Tag: "CBS"

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Doug Gottlieb to Join FOX Sports Radio.  It was officially announced on Tuesday (3/21) that sports personality Doug Gottlieb would exit the CBS Sports Radio network after his final show on April 14 as part of a talent shuffle.  Now, FOX Sports Radio announces it is bringing Gottlieb aboard to host the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET program on the network in addition to serving as a basketball analyst for cable’s FS1, and providing insights and analysis for “Skip And Shannon: Undisputed,” “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” and other programs.  Gottlieb will debut on some 150 radio stations beginning April 24.  Premiere Networks/FSR SVP of sports programming Don Martin comments, “We are honored to have Doug Gottlieb, one of the preeminent voices in the format, join our incredible lineup of sports entertainment personalities.  Doug’s experience behind the mic, on TV, and courtside makes him an ideal addition to the FOX Sports family.  We look forward to sharing his quick-witted, smart and outspoken brand of entertainment with our FSR audience.”

McMahon: The Tyranny of the Target Audience.  Talent consultant Bill McMahon says the overreliance on teaching radio talent to focus on the station’s “target audience” can take the personality’s uniqueness out of the program.  “When radio personalities are constantly told, subtly or directly, to look outside themselves for ideas for their shows, they suffer a loss of self-awareness and self-esteem.  Their individuality and even their humanity are diminished.  They gravitate to safe stereotypes about the ‘target audience.’  They rely on trending topics on social media and syndicated prep services.”  Read more about what McMahon has to say on this topic here.

Cooke: Maddow’s Masterful Ratings Grab.  Media consultant Holland Cooke says put the politics aside and, when it comes to critiquing MSNBC host Rachel Maddow’s revelation of President Trump’s 2005 tax return, learn from her teasing the scoop and using it to win a hotly contested cable news ratings battle.  Read Cooke’s take on the matter here.

Talent Moves at WMVP, Chicago.  At Chicago sports talker WMVP “ESPN 1000,” ESPN announces it is moving the “Carmen & Jurko” show with hosts Carmen DeFalco and John “Jurko” Jurkovic from late mornings to early afternoon – 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm – and will shift David Kaplan’s “Kap & Co.” to the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon slot, effective April 3.  ESPN 1000 VP/GM Jim Pastor states, “When ‘Kap & Co.’ debuted in September 2015, almost immediately it became the top sports talk show in its time slot.  Now Kap’s fans will be rewarded with an extra hour each day right after ‘Mike & Mike.’  ‘Carmen & Jurko’ will take over at noon and will set the table for sports fans for the day ahead before handing off to ‘Waddle & Silvy.’  It’s been this lineup, along with ‘Mike & Mike,’ that has solidified ESPN 1000 as the top-rated sports talk station in the city.”

Potential Entercom Divestiture Trust Stations Revealed.  Filed with the FCC is the list of radio stations that may end up in the Entercom Divestiture Trust to be operate by Elliot Evers of TDC Communications LLC.  The list only indicates the stations that may end up in the trust.  Fourteen stations will be required to be put into the trust (assuming Entercom doesn’t sell or swap any of the stations prior to the merger closing.  The list includes Entercom and CBS stations.  Entercom will announce the actual divestiture stations prior to the closing.  Los Angeles: Entercom’s classic rock KSWD and CBS’ adult hits KCBS-FM; San Francisco: Entercom’s classic hip hop KRBQ, sports talk KGMZ, AC KOIT, urban AC KBLX and CBS’ news KCBS-AM/KFRC-FM, alternative KITS, hot AC KLLC, ethnic KZDG, and CHR KMVQ; San Jose: Entercom’s classic rock KUFX; Boston: Entercom’s rock WAAF, urban AC WKAF, news/talk WRKO, sports talk WEEI-AM, sports talk WEEI-FM, CBS’ news WBZ-AM, CHR WODS, and hot AC WBMX; Sacramento: Entercom’s rock KRXQ, alternative KKDO, classic rock KSEG, CHR KUDL, sports talk KIFM-AM, CBS’ hip hop KSFM, sports talk KHTK-AM, country KNCI, AC KYMX, and hot AC KZZO; Seattle: Entercom’s rock KISW, country KKWF, alternative KNDD, classic hip hop KHTP, CBS’ sports talk KFNQ-AM, adult hits KJAQ, country KMPS, and classic rock KZOK; San Diego: Entercom’s country KSOQ; and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton: Entercom’s country WGGI.

