Tag: "Richard Neer"

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Eric Brooks Exits WTMJ, Milwaukee to Join KCBS-AM, San Francisco. As Milwaukee heritage news/talk prepares to change hands from E.W. Scripps to Good Karma Brands on Thursday (along with sister soon-to-be-sports talk WKTI-FM), the station is bidding adieu to director of news and programming Eric Brooks as he joins Entercom’s all-news KCBS-AM, San Francisco as assistant news director.  General manager Tom Langmyer (who himself is leaving the duo when it changes hands on Thursday) says Brooks has “grown tremendously” during his eight years at WTMJ. “As director of news & programming at WTMJ, we’ve counted on his being dedicated and engaged every day on content – and he’s challenged our team to lead on topics, stories, events, and community service.”  Brooks comments, “For someone who has been a news/talk/sports broadcaster, this is a dream come true.  The Bay Area is one of the richest markets for spoken-word formats and I’m beyond humbled to join Jennifer Seelig and the talented team at KCBS.  My thanks to Steve Wexler, Tom Langmyer, and Scripps for the tremendous opportunity and trust in leading this great heritage brand over the past few years. Milwaukee is a very special place with very special people, many of whom are lifelong friends.” Brooks starts at KCBS-AM on November 12. Steve Wexler (taking over for Langmyer) has begun the recruiting process for a new programming leader for WTMJ.

WDEL, Wilmington Makes Programming Adjustments.  Program director Chris Carl announces a new programming lineup on Delmarva Broadcasting’s news/talk WDEL-AM/FM. The syndicated Clark Howard program now airs from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Following Howard is “Delaware’s Afternoon News,” hosted by Carl.  Allan Loudell moves to the late morning daypart hosting “Del-AWARE with Allan Loudell” from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.  Regarding the afternoon drive show, Carl says it will bring listeners “the latest news from Delaware and around the world, TrafficWatch on the 9s, the up-to-the-minute AccuWeather forecast, and sports with “Big” Don Voltz,” as well as “more reporting on health issues, the latest in technology, travel ideas and the award-winning daily commentary from Dave Ross.”  He says Loudell’s program “will focus on news and issues for the First State, but he’ll feature more in-depth coverage, with lengthier reports that allow for deeper digging by the WDEL News team.”

Rick Lewis Re-Ups with iHeartMedia Denver. Radio personality Rick Lewis re-ups with iHeartMedia on a new three-year deal to keep him there through the end of 2021.  Lewis hosts the morning drive show on classic rock KRFX “103.5 The Fox” and co-hosts the afternoon drive program with Dave Logan on sister news/talk KOA.  Additionally, Lewis works Denver Broncos games for flagship station KOA as color analyst.  Lewis says, “I feel very blessed and grateful to iHeartMedia and our market president Tim Hager for the opportunity to do what I love to do and that is make radio magic.  I am also very grateful to the fans that allow me into their homes, cars, and offices daily to be a part of their lives.  This is a performance-based business and without their support I wouldn’t be here.  As long as I stay healthy, continue to do good work and have fun, I’m not going anywhere.  The best is yet to come!”

WIP, Philadelphia Ends Wing Bowl Promotional Event. On this morning’s program on sports talk WIP, Philadelphia, Angelo Cataldi and Al Morganti announced that last February’s Wing Bowl – the 26^th edition – was the last.  The station decided to end the mega-promotion that began in 1993.  Program director Spike Eskin explained to the WIP audience that the initial Wing Bowl –held the Friday before the Super Bowl – was borne of the frustration of the Philadelphia Eagles not getting to “the promised land” year after year.  With the Eagles championship last season, it seemed like the right time to go out.  The first Wing Bowl was held in a hotel lobby.  It rapidly grew into a huge event and was packing the Wells Fargo center in its final years.

KPCC, Pasadena Evacuated During Bomb Scare.  As reported by the Los Angeles Times, public radio news/talk KPCC, Pasadena was evacuated – as were nearby businesses – for a period on Monday evening (10/29) after authorities were called to investigate a suspicious device that were affixed to the undercarriage of a U-Haul truck.  The device did appear to actually have been an explosive one but was designed to look like a pipe bomb.  Police detonated the device and the explosion was described as not loud.  Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.

Elvis Duran’s 4^th Annual Art Carney Awards Honors Hollywood’s Great Character Actors. On Sunday evening (10/28), the “most recognizable faces in television and film” were at the 4^th Annual Carney Awards, created by nationally syndicated radio host Elvis Duran, Elvis Duran Group CEO David Katz, and his brother Jim Katz and is dedicated to honoring Hollywood’s great character actors. This year’s class of inductees included: Joe Morton, Jessica Walter, Joe Pantoliano, M. Emmet Walsh, James Cromwell, and Bruce Greenwood.  Actor Patton Oswalt served as this year’s host, while performers Donny Most (“Happy Days”) and his Orchestra and recording artist Lily Meola lent their musical talents to the ceremony.  Mike Farrell, Harrison Ford, Marilu Henner, Debbie Allen, Gregg Henry, and Stephen Tobolowsky served as presenters during the show that will be telecast on Tribune Broadcasting’s WPIX, New York on Saturday, November 24 at 8:00 pm ET.  Pictured above are (from l-r): David Katz, Morton, Greenwood, Walter, actor and voice-over artist Brian Carney, Cromwell, Walsh, and Jim Katz. (Photo: Brian Friedman)

‘Red Pilled America’ Podcast Launches on iHeartRadio. New to the iHeartRadio Original Podcast offerings is “Red Pilled America” – created by the husband-and-wife team of Patrick Courrielche (left) and Adryana Cortez (right).  The two, along with Premiere Networks, describe the new program as “a weekly storytelling series that promises only one thing – the truth.  Each episode will search for answers in the stories of forgotten men and women of America. Why is the middle class shrinking? What is causing the homeless crisis in Los Angeles? Is ‘fake news’ really a new phenomenon?”  Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott comments, “Patrick and Adryana are a powerful creative and investigative force.  With their background in journalism and marketing, they’ll expertly guide listeners through the tough questions and topics that Americans face every day in a crowded and often conflicting media landscape.  We’re confident ‘Red Pilled America’ will inform, entertain and enlighten audiences.”

