Tag: "Jonathon Brandmeier"

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Report: Apple and iHeartMedia in Talks for Possible Investment.The report in the Financial Times indicates the talks between tech giant Apple and iHeartMedia are in the preliminary stages but sources tell the paper there are a couple of possible results from these talks.  One source indicates iHM – still wending its way through Chapter 11 reorganization – is pursuing Apple taking an equity stake in the company that could be worth “tens of millions of dollars” to help iHeart reduce its debt load. But another source tells the paper the deal could be a “multimillion-dollar marketing partnership rather than a direct investment.”  The story describes a scenario in which Apple could get its Beats 1 format on broadcast radio stations as a result of a relationship with iHeartMedia.  Neither company is responding to requests for comment from numerous media outlets.

Carton Trial Continues with Nets CEO Brett Yormark Testifying His Signature Was Forged.  It appears that at the heart of the feds’ fraud case against former WFAN, New York morning personality Craig Carton is who is the jury going to believe, Carton or his former partner, convicted felon Anthony Meli (Meli pleaded guilty to fraud in a separate tickets scam and is serving 6-1/2 years)?  According to coverage of the trial in Bloomberg, on the witness stand on Wednesday was Brooklyn Nets CEO Brett Yormark who testified that his signature on a contract to supply concert tickets to Carton’s firm was forged.  Carton’s attorney said Carton did not know the signature was forged and blamed Meli. The trial is expected to last a couple more weeks.

Mike Francesa’s App and WFAN Status the Focus of Multiple NYC Media Stories. A report in Bloomberg delves into the status of New York City sports talk icon Mike Francesa’s online app “Mike’s On” to determine how well the $8.99 annual subscription app is doing.  The piece notes that interest in the success of the app is amplified by Francesa’s recent kerfuffle with a New York Post reporter who suggested he’s only sold a couple hundred subscriptions.  Francesa and his rep firm Creative Artists Agency say the app is way more successful than that but aren’t disclosing hard-and-fast numbers.  They also say numbers quoted by research firms Sensor Tower and Apptopia are inaccurate.  See that piece here. Newsday also published a story that looks at the app and his status in afternoon drive on WFAN.  Remember that he returned last spring after exiting in December of 2017.  There is no deal on paper between him, Entercom’s WFAN and CAA and he says the parties are trying to work out how to share ownership of the app.  He says he’s not giving up the app and is not surprised that people are trying to put it down.  “That’s human nature.  It’s always been that.”

Former KFTK-FM, St. Louis Talker Jamie Allman and Emmis/Entercom Settle on Compensation Issue; Still Disagree on Right to Terminate. St. Louis talk media personality Jamie Allman’s suit against Emmis Communications and Entercom was forced into mediation by the judge and the parties have agreed to a settlement regarding payment of Allman’s earned benefits.  But that was just part of Allman’s case against Emmis (which owned KFTK-FM, St. Louis at the time of his dismissal) and Entercom (which was operating the station under an LMA).  The parties disagree on the companies’ right – as per Allman’s contract – to terminate him for conduct that could bring the radio station into disrepute. If you remember, Allman Tweeted that he was “getting ready to ram a hot poker up [Parkland shooting survivor] David Hogg’s ass.”  He lost his gig with Sinclair Broadcasting‘s KDNL-TV, St. Louis as a result and caused KFTK-FM advertisers to reconsider their campaigns.  The companies’ say in their Motion to Dismiss the breach of contract complaint, “Specifically, Allman now contends that the termination of his employment by Defendants somehow does not meet the definition of ‘cause’ in his employment agreement because another employer, a TV station, also terminated Allman for the same tweet. Merely to articulate his new theory is to demonstrate how utterly without merit it is.”  The court will now consider the Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss.

Marty Griffin to Return to KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh on Monday. Host of the late morning “Inside Story” program on Entercom’s KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh – Marty Griffin – says he’ll be back on the air on Monday after completing his chemotherapy and radiation treatment for throat cancer brought on by the human papillomavirus.  Griffin was diagnosed in August and has been off the air since early September. He tells Triblive that the treatment was hard on his body but says he’s done with chemo and radiation and is now in recovery mode.  “I lost about 40 pounds.  I’m very weak, but very blessed…Lots of folks I see here at Hillman (UPMC Hillman Cancer Center) struggle to live, and I’m going to be healthy.”

Scott Shannon to Host National Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. When the 30^th Annual National Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place on the 15^th of this month in New York, WCBS-FM, New York morning personality and 2006 HoF inductee Scott Shannon will serve as emcee. Presenters at this year’s event will include: Rush Limbaugh, Bruce Morrow, a.k.a. “Cousin Brucie,” actor Alan Alda, sportscaster Jim Nantz, radio personality Jim Harper, Entercom exec Jimmy deCastro, consultant Gabe Hobbs, consultant Greg Moceri, and Jacobs Media’s Paul Jacobs.  This year’s inductees are: Jonathon Brandmeier, Nanci Donnellan, a.k.a. The Fabulous Sports Babe, Mike Francesa, Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg (Mike & Mike), Joan Hamburg, Fred Jacobs, Kid Kelly, Jim Kerr, Mark Levin and Dr. Laura Schlessinger.  National Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig T. Kitchin says, “Scott Shannon is the perfect person to host the 30th anniversary of the National Radio Hall of Fame induction in New York City.  And with the support and presence of this years’ presenters, and of course our inductees, this is going to be a most memorable evening for all.”