New Book Counsels Podcasters.  A new advice book has been published that addresses the growing podcasting community.  Titled, Viral Podcasting: A Proven Process to Earn a 6 Figure Income From Your Show (Rushmore Holdings, 2016), the book is written by serial entrepreneur, attorney and successful podcaster, Kerry Lutz.  It features a forward and contributions by noted radio consultant, Valerie Geller.  The book teaches readers about sponsorships, marketing strategy, building an online brand, common podcasting mistakes to avoid, how to create content, and more.  Lutz’s fundamental aim is to help the reader connect better with potential listeners.  He includes a series of success stories about those who achieved their goals with his assistance.  Much of the information was inspired by his Lutz’s own experience building the Financial Survival Network, a collection of info-packed podcasts by financial professionals.  After more than five years building this community of podcasters, he claims it approaches “one million downloads per month.”  Lutz takes the reader through numerous steps that helped him, citing specific anecdotal material.  At the heart of successful podcasting, he says, is “quality content.”  With that, Lutz says he has made “a nice living off of ad sales, sponsorships, and events.”  To learn more visit the website www.viralpodcasting.com.

Radio Producer Opportunity.  Family Research Council seeks a radio producer to support “Washington Watch,” its live, daily radio show featuring president Tony Perkins as host.  The show discusses current issues in the news and frequently conducts interviews with members of congress and pro-family leaders from across the nation.  The live, one-hour show airs Monday through Friday at 5:00 PM ET on the American Family Radio Network, Bott Radio, the KTLWN Network, and independent Christian radio stations across the country.  There is also a weekend best-of show that airs on more than 370 radio stations.  More information about this employment opportunity can be found online at http://www.frc.org/joblisting/radio-producer.  Please submit your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary requirements to hrdept@frc.org. EOE.

Gorsuch Hearings, Obama Wiretapping Accusations, GOP Health Care Plan, Manafort-Russia Investigation, TheBlaze Suspends Tomi Lahren, North Korea Missile Program, Chicago Facebook Live Gang Rape, and NBA ‘Rest’ Controversy Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/21).  Day two of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch; President Donald Trump’s controversial accusation that former President Obama ordered Trump Tower wiretapped and FBI Director James Comey’s testimony he has no information to support it; the Trump Administration and GOP plan to replace the Affordable Care Act; the investigation into former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort’s alleged connections to Russian agents; conservative media figure Tomi Lahren is suspended by TheBlaze for her abortion flip; North Korea’s taunting of the U.S. with its missile program; a 15-year-old in Chicago is gang raped live on Facebook; and the controversy over resting NBA stars 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.  Oklahoma City CHR KJYO “KJ103” and country KXXY have a new program director.  iHeartMedia announces J.J. Ryan assumes PD duties for both stations immediately.  Ryan comes to OK City after having served with the company programming its Sacramento country KBEB “B92.5.”  iHeartMedia Oklahoma area president Jon Phillips says, “We’re very excited to have J.J. back in Oklahoma and at the helm of ‘KJ103’ and 96.1 KXY.  His energy and passion for radio and the community will certainly benefit our staff, listeners and advertisers.”…..Michigan morning radio personality Johnny Burke is returning to the airwaves on Krol Communications’ classic rock WRSR, Owosso “103.9 The Fox” in the Flint market, effective March 27.  Burke – along with then-partner Blondie, a.k.a. Bonnie Belger-Holzhei – was a longtime morning host at WHNN, Bay City-Saginaw-Flint prior to its flip to adult contemporary in January of 2016.  If you remember, Burke and Blondie started an Internet show and were sued by Cumulus Media over their non-compete.  The court ruled largely in Burke and Blondie’s favor.  Now, according to MLive, Burke will host “Johnny Burke Live” – without Blondie – but will be joined by newscaster Hal Maas, MLive chief meteorologist Mark Torregrossa, and sports personality Art Neil…..Radio One names Keisha Nicole midday personality at Houston hip hop outlet KBXX “97.9 THE BOX.”  She was most recently with the company’s Indianapolis hip hop outlet WHHH “HOT 96.3.”

