Tag: "CPAC"

Thursday, February 22, 2018

| 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 65th 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+).

Thursday, February 23, 2017

| February 23, 2017

Q4 2016 Shows Profit for iHeartMedia.  The San Antonio-based radio giant announced its earnings for the fourth quarter of 2016 and the year as a whole and, for the first time in 27 quarters, the debt-laden company turned a profit.  iHeartMedia’s net income for the fourth quarter of 2016 was $106.04 million.  It lost $93.3 million during the same period in 2015.  For 2016 as a whole, its loss dipped to $296.32 million, compared to the posted loss of $754.62 million the previous year.   iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “We continue to take major steps to transform our iHeartMedia and outdoor businesses into a leading multi-platform, 21st-century media and entertainment company.  We are successfully building out new products and services for advertising partners to capitalize on our unique strength with the consumer – such as extending iHeartRadio with new, on-demand services and to in-home connectivity devices, including Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home.  In firsts for both industries, iHeartMedia and outdoor are building out their data-rich analytics capabilities and programmatic ad-buying solutions to do business in the same way that the entire advertising industry is heading.”

Legal Analysis: The Suit Against Howard Stern.  TALKERS magazine legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman takes a look at the lawsuit recently filed against SiriusXM personality Howard Stern and the IRS by a Massachusetts woman.  In his analysis, Weisman considers the liability of Stern, who aired a phone call between the plaintiff and the IRS without the plaintiff’s knowledge.  As many broadcasters are aware, the FCC rules about airing phone calls do not apply to satellite radio.  However, the plaintiff alleges she’s suffered damages and endured pain and suffering as a result of the incident.  Read Weisman’s take on the matter here.

DGital Media Partners with Bill Bennett for Podcast.  Reagan Administration appointee, former Salem Radio Network talk host and current Trump Administration advisor Bill Bennett is partnering with DGital Media to produce a weekly program that “brings together some of the most influential voices in politics, media, education and business for a conversation designed to inform listeners about what is impacting their lives, from the White House to their local communities.”  The weekly podcast launches today (2/23) with Vice President Mike Pence as Bennett’s first guest.  It’s available via iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Opinion: SAG-AFTRA – Too Little, Too Late.  WFTL, Fort Lauderdale afternoon drive talk show host Joyce Kaufman challenges the recent statement by union SAG-AFTRA “supporting the rights of a free and unencumbered press.”  Kaufman believes the union is being hypocritical and partisan for choosing this time to support “broadcast and online” journalists covering the Trump Administration, having chosen not to do so in the past.  Read her piece here.

Chris Christie’s Name in the Mix for WFAN, New York Gig.  There are still another 10 months to go until WFAN, New York afternoon sports talk host Mike Francesa leaves the CBS Radio sports talk outlet at the end of his contract, but station PD Mark Chernoff indicates to the media that he’s certainly willing to consider outgoing New Jersey Governor – and avowed Dallas Cowboys fan – Chris Christie for the gig.  Chernoff is quoted in the Bergen Record’s NorthJersey.com saying Christie is among “plenty” of candidates the station is considering.  “I would certainly at least want to consider him.  If he’s interested and we’re interested, it’s worth pursuing.”  Christie has done a number of fill-in gigs on WFAN and he’s made no secret of the fact that he’d like to do something in sports media when he leaves office.  Read the whole story here.

TALKERS magazine News Notes.  The nationally syndicated “Staying Young Show” – with host Judy Gaman – announces that its podcast has hit the 1million download mark.  The “Staying Young Show” is syndicated for radio by Talk Media Network.  In June of 2015, Stay Young Media Group, LLC decided to relaunch the show as the podcast “Staying Young Show 2.o” so that it could be heard internationally.  Shortly after launching the podcast, it hit #1 on iTunes N&N Science and Medicine.  Talk Media Network president Josh Leng comments, “The ‘Staying Young Radio Show’ continues to lead the way with impactful broadcast and on-demand listening for those who take an active role in their medical and healthy living decisions.  The ‘Staying Young’ listener is one who cares highly about their well-being and their loved ones.  It is a fun and informative program, with numerous takeaways in each and every weekly episode.”…..KHTK, Sacramento sports talk host Damien Barling is off the air – at least temporarily – for calling Sacramento Kings general manager Vlade Divac a “moron” after trading DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans.  Barling is not the only Kings critic to rail against the team for getting next to nothing in return for Cousins.  As Deadspin reports, KHTK is the flagship radio station for Kings broadcasts, though the team has denied it had anything to do with Barling’s on-air status.  KHTK program director Kevin Sherrets told Deadspin the station doesn’t tolerate personal attacks…..Bonneville Denver adds a new show to the lineup at sports talk KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan.”  The daily 9:00 am to 10:00 am show features station contributors former Denver Bronco Tyler Polumbus and Broncos Insider Cecil Lammey.

Order, Boisterous GOP Town Halls, Retaking Mosul from ISIS, This Week’s CPAC, O’Keefe Threatens CNN Tapes, Kim Jong Nam Assassination Investigation, and NBA and NHL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/22).  Public debate over what the Trump Administrations’ second travel order means for U.S. immigration policy; the reaction to Donald Trump’s reversal of Barack Obama’s transgender bathroom order; the action taking place at GOP politicians’ town halls and questions about whether attendees are paid activists or actual constituents; the battle to re-take Mosul from Islamic State and the recent removal of the terrorist organization from the city’s airport; conservatives converge on a Maryland resort for the Conservative Political Action Conference; undercover journalist James O’Keefe threatens to “expose” CNN with hidden camera footage of the news organization’s operations; the investigation into the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s half-brother Kim Jong Nam; and NBA and NHL action were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Broadcasting Live from CPAC.  Nationally syndicated radio host Mike Gallagher (right) hosts Milwaukee Country Sheriff David Clarke (left) on his Salem Radio Network program.  Gallagher is doing his program from the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.  Some of Gallagher’s other guests this week include U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Heritage Foundation president Jim DeMint.

Carruthers:  Now is the Time for Radio Broadcasters to Get Serious About Podcasting.  Veteran syndicated radio broadcaster Mike Carruthers (host and creator of “Something You Should Know”) says most professional radio broadcasters are not yet taking advantage of the benefits and opportunities that can be developed as a natural extension of their already-proven skills and talent in the growing field of podcasting.  In an extremely informative article posted today (2/21) Carruthers – CEO of PerfectYourPodcast.com – concisely explains the state of podcasting and what radio broadcasters need to know to move their careers forward into seriously developing their stake in this dynamic field.  Carruthers will be presenting a free master class webinar (see story above) in association with TALKERS magazine titled “How to Launch and Grow a Successful Podcast” on Wednesday, March 8 at 1:00 pm ET.  To read the Mike Carruthers article, please click here.

 

 

CBS RADIO Promotes Tim Roberts to VP of Country Programming.  Already serving the company as vice president of music programming for CBS RADIO’s Detroit station group, the company announces that it is promoting Tim Roberts to the corporate post of VP of country programming.  CBS notes that Roberts is a veteran country music programmer “having worked in the radio industry for the past 39 years, with 38 of those dedicated to the country format.  By adding this new role to his purview, Roberts will be CBS RADIO’s lead liaison with the country music community, including Nashville’s top artists, labels, and management teams.  He will provide programming guidance and expertise to the division’s 12 country stations nationwide and work closely with the CBS RADIO Music Initiatives team to deliver live marquee events and experiences, such as the widely popular ‘Stars and Strings’ annual charity concert held at the iconic Chicago Theatre.”  Executive vice president of programming Chris Oliviero adds, “Tim is universally respected and admired as one of country radio’s preeminent programmers which makes him the ideal choice to lead our platform of more than 8 million weekly listeners including many of the format’s most recognizable brands.”

