Tag: "Sports Talk"

Friday, May 18, 2018

Edison: Streaming Makes Up Less than 10% of Radio Station Listening. Media research firm Edison Research is presenting at this week’s American Association of Public Opinion Researchers conference in Denver.  Company VP Randy Brown’s presentation documents issues that come from implementing surveys online that attempt to measure internet behaviors.  One conclusion of his is that streaming behaviors will be overstated in a survey implemented online because it is difficult to reach lighter internet users from internet sample frames, even if one is using high-quality internet samples. In creating its Share of Ear studies, Edison has determined that “8% of the combined listening to broadcast radio content is from the streams and 92% is from over-the-air…these numbers would be vastly higher (and incorrect) if we did not take the steps we do to correctly represent all listeners and all listening.”  Edison goes on to say, “It is worth noting that we see quite a difference based on the type of content.  For news, sports and personalities, streams comprise 12% of the total listening, whereas for music the streams are 6%.  Perhaps this speaks to streaming being more vital for radio’s more unique aspects.”  You can download Brown’s presentation here.

Dennis Green to Exit Westwood One. After a 22-year career with radio syndicator Westwood One, SVP of affiliate sales Dennis Green is exiting the company to accept a new, yet-to-be-announced position. Westwood One chief operating officer Charles Steinhauer says in a memo to affiliates that the company sincerely thanks Green “for his absolute dedication and excellent contributions made during his successful 22-year tenure at Westwood One.”  Green says, “I want to thank my Westwood One family for a 22-year ride that was everything you could want in a media career. Serving radio stations around the country and the world with the best in programming and services was an honor and privilege that I’ll never forget.  As I embark on my next challenge, I’m proud to be part of the legacy that Westwood enjoys in the industry, and will continue to enjoy for years to come.”

Andi Poch Promoted to EVP of Integrated Partnerships at Entercom. This new role of executive vice president, integrated partnerships puts Andi Poch in charge of leading Entercom’s strategy, creative development and execution for multiplatform, client partnerships. The company says she’ll focus on integrated solutions across audio, digital, branded content, live events and experiential partnerships. Additionally, she will be responsible for the development of new and expanded content franchises and innovative, customizable opportunities to drive national business and new revenue streams.  She will continue to report to Bob Philips, chief revenue officer at Entercom.  Philips comments, “We are excited about Andi’s new role at Entercom. This is a strategic shift in the way we go to market and an opportunity to leverage our national, multiplatform scale across audio, digital, social, live events and branded entertainment to offer national advertisers the innovative marketing solutions they need to connect their brands to our loyal and engaged consumer base.  The additional scope will provide Andi the opportunity to expand on the terrific work she has already done for Entercom.”

Francesa ‘Talked Into’ Joining Twitter. Now that Mike Francesa is back in afternoon drive on WFAN, New York after a roughly five-month retirement from the Entercom sports talk station, he’s surprising his fans again by joining Twitter.  He’s been a famous critic of social media but tells the New York Daily News that since rejoining the station, he’s been “talked into” launching a Twitter account.  He’s making his initial, official tweet from Twitter’s New York headquarters this afternoon. Francesa had always avoided social media, arguing that if he tweets his takes, it gives people less reason to tune into the radio show.

A Visit to Old Stomping Grounds. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison paid a visit to the legendary New England powerhouse WTIC-AM, Hartford “NewsTalk 1080” for an on-air chat with his old buddy, afternoon drive host Todd Feinburg, yesterday (5/17).  The two discussed many of the hot economic issues surrounding Connecticut state politics.  Harrison was the first full-time host launching WTIC’s modern era as a pure news/talker when he did middays on the 50k outlet back in 1991-92.  He currently joins Feinburg as a regularly featured guest and occasionally serves as fill-in host for the program.  According to Harrison, “WTIC has long played a key role in Connecticut’s history and culture.  The station has maintained a great news department and a deep commitment to community service, not to mention really smart callers.”  Harrison (center) is pictured above with Entercom Hartford VP of operations and programming Steve Salhany (left) and Feinburg (right) in the station’s main studio.

Cool Morning News Opportunity. News Radio KFBK, Sacramento, an iHeartRadio station, is looking for a highly skilled, experienced executive news producer to lead and manage its top-rated “KFBK Morning News” – a four-hour, fast-paced, market-leading live newscast. Candidates need large-market, long-form newscast producing experience, immaculate writing and editing skills, along with strong problem-solving and leadership abilities to excel in this key position within the news management team.  Strong digital and social media skills are essential. Some on-air reporting/anchoring required.  For more info and to apply, click here.

KCBS-AM, San Francisco Snags Seven AP Television Radio Association Honors.  Bay Area all-news KCBS-AM, San Francisco was recently honored with seven 2017 Associated Press Television and Radio Association awards.  The organization honors important journalism across 13 Western U.S. states through its annual awards contest.  The Entercom station picked up first place honors for Best Continuing Coverage for “Wine Country Wildfires”; Best Feature Story “Sonic Gentrification” by Doug Sovern; Best Spot News Coverage for “Wine Country Wildfires”; and Best Weather Reporting for “San Jose Flood.”

