Tag: "Securities Exchange Commission"
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Radio News Organizations Spring into Action to Cover Capitol Riot. Numerous news organizations were already on hand in Washington, DC on Wednesday to cover the certification of the 2020 election results and they quickly shifted gears as hundreds of
Donald Trump supporters turned from protesting to rioting as they stormed the U.S. Capitol, overwhelming the unprepared Capitol police. Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says that Salem Radio Network News and TOWNHALL News produced two extended, 15-minute special reports titled “Chaos At The Capitol” to provide their O&O stations and all affiliates the latest breaking news from Congress, even as the lockdown continued following security 
breaches earlier in the day. Tradup says White House correspondent Greg Clugston anchored the reports with updates from U.S. Senate correspondent Bob Agnew and U.S. House correspondent Bernie Bennett. Though both Agnew and Bennett were inside the Capitol when the breach happened, they were removed from their usual broadcast desks but were able to file their reports and update listeners using their cell phones. ABC News Radio offered breaking news coverage to affiliates as the invasion of the Capitol was taking place but also produced the special program “Chaos at the Capitol” that aired in the 7:00 pm ET hour anchored by Aaron Katersky with assistance from correspondents.
Townquare Media Completes $550 Million Senior Secured Note Offering. On Wednesday (1/6), Townsquare Media filed a report with the Securities Exchange Commission announcing that is has completed the sale of $550 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.875% senior secured notes due 2026 that it announced in December. Townsquare says that it used a portion of the net proceeds from the New
Notes Offering to repay debt accrued under its term loan facility provided under the Existing Credit Agreement. The company also intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from the New Notes Offering, together with cash on hand, to redeem all of the Company’s outstanding 6.500% senior notes due 2023 on January 14, 2021, and to pay the premium, fees and related expenses. The New Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.875% and mature on February 1, 2026. Interest is payable on the New Notes semi-annually in cash in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2021. Townsquare used a portion of the net proceeds from the New Notes Offering to repay borrowings under its term loan facility provided under the Company’s existing credit agreement, dated April 1, 2015. It also terminated its revolving credit facility under the Existing Credit Agreement and all other obligations thereunder were repaid effective January 6, 2021.
Save Time and Money in Public Affairs Programming. One of the requirements the FCC makes of radio stations is that they address “local issues and local problems” in order to serve the public. How stations do that is required to be part of their quarterly reports filed with the Commission. Shel Lustig, president of MediaTracks Communications, says that syndicated public affairs programming not only saves money but also saves time by including the quarterly reports the FCC requires. His company has been producing and syndicating award-winning public affairs radio programs for more than 30 years, with more than 1,200 affiliate radio stations across the country. He has more to say about the use of syndicated public affairs programs and you can read it here.
Radio’s Bob Lawrence Announces Retirement. Radio pro Bob Lawrence announces he is retiring from Revenue Development Resources after a 54-year career in the broadcasting industry. During that time, he’s been an air-talent, program director, and
general manager. He served with the Radio Advertising Bureau for 14 years and spent the past six years with Revenue Development Resources. RDR president Mark Levy says, “I have had the great privilege of working with Bob Lawrence for 13 years, first at the RAB and then with RDR. During that time, he amazed me with his energy and the respect so many people in the industry had and continue to have for him. But even more than that, he never stopped learning, and he never was anything but nice to people. I know that last part is often brushed over, but it is truly something that made Bob stand out from so many others in this business. He’s been a cheerleader, a sounding board and a sage for so many people…the industry is certainly going to miss him!”
TALKERS News Notes. WGN-AM, Chicago is debuting “Blackhawks Live” on Monday (1/11). The hour-long program will air at 7:00 pm hosted by Chris Boden and Nick
Gismondi. WGN sports director Dave Eanet says, “This is going to be a must-listen for Blackhawks fans. WGN listeners already know Chris and his knowledge of the Blackhawks, and we’re thrilled to welcome Nick and his Hawks expertise. Together they’ll deliver an insider perspective on everything from the players to the games.”…..Entercom announces that its campaign to raise funds for those without enough to eat raised more than $1.1 million – including a record-breaking 
one-day toll of $358,250 – as a part of the 35th annual Hungerthon campaign. Entercom’s New York stations – including sports talk WFAN and all-news WINS and WCBS-AM – partnered with WhyHunger for the campaign. Entercom New York SVP and market manager Chris Oliviero says, “This year has presented all of us with unprecedented adversity and forced us to reflect on what’s important. Like we’ve proven time and time again, our ability to support one another in times of struggle is one of our greatest attributes as New Yorkers, and we are proud of our colleagues and listeners for coming together for our neighbors in need. As we’ve done since its launch, we are once again honored to support WhyHunger’s annual Hungerthon and the selfless mission to end hunger.”…..SiriusXM announced today it has signed a new agreement to become the exclusive audio broadcaster of the Masters Tournament. For the 2021 Tournament, scheduled for April 5-11, SiriusXM will produce and present live play-by-play broadcasts all four days of Tournament play from Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia…..WNYC Studios’ podcast “Death, Sex & Money” announces the launch of “Getting Real About Getting Older,” a special episode and live radio program “to create space to talk about aging – because we don’t talk about it enough in our society, and when we do, we don’t often do it well.” WNYC Studios says, “The project was inspired by a listener’s feedback that DSM host Anna Sale (who is 40) didn’t seem to understand aging. It was a comment that came in last year, at a time during which the value of people of a certain age was being challenged and questioned at every turn – from callousness surrounding seniors dying from COVID, to questions
about Joe Biden’s competency for the job of president based on his age.”…..Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN News hires Paige Pfleger as the newsroom’s first arts, culture & music reporter. WPLN news director Emily Siner says, “Having this beat in our newsroom will allow us to give Nashville 
and Middle Tennessee’s arts and music community the coverage it deserves. Paige has the reporting and storytelling chops to show how the arts are a lens to understand broader civic and cultural issues.”…..GCN-syndicated talk radio host Dr. Daliah Wachs picks up new affiliate stations KBFI, Bonners Ferry and KSPT, Sand Point – both in Idaho – plus iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC as they add her show to their program schedules.
Trump Supporters Storm Capitol, Congress Certifies Biden Victory, Democrats Win Georgia Runoffs/Dems to Control Senate, and COVID-19 Stats & Vaccines Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/6). Supporters of Donald Trump storm the U.S. Capitol disrupting the certification of Joe Biden’s victory; Congress reconvenes in the evening to certify Biden’s election victory; Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff defeat their Republican opponents in Georgia’s runoff elections, giving Democrats slim control of the U.S. Senate; and the fast-rising number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and the rollout of vaccines were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Monday, October 19, 2020
Monday Memo: Round-Off Teases. Even just-a-few more minutes, from just-a-few loyal listeners can move the ratings needle. In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke has a simple tip. Read it here.
The Presidential Race/Early Voting, COVID-19 Stats & Projections/Vaccine, Hunter Biden Laptop Case, Stimulus Deal, Social Media ‘Censorship,’ The Economy/Financial Markets Activity, and Sports During COVID Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The November presidential election and the current early voting taking place; the rise in COVID-19 cases around the world and in the U.S., projections for fall-winter outbreaks, and the push for an effective vaccine; Donald Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani teases more to come from Hunter Biden laptop trove; the negotiations over a new COVID stimulus package; complaints from conservative media figures about being censored by Twitter and Facebook; the state of the U.S. economy and the uncertain financial markets activity; and the functioning of U.S. pro sports leagues amidst the pandemic were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Pending Business: No Such Thing As a Born Salesman. Poll a bunch of radio sales pros and you’ll probably find most agree that successful salespeople are “born salesmen.” Well, sales and marketing consultant Steve Lapa, president of Lapcom Communications, says that’s not true. He says, “Professional selling is a series of learned skills.” He adds that because of that, the most successful sellers and managers are constantly working to improve their learned skills. Read his column here.
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh Officially Cuts Ties with Wendy Bell. According to a story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Entercom’s news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh and talk show host Wendy Bell have mutually agreed to go their separate ways. This move
came Friday, about six weeks after Bell was taken off the air by management for suggesting that park rangers should shoot on sight anyone seen vandalizing a public monument. The show segment in question was posted 
to Bell’s Facebook page in which she states, “My easy solution for the park rangers and hopefully snipers who are going to be watching for this is to shoot on sight. Shoot, done. No more messing with monuments. You want to mess with a monument? Done, get out.” Bell posted a Facebook video on Friday in which she is heard conversing with her husband and laments “being fired for sharing conservative values.” Bell had worked for CBS’ KDKA-TV for 18 years but was fired in 2016 over comments that the station deemed racist.
Charlie Kirk Latest SRN Personality to Have Twitter Account Locked. Although his Twitter account is active now, Salem Radio Network host and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk had his account locked on Sunday (10/18) after he posted a tweet based on a report published by ProPublica stating that the state of Pennsylvania had
rejected 370,000 ballots. His actual tweet stated: “Pennsylvania has just rejected 372,000 mail-in ballots. One voter was said to have submitted 11 duplicate ballots. Pennsylvania might be the key to winning the White House. What’s going on?” However, the story actually said that 370,000 ballot requests had been rejected and that one voter had rejected 11 duplicate requests. Salem Radio Network VP/news & talk programming Tom Tradup says, “Charlie Kirk and Sebastian Gorka are in good company since Twitter also locked President Trump’s official campaign account last week. But these attempts by Big Tech to muzzle the free and open exchange of ideas and opinions two weeks before the election are what has prompted the U.S. Senate to subpoena Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey this week to explain why he apparently feels it is okay to keep vital information from the American people.”
KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh Celebrates 100 Years; Adds FM Signal. Legendary news/talk outlet KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh is celebrating 100 years of service as “the authoritative news and talk voice of Pittsburgh.” In commemoration of the station’s centennial anniversary, the Entercom station will simulcast on FM for the first time ever and be heard on 100.1 FM (W261AX) as “100.1 FM and 1020 AM KDKA,” effective November 2.
Entercom Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “KDKA Radio is part of the radio history books not just here in Pittsburgh, but on a national level. What started back in 1920 as an opportunity to instantaneously provide news and information about the presidential election returns has blossomed into a key part of our listeners’ lives. After serving Pittsburghers on our AM dial for the last 100 years, we are thrilled to expand the reach of historic KDKA on FM. It’s an honor to be part of the team carrying the torch from those before us into the next 100 years.” On October 27, 1920, the Department of Commerce issued the first commercial radio station license under the call sign KDKA. The station launched on November 2, 1920 when Frank Conrad, an engineer at Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, started 8ZZ and broadcast the results of the presidential election returns between Warren G. Harding and James Cox. The station’s yearlong centennial celebration has also included various original sound, historical soundbites and a special weekly program every Wednesday.
TALKERS News Notes. TALKERS magazine has learned that Paul Rotella, president of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association, has been hospitalized for almost two
weeks with a severe case of spinal meningitis brought on by an infection. It required he undergo delicate heart valve surgery. After several touch-and-go days in a coma, family sources indicate that the surgery and treatment are showing signs of being successful and Rotella has turned the corner toward recovery. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “Our prayers go out to the Rotella family and all his many friends in the New Jersey broadcasting community and beyond who recognize Paul as one of the medium’s most 
dedicated advocates and all around wonderful human beings. We wish him a speedy recovery.”…..WABC, New York talk radio host Curtis Sliwa is planning to run for mayor of New York City and he wants to make the pigeon the city’s official bird. Seen at left wearing his pigeon gaiter, Sliwa tells TALKERS he now has hundreds of pigeons that follow him from his apartment on the Upper West Side to WABC’s studios on the Upper East Side. “They wait for me until I finish my broadcast and leave. Then they follow me. The other hosts like Bernie and Sid are upset because dozens of birds flock to the windows and streets around the WABC studios awaiting my arrival. People think that I’ve lost it because I stop and talk to them. Hey, I’m a talk radio show host. I get paid to talk.” See a YouTube video of Sliwa talking to his followers here…..WSB-TV, Atlanta is reporting that federal agents are investigating the disappearance of financial adviser Chris Burns who vanished a day before he was expected to turn over documents related to an undisclosed Securities Exchange Commission investigation. Burns had brokered time from Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM, Atlanta. Burns has not been charged
with a crime, but one investor tells WSB-TV that she’s accepted that her money is probably gone. The piece also states Burns’ wife is cooperating with authorities…..Cumulus Media’s KABC, Los Angeles adds Starnes Media Group’s “All-American Radio with Jennifer Kerns” to air Sundays at 7:00 pm. The program is based at KWAM, Memphis…..GCN nationally syndicated talk radio host Dr. Daliah Wachs launched the Change.org petition to end the back-and-forth 
between Daylight Saving and Standard time because of the multiple health risks that have been cited in scientific literature during the “spring forward,” including car accidents, heart attacks and workplace injuries. Pre-existing legislation has stalled in Congress but Wachs tells TALKERS that the petition has gone viral, exploding in the last few days to garner over 194,000 signatures and rising. Its goal is to alert Congress to listen to the needs of individual states and their requests to end biannual time changes…..Pictured below are (from l-r): Lou Turco, president of the Lieutenant’s Benevolent Association; Vince Vallelong of the Sargent’s Benevolent Association; Margo and John Catsimatidis, owners of Red Apple Media and WABC, New York; and Pat Lynch, NYPD PDA Union President. They posed for the pic after taking part in TALKRADIO 77 WABC and Ramsey Mazda’s “Back the Blue Program” on Friday (10/16) in which that station asked New Yorkers to tie a blue ribbon around trees to show their support for police officers across the New York Metro area. 77WABC has already received almost 500 requests for ribbons.
SiriusXM Closes on $325 Million Acquisition of Stitcher. Back in July Sirius XM Holdings announced that it is acquiring full-service podcast platform Stitcher for $325 million. Today (10/19), SiriusXM announced it has closed the deal. The company says that alongside Pandora, Simplecast, and AdsWizz, Stitcher strengthens its
position in the fast-growing podcast arena. SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer says, “We are deepening our position in podcasting, the fastest-growing sector in digital audio, and with completion of this transaction, our vision is taking shape. With Stitcher and its varied assets, we are now a one-stop shop able to meet the needs of podcast creators, publishers and advertisers, while also providing listeners with access to great shows, series and programming.” Stitcher CEO Erik Diehn stays with the company and reports to SiriusXM president and CEO Scott Greenstein. Stitcher’s chief revenue officer Sarah van Mosel also remains with the company and reports to SiriusXM chief advertising officer John Trimble.
Three Firms Partner to Expand Pacific Northwest Ag Network. The partnership between Gen Media Partners, J.L. Farmakis, Inc., and Cherry Creek Media will endeavor to expand the Pacific Northwest Ag Network that serves radio stations across Idaho, Oregon and Washington. As part of the effort, Cherry Creek Media will expand its news and content for the network that has “developed a reputation of
providing in-depth and accurate farm news and information” that “producers across Washington have come to know and trust. Now that same programing is available for quality radio stations across the Northwest.” Affiliate, national, and network advertising sales will be handled by Gen Media Partners and agricultural media rep firm J.L. Farmakis, Inc. Pacific Northwest Ag Network program director Glenn Vaagen says, “The strength of the Pacific Northwest Ag Network is our connection to the farm community; those boots on the ground. Each weekday, our team provides listeners across Washington not only the latest state and national ag news, but also the latest farm research occurring at area universities, connect them with the next generation of farmers through FFA and 4-H, and much more. We are excited about the opportunity to expand this programing across the entire Pacific Northwest.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. The nationally syndicated program “The Jubal Show” is being added to the program schedule at Cumulus Media’s CHR KKMG-FM, Colorado Springs “98.9 Magic FM.” Host Jubal Fresh, a.k.a. Jubal Flagg, had previously been heard on the station while partnered with Brooke Fox for the syndicated “Brooke & Jubal” show. After Jubal’s exit from the show in late March of this year, KKMG-FM continued to air the “Brooke and Jeffrey in the Morning” show. Now, “The Jubal Show” takes over the AM drive daypart…..Saga Communications names Borna Velic program director for Milwaukee classic rock WKLH-FM. Velic is also program director for the company’s rock WHQG-FM, Milwaukee “102.9 The Hog.” At the same time, WHQG midday personality Mindy Novotny is promoted to music director and programming assistant for that station while sister CHR WNRG-FM midday host and music director Mandy Scott adds WKLH programming assistant duties…..Nashville Public Radio announces that Jewly Hight is named music director for WNXP “91.ONE” and Marquis Munson joins the soon-to-launch station as production coordinator. Hight has served with Nashville Public Radio as a reporter and as a contributor to the NPR Arts Desk and NPR Music, among others. Munson most recently served with Cromwell Radio Group’s sports talk WPRT, Nashville “102.5 The Game.”
