, and column on the company’s RADIO.COM platform. A press release states, “The new platform will expand Kirk’s reach to a national audience and explore wide-ranging topics in addition to sports. Kirk’s podcast and column are expected to launch in January 2019 and his new, daily, weekday radio show, which will include a co-host to be named at a later date, is expected to launch in early 2019.” Entercom president of programming Pat Paxton comments, “As an industry leader in compelling, proprietary content, Entercom is making sure RADIO.COM is populated with the very best programming available. Kirk Minihane fits this model perfectly. His ability to entertain and engage is second to none, and there is no question Kirk will become a highly successful national audio personality. He already conquered Boston. 
Now on to the rest of the world!” In Minihane’s absence from the morning drive program, Mike “Mut” Mutnansky has been co-hosting with Gerry Callahan and the two will continue to host the morning program with “with a rotating cast of Boston’s most
charismatic and intriguing sports personalities.” And it sounds as though there will be less talk of politics on the program as the press release adds, “The WEEI morning show is being re-envisioned as a more sports-centric show consistent with the station’s brand and position as Boston’s sports 
leader. For more than 25 years, WEEI has entertained and informed Boston sports fans with engaging, must-listen sports content and analysis in the country’s greatest sports city. Going forward, the morning show will focus predominantly on sports.” For his part, Minihane states, “I’m extremely excited to return to the air and reach a national audience, with greater autonomy to focus on a variety of topics, and even more digital platforms to connect with my fans. It’s been awesome to be part of WEEI and I know Gerry and Mut will continue to put on a great show. I want to thank the listeners for their patience and loyalty over the past several weeks, and I can’t wait to get started on RADIO.COM.”
Hammerschmidt Named News Director at KYW, Philadelphia. All-news KYW, Philadelphia announces Kristina Hammerschmidt is the new news director, effective November 19. Last year, the Philly native joined the station as an editor and writer
from KYW-TV where she was a producer and writer. Entercom Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “Kristina is a talented 
and dynamic leader with expertise that will take the KYW Newsradio team to the next level. Her strong track record producing live newscasts will help us deliver on our mission of telling compelling stories and setting the agenda for news coverage in the Delaware Valley.” Hammerschmidt says, “I am excited to lead such a talented and dedicated team of journalists. KYW Newsradio has a rich history and plays an important role in the lives of nearly a million listeners in the Delaware Valley each week. I look forward to helping KYW continue to serve our community with the news, weather, sports and traffic information they depend on.”
AWF Honors Seven at Gracies Leadership Awards Luncheon. On Tuesday (11/13), the Alliance for Women in Media hosted the inaugural Gracies Leadership Awards
luncheon, formerly called Women Who Lead, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The program featured keynote speaker FOX Sports television sideline reporter Pam Oliver and honored seven female leaders in media. Oliver (right) is pictured here with honoree Beth Neuhoff, owner of radio company Neuhoff Communications. AWMF board member and Weiss Agency EVP Heather Cohen states, “Now more than ever before, we have a responsibility to create conversation and shine the spotlight on the success and progress of women in media. We not only want to honor those deserving recognition but show the next generation what is possible. Our purpose at AWM is to bring intelligent, accomplished, dedicated women (and men) together to share ideas, experiences and some ‘you go, girls!’”
Hofstra University Communications Students Produce Multi-Platform Election Coverage. Pictured above are some of the 200-plus Hofstra University students who played a role in the midterm election coverage, dubbed “Hofstra Votes Live,” that operated from two studios, three control rooms and six remote sites to gain “unprecedented reach” on the school’s radio station WRHU-FM, Hofstra TV, and Facebook (via Livestream). The programming was led by students in the journalism master’s program at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, a Hofstra alumnus and member of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Dean’s Advisory Board, says, “I am so proud of the work being done at Hofstra to provide a fully prepared next generation of media professionals. The school is a role model for what academia must do to be a vital link in the chain of American broadcasting greatness from generation to generation into the 21st century.”
All in the Family. Legendary New York City rock personality Jim Kerr – heard in mornings on iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q104.3” – visited the “Len Berman and Michael Riedel in the Morning” program on sister news/talk WOR to talk about his induction (taking place this evening 11/15) into the Radio Hall of Fame. Pictured above are (from l-r): Riedel, iHeartMedia chairman Bob Pittman, Kerr, and Berman.
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago talk radio host William J. Kelly – heard nightly on WCGO, Evanston on “The Citizen Kelly Show” – is embarking on a multi-city live event
called the “Listen to Me (Listening to You) Listening Tour” taking place this month through March 2019. He’s scheduled 16 stops in cities around Chicagoland and Southern Wisconsin. He says, “I’m very excited to bring the Citizen Kelly listening tour to cities and towns throughout Illinois and the Midwest. America is at a crossroads and we need new leadership more than ever. My fellow citizens deserve to have their voices heard and that is exactly what the Citizen Kelly revolution is all about.”…..Sun & Fun Media inks a deal to represent Digital Sound & Video in offering its radio imaging, commercial production, and video production services to stations across the country via barter. Sun & Fun chief revenue officer Dennis Green says, “Sun & Fun Media prides itself on associating with top-notch companies that provide superior products and services to stations. Digital Sound & Video checks all the boxes and we are proud to be working with Ed and his team to give stations the option to obtain DSV’s first rate imaging and production services on a barter basis.”
CNN-White House Suit, House Democratic Leadership Battle, FLA Recounts/GA Gov. Race, Melania Ousts Ricardel, Trump-Russia Investigation, Deadly California Wildfire, Homeless GoFundMe Scam, Avenatti Domestic Violence Arrest, Brexit Chaos, Dow Dips, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/15). The suit against the White House by CNN seeking the return of reporter Jim Acosta’s White House press credentials; the battle within the Democratic party for the next Speaker of the House; the election recounts in Florida and the yet-to-be-decided Georgia governors contest; First Lady Melania Trump fires deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible Trump campaign-Russian agent connections and talk of a bill to protect Mueller from being fired; the California wildfire that has claimed 56 lives; the allegation by authorities that the homeless man and couple who started a GoFundMe campaign that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars was a scam from the start; Stormy Daniels attorney Michael Avenatti is arrested on domestic violence charge; the political chaos surrounding British Prime Minister Theresa May; the stock selloff continues as the Dow drops another 200 points; and the week’s NFL 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. Radio station owner Steel City Media files a Plan of Reorganization in Federal Bankruptcy Court in St. Louis as the next step in its exit from Chapter 11. Steel City owns hot AC WLTJ “Q 92.9” and adult hits WRRK “BOB FM 96.9” in Pittsburgh and country KBEQ “Q104” and KFKF “Country 94.1,” hot AC KMXV “Mix 93.3” and adult contemporary “KCKC” KC 102.1” in Kansas City. The Plan has been approved by a majority of the company’s creditors and leaves the Frischling family in control of the company. Steel City vice president Michael Frischling states, “In an environment where equity in radio companies is being wiped out, we are gratified that we have reached a consensual agreement with our creditors that enables us to maintain equity and operational control that sets the stage for future growth and profitability. We look forward to emerging from Chapter 11early next year and we want to thank our employees and advertisers for their continued support.”…..Westwood One is offering country stations a four-hour, holiday weekend program called “A Thanksgiving Weekend Celebration with Brett Young,” featuring Young and his friends, including: Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, and many more. The program is available for airing any time between Thursday, November 22 and Sunday, November 25.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Laura Ingraham to Transition Radio Show to Podcast in January. Talk media personality Laura Ingraham will end her 17-plus years of hosting a live radio talk show in January and launch an original podcast via PodcastOne. Ingraham, who joined
FOX News Channel’s prime-time lineup last fall, has also been hosting her late morning radio show syndicated via Courtside Entertainment. She says, “While hosting a prime-time television show and raising three children on my own, continuing a three-hour morning radio show was no longer feasible. Although I will greatly miss my radio listeners and 
affiliates, working late nights and early mornings has taken a toll on my family life. Plus, my radio audience is smart, savvy and committed, and I know most will follow my new show in the format that is revolutionizing the audio world – digital podcasting.” She adds, “Without phenomenal producers, a committed sales team, great station managers and program directors — and of course my loyal advertisers – this show wouldn’t have been possible. Now it’s time for a new adventure.” PodcastOne chairman and CEO Norm Pattiz states, “Due to her HUGE success on the FOX News channel, daily podcasts are a much better fit for Laura’s hectic schedule and provides her listeners in all markets access at any time to the new Laura Ingraham show podcast. She’s at the top of her game and her new original podcasts will fit perfectly on PodcastOne.”
