Tag: "The Michael Harrison Interview"

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Craig Carton Takes Sports Talk Program into National Terrestrial Radio Syndication. After leaving the morning show on WFAN, New York last fall as he was being charged by the feds with fraud with a court date set for late October, Craig Carton is returning to broadcast radio with a daily, three-hour program on May 29.  Carton – one half of the successful “Boomer & Carton” show on WFAN – has been hosting a podcast since early this year.  Now, via Focus 360 and the Sports Byline USA Network, “Carton & Friends” is available to terrestrial radio stations live from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET.  The show is described as a “free-flowing conversation about sports and pop culture with occasional celebrity guests.”  Focus 360 CEO Phil Brown says, “We’re delighted to bring Craig Carton back to broadcast radio and be on his team.  Craig is a proven ratings winner with a huge fan base.  He knows everybody in sports and the lineup of guests, combined with the fun banter, draws in listeners.  This is a great opportunity for sports radio stations and for advertisers who want to reach an engaged audience. Welcome back, Craig Carton!”  The program is being produced by the FNTSY Sports Radio Network, a subsidiary of SportsGrid, Inc., which has been streaming the program since March 29 live and on demand on every major audio and video digital platform.  The show is broadcast daily in front of a live audience from Rock & Reilly’s upscale gastropub across from Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Some of Carton’s regular “friends” are veteran FNTSY Sports Radio Network personality Corey Parson and MMA commentator Michelle Serpico.   Guests who’ve appeared on the streamed show include: former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, retired sports personalities Tony Siragusa, Al Leiter, John Franco, Ray Rice, and Jim Leyritz, UFC/Bellator fighter Chael Sonnen, recording artist MAX and “American Idol” contestant Constantine Maroulis.  Rob Magaziner at Focus 360 is handling affiliation inquiries.  To listen to an exclusive audio interview with Craig Carton conducted by TALKERS founder Michael Harrison, please click here.

Cumulus Reports 2018 Q1 Net Revenue Flat.  Net revenue for the first quarter of 2018 was $263.7 million, a slight dip of 0.1% from the same period in 2017.  Cumulus Media is working through its Plan for Reorganization and expects to emerge from Chapter 11 by the end of this year’s second quarter.  The first quarter financial report also notes that Cumulus narrowed its loss.  The 2018 Q1 net loss was $5 million, compared to $7.3 million a year ago.  Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner says, “Despite ongoing market challenges, our first quarter results demonstrate continued operational traction and financial progress against our key priorities, with the Radio Station Group turning in its seventh straight quarter of revenue share growth and Westwood One delivering its fifth straight quarter of revenue share growth.  With the recent confirmation of our Plan, we are now able to complete the balance sheet restructuring which is a critical element of our turnaround plan.  After we emerge from Chapter 11, we look forward to moving ahead with a firmer financial foundation in place and greater ability to execute on our many initiatives to further strengthen and build this business.”  Net revenue for the radio station segment was $168 million – down 3.1% from the same period in 2017.  Net revenue for Westwood One was $94.7 million – up 5.5%.

iHeartMedia Names Amy Griesheimer Area President for Denver Region. Media executive Amy Griesheimer is named area president for the Denver region for iHeartMedia.  In this role, Griesheimer will “work with the programming and sales teams for radio brands in Fort Collins; Colorado Springs; Ogallala, Nebraska; and Cheyenne, Wyoming to oversee on-air and digital programming as well as create new business and revenue opportunities.”  She will be based in Fort Collins and report to iHeartMedia Denver Region president Tim Hager.  He says, “Amy has a proven track record of leading and growing successful teams and cultivating new and existing relationships.  Her passion, energy and skills are an ideal match for iHeartMedia’s Denver Region. We’re fortunate to have Amy at the helm of our strong brands in these markets.”

Norman Lear and Carol Burnett Reunite on PodcastOne’s ‘All of the Above.’ Pictured above after the recording of PodcastOne’s “All of the Above” podcast are (from l-r): PodcastOne founder and chairman Norm Pattiz, television icon Norman Lear, legendary comedian Carol Burnett, and actor/singer Paul Hipp.  Burnett appeared on a very special episode of “All of the Above” with co-hosts Hipp and Lear at the PodcastOne studios during which they discussed Burnett’s storied career, her new Netflix show, “A Little Help with Carol Burnett,” and her upcoming Peabody Career Achievement Award.  Additionally, Burnett shared her chance encounter with the person who would eventually send her to New York and kickstart her career.  Norm Pattiz comments, “I don’t often run up to the studio to get my picture taken with guests.  But Carol Burnett with Norman – who wouldn’t want that picture?  Norman’s my partner and a hero, and Carol is my neighbor in Montecito, and I’m a huge fan.  This podcast is a killer and it will have a huge audience.”