Friday, June 19, 2020
NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. The new episode titled “Plots and Subplots!” looks back at this past week of June 15-19, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Michael Riedel, talk show host, WOR, New York; David Horowitz, commentator/author; Sean Spicer, talk show host, Newsmax TV; Martha Zoller, talk show host, WDUN, Gainesville, GA; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Bill Brady, talk show host/owner, KFNX, Phoenix; and Heidi Harris, talk show host, KMZQ, Las Vegas. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; WTIC, Hartford; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD (“Freedom 93.7”), Denver; KFNX, Phoenix; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; KWAM, Memphis; K-NEWS, San Luis Obispo; WCHM, Clarkesville, GA; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA; Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode, please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Terry Foxx Moves from Atlanta’s ‘The Game’ to Charlotte’s WFNZ. Sports talk programming pro Terry Foxx is named brand manager for Entercom’s WFNZ-AM/W273DA, Charlotte. He’s been brand manager for the company’s WZGC-FM,
Atlanta “92.9 The Game” since the station launched. Prior to that, he helped launch and programmed Entercom’s KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh “93.7 The Fan.” Entercom Charlotte SVP and market manager Matt Hanlon says, “Terry brings a wealth of experience architecting leading sports radio brands and will help usher in a new era of growth for WFNZ. The 
station serves as an extremely important sports and lifestyle brand for the people of Charlotte, who rely on us to be informative, timely, relevant and entertaining. Terry’s leadership will be instrumental and we’re looking forward to adding him to the team.” Foxx adds, “I’m very excited to join Entercom Charlotte and the great team at WFNZ. Charlotte is a great city full of passionate sports fans and I look forward to enhancing their sports radio home with unparalleled content and in-depth discussion. I want to thank Matt for this incredible opportunity, along with [regional president] Doug Abernethy.”
Salem Radio News to Provide Complete Coverage of Trump Tulsa Rally. When President Trump’s campaign rally gets underway at Tulsa’s BOK Center tomorrow,
Salem Radio News and TOWNHALL News will be there providing comprehensive coverage. SRN says White House correspondent Greg Clugston will travel aboard Air Force 1 and will provide “advancers” beginning early Saturday and will file reports from the BOK Center during and following the rally. SRN will provide live, unanchored audio from the event on Saturday evening on both the SRN News “longform” channel and via its SRN Westwood One XDS channel.
Townsquare Media Files 10-Q Form with First Quarter Financial Data. A week ago, Townsquare Media Inc provided preliminary first quarter 2020 financial data
and said it would officially file its 10-Q Form with the Securities Exchange Commission “on or before June 25.” Today, the company delivers that report. Net revenue for the first quarter was basically flat at $93.4 million compared to Q1 2019’s net revenue of $93.7 million. However, in the first quarter of 2019, the company posted operating income of $11.9 million and this year ended up posting an operating loss of $72.1 million. In the first quarter of 2019, Townsquare reported a net loss of $4.6 million compared to the net loss of $59.6 million for the first quarter of 2020.
TALKERS News Notes. The board of director of Saga Communications, Inc announces that the company is temporarily suspending the quarterly cash dividend in response to the continued economic uncertainty of the impact of COVID-19. It
says, “Additional actions being taken to conserve the company’s cash position include reducing planned capital spending and seeking discounts from vendors.” It adds, “By preserving the company’s cash position, the company believes market conditions may present attractive acquisition opportunities. The company will consider the resumption of quarterly cash dividends in the near future as economic conditions permit.”…..Tulsa sports talk outlet KRXO-AM/K300CY “The Franchise” is no more as Tyler Media flips the duo to a Spanish music format according to a reports from the Tulsa 
World…..The nationally syndicated “Todd Starnes Show” announces the addition of more affiliate stations as WMKT-AM, Elk Rapids, Michigan and WATT-AM, Cadillac, Michigan add the program in the 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm daypart…..Today (6/19), ESPN Radio and The Undefeated – ESPN’s multiplatform content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture – presents the debut of “The Intersection” at
8:00 pm ET on ESPN Radio. ESPN says the two-hour, weekly show “will feature in-depth discussions that will continue the conversation around the impact of social justice on sports and society.” Following its premiere episode on Friday in recognition of Juneteenth, the show will move to its regular time slot, Thursdays at 8:00 pm ET. The program is hosted by “SportsCenter” anchor Elle Duncan and The Undefeated columnist, commentator, and host Clinton Yates. The duo will regularly be joined by other commentators from across the network.
John Bolton’s Book, Trump’s Tulsa Rally, and the Presidential Race Top News/Talk Stories for Week of June 15-19. The controversy over former Trump national security adviser John Bolton’s The Room Where It Happened book, President Trump’s planned Tulsa rally, and the presidential race tied for the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Black Lives Matter movement and protests and the police killing of Rayshard Brooks. Coming in at #3 was the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care system, and virus statistics & projections, followed by the reopening of America and the economy at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
NEED A GUEST? We’ve Got Some Good Ones for You at ‘Expert Guests.’ Talk media hosts, producers, and bookers are advised to check out the newly expanded
“Expert Guests” section of TALKERS. It is updated on a regular basis with outstanding experts and personalities available by telephone, Skype, or Zoom for booking on radio, TV, and online talk shows. This week you’ll find a wide array of guests that includes widely acclaimed New York Times best-selling conservative author David Horowitz available to discuss his new book BLITZ: Trump Will Smash the Left and WIN (Humanix Books, 2020) and The Epoch Times leading edge investigative reporter on Communist China, Joshua Philipp. There are also guest commentators on post-Michael Vick dogfighting, as well as the process of opportunistic media manipulation – plus a whole lot more. To visit “Expert Guests,” please click here.
News Anchor. With the retirement of a 35-year morning drive veteran, Chicago’s
top-rated station, WBBM Newsradio, has a rare opportunity for a talented news anchor. Solid skills as a journalist are a must, including writing and reporting, along with strong on-air delivery and ability to handle high-pressure, breaking news situations with ease and grace. Requirements and expectations along with an online application can be found here. Entercom is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
PR Gigs. In response to the recent layoffs of approximately 300 public relations pros by the giant PR firm Edelman due to the COVID-19 crisis, Jerry McGlothlin, president of talk media-oriented PR company Special Guests, tells TALKERS he is interested in talking to ex-Edelman employees about contracting with his Hickory, NC-based firm stating, “One man’s floor is another man’s ceiling, and if Edelman is laying off productive, experienced PR pros, Special Guests is interested in providing them with an income in their new agency home. Our generous straight commission offer gives publicity professionals exiting Edelman the opportunity to earn more commission money from Special Guests than from than their former paycheck.” Any PR professional from Edelman is welcome to apply by emailing McGlothlin directly at jerry@specialguests.com.
PPM Analysis: Urban AC. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2020 PPM survey, today focusing on urban AC. In this report you can see comparisons of station performances (weekly, 6+ AQH share) based on April 2020 survey to May 2020 survey data, May 2019 to May 2020 data, how urban AC stations ranked during the May survey and more. See it all here.
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that former adult contemporary WSHE morning hose and producer Robb Rose is joining Townsquare Media’s Midland-Odessa, Texas cluster as director of content and operations manager for the five-station cluster. Rose exited the Hubbard Radio Chicago station back in May. At Townsquare, Rose will also program and serve as morning host for country KNFM-FM “Lone Star 92.”…..The Westwood One-syndicated “BOB & TOM Show” says it is not letting restrictions brought on by COVID-19 curtail its full production. Yesterday (6/18), the show’s “The BOB & TOM Show House Band” featuring Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio, became the “The BOB & TOM Show Out-House Band” when the band’s staging was moved from the Performance Studio at iHeartMedia Indianapolis to the show’s parking lot. As you can see in the photo below, “outhouse” band was set up near the show’s dumpster and a portable toilet.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
iHeartMedia Extends Furloughs for 90 Days. As first reported by Billboard, iHeartMedia announces to staffers that it is extending the companywide furloughs
for another three months due to the coronavirus pandemic that has “had a significant impact on advertising revenue.” The company says it will be some time before radio station staffing levels will return to full status. This extended furlough for certain staffers will now last through September.
Pennsylvania Attorney Targets Townsquare Media with Investigation. Bensalem, Pennsylvania attorney Howard G. Smith announces an investigation “on behalf of Townsquare Media, Inc. investors concerning the Company and its officers’ possible violations of federal securities laws” in which he’s seeking qualified clients. This comes a day after the company filed a Form 8-K with the Securities Exchange Commission in which it disclosed that it had discovered an error in projected cash flows that were utilized in its valuation model. As a result, the company is reporting an impairment charge of 
approximately $39.4 million for its licenses and an impairment charge of approximately $69.0 million for its goodwill. It reported that certain financial statements for fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019 should no longer be relied upon and would be restated due to the error. Townsquare says it is “reassessing its previous conclusions regarding the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this assessment, the Company expects to report material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls and therefore conclude that internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls are not effective.” Smith says in a press release that “on this news, the Company’s share price fell $1.20, or nearly 19%, to close at $5.28 per share on June 9, 2020, thereby injuring investors.”
KXL, Portland Promotes Three, Adds On-Air Personality. At Alpha Media’s
Portland news/talk KXL “FM News 101,” spoken word content director 
Bruce Collins announces the promotion of three news team members and the addition of another. Current morning and afternoon drive news and traffic reporter Brett Reckamp moves to the co-anchor chair on the station’s “Portland’s Morning News” program. He’s joined by co-anchor Veronica Carter. Previously, she’s served as West Coast regional news director for iHeartMedia and news anchor/reporter for Entercom’s WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM
and Nexstar Media’s WGN-AM in Chicago. KXL assistant news director Jim Ferretti is promoted to news director and Jeremy Scott is promoted to full-time morning and afternoon drive traffic reporter. Collins says, “It’s awesome to have such a strong staff and be able to promote from within. With the addition of Veronica Carter and the promotion of key personnel, it puts KXL in an extremely strong position.”
WGN-AM, Chicago Adds ‘Sunday Standards with John Williams’ to Weekends. Chicago heritage news/talker WGN-AM adds a second music program to its weekend programming schedule beginning June 21 with the launch of “Sunday Standards with John Williams.” The Nexstar Media Group station says that following the success of “The Sinatra Hours with Dave Plier,” which ranked #2 with adults 25-54, it’s adding the new program hosted by midday talk personality and
Great American Songbook aficionado John Williams to air from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The show will feature a wide range of artists, including Sammy Davis, Jr., Nat King Cole, and Burt Bacharach, 
along with more modern artists like Linda Ronstadt, Barry Manilow and Amy Winehouse covering those songs. Williams comments, “Some of the hits we play go back 85 years, others go back 15 years. The music is really nice to listen to, and that’s the idea. I think there’s something really big about WGN Radio, a 50,000-watt AM station, energizing this music all over again – and getting people something they need right now.” Left out of the new Sunday program schedule is “The Sunday Spin: Politics with Rick Pearson” that’s been airing from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm weekly. WGN general manager Mary Boyle says, “The success of ‘The Sinatra Hours’ has proven there is an appetite for nostalgia. This music is hard to find, and certainly not on free, over-the-air radio. John Williams has a passion for this kind of music, so it’s a natural fit.”
Kevin Wall Takes Over Afternoons on KMZQ, Las Vegas. Talk show host Kevin Wall is joining Kemp Broadcasting’s KMZQ, Las Vegas to handle the 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm show. The station says that “together with morning drive host Heidi Harris, the addition of ‘Live and Local with Kevin Wall’ gives Las Vegas Valley radio
listeners more local talk than any other Vegas radio station.” Wall – who has served with such talk outlets as KFI, Los Angeles and KSFO, San Francisco – was most recently hosting a talk show on Royce International Broadcasting’s KBET, Las Vegas. Prior to that he was the afternoon personality on Entercom’s crosstown KXNT. Kemp EVP Marty Basch says, “Now more than ever with what’s happening in our country and locally, KMZQ will have Las Vegas’ only live and local morning show with Heidi Harris, and now afternoons with Kevin Wall. It’s Las Vegas radio’s ‘Dream Team,’”
Bob Adams Exits Saga’s Portland Station Group. According to a story in the Portland Press Herald, Bob Adams has exited his general manager role at the Portland cluster of Saga Communications stations that includes news/talk WGAN-
AM and seven music brands. The paper says that a memo sent to station staffers from SVP of operations Chris Forgy and Saga president and CEO Ed Christian indicated the reason for Adams’ departure was the need for a “more defined growth pattern” and that “a change was necessary.” The company expects to name a new general manager within the next few days. Adams’ exit comes after a number of high-profile air talent were recently laid off, including WGAN-AM talk host Ken Altshuler and music programmer and jock Randi Kirshbaum.
Round Two of May PPMs Released. The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2020 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San
Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s May 2020 survey period covered April 23 – May 20. You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his Ratings Takeaways for this group of markets and he reports that a number of all-news and news/talk stations that saw their weekly, 6+ AQH shares go up in April as a result of coverage of the coronavirus pandemic are starting to see those numbers 
fall. Cumulus Media’s news/talk WMAL-FM, Washington dropped seven-tenths to a 9.3 share but stays in the #1 position in the market. Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington adds three-tenths and climbs into the #2 spot. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO, Boston gives up a half share to finish May at a 4.8 share and the #6 rank. Sister all-news WBZ-AM also forfeits a half share for a 5.9 share finish and the #4 rank. Bonneville’s KIRO-FM, Seattle bucks the trend, adding three-tenths to wrap the May survey with a 7.2 share and the #1 rank. Meanwhile, Entercom’s all-news WWJ, Detroit drops seven-tenths to a 5.7 share and falls into the #2 rank in the Motor City. See Mike Kinosian’s complete report here.
TALKERS News Notes. The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand reports that the status of ESPN Radio personality Trey Wingo is up in the air as the sports media
giant mulls its options. He currently co-hosts the morning drive show with Mike Golic. Marchand says ESPN is “reshaping its radio and NFL presentations” and with Wingo’s contract up, it’s not clear what his status with ESPN is. He says the company would like Keyshawn Johnson – who’s currently heard on O&O KSPN, Los Angeles – and Max Kellerman on its national radio platform. Johnson’s contract is up at the end of the summer…..Cumulus Media’s sports talk KNBR-AM/FM, San Francisco 
announces it raised more than $100,000 for Bay Area hunger relief partnering with Giving in Motion for last week’s fund drive. The money raised will provide more than 6,500 family meals, plus 1,300 bags of school supplies and household essentials to Bay Area residents impacted by COVID-19. The KNBR staff will deliver the meals to people in need at specific locations in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and Walnut Creek…..Cox Media Group Tulsa announces that it has helped its community partners raise more than $2 million in the first half of 2020. The cluster – including news/talk KRMG-FM, four music brands and three TV signals – says that figure does not include non-monetary fundraising efforts it has pushed through its channels.
The cluster partnered with the Community Food Bank to collect more than 774 pounds of food for its annual Spread the Love campaign, collected 220 pints of blood through a drive with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, and diverted more than 93 tons of recyclable items from the dump through the inaugural Big Spring Clean. CMG Tulsa market VP Cathy Gunther says, “During times of great uncertainty, like now, people rely more than ever on the support of community partners to help them get through. This is why we have not only upheld our commitments to our current partners but have gone a step further and added a number of new events to try and help our partners jump-start donations to serve more people who are now reliant upon them.”
George Floyd Funeral/Protests, Police Reform, COVID-19 Statistics & Projections, Presidential Race, Georgia Election Problems, Russia Probe Review, Financial Markets Activity, MLB Negotiations/NFL Racism Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/9). The funeral of Minneapolis police violence victim George Floyd and the ongoing protests taking place across the country; the calls for the reforming and de-funding of police departments; the rising and falling of confirmed COVID-19 cases as states continue the re-opening process; the November presidential election; the troubles Georgia faced holding efficient voting on Tuesday; the review of the Russia probe being led by John Durham; the world’s financial markets react to the coronavirus pandemic and U.S. unrest; and the negotiations between the MLB’s players and the league and the state of racism in the NFL were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
NEED A GUEST? We’ve Got Some Good Ones for You at ‘Expert Guests.’ Talk media hosts, producers, and bookers are advised to check out the newly expanded “Expert Guests” section of TALKERS. It is updated on a weekly basis with outstanding experts and personalities available by telephone, Skype, or Zoom for booking on radio, TV, and online talk shows. This week you’ll find a wide array of guests that includes an expert on how to generate lost revenue due to COVID-19 via online marketing, an author who writes about Islamic matters, and an expert on finance who puts the race-oriented protests, demonstrations, and riots into perspective from an economic standpoint – plus a whole lot more. To visit “Expert Guests,” please click here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Seattle classic hits outlet KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” announces the debut of its new morning show, “95.7 The Jet Mornings with Jodi & Bender.” The iHeartMedia station notes that
Bender previously served as a morning host on its KBKS “106.1 KISS FM” where he “became one of the most impactful on-air personalities in the Seattle region.” Jodi has served with KJR-FM since 2011. iHeartMedia Seattle market president Robert Dove says, “Putting Jodi and Bender together gives ‘95.7 The Jet’ a dynamic morning show that will be entertaining and provide civic values to our great city of Seattle. Whether it’s Seafair or Seattle Children’s Hospital, Jodi, Bender, and KJR will be there to shine a light on the good things happening in the Emerald City.”…..iHeartMedia announces that Mark Manuel is the new program director for classic rock KCQQ, Quad Cities. He’s been serving the station as APD and webmaster. He says, “I’m really grateful for the opportunity. After chasing a morning host dream for two decades, I found that I really enjoyed the programming aspect of radio for the past five years. I especially want to thank iHeartMedia for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I’m happy to continue to be part of the team for years to come.”