Round Two of February PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s February 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Detroit, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s February 2017 survey period covered February 2 – March 1. 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. – When Radio One-owned gospel WPRS was off by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016, it ended five successive improvements that produced a cumulative +2.2 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). “Praise 104.1” faltered by another eight-tenths in January but regains six-tenths (5.0 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+), climbing from eighth to seventh. Down in five consecutive sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), co-owned urban AC WMMJ rebounds with its third straight increase for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+) and remains at #4. In January, “Majic 102.3” trailed its direct competitor – Howard University‘s WHUR – by 1.1 shares (6+), but the lead is sliced to three-tenths as WHUR (steady at #3) forfeits the three-tenths it gained in January (5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+). Dusting itself off from a -2.3 in “Holiday” 2016, American University‘s WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” recaptures all of it in January and February (9.2 – 11.0 – 11.5, 6+). Over and above repeating at #1, WAMU matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history: 11.5, first reached in December 2016. In addition to WMMJ and WAMU, iHeartMedia’s WMZQ “98.7 Today’s Best Country,” which had been trending 2.9 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.9 (6+) – posts a one-half share gain as well (to 3.4, 6+), jumping from #15 to #11. Unchanged at #20 is WMZQ’s challenger, Alpha Media-owned WFLS “93.3 Today’s New Country,” up or flat for the fifth straight time (.4 – .6 – .6 – .6 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+. The yoyo effect continues for Hubbard Broadcasting-owned all-news WTOP, whose three latest (6+) fluctuations are -.7 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.7 (January 2017); and now -.9 (February 2017, (9.4 – 8.7 – 10.4 – 9.5, 6+). The end result is a +.1 with WTOP repeating at #2; its -.7 in “Holiday” 2016 curtailed three straight up or flat trends (8.7 – 9.2 – 9.4 – 9.4, 6+). Registering a 3.7 (6+) in three of the last four survey periods, Radio One urban contemporary WKYS (#11 to #14) drops six-tenths to 3.1, its lowest 6+-share since 3.0 last May. Steady at #18, CBS Radio sports outlet WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” dips by one-half share (2.0 – 1.5, 6+). Its main competitor – Red Zebra Broadcasting’s WTEM “ESPN 980” (1.9, #17, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) – is unlisted for the second straight month.

2) Boston – After debuting at #22 in January with a .9 (6+), Entercom’s WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 for R&B” tacks on seven-tenths to 1.6 (6+) as it enters the top twenty (at #20). Picking up seven-tenths as well (3.4 – 4.1, 6+) is CBS Radio’s WZLX “Classic Rock 100.7,” which cruises into the top ten (#11 to #9). By gaining four-tenths in January, WZLX pulled the plug on four straight negative trends that produced a collective -1.5 (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+). Having progressed from second to first this time last month, Beasley Media Group-owned WROR (7.9 – 7.7, -.2, 6+) stays on top. “Boston’s Classic Hits” was +1.1 in December; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; and +1.6 in January 2017. It was the market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December by adult contemporary sibling WMJX “Magic 106.7.” In advance of December’s +1.1, WROR had been down by a combined two full-shares over the previous four sweeps (8.6 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 6.6, 6+). Following massive January gains of +.9 and +1.0, respectively, talk-oriented public outlet WGBH-FM is up four-tenths (3.4 – 4.3 – 4.7, ninth to seventh, 6+), while Boston University-owned WBUR is down three-tenths (4.7 – 4.4, seventh to eighth, 6+). Prior to January’s increase, WGBH-FM had been down or flat the previous three sweeps for a combined -.6 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+). A cumulative +1.1 in back-to-back monthlies (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.5, October-November-December, 6+), WBUR surrendered eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. Among commercial spoken-word facilities, CBS Radio news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM, which had put together five straight sweeps without a loss for a collective +1.7 (4.9 – 5.3 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+), regresses by nine-tenths to 5.7 (6+), but carries on in the runner-up slot. Up six-tenths in January, Entercom talker WRKO relinquishes four-tenths (2.4 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+), dropping from #13 to #15. Before reaching 3.0 (6+) one month ago, WRKO had been in 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for 23 ratings periods in a row. Among sports outlets, cluster-mate WEEI-FM surrenders the six-tenths it gained in January (4.8 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+) but remains in sixth-place. Six-tenths ahead of it and unchanged at #5 is CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” (5.8 – 5.4, -.4, 6+), flagship of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Up a combined seven-tenths in three successive sweeps without a loss (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” returns it all (3.7, -.7, 6+) as it drifts out of the top ten (#8 to #11).

