Tag: "CPAC"

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Sports Talker KABZ-FM, Little Rock Changes Name of ‘Babe Bracket’ Contest.  “The times they are a changin’” and Signal Media’s decision to rename the “Babe Bracket” contest after pressure from the public is evidence of that.  The contest asks listeners to rate 16 local, female television personalities in a tournament fashion – hence the “bracket” part.  But now, KABZ-FM “103.7 The Buzz” has decided to call the promotion “The Bracket with No Name” a riff on the station’s “The Show with No Name” hosted by Tommy Smith, David Bazzel, Roger Scott and RJ Hawk.  The station says, “The goal of this event has always been to let ‘Buzz’ listeners get to know local TV journalists and celebrities better and allow the contestants to have an open forum to show their personality, share what they are passionate about, and talk to members of our great community. It is of the utmost importance to hosts Tommy Smith, David Bazzel, Roger Scott and RJ Hawk that the women who are part of the event are treated with respect and celebrated for all of the things that make them so popular with our listeners and their viewers.”  The winning TV personality gets a spa package and the station makes a $500 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice.

With Clock Ticking, iHM Senior Lenders Try to Woo Junior Bondholders.  According to a report by Bloomberg, the Franklin Resources-led senior lenders are preparing to pitch a new term sheet to junior bondholders in order to get all creditors on board for a debt restructuring for iHeartMedia.  iHM skipped a $106 million interest payment on February 1, kicking in a 30-day grace period before default on the loan can be claimed.  It’s expected that iHeartMedia will declare bankruptcy before the 30-day grace period lapses and senior creditors hope a deal can be struck with all creditor groups to arrange a pre-packaged bankruptcy.  What’s the sticking point?  Bloomberg writes, “The senior group is betting that a shared desire to deny current equity owners any stake in a restructured company will get junior creditors on board with their latest proposal…Cleansing documents filed by the company on February 9 showed that iHeart’s insistence on retaining equity stakes for its current owners remains the main obstacle to a consensual deal.”

Kevin Rolston to Host Daily Sports Show on WMEN-AM, West Palm Beach.  West Palm Beach morning drive personality Kevin Rolston is adding an afternoon shift to his duties with Alpha Media.  Already a co-host on the “The KVJ Show” on the company’s hot AC WRMF, Rolston will launch a 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily show on sister sports talker WMEN-AM “The Hurricane,” beginning February 26.  Titled, “Kevin’s Other Show,” the program will feature “local topics as well as national sports conversations.”  Alpha Media Palm Beach SVP/market manager Elizabeth Hamma adds, “We’re excited to bring something unique, fresh and local to South Florida’s sports fans.  ‘640 The Hurricane’ has the largest sports signal in the Palm Beaches, so adding talent the caliber of Kevin Rolston, with his passion for sports and entertainment, make it a natural winner.”

TALKERS News Notes.  Talk show host Tavis Smiley is suing PBS for breach of contract after the company fired him in December after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced.  The suit, filed in federal court in Washington, DC, contends that Smiley’s firing by the public broadcaster was due in part to racial bias…..The NAB has announced the finalists for this year’s Crystal Radio Awards.  Spoken word stations that have made the finalists list include: all-news WINS-AM, New York; news/talk WOR, New York; all-news WWJ, Detroit; WSB-AM, Atlanta; WTMJ, Milwaukee; KFTK-FM, St. Louis; news/talk KTAR-FM, Phoenix; sports talk KMVP-FM, Phoenix; news/talk KSL-AM, Salt Lake City; KSRO, Santa Rosa, California; and WSOY-AM Decatur, Illinois…..Scripps news/talk WTMJ, Milwaukee is presenting a special program to address school safety in the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida massacre.  The one-hour special airs tomorrow (2/23) at 3:00 pm.  WTMJ director of programming and news Eric Brooks states, “WTMJ is ‘Wisconsin’s Radio Station’ and we’re honored to provide an on-air town hall for local leaders to discuss the importance of securing area schools.  It’s our duty to provide a forum on such an important subject which has taken on added urgency following the Parkland shootings.”

