Tag: "WGN"

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

FAIR Sets September 5 and 6 for Washington Radio Row. The Federation for American Immigration Reform sets Wednesday, September 5 and Thursday, September 6 as the dates for its 12th annual “Hold Their Feet to the Fire/America at the Midterms” radio row in Washington, D.C.  Talk hosts from across the country will broadcast live both days, debating immigration policy while interviewing members of Congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists, administration officials, and others.  FAIR executive director Bob Dane states, “The outcome of this year’s midterms will determine whether President Trump will have an opportunity to fully deliver on his campaign promises to secure our borders, stop illegal immigration, enhance national security, rein in sanctuary policies, and push for reforms that serve our broad American interests.  This year’s event will focus on the political landscape halfway through the Trump Administration, educate Americans about what has been accomplished, what’s left to do, what’s at stake and what listeners can do to make informed voting choices on the immigration issue.”  As in recent years, the event takes place at the Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill.  Reservations are required and hosts should call FAIR now to reserve their free broadcast booth.   Contact event manager Joe Gomez at 202-328-7004 or jgomez@fairus.org.  Congressional guests, activists, high-profile media personalities, and immigration experts will be in attendance and available throughout the event for wall-to-wall interviews with an expected crowd of 65 talk hosts.

Harvill to Lead Cumulus San Francisco.  Appointed to serve as vice president and market manager for Cumulus Media’s San Francisco station group is media executive Doug Harvill.  He was most recently CBS RADIO’s SVP and market manager in San Francisco.  Harvill says, “Over the past 12 years I’ve competed against the Cumulus San Francisco properties and am acutely aware of both the significant strengths and growth opportunities for these legendary stations.  Think about these call letters: KNBR, KFOG, KGO, KSAN, KSFO and KTCT.  These are iconic radio brands with passionate listeners.  I am excited to work with the people who create these powerful community-centered stations.”

Nielsen Audio to Re-Issue Los Angeles PPMs – Back to October.  The notification from Nielsen Audio doesn’t specify why the panelists in question are being pulled from the Los Angeles PPM survey. Here’s what the ratings giant tells the industry: “The integrity of our data is a top priority.  Effective with the April monthly currency data (March 29-April 25), Nielsen removed four homes from the Los Angeles PPM panel.  An internal review determined that these homes did not meet our compliance and data integrity standards.  In addition, we conducted an analysis of data from October 2017 to March 2018 and we have determined that the data for these months will be reissued.  Therefore, we will publish revised audio data for these months in Los Angeles starting with March monthly data on Tuesday, May 22, at 12:00 noon local time.”  The first round of April PPMs was released yesterday afternoon.  Mike Kinosian’s “Takeaways” and a link to all the numbers is published below.

TALKERS News Notes. The photo above is one of two Allstate Skyline Studios at the new digs of Tribune’s WGN, Chicago.  The station is still about a month away from the first live broadcast from the new offices as it moves from its longtime home in the Tribune Tower on N. Michigan Ave. to the 18^th floor of 303 E. Wacker Drive.  As you can see in the photo, the new 16-thousand-square-foot office space offers sweeping vistas of both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.  There are two Allstate Skyline Studios with northeast (above) and northwest views, six dedicated studios to the podcast platform WGN Plus, and a 650-square-foot performance studio and stage for live music and radio dramas with seating for 25 plus standing room.  At the core of the studio space is the WGN Radio journalism hub, home base for the station’s 24/7 news room.  The new headquarters includes an expanded video production suite with green screen for WGN Radio’s in-house content agency DATS.  The station says that the layout “invites all employees to work in the content space and features state-of-the-art lighting for video production, broadcast, and streaming.”  The project was spearheaded by WGN chief engineer Bill Murdoch.  WGN station manager and VP of content Todd Manley says, “An investment like this represents the strength of our brand beyond traditional broadcast.  It recognizes our success on every platform.  What an exciting time for this 94-year-old start-up.”…..Small business expert, talk show host, and author Jim Blasingame is publishing his fourth book.  The host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show, “The Small Business Advocate,” releases The 3rd Ingredient: The Journey of Analog Ethics into the World of Digital Fear and Greed (2018, SBN Books).  In this book, Blasingame reveals a once-in-10-millennia shift is at the heart of the unprecedented anxiety we’re experiencing as we make the transition from an analog world to a digital one.  He says, “Hundreds of years before a robot takes us down, we humans will do it to ourselves by failing to establish effective digital ethics.  We have to determine what digital trust looks like.  We have to start now.”  Blasingame argues that a shift of this magnitude – about something so much a part of our very being, our ethical DNA – has never happened before in human society and markets.  The source of so much anxiety about technology comes from expecting our miles-per-hour analog ethics to transition and perform in a billions-of-bits-per-second digital environment, with virtually no conversation…..Nationally syndicated talk radio host Walter Sterling (left) is pictured below in the WLS-AM, Chicago studios where he recently hosted his Westwood One program, “Sterling on Sunday.”  Pictured with Sterling is Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin (right), who told listeners that a major source of criminal behavior is a lack of fathers in the home.  Speaking about doing the program from Chicago, Sterling says, “Program director Peter Bolger, market manager Marv Nyren, and producer Michael Garay made this fun and easy.  The listener got an authentic earful of street life in Chicago.”

