Category: Industry News

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Mike Calta and Cox Media Group’s ‘The Bone’ Extend Their Relationship. Tampa Bay talk host Mike Calta and Cox Media Group have signed a new, multi-year deal for Calta to continue as host of the morning program on WPHT “102.5 The Bone.”  CMG Tampa director of branding and programming John Brennan says, “Mike Calta leads the most entertaining weekday talk show in Tampa Bay.  We are excited that ‘The Mike Calta Show’ will continue to call ‘102.5 The Bone’ home for many years to come.”  Calta comments, “I’m excited to call both Tampa Bay and CMG my home and my family for the next couple of years and hopefully plenty more beyond that.”

Round Two of May PPMs Released.  The second round of Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 PPM survey results is released for the group of 12 markets that includes: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis-St.Paul, San Diego, Tampa-St. Petersburg, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.  You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Takeaways from this group of markets tomorrow (6/13).

Entercom Chicago Cuts Staff. According to Chicago media reporter Robert Feder, a number of off-air positions have been eliminated at Entercom’s Chicago operations that includes all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM and sports talk WSCR “The Score.”  He writes that eight staffers were let go – five in the traffic/continuity department and three in sales.  Apparently, there are more cuts to come as Feder’s sources say “another four positions in finance will be cut in August with numerous additional staff reductions on the way.”

Brummel Appointed Group National Sales Manager at SummitMedia. Radio sales pro Jeff Brummel joins SummitMedia as group national sales director, effective June 24.  He’s most recently been serving in a similar capacity with Townsquare Media. During his career he’s served with radio stations in Dallas, Chicago and Philadelphia as well as working on the national radio rep sales side in New York, Atlanta, and Chicago.  He says, “I am very excited to join SummitMedia as group national sales manager.  The enviable roster of top performing stations in each of Summit’s markets coupled with the company’s entrepreneurial culture aligned perfectly with my skill set and career goals.”

WREC-AM, Memphis PD and Morning Host Forrest Goodman Dies at 48. The details are few but the Daily Memphian reports that Forrest Goodman, PD and morning drive co-host at iHeartMedia’s WREC-AM, Memphis died Monday night (6/10) from “multiple health problems” at the age of 48.  Goodman also hosted the pre-game and post-game shows for University of Memphis football and basketball for almost 20 years.

ESPN Will Shutter ESPN Deportes in September.  The Spanish-language sports talk network launched in 2005 and currently has 44 affiliate stations across the U.S.  ESPN offers its reasoning for the decision to shut down the radio network.  “Hispanic audience consumer habits are changing rapidly, and this requires ESPN to evolve as well.  It’s no secret Hispanic fans skew heavily on digital and social which is why we made the decision to discontinue ESPN Deportes terrestrial radio (ESPN Deportes Radio) in September.  Moving forward, ESPN will continue serving Hispanic sports fans with the widest variety of sports through multiple platforms including television, digital, social, mobile, and audio podcasts.”

TALKERS News Notes. Former one-term congressman Jason Lewis – a longtime talk radio host and current part-time personality on iHeartMedia’s KTLK, Minneapolis-St. Paul – may run for office again.  The Pioneer Press reports that Lewis is being urged by Republican leaders to run for either Minnesota’s 2^nd congressional district seat (he lost that seat in a re-election bid to Democrat Angie Craig last year) or to challenge U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) in 2020…..Programming pro Don Parker takes on new duties as iHeartMedia names him general manager for its “PRIDE Radio, The Pulse of LGBTQ America.”  Parker is regional SVP of programming for the company’s Northern California Region and will continue in that role.  As GM for “PRIDE Radio,” he’ll “oversee the day-to-day programming, marketing, sales, and operations of PRIDE Radio’ and help further expand the brand’s reach and business development to the LGBTQ+ community on the iHeartRadio app and HD2 stations across the country.  Additionally, iHeartMedia will soon conduct a national search for a program director for PRIDE Radio, reporting into Parker.”…..ABC News is presenting a new series titled, “Faith Under Fire” – a look at the violence waged against houses of worship in recent years.  The series is being hosted by chief justice correspondent Pierre Thomas and features interviews with: Rev. Frank Pomeroy from First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas and his wife, Sherri; Pastor Eric Manning from Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; and Alan Hausman, vice president of Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania…..cabana adds 10 podcasts to its digital audio library with new titles coming from publishers such as Inc. Magazine, New Hampshire Public Radio, and celebrity hosts like Jen Kirkman.  cabana SVP of business development Frank DeSantis says, “We’re excited to welcome these engaging hosts and topics to cabana.  As podcast advertising matures, we have a variety of options and opportunities to help our advertisers engage with targeted listeners.”…..Pictured at right is Westwood One nationally syndicated late night host Jim Bohannon emceeing the annual awards dinner for the Society of Professional Journalists, Washington professional chapter on Tuesday (6/11) at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

Beasley Honored at 2019 Service to America Awards. WMMR-FM, Philadelphia’s “Preston & Steve Morning Show” was honored with the “Service to Community Award for Radio-Major Market” for its Camp Out for Hunger Initiative and Beasley Media Group received the 2019 “Service to Community Award for Radio-Ownership Group” for its yearlong, company-wide Beasley Best Community of Caring Initiative, that shined the spotlight on issues including bullying, hunger, autism, and the opioid epidemic.  Pictured above at Tuesday’s event at the Anthem in Washington, DC are (from l-r): WMMR-FM program director & rock format brand manager Bill Weston, chief communications officer Heidi Raphael, Philadelphia VP/market manager Joe Bell, Cullen Wilson, Preston Elliot, CEO Caroline Beasley, Steve Morrison, Philadelphia community affairs director Lora Lewis, Ft. Myers director of sales Allyson Hillman, vice president of digital marketing Jennifer Williams, and EVP of programming Justin Chase.