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Entercom Files with SEC to Announce $300 Million Refinance. In the filing with the Securities Exchange Commission, Entercom announces that subsidiary Entercom Media Corp. – the former CBS RADIO stations – is offering $300 million in aggregate principal
amount of senior secured second-lien notes due 2027. The company says it will use the net proceeds from the offering, cash on hand, and availability under its revolving credit facility to partially repay existing indebtedness under its senior secured term loan facility. Also contained in the filing is preliminary operating results for the first quarter of 2019. It reports net income should be between $1.3 million and $5.3 million, and adjusted EBITDA to be between $41.7 million and $43.7 million. Entercom also says pacings for the second quarter of 2019 are up by more than 4% as of April 18, 2019 compared to the same period in the second quarter of 2018. During the first quarter of 2018, the company completed asset sales that generated $24.5 million in net cash proceeds. It used the proceeds, along with existing cash on hand, to repay $180 million in borrowings under its revolving credit facility.
New Myrtle Beach News/Talk Station to Launch on May 6. The station that is currently
adult contemporary WYEZ “94.5 The Tide” is flipping to news/talk with new calls WTKN as “Talk 94.5′ on May 6. The Byrne Acquisition Group station is bringing market radio personality Liz Callaway – formerly with Dick Broadcasting’s crosstown news/talk WRNN-FM – to host the morning show. The rest of the lineup will include Premiere Networks’ Glenn Beck; Salem Radio Network’s Dennis Prager, Sebastian Gorka, and Larry Elder; and Westwood One’s Ben Shapiro and the overnight “Red Eye Radio” show.
KKFN, Denver Names Nick Ferguson Host of Late Morning Show. On-air changes are taking place at Bonneville’s sports talk KKFN, Denver “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan.” The late morning “Pritchard and Cecil” show is giving way to a new show hosted by former Denver
Broncos safety Nick Ferguson. “The Safety Blitz with Nick Ferguson” will feature current on-air staffer John Davis as co-host. Meanwhile, Cecil Lammey will remain with the station as digital talent in which he’ll focus on creating content for 1043TheFan.com and the station’s social media platforms. Mike Pritchard will continue as a fill-in host, allowing him to focus on his own small business. KKFN program director Raj Sharan says, “Nick is an absolute ball of energy that Broncos Country is going to fall in love with. In his playing days with the Broncos, he would interact with fans and teammates while stretching at training camp. He called it ‘The Nick Ferguson Show,’ and it was often the most entertaining time of practice. Nick’s time as a recent NFL coach and former Broncos player combined with his incredible charisma makes him an extremely unique and valuable addition to our team.”
Premiere Networks Promotes Rush Limbaugh Show’s George Prayias. Digital pro George Prayias is promoted to vice president of digital for “The Rush Limbaugh Show.” Prayias is
based in New York where he reports to Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott. She comments, “This is a well-deserved promotion. George has been a valuable member of ‘The Rush Limbaugh Show’ team for nearly 20 years. His vision and leadership have been instrumental to the continued growth and success of Rush’s digital business and helping maintain the award-wining program’s industry-leading status.” The company says Prayias started his career with Premiere in 2000 when he conceived and launched the original website for the program. Prior to joining Premiere, Prayias spent close to a decade in television and was one of the original producers at FOX News Channel. He first met Limbaugh as a member of the production staff on the syndicated “Rush Limbaugh, The Television Show.”
Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo Inks Extension with SiriusXM. Sports media personality Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo signs a new, four-year deal with SiriusXM to continue
leading his Mad Dog Sports Radio channel on the satellite radio service. He hosts “Mad Dog Unleashed” each weekday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET. Russo’s show is also available to Pandora subscribers as a podcast. Russo says, “Oh baby! Four more years, and I couldn’t be happier! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. There’s no place, NO PLACE, better than SiriusXM to do the kind of show I want to do, with the freedom to talk about the topics that I want to cover and the listeners want to talk about. Now we’ll be reaching more fans than ever on SiriusXM and Pandora.”
Entercom Promotes Stacey Schulze to GSM for Greenville Station Group. Sales pro Stacey Schulze is being promoted to general sales manager for Entercom’s Greenville,
South Carolina cluster that includes news/talk WYRD-FM “106.3 WORD,” sports talk WORD-AM “ESPN Upstate” and five music radio stations. She was most recently digital sales manager for the cluster. Entercom Greenville SVP and market manager Steve Sinicropi says, “Stacey has done a tremendous job with our digital products and is an invaluable resource to our team and customers to navigate the sophisticated and fast-changing digital space effectively. In her expanded role, she’ll also work with our team and customers with RADIO.COM, our seven radio brands, play-by-play sports and all digital products.”
TALKERS News Notes. Longtime New York City traffic reporter Jeff McKay announces he’s
taking a new position with Westwood One News and will be relocating to Washington, DC. McKay posts on Facebook that he’ll be leaving his WINS, New York-based traffic reporting gig for DC next month.…..FOX Sports Radio says a new baseball podcast titled “”Inside the (Rob) Parker” – hosted by Rob Parker – will debut on The Herd Podcast Network. Parker says, “Baseball is my first love, my true sports passion. If you think I have hot takes on the NFL and the NBA, wait until you hear them about the national pastime. For sure, it will be fun and informative.” Parker continues co-hosting FOX Sports Radio’s 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET “The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard” that airs on close to 340 affiliate stations…..SiriusXM is providing subscribers with comprehensive coverage of the 2019 NFL Draft from Nashville, beginning with the first round on Thursday through the final round on Saturday. SiriusXM NFL Radio’s on-site broadcast team at the NFL Draft will feature: Gil Brandt, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former longtime player personnel executive for the Dallas Cowboys; Pat Kirwan, former NFL scout, coach and front-office executive; Jim Miller, former veteran NFL quarterback; Rick Neuheisel, former NFL quarterback and veteran coach; and Jason Horowitz, lead host for SiriusXM’s draft coverage.
Mueller Report Released/Impeachment Chatter, Trump Tax Returns Issue, 2020 Presidential Politics, Southern Border Crisis/New Mexico Militia, Iranian Oil Sanctions, Sri Lanka Bombings, NBA Playoffs, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/23). The release of the redacted Mueller Report and talk amongst Democrats of impeaching President Trump; the congressional requests for Trump’s tax returns and his suit to avoid being forced to comply; the 2020 presidential candidates and their policy proposals; the migrant status at the U.S.-Mexico border and New Mexico militia detaining migrants; the U.S. imposes sanctions on nations buying Iranian oil; the aftermath of the Sri Lanka bombings; the NBA playoffs; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Philadelphia, iHeartMedia announces that Khary
Sharpe is named general sales manager for hip hop WUSL-FM “Power 99” and urban contemporary WDAS-FM. iHeartMedia Philadelphia SVP of sales Jeff Moore says, “I am thrilled to add Khary to our growing team. Khary is someone that I’ve admired in the market for a long time and his extensive knowledge of the industry and ability to create and grow relationships with our advertisers on the client level as well as internally will contribute to the work we’re doing in creating a great culture here at iHeartMedia Philly.” Sharpe joined iHeartMedia from Entercom where he most recently served as the digital sales specialist for WOGL, WBEB and WTDY…..Lincoln, Nebraska morning personality Matt McKay, a.k.a. Matthew Rydberg, is on leave from Alpha Media’s CHR KFRX-FM after being charged with domestic violence as the result of an incident that took place on Saturday (4/20). The Lincoln Journal Star is reporting that Rydberg is being charged with felony strangulation. According to the Journal Star, “police went to Rydberg’s home on a report of a domestic assault witnessed by two children. A 46-year-old woman reported she went to sleep in her children’s room after an argument with her husband, who had been drinking, when he became angry… the woman told police Rydberg pushed on her neck and she couldn’t breathe, pushed her face, bit her nose and shoved her.” Alpha Media Lincoln market manager Julie Gade confirmed Rydberg is on leave from the radio station…..Westwood One says recent ACM-award winner and platinum-selling singer/songwriter – Warner Music Nashville’s Chris Janson – will host Westwood One’s Annual “Summer Kick-Off” special. The four-hour broadcast is available for radio stations nationwide to air over Memorial Day weekend. Janson will spin popular summertime hits from Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, and some of his own hits, including his new single, “Good Vibes.”
Thursday, January 3, 2019
iHeartMedia Files November Financial Report; Net Income Up 3.9%. The most recent Monthly Operating Report from iHeartMedia was filed with the Securities Exchange
Commission for the month of November. iHM has been releasing the reports since April 2018 as required by the bankruptcy court as it makes its way through Chapter 11 reorganization. Although revenue dipped 1.6% to $343.7 million compared to October, iHeartMedia’s net income was up 3.9% to $104.2 million. Operating income also rose from $104.8 million in October to $107.1 million in November. The company paid $12.8 million to outside professionals assisting with the reorganization.
Michael Savage Says Threats Force Move. A report by both the Washington Times and FOX News, says that talk radio personality Michael Savage has had to move to an
undisclosed location due to a particularly violent threat against him that authorities are taking seriously. Savage tells the Times that he’s received threats in the past and has largely ignored them, but this threat was different. “[G]iven the violent, vile times we are living in and the specific nature of this threat, both I and some serious agencies are taking this threat very seriously.” An email was sent to a restaurant Savage frequents demanding that it stop serving him. It said, in part, “I DEMAND THAT YOU REFUSE TO ALLOW MICHAEL … IN YOUR F***ING RESTAURANT AGAIN. HE IS A RACIST WHITE SUPREMACIST PIECE OF S**T.”
WTIC-AM, Hartford’s Jim Vicevich Profiled in Hartford Courant. Late morning talk show
host Jim Vicevich is the subject of a profile piece in the Hartford Courant. The piece focuses on Vicevich’s daily struggles with the effects of lupus and how he’s able to do his daily “Sound Off Connecticut” program on Entercom’s WTIC-AM, Hartford every day. The piece explains how Vicevich preps for his show and gets to work each day with the help of fiancé Jane Benson. See it here.
Cox Media Group’s Jamie Dupree Marks 30 Years with the Company. Longtime news radio pro Jamie Dupree is well known across the radio industry not only for his years of
professionalism covering DC politics, but as well for the attention he’s received from his struggle with a rare neurological disorder called tongue protrusion dystonia – and how Cox Media Group has helped him with his efforts to work around his inability to speak well and still report the news. Last summer, listeners heard Washington, DC-based Dupree’s voice on Cox stations again thanks to a text-to-speech app that uses old recordings of him to create new news reports. CMG’s WHIO, Dayton reports on that and on Dupree’s celebrating 30 years with Cox. Read it here.
Patel Appointed EVP of SmartAudio Intelligence Insights for iHeartMedia. Research pro Hetal Patel is making a return to iHeartMedia as the new EVP SmartAudio Intelligence Insights. Previously, she served with the company for four years, rising to vice president of
research, insights & analytics. Most recently, she was head of sales research & insights for Vox Media. In this new role with iHM, Patel will lead the SmartAudio Intelligence Insights team to “create research and insights that shape iHeartMedia’s value proposition. Her responsibilities will include providing critical consumer insights, market intelligence and industry trends to iHeartMedia teams, markets and executives by leveraging expertise in areas such as audience analysis, advertising sales metrics and media and digital consumer research. In addition, Patel will work closely with iHeartMedia’s partners on the development of next-generation analytics, techniques and products including artificial intelligence, machine learning, sentiment analysis and more. She says, “It really is the golden period of audio. I am thrilled to be returning to iHeartMedia where data and consumer are genuinely front and center, which means working on truly disruptive and future ready research initiatives designed to address the client and marketplace needs. It’s truly humbling and an honor to be a story teller and voice for iHeartMedia.”
‘TalkErie.com’ Debuts with SRN and Local Talk Programs. After stunting over the holidays with readings of the U.S. Constitution, the Inspiration Time, Inc.-owned trio of signals in the
Erie, Pennsylvania market officially becomes a news/talk outlet as “TalkErie.com.” Two Erie-licensed translators W277DS at 103.3 FM and W290BI at 105.9 FM are fed by WZTE-AM, North East, Pennsylvania. Local host Joel Natalie is star of the afternoon drive show. The rest of the lineup consists of Salem Radio Network programs including: Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Mike Elder, Eric Metaxas, and Joe Walsh. The station says, “We are Erie, Pennsylvania’s brand-new twin FM talker at 103.3 and 105.9. Erie News Talk Radio at its finest, with national news twice an hour 24/7 and local news daytime weekdays, you’ll be informed and challenged every minute you spend with TalkErie.com.”
Marc Ryan Named Midday Host at Entercom’s ‘ESPN Upstate.’ Sports talk pro Marc Ryan announces he’s accepted a position with Entercom’s sports talk “ESPN Upstate” – WORD-AM/WYRD-AM/W246CV/W249DL – in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina. There he’ll host the 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm show and serve as assistant program director. Ryan has been working on air at the company’s KILT-AM, Houston. It’s unclear what the status is of current 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm team “G-Mack & Lonzo” at “ESPN Upstate.”
TALKERS News Notes. Just as the FCC is shutting down – mostly – due to the stalemate over funding the U.S.-Mexico border wall, the country has a complete Commission for the first time in a while. Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Democratic nominee Geoffrey Starks and confirmed Republican Commissioner Brendan Carr for a full term. Commissioners are not affected by the shutdown since their salaries come from a different source…..SiriusXM extends the employment of president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein, who gets a new deal that will last through May of 2022. Greenstein will earn $1.6 million per year in base salary with the opportunity to earn a bonus of as much as 150% of his salary based on various incentives…..NBC Sports Radio and Westwood One are launching “The Daily Line,” a new, weekday afternoon drive show, that focuses on sports betting. It’s being hosted by Michael Jenkins of NBC Sports Washington and 10-year sports radio pro Tim Murray. The program airs live from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET. It will be simulcast on television across multiple NBC Sports Regional Networks…..CBS Television’s daytime program “The Talk” names Carrie Ann Inaba a full-time host on the show. She’s been serving as a guest host for the past two seasons. Her arrival comes on the heels of Julie Chen’s exit from the program in the aftermath of husband and former CBS chief Les Moonves’ sexual harassment allegations…..Westwood One continues its coverage of the National Football League with live, radio play-by-play of the playoffs, beginning with this weekend’s Wild Card games. WWO is the official national radio partner of the NFL and will also air play-by-play of Super Bowl LIII…..Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WBZ-FM, Boston renews its deal with the NFL’s New England Patriots to continue serving as the flagship for game day broadcasts. The station has served in this role since it launched as a sports talk outlet in 2009.
WBZ-AM, Boston Traffic Reporter Joe Stapleton Dead at 55. Boston radio traffic reporter Joe Stapleton died unexpectedly on December 31 at the age of 55. WBZ station operations
director Bill Flaherty says, “Joe was our overnight traffic reporter here at WBZ. He never walked through the door without a smile and friendly greeting for everyone he met.” During his career he worked on the highly rated “Maynard in the Morning” program on WBZ-AM in the 1980s. He appeared on rock WAAF, Boston’s “Hill-Man Morning Show” for many years as “Major Dick.” Stapleton also reported on traffic for WBZ-TV and WHDH-TV. A lover of films, Stapleton also appeared in a number of movies, including: “Spotlight,” “R.I.P.D.,” “Manchester by the Sea,” “Mystic River,” and “Edge of Darkness.”