In Studio at KFI, Los Angeles.  Pictured above is ABC News chief business, technology and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis (center) in the KFI, Los Angeles studios with midday hosts Gary Hoffmann (right) and Shannon Farren (left).  Jarvis has been doing weekly, Monday guest appearances on the program for the past three years, usually from her desk in New York City, but yesterday she had the opportunity to be in the LA studios.

U.S. Embassy Opening-Gaza Violence, U.S. Exits Iran Nuclear Deal, Trump’s ZTE Statement, SCOTUS Sports Betting Ruling, Margot Kidder Dies, Melania Hospitalized, MLB Action, and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/14). The official opening of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem and the deadly Gaza violence; The response to President Trump’s withdrawing the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal; reaction to President Trump’s desire to “save” Chinese tech firm ZTE; the Supreme Court strikes down 1992 federal law preventing states from allowing sports betting; actress Margot Kidder dies at 69; First Lady Melania Trump is hospitalized for treatment for a kidney condition; Major League Baseball action, and the NBA playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Salem Offers Florida Studios for Rent. Planning to have some “fun in the sun?” Why not combine business with pleasure?  Chances are that you would like to visit the Sunshine State sometime soon.  If you have a weekly or daily radio show – why not make plans to broadcast from any of our conveniently located studios in Orlando, Tampa or Miami?  In 2017 the state of Florida saw a record number of visitors — 116.5 million, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing arm.  With proper advance planning – you can feel right at home and broadcast your regular show, no need for pre-recordings or replays!  Contact us at Salem Media Florida to find out more!  Our rates are most affordable! Call Jim Glogowski in Miami (786)871-2407, Barb Yoder in Tampa (813)-349-8232, or Bill Files in Orlando (407)-682-9494 ext. 1760.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. A new music format from Envision Networks is targeting the United States markets that have “become so culturally blended with millennial relationships so diverse that English-speaking and Hispanic backgrounds have become integrated into the same circle of family, friends and lifestyles.” Envision says this is reflected in their musical tastes and listening habits and that’s the inspiration behind the “No Borders Radio.”  The company adds that the format is balanced to reach English-speaking millennials and Latino 18-44 females by blending the best North American pop hits with their counterparts from Central and South America…..Cumulus Media is importing “The Woody Show” for three of its alternative rock stations.  On May 21, the Premiere Networks-syndicated morning show airs on KHTB, Salt Lake City; KCJK-FM, Kansas City “X105.1,” and WZRH, New Orleans “Alt 92.3”. Cumulus VP of rock programming Troy Hanson says, “We are delighted to continue to grow our relationship with ‘The Woody Show’ in three key markets in our alternative portfolio.  ‘The Woody Show’ is the destination for what people are talking about and the New Orleans, Kansas City and Salt Lake City communities will be well served by their funny slice of life.”…..Sun Broadcast Group enters into a sales and affiliate partnership with “The Woody & Wilcox Show.”  The program becomes part of the SBG network lineup on June 1.  It’s currently heard on WEND, Charlotte “106.5 The End,” WRDU, Raleigh; KKZX, Spokane; and more…..Alpha Media names Daena Kramer general sales manager for its San Jose market stations.  Kramer began her career as an account executive with CBS RADIO in Las Vegas.  She’s also worked on air on KXTE, Las Vegas and KHMX, Houston.  She says, “Radio has been in my blood since I was a kid, but I never imagined the amazing journeys it would take me on.  I can’t express how excited I am to be back in California with such a fantastic company as Alpha Media and to take on a new challenge in San Jose.  Nobody has taught me more about the radio business than [market manager] Lori Heeren, and I’m thrilled to be working with her again.”

Round One of April PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio‘s April 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). Nielsen’s April 2018 PPM survey period covered March 29 – April 25.  See all the number from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets.

TAKEAWAYS

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – This marks 2018’s first Major League Baseball (MLB) sweep and it produces very good news for the flagships of the Yankees and Mets. Specifically, Entercom’s WFAN “Sports Radio” (Yankees) is up eight-tenths (3.1 – 3.9, #13 to #8, 6+), while iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” (Mets) improves by six-tenths (1.9 – 2.5, #18 to #15, 6+). Following five survey periods in a row without an increase resulting in a nearly 50% loss (-2.5) of its 6+-share (5.2 – 5.2 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), WFAN picked up four-tenths in March. Prior to February, the last time WFAN dropped below a three-share (6+) was March 2017 (2.9). A +.1 by WOR in March ended five straight down or flat reports for a -.4 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+). In the all-news arena, Entercom’s WINS sputters by seven-tenths (6.2 – 5.5, third to fourth, 6+), while co-owned and similarly-formatted WCBS-AM relinquishes 80% of March’s +.5 (3.3 – 2.9, -.4, #11 to #13, 6+). Prior to March, WCBS-AM was stuck on 2.8 (6+) the previous three sweeps; 3.3 (March 2018) is the station’s strongest 6+-showing in more than three years (4.0, February 2015). As they were in March, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC (1.2 – 1.1, -.1, 6+) and Townsquare Media’s similarly-programmed WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” are tied at #23. The latter’s last 12 New York City report trends are 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 (6+). For the third month in succession, Emmis-owned/ESPN-operated WEPN posts a 1.3 (6+) and “98.7 ESPN New York” remains at #22. When WEPN picked up two-tenths in February, it halted three downward moves in succession that produced a loss of seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+). In the public news/talk arena, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM is up two-tenths (3.2 – 3.4, #12 to #10, 6+), while co-owned WNYC-AM drops one-tenth (.7 – .6, #27 to #28, 6+).