2020 Presidential Race, Impeachment Talk, Hong Kong Protests, Kim Jong Nam-CIA Connection, and Dominican Deaths/Big Papi Shot Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/11). The war of words between President Trump and Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden; Democrats talk of impeachment; the protests taking place in Hong Kong against China’s new extradition law; the report that assassinated half-brother of Kim Jong Un– Kim Jong Nam – was a CIA informant; and the mysterious deaths of tourists in the Dominican Republic and the shooting of retired Red Sox slugger David Ortiz 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. One staffer in the Westwood One music & entertainment division is promoted and a new one joins the company.  Todd Alan becomes vice president, affiliate sales, music & entertainment. He was most recently director, affiliate sales.  In his new role, he’ll manage and develop the company’s station relationships and distribution partnerships across its music and entertainment programming, including Westwood One Backstage live marquee events and radio row activations.  At the same time, the company brings Julie Bell aboard as director, affiliate sales, music & entertainment.   Westwood One’s Stuart Greenblatt says, “I’m thrilled that Todd will take command of our music & entertainment division here at Westwood One.  I’ve worked closely with him for many years and know him to be one of the best in the business, with solid industry relationships and impressive sales expertise.  I’m also delighted to welcome Julie Bell to our music & entertainment team.  Her 20 years’ experience selling entertainment programs make her the perfect person to round out our team, along with Westwood One veteran Neal Weiner.”…..Pictured below are iHeartMedia execs (from l-r) president, COO, CFO Rich Bressler; chairman and CEO Bob Pittman; chief programming officer and president, national programming group Tom Poleman; and president, entertainment enterprises John Sykes with their Music Visionary of the Year awards from the UJA-Federation of New York.  Tuesday’s luncheon was attended by 700 guests from the music industry and the event raised more than $1.6 million to benefit UJA-Federation.

Round One of May 2019 PPM Data. Information for the May 2019 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 (New Jersey). Nielsen Audio’s May 2019 survey period covered April 25 – May 22. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being off a collective three-tenths in four straight down or flat reports (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” climbs from #22 to #21. An overall -.4 as a result of five straight down or flat sweeps (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” ends the slide with a gain of one-tenth to 1.3 (#23 to #22, 6+). Three straight dips by Cumulus Media-owned news/talk WABC have led to a loss of one-half share (1.5 – 1.3 -1.2 – 1.0, #23 to #24, 6+).

An April spike of +1.2 by Entercom sports talk WFAN is followed by a decline of two-tenths (3.0 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+), but the Yankees’ flagship continues in sixth-place. Having posted a 1.8 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+), WEPN gains two-tenths to 2.0 (#20 to #19, 6+). By dropping four-tenths in April, “98.7 ESPN New York” curtailed three consecutive up or flat trends that yielded eight-tenths (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2, 6+).

Entercom all-news WINS, which was -1.1 in three successive down or flat reports (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), pulls the plug by adding two-tenths to 3.9 (6+) and repeats at #9. Co-owned/similarly-programmed Mets flagship WCBS-AM is a combined -.8 in April/May (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6, #13 to #15, 6+). WINS was -1.1 in February/March (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+), while WCBS-AM gained three-tenths in March (3.1 – 3.4, 6+).

When WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM gained three-tenths in April, it halted four successive down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.0 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). In May, however, WNYC-FM falters by one-half share (2.9 – 2.4, #13 to #17, 6+). The February 2019 through May 2019 topline for co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM is .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 (#31 to #34, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – The combination of Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” adding three-tenths (6.5 – 6.8, 6+) and iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” dropping two-tenths (7.0 – 6.8, 6+) results in the two becoming tangled in a first-place tie. This is the 23^rd consecutive ratings period that “Lite” has been on top. It posted a one-half share increase in March, but surrendered seven-tenths in April. A combined -5.3 in January/February (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), WLTW was +5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). Meanwhile, an April decrease of four-tenths by WBLS interrupted three straight gains that accounted for a collective +1.3 (5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+). A very legitimate argument could be made that the Big Apple’s co-top story is the fact this marks the final hot AC monthly for WPLJ, which flips to contemporary Christian, following the sale from Cumulus Media to Educational Media Foundation. Legendary WPLJ goes out on a very positive note, as it is without a loss for the fifth straight New York City sweep for a cumulative gain of +1.1 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 3.1, #17 to #13, 6+). It eclipses by one-tenth Entercom’s similarly formatted WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7,” which follows April’s gain of one-half share with a dip of one-tenth (3.1 – 3.0, #11 to #14, 6+). Steady at #4, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” has a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 5.3 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 (6+). Advancing from eighth to sixth, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” gains eight-tenths through four straight bumps (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+). Tied in tenth-place are WWPR rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WKTU “103.5 KTU” (#11 to #10, 6+) and its format rival – Emmis’ WQHT “Hot 97” (3.5 – 3.4, -.1, flat at #10, 6+). This is the ninth time in a row that WKTU is within 3.1 – 3.6 range (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+). “Hot 97” is a collective -.4 in April/May (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+). Before gaining one-tenth in March to 3.8 (6+), “Hot” notched a 3.7 (6+) in five of the previous six sweeps (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+); WKTU logged a 3.1 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, and February 2019. Without a loss the past four ratings periods for an overall net of eight-tenths (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WNSH “New York’s Country 94.7” forfeits two-tenths to 2.6 (6+) yet inches up from #16 to #15. While unchanged in third-place, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” is down one full-share via four successive down or flat moves (6.4 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+), while iHeartMedia classic rocker WAXQ “Q-104.3” is off one-half share in three consecutive dips (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.0, flat at #6, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Having lost three-tenths in March/April (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” picks up two-tenths to 3.9 (6+) and continues in seventh-place. Ever since debuting in February, its internet stream has notched three straight up or flat moves (.6 – .6 – .7 – .8, #36 to #34, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot,” which logged a .8 (6+) in five of the last six ratings periods (.8 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+) improves by two-tenths to 1.0 (#33 to #31, 6+). Off one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.0 – .9 – .8, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” erases half that deficit with a one-tenth progression to .9 (#33 to #32, 6+). The November 2018 through May 2019 topline for Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” is .5 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .6 – .5 (#39 to #38, 6+).