Ashley Z Takes Nights at ‘Q100’ in Atlanta.  The replacement for Adam Bomb in the evening shift at Cumulus Media’s CHR WWWQ, Atlanta “Q100” is Ashley Elzinga, a.k.a. Ashley Z.  Elzinga moves to Atlanta from her most recent gig at KDND, Sacramento “107.9 The End.”  During her career she’s also served with Saga’s CHR WNRG, Milwaukee “Energy 106.9” and with Ryan Seacrest Productions as part of the digital media team.  “Q100” program director Louie Diaz states, “After a nationwide search, ‘Q100’ is excited to add Ashley Z to the on-air team.  Ashley is an incredible talent and will keep ‘Q100’ #1 for great local content and hit music at night.”  Cumulus recently moved Adam Bomb to the afternoon daypart on WWWQ.

Andy Grammer to Perform at 2017 Golden Mike Award Ceremony.  On Monday evening, the Broadcasters Foundation of America will hold the 2017 Golden Mike Award ceremony at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.  Performing at the annual black-tie gala will be BMI songwriter and S-Curve Records artist Andy Grammer.  He is well known for his 2015 mega-hit “Honey, I’m Good.”  This year’s Golden Mike honoree is Paul Karpowicz, president of Meredith Corporation’s Local Media Group.  Receiving the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award will be retired president of Cox Media Group, Bill Hoffman.  The Golden Mike Award dinner attracts a who’s who of broadcast media executives and celebrities.  For information on how to reserve a seat or a table, please contact the Broadcasters Foundation at 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.

 

 

Round Two of January PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s January 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 January 2017 survey period covered January 5 – February 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. – The start of the new year brings excellent news for several Nation’s Capital spoken-word stations, including American University‘s WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” (9.2 – 11.0, +1.8, second to first, 6+); Hubbard Broadcasting-owned all-news WTOP (8.7 – 10.4, +1.7, third to second, 6+); and Cumulus Media talker WMAL (3.3 – 4.1, +.8, #12 to #9, 6+). It is quite a turnaround for all three, given that in “Holiday” 2016, WAMU was -2.3; WTOP -.7, halting three straight up or flat trends (8.7 – 9.2 – 9.4 – 9.4, 6+); and WMAL -.9, curtailing five straight sweeps without a decrease for a net +1.3 (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+). “The Mind Is Our Medium” was +1.5 in December to 11.5, the most potent 6+-share in its PPM-history. Ousted from #1 is iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH, which squanders more than half its 6+-share (10.4 – 4.8, – 5.6, 6+) and drifts from first to fifth. Locked on 4.5 (6+) in September and October, WASH picked up four-tenths in November; added one full-share in December; and was +4.5 in “Holiday” 2016. Notching gains of seven-tenths each are CBS Radio hot AC WIAD “94.7 Fresh” (3.4 – 4.1, #11 to #9, tied with WMAL, 6+) and – after a -.6 in “Holiday” 2016 – Columbia Union College contemporary Christian WGTS (2.9 – 2.3 – 3.0, #16 to #14, 6+). Advancing from eighth to sixth, iHeartMedia classic rock WBIG “Big 100” picks up six-tenths to 4.5, its best 6+-stat since September 2015 (4.5 as well). Down in five consecutive sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), Radio One-owned urban AC WMMJ bounces back in consecutive sweeps with a combined +1.1 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+), elevating from seventh to fourth. “Majic 102.3” trails its direct competitor – Howard University‘s WHUR (5.7 – 6.0, +.3, fourth to third) – by 1.1 shares (6+). A loss of one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016 by Radio One gospel WPRS ended five successive improvements that produced a cumulative +2.2 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). Now, “Praise 104.1” regresses by another eight-tenths (5.0 – 4.2, 6+), skidding from fifth to eighth.

2) Boston – The rollercoaster ride continues for Beasley Media Group-owned WROR, which forfeited all of December’s +1.1 with a -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016, but rebounds in January 2017 with a +1.6 (6.6 – 7.7 – 6.3 – 7.9, 6+), marching from second back to first. “Boston’s Classic Hits” was the market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December by sibling WMJX “Magic 106.7.” In advance of December’s +1.1, WROR had been down by a combined two full-shares over the last four sweeps (8.6 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 6.6, 6+). As for “Magic,” the adult contemporary facility nearly quadrupled the +1.5 it dialed up in December with a +5.6 in “Holiday” 2016, but it spirals by -7.4 in January 2017 (6.3 – 7.8 – 13.4 – 6.0, 6+) and drops to third. Prior to advancing to #1 in December, “Magic” was in the runner-up slot April 2016 through November. When it registered a 6.6 in September, WMJX halted three successive down or flat trends for a combined -1.2 (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+). A -.6 in July, meanwhile, stopped a successive string of five increases for a cumulative +1.2 (6.3 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+). Off a combined six-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.6 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” roars back with a +.9 to 5.9 (6+), climbing from fifth to fourth. Several spoken-word outlets in The Hub display significant gains including Boston University-owned WBUR (3.7 – 4.7, +1.0, eighth to seventh, 6+); public WGBH-FM (3.4 – 4.3, +.9, tenth to ninth, 6+); Entercom talker WRKO (2.4 – 3.0, +.6, #15 to #13, 6+) and co-owned sports WEEI-FM (4.8 – 5.4, +.6, steady at #6, 6+). Up by +1.1 in back-to-back monthlies (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.5, October-November-December, 6+), WBUR surrendered eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. WGBH-FM had been down or flat the past three sweeps for a combined -.6 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+). Prior to reaching 3.0 (6+) in January 2017, WRKO had been in 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for 23 ratings periods in a row. Meanwhile, Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM cuts in half (eight-tenths to four-tenths) the 6+ margin by which it trails format rival – CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” (5.6 – 5.8, +.2, fourth to fifth, 6+). “The Sports Hub” is the key station of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. Albeit that it remains at #11, cluster-mate WZLX “Classic Rock 100.7” gains four-tenths to 3.4 (6+), pulling the plug on four straight negative trends that produced a collective -1.5 (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+). Following four straight negative trends that yielded a combined -1.4 since September (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “New Hit Country 102.5” posts a +.7 to 4.3 (6+) and is steady at #9. Debuting at #22 with a .9 (6+) is Entercom’s WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 for R&B.”

3) Detroit – Jumping from seventh to third, Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Rocks Detroit” hangs out a +1.4 to 5.9, the station’s best 6+-stat in nearly a year (5.9, February 2016). Enjoying spikes of eight-tenths each are CBS Radio all-news WWJ (5.8 – 6.6, 6+) and co-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” (4.9, tenth to seventh, 6+). In moving from third to first, WWJ evicts WNIC from the top spot, as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary property erodes by roughly 60% (6+) and skids to sixth. The -8.5 to 5.2 (6+) curtails four straight improvements by WNIC that netted +8.8 since September (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.8 – 13.7, 6+). Meanwhile, “Detroit’s Country” was down or flat the last three sweeps for a combined -.9 (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+). Progressing by seven-tenths each are Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Hits” (3.1 – 3.8, #15 to #11, 6+); co-owned WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” (2.7 – 3.4, unchanged at #16, 6+); and iHeartMedia classic rocker WDTW “106.7 The D Whatever Rocks” (2.3 – 3.0, #18 to 17, 6+). The +.7 by WDVD ends four straight sweeps without an increase that yielded a -1.3 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.1, 6+). Up by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are iHeartMedia CHR WKQI “Channel 95-5 Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.3 – 4.9, ninth to seventh, 6+) and Wayne State University’s WDET (1.5, 6+), which had registered 1.0 (6+) in four of the last five sweeps and cracks the top 20 (#20). Frozen on 4.7 (6+) in December on “Holiday” 2016, iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” sputters by one-half share to 4.2 (sixth to tenth, 6+). In six consecutive decreases (7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5 – 6.0 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), CBS Radio sports outlet WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” is -3.5 (6+), dipping from seventh to ninth. 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.

