Tag: "Augusta"

Friday, October 5, 2018

BREAKING NEWS: Jack Swanson to Return to KGO and KSFO as PD. Former KGO and KSFO, San Francisco program director Jack Swanson is returning to the Cumulus Media news/talk radio stations to serve as program director of both stations.  This will be Swanson’s second tour of duty at KGO, having served for a number of years up until 2011 as PD, OM and eventually VP of programming at KGO and sister station KSFO.  He left at that time due to a massive cost-cutting that took place in the aftermath of Cumulus acquiring the station in a “merger” with its former parent company Citadel Broadcasting.  Swanson most recently served a two-year stint as news director of then-CBS owned KCBS-AM, San Francisco between 2015 and 2017.  Swanson says, “People have asked why I’m returning.  Simple.  This is the most exciting time in the history of these iconic stations.  I’m jazzed about their future.  Returning to work with [market manager] Doug Harvill and the support of a re-energized Cumulus is going to be an amazing adventure.  I’m excited to be a part of the new Cumulus!

Talk Radio Examines #MeToo Movement One Year Later.  It is exactly one year since The New York Times triggered what has come to be known as the #MeToo movement by publishing an exposé by reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey on movie mogul Harvey Weinstein’s sexual improprieties that eventually brought him down along with a list of prominent men in the entertainment, business, media and political industries.  After a couple of turbulent weeks of headline dominating events emanating from Judge Brett Kavanaugh‘s controversial confirmation hearing culminating in what is certain to be a historic and consequential vote by the U.S. Senate, TALKERS looks at the #MeToo movement through lens of some of news/talk radio’s prominent female hosts.  We spoke with the following women working in talk radio to get their points of view: WABC, New York’s Rita Cosby; WGCH, Greenwich, Connecticut’s Lisa Wexler; SiriusXM’s Karen Hunter; WFTL, Fort Lauderdale’s Joyce Kauffman; KRLA, Los Angeles’ Jennifer Horn; and KMZQ, Las Vegas’ Heidi Harris.  Read the story here.

Austin Rhodes Renews with WGAC-FM, Augusta. Georgia talk show host Austin Rhodes signs a new, long-term contract with Beasley Media Group to continue hosting his afternoon drive program on the company’s Augusta news/talk station WGAC-FM. Rhodes celebrated his 26th year on the air at WGAC-FM in July and Beasley Augusta VP and market manager Kent Dunn says, “Austin has the longest-running radio talk show in Augusta, Georgia history.  His commitment to WGAC listeners, the community, and Beasley Media Group is tremendous.  We are fortunate to have him on our team for the future.”  Company EVP of programming Justin Chase adds, “Beasley is committed to top quality local content across our platforms and Austin Rhode’s show is loved by our clients and listeners in the Augusta market.  Austin has been with Beasley for many years and we are thrilled that he’ll be with us for many more!”

Beasley Adds QCB for Commentary Across Charlotte Stations. The personality known as QCB, a.k.a. Tremaine Sloan, joins the Beasley Media Group Charlotte stations as a part-time sports entertainment talent.  He’ll will host a podcast called “3 with the QCB.”  QCB previously was heard on Entercom’s crosstown sports talk WFNZ.  When he is not on the airwaves, Q performs stand-up comedy at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte, as well as at similar clubs across the Southeast.   Beasley Charlotte VP and market manager Bill Schoening says, “I’m really excited to be reunited with QCB and hear him on our airwaves.  We look forward to listening to his great sports entertainment commentary.”

Report: 13% of Americans Don’t Trust Any Traditional News Source.  That’s one of the conclusions of a study by Simmons Research that attempts to quantify the American public’s trust of 38 major news outlets.  The data was culled from an online study fielded the week of August 14 consisting of 2,009 people, weighted to the U.S. population.  The Wall Street Journal was rated most trustworthy among 57.7% of respondents.  The Daily Caller came in last at 22.5%.  Simmons Research says, “Based on our study, it is clear that news media is in crisis overall.  The average percentage of respondents who rated news sources as trustworthy or very trustworthy was just 40.1% — not a ringing endorsement for journalism in general.” Across the 38 outlets in the study, the news organizations that present from a decided political perspective – FOX News, MSNBC, Huffington Post, Daily Beast – did not fare as well as the traditional news organizations such as ABC, NBC, CBS, The New York Times, Forbes and even BBC News.  The study found that 13% of respondents found none of the 38 sources listed to be trustworthy.  Simmons calls this segment Doubters and further explores this group’s political, consumer, and lifestyle profile in the study.  It notes that 62.2% of Doubters voted for Donald Trump in 2018 and 27.8% voted for Hillary Clinton.  Simmons says, “Our data suggest that about six million of the 129 million people who voted in the 2016 election were Doubters.  Among this group, Trump beat Clinton by about two million votes.  Consider that Trump won Pennsylvania by 44,292 votes, Wisconsin by 22,748 votes, and Michigan by just 10,704 votes.  Given this narrow electoral margin, Doubters’ vote choices may have played an important role in the election result.” Read the study here.

iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman Sits for In-Depth Interview with KHOW, Denver’s Ross Kaminsky. Usually, interviewing the chairman and CEO of the company from which you draw your paycheck means you’re going to be very careful not to ask him any “sensitive” questions, but KHOW, Denver’s Ross Kaminsky conducts a wide-ranging and interesting chat with iHeartMedia chief Bob Pittman – touching on everything from how he got into radio to his love affair with piloting airplanes to his business philosophy and how that affects how he operates iHeartMedia.  Regarding podcasting, Pittman says, “Podcasting is to talk radio and talk shows on the radio as streaming is to music on the radio.” While working for Bob Ross at MTV, Pittman says he took some advice he got and applies it to his work at iHeart.  “In this company, you will never get fired for making mistakes, you’ll get fired for not making mistakes because that shows that you’re not trying anything new and the assets that we’ve given you to manage will wilt away under your leadership.”  Listen to the interview here.

