Tag: "Gordon Smith"

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Report: Cable News Numbers Soaring in Trump Era.  According to a story in Variety, Pew Research data indicates that the combined ratings for the three cable news/talkers – CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC – are up 33% for the first week of June over the same period a year ago.  The same Pew data notes that prime time viewership for the cable channels in the election year of 2016 was up 55%.  In past years, viewership would have come back down to earth following the election.  Fox News Channel chief political anchor Bret Baier says, “We’ve never seen a news cycle like this.  We’ve never seen an administration get this kind of reaction from the country.  Add to that breaking news of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, and you get a pretty frenetic pace…We are just working at a different pace now.  It’s not just this administration but our society.  People are now used to absorbing things in a nanosecond, and they expect their 24-hour cable news to be as fast as they are.”  Read the Brian Steinberg/Cynthia Littleton piece here.

Fox News Radio’s Mitch Davis to Retire.  Twenty-year Fox News manager Mitch Davis announces he’s retiring from his post as vice president at Fox News Radio, effective June 23.  He says, “I’m blessed – not only because of the great places I’ve been and stories I’ve covered – but by the chance to work with so many amazing people in this business.  I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and I thank everyone involved for making this wonderful ride.”  Prior to joining Fox News, Davis served for 24 years with ABC News.

NAB Supports Rosenworcel Return to FCC. The word is out that President Trump intends to nominate former FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to return to her position with the agency.  National Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Gordon Smith says, “NAB is delighted to hear that President Trump will renominate Jessica Rosenworcel to the FCC. Commissioner Rosenworcel is supremely qualified for another FCC term, having demonstrated her public service credentials and full command of telecommunications issues during her Commission tenure.  NAB strongly supports her renomination and confirmation.”

RTDNA Responds to Senate Access Rule Changes. The U.S. Senate Rules Committee, responding to what it sees as increasing chaos and aggressiveness on the part of the media in the halls of the U.S. Capitol, is considering ending the longstanding practice of allowing the media to use video and audio recording equipment to interview senators in Capitol hallways.  The RTDNA says reporters who cover the U.S. Senate were told that new rules had been enacted to no longer allow reporters to interview senators in the hallways.  RTDNA executive director Mike Cavender states, “This is another attempt at obscuring transparency in Washington.  At a time when Senators are already doing too much business behind closed doors, such as on the health care overhaul, further limiting access to senators in the hallways of Congress represents just one more effort to keep the public’s business private.  It’s totally unacceptable!”  On its website, the RTDNA notes that Rules Committee Chairman Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) issued a statement saying that no rules change had occurred.  But the existing rules, while not currently enforced, do require advance permission for interviewing Senators outside of designated areas.  Should the Senate choose to enforce those rules, access to lawmakers would be considerably restricted.  Responding to concerns about overly aggressive reporting tactics, incoming RTDNA executive director Dan Shelley says, “In no way does RTDNA condone an atmosphere in which someone might be hurt in the process of routine newsgathering.  However, today’s new restrictions appear to be an overreaction.  It is the duty of the Senate Sergeant at Arms and U.S. Capitol Police to protect everyone’s safety, but, in our view, not through such draconian means.”

TALKERS News Notes. Houston sport talk host Lance Zierlein announces via Facebook that he is leaving his role as morning drive personality on iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sportstalk 790.”  Zierlein says he’s exiting “The Proper Gentlemen of Sports” program with co-host Matt Thomas when his contract is up to take a break from years of doing morning radio…..Alpha Media stations recently took home honors from the Missouri Broadcasters Association including first place for Complete Newscast for KTJJ-FM, Farmington; first place for Documentary/Public Affairs/Special Programming for KJPW-AM, Waynesville; and first place for News Series for KJFF-AM, Festus’ “Heroin.”  Also, Alpha Media Waynesville-Lebanon market manager Mike Edwards received the Distinguished Broadcaster Award.  He says, “I was surprised and honored by this award.  To be recognized by my peers is the highest compliment I have ever received.  I could not have survived 47 years in this business without the support of my wife and daughters who made sacrifices so that I could advance my career.  It’s gratifying to work for Alpha Media who still believes that radio should be live and local and be dedicated to serving the community.”

