Tag: "Dan Patrick"

Friday, January 27, 2017

Judge Shoots Down Bubba’s Counterclaim.  This counterclaim can be refiled because it was denied without prejudice, but U.S. District Court Judge James Whittemore said no to Bubba the Love Sponge’s complaints against Nielsen Audio, Cox Media and WHPT, Tampa morning personality Mike Calta.  Among the complaints against the three was an allegation the trio conspired to harm the performance of Bubba’s show in the Tampa market.  In Whittemore’s brief ruling, he wrote, “The proposed counterclaim and third party complaint is heavily redacted, at Plantiff’s request.  As a result, it is impossible to determine whether the proposed pleading meets the standard for granting leave to amend, including whether the proposed claims are meritless and therefore futile, as plaintiff contends.”  In a related note, Bubba’s legal team is requesting the discovery period in Nielsen’s suit against Bubba be extended to March 21.

John Batchelor Inks New Deal with WABC and Westwood One.  WABC-based and nationally syndicated talk show host John Batchelor re-ups with Cumulus Media’s WABC, New York and Westwood One for a multi-year deal to continue hosting his eponymous 9:00 pm to 1:00 am ET program.  WABC notes that more than 16 years ago – on September 12, 2001, the day after the fall of the Twin Towers, it recruited John Batchelor to go on the air until Osama bin Laden was either killed or captured and he’s been on the air ever since.  “The John Batchelor show has since become appointment listening for incisive, thought-provoking discussion of the fight to preserve Western civilization from military and political attacks by its enemies. Batchelor’s themes cover every detail – from military battles, presidential campaigns, planetary exploration, and Hollywood politicos to his own international travel.  John has broadcast from many corners of the world and in his program he calls out to all points, including New York, Jerusalem, Des Moines, Kazakhstan, Orlando, Manchester, Morocco, Boston, Taipei, Washington, and Baghdad.”  Batchelor comments, “It’s a joy and privilege to join again with WABC and Westwood One to carry on reporting to extremely well-informed listeners.  I run as fast as I can to keep up on the radio and the podcast with all the can’t-make-this-up news events rushing around the planet each day.”

Trump’s Border Wall-Mexican Relations Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 23-27.  President Donald Trump’s executive order to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and the relations between the two countries was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At #2 was Trump’s threats to withhold federal funding from cities that don’t change their sanctuary city policies.  Coming in at #3 was the plans by the GOP to replace the Affordable Care Act, followed by the Democrats’ bill to keep the nation’s nuclear codes out of the hands of President Trump at #4.  The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  View this week’s entire chart here.

TALKERS News Notes.  One of the many sports media outlets with a presence in Houston for Super Bowl week is FOX Sports Radio – its 17^th straight year covering the build-up to the game.  During the week of January 30 – February 3.  Shows that will emanate from Houston include: “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.” “Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis,” Dan Beyer and Brady Poppinga, J.T. The Brick, Dan Patrick, and Rich Eisen.  Programming from Houston is also broadcast via iHeartRadio…..AdLarge Media expands its podcast offerings with a new show targeted toward women called “EmmeStyle,” and hosted by supermodel Emme.  The show is being co-produced by AdLarge and Hangar Studios.  The show will take “women on an uplifting journey to empowerment with a range of guests from fashion, beauty, art, culture, money, politics, business, health, and more.”…..Radio marketing pro Ray Handel is exiting Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” after a 15-plus year stint (and a total of 28 years in New Jersey media!) to join Community Broadcasters as director of business development in South Carolina.  Handel has been serving “New Jersey 101.5” as director of marketing/promotions and director of NTR sales.

Cavanah to Program WUSN, Chicago.  After former “US99” program director Jeff Kapugi exited the station back in December, CBS RADIO announces that market VP of programming Todd Cavanah officially assumes the PD role at WUSN.  Cavanah has been VP of programming since April of last year in which he’s also responsible for overseeing programming at music outlets CHR WBBM-FM “B96,” triple A WXRT, and classic hits WJMK “K-Hits 104.3.”  Cavanah comments, “Programming ‘US99’ is a role I really wanted to take on.  Country music is all about relationships, from the music itself to how stations connect with listeners and how the industry works together.  We have assembled an incredible staff at ‘US99,’ led by the incomparable Marci Braun and featuring exciting new on-air personalities that are already resonating with local audiences.  Together, we will ensure that ‘US99’ remains the first choice for Chicagoland’s country music fans.”

