Tag: "The New York Times"

Monday, August 12, 2019

Q2 Results: Saga, Salem, SBS. Second-quarter net revenue for Saga Communications ($32.2 million) was relatively flat versus 2018. Station operating expense decreased $226,000 to $22.9 million and operating income grew from $6 million to $6.6 million. Free cash flow fell $437,000 to $5.6 million, primarily as a result of a $542,000 increase in capital expenditures associated with recent acquisitions. Saga posted a net income of $4.7 million, compared to $4.2 million in the same period last year. On a same-station Q2 basis, operating income increased $383,000 to $6.4 million. Net revenue decreased $1.2 million to $31.1 million and operating expense decreased $1.2 million to $22 million. The second-quarter total revenue for Salem Media Group fell 2.4% year-to-year to $64.7 million. Operating income was up from $1.3 million to $5.7 million. Net loss expanded from $2.2 million to $3.6 million. EBITDA gained 59.9% to $9.6 million, however, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 9.4% to $10.2 million. On the broadcast side, net revenue slipped 2.9% to $49.1 million. Digital media division revenue fell 2.9% to $10 million, while publishing revenue rose 3.5% to $5.6 million. Meanwhile, Spanish Broadcasting System reports that second-quarter consolidated net revenue grew 6% from $34.8 million in 2018 to $36.9 million. Radio segment net revenue increased 5% from $31.2 million to $32.9 million, mainly due to increases in local, barter, network and digital sales. Chair/chief executive officer Raul Alarcon remarks, “Our second-quarter results once again validate the company’s strategic and operational strengths and give further evidence as to our standing as the undisputed leader in Hispanic radio, as well as one of the premier radio owner/operators in the nation’s largest markets. During the quarter, management’s focus on operations yielded superior metric results in all major facets of our company’s operations: Top rankings in all core markets, including the #1 and #2 Spanish-language stations in the two largest radio markets of New York and Los Angeles, as well as three of the four most-listened-to Hispanic stations in America, while maintaining industry-leading radio margins of 44%.” SBS’ radio operating income advanced from $13.6 million to $14.2 million.

Monday Memo: Advertisers Believe Each Other: The local retailers who are your best prospects are curious: What’s driving new customers to other businesses?  In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke invites you to rip-off a proven testimonial spot template. Read his column here.

TED’s Ahead In Podcast Awareness Study. On one hand, “TED Talks Daily” has the highest aided awareness of the 20 most-listened-to podcasts as ranked by Podtrac. The downside is that only 43% of monthly podcast listeners are familiar with that particular podcast. That’s among the nuggets of a Coleman Insights study of 1,000 monthly podcast listeners (18 – 64) conducted three months ago (May 2019). Respondents were asked to review Podtrac’s list of top 20 podcast rankings and indicate their familiarity with each. The TED brand claimed two of the top three spots; The New York Times’ “The Daily” (35%) came in second and “The TED Radio Hour” (32%) placed third. Coleman Insights president Warren Kurtzman notes, “Our findings reaffirm the idea that – despite podcasting’s growth – the medium still has a long way to go with brand development. Even with the most-listened-to shows, most active podcast users aren’t familiar with them. The ones they are familiar with are big, cross-platform brands with strong marketing behind them.” Only 8% were familiar with top 20 entry “Invisibilia.” As far as demo comparisons are concerned, 25-44s are more likely to be familiar with the top 20 podcasts than are those between the ages of 18 – 24 or 45 – 64. Male podcast listeners, per the Coleman Insights finding, are more likely than females to be familiar with the Podtrac’s top 20. Implications of Coleman’s podcast research findings will be shared this Wednesday (8/14) at 9:00 am at an “Outside Thinking for Podcasts” session in Orlando.

Upstate Radiothon Raises $200,945. In the 12^th annual radiothon for Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System (GHS), seven Entercom Greenville-Spartanburg stations (“Greenville Upstate”) raised $200,945. The radiothon aired last Thursday (8/8) and Friday (8/9) from 6:00 am – 7:00 pm. Donations help sustain programs/services that support children and families during a hospital stay. Entercom Upstate director of sales Devon van der Merwe comments, “This radiothon is a signature event for giving back by the Upstate community. It is such a labor of love for the entire Entercom family. For two days, the airwaves were filled with stories of hope and support. Entercom Upstate always looks forward to going the extra mile when it comes to supporting and aiding Prisma Health–Upstate. We have a passion for our loyal listeners and community and none are more special than the families at Children’s Hospital. Being able to give back is what makes our radio brands, our sponsors, and personalities so powerful.” GHS Children’s Hospital serves all of upstate South Carolina, western North Carolina, and eastern Georgia. Money raised during the radiothon impacts more than 400,000 patients and families each year. Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate medical director Robin LaCroix, MD notes that, “Hospital stays can be intimidating emotional experiences for children and parents. Funds we receive from this radiothon are critical to ensuring that we can provide families with support and resources they need while they are in our care. Prisma Health and Entercom come together each year to make a difference in the lives of so many families in our region. We are so thankful to the community and especially to Entercom Upstate listeners for their continued support.” In addition to news/talk WYRD “106.3 WORD – The Upstate’s Talk Station,” and sports talk WORD-AM “ESPN Upstate,” the Entercom Greenville cluster consists of adult contemporary WSPA-FM “Magic 98.9,” CHR WFBC-FM “B-93.7 – #1 For Hit Music,” WROQ “Classic Rock 101.1,” WTPT “93.3 Planet Rocks,” and WFBC-HD2 “96.3 The Block.”

