Tag: "Dave Milner"
Friday, November 30, 2018
Cumulus Detroit Market Manager Tom O’Brien to Retire. Radio sales and management pro Tom O’Brien joined news/talk WJR-AM, Detroit as director of sales in 2004. Seven years later
he was upped to vice president and market manager for the entire Cumulus Media Detroit station group. Now, after 40 years in the business, O’Brien is retiring. Prior to joining WJR, O’Brien was general sales manager and station manager at CBS RADIO’s all-news WWJ-AM for 14 years. Cumulus EVP of operations Dave Milner says, “We thank Tom for his significant contributions to radio, to Cumulus, and to the Detroit community and wish him all the best in his retirement.” O’Brien says, “Working with the team at WJR, ‘The Great Voice of the Great Lakes,’ and Cumulus Detroit has been a privilege. Thank you to my first boss Tony Salvadore, my last boss Dave Milner, and all the team members and clients in between for a really enjoyable career.”
WCCF, Punta Gorda, Florida Host Jeff Collins to Retire from Radio. After a 45-year career in radio, news/talk WCCF-AM morning personality Jeff Collins, a.k.a. the Golden Hippo, is
retiring from his position hosting the wake-up show in the Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte market. Collins has been with the iHeartMedia station for 22 years. Station manager Robin Craig tells Charlotte Florida Weekly, “It’s not an easy task to be able to host a two-hour radio show. It’s harder than it looks. And it’s really a unique talent because, in the world of radio, dead air is your killer because people will turn the channel. So what Jeff has had the ability to do is never have dead air, always keep the guest engaged, the listeners engaged, our customers engaged. He’s the master.”
TALKERS News Notes. Changes are coming to the NBC Sports Radio network, according to a memo Westwood One sent to affiliate stations. The gist of the memo is that the network is
trimming its longform programming and will focus on sports updates and a few radio shows. The memo states, “The revised programming schedule in 2019 will consist of best in class live, up to the minute sports updates at the top and bottom of the hour 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. ‘PFT Live with Mike Florio’ on weekday mornings 6am-9am ET with a west coast feed from 6am-9am PT, ‘Best of PFT with Mike Florio’ and ‘Safety Blitz with 
Rodney Harrison’ every Saturday, and a new fast-paced, unique PM drive program focused on what matters to today’s sports fan from 3pm-7pm ET weekday afternoons.”…..Former WCCO-AM, Minneapolis program director Wendy Paulson is named executive director of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, effective January 2, 2019. Paulson has also served with Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and the Pinky Swear Foundation. She’s most recently been serving as market manager for CenturyLink. She says, “I am absolutely delighted for this opportunity with the MBA and I am looking forward to collaborating with and supporting our outstanding group of Minnesota broadcasters.”…..FOX News Radio is debuting three new podcasts, starting with today’s unveiling of “Tyrus and Timpf,” a weekly podcast featuring FOX Nation host of “UN-PC” Tyrus and FOX News contributor Kat Timpf. On December 3, FNR will release “RIDDLE: The Podcast,” led by FOX News anchor and senior correspondent Eric Shawn. The series was created in conjunction with the FOX Nation special, “Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa.” And on December 17, FNR will launch “Martha MacCallum – The Untold Story,” hosted by MacCallum. This weekly podcast will give listeners a chance to hear the story behind several famous figures, including some you may not know.
Hubbard Seeking Land for New Cincinnati Facility. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Hubbard Radio has put in a bid on vacant land in the Oakley neighborhood of Cincinnati
upon which it plans to build a 30,000-square-foot office building and broadcast facility. The land is valued at $522,000 and the City Planning Commission will vote on the company’s bid on December 7. Hubbard’s stations – country outlets WUBE and WYGY, hot AC signals WKRQ, and WREW – are currently housed at its offices in the Walnut Hills neighborhood. The story notes that the company intends to move all 142 of its current Cincinnati staffers to the new facility and hire an additional 37 people, bringing the total annual payroll to “about $14.2 million.”
Trump-Russia Investigation Top News/Talk Story for Week of November 26-30. The Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the migrant caravan and Mexico border issue. Coming in at #3 was Nancy Pelosi’s nomination for House Speaker, followed by the GOP winning the Mississippi U.S. senate seat at #4. The Talkers TenTM 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 evert Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
Innovative British Broadcaster Graham Mack Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. The program director of London-based Fix Radio is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Noted British talk show talent and programmer Graham Mack joins Michael Harrison from the UK in a fascinating discussion about the new multi
-platform radio station in which he is involved that is targeted primarily to construction workers, builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and tradespeople from a wide array of blue-collar industries. The two engage in a deep-dive conversation about the new format, as well as a number of topics including Brexit, the state of British politics, the Monarchy, class structure in England, and the view from the UK of Donald Trump. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right hand column on every page of the TALKERS email newsletter and Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Minneapolis, Christy Taylor is promoted from her APD, music director, and midday gig at Go Media’s alternative KQGO “GO 96.3” to program director. She’s been with the station since May…..Chris “Fenway” Daugherty
rises to program director at Beasley Media Group’s CHR WHHD, Augusta, Georgia, He’s been serving with the station as assistant program director and afternoon host. Beasley Augusta operations 
manager Tee Gentry says, “We always love to promote from within. Fenway has proven he can do this job and do it well. I look forward to his fresh ideas and leadership in helping us take ‘HD 98.3’ to the next level.”…..WSJM, Inc. brings Stephanie O’Sullivan to the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor market to co-host the morning show at hot AC WCXT “The Coast” and serve as promotions director. O’Sullivan has worked in Chicago as a weekend personality with Hubbard’s adult contemporary WSHE…..Westwood One announces the availability of the holiday show “An American Country Christmas with Kix Brooks” that delivers “24 hours of unique content featuring Christmas classics and an array of top country stars sharing their favorite holiday memories and traditions, including: Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldredge, Miranda Lambert, and many more.” The program is available for air from Saturday, December 22 through Tuesday, December 25, 2018.
November 2018 PPM Data – Round Two. November 2018 ratings information has been released for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 survey period covered October 11 – November 7. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.
Washington, DC Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss for the fifth month in succession,
Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL is +1.6 in that June through November stretch (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+) and moves up from sixth to fifth. Moreover, this (5.1) is its best 6+-stat in the PPM-era.
Off a collective four-tenths in three straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 
3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” slips from #11 to #13. The Washington Nationals’ flagship completely erased July’s -.5 with an August +.5 (3.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+). Regaining the two-tenths it lost in October (.9 – .7 – .9, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” is
back in the top twenty (#22 to #20). “The Team” had a lengthy hiatus from Nielsen Audio; reappeared in June with a 1.0 (6+); immediately disappeared again in July (0.0); returned in August with a .9 (6+); repeated that .9 (6+) in September; and dipped to .7 (6+) in October.
On top for the 11th straight ratings period, Hubbard all-news WTOP is down four-tenths but is within 9.3 – 9.9 range for the eighth successive month (9.6 – 9.7 – 9.5 – 9.3 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 9.5, 6+).
An overall +1.4 via four straight increases (7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 9.0, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU records its best 6+-stat (9.0) since February’s 9.2. “The Mind Is Our Medium” is in the runner-up slot for the tenth time this calendar year; the only exception was in July, when WAMU finished third. By gaining four-tenths in August, WAMU curtailed three straight flat or downward trends that resulted in a collective loss of nine-tenths (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.6, 6+).
An August gain of two-tenths to .5 (6+) by WDCH ended three straight months without an increase (5 – .4 – .3 – .3, 6+); however, the Entercom business news outlet is now down or flat for the third straight time (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4, #23 to #24, 6+).
Washington, DC Music Formats – Following five consecutive decreases that accounted for an overall loss of nine-tenths (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC-FM is a collective +.7 in October and November (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.9, #14 to #11, 6+). Even though Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ WETA is without a loss for the fifth consecutive report for a collective +1.4 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), “Classical 90.9” backslides from #11 to #12. Prior to September, WETA had been within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous 22 ratings periods. Posting a 6+-share between 2.4 – 2.9 the past 11 sweeps (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WWDC “DC-101” adds four-tenths to 3.2 (#16 to #15, 6+). An impressive +2.1 in October and November (3.7 – 4.4 – 5.8, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today” erodes by one full-share in November to 4.8 (fourth to sixth, 6+). October’s 5.8 represents its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 9.7. Off four-tenths in October (4.9 – 4.5, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” falters by another half-share to 4.0 (seventh to tenth, 6+). Appearing back-to-back are urban AC rivals, Radio One-owned WMMJ “Majic” (6.4 – 6.7, +.3, 6+) and Howard University’s WHUR (flat at 5.8, 6+). “Majic” (-.9 in October) is in third-place for the fourth straight month, while WHUR (-1.0 in October) finishes fourth for the eighth sweep in succession. Following six straight up or flat reports for a collective +2.3 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+), WMMJ faltered by nine-tenths in August. July 2018’s 7.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM history. After four straight reports without an increase for an overall -1.4 (7.1 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), WHUR was a combined +1.1 in June and July (5.7 – 6.3 – 6.8), with July’s 6.8 its best 6+-showing since January’s 7.1.
