Tag: "Jeff Smulyan"

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Emmis Fiscal Q1 Net Revenue Down 6.7%. The silver lining in this fiscal first quarter report from Emmis Communications is that its Austin and St. Louis operations outperformed the markets.  However, the radio net revenue – excluding KPWR, Los Angeles (in the process of being sold) and the Terre Haute, Indiana stations that were sold last year – is down 6.7%.  As industry watchers are aware, Emmis is selling KPWR to an affiliate of the Meruelo Group for $82.75 million.  An LMA of the station went into effect on July 1.  When the deal closes, Emmis’ senior credit facility debt will be reduced by approximately 50%.  Emmis CEO and chairman of the board Jeff Smulyan comments, “Emmis made difficult but necessary decisions in our first fiscal quarter – decisions that give us additional flexibility to address market challenges and opportunities.  Our second fiscal quarter started strong with June up 5%, as record-setting ticket sales for our largest concert, ‘Summer Jam’ in New York, provided a nice boost.  While early, both July and August are showing that our performance is improving.”

WXYT-FM, Detroit’s Mike Valenti Doing Three-Day WFAN Tryout.  It’s safe to say that anyone filling in for WFAN, New York afternoon host Mike Francesa is doing a tryout for the gig Francesa will give up at the end of his contract in December.  Valenti is in for Francesa Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week and the Detroit News speculates about the possibility of losing New York native Mike Valenti to the Big Apple in a piece by Tony Paul.  Valenti and former partner Terry Foster (who retired from the show after health issues brought about by a stroke) have been dominant ratings-getters for the station.  Since both stations are owned by CBS RADIO, any transition would be smooth from a contractual standpoint.  As regular TALKERS readers know, CBS RADIO (soon to be merged with Entercom) operates a lot of high-performing sports talk stations, so it’s likely there will be more tryouts for the WFAN role by company talent.  The 36-year-old Valenti originally came to Michigan to attend Michigan State.  Read the Detroit News story here.

Tom Sullivan Show Syndicated by Talk Media Network. There’s been no official press release but on the Talk Media Network website the company announces that it is taking over the national syndication effort of the KFBK, Sacramento-based Tom Sullivan show.  Fox News Radio recently ceased syndicating the program it had been handling since Sullivan joined the company to also host a program on the Fox Business cable channel 10 years ago.  Of this new syndication project, Sullivan says, “Reports of my retirement from radio syndication are greatly exaggerated… only from television.  I am a radio guy first and foremost and I look forward to many years ahead with my current audience and building the Tom Sullivan show to bring in new stations and listeners across the country.  I can now devote 100% of my time to delivering the best program on radio.”

John Gibson Radio Show Now Distributed by GCN.  Former, longtime Fox News personality John Gibson is now a part of the Genesis Communications Network lineup.  His daily radio program airs live from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm ET.  With the recent changes at Fox News Radio, Gibson moved his program to the GCN platform.  Gibson first joined Fox News Channel back in 2000, hosting “The Big Story With John Gibson.”  Later, he added hosting a daily radio show to his Fox duties.  During his career, Gibson also hosted the “Newschat” and “Internight” programs at MSNBC, and he served for years as a West Coast correspondent for NBC News, supplying NBC affiliates with live reports on various breaking news events.

TALKERS News Notes. Next Wednesday (7/19), Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD) convenes the nomination hearing for FCC Commissioner nominees Jessica Rosenworcel and Brendan Carr…..Westwood One unveils a new partnership with the comic and actor DL Hughley.  WW1 is producing and distributing his new “The Hughley Truth” podcast.  The company says the program “features real, raw and funny conversation with comedian DL Hughley.  Each week, DL and his wingman, ‘News Guy’ Guy Lambert, discuss politics, social behavior, entertainment, and more with engaging and clever guests from all walks of life.  When you put all that together it’s not just the truth, it’s ‘The Hughley Truth.’”

Bob LaGrega Dies at 59.  Retired affiliate sales pro Bob LaGrega died recently while on vacation with his family.  The details are sketchy but friends say LaGrega had been dealing with health issues over the past year — in fact, he’d retired because of health issues – and the cause of death appears to have been heart failure.  During his career, LaGrega served with United Stations Radio Networks as executive director of affiliate relations/sales and spent almost three decades with ABC Radio Networks.