Three down or flat moves in a row by Disney-owned KSPN accounted for a one-half share decline (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), but “710 ESPN” benefits with a +.2 to 1.3 (#29 to #27, 6+). After nearly doubling March’s 6+-stat with an April +.6 (.7 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk/Dodgers flagship KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” basically levels off with a one-tenth loss to 1.2 (#27 to #28, 6+).

Without an increase the fourth time in a row, Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio” falters by nine-tenths in that stretch (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8, #12 to #13, 6+).

After an April gain of two-tenths, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is unchanged in May in 6+-share (2.3) and 6+-market rank (#18).

Los Angeles Music Formats – Via six straight sweeps without a loss, Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH  is a cumulative +1.4 (4.4 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.8, 6+) as “K-Earth 101” repeats in the runner-up slot.  While unchanged in third-place, smooth AC sibling KTWV “94-7 The Wave” is a collective +1.6 owing to five consecutive positive spikes (3.6 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+). Notwithstanding that it backslides from eighth to ninth, Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KLAX “97.9 La Raza” is a collective +1.0 in six consecutive up or flat moves (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). KLOS notches its fifth straight up or flat trend for a net gain of one-half share (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+) and advances from #12 to #11. Meruelo Media Holdings acquired KLOS from Cumulus Media for $43 million and is programming the station under a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA). Pulling the plug on three straight setbacks that resulted in a net loss of nine-tenths (5.0 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” registers an improvement of four-tenths to 4.5 (fifth to fourth, 6+). In addition to recording an increase of three-tenths (6.3 – 6.6, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103.5” sets the pace in the “City of Angels” for the eighth straight time. After its “Holiday” 2018 13.0 (6+), “Coast” has followed with 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.6 (6+). Prior to January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), KOST was an overall +8.4 via five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). In four consecutive bumps, Entravision Riverside Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” has more than doubled (+1.5) its Los Angeles 6+-stat (1.1 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+) and progresses from #17 to #16. Four straight increases by Entercom adult hits KCBS-FM “93.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” netted nine-tenths (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), but Los Angeles’ version of “Jack” relinquishes two-tenths to 4.0 (fourth to fifth, 6+). April’s 4.2 is its best 6+-stat since May 2018 (4.2, as well). Steady in eighth-place, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary KXOL “Mega 96.3” has improved by one-half share through three straight upticks (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+). In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia’s KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” is off four-tenths in three successive sweeps without an increase (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0, sixth to fifth, 6+), while Entercom-owned KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory for the 24^th time in a row (2.4, +.1, #18 to #17, 6+). “Kiss” lost four-tenths in March/April (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+); “Amp” was off one-half share in the same stretch (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+). As a result of four consecutive sweeps without an increase, Entercom-owned KROQ regresses by a collective half-share (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, #22 to #21, 6+). Its format rival – iHeartMedia’s KYSR “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” – is down one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2, #18 to #19, 6+). Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFSH “95.9 The Fish” records a .7 (6+) for the fourth time in the last five reports (.7 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .7, #36, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – While flat at #14, Tribune Media news/talk WGN has surrendered six-tenths in three straight down or flat trends (3.5 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+); the White Sox flagship gained one-half share in February. This marks the fifth consecutive report without a loss for Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM, which is up seven-tenths in that stretch (1.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8, #21 to #22, 6+).

Tacking on one-half share to April’s increase of nine-tenth (2.8 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Cubs key station WSCR “670 The Score” jumps from eighth to sixth with its best 6+-showing since October 2018 (4.2, as well). Even though Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP is up a collective four-tenths in three straight bumps (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+), “ESPN Chicago 1000” slips from #24 to #26.

Conversely, Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM, which has lost an overall nine-tenths in four successive down or flat moves (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), advances from fourth to second. Prior to April, WBBM-AM had been at #1 the previous three sweeps.

Repeating April’s 2.8 (6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ drops from #15 to #16.