Kavanaugh Investigation Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 1-5.  The FBI investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM. At #2 this week was the New York Times story suggesting the Trump family passed its wealth down to the children through tax schemes.  Coming in at #3 was the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents, followed by the allegations of abuse by U.S. Rep and DNC deputy chair Keith Ellison at #4.  The Talkers Ten^TM 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.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. WKTU, New York-based radio personality Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton and iHeartMedia New York announce they’ve agreed to terms on a contract extension.  Hamilton will continue his current role as host of his weekday afternoon show on “103.5 KTU” in New York City.  He also renews and extends his partnership with Premiere Networks to syndicate his trio of radio programs – “The Remix Top 30 Countdown with Hollywood Hamilton,” “Weekend Top 30 with Hollywood Hamilton,” and “Weekend Top 30 with DJ Pup Dawg” – that broadcast on 120 stations worldwide…..In Charlotte, iHeartMedia names Sarah Lee the new morning drive co-host on WKKT “96.9 The Kat” alongside Country Radio Hall of Famer Paul Schadt on the “Paul Schadt and Sarah Lee in the Morning” program, effective October 22.  Lee comments, “I’m ecstatic to return to Charlotte and work on-air with one of my idols in the genre my parents raised me in.  Paul Schadt is not only a talent that I have respected for years, but he is a legend in the format, a mentor, a peer, and a friend.  It is my deepest honor to be able to call him partner and a dream come true to wake up the Carolinas on ‘96.9 The Kat.’”  Lee was most recently an artist social media manager with Black River Entertainment…..The CBS News Radio Network is launching a new service called CBS Connect, designed to provide news, entertainment, and information specifically designed for FM music radio listeners.  Its flagship program is “The Connected Minute,” anchored by Jennifer Brown.  The company says CBS Connect affiliates will also receive a number of other short-form features on entertainment, health, and lifestyle.  CBS News Radio general manager Craig Swagler says, “The launch of CBS Connect demonstrates our commitment to providing our broadcast partners with the tools, services, and content they need to win in our hyper-competitive media environment.”…..Cumulus Media’s Nashville urban AC WQQK “92Q” announces it will launch its new morning show on Thursday, October 11. The “The Kenny Smoov Morning Show” features WQQK program director Kenny Smoov (right), Sissy Brown (center), producer and social media director C-Dub (left).  Smoov also serves as afternoon host for Westwood One’s nationally syndicated “The Touch” format…..iHeartMedia’s Bobby Bones show is celebrating its fifth annual Joy Week October 8-11 with in-studio performances by country music stars Kelsea Ballerini, Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, and Old Dominion.  During the week, Bones and his cast encourage listeners to choose joy, spread happiness, and do good things for others.  The program is also selling #PimpinJoy apparel, the proceeds from which will benefit military service members, veterans and their families.  Since the #PimpinJoy movement was launched in 2014, more than $2.5 million dollars has been raised to support many worthy causes.

September 2018 PPM Data – Part Four. September 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 September 2018 survey period covered August 16 – September 12. 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 below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite dropping one-tenth (4.4 – 4.3, 6+), Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” inches up from tenth to ninth; August’s 4.4 is its highest 6+-share since March (4.6). Three straight increases by KLBJ-AM prior to April’s -.5 resulted in a +1.8 (2.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+). It has been a wild ride lately for Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn,” which was +.5 in June; -.9 in July; and now in September, posts a +1.0 to 2.5 (#18 to #14,), its best 6+-stat since December 2016 (2.5, as well). A one-tenth gain in May halted three straight January through April down or flat trends that accounted for a -.3 (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+). Flat at #24, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” nets two-tenths in five straight sweeps without a loss (.3 – .3 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+). Its +.2 in June halted four consecutive down or flat trends that accounted for a 50% loss (-.3) of its 6+-share (.6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3, 6+). Roaring back from August’s full-share decline (8.1 – 7.1, 6+) with a +.8 in September (7.9, 6+), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talker KUT advances from second to first. KUT was #1 in July and May – with 8.2 that month its best 6+-showing since November 2016’s 9.0.