Advertisers Agreeable To Podcast Spending. As part of this week’s Cumulus Media-owned Westwood One blog, Audience Insights president Jeff Vidler outlines reasons why advertisers are open to the idea of including budgets for podcasts. Here are several highlights from the blog. “Podcast listeners are deeply engaged. A compelling podcast is reminiscent of the immersive experience of snorkeling. It can bring you into another world and make otherwise dead time fly by.” Listeners develop close relationships with their favorite podcast hosts and shows. “The top three reasons why podcast listeners pay attention to podcast ads revolve around the host and the listeners’ personal connection to the podcast.” Podcast listeners tend to skip or avoid ads in podcasts, “especially compared to ads in other digital media. Podcasting’s on-demand nature and unique content draws listeners to the platform. Along with video and music streaming platforms, podcasts fall in the upward trend of on-demand content; however, podcasts are one of the few on-demand providers that are open to advertisers.”

TALKERS News Notes. The annual epic rivalry Army – Navy football game (12/14), as well as the entire 2019 Army schedule, will be broadcast on Cumulus Media Washington, DC’s WSBN “ESPN 630 AM The Sports Capitol.” Cumulus Media vice president/market manager Jake McCann comments, “We are thrilled to be the broadcast home for Army football in our Nation’s Capital. Our listening area is one of the highest in the country for active and reserve military personnel. We know some very important ears will be listening to our station. We are excited and proud to be a partner and look forward to some great football this season.” Play-by-play voice of the “Black Knights” Rich DeMarco states, “Army football is truly ‘America’s Team,’ and we are very fortunate to have a national network of radio stations that carry Black Knights games. With the high concentration of West Point graduates and fans in and around the Nation’s Capital, it’s only fitting to have WSBN as the newest member of the Army Sports Network.” Formerly WMAL-AM, WSBN broke away from its simulcast of news/talk WMAL-FM last month (July 2019) ….. Journalist/filmmaker Carrie Lozano will moderate a conversation about public media in the digital age and the state of local and national journalism. The event takes place tomorrow evening (Tuesday, 8/13) at 6:30 pm at San Francisco’s Taube Auditorium and will feature PBS president/chief executive officer Paula Kerger; KQED, San Francisco president/chief executive officer Michael Isip; and KQED president emeritus John Boland. They are expected to discuss how public media affiliates are adapting to serve communities, how stations and audiences respond to attacks on the free press, and how organizations are changing with their audiences and ways they consume media ….. To say the least, Ron Verb‘s run to be Austintown, Ohio’s trustee is short-lived. The afternoon host of iHeartMedia Youngstown news/talk WKBN-AM “News Radio 570” submitted his entry for the position to the town last Wednesday (8/7) only to bow out of the race a few days later. While originally declaring he had no intention to quit his radio show while running for office, Verb halted his political ambitions after discovering FCC rules required he would need to abandon his on-air job ….. For the seventh consecutive month, ESPN Podcasts experience year-to-year growth, as tracked by Podtrac. In July 2019, they drew 5.8 million in unique audience, up 17% from July 2018. Content created specifically for podcasts grew their downloads 25%, versus July 2018. July increases were led by listenership of “FiveThirtyEight: Politics,” “The Lowe Post with Zach Lowe,” the “Le Batard & Friends” network, which launched earlier this year, and the debut of “The Woj Pod” from NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski …..  According to rankings appearing in The Princeton Review, Emerson College Boston’s noncommercial WERS and its campus station, WECB, are the country’s “best” college radio stations. WERS general manager Jack  Casey explains that, “WERS and WECB train students in a real-world environment, with many of the same creative pressures and deadlines that face professionals in radio broadcasting. All of this is part of the college’s mission to train future leaders of the media industry. It is immensely gratifying to see that students recognize the value that we provide. We are grateful for their ongoing support in making our combined radio stations #1 in The Princeton Review this year.” The Emerson stations were rated #1 six years ago (2013), as well …..In order to devote full attention to their podcast sales representation firm, Podcast Ad Reps (PAR), Rick Selah and Anthony Savelli have left their sales roles at Himalaya. PAR was launched eight months ago (12/2018) to “hyper-service” independent podcast creators with sales/marketing solutions.