Trump Jr.-Russia Meeting, GOP Health Care Bill, President Trump in France, China-North Korea Trade Up, Military Plane Crash, Antarctic Iceberg, Scarborough Leaves GOP, and Mayweather-McGregor Press Conference Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/13). The ongoing controversy over Donald Trump Jr.’s meeting with Russian attorney Natalia Veselnitskaya during the 2016 campaign; the GOP health care plan and whether or not congress will put to a vote before the August break; President Trump heads to France to meet with new President Emanuel Macron; the report that China’s trade with North Korea has increased 10% since the beginning of the year and the related North Korean nuclear program and questions about China’s role in it; the military plane crash that took the lives of a number of Special Forces soldiers; a portion of the Antarctic ice shelf the size of Delaware breaks off; MSNBC personality Joe Scarborough leaves the Republican Party; and the over-the-top drama at the Floyd Mayweather–Conor McGregor press conference were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/13) with Dan Mason, Harry Hurley and Graham Mack.  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor  Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein.  All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.  Yesterday (7/12) TALKERS posted a “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).  Today (7/13), a “Fireside Chat” is posted featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack). Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

Cool On-Air Opportunity.  In the Charlotte market, Entercom is seeking an on-air personality for its three Charlotte stations: news/talk WBT-AM/FM, sports talk WFNC-AM, and hot AC WLNK “The Link.”  The company says, “If you live to connect with your audience on air, online and in person – you’ll love it here!  We are looking for experienced on-air talent.  Are you a passionate storyteller who’s authentic, entertaining and a team player?  Do you have a strong hand in social media?  The ideal candidate should possess strong work ethic, solid show prep and the ability to deliver creative and compelling content.   Experience is preferred.”  To be considered for this position, please apply here.  No phone calls.  Entercom Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Radio programming pro Kyle Due is named program director for iHeartMedia’s country KAJA “KJ97” and classic country KRPT/K227BH “92.5/93.3 The Bull” in San Antonio.  In addition to programming Due will host the afternoon show on “KJ97.”  iHeartMedia Austin/San Antonio SVP of programming Brian Gann states, “We could not be more excited to have Kyle joining the San Antonio team.”  Previously, Due served with the company programming CHR WAEB and rock WZZO in Allentown, Pennsylvania.…..Contemporary hit radio outlet WKSC, Chicago “103.5 KISS FM” announces that Kaelin Roberts is named executive producer for the “Fred+Angi Morning Show,” effective July 17.  Roberts will be responsible for managing all aspects of the “Fred+Angi Morning Show” brand.  The station says her responsibilities will include show content preparation, multi-platform quality control and behind-the-scenes show operations.  iHeartMedia Chicago Region president Matt Scarano comments, “I am so excited to have Kaelin taking over executive producer duties for the ‘Fred+Angi Morning Show.’  Her talent, experience and exuberance will be a wonderful addition to our 103.5 KISS FM team.”  Roberts is a Detroit native who began her career as an intern at iHeartMedia’s “Channel  955.”  She then spent two years as an associate producer for the “Mojo in the Morning” show…..Cumulus Media reports that its NASH Next franchise is enjoying “substantial year-over-year growth…including more than double the amount of registered artists.”  NASH Next is the company’s national and grassroots search for America’s newest country star.  For this year’s competition it has recruited artists in 62 markets across the country – including in markets such as Dallas, New York, Atlanta, Detroit and Nashville.  The competition is now moving into the next phase – the fan rating  period, where listeners are encouraged to rate the registered artists with the chance to win the right to attend the NASH Next 2017 finale in Nashville.  Cumulus Media EVP of content and programming Mike McVay says, “Our listeners know what music they like and who they want to hear on the radio and so the fan rating portion of this competition is extremely important to the program, giving our valuable listeners a voice in choosing the next country star.”