Florida School Massacre Aftermath/CNN Town Hall, Trump-Russia Investigation, Russian Meddling in U.S. Elections; DACA Status/Immigration Policy, Billy Graham Dies at 99, Middle East Tensions/Syria Violence, Twitter Accounts Suspensions, CPAC, and PyeongChang Winter Olympics Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/21).  The gun control debate spurred by the deadly Florida school shooting and Wednesday evening’s CNN Town Hall addressing gun issues; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the intelligence information pointing to Russian meddling in the 2016 election and the 2018 mid-term elections; the status of the DACA and the Trump administration’s immigration policy; evangelist Billy Graham dies at 99; tensions between Iran and Israel and the attacks on rebels and civilians in Syria’s eastern Ghouta; the suspension of numerous Twitter accounts as the company attempts to sweep out bots; this week’s Conservative Political Action Conference; and the Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

SRN’s Mike Gallagher Broadcasting from CPAC. The 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference got underway yesterday at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland and Salem Radio Network’s Mike Gallagher is broadcasting from the event.  Among the conservative leaders expected to speak at the conference are: President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and NRA president Wayne LaPierre.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Lexington, Kentucky country outlet WVLK flips to adult hits, using the JACK format.  Cumulus Media is position the new station as “101.5 JACK FM.”  Cumulus Media Lexington VP/market manager Scott Frazier says, “We are looking forward to introducing ‘JACK FM’ to Central Kentucky.  Jack is the #1-branded radio format in the country and the programming energizes listeners with its truly original brand and “we will play anything” attitude.”…..Programmer Dennis Martinez exits Entercom’s Orlando cluster where he’d been programming hot AC WOMX “MIX 101.5” and alternative rock WQMP “FM 101.9.”  Martinez joined the stations in 2015 when they were owned by CBS RADIO…..SiriusXM is celebrating the career Lynyrd Skynyrd as the band embarks on its farewell tour with a special invitation-only show for SiriusXM on Thursday, March 15 at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.  Also, SiriusXM will dedicate the month or March to Skynyrd with its own Southern Rock channel called, appropriately, “Freebird.”…..iHeartMedia announces the addition of Bon Jovi to the lineup of the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards taking place at the Forum in Los Angeles on March 11.  The band will be honored with the iHeartRadio Icon Award.

Round Two of January PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s January 2018 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’s January 2018 survey period covered January 4 – 31. 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. – Each faction under the spoken-word umbrella claims a big January 2018 victory. Following four consecutive months at #1, WTOP segued to second-place in “Holiday” 2017, but with a +1.3 (9.3 – 10.6, 6+), it reclaims the top spot with its best 6+-stat in nearly seven years (10.6, March 2011). Moreover, the Hubbard all-news operation applies the brakes to three successive declines that produced an overall -.5 (9.8 – 9.6 – 9.4 – 9.3, 6+). Prior to November, WTOP was +1.6 in three straight upticks (8.2 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 9.8, 6+). 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+). An even larger sweep-to-sweep increase is notched by American University-owned news/talk WAMU (7.6 – 9.3, +1.7, third to second, 6+). A collective -2.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.6 – 8.9 – 7.6, 6+), “The Mind Is Our Medium” exited the top spot in September, after spending eight straight months there. Off by a cumulative -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounded in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+), but forfeited exactly twice that increase in June with a -1.4. February 2017’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history first reached in December 2016. Without an increase in each of the last three reports for an overall -1.0 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL recaptures all of it plus one-tenth more (4.8, +1.1, eighth to sixth, 6+) as it registers its strongest 6+-performance since March 2015 (4.8, as well). Down or flat the past four survey periods for a roughly 50% decline in its 6+ AQH share (3.5 – 3.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, -1.7, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” bounces back with a +.6 to 2.4 (6+) and continues at #18. A gain of six-tenths (3.5 – 4.1, ninth to eighth, 6+) takes iHeartMedia CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5 DC’s #1 Hit Music Station” to its highest 6+-performance since September’s 4.4, while a +.5 (3.3 – 3.8, tenth to ninth, 6+) enables Radio One urban contemporary WKYS to log its best 6+-stat since October 2016’s 3.9. Down or flat the past 11 sweeps for a combined -.8 (1.1 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .4 -.3, 6+) Alpha Media’s WFLS “93.3 Today’s New Country” picks up one-tenth to .4 and returns to the top twenty (#22 to #20). After six straight increases (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 7.8 – 9.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH surrenders all but six-tenths of that collective +5.6 (4.7, -5.0, 6+) and tumbles from first to seventh; 9.7 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.4. A loss of one-tenth to 5.6 by Radio One urban AC WMMJ “Majic 102.3” (fifth to fourth, 6+) halts four straight up or flat moves that netted +1.5 (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+). “Majic 102.3” was a cumulative -1.8 in August and September (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+), before regaining four-tenths in October. Similarly-formatted/Howard University-owned WHUR picks up three-tenths of the -1.1 from “Holiday” 2017, inching up from fourth to third (7.1, 6+). It recorded a +1.4 in November to 8.4, the station’s best-ever PPM-showing but forfeited one-half share in December to 7.9 (6+). Prior to “Holiday” 2017, WHUR was in third-place for each of the previous 12 ratings periods.