Jeffrey Epstein Death Dominates News/Talk Conversation Over Weekend.  The “apparent” suicide death of Jeffrey Epstein and speculation/conspiracy theories surrounding it dominated conversation on news/talk radio across America (8/10-11) all the way through to this morning (8/12) according to TALKERS magazine research.  The El Paso and Dayton Shooting along with conversations about Gun Control Legislation and Violence in American Culture was a strong second place topic followed closely by the US-China Trade War.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Some major personnel shuffling involving Cox Media Group stations in Tampa, Orlando, and Tulsa come in the wake of Rick Thomas exiting as operations manager of the company’s Tampa Bay cluster. In addition to being CMG Tampa’s OM, Thomas programmed perennial market pacesetter (adult contemporary) WDUV “Lite Favorites 105.5,” adult contemporary WWRM “Magic 94.9,” and CHR WPOI “Hot 101.5.” Thomas joined Cox Media Group Tampa 2.5 years ago. His previous programming resume includes stops in New York City (CHR WBMP “92.3 Amp Radio”); Los Angeles (classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101” and smooth AC KTWV “94.7 The Wave”); and San Diego (rhythmic CHR XHTZ “Z-90” and urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5”). In addition to his current duties as director of branding & programming for Cox Media Group Orlando CHR WPYO “Power 95.3,” Will Calder adds similar responsibilities at Tampa’s “Hot 101.5.” Calder has previously worked in New York (WNOW, WBMP); Miami (WPOW); and Milwaukee (WXSS). At the same time, Cox Media Group Tulsa director of marketing & radio operations Nathan Reed is transferring to program aforementioned Tampa AC outlets WDUV and WWRM. Prior to joining Cox Media Group Tulsa in 2016, Reed worked for iHeartMedia Toledo, where he became senior vice president of programming, and he has programmed Flint (Michigan) rhythmic CHR WRCL ….. Promotions inside Beasley Media Group Philadelphia’s cluster find WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” music director Sara Parker adding digital program director duties for WMMR and WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK.” Parker will be responsible for managing digital content to optimize reach for the stations’ on-line presence and social platforms. Elsewhere, morning show producer Marisa Magnata will support Parker as assistant digital program director/producer and digital content manager of WMMR’s “Preston & Steve Show.” Her focus will be on the station’s digital content efforts, as well as managing all of the morning show’s digital aspects. In addition, WMGK and WXTU “Philly’s Country Station 92.5 XTU” digital program director Nicole Siberry shifts her responsibilities to manage digital assets for WXTU and sports talk WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic.” ….. Today’s 6:00 am – 10:00 am “Johnny’s House” on iHeartMedia Orlando CHR WXXL “XL 106.7” is originating from Meadow Woods Elementary School. Students there – as well as from 16 other community schools – are receiving backpacks filled with supplies for their first day of school. Approximately 12,000 backpacks and supplies were provided in a program committed to aiding economically disadvantaged families in central Florida. Along with 170 volunteers, “XL-106.7” staffers stuffed backpacks with necessary school supplies and donated them to 17 schools in seven Florida counties …. As of this Friday (8/16), Steve Jones’ weekday 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm “Jonesy’s Jukebox” on Meruelo Media-owned Los Angeles rocker KLOS will become a Friday-only program. Jones made the announcement on last Friday’s (8/9) show, noting, “I’ve been doing this five days a week and I want a break. We’ll see what happens in the future. Maybe I can do a solo album that everyone is asking me to do.” The 63-year-old London-born guitarist has been hosting “Jonesy’s Jukebox” on KLOS for nearly four years; the show was previously heard in the market on KDLD & KDLE “Indie 103.1” for five years ….. Set to be broadcast one time only, this Thursday (8/15) at 5:07 pm (ET) – and not archived – University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN, Philadelphia will present a minute-by-minute replay of the Woodstock music festival. Airtime for “Woodstock – As It Happened – 50 Years On” is exactly 50 years to the day from the 1969 event, which was originally billed as the “Woodstock Music and Arts Fair.” It kicked off (Friday) at 5:07 pm August 15 and ended (Monday), August 18. WXPN associate general manager for programming Bruce Warren notes, “From the movie that came out in March 1970 to the numerous collections of recordings released over the years, there has yet to be a full authentic musical account of the concert until now. WXPN is going to pay the most effective tribute to the music the way it was originally performed at exactly the same times the sets were performed to give our listeners a feel for how it all really went down.” In order to remain in sync with the timing and length of the original event, WXPN’s broadcast will include stage announcements and breaks between artist sets ….. Available to stations through Envision Networks is a Kroeger Media-produced classic hits version of “The Wolfman Jack Radio Show.” Among others, the classic hits format includes music from artists such as AC/DC, Bryan Adams, Aerosmith, Beastie Boys, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, Matchbox 20, Van Halen, and U2. Stations can broadcast the original shows; the new classic hits version; or incorporate Wolfman Jack’s breaks with their own playlist and use the show’s actualities to run as a shorter weekly (or daily) program ….. As part of its annual ice cream tour, Atlantic Gateway Communications noncommercial (Takoma Park, Maryland-licensed) contemporary Christian WGTS returned to North Beach for the second year in a row. This time, WGTS brought Black River Entertainment artist, Hannah Kerr. The station’s morning show host/promotion director Jerry Woods remarks, “We had such a great reception in North Beach last year from all the people across the D.C. area that we wanted to come back to do something bigger. Thousands of people flocked to the town for free ice cream and the farmer’s market, but many came specifically to hear Hannah Kerr’s concert.” WGTS morning co-host Blanca Vega adds, “I can’t wait to go back and do it again.” WGTS has seen over 15,000 people between its ice cream tour and summer concert series this summer.

July 2019 PPM Data. Information for the July 2019 ratings period has been released for Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Long Island, Baltimore, and Portland. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these nine markets.

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – From the first of the year forward, Cumulus Media’s WJR is -1.7 through six straight sweeps without an increase (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+) as “News Talk 760” drifts from #12 (January 2019) to #19 (July 2019).

Stuck on 5.0 (6+) in February and March and then on 5.4 (6+) April and May, Entercom sports talk/Tigers flagship WXYT-FM“97.1 The Ticket” is a combined -.9 in June/July (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.5, flat at #9, 6+).

Down eight-tenths in June (6.2 – 5.4, 6+), co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” falters by another six-tenths in July to 4.8 (fifth to sixth, 6+); WWJ had a March-only stay at #1.

The April 2019 through July 2019 topline for Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM is: 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 (flat at #20, 6+). After recording a shift of one-tenth in three of the last four ratings periods (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET drops two-tenths in July to 1.0 (unchanged at #21, 6+).