TALKERS News Notes.  The Fisher House Foundation – the charity that provides housing for the families of military personnel who are being treated at VA centers – is working with the Jeff Wyatt Group for its special radio programs. The Jeff Wyatt Group is working with Fisher House to assist with affiliate relations for the Memorial Day special, “The Gift” – hosted by Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery – as well as on the Christmas time program “Home Away from Home.” On the latter, Jeff Wyatt Group will write, produce and distribute the show…..American Public Media is ending the “Marketplace Weekend” program. Lizzie O’Leary hosts the program and will remain with APM to handle fill-in work on the daily “Marketplace” program.  Affiliate stations will get “best-of” shows through July…..The sale of WFGA-FM, Hicksville, Ohio from Talking Stick Communications to Swick Broadcasting Company for $300,000 cash closes.  The exclusive broker for the deal was Jason James of Patrick Communications.

Trump-Russia Investigation Returns as Top News/Talk Story of the Week. The investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week of May 14-18, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At #2 this week was the scheduled meeting between North Korea and the U.S. and the hermit kingdom’s nuclear weapons program.  Coming in at #3 was the U.S.-China trade negotiations, followed by U.S.-Mexico border security at #4.  The Talkers Ten^TM 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. View this week’s entire chart here.

Craig Carton Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Major sports talk personality and newsmaker Craig Carton gives an exclusive interview to TALKERS founder Michael Harrison as this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Carton is the former co-host of the mega-successful morning show “Boomer and Carton” (with Boomer Esiason) on WFAN, New York that dominated in the coveted male 25-54 demographic Big Apple ratings wars for a decade between 2007 and 2017. The duo had replaced Don Imus in that position after the station’s then-owner CBS RADIO cut the legend loose in the wake of the infamous incident in which he insulted the women basketball players of Rutgers University on-air with a poorly-executed racial quip. Craig Carton was one of the biggest stars in sports talk radio and the sky appeared to be the limit. However, it all came crashing down in 2017 when he was arrested by federal agents at his home in New York City on criminal charges of securities fraud. Then after a few months of laying low, while professing his innocence and awaiting trial in October, a fascinating comeback began to take root. It started with a podcast and that led to a daily online 9:00 am to 1:00 pm ET radio show with a video simulcast on the FNTSY Sports Network. Now, after two months of positive reviews and significant audience growth, the show will be offered to terrestrial broadcast stations coast-to-coast by Sports Byline USA and Focus 360. It will debut on May 29, as a 9:00 am to 12:00 noon daily program, with a roster of 25 stations and the hope is it will grow well beyond that to at least 100 stations by the year’s end. Of course, much of this depends on the results of Carton’s forthcoming day in court. In a remarkably candid conversation, Carton tells Harrison that he is innocent and patiently looking forward to his day in court to tell his story and clear his name. The two also discuss the new show as well as the general state of sports talk radio and media. Harrison says, “Craig Carton is an outstanding talent and his new show sizzles with his unique personality and skills. I believe he is innocent until proven guilty and deserves the support of the radio industry until the facts of the case are finally revealed in court. The radio business is better off with Craig Carton on the air. I hope this all works out for him.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box for “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the Chicago market, Alpha Media talk show host Kevin Kollins – heard daily on WJOL, Joliet in afternoons – is adding a second show to his duties as he assumes the morning program at sister adult contemporary WSSR-FM “Star 96.7.”  Kollins joins Lisa Jordan as her new co-host, replacing Josh Cooper, who exited last month…..SiriusXM is broadcasting performances and backstage interviews from this weekend’s Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas on its new Insomniac Radio channel.  EDC Las Vegas will also air on Diplo’s new and exclusive SiriusXM channel, Diplo’s Revolution.  This year marks the ninth year SiriusXM has broadcast EDC Las Vegas…..Pictured below at the kickoff event for the inaugural ACM/Live in the Vineyard Goes Country on Tuesday, May 15 at Peju Province Winery in Napa Valley, California are (from l-r): Chris Clare, PD, WNNF-FM, Cincinnati; George King, VP, programming, Westwood One; Tom Martens, Warner Music Nashville; Leslie Caraccilo, VP, music & entertainment, Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Aaron Roberts, VP, programming partnerships, Cumulus Media/Westwood One; Mac Daniels, PD, KSCS-KPLX, Dallas; Brian Thomas, PD, WKHX-FM, Atlanta; and Steve Pleshe, PD, KSKS, Fresno.  (Photo: Royce Risser)

Round Four of April PPMs Released. The fourth and final round of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s April 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s April 2018 survey period covered March 29 – April 25. 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 below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a January – February – March (6+) topline of 7.2 – 7.5 – 7.2, University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT posts a +.7 to 7.9 (steady at #2), its highest 6+-share since 9.0 in November 2016. A combined +1.0 in January and February (6.5 – 7.2 – 7.5, 6+), KUT previously was -1.4 as the result of three straight decreases (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Its loss of three-tenths in November ended three successive gains that netted +1.8 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+). Three upticks in a row by Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM resulted in a +1.8 (2.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+), but “News Radio 590 AM” drops one-half share in April to 4.1 (flat at #9, 6+). The majority of that +1.8 is rooted in January’s +1.3. Immediately in advance of its positive streak, KLBJ-AM was -1.3 in four straight decreases (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). In the market’s sports talk arena, both Genuine Austin Radio’s KTXX “The Horn” (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5, flat at #19, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” (.6 – .6 – .5 – .3, unchanged at #24, 6+) are without an increase for the third time in a row, with each station losing three-tenths in that stretch.