2) Boston – Rebounding from a -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.9 (6.4 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” progresses from second to first. “Kiss” exited the top spot in December, after three straight months there. In September, WXKS-FM wiped out August’s one-half share decline by racking up a +.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+). Surrendering the top spot after back-to-back stays there is Entercom owned adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.6 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” (13.6 – 5.4, -8.2, first to fourth, 6+), which was a combined +8.3 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.3 – 8.8 – 13.6, 6+). Prior to December, “Magic” went five successive months without an increase for an overall -1.7 (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.3, 6+). Whereas November’s 5.3 was its weakest 6+-stat since 5.1 in January 2011, the 13.6 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest since 14.8 in “Holiday” 2015. As the New England Patriots were marching toward another Super Bowl, The Hub’s January 2018 (6+) sports talk share bloats by +2.6, nearly equally divided between Entercom’s WEEI-FM (5.4, +1.4, ninth to fourth, 6+) and Beasley Media Group-owned Patriots flagship WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (5.9 – 7.1, +1.2, third to second, 6+). The +1.4 by Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM curtails three drops in a row that produced a cumulative -1.9 (5.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). In four straight increases, WBZ-FM was a collective +2.4 (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+); surrendered three-tenths to 5.4 (6+) in December; and bounced back in “Holiday” 2017 with a gain of one-half share to 5.9 (6+). 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+). As a result of four straight sweeps without an increase (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC WWBX (formerly WBMX) was off by one full-share, but “Mix 104.1 – Boston’s Best Variety” picks up four-tenths to 3.2 (#12 to #11, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths each and displaying identical 4.2 – 4.9 steady at #7 (6+) profiles are fellow public news/talkers Boston University-owned WBUR and WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH. In November, WBUR – which was a collective -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.4 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+) – added nine-tenths to October’s one-half share gain. Its one-half share loss in September 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+). In addition to “The Sports Hub,” classic hits-oldies sibling WROR “105.7 Boston’s Greatest Hits” (5.5 – 6.7, fourth to third, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” (4.6, unchanged at #10, 6+) post gains of +1.2, as well. The latter ends six downward moves in succession accounting for a collective -2.2 (5.6 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 3.4, 6+). An overall -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (2.7 – 2.4 – 1.8, 6+), WZLX urban AC cluster-mate, WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 For R&B,” regains all but one-tenth of that loss (2.6, +.8, #18 to #14, 6+), while Northeast Broadcasting triple A WXRV “92.5 The River – Independent Boston Radio” adds one-half share to 2.1 (#20 to #17, 6+), erasing its -.5 from three straight down or flat moves (2.1 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+). Even though it is +.2 to 2.1 (6+) thus curtailing five consecutive declines for an overall -.8 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country” backslides from #16 to #17. In advance of the aforementioned decline, “The Bull” had four successive increases that accounted for a +.6 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). After four consecutive sweeps without a loss for a +.8 (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation classical-formatted WCRB is now a combined -.9 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.2, #16 to #22, 6+). In June – July – August, the 6+-share of WCRB decreased by more than 50% (2.8 – 1.8 – 1.3, 6+).

3) Miami – In addition to climbing from eighth to sixth, iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WXTU “Tu 94.9 – Donde Viven Hits” registers its fourth increase in a row for a cumulative +1.3 (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.7, 6+). A gain of one-half share takes Entercom-owned adult contemporary WLYF to its strongest 6+-stat (7.4) since September 2016’s 8.4. Moreover, “101.5 Lite FM” repeats at #1 and is a collective +1.8 in five successive up or flat trends (5.6 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.4, 6+). Elevating by one-half share as well are Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR “Amor 107.5” (5.6, flat at #4, 6+) and Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN (2.4, #20 to #19, 6+). Prior to January 2018, “Amor” was -1.1 in three straight down or flat moves (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), while WLRN was -.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). Up a combined seven-tenths in four straight sweeps without a loss, Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss 99.9 New Country” climbs from #17 to #16 (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). Following four increases in succession that yielded a +1.0 (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish tropical WRTO “Mix 98.3” relinquishes six-tenths to 3.0 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Off by six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMIA “93.9 MIA – Miami’s Rhythm From the ‘80s to Now” (2.5 – 1.9, #18 to #20, 6+), which had been within 2.0 – 2.5 range (6+) in each of the last 13 survey periods. Returning in its entirety the +.4 from “Holiday” 2017 plus one-tenth more (4.6 – 4.1, -.5, 6+), Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” slips from seventh to eighth. Unchanged at #3, its urban AC cluster-mate, WHQT “Hot 105,” is -1.6 in four decreases in a row (7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.2, 6+). October’s 7.8 was the strongest 6+-stat for “Hot” since July 2016’s 8.0. WHQT spent seven consecutive months at #1 before being ousted in December. Without an increase for the fifth sweep in a row for a collective loss of one full-share (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WFLC “Hits 97.3” carries on at #11. Its format competitor, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station,” returns the one-tenth it gained in “Holiday” 2017 (4.1 – 4.0, eighth to ninth, 6+). Prior to a loss of four-tenths in September, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). These two CHRs were tied at #8 in December; tied for eighth-place in July; and separated by one-tenth in August.