WMGC, Detroit Names Shay Shay AM Host; DJ Ryan Richards for Weekends.  Motor City classic hip hop and R&B outlet WMGC “105.1 The Bounce” announces two new Bounce “Ambassadors” join the station.  Detroit native Shay Shay – formerly midday host at CBS RADIO’s crosstown CHR WDZH “98.7 AMP Radio” takes over the AM drive show, and DJ Ryan Richards joins the station for weekend on-air duties.  WMGC PD Al Payne states, “We’re assembling an all-star team for Detroit on 105.1!  I am so excited to add Shay Shay and DJ Ryan Richards to our lineup!  Legendary personalities like them perfectly match the legendary throwback hip hop and R&B our fans crave.”

More Music Radio News and Career Moves.  At Entercom’s alternative KNDD, Seattle “107.7 The End,” evening personality Zach Van Lue exits the station to pursue interests away from Seattle…..Hayley Smith-Rose is promoted to APD at Mainestream Media’s CHR WHTP, Portland “HOT 104.7.”  Smith-Rose currently handles the evening show and serves as promotions director – responsibilities she’ll continue to hold.  Program director Ryan Deelon comments, “Hayley is the rock of our organization.  To say she’s my right hand is not giving her enough credit.  She’s essentially the right hand for everyone that works here.  She’s risen to the occasion at every opportunity and has the complete respect and admiration of everyone on the team.  This is just the start of what will be a bright future.”…..Morning personality Eric Ashmont – host of the “Shmonty in the Morning” program on Arizona Lotus Corp’s rock KFMA, Tucson, will exit his role with the station at the end of March in order to relocate to Rockville, Maryland for family reasons.  He says, “I’d like to thank Larry Mac and Ken Kwilosz for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and further success of KFMA.”…..The weekly radio show “Woman of the Week” is airing on CBS RADIO stations in Philadelphia.  Originating as a blog by WOGL “Breakfast Club” personality Marilyn Russell, the effort morphed into a radio show that honors extraordinary women.  Russell hosts the half-hour program that airs on classic hits WOGL, country WXTU, and CHR WTDY.  Sister all-news KYW is highlighting the show via a weekday vignette series.

Round Three of Holiday PPM Ratings Released. The third of four rounds of Holiday 2016 ratings information from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2016 survey period covered December 1, 2016 – January 4, 2017. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Portland – December’s +2.1 concluded KKCW’s September-October-November mini-slide (8.6 – 7.8 – 7.7, 6+). “K-103” now rolls out a +5.5 (9.8 – 15.3, 6+) as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary is #1 for the 31st time in the last 33 ratings periods. Following six consecutive months without a decrease for a combined +1.4 since April (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom adult hits KYCH dropped two-tenths in November and lost one-full-share in December. Roaring back with a +1.4 in “Holiday” 2016 though, “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” rockets from a ninth-place three-way logjam to third (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.1 – 5.5, 6+). Picking up one-half share each are sports sibling KFXX “1080 The Fan” (1.3 – 1.8, 6+), which cracks the top 20 at #18 and public KQAC “All Classical Portland” (3.7 – 4.2, #12 to #7, 6+). When “All Classical Portland” was -.4 in December, it ended four straight up-trends (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 4.1, 6+). Prior to November 2016, the last time “All Classical Portland” crossed the four-share threshold (6+) was six years ago (4.1, 6+, November 2010). Suffering erosions of -1.3 (6+) are iHeartMedia-owned KLTH “106.7 The Eagle Portland’s Classic Hits Station” (5.6 – 4.3, fourth to sixth, 6+) and Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull #1 For New Country” (#7 to #12, 6+). Down seven-tenths since September (5.8 – 5.2 – 5.1, 6+), “The Eagle” was +.5 in December. This is the third straight decrease for “The Bull” (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 3.3, 6+) for a combined -1.8. Having crossed the six-share threshold (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history by posting a +1.4 to 6.1 in December, Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz Today’s Best Mix” forfeits eight-tenths to 5.3 (6+). “The Buzz” slides from third to fourth. More than eight full-shares behind “K-103” is Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB, which loses seven-tenths (7.6 – 6.9, 6+) but stays at #2. Falling by six-tenths each are Alpha Media talker KXL (4.7 – 4.1, sixth to eighth, 6+) and co-owned KBFF “Live 95.5 The Station That Sounds Like Portland” (seventh to ninth). “Live 95.5” is down or flat for the fourth straight time (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+) for a collective -1.4. Albeit without an increase in the last seven sweeps for a combined -1.6 since June (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom classic rocker KGON actually moves up from #14 to #12. Steady at #19, iHeartMedia’s KXJM “JAM’N 107.5” is nonetheless down for the sixth straight time for a collective -1.9 (3.6 – 3.5 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+).