3) Detroit – Considerable “bouncing” occurred when Greater Media transitioned WMGC from sports to urban-rhythmic oldies as “The Bounce” on July 1 of last year. It quickly posted back-to-back gains totaling a combined +7.3, vaulting from #23 (June 2016, .7, 6+) to #15 (July 2016, 3.1, 6+) all the way to #1 (August 2016, 8.0, 6+). Not only was it just a one-month stay at #1, “The Bounce” sputtered by -2.7 in September; -1.2 in October; and -.8 in November (8.0 – 5.3 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+). Down by more than 50% since August 2016, “Bounce” quickly plummeted from #1 (August) to #5 (September) to #12 (October) to #13 (November). Now owned by Beasley Media Group, “The Bounce” not only has the distinction of recording the strongest (6+) January 2017 – February 2017 increase of any PPM-market outlet whose data was released on Tuesday (+1.6, 6+), it registers its third straight gain (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 5.2, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #7, 6+). Despite gaining one-tenth (4.4, 6+) to apply the brakes to six consecutive decreases that accounted for a cumulative -3.5 (7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5 – 6.0 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), WMGC’s former sports rival – CBS Radio’s WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” – backslides from ninth to tenth. After a one-month hiatus from the top spot, WXYT-FM returned to #1 in September and repeated there in October; “The Ticket” was #1 in April 2016, May, June, and July. Dislodged from the top spot in January when it eroded by roughly 60% (-8.5 to 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC rebounds with a one-half share increase to 5.7, vaulting from #6 to a tie at #2. The -8.5 by WNIC in January ended four straight improvements that netted +8.8 since September (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.8 – 13.7, 6+). Albeit down one-tenth (6.6 – 6.5, 6+), CBS Radio all-news WWJ – the station responsible for removing WNIC from #1 in January with a +.8 – repeats at #1. The six-tenths of a share advantage iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” held over Radio One’s similarly-formatted WDMK “105.9 Kiss FM” vanishes as “Mix” drops two-tenths (4.2 – 4.0, #10 to #11, 6+), while “Kiss” gains four-tenths (3.6 – 4.0, #12 to #11, 6+). Frozen on 4.7 (6+) in December 2016 and “Holiday” 2016, “Mix” sputtered by one-half share in January. Tied with WNIC in the runner-up slot – where it appears for the third straight ratings period – is CBS Radio-owned WOMC “Detroit’s Greatest Hits,” which declines by seven-tenths to 5.7, its lowest 6+-share since August (5.4). Falling from third to sixth, Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Rocks Detroit” follows January’s +1.4 to 5.9, the station’s best 6+-stat since its 5.9 in February 2016, with a one-half share dip to 5.4 (6+). Unlisted in January 2017, University of Michigan’s WUOM “Michigan Radio” (1.8, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) returns at #19 (2.2, 6+).