4) Miami – The third successive improvement by WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” (ninth to sixth) is by one-half share as the Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet is +1.1 since November (3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+). Notching a one-half share increase as well is public WLRN (2.5, #17 to #16, 6+), which was without an increase in the previous three ratings periods for a cumulative -.9 (2.9 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). A gain of two tenths (to 7.0, 6+) is enough to propel Univision Radio’s WAMR from second to first. In three of the previous four ratings periods, “Amor 107.5” posted a 6.8 (6+). Exiting the top spot after three consecutive sweeps there and sliding to second is Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1,” which has its third successive decrease (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.6, 6+). “Easy 93.1” was a collective +1.1 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2, September – October – November, 6+). It is three tenths ahead of Entercom’s similarly-programmed WLYF “Lite FM,” which is up one-tenth to 6.3, #3, 6+), thus applying the brakes to five straight ratings periods that had resulted in a decrease of more than two full-shares (8.4 – 8.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+). “Lite FM” was #1 from July 2016 through October. When WEDR declined by one-half share in December, its string of consecutive up or flat trends that produced a +.7 ended at five (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+). The Cox Media Group urban contemporary rolled out a +1.1 in “Holiday” 2016 but “99 Jamz” now flounders by -1.5 (4.7 – 5.8 – 4.3, 6+) and falls from fifth to seventh. 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+), urban AC sibling WHQT “Hot 105” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 only to stumble by seven-tenths in January 2017 (6.3 – 6.8 – 6.1, 6+) moving from a second-place tie to fourth. CHR rivals WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” and WFLC “Hits 97.3” were tied at #12 (3.6, 6+) in “Holiday” 2016, but iHeartMedia’s WHYI picks up one-tenth to 3.7 and moves up to #10, while Cox Media Group’s WFLC is flat at 3.6, yet inches up to #11. After an extended period as a nonsubscriber, Spanish Broadcasting System’s WRMA appeared in the “Holiday” 2016 report at #7 (4.3, 6+), but “Ritmo 95.7” disappears again.

5) Seattle – Faltering by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, University of Washington-owned KUOW answers with a +1.4 (4.4 – 5.8, 6+) to vault from sixth to second. By picking up nine-tenths, CBS Radio’s classic rock KZOK (seventh to sixth) curtails five successive down or flat trends that yielded a cumulative full-share loss (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Country cluster-mate KMPS recaptures – in its entirety – the full-share it lost in “Holiday” 2016 (4.0 – 3.0 – 4.0, 6+) and is back in the top ten (#13 to #7). Meanwhile, owing to a +.2 to 2.5 (6+), Entercom’s similarly-programmed KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” halts four consecutive slumps that produced a combined -1.8 (4.1 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). Down or flat in each of the last four ratings periods for a cumulative -.9 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville talker KIRO-FM recaptures most of it with a +.8 to 5.7, climbing from fourth to third. Completely erasing its “Holiday” 2016 deficit of six-tenths (3.7 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM More Music, More Variety” returns to the top ten (#9 from #12). It is tied in ninth-place with Sinclair Broadcast Group’s similarly programmed KPLZ “Star 101.5,” which surrenders all but three-tenths of the +2.1 it logged in “Holiday” 2016 (3.4 – 5.5 – 3.7, -1.8, 6+); “Star” joins “Kiss” at #9 from #3. In 4.3 – 4.8 range (6+) the past six sweeps, iHeartMedia’s KJR-FM spikes by one-half share to 5.1 (6+) and carries on at #5. Improving by one-half share as well is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLSW “K-LOVE” (.8 – 1.3, #25, 6+). At the same time, Crista Ministries’ similarly-programmed KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3,” which had been without a decrease in seven consecutive sweeps yielding a +1.3 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), registers a -.8 to 2.8 (6+) to plummet from #8 to #17. 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.” It is a short stay at the top though for “Warm” as it drops more than five full-shares and shifts to fourth (10.9 – 5.6, -5.3, 6+), while KQMV (6.8 – 7.1, +.3, 6+) returns to #1. In three successive gains prior to January’s -5.3, “Warm” was a cumulative +6.6 (4.3 – 4.4 – 6.7 – 10.9, 6+).  A combined -1.6 in five successive ratings periods without a gain (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7 100% Throwbacks” gains four-tenths to 3.2 (6+) and moves from #16 to #13.

6) Phoenix – A cumulative -.9 as a result of being without an increase since September (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 The #1 Hit Music Station” hangs out a +1.1 to 4.1 and breaks into the top ten (#12 to #7). Up or flat in four monthlies entering the “Holiday” 2016 sweep (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), Bonneville talker KTAR-FM regressed by six-tenths but responds with a full-share increase (4.0 – 3.4 – 4.4, 6+) and rockets from ninth to fourth. Two of the several contemporary Christian properties that are present in Phoenix show strong growth: KFLR “Family Life Radio” adds nine-tenths (1.3 – 2.2 #21, 6+), while Educational Media Foundation’s KLVA “K-LOVE” gains seven-tenths (.6 – 1.3, #28, 6+). In addition to “K-LOVE,” CBS Radio’s KMLE Country @ 107.9 (4.2 – 4.9, steady at #3, 6+); classic hits-oldies sibling KOOL (ninth to seventh, 6+); and iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 Today’s Best Music” (flat at #6, 6+) are also up by seven-tenths. “Mix” recoups the -.7 from “Holiday” 2016. Three straight negative trends prior to January’s +.7 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.4, 6+) produced a collective -1.4 for KOOL. Progressing from fifth to fourth, Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” puts up a +.4 to 4.4 (6+), closing out four straight months without a gain that yielded a -1.1 (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+). Maricopa County Community College’s KJZZ notches an increase of eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.9, 6+) as it cruises from #19 to #14, while co-owned classical KBAQ “89.5 K-Bach” (#17) extends its string of up or flat trends to five for a cumulative +.9 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+). Up one-half share each are iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain” (3.7, flat at #11, 6+) and Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI (2.9 – 3.4, steady at #13, 6+). “The Mountain” had been down or flat the previous six ratings periods (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ erodes by nearly 10 full-shares (16.5 – 6.6, -9.9, 6+), it is #1 for the 29th successive ratings period. Its 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016 (6+) matched what KESZ recorded in “Holiday” 2015. Not only is this the fifth straight down or flat trend for KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” for a collective -1.4 (3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+), the Entravision regional Mexican outlet departs the top 20 (#19 to #23, 6+).

7) Minneapolis – The market’s (6+) hot AC share swells by +2.6, with that increase equally divided between Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” (6.4 – 7.7, +1.3, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “The Cities” (5.3, +1.3, #12 to #8, 6+). The increase not only allows “KS-95” to advance from second to first, it ends a drought 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. Meanwhile, “The Cities” rebounds from a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). Eroding in excess of 10 full-shares, its classic hits-oldies sibling KQQL “Kool 108 Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” (15.9 – 5.6, -10.3, 6+) is the station displaced at #1 and drifting to #6. Having faltered in five straight ratings periods for a combined -1.7 (8.0 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+), “Kool 108” rebounded with a collective +9.6 in December and “Holiday” 2016. Following four straight negative trends that produced a loss of two full-shares (8.1 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.1, 6+), CHR sibling KDWB “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” is up four-tenths to 6.5 (6+), advancing from third to a second-place tie. Unchanged at #4, Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” is +.4 to 6.4 (6+), pulling the plug on three successive downward sweeps accounting for a -1.1 (7.1 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+). Spoken-word facilities do well in absorbing some of those available shares. In particular, Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW, which concluded three straight positive trends (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+) in “Holiday” 2016 with a -1.3, roars back with a +1.4 (4.6 – 6.0, eighth to fifth, 6+); iHeartMedia talker KTLK-AM gains nine-tenths (2.0 – 2.9, 6+), returning to #14 from #16; and CBS Radio’s WCCO adds eight-tenths (4.4 – 5.2, #11 to #9, 6+). Before dropping six-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, KTLK-AM was without a loss the previous six sweeps for a combined +1.2 (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+). This marks the first increase for WCCO since July; it was a combined -.9 since then in six straight down or flat trends (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). Also in the non-music genre, iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio FM 100.3 K-FAN” posts a +.5 (6.0 – 6.5, 6+) to progress from fourth to second. 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. In addition to KFXN, Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” (5.0, 6+) and American Public Media Group triple A KCMP (2.0 – 2.5, flat at #16, 6+) also rise by one-half share; “93-X” regains the one-half share it lost in “Holiday” 2016 yet backslides from #10 to #11.