Austin Music Formats – In four straight downward trends, iHeartMedia-owned country KVET-FM was an overall -1.7 (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.6 – 4.7, 6+), but “98.1 The Austin, Texas Original” hauls out a +.6 to 5.3 (6+), progressing from eighth to sixth. While April’s +1.1 to 6.4 (6+) enabled KVET-FM to notch its best 6+-stat since last December’s 6.2, August’s 4.7 is its lowest 6+-performance since April 2016’s 4.6. Co-owned and similarly-formatted KASE, which was -.5 (May); +.5 (June); -.5 (July) and +.4 in August (5.6 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+) adds two-tenths (5.7, fourth to third, 6+). Immediately before May’s one-half share decline, “Austin’s #1 For New Country” was +1.7 in four straight upticks (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+). KASE and KVET-FM were tied for fifth in March (5.3, 6+). Meanwhile, after stopping three straight decreases that produced a loss of six-tenths (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .8, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE “Austin’s Country Alternative” erases that -.6 with a combined +.6 in August and September (.8 – 1.0 – 1.4, flat at #21, 6+). Notwithstanding a one-half share September increase, Emmis adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob FM” backslides from first to second; “Bob” was a collective -.8 in July and August (8.1 – 7.5 – 7.3, 6+). On top four months in a row, Austin’s version of “Bob” segued to second in May, owing to a massive -1.4 (8.9 – 7.5, 6+). KBPA would later have one-month stays at #1 in both June and August. Improving by one-half share as well are its triple A cluster-mate KGSR “Austin City Limits Radio” (2.4, #17 to #15, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLJA “Amor 107.7” (1.9, steady at #19, 6+). Entering the September sweep, KGSR had a (6+) topline of 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, while “Amor” applies the brakes to five straight monthlies without an increase that accounted for a -1.0 (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+). On the heels of recording its strongest 6+-stat (6.7) since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.4, Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5” has August’s one-half share increase (6.2 – 6.7, 6+) wiped away with a -1.2 to 5.5 (third to fourth, 6+). After four successive up or flat trends that netted a +1.0 (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7, 6+) Emmis’ KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” forfeits 90% of that increase (3.8, -.9, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #11). Somewhat similarly, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3,” which was a collective +.9 in three upticks in succession (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+), surrenders seven-tenths to 2.4 (#13 to #15, 6+). It is tied at #15 with University of Texas at Austin-owned triple A KUTX “98.9 The Austin Music Experience,” which has improved by a cumulative six-tenths in six straight sweeps without a loss (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – After logging a 5.1 (6+) three times in the last five ratings periods (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” improves by four-tenths to 5.5 (6+), advancing from ninth to eighth. A similar gain of four-tenths in July halted three down or flat trends that produced a loss of three tenths (5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). An April decline of two-tenths ended three consecutive upticks that yielded a +1.5 (3.8 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+). A collective +.7 in seven straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF continues at #19. In May, “News Radio 680” finished at #18, but prior to that, it occupied the #19 slot for nine straight sweeps. By gaining four-tenths to 2.2 (#16 to #14, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” (#14 to #16) pulls the plug on three losses in a row that resulted in a loss of more than 50% (-2.1) of its 6+-share (3.9 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+). Raleigh’s “Fan” was -1.3 in January; +.5 in March; -.5 in April; +.5 in May; -1.3 in June; and -.6 in July. Over the last four sweeps, 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+); and now first to second (September, 8.8 – 8.4, -.4, 6+). In April, WUNC  was -1.0.

Raleigh Music Formats – As a result of a robust +1.1 to 9.6 – its strongest 6+-stat since January’s 10.7 – Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” marches from third to first, succeeding WUNC (see above). A collective -1.2 in three straight downward moves (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+), Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “94.7 QDR Today’s Best Country” eliminates all but two-tenths of that deficit with a +1.0 to 7.9 (fifth to third, 6+). Conversely, iHeartMedia-owned WNCB “B-93.9 #1 For New Country” falters by four-tenths to 2.9 (unchanged at #12, 6+), thus snapping at four its consecutive string of increases that netted six-tenths (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). Gaining one-half share each are Radio One gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” (4.7 – 5.2, tenth to ninth, 6+) and Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “101.1 La Ley” (1.5 – 2.0, #18 to #16, 6+). This (5.2) is the brightest 6+-showing for “The Light” since May 2017’s 6.0, and the highest 6+-stat for “La Ley” since January (2.0, as well). Significant ups/downs continue for Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5,” which is a collective +2.6 via three April, May, and June improvements (5.1 – 5.8 – 7.1 – 7.7, 6+); -1.3 in July (7.7 – 6.4, 6+); +.6 in August (6.4 – 7.0, 6+); and now -1.2 in September (7.0 – 5.8, fourth to seventh, 6+). June’s 7.7 is its strongest 6+-showing since 10.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Following six straight up or flat trends that netted a +3.1 (5.9 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 9.0, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” is a cumulative -1.2 in August and September (9.0 – 8.7 – 7.8, second to fourth, 6+); “K-97.5” jumped from fifth to first in July. A combined -1.3 in four straight down or flat trends (6.3 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WDCG “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” slips from eighth to tenth, with its lowest 6+-share since December 2017 (5.0, as well).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – In a March through September up/down pattern that includes September’s -.7 (5.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 6.7 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 5.5, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC “93.1 Indy’s News Center” is off one-tenth in that stretch and remains in sixth-place. Prior to May’s -.3, WIBC was a combined +2.5 via four straight positive spikes (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), preceded by an overall -1.8 in four straight downward moves (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Co-owned sports talk WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” trots out a +.6 to 2.2 (#18 to #15, 6+), which nearly erases its collective -.7 through five consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+). After notching a +.1 in back-to-back reports (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, June-July-August, 6+) to end three down or flat sweeps in succession for a loss of three-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” is off two-tenths to 1.7 (#16 to #19). A combined +1.8 in four straight increases (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI slips by one-tenth to 4.3 (6+) but continues at #10. Having increased by one-tenth in back-to-back (July and August) reports (.8 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), Moody Bible Institute religious teaching WGNR “Moody Radio” improves by one-half share to 1.5 (6+) and continues at #20.