Austin Music Formats – On the strength of a +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia country outlet KVET-FM advances from fifth to third with its best 6+-stat since last December’s 6.2; “98.1 – The Austin Texas Original” was -.9 in February. It bypasses co-owned/similarly formatted KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country,” which is +1.7 via four straight gains (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.6, sixth, 6+). When KASE racked up a +.7 in January, it ended three consecutive decreases for an overall -1.2 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+). KVET-FM and KASE were tied for fifth place in March (5.3, 6+). By gaining four-tenths to 1.4 (#23 to #20, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio’s KOKE “Austin’s Country Alternative” pulls the plug on six negative or flat trends in succession that accounted for a loss of 60% (-1.5) of its 6+-share (2.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+). Not only is Emmis adult hits KBPA #1 for the fourth month in a row, “Bob” flashes a +1.0 to 8.9, its strongest 6+-stat since 9.1 in March 2017. Immediately prior to the “Holiday” 2017 report, “Bob” occupied the lead spot the previous ten (10) sweeps. A November gain of one-half share halted three down or flat trends for a collective -.4 (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.6 – 8.3, 6+). The 6.7 in “Holiday” 2017 marked the first time that Austin’s “Bob” was below a seven-share (6+) in three years (6.9, “Holiday” 2014). Immediately before picking up one-tenth in March (2018), “Bob” was -.6 (February); +1.7 (January); and -1.7 (“Holiday” 2017). Off by six-tenths (6.4 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5” slides from third to fourth. Stymied at 3.5 (6+) in January and February, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” drops one-half share in both March and April (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.5, #13 to #14, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it repeats at #2, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” erodes by -1.0 (8.8 – 7.8, 6+). January 2018’s 9.1 is its strongest 6+-share since January 2014’s 9.4. WUNC fell to third-place in “Holiday” 2017 after four consecutive months in the runner-up slot. A loss of two-tenths to 5.1 (sixth to seventh, 6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” suspends three consecutive positive spikes in a row that netted +1.5 (3.8 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+). Just ahead of that streak, WTKK was -1.4 via three straight decreases (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 3.8, 6+). In addition to being the third time in a row that Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF posts a 1.0 (6+), “News Radio 680” is anchored at #19 for the ninth straight sweep. Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC returns in full the one-half share it picked up in March (3.4 – 3.9 – 3.4, #12 to #13, 6+); “99.9 The Fan” was -1.3 in January. Co-owned/similarly formatted WDNC is up or flat for the eighth time in a row for a +.3 (.2 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .5, #20 to #21, 6+).

Raleigh Music Formats – Three negative moves in succession by Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL accounted for a roughly 50% decline (-5.3) in its 6+-share (10.4 – 6.1 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+), but “Mix 101.5” answers with an April gain of seven-tenths to 5.8 (6+), climbing from seventh to sixth. Adding one-half share to its +.3 in March (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.3, 6+), Educational Information Corporation’s WCPE “The Classical Station” moves from #17 to #16. Albeit a combined -1.8 in three dips in a row (10.7 – 9.5 – 9.3 – 8.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 for the 11^th straight month; January 2018’s 10.7 is its best-ever (6+) PPM stat. Immediately prior to February, “Foxy” was an overall +2.0 in four consecutive gains (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 10.4 – 10.7, 6+), Its loss of one-half share last October halted six straight positive spikes that netted +2.4 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.2, 6+). Co-owned gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” is up or flat for the third time in a row for a +1.4 (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and bumps up from tenth to ninth. February’s increase ended three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.0 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). After registering an eye-popping +2.6 in January, Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” is a combined -2.0 in three successive decreases (9.4 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 7.4, 6+) but remains at #3. “Today’s Best Country” was off a collective full-share October-November-December (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.7, 6+).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +2.5 owing to four straight positive spikes (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), directly following four straight downward moves for a collective -1.8 (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC “93.1 Indy’s News Center” progresses from eighth to seventh. Co-owned sports talk WFNI “The Fan” remains the same from March in 6+-share (2.3) and 6+-market rank (#15). The same is true for iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” which is flat at 1.8 (6+) and remains at #17. After trending 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.3 (6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI surrenders seven-tenths to 2.6 (flat at #14, 6+); WFYI notched a +1.1 in January.

