Tag: "Sports Talk"

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Starnes and FOX News Part Company After Speculation About Democrats Worshipping Demons.  A source with knowledge of the situation said that it was in the works well in advance of Monday.  But Todd Starnes’ departure from the FOX News organization came immediately after Monday’s radio show broadcast in which show guest Robert Jeffress suggested that Democrats worship the Canaanite god Moloch (who required child sacrifice) because of their support for abortion rights.  Starnes agreed with Jeffress that he believes Democrats are coming after Christians.  Starnes said via Twitter, “I’m proud to call myself a gun-toting, Bible-clinging, Deplorable Trump supporter.  I am a rock-solid conservative and I do not compromise my beliefs. Period.”  Starnes hosted a daily, three-hour radio show on FOX News Radio as well as “Starnes Country” on the FOX Nation platform.  His radio show is being replaced with a rotating series of hosts for “FOX Across America” for now.

KLBJ-AM, Austin Afternoon Host Jeff Ward Exits.  For the past 22 years, Jeff Ward has hosted the afternoon drive show on news/talk KLBJ-AM, Austin.  That gig ended on October 1 when the station announced new afternoon programming, stating, “Sometimes, it’s just time for a change – and NewsRadio KLBJ keeps reinventing itself with live local shows and the best national programming.”  Emmis Communications sold its 51% stake in the Austin station group that included KLBJ-AM and five music brands to minority partner Sinclair Telecable for $39.3 million.  Last week the FCC waived its ownership cap for Sinclair, allowing the company to keep all six stations in Austin.  Via social media, Ward says, “I’m honored to have given every ounce of intellectual honesty I have for the past 20 years. To anyone who appreciates that, I appreciate you.  Whether I made you laugh or scream, every day I thought about how to make that barstool the most entertaining place you could be. It’s all I ever wanted to do. That part of the job was fun. Thank you for letting me in. I admire you, and I hope you admire me.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go play with my kids.”  Ward’s co-host Ed Clements remains with the station.  The new afternoon programming at KLBJ-AM is as follows: Ed Clements with Mark Caesar and Melynda Brant from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm; Ed Clements with sports talk personality Jason Dick from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm; and Premiere Networks’ Buck Sexton show starting at 6:00 pm.

Philippi to Replace Retiring Gade at Alpha Media Lincoln. Longtime Alpha Media Lincoln general manager Julie Gade retires after a 42-year career in the radio business.  Cluster sales manager Katie Philippi is taking over the GM position.  Reflecting on the business, Gade says, “Radio, our websites, and digital advertising products have been evolving, but one thing that has not changed is the family bond you feel with broadcasters anywhere in the country.  They seem to all have a common desire to help, educate, and entertain their listeners and viewers.  I will miss that energy, their intelligence, and insatiable need for humor on a daily basis.”  Philippi has been serving with the Lincoln station group since 2006.  She states, “Over the past 11 years, my day-to-day role as a sales manager has changed often.  This is part of the reason I am still so invigorated by the career.”

Andy Stuart Exits Cumulus Toledo Market Manager Role. According to a piece in the Toledo Blade by Kirk Baird, media executive Andy Stuart has left Cumulus Media and his role with the company as regional vice president and market manager for the Toledo station group that includes sports talk WTOD-FM “The Ticket” and seven music brands.  According to the Blade, Cumulus has not announced its plans for replacing Stuart.  He joined Cumulus in 2014.  He also served with iHeartMedia (then-Clear Channel) in the Toledo market from 2002 through 2012.

TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports on the new program being launched by Windy City broadcasters Hannah Stanley, Fred Weintraub, and Justin Kulovsek. The weekly radio program is being called, “Gabby Road with Hannah, Fred and Justin,” and will air from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sundays on GAB Radio Network’s WCGO, Evanston.  Stanley has worked on air at WGN and ESPN Radio.  Weintraub is an executive producer at Weigel Broadcasting, and Kulovsek is vice president of innovation at the Museum of Broadcast Communications…..SiriusXM and producer, TV, and radio host Andy Cohen agree to terms on a three-year contract extension for Cohen to continue as content curator of SiriusXM’s Radio Andy channel.  He’ll also continue to host his twice-weekly show “Andy Cohen Live.”  Cohen says, “I love the freedom of radio, especially long form, uncensored interviews, and the immediate connection with my audience.  Building this channel into a platform to discuss everything from politics with Dan Rather to pop culture with Jeff Lewis has been an incredibly satisfying creative experience.  I’m grateful to have three more years to continue expressing the breadth of my passion and one channel up the dial from my radio hero, Howard Stern.”…..Chicago Public Media’s public radio news/talk WBEZ announces its new midday talk show will be titled, “Reset with Jenn White,” and will air from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, effective October 14.  White moves from “The Morning Shift” program that is being cancelled along with the “Worldview” program hosted by Jerome McDonnell…..Alpha Media’s Brookings, South Dakota cluster was honored with a visit from FCC chairman Ajit Pai and FCC special counsel Preston Wise on September 17.  The two were in Brookings to visit the Precision Ag Center at South State University.  While there, they took a tour of the stations and met the staff.  Pictured below is Pai (right) with Alpha news director Perry Miller (left).

