Tag: "Richard Neer"

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

KFYI, Phoenix Inks James T Harris for PM Drive.  Former KQTH, Tucson and WTMJ, Milwaukee talk show host James T Harris is the new afternoon drive personality at iHeartMedia’s KFYI, Phoenix.  Harris’ show, “The Conservative Circus,” will air from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, effective January 15.  iHeartMedia West Division EVP of programming Steve Geofferies comments, “James is a special talent.  He has created demand not only from his radio audience, but a national demand through his social following.  The addition of James continues our strategy of acquiring top tier talent in Phoenix.”

Noted Talk Producer and Personality Rich Carbery (Angry Rich) Rejoins John Gibson on Syndicated Show.  The independently produced, GCN-distributed John Gibson (left) show has hired well-known talk media figure Rich Carbery, a.k.a. Angry Rich (right), to serve as its producer, guest-booker and featured on-air sidekick.  Carbery most recently has been booking and producing for Newsmax TV, working with Steve Malzberg, among others. During his career he’s been at WLS, Chicago and WRKO, Boston working for PD Mike Elder.  Elder brought him to Fox News Radio in 2005 where he became the original producer of John Gibson’s talk show that was a staple of the network for many years.  Gibson tells TALKERS, “Rich was the original producer of my Fox Radio talk show from the earliest days in the fall of 2005 through all those years on Sirius.  He is a spectacular booker, an experienced pro who brings name-brand guests and inside information and analysis to the audience.  Rich is also a great voice on air. While he is reliably conservative, he also has a sharp ear for spotting and calling out foolishness and weak arguments whether right or left.  As longtime listeners of my show also know, he is very funny and always added an extra dimension of both information and hilarity to the show.  I am delighted that he has joined me again.  It is a great way to kick off 2018!”  Gibson’s new show has been growing at a rapid rate and is heard weekdays live between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm ET.  For more information, please click here.

Leahy’s Talk Show Expands. Talk show host and conservative media figure Jeremy Leahy’s program “Standing Ground” is expanding to two hours this month.  The program is heard via both Red State Talk Radio and Talkamericaradio.us.  Leahy’s program launched in May of 2015 and also airs on WJHC, Jasper, Florida and WDDQ, Adel, Georgia “Talk 92.1.”  Leahy’s radio career includes time spent serving with Entercom in Boston, the former Greater Media talk station WTKK-FM, Boston, and CBS RADIO in Boston.  For the last several years, he has been actively producing an independent podcast discussing politics, law, and current events under Leahy Media.

Herskovitz: Woe Unto Us.  Talk radio sales pro Al Herskovitz writes today about recent examples of radio’s “self-inflicted wounds.”  Herskovitz says that over the past week or so he’s heard numerous programming errors – from Christmas music being played after Christmas to a best-of sports talk show discussing upcoming games that, in fact, had already been played.  He says that programming flaws such as these current holiday examples are just recent signs of incidents that can be heard over an entire year.  Read his column here.

Harrison and Neer Take a Long Look Back at 2017 and Peer Ahead to 2018.  Music and sports talk radio pioneer Richard Neer of WFAN, New York is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.”  The lengthy conversation between the two alumni of golden era album rockers WNEW-FM, New York and WLIR, Long Island (where their 50-year friendship and broadcast association began) engage in a New Year’s Eve chat based on the TALKERS chart of the 15 most-talked-about people and topics of 2017.  In addition to covering the people and politics of news/talk media, they talk about new movies, the revival of interest in Winston Churchill and the passing of legendary musical pop stars such as Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Tom Petty.  To listen to the podcast in its entirety please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Trump-Kim Jong Un Nuclear Saber-Rattling, Iran Protests, Hatch Retirement/Romney Senate Run, Trump ‘Dishonest Media Awards’ Tweet, Trump DACA Stance, Logan Paul Suicide Image Controversy, Frigid Weather, NFL Playoffs and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/2).  The war of words over each other’s nuclear “buttons” between President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un; the political protests taking place in Iran; Utah Senator Orrin Hatch to retire and the possibility Mitt Romney will run for his seat; President Trump tweets about his forthcoming “dishonest media” and “fake news” awards; Trump’s policy on DACA and sanctuary cities; the controversy over YouTube star Logan Paul’s use of an image of a Japanese suicide victim; the frigid weather engulfing much of the U.S.; and the NFL playoffs and NBA action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS News Notes.  Dallas sports talk outlet KTCK “1310/96.7 The Ticket” raised more than $540,000 for the Austin Street Center during its 17th Annual Normathon, held from December 7-26, 2017.  The Austin Street Center provides safe shelter and meets the basic needs of the most vulnerable homeless in Dallas.  Cumulus Media’s “The Ticket” has helped raise more than $4.7 million through the Normathon over the past 17 years…..In the Bay Area, Cumulus Media San Francisco’s stations, including news/talk KGO, talk KSFO, and sports KTCT recently reached the set goal of raising $500,000 for the Bay Area Fire Relief Fund, bringing relief to victims of the recent Northern California wildfires. The wildfires destroyed homes displacing thousands of Northern Californians and scorched areas including Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties…..The Radio Advertising Bureau announces the addition of three new members to the RAB board of directors: Erik Hellum, EVP, radio for Townsquare Media; Bill Hendrich, EVP, Cox Media Group; and Christine Travaglini, president, Christal Radio + Katz Partnerships.  RAB president and CEO Erica Farber states, “Erik, Bill and Christine are welcome additions to the RAB board of directors.  Their industry stewardship and business acumen complement the board of directors and continue to enhance RAB’s mission.”