New York City Music Formats –

A collective +7.1 in five consecutive gains (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 7.0 – 8.8 – 13.1, 6+), WLTW was -5.1 in January and February (13.1 – 8.5 – 8.0, 6+); however, “106.7 Lite FM” rebounds in March and April with a +.5 (8.0 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+). The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet remains on top for the ninth time in a row. While continuing in the runner-up slot, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” is off two-tenths to 6.1 (6+), thus ending three successive increases that netted a collective +1.4 (4.9 – 5.0 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+). Its March 2018 6.3 is the best 6+-showing for WCBS-FM since July 2017’s 6.6. The six-tenths advantage (6+) that Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7” had over Cumulus Media-owned format rival WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” is down to four-tenths as “Fresh” is off three-tenths (2.7 – 2.4, #14 to #16, 6+), while WPLJ drops one-tenth (2.1 – 2.0, #16 to #17, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing a down/up pattern that commenced in December (4.1 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” slips from sixth to seventh. When KFI dipped by two-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it ended at six a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a collective eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Cluster-mate KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot,” which was stuck on 1.0 (6+) for six straight sweeps, is now off by one-tenth in consecutive monthlies (1.0 – .9 – .8, #32 to #34, 6+). Meanwhile, Salem Media Group’s KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” drops one-tenth (1.1 – 1.0, flat at #29, 6+) and Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” once again posts a .5 (6+) but skids from #37 to #39. Not only does Entercom all-news outlet KNX regress by six-tenths (3.2 – 2.6, 6+), “1070 News Radio” departs the top ten (#10 to #13); February’s 3.3 was its best 6+-stat since June 2017 (3.3, as well). It is tied with Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” (2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #14 to #13, 6+). Linked as well (at #31) are KSPN “710 ESPN” (-.1, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned Los Angeles Dodgers flagship KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (.5 – .9, #37 to #31, 6+). KSPN’s December 2017 – April 2018 topline 6+-trending is 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9.

