Tag: "Mary Berner"

Monday, October 2, 2017

Las Vegas Concert Massacre Dominating Radio Discussions.  The day after an apparently lone gunman fired a semi-automatic gun at the crowd attending the “Route 91 Harvest Festival” concert at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas killing at least 50 people and wounding many more, the story is the primary topic of discussion on not just news/talk radio, but most other radio formats.  Beasley Media Group reports that country KCYE “102.7 The Coyote” morning personality Mike West was at the event and shot the video you can see here (the photo of the Mandalay Hotel at left is a still from the video).Thankfully, the quality of the video prevents viewers from seeing the carnage as it happened, but the sound of the gun steadily firing is haunting, to say the least.  Beasley says that news/talk KDWN news director John Shaffer and the KCYE team have been broadcasting continuous updates as well as encouraging people to donate blood through United Blood Service.  In addition, there is a “family” update/info phone number (1-866-535-5654) and a Facebook page for people to check-in called, The Violent Incident In Las Vegas, where individuals can check in as “safe” and others can check to see if family and friends are safe.  Beasley suspended its National Cash Contest today across the entire company and will instead donate the money to an official victim’s fund.  Tomorrow, Salem Radio Network host Mike Gallagher will originate his nationally syndicated talk show from Las Vegas with “second-day leads” from police officials, first responders, and others involved.   Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “Mike Gallagher broke major news from his past broadcasts from shootings at Columbine High School, Virginia Tech and Orlando’s Pulse nightclub and he’s second-to-none in delivering live broadcasts that unravel senseless shootings like Sunday’s Mandalay Bay tragedy.”  TALKERS founder Michael Harrison says, “The non-stop barrage of monumentally consequential stories being processed by news/talk hosts in this compelling era is unprecedented in my memory.  Now, this Las Vegas tale of horror ratchets it up to yet a higher level of intensity, if such a thing is even possible.”

Report: Cumulus in Talks with Creditors Over Debt Load.  According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, Cumulus Media has entered into talks with two groups of creditors.  The story by Soma Biswas says that those familiar with the talks say it could lead to a bankruptcy filing by Cumulus.  The bulk of Cumulus’ debt comes due in 2019 – not very far away in the business world.  Cumulus CEO Mary Berner has reported slight improvement in the company’s overall station ratings and says the culture of the company – along with the employee turnover rate – has improved dramatically.  Read the WSJ piece here.

Jim Hayes Returns to KFNS, St. Louis.  This from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reporting on Friday (9/29) that Jim “The Cat” Hayes is returning to “The Morning After” program on Randy Markel-owned sports talk station KFNS, St. Louis.  Dan Caesar’s story notes that last week it was announced Hayes would be leaving the show he co-hosted with Tim McKernan and Doug Vaughn, ostensibly because the early wake-up, combined with his other duties for FOX Sports Midwest, were too much, although Caesar reports other sources say money was a factor.  Regardless, McKernan and Hayes had been in constant contact hoping to get Hayes back on the program and that led to Markel and Hayes working out a new deal.  Read the whole story here.

Ken Carson New Ops Manager at News/Talk WMAY, Springfield, Illinois; Programming Changes Announced.  Programming pro Ken Carson is appointed to the operations manager position at Mid-West Family Broadcasting’s Springfield, Illinois news/talker WMAY “970-AM & 94.7-FM.”  The company says Carson, who begins his duties tomorrow (10/3) will initially be responsible for all programming and promotional functions for WMAY.  Carson has most recently been operating his own production and voice-over firm.  During his career, he’s worked for Cox Media Group, Citadel Broadcasting, and Saga Communications.  Mid-West Family Broadcasting Springfield general manager Harvey Wells comments, “We conducted a nationwide search for this position and, right from the start, Ken’s qualifications rose to the top. After several conversations and a trip to the Land of Lincoln, it was an easy decision to bring Ken aboard.  At the same time, the station announces it’s bringing former morning host Greg Bishop back to the station to co-host the program with Ray Lytle.  Lytle says, “Greg and I know each other very well.  I’m totally psyched to be working with him again.”  The morning show is followed by Mike Wennmacher and Johnny Molson’s “Mike and Molson” program.  That’s being shortened to one hour as the two will take over creative production and voice duties for all four Mid-West Family Broadcasting Springfield radio stations.  Market pro and current sister country WUSW morning personality (as well as CMA Award winner!) Brian Pierce is launching a talk show on WMAY from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.  He’ll continue his WUSW morning show duties.