Cumulus Q3 Net Revenue Down 1.7%. The third quarter financial numbers for Cumulus Media have been released and the company reports Q3 net revenue of $282.3 million – an dip of 1.7% from the same period in 2017. Net income was $12.7 million and adjusted EBITDA was $62.1 million. Due to its emergence from Chapter 11
reorganization earlier this year, the company notes in its report that “for the purposes of the analysis of the results presented herein, the company is presenting the combined results of operations for the period June 4, 2018 to September 30, 2018 of the Successor Company with the period January 1, 2018 to June 3, 2018 of the Predecessor Company. Although this presentation is not in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, the company believes presenting and analyzing the combined results allows for a more meaningful comparison of results for the nine month period ended September 30, 
2018 to the nine months ended September 30, 2017.” Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner comments, “In our first full quarter of operations since emerging from Chapter 11, our positive momentum continued and we remain focused on the path ahead. We delivered another quarter of Adjusted EBITDA growth – approximately 50 basis points on a reported basis and 3.9% when adjusting for the impact of USTN and our exit from WLUP-FM in Chicago. Additionally, in early October, we completed a $50 million prepayment of our term loan using cash generated from operations, demonstrating both our ability to produce significant free cash flow and our commitment to pay down debt with that cash. We continue to believe that our key growth initiatives, including our digital businesses at the Cumulus Radio Station Group, our rapidly expanding podcast business and pricing and inventory management improvements across the Company, as well as our substantial free cash flow generation, position the Company well to create value for all our stakeholders.”
iHeartMedia Names Future Board of Directors. When iHeartMedia emerges from Chapter 11 reorganization, it will have a new board of directors and today the company announces who will sit on the board. Current board chairman and CEO Bob Pittman
and current president, COO and CFO Rich Bressler will continue to serve on the board with five new board members. They are: former Walt Disney Company executive Jay Rasulo; Spyglass Entertainment co-founder and former MGM Inc. chairman and CEO Gary Barber; Altimeter Capital founder and CEO Brad Gerstner; private investor and director for both Aptiv plc and Arconic Inc Sean Mahoney; and Drawbridge founder and CEO Kamakshi Sivaramakrishnan. Bob Pittman comments, “We are excited about both the depth and range of our new board members. We know our ability to draw on the experience of this unique combination of leaders in their respective fields will give us an unparalleled competitive advantage as we build our next level of growth.”
Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity Hits 600-Affiliate Mark. After a little more than 17 years in national syndication, Premiere Networks talk radio superstar Sean Hannity reaches the milestone of 600 affiliate stations. Premiere states, “Hannity’s
provocative, informed, and passionate commentary on news and politics has amassed a loyal following of more than 18 million listeners monthly. Broadcasting live on weekdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET, the 2017 National Radio Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Marconi Award winner is one of the most prominent and influential talk radio hosts in the country, whose political foresight and focus on the American agenda has made him the second most-listened-to talk radio host in the U.S.” Hannity comments, “I am humbled and appreciative to not only our 600 amazing affiliates, but also to the listeners of this radio show in each and every city. Thank you for this honor!”
Good News for Comrex ACCESS and BRIC-Link II Users; HotSwap Feature Now Available. This new HotSwap feataure allows users of Comrex’s IP audio codecs ACCESS and BRIC-Link II to back up dedicated links. This long-sought reliability feature allows users to back up their studio-to-transmitter link or other dedicated link with a wireless modem. CrossLock is Comrex’s powerful technology for increasing network reliability and allows codecs to use multiple IP networks at once. CrossLock
lets users bond networks together so that more bandwidth is available. Alternately, in redundancy mode, users can send identical streams down both networks. Until now, however, it hasn’t been possible to designate one network as primary and a second network to be used only when the primary fails. HotSwap lets users select a network that will only be engaged if the primary network fails. The system will warn of this status with a contact closure, and automatically fallback to the primary once it’s restored. Fall-over to backup happens in a matter of seconds, and fallback is seamless. For ACCESS codecs, any supported modem can be used as a back-up. For BRIC-Link II, only Comrex Connect Modems are supported. 4G LTE Comrex Connect Modems are available for purchase through any Comrex dealer. When ordering, ask for the NX model of Connect Modem. Verizon, AT&T, and International versions are available. HotSwap is included in firmware version 4.3, which is available now for all ACCESS and BRIC-Link II codecs. Users can download it for free using Device Manager.
TALKERS News Notes. Sports talk personality Orlando “Big O Alzugaray exits
Entercom’s WQAM, Miami after a four-year stint hosting the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm program. He’d previously served with the station from 1997 through 2010…..The National Radio Hall of Fame announces it is creating a new award called the “One to Watch,” chosen by the NRHoF nominating committee. It was inspired by radio legend Art Laboe, the active radio performer with the longest continuous period of service on air for 75 years and a 2012 National Radio Hall of Fame Inductee. The inaugural “One to Watch” award will be given to Westwood One’s Ben Shapiro…..At Salem Media Group’s Pittsburgh cluster, Brad Marshall is named general manager. The station group includes news/talk WPGP “1250 The Answer” and its two Christian-formatted outlets. During his career, Marshall has served with iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media in Youngstown, Ohio…..In more Salem Media Group news, the company chooses software provider Aptivada to power the company’s contesting, promotions, database management, and newsletters…..AdLarge Media’s digital audio advertising unit cabana adds the investigative podcast “Bear Brook” from New Hampshire Public Radio to its content portfolio. The podcast, hosted by NHPR reporter Jason Moon, centers around a decades-old mystery involving four unidentified bodies found in two barrels in New Hampshire’s Bear Brook State Park in the 1980s. The first six episodes of “Bear Brook” garnered more than 1.1 million downloads…..NuVoodoo Media Services promotes Eric Cohen to the newly created position of executive vice president, finance. New York-based Cohen joined NuVoodoo Media Services earlier this year as vice president of finance…..iHeartMedia’s sports talk KBME, Houston re-ups with the Houston Astros to continue serving as the ballclub’s flagship radio station for play-by-play broadcasts.