Envision Networks Announces January 18 Webinar. This series of webinars presented by Envision Networks is designed to “provide information and educate attendees on common goals radio professionals pursue while looking ahead to industry trends.”  The next one takes place on Thursday, January 18 at 1:00 pm ET and is titled, “Weathering the Storm with Hyper Local Coverage.”  Topics addressed will include: How to make your news and weather sound big regardless of market size; how to stay on top of local severe weather and emergency coverage; and how to use your coverage on air, online and on demand.  Envision president/CEO and webinar host Danno Wolkoff says, “Weather and news should be local in nature and customizable to the market.  It’s important to market your news and weather to listeners through personality and localization.”  You can register for the free event here.

Documentary About Historic Band Gunhill Road Capturing Golden Era of Album Rock Radio Is Released – Features Talk Radio Personalities. The long-awaited theatrical documentary film by young, rising filmmaker Eric Goldrich – Every 40 Years – chronicling the amazing, almost-half-century odyssey of the 70s rock band Gunhill Road (of “Back When My Hair Was Short” fame) is now in full release on Amazon Prime and other leading digital venues in both streaming and DVD platforms.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison, who provides some of the commentary in the film, advised in its production.  It includes appearances by such radio personalities as Doug Stephan and the late Alan Colmes, among others.  Harrison was one of the original progressive rock radio personalities that heavily played this remarkably talented group back in the early 70s during his tenure as morning host on WNEW-FM.  He has enthusiastically championed their new music and compelling human interest story – in which they bravely returned to the studio four decades later to take a second stab at the glory that just barely evaded them the first time around.  It is a compelling tale about four extremely talented kids from New York – Glenn Leopold, Steve Goldrich, Gil Roman and Paul Reisch – who came painfully close to rock n’ roll stardom only to fall short because of a series of random circumstances and decisions.  It is told through the eyes of Steve’s son, filmmaker Eric Goldrich. A rock history freak’s delight!  Check out the trailer here. To book an interview with Eric Goldrich, he can be reached via email at eric@manifest-pictures.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves.  As Chicago media maven Robert Feder reports, Cumulus Media is breaking up the morning show at alternative WKQX “FM 101.1.”  Lou Lombardo is assuming the role of evening jock (taking over for the departed Josh Marconi) and Brian Phillips will host the morning show solo.  Lombardo is also taking on Marconi’s digital content captain duties…..Programming and on-air pro Zach “Vaughn” McHugh is the new program director and afternoon drive show host on Cumulus Media’s alternative rock WRXL, Richmond “XL102.” Vaughn comes to Richmond from the company’s WSFS, Miami “104.3 The Shark” where he was music director and afternoon drive host…..iHeartMedia names Tamo midday personality for KLLT, St. Louis “ALT 104.9” and KDXA, Des Moines “ALT 106.3.”  Her air shift will be from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm…..Entercom renews Aaron Axelsen’s deal as assistant program director and music director for KITS, San Francisco “ALT 105.3.”  He’ll continue to host his “Subsonic” and “Soundcheck” programs…..The rollout of Premiere Networks’ syndicated alt rock morning program “The Woody Show” continues as new iHeartMedia affiliates “95X” in Raleigh (W237BZ/WDCG-HD2) and KUCD, Honolulu “Star 101.9” add the program.