TALKERS News Notes. The New York Post’s Emily Smith is reporting that former FOX News Channel superstar Bill O’Reilly is in talks with Newsmax TV to get back on television in his old 8:00 pm timeslot.  O’Reilly was forced out of FNC after it was disclosed the network paid settlements to staffers who accused O’Reilly of sexual harassment.  The Post report says that Newsmax is also seeking former FNC personalities Greta Van Susteren and Eric Bolling to host primetime programs…..Radio talk show host and WRRD, Milwaukee station owner Michael Crute has ended his bid for the governor’s seat in Wisconsin, one month after he announced his intentions.  The AP reports Crute revealed the end to his longshot candidacy on his “Devil’s Advocate” talk show.  There are nine Democrats vying to take on GOP Governor Scott Walker in November…..The deal for UK-based audioBoom to acquire Triton Digital for $185 million is not going to proceed.  The board of audioBoom made the announcement yesterday (5/15).  The company says it raised one million pounds selling convertible notes but now states that it “requires further financing in the short-term for investment in additional podcasting content and working capital purposes… the proceeds from the convertible loan notes will only provide the Company with sufficient working capital for a further period of up to four weeks from today’s date, although the Company would take appropriate cash management measures to seek to extend such period if required.  As a result, the Company’s financial position remains uncertain pending the successful completion of the further equity funding.  Therefore, the Company has requested that its ordinary shares remain suspended from trading on AIM pending clarification over the Company’s financial position.”  audioBoom must pay a 700,000 pound breakup fee.

Price: It’s Business Continuity Awareness Week.  The UK-based Business Continuity Institute is using this week – May 14 to 18 – as a time for companies to look inward and determine just how ready – or not – they are to deal with a business-disrupting event.  Former ABC director of business continuity & crisis management Howard B. Price writes today for TALKERS, urging radio station operators to plan for such a disruptive event – like a hurricane or blizzard – and, if said plans already exist, test them to see how well they work.  Don’t have a plan?  Price gives some advice to get you started.  Read it all here.

RTDNA/RTDNF Appoints Tara Puckey Director of Strategic Initiatives.  This is a newly created role at the Radio Television Digital News Association and Foundation and in it Tara Puckey will “assist the RTDNA and RTDNF boards, as well as executive director Dan Shelley, in cultivating and managing business partnerships, grant procurement, development efforts and other strategic endeavors.  She will focus on enhancing the organizations’ status as the world’s largest professional association and foundation devoted exclusively to advocating on behalf of broadcast and digital journalists.”  Shelley adds, “As RTDNA and RTDNF elevate their visibility and influence as protectors of, and advocates for, press freedom and professional development for veteran and emerging journalists, Tara’s proven record of creating and managing partnerships, and developing lucrative new revenue streams, will serve our members, and the journalism industry, exceptionally well.”  Puckey was most recently interim executive director of the Society of Professional Journalists.

U.S.-North Korea Talks/Nuclear Program, U.S. Embassy/Gaza Violence, Trump-Russia Investigation, the Royal Wedding, Tom Wolfe Dead at 88, Blackkklansman Film, MLB Action, and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/15). The scheduled meeting between President Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un becomes uncertain after Kim threatens to back out; the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the deadly violence in Gaza; the Trump administration’s growing impatience with Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible Trump campaign and Russian agent connections; the flap over Meghan Markle’s father and this week’s royal wedding; American writer Tom Wolfe dies at 88; the controversy surrounding Spike Lee’s Blackkklansman film at Cannes; Major League Baseball action, and the NBA playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Hubbard Radio’s classic rock WDRV “The Drive” has moved from its longtime N. Michigan Ave. address to the 27^th floor of One Prudential Plaza, joining sister stations hot AC WTMX and adult contemporary WSHE.  Feder writes that PM drive jock Bob Stroud signed off the old studio and led a busload of station staffers down the street to the new studios where he signed on the new studio to the tune of the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up.”…..In the Destin-Fort Walton Beach market, Community Broadcasters promotes Wes Styles to operations manager for the cluster that includes CHR WECQ “Q92,” country WHWY, alternative WZLB, and adult hits WWAV. At the same time, Mary Jo Gruber is appointed program director of WECQ. Interim market manager Jason Lamp states, “Wes has become an important part of our team from day one and assumed a leadership role.  Wes has a plan for moving our brands forward and will help continue to grow the success of Community Broadcasters stations for our clients and listeners.”…..Evening jock Ray Koob has exited Beasley Media Group’s classic rock WMGK, Philadelphia.  The company has not made a statement but Koob’s profile has been scrubbed from the station’s website…..YEA Networks announces the “Tino Cochino Radio” program has hit the 25-affiliate station mark with the addition of KWTX-FM, Waco-Killeen, Texas.