Detroit Music Formats – Unchanged at #3, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” is up eight-tenths in three straight positive or neutral moves (5.2 – 5.2 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+). Down or flat three successive months for a -1.4 (7.8 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX erases just over half that deficit with a June/July +.8 (6.4 – 6.5 – 7.2, 6+). Moreover, “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” advances from second to first. In March, WCSX eroded by -1.3 to shift from first to second. Its March/April decline of -1.5 followed back-to-back gains of nine-tenths (6.0 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+). “Detroit’s Classic Rock” spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September 2018. Ousted from the top spot after residing there in May in June, iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD plummets by -1.2 to 5.7 (6+) and segues to fourth. “Mix 92.3” had been without a loss the past four sweeps for an overall +1.4 (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.9 – 6.9, 6+). An increase of one-half share to 2.8 (#18 to #16, 6+) by urban contemporary WGPR “Hot 107.5” pulls the plug on four successive setbacks that led to a loss of seven-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+). In early-November (2018), Entercom CHR WDZH “Amp Radio” transitioned to adult contemporary. In eight successive reports without a loss (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+), “98.7 The Breeze” more than doubled (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share. The streak, however, comes to an end in July as WDZH returns 20% of the increase (4.3, -.5, 6+), dropping from eighth to tenth. Its AC rival – iHeartMedia’s WNIC “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” – erases 50% of June’s loss of six-tenths (5.9 – 6.3, +.3, 6+) and climbs from third to second. After its 6+ AQH share eroded by nearly two-thirds (-11.8) in four successive sweeps (17.9 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+), WNIC answered with a May increase of four-tenths. Its “Holiday” 2018 17.9 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. On top in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share via four straight increases (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+). As is the case with WDZH, its sibling, WYCD “99.5 – Detroit Country Music,” forfeits one-half share (4.8, 6+) but actually advances from seventh to sixth. WYCD was a combined +.4 in May/June (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+). Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” is +1.2 through five consecutive positive or neutral sweeps (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+) and repeats at #16. This is the best 6+-showing for “Nash FM” since June 2018 (2.8, as well). Anchored at #15, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “97.9 – Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” is off a full-share through four straight survey periods without an increase (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). As a result of six consecutive sweeps without an increase, Radio One gospel WDMK-HD2 has lost nearly two-thirds (-1.1) of its 6+-stat (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .9 – .6, #21, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Following June’s decrease of eight-tenths (4.0 – 3.2, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM gains one-tenth (3.3, 6+) and moves up one ranker (#12 to #11). Replicating June’s loss of three-tenths (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” drops from #13 to #16.

Three straight gains by Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” netted an overall +1.1 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 3.1, 6+), but the Arizona Diamondbacks flagship is now a combined -1.0 in June/July (3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, #20 to #19,  6+); May’s 3.1 was its strongest 6+-showing since September 2018 (3.1, as well).

In the past four sweeps, Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ logged a fluctuation of one-tenth (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+). That streak ends as KJZZ is off two-tenths to 3.4 (6+) yet progresses from  #11 to #10.

Phoenix Music Formats – In four straight drops, KJZZ classical sibling KBAQ lost more than half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 1.1, 6+); however, “89.5 K-Bach” responds with a July improvement of six-tenths to 1.7 (#26 to #24, 6+). Inching up from fourth to third, Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL “94.5 Phoenix Classic Hits” is an overall +1.8 in four upticks in succession (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.8, 6+). While KOOL’s positive streak continues as a result of its July 2019 +.5, a negative streak concludes owing to a one-half share gain this sweep. Specifically, with its +.5 to 4.4 (steady at #8, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9” applies the brakes to seven successive negative or neutral reports that accounted for a -2.0 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+). Even though adult hits cluster-mate KYOT gains one-tenth (6.6 – 6.7, 6+), “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” drops from first to second. Entering the July 2019 sweep, its six most recent shifts were -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January/February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April) -1.2 (May); and +1.2 in June (5.4 – 6.6, 6+). “The Mountain” had been at #1 three ratings periods in succession before being ousted in May. KYOT is nudged from the top spot by adult contemporary sibling KESZ, which is a collective +1.5 via four consecutive bumps (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.8, second to first, 6+). Cracking the top twenty at #20 is Hubbard Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KZAG “Oldies 92.7 & 1440,” which is up three-tenths in three straight positive or flat moves (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+). A loss of seven-tenths by Farmworker Educational Radio Network regional Mexican KNAI takes “La Campesina” below a two-share (2.6 – 1.9, 6+) and out of the top twenty (#15 to #21). It is tied at #21 with Univision Radio’s similarly-programmed KHOT “Que Buena 105.9,” which is a cumulative -1.1 in four straight negative or neutral trends (3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 1.9, #16 to #21, 6+). Off nine tenths in three decreases in succession (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country” is now a combined +.4 in June/July (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 seventh to fifth, 6+). Its format rival, Entercom’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9,” forfeits one-half share (3.8 – 3.3, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Flat at #16, Riviera Broadcasting hot AC KMVA “Hot” records a 2.5 (6+) the fourth time in the last five sweeps (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). After posting an 1.1 (6+) in June, Education Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVK “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” disappears from print.

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – A loss of one-tenth to 5.3 (unchanged at #9, 6+) by Entercom-owned/Twins flagship WCCO “News Radio 830” suspends three consecutive improvements that netted a +2.1 (3.3 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+). Conversely, Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” logs a gain of four-tenths to 2.7 (#17 to #15, 6+), thus curtailing four straight decreases that led to a net loss of -1.1 (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+). It is three-tenths ahead of iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130,” which adds one-tenth to 2.4 (#17 to #16, 6+), pulling the plug on five straight down or flat trends that resulted in a -1.0 (3.3 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+).

Netting four-tenths in three straight up or flat moves (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” advances from #12 to #11. Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” is down two-tenths in its third successive sweep without an increase (.8 – .7 – .7 -.6, #24 to #23, 6+).