4) Miami – Six-tenths of a share separates the market’s top four finishers, including Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105,” which vaults from fourth to first by breaking out a +.8 to 6.9, its finest 6+-showing since September’s 7.1. Down or flat for six straight sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), “Hot 105” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 but was off by seven-tenths in January. Dropping from first to second is Univision Radio’s WAMR “Amor 107.5” (7.0 – 6.8, -.2, 6+). Ironically, it was a gain of two tenths in January that pushed “Amor 107.5” from second to first; WAMR has now registered a 6.8 (6+) in four of the last six ratings periods. Ups/downs continue for Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz.” When WEDR declined by one-half share in December, its string of consecutive trends without a loss that produced a +.7 ended at five (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+). Rolling out a +1.1 in “Holiday” 2016, “99 Jamz” floundered by -1.5 in January but posts a +.8 in February (4.7 – 5.8 – 4.3 – 5.1, 6+) and climbs from seventh to fifth. There is a flip-flop regarding 6+-shares of the market’s two adult contemporary properties. To be specific, as Entercom’s WLYF “Lite FM” gains three-tenths (6.3 – 6.6, 6+) to remain at #3, Cox Media Group-owned WFEZ “Easy 93.1” drops three-tenths (6.6 – 6.3, 6+), slipping from second to fourth. A one-tenth gain in January enabled “Lite FM” to halt five straight down or flat ratings periods that resulted in a decrease of more than two full-shares (8.4 – 8.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+); WLYF was #1 from July 2016 through October. Finishing first in November 2016, December 2016, and “Holiday” 2016, “Easy 93.1” has its fourth successive decrease (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+) after a collective +1.1 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2, September – October – November, 6+). Linked at #10 are CHR rivals iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.7 – 3.8, +.1, steady at #10, 6+) and Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” (3.6 – 3.8, +.2, #11 to #10, 6+). The two were tied at #12 in “Holiday” 2016 (3.6, 6+). After three successive improvements netting a +1.1 since November (3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” (sixth to seventh) is off by one-half share to 4.1 (6+). In seven straight sweeps without a decrease, Grupo Latino de Radio Spanish talk WSUA more than doubled its 6+-share (.6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .8 – .9 – 1.3, 6+), but “Caracol 1260” loses one-tenth in February to 1.2 (#22, 6+).

5) Seattle – Progressing by nine-tenths each are University of Washington-owned KUOW (5.8 – 6.7, steady at #2, 6+) and Entercom rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7 100% Throwbacks” (3.2 – 4.1, #13 to #7, 6+). In the three most recent ratings periods, KUOW is -.9 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.4 (January 2017): and +.9 (February). A combined -1.6 in five successive sweeps without a gain (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8), “Hot” gained four-tenths in January. Owing to a +.8 (3.0 – 3.8, 6+), public jazz outlet KNKX vaults from #16 all the way into the top ten (#9). On top for 12 straight sweeps entering the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period, Hubbard Radio CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5 All The Hits” gave way to adult contemporary cluster-mate KRWM “Warm 106.9.” KQMV regained the lead in January though and repeats at #1 (7.1 – 7.2, +.1, 6+). As iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” improves by one-half share in back-to-back survey periods (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.6, fifth to third, 6+), co-owned KJR-AM “Sports Radio 950” (#28) sputters by eight-tenths and is down or flat for the fourth successive sweep for a collective -1.4 (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.7 – .9, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths each are CHR sibling KPWK “Power 93.3” (3.1 – 2.5, #14 to #17, 6+) and Bonneville talker KIRO-FM (5.7 – 5.1, third to sixth, 6+). Down or flat in four straight ratings periods for a cumulative -.9 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+), KIRO-FM recaptured most of it with a +.8 in January. From May 2016 to January 2017, “Power” stayed within 2.9 – 3.4 range (6+).

6) Phoenix – As the result of a +.2 to 2.6 (6+), The Yucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA “Hot” (#19 to #17) applies the brakes to five successive downward trends that accounted for a -1.3 (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+). Having recouped the -.7 from “Holiday” 2016 with a +.7 in January (4.3 – 3.6 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly programmed KMXP “Mix 96.9 Today’s Best Music” is off one-tenth to 4.2 (6+) as it slides from sixth to seventh. Three straight (modest) increases give Hubbard Radio’s KDKB a combined +.7 (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+) as “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” inches up from #15 to #14. On the heels of January’s +.7, Educational Media Foundation’s KLVA “K-LOVE” adds another one-half share (.6 – 1.3 – 1.8, 6+) to climb from #28 to #23. Recovering from January’s -9.9 (16.5 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ picks up one-tenth to 6.7 (6+) and is #1 for the 30th successive ratings period. Owing to a -.4 to 2.2 (6+), Maricopa County Community College’s classical KBAQ “89.5 K-Bach” (#17 to #19) snaps at five its string of up or flat trends that netted a cumulative +.9 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+). In addition to logging its fourth straight decline for a combined -1.3 (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+), Bonneville’s KMVP-FM “Arizona Sports 98.7” exits the top twenty (#20 to #21). Flat at #23, Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” is down or flat for the sixth consecutive ratings period for a collective -1.4 (3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+). A loss of one-half share (1.4 – .9, 6+) puts Hubbard Radio’s KAZG “Oldies 1440 & 92.7” at #30.