Thom Hartmann Retires from Hosting RT America’s ‘The Big Picture’ Program – Holland Cooke Steps in as Replacement.   After seven years hosting the RT America television show “The Big Picture,” progressive talk media mainstay Thom Hartmann has announced he will be leaving the nightly program to devote more time to his mega-successful daily, three-hour radio program (12:00 noon – 3:00 pm ET).  His final installment was aired this past Friday (9/29).  The DC-based commentator also tells TALKERS he and his wife (and executive producer) Louise Hartmann want to be able to spend more time in Portland, Oregon closer to their children.  Hartmann’s cross-platform radio program has been on the air since 2003 and is ranked by TALKERS as the leading progressive news/talk show in the radio industry.  He tells TALKERS, “Having complete editorial control over a TV show syndicated internationally into more than 700 million homes was a great (and rare) opportunity.  We worked hard not to do ‘sports’ or ‘soap opera’ when covering politics, and instead focus on issues; we believe we accomplished a lot in that regard. We’re grateful to RT for the opportunity, and for fully honoring our contractual independence at all times.”  Replacing Hartmann as host of RT America’s “The Big Picture” brand is noted media consultant and TALKERS columnist and correspondent Holland Cooke.  Cooke is a former radio programmer and talent who came to national prominence during his tenure as PD of all-news WTOP, Washington, DC.  In recent years, he emerged as a significant presence on cable news/talk TV as a regular guest of host Ed Schultz when he was on MSNBC and came along with Schultz when he moved to RT America.  Cooke says, “Woody Allen was right: ‘80% of life is showing up.’ I showed up 20 years ago in Fargo, North Dakota to consult KFGO, where I met Ed Schultz. You’ll recall a TALKERS profile I wrote about him back then. I figured he was goin’ places. Eventually, those places included MSNBC and RT America, where Ed often used me as a ‘talking head.’  On the MSNBC ‘Ed Show,’ I was Mr. Friday, available on Friday nights when true big shots were out having a life. Ed introduced me to his boss at RT, who invited me aboard.”  Hartmann introduced Cooke to the audience during the last segment of his final show.  (To view it, click here).  Although Hartmann’s program was weeknights, the new iteration hosted by Cooke will debut on October 6 as a ½ hour weekend show to start, airing Fridays at 7:00 pm and 10:30 pm with several replays over the weekend.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is booked as a guest on the first program.  According to Cooke, “We will continue to produce ‘The Big Picture’ at RT America headquarters in Washington DC, where I’ll work on Thursdays and Fridays.  On the front half of the week, I will continue to be based out of Block Island, Rhode Island consulting a select roster of radio stations, shows, and hosts, and contributing to TALKERS and publishing my monthly newsletter.”  In addition to Schultz, RT America also features programs hosted by Larry King, Jesse Ventura and others.  It is part of the larger RT Network, a global multilingual television news network based in Moscow, Russia.  It is a non-profit organization with studios and bureaus in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles, in addition to Washington, DC.  Holland Cooke will be TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison’s guest on the next installment of the media-oriented PodcastOne podcast “Up Close and Far Out” scheduled to be posted tomorrow (10/3).

New Hampshire Jury Awards $274.5 Million to Plaintiffs Defamed by Talk Host.  Mortgage broker Michael Gill brokered a talk radio show on Lakes Media’s news/talk WTPL, Concord and used some of that airtime – as well as a billboard campaign – to defame three area businessmen, a jury recently decided.  Last week, the jury awarded Andy Crews, Dick Anagnost, and William Greiner $274.5 million that Gill must pay the three.  Gill used the billboards and his radio show to relentlessly accuse the three of operating a heroin distribution ring in New Hampshire, though he never indicated there was any evidence that was the case.  Read the New Hampshire Union Leader story here.

TALKERS News Notes.  News radio pro Pat Carroll is joining Bloomberg Radio to serve as the lead anchor on the company’s new Boston financial news station WRCA/W291CZ “106.1FM/1330AM.”  She will also join her new colleagues (Tom Moroney, Peter Barnes, Anne Mostue and Dan Pierce) on the “Bloomberg Bay State Business” program slated for expansion next month.  Carroll was a longtime staffer at WCBS-AM, New York where she served as morning drive anchor, co-host of the “Opening Bell Report,” and a staff reporter.  She’ll be based in NYC…..Townsquare Media closes on its purchase of Western Massachusetts radio stations from Gamma Broadcasting and Berkshire Broadcasting.  Those stations are: news/talk WBEC-AM, hot AC WBEC-FM, classic hits WUPE-AM/FM (and an FM translator at 94.1 FM), adult contemporary WNAW-AM, adult contemporary WSBS-AM (and translator W277CJ at 103.3 FM).  Kalil & Co., Inc. represented Gamma and Berkshire…..Last Saturday (9/30), 600 local children in need received brand-new beds through the 2017 “Beds for Kids” project – a joint effort of Seattle Police and KIRO Radio 97.3 FM.  KIRO-FM afternoon personalities Ron & Don have been dedicated and passionate advocates for this project since its inception in 2014.  It was created in 2014 by Seattle police officers Jeremy Wade and Ryan Gallagher after responding to a 911 call where they discovered two young girls had been sleeping on the floor of their home.  They later returned to that same home with brand new beds, both purchased from their own pockets. More than 1,100 beds will have been donated to children through Beds for Kids from 2014-2017.

NFL Anthem Protests, ‘SNL’ Trump Sketch, Puerto Rico Devastation-Trump vs San Juan Mayor, North Korea Tensions, O.J. Simpson Freed, Catalan Independence Vote, MLB Playoffs, College Football, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The actions of NFL players during the national anthem at yesterday’s games; “Saturday Night Live” begins its new season with a Donald Trump sketch; the devastation of Puerto Rico and President Trump’s verbal war with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz; North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s statement that the U.S. and North Korea have open channels to talks; O.J. Simpson leaves prison; the weekend’s referendum for Catalonia to secede from Spain; the Major League Baseball playoff scenario; Saturday’s college football games; and Sunday’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves.  Programming pro Robby Bridges re-signs with Cumulus Media to continue serving as director of FM programming for the company’s Detroit cluster that includes: hot AC WDVD, country WDRQ, and classic country WDRQ-HD2.  Bridges is also on Cumulus’ hot AC and country format SWAT teams and anchors PM drive on WDVD.  Cumulus Detroit OM Mike Wheeler says, “Robby is an ideal programming partner.  He lives and breathes these radio stations and that love shows in what comes out of the speakers and in the quality of the team he’s built.”…..At Mid-West Family Broadcasting in Springfield, Illinois, adult contemporary WNNS program director Chris Murphy is officially named the program director for sister country outlet WUSW, removing the “interim” from his title…..Today, urban contemporary WDAS “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” is honoring local personality Tony Brown on the occasion of his 45th anniversary in radio.  The tribute will take place at 8:00 pm this evening (10/2) at Relish.  Brown says, “I never imagined my radio career would span 45 years, but then again, I love it so much that I never thought of doing anything else.”  Brown currently hosts WDAS’ evening show, “The Quiet Storm.”