Deadly California Wildfire, CNN-White House Suit, Florida Recount/Kemp-Abrams Contest/AZ Senate Race, Melania Trump-Mira Ricardel Matter, New Amazon HQs Revealed, Dow Dips Again, Michelle Obama Book Tour, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/13). The California wildfire that has claimed 48 lives so far; CNN’s suit against the White House requesting the return of Jim Acosta’s WH credentials pass; the re-count troubles in Florida, the Stacey Abrams–Brian Kemp Georgia governor’s race, and Kyrsten Sinema’s AZ senate seat victory; Melania Trump’s move to oust deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel; Amazon reveals new HQ locations; the Dow loses another 100 points; Michelle Obama’s Becoming book tour; and the week’s NFL 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. Program director Derek Harper announces Jarard J is the new evening personality at Urban One’s urban AC WAMJ-FM, Atlanta “MAJIC 107/5/97.5,” effective November 19. About his new gig, Jarard J says, “When Hurricane Dave and Derek Harper chose me, it illustrated the confidence and faith that the leadership team has in me and I was both humbled and honored. I feel like a first round draft pick. I am excited and ready to ball.”…..On-air pro Karen
Blake exits Cape Cod Broadcasting’s hot AC WQRC, H “99.9 The Q” after five years as the morning personality…..Envision Networks’ “Full Metal Jackie Radio” joins the program schedule at AJG Corporation’s rock WCLG-FM, Morgantown, West Virginia to air from 10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight on Fridays. And check out host Jackie Kajzer at right holding her KILPOP 2018 Metal Programmer of the Year award.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Jim Philips to Retire from WTKS, Orlando; Jim Colbert Show to Fill PM Drive Slot. On-air pro Jim Philips has been hosting the afternoon drive show on iHeartMedia’s hot talk WTKS-FM, Orlando “Real Radio 104.1” for more than 30 years. On November
20, he’ll host the final live “Philips Phile” show and on November 21, the station will air a “Phinal Philips Phile” tribute program. During his time as host of the afternoon show, Jim Philips has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Central Florida charities including The Mustard Seed and A Gift for Teaching and has dedicated countless hours to causes including first-amendment issues, adult literacy, mentoring at-risk youth, and 
championing LGBTQ rights. The University of Florida graduate has also received numerous awards and honors including the Debbie Simmons Community Excellence Award lifetime achievement honor and has been recognized as the “Best Radio Personality” more than a dozen times by readers of the Orlando Sentinel, the Watermark and the Orlando Weekly. Philips says, “It has been a great 50-year career and now it is time to move on with the next phase of my life. I can’t thank the Orlando community enough for letting me into their homes, their cars and their offices for all this time.” iHeartMedia division president Linda Byrd announces
“The Jim Colbert Show” will air in PM drive. Led by longtime “Monsters of the Morning” cast member “Dirty” Jim Colbert, the Jim Colbert show will include co-host and news director Deborah Roberts, award-winning stand-up comedian Rauce Padgett, and executive producer and 20-year “Real Radio” veteran Jack Bradshaw. Byrd states, “We are very excited about the Jim Colbert show expanding to five days a week. After 26 years of entertaining morning audiences as part of the ‘Monsters of the Morning’ show on ‘Real Radio,’ Jimmy will now be doing the same in afternoon drive time with his unique comedic take on the world.” Colbert says, “Before I was in radio I was a longtime listener of Jim Philips and the ‘Philips Phile.’ It is an absolute honor to bring my show to the same time slot on ‘Real Radio 104.1.’”
Longtime KMJ, Fresno Personality Craig Hansen to Retire. Station program director Blake Taylor reports that Craig Hansen – a fixture on the KMJ, Fresno airwaves for 42 years – is retiring from the Cumulus Media news/talk station in
December. Taylor says, “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of KMJ’s Craig Hansen at year’s end. For those who don’t know, Craig is a virtual encyclopedia of KMJ’s long history and import to Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley. Craig’s first day at KMJ was November 24, 1976. As far as we can tell, Craig’s 42-year tenure is probably the second-longest in KMJ’s 96-year history – second only to Jerry Higgenbotham’s run from 1949 to 1994. Mr. Hansen has held a number of on-air positions over the decades but is probably best known for his years as our go-to guy on Saturdays hosting news, ‘Autoshop Talk,’ ‘Real Talk,’ and of course ‘Radio Tradio!’ Craig’s final show at KMJ will be Saturday, December 22. After that, he and his better half will be driving his Corvette out of the mayhem of California and moving out of state to retire in peace.”
Cumulus to Launch Local Ad Guarantee. The company says that it is “doubling down on the industry-leading ROI guarantee of its Westwood One division” and “will launch an innovative program leveraging the proven effectiveness and reach of broadcast radio, combined with the precise targeting capabilities of its digital
products.” Cumulus Media radio station group EVPs Dave Milner and Bob Walker announce the company will support local advertisers’ number one objective: attracting more customers. Cumulus says it will guarantee participating local advertisers a minimum number of Engaged Potential Customers (EPCs): listeners who have contacted the business as a result of the coordinated program. Should the program not deliver the guaranteed results, the business will receive free advertising. Milner says, “Marketers took notice of our commitment to results when we debuted the Westwood One ROI Guarantee and challenged us to deliver something similar to our local advertisers. After touting the benefits of a combined radio and digital campaign, we’re now putting our money where our mouth is in our local markets with the EPC Guarantee.” Walker adds, “Using radio’s exceptional 10:1 ROI, and a proven 19% lift when messages are coordinated between media platforms, we are delivering a hyper-efficient brand building and customer generation program all in one. We’ve known all along that we can be an advertiser’s one-stop shop for results; now we guarantee it.” The EPC Guarantee will launch in 65 Cumulus markets later this month, in the home and professional services categories, and will be available in all 90 Cumulus markets in 2019.
Entercom Names Sarah Harris VP of Social Impact. This is a new position at Entercom that Sarah Harris will begin on January 2. She comes to Entercom from Emmis Communications where she was a senior vice president. While there, she
founded and led “Incite,” a cause and social marketing division within Emmis. Previously, Harris served as director of community outreach for Emmis. She holds an MA in Philanthropic Studies and an MPA in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University and recently completed University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Education in Social Impact Strategy. In her new role with Entercom, Harris will oversee all aspects of the company’s community engagement initiatives, including its recently launched corporate social responsibility platform, Entercom Cares, as well as Entercom’s government business practice. Entercom EVP and general counsel Andrew Sutor states, “Sarah is a pioneer in cause and social impact marketing and wholeheartedly believes in the power of media to create positive impact. With her significant experience and expertise in creating and managing social impact programs and campaigns, Sarah will be a terrific addition to our team.”
NPR to Be Honored at Inaugural iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. When the first-ever iHeartRadio Podcast Awards take place at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles on January 18, NPR will be the recipient of the iHeartRadio Podcast Pioneer Award. NPR is being honored as a “driving, innovative force in the creation of the podcasting
industry” and the award “will pay tribute to the renowned non-profit multimedia organization’s groundbreaking contributions to podcasting’s expanding role in today’s popular culture.” The press release notes that NPR launched its first digital-only podcasting predecessor, “All Songs Considered,” in April 2000 and it officially debuted NPR Podcasts in August 2005 with a full slate of 174 programs, including 17 original podcasts. In less than a year, NPR reached 13 million downloads for all of its podcast programming and reached more than 80 million downloads by February 2007. NPR SVP for programming and audience development Anya Grundmann says, “We are honored to receive the Podcast Pioneer Award. Podcasts have been a major source of innovation for NPR. They have given our reporters the chance to flex their storytelling muscles, pursue creative ideas, and longer stories, and play with form in ways not always possible on a daily show. They have also helped us connect with listeners in new ways and helped us evolve our sound.”
Adam Clanton Back on the Air in Houston. The Houston Chronicle’s David Barron reports that Houston sports talk personality Adam Clanton – who had been with
iHeartMedia’s KBME until being fired last May – joins Entercom’s crosstown KILT-AM to host a regular Tuesday evening program with co-host (and KPRC-TV sports anchor) Adam Wexler as well as to handle fill-in and weekend air shifts. Clanton tells Barron, “It’s nice to be out of radio purgatory and with a group of true professionals who have welcomed me (back) with open arms. 610 has been amazing to me, and sometimes life really does come full circle. I’m excited going forward.”
WPGG, Atlantic City’s Harry Hurley Named to Insider NJ’s Top 100 Power List.