4) Detroit – Two-tenths of a share (6+) separates the Motor City’s top three January 2018 finishers. Included in that trio is Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC, which improves by six-tenths (6.1 – 6.7, 6+) to progress from second to first. This is the best 6+-stat for “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” since December 2016’s 7.1. WOMC succeeds iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now,” which plummets by -9.2 (15.8 – 6.6, first to second, 6+). Immediately prior to this drop, however, WNIC was +9.8 in five straight increases (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7 – 11.8 – 15.8, 6+) and was the market pacesetter from October 2017 through “Holiday” 2017. Its 15.8 in “Holiday” 2017 is more than two shares better than what it achieved in “Holiday” 2016 (13.7). Among the stations benefitting from its -9.2 are Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (5.1, +1.0, seventh to fifth, 6+); co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” (5.6 – 6.5, +.9, steady at #3, 6+); and Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” (4.1, +.6, #12 to #11, 6+). As a result of four losses in a row, “The Ticket” was a collective -2.2, while WJR was -.9 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+). WWJ had been within 5.2 – 5.9 territory (6+) between June 2017 and “Holiday” 2017. Led by Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” (3.8 – 4.9, +1.1, tenth to sixth, 6+), the market’s (6+) country share improves by +1.7. Immediately after picking up three-tenths in November to pull the plug on four straight decreases for an overall -1.5 (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.7, 6+), WYCD surrendered seven-tenths in December. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM,” which was without an increase in eight consecutive sweeps for a -.9 in that May through “Holiday” 2017 period (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), gains six-tenths (2.7, #18 to #15, 6+). Frozen on 4.4 (6+) in August and September before proceeding to 5.0 (6+) in October, November, and December, iHeartMedia CHR WKQI “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” regains 80% of its -1.0 from “Holiday” 2017 (4.0 – 4.8, 6+) and remains at #9. Leaping by eight-tenths as well is Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” (4.9, seventh to sixth, 6+), which ends three straight declines that accounted for a -1.0 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+). In 1.0 – 1.7 range (6+) the past 18 sweeps, Detroit Classical and Jazz Educational Radio-owned WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days – Jazzy Nights” explodes with a +1.0 to 2.4 (#21 to #18, 6+). Following three straight dips that accounted for a -1.2 (6.6 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” gains one-half share to remain at #4 (5.9, 6+), while co-owned WRIF “Everything That Rocks” bounces back from a -.5 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.6 (4.3 – 4.9, 6+) and stays at #6. An overall -.9 in four consecutive negative trends (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WDTW “Alt 106-7 Detroit’s New Alternative” picked up two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, but drops six-tenths in January 2018 (2.0 – 1.4, #19 to #21, 6+). Eleven days into the December 2017 sweep (11/20), WDTW transitioned from adult hits as “106.7 The D.”

5) Seattle – By dropping six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW ended five consecutive up or flat trends that netted a +1.3 (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+); however, the news/talk outlet roars back with a +1.5 (6.4 – 7.9, 6+) to advance from second to first. 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+). KUOW finished first for four straight months before dropping to second in December. After back-to-back stays at #1, Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” returns all but two-tenths of its combined +6.5 from December and “Holiday” and falls to third (11.8 – 5.5, -6.3, 6+). The 11.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Owing to a +.4 in November, “Warm” halted three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -1.2 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). It now has a new format opponent, Entercom’s KSWD “The Sound,” which is +1.1 (2.8 – 3.9, 6+) and zooms from #17 to #11. Country KMPS became KSWD “The Sound” on December 4 (2017). Those are the same call letters and identity Entercom formerly used for its Los Angeles classic rocker, which is now Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KKLQ. Down or flat the past three reports for a -.8 (6.0 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.2 6+), Hubbard CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5 Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” answers with a +1.0 to 6.2 (6+), jumping from fifth to second. Adding a +.9 to its +.7 from “Holiday” 2017 (4.6 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom-owned KISW “99.9 The Rock of Seattle” proceeds from sixth to third with its best 6+-stat since 5.7 in August 2015. A combined -1.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.3 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” regains roughly half that loss with a +.9 to 4.3 and is back in the top ten (#11 to #8). This represents the third increase in a row for hot AC cluster-mate KBKS “106.1 Kiss-FM – More Music, More Variety,” which is +1.2 since November (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 4.1) and cracks the top ten (#11 to #10) as well. A combined -1.3 in three consecutive decreases (4.9 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+), co-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is +.9 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 (3.6 – 3.9 – 4.5, ninth to seventh, 6+). Eroding by roughly two-thirds (-2.1) as a result of being down or flat the past five ratings periods (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 1.0, 6+), Hubbard’s KVRQ “Country 98.9 – Nobody Plays More New Country” picks up one-half share to 1.5 (6+) and stays at #23. The station flipped from “Rock 98.9” on December 4 (2017). Immediately after rolling out a +2.3 in “Holiday” 2017, Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5” forfeits all but two-tenths of that bounty (5.7 – 3.6, -2.1, 6+) and drifts from #3 to #12. In “Holiday” 2017 (5.7), “Star” reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time since its 5.5 in “Holiday” 2016.

