Tag: "WINS"

Thursday, August 8, 2019

| August 8, 2019

Cumulus Media Q2 Assessment: “Making Great Progress.”  According to second-quarter results, Cumulus Media’s net revenue fell 2% year-to-year to $279.6 million from $285.2 million in 2018. Net income was down to $42.9 million, owing mostly to a net corporate loss, offsetting gains on the radio group side. Adjusted EBITDA was down 6.8% to $61.8 million. President and chief executive officer Mary Berner comments, “We continued to make great progress against the goals we set when we emerged from bankruptcy a little over a year ago. We delivered a solid financial performance, with same-station revenue and Adjusted EBITDA up 1.8% and 3.7%, respectively, on an ex-political basis, driven by continued growth in national and network revenue, as well as industry-leading digital growth. We have now closed several strategic portfolio optimization transactions and announced one more. The $146.5 million of gross proceeds from the closed transactions, along with cash from operations, allowed us to prepay $165 million of debt since our last earnings announcement. [That reduces] our total post-bankruptcy debt by approximately $250 million. Given the results of the past year, I am more confident than ever that the company will continue to deliver significant value to our investors, employees, listeners, and advertisers.”

Media-Savvy McAfee Adds Daily Syndicated Radio Show. Definitively proving there is life in the media after being an eight-year Indianapolis Colts punter, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) analyst Pat McAfee will host a daily sports talk show syndicated by Cumulus Media’s Westwood One and streamed on the DAZN video network. The program will air weekdays from 10:00 am -12:00 noon (ET), starting in just over four weeks (9/9). Among the 40 stations already clearing “The Pat McAfee Show” are Cumulus Media’s San Mateo-licensed KTCT, which simulcasts KNBR, San Francisco; and Cumulus Media Indianapolis’ WXNT “CBS Sports 1430 AM.” In addition, 2017 – 2018 Barstool podcaster McAfee recently signed a deal to serve as a college football analyst for ESPN. Last year, he did similar NFL duties at Fox Sports. As part of his DAZN arrangement, the 32-year old McAfee will appear on its nightly MLB “Changeup” show and will create football segments for the video network’s outlets in Canada and Germany.

Stayin’ Classy: “The Ron Burgundy Podcast” Returns. California Senator/Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is the guest on the season two opener of iHeartRadio’s hilarious, tongue-in-cheek “The Ron Burgundy Podcast,” co-produced with Funny Or Die. Channeling his Ron Burgundy persona and remaining completely in character, Will Ferrell emphatically states, “My podcast, quite simply, can only be described as a raging success. I’ll admit that when I first started in this rodeo, it was my first rodeo, and I had no idea what a podcast even was. But through diligent research and persistence, I quickly climbed my way up to the top. Now, it is not my first rodeo – it is literally, my second rodeo. Word on the street is that I am already the best rodeo rider that has ever lived … and podcaster, too. This is a fact, folks.” According to iHeartPodcast Network president Conal Byrne, “When Ron first started trying to force us to make this podcast with him, we resisted, as it’s clear he’s an unhinged man; however, people are actually listening. I have no idea why. Doubly baffling, and for reasons beyond my grasp, they actually want more. Seriously? We have to go through this whole thing again? Fine. Season two. Whatever.” The podcast’s initial season debuted with 12 episodes in December 2018. In addition to Senator Harris, Ron Burgundy’s guests this season will include actress Brooke Shields, historian/political commentator Doris Kearns Goodwin, and feminist activist Gloria Steinem. Approximately 270 iHeartMedia broadcast stations in virtually every format are scheduling Sunday Night Podcasts, which begins this Sunday (8/11) with “The Ron Burgundy Podcast.” Sunday Night Podcasts is part of iHeartMedia’s “Podcast, Meet Broadcast” initiative that utilizes the company’s consumer reach to introduce the rapidly growing podcast sector to iHeartMedia’s quarter of a billion monthly broadcast listeners. A much more serious Byrne states, “We’re thrilled to bring some of the world’s best and most popular podcasts to our broadcast listeners every Sunday. We are uniquely able to provide the scale critical to introducing podcasts to the millions of Americans who aren’t yet familiar with them. Research shows that more than two-thirds of the population still are not dedicated podcast listeners – many have never even heard a podcast. Sunday Night Podcasts will help introduce different audio series from a variety of genres to a whole new audience.” In October 2017, Mark Ramsey’s “Inside Psycho” aired as a one-hour special on more than 70 iHeartMedia news/talk outlets. Episodes of “Family Secrets” and “Monster: The Zodiac Killer” aired on iHeartMedia stations before they were available anywhere else.

WFAN Splits Simulcast For Certain Yankees, Giants Games. When your station is the flagship of two major sports franchises, it helps to have two signals to accommodate scheduling conflicts. Entercom New York’s sports talk simulcast of WFAN-AM & WFAN-FM will take advantage of that situation three times this month and four times next month: WFAN is the flagship of both the (MLB) Yankees and (NFL) Giants. When both teams are playing on the same date, the Giants will shift to WFAN-AM (660), while the Yankees will continue on WFAN-FM (101.9). Senior vice president of Entercom New York Mark Chernoff explains, “August marks the beginning of another exciting start to football season and WFAN remains at the forefront of New York Giants coverage while remaining the home for New York Yankees baseball. Splitting the WFAN signal will allow the station to super serve fans of both iconic teams.” August dates involved for the simulcast split are tonight, Thursday, 8/8 (Giants-Jets/Yankees-Blue Jays); the 16th (Giants-Bears/Yankees-Indians); and the 22nd (Giants-Bengals/Yankees-A’s). In September, the simulcast will be suspended on the 8th (Giants-Cowboys/Yankees-Red Sox); 15th (Giants-Bills/Yankees-Blue Jays); 22nd (Giants-Buccaneers/Yankees-Blue Jays); and 29th (Giants-Redskins/Yankees-Rangers).

United Stations Names Janoff Chief Revenue Officer. In that role, Greg Janoff will oversee all of United Stations Radio Networks’ advertising sales efforts. USRN chair/chief executive officer Nick Verbitsky comments, “We are beyond thrilled that we now have Greg Janoff overseeing our revenue streams. Greg is passionate about our medium, knows radio inside and out, and will absolutely be a tremendous asset for our company. The next decade is around the corner and we have landed the right executive to lead our current successes forward into the future.” For the past 24 years, Janoff has held several upper management posts in New York City for Entercom and the former CBS Radio. His titles there have included vice president and general manager for all-news WINS; vice president and director of sales for WINS, co-owned all-news WCBS-AM and sports talk sibling WFAN “The Fan”; and station manager for WINS. As Townsquare Media’s regional vice president, Janoff was in charge of the company’s Michigan and New Jersey markets for three years, following two years as executive vice president of revenue for Merlin Media’s five stations in New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Janoff succeeds Jim Higgins, who exited USRN last week.

iHeart Set To Debut Podcasts in Native Languages. By the first quarter of next year, iHeartMedia will translate/distribute a number of its podcasts around the world, marking what it says is “a significant step in internationally available, regionally targeted content for the podcast industry.” According to iHeartPodcast Network president Conal Byrne, “Our goal is to deliver exceptional content to listeners anywhere and everywhere in the way they’d like to hear it. By expanding some of our most popular podcast content into new languages, we see a major opportunity to introduce podcast listening at scale to whole new audiences abroad. What has always set podcasting apart is the engagement of the audiences – the ‘superfans.’ It makes sense to engage international audiences further and to super-serve them with content in their own languages to build their relationship with the content.” In the first round, the iHeartPodcast Network will translate six podcasts series into the most- spoken languages in the world. To be made available in Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, French, German and other languages will be “Stuff You Should Know,” “Stuff You Missed in History Class, “Stuff Mom Never Taught You,” “Stuff To Blow Your Mind,” “BrainStuff,” and “TeachStuff.” Through these new translations, iHeartPodcasts will be available in the native language of more than a billion people worldwide.

TALKERS News Notes. In a South Carolina cluster that includes news/talk WGTK “94.5 The Answer,” Salem Media Group Greenville-Spartanburg appoints Pat Kelley general manager. Salem Media Group regional vice president Val Carolin comments, “I have known Pat for many, many years and am excited to have a person of such high character and ability leading the terrific team in ‘The Upstate.’ Pat is a strong leader, and a person of great integrity, creativity, and skill. He will drive our operation to greater success and will be a true asset to Salem as a whole.” Kelly, who began his new duties earlier this week, adds, “I am thrilled to be leading the charge in upstate South Carolina as part of Salem Media’s local market leadership team. Great things are ahead.” Kelley spent over 25 years in Chicago and has held management positions for iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, and Viacom Media …..Affiliates of Fox News Radio’s five-minute news service will be able to download two, one-hour Labor Day weekend specials in three weeks (8/28). Jessica Rosenthal-hosted “Securing America: Cyber Threats,” looks at data theft and manipulation from personal information to elections, while “The Wise Guys: A Fox Nation Special” features Bill Bennett, Gordon Chang, Charles Hurt, Mark Penn, and Solomon Wisenberg in a multi-topic roundtable discussion.  

New Installment Posted of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The recently launched, one-hour weekend program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” produced by Goodphone Communications that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC.  The new episode titled, “Infestation and Other Fighting Words!,” looks back at this past week of July 29 – August 2, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Gary Sutton, host, WSBA, York, PA; Larry Young, host, WOLB, Baltimore; Scott Masteller, program director, WBAL, Baltimore; Graham Mack, program director, Fix Radio, London, UK; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company.   The news/talk media show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as a recap and exclamation mark for the week-in-review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA. Hosted by Michael Harrison, this excellent show is now being made available as a service to terrestrial news/talk stations from TALKERS for on-air or online presentation on a market-exclusive basis.  For information call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.  To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Veteran programmer Rob Roberts is named director of branding and programming for Cox Media Group San Antonio classic hits-oldies KONO “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” and hot AC KSMG “Magic 105.3 Today’s Best Music.” Cox Media Group San Antonio director of operations Jeff Garrison comments, “Rob is an experienced broadcast professional with a proven track record for achieving great success for high-performing brands. His vision and leadership will be key to the future of KONO and KSMG. We are excited to add his talents to the CMG San Antonio team and welcome him back to the great state of Texas.” Vice president of audience and content Tim Clarke notes, “Rob is one of the industry’s great programmers; I am so thrilled he is now on our San Antonio team. We will benefit greatly from his experience and leadership.” Roberts adds, “I’m excited for the opportunity to become part of the Cox Media Group team in a city I love. It’s the job I’ve always wanted – programming two highly-rated legacy stations is a dream come true.” Most recently, Roberts was vice president of programming for Cumulus Media Washington, DC hot AC WRQX, which – on May 31 – flipped to contemporary Christian under new owners Educational Media Foundation. Elsewhere in his 27-year radio career, he has programmed Dallas hot AC KDMX; Atlanta CHR WWWQ “Q-99.7”; Miami CHR WHYI “Y-100”; and Denver classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105.” ….. The nine-year tenure of Entercom Washington, DC vice president of programming Steve Davis will come to an end on October 4. That’s when he will leave the cluster where he programs rhythmic CHR WPGC and classic hits-oldies WIAD “94.7 The Drive.” ….. One week from today (Thursday, 8/15), Carrie Neuman will take over afternoon drive duties at Towson University triple A WTMD, Baltimore. WTMD general manager/program director Scott Mullins comments, “Carrie has a lifelong passion for music, and she brings the excitement and enthusiasm of a fan who can’t wait to share new music discoveries with her friends. She is energetic, knowledgeable, fun to listen to and will be a great asset to WTMD.” Neuman notes, “I am more than just thrilled to be coming to Baltimore. I humbly join a legendary, music-centric staff that prides itself on discovering and sharing an unprecedented array of music. I am honored for the opportunity to work at WTMD. It’s the musical heartbeat of the city I so love.” Neuman formerly did mid-days at Annapolis, Maryland’s similarly-formatted WRNR ….. Speaking of Empire Broadcasting System triple A WRNR, Jeff Boden is appointed president/general manager there. Empire president Steve Kingston states, “Jeff has an extensive background in station management and sales. He spent many years working for ABC, Citadel, and then Cumulus Media in positions ranging from sales manager, director of sales, and president/general manager of [Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk] WMAL and [its then hot AC cluster-mate] WRQX. He most recently was president of Delmarva Broadcasting, which owned stations in Wilmington [Delaware] and other markets in the region. Much to our benefit, Delmarva was recently sold to Forever Broadcasting, allowing Jeff to bring his vast knowledge and experience of the business, his winning track record, and winning strategies to WRNR.” ….. Elsewhere in Maryland, college student Hunter Landon joins Adams Radio Group of Delmarva (Salisbury-Ocean City) as news director. Adams Radio vice president and general manager Lisa Layne comments, “Once again, we have struck gold with the addition of Hunter Landon. The news format will be timely, local, and live across all our brands. I am thrilled to add Hunter to the ‘dream team.’” Landon adds, “As a lifelong Delmarva resident, it is a career highlight to be running the newsroom for a first-class radio operation like Adams Radio of Delmarva. I am ecstatic to be delivering the news to the people of Delmarva on radio and digital for the market’s best stations and launching a fresh and revamped news department focused on the local community.” Working on a degree in broadcast journalism, Landon formerly was a reporter for WGMD “News Radio,” Lewes (Delaware). Adams Radio Group of Delmarva is comprised of WGBG “Big 107.7 Delmarva’s Classic Rock”; CHR WOCQ “OC-104 Today’s Hits”; WOCQ-HD2 “Kool Oldies”; WUSX “US-98.5 Everything Country”; and WZBH “93.5 The Beach – Delmarva’s Rock Station.

 

 

July 2019 PPM Data. Information for the July 2019 ratings period has been released for Washington (DC), Atlanta, and Philadelphia. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three markets.

Washington, DC

 Spoken-Word Formats – The wild ride continues for WMAL which chalks up a July +.9 to 5.3 (seventh to sixth, 6+), thus applying the brakes to three successive March through June decreases that accounted for an overall –2.4 (6.8 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4, 6+). Immediately before that streak, the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet amassed three straight “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 improvements for a collective +2.5 (4.3 – 5.7 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+). March’s 6.8 was WMAL’s best 6+-stat in the PPM-era. After posting a .2 (6+) in August 2018, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted for the 12th sweep in succession.

Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” repeats June’s 6+ AQH share (3.4) and market rank (#13). In June, the Nationals flagship recaptured nearly half (three-tenths) of the eight-tenths dissipated in May. After nearly doubling (+.4) its 6+ AQH share via four straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .9, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” surrenders two-tenths to .7 and departs the top twenty (#20 to #21, 6+). Roughly halfway through the July 2019 sweep (7/1), Cumulus Media ended its news/talk simulcast of WMAL-AM & WMAL-FM. WMAL-AM became sports talk WSBN “ESPN 630 AM The Sports Capitol,” which checks in with a .1 (#29, 6+).

Following six straight months at #1, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP segues to the runner-up slot. Moreover, it falters the sixth month in a row and is an overall -2.5 in that January 2019 through July 2019 stretch (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7 – 8.7 – 8.7 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+). January 2019’s 10.4 was its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). The March 2019 through July 2019 topline for Entercom business news WDCH is: .4 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .6 (flat at #24, 6+).

Not only does American University-owned news/talk WAMU post a gain of four-tenths to 8.4 (6+) thus curtailing three successive slips that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.0, 6+), “The Mind Is Our Medium” shifts from the runner-up slot to #1. It supplants WTOP (see above). Immediately prior to gaining three-tenths in March, WAMU was -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and -1.2 (February).

Washington, DC Music Formats – A positive spike of six-tenths to 2.7 (#18 to #17, 6+) by Radio One gospel WPRS “Praise 104.1” all but erases its May/June loss of seven-tenths (2.8 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+). Steady in fifth-place, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “97.1 – Washington’s Variety” logs its fourth straight sweep without a loss for a collective full-share gain (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). WASH has its best 6+-performance (5.4) since “Holiday” 2018 (10.4). On the final day of May (2019), Cumulus Media’s WRQX pulled the plug on its hot AC format. Under new owner Educational Media Foundation, “Mix 107.3 More Music – More Variety” became contemporary Christian WLVW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” May 2019 marked the final sweep before the format transition and “Mix” added six-tenths (3.5 – 4.1, 6+) to exit as a top ten station (#11 to #8). Its January 2019 through May 2019 topline was 3.5 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.1 (6+). In its new format, however, WLVW erodes by roughly 78% (-3.2) in June/July (4.1 – 2.2 – .9, 6+), plummeting from #8 (May) to #17 (June) to #19 (July). An overall +1.4 through three gains in succession (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5” forfeits nine-tenths to 3.7 (sixth to tenth, 6+). June’s 4.6 was its best 6+-showing in nearly two years (4.6, as well in August 2017). There is a similar scenario for cluster-mate WMZQ, which was +1.3 through four consecutive improvements (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.1, 6+). In July, however, “98.7 Today’s Best Country” falters by one-half share to 3.6 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Up a cumulative seven-tenths via four straight gains (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC regresses by three-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and leaves the top ten (#10 to #13). There isn’t much movement in the market’s urban AC contest, although a gain of two-tenths to 7.7 (6+) by WMMJ “Majic” is enough to halt three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to the just-concluded skid, “Majic” put together six successive increases that netted a +1.8 (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). Having dropped four-tenths in June (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), Howard University’s similarly-programmed WHUR levels off at 6.1 (6+). Down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), WHUR regained that deficit with a May pickup of two-tenths. Its March loss of one-tenth suspended three successive increases that accounted for a +1.2 (5.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+). WMMJ is anchored in third-place for the eighth time in a row while WHUR is has been in fourth-place in May, June, and July.

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight sweeps without an increase, WSB-AM was down an overall eight-tenths (7.1 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), but the Cox Media Group news/talker bounces back with a +.3 to 6.6 (steady at #2, 6+). Following three straight months at #1, WSB-AM slipped to the runner-up slot in April. Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” is down or flat the third time in a row (.4 – .3 – .2 – .2, 6+) but climbs from #29 to #28. Tied at #32 are Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” (.3 – .2 – .1, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640,” which has lost three-tenths via eleven straight down or flat trends (.4 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #34 to #32, 6+).

Even though it is an overall -1.2 in five straight negative or neutral sweeps (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” moves from #15 to #14. At the same time, Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is up a cumulative six-tenths in five consecutive monthlies without a loss (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), as the AM flagship of the Atlanta Braves carries on at #17.

Steady at #12, City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE is up one-tenth (3.4 – 3.5, 6+). Gaining one-tenth as well is Georgia State University news/talk WRAS (.6, flat at #25, 6+), which suspends three down or flat moves in succession that resulted in a collective loss of three-tenths (.8 – .6 – .5 – .5, #25, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – After improving by two-tenths in May and then spiraling -1.1 in June (6.3 – 5.2, 6+), Radio One’s WAMJ “Majic” answers with a July boost of six-tenths to 5.8 (unchanged at #6, 6+). “Majic” was +2.5 via three successive increases (4.4 – 5.4 – 6.3 – 6.9, 6+) but faltered by eight-tenths in April. Even though urban contemporary sibling WHTA is an overall -1.6 through five consecutive negative or neutral moves (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+) “Hot 107.9” returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). One streak continues for Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH but another ends. On the plus side, “104.7 The Fish” is #1 the fourth month in a row; however, it loses three-tenths to (8.5, 6+), snapping at five its consecutive string of upticks that netted an overall +3.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9 – 8.8, 6+). Even though it falters by two-tenths (3.9 – 3.7, 6+) iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” advances from tenth and ninth and overtakes Cumulus Media-owned format rival, WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits.” The latter returns the four-tenths it gained in June (3.6 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+) and shifts from eighth to tenth. Ironically, June’s +.4 enabled “Q-100” to leapfrog “Power,” which dropped three-tenths in June (4.2 – 3.9, 6+). “Q-100” logged a +.7 in January; relinquished six-tenths in February; and had a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.6. Frozen on 3.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 before dropping to 3.0 (6+) in February, “Power” gained seven-tenths in March; was down one-tenth in April; and dialed up a +.6 in May. The same two owners are involved in the market’s country tussle. As iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” picks up one-tenth (4.0 – 4.1, 6+) Cumulus Media’s WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” stumbles by that same margin in consecutive sweeps and is actually off six-tenths through three straight dips (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). “The Bull” and “Kicks” continue at #8 and #16, respectively. When “The Bull” dropped one-tenth in June, it interrupted three straight increases that produced a +.8 (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). “Kicks” faltered by four-tenths in May, after being off three-tenths in March.

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – It is a bit of a mixed bag for Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210,” which is down a combined half-share in June/July (2.2 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+) and has its weakest 6+-showing since June 2018 (1.7, as well) but climbs from #22 to #21. In five consecutive decreases, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” has lost roughly half (-.8) its 6+ AQH-share (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .7, #24 to #25, 6+).

Down seven-tenths in May, Entercom sports talk/Phillies flagship WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” repeats June’s 6+ share (5.9) and market rank (fourth). Rebounding from June’s loss of six-tenths with an increase one-third that magnitude (2.1 – 2.3, +.2, 6+) Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” advances from #20 to #17; June’s 2.1 was its lowest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 1.8.  

This marks the sixth sweep in succession that Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” hasn’t shown an increase for an overall -1.3 (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7, flat at #10, 6+).

For the third time in the last five reports, public news/talk WHYY logs a 2.6 (2.6 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6, #16 to #14, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – Four straight down or flat sweeps by Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL  produced a -1.2 (7.1 – 6.8 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.9, 6+), but “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” erases two-thirds of that deficit with a +.8 to 6.7 (fourth to second, 6+). WOGL was a combined +2.1 in January/February (5.0 – 6.3 – 7.1, 6+). Somewhat similarly, iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks,” which lost eight-tenths since March via three consecutive negative or neutral moves (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.3, 6+), posts a half-share uptick to 5.8 (seventh to fifth, 6+). Stuck on 6.6 (6+) in May and June, Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK records an increase of four-tenths to 7.0 (6+), enabling it to march from second to first. This (7.0) is its highest 6+-stat since February 2018’s 7.1. Owing to its July -1.5 (7.0 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom-owned adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” is displaced from the top spot and drifts all the way to seventh. The last time “Today’s 101.1” fell below a six-share (6+) was more than four years ago (5.8, May 2015). WBEB was +10.1 (6.5 – 10.4 – 16.6, 6+) just prior to January 2019’s -10.3 (16.3 – 6.3, 6+); it gained one-half share in March. Co-owned sports talk WIP was on top in January; classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL in February; WBEB in March; WMGK set the pace in April; WBEB did so in May and June; and now WMGK is back at #1 in July. Four successive up or flat trends by iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL yielded eight-tenths (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+), but “Power 99” surrenders one-half share to 4.0 (6+) and continues in ninth-place. After nearly quadrupling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in nine straight sweeps without a loss (.8 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+), Radio One-owned WPPZ “107.9 – Philly’s Classic R&B” falters by one-tenth to 2.9 (flat at #12, 6+). WPPZ transitioned from gospel in mid-December 2018. Entercom-owned WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” is off the fourth time in a row for a collective full-share loss (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.3, unchanged at #17, 6+).

Talk Radio Pioneer Mike Siegel is this Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Veteran conservative/libertarian talk radio personality Mike Siegel is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Siegel, a former private practicing attorney and school teacher, currently syndicated by Genesis Communications Network (GCN), was one of the early broadcasters to emerge in the late-eighties post-Fairness Doctrine period described by Harrison as “the modern era of talk radio.” During that period, Siegel – who hosted shows on such stations as KING and KVI in Seattle – was, according to Harrison, “the quintessential, local, muckraker aggressively holding local politicians, government and big corporations accountable for their actions.” Harrison and Siegel, whose latest book is titled Airing the Wave: Talk Radio at the Dawn of the Digital Era (Page Publishing, 2016), informally chat about the changes talk radio has experienced through the years as it has evolved from the analog era into the digital age, not to mention the transitional state of journalism itself. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and on every page of Talkers.com.

Friday, April 19, 2019

| April 19, 2019

Talkin’ Trump with Chris Christie at the WPHT Speaker Series. Pictured above at last night’s “1210 WPHT Speaker Series” sold-out, live event are WPHT afternoon personality Rich Zeoli (right) and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (left) at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey.  WPHT program director Jared Hart says the event couldn’t have been timed better with the release of the Mueller Report and the latest from the White House.   He adds the 500 attendees were “relentlessly entertained by Christie’s wit and honesty.”

Broncos Great Tom Nalen Named PM Drive Co-Host at KKFN, Denver. After the February departure of longtime afternoon drive personality Alfred “Big Al” Williams – who’s headed to iHeartMedia’s crosstown news/talk KOA after his non-compete expires – Bonneville finds the new on-air partner for Darren “DMac” McKee (left) on “The Drive” on KKFN “104.3 The Fan.”  Denver Broncos great Tom Nalen (right) joins the program starting Monday (4/22).  McKee says, “I’m still pinching myself.  I cannot believe Tom Nalen is my new radio partner.  Our friendship goes back to his days playing for the Broncos and continued after he retired.  I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited or happy professionally following this move.  To host ‘The Drive’ every day with Tom Nalen is an absolute dream come true.”  Nalen has done radio in the market co-hosting programs with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment and Front Range Sports Network. Station program director Raj Sharan says, “While Tommy’s football credentials are unquestionable, it’s his personality that made him the perfect fit as our new co-host of ‘The Drive.’  His sense of humor mixed with blunt honesty and a heart of gold add up to one of the most loveable figures in Denver sports history.  During our audition process, his chemistry with DMac was instant and undeniable, as was the overwhelming feedback we received from our listeners.  It was clear and obvious that Tommy was the people’s choice and I’m thrilled all of Broncos Country will enjoy his insight and charm every weekday on their drive home.”

Alpha Media Portland Names Sara Perrin Marketing Director. Marketing pro Sara Perrin is named the new marketing director for Alpha Media’s Portland station group that includes: news/talk KXL, talk KUFO, CHR KBFF, country KUPL, triple A KINK, sports talk KXTG-AM, and hip hop KWEE.  In this position, Perrin will “support efforts created and facilitated by different department and profit centers, including the Bloodworks Live Studio, creative services, and promotions departments.  She will work closely with all departments to design and develop marketing strategies… and be responsible for coordinating and executing all these strategies on-air, online, and on-site.”  Alpha Media Portland SVP/market manager Lisa Decker comments, “Sara is a dynamic leader with 25 years of experience creating ingenious strategies, effective solutions, and unforgettable tactics to attract, activate, and retain target audiences.  Her vast experience working with the biggest brands in Portland, along with her innovative, imaginative, and resourceful problem-solving abilities make her uniquely qualified for this position.  We are thrilled to have Sara join the Alpha team.”

Westwood One News Wins National Headliner Award. The news organization was honored with first place honors for its reporting and coverage of the Parkland school shooting in Florida last year in the “Breaking News or Continuing Coverage of a Single News Event” category.  The National Headliner Award judges stated Westwood One News’ reporting was “precise and eloquent coverage of the Parkland shooting.  Radio at its best: the sound and the actualities tell the story; clear and compelling writing.”  Westwood One News also won third place in the category for its coverage of Hurricane Michael. The National Headliner Awards were founded in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City to recognize journalistic merit in the communications industry.

Radio News Pro Steve Swenson Joins Nashville Public Radio.  Radio executive Steve Swenson is named the president and chief executive officer for Nashville Public Radio, effective April 29.  Swenson served with CBS RADIO for years as vice president and general manager for New York all-newsers WINS and WCBS-AM.  He was most recently SVP and market manager for CBS’ Washington, DC stations prior to the radio division’s sale to Entercom.  Before joining CBS RADIO, he served as general manager for all-news WTOP-FM, Washington, DC.  Nashville Public Radio board chairman Bill Carpenter says, “We are delighted to have attracted Steve Swenson to Nashville Public Radio during this period of accomplishment and opportunity for our stations WPLN and ‘91Classical.’  Steve is well-recognized for bringing engaging content rooted in community partnership to grow the markets he has served.  Nashville Public Radio’s award-winning team is known for their ingenuity in providing in-depth reporting and programming that engages our long-standing and new listeners.  We believe that Steve’s proven abilities will be a terrific complement to our station and our broader community as we continue to expand our offerings throughout Middle Tennessee.”

St. Louis Radio Host Don Marsh Says ‘No Thanks’ to Lifetime Achievement Award. Regular TALKERS readers remember the story about St. Louis public radio host Don Marsh we published a few weeks ago.  Marsh resigned from his job at St. Louis Public Radio’s KWMU-FM after being called out by management for telling his guest (iconic St. Louis TV newswoman Karen Floss) that she “looked great.”  Floss did not complain, in fact, she told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that people of her age often greet each other with such a compliment.  The complaint to station management was made by the show’s producer.  After being told by his boss that his greeting bordered on being inappropriate, Marsh quit the station.  Fast-forward to today, Marsh was scheduled to receive the 2019 Millard S. Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award from St. Louis Public Radio on May 2, however, he tells the Post-Dispatch he won’t be there and accepting the award now would be “inappropriate.”  KWMU tells the paper that as a result, no one will receive the award this year.

Release of Mueller Report Top News/Talk Story for Week of April 15-19.  The public release of the redacted version of the Mueller Report was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.  At #2 this week was the migrant crisis at the Southern border and the related political maneuvers.  Coming in at #3 was the politics and the people surrounding the 2020 presidential election, followed by the Notre Dame Cathedral fire at #4.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.

Joe Madison Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast.  One of the top 10 ranking members of the TALKERS Heavy Hundred list of the Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America, Joe Madison, who hosts mornings on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s “Urban View” channel, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.”  Longtime friends and colleagues, the two seasoned broadcasters engage in a spirited conversation about Madison’s TV appearance this month on the season finale of the highly acclaimed PBS program, “Finding Your Roots.” The show delves into the biological ancestry of interesting and famous people.  The touching episode, which opens with audio, and later video, of Madison (also known as The Black Eagle) broadcasting from his SiriusXM studios in Washington, DC, follows the broadcaster as he discovers ancestral secrets with the help and support of his dear friend (and host of the show), Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.   Some of the surprises revealed include identifying his biological father; his lineage’s shocking connection to the Tuskegee experiments; and his relation to the Confederacy – as he jokes he may “join the Sons of the Confederacy” because it would “shake things up.”  The episode will re-air throughout April on PBS.  Commenting on the podcast, Harrison says, “The first time I had the Black Eagle on this program was about four years ago and he supported my view then and now about the diversity of opinion, lifestyle and humanity that exists within the African American population of the United States.  But he also keenly understands those elements, characteristics, and common experiences that tie these 46 million-plus people into what we refer to as the African American community.   In my opinion, this is a man who has transcended the role of simply being a radio entertainer or personality and has become over the years a political, cultural, and inspirational leader.  A watchdog and defender of a people.”  To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter and every page on Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programmer Bo Matthews can add rhythm format captain to his c.v. after Alpha Media promotes him.  Matthews serves as Ohio operations manager (Dayton and Canton/Akron markets). He continues to oversee his respective stations there but now is responsible for assisting in the growth of all stations in the rhythm music format.  He comments, “The first station I ever programmed was a rhythm station – WBTT, Fort Myers – which was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my programming career. I am super excited to be working with our rhythm stations and creating some magic with the many talented people we have.  Thanks to [EVP of content] Phil Becker for the confidence and continued partnership and collaboration.”…..At Cox Media Group’s WALR, Atlanta “KISS 104.1,” Dyron Ducati is officially named the midday personality.  He’s been with the station since last year filling in on weekend and in middays.  WALR director of branding and programming Terri Avery says, “It’s good to know that after searching all over the country, the person for the job was right in our camp.  Dyron brings a smooth, unobtrusive sound to the ‘KISS 104.1’ midday.  We are proud to have him represent us.”…..Cumulus Media appoints Alana Lynn midday host at country KIZN, Boise “Kissin’ 92.3.”  She was most recently with Entercom’s country KMLE, Phoenix as music director and morning host.  KIZN program director Hank Aaron states, “When I heard Alana Lynn was coming back to the Treasure Valley, I had one thought: She needs to be on my team at ‘Kissin’ 92.3!’ Alana is going to be a great fit in middays on ‘Kissin’ 92.3.’”…..On-air pro Rick Adams announces he’s exited iHeartMedia’s WMSI-FM, Jackson, Mississippi “MISS 103” after more than three decades with the station.  He’s pursuing a new career in the real estate field…..Another radio pro is out after more than 30 years at the station.  This news is from Los Angeles as urban AC KTWV “94.7 The Wave” midday personality Talaya Trigueros is the victim of budget cuts at the Entercom station…..Rock radio history buffs will want to see the new documentary about the early years of Boston’s WBCN from producer/director Bill Lichtenstein.  The two-hour film, WBCN and The American Revolution, debuts next weekend (4/27) at the Somerville Theatre as the Centerpiece Spotlight Documentary at the Independent Film Festival Boston.  You can read WBUR-FM, Boston’s preview of the film here.

March 2019 PPM Data – Part Three. March 2019 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s March 2019 survey period covered February 28 – March 27. See all the 6+ Numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets below.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – On the heels of January/February’s nine-tenths’ gain  (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7, Alpha Media news/talk KXL surrenders all but one-tenth of that increase (4.7 – 3.9, -.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#6 to #11). Immediately prior to January, “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” was -1.5 via three straight negative moves (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.5 – 3.8, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia’s KEX returns February’s one-tenth increase (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” progresses from #19 to #18. Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” is unchanged from February in 6+-share (.9) and 6+-rank (#25).

Co-owned sports talk KXTG “The Game” is without a loss the third report in a row for a net gain of four-tenths (.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3, #23 to #21, 6+). That follows four consecutive decreases that accounted for a -.6 (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.1 – .9, 6+). “The Game” overtakes Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” (#22 to #23), whose November 2018 through March 2019 (6+) topline is 1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.2. A gain of three-tenths takes iHeartMedia-owned KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” to .8 (#28 to #26), the highest 6+-showing for the Portland Trailblazers flagship since June 2018 (.9).

Even though it is a combined -2.0 in February/March (9.3 – 7.7 – 7.3, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB repeats in the runner-up slot, after a one-month (January 2019) stay at #1. It previously was on top from January 2018 to August 2018 (including a tie in April), before dropping to second in September. Recent KOPB fluctuations include: +1.1 (January 2018); -1.1 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.5 (May); +.7 (October); -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.2 (January 2019); and -1.6 (February).

Portland Music Formats – Not only is Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS a whopping (combined) +2.3 in back-to-back sweeps (2.6 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+), “104.1 The Fish” rockets into the top ten (#13 to #6). The last time KFIS reached the four-share level (6+) was November 2018 (6+). By way of perspective, “The Fish” ranked #18 in January. Trending 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.4 (“Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 – February, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KXJM “Jam’n 107.5” posts a +.9 to 3.3 (#18 to #16), its best 6+-showing since September 2018 (3.3, as well). Powered by three consecutive positive spikes, classic hits-oldies sibling KLTH nets a robust +3.5 (5.4 – 7.1 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+) with “106.7 The Eagle” repeating at #1. Prior to February, KLTH last reached the eight-share level (6+) nearly eight years ago (May 2011, 8.1, as well). Improving by eight-tenths in addition to “The Eagle” are Alpha Media’s KBFF “Live 95.5” (tenth to fifth) and Entercom-owned KWJJ “The Northwest’s Hottest Country – 99.5 The Wolf” (3.4 – 4.2, #14 to #9, 6+). “Live” is now +1.1 in three consecutive increases (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+), while “The Wolf” logs its best 6+-stat (4.2) since July 2018’s 4.6. Posting its highest 6+-stat (4.5) since February 2018, KWJJ’s format foe – Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” – is a collective +1.2 in three straight gains (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#11 to #8). It continues to be a rollercoaster ride for Entercom-owned KGON. Entering the December 2018 sweep, “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” was a collective -1.0 through four straight July through November decreases (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). It followed with a cumulative +1.2 in three gains in a row (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+) before faltering by a full-share in February. Wiping away half of that -1.0 with a +.5 to 5.3 (6+), KGON advances from fifth to fourth. The September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 topline for Salem Media Group regional Mexican KRYP was a steady 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 (6+), but “El Rey 93.1” erupted with a +1.3 in January to 3.3 (6+). In February/March though it is a combined -1.4 (3.3 – 3.0 – 1.9, #17 to #19, 6+). Returning in full February’s increase of seven-tenths (7.0 – 7.7 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103,” which was -9.2 in January, drops from a second-place tie to third. In “Holiday” 2018, “K-103” had its strongest 6+-showing (16.2) since “Holiday” 2017 (16.9); KKCW was on top in April 2018, September, December, and “Holiday” 2018. Faltering by seven-tenths as well are Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 Uniquely Portland” and All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland.” Significant shifts continue for KINK, which has been a collective -1.7 (October 2018/November); +7 (December); -.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.2 (January 2019); -.8 (February); and -.7 in March (4.7 – 4.0, sixth to tenth, 6+). Immediately prior to dropping seven-tenths in March (3.7, #8 to #14, 6+), KQAC was up or flat 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+) for the first time since February 2017’s 4.2. Off six-tenths following February’s +.7 (3.7 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” exits the top ten (#8 to #12). When Mount Hood Community College District’s KMHD displayed a “Holiday” 2018 increase of +1.0 to 1.1 (6+), it erased its -1.0 via four straight negative moves (1.1 – .8 – .7 – .6 – .1, 6+) and began a successive string of increases that netted a +1.4 (.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+). In March, however, the jazz outlet regresses by one-half share to 1.0 (#20 to #24, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – After back-to-back gains of four-tenths (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT slips by one-tenth to 4.3 (6+) and leaves the top ten (#9 to #11).

With a March increase of two-tenths, co-owned sports talk WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” makes up half of February’s -.4 (1.3 – 1.5, 6+) and repeats at #18. Entering the February report, the Charlotte Hornets flagship logged seven straight positive or flat moves that nearly tripled (+1.1) its 6+ share (.6 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+).

A combined +1.1 in January/February (1.8 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+), University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE “Charlotte’s NPR News Source” returns roughly half that increase (2.3, -.6, 6+) and continues at #16. While it remains at #21, South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC is up one-tenth to .3 (6+), thus curtailing five straight down or flat trends accounting for a one-half share loss (.7 – .6 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .2, 6+).

Charlotte Music Formats – Four consecutive sweeps without an increase by Beasley Media Group mainstream CHR WNKS resulted in a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+); however, “Kiss 95.1” is now a combined +1.5 in February/March (3.2 – 3.6 – 4.7, 6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #9). By notching a +1.0 to 5.5 (6+), adult contemporary sibling WKQC not only advances from eighth to sixth, “K-104.7 More Music, Better Variety” ends a January/February slide that resulted in a -8.4 (12.9 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+). Entering the November 2018 sweep, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” was an overall +1.1 in four successive months without a loss (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+). It was then a combined -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+). “The Kat” was +1.2 in January; lost three-tenths in February; and answers with a +.8 in March (5.3 – 6.1, sixth to fourth, 6+). There’s more good news for the country format in “The Queen City” as Beasley Media Group’s WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” adds two-tenths (6.8 – 7.0, 6+) and takes sole possession of first-place. It was tied for the lead in February with urban AC cluster-mate WBAV “V-101.9.” Prior to gaining nine-tenths in January, WSOC had been without an increase the previous four reports for an overall -1.3 (7.7 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.6 – 6.4, 6+). On top in September 2018, October, and November, WSOC segued to third in December. Meanwhile, “V-101.9,” which notched a collective gain of nine-tenths via three consecutive increases (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.8, 6+), drops six-tenths to 6.2 (first to third, 6+). The four most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake” are -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.4 (February); and +.5 in March (6.3 – 6.8, third to second, 6+). Immediately in advance of that “Holiday” 2018 -1.2, WLKO posted eight straight months without a loss for a +3.7 (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+). WSOC and WBAV dislodged “The Lake” from #1 in February after WLKO’s January-only stay on top. A combined January/February +2.1 (3.9 – 4.8 – 6.0, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” forfeits eight-tenths to 5.2 (fifth to seventh, 6+); February’s 6.0 is its best 6+-stat since August 2015’s 6.5. Slipping by seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WLFJ “HIS Radio” (1.0 – .3, flat at #20, 6+) and Radio One gospel WPZS “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” (3.4 – 2.9, #14 to #15, 6+).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +1.0 in three straight sweeps without a loss (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk and San Antonio Spurs’ flagship WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” drops one-tenth to 4.2 (seventh to eighth, 6+). The July 2018 – March 2019 topline for Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” is extremely steady: 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3 (#24 to #23, 6+).

Unchanged at #28, iHeartMedia sports talk KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” is up one-tenth for the third time in a row (.3 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+), doubling (+.3) its 6+-stat in the process.

Following a January/February +1.0 (2.7 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX is off three-tenths to 3.4 (#11 to #12, 6+).  

San Antonio Music Formats – Within 4.0 – 4.6 range (6+) in each of the last seven survey periods (4.5 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+), Cox Media Group KISS “Rocks San Antonio” hangs out a +.9 to 5.0 (6+) and leaps from eighth to fourth. Hot AC sibling KSMG wiped away nearly half of January’s +1.2 with a February loss of one-half share, but “Magic 105.3 – Today’s Best Music” rebounds with a +.7 in March (4.0 – 4.7, ninth to sixth, 6+). Despite returning February’s gain of one-tenth (7.9 – 8.0 – 7.9, 6+), co-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” advances from second to first. KONO-FM had been in the runner-up slot the past five sweeps. Before slipping to #2 in November, KONO-FM finished at #1 the previous ten sweeps. Dropping out of the penthouse and segueing to third-place is iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” (8.1 – 6.2, -1.9, 6+). Hefty fluctuations are common for “KJ-97” as evidenced by +.5 (September 2018); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); a mammoth +3.0 (January 2019); and –1.9 (March). The same may be stated about Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader,” which has been +.9 (August 2018); -.8 (September); +.9 (November); -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); and -.6 in March (7.5 – 6.9, third to second, 6+). September’s loss ended three straight gains that accounted for a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.8, 6+). Country rivals “KJ-97” and “Y-100” were tied in June 2018 and separated by just one-tenth in April, September, and “Holiday” 2018. After bouncing back from January’s colossal -10.7 (14.9 – 4.2, 6+) with a February increase of four-tenths to 4.6 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9” sputters by six-tenths (4.0, fourth to ninth, 6+). Without an increase the sixth straight time for a collective -2.6 (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM Que Buena 92.9” drifts from #13 to #16.