KMG and iHeartMedia Official Podcast Partners of ‘Politicon 2019.’ When Politicon 2019 gets underway at the Music City Center in Nashville on October 26, Krantz Media Group Networks will be on hand to launch an exclusive “Politicon 2019” audio activation strategy that includes a live 24/7 audio channel – “real time podcasts” – and live audio coverage.  KMG is also partnering with iHeartMedia as official podcast partners of Politicon 2019.   The “Politicon on iHeartRadio” channel will feature in-depth coverage of the convention.  Additionally, iHeartMedia’s news/talk WLAC, Nashville will broadcast live from the convention’s radio row on October 26 and 27.

Impeachment Inquiry/Ukraine Probe, 2020 Presidential Race, Dallas Cop Sentencing Controversy, Immigration Policy, Joker Film, and Hartford B-17 Crash Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/2).  The impeachment inquiry against President Trump and the related investigation into the dealings of Hunter Biden in the Ukraine and Trump’s conversation with Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelensky; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the sentencing of former Dallas cop Amber Guyger and the controversy surrounding the hug she received from the judge; the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including a report it intends to collect DNA samples from immigrants to enter into a criminal database; controversy surrounding the new Joker film; and the crash of a WWII-era B-17 bomber in Hartford that left seven dead were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

TALKERS and The Epoch Times Co-Presented “Talk Media Forum on US-China Relations” in NYC; Video Posted for On Demand Viewing.  A powerful panel discussion titled, “Talk Media Forum on US-China Relations,” took place in New York City yesterday morning (10/1) that was described by one of its media industry attendees as “a 90-minute PhD on the subject.”  The information-packed co-presentation of TALKERS and The Epoch Times included radio talk show hosts Hugh Hewitt of Salem Radio Network, John Batchelor of WABC, New York, and Tom Sullivan of Talk Media Network, as well as a group of experts on the present state of China and its increasingly strained relationship with the United States that included Nan Su of NTDTV, Joshua Philipp of The Epoch Times and Dr. Dana Cheng of The Epoch Times.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison served as moderator.  The conversation focused on the US-China trade war, Hong Kong protests, China’s human rights abuses, Huawei and the worldwide battle for 5G dominance, the North Korea nuclear threat, China’s ongoing intellectual property theft, China’s military buildup, and the long term goals and methods of the Chinese Communist Party, plus more.  According to Harrison, “We produced this event to serve as a serious informational workshop for talk media hosts to absorb the basics of a topic that will be of enormous importance in world events over the coming years.”  Harrison adds, “Based on the response we have received to its live streaming and subsequent on-demand rebroadcasts on NTDTV (New Tang Dynasty TV) and Talkers.com, we seem to have succeeded in achieving that goal.  The panelists were magnificent.” See the video of  event here.

High Profile Book Publisher and Media Figure Judith Regan is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast.   One of the most successful and bold women in contemporary multi-platform media, Judith Regan, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  She’s a book publisher aptly described as a “publishing powerhouse” having run her own imprint Regan Books with HarperCollins for a number of years and today heading the dynamic firm, ReganArts.  Regan is not afraid to be politically incorrect – especially in matters that involve supporting the rights of controversial figures to write and speak in the public marketplace of ideas. Some of her best-selling books include Gregory Maguire‘s Wicked, which went on to become a world famous musical, Wally Lamb‘s I Know This Much is True, soon to be an HBO series and books by a wide range of authors including Sean Hannity, Howard Stern, Michael Moore, Francis Ford Coppola, Khloe Kardashian as well as cookbooks, design books and hundreds of other award-winning titles. She has hosted talk shows on Fox News Channel and SiriusXM Satellite Radio and produced and hosted the two-hour O.J. Simpson “confession” on Fox which aired last year based on the highly controversial book she published titled, If I Did It.   She also produced the Netflix show The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell.   Her latest book publication – also extremely controversial due to the tarnished reputation of its author –  is How to Beat Trump by former news executive and correspondent Mark Halperin, whose career at mainstream media outlets recently came to a crashing end due to being the focus of a number of high-profile #MeToo accusations. Harrison and Regan candidly discuss her career, controversy, free speech, the #MeToo movement and political correctness.  To listen to this podcast in its entirety please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter or on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the Ft. Myers market, Lil Brownie, a.k.a. Amanda Pizana, is named co-host of the “Big Mama & the Wild Bunch” morning show on Beasley Media Group’s CHR WXKB- FM, effective October 7.  She was most recently the evening personality at Cumulus Media’s CHR KLIF-FM, Dallas.  She says, “I am super excited to be working with ‘Big Mama and The Wild Bunch’ and to start living my best life in Florida.”…..Alpha Media Fredericksburg announces the addition of on-air pro Scott Paulsen to mornings on WWUZ “96.9 The Rock.”  Paulsen has worked at rock WDVE in Pittsburgh during the 1980s and 1990s.  He’s also done voiceover work for Nickelodeon’s “Action League Now!”  Alpha Media Fredericksburg OM and content director Bill West comments, “Having the chance to add someone with Scott’s experience to the ‘96.9 The Rock’ team is very exciting.  His attention to detail with his stories on the morning show, added to his love for the music marks a huge step up for the station.”  Paulsen takes over for Andy Welch who moves to the midday show.