Adding six-tenths to June’s +1.2 (4.3 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW jumps from seventh to fourth.

Minneapolis Music Formats – Dislodged from the top spot in June by KSTP-FM “KS-95,” iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies outlet KQQL “Kool 108” returns the favor in July by racking up an improvement of nine-tenths (6.6 – 7.5, -.2, second to first, 6+). After approximately 54% (-6.8) of its 6+ AQH share vanished through four straight negative or flat trends (12.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+), “Kool 108” logged a +1.0 in May. Without an increase in each of the last four reports for an overall -1.5 (7.0 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 5.5, 6+), CHR cluster-mate KDWB “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” curtails the slide with a spike of three-tenths to 5.8 (seventh to sixth, 6+). In addition to KQQL, Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP “The Current – Great Music Lives Here” betters its June 2019 6+-stat by nine-tenths and is +1.2 via four consecutive positive or neutral trends (2.1- 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 3.3, #16 to #13, 6+). This is its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (3.3, as well). Getting back to “KS-95,” the Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC this calendar year held or shared the top spot in January, March, April, and June. It has been +1.9 (January); -.8 (February); +.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.8 (May); flat (June); and -.4 in July (6.7 – 6.3, first to third, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-programmed KTCZ “Cities 97.1” notches a gain of six-tenths (4.5 – 5.1, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). Shifts this calendar year for “Cities 97.1” include +1.2 (January) -.5 (February); +.2 (March); +.5 (April); -.2 (May); flat (June); and +.6 (July). In addition to notching its third straight (modest) uptick for a cumulative gain of four-tenths (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0, unchanged at #19, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WGVX “Love 105” reaches the two-share level (2.0). The brunt of the combined June 2019 – July 2019 -1.2 of the market’s 6+ country share is taken by iHeartMedia’s KEEY (4.8 – 3.9, -.9, 6+). “K-102” drops out of the top ten (#10 to #12) and has its lowest 6+-performance (3.9) since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.4. Format rival, Entercom’s KMNB “102.9 The Wolf,” which lost eight-tenths in four successive down or neutral trends (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), halted the skid with a gain of four-tenths in June. “The Wolf, however, surrenders three-tenths in July (3.3 – 3.0, 6+) and slips from #13 to #14. In the Northern Lights Broadcasting cluster, alternative KQGO “Go 96.3” cobbles together seven straight up or flat moves for a +.6 (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9, #20, 6+), while rhythmic CHR sibling KZGO “Go 95.3” loses seven-tenths via four successive down or flat reports (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.4, #16, 6+). Having logged a 5.0 (6+) in April, Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack-FM” follows with a 5.7 (sixth to seventh, 6+) in May, June, and July. A June loss of eight-tenths (2.2 – 1.4, 6+) by KBEM not only forced “Jazz 88 FM” out of the top twenty (#18 to #21), it took the Minneapolis Public Schools outlet to its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018 (1.4, as well). KBEM vanishes from print in July. Likewise disappearing is the internet stream of co-owned triple A KCMP, which was trending .5 – .6 – .6 (April – May – June, 6+).

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a +1.0 via three straight bumps (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” surrenders half that increase via June/July’s combined -.5 (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.5, fifth to seventh, 6+). In three consecutive setbacks (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” has lost an overall six-tenths but progresses from #19 to a three-way logjam at #18. This immediately follows a gain of nine-tenths as a result of four successive increases (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). The (ultra-consistent) December 2018 through July 2019 San Diego topline for iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” is: 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 -1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.2 (flat at #23, 6+).

Immediately after tripling (+1.4) its 6+ AQH share in three straight advances (.7 – .9 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom-owned/Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” loses one-tenth in back-to-back (June and July) sweeps (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). As is the case with KFMB-AM (see above), however, “97.3 The Fan” moves from #19 to a three-way logjam at #18. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” records a .8 (6+) for the third time in the last four survey periods (.8 – 1.0 – .8 – .8, #24, 6+).

On top the past six months, San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS sputters by three-tenths (6.2 – 5.9, 6+) and falls to third. KPBS has been -.6 (December 2018); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.1 (January 2019); -1.7 (April); +.9 (May); and -.7 (June).

San Diego Music Formats – When KYXY logged a positive spike of seven-tenths in June, it evened the score regarding the seven-tenths squandered in three straight negative or neutral trends (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+). In July, the Entercom adult contemporary outlet piles on an additional full-share (4.2 – 5.2, 6+) and cracks the top five (#11 to #5) with its best 6+-showing (5.2) since “Holiday” 2018’s 8.4. Improving by one-half share each are Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” (third to second) and iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” (4.5 – 5.0, seventh to sixth, 6+). This is the fourth consecutive positive or neutral move for “Que Buena” for a collective +1.0 (5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.0, 6+). “Star” reaches the five-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (5.0, as well). In five consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHTS is a combined +1.3 but “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” backslides from third to fourth. This streak follows a cumulative -2.3 as a result of four straight decreases (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). Co-owned KGB “San Diego’s Classic Rock,” which was -1.6 in four drops in a row (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+), after three consecutive improvements that yielded a +2.2 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.9, 6+), is up two-tenths in July to 4.5 (tenth to seventh, 6+). Not only is Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN  a collective +1.7 in five successive improvements (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+),“Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” progresses from second to first. This is the first time “Sunny” has been at #1 in exactly one year (6.2, July 2018). Meanwhile, co-owned KBZT “Alt 94.9 – San Diego’s Alternative,” which netted +1.3 in four straight spikes (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), relinquishes nine-tenths to 3.0 (#12 to #13, 6+). Following three  gains in succession that yielded six-tenths (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), Tegna adult hits KFMB-FM “100.7 True Variety” falters by seven-tenths to 3.2 (#12 to #13, 6+). A collective -2.0 since February, owing to five straight negative or neutral trends (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+), Entercom-owned KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” drifts from the top ten (#7 to #11).  