Chicago Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WKSC without a loss the sixth successive time for an overall +.7 (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), “103.5 Kiss FM Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). A combined +.9 in March/April (2.2 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom CHR WBBM-FM “B-96” falters by four-tenths to 2.7 (6+), skidding from #13 to #18. Up or flat the seventh straight time for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” inches up from #23 to #22. It is chasing Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country,” whose February 2019 through May 2019 topline is 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 (#18 to #12, 6+). Recapturing in its entirety the six-tenths it forfeited in April (4.5 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” remains in fifth-place. Entering the April sweep, “Chicago’s Classic Hits” was up nine-tenths in three straight improvements (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+). Even though it returns 60% of April’s one-half share gain (5.9 – 5.6, -.3, 6+), Hubbard hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” repeats at #1. April’s 5.9 is its highest 6+-stat since November 2017’s 6.3. Owing to four successive setbacks (5.5 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.1, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO is -2.4 as “Que Buena 105.1” fades from the top ten (#5 to #11). Its January increase of nine-tenths halted a December/“Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-formatted WLEY “La Ley 107.9” has lost seven-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (2.6 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.9, #21, 6+). A collective +1.5 in four successive increases (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+), Hubbard classic rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” returns roughly half that increase (4.7, -.7, 6+) and slips from third to fourth. April’s 5.4 is its strongest 6+-showing since August 2018’s 5.5. Adult contemporary sibling WSHE “100.3 SHE,” which notched an overall eight-tenths via four consecutive up or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+), falters by one-half share to 2.8 (6+), spiraling from #9 to #16. Its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WLIT, is an overall -9.4 as a result of five successive reports without an increase (13.3 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9, fifth to seventh, 6+); “93.9 Lite FM” was a combined +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats – Stuck on 2.3 (6+) in March and April, Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO drops two-tenths to 2.1 (6+), falling from #16 to a three-way tie at #18. With a gain of three-tenths to 1.7 (#26 to #24, 6+), cluster-mate KGO applies the brakes to seven successive down or flat sweeps that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+). For the fifth consecutive time, iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” records a .2 (#34 to #36, 6+).

In addition to catapulting from #19 to #8 and boasting the largest (6+) April 2019 to May 2019 increase (+1.4) of any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here, Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game” catches Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KNBR “The Sports Leader” (3.6 – 3.3, -.3, seventh to eighth, 6+). Furthermore, “The Game,” which is the flagship of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, nearly doubles (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 3.3, 6+). Meanwhile, Giants’ key station KNBR was +1.0 in April.

Following four straight months in the runner-up slot, KCBS-AM picks up three-tenths (6.3 – 6.6, 6+) and marches to #1. The Entercom all-news operation had been off a collective seven-tenths in three straight dips (7.0 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), directly after three consecutive gains for an overall +1.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 7.0, 6+).

It succeeds Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED, which had been on top the past four sweeps, but falters by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (7.3 – 6.8 – 6.3, -.5, 6+), segueing to #2. San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is off four-tenths in three straight drops (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9, #28 to #29, 6+), directly after more than tripling (+.9) its 6+-share in nine successive sweeps without a loss (.4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Not only does Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ gain seven-tenths to 2.3 (6+), thus curtailing three straight decreases that resulted in an overall loss of nine-tenths (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+), “La Raza 93.3” enters the top twenty (#23 to #16). On the other hand, despite posting its fifth straight up or flat trend for a gain of seven-tenths (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). Down one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” answers with a +.6 to 4.2 (seventh to third, 6+). At the same time, its internet stream picks up one-half share (.3 – .8, #31, 6+). Flat at #12, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KIOI “Star 101.3” is off one-half share in four successive down or flat trends (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). Before sputtering by two-tenths in April, Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN was +1.1 in three successive improvements (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+), but “107.7 The Bone” bounces back with a May increase of one-half share (3.5 – 4.0, #9 to a three-way tie at #4, 6+). The other players in that three-way, fourth-place logjam are Bonneville-owned adult contemporary KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” (4.6 – 4.0, -.6, third to fourth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KISQ “98.1 The Breeze,” which is a combined -1.0 in April/May (5.0 – 4.4 – 4.0, flat at #4, 6+). KOIT-FM, which completely erased February’s -.5 with a March +.5, improved its 6+-stat by seven full-shares in December/“Holiday” 2018, (3.7 – 6.4 – 10.7, 6+), but was a combined -6.4 in January/February (10.7 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). Prior to April’s loss of six-tenths, “The Breeze” was an overall +1.2 via three straight gains (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). While iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” is within 3.0 – 3.9 range for the 11^th time in a row (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+), it forfeits seven-tenths and departs the top ten (#5 to #11). April’s 3.7 represents its best 6+-stat since October 2018’s 3.9. Forfeiting one-half share each are Bonneville urban AC KBLX “Today’s R&B and Old School,” which surrenders nine-tenths in four straight sweeps without an increase (3.3 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.4, #12 to #14, 6+), and Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” (2.7 – 2.2, #14 to #17, 6+). KSOL’s Spanish adult hits cluster-mate KBRG “Amor 100.3,” which was +1.0 in three straight sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), cedes four-tenths to 2.6 (#11 to #13, 6+). In April, “Amor” had its best 6+-showing (3.0) since September 2018’s 3.1.

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss the fifth time in a row for a +1.4 (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” jumps from ninth to sixth. The overall “Holiday” 2018 through May 2019 +1.4 completely obliterates its December/“Holiday” 2018 loss of nine-tenths (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+). Down one-tenth each are Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” (.9 – .8, #32 to #35, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” (.4 – .3, flat at #37, 6+).

Sports talk cluster-mate KTCK “The Ticket All Sports All The Time” notches a 2.7 (6+) for the third report in succession and downslides from #16 to #17. As a result of four straight declines (3.1 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” has lost roughly 52% (-1.6) of its 6+-share as the flagship of the Texas Rangers drops from #23 to #26. After six straight down or flat trends that resulted in its 6+-share being sliced in half (-.6) over that October 2018 through March 2019 duration (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .8 – .6, 6+), Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” is a combined +.3 in April/May (.6 – .8 – .9, #34 to #33, 6+).

In addition to snapping at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that produced a net gain of one-half share (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM (2.3, -.2, 6+) exits the top twenty (#17 to #21). Dating back to “Holiday” 2016, “News Radio 1080” has been within a (6+) high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0.