2) Charlotte – Up by a combined +2.4 in November and December (3.5 – 4.3 – 5.9, 6+), WKQC “K-104.7” pours it on in “Holiday” 2016 with a +6.4 to 12.3 (6+), marching from fourth to first. The Beasley Media Group adult contemporary was #1 this time last year as well with a 13.2 (“Holiday” 2015, 6+). It was just a one-month stay at #1 for Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF “Old School 105.3,” which sputters by eight-tenths (7.0 – 6.2, 6+) and shifts to #4. “Old School 105.3” posted a massive +1.9 in December to move from sixth to the top spot. Rebounding from December’s loss of one-half share (2.7 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WEND “106.5 The End Charlotte’s New Rock Alternative” picks up six-tenths to 2.8 (#16 to #13, 6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLXK improves by one-half share (.3 – .8, 6+) and breaks into the top 20 (#20). Freefalling by -1.2 each are iHeartMedia country and CHR siblings WKKT “96.9 The Kat” (5.2 – 4.0, sixth to eighth, 6+) and WHQC “Channel 96.1” (3.5, #8 to #11, 6+), with the latter ending three straight gains (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). In December, Radio One gospel property WPZS recaptured the six-tenths it lost in November. While “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” now surrenders seven-tenths (3.5 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 2.8, 6+), it actually climbs from #15 to a three-way logjam at #13. Two talkers – Entercom’s WBT (3.7 – 3.1, steady at #12, 6+) and University Radio Foundation’s WFAE (3.4 – 2.8, #14 to #13, 6+) – are off by six-tenths each; WFAE was 3.4 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps.

3) Pittsburgh – Three straight down or flat trends between August and November by Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary outlet WSHH resulted in a one-half share loss (6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+); however, “Wish 99.7” answers in December (+1.3) and “Holiday” (+4.4) with a combined +5.7 to 12.4, its strongest 6+-stat since it returned to print in April 2016. Although unchanged at #8, CBS Radio‘s KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” improves by four-tenths to 4.5 (6+), halting three consecutive declines that accounted for a cumulative -3.5 (7.6 – 6.5 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+). Not only is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW back in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September with a +4.4 to 13.7 (6+), “3WS” succeeds rock cluster-mate WDVE at #1. It is the strongest 6+-showing for “3WS” in exactly one year (14.2, “Holiday” 2015). On top in October, November, and December – WDVE plummets by two full-shares (10.4 – 8.4, 6+) and slips to third. September’s -.2 halted its string of positive or flat trends at five (8.7 – 8.8 – 8.8 – 9.2 – 9.8 – 10.3, 6+). Suffering a -2.0 as well is CBS Radio-owned WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” (5.7 – 3.7, sixth to ninth, 6+). It is overtaken by iHeartMedia’s similarly formatted WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country,” which gains one full-share (3.8 – 4.8, tenth to seventh, 6+). Within 7.0 – 7.9 range (6+) April through December, Steel City Radio adult hits WRRK “Bob” flounders by one full-share (7.9 – 6.9, 6+), dropping from third to fourth. Off by one-half share each are CBS Radio hot AC WBZZ “Star 100.7 Plays The Hits” (eighth to tenth, 6+); Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA (2.5 – 2.0, steady at #13, 6+) and triple A sibling WYEP “91.3 – Where The Music Matters” (1.2, #14 to #15, 6+). This is the third straight dip for “Star” (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+). Meanwhile, the loss erases WYEP’s +.5 from December and ends its consecutive streak of upward trends at three (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.7, 6+). Flat at 3.5 (6+), iHeartMedia alternative WXDX “The X at 105.9” is #11 for the seventh straight ratings period, while Steel City Media hot AC WLTJ “Q-92.9” (2.8 – 2.8, 6+) is in 2.1 – 2.9 range for the seventeenth consecutive time and continues at #12.