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – A collective -1.5 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.5 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” is up four-tenths to 3.4 (#15 to #14, 6+). The just-concluded negative streak came immediately after three successive gains led to a +1.4 (3.1 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+), It has an eight-tenths advantage over Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio,” which is flat at 2.6 (#17 to #16, 6+).

The flagship of the Rays – iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” – has been -.4 (March); +.9 (April); -.4 (May); +.5 (June); and now -.4 in July (2.7 – 2.3, #16 to #18, 6+).

Flat at #20, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF follows June’s gain of two-tenths with a July loss of three-tenths (1.7 – 1.4, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – Down or flat the past three survey periods for a net loss of eight-tenths (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ erupts with a robust +1.4 to 6.7 (6+) as “Q-105” leaps from sixth to second. While it reached the six-share level (6+) in March and April (6.1 both times), “Q-105” betters that mark with July’s 6.7. On the other hand, its format rival, Cox Media Group’s WXGL “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits,” is an overall -2.4 in four straight negative or neutral moves (7.5 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 5.7 – 5.1, third to fourth, 6+). By gaining seven-tenths in June, Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” curtailed three consecutive decreases that accounted for a -1.0 (6.4 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). WQYK adds another half-share to 6.6 – its strongest 6+-showing since October 2018’s 6.7 – but backslides from second to third. Logging its fifth straight positive or neutral trend for a collective gain of six-tenths (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WLLD “Wild 94.1” advances from tenth to ninth. Flat at 8.6 (6+), after faltering by seven-tenths in June, Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is #1 for the 83^rd straight time. In June (and now again in July) it is below a nine-share (8.6, 6+) for the first time since October 2018’s 8.9. Its May gain of three-tenths curtailed four straight negative trends that resulted in a -4.7 (13.7 – 11.8 – 11.6 – 10.6 – 9.0, 6+). WDUV’s 13.7 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-stat for any Tampa station since WDUV’s 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” erodes by a full-share (5.7 – 4.7, 6+) and slides from third to sixth with its lowest 6+-stat (4.7) since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.9. Dropping six-tenths, in addition to WXGL (see above), are iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” (4.2 – 3.6, 6+) and Beasley Media Group classic rocker WPBB “98.7 The Shark” (2.5 – 1.9, #18 to #19, 6+). “The Beat” exits the top ten (#9 to #13) with its lowest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2018 (3.6, as well). Prior to losing two-tenths in June, WBTP was +1.3 in seven successive sweeps without a loss (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+). Meanwhile, “The Shark” had been up an overall nine-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.6 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.5, 6+) and had its highest 6+-showing (June’s 2.5) since “Holiday” 2018 (4.6). Three straight gains by Cox Media Group alternative WSUN yield a +.6 (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5, #19 to #17, 6+) as “97-X” has its best 6+-stat (2.5) since 2.6. A collective +1.4 In three straight improvements (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX reached the five-share level (5.4, 6+) for the first time since February 2018’s 5.2. The streak ends in July though as “Mix 100.7” drops four-tenths to 5.0 (6+) but continues in fifth-place. In the market’s always competitive CHR battle, Cox Media group’s WPOI “Hot 101.5” is a combined -.4 in June/July 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 (flat at #10, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WFLZ “93.3 FLZ” is down one-half share in June/July (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8, #13 to #12, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – In the midst of an up/down pattern that started in March (4.7 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk and Colorado Rockies flagship KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” carries on at #5. Co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” gains four-tenths (1.1 – 1.5, 6+) and cracks the top twenty (#21 to #18).

Bonneville-owned KKFN adds one-tenth (2.4 – 2.5, 6+) and moves up one ranker (#18 to #17); in June, “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” was off six-tenths. June/July’s combined -.5 by KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” represents a more than 50% loss of its 6+-stat (.8 – .4 – .3, #29 to #28, 6+).

Bouncing back from June’s massive -1.6 (6.2 – 4.6, 6+) with a July increase half that magnitude (5.4, +.8, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR advances from sixth to fourth. A combined +1.2 in January/February (6.4 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+), KCFR was #1 in September 2018, October, and November before segueing to #2 in December. In four straight sweeps without an increase, Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC has lost one full-share (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1 – .8, #21 to #23, 6+).