Round Two of December PPM Ratings. December 2017 ratings information has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s December 2017 survey period covered November 9 – December 6. The vast majority of (but not all) major November 2017 – December 2017 improvements by music stations is attributable to a transition to all-Christmas music. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – Up one-tenth in each of the last four ratings periods (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH erupts with a +3.3 in December to 7.8 (6+, seventh to fourth), its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.4. At this time last year, WASH notched a 5.9 (6+, December 2016). An overall -1.1 in six consecutive down or flat sweeps (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.6    – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom hot AC WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” pulls the plug by logging a one-half share increase to 2.8 (6+, #17 to #15). In the process, it overtakes Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WRQX “Mix 107.3” (#15 to #16), whose July 2017 – December 2017 trends are a very consistent 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 (6+). A one-half share gain by WLZL “El Zol 107.9” (1.6 – 2.1, #19 to #18, 6+) elevates the Entercom Spanish tropical outlet to the two-share level for the first time in exactly one year (2.0, December 2016). Notwithstanding that it is down by two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (9.8 – 9.6 – 9.4, 6+) Hubbard all-news WTOP takes sole possession of first-place. Prior to November, WTOP was a collective +1.6 in three straight upticks (8.2 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 9.8, 6+), with October’s 9.8 its strongest 6+- share since 9.9 in March. In the runner-up slot from January through August, WTOP climbed to #1 in September. By notching a +.7 in August, WTOP halted four consecutive negative trends that yielded a collective -1.7 (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7 – 8.2, 6+). It was tied for the lead in November with American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium,” which stumbles by seven-tenths (9.6 – 8.9 6+) and falls to #2. WAMU exited the top spot in September, after spending eight straight months there. A cumulative -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounded in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+), but forfeited exactly twice that increase in June with a -1.4. February’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. Off by seven-tenths as well and falling from fourth to seventh (4.0, 6+) is Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL, which had been up or flat the past three sweeps for an overall +1.5 (3.2 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+). Immediately after hanging out a +1.4 to 8.4, the station’s best-ever PPM-showing, Howard University-owned urban AC WHUR surrenders one-half share to 7.9 (6+) and is anchored in third-place for the 12^th time in a row. Entering the November sweep, WHUR was without an increase in the previous three ratings periods for an overall -1.1 (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.0, 6+). A loss of one full-share in August ended at five a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted +2.4 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+). Advancing from sixth to fifth, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WMMJ is up or flat for the third month in succession for a collective gain of eight-tenths (4.2 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.0, 6+). “Majic 102.3” was a cumulative -1.8 in August and September (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.2, 6+), before regaining four-tenths in October. September’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-share since December’s 3.8. Dropping from fourth to sixth, iHeartMedia classic rock WBIG “Big 100” is off a collective -1.4 as the result of four straight declines (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+). In ten (10) straight sweeps without an increase (1.1 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .4, 6+) Alpha Media’s WFLS has lost nearly two-thirds of its 6+-share and “93.3 Today’s New Country” departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).

2) Boston – Following five successive months without an increase for an overall -1.7 (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom owned adult contemporary WMJX roars back with an increase that is more than twice that deficit (8.8, +3.5, 6+). Moreover, “Magic 106.6 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” vaults from fifth to first. Whereas November’s 5.3 was its weakest 6+-stat in almost seven years (5.1, January 2011), December’s 8.8 is its strongest since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2016; “Magic” was 7.8 (6+) in December 2016. Exiting the top spot after three straight months there and shifting to second is iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (7.6 – 7.2, -.4, 6+). In September, “Kiss” wiped out August’s one-half share decline by racking up a +.9 to 7.9 – its highest 6+-share since July 2014’s 8.2. In five consecutive increases prior to the August sweep, “Kiss 108” was a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+). Having had its 6+share decreased by more than 50% (2.8 – 1.8 – 1.3, June – July – August, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation classical-formatted WCRB follows with its fourth successive sweep without a loss for a collective +.8 (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.1, flat at #18, 6+). Five straight downward moves by WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” have accounted for a collective -1.3 (5.6 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.3, sixth-place tie to ninth, 6+). In November, WBUR added nine-tenths to October’s one-half share gain, but the Boston University-owned news/talker regresses by one-half share in December (4.0 – 4.5 – 5.4 – 4.9, fourth to sixth, 6+). Its one-half share loss in September ended three straight sweeps without a decrease and erased the half-share it gained in that timeframe (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+). In four straight increases, Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” (the property Entercom traded to Beasley for WMJX) was a collective +2.4 (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+), but in December, the New England Patriots’ key station surrenders three-tenths to 5.4 (6+), slipping from third to fourth. Entering the August ratings period, “The Sports Hub” had been down or flat six straight times for a combined -2.5 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). While flat at #17, iHeartMedia’s WBWL has its fourth consecutive – albeit modest – decline (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+) for an overall loss of one-half share. Immediately prior to the start of this negative streak, “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country” had four successive increases that accounted for a +.6 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). Elsewhere in the format, Beasley Media Group-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” is trending 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.4 (6+) and is unchanged at #8. Its September gain of one-tenth ended at three a consecutive string of down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). In addition to changing ownership from CBS Radio to Entercom, hot AC WBMX adopts new calls (WWBX), transferring the WBMX call letters to its Chicago sibling formerly known as WJMK. Still using the “Mix 104.1 – Boston’s Best Variety” handle, WWBX is an overall -.5 in three straight sweeps without an increase (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+) but actually bumps up from #12 to #11.

