Tag: "Saga Communications"

Thursday, January 4, 2018

CBS News Radio Announces Major Affiliation Deals with Entercom, Alpha Media, and Saga Communications. These three new agreements to provide news, information and entertainment content to radio stations pushes CBS News Radio’s affiliation count over the 450-station mark.  The new deals with Entercom Communications, Alpha Media, and Saga Communications were announced by CBS News CFO Charles Pavlounis. CBS News Radio will continue to be heard on venerable news outlets such as WCBS, New York; KNX, Los Angeles; and WBBM, Chicago – all stations that Entercom acquired in the CBS RADIO deal.  The affiliate agreements are the latest under CBS News Radio’s relationship with Skyview Networks for distribution, inventory management and sales, which went into effect on January 1.  The agreement with Entercom also includes a co-producing arrangement for a one-minute original update each weekday and a two-hour weekend original long-form program addressing veterans’ issues, both titled “Eye on Veterans.”  Entercom programming EVP Chris Oliviero comments, “As America’s premier producer of local news audio content, Entercom is proud to continue our stations’ historic bond with CBS News Radio, which provides our millions of listeners with the best and most-trusted national and international coverage 24/7.  Also, with the launch of ‘Eye on Veterans,’ we are excited to begin collaborating on new programming vehicles with CBS News Radio that will engage and inform audiences on topics that resonate coast to coast.”

Programming Pro Tim Sabean Joins Westwood One as SVP of Digital Content. Former SiriusXM/Howard Stern and Infinity Broadcasting rock programmer Tim Sabean is named to the SVP, digital content position at Westwood One.  The company says that Sabean will be “responsible for talent discovery, content partnership development, and audience growth strategies to engage listenership and drive monetization, particularly in the fast-growing podcast space.”  He’ll be based in NYC and report to WW1 president Suzanne Grimes.  In addition to his time with SiriusXM as SVP for the Howard Stern channels and as SVP, comedy and entertainment, Sabean was VP of rock programming for the old Infinity Broadcasting supervising such heritage rockers as WYSP, Philadelphia; WBCN, Boston; WRKZ, Pittsburgh; and WXRK, New York.  About his new gig, Sabean says, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Westwood One family.  As the largest radio network in the U.S., we are the destination for new talent opportunities and creative endeavors reaching a quarter of a billion listeners each week. I’m eager to work with Suzanne Grimes and the rest of the Westwood One team to deliver engaging and entertaining programming to our audiences as we build a unique and powerful digital experience.”

Mancow Drops Suit Against Boss.  As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, WLUP-FM morning personality Erich Mancow Muller has dropped the lawsuit he’d filed against his new boss at the Cumulus Media station.  When Marv Nyren was hired to take over the VP/market manager roles at Cumulus Chicago, Muller filed a suit against him in order to prevent “retaliatory” behavior toward him by Nyren.  Muller said his claim was based on his history with Nyren that included Nyren firing him from then-Emmis-owned alt rocker WKQX.  Muller claimed that Nyren executed a series of retaliatory moves against him at that time and he even sued Nyren for $6 million in 2007.  That suit ended in an undisclosed settlement.  Feder’s report indicates Nyren and Muller have since sat down and talked about their history and are moving forward as a team.

Trump-Bannon Rift/Trump Jr.-Russia Meeting, Manafort Sues Mueller-DOJ, North Korea Nuclear Ambitions, Demise of Voter Fraud Commission, Iran Protests, Romney Senate Run, Frigid Winter Weather, NFL Playoffs and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/3).  The caustic response from President Trump to former adviser Stephen K. Bannon’s statements that Donald Trump Jr. committed treason by meeting with a Russian lawyer during the 2016 campaign; former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort sues special counsel Robert Mueller and the Department of Justice over the Trump-Russia probe; North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and the war of words between President Trump and Kim Jong Un; Trump shuts down the Voter Fraud Commission saying states aren’t cooperating; Iran cracks down on protest movement; speculation about a possible U.S. Senate run by Mitt Romney; the freezing weather affecting much of the U.S.; 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.

Westwood One Expands Partnership with Veritone for Analytics Services.  The content syndicator and national sales arm of Cumulus Media says that this broadening of its relationship with Veritone is a follow-through on its “promise to provide analytics for native advertising and live reads” by monitoring, verifying, and measuring “in-content audio ad units and sponsorship campaigns across Westwood One’s live programming – from sports and news/talk to music and entertainment.”  WW1 says that working with Veritone to monitor its play-by-play sports content has been so successful that it’s extended the service to its live, syndicated news/talk and music radio shows.  Cumulus EVP corporate marketing and Westwood One president Suzanne Grimes states, “This addition to our best-in-class ROI and accountability insights toolset is another first for the radio industry.  Our advertisers can personally ensure their messages are delivered.  In addition to verification, which is crucial, our advertisers can monitor their own campaigns. Voiced reads, in-program interviews, commercial audio, and native brand mentions airing during Westwood One live programming are now captured and made searchable.”