Chicago Media Pro Robert Feder’s Wife Janet Loses Battle with Cancer. The staff of TALKERS magazine sends condolences to Chicago media writer Robert Feder and his family after the passing of his wife Janet G. Feder who died on December 31 after a battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
New Congress, Government Shutdown/Border Wall, Trump-Russia Investigation, 2020 Presidential Race, and the NFL Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/2). Today’s swearing in of the 116th Congress and the Democrats’ takeover of control; the ongoing battle to fund President Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall and the government shutdown; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents; the early entrants into the 2020 presidential campaign; and this weekend’s first round of the NFL playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Michael Harrison: Trump’s Impact on News/Talk Radio Unprecedented. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “Donald Trump’s influence on the subject matter and tone of news/talk radio in America is greater in terms of one individual newsmaker’s impact than any other during the 29-years that the publication has been tracking content.” In his first weekly address of 2019 to the TALKERS editorial board earlier this morning (1/2), Harrison added, “…and the president’s influence is reflected on all aspects of spoken-word radio beyond traditional news/talk from sports talk, all-news, and specialty genres to pop culture personalities doing talk shows on music stations.” Stating, “We can expect more of the same in this new year and probably beyond,” Harrison compared Trump’s pop cultural impact on talk radio to the effect the Beatles had on top 40 radio in the early sixties “when the entire genre changed everything from playlists to imaging to accommodate a new attitude and a flood of new players during the height of the British Invasion.” Harrison advises broadcasters to keep a watchful eye on their core audiences during the year ahead pointing out, “The polarized nature of today’s target audiences can lull programmers into thinking the makeup of their P1s is etched in stone. However, the turbulent nature of the times coupled with the emotional investment on the part of listeners to the rapidly unfolding ‘reality show’ can undergo subtle changes or shift on a dime.” Harrison concluded, “2019 is going to be a great year for talk radio – especially if we stay alert and maximize the extraordinary raw material that these wild times are providing in creative and productive ways – keeping in mind our deeper responsibility to pursue truth over victory and vigilantly respect and defend the First Amendment.” Editorial Note: The original artwork accompanying this story below is titled “The Show Must Go On” by Bobbie Winston (a.k.a. La Femme Bobbíe). She is an award-winning American artist living and painting in Rio de Janeiro since 1988. She has a world-wide following that enjoys her highly identifiable style. She paints wildly abstract portraits, full human figures, and imaginative, surrealistic scenarios marked by dramatic features and bold, striking colors. Her perspective on the human condition is cosmic, inclusive and evolved. Bobbie Winston’s Facebook page and art gallery can be accessed at www.facebook.com/bobbiewinstonartist. 
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Atlanta CHR WWWQ tweaks its station name, leaving behind the “Q100” moniker for the more accurate “Q99.7.” Cumulus Media VP of CHR and rhythmic CHR Louie Diaz explains, “‘Q100’ has been one of the most successful top 40 radio stations in the country, but now is the right time to refresh and rebrand the station as ‘Q99.7’ for the current and new generation of listeners. Rebranding ‘Q100’ to ‘Q99.7’ reflects the simple fact that listeners find the station at 99.7 on the dial. Our transition from ‘Q100’ to ‘Q99.7’ is now complete.”…..Service Broadcasting – owner of “Dede in the Morning” flagship KKDA, Dallas “K104” – and syndication partner Compass Media Networks announce the continued expansion of the “DeDe in the Morning” franchise with the clearance of the program in Atlanta (on Core Radio Group’s WTBS “Mix 87.7”). KKDA director of operations Geo Cook says, “We are thrilled with our progress nationally and appreciative to now be heard in Atlanta. The launch of ‘DeDe’s Weekend Kickback’ is in response to our growing list of affiliates who want unique and compelling content for weekends, in addition to weekday mornings.”…..Bonneville’s adult contemporary KYMX, Sacramento “Mix 96” names Amanda Carroll and Darik Kristofer co-hosts of the its new morning drive program. Carroll has been hosting a syndicated program via Christian FM…..Former WHUD Hudson Valley, New York morning host and original WMCA Good Guy Ed Baer has died at age 82. Baer launched his radio career in New York in 1957. In 1986, he joined WHUD and worked there for 29 years.
December 2018 PPM Data – Round Two. December 2018 ratings information has been RE-RELEASED for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s December 2018 survey period covered November – December 5. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM markets.
Washington, DC Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss from June through November for
an overall +1.6 (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL surrenders one-half share to 4.6 (fifth to sixth, 6+). November’s 5.1 represents its best 6+-stat in the PPM era.
Off a collective seven-tenths in four straight down or flat trends(3.7 – 
3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” remains at #14 with its lowest 6+-stat (3.0) since March (2.4). The Washington Nationals’ flagship completely erased July’s -.5 with an August +.5 (3.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+). While remaining flat at .9 (6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).
After spending 11 straight ratings periods at #1, Hubbard all-news WTOP (off one-tenth) segues to the runner-up slot. Nonetheless, WTOP is within 9.3 – 9.9 range for the ninth successive month (9.6 – 9.7 – 9.5 – 9.3 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.4, 6+).
It is succeeded at #1 by American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium,” which is an overall +1.9 via five straight increases (7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 9.0 – 9.5, 6+). This (9.5) is the best 6+-stat since November 2017(9.6) for WAMU, which was at #2 ten (10) times in calendar year 2018. The exceptions were in July, when WAMU finished third, and now in December (#1).
Flat at #24, Entercom business news outlet WDCHis down or flat for the fourth straight time (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3, 6+).
Washington, DC Music Formats – More than compensating for November’s -1.0 with a December increase in excess of 50% (4.8 – 7.3, +2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today” glides from sixth to third. At this time last year, WASH posted a 7.8 (December 2017, 6+). Prior to November’s -1.0, WASH was +2.1 in September and October (3.7 – 4.4 – 5.8, 6+). In early-October, Entercom transitioned hot AC WIAD “Fresh” to classic hits-oldies “94.7 The Drive – DC’s Greatest Hits.” WIAD is up one-half share to 2.9 (#18 to #16), its highest 6+-showing since July’s 3.1. A loss of eight-tenths (4.8 – 4.0, sixth to eighth, 6+) takes its former format rival – Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3” – to its lowest 6+-showing since June (4.0, as well). Having logged a 2.4 – 2.9 (6+) for 11 straight sweeps (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WWDC added four-tenths in November to 3.2, but “DC-101” relinquishes seven-tenths in December to 2.5 (#15 to #17, 6+). The nine-tenths lead that Radio One-owned WMMJ “Majic” held over urban AC competitor WHUR in November expands to 1.5, as “Majic” is up one-tenth to 6.8 (fourth, 6+) while Howard University’s WHUR is off one-half share (5.8 – 5.3, fifth, 6+). “Majic” (-.9 in October) had been in third-place the past four months, while WHUR (-1.0 in October) finished fourth in each of the previous eight ratings periods. Following six straight up or flat reports for a collective +2.3 (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+), WMMJ faltered by nine-tenths in August. July 2018’s 7.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM history. After four straight sweeps without an increase for an overall -1.4 (7.1 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), WHUR was a combined +1.1in June and July (5.7 – 6.3 – 6.8), with July’s 6.8 its best 6+-showing since January 2018’s 7.1. Unchanged at #12, Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ WETA “Classical 90.9” drops three-tenths to 3.3 (6+), thus snapping at five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a collective +1.4 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+). Prior to September, WETA had been within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous 22ratings periods. Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” is a collective -1.1 via three straight decreases (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.8, flat at #10, 6+). Steady at #18, Radio One gospel WPRS “Praise 104.1” surrenders one-half share (2.6 – 2.1, 6+).
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – After posting three positive spikes in a row for an overall gain of
eight-tenths (2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO surrenders 75% of that increase and tumbles from #12 to #15 (2.6, -.6, 6+). November’s 3.2 is the best 6+-stat for “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” in more than four years (3.3, November 2014).
In November, the market’s two FM sports talkers combined for an 11.8 (6+), which 
represented a +1.4 from October’s 10.4. It is a different story in December though as Entercom’s WEEI-FM erodes by two full-shares (5.7 – 3.7, third to ninth, 6+), while Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” sputters by one full-share (5.1, second to fifth, 6+). The
flagship of the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox – WEEI-FM – has the dubious distinction of having the largest (6+) November 2018 – December 2018 decrease (-2.0) of any station in the 24 PPM markets we’ve seen thus far. WEEI-FM was a collective +1.1 in October and November (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.7, 6+). Meanwhile, December’s -1.0 by “The Sports Hub” suspends four straight increases that accounted for a +2.3 (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+). WBZ-FM is the flagship of the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins.
Notwithstanding that iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM is off a collective one-half share via three straight decreases (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.9, 6+), “News Radio 1030” actually advances from eighth to seventh.
It is a bit of a similar scenario for WBUR, which drops four-tenths (5.5 – 5.1, 6+), but improves from sixth to fifth; the Boston University news/talker had registered a 5.5 (6+) in September, October, and November. WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH answers November’s loss of eight-tenths (3.4 – 2.6, 6+) with a gain of two-tenths to 2.8 (#14 to #13, 6+). Its June 2018 – October 2018 (6+) topline was 3.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4, but November’s 2.6 was its lowest 6+-showing since June 2016 (2.6, as well).
Boston Music Formats – A modest November increase of three-tenths (5.3 – 5.6, 6+) by Entercom adult contemporary WMJX is followed by a massive +3.3 as “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” jumps from fourth to first. Its December 2018 8.9 (6+) is one-tenth better from what it logged this time last year (8.8, December 2017). Competing roughly 40 miles to the west from Worcester, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WSRS “96-1 SRS – Worcester’s At-Work Station” nearly doubles (+.5) its 6+ Boston stat (.6 – 1.1, 6+) and checks in at #22. The station that “Magic” displaced at #1 is WSRS’ CHR sibling, WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (6.9 – 6.8, -.1, first to second, 6+). “Kiss” had been on top the past 11 ratings periods. By picking up two-tenths in November, WXKS-FM halted three straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall -1.1 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+). Locked on 5.2 (6+) in October and November, co-owned WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” improves by eight-tenths to 6.0 (seventh to third), its strongest 6+-performance in more than four years (6.4, September 2014). A collective +1.2 via five successive increases (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WKAF “97.7 Boston’s #1 For R&B” climbs from #13 to #12. Within 2.2 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 18thstraight sweep, rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” (2.4 – 2.8, +.4, 6+) advances from #16 to #13. By dropping two-tenths to 3.6 (6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT not only has its successive string of increases that produced a +.8 end at three (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+), “Hot 96.9” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). Down or flat for the sixth successive sweep for a combined loss of -1.0 (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), co-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” actually remains in ninth-place. Without a loss the past four months for a collective gain of three-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+), Entercom CHR WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is off two-tenths in December to 2.3 (#15 to #17, 6+).
Miami
English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – Remaining at #18, iHeartMedia news/talk
WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” drops one-tenth to 2.4 (6+), thus curtailing three consecutive gains that yielded six-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+).
May 2018 through December 2018 6+ stats for Entercom’s WQAM “Sports Radio 560” are: .9 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .9 (#28 to #26, 6+). Off three-tenths (.9 – .6, 6+), co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” slumps from #27 to #30. Its three-tenths’ increase in September curtailed seven straight (mostly) flat or down trends that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (.9 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .7 – .6, 6+).
Unchanged at #20, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN regains the one-tenth it dropped in November (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+).
Miami Music Formats – A gain of one-half share (2.7 – 3.2, #16 to #11, 6+) takes Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7 – Cubaton y Mas” to its highest 6+-stat since May 2017 (3.2, as well). Carrying on in sixth-place, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM Donde Viven Tus Hits” is without a loss for the fourth month in a row for a collective +.9 (3.9 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+). Rebounding from November’s loss of seven-tenths with a December increase of three-tenths (7.2 – 7.5, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” is on top for the seventh straight month. Prior to November, “Easy” was +1.0 through three straight gains (6.9 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 7.9, 6+). After three consecutive months without a loss for an overall advantage of eight-tenths (6.7 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+), WFEZ faltered by six-tenths in July. The market’s other AC – Entercom’s WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” – improves by one-half share (5.7 – 6.2, 6+) and inches up from fourth to second. “Lite FM” wiped away half of October’s -.6 with a November improvement of three-tenths. WLYF was a collective +.5 in August and September (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). In six of the last ten survey periods, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” has posted a 4.7 (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.7, sixth to seventh,6+). After dropping two-tenths in November, the market’s (6+) mainstream CHR share falters by another six-tenths as Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” (3.2 – 3.0, -.2, #12 to #13, 6+) overtakes iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.3 – 2.9, -.4, #10 to #14, 6+). Prior to October’s gain of three-tenths, “Hits 97.3” was down three sweeps in a row for an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+).
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of forfeiting six-tenths in November, Bonneville
news/talk KIRO-FM regresses by another three-tenths (6.0 – 5.7, 6+), sliding from second to third. Its -.6 in November pulled the plug on three straight positive spikes which netted a +1.5 (5.1 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+). Three increases in a row for a collective +.9 by co-owned KTTH (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+) are wiped away 
completely with a December loss of nine-tenths to 2.1 (6+) as “Conservative Talk Radio” exits the top twenty (#17 to #21). A similar streak concludes as well as Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570,” up three-tenths since May through six straight reports without a loss (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), loses one-tenth (1.2, #24 to #25, 6+).
A collective +.7 in October and November, Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” regresses by two-tenths in December to 3.9 (6+), but remains at #9. Immediately prior to October, the flagship of the Seahawks and Mariners was off eight-tenths via three straight down or flat trends (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). In four consecutive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM nearly tripled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .7 – .9 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), but “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” returns one-tenth to 1.3 (flat at #23, 6+).
In a statistical oddity, all-news KOMO had been making moves in increments of two-tenths. The Sinclair Broadcast Group facility was down two-tenths in June (2.6 – 2.4, 6+); up two-tenths in both August and September (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+); down two-tenths in October (2.7 – 2.5, 6+); and up two-tenths in November (2.5 – 2.7, 6+). It is down in December – but – by three-tenths (2.7 – 2.4, #19 to #18, 6+).
Following four consecutive up or flat trends that netted an overall nine-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW lost one-half share in November, but recaptures two-tenths in December (5.8 – 6.0, third to second, 6+); KUOW was #1 in September. October’s 6.3 was its highest 6+-share since April’s 6.5. Entering the August sweep, KUOW was an overall -1.1 in three straight down or flat sweeps (6.5 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+).
Seattle Music Formats – Not only does Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM tack on a robust +4.7 to November’s +.7 (3.4 – 4.1 – 8.8, 6+), “Warm 106.9” rockets from ninth all the way to first; KRWM logged an 8.1 (6+) in December 2017. Its improvement of seven-tenths in November applied the brakes to four successive setbacks that produced an overall -1.6 (5.0 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+). Prior to a +.3 in June, KRWM was -7.1 (or roughly -60%) in five consecutive down or flat sweeps (11.8 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Its 11.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was the AC station’s strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015;“Warm” was #1 in December 2017 and “Holiday” 2017. The station dislodged from the top spot and sliding to fourth is KRWM’s CHR cluster-mate KQMV (6.6 – 5.3, -1.3, 6+). In calendar year 2018, “MOViN 92.5” ranked first in February, March, June, July, August, October, and November. KQMV was +1.7 (July); -1.4 (August); -.6 (September); +1.0 (October); and now -1.3 (December). It has been just over one year since Entercom transitioned country KMPS to adult contemporary KSWD “The Sound.” In the September 2018 sweep, “The Sound” overtook “Warm 106.9” for the first time since KSWD’s format shift. As the result of six successive months without a loss (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), “The Sound” was an impressive +1.7.That streak though is stymied in December with a loss of eight-tenths (4.2, fourth to sixth, 6+). At the same time that iHeartMedia CHR KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM” adds sixth-tenths (2.3 – 2.9, #20 to #16, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLSW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” which lost approximately half (-.7) of its 6+-share through four drops in a row (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .8, 6+), is up one-half share to 1.3 (#23, 6+). A collective -1.6in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” fades from the top ten (#5 to #12). This (3.7) is the lowest 6+-showing for KZOK in exactly one year (3.6, 6+, December 2017). Evaporating by one full-share and one-half share, respectively, are Hubbard-owned country KNUC “98.9 The Bull” (3.1 – 2.1, #16 to #21, 6+) and iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KUBE “93.3 Seattle’s #1 For Hip-Hop” (3.3 – 2.8, #14 to #17, 6+). Entercom’s KISW is without an improvement for the seventh straight sweep for a collective -2.0 (6.2 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2, 6+), but “99.9 Seattle Rock Music” continues in sixth-place. Co-owned rhythmic hot AC KHTP “Hot 103.7” is a collective -1.1 in seven consecutive down or flat reports (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), but advances from #20 to #19.