Indianapolis Music Formats – This market’s top three April 2018 finishers are separated by just three-tenths of a share. Included in that trio is Cumulus Media’s WFMS, which registers a +1.1 (6.2 – 7.3), enabling “95.5 The Country Station” to rocket from #6 all the way to #1. This (7.3) is WFMS’ best 6+-stat since November 2017’s 7.5 and the first time at #1 since November 2013. An overall +.8 in May and June (2017), WFMS was -.9 (July); +.8 (August); +.5 (September); -.7 (October); +1.1 (November); -.9 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); -.5 (February 2018); and now +1.0 in April. Its format rival, Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM,” is +1.3 via four consecutive monthlies without a loss (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.7 – 6.8, third to fourth, 6+). On the strength of a +.7 in January, “Hank” ended three straight down or flat sweeps for a -1.6 (7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 5.5, 6+); October’s +.8 took “Hank” to 7.1, its strongest 6+-showing since September 2015’s 7.6. Displaced at #1 after two months there and dropping to #4 is Entercom CHR WZPL (7.5 – 6.8, -.7, 6+). Flat or (slightly) down in three successive sweeps for a -.4 (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), “99.5 ZPL” notched a +1.4 in January and gained one-tenth in both February and March. Within 1.1 – 1.8 range (6+) in each of the last 12 sweeps, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WZRL “Real 98.3” (#18 to #16) posts a +.7 to 2.1, its best 6+-stat since April 2017 (2.1, as well). Stuck on 6.4 (6+) in February and March, Cumulus Media’s WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” improves by six-tenths to 7.0 (its strongest 6+-showing since December’s 7.7), advancing from fifth to third. Gaining one-half share each are iHeartMedia’s WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” (6.7 – 7.2, third to second, 6+) which posts its best 6+-stat since last August’s 7.6 and University of Indianapolis-owned jazz outlet WICR (.8 – 1.3, #21 to #19, 6+). Up or (mostly) flat three sweeps in a row (4.8 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erodes by -1.2 to 4.7 (seventh to ninth, 6+). Owing to a -1.0 (7.4 – 6.4, 6+), Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “Soft Rock B-105.7” skids from second to sixth. “Soft Rock” was #1 in December 2017, “Holiday” 2017, and January 2018. Its 13.4 in “Holiday” 2017 represents the best 6+-showing for WYXB since “Holiday” 2016’s 17.7, while November 2017’s 5.5 was its weakest since November 2012’s 5.3. In December, “B-105.7” halted three straight downturns that accounted for an overall -1.4 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+). A combined +2.2 in January and February (3.2 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), Radio One CHR WNOW follows with a collective -1.5 in March and April (5.4 – 4.7 – 3.9, 6+) as “100.9 Radio Now” departs the top ten (#9 to #13). Meanwhile, urban AC cluster-mate WTLC-FM “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” is -1.1 in March and April (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.1, flat at #12, 6+).

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Matching February’s +.9 (6.0 – 7.9, 6+), Scripps news/talk and Milwaukee Brewers flagship WTMJ jumps from fifth to the runner-up slot. Before that February gain of nine-tenths, “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” was without an increase the previous four sweeps for a -2.0 (7.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 5.3, 6+). After finishing second the past six survey periods, iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” (7.5 – 6.8, -.7, 6+) falls to fourth. WISN was a combined -.9 in February and March (8.4 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+), after posting a +1.0 in January. When “News/Talk 1130” dropped one-half share in “Holiday” 2017, it ended five straight gains that yielded a +1.9 (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 7.9, 6+). Prior to January, the last time WISN reached the eight-share level (6+) was five years ago (8.1, April 2013). This is the 12^th report in succession that University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM (#14 to #15) is within 2.0 – 2.9 range and fourth sweep in a row without a loss for a +.7 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” is a combined -.6 in three negative trends in a row (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2, #16 to #17, 6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – Over and above tacking on a gain of one-half share to its +.6 in March (8.8 – 9.4 – 9.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the 38^th consecutive ratings period. Prior to January 2018, “Big FM” had been in double-digits (6+) in six of the previous 12 ratings periods; 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-stat since 14.4 in “Holiday” 2015. As a result of four consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.4 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.6, #11 to #12, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB is an overall -3.8 since “Holiday” 2017. This (3.6) is its lowest 6+-showing since 2.9 last November. Faltering by seven-tenths as well is Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix,” which is -1.2 in five successive sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5, flat at #7, 6+). This (4.5) is the first time “Mix” has slipped below a five-share (6+) since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.9. It is tied at #7 with iHeartMedia urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7 Jams,” which regresses by six-tenths (5.1 – 4.5, 6+). Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” was -.9 in “Holiday” 2017; +.5 in January 2008; -.9 in February (7.2 – 6.3, 6+); +1.1 in March; and now -.5 in April (7.4 – 6.9, unchanged at #3, 6+). “Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” was an overall +3.0 in four consecutive August through December increases (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.5 –  6.0 – 7.6, 6+). December 2017’s 7.6 marked the first time WKLH reached the seven-share level (6+) since the station reappeared in print more than three years ago (December 2014). In four upticks in succession (3.6 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WMIL “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” (unchanged at #6) is a cumulative +1.9. Until registering a +.9 in January, “FM 106.1” was a combined -3.2 in five successive downward moves (6.5 – 5.7 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Although off one-tenth (4.4 – 4.3, 6+), WMIL’s format rival, Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country,” is in the top ten as well (flat at #9). February’s +.6 by “KTI Country” suspended six successive down or flat survey periods for a collective -1.4 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Immediately in advance of that trending, WKTI posted three straight gains for a collective +1.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.8, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – After trending 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.9 (6+), Cromwell Group sports talk WPRT “102.5 The Game” improves by seven-tenths to 2.6 (#16 to #14). Similarly-formatted/Cumulus Media-owned WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (#10 to #12) is -3.1 in three consecutive losses (6.5 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+). “The Zone” followed “Holiday” 2017’s -.6 with a January +.9. Co-owned news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” adds two-tenths (3.5 – 3.7, 6+) and carries on at #11. January’s half-share improvement suspended three straight declines that yielded a -2.0 (5.0 – 4.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). In three straight sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” was a combined +1.3 but it forfeits three-tenths to 5.0 (eighth to ninth, 6+). January’s full-share gain ended three decreases in succession that generated a -2.4 (6.4 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). WPLN-FM was +1.2 in October to 6.4, its best 6+-share in the PPM-era. Despite recapturing the two-tenths it lost in March (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” segues from #17 to #19.