Senator Chris Coons Reads School Closings on WDEL, Wilmington.  WDEL director of news and programming Chris Carl tells TALKERS magazine that U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) appeared on the station’s morning show today after reaching out yesterday to ask if he could come to the station to read the school closings because “it’s something he’s always wanted to do.”

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Hip hop WKYS, Washington adds DJ 5’9 Davis to the morning drive program “The FAM.”  He moves from the “Night Show” he’d been co-hosting with Shorty Da Prince at the Radio One station.  WKYS program director J1 states, “I’m very excited to have 5’9 on the morning show.  He brings a raw humor, wit, and intellect that just can’t be taught.  I am confident with the addition of 5’9, ‘The FAM Morning Show’ will reach new heights.”…..“NASH Nights Live” co-host Elaina Smith (right) is pictured here with “Nashville” director Tim Busfield (left) on the set of the CMT drama.  She can be seen on tonight’s (8:00 pm ET) episode playing herself as she does a radio interview with show character Juliette Barnes (played by Hayden Panettiere).

Round Three of December PPM Ratings. December 2017 ratings information has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s December 2017 survey period covered November 9 – December 6. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets, with a reminder that the vast majority of major November 2017 – December 2017 improvements by music stations is attributable to a transition to all-Christmas music.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Portland – Following a loss of nine-tenths in November, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103” strikes back with an increase more than quintupling that decrease and is back in first-place (8.3 – 13.7, +4.7, #2 to #1, 6+). “K-103” is the first Portland station to reach double-digits (6+) since it did so in “Holiday” 2016 (15.3). At this time last year (December 2016), KKCW registered a 9.8 (6+). A collective -1.4 in three straight downward trends (9.1 – 8.6 – 8.6 – 7.7, 6+), “K-103” responded in October with a +1.5. Prior to segueing to #2 in September, “K-103” was #1 in 39 of the previous 41 ratings periods. Even though KOPB adds four-tenths in both November and December (8.0 – 8.4 – 8.8, 6+), the Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talker drops from first (after one-month) to second. Entering the September sweep, KOPB occupied the runner-up position 21 successive times, but aided by a +1.4, it finally reached #1. It was a short stay there then as well since KOPB plummeted by -1.1 (9.1 – 8.0, 6+) and returned to its familiar runner-up spot. Seven recent trends for KOPB are +.9 in March; -.8 in May; +.6 in June; -.9 in July; +.6 in August; +1.4 in September; and -1.1 in October. Both “City of Roses” mainstream CHR outlets falter by six-tenths. Specifically, iHeartMedia-owned KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station” continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in May (4.1 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 3.8, seventh to ninth, 6+) and is off a collective three-tenths in that stretch. Meanwhile, the -.6 (to 3.7, 6+) by Alpha Media’s KBFF “Live 95.5 – The Station That Sounds Like Portland” halts four straight (slightly) up or flat trends that yielded four-tenths (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.3, ninth to tenth, 6+). For the fourth time in a row – and fifth time in the last six sweeps – “Z-100” and “Live 95.5” are separated by just one-tenth of a share (6+). Although it is unchanged at #10, this marks the fifth straight month that Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” is without an increase for a combined -1.9 (5.6 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). Prior to gaining three-tenths in June, “The Wolf” was -1.8 in March, April, and May (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Its direct competitor – Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” – returns November’s +.3 and one-tenth more (4.4 – 4.0, -.4, 6+), slipping from seventh to eighth. Entering the November sweep, “The Bull” had three straight flat or down monthlies that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+). In April – May – June, “The Bull” was down -1.1 (5.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). The two country rivals finished back-to-back at seventh and eighth, respectively, in both May and June. A loss of nine-tenths (7.2 – 6.3, 6+) takes iHeartMedia-owned KLTH to its lowest 6+-share since June’s 6.1, but “106.7 The Eagle – Portland’s Classic Hits Station” remains at #3. Off one full-share in four straight down or flat moves (5.4 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz – Today’s Best Mix” continues at #6. Following five successive sweeps without a loss for an overall +.4 (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KEX “News Radio 1190” slips by three-tenths to 1.3 (6+), but carries on at #21.

