Tag: "Thom Hartmann"

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Handling Coverage of the Vegas Concert Massacre at KXNT.  Stations across the country, as well as local Las Vegas stations, have been covering the deadly shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival since Sunday night.  CBS RADIO news/talk KXNT, Las Vegas station personality Alan Stock tells TALKERS how they covered it in the immediate 12 hours after the shooting took place.  The shooting started at 10:08 pm on Sunday night.  Stock says, “I was broadcasting from 11:00 that night through 9:00 am Monday.”  After going home to take a quick shower, Stock returned to the air from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday.  He says they pre-empted the Rush Limbaugh program and the Todd Schnitt show to cover the story wall-to-wall, taking a lot of calls from listeners who needed to talk about what had happened.  “Program director Andy Vierra and my producer Mark Bonilla were with me the entire time.  I could not be prouder than I am with how the station covered this the right way.”  Stock says other staffers who were indispensable during their coverage were producers Mark Thomas and Tony Valdez, news anchor Fred Halstead, and sports staffer Conrad Company.

FCC Chair Ajit Pai Confirmed by Senate. On a 52-41 vote of the U.S. Senate yesterday, FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai was confirmed to a second five-year term as chairman.  Broadcasters are thrilled that Pai will continue as chairman because he’s extremely sympathetic to their needs – far more so than previous Chairman Tom Wheeler.  Democrats, however, aren’t so hot on Pai’s goal of wrestling authority for Net Neutrality away from the FCC.   One of Wheeler’s legacy accomplishments was instituting the Commission’s Title II authority over the Internet.

Cox Ups Babin to Regional VP.  This promotion of Cox Media Group Miami VP/general manager Rob Babin to regional vice president for radio puts him in oversight of the Miami, Houston, Long Island, San Antonio and Tampa radio markets.  Cox EVP Bill Hendrich states, “During his career, Rob has been a strong leader for CMG in Orlando, Atlanta and Miami.  He has grown in leadership roles through his ability to hire and develop talented team members, create world-class work environments and deliver results.  We are fortunate to have many talented leaders at CMG to consider for critical roles like this.  Rob’s understanding of the opportunities ahead, his ability to make positive connections with people and his track record of delivering results equip him to do a fantastic job as our regional VP.”

Limbaugh’s Two-Part Appearance on Hannity’s FNC Show Tops Cable News Ratings.  Last week, Premiere Networks and FOX News Channel superstar Sean Hannity aired a two-part interview with fellow Premiere star Rush Limbaugh on his FNC program, and the Thursday and Friday Hannity programs “drew impressive ratings,” reports Premiere.  You can hear Thursday’s segment here and Friday’s segment here.

‘The Conservative Cartel’ Show to Air on The Blaze Radio Network.  The program, co-hosted by Matt Locke and Rocci Stucci is produced by Pinnacle Broadcast Holdings and the company inks a deal for its “The Conservative Cartel” show to air on The Blaze Radio Network on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET, starting this Saturday (10/7).   A press release states that Locke and Stucci “along with their executive producer and show owner Ron Phillips, will give The Blaze Radio Network listeners a full-throttle show and will share their thoughts and opinions regarding the political landscape of this great country.”

Tim Hill Named PD at WNKT, Columbia.  Sports media pro Tim Hill is promoted to program director for Cumulus Media’s Columbia, South Carolina sports talk WNKT “107.5 The Game.”  Hill co-hosts the station’s AM drive program – “The Early Game” – with co-host Bill Gunter.  His experience in the sports world includes more than 13 years leading sports coverage at WOLO-TV, Columbia.  Cumulus Columbia operations manager Brent Johnson comments, “I am a big Tim Hill fan, dating back to when he was sports director for a Columbia TV station. Since coming on board, he has really grown his morning show with Bill Gunter.  He has such a huge knowledge of the South Carolina sports scene and so many great ideas.”

Kramer Joins Florida Talk Stations as Programmer.  On-air pro Keith Kramer is heading to Florida to serve as program director for Magic Broadcasting’s Florida talk duo WYOO, Panama City “Talk Radio 101” and WVFT, Tallahassee “Freedom 93.3.”  Kramer has most recently been host of the afternoon program at iHeartMedia’s rock WIOT, Toledo “Rock 104.7.”  Kramer will also take over the morning drive duties at WYOO, replacing Derrell Day.