Atlantic City morning drive personality Harry Hurley was again named to Insider NJ’s “Top 100 Power List” – landing at #42 this year. The publication says of Hurley, “The conservative talk radio show host loves politics and outshines most hosts with his uncanny ability to break news himself – not just opine about what other reporters write about first. He remains very influential in South Jersey politics and is at the top of his game.”
Florida Recounts, Trump-Russia Investigation Status, Whitaker Appointment Challenge, Dow Drops 600 Points, California Wildfires, Michelle Obama Book Tour, Crenshaw ‘SNL’ Appearance, Stan Lee Dies, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/12). The partisan fighting over the election recounts in Florida; the status of the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; legal questions about the appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting Attorney General; the Dow dips 600 points; the deadly California wildfires that have claimed 42 lives; former First Lady Michelle Obama’s book tour for Becoming; Congressman-elect Dan Crenshaw’s appearance on “Saturday Night Live” a week after Pete Davidson’s joke about the war veteran’s missing eye; Marvel comics founder Stan Lee dies at 95; and the weekend’s NFL 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. Another “Breeze” is blowing, this time in Detroit as Entercom flips CHR WDZH to adult contemporary as “987 The Breeze.” This comes on the heels of two recent flips to adult contemporary “Breezes” from iHeartMedia – KBEB, Sacramento and WISX, Philadelphia. Entercom Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “We are excited to launch ‘987 The Breeze’ and to fill this void in the Motor City’s music scene. We know the station will become a must-listen to make your work day breeze by.”…..Beasley Media Group – after cutting ties with morning personality Bigg Boy, moves afternoon personalities Gello and Joanna to AM drive as “The GELLO Show” and adds former AM drive co-host Shay-Shay to middays. The station is on the search for an afternoon drive personality…..Urban One adds the WNOW, Indianapolis-based “Joe & Alex” show – Joe Piesz and Alex Clark – to the morning drive daypart on its Houston CHR KROI. KROI program director Charese Fruge comments, “Joe and Alex are the perfect combination of caring and crazy, the comedy and quirkiness they bring to mornings is infections and is sure to be a treat for listeners in Houston.”…..iHeartCountry and Premiere Networks is offering unparalleled, multi-platform coverage of “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” tomorrow (11/14). In addition to programming leading up to the awards show, The Bobby Bones Show’s Amy Brown will provide iHeartCountry mainstream stations with live updates from the red carpet leading up to show time. Premiere Networks will also provide a live radio simulcast of the CMA Awards show co-hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Saga Communications Reports Q3 Net Revenue Up 4.4%. The third quarter financial report from Saga Communications reveals net revenue for the company was $31.6 million – up 4.4% from the same period in 2017. Saga reports broadcast and digital revenue separately. Broadcast net revenue during the quarter was $28.9
million, up 3.7% from Q3 2017 and digital was $936,000, up 1.2%. For the first nine months of 2018, net revenue for the company rose 5.8%. In its report, Saga reveals that five of its 26 markets (the company owns 108 stations) represent a large portion of its consolidated net operating revenue and that “an adverse change in any of these radio markets or our relative market position in those markets could have a significant impact on our operating results as a whole.” Those markets and their consolidated net operating revenue for Q3 2018 are: Milwaukee 12%, Columbus 11%, Des Moines 7%, Norfolk 6%, and Manchester, New Hampshire 5%.
John Fredericks Launches New Virginia Talk Station. Nationally syndicated radio talk show host John Fredericks launches a news/talk format on Richmond-area WJFN-FM. Fredericks says in a statement, “This recently launched Richmond-area terrestrial radio station boasts a lineup of prominent Virginia and national voices
offering fresh and diverse perspectives on the news of the day, what it means for the way our government functions, and how it impacts people’s everyday lives. What makes WJFN unique is its commitment to providing an engaging, listener-oriented, interactive experience that enables audience members to directly connect in real time with the Virginia-based hosts of WJFN 100.5 FM programs, and its goal to showcase voices from both sides of the political spectrum to spark lively and ultimately productive conversations.” Fredericks says the station – a Class A FM licensed to Goochland, Virginia located northwest of Richmond – will serve as the flagship of the John Fredericks Radio Network. Currently, his morning drive program is also heard in Hampton Roads, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Washington D.C., and Jacksonville, Florida. From 10:00 am to 12:00 noon is “The Fighting Joe Morrissey Show,” hosted by 
criminal defense attorney Joe Morrissey, a progressive Democrat who is also a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney. Republican and former State Delegate Chris Saxman hosts the weekly “Virginia FREE Radio” program; conservative activist Martha Boneta will be a “frequent voice” on the station; and Democrat Gene Rossi – a former U.S. assistant attorney – will also be heard on the station. Syndicated programming will include Salem Radio Network’s Dennis Prager, Larry Elder, and Joe Walsh, along with Westwood One’s Michael Savage and “Red Eye Radio” are on the program schedule. Fredericks adds, “The airwaves are filled with the voices of professional pundits and political prognosticators convinced of their own insight and acumen. What sets WJFN and its programming lineup apart is that our hosts don’t talk at the audience. We don’t lecture. We passionately provide news analysis and commentary that is informed by the frequent guests on our programs. We let the newsmakers do the talking. Then we ask them the tough, probing questions our listeners want answered…Like our great nation, this station is built on the belief that a robust exchange of ideas from across the political spectrum is a healthy, necessary, and vital part of the American experience, and that we are a stronger, more united people who are better off from having considered other perspectives.”
PPM Analysis: News/Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s October 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on news/talk. It was a good survey month for news/talk stations as some 83% of stations in PPM markets saw their 6+ weekly AQH share rise and just 7% lost ground. Looking at the year-over-year changes, almost 60% of news/talk stations surveyed went up and 34% took a decrease in AQH share. A total of seven news/talk stations ranked #1 (6+) in their respective markets during the October survey: Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta; Entercom’s KMOX, St. Louis; Bonneville’s KSL-AM/FM Salt Lake City; iHeartMedia’s WLW, Cincinnati; Scripps’ (now Good Karma Brands’) WTMJ, Milwaukee; Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton; and CMG’s WOKV, Jacksonville. See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
Cumulus Media Confirms Shapiro Show to Air on WLS-AM, Chicago. As predicted
by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Cumulus Media will air the Westwood One-syndicated Ben Shapiro two-hour live radio show, followed by the one-hour podcast from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on news/talk WLS-AM. That covers three of the four hours of the current Steve Dahl program that will end as of December 21. It’s not clear what WLS-AM will air from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, but Michael Savage – also a WWO property – is re-tooling his program to one hour of live radio followed by a one-hour podcast and could land in that open hour.
Harrison on Boycotts: There Has Been Collateral Damage to Smaller Shows and ‘Innocent’ Broadcasters. The topic of politically motivated advertiser boycotts was discussed this past weekend on television network RT America’s program “The Big Picture with Holland Cooke.” Special guest, TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (pictured above at right) was asked if the recent string of “pop-up boycotts” has had an adverse effect on radio and TV programs hosted by major stars such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Laura Ingraham. Harrison answered that these big shows were adversely impacted to a relatively small extent because although there are many advertising agencies and their clients who look to avoid controversy of any kind, there are also a large number of major national advertisers who actually seek to be associated with these types of programs – so it evens itself out. However, Harrison pointed out that the real victims of these boycotts are the lesser-known, smaller shows, hosts and stations that lose advertisers who completely pull out of the networks and platforms that carry these big shows stating, “There has been collateral damage due to these boycotts to innocent broadcasters who didn’t say anything controversial” but just happen to be on the same stations and networks that are being punished across the board. To see the entire segment containing this discussion, please click here.