Nielsen Signs Up Westwood One for New Data Management Platform Service. Ratings giant Nielsen announces that Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is its charter client for its first-ever audio advanced data management platform – Nielsen DMP.  Nielsen says that its Marketing Cloud’s unique consumer insights capabilities will enable Westwood One to “easily provide its advertisers with detailed reports indexing all of its network station lineups, key programming (NFL and NCAA) and radio formats (such as ‘Alternative Rock,’ ‘Mainstream Country,’ or ‘News/Talk’) against their prospective customers’ demographics, personalities, TV viewing habits, digital behavior, credit card spending and specific product purchases.” WW1 EVP of corporate marketing Suzanne Grimes states, “Purchase-based marketing is now a long-awaited reality for our advertisers, and proudly a first-mover advantage for Westwood One.  Radio now offers specificity of audience alongside the biggest reach in media.  We are embracing Nielsen’s big data capabilities to enable our advertisers to identify and reach their best customers across every radio format we offer at an extremely high degree of accuracy.”  Nielsen EVP Damian Garbaccio states, “Never before have radio audiences been linked to such a rich source of actual purchase data across industries – something Nielsen is uniquely equipped to do.  The Nielsen DMP has the data, analytics and reporting advertisers need to understand and act on incredibly deep consumer insights.  This enables Westwood One to better demonstrate just how important its audience is and to win more advertising dollars in a very competitive cross-media marketing environment.”

Jeff Sessions Testimony, Trump-Russia Investigation, Megyn Kelly Controversy, Rodman in North Korea, Virginia Governor Race, Warriors’ Take NBA Title, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/13). Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee; the special counsel investigation into possible Trump campaign connections with Russia; the backlash NBC is facing over Megyn Kelly’s interview piece with Alex Jones; former NBA star Dennis Rodman visits North Korea; the primary races for governor of Virginia; the Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA Championship; and MLB action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio according to research from TALKERS magazine.

Sean Hannity’s Freedom of Speech Award Presentation on This Week’s Harrison Podcast.  Talk radio and television star Sean Hannity received the 2017 Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech at TALKERS 2017: A New Era in New York on June 2.  The award was presented within the context of a “fireside chat” between the Premiere Networks and Fox News Channel host and TALKERS founder Michael Harrison at the event.  This week, in advance of the posting of the videos of sessions at the convention on Talkers.com, the audio of that presentation is being played on the latest installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.”  Hannity and Harrison discuss the meaning of the First Amendment along with the dangers inherent in the ongoing practice of heavily organized, politically motivated advertiser boycotts used as an offensive weapon to shut down voices in the media with which certain groups and individuals disagree. (Hannity describes this latest effort to take him down as a “kill shot.”) Harrison opens the podcast with a detailed explanation of the events leading up to and following the selection of Hannity for this honor, as well as providing background about the meaning and history of the award – a tradition in the talk radio industry for almost three decades.  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. Alternative WLZX, Springfield, Massachusetts “LAZER 99.3 & 105.1” names Leah Rantz its new afternoon drive jock.  The Saga station had the opening after Pat Kelly was tapped to move from afternoons to the AM drive show to replace the departing Leslie.  Rantz comes to WLZX from her most recent gig at Adams Radio’s rock WZBH, Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland “93.5 The Beach.”…..Country radio pro Don Brake joins West Virginia Radio’s WKKW, Morgantown to serve as afternoon drive personality.  He’d most recently served with iHeartMedia at country WFRE, Frederick, Maryland…..Bobby Bones show director of digital Nada Taha announces she’s leaving the Premiere Networks-syndicated country morning show for a gig soon to be announced…..The Premiere Networks-syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show” hits the 100-affiliate mark.  Harvey comments, “This milestone has me beaming.  To be in the 100 club is so gratifying, and to have growth after all this time is a testament to my crew’s hard work and willingness to evolve.  We keep looking for ways to improve to give our listeners the best morning we can.”