Repeating April’s 3.6 (6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet KERA advances from tenth to a four-way tie at eighth. Before faltering by three-tenths in April, KERA was a collective +.8 via three improvements in a row (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – Once again, contemporary Christian grabs the headlines in this Texas market. Specifically, WAY Media’s KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” wipes away March’s -1.2 with a combined April/May +1.2 (1.1 – 1.6 – 2.3, #23 to #21, 6+), while Educational Media Foundation’s KYDA “Air 1 Worship Now” regains the one-half share it lost in April (2.4 – 1.9 – 2.4, #21 to #20, 6+). This directly follows a March increase of six-tenths to 2.4, its strongest 6+-showing since December 2016 (2.4, as well). Elsewhere in the format, following an April bump of seven-tenths, Salem Media Group’s KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” is flat in 6+-share (4.2) and market rank (fifth), while First Dallas Media-owned KCBI is up one-tenth to 1.0 (#32 to #30, 6+). Entering the May 2019 sweep, “90.0 Encouraging Music/Words of Hope” had its 6+-stat whittled exactly in half (-.9) via three successive dips (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – .9, 6+). On the heels of surrendering six-tenths in April, Service Broadcasting urban contemporary KKDA-FM “K-104” erases that deficit completely with a similar-size increase (3.0 – 3.6, +.6, 6+) and rockets back into the top ten (#15 to #8). “K-104” was a combined +.9 in February/March (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+). Up an overall eight-tenths in April/May (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom regional Mexican KMVK “La Grande 107.5” progresses from #17 to #15. Conversely, Univision Radio’s similarly-programmed KLNO “Que Buena 94.1” is a combined -1.3 in April/May (4.2 – 3.8 – 2.9, 6+), plummeting from #8 to #16. The two Cumulus-owned country outlets gain one-tenth each: KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” is 4.2 – 4.3 (fifth to fourth, 6+), while KSCS “New Country 96.3” is 3.5 – 3.6 (#13 to #8, 6+). In addition to returning the four-tenths it accrued in April (6.7 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned CHR KHKS halts at four a successive string of up or flat sweeps that netted eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). Nonetheless, “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is #1 for the fifth month in a row; April’s 6.7 is its best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 6.9. On top 12 straight times, “Kiss” shifted to #3 in “Holiday” 2018. Immediately after posting an April improvement of nine-tenths, adult contemporary sibling KDGE “Star 102.1” forfeits eight-tenths (4.4 – 3.6, third to eighth, 6+). In eight successive May 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 sweeps without a loss, KDGE almost tripled (+4.4) its 6+-stat (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 5.1 – 7.1, 6+), but then experienced three successive “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 drops (7.1 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). Cluster-mate KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks” has lost six-tenths in five straight (slightly) down or flat moves (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.2, #10 to #12, 6+). Departing the top ten in addition to “The Eagle” is Entercom adult hits KJKK “100.3 Jack-FM” (3.6 – 3.1, -.5, #10 to #14, 6+). Alternative sibling KVIL is up one-half share in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+) but “Alt 103.7” backslides from a three-way tie at #17 to #19.

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – Off three-tenths (3.8 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH slips from #12 to #13. “News Radio 740” was -.7 in December (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 in “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and +.7 in January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, 6+). Stuck on .4 (6+) in March and April, co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” loses one-tenth in May to .3 (#29 to #30, 6+).

The flagship of the Houston Astros – iHeartMedia-owned KBME – has more than doubled (+.7) its 6+-stat in three upticks in succession (.5 – .6 – 1.0 – 1.2, #23 to #22, 6+). “Sports Talk 790” is one-tenth ahead of Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610,” which gains two-tenths via three straight up or flat moves (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1, flat at #23, 6+). Meanwhile, Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5” logs a .8 (#24 to #25, 6+) for the seventh time in the last nine ratings periods (.8 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+).

Despite being off an overall six-tenths in four straight slips (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF proceeds from #20 to #19.

Houston Music Formats – Up a combined nine-tenths in April/May (5.0 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” advances from fourth to second with its strongest 6+-showing since October 2017 (5.9, as well). Unchanged at #11, iHeartMedia’s KQBT “93.7 The Beat” extends its consecutive up or flat streak to seven and is +1.1 in that November 2018 through May 2019 period (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KHJK “Air 1 Worship Now” doubles its 6+-stat (.5 – 1.0, +.5, 6+) and checks in at #24. An overall -4.8 in four straight setbacks (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” is nonetheless #1 for the 14^th sweep in a row. Immediately in advance of this skid, KODA was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive gains (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). Seven successive up or flat reports by Cox Media Group classic country KTHT resulted in a net gain of eight-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+) but “Country Legends 97.1” relinquishes that entire increase (1.8, -.8, 6+) and falls from #18 to #20. The five most recent fluctuations for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” are: +.5 (January,  6.5 – 7.0, 6+); -.8 (February, 7.0 – 6.2, 6+); +.5 (March, 6.2 – 6.7, 6+); -.6 (April, 6.7 – 6.1, 6+); and now -.6 (6.1 – 5.5, second to fourth, 6+). Prior to plummeting -1.5 in “Holiday” 2018, “Que Buena 102.9” was a collective +3.3 through five successive increases (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 8.0, 6+). Flat at #17, Liberman Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KQQK “El Norte 107.9” has lost six-tenths in three consecutive reports without an increase (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+).