TALKERS News Notes. There are three one-hour specials available to radio stations for the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend from FOX News Radio. The programs are:
“From Washington: The Next Congress” hosted by Jared Halpern – FOX News Radio’s exploration of the impact President Trump had on the elections and will have on the next Congress with the House’s flip from red to blue; “George H.W. Bush: The Patriarch” hosted by Jon Decker – A look at the life and legacy of President George H.W. Bush, from Navy combat pilot to president and father of a president; and “Give Me Some Good News” hosted by Tonya J Powers – keeping in mind the spirit of the holiday season, Tonya shares moving stories that inspire…..A new podcast 
from ABC Radio is being launched titled, “Journeys of Faith with Paula Faris.” The first three episodes are being released on Wednesday (11/14) and will feature interviews with Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC News’ “Good Morning America”; country music superstars Luke Bryan and Hillary Scott; and talk radio show host, editor and political commentator Ben Shapiro. ABC Radio vice president and general manager Steve Jones states, “We are excited to welcome ‘Journeys of Faith’ as the newest addition to ABC Radio’s expanding podcast collection. We love the passion that Paula brings to each interview and believe listeners will enjoy the illuminating discussions featured in each episode.”…..SiriusXM is presenting a weeklong series (daily this week from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm ET) called “Power Women Summit on Stars” that features highlights from The Wrap’s first-ever Power Women Summit, designed to “raise awareness and have frank conversations about gender equity in entertainment and media.” Included in the program will be “The Boxer Podcast” with former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, her daughter Nicole and actress and activist Alyssa Milano; “Activism and Empowering the Next Generation” with Dolores Huerta, Katie Hill, and Zoe Saldana; “On the Basis of Sex,” with Felicity Jones; and “Leading by Example: A Conversation,” with Jill Soloway and Rebecca Sugar. The Wrap’s 2018 Power Women Summit took place in Los Angeles on November 1 and 2 before a gathering of more than 1,500 women from across the media and entertainment industry.
FLA, GA, and AZ Election Challenges, Deadly California Wildfires, President Trump in France, Trump-Russia Investigation Status, Crenshaw ‘SNL’ Appearance, Acosta WH Credentials Case, Migrant Caravan/October Illegal Immigrant Figures, People’s Choice Awards, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The contested or undecided election races in Florida, Georgia, and Arizona; the deadly Woolsey Fire scorching Southern California; President Trump’s trip to France for WWI remembrance and his sparring with French President Emmanuel Macron over “nationalism”; speculation about the status of Robert Mueller’s Trump-Russia investigation; Congressman-elect Dan Crenshaw’s appearance on “Saturday Night Live” a week after Pete Davidson’s joke about the war veteran’s missing eye; President Trump’s withdrawal of CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s White House press credentials; the migrant caravan from Honduras and the October figures indicating higher levels of illegal immigration; Sunday evening’s People’s Choice Awards; and the weekend’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Record Producer Robbie Stevens Is Guest on Harrison Podcast. Get ready for a deep-dive conversation into the history surrounding 20th century musical icon John Lennon and a provocative look back at his 1971 Imagine album as noted record producer Robbie Stevens is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Stevens served as a key member of a team of black belt engineers and producers who remixed selected tracks on the historic album in the recently released Universal box set titled, John Lennon’s Imagine – the Ultimate Collection. This expansive, re-examined version of the Imagine album has received critical raves and is delighting Lennon, Beatles and
pop music fans around the world, giving historians yet another opportunity to assess the extraordinary impact of Lennon and the love of his life – wife and creative partner Yoko Ono – from a fresh perspective. Harrison opens the podcast with the observation, “As I follow the news in today’s highly polarized society and talk media idea marketplace, I can’t help but think about the late John Lennon and the challenging political struggles he faced during his brief time on this planet. For a guy whose contributions to his generation and the world were ultimately priceless, he took a tremendous amount of crap in his time from not only the far right, but the far left as well. And everybody piled on to give him a ridiculously tough time about the major love of his life, the enigmatic Yoko Ono.” Harrison and Stevens discuss Lennon’s voice, the studio techniques of his time versus today, the lasting impact of the Beatles, the remarkable influence of Yoko Ono (including her recent string of 13 number one songs on the Billboard Dance Club chart) and a whole lot more. Don’t miss this! To listen to the entire podcast, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on the TALKERS email newsletter and every page of Talkers.com.
Premiere Networks Personality Delilah Inducted into Adoption Hall of Fame. Late night radio personality Delilah (pictured above) was recently inducted into the Adoption Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Washington, DC. The Adoption Hall of Fame Award is given by the National Council for Adoption in recognition of outstanding commitment, service, and sacrifice for the cause of adoption by an individual or organization who has positively impacted the practice of adoption. A mother of 13 children, 10 of whom were adopted, the Premiere Networks syndicated adult contemporary personality was honored for her decades-long commitment to children in need of a family, and for using her national radio platform and her non-profit organization Point Hope to celebrate adoption and raise awareness of children waiting to be adopted from the U.S. foster care system.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Mary Ellen Kachinske exits Hubbard Radio’s hot AC WTMX, Chicago “101.9 The Mix,” effective immediately. Hubbard Chicago VP and market manager Jeff England says, “We
thank Mary Ellen for her contributions to the success of ‘The Mix’ and wish her the best in her future endeavors.” Music director Nikki Chuminatto is serving as interim PD while the station searches for its next program director. Interested candidates can complete the online application at www.wtmx.com/careers-opportunities/ and contact: jaengland@hubbardradio.com…..The lineup on the “new” CHR KBKS, Seattle “106.1 KISS FM” is revealed by iHeartMedia. Mornings are being hosted by the Carla Marie and Anthony show. The rest of the day includes Molly Mesnick in middays, Zann in afternoons, EJ in evenings, and Zach “Mayhem” Wellsandt as music director, APD and overnight jock. Station PD and Pacific Northwest SVP of programming Tim Herbster comments, “We could not be more excited to welcome Carla Marie and Anthony to mornings on KBKS. They are funny, engaging and have built a true emotional connection with Seattle and its passionate
radio listeners.”…..iHeartMedia flips rhythmic oldies WISX, Philadelphia to adult contemporary as “106.1 The Breeze, Philly’s Relaxing Favorites,” effective immediately. The station flipped to Christmas music on November 9 but transitions to the “Breeze” format immediately. Station VP of programming Brian Check says, “There is a huge appetite in 
Philly for a softer, relaxed sound, especially during the workday. I’m happy to say we’re bringing ‘The Breeze’ to Philadelphia.”…..Entercom announces two new personalities on alternative WNYL, New York “ALT 92.3” Corey Bonalewicz is the new afternoon drive personality. He previously served with the company at WBBM-FM, Chicago and WEZB-FM, New Orleans. Transitioning from the Saturday evening host to the daily late night personality (10:00 pm to 2:00 am) is Kevan Kenny. He also holds positions with
Billboard and dick clark productions. Entercom New York SVP of programming Mike Kaplan comments, “As we continue to grow our dynamic team, it’s vital to have talent that can create memorable content across all platforms. Corey and Kevan’s innovative minds will add to these efforts.”…..In Detroit, Entercom names Tom “Cadillac Jack” Kapsalis as assistant program director and midday host for country WYCD. Kapsalis was most recently PM drive personality at WQYK, Tampa. He returns to Detroit after launching his career at WWWW-FM, Detroit in 1997..…iHeartMedia’s alternative WNOH, Hampton Roads, Virginia “ALT 105.3” adds the nationally syndicated “Woody Show” to the programming lineup for mornings.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Salem Radio Network to Syndicate Sebastian Gorka in 2019; Michael Medved Moves to New Platform. Beginning January 1, Salem Radio Network begins airing the “America First with Sebastian Gorka” program in the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET
daypart, replacing the Michael Medved program. Salem Broadcast Division president David Santrella says, “The listener feedback we receive each time Dr. Gorka fills in for one of our network hosts is overwhelming. I think Dr. Gorka is the right person at the right time and the Salem Radio Network is definitely the right place.” Gorka is FOX News Channel’s national security strategist and is a regular guest on “Hannity” and the FOX Business Network. He writes for The Hill and is the author of best-sellers Why 
We Fight: Defeating America’s Enemies—With No Apologies (Regnery) and Defeating Jihad: The Winnable War (Regnery). Gorka was an advisor to candidate Donald Trump and served on the staff of the White House in 2017 as Deputy Assistant to the President for Strategy. Salem Radio Network senior vice president Phil Boyce says, “There is a culture war going on in this country and Dr. Gorka is uniquely qualified to take this fight to talk radio. His program will deal with the hot breaking news stories of each day, and help listeners understand what to make of it.” Michael Medved comments, “I feel grateful for the more than 21
years I’ve worked with Salem Media Group and I wish continued success to my friends and colleagues at the network. Together with my team of producers here in Seattle, we’ll be continuing our daily broadcast with no interruption, making it available to our devoted listeners in an exciting new format. We’ll also move forward with our emphasis on history programs and commentary to encourage public appreciation of the real blessings of this amazing country. Stay tuned.”