Boston Spoken-Word Formats – Notching its third uptick in succession for an overall gain of
eight-tenths (2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO progresses from #13 to #12. Moreover, this (3.2) is the best 6+-stat for “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” in exactly four years (3.3, November 2014).
Beantown’s two sports talkers occupy November 2018’s #2 and 
#3 positions, as well as combining for an 11.8 (6+), which is +1.4 from October’s 10.4. Specifically, Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” registers its fourth straight increase for a whopping +2.3 (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 5.3 – 6.1, fourth to second, 6+), while Entercom’s WEEI-FM adds six-tenths to October’s +.5 (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.7,
6+), vaulting from eighth to third. As it entered the September ratings period, WEEI-FM had been an overall +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 5.1, 6+); WBZ-FM was a combined -1.9 in June and July (5.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+). WBZ-FM is the flagship of the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins; WEEI-FM is the key station of the Boston Red Sox. As noted above, the November 2018 survey period ended November 7; the Red Sox captured the World Series crown on October 28.
A loss of three-tenths (5.3 – 5.0, 6+) drops iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” from a three-way tie at #4 to #8.
Tumbling from third to sixth, Boston University’s news/talk WBUR logs a 5.5 (6+) for the third month in a row. A loss of eight-tenths (3.4 – 2.6, #12 to #14, 6+) takes WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH to its lowest 6+-showing in more than two years (June 2016, 2.6, as well). Its June 2018 – October 2018 (6+) topline was 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4.
Boston Music Formats – Up eight-tenths via three straight positive spikes (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” inches up from tenth to ninth. Flat at #13, iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 For R&B” is a collective +1.0 as the result of three successive increases (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+). On top for the 11th consecutive ratings period, its mainstream CHR sibling – WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” – picks up two-tenths to 6.9 (6+), thus pulling the plug on three straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall -1.1 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+). October’s 6.7 is the lowest 6+-showing for “Kiss” since “Holiday” 2017’s 6.4. Its format challenger, Entercom’s WODS (#16 to #15), is without a loss for the fourth consecutive time for a collective gain of three-tenths. The “Holiday” 2017 – November 2018 topline trending for “103.3 Amp Radio” is: 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 (6+). Occupying the runner-up slot in September and October, Beasley Media Group-owned WROR classic hits-oldies “105.7 Boston’s Greatest Hits” slumps by six-tenths (6.2 – 5.6, 6+) and falls to fourth. Within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 17th straight sweep, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” (2.6 – 2.4, -.2, 6+) slips from #15 to #16. Down or flat for the fifth successive sweep for a combined loss of nine-tenths (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” continues in ninth-place, while iHeartMedia-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country” adds three-tenths (1.8 – 2.1, 6+) and remains at #18.
Miami English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – Pushing up from #19 to #18,
iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is a collective +.6 in three consecutive gains (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+).
Recapturing the one-tenth it lost in October (.9 – .8 – .9, 6+), 
Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” climbs from #29 to #27. Its three-tenths’ increase in September curtailed seven straight (mostly) flat or down trends that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (.9 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .7 – .6, 6+). “The Ticket” overtakes co-owned WQAM “Sports Radio 560,” whose May through November stats are: .9 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .9 – .9 – .8 (#27 to #28, 6+).
After being up a collective four-tenths as a result of three gains in succession (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN returns one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) and drops from #19 to #20.
Miami Music Formats – One positive streak continues for WFEZ but another one ends. The Cox Media Group adult contemporary outlet is #1 for the sixth straight month; however, “Easy 93.1” sputters by seven-tenths to 7.2 (6+), thus curtailing at three its successive string of increases that netted one full-share (6.9 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 7.9, 6+). After three straight months without a decrease for an overall gain of eight-tenths (6.7 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+), WFEZ faltered by six-tenths in July. Erasing half of October’s -.6 with a November +.3 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” advances from fifth to fourth. “Lite” was a collective +.5 in August and September (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). Without a loss for the third month in a row for a collective +.8 (3.9 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM Donde Viven Tus Hits” moves from seventh to sixth. Immediately after the market’s (6+) share for mainstream CHR increased by one-half share in October, it drops by a collective two-tenths in November. The decrease is equally divided between iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (-.1, unchanged at #10, 6+) and Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” (3.3 – 3.2, -.1, #11 to #12, 6+). “Y-100” is trending 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.3 (March – November, 6+). Before October’s gain of three-tenths, “Hits 97.3” was down three sweeps in a row for an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+). Remaining at #6, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” has posted a 4.7 in five of the last nine survey periods: 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 (6+).
Detroit Spoken-Word Formats – Progressing from tenth to ninth, Cumulus Media’s WJR
“News Talk 760” is a combined +1.1 through four straight gains (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). Its +.2 in August suspended three straight negative trends that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+).
Three positive spikes in a row by Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM 
“97.1 The Ticket” (flat at #5) produce a combined +1.8 (4.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+) for the flagship of the Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings.
While steady at #3, co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” falters by one-half share to 6.6 (6+), thus snapping three consecutive gains that yielded an overall +1.6 (5.5 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+). October’s 7.1 was its strongest 6+-stat since March 2017’s 7.4.
An increase of two-tenths (1. 6 – 1.8, 6+) takes Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM from #20 to #18. By gaining one-tenth in September, WUOM halted eight straight survey periods without an increase for a collective -.3 (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+). Owing to four straight gains, Wayne State University news/talk WDET (anchored at #22) has a 6+ AQH share that is 2.5 times greater than it was in June (.6 – .7 – .8 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+).
Detroit Music Formats – Not only does Beasley Media Group’s WCSX repeat at #1, “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” dials up a +.5 to 7.8 (6+), which pulls the plug on three straight declines that led to a cumulative -1.0 (8.3 – 7.9 – 7.4 – 7.3, 6+). WCSX spent four straight months at #1 before being ousted in September. Improving by one-half share as well in November is iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” (5.8 – 6.3, 6+), which has its strongest 6+-share (6.3) since June 2017’s 6.4 yet backslides from fifth to sixth. Off by seven-tenths is mainstream CHR cluster-mate WKQI “Channel 95.5 Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.1 – 4.4, 6+), which slips from eighth to tenth. Steady at #7, Entercom’s WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Best Country” regresses by seven-tenths as well to 4.9, its lowest 6+-stat since January (also 4.9). Three down or flat moves in succession by WYCD accounted for a cumulative loss of one-half share, but that was fully erased in June with a +.5. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WDRQ is unchanged from October in 6+ AQH share (2.2) and 6+ AQH rank (#17). Prior to October’s +.2, “93.1 Nash FM” was -1.0 in four consecutive decreases (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+). Three negative trends in a row by hot AC sibling WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” (flat at #11) have accounted for a -1.3 (5.2 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.9, 6+).
Seattle Spoken-Word Formats – While it carries on in the runner-up slot, Bonneville
news/talk KIRO-FM surrenders six-tenths to 6.0 (6+), thus curtailing three straight increases that netted a +1.5 (5.1 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+). Before a loss of seven-tenths in June, KIRO-FM had an October 2017 – June 2018 6+-topline of 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 
5.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.8. Despite recording its third increase in a row for a collective +.9 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+), co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” backslides from #16 to #17. Steady at #24, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” is without a loss for the sixth consecutive report (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+) and is up three-tenths since May.
Piling on four-tenths to October’s +.3 (3.7 – 4.1, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” inches up from tenth to ninth. Immediately prior to October, the flagship of the Seahawks and Mariners was off eight-tenths via three straight down or flat trends (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). In four consecutive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” has nearly tripled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .7 – .9 – 1.4 – 1.4, steady at #23, 6+).
All-news KOMO is making moves in increments of two-tenths. The Sinclair Broadcast Group facility was down two-tenths in June (2.6 – 2.4, 6+); up two-tenths in both August and September (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+); down two-tenths in October (2.7 – 2.5, 6+); and now up two-tenths in November (2.5 – 2.7, flat at #19, 6+).
Following four consecutive up or flat trends that netted an overall nine-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW relinquishes one-half share to 5.8 (6+) but remains in third-place; KUOW was #1 in September. October’s 6.3 was its highest 6+-share since April’s 6.5. Entering the August sweep, KUOW was an overall -1.1 in three straight down or flat sweeps (6.5 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+).