Nashville Music Formats – April’s “Music City USA” country battle is a mixed bag. On the plus side, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” counters March’s -.5 with a +.6 (5.8 – 5.3 – 5.9, eighth to fifth, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” answers its -1.2 in March with a +.5 (4.7 – 3.5 – 4.0, #11 to #10, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” falters by one-half share after March’s -.3 (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3, sixth to eighth, 6+). Following four straight gains for an overall +1.8 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+), “Nash FM” dropped three-tenths in February. WSIX was +1.1 in January to end three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.4 (5.5 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.1, 6+); “The Big 98” added six-tenths in February. A January and February +1.9 by “Nash Icon” (4.2 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+) wiped out its -1.7 from December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.9 – 5.6 – 4.2, 6+). By gaining eight-tenths (1.1 – 1.9, flat at #17, 6+), WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYM “WAY-FM” logs its strongest 6+-share since September’s 2.0. At the same time, Educational Media Foundation’s similarly-programmed WLVU returns seven-tenths of its mammoth+2.2 in March (1.0 – 3.2 – 2.5, #14 to #15, 6+). Nashville’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” virtually disappeared from print in January with a -2.6 to .1 (6+) but regained roughly one-third of that deficit in February (+.9). Following back-to-back increases of one-tenth (.5 – .6 – .7, 6+), Cromwell Group’s WQZQ “Classic Hits 93.3” posts a +.5 to 1.2 (its best 6+-stat since last November’s 1.2) and enters the top twenty (#21 to #20). Adding one-half share to March’s +.7 (.2 – .9 – 1.4, 6+), TBLC Media Spanish contemporary WNVL “Activa” climbs from #20 to #18; March 2018 marked the first time “Activa” reached the top twenty. Regaining the one-tenth it lost in March (8.7 – 8.6 – 8.7, 6+), WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” is on top for the third month in a row. The Midwest Communications adult contemporary property ranked #1 in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017; shifted to second in January; but returned to #1 in February with a +1.0. Prior to January’s -6.7, “Mix” was +8.0 in six straight increases (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 9.9 – 14.4, 6+). The market’s (6+) CHR share shrinks by -1.4 as iHeartMedia’s WRVW “107.5 The River” sputters by nine-tenths to 5.7 (fourth to sixth, 6+), while Midwest Communications’ WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” is off one-half share to 2.3 (#15 to #16+). As a result, “The River” suspends three straight increases that netted +1.3 (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+), while WNFN halts four straight up or flat moves that generated six-tenths (2.2 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – An affiliate of the Red Sox Radio Network, WVEI trots out a +.6 to 3.4 (6+) and continues in eighth-place. The Entercom sports talker was a cumulative -2.2 in February and March (5.0 – 3.6 – 2.8, 6+); however, leading up to the February sweep, WVEI was an overall +1.8 via three consecutive up or flat trends (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 5.0, 6+). Unchanged at #7, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” improves by eight-tenths via three consecutive upticks (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+). When “News Talk 630” lost one-tenth in January, it curtailed four straight upward moves of two-tenths each for a collective +.8 (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+). Down one-tenth each are public news/talkers The Wheeler School’s WELH (2.3 – 2.2, #10 to #11, 6+) and WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH (2.2 – 2.1, #11 to #12, 6+). This is the fourth straight time that these two stations have finished back-to-back. Following a February gain of six-tenths (1.4 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” returns half of it in March and April (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7, -.3, 6+) to drop from #12 to #13. Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business,” which gained one-tenth in each of the last three sweeps (.3 – 4. – .5 – .6, 6+) loses one-tenth to .5 (flat at #16, 6+).