Jansen Named VP of Sales for iHM Twin Cities. Sales pro Dave Jansen is named vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s Twin Cities station group that includes news/talk KTLK-AM, sports talk KFXN-FM “The Fan,” and four music-formatted signals.   The cluster also has franchise partnerships with the Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota Wild, and University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football, basketball and hockey.

Midterm Elections, Migrant Caravan/Trump Ad, Birthright Citizenship Issue, Pittsburgh Synagogue Slayings Aftermath, Mail ‘Bombs’ Case, Indonesian Jet Crash, Whitey Bulger Killed in Prison, Megyn Kelly NBC Exit, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/31). The November 6 midterm elections and President Trump’s campaigning; the caravan of Honduran migrants and Trump’s illegal immigrant cop killer ad; President Trump’s claim he can eliminate birthright citizenship with an executive signing; the aftermath of the deadly attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue that took the lives of 11; the case of mail “bomber” Cesar Sayoc; the crash of Lion Air’s brand-new Boeing 737 in Indonesia; Boston mobster James “Whitey” Bulger is murdered in prison; Megyn Kelly’s messy exit from NBC; and the week’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Air personality Kimmi Couture is named midday host at Entercom’s hip hop KRBQ, San Francisco “Q102.1.”  She moves into that role from her most recent position as a contributor to the morning show. Entercom San Francisco SVP and market manager Gregory Nemitz states, “Kimmi first showed us her star power on social media and we knew she would be a great addition to the’ Q102.1’ team.  We are confident she will build a strong rapport with her listeners and we are really excited to elevate her to a more high-profile spot on the station.”…..Austin, Texas has a new throwback station as Entercom launches “HOT 95.9” on KKMJ-HD3/K240EL.  The station will feature “curated throwback hits” from the 1990s and 2000s from core artists including: Snoop Dogg, Beyoncé, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Alicia Keys…..As WKTI, Milwaukee drops country for sports talk with the transfer of ownership from E.W. Scripps to Good Karma Brands, Magnum Media is flipping its WVTY, Racine, Wisconsin to country as “VTY Country.”…..Entercom debuts the LGBTQ-targeted “Channel Q,” formerly known as “Out Now,” on KQPS-FM, Palm Springs.  That station flips from AC and changes the calls from the former KEZN.  The new station will provide the latest in LGBTQ+ news and information, pop culture, and new music…..Alpha Media flips KEEZ, Mankato, Minnesota from CHR to hot AC as “Mix 99.1.”  Content director Brad Steele says, “This new sound of ‘Mix 99.1’ is what the listeners demanded!  We are always listening to our fans.  What they said they wanted was less repetition while adding more music and content.”…..Pictured below are WAQY, Springfield, Massachusetts morning personalities “Bax & O’Brien” – Mike “Bax” Baxendale at left, John O’Brien at right – at their October 26 “Bax & O’Brien LIVE” event. The duo tells TALKERS magazine that the show was a sellout for the sixth straight year, packing in almost 500 fans to see them, comedian Pat Oates and New England-based guitar legend Gary Hoey.

October 2018 PPM Data – Part Three. October 2018 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s October 2018 survey period covered September 13 – October 10. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – After finishing in fifth-place the past four months, Alpha Media news/talk KXL “101 FM News – Stay Connected” proceeds to fourth-place by recapturing the one-tenth it lost in September (5.3 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+). KXL was up six-tenths in April and then off a combined one-half share in May and June. By gaining three-tenths (1.9 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEX not only progresses from #20 to #18, “News Radio 1190 – Depend on Us” has its best 6+-showing (2.2) in more than two years (2.2, as well, in August 2016). The March 2018 – October 2018 topline trending for Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” is: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .7 – 1.0 – .8 – .9 (#26 to #23, 6+). A collective +.9 in August and September (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom’s sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” surrenders two-thirds of that increase (1.7, -.6, 6+) and drops from #18 to #20. Just prior to August, “The Fan” posted six straight down or flat moves that resulted in a -1.0 (2.4 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+). Repeating at #22, Alpha Media-owned KXTG “The Game” logs a 1.4 (6+) for the fourth time in the last ten sweeps (1.4 – 1.0 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” is flat in both (6+) AQH-share (.5) and (6+) market rank (#28). In addition to being without a loss for the third time in a row for a collective gain of eight-tenths (8.1 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.9, 6+), KOPB is back at #1. The Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet had been on top from January to August (including a tie in April), before dropping to second in September. This calendar year, KOPB has been +1.1 (January); -1.1 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.5 (May); and +.7 (October).