Pittsburgh Synagogue Slayings, Mail Bombs Case, Midterm Elections, Migrant Caravan, Hillary Clinton 2020 Aspirations, Indonesian Jet Crash, NFL Action, and Boston Red Sox beat Los Angeles Dodgers in World Series Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/29). The deadly assault on a Pittsburgh synagogue that took the lives of 11; the case of mail bomber Cesar Sayoc; the November midterm elections and the battle for control of the House and Senate; the migrant caravan making its way through Mexico to the U.S. border; speculation about whether Hillary Clinton will run for president in 2020; the Lion Air flight 610 crash; the weekend’s NFL action; and the Boston Red Sox triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World series were some of the stories discussed on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. After selling its television assets in 2017, Saga Communications said it will consider the acquisition of radio stations if they are seen as beneficial to the company and CEO Ed Christian likes the Ocala-Gainesville cluster owned by Ocala Broadcasting.  Saga is entering into an agreement to buy country WOGK-FM and the three-station “Wind FM” classic rock-formatted properties WNDT-FM, WNDD-FM, and WNDN-FM.  Christian is quoted saying, “A number of years ago we let the Dix family know that these stations would be a great fit for Saga.  It’s not often you get the opportunity to buy stations from the fifth generation of the founding family.  We see a lot of opportunity with these stations and these markets.  We are pleased that the family has decided to entrust Saga with continuing their long-standing heritage of serving the Gainesville-Ocala region with market leading WOGK “K-Country 93.7” and the WIND classic rock trimulcast.   Saga intends to continue building its business in radio by identifying and acquiring middle market stations in dynamic communities.”…..Rock WWSK, Smithtown, New York “94.3 The Shark” announces that Rob Rush is the new program director and morning personality Brian Orlando is taking on assistant program director duties.  Rush has been with the station since 2003, most recently as music director, a role he accepted in August of 2017.  Connoisseur Media SVP regional strategy and market manager for Long Island Jim Condron comments, “It is always a pleasure to be able to recognize and reward talents like Rob and Brian, both of these men live and breathe ‘The Shark.’ We are very fortunate to have two such talented individuals expanding their roles with us.”…..In New York City, Emmis Communications promotes Bethany Kent to director of marketing and events for the radio stations – rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97,” urban AC WBLS, and Gospel WLIB-AM – as well as serving as lead producer for live events including the Summer Jam and Circle of Sisters…..Envision Networks invites the industry to join a free webinar event called, “Music Research in the Age of Digital,” presented by RadioTraks president Hal Fish.  He says, “While the way we interact with radio listeners has drastically changed due to the evolution of digital platforms, our need for actionable data about their preferences has not, making it vitally important to use research strategies that keep pace with this evolution.”  The webinar takes place on November 8 at 1:00 pm ET.

October 2018 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the October 2018 ratings period has been released for 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 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 below.

TAKEAWAYS

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – After losing a collective eight-tenths in four downward moves in a row (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR bounces back with a cumulative +.6 in September and October (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.3, #19 to #16, 6+); “710 The Voice of New York” was up six-tenths in April. Its March gain of one-tenth ended five straight down or flat reports for a -.4 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+). Steady at #23, Townsquare Media’s news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” records its sixth straight month without a loss (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+), while Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is unchanged in both 6+ AQH share (1.1) and 6+ AQH rank (#24). WABC had been without an increase for six consecutive sweeps for a collective loss of three-tenths before picking up two-tenths in September. Bouncing back from a loss of eight-tenths in September with an October increase of one-half share (3.9 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN “Sports Radio” jumps from #9 to a three-way tie at #6. The 4.7 logged by the flagship of the Yankees and New York Giants in May, July and August is its best 6+-showing since 5.2 in November 2017. Following three months in succession of posting a 1.4 (July – August – September, 6+), New York Jets flagship WEPN notches a 1.7 (6+) and remains at #21; “98.7 ESPN New York” was locked on 1.7 (6+) in May and June. A combined -2.0 in six consecutive sweeps without an increase (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom all-news WINS picks up two-tenths to 4.4 (6+) and is part of the aforementioned three-way logjam with co-owned WFAN. Despite picking up one-tenth, co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM, which is trending 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 (6+), backslides from #13 to #14. In July, WCBS-AM ended three successive down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+). The rollercoaster ride continues for WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s news/talk WNYC-FM, which lost a cumulative seven-tenths in May, June, and July (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+); gained seven-tenths in August; surrendered six-tenths in September; and now recaptures six-tenths in October (2.8 – 3.4, #13 to #11, 6+). Returning the one-tenth it added in September, co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM (#27 to a four-way tie at #29) is back at .5 (6+); prior to September’s .6 (6+), WNYC-AM recorded a .5 (6+) three times in a row.