Round Two of April 2018 PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s April 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s April 2018 survey period covered March 29 – April 25. You can see all the 6+ ratings data from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Following three successive sweeps of posting a 2.4 (6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” breaks out a +.7 to 3.1, as the Washington Nationals flagship jumps from #18 to #13. Before notching a +.6 in January, “The Fan” was without an increase in four straight survey periods for a roughly 50% decline of its 6+ AQH share (3.5 – 3.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8, -1.7, 6+). Having reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time in the PPM-era (5.0, March 2018), Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL relinquishes one-half share to 4.5 (fifth to sixth, 6+). WMAL was without an increase in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017 for an overall -1.0 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+) before dialing up a +1.1 in January. Despite dropping eight-tenths (10.4 – 9.6, 6+), Hubbard all-news WTOP is #1 for the fourth time in a row. After four consecutive months in the driver’s seat, WTOP shifted to second-place in “Holiday” 2017. With a +1.3 in January (9.3 – 10.6, 6+), however, it reclaimed the top spot with its best 6+-stat since 10.6 in March 2011. Moreover, that +1.3 halted three successive declines that produced an overall -.5 (9.8 – 9.6 – 9.4 – 9.3, 6+). Prior to November, WTOP was +1.6 in three straight upticks (8.2 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 9.8, 6+). In the runner-up slot from January 2017 through August, WTOP climbed to #1 in September. Finishing second for the fourth successive sweep, American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium,” which slumped -1.1 in March, improves by four-tenths (8.1 – 8.5, 6+). A collective -2.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.6 – 8.9 – 7.6, 6+), WAMU gained back 85% of that loss in January with a +1.7. It exited the top spot in September, after spending eight straight months there. February 2017’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history first reached in December 2016. Since surfacing in May 2017, Entercom business news WDCH is trending .3 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .5 – .4 – .5 (flat at #21, 6+). Tied at #24 are Radio One news/talk WOL (flat at .2, 6+) and Hubbard news/talk WFED “Federal News Radio” (.1 – .2, +.1, 6+).

Washington, DC Music Formats – For the first time since November 2015, Howard University urban AC WHUR is not ahead of its format rival, Radio One-owned WMMJ “Majic.” In that particular sweep, the two foes were tied at 4.7 (6+) but WHUR has been on top ever since. That changes in April 2018 though as “Majic” picks up two-tenths (5.8, fourth to third, 6+), while WHUR falters by four-tenths (5.7, third to fourth, 6+). “Majic” was locked on 5.6 (6+) in January, February, and March. As the result of three straight decreases (7.1 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7, 6+), WHUR is -1.4. In four successive positive spikes (2.9 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 4.0 – 4.2, steady at #8, 6+), Columbia Union College Broadcasting’s WGTS “91.9 – Christian Music Radio for Washington” is a combined +1.3 and notes its highest 6+-share (4.2) since July 2017’s 4.8. Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3” is an overall +1.1 in five consecutive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+), advancing from #12 to #11. At the same time, format rival – Entercom’s WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” – is in a redundant 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.0 (6+) sequence and remains at #14. After advancing by one-half share in March, Radio One gospel WPRS “Praise 104.1” surrenders six-tenths in April (3.0 – 3.5 – 2.9, #13 to #16, 6+). This is the fourth time in succession that its urban contemporary cluster-mate WKYS registers a 3.8 (#10 to #11, 6+).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Powered by a sizzling start by the Boston Red Sox, the team’s flagship, Entercom-owned WEEI-FM, trots out a +1.0 (3.4 – 4.4, tenth to seventh, 6+). The sports talker is bouncing back from a cumulative -2.0 in February and March (5.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+). WEEI-FM was +1.4 in January, halting three drops in a row that produced an overall -1.9 (5.9 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). Meanwhile, this is the seventh sweep in a row without an increase for similarly-formatted WEEI-AM (.2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #28 to #27, 6+).  Regaining 75% of March’s -.4, Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM (5.2 – 5.5, +.3, 6+) advances from sixth to third; “98.5 The Sports Hub” was -1.5 in February. As a result of four straight increases, WBZ-FM was a collective +2.4 (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7, 6+). It surrendered three-tenths in December and notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2017 to 5.9 (6+). After three straight improvements for a cumulative +1.5 (4.9 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” returns 60% of that total (5.5, -.9, second to fifth, 6+). WBZ-AM’s 6.4 in March was its best since January 2017’s 6.6. Unchanged at #13, co-owned news/talk WRKO “AM 680 The Voice of Boston” is trending 2.9 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 2.7 (6+). In the public news/talk arena, Boston University-owned WBUR slips by three-tenths (5.9 – 5.6, fifth to fourth, 6+) while WGBH Educational Foundation’s WGBH adds two-tenths (4.5 – 4.7, ninth to seventh, 6+). WBUR was a collective -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017; +.7 in January; and +1.0 in March. WGBH had been off by two-tenths in both February and March and (as was the case with WBUR) improved by seven-tenths in January.