Providence Music Formats – Over the course of the last nine sweeps, WPRO-FM “92 PRO FM Today’s Hit Music” has scored a 6+-share no lower than 7.8 and no higher than 8.3 (8.3 – 7.8 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 8.1). In April, the Cumulus Media CHR improves by six-tenths to 8.7 (fourth to second, 6+). Progressing by six-tenths as well are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101 The 80s and More” (5.9 – 6.5, steady at #5, 6+), and Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX “Hot 106,” which enters the top ten (1.8 – 2.4, #12 to #10, 6+). Up nine-tenths in March, “B-101” had been within 5.0 – 5.9 range (6+) the past 12 sweeps. Co-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” gains two-tenths (9.2 – 9.4, 6+) and repeats at #1. February’s 9.6 is its best 6+-stat since September 2013 (9.6, as well). As a result of four straight up or flat trends (7.2 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 8.3 – 8.3, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is +1.1 and has its best 6+-share since July 2017’s 8.4, yet backslides from third to fourth. Off by one-half share each are Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” (9.1 – 8.6, second to third, 6+) and Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3” (2.8 – 2.3, eighth to tenth, 6+). This is the softest 6+-share for “Lite Rock,” which was -1.1 in March, since October 2015’s 7.2; “Holiday” 2017’s 12.3 was the strongest 6+-share for WWLI since 18.0 in “Holiday” 2016. Prior to October, “Lite Rock” was a combined +1.6 as the result of three straight increases (9.8 – 10.0 – 10.8 – 11.4, 6+). A cumulative +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018, “Latina 100.3” was down six-tenths in February and up seven-tenths in March.

