Tag: "WLS-AM"
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
TALKERS EXCLUSIVE: A Conversation with Heidi Harris. As reported in TALKERS yesterday (6/16), KMZQ, Las Vegas morning host Heidi Harris has tested
positive for COVID-19. She told her listeners on the air and via Facebook yesterday that she’s tested positive for COVID-19. Harris writes that she started with a cough last Thursday and, after getting worse that night, called in sick on Friday. She says she got considerably sicker over the weekend with intense body aches but did not suffer breathing troubles or nausea. She attempted to do her show yesterday from bed via phone. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison conducted a phone interview with Harris yesterday afternoon. To listen to the entire conversation, please click here.
PPM Analysis: All-News. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2020 PPM survey, today focusing on all-news. Kinosian notes that “whereas the highly unusual statistical oddity from the March 2020 sweep in which every news station meeting our ratings criteria managed to post a 6+ improvement, all but two eligible news outlets experienced some degree of erosion in the May 2020 survey period (April 23 – May 20).” Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM, Washington (+0.3) and Entercom’s business news WDCH, Baltimore (+0.1) were the two news stations to see weekly, 6+ AQH share gains. However, almost 70% of all-news stations saw their 6+ numbers rise from the May 2019 survey to the May 2020 survey. Just one all-news station – Entercom’s WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago ranked #1 in May, though three others ranked #2. See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
Art Bell’s Dark Matter Digital Network Re-Launches. The Dark Matter Digital Network that Art Bell created before his death in April of 2018 is re-launching through the efforts of Bell’s former show producer David Rubini who is now serving as DMDN’s operations director and executive producer. Rubini says that beginning today (6/17 – what would have been Bell’s 75th birthday) affiliates can pick up
“Best of Art Bell” in addition to the new “Midnight in the Desert” show hosted by Nathan Stolpman on weeknights, Alexis Brooks on Friday nights, famed author and researcher Mike Bara (Ancient Aliens) on Saturday nights, and Hollywood director and actor Sean Stone (Born On The 4th of July, JFK, The Doors) hosting Sundays. Rubini says, “Dark Matter Digital Network has been intoxicating to many PDs who have a desperate need to find a traditionally unique, time-tested, and reliable programming alternative that can serve them both late nights and overnights. Dark Matter Digital Network and “Midnight in the Desert” fills this void.”
Beverlee Brannigan Exits SVP of Programming Post with SummitMedia. In an announcement via Facebook, radio pro Beverlee Brannigan says she’s left her SVP of programming position at SummitMedia less than six months after accepting the
promotion from her previous Wichita market president and general manager position and corporate vice president of radio programming post. She writes, “Friday was my last day with SummitMedia. Business. It happens. Here’s what I don’t want you to say about that: ‘Radio sucks. I’ll never listen to those stations again.’ That’s dumb and mean. Business is hard, and my former colleagues and friends are putting their hearts into making their radio stations the best they can be. So please listen more. And advertise there, because it works… Another thing I’d like is more cat pictures and memes about punctuation and grammar showing up on my timeline. You know where to find me. See you soon.”
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that WGN-AM, Chicago is in talks with Garry Meier to take over the afternoon drive daypart on the
station after current PM drive host Roe Conn’s contract runs out at the end of this year. Feder says his sources confirm Nexstar Media Group EVP Sean Compton is talking Meier about the move. Meier has been off terrestrial radio since exiting WGN in 2014. He’s been podcasting since 2016. Meier and Conn worked together as “Roe & Garry” on Cumulus Media’s crosstown WLS-AM from 1996 to 2004. Meier left WLS after being unable to come to terms on a new deal…..Nationally syndicated “Free Talk 
Live” announces two new affiliate stations are adding the show to their program schedules. Missouri Ozarks Radio Network Inc’s KWPM-AM/K286CK, West Plains, Missouri is carrying the “Free Talk Live” Saturday evening show. Dimes Media Corp’s KWWV-HD2/K253BR “K-News 98.5” is adding the Saturday and Sunday programs…..Entercom reports that, according to comScore, RADIO.COM grew its U.S. monthly unique users by 6 million in May 2020 versus May 2019, calling it the “fastest growing digital audio platform in the United States in May.” The company adds that RADIO.COM’s “total monthly active users across (MAU) all platforms is now over 40 million, with strong MAU growth also contributing to the platform’s expanding first-party data set and rapidly growing addressable audio impressions across both streaming and podcast.”…..As reported by The Current, Chicago Public Media announced it has laid off 12 and is ending the production agreement with the music show “Sound Opinions” as a result of the “financial pressures from the pandemic.” “Sound Opinions” is hosted by Chicago-based music critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. The program will continue to air on CPM’s WBEZ-FM, Chicago and its affiliates across the country, but CPM will cease to produce it after August 28…..Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media announces the two companies have laid off more than two dozen employees and have cancelled, “Live from Here,” the national program that evolved out of Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” “Live from Here” was hosted by Chris Thile…..The NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers and Estrella Media have struck a deal for Estrella’s KRCA-TV, Los Angeles and KBUE-FM “Que Buena” to serve as the official Spanish-language TV and radio homes of the Los Angeles Chargers.
SiriusXM Acquires Simplecast Platform. The combination of SiriusXM’s newly acquired podcast management platform Simplecast with its monetization platform AdsWizz “creates an end-to-end solution that enables creators to publish and generate revenue from their podcasts, all in one place.” SiriusXM offers no details on the financial aspect of the acquisition but says, “The acquisition expands and strengthens SiriusXM’s and Pandora’s tools and monetization services for podcasters and publishers.”