New York City Music Formats – Even though it surrenders in its entirety September’s increase of four-tenths (7.1 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 for the 15^th successive sweep. An overall -1.6 through three setbacks in succession (8.5 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.9, 6+), WLTW was a combined +.6 in August and September (6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5, 6+). Prior to July, the last time “Lite FM” fell below a six-share (6+) was in October 2017 (6.6). A collective +7.1 in five consecutive gains (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 7.0 – 8.8 – 13.1, 6+), WLTW was -5.1 in January and February (13.1 – 8.5 – 8.0, 6+) but rebounded in March and April with a +.5 (8.0 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+). Without a decrease for six straight months for an overall +.6 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WKTU “103.5 The Beat of New York” forfeits four-tenths to 3.6 (eighth to tenth, 6+). One-tenth ahead of it is Emmis’ similarly-formatted WQHT “Hot 97 – #1 for Hip-Hop” (3.7, -.2, flat at #9, 6+), which had posted a 3.9 (6+) in four of the last five ratings periods (3.9 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+). After four straight modest gains for an overall boost of one-half share (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), “Hot” dropped one-tenth in July. Continuing a down/up pattern that began in December 2017 (3.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” drops from #11 to #13. The market’s (6+) hot AC share dwindles by three-tenths as Entercom’s WNEW “New 102.7” is flat at 2.8 (four-way tie at #13 to #15, 6+), while Cumulus Media-owned WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” (-.3, #17 to #19) is trending 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.0 (May through October, 6+). After regaining the two-tenths it lost in August (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” sputters by seven-tenths to 2.1 (#13 to #18, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Without an increase for the fifth time in a row for a collective loss of seven-tenths (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” slips from sixth to eighth. Stuck on 1.2 (6+) in August and September, Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” is up one-tenth to 1.3 (6+), advancing from #27 to a four-way tie at #25. Erasing September’s -.2 with an October +.2 (1.1 – .9 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” moves from #32 to a three-way tie at #30. “The Patriot” was flat in May (.8 – .8, 6+) and then up one-tenth in June, July, and August (.8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+). Following four months in a row at .4 (6+), Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” is off one-tenth to .3 (#41 to #43, 6+). The flagship of the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers – iHeartMedia-owned KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” – has more than quadrupled its 6+ AQH through nine successive sweeps without a loss (.4 – .4 – .5 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.7, 6+), progressing from #27 to #24. Sunday night, the Dodgers lost the 2018 World Series to the Boston Red Sox in five games. KLAC has a four-tenths advantage over similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN,” which is up four-tenths to 1.3 (#32 to #25), its best 6+-showing since November 2017 (1.3, as well). Prior to August’s loss of four-tenths, Los Angeles Rams AM flagship KSPN gained one-tenth in three straight sweeps (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+). A collective -.4 in September and October (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio” slips from #11 to #14; KNX was up four-tenths in August. Off six-tenths in April, the all-news outlet followed with an alternating 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 pattern (April – May – June – July, 6+). The eight most recent 6+ postings for Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” (#16 to #15) are an extremely steady 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6.

Los Angeles Music Formats – Not only is KBIG off for the fourth sweep in a row for an overall loss of one full-share (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 4.8, 6+), “104.3 My-FM” drops to third, ending five straight months at #1. Furthermore, it is the first time the iHeartMedia hot AC is below a five-share (6+) since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.7. Supplanting KBIG at #1 is Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101,” whose last six (6+) trends are: 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0. The last time a non-iHeartMedia-owned station was #1 in Los Angeles was November 2015 – and it was “K-Earth” with a 5.7 (6+). Sandwiched between KRTH and KBIG is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103.5” (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9, third to second, 6+). Both of the market’s mainstream CHRs have modest October decreases: iHeartMedia’s KIIS “102.7 Kiss-FM” is off two-tenths in consecutive monthlies (4.6 – 4.4 – 4.2, fifth to fourth, 6+), while Entercom’s KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” drops one-tenth (2.3 – 2.2, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #21). An overall -.7 in six consecutive down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), “Kiss” picked up four-tenths in August. Meanwhile, “Amp,” which logged a 2.7 (6+) in May, June, and July before adding one-tenth to 2.8 (6+) in August – handed over one-half share in September. Off a combined nine-tenths in four declines in succession (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KYSR-FM “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative,” picks up one-tenth to 2.4 (6+), progressing from #20 to #18. One-tenth ahead of it is Entercom’s similarly-formatted KROQ, which is a combined -.4 in September and October (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.5, #14 to #16, 6+), after being +.7 in six straight up or flat trends (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+). KROQ is tied with Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO, which is without a loss for the fifth straight time (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+) for a net gain of four-tenths; “Go Country 105” is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 36^th time in succession. Following five (slight) decreases in succession that led to an overall loss of eight-tenths (4.4 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom adult hits KCBS-FM “92.3 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” picks up two-tenths (3.8, 6+), progressing from seventh to sixth. Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” has the same August – September – October (6+) profile as “Jack” (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.8). Tied at #9 are Cumulus Media’s  KLOS “95.5 The Rock of Southern California,” which is up a combined half-share in three straight gains (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+), and iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary KRRL “Real 92.3,” which is +.4 in four successive up or flat trends (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+). The June 2018 – September 2018 (6+) topline for KXOL was 2.0  – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3, but “Mega 96.3” disappears from print in October.