6) Phoenix – Owing to three straight increases, Entercom-owned KMLE is a cumulative +1.2 (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing since 4.6 in March. Even so, “Country @ 107.9” backslides from sixth to eighth. Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country and All Time Favorites” hauls out a +1.1 (4.1 – 5.2, 6+) to climb from fifth to third. More than quadrupling its 6+ AQH-share (+3.7) in four straight gains (1.0 – 2.4 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 4.7, 6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI “88.3 Campesina Radio Network” enters the top ten (#11 to #6). Following three straight decreases that resulted in a -1.5 (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM The #1 Hit Music Station in Phoenix” recaptures two-thirds of the loss with a +1.0 to 4.0 and is back in the top ten (#15 to #9, 6+). It is tied at #9 with Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM, which erases its -.6 from “Holiday” 2017 with a +.8 (3.2 – 4.0, four-way tie at #11 to #9, 6+). The rollercoaster ride continues for Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL, which was a combined +1.7 in June and July (4.7 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+); an overall -2.0 in August, September, and October (6.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+); +1.0 in November to 5.4, 6+); -1.2 in December; -.5 in “Holiday” 2017; and now +.9 in January 2018 (3.7 – 4.6, eighth to seventh, 6+). In July, KOOL crossed the six-share threshold for the first time since May 2016’s 6.0 (6+). Having logged three straight decreases for a combined -1.2 (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” regains half that loss with a +.6 to 3.9 (6+) yet drops out of the top ten (#10 to #11). Improving by one-half share each are its hot AC sibling KMXP “Mix 96.9” (up or flat for the fourth time in a row, 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.1, third to fourth, 6+); co-owned KFYI “News Talk 550” (1.6 – 2.1, #21 to #20, 6+); and Sierra urban-rhythmic oldies KAJM “Mega 104.3” (1.3 – 1.8, #22, 6+). Despite returning the bulk of its combined +10.2 from December and “Holiday” 2017 (16.4 – 7.3, -9.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is #1 for the third time in a row; 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016. In the runner-up slot – also for the third consecutive time – is Hubbard’s KSLX, which is up three-tenths to 5.8 (6+), thus pulling the plug on five straight decreases that generated a combined -2.4 (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 5.5, 6+). “Classic Rock 100.7,” which hadn’t been below a six-share (6+) since February’s 5.8, exited the penthouse in December after seven straight months there. It was +1.1 (6.8 – 7.9, 6+) in August, after a collective -.5 in June and July (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). Without a loss in five successive sweeps for an overall +.9 (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), Entravision’s Spanish adult hits KVVA “Jose” is anchored at #19. Up one-half share in December and “Holiday” 2017 (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVK “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” surrenders six-tenths to .9 (#24 to #28, 6+). As the result of four consecutive negative trends, Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” has lost 50% of its 6+ AQH share (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.5, #21 to #24, 6+). It faltered by one-half share in August and was a combined +1.5 in September and October (1.5 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+).