COVID-19 Statistics & Projections, Beijing Coronavirus Flareup, BLM Protests/Statues Controversy, Trump’s Police Executive Order, John Bolton Book, Presidential Race/Tulsa Rally, Social Media Censorship, Financial Markets Activity, and China-India Himalayan Battle Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/16). The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., the states with rising and falling numbers, and projections for future cases and deaths; the outbreak of COVID-19 in Beijing; the Black Lives Matter protests, Seattle’s CHOP zone, and the controversy surrounding Confederate and Colonial-era statues; President Trump’s police training executive order; the Trump administration’s suit to prevent former national security adviser John Bolton from publishing his book; the presidential race and President Trump’s planned Tulsa rally; the reactions to Google’s and Facebook’s treatment controversial content and ads; the world’s financial markets react to the pandemic and racial strife; and the battle between China and India over a Himalayan border region 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. The weekend country music radio show “Buckwild Saturday Night” – hosted by Bryan “B-Dub” Washington – changes its name to “B-Dub Radio Saturday Night as it transitions to distribution via Skyview Networks. B-Dub says, “I am beyond excited to partner
with Skyview Networks for the rebrand into ‘B-Dub Radio Saturday Night.’ The team at Skyview Networks has shared detailed and impressive ideas that will continue growing the show and adding to the listener experience through our amazing affiliates. I’m thrilled to be part of this new vision!” Skyview Networks president and COO Steve Jones says, “Country radio programmers are constantly seeking partners who offer high-quality content and talent. B-Dub is the partner for them. With an ability to create a weekly party for his listeners, B-Dub will continue to grow his radio network and offer a smart investment return for his advertisers.”…..Nationally syndicated radio personality Tino Cochino is launching a new podcast titled, “The Aircheck,” in which he sits down with other radio stars from around the country to share stories about radio. Cochino’s recent guests have featured a who’s who of talent, including Bobby Bones, JoJo Wright, Ebro Darden, J-Si Chavez, and more. He says, “I love radio. To me, the personalities are and have always been the stars. The thing is, they’re the ones always doing the interview. No one ever interviews them! That changes now.”
Monday, May 18, 2020
Monday Memo: Weekend Warriors, Battling the Virus. As the cooped-up are coping, radio talkers are listening. In last week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke polled a panel of weekday hosts, who describe the mood they’re monitoring. This week, HC rounds up weekend ask-the-expert hosts, who describe how callers’ questions flesh-out listeners’ lives during the shutdown now easing in phases. Read it here.
Re-Opening Controversy, Statistics & Projections, Trump IG Firings, Michael Flynn Case, Pressure on China, Ahmaud Arbery Case, Presidential Race, and Fred Willard Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The concerns about safely re-opening the economies in states across the country; the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the death toll, and projections about future infections; the political battle heating up over President Trump’s firing of inspector general Steve Linick; the DOJ’s dropping of the charges against Michael Flynn for lying in court and Republicans’ efforts to involve Barack Obama in the case; some 100 countries pressuring China for an investigation into its coronavirus efforts; the case of murdered Georgia jogger Ahmaud Arbery; the latest poll numbers in the presidential race; and comedian Fred Willard dies at 85 were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Pending Business: Get Ready. Sales and marketing consultant Steve Lapa, president of Lapcom Communications, writes in today’s column that as most parts of the country begin transitioning out of mandated self-isolation, your clients are working through a maze of regulations and protocols completely new to them. Go with the “Three-E Theory” – be empathetic, energetic, and easy. Read his column here.
Mancow Asks Court to Toss Defamation Suit. A story in the Daily Herald by Harry Hitzeman reveals that WLS-AM, Chicago morning host Erich “Mancow” Muller is asking a Cook County Circuit Court judge to dismiss the defamation suit filed against him by former Harvest Bible Chapel pastor James MacDonald. If you recall,
Mancow aired on his radio show secretly recorded tapes of MacDonald in which he wonders if child porn could be placed on the computer of a Christianity Today editor with whom he had a beef. MacDonald was subsequently ousted by his church’s board in 2019 and in response MacDonald filed suit against Muller late last year. Now, Muller files the Motion to Dismiss arguing that MacDonald is a public figure and it was Muller’s “duty as a Christian and media member to shine a light on MacDonald’s true character.” MacDonald’s lawyer is saying Muller’s motion comes too late, too long, and also argues Muller’s lawyer has a conflict of interest in the case as he once represented MacDonald. The two sides have a court date of June 12.
Josh Wolff Named VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Harrisburg-Lancaster. Programming pro Josh Wolff is promoted to vice president of programming for iHeartMedia’s Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pennsylvania markets. In this role Wolff will oversee all on-air content as well as music and digital programming operations
for all of the Harrisburg and Lancaster brands. He will continue to program CHR WAEB “B-104” and rock WZZO in Allentown. iHeartMedia area SVP of programming Dave Hovel says, “With Josh’s strong leadership skills in Allentown, it was a no-brainer to elevate him to oversee iHeartMedia Harrisburg and Lancaster. The entire Harrisburg/Lancaster team is excited to have Josh in the role to lead and grow our iHeart footprint in the markets.” Before joining iHeartMedia’s Pennsylvania region, Wolff served as the music director and assistant program director for adult contemporary KESZ and adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain” in Phoenix.
Beasley Delaying 2020 Q1 Financial Report. In a May 15 filing with the SEC, Beasley Broadcast Group, parent of Beasley Media Group, says it is unable to meet its Form 10-Q filing deadline due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its business operations. The company notes that an order issued by the Securities Exchange Commission grants a 45-day extension to file certain disclosure reports. Beasley says it intends to file its Quarterly Report no later than June 29. In addition to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on its ability to
complete its quarterly review, “the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused disruptions to the Company’s business and operations, and the related uncertainty as to when or the manner in which the conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic will subside have made it necessary for it to seek an amendment to its credit facility that would, among other things, amend certain financial covenants. For the quarter ended March 31, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants related to its credit facility. However, at that time the Company was projecting that it was unlikely to be able to comply with its First Lien Leverage Ratio as of June 30. As a result, the Company is seeking and expects to enter into an amendment to its credit facility in the coming weeks, and projects that it will be in compliance with the financial covenants, as amended, over the next 12 months. If the Company is unable to obtain an amendment to its credit facility, it would result in an event of default, which would materially affect its results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.”