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit flat at 2.8 (6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN climbs from #16 to #15. The Chicago White Sox key station was down one-half share in August and then up three-tenths in September. Entering the August sweep, WGN posted three consecutive upticks for a combined full-share gain (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). Picking up two-tenths in May, it halted three successive decreases that accounted for a collective -1.3 (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). Flat at #22, Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM has a May through October topline trending of 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5. Its +.2 in July ended four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a one-half share loss (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+). Immediately prior to that, WLS-AM registered seven straight up or flat ratings periods and was +.7 in that stretch (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). Following a gain of eight-tenths in September, Entercom sports talk (and Chicago Cubs flagship) WSCR returns one-tenth (4.3 – 4.2, 6+) but carries on in sixth-place. Prior to September, “670 The Score” logged a fluctuation of one-tenth in each of the previous three months (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). Up two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+), ESPN-owned WMVP continues at #24. “ESPN Chicago 1000” had been without an increase for seven successive sweeps for an overall loss of six-tenths (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+). Following six straight down or flat showings for a collective -.7 (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom’s WBBM-AM is a collective +1.0 in September and October (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+), as the key station of the Chicago Bears progresses from fourth to second; February’s 5.3 is its finest 6+-stat since March 2017’s 5.4. Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ is flat at 2.3 (6+) but advances from #20 to #19. Up one-tenth in September, WBEZ was a combined -.8 in four straight decreases (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+); it was an overall +.8 in March and April (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – On the heels of regressing by eight-tenths in September, Hubbard-owned hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” erases a bit more than half that deficit with a one-half share improvement to 4.6 (seventh to fifth, 6+). Entering the September sweep, Chicago’s “Mix” was no higher than 5.1 (6+) and no lower than 4.7 (6+) in each of the previous seven sweeps. In three consecutive upticks, Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “Que Buena 105.1” (unchanged at #3) is +1.3 (4.0 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.3, 6+). At #1 for the tenth month in a row, iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” repeats September’s 5.7, its lowest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017 (5.7, as well). WVAZ was up one-tenth in back-to-back ratings periods (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1, May – June – July, 6+). Its gain of one-tenth in June halted four straight down or flat trends that produced a -.9 (6.8 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9, 6+). Up or flat the past five months for a +.5 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Hubbard adult contemporary WSHE surrenders the entire half-share increase (2.6, -.5, 6+), slipping from #13 to #16. Not only does iHeartMedia’s WLIT wipe out its combined -.6 in July and August (3.5 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+) with a collective +.6 in September and October (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+), “93.9 Lite FM” is back in the top ten (#12 to #9). On one hand, Venture Technologies Group adult contemporary WRME-LP is within 3.3 – 3.8 range (6+) for the ninth month in a row, but on the other, “FM 87.7 Me TV” loses four-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Moreover, WRME-LP has its consecutive string of up or flat reports that netted one-half share end at three (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+). Owing to a -.4 to 5.0 (second to fourth, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” has a similar fate, as it snaps at three a successive streak of improvements that generated a cumulative +1.2 (4.2 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). Before surrendering one-tenth in June, WLS-FM was an overall +1.6 in seven straight sweeps without a loss (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+). Within 3.0 – 3.9 range for the 15^th straight time, Entercom’s WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” (flat at 3.7, 6+) bumps up from ninth to eighth. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 – Chicago’s New Country” is an overall -.3 in September and October (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5,  #23 to #22, 6+). For the fourth time in the last six sweeps, Entercom’s WBBM-FM “B-96 Chicago’s New Hit Music” (#19 to #18) logs a 2.4 (2.4 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -1.0 in August and September (3.4 – 3.0- 2.4, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO recoups 70% of that loss with a +.7 to 3.1 (#15 to #11, 6+). Immediately prior to August, KSFO put together four successive increases for an overall +1.3 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+). In an up/down sequence that began in July (1.7 – 2.1 – 1.8  – 2.2, 6+), cluster-mate KGO is an overall +.5 and reenters the top twenty (#22 to #17). August’s increase of four-tenths ended four successive down or flat trends that resulted in a -.3 (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+). Immediately after dropping eight-tenths in September, co-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” regresses by another four-tenths (2.9 – 2.5, #14 to #15, 6+). The key station of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers gained nine-tenths in April. A combined +.6 in three straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ cracks the top twenty (#21 to #18); “95.7 The Game” was -1.1 in July (2.6 – 1.5, 6+). Before the June report, when it lost one-tenth, KGMZ was up or flat the previous nine ratings periods, nearly tripling (+1.7) its 6+-stat in that timeframe (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7, 6+). All-news cluster-mate KCBS-AM (5.3 – 5.6, +.3, 6+) finishes in the runner-up slot for the ninth time in a row. Frozen on 5.4 (6+) in April and May, KCBS-AM was then stuck on 5.5 (6+) in June and July. It is 1.1 shares (6+) behind Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED (6.8 – 6.7, -.1, 6+), which is #1 for the ninth straight month. Its gain of four-tenths in September ended five downward trends in a row that accounted for a -2.5 (8.9 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Having logged a one-half share five times in the previous seven monthlies (.5 – .5 – .6 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is up one-tenth to .6 (#32 to #31, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – An increase of seven-tenths to 3.9 (6+) by Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM wipes away its collective -.7 in four straight down or flat moves (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+). Moreover, “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” vaults from tenth to fourth. In addition to being an overall +1.0 in five straight up or flat sweeps (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). Prior to August, “The Bone” recorded a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.9 in each of the previous 40 sweeps. Tacking on six-tenths to September’s +.4 (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” jumps from #19 to #14. Within 3.0 – 3.2 range (6+) in each of the last four sweeps (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” sputters by eight-tenths to 2.3 (#12 to #16, 6+). A decrease of six-tenths (3.7 – 3.1, 6+) takes mainstream CHR KMVQ “Now 99.7 – New Hit Music” to its lowest 6+-showing since December 2017 (3.1, as well) and out of the top ten (#6 to #11). Without a loss the past four months for a +.5 (3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom-owned hot AC KLLC surrenders four-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and drifts from fourth to ninth. Prior to June’s increase, “Alice @ 97.3” was off eight-tenths via four successive declines (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). After being an overall +.6 as the result of four straight up or flat trends (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ was down four-tenths in three modest dips in succession (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). In October, “98.1 The Breeze” adds one-tenth to 4.7 (6+) and continues at #3.