4) Sacramento – On the heels of back-to-back November 2016 and December 2016 increases of +1.2 (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.8, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary outlet KYMX “Mix 96” takes that combined +2.4 and more than doubles it (7.8 – 13.0, +5.2, 6+). Over and above that, it cruises from third – where it was the past five sweeps – to first. For context, “Mix 96” was #1 in “Holiday” 2015 with an 11.7 (6+). In advance of November’s +1.2, it was a combined -2.2 in September and October. At #2 for the sixth straight time is iHeartMedia news-talk hybrid KFBK which is flat at 7.9 (6+). That’s fairly significant since KFBK’s five previous moves have been +.8 (August 2016); -1.4 (September 2016); +1.2 (October 2016); -.7 (November 2016) and +.7 (December 2016). Exiting the top spot after eleven consecutive months and taking the spot vacated by “Mix” at #3 is Entercom classic rock KSEG. “The Eagle” has its fifth negative trend in the last six ratings periods – including the past three (9.6 – 8.8 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+) for a combined -2.4. After consecutive downtrends in May and June that produced a -1.2 (10.6 – 9.8 – 9.4, -.4, 6+), KSEG posted a +.9 in July. When “The Eagle” faltered by eight-tenths in May, it witnessed an end to three consecutive increases (8.9 – 9.0 – 9.5 – 10.6, 6+) that netted a cumulative +1.7. Owing to a +.6 to 3.7 (6+), CBS Radio hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5” pulls the plug on three straight downward trends that generated a combined -1.4 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+) and climbs from tenth to eighth. Directly in front of “Now” and also posting a +.6 is iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101 Throwback Hip-Hop and R&B” (3.3 – 3.9, ninth to seventh, 6+). Locked on 3.9 (6+) in November and December, talk cluster-mate KSTE plummets by -1.4 to 2.5 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #12). In addition to KSEG (see above), Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ (seventh to ninth) also falters by nine-tenths and is a combined -1.6 since November (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.2, 6+). Prior to November, KXJZ had not had a decrease in the previous four sweeps (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+). Down six-tenths (2.9 – 2.3, 6+) and falling from #12 to #14, Entercom hot AC KUDL “Star 106.5” is within 2.3 – 2.9 range (6+) for the eighth consecutive month. Declining by one-half share each are CBS Radio’s KNCI “New Country 105.1 FM” (5.5 – 5.0, flat at #4, 6+); iHeartMedia adult hits KQJK “93.7 Jack FM” (#14 to #16, 6+); and California State University – Sacramento classical KXPR (1.3 – .8, #24, 6+). “Jack” is without an increase for the sixth consecutive ratings period (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+) for a -1.2, while KXPR is down or flat for the third straight time (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – .8, 6+).