Boston Music Formats – In addition to being an overall +1.1 via four up or flat trends in succession nearly doubling its 6+-share since “Holiday” 2017 (1.2 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom’s WAAF “107.3 The Only Station That Really Rocks” returns to the top twenty at #16. It’s the first time WAAF reaches the two-share level (6+) since May 2017’s 2.0. Notwithstanding a one-half share decline (7.6 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” ranks first for the fourth straight sweep. “Kiss” rebounded from a -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 with a +.9 in January (6.4 – 7.3, 6+). It exited the top spot in December, after three straight months there. In five consecutive increases prior to the August 2017 sweep, “Kiss” was a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+). Nine-tenths behind “Kiss” is Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 Todays Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites,” which is up eight-tenths in three increases in a row (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.2, fourth to second, 6+). While unchanged at #3, Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 Boston’s Greatest Hits” is -.7 in three straight negative moves (6.7 – 6.5 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). Following four consecutive ratings periods without a loss for a collective +.6 (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+), co-owned WKLB “102.5 Boston’s Hottest Country” coughs up eight-tenths to 4.2 (seventh to tenth, 6+). Format rival, iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s #1 for New Hit Country,” dips by one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1, #16 to #18, 6+). Remaining at #12, Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” is off one-tenth to 3.0 (6+), ending its consecutive string of three up or flat trends that netted two-tenths (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). Another such streak concludes as Cumulus Media hot AC WXLO, which gained four-tenths as the result of five straight up or flat trends (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+), falters by four-tenths to 1.2, but continues at #22.

Miami

English-Language, Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of seven straight positive or flat trends (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD is an overall +.9 as “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” climbs from #20 to #18. Down two-tenths in both February and March (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN picks up three-tenths to 2.3 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). Prior to a +.5 in January, WLRN was a collective -.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+). With its fourth straight .9 (6+), Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” continues at #25, while co-owned WQAM “Sports Radio 560” is without an increase for the fifth successive sweep for a total loss of eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.2 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7, unchanged at #26, 6+). Also in the sports talk format, iHeartMedia-owned WINZ “940 – Miami’s Sports Station” is flat at .3 (6+) but slips from #31 to #33.

Miami Music Formats – By adding six-tenths to March’s +.3 (6.4 – 6.7 – 7.3, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” marches from second to first. “Easy” had been within 6.2 – 6.8 range (6+) in each of the last 12 sweeps. It is now one-tenth ahead of the station it succeeds at #1, co-owned urban AC WHQT “Hot 105,” which regains two-tenths of the half-share it squandered in March (7.3 – 6.8 – 7.0, first to second, 6+). February’s +1.1 by “Hot” curtailed four decreases in a row that accounted for a -1.6 (7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.2, 6+). WHQT spent seven consecutive months at #1 before being ousted in December. Down or flat for the eighth sweep in a row for a collective -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), mainstream CHR sibling WFLC “Hits 97.3” exits the top ten (#10 to #13). It now trails its format rival, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (flat at 3.2, #13 to #12, 6+), by one-tenth. “Y-100” was stuck on 4.0 (6+) in January and February and eroded by eight-tenths in March. Prior to a loss of four-tenths in September, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+). These two CHRs were tied for eighth-place in July 2017 and December 2017, and separated by one-tenth in August. Advancing from seventh to sixth, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ “106.7 El Zol” is an overall +1.3 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Prior to March, the last time “El Zol” reached the four-share level (6+) was February 2017 (4.1). Continuing an up/down pattern that began in “Holiday” 2017, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR “Amor 107.5” spirals by nine-tenths in April (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.0, fourth to fifth, 6+). Having recorded six straight sweeps without a loss for a combined +1.3 (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss 99.9 New Country” slips by four-tenths to 3.0 and leaves the top ten (#10 to #14, 6+).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.6 in February and March (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” roars back with a +.9 to 5.4 (ninth to fifth, 6+). Prior to January’s +1.0, the Detroit Tigers flagship was a collective -2.2 as a result of four losses in a row. Tied at #25 are co-owned WXYT-AM “CBS Sports Radio 1270” (.2 – .1, -.1, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WDFN “1130 The Fan” (flat at .1, 6+). Following four up or flat trends in succession for a collective +1.0 (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+), Entercom’s WWJ “News Radio 950” forfeits 80% of that gain (5.7, -.8, 6+) but continues in fourth-place. Between June 2017 and “Holiday” 2017, WWJ was within 5.2 – 5.9 territory (6+). Regaining all but one-tenth of March’s -.4, Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” is back in the top ten (4.0 – 4.3, +.3, 6+). Prior to the January sweep, WJR was -.9 in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+). After three successive times of notching a 1.9 (6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM posts a 1.8 (#20 to #19, 6+) in back-to-back sweeps. Finishing at #22, #23, and #24, respectively, are Wayne State University news/talk WDET (flat at .9, 6+); Radio One news/talk WDMK-HD2 (.3 – .4, +.1, 6+); and Adell Broadcasting’s WFDF “Superstation 910 AM” (flat at .2, 6+).