September 2019 PPM Data – September 2019 ratings information has been released for the second round of 12 markets, including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s September 2019 survey period covered August 15 – September 11.  See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from nine PPM markets below.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. Dropping from #21 to #22, Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO is in a June 2019 through September 2019 pattern of 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 1.7 (6+). July 2019’s 1.7 marked the first time KSFO fell below a two-share for the first time since July 2017’s 1.8. Ironically, cluster-mate KGO records a similar repetitive June 2019 through September 2019 sequence: 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 (#24 to #25, 6+). KGO was down one-tenth in June (1.7 – 1.6, 6+), so this is actually the fourth straight time it has had a month-to-month shift of one-tenth. After logging a .2 (6+) in seven of the last eight sweeps, iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” gains one-tenth to .3 (#35 to #34, 6+).

Three straight up or flat sweeps by Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR-AM (Giants, 49ers) yielded a +1.1 (3.3 – 3.3 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+) but “The Sports Leader” forfeits seven-tenths to 3.7 (6+), falling from third to seventh. Less than a week before the September ratings period concluded (9/6), co-owned triple A KFOG jettisoned its longtime music format and became sports talk KNBR-FM (1.0 – .9, -.1, #28, 6+). By gaining one-tenth to 1.6 (#26 to #24, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” halts three consecutive declines that accounted for a -1.8 (3.3 – 3.0 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+). KGMZ nearly doubled (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three straight sweeps without a loss, (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 3.3, 6+).

Even though KGMZ all-news sibling KCBS-AM (Raiders) drops one-tenth (6.5 – 6.4, 6+), it moves from the runner-up slot to a first-place tie. KCBS-AM last reached #1 in May.

KCBS-AM is deadlocked at the top with Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED, which spirals seven-tenths to 6.4 (#1 the fourth time in a row, 6+), thus almost completely erasing its +.8 in three consecutive improvements (6.3 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). August’s 7.1 was its best 6+-stat since 7.3 in March. San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is trending -1.0 – .9 – .8 – 1.0 – .9 – .7 (April – May – June – July – August – September, #28 to #31, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Not only does Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN tack on a whopping +1.7 to August’s increase of four-tenths (2.7 – 3.1 – 4.8, 6+), “107.7 The Bone” rockets from tenth to third. KSAN was a combined -1.3 in June/July (4.0 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+). Off a collective four-tenths via three straight down or flat moves (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” responds with a September increase of nine-tenths to 4.7 (seventh to fourth, 6+). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned KIOI “Star 101.3” notches its sixth report in a row without a decrease and has earned six-tenths in that stretch (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5, ninth to eighth, 6+). Despite being up an overall six-tenths via three successive modest increases (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+) and having its best 6+-stat (4.2) since April’s 4.4, adult contemporary cluster-mate KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” backslides from fourth to fifth. August’s gain of seven-tenths by co-owned rhythmic CHR KYLD vanishes as “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” surrenders nine-tenths (4.0 – 3.1, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#5 to #11). Entering the August sweep, KYLD lost eight-tenths as a result of four successive down or flat trends (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+). A dip of one-half share (2.5 – 2.0, 6+) sends Entercom-owned KITS “Alt 105.3 The Bay Area’s Alternative” from #13 to #19. Albeit down three-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.3, eighth to tenth, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” is within 3.0 – 3.9 range the 15^th time in a row. April 2019’s 3.7 represents its best 6+-stat since October 2018’s 3.9. After logging five straight reports without a loss for a net gain of seven-tenths (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” has dropped a cumulative three-tenths in four consecutive down or flat trends (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7, unchanged at #22, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Entering the July sweep, Cumulus Media’s WBAP had been positive or flat six successive survey periods for a +1.8 (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). “News Talk 820” has since been -.6 (July); +.4 (August); and now -.3 in September (3.9 – 3.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). Four successive up or neutral sweeps by Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM result in a gain of two-tenths (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .5, 6+) as “570 News & Information” remains at #36. It is one-tenth ahead of Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer,” which repeats August’s .4 and #37 rank (6+).