3) Miami – The top three December 2017 finishers are separated by just two-tenths of a share. Included in that trio is Entercom adult contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM,” which is a collective +1.0 in three successive up or flat trends (5.6 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 6.6, 6+) to climb from fourth to third. This is the best 6+-showing for “Lite” since February (6.6, as well). Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s WFEZ “Easy 93.1” – logs a +.2 for the third month in succession (6.2 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+) and progresses from second to first; 6.8 (6+) matches what “Easy” recorded in June. Dislodged from the top spot after a seven-month run is urban AC cluster-mate WHQT “Hot 105” (7.0 – 6.7, -.3, 6+), which trades places with WFEZ at #2. October’s 7.8 was the strongest 6+-stat for “Hot” since July 2016’s 8.0. Linked together at #8 (4.0, 6+) are CHR rivals Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” (-.2, seventh to eighth, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (unchanged from November in rank and AQH share). As a result of November’s -.3, “Hits 97.3” curtailed three straight up or flat trends that produced a gain of four-tenths (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Prior to a loss of four-tenths in September, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). These two CHRs were tied for eighth-place in July and separated by one-tenth in August. Following back-to-back gains of one-tenth in October and November (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WBGG “Big 105.9 – South Florida’s Classic Rock” erodes by nine-tenths to 3.0, its lowest 6+-showing since April 2016 (3.0, as well), and exits the top ten (#10 to #14). Immediately after registering a +.8 in November, Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” relinquishes all but one-tenth of it (5.6 – 4.9, -.7, 6+) to slide from fifth to sixth. Steady at #15, urban contemporary sibling WMIB “103.5 The Beat” is an overall -.7 in five successive sweeps without an increase (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+). Although down or flat for the sixth time in succession for an overall decline of four-tenths (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), co-owned news/talk WIOD improves from #22 to #21. The May through November (6+) trending for Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss 99.9 – New Country” is 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 (#18 to #17).

4) Detroit – The positive news continues for iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now,” which posts its fourth straight increase to nearly double its 6+-share (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7 – 11.8, 6+). In addition to logging the station’s highest 6+-share since the “Holiday” 2016 report when it reached 13.7, WNIC is this market’s pacesetter for the fourth month in a row. After registering three straight gains for a full-share improvement (5.2 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+), WNIC faltered by two-tenths in August; it is a collective +5.8 since August. In advance of gaining one-tenth in November, co-owned urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s Throwbacks and R&B” was -2.5 in four straight decreases (6.4 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.3 – 3.9, 6+), a streak that followed a combined +2.4 in May and June. Now, “Mix” adds one-half share to 4.5 (6+) to crack the top ten (#11 to #8). Stuck on 4.4 (6+) in August and September before proceeding to 5.0 (6+) in October, November, and December, iHeartMedia CHR WKQI “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” advances from seventh to sixth. Up or flat for the third time in a row for a collective +.8 (2.7 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-programmed WDZH “98.7 AMP Radio” carries on at #13. Owing to a loss of eight-tenths (6.5 – 5.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” drops from second to third. Immediately after picking up three-tenths (in November) to pull the plug on four straight decreases for an overall -1.5 (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” falters by seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.3, 6+) to dip from seventh to tenth; 4.3 is its lowest 6+-share since 4.1 in “Holiday” 2016. Its format rival – Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” (unchanged at #18) – is without an increase for the seventh consecutive sweep and is -.8 in that May through December stretch (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Eleven (11) days into the December 2017 sweep (11/20), iHeartMedia transitioned WDTW “106.7 The D,” which had been classic rock (pitted against WCSX) and later adult hits to “Alt 106-7 Detroit’s New Alternative.” While steady at #19, WDTW is an overall -.9 in four consecutive negative trends (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+). Slipping from a third-place tie to fourth, Entercom all-news WWJ is off four-tenths to 5.5 (6+), curtailing four successive uptrends that yielded a cumulative gain of seven-tenths (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). Unchanged at #5, its sports talk sibling WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” slumps for the third straight time for a collective -1.1 (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+).

