Tag: "Bill Handel"

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Entercom Announces Station Swaps with iHeartMedia and Beasley, LMA with Bonneville Ahead of CBS RADIO Merger.  We knew the 19 stations Entercom had to divest in order to pass regulatory muster.  Now, we know where they are going and what Entercom is getting for them.  In exchange for stations in Boston and Seattle, Entercom is swapping with iHeartMedia for stations in Richmond and Chattanooga – markets where it previously had no presence.  iHeartMedia will get all-news WBZ-AM, news/talk WRKO, classic rock WZLX and urban AC WKAF in Boston, as well as sports KFNQ, classic rock KZOK, and adult hits KJAQ in Seattle in exchange for the following stations that the new Entercom will acquire in Chattanooga: adult hits WLND, CHR WKXJ, rock WRXR, and country WUSY; and Richmond stations: hip hop WBTJ, sports talk WRNL-AM, news/talk WRVA-AM, CHR WRVQ, alternative WRXL, and AC WTVR.  Also in Boston, CBS RADIO’s sports talk WBZ-FM will be swapped with Beasley Media Group for adult contemporary WMJX.  Entercom will also enter into an LMA with Bonneville International for the latter to program four stations in San Francisco and four in Sacramento.  Those stations are: CHR KMVQ, urban AC KBLX, AC KOIT, and classic rock KUFX in San Francisco; and sports KHTK-AM, country KNCI, AC KYMX, and hot AC KZZO in Sacramento.  This news comes as Entercom announces a settlement with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice that will allow the Entercom-CBS RADIO merger to move forward.  The company says it expects the deal to close as early as November 17.  Entercom CEO David Field says, “Today’s announcements mark a significant milestone as we work to complete the transformational combination of Entercom and CBS RADIO.  While it is necessary to divest certain stations in order to secure regulatory approval, it is difficult to part ways with so many strong brands and, most importantly, their talented people.  However, we are excited by the terrific new additions to our lineup that will bolster our position in Boston and expand our footprint in the Southeast.  We look forward to unlocking the potential of the combined company to deliver value for our listeners, customers and shareholders.”  The above asset exchanges are expected to close in the first quarter of 2018.  The Bonneville LMA will become effective upon the closing of the Entercom-CBS RADIO merger.

Matt Nahigian New KGMZ, San Francisco PD.  Sports programming pro Matt Nahigian is taking over the PD position at Entercom’s KGMZ, San Francisco “95.7 The Game.”  Nahigian – who was most recently with Beasley Media Group programming sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” – said via Facebook, “San Francisco here we come!  I am incredibly excited to tell all of you that I have accepted a position with Entercom and will be heading out to San Francisco to be the Program Director at 95.7 The Game.  It’s such an incredible opportunity to be a part of a company that is one of the biggest and best radio companies in the country.  Everyone we have talked to that has lived or is currently living out there says it is amazing. The station is the broadcast rights holder for the A’s and the Golden St. Warriors so I won’t be considered a bandwagon jumper if I become a Warriors fan. LOL. Thanks to all the great people that we have met in Philadelphia. It’s been 10 of the best years of my life. We have made so many great friends and will miss all of you a great deal. Please think of me in shorts when you are shoveling snow. From Chicago to Philly to San Fran.”  Nahigian takes over for Don Kollins.

‘Color of Change’ Petitioning for Bill Handel’s Firing.  The Oakland-based activist organization Color of Change is creating a petition to ask iHeartMedia to fire KFI, Los Angeles morning host Bill Handel for calling U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson a “cheap, sleazy Democrat whore” on his radio program.  LA Weekly reports that iHeartMedia and KFI have not responded to the request.  Read the LA Weekly piece here.

NPR Places Michael Oreskes on Leave After Assault Allegations.  Public media firm NPR puts SVP of news and editorial director Michael Oreskes on indefinite leave after two women spoke with the organization about his alleged actions some two decades ago while he served with The New York Times.  The women said they were speaking to Oreskes about working at the paper when he forcibly kissed them.  NPR says it takes the allegations “very seriously.”

Tommy Chuck Upped to SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia Tampa-Sarasota.  Moving from iHeartMedia’s Washington, DC cluster to the Tampa-Sarasota markets to serve as senior vice president of programming is Tommy Chuck. In addition to overseeing the programming of the company’s 14 music, talk and news stations in the region, Chuck will be program director at country WFUS “US 103.5.”  He previously programmed country WPOC, Baltimore until he relinquished that role in April to serve as PD at CHR WIHT and AC WASH-FM in Washington, DC.