8) San Diego – Off by a full-share since November (5.7 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHTS “Channel 93-3 San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” captures all of it and storms from fourth to first (4.7 – 5.7, +1.0, 6+). That ends the one sweep stay at the top for CBS Radio adult contemporary-turned hot AC KYXY (9.1 – 4.7, -4.4, 6+), which segues to fourth-place, vacated by “Channel 93-3.” 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+). After regressing by six-tenths in “Holiday” 2016, Entercom-owned KSON “New Country” bounces back with a +.7 (4.0 – 4.7, 6+) and is tied with KYXY at #4. Spoken-word outlets jumping by six-tenths are San Diego State University’s KPBS (4.6 – 5.2, sixth to third, 6+) and Midwest Television talker KFMB-AM (2.0 – 2.6, #20 to #19, 6+). Following eight consecutive up or flat trends that produced a gain of eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+), KFMB-AM dropped three-tenths in “Holiday” 2016. Gaining six-tenths as well are Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “102.9 Mas Variedad” (4.2, #11 to #9, 6+); Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN (also 3.6 – 4.2, #11 to #9, 6+); and Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” (2.1 – 2.7, #19 to #17, 6+). “Mas Variedad” had registered three consecutive decreases for a collective -1.7 (5.3 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+), while “San Diego’s Alternative” is in 2.1 – 2.7 range (6+) for the fifteenth straight monthly.  Improving by one-half share each are Midwest Television rocker KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM-BFM” (2.3 – 2.8, #18 to #16, 6+) and alternative XTRA “91-X” (1.7 – 2.2, #20, 6+). This curtails five straight downward trends for KFMB-FM that resulted in a combined -1.1 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). Off by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are rhythmic CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” (5.1 – 4.6, 6+, third to seventh) and classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM “105.7 Max FM” (2.4 – 1.8, #17 to #21, 6+). In four straight increases prior to January 2017, “Max FM” was a combined +.5 (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+). This is the fifteenth straight time KGB is within three-share range (3.6 – 3.5, -.1, 6+); “San Diego’s Classic Rock Music” falls from #11 to #13.

9) Tampa – Without an increase in three straight sweeps for a -.7 (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WXTB “98 Rock” busts out a +.7 to 3.4 (6+), climbing from #16 to #15. Four Tampa Bay properties gain six tenths, including “98 Rock” cluster-mate WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Leader” (4.1 – 4.7, eighth to fifth, 6+) and a station with the same calls in a different order – University of South Florida’s WUSF (3.6 – 4.2, #12 to #11, 6+). Following four straight gains for a cumulative +1.3 (4.0 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), WFUS surrendered -1.2 in “Holiday” 2016. Also in that group gaining six-tenths are Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies and Spanish contemporary siblings WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” (3.9 – 4.5, tenth to sixth, 6+) and WYUU “92.5 Maxima” (#14 to #12, 6+). “Q-105” was off by one-half share in “Holiday” 2016, while “92.5 Maxima” is trending 3.9 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.4 – 4.0 (6+). Posting gains of one-half share are Cox Media Group’s WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle” (6.4 – 6.9, steady at #2, 6+) and iHeartMedia talker WFLA (3.0 – 3.5, #15 to #13, 6+). 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. Notwithstanding that it is off by -3.1 (12.7 – 9.6, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is in the driver’s seat for the 52nd successive ratings period. This time last year, “Lite Favorites” was #1 with a 12.1 (6+). After being up for three straight months netting a +1.3 (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.1), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The JOY FM” falters by seven-tenths to 4.4 (6+) and slips from fourth to seventh. Regressing by one-half share are iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” (third to fourth, 6+) and co-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (2.7 – 2.2, #16 to #18, 6+). This is the third successive decline for “The Beat” (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+) for a collective -1.4.

10) Denver – Locked on 3.3 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2016, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “K-LOVE” erupts with a +1.1 to 4.4 and catapults from #14 to #7. Dusting itself off from a -.5 in “Holiday” 2016, Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” also improves by +1.1 (2.9 – 4.0, 6+), cruising from #16 to #11. A loss of six-tenths in November by “The Fan” 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 its most potent 6+ showing under PPM methodology. As a result of eroding by -1.3 in December, iHeartMedia’s KTCL not only ended four straight up or flat sweeps 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” is +1.8 (5.3 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+) and marches from runner-up to first. Supplanted from the top spot and seguing to #2 is Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101 Real-Music-Variety,” which has its 6+-share sliced precisely in half to 5.8. Moreover, the -5.8 curtails three straight gains that netted a combined +6.2 since October (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 11.6, 6+). In addition to KTCL, Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR dials up a +.9 as well (3.8 – 4.7, 6+), rocketing from #11 to #6. 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 begins 2017 with a +.9. Improving by seven-tenths are KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “KOOL 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” (4.8 – 5.5, fifth to fourth, 6+), which was -.9 in “Holiday” 2016, and Colorado Public Radio classical KVOD (#20 to #17, 6+), up or flat for the fifth successive time (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.7, 6+) for a collective +1.7. Improving by one-half share (3.6 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” enters the top ten (#12 to #9). Co-owned KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” is in 3.0 – 3.8 range for the fifteenth successive sweep (3.3 – 3.4, +.1, #14 to #15, 6+).

11) Baltimore – It is a #1/#2 finish for Radio One as WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” trots out a +.7 (8.2 – 8.9, 6+) to progress from third to first. 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+), “Magic” added one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. As a result of a -1.2 in July, it exited the top spot. Before that, “Magic” put together four straight increases for a combined +3.7 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 8.2 – 9.8, 6+). Urban contemporary sibling WERQ “Q-92 Jams” is unchanged in share (8.3, 6+) and rank (#2, 6+). Banished from the top spot and taking over at #3 is CBS Radio adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9,” which loses approximately 53% of its 6+-share to 7.1 (6+). The five most recent fluctuations for WLIF are +.5 (October 2016); -1.1 (November 2016); +1.1 (December 2016); +7.0 in “Holiday” 2016; and -8.2 in January 2017 (7.8 – 8.3 – 7.2 – 8.3 – 15.3 – 7.1, 6+). After the dust clears, “Today’s 101.9” is down seven-tenths. A -.4 in September 2016 ended its string of successive increases – which netted a +1.1 – at three (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Among those swooping in for some of those available eight (plus) shares are spoken-word outlets (public) WYPR (2.0 – 2.9, +.9, steady at #14, 6+); Hearst Television’s WBAL (3.5 – 4.2, +.7, tenth to seventh, 6+); and WCBM (+.6, 3.6 – 4.2, eighth to seventh, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, iHeartMedia-owned 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. “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” bounces back though with a +1.2 (4.7 – 5.9, 6+) and returns to #4. Enjoying one-half share spikes are Peter & John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM “Shine 95.1” (3.4 – 3.9, steady at #11, 6+) and Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC “91.5 Maryland’s Classical Music Station” (1.2, #17 to #16, 6+). WBJC was down or flat the past four sweeps (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .7, 6+).