Round One of September PPM Ratings Data Released.  The first of four rounds of ratings Information from Nielsen Audio’s September 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 September 2017 survey period covered August 17 – September 13.  See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) New York – A gain of six-tenths (1.8 – 2.4, 6+) enables Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WNSH “94.7 Nash FM” to vault from #20 to a three-way tie at #15. Even though it is without a decrease for the eighth successive sweep and is up seven-tenths in that stretch (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1 New York’s Hip-Hop and R&B” backslides from eighth to ninth. Progressing by one-half share each are CBS Radio all-news and sports talk siblings WINS (4.9 – 5.4, fifth to third, 6+) and WFAN-FM “The Fan” (ninth to seventh, 6+). By notching a +.2 in August, WINS halted four straight dips that resulted in a collective -1.1 (5.8 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Not only is this the third straight gain for “The Fan” (3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), which is a collective +1.1 since June, 4.6 is its best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. On two prior occasions, New York Yankees flagship “The Fan” registered a 4.5 (6+). Co-owned classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “New York’s Greatest Hits,” however, is a combined -1.1 in August and September (6.6 – 6.1 – 5.5, 6+) and exits the #1 spot after just a one-month stay there. Its one-half share dip in August curtailed at four a streak of successive up or flat trends that netted a combined seven-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+). Prior to August, the last time “New York’s Greatest Hits” was at #1 was in May. In back-to-back months, 6.1 (6+) is what is required to set the pace in New York City – only this time – it is iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW hitting that mark (6.0 – 6.1, +.1, 6+), with “106.7 Lite FM” again taking over at #1. Its loss of seven-tenths in August (6.7 – 6.0, 6+) completely erased three straight gains that yielded that exact margin (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+). After finishing at #1 for three consecutive months, “Lite FM” dropped to #2 in August. 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+). Dropping from #13 to #14, Cumulus Media hot AC WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” is off by two-tenths to 2.6 (6+), ending at five its successive string of up or flat trends that netted four-tenths (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). Format rival – CBS Radio’s WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” – is flat at 3.0 and remains at #12 (6+). The two hot AC competitors were tied at 2.6 in July, but “Fresh” had held the advantage over WPLJ in each of the previous seven ratings periods. Notwithstanding that it hasn’t had an increase in the last eight ratings periods (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC has lost just two-tenths in that timeframe and slips from #21 to #22. Two streaks come to an end for the market’s major CHRs. Specifically, iHeartMedia-owned WHTZ “Z-100” drops four-tenths to 4.5 (fifth to eighth, 6+), ending three up or flat months for a +.3 (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), while CBS Radio’s WBMP “92.3 Amp” picks up one-tenth to 2.0 but stays at #19 (6+); “Amp” was down or flat the past four sweeps for a collective loss of four-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+).

2) Los Angeles – Not only does iHeartMedia urban contemporary KRRL haul out an impressive +.9 (2.6 – 3.5, 6+), “Real 92.3 – LA’s Home for Hip-Hop” rockets from #15 all the way to part of a three-way logjam at #6. Moreover, “Real” has its best 6+-stat since flipping from urban-rhythmic oldies KHHT “Hot 92.3” in February 2015. Without a decrease for a ninth consecutive monthly for an overall gain of one full-share in that period (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), CBS Radio-owned alternative KROQ has its strongest 6+-showing since June 2016’s 2.9, yet drops from a three-way tie at #12 to #15. Similarly-programmed/iHeartMedia-owned KYSR-FM “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” is down or flat for the seventh time in a row for a collective loss of seven-tenths (3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+) and skids from #15 to #18. Off by nine-tenths in three straight declines (3.1 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” recaptures seven tenths to 2.9 (6+) and catapults from #20 to a three-way tie at #12. Its Spanish contemporary sibling KLVE “K-Love 107.5,” however, falters by seven-tenths (4.2 – 3.5, 6+) and carries on at #6. An August gain of one-half share (1.4 – 1.9, 6+) elevated Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC to its best 6+-showing since February’s 2.1, but “89.3 The Voice of Southern California” drops two-tenths to 1.7, sliding from #22 to #24 (6+). The “stream” though of the American Public Media Group-operated facility debuts with a one-half share to check in at #40 (.5, 6+). Even though only advancing by two-tenths, KSPN “ESPN LA 710” hasn’t had a decrease in the past five ratings periods (.8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+). Owing to an increase of three-tenths to 1.9 (#22, 6+), 93.9 Holdings regional Mexican KXOS “Radio Centro 93.9” halts at five a skein of down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+). Following four successive up or flat trends that netted eight-tenths (5.6 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “My-FM” surrenders half that gain to 6.0 (-.4, 6+), but is #1 for the eighth straight ratings period. When KBIG dropped one-tenth in April, it ended three straight uptrends, which netted a combined full-share gain (4.7 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+). 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 third straight time that its CHR and adult contemporary cluster-mates KIIS “102.7 Kiss-FM” (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+) and KOST “Coast 103” (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+) are without increases, but they remain at #4 and #5, respectively. The January through September trending for news/talk sibling KFI is 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Meanwhile, co-owned, similarly-formatted KEIB’s March through September line is 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7 (#35, 6+). While it maintains its #2 ranking for the sixth straight sweep, CBS Radio smooth AC KTWV “The Wave” forfeits the six-tenths it gained in August and one-tenth more (5.9 – 5.2, -.7, 6+). Between March and July, “The Wave” trended a very consistent 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.3 (6+). For the fourth time in the last five sweeps, classic hits-oldies sibling KRTH “K-Earth 101” registers a 4.8 and is unchanged at #3, (4.8 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). A combined -.7 via three consecutive declines, Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “Zona MX 101.9” dips from #18 to #20 (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.1 6+). At #28, University of Southern California’s classical KUSC is down or flat for the fourth consecutive time (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+).