Townsquare Media Promotes Dobbins to VP. Sales pro Sarah Dobbins is promoted from director of sales for Townsquare Media’s Portland station group to vice president of sales for Northern New England, including the Portland and
Augusta markets as well as the Portsmouth, New Hampshire market. She’ll report to regional market president & chief revenue officer Christine Sieks. Dobbins says, “Townsquare Media has an unbelievable combination of local marketing resources designed to help local businesses grow. Now more than ever, our local brands, digital marketing solutions, and attribution tools make Townsquare a powerhouse in Northern New England. I am excited to partner with Christine Sieks in maximizing our resources to drive sales growth throughout Maine and New Hampshire.”
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago morning personality Erich “Mancow” Muller – host at Cumulus Media’s WLS-AM – was one of the high-profile leaders of Saturday’s “Open Illinois Rally” organized and co-hosted by Josh Ellis of American Revolution 2.0. Mancow and a number of politicians and candidates gathered to “address the governor’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic response.” The intent was to demand the state legislature “work on guidance and provisions to safely open Illinois businesses and resume our work lives.”…..WHO, Des Moines
afternoon drive personality Simon Conway tells TALKERS magazine it was a “great honor” to have President Trump call into his radio show on Friday (5/15). Conway says that when Trump was running for office, the two spoke many times but this was the first time they talked with Trump as president. “It doesn’t matter what people think about him, this is the President of the United States who picked up the phone and spoke directly to my audience.” Conway’s show is also heard on WMT-AM, Cedar Rapids and WOC-AM, Quad Cities…..Nexstar Broadcasting is presenting “COVID-19 The Virtual Town Hall” to be aired on its television stations across Connecticut tonight (5/18) at 7:00 pm. The audio from the event will be carried by iHeartMedia’s 11 Connecticut radio stations. The Town Hall will include: Governor Ned Lamont, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, and numerous state representatives and health care experts…..BIA Advisory Services is presenting a webinar tomorrow (5/19) at 11:00 am called “2020 State of Media Sales Study” that will consist of answering such questions as: What’s on the minds of local media sellers as they operate in a post COVID marketplace? Where do they expect to find ad revenue? What verticals will have the most potential in Q3 and Q4 in 2020? And, which types of accounts will pose the biggest challenges? The webinar will share 
findings from the April 2020 study of media sales professionals about the past year and current, unusual conditions…..The Talk Shows USA-syndicated “Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk” program adds two new affiliate stations as KBRN-AM/ K280GR, Boerne, Texas and KIVA-AM/ K229CL, Albuquerque, New Mexico add the show to their weekend program schedules…..Westwood One News is presenting “The Summer of COVID-19” as its Memorial Day Weekend special. WWO says, “Barbeques and beaches. Death rates and vaccine hopes. It is going to be a summer like no other. American traditions are under threat, from backstage ball fields to seasonal staples like family vacations and summer camps, while others still plan to hit the road or take to the skies during an unprecedented health and financial crisis… correspondent Christopher Cruise explores how we got here and where we are going, or not going, this summer.” It replaces “The Week in Review” on May 23-24.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. On Long Island, Connoisseur Media’s four-station cluster that includes hot AC WALK-FM, rock WWSK-FM “94.3 The Shark,” classic hits WBZO “103.2 MAX,” and adult contemporary WKJY-FM “KJOY 98.3” shined a light on the mental effects of social distancing with a special live stream concert last night (5/17) to benefit The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention Long Island Chapter. The “Be Well Long Island” benefit concert featured performances and appearances by: Johnny Rzenick of the Goo Goo Dolls, Joan Jett, Scott Stapp, DMC from Run DMC, Kevin Martin and Brian Quinn of Candlebox, Fitz and The Tantrums, Vintage Trouble, and more. WWSK music director Brian Orlando says, “There are thousands of people suffering in silence right now. We at Connoisseur Media want them to know that they’re not alone.”
Monday, May 11, 2020
Monday Memo: Talkers, Listening. Cable television talk legend Larry King taught us that great talkers are good listeners. So, in this week’s column consultant Holland Cooke asks a quartet of our talk media cohorts what they’re hearing as listeners cope. HC speaks with Westwood One nationally syndicated star Jim Bohannon, Providence radio and TV news and talk pro Gene Valicenti, and two hosts working in recreation meccas – Harry Hurley at WPG, Atlantic City and Heidi Harris at KMZQ in Las Vegas. Read it here.
Statistics and Projections, Re-Opening and Second Wave Threats, COVID-19 at the White House, U.S.-China Relations, Ahmaud Arbery Slaying, Michael Flynn Case, and Jerry Stiller Dies Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the number of deaths, and projections for future infections; some U.S. states cautiously begin re-opening amid concerns about a second wave of infections; the reports of White House staffers testing positive; the war of words between the U.S. and China over the origin of the coronavirus; the arrest of Gregory and Travis McMichael in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery; the DOJ drops the Michael Flynn case and allegations of the Obama administration’s role in implicating Flynn; and comedian Jerry Stiller dies were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Pending Business: Masks, Appointments, and Social Distancing. Sales and marketing consultant Steve Lapa, president of Lapcom Communications, writes in today’s column that it’s important to be smart about what and how you are selling. “As local business categories slowly come back to life, dealing with restrictive guidelines never before anticipated, marketing dollars may take a more cautious path to recovery. Some of your advertisers are dealing with the logistics of government-funded loans to bridge the gap and the new challenges that will arise. Will hours and operations ever be the same as before the coronavirus pandemic?” Read his column here.