5) San Antonio – Following its December gain of +1.5 to 4.8 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT adds another +5.5 to 10.3 (6+) as “Q-101.9 San Antonio’s Best Variety” advances from second to first. One year ago at this time, “Q-101.9” was on top with a 10.6 (“Holiday” 2015, 6+). Prior to December’s increase. KQXT went four straight sweeps without an increase for a full-share loss (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+). It takes over from Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits,” which slides to third. KONO-FM slumps by -1.3 (7.1 – 5.8, 6+) after December’s -1.1; November’s +.9; and October’s -1.0. “San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” departed the top spot in October after nine straight sweeps there. Before dropping from #1 to #2 in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KONO-FM was #1 in 17 of the previous 22 monthlies. Frozen on 5.2 (6+) in November and December, Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Estereo Latino 92.9” trots out a full-share improvement to 6.2 (its best 6+-showing since April, 6.2 as well) and vaults from sixth to second. Rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KBBT “98.5 The Beat” (eighth to sixth, 6+) enjoys its third straight gain (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+) and is a collective +1.2 since October. Advancing by eight-tenths is iHeartMedia’s KZEP “Hot 104.5” (1.7 – 2.5, #19 to 17, 6+). On the other hand, co-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” spirals by -1.4 (5.4 – 4.0, 6+) to drift from fifth to ninth. Also in that cluster, talk WOAI sputters by nine-tenths to 4.0 (seventh to ninth, 6+), curtailing three consecutive gains (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 4.9, 6+) which netted seven-tenths. Below a four-share (6+) for the first time since February (when it registered a 3.8, 6+), Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack FM” drops seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, #10 to #11, 6+). Decreasing by one-half share each are regional Mexican sibling KSAH (3.1 – 2.6, #13 to #15, 6+); Cox Media Group’s KTKX “106.7 The Eagle” (flat at #12, 6+); and iHeartMedia-owned KQXT-HD3 (2.2 – 1.7, #17 to #18, 6+). In eight straight sweeps without an increase, “The Eagle” is down by a combined -1.4 (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+).

6) Cincinnati – A +5.4 (6+) enables Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” to better the 11.9 (6+) it registered in “Holiday” 2015 by two-tenths as it storms from fourth to first. In five successive improvements since August, “Warm 98” has gained nearly seven full-shares (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 6.3 – 11.7, 6+). Conversely, co-owned classic hits-oldies WGRR is down or flat for the fourth successive sweep for a -1.6 (9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+). After four straight months at #1, WGRR drops to the runner-up slot. Prior to a gain in September, WGRR posted three successive negative trends resulting in a cumulative -1.7 (10.3 – 9.8 – 9.3 – 8.6, 6+). With each suffering an erosion of -1.3, Hubbard Radio hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (6.8 – 5.5, 6+) slides from third to fourth, while iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107” (5.4 – 4.1, 6+) moves from seventh to eighth. Owing to a +1.1 in December, “Kiss 107” recaptured well over half of the combined -1.6 it lost by being down in each of the previous four monthlies (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+); “Q-102” was off by one-half share in December. Three successive negatives trends (8.5 – 7.9 – 6.3 – 5.3, 6+) have yielded a -3.2 for Hubbard Radio country outlet WUBE “B-105, which dips from fourth to fifth. In the talk format, iHeartMedia siblings WKRC (6.0 – 4.8, unchanged at #6, 6+) and WLW (8.7 – 7.8, second to third, 6+) sputter by -1.2 and nine-tenths, respectively. Their rock cluster-mate WEBN is a collective -1.4 as a result of four straight declines (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+) yet it actually inches up from eighth to seventh. With its sixth straight downward trend (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WNNF is -1.5 but “94.1 Nash FM” carries on at #15.