Seattle Music Formats – The good news for iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM is that a one-tenth gain to 4.7 (6+) ends three straight declines that resulted in a collective -1.8 (6.4 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.6, 6+); the somewhat bad news is “95.7 The Jet” slides from fifth to sixth. In four successive setbacks (5.0 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+), KRWM was -1.6 but the Hubbard adult contemporary answers in November with a gain of seven-tenths to 4.1 (6+) as “Warm 106.9” returns to the top ten (#14 to #9). Meanwhile, steady at #4, Entercom’s similarly-programmed KSWD “The Sound” is a whopping +1.7 as the result of six successive months without a loss (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). These two stations wound up going head-to-head in early-December 2017 when Entercom transitioned country KMPS to KSWD “The Sound.” In the September sweep, “The Sound” overtook “Warm 106.9” – for the first time since KSWD’s format shift to AC. Prior to a +.3 in June, KRWM was -7.1 (or down roughly 60%) in five consecutive down or flat sweeps (11.8 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Its 11.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was the AC station’s strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015; “Warm” was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2017. Even though it is off two-tenths (6.8 – 6.6, 6+), KRWM’s CHR cluster-mate KQMV “MOViN 92.5” repeats at #1; it finished on top in June, July, and August, as well. KQMV was +1.7 in July (6.1 – 7.8, 6+); -1.4 in August; -.6 in September to 5.8, its lowest 6+-showing since April’s 5.6; and +1.0 in October. Down or flat for the sixth straight sweep for a collective -1.6 (6.2 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom’s KISW “99.9 Seattle Rock Music” drops from sixth to seventh. Co-owned rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7” is a collective -1.1 in six consecutive reports without an increase (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+) and is anchored at #20.
Phoenix Spoken-Word Formats – Reaching the four-share level (6+) for the first time since
January’s 4.0, Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM “Arizona’s News Station” (tenth to ninth) is a collective +1.2 in four increases in a row (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+). After dropping four-tenths in September, iHeartMedia’s KFYI replicates October’s gain of two-tenths (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+) and climbs from #16 to 
#15. Prior to September, “News Talk 550” logged four straight gains that netted eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+).
After its one-half share September increase to 3.1 (6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” is a combined -1.0 in October and November (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.1, 6+) and fades from the top twenty (#13 to #21). September 2018 marked the first time the key station of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes, and Arizona Diamondbacks reached the three-share level (6+) since October 2017’s 3.0.
A loss of three-tenths (3.1 – 2.8, 6+) dispatches Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ from #12 to #16. October’s 3.1 was its best 6+-showing since April’s 3.6.
Phoenix Music Formats – A cumulative -2.1 (or roughly -50%) in seven successive down or flat trends (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI not only wipes away more than half that deficit with a robust +1.3 to 3.3 (6+), “101.9 Campesina” vaults from #21 to #13. At the same time that Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” improves by one-half share (3.5, #13 to #10, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” falters by the same margin (5.2, flat at #4, 6+). “Live” was off seven-tenths in October (3.7 – 3.0, 6+); “Kiss” had been an overall +.7 in three straight sweeps without a loss (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+). In addition to KALV, notching gains of one-half share are Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT “Que Buena 105.9” (2.8 – 3.3, #15 to #13, 6+); Family Life Communications contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” (.8 – 1.3, #26, 6+); and The Yucaipa Companies’ classic hits-oldies KOAI “The Oasis” (#19), which is a collective +.8 in six straight sweeps without a loss (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.3, 6+). Adding three-tenths to October’s +.5 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ repeats at #1. KESZ entered the October sweep with four consecutive declines (including September’s -1.2) that accounted for an overall -2.9 (9.0 – 8.7 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 6.1, 6+). After spending ten straight sweeps at #1, KESZ shifted to the runner-up slot in September. The station’s 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016. Following three upticks in a row that netted nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.4, 6+), The Yucaipa Companies’ rhythmic CHR KKFR “Power 98.3” surrenders seven-tenths to 1.7 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#19 to #23). Faltering by six-tenths is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVA “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (.8 – .2, #35, 6+). Up or flat the past five ratings periods for an overall gain of eight-tenths (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+), Hubbard-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” surrenders one-half share to 5.1 (6+), but continues in fifth-place. Dropping from ninth to tenth, Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” is off seven-tenths through three straight decreases (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+). Without an increase for the fourth straight month, The Yucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA “Hot” is a collective -1.0 since July (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5 – 2.5, #19 to #18, 6+).
Minneapolis Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored at #11, Entercom-owned WCCO is off
three-tenths to 4.1, thus interrupting four straight months of logging a 4.4 (6+). Recent fluctuations for “News Radio 830” have been +.8 (April); -.8 (May); -.8 (June); and +.5 (July). The Timberwolves and Twins flagship is tied at #11 with iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities 
News Talk AM 1130,” which levels off at 4.1, following an October gain of seven-tenths. Up one-tenth (2.8 – 2.9, 6+), Hubbard news/talk KTMY advances from #16 to #15. An August improvement of three-tenths by “My Talk 107.1” halted three straight down or flat moves that accounted for an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+).
A cumulative +3.0 in four consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” marches from third to second. This streak directly follows four dips in a row that produced a collective
-2.1 (5.8 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). With a February through November topline of 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8 – .7 – 1.0 (6+), Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” improves from #24 to #21.
After three straight increases that produced a +1.0 (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW drops two-tenths to 4.5 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Immediately prior, KNOW was a collective -2.2 in four negative moves in a row (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+).
Minneapolis Music Formats – Down a collective nine-tenths in four consecutive reports without an increase (4.2 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom’s KMNB “Minneapolis Country Music – Buz’n @ 102.9” picks up two-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and carries on at #14. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” duplicates October’s +.2 (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+) and proceeds from seventh to sixth. Albeit down two-tenths (7.5 – 7.3, 6+), Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM repeats at #1. Prior to being up a combined four-tenths in September and October (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+), “KS-95” logged four straight downward trends that accounted for a -1.5 (8.6 – 7.9 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+). KSTP-FM held the lead position seven straight sweeps before being ousted in August. Its format rival, iHeartMedia hot AC KTCZ, which had a 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.2 July through October topline, drops four-tenths to 3.8 (6+) and remains at #13. Following four consecutive increases for a cumulative +1.0 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.2, 6+), “The Cities” dropped six-tenths in August. This is the third negative move in a row for Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.7, #15 – #16, 6+), which is a collective -.8 since August.
San Diego Spoken-Word Formats – Although it is flat at 4.7 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk
KOGO progresses from seventh to sixth. “News Radio 600” was +.8 (January); -.7 (February); +.8 (March); +.6 (May); and -.6 (August). October 2017’s 7.2 is KOGO’s highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. Finishing at #23 and #24, respectively, are 
Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” (1.6 for the third straight month, flat at #23, 6+) and iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” (1.7 – 1.3, -.4, #22 to #24, 6+).
There is little movement in the market’s sports talk arena. Specifically, Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” repeats at #24 with 1.2, its highest 6+-stat since April’s 1.2. Off one-tenth in back-to-back monthlies (.9 – .8 – .7, 6+), Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” falls from #26 to #27, while iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” forfeits three-tenths (.9 – .6, #25 to #29, 6+).
The amazing April to November journey continues for San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS. It shifted from first to second in April; returned to #1 in May; dropped from first to third in June; slipped from third to fourth in July; returned to first in August; segued from first to second in September; and repeats at #1 in October and November (6.7 – 6.8, +.1, 6+). KPBS was up seven-tenths in August.
San Diego Music Formats – At the same time that iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” is without a loss for the third straight time for an overall +1.1 (2.2 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.3, #16 to #11, 6+), Tegna’s similarly-formatted KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM-BFM” erodes by nine-tenths (3.7 – 2.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #14). In addition to KIOZ, co-owned CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” (6.1 – 6.6, steady at #2, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDQ “Air 1 Positive Hits” (.2 – .7, #27, 6+) improve by one-half share as well. In seven consecutive sweeps without a loss, “Channel 93.3” (#1 in September) was a collective +2.8 (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), but it lost two-tenths in October. An overall -1.4 in four straight down or flat trends (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom’s KSON “103.7 New Country” picks up three-tenths to 5.2 (sixth to fourth, 6+). In five downward or flat moves in a row (4.0 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN was a collective -1.9 (approximately -50%), but “104.5 Radio Latina” is up two-tenths to 2.3 (#20 to #19, 6+). Without an increase for the fourth report in a row for a collective -1.0 (5.9 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+), Local Media of San Diego-operated XHRM “Magic 92.5 The Beat of San Diego” dips from fourth to fifth. After posting a +1.1 in September (2.6 – 3.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” forfeits all of it and one-tenth more (-1.2) in October and November (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.5, #14 to #17, 6+). In September, KLVJ reached the three-share threshold (3.7, 6+) for the first time since March (3.1). Off by one-half share as well are Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 San Diego’s Greatest Hits” (5.9 – 5.4, flat at #3, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” (2.7, #12 to #16, 6+), which had been +1.0 via three straight upticks (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.2, 6+).