After a June/July +.8 (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM (Rangers, Cowboys) lost two-tenths in August but “105.3 The Fan” rebounds with a +.3 in September (2.1 – 2.4, #20 to #19, 6+). Owing to six reports in succession without an increase, Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” has lost nearly half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4, flat at #25, 6+). Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas,” which had a month-to-month fluctuation of one-tenth four times in a row (.8 – .9, 6+); (.9 – .8, 6+); (.8 – .7, 6+); and (.7 – .8, 6+), picks up two-tenths to 1.0 (#31 to #30, 6+).         

With a July – August – September topline of 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 (6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” carries on at #23.

August’s increase of three-tenths by KERA curtailed four straight negative or neutral moves that resulted in a collective -1.0 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+); the North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet repeats August’s 6+ AQH share (3.2) and market rank (#11).

Dallas Music Formats – Posting a gain of seven-tenths to 3.3 (6+), Entercom regional Mexican KMVK halts three straight downward moves that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+). Moreover, “La Grande 107.5” vaults from #16 to #9. Locked on 3.9 (6+) in July and August, Cumulus Media’s country-formatted KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” hangs out a one-half share improvement to 4.4 (sixth to fourth, 6+). At the same time, co-owned/similarly-formatted KSCS “New Country 96.3” is without an increase the third straight time for a cumulative loss of six-tenths (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Setting the pace the ninth month in a row is iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” (6.7 – 6.5, -.2, 6+). An August increase of nine-tenths wiped away the collective nine-tenths “Kiss” lost as a result of three straight negative or neutral moves (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). Its May dip of four-tenths brought to a close four successive up or flat sweeps that netted eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). April’s 6.7 was KHKS’ best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 6.9. Continuing in the runner-up slot, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” is an overall +1.5 via three straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+). KLTY was stymied on 4.2 (6+) in April and May before slipping to 4.0 (6+) in June. Ups/downs continue for WAY Media’s similarly-formatted KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real,” which was -1.2 in March; a combined +1.2 in April/May (1.1 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+); -1.4 in June; +.2 in July; -.5 in August; and now +.4 in September (.6 – 1.0, #32 to #30, 6+). A combined +.8 in July/August (1.2 – 1.6 – 2.0, 6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting triple A KKXT “91 KXT” falters by six-tenths to 1.4 (#25, 6+). Tied with KKXT is Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KNOR “La Raza 93.7,” which forfeits in its entirety August’s half-share increase (1.4 – 1.9 – 1.4, #23 to #25, 6+).

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – Down or flat the past four reports for a net loss of one-half share (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH ends the slide with a one-tenth gain to 3.4 (#15 to #14, 6+). “News Radio 740” was -.7 in December 2018 (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 in “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and +.7 in January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, 6+). Co-owned KPRC lost half (-.2) its 6+ AQH-share in five straight sweeps without an increase (.4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2, 6+) but “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” picks up one-tenth to .3 (#31 to #29, 6+).

Cluster-mate KBME “Sports Talk 790” (Astros) returns the three-tenths it acquired in August (1.1 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+) but continues at #22. Catching KBME is Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” (Texans), which has an April 2019 through September 2019 topline of: 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 (#24 to #22, 6+). For the eighth straight time, Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5” is without an increase for a net loss of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .5 – .5, flat at #26, 6+).

After relinquishing one-tenth in back-to-back survey periods (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF is up six-tenths to 2.9 (#19 to #17, 6+), its best 6+-showing in nearly a year (3.0, October 2018).

Houston Music Formats – In addition to being a combined +1.2 in August/September (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.5, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” soars from fourth to second with its highest 6+-stat (6.5) in exactly two years (6.7, September 2017). This time last month, Radio One urban AC KMJQ advanced from second to first. “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” not only repeats at #1, it chalks up an increase of nine-tenths to 7.1 (6+) and is a combined +1.3 in August/September (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+). KMJQ last crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) in May 2018 (7.2). A collective +.7 in three straight bumps (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” inches up from fifth to fourth. A September increase of two-tenths by Cumulus Media CHR KRBE “104.1 – Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.5 to 4.7, eighth to seventh, 6+) suspends five consecutive negative or neutral trends that led to an overall decline of eight-tenths (5.3 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+). Three straight up or neutral moves by Entercom hot AC KHMX accounted for a +1.7 (3.0 – 3.4 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+) but September’s loss of nine-tenths to 3.8 (6+) knocks “Mix 96.5” out of the top ten (#7 to #12). Spanish contemporary cluster-mate KLOL “Mega 101 FM” is a combined -1.0 in August/September (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.2, #13 to #15, 6+). This is the sixth time in the last seven survey periods that adult hits sibling KKHH “95.7 The Spot” posts a 6+ AQH share between 5.0 – 5.7 (5.1 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.5, third to fifth, 6+). Dropping from second to third, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA has lost roughly 51% (-6.2) of its 6+ AQH share in nine straight months without an increase (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). “Sunny 99.1” was at #1 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. Immediately in advance of this spiral, KODA was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive gains (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). It had been more than two years since KODA slipped below a six-share (June 2017, 5.8, 6+). Urban contemporary cluster-mate KQBT “93.7 The Beat,” which was off an overall eight-tenths in four straight reports without an increase (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+), pulls the plug with a +.2 to 3.8 (#14 to #12, 6+). As Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “The New Country 93-Q” gains one-tenth to 4.6 (steady at #8, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” drops one-tenth to 4.2 (6+) yet improves from tenth to ninth. KKBQ is trending 4.8 – 4.7- 4.5 – 4.6 (June – July – August – September, 6+).  Before losing two-tenths in March, KILT-FM had been +1.7 via three bumps in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+).