Tom Langmyer Forms Radio and Digital Acquisition Firm. Radio executive Tom Langmyer – most recently the vice president and general manager for news/talk WTMJ and country WKTI in Milwaukee – is forming Great Lakes Media Corp., a
company that will “invest in local broadcasting and digital media opportunities through the acquisition of local radio stations and digital platforms in small markets.” A press release indicates the firm will investigate acquisition of “properties in small markets, focusing on opportunities in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.” The company is meeting with investors and brokers – and others who are interested in specific markets; and plans to announce appointments of officers and partners in the weeks ahead. Langmyer says, “Smaller communities are making a big comeback. This new generation of people, to whom 
quality of life and community are very important, are building their lives and businesses in these places. Over the years, the shifting economy and technology had ended an era of localism in media. Today, people are once again in search of real community and the greater connection that comes with being a part of a ‘place.’ Local media builds that connection – particularly in smaller markets. The need is clear as many of the broadcast media platforms have been providing white-labelled, generic, unremarkable content. And while it’s growing, the digital space is in dire need of compelling content to make it a more robust advertising and revenue platform. Radio and digital complement each other as it’s not an either/or proposition. There’s great open space in creating more personal local experiences by leveraging these platforms – and expanding the emotional connection between consumers and local brands.” Langmyer is president and CEO of Great Lakes Media Corp. Prior to managing WTMJ and WKTI for Scripps Media, Langmyer was general manager for Tribune’s WGN-AM, Chicago. Earlier in his career he transitioned from programming CBS RADIO’s KMOX, St. Louis to serving as general manager. He exited WTMJ and WKTI on October 31 upon the transfer of the stations from Scripps to Good Karma Brands LLC.
Report: Mancow to WLS-AM Mornings, Shapiro Show to Air in Afternoons. Chicago media writer Robert Feder says he has inside info indicating Cumulus Media
intends to insert Ben Shapiro – whose current one-hour, podcast-for-radio program will morph into a two-hour live show beginning in January distributed via Westwood One – will be heard in afternoon drive and that 
Mancow Muller may assume the morning drive show, bumping Big John Howell and Ramblin’ Ray Stevens from AM drive. This comes after the station announced it would be re-tooling the programming on WLS, and that includes the announced departure of Windy City icon Steve Dahl from afternoons (though he continues his podcast relationship with the company). Shapiro’s new show will be distributed by WWO live from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Recall that Westwood One’s Michael Savage – currently heard live in afternoons Eastern Time – is transitioning his show to a one-hour live program (live 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET?) followed by a one-hour podcast available to stations in 2019. Stay tuned.
The Fall of Craig Carton. TALKERS magazine legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman writes about the case against former WFAN, New York morning drive personality Craig Carton and the concert tickets scam that will likely send him to federal prison for a number of years. Weisman writes, “It is common for scammers to take advantage of positions of trust. People trust radio personalities who they feel they get to know over years of broadcasting. But sometimes that trust, as was the case with Carton, is abused.” Read the whole column here.
Rush Limbaugh Show Presents Fifth Annual Mahindra Military Salute Giveaway. In honor of Veteran’s Day (Sunday 11/11 but observed on Monday 11/12), the fifth annual military promotion from Rush
Limbaugh and Mahindra North America is underway. In recognition of the service and sacrifice of our military, all active and veteran military service members are eligible to enter for a chance to win a Mahindra 1000 Gas Standard utility vehicle with roof and windshield in “The Rush Limbaugh Show’s Mahindra Military Salute Giveaway.” Entries are being accepted for the utility vehicle giveaway through November 11 at 11:59 pm PT at http://sweeps.rushlimbaugh.com/mahindra2018/. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on Monday, November 12. Limbaugh says, “My thanks to Mahindra, makers of the world’s number one selling tractor. And God bless all of you who protect our freedom.”
USA Radio Networks and Oasis Productions Partner for Trucker-Targeted Programming. This deal between USA Radio Networks and Oasis Productions
entails Oasis broadcasting USA Radio’s top-of-the-hour national news on its truckersmusic-radio.com and truckersrock-radio.com sites. Additionally, the “Truckers Radio Network” has added USA’s syndicated late-night show featuring veteran Dallas icon Charley Jones from 12:00 midnight to 2:00 am ET and USA’s “Classic Radio Theater” on Sunday evenings. USA Radio Networks COO Janet Bro (left) says this is the first of several new partnerships and ventures that the company will undertake in the next year. “We’re definitely in a growth mode.” Oasis COO Rex Allen, Jr. (right) comments, “We feel that this is a great opportunity. Truckers Radio expands USA’s reach to millions of listeners both nationally and internationally and provides our listeners with quality information and programming.”
Midterm Elections Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 5-9. The midterm elections and the battle for control of the House and Senate was the top story on news/talk this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the related status of the Mueller Trump-Russia investigation. Coming in at #3 was the revocation of CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s White House press credentials by President Trump, and the deadly California bar shootings at #4. The Talkers TenTM is weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday and Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Flipping from country to adult contemporary as “92.5 The Breeze” is iHeartMedia’s KBEB, Sacramento. The company says the station will debut on Monday (11/12) at 3:00 pm with 10,000 commercial-free songs in a row. Core artists will include: Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Whitney Houston, Michael Bolton, Vanessa Williams, and more. The on-air lineup for the station will be announced in the coming weeks. iHM SVP of programming for Sacramento Curtiss Johnson says, “No doubt many in Sacramento will remember the station 92.5 for its decades-long heritage as an adult contemporary station and one of the top stations in the market. I’m happy to say we’re bringing that format back. ‘92.5 The Breeze’ is the perfect station for relaxing to favorites while you work, unwinding after a long day, or just for getting into that weekend frame of mind.”…..After more than 41 years in the industry Cox Media Group San Antonio market manager Ben Reed will retire at the end of this year. Reed says, “When looking back on the last four decades and the opportunities I’ve been afforded in my career, all I can say is I’m blessed – it’s that simple. The success we’ve achieved as an organization and the expectations we’ve exceeded year after year in the San Antonio market is truly remarkable. The camaraderie I share with my team and colleagues at CMG will live in my heart
forever.”…..Country radio pro Charlie Cook signs a new, multi-year deal with Cumulus Media to continue with the company as vice president, country formats; operations manager for the Nashville cluster; and program director for WSM-FM, Nashville “NASH Icon.” Cumulus Media EVP content & programming Mike McVay says, “Charlie Cook is not only one of the best known and most successful country programmers in the history of the format, he is a solid and strategic thinking multi-format radio expert. We are excited to continue this partnership with him.”…..iHeartMedia Atlanta announces today the debut of the new WBZY, Atlanta ‘Z105.3, Tu Estación Para Super Hits,’ effective immediately, flipping from regional Mexican to Spanish CHR. Core artists will include: Daddy Yankee, Shakira, Ozuna, Romeo Santos, Maluma, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, and Enrique Iglesias. iHM Atlanta SVP of programming Brian Michel comments, “With the launch of ‘Z105.3,’ we are proud to continue the tradition of being the innovator and leader of Atlanta’s Hispanic media landscape. With the rapidly growing Hispanic population in Atlanta, as well as emerging musical tastes, this move puts us in a position to super-serve our listeners, advertisers, and the community.”…..Westwood One announces affiliate sales pro Debbie Brand joins the company as manager of affiliate sales, country. Brand, who returns to Westwood One after having served with the company in the mid-1990s, takes over for Tim Closson.