Beasley Media Group Announces Re-Opening. The company says that today (5/11) it is beginning the approved gradual Phase One implementation of re-opening its radio properties in states that have reopened for business. Beasley Media Group states that “both the timing and safety measures for these re-openings will be based upon approved CDC, individual state, and local government
recommended guidelines. During Phase One, no more than 25% of each cluster’s individual workforce will be in the workplace at any given time.” Beasley CEO Caroline Beasley adds, “We have taken a very conservative, thorough and thoughtful approach to our company’s gradual reopening plan to provide, first and foremost, a safe and healthy work environment for our employees. Our market managers have done an incredible job working closely with their individual state and local governments to ensure a safe transition process as we all continue to navigate these unprecedented times.”
Evening Show Change at WLS-AM, Chicago. Windy City media personality Jenniffer Weigel leaves her early evening talk show on Cumulus Media’s news/talk
WLS-AM and a sports-themed show hosted by Rob Martier debuts in its place. Chicago media writer Robert Feder breaks the story here. Martier has been with WLS-AM since joining as evening news anchor in 2018. He also hosts a weekend auto show and Illini football broadcasts. Weigel came aboard last March as a part of the Mancow Muller morning show before transitioning to late night host and then early evening personality.
Bob Matthews Retires from WHAM, Rochester. The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reports that longtime WHAM sports talk host Bob Matthews did his last
show for the legendary iHeartMedia signal on Friday. Matthews tells the paper he was not fired nor furloughed but that at age 73 and after serving with the station for 35 years, he admits “the coronavirus got the best of me.” He adds, “It’s been very difficult the last two months. It’s been tough talking sports for two hours when there’s no sports. I’ll be OK.” Matthews, a longtime columnist for the Democrat & Chronicle who left the paper in 2012, says he’s recently been diagnosed with diabetes and knows he’s susceptible to the virus. The station will replace Matthews’ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm show with Westwood One’s “The Savage Nation” with host Michael Savage.
iHeartMedia Adds New Voices to ‘Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020’ Podcast. A podcast addressing students graduating this year titled, “Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020” is being produced by iHeartMedia and will be published on Friday (5/15) ahead of National Graduation Day on the 17th. The company announces that Bill and Melinda Gates; singer,
songwriter and actor Becky G; actor and gender equality ambassador Freida Pinto; stand-up comedian George Lopez; director and actor Henry Winkler; New York Times bestselling author John Green; Mary J. Blige; T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert; actor, producer, singer and songwriter Rita Wilson; acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson; T.I.; Apple CEO Tim Cook; and Emmy award-winning news anchor Tom Brokaw have joined the podcast event featuring commencement addresses from some of the most inspiring and accomplished thought leaders impacting culture today. “Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020” will also feature speeches from iHeartRadio personalities Ryan Seacrest, Enrique Santos, Angie Martinez, Bobby Bones, Jake Brennan, Angela Yee, Woody, and J Cruz. The speeches will be produced specifically for the podcast, through the iHeartPodcast Network, and are dedicated to all the graduating classes of 2020 who will miss their commencement celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast will be available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.
Alpha Media Presents ‘Tools for Difficult Times’ for Staff and Clients. Last Thursday (5/7), Alpha Media held a virtual keynote titled, “Now What? Tools for Difficult Times,” featuring author and Ted Talk alum Greg Bell and special guest Meghan Trainor. Alpha CEO Bob Proffitt states, “The goal of the event was to offer
our employees and clients positive and actionable planning strategies to maximize personal and professional opportunities as we begin the re-entry phase of this crisis.” Close to 1,000 guests virtually attended to hear motivational speaker Greg Bell provide key insights and incredible tools for moving forward in this new era. Grammy Award winner Meghan Trainor discussed with Skyview Network host Dana Cortez how she is using her platform positively to help feed those in need at this time. They also tackled how to handle the pressure and fatigue from the constant influx of social media during the pandemic. Alpha Media says that it believes that innovation, creativity and connection are important now more than ever. To meet that need, the company says its Virtual Keynote series will continue throughout the year with new speakers and guests to be announced.
Radio One Philadelphia and MyPhillyLawyer Salute Frontline Workers. In an effort to give back to the front-line workers of the COVID-19 pandemic, Radio One Philadelphia joined MyPhillyLawyer for the “Salute on the Front Line” campaign that features video tributes and special lunch deliveries to men and women
nominated by members of the community. Listeners to Radio One’s Philadelphia stations can submit video tributes to the radio stations highlighting the work and contribution of friends or family members who are essential workers in the Philadelphia area. The radio stations will feature the videos and each day will have lunch delivered to the workplace of the honorees to thank them and their co-workers for their service. Radio One Philadelphia general manager Ezio Torres says, “This partnership with MyPhillyLawyer recognizes not only the front-line workers who immediately come to mind, but also those who work in the grocery stores and drug stores, along with the delivery drivers, postal workers, SEPTA personnel, and many others. It’s just a great way to acknowledge those who continue to allow us to move forward. We want to send them a big thank you!”
Westwood One: Radio Listening Levels Ramping Up. The data presented in this week’s Westwood One Blog are culled from “a brand-new study of consumer COVID-19 sentiment and spending intentions” as well as “just-released audience
data from the 45 Portable People Meter markets. The PPM data covered the period of March 27, 2020 through May 6, 2020.” The PPM data indicates that Americans are listening at a rate of 82% or pre-COVID-19 levels. A study conducted by Nielsen found that 32% of adult Americans consider themselves in the “ready to go” category and they have a greater intent to resume their spending habits. Read the blog here.
TALKERS News Notes. The nationally syndicated radio program “Our American Stories” begins airing on iHeartMedia’s KTRH, Houston, effective June 1.