Portland Music Formats – More than doubling (+2.3) its 6+-share in three straight positive spikes (1.7 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 4.0, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” swims all the way into the top ten (#16 to #8). Entering the August sweep, “The Fish” had been down in each of the previous four monthlies for a cumulative -.8 (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). Down or flat four straight months for a collective loss of four-tenths (7.3 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH erases that deficit with a +.7 to 7.6 (6+) and continues in third-place. Improving by six-tenths each are Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” (4.2, #11 to #7, 6+) and Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 for New Country” (3.0, #17 to #14, 6+). As a result, “Charlie” and “The Bull” halt similar three successive month losing streaks: Charlie had been -1.0 in three straight down or flat trends (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+) and below a four-share for the first time since April 2016’s 3.9, while “The Bull” was -1.6 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW is up or flat in four successive ratings periods for an overall +1.6  (7.2 – 7.7 -7.9 – 8.8 – 8.8, 6+) – including its best 6+-stat (8.8) since “Holiday” 2017’s 16.9 – “K-103” segues from first to second. KKCW was #1 in December 2017 (13.0, 6+); “Holiday” 2017 (16.9, 6+); and tied for first (with KOPB) in April 2018 (8.5, 6+). A combined +1.4 in August and September (4.4 – 5.3 – 5.8, 6+), Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 Uniquely Portland” relinquishes that gain in its entirety (4.4, -1.4, 6+) and slips from fourth to sixth. Prior to August, KINK last reached the five-share level (6+) in February (5.0). Off a collective nine-tenths in three straight decreases (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” departs the top ten (#7 to #12). Faltering by one-half share as well in October is Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz – Today’s Best Mix,” which is -1.0 in four successive slips (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9, #12 to #16, 6+). Following four straight up or flat trends that netted a +1.6 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), co-owned KGON is a collective -.9 in three decreases in a row (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), yet “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” advances from sixth to fifth. July’s 5.6 is the highest 6+-showing for KGON since June 2017 (5.6, as well). Without an increase for the fifth sweep in a row for a combined loss of -1.2 (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned CHR KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station” drops from #14 to #17.

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – A positive spike of nine-tenths (2.9 – 3.8, 6+) takes WBT to its highest 6+-share (3.8, (#15 to #12) since February’s 4.3. The Entercom news/talk outlet entered the October sweep with a May – September (6+) topline of 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9. When WBT gained two-tenths in June, it halted three straight losses that accounted for a -1.7 (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+). In three straight gains (.6 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), co-owned sports talk WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” (steady at #19) more than doubles (+.7) its 6+ share. This particular streak follows four straight down or flat moves that led to a -1.1 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.1 – .7 – .6, 6+). A combined -1.6 in four downward trends in succession (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE continues at #17. Up one-half share in June, “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” had a consistent January – May topline trending of 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.6 (6+). Erasing September’s -.1 with a +.2 in October (.6 – .5 – .7, 6+), South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC carries on at #20.

Charlotte Music Formats – Without a loss for the sixth straight month netting an overall +2.3 (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake” advances from fifth to third. This (6.4) is the strongest 6+-share for “The Lake” since “Holiday” 2017’s 6.5. The market’s (6+) CHR share bloats by +1.1 as Beasley Media Group’s WNKS “Kiss 95.1” gains six-tenths (3.8 – 4.4, 6+) to crack the top ten (#11 to #9), while iHeartMedia-owned WHQC “Channel 96.1” – which logged a +.8 in September – improves by one-half share (3.5 – 4.0, 6+) and also enters the top ten (#12 to #10). The country format boasts Charlotte’s top two October 2018 finishers with Beasley Media Group’s WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” (7.5, -.2, 6+) repeating at #1 and iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” climbing from third to second. October’s decrease by WSOC pulls the plug on four straight up or flat reports that netted a +1.5 (6.2 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+). Prior to August, the last time WSOC reached the seven-share level (6+) was “Holiday” 2016 (7.0). Meanwhile, “The Kat” is an overall +1.1 in four successive months without a loss (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+). WKKT was a combined -1.0 in May and June (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.0, 6+) and then gained two-tenths in July. As the result of three slips in succession (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.9 – 6.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” is -1.8 and falls from second to fourth. “V-101.9” was +1.4 in May; eroded by -1.2 in June; and erased that -1.2 in its entirety in July with a +1.2. This is the fifth month in a row that co-owned urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” finishes in eighth-place. Following five consecutive increases for an overall +.9 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+), “Power 98” is off by one-tenth in September and October (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). The five most recent trends for iHeartMedia classic rock WRFX were 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.2 – 6.4 (6+), but “The Fox” sputters by one-half share to 5.9 (fourth to fifth), its lowest 6+-showing since April (5.9, as well). Dropping by one-half share in October as well is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (#13 to #15), which is a collective -1.4 in four straight decreases (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Up one full-share as a result of three improvements in succession (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” progresses from ninth to eighth with its best 6+-showing since April 2017 (4.5, as well). The July 2018 – October 2018 topline for Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” (#22 to #21) is 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7 (6+). KTSA was a collective -.5 in June and July (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.4, 6+), after not having a loss for five reports in a row for a collective +.6 (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+). Stuck on .7 (6+) in August and September, iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” drops one-tenth to .6 (#27 to #29, 6+). After posting a +.4 in back-to-back sweeps (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX is unchanged from September in (6+) AQH share (3.4) and (6+) AQH rank (#12). A July loss of seven-tenths suspended three up or flat moves that led to a +.5 (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+).