Round Two of May PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey period is released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 survey period covered April 27 – May 24. View the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhle, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – Frozen on 2.8 (6+) in February, March, and April, Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3” picks up one-tenth to 2.9, yet actually backslides from #15 to #16. A gain of two-tenths to 3.4 (6+) by CBS Radio’s similarly-formatted WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” (#14 to #13) pulls the plug on three consecutive downward trends (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+) that resulted in a combined full-share loss in that stretch. With its third straight gain (1.5 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), sports cluster-mate WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” doubles its 6+-stat since February, with the Washington Nationals’ flagship advancing from #15 to #14. Meanwhile, this is the fifth straight month that its main competitor, Red Zebra Broadcasting’s WTEM “ESPN 980” (1.9, #17, “Holiday” 2016, 6+), does not appear in print. Ups and downs in terms of 6+-share continue for American University‘s WAMU, but one constant is that “The Mind Is Our Medium” is the market leader for the fifth consecutive time. A combined -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounds in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+). Off by -2.3 in “Holiday” 2016, WAMU recaptured all of it in January and February (9.2 – 11.0 – 11.5, 6+). February’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. Holding down the runner-up slot in each of the five successive sweeps that WAMU has finished first is Hubbard all-news operation WTOP (9.1 – 8.8, -.3, 6+). After posting a 5.7 (6+) in three of the previous six sweeps (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), WHUR in April dialed up a full-share increase and follows in May with a one-half share gain (7.0 – 7.5, 6+), as the Howard University urban AC continues in third-place for the fifth straight month. A loss of one-tenth (5.4 – 5.3, 6+) drops format rival – Radio One’s WMMJ “Majic 102.3” – from fourth to fifth. Down in five consecutive sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), WMMJ bounced back with three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), but that streak concluded in March. In 3.0 -3.9 range (6+) in each of the last 13 survey periods, co-owned urban contemporary WKYS sputters by six-tenths to 2.9, drifting from #11 to #16 (6+), where it is tied with “Mix 107.3.”

2) Boston – The third straight improvement by Beasley Media Group’s WKLB (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.1, 6+) elevates “Country 102.5” from eighth to fifth, as it crosses the five-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last September’s 5.0 and is +1.1 since February. Advancing from #16 to #15 is its cross-town format challenger, iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull” (2.1 – 2.2, +.1, 6+). Logging its third successive increase for a cumulative +.6 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2, 6+) and continuing at #2 is co-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station.” At the same time, format rival – CBS Radio’s WODS “Amp 103.3” – dips by one-tenth to 3.0 (unchanged at #13, 6+), curtailing four successive positive sweeps which netted four-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). When hot AC sibling WBMX dropped two-tenths in April, it snapped at three its consecutive string of increases which yielded one-half share (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+), but “Mix 104.1 – Boston’s Best Variety” rebounds with a one-half share increase (3.3 – 3.8, 6+) to improve from #12 to #11. On top for the fifth successive sweep, Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” gains two-tenths to 7.9 (6+). The market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December by adult contemporary sibling WMJX “Magic 106.7,” WROR was +1.1 in December; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; and -.8 in April. As far as “Magic” is concerned, it advances from fourth to third with a repetitive trending pattern of 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.9 (6+). Without an increase for the fourth straight time for a combined -1.3 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” drops from sixth to eighth. Also in the sports talk format, Entercom owned Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM, off by six-tenths in both February and March before gaining six-tenths in April, loses one-tenth in May (4.7, fifth to seventh, 6+). Slipping from #16 to #17, co-owned news/talk WRKO has lost a cumulative nine-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (3.0 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+). Conversely, urban AC cluster-mate WKAF “97.7 – Boston’s #1 For R&B” is up or flat for the fourth consecutive time (.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), climbing from #20 to #19.

3) Miami – Sandwiched between a pair of Spanish contemporary outlets are the market’s two adult contemporary facilities. Specifically, with a robust +.8 to 6.6 (6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” (fourth to third) applies the brakes to six successive decreases that accounted for a combined -1.4 (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+), directly following a collective +1.1 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2, September – October – November, 6+). “Easy 93.1” finished first in November, December, and “Holiday” 2016. It overtakes by nine-tenths Entercom’s similarly-programmed WLYF “Lite FM” (5.9 – 5.7, third to fourth, -.2, 6+); “Lite” gained three-tenths in April, after spiraling by a full-share in March. Its 5.6 in March took “Lite” below a six-share (6+) for the first time since June 2014’s 5.8, while January’s one-tenth gain enabled the AC to halt five straight down or flat ratings periods that resulted in a decrease of more than two full-shares (8.4 – 8.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+). “Lite” was #1 from July 2016 through October. Serving as bookends for the two adult contemporary properties are Univision Radio’s WAMR “Amor 107.5” (7.0 – 7.1, +.1, 6+) and Spanish Broadcasting System-owned WCMQ “Zeta 92.3” (4.8, +.1, unchanged at #5, 6+). After back-to-back stays at #1, “Amor” drops to second-place, while “Zeta” halts three straight negative trends that produced a loss of one-half share (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+). Prior to the April sweep, “Amor” recorded a 6.8 (6+) in four of the previous seven ratings periods. Taking over for “Amor” at #1 and advancing from #2 is Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105,” which wipes out April’s one-half share loss with a +.7 (7.2 – 6.7 – 7.4, 6+); 7.4 is the station’s strongest 6+-stat since last July’s 8.0. Down or flat in six straight sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), “Hot 105” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 but was off by seven-tenths in January. Within 4.1 – 4.6 range (6+) the past five ratings periods, Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” sputters by seven-tenths (4.4 – 3.7, 6+), sliding from seventh to tenth. A recap of the market’s CHR battle finds iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” off by four-tenths to 3.7 (eighth to tenth, 6+) to halt at four its successive string of up or flat trends that netted an overall gain of one-half share (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+). April’s 4.1 was the best 6+-stat for “Y-100” since December 2015 (4.1, as well). Meanwhile, Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WFLC “Hits 97.3” follows April’s full-share improvement with a loss of two-tenths (4.7 – 4.5, fifth to sixth, 6+); 4.7 in April was the strongest 6+-performance for “Hits 97.3” since 4.9 last September.