PPM Analysis: Country. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s October 2018 PPM survey, today focusing on country. The number of country stations moving either up or down – weekly 6+ AQH Share – in PPM markets in October was split about 50/50 with the remaining stations unchanged, and the numbers were pretty similar comparing year-over-year. Two country outlets were able to claim the 6+ #1 rank in their respective markets: Beasley Media Group’s WSOC, Charlotte and iHeartMedia’s WCOL, Columbus. However, 10 other country stations finished in the top three in their markets. See the whole report here.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Craig Carton Found Guilty of Fraud Charges. Former WFAN, New York morning drive personality Craig Carton was convicted on three fraud charges – securities fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud – on the second day of deliberations in his trial by a Manhattan jury. Federal prosecutors charged that Carton had used almost $7 million from investors in a concert tickets re-sale scheme for personal
expenses and to pay off gambling debts. Prosecutors even called a loan shark named Desmond Finger to the stand testify he gave Carton loans totaling as much as $500,000 that Carton failed to repay. They called a hedge fund executive who testified he gave Carton more than $5 million to invest in tickets in 2016. The feds also say Carton doctored emails to make it appear to investors that he had a tickets contract with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, owner of the Barclays Center and the Nassau Coliseum. Carton’s defense claimed he was a victim of partner Michael Wright, who pleaded guilty, and associate Joseph Meli, who is serving time for bilking investors in his own concert tickets scheme. The New York Post reports that Carton could get as much as 45 years in federal prison when he’s sentenced on February 27 of next year, though he’s likely to get far less. Carton’s attorney Robert Gottlieb says they will appeal the verdict. Carton was half of the highly rated morning show with Boomer Esiason on WFAN before his arrest in September of 2017. Prior to that, he’d been a successful talk show host on WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5.”
Cumulus Names Lee Hammer PD for KGO and KSFO in San Francisco. It was just last month – October 5 – that Cumulus Media announced programmer Jack Swanson would return to the Bay Area stations he programmed so successfully for so many years. But Swanson has had a change of heart and now the company is naming San Francisco cluster operations manager Lee Hammer PD for KGO and KSFO.
Hammer served KGO and KSFO as interim program director in 2015 during which he was also PD for sports talkers KNBR and KTCT. Cumulus San Francisco VP and market manager Doug Harvill says, “Lee Hammer did an excellent job while handling the programming for KGO and KSFO. It’s an 
easy choice to hand Lee the keys to these two legendary radio stations.” As for Swanson, he’ll serve the station as a programming consultant. He states, “I realize my decision to return to the beach is sudden. I quickly fell in love all over again with these wonderful stations and their talented people, but ultimately, my change of heart comes from my desire to fully enjoy a future of unlimited fun, travel, and adventure. And making this move complete, through the unbelievable graciousness of Doug Harvill, Lee Hammer, and the entire Cumulus corporate team, I’ll still have the opportunity to contribute my ideas for the future of these amazing radio stations.”
St. Louis Talk Host Jamie Allman and Emmis/Entercom Settle. There are literally no details in the court filing in United States District Court in Missouri about the
settlement and we’ll likely never know what they are, but the legal battle between former KFTK-FM, St. Louis Jamie Allman and Emmis Communications and Entercom is over. The two sides were sent into “alternative dispute resolution” by the court and it worked in as much as a trial was avoided. Allman was suing Emmis (seller of KFTK-FM) and Entercom (operating it under an LMA) on basically two complaints: that the companies owed him money after firing him for his Tweet about Parkland, Florida shooting survivor David Hogg, and that his firing was a breach of contract. Previously, the two sides settled the money issue (privately, of course) and now they’ve settled the termination matter. Meanwhile, Marc Cox is now the host of the morning show on KFTK-FM and Allman is producing his own daily morning show via the digital Radio Free Allman Network.
RTDNA Demands the White House Restore CNN’s Jim Acosta’s Media Credentials. One of the nation’s leading organizations supporting radio and TV journalists – the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) – condemns the revoking of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta’s hard pass a few hours after he
attempted to ask questions of President Trump at yesterday’s (11/7) post-election press conference. The organization issued the following statement: “The RTDNA and its Voice of the First Amendment Task Force condemn this obvious punitive action of the administration and call on it to restore Mr. Acosta’s credentials immediately. In the statement RTDNA executive director Dan Shelley says, “The leader of the free world 
has consistently ridiculed journalists who report the truth as purveyors of ‘fake news’ and the ‘[enemies] of the American people.’ To go a nearly unprecedented step further and revoke the credentials of a responsible journalist who was merely attempting to ask a question of the president is unconscionable.” The statement continues: “Furthermore, the White House attempted to justify its decision to revoke Acosta’s credentials in part by alleging he had essentially assaulted a staffer who attempted to take a microphone from his hands.” Shelley adds, “Any objective observer of the staffer’s attempt to confiscate the microphone Mr. Acosta was holding would surely conclude that he acted professionally and in a non-aggressive manner. He even said to her, ‘pardon me, ma’am.’” The RTDNA formed the nonpartisan Voice of the First Amendment Task Force to defend against threats to the First Amendment and news media access and to help the public better understand why responsible journalism is essential to their daily lives. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison speaks about this development with Dan Shelley earlier this morning (11/8). To listen to that conversation, please click
Salem Media Group Q3 Revenue Flat; Broadcast Division Posts Positive Numbers. Although the third quarter total revenue for Salem Media Group, Inc. was basically flat at $65.5 million (up 0.1%), and the broadcast division’s net revenue was up only
0.8% ($48.8 million from $48.4 million a year ago), same station figures were up. Station Operating Income increased 2.4% to $11.7 million from $11.4 million in Q3 of 2017; Same Station net broadcast revenue increased 1.9% to $47.8 million from $46.9 million; and Same Station SOI increased 2.3% to $12.1 million from $11.8 million. On another positive note, the company posts a net income of $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2018, compared to a loss of $46,000 in Q3 of 2017. Salem’s digital division was consistent at $10.4 million and the publishing division dipped 3.7% to $6.3 million.
iHeartMedia Files Q3 Financial Data with SEC; Revenue Up 1.6%. There are not a lot of detailed breakdowns in this 8-K filing with the Securities Exchange Commission from iHeartMedia. We do see that revenue for the third quarter of 2018 was $873 million – up 1.6% from $859 million a year ago. iHeartMedia has been releasing monthly financial updates as is makes its way through Chapter 11 reorganization but releases this quarterly report today (11/8). It doesn’t contain any same station data valuable for analyzing the radio operations a bit deeper.