One of the rare comedy-formatted signals in a PPM-market, Entercom’s KQKS-HD2, is off a collective one-half share via four consecutive months without an increase (1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Denver Music Formats – A June loss of six-tenths (1.5 – .9, 6+) nudged KVOD off the top twenty; however, the Colorado Public Radio classical outlet answers with a July increase of one-half share to 1.4 (6+) and is back in the top twenty (#24 to #19, 6+). Possessing the identical June – July .9 – 1.4 profile (+.5, #24 to #19, 6+) is iHeartMedia’s KBPI “Rocks the Rockies,” which ends three down or flat sweeps that accounted for a net loss of one-half share (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.1 – .9, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well in July is country cluster-mate KWBL “106.7 The Bull,” which nets a +1.7 through three straight upticks (2.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7, #15 to #13, 6+). This (3.7) is the highest 6+-stat for “The Bull” since it switched to country in mid-December 2017. Three-tenths of a share separates Denver’s top three July 2019 finishers. Included in that trio is KWBL’s format rival, Bonneville-owned KYGO, which drops two-tenths to 5.8 (6+) but repeats at #1. After netting +1.4 in four straight positive or flat trends (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), KYGO regressed by seven-tenths in May only to roar back in June with a +1.0. June’s 6.0 was its highest 6+-stat since September 2018 (6.0, as well). Ranking in July 2019’s top three as well is iHeartMedia’s KRFX (5.8 – 5.7, -.1, steady at #2, 6+). In four straight sweeps without a loss, “Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox” was +1.4 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+). It dropped one-half share in May but answered in June with a robust gain of nine-tenths (4.9 – 5.8, 6+). Anchored in third-place, Entercom’s similarly-programmed KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” has gained nine-tenths in four straight positive or neutral sweeps (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+). Stuck on 5.4 (6+) in May and June, alternative sibling KTCL “Channel 93.3 – Denver’s Modern Rock” falters by six-tenths to 4.8 (fourth to sixth, 6+). A combined +.8 in May/June (3.3 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures’ hot AC KIMN “Mix 100” relinquishes one-half share to 3.6 (#13 to #14, 6+). While Entercom classic hits-oldies KEZW hasn’t had a loss from February 2019 through July 2019, the net gain for “EZ-1430 Timeless Music” is just one-tenth. It was locked on .6 (6+) in February and March and now logs a .7 (#25, 6+) for the fourth time in a row. Immediately after its +.7 in four successive up or flat moves (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+) wiped out with a -.7 in May, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV improved by one-half share in June (2.6 – 3.1, #18 to #17, 6+). Denver’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” however, disappears from print in July.

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Four upticks in succession by iHeartMedia news/talk WOR have yielded a +1.0 (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+), as “710 The Voice of New York” advances from #13 in Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) to #11. On the other hand, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC has lost one-half share in four consecutive decreases (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0, #26 to #25 6+).

In five straight up or flat reports, Entercom sports talk WFAN is +1.2 (4.3 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+). Moreover, the Yankees’ flagship is #1 the fourth month in a row and this (5.5) is its highest 6+-share in Long Island since October 2018’s 5.6. Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is off a combined four-tenths in June/July (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.9, #15 to #19, 6+).

Stuck on 3.0 (6+) in May and June, Entercom all-news WINS drops three-tenths to 2.7 (#11 to #13, 6+), while co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is -1.3 via three straight down or flat trends (3.8 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5, #14 to #15, 6+).

Without an increase the sixth time in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM actually improves from #25 to #24.

Long Island Music Formats – When WBLI dropped one-tenth in June, it curtailed three consecutive improvements that yielded seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+). In July, the Cox Media Group CHR dials up a gain of eight-tenths (4.5 – 5.3, 6+), jumping from fifth to second and reaching the five-share level (6+) for the first time in exactly one year (5.1, July 2018). Co-owned classic rock WBAB is +1.1 in three straight positive or neutral sweeps (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+) but backslides from second to third. A collective +1.1 through three straight Long Island reports without a loss as well (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia New York classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” progresses from eighth to fifth. The last time “Q-104.3” reached the four-share threshold in Long Island was in January (4.0). Even though New York CHR cluster-mate WHTZ hasn’t had a decrease in each of the last four sweeps for a net gain of four-tenths (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.9, 6+), “Z-100” slips from third to fourth. Three straight drops by Connoisseur Media-owned classic hits-oldies WBZO have accounted for a collective -1.6 (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1, 6+), but “103.1 Max FM” picks up one-half share in July (2.6, #17 to #14, 6+). Four straight up or flat reports by Entercom alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3” account for a one-half share increase (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1, #17 to #16, 6+). On the heels of gaining a full-share in June, Emmis urban AC WBLS surrenders all of that increase plus one-tenth (4.4 – 3.3, -1.1, 6+), with “107.5 #1 for R&B” falling from sixth to tenth. Dropping from sixth to seventh, Entercom New York City classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” is -1.0 via three consecutive decreases (5.1 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+). This is the third Long Island decline in a row for WPLJ (2.2 – 1.9 – 1.5 – .5, 6+), which has lost more than 75% (-1.7) of its 6+ AQH-share in that April 2019 through July 2019 stretch. The sale of the legendary hot AC from Cumulus Media to Educational Media Foundation closed on May 31 and EMF immediately switched WPLJ to contemporary Christian “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.”

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – A collective -1.9 in five straight sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.2 – 1.5, 6+), independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” ends the slide with a one-half share increase to 2.0 (#15 to #13, 6+). Hearst Television’s similarly-formatted WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is a combined -1.0 in June/July (2.8 – 2.1 – 1.8, #12 to #15, 6+). Returning the one-tenth it added in June (.3 – .4 – .3, 6+), Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL slips from #29 to #31.

Trending 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.8 (April 2019 through July 2019, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Orioles flagship WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” advances from ninth to seventh.

Following April/May’s +1.0 (.9 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+), co-owned business news WDCH regresses by a combined eight-tenths (1.9 – 1.4 – 1.1, #18 to #19, 6+).