4) Detroit – Enjoying the most substantial (6+) April 2017 – May 2017 improvement of any station in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far is iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s R&B and Throwbacks” (4.0 – 5.5, +1.5, 6+), which catapults from #11 to #6. The last time “Mix” reached the five-share level (6+) was exactly one year ago (May 2016, 5.0, 6+). On the flipside, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM,” which was trending 4.0 – 3.8 – 4.0 (6+), erodes by six-tenths to 3.4, as it slips from #11 to #15 (6+). Progressing by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 – The ‘80s ‘Til Now” (5.8, fifth to fourth, 6+) and CBS Radio CHR WDZH “Amp 98.7” (#15 to #11, 6+). WNIC was off by a combined one-half share since February (5.7 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+), while after a 3.6 (6+) in January, “Amp” was locked on 3.3 in February, March, and April. Having lost a collective full-share in three straight dips (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WOMC “104.3 – Detroit’s Greatest Hits” recaptures half of it (5.9, +.5, 6+) to climb from fourth to third. Picking up one-half share as well is urban contemporary WGPR “Hot 107.5” (3.3, #17 to #16, 6+), which had been trending 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.8 (6+). On the heels of surrendering in its entirety the nine-tenths it gained in March (6.5 – 7.4 – 6.5, 6+), CBS Radio all-news WWJ is off by another two-tenths (6.5 – 6.3, 6+), but is #1 for the fifth successive sweep. The 7.4 that WWJ garnered in March marked the first time it crossed the seven-share level (6+) since February 2016, when it reached 7.5 (6+). A loss of seven-tenths by Beasley Media Group-owned WMGC takes “105.1 The Bounce – Detroit’s Throwback and R&B” out of the top ten (#10 to #13) and to the 3.6 (6+) it posted in January. Co-owned WRIF “Rocks Detroit” is -1.2 via four consecutive decreases (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), slumping from sixth to tenth. After improving by nearly two full-shares in four successive up or flat trends (4.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), CBS Radio-owned WYCD “Detroit’s Country 99.5” has a two-tenths decrease to 5.8 (third to fourth, 6+). Prior to April, the last time “Detroit’s Country” reached the six-share level (6+) was in July 2014 (6.0, as well). Format rival – Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” – regains one-tenth of April’s -.5 (3.4 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+) yet backslides from #16 to #18. As was the case in April, Bell Media alternative CIMX “89-X,” which was trending 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, is unlisted.