2) Charlotte – The market’s top six December 2017 finishers are either up or flat from November 2017. With a mammoth +3.0 (4.0 – 7.0, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC “K-104.7 More Music, More Variety” boasts Charlotte’s highest month-to-month improvement and soars from #12 all the way to #2. This is its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.3. Trending a very consistent 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.9 (August – September – October – November, 6+), WLKO busts out a +2.3 to 7.2 (6+) as “102.9 The Lake – Charlotte’s We Play Anything Station” marches from seventh to first. This is the best 6+-showing for the iHeartMedia adult hits facility in more than three years (7.4, September 2014). Co-owned classic rocker WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which had been on top the past three months, segues to #3. Despite exiting the lead position, “The Fox” is without a loss for the fifth straight time for an overall +1.2 (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 6.9, 6+). It had been #1 in five consecutive survey periods before getting dislodged in June. In four straight decreases between March and July, however, “The Fox” lost two full-shares (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2 – 6.2 – 5.7, 6+). Its HD2 channel, which played all-Christmas music during the December 2017 ratings period before shifting to contemporary Christian on Christmas Day (12/25), picks up one-half share (.1 – .6, 6+) and is in a three-way tie at #20. It is a mixed bag for Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9,” which is up seven-tenths via four successive sweeps without a loss (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+), yet backslides from a second-place tie to fourth. As the result of six consecutive up or flat moves, sports talk cluster-mate WFNZ “Sports Radio The Fan” has more than tripled its 6+-stat (.6 – .7 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9, steady at #18, 6+). Having logged a 6+-share between 5.5 – 5.9 in each of the last 11 survey periods, Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF “Old School 105.3” stumbles by -1.1 in December (5.9 – 4.8, 6+), dropping from fourth to eighth. Plummeting by -1.1 as well is University Radio Foundation-owned news/talk WFAE “90.7 Charlotte’s NPR News Source,” which exits the top ten (4.2 – 3.1, #9 to #14, 6+). WFAE was -.6 in October; +.5 in November; and now -1.1 in December. Over the course of nine ratings periods (January through September, however, it was no higher than 4.3 (6+) and no lower than 4.0 (6+); December’s 3.1 is its lowest 6+-showing since 2.8 in “Holiday” 2016. Albeit a collective -.9 in November and December (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+), similarly-programmed/Entercom-owned WBT nonetheless manages to move from #16 to #14. WBT was +1.4 in three consecutive improvements (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 4.0, July – August – September – October, 6+) and hit the four-share mark (6+) in October 2017 for the first time since October 2016’s 4.1. Surrendering all of November’s +.7 plus two-tenths more, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” (6.1 – 5.2, -.9, 6+) drifts from a second-place tie to seventh with its lowest 6+-showing since 4.0 in “Holiday” 2016. Steady at #5, Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits” has been trending 5.5 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 6.0 (6+) since September. In advance of October’s +.3, WSOC was flat or down the previous four months for an overall loss of -1.1 (6.6 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+). While WSOC succeeded WKKT at #1 in July, WKKT supplanted WSOC at #1 the following month. Owing to a -.6 (to 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHQC puts an end to a repetitive 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.7 (6+) pattern but “Channel 96.1” advances from #15 to a three-way tie at #14. By picking up one-tenth to 4.2 (6+), its format rival – Beasley Media Group’s WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” – pulls the plug on five consecutive declines that accounted for a -1.3 (5.4 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+); “Kiss” is back in the top ten (#11 to #10). Its urban contemporary sibling WPEG, however, is a combined -1.6 in five straight decreases (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+), as “Power 98” drops from eighth to ninth.

3) San Antonio – Powered by a +3.9 (4.8 – 8.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9 San Antonio’s Variety Station” leaps from fifth to first with its strongest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2016’s 11.8. Dislodged from the top spot – after ten straight months there – is Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits,” which segues to #2 (6.8 – 5.9, -.9, 6+). Ten recent (6+) fluctuations for “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” include October 2016’s -1.0; November 2016’s +.9; December 2016’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; January 2017’s +1.1; April’s +.8; May’s -.6; August’s -.5; October’s +.7; and now December’s -.9. A collective -1.8 in October and November (4.2 – 3.2 – 2.4, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” recaptures half that loss in December with a +.9 to 3.3 (6+), progressing from #19 to #13. In a similar vein, following three straight dips that accounted for a -1.2 (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3, 6+), Cox Media Group’s KISS “99 Rocks” erases half that deficit with a +.6 to 4.9 (ninth to fifth, 6+). Yet another negative streak comes to an end as iHeartMedia-owned CHR KXXM “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” posts a one-half share gain to 3.7 (#13 to #11, 6+), curtailing four successive down or flat trends that produced a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). Format rival – Alpha Media’s KTFM “Energy 94.1” – is off seven-tenths to 2.4 (#16 to #18, 6+), ending three straight (modest) increases that netted an overall gain of one-half share (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+). Locked on 5.0 (6+) in October and November, Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat” (fourth to seventh, 6+) sputters by eight-tenths to 4.2, its lowest 6+-share since October 2016’s 4.0. Owing to a loss of six-tenths (6.2 – 5.6, 6+), regional Mexican cluster-mate KROM “Que Buena 92.9” shifts from second to third. As was the case in November, the market’s (6+) country share shrinks by eight-tenths as Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” regresses by one-half share (5.8 – 5.3, third to fourth, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” is off three-tenths (sixth to ninth, 6+). After surrendering one-half share in September, “Y-100” registered a +.9 in October. Prior to that sweep, “Y-100” had been within 5.1 – 5.8 range (6+) the previous 11 months; September’s 5.1 was its lowest 6+-share in almost five years (5.0, “Holiday” 2012). The -.5 in September ended three straight sweeps without a decrease that netted two-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+). This is the third month in a row that “KJ-97” is without an increase for an overall -.9 (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+), but in advance of the August ratings period, KAJA registered three consecutive uptrends for a collective gain of eight-tenths. In a bit of a statistical oddity, Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” and Cox Media Group classic country KKYX “Country Legends” have posted the same topline (6+) stat four months in a row: 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.5. For KTSA, December’s -.2 ends four straight improvements that produced a +.7 since July (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), while the loss of two-tenths this sweep by KKYX halts six straight up or flat trends for an overall +.7 (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+).