Los Angeles Music Formats – Without a decrease in each of the last four survey periods (2.7 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom adult hits KCBS-FM is a collective +1.7 as “93.1 Jack FM Playing What We Want” inches up from seventh to sixth. In a similar vein, co-owned smooth AC KTWV “The Wave” is a collective +.7 in four straight months without a loss (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8, fourth to third, 6+). Having lost more than half (-6.6) of its 6+-share in consecutive surveys since the “Holiday” 2017 report (11.9 – 5.5 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST bounces back in March and April with a combined +.7 (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+); “Coast 103.5” repeats at #1. Following a January-February-March (6+) trending of 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.4, Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KLAX “La Raza 97.9” regresses by nine-tenths to 2.5 (6+), plummeting out of the top ten (#9 to #16). Although flat at #12, Cumulus Media’s KLOS “95.5 The Rock of Southern California” drops one-tenth to 2.7 (6+), curtailing at five its successive string of up or flat trends that accounted for a +.4 (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” (2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #22 to #20, 6+) is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 30^th time in succession; March 2018’s 2.0 was its lowest 6+-stat since January 2016 (2.0, as well). The market’s (6+) mainstream CHR share erodes by six-tenths as iHeartMedia’s KIIS “Kiss-FM” is -.2 (4.7 – 4.5, fourth to fifth, 6+), while Entercom’s KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” falters by four-tenths (2.9 – 2.5, #11 to #16, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Down two-tenths in back-to-back reports (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” roars back with a +.9 to 3.2, as the Chicago Cubs flagship rockets from #20 to #13. “The Score” posted a full-share gain in October (3.9 – 4.9, 6+) and improved by six-tenths in January but was a combined -2.8 between October 2017 – “Holiday” 2017 (4.9 – 3.6 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+). Format rival – ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” – is trending a very consistent 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 (#23 to #24, 6+). A combined +.8 in March and April (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, #18 to #15, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ ended six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in a collective -.7 (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Up by eight-tenths in January and February (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom all-news WBBM-AM is a collective -.4 in March and April (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9, 6+), dropping from second to fourth; February’s 5.3 was its finest 6+-stat since March 2017’s 5.4. After January’s one-half share gain to 3.3 (6+) – its best 6+-stat since May 2017 (3.3, as well) – Tribune Media news/talk WGN is a collective -1.3 in three successive decreases (3.3 – 3.1 – 2.2 – 2.0, flat at #21, 6+). Prior to January, WGN notched a 2.8 (6+) in four of the previous seven sweeps. It remains two-tenths ahead of Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM, which dips by two-tenths to 1.8 (unchanged at #22). WLS-AM had registered seven straight up or flat ratings periods and was +.7 in that stretch (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – In its fourth straight up or flat trend (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 4.2 – 4.6, steady at #5, 6+), Hubbard’s WDRV “97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock” is a combined +2.1. Remaining on a roll as well, Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO is +1.7 in four increases in a row (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+) with “Que Buena 105.1” leaping from fifth to second. Prior to March, “Que Buena” had been within 3.3 – 3.9 range (6+) in each of the previous 12 sweeps. Steady at 6.1 (6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” is on top for the fourth month in succession; WVAZ ranked first from February 2017 through September. Segueing from fourth to seventh, Entercom’s WBMX “104.3 Jams” forfeits twice as much as its March half-share gain (4.5 – 3.5, -1.0, 6+). Following a combined +3.0 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (2.4 – 4.4 – 5.4, 6+), “104.3 Jams” was -1.4 in January and February (5.4 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+). A one-half share loss (3.1 – 2.6, 6+) sinks Hubbard adult contemporary WSHE “100.3 SHE The Best Variety” from #11 to #19. Approximately one-third into the March ratings period, classic rock WLUP “The Loop” transitioned to contemporary Christian WCKL “Positive, Encouraging K-Love.” It eroded by -1.9 in that sweep (3.2 – 1.3, #11 to #26, 6+). Until the sale is finalized, Educational Media Foundation is operating the Merlin Media-owned station, which disappears from print in April. Gone as well this sweep is Window to the World classical WFMT, which had been trending 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2 (6+) since “Holiday” 2017.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats – Busting out from a (6+) trending of 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.9 with a gain of nine-tenths to 3.8 (6+), Cumulus Media-owned San Francisco Giants flagship KNBR “The Sports Leader” vaults back into the top ten (#11 to #5). Meanwhile, Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (key station of the Oakland A’s) is without a loss for the eighth time in a row, more than doubling (+1.3) its 6+-stat in that timeframe (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3, #17 to #16, 6+). While #1 for the fourth time in succession, KQED surrenders one-half share to 8.4 (6+). The Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talker was a combined +1.3 via three straight positive spikes (7.6 – 8.1 – 8.8 – 8.9, 6+). It had been on top 12 consecutive times before “Holiday” 2017. A gain of four-tenths in July halted at four a successive streak without an increase that produced a -1.0 (7.7 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+). KQED added one-half share in August (7.1 – 7.6, 6+); relinquished 60% of that increase in September (7.3, -.3, 6+); and was +1.3 in November (7.3 – 8.6, 6+). After gaining six-tenths in January (5.6 – 6.2, 6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM is down for the third time in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (6.2 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+) but carries on in the runner-up slot. Up eight-tenths in October, KCBS-AM was a combined -1.2 via three straight drops in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017 (6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4 – 5.6, 6+). October’s 6.8 was its strongest 6+-performance since February 2017 (6.8, as well). In five straight decreases, KSFO was a combined -1.3 (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1, #15 to #17, 6+), but the Cumulus Media news/talker gains two-tenths to 2.3 (6+) and is tied with KGMZ at #16. The aforementioned negative streak by KSFO followed four straight gains that doubled (+1.7) its 6+ stat (1.7 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+). News/talk sibling KGO is trending 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+) and remains at #20.

San Francisco Music Formats – Steady at number four, iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” is up nine-tenths via three increases in a row (3.2 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+). Conversely, owing to its third consecutive loss, hot AC sibling KIOI “Star 101.3 – More Music, More Variety” is -1.0 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), slipping from eighth to ninth. Similarly-formatted/Entercom-owned KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” is -.6 in three straight (modest) declines (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+) and remains in seventh-place. After picking up seven-tenths in four straight upticks (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+), its CHR cluster-mate KMVQ “99.7 Now – New Hit Music” falters by four-tenths to 3.4 (fifth to eighth, 6+). Without increases for the fourth time in a row are Alpha Media classic hits-oldies and hot AC siblings KBAY “94.5 Bay FM The Bay’s Greatest Hits” (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5, #23, 6+) and KEZR “Mix 106 Today’s Best Music” (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3, #24, 6+); “Bay FM” is -.6 in that stretch while “Mix” is -.2.