Las Vegas Concert Massacre, NFL Anthem Protests, Puerto Rico Devastation/Trump-Cruz Feud, Trump-Russia Investigation, Tom Petty Dies, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/2).  The deaths of some 59 concertgoers in Las Vegas and the wounding of hundreds of others by a gunman, along with the gun/political issues surrounding the crime; Sunday’s NFL anthem protests; the post-Maria Puerto Rico devastation and President Trump’s Twitter feud with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz; the investigation into Trump operative relationships with Russia agents; rocker Tom Petty dies of a heart attack at 66; and Sunday’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

The CW Postpones iHeartRadio Music Festival Programming.  According to Variety, television network The CW is postponing the airing of two nights of footage from the recent iHeartRadio Music Festival “out of respect to the victims” of Sunday’s massacre at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival.  The iHeartRadio Music Festival took place in Las Vegas on September 22-23.  Although all the footage to be aired in the specials was shot at the T-mobile Arena, Variety reports that portions of the festival itself took place at the same location where Sunday’s concert was being held.  The shows were scheduled to air tomorrow night and Thursday night.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves.  WCVS-FM, Springfield, Illinois flips formats from classic rock to adult hits using the Envision Networks and Kroeger Media BOB FM format.  Neuhoff Media vice president of programming Mike Shamus says, “We shopped around for the best adult hits format for WCVS.  It became very clear that working with Envision Networks’ BOB-FM was going to be the easiest to use, the best branding and, overall the best product out there.”…..Milwaukee Radio Alliance-owned triple A WLUM, Milwaukee “FM 102/1” announces the lineup for its three-night “Big Snow Show.”  The event takes place at the Eagles Ballroom on 11/30, 12/1 and 12/2.  On November 30, the progam is being co-headlined by Walk the Moon and Foster the People with supporting act AJR.  December 1 will see Paramore headlining with Dashboard Confessional and The Wrecks supporting.  Finally, on December 2, Phoenix is headliner with Cold War Kids, Lord Huron, and Welshly Arms supporting…..This Friday is College Radio Day across America and the rest of the world.  It’s the day the non-profit College Radio Foundation sets aside each year to encourage those who may not have listened to college radio to give it a try.  More than 400 college radio stations are uniting to contribute content for a special, one-hour simulcast to be played across the country at 2:00 pm EDT.  Radio industry pros lending their voices in support of college radio include: Elvis Duran, Glenn Beck, Little Steven Van Zandt, Jim Kerr, Ross Brittain, Shelley Wade, TJ Taormina, and more.  College Radio Day founder Rob Quicke – chair of the Communications Department at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey – says, “We firmly believe that college radio is one of the last remaining bastions of creative radio programming, free from the constrictions of having to be commercially viable, and a place that is closely tied to the local community, on and off campus.  Only on college radio will you hear music and programming you just can’t find anywhere else, and it’s the place where the future broadcast journalists of tomorrow start their careers.”

Round Two of September PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of September 2017 PPM ratings information from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s September 2017 survey period covered August 17 – September 13. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – Illustrative of how spoken-word stations dominate September happenings in the Nation’s Capital, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL, which had been trending 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2 (June – July – August, 6+), hangs out a +1.1 to 4.3 (6+), zooming from a three-way tie at #11 to #6. It is the best 6+-showing for WMAL since February’s 4.5. On the strength of a one-half share increase (8.9 – 9.4, 6+), Hubbard all-news WTOP marches from second – where it had been from January through August – to first. By notching a +.7 in August, WTOP halted four consecutive negative trends that yielded a collective -1.7 (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7 – 8.2, 6+). Whereas 9.4 represents the station’s best 6+-stat since March (9.9), July’s 8.2 was its softest since “Holiday” 2015’s 7.5. Exiting the top spot after spending the past eight months there and dropping to second-place is American University-owned WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium.” A combined -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounded in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+), but forfeited exactly twice that increase in June with a -1.4. February’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. In four straight increases, CBS Radio Spanish tropical WLZL has more than tripled its 6+-share (.7 – 1.1 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.2, #19 to #18, 6+); “El Zol 107.9” last reached the two-share level (6+) in December (2.0). Occupying third-place for the ninth time in a row, Howard University-owned urban AC WHUR is unchanged at 7.1 (6+), after dropping one full-share in August, ending at five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +2.4 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+). July’s 8.1 (6+) represents the station’s best-ever PPM-showing. Meanwhile, following a -1.1 in August, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WMMJ “Majic 102.3” falters by seven-tenths (4.9 – 4.2, 6+), sliding from fifth to eighth with its lowest 6+-share since December’s 3.8. Prior to August, “Majic 102.3” had been up in back-to-back sweeps for a +.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+). A combined -2.3 as the result of five consecutive negative sweeps (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), WMMJ bounced back with three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), but that streak concluded in March. Trending 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.8 (6+) between March and July, gospel cluster-mate WPRS gained one-half share in August, but (like WMMJ) “Praise 104.1” surrenders seven-tenths as well (4.3 – 3.6, 6+), dipping from seventh to ninth. As a result of a loss of four-tenths to 3.4 (6+), WPGC-FM ends at six its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted one-half share (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+) and the CBS Radio rhythmic CHR departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Tied with WPGC at #11 (down from #10 in August) is iHeartMedia’s WMZQ “98.7 – Today’s Best Country,” whose very consistent February through September 6+-line is 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4. Format rival – Alpha Media’s WFLS “93.3 Today’s New Country” remains at #20 but is without an increase for the seventh straight sweep and has lost approximately half its 6+-share in that stretch (1.1 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .6, 6+).