Both of the market’s country FMs are off one-tenth in May with each dropping one ranker: Entercom’s KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” is trending 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.1 (fourth to fifth, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “93-Q” has a March 2019 through May 2019 topline of 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.6 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Before losing two-tenths in March, “The Bull” had been +1.7 via three upticks in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+); “93-Q” gained eight-tenths in March. This is the fourth report in a row that iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ is without an increase; “94.5 The Buzz” (flat at #14) is off six-tenths in that stretch (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Down a combined eight-tenths in April/May (7.1 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM drops from second to third. It had slipped to the runner-up slot in April, following three straight months at #1. WSB-AM had been on top 37 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. In its final report in the spoken-word format, WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” repeats April’s 6+ market share (#25) and 6+share (.9), taking the station below a one-share for the first time in nearly seven-years (.8, July 2012). Coinciding with the sale from Cumulus Media to Educational Media Foundation, WYAY is now contemporary Christian. Tied with a .3 (6+) are Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” (.1 – .3, +.2, #31 to #29, 6+) and Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” (.4 – .3, -.1, flat at #29, 6+). Elsewhere in the format, iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” has lost three-tenths via nine straight down or flat trends (.4 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1, #31 to #34, 6+).

While unchanged at #14, Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” is an overall -1.1 in three setbacks in succession (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+). At the same time, Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is up one-half share in three straight up or flat moves (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), as the AM flagship of the Atlanta Braves carries on at #18.

Following a March decrease of -1.4 (4.8 – 3.4, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE is up three-tenths in April/May (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7, steady at #11, 6+). Despite dropping three-tenths in April/May (.8 – .6 – .5, 6+), Georgia State University news/talk WRAS advances from #28 to #27.

Atlanta Music Formats – Good news continues for Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish,” which is an overall +3.0 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9, 6+) via four successive upticks and repeats at #1. Furthermore, this (7.9) is its best 6+-showing since 8.6 in “Holiday” 2018. The market’s (6+) urban AC share improved by +1.4 (March); deflated by -1.5 (April); and now expands by six-tenths in May as both main format players jump one ranker. Specifically, Radio One’s WAMJ “Majic” is up two-tenths (6.1 – 6.3, fourth to third, 6+), while Cox Media Group-owned WALR “Kiss 104.1 Atlanta’s R&B” improves by four-tenths (5.2 – 5.6, seventh to sixth, 6+). “Majic” was +2.5 via three successive increases (4.4 – 5.4 – 6.3 – 6.9, 6+) but eroded by eight-tenths in April. A combined +1.4 in February/March (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+), “Kiss” returned half that increase (-.7) this time last month. For the third time in a row, Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” posts a positive bump of two-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.5, third to second, 6+). On the other hand, Radio One’s similarly-programmed WHTA “Hot 107.9” is an overall -1.3 via three consecutive negative moves (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9, eighth to tenth, 6+). Frozen on 3.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 before dropping to 3.0 (6+) in February, iHeartMedia’s WWPW gained seven-tenths in March; was down one-tenth in April; and now busts out a +.6 to 4.2 (6+) as “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” is back in the top ten (#11 to #8). Its format rival – Cumulus Media-owned WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” – has a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.6 (#13 to #12, 6+). “Q-100” logged a +.7 in January, but forfeited six-tenths in February. A combined -1.0 in April/May (5.7 – 5.4 – 4.7, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” drops from sixth to seventh. Unchanged in ninth-place, iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” nets eight-tenths in three straight bumps (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). Before eroding by -1.0 in February, “The Bull” was a collective +1.4 through four straight increases (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+). Its country rival, Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits,” forfeits four-tenths (3.1 – 2.7, #14 to #16, 6+). Off three-tenths in March, “Kicks” rebounded from January’s loss of six-tenths with an identical magnitude increase in February (2.6 – 3.2, +.6).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – By adding one-tenth to 2.2 (unchanged at #20, 6+), Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” suspends three straight down or flat moves that accounted for an overall loss of four-tenths (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+). Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” has dropped one-tenth three reports in a row (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, #23 to #24, 6+).

After improving by two-tenths in consecutive ratings periods (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom’s WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” sputters by seven-tenths to 5.6 (third to sixth, 6+); the Phillies’ flagship was -1.3 in February. The October 2018 through May 2019 topline for Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (#14 to #15) is 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.7 (6+); “The Fanatic” is the key station of the 76ers and Flyers.   

Off a collective -1.0 via four straight sweeps without an increase (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom’s KYW remains in ninth-place. “News Radio 1060” was down eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, but responded in January with a gain of seven-tenths (4.3 – 5.0, 6+).