Norfolk – While it continues in fourth-place, Saga Communications classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” is +2.4 in three upticks in a row (4.7 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.1, 6+). In five straight (slightly) up or flat trends, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WHBT “92.1 The Beat” (flat at #8) has gained three-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Recapturing the two-tenths it dropped in March (12.3 – 12.1 – 12.3, 6+), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 for the 17^th time in a row. In addition, it posts a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 25^th time in the last 26 sweeps. When it logged a 14.6 this past November, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” set the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. The old mark of 14.3 (6+) was recorded by WVKL two months earlier. Before slipping by one-half share in October, WVKL – which earlier was on top for 55 consecutive ratings periods – posted three straight improvements accounting for a +2.4 (11.8 – 12.0 – 13.4 – 13.7 – 14.2, 6+). After being an overall +1.1 in three straight upticks (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WNVZ “Z-104 All the Hits” falters by one-half share to 4.1 (6+) but remains in sixth-place. Following three downtrends in a row for a -.5 (1.3 – 1.0 – .9 – .8, 6+), Hampton University jazz outlet WHOV “Smooth 88.1” notches a +.3 to 1.1 (#12 to #10, 6+). As the result of four successive sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV “Movin’ 107.7” (flat at #10) spirals by -3.9 (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+). At #12, Norfolk State University urban contemporary WNSB “Hot 91.1” is without an increase for the seventh straight time for a -.8 (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9, 6+). By dropping one-tenth to .6 (flat at #13, 6+), Saga Communications-owned adult standards WJOI “1230 AM – Great Songs, Great Memories” ends four straight up or flat trends that netted one-half share (.2 .3 .4 .4 .7, 6+).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three decreases in succession (5.9 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” is a cumulative -2.1; WPTI was +1.6 in January (4.3 – 5.9, 6+). An overall +2.2 in five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 5.5, 6+), it relinquished more than half that total in December (4.3, -1.2, 6+). Prior to the November 2017 sweep, the last time WPTI reached the five-share level (6+) was in November 2016 with a 5.0. Following three positive spikes in a row for an overall +.7 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” drops two-tenths to 2.3 (#11 to #13, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, WFDD returned in its entirety the +.6 it gained in November and December (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 1.7, 6+). Having registered a .9 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – .9, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC drops two-tenths to .7 (#13 to #15, 6+). In three straight (slight) increases, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS quadrupled its 6+-share (.2 – .3 – .6 – .8, 6+), but “Triad Sports” is off two-tenths in April to .6 (#14 to #16, 6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – Not only does it roar back from its -1.1 in March with a +1.2 (11.0 – 12.2, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” remains at #1, recording double-digits (6+) for the 18^th sweep in a row. Before slipping to #2 in “Holiday” 2017 with a -1.2, WQMG spent seven straight survey periods on top and had been #1 each month in calendar year 2017 except April and May. After being a collective +.7 in three positive moves in a row (2.9 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY dropped six-tenths in March, but “La Ley 101.1” rebounds in April with a +1.0 (3.0 – 4.0, 6+), yet backslides from ninth to tenth. In a similar context, iHeartMedia CHR WMKS “100.3 Kiss FM All the Hits” shifts from eighth to ninth despite being +1.5 through six successive sweeps without a loss, including April’s +.5 (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well in April is co-owned adult contemporary WMAG “The Triad’s Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today,” which nets +1.4 as the result of three positive or flat trends in a row (6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.5, steady at #4, 6+). Conversely, a loss of nine-tenths to 5.1 (fifth to sixth, 6+) by Entercom country WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” curtails three successive upticks that accounted for an overall gain of seven-tenths (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic CHR WJMH was a combined +1.1 since January (7.3 – 8.0 – 8.4, 6+), but “102 Jams” is off one-half share to 7.9 (flat at #3, 6+).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the fourth straight sweep without a loss for Alpha Media’s WFTL “News Talk 850” (1.0 –  1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 –  2.0, #14 to #12, 6+), which is +1.0 in that timeframe. As the result of four successive decreases (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO was a collective -1.3, but “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” scores a +.3 to 2.3 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). Immediately prior to this streak, WJNO was up six-tenths via three consecutive positive spikes (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). Off nine-tenths in four consecutive down or flat trends (2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1- 2.1 – 1.8, 6+), co-owned WZZR notches a +.3 as well (to 2.1, #12 to #11, 6+). “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches” had been +.5 through three straight increases (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). After posting a 3.2 (6+) three sweeps in succession, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN is (also) up three-tenths (to 3.5, ninth to eighth, 6+). A one-tenth uptick to .2 (#19 to #18, 6+) by Alpha Media sports talk WMEN “Sports Radio 640 The Hurricane” ends five successive down or flat trends that generated a loss of six-tenths (.7 – .6 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .1, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – Gaining six-tenths to 4.3 (6+), iHeartMedia CHR WLDI “WiLD 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” applies the brakes to three successive downtrends that accounted for a -1.2 (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 3.7, seventh to sixth, 6+). At the same time that Alpha Media adult contemporary WEAT “Sunny 107.9” posts a one-half share increase (4.7 – 5.2, fifth to fourth, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” falters by twice that margin (5.9, -1.0, flat at #2, 6+). “Kool” had been +2.0 in three consecutive upticks (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.4 – 6.9, 6+). Its six most recent (6+) fluctuations are +.8 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2018); +1.0 in February; +.5 in March; and now -1.0 in April. Off one full-share in September to 4.2 – its lowest 6+ showing since 3.9 in July 2011 – “KOOL” regained six-tenths of that decline in October; 6.9 in March was the station’s highest 6+-share since 7.5 in July 2016. While on top for the fourth month in a row, Alpha Media hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” is a collective -1.0 in March and April (10.2 – 9.9 – 9.2, 6+). Prior to January’s +1.6, WRMF was down or flat in three consecutive ratings periods for an overall -3.0 (11.2 – 11.2 – 8.9 – 8.2, 6+). It spent 12 consecutive months on top before dropping to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2017. A one-tenth September loss ended four straight increases that netted +1.6 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4 – 10.9, 6+). A combined +1.2 in February and March (1.1 – 1.8 – 2.3, #6+), JVC Media’s WSVU “True Oldies Channel” surrenders two-thirds of that increase (1.5, -.8, 6+), drifting from #10 to #15. Unchanged at #3, Alpha Media urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” is off one-tenth to 5.8 (6+), thus snapping four straight improvements that accounted for a +1.7 (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+). WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” logs its third straight decrease for a collective -2.2 (5.3 – 4.0 – 3.4 – 3.1, eighth to ninth); WAYF was +.9 in January (4.4 – 5.3, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Completely erasing March’s -.9 with an April +.9 (8.2 – 7.3 – 8.2, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” progresses from #4 to a three-way scrum at #2. Four straight negative trends (9.7 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+) accounted for a -2.8 but WOKV wiped out nearly half that margin in January and February (6.9 – 8.1 – 8.2, +1.2, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” recorded its softest 6+-stat since 6.6 in “Holiday” 2016; WOKV was +1.3 in September. Public news/talk WJCT drops one-tenth in both March and April (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+) yet improves from #12 to #11. WJCT was a combined +.9 in January and February (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+) with January’s +.4 halting five straight down or flat sweeps for a collective -.7 (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). Flat at .3 (6+) iHeartMedia’s WFXJ “Sports Radio 930” repeats at #21.