Round One of June PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s June 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s June 2017 PPM survey period covered May 25 – June 21.  View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) New York – Progressing from tenth to eighth, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1 New York’s Hip-Hop and R&B” is without a decrease for the fifth successive sweep (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.2, 6+) and is up six-tenths in that stretch. In addition to advancing from #16 to #15, news/talk cluster-mate WOR logs its third straight increase (1.7 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+) and is up a collective eight-tenths since March. Moreover, June 2017’s 2.5 is the highest 6+-stat for the New York Mets flagship in nearly seven years when it reached 2.6 (#19) in November 2010. By dialing up a gain of nine-tenths to 3.0 (6+), public news/talk WYNC-FM puts an end to four straight downward trends that produced a six-tenths deficit (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+) and it rockets from #20 to #12. Trending 5.0 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 5.0 (6+) since February, iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock” busts out a +.5 to 5.5, the most potent 6+-share in its PPM-history, and advances from fifth to third. Last month’s tie at #1 is broken as adult contemporary sibling WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” picks up four-tenths (6.1 – 6.5, 6+) to take sole possession of the top spot, while CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” up – albeit by one-tenth – slides to second (6.1 – 6.2, 6+). A one-tenth increase by “Lite” in May halted four straight declines that produced a collective -7.3 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.3 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+). Prior to April 2017 and May 2017, “New York’s Greatest Hits” last reached #1 in July 2016, when it scored a 6.2 (6+). It had been at 6.1 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps, while iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU (-.1, eighth to ninth, 6+) had registered a 4.1 (6+) in four of the previous five survey periods (4.1 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). Following three consecutive improvements for a cumulative +.4 (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – Your #1 Source for R&B” is off by three-tenths and slips from third to fourth. Unchanged at #22, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC notches its third straight 1.3 (6+), after three successive 1.4 (6+) showings (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+).

2) Los Angeles – Flat at #19, CBS Radio alternative KROQ is up or flat for the sixth consecutive monthly for a +.6 in that period (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+). Its format rival, iHeartMedia’s KYSR-FM “ALT 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative,” which had been down by one-tenth in each of the last three ratings periods (3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+), is flat at 2.9 and remains at #11. Steady at #14, Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” has its fifth successive ratings period without erosion for a +.6 (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is flat at 5.8 (6+), iHeartMedia hot AC “My-FM” is #1 for the fifth consecutive time. When “My-FM” dropped one-tenth in April, it ended three straight uptrends (4.7 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), which netted a combined full-share gain. February’s +.1 (5.1 – 5.2, 6+) was enough for it to depart the runner-up slot it held the previous three sweeps and take over at #1. This marks the fourth straight sweep that CBS Radio smooth AC KTWV (+.1, 6+) occupies the runner-up position and “The Wave” steps across the five-share threshold for the fifth time in the last six sweeps (5.0 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+).  Eleven stations in the market are bunched together with 6+-shares between 3.0 and 2.3. After back-to-back survey periods in which no Los Angeles outlet appearing in print gained or lost more than one-half share, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” regresses by -.5 (3.1 – 2.6, 6+) to plummet from #9 to #17. Meanwhile, Spanish contemporary cluster-mate KLVE “107.5 K-Love” is down or flat for the fourth straight time (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+), but carries on at #6. Having picked up a collective full-share in five straight progressive or flat sweeps (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom classic rock KSWD “The Sound” drops two-tenths to 2.7 (6+), tumbling from a three-way logjam at #11 to #16. The January 2017 through June 2017 6+-trending for iHeartMedia news/talk KFI (seventh to eighth) is 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3, whereas Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KABC (unchanged at #36) registers a .6 after five straight showings of .7 (6+). Similarly, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFSH “95.9 The Fish – Safe for the Whole Family,” is .5 (#37 to #38), following a .6 performance five times in a row and in nine of the previous ten sweeps. Owing to five straight decreases (2.3 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), Taxi Productions urban AC KJLH (#25) is a collective -.8.