7) Minneapolis – Answering a -.7 in “Holiday” 2017 with an increase more than double that margin (5.8 – 7.6, +1.8, 6+), Hubbard’s KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” catapults from fifth to first. Following three straight up or flat trends that netted one-half share (6.6 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), “KS-95” was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.1 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+). Continuing an up/down pattern that began in May (3.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/similarly formatted KTCZ “Cities 97 – More Music, More Variety” advances from #14 to #12. The station “KS-95” replaces at #1 – “Cities 97” classic hits-oldies sibling KQQL “Kool 108 Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” – returns in its entirety the combined +.7.8 it garnered in December and “Holiday” 2017 (14.2 – 6.4, -7.8, first to third, 6+). KQQL’s 14.2 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-share since 15.9 in “Holiday” 2016. While steady at #3, CHR sibling KDWB, a cumulative -1.5 since July as the result of six consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.5 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.0, 6+), gains four-tenths to 6.4 (6+). Having finished #1 in April, May, and June, “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” segued to #2 in July and back to #1 in August. Several news/talk outlets do well this sweep, including iHeartMedia-owned KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” (2.5 – 3.4, +.9, #15 to #14, 6+); Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW (5.9, +.7, sixth to fifth, 6+); and Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” (4.4 – 5.0, +.6, tenth to eighth, 6+). The September 2017 – “Holiday” 2017 topline 6+ trending for KNOW was 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2. Locked on 5.0 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2017, Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” hangs out a +.9 to 5.9 (seventh to fifth, 6+) and has its best 6+-share since 6.0 in August. This survey period proves to be a mixed bag for the two country FMs, as iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” is +1.1 (4.5, #12 to #10, 6+), while Entercom’s similarly-programmed KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9” is -.5 (4.0 – 3.5, #11 to #12, 6+). The +1.1 by “K-102” applies the brakes to six straight down or flat trends that generated a combined -2.9 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.4, 6+). When KMNB gained four-tenths to 4.0 in “Holiday” 2017, it halted three consecutive declines that produced a loss of eight-tenths (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+).

8) San Diego – Following four straight upticks for a cumulative +5.7 (3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.7 – 9.5, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KYXY relinquishes all but two-tenths (4.0, 4.0, -5.5, 6+) and sinks from first to tenth. KYXY’s 9.5 in “Holiday” 2017 exceeded by four-tenths its 9.1 in “Holiday” 2016. It is replaced by two stations at #1, co-owned classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits,” which records its fourth straight gain for a net +1.4 (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2, third to first, 6+), and San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS, actually off one-tenth (6.3 – 6.2, second to first, 6+). A December gain of four-tenths by KPBS pulled the plug on three straight monthlies without an increase that accounted for an overall -.6 (6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). December marked the fourth time in 2017 (February, August, September, and December) that it was on top. November’s +.5 (to 5.3, 6+) ended four straight decreases that yielded a cumulative loss of -1.4 (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+). By logging a +1.1 to 4.7 (6+), Entercom-owned KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” recaptures the full-share (plus one-tenth more) that it lost in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+) and leaps from tenth to fifth. Bouncing back from a -.6 in “Holiday” 2017, iHeartMedia-owned KGB-FM “San Diego’s Classic Rock Music Station” posts a +1.0 (3.3 – 4.3, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #8). News/talk cluster-mate KOGO, which eroded by three full-shares in three successive major declines (7.2 – 6.6 – 5.4 – 4.2, 6+), responds with a +.8 to 5.0 (seventh to third, 6+). When KOGO “600 News Radio” lost six-tenths in November, its successive string of up or flat monthlies that generated a collective +1.9 was snapped at four (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+); October’s 7.2 is the highest 6+-share for KOGO in its PPM-history. An overall -1.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.6 – 3.8 – 2.7, 6+), Midwest Television’s KFMB-FM posts a +.7 to 3.4 (#14 to #13, 6+). Prior to December, “100.7 KFM – BFM” was a combined +1.5 in five straight progressive or flat trends (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.6, 6+); November’s 4.6 was its strongest 6+-showing since transitioning to rock in January 2016. Up or flat four months in a row for a cumulative +.9 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom’s KBZT returned seven-tenths of that increase in “Holiday” 2017; however, “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” regains six-tenths to 2.5 and is in a five-way scrum at #16 (6+). After improving by six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017 to halt three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a -.5 (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “102.9 Mas Variedad” forfeits one-half share (3.0 – 2.5, 6+) and is part of that logjam at #16. In addition to being without an increase for the fifth time in a row for a collective -1.1 (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+), Local Media San Diego urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5” departs the top ten (#8 to #11).