San Antonio Music Formats – Bouncing back from September’s one-half share decline, Alpha Media’s KTFM posts a +.7 (2.3 – 3.0, 6+) and jumps from #19 to #16. Prior to September’s -.5, “Energy 94.1” was +.7 via three straight increases (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8, 6+). It is tied at #16 with iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KXXM “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which picks up one-tenth (to 3.0, 6+), thus suspending five April through September decreases that accounted for an overall -2.1 (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+). That followed four straight increases for a +1.8 (3.2 – 3.3 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+). By gaining six-tenths (3.2 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio’s KXTN “107.5 Tejano & Proud” cracks the top ten (#15 to #10) and has its best 6+-performance (3.8) since February’s 4.0. An overall +1.0 in four consecutive up or flat moves (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+), Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio” remains at #7. While its classic hits-oldies sibling KONO-FM is #1 for the tenth successive sweep, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” falters by one-half share to 8.3 (6+), thus snapping at four its consecutive string of increases that generated a +2.2 (6.6 – 7.0 – 7.7 – 7.8 – 8.8, 6+). In September, it reached the eight-share threshold (8.8) for the first time since November 2016’s 8.2. When KONO-FM logged a +.4 in June, it ended three consecutive downward moves for an overall -.7 (7.3 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.6, 6+). The game of musical chairs between the market’s two country FMs continues as KONO-FM cluster-mate KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” picks up one-tenth (6.0 – 6.1, 6+) moving from third to second, while iHeartMedia’s KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” erodes by -1.1 (6.1 – 5.0, 6+), falling from second to fourth. September’s loss of eight-tenths by “Y-100” curtailed three straight gains that netted +1.5 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.8, 6+). In August, it reached the six-share level (6.8) for the first time since October 2017’s 6.0. Meanwhile, the +2.7 that “KJ-97” racked up in January and February (4.1 – 5.2 – 6.8, 6+) was cut virtually in half in March and April with a collective -1.3; “KJ-97” answered with a +.6 in May. Off three-tenths to 3.2 (#11 to #15, 6+), Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH “Norteno 104.1” has its consecutive string of up or flat reports that accounted for a +.6 stall at four (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Off a combined four-tenths in three straight down or flat sweeps (4.4 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” answers with a gain of six-tenths to 4.6 (6+), climbing from tenth to ninth. A June uptick of two-tenths interrupted four sweeps in a row without an increase that produced a -1.1 (5.3 – 5.3 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2, 6+). Bouncing back from September’s -1.1 with a gain of three-tenths (6.1 – 6.4, 6+), co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” advances from fifth to fourth. “The Fan” was a combined +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018; -.9 in February; +2.0 in April (5.8 – 7.8, 6+); -2.0 in three straight May – June – July declines (7.8 – 7.4 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+); +1.4 in August (5.8 – 7.2, 6+); and -1.1 in September. Flat at .2 (6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG “970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” has notched either a .1 (6+) or a .2 (6+) in each of the last 18 ratings periods. Essential Public Media news/talk WESA is a cumulative +1.4 via three straight upticks (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+) as “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” bumps up from #13 to #11.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – Adding seven-tenths to September’s +.3 (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.3, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Wish 99.7” inches up from sixth to fifth with its best 6+showing (6.3) since April’s 6.6. Classical WQED is up one-half share (1.2 – 1.7, 6+) and moves from #15 to #14. Faltering by seven-tenths (10.2 – 9.5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” is nonetheless on top for the 20^th consecutive ratings period. Co-owned rocker WDVE, which was off eight-tenths in August, duplicates September’s +.3 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.3, 6+) and is in the runner-up slot for the tenth successive sweep. No sooner had WKST hauled out a +1.1 in September than “96.1 Kiss FM Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” forfeits it all in October (6.7 – 5.6, -1.1, fourth to sixth, 6+). Immediately prior to September, the iHeartMedia CHR was a collective -1.7 in three negative moves in a row (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 5.6, 6+). After being unlisted the past three  months, these five Forever Media stations reappear in October: classic country WLYI (1.7, #14, 6+); classic hits-oldies WKPL (1.6, #16, 6+); country WOGG (1.6, #16, 6+); country WOGI (.9, #20, 6+); and classic hits-oldies WPKL (.6, #26, 6+).