Detroit
Spoken-Word Formats – Through four straight gains, Cumulus Media’s WJR was a
combined +1.1 (3.6 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+), but “News Talk 760” forfeits six-tenths in December to 4.1 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Its +.2 in August interrupted three straight negative trends that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+).
Following three upticks in a row that netted a +1.8 (4.6 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers flagship WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” returns one-half share to 5.9 (6+), slipping from fifth to sixth.
Rebounding from November’s one-half share loss with a positive spike of two-tenths (6.6 – 6.8, 6+), co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” progresses from third to second. Its -.5 in November halted three consecutive gains that yielded an overall +1.6 (5.5 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+). October’s 7.1 was WWJ’s strongest 6+-stat since March 2017 (7.4).
Off one-tenth (1.8 – 1.7, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM slips from #18 to #19. By gaining one-tenth in September, WUOM halted eight straight survey periods without an increase for a collective -.3 (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+). Four straight gains byWDET yielded an overall nine-tenths (.6 – .7 – .8 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+), but the Wayne State University news/talk facility drops two-tenths to 1.3 (flat at #22, 6+).
Detroit Music Formats – Over and above logging its third straight increase for a cumulative +6.5, easily doubling its 6+-share since September (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” marches from third to first. Not only that, WNIC boasts the largest 6+-share (12.2) of any station in the 24 PPM markets we have analyzed thus far. This time last year, WNIC posted an 11.8 (December 2017, 6+). Ousted from the penthouse and segueing to #3 is Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” (7.8 – 6.6, -1.2, 6+). Its +.5 in November curtailed three straight declines that led to a cumulative -1.0 (8.3 – 7.9 – 7.4 – 7.3, 6+). WCSX spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September. A -1.0 (7.0 – 6.0, second to fifth, 6+) sends Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” to its lowest 6+-stat (6.0) since November 2017’s 5.9. After four straight up or flat moves that netted six-tenths (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “97.9 Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” falters by six-tenths to 3.3 (#11 to #13, 6+). Four negative trends in a row by Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” have accounted for a -1.4 (5.2 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.8, flat at #11, 6+).
Phoenix
Spoken-Word Formats – A collective +1.2 as a result of four increases in a row (3.1 – 3.2 –
3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), KTAR-FM relinquishes two-thirds of that increase (3.5, -.8, 6+) yet actually improves from ninth to eighth. In November, the Bonneville news/talk outlet reached 
the four-share level (6+) for the first time since January’s 4.0. Off three-tenths (2.9 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI falls from #15 to #18. After dropping four-tenths in September, “News Talk 550” duplicated October’s gain of two-tenths in November (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+).
Immediately following its one-half share September increase to 3.1 (6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” is now a combined -1.1in three straight dips (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+) and repeats at #21. September 2018 marked the first time the key station of the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Coyotes, and Arizona Diamondbacks reached the three-share level (6+) since October 2017’s 3.0.
Albeit flat at 2.8 (6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ advances from #16 to #14. October’s 3.1 was its best 6+-showing since April’s 3.6.
Phoenix Music Formats – Three upticks in succession by iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ result in a collective +3.6 (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 9.7, 6+). KESZ, which notched a 12.1 (6+) in December 2017, is on top for the third straight time. It entered the October sweep with four consecutive declines (including September’s -1.2) that accounted for an overall -2.9 (9.0 – 8.7 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 6.1, 6+). After spending ten straight sweeps at #1, KESZ shifted to the runner-up slot in September. Doubling November’s gain of four-tenths with a December increase of eight-tenths (4.7 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+), co-owned hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9” climbs from fifth to fourth. In sevenstraight sweeps without a loss, The Yucaipa Companies’ classic hits-oldies KOAI “The Oasis” is a collective +1.2(1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.3 – 2.7, #19 to #16, 6+). Eroding by -1.2(4.5 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom’s KOOL “94.5 Phoenix Classic Hits” exits the top ten (#8 to #11). Down by one-half share (each) are Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” (3.5 – 3.0, #10 to #13, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZAI “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (.8 – .3, #34, 6+). “Live” was upone-half share in November and off seven-tenths in October. Despite losing a collective eight-tenths through four straight decreases (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” actually advances from tenth to ninth. Without an increase for the fifth straight month, TheYucaipa Companies’ hot AC KMVA “Hot” is a collective -1.0 since July (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5, #18 to #19, 6+). Returning the one-half share it gained in November (2.8 3.3 – 2.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT “Que Buena 105.9” slips from #13 to #14.
Minneapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – Via five straight down or flat moves (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO is off by an overall six-tenths, dropping from #11 to #12. Earlier
this year, “News Radio 830” was +.8 (April); -.8 (May); -.8 (June); and +.5 (July). The Timberwolves and Twins flagship is one-tenth ahead of iHeartMedia’s KTLK, which sputters by four-tenths (4.1 – 3.7, #11 to #14, 6+); “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” gained seven-tenths in 
October. A collective +.4 in October and November (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), Hubbard news/talk KTMY has that gain erased in December with a -.5 (2.4 #15 to #17, 6+). An August improvement of three-tenths by “My Talk 107.1” halted three straight down or flat moves that accounted for an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+).
Following four consecutive increases that yielded a cumulative +3.0 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” returns one-third of that increase (5.7, -1.0, second to sixth, 6+). That particular streak by the flagship of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild directly followed four dips in a row that produced a collective -2.1(5.8 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). With a February 2018 through December 2018 topline of 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8 – .7 – 1.0 – .7 (6+), Hubbard sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” slumps from #21 to #24.
After three straight increases that produced a +1.0(3.7 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW drops two-tenths in November and three-tenths in December (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.2, flat at #10, 6+). Immediately prior, KNOW was a collective -2.2 in four negative moves in a row (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+).
Minneapolis Music Formats – Roaring back from a collective -1.4 in October and November (8.0 – 6.7 – 6.6, 6+) with a +2.1 in December (to 8.7, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL “Kool 108 Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” progresses from third to first. It succeeds Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” (7.3 – 6.3, -1.0, 6+), which shifts to fourth. Before being a combined +.4 in September and October (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+), KSTP-FM logged four straight downward trends that accounted for a -1.5 (8.6 – 7.9 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+). It held the lead position seven straight sweeps prior to being ousted in August. Tacking on eight-tenths to November’s +.4 (4.6 – 5.0 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” jumps from eighth to fifth with its best 6+-stat (5.8) since July’s 5.9. This is the fourth straight up or flat trend for Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” for an overall gain of eight-tenths (5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.4, fifth to third 6+). Advancing by six-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” (6.7, fourth to second, 6+) and Minnesota Public Radio classical outlet KSJN (#17 to #15). In advance of its December growth, KDWB was a collective -1.7 in three decreases in succession (7.8 – 7.2 – 6.5 – 6.1, 6+); KSJN is +.9 in four upticks in a row (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9, 6+). After notching consecutive bumps of two-tenths (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” erodes by -1.0 to 4.6 (sixth to eighth, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” (unchanged at #9) and Minnesota Public Schools’ KBEM “Jazz 88 FM” (2.2 – 1.7, #18 to #19, 6+). In three straight sweeps without an increase, KTIS-FM is off a collective eight-tenths (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+). Following three negative moves in a row for a cumulative August through November loss of eight-tenths (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP adds one-tenth to 2.8 (6+) and stays at #16.
San Diego
Spoken-Word Formats –There is another major fluctuation for iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO
(4.7 – 4.0, -.7, sixth to ninth). “News Radio 600” was +.8 (January); -.7 (February); +.8 (March); +.6 (May); -.6 (August); and now -.7 (December). October 2017’s 7.2 is KOGO’s 
highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. Finishing back-to-back are Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760,” which is up one-tenth to 1.7 (#23 to #22, 6+), after three straight months at 1.6 (6+), and iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” (1.3 – 1.2, -.1, #24 to #23, 6+).
Off three-tenths (1.2 – .9, 6+),Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” slips from #24 to #25; November’s 1.2 was its highest 6+-stat since April (1.2, as well). Repeating at #27 and #29, respectively, are Entercom-owned/San Diego Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (.7 – .8, +.1, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” (flat at .6, 6+).
Despite being down six-tenths (6.8 – 6.2, 6+), San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS is #1 for the third month in a row. Before reaching the top spot in October, KPBS shifted from first to second (April); returned to #1 (May); dropped from first to third (June); slipped from third to fourth (July); returned to first (August); and segued from first to second (September).
San Diego Music Formats– With an April 2018 – November 2018 topline within 3.0 – 3.9 range (6+), Entercom adult contemporary KYXY busts out a +2.5 (3.3 – 5.8, 6+) as it zooms from #11 to #3, surpassing by one-tenth the 5.7 it logged in December 2017. There are half-share December 2018 increases for iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” (4.7 – 5.2, sixth to fifth, 6+); Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” (4.5 – 5.0, ninth to sixth, 6+); and Tegna rocker KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM-BFM” (2.8 – 3.3, #14 to #13, 6+). This is the highest 6+-stat for “Star” since May (5.2, as well). KFMB-FM is bouncing back from November’s loss of nine-tenths. Its format rival – iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” – drops two-tenths to 3.1 (#11 to #15, 6+), thus suspending three straight up or flat moves that generated an overall +1.1 (2.2 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+). Prior to picking up three-tenths in November, Entercom’s KSON was an overall -1.4 in four straight down or flat trends (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 4.9, 6+). In December, however, “103.7 New Country” plummets by one full-share (5.2 – 4.2, fourth to eighth, 6+). Having logged a 4.6 in three of the last four sweeps (4.6 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KGB “101.5 San Diego’s Classic Rock” falters by nine-tenths to 3.7 (eighth to tenth, 6+). A December loss of six-tenths by co-owned CHR KHTS erases November’s one-half share gain (6.1 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), but “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” remains in the runner-up slot. In seven consecutive sweeps without a loss, KHTS (#1 in September) was a collective +2.8 (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), but it lost two-tenths in October. Down or flat for the fifth report in a row for a collective -1.1(5.9 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+), Local Media of San Diego-operated XHRM “Magic 92.5 The Beat of San Diego” skids from fifth to seventh. In three downward trends in succession, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ is a collective -1.3 (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.4, stable at #17, 6+). San Diego’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” posted a +1.1 in September when it reached the three-share threshold (3.7, 6+) for the first time since March (3.1).
Tampa
Spoken-Word Formats – Down four-tenths (3.8 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk
WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” slips from #11 to #13. The flagship of the NHL’s Tampa Lightning was a combined -.9 in September and October (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), following August’s +.6. WFLA was +.5 in January and February; -.5 (March); +.8 (April); -.7 (July);+.6 (August); -.6 
(October); and +.5 in November. It has tied with Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” (3.6 – 3.4, -.2, 6+), which is unchanged at #14. “The Bone” erased September’s -.2 with an October gain of three-tenths. Prior to September, WHPT was without a loss the previous four sweeps for a +.8 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+).
The collective +.6 iHeartMedia-owned WDAE racked up in September and October (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+) disappears in November and December (2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+) as “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” slides from #19 to #20.
It is now one-tenth behind University of South Florida news/talk WUSF, which is down one-tenth to 2.2 (#19 to #18, 6+), thus snapping at three its string of consecutive increases that netted nine-tenths (1.4 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+); November’s 2.3 is its best 6+-showing since February’s 2.8.
Tampa Music Formats – Not only is Beasley Media Group’s WPBB a cumulative +1.4 in three straight up or flat monthlies (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.7, 6+), it vaults from #18 to #11 with its highest 6+-stat (3.7) since “Holiday” 2017’s 4.0. During the December 2018 sweep, WPBB used the “B-98.7” handle, but the day after Christmas (12/26), it changed format and imaging to “98.7 The Shark – The Next Generation Of Classic Rock.” Good news continues for iHeartMedia hot AC WTMX as “Mix 100.7” is a collective +1.4 in four positive spikes in succession (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.3, steady at #7, 6+). Adding a +1.1 to November’s +.8 (8.9 – 9.7 – 10.8, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” sets the pace for the 76th successive ratings period. This (10.8) is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 11.9; WDUV was 10.4 (6+) in December 2017. Ending its (6+) 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.7 sequence with a one-half share increase to 4.2, iHeartMedia’s WXTB “98 Rock” cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). On the heels of November’s one-half share improvement, Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Q-105” surrenders seven-tenths (5.2 – 4.5, fourth to sixth, 6+). November’s +.5 halted three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a collective -1.7 (6.4 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 4.7, 6+). Meanwhile, Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WXGL “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” forfeits six-tenths (6.6 – 6.0, 6+) but ranks #2 for the fifth sweep in succession. Off by six-tenths as well is co-owned CHR WPOI “Hot 101.5” (3.9 – 3.3, 6+), which drifts from the top ten (#10 to #15). Entering the November sweep, its format rival, iHeartMedia-ownedCHR WFLZ “93.3 FLZ – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel,” was a collective +.6 via three straight up or flat moves (3.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+). WFLZ dropped two-tenths in November but bounces back in December with a +.3 (4.0 – 4.3 eighthto seventh, 6+).
Denver
Spoken-Word Formats – The May 2018 through September 2018 topline for iHeartMedia
news/talk KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” was a fairly even 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 5.1 (6+), but the last three reports have included a +1.1 (October); -1.1 (November); and now a -.6 in November (5.1 – 6.2 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+), as the flagship of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies falls from third to sixth. Co-owned news/talk KHOW “Talk Radio 630” continues at both 1.5 and #21 (6+).
After posting four increases in a row for an overall +1.9(2.5 – 2.9 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+),Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” returns eight-tenths to 3.6 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12). November’s 4.4 is its strongest 6+-showing since October 2017 (4.5). In early-September, KSE Radio Ventures transitioned country KWOF “The Wolf” to KKSE-FM“Attitude Sports Radio 92.5.” The flagship of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche is off one-tenth (.4 – .3, 6+), but advances from #30 to #29.
Even though it adds three-tenths (6.6 – 6.9, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR – on top the past three months – segues to #2. A one-tenth decline in November suspended three consecutive gains that netted +1.5(5.2 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+). Earlier in calendar year 2018, KCFR was #1 in January, March, and May. Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC picks up two-tenths (1.2 – 1.4, 6+) and moves from #24 to #22.
Denver Music Formats – A collective -1.1 in four successive sweeps without an increase (6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety” busts out of the slump with a +2.7 to 7.6 (6+), marching from fifth to first. KOSI was up or flat five consecutive months (February 2018 through July 2018) for an overall +1.4 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+). This (7.6) is the strongest 6+-showing since Holiday’s 2017’s 11.5 for KOSI, which was 7.8 (6+) in December 2017. Stuck on 4.2 (6+) in August and September and then locked on 4.0 (6+) in October and November, iHeartMedia’s KRFX erupts with a +1.0 to 5.0 (6+), as “Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox” leaps from #11 to #3 with its best 6+-stat (5.0) since March (5.2). Wiping away November’s one-half share loss with December’s +.9 (2.8 – 2.3 – 3.2, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” zooms from #19 to #14. A one-half share improvement by Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” (3.1, #17 to #15, 6+) interrupts four straight negative moves that accounted for a collective -1.3 (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” drops two-tenths to 4.5 (eighth to six, 6+) thus snapping at three its consecutive string of improvements that generated a +.9 (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). Immediately after posting a November gain of seven-tenths, iHeartMedia’s KWBL “106.7 The Bull – Colorado’s New Country” regresses by seven-tenths (3.5 – 2.8, #13 to #17, 6+). Declining by one-half share to 2.1 (#16 to #19, 6+) is Max Broadcast Group rhythmic hot AC KJHM “Jammin’ 101.5,” which was a collective +1.2 via three straight gains (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.7, 6+). By dropping one-half share (5.5 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KBCO “97.3 World Class Rock” slips from second to third. In four consecutive decreases, Bonneville’s country KYGO is a cumulative -1.7 (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.5, fourth to sixth, 6+).
Baltimore
Spoken-Word Formats – Independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking
News” falters by one-half share (3.5 – 3.0, flat at #11, 6+), while HearstTelevision news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is off three-tenths (2.5 – 2.2, flat at #13, 6+). WCBM was -.5 in 
September and +1.0 in October. Prior to the December sweep, WBAL had a (6+) fluctuation of one-tenth four times in a row: 2.5 – 2.4; 2.4 – 2.5; 2.5 – 2.6; and 2.6 – 2.5. When WBAL gained one-tenth in September to 2.5 (6+), it halted five straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a collective -.9 (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+). Since resurfacing in the Baltimore report in May, Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL has a topline of .7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .4 – .3 (#27 to #29, 6+).
Recapturing 50% of November’s -1.0 (4.1 – 4.6, +.5, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” advances from ninth to seventh. An overall +1.1 as a result of four straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), Baltimore’s “Fan” was +.6 (January); -.6 (February); +1.0 (April); a combined -1.0 in May and June; -1.0 in November; and now +.5 (December).