Indianapolis Music Formats – Shattering milestones it set just last month, Cumulus Media’s WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” boasts a +1.1 to 9.7, the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history – and first time it reaches the nine-share threshold (6+). By way of perspective, the previous best for “Classic Hits 104.5” was 8.6, set in … August 2018. If that weren’t enough, WJJK is #1 for the third month in a row and registers its fourth successive uptrend that accounts for a cumulative +2.9 (6.8 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.6 – 9.7, 6+). While not as dramatic perhaps as what “Classic Hits 104.5” has recently accomplished, Emmis adult contemporary WYXB posts its fourth consecutive up or flat move for an overall +1.4 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.5, 6+) to progress from fourth to second. Moreover, this (7.5) represents the finest 6+-showing for “B-105.7” since January’s 7.9. By gaining six-tenths to 2.1 (#19 to #17, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WYRG “Energy 93.9” pulls the plug on eight straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a roughly 70% (-3.6) decline of that frequency’s 6+ AQH share (5.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+). It was in mid-November 2017 when WRWM “The Beat” evolved to WYRG “Energy.” Locked on 6.6 (6+) in July and August, Emmis-owned WLHK craters by -1.5 to 5.1 (6+), as “Country 97.1 Hank FM” drops from fifth to eighth. In July, “Hank” regained four-tenths of June’s -.9. Immediately prior to that, WLHK was +1.6 in five consecutive monthlies without a loss (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+). May’s 7.1 is its strongest 6+-showing since 7.6 in September 2015. Its format rival – Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” – is up four-tenths (7.0 – 7.4, 6+) and remains at #3. WFMS was #1 in April, May, and June, before becoming a cumulative -1.2 in July and August (8.2 – 7.7 – 7.0, 6+). July’s one-half share loss suspended four straight upticks that netted +2.3 (5.9 – 6.2 – 7.3 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Representative July 2017 – August 2018 WFMS fluctuations include: -.9 (July 2017); +.8 (August); +.5 (September); -.7 (October); +1.1 (November); -.9 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); -.5 (February 2018); +1.0 (April); +.5 (May); -.5 (July); and -.7 (August). In addition to being down or flat for the third straight month for an overall loss of seven-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.2, flat at #15, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZRL “Real 98.3” has its lowest 6+-share (2.2) since April’s 2.1.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Substituting August’s one-half share loss with a September gain of six-tenths (7.3 – 7.9, 6+), Scripps news/talk WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” advances from third to second. In April, the Milwaukee Brewers flagship more than doubled February’s +.9 with a +1.9; two months later (June), WTMJ virtually eliminated May’s -.6 with a +.5. Conversely, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WISN, which also forfeited one-half share in August, sputters by another six-tenths, segueing from fourth to sixth. “News/Talk 1130” is now a combined -2.1 in four straight decreases (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.6, 6+), following a +.9 in May (6.8 – 7.7, 6+). Unchanged at #16, Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” notches a gain of one-tenth for the third month in a row (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+). Meanwhile, University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM is off one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+) but ranks #14 for the third straight month. It is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 17^th consecutive sweep. Immediately prior to June’s loss of one-tenth, WUWM was up eight-tenths in five sweeps in a row without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Regaining the two-tenths it lost in August (.9 – .7 – .9), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD continues at #19.