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Having not posted an increase for eight straight reports resulting in an overall -3.0 (8.6 – 8.1 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” busts out a +1.4 to 7.0 (third to second, 6+). KFBK was third in December 2017; second in “Holiday” 2017; first in January 2018; second in February; tied for first in March; second in April, May, June, and July; and third in August and September. In two-share range in each of the last 13 sweeps, co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” gains four-tenths to 3.0 (#14 to #13, 6+). In three straight decreases (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1 – .8, 6+), Entercom’s KIFM-AM lost 50% of its 6+-share (-.8), but “ESPN Radio 1320” adds a collective seven-tenths in September and October (.8 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+) and cracks the top twenty (#21 to #19). It is two-tenths ahead of Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140,” which is up one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+) and is in a four-way tie at #21. Steady at #4, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ is without a loss for the third straight time and up a collective eight-tenths (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+). After three straight up or flat trends that produced a net gain of four-tenths (.3 – .6 – .7 – .7, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI dropped two-tenths in September to .5, but regains one-tenth in October (.7 – .5 – .6, #27 to #26, 6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – An increase of eight-tenths (5.8 – 6.6, second to third, 6+) takes Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” to its largest 6+-stat since February (6.6, as well). Despite dropping one-half share (9.7 – 9.2, 6+), Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” is #1 for the ninth successive sweep. “The Eagle” was +1.0 in May; +.9 in June to 9.9, its strongest 6+-showing since July 2016’s 10.3; -.9 in July; +.6 in September; and now -.5 in October. For the 12^th consecutive sweep, Entravision Communications rhythmic CHR KHHM “Hot 103.5” (-.4, #13 to #14) is within 2.2 – 2.9 range: 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.3 (6+). Once again, there are no big month-to-month shifts in the market’s country contest. Remaining at #8, Bonneville’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” is up one-tenth to 4.3 (6+); iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” regains the two-tenths it lost in September (2.3, #17 to #14, 6+); and Entravision Communications-owned KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” is off two-tenths to 2.0 (6+) but stays at #16. “New Country” was a combined -.9 in August and September (5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+); “The Bull” was -1.3 in that same timeframe (3.4 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+); and the July-August-September topline for “The Wolf” was 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 (6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Bonneville’s KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” becomes the first station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far to register a (6+) September 2018 – October 2018 increase of at least two full-shares (4.8 – 7.2, +2.4, 6+). Over and above having its highest 6+-share (7.2) since April’s 8.1, KSL vaults from sixth to first. In fact, this marks the first time KSL has been at #1 since April. By picking up four-tenths in August, KSL pulled the plug on three consecutive declines that accounted for a -3.5 (8.1 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.6, 6+). Powered by a +.8 (3.9 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” jumps from tenth to seventh with its loftiest 6+-showing (4.7) since March 2017’s 5.6. Its +.3 in May ended three successive down or flat moves that accounted for a loss of two-tenths (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+). There is no (6+) change from September for Broadway Media-owned KALL “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” in terms of (6+) AQH share (1.8) or (6+) AQH rank (#21). Prior to the August ratings period, KALL was an overall +.5 via four consecutive positive or flat moves (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+). After four successive sweeps without a decrease that netted seven-tenths (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER falters by a collective eight-tenths in September and October (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.7, #14 to #15, 6+). It previously was an overall -1.3 from three straight down or flat ratings periods (4.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). Brigham Young University news/talk KUMT debuted in September with a .9 (6+) but is off six-tenths in October to .3 (#26 to #27, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Tacking on seven-tenths to September’s gain of nine-tenths (2.7 – 3.6 – 4.3, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” cracks the top ten (#11 to #8). “B-98.7” gained six-tenths between April and July (2.7 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). In the PPM-era, this is perhaps the closest KBEE has ever come to its adult contemporary rival, Bonneville’s KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music, Better Work Day” (6.2 – 5.6, -.6, second to third, 6+). KSFI was -2.3 in four successive March through July down or flat trends (8.2 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 6.3 – 5.9, 6+) with July’s 5.9 its lowest 6+-showing since May 2016’s 5.7. “FM 100.3” was on top for six straight ratings periods (November 2017 through March 2018). With a +.6 to 2.6 (#20 to #17, 6+), Brigham Young University classical KBYU concludes a string of three consecutive slips that resulted in a -1.0 (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.0, 6+). After taking sole possession of first-place in September, iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” erodes by -1.1 (6.7 – 5.6, 6+) and shifts to third-place. KODJ – which shared the #1 slot in August – was #1 this past June and July, as well. Its gain of three-tenths in September curtailed three straight decreases that accounted for a loss of one-half share (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Prior to June’s -.1, KODJ nearly doubled (+3.4) its 6+ AQH share through five successive up or flat trends (3.5 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.9, 6+). Up eight-tenths in September, hot AC sibling KJMY falters by seven-tenths in October (4.7 – 4.0, seventh to tenth, 6+). A one-tenth decline in August by “MY-99.5” ended at three a consecutive string of increases that generated a +1.1 (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 4.0, 6+). Dropping seven-tenths as well is Cumulus Media CHR KENZ “Power 94.9 Utah’s New Hit Music” (2.8, #13 to #14, 6+), whose consecutive string of increases that produced a collective +1.1 is halted at five (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). After posting three straight sweeps without a loss for a collective +.9 (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), Capital Broadcasting hot AC  KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” forfeits four-tenths to 5.3 (fourth to sixth, 6+).