5) Seattle – Notching impressive gains of nine-tenths each are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” (5.0 – 5.9, fifth to third, 6+) and CBS Radio-owned KMPS “Seattle Country Music Radio” (3.7 – 4.6, tenth to sixth, 6+). Following three straight gains that netted one full-share (6.8 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), Hubbard’s mainstream CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5 All The Hits” returned 90% of that increase in April (6.9, -.9, 6+) but bounces back with a +.5 (7.4, 6+) in May to finish at #1 for the fifth consecutive time. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period, KQMV was on top for 12 straight sweeps before giving way to adult contemporary cluster-mate KRWM “Warm 106.9” and then regained the lead in January. Speaking of “Warm,” it improves by one-half share as well, thus applying the brakes to four successive sweeps without an increase that nearly sliced its 6+-share in half since the “Holiday” report (10.9 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+); “Warm” continues at #4. In addition to KQMV and KRWM, CBS Radio adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” picks up one-half share as well and climbs from ninth to eighth. This represents the fifth consecutive sweep in which Seattle’s version of “Jack” is either up or flat and is +1.5 in that stretch (2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+). Owing to four consecutive losses (5.7 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.5, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM has eroded by more than two full-shares and departs the top ten (#7 to #11). Moreover, this is the lowest 6+-share for KIRO-FM in nearly three years (3.8, 6+, July 2014). By adding one-tenth to 3.3 (6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM” (unchanged at #14) ends at three a consecutive string of down or flat trends that yielded a -.5 (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). It overtakes Sinclair Broadcast Group’s similarly-programmed KPLZ “Star 101.5,” which spirals from #11 to #17 (3.3 – 3.0, -.3, 6+). When “Star” added two-tenths in April, it curtailed three consecutive negative trends that accounted for a combined -2.4 (5.5 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+).

6) Phoenix – Having sputtered by four-tenths in April (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), Hubbard-owned KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” segued from a one-month stay at the top spot to #2. Roaring back though, “Classic Rock 100.7” hangs out a whopping +1.2 (6.1 – 7.3, 6+) and returns to the Phoenix penthouse. Once again, it evicts iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, which logs an impressive +.6 (6.6 – 7.2, 6+), but must slide to #2, one-tenth behind KSLX. When “Classic Rock 100.7” gained seven-tenths (5.8 – 6.5, 6+) in March and KESZ faltered by one-half share (6.7 – 6.2, 6+), the impressive streak of KESZ reigning at #1 for 30 successive ratings periods came to an end. Concurrent with KESZ notching a +.6, The Yucaipa Companies’ adult contemporary KOAI “The Oasis” erodes by that margin to 1.9 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #22). Entering the May sweep, “The Oasis” was up a combined nine-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (1.6 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+). At this time last month, following three straight gains netting a +1.3 (4.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+), Hubbard-owned KUPD returned in full the one-half share it picked up in March, but “Arizona’s Real Rock” responds with a +.8 (4.8 – 5.6, 6+) and continues at #3. Up a combined +1.1 via six straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+), co-owned KDKB “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” is steady at #12. Locked on 1.8 (6+) in January and February and then on 2.2 in March and April, Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ busts out a +.6 to 2.8 and enters the top twenty in a four-way logjam at #13. It is the best 6+-showing for “La Tricolor 103.5” since last November’s 2.9. One of its format rivals – Farmworker Educational Radio’s KNAI “La Network Campesina” – falters by eight-tenths (3.2 – 2.4, 6+) and drifts from #12 to #18. Trending 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 (6+) since January, iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 – Today’s Best Music” registers a one-half share gain to 4.9 (sixth to fourth), its best 6+-stat in almost one year (5.5, 6+, June 2016). Dropping seven-tenths each are its news/talk cluster-mate KFYI (3.0 – 2.3, #14 to #19, 6+) and Family Life Radio contemporary Christian KFLR (1.6, #20 to #24, 6+), which hadn’t had a decrease in the last seven sweeps for a cumulative +1.5 (.8 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+).

7) Minneapolis – Not only does a gain of eight-tenths to 5.9 (6+) put an end to its 5.1 – 4.8 – 5.1 (6+) trending, Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” jumps from ninth to fifth with its best 6+-performance since September (5.9, as well). Stuck on 5.8 (6+) in March and April, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” improves by six-tenths to 6.4 to climb from a four-way tie at #4 to #3 (6+). After posting a one-half share increase in March, CHR sibling KDWB dropped one-tenth in April and is flat in May, but “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” manages to repeat at #1 (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.8, 6+). The station it succeeded in the top spot – Hubbard-owned KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” – is down for the fourth successive sweep (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.6, 6+) and remains at #2. In January, “KS-95” posted a +1.3, curtailing a drought in which the hot AC hadn’t had an increase since February 2016 (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+). In those 11 straight sweeps of being either down or flat, “KS-95” was a combined -3.8. Format rival – iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97” (#12 to #13) – was +1.3 in January, only to follow with four consecutive negative trends of its own that have produced a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+). “Cities 97” was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). Included in the Twin Cities’ aforementioned April logjam at #4, iHeartMedia sports outlet KFXN “KFAN 100.3 – The Sports Leader” regresses by eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.0, 6+) and spirals to tenth with its softest 6+-stat since last July’s 4.8. Down three-tenths to 1.4 (#18 to #19, 6+), Northern Lights Broadcasting alternative KQGO has its streak of consecutive up or flat trends which nearly tripled its 6+-stat end at four (.6 – .7 -.7 – .7 – 1.7, 6+).