Denver Spoken-Word Formats – No sooner did iHeartMedia news/talk KOA explode with a
+1.1 in October than “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” has it all erased (5.1 – 6.2 – 5.1, -1.1, second to third, 6+). The May through September topline for the flagship of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies was 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 5.1 (6+). Continuing an 
up/down pattern, iHeartMedia news/talk KHOW is +.3 (June); -.2 (July); +.1 (August); -.4 (September); +.1 (October); and now -.3 in November (1.8 – 1.5, 6+) as “Talk Radio 630” repeats at #21.
As a result of posting four increases in a row for an overall +1.9 (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” cracks the top ten (#11 to #9) with its strongest 6+-showing (4.4) since October 2017’s
4.5. In early-September, KSE Radio Ventures transitioned country KWOF “The Wolf” to KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5.” The flagship of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche sputtered by seven-tenths in October but picks up one-tenth in November (1.0 – .3 – .4, #29 to #30, 6+).
For the third month in a row, KCFR is #1, but the Colorado Public Radio news/talk station is off one-tenth to 6.6 (6+), pulling the plug on three consecutive gains that netted +1.5 (5.2 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+). Earlier this calendar year, KCFR was #1 in January, March, and May. While flat at 1.2 (6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC drops from #22 to #24.
Denver Music Formats – Ever since debuting in print in February, iHeartMedia’s KWBL had been trending 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 (6+), but “106.7 The Bull – Colorado’s New Country” explodes in November with a +.7 to 3.5 (#17 to #13). Following three consecutive improvements in which it more than doubled (+1.9) its 6+ AQH share (1.5 – 1.7 – 2.3 – 3.4, 6+) Colorado Public Radio classical outlet KVOD forfeits all but one-tenth of that entire bounty (3.4 – 1.6, -1.8, 6+), as it spirals from #14 to #20. On the heels of October’s -.4, KSE Radio Ventures’ hot AC KIMN “Mix 100 Today’s Best Mix” sputters by twice that margin in November (4.2 – 3.4, -.8, 6+), exiting the top ten (#9 to #14; “Mix” was up seven-tenths in September. Flat at #8, its format foe – Entercom’s KALC “Alice 105.9” – is an overall +.9 in three straight improvements (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). The internet stream of KALC “Alice 105.9” debuts with a .7 (#26, 6+). In addition to “Mix,” Bonneville’s country KYGO falters by eight-tenths and is a cumulative -1.2 in three consecutive decreases (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0, third to fourth, 6+). Off by one-half share (2.8 – 2.3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” slips from #17 to #19. Notwithstanding that it is a collective -1.1 in four successive sweeps without an increase (6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” advances from sixth to fifth. KOSI was up or flat five consecutive months (February through July) for an overall +1.4 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+). July’s 6.0 is the strongest 6+-showing for KOSI since Holiday’s 2017’s 11.5.
Tampa Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.9 in September and October (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), following August’s +.6, iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” erases roughly half the deficit with a one-half share 
increase to 3.8 (#15 to #11, 6+). The flagship of the NHL’s Tampa Lightning was +.5 in January and February; -.5 (March); +.8 (April); -.7 (July); +.6 (August); -.6 (October); and now +.5 in November. Although it is steady at 3.6 (6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” nonetheless segues from #11 to #14. It erased September’s -.2 with an October gain of three-tenths. Prior to September, “The Bone” was without a loss the previous four sweeps for a +.8 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+).
After being up a collective six-tenths in September and October (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” forfeits four-tenths to 2.3 and slides from #17 to #19.
WDAE is tied at #19 with University of South Florida news/talk WUSF, which is an overall +.9 in three consecutive increases (1.4 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (2.3) since February’s 2.8.
Tampa Music Formats – Over and above logging an increase of eight-tenths (8.9 – 9.7, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is in the lead position for an astonishing 75th successive ratings period. In addition, it flashes its strongest 6+-stat (9.7) since “Holiday” 2017’s 11.9. It is an exceptionally strong sweep for iHeartMedia hot AC WTMX “Mix 100.7,” which records its third uptick in succession for a collective +1.2 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#13 to #7) with its highest 6+-share since March (4.1, as well). A one-half share improvement to 5.2 (sixth to fourth, 6+) by Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Q-105” applies the brakes to three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective -1.7 (6.4 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 4.7, 6+). Gaining one-half share as well is Radio Statesboro regional Mexican WTMP “Caliente 96.1” (.2 – .7, #23, 6+). Three consecutive decreases by Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE resulted in a -1.0 (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+), but “The Joy FM” adds three-tenths to 4.0 (6+), climbing from tenth to eighth. On the heels of posting a +.5 in October, Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” relinquishes nearly twice that gain in November (6.7 – 5.8, -.9, 6+) but remains in third-place. Its one-half share improvement in October ended at three a consecutive string of decreases that led to a one-half share loss (6.7 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.2, 6+). The market’s always close CHR battle finds iHeartMedia-owned CHR WFLZ “93.3 FLZ – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” down two-tenths to 4.0 (seventh to eighth, 6+), while Cox Media Group-owned WPOI “Hot 101.5” notches a +.3 (3.6 – 3.9, 6+) to return to the top ten (#11 to #10). WFLZ had been up or flat the past three sweeps for a +.6 (3.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+).
Baltimore Spoken-Word Formats – Both independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating
Talk – Breaking News” (3.6 – 3.5, 6+) and Hearst Television news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” (2.6 – 2.5, 6+) are off one-tenth in November. They remain at #11 and #13, respectively. WCBM was -.5 in September and +1.0 in October. This is the fourth
time in a row that WBAL has had a (6+) fluctuation of one-tenth: 2.5 – 2.4; 2.4 – 2.5; 2.5 – 2.6; and 2.6 – 2.5. When WBAL gained one-tenth in September to 2.5 (6+), it halted five straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a collective -.9 (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+). Since resurfacing in the Baltimore report in May, Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL has a topline of .7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .4 (#27, 6+).
An overall +1.1 as a result of four straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” returns all but one-tenth (4.1, -1.0, sixth to ninth, 6+). Baltimore’s “Fan” was +.6 (January); -.6 (February); +1.0 (April); a combined -1.0 in May and June; and now -1.0 in November.
Despite tacking on three-tenths to October’s +.4 (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” is locked at #12. WYPR was a collective -.5 in August and September (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). Off one-tenth (1.5 – 1.4, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU drops from #15 to #16. Before slipping to 1.0 (6+) in August, WAMU notched a 1.1 (6+) five consecutive times in the Baltimore report.
Unchanged at #25, Entercom business news WDCH has a March through November topline of: .8 – .8 – .8 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .8 – .7 ( 6+).
Baltimore Music Formats – Erasing its collective -1.8 from four successive negative moves (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.1 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+) with a combined +2.1 in three straight gains (5.0 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.1, 6+) Entercom adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” advances from fourth to third. This (7.1) is the highest 6+-share for WLIF since 16.3 in “Holiday” 2017, when “Today’s 101.9” was #1. Without an increase the past three months has resulted in a loss of nine-tenths for iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR (5.5 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+), but “102.7 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” is up one-tenth to 4.7 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Having wiped away September’s +.1 with October’s -.2 (8.7 – 8.8 – 8.6, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM picks up one-tenth to 8.7 (6+). “Magic 95.9” is on top for the 11th successive sweep. In three consecutive decreases (11.6 – 11.5 – 10.3 – 9.4, 6+), “Magic” was an overall -2.2, but it responded in June with a +.3. Urban contemporary cluster-mate WERQ (7.9 – 7.7, -.2, 6+) is anchored in the runner-up slot for the seventh month in a row; “92-Q Jams” was up nine-tenths in August. In addition to halting at three its consecutive string of increases that nearly tripled (+.7) its 6+-share (.4 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” is off six-tenths to .5 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #26). This marks the third month in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).
St. Louis Spoken-Word Formats – On top in September and October, Entercom news/talk
KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” drops to second, owing to a loss of nine-tenths to 7.5 (6+). Entering the November sweep, the St. Louis Cardinals’ flagship had been a collective +1.0 via three increases in succession (7.4 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+). Locked on 2.6 (6+) in August and September, Emmis-to-Entercom’s KFTK is now stuck on 2.8 (6+) in October and November as 
“FM News Talk 97.1” remains at #17. When KFTK gained two-tenths in October, it suspended three straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+).
Four straight up or flat moves by Hubbard sports talk WXOS netted a +1.3 (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+) with October’s 4.0 its strongest 6+-showing since January (4.0, as well). In November, however, “101 Sports” is off three-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and slumps from #11 to #14.
Steady at #15, University of Missouri news/talk KWMU is up or flat for the sixth ratings period in succession for a net gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+).