TALKERS News Notes.  Philly sports talker Angelo Cataldi is off the air at CBS RADIO’s WIP “SportsRadio 94.1” after having gallbladder surgery.  Philly.com’s Rob Tornoe reports that Cataldi went to the hospital on Sunday and the surgery was performed on Monday.  There’s no set timetable for his return to the air…..Cox Media Group is putting some of its newspapers up for sale.  The Austin Statesman, the Palm Beach Post, and the Palm Beach Daily News are on the market.  CMG president Kim Guthrie comments in the Statesman, “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult but strategic decision to put our newspapers in Palm Beach and Austin up for sale.  We have made the decision that we will be better equipped to operate our newspapers in Atlanta and Ohio, where we have the integrated opportunity with our TV and radio operations.”…..Pictured here are Westwood One nationally syndicated late night host Jim Bohannon (right) visiting affiliate KTTR, Rolla, Missouri where he spent some time with local station personality Al Martia (left)…..Speaking of Westwood One, the syndicator and sales arm of Cumulus Media announces that it is adding new shows to its podcasting platform.  The Westwood One Podcast Network is a one-stop, all-inclusive platform that provides a full-service suite of expert tools and services for podcasters, content creators, distributors, producers, and advertisers.  Programs new to the platform include: “The Jim Rome Podcast,” “The Daou of Politics” with Democratic strategist Peter Daou, and “Blitz & Giggles with Josh Lewin.”

John Gibson Visits Genesis Communications Network (GCN).  Former FOX News Radio star John Gibson has found a new distribution home for his popular 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET syndicated weekday talk show – Minneapolis-based Genesis Communications Network (GCN).  Gibson (whose national program is based in Texas) did a show live from the GCN studios and engaged in strategy meetings with the network’s brass who are excited to have another high-profile personality of Gibson’s stature on their growing company’s roster.  Pictured (l-r): GCN affiliate manager Adam Miller, John Gibson, GCN owner/founder Ted Anderson, and johngibson.com webmaster Josh Einstein.  Not shown: GCN advertising director Lee Wickenhauser who attended the meetings.   Stations interested in affiliating with the John Gibson Show in markets where it is still available should contact Adam Miller at amiller@gcnlive.com.

NYC Terror Attack, Special Counsel Indictments, Clinton-DNC Trump-Russia Dossier, GOP Tax Bill, Positive Economic News, Kelly Robert E. Lee Comments, Sexual Assault Cases, Iran Missile Threats, Dodgers-Astros World Series, NFL Trade Deadline Activity Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/31).  The deaths of eight and wounding of 11 in the vehicle terror attack in New York City; the indictments of Paul Manafort, Rick Gates, and George Papadopoulos by special counsel Robert Mueller; the Clinton campaign and Democratic National Committee connection to the Trump-Russia dossier; the Trump administration and GOP tax reform bill; the positive economic news from the Citigroup U.S. Economic Surprise Index; Chief of Staff John Kelly’s Civil War-Robert E. Lee comments; the rash of sexual assault allegations against public figures; Iran’s threats against U.S. military bases in the Middle East; the Dodgers-Astros World Series; and the NFL’s trade deadline 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. New York and New Jersey media pro Michelle Jerson is joining the air staff of Cumulus Media’s country WNSH, New York “NASH FM 94.7” for weekend duties.  Jerson says, “I’m very excited and honored to be working back in the country music format.”  She began her music radio career on New York and New Jersey’s “New Country Y107” and WMJC on Long Island.  She is also a television traffic reporter for Spectrum’s NY1 News, hosts travel satellite media tours, and is a guest on other radio shows talking travel and baby products drawing from her experience as a new mom…..Cumulus Media appoints Mike Duffy program director for active rock WBSX, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton “97.9X.”  Duffy joined the station as midday personality back in April.  Cumulus Wilkes-Barre/Scranton VP and market manager Chris Kenney comments, “We love having Mike here.  He has the leadership qualities and passion you look for in a PD.  He brings a great vibe to the station and a positive energy that is a huge benefit to our listeners and staff.”…..iHeartMedia Norfolk flips WNOH from CHR to alternative rock as “ALT 105.3, Hampton Roads Alternative Rock.”  iHM Norfolk market president Angel Brown says, “The opportunity to launch a radio station like ‘ALT 105.3’ in the No. 1 radio company in the country and within the Hampton Roads area is beyond exciting.  By analyzing song requests, digital streaming, downloads and talking to our listeners, we know the area is passionate about alternative rock.”…..Midwest Family Broadcasting also launches an alternative rock station, this one in the Madison, Wisconsin market on the former WRIS, Mount Horeb – located west of the city of Madison.  The new calls will be WOZN and the station is branded “The Resistance.”…..Just eight months after being promoted to SVP of programming at iHeartMedia’s Baltimore cluster, Jeff Wyatt announces he’s retiring from the position.  Wyatt also serves as the program director for country WPOC, Baltimore and adult hits WQSR “JACK-FM.”…..At Community Broadcasters’ country WWKT. Florence, South Carolina, the “Mudflap and Palmer” show replaces the syndicated “Big D and Bubba” program that’s been airing in morning drive.  Randy “Mudflap” Wilcox and Ed Palmer had been the morning show at iHeartMedia’s crosstown country WEGX until they exited last May and were replaced by the syndicated Bobby Bones show.