Even though it erases November’s +.3 with a December -.3 (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” progresses from #12 to #11. WYPR was a collective -.5 in August and September (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). Conversely, American University-owned news/talk WAMU is up three-tenths (1.4 – 1.7, 6+), yet drops from #16 to #17. Before slipping to 1.0 (6+) in August, WAMU notched a 1.1 (6+) five consecutive times in the Baltimore report.
Shifting from #25 to #27, Entercom business news WDCH has a March 2018 through December 2018 topline of: .8 – .8 – .8 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .8 – .7 – .6 ( 6+).
Baltimore Music Formats – Not only has Entercom adult contemporary WLIF more than doubled (+5.1) its 6+-stat via four straight gains (5.0 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.1 – 10.1, 6+), “Today’s 101.9” advances from third to first. This (10.1) is the highest 6+-share for WLIF since 16.3 in “Holiday” 2017; WLIF was 9.7 (6+) in December 2017. Registering a gain of nine-tenths is iHeartMedia Washington, DC’s similarly programmed WASH “97.1 Washington’s Variety of the ‘80s ‘90s and Today,”which more than doubles (+1.1) its 6+-stat in five straight up or flat Baltimore trends (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 2.1, #18 to #15, 6+). Exiting the top spot after holding that position the last 11 survey periods is Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” (8.7 – 8.6, -.1, first to second, 6+). In three consecutive decreases (11.6 – 11.5 – 10.3 – 9.4, 6+), “Magic” was an overall -2.2,but it responded in June with a gain of three-tenths. Urban contemporary cluster-mate WERQ “92-Q Jams” (7.7 – 7.0, -.7, 6+), which had been attached to the runner-up slot the past seven months, segues to third-place. Not having an increase three months in a row resulted in a loss of nine tenths for iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR (5.5 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+), but “102.7 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” is up a collective seven-tenths in November and December (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3, eighth to fifth, 6+). A loss of one full-share by Entercom CHR WWMX (5.2 – 4.2, sixth to tenth, 6+) sends “106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix” to its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2017 (4.2, as well). Off by seven-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia’s WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” (5.8 – 5.1, fourth to sixth, 6+) and Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” (5.0 – 4.3, seventh to ninth, 6+). For the fourth month in a row, Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).
St. Louis
Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately after dropping nine-tenths in November, Entercom news/talk KMOX surrenders another six-tenths (8.4 – 7.5 – 6.9, 6+), as “The Voice of St.
Louis” slides from second to third. The St. Louis Cardinals’ flagship, which was on top in September and October, entered the November sweep a collective +1.0via three increases in succession 
(7.4 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+). Locked on 2.6 (6+) in August and September and then stuck on 2.8 (6+) in October and November, co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” forfeits three-tenths to 2.5 (6+), but stays at #17. When KFTK gained two-tenths in October, it suspended three straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall loss of seven-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+).
Four straight up or flat moves by Hubbard sports talk WXOS netted a +1.3 (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+) with October’s 4.0 its strongest 6+-showing since January (4.0, as well). In November and December, however, “101 Sports” is off a collective four-tenths (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), yet improves from #14 to #12.
After being up or flat the past six ratings periods for a net gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU falters by three-tenths to 3.2 (steady at #15, 6+). St. Louis Music Formats – Flipping a combined -.7 in October and November (5.9 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+) into a whopping +4.6 in December (9.8, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KEZK “The Best Mix of the ‘80s & Today” rockets from seventh to first. At this time last year, KEZK logged a 6.7 (6+, December 2017). It is a quick one-month (November 2018) stay at #1 for GatewayCreative Broadcasting contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy FM,” which segues from first to second. Since it returned in print this past April, KLJY has the following topline: 7.2 – 5.9 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 7.8 (August, #1) – 7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 (November, #1) – 8.0 (December 2018, 6+). After registering a July 2018 through November 2018 repetitive sequence of 6.3 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.2 – 6.3 (6+), Hubbard’s KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” improves by one-half share to 6.8 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Having racked up a +1.4 in September and October (6.7 – 7.8 – 8.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” follows with a combined -1.9 in November and December (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.2, third to fifth, 6+). In four successive sweeps without an increase, co-owned CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 – St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” is a collective -.9 (4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.4, #12 to #14, 6+). The last time KSLZ was below a four-share (6+) was in January 2018 (3.9).As the result of four straight up or flat moves, Hubbard-owned WIL was a collective +1.0 (5.5 – 6.1 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+) but “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country” falters in December by four-tenths to 6.1 (fourth to sixth, 6+). Following back-to-back improvements in October and November that produced an overall +1.4 (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” surrenders one-half share to 4.2 (eighth to tenth, 6+).
Monday, December 3, 2018
Glenn Beck and Mark Levin Merge TheBlaze and CRTV into Blaze Media. Multiplatform media organizations TheBlaze and CRTV are merging into one company called, Blaze Media.
According to the press release, “The new company will have a monthly multiplatform reach of over 165 million and will be the largest independent, traditionally conservative multiplatform media company in the United States.” The company will be led by co-presidents Tyler Cardon, formerly 
president of TheBlaze, and Gaston Mooney, formerly the president of CRTV. Effective immediately, subscribers to CRTV and TheBlaze Premium will have access to the digital streaming content of both CRTV and
TheBlaze, including over 30 original shows. Blaze Media’s television lineup includes conservative programming, including, “The Glenn Beck Program,” “LevinTV,” “Louder with Crowder,” “The News and Why it Matters,” and 
“America,” hosted by Eric Bolling. The new company says the merger will also allow Blaze Media to expand its lineup of linear programming in 2019 to reach its cable and satellite television audiences. Mark Levin comments, “Tens of millions of Americans have had it with the biased, ideologically driven mainstream media outlets that sanctimoniously advance their own agendas under the guise of ‘news’ and ‘journalism.’ Conservatives actually believe in a free press and the rest of the Constitution. This is why I started LevinTV, which grew into the CRTV digital network. In order to further expand and offer the public an alternative to liberal media group-think, I’m very excited about the merger of TheBlaze and CRTV. The timing is perfect.”
Phil Valentine to Wrap National Show; Focus on WTN-FM, Nashville Show. After 11 years in national syndication, Phil Valentine is ending his syndication effort via Westwood One,
effective January 4, and will continue hosting his daily talk radio show at Cumulus Media’s WWTN-FM, Nashville “Super Talk 99.7 WTN.” In a statement, Valentine says, “I want to thank all the affiliate stations and the Westwood One affiliate team for their support of ‘The Phil Valentine Show’ over the years. It was a difficult decision for me to eliminate the syndicated show; however, after the recent success of my novel Barbican: A Sterling McQueen Spy Story, I made the difficult decision to focus not only on my writing, but also the development of The Conservative’s Handbook into a podcast series complete with expert guests on each subject covered in the book. I will remain the host of the popular Phil Valentine show in my hometown of Nashville, as heard on WWTN.”
Nexstar Media Group Agrees to Buy Tribune Media for $4.1 Billion; Fate of WGN-AM Unknkown. According to a report by Reuters, Nexstar Media Group Inc is offering Tribune
Media $4.1 billion for its broadcast properties – 42 television stations, cable’s WGN America, various digital properties, and lone radio asset WGN-AM, Chicago. The story notes that Nexstar outbid private equity firm Apollo Global Management LLC with its all-cash offer. Unlike 
previous suitor Sinclair Broadcasting that owns three Seattle market radio stations, Nexstar Media holds no radio properties. It is unclear at this time if Nexstar has any interest in operating a major market news/talk radio outlet or not. Back in August, Tribune put the kibosh on the Sinclair deal after regulators referred to Sinclair’s previous divestments as a “sham” because the company still operated the stations in question. The deal with Nexstar would make it the largest television operator in the country. Expect the Justice Department to scrutinize this deal very closely.
iHeartMedia Reports Creditors ‘Overwhelmingly’ Support Fifth Re-Org Plan. Ahead of the December 11 Confirmation Hearing for iHeartMedia’s Chapter 11 reorganization, the company issues a statement announcing that voting results for its Fifth Amended Joint
Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization indicate that “every class of creditors entitled to vote has voted to approve the Plan. More than 90% of the votes cast by creditors and shareholders who participated in the vote approved the Plan, demonstrating substantial support for, and far exceeding the votes necessary to confirm, the Plan.” iHeartMedia calls this “a value-maximizing restructuring that comprehensively addresses the company’s funded debt obligations and positions iHeartMedia for continued growth and long-term success. The Plan will reduce iHeartMedia’s funded debt by approximately $10.3 billion—to $5.75 billion—and result in the separation of iHeartMedia’s radio and outdoor advertising businesses.”
iHeartMedia Net Revenue Soars in October. As it has been doing since April, iHeartMedia is filing monthly financial data reports with the Securities Exchange Commission as it works through the Chapter 11 reorganization process. The most recent filing for the month of October shows revenue was $349.4 million – the highest we’ve seen since April’s $417.9 figure. But net income rockets to $100.2 million – an increase of more than 157% from September’s $11.9 million. Operating income also rises, from $62.4 million to $104.8 million. But those scrutinized payments to outside professionals (the one’s attending to the Chapter 11 business) spiked to the highest figure yet — $21 million.
Former KGO, San Francisco Host Ray Taliaferro Found Dead in Kentucky. The search for
missing retired radio talk show host Ray Taliaferro ended tragically as his body was found in a wooded area in Paducah, Kentucky three weeks after he’d disappeared. The story from KGO-TV, San Francisco states that authorities have released no details surrounding his disappearance and cause of death. Taliaferro – who hosted the overnight talk show on KGO-AM, San Francisco from 1977 through 2011 – was last seen talking with the manager of a Paducah pizza parlor before disappearing. The initial public statement by local authorities indicated Taliaferro may have been suffering from symptoms of dementia.
Chad Benson Takes Over Afternoons on KXNT, Las Vegas. As TALKERS reported on November 19, longtime Las Vegas talk radio personality Alan Stock is exiting the afternoon
drive show on Entercom’s KXNT-AM, Las Vegas. Now, the station confirms that Radio America-syndicated talk host Chad Benson will begin in the afternoon drive daypart today (12/3). The KXNT website states, “If you’ve never listened to Chad’s show, we suggest you check it out – because he isn’t the talk host you’re used to! He is conversational and informative, all while being irreverent and very funny.” Meanwhile, Alan Stock begins producing “The Alan Stock Answer” – a daily feature that will air on KXNT at 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 6:30 pm every Monday through Friday.
TALKERS News Notes. The Salem Radio Network’s SRN News and TOWNHALL News announce they will provide live coverage of the state funeral of former President George H.W.
Bush on Wednesday (12/5) from the National Cathedral in Washington. Coverage will be anchored by White House correspondent Greg Clugston. Additionally, all SRN nationally syndicated talk shows hosted by Mike Gallagher, Eric Metaxas, Hugh Hewitt and others will pay tribute to President George H. W. Bush beginning today (12/3). SRN v.p./News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup says, “America has lost a great leader and a Godly family man. I had the honor of personally interviewing George H.W. Bush in New Orleans the morning he was announcing Dan Quayle as his 1988 vice presidential running mate. Even in that high-pressure moment, he was exceptionally generous with his time…exuding a grace and gentle strength that would define him for the rest of his days.”…..E.W. Scripps Company closes on its acquisition of Triton Digital for $150 million. Scripps forecasts that the acquisition will generate more than $3 million in revenue. President and CEO Adam Symson says, “The Triton acquisition aligns with the Scripps strategy of fueling company growth by being opportunistic in the marketplace and responsive to the changing needs of media consumers.”…..SiriusXM announces that former NBA pros Carlos Boozer, Caron Butler, Ryan Hollins, and Kenyon Martin are joining the roster of hosts on its SiriusXM NBA Radio channel. They’ll join the rotation of hosts on the all-new afternoon program “No Look Pass,” airing weekdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET.
George H.W. Bush Dies, Trump at G20/Xi Jinping Meeting, Looming Government Shutdown, Migrant Caravan/Mexican Border Issue, Trump-Russia Investigation, Paris Riots, Qatar to Quit OPEC, College Football Playoffs, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. Former President George H.W. Bush dies at age 94; President Trump’s appearance at the G20 summit in Argentina and his meeting to China’s Xi Jinping to temper the tariff battle between the two countries; the threat of a government shutdown over President Trump’s border wall funding issue; the migrants amassed at the U.S.-Mexico border and U.S. immigration policy; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and Michael Cohen’s plea deal; Qatar announces it will quit OPEC in the New Year; the NCAA names the four teams for this year’s College Football Playoffs; and the weekend’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, iHeartMedia promotes weekend personality Lisa Dent to midday host on country WEBG, Chicago “Big 95.5.” She takes over for Amber “Alabama” Cole, who left the station for personal reasons. Dent previously served with Entercom’s crosstown country outlet WUSN “US99” as both a midday personality and co-host of the morning show with Ramblin’ Ray Stevens…..The changes at Entercom’s country KMNB, Minneapolis are not too drastic as the country format stays in place and the station is re-imaged as “102.9 The Wolf.” SVP and market manager Shannon Knoepke states, “‘102.9 The Wolf’ will be the Twin Cities’ station for the biggest country hits from then and now. From today’s leading artists to all-time essential country favorites, every song beats the pulse of Nashville all day, every day. We’re excited for our fans – ‘The Wolfpack’ – and clients to continue on this journey with us as we create a close-knit community of fans.” On-air pro Greg Thunder joins the station as host of “The Wolf Wake Up Crew.” Current morning show anchor Paul “PT” Thomas expands his role to also host the “Home Town Country Sunday Night” program…..In Rochester, Entercom names Whitney Young the new morning drive co-host alongside Corey James at CHR WPXY. Young joined the station in 2017 as midday host, then became part of the morning show on an interim basis in May…..Dick Broadcasting names Mica Cadena, a.k.a. LA Rock program director, eliminating the “acting” from her title. Company vice president Jason Goodman says, “It was an obvious decision to promote Mica to PD of WXQR as she was doing the role already. WXQR has been on the air for 40 years and recently Mica has led WXQR to its highest ratings ever.”
November 2018 PPM Data – Part Three. November 2018 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s November 2018 survey period covered October 11 – November 7. See all the 6+ date from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets.
Portland Spoken Word Formats – Consistently in 5.0 – 5.3 range from July through
November (5.0 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KXL “101 FM News – Stay Connected” repeats at #4, following four successive months (June – September) at #5. Meanwhile, 
iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend on Us” is unchanged from October in both 6+-share (2.2) and 6+-market rank (#18), with 2.2 its best 6+-showing in more than two years (2.2, as well, in August 2016). Flat at #23, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” is up a collective three-tenths in October and November (.8 – .9 – 1.1, 6+).
After returning the six-tenths it gained in September (1.7 – 2.3 – 1.7, August-September-October, 6+), Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” sputters by another four-tenths in November to 1.3 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #21, 6+). Portland’s “Fan” was a collective +.9 in August and September (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+); however, just prior to August, it
posted six straight down or flat moves that resulted in a -1.0 (2.4 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+). Right behind KFXX is Alpha Media-owned KXTG “The Game” (-.2, flat at #22, 6+), which is trending (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2, July through November, 6+). Meanwhile, the flagship of the Portland Trailblazers – iHeartMedia’s KPOJ “Rip City Sports Radio 620” – logs its third increase in a row (.4 – .5 – .5 – .7, #28 to #25, 6+), which nearly doubles (+.3) its 6+-share since August.
Without a loss for the fourth time in a row for a collective +1.1 (8.1 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.9 – 9.2, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB repeats at #1 with its best 6+-stat (9.2) since March (9.5). KOPB had been on top from January to August (including a tie in April), before dropping to second in September. This calendar year, KOPB has been +1.1 (January); -1.1 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.5 (May); and +.7 (October).