Milwaukee Music Formats – Powered by three consecutive positive spikes that have netted a +2.2 (4.0 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 6.2, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB zooms from eighth to fourth. This (6.2) constitutes the strongest 6+-showing for “B-93.3” since “Holiday” 2017’s 7.4. Notching improvements of one-half share each are Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” (5.4 – 5.9, sixth to fifth, 6+) and Saga Communications urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3” (#13 to #11). “Mix” has its best 6+-stat (5.9) since August 2017’s 6.3, while “Jammin’” posts a gain for the third consecutive month for an overall +1.6 (2.6 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+). Steady at #9, Entercom CHR WXSS “103.7 Kiss FM” posts its fourth gain in succession for an overall +1.0 (4.1 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (5.1) since December 2016’s 5.5. At the same time, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRNW “97.3 Now,” which had three straight decreases for an overall loss of eight-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), gains four-tenths to 2.7 (#15 to #14, 6+). Six straight down or flat trends by Milwaukee Radio Alliance classic hits-oldies WZTI resulted in a more than 50% loss (-.6) of its 6+-share (1.0 – .8 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .4, 6+), but “Fonz FM” picks up one-tenth to .5 (6+) and continues at #21. While it sets the pace for the 43^rd consecutive ratings period, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” spirals by -1.6 (10.2 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to July’s loss of seven-tenths, “Big FM” had been +1.7 in four straight February through June increases (8.8 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.5, 6+). Not unlike WRIT, Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” is accustomed to some substantial month-to-month fluctuations. In September, for example, it is -.5 (8.4 – 7.9, 6+), but remains at #2. WKLH previously was -.9 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2008); -.9 (February); +1.1 (March); -.5 (April); -.5 (May); +.9 (June); and +1.2 (August). In the market’s country skirmish, iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” regains the three-tenths it lost in August (5.3 – 5.6, seventh to sixth, 6+), while Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country” falters by that margin and is an overall -.9 in four straight decreases (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5, #11 to #13, 6+). WMIL rebounded from June’s -1.0 with a +.5 in July. Entering the August sweep, WKTI had been within 4.0 – 4.4 range the previous six months (4.0 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2, February through July, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit flat at 3.8 (6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” departs the top ten (#10 to #11). Entering the August ratings period, “Super Talk” had a fluctuation of two-tenths in April, May, June, and July (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+). With a (6+) high of 1.4 and low of .8, iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” (#20 to #19, 6+) has a May 2017 – September 2018 topline of 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. Piling on a +1.4 to August’s gain of six-tenths (3.6 – 5.0, 6+), Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX returns to the top ten (#11 to #7). This (5.0) is the highest 6+-share for “104.5 The Zone” since January’s 6.5. Immediately prior to August, WGFX was without an increase for six straight monthlies for a -3.5 (6.5 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). An overall -1.9 in four straight decreases – three of which were by one-tenth (2.6 – 2.5 – .9 – .8 – .7, 6+) – Cromwell Group-owned sports talk WPRT “102.5 The Game” picks up one-tenth to .8 (6+) and enters the top twenty (#21 to #19). After logging a one-half share increase in August, Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” relinquishes three-tenths (4.9 – 4.6, seventh to tenth, 6+). Just before August’s +.5, WPLN-FM was a combined -.9 in five straight down or flat trends (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – At the same time that iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” posts a +.8 (4.3 – 5.1, ninth to eighth, 6+), Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” spirals by -1.0 (6.6 – 5.6, fifth to sixth, 6+). The market’s other country FM – Cumulus Media’s WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” – picks up one-tenth (3.6 – 3.7, 6+), yet backslides from #11 to #12. “The Big 98” had been without an increase the past four sweeps for a collective -1.6 since April (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 4.3, 6+); August’s 4.3 is its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 4.1. Up four-tenths in August, “Nash Icon” faltered by one-half share in April. Following three straight up or flat trends that netted a +1.1 (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+), “Nash FM” was a combined -1.0 in July and August (4.6 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+). On the heels of August’s +.4, iHeartMedia CHR WRVW adds seven-tenths (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.5, eighth to seventh, 6+) as “107.5 The River” has its best 6+-stat since May’s 5.9. Improving by seven-tenths as well is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU “Positive & Inspiring K-Love,” which is an overall +.8 in four straight up or flat moves (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.1, #15 to #13, 6+). In three upticks in succession (5.9   – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.4, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK is a collective +1.5; “92-Q” progresses from fourth to third. Even though it returns in its entirety the nine-tenths it added in August (8.8 – 9.7 – 8.8, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” sets the pace for the eighth month in a row. “Mix” – which was +1.0 in June and -.5 in May – ranked first in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017; shifted to second in January; but returned to #1 in February. Co-owned adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM Playing What We Want” stumbles by eight-tenths (7.8 – 7.0, 6+), slipping from second to fourth. An overall +1.5 via four consecutive increases (6.3 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ surrenders two-tenths to 7.6 (6+), but carries in the runner-up slot. August’s 7.8 is the best 6+-stat for “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” since January (7.8, as well). After eroding by seven-tenths in August, urban contemporary cluster-mate WUBT “101.1 The Beat” sputters by another six-tenths (6.6 – 6.0, 6+) but stays at #5. Entering the August sweep, “The Beat” was trending 7.5 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 (6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding four-tenths to August’s +.3 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” advances from eighth to seventh. Its August increase halted three straight sweeps without an increase for a -1.0 (4.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+). A decline of eight-tenths in May wiped out the eight-tenths it collected via three consecutive upticks (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+). Somewhat similarly, iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” is a combined +.4 in August and September (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.5, #14 to #12, 6+), directly following an overall loss of nine-tenths through five straight decreases (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+). While its net loss between May and September is just one-tenth, Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” (#20 to #21) is without an increase for the fourth sweep in a row (.6 – .6 -.6 – .5 – .5, 6+). Following an approximately six-and-one-half year absence from the Providence report, iHeartMedia Boston’s WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” returned in print in May. Its five May through September 6+ Providence stats are: 1.4 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 (#18 to #19, 6+).While level at 4.1 (6+), WVEI slips from seventh to eighth. The Entercom sports talk outlet was up seven-tenths in August, after a drop of six-tenths in July. In advance of July’s decrease, WVEI was a collective +1.2 in three upticks in a row (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+). The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH, which 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+), adds four-tenths to 2.2 (6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #9). At the same time, WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH returns the four-tenths it earned in August (1.8 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). 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 – Bouncing back from August’s -1.2 with a +.8 (9.5 – 8.3 – 9.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” climbs from third to second. August’s 8.3 is its lowest 6+-stat since July 2017 (8.3, as well). The four most recent fluctuations for hot AC cluster-mate WSNE “Coast 93.3” are: -1.2 (June); +1.1 (July); -.8 (August); and now +.6 in September (5.4 – 4.2 – 5.3 – 4.5 – 5.1, flat at #6, 6+). June’s decrease directly followed three upticks in a row that netted seven-tenths (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+). Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI follows August’s +.1 with a September +.2 and repeats at #1 (9.9 – 10.0 – 10.2, 6+). On top in May and June, with June’s 10.3 its highest 6+-stat since 12.3 in “Holiday” 2017, “Lite Rock 105” has been in double-digits (6+) in 11 of the last 17 sweeps. Entering the August sweep, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB was +.3.1 in five upticks in a row (5.0 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 8.1, 6+), but “B-101” is a combined -1.7 in August and September (8.1 – 7.3 – 6.4, flat at #5, 6+). In July, it reached the eight-share level (8.1) for the first time since August 2015 (8.0). On a seesaw, Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “92 PRO FM – Today’s Hit Music” is -.7 (July); +1.0 (August); and now -.7 in September (9.1 – 8.4, second to third, 6+). August 2018’s 9.1 is its strongest 6+-showing in more than a year (9.1, as well, in June 2017).