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Stuck on 5.3 (6+) in July and August, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL forfeits two-tenths to 5.1 (fifth to seventh, 6+). July’s increase of nine-tenths halted three successive March through June declines that accounted for an overall –2.4 (6.8 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4, 6+); March’s 6.8 represents its best 6+-stat in the PPM-era. After posting a .2 (6+) in August 2018, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted for the 14^th sweep in succession.

Following three consecutive reports of a 3.4 (6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM (Nationals) adds one-tenth to 3.5 (#12 to #11, 6+). In June, “106.7 The Fan” recaptured almost half (three-tenths) the eight-tenths lost in May. Replacing July/August’s combined -.3 with a September +.3 (.9 – .7 – .6 – .9, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” moves from #23 to #21. Cumulus Media suspended its news/talk simulcast of WMAL-AM & WMAL-FM on July 1, with the former becoming sports talk WSBN “ESPN 630 AM The Sports Capitol.” WSBN checked in with a .1 (#29, July, 6+); was unlisted in August; and resurfaces in September (.1, #30, 6+).

Notwithstanding that it drops one-half share (8.0 – 7.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM jumps from third to first. Prior to gaining one-tenth in August, WTOP-FM was an overall -2.5 in six successive down or flat sweeps (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7 – 8.7 – 8.7 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+). It shifted to the runner-up slot in July after six straight months at #1. More than doubling (+.5) its 6+ stat through four consecutive up or flat moves (.4 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .9, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH progresses from #23 to a four-way tie at #21.

Tied for the top spot in August, American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” sputters by eight-tenths in September and slips to a second-place tie (8.2 – 7.4, 6+). July’s boost of four-tenths suspended three successive slips that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.0, 6+). Immediately prior to gaining three-tenths in March, WAMU was -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and -1.2 (February).

Washington, DC Music Formats – Three upticks in succession by Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS have produced a +2.0 (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 6.2, 6+) as “91.9 Christian Music Radio” leaps from seventh to fourth. Drifting from the top ten (#9 to #16) is iHeartMedia’s WMZQ “98.7 Today’s Best Country,” which falters by -1.0 (3.7 – 2.7, 6+) and falls below a three-share (2.7, 6+) for the first time since February (2.8). This time last month, Radio One urban AC WMMJ “Majic” and public radio news/talk WAMU were deadlocked at #1. They are still tied in September but not at #1 as both suffer an identical loss of eight-tenths (8.2 – 7.4, first to second, 6+). When WMMJ added two-tenths in July, it interrupted three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to that skid, “Majic” put together six successive increases that netted a +1.8 (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). Howard University’s similarly-programmed WHUR is off an overall seven-tenths in four monthlies in succession without an increase (6.5 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). After finishing in fourth-place the past four sweeps, WHUR shifts to fifth. Down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), WHUR regained that deficit with a May pickup of two-tenths. Its March loss of one-tenth stymied three successive increases that accounted for a +1.2 (5.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+). An overall -1.2 as a result of three consecutive down or neutral reports (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5” exits the top ten (#9 to #12) with its lowest 6+-stat (3.4) since March (3.2). Anchored in ninth-place, Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC notches a 3.7 the third time in the last four sweeps (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+). Classic hits-oldies sibling WIAD “94.7 The Drive – DC’s Greatest Hits” is off a cumulative eight-tenths in three downward trends in a row (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6, #16 to #17, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +1.3 via three straight up or flat trends (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.6 – 7.6, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM repeats at #1. Following three consecutive months on top, WSB-AM slipped to the runner-up slot in April. Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” doubles its 6+ stat in three successive reports without a loss (.2 – .2 – .3 – .4, #29 to #27, 6+). In a tie just below WAOK are Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” (.3 – .2, -.1 flat at #29, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640.” The latter had lost three-tenths via twelve straight down or flat trends (.4 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+) but picks up one-tenth .2 (#33 to #29, 6+).

Piling on nine-tenths to August’s +.6 (2.8 – 3.4 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) cruises into the top ten (#11 to #8), reaching the four-share level (4.3, 6+) for the first time since February (4.0). Before August’s increase, “The Game” was an overall -1.2 in five straight negative or neutral sweeps (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN (Braves) makes it seven consecutive monthlies without a loss for a net gain of +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), as “Sports Radio The Fan” climbs from #17 to #16.