3) Chicago – Rebounding from an August loss of seven-tenths with a September gain of six-tenths (6.7 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” is on top for the eighth successive month. The -.7 in August halted four consecutive up or flat trends for a +1.1 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.1 – 6.7, 6+). Finishing in the runner-up slot as it did in July and August, Hubbard hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” is without a loss for the fourth straight time for a collective gain of six-tenths (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-programmed WLIT “93.9 My-FM The Best Variety” is trending 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.5 (6+) and falls from a four-way logjam at #17 to #19. Three straight modest increases have netted Cumulus Media-owned WLS-FM four-tenths (2.8 -3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+), with “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” carrying on at #11, while CBS Radio’s similarly-formatted WJMK “K-Hits 104.3” remains at #17 (2.6 – 2.7, +.1, 6+). Trending 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 (6+), Univision Radio Spanish urban WVIV “Latino Mix 93.5” loses roughly half of its 6+-stat (.7, -.5, #27, 6+), with .5 its lowest (6+ AQH) performance in the PPM-era. After recording five straight up or flat trends for a collective +1.6 (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), CBS Radio-owned WUSN surrenders four-tenths to 3.8 (6+), slipping from fourth to fifth; 4.2 in August was the best 6+-showing for “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” since October 2014’s 4.4. Steady at #21, its format rival – iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” – regains one-tenth of the six-tenths it lost in August (2.8 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+). Down or flat for the seventh straight ratings period for a collective -1.7 (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), WGN fades from #15 to #19. Immediately prior to this particular streak, the Tribune Media Company news/talk outlet posted three consecutive sweeps without a loss for an overall one-half share gain (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+). Finishing at #25, Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed WLS-AM has lost a collective one-half share in five successive down or flat trends (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3, 6+). By picking up three-tenths to 2.9 (#17 to #14, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ breaks its 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.6 (6+) pattern. Albeit that it is flat at 3.9 (6+), CBS Radio-owned sports talk/Chicago Cubs flagship WSCR “670 The Score” jumps from seventh to fourth, while ESPN Radio’s WMVP adds two-tenths to 1.5 (6+), ending at five a consecutive string of down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.3, 6+). While unchanged at #8, WSCR cluster-mate WBBM-FM “Chicago’s B-96” is without an increase for the fourth straight time for a collective -.6 (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+), while iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WKSC “103.5 Kiss FM – Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” drops three-tenths (4.1 – 3.8, 6+) and remains in fifth-place. Trending 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6, April – May – June (6+), Window to the World classical WFMT is unlisted for the third consecutive month.