Norfolk – A cumulative -1.8 in four straight decreases (7.1 – 6.7 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.3, 6+), Saga Communications’ classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” roars back with a +1.1 to 6.4 (fifth to third, 6+). When “The Fox” dropped four-tenths in May, it halted three upticks in a row that netted a +2.4 (4.7 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+). In April-May-June, Entercom hot AC WPTE was +1.0 (2.9 – 2.6 – 3.9, 6+). It returned 90% of that increase (-.9) in July and August (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) and now regains one-half share in September (3.5, 6+); “94.9 The Point” carries on at #7. A collective +3.4 in five straight increases (12.1 – 12.3 – 13.2 – 14.3 – 14.6 – 15.5, 6+), urban AC sibling WVKL relinquishes just over half of that bounty (13.7, -1.8, 6+). Even so, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 for the 22^ndtime in a row and posts a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 30^th time in the last 31 sweeps. Its 15.5 in August sets the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era, breaking the old mark of 14.6 (6+), which WVKL tied in July. Meanwhile, CHR sibling WNVZ “Z-104,” which was +1.2 in four straight sweeps without a loss (4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.3, 6+), surrenders half that increase (4.7, -.6, fifth to sixth, 6+). August’s 5.3 is its highest 6+-share in more than four years (5.4, May 2014). An overall +1.3 in June and July (5.0 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WWDE “101.3 2WD” is off an overall four-tenths in August and September (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.9, 6+), shifting from third to fourth. Just prior to May’s -1.1, WWDE posted three upticks in succession that generated a +1.8 (4.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+). After losing 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+), iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV “Movin’ 107.7” picks up three-tenths in August and September (.7 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+) to crack the top ten (#11 to #10). As the result of four straight declines, Saga Communications’ WNOR “99 Rocks” is -2.5 (8.3 – 7.3 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.8, fourth to fifth, 6+).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – A loss of eight-tenths (4.3 – 3.5, 6+) drops iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” out of the top ten (#10 to #11). WPTI posted a gain of two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.2, April – May – June, 6+), before dropping one-tenth in July. In six straight down or flat survey periods, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS has lost 75% (-.6) of its 6+ AQH share (.8 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .2 – .2 -.2, 6+) and stays at #16. Immediately before that, owing to three straight increases, “Triad Sports” quadrupled its 6+-share (.2 – .3 – .6 – .8, 6+). For the fourth sweep in succession, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” finishes at #13 (2.1 – 2.3, +.2, 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+). The May through September topline for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC (#14 to #15) is 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 (6+). Prior to April, WUNC registered a .9 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – .9, 6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – Posting whopping gains of +1.1 each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Variety” (6.8 – 7.9, fifth to third, 6+) and Dick Broadcasting CHR WKZL 107.5 KZL – The #1 Hit Music Station” (eighth to sixth). WMAG had been a collective -1.0 in July and August (7.8 – 7.2 – 6.8, 6+). After a lengthy hiatus, WKZL recently returned in print. Its February through September topline is 4.0 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 5.7 (6+) for an overall +1.7 in that timeframe. Adding one-half share to August’s +.2 (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss FM All the Hits” finishes at #12 for the fourth sweep in a row. 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+). Notwithstanding that it is down two full-shares as the result of five successive decreases (12.2 – 12.0 – 11.2 – 10.9 – 10.5 – 10.2, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” leads the pack for the ninth month in a row and is in double-digits (6+) for the 23^rd straight time. WQMG was -1.1 in March, but then +1.2 in April. In the runner-up slot for the ninth consecutive time, adult hits cluster-mate WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” is off a combined four-tenths in August and September (10.0 – 9.7 – 9.6, 6+). 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+). Down three-tenths in July and then up four-tenths in August, iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” regresses by eight-tenths in September (7.3 – 6.5, third to fifth, 6+). July’s decrease ended at three its consecutive streak of gains that netted a +2.3 (4.9 – 5.0 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+); June’s 7.2 is the highest 6+-share for “Q-104.1” since October 2017’s 7.3. Locked on 5.6 (6+) in July (when it was up nine-tenths) and August, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WPAW drops two-tenths to 5.4 (seventh to eighth, 6+); “93.1 The Wolf” plummeted by -1.5 in June (6.2 – 4.7, 6+). Immediately prior to that loss, WPAW was +1.1 in May to 6.2, its highest 6+-share since October 2017’s 7.1.