3) Chicago – Locked on 2.6 (6+) in March and April before advancing to 2.9 (6+) in May, CBS Radio-owned WUSN logs a +.5 to 3.4 (6+). Not only does “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” escape a massive six-way logjam at #12 to enter the top ten (#9), this is its best 6+-showing since the 3.5 it recorded in December 2014. Meanwhile, dating back to the first of the year, its format rival – HeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” (#22) – is trending 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.1 (6+). Improving by three-tenths (5.8 – 6.1, 6+), urban AC sibling WVAZ “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” is #1 for the fifth successive month. At the same time, while this represents the fifth straight sweep without an increase for WBBM-AM for a collective -1.6 (6.3 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), the CBS Radio all-news operation remains in the runner-up slot. Although steady at #3, Hubbard hot AC WTMX “Mix” hasn’t had an increase in the last five sweeps (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+) and is down seven-tenths in that stretch. Ironically, similarly-formatted WLIT “93.9 My-FM The Best Variety” has lost nine-tenths in three successive declines (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+), freefalling from #10 to #15. In the contemporary hit arena, CBS Radio-owned WBBM-FM “B-96” drops one-tenth (4.0 – 3.9, flat at #4), while iHeartMedia’s WKSC “103.5 Kiss FM – Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” picks up one-tenth (3.7 – 3.8, 6+), yet actually backslides from fifth to sixth. When “B-96” was off by three-tenths in March, it stopped a streak of four successive up or flat trends that netted one-half share (3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+). Before it fell by three-tenths in April, “Kiss” was a combined +.7, which it gained in three consecutive increases (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2, 6+). Down or flat for the fourth straight time for a collective -1.1 (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), following three consecutive ratings periods without a loss for a +.5 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+), Tribune Media Company news/talk WGN drops out of the top ten (#9 to #11). A combined +.8 since last November via seven straight up or flat trends (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), Merlin Media-owned/Cumulus Media-operated alternative WKQX drops two-tenths to 2.7 (6+), spiraling from #12 to #17. Faltering by one-half share (1.1 – .6, 6+), Moody Bible Institute religious teaching WMBI finishes at #29.

4) San Francisco – Pulling the plug on three straight decreases that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ recaptures the one-half share it squandered in May (4.3, 6+) as “98.1 The Breeze” jumps from seventh to fourth. Seven-tenths ahead of “The Breeze” is fellow AC, Entercom’s KOIT-FM “Better Music for a Better Workday,” which is trending 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 (6+) and carries on in third-place. With a 2.5 (6+) in four of the last five ratings periods, urban AC sibling KBLX adds two-tenths to 2.7 as “102.9 The Bay’s R&B” remains at #12. Climbing from eighth to seventh is Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “100.3 Mas Variedad,” which has its third increase in a row for a collective +.9 (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+). Even though it is without an increase for the fourth successive time for a -1.0 (7.7 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting’s news/talk KQED-FM is #1 as it has been every month this calendar year. In the runner-up slot for the sixth successive time is CBS Radio all-news KCBS-AM (6.1 – 6.0, -.1, 6+). Dropping six-tenths (4.1 – 3.5, 6+), the key station of the San Francisco Giants – Cumulus Media’s KNBR “The Sports Leader” – stumbles from fifth to eighth. At the same time, Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” – the flagship of the Oakland A’s – adds one-tenth (2.0 – 2.1, 6+), as it inches up from #19 – #18. May’s +.3 by “The Game” put an end to its 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 (6+) trending. Stymied at 3.8 (6+) in February and March and then on 3.2 (6+) in April and May, CBS Radio CHR KMVQ “99.7 – New Hit Music Now” slips to 3.0 (ninth to tenth, 6+). The October 2016 through June 2017 6+-line for iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 for Hip-Hop and R&B in the Bay Area” (#10 to #11) is a remarkably consistent 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9. By adding two-tenths to 3.2 (6+), co-owned KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” (tenth to ninth) ends three straight negative trends that accounted for the loss of one-half share (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). Ending its mini-repetitive 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.5 (6+) sequence, Cumulus Media news/talk KGO drops two-tenths to 2.3 (#12 to #15, 6+), while co-owned/similarly-formatted KSFO is without an increase for the fifth time in a row for a full-share loss (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#17 to #21). This is the third straight month that Entercom-owned KUFX is unlisted; “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” had a 1.5 (6+) in March.

5) Dallas – Not only does Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY boast the largest (6+) May 2017 – June 2017 increase of any station in the 12 PPM-markets whose data was released Wednesday (3.2 – 4.3, +1.1, 6+), “94.9 – Your Life … Inspired” propels from #11 to #5 and has its strongest 6+-stat since 4.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Tied for the top spot in March, iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss-FM,” regains all but one-tenth of the seven-tenths it lost in May (5.9 – 5.2 – 5.8, +.6, 6+) and inches up from third to second. It will be especially interesting to see how “Kiss” does in the July sweep, since Elena Davies – on hiatus from the KHKS-originated, syndicated “Kidd Kraddick Show” – is one of the Season 19 houseguests on CBS-TV’s “Big Brother,” which premiered June 28. As noted above, the final day of the June sweep was June 21. Finishing first for the sixth successive time is Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX “The Wolf,” whose last six 6+-trends are 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.1. Off one-tenth to 3.3 (6+), Service Broadcasting urban contemporary KKDA-FM “K-104” (eighth to ninth) has its successive string of up or flat trends that netted a full-share gain snapped at seven (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). Stuck on 2.9 (6+) in January, February, March, and April, Cumulus Media’s KTCK gained four-tenths in May to 3.3 (6+), but “The Ticket” surrenders three-tenths in June to 3.0 (6+), moving from #10 to a four-way tie at #11. April’s +.8 by “The Ticket” halted a loss of over two full-shares in three straight downward moves (6.8 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). After four straight increases that netted nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rocker KZPS “Lone Star 92.5” dips by one-tenth to 5.4 (6+), segueing from second to third. Registering a 3.8 for the third time in the last four sweeps (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), co-owned hot AC KDMX “102.9 Now” slips from eighth to ninth. In addition to falling out of the top twenty (#19 to #22), Cumulus Media news/talk WBAP notches a decrease for the fifth time in a row and is a collective -1.6 since January (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+). Likewise, Northwest Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA is without an increase for the fourth consecutive time for a -.5 (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), yet actually improves from a tie at #20 to a three-way deadlock at #19.