Jacksonville Music Formats – Continuing an alternating pattern that started in December, Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary property WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” (8.1 – 9.2, +1.1, 6+) succeeds iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” (9.0 – 8.2, -.8, first to second, 6+) at #1. WQIK was on top in December; WEJZ in “Holiday” 2017; WQIK in January; WEJZ in February; WQIK in March; and it is now WEJZ’s turn in April. Before sputtering by -4.3 in January, WEJZ was an overall +5.8 in four straight up trends, practically doubling its 6+ AQH share (6.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 9.0 – 11.9, September 2017 through “Holiday” 2017, 6+) and noted its highest 6+-stat since 14.7 in “Holiday” 2016. A whopping -5.7 in four straight decreases (13.6 – 12.3 – 11.0 – 10.6 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+), WQIK posted a +1.1 in March. On top for 12 ratings periods in succession, WQIK segued to #2 in “Holiday” 2017. A combined -1.8 in July and August (12.2 – 11.6 – 10.4, 6+), WQIK followed with an overall +3.2 in September-October-November (10.4 – 11.7 – 13.6, 6+), with October’s 13.6 its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. The respective format rivals of WEJZ and WQIK enjoyed April gains. Specifically, Cox Media Group adult contemporary WEZI “Easy 102.9” bumps up by one-half share to 4.6 (tenth to seventh, 6+), thus pulling the plug on three downward moves in a row that accounted for a -1.6 (5.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+). Meanwhile, Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “Gator Country 99.9” rebounds from its -.6 in March with an increase nearly twice that size (4.8 – 5.9, +1.1, eighth to sixth, 6+). Having logged a 5.5 (6+) in three of the last five ratings periods (5.5 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.5, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WAPE “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” hangs out a +.8 to 6.3 (steady at #5, 6+), its strongest 6+-stat since last August’s 6.6. An overall +1.7 in three increases in succession (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL “V-101.5” relinquishes -1.1 to 4.2 (sixth to ninth, 6+). Without a loss for the fourth consecutive sweep for a combined +1.6 (6.6 – 7.1 – 7.7 – 8.2 – 8.2, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL repeats at #2; “96.9 The Eagle” was -1.7 in “Holiday” 2017 (8.3 – 6.6, 6+). As the result of three consecutive negative trends (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.5 – 3.1, #11 to #12, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKSL is a collective -1.6; “97.9 Kiss-FM” was +1.0 in January to stop three straight losses that produced a -1.2 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+).

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Up or flat the last three monthlies for an overall gain of eight-tenths (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WMFS drops one-tenth to 3.2 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Following four straight increases that accounted for a +1.3 through November (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), “ESPN Sports Radio” was a combined -.8 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.5, 6+). It is tied with iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather,” which is without an increase for the third successive sweep for a -.3 (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2, flat at #11, 6+). WREC was -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 and a +.9 in January. Its loss of eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2017 brought to a close five consecutive up or flat moves for an overall +.7 (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+); January’s 3.5 is the best 6+-share for WREC since 3.6 in February 2017.

Memphis Music Formats – Tacking on a robust +1.2 to March’s +.3 (7.7 – 8.0 – 9.2, 6+), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO carries on at #3. This (9.2) is the strongest 6+-stat for “Soul Classics and Today’s R&B” since last October’s 10.2. Off one full-share in February and March (4.0 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WEGR “Rock 102.7” erases 80% of that deficit with a +.8 to 3.8 (6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). By gaining six-tenths (following a +1.0 in March), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” (9.2 – 9.8, 6+) marches from second to first. It swaps places with urban AC cluster-mate KJMS “V-101” (9.7 – 9.4, -.4, first to second, 6+), which had been #1 the past three months. “V-101” rebounded from January’s -.6 with a +.7 in February. It departed the top spot in “Holiday” 2017 after four consecutive months there. Following three straight improvements that yielded a +2.1 (9.2 – 10.0 – 10.4 – 11.3, 6+), “V-101” was -1.0 in December. Within 4.1 – 4.5 range since December (4.2 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WXMX “98.1 The Max – Maximum Rock” (flat at #8) falters by six-tenths to 3.9, its lowest 6+-share since last July’s 3.8.

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three down or flat trends in succession (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.2, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR is -1.7 but continues in eighth-place. “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” followed “Holiday” 2017’s -1.3 with a +.9 in January. The last time WNPR was below a five-share (6+) was in August 2017 (4.7). A loss of one-tenth to 5.8 (unchanged at #7, 6+) by Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM pulls the plug on three increases in a row that netted +1.5 (4.4 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 5.9). Immediately prior to this streak, “News Talk 1080” was a collective -1.4 in three straight dips (5.8 – 5.6 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+). In four straight up or flat sweeps, Connoisseur Media news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” gains four-tenths (.8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, flat at #13, 6+). Flat at #12, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” is -1.1 in March and April (2.5 – 1.8 – 1.4, 6+), after being a cumulative +1.1 in three straight gains (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+). Entering the January 2018 sweep, WFCR – which plays a combination of NPR news, classical, and jazz – was within 1.0 – 1.7 range (6+) in each of the previous 21 ratings periods.

Hartford Music Formats – In addition to registering its fourth successive improvement for an overall +2.1 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.0 – 7.0, sixth to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” has its best 6+-showing since last October’s 7.8. Frozen on 7.3 (6+) in January and February, then slipping in March by six-tenths to 6.7 (6+), Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC – Today’s Best Variety” breaks out a +.8 to 7.5 (6+), jumping from fifth to second. After hauling out a +1.1 in March (13.2 – 14.3, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WRCH surrenders that increase in its entirety and is back at 13.2 (-1.1, 6+). Nonetheless, “Lite 100.5” is #1 for the 21^st consecutive ratings period. January’s -4.9 halted at six its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +8.4 (9.9 – 10.2 – 10.2 – 10.3 – 11.0 – 13.0 – 18.3, 6+). This marks the 18^th time in the last 20 sweeps – and tenth in succession- that “Lite” is in double-digits (6+). Having improved three times in a row for a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 forfeits roughly half that gain (2.1, -.6) but carries on at #11.