St. Louis Music Formats – After being a collective -1.2 in three downward moves in a row (4.5 – 4.2 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s country-formatted KSD “93.7 The Bull” charges back with a +1.4 in October and November (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.7, 6+). In addition to entering the top ten (#13 to #8), KSD has its highest 6+-share since April 2017 (4.7, as well). Its format rival – Hubbard-owned WIL “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country” – is a collective +1.0 in four straight up or flat moves (5.5 – 6.1 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+) and remains in fourth-place. Down a combined half-share in September and October (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative KLLT “Alt 104.9 – St. Louis’ New Alternative” answers in November with a gain of six-tenths to 2.3 (#19 to #18, 6+). Returning in print this past April, Gateway Creative Broadcasting’s KLJY “99.1 Joy FM” has the distinction of being the only contemporary Christian outlet in the 24 PPM-markets whose November 2018 data has been released thus far to reach #1 (8.0 – 8.2, +.2, third to first, 6+). Its eight 6+- stats this calendar year are: 7.2 – 5.9 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 7.8 (August, #1) – 7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 (November, #1). After racking up a +1.4 in September and October (6.7 – 7.8 – 8.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” surrenders nine-tenths (7.2, second to third, 6+). Meanwhile, a decrease of eight-tenths (4.9 – 4.1, 6+) takes Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” to its lowest 6+-stat since May 2016 (4.1, as well) and out of the top ten (#9 to #11).
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Jim Philips to Retire from WTKS, Orlando; Jim Colbert Show to Fill PM Drive Slot. On-air pro Jim Philips has been hosting the afternoon drive show on iHeartMedia’s hot talk WTKS-FM, Orlando “Real Radio 104.1” for more than 30 years. On November
20, he’ll host the final live “Philips Phile” show and on November 21, the station will air a “Phinal Philips Phile” tribute program. During his time as host of the afternoon show, Jim Philips has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Central Florida charities including The Mustard Seed and A Gift for Teaching and has dedicated countless hours to causes including first-amendment issues, adult literacy, mentoring at-risk youth, and 
championing LGBTQ rights. The University of Florida graduate has also received numerous awards and honors including the Debbie Simmons Community Excellence Award lifetime achievement honor and has been recognized as the “Best Radio Personality” more than a dozen times by readers of the Orlando Sentinel, the Watermark and the Orlando Weekly. Philips says, “It has been a great 50-year career and now it is time to move on with the next phase of my life. I can’t thank the Orlando community enough for letting me into their homes, their cars and their offices for all this time.” iHeartMedia division president Linda Byrd announces
“The Jim Colbert Show” will air in PM drive. Led by longtime “Monsters of the Morning” cast member “Dirty” Jim Colbert, the Jim Colbert show will include co-host and news director Deborah Roberts, award-winning stand-up comedian Rauce Padgett, and executive producer and 20-year “Real Radio” veteran Jack Bradshaw. Byrd states, “We are very excited about the Jim Colbert show expanding to five days a week. After 26 years of entertaining morning audiences as part of the ‘Monsters of the Morning’ show on ‘Real Radio,’ Jimmy will now be doing the same in afternoon drive time with his unique comedic take on the world.” Colbert says, “Before I was in radio I was a longtime listener of Jim Philips and the ‘Philips Phile.’ It is an absolute honor to bring my show to the same time slot on ‘Real Radio 104.1.’”
Longtime KMJ, Fresno Personality Craig Hansen to Retire. Station program director Blake Taylor reports that Craig Hansen – a fixture on the KMJ, Fresno airwaves for 42 years – is retiring from the Cumulus Media news/talk station in
December. Taylor says, “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of KMJ’s Craig Hansen at year’s end. For those who don’t know, Craig is a virtual encyclopedia of KMJ’s long history and import to Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley. Craig’s first day at KMJ was November 24, 1976. As far as we can tell, Craig’s 42-year tenure is probably the second-longest in KMJ’s 96-year history – second only to Jerry Higgenbotham’s run from 1949 to 1994. Mr. Hansen has held a number of on-air positions over the decades but is probably best known for his years as our go-to guy on Saturdays hosting news, ‘Autoshop Talk,’ ‘Real Talk,’ and of course ‘Radio Tradio!’ Craig’s final show at KMJ will be Saturday, December 22. After that, he and his better half will be driving his Corvette out of the mayhem of California and moving out of state to retire in peace.”
Cumulus to Launch Local Ad Guarantee. The company says that it is “doubling down on the industry-leading ROI guarantee of its Westwood One division” and “will launch an innovative program leveraging the proven effectiveness and reach of broadcast radio, combined with the precise targeting capabilities of its digital
products.” Cumulus Media radio station group EVPs Dave Milner and Bob Walker announce the company will support local advertisers’ number one objective: attracting more customers. Cumulus says it will guarantee participating local advertisers a minimum number of Engaged Potential Customers (EPCs): listeners who have contacted the business as a result of the coordinated program. Should the program not deliver the guaranteed results, the business will receive free advertising. Milner says, “Marketers took notice of our commitment to results when we debuted the Westwood One ROI Guarantee and challenged us to deliver something similar to our local advertisers. After touting the benefits of a combined radio and digital campaign, we’re now putting our money where our mouth is in our local markets with the EPC Guarantee.” Walker adds, “Using radio’s exceptional 10:1 ROI, and a proven 19% lift when messages are coordinated between media platforms, we are delivering a hyper-efficient brand building and customer generation program all in one. We’ve known all along that we can be an advertiser’s one-stop shop for results; now we guarantee it.” The EPC Guarantee will launch in 65 Cumulus markets later this month, in the home and professional services categories, and will be available in all 90 Cumulus markets in 2019.
Entercom Names Sarah Harris VP of Social Impact. This is a new position at Entercom that Sarah Harris will begin on January 2. She comes to Entercom from Emmis Communications where she was a senior vice president. While there, she
founded and led “Incite,” a cause and social marketing division within Emmis. Previously, Harris served as director of community outreach for Emmis. She holds an MA in Philanthropic Studies and an MPA in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University and recently completed University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Education in Social Impact Strategy. In her new role with Entercom, Harris will oversee all aspects of the company’s community engagement initiatives, including its recently launched corporate social responsibility platform, Entercom Cares, as well as Entercom’s government business practice. Entercom EVP and general counsel Andrew Sutor states, “Sarah is a pioneer in cause and social impact marketing and wholeheartedly believes in the power of media to create positive impact. With her significant experience and expertise in creating and managing social impact programs and campaigns, Sarah will be a terrific addition to our team.”
NPR to Be Honored at Inaugural iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. When the first-ever iHeartRadio Podcast Awards take place at the iHeartRadio Theater in Los Angeles on January 18, NPR will be the recipient of the iHeartRadio Podcast Pioneer Award. NPR is being honored as a “driving, innovative force in the creation of the podcasting
industry” and the award “will pay tribute to the renowned non-profit multimedia organization’s groundbreaking contributions to podcasting’s expanding role in today’s popular culture.” The press release notes that NPR launched its first digital-only podcasting predecessor, “All Songs Considered,” in April 2000 and it officially debuted NPR Podcasts in August 2005 with a full slate of 174 programs, including 17 original podcasts. In less than a year, NPR reached 13 million downloads for all of its podcast programming and reached more than 80 million downloads by February 2007. NPR SVP for programming and audience development Anya Grundmann says, “We are honored to receive the Podcast Pioneer Award. Podcasts have been a major source of innovation for NPR. They have given our reporters the chance to flex their storytelling muscles, pursue creative ideas, and longer stories, and play with form in ways not always possible on a daily show. They have also helped us connect with listeners in new ways and helped us evolve our sound.”
Adam Clanton Back on the Air in Houston. The Houston Chronicle’s David Barron reports that Houston sports talk personality Adam Clanton – who had been with
iHeartMedia’s KBME until being fired last May – joins Entercom’s crosstown KILT-AM to host a regular Tuesday evening program with co-host (and KPRC-TV sports anchor) Adam Wexler as well as to handle fill-in and weekend air shifts. Clanton tells Barron, “It’s nice to be out of radio purgatory and with a group of true professionals who have welcomed me (back) with open arms. 610 has been amazing to me, and sometimes life really does come full circle. I’m excited going forward.”
WPGG, Atlantic City’s Harry Hurley Named to Insider NJ’s Top 100 Power List.
Atlantic City morning drive personality Harry Hurley was again named to Insider NJ’s “Top 100 Power List” – landing at #42 this year. The publication says of Hurley, “The conservative talk radio show host loves politics and outshines most hosts with his uncanny ability to break news himself – not just opine about what other reporters write about first. He remains very influential in South Jersey politics and is at the top of his game.”