Lee Habeeb is the show’s host and CEO of program producer American Private Radio. He says, “The Astros, Johnson Space Center, NASA, and KTRH. We are thrilled to join this town of giants. After announcing our partnership with Entercom last week in Dallas on KRLD-AM, and now this partnership with the leading talk station in Houston, we are truly humbled. There are milestones and we have just crossed two really big ones.”…..NPR has struck an agreement with SAG-AFTRA that will allow it to temporarily reduce employee compensation due to an expected budget shortfall because of the coronavirus pandemic. As reported at Current.org by Tyler Falk, employee salaries will be reduced on a sliding scale beginning next week, with a maximum cut of 9%. However, the move does not affect employees making less than $80,000. It will be in effect through the end of NPR’s fiscal year in September. The pact also prohibits NPR from laying off any workers for the rest of the fiscal year.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Detroit, Beasley Media Group’s hip hop WMGC “105.1 The Bounce” promotes J. Steele to assistant program director. He joined the station in April of 2019 and hosts the afternoon
drive show. Beasley Detroit director of programming Jerry Tarrants comments, “J. Steele brings extensive programming background to the position and has proven to be a valuable member of the team since joining the station last year as our afternoon drive talent at ‘The Bounce.’ I know J. will bring the same energy and dedication to this role as he does with his very entertaining afternoon show for his listeners in the Motor City!”…..The Compass Media Networks nationally syndicated “Big D and Bubba” show is named the new morning program at country WCLT-FM, Columbus “T-100.” To make room, program director Wild Walley gives up the AM show and becomes host of the afternoon drive program…..At Max Media’s hip hop KFCO “Flo 107.1,” the morning duo of Larry Ulibarri and Kathie J are out. The company has made no official announcement, but the morning show’s info is gone from the station’s website.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Broadcasting Conferences Postponed/Cancelled; TALKERS Conference on for June 5. Radio industry watchers are by now aware that the National Association of Broadcasters has cancelled April’s NAB Show in Las Vegas. That convention may be rescheduled for later in the year. Radio trade publication AllAccess has postponed its Worldwide Radio Summit originally scheduled for later this month in Los Angeles to an unspecified future date. Obviously, these decisions come on the heels of recommendations by health officials to avoid large crowds in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At this point in time, the TALKERS magazine conference scheduled for June 5 in New York City will go on as planned, however according to publisher Michael Harrison, “That situation will ultimately be determined within the next month based on the facts at that time.” The date of the conference is a full 12 weeks from tomorrow, and it is our hope that the coronavirus pandemic will be under control by then, making such a gathering a safe one to attend. Please continue to monitor TALKERS magazine for new information about the conference agenda.
Saga Communications Reports 2019 Q4 and Full Year Financial Data. Releasing its financial data for the fourth quarter of 2019 and for the full year of 2019, Saga Communications reports net operating revenue of $31.8 million for Q4, down 3.5% from the same period in 2018. For the full year of 2019, Saga reports net operating
revenue of $123.1 million, a decrease of 1.4% over the full year of 2018. The company adds that station operating expense decreased $711 thousand to $23.1 million and operating income decreased $575 thousand to $5.4 million. Net income decreased $454 thousand to $3.8 million for the quarter. Saga reports it had $44 million in cash on hand as of December 31, 2019 and $47 million as of March 9, 2020. The company’s total bank debt was $10 million as of the end of the year.
COVID-19 Declared Pandemic, Trump Suspends European Travel, NBA Suspends Season, Dow Plummets, Saudi Arabia Launches Oil War, and the Presidential Race Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/11). The World Health Organization’s declaration that COVID-19 is a now an official pandemic; President Trump’s address to the nation and his suspension of travel from Europe; the National Basketball Association suspends its season after a player tests positive for the coronavirus; the Dow sinks even further as the world’s financial markets continue to be hit by the effects of the coronavirus; Saudi Arabia’s oil war against Russia and its effect on global oil prices; and the race between Democrats Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders for the nomination were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS News Notes. The nationally syndicated “BOB & TOM Show” is cancelling two of its upcoming remote broadcasts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The
first cancellation is a live appearance by the ensemble cast of the show – including host Tom Griswold, on March 26 – for the Opening Day of the Cincinnati Reds baseball season. That appearance was to have featured a live broadcast with Cumulus Cincinnati affiliate WOFX-FM. The show has also canceled an April 3 live broadcast at a Charleston, West Virginia casino as part 
of affiliate WKLC-FM’s celebration of its 40th year as a classic rock station…..Talk host and digital media producer Alex Jones was arrested for DWI in Travis County, Texas early Tuesday morning. This came about four hours after police were summoned to a home for a disturbance being reported by Jones’ wife. The Austin Statesman reports that Jones’ wife told authorities the two had had a physical confrontation earlier in the day but were at that time having a verbal fight. After Jones left the house, she called authorities told them he was driving and “was possibly drinking.” Jones was later released on $3,000 bond…..Chicago media writer Robert Feder reports that Good Karma Brands-operated sports talk WMVP, Chicago “ESPN 1000” is adding NBC Sports Chicago anchor/reporter Chuck Garfien to its staff as a White Sox expert. Garfien will appear on the “Kap & Company,” “Carmen and Jurko,” and “Waddle and Silvy” shows. Feder also writes today that all next week, Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder will sit in for Big John Howell on Cumulus Media’s WLS-AM afternoon show. The duo – formerly in middays at crosstown WGN-AM – began producing a podcast for WLS last month.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Through a deal with Canadian syndicator Orbyt Media, Premiere Networks is bringing its hip-hop morning show “The Breakfast Club” to radio in Canada. The show – hosted by DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne Tha God – debuts on Stingray Group’s CFXJ-FM, Toronto on Monday (3/16)…..On-air pro Taylor Dickson joins Townsquare Media’s alternative WRRV, Middletown, New York (Hudson Valley market) as morning drive co-host and music director. WRRV brand manager Bill Dunn says, “Taylor was a rock star in our internship program a few years ago and I remember her asking all the right questions. She’s worked hard to get to this point and has a very bright future ahead of her.”…..Morning personality Stephen Clark announces he’s leaving his position with Entercom’s classic hits WOMC, Detroit to pursue his career in country music. He tweeted, “Two years ago, shortly after I announced my retirement from Channel 7, WOMC came to me with an offer to do the morning show in hopes of moving into a competitive position. I had plans to focus more on my music in Nashville….but, hey, I like a challenge. With the awesome team of JoAnne, Jason, Julia and me, in just two years we are now consistently in the top tier of morning shows… but I still have a music career to focus on and getting up every morning at 4:30 doesn’t mesh well with the late-night nature of live music.”…..Entercom announces the band Local Natives will perform at the RADIO.COM Live event series at the HD Radio Sound Space in Los Angeles tonight (3/12) at 8:00 pm ET. RADIO.COM SVP and general manager Pam Russo says, “The RADIO.COM Live event series is excited to welcome Local Natives to the stage. Our listeners from coast-to-coast will get a preview of the band’s performance before they go on tour in May.”