7) Minneapolis – The Twin Cities’ (6+) country share balloons by +1.4 as iHeartMedia’s KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” is +.9 (4.7 – 5.6, #12 to #6, 6+) and CBS Radio-owned KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9” improves by one-half share (3.4 – 3.9, steady at #13, 6+). Either up or flat for the fifth straight time, American Public Media Group’s KSJN “Classical MPR” (#17 to #15) is a combined +.9 in that timeframe (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8, 6+). Meanwhile, this marks the third straight sweep without a decrease for University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM (tenth to sixth), netting a +.8 (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+). It is the best 6+-share for “98.5 Twin Cities Christian Radio” since September’s 5.8. Notwithstanding a -.1 to 7.6 (6+), Hubbard Radio’s KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” repeats at #1. In January, “KS-95” hung out a +1.3, stymying a dry spell in which the hot AC hadn’t had an increase since February 2016 (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+). In those 11 straight sweeps of being either down or flat, “KS-95” was a combined -3.8. Ironically, format rival – iHeartMedia’s KTCZ was +1.3 in January as well, but “The Cities” not only suffers a -.5 (5.3 – 4.8, 6+), it drops out of the top ten (#8 to #11). KTCZ was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). Co-owned KFXN posted a +.5 in January, however, “Sports Radio FM 100.3 K-FAN” surrenders six-tenths in February (6.0 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+), slipping from second to fourth. In December and “Holiday” 2016, “K-FAN” tumbled by a combined -2.5 (6+). With an 8.9 in October, it boasted the best 6+-share in its PPM-history. Nearly doubling its 6+-share from July 2016 to January 2017 in seven straight sweeps without a loss (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+), Hubbard Radio’s KTMY “myTalk 107.1 Everything Entertainment” drops two-tenths in February to 2.7 (6+) and slides from #14 to #16.

8) San Diego – It’s tight at the top of San Diego’s February 2017 leader board with the ten best finishers separated by one share. Following four successive declines that accounted for a -1.6 (5.9 – 5.6 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1 San Diego’s Best Music Variety” rebounds with a gain of seven-tenths to 5.0, jumping from eighth to fifth. After regressing by six-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, Entercom-owned KSON-FM “New Country” dialed up a +.7 in January and adds six-tenths in February (4.0 – 4.7 – 5.3, 6+), progressing from #4 to a three-way tie at #2. Notching a +.6 as well is Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” (4.1 – 4.7, 6+), which enters the top ten (#12 to #7) with its best 6+-showing since April 2016’s 5.2. Going back to November, Tijuana FM’s similarly-formatted XHTY “99.7 La Invasora” (#22) has almost tripled its 6+-share in four straight up or flat trends (.6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.6, 6+). Having jumped six-tenths in January, KPBS rings up another two-tenths (4.6 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+) which is enough to propel the San Diego State University outlet from third to first. It is the strongest 6+-stat for KPBS in just over two years (5.5, 6+, January 2015). Seguing from first to second after just one month at #1 is iHeartMedia CHR KHTS “Channel 93-3 San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.7 – 5.3, -.4, 6+). Somewhat ironically, the station at #1 immediately prior to “Channel 93-3” – CBS Radio adult contemporary-turned hot AC KYXY (4.7 – 4.4, -.3, fourth to ninth, 6+) – was also only on top for only a one-sweep stay. A +4.6 by KYXY in “Holiday” 2016 extended its string of up or flat trends to five (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 9.1, 6+). The +.6 by XLTN in January dissolves into a  -.7 in February (3.6 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+), with the Imagen Spanish contemporary outlet departing the top ten (three-way tie at #9 to #12). Registering three consecutive decreases for a collective -1.7 (5.3 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “102.9 Mas Variedad” gained six-tenths in January but surrenders all of it in February (3.6 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+) as it returns to #11 from #9. While this is the sixteenth straight time iHeartMedia’s KGB is within three-share range, “San Diego’s Classic Rock Music” is a combined -.8 in three straight declines (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+) and spirals from #13 to #16. Dropping by one-half share as well is co-owned KLSD “1360 San Diego Sports Radio” (1.2 – .7, #24).