8) San Diego – On the strength of four straight up or flat trends (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0, 6+), Media Sports de Mexico classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM is a combined +1.2 and “Max 105.7 – San Diego’s Throwback Station” leaps from #19 to #15. Within 3.0 – 3.9 range (6+) the past 18 sweeps, iHeartMedia-owned KGB-FM “101 – San Diego’s Classic Rock” notches a +.6 to 4.0 (6+), inching up from #11 to #10. Displaying a gain of six-tenths as well is Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “104.5 Radio Latina” (3.2, #16 to #13, 6+), which had been off in each of the past three ratings periods for a -1.6 (4.2 – 3.5 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). Six-tenths of a share separates the market’s top five stations, including iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO (5.6, +.3, #1, 6+) and public (San Diego State University) news/talk KPBS (5.0 -. 5.3, +.3, fifth to second, 6+). Powered by an April increase of seven-tenths (4.6 – 5.3, 6+), KOGO rocketed from eighth to second. Departing the top spot (which it held for the first time since December) is Entercom adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – Better Music for a Better Workday,” which forfeits April’s +.7 in its entirety (5.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+). “Sunny” is now tied for second-place with KPBS. Its 6.0 in April was its most potent 6+-share since last May’s 6.6. Prior to April, “Sunny” had been within 5.1 – 5.9 range (6+) the previous 11 sweeps. After trending 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.8 (6+), CBS Radio hot AC KYXY regresses by six-tenths to 4.2, its lowest 6+-share since last September’s 4.0 (seventh to eighth, 6+). As the result of four straight declines, Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” is -1.2 (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+) and falls from #21 to #22. After tripling its 6+-share in five straight up or flat trends (.6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+) and finishing steady at #22 in March, Tijuana FM regional Mexican XHTY “99.7 La Invasora” was unlisted in April, but reappears in May at #20 with a 1.7 (6+).

9) Denver – Over and above recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” (6.2, 6+) vaults from third to first. Shifting from the top spot after three straight months there, Bonneville country outlet KYGO slips to second (6.4 – 6.0, -.4, 6+). Within 5.3 – 5.9 range (6+) for seven consecutive survey periods, KYGO posted a full-share gain in February (5.6 – 6.6, 6+), lifting it past the six-share threshold for the first time since last July’s 6.0. Registering its sixth successive increase netting a cumulative +2.1 (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+) iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” marches from fifth to third with its best 6+-showing since a 6.1 in September 2015. A gain of six-tenths (1.8 – 2.4, 6+) enables Colorado Public Radio classical outlet KVOD (#20 to #19) to notch its best 6+-stat since January’s 2.7. More ups and downs for Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan,” whose six most recent fluctuations are -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 in April; and now +.5 in May (3.4 – 3.9, #16 to #11, 6+). A loss of six-tenths in November halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). This past October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. Regressing by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” which is down for the fourth straight month for a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.2, #12 to #16, 6+). Slipping by one-half share as well is KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105” (4.1, seventh to ninth, 6+), which was trending 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.6 (6+). Down or flat for the fourth straight time accounting for a loss of nearly two full-shares (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTCL “Modern Rock – Channel 93-3” shifts from third to fifth. Co-owned KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” is in 3.0 – 3.8 range for the 18^th successive survey period (3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #12 to #15, 6+).