Detroit Music Formats – Five of the market’s top six April 2018 finishers record a (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 fluctuation of at least seven-tenths. Inching up from third to second, Beasley Media Group’s WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” is +2.2 in four positive spikes in a row (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.6, 6+). Not only is Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC an overall +1.8 in three sweeps in succession without a loss (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.9, 6+), “Detroit’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the fourth straight time. It leads runner-up WCSX by three-tenths. The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now,” which dropped one-half share in February; answered with a March gain of eight-tenths; and now erodes by a full-share in April (6.6 – 6.1 – 6.9 – 5.9, second to third, 6+). Immediately prior to January’s -9.2, WNIC was +9.8 in five straight increases (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7 – 11.8 – 15.8, 6+) and was the market leader from October 2017 through “Holiday” 2017. Its 15.8 in “Holiday” 2017 is more than two shares better than what it achieved in “Holiday” 2016 (13.7). Public WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days – Jazzy Nights” falters by nine-tenths (2.3 – 1.4, #18 to #21, 6+). Locked on 3.5 (6+) in each in the last four sweeps, Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC “105.1 The Bounce” regresses by one-half share to 3.0 (#12 to #14, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of two-tenths (6.3 – 6.5, 6+) enables Northwest Public Radio news/talker KUOW, which was down one-half share in March, to progress from second to first. On top for four straight months before dropping to second in December, KUOW was +1.5 in January (6.4 – 7.9, 6+) as it returned to #1. When it dropped six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, KUOW ended five consecutive up or flat trends that netted a +1.3 (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+). As Bonneville’s KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” tacks on seven-tenths to March’s +.6 (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.6, #16 to #13, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” falters by six-tenths (1.0 -.4, #24 to #31, 6+). This (3.6) is the best 6+-stat for KIRO-AM since November 2017 (3.6, as well); KJR-AM was +.2 in March. The eight most recent (6+) trends for Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM (third to fifth) are 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5. Co-owned KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is up three-tenths (1.7 – 2.0, unchanged at #21, 6+). As a result of four losses in a row, KTTH was -.8 (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, October 2017 – January 2018, 6+). Flat at #19, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s all-news KOMO is down or flat for the third time in a row for a combined -.6 (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.3, #18 to #19); co-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” picks up one-tenth (1.0 – 1.1, 6+) and remains at #24.