12) St. Louis – After 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 only to rebound in January 2017 with a +1.4 (4.2 – 3.0 – 4.4, 6+), sailing from #16 to #11. Among other St. Louis spoken-word outlets notching noteworthy improvements are CBS Radio heritage talker KMOX (5.0, #12 to #8, +.9, 6+); Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 Sports” (2.9 – 3.6, +.7, #17 to #14, 6+); and University of Missouri-owned KWMU (+.5, 6+). Prior to January 2017’s +.9, KMOX had been without an increase for six straight ratings periods and was a cumulative -3.1 in that stretch (7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+). Following December’s +.6 with a -.9 in “Holiday” 2016, KWMU had its string of consecutive upward trends – which produced a +1.2 – snapped at three (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+). Registering increases of +1.1 each are CBS Radio hot AC KYKY “Y-98” (5.1 – 6.2, sixth to fourth, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL “New Country 92.3” (5.8, eighth to sixth, 6+). Stuck on 6.1 (6+) in October and November, “Y-98” notched a +.5 in December but was -1.5 in “Holiday” 2016. The +1.1 curtails four straight down or flat trends by “New Country” for a -1.2 (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+). Gaining one-half share are co-owned adult hits WARH “The Arch” (5.9 – 6.4, fifth to third, 6+) and Emmis alternative KPNT “105.7 The Point” (5.0, ninth to eighth, 6+). After improving in three straight ratings periods for a combined +2.2 (5.4 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6, 6+), “The Arch” spiraled by -1.7 in “Holiday” 2016, while “The Point” breaks a string of four straight downward moves that yielded a -1.1 (5.6 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+). Down or flat the past four sweeps for a -1.3 (5.1 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” picks up three-tenths to 4.1 (6+), but remains at #13. A change at #1 finds CBS Radio adult contemporary KEZK losing approximately 50% of its 6+-share (11.1 – 5.5, -5.6, 6+) and drifting to seventh, while iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLOU (9.9 – 7.1, -2.8, 6+) and Emmis rocker KSHE (6.7 – 7.1, +.4, 6+) become co-leaders. 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); 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. Off by seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” (5.1 – 4.4, #6 to #11, 6+) and co-owned urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B + Old School For The Lou” (6.6 – 6.1, fourth to fifth, 6+).

Monday, March 10, 2014

| March 10, 2014

TRN logo 125Cumulus-logo 100ww1 125TRN Companies and Cumulus Media Announce Amicable Westwood One Settlement.   TRN Companies and Cumulus Media announced late Friday afternoon (3/7) that they have agreed to settle outstanding claims arising during previous ownership of WestwoodOne, acquired by Cumulus Media in December, 2013. Lew Dickey, president and CEO of Cumulus Media, said, “While Cumulus Media had no role in the lawsuits filed by TRN Companies, we are pleased to resolve these claims and move forward together. We remain supportive of each other and are optimistic for the future.”  Mark Masters, CEO of TRN Companies, said: “We are pleased to ‘turn the page’ with the new owners of WestwoodOne and have put past issues behind us.  As we build bridges together, we look forward to a mutually beneficial future working with our affiliated stations, customers, Lew and John Dickey and Cumulus Media.”

emmisEmmis to Reward Employees with Stock.  The company states that as part of its 2012 Employee Retention Plan, roughly 75% of its full-time employees are being notified they are eligible to receive what it is saying is “a sizeable stock award.”  The company further states, “Emmis prides itself on being a destination employer in the media and digital industries, and as such, places a high value on cultivating a culture that allows us to attract and retain the best talent in our industries.  The third of Emmis’ Eleven Commandments states: Be good to your people – get them into the game and give them a piece of the pie.”  Eligible employees will receive a pro-rata share of approximately 976,000 shares of Emmis Communications common stock.  Using Friday’s closing price, the 976,000 shares in the Retention Plan will deliver $3,240,000 in value to the 598 employees who qualify for the plan.  To ensure a broad-based distribution, the Plan excluded executive officers and capped the level of salary credit at $50,000.  As an example of the award size, a full-time employee of Emmis who has been with the company since April 2, 2012, with a salary of $40,000 per year will get approximately 1,480 shares. That equates to a market value of $4913.60, using the closing price last Friday, March 7 of $3.32.  The awards will vest on April 2, 2014 and will be distributed to employees shortly thereafter.  It will be their choice whether to hold or sell the stock.

hughesspencerKSFO, San Francisco Names Hughes Late Morning Host.  Cumulus Media’s news/talk KSFO, San Francisco has been trying out talk show hosts in the late morning slot (billed on the station’s website as “KSFO Talk Show”) for the past several months.  Now, the station names Spencer Hughes permanent host of the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon program.  Hughes’ resume includes stops at talk stations across America including WRKO, Boston; KGO, San Francisco; KTKZ, Sacramento; and KSRO, Santa Rosa.

decastrojimmyWGN VP/GM Jimmy de Castro Talks Radio and More.  The vice president and general manager of Tribune Company’s WGN, Chicago and the new sports talk WGWG “The Game 87.7” spoke candidly with the Chicago Sun-Times for its online video feature “The Sit Down.”  In the interview, de Castro throws out a number quips that’ll interest industry watchers.  For example, he’s not trying to bring young listeners to WGN, “I don’t want a younger audience for ’GN.  I want 35- to 65- or 70-year-old people.”  He says he hasn’t committed a lot of money to his staff.  “I don’t have one contract with one person on our station.  Not one.  They’re all here because of how they feel.  Any time they want, they can walk out the door.”  The one-time WLUP-FM leader also talks about his career and how he views life after all of his success.  See it here.

robertsjackJack Roberts Dies at 62.  Radio executive/on-air personality Jack Roberts died this past weekend in Los Angeles.  Over the course of his career, the 62-year-old Roberts was a general manager, program director, on-air talk host, and producer.  Most recently, the Boston College graduate and Massachusetts native was executive producer for CRN Digital Talk Radio programming, including “What’s Cookin’ Today.”  CRN chief executive officer Michael Horn comments, “Jack truly understood and loved radio.  He became an instant, caring friend to everyone he encountered.”  Roberts thought he could get any guest or celebrity, and Horn remarks, “He almost always booked them.  Guests and talent, but most especially the listeners, enjoyed what they heard.  Jack’s legacy will live on through them and all of us.  That would make him very proud.”  Roberts was a senior producer on syndicated radio programs hosted by Dick Cavett, and Colonel Oliver North.  He was in charge of production for “The Jerry Williams Show” and “The Doug Stephan Show.”  His on-air experience includes stops at Boston’s WRKO, WMEX and WXKS; WPRO, Providence; and WDRC, Hartford – where he became general manager and program director.  Roberts held those titles at WWRC, Washington, DC as well.  Programmer Ron Jacobs writes, “Jack Roberts is great at shining the spotlight on others and not blowing his own horn.”  Funeral services are pending for Roberts, who wrote a radio-themed blog – “HollywoodHillsGroup.com” – that highlighted industry achievements and gave publicity to on-air talent.

barnardtomTwin Cities Star Tom Barnard Talks Podcasting in Profile Piece.  Morning radio personality Tom Barnard – a 43-year Minneapolis-St. Paul market icon – is profiled by the Minneapolis Post.  The star of Cumulus’ rock KQRS speaks about numerous topics – the death of the voice-over business, his rise to fame, and his decision to get more political after 9/11 – in the story and explains his separate business producing and selling ad time for his daily two-hour podcast.  Barnard tells the Post that although he billed roughly $250,000 in 2013, the show is not in the black due to expenses including salaries and the cost of bandwidth.  Barnard and partner Don Shelby (former WCCO personality) are not collecting a salary at this point.  Barnard’s decision to sell ad time and not charge for subscriptions as well as to go after local ad dollars, flies in the face of the way many of the high-profile podcasters are doing it (think Tom Leykis and Adam Carolla).  Read the entire Post story here.