Florida Recounts, Trump-Russia Investigation Status, Whitaker Appointment Challenge, Dow Drops 600 Points, California Wildfires, Michelle Obama Book Tour, Crenshaw ‘SNL’ Appearance, Stan Lee Dies, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/12). The partisan fighting over the election recounts in Florida; the status of the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; legal questions about the appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting Attorney General; the Dow dips 600 points; the deadly California wildfires that have claimed 42 lives; former First Lady Michelle Obama’s book tour for Becoming; Congressman-elect Dan Crenshaw’s appearance on “Saturday Night Live” a week after Pete Davidson’s joke about the war veteran’s missing eye; Marvel comics founder Stan Lee dies at 95; and the weekend’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Another “Breeze” is blowing, this time in Detroit as Entercom flips CHR WDZH to adult contemporary as “987 The Breeze.” This comes on the heels of two recent flips to adult contemporary “Breezes” from iHeartMedia – KBEB, Sacramento and WISX, Philadelphia. Entercom Detroit SVP and market manager Debbie Kenyon states, “We are excited to launch ‘987 The Breeze’ and to fill this void in the Motor City’s music scene. We know the station will become a must-listen to make your work day breeze by.”…..Beasley Media Group – after cutting ties with morning personality Bigg Boy, moves afternoon personalities Gello and Joanna to AM drive as “The GELLO Show” and adds former AM drive co-host Shay-Shay to middays. The station is on the search for an afternoon drive personality…..Urban One adds the WNOW, Indianapolis-based “Joe & Alex” show – Joe Piesz and Alex Clark – to the morning drive daypart on its Houston CHR KROI. KROI program director Charese Fruge comments, “Joe and Alex are the perfect combination of caring and crazy, the comedy and quirkiness they bring to mornings is infections and is sure to be a treat for listeners in Houston.”…..iHeartCountry and Premiere Networks is offering unparalleled, multi-platform coverage of “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” tomorrow (11/14). In addition to programming leading up to the awards show, The Bobby Bones Show’s Amy Brown will provide iHeartCountry mainstream stations with live updates from the red carpet leading up to show time. Premiere Networks will also provide a live radio simulcast of the CMA Awards show co-hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.
Friday, April 14, 2017
Cumulus Media Promotes Three to Executive Vice President. Three current Cumulus Media executives are promoted to newly created EVP positions: Mike McVay rises from senior vice president, content & programming to executive vice president, content & programming; Dave Milner, moves up from senior vice president, operations to executive vice president, operations; and Bob Walker is elevated from senior vice president, operations to executive vice president, operations. Cumulus Media president and chief executive officer Mary Berner states, “These promotions recognize the strong performance of these key members of our senior leadership team. Mike, Dave and Bob are terrific executives and have each been instrumental to the success we’ve achieved during the first year of executing our turnaround plan for the company.”
Ryan Wrecker Joins KMOX, St. Louis as ‘Overnight America’ Host. Talk radio pro Ryan Wrecker moves from his most recent gig as PD at Pathfinder Communications’ WOWO, Fort Wayne to CBS RADIO’s heritage
St. Louis news/talker KMOX to host the station’s late-night program, “Overnight America,” beginning 
Monday (4/17). The program airs from 10:00 pm to 3:00 am. KMOX program director Steve Moore comments, “Ryan is a passionate advocate of local radio who comes to us from a legacy station and brings a great appreciation for KMOX and its role in the community. In addition, Ryan understands how creating unique digital and social media content can quickly expand his reach in the market and grow his listener base.” Speaking about his new gig, Wrecker states, “We’re going to have fun on ‘Overnight America.’ It’s a show that’s inclusive to new voices and topics. Every night we will present fresh and unique ideas to the audience and explore them in a way that’s different from any other radio show.” The “Overnight America” show had been hosted by Jon Grayson, who exited KMOX in February to host the midday show at crosstown news/talk KTRS.
Kaplan Promoted to Marketing Director for Cumulus Media Dallas. For the past two years, Rebecca Kaplan has been promotions director for Cumulus Media’s Dallas country signals KSCS and KPLX “99.5 The
Wolf.” Now, she is promoted to marketing director for the seven-station cluster that includes news/talk WBAP, news/talk KLIF-AM, sports talker KTCK-AM and KESN-FM, and CHR KLIF-FM “HOT 93.3.” Cumulus regional vice president Dan Bennett states, “Rebecca has proven herself with outstanding event execution for our country stations KPLX and KSCS. Our seven-station cluster will benefit greatly from her involvement in the future with all our stations.”
TALKERS News Notes. The NBA Playoffs begin this weekend and ESPN Radio is presenting its coverage starting with the Cavaliers versus the Pacers Saturday at 2:00 pm ET. Marc Kestecher and Jon Barry will call the action. Sunday’s contest will be the Warriors vs Trailblazers with Adam Amin and P.J. Carlesimo on the call…..When the NHL’s new franchise the Vegas Golden Knights takes to the ice next fall, Lotus Communications’ KRLV, Las Vegas “FOX Sports 1340” will serve as the flagship station for radio. Lotus plans to begin simulcasting the station on FM translator K255CT, Henderson, Nevada. As part of the deal, some of the games will also be broadcast in Spanish on Lotus’ KENO-AM “1460 ESPN Deportes.”…..In podcasting news, Apple is changing the name of its podcast platform from “iTunes Podcasts” to “Apple Podcasts.”…..TALKERS magazine sends condolences to the family and friends of longtime Cleveland sports media personality Kendall Lewis, a.k.a. The BSK — the Big Sports Kahuna, who died on April 11 at the age of 56. Lewis’ most recent work was on digital platforms, but for years he was a host on sports talk WKNR, Cleveland “ESPN 850.” He also was a fixture at FOX Sports Net Ohio and served with WOIO-TV, Cleveland.
U.S.-Russia Relations/Syria Gas Attack Top News/Talk Stories This Week. The tense relations between the U.S. and Russia over the Syria sarin attack and the U.S.’s airstrikes in Syria were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio for the week of April 10-14. At #2 this week was the North Korea nuclear missile threats. Coming in at #3 was the United Airlines passenger removal case and the resulting PR blowback, followed by the FBI’s monitoring of Trump adviser Carter Page at #4. The Talkers TenTM 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.
Michael Harrison Interviews Judy Collins on this Week’s Podcast. Folk singing/pop music legend Judy Collins is this week’s special guest on the award-winning PodcastOne hit series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” In the words of Harrison, “Although she sings like an angel and performed on a number of hits and concert stages across the nation, creating a total of more than 50 albums along the way – not to mention authoring books, painting, and even directing a film – she lived a deeply troubled existence. We’re talking about severe depression and emotional disturbance that nearly drove her to suicide. We’re talking about substance abuse
and eating disorders…and on top of everything, coping with the suicide of her son in 1992.” The TALKERS founder continues, “This amazing woman has survived to not only overcome these challenges but to be of great service and help to others, as well. She is a tireless advocate of those who suffer from similar emotional afflictions and has made significant contributions in bringing public awareness of mental illness out of the shadows and into the open.” On April 27, in recognition of her service to others, Collins will receive the 2017 Beatrice Stern Media Award at a major gathering in Los Angeles – The Erasing the Stigma Leadership Awards. It is an annual event thrown by Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a leading non-profit provider of free community mental health and substance abuse services for children and adults for over 75 years. Harrison and Collins engage in a remarkably candid and informative discussion about the state of mental illness in our healthcare system and culture. They also talk about the early days of her career, her relationship with rock legend Stephen Stills and her storied connection to his Crosby, Stills and Nash masterpiece, “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Audio content syndicator Westwood One is partnering with dick clark productions to help promote the 2017 Billboard Music Awards and offer its broadcast partners branded, long-form and short-form content and promotions. Westwood One will welcome more than 20 radio stations to its Westwood One Backstage at the BBMAs event with live performances and celebrity interviews during rehearsals the
day before the 2017 Billboard Music Awards (Saturday, May 20) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Talent taking part in the Saturday event include WPLJ, New York personality Jayde Donovan; WPLJ and WPRO-FM, Providence host Ralphie Aversa; and syndicated personalities Adam Bomb and Zach Sang…..The three urban-formatted Philadelphia stations owned by iHeartMedia – urban contemporary WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B & Throwbacks,” hip hop WUSL “Power 99,” and smooth jazz WDAS-AM “Smooth Jazz ‘JJZ 1480” – are organizing the inaugural “Sista Strut 3K Breast Cancer Walk” taking place on Saturday, June 17 at Xfinity Live! in Philadelphia. Proceeds will benefit The American Association for Cancer Research. The stations note that the walk aims to raise breast cancer awareness among African American women, who are 41% more likely to die from the disease than white women, making screenings and early detection crucial. WDAS-FM personality Frankie Darcell comments, “As one of the founders of Detroit’s ‘Sista Strut,’ I’m ecstatic that nearly 20 years later the event will be held in our Philadelphia community.”…..Country KNIX, Phoenix and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire are cooperating on a “Rise From The Fire” Concert Flyaway Sweepstakes. Consumers ages 21+ can enter for a chance to win a trip for two to New York for a benefit concert featuring a top music act. The event concludes an 11-city iHeartRadio concert series to benefit firefighters and communities affected by fire. The Phoenix stop in the concert series will feature national recording artist, Brett Young, and will take place on April 19 at the Hall of Flame Fire Museum. The sweepstakes and concert series are part of an effort by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire to raise funds in support of the Fire Family Foundation, an organization that offers immediate assistance to firefighters and their families, fire victims, fire departments and charities. The Foundation believes that by coming together as a “Fire Family,” assistance can be provided by those impacted by fire.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Day 1 from the Arbitron Client Conference. Radio consultant Holland Cooke is covering the Arbitron Client Conference for TALKERS. Three major points stuck out at yesterday’s sessions: 1) RAB president Erica Farber noting that agencies don’t have “radio” departments anymore, they have “audio” departments; 2) using social media is imperative but it must have a three-pronged purpose of creating brand awareness, expanding listenership and maintaining listener loyalty; and 3) stations in PPM markets must work hard to create more occasions of listening from P1s in order to build share growth. Read Holland Cooke’s report from Annapolis here.