Round Two of October PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s October 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s October 2017 PPM survey period covered September 14 – October 11. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – Over and above posting its third straight gain for an overall +.5 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WMZQ “98.7 – Today’s Best Country” cracks the top ten (#11 to #9) with its strongest 6+-showing since June 2016 (3.7, as well). Format rival – Alpha Media’s WFLS “93.3 Today’s New Country” – continues at #20 but is without an increase for the eighth straight sweep and has lost approximately half its 6+-share since February (1.1 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+). Not only does WTOP repeat at #1, the Hubbard all-news operation is a collective +1.6 in three straight upticks (8.2 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 9.8, 6+) and posts its strongest 6+- share since 9.9 in March. In the runner-up slot from January through August, WTOP climbed to #1 in September. By notching a +.7 in August, WTOP halted four consecutive negative trends that yielded a collective -1.7 (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7 – 8.2, 6+). It’s a case of slow and steady for iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH, which is up one-tenth for the third straight time (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+) but it backslides from sixth to seventh. Co-owned CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5 – DC’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.4 – 3.8, -.6, 6+) dips from fifth to eighth and falls below a four-share (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. Still in that iHM cluster, classic rock WBIG “Big 100” is off a collective nine-tenths in September and October (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.7, 6+) but continues in fourth-place. In four straight increases, CBS Radio Spanish tropical WLZL more than tripled its 6+-share (.7 – 1.1 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+), but “El Zol 107.9” drops three-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and slips from #18 to #19. Prior to September, WLZL last reached the two-share level (6+) in December (2.0). While it occupies third-place for the tenth time in a row, Howard University-owned urban AC WHUR is without an increase for the third straight sweep (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.0, 6+) and is -1.1 in that stretch. Its -1.0 in August ended at five a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted +2.4 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+). July’s 8.1 (6+) represents the station’s best-ever PPM-showing. A cumulative -1.8 in August and September (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WMMJ “Majic 102.3” regains four-tenths to 4.6, inching up from eighth to sixth (6+); September’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-share since December’s 3.8. Prior to August, “Majic 102.3” had been up in back-to-back sweeps for a +.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+). A combined -2.3 as the result of five consecutive negative sweeps (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), WMMJ bounced back with three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), but that streak concluded in March.