Odds & Sods.  In the Duluth market, Midwest Communications flips standards WGEE, Superior, Wisconsin to sports talk using CBS Sports Radio programming…..Sports radio pro Seth Everett becomes part of the New York Mets broadcasts on Clear Channel’s WOR, New York this season where he’ll be hosting the pre- and post-game programs…..Charlotte Knights minor league baseball will air on Greater Media’s news/talk WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte this summer as the station will carry 10 Saturday night home games and two Friday evening home games.

stigallboltonChris Stigall Broadcasts from CPAC.  The annual Washington, DC gathering of conservative politicians dubbed the Conservative Political Action Conference involves an active radio row and WPHT, Philadelphia morning drive host Chris Stigall (right) was in the middle of all the action last week as he broadcast his show from the event.  He’s pictured here interviewing former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton (left).

wvbr logoWVBR Returns To Collegetown (Ithaca) in New, High Tech Studio Station to Hold March 15th Dedication Ceremony — Keith Olbermann Makes Major Donation.  Proving that grassroots terrestrial radio is alive and well, WVBR-FM is returning home to Collegetown (a proud name sported by downtown Ithaca, New York – home of Cornell University and Ithaca College — per its reputation as being one of the best college towns in America) after a 14-year absence, with a newly-built, state-of-the-art studio.  The new studio is located at 604 East Buffalo Street in Ithaca, next to the Carriage House Café and across from The Connection, Loco Cantina, and the Chapter House.  WVBR has operated out of 957 Mitchell Street near East Hill Plaza afterolbermannkeith leaving its longtime home at 227 Linden Avenue in Collegetown in 2000. It will be officially dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to take place this coming Saturday (3/15).  WVBR-FM is a commercial, non-profit radio station that is owned and fully operated by the Cornell Radio Guild, a group of Cornell University students.  Since 1935, this group’s stated mission has been running a radio station with the goal of training students in broadcasting.  Since 1968, WVBR has been serving Ithaca and Tompkins Counties playing an eclectic mix of classic and modern rock under the banner, “Real Rock Radio.”  WVBR broadcasts over 93.5 FM and 105.5 FM to Tompkins County and the surrounding area. The newly named Olbermann-Corneliess Studios was purchased with donations from station alumni, most notably ESPN host Keith Olbermann.  Olbermann gave what has been described by station management as “a generous donation” with a request that WVBR’s new home studio be named in honor of his late father Theodore Olbermann, as well as the late Glenn Corneliess, his colleague during his years at WVBR who passed away in 1996.  Olbermann, the Corneliess family, and Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick will be among those on hand for the dedication, as well as many station alumni, current staff, and management.  A brand new set of professional equipment, a large vinyl library, a live performance space, three soundproof production booths, and two advanced on-air studios are some of the many highlights of the new space.  “There is no doubt in my mind that 604 East Buffalo Street will feature the best college radio setup in the country,” says Drew Endick, president of the Cornell Radio Guild, Inc. and general manager of WVBR, telling RadioInfo, “We have been trying to expand our content production operations and provide better services for the local community, and we now have the facilities to meet these challenges.”  The new studio will be home to two radio stations – WVBR, which broadcasts with a rock format over FM, as well as CornellRadio.com, which is being launched as a more student-centric, freeform online station.  CornellRadio.com will feature pop, hip-hop, dance, and alternative music, as well as talk shows, comedy programming, and sports content provided by a partnership with the Big Red Sports Network.  Each station will have its own cutting-edge studio within the building.  “This move is extremely important to the goals of our station,” says Michael Mallon, senior vice president of communications.  “The latest technology will not only allow us to create better content for our listeners, but it will also allow the students of Cornell University to learn and train on the same equipment as is used in the big stations in major cities.”  The move is also significant as the station will now be a close walk for most students.  “It’s a perfect location for us, both physically and symbolically,” Mallon continues, “The station is right between the students who operate the station, and the Ithacans who make up most of our listenership.”  ASI Renovations managed the huge project.  The space was already in great condition, but the design presented some big technical challenges.  Sherpa Technologies wired the building for radio operations.  Students and weekend staff led the move, bringing over the entire vinyl and CD collections, as well as other important articles from the old station.

stevensbrucieChattin’ with a Legend.  WFTL, Fort Lauderdale late morning talk host Rich Stevens (right) entertains legendary disc jockey Cousin Brucie (left) in the station’s studios.  Stevens tells TALKERS the pair chatted about numerous topics and took calls from listeners.  While speaking with callers, a 92-year-old local listener phoned in to tell Cousin Brucie he remembers winning a contest 40 years ago that Cousin Brucie executed that sent him on a vacation.  Brucie asked him if he was still there and needed money to get back!

odonnellwmalSittin’ in on WMAL, Washington.  Former Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell (left) is pictured here in the WMAL, Washington studios as she served as guest co-host on the “Morning On The Mall” program today (3/10).  O’Donnell worked with co-host Larry O’Connor (right) while subbing for Brian Wilson.

Friday, March 7, 2014

| March 7, 2014

wheelertomFCC Will Seek Public Comment on Ownership Rules; Reversal of Cross-Ownership Bans Appear Unlikely.  Reports are circulating in the media trades that senior FCC officials say FCC chairman Tom Wheeler will propose relaxing cross-ownership bans, but in a blog post dated March 6, that tone is not expressed.  Wheeler writes about the Commission’s duty to undertake and complete the 2014 Quadrennial Review.  He discusses some of the proposals regarding maintaining current ownership rules that will be open for public comment but many industry watchers say this should not be cause to think a Wheeler-chaired Commission will ultimately relax current cross-ownership bans.  Much of Wheeler’s concern in the blog is with television joint sales agreements and he’s clearly out to change those.  You can read Wheeler’s entire post here.

newsmax logoNewsmax Chief Chris Ruddy Announces Cable TV News/Talk Project.  In a piece in Bloomberg Businessweek, Newsmax founder and CEO Chris Ruddy announces his plans for a new cable news/talk network with Fox News Channel as his target.   Ruddy is quoted asking, “How do you have something so successful in cable that nobody else wants to imitate or cut into their market share?  It defies reason.”  Ruddy tells Bloomberg Businessweek his goal is “to be a little more boomer-oriented, more information-based rather than being vituperative and polarizing.”  He says that if he can get 10% to 15% of FNC’s audience, he’s going to be “hugely profitable.”  The piece states FNC bills $1 billion a year.  He understands the cable carriers don’t want to pay new networks and believes even if he has to pay them to carry the network, he’ll make money.  Currently Newsmax TV is online featuring talk media personality Steve Malzberg.  Ruddy does not say what the programming will look like when he’s ready to launch in June.  Read the entire Bloomberg Businessweek story here.

pelosiSiriusOdds & Sods.  Nationally syndicated “America Tonight” talk host Kate Delaney keeps her sports talk chops sharp as she sits in on the NBC Sports Radio Network this weekend hosting the 11:00 am to 2:00 pm slot both Saturday and Sunday this weekend…..In honor of Women’s History Month, SiriusXM host Julie Mason (left) sat down with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (right) before a live audience at the Newseum in Washington, DC on Tuesday, March 4.  It’s part of the “SiriusXM Leading Ladies” series of candid conversations with influential and inspiring women who have forged their own paths to leadership and success.

ramseySADave Ramsey Deep in the Heart of Texas.  Nationally syndicated talk radio star Dave Ramsey is pictured here on stage at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio as he presented his “Legacy Journey LIVE!” on Thursday (3/6).  Ramsey talked about how to win with money, strengthen marriages and lead your children with confidence.  His daughter, Rachel Cruze, joined Ramsey on stage.  Ramsey combined forces with L&L Broadcasting’s news/talk KTSA to promote this event.  KTSA GSM Coreena Hazelett comments, “L&L Broadcasting and ‘550KTSA’ are thrilled to partner with the Dave Ramsey team in bringing life-transforming content to entrepreneurs and leaders as well as teaching families how to live now so you can leave a powerful legacy for your family.  We, along with our sponsors, sincerely believe in the importance of contributing to the growth of business and the quality of life for families here in San Antonio.”  Ramsey also hosted his “EntreLeadership 1 Day Event” on Wednesday along with Cruze and speaker Chris Hogan.  The content of that presentation was how to run a business using the same common sense principles that Ramsey practices in his own company of more than 400 team members.

lanevemarkLaNeve Named to Entercom Board of Directors.  From the sales and marketing world comes the newest member of the Entercom board of directors as Mark LaNeve joins immediately.  He has served as COO of WPP’s Global Team Ford – an agency that serves as the marketing and advertising partner to Ford and Lincoln businesses globally.  During his time as chief marketing officer at Allstate Insurance, he led the marketing for the company and developed the long-running “Mayhem” campaign.  Entercom president and CEO David Field comments, “Mark LaNeve is a tremendous addition to Entercom’s board of directors.  He has led some of America’s most iconic brands and ad campaigns.  He will bring a new and fresh perspective to the Entercom board.”

medvedCPACMichael Medved Broadcasts from CPAC.  Seattle-based Salem Radio Network nationally syndicated talk show host Michael Medved (right) is pictured here interviewing Republican Senator from Utah Mike Lee (left) at the radio row at CPAC 2014 taking place in Washington, DC.  The event is the American Conservative Union’s annual confab of conservative activists being held at the Gaylord Hotel & Convention Center.