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #10, Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” is an overall +.7 in four successive upticks (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, , 6+). After four straight up or flat trends that netted nine-tenths (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” is now a combined -1.0 in August and September (2.9 – 2.3 – 1.9, -.6, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #13). Before posting a +.3 in April, WJNO was a collective -1.3 via four successive decreases (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+). Following a one-half share gain in August, co-owned news/talk WZZR returns 40% of that increase (2.0 – 1.8, -.2, #13 to #14, 6+). Prior to August, “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches” had been down or flat the previous three ratings periods for a -.6 (2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+). Returning to print in West Palm Beach, Miami news/talk sibling WIOD is trending 1.1 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.2 (#19 to #18, 6+). Progressing from ninth to eighth, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN has been within 2.9 – 3.5 range (6+) each month this calendar year: 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 (6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – A collective +1.0 in four straight up or flat trends (9.0 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 9.4 – 10.0, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC WRMF finishes first for the ninth consecutive month and is in double-digits for the first time since February. When “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” logged a +.3 in June, it suspended three straight decreases that produced an overall -1.2 (10.2 – 9.9 – 9.2 – 9.0, 6+). WRMF spent 12 consecutive ratings periods on top before dropping to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2017. On the heels of August’s +1.2 to 5.1 – its best 6+-stat since June 2017 – co-owned WIRK surrenders 75% of that increase (4.2, -.9, fourth to sixth, 6+). Immediately prior to August, “Country 103.1” notched five successive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -1.0 (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+). Off for the third time in a row for an overall -1.2 (6.5 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL segues from second to third with its lowest 6+-share (5.3) since 4.9 in “Holiday” 2017. “Today’s Kool 105.5” was up six-tenths in June, after being locked on 5.9 (6+) in April and May. One-tenth behind WOLL is its format rival, Alpha Media’s WEAT “Sunny 107.9,” which is up four-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.2, steady at #4, 6+), after July’s half-share loss. This is the best 6+-showing for “Sunny” since April (5.2, as well). Big ups/downs continue for iHeartMedia CHR WLDI “Wild 95.5,” which was -1.6 in May and June (4.3 – 3.1 – 2.7, 6+); a collective +1.3 in July and August (2.7 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+); and now -.5 in September (4.0 – 3.5, flat at #7, 6+). Faltering by one-half share as well are WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” (3.3 – 2.8, eighth to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WBGG “Big 105.9 – South Florida’s Classic Rock” (1.6 – 1.1, #16 to #19, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – In the last three sweeps, Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” has been -.7 (July); +.5 (August); and -.6 in September (9.2 – 8.6, second to third, 6+). Immediately in advance of July’s decline, WOKV was +2.1 in three upticks in a row (7.3 – 8.2 – 9.3 – 9.4, 6+). Off nine-tenths in March, WOKV was #1 in May. Flat at .5 – its best 6+-stat since January’s .7 – iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “Sports Radio 930” remains at #19. A very steady January – August topline for public news/talk WJCT (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.4) gets a bit of a September jolt with a -.6 to 2.8 (flat at #12, 6+).

Jacksonville Music Formats – It has been a real rollercoaster ride the past four sweeps for Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle,” which was -.5 (June); +.8 (July); -.7 (August); and now a whopping +1.3 in September (8.0 – 9.3, third to second, 6+). Immediately in advance of June’s one-half share loss, “The Eagle” was a combined +1.8 in five straight up or flat trends (6.6 – 7.1 – 7.7 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.4, 6+). In a continuation of that theme, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJBT “93.3 The Beat,” was a cumulative -1.0 in March and April (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.2, 6+); +.8 (May); -.5 (June); +1.0 (July); -.4 (August); and now +.8 in September (5.1 – 5.9, flat at #6, 6+). A collective -1.2 in three straight down or flat trends (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WEZI answers with a collective +1.3 in August and September (3.4 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+) as “Easy 102.9” jumps from tenth to seventh. While Renda Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WEJZ is #1 for the fourth month in a row, “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” regresses by eight-tenths (10.6 – 9.8, 6+) and has its consecutive string of reaching double-digits (6+) end at three (10.4 – 10.3 – 10.6, 6+). August’s 10.6 is the best 6+-showing for WEJZ since “Holiday” 2017’s 11.9. A loss of two-tenths in May knocked WEJZ (which was +1.4 in June) from first after just a one-month stay on top; it was #1 in “Holiday” 2017 and February 2018. Having recorded a March through July topline of 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.9 (6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKSL “97.9 Kiss-FM” gained one-half share in August to 4.4 (6+), only to lose nine-tenths in September (3.5, 6+) and exit the top ten (#8 to #11). August’s 4.4 is its strongest 6+-share since January’s 4.7. In five straight negative moves (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+), Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE is an overall -1.5 and slips from seventh to ninth; “Gator Country 99.9” was +1.1 in April. Unchanged at #4, iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 Jacksonville’s Country” is off a combined four-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (7.1 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.8, 6+). A collective -2.3 in April and May (9.0 – 8.2 – 6.7, 6+), WQIK bounced back with a one-half share increase to 7.2 (June, 6+). Its +1.1 in March suspended four straight decreases that accounted for an overall -5.7 (13.6 – 12.3 – 11.0 – 10.6 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+). October 2017’s 13.6 is the best-ever (6+) PPM-performance for WQIK, which was #1 this past January and March.