Sacramento

 Spoken-Word Formats – Following February’s loss of six-tenths iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK further falters by eight-tenths (7.6 – 7.0 – 6.2, 6+) but carries on in the runner-up slot. “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” was tied for first in January. Steady at #14, co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” has a December 2018 through March 2019 topline of 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.7 (6+).

This is the third time in the last five sweeps that Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” logs a .9 (.9 – .9 – 1.2 – 1.2 – .9, #20 to #21, 6+). In four successive down or flat reports, Entercom’s KIFM-AM spiraled by more than 50% (1.6 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .7, 6+) but “ESPN Radio 1320” is up one-tenth to .8 (flat at #25, 6+).

As a result of four consecutive decreases, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ is -2.7 (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2, ninth to tenth, 6+), although December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI has an October 2018 through March 2019 topline of: .6 – .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .6 (#25 to #26, 6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – Owing to three consecutive improvements, Bonneville’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” is an overall +1.4  (4.2 – 4.7 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+) and continues in fifth-place. Its recent fluctuations include a combined -.9 in August/September; a collective +1.5 in three straight September–October–November-December gains; -1.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +.5 (January 2019); and +.8 (February). Having posted a 4.1 in three of the last four sweeps (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), Entercom CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” explodes with a +1.2 to 5.3 (tenth to sixth, 6+), its strongest 6+-stat since May 2018’s 5.6. Albeit down one-tenth (8.6 – 8.5, 6+) after February’s +1.0, co-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” is on top for the third month in a row (including January’s first-place tie with news/talk KFBK). In the lead ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December, “The Eagle” faltered by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018. Its recent fluctuations include +1.0 (May 2018); +.9 (June); -.9 (July); +.6 (September); -.5 (October); -1.1 (November); -.8 (“Holiday” 2018); and +1.0 (February 2019). A combined +2.1 in three straight positive spikes (2.4 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” has that streak broken with a two-tenths drop to 4.3 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Formerly “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country,” KBEB transitioned to adult contemporary in early-November (2018). It was up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.5, September – October – November, 6+) but then off one-tenth to 2.4 (6+) in December. The market’s incumbent AC, Entercom-owned KYMX “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites,” is up two-tenths (6.2, third to second, 6+), after being a combined -7.8 in January/February (13.8 – 6.2 – 6.0, 6+). For the 13th successive survey period, Entravision Communications’ similarly-formatted KNTY logs a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.5; “101.9 The Wolf” is unchanged from February in 6+-share (2.1) and 6+-rank (#15).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Steady in ninth-place, Entercom news/talk KDKA-AM  is a combined -.8 in February/March (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+). “News Radio 1020” was -.7 (“Holiday” 2018) and +1.1 (January 2019).

Co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” remains in fourth-place but is -.7 in February/March (7.1 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+), after notching a +1.6 in “Holiday” 2018/January 2019. If you are looking for consistency, consider iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” whose September 2018 through March 2019 topline is: .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 (unchanged at #17, 6+).

Off one-tenth to 4.2 (6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” continues at #11.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – Not only does WDVE replicate February’s eight-tenths’ increase (7.6 – 8.4 – 9.2, 6+), the iHeartMedia-owned rocker repeats at #1. Its December loss of one-half share suspended three straight gains that netted a +1.0 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.3 – 8.7, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, WDVE tumbled by -1.0 (8.2 – 7.2, 6+). WDVE spent 11 successive sweeps in the runner-up slot before dropping to third in December. An uptick of one-half share to 7.4 (unchanged at #3, 6+) by Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “96.9 Bob FM” pulls the plug on three straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -1.8 (8.7 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 6.9, 6+). Frozen on 6.1 (6+) in January and February, iHeartMedia CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss FM Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” sputters by six-tenths to 5.5 (6+) but remains in fifth-place. Co-owned alternative (and Pittsburgh Penguins flagship) WXDX “105.9 The X,” which had been up eight-tenths in January/February (4.0 – 4.4 – 4.8, 6+), surrenders one-half share to 4.3 (eighth to ninth, 6+). While it remains in seventh-place, Entercom hot AC WBZZ “Star 100.7” is off one-tenth to 4.8 (6+), thus ending at three a successive string of increases that led to a +1.2 (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.9, 6+); February’s 4.9 is its best 6+-number since July 2018 (4.9, as well). Unchanged at #12, Steel City Media’s similarly-programmed WLTJ “Q-92.9” is a combined +.5 in February/March (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – In three of the last four sweeps, Bonneville’s KSL has logged a 5.2 (5.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+) but “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” sputters in March by seven-tenths to 4.5 (6+) and carries on at #6. KSL was -.6 in “Holiday” 2018 and +.6 in January, Four-tenths behind is iHeartMedia’s KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know,” which had been +1.8 in January/February (3.3 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), but plummets by -1.0 to 4.1 (seventh to eighth, 6+). KNRS eliminated “Holiday” 2018’s -1.4 with a January +1.4.

After posting an August 2018 – December 2018 topline of 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.8, Broadway Media-owned KALL lost seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 to 1.1 (#20 to #22, 6+); “ESPN 700 – Utah’s #1 Sports Talk” is unlisted for the third month in a row.

In February, KUER had its largest 6+-stat (3.1) since August 2018’s 3.5, but the University of Utah news/talk facility slips six-tenths to 2.5 (#12 to #14, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Applying the brakes to January/February’s -14.4 (21.8 – 7.9 – 7.4, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day” roars back with a +1.5 to 8.9 (6+) and is on top for the fifth consecutive ratings period. Three straight increases netted a +16.2 (5.6 – 5.7 – 12.7 – 21.8, 6+) for KSFI, the only PPM-market station in “Holiday” 2018 to reach the 20-share level (6+). Flashing gains of eight-tenths are co-owned KRSP “103.5 The Arrow,” which repeats in the runner-up slot, and independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” (3.6 – 4.4, #11 to #7, 6+). “The Arrow” is now an overall +2.1 as a result of four consecutive increases (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 7.8, 6+), while “Z-104” has its highest 6+-stat (4.4) since November 2018’s 4.7. Owing to three straight positive spikes (4.4 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” nets a +2.9 and remains in third-place. Three successive gains by Cumulus Media country KUBL yielded a +1.7 (3.1 – 3.4 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+), but “K-Bull 93” erodes in March by -1.3 to 3.5 (eighth to tenth, 6+). Immediately prior to this particular streak, KUBL was an overall -2.8 via five consecutive decreases (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+).

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Without a decrease the third month in a row for a net gain of eight-tenths (1.6 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” repeats at #15 with its best 6+-performance (2.4) in two years (2.8, February 2017). That figure more than doubles the 6+-stat of Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk,” which is off one-tenth (1.2 – 1.1, flat at #23, 6+).

In addition to being +1.1 in three straight improvements (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+), Nevada Public Radio’s KNPR reenters the top ten (#11 to #7).

Las Vegas Music Formats – Recapturing the one-half share it squandered in February (5.5 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), Lotus Communications’ KXPT “97.1 The Point – #1 For Classic Rock” repeats at #4. In eight straight up or flat survey periods prior to February, “The Point” was an overall +1.8 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+) with 5.5 its best 6+-performance since October 2016 (5.9). Notching a gain of one-half share as well is Nevada Public Radio’s KCNV “Classical 89.7” (.5 – 1.0, #25, 6+), which reaches the one-share level (1.0, 6+) for the first time in nearly three years (1.1, July 2016). The 1.6-share advantage (6+) that Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “96.3 – Hits of the Eighties & More” held over iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music for a Better Workday” in February is cut roughly in half as KKLZ (+1.2 in February) erodes by nine-tenths (8.3 – 7.4, 6+) while “Sunny” (-.8 in February) remains flat at 6.7 (6+). They repeat at #1 and #2, respectively. The 8.3 in February marked the first time KKLZ reached the eight-share level (6+) in its PPM-history; it hadn’t been at #1 since August 2018. A combined +4.5 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (8.3 – 9.1 – 12.8, 6+), “Sunny” is now -6.1 in three straight down or flat moves (12.8 – 7.5 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+). Prior to being #1 from September through January 2019, “Sunny” set the pace in March, May, June, and July. Its “Holiday” 2018 12.8 is the highest 6+-share for any Las Vegas station since the 14.0 KSNE logged in “Holiday” 2016. Following five successive monthlies without a loss for a net gain of eight-tenths (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s KCYE has that streak curtailed with a one-half share dip to 3.4 (6+); “102.7 The Coyote – #1 For New Hit Country” departs the top ten (#10 to #12).

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +1.9 in January/February (3.6 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+), following a December/“Holiday” 2018 -1.6  (5.2 – 4.5 – 3.6, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM “News 96.5” is off three-tenths to 5.2 (seventh to eighth, 6+). Up seven tenths in January/February (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+), directly after five straight declines that resulted in a -1.6 (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” forfeits one-tenth to 3.7 (#11 to #12, 6+). Completing the theme, news/talk cluster-mate WFLF, +1.0 in January/February (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.8, 6+), sheds three-tenths to 2.5 (#14 to #15). Its January gain of four-tenths suspended three successive decreases that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+).

In six consecutive down or flat trends (1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WYGM lost roughly 70% (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share but “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” picks up one-tenth to .5 (flat at #22, 6+). For the second straight sweep, Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” has its 6+-stat carved in half (.8 – .4 – .2, #22 to #23, 6+).

In three straight positive moves (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” is a collective +1.3 and reaches the top ten (#12 to #8).

Orlando Music Formats – It took Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105-9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” just three reports to build a mighty +3.3 (4.9 – 6.9 – 7.9 – 8.2, unchanged at #3, 6+). Immediately prior to this streak, “Sunny” was a cumulative -2.2 via four down or flat moves in succession (7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 5.8 – 4.9, 6+). Steady in fourth-place, Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” rolls out a gain of eight-tenths (7.0 – 7.8, 6+). The combination of iHeartMedia CHR WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” gaining six-tenths and co-owned WRUM “Rumba 100” showing a decrease of that magnitude (9.5 – 8.9, -.6, 6+) results in “XL-106.7” shifting from second to first and “Rumba 100” segueing from first to second. This represents WXXL’s fourth improvement in a row for a +1.7 (7.3 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 8.4 – 9.0, 6+). Preceding its January/February +1.7 (7.8 – 9.3 – 9.5, 6+), Rumba was -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (8.9 – 8.3 – 7.8, 6+). The Spanish tropical outlet spent 11 consecutive ratings periods on top, before falling to #2 in December and “Holiday” 2018. April 2017’s 12.8 is the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. A one-half share boost to 2.6 (#15 to #14, 6+) by Entercom-owned WQMP “FM 101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” fully clears out three straight (modest) declines (2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+). Erasing half of February’s +1.2 with a March loss of six-tenths (4.2 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+), Cox Media Group rhythmic CHR WPYO slips from eighth to ninth; “Power 95.3 – Orlando’s New #1 For All The Hits” was off eight-tenths “Holiday” 2018/January 2019 (5.0 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+). An overall -8.5 in three straight setbacks (14.3 – 6.9 – 5.9 – flat at #5, 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” was a combined +8.5 December/“Holiday” 2018 (5.8 – 9.8 – 14.3, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 14.3 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 15.9.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Recapturing the two-tenths it lost in February (9.9 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLW continues in second-place, immediately after a one-month (January) stay at #1. The Reds’ flagship was –2.1 in “Holiday” 2018, followed by a +2.4 in January. Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station in Cincinnati” regains the one-tenth it surrendered in February (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+) but exits the top ten (tie at #10 to #11).

Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, sports talk WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” is off one-tenth (1.0 – .9, 6+), falling from #17 to #18.

A collective +1.1 via three consecutive gains (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). Immediately prior, it lost nine-tenths in five successive sweeps without an increase, (3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+).

Cincinnati Music Formats – Winning ways continue for Cumulus Media-owned classic hits-oldies WGRR, which is not only an impressive +3.0 in three successive upticks (8.1 – 9.6 – 10.2 – 11.1, 6+), “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. Following a December-only stay at #1, WGRR eroded by -1.8 in “Holiday” 2018 (9.9 – 8.1, 6+) and shifted to third. Immediately prior to its -1.8, WGRR was an overall +1.3 via four straight gains (8.6 – 9.1 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.9, 6+). The three latest shifts for Hubbard-owned WUBE “B-105.1 Cincinnati’s Country” are +1.0 (January); -.7 (February); and -.8 in March (8.7 – 7.9, unchanged at #3, 6+). Co-owned hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” drops seven-tenths (6.4 – 5.7, 6+) but carries on in fifth-place. Immediately after plummeting by -8.2 (14.6 – 6.4, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM answered with a February gain of four-tenths. “Warm 98,” however, relinquishes six-tenths in March (6.8 – 6.2, flat at #4, 6+). Owing to three straight increases, Radio One urban AC WOSL was +1.0 (2.5 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), but “100.3 R&B + Old School” falters by two-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). February’s 3.6 is its best 6+-number since 3.6 in March 2017. It has been an interesting November 2018 through March 2019 topline for Educational Community Radio-owned WOBO “The Station With Something For Everyone”: 1.1 – 0.2 – 0.0 – 1.3     – .9 – .4 (#19 to #24, 6+). Grant County Broadcasters’ WNKN “Classic Country 105.9 & 106.7,” which was an overall +.7 in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+), forfeits four-tenths to 2.2 (6+) and remains at #15. WDBZ “Soul 101.5” registered a .9 (6+) in August 2018 to finish at #20, but the Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies outlet is unlisted for the eighth time in a row.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – After logging a January/February +1.3 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” returns roughly half that increase with a -.6 to 4.9 (flat at #8, 6+). Leading up to that, WTAM was an overall -2.6 in three straight declines (6.8 – 6.3 – 5.2 – 4.2, 6+).

Making up one-third of February’s -1.2 by notching a +.4 (5.4 – 4.2 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” remains at #10.

Anchored at #13, Ideastream-owned news/talk outlet WCPN posts a 3.2 for the third month in a row; WCPN was +1.1 in January after “Holiday” 2018’s -1.1.

Cleveland Music Formats – The four most recent fluctuations by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI are +2.8 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.7 (January 2019); +.8 (February); and +1.0 in March (9.8 – 10.8, 6+). “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” is on top for the fourth sweep in succession. Tacking on nine-tenths to February’s +.8 (6.0 – 6.8 – 7.7, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” continues in third-place. “Star” was a combined +4.7 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (5.6 – 8.2 – 10.3, 6+) but eroded by -4.3 in January. Co-owned WNCX “98.5 – Cleveland’s Classic Rock” was -.4 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); -.5 (February) and is now +.6 (6.4 – 7.0, fifth to fourth, 6+). By gaining three-tenths to 3.9 (flat at #11, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate WQAL “Q-104 Plays The Hits” interrupts three successive negative moves that led to an overall -1.6 (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+). Notwithstanding that it nets +2.4 in three improvements in a row (4.4 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” backslides from fourth to fifth. WGAR had been a cumulative -3.7 through five consecutive losses (8.1 – 7.2 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 4.4, 6+). Following five straight up or flat reports for a net gain of six-tenths (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.2, 6+), Ideastream’s WCLV “Classical 104.9” has a setback of eight-tenths to 1.4 (#14 to #15, 6+). Resurfacing in print in October 2018, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFHM trended 5.4 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 5.4 (#7, 6+), but “95.5 The Fish” is unlisted for the third straight month.

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #4, KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” is off two-tenths to 5.4 (6+). The Entercom news/talker was a +2.2 in January/February (3.4 – 4.6 – 5.6, 6+), following a -1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (5.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+). On the heels of January/February’s +.9 (1.3 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+), co-owned KMBZ-AM drops two-tenths to 2.0 (#18 to #19, 6+). “Talk 980” lost half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share in December/“Holiday” 2018 (2.6 – 1.8 – 1.3, 6+). In February, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM doubled January’s .7 (1.4, +.7, 6+); “Talk Radio 710 AM” repeats that 1.4 (6+) and advances from #22 o #21.

Leveling off at 3.8 (6+) after February’s -1.2 (5.0 – 3.8, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” slips from #11 to #12. A combined -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), WHB erupted in January with a +1.3. Meanwhile, Entercom’s KCSP regains all but one-tenth of February’s loss of six-tenths (2.3 – 2.8, +.5, #17 to #16, 6+). In three consecutive decreases, “610 Sports Radio” faltered by nine-tenths (3.5 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+) but was up three-tenths in January.

As a result of three straight gains (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR nets nine-tenths, more than compensating for the -.7 logged in “Holiday” 2018.

Kansas City Music Formats – There is another significant monthly shift for Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM, which has been +1.6 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +1.2 (February); and is +1.1 in March (6.6 – 7.7, 6+). There is a bonus for “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits,” as it progresses from third to first. Picking up one-tenth in December curtailed eight successive March through November declines that accounted for an overall -3.1 (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+); KCMO-FM was #1 in March 2018, April, and May. Departing the top spot after ten consecutive sweeps there is cluster-mate KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station,” which erodes by -2.8 in February/March (10.1 – 8.2 – 7.3, first to second, 6+). January’s 10.1 is its strongest 6+-stat since July 2017’s 10.3. December’s seven-tenths’ decrease by the Kansas City Chiefs’ flagship halted six straight positive or flat sweeps that yielded an overall +2.7 (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.8 – 9.6 – 9.7, 6+). Still in that Cumulus Media cluster, urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3 – Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” responds to February’s -.8 with a +.6 (4.2 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+) and is back in the top ten (#14 to #10). “Magic,” which was +2.0 in four consecutive gains (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 4.7, 6+), lost one-half share in January. Trending 4.2 – 3.9 – 4.1 (“Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 – February, 6+), Entercom country outlet WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” sputters by eight-tenths to 3.3 (6+) and drifts out of the top ten (#9 to #14, 6+). Cumulus Media adult hits KCMO-HD2, which was +.5 in three straight (modest) gains (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.7, 6+) returns that increase in its entirety (1.2, -.5, #22, 6+). Four upticks in a row by Carter Broadcast Group urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” accounted for a +1.5 (5.4 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), but “Hot 103” forfeits three-tenths to 6.6 (6+) and segues from second to third. February’s 6.9 is its highest 6+share since July 2018’s 7.1. Through five consecutive positive or flat moves (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KCHZ was +1.4 but “95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits” is now a collective -1.5 via three successive downturns (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0, flat at #15, 6+).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – Unchanged at #5, iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN is -1.5 in February/March (7.0 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+); “News Radio 610” was +1.3 in January (5.7 – 7.0, 6+).

This is the third time in a row that RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” is unlisted. Among fluctuations for the Columbus Blue Jackets flagship since reappearing in print in August 2018 are: +1.1 (October); -.4 (November); +1.0 (December); and -2.0 in “Holiday” 2018 (7.3 – 5.3, seventh, 6+).

While it returns the two-tenths it scored in February (4.5 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU continues in sixth-place; WOSU was +1.1 in January.

Columbus Music Formats – On a roll, Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96” logs its third increase in succession for a +1.9 (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.1 – 8.7, 6+) and repeats at #2. Locked on 7.8 (6+) in January and February, co-owned adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95” posts a +.2 to 8.0 (fourth to third, 6+). Hot AC cluster-mate WVMX “Mix 107.9” is without a loss the fourth report in a row for a net increase of three-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.5, unchanged at #12, 6+). Four straight gains by classic hits-oldies sibling WNND nearly doubled (+1.2) its 6+-stat (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.5, 6+) but “Rewind” surrenders three-tenths to 2.2 (6+), falling from #12 to #13. Albeit off three-tenths (12.1 – 11.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” is #1 for the 16th sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. Its January +.8 halted six straight setbacks that resulted in a collective -5.7 (16.3 – 15.1 – 15.0 – 14.5 – 13.0 – 12.7 – 10.6, 6+). Recent WCOL fluctuations include +3.1 (January 2018); -1.7 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.0 (April); +1.2 (June); +.6 (July); 1.2 (August); -.5 (October); -1.5 (November); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); and +.7 (February). Two especially long (positive) streaks continue. More than tripling (+1.3) its 6+-figure, Radio One gospel WJYD “Joy 107.1” hasn’t had a loss in nine straight sweeps (.5 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+) and is steady at #14. Meanwhile, Ohio State University’s WOSA “Classical 101” doubles (+.5) its 6+ AQH share in five consecutive up or flat moves (.5 – .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0, tie at #15 to #16, 6+). Immediately after recording a February improvement of seven-tenths, One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” surrenders that increase in its entirety (3.3 – 4.0 – 3.3, 6+) but remains in eighth-place. February’s 4.0 is its best 6+-stat since October 2018’s 4.1. In addition to having its consecutive string of positive spikes which netted eight-tenths end at three (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+), Radio One urban AC WXMG “Magic 95.5” (2.8, -.3, 6+) leaves the top ten (#9 to #11).

Monday, February 25, 2019

| February 24, 2019

Monday Memo: Handling Bad News. OOPS.  One of your hosts said WHAT???  Managers: Gaffes are inevitable, especially in talk radio.  When your station stumbles:

1) Act quickly.  The sooner you confront a negative story, the sooner it will be over.  Responding as quickly to negative stories as you do to positive ones enhances your credibility.

2) Be honest.  Hiding embarrassing information or lying will do more damage than damage control.  Never stonewall, and avoid “rolling disclosure.”  As several U.S. presidents have learned (is learning), the cover-up can be worse than the crime.

3) Tell your side of the story.  Use specifics, and detail what corrective action “has already been taken.”  You’ll sound responsible and in-control.

4) Respond in kind.  If the issue is emotional, don’t sound like a cold, unemotional Mr. Spock.  “I have a teenage daughter myself, and I know how much our host’s comments must have hurt.”

Holland Cooke (hollandcooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet; he is the author of “Holland Cooke Greatest Hits” from Talkers Books; and he hosts “The Big Picture” TV show on RT America.  Read HC’s Monday Memo each week at Talkers.com, and follow him on Twitter @HollandCooke

Entercom and Union Butting Heads Over ‘Cross-Utilization’ at All-Newsers WINS and WCBS-AM in New York.  New York Daily News writer Ginger Adams Otis reports that Entercom and the Writers Guild of America, East are at odds over the issue of cross-utilization at all-news stations WINS and WCBS-AM in New York City.  For all the years the two stations were owned by CBS RADIO, they were separate stations with separate staffs and remain so to this day.  Now, Entercom would like to talk with the union about cross-utilization of staffers.  At one end of the spectrum is the union’s fear the company wants to use the same staff for both stations; at the other is Entercom’s statement to the Daily News that it does not intend to merge the workforces and create the pretense of two different stations.  Still, Entercom admits layoffs are a possibility.  The union – saying it’s willing to discuss the matter – tells the Daily News it has asked for plans from the company as to how it would employ cross-utilization but Entercom has refused to provide them.  It’s not surprising that Entercom would see the opportunity to save some operational expense at the two stations, but both WINS and WCBS-AM consider their complete independence from each other an important aspect of their identities and clearly don’t want to give that up.

Cumulus Media and DAX Partner for Broadcaster’s Digital Sales. The deal between Cumulus Media and DAX makes the latter the exclusive third-party sales representative across network radio streaming and national programmatic advertising, alongside the broadcaster’s national and local sales teams.  Cumulus says it is “the first traditional broadcast network to join a premium roster of publisher brands with inventory on DAX.  DAX brings programmatic audio expertise and provides brands with access to sophisticated data targeting tools to reach key audiences.”  This partnership gives advertisers access to DAX’s Listener Insight ID.  Its dashboard allows advertisers to measure the performance of their ad campaigns in real time, providing granular insights which help brands test and optimize their campaigns based on listeners’ responses.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison attended the opening game of the MLB 2019 spring exhibition schedule this weekend (2/23) between the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.  During the game, he visited the Miami Marlins radio broadcast booth to chat it up between-innings with the Marlins Radio Network play-by-play team of Dave Van Horne and Glenn Geffner – two legends in the sports broadcasting world.  Van Horne just celebrated his 51st anniversary in the business.  Pictured above (l-r) are: Harrison, Van Horne, Geffner, and Grace Blazer, national brand coordinator, news/talk/sports programming and director of AM programming, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, iHeartMedia.

TALKERS News Notes. A metaphor that would have gone unnoticed in the past has cost University of Iowa radio broadcaster Gary Dolphin his gig for the rest of the season.  Learfield Sports Properties announced that Dolphin would be suspended for the rest of the season after his choice of words describing University of Maryland player Bruno Fernando’s game winning score against Iowa. KCCI-TV, Des Moines reports Dolphin said, in reviewing the game, “That’s some pretty good long-range shooting, and then Fernando was King Kong at the end of the game.”  Fernando is black.  Dolphin, who signed off on a public apology statement, said his words were not intended to offend…..Denver sports media personality Andy Lindahl exits iHeartMedia’s Mile High cluster where he served as a host and reporter for sports talk KDSP “Orange & Blue 760” and news/talk KOA.  In a Facebook post Lindahl says, “All good things come to an end they say.  My run at iHeartMedia now falls into that category.  It wasn’t good though, it was great.  Incredible actually.  I lived my dream for 20 years and wouldn’t trade a minute.  Thank you to all my coworkers in sales and programming.  You are all the best. Thank you to the listeners.  I never thought this boy from Denver would matter to so many, but via Twitter, you let me know I did.  I’m forever grateful.”…..Music and television legend Paul Shaffer is launching a new interview series titled, “Paul Shaffer Plus One” that will air on SiriusXM and on AXS TV.  Shaffer will sit down for candid, in-depth conversations with his close friends and fellow music icons as they discuss their careers, influences, and experiences.  It will be shot in a recording studio setting with Paul at the piano.  Featured guests include: Sammy Hagar, Graham Nash, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, blues trailblazer Buddy Guy, and Steely Dan co-founder Donald Fagen, among many others.

JVC Media Gets Long Island Airport Contract. Long Island-based JVC Media announces it has signed a multi-year deal to upgrade and manage all advertising signage at Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, New York.  JVC already has the studios of news/talk WRCN “103.9 LI News Radio” located within the airport terminal.  Under this new agreement, JVC will replace all existing advertising fixtures and will invest to install brand new, state-of-the-art digital networks, landmark LED spectaculars, and vibrant backlit tension fabric banners.  JVC notes that more than 4,300 people fly MacArthur Airport each day, making it one of the top 110 airports in the United States.  The company says that with the addition of the LI MacArthur airport contract to its portfolio, JVC Media now manages advertising inventory on Long Island on five FM radio stations, numerous print publications including the award-winning This is Country Magazine, and the 7,000-seat outdoor event venue The LI Community Hospital Amphitheater at Bald Hill – assets that help JVC reach more than 3.2 million consumers annually.

Trump-Kim Meeting, Michael Cohen Testimony, Trump-Russia Investigation, 2020 Democratic Hopefuls, Venezuela Violence, Jussie Smollett Case, Sunday’s Oscars Awards, Pope Francis Addresses Sex Scandals, Robert Kraft Charges, and NBA/NCAA Basketball Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend.  This week’s meeting in Vietnam between President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un; former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen’s scheduled testimony before a congressional hearing; the status of the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in the 2020 election; the violence at Venezuelan borders with Columbia and Bolivia and the U.S.’s support for opposition leader Juan Guaido; the charges against Jussie Smollett for allegedly filing a false hate crime report; Sunday night’s Academy Awards show; Pope Francis addresses the various sex scandals facing the Catholic Church; the prostitution sting in Florida that has implicated New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft; and NBA and NCAA basketball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. San Diego adult contemporary outlet KYXY announces Rob and Joss Taylor are the hosts of the new “Mornings with Rob & Joss” show. They come to the Entercom station from their positions with Amaturo Sonoma Media Group’s country KFGY “Froggy 92.9,” where they’ve been for the past 13 years.  The duo says, “We are thrilled to come down the coast as we embark on our next adventure with Entercom San Diego.  KYXY has a great reputation and we look forward to sharing weekday mornings with our listeners.”…..At the Philadelphia operations of iHeartMedia, Jeff Moore is named SVP of sales for the six-station cluster of music outlets, including: CHR WIOQ “Q102,” alternative WRFF “Radio 104.5,” adult contemporary WISX “106.1 The Breeze,” hip hop WUSL “Power 99,” and urban contemporary WDAS.  Moore was most recently general sales manager for the cluster…..Programming pro Supersnake is named program director and afternoon drive host at Bustos Media’s rhythmic oldies WTGV, Tucson “Groove 106.3.” He says, “All I can say is integrity, integrity, integrity.  What a concept!  That’s what you get with Bustos Media.  They did what they said they were going to do, the old fashioned way, keeping the stations local with live jocks.  When they approached me to re-launch the new ‘Groove,’ I said, ‘Let’s make it happen.’”…..At Cox Media Group Tampa, a number of programming promotions take place.  First, John Brennan – currently director of branding for talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone” – adds programming duties for the cluster’s classic hits WXGL “107.3 The Eagle.”  Second, Jenna Kesneck moves up from APD for alternative WSUN “97X” and CHR WPOI to director of branding and programming for WSUN. Finally, cluster operations manager Rick Thomas is taking on the director of branding and programming roles for adult contemporary WWRM “Magic 94-9.”…..Because programmer John O’Connell is focusing on his PD roles with Entercom’s alternative WSFS “104.3 The Shark” and country WKIS “Kiss Country 99.9” in Miami, the company is looking for a program director to take over those duties at Orlando alt rocker WQMP “FM 101.9,” for which O’Connell is currently responsible.  Find out what the company is looking for and how you can apply here…..TALKERS magazine sends condolences to the family and friends of rock WZZO, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania morning drive co-host Kevin “The Bearman” Schutts, who recently passed away unexpectedly at 64. Schutts hosted “The Bearman and Keith” show with Keith Moyer.  iHeartMedia says on the station’s website: “Our ‘95.1 ZZO’ family has lost its most distinctive voice.  With great sadness, we must inform you of The Bearman’s sudden and unexpected passing…At this difficult time, we ask that your thoughts are with Bearman’s family and friends.”

January 2019 PPM Data – Part Four. January 2019 ratings information has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s January 2019 survey period covered January 3 – 30. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM-markets.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -1.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.5 – 3.7 – 2.7, 6+), Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” bounces back with a +.8 to 3.5 (#14 to #11, 6+).

Off a collective eight-tenths in three straight decreases (2.5 – 2.4 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+) Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” slips from #17 to #19. While it continues at #24, iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” is down or flat for the third consecutive time for an overall loss of two-tenths (.7 – .7 – .6 – .5, 6+).

Having forfeited an overall eight-tenths in three straight declines (8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.8, 6+), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT posts a January 2019 increase twice that magnitude to 9.4 (+1.6) and progresses from third to first. Before dropping to second in December, KUT was #1 for three consecutive months.

Austin Music Formats – In the iHeartMedia cluster, both KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin, Texas Original” (5.0 – 6.2, fifth to third, 6+) and similarly-formatted KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” (3.7 – 4.9, seventh to fifth, 6+) improve by +1.2. When KVET-FM gained one-half share in “Holiday” 2018, it ended three straight decreases that accounted for a collective loss of eight-tenths (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, KASE plummeted by -1.9. Elsewhere in the market’s country battle, nearly doubling (+1.1) its 6+-stat in three straight increases (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.4, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” is down one-tenth to 2.3 (#15 to #16, 6+). Notching a “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 +1.2, in addition to KVET-FM and KASE, is Emmis’ KLBJ-FM (3.2 – 4.4, 6+), which returns to the top ten (#12 to #8). In “Holiday” 2018, “93.7 The Rock of Austin” sputtered by one-half share. Off by a combined nine-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHFI answers with a +.7 to 4.3 (6+), but “96.7 Kiss FM” Austin’s #1 Hit Music Station” backslides from an eighth-place tie to ninth. In three straight declines (2.5 – 2.3 – 1.8 – 1.6, 6+), Emmis triple A KGSR lost nine-tenths but “Austin City Limits Radio” gains six-tenths to 2.2 (#20 to #18, 6+). Co-owned Spanish contemporary KLZT-HD2 (1.8 – 2.3, #18 to #16, 6+) and Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” (2.0 – 2.5, #16 to #14, 6+) are both up one-half share. The six most recent shifts for Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ are -1.2 (September); +1.2 (October); -.5 (November); +1.2 (December); +2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); and now -4.9 in January 2019 (9.5 – 4.6, 6+) as “Majic 95.5” drops from first to sixth. “Holiday” 2018’s 9.5 represents the strongest 6+-stat for KKMJ since “Holiday” 2017 (12.4). A cumulative +1.4 in three straight increases (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), University of Texas at Austin-owned triple A KUTX “98.9 The Austin Music Experience” surrenders a -1.0 to 2.5 (#10 to #14, 6+). Following five straight up or flat moves that netted a +2.0 (7.3 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 9.3, 6+), Emmis adult hits KPBA “103.5 Bob-FM” surrenders seven-tenths to 8.6 (flat at #2, 6+). In calendar year 2018, “Bob” was #1 from January through April, as well as in June, August, and December.

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – In one fell swoop, a January 2019 +1.5 (to 6.1, 6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK practically eliminates its -1.7 through third straight negative trends (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 4.6, 6+) as “106.1 Stay Connected” moves from eighth to sixth. WTKK was a combined +1.2 (5.1 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+) in September and October. Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” is up one-tenth (1.5 – 1.6, #20 to #19, 6+).  Before dropping two-tenths in November, WPTF had nearly doubled (+.8) its 6+-share in eight straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+).

An overall -.8 in three consecutive decreases (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.6, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC ends that skid with a +.2 to 1.8 (#18 to #17, 6+); “99.9 The Fan” was a combined +.6 in September and October (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+).

Following five losses in a row that resulted in a collective -1.7 (8.8 – 8.4 – 8.3 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 7.1, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” answers with a +1.0 to 8.1 (fourth to second, 6+). WUNC has moved from third to first (June 2018, +9); first to third (July, -1.1); third to first (August, +1.2, 6+); first to second (September, -.4+); second to third (November, -.9, 6+); and now fourth to second (January 2019, +1.0).

Raleigh Music Formats – The four most recent fluctuations by Radio One urban AC WFXC are +.9 (November); -1.5 (December); +1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); and now (another) +1.1 in January 2019 (9.9 – 11.0, 6+) as “Foxy Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is on top for the sixth time in succession. Moreover, this (11.0) is the highest 6+-stat for WFXC in the PPM-era. Progressing by +1.1 as well is iHeartMedia CHR WDCG (5.6, ninth to seventh, 6+). In three straight losses (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+), “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” had been a collective -1.0. A cumulative -2.3 via three successive negative moves (8.0 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.7, 6+), Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “94.7 QDR Today’s Best Country” picks up six-tenths to 6.3 (flat at #5, 6+). A September +1.0 suspended three straight downward moves that led to a -1.2 (8.1 – 7.7 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+). Gaining one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia’s WNCB “New Country B-93.9” (2.1 – 2.6, #17 to #14, 6+) and Curtis Media Group classic hits-oldies WPTK “Just Right Radio.” The latter more than doubles (+.7) its 6+-stat in four straight up or flat trends and cracks the top twenty (.5 – .5 – .6 – .7 – 1.2, #20, 6+). In three consecutive up or flat trends (5.3 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 9.6, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL was a cumulative +4.3, but “Mix 101.5” surrenders a -2.6 to 7.0 (second to fourth, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 9.6 is its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2017’s 10.4. Reaching Raleigh from Greensboro, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WMAG “99.5 The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ’90s, & Today,” which was an overall +2.1 in four straight sweeps without a loss (.4 .4 – .4 – 1.4 – 2.5, 6+), forfeits a -2.0 to .5 (6+) and fades from the top twenty (#15 to #23). This marks the fifth successive sweep without an increase by Radio One gospel WNNL “103.9 The Light” for a collective -1.5 (5.2 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 3.7, #10 to #11, 6+). After being +1.0 via three straight increases (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.7, 6+), Educational Information Corporation’s WCPE “89.7 The Classical Station” falters by four-tenths to 2.3 (#14 to #15, 6+).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – For the third sweep in succession, Emmis news/talk WIBC  posts a fluctuation of nine-tenths. “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” was -.9 (December); -.9 as well (“Holiday” 2018); but in January 2019 is +.9 to (5.4 – 6.3, sixth to fifth, 6+). Previously, WIBC was -.7 (September); +1.0 (October); and +.7 (November).

Sports talk sibling WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” regains the three-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.8, #15 to #14, 6+). A combined -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.3 – 1.9 – 1.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” is up four-tenths to 1.8 (6+) and continues at #18.

Recent shifts by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI include a combined +.8 in November and December; -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); and now a January 2019 +.9 (4.2 – 5.1, tenth to ninth, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – The ongoing highly frenetic pace by Cumulus Media’s WJJK plays on as a +2.9 to 9.8 (6+) obliterates all but one-tenth of its combined December and “Holiday” 2018 -3.0 (9.9 – 9.2 – 6.9, 6+). After spending six straight sweeps at #1, “Classic Hits 104.5” slipped to third in “Holiday” 2018 but is back at #1. Its November decrease of one-tenth interrupted five successive increases which netted a +3.2 (6.8 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.6 – 9.7 – 10.0, 6+). In October, WJJK reached 10.0, the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. It has been a wild ride as well for co-owned WFMS “95.5 The Country Station,” which posts a +1.1 to 7.2 (steady at #4, 6+), thus applying the brakes to three downturns in succession that resulted in a cumulative -2.2 (8.3 – 8.0 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+). Having finished at #1 in April 2018, May, and June, WFMS was -.5 (February 2018); +1.0 (April); +.5 (May); -.5 (July); -.7 (August); +.9 (October); -1.8 (December); and now +1.1 (January 2019). It has a two-share (6+) advantage over Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM,” an overall -1.3 in three straight decreases (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+) before adding eight-tenths in January 2019 (5.2, ninth to eighth, 6+). “Hank” was -1.5 in September and then  +.6 in October. Continuing a down/up pattern that started in June and has resulted in a +.1 in that stretch (4.3 – 3.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 4.3 – 3.5, 4.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix” (+.9 in January 2019) climbs from #13 to #11. After faltering by seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, its CHR sibling, WZPL “99.5 ZPL,” flashes a January 2019 +.9 as well (4.6 – 5.5, unchanged at #7, 6+). Continuing at #12, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is an overall +.6 through three straight up or flat trends (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.1, 6+). A combined +9.6 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.8 – 9.0 – 16.4, 6+), Emmis adult contemporary WYXB spirals by -8.8 to 7.6 (6+) as “B-105.7” segues from first to third. Its “Holiday” 2018 16.4 represents the highest 6+-stat by any Indianapolis station since “B-105.7” notched a 17.7 in “Holiday” 2016. After being down or flat seven straight times for a collective -1.4 (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), Radio One CHR WNOW “100.9 Radio Now” logs a +.3 to 2.6 (#16 to #15, 6+). Conversely, rhythmic CHR sibling WHHH “Hot 96.3,” which was up an overall seven-tenths as a result of three upticks in a row (5.4 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+), regresses by one-half share to 5.6 (fourth to sixth, 6+).

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.9 – 6.3 – 4.6, 6+), following its October and November +1.3, iHeartMedia news/talk WISN “News/Talk 1130” flaunts a January +2.2 to 6.8 (6+), jumping from eighth to fourth. Down three straight times for an overall -4.2 (10.4 – 9.4 – 6.8 – 6.2, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ similarly-formatted WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” ends that slide by picking up one-tenth to 6.3 (6+), yet backslides from fourth to sixth. “Holiday” 2018’s 6.2 is the lowest 6+-showing for the flagship of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Milwaukee Brewers since March 2018 (6.0). Its rollercoaster ride has included -.8 (January 2018); +.9 (February); +1.9 (April); -.6 (May); +.5 (June); -.5 (August); +.6 (September); +2.5 (October); -1.0 (November); -2.6 (December); and -.6 (“Holiday” 2018). This marks the first time since May 2018 that WISN (6.8, 6+) has overtaken WTMJ (6.3, 6+); in May 2018, WISN notched a 7.7 (6+) to WTMJ’s 7.3 (6+).

Flat at #15, Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” is without an increase for the fourth time in a row for a cumulative loss of eight-tenths (1.9 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+). Its November dip of four-tenths ended four consecutive increases that accounted for a collective gain of seven-tenths (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.9, 6+). An overall -3.7 in nine straight down of flat sweeps (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.3 – .8 – .7 – .7, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ country-to-sports talk convert WKTI “94.5 ESPN” continues at #17. In late-November, iHeartMedia flipped CHR WRNW “97.7 Now” to sports talk “97.3 The Game.” Up one-tenth in back-to-back reports (2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+) and then plummeting in “Holiday” 2018 by -2.5, “97.3 The Game” doubles “Holiday” 2018’s .3 (6+) to .6 (+) and continues at #21. Co-owned WOKY “The Big 920” returns the one-tenth it gained in “Holiday” 2018 (.2 – .3 – .2, #21 to #24, 6+). Before dropping three-tenths in December, quintupled (+.4) its 6+-share in seven successive sweeps without a loss (.1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .4 – .5, 6+).