4) Pittsburgh – On top for the ninth month in a row, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” dials up a +2.0 (10.9 – 12.9, 6+) for its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016 (13.7). Last year at this time, “3WS” was 9.3 (December 2016, 6+). After posting three consecutive increases for an overall +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), WWSW forfeited eight-tenths in June. Two stations in this Pennsylvania market improve by +1.6 (November 2017 – December 2017, 6+): Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob” (unchanged at #3, 6+) and Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Today’s Wish 99.7” (sixth to fourth, 6+). “Bob” was locked on 7.4 (6+) in October and November; “Wish” was stuck on 5.7 (6+) in August and September and then on 5.2 (6+) in October and November. This is the sixth month in a row that iHeartMedia-owned rocker WDVE occupies the runner-up position. Flat at 9.2 (6+), WDVE was +1.6 in October and -1.0 in November. Its 10.2 in October marked the first time WDVE reached double-digits (6+) since March (10.4). Tied for #1 in June, WDVE halted three straight declines in October that accounted for a full-share loss (9.6 – 9.2 – 8.7 – 8.6, 6+); September’s 8.6 was its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 8.4. Surrendering one full-share to 4.0, its lowest 6+-stat since April’s 3.9, Entercom-owned WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” drops from eighth to a ninth-place tie. In an up/down pattern that started in June, “Y-108” is 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 4.0 (6+). An August loss of one-tenth snapped at three its consecutive string without a decrease that netted seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+). Elsewhere in the format, iHeartMedia-owned WPGB “Big 104.7 – Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” falters by a combined half share in November and December (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, flat at #12, 6+). A cumulative +.9 in June and July (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+) and then a collective -.9 in August and September (3.8 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+), “Big 104.7 gained four-tenths in October. Even though it forfeits all of November’s half-share gain and two-tenths more (4.7 – 4.0, -.7, 6+), alternative cluster-mate WXDX “105.9 The X” advances from tenth to a ninth-place tie; November’s 4.7 was the best 6+-stat for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ flagship since June’s 5.1. After registering a +1.0 in October, co-owned CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM – Pittsburgh’s #1 Music Station” erodes by a collective -1.4 in November and December (8.2 – 7.4 – 6.8, 6+), slipping from third to fourth. A +.2 in September concluded a string of three straight decreases that resulted in a -2.1 (9.1 – 8.7 – 7.6 – 7.0, 6+); December’s 6.8 is the lowest 6+-share for “Kiss” since 6.7 in the “Holiday” 2016 report. Sports talk sibling WBGG “ESPN Pittsburgh” is without an increase for the seventh month in a row (.3 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+) and slumps from #17 to #18.

5) Sacramento – On the strength of a +1.2 (7.6 – 8.8, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KYMX not only has its best 6+-showing since May’s 9.2, “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” advances from second to first. Displaced from the top spot after a five-month stay and taking over at #2 is co-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock,” which flounders by one full-share (8.4 – 7.4, 6+). The last time “The Eagle” was below a seven-share (6+) was in February (7.5); KSEG was a combined -1.6 in September and October (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.1, 6+). By gaining six-tenths (2.0 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KSTE “Talk 650” climbs from #17 to #15 and has its best 6+-stat since June (2.8). Netting one full-share in seven successive up or flat trends (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom’s KHTK “Sports 1140” carries on at #15 (where it is tied with KSTE). Five consecutive upticks by co-owned/similarly-formatted KIFM-AM netted a +1.4 (.8 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.6 – 2.2, 6+), but with December’s -.6 to 1.6 (#16 to #20, 6+), “ESPN Radio 1320” forfeits nearly have that bounty; KIFM-AM last reached the two-share level in November 2015 (2.0). Doubling its 6+-share (.5 – 1.0, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” checks in at #24. Fluctuating by at least one-half share in the past four sweeps, co-owned KLVB was -.5 in August; +.5 in September; +.5 in October; and -.8 in November (1.9 – 1.4 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 1.6, 6+). In December, Sacramento’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” adds three-tenths to 1.9 (#20 to #17, 6+). After tacking on one-half share in November to October’s +.6 (4.2 -4.8 – 5.3, 6+), California State University – Sacramento news/talk KXJZ “Capital Public Radio” relinquishes all but one-tenth of that combined +1.1 with a -1.0 to 4.3 (fourth to seventh, 6+); November’s 5.3 was its most potent 6+-stat in more than six years (5.3, June 2011). Anchored at #3, iHeartMedia-owned KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” is without an increase for the third month in succession for an overall loss of seven-tenths (7.8 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.1 (6+). After three straight improvements netting a combined +1.3 (6.5 – 6.7 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+), the news/talk hybrid regressed by three-tenths in October; September’s 7.8 was its strongest 6+-stat since February’s 8.2. In the last three sweeps, Entercom’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” has been -.9 (October); +.9 (November); and now -.5 in December (5.0 – 4.5, unchanged at #5, 6+). November’s increase halted three consecutive declines that accounted for a collective -1.9 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.1, 6+). Prior to October, KNCI hadn’t been below a five-share (6+) since August 2016 (4.7). After losing more than 40% of its 6+-share (-1.3) in four straight sweeps without an increase (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” picks up one-tenth to 1.9, inching up from #18 to #17 (6+). The market’s other FM country outlet – Entravision-owned KNTY “101.9 – The Wolf” – adds two-tenths to 2.8 and improves from #14 to #13. “The Wolf” was a combined -.4 in October and November (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+). In October, it returned 60% of September’s one-half share gain. September’s +.5 suspended four straight decreases for an overall -.9 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+).