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Doubling September’s gain of two-tenths with a +.4 (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.8, 6+),Cumulus Media’s WBAP pushes up from #19 to #15. Immediately in advance of the September sweep, “News Talk 820” posted a 2.2 (6+) in three of the previous five sweeps (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+). While level with September’s .9 (6+), Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” advances from #34 to #33. Entering the September sweep, “The Answer” was down or flat the preceding four months for an overall -.3 (1.0 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .7, 6+). Returning September’s +.1 (.4 – .5 – .4, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” remains at #35. A gain of four-tenths to 3.2 (#16 to #12, 6+) by co-owned sports talk KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” ends a repetitive 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.8 6+-topline. The +1.2 (2.9 – 3.3 – 4.1, 6+) “The Ticket” racked up in April and May was fully erased in June by a -1.2. Entercom sports talk KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” picks up one-tenth (2.3 – 2.4, 6+) and progresses from #20 to #18. Prior to August, the flagship of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys had been down by one-tenth in each of the previous three sweeps (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+). ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” (#32 to #30) is a collective +.3 in three straight up or flat moves (.9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.2, 6+). A consistent 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 (6+) from June through October, Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” is back in the top twenty (#23 to #19). Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM is within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0. Prior to August’s +.2, “News Radio 1080” was a collective -.7 through five straight months without an increase (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+). North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA (3.0 – 3.1, +.1, 6+) climbs from #14 to #13. Before September’s +.4 to 3.0, KERA logged a 6+-stat in the two-share range for 37 consecutive sweeps.

Dallas Music Formats – Improving by six-tenths each are Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 K-LUV” (4.0 – 4.6, seventh to third, 6+) and Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” (3.2 – 3.8, tenth to ninth, 6+), which has its best 6+-showing (3.8) since January’s 4.1. At the same time, WAY Media contemporary Christian KAWA, which improved by seven-tenths in September, forfeits eight-tenths in October (1.6 – 2.3 – 1.5, 6+) as “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” departs the top twenty (#20 to #24). A gain of one-tenth to 4.2 (fifth to fourth, 6+) by Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” halts six straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall loss of three-tenths (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). It overtakes (by one-tenth) co-owned and similarly-programmed KSCS “New Country 96.3,” which is -1.1 in three straight reports without an increase (5.2 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.1, third to fifth, 6+). When KSCS dropped nine-tenths in August, it curtailed seven successive up or flat trends that accounted for a +1.3 (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+). July’s 5.2 represents the best-ever 6+ share in KSCS’ PPM history and first time it ever reached the five-share level (6+). Substituting September’s -.4 with an October +.4 (6.4 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” – which was +1.1 in August – is on top for the tenth straight time. “Kiss” was a combined -1.4 in June and July (6.9 – 6.3 – 5.5, 6+), after a +1.5 via three upticks in a row (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.7 – 6.9, 6+). Owing to five straight up or flat sweeps, City of Dallas-owned WRR more than doubled (+1.7) its 6+ share (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), but “Classical 101” spirals by -1.1 in October to 2.0 (6+), cratering from the top twenty (#13 to #22). Immediately following five successive sweeps without a loss for a +.7 (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom-owned KVIL “Alt 103.7 – DFW’s New Alternative” is now -.9 in September and October (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.2, #18 to #19, 6+).

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.9 in August and September (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740” bounces back with a one-half share increase to 3.7 (#16 to #12, 6+). Among the market’s sports talk competitors, KTRH cluster-mate/Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” is trending 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.5 (flat at #22, 6+); Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” repeats September’s 1.1 (6+) as the Houston Texans’ AM flagship moves from #24 to #23, 6+); and Gow Communications’ KFNC adds two-tenths (.6 – .8, #27 to #26, 6+) as “ESPN 97.5” has its best 6+-showing since May (.8, as well). In three straight down or flat moves, University of Houston news/talk KUHF is off four-tenths (3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+) and slips from #16 to #17.