After surrendering six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM bounces back with a +.9 (3.6 – 4.5, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #9). Its earlier three straight upticks accounted for a collective +1.5 (2.7 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.2, 6+). Stable at #19, Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD has a June 2018 – January 2019 topline of .9 – .9 – .7 – .9 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .6 – .7 (6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – A combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (7.5 – 7.3 – 6.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” erases it completely with a January 2019 +1.3 to 7.5 (fourth to second, 6+). Three gains in succession yielded a +2.2 (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.2 – 7.5, 6+) for WMIL, which is without a country competitor since WKTI flipped to sports talk in November (2018). By gaining seven-tenths to 4.2 (#12 to #11, 6+), Saga Communications’ urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3” settles its -.7 through a December and “Holiday” 2018 mini-slide (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). Owing to three successive positive spikes, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7 Jams” is an overall +2.0 (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.9 – 6.5, seventh to fifth, 6+). Immediately before dialing up “Holiday” 2018’s +1.2, “V-100.7” was trending 4.5 – 4.9 (6+) from July through December. A combined +5.2 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.1 – 7.7 – 10.3, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB forfeits a -4.5 to 5.8 (6+) and drifts from second to eighth. In “Holiday” 2018, “B-93.3” reached double-digits (10.3, 6+) for the first time in its PPM-history. Despite logging a four-tenths increase to 4.2 (6+), thus suspending five successive decreases that accounted for a cumulative -2.0 (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 3.8, 6+), Saga Communications’ WHQG “102.9 The Hog – Everything That Rocks” exits the top ten (#10 to #11). The three latest shifts for iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT are -1.0 (December); +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); and now – 1.9 in January 2019 (11.5 – 9.6, 6+) but “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. WRIT spent 43 consecutive ratings periods at #1 before shifting to the #2 slot in October; “Holiday” 2018’s 11.5 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. While it remains flat at #13, Milwaukee Radio Alliance alternative WLUM “102.1 Sounds Different” is off six-tenths to 2.5, its lowest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Remaining at #14, Saga Communications’ rhythmic CHR WNRG “Energy 106.9” is off three-tenths to 1.8 (6+), thus curtailing five straight reports without a loss that netted a +1.3 (.8 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Anchored at #14, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN is without an increase for the fourth sweep in a row for an overall loss of eight-tenths (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+). In 14 of the last 15 sweeps, “Super Talk 99.7” has been within 3.0 – 3.9 range (6+); the exception was October 2018 when it logged a 4.0 (6+).

A one-half share increase by iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC (1.0 – 1.5, steady at #19) offsets its three-tenths’ decline in “Holiday” 2018. “Talk Radio 1510” nearly doubled (+.6) its 6+-stat through three September 2018 – December 2018 gains in a row (.7 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+).

Continuing an up/down sequence that began in October, Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” is +1.3 (October); -.9 (November); +.2 (December); -.8 in “Holiday 2018”; and now +.3 in January 2019  (4.8 – 5.1, eighth to seventh, 6+). Immediately prior to that, the Tennessee Titans’ flagship was +.6 (August) and +1.4 (September). Meanwhile, Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” returns “Holiday” 2018’s +.2 (1.6 – 1.8 – 1.6, 6+), slipping from #17 to #18. A December loss of one-tenth halted three consecutive improvements that netted a +1.0 (.7 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+).

Not only does WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” record a whopping +1.6 (3.6 – 5.2, 6+), the Nashville Public Radio news/talk/classical hybrid rockets into the top ten (#11 to #6). December’s +.4 suspended three down moves in a row that accounted for a collective -1.5 (4.9 – 4.6 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Since surfacing in September 2018, WPLN-FM’s internet stream is up or flat the fifth straight time more than quintupling (+.9) its 6+-stat (.2 – .6 – .7 – .9 – .9 – 1.1, #22 to #21, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – Two huge gains (+1.2, each) are turned in by Cumulus Media’s WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” (4.2 – 5.4, tenth to fifth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” (4.7, #12 to #10, 6+). After three increases in a row for a +.7 (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+), “Nash FM” – which last reached the five-share level in January 2018 (5.0) – surrendered two-tenths in December and was up one-tenth in “Holiday” 2018. “The Big 98” had been -2.0 via three consecutive setbacks (5.5 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 3.5, 6+), after being a combined +1.2 in September and October (4.3 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+). The market’s other country FM – Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” – returns the one-tenth it gained in “Holiday” 2018 (5.1 – 5.2 – 5.1, sixth to seventh, 6+). “Nash Icon” was -1.0 (September); +.8 (November); and -1.5 (December). Down or flat the past five reports for a combined -1.4 (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” halts that streak with a +.3 to 6.7 (third to second, 6+). August 2018’s 7.8 was the best 6+-stat for WNRQ since January 2018 (7.8, as well). A January -3.5 to 10.6 (6+) halts at three Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA’s consecutive string of upticks that yielded a +6.0 (8.1 – 9.0 – 10.9 – 14.1, 6+), but “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” is #1 for the 13th successive ratings period. “Holiday” 2018’s 14.1 is the highest 6+-share for any Nashville outlet since the 14.4 WJXA notched in “Holiday” 2017. Among its recent fluctuations are: -6.7 (January 2018); +1.0 (February); -.5 (May); +1.0 (June); +.9 (August); -.9 (September); -.7 (October); +.9 (November); +1.9 (December); +3.2 (“Holiday” 2018); and -3.5 (January 2019). Co-owned adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM Playing What We Want” follows “Holiday” 2018’s +1.2 with a January 2019 -1.3 (7.3 – 6.0, second to fourth, 6+). That +1.2 this time last month pulled the plug on five downturns in succession that led to a cumulative -2.0 (8.1- 7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+). In addition to surrendering a -1.1 to 4.4 (6+), Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q,” which had been trending 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5 (6+), fades from the top ten (#5 to #11). Reappearing in print in August (2018), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFFH immediately posted four straight September through “Holiday” 2018 increases accounting for a +1.9 (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.7, 6+). In January 2019, however, “The Fish” falters by eight-tenths to 3.9 (6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #12).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Down or flat for the third straight time for an overall -1.0 (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+),  Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM drops from sixth to ninth. Immediately prior to this streak, “News Talk 630” was +1.1 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). A combined -.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” bounces back with a +.7 to 1.9 (6+) and zooms from #18 to #12. In seven straight Providence sweeps without a loss, co-owned Boston hybrid news-talk WBZ-AM netted six-tenths (.8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 -1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4), but “News Radio 1030” sputters by three-tenths to 1.1 (#14 to #18, 6+). In back-to-back sweeps, Cumulus Media-owned WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” picks up one-tenth (.3 – .4 – .5, steady at #21, 6+).

A combined -1.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.4 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+), directly after logging four successive up or flat trends accounting for a net gain of +2.0 (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk WVEI improves by seven-tenths to 4.2 (eighth to sixth, 6+).

By gaining one-tenth to 2.1 (6+), The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH ends three straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall loss of eight-tenths (2.6 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+) but backslides from #10 to #11. Stable at 1.6 (6+) on the heels of “Holiday” 2018’s -.7, WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH nonetheless slips from #12 to #14.

Providence Music Formats – Not only has Townsquare Media’s Fairhaven, Massachusetts-licensed CHR WFHN more than tripled (+3.0) its 6+-share via six successive up or flat moves (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 4.2, 6+), “Fun 107 – The Southcoast’s #1 Hit Music Station” catapults into the top ten (#11 to #6). As a result of three straight setbacks (8.7 – 8.2 – 6.9 – 5.6 (6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK was a collective -3.1, but “Cat Country 98.1” responds with a +1.6 to 7.2 (fifth to third, 6+). Improving by one-half share (each) are Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX “Hot 106.3” (2.0 – 2.5, ninth to tenth, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WCIB “Cool 102 – Cape Cod’s Classic Rock Station” (1.1 – 1.6, #19 to #14, 6+). Having posted three straight up or flat trends that yielded a +6.8 (9.4 – 9.4 – 12.1 – 16.2, 6+) and finishing first the last six sweeps, Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” (9.1, -7.1, 6+) segues to second. “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2 is the highest 6+-stat for any Providence station since WWLI’s 18.0 in “Holiday” 2016. Flat at 9.8, matching its best 6+-stat since June 2018, iHeartMedia’s WHJY “94 HJY – Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” succeeds “Lite Rock” at #1. For the past five reports, WHJY – +1.2 in “Holiday” 2018 – was in the runner-up slot. Continuing a (6+) September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 up/down pattern of 5.1 – 5.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, hot AC cluster-mate WSNE “Coast 93.3” inches up from seventh to eighth. In the same vein, classic hits-oldies sibling WWBB “B-101” has been down/up since September: -.9 (September) +.5 (October); -.5 (November); +.5 (December); -.2 (“Holiday” 2018); and +2 in January 2019 (6.7 – 6.9, third to fourth, 6+).

Norfolk – Tacking on a +1.4 to “Holiday” 2018’s gain of six-tenths (5.5 – 6.1 – 7.5, 6+), Saga Communications’ WAFX “Classic Rock 106.9 The Fox” jumps from fourth to second. Co-owned WNOR “FM 99 Rocks,” which was a collective -1.0 via three straight setbacks (6.9 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.9, 6+), logs a +.8 to 6.7 (6+) and continues in fifth-place. By posting a +1.0 to 4.6 (seventh to sixth, 6+), Entercom’s WNVZ “Z-104 Norfolk Rhythmic Music” curtails five consecutive down or flat reports that resulted in an overall -1.7 (5.3 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+). On top for 25 successive survey periods before segueing to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018, urban AC sibling WVKL notches a +.7 (12.0 – 12.7, 6+) and returns to #1. With a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 35th time in the last 36 sweeps, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” halts five consecutive down or flat trends that accounted for a -3.5 (15.5 – 13.7 – 13.7 – 13.1 – 12.9 – 12.0, 6+). Its 15.5 in August 2018 sets the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. In addition to advancing from eighth to seventh, hot AC cluster-mate WPTE “94.9 The Point” records a +.2 to 2.2 (6+), thus ending four straight declines that resulted in a collective -1.5 (3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.0, 6+). On the heels of its “Holiday” 2018 one-half share improvement (6.5 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI “103 JAMZ” duplicates it in January 2019 (7.0 – 7.5, +.5, third to second, 6+). It is a quick (“Holiday” 2018-only) stay at #1 for Entercom adult contemporary WWDE “101.3 2WD,” which erodes by exactly 50% (-6.8) to 6.8 (first to fourth, 6+). The combined +7.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.7 – 7.2 – 13.6, 6+) culminated with 13.6 – the strongest 6+-showing in WWDE’s PPM-history. In back-to-back sweeps, iHeartMedia-owned rhythmic hot AC WMOV has lost 75% (-4.8) of its 6+-share (6.4 – 4.9 – 1.6, sixth to eighth, 6+). Through five straight increases “Movin’ 107.7” was +5.7 (.7 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 6.4, 6+). Immediately prior to that, however, WMOV was –4.3 through seven successive sweeps without an increase (5.0 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .7, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Recapturing the four-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (10.4 – 10.0 – 10.4, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” returns to #1 (from the runner-up slot). WOKV previously was -.7 (July); +.5 (August); -.6 (September); +2.0 (October); +.6 (November) and -.8 (December), with November’s 11.2 its best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era.

Flat at #20, iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” is without an increase for the third straight report and is off two-tenths in that stretch (.8 – .7 – .6 – .6, 6+).

After picking up one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+), public news/talk WJCT adds another six-tenths in January 2019 to 3.0 (#13 to #12, 6+).

Jacksonville Music Formats – A combined -1.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (7.0 – 6.5 – 5.2, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WAPE nearly settles that deficit with a +1.6 to 6.8 (sixth to fourth, 6+). Immediately prior to the December sweep, “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” racked up a +1.6 through five straight increases (5.4 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 7.0, 6+). Down three-tenths in a December/”Holiday” 2018 mini-slide (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL “V-101.5” busts out a +1.2 to 6.1 (seventh to fifth, 6+). Adult hits cluster-mate WWJK “107.3 The River – We Play Anything,” a combined -1.4 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.8 – 2.2, 6+), responds with a +1.1 to 3.3 (6+) and enters the top ten (#14 to #10). An overall -2.0 in four consecutive slips (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.3, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle” makes up 40% of the shortfall with a +.8 to 8.1 (steady at #3, 6+). Its adult contemporary sibling – WEZI “Easy 102.9” – records a +.7 to 4.7 (unchanged at #8, 6+), snapping a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.0, 6+). In advance of the December report, WEZI posted four straight improvements that netted a +1.9 (3.4 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+). Elsewhere in the AC format, Renda Broadcasting’s WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station,” a combined +8.4 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (7.9 – 10.7 – 16.3, 6+), slumps by -7.8 to 8.5 (first to second, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 16.3 is the highest 6+-mark for any Jacksonville station since “Holiday” 2015 when WEJZ notched a 19.5. Off four-tenths via three consecutive (slight) declines (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned WXXJ “X-106.5 Jacksonville’s Alternative” flashes a +.5 to 3.0 yet backslides from a tie at #11 to #12. As part of a yoyo sequence, iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WKSL “97.9 Kiss FM” has been a combined -.5 (November and December, 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+); +.7 (“Holiday” 2018, 3.2 – 3.9, 6+); and now -.6 (3.9 – 3.3, January 2019, flat at #10, 6+).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating at #9, iHeartMedia news/talk WZZR adds two-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +1.0 (1.5 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches” had been down or flat four successive sweeps for an overall loss of one-half share (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+). A cumulative -.6 in three straight declines (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+), co-owned news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” halts the slide with a +.3 to 2.1 (#13 to #12, 6+). It overtakes Hubbard’s WFTL “News Talk 850,” which is a combined -.9 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (2.9 – 2.2 – 2.0, #12 to #13, 6+). An October loss of four-tenths interrupted at four its consecutive string of increases that yielded seven-tenths (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+). Slipping from #21 to #22, iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD has its West Palm Beach 6+-stat sliced in half (-.5) since December (1.0 – .6 – .5, 6+).

The five most recent fluctuations for Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN are +.5 (October); -.6 (November); +.5 (December) -.8 (December); and now +.7 in January 2019 (3.0 – 3.7, seventh to sixth, 6+). Immediately prior to the November sweep, WLRN posted three straight improvements resulting in a collective +1.0 (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – An increase of eight-tenths to 3.7 (eighth to sixth, 6+) by Hubbard-owned WIRK “103.1 South Florida’s Country Music erases a December and “Holiday” 2018 -.7 (3.6 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+). Advancing from #17 to #13, iHeartMedia-owned WBGG “Big 105.9 South Florida’s Classic Rock” gains a collective eight-tenths via four straight sweeps without a loss (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 2.0, 6+). After finishing on top in 12 consecutive ratings periods, Hubbard hot AC WRMF shifted to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. Even though it falters by -1.0 in January 2019, following a combined +1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.9 – 9.9 – 10.2, 6+), “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” returns to the top spot. Before eroding -1.8 in November, WRMF was an overall +1.7 in five consecutive up or flat reports (9.0 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 9.4 – 10.0 – 10.7, 6+). Displaced from the penthouse and segueing to the runner-up position is co-owned adult contemporary WEAT (10.7 – 7.8, -2.9, 6+). In three straight improvements (4.6 – 5.0 – 6.9 – 10.7, 6+), “Sunny 107.9” was an overall +6.1, with “Holiday” 2018’s 10.7 the best 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Falling from sixth to eighth, WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” is -1.6 through three negative trends in a row (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 2.8, 6+).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – A January 2019 +1.3 to 4.3 (tenth to ninth, 6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” obliterates its combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+).

Regaining the one-tenth it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (.5 – .4 – .5, 6+), Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” carries on at #16.

Anchored at #13 for the ninth consecutive time, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” is up two-tenths (1.8 – 2.0, 6+). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC is down or flat for the fourth straight time for roughly a one-half loss (-.5) of its 6+-stat (1.1 – .8 – .6 – .6 – .6, unchanged at #15, 6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – Logging increases of nine-tenths (each) are Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” (8.6 – 9.5, third to second, 6+) and Dick Broadcasting CHR WKZL “107.5 The #1 Hit Music Station” (6.3, steady at #5, 6+), which had been off three straight times for a collective -.6 (6.0 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+). This (6.3) is the highest 6+-stat for WKZL since resurfacing in print in February 2018. Co-owned WKRR has recorded a 5.3 (6+) in three of the last four reports (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.3), but “Rock 92” now dials up a +.7 to 6.0 (unchanged at #6, 6+). Adding seven-tenths to its “Holiday” 2018 +.1 (6.2 – 6.9, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH “102 Jamz” repeats at #4. Its “Holiday” 2018 increase halted six straight sweeps without an increase for an overall -2.1 (8.2 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.1, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share swells by +1.2 as iHeartMedia’s WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” is up seven-tenths (5.3 – 6.0, steady at #6, 6+), while Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” regains the one-half share it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (5.2, unchanged at #8, 6+). “Q104.1” was a combined -.8 in October/September, and -1.6 in December. Prior to January 2019’s gain, “The Wolf” was a cumulative -1.2 in three declines in a row (5.9 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7, 6+). Owing to five consecutive August through “Holiday” 2018 improvements (6.8 – 7.9 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 13.9 – 16.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG was an overall +9.7 but “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Variety” erodes by -8.9 to 7.6 (6+) and shifts from first to third. “Holiday” 2018’s 16.5 is the highest 6+-showing for any Greensboro station since WMAG posted a 16.7 in “Holiday” 2013. A collective +1.3 in three straight improvements (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.4, 6+), Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” falters by four-tenths to 4.0 (6+), slipping from ninth to tenth.

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – A January 2019 +1.2 (2.6 – 3.8, 6+) elevates iHeartMedia news/talk WREC from #13 to #11. Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” had been in a September-October-November-December down/up pattern in which time it lost eight-tenths (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+).

As a result of a six-tenths’ increase (3.4 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom sports talk WMFS returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). After five straight gains for an overall +1.4 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), “ESPN Sports Radio” dropped three-tenths in “Holiday” 2018.

Memphis Music Formats – Off seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, Entercom hot AC WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” roars back with an increase more than twice that magnitude (4.1 – 5.6, +1.5, ninth to sixth, 6+). In a December/”Holiday” 2018 mini-slide (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom’s WLFP lost one-half share, but country “94.1 The Wolf” responds with a +1.3 to 3.4 (#14 to #13, 6+). Rebounding from a “Holiday” 2018 loss of seven-tenths with a January 2019 +1.1 (4.0 – 5.1, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned/similarly-formatted WGKX “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country” inches up from tenth to ninth. The five most recent “Kix 106” shifts are: -.5 (October); -.5 (November); +.7 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); and +1.1 (January 2019). Substituting “Holiday” 2018’s -.8 with a January 2019 +.8 (5.3 – 4.5 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WDIA “AM 1070 – The Heart & Soul of Memphis” continues at #8. Up eight-tenths as well are Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO “103.5 The Best Mix of R&B” (9.1, third to second, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WEGR “Rock 102.7” (seventh to sixth). WRBO was a combined -2.4 in December/”Holiday 2018 (10.7 – 8.7 – 8.3, 6+), while “Rock 102.7” is an overall +1.1 via four successive up or flat trends (4.5 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+). Notwithstanding that it makes up 75% of “Holiday” 2018’s -.8 with a +.6 (5.4 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia gospel WHAL “Halleluiah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” continues in fifth-place. Prior to “Holiday” 2018, “Halleluiah” was an overall +1.6 in four straight increases (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+). Immediately after the market’s (6+) adult contemporary share rose by +3.6 in “Holiday” 2018, it collapses by -6.9 in January 2019. An overall +3.7 in seven consecutive reports without a loss (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 3.5 – 5.1, 6+) Cumulus Media AC WKIM surrenders all of that increase and one-tenth more (1.3, -3.8, 6+) as “98.9 The Bridge” freefalls from #6 to #15. Meanwhile, the five most recent moves for Entercom’s similarly-formatted WRVR “104.5 The River” are +2.4 (October); -.1 (November); -1.6 (December); +2.0 (“Holiday” 2018); and now -3.1 in January 2019 (11.3 – 8.2, second to third, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 11.3 is its strongest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017’s 12.9 (#6). A combined +2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (10. 5 – 11.5 – 12.8, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS regresses by -1.5 to 11.3 (6+) but “V-101” is #1 for the third time in a row and in double-digits (6+) for the tenth successive sweep. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is its highest 6+-share in more than six years (13.5, December 2012). Co-owned urban contemporary WHRK “K-97.1,” which was up seven-tenths via three straight up or flat trends (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.8, 6+), is -1.0 to 6.8 (6+) but continues at #4.

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – A cumulative -1.8 through three consecutive declines (7.0 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM answers with a one-half share gain to 5.7 (6+) and repeats at #7. “News Talk 1080” was up eight-tenths in October. It is a somewhat similar scenario for Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut,” which picks up four-tenths (to 1.3, #15 to #14, 6+), thus snapping three downturns in a row that accounted for an overall loss of three-tenths (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9, 6+).

A combined +.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” climbs from #13 to #12.

The wild ride continues for Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas,” which was -2.4 after seven straight down or flat trends (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+); then +1.4 in four straight gains (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+); -.7 in “Holiday” 2018; and now +1.9 in January 2019 (4.2 – 6.1, ninth to sixth, 6+). Stable at #14, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” regains the one-tenth it squandered in “Holiday” 2018 (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+).

Hartford Music Formats – Roaring back from a “Holiday” 2018 -1.1 with a +1.4 (6.3 – 7.7, 6+), Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC-FM” moves from #5 to a three-way scrum at #3. Whereas January’s 7.7 is WTIC-FM’s highest 6+-share since July 2018 (8.6), 6.3 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 marked the first time it fell below a seven-share since March 2018’s 6.7. A January 2019 +1.0 by iHeartMedia’s WWYZ (6.7 – 7.7, third to second, 6+) erases “Holiday” 2018’s -.9. In four straight sweeps without a loss, “Country 92.5” netted a +1.4 (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+), with 7.8 (November and December) its highest 6+-stat since May 2018 (7.8, as well). The three most recent moves by Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” are +.7 (6.8 – 7.5, 6+, December); -.7 (7.5 – 6.8, 6+, “Holiday” 2018); and +.9 (6.8 – 7.7, 6+, January 2019, flat at #2). Its November increase of four-tenths ended five straight decreases that accounted for a -1.9 (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.8 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Owing to three straight improvements, Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ “Radio 104.1” is an overall +1.0 (3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.6, tenth to ninth, 6+). By notching a one-half share increase to 6.9 (6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKSS pulls the plug on four setbacks in succession that accounted for a -1.6 (8.0 – 7.9 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.4, 6+), but “Kiss 95-7 All The Hits” backslides from fourth to fifth. A combined +7.4 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (10.6 – 12.4 – 18.0, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WRCH falters by -6.9 to 11.1 (6+). Nonetheless, “Lite 100.5” is #1 for the 31st consecutive ratings period and in double-digits (6+) for the 28th time in the last 30 sweeps. “Holiday” 2018’s 18.0 is the strongest 6+-showing for any Hartford station since WRCH recorded an 18.3 in “Holiday” 2017.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

| October 9, 2018

ESPN’s WMVP, Chicago to Celebrate 20 Years as Sports Talker. Chicago sports talk outlet WMVP “ESPN1000” is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a sports talk radio station this Friday (10/12), dubbed “Fanniversary.”  The station will broadcast live from Austin’s Fuel Room in Libertyville, including the ESPN Radio morning show “Golic & Wingo,” plus “Kap & Co,” “Carmen & Jurko,” and “Waddle & Silvy.”  WMVP vice president and general manager Jim Pastor says, “ESPN 1000 has provided Chicago sports fans with an outlet for listening to, sharing and experiencing every top Chicago sports story for the past twenty years.  We gave them a front-row seat during championship runs by the Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, and Bulls and we introduced them to new voices who would become part of their daily routine.  It’s a great source of pride knowing the role we play in keeping Chicago sports fans informed and entertained.”

Marty Griffin’s Return to KDKA-AM Postponed by Fall.  Late morning talk show host Marty Griffin did not return to the air on Monday as many of his listeners had hoped. The KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh host has been battling throat cancer brought about by the HP virus and has been off the air recently while undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Griffin posted a video from his hospital bed at UPMC Cancer Center explaining that he blacked out early Monday and hit his head, though assuring his listeners he did not suffer a stroke. Griffin was diagnosed back in August and is keeping listeners posted on his treatment and progress via his blog here.

Elvis Duran Invites Radio Biz to This Year’s ‘Carney Awards.’ This is the fourth year Premiere Networks and “Z100” New York personality Elvis Duran has been serving as executive producer of “The Carney Awards” – named after Art Carney and dedicated to honoring exemplary character actors – and this time Duran is inviting all of his radio industry friends to attend the star-studded event.  It takes place October 28 at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California.  This year’s class of honorees include: Joe Morton, Jessica Walter, Joe Pantoliano, M. Emmet Walsh, James Cromwell, and Bruce Greenwood.  Comedian Patton Oswalt hosts the evening’s program. Red carpet begins at 3:00 pm and the televised show begins promptly at 5:00 pm with a cocktail reception following. Tickets are complimentary to radio industry members.  RSVP to david@elvisdurangroup.com or amir@foresterpublicrelations.com. The Carney Awards were created by Elvis Duran Group CEO David Katz, his brother Jim Katz, an Emmy Award winning producer, and Brian Carney, actor/voice-over artist and Art’s son.  The Carney Awards is a joint production between The Elvis Duran Group and Radcliffe Road Pictures.  Elvis Duran, the Katz brothers and Carney are executive producers.

TALKERS News Notes. WHP, Harrisburg afternoon talk show host Ken Matthews will be attending the opening of the new film, First Man, at the local Regal Cinemas to hand out “moon flags” to moviegoers this Friday (10/12) at 7:00 pm.  Matthews says that, as many people are aware, the film reportedly does not show Neil Armstrong – played by Ryan Gosling – planting the U.S. flag on the moon.  Matthews will tell moviegoers, “By holding your “moon flag” up to the screen at that moment, you can get the exact effect.  You may keep your moon flag and hold it up to the sky as you gaze at the moon for years to come.  One moon flag per American citizen at the event.”…..In Washington, DC, Hubbard Radio’s FederalNewsRadio.com and WFED-AM is changing its name to Federal News Network, a move aimed at highlighting its many distribution platforms and channels that include on-air, online, podcasts, video, and more.  Federal News Network editor-in-chief Lisa Wolfe says, “Our reporters, editors, radio hosts, and producers will continue to find and share the most important news of the day across all platforms, making Federal News Network a great meeting place for thought-leaders to have conversations, share ideas, and discuss topics meaningful to the federal workforce.”….The nationally syndicated financial talk radio show “Motley Fool Money” with host Chris Hill adds new affiliate station WSAU, Wausau, Wisconsin to its roster of affiliates.

Kavanaugh Confirmation Aftermath, November Midterms, Columbus Day-Indigenous Persons Day, Deadly New York Limo Crash, Clintons Speaking Tour, Tracking Hurricane Michael, Weekend’s NFL Action, and MLB Playoffs Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/8).  The response to the Senate’s confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court; the coming November midterm elections and speculation about which party will control congress; the Columbus Day versus Indigenous Persons Day debate; the upstate New York limo crash that killed 20; Bill and Hillary Clinton to embark on a joint speaking tour; the potential strength and path of Hurricane Michael; the weekend’s NFL action; and the MLB Playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. For air during Veterans Day weekend (Saturday through Monday 11/10-12) Westwood One is making available the annual Kix Brooks program “A Salute to Our Military Veterans.”  The host of Westwood One’s “American Country Countdown” rallies his long list of friends to join him for this musical salute, including Tim McGraw, Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Cole Swindell, and more.  These country superstars talk about their appreciation for the nation’s military and Kix Brooks plays the most popular songs that capture America’s patriotic spirit…..iHeartMedia is announcing the lineups at the numerous “Jingle Ball” concerts taking place in cities across the country.  The list of performers playing at the concerts varies from city to city but many will include: Cardi B., Shawn Mendes, Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, Alessia Cara, Bebe Rexha, Bazzi, NF, G-Eazy, and Sabrina Carpenter.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

| August 8, 2018

Entercom Q2: “Great Progress.” Owing to the addition of CBS Radio, Entercom Communications’ second-quarter net revenue jumped, but fell on a same-station basis. Revenue nearly tripled from $125 million to $372.1 million; however, on a same-station basis, it decreased from $405.7 million to $372.1 million. Meanwhile, net income dropped from $6.4 million to $1.6 million. Entercom president and chief executive officer David Field notes, “We have made great progress across multiple fronts as we continue our work to capitalize on our transformational merger. We have signed a definitive agreement with Bonneville to complete our last required station divestitures; successfully launched the Entercom Audio Network with strong early revenues; terminated our painful relationship with United States Traffic Network; achieved rapid growth on our burgeoning Radio.com platform; and delivered a 5% reduction in Q2 expenses as we realize our merger-related synergies. Second-quarter revenues were down 8%, exacerbated by the loss of $12 million in revenues from USTN, but revenue performance is improving. We are currently pacing down 2% in the third-quarter, excluding the impact of USTN. For the fourth quarter, we are pacing up 3% on an unadjusted basis. I am proud of the outstanding team we have built and the terrific work they are doing to capitalize on our abundant scale-driven opportunities.”

Local Nielsen Media Impact Debuts. The planning system allows users to understand cross-media reach, frequency, and duplication on a local scale using advanced audience segments from Nielsen Scarborough. In addition, it enables advertisers, agencies, and media owners to reach their desired audience in the country’s 25 “Local People Meter” (LPM) Designated Market Areas (DMAs). Local Nielsen Media Impact is built with respondent level data to allow in-depth cross-platform analyses for both local television and radio separately, as well as TV and radio together. Beasley Media Group vice president of sales Bob McCurdy comments, “Local Nielsen Media Impact offers empirical data supporting radio’s ability to amplify and complement TV campaigns. This is the first time radio is included in this type of multi-channel media mix that enables users to derive cross media insights with currency grade accuracy. Nielsen Scarborough data within the NMI solution allows us to assess campaign scenarios against consumer insights.” According to Nielsen vice president of product leadership Jay Nielsen, “Local Nielsen Media Impact offers a unique lens to the industry, enabling effective decision-making about where and when to engage audiences with content and advertising on local levels. Similar to the solution clients have widely adopted on the national level, this local solution unlocks access to new insights on media allocation and schedule optimization to better reach a cross platform-based audience.”

Q2: Townsquare Media “Exceeds Previously Issued Guidance.” Second-quarter net revenue for Townsquare Media rose 1.9% to $11.96 million. Owing to the divestiture of North American Midway Entertainment, however, net income decreased by 70.6% to $1.6 million; net income from continuing operations improved 29.2% to $10.1 million. Co-chief executive officer Bill Wilson remarks, “Our second-quarter financial results exceeded our previously issued guidance, continuing the momentum we experienced in the first-quarter of the year. In the first six months of 2018, net revenue increased 2.6%, and 2.2% excluding political revenue; Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.6%. Our second-quarter and year-to-date revenue growth was primarily the result of continued stability in our broadcast products and strong revenue growth of our digital solutions.” Co-CEO Dhruv Prasad notes, “Through internal reorganization and the divestiture of North American Midway Entertainment, we have concluded the strategic reset that we initiated in late-2017 and have largely reoriented the company towards the stability, profitable growth, and cash generation of the advertising, marketing solutions, and live events businesses in our local market footprint. Our strong performance in the first half of this year reinforces that this was the right strategy, and we remain committed to this plan moving forward.”

Rush Limbaugh’s Impact on Radio and America Examined by News Site, Who. What. Why. (whowhatwhy.org)  Veteran talk radio programmer and executive Jeff Schechtman of Napa Broadcasting interviews TALKERS founder Michael Harrison about Rush Limbaugh and the state of talk radio for this week’s WhoWhatWhy.org podcast.  It is part of an article titled “The Mouth that Roared – How Rush Limbaugh Changed America” posted yesterday (8/7) marking the milestone of the talk radio superstar’s syndicated radio show reaching its 30th anniversary last week.  Schechtman and Harrison discuss the impact of the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, Limbaugh’s major contributions to the rise of news/talk radio, how talk radio has changed over the decades, the driving factors behind those changes, the influence of the video screen on communications devices, and the general future of talk media.  To read the article and listen to the podcast, please click here .

Making Music Great Again.  It seems the talented Mike Gallagher isn’t the only member of the Salem roster of talk show hosts blessed with extraordinary gifts as a musical entertainer.  These two super-suave lounge lizards pictured above are none other than Salem Radio Network host Larry Elder (left) and WNYM (“AM 970 The Answer”), New York morning man Joe Piscopo (right).  The two are off-air buds and like hanging out together when they find themselves on the same coast.  This bit of show biz magic was captured last night (8/7) as the two serenaded thrilled diners at Vitello’s, a swingin’ hot spot in Studio City, California.  The song they were performing – Louis Armstrong’s classic, “What a Wonderful World.”

Sinclair Q2 Revenue Up 11.9%. While stats for its Seattle radio properties (KOMO “News Radio 1000 & 97.7, KVI “Talk Radio 570,” and hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5) are not broken out in its earnings release, Sinclair Broadcast Group saw second-quarter revenue increase 11.9% year-to-year to $730.1 million; net income attributable to the company fell from $44.6 million to $28 million. Regarding the pending acquisition of Tribune Media Company, Sinclair president and chief executive officer Chris Ripley states, “We are working with them to analyze approaches to the regulatory process that are in the best interest of our companies, employees, and shareholders.” In terms of Q2 results, Ripley notes, “[They] came in well ahead of guidance in all key financial metrics, and we expect the second half of the year to continue to be robust, underlined by increasing distribution revenues and strong political advertising spend. This year’s mid-term elections are expected by many to have the most spending in U.S. history with broadcast television a primary beneficiary.”

Urban One Second-Quarter Net Revenue Down 2.1%. The year-to-year total slips to $115.2 million although broadcast and digital operating income is up 6.1% to $44.3 million. Overall operating income doubles to $24.8 million and net income improves from $802,000 to $23.6 million. Attributed to results in Atlanta, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Raleigh, radio advertising fell 6% to $52 million. There was radio growth, however, in Dallas, Washington (D.C.), and Cleveland. Digital advertising, cable TV advertising, and event revenues are all off, as well; cable TV affiliate fees saw increases. Keeping pace with 2017, Tom Joyner’s 19th “Fantastic Voyage” took place in the second-quarter and generated $9.4 million. Company president and chief executive officer Alfred C. Liggins, III remarks, “Our Q2 radio performance was in line with expectation. After a tough April, the quarter improved sequentially, and we are currently pacing approximately flat for third-quarter. We are launching a new network in January 2019 that will target African-American females and feature lifestyle and entertainment programming. The addition of a second network will help us continue to grow our TV business in the longer term, and has great potential synergy with our existing platform. Our digital segment came in below expectation for Q2, but has had a very strong start to third quarter and we remain optimistic for the back half of the year.”

Lotus Acquires Scripps Stations in Tucson and Boise. Eight stations are involved in the $8 million transaction between (buyer) Lotus Communications and (seller) The E.W. Scripps Company. Lotus president Jim Kalmenson remarks, “We are looking forward to getting to know the many talented professionals at these Scripps radio stations. Both companies share a genuine passion for producing excellent local radio and serving the public.” Scripps president and chief executive officer Adam Symson adds, “Lotus Communications’ commitment to serving local communities – with a focus on western region markets in particular – makes it a natural fit to run the Tucson and Boise stations. This deal sets up the stations for continued success.” In Tucson, Lotus picks up and will keep adult contemporary KMXZ “94.9 “Mix FM” and sports talk KFFN “ESPN Tucson,” but will spin urban-rhythmic oldies KTGV “106.3 The Groove” and news/talk KQTH. Its Boise acquisitions include classic rock KJOT “J-105”; rock KQXR “100.3 – The X”; triple A KRVB “94.9 The River”; and classic hits KTHI “107.1 K-Hits.”

TALKERS News Notes. Longtime New York City (WMCA, WINS, WCBS-AM) newscaster and talk host Ralph Howard has died. According to Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup, “Ralph personified New York City – vibrant, charming, a little edgy, and nonstop energy; I will miss him greatly.” Tradup produced “Ralph & Ryan” on WMCA in the early-1980s; “Ryan” was longtime NBC-TV newsman Bill Ryan. In addition to New York City credentials, Howard worked in Chicago at WIND, WBBM-AM, and WCFL, as well as for The Associated Press and ABC Radio. Until he retired in May 2013, he was a news anchor for Howard Stern, hosting “Howard’s World,” covering Stern’s SiriusXM exploits. This Sunday (8/12) at 3:00 pm, a celebration of Ralph Howard’s life will be observed at New York City’s Riverside Chapel; Howard was 76 years old ….. Alpha Media Portland’s KXL “FM News 101” adds Envision Networks’ two-hour Nik Miles-hosted “Our Auto Expert” to its Sunday afternoon lineup (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm). Alpha Media executive vice president of programming Scott Mahalick remarks, “When it comes to personality and compelling automotive talk, nobody does it better than Nik Miles. We are excited to share ‘Our Auto Expert’ with the world as part of our commitment to bring the best live & local programming to our listener community.” KXL operations manager Bruce Collins notes, “Nobody knows more about the auto industry than Nik. He is both informative and entertaining – we welcome Nik and his show to KXL.” Miles adds, “I am so excited be working with the country’s most forward-thinkers in radio. Being live and local every week gives listeners an opportunity to be the first to hear about groundbreaking automotive stories and stay informed.” ….. The former general manager of Ohana Media Group’s six Anchorage (Alaska) stations – Tom Oakes – is named operations manager for Scripps Radio’s five-station Springfield, Missouri cluster, which consists of KTTS “94.7 Country’s Best”; CHR KSPW “Power 96.5”; adult hits KRVI “106.7 The River”; and KSGF AM & FM “News/Talk 1260 & 104.1.” In addition, he will be the program director of KTTS. Springfield Operations vice president and general manager Rex Hansen notes, “Tom Oakes brings years of experience in all formats we operate here in Springfield. Our listeners, team, and advertisers will benefit greatly from his expertise. His coaching skills will make a difference for our air staff immediately.” Oakes remarks, “A busy fall lies ahead as we prepare for not only the next ratings sweep, but continue to work with our on-going projects, promotions and programming needs across the entire cluster.” Oakes previously was vice president of programming for  Ohana’s 11 stations in Alaska and Oregon; worked for New Northwest Broadcasters in a variety of upper-management roles with their stations in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, and Washington; and has experience in Omaha, Madison, and South Bend (Indiana) ….. The annual Public Radio Program Directors (PRPD) content conference will be held later this month (8/20 – 8/23) at Austin’s Hyatt Regency Hotel. “Pixels and Place” author Kate O’Neill will be a keynote speaker. PRPD is the only national gathering devoted solely to public radio content and programming and this year’s conference, “will be the most format-inclusive in the organization’s history. As every public radio station grapples with consumption, relevance and sustainability, the PRPD is committed to creating a setting where content leaders can learn, network and advance their careers.” ….. Owing to a strategy change regarding original podcasts, Amazon’s Audible Originals senior vice president of original content development Eric Nuzum is departing. The former NPR executive made the announcement in an email earlier this week. Several other Audible Originals staffers – including the entire unit responsible for original spoken-word podcast content – are also exiting, according to published reports. After releasing high-profile shows in its short existence, Audible Originals has more recently shifted to signing major authors to audiobook-first deals.

Round Two of July 2018 PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets, including Washington (D.C), Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TEGNA Releases Q2 Financials. The former television division of Gannett, Virginia-based TEGNA, reports that its second-quarter net income from continuing operations was up 87.8% to $92.5 million. “Subscription,” which is the company’s term for television retransmission consent revenue, was up 16%. President/CEO Dave Lougee notes, “Our progress in the quarter gives us confidence that our growth strategy is on track. Our business mix continues to evolve toward predictable and profitable subscription-based revenue streams. Contrary to conventional wisdom, our paid subscriber base is very stable, and in fact, our total number of paid subscribers was up year-over-year for the first time in recent years.” TEGNA owns or operates 47 TV stations in 39 markets. Results for its San Diego radio properties, news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760 Talk & Breaking News” and rock KFMB-FM “100.7 KFM-BFM,” are not broken out in its earnings releases. The company completed its acquisition of KFMB-AM, KFMB-FM, and KFMB-TV from Midwest Television six months ago for a reported $325 million.

Ohio Special Election/Primaries, Manafort Trial/Gates Testimony, California Wildfire and the Environment, Trump China Tariffs, Alex Jones/InfoWars Banned by YouTube and Facebook, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Discussed Yesterday (8/6). The cliffhanger special election in Ohio and key primaries in several states, the trial of former Donald Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort highlighted by the damaging testimony of Rick Gates; the deadly California wildfire and its connection to the environment; Alex Jones and InfoWars being dropped by several major social media platforms and MLB action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday (8/7), according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

 

 

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Co-host of “The Bob & Tom Show” – Tom Griswold – will host two evenings of live comedy featuring Greg Hahn, Pat Godwin, and Josh Arnold one week from Friday (8/17) at Indianapolis’ Irving Theater and the following night (8/18) at Lafayette, Indiana’s Lafayette Theater. All proceeds from both shows will go to The Nora Dane Fund, which helps defray the costs of medical treatment and related expenses for two-year-old Nora Dane, who is being treated for a rare, aggressive malignant brain tumor. Griswold states, “Three of my favorite comedians are stepping up to help little Nora. I promise a great night of comedy to support the amazing efforts being made to help this wonderful little girl.” Preferred seating tickets for each show are $75 and include early access to the venue; a meet-and-greet with the featured talent; a photo; VIP laminate; and choice of seating. Griswold and co-host Bob Kevoian originate their Westwood One syndicated show from Cumulus Media Indianapolis flagship WFBQ “Q-95 Indy’s Classic Rock.” ….. In honor of mid-day talent Pat Martin’s 30th anniversary with Entercom Sacramento’s KRXQ “98 Rock,” The Pat Martin All-Star Band will perform tonight (Wednesday, 8/8, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm) as part of a free concert at Folsom, California’s Powerhouse Pub. Guest band members Jeff Keith from Tesla, composer Robert Sabino, and UFO’s “Atomik” Tommy McClendon are among others scheduled to appear. Martin currently fronts the longest consecutive running radio show in Sacramento history ….. As part of an exclusive long-term partnership with Saga Communications, Mediabase and BuzzAngle Music will provide Saga with comprehensive music listening and consumption data for more than 130 radio stations nationwide. Saga Communications vice president of programming Bob Lawrence comments, “Mediabase and BuzzAngle have proven to be essential tools for our many markets and programmers over the years. When presented with the opportunity to put them in our arsenal on a group-wide level, we simply could not resist.” Mediabase president and RCS Worldwide president/CEO Philippe Generali remarks, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be chosen by the very talented programming team at Saga Communications. This partnership will expand the list of markets covered by Mediabase and complement it with the BuzzAngle sales and streaming data for all Saga stations.” Meanwhile, Jim Lidestri, chief executive officer of Border City Media, the makers of BuzzAngle Music, adds, “Mediabase’s airplay monitoring and BuzzAngle’s extensive consumer analytics is a powerful combination for programmers. We are delighted to partner with Saga to give them the most comprehensive tools to connect with – and engage – their listeners through music.” ….. Tickets go on sale this Friday (8/10) for Stephens Media Group Tulsa alternative KMYZ “Z-104.5 The Edge,”-sponsored “The Edge Halloween Haunt.” The October 31 event will feature The Struts, Meg Myers, and Albert Hammond, Jr. ….. After a four-year hiatus, Corey Garrison will return to Binnie Media Portland, Maine country outlet WTHT “99.9 The Wolf” later this month (8/20) as music director and afternoon driver. Operations manager Stan Bennett notes, “Corey has a great passion for country music. I could not be happier to see him return home and help an already veteran team keep ‘The Wolf’ Maine’s most-listened to country station.” Prior to working for three Blueberry Broadcasting stations in Lewistown-Augusta-Bangor, Maine (WABK, WBAK, and WBKA), Garrison was assistant program director/music director/afternoon talent at “The Wolf” (2007-2014). He takes over for J.C. Coffey, who left WTHT late last month ….. This past Saturday (8/4), 24-year-old Eric Manias was a victim of a home invasion at his New Albany (Ohio) apartment. Manias is a family member of Digi-Dude Nate, who is part of “Bailey and Southside,” the morning team on Cumulus Media Atlanta’s WNNX “Rock 100.5.” Manias was shot twice, beaten, and robbed. Transported to Grant Hospital, he is in critical condition with a fractured jaw and arm; broken hip; and numerous cuts and bruises; he’s had four surgeries thus far. Manias was born with pulmonary atresia, a heart disease in which the pulmonary valve is not properly formed. Shortly after his birth, he had three open-heart procedures. As of noon yesterday (8/7), a fund to help with his medical bills raised more than $5,700 toward a $10,000 goal ….. WOCQ-HD2 “Kool Oldies,” Salisbury-Ocean City (Maryland); WQTL “Kool Oldies 106.1,” Tallahassee (Florida); and KWML “Kool Oldies,” Las Cruces (New Mexico) are the latest affiliates of Envision Networks’ “Wolfman Jack Radio Show.” All three are Adams Radio Group properties. Its president & chief executive officer Ron Stone states, “We are thrilled to bring ‘The Wolfman’ back in our markets where we have great oldies stations playing the best music of all time. We believe the audience our oldies stations target are going to fall in love with ‘The Wolfman’ all over again.”