2) Boston – Beantown’s sports talk format scores another huge victory as Entercom-owned Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM improves by six-tenths to jump from fourth to second, while CBS Radio’s New England Patriots’ key station WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” registers a full-share improvement, marching from eighth to fifth. Both of these sports talk properties were up one-half share in September. This marks the third straight uptick for WEEI-FM for a collective +1.6 (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.3 – 5.9, 6+). Having bounced back from May’s -.1 with a June gain of three-tenths, WEEI-FM dropped seven-tenths in July. Entering the August ratings period, “The Sports Hub” had been down or flat six straight times for a combined -2.5 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), but is now a collective +2.1 in August, September, and October (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.4, 6+). Elsewhere in the spoken-word arena, news/talk outlets WBUR (4.5, tenth to eighth, 6+) and Entercom’s WRKO (2.0 – 2.5, #16 to #15, 6+) each improve by one-half share. A loss of one-half share in September by Boston University-owned WBUR ended three straight sweeps without a decrease and erased the half-share it gained in that timeframe (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). This represents the highest 6-share for WRKO since March (2.5, as well). While it is off three-tenths (7.9 – 7.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM repeats at #1. In September, “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” wiped out August’s one-half share decline by racking up a robust +.9 to 7.9 – its highest 6+-share since July 2014’s 8.2. In five consecutive increases prior to the August sweep, “Kiss 108” was a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+). The station it succeeded at #1 in September – Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” suffers the largest (6+) September 2017 – October 2017 erosion of any station in the 12 PPM-markets shown here (7.1 – 5.6, -1.5, 6+) and slips from second to fourth. On top eight straight months entering the September sweep, WROR was the market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December. Major fluctuations are not new to “Boston’s Classic Hits,” which was +1.1 in December 2016; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; -.8 in April; -.6 in June; -.5 in August and now -1.5 in October. It is below a six-share (6+) for the first time in nearly two years (5.5, “Holiday” 2015). Although steady at #3, adult contemporary cluster-mate WMJX “Magic 106.6 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” is without an increase for the fourth successive month for an overall -1.2 (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+). Following three successive increases that generated an overall gain of nine-tenths (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+), rhythmic hot AC sibling WBQT “Hot 96.9” falters four-tenths to 3.5 (#11 to #12, 6+). Both of the market’s country outlets post slight losses, as co-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” is down two-tenths (4.4, seventh to ninth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country” is off one-tenth to 2.5 (6+), but remains at #15. A September gain of one-tenth by WKLB ended at three a consecutive string of down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). After four successive increases that accounted for a +.6 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), “The Bull” dropped one-tenth in September.

3) Miami – Having posted a 7.0 (6+) or higher in five of six ratings periods between January and June, WAMR “Amor 107.5” had three straight decreases for a combined -1.4 (7.2 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+). The Univision Radio Spanish contemporary outlet rebounds in October with a +.4 to 6.2 (6+) and continues in third-place. Without a loss for the third month in succession for a modest overall gain of four-tenths (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WFLC “Hits 97.3” climbs from eighth to seventh, while iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” adds three-tenths (3.9 – 4.2, -.4, 6+) to advance from ninth to eighth. The two CHR rivals were tied for eighth-place in July and separated by one-tenth in August. Prior to September’s -.4, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). On top for the sixth time in a row, Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” adds one-tenth (7.7 – 7.8, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-stat since July 2016’s 8.0. After posting a one-half share gain in September (4.2 – 4.7, 6+), co-owned WEDR “99 Jamz Miami’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” returns it in its entirety and is back to 4.2 (sixth to eighth, 6+). In advance of dropping six-tenths in August, the urban contemporary property had been up seven-tenths via three straight gains (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+). Meanwhile, its direct competitor – iHeartMedia’s WMIB “103.5 The Beat” – is a collective -.6 in three successive down or flat trends (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) and carries on at #13. Locked on 2.9 (6+) in June and July and then on 3.1 (6+) in August and September, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7” sputters by four-tenths to 2.7, slipping from #14 to #16 (6+). Three-tenths ahead of it is Spanish tropical cluster-mate WXDJ “El Sol 106.7,” which falters by one-tenth for the third sweep in succession (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0, #14 to #13, 6+). The May 2017 to October 2017 (6+) trending for CBS Radio’s WKIS “Kiss 99.9 – New Country” (#18 to #19) is 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1. At the same time that iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD is off by a combined four-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5, #21, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish news/talk WAQI (1.4, +.2, #22) ends at six its consecutive string of monthlies without an increase that accounted for a -33% since March (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+).