Seattle Music Formats – Owing to five straight positive spikes, iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is an overall +2.1 (3.6 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, fifth to third, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-stat since November 2015 (5.7, as well). On the heels of a -.3 in March, Hubbard CHR KQMV follows with a -1.2 (6.8 – 5.6, 6+) dropping “MOViN 92.5 Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” from first to fourth. Without an increase three monthlies in a row for a -.8 (6.0 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.2 6+), KQMV answered with a combined +1.9 in January and February (5.2 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+). Prior to February, the last time KQMV reached the seven-share level (6+) was in June 2017 (7.4). Unchanged at #17, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KPWK “KUBE 93.3” is trending 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.9 (6+). In early-December (2017), Entercom transitioned country KMPS to adult contemporary KSWD “The Sound” (calls and imagery formerly used in Los Angeles). Having posted a one-half share gain in March (3.6 – 4.1, 6+), “The Sound” surrenders six-tenths in April and departs the top ten (#10 to #14). While steady at #7, its AC rival, Hubbard’s KRWM “Warm 106.9,” is down seven full-shares in four successive down or flat sweeps (11.8 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+). Its 11.8 in “Holiday” 2017 was the station’s strongest 6+-stat since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2015. Owing to a +.4 in November, “Warm” – which was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 – halted three straight down or flat trends that generated a combined -1.2 (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, 6+). Having notched a 4.4 (6+) in four of the last five sweeps (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” slips by one-tenth to 4.3 (6+), yet actually climbs from ninth to eighth. The market’s hot AC battle remains extremely tight as KJAQ cluster-mate KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM – Seattle’s New Hit Music” and Sinclair Broadcast Group’s KPLZ “Star” mirror each other by dropping one-tenth and have the same profile (3.8 – 3.7, #11 to #10, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Four consecutive down or flat trends resulted in Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM losing 50% of its 6+ AQH share (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), but “98.7 Arizona Sports” is a combined +.8 in March and April (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+) and cracks the top twenty (#25 to #18). The Arizona Diamondbacks flagship faltered by one-half share in August and was a combined +1.5 in September and October (1.5 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). Elsewhere in the market’s sports talk arena, co-owned KTAR-AM is up one-tenth to .3 (#36 to #35, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KGME “Fox Sports 910” drops two-tenths (.7 – .5, #30 to #32, 6+). Co-owned KFYI is off two-tenths to 2.1 (#18 to #19, 6+). When “News Talk 550” lost one-tenth in March, it ended at three its successive string of upticks that netted nine-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). Tied at #11 are Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (3.3 – 3.6, +.3, 6+) and Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ (3.9 – 3.6, -.3, 6+). Up eight-tenths in January (3.2 – 4.0, 6+), KTAR-FM was a combined -.7 in February and March (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – Anchored in the runner-up slot for the sixth consecutive sweep, Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” is without a loss for the fourth time in succession for a +.6 (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+). A combined -9.8 in three straight declines (16.4 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ rolls out a +.7 to 7.3 (6+) and is #1 for the sixth time in a row; 16.4 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-showing since 16.5 in “Holiday” 2016. KESZ was a combined +10.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017. This is the fourth straight gain for its mainstream CHR sibling KZZP “104.7 Kiss FM – The #1 Hit Music Station in Phoenix,” which is a combined +2.4 in that stretch (3.0 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well in April is Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” (3.0 – 3.5, #14 to #13, 6+). Eroding by eight-tenths each are iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9” (third to sixth) and Entravision Communications regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” (3.4 – 2.6, #12 to #16, 6+). “Mix” was a collective +1.0 in six straight sweeps without a loss (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL “94.5 The Valley’s Greatest Hits” is -.8 in three straight down or flat trends (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.8, eighth to ninth, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – By picking up eight-tenths (4.7 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” jumps from ninth to sixth. The Minnesota Twins flagship was stuck on 4.4 (6+) in December 2017 and “Holiday” 2017 and then on 5.0 (6+) in January 2018 and February. The three most recent fluctuations for Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW are -.7 (February); +.7 (March); and now -.5 in April (5.9 – 5.4, sixth to eighth, 6+). Until it reached 5.9 (6+) in January, KNOW’s September 2017 – “Holiday” 2017 topline 6+ trending was 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2. Hubbard news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” is up one-tenth (3.0 – 3.1, 6+) and continues at #15. Its loss of three-tenths in March curtailed four straight up or flat moves that generated a +1.2 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.3, 6+). An increase of three-tenths (3.5 – 3.8, 6+) elevates iHeartMedia’s KTLK from #13 to #12; “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” was up nine-tenths in January. Even though it drops three-tenths (5.8 – 5.5, 6+), co-owned KFXN moves from seventh to sixth; “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” was -1.5 in February. Flat at .9 (6+), Hubbard’s KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Minneapolis Music Formats – In addition to being #1 for the fourth sweep in a row, Hubbard hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” is a collective +2.8 in four successive progressive moves (5.8 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.6, 6+). Following three straight up or flat trends that netted one-half share (6.6 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), “KS-95” was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.1 – 6.5 – 5.8, 6+). Steady at #8, iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” is +2.0 in four positive spikes in a row (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). January’s +1.1 pulled the plug on six straight down or flat trends that accounted for a combined -2.9 (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.4, 6+). Relinquishing all but one-tenth of March’s +.6, Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” (6.4 – 5.9, -.5, 6+) segues from third to fourth. With a 6.4 in March, “93-X” reached the six-share level (6+) for the first time since August 2017 (6.0). Unlisted in March 2018, Northern Lights Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KZGO “Go 95.3” also slips by one-half share (2.0 – 1.5, #19, 6+). While it continues at #18, Minneapolis Public Schools-owned KBEM “Jazz 88.5” falters by three-tenths to 1.7 (6+), snapping three consecutive positive or flat trends that netted eight-tenths (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 2.0, 6+). Prior to March, the jazz outlet had been within 1.0 – 1.5 range (6+) in each of the previous 12 survey periods.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Off three-tenths (6.2 – 5.9, 6+), San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS shifts from first to second. Its December increase of four-tenths applied the brakes to three straight monthlies without an increase that accounted for an overall -.6 (6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). November’s +.5 (to 5.3, 6+) ended four straight decreases that yielded a cumulative loss of -1.4 (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+). KPBS was on top four times in 2017: February, August, September, and December. A loss of four-tenths (5.1 – 4.7, 6+) drops iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” from fourth to sixth. KOGO eroded by three full-shares in three successive major declines (7.2 – 6.6 – 5.4 – 4.2, 6+); was +.8 in January; -.7 in February; and +.8 in March. When KOGO lost six-tenths in November, its successive string of up or flat monthlies that generated a collective +1.9 was snapped at four (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.2, 6+); October 2017’s 7.2 is the highest 6+-share for KOGO in its PPM-history. Flat at #22, Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM is a combined -.4 in March and April (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+). “AM 760” earlier yielded one half-share in three straight up or flat moves (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+). In the market’s sports talk race, Interamericana de Radio’s XPRS-AM “The Mighty 1090” loses one-tenth (1.3 – 1.2, flat at #23, 6+); iHeartMedia-owned KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” is flat at .8 (unchanged at #25, 6+); and Entercom’s KWFN (formerly KEGY) “97.3 The Fan” gains four-tenths to .8 (tied with KLSD at #25, 6+). Immediately after improving by one-half share in February (1.1 – 1.6, 6+), KEGY eroded by -1.2 to .4 (6+). The station transitioned to a hybrid talk-comedy-classic rock mix at the conclusion of the February sweep and is the flagship of the San Diego Padres.