6) Houston – In its third straight up or flat trend (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KRBE “Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” matches the 4.6 it recorded last August and marches into the top ten (#11 to #6). Following four straight gains that yielded a cumulative +1.3 (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), CBS Radio hot AC KHMX slumped by four-tenths in May, but “Houston’s Mix 96-5” regains all of it – plus two-tenths more – (3.2 – 3.8, +.6, 6+), advancing from #15 to #12. On top for the fifth consecutive sweep, Radio One-owned urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” returns nearly half of May’s +1.4 (6.9 – 8.3 – 7.7, -.6, 6+). It has been a rollercoaster ride for “Majic,” which was up a combined +1.0 in back-to-back monthlies (6.9 – 7.2 – 7.9, January-February-March, 6+) only to return all of it in April (6.9, 6+) and then notch May’s +1.4. It is a somewhat similar story for noncommercial contemporary Christian KSBJ. After progressing by seven-tenths in April, “God Listens” returned all but one-tenth in May (-.6, 6+) and duplicates that -.6 in June 5.6 – 5.0 – 4.4, fifth to eighth, 6+). KSBJ improved by +1.0 in January to 5.9, its highest 6+-share in more than four years (6.0, November 2012); was -.5 in both February and March (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+); +.7 in April; -.6 in May; and now -.6 in June. This is the station’s lowest 6+-share since its 4.2 last September. Then, there is the case of Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN, which moves from third to fifth. Following three straight negative trends that yielded a combined -1.5 (8.0 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5, 6+), KLTN brought back 60% of that deficit in January (+.9), jumping from third to first. It was a very quick stay there though as KLTN surrendered -1.3 in February (7.4 – 6.1, 6+) and fell to third. In March, KLTN was -.5 to 5.6, its lowest 6+-showing since last April’s 5.4; was +.7 in April; -.2 in May; and now -1.1 in June (6.1 – 5.0, 6+). Five successive up or flat trends netted a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+) for Liberman’s similarly-formatted KQQK but “El Norte 107.9” drops two-tenths to 2.5 (6+) and slides from #17 back to #18; May’s 2.7 was the finest 6+-showing for “El Norte” since last August (2.7, as well).

7) Atlanta – A collective +1.6 via six consecutive upticks (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s country-formatted WUBL “94.9 The Bull” has its strongest 6+-performance since last July (4.6) and cracks the top ten (#11 to #7). Without a loss for the sixth time in a row as well, Cumulus Media’s WNNX “100.5 – Atlanta’s Rock Station” (steady at #15) is a combined +1.5 since the “Holiday” 2016 report (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+). Conversely though, Cox Media Group-owned WSRV concludes at five its streak of consecutive gains that netted a +2.3 in that stretch (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+) as “Classic Hits 97.1 The River” is off by one-tenth to 6.6 (6+), but remains at #2. With its third consecutive positive trend that has produced a gain of seven-tenths (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1 – Today’s Best Mix” climbs from #14 to #13. Down or flat the past four sweeps for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (10.7 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 8.6, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM bumps up by two-tenths to 8.8 (6+) and is #1 for the 18^th straight ratings period. Prior to March, its most recent fluctuations were -2.3 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.8 (January); and -.8 (February). January 2017’s 10.7 represents the station’s best-ever (6+) performance, eclipsing the 10.2 in December 2016. Co-owned adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5,” however, is without an increase for the fourth successive sweep for a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #11). After regressing by one-half share in May (5.0 – 4.5, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” falters by another six-tenths to 3.9 (6+) and exits the top ten as well (#6 to #11, where it is tied with WSB-FM).