4) Detroit – Off a combined seven-tenths in August and September (6.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” regains all of it and two tenths more (6.6, +.9, 6+) as it marches from fourth to second with its best 6+-performance since February 2016 (6.6, as well). Registering its fifth straight up or flat trend for a cumulative +1.5 (3.6 – 3.6 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 – Today’s Best Music and More” advances from seventh to sixth. Following four straight months without an increase for a collective -.7 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKQI “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” bounces back with a +.6 to 5.0, climbing from ninth to seventh (6+). Co-owned adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now” tacks on one-half share to September’s +.4 (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+) and repeats at #1. After posting three straight gains for a full-share improvement (5.2 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+), WNIC faltered by two-tenths in August. This is WNIC’s highest 6+-share since the “Holiday” 2016 report when it logged a 13.7. Progressing by one-half share as well is Radio One urban AC WDMK “105.9 Kiss FM” (3.2 – 3.7, #15 to #12, 6+). A combined +2.4 in May and June, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WMXD is -2.5 in four subsequent decreases (6.4 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.3 – 3.9, 6+) as “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s Throwbacks and R&B” remains at #11. The market’s two major urban contemporary outlets combine for a basically equally-divided -1.9, as independent WGPR “Hot 107.5” is off one full-share (3.5 – 2.5, #14 to #16, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WJLB “97.9 Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” sputters by nine-tenths (4.4 – 3.5, 6+) to depart the top ten (#9 to #13). This is the lowest 6+-share for “Hot” since March (2.4), while WJLB has its softest 6+-showing since April (3.5, as well). Off a combined one-half share in July and August (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC erased that loss in September with +.6 to 3.9, its best 6+-showing since April’s 4.3; however, “105.1 The Bounce” regresses by one-half share to 3.4 (#13 to #14, 6+). Two streaks continue with Motown’s two FM country facilities: CBS Radio-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” is down for the fourth time in succession for an overall -1.5 and records its lowest 6+-share since 4.1 in “Holiday” 2016 (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.7, sixth to ninth, 6+). At the same time, while steady at #17, Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” hasn’t had an increase in the past five sweeps and is -.6 since May (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+).

5) Seattle – An overall +2.2 via five straight increases (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 5.7, 6+), Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 – Seattle’s News, Seattle’s Talk” matches the 5.7 (6+) it recorded in January and jumps from fifth to third. Following four successive down or flat trends that resulted in a -2.1 (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.2 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+), Hubbard’s KQMV “MOViN 92.5 – All the Hits” regains one-third of that decrease (6.0, +.7, 6+) and climbs from third to second. It slipped from first to third in August, following a seven-month run at #1. Three-tenths ahead of KQMV is Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW, which is #1 for the third consecutive time and without a loss for the third time in a row (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+). Its +.5 in August pulled the plug on three straight downward moves that produced an overall decline of six-tenths (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+). Although unchanged at #14, Crista Media contemporary Christian KCMS “Spirit 105.3” posts its fifth consecutive increase for a collective gain of one full-share (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+). Improving by one-half share each are Sinclair all-news KOMO (3.5, #18 to #13, 6+); iHeartMedia’s KJR-AM “950 Entertaining Sports Talk” (#24, 6+); and Bellevue College-owned KBCS (.6 – 1.1, #26, 6+). The June through September (6+) line for KOMO, which has its best 6+-showing since December’s 3.7, was 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.0. This is the third straight gain for KJR-AM (.5 – .6 – .8 – 1.3, 6+) and highest 6+-share since January’s 1.7. When KZOK gained four-tenths in September, it halted at five a string of down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), but the CBS Radio classic rocker regresses by seven-tenths (4.9 – 4.2, 6+) and segues from fifth to sixth. This is its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.1. Faltering by six-tenths each are co-owned KMPS “Seattle Country Music Radio” (4.3 – 3.7, seventh to tenth, 6+); Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” (second to fourth, 6+); and Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” (3.7 – 3.1, #11 to #15, 6+). Rebounding from August’s -.7 with a +.1 in September, KMPS matches April’s 3.7. “Warm 106.9” is a combined -1.2 in three straight down or flat trends (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). Between June and September, the 6+-line for “The End” was 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.7. Within 3.0 – 3.3 range (6+) in the eight sweeps between May and October (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM – More Music, More Variety” falls from #14 to #17.