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

| August 7, 2018

Field Answers USTN Lawsuit: “Ridiculous allegations.” As we reported last Monday (Talkers.com, 7/30), in a complaint filed in Harris County, Texas District Court, United States Traffic Network is suing Entercom for material and punitive damages “in excess of $5 million.” USTN alleges that Entercom entered into negotiations to buy the company and walked away from the deal at the last minute with the intent of developing a directly competitive business. Yesterday (Monday, 8/6), Entercom president/CEO David Field addressed the lawsuit in an internal memo. He writes, “The truth is we have acted in good faith and made every reasonable effort and then some to assist USTN in fixing their challenging issues.” Entercom released a statement including the following quote on the situation: “We are relieved to no longer be mired by the difficult USTN situation that was inherited as part of the CBS Radio merger. We will move quickly to augment our strong internal sales organization to ensure that we realize the full value of this inventory. With leading news brands like WINS, New York; KNX, Los Angeles; and WBBM, Chicago, Entercom has the industry’s most valuable traffic inventory. We are pleased to be in control of our own destiny as we pursue opportunities in this attractive market segment.” In response to the lawsuit, Field states, “Entercom believes it is entirely baseless, frivolous and frankly insulting. Entercom has worked tirelessly and constructively with USTN over the past six months to help USTN work through its significant financial issues. Entercom is owed substantial amounts of money by USTN, and the company intends to defend itself vigorously and assert all of its rights.” In yesterday’s memo, Field states, “To say the least, it is disappointing to read the ridiculous allegations that USTN has made when the truth is that we have acted in good faith and made every reasonable effort and then some to assist USTN in fixing their challenging issues. In order to set the record straight and ensure that you have all the facts regarding our relationship with USTN, I have included a summary of the events over the past 8 ½ months.” Click here to read the rest of Field’s memo.

Bortnick Joins iHeartMedia D.C. as Senior VP/Sales. Six-year vice president of sales for Entercom Washington (D.C.), Danny Bortnick crosses the street to become senior vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s five stations in the Nation’s Capital. Region president Michael Preacher remarks, “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Danny to iHeartMedia. Danny has earned a great reputation building client-centric sales organizations while creating a positive work culture. He is the perfect fit for us.” Bortnick adds, “I am thrilled to be joining some of the most iconic brands in [the market], as well as one of the most recognizable media brands in the country.” Bortnick, who has a marketing and management degree from the University of Miami – School of Business, began his radio career 13 years ago as an account executive at Katz Radio in New York City and Atlanta. After a year at Katz, he became an account executive – and later, digital sales manager – at New York City all-news outlet WINS and then, director of sales for Salem Media Group New York City.

Saga Reports 6.5% Q2 Net Revenue Increase. For the quarter ending June 30, Saga Communications net revenue increased to $32.2 million. Meanwhile, operating income increased 2.7% to $6 million and station operating expense increased 8% to $23.1 million. Free cash flow from continuing operations was $6 million for the quarter, compared to $4.8 million for the same period last year. On a same station basis, net revenue decreased .6% to $30.1 million; operating income increased 1.5% to $6 million; and station operating expense decreased 1% to $21.2 million. The company had $52.9 million in cash on hand as of June 30, and $53.3 million as of yesterday (8/6). The company’s total long-term debt was $25 million as of June 30. Results for the quarter and six-month period were affected by the sale of the company’s television stations and purchase of radio stations in Charleston and Hilton Head (South Carolina) on September 1, 2017. Saga’s 2018 Q2 conference call will be at 11:00 am (ET) today (Tuesday, 8/7). Saga owns or operates 75 FM and 33 AM radio stations.

Gregg Receives Salute to Excellence Award. For the second consecutive year, Entercom Philadelphia’s KYW “News Radio 1060” community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg is recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). This time, she will receive a “Salute to Excellence Award” at the NABJ’s gala in Detroit. Entercom Philadelphia senior vice president and market manager David Yadgaroff states, “It comes as no surprise that Cherri has been recognized once again for the exemplary work she contributes to KYW. The hard work she has committed in less than a year demonstrates why she is deserving of this honor.” Gregg remarks, “I am honored and humbled by this great recognition. This acknowledgment validates the importance of creating conversation around social issues.” Gregg was recognized in the “Public Affairs” category in “Top 15 Markets, Radio.” The specific segment – “Police Transparency – When Should Names of Officers Who Kill Be Released?” – was from her weekly program “Flashpoint,” which airs Saturdays (9:30 pm) and Sundays (8:30 am). Launched in 2017, “Flashpoint” discusses community affairs, political news, civil rights and social issues. Last year, NABJ honored Gregg with a “Salute to Excellence Award” in “TV Investigative – Top 15 Markets” for her piece “Driving While Black,” a collaboration between Entercom and KYW-TV, Philadelphia (Channel 3). Gregg, who joined Entercom in 2010, was president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (2015 – 2016) and vice president of broadcast in 2013. A member of the Pennsylvania and Georgia Bars, she has an undergraduate degree (B.S.) from Boston University; a J.D. from Howard University School of Law; and an M.J. from Temple University’s College of Communications and Theater. Gregg was named one of the Philadelphia NAACP’s Most Influential Black Women and PABJ’s Journalist of the Year in 2013.

Remembering Bill Wattenburg. Cancer has claimed the life of 82-year-old Bill Wattenburg, who died last Thursday (8/2). For 39 years (1972 – 2011), “Dr. Bill” hosted a late night show on KGO, San Francisco where the former nuclear weapons designer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory would answer questions about everything from car repairs to physics. Show promos often referred to him as “The smartest man in the world.” The three-hour program (“Open Line to the West Coast,” 10:00 pm – 1:00 am) aired Saturday and Sunday nights and originated from his home in the Sierras. An occasional caller was Clint Eastwood, who gave Wattenburg a few cameos in the “Dirty Harry” movies. Using the nom de plume Will Harvey, the inventor and former physics professor at the University of California – Berkeley authored an early-1970s best-selling book “How to Find and Fascinate a Mistress.” The success of that book led to him being booked on numerous television talk shows where he debated the merits of feminism with people such as the Gabor sisters and Gloria Steinem. As an inventor, Wattenburg had eight patents to his credit, one reportedly being the first home alarm system using electrical wiring for its communication medium. A 2011 KGO format modification from news/talk to news resulted in several hosts – including Wattenburg – exiting the station. Shortly thereafter, Wattenburg hosted a show on Zwerling Broadcasting System news/talk KSCO-AM, Santa Cruz (California), which – after his death – aired a two-hour retrospective of his radio career.

Spanish Broadcasting System Forecasts Q2 Sales, OIBDA Increases. Preliminary estimated quarter two financial results for Spanish Broadcasting System estimates that consolidated net revenue will be between $34.5 million and $34.8 million, an increase of between 1% and 2% over the same period in 2017. Adjusted OIBDA, excluding non-cash stock-based compensation, is projected at $10.8 million – $11.6 million, an increase of 34% – 44% over last year. SBS chair/chief executive officer Raul Alarcon notes, “The company has continued its positive operational momentum throughout the second quarter with strong OIBDA growth and operating margins that continue to be among the highest in the industry.  In addition, the announced $14 million sale of our surplus real estate in New York City has successfully closed, allowing for our move to newer and more suitable facilities in midtown Manhattan. A correlated and corresponding repayment of the company’s 12.5% senior secured notes from the net proceeds of the real estate sale has been undertaken, as previously envisioned. We maintain our positive view as to the continuing momentum in 2018 and will be filing our finalized second-quarter results within the next week.”

Ten Radio Groups Support NAB’s Owner Cap Modification Stance. Represented in this particular assemblage of group owners is “a cross-section of the industry” with minority-owned and family-owned entities that have stations in large and small markets. In alphabetical order by group owner, the open letter is signed by Alpha Media CEO Bob Proffitt; Connoisseur Media founder/CEO Jeff Warshaw; Emmis Communications chair/CEO Jeff Smulyan; Midwest Communications COO Michael Wright; Mid-West Family Stations president Thomas Walker; Neuhoff Communications president/CEO Beth Neuhoff; NRG Media president/CEO Mary Quass; Perry Publishing and Broadcasting chair Russell Perry; Townsquare Media co-CEOs Dhruv Prasad and Bill Wilson; and Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri president/owner John Zimmer. Read the entire letter here.

Round One of July 2018 PPM Data Released. The first of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s July 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. Nielsen Audio’s July 2018 survey period covered June 21 – July 18. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TALKERS News Notes. Following stints on New Jersey outlets WMTR and WCTC, Jonathan Friedman’s “Talking Sports” (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm) debuts this Saturday (8/11) on Salem Media Group New York City’s news/talk WNYM “AM 970, The Answer.” The 52-year-old New Jersey resident notes, “I wanted to bring the show to a bigger stage. Growing up in Atlanta and being a huge fan of the Atlanta Falcons, Hawks, and Braves, my love for sports started early in my life. No matter who I talk to, the topic always seems to go to sports; that’s how I connect with people.” A 30-year advertising executive, Friedman has been with Success Communications Group the last 15 years and created the “Gotta Go To Mo’s” campaign for Modell’s Sporting Goods ….. St. Louis-based Project 21 co-chair Stacy Washington is broadcasting “Stacy on the Right” live nationwide. The first hour of the weekday talk program is available on all 180 stations of the American Family Radio Network. The national hour is 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (ET) and can be streamed through the AFR website, TuneInRadio, Facebook, and YouTube. Decorated Air Force veteran and Emmy-nominated TV personality Washington began her broadcasting career several years ago as a fill-in host on news/talk KFTK, St. Louis and began a two-hour program on the Urban Family Talk Network in 2016 ….. Having added ten million listeners over the last few months, iHeartRadio officially surpasses 120 million registered users. It has over 20,000 podcasts in 20 different unique categories, including 750 iHeartRadio original podcasts ….. According to a report by Richard Deitsch in The Athletic, former NFL quarterback (St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals) Kurt Warner will succeed Boomer Esiason as analyst on Westwood One’s “Monday Night Football” broadcasts. Hall of Famer Warner – who has filled-in when Esiason wasn’t available – would work alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan. According to Deitsch, a formal announcement of the deal is forthcoming ….. In a situation that will have him relocating to the network’s Chicago headquarters, Scott Krus – station manager of religious teaching WCRF “Moody Radio,” Cleveland – is promoted to general manager of the national Moody Radio Network. Three-month vice president, and former GM, Doug Hastings states, “Scott has the background, skills, and passion to take Moody Radio into our next season. He is very well known at Moody Radio; respected by staff and industry leaders; and has proven that he will effectively lead Moody Radio as general manager.” Krus, who begins his new duties in approximately four weeks (9/1), comments, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our teams and [am] energized by the challenge of navigating this ever-changing landscape of media ministry. I believe that Moody is strategically-positioned to expand on its role as a leader in the industry and uniquely equipped to inspire listeners to take that next step in their walk with Jesus Christ. I am looking forward with great excitement to all that God will do in the days to come.”

Paul Manafort Trial/Gates Testimony, Kushner Deleted Stories, Midterm Races, California Wildfire, MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (8/6). The trial of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort highlighted by the juicy testimony of Rick Gates; claims that Jared Kushner deleted sensitive stories at his newspaper; the attempted drone assassination attempt of Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro;  this fall’s midterm elections; the deadly California wildfire; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

 

 

Premiere Promotes Silcock to VP/Affiliate Relations – Morning Shows. Six-year, New York City-based director of affiliate relations Casey Silcock receives vice president stripes from Premiere Networks. In the newly-created position of vice president of affiliate relations – morning shows, Silcock will oversee affiliate sales and serve as the syndicator’s brand manager for programs featuring Elvis Duran; Bobby Bones; Brooke & Jubal; Johnjay & Rich; and Kane. Senior vice president of affiliate relations/talk and morning shows Peter Tripi comments, “Casey has been a valuable member of our team for the past six years, and he has made significant contributions to the growth of our industry-leading morning shows. I’m confident his leadership, sound judgment, and solid relationships with affiliate stations and talent alike will drive continued success for our programming.” Silcock previously was head of promotion for Verve Music Group, a division of Universal Music Group, and held management promotion and marketing positions at Virgin Records America.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Weekend WTXF-TV “Fox 29,” Philadelphia sports anchor Sean Brace will appear each Friday at 8:20 am on iHeartMedia Philadelphia rhythmic hot AC WISX “Real 106.1” during “Chio in the AM.” In addition, Brace will contribute to the station’s website and host a Saturday night (7:00 pm – 12:00 midnight) music show. He formerly was heard on cross-town Greater Media (now Beasley Media Group) sports talk WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” ….. It is an eventful day for San Antonio air-on talent named “Cortez.” Taking to Facebook, Tony Cortez announces he is leaving his position as assistant program director/afternoon drive talent at Alpha Media’s  CHR KTFM “Energy 94.1,” while “The Dana Cortez Show” was missing this morning at cross-town Univision Radio-owned rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat.” On Twitter, Dana Cortez tweets, “We have some exciting things in the works & want you to be part of.” ….. Promotions coordinator/night personality Edwin Guevara is elevated to promotions director/afternoon host at Townsquare Media Trenton, New Jersey CHR WPST “94.5 – Your New #1 Hit Music Station.” He replaces Tom Shinn, who exited last month. Guevara is approaching his third year at the station, arriving from Kemp Broadcasting Las Vegas rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” ….. Former Bonneville country KYGO, Denver program director Eddie Haskell is named senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Fort Collins (Colorado) stations. According to iHeartMedia Denver area president Amy Griesheimer, “I am thrilled to have someone of Eddie’s caliber and expertise partner with us to lead [our] Northern Colorado dynasty. Eddie’s passion and brand knowledge are unmatched.” Denver region senior vice president of programming Jason McCollim notes, “Eddie’s knowledge and experience in Colorado radio are second to none. His addition to the Fort Collins team will only help to increase our already strong footprint in Northern Colorado.” Haskell adds, “I am so stoked to join the team at iHeartMedia Fort Collins. We have great brands, great programmers, and a great management team.” His prior background includes being operations manager for Cumulus Media Albuquerque and he has held various programming roles in Detroit (WYCD) and Salt Lake City (KKAT-AM). The iHM cluster in Fort Collins includes country KXBG “Big 97.9”; classic hits-oldies KXBG-HD2 “B-107.3”; classic country KIIX “AM 1410 – Country’s Greatest Hits”; CHR KSME “96.1 – Kiss-FM”; classic rock KPAW “92.9 – The Bear”; alternative KPAW-HD2 “Radio 94.9”; and news/talk KCOL “Fox News Radio 600” ….. Grammy winner – and the first “American Idol” – Kelly Clarkson is filming a pilot for a daytime (TV) talk show.  Clarkson has a deal with NBC Entertainment, but the pilot is currently not attached to any network; it is potentially being shopped for a fall 2019 debut.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

| June 6, 2018

Ron Hartenbaum, Sue Freund and Scott Calka Launch New Ad Sales Company with Offices in New York and Los Angeles.  Three high-profile industry veterans have formed a new company, Crossover Media Group Sales, specifically developed to provide advertising-sales representation across multiple platforms for an array of established and emerging program personalities and formats.  Managing members are Scott Calka, a veteran of advertising sales for organizations including Comcast Spotlight, DirecTV, Fox Sports and Madison Square Garden; sales pro Sue Freund, who most recently served for a decade as VP of sales for the Western Region for SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and who is opening the Los Angeles office of Crossover Media Group Sales; and well-known impresario Ron Hartenbaum, a veteran of advertising agencies including Needham and Grey, later serving as VP of sales for Westwood One before becoming a founding partner of MediaAmerica and CEO of Jones Radio Networks. The new company is an extension of New York-based Crossover Media Group, which was launched by Hartenbaum and Calka in 2017 as a content-creation and advertising-sales consulting firm.  “Until relatively recently, media personalities and content providers have not had a strategy to monetize their efforts fully beyond a single platform,” Hartenbaum tells TALKERS.  “Crossover Media Group Sales is equipped to help content creators maximize their ad revenue regardless of delivery platform.”  Calka states, “We believe we have developed the first truly cross-platform ad-sales structure to best serve the needs of content partners whose origins are in the audio and digital-video sectors.  The future of ‘TV’ revolves around non-linear video consumption.  To monetize the millennial audience, personalities, content providers and brands need to have a strategy for this platform.”  Freund states, “There is a strong and surprisingly untapped market for advertising to support personalities and brands seeking to maximize revenue potential across all the platforms available to them.  If you have an audio presence, we can be your video partner.  If you have a video brand but have had difficulty breaking through the clutter, we can help.  We understand cross-platform branding, promotion and monetization, and how to serve the needs of content providers, media buyers and brands alike.”   Crossover Media Group Sales’ initial clients include a variety of radio and podcast products by Stephanie Miller, audio personalities Thom Hartmann, Dean Obeidallah, and the team of Michael Steele and Rick Ungar, all of whom have programs on SiriusXM.  The company’s video-streaming program-network partners include Political Voices Network, co-launched this year by former CNN and MSNBC executive David Bohrman, and Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN), which also is carried on SiriusXM and which was launched by veteran sportscaster Brent Musburger and his nephew Brian Musburger.  VSiN has been cited in press reports among the significant potential beneficiaries of the Supreme Court’s recent decision permitting states to have legal sports betting.

WGN, Chicago Makes Changes to Morning and Evening Shows.  From the Windy City, Tribune’s news/talk WGN, Chicago is tweaking the on-air lineup in.  Evening personality Justin Kaufmann – host of “The Download” from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm – is becoming a permanent contributor to the Steve Cochran morning drive program.  Now, the morning program will consist of Kaufmann, Dave Eanet, Mary Sandberg Boyle, Steve Grzanich, Mary Van De Velde, Joe Romano, and Pete Zimmerman. At the same time, morning show personality Andrea Darlas moves to evenings where she’ll co-host and handle news duties on the Patti Vasquez show that moves into the 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm slot.  Cochran comments, “I have mixed emotions. I’ll miss Andrea but I’m excited for her and Patti. And it will be great to have Justin on the show.  He’s smart, funny, and inexplicably willing to get up at a ridiculous hour.”

Hudson Valley Talk Host Tom Sipos Honored by Council of Industry. WKIP, Poughkeepsie, New York morning host Tom Sipos has been honored by the Council of Industry with its 2018 Manufacturing Champions Public Sector Award for “relentlessly calling attention to the important role manufacturing plays in our regional and national economy.”  Sipos was co-owner of Sipos Insurance for nearly 40 years and now hosts “Hudson Valley Focus LIVE” on the iHeartMedia news/talk station.  He served on the boards and was past chairman of the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation and Workforce Investment Board, and chairman of the SUNY New Paltz School of Business Advisory Council.  He currently serves on the advisory board of the Dutchess B.O.C.E.S Career and Technology Institute and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County.  He was the founder of The Dutchess Alliance for Human Needs.  Sipos says, “What a great thing it is to be honored by the Council of Industry, The Manufacturers Association of the Hudson Valley.  I truly appreciate this award and will continue to promote manufacturing and technical education as key components of a healthy, dynamic economy.”

Entercom Stations Grab 17 New York State AP Association Awards. Three of Entercom’s New York all-news and news/talk stations garnered a total of 17 2017 New York State Associated Press Association awards.  The organization’s annual newspaper and broadcast contest honors important journalism. Forty-six radio and television stations submitted more than 524 entries in the annual awards.  All-news WCBS-AM, New York and sister WINS, New York picked up 11 first and second place awards.  News/Talk WBEN-AM, Buffalo took home six first and second place awards.

TALKERS News Notes. Charlotte sports talk personality Chris Kroeger is leaving his position with Beasley Media Group’s WFNZ “The Fan” to become the radio play-by-play voice of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.  As reported in the Charlotte Business Journal, Kroeger will take over for Steve Martin, who retired following the regular season.  Kroeger is a Charlotte native who beat out 10 finalists (from a pool of “hundreds”) to get the gig.  He says Martin voiced some of his own personal best sports moments. Kroeger continues, “Steve Martin narrated so many of those memories on radio and television.  It truly is the opportunity of a lifetime to be his successor and to broadcast a new era of Hornets basketball for the next generation of fans.”…..ABC News Radio says its coverage of the U.S.-North Korea Summit from Singapore will begin on Sunday (6/10).  It will be anchored by Karen Travers with reporting by Tara Palmeri.  The ABC News Radio team says it will provide live coverage as needed, one-hour specials, special reports and one-minute status reports…..NBC Sports Radio and Westwood One are presenting national radio coverage of the 150th Belmont Stakes – the final leg of this year’s Triple Crown on Saturday (6/9).  The broadcast is in conjunction with the Horse Racing Radio Network. Mike Penna will anchor and be joined by Kurt Becker.  Longtime horse race owner and radio executive Dan Mason and horse racing reporter Tom Leach and Steve Goldstein will contribute to the coverage, while former jockey Jeff Bloom will serve as trackside reporter. NBC Sports’ Larry Collmus will call play-by-play of the race…..Former Alpha Media programmer Jeff Beck – who served with the Fredericksburg cluster that included news/talk WNTX – died on Monday (6/4) after a lengthy illness.

Trump-Russia Investigation/Manafort Allegations, U.S.-North Korea Summit, Trump Uninvites Eagles, Clinton-Lewinsky Flap, Facebook’s Data Sharing with China, Tuesday Primary Elections, the NBA Finals, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/5).  The investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents and allegations Paul Manafort has tampered with witnesses; the scheduled summit between President Trump and Kim Jong Un in Singapore; the controversy over President Trump uninviting the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the White House; former President Clinton’s response to his Monica Lewinsky affair viewed through the #MeToo movement light; Facebook accused of sharing data with four Chinese firms; Tuesday’s primary elections; the Warriors-Cavaliers NBA Finals; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programmer and air personality Trevor Morini is moving from Tulsa – where he’s been PD and afternoon host at iHeartMedia’s “92.1 The Beat” – to Austin to program the company’s CHR KHFI “96.7 KISS FM” and alternative KASE-HD2 “ALT 97.5.”  Morini says, “I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work with the great team in Austin and can’t wait to get started!  I can’t thank Don Cristi and Jon Phillips enough for everything they’ve done for me in Tulsa.  I would not be ready for this next chapter without their guidance and support.  I’d also like to thank Tony Coles, Brian Gann, and Matt Martin for allowing me the honor of programming such a legendary station as KHFI!”…..On Monday and Tuesday (6/4-5), Premiere Networks engaged more than 120 iHeartCountry music radio stations and Premiere-syndicated affiliates at the exclusive 2018 CMT Music Awards radio remote broadcast in Nashville.  Pictured below at the event are CMT and Premiere staffers with country outfit Old Dominion.  From left to right: CMT Radio executive producer Ashlee McDonald, Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott, Old Dominion’s Trevor Rosen and Matthew Ramsey, CMT After MidNite/CMT Radio Live host Cody Alan, Old Dominion’s Geoff Sprung and Whit Sellers, CMT After MidNite/CMT Radio Live correspondent Marley Sherwood and Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

| April 25, 2018

PPM Analysis: All-News. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his monthly look at the performances of radio stations based on 6+ ratings from Nielsen Audio’s March 2018 PPM survey.  Today’s report focuses on all-news stations.  Hubbard Radio’s WTOP, Washington remains the highest-rated all-newser with a 10.4 AQH share (6+).  Big gainers include iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston; Entercom’s KYW, Philadelphia; and New York news duo WCBS-AM and WINS-AM.   The biggest improvement from the March 2017 survey to this March was iHeartMedia’s KFBK, Sacramento – up by 1.4 shares to an 8.1 AQH share.  Both KFBK and WTOP ranked #1 (6+) in their respective markets in March.  See Kinosian’s entire report here.

Francesa: ‘Time to Return to WFAN.’ After yesterday’s report in the New York Post that former WFAN-AM/FM, New York afternoon drive host Mike Francesa is “desperate” to get back on the air in New York comes Neil Best’s story in Newsday quoting Francesa himself saying, “It is time to return to WFAN.”  Best reports that WFAN confirmed “ongoing discussions” with Francesa.  A source says Francesa would likely be back in a portion of his old 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm slot.  A statement from WFAN adds, “We are very proud of our current lineup at WFAN and that any potential future engagement with Mike will not result in any talent departures.”  Entercom hired Chris Carlin, Maggie Gray, and Bart Scott for the 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm show that launched in January.  The Newsday piece notes that Carlin, Gray, and Scott talked about Francesa’s return on their Tuesday program and admitted that it looks like Francesa will return to some portion of afternoon drive but said they are planning to be with the station “for a long time.” Read the Newsday piece here.

Missouri State Senator Seeks Action on KQQZ, St. Louis Personality Bob Romanik.  The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Missouri State Senator Jamilah Nasheed has petitioned the FCC to take action against KQQZ-AM, St. Louis and radio host Bob Romanik for language used on his program.  Although the story does not report Romanik’s exact words, Jack Suntrup writes that Romanik’s program “has used the n-word and various misogynistic and homophobic slurs over the years.”  Nasheed’s letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai states, in part, “Our nation has witnessed a horrific increase in white nationalist activity, due in part to the normalization and toleration of hate-speech.  Too often, racist views are turned into violent action through the encouragement of racist personalities like Mr. Romanik and radio stations like 1190 KQQZ-AM.” She is asking the FCC to fine Romanik and revoke KQQZ’s license.  The story quotes station assistant GM Bill Thomas saying, “As soon as they take the n-word off all the black radio stations throughout this country — on all the rap stations, on all the comedic routines that the blacks use the n-word — then we’ll quit using it.”  Read the story here.

SiriusXM Reports Q1 2018 Net Income Up 6%. Net income in the first quarter of 2018 for satellite radio operator SiriusXM was $289 million, up from $207 million a year ago (an increase of 6%).  It added 330,000 total net subscribers and says that it hit the 33 million-mark for total subscribers for the first time.  Operating cash flow climbed 34% to $415 million.  SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer says, “SiriusXM has come out of the gate strong in 2018.  Our 6% growth in revenue would have been 8% absent the change in generally accepted accounting principles that was effective January 1st, and we are pleased with our 6% growth in adjusted EBITDA given the sharp increase in our music royalties also beginning January 1st.  We are on-track to meet all of our full-year guidance, and I’m thrilled to announce we topped 33 million paying subscribers.”

WBZ-AM, Boston Reporter Lana Jones Dies Suddenly at 62.  The circumstances surrounding her death have not been made public but longtime radio news pro Lana Jones – a reporter for WBZ-AM, Boston – collapsed at her home late Tuesday and died early this morning (4/25).  On its website, WBZ-AM wrote: WBZ News Radio 1030 is deeply saddened by the passing of one of their veteran news reporters, Lana Jones.  Lana died suddenly this morning at UMass Medical Center in Worcester.  She was an outstanding journalist who will be severely missed by her colleagues and friends in the Boston media.  “Lana was the consummate professional who could take a hundred-page Supreme Court Decision and boil it down into a concise report for our listeners,” said Bill Flaherty, WBZ Program Director. “She knew everyone and everything. She will be greatly missed.”  Alan Chartrand, President of the iHeartMedia Boston Region, said “I’ve always admired Lana’s work on WBZ Radio. She took the tough stories and made them easy to understand. Our deepest sympathies go out to Lana’s family and the newsroom.”  Lana Jones was a general assignment reporter for WBZ Newsradio 1030.  Jones began her broadcast career in Toledo, Ohio while studying Special Education at Bowling Green State University. A native of Warren, Ohio, Jones moved to Worcester, Massachusetts in 1981 to join the staff of WAAF. There she anchored the news and hosted a weekly talk show on local youth issues. From 1983 to 1988, Jones was a news anchor and reporter for WMJX, Boston. She worked as a reporter for the former WHDH radio from 1989 to 1991. Jones is survived by her husband Steve who resides in Worcester, Massachusetts.

TALKERS News Notes. The acquisition of Tribune’s television and radio assets by Sinclair Broadcast Group is getting a little closer to a done deal after Sinclair agreed to divest of 23 television stations in 18 markets in order to assuage the Justice Department and the Federal Communications Commission.  As a result, WGN-AM (along with WGN-TV) will be part of the new Sinclair.  Previously, the company had planned to sell the Chicago radio and TV stations but operate them via joint sales and shared services agreements…..Entercom Communications will announce its first quarter 2018 financial results on Tuesday, May 8.  This will be the first full quarter Entercom has been operating the former CBS RADIO stations since that acquisition closed in November of 2017…..Cumulus Media news/talk WBAP, Dallas “News/Talk 820 AM” is hosting the third annual WeatherCon at the Frontiers of Flight Museum this Saturday, April 28.  The event is a free, family-friendly event that features informative and entertaining weather seminars throughout the day, including a session hosted by WBAP chief meteorologist Brad Barton with WFAA-TV chief meteorologist Pete Delkus…..Nationally syndicated “Motley Fool Money” with host Chris Hill adds new affiliate stations WNTK-FM, New London and WUVR-AM, Lebanon in New Hampshire…..The “Financial Focus Radio” show moves from affiliate KUIK to crosstown KBNP in Portland.  The weekly show is hosted by Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management partners Troy Reinhart and Tyler Simones…..The long-running “Freakonomics Radio” podcast is moving from the WNYC platform to Midroll Media’s Stitcher platform. Stitcher has inked journalist and best-selling author Stephen J. Dubner to co-produce the podcast and to expand the “Freakonomics Radio” brand through existing and new content.

Trump-Macron Visit, Trump’s Kim Jong Un Comment, Judge’s DACA Decision, Trump-Russia Investigation/Comey Book, Ronny Jackson Nomination, Deadly Toronto Van Attack, NRA-Yeti Flap, and MLB Action and NBA Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/24). The official state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania; criticism of President Trump’s statement calling North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un “very honorable”; U.S. District Judge John D. Bates rules against President Trump’s attempt to end the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program; the Robert Mueller-led investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents and the related book by fired FBI Director James Comey; White House physician Ronny Jackson’s imperiled secretary of veteran affairs nomination due to allegations of professional misconduct; the case of accused Toronto van attacker Alek Minassian; the destruction of Yeti products by NRA members upset over a change in the company’s discount programs; and Major League Baseball action and the NBA playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Three programming pros get new roles with iHeartMedia’s Arizona region, all effective May 3.  Reid Spivey is named assistant program director and PM drive host for country KNIX, Phoenix.  He was most recently APD for sister CHR KZZP and hot AC KMXP.  Spivey will work with music director Lois “Double L” Lewis and program director Steve Geofferies.  Rameen Madani joins iHeartMedia Phoenix as assistant program director for KZZP and KMXP.  David Adams has added duties as program director for KDWR-LP “My 92.9,” where he will be responsible for the day-to-day programming operations and work closely with on-air personalities and sales to oversee the station’s on-air content, digital footprint and music programming.  He will continue to serve as senior vice president of programming for iHeartMedia Tucson…..Josh Martinez is named program director for iHeartMedia’s CHR WKFS, Cincinnati “Kiss 107.1.”  Previously, Martinez served as program director for stations in Dayton and Cedar Rapids and as a music director in Des Moines.  Cincinnati market president DJ Hodge says, “We knew this was the right time to promote Josh Martinez to program director.  Since the time he arrived, he has made significant inroads to improve both the trajectory of the station and our ability to successfully engage with our growing audience.  The future is very bright for both Josh and ‘Kiss 107.1.’”…..Max Kachinske takes on the newly-created position of corporate programming assistant at Midwest Communications. The position is based in Green Bay and Kachinske will leave his evening show gig at Neuhoff Media’s WFMB-FM, Springfield, Illinois.  Kachinske says, I’m beyond excited to begin working with such a respected programmer in Jeff McCarthy and the amazing group at Midwest Communications.  This is something I couldn’t begin to dream up that became a reality.  I can’t wait to get started.”…..Pittsburgh country outlet WDSY “Y108” announces the lineup for the station’s 7thannual “Y108 8 Man Jam” concert.  The show will feature: Joe Nichols, David Lee Murphy, Eric Paslay, Jordan Davis, Michael Tyler, Cale Dodds, Ryan Hurd, and Mitchell Tenpenny on Thursday, May 24 at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

| March 14, 2018

‘Our American Stories’ Hits 100-Affiliate Mark.  The nationally syndicated “Our American Stories” program announces it has hit the 100-affiliate station mark with the recent addition of such notable American news/talk station as Scripps’ WTMJ, Milwaukee; Entercom’s KMOX, St. Louis; Crawford Broadcasting’s KLZ, Denver and WYDE-AM/FM, Birmingham.  The daily, two-hour program is produced by American Private Radio and is hosted by Lee Habeeb.  He says the show is showing such phenomenal growth due to the desire for values-based, non-political programming.  “Amidst the divisiveness of today’s political landscape, the growth of our program proves stations want something that inspires people, not drives them apart, and ‘Our American Stories’ focuses on what makes America special in the first place.  We want to tell the story of America to Americans, from our great heritage in art and sports and innovation, to the great things ordinary people do every day in this great country.  So much of the good and the great gets lost in the noise of hardline politics…People love good story telling and there is such a rich catalogue of American stories out there – from sports, business, entertainment, even personal stories of community heroes, past and present.”  KMOX, St. Louis operations manager Steve Moore comments, “We were looking for something to complement our nighttime programming and ‘Our American Stories’ provides positive-impact stories that appeal to a broad base of listeners.  The show is not only driving great listener response, but a new way of thinking about driving revenue.”

WSCR, Chicago Announces New Lineup.  As Chicago media writer Robert Feder reported yesterday, Entercom’s sports talker WSCR “The Score” is making a number of changes to its lineup.  Jason Goff and Matt Spiegel exit their roles as show co-hosts and “The Score” brings both Dan McNeil and Connor McKnight back to full-time roles.  McNeil is being partnered with Danny Parkins on the 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm show and McKnight pairs up with Dan Bernstein to host the 9:00 am to 1:00 pm program.  In a press release, WSCR operations director Mitch Rosen says, “Jimmy [de Castro] and I are pleased to announce that we have signed two Chicago radio free agents — the return of ‘Score’ original Danny Mac, who will join Danny Parkins in afternoon drive, and former ‘Score’ on-air host Connor McKnight, who will join Dan Bernstein in middays.  Adding these two players makes our all-star team even better.”  McNeil has been hosting a Sunday morning program and McKnight had been a sports anchor with Cumulus Media’s crosstown news/talk WLS-AM.

WABC, New York Adds Chris Plante to Midday Schedule.  With the move of Bernard McGuirk and Sid Rosenberg to the morning drive daypart on April 2 (taking over for Don Imus), Cumulus Media’s heritage news/talker WABC, New York will add the WMAL-AM/FM, Washington-based Chris Plante program to the schedule airing from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.  In a memo to staff, WABC program director Craig Schwalb says, “Chris has been a pentagon correspondent for CNN and an Edward R. Murrow award-winner for his work during the terrorist attacks on September 11…Expect Chris to make the trip to NYC often as he wants to become part of the WABC family and grow NYC endorsement opportunities for WABC.”

WJOX-FM, Birmingham Announces New Midday Show.  After moving “The Roundtable” starring Jim Dunaway, Lance Taylor, and Ryan Brown to the morning daypart on March 5, Cumulus Media names the hosts of the new midday program on sports talk WJOX-FM, Birmingham.  Former Auburn Tigers star Cole Cubelic, Tuscaloosa News writer Aaron Suttles, and Landrum Roberts are the new personalities set to assume the midday show beginning March 26.

Entercom Announces Executive Changes; Susan Larkin to Manage New York Cluster. Radio management pro Susan Larkin is taking on the role of market manager for Entercom’s New York cluster.  She will continue her position with the company as regional president overseeing San Francisco and Sacramento.  Entercom COO Weezie Kramer comments, “We are thrilled to have Susan take on the market manager role for Entercom New York.  She has demonstrated incredible leadership skills and is a strong, strategic player who builds great teams and drives outstanding results.  With her energy and experience, there is no better person to take on the management responsibility in America’s #1 media market.”  Larkin says, “I am looking forward to joining Entercom New York.  As a native New Yorker, it is exciting to be home and at the center of the media universe, representing some of Entercom’s most iconic brands, including 1010 WINS and WFAN.”  Concurrent with this move, Entercom names Gregory Nemitz senior vice president/market manager of the San Francisco cluster.  Kieran Geffert is upped to vice president/director of sales in the same market, and Jeff Federman assumes regional oversight of the Southern California markets, including San Diego, Riverside and Palm Springs, while continuing in his post as SVP/market manager of Entercom Los Angeles.

TALKERS News Notes. It’s not certain what format Salem Media Group will flip KZTS-FM, Little Rock to when it begins operating it under a Local Marketing Agreement on April 1, but it’s a safe bet that hip hop will remain the format.  Salem is buying KZTS from Flinn Broadcasting for $1.1 million.  KZTS is licensed to Cammack Village, Arkansas – northwest of downtown Little Rock – but its primary signal covers much of the Little Rock market.  Salem is currently operating KHTE as conservative news/talk “96.5 The Answer” in the market so it seems unlikely that KZTS will flip to news/talk…..Cox Media Group names Michelle Miguelez VP of communications and public affairs, effective immediately.  The company says that in her new role, Miguelez will “create proactive communications strategies that align with business objectives and engage employees, further strengthening CMG’s role as an employer of choice.”  Miguelez joins from her most recent position as director of corporate communication for Georgia Power.

Trump Ousts Tillerson, Trump-Russia Investigation, Stormy Daniels Issue, PA Special Election, Feds vs California/Immigration Policy, Poisoned Russian Spy, National School Walkout, Austin Package Bombs, and NFL ‘Legal Tampering’ Period, and NBA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/13).  Secretary of State Rex Tillerson exits as President Trump names Mike Pompeo his replacement; the investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the battle by porn star Stormy Daniels to talk publicly about her affair with President Trump; Tuesday’s Pennsylvania special election between Democrat Conor Lamb and Republican Rick Saccone; the Feds’ suit against California over its sanctuary policies, the Mexican wall and immigration policy; Britain’s attacks on Russia and Vladimir Putin after the poisoning of a former double agent; today’s National School Walkout in response to the Parkland, Florida shooting and gun laws; the deaths in a series of package bombings in Austin, Texas; the NFL’s “legal tampering” period; and NBA Action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. More news from the Little Rock market as iHeartMedia flips classic hits KHKN to CHR as the new “HOT 94.9, All The Hits.”  iHeartMedia Red River Region president Clyde Bass says, “The new ‘Hot 94.9’ is playing 10,000 songs in a row for Central Arkansas with ten chances at $1,000 dollars every weekday and soon there will be first-ever opportunities to win tickets to live events like Wango Tango and the national iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour.  Central Arkansas has needed a hit music station that connects listeners with their favorite artists both on-air and backstage, so I’m excited that the new ‘Hot 94.9’ is finally here.”…..SiriusXM launches a new music channel curated by GRAMMY award-winning producer and DJ Diplo, titled, “Diplo’s Revolution.”  The channel will feature global rhythmic music hand-selected by Diplo, as well as regular original shows hosted by Diplo, Dillon Francis and Major Lazer members Jillionaire and Walshy Fire.  Diplo’s exclusive SiriusXM channel will launch with a special live performance from the Faena Theater in Miami Beach on Thursday, March 22 at 9:00 pm ET.

Friday, January 26, 2018

| January 26, 2018

E.W. Scripps Talk Stations on the Block.  Yesterday’s news from E.W. Scripps confirming recent rumors that it is selling its radio station assets has kicked the speculation machine into high gear.  Most experts believe there is no buyer out there who wants all 34 stations in this portfolio.  Some say iHeartMedia and Cumulus are right out due to debt issues and that Entercom is still digesting its CBS RADIO acquisition.  Companies that are more likely to be in the market for signals that fit their business model include Beasley Media Group and Saga Communications.  One thing we can be certain of – it will be interesting to see who acquires which stations and how much they pay!  Regardless, the following is a summary of the spoken-word stations in Scripps’ radio portfolio. In Milwaukee (Scripps’ largest market), there’s heritage news/talk WTMJ-AM.  In Omaha, the lone talker is sports KXSP “AM 590 ESPN.”  Tulsa has heritage news/talk KFAQ.  And, Tucson is the home of news/talk KQTH-FM and sports talk KFFN-AM (plus its translator).