Clear Channel’s Ken Charles Moves from Miami to Sacramento. The longtime Clear Channel spoken-word programmer – who also serves as the national brand coordinator for news/talk and sports – takes on the vice president of programming role at the company’s six-station cluster in Sacramento that includes news/talk KFBK and KSTE. Charles has programmed Clear Channel Media and Entertainment news/talk stations in Atlanta and Houston in addition to his most recent post in Miami. Sacramento market manager Dave Milner states, “We are extremely excited to have Ken leading the programming and brand strategies for Clear Channel Sacramento. His experience and passion, combined with our excellent team of professionals will certainly make for a winning combination.” Charles replaces Alan Eisenson who exited the Sacramento cluster last week.
Jim Bohannon Signs Contract Extension with Dial Global. Washington, DC-based overnight and early morning talk radio personality Jim Bohannon signs a new contract to extend his national syndication deal with Dial Global. Via his eponymous overnight talk show and the early-morning “America in the Morning” program, Jim Bohannon is heard on more than 500 affiliates across America. Commenting on his new, multi-year extension, Bohannon says, “I’m delighted to re-up with Dial Global at a time of exciting new opportunities for our industry. As the economy and marketplace forge ahead, I’m eager to work with the many fine sponsors and affiliates of the Jim Bohannon show and ‘America in the Morning.’” Dial Global EVP of news and talk programming Bart Tessler states, “We are thrilled that the hardest-working man in radio is continuing his relationship with his loyal audience and sponsors from sunrise to, well, sunrise. Jim’s ‘militant moderate’ attitude is needed on radio now more than ever.”
Talk Pro Tom Becka Expands Program at KOIL, Omaha. Last week Tom Becka announced he would be leaving his position at KRWK, Fargo “101.9 Talk FM” where he serves as program director and morning drive host. Now, Becka and NRG Media’s KOIL, Omaha make public his expanded program at the station. Since moving to Fargo to work on KRWK, Becka had maintained an Omaha presence with an afternoon program on KOIL (piped in from Fargo). Now, Becka returns to the city where he has family and friends and begins an expanded 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm afternoon show on January 2. Operations manager Jeff Lynn says Becka’s program on KOIL has grown significantly on the station – the adults 35-64 demo is up 26% during the 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot in which his show is currently airing. Lynn states, “We have no doubt Becka will continue to deliver tremendous results due to his massive appeal with our listeners. He attracts a responsive audience that is loyal to the core and I am confident they will appreciate his expanded timeslot.” On his return to Omaha, Becka says, “1290 has been an ideal home for me – I know Omaha, Eastern Nebraska, and the topics people care about in the local market. This station has provided me with an arena to not only engage our listeners in new ways, it has provided an outlet for talk and conversation that is more in-depth and comprehensive so listeners get what they want from the show.”
Opinion: Bob Costas Criticism Goes Overboard. One of the hot topics of the week – on both sports talk and news/talk radio – is Bob Costas’ comments on the Jovan Belcher tragedy that aired on NBC on Sunday evening. WFAN, New York host Richard Neer writes that much of the criticism – especially that which demands Costas be fired – is absurd. “Are we at such a point in our public discourse that anyone who takes a stand with which we disagree should lose his job? Can we not have a sane discussion about guns without evoking black helicopters and UN takeovers?” Read Richard Neer’s entire piece here.
CBS Announces Plans for Super Bowl Park. The image you see here is the entrance to CBS Super Bowl Park at Jackson Square in New Orleans as the company prepares to cover this year’s Super Bowl. The broadcast giant’s eight subsidiaries — CBS Sports, CBS Entertainment, CBS News, CBS Sports Network, SHOWTIME Sports, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports Radio and CBS Television Distribution – will feature programming from the site of the NFL championship during the week leading up to the big game. CBS Corporation president and CEO Les Moonves says this sets a new standard for the company, “The Super Bowl is the granddaddy of big event television, and our approach this year is unlike anything we have ever done. For the first time, CBS Corporation will have week-long, round-the-clock Super Bowl coverage on more than a half-dozen platforms. Creating CBS Super Bowl Park at Jackson Square as the center of all this activity will make it even more compelling, and also illustrate the collaborative efforts across the company.” The broadcast center will consist of four outdoor sets inside Jackson Square shared across the various shows. The sets were designed to reflect the history and architecture of New Orleans. A fifth set will be located across the street in Washington’s Artillery Park for the CBS affiliates.
Clear Channel Tallahassee Names Jeff Wolf PD for WFLA-FM and WNLS. Taking over for Matt Millar, who exited the radio business, Jeff Wolf comes to Clear Channel’s Tallahassee cluster from Border Media Partners’ Austin, Texas stations where he served as OM for the cluster. Wolf will program news/talk WFLA-FM “Tallahassee’s Talk Radio” and sports talk WNLS “1270 The Team.” Operations manager Jeff Horn says, “We are very excited that Jeff chose to come lead our talk brands in Tallahassee.”
Sabo Media’s Internet Radio Initiatives Signs Aircheck.US. Sabo Media president Walter Sabo announces his company’s Internet Radio Initiatives division is working with Aircheck.US to help build the company’s business model and help identify new revenue and content opportunities. Sabo notes that Aircheck.US – using skilled, entertaining radio performers – will be a viable opportunity for advertisers seeking a blended marketing opportunity of proven media talent and new digital platforms. Every radio star has considered what they would do if they had complete on-air freedom. Historically experienced on-air celebrities produced the most cutting edge radio, such as free form in the 1960’s. Underground radio was launched by Top-40 stars such as Murray the K, B. Mitchel Reed, Tom Donahue and Scott Muni. Sabo says he believes Aircheck.US CEO and founder Erica Lee “has given these proven performers a stage, respect and the freedom to use their expertise to build an audience around the world, online. I look forward to helping her refine her business and achieve her goals.”
Greater Media’s WTKK, Boston to Broadcast Radiothon to Benefit Fisher House. With the support of his fellow WTKK talk show hosts, Michael Graham is leading the “5th Annual News Talk 96.9 Fisher House Radiothon” today from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. WTKK personalities Jim Braude, Margery Eagan, Doug Meehan, Michael Smerconish, and The Andelman Brothers from Phantom Gourmet will join Graham in the effort. He says, “The war in Afghanistan may not be in the headlines, but our brave women and men are still there, serving at the front lines. From Afghanistan to Yemen, we send our troops into harm’s way every day. When harm does come, the Fisher House lets us take care of them.” WTKK says Graham will broadcast from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm with wall-to-wall guests, including: Fisher House families, Senator Scott Brown, Bill O’Reilly, Dennis Miller, Glenn Beck, Ray Romano, Rob Schneider, Ted Nugent, former New England Patriots player Matt Light, Gold-winning gymnast Aly Raisman, Fox 25’s VB, Playmate of the Year Jaclyn Swedberg, Comedian Chris Zito and many more.
The Conclave Announces 2013 Scholarship Opportunities. The Conclave’s 2013 Radio and Music Industry Scholarship Program provides more than $50,000 worth of opportunities for students. The organization states that since 1979, in keeping with its mission of educating the broadcast industry, it has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to worthy students desiring an education in the radio and music industries. The detailed scholarships are: to Brown College in Minneapolis, Specs Howard School of Media Arts in Southfield, Michigan, and to McNally-Smith College of Music in St. Paul. The Brown College Dennis Becker Memorial Scholarship covers tuition for the Radio Broadcasting Associate of Applied Science Degree, and is worth $17,000. The Specs Howard Bill Gavin Memorial Scholarship includes tuition, application fees, and books for the Diploma Program in Radio-TV Broadcasting, and is worth $15,000. The McNally-Smith Music Business Scholarship is valued at up to $20,000. Conclave executive director Bob Shannon says, “In our current economy scholarship dollars are truly a gift with impact. I’m thankful to the schools and organizations that have graciously stepped forward to help. In a larger sense, the scholarships embody the very essence of the Conclave’s mission: to create a learning environment that actually makes a difference for those interested in 21st Century media.” All Conclave scholarships will be awarded during the 38th Conclave Summer Learning Conference, July 17-19, 2013 in Minneapolis.