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Recapturing the one-tenth it lost in September (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT  remains at #20. Prior to gaining two-tenths in August, “News Talk Radio 840”had been down or flat the previous three ratings periods for a net loss of four-tenths (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+). The March – October topline for Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” is .9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.3 (flat at #24, 6+). A one-half share decrease in March concluded five straight positive or flat trends that doubled KDWN’s 6+-share (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+). A combined -.3 in June and July (.8 – .6 – .5, 6+), Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” is now up a cumulative four-tenths July-August-September-October (.5 – .6 – .9 – .9, #25 to #26, 6+). An overall +1.2 via five consecutive improvements (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR progresses from #13 to #11. A cumulative -.9 in April and May (2.9 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+) directly followed three consecutive improvements that accounted for a +1.0 (1.9 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+).

Las Vegas Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” repeat at #1, it solidifies its lead by tacking on nine-tenths to September’s +1.2 (6.3 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+). This (8.4) is the highest 6+-share for “Sunny,” which spiraled by -1.3 in August, since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.5. KSNE has been on top this calendar year in March, May, June, July, September, and October. Bouncing back from September’s one-half share decrease (3.0 – 2.5, 6+) with an October gain of seven-tenths to 3.2 (6+), Entercom alternative KXTE “X-107.5” jumps from #16 to #11. Logging an improvement of seven-tenths as well is Entravision’s KRRN “La Suavecita 107.1” (.9 – 1.6, #21, 6+). After spiraling by nine-tenths in September, Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” responds with a one-half share gain (1.7 – 2.2, 6+) and is back in the top twenty (#22 to #17). Entering the September sweep, KOMP had been within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) in each of the previous six survey periods (2.9 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+). By notching a one-half share increase (3.3 – 3.8, 6+), Faith Communications’ contemporary Christian KSOS not only enters the top ten (#11 to #10), “SOS Radio” has its highest 6+-stat (3.8) since January’s 3.9. Seven doesn’t prove to be lucky in October for three Las Vegas outlets as Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” (5.1, flat at #4, 6+); Entercom CHR KLUC “98.5 Vegas’ #1 Hit Music Station” (4.8 – 4.1, sixth to eighth, 6+); and Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF “103.5 Zona Mx” (#17 to #21, 6+) all sputter by seven-tenths. “Old School 105.7” was a cumulative +1.7 in five consecutive upticks (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.8, 6+), while “Zona Mx” is now -1.2 in three negative moves in succession (2.8 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 1.6, 6+).

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Roaring back from September’s -1.4 with a robust +1.7 (9.1 – 10.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLW sets the pace for the fifth consecutive sweep. Immediately prior to September, WLW was an overall +2.8 in three straight increases (7.7 – 9.1 – 10.4 – 10.5, 6+). This is WLW’s highest 6+-share in more than two years (10.8, as well, in June 2016). Some recent fluctuations this calendar year for WLW include: a combined +2.0 (January and February); -1.0 (March); +1.6 (April); -1.2 (May); -1.4 (September); and now +1.7 (October). Wiping out three-quarters of September’s -.4 with a +.3 (3.7 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” bumps up from tenth to ninth. WKRC was a collective +1.3 in July and August (2.8 – 3.6 – 4.1, 6+), with July’s increase stopping four straight monthly reports without an increase for a collective -1.0 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+). Sports talk sibling WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” trots out a +.5 (.9 – 1.4, 6+) and advances from #19 to #17 with its best 6+-stat since May (1.4, as well). Locked in August and September on 3.5 (its best 6+-stat since February’s 3.6), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU drops two-tenths to 3.3 (6+) and remains at #12.

Cincinnati Music Formats – Despite posting a one-tenth increase (9.1 – 9.2, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” relinquishes its half of September’s first-place tie with iHeartMedia news/talker WLW and drops to the runner-up slot. Following four straight sweeps without an increase for a net loss of eight-tenths (5.6 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), co-owned WOFX “92.5 The Fox – Cincinnati’s Classic Rock” improves by four-tenths to 5.2 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Owing to a +.6 (8.3 – 8.9, steady at #3, 6+), Hubbard’s country WUBE “B-105” registers its finest 6+-stat in more than two years (8.9, as well in August 2016). Hot AC sibling WKRQ is a collective -1.3 in September and October (7.9 – 7.4 – 6.6, 6+), but “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” continues in fourth-place. Up an overall +1.1 in August and September (4.1 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), Hubbard rhythmic hot AC WREW “Mix 94.9” relinquishes approximately half that bounty in October with a -.6 (4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). Frozen on 4.9 (6+) in May and June, “Mix” was off eight-tenths in July, with 4.1 its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.7. In six straight down or flat sweeps (4.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKFS is -1.5; “Kiss 107.1 Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” departs the top ten (#9 to #11). A September gain of eight-tenths by co-owned WEBN nearly erased its -.9 in four straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+). “Cincinnati’s Rock Station,” however, sputters by one-half share in October to 4.3 (6+), dropping from seventh to eighth. In August, WDBZ registered a .9 (6+) to finish at #20, but the Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies is unlisted for the second month in a row.