7) Cleveland – After four consecutive fluctuations of one-half share – three in the negative direction (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.8 – 7.3 – 6.8, 6+) – CBS Radio adult contemporary WDOK “Star 102” breaks out a +3.6 to 10.4 and vaults from fifth to first. It is the strongest 6+-showing for “Star” in exactly one year (12.4, “Holiday” 2015). Notwithstanding that it is nudged out of the penthouse after just one month, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” racks up a +1.1 (8.7 – 9.8, 6+) and trails “Star” by six-tenths. Prior to December’s +.1, “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” was off by nearly three full-shares in three straight downward trends (11.5 – 10.8 – 9.6 – 8.6, 6+) and slipped to #2. September’s -.7 ended five straight gains for a cumulative +1.2 (10.3 – 10.7 – 10.9 – 11.3 – 11.4 – 11.5, 6+) and marked the first time in the previous 17 ratings periods that WMJI was not in double-digits (6+). It departed the penthouse after ten successive sweeps there. Without an increase in the last four ratings periods (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+) Radio One urban AC WZAK more than makes up for the cumulative six-tenths it lost with a rousing +1.3 to 7.6, rocketing from eighth to fourth. Seven consecutive up or flat trends for Ideastream’s WCPN (unchanged at #13) produce a combined +.7 (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). Absolutely anchored at #12 – where it’s been since February –  CBS Radio-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan”/Cleveland Browns flagship picks up two-tenths (3.6 – 3.8, 6+). Trending 7.9 – 7.7 – 7.9 (6+) since October, iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s Country” plummets by -1.9 to 6.0, drifting from third to seventh. Co-owned talk WTAM (6.1 – 5.4, 6+); CHR sibling WAKS (5.9 – 5.2, 6+); and rock cluster-mate WMMS (5.2 – 4.5, 6+) regress by seven-tenths each. They remain at #9, #10, and #11, respectively. In November, Cleveland Indians flagship WTAM recorded a massive +2.7 to 9.1, its most potent 6+-share since May 2012 when it reached 9.8; it sunk by three full-shares in December. Entering the December sweep, WMMS was without a decrease in the previous five ratings periods for a collective +2.3 (4.2 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.8 – 6.5, 6+), but coughed up 1.3 shares of that gain in December. The rocker last crossed the six-share threshold (6+) in August 2014 with a 6.1. Also in that iHM cluster, three successive negative moves by WHLK “The Lake” in September, October, and November accounted for a -2.4 (8.9 – 8.4 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+). The adult hits property rebounded in December with a +1.8 but relinquishes one-third of it in “Holiday” 2016 with a -.6 (8.3 – 7.7, 6+) as it shifts from second to third. November’s 6.5 was the weakest 6+-performance for “The Lake” since June 2012 (6.1). After a +.9 in December, Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” surrenders one-half share (5.5 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+) to move from seventh to eighth.

8) Salt Lake City – It is genuinely noteworthy under PPM-methodology for a station to achieve double-digits (6+), so it is truly a monumental accomplishment for KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” to shatter the 20-share barrier. The Bonneville adult contemporary rolls out a ridiculous +9.2 to reach 20.6 (6+), eclipsing by five full-shares what it recorded one year ago (15.6, 6+, “Holiday” 2015). Over and above finishing at #1 for the third successive month, “FM 100.3” quite remarkably has not had a decrease since April (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 11.4 – 20.6, 6+), nearly quadrupling its 6+-stat since then with an eye-popping +15.3 shares. Stuck on 1.4 (6+) in November and December, Broadway Media-owned KEGA “101.5 The Eagle Utah’s Best Country” erupts with a full-share gain to 2.4 (6+) and cracks the top 20 at #15. After dropping one-half share in December, iHeartMedia’s KAAZ “Rock 106.7” rebounds with a +.9 (2.7 – 2.2 – 3.1, 6+) to climb from #16 to #12. Those three outlets alone (KSFI, KEGA, and KAAZ) account for an increase of more than 11 shares (6+). In terms of 6+-share decrease, KZHT “97.1 Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” is the most heavily affected with a -1.9 (6.3 – 4.4, 6+) yet it only slides from fourth to fifth to fourth. The iHeartMedia CHR had registered a 6+-share between 6.1 – 6.7 in each of the last seven sweeps. The four most recent (6+) fluctuations for KSL are +2.0 (October), -.9 (November), +1.1 (December), and -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016). The Bonneville talker repeats at #2, with December 2016’s 8.3 its strongest 6+-figure in more than two years (9.1, October 2014). Fellow talker – iHeartMedia’s KNRS – spikes by -.9 (4.6 – 3.8, sixth to seventh, 6+). Following December’s one-half share decline, co-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” sputters by twice as much (4.3 – 3.3, -1.0, 6+) and slips from seventh to ninth. When KODJ notched a +.3 in November, it curtailed four consecutive declines (6.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+) for a cumulative loss of -2.1. Hard hit by KSFI’s +9.2 is its format rival, Cumulus Media’s KBEE “B-98.7,” which tumbles by nine-tenths to 1.9 (6+), drifting from #13 to #19. “B-98.7” had not had a decrease in the past five ratings periods (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Finishing at #25, public KRCL is off by eight-tenths (1.5 – .7, 6+). After three straight gains for a +1.3 (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), Bonneville’s KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” relinquished all of it in December and now drops another six-tenths (5.5 – 4.9, 6+) but inches up from fifth to fourth. Down by six-tenths as well (yet managing to improve from ninth to eighth) is Broadway Media-owned KUDD “Mix 105.1 All The Hits” (4.1 – 3.5, 6+). With a +.3 in December, “Mix” halted four consecutive negative trends that yielded a -1.5 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+). Faltering for the fifth consecutive month (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+), Cumulus Media country-formatted KUBL “K-Bull 93” (tenth to ninth) is a combined -2.2 since August. In addition to “K-Bull,” iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “My 99.5” is also off by one-half share (2.8 – 2.3, #13 to 316, 6+).