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +.6 in July and August (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” drops one-tenth in September to 3.4 (6+) but continues at #10. July’s increase stalled 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+). Fully erasing July’s -.6 (2.9 – 2.3, 6+) with a combined +.6 in August and September (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” carries on at #12. Immediately prior to dropping one-tenth in April, WMFS was up or flat three monthlies in a row for an overall gain of eight-tenths (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). Co-owned sports talk WMC-AM “Sports 790 AM” is up or flat for the fifth time in succession for a net gain of three-tenths (.1 – .1 – .1 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4, flat at #18, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – Answering August’s loss of eight-tenths with a September gain of seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.6, 6+) iHeartMedia-owned WEGR continues in ninth-place. Prior to August, “Rock 102.7 – Memphis’ Classic Rock” was a collective +1.7 via four straight gains (3.0 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). After being down or flat the past six monthlies for a collective -2.7 (7.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.1 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), co-owned gospel WHAL “95.7 Halleluiah – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” picks up one-tenth to 4.7 (6+) and is unchanged at #8. August’s 4.6 is its lowest 6+-stat since September 2017 (4.6, as well). Improving by six-tenths and jumping from fourth to second is Entercom adult contemporary WRVR “104.5 The River” (8.0 – 8.6, 6+), which was +.6 in July as well. This (8.6) is the best 6+-stat for WRVR since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9. Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” is up a total of three-tenths in three straight up or flat reports (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7, steady at #14, 6+). Also notching a +.6 in September, in addition to “The River,” is Entercom country WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” (1.8 – 2.4, #14 to #13, 6+), which has its best 6+-performance since January (2.4, as well). Format rival – Cumulus Media-owned WGKX “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country” – is off two-tenths to 5.0 (flat at #7, 6+), thus halting three straight increases that netted +1.8 (3.4 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+). June’s gain of one-half share interrupted four decreases in a row that accounted for a cumulative -1.0 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+). At #1 for the fifth month in a row, iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” is nonetheless a combined -.8 in August and September (11.1 – 10.4 – 10.3, 6+). Entering the August sweep, KJMS was +1.7 in three straight up or flat trends (9.4 – 10.1 – 11.1 – 11.1, 6+). An overall -2.6 in five downward moves in succession (9.8 – 9.4 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” shifts from third to fourth with its lowest 6+-stat (7.2) since March 2017’s 6.5. By gaining six-tenths in April (following a +1.0 in March), “K-97.1” succeeded “V-101” at #1. Without an increase for the fourth successive sweep for a combined -1.4 (10.0 – 9.3 – 8.8 – 8.8 – 8.6, 6+), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO “Soul Classics and Today’s R&B” stays at #2, where it is tied with AC sibling WRVR. Immediately in advance of the June sweep, WRBO was +2.3 in three straight positive trends (7.7 – 8.0 – 9.2 – 10.0, 6+); May’s 10.0 is its finest 6+-performance since October 2017’s 10.2. Albeit down for the third straight month for  a combined -1.7 (6.8 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom hot AC WMC-FM remains at #6. Entering the July sweep, “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” was an overall +2.3 in four straight increases (4.5 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.8, 6+); June 2018’s 6.8 is its strongest 6+-showing since May 2017’s 7.0.

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the third time in a row that Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” has posted a 6.2 (seventh to sixth, 6+). July’s one-half share gain halted three straight down or flat trends in succession for a -.2 (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+). Prior to July and August, WTIC-AM last reached the six-share level (6+) in June 2017 (6.7). This calendar year’s (6+) topline trending for Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” (#14 to #15) is: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0. After seven straight down or flat trends for a -2.4 (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” notches a +.5 to 4.0 (flat at #9, 6+). Prior to May, the last time WNPR was below a five-share (6+) was in August 2017 (4.7). Level at #13, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” follows August’s gain of three-tenths with a loss of one-tenth (1.6 – 1.5, 6+). Its August improvement curtailed 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 – Wiping away August’s -.6 with September’s increase of seven-tenths (7.3 – 8.0, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WKSS “Kiss 95.7 – All The Hits” repeats at #2. Entering the August sweep, “Kiss” posted three straight upticks that netted +1.0 (6.9 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.9, 6+). Similarly, co-owned WWYZ “Country 92.5” virtually erases August’s loss of seven-tenths with an improvement of six-tenths (6.4 – 7.0, 6+), as it jumps from sixth to third. Off an overall six-tenths in July and August (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ “Radio 104.1” logs a one-half share gain to 3.9 (6+) and continues at #10. Setting the pace for the 26^th consecutive ratings period, Entercom adult contemporary WRCH “Lite 100.5” slips three-tenths (11.4 – 11.1, 6+) but is in double-digits (6+) for the 23^rd time in the last 25 sweeps. Following July’s -2.2, “Lite” rebounded with a +1.2 in August, which pulled the plug on four straight March through July downward moves that accounted for a -4.1 (14.3 – 13.2 – 13.1 – 12.4 – 10.2, 6+). WRCH was  +1.1 in March, but then -1.1 in April. A decrease of six-tenths (6.5 – 5.9, fifth to seventh, 6+) by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WHCN takes “105.9 The River” to its lowest 6+-stat since October 2017’s 5.6. A cumulative +1.9 in three straight up or flat trends (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.7, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting’s WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Hartford’s Classic Rock” loses three-tenths to 5.4 (6+) but is steady at #8; August’s 5.7 is its best 6+-stat since last October’s 6.0. Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” is -1.6 in four straight decreases (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7, fourth to fifth, 6+).