8) Philadelphia – An improvement of six-tenths to 6.9 (6+) lifts Jerry Lee Radio adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101 More FM” from fourth to second, thus curtailing at five a successive string of down or flat trends that led to a loss of well over 11 full-shares from “Holiday” 2016 (17.9 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 7.0 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+). Three-tenths ahead of WBEB is CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOGL (6.8 – 7.2, +.4, 6+), which returns to #1 after transitioning from first to third in May. It was thus a May-only stay at #1 for iHeartMedia-owned urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” (7.0 – 6.8, -.2, 6+), which moves from first to third – one-tenth behind “Today’s 101 More FM.” A collective +1.6 via three straight increases (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 5.5, 6+), CBS Radio sports  outlet/Philadelphia Phillies’ flagship WIP (sixth to seventh) forfeits exactly one-half of that gain (4.7, -.8, 6+). When WIP improved by two-tenths in March, it ended at five a consecutive string of downward or flat trends that yielded a cumulative -1.1 (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+). Its format rival – Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” – surrenders four-tenths (2.0 – 1.6, 6+) to dip from #19 to #21. Duplicating May’s -.5, iHeartMedia-owned WRFF “Radio 104.5 – Philadelphia’s Alternative Rock” drops out of the top ten (#10 to #12); it was +.6 in April with 4.7 its strongest 6+-showing since last October’s 4.9. After putting together three successive positive trends netting one full share in that stretch (5.9 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” falters by three-tenths to 6.6 (6+), slipping from second to fourth. Even though ever-consistent WUSL “Power 99” (4.1 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+) is up one-tenth, the iHeartMedia urban contemporary outlet backslides from eighth to ninth.

9) Long Island – Over and above being only one of three stations from this particular group of 12 PPM-markets to improve by at least one-share (6+) between May 2017 and June 2017 WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5” (5.3 – 6.3, +1.0, 6+), zooms from third to first. A full-share loss in March (5.2 – 4.2, 6+) resulted in “Real Variety 97.5” tumbling from fourth to seventh, but the Connoisseur Media hot AC gained nine-tenths in April to rocket from seventh to first. Two stations are displaced at the top, including Cox Media Group-owned CHR WBLI which shifts to #2. Despite the downward move, “Long Island’s #1 For All the Hits” (up four-tenths) extends to six its consecutive string of up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.8, 6+) and is +1.8 since the “Holiday” 2016 report. Conversely, May’s other co-leader, iHeartMedia New York City’s similarly-programmed WHTZ “Z-100,” regresses by four-tenths (5.4 – 5.0, 6+) and falls to fourth. Having registered 11 successive sweeps at #1 in the Long Island report, “Z-100” spiraled by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2016 (6.6 – 5.1, 6+), sliding to third. It then gained eight-tenths in January 2017 to reappear at #1 and repeated at the top in February and March. Posting spikes of one-half share each are CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM (5.1, fifth to third, 6+), ending three straight dips resulting in a -.7 (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), and public WNYC-FM (1.3 – 1.8, #22, 6+). In four consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.6, 6+) Cumulus Media’s WNSH “94.7 Nash FM” is a combined -.9 and falls off the top twenty (#20 to #23). Flat at 2.3, yet improving from #18 to #15, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” is in 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 31^st straight sweep.

10) Riverside – More than doubling its 6+-share since February (.7 – .8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.5, 6+) San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR jumps from #13 to #11. Each of the top three stations drops by two-tenths, including Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY, which is #1 for the 20^th consecutive ratings period, although “Jose” registers its fifth consecutive decrease for a -1.5 (9.4 – 9.2 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.9, 6+). After five consecutive sweeps without a decrease which produced a +2.2 (7.2 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.7 – 9.4, 6+), “Jose” lost two-tenths in February. In the runner-up slot for the sixth successive ratings period, KOLA was a combined +1.0 in April and May (5.2 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+), but the Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies outlet dips to 6.0 (6+). The loss of four-tenths in March ended at five KOLA’s string of consecutive fluctuations by one-half share (7.1 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 5.6, 6+) for a collective -1.5; KOLA was at #2 six straight times before dropping to third in “Holiday” 2016. Prior to November, it was up or flat the previous six times for a net gain of +2.2 (4.9 – 4.9 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). Having posted five straight up or flat trends netting one full-share (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), CBS Radio’s KFRG “New Country K-Frog” forfeits 70% of that increase (4.0, -.7, 6+), as it shifts from third to fifth. The four most recent trends for iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI (fourth to third) are 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.4 (6+), while Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN (89.7 Family Friendly” (tenth to ninth) is trending 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 (6+). Following three consecutive up or flat trends that yielded a +.7 (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” sputters by one-half share to 4.1 (6+), but remains in fourth-place.