2) Boston – Over and above erasing August’s one-half share decline by racking up a robust +.9 to 7.9 – its highest 6+-share since July 2014’s 8.2 – iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” moves from the runner-up slot to #1. In five consecutive increases prior to the August sweep, “Kiss 108” was a cumulative +1.9 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+). Flat at #13, CBS Radio’s similarly formatted WODS “Amp 103.3” drops two-tenths to 2.8 (6+). In August, it halted three successive down or flat trends (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+) that immediately followed four successive positive monthlies which netted four-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). On top the past eight months but falling to #2 in September is Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” (7.2 – 7.1, -.1, 6+). The market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December, WROR was +1.1 in December; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; -.8 in April; -.6 in June; and -.5 in August. It is another successful sweep for the flagships of the Boston Red Sox (Entercom-owned sports talk WEEI-FM) and the New England Patriots (CBS Radio’s similarly-formatted WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub”) as both improve by one-half share. Having bounced back from May’s -.1 with a June gain of three-tenths, WEEI-FM dropped seven-tenths in July but has its second straight one-half share increase (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+) to move from sixth to fourth. Entering the August ratings period, “The Sports Hub” had been down or flat six straight times for a combined loss of -2.5 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), but is now a collective +1.1 in August and September (3.9 – 4.4, 6+), advancing from tenth to eighth. In addition to the two sports talk rivals, Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT posts a gain of one-half share as well and “Hot 96.9” is a collective +.9 in three successive increases (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9, #12 to #11, 6+). Flat at #7, co-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” gains one-tenth to 4.6 (6+), ending at three a consecutive string of down and flat trends that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Following four successive increases that netted six-tenths (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WBWL “101.7 The Bull – Boston’s New Hit Country,” drops one-tenth to 2.6 (6+), slipping from #14 #15. Owing to an improvement of three-tenths to 5.2 (6+), WBZ-AM applies the brakes to five successive decreases that resulted in an overall loss of nine-tenths (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9, 6+), but the CBS Radio news-talk hybrid backslides from fifth to sixth. A loss of one-half share by Boston University-owned news/talk WBUR ends three straight sweeps without a decrease and wipes out the +.5 it gained in that timeframe (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.0, seventh to tenth, 6+). While it remains at #18, Northeast Broadcasting Company triple A WXRV “92.5 The River – Boston’s Independent Radio” surrenders two-tenths to 1.7 (6+), thus curtailing five straight sweeps without a decrease that netted one-half share (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+).