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Five straight negative trends by Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” resulted in a -1.2 (3.1 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), but the Texas Rangers flagship dials up a +.5 to 2.4 (#22 to #18, 6+). After dropping three-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (3.5 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” adds four-tenths to 3.3 (#14 to #12, 6+). “The Ticket” was stuck on 3.0 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2017 and registered a +.5 in January. A collective -.7 in five consecutive downward moves (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” is up one-tenth in consecutive monthlies (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1, #31 to #32, 6+). While flat at 2.6 (6+), Entercom news – talk hybrid KRLD-AM slips from #15 to #17. Its -.2 in March ended at seven a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted seven-tenths (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM is within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0. In the news/talk arena, North Texas Public Broadcasting’s KERA, which was 2.4 (6+) in February and March, drops one-tenth to 2.3 and departs the top twenty (#17 to #21); Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” regains half the four-tenths it lost in March (2.0 – 2.2, +.2, #21 to #22, 6+); Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” is up one-tenth to 1.0 (flat at #33, 6+); and Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” gains one-tenth as well (.5 – .6, unchanged at #35, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – In four straight up or flat trends (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5, fifth to third, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KSCS “96.3 New Country” is a +.6 and it overtakes co-owned/similarly-programmed KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” (fourth to fifth), which continues a down/up pattern (4.8 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Tacking on seven-tenths to March’s +.6 (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is #1 for the fourth straight month. When “Kiss” reached #1 in January, it was the first time the mainstream CHR held the lead position since March 2017. Improving by one-half share each are co-owned adult contemporary KDGE “Star 102.1 – More Music, More Variety” (#15 to #14, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KDXX “Latino Mix” (2.3 – 2.8, #19 to #16, 6+). In three straight monthlies without a loss, “Star” is up six-tenths (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), while this is the best 6+-showing for “Latino Mix” since 3.0 in November. Following three up-trends in a row that netted nine-tenths (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+) Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDA “Air 1 Positive Hits” returns seven-tenths of that increase (1.2, #31, 6+). Down an overall seven-tenths in January and February (3.7 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR KBFB “97.9 The Beat” recorded a one-half share increase in March but sputters by six-tenths in April (3.5 – 2.9, #11 to #15, 6+). Off by six-tenths as well are Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 K-LUV” (5.0 – 4.4, third to fourth, 6+) and adult hits sibling KJKK “100.3 Jack-FM” (4.2 – 3.6, sixth to ninth, 6+). Off by six-tenths as well are Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 K-LUV” (5.0 – 4.4, third to fourth, 6+) and adult hits sibling KJKK “100.3 Jack-FM” (4.2 – 3.6, sixth to ninth, 6+). After being frozen on 3.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018, iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks” (ninth to seventh) records a 3.9 (6+) for the third time in a row.

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – After recording a .7 (6+) in each of the last four ratings periods, iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” – the flagship of the defending World Series champion Houston Astros – nearly doubles it to 1.3 (+.6, #26 to #22, 6+). Elsewhere in the market’s sports talk format, Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” returns the one-tenth it gained in March (.9 – .8 – .9 – .8, #23 to #26, 6+) and Gow Communications’ KFNC “ESPN 97.5” adds two-tenths (.5 – .7, #28 to #27, 6+). Finishing back-to-back at #15 and #16, respectively, are University of Houston news/talk KUHF (4.0 – 3.6, -.4, #10 in March, 6+), which surrenders in its entirety March’s +.4 and iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740” (3.4 – 3.3, -.1, 6+). Both KUHF and KTRH improved by six-tenths in January. In advance of its January +.6, KTRH was without an increase in the previous four monthlies for an overall -1.4 (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – Having finished first in four successive sweeps, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” shifted to second in March. It answers March’s -1.1 with an April +.8 though and returns to the top spot (7.3 – 6.2 – 8.0, 6+), where it is tied with Radio One’s KMJQ (6.8 – 7.0, +.2, repeats at #1, 6+). “Sunny,” which finished second in October and November, was -5.4 in January but gained two-tenths in February. Its 12.5 in “Holiday” 2017 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston station reached double-digits (6+) since that ratings period. Immediately prior to September’s -.8, KODA was a collective +1.7 via four straight up or flat monthlies (5.5 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+). Urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 – The People’s Station” was stuck on 7.0 (6+) in January and February, dropping to 6.8 (6+) in March. As the result of three straight decreases (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+), KSBJ Educational Foundation’s KSBJ erodes by a cumulative -1.5 as “89.3 Contemporary Christian Music – God Listens” exits the top ten (#9 to #13). Within 3.1 – 3.5 range in each of the last seven sweeps (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOVE “Amor 106.5” falters by six-tenths to 2.9 (#16 to #17, 6+). More major ups/downs for Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot,” which was +1.0 in January; -.9 in February; +.8 in March; and now -.5 in April (4.1 – 5.1 – 4.2 – 5.0 – 4.5, fifth to eighth, 6+). January’s 5.1 was the best 6+-showing for “The Spot” since last June and July (5.1, as well). In five straight sweeps without a loss (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTBZ was +1.7 but “94.5 The Buzz – Houston’s Rock and Alternative” slips by three-tenths to 5.2 (6+) and carries on in fourth-place.