San Diego Music Formats – A gain of seven tenths by iHeartMedia-owned KGB (4.3 – 5.0, 6+) propels “San Diego’s Classic Rock” from seventh to fourth. When Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” registered a -1.6 in March, it all but evaporated its +1.9 through five straight gains (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+). “Sunny” rebounds in April with a one-half share increase (5.1 – 5.6, 6+) and inches up from fourth to third. Up by one-half share as well are Local Media San Diego-operated Comunicación XERSA cluster-mates XHRM “Magic 92.5” (sixth to fifth, 6+) and CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” (3.9 – 4.4, #11 to #8, 6+). “Magic” is +1.1 in three upticks in a row (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+). There is a bit of an irony with Entercom-owned KSON advancing from second to first since “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” ends three straight positive trends that netted a cumulative +2.5 (3.6 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+) by dropping one-tenth to 6.0 (6+). KSON was -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). Regressing by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” (5.2 – 4.6, third to seventh, 6+); Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” (4.3 – 3.7, #7 to #12, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (2.5, #14 to #19, 6+). The latter was +1.0 in three upticks in succession (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Having picked up one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), after January’s one-half share loss, iHeartMedia news/talk KOA erupts with a +1.4 to 5.8 as the flagship of the Colorado Rockies soars from ninth all the way to first. “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” last reached the five-share level (6+) in October (5.2). January’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-share since 3.5 in March 2017. It succeeds Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR (5.8 – 5.6, -.2, 6+), which segues to the runner-up slot. When KCFR – which was #1 in January as well – lost six-tenths in February, its consecutive string of improvements that netted a cumulative +1.5 (4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+) ended at three. Following a +1.0 in March to 3.7 (6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” falters by four-tenths to 3.3 (#13 to #14, 6+). Its +.4 in January to 3.6 (6+) halted three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a cumulative -1.3 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+). While displaying a steady November 2017 – April 2018 (6+) topline of 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0, iHeartMedia news/talk KHOW “Talk Radio 630” slips from #18 to #19. Meanwhile, Community Radio for Northern California news/talk KUNC is flat at .7 (6+) and drops from #26 to #27.

Denver Music Formats – Improving by six-tenths (4.7 – 5.3, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “101.1 Real-Music-Variety progresses from #7 to a three-way tie at #3. Down one full-share in March and April (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” skids from #11 to #14. After posting three upticks in succession for a +1.0 (4.2 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rocker KRFX “103.5 The Fox” surrenders half that increase (4.7, -.5, 6+) to drift from fourth to eighth. Despite not having a loss for the third straight time for a +1.3 (2.7 – 3.4 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” leaves the top ten (#10 to #12); “KS-107.5” was -.5 in January. Classic rock cluster-mate KQMT “99.5 The Mountain,” a combined +1.8 in three upticks in a row (3.7 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), drops two-tenths to 5.3 (second to third, 6+). KQMT’s 5.5 in March was its best 6+-stat since 5.7 in August 2017.