PPM Analysis: MLB Flagships. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s October PPM survey, today focusing on Major League Baseball flagships. This is the third and final review of MLB flagship outlets this year. Interestingly, Entercom’s WEEI-FM, Boston – flagship for the World Champion Red Sox – lost weekly AQH share from October 2017 to October 2018 (5.9 to 5.1). The Los Angeles Dodgers flagship iHeartMedia’s KLAC was up from a 1.0 share to a 1.7 share during the same period. Milwaukee Brewers flagship then-Scripps’ WTMJ was the big winner here, rising from a 7.3 share to a 10.4 share, year over year. See the whole story here.
Midterm Election Results, Sessions Resigns AG Post/Future of Mueller Probe, Trump Suspends Acosta Press Credentials, Deadly California Bar Shooting, Antifa Threats Against Media Figures, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/7). The results of Tuesday’s midterm elections that saw the Democrats take control of the House and Republicans add seats in the Senate; Attorney General Jeff Sessions agrees to resign post and the future of Robert Mueller’s Trump-Russia investigation; President Trump suspends CNN reporter Jake Acosta’s White House press credentials; a gunman kills 11 and himself in a country bar in Los Angeles; reports of conservative media figures getting threats from Antifa groups; and the week’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
‘SuperTalk 99.7 WTN’ Wraps ‘Voice Your Vote’ Tour. Pictured above are WWTN-FM, Nashville personalities at the final stop of the “2018 Voice Your Vote Tour” at MAFIAoZA’s in Franklin, Tennessee on Tuesday evening. The “2018 Voice Your Vote Tour” launched in March in Franklin and has included stops featuring WTN hosts and voter registration opportunities throughout the year at venues in Nashville, Mt. Juliet, Bellevue, and Hendersonville, Tennessee. From right to left are: Dave Zanotti, Michael DelGiorno, Phil Valentine, Dan Mandis, and Brian Wilson.
Lars Larson Featured in ‘KGW-TV Carpool’ Personality Segment. Nationally and regionally syndicated, KXL-FM, Portland-based talk host Lars Larson was interviewed by KGW-TV, Portland news anchor Brenda Braxton for the station’s segment, “KGW Carpool.” In the segment, Braxton interviews Larson as they drive around Portland, but there’s one catch – no talking politics. Larson is syndicated nationally by Compass Media Networks and regionally via the Radio Northwest Network. See the five-minute video here.
AWMF Announces Call for Entries for 2019 Gracie Awards. The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, opens the call for entries for the 44th Annual Gracie Awards Gala, taking place May 21, 2019, at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills and the Gracie Awards Luncheon, taking place June 26, 2019, in New York City at Cipriani 42nd Street. The AWMF says that each year attention is given to evaluating categories which included adding one for writers in television and creating more avenues for radio hosts/co-hosts, including adding in market size in 
various categories. AWMF executive director Becky Brooks says, “Each year, the Gracie Awards Gala and Luncheon celebrate and honor truly exceptional content by, for and about women. It is our belief that recognizing expertise, courage and contributions across all segments of media is essential to ensuring continued growth for our industry. AWM has been shining a spotlight on the individual and collective achievements of the best and brightest women in media for over 40 years. As our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Gracies enables the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation to deliver on its promise of furthering the connection, education and recognition of women in media.” The 2019 Gracie Awards entry eligibility air dates are from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018. Early bird rates for entries end on December 13, 2018, at 11:59 pm ET. The deadline for all entries is January 17, 2019, at 11:59 pm ET. Entry details including pricing and updated categories can be viewed at https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/call-for-entries/. To see more about the 2018 Gracie Awards, including the media release and past video, visit https://allwomeninmedia.org/gracies/gracies-coverage/.
Great Programming Opportunity at Atlanta’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM. The Cox Media Group heritage news/talk outlet is seeking a senior operations and programming manager to assist the director of branding and programming. The job summary says, “Assists the ‘Director of
Branding and Programming’ as 2nd in command for the WSB Radio Brand in executing the WSB Programming Strategy, to include managing and developing Talk Talent, Hosts, Producers, the Operations team, Imaging Producers, as well as coordinating strategic goals and input with the News Director, Manager of Traffic Operations, and Director of Digital/Social. Also, handles assigned administrative duties, personnel management, coordination of schedules, and promotions (sales and marketing). Serves as member of the WSB Radio Strategic Team, and coordinates with CMG Research for Nielsen Ratings Reports, Analysis, and Market research.” See more about this excellent opportunity here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Classic hits WIAD, Washington “94.7 The Drive” announces DC market pro Albie Dee is the new afternoon drive personality on the former hot AC outlet, effective November 12. Entercom vice president of programming Steve Davis says, “Albie Dee is a radio legend in DC and I am beyond excited to have him return to the market as the first personality on ‘94.7 The Drive.’”…..The changes at iHeartMedia’s CHR KYLD, San Francisco “WiLD 94.9”
include the departure of afternoon drive personality Julianontheradio from that role and the move of evening jock Gabby Diaz into the drive time slot. Filling the evening show host position is current JV show cast member Crystal Rosas. Julianontheradio will continue to serve with the company handling part-time and voice-tracking duties…..iHeartMedia’s “The Breakfast Club” morning drive show hosted by DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha God is presenting this year’s #Change4Change – an all-day radiothon that will benefit PROJECT 375 – taking place on Thursday, November 15, 2018 during “The Breakfast Club” show across more than 77 syndicated markets. It will continue from 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight on flagship WWPR, New York “Power 105.1,” with other participating markets to be announced…..Cumulus Media’s country WFMS, Indianapolis has been recognized by the Indiana Broadcasters Association as the Radio Station of the Year. The station received the same honor in 2008 and 2012. Pictured below at the 2018 Spectrum Awards Luncheon are (from l-r): morning hosts Jim Denny and Kevin Freeman, assistant program director Kash, morning host Deb Honeycut, marketing director Jan Thoman, and VP/market manager Chuck Fredrick.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Brown Moves to Nights on KOA, Denver; ‘Caplis and Kafer’ Launches on KHOW in PM Drive. Programming changes at iHeartMedia Denver take place as former Under Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of FEMA Michael Brown moves from KHOW to sister KOA to launch the live “Heckuva Show with Michael Brown,” airing
weekday nights from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at first, then expanding to 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm on December 3. On KHOW, the new “Caplis and Kafer” show with Dan Caplis (left) and Krista Kafer (right) assumes the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm daypart. iHeartMedia Denver region president Tim Hager says, “Adding these new shows on both KOA NewsRadio 850 AM & 94.1 FM and 
TalkRadio 630 KHOW further enhances our commitment to original, local content. We’re fortunate to have Michael, Dan, and Krista in these key roles and I’m confident they will quickly become a trusted source of information and entertainment for our listeners, clients and partners.” Brown tells TALKERS magazine, “The opportunity to create a live, local evening program on iconic KOA News Radio is a chance most radio hosts rarely get to pursue. I am especially grateful for iHeart’s confidence in this venture by entering into a multi-year contract extension, allowing me to build a live show in this unique time slot. AM radio needs live evening programming and this is a fantastic opportunity to fill that need and eventually grow the program to a broader audience outside the Denver metropolitan area. KOA News Radio is heard in 38 states during the evening hours and that is a solid foundation for building a broader program. It is great to be back on the ‘blowtorch’ of Denver radio.”
KTRS, St. Louis Announces Air Talent Changes After Jon Grayson’s Exit. Last week, station general manager Mark Dorsey told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after letting late morning talk host Jon Grayson go, “Jon is a great guy and a great
broadcaster. We just decided to go in a different direction.” Grayson had been co-hosting the 10:00 am to 12:00 noon program with Jennifer