9) Denver – Via its third improvement in succession for a cumulative +1.5 (4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR marches from third to first. Dislodged from the top spot after three consecutive sweeps there is Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety,” which is -6.1 (11.5 – 5.4, first to second, 6+), following a combined +6.5 in December and “Holiday” 2017. KOSI’s 11.5 in “Holiday” 2017 was its best 6+-showing since 11.6 in “Holiday” 2016. In addition to KCFR, KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “KOOL 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” improves by +1.0 as well (3.8 – 4.8, 6+), vaulting from tenth to fourth. When “KOOL” added two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it stymied three decreases in succession that accounted for a cumulative -.9 (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+). Within 3.3 – 3.9 range (6+) in each of the last 14 sweeps, Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” posts a +.9 to 4.2, its best 6+-performance since 4.3 in December 2016. Classic rock sibling KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” rebounds from a -.5 to a +.7 (3.7 – 4.4, 6+) and is back in the top ten (#11 to #7). A gain of six-tenths (4.2 – 4.8, seventh to fourth, 6+) takes iHeartMedia classic rock KRFX “103.5 The Fox” to its strongest 6+-stat since July’s 5.2, while a gain of one-half share by triple A sibling KBCO “World Class Rock” (5.1, fifth to third, 6+) halts four straight declines for a collective -2.0 (6.6 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.6, 6+). Flat at #14, Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” is up four-tenths to 3.6 (6+), ending three straight down or flat sweeps that yielded a cumulative -1.3 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+). Trending 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 (June through “Holiday” 2017, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures’ KWOF “92.5 The Wolf New Country Now” falters by nine-tenths to 1.3 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#19 to #22). Meanwhile, Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KYGO is down or flat for the ninth month in a row for a collective -2.1 (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.5, second to sixth, 6+). Off by one-half share each are iHeartMedia news/talk KOA (4.7 – 4.2, fourth to ninth, 6+) with its lowest 6+-share since 3.5 in March, and Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” (3.2 – 2.7, #14 to #16, 6+).

10) Tampa – The Cox Media Group Tampa adult contemporary that generally gets the most attention is WDUV, but in January 2018, that honor has to go to WWRM. Not only does “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” haul out a +1.8 to 5.7, rocketing from #12 to #4, it pulls the plug on three straight down or flat trends that generated a -1.2 (5.1 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 3.9, 6+). Speaking of WDUV, albeit that is -3.1 (11.9 – 8.8, 6+), it is the market’s pacesetter for the 65^th successive ratings period; “Lite Favorites” was a +1.5 in “Holiday” 2017 (10.4 – 11.9, 6+). A December loss of seven-tenths ended three straight gains that netted +1.8 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.8 – 11.1, 6+). Prior to an August decrease, WDUV had been a collective +1.8 (again) as the result of four successive uptrends (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.5, 6+). Elsewhere in the market’s adult contemporary arena, Beasley Media Group’s WPBB “B-98.8 Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites,” which more than tripled its 6+-stat (+2.8) in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.2 – 1.2 – 2.4 – 4.0, 6+), surrenders all but one-half share of that increase (1.7, -2.3, 6+), freefalling from #9 to #19. Since becoming an AC in early-January 2017, “B-98.8” hadn’t reached the two-share level (6+) until December’s 2.4, thus 4.0 in “Holiday” 2017 was its best-ever 6+-stat in the format. Meanwhile, in hot AC, iHeartMedia’s WMTX “Mix 100.7” improves by seven-tenths to 3.5 (#15 to #13, 6+), ending three straight (slightly) down or flat moves that resulted in a -.4 (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+). With a November – December – “Holiday” 2017 topline trend of 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.4 (6+), urban contemporary sibling WBTP “95.7 The Beat” notches a +.8 to 5.2 (seventh to fifth, 6+). An overall +1.0 in five successive up or flat moves (1.6 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WSUN “97-X Your New Alternative” progresses from #19 to #16. It is tied there with news/talk cluster-mate WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio,” which gains three-tenths to 2.6 (#18 to #16, 6+), curtailing four straight down or flat trends for a collective -1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). Picking up one-half share (in addition to WSUN) are Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” (5.3 – 5.8, unchanged at #3, 6+); co-owned rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1 The Bay’s Party Station” (4.0 – 4.5, ninth to eighth, 6+); and iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA (2.7 – 3.2, #16 to 14, 6+). When “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” improved by four-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it curtailed three straight sweeps without an increase for a collective loss of two-tenths (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+).