3) Miami – By chalking up a gain of seven-tenths (4.6 – 5.3, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WCMQ “Z-92.3” notches its highest 6+-share since November’s 5.5 and inches up from sixth to fifth. Conversely, after posting a 7.0 (6+) or higher in five of six ratings periods between January and June, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WAMR “Amor 107.5” sputters for the third straight time for a combined -1.4 (7.2 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.8, 6+), but continues at #3. Its Spanish news/talk sibling WAQI is without an increase for the sixth straight time (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+) and is down 33% since March. As the result of a +.2 to 3.7 (#11 to #10, 6+), CBS Radio rhythmic CHR WPOW “Power 96 – Miami’s Party Station” halts three straight down or flat trends that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+). In addition to being #1 for the fifth straight time, Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” picks up six-tenths to 7.7, its strongest 6+-stat since July 2016’s 8.0. Progressing by one-half share each are urban contemporary sibling WEDR “99 Jamz Miami’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” (4.2 – 4.7, ninth to sixth, 6+) and iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU Tu 94.9 FM – Donde Viven Tus Hits” (3.5, #15 to #12, 6+). WEDR had been up seven-tenths via three straight gains (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8, 6+), before dropping six-tenths in August. Meanwhile, the +.5 for WZTU curtails four straight sweeps without an increase for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+); August’s 3.0 was its softest 6+-share since last October’s 2.9. Following three consecutive positive trends for an overall +1.3 (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach – More Music, More Fun” declines by four-tenths to 4.6 (6+), segueing from fifth to seventh. Steady at #4, adult contemporary cluster-mate WLYF “Lite FM” has been trending 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 5.6 (6+) since March, while Cox Media Group-owned/similarly-programmed WFEZ “Easy 93” remains in second-place despite a one-half share dip (6.7 – 6.2, 6+); “Easy” was a very consistent 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.7 (6+) between May and August. It is still an extremely tight race between the market’s two CHR competitors, but WFEZ sibling WFLC “Hits 97.3” (4.4 – 4.5, +.1, seventh to eighth, 6+) has a six-tenths advantage over iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.3 – 3.9, -.4, eighth to ninth, 6+). They were tied for eighth-place in July and separated by one-tenth in August, as “Hits 97.3” picked up three-tenths and “Y-100” added two-tenths. Prior to September’s -.4, “Y-100” was a collective +.6 in three consecutive up or flat monthlies (3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, 6+).

4) Detroit – After registering three straight decreases for a collective -1.4 (4.8 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WJR regains half that loss with a +.7 to 4.1 and carries on at #12 (6+). In August, WJR fell below a four-share (6+) for the first time in more than two years (3.7, July 2015, 6+). Not only does hot AC cluster-mate WDVD progress from ninth to seventh, “96.3 – Today’s Best Music and More” reaches the five-share level (6+) and notches its fourth straight up or flat trend for a cumulative +1.4 (3.6 – 3.6 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0, 6+). Off a combined one-half share in July and August (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies WMGC answers with a +.6 to 3.9, its best 6+-showing since April’s 4.3, but “105.1 The Bounce” remains at #13 (6+). The three stations locked at #2 in August were just one-tenth away from the top spot. Included in that scrum at #2 is iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The ‘80s ‘til Now,” which gains four-tenths (6.0 – 6.4, 6+) to advance to the penthouse for the first time since the “Holiday” 2016 report when it logged a 13.7 (6+); this is the highest 6+-share for WNIC since then. One-tenth behind WNIC is CBS Radio sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (6.0 – 6.3, +.3, 6+), which was off one full-share via three straight downward moves (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.3, 6+) before gaining seven-tenths in August. After posting three straight gains for a full-share improvement (5.2 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+), WNIC faltered by two-tenths in August. The station it dislodges from #1 – CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOMC – drops three-tenths and slips to third (6.1 – 5.8, 6+). As a result of August’s one-tenth loss, WOMC ended three straight gains that generated a collective eight-tenths (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2, 6+). A combined mammoth +2.4 in May and June, iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s Throwbacks and R&B” is -2.1 in three subsequent decreases and departs the top ten (6.4 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.3, #8 to #11, 6+). A decrease of seven-tenths to 4.6 (seventh to eighth, 6+) erases the +.6 that Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Everything That Rocks” recorded in three successive up or flat trends (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3, 6+). In the market’s country tussle, CBS Radio-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” (fifth to sixth) is down for the third time in a row for an overall -1.1 and records its lowest 6+-share since February’s 4.9 (6.2 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+). At the same time, Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” (#18 to #17) hasn’t had an increase since May and is -.6 in that stretch (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia CHR WKQI is without an increase for the fourth straight time for a collective -.7 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), “Channel 95.5 – Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” manages to move from tenth to ninth.