Cumulus Officially Unveils ‘The New Talk 106.7.’ As TALKERS reported yesterday based on Rodney Ho’s column in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Cumulus Media has made another tweak to WYAY-FM, Atlanta, re-branding it “The New Talk 106.7” and getting rid of the “news radio” verbiage.  The station is still in the process of building a talk radio morning show after canceling the newsy program anchored by Rob Stadler in December.  The station is promoting personalities Shannon Burke, Kim “Kimmer” Peterson, and Brian Joyce.  Cumulus Atlanta vice president Sean Shannon says, “Talk has become the domain of dogma, where hosts are advancing an agenda.  ‘The New Talk 106.7’ will be a place for honest discourse where our hosts have a perspective, not an agenda.”

Entercom Names Rooney VP-DoS.  New York radio sales pro Brian Rooney joins Entercom’s NYC operations to serve as vice president, director of sales.  Rooney was most recently with iHeartMedia as VP of sales for classic rock WAXQ, New York ‘Q104.3.”  He’s also been sales manager at WFAN and worked in sales at WOR and the New York Mets Radio Network.  In New York, Entercom operates all-newsers 1010 WINS, WCBS 880, sports talker WFAN-AM/FM “The Fan,” plus classic hits WCBS-FM, alternative WBMP-FM, and hot AC WNEW-FM “Fresh 102.7.”  Entercom New York SVP and market manager John Fullam says, “Brian’s strong leadership and great track record in New York made him the perfect choice to lead our Entercom New York team.”

Vince Richards Appointed OM at Entercom Sacramento. Programming pro Vince Richards takes over the operations manager post at Entercom’s Sacramento cluster that includes sports talk KIFM “ESPN 1320,” CHR KUDL “106.5 The End,” rock KRXQ, classic rock KSEG “96.9 Eagle,” and alternative KKDO “Radio 94.7.”  Richards was most recently national operations manager for Townsquare Media.  He comments, “Sacramento is one of the crown jewel markets in the company with a tradition of excellence and an incredibly talented and passionate staff.  Thanks to Pat Paxton, Dave Richards and Lance Richard for passing me the torch and the opportunity to lead this awesome staff.”  Richards takes over for Jim Fox, who was recently named vice president of programming for Entercom Dallas.

Heavyweight Syndicators’ Top Execs to Speak at TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! The TALKERS editorial board and convention committee are pleased to announce the addition of two of the leading radio syndication company executives to the roster of industry leaders serving as speakers at the 21st annual installment of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most important national convention. Julie Talbott, president of Premiere Networks and Suzanne Grimes, president of Westwood One will address the movers and shakers of the talk media world at TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater located in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan. Earlier this week, it was announced that Beasley Broadcasting CEO Caroline Beasley and Premiere Networks/FOX News Channel star Sean Hannity would serve as morning keynote speakers at the event. TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “Suzanne Grimes and Julie Talbott bring enormously pertinent content to this convention’s table. They are influential leaders with enormous experience, insight, perspective, and wisdom of great value to share about the state of the radio business.” The conference will feature more than 50 top speakers from all aspects of the spoken-word media industry – including talent, programmers, managers and owners – with a focus on talk radio and its role in the new digital age and at the dawn of a rapidly accelerating era. This will include programming, sales, marketing, and technology – the full spectrum of concerns, challenges and opportunities facing the modern-day talk broadcaster and broadcasting organization. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and exhibits of the latest services and equipment available to broadcasting professionals. Like its predecessors, TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! will also provide its attendees with unparalleled networking opportunities and social mixers including breakfast, lunch, and a closing cocktail reception. All in a single power-packed day! Full agenda details, speaker roster and hotel information will be posted in TALKERS during the days and weeks ahead. As is customary with TALKERS conventions, TALKERS 2018: Full Speed Ahead! is only open to members of the professional media industry and communications students. Because seating is limited, and the event has been an early sellout every year since the 1990s, in order to maintain this policy, non-refundable registrations can only be purchased via telephone with a credit card. Full registration, including all functions, meals, and refreshments costs $329 per person. However, an early bird special ($279 per person) is available for those who register before 5:00 pm ET on Friday, February 2. To register or obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

Lars Larson at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas.  KXL-FM, Portland-based talk radio host Lars Larson (right) is pictured above at the enormous SHOT Show in Las Vegas this week.  Larson – whose national show is syndicated by Compass Media Networks – is seen interviewing Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian (left).

Popular Washington, DC Correspondent Victoria Jones Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. Longtime talk media personality Victoria Jones, executive director of the DC Radio Company and recent senior White House correspondent for the Talk Media News Service, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Jones – a British-US citizen – whose commentaries on Washington-based news and issues have been heard for years on hundreds of talk radio stations around the English-speaking world, is a veteran talk show host of such stations as WWRC and WMAL, Washington, DC; WRKO, Boston; WLAC, Nashville; and WXYT, Detroit. In a fascinating and unusual conversation with Harrison, she shares a candid, insider’s view of what it’s like to work as a member of the White House press corps. She talks about the processes and working conditions of being behind the scenes on a daily basis at the iconic mansion/museum/office building on Pennsylvania Avenue. Don’t miss this funny, eye-opening, and extremely informative conversation. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.

Trump-Russia Probe Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 22-26.  The investigation into possible connections between Trump campaign operatives and Russia agents, as well as a possible interview between President Trump and special counsel Robert Mueller was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.  At #2 this week was the status of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act and the Trump Administration’s immigration policy.  Coming in at #3 was the missing FBI texts case, followed by President Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland at #4.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  View this week’s entire chart here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves.  In Seattle, Hubbard Radio appoints Lisa Adams program director for country KVRQ “Country 98.9.”  Adams moves over from the company’s sister station KRWM “WARM 106.9,” where she’d most recently been serving as marketing director.  During her career she’s also served as OM/PD at Townsquare Media’s Boise station group.  Speaking about her new gig, Adams says, “‘Country 98.9’ is an extremely special radio station for Seattle.  To be given this opportunity is beyond my wildest dreams.  I am blessed and appreciative for the support and recognition.”…..Entercom adds Premiere Networks’ Delilah to the program schedule at adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound.”  In addition to her national show airing in the evening daypart Fridays through Sundays on the station, she’s doing a custom show that airs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm…..Beasley Media Group re-brands Wilmington, Delaware adult contemporary WJBR-FM “The New Mix 99.5” and introduces new morning team Michael Waite with Jessie Micchelli.  This is a return to the station for Waite, who says, “After seven years of being away from radio, I look forward to returning to entertaining our incredible listeners and working with Jessie.”  Beasley VP and market manager AJ Lurie says, “It was important for us to continue offering our listeners the very best listening experience available.  A lot of time and research went into our decision in launching the new format.  I couldn’t be more excited as a fan!”…..SiriusXM is presenting a special, invitation-only concert by Grammy-nominated alt-rock band Portugal. The Man in the band’s hometown of Portland, Oregon at Mississippi Studios next Wednesday (1/31).  The performance will be aired next Friday (2/2) on the Alt Nation channel…..Premiere Networks senior director of rock programming and specials Sal Cirrincione (left) is pictured here with Sir Elton John (right) after his Gotham Hall press conference in which he announced his farewell “Yellow Brick Road” tour.  Cirrincione got a one-on-one interview with Sir Elton who told him his decision to stop touring is so he can help raise his two sons.  The “Yellow Brick Road” farewell tour will end in 2021 and he says, “I want to start in America and end in America because I owe this country so much.  I love this country.  The Troubadour [in West Hollywood] kick-started my career in a big way.  Without that, you know, I don’t know what would have happened.  So, I’m very grateful to L.A. and I love New York.  But I definitely decided that the last show will be in America.  My dream show would be at Dodger Stadium because it makes sense.”

 

Round Three of Holiday PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of Holiday 2017 PPM ratings information from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets, including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s Holiday 2017 survey period covered December 7 (2017) – January 3 (2018). See all the 6+ data from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below, with a reminder that the vast majority of major improvements by music stations in this sweep is attributable to a transition to all-Christmas music.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Portland – While not quite matching December’s +4.7 (to 13.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW dials up a +3.9 as it reaches 16.9 (6+) and repeats at #1. Off nine-tenths in November, “K-103” – with its 13.7 in December and 16.9 in this sweep – is the first Portland station to reach double-digits (6+) since it did so with a 15.3 in “Holiday” 2016. A collective -1.4 in three straight downward trends (9.1 – 8.6 – 8.6 – 7.7, 6+), “K-103” responded in October with a +1.5. Prior to segueing to #2 in September, “K-103” was #1 in 39 of the previous 41 ratings periods. Climbing from fourth to third, Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” notches a +1.6 (5.4 – 7.0, 6+). The last time “Charlie” was above a six-share (6+) was May 2015 with a 6.5. With its highest 6+-share since August 2016’s 3.1, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” gains nine-tenths (2.0 – 2.9, 6+) and advances from #17 to a three-way logjam at #13. At the same time, Educational Media Foundation’s similarly programmed KLVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” forfeits the six-tenths it just gained in three straight upticks (.5 – .6 – .7 – 1.1, 6+) by falling to – .5 (#23 to #27, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share dwindles by -1.8, as Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” is -1.1 (4.0 – 2.9, #8 to #13, 6+) and Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” is -.7 (#10 to #11, 6+). Entering the November sweep (in which it gained three-tenths), “The Bull” had three straight flat or down monthlies that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+). In April – May – June, “The Bull” was down -1.1 (5.5 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). Meanwhile, this represents the sixth straight month that “The Wolf” is without an increase for a combined -2.6 (5.6 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+). In advance of gaining three-tenths in June, “The Wolf” was -1.8 in March, April, and May (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). The two country rivals finished back-to-back at seventh and eighth, respectively, in both May and June. Dropping out of the top ten (from #9) and tied with KUBL at #13 is iHeartMedia-owned CHR KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which erodes by nine-tenths (3.8 – 2.9, 6+). The decrease ends its alternating down/up pattern that began in May (4.1 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+). In five of the previous six sweeps – including the last four – “Z-100” and Alpha Media’s similarly-programmed KBFF “Live 95.5” were separated by just one-tenth of a share (6+). The margin is now one-half share as “Live 95.5” – albeit down three-tenths – is at 3.4 (6+). A collective +.9 in November and December (4.1 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), co-owned triple A KINK “101.9 Uniquely Portland” returns two-thirds of that gain (4.4, -.6, fifth to sixth, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth time in succession, Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz – Today’s Best Mix” (sixth to seventh) is a collective -1.1 (5.4 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+).

2) Charlotte – Not only does WKQC “K-104.7 More Music, More Variety” improve its December +3.0 by one full share (7.0 – 11.0, +4.0, 6+), the Beasley Media Group adult contemporary progresses from second to first. This is its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 12.3. Making way for “K-104.7” at #1 is iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake – Charlotte’s We Play Anything Station” (7.2 – 6.5, -.7, 6+), which drops to second after only one month in the lead. The August – September – October – November topline 6+-trending for “The Lake” was a very consistent 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.9, but, in December, it posted a +2.3 to 7.2, its strongest 6+-showing in more than three years (7.4, September 2014). Tied with “The Lake” is co-owned classic rocker WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which had been on top in September, October, and November, as well as in five consecutive survey periods before getting dislodged in June. Its loss of four-tenths in “Holiday” 2017 (6.9 – 6.5, 6+) pulls the plug on five consecutive up or flat trends that netted a +1.2 (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 6.9, 6+). The third player in that three-way scrum in Charlotte’s runner-up slot – and moving up from #4 – is Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9,” which is a cumulative +.8 via five successive positive spikes (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+). A loss of -1.1 (3.9 – 2.8, #12 to #16, 6+) by Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM takes Charlotte’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” to its lowest 6+-share since July’s 2.4. Down or flat for the fourth sweep in succession for an overall -1.2 (5.6 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link – Charlotte’s Best Mix” slips from sixth to seventh. This is the lowest 6+-performance for “The Link” since April’s 3.9. As the result of six straight decreases (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG is a combined -2.1; “Power 98” departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Following six consecutive up or flat moves that more than tripled its 6+-stat for a collective +1.3 (.6 – .7 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFNZ “Sports Radio The Fan” returns two-tenths to 1.7 (6+) but remains at #18.

3) San Antonio – Piling a +4.9 onto December’s +3.9 (4.8 – 8.7 – 13.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9 San Antonio’s Variety Station” repeats at #1 and posts its best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Trending 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.7 (October – November – December, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX erupts with a +1.0. Not only does that vault KSTX into the top five (#11 to #4), it is the first time in its PPM-history that it crosses the four-share level (6+). A collective +1.5 in five sweeps in a row without a loss (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KXTN “107.5 Tejano & Proud” elevates from #15 to #12. Via three straight declines (6.0 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 4.1, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned KCYY is a cumulative -1.9 as “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” drifts from fourth to eighth. After surrendering one-half share in September, “Y-100” registered a +.9 in October. Prior to that sweep, it had been within 5.1 – 5.8 range (6+) the previous 11 months. The -.5 in September ended three straight sweeps without a decrease that netted two-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+). Tied with “Y-100” at #8 is iHeartMedia-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station,” which is without an increase for the fourth month in a row for an overall -.9 (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). In advance of the August ratings period, KAJA registered three consecutive uptrends for a collective gain of eight-tenths. After ten straight months at #1, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM shifted to #2 in December. It remains there in “Holiday” 2017, but “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” replicates December’s nine-tenths’ loss (6.8 – 5.9 – 5.0, 6+). A sampling of its recent (6+) fluctuations include December 2016’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; January 2017’s +1.1; April’s +.8; May’s -.6; August’s -.5; October’s +.7; December’s -.9; and “Holiday” 2017’s -.9. On the heels of December’s -.6, Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Que Buena 92.9” sputters by another seven-tenths (6.2 – 5.6 – 4.9, 6+) but remains in third-place. Co-owned KMYO “Latino Mix 95.1” is an overall -1.1 in three straight decreases (3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.4, 6+) as it slides from #15 to #19. By posting a one-half share gain in December, iHeartMedia-owned CHR KXXM halted four successive down or flat trends that produced a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), but “96.1 Now – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” surrenders that half-share improvement in its entirety and is back to 3.2 (#11 to #13, 6+). After both stations posted the identical topline-stat four months in a row (1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” drops two-tenths to 1.3 (#23, 6+), while Cox Media Group classic country KKYX “Country Legends” is off three-tenths to 1.2 (#24, 6+). For KTSA, December’s -.2 ended four straight improvements that produced a +.7 since July (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), while the loss of two-tenths in the December sweep by KKYX halted six straight up or flat trends for an overall +.7 (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+).

4) Pittsburgh – Frozen on 5.7 (6+) in August and September and then on 5.2 (6+) in October and November, Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH more than doubles the October and November stat in December and “Holiday” 2017 with a combined +5.4 to 10.6 (6+) as “Today’s Wish 99.7” sails from fourth to second. This is the station’s best 6+-showing in exactly one year (12.4, “Holiday” 2016). Nearly six shares ahead of “Wish” is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW “94.5 – 3WS,” which adds a +3.5 to December’s +2.0 (12.9 – 16.4, 6+) and is on top for the tenth month in a row. By way of comparison, “3WS” recorded a 13.7 (6+) in “Holiday” 2016. After posting three consecutive increases for an overall +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), WWSW forfeited eight-tenths in June. As a result of gaining six-tenths (5.3 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh Sports Radio” (unchanged at #6) matches August’s 5.9. Immediately after posting a +1.6 in December, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob” plummets by -2.1 (7.4 – 9.0 – 6.9, 6+) to shift from third to fourth. The market’s two hot ACs are a combined -1.7: Entercom-owned WBZZ “Star 100.7 Plays the Hits” (seventh to eighth) is off one full-share to 4.0, its softest 6+-share in one year (3.6, “Holiday” 2016), while Steel City Media’s WLTJ “Real Variety Q-92.9” drops seven-tenths (3.1 – 2.4, flat at #11, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share since 2.1 in May 2016. The country format isn’t much better this sweep as its (6+) -1.3 from December is split between Entercom-owned WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” (4.0 – 3.2, -.8, ninth to tenth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 – Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” (-.5, flat at #12, 6+), which is off for the third time in a row for a -1.0 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). The -.8 by WDSY ends an up/down pattern that started in June in which “Y-108” was 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 4.0 (6+). An August loss of one-tenth snapped at three its consecutive string without a decrease that netted seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+). A cumulative +.9 in June and July (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+) and then a collective -.9 in August and September (3.8 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+), “Big 104.7 gained four-tenths in October. Elsewhere in the iHeartMedia cluster, WDVE sputters by eight-tenths (9.2 – 8.4, 6+), falling to #3 after six straight months at #2, while CHR sibling WKST “96.1 Kiss FM – Pittsburgh’s #1 Music Station” is a collective -2.0 from three consecutive decreases (8.2 – 7.4 – 6.8 – 6.2, fourth to fifth, 6+). WDVE was +1.6 in October and -1.0 in November. Its 10.2 in October marked the first time WDVE reached double-digits (6+) since March (10.4). Meanwhile, “Kiss” was +1.0 in October. A +.2 in September concluded a string of three straight decreases that resulted in a -2.1 (9.1 – 8.7 – 7.6 – 7.0, 6+). Without an increase the past seven months (.3 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+), co-owned sports talk WBGG “ESPN Pittsburgh” adds one-tenth (to .2, 6+) and inches up from #18 to #17.

5) Sacramento – Repeating at #1, Entercom adult contemporary KYMX tacks a +5.4 onto December’s +1.2 (7.6 – 8.8 – 14.2, 6+). “Mix 96 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” is the first Sacramento station to reach double-digits since it did so in “Holiday” 2016 with a 13.0. Down or flat the past three months for an overall loss of seven-tenths (7.8 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.1 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather, and Traffic Station” answers with a +1.3 to 8.4 – its best 6+-stat since January’s 8.7 – progressing from third to second. After three straight improvements netting a combined +1.3 (6.5 – 6.7 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+), the news/talk hybrid regressed by three-tenths in October. Showing one-half share gains are Entercom CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” (3.8 – 4.3, 6+) rocketing from ninth to fourth, and co-owned KKDO “Radio 94.7 – Sacramento’s Alternative” (3.3, #13 to #12, 6+), which was a combined -1.0 in three dips in succession (3.8 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). The station that KYMX succeeded at #1 in December – co-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” – is a combined -2.2 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (8.4 – 7.4 – 6.2, second to third, 6+). “The Eagle” was a combined -1.6 in September and October (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.1, 6+). The last time it was in six-share territory (6+) was in September 2014 (6.8). In the most recent four sweeps, Entercom’s KNCI “New Country 105.1” has been -.9 (October); +.9 (November); -.5 (December); and now -1.0 “Holiday” 2017 (4.5 – 3.5, fifth to eighth, 6+). November’s increase halted three consecutive declines that accounted for a collective -1.9 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.1, 6+). Meanwhile, Entravision-owned, similarly-formatted KNTY “101.9 The Wolf” regresses by one-half share (2.8 – 2.3, #13 to #14, 6+). “The Wolf” was a combined -.4 in October and November (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+). September’s +.5 suspended four straight decreases for an overall -.9 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). The market’s other country outlet – iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 for New Country” is trending 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.8 (#17 to #18, 6+). Within 4.0 – 4.7 range (6+) the last eight sweeps, Entercom hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5” falters by nine-tenths to 3.6 (fifth to seventh, 6+). Off by seven-tenths are co-owned KHTK “Sports 1140” (1.9, #15 to #16, 6+) and Entravision Spanish adult hits KXSE “La Suavecita 107.1” (1.7 – 1.0, #17 to #24, 6+). Prior to the “Holiday” 2017 report, “Sports 1140” was +1.0 in seven successive up or flat trends (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+). Flat at #8, iHeartMedia-owned KYRV “93.7 The River – The River City’s New Classic Rock” sputters by six-tenths to 3.5, its lowest 6+-share since March (3.5, as well). After gaining six-tenths in December, co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” surrenders all but one-tenth of it (2.6 – 2.1, -.5, 6+) but carries on at #15. Dropping one-half share as well is Entercom’s KRXQ “98 Rock,” which is without an increase for the fourth time in a row for a -.6 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.2, fourth to fifth, 6+).

6) Salt Lake City – In a ratings period that has seen some truly astonishing benchmarks, it would be difficult to find a station with greater accomplishments than Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI. For openers, “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” adds an eye-popping +9.6 to December’s +6.6 and is #1 for the third month in a row. Its 23.2 share (6+) is well over four times that of the market’s #2 finisher – or if you prefer – in excess of the sum total of the next five stations after it. In information from the 36 PPM-markets we’ve seen thus far, KSFI (23.2) is the only station to each a 20-share (6+); it did so in “Holiday” 2016, as well (20.6). “FM 100.3” was #1 each month in calendar year 2017 except January, March, April, and October; it was a combined -.8 in October and November (7.8 – 7.3 – 7.0, 6+). News/talk sibling, KSL “NewsRadio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM,” finishes second, but is a combined -3.2 in three straight negative moves (8.3 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 5.1, 6+). Recent KSL fluctuations include +2.0 (October 2016), -.9 (November 2016), +1.1 (December 2016), -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.1 (January 2017); -2.1 (February 2017); +.6 (April 2017); -1.1 (May 2017); -.9 (July 2017); +.6 (August 2017); +1.1 (September 2017); +1.4 (October 2017); -1.8 (November 2017); -.8 (December 2017); and -.6 (“Holiday” 2017). Up or flat for the eighth sweep in a row for a +.5 (.9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), 1980’s hits KSQN “103.1 The Wave – The Next Wave of New Wave” inches up from #23 to #22. After an overall +1.9 in seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” is a combined -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.8 – 4.7 – 3.5 (fifth to sixth, 6+). This is the first time under a four-share (6+) for KODJ since April’s 3.9; November’s 5.8 was its highest 6+-share since June 2016’s 6.6. Surrendering eight-tenths from December (4.3 – 3.5, 6+), Bonneville’s similarly-formatted “103.5 The Arrow” actually improves from seventh to a sixth-place tie with KODJ. Within 5.2 – 5.9 range (6+) in each of the last 11 sweeps, Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” spirals by -1.4 from 5.4 to 4.0 (third to fifth, 6+). Plummeting by nine-tenths is KSFI’s format rival – Cumulus Media’s KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” (3.2 – 2.3, #14 to #16, 6+) – which has its lowest 6+-share since 1.9 in “Holiday” 2016. Dropping by nine-tenths as well is Broadway Media CHR KUDD “Mix 105.1 All the Hits” (3.4 – 2.5, #11 to #15, 6+). Owing to four negative moves in succession, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KZHT “97.1 ZHT – Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a collective -2.4 (6.5 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.1, fifth to fourth, 6+). As a result of three straight monthlies without a loss (June through September), KZHT was a combined +1.5 (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.5, 6+). In the country arena, KUBL is -1.4 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.7 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+) but stays at #8. Independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country,” which netted eight-tenths in three straight gains (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.4, 6+), drops one-half share to 4.9 (6+) and carries on in third-place. Without an increase for the eighth straight time (2.0 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.1 -.8, #24, 6+), Broadway Media’s KEGA “101.5 The Eagle – Utah’s Best Country” is a collective -1.2. After more than quintupling its 6+-share in six successive gains for a +1.3 (.3 – .4 – .5 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), sports talk KALL “ESPN 700” is off by two-tenths to 1.4 (#21 to #22, 6+).

7) Las Vegas – An overall +7.7 in three straight positive spikes (4.8 – 6.9 – 10.6 – 12.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” repeats at #1 with its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016 (14.0). A collective -2.7 in four successive (June through October) decreases (7.5 – 6.7 – 6.3 – 5.6 – 4.8, 6+), “Sunny” bounced back in November with a +2.1. Recent fluctuations for “Sunny,” which had been on top between December 2016 and June 2017, are +1.8 (March); -1.1 (April); -1.2 (May); +1.4 (June); -.8 (July); -.7 (September); -.8 (October); +2.1 (November); +3.7 (December); and +1.9 (“Holiday” 2017). Up of flat for the fourth sweep in a row for an overall +.9 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8, fourth to third, 6+), Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio – Right Song, Right Time” registers its strongest 6+-stat since September 2016’s 5.4. Off a total of six-tenths in three straight monthlies without an increase (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+), Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” gains two-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and continues at #14. By improving two-tenths to 1.9 (#21 to a four-way logjam at #18, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KRGT “Latino Mix 99.3” curtails three downward trends in succession that accounted for a -1.5 (3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 1.7, 6+). Following five straight downward moves in which its 6+-share was sliced by more than 80% (2.5 – 1.2 – .8 – .7 – .6 – .4, 6+), University of Nevada-owned KUNV “91.5 The Source” adds two-tenths to .6 (6+) and continues at #28. Five successive improvements by Entercom hot AC KMXB accounted for a net gain of +2.1 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.7, 6+), but “Mix 94.1” returns the entire bounty in December and “Holiday” 2017 with a collective -2.1 (6.7 – 5.6 – 4.6, 6+). It slips to #4, after four straight months at #3. In October, “Mix” reached the six-share level (6+) for the first time since December 2015’s 6.1. Not only is iHeartMedia country KWNR a collective -2.5 as the result of three consecutive downward moves, (5.7 – 5.4 – 4.1 – 3.2, 6+), “95.5 The Bull – Las Vegas New Country Leader” fades from #5 to #13. In five successive down or flat trends, Lotus Communications’ KXPT “97.1 The Point – #1 for Classic Rock” is a cumulative -1.9 (5.3 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+) as it drifts from sixth to tenth. Even though it is without an increase for the fourth ratings period in a row for a collective loss of four-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+) Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG “Hot 97.5” advances from #16 to #15.

8) Cincinnati – Making it five improvements in a row, Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” improves by +9.1 since August (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 7.5 – 13.0, 6+) and continues at #1. Its current 13.0 surpasses the 11.7 it recorded in “Holiday” 2016. A combined -1.4 in August and September (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.3, 6+), classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WGRR rebounded with a combined +.8 in October and November (8.3 – 9.0 – 9.1, 6+), but “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” is -1.6 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (9.1 – 8.5 – 7.5, 6+), segueing from first to second. Stymied on 2.9 (6+) between September and December, Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School” notches its sixth straight sweep without a loss for a +1.0 (2.4 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.4, #13 to #11, 6+); 3.4 is its best 6+-stat since April (3.4, as well). Urban contemporary sibling WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” drops seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, ninth to tenth, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share since 3.5 in March. Down for the fifth straight time for a collective -3.3 (9.6 – 9.4 – 9.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLW remains at #3. “The Big One” fell to #3 in November, following three consecutive months at #1. WLW returned to the top in August 2017 after back-to-back appearances at #2. Frozen on 4.8 (6+) in November and December, co-owned CHR WKFS “Kiss 107.1” drops eight-tenths to 4.0 (sixth to eighth, 6+). All three of the market’s country outlets surrender one-half share: Hubbard’s WUBE “B-105.1 – Get Your Country On” (6.8 – 6.3, fourth to a third-place tie with WLW, 6+); Cumulus Media’s WNNF “94.1 Nash FM” (2.2 – 1.7, steady at #15, 6+); and Hubbard’s WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” (1.1 – .6, #19 to #21, 6+). November’s 8.2 was the highest 6+-share for “B-105.1” since October 2016’s 8.5; conversely, 6.3 in “Holiday” 2017 represents its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (5.3); WUBE plummeted by -1.4 in December. At this time last month, “Nash FM” regained the four-tenths it lost in November to end four downward or flat moves in succession for a collective -1.1 (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+), while in November, “The Wolf” ended four straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.3 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+). In addition to the aforementioned three country outlets, Cumulus Media classic rock WOFX “92.5 The Fox” surrenders one-half share as well (4.6 – 4.1, flat at #7, 6+); “The Fox” was down six-tenths in December. While unchanged at #16, Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WDBZ “Soul 101.5” is down for the third sweep in a row for a combined -.8 (2.4 – 2.3 – 1.8 – 1.6, 6+), immediately following five consecutive up or flat sweeps that produced a +1.0 (1.4 -1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+).

9) Orlando – Adding a +3.9 to December’s +4.4 (7.6 – 12.0 – 15.9, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” repeats at #1 with its strongest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 16.1. After logging four losses in a row for a combined -1.3 (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom’s WQMP recaptures all but two-tenths of that loss (4.1, +1.1, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#13 to #9). Approximately three weeks into the December sweep (11/29), WQMP transitioned from CHR “Amp” to “Alt 101.9 – Orlando’s New Alternative.” By adding seven-tenths (4.2 – 4.9, ninth to sixth, 6+), Cox Media Group country outlet WWKA “K-92.3” records its best 6+-stat since 5.0 in March. Following 11 consecutive months on top, iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM dropped to the runner-up slot in December. It remains there in “Holiday” 2017, but “Rumba 100” is without an increase for the fourth sweep in a row with the bulk of the collective -2.7 coming with the current -2.4 (11.6 – 11.5 – 11.4 – 11.3 – 8.9, 6+). WRUM spiraled by two full-shares in July; was flat in August; and was up nine-tenths in September. April’s 12.8 was the best-ever 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. On the heels of December’s -1.9, Cox Media Group’s WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” plummets by -1.0 (8.1 – 6.2 – 5.2, 6+) but remains in fourth-place. Up or flat the past four sweeps for a +1.7 (7.5 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2 – 8.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WXXL “XL-106.7” forfeits nearly half that gain (7.3, -.9, 6+) and remains at #3; December’s 8.2 was its best 6+-stat since May’s 8.8. In October, “XL-106.7” pulled the plug on five straight monthlies without an increase that resulted in a -2.4 (9.9 – 8.8 – 8.1 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+), a streak that followed a +2.7 as the result of four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+). On the heels of a November gain of six-tenths, Entercom hot AC WOMX is -1.7 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.5 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#7 to #11). Slumping by six-tenths each are Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM “News 96.5” (#11 to #12, 6+) and (public) Community Communications news/talk WMFE (3.9 – 3.3, #12 to #13, 6+). In four straight decreases, “News 96.5” – which racked up a +2.0 in September – is a collective -2.7 (6.1 – 5.1 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+). Immediately prior to an August gain of nine-tenths, it was -1.0 via three straight negative trends (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). Slipping from sixth to seventh, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM” registers its fifth consecutive decrease and is a cumulative -2.3 since August (6.8 – 6.4 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.5, 6+).

10) Cleveland – A combined +5.5 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (4.9 – 7.2 – 10.4, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” surges from fifth to first and matches its 10.4 in “Holiday” 2016. In December, “Star” halted three straight downward moves that accounted for a -1.1 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.9, 6+). It becomes the fourth different Cleveland station in the last four sweeps to occupy the top spot. Exiting after taking its one-month tenure in the penthouse is Radio One urban AC WZAK (9.4 – 8.6, -.8, first to third). Two-tenths from the top spot in November, WZAK was +.5 in November and advanced to #1 in December with a +.9. A loss of four-tenths in October ended three consecutive positive moves by WZAK for an overall +.9 (7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1 – 8.4, 6+). Even though it is unchanged at #2, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” rolls out a +2.5 (7.8 – 10.3, 6+) and is in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September 2016’s 10.8. November’s +.8 stopped three straight declines that resulted in a -1.3 (9.2 – 8.9 – 8.4 – 7.9, 6+), but WMJI was -.9 in December. In 2017, “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” occupied the top spot from January through April; July (with a +1.1 to 9.2, its strongest 6+-share since 9.8 in “Holiday” 2016); August; September (tied with WZAK); and November. Co-owned adult hits WHLK “106.5 The Lake – We Play Anything” spirals by -1.1 (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.3, 6+), moving from fourth to fifth. A combined +1.3 in November and December (6.4 – 7.6 – 7.7, 6+), co-owned WGAR “99.5 – Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” returns nine-tenths (6.8, third to fourth, 6+). A nine-tenths erosion applies as well to sibling WMMS “100.7 – Cleveland’s Rock Station” (4.6 – 3.7, #10 to #13, 6+), which was -1.0 in November and +.6 in December. Via five straight upticks (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+), Ideastream-owned news/talk WCPN is a cumulative +1.7 and climbs from #13 to #12. By picking up three-tenths in December to 5.5 (6+), Entercom hot AC WQAL halted four negative trends in a row for an overall -1.8 (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2 – 5.3 – 5.2, 6+); however, “Q-104 Plays The Hits” falters by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2017 to 4.7, sliding from eighth to ninth. Co-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” follows December’s -1.1 with a loss of one-half share (7.5 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+) but remains at #7. After six straight up or flat sweeps that accounted for a +1.5 (5.3 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” was off one-half share in October; improved by nine-tenths (to 7.2, 6+) in November, crossing the seven-share level (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history; but is a combined -1.1 in December and “Holiday” 2017 (7. – 6.7 – 6,1, flat at #6, 6+).

11) Kansas City – Powered by four positive spikes in succession (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.3 – 8.1, 6+), Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” more than doubles its 6+-stat since September (+4.1). Not only surpassing its 7.0 in “Holiday” 2016, “KC-102.1” jumps from fifth to third. The only two stations reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2017 from this particular list of 12 PPM-markets that are not adult contemporary are WWSW, Pittsburgh (see above) and Cumulus Media Kansas City’s classic hits-oldies KCMO, which moves from second to first; “94.9 – Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” was #1 in November, as well. Similar to “KC-102.1,” KCMO is up for the fourth sweep in a row (but) for a collective +2.7 (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.8 – 9.0 – 10.4, 6+) and eclipses its “Holiday” 2016 showing (10.3) by one-tenth. The combination of KCMO’s +1.4 and co-owned classic rock KCFX “The Fox” dropping one-half share (9.6 – 9.1, 6+) results in “The Fox” shifting from first to second. A +1.2 in December lifted “The Fox” to 9.6, its strongest 6+-stat since July’s 10.3 and ended four straight down or flat sweeps that generated a -1.9 (10.3 – 8.7 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4, 6+). Before November, “The Fox” occupied the penthouse for ten consecutive months. August’s -1.6 pulled the plug on five straight increases netting a +2.8 (7.5 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 9.4 – 10.3, 6+). In December, Union Broadcasting sports talk WHB was -.4, thus curtailing at five its successive string of positive trends that doubled its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+); however, “Sports Radio 810” rebounds in “Holiday” 2017 with a one-half share increase (2.6 – 3.1, 6+) and improves from #15 to #14. A collective -2.9 in four straight decreases (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 2.1 – 1.5, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-programmed KCSP gains one-tenth to 1.6 (#20 to #19, 6+). Prior to this just-ended negative streak, “610 Sports Radio – Our Teams, Our Town” nearly quadrupled its 6+-share with a +3.2 in five consecutive up or flat trends (1.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.4, 6+); August’s 4.4 was its highest 6+-share since June 2016’s 4.7. A November gain of seven-tenths by KMXV halted four losses in a row that accounted for a -1.0 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+). The Steel City Media CHR added eight-tenths in December, however, “Mix 93.3 – Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station” freefalls by two full shares in “Holiday” 2017 (6.3 – 4.3, 6+), drifting from third to ninth. In advance of December, the last time “Mix” reached the six-share level (6+) was nearly two years ago (6.4, January 2016), but this is its lowest 6+-showing since January 2017’s 4.2. An overall +1.3 in November and December (4.8 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+), Carter Broadcast Corporation urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” surrenders a -1.0 to 5.1, dropping from fourth to fifth. Regressing by one-half share each are Entercom’s KQRC “98.9 The Rock” (4.5, seventh to eighth, 6+) and co-owned alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” (#14 to #15, 6+). Regarding these two properties, one streak ends and another continues. Specifically, “The Rock” had been +1.1 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+); 5.0 in November and December represents its best 6+-share in more than two years (5.1, October 2015). Meanwhile, “The Buzz” is -1.5 in four consecutive decreases (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+). In a similar vein, two streaks draw to a close in the country format. A combined -1.8 in three straight negative moves (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 5.1, 6+), Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” is +.1 to 5.2 (sixth to fourth, 6+). When “Country 94.1” lost three-tenths in October, it ended five straight increases that netted +1.3 (5.6 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.9, 6+). Conversely, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WDAF “106.5 The Wolf,” which was +.5 in three straight up or flat trends (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+), is -.1 to 4.8 (6+), but actually manages to improve from eighth to sixth; December’s 4.9 was its best 6+-share since April 2015 (4.9, as well).

12) Columbus – Aided by a massive +5.1 (5.9 – 11.0, 6+), Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95” races from sixth all the way to first. Moreover, while “Sunny” registered an 8.7 in “Holiday” 2016, this is its strongest 6+-stat since reappearing in print over three years ago (December 2014). Ousted at #1 after a six-month tenure and segueing to second is iHeartMedia country outlet WCOL (11.3 – 10.9, -.4, 6+), which has been in double-digits (6+) each sweep since June. Off a combined -1.5 in August and September, WCOL regained roughly half of that loss in October with a +.7, but was down one-tenth in November. July’s 12.7 was the highest 6+-share by any Columbus station since WCOL reached 12.9 in July 2015. It was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; -1.3 in May; +1.4 in June; +2.1 in July; -.9 in August; -.6 in September; +.7 in October; and -.5 in December. Adult hits sibling WODC “93.3 The Bus” follows December’s +.6 with a +2.1 (5.4 – 6.0 – 8.1, fifth to third, 6+). After a -.6 in August, “93.3 The Bus” responded in September and October with a collective +1.9 (4.5 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+), but was -1.0 in November; Holiday” 2017’s 8.1 is the highest 6+-share for “The Bus” since 11.1 in “Holiday” 2016. As a result of three successive gains (2.3 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+), One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO is +1.7 and moves from ninth to eighth. Having registered five straight negative trends for a -1.4 since July (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR WCKX “Power 107.5” posts a one-half share increase to 3.5 (6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #10). Advancing by one-half share as well is iHeartMedia’s WYTS “Throwback 105.3” (.3 – .8, #18 to #17, 6+). Following a +.6 in December, RadiOhio-owned WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” plummets by -1.4 (5.6 – 4.2, 6+) but remains at #7. When “The Fan” lost three-tenths in November to 5.0 (6+), it closed out three straight gains that produced a +3.4 (1.9 – 2.8 – 4.0 – 5.3, 6+). December’s 5.6 was its best 6+-performance since 5.9 in the “Holiday” 2016 report; conversely, 4.2 is its lowest since September’s 4.0. Down or flat for the fifth sweep in succession for a collective -2.8 (10.8 – 10.8 – 10.7 – 9.5 – 9.2 – 8.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WNCI “97.9 – Columbus’ Hit Music Station and #1 for New Music” shifts from second to fourth. The last time WNCI was below a nine-share (6+) was in March (8.9). With a September – October – November – December topline (6+) trend of 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.2 (#15), Radio One urban contemporary WBMO “Power” disappears from print. After posting a +1.6 in November, Saga Communications’ WNND “Rewind – Columbus’ Greatest Hits” has returned all but two-tenths of that increase in December and “Holiday” 2017 (3.6 – 3.1 – 2.2, -1.4, #11 to #12, 6+). Prior to reaching 3.6 in November, “Rewind” had been within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) in each of the previous ten ratings periods. As a result of a December -.3 to 6.2 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN halted three straight up-trends that netted eight-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+), but “NewsRadio 610” falters by six-tenths in “Holiday” 2017 to 5.6 (third to sixth, 6+).

Friday, January 5, 2018

| January 5, 2018

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Cancels CES 2018 Appearance Over Death Threats.  That’s what’s being reported by Recode.  The publication cites agency sources that say Pai’s scheduled appearance in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show 2018 is being cancelled due to “death threats” – presumably over his leading the charge to overturn the Obama era FCC’s net neutrality policy.  Recode reports, “Democratic Commissioner Mignon Clyburn and Republican Commissioners Michael O’Rielly and Brendan Carr each plan to attend CES.  So will Maureen Ohlhausen, the acting leader of their sister agency, the Federal Trade Commission.  Ohlhausen had been slated to appear alongside Pai at the annual Vegas event.”

PPM Analysis: All-News.  Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents analysis of the performances of stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s December 2017 PPM survey, today focusing on all-news.  Nielsen’s December survey covers November 9 through December 6 and the buildup to the holiday season appears to have taken its toll on the format as 13 stations saw (6+) ratings decreases while only two – WCBS-AM, New York and WBZ-AM, Boston – realized increases from the November survey to the December survey.  Comparing December 2016 to December 2017, eight stations were down (6+) and four all-newsers – WINS, New York; WCBS-AM, New York; KRLD-AM, Dallas; and WWJ, Detroit – were up year-over-year.  Only Hubbard Radio’s WTOP, Washington ranked #1 in its market during the December survey.  View the entire report here.

WPEN-FM, Philadelphia Names Two to New Positions. There are two new full-time staffers at Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic.”  Director of sports content Eric Johnson names Tyrone Johnson to producer of the Mike Missanelli show.  Johnson previously served with WPEN but most recently was producing the nationally syndicated Buck Sexton show for Premiere Networks.  He’s also served with the Wall Street Journal Radio Network, “New Jersey 101.5” and pubcaster WHYY, Philadelphia.  Also, Natalie Egenolf moves from part-time to full-time as update anchor and ‘Fanatic’ social media coordinator.  She has been serving part-time on Missanelli’s show three days a week. She is also an in-game reporter for “NFL Sunday Drive” on Sirius XM and covers the Philadelphia Eagles for ESPN.  Eric Johnson says, “I’ve been watching Tyrone grow as a radio talent from his early days when I worked with him in the past.  He has the perfect skill set for his new role as producer of our #1-rated Mike Missanelli show.  Tyrone has the sports knowledge, radio experience and comedic timing that will enhance Mike’s show.  Natalie Egenolf has so much passion for Philadelphia sports and is very plugged into the Philadelphia sports social media scene.  Combining that with her on-air skills makes her uniquely qualified for her new responsibilities as afternoon drive update anchor and ‘97.5 The Fanatic’ social media coordinator.”

Wolff Book About Trump Campaign and Presidency Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 1-5.  The controversial Michael Wolff book Fire and Fury – purporting to present an inside view of the Trump campaign and early presidency – was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.  At 2# was the Donald Trump–Steve Bannon rift.  Coming in at #3 was the severe winter weather and the related issue of global warming, followed by North Korea’s nuclear threats at #4.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  View this week’s entire chart here.