6) Salt Lake City – No other station in the 36 PPM markets analyzed thus far has a greater (6+) November 2017 – December 2017 improvement and/or higher 6+ AQH share than Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” (7.0 – 13.6, +6.6, 6+). It repeats at #1 after a combined -.8 in October and November (7.8 – 7.3 – 7.0, 6+). “FM 100.3” has been #1 each month this calendar year except January, March, April, and October. By way of comparison, KSFI was 11.4 in December 2016. Two commercial news/talk outlets in the market account for a -1.7, a decrease nearly equally divided between KSFI sibling KSL “NewsRadio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” (5.7, flat at #2, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” (3.4, #8 to #11, 6+). Trending 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 (June through October, 6+), KNRS was +.8 in November to 4.3. Meanwhile, KSL plummeted from 8.3 to 6.5 (October – November, 6+), moving to the runner-up slot after a one-month stay at #1. In addition, it ended three successive gains netting a cumulative +3.1 (5.2 – 5.8 – 6.9 – 8.3, 6+) with 8.3 its strongest 6+-share since January’s 8.9. Recent KSL fluctuations include +2.0 (October 2016), -.9 (November 2016), +1.1 (December 2016), -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.1 (January 2017); -2.1 (February 2017); +.6 (April 2017); -1.1 (May 2017); -.9 (July 2017); +.6 (August 2017); +1.1 (September 2017); +1.4 (October 2017); -1.8 (November 2017); and now -.8 in December 2017. An overall +1.9 in seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” relinquishes more than half that increase with a -1.1 to 4.7 (third to fifth, 6+); November’s 5.8 was its highest 6+-share since June 2016’s 6.6. Climbing from #24 to #23,1980’s hits KSQN “103.1 The Wave – The Next Wave of New Wave” is up or flat for the seventh time in a row for a +.5 (.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+). Steady at #21, sports talk KALL “ESPN 700” has more than quintupled its 6+-share in six successive gains (.3 – .4 – .5 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6, #21, 6+). In three straight monthlies without a loss (June through September), iHeartMedia-owned CHR KZHT was a combined +1.5 (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.5, 6+), but “97.1 ZHT – Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” forfeits -1.8 in October, November, and December (6.5 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 4.7, fourth to fifth, 6+). Moreover, KZHT is below a five-share (6+) for the first time since April’s 4.9. Deflating by six-tenths each are Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KENZ “Power 94.9 – Utah’s New Hit Music” (1.7, #17 to #18, 6+), which had been up or flat the past three sweeps for a +.2 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), and co-owned country KUBL “K-Bull 93” (trending 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.1, seventh to eighth, 6+). The latter’s format competitor – Broadway Media’s KEGA “101.5 The Eagle – Utah’s Best Country” – is without an increase for the seventh straight time for a collective -.9 (2.0 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+). This marks the 13^th sweep in a row that iHeartMedia-owned KAAZ “Rock 106.7 – Everything That Rocks” is within 3.1 – 3.9 range (3.8 – 3.7, -.1, #11 to #9, 6+), while after 18 consecutive times within 2.0 – 2.8 range (6+), Broadway Media rhythmic CHR KUUU “U-92” drops four-tenths to 1.7 (#19 to a three-way tie at #18, 6+). Following six consecutive ratings periods of dialing up a .8 (6+), independent KSOP-AM “AM 1370 – Utah’s Home for Classic Country” falls to .6 but remains at #27 (6+).