5) Seattle – Up by one-tenth in each of the last three ratings periods (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+), Bonneville’s KIRO-FM “97.3 – Seattle’s News, Seattle’s Talk” explodes with a +1.1 to 4.9 – its highest 6+-share since February’s 5.1 – to soar from #11 all the way to #5. One Emerald City country outlet – CBS Radio’s KMPS “Seattle Country Music Radio” – gains one-tenth (4.2 – 4.3, steady at #7, 6+) as another – Entercom-owned KKWF “100.7 Seattle’s Fresh Country The Wolf” – drops one-tenth (3.3 – 3.2, unchanged at #14, 6+). KMPS is rebounding from August’s, while 3.3 was the highest 6+-share for “The Wolf” since last September’s 4.1. There is minimal August 2017 – September 2017 movement as well regarding the two CHRs as Hubbard’s KQMV “MOViN 92.5 – All the Hits” (flat at #3) and iHeartMedia-owned KPWK “Power 93.3 – Seattle’s New #1 For Hit Music” (3.0 – 2.9, #17 to #19) are both down one-tenth. This represents the fourth time in a row that “MOViN” hasn’t had an increase for an overall -2.1 (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.2 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+). It slipped from first to third in August, following a seven-month run at #1. Owing to a gain of four-tenths to 4.9 (6+), KZOK curtails at five a string of down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+) and the CBS Radio classic rocker remains in fifth-place. Flat at 6.2 (6+), Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW, which improved by one-half share in August, repeats at #1. Its +.5 this time last month pulled the plug on three straight downward moves that produced an overall decline of six-tenths (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.7, 6+). Locked on 6.1 (6+) in July and August, Hubbard adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” regresses by six-tenths to 5.5 (6+) but continues in the runner-up slot.  A combined +1.0 in three straight up or flat trends (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” surrenders four-tenths to 3.6 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #13); 4.0 in August was the station’s highest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 5.5. The remarkably consistent May 2017 – September 2017 6+-profile of iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM – More Music, More Variety” is 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.2 (steady at #14, 6+). The third station (along with aforementioned KKWF and KBKS) in September’s three-way tie at #14 (up from #18 in August) is Crista Media contemporary Christian KCMS “Spirit 105.3,” which posts its fourth consecutive increase for a collective +.8 (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+). A loss of seven-tenths virtually cuts in half the 6+-share of iHeartMedia-owned KFOO “Alt 102.9 – Tacoma’s Rock Alternative” (1.5 – .8, #26, 6+).

6) Phoenix – Massive winning ways continue for Hubbard’s KDKB, which gains an overall three full-shares in ten straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+). Not only does “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” advance from sixth to fourth, it crosses the five-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM–history. Moreover, it had never reached a four-share until this time last month. An addition of seven-tenths enables co-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” to reach the six-share level and progress from third to second (5.3 – 6.0, 6+). Ahead of it by 1.7 shares (6+) and on top for the fifth straight month is yet another Hubbard property – KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” (7.9 – 7.7, -.2, 6+) – which was +1.1 (6.8 – 7.9, 6+) in August. “Classic Rock 100.7” was down a combined one-half share in June and July (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). After trending a steady 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 (April 2017 – July 2017, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM sputtered by one-half share in August, but “98.7 Arizona Sports” rebounds with a gain nearly twice that margin (1.5 – 2.4, +.9, 6+) and returns to the top twenty (#23 to #17). News/talk cluster-mate KTAR-FM not only registers an increase of four-tenths to 3.9 (6+), thus applying the brakes to six straight decreases for a collective -1.3 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+), it is back in the top ten (#12 to #9).  Four straight downward trends eroded KFYI’s 6+-share by more than 55% (3.0 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.3, 6+), however, the iHeartMedia news/talker picks up three-tenths to 1.6 (6+) and climbs from #25 to #23. Jumping by one-half share each are Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ (3.0 – 3.5, #16 to #11, 6+), which was up eight-tenths in August, and Farmworker Educational Radio regional Mexican KNAI (1.9 – 2.4, #19 to #17, 6+). The 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.8 (June – July – August, 6+) sequence by KESZ is stymied by a loss of one full-share to 5.8 (second to third), the lowest 6+-share for the iHeartMedia adult contemporary facility in nearly three years (4.6, 6+, November 2014). A combined +1.7 in June and July (4.7 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+), CBS Radio classic hits-oldies KOOL is now an overall -1.7 in August and September (6.4 – 5.3 – 4.7, third to sixth, 6+). In July, KOOL crossed the six-share threshold for the first time since May 2016’s 6.0 (6+). After being an overall +1.2 in six straight (modest) increases (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+), Maricopa County Community College classical KBAQ forfeits three-tenths to 3.1 (6+) as “K-Bach” drops from #13 to #15. Down seven-tenths in three straight declines (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), CBS Radio’s KMLE “Country @ 107.9” exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Its lead over iHeartMedia’s KNIX is down to one-tenth as “102.5 – Today’s Best Country & All Time Favorites” gains one-tenth (3.3 – 3.4, 6+) to climb from #14 to #13.