Cool Job Opportunity. The major qualification for this position is the ideal candidate must be fluent in Mandarin. This is a consulting opportunity for someone with experience in talk radio who speaks the Chinese dialect. Send your relevant information to Michael Harrison at TALKERS magazine – michael@talkers.com – and we’ll pass it along. All responses will be kept confidential.
Washington’s ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Battle, Syria’s Chemical Weapons Threat, Egyptian Unrest, and Bob Costas Gun Comment Controversy Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/5). The ongoing debate in Washington over how to avoid the “fiscal cliff”; Syria’s readying of sarin gas and threats to use it on rebel forces; the violent protests against Egypt’s Mohamed Morsi; and backlash against NBC’s Bob Costas in response to his guns comments were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Sirius XM Reports Revenue Up 11%. SiriusXM CEO Mel Karmazin tells analysts the satcaster has seen subscriptions increase by 405,000 compared to the first quarter of 2011. Revenue for Q1 of 2012 was $805 million, an increase of 11% over the same period a year ago. Karmazin states, “SiriusXM is starting
the year with tremendous operational momentum. We grew subscribers faster than any first quarter since our 2008 merger of Sirius and XM, and we improved our self-pay monthly churn rate to 1.9% despite implementing a price increase at the beginning of the year. Rising auto sales and our strong execution should enable us to exceed our prior 2012 subscriber growth guidance of 1.3 million, which today we are raising to 1.5 million.” The continued good news for SiriusXM includes: its subscriber growth rate accelerating to boost its subscriber base to an all-time high of 22.3 million; reduced its monthly churn to 1.9%; and was able to show positive free cash flow in the first quarter of a fiscal year for the first time – free cash flow was $15 million for 2012’s Q1. SiriusXM EVP and CFO David Frear states, “Our growing cash flow is reducing our leverage substantially and this improving credit profile should benefit stockholders as we refinance or pay down more than $1 billion of high coupon debt over the next 15 months.”
2012 Q1 Report: CBS Radio Down 2%. CBS Corporation announced its first quarter revenue for 2012 and although the company as a whole was up 12% on revenue of $3.92 billion over the same period a year ago, the revenue for the CBS Radio division was down 2%. Content licensing and distribution revenue were responsible for much of the company’s growth.
Harris to Exit Broadcast Business. Melbourne, Florida-based Harris Corporation employs some 17,000 people worldwide but the bulk of its revenue does not come from the radio equipment sector – not even close. And that’s why the company announces it is divesting itself of the Broadcast Communications arm. The company states a review of its business structure revealed, “the (radio) business is no longer aligned with the company’s long-term strategy. The plan to sell these assets supports our disciplined approach to capital allocation, and we intend to use the proceeds to return cash to shareholders and invest in growing our core businesses.”
KTRH, Houston Talk Host Michael Berry Won’t Be Charged in Fender Bender Case. Former Houston City Councilor and KTRH, Houston talk host Michael Berry will not face charges of hit and run in connection with a parking incident outside an area bar that happened in late January. The District Attorney’s office tells the Houston Chronicle that based on its findings, there will be no charges filed against Berry. It appears there’s no evidence to show Berry’s vehicle hit the car of a club bouncer who told authorities a car matching the description of Berry’s car hit his. The incident happened outside of TC’s Show Bar in Montrose – a club known for gay clientele. The local media made a big deal out of the incident and, in addition to the connection between the conservative Berry and the gay bar, questioned whether the former city councilor received special treatment from authorities investigating the incident. Berry maintained his innocence and excoriated the local media on his radio show for running fast and loose with the facts. He blamed much of the attention he received from the incident on politics.
Merlin Media’s New York Programming Chief Is Mark Austin Thomas. “FM News 101.9” has been without an official programming chief since Liz Aiello was let go in December. Now, it’s being reported that former KABC, Los Angeles news director and news anchor Mark Austin Thomas is in the programmer’s chair. Radio-Info’s Tom Taylor reports an announcement from Merlin Media about Thomas’ status may come as early as this week. All-news WEMP-FM, New York has been holding steady with a .7 share in the monthly PPM ratings.
Dave Milner Named Market Manager at Clear Channel Sacramento. Reports of Jeff Holden’s departure from the building at Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s Sacramento cluster turned out to be true. The company announces Dave Milner takes over the president and market manager role. Milner has been serving as vice president of sales at Entercom’s San Francisco station group. He previously worked for Clear Channel in the Portland market. Clear Channel EVP of operations, Western Region Susan Karis states, “Dave brings an extensive track record of sales and management expertise with him to the Clear Channel Sacramento market. I’m excited to have him back with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment to lead our business in Sacramento to continued success.”
KFTK-FM, St. Louis Adds Tony Katz to Permanent Weekend Show. Emmis Communications’ KFTK-FM, St. Louis announces regular fill-in talk host Tony Katz gets a weekly Saturday afternoon show airing from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Katz is the go-to fill-in guy for midday talk host Dana Loesch. KFTK-FM program director Jeff Allen says, “Tony is a rising star and I am thrilled that we can launch a fresh, new talent into our Saturday evening line-up. Tony is passionate, informative and most importantly, fun to listen to!” Katz also hosts a regular internet talk program on allpatriotsmedia.com.
Commercials Are Content, Too. The phrase “content is king” may be a cliché but the sentiment is true. However, it’s important to remember that spots are content too and broadcasters should give attention to spot quality, according to H&H Communications president Al Herskovitz. In his latest column for TALKERS, Herskovitz cites examples of commercial copy gone wrong that could have been avoided. Read his piece here.
FM Sports Talker Coming to Twin Falls, Idaho. Lee Family Broadcasting principal Kim Lee tells MagicValley.com that he’ll drop the AC music on KMVX-FM for sports talk on May 24. The station will carry ESPN programming and be the local radio outlet for College of Southern Idaho sports. The school’s radio voice, Jonathan Drew, will join the station as sports director and PM drive host of a local sports talk show.
Odds ‘n’ Sods. Bob Throndsen retires from his news director position at Fisher Broadcasting’s KOMO-AM/FM. Throndsen has worked at KOMO radio and KOMO-TV for much of the past 30 years…..The debut of Michael Patrick Shiels’ new morning talk show based at local Fox TV outlet WSYM-TV, Lansing, Michigan will come not this week but next, according to a piece in the Lansing State Journal. Shiels, who recently left his WJIM, Lansing based program after a contract dispute, plans to syndicate the new show to talk radio outlets across Michigan…..KBJR-TV, Duluth sports director Tom Hansen joins KDAL, Duluth-Superior as co-host of the late morning show alongside Dave Strandberg. Hansen maintain’s his position with the television outlet…..Talk show host Tom Donahue, host of Tom Donahue Reports, announces his new flagship network for his syndicated show is Orion Talk Radio. The program airs live from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.
Broadcasters Foundation of America Announces Second Annual Stu Olds Memorial Golf Classic. The Broadcasters Foundation of America sets June 12 as the date of the second annual Stu Olds Memorial Golf Classic – the fundraiser named in honor of the former Katz Media head who died in December of 2010. Since its inception, the fund has raised more than $500,000 to benefit the foundation. The event costs $250 per player and proceeds go directly to the fund. Reservations to take part in the golf outing can be made by calling Jim Thompson at 212-373-8250 or e-mail info@thebfoa.org.
2012 Presidential Race, Obama Afghanistan Visit, U.S. ICE Scam and Ohio Bridge Terror Plot Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/1). The 2012 presidential race; President Obama’s visit to Kabul, Afghanistan and the Taliban violence there; the Immigration and Customs Enforcement scandal; and the Ohio bridge terror plot were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.
Rusty Humphries Has Movie Role in “Flicka” Film. 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment just released the movie “Flicka Country Pride” starring Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black. Appearing in the role of the announcer at the championship horse competition is Talk Radio Network and WGST, Atlanta talk show host Rusty Humphries. Humphries spent several days last November in British Columbia filming his scenes. He says, “It was an honor to be asked to be a part of a major motion picture and to learn from some of the best talent in the movie making business.” In a scene from the film, Rusty is seen here in his announcer role at the judge’s table. Rusty Humphries’ star continues to rise on a number of fronts. He has proven himself over the years to be like “the little engine that could.” In addition to accruing steadily increasing ratings and affiliations, his marketing campaigns continue to attract industry attention with significant sales of such items as Rusty Humphries Beef Jerkey and Rusty Humphries cigars. His position on the TALKERS Heavy Hundred took a leap from #35 in 2011 to #20 in 2012. Meet Rusty Humphries at the forthcoming New Media Seminar in New York City on Thursday, June 7 where he will be appearing as one of the debaters on the Talk Rumble. The industry-only event is near a sellout. For reservations, hotel or sponsorship information call 413-565-5413.
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