7) Las Vegas – A +3.7 propels iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE from #2 to #1 as “Sunny 106.5” (6.9 – 10.6, 6+) is the first Las Vegas station to reach double-digits (6+) since it accomplished the feat in “Holiday” 2016 (14.0). A collective -2.7 in four straight (June through October) decreases (7.5 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 5.6 – 4.8, 6+), “Sunny” bounced back in November with a +2.1. Recent fluctuations for “Sunny,” which had been on top between December 2016 and June 2017, are +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; -1.2 in May; +1.4 in June; -.8 in July; -.7 in September; -.8 in October; +2.1 in November; and now +3.7 in December. Ousted from #1 after five straight months in the lead position and falling to second-place is Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – 70s, 80s and More.” The last three fluctuations for KKLZ are: +1.0 (October); -.9 (November) and now -.7 in December (7.0 – 6.3, 6+). Without a loss for the third month in a row, Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio – Right Song, Right Time” is an overall +.7 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6, fifth to fourth, 6+) and registers its strongest 6+-stat since September 2016’s 5.4. Two regional Mexican outlets improve by one-half share each: Entravision’s KQRT “La Tricolor 105.1” (1.8 – 2.3, #20 to #17, 6+) and Univision Radio-owned KISF “Zona MX 103.5” (1.7 – 2.2, #22 to #18, 6+). Owing to a -1.3 (5.4 – 4.1, fourth to fifth, 6+) iHeartMedia country KWNR “95.5 The Bull – Las Vegas New Country Leader” has its lowest 6+-stat since 3.6 in September 2016. Following five successive improvements for a net gain of +2.1 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.7, 6+), Entercom hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1” returns roughly half that increase (5.6, -1.1, 6+) but remains in third-place for the fourth month in a row. In October, “Mix” reached the six-share level (6+) for the first time since December 2015’s 6.1. Flat at #6, Lotus Communications’ KXPT “97.1 The Point – #1 for Classic Rock” is a cumulative -1.3 in four successive down or flat trends (5.3 – 4.5     – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), while co-owned KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” is off a total of six-tenths in three straight monthlies without an increase (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 2.9, #13 to #14, 6+). Via three downward trends in succession, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KRGT “Latino Mix 99.3” has lost nearly half of its 6+-share (-1.5) and exits the top twenty (3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 1.7, #17 to #21, 6+). Having posted five straight sweeps without a loss netting a +1.6 (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KYMT “93.1 The Mountain – We Play Everything” stumbles by four-tenths to 3.3 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12); 3.7 in November was its best 6+-showing since it flipped from CHR (KPLV) in September 2016. As the result of three (slight) decreases, Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” is down a collective four-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6, flat at #16, 6+). In five downward moves in a row, University of Nevada-owned KUNC “91.5 The Source” has had its 6+-share sliced by more than 80% (2.5 – 1.2 – .8 – .7 – .6 – .4, #28, 6+).

8) Cincinnati – A cumulative +3.6 in four improvements in a row (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 7.5, 6+) enables Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” to cruise from seventh to second with its best 6+-stat since 11.7 in “Holiday” 2016. While it repeats at #1, co-owned classic hits-oldies WGRR is off by six-tenths (9.1 – 8.5, 6+). A combined -1.4 in August and September (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.3, 6+), “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” rebounded with a combined +.8 in October and November (8.3 – 9.0 – 9.1, 6+). Also in that Cumulus Media cluster, classic rock WOFX “92.5 The Fox” falters by six-tenths (5.2 – 4.6, 6+) and segues from fifth to seventh. Following four sweeps in succession without a decrease for a +.6 (7.6 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 8.1 – 8.2, 6+), Hubbard’s WUBE “B-105.1 – Get Your Country On” spirals by -1.4 to 6.8, dropping from second to fourth (6+). November’s 8.2 was its highest 6+-share since October 2016’s 8.5; conversely, December’s 6.8 represents its lowest 6+-share since January (6.8, as well). Co-owned WYGY repeats November’s 1.1 (#20 to a tie at #19, 6+). This time last month, “97.3 The Wolf” ended four straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.3 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+). Elsewhere in the country format, Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash FM” (#17 to #15) regains the four-tenths it lost in November to end four downward or flat moves in succession for a collective -1.1 (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+). Two iHeartMedia news/talkers combine for a -1.5 (6+), with WLW accounting for a -.8 (flat at #3). Down for the fourth straight time for a collective -2.4 (9.6 – 9.4 – 9.2 – 8.0 – 7.2, 6+), WLW fell to #3 in November following three consecutive months at #1. “The Big One” returned to the top in August 2017 after back-to-back appearances at #2. Departing the top ten (#9 to #11), co-owned/similarly-formatted WKRC “55 KRC – The Talk Station in Cincinnati” regresses by seven-tenths to 3.5 (6+), thus ending at four its successive string of up or flat trends that netted nine-tenths since July (3.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+). Dipping from #15 to #16, Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WDBZ “Soul 101.5” is a combined -.6 in November and December (2.4 – 2.3 – 1.8, 6+), immediately after five consecutive up or flat sweeps that produced a +1.0 (1.4 -1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). By dropping one-tenth to .6 (6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” curtails four straight improvements of one-tenth each (.3 – 4. – .5 – .6 – .7, #23 to a tie at #22, 6+).