TALKERS News Notes. Richmond news/talk WRVA is now heard on the FM band as new owner Entercom is simulcasting the station on translator W241AP, Midlothian, Virginia at 96.1 FM.  Entercom Richmond SVP and market manager Bennett Zier says, “News and politics are integral to the communities we serve and we’re excited to better serve our audience by expanding the distribution of ‘News Radio 1140’ WRVA in Virginia’s Capitol City.  ‘News Radio 1140’ WRVA has served the Richmond community since 1925 and to add it on the FM band is a real win for this legendary brand.”…..Along with the addition of new local sports talk shows, Dickey Broadcasting is re-branding the WFMO-AM/W292EV, Atlanta simulcast from the old “The Fan 2” to “The Sports X 1230AM and 106.3 FM.”  The station recently added local programs “Hometeam and Hamilton” (with Brandon Leak and Joe Hamilton) and the Mark Zinno show to the program schedule…..CBS News fires political director Steve Chaggaris after investigating allegations of “inappropriate behavior.”  The news organization issued the following statement: “In the last two weeks, accounts of inappropriate behavior by Steve Chaggaris were brought to our attention and were immediately investigated.  As a result, CBS News has severed ties with Mr. Chaggaris for violating company policy, effective immediately.”…..WPGG, Atlantic City morning personality Harry Hurley (left) is pictured here serving as officiant administering the oath of office for Atlantic City councilman George Tibbitt (right).  Hurley is a notary public and that permits him to administer such oaths.  He tells TALKERS magazine he’s done it 10 times or so over the past 26 years.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Miami country outlet WKIS “Kiss 99.9” names Dina Bonanni, a.k.a. Dina B, afternoon drive personality.  Dina B has been with the Entercom station since 2010.  Speaking about her new gig, she says, “I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love for a station that I grew up listening to.  I’ve spent 12 years of my career in country radio, from Palm Beaches to the Keys, so to say I’m excited to be afternoon host of ‘Kiss 99.9’ in my hometown is an understatement.”…..In the Panama City, Florida market, Powell Broadcasting names Rhiannon to the midday air shift at rock WRBA “95.9 Rocks.”  Program director Greg “Fitzdog” Fitzgerald says, “Rhiannon joins the winning team in Panama City with supportive and creative management and a group of stations community driven.  We are proud to have her here at ‘95.9.’”…..The Source magazine releases its annual “Power 30” list of the most powerful players in hip hop culture and the Premiere Networks syndicated show “The Breakfast Club” – featuring DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha God – tops the list of radio DJs for the fifth consecutive year.  The magazine dubbed the show “the most powerful talk show and squad period.”…..Cumulus Media Nashville announces that urban contemporary WQQK “92Q” is launching a new, weekly Gospel program, “Joy In The Morning,” starring hosts Crystal J and Carlos Hale, a.k.a. LOS.  The program will debut this Sunday (1/7) from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

 

Round Four of December PPM Ratings. December 2017 PPM ratings information has been released for 12 markets, including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s December 2017 survey period covered November 9 – December 6. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.  Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from all 12 of these PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Austin – Off by a combined -1.1 in November and December (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.8, 6+), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT slips from second to third. Its -.3 in November ended three straight gains that netted +1.8 (6.1 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.9, 6+), with October’s 7.9 the highest 6+-share for KUT since 9.0 in November 2016. Elsewhere in the spoken-word arena, Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” exits the top ten (#10 to #12) with its third decline in a row for a collective -.9 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+), while iHeartMedia sports talk KVET-AM “AM 1300 The Zone” loses six-tenths (1.1 – .5, #23, 6+). Bouncing back from November’s -.8 (6.3 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5 – Better Music For a Better Workday” hangs out a +2.1 to 7.6, its best 6+-stat since February’s 8.0, and zooms from fourth to second. Although flat at #4, iHeartMedia CHR KHFI “96.7 Kiss FM – Austin’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on seven-tenths to November’s gain of nine-tenths (5.5 – 6.2, 6+). From May through September, “Kiss” was trending 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 5.1 (6+), but logged a -.5 in October to 4.6, its weakest 6+-showing since December 2016’s 4.5. Conversely, December’s 6.2 is its best 6+-stat since posting a 6.5 in April 2016. This is the third straight up or flat sweep for Emmis Spanish contemporary KLZT-HD2 (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.9, 6+), which advances from a three-way tie at #18 to #13. Within 8.3 – 8.8 range (6+) for the sixth straight month, adult hits sibling KBPA “Bob” (8.8 – 8.4, -.4, 6+) is #1 for the tenth time in succession. November’s +.5 to 8.8 gave “Bob” its strongest 6+-stat since 9.1 in March and halted three down or flat trends for a collective -.4 (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.6 – 8.3, 6+). “Bob” was a combined -1.7 in April and May, with May’s 7.4 its lowest 6+-stat since 7.4 in June 2015. A one-half share increase (3.1 – 3.6, 6+) takes Univision Radio’s KLJA “107.7 Mas Variedad” (#12 to #11) to its strongest 6+-showing in more than three years (October 2014, 3.6, as well). On the heels of a November gain of nine-tenths, iHeartMedia-owned KVET-FM “98.1 All Time Country Favorites” sputters by -1.3 (6.6 – 7.5 – 6.2, 6+), dropping from third to fifth. From March through October, KVET-FM was within 6.1 – 6.7 range (6+) in each of those eight sweeps; prior to November, it last reached the seven-share level (6+) in January 2015 (7.0). Flat at #7, co-owned/similarly-formatted KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” drops one-tenth (4.6 – 4.5, 6+). Elsewhere in the format, “Genuine Austin Radio’s KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” surrenders four-tenths to 1.9 (#16 to #18, 6+). Prior to trending 2.5 – 2.3 (6+) in November, KOKE-FM hadn’t been without a loss since February for an overall gain of eight-tenths (1.7- 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+). October’s 2.5 was the best 6+-showing for “Austin’s Country Alternative” since September 2016 (2.5, as well). In four successive uptrends, University of Texas at Austin-owned triple A KUTX “98.9 The Austin Music Experience” has more than doubled its 6+-share (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+) and carries on at #16.

2) Raleigh – A loss of one-half share in October halted six straight upticks that netted +2.4 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.2, 6+). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” (8.1 – 7.9 – 8.0, 6+) is in the runner-up slot for the fourth month in a row. Climbing from fifth to third, Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5” is +2.1 in November and December (5.6 – 6.6 – 7.7, 6+), with 7.7 its strongest 6+-performance since 8.4 in May. November’s gain of one full-share put to an end eight successive sweeps without an increase for a combined -3.2 (8.8 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.7 – 6.4 – 5.6, 6+). Starting in February, “Mix 101.5” finished at #1 in four straight sweeps before slipping to third in June; it was under a six-share (5.6, 6+, October) for the first time since February 2013’s 5.9. Over and above adding one-half share to November’s +.2 (8.9 – 9.4, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 for the seventh straight month with its highest 6+-share since 9.6 in May 2011. Owing to a loss of four-tenths to 4.6 (three-way tie at seventh to tenth, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” has its string of consecutive improvements that more than doubled its 6+-share (+2.6) end at four (2.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.3 – 5.0, 6+). November’s 5.0 is its best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Flat at #7, iHeartMedia CHR WDCG “G-105 Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” is an overall -1.9 in six monthlies in succession without an increase (6.9 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+), with 5.0 matching its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2013 (5.0, as well). Its cross-town competitor, Curtis Media Group’s WPLW “The Pulse FM – All the Hits,” picks up two-tenths (3.1 – 3.3, 6+) and remains at #13. Co-owned WQDR “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” is off one full-share in November and December (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.7, third-place tie to fourth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WNCB “New Country B-93.9” rebounds from November’s -.8 with a +.2 (3.1 – 3.3, 6+), continuing at #13 (tied with WPLW). Prior to the November sweep, WQDR registered a 7.7 (6+) in three of the six previous ratings periods.

3) Indianapolis – Five up or flat trends in succession by Emmis-owned WFNI (1.7 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+) account for a +1.4 as “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” (#13 to #14) matches the 3.1 it logged in March 2016. Not only does adult contemporary cluster-mate WYXB pull the plug on three straight downturns that accounted for an overall -1.4 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), “Soft Rock B-105.7” hangs out a +2.3 to 7.8 (6+), catapulting it from seventh to first. Whereas December’s 7.8 is its best 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2016’s 17.7, November’s 5.5 was its weakest in five years (5.3, November 2012). At this time last year (December 2016), WYXB notched an 8.3 (6+). The lead over the station it displaces at #1 – Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK (7.7, -.1, 6+) – is just one-tenth. On top in September, October, and November, WJJK dropped three-tenths in November, halting three straight progressive months for an overall +1.8 (6.1 – 7.0 – 7.4 – 7.9, 6+). In addition, October’s 7.9 represents the highest 6+-share for WJJK in the PPM-era. Prior to August, WJJK was without an increase in five successive survey periods for a collective -1.6 (7.7 – 7.2 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+). An overall -1.1 in four consecutive downward moves (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR WHHH “Hot 96.3 – All Hip-Hop and R&B” picks up one-tenth to 3.4 (6+) and carries on at #12. By tacking on a +1.6 to November’s one-half share increase (4.3 – 4.8 – 6.4, 6+), urban AC sibling WTLC-FM “106.7 – Indy’s R&B Leader” progresses from eighth to fifth with its best 6+-share since January’s 7.1. Just over one week into the December sweep (11/17), Cumulus Media transitioned urban-rhythmic oldies WRWM “93.9 The Beat” to CHR WYRG “Indianapolis’ Energy 93.9.” Via six successive sweeps without a loss, the Cumulus Media-owned frequency at 93.9 is a collective +.8 (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.4, #16 to #12, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share erodes by -1.6, as WYRG sibling WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” is off nine-tenths (second to fourth, 6+), while Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” regresses by seven-tenths (third to fifth, 6+). A combined +.8 in May and June, WFMS was -.9 in July; +.8 in August; +.5 in September; -.7 in October; +1.1 in November; and now -.9 in December (5.9 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 7.5 – 6.6, 6+). October’s +.8 took “Hank” to 7.1, its strongest 6+-showing since September 2015’s 7.6. In three straight sweeps without an increase (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – .7, 6+), University of Indianapolis-owned WICR has lost more than 50% of its 6+-share (overall -.9) and departs the top twenty (#18 to #21). Albeit flat at #11, Emmis news/talk WIBC “93.1 Indy’s News Center” is a collective -1.6 in three straight downward moves (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share in just over one year (3.5, November 2016). Locked on 4.4 (6+) in October and November, iHeartMedia-owned WOLT “Alt 103.3 – Indy’s Alternative” dips by one-half share to 3.9 (ninth to tenth), its lowest 6+-share since May’s 3.8.

4) Milwaukee – In an impressive streak, iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” (steady at #2) is +1.9 in five straight gains (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 7.9, 6+). Its challenger – Scripps-owned news/talk WTMJ “Radio 620 Wisconsin’s Radio Station” – is flat at 6.4, slipping from fourth to fifth (6+). As the result of three consecutive downward moves that began in September (4.3 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+), WLDB “B-93.3” regressed by a collective -1.4, but the Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary property dusts itself off with a gain nearly twice the size of that deficit (2.9 – 5.6, +2.7, 6+), rocketing from #14 to #7. This is the best 6+-stat for “B-93.3” since 8.3 in “Holiday” 2016. Unchanged at #13, alternative cluster-mate WLUM “FM 102.1 Sounds Different” is up one-half share to 3.8 (6+), halting three consecutive down or flat trends that accounted for an overall loss of one full-share (4.3 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). Winning ways continue for Saga Communications’ WKLH (fifth to third), which is an overall +3.0 since August in four consecutive increases (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.5 –  6.0 – 7.6, 6+). This is the first time that “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” has reached the seven-share level (6+) since the station reappeared in print exactly three years ago (December 2014). One-half share ahead of WISN is classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits,” which is on top for the 33rd consecutive ratings period, even though it spirals by (-1.6, 6+). WRIT continues a down/up pattern that began in May (10.3 – 9.9 – 10.7 – 9.6 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 10.0 – 8.4, 6+). Co-owned urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7 Milwaukee’s Only Hip-Hop and R&B” plummets by one full-share (5.5 – 4.5, sixth to eighth, 6+) after November’s +.3 ended four consecutive months without an increase for an overall -2.0 (7.4 – 7.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). The last time “V-100.7” fell below a five-share (6+) was in May 2016 (4.7). Without an increase for the fourth time in a row for a collective -.4 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), WKTI “94.5 KTI Country” slides from eighth to ninth. Immediately in advance of its current trending, WKTI posted three straight gains for a collective +1.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.8, 6+). Meanwhile, format rival – iHeartMedia’s WMIL – is a combined -2.6 in four successive downward moves (6.5 – 5.7 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.9, 6+) as “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Prior to August, “FM 106.1” was up or flat in four straight sweeps for a net +1.4 (5.1 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 6.5, 6+). Albeit that it is down for the third month in a row for a collective loss of nine-tenths (4.8 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9, flat at #11, 6+), Entercom-owned CHR WXSS “103.7 Kiss FM” bypasses iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WRNW “97.3 Now” (4.0 – 3.6, -.4, #11 to #14, 6+). This is the first time in the last 11 sweeps that “Kiss” (3.9, 6+) has not been between 4.4 – 4.9 (6+). Frozen on 3.2 (6+) in August, September, and October, “Now” reached the four-share level in November (4.0, 6+) for the first time in more than five years (4.1, September 2012). It is a case of “slow and steady” for Milwaukee School of Engineering triple A WMSE, which gains a cumulative one-half share in eight straight ratings periods without a loss (.1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+) with no increase greater than one-tenth. Tied with it at #21 is iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920 – Milwaukee’s Sports Station,” which is up or flat for the fifth time in a row for a half-share gain as well (.1 – .1 – .3 – .3 – .5 – .6, 6+). Four straight negative moves (2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3 – .6, 6+) have resulted in Milwaukee Radio Alliance-owned WZTI losing roughly 70% of its 6+-share (-1.6); “Milwaukee’s True Oldies Channel” exits the top twenty (#17 to a three-way tie at #21 with WMSE and WOKY).

5) Nashville – Two of the market’s news/talk outlets (nearly equally) combine for a -2.4 (6+). Specifically, Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” is -1.3 (#11 to #13, 6+), while Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” is -1.1 (5.7 – 6.6, seventh to tenth, 6+). Up by +1.2 in September and October to 6.4, its best 6+-share in the PPM-era, WPLN-FM surrendered seven-tenths in November; “Super Talk 99.7” is -1.9 in November and December (5.0 – 4.4 – 3.1, 6+). Five straight positive spikes by Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA generate an overall +3.5 (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 9.9, 6+) as “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” repeats at #1 with its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 13.1. Prior to November and December, the last time “Mix” occupied the pacesetter position was in April. When Cumulus Media sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” faltered by two-tenths in November to 4.8 (6+), it ended a string of three straight increases that produced a +2.3 (2.7 – 3.2 – 4.0 – 5.0, 6+). The flagship of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans roars back in December though with a +1.4 to 6.2, its strongest 6+-showing in exactly one year (6.8, December 2016), and leaps from tenth to sixth. Before May’s one-half share increase, “The Zone” spiraled by -4.3 in six successive decreases (7.6 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). Bumping up by seven-tenths each are Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” (6.6 – 7.3, 6+, third to second, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” (6.0 – 6.7, fifth to fourth, 6+). “Jack” bounces back from November’s -.6, while “The Rock” has its best 6+-share since August (7.5). After dropping eight-tenths in November (3.3 – 2.5, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” recaptures one-half share to 3.0 (6+) and carries on at #14. The station that WJXA succeeded at #1 in November after spending two months there – iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUBT “101.1 The Beat Nashville’s Home for Hip-Hop and R&B” – is without an increase for the third time in succession for a cumulative -1.7 (8.5 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.8, 6+), slipping from second to third. In October, “The Beat” relinquished two-thirds of September’s +1.5 (8.5 – 7.5, –1.0, 6+); 8.5 (September) was its highest 6+-share since July 2015’s 8.4. When “The Beat” gained four-tenths in August, it ended three successive downward moves that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (7.5 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.6, 6+). Down for the third time in a row for a collective -1.2 (7.5 – 7.2 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WRVW “107.5 The River” (third to fifth) has its lowest 6+-share since 5.9 in February. Likewise, Midwest Communications’ similarly-formatted WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” is off an overall nine-tenths in three straight negative trends (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+) and is anchored at #15. In the market’s country battle, Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” drops three-tenths (5.9 – 5.6, sixth to seventh, 6+); iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” is off two-tenths (5.1 – 4.9, flat at #9); while Cumulus Media’s WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” adds three-tenths (3.3 – 3.6, #13 to #12, 6+). Meanwhile, Ryman Hospitality Properties classic country WSM-AM “650 AM – The Most Famed Country Music Station in the World,” which had a 1.8 (#16, 6+) in June is unlisted for the sixth consecutive sweep.

6) Providence – Steady in seventh-place, Cumulus Media-owned news/talk WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” is a collective +.6 in its third straight upward move of two-tenths (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+). Stuck on 1.9 (6+) in September, October, and November, public news/talk WGBH-FM picks up one-tenth and is back at 2.0 (6+), where it was in August (#11 to #10). Swapping places with WGBH-FM is iHeartMedia’s WHJJ, off one-half share (2.1 -1.6, 6+). Prior to dropping one-tenth in November, “News Radio 920” nearly quadrupled its 6+-share in six successive up or flat trends for a cumulative +1.6 (.6 – .6 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 2.2, 6+). While unchanged at #12, The Wheeler School news/talk WELH “Rhode Island Public Radio” is off two-tenths to 1.5 (6+), thus bringing to end five straight sweeps without a loss which nearly tripled its 6+-share since June with a +1.1 (.6 – .8 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+). In a survey period where huge gains are the norm, other than iHeartMedia’s WHJY “94 HJY – Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” (8.4 – 9.5, +1.1, steady at #2, 6+), no other station in this Rhode Island market improves by more than six-tenths (November 2017 – December 2017). Ever since appearing in print in June, Red Wolf Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WSKP “Good Times … Great Oldies – KOOL Radio” notches its strongest 6+-stat (.3 – .8, +.5, #16 to #14, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is off by one-half share (11.4 – 10.9, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” is on top for the 27th consecutive ratings period and in double-digits (6+) for the sixth month in a row. Prior to October, “Lite Rock 105” was a combined +1.6 as the result of three straight increases (9.8 – 10.0 – 10.8 – 11.4, 6+); 11.4 in September and November represents its strongest 6+-share since 18.0 in “Holiday” 2016. Following a 7.8 (6+) in September, co-owned CHR WPRO-FM “92 PRO FM Today’s Hit Music” posts an 8.2 (6+) for the third month in a row and is flat at #3. In addition to WWLI, Hall Communications’ WCTK “98.1 Cat Country” (8.2 – 7.7, third to fourth, 6+) drops one-half share. In November, “Cat Country” erased October’s -.4 with a gain of one-half share.

7) Norfolk – By adding three-tenths in November, iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV pulled the plug on five straight decreases which resulted in a cumulative -1.8 or approximately 64% of its 12+-share (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+). Now in December, “Movin’ 107.7 – The Rhythm of Hampton Roads” hauls out an increase more than ten times than that +.3 (1.3 – 4.4, +3.1, 6+) and jumps into the top ten (#11 to #6) with its best 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 7.4. From June through November, Entercom adult contemporary WWDE registered a topline 6+-share of either 4.3 or 4.6 (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.3). Exploding in December with a +2.8 to 7.1 (6+), “101.3 2WD” advances from fifth to third. Mirroring WMOV, this is the strongest 6+-stat for WWDE since “Holiday” 2016 (13.4). Flashing gains of eight-tenths each are iHeartMedia urban contemporary and alternative siblings WOWI “103 Jamz – Norfolk’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” (8.2 – 9.0, third to second, 6+) and WNOH “Alt 105.3 – Hampton Roads Alternative Rock” (unchanged at #8). This is the best 6+-showing for WOWI since September 2015’s 10.4, while WNOH more than doubles its 6+-stat (+1.5) in three successive increases (1.4 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.9, 6+). Following a November +.8 to 14.6, the highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era, Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” surrenders -1.1 to 13.5 (6+), but remains at #1 for the 12th time in a row. The old mark of 14.3 (6+) was set by WVKL just two ratings periods ago (September). “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” registers a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher for the 20th time in the last 21 sweeps. Before slipping by one-half share in October, WVKL – which earlier was on top for 55 consecutive ratings periods – posted three straight improvements accounting for a +2.4 (11.8 – 12.0 – 13.4 – 13.7 – 14.2, 6+). Having trended 8.6 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.6 (August – September – October – November, 6+), Saga Communications’ WNOR “FM 99 Rocks” freefalls by -1.9 (8.6 – 6.7, second to fourth, 6+) and notes its lowest 6+-share since April’s 6.2. Slipping from fourth to fifth, co-owned WAFX “106.9 The Fox – Hampton Roads’ Classic Rock” is a collective -1.6 in four successive sweeps without an increase (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 5.8 – 4.9, 6+). At the same time, owing to three straight negative moves, Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” is an overall -1.7 (4.4 – 3.5 – 3.2, 2.7, seventh to ninth, 6+). Down or flat for the sixth time in a row, WHOV “Smooth 88.1 – The Essence of Hampton University” is a collective -.4 (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, flat at #12, 6+), while Saga Communications’ adult standards WJOI “1230 AM – Great Songs, Great Memories” is without an increase for the fourth consecutive ratings period and has lost 80% (-.8) of its 6+-share since August (1.0 – .7 – .5 – .3 – .2, #13, 6+).

8) Greensboro – Along with its iHeartMedia Phoenix adult contemporary sibling KESZ, similarly-programmed WMAG registers the second-best (6+) November 2017 – December 2017 increase in the 48 PPM-markets: “99.5 – The Triad’s Best Mix” doubles November 2017’s 6+-stat to 11.8 (+5.9, fifth to second, 6+). Moreover, the increase applies the brakes to three losses in a row that accounted for a combined -1.3, (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.3 – 5.9, 6+). This is the most potent 6+-stat for WMAG since “Holiday” 2016’s 15.2; November’s 5.9 is its lowest since April (5.9, as well). For the record, the top honor for highest (6+) November 2017 – December 2017 increase goes to Bonneville Salt Lake City adult contemporary KSFI (7.0 – 13.6, +6.6, 6+). Despite the fact that Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH trots out a +1.5 (7.5 – 9.0, 6+) for its strongest 6+-share since 9.6 in July, “102 Jamz The Hip-Hop Station” actually backslides from third to fourth. In a down/up pattern since September (12.7 – 11.9 – 12.4 – 12.0, 6+), urban AC sibling WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” is #1 for the seventh straight time (and each month in calendar year 2017 except April and May). A +1.5 in September as well as in June, WQMG records double-digits (6+) for the 13th sweep in a row. Down for the third month in succession for a collective -2.2 (7.8 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia owned WTQR “New Country Q-104.1” slips from fourth to sixth and is below a six-share (6+) for the first time since March (5.9). Leapfrogging “Q-104.1” is its format rival – Entercom-owned WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” – which adds two-tenths to 6.0 (sixth to fifth, 6+), halting three straight decreases that produced a -1.9 (7.7 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 5.8, 6+). Following November’s surge of nine-tenths, iHeartMedia rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up!” forfeits -1.4 (4.9 – 3.5, 6+), but remains at #8; WVBZ had been within 4.0 – 4.9 range (6+) in each of the last eight sweeps. An overall +2.2 in five consecutive increases (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” relinquishes just over half that bounty (4.3, -1.2, fifth to seventh, 6+). Prior to the November 2017 sweep, the last time WPTI reached the five-share level (6+) was in November 2016 with a 5.0. While it has been in double digits in each sweep since August, Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon (says) We Play Everything” stumbles by eight-tenths to 10.5 (6+), shifting from second (where it had been from August through November) to third. December’s -.8 brings to an end five straight increases that netted +2.5 (8.8 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.2 – 10.9 – 11.3, 6+) and produced the strongest 6+-share (11.3) for “Simon” in its PPM-history. Unchanged at #9, Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” falters by one-half share (3.4 – 2.9, 6+).

9) West Palm Beach – This Florida metro’s (6+) adult contemporary stat improves by +1.4, nearly equally split between iHeartMedia-owned WOLL “Today’s KOOL 105.5” (4.7 – 5.5, +.8, fourth to third, 6+) and Alpha Media’s WEAT “Sunny 107.9” (4.6 – 5.2, +.6, fifth to fourth, 6+). Off one full-share in September to 4.2, its lowest 6+ showing since 3.9 in July 2011, “KOOL” regained 60% of that decline in October (to 4.8, +.6, 6+). December’s 5.5 is the station’s highest 6+-share since January (5.9). By gaining one-half share in November, “Sunny” applied the brakes to four straight monthlies without an increase for an overall -2.4 (6.5 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+). This (5.2) represents the highest 6+-share for “Sunny” since June’s 5.4. Notching gains of seven-tenths each are Alpha Media’s WIRK “103.1 South Florida’s Country Music” (3.9 – 4.6, eighth to fifth, 6+) and Moody Bible Institute’s WRMB “Moody Radio” (1.4 – 2.1, #13 to #12, 6+), which last reached the two-share level (6+) in September 2014 (2.2). Stuck on 11.2 (6+) in October and November, Alpha Media hot AC WRMF erodes by -2.3 to 8.9 but “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” ranks first for the 12th consecutive month. Whereas11.2 (October and November) was the highest 6+-share for WRMF since November 2015 (11.3), December’s 8.9 is its softest since January’s 8.3. A one-tenth loss in September brought to a close four straight increases that netted +1.6 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4 – 10.9, 6+). Prior to the “Holiday” 2016 report, WRMF was #1 the previous five ratings periods. Flat at #10, iHeartMedia’s WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk for the Palm Beaches” is a collective +.5 in its third straight increase (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+). In five sweeps in a row without a loss, JVC Media classic hits-oldies WSVU “True Oldies 95.9 The Palm” has nearly doubled its 6+-share (.7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+) and carries on at #14. Segueing from third to sixth, WAY Media Foundation contemporary Christian “WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” regresses by six tenths (4.9 – 4.3, 6+) and has its weakest 6+-stat since 3.5 in March. At the same time that iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” picks up six-tenths in three (modest) upticks in a row (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.3, steady at #9, 6+), Alpha Media urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” loses a total of six-tenths in three straight (slight) decreases, (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), dropping from seventh to eighth.

10) Jacksonville – In another instance of two market facilities combining to bloat the (6+) adult contemporary share, Renda Broadcasting’s WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” improves by +2.6 (fourth to second, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s WEZI “Easy 102.9” posts a +.6 (2.9 – 3.5, #13 to #11, 6+). As the result of three straight sweeps without a loss, WEJZ is an overall +2.9 (6.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 9.0, 6+) and notches its highest 6+-share since 14.7 in “Holiday” 2016. It is dubious déjà vu for iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country,” which replicates November’s -1.3 (13.6 – 12.3 – 11.0, 6+) but is #1 for the 12th straight time. A combined -1.8 in July and August (12.2 – 11.6 – 10.4, 6+), WQIK followed with an overall +3.2 in September-October-November (10.4 – 11.7 – 13.6, 6+), with October’s 13.6 its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. Bouncing back in November with a +1.1 following three straight losses for an overall -1.3 (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), WQIK’s format foe – Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “99.9 Gator Country” – sputters with a decrease of one-half share (4.4 – 3.9, 6+) but carries on in ninth-place. At the same time, the consecutive string of (slightly) up or flat moves by Neal Ardman’s classic country WYKB which generated an overall gain of eight-tenths ends at nine (.1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .9, 6+) as “Jax Country 105.3 Jacksonville’s Country Legend” is down two-tenths to .7 (unchanged at #18). A -1.1 by Cox Media Group’s WXXJ (3.9 – 2.8, #11 to #13, 6+) takes “X-106.5 Jacksonville’s Alternative” to below a three-share (6+) for the first time in the station’s PPM-history. News/talk cluster-mate WOKV is a combined -2.7 in three straight negative trends (9.7 – 8.5 – 7.7 – 7.0, third to fourth, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat since 6.6 in “Holiday” 2016. In September, “104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” was +1.3 to 9.7; prior to that, it last reached the nine-share level in April (9.3, 6+). A cumulative -.7 in its third straight decline (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+), iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WSOL “V-101.5 Throwback Hip-Hop and R&B” falls from sixth to seventh, while urban contemporary sibling WJBT “93.3 The Beat” is off a combined seven-tenths in three straight decreases (5.3 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.6, 6+), dropping from seventh to eighth. Concurrent with Cox Media Group-owned CHR WAPE “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” losing three-tenths (5.8 – 5.5, flat at #5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WKSL “97.9 Kiss FM” is off four-tenths (4.3 – 3.9, 6+) but actually improves from tenth to a ninth-place tie. In November, WAPE fully recaptured October’s -1.0 (5.8 – 4.8 – 5.8, 6+); “Kiss” was +.9 in October. Unchanged at #12, public WJCT is without an increase for the fourth sweep in a row for a collective -.3 (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+).

11) Memphis – Having trended 7.5 – 7.4 – 7.2 – 7.4 (6+) since August, Entercom adult contemporary WRVR “104.5 The River – Continuous Soft Rock” busts out a +2.0 to 9.4 (6+), cruising from fourth to second with its best 6+-stat since 12.1 in “Holiday” 2016. The day after Christmas (12/26), though, WRVR began facing a head-on competitor, with Cumulus Media-owned WKIM flipping to adult contemporary as “98.9 The Bridge.” As a result of November’s +.9 (to 3.5, 6+), WKIM applied the brakes to four successive sweeps without an increase for a collective -1.1 (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+). Known as “98.9 The Vibe” up until Halloween when it began playing all-Christmas music as “Christmas 98.9,” WKIM is flat in December at 3.5 (6+) but moves up from #11 to #10. Despite logging its fourth straight up or flat trend that has produced a +1.2 (7.6 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.2 – 8.8, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK “K-97 Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” backslides from second to third. Improving by one-half share each and appearing back-to-back are WHRK’s CHR sibling KWNW “101.9 Kiss FM – All the Hits for Memphis” (1.2 – 1.7, unchanged at #15, 6+) and Mid-South Public Communications’ WKNO “90.1 NPR for the Mid-South” (.8 – 1.3, steady at #16). Advancing from seventh to fifth, iHeartMedia gospel WHAL “95.7 Halleluiah – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” continues an alternating down/up pattern that started in June (6.2 – 6.0 – 6.3 – 4.6 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 5.4, 6+). In addition to netting an overall seven-tenths in five consecutive up or flat moves (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, #12 to #11, 6+), co-owned news/talk WREC logs its best 6+-share since February’s 3.6. After three straight improvements that yielded a +2.1 (9.2 – 10.0 – 10.4 – 11.3, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate KJMS “V-101” returns one full-share to 10.3 (6+), but is #1 for the fourth month in a row. A collective -2.6 in four losses in succession (6.3 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 3.7, eighth to ninth, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WGKX “Kix 106 – Today’s Best Country” is below a four-share (6+) for the first time since its 3.9 in “Holiday” 2016. With a -.3 to 2.5 (flat at #14, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-programmed WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” puts an end to being locked on fluctuations of seven-tenths. “The Wolf” gained seven-tenths in November after losing seven-tenths in both September and October (3.5 – 2.8 – 2.1 – 2.8, 6+). In September, it concluded three straight increases that accounted for a +1.1 (2.4 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). Hot AC sibling WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” is a combined -.6 in three consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3, fifth to sixth, 6+). Also in that Entercom cluster, owing to a -.2 to 3.1 (6+), sports talk WMFS “ESPN 92.9” (flat at #13) snaps at four its successive string of increases that accounted for a +1.3 (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+). Up one-half share in November to 5.1, its best 6+-performance since 5.2 in November 2016, Cumulus Media’s WXMX “Maximum Rock – 98.1 The Max” coughs up nearly twice that increase (5.1 – 4.2, -.9, sixth to eighth, 6+).

12) Hartford – Not only is Entercom adult contemporary WRCH on top for the 16th successive ratings period, “Lite 100.5” registers its fifth consecutive up or flat trend for an overall +3.1 (9.9 – 10.2 – 10.2 – 10.3 – 11.0 – 13.0, 6+). Prior to July, “Lite” had been in double-digits (6+) eight times in the previous nine sweeps. At this time last year, “Lite” was at 10.8 (December 2016); this sweep’s 13.0 represents the station’s highest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016’s 18.4. The online “stream” of WRCH continues an odd pattern: It scored a .5 (6+) in four straight survey periods before disappearing in print in August. It returned in September with a .5 (#15, 6+); vanished again in October; reappeared in November with a .5 (#14, 6+); and is gone again in December. As a result of its third increase in a row (5.6 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 7.5, 6+), co-owned rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7 – Hartford’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” is a combined +1.9 and cruises from fourth to second; 7.5 is its strongest 6+-showing since 7.6 in May. Winning ways continue for Red Wolf Broadcasting alternative WMRQ, which hangs out its fifth straight gain for a collective +1.6 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+) as “Radio 104.1” continues in tenth-place. For the sixth month in succession, iHeartMedia CHR WKSS “All The Hits – Kiss 95.7” is within 6.2 – 6.6 range (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.2, fourth to sixth, 6+). Without an increase in the last six ratings periods for an overall -2.6 (8.8 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 6.5 – 6.2, 6+), co-owned WWYZ “92-5 Connecticut’s Country Music” falls from fourth to sixth. In back-to-back sweeps, Connoisseur Media-owned WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale – Hartford’s Classic Rock” (flat at #9) is a combined -1.5 (6.0 – 5.3 – 4.5, 6+), while Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” is a collective -.8 (5.8 – 5.6 – 5.0, unchanged at #8, 6+).

Monday, October 9, 2017

| October 9, 2017

Moskowitz, Siegel Named VP/Sales for iHM New York. The appointment of Todd Moskowitz as vice president of sales of iHeartMedia New York City news/talk WOR “The Voice of New York” and the promotion of Marc Siegel from sales manager to VP/Sales of co-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock Station” are effective immediately. Both will report to senior vice president of sales for iHeartMedia New York Bernie Weiss who states, “Marc and Todd are proven sales leaders with a long track record of delivering results for clients, teams and stations. They have the talent and experience to coach their teams in coming up with the most effective marketing solutions to maximize the ROI for their clients.” Moskowitz remarks, “I am excited to lead sales for one the most legendary radio stations in New York City and work with some of the best and brightest people in our business.” Siegel comments, “Classic rock is a format that transcends time and is as popular as it has ever been. I am very excited for this opportunity and I look forward to the next step in the journey with my iHeartMedia colleagues.” Moskowitz most recently was market president for Townsquare Media’s Danbury, Connecticut cluster. He began his career with CBS Radio Hartford, before joining Cumulus Media Bridgeport, Connecticut and eventually CBS Radio New York City all-news WINS. Before arriving at iHeartMedia New York at the end of 2016, Siegel was head of global audio sales at Bloomberg Media, and was local sales manager for New York public outlet WNYC, where he managed radio, podcasting, digital, and events sales.

TALKERS Founder Michael Harrison Guests on Debut Holland Cooke Show on RT America.  Says Donald Trump Has Been A Boon to Talk Media Business.  As reported last week in TALKERS, noted media consultant and TALKERS correspondent Holland Cooke was named to fill the big shoes of Thom Hartmann as host of television network RT America’s long-running “The Big Picture” program.  His debut installment of the half hour weekend show aired this past Friday (10/6) and is being met with positive reviews.  Cooke divides the opening show into two segments.  In the first, he welcomes panelists Brian Keane and Harvey Wasserman to discuss renewable energy… which could be the silver lining as Puerto Rico recovers from Hurricane Maria. And in the second segment, he asks TALKERS magazine publisher Michael Harrison and talk media pundit Steve Malzberg, “Are we really THAT angry?” referring to the tone of today’s conversation in talk media.  Asked if Donald Trump is the best thing that could happen to talk radio and television, Harrison replies, “From a purely business standpoint – getting ratings, giving us material to use, creating interest, keeping people tuned to their radios and TVs – he’s the best thing that’s happened in years. I don’t remember anything like it.”  To view the entire program, please click here. 

Sirott Selected to Call Bruins Action. Inbound from Tribune Chicago news/talk WGN-AM, where he was studio host for the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, Judd Sirott becomes the game caller for the Boston Bruins, whose NHL games are carried on CBS Radio Boston sports talk WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub.” CBS Radio Boston vice president of programming/CBS Radio vice president of sports programming Mike Thomas comments, “We are very excited to have someone with the exceptional reputation and experience that Judd has join our team at ‘The Sports Hub.’” Sirott adds, “I am incredibly fortunate, privileged, and humbled to be the radio voice of the Boston Bruins on ‘98.5 The Sports Hub.’ I didn’t just hit the lottery – I hit the Powerball. [The Bruins are] an ‘Original Six’ [NHL] team in a spectacular hockey market and one of the world’s greatest cities.” He succeeds Dave Goucher, who left last summer to become the television play-by-play voice for the Vegas Golden Knights, and joins analyst Bob Beers. An interesting note about Bruins’ radio play-by-play announcers: The only ones serving in that capacity going back to 1924 are Frank Ryan (28 years); Bob Wilson (25.5 years); Goucher (16 years); Fred Cusick (13 years); Bob Neumeier (five years); Bill Harrington (three years); Jim Laing (one year); and Dale Arnold (one-half year).

Cumulus DC Combo Arranges Blood Drive for Vegas Shooting Victims. Coordinated by Cumulus Media Washington D.C. news/talk and hot AC cluster-mates WMAL “Where Washington Comes to Talk” and WRQX “Mix 107.3,” the “Vegas Victims’ Blood Drive” will be held this Wednesday (10/11) from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner in suburban Washington D.C. (McLean, Virginia). WMAL program director Bill Hess states, “The injured – including some from our area – face a lengthy recovery. This is one thing we can come together and do to help in our own individual way. We invite our friends and listeners to roll up their sleeves and join us in this effort.” WRQX program director Rob Roberts notes, “Distance doesn’t lessen the impact of what happened in Las Vegas. This is our chance to help someone and it costs nothing but a little time. We’re proud to do our part.” On a side note, “Mix” assistant program director/music director/mid-day talent Ashley Nickels is a Las Vegas native. Excluding the shooter, 58 people were killed last Sunday night (10/1) in Las Vegas. The dead included 36 women and 22 men; the oldest was 67, the youngest 20. Six of the dead were from Nevada, 35 from California, 13 from other states, and 4 from Canada. An additional 489 people were injured. The attack became the deadliest mass shooting committed by an individual in the United States, having surpassed the death toll of the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, where 50 died, including the gunman.

Broadcast Station Mergers, Acquisitions Hit $4.47 billion in Q2. The top radio deal was the $82.8 million sale of Emmis Communications’ Los Angeles rhythmic CHR KPWR “Power 106” to Meruelo Media. According to estimates from Kagan, a media research group within S&P Global Market Intelligence, the transaction was the largest single radio station sale since 2012 and represents nearly 34% of the quarter’s $245 million radio deal total. The second-largest radio transaction was the radio portion of Sinclair’s acquisition of Tribune Media with an estimated value of $58.4 million for news/talk WGN-AM, Chicago and the programming of one additional FM station. That was followed by Educational Media Foundation‘s purchase of three FMs from Entercom for $57.5 million – classic rock KSWD “100.3 The Sound,” Los Angeles; KSOQ-FM, which simulcasts KSON-FM “New Country,” San Diego; and WGGI, which simulcasts WGGY “Today’s Best Country – Froggy,” Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Next was the sale of four Alpha Media AM stations, 14 FM outlets, and two FM translators to Dick Broadcasting Company for $19.5 million. Saga Communications sold its six-remaining owned-and-operated television stations and three LMAs to Morgan Murphy Media for $66.6 million, while at the same time, expanded its radio business with the third-largest radio deal of the quarter, paying $23 million to Apex Media for seven FM stations, one AM, and four translators.

Levy Exits KJR-AM. Related to his August 26 arrest for soliciting a prostitute, KJR-AM morning show host Mitch Levy departs the iHeartMedia Seattle sports talk outlet after a 23-year tenure there. According to a report in The Seattle Times, Levy entered which is known as an “Alford plea,” an acknowledgment of enough evidence for conviction without a formal guilty plea. He was sentenced to two years of probation plus a deferred sentence that will be dismissed if he completes probation without being charged with another crime. Levy was one of 110 men arrested in an undercover operation called “Operation on Demand.” The 50-year-old Levy reportedly placed $160 in cash on a bedside table in anticipation of a half-hour of sex. On Twitter, he wrote, “As most of you realize by now, my 23-year tenure at KJR is over. I am fully aware that I have disappointed so many from the loved ones closest to me to all of you who have given me the opportunity to entertain you on weekday mornings. I’m deeply sorry. I’d like to thank KJR and iHeartMedia for the golden opportunity that was never taken for granted. Now, I must continue tending to me, my emotional demons and my family. Some day I hope you’ll allow me the opportunity to earn back your trust and respect.”

CPR’s Wycisk Sets Retirement Plans. It won’t become effective for another eight months, but 40-year Colorado Public Radio (CPR) president Max Wycisk is announcing he will retire on June 30 (2018). Board chair Dean Salter remarks, “On behalf of the CPR board of directors, we thank Max for his service and for the many notable accomplishments achieved during his tenure. Max is recognized as a pioneer in public broadcasting and his vision set CPR on the path to its current success. He leaves one of the strongest public radio organizations in the country with a sound financial base, a talented and committed staff, and loyal listeners. We look forward to an orderly transition to ensure the continued success of CPR.” According to Wycisk, “While the world has undoubtedly changed over the past 40 years, CPR’s mission has remained steadfast and our importance has grown. The organization is stronger than it has ever been – a testament to our dedicated staff, the donors who support us, and the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on us each and every day. It has been an honor to lead the development of a vital community resource that’s uniquely positioned to have an even greater future ahead.” Prior to becoming CPR’s president, Wycisk was a program director and an on-air announcer there. Among other things, he is responsible for transforming CPR from a single-signal station to a statewide network, which includes CPR News, CPR Classical, and CPR’s triple A Open Air, which are broadcast on 34 statewide signals and online.