Within 3.3 – 3.7 range the seventh sweep in a row (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE slips from #11 to #12. Georgia State University news/talk WRAS gains a total of two-tenths via four successive up or flat moves (.5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7, unchanged at #25, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Not only does Radio One gospel WPZE fully obliterate the nine-tenths lost in four straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+) with an increase of nine-tenths to 3.7 (6+), “Praise 102.5 Atlanta’s Inspiration Station” zooms into the top ten (#16 to #10). Conversely, an August 2019 – September 2019 fluctuation of nine-tenths is unlucky for iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” (3.8 – 2.9, -.9, 6+), which departs the top ten (#9 to #14). “Power” gained seven-tenths in March and six-tenths in May. Answering August’s half-share loss with a September boost of three-tenths is WWPW’s format rival, Cumulus Media-owned WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits,” which leapfrogs “Power” (3.1 – 3.4, #13 to #11, 6+).  In July, “Q-100” returned the four-tenths it gained the previous sweep. It logged a +.7 in January; relinquished six-tenths in February; and had a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.6 (6+). Anchored at #8 the past three months, iHeartMedia’s country-formatted WUBL “94.9 The Bull” pushes up to #7 and gains an overall nine-tenths via its third successive positive spike (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+). WUBL’s April 2019 through July 2019 topline was 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 (6+). When “The Bull” dropped one-tenth in June, it interrupted three straight increases that produced a +.8 (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” is a collective +.4 in August/September (2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, flat at #14, 6+). August’s increase of four-tenths by “Kicks” halted three straight dips that accounted for a net loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Off three-tenths in March, “Kicks” later faltered by four-tenths in May. Following four upticks in a row that yielded a +1.2 (5.2 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WALR “Kiss 104.1 Atlanta’s R&B” relinquishes half that bounty with a -.6 to 5.8 (second to fifth, 6+). Three straight setbacks by Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” have resulted in an approximately 52% erosion (-4.6) of its 6+ AQH share (8.8 – 8.5 – 4.7 – 4.2, seventh to ninth, 6+). WFSH had been at #1 four straight months before shifting to seventh in August. When “The Fish” lost three-tenths in July, it halted at five a consecutive string of bumps that netted an overall +3.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9 – 8.8, 6+). A cumulative +1.3 in three straight upticks (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.0, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM sputters by two-tenths to 5.8 (6+) but inches up from sixth to a fifth-place tie. In August, “B-98.5” reached the six-share level (6.0, 6+) for the first time in more than four years (May 2015, 6.1, 6+). Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” is down a collective seven-tenths in three straight negative or neutral sweeps (3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.7, #14 to #16, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Off three-tenths (1.8 – 1.5, 6+), Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” once again departs the top twenty (#20 to #22). Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” repeats August’s .8 (#25 to #24, 6+).

Even though Entercom sports talk WIP (Phillies, Eagles) surrenders one-tenth (6.7 – 6.6, 6+), “Sports Radio 94.1” marches from second to a first-place tie; WIP gained eight-tenths in August. In three straight sweeps without a loss, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” nets three-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4, #18 to #17, 6+). June’s 2.1 was its lowest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 1.8.     

An overall -1.6 in eight sweeps in succession without an increase (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” is locked at #10.  

While public radio news/talk WHYY is up a cumulative four-tenths in three straight up or neutral reports (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), it slips from a four-way tie at #12 to #14.

Philadelphia Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL “Power 99,” which netted eight-tenths in four successive up or flat trends (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+); surrendered six-tenths in July/August (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+); and now posts a robust +1.1 (5.0, ninth to eighth, 6+). September’s 5.0 is its best 6+-performance in more than two years (5.6, July 2017). A combined +.6 in August/September (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WBEB “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” jumps from sixth to fourth. Over and above being +1.3 via three upticks in a row (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” progresses from third to a first-place tie with Entercom sports talk WIP (see above). Prior to July, WDAS-FM lost a collective eight-tenths since March via three consecutive negative or neutral moves (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.3, 6+). The station ousted at #1 by WIP and WDAS-FM, Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK, falters by four-tenths (6.9 – 6.5, 6+) and segues to third. Frozen on 6.6 (6+) in May and June, WMGK gained four-tenths in July to 7.0, its highest 6+-stat since February 2018’s 7.1, but lost one-tenth in August. Dropping from fourth to fifth, co-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” has squandered four-tenths in four successive sweeps without an increase (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). So far in 2019, Entercom sports talk WIP was on top in January; its classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” was #1 in February; AC cluster-mate WBEB was #1 in March; WMGK set the pace in April; WBEB did so in May and June; WMGK returned to #1 in July and August; and now WIP and WDAS-FM are tied for the lead in September. In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia-owned WIOQ “Q-102” fails to show an increase the sixth time in a row and is down six-tenths in that stretch (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7, #12 to #15, 6+). Flat at #16, Entercom’s WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” is up one-tenth in consecutive reports (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). WTDY was -1.0 in four straight March 2019 through July 2019 decreases and its profile in that timeframe was very similar to WIOQ’s (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). Six straight sweeps without a loss netted University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN a +1.2 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), but “88.5 Vinyl At Heart” is now -.8 in three straight down or flat moves (2.6 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #21). After logging a .5 in back-to-back sweeps (July and August, 6+), Forever Media country WXCY is unlisted.