4) San Francisco – Down a collective six-tenths in July and August (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3 – More Music, More Variety” regains all but one-tenth to climb from fifth to a fourth-place tie (4.2, +.5, 6+). As a result of a +.4 to 3.6 (6+), CBS Radio-owned/similarly-formatted KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” (eighth to seventh) pulls the plug on three straight decreases that accounted for the loss of one-full-share (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). After adding one-half share in August (7.1 – 7.6, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED-FM relinquishes 60% of that increase (7.3, -.3, 6+), but is on top in San Francisco for the ninth successive time. A gain of four-tenths in July halted at four a successive streak without an increase that produced a -1.0 (7.7 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+). In each of the nine sweeps that KQED-FM has finished first, the runner-up is CBS Radio-owned all-news KCBS-AM, which adds two-tenths to 6.0 (6+), thus curtailing four consecutive down or flat monthlies that yielded a loss of one-half share (6.3 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). As they did in August, adult contemporary stations finish third and fourth, but the order changes. Specifically, Entercom’s KOIT-FM “96.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” – off for the fifth consecutive time for an overall loss of -1.2 (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+) – nonetheless advances from fourth to third, while iHeartMedia-owned KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” squanders 75% of August’s +.4 (4.5 – 4.2, -.3, 6+) to slip from third to fourth. Slumping from eighth to tenth, Cumulus Media-owned San Francisco Giants flagship KNBR “The Sports Leader” is down or flat for the fifth time in a row for a cumulative -1.2 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+). At the same time, the key station of the Oakland A’s – Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (#25 to #26) – has lost more than 50% of its 6+-share since June in three successive sweeps without an increase (2.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+); May’s +.3 put an end to a 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 (6+) trending. Regressing by six-tenths each are Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena,” which plummets from #10 to #16 (2.4, 6+), and Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-programmed KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” (2.0, #16 to #19, 6+). “Que Buena” was up seven-tenths via three straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), while “La Raza” halts a string of four consecutive improvements that netted a +1.2 (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.6, 6+). The three stations tied at #13 in August with a 2.7 (6+) – Entercom urban AC “102.9 The Bay’s R&B”; iHeartMedia 1980’s hits KOSF “iHeart80s @ 103.7”; and Cumulus Media classic rock KSAN “107.7 The Bone” – all drop one-tenth to 2.6 and are now linked at #12. A collective +.8 in June and July (2.5 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+), KBLX surrendered 75% of that gain in August (-.6, 6+). Prior to July, the last time KBLX reached the three-share level was in April 2016 with a 3.0 (6+). This concludes eight straight sweeps without a loss for KSAN which was up six-tenths in that stretch (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+); KOSF had registered a 2.7 (6+) in three of the previous five ratings periods. The significantly consistent October 2016 through September 2017 6+-line for iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 for Hip-Hop and R&B in the Bay Area” (#12 to #11) is 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8. As the result of five straight (minor) decreases (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KRBQ “Q-102.1 The Throwback Station” is down six-tenths and slides from #19 to #20. For the sixth straight month, Entercom-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” is unlisted in San Francisco, but it still appears in print in San Jose. The station’s March 2017 6+-San Francisco stat was 1.5.

5) Dallas – In three straight down or flat trends, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNO faltered by a collective nine-tenths (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+) but “Que Buena 94.1” recoups all of it – and then some – with a +1.3 to 4.9, zooming from eighth to second (6+). This is the strongest 6+-stat for “Que Buena” since 5.3 last November. Notching its seventh consecutive up or flat trend for a +1.4 (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Spanish contemporary cluster-mate KDXX “Latino Mix” is steady at #11. All three of the market’s sports properties are involved in various ratings streaks. In the case of Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket,” a one-half share increase to 3.1 (#16 to #13, 6+) pulls the plug on three straight monthlies without an increase that resulted in a -.7 (3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+), whereas in seven straight up or flat trends, CBS Radio-owned KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (#19 to #18) has nearly doubled its 6+-share (1.4 – 1.5 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.6, 6+). Meanwhile, a gain of two tenths to 1.3 (#31, 6+) helps KESN “ESPN Dallas 103.3” apply the brakes to four consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.3, 6+). Trending 5.6 – 5.8 – 5.7 (July – August – September, 6+), Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX “The Wolf” is #1 for the ninth successive time. July’s 5.6 was the lowest 6+-share for “The Wolf” since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.7. Not only is co-owned KSCS up in back-to-back months to inch up from fifth to fourth (4.4 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+), “New Country 96.3” registers the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. Slipping by one-half share each are iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss-FM,” down for the third straight time (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.8, second to third, 6+) and CBS Radio classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 K-LUV,” which returns its one-half share gain in August (4.6 – 5.1 – 4.6, third to fifth, 6+). Following four straight increases that netted nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock KZPS “Lone Star 92.5” (fourth to sixth, 6+) is without an increase for the fourth successive time for an overall loss of one full-share (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.5, 6+). From the first of the year through September 2017, the 6+-line for Radio One rhythmic CHR KBFB “97.9 The Beat” (#17 to a three-way tie at #15) is 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.7, while iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks’ (unchanged at #10) has been trending 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.4 (6+) since April. Another model of consistency (February through September) is Service Broadcasting urban contemporary KKDA-FM “K-104 Hip-Hop and R&B” (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1, #11 to #13, 6+). Although flat at 2.2 (6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WBAP returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). It is one-tenth ahead of CBS Radio’s somewhat similarly-formatted KRLD-AM (flat at #22), whose ten (10) trends since “Holiday” 2016 have been within a high of 2.3 and a low of 2.0 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+).