Monday, December 16, 2019
Former Mega-Church Pastor Sues Mancow Muller for Defamation. In a complaint filed in Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois, WLS-AM, Chicago morning drive personality Erich “Mancow” Muller is being sued by James MacDonald, the former pastor of the Harvest Bible Chapel church. MacDonald is seeking $50,000 in compensatory damages and punitive damages to be
determined at trial. The back story is that Mancow and MacDonald were once close, with Mancow a fan who publicly lauded MacDonald’s Chicagoland megachurch. Over time, Mancow became disenchanted with MacDonald and ultimately recorded conversations in which MacDonald allegedly spoke of planting child porn on the computers of his enemies. That got MacDonald fired from his position with the church. MacDonald argues that Mancow used his radio show to destroy him and his surreptitious recordings were illegal. The complaint also targets Cumulus Media for allowing Mancow to broadcast his speech about MacDonald and for “negligent hiring” – implying the history of defamation allegations against Mancow should have been enough to prevent him from being hired.
Monday Memo: Don’t list To-Do. “Assume that your listener is busier than you are,” cautions consultant Holland Cooke. In this week’s column, he notes how some radio talkers seem to be over-estimating listeners’ attention. Read it here.
Impeachment, 2020 Presidential Race, IG’s FBI Report, Chinese Diplomats Expelled, U.S.-China Trade Talks, Dem Congressman Flips, India’s Citizenship Rule, UK Election Aftermath, and Richard Jewell Film Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The impeachment proceedings against President Trump; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the criticism of the FBI in the wake of the inspector general’s scathing report; two Chinese diplomats are expelled from the U.S. after suspicion of espionage; the trade talks between the U.S. and China; plans by New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew to leave the Democratic Party for the Republican Party; the controversy over India’s citizen rule that doesn’t apply to Muslims; the aftermath of Boris Johnson’s UK prime minister victory; and the poor weekend box office for the Richard Jewell film were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
FOX News Talk Superstar Brian Kilmeade Is Guest on Harrison Podcast. Cross-platform, multi-media personality Brian Kilmeade is the guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” He is co-host with Ainsley Earhardt and Steve Doocy of the very popular daily ‘FOX & Friends” show on FOX News Channel from 6:00 am to 9:00 am ET. Then he runs down the hall to host his daily 9:00 am to 12:00 noon ET nationally syndicated “Heavy Hundred” talk show on FOX News Radio. Both of his shows are famously among the favorites of the President of the United States and, of course, politically controversial. Kilmeade
is the 2019 recipient of the prestigious TALKERS Freedom of Speech Award. As a best-selling author, he is proving himself to be an extremely contemporary and communicative storyteller of great events in American history. With co-author Don Yaeger, he penned George Washington’s Secret Six, followed by Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates and then Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans – all published by Sentinel. These three history books have already gone well past the million mark in sales. Now he has another book about American history, and it is extremely exciting and informative. It’s titled, Sam Houston & the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory that Changed American History (Sentinel, 2019). Harrison and Kilmeade engage in a lively dialogue about the nature of leadership, past and present as well as the rigors of hosting a live, three-hour radio show while major news – such as the impeachment hearings – is breaking in real time. Don’t miss this! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box that appears in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Joey Hudson’s ‘Breakfast Broadcasts’ on WGTK, Greenville Benefit the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Morning drive talk radio personality Joey Hudson (pictured above at the mic) is making the rounds in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina broadcasting his show from breakfast restaurants while ringing the bell and asking listeners to donate to the Salvation Army. To date, Hudson’s listeners have raised more than $30,000. Hudson’s show is based at Salem Media Group’s WGTK-FM, Greenville, South Carolina “94.5FM The Answer.” He says, “I have this wonderful platform to ask people to give generously and why not spend some time out in the communities we serve to raise funds and awareness of the wonderful work being done by the Salvation Army.”
Taylor Leads Townsquare’s Rochester, Minnesota Cluster. Management and sales pro Ben Taylor is named market president and chief revenue officer for
Townsquare Media’s Rochester/Preston, Minnesota station group that includes news/talk KROC-AM and sports talk KLOM-AM “1520 The Ticket” and seven music brands. Taylor was most recently VP of sales for iHeartMedia in Minneapolis. Townsquare regional VP Kelly Quinn says, “Ben’s vast experience in radio and digital, both on-air and in sales, combined with his leadership experience as a coach and volunteer firefighter, make him an ideal fit to lead our team in Rochester/Preston. We’re poised for a strong 2020, building on the growth we had in 2019, with incredible on-air ratings and digital content, and by continuing our ‘Local First’ focus.”
Townsquare Media Execs Receive New Contracts. In a filing with the Securities Exchange Commission, Townsquare Media reveals it has entered into letter agreements that amend the employment deals with CEO Bill Wilson, CFO Stuart Rosenstein, COO Local Media Chief Erik Hellum and executive chairman Steven Price. The agreements extend the terms of their deals
through October 16, 2023 for Wilson and Rosenstein and through October 25, 2023 for Hellum. The letter agreements also provide that in the event of the executive’s termination by the Company without cause or by the executive for good reason, all outstanding, vested stock option awards will remain exercisable for 24 months following the executive’s termination date or, if earlier, until the original expiration date of the stock option award, and that all outstanding equity awards will fully accelerate and vest upon a change in control of the Company.