7) Minneapolis – Via three consecutive increases (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN “100.3 Sports Radio K-Fan” is up one full-share and advances from ninth to fifth. A combined -.9 in July and August, KMNB “Buz’n” @ 102.9” regains one-half share (3.9 – 4.4, #12 to #11, 6+). In July, the CBS Radio country-formatted outlet curtailed at three a string of consecutive gains that yielded a +1.1 (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+). Format rival – iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” – erodes by one full-share as the result of its third straight dip (6.3 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.3, 6+) and segues from eighth to ninth. Stuck on 4.7 (6+) in July and August after June’s 5.6, American Public Media Group news/talk KNOW improves by one-half share as well to 5.2 (6+) and remains in tenth-place. Swapping places at the top are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” (second to first) and CHR sibling KDWB “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” (first to second). This represents the seventh successive up or flat trend for “Kool 108” which is +1.8 since February (5.4 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6 –  6.8 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+). Frozen on 6.8 (6+) in April and May, KDWB notched back-to-back increases in June and July totaling seven-tenths (6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5, 6+), but is 7.5 – 7.2 – 7.0 (-.5, 6+) in August and September. After finishing first in April, May, and June, “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” segued to #2 in July. Rallying from July’s half-share loss, hot AC sibling KTCZ responded with a +.4 in August, but “Cities 97” falters by eight-tenths in September (4.2 – 3.4, 6+), slipping from #11 to #13. A cumulative -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+), “Cities 97” was +1.3 in January, only to follow it with four consecutive negative trends that produced a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+); it added four-tenths in June. Flat at #3, Hubbard-owned/similarly formatted KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” posts a 6.6 for the fourth time in the last five sweeps (6.6 – 6.6 – 7.6 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+). Prior to July’s +1.0, KSTP-FM was without an increase the previous five sweeps for a -1.1 (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+). Back-to-back increases by KXXR in July and August produced a +.4 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), but the Cumulus Media rocker surrenders six-tenths in September to 5.4 and “93-X” drops from fifth to seventh. Following five (modestly) up or flat moves in a row netting three-tenths (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), Hubbard-owned KTMY “My Talk 107.1” regresses by one-half share to 2.3 (#15 to #17, 6+).

8) San Diego – By picking up six-tenths to 4.4 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KGB: cracks the top ten (#11 to #8); ends three straight sweeps without an increase (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 –   3.8, 6+); and gives “101 San Diego’s Classic Rock” its best 6+ performance since February 2015’s 4.6. Flat at 6.2 (6+), after August’s eight-tenths’ improvement, KPBS repeats at #1. Between January and July, the San Diego State University news/talk facility was in 5.0 – 5.5 range (5.2 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+) and hadn’t been at #1 since this past February. Three-tenths behind it and continuing at #2 is iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KOGO, which is a collective +.6 in three straight up or flat monthlies (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). Up four-tenths in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), Midwest Television news/talk KFMB-AM climbs from #20 to #19. Within 3.1 – 3.3 (6+) range in each of the last seven ratings periods (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+), rock cluster-mate KFMB-FM improves by one-half share to 3.7, its highest 6+-share since April 2016’s 3.7; “100.7 KFM – BFM” continues at #12 (6+). Format rival – iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” – is steady at 2.5 (#17, to #16, 6+). In a spirited three-way CHR battle, XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” (4.1 – 4.2, +.1, tenth to ninth, 6+) overtakes iHeartMedia’s KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.4 – 4.0, -.4, seventh to tenth, 6+), while CBS Radio-owned KEGY “Energy 103.7,” whose last six trends are 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 –  2.4 (6+), is flat at #18. Dropping from fourth to fifth, Entercom’s KSON-FM is an overall -1.1 as the result of three consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.6, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-share for “New Country” since “Holiday” 2016’s 4.0. Co-owned adult contemporary KXSN is off for the third straight time as well (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2, 6+) for an overall loss of one full-share but “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” stays in third-place. Following three successive months of downward moves for a collective -1.4 (4.8 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), KYXY responded with a +.9 in August. The CBS Radio adult contemporary-turned-hot AC returns one-half share in September (4.3 – 3.8, 6+) though and again departs the top ten (#9 to #11).