Up nine-tenths in May/June (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.3, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” relinquishes seven-tenths to 2.6 (6+) but remains at #11. American University-owned news/talk WAMU has an April 2019 through July 2019 Baltimore topline of 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 (#19 to #18, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – In addition to piling on one full-share to June’s increase of eight-tenths (7.3 – 8.1 – 9.1, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM repeats at #1. “Magic 95.9” reaches the nine-share level (9.1) for the first time since January 2019’s 9.0. Immediately after posting a +2.2 in March/April (7.6 – 8.3 – 9.8, 6+), co-owned urban contemporary WERQ “92 Q Jams” follows with a collective -1.8 in May/June/July (9.8 – 8.8 – 8.0 – 8.0, 6+) but remains in the runner-up slot. April’s 9.8 marked the first time WERQ reached the nine-share level (6+) since July 2016’s 9.2. In four straight down or flat moves (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WPOC lost one-half share, but “93.1 Today’s Best Country” ends the slide with an increase of four-tenths to 6.2 (fourth to third, 6+). At the same time that Entercom gospel WLIF-HD2 notches a one-half share increase (#15 to #14), adult contemporary sibling WLIF-FM “Today’s 101.9” sputters by one-half share (6.1 – 5.6, third to fourth, 6+). WLIF-HD2 doubles (+1.0) its 6+ AQH-share in three straight gains (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 2.0, 6+), while “Today’s 101.9” has its lowest 6+-showing (5.6) since September 2018’s 5.3. Owing to five straight reports without an increase, Shamrock Communications-owned WZBA is an overall -2.3 (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 3.9, 6+) as “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” drops from seventh to ninth. The last time “The Bay” slipped below a four-share (6+) was February 2018 (3.8). Steady in eighth-place, Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” is off a combined seven-tenths in June/July (5.4 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). In the iHeartMedia cluster, WMZQ “98.7 Today’s Best Country” hasn’t had a decrease since February yet is only up one-tenth (.7 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+), while alternative sibling WWDC “DC-101” is down a total of two-tenths in three straight negative or flat reports (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8, #14 to #15, 6+). While anchored at #10, co-owned CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -1.0 in five sweeps in a row without an increase (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian WLVW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” formerly Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3 More Music – More Variety,” is trending 1.4 – .5 – .1 (#27 to #32, 6+). This is the eleventh sweep in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – Ups/down continue for Alpha Media-owned news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected,” which was -1.0 in March/April; +1.1 in May/June (3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+); and now -.7 in July (4.1, sixth to ninth, 6+). Carrying on at #17, iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” adds three-tenths to June’s +.2 (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+). In 2019 (January through July), Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” has logged a 1.0 (6+) four times and a .9 (6+) three times: 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 (flat at #24, 6+).

KUFO’s sports talk sibling KXTG “The Game” has lost four-tenths in June/July (1.7 – 1.4 – 1.3, flat at #22, 6+), as has Entercom’s similarly-formatted KFXX “1080 The Fan” (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.1, #22 to #23, 6+). After more than tripling (+1.2) its 6+ AQH share via three straight improvements (.5 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/Portland Trailblazers flagship KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” is trending 1.7 – .5 – .3 (6+) and is unchanged at #28.

After an April gain of six-tenths, Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB is off by -1.4 in three setbacks in succession (7.9 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.5, 6+) but continues in third-place. KOPB has been +1.2 (January 2019); -2.0 in February/March; +.6 (April); and -.9 (May).

Portland Music Formats – A combined +1.7 in June/July (3.7 – 4.1 – 5.4, eighth to fifth, 6+) takes Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” to its best 6+-stat (5.4) since “Holiday” 2018’s 5.6. Climbing from fifth to fourth, co-owned KGON “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” improves by eight-tenths via three consecutive bumps (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+). As Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” picks up four-tenths to 4.4 (ninth to sixth, 6+) to end three consecutive down or flat trends that led to a loss of nine-tenths (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KKRZ “Z-100 Portland” is up seven-tenths in three successive sweeps without a loss (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #10. In five consecutive down or flat moves, All Classical Public Media’s KQAC was a collective -2.4 (4.4 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+), but “All Classical Portland” posts a half-share increase to 2.5 (#19 to #17, 6+). Immediately prior to losing seven-tenths in March, KQAC was without a loss four times in a row for a collective +1.8 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+) and reached the four-share level (4.4, 6+) the first time since February 2017’s 4.2. Notwithstanding that it loses four-tenths (7.8 – 7.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103” progresses from #2 to #1. It is the first time “K-103” has held the lead position since “Holiday” 2018. Ironically, it reaches the top despite having its consecutive string of increases that yielded eight-tenths snapped at three (7.0 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+). June’s 7.8 was the best 6+-stat for “K-103” since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2. It trades places with classic hits-oldies sibling KLTH “The Eagle” (7.9 – 7.1, -.8, first to second, 6+), which has its lowest 6+-stat since January (7.1, as well). A combined -1.1 in April/May (8.9 – 8.6 – 7.8, 6+) before adding one-tenth in June, “The Eagle” had been on top the past five months. When “The Eagle” faltered by three-tenths in April, it curtailed three consecutive upticks that yielded a +3.5 (5.4 – 7.1 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+). After being +1.5 in May/June (4.2 – 4.6 – 5.7, 6+), Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” has all but two-tenths of that increase obliterated (4.4, -1.3, 6+) and slips from fourth to sixth. Prior to June, the last time KUPL reached the five-share level (6+) was in April 2017 (5.5). In advance of dropping three-tenths in April, “The Bull” was a collective +1.2 in three straight gains (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). Its format foe, Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” – The Northwest’s Hottest Country,” is -1.1 in June/July (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.5, #12 to #14, 6+). In May, “The Wolf” gained eight-tenths to 4.6, its best 6+-stat since July 2018 (4.6, as well). Four successive positive or neutral moves by iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KXJM produced an overall +1.5 (2.4 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), but “Jam’n 107.5” falters by two-tenths in July to 3.7 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12). KXJM’s June 3.9 was its strongest 6+-showing since March 2016 (3.9, as well). After notching June’s 1.8 (#20, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” disappears from print.