11) Baltimore – Boasting the highest (6+) “Holiday” 2017 – January 2018 increase of any station in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far is WPOC “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” (4.6 – 7.1, +2.5, fourth to second, 6+). The iHeartMedia-owned property was a combined -2.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.2 – 6.2 – 4.6, 6+) and was within 7.2 – 7.7 range from May through November, (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.2, 6+). In a bit of irony, this market is responsible for producing the loftiest (6+) “Holiday” 2017 – January 2018 decrease by any PPM-market station to this point, as well. That dubious distinction goes to Entercom adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” (16.3 – 6.1, -10.2, first to third, 6+). It has been a wild ride lately for “Today’s 101.9,” which dialed up a +.5 in August; returned all of it in September (-.5); displayed a +.8 in October; surrendered all of that in November (-.8); bounced back with a combined +9.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017; and is now -10.2. Taking over for WLIF at #1 is Radio One urban AC WWIN (10.4 – 10.6, +.2, second to first, 6+). “Magic 95.9” occupied the top spot for four months in succession, before segueing to #2 in December. It is without a decrease for the seventh sweep in a row for a combined +2.6 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2 – 10.4 – 10.6, 6+). Entering the November sweep, “Magic” was down or flat in each of the previous four ratings periods for a collective -.6 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). A four-tenths June increase halted at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a -.9 (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). An overall -1.7 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.5 – 3.8 – 2.8, 6+), Shamrock-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” answers with a +1.0 in January 2018 to 3.8 (#12 to #11, 6+). In November, “The Bay” was off two-tenths, thus ending at five a consecutive string of gains that netted a +1.9 (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+). Erasing its -.6 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.8 in January 2018 (3.5 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” climbs from eighth to seventh. Up by eight-tenths as well (3.4, #13 to #12, 6+) is Peter & John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM “95.1 Shine FM,” which was -.7 in three consecutive down or flat trends (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths each are Entercom CHR WWMX “106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix” (4.2 – 4.9, steady at #5, 6+) with its best 6+-stat since May’s 5.0, and Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR (3.5 – 4.2, unchanged at #8, 6+). Having sputtered by a collective -1.8 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.2 – 4.6 – 3.4, 6+), Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” recoups one-third of that loss (4.0, +.6, tenth to ninth, 6+). Picking up six-tenths as well and remaining at #6 is Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” (4.0 – 4.6, 6+). When “The Fan” improved by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it drew to a close three straight downward moves producing an overall -1.8 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Finishing second in Washington, DC (see above), American University-owned news/talk WAMU improves by one-half share in Baltimore (1.3, #17 to #16, 6+); WAMU was -.4 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8, 6+). The 11 most recent trends for Hearst news/talk WBAL are 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.1 (#11 to #13, 6+). Immediately prior to January 2018, that topline included five successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.4.

12) St. Louis – Jumping by +1.0 each are Entercom news/talk and hot AC cluster-mates KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” (6.4, fifth to fourth, 6+) and KYKY “Y-98 Today’s Best Music” (ninth to seventh, 6+). As a result of four decreases in succession (8.4 – 8.0 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+), KMOX was a cumulative -3.0 and had its lowest 6+-share since January’s 5.0. A loss of four-tenths in October ended at three its consecutive winning streak which generated a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+). Meanwhile, “Y-98 continues a down/up pattern that began in August (4.3 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 4.9, 6+). Nearly wiping out its -1.1 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.9 to 4.2 (6+), Emmis’ KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” jumps from #12 to a tie at #8 with KYKY. When “The Point” lost six-tenths in December, its consecutive string of positive trends that netted one full-share ended at four (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1,” a cumulative -1.4 in three straight decreases (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+), is up seven-tenths to 3.3 (#17 to #16, 6+). In a similar context, by registering a half-share increase to 3.5 (steady at #13, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU ends three successive downward moves that accounted for a -.9 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). A combined -.7 since November (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” regains all of it and an extra one-tenth (4.0, +.8, #13 to #10, 6+). Simultaneous with WXOS cluster-mate WIL “New Country 92.3” picking up eight-tenths (5.4 – 6.2, steady at #5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 for New Country,” which had been trending 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.5 (6+), improves by one-half share to 4.0 (#11 to #10, 6+), its best 6+-stat since July’s 4.2. The five most recent fluctuations for Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 The Lou – R&B + Old School for the Lou” are -.6 (October); +.8 (November); +.6 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2017); and now +.5 in January 2018 (6.2 – 5.6 – 6.4 – 7.0 – 6.3 – 6.8, fourth to third, 6+). December’s increase concluded a down/up pattern that surfaced May through November (6.3 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 5.6 – 6.4, 6+). Off by one-half share in “Holiday” 2017, Emmis CHR KNOU “Now 96.3 – All the Hits” bounces back with a +.7 (2.9 – 3.6, #15 to #14, 6+). Up six full-shares via three successive positive or flat trends (4.1 – 4.1 – 6.7 – 10.1, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KEZK “102.5 The Best Mix of the ‘80s and Today” surrenders all but one-tenth of that increase (4.2, -5.9, 6+), drifting from first to eighth. The 10.1 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 11.1 in “Holiday” 2016, which was the last time KEZK reached #1. It is replaced at the top by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, which actually falters by -1.6 (9.5 – 7.9, 6+), but nonetheless advances from #2. KLOU rebounded from December’s -.8 with a +2.2 in “Holiday” 2017. Prior to November, when it gained nine-tenths, KLOU was down or flat the previous three months for a -1.3 (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+). Setting the pace in January 2017, February, and March, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April, but returned to #1 in June, July, and August. Via three negative moves in a row (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WHHL is a combined -1.2 as “Hot 104.1” departs the top ten (#8 to #14). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KATZ-FM “100.3 The Beat” (formerly KMJM) is off by one-half share (2.8 – 2.3, #17, 6+).