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – There just doesn’t seem to be any stopping iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston,” which is +1.8 via nine positive or neutral trends in succession (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9, unchanged at #8, 6+). Co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200,” which added one-tenth three months in a row (.4 – .5 – .6 – .7, 6+), forfeits that collective three-tenths (.4, #25 to #29, 6+).

Three setbacks in succession by Beasley Media Group-owned sports talk WBZ-FM (Patriots, Celtics, Bruins) resulted in a roughly 47% loss (-3.3) of its 6+ AQH-share (7.0 – 5.6 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+). In September though, “98.5 The Sports Hub” roars back with a +1.3 to 5.0 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Seven recent shifts for “The Sports Hub” include: -1.0 (December 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); -.8 (February); +.8 (May); -1.4 (June); -1.8 (July); and +1.3 (September). WBZ-FM bypasses Entercom-owned sports talk WEEI-FM (Red Sox), which is flat at 3.7 but backslides from eighth to ninth. Seven sample shifts for WEEI-FM include: -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); -.5 (March); +.6 (April); and -.6 (July).

Unchanged at #5, iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM returns 40% of August’s half-share increase (5.5 – 5.3, -.2, 6+). Prior to that +.5, “News Radio 1030” was stuck on 5.0 (6+) five months in a row.

Trending 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.4 (June – July – August – September, 6+), Boston University news/talk WBUR falls from seventh to tenth. WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH nets eight-tenths in three consecutive up or flat trends (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, #14 to #13, 6+) and reaches the three-share level (3.0, 6+) the first time in nearly a year (3.4, October 2018).

Boston Music Formats – A combined -1.2 in August/September (8.8 – 7.7 – 7.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” is nonetheless #1 the sixth month in a row. The July/August decrease completely eliminates back-to-back (June and July) increases of six-tenths (7.6 – 8.2 – 8.8, 6+). When WROR dropped two-tenths in May, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that delivered a +2.2 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Cluster-mate WBOS “Boston’s Rock 92.9 Rocks” is up eight-tenths in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.2 – 3.2, #13 to #12, 6+). Boston’s (6+) pacesetters thus far this calendar year have been: iHeartMedia-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (January, 7.3, and February, 7.4, 6+); WROR (March and April, 7.8 – both times, 6+); WROR and WXKS-FM (May, 7.6, 6+); and WROR (June, 8.2; July, 8.8; August, 7.7; and September, 7.6, 6+). In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia’s aforementioned WXKS-FM is an overall -1.3 in four consecutive negative or neutral moves (7.6 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+) but “Kiss 108” retains the runner-up slot the fourth straight month. A one-half share increase in May took “Kiss 108” to 7.6, its strongest 6+-performance since August 2018’s 7.8. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is without an increase the eighth consecutive time for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6, #19 to #20, 6+). In addition to dropping from third to fourth, Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” is an overall -1.1 in three dips in succession (6.9 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+). “Magic” was a combined +.8 in May/June (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), with June’s 6.9 the highest 6+-stat for WMJX since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5. The April 2019 through September 2019 (6+) profiles of Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” and Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1” remain similar. “Hot,” which was -1.0 in four straight down or flat moves (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), picks up one-tenth to 3.4 (#11 to #10, 6+), while “Mix” is -.9 in five consecutive months without an increase (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.0, #11 to #13, 6+).

Miami

Spoken-Word Formats – The April 2019 through September 2019 topline for iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is an extremely steady 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.5 (#17 to #18, 6+).

Doubling its 6+ AQH share as a result of three straight spikes (.5 – 6 – .7 – 1.0, 6+), Entercom-owned WQAM “560 The Joe,” (Dolphins) elevates from #28 to #25. Conversely, co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” is down 67% (-.6) in three setbacks in succession (.9 – .8 – .6 – .3, #29 to #30, 6+).

Off seven-tenths in July/August (2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN answers with a half-share increase to 2.1 (steady at #21, 6+).