9) Denver – It continues to be a wild ride for Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan,” which enters the top ten (#14 to #9). Its ten most recent shifts are -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January 2017); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 (April); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); -.9 (July); +1.1 (August); and now +.9 in September (3.4 – 4.3, 6+). A loss of six-tenths in November halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). Last October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. Down a collective eight-tenths in July and August (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures hot AC KIMN “Mix 100 – Today’s Best Mix” recoups 75% of that decrease with a +.6 to 4.1 (#12 to #11, 6+). The combined one-half share that Entercom’s similarly-programmed KALC picked up in June and July (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+) was erased in August (3.4, 6+) and “Alice 105.9” adds another four-tenths to 3.8 to remain at #14. Locked on 4.6 (6+) in July and August, iHeartMedia news/talk KOA posts a one-half share increase to 5.1, progressing from sixth to fourth. September 2017’s two top finishers are KOA’s triple A sibling KBCO “World Class Rock” and Bonneville country outlet KYGO. No longer though are they tied for the lead, as KBCO is up two-tenths, while KYGO (which had sole possession of first-place in June and July) forfeits three-tenths (6.4 – 6.1, 6+), segueing from a first-place tie with “World Class Rock” to #2. Not to be lost in the shuffle is the fact that KBCO has its tenth successive increase nearly doubling its 6+-share (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+). After three straight months at #1, KYGO slipped to #2 in May. Within one-tenth of KYGO in July, Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” is a whopping -1.9 in August and September (6.4 – 5.7 – 4.5, 6+), drifting from fourth to seventh. By recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), “The Mountain” progressed from third to first in May; KQMT improved by one-half share in July. After being down or flat in each of the last seven survey periods for a collective loss of -2.8 (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTCL “Modern Rock – Channel 93-3” adds three-tenths to 4.6 (6+), progressing from tenth to sixth. Off one-half share in June, Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR responds with a collective +1.9 in the subsequent three sweeps (4.0 – 4.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), repeating at #3 and reaching the five-share level (6+) for the first time since March 2016’s 5.7. Both iHeartMedia classic rock KRFX “103.5 The Fox” (4.6 – 4.1, #6 to #11, 6+) and Entravision regional Mexican KXPK “La Tricolor 96.5” erode by one-half share (3.3 – 2.8, flat at #16, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-share for “The Fox” since 4.1 in “Holiday” 2016. As it entered the July sweep, “The Fox” was within 4.1 – 4.7 range (6+) in each of the previous eight survey periods. It gained seven-tenths in July only to relinquish six-tenths in August.      

10) Tampa – Dusting itself off after an August -1.2 (10.5 – 9.3, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV is up tenth to 9.4 (6+) as “Lite Favorites” finishes on top for a staggering 60^th successive ratings period. In advance of the August decline, WDUV had been a collective +1.8 as the result of four successive uptrends (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.5, 6+). In July, “Lite Favorites” registered its most potent 6+-stat (10.5) since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.7. While co-owned classic hits-oldies WXGL is in the runner-up slot for the eleventh straight time, “The Eagle” erodes by an overall -2.2 via four straight down or flat trends (8.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.3 – 5.9, 6+). Having posted five consecutive positive sweeps for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. It is seven-tenths ahead of Beasley Media Group’s similarly-programmed WRBQ “Q-105,” which is flat from August in both 6+-AQH share (5.2) and market rank (#4). Following four consecutive negative trends that produced a collective -1.5 (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+), “Q-105” answered with a +1.1 in August. Slow and steady guides Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” to its third straight gain of one-tenth (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4, #13 to #12, 6+). Not only does iHeartMedia’s WUSF sputter by seven-tenths to drop out of the top ten (4.5 – 3.8, #9 to #11, 6+), “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 For New Country” has its softest 6+-showing in almost seven years (3.3, Holiday” 2010, 6+). Conversely, its direct competitor – Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” – notches its third progressive monthly in a row for an overall +.5 and moves from seventh to sixth (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+). Without a decrease the past four ratings periods for an overall gain of eight-tenths (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP dips by four-tenths to 5.3 (6+), but “95.7 The Beat – Tampa Bay’s Hip-Hop and R&B” continues in third-place. Hot AC cluster-mate WMTX “Mix 100.7” is without an increase for the sixth month in succession (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0, #14 to #15, 6+) and has lost one full-share in that timeframe. Its urban-rhythmic oldies HD2 channel though picks up one-tenth to .8 (6+), thus snapping at five a consecutive skein of down or flat trends for a collective -1.2 (1.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9 – .7, 6+). By dropping two-tenths to 4.9 (6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” concludes four straight sweeps without a loss that yielded a +1.3 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.8 – 5.1, fifth to seventh, 6+); July’s 5.1 was the highest 6+-share for “Joy FM” since the “Holiday” 2016 report (5.1, as well).