9) Tampa – Having already gained six-tenths in January, Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” piles on nine-tenths more (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.4, 6+), leaping from sixth to third. This is the best 6+-performance for “Q-105” – off by one-half share in “Holiday” 2016 – since last September’s 5.6. Meanwhile, Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle,” which posted a gain of one-half share in January, adds two-tenths (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+) and stays in the runner-up slot. The last time “The Eagle” soared to the seven-share level (6+) was more than four years ago (7.0, 6+, October 2012). After five consecutive positive trends 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. Up one-tenth 9.6 – 9.7, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is setting the pace for the 53rd successive ratings period; “Lite Favorites” was off by more than three shares in January (12.7 – 9.6, 6+). Locked on 5.1 (6+) in December 2016, “Holiday” 2016, and January 2017, similarly-programmed sibling WWRM “Magic 94.9” picks up one-tenth to 5.2 (6+), yet actually backslides from third to fourth. Even though it regresses by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” carries on at #18. Via four successive declines (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.5, 6+), co-owned urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” (fourth to fifth, 6+) is a collective -1.8. Following four straight gains for a cumulative +1.3 (4.0 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), cluster-mate WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Leader” surrendered -1.2 in “Holiday” 2016; gained six tenths in January 2017; and drops four-tenths in February (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.3, fifth to seventh, 6+). Just one-tenth behind is its format foe – Beasley Media Group’s WQYK – which is off two-tenths (4.4 – 4.2, 6+), slipping from seventh to ninth. Similarly, a neck-and-neck CHR battle is ongoing between Cox Media Group’s WPOI “Hot 101.5 All the Hits,” down for the fourth straight sweep (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, cumulative -.8, flat at #7, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WFLZ “93.3 Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” (4.3 – 3.9, -.4, unchanged at #10, 6+).

10) Denver – One-half share separates the top three finishers in February 2017 in this Colorado market. Within 5.3 – 5.9 range (6+) the past seven survey periods, KYGO busts out a full-share gain (5.6 – 6.6, 6+) that not only lifts it past the six-share threshold for the first time since last July’s 6.0, the Bonneville country outlet advances from third to first. A full-share fluctuation in the other direction though sends iHeartMedia’s KTCL “Modern Rock Channel 93-3” (7.1 – 6.1, -1.0, 6+) from first to third. Eroding by -1.3 in December not only ended four straight up or flat sweeps for KTCL that produced a +1.3 (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+), it concluded four consecutive months at #1. In back-to-back sweeps though, “Modern Rock Channel 93-3” was +1.8 (5.3 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+). This is the fifteenth successive sweep that co-owned KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” (steady at #15) is in 3.0 – 3.8 range (3.4 – 3.5, +.1, 6+). Down six-tenths since December (6.0 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom’s KQMT “99.5 A Mountain of Classics” more than makes up for it with a +.8 to 6.2, rising from fifth to second, four-tenths behind KYGO. Flat or down (modestly) in each of the last three sweeps for a -.4 (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+) KSE Radio Ventures hot AC KIMN “Mix 100 Today’s Best Mix” answers with a +.7 to 4.4, its best 6+-showing since last April (4.4 as well) and zooms into the top ten (#14 to #6). It’s a rollercoaster ride for classic hits-oldies sibling KXKL “KOOL 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits,” whose last three fluctuations are -.9 (“Holiday” 2016); +.7 (January 2017); and -.8 in February (5.7 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 4.7, fourth to fifth, 6+). Sputtering by seven-tenths are Bonneville‘s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” (4.0 – 3.3, #11 to #16, 6+) and Colorado Public Radio classical KVOD (2.0, #17 – #20, 6+). “The Fan” was -.5 in “Holiday” 2016 and +1.1 in January 2017. A loss of six-tenths in November 2016 halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+); October 2016’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. Meanwhile, KVOD had been up or flat the past five sweeps for a collective +1.7 (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.7, 6+). By faltering by six-tenths (4.7 – 4.1, 6+), co-owned KCFR freefalls from the top ten (#6 to #11). Fluctuations in calendar year 2016 for KCFR included +.7 (January); -.7 (February); +.7 (March); -.7 (April); -.7 (June); +.7 (July); -.8 (October); and +.6 (November). It began 2017 with a +.9 (January) and a -.6 (February).