Obama vs. Putin/Ukraine-Crimea Unrest Top News/Talk Stories This Week.  The political crisis in Ukraine and Crimea and the scrum between President Obama and Vladimir Putin were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.  Coming in at #2 was ObamaCare Criticism.  At #3 was the Israel-Palestinian talks followed by the 2016 presidential race at #4.  The Talkers TenTM is a chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week.  It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS and is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  View the entire chart here.

TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup.  ABC News Radio adds WBT-AM/FM, Charlotte to its roster of affiliate stations…..Yahoo! Sports Radio announces KXFN, St. Louis flips to sports and takes its lineup of national sports talk hosts.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

| February 25, 2014

levinmarkMark Levin to Be Honored at CPAC.  Nationally syndicated talk show host Mark Levin will receive the inaugural Andrew Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday, March 6.  According to a story on Breitbart.com’s Big Journalism, Breitbart News editor-in-chief Alex Marlow will introduce Citizens United president David Bossie, who will present the award to Levin along with Breitbart News president and CEO Larry Solov and Breitbart News executive chairman Stephen K. Bannon.  Solov says, “Mark Levin fearlessly and passionately stands up for conservatives and everyday Americans whose voices the mainstream press often tries to marginalize or silence.  And like Andrew Breitbart, Levin has a way of cutting through the mainstream press’s filter with his words and is never afraid to have arrows slung at him by the institutional left on the front lines of the fight.”  David Bossie comments, “Levin is not only a friend, but supports and defends the vision of our Founding Fathers on his nationally syndicated radio program daily.  There is nobody better to receive this inaugural award and I am happy that he will be joining us at CPAC to accept it.”  Levin’s show is syndicated by Cumulus Media Networks.

kkfn logoProgramming Additions at LFM’s Denver Sports Outlets.  At Lincoln Financial Media’s Denver cluster, changes are taking place beginning Monday, March 3 that will put Fox Sports Radio/DirecTV’s Dan Patrick on KKFN “104.3 The Fan,” moving over from sister sports station KEPN “1600 The Zone.”  To make room, Sandy Clough leaves the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon slot where Patrick will air and joins Drew Goodman and Scott Hastings for the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm show.  Program director Nate Lundy states, “Like many in Denver, I’m a big fan of Dan Patrick.  As we take the next step in our evolution, it only makes sense to bring the number one national personality to ‘The Fan.’  His perspective and top-level guests will further solidify our commitment to the best sports talk in town.”  KKFN is also debuting a new evening show called “The Fan Late Night with Ryan Edwards and Shawn Drotar” that is airing from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.  Lundy adds, “Sandy Clough has been part of The Fan’s success for over 17 years and putting him alongside two other outstanding Denver sports veterans will make for a great show for our listeners.  ‘The Fan Late Night’ will give fans of Denver’s four major pro sports teams a chance to sound off as part of their postgame experience.”  Lundy says a new lineup on KEPN will be announced in the near future as Patrick’s show transitions to “104.3 The Fan.”

mhnrbapanelMichael Harrison Speaks at NRB 2014 in Nashville.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison (c) participated as a keynote speaker yesterday afternoon (2/24) at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) conference in Nashville in a general session focused on “Values in American Popular Media.”  The presentation included an opening address by Harrison followed by a spirited panel discussion in which he was joined by DeVon Franklin, SVP of production, Columbia Tristar Pictures (l) and Russell Moore, president, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (r).  Harrison used the platform as an opportunity to espouse his personal and professional philosophy that the combination of vigilant community service and high ethical standards equate to good and successful business strategy in the media industries – especially radio.  Harrison told the conference, “Radio of all formats – not just Christian specifically – should never miss an opportunity to be a hero and serve the true needs of humanity within its local, national and even global market reach.  Why wait for a hurricane or natural disaster to suddenly go into emergency mode?  Why limit our potential to just being the ‘Sterno’ of media?  Day-to-day life provides a nonstop series of emergencies, pain, fear, sorrow and loss on a very human scale that we have the power to calm and alleviate in addition to providing our regular menus of music and talk entertainment, information and discussion.  If we do this with sincerity and authenticity on a consistent level, the communities we serve will amply reward us with both ratings and financial support and the self-fulfilling prophecy about radio being a dying medium will be forestalled for decades to come.”  Harrison warned the crowd that “Christian and religious broadcasting has a head start on fulfilling this role because it is woven into the basic fabric of its service – however, in its passion and zeal to compete in the same marketplace of ideas and commerce co-occupied by secular media, it should be careful not to fall into the trap of stifling the First Amendment rights of dissenting voices and lifestyles nor succumb to the present-day widespread practice to seeking victory at the expense of truth for commercial and political advantage.”

meyersstevenSteven Meyers Heads Digital Strategy at Greater Media.  This is a promotion for Steven Meyers who joined Greater Media Philadelphia in 2012 as digital manager.  Now, in this new director of digital strategy role for all of Greater Media, he will be responsible for helping to grow Greater Media’s audiences and revenue by developing new digital platforms that deepen listener engagement while providing new opportunities to the company’s commercial partners.  He comments, “Greater Media understands that ‘digital’ isn’t just a separate line of business, but a foundational component of our brand experiences and client value.  I’m very excited to become a larger part of shaping that vision.”  Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth adds, “We look forward to having Steve share his valuable knowledge and insight with our teams as we continue to grow and drive our company’s interactive efforts into the future.”

fornicolajasonHubbard’s WFED, Washington Names Fornicola Director of Custom Media.  Coming to Hubbard’s Washington, DC talk and federal news outlet WFED is Jason Fornicola in the new position, director of custom media.  Fornicola recently worked as communications specialist for the American Federation of Government Employees.  He also hosted the weekly AFGE radio program “Inside Government.”  In a statement, director of federal sales Ralph Renzi comments, “We have worked with Jason for seven years and are impressed with his experience and success in journalism, as well as his innovative outreach.  Our investment in providing greater resources for our clients will help us solve more complex marketing objectives.”

edisonresearchEdison Research to Present ‘Infinite Dial 2014’ Next Week.  In a teaser for the free webinar from Edison Research and new partner Triton Digital, the companies report that data from this year’s study shows “31% of Americans 12+ report using the internet radio service Pandora on a monthly basis, up from 27% one year ago.  iHeartRadio is used by 9% monthly, while iTunes Radio, which debuted in 2013, comes in third with 8% monthly usage, followed by 6% using Spotify.”  The webinar takes place Wednesday,tritondigital March 5 at 2:00 pm ET.  Edison says this is the 22nd study in “The Infinite Dial” series, one of the longest-running research series covering consumer use of media, technology and digital platforms.  The webinar will be co-presented by Edison Research VP of strategy Tom Webster, and Triton Digital COO Mike Agovino.  Topics covered will include:  An update on Internet Audio usage, including new data on iTunes Radio, Beats Music, and other services; recent growth in podcasting; the growth in smartphone ownership, and how it has changed consumer behavior; updates on social media usage for services including Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest and more; and the connected car, and in-car usage of digital media.

alexanderbarbraFinancial Talk Host Convicted in Fraud Case.  A federal jury convicted Barbra Alexander Monterey, California on 28 counts of conspiracy and fraud for her role in a Ponzi scheme.  Sixty-four-year-old Alexander worked with APS Funding partner Michael Swanson to host “Money Dots” on Clear Channel-owned KION, Monterey and other outlets.  Prosecutors had alleged Alexander and Swanson bilked investors of some $4 million.  Alexander is expected to get a lengthy prison term.  Swanson was previously convicted.

pregnantNew Maternity Leave Policy for Cumulus Announced.  Radio giant Cumulus Media announces a change to its human resources policy by adding “the implementation of an industry-leading maternity leave policy providing new mothers with six weeks of fully paid time off in addition to the paid time off and disabilitycumulus logo benefits currently provided to employees.”  The company says the policy takes effect immediately and is available to all full-time, non-commission employees with at least one year of service.  Chairman and CEO Lew Dickey states, “Cumulus continues to grow and innovate thanks to the dedication of our colleagues across the country.  We are committed to providing benefits that recognize employees’ health and family needs, and providing fully paid leave to new mothers after they give birth is the right thing to do.”