11) Baltimore – Boasting the largest 6+ August 2017 – September 2017 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets analyzed here, CBS Radio’s WJZ-FM “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” trots out a +1.3 (4.3 – 5.6, 6+) for its strongest 6+-stat since last October’s 6.5 and jumps from seventh to fifth. With a +.9 to 4.7 (ninth to sixth, 6+), hot AC-turned-CHR sibling WWMX “106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix” pulls the plug on three straight declines that accounted for a collective -1.2 (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). A similar streak is broken in the format, given that iHeartMedia’s WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” adds one-half share to 3.7 (#13 to #10, 6+), thus ending four successive sweeps without an increase for an overall loss of nine-tenths (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). It is a #1/#2 finish for Radio One properties as urban contemporary WERQ “Q-92 Jams,” which was a collective -1.5 in July and August (8.7 – 8.0 – 7.2, 6+) slipping to third-place, registers a gain of six-tenths to 7.8 (6+) and catches urban AC sibling WWIN “Magic 95.9” at #1. Off six-tenths in July, “Magic” records a 7.8 (6+) for the third straight month. Its gain of four-tenths in June curtailed at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). Prior to June, “Magic” had been on top the previous five straight monthlies. With a gain of one-half share in May (7.5 – 8.0, 6+), “Q-92” tied “Magic” at #1, but the tie was broken in June when “Q-92” gained seven-tenths to 8.7 (6+). Showing a net loss of eight-tenths as a result of being down or flat for the fifth month in a row (8.0 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” shifts from second to third. The May – June – July – August up/down sequence by CBS Radio-owned adult hits WQSR of +1.2 in May; -.5 in June; +.9 in July; and -.3 in August (4.4 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+) concludes as “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore” surrenders one full-share to 4.7 (6+) and slips from fifth to sixth; July’s 6.0 was the best 6+-performance for “Jack” since 6.1 in March 2015. On the heels of its August +.6, independent news/talk WCBM relinquishes nine-tenths (3.4 – 2.5, #11 to #14, 6+); 3.4 was its highest 6+-share since 3.5 in March. The six most recent trends for Hearst news/talk WBAL are 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 (steady at #11, 6+). Co-owned WIYY, however, regresses by eight-tenths (5.5 – 4.7, 6+) and has its weakest 6+-stat since August 2016’s 4.4; even so, “98 Rock” stays at #6. After dialing up a one-half share increase in August to 6.9, its strongest 6+-showing since January’s 7.1, CBS Radio adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” returns it in its entirety (6.4, 6+) and is unchanged at #4. More than doubling its 6+-share in four straight improvements between April and August (.6 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), CBS Radio-owned/Bloomberg-operated business news WDCH is off one-tenth to 1.2 but remains at #15 (6+).

12) St. Louis – The third consecutive gain by CBS Radio KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” propels the heritage news/talk outlet, which is a collective +1.1 since June (7.3 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+), from second to first. Displaced from the lead position after a three-month stay there and relocating to the runner-up slot is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU (8.5 – 7.7, -.8, 6+). Following three consecutive sweeps on top, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April. Not only does Radio One urban contemporary WHHL return to the top ten (#14 to #10), “Hot 104.1” is up one-tenth to 3.7 (6+), thus applying the brakes to three straight down or flat sweeps that generated a collective -1.4 (5.0 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+). Ups/downs continue for Hubbard adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch,” which was -.6 in a June – July mini-slide (6.4 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+); gained twice that loss margin with a +1.2 in August; but is -.7 in September (7.0 – 6.3, fourth to fifth, 6+). With a 7.0 in August, “The Arch” crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last December’s 7.6. In four consecutive improvements, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KMJM “100.3 The Beat” has gained eight-tenths (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8, flat at #17, 6+). Unchanged at #7, CBS Radio adult contemporary KEZK is up or flat for the fourth sweep in succession and is a collective +.6 since May (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). Conversely, hot AC cluster-mate KYKY “Y-98” is without an increase for the eighth month in a row for a net loss of -2.5 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+), falling from eighth to tenth. Part of a four-way tie at #12 are iHeartMedia CHR KSLZ “Z-107.7 – St. Louis’ #1 Hit Music Station” (3.8 – 3.5, -.3, flat at #12, 6+) and Emmis’ similarly-formatted KNOU “Now 96.3” (3.5, -.2, up from #13 in August, 6+). “Now” had been up in each of the past three sweeps for an overall +.6 (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+). Modestly down or flat in each of the last six ratings periods for a collective loss of seven-tenths (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), news/talk sibling KFTK slips from #15 to #16. Although remaining in third-place, co-owned rocker KSHE is off by one full-share via three straight downward moves (7.9 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+). Unlisted for the ninth consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).