TALKERS News Notes. The best interviews from this year’s Howard Stern programs on SiriusXM are being packaged in a 19-episode podcast series on
Pandora. Titled, “Howard Stern: 19 from 2019” includes interviews with: Jennifer Aniston, Russell Crowe, Robert Downey Jr., and Kristen Stewart; musicians including The Black Crowes, Def Leppard, Billie Eilish, and Adam Levine; comedians including Jimmy Kimmel, Tracy Morgan, Seth Rogen, and Adam Sandler; and newsmakers such as Hillary Clinton…..There’s a webinar on 
Wednesday (12/18) from Edison Research that focuses on moms and social media. Edison says, “The Infinite Dial study estimates that there are 15 million fewer Facebook users in the U.S. today than there were in 2017. However, among Moms in the U.S., Facebook remains strong year over year.” The webinar will “debut data from this study that explores moms’ usage, perceptions, and sentiments of all social media. This is a new survey conducted in the second half of 2019 among a sample of moms in the U.S. It includes why they use social media, what they use it for, and how they feel about using it – and how their feelings and actions don’t always align.”…..WTKN-FM, Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina “Talk 94.5” is airing “The Jared Dillian Show,” hosted by self-made millionaire Jared Dillian. He says, “I’m proud to be a part of the WTKN family and I couldn’t be more impressed by everyone’s professionalism in producing this show.” The Jared Dillian Show is part of 
the 24/7 Smart Talk Radio Network, based in Chicago and distributed by Envision Networks…..Pictured at left is Salem Radio Network East Coast affiliate relations manager Jim Bligh in a still shot from Netflix’s The Irishman in which he plays a mob supporter of Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa. He tells TALKERS, “As someone who grew up in Brooklyn and Staten Island, I literally jump at any chance to be in a Martin Scorsese movie… it’s an offer you can’t refuse. LOL.”…..Entercom sports talker WSSP, Milwaukee “105.7 FM The Fan” helped raise more than $200,000 in cash and the value of toys to benefit Children’s Wisconsin and Robyn’s Nest during its 13th annual “WSSP Toy Drive.” This marks a record-breaking year for the fundraiser, topping the $160,000 that the station raised in 2018…..Pictured below is Westwood One talk host Jim Bohannon reprising his role as Santa Claus for the Collins Children’s Home of Seneca, South Carolina.
Internationally Noted Artist Inspired by TALKERS Panels. A world-renowned artist living and working in South America who is a fan of American talk media and reads TALKERS regularly has created a painting titled “Talking Heads” that she says was inspired by the convention and workshop panel discussions that she sees in this trade journal. Clearly, this is an abstract work subject to interpretation. Bobbie Winston (a.k.a. La Femme Bobbíe) is a multi-award-winning American artist living and painting in Rio de Janeiro since 1988. She has a world-wide following that enjoys her highly identifiable style. She paints wildly abstract portraits, full human figures, and imaginative, surrealistic scenarios marked by dramatic features and bold, striking colors. Her perspective on the human condition is cosmic, inclusive, and evolved. Bobbie Winston’s Facebook page can be accessed here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programing pro Kelly Gueno is promoted from programming assistant to assistant program director for iHeartMedia Chicago’s urban programming. In this role, Gueno will assist with brand support for all urban programming and
digital operations for “V103,” WGCI and “Inspiration 1390.” She reports to VP of urban programming Derrick Brown. He says, “I couldn’t be more thrilled with Kelly’s expanded role. She literally grew up at our stations and it has been absolutely gratifying to see Kelly’s progress from our promotions department, to being a programming assistant, and now, assistant program director for our iconic urban brands. Kelly’s passion, skill and insight will be invaluable as we navigate our ever-changing media landscape.”…..Pictured below are the staff of Beasley Media Group’s country WKLB-FM, Boston at the Secret Superstar Holiday Jam last Thursday (12/12) at the House of Blues. The station officially announced the show about six weeks ago and sold the venue out without divulging the names of the talent (Dan + Shay and Lauren Alain) that would be performing until the day before the show! Pictured below are (clockwise from l-r): Summer Harlow, director, Northeast promotion, Mercury Nashville; Lauren Alaina; Dan Smyers; Shay Mooney; Dawn Santolucito, music and marketing director, WKLB; Kristen Williams, SVP radio & streaming, Warner Music Nashville; Heather Propper, regional manager, radio & streaming, WAR; and WKLB PD David Corey.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Round One of November PPMs Released. The first of four rounds of November 2019 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas,
Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union (New Jersey). The November 2019 rating period covered October 10 – November 6. Some 6+ ratings gains of note for spoken-word stations during the November survey include: Nexstar Media Group’s WGN-AM, Chicago adds another 0.5 share to its two previous increases for a 4.0 share and a #8 ranking in the market while Cumulus Media’s crosstown WLS-AM is flat at a 2.3 share; Cumulus’ WBAP, Dallas continues its upward trend, posting a 4.4 share good for 
#5 in the market; iHeartMedia’s KTRH, Houston posts its third consecutive ratings gain with a 4.1 share, keeping it at #11 in the market; Cox Media Group’s Atlanta juggernaut WSB-AM/WSBB-FM is up 3.0 full shares over the past five surveys with November’s 9.3 share keeping it locked at #1 for the fourth straight month; and Entercom’s sports talk WIP-FM, Philadelphia lands at #1 in the market for the third straight month after finishing with an 8.2 share. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Takeaways” from each market here.
Eric Johnson Exits WPEN-FM, Philadelphia. Programmer Eric Johnson exits
Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 FM The Fanatic” after two years with the station. Numerous Philly news outlets have picked up on the story but there’s little to report beyond Johnson’s own post to his Facebook page that simply says he left the station yesterday (11/25). Johnson joined “The Fanatic” in 2017 after serving for many years as program director for Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5.”