Houston Music Formats – As the result of three straight upticks (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOVE “Amor 106.5” is an overall +1.7 (#13 to #8) and reaches the four-share level (6+) for the first time in exactly two years (4.0, October 2016). Likewise, co-owned regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” strings together three straight improvements for a collective +1.3 (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0, 6+) to progress from fifth to third. The last time “Que Buena” reached the six-share threshold (6+) was one year ago (6.3, October 2017). It is a bit of a different story though for Entercom hot AC KHMX “Mix 96.5,” which dials up a one-half share increase to 4.0 (#13 to #11, 6+), thus curtailing three successive decreases that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA continues one streak and ends another. “Sunny 99.1” is #1 for the sixth month in a row, but is off four-tenths to 7.2 (6+), thus interrupting three straight up or flat trends that yielded six-tenths (7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.6, 6+). Its 12.5 in “Holiday” 2017 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston station reached double-digits (6+) since that ratings period. Radio One urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 – The People’s Station” (6.4 – 6.1, -.3, 6+) remains in the runner-up slot for the sixth month in a row. Stuck on 7.0 (6+) in January and February, “Majic” dropped to 6.8 (6+) in March; it was tied for #1 in April. After three successive (slightly) up and flat trends (5.2 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+), Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “Country 93-Q” falters by seven-tenths to 4.7 (third to seventh, 6+), its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 4.2. Showing decreases of one-half share each are Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KTJM “La Raza” (3.1 – 2.6, #18 to #20, 6+) and Texas Southern University-owned jazz KTSU “Your Community Station – The Heart & Soul of Houston” (1.2 – .7, #27, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to being #1 for the 35^th consecutive time, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is a collective +.7 in September and October (7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+), after being down three-tenths in July and August (7.8 – 7.6 – 7.5, 6+). When WSB-AM gained three-tenths in June, it halted four consecutive negative moves that accounted for a -2.7 (10.2 – 9.4 – 8.4 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Following August’s -1.0 (2.3 – 1.3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WYAY was flat in September (1.3, 6+). By gaining two-tenths to 1.5 (6+) in October, “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” reenters the top twenty (#21 to #20). WYAY was a collective +.5 in June and July (1.8 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+). An overall +1.7 in four positive spikes in succession (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.9,  6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” jumps from #15 to #11. The Atlanta Falcons’ flagship was a combined -1.1 in May and June (3.3 – 2.7 – 2.2, 6+), following an April increase of seven-tenths. The April 2018 through October 2018 (6+) topline for Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is: 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.0; the AM flagship of the Atlanta Braves carries on at #18. When WCNN lost two-tenths in July, it halted seven successive sweeps without a decrease that netted eight-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+). Unchanged at #11, City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE is a collective +.8 in three straight increases (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). This directly follows five consecutive down or flat sweeps in a row for an overall -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+). April – October stats for Georgia State University news/talk WRAS (#23 to #26) are .6 – .7 – .6 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .6 (6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – It is a mixed bag in October for the market’s country-formatted outlets, including a format change. Specifically, Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” piles on six-tenths to September’s +.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+) to enter the top ten (#14 to #10), while iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” is -1.1 via three consecutive decreases (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 2.9, #12 to #17, 6+). Approximately halfway through the October sweep, Woman’s World Broadcasting-owned WTSH “Your Georgia Country” transitioned to regional Mexican as “La Raza” and is down one-half share (.6 – .1, #31, 6+). Once again, the market’s two mainstream CHRs are on top of each other. Without a loss for the sixth straight time for a cumulative gain of one full-share (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” is steady at #7, while Cumulus Media’s WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” is down one-tenth to 4.2 (unchanged at #8, 6+), thus snapping at four a consecutive string of up or flat moves that netted three-tenths (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+). A one-half share increase (6.7 – 7.2, 6+) takes Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” to its highest 6+-share (7.2) in more than two years (7.3, April 2016). Following a (repetitive 6+) May through August sequence of 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7, Radio One-owned WHTA  surrenders a combined -1.1 in September and October (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+) with “Hot 107.9” exiting the top ten (#9 to #13). Similarly, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” is an overall -1.1 in September and October as well (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.8, fifth to sixth, 6+). Three gains in a row by “The Fish” netted a +1.9 (4.0 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+); August’s 5.9 is its strongest 6+-showing since January’s 6.0. Having logged seven straight up or flat moves (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+) and finishing #19 in May, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WSTR-HD3 is unlisted for the fifth month in a row.

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #14, Entercom’s WPHT has nearly doubled its 6+ AQH share (+1.4) in six straight increases (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+). “Talk Radio 1210” was stuck on 1.8 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 and then on 1.9 (6+) in February and March, before dropping to 1.5 in April. Regaining half of September’s -.2 (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” continues at #22; September’s 1.3 is its weakest 6+-showing in Philadelphia since December 2017 (1.3, as well). Philly’s FM sports talk format notes a (6+) September 2018 – October 2018 increase of +2.1, with Entercom’s WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” +1.4 (5.9 – 7.3, 6+) and Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” notching a +.7 (1.8 – 2.5, #18 to #16, 6+). Moreover, Philadelphia Eagles flagship WIP (key station of the Phillies, as well) jumps from sixth to first. WIP was an overall +2.6 (January); -.8 (February); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); -.5 (June); +.7 (August); and now +1.4 (October). Meanwhile, prior to October, “The Fanatic” was without a gain the past five months for an overall decline of one full-share (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+). Picking up four-tenths (5.1 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” – which was +.7 in August and -.1 in September – inches up from eighth to seventh. An increase of nine-tenths in March (5.1 – 6.0, 6+) gave “News Radio 1060” its strongest 6+-showing in three years (6.1, March 2015), but it then surrendered one full-share in April, leading to four consecutive down or flat trends (6.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), accounting for a -1.5. Up one-tenth (3.7 – 3.8, 6+), public news/talk WHYY repeats at #10. An August increase of one-half share interrupted three successive declines for an overall -1.1 (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – A collective -2.2 in three consecutive decreases (8.5 – 7.8 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+), adult contemporary WBEB reduces that deficit by roughly 30% with a gain of seven-tenths to 7.0 (6+), as “Today’s 101.1 More FM” jumps from fourth to second. WBEB was on top from March through June before being dislodged in July. In “Holiday” 2017, WBEB achieved its most potent 6+-share since 17.9 in “Holiday” 2016. The longtime Jerry Lee Radio property is now being operated by Entercom under a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA), until Entercom officially closes on its $57.5 million purchase. Not only does a -1.1 to 6.6 (6+) pull the plug on three straight gains that netted a +1.9 (5.8 – 6.4 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WDAS-FM departs the top spot after just one month there and tumbles to fifth. August’s 7.3 marked the first time “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” reached the seven-share level (6+) since September 2017’s 7.1. Immediately prior to a loss of one-half share in June, WDAS-FM was an overall +.8 in three straight upticks (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+). On the heels of a September gain of four-tenths, Beasley Media Group-to-Entercom’s WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” surrenders more than twice that increase (5.7 – 4.8, -.9, seventh to eighth, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-showing (4.8) since 4.6 in March. A combined -1.4 in three straight negative trends (8.2 – 7.5 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” – which finished first in August – segues from second in September to third. This comes immediately after six straight gains for a combined +2.9 (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.7 – 8.2, 6+). July’s 8.2 represents its highest-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. When WOGL reached #1 in that sweep, it was the first time the station occupied that spot since August 2017.