6) Houston – Hurricane Harvey began making its presence felt in southern Texas on August 25, approximately one week after the start of the September 2017 survey period. There are no significant (6+) spikes though among the market’s news/talk outlets as iHeartMedia’s KTRH “AM 740 Houston’s News, Weather, & Traffic Station” is up a modest two-tenths (3.7 – 3.9, #13 to #12, 6+) and co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” gains one-tenth (.2 – .3, 6+) and can be found in a six-way logjam at #30 with Dan Patrick’s KSEV “AM 700 – The Voice of Texas,” which is actually down one-tenth (.4 – .3, 6+). Meanwhile in the public news/talk arena, University of Houston-owned KUHF adds one-tenth to August’s one-half share gain (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.3, #15 to #14). Without a decrease between February and July for a collective +1.2 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK stumbled in August with a -1.1. Over and above responding in September with a +1.3 (5.4 – 6.7, 6+) to progress from third to second, “The Eagle” records the strongest 6+-share in its PPM-history. An improvement of nine-tenths (2.0 – 2.9, 6+) lifts Liberman regional Mexican KTJM “La Raza” (#20 to #17) to its highest 6+-share since April 2016 (2.9, as well). Co-owned and similarly-programmed KEYH “La Ranchera” is up one-half share (.2 – .7, 6+) and checks in at #27, where it is tied with another station in the format – Univision Radio’s KQBU “Que Buena 93.3” – which has more than tripled its 6+-share in six straight up or flat trends (.2 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .6 – .7 – .7, 6+). In seven consecutive sweeps without a decrease, CBS Radio’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” has more than doubled its 6+-share (.8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.7, #22, 6+). While the main FM signal of iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz” shows a seven-tenths increase to 4.3 (6+) and cracks the top ten (#14 to #9), its regional Mexican HD2 channel, which debuted in August at #20 with a 1.1, erodes by seven-tenths to .4 and freefalls to #29 (6+). “The Buzz” curtails at four a string of consecutive losses that produced a -.8 (4.4 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). This marks the fifth consecutive increase for Radio One CHR KROI “92.1 Radio Now” (#23) for a collective gain of one-half share (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+). Up one-tenth in both August and September (7.0 – 7.1 – 7.2, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” returns to #1 from the runner-up slot. “Majic” spent six consecutive months on top before segueing to #2 in August. Its previous three trends were +1.4 (May); -.6 (June); and -.7 (July). Up a combined +1.0 in back-to-back monthlies (6.9 – 7.2 – 7.9, January-February-March, 6+), “Majic” returned all of it in April (6.9, 6+) before notching May’s +1.4. Displaced from the top and falling to third is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1,” which relinquishes in its entirety the eight-tenths it gained this time last month (6.4 – 7.2 – 6.4, 6+). Immediately prior to September’s -.8, “Sunny” was a collective +1.7 via four straight up or flat monthlies (5.5 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+) and notched its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016 (10.3). The rollercoaster ride continues for CBS Radio hot AC KHMX, as “Houston’s Mix 96-5,” was +.6 in June; -.6 in July; +.6 in August; and now -.5 in September (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 3.3, #12 to #14, 6+). Following four straight gains that yielded a cumulative +1.3 (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), “Mix” lost four-tenths in May. Locked on 5.1 (6+) in June and July and then slipping two-tenths to 4.9 (6+) in August, adult hits sibling KKHH “95.7 The Spot” is (like “Mix”) off by one-half share (4.4, fifth to seventh, 6+).

7) Atlanta – In addition to hanging out a lofty increase of one full-share (8.9 – 9.9, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talker WSB-AM is #1 for the 21^st straight ratings period. Prior to June’s +.2, WSB-AM had been down or flat the previous four sweeps for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (10.7 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 8.6, 6+). Even though runner-up, CBS Radio urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station,” adds one-tenth to 6.0 (6+), ending three straight down or flat trends (6.5 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 5.9, 6+), it trails WSB-AM by nearly four shares. January 2017’s 10.7 represents WSB-AM’s best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. WSB-AM isn’t the only Atlanta station posting an August 2017 – September 2017 +1.0 though as Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” does so as well (4.3 – 5.3, 6+), propelling “The Fish” from ninth to third. When WFSH picked up four-tenths in August, it halted four straight down or flat trends (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+) that resulted in a combined -1.5. Trending 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.5 (6+) since April, CBS Radio sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” logs a +.7 to 3.2, its strongest 6+-share since January’s 4.4, and moves from #17 to #16. Within 4.1 – 4.5 range (6+) the past 12 survey periods, Cumulus Media CHR WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” improves by one-half share and rockets into the top ten (4.2 – 4.7, #12 to #6, 6+); iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” is without an increase for the fourth straight time (4.3 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), but advances from #13 to #12. Declining by one-half share each are Radio One gospel WPZE “Praise 102.5 – Atlanta’s Inspiration Station” (4.5 – 4.0, #8 to #11, 6+); iHeartMedia’s country-formatted WUBL “94.9 The Bull” (4.3 – 3.8, #9 to #13, 6+); and Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1 – Today’s Best Mix” (3.4, #13 to #15, 6+). A +.8 in August by “Praise” pulled the plug on three straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a combined loss of six-tenths (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+). A collective +1.9 as the result of seven successive upticks (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+), “The Bull” dropped two-tenths in August. July’s 4.5 was its best 6+-showing since 4.6 in July 2016. Meanwhile, the September loss curtails five consecutive positive trends by “Star” that netted a +.9 (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). In the market’s competitive urban AC battle, Cox Media Group’s WALR “Kiss 104.1” is off three-tenths for the third consecutive ratings period (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+) but remains at #3, while Radio One-owned WAMJ “Majic – The Real Sound of Atlanta” drops two-tenths and slips from fifth to seventh (4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Segueing from fourth to fifth, Cox Media Group’s WSRV “Classic Hits 97.1 The River” is a collective -1.8 as the result of its fourth straight downward trend (6.7 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+). A loss of one-tenth in June concluded at five its streak of consecutive gains that generated a +2.3 (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). For the fourth time in the last five sweeps – including the last three – Cumulus Media news/talk WYAY logs a 1.8 and remains at #18 (6+).