WGN Slots Chicago Inno Tech Briefs. Starting today (10/9), Tribune Chicago news/talk WGN-AM adds “The Inno Minute,” a 60-second breakdown of Chicago’s top tech news. Airing weekdays in the 5:00 am hour on “The Opening Bell with Steve Grzanich,” the segment is a snapshot of topics covered at ChicagoInno.com. WGN-AM vice president of programming & content Todd Manley notes, “The stories that the team at Chicago Inno chases and shares are so powerful we wanted them on WGN every day.” Reporter Katherine Davis and Chicago Inno associate editor Jim Dallke will serve as producers. “Chicago Inno is incredibly excited to be working with WGN radio on ‘The Inno Minute,’” Dallke comments. “Chicago’s entrepreneurship scene is thriving, and we are thrilled to be able to work with WGN to inform Chicagoans on the innovation that is driving the city forward.” Elsewhere on the station, former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka will appear for football commentary each Monday in morning drive with Steve Cochran and every Friday with afternoon driver Roe Conn. Ditka formerly had a similar radio arrangement in the market on WMVP “ESPN 1000.”

Salem Talk Hosts Headed Back to the White House. Approximately two and a half months ago (7/25), Salem Radio Network talk hosts Mike Gallagher and Hugh Hewitt conducted day-long broadcasts from the White House. The two will return to the Nation’s Capital next Tuesday (10/17) for live “Tax Reform Day” broadcasts from the White House. Hewitt (right) and Salem Radio Network vice president of news & talk programming Tom Tradup are planning for invited guests including treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin and commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, as well as other senior White House and administration staff.

Cavaliers, Monsters, iHM Cleveland Sign Multi-Year Extensions. As part of the new pact, all 82 regular-season contests, as well as five preseason and all playoff games of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers will air on iHeartMedia Cleveland news/talk WTAM and co-owned rocker WMMS. In addition to these two flagships, the Cavs are on a 30-station radio network. John Michael returns for his seventh season as the franchise’s play-by-play announcer, while Jim Chones is back for his eighth year as analyst. The Cavs have reached an extended agreement with Murray Hill Broadcasting to continue broadcasting all of its games in Spanish. Meanwhile, for the second consecutive year, all 76 regular-season games of the AHL Cleveland Monsters will be broadcast on iHeartMedia Cleveland alternative WMMS-HD2. Tony Brown returns for his third season as the radio and television play-by-play voice of the Monsters. Brown spent two years in the NAHL as the voice of the Odessa Jackalopes; one season in the USHL with the Omaha Lancers; became the radio voice of the Indy Fuel in the ECHL; and then came to the Monsters in their Calder Cup-winning season of 2015-2016.

Osgood As It Gets. The longtime host of Westwood One’s “The Osgood File” – Charles Osgood – was presented with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” last night (Sunday, 10/8) from the News and Documentary Emmys. Celebrating with Osgood (in the center with his trademark bowtie) backstage were his family and colleagues, including Westwood One executive vice president of news and talk Bart Tessler, and senior vice president of Affiliate Sales Dennis Green.

 

TALKERS News Notes. Fill-in host Rob Carson – who will be on iHeartMedia Phoenix news/talk KFYI and CBS Radio Las Vegas’ similarly-formatted KNXT next week – recently joined the conservative-leaning LibertyOne TV/video podcasting network and he explains, “My experience as an audio/video podcaster and live Facebook/YouTube podcaster is propelling my career forward in many ways. I hope to consult talk hosts about the new digital platforms. I’ve only been on for two weeks and my LibertyOneTV.com show attracted 18,000 viewers last Friday [10/6]. After two months, my daily podcast on PodcastRadioNetwork.com is their second-biggest podcast. This journey beyond terrestrial radio is incredible.” ….. The appointment of Karen Wishart as an Urban One executive vice president becomes official on January 1, 2018, when she replaces Linda Vilardo as chief administrative officer. In the meantime, those two will work together to transition Vilardo’s duties. According to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, Wishart will be paid a base salary of $425,000 with an opportunity to make up to $150,000 in bonuses ….. The official charity of iHeartMedia Des Moines news/talk WHO afternoon drive talent Simon Conway is The Puppy Jake Foundation, which acquires, raises, and trains service dogs for physically and mentally wounded veterans. Last Friday (10/6), the fourth annual, two-hour free sandwich giveaway to benefit The Puppy Jake Foundation raised more than $28,500. The event brought in $4,000 in year one; $6,000 the second year; and $23,000 last year. Conway remarks, “People drove long distances and handed over huge sums of money. My show’s sponsors stepped up too, one of them called in and doubled his initial $1,000 donation.” Over 200 pounds of meat, buns, and sauce were all donated. So far, 22 service dogs have been provided to veterans; five more dogs will graduate the program in March ….. As of next Monday (10/16), Genesee Media Brockport-Rochester, New York sports talk WRSB “97.5 The Team” will transition to Spanish variety as “Mi 97.5.”

 

 

Delilah Taking Leave of Absence Following Her Son’s Suicide. On Saturday (10/7), the 7:00 pm – 12:00 midnight host posted on Facebook about the suicide, which occurred early Tuesday morning (October 3). “I will be absent from the radio and on social media for a time as I grieve and try to process this loss with my family,” Delilah (Rene) wrote as she grieves the loss of her teenage son Zachariah, who battled a long bout against depression. In what reportedly will be the only statement at this time by the Premiere Networks’ personality, Delilah states, “My dear friends, I need to share some devastating news with you. My son, Zachariah, took his life. He was being treated, counseled, and embraced fiercely by family and friends while battling depression. My heart is broken beyond repair and I cannot fathom how to go on, but I have to believe he is at peace with the Lord and that God will get us through. We will be playing some of my favorite shows from the recent past. I’ll look forward to my return, as you all lift me up so very much. Please pray for my beloved Zacky, and I will pray for all suffering from this debilitating disease called depression.” In a Facebook post earlier this year, Delilah revealed that Zack was autistic. The mother of 13 children, including ten she adopted, Delilah previously lost a son, Sammy, who died in 2012 from complications of sickle-cell anemia. According to The New York Daily News, Sammy’s death came two years after he was adopted from a Ghanaian refugee camp in West Africa. Delilah’s nightly show is heard on 180 (mainly adult contemporary) stations and on the American Forces Network. She was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcasting Hall of Fame in April, following her November 2016 induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Delilah has updated her Facebook home page to include the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), which offers free, 24-hour emotional support for people in distress, as well as resources that provide aid.

iHeartMedia Philadelphia Taking Bids to Beat Breast Cancer. The cluster is doing so in its annual “Bid for Breast Cancer” fundraiser to benefit the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). It begins today (10/9) and will include an auction through next Monday (10/16). According to iHeartMedia Philadelphia vice president of programming Brian Check, “We have again pulled together all the resources of our six stations to collect one-of-a-kind autographed items to benefit a cause that affects many women in our community. AACR is known for bringing together the greatest minds in cancer research and helping patients worldwide, as well as right here in the Philadelphia area.” AACR Foundation executive director Mitch Stoller explains that this year, “More than 300,000 women will hear the words, ‘You have breast cancer.’ The AACR’s mission is to prevent and cure all cancers, including breast cancer which is the second-most common cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States. We are grateful to iHeartMedia Philadelphia and the community for their support in this ‘Bid for Breast Cancer.’ Proceeds will enable the AACR to fund groundbreaking cancer research that will lead to more cancer discoveries, saving more lives.” Auction items include an Ed Sheeran-autographed guitar; a guitar autographed by Brad Paisley; a Green Day-autographed guitar; jacket autographed by Bruno Mars; Rolling Stone Magazine autographed by Harry Styles; and a Red Hot Chili Peppers-autographed guitar. In a similar “Bid for Breast Cancer” event last year, iHeartMedia Philadelphia raised over $15,000.

Chicago’s “B-96” Reveals “Jingle Bash” Lineup. The 18th annual Pepsi “Jingle Bash” from CBS Radio Chicago CHR WBBM-FM “B-96” is roughly two months away (12/7) and will be headlined by Taylor Swift, along with Backstreet Boys, Fifth Harmony, Khalid, Logic, and Sabrina Carpenter. Vice president of programming for CBS Radio Chicago/WBBM-FM program director Todd Cavanah states that the “B-96” “Jingle Bash” has been a “must-see holiday event in Chicago for almost two decades. This year, we are thrilled to have the world’s biggest superstar – Taylor Swift – as our headliner. In the holiday season, the ‘Jingle Bash’ is a wonderful way for our community to come together and celebrate an exceptional night of pop music.” Breaking the news on-air was “B-96” afternoon air talent “Tyler.” The station’s December 7 “Jingle Bash” will be held in Rosemont (Illinois) at the Allstate Arena. In other station concert news, Emmis New York rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” will present “Hot for the Holidays” on December 14 at the Prudential Center. Scheduled to appear are Chris Brown, 21 Savage, Meek Mill, Cardi B, and Dave East & Tee Grizzley. Meanwhile, CBS Radio San Francisco CHR KMVQ “99.7 Now” will have Taylor Swift headline its December 2 “Poptopia” concert at San Jose’s Sap Center. Slated to perform as well are Ed Sheeran, The Chainsmokers, Fifth Harmony, Niall Horan, Khalid, Logic, and Dua Lipa.

WDVE Radio-thon Raises $814,000. Easily surpassing last year’s total of $605,000, iHeartMedia Pittsburgh’s WDVE “102.5 Rocks” raised just over $814,000 during the tenth annual “DVE Rocks for Children’s Radio-thon.” The beneficiary is Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, which is the fundraising arm of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. WDVE morning show personalities Randy Baumann, Bill Crawford, Val Porter, and Mike Prisuta, as well as Michele Michaels and Sean McDowell, shared stories from patients, families, and staff from Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh during the two-day radio-thon. Market president for iHeartMedia Pittsburgh – West Virginia Tim McAleer comments, “The ‘DVE Rocks for Children’s Radio-thon’ continues to exceed our expectations. WDVE has terrific listeners who rally for the kids. I am in awe of the dedication and efforts of our on-air talents to raise funds for the children in our Pittsburgh community.” Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation president Greg Barrett adds, “It is truly unbelievable to witness the generosity of WDVE, their loyal listeners, the corporate sponsors and partners, and this amazing Pittsburgh community who have supported the radio-thon over the past ten years. Without this remarkable support each and every year, providing this level of expert, compassionate care to our patients and their families simply would not be possible.” Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, comedian Billy Gardell (“Mike & Molly”), and WWE chief brand officer Stephanie McMahon made donations by phone. The “DVE Rocks for Children’s Radio-thon” has raised nearly $5 million to benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, leading provider of pediatric care in the Pittsburgh community.

Duran Supports Third Annual “Carney Awards.” A joint production between The Elvis Duran Group and Radcliffe Road Pictures, the third annual “Carney Awards” will be held in approximately three weeks (10/29) at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage. Named in honor of the Oscar and six-time Emmy winning actor Art Carney, the Carney Awards were created by Elvis Duran Group CEO David Katz, his brother – Emmy-winning producer Jim Katz, and Carney’s son – actor voice-over artist, Brian Carney. Duran is morning personality on iHeartMedia New York CHR WHTZ “Z-100” and syndicated by Premiere Networks. “I never understood why the hardest-working actors in Hollywood were almost always excluded from receiving awards and recognition for the great work that they do,” Duran comments. “We created the Carney Awards to rectify that injustice. Character actors are the backbone of almost every movie and television show ever made. It’s time for them to get the recognition they so deserve. I don’t want people pointing anymore saying ‘Hey, it’s that guy.’” David Katz notes, “Elvis is the first to admit that his co-hosts are the backbone of his radio show. Our desire to celebrate those in supporting roles has picked up great momentum and has caught the attention of Hollywood, which is always good for radio.” This year’s honorees are Xander Berkeley, William Fichtner, Richard Kind, William H. Macy, and Wendie Malick. Past honorees include Bob Balaban, Steve Buscemi, Gary Cole, Conchata Ferrell, Dan Hedaya, and David Paymer. Tom Bergeron of ABC-TV’s “Dancing with the Stars” will host the awards program. Tickets are complimentary to radio industry members.

More Music Radio News and Career Moves. The guest emcee at the 73rd annual Congressional Correspondents Dinner in just over two weeks (10/25) at the National Building Museum will be Bobby Bones, whose eponymous weekday morning show originating from iHeartMedia Nashville’s country WSIX-FM is heard on more than 100 affiliates. In addition to his Monday through Friday Premiere Networks’ syndicated morning program, Bones hosts a weekend “Country Top 30” countdown and authored “Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book.” The event’s headline entertainer will be “Daily Show with Trevor Noah” correspondent Roy Wood, Jr.; house speaker Paul Ryan will deliver keynote remarks ….. General sales manager of iHeartMedia Pittsburgh classic rock WDVE and country WPGB “Big 104.7” Bobbie Loesch is promoted to regional senior vice president of sales for the Pittsburgh-West Virginia region. The company’s region president Tim McAleer remarks, “Bobbie’s extensive experience in our region makes her the perfect fit to oversee sales for our robust media and entertainment assets. We are lucky to have her; she is an expert at multiplatform sales and consistently helps our partners reach their goals.” Loesch – who begins her new duties next Monday (10/16) – adds, “I have worked with the iHeartMedia Pittsburgh team for over a decade, so I am excited to lead such a talented group. It is great that we are such a tight-knit team and that we are all passionate about helping our partners succeed.” ….. Starting next Monday (10/16), Cameron Moore takes over 10:00 am – 3:00 pm duties on Beasley Media Group Charlotte CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1.” Operations manager/program director John Reynolds comments, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Cameron to Beasley’s Charlotte team. [Her] expanded experience in every aspect of radio programming will help ‘Kiss’ continue the solid growth we have been having all year. Cameron is a great example of our goal to mentor and groom excellent talent within our company.” Moore adds, “It is an honor to be part of the ‘Kiss’ team. I look forward to playing all of the hottest hit music and getting out on the streets to meet all of [our] loyal listeners.” Winston-Salem native Moore most recently worked at Midwest Family Broadcasting’s Springfield, Missouri cluster ….. The yearly signature event for CBS Radio Chicago triple A WXRT “93-XRT” is its Goose Island Holiday Jam. The ninth such event will feature performances by Spoon with special guest Real Estate and takes place in two months (12/10) at the Chicago Theatre. WXRT program director and operations manager Greg Solk explains, “The WXRT Goose Island Holiday Jam was created to showcase some of the most dynamic talents around, and to offer a memorable annual holiday event for Chicago music fans. This year’s fabulous double bill of Spoon and Real Estate will certainly accomplish that goal.” ….. As of today (10/9), 2016 Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee Gary Lee Love joins John Walton classic country KXXF “105.3 Free,” Beaumont (Texas) for afternoon drive duties. Station owner John Walton states, “It is quite a coup for [us] to acquire a partnership with the Gary Lee Love Show. Gary is a bigger-than-life personality who is a household name in Southeast Texas and a great entertainer. Love most recently did a similar shift on cross-town Cumulus Media-owned KAYD “Nash-FM.”

Hundreds Attend “The House FM” and “My Praise FM” Kid DJ Day. The sixth annual “Kid DJ Day” was held over a week ago (9/30) at the 89.7 “The House FM Where Christian Hits Live” and 88.7 “My Praise FM” studios. More than 550 Kid DJs and 888 total family members attended the free event. “The House FM” and “My Praise FM” founder and chief executive officer Doyle Brewer remarks, “We had such a great day hosting 888 guests. The families were making such great memories with the petting zoo and so many other activities. Our ministry has always been focused on supporting families on the air with our programming and any other way we can.” Kids were invited to be DJs for a day, receiving a tour of the radio station and having a turn on-air. They were asked to discuss a variety of different topics, prompted by the DJ; parents received an email recording of their child’s on-air time. Listener-supported Christian radio network “The House FM” broadcasts from Oklahoma City to Wichita; sister network “My Praise FM” broadcasts in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas.

Austin’s September 2017 Report to be Re-Released. Owing to audience estimates being inadvertently omitted for Austin subscribing HD-multicast KKMJ-HD3, Nielsen Audio will issue a revised September 2017 PPM ratings report for that Texas market this Wednesday (10/11) at 12:00 noon. Reporting for Entercom urban AC KKMJ-HD3 apparently had not been entered into one of Nielsen Audio’s internal systems. Audience estimates for other Austin stations will reportedly not be affected. Prior to August’s +.1 to 1.6 (#19, 6+), KKMJ-HD3 hadn’t had an increase in five consecutive sweeps for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+) but disappeared from print in the September sweep that was released last week.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

| March 15, 2017

Mark Fuhrman Named Area President for iHM Pittsburgh/West Virginia.  Joining iHeartMedia West Virginia as area president for the Pittsburgh/West Virginia region is Mark Fuhrman.  He was most recently with IMG College.  iHeartMedia West Virginia includes 22 radio stations.  The company says Fuhrman will work with the programming, business and sales teams for radio station brands in Huntington, Parkersburg and Wheeling to oversee on-air and digital programming as well as create new business and revenue opportunities.  He will report to Tim McAleer, president of iHeartMedia’s Pittsburgh region.

ESPN Announces Launch of ‘30 for 30 Podcast’ Series.  Based on the storytelling formula of ESPN’s popular “30 for 30” film documentaries, ESPN Films and ESPN Audio are collaborating to debut a podcast series – “30 for 30 Podcasts” – this June.  ESPN says the series will tell original, high-quality sports stories in the likeness of the acclaimed “30 for 30” documentaries, but made exclusively for audio.  Two of the topics that will be featured in the first season of “30 for 30 Podcasts” will be: “Dan and Dave Revisited,” the true story of the massive 1990s marketing campaign around the world’s two best decathletes, and “On the Ice,” the story of how a group of amateur Brits became the first all-women’s team to make it to the North Pole.  ESPN Films and Original Content vice president and executive producer Libby Geist comments, “ESPN Films is continuing to push boundaries in the storytelling space and we’re excited to further evolve the 30 for 30 brand.  These audio documentaries will break new ground for ESPN while also bringing our signature long-form archival-based approach to the podcasting arena.”

Radio Talent Institute Scheduled for University of Tennessee May 15-24.  This next Radio Talent Institute is being presented by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, University of Tennessee Knoxville, and the National Radio Talent System at the University of Tennessee.  The Institute is a 10-day immersion in radio and it involves discovering, coaching and preparing talented broadcasting students with more than 30 broadcast professionals leading all the sessions in their area of expertise in on-air music radio, news and sports, as well as digital/social media, production, promotion, sales, engineering, programming, management and all things radio.  Students from all over the state and region apply to be accepted and will become certified Radio Marketing Professionals by the Radio Advertising Bureau.  National Radio Talent System founder and president Dan Vallie states, “We are very excited to be partnering with the University of Tennessee and working with Sam Swan and the College of Communication and Information, and with Benny Smith, at their award winning college radio station, WUTK.”  The TAB Radio Talent Institute is accepting applications from students now.  They should apply at http://tab.nationalradiotalentsystem.com/. The deadline to apply is March 31.

CBS News Radio’s Peter King Honored with Legacy Award.  Radio news pro Peter King is being honored by the Florida Associated Press with the Florida Associated Press Broadcasters’ LEGACY AWARD.  The organization cites King’s distinguished career and his service as a role model and his involvement with the AP Broadcasters’ college workshop and more for this award.  He will be honored at the awards ceremony in Orlando in April.

KCMO-AM Talk Host Tom Becka Does TEDx Talk on Fake News.  Longtime talk radio personality Tom Becka (left) recently did a TEDx Talk on “Real News vs Fake News” that you can see here.  Becka hosts the 9:00 am to 11:00 am show on Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM, Kansas City and does a regular commentary on KPTM-TV, Omaha’s 9:00 pm newscast.

Trump’s Obama Wiretapping Accusations, North Korea Threats/Tillerson Asia Trip, GOP Health Care Plan, Trump’s Tax Returns, Dutch Elections, Snoop Dogg Video, Marines Nude Photos Scandal, Northeast Blizzard, and March Madness Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/14). The accusation by President Donald Trump that President Barack Obama ordered Trump Tower to be wiretapped during the 2016 election; North Korea’s nuclear missile program and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s visit to Asia; the Trump Administration’s and the GOP’s plans to replace ObamaCare with their own health care plan; the rise of far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders and today’s elections in the Netherlands; controversy over the latest Snoop Dogg video in which he shoots a clown dressed as President Trump; Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller testifies before a senate subcommittee on the nude photos scandal; the blizzard that hit much of the Northeast on Tuesday; and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

CBS RADIO and Canon Present Small Business Grants.  Pictured above are (from l-r) 1010WINS, New York news director Ben Mevorach; Bittylab LLC founder and CEO Priska Diaz; and “The Bottom Line for Small Business” anchor Rob Walsh.  Mevorach and Walsh presented Diaz with a grant for $10,000 from CBS RADIO and Canon MAXIFY Printers for presenting the most creative plan to expand their business while also doing good in their community.  The companies also awarded San Francisco-based Prison Bars founder and CEO Seth Sundberg a grant in the same amount.

KXNT, Las Vegas Host Alan Stock Leads Listener Trip to Israel. Las Vegas talk show host Alan Stock (pictured at center) recently led a group of listeners on a trip to Israel.  Stock tells TALKERS, “It was a mix of seeing Jewish and Christian holy sites, as well as exploring the geo-political nature of the country.  The trip lasted eight days and everyone loved it – in fact, I’m already getting requests for a second go-around.”

 

 

Music Radio News and Career Moves. On translator K279BO, Portland, iHeartMedia launches classic country outlet “103.7 The Legend.”  The company says the station’s core artists will include: Garth Brooks, George Strait, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson and others…..iHeartMedia Philadelphia debuts the new station “Pride Radio Philly” – a station targeted to the local LGBTQ listeners and allies.  It’s available on WIOQ’s HD-2 channel at 102.1.  In addition to the personalities also heard on iHeartRadio’s Pride Radio channel, local hosts include Loraine Ballard Morrill, director of news and community affairs; WIOQ’s Casey, and WUSL’s Mutha Knows.  iHeartMedia SVP of programming Brian Check comments, “Philadelphia has an exciting, passionate and growing LGBTQ community and we hope to amplify their voice on Pride Radio Philly.”

The Band Perry Rocks ‘Stage 17 LIVE.’  Pictured above is The Band Perry performing live before a crowd of loyal WPLJ, New York listeners at Cumulus Media New York’s new performance space, “Stage 17 LIVE.”  The space sits high above Madison Square Garden on the 17th Floor of 2 Penn Plaza.  The Band Perry, along with Clean Bandit and Anne Marie, appeared at the special show on March 7.  Cumulus Media New York VP/market manager Chad Lopez comments, “The momentum is building with interest from various artists for the new Cumulus New York performance space.  95.5 PLJ welcomed two great bands to the 17th floor on the same day during our soft launch of the new studio.  This is the first of many VIP experiential opportunities that we will have to offer to our advertisers and listeners and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Corpse Blinks: AM Radio Isn’t Dead

| December 8, 2016

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

kinosian-2radioLOS ANGELES — There’s simply nothing groundbreaking about naysayers writing an obituary for AM radio.

This facet of the medium was supposed to be killed years ago by television and FM, or most recently by satellite radio, the internet, or time in general.

Many who claim AM radio has already passed away also choose to believe that all of terrestrial radio is a ghost or soon will be, but that’s another story entirely.

It would be ridiculous to the point of one existing in extreme denial and/or total lunacy to foolishly proclaim AM radio has never been in better shape, but at the same time, despite its plethora of detractors – the AM band is not in the morgue just yet, either.

An AM radio-geared item that appeared in yesterday’s TALKERS (Wednesday, 12/7) struck a nerve.

Quoting from the TALKERS story, “The Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council is presenting what it calls 12 imperatives to the Trump Administration that ‘address the persistent challenges in closing the digital divide, and advancing multicultural commercial ownership opportunities to create voices and participation in the telecommunications industry.’ Of those 12 imperatives, #12 is ‘Create a Glide Path for the Short-Term Survival and Long-Term Humane Decommissioning of the AM Band in a Manner that Preserves Minority Ownership.’ It states, in part, that the FCC’s future policies ‘should facilitate the preservation of AM radio’s program services when the AM band disappears.’”

A link was provided that included the 12 imperatives and two lines, in particular, jumped out (just as the last five words above did): “AM listenership is on a steep decline, and AM radio stations are feeling the brunt of it. Realistically, AM may disappear in 30 years or less.”

That could very well be the case, although we might note that roughly 30 years ago, AM Stereo was being called the only salvation for AM operators. There are some rare exceptions (see below) but music on AM radio generally did not make it, whereas spoken-word on that band continues to be viable in many markets as we head into 2017.

As far as the revenue side is concerned, according to BIA/Kelsey, four of radio’s top ten 2015 billing properties were AM stations. They are CBS Radio New York all-news WCBS-AM (#5, $45 million); co-owned, similarly-formatted WBBM-AM, Chicago (#6, $43.8 million); all-news New York sibling WINS (#9, $39.5 million); and iHeartMedia talker KFI, Los Angeles (#10, $37.8 million).

It is true the aforementioned stations are from the top three markets, but at the same time, AM stations do in fact comprise 40% of the top ten list of the country’s highest billers.

Extremely curious to see the true temperature of AM radio, we isolated stations that finished in the top 15 in all 48 Nielsen Audio PPM-markets KFI (November 2016, 6+).

Results appear below and it’s a pretty healthy list, with the lone hard-and-fast rule being only Nielsen Audio subscribers are allowed to be in print.

It should also be noted that some of these AM stations have an FM partner, but in all cases, the primary Nielsen Audio ratings listing is the AM.

Read More

Monday, September 26, 2016

| September 26, 2016

Kim Guthrie Named to Replace Retiring Bill Hoffman as President of Cox Media Group.  After 38 years with Cox, Bill Hoffman is retiring from his Cox Media Group president post at the end of the year.  Taking over inguthriekim January will be current executive vice president of national ad platforms and president of Cox Reps, Kim Guthrie.  Cox Enterprises president and CEO John Dyer says, “Kim has been with Cox for nearly 20 years and is an inspirational leader who has helped our media properties transform.  She played a key role in the successful creation of Cox Media Group in 2008 and has been recognized as one of the media industry’s most influential leaders.  She is a natural fit to ensure Cox Media Group continues to deliver innovative products and compelling news content.”

cbsradioReport: CBS RADIO to Take on $1.5 Billion in Debt.  This report from Reuters, says that sources are telling it that CBS RADIO is preparing to take on as much as $1.5 billion in debt ahead of its initial public offering that’s expected to take place but still has no firm time frame.  According the report, the bulk of the proceeds would be paid back to parent CBS Corp. with the rest to be used by CBS RADIO for “general corporate purposes.”  In its report, Reuters notes that “a radio company IPO may be a tough sale as new digital competitors have emerged and depressed advertising sales for the medium for years.”  Read the Reuters story here.

Lew Dickey Pens Book on Changing Media Landscape.  The book is published by Tourbillion International – a subsidiary of the Dickey family-owned Modern Luxury Media – and is titled, The New Modern Media – Remaking Media for a Mobile Culture.  We now know what Lew Dickey has been doing since he was ousted from the Cumulus CEO role last year.  The book is described as “an indispensable guide to the profound dickeylewbook16and disruptive changes rocking the media industry.  It examines the implications of a new, mobile culture and challenges the widely held belief that most media companies’ true source of profits is their content.  It makes the case for the importance of distribution as a key driver of firm value in the legacy mediadickeylew business model, be it a newspaper, magazine, record label, television network, local broadcast television or radio station.”  In the book Dickey makes the case for why traditional “radio broadcasters will be unlikely to benefit from subscription revenue for their core service, leaving them highly exposed to the ad markets.”  iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman is quoted reviewing the book, “I’ve spent my entire professional life in the media business, and today technology is enabling media to evolve at an ever-faster pace to meet consumers’ changing needs. Lew’s book is a timely resource for anyone working or investing in the media industry – shedding an important light on some of the critical challenges and opportunities inherent in today’s vibrant and complex media landscape.”  Pittman’s iHeartRadio just announced a two-tier subscription service last week – clearly another step in the grand plan to transform iHeartMedia from a legacy radio company to a competitor in the digital entertainment industry.  But getting back to Lew’s book, it’s a safe bet this will be the talk of the radio business this week.

Mike Gallagher Broadcasts from Hofstra University.  In advance of tonight’s first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Salem Radio Networks syndicated personality Mikegallaghermike Gallagher broadcast his program from Hofstra University on Long Island, the site of tonight’s debate.  Gallagher’s guests included pollster Pat Caddell, Republican National Committee communications director Sean Spicer, Trump campaign co-chair Sam Clovis, and, via telephone, vice presidential candidate Mike Pence.  Gallagher says, “I’ve bird-dogged these candidates through the primaries and caucuses and both national conventions.  So, it is a thrill to bring my audience into the final hours of preparation for this historic debate which is expected to draw 100 million or more via radio and TV.”

ktzriHeartMedia Launches New Tucson Talk Station.  This will be a sister talk station to iHeartMedia’s existing news/talk KNST and consists primarily of syndicated fare.  KTZR flipped from Spanish music to talk this morning (9/26) as “The Talk of Tucson.”  The programming lineup is: Premiere’s Glenn Beck in morning drive, followed by USA Radio’s “Trending Today USA with Rusty Humphries,” Westwood One’s “The Savage Nation,” KTRH, Houston-based, syndicated personality Michael Berry, local personality Rob Hunter, Premiere’s “AMERICA Now with Meghan McCain,” “Ground Zero,” “AMERICA Now Rewind,” and GCN’s Alex Jones.

henryalanbook16Alan Henry Memoir Published.  One of the progenitors of modern day talk radio and the all-news formats has written his memoir.  Alan Henry’s new book is titled, A Man And His Medium: An Indelible Signature on Radio Television Cable.  It was a young Alan Henry – charged with turning around Metromedia’s poorly rated KLAC, Los Angeles – who hired raconteur Joe Pyne to host the evening program.  Pyne had just been fired by crosstown KABC.  Henry and programmer Jim Lightfoot gave Pyne control over his show content and the program took off, eventually being syndicated to more than 250 radio stations.  Henry’s influence continued when, after leaving KLAC, he joined Westinghouse in New York and proposed a new all-news format for WINS.  He was named sales manager of the station and, although it took a while to bring advertisers around, history reveals its eventual success.

The Presidential Race/First Debate, Police Shootings of Blacks, Syrian Civil War/U.S.-Russian Military Tensions, George Bush-Michelle Obama Photo, Growing National Anthem Protests, MLB Playoff Push and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend.  The activities of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton and the buildup to this evening’s debate; the aftermath of the recent Tulsa and Charlotte shooting deaths of black men by police; the Syrian civil war and Russia’s role in the bombing of Aleppo and air convoys; Saturday’s dedication of the African American History Museum in Washington and chatter about the widely published photo of Michelle Obama hugging George W. Bush; National Anthem protests spread to the college football ranks; the playoff push in Major League Baseball, and Sunday’s NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Odds & Sods.  There are changes in the air talent lineup at ESPN-owned/Cumulus operated KESN-FM, Dallas.  Matt Mosley leaves the station and his afternoon drive partner Tim Cowlishaw.  Midday personality Mark Friedman also exits the station where he co-hosted with Steve Dennis.  There are rumors in the market that Dennis will join Cowlishaw in afternoons and Jean-Jacques Taylor and Will Chambers will take over the midday show…..Radiohio-owned sports talker WBNS, Columbus “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” extends its relationship with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets for another three seasons.  WBNS’ partner – Southeastern Ohio Broadcasting System’s alternative WWCD “CD102.5” – will serve as the secondary signals for the team’s games…..GatesAir announces three important wins in Vietnam that signify the over-the-air TV and radio transformation taking shape across the Asia-Pacific region.  Vietnam Television recently placed two orders for transmitter network expansions.   On the radio side, Vietnam is investing in existing FM infrastructure with improvement and expansion projects.  Voice of Vietnam, the national radio broadcaster, recently ordered five Flexiva air-cooled solid-state transmitters — two 5kW and three 10kW models — for VOV4, which serves as the broadcaster’s Ethnic Languages Channel.

yappych40wb

The Yappy Tour Rolls On.  Prolific radio talk show producer turned author Bernadette Duncan recently brought her “Yappy Tour” to the television viewers of Western Massachusetts by appearing as a guest on the WGGB-TV (ABC-40) “Western Mass News” to discuss her buzz-worthy book, Yappy Days; Behind the Scenes with Newsers, Schmoozers, Boozers and Losers (AuthorHouse/Talkers Books, 2016).  The book recounts Duncan’s 26-year career as a producer of radio talk shows working with such big-name talents as Larry King, Sally Jessy Raphael, Lou Dobbs, Tom Snyder, Gil Gross, Charles Osgood and many more during modern talk radio’s pre- and post-9/11 “golden era.”  Plus, she tells stories about behind-the-scenes encounters with hundreds of guests from the worlds of show business, politics, media, business and literature. Above, Duncan (left) is pictured with newsman/show host Chris Pisano (right) on Channel 40’s “Western Mass News” midday talk show.  Duncan’s national “Yappy Tour” will roll on through the remainder of the year.  She has already appeared on more than 25 local and syndicated programs.  Hosts and shows interested in booking Bernadette Duncan can do so by calling Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

May 2016 PPM Analysis: News

| July 1, 2016

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

kinosian (2)LOS ANGELES — It was revealed three months ago (TALKERS, 3/30) that Hubbard Broadcasting-owned news outlet WTOP, Washington (D.C.) was the country’s leading biller last year (2015).

Further data from BIA/Kelsey noted that three other all-news facilities placed in the top ten: WCBS-AM, New York at #5; Chicago sibling WBBM-AM (#6); and co-owned WINS, New York at #9.

Given that the exceptionally intriguing, highly-charged presidential contest is about to enter the convention phase, we thought it was an appropriate time to present a thorough overview of all-news stations to see how the format performed in PPM-markets in the most recent (May 2016) ratings period.

The following scoreboards list every news station that appears in a PPM-market report (6+, May 2016); there are no minimum ratings criteria for this particular overview.

Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services; owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive TALKERS analysis are limited to outlets that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.

KRLD-AM, Dallas; WBZ-AM, Boston; and KFBK, Sacramento are “news” most of the day and “talk” the remaining hours.

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Friday, May 27, 2016

| May 27, 2016

dimick, johnCumulus Media Appoints Dimick Vice President/Programming Operations. Former Lincoln Financial Media senior vice president of programming and operations John Dimick joins Cumulus Media as vice president of programming operations. Cumulus Media senior vice president of content and programming Mike McVay remarks,Cumulus “John Dimick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position. He joins Doug Hamand and Greg Frey as a [vice president of programming operations]. Those three, along with our format specialists and analysts, will provide even more tools to our managers and program directors to employ when programming their stations.” Dimick – who begins his new assignment next Wednesday (6/1) – jokes, “I am very happy that Mike McVay would not buy my ‘retirement from the industry’ thinking. The new senior management team at Cumulus is building [something that] is extraordinary and compelling. I am flattered [corporate believes] I can help advance the growth and success of the stations and the remarkable Cumulus platform. Joining the corporate programming team with people like Greg Frey, Doug Hamand and the other pros at Cumulus is very exciting.” For the past 11 months, Dimick was franchise owner of the Dimick Automotive Group. In addition to Lincoln Financial stations in San Diego, Dimick has programmed Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97,” New York; KPLZ, Seattle; KISN, Salt Lake City; and WNCI, Columbus.

Harry HurleyWPGG, Atlantic City Morning Host Harry Hurley Donates $1,000 to the Broadcasters Foundation of America.  This year’s recipient of the Sharon L. Harrison Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service by a Radio Talk Show Host (“Humanitarian of the Year”), Harry Hurley of WPGG, Atlantic City, capped off his acceptance speech last Friday (5/20) at TALKERS 2016: Bridging the Generations by making a donation of $1,000 to the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA).  For almost a decade, Harry Hurley has used his successful morning show in Atlantic City, New Jersey as a platform for the numerous fundraising activities of his Hurley Morning Show Foundation that have raised more than a half million dollars in support of more than 100 New Jersey charities and service organizations.  And he has an outstanding track record of philanthropic activities going back years prior to that.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison describes Hurley as, “The quintessential local radio talk show host – entertaining, community-involved, well-connected and philanthropic – a veritable charity machine!”  Harrison recently email blasted a powerful video plea on behalf of the BFOA to thousands of industry professionals that has drawn strong reaction and donation pledges of thousands of dollars.  According to Harrison, “Radio is one of the only forms of mass media and entertainment in which charity and community involvement are part of its fundamental fabric.  How many other forms of media are so quick to raise money for victims of disaster as radio?  A significant percentage of the stories we cover in the trade press are about radio broadcasters rising to the occasion to help people in need – sick children, homeless veterans, single moms, victims of natural disasters, catastrophic illnesses.  Helping people is a key part of all our formats.  It’s what we do. But who’s out there to help individual broadcasters when WE are stricken by tragedy and have the rug pulled out from under us?  That’s when the Broadcasters Foundation of America steps up to the plate.  I know this for a fact, not just by reading press releases, or going to golden mic dinners and golf tournament fund-raisers – but by the personal experience of seeing, on more than one occasion, the Broadcasters Foundation of America step in and rescue sick, destitute and almost-completely broken people – who were, at one time, important players in this game – from literally being thrown out into the street.”  To view a video recording of Harry Hurley’s acceptance speech and donation to the BFOA, please click here.  To view Michael Harrison’s personal message on behalf of the BFOA, please click here.

Holland Cookeedison-logo-300x137Edison Research Webinar on Podcasting:  Podcasting Now “Mainstream Media.”  The firm Edison Research presented a webinar yesterday (5/26) on the state of podcasting conducted by its VP Tom Webster and covered for TALKERS by media consultant Holland Cooke.  During the webinar, Webster stated, “It’s safe at this point to call podcasting ‘mainstream media.’”  Cooke comments, It’s always puzzled me how talk radio demonizes that term, while sales reps have been telling prospects that their stations ARE mainstream.  What advertiser wants to utilize FRINGE media?” Admitting he’s wary of making predictions, Webster did venture that “Podcasting has been a medium of slow, steady growth.  This year, we saw a spike we haven’t seen before.  If we’re looking for that ‘hockey stick pattern,’ I’m willing to give you a confident ‘maybe’.”  For full details of the information-packed webinar, see Holland Cooke’s coverage by clicking here.

kinosianmikeMLB Logo2MLB Flagships: Part Two. In the second of a multi-part series, TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian recaps the performance of Major League Baseball‘s radio flagships. In a ratings overview based on data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2016 PPM survey period, Mike highlights each key station’s 6+ share; 6+ market rank; month-to-month and year-to-year fluctuations; and a special breakout chart featuring the flagships by league/division. Whereas all five NL Central key stations can be found in the April 2016 top ten (6+), no AL West flagship finishes higher than #20. Three AL East flagships reach the top ten in April 2016 (6+), as do three key stations of AL Central teams. See the second edition of this exclusive special feature piece about MLB flagships here.

marshall, robin“The Diary of a Sugar Mom- Don’t Tell the Kids”“Sugar Mom” Marshall’s Meaningful Marking. While “voiceover artist,” “audio producer,” and “author” are apt summations of Robin Marshall, the most important depiction of the Dallas-based talent is that she is a one-year cancer survivor. Marshall will release recordings of “Lemons to Lemonade” blogs, which she wrote while undergoing aggressive ovarian cancer treatment. Those episodes will be part of the “Sugar Mom” podcast, leading up to National Cancer Survivors Day next Sunday (6/5). Starting next month, Marshall will distribute her audio book “The Diary of a Sugar Mom: Don’t Tell the Kids” free via her “Sugar Mom” podcast on various podcast directories. Marshall comments, “I want women and men who subscribe to my podcast and/or visit my Facebook page to understand what the concept of a ‘Sugar Mom’ really is, and more importantly, what it is not. If you can try one new thing a day, you are headed towards becoming who you used to be and now want to be again.” The “Sugar Mom” podcast releases new episodes Tuesdays and Thursdays. Marshall spent 20 years as a New York City on-air talent and she is the imaging voice for several radio stations. Since being diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer, she underwent weekly chemotherapy treatments in Dallas; she is in full remission.

Nielsen May 2016Millennials Account For 66.5 Million Radio Users. This is not a homogeneous group with a common set of beliefs, interests, and behaviors; ungrouping millennials can help advertisers, agencies, and radio stations understand each group more closely. Nielsen‘s Q4 2015 “Total Audience Report” separated 18-34s into three groups: “Dependent Adults” (those living in someone else’s home); “On Their Own” millennials (those living in their own home without children); and “Starting a Family” millennials” (those living in their own home with children). The data shows 97% of 18-year-olds live in someone else’s home. By their mid-30s, 90% of millennials live in their own home, and more than half have children. Radio is an important part of a millennial’s life and they listen to it in many ways. In the average week, radio reaches about 92% of “Starting a Family” millennials; 90% of “Dependent Adult” millennials”; and 89% of “On Their Own” millennials. CHR is the number one format for all three groups, but “Dependent Adult” millennials, who tend to live at home with their parents or another adult, listen to more classic rock, classic hits-oldies, and urban AC than the overall millennial group. “Dependent Adult” millennials listen to these formats because they are exposed to them by older adults in the home. “On Their Own” millennials are the least ethnically diverse group and they show a preference for non-ethnic formats like hot AC and alternative. They also listen to sports stations more than the other two millennial groups. Radio reaches 90% of all 18-34 African-Americans each week with urban AC the top format among this group. “Starting A Family” millennials include the highest percent of Hispanic and Spanish-speaking listeners. In this group, regional Mexican has the third-highest share of listening time. Overall, 16% of this group’s listening is spent with a Spanish language format. That is more than three times the amount of “On Their Own” millennials.