11) San Jose – Rolling out an increase of one full-share (5.2 – 6.2, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “100.3 Mas Variedad” proceeds from third-place to the runner-up slot. In 4.0 – 4.3 range (6+) the past four sweeps, Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “San Jose Hot Country” notches a +.9 (4.2 – 5.1, 6+) to climb from seventh to fifth. It is the strongest 6+-performance for KRTY since last September’s 5.3. While unchanged at #4, a +.8 propels Alpha Media hot AC KEZR “Mix 106 – Today’s Best Music” to 5.6 (6+). Not only does Cumulus Media triple A KFOG register an increase of seven-tenths (2.1 – 2.8, 6+), “Music Matters” cracks the top twenty at #14. The stream of CBS Radio hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” gains one-half share (.4 – .9, #30, 6+). Adding one-tenth to May’s three-tenths, co-owned all-news operation KCBS-AM repeats at #1. The +.3 in May ended a string of three consecutive KCBS-AM down or flat trends that produced a -.6 (6.7 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.1 (6+). Trending 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.5 (6+) since January, Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” stumbles by nine-tenths to 3.6 (6+) and slips from fifth to ninth. Locked on 4.2 (6+) in April and May, following a March – April +1.1, Cumulus Media’s KNBR drifts by eight-tenths to 3.4, as “The Sports Leader” exits the top ten (#7 to #11). Off by one-half share (2.3 – 1.8, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” spirals from #19 to #23. Unchanged at #18, Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KVVF “San Jose’s Hottest Music” regresses by four-tenths to 2.5, halting three straight gains that netted a +1.0 since February (1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+). Faltering for the fourth straight sweep for a cumulative -1.5 (7.6 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED slides from second to third. Unlisted in San Jose since posting a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KQED returned in January 2017 by recording a 6.9 (6+) to finish at #1 and had been on top through April.

12) Middlesex – Without a decrease for the sixth straight sweep for a net gain of +2.2 (2.4 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” inches up from sixth to fifth. Its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WKTU (#16 – #17) – drops two-tenths to 2.8 (6+), thus curtailing at six its consecutive string of up or flat trends that accounted for a +.8 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). In its third increase in a row (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.2, 6+), WPLJ is a collective +1.1 and the Cumulus Media hot AC catapults into the top twenty at #14. Down or flat the past nine sweeps and -1.6 since September (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+), CBS Radio CHR WBMP “Amp” bounces back with a +.6 to 3.5 (6+) to zoom from #17 to #11. Off in each of the last three Middlesex-Somerset-Union sweeps for a cumulative -2.2 since March (5.4 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WHTZ “Z-100” answers with a +.5 to 3.7, returning to the top ten (#14 to #9, 6+). Following a combined loss of -1.4 in back-to-back sweeps (7.9 – 7.4 – 6.5, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW repeats May’s +.3 (6.5 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+) and is #1 for the sixth consecutive ratings period. As a result of a “Holiday” 2016 – January 2017 increase of one-full-share (6.8 – 7.8, 6+), “New Jersey 101.5” returned to #1 following one month in the runner-up slot. Prior to “Holiday” 2016, when it was -.7, (6+), WKXW spent 12 consecutive ratings periods on top. Owing to three successive gains (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+), WPAT netted nine-tenths, but the Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary outlet has the dubious distinction of registering the highest (6+) May 2017 – June 2017 decline of any station in the 12 PPM-markets whose data was released on Wednesday (4.0 – 2.5, -1.5, 6+). Moreover, “Amor 93.1” sinks from #8 to #20. A combined +.8 since March (2.9 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR returns all but one-tenth of that increase in June (3.7 – 3.0, -.7, 6+) as “Power 105.1 – New York’s Hip-Hop and R&B” freefalls from #10 to #16.