6) Phoenix – The 1.9-share (6+) advantage Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” had in September over iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is sliced to six-tenths as KESZ logs a +.8 (5.8 – 6.6, 6+), while KSLX falters by one-half share (7.7 – 7.2, 6+). KSLX remains at #1 for the sixth straight month, while KESZ advances from third to second. “Classic Rock 100.7” was +1.1 (6.8 – 7.9, 6+) in August, after a combined -.5 in June and July (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). Meanwhile, the 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.8 (June – July – August, 6+) sequence by KESZ ended in September as a result of a -1.0 to 5.8, its lowest 6+-share in nearly three years (4.6, 6+, November 2014). After trending a steady 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 (April 2017 – July 2017, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM sputtered by one-half share in August, but “98.7 Arizona Sports” is a combined +1.5 in September and October (1.5 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+), progressing from #17 to #14. Down or flat the past three ratings periods for an overall loss of one-half share (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 -2.3, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT “Que Buena 105.9” registers a positive spike of six-tenths as well (2.9, #19 to #15, 6+). Leaping from #13 into the top ten (#8), iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 – Today’s Best Country & All Time Favorites” has its third straight gain for an overall +.7 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+). Conversely, CBS Radio’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” is down a collective nine-tenths in four straight declines (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), falling from #11 to #12. In addition to KNIX, rhythmic CHR KKFR “Power,” which had been trending 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1 (6+), is up one-half share as well (2.6, #20 to #19, 6+), as is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVA “Positive and Encouraging K-Love” (.3 – .8, #31, 6+). In ten straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+), KDKB gained an overall +3.0, but Hubbard-owned “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” surrenders roughly half of that increase in October with a -1.4 to 3.9 (6+) to drift from fourth to eighth. September’s 5.3 was its best-ever 6+ showing in PPM methodology, eclipsing its previous high of 4.9 – set in August. Following a September gain of one-half share to 2.4 (6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI forfeits more than twice that margin, cutting September’s 6+-share in half and freefalling from the top twenty (1.2, -1.2, #17 to #27, 6+). The scenario is not quite as harsh for Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ, which was +.5 in September as well (after a +.8 in August), but the news/talk outlet forfeits six-tenths in October (3.0 – 3.5 – 2.9, 6+) to fade from #11 to a four-way tie at #15. A combined +1.7 in June and July (4.7 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+), CBS Radio classic hits-oldies KOOL is now an overall -2.0 in August, September, and October (6.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4, sixth to seventh, 6+). In July, KOOL crossed the six-share threshold for the first time since May 2016’s 6.0 (6+).

7) Minneapolis – The fourth consecutive increase by iHeartMedia’s KFXN is by a whopping +1.7 – the largest (6+) September 2017 – October 2017 gain by any station in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far, rocketing “100.3 Sports Radio K-Fan” from fifth to first. KFXN is a collective +2.7 since June (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 7.3, 6+). It is thus a brief one-month stay at #1 for co-owned classic hits-oldies KQQL “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits,” which not only tumbles to fifth but – owing to a loss of nine-tenths to 6.3 (6+) – ends at seven its consecutive string of up or flat trends which yielded a +1.8 since February (5.4 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6 –  6.8 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+). Frozen on 6.8 (6+) in April and May, CHR sibling KDWB notched back-to-back increases in June and July totaling seven-tenths (6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+), however, “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” is 7.5 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 in August, September, and October. After finishing first in April, May, and June, KDWB segued to #2 in July. Within 5.0 – 5.7 range (6+) in each of the last eleven survey periods, CBS Radio adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” falters by seven-tenths (5.4 – 4.7, 6+), falling from seventh to tenth. A combined -.9 in July and August, country cluster-mate KMNB regained one-half share in September (3.9 – 4.4, 6+), but returns all of it plus another one-tenth (3.8, -.6, 6+), slipping from #11 to #12. In July, “Buz’n” @ 102.9” curtailed at three a string of consecutive gains that yielded a +1.1 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+). Format rival – iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” sputters for the fourth straight time for a combined -1.3 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+) yet moves from ninth to an eighth-place tie. Off by six-tenths in addition to KMNB is University of Northwestern – St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (5.0, fifth to eighth, 6+), which had been up or flat the past three sweeps for an overall gain of eight-tenths (4.8 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+).

8) San Diego – As was the case in September, San Diego news/talk stations finish at #1 and #2 in October, but iHeartMedia’s KOGO-AM, a collective +1.9 in four straight up or flat monthlies (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+), moves from second to first, while San Diego State University-owned KPBS, which was trending 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.2 (July – August – September, 6+), is off two-tenths to 6.0 (6+), shifting from first to second. Not only is 7.2 the highest 6+-share for KOGO-AM in its PPM-history, the station had not previously reached the six-share level. Within 5.0 – 5.5 range January through July (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+), KPBS hadn’t been at #1 since this past February. Down or flat for the third time in succession for an overall -.6 (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” drops from #16 to #17. Its format rival, Midwest Television rocker KFMB-FM, improves by one-half share in both September and October (3.2 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+) as “100.7 KFM – BFM” cracks the top ten (#12 to #8). On the other hand, Local Media San Diego CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” surrenders one-half share (4.2 – 3.7, 6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Dropping from fifth to seventh, Entercom’s KSON-FM is an overall -1.4 as the result of four consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-share for “New Country” since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.0. Co-owned adult contemporary KXSN is off for the fourth straight time as well (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+) and mirroring KSON, the cumulative loss is -1.4; “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” slips from third to fifth. In addition to falling out of the top twenty (#19 to #22), Midwest Television news/talk KFMB-AM dips two-tenths to 1.8 (6+), thus stopping at four a string of consecutive sweeps without a decrease that netted four-tenths (1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+).