Portland Music Formats – Locked on 4.0 (6+) in September and October, Alpha Media CHR KBFF erupts with a +.9 to 4.9, its highest 6+-share in exactly two years (5.3, November 2016); “Live 95.5” advances from eighth to fifth. Owing to a one-tenth gain to 2.9 (#17 to #16, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station” applies the brakes to five successive down or flat monthlies that accounted for a combined loss of -1.2 (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+). An overall -.9 in three straight decreases (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), co-owned KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” improves by six-tenths as well (3.8 – 4.4, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #7). Cluster-mate KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 for New Country” posts a gain of six-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.6, 6+) and jumps from #14 to #12. Prior to October, “The Bull” was -1.6 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). As the result of its November improvement, KUPL bypasses Entercom’s similarly-formatted KWJJ, which is a cumulative -1.1 in five straight sweeps without a gain (4.6 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+); “99.5 The Wolf – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Despite more than doubling (+2.3) its 6+-share in four straight up or flat trends (1.7 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Entering the August sweep, “The Fish” had been down in each of the previous four monthlies for a cumulative -.8 (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+). Up four-tenths to 3.3 (#16 to #14, 6+), Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz – Today’s Best Mix” curtails four successive decreases that resulted in a combined -1.0 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+). The seven-tenths increase that iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” posted in October is obliterated in November with a -.8 (7.6 – 6.8, flat at #3, 6+). Just prior to the October ratings period, “The Eagle” had been down or flat four straight months for a collective loss of four-tenths (7.3 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.9, 6+). Four successive reports without a loss netted iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW a +1.6 (7.2 – 7.7 -7.9 – 8.8 – 8.8, 6+), but “K-103” forfeits six-tenths to 8.2 (flat at #2, 6+). October’s 8.8 was the best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 16.9 for KKCW, which was #1 in December 2017 (13.0, 6+); “Holiday” 2017 (16.9, 6+); and tied for first (with KOPB) in April 2018 (8.5, 6+). Dropping six-tenths as well in November is All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” (3.2 – 2.6, #13 to #17, 6+). A collective -1.0 as a result of four decreases in a row (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom-owned KGON falls from fifth to sixth. Immediately prior to this streak, “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” had been without a loss four straight times for a +1.6 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+).
Charlotte Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does Entercom news/talk outlet WBT add one-half share to October’s +.9 (2.9 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+), the flagship of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers enters the top ten (#12 to #10). This is WBT’s highest 
6+-share since February (4.3, as well). Flat at #19, co-owned sports talk WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” more than doubles (+.7) its 6+ share via four straight up or flat moves (.6 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+). This particular streak follows four straight sweeps without an increase for the key station of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets that resulted in a -1.1 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.1 – .7 – .6, 6+).
Four downward trends in succession by University Radio Foundation news/talk station WFAE accounted for a combined -1.6 (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), but “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” picks up two-tenths to 2.7 (6+), moving from #17 to #15. The July through November topline for South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC is: .5 – .6 – .5 – .7 – .6 (flat at #20, 6+).
Charlotte Music Formats – In another ratings report full of tremendous news for iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO, “102.9 The Lake” nets an overall +3.0 as the result of seven straight months without a loss (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+) and progresses from third to second. Additionally, this (7.1) is the strongest 6+-share for “The Lake” since December 2017’s 7.2. An increase of one-half share to 4.5 (6+) by Radio One’s WOSF “105.3 RnB” puts an end to its July – October sequence of 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.0 (6+); 4.5 represents its strongest 6+-share since 4.9 in March. Level at 7.5 (6+), Beasley Media Group’s WSOC is #1 for the third month in a row. A loss of two-tenths in October by “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” ended four straight up or flat reports that netted a +1.5 (6.2 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+). Prior to August, the last time WSOC reached the seven-share level (6+) was “Holiday” 2016 (7.0). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country,” which was an overall +1.1 in four successive months without a loss (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), dips four-tenths to 6.7 (second to fourth, 6+). After being a combined +1.3 in September and October (2.7 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WHQC “Channel 96.1” surrenders nearly half that increase in November (3.4 -.6, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Down by one-tenth in both September and October (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” posts a gain of three-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and ranks eighth for the sixth month in a row. In five straight decreases, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is a collective -1.9 (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.4, #15 to #17, 6+). Off one-half share in November as well is Radio One gospel WPZS “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” (2.9, flat at #14, 6+), which had been a collective +.7 in September and October (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+). While flat at #4, Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” is nonetheless -1.9 as the result of four straight negative moves (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). “V-101.9” was +1.4 in May; eroded by -1.2 in June; and erased that -1.2 in its entirety in July with a +1.2.
San Antonio Spoken-Word Formats – Despite surrendering one-tenth to 4.4 (6+)
iHeartMedia news/talk WOAI News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” improves from eighth to seventh. The loss, however, ends at three its consecutive string of improvements that yielded one 
full-share (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+) for the San Antonio Spurs’ flagship. October’s 4.5 was its best 6+-showing since April 2017 (4.5, as well). The July 2018 – November 2018 topline for Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” (#21 to #22) is 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.5 (6+).
Without an increase for the third straight month (.7 – .7 – .6 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” nonetheless advances from #29 to #28.
Anchored at #12, Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX “Hear Yourself Think” nets one full-share as a result of four consecutive up or flat trends (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6, 6+).
San Antonio Music Formats – There’s a major development at the top of this Texas market’s November 2018 leaderboard as the 2.2-share (6+) advantage that Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” held in October over co-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” vanishes. The end result is that KONO-FM (8.3 – 6.9, -1.4, first to second, 6+), which had been on top the past ten sweeps, trades places with “Y-100” (6.1 – 7.0, +.9, second to first, 6+). When KONO-FM sputtered by one-half share in October, it halted at four a consecutive string of increases that yielded a +2.2 (6.6 – 7.0 – 7.7 – 7.8 – 8.8, 6+). In September, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” reached the eight-share threshold (8.8) for the first time since November 2016’s 8.2. As far as “Y-100” is concerned, September’s loss of eight-tenths curtailed three straight gains that accounted for a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.8, 6+). In August, KCYY reached the six-share level (6.8) for the first time since October 2017’s 6.0. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” levels off at 5.0 (fourth to sixth, 6+) after plummeting by -1.1 in October (6.1 – 5.0, 6+). A collective -1.3 in March and April, “KJ-97” answered with a +.6 in May. Off by one-tenth in September and October (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZAR “Air 1 Positive Hits” busts out a +.8 to 2.5 and enters the top twenty (#18), with its best 6+-stat (2.5) since May’s 2.4. Faltering by nine-tenths and one-half share, respectively, though are its contemporary Christian cluster-mates KZLV (3.4 – 2.5, #12 to #18, 6+) and KMLR (.8 – .3, #30, 6+), both of which use the “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” identity. A one-tenth gain to 3.0 (6+) in October by KXXM interrupted five April through September decreases that accounted for an overall -2.1 (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+). In November, the iHeartMedia CHR piles on another seven-tenths to 3.7 (6+) as “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” zooms from #16 to #11. Down or flat the past three sweeps for an overall -1.6 (4.9 – 4.0 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Cox Media Group hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3 – Today’s Best Music” improves by six-tenths to 3.9 and jumps into the top ten (#14 to #10). By notching a one-half share gain (4.9 – 5.4, 6+), co-owned classic rock KTKX “106.7 The Eagle” elevates from fourth to third. Completely erasing October’s six-tenths’ gain (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), Univision Radio’s KXTN “107.5 Tejano & Proud” tumbles from #10 to #14; October’s 3.8 was its best 6+-performance since February’s 4.0. While it remains at #7, Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio” has its consecutive string of up or flat moves that yielded an overall +1.0 stall at four (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+).
Pittsburgh Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it is off one-tenth, Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM manages to improve from ninth to eighth. The March through November high/low range for “News Radio 1020” is 4.6/4.0: (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+).
After picking up three-tenths in October, co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” regresses by seven-tenths in November (6.4 – 5.7, fourth to sixth, 6+). “The Fan” was +2.0 in April (5.8 – 7.8, 6+); -2.0 in three straight May – June – July declines (7.8 – 7.4 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+); +1.4 in August (5.8 – 7.2, 6+); and -1.1 in September. Unchanged at .2 (#23, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG “970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” has notched either a .1 (6+) or a .2 (6+) in each of the last 19 ratings periods.
A loss of two-tenths to 3.2 (#11 to #13, 6+) by Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” ends three straight positive spikes that produced a cumulative +1.4 (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+).
Pittsburgh Music Formats – Displaying its best 6+ showing since January (6.8, as well), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH is an overall +1.5 as the result of three upticks in a row (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8, 6+). “Wish 99.7” progresses from fifth to fourth. Owing to three straight gains (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WXDX “105.9 The X” is an overall +.9, as the flagship of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins inches up from eighth to seventh. Level at 9.5 (6+) after October’s loss of seven-tenths, classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” is on top for the 21st consecutive ratings period. Anchored in the runner-up slot for the 11th successive sweep, co-owned rocker WDVE posts its third bump in succession for a +1.0 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.3 – 8.7, 6+); WDVE was off eight-tenths in August. Led by Entercom-owned WDSY “Y-108” Pittsburgh’s Country (4.8 – 4.4, -.4, seventh to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 – Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” (3.4 – 3.7 (+.3, steady at #11, 6+), four mainstream country facilities appear in the top twenty. The other members of that quartet are Forever Media siblings, both using the “Froggy” identity WOGG (1.6 – 1.9, +.3, #16 to #14, 6+) and WOGI (.9 – 1.0, +.1, #20, 6+). Off one-half share to 7.0, its lowest 6+-showing since June (7.0, as well), Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “96.9 Bob FM – We Play Anything” carries on at #3. The January through November (6+) high/low range for “Bob” is 7.9/7.0.
Sacramento Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating at #2, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk
KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” dips two-tenths (7.0 – 6.8, 6+) following October’s massive +1.4. Immediately prior to the October ratings period, KFBK hadn’t posted an increase in the eight previous reports resulting in an overall -3.0 (8.6 – 8.1 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). Co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” is a collective +.7 via three consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.3 – 2.6 – 3.0- 3.0, 6+) and continues at #13.
Doubling (+.8) its 6+-share since August (.8 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom’s KIFM-AM carries on at #19. Just before this particular streak, “ESPN Radio 1320” lost 50% of its 6+-share (-.8) in three straight decreases (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1 – .8, 6+). For the third sweep in succession, Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” has a fluctuation of one-tenth, 1.1 – 1.2, 1.2 – 1.3, 1.3 – 1.2 (6+) and is flat at #21.
As noted above, KFBK notched a huge (+1.4) October gain. It is the turn this time for news/talk KXJZ (+1.1, third to
second). Moreover, the Capital Public Radio outlet is without a loss for the fourth straight time for an overall +1.9 since July (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+) and KXJZ crosses the six-share threshold (6.4, 6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. This is the fifth occurrence in the last nine sweeps that Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has recorded a .6 (flat at #26, 6+).
Sacramento Music Formats – A combined -.9 in August and September (5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), Bonneville’s KNCI completely erases that deficit in October and November (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1, +.9, 6+) as “New Country 105.1” jumps from eighth to fifth. At the same time, iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” is up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5, steady at #14, 6+), while the market’s other country outlet, Entravision Communications-owned KNTY “101.9 The Wolf,” is flat at 2.0 (#16 to #17, 6+). By gaining six-tenths (4.4 – 5.0, steady at #6, 6+), Entercom CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” logs its best 6+-showing since May’s 5.6. Improving by one-half share each are KUDL’s rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KSFM (3.2 – 3.7, #12 to #11, 6+) and iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101.1” (3.9 – 4.4, #10 to #8, 6+), which has its best 6+-stat (4.4) since August 2015’s 4.7. Notwithstanding that is a cumulative -1.6 in back-to-back sweeps (9.7 – 9.2 – 8.1, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share (8.1) since April’s 8.0, Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” is #1 for the 10th straight time. “The Eagle” was +1.0 (May); +.9 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (September); -.5 (October); and now -1.1 (November). Up two-tenths and flat at #14 (2.3 – 2.5, 6+), Entravision Communications rhythmic CHR KHHM “Hot 103.5” is within 2.2 – 2.9 range for the 13th consecutive sweep. As a result of having its 6+-share sliced in half (1.8 – .9, -.9, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVB “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” drifts from the top twenty (#18 to #25). In three down or flat months in succession (4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom-owned KKDO is a combined -.8. “Alt 94.7 – Sacramento’s Alternative” exits the top ten (#9 to #12) with its lowest 6+-share since May (3.4, as well).
Salt Lake City Spoken-Word Formats – It’s another dramatic fluctuation for Bonneville’s
KSL, which follows October’s massive +2.4 to 7.2, its highest 6+-share since April’s 8.1, with a -1.8 to 5.4 (6+). Consequently, “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” has a one-month stay at #1 and slumps to fifth. Prior to October, the last time KSL reached #1 was in April. 
By picking up four-tenths in August, KSL pulled the plug on three consecutive declines that accounted for a -3.5 (8.1 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.6, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” is a combined +1.0 in October and November (3.9 – 4.7 – 4.9, level at #7, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing (4.9) since March 2017’s 5.6.
The August 2018 – November 2018 topline for Broadway Media-owned KALL is 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 (6+), with “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” remaining at #21. Immediately in advance of that, KALL was an overall +.5 via four consecutive positive or flat moves (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+).
A collective -.8 in September and October (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER picks up one-tenth in November to 2.8 (#15 to #13, 6+). Brigham Young University news/talk KUMT debuted in September with a .9 (6+); was off six-tenths in October to .3 (#26 to #27, 6+); and disappears in November.
Salt Lake City Music Formats – Locked in a three-way tie at #3 in October, iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” roars back from a -1.1 (6.7 – 5.6, 6+) with a +1.5 to 7.1 (6+) and takes over at #1. Previously this calendar year, KODJ held sole possession of the top spot or was tied for the lead in June, July, August, and September. Its gain of three-tenths in September curtailed three straight decreases that accounted for a loss of one-half share (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Part of that October three-way scrum at #3 was KODJ’s format rival, Bonneville’s KRSP “103.5 The Arrow,” which improves by one-half share to 6.1, progressing to the runner-up slot. “The Arrow” had been off four-tenths in three straight (mostly) flat or down moves (6.0 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+). Notching one-half share October – November gains as well are independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” (4.2 – 4.7, ninth to eighth, 6+) and Broadway Media alternative KXRK “X-96 Utah’s Original Alternative” (3.8 – 4.3, 6+). “Z 104” has its highest 6+ share since March (4.7, as well), while “X-96” cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). Even though Cumulus Media adult contemporary KBEE is a collective +1.8 via three straight upticks (2.7 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” backslides from eighth to ninth. “B-98.7” gained six-tenths between April and July (2.7 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). On the other hand, co-owned country KUBL “K-Bull 93” is an overall -2.1 in four consecutive decreases (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12).
Las Vegas Spoken-Word Formats – As it posts a 1.9 for the third time in the last four sweeps
(1.9 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT falls out of the top twenty (#20 to #21). Prior to gaining two-tenths in August, “News Talk Radio 840” had been down or flat the previous three ratings periods for a net loss of four-
tenths (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+). In a somewhat similar vein, Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” records a 1.1 (6+) for the fourth time in the last seven survey periods, 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.1 (6+), dropping from #24 to #25.
Doubling (+.5) its 6+ share through four up or flat trends (.5 – .6 – .9 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), Lotus Communications sports talk
KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” advances from #26 to #25.
In addition to being an overall +1.3 in six consecutive positive spikes (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR enters the top ten (#11 to #10).
Las Vegas Music Formats – Within 2.4 – 2.8 range (6+) in each of the last seven reports (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+), Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG explodes with a +.9 to 3.3, its strongest 6+-stat since March (3.3, as well), and “Hot 97.5” zooms into the top ten (#16 to #10). Trending .8 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .9 (June through October, 6+), University of Nevada’s KUNV “91.5 Jazz & More” logs a +.7 to 1.6, reaching the one-share level (6+) for the first time since May (1.1). Not only does Lotus Communications’ KXPT advance from fifth to third, “97.1 The Point – #1 For Classic Rock” is an overall +1.8 in five straight positive spikes (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+) and has its best 6+-performance (5.5) in just over two years (5.9, October 2016). On top for the third month in a row is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 Better Music for a Better Workday,” which basically stabilizes (8.4 – 8.3, -1, 6+), after September and October’s combined +2.1 (6.3 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+). October’s (8.4) represents the highest 6+-share for “Sunny” since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.5. This calendar year, KSNE has been on top in March, May, June, July, September, October, and November. Even though an increase of two-tenths to 1.8 (6+) by Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF suspends three negative moves in succession that accounted for a -1.2 (2.8 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 1.6, 6+), “103.5 Zona Mx” backslides from #21 to #22. On the heels of October’s -.7, Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” erodes by another eight-tenths in November (5.1 – 4.3, fourth to sixth, 6+). As it entered the October ratings period, “Old School 105.7” was a cumulative +1.7 in five straight increases (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.8, 6+). Surrendering all of October’s +.5 and one-tenth more (3.8 – 3.2, -.6, 6+), Faith Communications’ contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” falls from the top ten (#10 to #12). October’s 3.8 was its highest 6+-stat since January’s 3.9. Faltering by six-tenths as well is Entercom rhythmic hot AC KXQQ “Q-100.5” (seventh to ninth), which is a collective -1.3 in three losses in succession (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+). Co-owned hot AC KMXB “Mix 94.1” (third to fourth) drops one-half share to 5.4, its lowest 6+-showing since February (5.4, as well).