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – For the fourth sweep in a row, iHeartMedia news/talk WFLA has a (6+) fluctuation of at least one-half share. In January and February it was a +.5 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+); in March, it was -.5 (3.7 – 3.2, 6+); and in April it is +.8 (3.2 – 4.0, 6+), taking “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” into the top ten (#15 to #9). Up or flat in each of the last four survey periods for a +.8 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.3, 6+), co-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Tampa Bay Rays flagship) advances from #20 to #17. Steady at #16, Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” drops one-tenth to 2.7 (6+), curtailing three straight (modest) upticks that yielded one-half share (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Its January +.3 stopped four straight down or flat trends for a collective -1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). As a result of five consecutive down or flat ratings periods, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF is a collective -1.4 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 1.9 – 1.9, #19 to #20, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – Adding one-tenth to March’s +.5 (8.9 – 9.0, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is atop the leader board for the 68^th successive ratings period. “Lite Favorites” was -3.5 in January and February (11.9 – 8.8 – 8.4, 6+), following a +1.5 in “Holiday” 2017 (10.4 – 11.9, 6+). In the runner-up slot the past five sweeps, classic hits-oldies sibling WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” plummets by nine-tenths (6.8 – 5.9, 6+) and shifts to third-place. “The Eagle” was frozen on 5.9 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 and notched a +1.0 in February to 6.9 – its best 6+-showing since July 2017’s 7.1. A December loss of seven-tenths ended three straight gains that netted +1.8 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.8 – 11.1, 6+). Down one full-share in April and continuing a down/up pattern that commenced in October (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” fades from the top ten (#6 to #11).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Completely erasing January’s +.6 with a February -.6, Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” bounces back with a +1.0 (4.0 – 5.0, ninth to fifth, 6+). When the Orioles flagship improved by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it drew to a close three straight downward moves producing an overall -1.8 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Co-owned WJZ-AM “1300 CBS Sports Radio Baltimore” is without an increase for the ninth time in a row for an overall loss of one-half share (.6 – .5 – .4 – .4 -.3 – .3 – .2 -.1 – .1 – .1, #24 to #26, 6+). Hearst Television news/talker WBAL has been extremely consistent the past 13 sweeps: 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3 (6+) but it falters by one-half share in April to 2.8 (#13 to #14, 6+). Immediately prior to January 2018, that topline included five successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -.4. With identical profiles (3.2 – 3.1, -.1, #12 to #11, 6+), independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” and Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” overtake WBAL. Finishing second in Washington, DC (see above), American University-owned news/talk WAMU is flat at 1.1 (6+) and remains at #16 in Baltimore. WAMU was -.4 in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8, 6+). Radio One news/talk WOLB “1010 News Radio,” which was trending .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 (6+), vanished in February in March but resurfaces in April with a .2 (#22, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – Each of this market’s top six April 2018 finishers notes a (6+) fluctuation of at least one-half share. Included in that group is Entercom CHR WWMX “Mix 106.5 – Baltimore’s Best Mix,” which displays a +.8 (4.6 – 5.4, sixth to fourth, 6+). The last time “Mix” reached the five-share level (6+) was May 2017 (5.0). The rollercoaster ride continues for adult contemporary sibling WLIF “Today’s 101.9.” It dialed up a +.5 in August; returned all of it in September (-.5); was +.8 in October; surrendered all of that in November (-.8); was a combined +9.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (#1 in both of those sweeps); -10.2 in January; +.9 in February; -.7 in March; and now +.5 in April (6.3 – 6.8, fourth to second, 6+). After going eight straight sweeps without a loss for an overall +3.6 (7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.7 – 9.2 – 10.4 – 10.6 – 11.6, 6+), WWIN “Magic 95.9” was -.1 in March. The Radio One urban AC plummets by -1.2 in April (11.5 – 10.3, 6+), but is #1 for the fourth month in a row. “Magic” occupied the top spot for four sweeps in succession before segueing to #2 in December. Entering the November ratings period, WWIN-FM was down or flat in each of the previous four monthlies for a collective -.6 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). A combined -2.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7.2 – 6.2 – 4.6, 6+); +2.5 in January; and -.9 in February, iHeartMedia-owned WPOC has the dubious distinction of notching the largest (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 decrease of any station in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released so far. Eroding by -1.5 (6.4 – 4.9, 6+), “93.1 – Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” slips from third to sixth. From May 2017 through November, WPOC was consistently within 7.2 – 7.7 range (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.2, 6+). Following back-to-back increases of four-tenths (5.9 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q Jams” forfeits one-half share to 6.2 (second to third, 6+). Up or flat for the fourth consecutive ratings period for a collective +1.3 (3.4 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” nonetheless backslides from fifth to seventh. Having registered a 4.3 (6+) in each of the last three ratings periods, iHeartMedia CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” dips one-tenth to 4.2 (seventh to eighth, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – Undoubtedly aided by loyal St. Louis Cardinals fans, the team’s flagship – Entercom news/talk KMOX – boasts the loftiest March 2018 – April 2018 increase of any station in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released so far (5.8 – 8.1, +2.3, fifth to second, 6+). To this point, “News Radio 1120 The Voice of St. Louis” is the only station in a PPM-market to register a (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 increase of at least two full-shares. This (8.5) is the most potent 6+-stat for KMOX since May 2017 (8.5, as well). Following a full-share January increase, KMOX was a combined -.6 in February and March. As a result of four decreases in succession (8.4 – 8.0 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+), “The Voice of St. Louis” was a cumulative -3.0 and had its lowest 6+-share since January’s 5.0. A loss of four-tenths in October ended at three its consecutive winning streak which generated a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+). A combined -.7 from November through “Holiday” 2017 (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Hubbard sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” posted a +.8 in January; -.6 in February; +.1 in March; and is now -.6 in April (3.5 – 2.9, #12 to #15, 6+). Unchanged at #16, Emmis-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” is -.8 in three straight negative moves (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Prior to January’s +.7, KFTK was a cumulative -1.4 in three consecutive decreases (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+). Off by an overall half-share in February and March (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU adds one-tenth in April to 3.3 (#15 to #14, 6+). By registering a half-share increase in January, KWMU halted three successive downward moves that accounted for a -.9 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – Within 5.2 – 5.6 range (6+) in each of the last four survey periods, Hubbard adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” breaks out a +1.3 (5.4 – 6.7, sixth to fourth, 6+). This (6.7) is the best 6+-stat for “The Arch” since December (6.7, as well). Co-owned WIL “92.3 – Nobody Plays More New Country” is without a loss for the fifth sweep in succession for a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.8, 6+), yet backslides from second to third. A combined -2.0 in January and February (9.5 – 7.9 – 7.5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” makes up 45% of that loss in March and April (7.5 – 8.3 – 8.4, 6+) and is #1 for the fourth month in a row. KLOU rebounded from December’s -.8 with a +2.2 in “Holiday” 2017. Prior to November, when it gained nine-tenths, KLOU was down or flat the previous three monthlies for a -1.3 (8.5 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+). As a result of being off three-tenths to 4.3 (unchanged at #9, 6+), CHR sibling KSLZ “Z-107.7 St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” ends four straight upticks that netted +1.4 (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+); 4.6 in March was its best 6+-performance since November 2016’s 4.7.