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to being +1.8 in four consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 5.1, 6+),  Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM “News 96.5” is back in the top ten (#11 to #8). Before gaining four-tenths in July, WDBO-FM was -1.4 in five straight down or flat trends (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+). It leapfrogs iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want,” which is down one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Its +1.0 in August suspended three straight decreases that resulted in a -1.8 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). As the result of four successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia news/talk WFLF is a collective +1.2 and has nearly doubled its 6+-share (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.7, steady at #15, 6+). Following seven successive up or flat trends that netted six-tenths (.7 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+), co-owned sports talk WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” surrenders two-tenths to 1.1 (#18 to #20, 6+). It is tied at #20 with Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando,” which is flat at 1.1 (6+). On the heels of September’s +.5, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” forfeits seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.3, 6+) but continues at #12.

Orlando Music Formats – Not only is Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB an overall +1.3 in four straight sweeps without a loss (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8, 6+), “Star 94.5 – Orlando’s Only R&B” leaps from sixth to third.  Logging a one-half share October improvement as well is JVC Media’s WOTW “103.1 The Wolf – New Country & All Time Favorites” (1.0 – 1.5, 6+). Since resurfacing in print in April, “The Wolf” is trending 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.5 (6+). There is a tie at #1 between two iHeartMedia siblings. While Spanish tropical WRUM extends its time at #1 to the tenth month in a row, “Rumba 100” is an overall -3.5 in three slips in a row (11.6 – 10.1 – 8.2 – 8.1, 6+). Prior to the May sweep, WRUM was +1.8 in four upticks in succession (8.9 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.9 – 10.7, 6+). April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Catching WRUM at the top is co-owned CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” (7.7 – 8.1, +.4, second to first, 6+). A one-half share September increase halted three downward moves in a row that accounted for a collective -1.7 (8.9 – 8.4 – 7.8 – 7.2, 6+). Between February and May, WXXL was up an overall six-tenths via three increases of two tenths each (8.3 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 8.9, 6+). Returning one-third of the +2.1 it racked up via three straight upticks (5.0 – 5.4 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM” shifts from third to fourth (6.4, -.7, 6+). A collective +1.0 – or nearly double its 6+-share – in seven sweeps without a loss (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WTKS-HD2 coughs up 60% of that increase (1.5, -.6, #15 to #17, 6+). Erasing September’s +.4 with an October -.5 (6.1 – 6.5 – 6.0, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WMGF “Magic 107.7” dips from fifth to sixth.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – After four successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.6 (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” answers with a +.8 to 6.8 (#8 to a four-way tie at #3, 6+). A loss of one-tenth in June interrupted three consecutive increases that netted +1.3 (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.3 – 6.6, 6+). Repeating at #9, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is +1.7 in four successive improvements (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+). Cleveland’s “Fan” was a combined -1.8 in three straight (March through June) setbacks (5.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+). Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN returns 80% of September’s +.5 (3.2 – 2.8, -.4, 6+) but continues at #13; September’s 3.2 is its best 6+-showing since February’s 3.6.

Cleveland Music Formats – In five straight down or flat trends between March and August, WZAK lost roughly 40% (-4.1) of its 6+ AQH share (10.1 – 9.6 – 8.1 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.0, 6+). The Radio One urban AC bounces back in September and October though with a collective +1.5 (6.0 – 6.5 – 7.5, fifth to second, 6+). WZAK reached the top spot in December 2017, but fell to third in “Holiday” 2017. It is just three-tenths behind iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits,” which is #1 for the fifth consecutive sweep but erodes in October by -1.5 (9.3 – 7.8, 6+). That loss brings to a halt four straight improvements that – ironically – generated an overall +1.5 (7.8 – 8.4 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.3, 6+), Eleven recent WMJI fluctuations include: +.8 (November); -.9 (December); +2.5 (Holiday” 2017); -1.9 (January); +1.9 (February); -2.0 (March); +1.0 (April); -1.5 (May); +.6 (June); +.6 (September); and -1.5 (October). When “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” reached double-digits (6+) in “Holiday” 2017, it was the first time WMJI accomplished that feat since September 2016 (10.8). Co-owned adult hits WHLK “106.5 The Lake – We Play Anything” falters by six-tenths (6.5 – 5.9, 6+) to stumble from fifth to eighth, while CHR cluster-mate WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” sputters by one-half share (3.9 – 3.4, 6+) but remains at #12.