5) Seattle – A scorecard might be needed to track recent Emerald City radio changes. For openers, as Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” was playing wall-to-wall Christmas music (12/4), it received a new challenger as Entercom transitioned newly-acquired (from CBS Radio) KMPS from country to AC. In addition to a new owner and a new format, KMPS became KSWD “The Sound,” the same call letters and identity Entercom used in its Los Angeles classic rocker, which is now Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KKLQ. On the strength of a +2.8 (5.3 – 8.1, 6+), “Warm” progresses from fourth to first with its strongest 6+-stat since 10.9 in “Holiday” 2016. Owing to a +.4 in November, “Warm” halted three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -1.2 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). It takes over the top spot from Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW, which held the lead position the past four months. Even though it segues to second-place, KUOW extends to five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that has netted a +1.3 (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+). Its +.5 in August pulled the plug on three straight downward moves that produced an overall decline of six-tenths (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+). Meanwhile, Seattle’s version of “The Sound” fades from #8 to #15, dropping six-tenths to 3.2, the lowest 6+-share for the former KMPS since “Holiday” 2016’s 3.0. Despite KMPS departing country in favor of AC, Seattle still has a two-way battle country battle. The two aforementioned group owners are involved here as well with Entercom incumbent KKWF “100.7 The Wolf #1 for New Country” up one-half share (2.9 – 3.4, 6+) zooming from #18 to #12, while Hubbard’s KVRQ “Country 98.9 – Nobody Plays More New Country” is without an increase for the fourth month in a row (3.1   – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5, flat at #20, 6+). Up until December 4, KVRQ was “Rock 98.9,” but it conducted its format flip the same day as KMPS (12/4). While they remain in their respective formats, adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM Playing What We Want” (4.4, +.3, sixth to fifth, 6+) and KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” (steady at #8, 6+) shift from Entercom/CBS Radio to iHeartMedia. “Jack” was a combined -.4 in three straight down or flat trends (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), while KZOK is -1.3 in its third consecutive decrease (4.9 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+). Classic Radio’s KING-FM “Classical 98.1” hasn’t had a decrease in the last seven survey periods for an overall gain of eight-tenths (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9, steady at #22, 6+). Although anchored at #24, iHeartMedia’s KJR-AM “950 Entertaining Sports Talk” is up or flat for the fifth month in a row (.5 – .6 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), nearly tripling its 6+-share in that timeframe and notching its highest 6+-share since January’s 1.7. Recapturing all but one-tenth of November’s -.7 (1.3 – 1.9, +.6, 6+), Educational Media Foundation’s contemporary Christian KLSW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” which had been locked on 2.0 (6+) in August, September, and October, climbs from #24 to #22. After posting six improvements in a row for a cumulative +1.5 (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+), Crista Ministries’ similarly-formatted KCMS-FM “Spirit 105.3” falters by four-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #11). A -1.1 (5.3 – 4.2, 6+) takes iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” (fourth to sixth) to its lowest 6+-share since May 2015’s 3.9. Via three consecutive sweeps without an increase for a cumulative -1.1 (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 2.6, 6+), Bonneville sports outlet KIRO-AM “710 AM ESPN Seattle” plummets from #11 to #19; this is its lowest 6+-share since 2.5 in March. Following six straight increases for an overall +2.5 (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), co-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 – Seattle’s News, Seattle’s Talk” is off three-tenths to 5.7 (6+) shifting from second to third; November’s 6.0 was its strongest 6+-showing in two years (6.1, December 2015). Locked on 2.9 (6+) in September and October before advancing to 3.2 in November, iHeartMedia CHR KPWK “Power 93.3 Seattle’s New #1 For Hit Music” sputters by one-half share to 2.7, slipping from #16 to #18 (6+).

6) Phoenix – Powered by a +.5.9, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ nearly doubles its 6+-share (6.2 – 12.1, 6+) and advances from second to first. It is the first time any Phoenix station has reached double-digits since KESZ did it in “Holiday” 2016 (16.5, 6+). Exiting the lead position after seven straight months there is Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7,” which is a combined -1.5 as the result of its fourth straight decrease (7.9 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 6.4, 6+). KSLX was +1.1 (6.8 – 7.9, 6+) in August, after a collective -.5 in June and July (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). Not only does KJZZ leap from #13 to #7, the Maricopa County Community College news/talker reaches the four-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history (3.2 – 4.0, +.8, 6+). After gaining one-half share in September to 2.4 (6+), Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI forfeited more than twice that margin in October, cutting September’s 6+-share in half and freefalling from the top twenty (1.2, -1.2, #17 to #27, 6+). Disappearing from print in November, “88.3 Campesina” resurfaces at #14 (3.1), tied with Univision Radio’s similarly-formatted KHOT (3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #13 to #14, 6+). Another regional Mexican facility – Entravision’s KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” – is right behind them (3.4 – 2.9, -.5, #12 to #16, 6+). The (6+) May through November line for KOMR is 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.4, but the Univision Radio Spanish adult hits station breaks out a gain of one-half share to 1.9, improving from #24 to #21. One-tenth ahead of it at a tie at #19 (up from a three-way logjam at #20 in November) is Entravision’s similarly-programmed KVVA “Jose,” which is up an overall eight-tenths in three successive gains (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+). Big ups/downs continue for Entercom classic hits-oldies property KOOL, which was a combined +1.7 in June and July (4.7 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+); an overall -2.0 in August, September, and October (6.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+); +1.0 in November to 5.4, 6+); and now -1.2 in December (4.2, third to fifth, 6+). Back in July, KOOL crossed the six-share threshold for the first time since May 2016’s 6.0 (6+). With a July 2017 through November 2017 (6+) topline of 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.4, iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” erodes by -1.1 to 3.3 (6+) and drops out of the top ten (#6 to #13). Sputtering by six-tenths each are Hubbard alternative KDKB “Alt AZ 93.3” (4.0 – 3.4, #9 to #11, 6+); The Yucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA “Hot” (3.2 – 2.6, #13 to #18, 6+); and Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (2.7 – 2.1, #18 to #19, 6+). An extremely steady 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 (April 2017 – July 2017, 6+), “98.7 Arizona Sports” lost one-half share in August; was a combined +1.5 in September and October (1.5 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+); and lost three-tenths in November. Having gained four-tenths in November (1.0 – 1.4, 6+), Family Life Broadcasting contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” forfeits one-half share to .9 (6+, #24 to #28). An overall +.8 through four straight gains (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 – Today’s Best Country & All Time Favorites” drops three-tenths to 3.7 (6+, ninth to tenth). At the same time, Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” gains two-tenths to 3.4 (6+), thus applying the brakes to five straight declines for a collective full-share loss (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+) and advances from a four-way logjam at #13 to #11.