9) Las Vegas – Powered by five consecutive up or flat trends that have generated a +8.3 (5.7 – 6.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 14.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” repeats at #1 with its best 6+-performance since 15.7 in “Holiday” 2015. Following three straight downward trends (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), “Sunny” was +.7 in September and +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for 22 straight monthlies before July. While it continues in the runner-up position, Beasley Media Group’s KKLZ erodes by -1.8 (6.6 – 4.8, 6+). Prior to advancing to #1 in July – and remaining there in August and September – KKLZ was in the runner-up slot for six straight months; 7.4 in August was its best 6+-showing in over four years (7.5, July 2012). More than doubling its 6+-share as a result of five successive gains (1.4 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), CBS Radio talker KXNT climbs from #14 to #12. A combined -2.7 in four straight negative trends (6.3 – 5.9 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+), Lotus Broadcasting classic rock KXPT “97.1 The Point” shifts from sixth to ninth. Dropping by one-half share each are CBS Radio rhythmic hot AC KXQQ “Q-100.5” (ninth to tenth, 6+) and Lotus Broadcasting’s KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” (1.4 – .9, #23, 6+). This is the third straight monthly without an increase for “Q-100.5” for a combined -1.3 (4.5 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). The HD2 channel of iHeartMedia’s KYMT is off by six-tenths (2.7 – 2.1, #16 to #19, 6+).

10) Kansas City – Boasting its best 6+-share since the 7.6 it notched this time last year (“Holiday 2015), Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” improves by +2.9 (4.1 – 7.0, 6+) and leaps from #11 to #3. Trailing its classic rock sibling KCFX “The Fox” by six-tenths in December, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet KCMO-FM “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” hangs out a +2.5 (8.3 – 10.8, 6+) and advances from second to first. On top from May through September and then in December, “The Fox” has its fifth straight up-trend (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.9 – 9.0, 6+) for a cumulative +1.8, but slides to #2. By dropping two-tenths in August, it closed four successive up or flat monthlies yielding a +1.5 (5.9 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). Before a loss of three-tenths in November, KCMO-FM registered four straight progressive trends (5.3 – 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 8.1, 6+) for a collective +1.8. Public (University of Northwestern St. Paul) contemporary Christian KJNW completely wipes away December’s -.5 (1.9 – 1.4 – 1.9, 6+) and inches back to #19 (from #20). After improving by two full-shares between September and December (5.0 – 6.1 – 7.2 – 7.0, 6+), Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” relinquishes the entire gain and is back at 5.0 (-2.0, third to fifth, 6+). Up by a combined eight-tenths via three straight increases (3.5 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), sibling KQRC “98.9 The Rock” forfeits nine-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #12). Entering the December sweep with four straight up or flat trends netting a +1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” is a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (4.9 – 4.3- 3.6, 6+) and it leaves the top ten as well (#7 to #11). CHR cluster-mate KMXV “Mix 93.3,” which trended 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 (October-November-December6+), drops one-half share to 3.8 (6+) and slips from seventh to ninth.