10) Tampa – Following March’s -1.0 and a +.2 in April (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.9, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” trots out a +.6 in May to 9.5 (6+) and finishes first for the 56^th successive ratings period. The 8.7 it recorded in March was its lowest 6+-stat since November 2015’s 8.5. “Lite Favorites” was off by more than three shares in January (12.7 – 9.6, 6+). Once again finishing in the runner-up slot is co-owned WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle,” which boasts its fifth straight increase (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1, 6+) for a cumulative +1.7. After five consecutive positive trends for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. Gaining one-half share as well is iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US 103.5 – Tampa Bay’s Best Country” (4.5, tenth to eighth, 6+), which applies the brakes to three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). Three-tenths ahead of it and steady at #6 is Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits,” up or flat for the third straight month (4.2 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+) for a +.6. Steady at #19, iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” picks up three-tenths to 1.8 (6+) as the flagship of MLB’s Rays ends four straight declines (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.7 -1.6 – 1.5, 6+) that produced a -1.2. Making identical 3.8 – 3.3 (-.5, #12 to #14, 6+) moves are Beasley Media Group rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1” and iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7.” Between November 2016 and April 2017, “Wild” registered a 3.7 (6+) four times and was without a decrease in the last three ratings periods (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+). On three occasions over the last six sweeps, “Mix” notched a 3.4 (6+). Tied with those two stations at #14 (up from #16 in April) is Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone -Real, Raw, Radio,” which is actually down one-tenth to 3.3 (6+), halting at four a string of successive sweeps without a loss (2.2 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+) that yielded a +1.2. A collective +1.7 in three successive positive trends (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” lost two-tenths in April and drops another half-share in May (5.4 – 4.9, 6+), moving from fourth to fifth. Its 5.6 in March was the best 6+-performance for “Q-105” since last September (5.6, as well). Segueing from sixth to seventh, iHeartMedia’s WXTB “98 Rock” dips one-tenth to 4.6 (6+), curtailing at four its successive streak of positive trends that netted two full-shares (2.7 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.7, 6+).

11) Baltimore – In a bit of a statistical oddity, iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore” (4.4 – 5.6, seventh to fifth, 6+) and CBS Radio hot AC-turned-CHR WWMX “106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix” (ninth to eighth, 6+) flaunt impressive April 2017 – May 2017 gains of +1.2. It is the best 6+-performance for “Jack” in more than two years (6.1, 6+, March 2015) and fifth straight time that “Mix” is without a loss for a combined +1.6 (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 5.0, 6+). After holding down the runner-up slot for four consecutive ratings periods, Radio One urban contemporary WERQ moved to third in April, but with a gain of one-half share (7.5 – 8.0, 6+) “Q-92 Jams” catches co-owned urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” (8.3 – 8.0, -.3, 6+) at #1. “Magic” is on top for the fifth straight time. Without an increase in six consecutive sweeps for a cumulative -1.7 since June (9.8 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), “Magic” added one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016 and seven-tenths in January 2017 to march from third to first. Prior to gaining four-tenths in March, WERQ was down or flat since December (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.3, 6+); February’s 7.3 was its lowest 6+-share since the 7.3 it recorded in March 2016. Three-tenths behind the co-leaders (second to third) is iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” (7.7, -.3, 6+), which sees its skein of consecutive positive trends (which included back-to-back increases of +1.2) that netted a +3.3 end at four (4.7 – 5.9 – 7.1 – 7.4 –  8.0, 6+). April’s 8.0 (6+) matches what “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” posted in September 2015. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, WPOC had been at #4 the previous seven ratings periods, but fell to #5, surrendering a combined -2.5 in three consecutive slides (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 4.7, 6+), including a -1.6 in “Holiday” 2016.

12) St. Louis – After three successive sweeps as the market’s pacesetter, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April and, despite a gain of six-tenths in May (7.8 – 8.4, 6+), it continues there. The iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet is one-tenth behind CBS Radio news/talk and St. Louis Cardinals flagship KMOX, which jumped from fifth to first in April and has more than doubled its 6+-share in five straight increases (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 6.2 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+). A combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), KLOU floundered by -1.6 in December; bounced back with a +3.8 in “Holiday” 2016; but was -2.8 in January. Before October’s +.5, it had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) for a net loss of one full-share. In addition to KLOU, Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” flashes an increase of six-tenths as well (tenth to eighth, 6+), nearly wiping out the collective -.7 since February (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+). Having logged four successive trends without a loss for a collective +1.4 (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” falters by one-half share to 4.2 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Registering a decrease of one-half share as well is co-owned KMJM “100.3 The Beat – STL’s Hip-Hop and R&B” (2.5 – 2.0, 6+). This marks the fifth straight decline that has accounted for a cumulative loss of over seven full-shares (11.1 – 5.5 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+) for CBS Radio adult contemporary KEZK (#11 to #12). Prior to January’s decline, KEZK put together four consecutive progressive trends that netted a +6.8 (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 11.1) and it was #1 in “Holiday” 2016. Unlisted for the fifth consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).