7) Minneapolis – Aided by a +2.6 (6.4 – 9.0, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” leaps from fifth to first with its strongest 6+-share since 15.9 in “Holiday” 2016; “Kool 108” notched a 7.6 in December 2016. Even though it improves four-tenths (7.2 – 7.6, 6+), co-owned KFXN “100.3 Sports Radio K-Fan,” the flagship of the Minnesota Vikings, falls from first (where it had been in October and November) to second. Its -.1 in November curtailed four consecutive increases that produced a +2.7 since June (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 7.3, 6+). Following three straight dips (5.7 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM Playing What We Want” recaptures all but two-tenths of that collective -1.1 with a +.9 to 5.5 (6+) and progresses to the top ten (#11 to #6). In the market’s hot AC contest, iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97 – More Music, More Variety” posts a gain of one-half share to continue an up/down pattern that began in May (3.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.7, #14 to #12, 6+), while Hubbard’s KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” sputters by six-tenths (6.5, second to third, 6+), halting three straight up or flat trends that netted one-half share (6.6 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). The 6.5 by “KS-95” is its lowest 6+-share since February’s 6.4. Trending in the 5.0 – 5.6 range (6+) in each of the last five sweeps, University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “98.5 Twin Cities Christian Radio” falters by nine-tenths (5.3 – 4.4, 6+) to slip from seventh to tenth. Flat at #3, iHeartMedia CHR KDWB is down one full-share since July as the result of five consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.5 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Having finished #1 in April, May, and June, “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” KDWB segued to #2 in July and back to #1 in August. Both of the market’s FM country outlets are off one-tenth from November 2017. Even though it hasn’t posted a gain in the last six ratings periods for a combined -1.7 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+) and has its softest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (4.6, as well), iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” inches up from tenth to ninth. Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-programmed KMNB “BUZ’N @ 102.9” is an overall -.8 in three consecutive declines (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.6, #12 to #13, 6+) and remains one full-share behind KEEY.

8) San Diego – Not only does KYXY register its third straight positive spike for an overall +1.9 (3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.7, 6+), the Entercom adult contemporary property rockets from ninth to third with its best 6+-share since 9.1 in “Holiday” 2016. As the result of its third improvement in a row, Grupo Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “104.5 Radio Latina” is a collective +1.7 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 3.7, #13 to #12, 6+). Rebounding from November’s loss of seven-tenths with a gain of six-tenths (1.6 – 2.2, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ moves from #23 to #21. The initial trending for San Diego’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” was 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 (6+, August – September – October). By replicating November’s half- share gain, Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” (5.8, 6+) advances from third to second. November’s +.5 (to 5.3, 6+) ended four straight decreases that yielded a cumulative loss of -1.4 (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+). Posting a December 2017 increase of one-half share as well is cluster-mate KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative”, which – in addition to being up or flat for the fourth month in a row for a cumulative +.9 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+) – zooms from #21 to #15 with its strongest 6+-showing since January’s 2.7. This marks the first sweep since new Entercom siblings (CHR) KEGY and (country) KSON swapped frequencies. Whether directly attributable to that change or other competitive factors (including all-Christmas music on KYXY), the 6+-share for KEGY “San Diego’s Energy 97.3” is slashed by more than 50% (2.2 – 1.0, -1.2, 6+), while KSON-FM “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” spirals by nine-tenths (4.6 – 3.7, 6+); “Energy” fades from the top twenty (#19 to #25) and “New Country” exits the top ten (#6 to #12). When KEGY picked up one-tenth in November, it applied the brakes to four straight negative or flat trends (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+) in which it lost four-tenths. Likewise, a November +.3 by KSON-FM halted four consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall -1.4 (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+). In addition to KEGY, iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOGO also plummets by -1.2 (twice its -.6 in November) and segues from first to fourth (6.6 – 5.4, 6+). As a result of KOGO’s loss of six-tenths in November, its successive string of up or flat monthlies that generated a collective +1.9 was snapped at four (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+); October’s 7.2 is the highest 6+-share for KOGO in its PPM-history. Marching from second to first with a gain of four-tenths to 6.0 (6+) is San Diego State University-owned KPBS, which pulls the plug on three straight monthlies without an increase that accounted for an overall -.6 (6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). This marks the fourth time this calendar year (February, August, September, and December) that KPBS is on top. It was within 5.0 – 5.5 range January through July (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). Two streaks come to an end in the rock format. A combined +1.5 in five straight progressive or flat trends (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.6, 6+), Midwest Television’s KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM – BFM” surrenders roughly half that increase (3.8, -.8, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#4 to #11); November’s 4.6 was its strongest 6+-showing since transitioning to rock in January 2016. Conversely, iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” adds one-tenth to 2.3 (6+), thus curtailing four down or flat trends in succession that produced an overall loss of seven-tenths (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+); “Rock 105.3” remains in a tie at #19.