nabcrystalawardNAB Crystal Award Finalists Announced.  The 50 finalists for the 2014 Crystal Awards have been announced and that list can be found here.  The National Association of Broadcasters states that since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service.  Winners will be announced and the finalists will be honored at the NAB Radio Luncheon.  The Luncheon will be held Tuesday, April 8 during the 2014 NAB Show in Las Vegas.  During the luncheon, Yahoo tech columnist David Pogue will present a keynote address and popular national radio personality, television host and best-selling author Steve Harvey will be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

kfwbcargiveawayThis Brand New Car Is No Mirage.  Well, actually it is.  It’s a 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage and it’s now the property of Anita Gowing of Whittier, California (right).  She was the winner of the KFWB, Los Angeles giveaway that took place at South Coast Mitsubishi on Sunday, February 23.  Gowing is seen reacting as her key starts the car.  Inside the car with her is KFWB afternoon news co-anchor Maggie McKay (left).  As part of the contest, 124 listeners won a pair of tickets to an upcoming LA Clippers game and got a key for a chance to win the car.

ObamaCare Criticism, NFL N-word Penalty, Arizona Religious Rights Bill, Ukraine Unrest-Russian Influence, Hagel’s Proposed Military Cuts, and Winter Weather Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/24).  Scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act; the NFL’s new rule penalizing teams for players’ use of the n-word during games; the Arizona bill that would allow businesses to discriminate for religious reasons; the political turmoil in Ukraine and the influence of Putin’s Russia; Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s proposed shrinking of the Army to its smallest size in 74 years; and a new round of winter weather for the East were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Friday, February 10, 2012

| February 10, 2012

SiriusXM Delivers 2011 Revenue Increase of 7%.  Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin opened the Thursday conference call with positive news about 2011 and rosy predictions for 2012.  Karmazin reports the satcaster added 1.7 million net new subscribers with revenue topping $3 billion for 2011.  He told analysts the company has reduced programming costs by 27% over the past three years to bring them to 10.7% of adjusted revenue.  And Mel’s favorite figure – free cash flow – was also a nice one: $416 million.  Karmazin says he expects free cash flow to grow to $700 million this year due in part to the restrictions on subscription prices having been lifted.  He projects revenue to hit $3.3 billion in 2012 with 1.3 million new subscribers added.

Nassau Broadcasting Agrees to Undergo Chapter 7 Liquidation.  It was four months ago that Nassau Broadcasting Partners convinced U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross to allow its Chapter 7 liquidation being sought by its creditors to be converted into a Chapter 11 reorganization.  Now, the company wants to liquidate itself and is asking the judge to approve an auction of its 49 stations.  Nassau owes more than $280 million to its senior lenders which include Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, P.E. Capital LLC and Fortress Credit Opportunities.  Nassau’s spoken word stations include: WARK, Hagerstown, Maryland; WTSV, Claremont, New Hampshire; WEMJ, Laconia, New Hampshire; WVPO/WPLY, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; WEEX/WTKZ, Allentown, Pennsylvania; WSNO, Barre, Vermont; and WNHV, White River Junction, Vermont.

Dave Ramsey to Take Over Live Midday Slot on WOR, New York.  The end of the nationally syndicated Lou Dobbs talk radio show is creating room for other hosts and programs across the country and in New York City at Buckley Broadcasting’s WOR, independently syndicated Dave Ramsey moves from delayed broadcast status to airing in the live 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm slot beginning February 27.  WOR VP/GM Jerry Crowley states, “In these rocky economic times New Yorkers need a voice they can trust to guide them in their money decisions.  We are proud to welcome the country’s top name in financial talk radio – Dave Ramsey – to our award-winning lineup.”

“Battle Line with Alan Nathan” Adds Two Hours on Lifestyle TalkRadio Network.  Alan Nathan’s Main Street Radio Network-produced talk program is already distributed nationally via the Blue Star Media’s Lifestyle TalkRadio Network from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm daily.  Now, with the departure of Lou Dobbs’ radio program from the network, “Battle Line” adds another two hours from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  Main Street Radio Network president Jane Silk says, “Main Street is very excited with the additional two hours of ‘Battle Line’ on LTRN.  Our working relationship with the staff of BTRN/LTRN is a model on how companies can work together for the good of all involved!”  Business TalkRadio Network CEO Michael Metter comments, “We are thrilled to be a part of the increase in Alan’s reach.  We are looking forward to bringing our affiliates the brilliance of Alan’s informed, entertaining centrist views.”

Fabulous Sports Babe Nanci Donnellan Off WHBO, Tampa Due to Health Issues.  The Tampa Bay Times is reporting that Nanci Donnellan – known as the Fabulous Sports Babe – is absent from her midday sports talk show on Genesis Communications’ WHBO, Tampa due to what is believed to be health issues.  The station is not commenting.  Donnellan, who hosted a nationally syndicated sports talk program on ESPN Radio in the 1990s and at Sports Fan Radio Network after that – left radio for a period to battle breast cancer before returning to the air in Florida, eventually settling at WHBO.  Sitting in for her is former WDAE sports reporter Whitney Johnson.

Boston Radio Community Honors Memory of WBZ Personality Dave Maynard.  During a 40-year radio and TV career Dave Maynard ruled the airwaves in Boston on WBZ during the 1980s.  He’s being remembered for his warm personality that made his program such a success in the market.  Maynard died at his home in Citrus Hills, Florida on Wednesday at age 82.  He’d suffered with Parkinson’s for the past decade.  WBZ director of news and programming Peter Casey tells the Boston Globe, “He was just a genuine, honest person on the radio.  There wasn’t a Dave Maynard on the air and a Dave Maynard off the air.  He made a career being Dave Maynard on the air, and that was the Dave Maynard who lived next door to you.”

Bell Media Cuts 16 Positions in Ottawa Radio/TV Cluster; Afternoon Talk Host Michael Harris Among Casualties.  While the Canadian economy has not been hit as hard as America’s during recent times, it appears Bell Media is feeling the pinch and the need to restructure its Ottawa operations.  According to the Ottawa Citizen, among those let go in addition to CFRA afternoon host Michael Harris on the spoken word side include CFRA reporter Gord McDougall, sports CFGO – Team 1200 – staffers Jim Jerome, Phil Melanson and Mike Sutherland.  Harris had been a talk host at CFRA for the past 11 years.  He tells the paper the moves appear to be financial in nature and management “went out of their way to say it had nothing to do with the quality of my work.”

GOP Primary Battle the Top News/Talk Story for the Week of February 6-10.  The intensifying GOP primary battle between Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum (with Ron Paul sticking it out as well) landed atop the Talkers TenTM as the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week.  Right behind at #2 was the 2012 presidential race combined with the Obama Super PAC story.  At #3 was the Syria policy and the closure of the U.S. embassy there as a result of the intense violence.  And at #4 was the foreclosure abuse settlement signed by President Obama.  The Talkers TenTM contains the 10 top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

In the Belly of the Beast.  WMAL-AM/FM, Washington, DC morning drive team the “Morning Majority” broadcast live from the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, DC this week.  Pictured here are “Morning Majority” co-hosts Brian Wilson (l) and Mary Katherine Ham (c) interviewing CPAC organizer Al Cardenas (r) of the American Conservative Union.  Also broadcasting from the two-day event were WMAL morning co-host Bryan Nehman and midday talk host Chris Plante.

 

WNDB, Daytona Beach Talk Host Marc Bernier Moderates Carlson-Begala Debate.  The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce packed 600 people into the Daytona Beach Ocean Center for a debate of the issues of the election season between CNN analyst and Democrat Paul Begala and Fox News Channel personality and Republican Tucker Carlson.  WNDB talk show host Marc Bernier served as moderator for the event.  Pictured here are (from l-r) Paul Begala, Marc Bernier and Tucker Carlson.