9) Denver – As the result of three straight positive trends, Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” has nearly doubled its 6+-share (2.3 – 3.4 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+) as it progresses from ninth to eighth. Recent shifts for “The Fan” include -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January 2017); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 (April); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); -.9 (July); +1.1 (August); and +.9 in September. A loss of six-tenths in November halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). Last October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. In a somewhat similar vein, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV is a cumulative +1.5 via three straight improvements (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.6, 6+); “Positive and Encouraging K-Love” leaps into the top ten (#13 to #7). One of the few comedy-formatted signals to appear in a PPM top twenty is Entercom’s KQKS-HD2, which flashes a +.6 (1.5 – 2.1, 6+) to finish at #19. Slipping from seventh to eighth, classic rock sibling KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” is a combined -1.9 in August, September, and October (6.4 – 5.7 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). By recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), “The Mountain” progressed from third to first in May; KQMT improved by one-half share in July. Off a combined six-tenths in August and September (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” erases all but one-tenth of that loss (5.4, +.5, 6+) and cruises from fifth to third. Following an astonishing ten successive increases in which it nearly doubled its 6+-share (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” drops three-tenths to 6.3 (6+) but is #1 for the third successive month. Off one-half share in June, Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR answered with a collective +1.9 in July, August, and September (4.0 – 4.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). The news/talk outlet, however, returns one-half share in October (5.4, 6+) and stays in third-place. In August, it reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time since March 2016’s 5.7. Forfeiting one-half share as well and exiting the top ten (#10 to #12) is iHeartMedia CHR KPTT “95.7 The Party – Denver’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which is without an increase for the third consecutive sweep for a combined loss of seven-tenths (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+). While co-owned news/talk KOA posts its third up or flat trend in a row for an overall gain of six-tenths (4.6 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+), it backslides from fourth to fifth. The market’s (6+) hot AC share tumbles by eight-tenths, equally divided between KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix” (4.1 – 3.7, -.4, #11 to #12, 6+) and Entercom’s KALC “Alice 105.9” (3.8 – 3.4, -.4, #14 to #15, 6+). Down a collective eight-tenths in July and August (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+), “Mix” regained 75% of that decrease in September with a +.6. The combined one-half share that “Alice” picked up in June and July (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+) was erased in August (3.4, 6+); KALC added another four-tenths in September.

10) Tampa – The gap between the market’s two country FMs tightens (from a 1.3-share lead to three-tenths) as iHeartMedia’s WFUS hangs out a +.9 and returns to the top ten (4.7, #11 to #8, 6+). In September, “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 For New Country” dropped seven-tenths to 3.8, its softest 6+-showing in almost seven years (3.3, Holiday” 2010, 6+). Meanwhile, its direct competitor – Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” – remains at #6, but is off by one-tenth to 5.0 (6+), curtailing three straight gains for an overall +.5 (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). Owing to a gain of one-half share to 5.1 (6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WWRM not only pulls the plug on four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a -1.4 (6.0 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), “Magic 94.9” jumps from eighth to fourth. Similarly-programmed cluster-mate WDUV “Lite Favorites” (-1.2 in August) is trending 9.3 – 9.4 – 9.8 (6+) and finishes on top for the 61^st successive ratings period. In advance of the August decline, WDUV had been a collective +1.8 as the result of four successive uptrends (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.5, 6+). In July, “Lite Favorites” registered its most potent 6+-stat (10.5) since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.7. Co-owned classic hits-oldies WXGL is in the runner-up slot for the 12^th straight time but “The Eagle” is an overall -2.2 via five straight down or flat trends (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). Having posted five consecutive positive sweeps for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. In addition to inching up from #15 to #14, iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” picks up two-tenths to 3.2 (6+), thus applying the brakes to six down or flat trends that yielded a -1.0 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+). Even though it is without a loss for the fourth month in succession for a modest overall gain of three-tenths (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+), co-owned news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” backslides from #12 to #13. When Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE dropped two-tenths in September, it concluded four straight sweeps without a loss that yielded a +1.3 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+). “The Joy FM” sputters by another seven-tenths in October (4.9 – 4.2, 6+), dipping from seventh to tenth; July’s 5.1 was the highest 6+-share for WCIE since the “Holiday” 2016 report (5.1, as well). A combined +.6 in August and September (4.6 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WXTB relinquishes all but one-tenth of that increase (4.7, -.5, 6+) as “98 Rock” slides from fifth to eighth.