11) Baltimore – Flaunting back-to-back robust increases of +1.2 (4.7 – 5.9 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” climbs from fourth to third. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, WPOC had been in fourth-place the previous seven ratings periods, but fell to fifth, surrendering a combined -2.5 in three consecutive slides (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 4.7, 6+), including a -1.6 in “Holiday” 2016. Notwithstanding that it is unchanged at #5, Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” hangs out a gain of six-tenths (5.0 – 5.6, 6+). Without an increase in six consecutive sweeps for a cumulative -1.7 since June (9.8 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), Radio One’s WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” added one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016 and seven-tenths in January 2017 to march from third to first. Even though it drops one-tenth (8.9 – 8.8, 6+), “Magic” stays at #1. While urban contemporary sibling WERQ holds the runner-up slot for the third straight ratings period, “Q-92 Jams” is down by one full share and without an increase since December (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.3, 6+). It is the lowest 6+-share for WERQ in nearly a year (7.3, 6+, March 2016). On top in the Washington, D.C. report (see above), American University‘s WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” is without a decrease in Baltimore for the fourth consecutive sweep (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+) and remains at #15. Flat at #17, Washington Adventist University contemporary Christian WGTS more than doubles its 6+-share in Baltimore with its fourth successive up or flat trend (.5 – .6 – .8 – .8 – 1.1, 6+). For the seventh time in the last eight survey periods (and fifth in a row), WQLL “1370 Baltimore’s Greatest Hits” has a .3 (unchanged at #20, 6+).

12) St. Louis – Three-tenths separates St. Louis’ top three February 2017 rankers. Off by one-half share in January, Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B + Old School For The Lou” roars back with a gain of nine-tenths (6.6 – 6.1 – 7.0, 6+) to climb from fifth to third. Co-owned urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” recaptures the seven-tenths it squandered in January (5.1 – 4.4 – 5.1, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #7). The combination of iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLOU (-2.8 in January) gaining three-tenths (7.1 – 7.4, steady at #1, 6+) and Emmis rocker KSHE staying flat at 7.1 (6+) breaks the first-place tie with KSHE segueing to #2; KLOU and KSHE ranked second and third, respectively, in “Holiday” 2016. Up a combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), KLOU relinquished a -1.6 in December, but bounced back with a +3.8 in “Holiday” 2016. Before October’s +.5, KLOU had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) for a net loss of one full-share. The station that KLOU and KSHE jointly replaced at #1 this time last month – KEZK – lost approximately 50% of its 6+-share in January and fell to seventh. There is more bad news for the CBS Radio adult contemporary property as it sputters by an additional nine-tenths to 4.6 (6+) and departs the top ten (#11). Prior to January’s decline, KEZK put together four consecutive progressive trends that netted a +6.8 (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 11.1). Returning all but one-tenth of January’s +.7 (2.9 – 3.6 – 3.0, -.6, 6+), Hubbard Radio’s WXOS “101 Sports” falls from #14 to #16. Following five straight increases for a collective +1.9 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 4.2, 6+), Emmis talker KFTK stumbled by -1.2 in “Holiday” 2016; rebounded in January 2017 with a +1.4; but dips by -.5 in February (4.2 – 3.0 – 4.4 – 3.9, 6+), skidding from #11 to #13. Unlisted for the second 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+).