While we usually limit our spoken-word coverage to English-language stations, it’s worth noting that Grupo Latino de Radio- GLR Spanish news/talk WSUA Radio Caracol 1260,” which posted a .8 (6+) in July but was unlisted in August, reappears in September with a .8 (#28, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – A combined +1.2 in August/September (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” jumps from fifth to third. Continuing a down/up pattern that commenced in May (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM – Joven Como Tu” advances from tenth to eighth. Tied at #12 are mainstream CHR rivals iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (flat at 3.1, #11 to #12, 6+) and Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” (3.0 – 3.1, +.1, #13 to #12, 6+). “Y-100” gained three-tenths in August, while “Hits 97.3” lost three-tenths the same sweep. On top the ninth consecutive ratings period (including a three-way tie at #1 in February), Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” drops six-tenths and has a June 2019 through September 2019 topline of 7.6 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.0 (6+). “Easy” was down eight-tenths in February; up by that same magnitude in March; and notched an improvement of … eight-tenths in June. Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” was up one-tenth in July/August (5.4 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), but forfeits two-tenths in September to 5.3 (fourth to fifth, 6+). July’s one-tenth increase curtailed four straight down or flat sweeps that led to an overall -1.2 (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+). “Lite” was in third-place March, April, May, and June. Despite being down or flat the fourth time in succession for a net loss of three-tenths (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss Country 99.9” climbs from #16 to #15. Spanish Broadcasting System-owned Spanish tropical WXDJ “El Zol 106.7” is an overall -1.4 in seven straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+) and carries on in ninth-place.

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though KIRO-FM drops one-tenth (5.1 – 5.0, 6+), the Bonneville news/talk facility progresses from fifth to fourth. Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” repeats August’s 6+ AQH share (1.5) and market rank (#22). When Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI picked up two-tenths in August, it halted five successive negative or neutral reports that accounted for a more than 50% loss (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share since February (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .7, 6+); “Talk Radio 570” is off one-tenth in September (.9 – .8, #25 to #26, 6+).

Rebounding from a collective -1.3 as a result of four straight down or flat trends (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” (Mariners, Seahawks) logs an increase of seven-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and jumps from #17 to #12. Adding one-half share to August’s +.3 (.5 – .8 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” improves from #28 to #23.

Returning 75% of August’s increase of four-tenths (3.2 – 2.9, -.3, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO drops from #13 to #15; August’s 3.2 was its best 6+-stat since November 2017’s 3.4.

As a result of four consecutive decreases (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW is a collective -1.6 and drifts from fourth to ninth.

Seattle Music Formats – An uptick of one-half share to 2.4 (6+) by Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KCMS-FM pulls the plug on five setbacks in succession that resulted in an overall -1.4 (3.3 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+) and returns “Spirit 105.3” to the top twenty (#21 to #18). There’s another tie at #1 and it’s a familiar scenario with the Seattle stations involved. The incumbent – Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” – drops four-tenths (6.4 – 6.0, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is flat at 6.0 (6+) but moves from second to a first-place tie. June’s first-place deadlock between these same two outlets was emphatically broken in July when KZOK gained nine-tenths while KQMV spiraled by eight-tenths. The roles were reversed in August as “MOViN’ 92.5” logged a +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, third to first, 6+) while “Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” eroded by -1.0 (7.0 – 6.0, first to second, 6+). An overall -1.0 in four successive down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), KQMV ended the slump in June with a gain of one-tenth. “MOViN’” made it to #1 in April, the first time it reached the lead spot since November 2018. As a result of August’s -1.0, KZOK snapped its consecutive string of eight straight positive spikes that produced a +3.3 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 7.0, 6+). Immediately in advance of that particular run, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). Repeating in third-place, Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound” is a combined +1.1 in August/September (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.5, 6+), while Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KRWM “Warm 106.9” is up six-tenths in the comparable period (4.3 – 4.9 – 4.9, sixth to fifth, 6+). “The Sound” and “Warm” were separated by one-tenth in May (4.5 – 4.3, 6+); June (also 4.5 – 4.4, 6+); and July (4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Prior to plummeting by -1.1 in April, “The Sound” was an overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Entering the May sweep, “Warm 106.9” recorded a 4.8 (6+) in three of the previous four reports (4.8 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. Tight as well is the country battle between Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country” (4.3 – 4.6, +.3, ninth to seventh, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull” (4.2 – 4.4, +.2, #12 to #10, 6+). “The Wolf” erased May’s +.9 with June/July’s combined -.9 (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+). Prior to April, when it regressed by six-tenths, KKWF was a cumulative +1.4 as a result of three straight upticks (3.3- 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). Meanwhile, after more than doubling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in eight successive up or flat sweeps (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), “The Bull” surrendered one-tenth in August. Spiraling by one-half share each are iHeartMedia CHR KBKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” (3.2 – 2.7, #13 to #17, 6+); Classic Radio’s KING “Classical Radio 98.1” (#18 to #19); and Bustos Media regional Mexican KDDS “La Grand 99.3” (.9 – .4, #28, 6+).This (2.7) is the lowest 6+-stat for “Kiss” since February’s 2.3. KING is now -1.0 in three straight decreases (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.2) and has its weakest 6+-showing since January (2.0).