11) Baltimore – As part of its recent rollercoaster ride, CBS Radio adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” dialed up a one-half share increase in August; returned it in its entirety in September; and now displays a +.8 (6.4 – 7.2, 6+) to march from fourth to third. This is its strongest 6+-share since 15.3 in “Holiday” 2016. A combined +1.3 through three straight improvements (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.3, 6+), Peter & John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM “95.1 Shine-FM” climbs from #13 to #12 with its best 6+-stat since February’s 3.9. After regressing by eight-tenths (5.5 – 4.7, 6+) to its weakest 6+-stat since August 2016’s 4.4, Hearst’s WIYY “98 Rock” bounces back with a gain of six-tenths to 5.3 (sixth to fifth, 6+). The seven most recent trends for news/talk cluster-mate WBAL are 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 (#11 to #13, 6+). On the strength of five straight gains (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), Shamrock-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” is a combined +1.9 and inches up from ninth to eighth. Down or flat for five months in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (8.0 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” picks up two-tenths to 7.4 (6+) and moves from third to second. Despite not having an increase for the fourth straight sweep and repeating a 7.8 (6+) since July (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” takes sole possession of first-place. A four-tenths June increase curtailed at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). Prior to June, “Magic” had been on top the previous five straight monthlies. It was tied at #1 in September with urban contemporary sibling WERQ “Q-92 Jams.” A collective -1.5 in July and August (8.7 – 8.0 – 7.2, 6+), WERQ registered a gain of six-tenths in September but spirals in October by -1.3 (7.8 – 6.5, 6+) and shifts to fourth. With a gain of one-half share in May (7.5 – 8.0, 6+), “Q-92” tied “Magic” at #1, but the tie was broken in June when “Q-92” gained seven-tenths to 8.7 (6+). After hauling out a +1.3 in September (4.3 – 5.6, 6+) for its strongest 6+-stat since last October’s 6.5, CBS Radio’s WJZ-FM “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” surrenders more than half of it (4.8, -.8, 6+) and slides from fifth to sixth.

12) St. Louis – Modestly down or flat the past six ratings periods for a collective loss of seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), Emmis news/talk KFTK “97.1 FM NewsTalk” roars back by recapturing all of it (4.0, +.7, 6+), leaping from #16 to #11. There are more extreme fluctuations for Hubbard adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch,” which was -.6 in a June – July mini-slide (6.4 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+); gained twice that loss margin with a +1.2 in August; was -.7 in September (7.0 – 6.3, 6+); and is now +.5 in October (6.8, fifth to third, 6+). With a 7.0 in August, “The Arch” crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last December’s 7.6. A loss of four-tenths to 8.0 (6+) by CBS Radio’s KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” ends at three its consecutive winning streak which generated a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+). Nonetheless, the heritage news/talk outlet repeats at #1. Steady at #6, Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 The Lou – R&B + Old School for the Lou” continues its up/down pattern, given that its six most recent 6+-stats are 6.3 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 5.6. Eroding by one-half share each are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, which is down or flat for the third straight time (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, flat at #2, 6+); urban-rhythmic oldies sibling KMJM “100.3 The Beat” (2.3, steady at #17, 6+); and CBS Radio adult contemporary KEZK (4.1, seventh to eighth, 6+). Following three consecutive sweeps on top, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April but returned to #1 in June, July, and August. In four consecutive improvements prior to October, “The Beat” gained eight-tenths (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). Meanwhile, KEZK had been up or flat the past four sweeps for a collective +.6 since May (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). It is tied with hot AC cluster-mate KYKY “Y-98,” which – before its current +.4 in October to 4.1 (6+) – had been without an increase in each of the last eight survey periods for a net loss of -2.5 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+). Off by -1.4 via four straight downward moves (7.9 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.5, 6+) Emmis rocker KSHE falls from third to fifth. Unlisted for the tenth consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).