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately after logging a +1.0 in September, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” tacks on an additional eight-tenths (2.8 – 3.6, #13 to 6+), jumping from #13 to #9. By way of perspective, WOR finished at #22 in August and was a collective -1.3 in four straight down or flat trends (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+). Cumulus Media news/talk WABC surrenders half of September’s +.2 (1.5 – 1.4, #23 to #25, 6+). Its +.1 in August stopped four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+). Both of New York City’s major sports talk outlets that penetrate Long Island gain six-tenths in Nassau-Suffolk: Entercom’s WFAN (5.0 – 5.6, 6+) is #1 for the third month in a row, while New York Jets flagship WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (1.6 – 2.2, 6+) jumps onto the top twenty (#22 to #16). October’s 5.6 is the strongest 6+-showing in Long Island for WFAN since November 2017’s 5.9. WEPN had been off seven-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6, #22, 6+), immediately after five consecutive upticks for a +1.2 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+). An improvement of six-tenths (2.7 – 3.3, 6+) lifts Entercom all-news WINS from #14 to #13. Prior to the September sweep, WINS showed a month-to-month fluctuation of three-tenths four straight times: +.3 (May); -.3 (June); -.3 (July); and +.3 (August). Stuck on 2.5 (6+) in June, July, and August, co-owned and similarly-formatted WCBS-AM adds a collective three-tenths in September and October (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, #14 to #15, 6+). WCBS-AM gained two-tenths in January, halting four straight down or flat trends for an overall loss of one full-share (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM, which had been trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 (February 2018 – September 2018, 6+), and ranked #19 in September disappears from print.

Long Island Music Formats – In five straight down or flat trends, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM was a collective -1.2 (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), but “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” regains all of it (+1.2) in three increases in succession (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9, steady at #2, 6+). Connoisseur Media classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM,” which gained one-half share in August (4.6 – 5.1, 6+) and dropped four-tenths in September (5.1 – 4.7, 6+), plummets one full-share in October to 3.7 (four-way tie at #2 to #7, 6+). This is its lowest 6+-stat since March (3.7, as well). Registering a loss of six-tenths are Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “102.3 – Long Island’s Only Classic Rock,” a combined -1.3 in three straight drops (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7, sixth to seventh, 6+) and iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 The Beat of New York” (3.6 – 3.0, #10 to #14, 6+), with its lowest 6+ Long Island stat since January (3.0, as well). Flat at #4, its mainstream CHR cluster-mate WHTZ “Z-100” is flat or down slightly for the sixth straight time for a collective loss of four-tenths (5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+). Despite being down or flat for the fourth consecutive time for an overall decline of one-half share (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT advances from #16 to #15; “Hot 97” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the 48^th consecutive ratings period.

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – After dropping four-tenths in August to 1.3 (6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR adds two-tenths to September’s +.1 (1.4 – 1.6, 6+) and continues at #12. KVCR nearly doubled its 6+-stat in June and July (.9 – 1.1 – 1.7, 6+). Down or flat the past four Inland Empire sweeps (.5 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .3, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC doubles September’s .3 to .6 as “The Voice of Southern California” stays at #17. Debuting in July with a .2 (6+), iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” gained one-tenth in August (.3, 6+); was flat in September (.3, 6+); and is up one-tenth in October (.4, four-way tie at #17 to #18, 6+). Co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” (formerly KUBE) disappeared from print in June; resurfaced in July (.2, 6+); dropped one-tenth in August (.1, 6+); and adds one-tenth in both September (.2, 6+) and October (.3,  #19, 6+). Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC)/similarly-formatted KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted for the ninth month in a row.

Riverside Music Formats – On the heels of September’s massive +2.5 (7.4 – 9.9, 6+), Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” returns four-tenths (9.5, 6+) but is #1 for the fifth successive sweep. The loss though curtails five straight upticks that netted a whopping +5.3 more than doubling its 6+-stat since April (4.6 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 9.9, 6+). This follows five sweeps in succession without an increase for an overall -3.0 (7.6 – 7.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+). June 2018 marked the first time “Jose” was in the lead position since “Holiday” 2017 when it scored a 7.3 (6+). Prior to September, KLYY last reached the nine-share level (6+) in February 2017 (9.2). A collective +.9 in three successive monthlies without a loss (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 7.2, 6+), Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA falters by three-tenths to 6.9 (6+), but stays in the runner-up slot for the fifth month in a row. With a 6.5 (6+), KOLA was #1 in May. Its +.3 in July ended four downward trends in succession that generated a -2.1 (8.4 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). Flat at #6, LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” drops four-tenths to 3.4 (6+), pulling the plug on four straight sweeps without a loss that generated a collective +1.3 (2.5 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.8, 6+). Not only is Anaheim Broadcasting’s KCAL-FM -1.1 in five straight sweeps without an increase (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+), “96.7 Rocks” departs the top ten (#10 to #11). Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXSB “Radio Lazer” is without a gain for the sixth straight month for a collective -.6 (.7 – .6 – .6 – .4 – .3 – .1 – .1, flat at #23, 6+). Entering the August sweep, iHeartMedia Spanish adult hits KFOO recorded a .3 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (.3 – .3 – .5 – .3, 6+). “La Preciosa 1440 AM” posted a +.7 to 1.0 (6+), but is unlisted for the second month in a row.