9) Denver – This time last month, Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” was in a flat-footed tie for first-place with country cluster-mate KYGO – each with a six-share (6+). There’s no question about the December 2017 victor though with KOSI hanging out a +1.8 to 7.8 (6+), while KYGO is down or flat for the seventh month in a row for a collective -.9 (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.7, first to second, 6+). Down six-tenths in August and September (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+), KOSI has roared back in October-November-December with a collective +2.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 7.8, 6+). This (7.8) is its best 6+-showing since 11.6 in “Holiday” 2016; “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” was 6.5 in December 2016. An increase of six-tenths takes Colorado Public Radio classical outlet KVOD (2.0 – 2.6, #20 to #18, 6+) to its strongest 6+-stat since January’s 2.7. Having posted a -1.2 in November, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV responds with a one-half share increase (3.4 – 3.9, #14 to #11, 6+). Immediately prior to the November sweep, Denver’s version of “Positive and Encouraging K-Love” was a cumulative +1.5 as the result of three straight improvements (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.6, 6+). Without an increase in each of the last three sweeps for an overall -1.4 (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.5, 6+), Colorado Public Radio’s news/talk KCFR rings up a +.3 to (4.8, 6+), climbing from sixth to fourth. Off one-half share in June, KCFR answered with a collective +1.9 in July, August, and September (4.0 – 4.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), before returning one-half share in October. It reached the five-share level (6+) in August for the first time since March 2016’s 5.7. Even though iHeartMedia news/talk KHOW records its sixth straight sweep without a loss for an overall +.5 (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), it backslides from #19 to #20. With a +.1 to 3.5 (6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS halts at four a string of downward trends that produced a -.9 (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+); “KS-107.5” progresses from a tie at #14 to one at #13. On the heels of posting a one-half share gain in November, hot AC cluster-mate KALC “Alice 105.9” returns it in its entirety in December (3.4 – 3.9 – 3.4, #12 to #15, 6+). The combined one-half share that “Alice” picked up in June and July (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+) was erased in August (3.4, 6+); KALC added another four-tenths in September. Flat at #13, its format rival – KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100 Today’s Best Mix” – is without an increase for the third sweep in succession and is off six-tenths in that stretch (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). Regressing by one-half share (in addition to KALC) is Entravision regional Mexican KXPK “La Tricolor 96.5” (2.8, unchanged at #16, 6+), thus returning its September-October-November +.5 (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). This is the third straight decline for iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” for a collective -1.1 (6.6 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.5, flat at #3, 6+). Dropping out of the top ten (#10 to #12, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “KOOL 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” is off for the third month in a row for a cumulative -.9 (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+).

10) Tampa – Stalled on 1.2 (6+) in October and November Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WPBB “B-98.8 Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” doubles it to 2.4 (6+), advancing from a tie at #20 to #18. It is the first time “B-98” has reached the two-share level (6+) since it became an AC in early-January 2017. In addition to notching a +.7 to 6.3 (6+), thus pulling the plug on six straight down or flat trends that generated an overall -2.5 (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.6, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL “The Eagle” moves from third to its familiar runner-up slot. Prior to November, “The Eagle” was at #2 for 12 straight sweeps. Frozen on 5.2 (6+) in August, September, and October and then falling to 5.0 (6+) in November, Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WRBQ “Q-105 Tampa Bay’s Hits of the 70’s, 80’s, and More” rolls out a one-half share increase to 5.5 (6+), proceeding from fifth to fourth with its best 6+-stat since March’s 5.6. An increase of one-tenth to 4.6 (6+, eighth to seventh) by iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” applies the brakes to three downward trends in succession that accounted for a -1.2 (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+); November’s 4.5 was its lowest 6+-share since February (4.5, as well). Even though a loss of seven-tenths to 10.4 ends three straight gains that netted +1.8 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.8 – 11.1, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is the market’s pacesetter for the 63^rd successive ratings period. November’s 11.1 is its most potent 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.7. Prior to an August decrease, WDUV had been a collective +1.8 (again) as the result of four successive uptrends (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.5, 6+). The stream of adult contemporary sibling WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” (.6 – 0, 6+) as well as Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” (4.8 – 4.2, seventh to ninth, 6+) decline by six-tenths. “The Joy FM” returns in its entirety November’s gain of six-tenths, following October’s -.7. When WCIE dropped two-tenths in September, it concluded four straight sweeps without a loss that netted a +1.3 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+); July’s 5.1 was the highest 6+-share for WCIE since the “Holiday” 2016 report (5.1, as well). Notwithstanding that it is up for the third straight time for a cumulative +2.2 (3.8- 4.7 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 For New Country” must settle for a backslide move of second to third. Whereas in September, WFUS dropped seven-tenths to 3.8, its softest 6+-showing in almost seven years (3.3, Holiday” 2010, 6+), December’s 6.0 is its best 6+-performance in nearly four years (6.1, January 2014). Its format rival – Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” – is off a collective two-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase, but advances from sixth to fifth (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+).

