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 Ten^TM.  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 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 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 11^th 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 11^th 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 17^th 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 75^th 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 11^th 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).