8) Philadelphia – Just as two Atlanta stations improved month-to-month by +1.0 (see above), a pair of Philadelphia outlets are +1.1 from August. Specifically, iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” is 6.0 – 7.1, jumping from fourth to second (6+), while CBS Radio sports outlet WIP is 5.3 – 6.4 and remains at #5. Regarding WDAS-FM, the +1.1 applies the brakes to four straight decreases that accounted for a combined -1.0 since May when it was #1 (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+). Off a collective full-share in June and July (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), WIP gained eight-tenths in August. The market’s other FM sports facility – Beasley Media Group’s WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic” – records its third straight up or flat trend (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.0, #19 to #18, 6+). One-tenth ahead of “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” is Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM,” which picks up one-half share to advance from #3 to #1 (6.7 – 7.2, 6+). It is the first time at the top spot for “More FM” since February when it ended a seven-straight month run there and its highest 6+-share since February’s 7.9. Format rival – CBS Radio-owned WTDY “Today’s 96.5” – surrenders six-tenths (2.8 – 2.2, 6+) to slip from #16 to #17. Knocked off the top is its classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL, which sputters by eight tenths to 6.6 (6+) and drops to fourth. The 6+-shares for WOGL in its three straight months at #1 were 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.4 (6+). It returned to the top spot in June after transitioning from first to third in May. As the result of five straight down or flat trends, Beasley Media Group-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” is -1.4 (6.0 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). Continuing an up/down pattern (3.0 – 3.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 1.8, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is off by six-tenths in September and dips from #18 to #19. Consistently trending between 4.1 and 4.4 (6+) in each of the past seven sweeps, iHeartMedia CHR WIOQ is off three-tenths to 3.8 (6+). “Q-102 Philly’s #1 Hit Music Station” drops from ninth to tenth, where it is tied with co-owned WRFF “Radio 104.5 – Philadelphia’s Alternative Rock,” which registers a 3.8 (6+) for the third consecutive time. Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, urban-rhythmic oldies WISX “Real 106.1 – #1 for Throwbacks” is a collective +.9 via its third consecutive gain (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.9, #17 to #15, 6+). Frozen on 3.8 (6+) in May and June and then on 3.7 (6+) in July and August, Radio One urban AC WRNB “100.3 R&B + Old School” dips three-tenths to 3.5 (#11 to #13, 6+).

9) Long Island – Within 4.0 – 4.5 (6+) range since the “Holiday” 2016 report, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB erupts with a +1.1 (4.3 – 5.4, 6+), leaping from fifth to second. In addition, “Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” crosses the five-share threshold (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. After being down one full-share as the result of six consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WNSH “94.7 Nash FM” recoups half that loss with a +.1 to 2.0 and returns to the top twenty (#23 to #20, 6+). Advancing by one-half share as well and climbing from #14 to #12 is its hot AC sibling WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ,” which is up or flat for the sixth straight time for a cumulative +1.0 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.2, 6+); 3.2 is its highest 6+-share in Long Island since July 2016 (3.2, as well). While it remains at #9, iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” extends to nine its successive string of up or flat trends that has netted a +1.1 (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+). After three consecutive gains that generated a +2.1 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 6.3, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM dropped one-tenth in July; bounced back with a +.7 in August; but surrenders six-tenths in September (6.2 – 6.9 – 6.3, 6+). Even so, “Real Variety 97.5” is #1 for the fourth consecutive sweep. A full-share loss in March (5.2 – 4.2, 6+) resulted in “Real Variety” tumbling from fourth to seventh, but it jumped to first in April with a gain of nine-tenths. Down or flat for the fifth successive sweep for a -1.1 (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WBZO “103.1 Max FM” drifts from fifth to tenth. Off seven-tenths as well is New York City’s WABC, which has seen its 6+-share in the Long Island report cut by more than 50% in six straight down or flat trends (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.4, 6+); the Cumulus Media news/talker exits the top twenty (#19 to #23). At the same time, similarly-programmed/iHeartMedia-owned New York Mets flagship WOR regresses by one-half share (2.9 – 2.4, 6+), skidding from #12 to #16. Following six straight months of logging a 2.0 (6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WWPR “Power 105.1” dips to 1.9 but stays at #21 (6+). Dropping from a third-place tie to fifth, CHR sibling WHTZ “Z-100” has a June 2017 – September 2017 pattern of 5.0 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 4.9 (6+). Within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 34^th straight sweep, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” is off one-tenth (2.4 – 2.3, 6+) and drops from #16 to #17.

10) Riverside – Honors for largest (6+) August 2017 – September 2017 improvement for any station in the 12 PPM-markets listed here go to the Inland Empire’s KOLA, which doubles August’s -.7 with a gain twice that margin (5.1 – 6.5, +1.4, 6+). The Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies outlet moves from #3 back to the runner-up slot it held between January and July; KOLA was in second-place six straight times before dropping to third in “Holiday” 2016. A combined +1.0 in April and May (5.2 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+), KOLA repeated June’s -.2 in July (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+). Its -.4 in March ended at five a 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. It now trails Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” (7.0 – 7.7, +.7, 6+), which is #1 for the 23^rd consecutive ratings period, by 1.2 shares (6+). When “Jose” gained three-tenths in August, it ended six consecutive decreases for a net loss of -2.7 (9.4 – 9.2 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 6.7, 6+); “Jose” fell below a seven-share for the first time since May 2016’s 6.5. 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. Improving by one-half share each are Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “89.7 Family Friendly” (2.1, steady at #10, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” (.7 – 1.2, #14 to #13, 6+). KSGN had been trending 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6 (6+) and it reaches the two-share level (6+) for the first time since December 2015’s 2.0. Contrasted to KOLA, Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB “Que Buena 96.1” posts the highest (6+) August 2017 – September 2017 decrease in any of these 12 PPM-markets (2.6, -1.6, fifth to eighth, 6+). Moreover, it curtails at three its consecutive skein of increases that netted a +1.1 (3.1 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2, 6+). Steady at #4, CBS Radio country outlet KFRG “K-Frog” sputters by eight-tenths (4.9 – 4.1, 6+). Unchanged at #12, All-Pro Broadcasting’s KHTI “Hot 103.9 – Move to the Music” is off a collective eight-tenths in five straight down or flat trends (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+).