Cincinnati Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that WLW (10.8 – 10.0, 6+) remains at
#1 for the sixth consecutive sweep, it has been a rollercoaster ride for the iHeartMedia news/talk outlet. Some recent fluctuations for WLW include: a combined +2.0 (January and February); -1.0 (March); +1.6 (April); -1.2 (May); -1.4 (September); +1.7 (October); and now -.8 (November). October’s 10.8 was the highest 6+-share in more than two years (10.8, as well, in June 2016) for the flagship of MLB’s Reds and NFL’s Bengals. Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” has an up/down July through November topline of 3.6 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.6 (6+) and drops from ninth to tenth. July’s increase of eight-tenths halted four straight monthly reports without an increase for a collective -1.0 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+).
Following October’s one-half share gain to 1.4 – its best 6+-stat since May (1.4, as well) – sports talk sibling WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” levels out at 1.4 and repeats at #17.
Off a collective four-tenths in three successive sweeps without an increase (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU is back to July’s 3.1 (6+) and carries on at #12.
Cincinnati Music Formats – Having logged six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.5 (4.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKFS erases nearly half the loss with a gain of seven-tenths (4.1, 6+). “Kiss 107.1 Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” is back in the top ten (#11 to #9). Although it is without an increase for the third successive time for a collective -1.3 (7.9 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+), Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” remains in fourth-place. Anchored at #3, country sibling WUBE “B-105” is up one full-share via three straight up or flat monthlies (7.9 – 8.3 – 8.9 – 8.9, 6+). This is the strongest 6+-stat for “B-105” in more than two years (8.9, as well, August 2016). Elsewhere in the market’s country format, Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash-FM” picks up one-tenth (1.8 – 1.9, #15 to #16, 6+), while WUBE cluster-mate WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” (#18) improves by two-tenths to 1.0, its best 6+-stat since February (1.0, as well). “The Wolf” had recorded either a .8 (6+) or a .9 (6+) in each sweep between March and October. In August, WDBZ registered a .9 (6+) to finish at #20, but the Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies is unlisted for the third month in a row. At #19 in October (1.2, 6+), Educational Community Radio’s WOBO “The Station With Something For Everyone” vanishes in November.
Orlando Spoken-Word Formats – Unchanged in eighth-place, Cox Media Group news/talk
WDBO-FM “News 96.5” is an overall +1.9 in five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+) and has its best 6+-performance (5.2) in more than a year (6.1, September 2017). Conversely, iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We 
Say What We Want” has lost a collective eight-tenths in three straight declines (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+) and continues at #11. Its +1.0 in August suspended three straight decreases that resulted in a -1.8 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+). Having nearly doubled (+1.2) its 6+-share as the result of four successive sweeps without a loss (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WFLF surrenders three-tenths to 2.4 (6+) yet improves from #15 to #14.
At the same time that Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” gains three-tenths to 1.4 (#20 to a three-way tie at #17), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” drops two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (1.3 – 1.1 – .9, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).
Anchored at #12, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” has been +.5 (September); -.7 (October); and now +.3 in November (3.3 – 3.6, 6+).
Orlando Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM on top for the 11th straight time, “Rumba 100” hangs out a +.8 to 8.9 (6+), thus ending at three its consecutive string of downturns that resulted in an overall -3.5 (11.6 – 10.1 – 8.2 – 8.1, 6+). April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Moreover, “Rumba” breaks the October tie at #1 with co-owned CHR WXXL, which gains one-tenth (8.1 – 8.2, 6+), but segues to the runner-up slot. A one-half share September increase by “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” halted three downward moves in a row that accounted for a collective -1.7 (8.9 – 8.4 – 7.8 – 7.2, 6+). By posting an increase of seven-tenths to 7.1 (6+), its highest 6+-stat in exactly one year (8.1, November 2017), Cox Media Group-owned WMMO advances from fourth to third. WMMO was locked on 6.6 (6+) in July, August, and September, before dropping to 6.4 (6+) in October. Two-tenths behind “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” is urban AC cluster-mate WCFB “Star 94.5 – Orlando’s Only R&B,” which is an overall +1.4 in five straight sweeps without a loss (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 6.9, third to fourth, 6+). Flat at #7, Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” records its third sweep in a row without a loss and is a modest +.2 in that stretch (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). Off a collective one-half share as a result of being down or flat for the fourth ratings period in a row (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WJRR “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station” continues at #13.
Cleveland Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of its October gain of eight-tenths,
iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” forfeits one-half share (6.8 – 6.3, 6+) and drops from a four-way tie at #3 to #5. October’s +.8 halted four successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.6 (6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+).
Meanwhile, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (steady at #9) is up an overall two full-shares via five successive improvements (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+), directly following a combined -1.8 in three straight (March through June) setbacks (5.2 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+).
Off four-tenths in October, Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN erases half that decrease in November with a gain of two-tenths (2.8 – 3.0, 6+) and continues at #13; September’s 3.2 was its best 6+-showing since February’s 3.6.
Cleveland Music Formats – On top of being a collective +2.8 in three upticks in succession (6.0 – 6.5 – 7.5 – 8.8, 6+), WZAK marches from second to first. It is quite a turnaround for the Radio One urban AC, which had lost roughly 40% (-4.1) of its 6+ AQH share in five straight down or flat trends between March and August (10.1 – 9.6 – 8.1 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.0, 6+). Ousted from the top spot after five straight months at #1 is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits,” which – despite registering a +.4 (7.8 – 8.2, 6+) – shifts to #2. Its October loss of -1.5 suspended four straight improvements that – ironically – generated an overall +1.5 (7.8 – 8.4 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.3, 6+). Among WMJI’s fluctuations this calendar year are: -1.9 (January); +1.9 (February); -2.0 (March); +1.0 (April); -1.5 (May); +.6 (June); +.6 (September); and -1.5 (October). CHR cluster-mate WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM – Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” completely wipes away October’s one-half share decrease with a like-margin November increase (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+) but remains at #12. Dropping from third to fourth, co-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” is a collective -1.6 in three successive decreases (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Over in the Entercom cluster, WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” (third to fifth) is an overall -2.1 (8.4 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.3, 6+) via three straight dips and has its lowest 6+-stat since April’s 6.0, while adult contemporary sibling WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102.” is -.8 in three negative moves in a row (6.4- 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, seventh to eighth, 6+).
Kansas City Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on four-tenths to October’s +.3 (4.4 – 4.7 –
4.8, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” pushes ahead from sixth to fourth. An August gain of seven-tenths interrupted five straight February through July decreases that accounted for a -1.7 (5.6 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 
3.9, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980,” which was up four-tenths in October, is flat at 2.6 (6+), but slips from #18 to #19. When Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM picked up one-tenth in October to .7 (6+), it ended three down or flat reports that accounted for a loss of two-tenths (.7 – .6 – .6 – .5, 6+); however, “Talk Radio 710 AM” returns that one-tenth in November (.6, flat at #23, 6+).
Winning ways continue for Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810,” which has more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+-share in six straight upticks (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0 – 4.2, tenth to ninth, 6+). WHB was -.9 in February; +.9 in March; an overall -2.0 in April and May (4.0 – 2.9 – 2.0, 6+); and +1.2 in October. Forfeiting all but one-tenth of October’s +.4 (3.5 – 3.2, -.3, 6+), Entercom’s KCSP “610 Sports Radio” slumps from #14 to #17.
In October, KCUR returned the three-tenths it gained in September (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), but in November, the University of Missouri news/talk outlet posts a one-half share increase to 3.5 (#15 to #14, 6+).
Kansas City Music Formats – By adding six-tenths to October’s +.1 (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3 – Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” shifts from #16 to #15. Off one-half share in October, Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” jumps six-tenths as well (2.7 – 3.3, #17 to #16, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (3.3) since April’s 3.9. Hot AC cluster-mate KZPT “99.7 The Point,” a collective -.8 in four straight down or flat moves (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), adds one-tenth to 3.9 but moves from #12 to #13. This is yet another extremely powerful report card for Cumulus Media’s KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station,” which is #1 for the sixth time in a row and an overall +2.7 in six straight sweeps without a loss (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.8 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Furthermore, this (9.7) is the highest 6+-stat for the Kansas City Chiefs’ flagship since July 2017’s 10.3. On the other hand though, classic hits-oldies sibling KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is a combined -3.1 in eight successive March through November declines (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+), dipping from fourth to sixth. “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” was #1 in March, April, and May. Despite forfeiting one-half share to 7.0 (6+), thus curtailing three straight upticks for a cumulative +2.0 (5.5 – 6.5 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+), Entercom-owned KQRC “98.9 The Rock” advances from third to second. Down one-half share as well is Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” (4.7 – 4.2, sixth to ninth, 6+). A mere two-tenths separates the market’s three country outlets. Specifically, by posting a gain of three-tenths to 4.3 (6+), Entercom’s WDAF not only zooms from tenth to seventh, “106.5 The Wolf” pulls the plug on six straight sweeps without an increase for an overall loss of nine-tenths (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). It is tied at #7 with Steel City Media’s KBEQ, which is a combined -1.3 in October and November (5.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Nonetheless, “Q-104 New Hit Country,” which gained six-tenths in September, progresses from ninth (to seventh). Meanwhile, co-owned KFKF “Country 94.1” is a combined -2.1 as a result of three downturns in succession (6.2 – 5.3 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #11).
Columbus Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight positive spikes (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.3,
6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” is an overall +.9 and progresses from fifth to fourth.
Seventh-ranked in January with a 4.4 (6+) – but then vanishing from print – RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” reappeared in October with +1.1 (5.6 – 6.7, #4, 6+). The flagship of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets relinquishes four-tenths in November to 6.3 (6+) but remains at #4. After posting an April through October topline of .9 – 1.0 – .9 – .5 – .9 – 1.1 – .9 (6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WXZX “105.7 The Zone” is off three-tenths to .6 (#16 to #18, 6+).
Answering October’s -1.1 with a November gain of one-half share (3.5 – 4.0, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU inches up from ninth to eighth. Immediately prior to the October sweep, WOSU had a net gain of seven-tenths via three straight up or flat monthlies (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+).
Columbus Music Formats – In addition to being a combined +1.1 in three straight increases (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.8, 6+), Radio One’s WCKX “Power 107.5” cracks the top ten (#12 to #9) with its best 6+-showing since September 2017 (3.8, as well). By duplicating October’s +.6 (6.5 – 7.1 – 7.7, 6+), Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-FM 96 – Iconic Rock” marches from third to second and displays its best 6+-stat since January 2017’s 7.9. Despite being a cumulative +1.1 in four up or flat trends in a row (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZCB “106.7 The Beat” backslides from #10 to #11. Albeit that it has eroded by -3.3 in four straight setbacks (16.3 – 15.1 – 15.0 – 14.5 – 13.0, 6+), co-owned WCOL is #1 for the 11th sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. When “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” was -1.2 in August, it concluded five consecutive increases for an overall +4.0 (12.3 – 13.4 – 14.4 – 14.5 – 15.7 – 16.3, 6+). Among the major fluctuations for “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” this calendar year are +3.1 (January); -1.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.0 (April); +1.2 (June); +.6 (July); 1.2 (August); -.5 (October); and -1.5 (November). Following 10 consecutive reports at #2, WCOL’s CHR sibling, WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” (7.8 – 7.1, -.7, 6+), falls to #3. WNCI was +1.3 in June; a collective -1.8 in July and August (10.7 – 10.0 – 8.9, 6+); +.5 (September); -1.6 (October); and -.7 (November). Adult hits cluster-mate WODC is an overall -1.7 as a result of three consecutive dips (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), but “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” carries on at #7. This present streak immediately follows four consecutive improvements that netted a +1.6 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.7, 6+).
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Cooke: Talk Radio’s Dream Come True? Media consultant Holland Cooke writes today, “After nearly two years of campaign noise, many Americans were eager ‘for it to end.’ But November 8 was a beginning. And with the manners our parents preached now scorned as political correctness, the noise will only get louder. In the social media era, broadcasters’ challenge is to cut through that clutter. Donald Trump will be President of The United States, and the implications for radio’s top format are profound.” Read more here.
iHeartMedia Shows 1.2% Rise in Third Quarter Revenue. Reporting third quarter financial numbers, iHeartMedia’s revenue was $857 million – up 1.2% from the same period in 2015. For the first nine months of the 
year, iHM revenue was $2.46 billion – an increase of 3.3% over 2015. In a statement, chairman and CEO Bob Pittman touts some of the company’s initiatives and events. “We continue to grow our audiences across our broadcast radio, outdoor, digital, social, mobile and events platforms, while
advancing our transformation as a digital-facing, data-rich company built on the power of broadcast radio and out-of-home. “This quarter, we were excited to announce the reimagining of live radio with our two new subscription services, iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access, set to debut in January 2017. In addition, at both iHeartMedia and outdoor, we continue to invest in programmatic buying platforms and research analytics tools to leverage our assets for the benefit of our marketing and advertising partners, and at Americas outdoor and International outdoor, we continue to realign our resources to expand our digital out-of-home networks.”
Cumulus Media Dips 1.1% in Third Quarter. That figure is for the company as a whole and is a percentage change based on net revenue of $286.1 million for the third quarter of 2016. For the first nine months of this year, revenue is $841.9 million, down 2.1% from the nine month-period in 2015. Cumulus breaks the company into two 
segments – the Radio Station Group, and Westwood One. The latter has been the most troublesome for Cumulus. Westwood One net revenue was down 5.5% over the same period in 2015 while the Radio Station Group was basically flat – up just 0.7% on revenue of $206 million. President and CEO Mary Berner says, “A year into our turnaround effort, we have made considerable progress against our operational priorities while leading the industry in ratings growth. Though our performance in the quarter was negatively impacted by headwinds which have challenged us all year, we see evidence that our work is paying off financially as we gained share this quarter for the first time in at least four years. As we seek to maintain the momentum of our initial strategies, we have now also launched a focused effort to improve sales execution as the next logical step in our turnaround plan.”
Cox Media Group’s WDBO-FM, Orlando First to Declare Trump Winner in Florida and Nationally. Orlando news/talk “News 96.5 WDBO” is saying it made two “unprecedented moves” in covering the election on Tuesday night. Director of programming Drew Anderssen says his station called Trump’s Florida victory 
minutes before the Associated Press. “Our in-house statistician watched returns county-by-county from the State of Florida, rather than relying on other national media outlets, which led to my decision to call Florida a victory for Trump.” Later in the evening, Anderssen says the station projected Trump to be the next president more than two-hours before “the Associated Press or any other national news outlet.” He adds, “We were looking at all scenarios and talking with our Washington DC bureau’s Jaime Dupree, who has 30 years of experience monitoring elections from Capitol Hill. Along with our ‘News 96.5 WDBO’ in-house team, it was a clear to us that it was statistically not possible for Hillary to win. I trusted my team and stood by their experience when we went on the air at midnight projecting Trump the winner.” WDBO morning host Joe Kelley scored a rare, morning-after interview today. Kelley says, “We wrote his number down from the caller ID during yesterday’s interview. We called the number today thinking ‘there’s no way he’ll answer,’ but he did.”
The Trump vs Clinton Race; the U.S. House and Senate Races; Hillary Clinton’s Email Problem; Marijuana Legalization; and the NFL’s Sinking Ratings Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/8). The presidential election; the U.S. House and Senate races the battle for control over Congress; the lingering issues relative to Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server for State Department business; the several states with marijuana legalization on the ballots and shifting attitude across the country; the weekend’s NFL action and the league’s sinking ratings were among the top news/talk stories yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Beasley’s SEC Filing Details Q3 Results. The company announced last week that its net revenue of $27.7 million in the third quarter of this year represents a 5.6% increase over the same period a year ago. The Form 10-
Q filed with the Securities Exchange Commission includes information about what constituted the $1.5 million year-over-year increase. Beasley Broadcast Group notes, “Significant factors affecting net revenue included a $1 million increase in advertising revenue from our Tampa-Saint Petersburg market cluster, a $0.4 million increase in advertising revenue from our Charlotte market cluster, and a $0.3 million increase in advertising revenue from our Fayetteville market cluster – partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in advertising revenue from our Wilmington market cluster. Net revenue for the [quarter]…also included $0.5 million of political advertising from the 2016 elections.”
Rob Graham Retires from WINA, Charlottesville. News director Rob Graham is retiring from Saga Communications’ news/talk WINA, Charlottesville after 32 years with the station. He’d also worked in his home state of Iowa at KWPC and KFMH in Muscatine and KLNT and KLNQ in Clinton during his career. He left radio for two years in 2000 to work in the public relations business.
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