9) Orlando – With an increase that more than triples November’s -1.3, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” (7.6 – 12.0, +4.4, 6+) storms from fourth to first with its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 16.1. At this time last year, “Magic” registered a 10.5 (6+, December 2016). Co-owned Spanish tropical WRUM “Rumba 100,” which is down one-tenth for the third time in a row (11.6 – 11.5 – 11.4 – 11.3, 6+), shifts to the runner-up slot after 11 consecutive months on top. It spiraled by two full-shares in July; was flat in August; and up nine-tenths in September. April’s 12.8 was the best-ever 6+-share in WRUM’s PPM-history. Albeit that it segues from second to third, CHR sibling WXXL “XL-106.7” is up or flat for the fourth time in a row (7.5 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2 – 8.2, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since May’s 8.8. In October, “XL-106.7” pulled the plug on five straight monthlies without an increase that resulted in a -2.4 (9.9 – 8.8 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+), a streak that followed a +2.7 as the result of four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+). Off seven-tenths (5.1 – 4.4, 6+), cluster-mate WJRR “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station” moves from seventh to eighth. Eroding by -1.9, Cox Media Group’s WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” (8.1 – 6.2, third to fourth, 6+) is below a seven-share for the first time since March (6.8, 6+). Returning all of November’s +.6 plus three-tenths more, Entercom hot AC WOMX (5.5 – 4.6, -.9,) slips from fifth to seventh with its softest 6+-share since April 2015 (4.6, as well). A collective +1.4 in three straight August through November up or flat trends (1.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” returns one-half share (2.4, -.5, 6+) and shifts from #14 to #15. Prior to August, WTKS notched six consecutive decreases that accounted for a -2.1 (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+). Off by one-half share as well but flat at #16 is Cox Media Group Spanish contemporary WCFB-HD2 (1.8 – 1.3, 6+). News/talk sibling WDBO-FM is a collective -2.1 in three straight decreases (6.1 – 5.1 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11); WDBO-FM racked up a +2.0 in September. Immediately prior to an August gain of nine-tenths, WDBO-FM was -1.0 via three straight negative trends (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). Although remaining at #6, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM” registers its fourth consecutive decrease and is a cumulative -1.8 since August (6.8 – 6.4 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+). Co-owned WQMP is -1.3 in four losses in a row (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+) and carries on at #13; however, approximately three weeks into the December sweep (11/29), WQMP transitioned from CHR “Amp” to “Alt 101.9 – Orlando’s New Alternative.”

10) Cleveland – On the strength of a +2.3 to 7.2 (6+), Entercom adult contemporary WDOK not only vaults from tenth to fifth, “Cleveland’s Star 102” applies the brakes to three straight downward moves that accounted for a -1.1 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.9, 6+). This is the best 6+-showing for “Star” since its 10.4 in “Holiday” 2016. By picking up three-tenths (to 5.5, 6+), its hot AC cluster-mate WQAL cuts the cord on four negative trends in a row for an overall -1.8 (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2 – 5.3 – 5.2, 6+); “Q-104 Plays The Hits” remains in eighth-place. Two-tenths from the top spot in November, WZAK tacks on nine-tenths to November’s +.5 and takes over at #1 (9.4, 6+). The Radio One urban AC had been in eight-share range in each of the last four sweeps (8.1 – 8.4 – 8.0 – 8.5, 6+). A loss of four-tenths in October ended three consecutive positive moves by WZAK for an overall +.9 (7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1 – 8.4, 6+). Removed from #1 (after a one-month stay) and falling to #2 is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits,” which surrenders an eight-tenths gain in November and one-tenth more (8.7 – 7.8, -.9, 6+). November’s +.8 stopped three straight declines that resulted in a -1.3 (9.2 – 8.9 – 8.4 – 7.9, 6+). In 2017, “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” occupied the top spot from January through April; July (with a +1.1 to 9.2, its strongest 6+-share since 9.8 in “Holiday” 2016); August; September (tied with WZAK); and November. Recapturing 60% of November’s full-share loss, co-owned WMMS “100.7 – Cleveland’s Rock Station” (4.0 – 4.6, +.6, 6+) enters the top ten (#11 to #10). Meanwhile, the February through December topline 6+ pattern for alternative WMMS-HD2 is an ultra-steady 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0. Unchanged at #13, Ideastream-owned WCPN is an overall +1.5 in four straight upticks (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+). Owing to a -1.1 (7.5 – 6.4, fourth to seventh, 6+), Entercom-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” falls below a seven-share for the first time since February’s 6.8. Off by one-half share each are Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” (6.7, flat at #6, 6+) and iHeartMedia CHR WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.0 – 4.5, #9 to #11, 6+). When “Z-107.9” improved by nine-tenths (to 7.2, 6+) in November, it crossed the seven-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. Following six straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a combined +1.5 (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), “Z-107.9” was off one-half share in October.