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – By gaining three-tenths (4.4 – 4.7, 6+) KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” progresses from ninth to sixth. When the Entercom news/talk outlet notched a +.7 in August, it halted five straight February through July decreases that accounted for a -1.7 (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” advances by four-tenths as well (2.2 – 2.6, 6+), climbing from #19 to #18. While it remains at #23, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” picks up one-tenth to .7 (6+), thus applying the brakes to three down or flat reports that accounted for a loss of two-tenths (.7 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+). Not only does Union Broadcasting’s WHB double (+2.0) its 6+-share in five straight increases (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+), “Sports Radio 810” vaults into the top ten (#16 to #10). WHB was -.9 in February; +.9 in March; an overall -2.0 in April and May (4.0 – 2.9 – 2.0, 6+); and now +1.2 in October. This is its highest 6+-share March (4.0, as well). Up four-tenths (3.1 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” inches up from #15 to #14. KCSP more than doubled its 6+-share with a combined +1.9 in April and May (1.8 – 3.1 3.7, 6+). Returning the three-tenths it gained in September (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR falls from #12 to #15.

Kansas City Music Formats – There is apparently no stopping Cumulus Media’s KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station,” which is #1 for the fifth month in a row and an overall +2.6 in five straight sweeps without a loss (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.8 – 9.6, 6+). Furthermore, this is the highest 6+-stat for the Kansas City Chiefs’ flagship since December 2017 (9.6, as well). By posting a one-half share increase (3.2 – 3.7, steady at #13, 6+), CHR cluster-mate KCHZ “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” has its best 6+-showing (3.7) since November 2017’s 3.9. Unchanged at #3, Entercom-owned KQRC “98.9 The Rock” is a cumulative +2.0 via three upticks in a row (5.5 – 6.5 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+). In six consecutive Holiday 2017 – June 2018 monthlies without a loss, “The Rock” was a combined +1.7 (4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+) before dropping seven-tenths in July. No sooner had Steel City Media’s KBEQ gained six-tenths in September than “Q-104 New Hit Country” erodes by twice that much in October (5.6 – 4.4, -1.2, fifth to ninth, 6+). “Q-104” was off a combined nine-tenths in July and August (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.0, 6+), after being up or flat in seven straight December 2017 through June 2018 sweeps for an overall +2.0 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). Co-owned KFKF “Country 94.1” (sixth to eighth) is a combined -1.7 in September and October (6.2 – 5.3 – 4.5, 6+). KFKF improved by six-tenths in July (5.9 – 6.5, 6+). When “Country 94.1” posted a one-half share increase in May, it erased the -.5 it recorded through three decreases in a row (6.0 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+). The market’s other country FM – Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” – is down or flat for the sixth straight time for an overall loss of nine-tenths (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+) but continues at #10. Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is a combined -2.7 in seven successive March through October declines (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.4, third to fourth, 6+). “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” was #1 in March, April, and May. Declining by one-half share each are Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point,” a collective -.8 in four straight down or flat moves (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.8, #10 to #12, 6+) and alternative sibling KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” (3.2 – 2.7, #13 to #17, 6+).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to October’s +.6 to 6.1 (sixth to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” shakes up its extremely steady March – September topline of 5.4 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.5 (6+). Seventh-ranked in January with a 4.4 (6+), RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” stopped subscribing to Nielsen’s PPM survey.  The station reappears in a huge way by trotting out a +1.1 (5.6 – 6.7, #4, 6+). Returning September’s +.2 (.9 – 1.1 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WXZX “105.7 The Zone” drops from #14 to #16. After being without a loss for three months in a row for a net gain of seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU plummets -1.1 to 3.5 (seventh to ninth, 6+). Whereas September 2018’s 4.6 is its strongest 6+-stat since 4.7 in August 2017, October 2018’s 3.5 is its softest since October 2017’s 3.4.

Columbus Music Formats – A cumulative +.9 in three up or flat trends (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZCB “106.7 The Beat” enters the top ten (#11 to #10). Displaying gains of six-tenths each are One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River,” which bounces back from September’s loss of six-tenths (3.5 – 4.1, steady at #8, 6+) and Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-FM 96 – Iconic Rock” (6.5 – 7.1, unchanged at #3, 6+). Similar to the situation with “The River,” WLVQ’s hot AC cluster-mate – WVMX “Mix 107.9” – answers September’s -.6 (3.3 – 2.7, 6+) with a one-half share increase (3.2, #10 to #11, 6+). Notwithstanding that it falters by one-half share (15.0 – 14.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” is #1 for the tenth consecutive sweep and has been in double-digits (6+) each sweep since June 2017. When WCOL eroded by -1.2 in August, it concluded five consecutive increases for an overall +4.0 (12.3 – 13.4 – 14.4 – 14.5 – 15.7 – 16.3, 6+). Among the major fluctuations for “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” this calendar year are +3.1 (January); -1.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.0 (April); +1.2 (June); +.6 (July); 1.2 (August); and -.5 (October). Holding down the runner-up slot for the tenth sweep in succession is WCOL’s CHR sibling WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” (9.4 – 7.8, -1.6, 6+), although this is its weakest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016 (7.8, as well). WNCI was +1.3 in June; a collective -1.8 in July and August (10.7 – 10.0 – 8.9, 6+); +.5 in September; and -1.6 in October. Also in that iHeartMedia cluster, adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” falters by an overall -1.4 in September and October (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.3, fourth to seventh, 6+). This immediately follows four consecutive improvements that netted a +1.6 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.7, 6+).