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Stabilizing itself in March with a 2.6 (6+) after February’s -1.1, Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” trots out a +.7 in April to 3.3 (#17 to #14, 6+). In advance of February’s loss, “The Game” was a combined +.7 in three straight gains (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+). As the result of six successive sweeps without a decrease (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is +.6; the flagship of the Atlanta Braves enters the top twenty (#22 to #20). Notwithstanding it is #1 for the 29^th successive ratings period, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is -2.5 in three consecutive negative moves (10.2 – 9.4 – 8.4 – 7.7, 6+); it was +1.6 in January. WSB-AM notched three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (8.6 – 8.9 – 9.9 – 10.2, 6+) but then was a combined -1.6 in three consecutive drops (10.2 – 10.0 – 9.1 – 8.6, October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017, 6+). January 2017’s 10.7 represents its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. Steady at #19, Cumulus Media news/talk WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” is up two-tenths to 2.0 (6+), after recording a 1.8 (6+) three straight times. With a December 2017 – April 2018 topline of 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 (6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE remains at #8. Georgia State University news/talk WRAS, which had been +.3 in three consecutive up or flat moves (.7 – .7 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), is off by an overall four-tenths in March and April (1.0 – .7 – .6, #26 to #29, 6+). At #31 and #33, respectively, are iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” (.1 – .2, +.1, 6+) and Salem Media Group’s WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” (flat at .1, 6+).  

Atlanta Music Formats –  Five upticks or flat moves in succession by Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” have netted two full-shares (3.9 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.9, steady at #4, 6+). Similarly, Cumulus Media CHR WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” is +.5 in five straight positive or flat trends (4.1    – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), progressing from ninth to seventh. The market’s (6+) country share increases by three-tenths as iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” (+.1 in April) registers its fourth increase in a row for an overall gain of six-tenths (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7, seventh to sixth, 6+), while Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5” (+.2 in April) is up seven-tenths in four successive up or flat trends (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 (#13 to #12, 6+). This is the fourth negative move in a row for Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 Fish” (8.5 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.2, sixth to eighth, 6+), which is -4.3 (roughly -50%) in that stretch. “The Fish” was a combined +2.9 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.6 – 7.2 – 8.5, 6+) but now has its lowest 6+ share (4.2) since July 2017’s 3.9. A November decrease of one-tenth pulled the plug at four its string of successive trends without a loss that netted a +1.8 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+). As the result of three downward trends in succession (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.5, #16 to #17, 6+), Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1 Today’s Hits” is a cumulative -1.4. In three straight positive spikes, Radio One urban AC WAMJ was an overall +1.2 (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+), but “Majic” drops three-tenths to 5.1 and is unchanged at #5. Prior to March, WAMJ was within 4.1 – 4.9 range (6+) in each of the previous 17 sweeps. In addition to being up nine-tenths in three consecutive up or flat moves (5.8 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.7, third to second, 6+), Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” has its best 6+-showing (6.7) since “Holiday” 2016 (6.7, as well). In four straight down or flat trends, iHeartMedia alternative WRDA “Alt 105.7” is off by one-half share (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5, #22, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Another MLB flagship turning in a strong April performance is Entercom sports talk WIP (Phillies), which picks itself up from March’s massive -2.9 with a +1.1 (8.7 – 5.8 – 6.9, fifth to fourth, 6+). Huge shifts have been common lately for WIP, including an overall -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (8.0 – 7.1 – 6.9, 6+); a +2.6 in January 2018; and -.8 in February. Its format rival –  Beasley Media Group’s WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” – adds three-tenths to 2.8 (#17 to #14, 6+); “The Fanatic” was +.9 in January. On the heels of posting a +.9 in March (5.1 – 6.0, 6+) for its strongest 6+-showing in three years (6.1, March 2015), Entercom all-news KYW surrenders one full-share in April (5.0, fourth to seventh, 6+). KYW improved by one full-share in January and then dropped one-tenth in February. Steady at #9, public news/talk WHYY adds two-tenths to March’s +.3 (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+). WHYY chalked up a +1.0 in January and was -.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Locked on 1.8 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 and then on 1.9 (6+) in February and March, Entercom news talk WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” drops to 1.5 (#19 to #23, 6+). Unchanged at #21, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5,” which had been a collective +.6 in six straight up or flat Philadelphia sweeps (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), is off two-tenths to 1.6 (6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – By posting an increase of six-tenths (2.8 – 3.4, #15 to #12 6+), Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 BEN-FM” has its best 6+-showing since October 2016 (3.4, as well). The January 2018 – April 2018 6+-topline for WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” is a very consistent 8.3 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.3 (6+) as the Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary repeats at #1. WBEB was -8.7 in January, but in five straight increases before that, “Today’s 101.1 More FM” was a collective +10.3 (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 12.8 – 17.0, 6+). In “Holiday” 2017, WBEB achieved its most potent 6+-share since 17.9 in “Holiday” 2016. Steady at #2, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” is a combined +1.7 in three upticks in succession (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 7.0, 6+); this (7.0) is its best 6+-stat since September’s 7.4. Registering its fourth straight improvement for an overall +1.3 (3.6 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom-owned WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” carries on in eighth-place. In seven straight up or flat trends, Connoisseur Media hot AC WPST “94.5 PST” has gained one-half share (.7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 -1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2, #24, 6+). Deflating by one-half share each are iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WISX “Real 106.1” (2.7, #13 to #15, 6+) and Radio One urban AC WRNB “100.3 R N B” (3.1 – 2.6, #14 to #16, 6+). “Real” was +.8 in three straight increases (2.4 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Flat at 2.9 in March (6+), following February’s -1.1, Entercom’s WFAN “Sports Radio” hauls out a +1.1 in April (2.9 – 4.0, 6+) as the New York Yankees’ flagship is back in Long Island’s top ten (#14 to #7). Meanwhile, the key station of the New York Mets – iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” – notches a +.6 (2.5 – 3.1, #16 to #13). WOR was an overall +.8 in three straight gains (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), before returning three-tenths in March. Albeit down one-tenth (3.0 – 2.9, #13 to #14, 6+), Entercom all-news WCBS-AM overtakes co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS (3.3 – 2.8, -.5, #10 to #15, 6+). WCBS-AM gained two-tenths in January, curtailing four straight down or flat trends for an overall loss of one full-share (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). In March, it recaptured the four-tenths it dropped in February. Without an increase in Long Island for six successive survey periods for a -1.3 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+), WINS was +.4 in March. In addition to posting its fourth consecutive positive spike for an overall +.9 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), Emmis-owned WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” cracks the top twenty (#24 to #19). Down one-tenth to 1.4 (yet moving from #26 to #25, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC has its consecutive streak of Long Island up or flat trends that yielded a +.4 end at three (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+). Trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 (6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM drops from #22 to #24.