11) Kansas City – Aided by a +1.2 to 9.6, its strongest 6+-stat since July’s 10.3, Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX “The Fox” shifts from second to first, curtailing four straight down or flat sweeps that generated a -1.9 (10.3 – 8.7 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4, 6+). Prior to November, “The Fox” occupied the penthouse for ten consecutive months. A -1.6 in August halted five straight increases netting a +2.8 (7.5 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.4 – 10.3, 6+). That aforementioned July 10.3 marked only the fifth time that a Kansas City station registered double-digits (6+) in the PPM era. Even though it is up for the third sweep in a row for a collective +1.3 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.8 – 9.0, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing since 10.3 in “Holiday” 2016, co-owned classic hits-oldies KCMO “94.9 – Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” moves from first to second. As the result of three increases in a row (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.3, 6+), Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” (ninth to fifth) is an overall +1.3 and notches its best 6+-stat since its 7.0 in “Holiday” 2016. Progressing by eight-tenths each are its CHR cluster-mate KMXV “Mix 93.3 – Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.5 – 6.3, fourth to third, 6+) and Carter Broadcast Corporation urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” (5.3 – 6.1, 6+). A November gain of seven-tenths by “Mix” stymied four losses in a row that accounted for a -1.0 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+); “Hot 103 Jamz” was up one-half share in November. The last time “Mix” reached the six-share level (6+) was nearly two years ago (6.4, January 2016). A collective +1.1 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom’s KQRC “98.9 The Rock” carries on at #7; 5.0 in November and December represents its best 6+-share in more than two years (5.1, October 2015). After seven straight months at #3, Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” falls to #6 and is a combined -1.8 in three straight negative moves (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 5.1, 6+). When “Country 94.1” lost three-tenths in October, it ended five straight increases that netted +1.3 (5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.9, 6+). While unchanged at #8, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” is a collective +.5 in three straight up or flat trends (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+) and has its best 6+-share since April 2015 (4.9, as well). Also in the country format, KFKF sibling KBEQ drops three-tenths to 3.9 (6+), suspending three upticks in a row that netted eight-tenths (3.4 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.2, 6+) as “Q-104 #1 for New Country” departs the top ten (#10 to #11). A loss of four-tenths in September by “Q-104” ended four successive sweeps without an increase for an overall -1.3 (4.7 – 4.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+). Off a cumulative full-share in three consecutive decreases (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” dips from #11 to #14. A collective -2.9 in four straight decreases (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+), co-owned KCSP slides from #19 to #20. Prior to this particular negative streak, “610 Sports Radio – Our Teams, Our Town” nearly quadrupled its 6+-share with a +3.2 in five consecutive up or flat trends (1.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.4, 6+); August’s 4.4 was its highest 6+-share since June 2016’s 4.7. Notwithstanding it loses four-tenths to 2.6 (6+) thus snapping at five its successive string of positive trends that doubled its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s similarly-programmed WHB “Sports Radio 810” climbs from #16 to #15. After posting a +.7 in November, University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5 – Kansas City Christian Radio” surrenders six-tenths (3.1 – 2.5, 6+), falling from #15 to #16.

12) Columbus – An increase of eight-tenths (5.1 – 5.9, steady at #6, 6+) takes Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95” to its strongest 6+-share since June’s 6.0. Taking positive spikes of six-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus” (5.4 – 6.0, steady at #5, 6+) and RadiOhio-owned WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” (5.6, unchanged at #7, 6+). After a -.6 in August, “93.3 The Bus” responded in September and October with a collective +1.9 (4.5 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+), but was -1.0 in November. October’s 6.4 was the highest 6+-share for “The Bus” since “Holiday” 2016’s 11.1. When “The Fan” lost three-tenths in November to 5.0 (6+), it closed out three straight gains that produced a +3.4 (1.9 – 2.8 – 4.0 – 5.3, 6+). December’s 5.6 is its best 6+-performance since 5.9 in the “Holiday” 2016 report. Despite sputtering by one-half share to 11.3 (6+), iHeartMedia country outlet WCOL is #1 for the sixth straight time and has been in double-digits (6+) each sweep since June. Off a combined -1.5 in August and September, WCOL regained roughly half of that loss in October with a +.7, but lost one-tenth in November. In June and July, WCOL produced a +3.5 (9.2 – 10.6 – 12.7, 6+). July’s 12.7 was the highest 6+-share by any Columbus station since WCOL reached 12.9 in July 2015. It was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; -1.3 in May; +1.4 in June; +2.1 in July; -.9 in August; -.6 in September; +.7 in October; and now -.5 in December. Without an increase for the fourth ratings period in a row for a collective -1.6 (10.8 – 10.8 – 10.7 – 9.5 – 9.2, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WNCI “97.9 – Columbus’ Hit Music Station and #1 for New Music” nonetheless remains in the runner-up slot. Faltering by one-half share as well and returning roughly one-third of November’s gigantic +1.6 is Saga Communications’ WNND “Rewind – Columbus’ Greatest Hits” (3.6 – 3.1, #9 to #11, 6+). Prior to reaching 3.6 in November, “Rewind” had been within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) in each of the previous ten ratings periods. There are more big ups/downs for co-owned WLVQ “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96,” which was -1.7 in August and September (7.5 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+); bounced back with a combined +1.7 in October and November (5.8 – 6.3 – 7.5,); and is now -1.3 in December (6.2, 6+), but remains in third-place. Off eight-tenths (4.0 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZCB “106.7 The Beat – Columbus’ Real Hip-Hop and R&B” records its lowest 6+-share since July (3.2, as well) and slips from eighth to tenth. As a result of a -.3 to 6.2 (6+), news/talk sibling WTVN halts three straight up-trends that netted eight-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+), but “NewsRadio 610” actually inches up from fourth to third. Steady at #16, Ohio State University’s WOSA “Classical 101” is off one-tenth to .9, curtailing three straight up or flat moves that generated six-tenths (.4 – .4 – .5 – 1.0, 6+). Registering its fifth straight negative trend for a combined -1.4 since July (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR WCKX “Power 107.5” slips from #11 to #12. Co-owned urban AC WXMG “Magic 95.5 – Columbus’ Best R&B,” however, picks up one-tenth (2.4, flat at #14, 6+) thus pulling the plug on six straight sweeps without an increase for a collective -.5 (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+).