11) Baltimore – Things remain topsy-turvy for WLIF “Today’s 101.9.” The Entercom adult contemporary property dialed up a +.5 in August; returned all of it in September (-.5); displayed a +.8 in October; surrendered all of that in November (-.8); and now bounces back with a whopping +3.3 in December (6.4 – 9.7, 6+). Over and above posting its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 15.3, “Today’s 101.9” vaults from fourth to first; WLIF was 8.3 (6+) in December 2016. Having occupied the top spot the past four months, Radio One urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” takes over at #2. Ironically, however, “Magic” adds one-half share to November’s +.9 (7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing since June 2016’s 9.8. Entering the November sweep, “Magic” was without an increase in each of the previous four ratings periods for a collective -.6 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). A four-tenths June increase halted at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a -.9 (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). Stuck on .7 (6+) in October and November, Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC more than doubles it to 1.6, its best 6+-stat since January 2016’s 1.7 as “91.5 – Maryland’s Classical Musical Station” jumps from #20 to #15. Consistently within 7.2 – 7.7 range from May through November, (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WPOC “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” spirals by one full-share to 6.2 (6+, second to third); it is the first time WPOC is below a seven-share (6+) since January’s 5.9. Owing to a loss of nine-tenths (4.9 – 4.0, sixth to eighth, 6+), adult hits cluster-mate WQSR “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore” has its softest 6+-showing since 3.9 in “Holiday” 2016. Tied at #9 with identical 4.5 – 3.8, -.7 (6+) November 2017 – December 2017 profiles are Shamrock-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” and Entercom sports outlet WJZ-FM “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan.” The two were deadlocked at #8 this time last month. In November, “The Bay” was off two-tenths, thus ending at five a consecutive string of gains that netted a +1.9 (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), while “The Fan” has its third straight downward move accounting for an overall -1.8 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Meanwhile, Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q Jams” (6.6 – 6.0, third to fourth, 6+) and Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” (5.2 – 4.6, steady at #5, 6+) each sputter by six-tenths. This is the lowest 6+-share for WERQ in nearly three years (5.4, January 2015), while “98 Rock” notes its weakest 6+-showing since August 2016’s 4.4. The nine most recent trends for WIYY’s news/talk sibling WBAL are 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 (unchanged at #12, 6+).

12) St. Louis – Stymied at 4.1 (6+) in October and November, Entercom adult contemporary KEZK busts out a +2.6 to 6.7, its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 11.1, jumping from ninth to fourth. At this time last year, “102.5 The Best Mix of the ‘80s and Today” logged a 5.8 (6+, December 2016). Co-owned hot AC KYKY “Y-98” bounces back from November’s -.6 with a +.8 (4.1 – 3.5 – 4.3, 6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #10). Before gaining four-tenths in October, “Y-98” was without an increase in each of the previous eight survey periods for a net loss of -2.5 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+). Making positive spikes of six-tenths each are Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 The Lou – R&B + Old School for the Lou” (third to second, 6+) and Hubbard adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” (fifth to fourth, 6+). The increase by “The Lou” concludes a down/up pattern that surfaced May through November (6.3 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 5.6 – 6.4, 6+). The yoyo effect, however, continues for “The Arch,” which was -.6 (6.4 – 6.1 – 5.8, May – June – July, 6+); +1.2 in August; -.7 in September (7.0 – 6.3, 6+); +.5 in October; -.7 in November (6.8 – 6.1, 6+); and now +.6 in December (6.7, 6+). With a 7.0 in August, “The Arch” crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last December’s 7.6. Following a November gain of nine-tenths to 8.1 (6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU forfeits all but one-tenth of that increase (7.3, -.8, 6+) but repeats at #1. Prior to November, KLOU was down or flat the previous three months for a -1.3 (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+). On top in January, February, and March, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April, but returned to #1 in June, July, and August. On the heels of a six-tenths dip in November, Hubbard’s WIL “New Country 92.3” regresses by another nine-tenths (6.2 – 5.3, 6+), sliding from fourth to seventh. December’s -.9 curtails an alternating up/down pattern that “New Country” experienced from May through November (6.1 – 6.5 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.2, 6+). In addition to losing six-tenths to fall from seventh to ninth (4.4, 6+), Emmis’ KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” has its consecutive string of positive trends that netted one full-share end at four (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Off by one-half share each are co-owned news/talk KFTK (3.6 – 3.1, #12 to #16, 6+); Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” (unchanged at #6, 6+); and Hubbard sports/talk WXOS “101 ESPN” (3.4, 6+). In three straight decreases, KMOX is a cumulative -2.9 (8.4 – 8.0 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share since January’s 5.0. A loss of four-tenths in October ended at three its consecutive winning streak which generated a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+). In addition to exiting the top ten (#10 to #13), WXOS snaps at four its successive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.1 (2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+). Carrying on in eighth-place, Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” loses two-tenths to 4.6 (6+), concluding three consecutive increases which accounted for a +1.3 (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.8, 6+); November’s 4.8 was its strongest 6+-stat since May’s 5.0. Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) have been unlisted all calendar year.