Long Island Music Formats – A gain of six-tenths (3.8 – 4.4, eighth to fourth, 6+) enables Connoisseur Media classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM” to have its best 6+-stat (4.4) since last June (4.4, as well). Also improving by six-tenths is Sacred Heart University’s WSHU “NPR News and Classical Music” (.6 – 1.2, #27, 6+). Even though its 6+-share has been pared in excess of 50% (-6.5) in four straight sweeps without an increase (12.6 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.1, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5” is nonetheless #1 for the seventh consecutive time. “Real Variety” was an overall +7.2 in October – November – December – “Holiday” 2017 (5.4 – 6.7 – 8.7 – 12.6, 6+). Off by nine-tenths in October, WALK-FM was on top between June and September. After three consecutive increases that generated a +2.1 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 6.3, 6+), it dropped one-tenth in July; rebounded with a +.7 in August; but surrendered six-tenths in September. In back-to-back sweeps, iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” falters by six-tenths (4.6 – 4.0 – 3.4, sixth to tenth, 6+). Via three consecutive increases (2.3 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 4.3, 6+), Connoisseur Media adult contemporary WKJY was +2.0, but “Long Island’s K-98.3” dips by one-tenth to 4.2 (6+), slipping from fifth to sixth. Within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the 42^nd consecutive ratings period, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” is off by one-tenth (2.6 – 2.5, #15 to #16, 6+).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – Down by a cumulative six-tenths in February and March (1.3 – .9 – .7, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR regains half that loss to 1.0 (+.3, #15 to #13, 6+). Prior to February, KVCR was +.4 via three minor upticks in a row (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+). With a very consistent Inland Empire November 2017 – April 2018 topline of .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 (6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” moves from #17 to #18. It is part of a five-way logjam there with iHeartMedia’s KUBE “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM – Riverside’s Sports Station” (.1 – .3, +.2, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – An overall +1.2 as the result of three upticks in a row (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom country outlet KFRG “K-Frog” continues in the runner-up slot. After dipping by one-half share in March (5.2 – 4.7, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” answers with a +.6 to 5.3 (fourth to third, 6+). Anaheim Broadcasting’s KCAL-FM registers a one-half share increase (2.1 – 2.6, 6+) as “96.7 Rocking’ The Empire” rises from tenth to eighth. After racking up a cumulative +2.9 in January and February (5.5 – 7.3 – 8.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies cluster-mate KOLA falters by -1.7 in March and April to 6.7 (6+) but is #1 for the fourth month in succession. January’s +1.8 pulled the plug on three straight decreases that accounted for a -2.0 (7.5 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.5, 6+). Prior to January, KOLA last occupied the #1 slot in January 2016 with a 6.9 (6+). This is the fifth sweep in succession without an increase for Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” for an overall -3.0 (7.6 – 7.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, third to fourth, 6+). Returning roughly half of March’s +.9, Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB “Que Buena 96.1” (3.0 – 2.5, -.5, 6+) shifts from seventh to tenth; its 3.0 in March was its best 6+-performance since 4.2 in August 2017. Flat at #11, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLRD shows a decrease of one-half share as well to 1.5 (6+); “Air 1 Positive Hits” was trending 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 (6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – After trending 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 (6+), Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR trots out a +1.6 – the highest (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here. Moreover, “The Sports Leader” (3.0 – 4.6, 6+) catapults from #12 to #4 and the San Francisco Giants flagship reaches the four-share level in San Jose (6+) for the first time since May 2017’s 4.2. Simulcast partner/co-owned KTCT is flat at .5 (unchanged at #31, 6+). Stuck on 1.0 (6+) in December, “Holiday” 2017, and January 2018, Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” gained two-tenths in February but the key station of the Oakland A’s drops one-tenth in March and April (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, flat at #29, 6+). Floundering by -.8 in February and then leveling off in March, Entercom all-news KCBS-AM advances by one-half share in April (5.8 – 6.3, 6+) and finishes second for the fourth time in a row. Nearly two full-shares ahead of it is Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED, which is #1 for the fourth straight month although down in April by six-tenths (8.8 – 8.2, 6+). When KQED lost six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, it shifted to #2, following five straight sweeps on top; it was +1.0 in January. A loss of one-tenth in December halted three consecutive gains that produced an overall +1.3 (6.9 – 7.3 – 8.0 – 8.2, 6+). Unlisted in San Jose since posting a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KQED returned in January 2017 by recording a 6.9 (6+) to finish at #1 and it stayed on top through April 2017. A combined +.7 in January and February (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KGO is -1.0 in March and April (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.1, #14 to #17, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KSFO, also an overall +.7 in January and February (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.9, 6+), gains one-tenth (1.9 – 2.0, 6+) to progress from #23 to #18.