The three most recent fluctuations for public news/talk WHYY have been by four-tenths (3.0 – 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.6, #18 to #16, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – Having relinquished seven-tenths in April, Beasley Media Group-owned WMMR regains one-half share (5.9 – 6.4, sixth to third, 6+). Prior to April, “93.3 Everything That Rocks” was an overall +1.7 in three successive improvements (4.9 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+). Ever since Entercom-owned adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” WBEB repeated at #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018, it has been a revolving door for the top spot. Entercom sports talk WIP was there in January; classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL in February; WBEB in March; and Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK was on top in April. While trending 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7 (6+), WBEB has its turn again in May. “Today’s 101.1 More FM” was Philly’s market leader from March 2018 through June before being dislodged in July, WBEB was +10.1 (6.5 – 10.4 – 16.6, 6+) just prior to January 2019’s -10.3 (16.3 – 6.3, 6+); it gained one-half share in March. Four up or flat trends in succession by format challenger, iHeartMedia’s WISX “106.1 The Breeze – Relaxing Favorites,” yielded a cumulative +2.3 (2.5 – 3.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). “The Breeze” surrendered three-tenths in April but regains two-tenths in May (4.5 – 4.7, 6+) and carries on in eighth-place. Formerly rhythmic hot AC “Real 106.1,” WISX became adult contemporary “106.1 The Breeze” in mid-November (2018). Meanwhile, the station WBEB succeeds at #1 – “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” – follows April’s +1.0 to 6.8 (6+) with a loss of two-tenths (6.6, first to second, 6+). WMGK was a combined -1.3 in February/March (7.1 – 6.7 – 5.8, 6+). After busting out April’s +1.2 to 3.4 (6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” returns all but two-tenths of that increase (2.4, -1.0, #12 to #18, 6+). Even though Beasley Media Group-owned WXTU falters by two-tenths to 5.6 (6+), thus interrupting four straight gains that netted +2.2 (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.8, 6+),“92.5 Philly’s Country Station” progresses from seventh to a sixth-place tie. April’s 5.8 is its strongest 6+-showing since July 2018 (5.8, as well). After its +2.1 in January/February (5.0 – 6.3 – 7.1, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” is a combined -1.1 in March/April/May (7.1 – 6.8 – 6.0 – 6.0, fifth to fourth, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating at #15, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” is up four-tenths in April/May (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+). Off one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC remains at #25.

In addition to repeating at #1, Entercom sports talk WFAN is +1.0 in three straight positive spikes (4.3 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+). The Yankees’ flagship has its highest 6+-share in Long Island (5.3) since October 2018’s 5.6. Similarly-programmed WEPN not only picks up one-half share (1.8 – 2.3, 6+), “98.7 ESPN New York” cracks the top twenty (#21 to #17).

In three straight slips, WINS lost eight-tenths (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+) but the Entercom all-news outlet is up two-tenths in May to 3.0 (#14 to #12, 6+). After logging a one-half share April increase (3.3 – 3.8, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM spirals by nine-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #13).

Down or flat the fourth time in succession for a net loss of eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.3, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM slips from #24 to #25.

Long Island Music Formats – Tied in fourth-place are Cox Media Group CHR WBLI, up seven-tenths in three bumps in a row (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.6, fifth to fourth, 6+), and iHeartMedia New York’s similarly-formatted WHTZ “Z-100” (4.5 – 4.6, +.1, flat at #4, 6+). These same two group owners are keeping the classic rock contest tight as well. Cox Media Group’s WBAB “102.3 – Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” picks up one-tenth (4.0 – 4.1, steady at #6, 6+), while iHeartMedia New York’s WAXQ “Q-104.3,” which had lost one-half share in three straight decreases (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), adds four-tenths (3.9, ninth to seventh, 6+). Having shared the lead in April with sports talk cluster-mate WFAN, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM is flat at 5.1 (6+) and drops to a second-place tie. An April gain of six-tenths by “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” suspended four successive sweeps without an increase that accounted for an overall loss of eight-tenths (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Up or flat the fifth report in a row for a net gain of seven-tenths (2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia New York rhythmic CHR WKTU advances into the top ten (#11 to #10). Co-owned New York City urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” hasn’t had a decrease in each of the last four reports for a half-share increase (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+) and enters Long Island’s top twenty (#21 to #19). Connoisseur Media-owned adult contemporary WKJY “98.3 K-JOY – Long Island’s Place to Relax” falters by a combined eight-tenths in April/May (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.5, sixth to eighth, 6+). In four consecutive declines, hot AC sibling WALK-FM lost over half (-5.5) its 6+-share (10.5 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+) but “97.5 – Real Variety” applies the brakes with a gain of one-tenth to 5.1 (steady at #2, 6+). A combined +6.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 6.5 – 10.5, 6+), WALK-FM spent five straight sweeps at #1 before shifting to the runner-up slot. Entering the top twenty at #20, Entercom alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3” has a September 2018 through May 2019 topline of 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9 (6+).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – Following seven consecutive sweeps without an increase (.4 – .2 – .2 -.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #23, 6+), iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” disappears from print.

The November 2018 through May 2019 topline for co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is: .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .1 – .2 (unchanged at #23, 6+). For the 17^th straight sweep, similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted.

In April/May, San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR has lost more than three-quarters (-1.3) of its 6+-share (1.7 – .8 – .4, #13 to #17, 6+). Down or flat the past three monthlies for a net decrease of two-tenths (.3 – .2 – .1 – .1, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” erases that shortfall with a +.2 to .3 (#23 to #21, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – Over and above being a combined +1.2 in April/May (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.0, 6+), KOLA repeats at #1. The Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies outlet last reached the eight-share level (6+) was February 2018 (8.4). Prior to April, KOLA had been at #2 in each of the previous 11 survey periods. It hit #1 exactly one year ago (6.5, May 2018, 6+). Tacking on seven-tenths to April’s +.9 (.3 – 1.2 – 1.9, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLRD enters the top ten (#12 to #10). Entering the April sweep, “Air 1 Worship Now” was a collective -1.9 via four successive negative trends (2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2 – .3, 6+). Even though Good News Radio’s similarly-formatted KSGN is off eight-tenths in four setbacks in succession (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+),“Family Friendly 89.7” progresses from sixth to fifth. Wiping away the collective +.7 it recorded in February/March/April (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+) with a May loss of nine-tenths to 3.1 (6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” slips from fifth to sixth. In three successive improvements, LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE was a collective +1.6 (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), but “Old School 104.7” is now a combined -1.0 in April/May (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.7, seventh to ninth, 6+). A cumulative -4.1 in six straight declines (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.4, 6+), Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” repeats at #2. In advance of the April ratings period, “Jose” occupied the #1 spot 11 sweeps in succession. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. All-Pro rhythmic hot AC KHTI “Hot 103.9 – The I.E.’s Best Mix” is without an increase the fourth straight time for a net loss of three-tenths (.8 – .8 – .8 – .7 – .5, #15 to #16, 6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to this being its eighth straight San Jose sweep without an increase for an overall -1.3 (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KGO’s departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). Co-owned news/talk KSFO, which netted a one-half share increase via four straight up or flat moves (.9 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), surrenders two-tenths to 1.3 (6+) but continues at #23.

Sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” repeats April’s 6+-share (4.2) and 6+ market rank (seventh); the Giants flagship was +1.1 in April. In three consecutive positive spikes (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game” nearly doubles (+1.4) its 6+-stat as the key station of the Golden State Warriors zooms from #19 to #11.

All-news sibling KCBS-AM is -1.9 in March/April/May (7.1 – 6.7 – 5.6 – 5.2, fourth to sixth, 6+), directly after a collective +1.4 in four straight ratings periods without a loss (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+).

After an April-only stay at #1, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED falters by eight-tenths (6.9 – 6.1, 6+) and segues to #2. A combined -.9 in January and February (7.1 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), KQED erased that deficit in its entirety with a March gain of nine-tenths. Off two-tenths (.9 – .7, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW falls from #26 to #27.

San Jose Music Formats – There is considerable movement within San Jose’s top five this month. Most notably is Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY roaring back from April’s -1.5 with a rousing +1.3 (6.2 – 7.5, 6+), allowing “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” to return to #1 after an April-only stay at #2. Prior to the April sweep, “Bay FM” had been +1.5 via three upticks in a row (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). It was a combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (8.0 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), after an overall +1.7 in October/November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+). Hot AC sibling KEZR “Mix 106 – Today’s Best Music” erases April’s loss of eight-tenths with a similar magnitude May increase (5.6 – 4.8 – 5.6, sixth to fourth, 6+). In three straight “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 up or flat trends, “Mix 106” gained six-tenths (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+). Format rival, iHeartMedia’s KIOI “Star 101.3,” is a collective -1.1 in four straight sweeps without a gain (4.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5, flat at #8, 6+). “Star” was -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, “Holiday” 2018, 6+); +.8 (3.8 – 4.6, January 2019, 6+); and -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, February, 6+). Steady at #15 is yet another hot AC, Entercom’s KLLC “Alice @ 97.3,” which is trending 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.5 (6+). Piling on one-half share to April’s massive +1.5 (3.8 – 5.3 – 5.8, 6+), Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” jumps from fifth to third. Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” is a combined -.8 in April/May (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.3, third to fifth, 6+), while co-owned regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” falters by one-half share (3.4 – 2.9, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). University of Southern California classical KDFC is -1.7 in four drops in a row (3.6 – 2.9 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9, #18 to #19, 6+). For the fifth straight month, KOIT-FM “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” is unlisted in San Jose. As the result of five straight increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), it was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018. The Bonneville adult contemporary outlet remains in print in the San Francisco report.

Middlesex

Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of four successive setbacks, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW is -1.0 (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1, 6+), but is #1 for the fifth month in a row; “New Jersey 101.5” was +1.2 in January. Up two-tenths (2.8 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR climbs from #18 to #16. Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is down or flat the fourth month and has a 40% (-.4) reduction of its 6+-stat (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .7 – .6, flat at #27, 6+).

Off one-tenth (3.7 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Yankees key station WFAN departs the top ten (#10 to #13). A collective -1.1 in six straight ratings periods without an increase (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” answers with a May gain of seven-tenths to 2.5 (6+) and jumps into the top twenty (#24 to #19).

Having improved by seven-tenths in March/April (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom all-news/Mets flagship WCBS-AM forfeits one-half share to 2.4 (#16 to #20, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-programmed WINS has an August 2018 through May 2019 topline of: 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.7 (6+). WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM stumbles by three-tenths (2.5 – 2.2, #20 to #21, 6+); WNYC was up a combined eight-tenths in January/February (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.8, 6+).

Middlesex Music Formats – By registering a May uptick of seven-tenths (3.4 – 4.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 – Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” catapults into the top five (#14 to #5) and pulls the plug on four straight decreases that led to an overall -2.4 (5.8 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+). Entercom alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3” is a cumulative +1.2 as a result of five consecutive monthlies without a decrease (2.5 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7, #13 to #12, 6+). As noted above in the New York City summary, Cumulus Media hot AC WPLJ has been sold to Educational Media Foundation and flips to contemporary Christian. In its last Middlesex-Somerset-Union sweep as a hot AC, however, “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” notches a one-half share uptick (3.3 – 3.8, #15 to #11, 6+). WPLJ posted a +1.0 in April. Moving from an eighth-place tie to a ninth-place stalemate is Entercom’s WNEW “NEW 102.7” (3.8 – 3.9, +.1, 6+), which carries on in the hot AC format. The combination of iHeartMedia’s WKTU “103.5 KTU” dropping one-tenth (2.9 – 2.8, #16 to #17, 6+) and Emmis’ similarly-formatted WQHT “Hot 97” adding one-tenth (2.7 – 2.8, #19 to #17, 6+) results in the two rhythmic CHRs deadlocked at #17. While remaining in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia New York mainstream CHR WHTZ “Z-100” falters by four-tenths to 5.8 (6+), thus curtailing four straight improvements that netted +1.9 (4.3 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+). Immediately before this streak, “Z-100” was without an increase four successive times for a collective -1.1 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+).