11) San Jose – On the heels of August’s +1.1 (3.7 – 4.8, 6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” goes one-tenth better with a +1.2 to 6.0, its strongest 6+-stat since 8.0 in the “Holiday” 2016 report. In addition, “Bay FM” cruises from fifth to third. Three straight down or flat trends caused Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXZM to lose exactly half of its 6+-share (3.0 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 1.5, 6+); however, “Radio Lazer 93.7” responds with a +.7 to 2.2, vaulting from #26 to a three-way tie at #18. Increasing by seven-tenths as well – but flat at #12 – is Cumulus Media news/talk KGO (2.5 – 3.2, 6+), which has its best 6+-stat since January’s 3.3. Improving by one-half share in both August and September (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3 – More Music, More Variety” climbs from ninth to seventh. This represents the most potent 6+-stat for “Star” in San Jose in over five years (4.7, August 2012, 6+). Registering a gain of one-half share as well are Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “Hot Country 95.3” (4.3 – 4.8, seventh to sixth, 6+); iHeartMedia’s KMEL “#1 for Hip-Hop and R&B,” which had been trending 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.9 (6+), but is now 2.4 (#19 to #16, 6+); and CBS Radio-owned KITS, which was 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 and goes to 2.1, the first time “Live 105 – The Bay Area’s Alternative” (#21) crosses the two-share level (6+) since last October’s 2.0. Recapturing the four-tenths it lost in August, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED-FM (7.3 – 6.9 – 7.3, 6+) is #1 for the third straight time, breaking August’s tie with CBS Radio all-news outlet KCBS-AM, which is off two-tenths (6.9 – 6.7, 6+) and takes over at #2. Recapturing 80% of the cumulative -1.5 it lost in four straight downward sweeps (7.6 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+), KQED-FM advanced from third to first in July. Unlisted in San Jose since posting a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KQED-FM returned in January 2017 by recording a 6.9 (6+) to finish at #1 and had been on top through April. When KCBS-AM added three-tenths in May, it ended a string of three consecutive down or flat trends that produced a -.6 (6.7 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+). Immediately after adding one full-share in August, Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM “96.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” forfeits all of it plus another one-tenth (3.8 – 4.8 – 3.7, -1.1, 6+), sliding from fifth to ninth, with its lowest 6+-share in San Jose since last November’s 2.9. August’s +1.0 ended at four its consecutive streak of negative or flat trends that resulted in a loss of seven-tenths (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+). It is a slightly similar situation for Alpha Media hot AC KEZR “Mix 106 – Today’s Best Music,” which more than wipes out August’s +.6 with a -.9 in September (6.0 – 5.1, 6+) to fall from third to fourth; 6.0 in August was its highest 6+-share since March 2015 (6.0, as well). Having picked up one-half share in July, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ has followed with a -.7 in August and now a -.6 in September (3.9 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+), with “98.1 The Breeze” spiraling from #10 to #15.

12) Middlesex – Without a decrease in each of the last six ratings periods for a collective +1.4 (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0, 6+), CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “New York’s Greatest Hits” inches up from fifth to fourth with its highest 6+-share since reaching 5.1 in February 2016. Progressing by one-half share in August and September (5.0 – 5.5 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock” continues at #3 and has its highest 6+-share in this New Jersey market in exactly one year (6.0, September 2016, 6+). It regressed by six-tenths in July to curtail at six a successive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +.9 (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.6, 6+). Wiping away August’s one-half share loss with September’s one-half share gain is Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “93.1 Amor” (2.7 – 2.2 – 2.7, 6+), which climbs from #20 to #17. A gain of one-half share enables CBS Radio sports talk WFAN-FM “The Fan” (3.8 – 4.3, tenth to seventh, 6+) to register its highest 6+-share since January 2016’s 4.5. As the result of ten (10) straight up or flat trends, Press Communications’ WKMK “Thunder 106 – Jersey’s Best Country” (#25) has more than doubled its 6+-share (.4 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .8 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+). Despite turning over two-thirds of August’s gain of six-tenths (7.4 – 7.0, -.4, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW is #1 for the ninth 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. Carrying on at #2, Emmis urban AC WBLS drops one-tenth to 6.6 (6+), thus ending three consecutive gains that netted a +1.5 – all but two-tenths coming as a result of August’s +1.3 (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 6.7, 6+). Up by a combined one-half share in July and August (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3” falters by eight-tenths to 3.6, falling from sixth to tenth (6+). Picking up one half share in back-to-back ratings periods (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.5, June – July – August, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” returns 60% of that full-share gain (4.9, -.6, third to fifth, 6+). This marks the sixth time in the last eight sweeps that iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU (#13 to #14) records a 2.8 (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). It is tied at #14 (down from #13 in August) with Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WXNY “X-96.3,” which is down or flat for the sixth successive month for a collective -.7 (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+).