San Jose Music Formats – Not only does Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM record a +1.0 to 4.2 (6+), applying the brakes to three downward trends in a row that accounted for a roughly 58% loss (-4.4) of its 6+-share (7.6 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), “96.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” returns to the top ten (#11 to #7). A gain of eight-tenths (3.7 – 4.5, 6+) takes Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” from eighth to fifth. Regional Mexican sibling KSOL “Que Buena” erases March’s -.5 with an April +.6 (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.9, #18 to #14, 6+). Up by six-tenths as well is Entercom CHR KMVQ “99.7 Now New Hit Music” (3.6, flat at #12, 6+), which was -1.2 in five straight monthlies without an increase (4.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). A combined +2.6 in six successive up or flat sweeps (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+), co-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox, The South Bay’s Classic Rock” segues from second to third. Returning all of its March +.6 (and one-tenth more), hot AC cluster-mate KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” departs the top twenty (2.6 – 1.9, -.7, #17 to #21, 6+); March’s 2.6 was its strongest 6+-share in San Jose since May 2017 (2.6, as well). Meanwhile, its hot AC rival, Alpha Media-owned KEZR, is a cumulative -1.1 in four straight decreases (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.0, fifth to ninth, 6+). As a result of dropping six-tenths to 2.7 (6+), Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KVVF not only exits the top ten (#10 to #15), “Hot” halts at six a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.2 (2.1- 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+).

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – Four successive losses by WFAN accounted for a -1.9 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+), but the Entercom sports talk facility and New York Yankees flagship is an overall +.8 in March and April (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.1, steady at #9, 6+). Immediately prior to the -1.9, WFAN was +1.4 via three straight increases (3.8 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). Its format competitor – WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” – is trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 (#23 to #21, 6+). Without a loss for the fourth straight time for a net gain of eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk (and New York Mets flagship) WOR progresses from #20 to #18. Despite a -.8 (8.1 – 7.3, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” is #1 for the fourth month in a row. “New Jersey 101.5” posted a +.9 in January to advance from second to first with its strongest 6+-stat since April 2016’s 8.5. WKXW held the lead position from January 2017 through November 2017. The four latest (6+) trends for Cumulus Media news/talk WABC are 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.5 (flat at #24); WABC was +.4 in January. Following three consecutive downward moves for a loss of six-tenths (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom all-news WCBS-AM answered with a +.7 in March – only to drop nine-tenths in April (2.9 – 2.0, 6+), freefalling from the top twenty (#14 to #21). Similarly-programmed sibling WINS is flat at 1.1 (#26 to #25, 6+). Even though it is down one-tenth (2.6 – 2.5, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM advances from #17 to #16. In three straight improvements (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+), the public news/talker was a cumulative +1.2 but was -.8 in March.

Middlesex Music Formats – Boasting a seven-tenths increase (4.1 – 4.8, 6+), Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” jumps from eighth to fifth. A gain of one-half share (2.9 – 3.4, #14 to #12, 6+) enables Entercom-owned WBMP “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” to register its best 6+-share since June 2017 when it was a mainstream CHR (“Amp”). Although unchanged at #20, Cumulus Media hot AC WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” improves by two-tenths to 2.1 (6+), thus halting five straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall -1.2 (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 1.9, 6+). With the loftiest (6+) March 2018 – April 2018 decrease by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here (5.6 – 4.2, -1.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” drifts from third to seventh. An overall +1.5 in five successive up or flat moves in Middlesex-Somerset-Union (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” forfeits six-tenths to 4.9 (6+) yet actually climbs from fifth to fourth. After trending 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 (6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9” regresses by one-half share to 2.9 (6+) and spirals from the top ten (#9 to #15).