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Progressing from #15 to #13, Cumulus Media’s KGO notches its fourth uptick in a row for a cumulative +1.3 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). July’s increase discontinued four successive downward sweeps for a -1.4 (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+). A gain of one-tenth to 1.2 (#27 to #25, 6+) by co-owned news/talk KSFO applies the brakes to three consecutive downward moves that resulted in the evaporation of exactly half (-1.1) of its 6+-share (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.1, 6+). Prior to July, KSFO was without a loss the previous five months for an overall +1.0 (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). After posting a +.8 to halt three decreases in succession that accounted for a cumulative -1.0 (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+), sports talk cluster-mate KNBR is a combined -1.2 in September and October (4.4 – 3.4 – 3.2, flat at #10, 6+). “The Sports Leader” was +1.6 in April, as it reached the four-share level in San Jose (6+) for the first time since May 2017’s 4.2. The seven most recent San Jose topline stats for Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game” are 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.4 – unlisted – .6 – .8 – .6 (#26, 6+). All-news sibling KCBS-AM (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+) finishes in second-place for the third month in a row. Its -.8 in July curtailed four consecutive up or flat trends that netted +1.4 (5.8 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+) and its strongest 6+ (San Jose) showing since November 2017 (7.2, as well). Between January 2018 – June 2018, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED and KCBS-AM finished first and second, respectively. Bouncing back from July and August’s -1.6 (7.5 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+) with a +.3 in September to 6.2 (6+), KQED jumped from sixth to fourth but the station is unlisted in October.

San Jose Music Formats – Within 3.0 – 3.7 range (6+) in each of the last ten survey periods, iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI erupts with a +1.2 to 4.4, its highest 6+-stat since December 2017’s 4.5. In addition, “Star 101.3” reenters the top ten (#12 to #8). Making a nearly equal leap is Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KEZR (5.1, +1.1, eighth to fifth, 6+). “Mix 106 Today’s Best Music” had been +.9 in three straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), before becoming -.9 in August and September (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). It’s a stellar month as well for co-owned classic hits-oldies KBAY, which racks up a +.6 to 6.9, its strongest 6+ showing since 7.0 in “Holiday” 2017. Moreover, “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” marches from #3 to #1, the first time it has held the lead spot since “Holiday” 2015 – when it was an adult contemporary outlet. It dislodges Bonneville-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock,” which had been #1 the past three months, but shifts to third-place. Prior to plummeting by one full share in October (5.9, 6+), “K-Fox” was a collective +1.7 in three increases in a row (5.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+). After registering five successive gains for an overall +2.1 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 6.1, 6+), Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” is a collective -1.6 in September and October (6.1 – 5.4 – 4.5, flat at #6, 6+). As a result of three successive increases (1.7 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KOSF doubled its 6+-share (+1.7); however, “iHeart80s @ 103.7” forfeits six-tenths to 2.8 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#10 to #14). Faltering by six-tenths as well is Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” (6.0 – 5.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). After logging a 2.7 in five of the last six sweeps (2.7    – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), co-owned rhythmic CHR KVVF “Hot” sputters by one-half share to 2.2 (#16 to #17, 6+).

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – Over and above being +2.2 in five straight increases (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 8.0 – 8.2, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. In addition, this (8.2) is its best 6+-share since January (8.3). “New Jersey 101.5” was on top four ratings periods in succession before segueing to #2 in May. Up or flat for the fourth time in a row for a +1.3 (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR vaults from #20 to #15. WOR was off a collective six-tenths in May and June (2.3 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). Cumulus Media news/talk WABC (#25 to #24) is without an increase for the fourth straight sweep (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+). Following four Middlesex-Somerset-Union decreases in succession for a -.9 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+), Entecom sports talk WFAN rebounds with a +.7 to 4.2 (tenth to sixth, 6+). June’s one-tenth setback halted three straight gains that netted a +1.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is +1.2 through four consecutive improvements (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+); the flagship of the New York Jets climbs from #18 – #17. Flat at #22, Entercom all-news WCBS-AM has a March through October topline of: 2.9   – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5 – unlisted – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2 (6+). Right behind it is all-news sibling WINS, which records a 1.7 (6+) for the sixth straight time; WINS was locked on 1.1 (6+) in March and April. An August gain of three-tenths by WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM halted five straight losses (3.4 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+) that accounted for a nearly 50% erosion of its 6+ share (-1.6). In September, WNYC-FM dropped two-tenths to 1.9 (6+), but it disappears from print in October.

Middlesex-Somerset-Union Music Formats – Down an overall eight-tenths in August and September (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 – Todays Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” erases nearly all of it with a +.7 to 3.9 (6+) and is back in the top ten (#14 to #8). Recording its fourth increase in succession for an overall +.8 (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” carries on in fifth-place. Down for the sixth consecutive month for an overall -1.9 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+), Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” drifts from #11 to #17. Flat at #14, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” is down or flat for the fourth straight time for an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+).