11) Orlando – Over the course of the past 17 sweeps, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” (10.5 – 16.1, second to first, 6+) has registered some major fluctuations. They include +.5 (October 2015); -1.0 (November 2015); +1.6 (December 2015); +5.2 (“Holiday” 2015); -4.7 (January); -1.2 (February); +1.3 (March); +.7 (April); +.6 (May); -.8 (June); -1.1 (July); -.4 (August); +.7 (September); -.5 (October) +.9 (November); +2.1 (December); and the biggest, +5.6 (“Holiday” 2016). At this time last year “Magic” was #1 with a 12.9 (6+, “Holiday” 2015). After six straight rating periods finishing in third-place, “Magic” progressed to the runner-up slot in December and now overtakes Spanish tropical cluster-mate WRUM (12.1 – 11.6, -.5, 6+) at #1. “Rumba 100.3” (first to second) had been on top the past three sweeps and was a combined +2.5 in November and December as it reached 12.1 (6+), the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. CHR sibling WXXL “XL-106.7,” however, erodes by -1.7 (8.9 – 7.2, 6+) and continues in third-place. Owing to a +. 3 to 5.3 (6+), CBS Radio hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” (eighth to fifth, 6+) snaps its string of successive down and flat trends that resulted in a net loss of -1.2 to four (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.0, 6+). Without a decrease from September through December (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), Cox Media Group talker WDBO-FM was only up three tenths in that stretch and it now loses three-times that margin (5.3 – 4.4, -.9, 6+), sliding from seventh to ninth. Steady at #4, co-owned WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” falters by six tenths (6.7 – 6.1, 6+). Meanwhile, CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOCL “Sunny” falls from fifth to seventh with its fourth consecutive decline (6.7 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.9 – 5.2, 6+) that has produced a combined -1.5. Public WMFE (2.5 – 2.3, -.2, 6+) is in 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 27th straight time and remains at #14.

12) Columbus – On the heels of December’s +2.7, iHeartMedia adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” tacks on a +4.4 and is within four-tenths of what it logged in “Holiday” 2015 (11.5, 6+). This actually represents the fourth straight ratings period without a loss for “The Bus” (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 6.7 – 11.1, seventh to first, 6+), which overtakes CHR cluster-mate WNCI (first to fourth) at #1. WNCI is now down or flat in each of the last six ratings periods for a collective -4.4 (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 7.8, 6+). In addition to being #1 in December, WNCI was on top in September, August, March, February and January. Energized by a +1.8 (6.9 – 8.7, 6+) Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95” surges from fifth to second. When “Sunny 95” dropped two-tenths in December, it concluded four consecutive positive trends which netted a total of six-tenths (6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). With its finest 6+-stat since March’s 3.6, River Radio Ministries contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” boasts a +1.4 (2.0 – 3.4, 6+) to progress from #13 to #10. After six straight monthlies without a loss netting in excess of four full-shares and more than doubling its 6+-stat since June (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 6.9 – 7.7 – 7.7, 6+), Radiohio‘s WBNS-FM surrenders -1.8 to 5.9 (6+). “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” drifts from third to sixth. Prior to November 2016, the last time “The Fan” crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) was February 2015 when it reached 7.2. Another streak ends as Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96” – up the past three ratings periods for a net +2.2 (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.3 – 7.5, 6+) – coughs up half of that gain (6.4, -1.1, 6+) and slides from fourth to fifth. Between April and November, Radio One urban AC WXMG “Magic 95.5 Columbus’ Best R&B” more than tripled its 6+-share via seven straight increases (1.2 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+). “Magic” though dropped one-half share in December and another seven-tenths in “Holiday” (4.0 – 3.5 – 2.8, 6+), moving from #11 to #12. Approximately one week before the December 2016 sweep concluded, iHeartMedia transitioned alternative WXZX “105.7 The X” to “Sports Radio 105.7 The Zone.” The 105.7 frequency was off seven-tenths in December and loses six-tenths in “Holiday” (1.7 – 1.0 – .4, #16 to #17, 6+). Floundering by six-tenths as well is Saga Communications classic hits-oldies WNND “Rewind” (2.4 – 1.8, #13 to #14, 6+), which was +.5 in December.