WYRD-FMAll Roads Lead to the “Pothole Derby.” A constant critic of the legislature’s “lack of action” regarding South Carolina road conditions – which station executives classify as being a “wreck” – Entercom Greenville-Spartanburg talker WYRD-FM “Word” announces a contest focusing on the Upstate’s pothole crisis. Operations manager Mark Hendrix remarks that his station’sPothole Derby listeners are “fed up with our terrible roads, huge potholes, and auto damage, so we are paying them to document how bad our roads really are. We are grateful to have the support of First Class Halt to help us with the ‘Pothole Derby.'” Listeners who submit photos of the biggest, deepest, potholes could win $500 in repair services from the station and their promotion sponsor. Approved pothole pictures will be posted on the WYRD-FM “Word” website. In addition, listeners are encouraged to contact the South Carolina Department of Transportation to file complaints about potholes. Only eight stations (four owned by SummitMedia and four iHeartMedia properties) are listed in Nielsen Audio‘s winter 2016 book for Greenville-Spartanburg (market #59). SummitMedia urban AC WJMZ “107.3 Jamz Today’s R&B” ranks first with an 11.0 (12+).

smaldone and jamesGetting Together with Smaldone. For almost 24 years, Valerie Smaldone was the mid-day talent at market dominant adult contemporary WLTW “Lite-FM,” New York. More recently, she has been hosting/producing a variety of projects. The latest for the imaging voice of CBS Radio New York all-newser WINS is “Hit Makers: Music Icons in Performance and Conversation”; Tommy James (“Tommy James & The Shondells“) was her first guest and he sang several of his hits. In addition, Smaldone interviewed him about his book “Me, The Mob, and the Music,” as well as his days with Roulette Records. For the past two years, Smaldone’s weekly, three-hour Envision Networks’ talk show “America Weekend with Valerie Smaldone & Friends” is heard in 15 markets.

KCMO-AMKCMO-AM Slots Mysterious Saturday Morning Show. The unusual and the unexplained will be explored on the weekly, one-hour (6:00 am – 7:00 am) Wendy Garrett-hosted “Wendy’s Coffeehouse” that debuts next week (Saturday, 6/4) on Cumulus Media Kansas City talker KCMO-AM. Garrett “guarantees” the program will, “cover information and material you will not hear in the normal run of the news. It will address the unusual, under-reported, unexplained, and the mysterious.” Topics to be covered include UFO sightings, near-death experiences, innovative living strategies, and government disclosure issues. Among those already booked are “Children of Roswell” authors Thomas J. Carey & Donald R. Schmitt, who will discuss the aftermath and lifetime impact Roswell has had. Robbie Holz (“Secrets of Aboriginal Healing”) will explain beliefs and principles of the 60,000-year-old healing practices of the Australian Aborigines, who claim their techniques can help cure arthritis and cancer. Nick Redfern (“Weapons of the Gods”) will provide “evidence” that ancient civilizations developed and thrived until they “moved to self-destruction, using weapons with terrifying power.” Prior to working for KCMO-AM, Garrett – who claims to live in a haunted house – has been a reporter, host, and anchor on Kansas City outlets KCKC, KFKF, and KRVK. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio‘s April 2016 PPM ratings period, KCMO-AM is in a three-way tie at #20 and is down or flat for the fifth straight time (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.2); Entercom hot AC KZPT is at #1 (6.9, 6+).

talkersten logoPresidential Race/Trump Protests Top Talkers TenTM for Week of May 23-27.  The activities of the candidates for president and the violent anti-Trump protests in New Mexico and California were the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio during the week.  At #2, the Hillary Clinton email investigation and the FBI’s investigation of Virginia Governor and longtime Clinton ally Terry McAuliffe for alleged campaign finance improprieties were tied.  And following at #3 was President Obama’s trip to Vietnam and the related increase in Chinese naval activity.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  View this week’s entire chart here.

Beasley Media GroupBeasley Broadcast Group Board Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend. It is for $0.045 per share of its “Class A” and “Class B” common stock. The dividend is payable on July 8 to shareholders of record on June 30. While Beasley Broadcast Group intends to pay regular quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future, all subsequent dividends will be reviewed quarterly and declared by the board at its discretion.

conwaysimonOdds & Sods: WHO, Des Moines afternoon driver Simon Conway pulls off a triple play today. In addition to doing his 9:00 am – 11:00 am show on WMT-AM, Cedar Rapids (Iowa) and hosting his 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm program on WHO, Des Moines, he will fill in on Joe Pagliarulo‘s syndicated “Joe Pags Show.”

February 2016 PPM Analysis: News

| March 31, 2016

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

kinosian (2)LOS ANGELES — A news item posted yesterday (TALKERS, Wednesday, 3/30) indicated that Hubbard Broadcasting-owned news outlet WTOP, Washington (D.C.) reigns as the country’s leading biller for 2015.

Further data from BIA/Kelsey notes that three other all-news facilities placed in the top ten: WCBS-AM, New York at #5; Chicago sibling WBBM-AM (#6); and co-owned WINS, New York at #9.

As a follow-up, and especially in light of the exceptionally intriguing, highly-charged presidential contest, we present a thorough overview to see how news stations performed in PPM-markets in the most recent (February 2016) ratings period.

Facilities that rank in the top 20 in a PPM market (6+, February 2016) comprise the following news scoreboards.

Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services; owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive TALKERS analysis are limited to outlets that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.

An asterisk (*) designates stations that are “news” most of the day and “talk” the remaining hours.

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Where Will You Be When the Lights Go Out?

| November 10, 2015

By Howard B. Price
ABC Television Network
Director, Business Continuity

 

pricehowardbwriterNEW YORK — As I write this, the New York sun will give way to dusk – and at 5:27 pm ET, New York will mark exactly 50 years since the Great Blackout of 1965.

As The New York Times reported, the outage – triggered by the failure of a relay at a Canadian power station – was the result of a cascading failure across the northeast power grid. Systems were overloaded – and in some cases, automatically shut down – plunging New Jersey, New York and New England into darkness for as long as 13 hours. Some 30 million people across 80,000 square miles were impacted.

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Friday, May 1, 2015

| May 1, 2015

cumulus logoA Down First Quarter for Cumulus Media.  The numbers here are compared to the same period in 2014.  Cumulus Media reports 2015 Q1 net revenue dipped 7.2% on income of $271,079,000.  Revenue was down across the board at the company in the first quarter and here’s the breakdown: broadcast revenue was $251 million (down 7%) and digital revenue was $8.06 million (down 16.4%).  Political ad revenue was down 67.7% and a portion of the net revenue drop was due to an increase in the license fees and other category which rose 9.1%.  Breaking down the broadcast revenue a bit further, local and national spot sales were down a bit – 3.6% and 2.4% respectively – but network revenue sank 13% on income of $86.7 million.

radioonelogoRadio One Down 4.8% in Q1.  Urban media operator Radio One reports a down first quarter of 2015 on income $105.8 million – a drop of 4.8%.  The company saw positive results in its cable TV advertising sector – up 9.9% — and that helped ease some of the decline in other sectors.  The radio broadcasting segment was down 9.4%.  Radio advertising was down 5.5% and digital advertising dipped 6.1%.  Meanwhile, in the category “event revenue & other” Radio One dropped a dramatic 82.6%, due in part to a timing issue relative to annual events.

jacobsmediaInside the Mind of the Sports Radio Fan.  Using data from its recent Techsurvey 11, Jacobs Media presents this analysis of the media usage of the typical sports radio fan.  Jacobs Media president Fred Jacobs says, “Since our Techsurveys expanded to more than a dozen formats several years back, it has afforded us the opportunity to study how fans of different formats differ when it comes to media and technology use.  No group of radio listeners typifies that more than sports radio partisans.  In their quest to find a good game, up-to-date info, fantasy sports, draft information, gossip and rumors, these savvy fans use a lot of different media options.”  Some of the media habits of sports radio fans that the survey highlights center around the smartphone.  Sports radio P1s are very frequent texters and they stream audio and video on a more frequent basis than P1s of other radio formats.  For more, see the full story here.

cookehollandYES-YOU-CAN Sell Rush Limbaugh.  Media consultant Holland Cooke presents some tested means of selling the “controversial” leading news/talk radio host – Rush Limbaugh.  As Cooke points out, just because there’s been some backlash against Limbaugh’s show and his affiliate stations doesn’t mean stations can’t find sponsors for the show.  After, as Cooke observes, “This guy moves product.”  In this piece he offers some thoughts on whom to prospect, how to write spots that work and how storytelling can work in your favor.  Read it here.

harrisonmichael5-15Michael Harrison to Do 60-Second Daily Feature on Media for Boston Herald Radio. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison has entered into an agreement with the Boston Herald to write and perform a weekly 60-second feature titled “Michael Harrison on the Media” beginning Monday (5/4) that will be dropped into the pioneering online station’s programming flow several times a day as well as its growing network of terrestrial partners.  In it, Harrison explores the direct connection between media and the human condition – past, present and future – commenting on the impact of changing communicationsbostonheraldradio logo technology on society and culture.  According to Harrison, “I love the idea of being connected with such a forward-thinking organization as the Boston Herald and its ground-breaking media station, Boston Herald Radio.  Creating one of these tight little pieces each week helps sharpen my insights and ability to express them and just like my weekly, longform podcast ‘Up Close and Far Out’ on Podcast One, it gives me the opportunity, at this seasoned stage in my life, to dabble in speculation about the broader scope of media outside the radio industry itself for a worldwide consumer audience of ‘media freaks.’  What fun!”  Boston Herald Radio Network executive producer Tom Shattuck tells TALKERS, “I am thrilled to have these exclusive commentaries by Michael Harrison running on our platform!”  To hear an installment of “Michael Harrison on Media” please click below.

      MH-On-the-Media-1.mp3

2015 NYC 150Spectrum of Talk Radio Programming to Be Addressed on “Variety, the Spice of Life” Panel at Talkers New York 2015.  At the Talkers New York 2015 conference taking place on June 12, talk personalities from a variety of styles of programming will discuss the industry, their roles in it, and the future of talk content when they appear on the “Variety the Spice of Life” panel.  Moderated by TALKERS general manager of radio operations David Bernstein, the panel will feature: Mike “Bax” Baxendale, morning co-host at classic rock-formatted WAQY “Rock 102,” Springfield, MA; Dr. Joy Browne of Genesis Communications Network; Tony Bruno, WIP-FM, Philadelphia; Thom Hartmann of WYD Media; Doug Stephan of Stephan Multimedia; and Larry Young, WOLB, Baltimore.  This panel will present hosts from disparate backgrounds and radio formats, including a rock jock appealing to listeners immersed in rock and pop culture; the industry’s longest-running radio psychologist; a season sports talk pro; a progressive host with a multi-disciplined background; a nationally syndicated morning talk generalist; and an urban personality working mornings and heavily involved in the community on a local station.  Bernstein says, “This will be an exciting panel to moderate – there is so much more to talk radio than one would think having it always described in the media as just a bunch of conservative white men talking politics.”  Talkers New York 2015 takes place on Friday, June 12 at the India House Club in New York City’s financial district.  Space is limited, so register today by calling 413-565-5413.  For the full agenda, please click here.

podcastone logoPodcastOne Platform to Host Bossip Podcast.  Bossip.com is billed as the “premier online destination for African American popular culture and entertainment news.”  Now, it is partnering with PodcastOne to produce the “Bossip Presents: Don’t Be Scared” podcast.  A press release says, “The weekly podcast is a viciously funny conversation between Bossip’s awkward, quirky and at times terrifyingly honest trio, Bossip staffer-hosts David Dennis, Jason “Jah” Lee and Danielle “Danni” Canada.  PodcastOne chairman and CEO Norm Pattiz comments, “Bossip.com has built a great digital platform that hits the right points of humor and news in entertainment gossip.  This new podcast extends their site to the rapidly growing audio-digital platform, and provides a strong content addition to our roster of websites who have turned to podcasting as an impactful way to communicate with their loyal audience.”

alphamedia logoDone Deal: Alpha Closes on Coast Radio and Free Lance-Star Stations.  There are seven more radio stations officially in the Portland-based Alpha Media fold after the closing took place on the deals with Coast Radio Company and Free Lance-Star Radio.  As previously reported when the sales were announced, Alpha gets three California signals from Coast: adult contemporary-formatted trio KUIC, Vacaville, KKIQ, Livermore, and KKDV, Walnut Creek.  And from Free Lance-Star it acquires: country WFLS and talk WNTX in Fredericksburg, Virginia; CHR WVBX, Spotsylvania, Virginia; and classic rock WWUZ, Bowling Green, Virginia.   Alpha chief Larry Wilson says, “We are very fortunate to be able to work with such great employees at all of the stations.  Each cluster is exceptional and brings its own unique attributes to the company, allowing us to build a diverse and dynamic culture.”

Odds & Sods.  Talk radio personality Leslie Marshall joins the iHeartRadio platform as her podcast is nowmarshallleslie being featured there.  Marshall also announces she’s begun writing a blog for Blue Nation Review and has penned her first column titled, “It’s 2015 and Sexism Is Alive and Well in Clinton Coverage.”…..Getting a national presence is WINS, New York weekend news anchor David Weiss who has two features that will be distributed by America’s Talk Radio Network.  The five-minute “News for You” show features Weiss’ take on the world and national news and the two-minute “Slice of Life” is a more offbeat take on daily life…..In Seattle, Ed Ronco is the new local host of “All Things Considered” on KPLU.  He’s been with the station for two years and also hosts a weekly travel segment titled, “Going Places.”

srnCapitolGangSalem’s Capitol Gang.  Posing for a shot at Salem Media Group’s reception at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday evening (4/30) are (from l-r): Salem Radio Network host Dennis Prager, Townhall.com news editor Katie Pavlich, hosts Bill Bennett and Mike Gallagher.  The event was to honor freshmen members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.  It was also attended by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and U. S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).

TALKERS Weekly Affiliate Roundup.  “Free Talk Live” with hosts Ian Freeman and Mark Edge add newfreemanedge affiliates to their roster including: KIXZ, Amarillo, Texas; Chattanooga market trimulcast WSDT, WEPG, and WSDQ; KTUI, Sullivan, Missouri; and KAZZ, Parowan, Utah and its Cedar City, Utah K253BU at 98.5 FM…..The Marilu Henner show is added to the program schedule at: KTUI, Sullivan, Missouri; WGGH, Marion, Illinois; WIMS, Michigan City, Indiana; KHUC-FM, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

talkersten logoBaltimore Protests and Violence Top Talkers TenTM.  The week of protests, violence and questions about the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody were all facets of the most-talked-about story of the week.  Coming in at #2 on this week’s Talkers TenTM was the 2016 presidential prospects.  At #3 was scrutiny of the operations of the Clinton Foundation followed by the Supreme Court’s hearing of arguments in the case of four states with anti-gay marriage statutes at #4.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  View this week’s entire chart here.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

| March 3, 2015

kinosianmikePPM Analysis: Sports Talk.  TALKERS managing editor and West Coast bureau chief Mike Kinosian presents a report on the performances of sports talk-formatted stations based on data from the January 2015 PPM survey from Nielsen Audio.  In this analysis is a chart of the performances of subscribing stations in shares over the past six surveys; fluctuations from the previous Holiday 2014 survey; comparisons from January 2014; market rank over the past three surveys; plus a comparison including the all-news format.  View this entire report here.

lopezchadLopez Relocates to Cumulus New York as Market Manager. Fourteen-year general sales manager of CBS Radio New York all-news siblings WCBS-AM and WINS Chad Lopez is appointed vice president and market manager of the cross-town cluster owned by Cumulus Media. “Chad is a highly talented and experienced sales leader behind several legendary brands in New York City radio,” comments Cumulus senior vice president Gary Pizzati. “Relationships he has built and the respect he has developed with the ad community over the last 15 years are unprecedented. This was clearly the next and natural step in his career. We are extremely excited to have Chad on our team and as a member of the Cumulus family.” According to Lopez, “Cumulus presented me with a tremendous opportunity to further my career and run an iconic group of stations in my hometown. I couldn’t be more excited and ready to take on this challenge.” A former U.S. Navy officer, Lopez previously was director of sales for CBS Radio New York, and for five years was Dom Camera and Associates’ senior media buyer. Among the stations comprising Cumulus Media New York are hot AC WPLJ (1.9, #18, 6+, January 2015 Nielsen Audio PPM), talk WABC (1.6, #19), and country WNSH (1.5, #20).

cumulus logoCumulus Q4 Revenue Flat; Up 1.4% for Whole of 2014.  The release of fourth quarter and 2014 financial numbers and president and CEO Lew Dickey’s investor’s conference call took place yesterday.  While the fourth quarter started out pretty good for Cumulus Media, Dickey notes that – much like the rest of the industry – revenue began to tail off leading up to Thanksgiving and stayed that way through December.  Net revenue (pro forma) for the fourth quarter was up 0.3% and up 1.4% for the entire year of 2014.  Dickey also said during the call that the company has ceased its search for an EVP of radio after determining that it does not need to fill that position.  Jon Pinch held the title until he left to run the company’s Atlanta station group.

FAIRHold2015Ninth Annual ‘Hold Their Feet to the Fire’ Event Scheduled for April 15 and 16 – Broadcast Spaces Filling Up Fast.  The annual Washington, DC radio row produced by the Federation for American Immigration Reform will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and 16 at the Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill.  As in the eight years prior, the event will consist of talk hosts from across the country broadcasting live, debating immigration policy while interviewing members of Congress, law enforcement officials, experts, activists and citizens who live along the border.  FAIR says that “this year’s event will focus on the aftermath of President Obama’s amnesty and his continued abuse of executive power, the GOP’s internal battle over how to tackle immigration and the ongoing border crisis with its implications for national security risks.”  Event general manager and FAIR spokesman Bob Dane comments, “Politicians fear and respect the amplitude of talk radio.  Hold Their Feet to the Fire speaks for millions of radio listeners and, this year, will prove that the mic is mightier than Obama’s pen.”  For talk show hosts wishing to take part in this year’s radio row, reservations are required and hosts/producers should call now.  There are only a handful of spaces left and they will go quickly.  There is no cost to attend and all technical engineering and ISDN lines are provided by Silver Lake Audio of New York, the official engineering firm for Hold Their Feet to the Fire.  Congressional guests, activists, high-profile media personalities, and immigration experts will be in attendance and available throughout the event for wall-to-wall interviews.  TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison will also be on hand presenting a non-partisan perspective on the First Amendment.  Contact Bob Dane or Anna Giaritelli for more information at 202-328-7004 or bdane@fairus.org or agiaritelli@fairus.org.

kiroKIRO-AM, Seattle Announces Lineup Changes.  At Bonneville’s Seattle sports talker KIRO-AM “710 ESPN Seattle,” the weekday lineup is being tweaked to add new talent to the daytime programming.  The station announces a new late morning program called Justin & Gee Show with co-hosts Justin Myers and Gee Scott.  Myers has co-hosted “The Nightwatch” since July 2014 and Gee is best known for his tenure as co-host of “The Barbershop.”  At the same time, Tom Wassell makes the transition from nights as he teams up with Bob Stelton and Dave “The Groz” Grosby on the newly re-titled “Bob, Groz & Tom Show.”  Wassell has been serving with the station as producer of several KIRO-AM shows over the past three years.  Program director Mike Salk adds that Scott will continue to host “The Barbershop” with former Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant and ex-Husky running back Terry Hollimon in its new timeslot at 7:00 pm.  The station’s programming, dubbed Seattle Sports Radio Network, is also heard on stations in Eastern Washington including KGA, Spokane; KJOX, Kennewick (Tri-Cities market); and KBBO, Yakima.

TNM news logoPot Is Hot.  From a radio listener’s standpoint, the angles that can be addressed with regard to the changing attitudes about marijuana in the U.S. include the medical, business/industrial, recreational, and legal, to name a few.  One such radio show – “The National Marijuana News” – has been doing that since June of last year and is gaining traction in the audio media realm.  The producers of TNMNews call it “an unbiased and balanced one-hour, weekend show that delivers information that is of interest to the U.S. public…TNMNews helps audiences discern fact from fiction to help listeners unscramble the often perplexing details.”  The program was developed by seasoned news producers and media industry professionals and “takes a deep dive beyond the headlines to explore breaking cannabis news, including field segments, interviews, and roundtable discussions.  Guests who are experts in alternative health, yoga, the law, and more generate compelling discussions that not only clarify misconceptions but also present an opportunity for listeners to become more knowledgeable.”  The producers of the show have teamed with AdLarge Media to market the radio show.  AdLarge’s Jessica Sherman, senior director, affiliate marketing, says, “In addition to the many legal marijuana-related products and retailers, there are a plethora of ancillary advertising categories, such as holistic practitioners, yoga instruction classes, green grocers, green products, fast food restaurants, and more.  TNMNews is like aficionado or hobby programs that focus on cigars, cars, travel, etc.”  For broadcasters confused about how to present unbiased news about marijuana to radio audiences and how to maximize revenue opportunities from this fastest growing industry in America, TNMNews executive producer Martin Wagmaister says, “It’s no longer a debate ‘for or against.’  Americans are looking for answers that will help them with their personal decisions.  Our goal at TNMNews is to present all the accurate information available, and to explore every viewpoint out there.”  For broadcasters who may be a bit skittish about the topic in general, the show producers say TNMNews and its topic are fully acceptable under the laws that govern radio through the FCC.  TNMNews producers conducted extensive research and as long as the show does not promote the selling or buying of marijuana and is focused on disseminating news and information around the topic, TNMNews has the legal right, and the freedom, to talk about marijuana.  Recent affiliates of the show include KBYR-AM, Anchorage and KFAR-AM, Fairbanks.  Check out show demos here.

Mark Wainwright Subbing for WSYR’s Joe Galuski During Latter’s Recuperation.  WSYR, Syracuse morning personality Joe Galuski is still on the mend battling Non-Hodgkins Lyphoma and talk pro Mark Wainwright is scheduled to continue subbing for him through April 17.  Also filling in for Galuski when Wainwright is now available is George Kilpatrick.  Wainwright says Galuski is “in good spirits and thoroughly expects to be back on the air in the coming months.”  Wainwright can be reached at thatvoice@verizon.net.

Odds & Sods.  Multi-media star Lionel takes the stage this Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 pm for his show at The Cutting Room in New York City.  It’s an evening of Lionel’s patented (out)spoken word and “the immaculate twanglionel of bluegrass” with his trio Lock ’n Load.  For tickets and more information click here…..Nationally syndicated morning show Mike & Mike – ESPN Radio’s Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg – will celebrate their 15th anniversary from the Downtown Disney stage at Walt Disney World in Orlando on Friday, March 6.  The live show will be open to the public and doors will open at 5:00 am…..KFWB, Los Angeles “The Beast 980” reaches an agreement to carry the MLS’ LA Galaxy games.  In addition to streaming every game on “The Beast 980” mobile app, a minimum of 20 games will be broadcast on the station beginning this Friday, March 6, the Galaxy opens the season at the StubHub Center against the Chicago Fire…..Genesis Communications-owned Sports Talk Florida enters into an agreement with the NASL Jacksonville Armada FC to share content and live play-by-play audio streaming.

patrickTXdanpatrickTalking to Texas’ Top Elected Officials.  Texas talk show host Matt Patrick – heard on iHeartMedia’s KTRH and KPRC, Houston and KFXR, Dallas – is pictured here having lunch with Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (who is a talk radio pro himself and owner of KSEV, Houston).  During his two-day visit to Austin, Matt Patrick also interviewed Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and other Texas lawmakers.

Netanyahu to Address Congress, Iran Nuclear Program, Net Neutrality Issue, Homeland Security Department Funding, President Obama’s Amnesty Order, 2016 Presidential Prospects, Hillary Clinton Email Probe, LAPD Skid Row Killing, and Leonard Nimoy Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/2).  The controversy over Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress; the growing threat of Iran’s nuclear program; ongoing debate over the potential effects of the FCC’s net neutrality policy; the issue of funding the Department of Homeland Security beyond this week; the political battle over President Obama’s amnesty order; the potential candidates for president in 2016; the investigation of Hillary Clinton’s use of personal email for State Department business; the shooting death of a man by LAPD in the city’s Skid Row district; and the death of actor Leonard Nimoy were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Cool Job Opportunity.  We are looking for a quick-witted, comedic-minded entertainer who has natural observational skills and a background in stand-up comedy, comedic acting, improv and natural timing.  If your friends think you’re hysterical, you’re the funniest person at any event, or you have a twisted view of life, this job’s for you.  Send video links of your work and resume to: comedysearch15@gmail.com.  An Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

The Best Talk Station Ever: What the Radio Industry Can Learn from WMCA, Circa 1980

| August 25, 2014

By Bill Brady
Futures & Options, Inc.
President/CEO

 

bradybillwmca - oldJUPITER, FL — WMCA was the “little engine that could.”  In the 60s, it battled WABC for “top 40” supremacy in New York.  By the 70s, WMCA was “New York’s Conversation Station” and was giving legendary talk and variety station WOR a run for its money.  As a 5,000 watt station at 570, WMCA was always punching above its weight class against 50,000 watt flamethrowers WABC and WOR in the sprawling New York metropolitan area.

In 1980, WMCA had assembled a veritable All Star team of talk talent in the prime of their careers.

The irascible Bob Grant did mornings followed by Sally Jessy Raphael (9:00 am -12:00 noon), Barry Gray (12:00 noon – 2:00 pm) and Bruce Williams (2:00 pm -4:00 pm) middays, Barry Farber in afternoon drive (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm), the CBS Mystery Theatre early evenings, Candy Jones, Mets baseball and Islanders hockey at night and Larry King overnight.  Art Rust, Jr. hosted Sports Talk on weekends.

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Friday, July 11, 2014

| July 11, 2014

weismanstevenDid SiriusXM Have the Right to Fire Anthony Cumia?  A week after satellite broadcaster SiriusXM terminated Anthony Cumia of the “Opie & Anthony” show, TALKERS legal editor Steven J.J. Weisman writes about the underlying legal aspects of the case.  Weisman explains that – although he hasn’t read Cumia’s contract – most performers who sign a contract these days have a morals clause in their deals that give the employer the right to fire employees who do things while off duty that reflect badly on the company.  Weisman offers some history of the morals clause and explains what employees finding themselves in Cumia’s situation might have in their arsenal with which to fight back.  Read Weisman’s entire piece here.

kfbk logoKFBK, Sacramento Gives Gubernatorial Nominee Talk Show Appearance.  In an effort to do what Clear Channel Sacramento VP of programming Ken Charles says is “covering the biggest stories and the most relevant news for Sacramento and California,” news/talk KFBK welcomed Republican gubernatorial nominee Neel Kashkari to the airwaves, allowing him to host a three-hour show last night (7/10) from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  Charles said, “We invited both Kashkari and Governor Brown to host a show with us to provide them a unique forum to speak with the citizens of northern California.  We look forward to Kashkari’s appearance tonight and hope we hear from the governor very soon.”

wrightadamWHYN, Springfield to Name Adam Wright Morning Drive Co-Host.  Two weeks after parting company with longtime morning drive co-host Brad Shepard, Clear Channel Springfield, Massachusetts is prepared to announce Adam Hamada Wright will join co-host Bo Sullivan on air for AM drive duties.  Wright operates Westfield, Massachusetts based Advertus Media, a creative and media buying agency, and will continue that business in addition to his radio work.  He says, “WHYN is a heritage news/talk station and I look forward to carrying on an incredible tradition of broadcasting there.  This new additional adventure is the culmination of a lifelong dream of hosting a talk show and the ability to return to radio after 14 years.  I will forever be grateful to Sean Davey and Jerry Hyland for coming up with this insane idea and I will honor those who came before me on this storied station, especially Brad Shepard who I consider an amazing talent and friend.”

kwqw logoDianna Kelly Joins ’98.3 The Torch’ in Des Moines.  Taking on the role of news director for Cumulus Media news/talk outlet KWQW “98.3 The Torch” is Dianna Kelly.  Cumuluskellydianna states that the “experienced broadcast journalist and talk personality has held on-air positions for stations in Kansas City, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Fresno, Jacksonville, Grand Rapids, and suburban Nashville.  She has been honored with six Associated Press awards for her feature reports.”  Kelly says, “What a pleasure to be working with the brightest minds in radio!  The future of radio is here and it’s at Cumulus.  I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.”

nielsen logoRound Three of June PPM Data Released.  The third of four rounds of June 2014 PPM data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus.  The survey period was May 22 through June 18.  TALKERS magazine’s sister publication RadioInfo has all of the numbers from subscribing stations here.  In addition, managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ten Takeaways” from this batch of ratings on the main page of RadioInfo.com here.

costadinoDino Costa Moves Show Base to NYC.  Two months after the former SirusXM sports talk personality Dino Costa began his own internet-based sports talk show at dinocostashow.com, he announces he’s moving his base of operations from Cheyenne, Wyoming to New York City later this summer.  Costa explains on his website that he initially hated life in New York when he first went to work for SiriusXM but, to his own surprise, realized he missed the City after moving back to the West and settling in Cheyenne.  Costa says his show will be MIA for a week when he and his family make the move back to New York.

coxalanOdds & Sods.  Mixing it up a bit is Premiere Networks as the syndicator brings rock/talk WMMS, Cleveland and classic rock WDTW, Detroit personality Alan Cox in to sub for Andy Dean on the “America Now” program on Monday, July 14.  Though Dean is decidedly conservative, Cox likes to operate more in the pop culture/lifestyle arena.  This should be an interesting listen…..A Manhattan street was named for thebrooksstan longtime WINS, New York reporter who passed away last year at age 86, just two weeks after filing his last report for the station.  The New York Daily News reports that the corner of W. 43rd St. and 10th Avenue will bear the name “Stan Brooks Way” as a tribute to the journalist who worked for WINS for almost 50 years.  Brooks and his wife lived near the intersection…..CBS RADIO’s KNX, Los Angeles continues its “KNX On Your Corner” series with a live remote broadcast from northern Orange County on Friday, July 25.  The station says the broadcast will include a series of special reports focusing on important issues in the cities of Brea, La Habra, Yorba Linda and Placentia.  Additionally, local civic leaders will appear as special guests throughout the day as KNX gives listeners insight into the unique attributes of the area.  “Adding to the local flavor of the day, KNX will broadcast live from Arthur’s Coffee Shop in La Habra.  Free refreshments will be offered and the public is invited to meet the people behind the microphones of Southern California’s only all-news radio station.”

freemanedgeTALKERS Weekly Affiliate Update.  “Free Talk Live” featuring Ian Freeman and Mark Edge is added to new affiliate stations WAMT, Orlando; KMET-AM, Banning, California; WGRV, Greeneville, Tennessee; WNNG-FM, Unadilla, Georgia; and WFPA, Ft. Payne, Alabama…..Doug Stephan’s “Good Day” program adds 10 new affiliate stations including KLAV, Las Vegas; WELE, Ormond Beach, Florida; KVNA, Flagstaff, Arizona; and WMXB, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Child Immigration Crisis Top News/Talk Story This Week.  The influx of minor immigrants from Central America crossing the Southwestern borders and the immigration policy controversy associated with it was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week of July 7-11, landing atop the Talkers TenTM.  Following at #2 was the ISIS campaign in Iraq.  At #3 was the Israeli-Palestinian violence and at #4 was the state of President Obama’s approval ratings.  The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week.  It is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine and is published every Friday at Talkers.com.  View this week’s entire chart here.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

| March 26, 2014

sportstalkboston logoInside SportsTalkBoston.com.   The surprising exit of longtime WEEI sports talk personality Glenn Ordway last year and the departure some months later of station programmer Jason Wolfe saw big changes in the Boston sports talk scene.  Those changes are becoming even more high profile with the debut of Ordway’s new multi-platform sports talk destination wolfejasonSportsTalkBoston.com.  Regular TALKERS readers are aware Wolfe is signing on with the venture to serve as chief content officer.  In this exclusive story, Wolfe goes into a bit more detail about not only what the future will bring to SportsTalkBoston.com, but he writes about Ordway’s place in the hearts and minds of Boston sports media fans and how that plays into the execution of the content.  As Wolfe says, “Personality breeds engagement.  Engagement breeds loyalty.  Loyalty breeds ratings and ratings breed revenue.  That is the formula hosts and shows need to embrace today if they want to win.”  Read this entire piece here.

wtoplogoWTOP, Washington Takes ‘Top Biller’ Crown for Fourth Year Straight.  The annual top radio billers report from BIA/Kelsey is out and although Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP, Washington dropped a little over $1 million in billing from 2012 to 2013, at a reported $63.5 million it still was the nation’s #1 biller, beating Clear Channel’s CHR KIIS-FM, Los Angeles by about $2 million.  KIIS-FM had a good year, adding almost $5 million to its revenue total to report in at $61.6 million.  Rounding out the top 10 for 2013 were:  Clear Channel’s CHR WHTZ, New York “Z100” at $51 million; CBS RADIO’s all-news WCBS-AM at $50 million; Clear Channel’s AC WLTW, New York “106.7 Lite FM” at $45.5 million; CBS RADIO all-news WINS at $45 million; Clear Channel’s hot AC KBIG, Los Angeles “104.3 MYfm” at $44.5 million; CBS RADIO’s sports talk WFAN, New York “The Fan” at $43 million; CBS RADIO’s alternative KROQ, Los Angeles at $42.8 million; and CBS RADIO’s all-news WBBM, Chicago wraps the top 10 at $42 million.

mckinneygregEntercom Loosens Load on ‘ESPN Upstate’ Personality Greg McKinney.  In addition to his work at Entercom Greenville’s sports talk duo WORD-AM/WYRD-AM “ESPN Upstate” where he’s host of “In The Huddle with Greg McKinney” from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, McKinney had been doing mornings on sister AC WSPA “Magicespnupstate 98.9.”  (He also handles anchoring the “College Football Today” pregame show on rock WTPT “93.3 The Planet.”)  The company adds “Murphy, Sam and Jodi” on WSPA for morning drive and relieves McKinney of the daily double duty.  Entercom Greenville VP and market manager Steve Sinicropi comments, “Our sports coverage in terms of talent, teams and signal coverage is unmatched in this market.  We are thrilled that the person who will become the local face of ‘ESPN Upstate’ was already in our stable.  Putting Greg McKinney on ESPN with a live and local show, not only plays to his strengths and talents, but it provides our clients with an additional and valuable touch point to connect with a highly sought after consumer.”

entercomEntercom Sets Milwaukee and Madison Managers.  Former Cumulus Mobile vice president/market manager Chuck Sullivan is tapped for similar duties at Entercom Milwaukee, while Entercom Madison director of sales Ed Schulz is elevated to vice president/market manager of that Wisconsin market.  They succeed Michael Keck (see next story), who was overseeing both markets.  Regional president Michael Doyle comments, “Entercom is proud to add two of the strongest people in radio to our leadership team.  Chuck and Ed bring with them a wealth of experience, unique perspectives and a passion to make their powerful brands and their clusters not only the strongest in the state, but in all of radio.”  Meanwhile, Sullivan remarks, “Entercom Milwaukee has some of the most powerful and iconic brands from [CHR WXSS] ‘Kiss-FM’ to [hot AC WMYX] ‘Mix’ to [WSSP] ‘SportsRadio 1250.”  Schulz adds, “Madison is a special place and Entercom has distinct brands that not only connect with the community, but deliver results for our clients.  I am proud of what we have accomplished in Madison and am excited for the future.  Before joining Cumulus, Sullivan spent nine years as managing partner of Wilmington, North Carolina’s Ocean Broadcasting.  Schulz joined Entercom two years ago and will be responsible for adult alternative WMMM “Triple M,” classic hits WOLX, and hot AC WMHX “Mix 105.1.”

keckmichaelCBS RADIO Twin Cities Names Keck VP/DOS.  As referenced in the story above, sales pro Michael Keck moves northwest from Entercom Milwaukee to the Twin Cities where he’s the new vice president/director of sales at CBS RADIO Minneapolis, effective April 7.  The company says that in this role, he will be responsible for overseeing sales in the market for news/talk WCCO, adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM,” and country KMNB “BUZ’N@102.9.”  Keck will work closely with Michael Weiss, CBS RADIO’s president of sales and report to Mick Anselmo, senior vice president and market manager for the Minneapolis cluster.  Keck comments, “I am thrilled to be coming back to the Twin Cities.  It’s a tremendous privilege to be associated with two powerful FM stations and one of America’s most legendary and successful AM brands in WCCO.  I can’t wait to be a part of the CBS RADIO team in this vibrant radio and media marketplace.”

envisionnetworks newSun Broadcast Group to Rep Envision Networks’ Spanish Content.  An exclusive ad sales agreement has been struck between Sun Broadcast Group, Inc. and Envision Networks for Sun to rep Envision’s Spanish-language inventory that includes: CNN en Español, Fox Deportes and AccuWeather ensunbroadcastgrouplogo Español.  Envision president and CEO Danno Wolkoff states, “Jason Bailey and his team at Sun Broadcast will increase our presence in the Spanish advertising arena.  They will represent our programming, services and online audio product lineups to Hispanic advertisers and maximize the scope of our network’s reach and frequency and the amount of impressions it delivers for clients.”

pretzellodebbieBeasley Honors Pretzello with President’s Club Award.  This in-house sales award for the calendar year 2013 goes to Beasley Broadcast Augusta senior account executive Debbie Pretzello for the third time.  The President’s Club consists of Beasley sales executives inducted annually for their abilities to meet or exceed individual and market goals, attain accreditation from the Radio Advertising Bureau as Certified Radio Marketing Consultants (CRMC), and over-deliver their clients’ expectations on a daily basis.  One account executive in each market in which Beasley operates is named to the Club monthly.  At year’s end, each market names a winner based on overall performance.  Additionally, the individual with the highest ranking from this notable pool of top-performers is named Beasley’s “President’s Club Overall Winner” for the previous calendar year.  Beasley EVP of sales Heather Monahan says, “We are thrilled that Debbie Pretzello continues to lead our Augusta sales team and is recognized for her third time as our ‘Overall President’s Club Winner.’  Retaining talent in our business is of the utmost importance to Beasley.  Debbie forges ahead year after year, raising the bar for our sales organization.  Her ability to win multiple awards signifies her vast talent for delivering results for her local clients.  Debbie Pretzello earned the title ‘Overall President’s Club Winner’ again this year by providing ROI for her customers, that’s something that makes us very proud.”

robbinsmarkleyOdds & Sods.  When the New York Yankees’ season kicks off on April 1, Spanish-speaking listeners in the New York area will be able to hear the games in Spanish on Univsion-owned WADO, New York.  CBS RADIO’s WFAN-AM/FM – the new rights holder for Yankees games, agrees to the deal that will have WFAN producing the games with Rickie Ricardo and Francisco Rivera in the booth for the Spanish-language broadcast…..WMBD, Peoria afternoon duo “Robbins & Markley” – (pictured here) Scott Robbins (l) and Jamie Markley (r) – are sitting in for the vacationing Jim Villanucci on Alpha Broadcasting’s KXL, Portland this week…..The weekly two-hour “Both Sides Now” program – hosted by Mark Green and featuring talk media personalities including: Ron Reagan, Katrina van den Heuvel, Eliot Spitzer, Bob Shrum, Jonathan Alter, Mary Matalin, Erick Erickson, David Frum, Rich Lowry and Torie Clarke – signs up with Focus 360 to handle ad sales for the program.

elswickettingerTackling Big Issues.  KARN-FM, Little Rock program director and afternoon drive host Dave Elswick (right) poses for a photo with former Israeli Ambassador Yoram Ettinger (left) after two spoke on Elswick’s program about Israel and the country’s complex relationship with the U.S., Iran and the Palestinians.  Ettinger served as Minister for Congressional Affairs at Israel’s Embassy in Washington.  Elswick will be speaking on the “Big Picture” panel at Talkers New York 2014 in New York City on Friday, June 20.

ObamaCare Criticism, Michelle Obama in China, Hague Nuke Summit, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Fate, Mid-Term Elections/ 2016 Presidential Race, NSA Bulk Data Collection Policy and Nick Cannon ‘Whiteface’ Controversy Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (3/25).  Scrutiny of the rollout and effects of the Affordable Care Act; coverage of First Lady Michelle Obama’s trip to China and her speech about America’s discriminatory past; President Obama’s comments about Russia and a possible NYC nuclear threat made at the Nuclear Security Summit at the Hague; the possible fate of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370; prognostication about the fall mid-term elections and the 2016 presidential race; the fate of the NSA’s bulk data collection policy; and musician/TV personality Nick Cannon’s “whiteface” photo controversy were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS.

Not the Same-Old, Same-Old

| February 10, 2014

By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS

 

LOS ANGELES — Tremendous temptation surfaces in the years of profiling talk radio personalities to make an occasional obligatory James Brown-inspired reference.

Specifically, a justifiable desire eventuates to compare certain talk hosts to the late entertainer (as opposed to the CBS-TV and former Sporting News Radio broadcaster of the same name) who – in addition to “The Godfather of Soul” was often dubbed the “hardest-working” person in show business.

Not that those in other genres of this medium are slackers – Ryan Seacrest represents the definitive textbook example of a supremely ambitious music radio star – but a select group of talk radio hosts do the improbable of overseeing multiple long-form weekday programs (often back-to-back).

That handful of Herculean talk realm performers has at various times included, among others, the likes of Thom Hartmann, Rusty Humphries, Lars Larson, Michael Smerconish, and Ed Schultz.  Some such as Alan Colmes and Sean Hannity have had and continue to have a daily radio/daily TV mix.

As laudatory as that most assuredly is, someone in Tampa took conscientiousness and mindboggling to an even more impressive level.

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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

| December 24, 2013

TALKERS Magazine Compiles News/Talk Radio’s Most Talked-About Stories and People of 2013.  As is customary at year’s end, the research editors of TALKERS magazine compile the most-talked-about stories and people of the just-concluded 12-month period.  According to TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey, “2013 was an extremely colorful year with a diversity of subjects and people being discussed.  There was the usual mix of partisan politics, foreign affairs, economic policy and, of course, the shockingly unexpected such as the Boston Marathon tragedy.”  Casey continues, “The President of the United States has always been the most talked about person going back to the very beginning of this publication 24 years ago and George Bush’s involvement in the first Persian Gulf War.  Barack Obama, like his predecessors in the modern age of talk broadcasting, has not left talk show hosts wanting for hot material on a daily basis.”

Stories

1)   ObamaCare Rollout
2)   Benghazi Attack Investigation
3)   IRS Accused of Targeting Conservative Groups
4)   Debt Ceiling/Govt. Shutdown/Sequestration Battle
5)   NSA Domestic Spying/Edward Snowden Case
6)   Boston Marathon Bombing
7)   GOP 2014 and 2016 Strategy
8)   Gun Legislation Debate
9)    Iran Nuke Threat
10)  Syria Civil War
11)  Fed Stimulus Policy/Dow Surpasses 16,000
12)  DOJ Journalist Investigati