Impeachment Testimony, 2020 Presidential Race, SCOTUS Trump Financial Records Ruling, McGahn Ruling, Trump’s Navy Seal Controversy, Hong Kong Election, and German Jewel Heist Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (11/25). The testimony in the impeachment inquiry against President Trump; the Democrats vying for the nomination to challenge President Trump in 2020 and Democrat Michael Bloomberg’s entrance into the race; the Supreme Court sides with Trump on a request to block a subpoena from House Democrats seeking data from the president’s accounting firm; a judge rules former White House counsel Don McGahn must obey a subpoena for his testimony; the controversy over Trump’s order to remove Navy Secretary Richard Spencer over the Eddie Gallagher case; the results of the Hong Kong elections in which pro-democracy candidates won; and the theft of priceless historical jewels from Dresden’s Royal Palace were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS News Notes. New York Post sports columnist Andrew Marchand
reports that former WFAN, New York personality Chris Carlin appears headed to ESPN’s crosstown WEPN-FM to host the evening show. Current evening host Alan Hahn is reportedly set to be promoted to middays alongside Bart Scott, who is currently co-hosting middays with Maggie Gray at WFAN. See Marchand’s 
column here…..Sports talker Matt Jones – who left his gig hosting the WLAP, Lexington-based “Kentucky Sports Radio” while considering a run for Mitch McConnell’s U.S. Senate seat – announces he’s inked a new, five-year deal with iHeartMedia to return to the show on December 26. Jones made national news in August when he was let go from his “Hey Kentucky!” TV show on WLEX-TV, Lexington after announcing his plans to publish a political book titled, Mitch, Please! Earlier this month he was ousted from “Kentucky Sports Radio” after an election rules complaint from the Kentucky Republican Party. See
WLEX-TV’s report here…..iHeartMedia announces chairman and CEO Bob Pittman and president, COO, and CFO Rich Bressler will participate in a question and answer session during the Wells Fargo TMT Summit in Las Vegas on Wednesday, December 4. Wells Fargo says “senior executives from more than 140 leading public and private technology, media, and telecom companies are already confirmed to attend the third annual” event.
Study Indicates AM/FM Campaigns Can Drive Web Traffic for Retailers. Data from a study by marketing attribution platform LeadsRx for Westwood One measured the website visitor traffic increases after consumers were exposed to an AM/FM radio campaign by a major jewelry retailer. WWO says the results offer retailers a way to understand how their advertising performs on a granular level so that plans can be optimized in the future. Some of the
findings include: As a result of the AM/FM radio campaign, the jewelry retailer saw an +11% increase in their site traffic. The boost was +38% greater than the average for the jewelry category as measured by Analytic Owl’s analysis of 92 AM/FM radio campaigns reported by the Radio Advertising Bureau; throughout the course of the AM/FM radio campaign, the highest rate of conversion occurred in early December. The greatest share of attributed web sessions (27%) occurred from December 3rd through the 9th, followed by 20% of attributed web sessions taking place the following week; and the jewelry retailer saw spikes in web sessions in the middle of the week and on Sundays. On Thursdays, ad occurrences comprised 16% of the total impressions of the jewelry retailer’s campaign, while accounting for 19% of the attributed web sessions. On Sundays, 12% of total campaign impressions ran, driving 14% share of the attributed web sessions to the jewelry retailer site. See more here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In St. Louis, Entercom’s hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” announces that Shaylee Henning is promoted to midday personality. Henning takes over for Leigh McNabb, who exited recently to take on the program director role at Saga Communications’ classic hits KIOA, Des Moines. Henning continues in her role as production assistant for the station group…..At Cox Media Group’s CHR WFLC, Miami “Hits 97.3,” DJ Laz exits the morning drive show. Cluster director of operations Jill Strada is expected to announce the plans for the station’s morning show in the near future…..Saga Communications classic rock outlet WAQY, Springfield, Massachusetts “Rock 102” is underway with the 25th Annual Mayflower Marathon to collect nonperishable food donations to benefit the region’s Open Pantry Community Services organization. Morning show team Mike Baxendale and John O’Brien – “Bax & O’Brien” – along with producer Steve Nagle, will be on the radio for 52 hours broadcasting live from the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. The goal is to fill three 48-foot Mayflower moving van trailers by 10:00 am Wednesday.
Friday, July 12, 2019
President Trump Vents About Social Media’s Treatment of Conservatives; Michael Harrison Speaks with Attendee Sebastian Gorka. Yesterday’s White House “Social Media Summit” (7/11) provided a platform for President Trump to complain to numerous invited conservative social media commentators (and a
few considered to be “notorious”) that conservatives aren’t getting a fair shake on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Google. The president wondered aloud whether Twitter is exerting influence to suppress the popularity of his own Tweets. He also told the gathering that he would be bringing representative of those social media firms to the White House to talk with them about the problem. The only person in attendance that TALKERS magazine can confirm has a connection to talk radio was Salem Radio Network’s Sebastian Gorka, himself a former Trump advisor. (He was involved in a verbal spat in the Rose Garden with Playboy writer Brian Karem.) TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison spoke with Gorka moments after the meeting wrapped and got his thoughts on the summit. Hear that conversation here.
WEEI, Boston Lets Longtime Morning Host Gerry Callahan Go; WAAF’s Greg Hill to Take Over Morning Duties. Big changes in mornings in Boston as Entercom let’s longtime sports talk WEEI, Boston personality Gerry Callahan go and moves Greg Hill over from sister rock WAAF to handle the morning show,
effective July 29. Callahan had been hosting the show with Mike Mutnansky, who returns to hosting the evening show. Hill will be joined by co-host Danielle Murr and a rotating group of additional contributors. Hill says, “I am thrilled to embark on the next chapter in my career in Boston. WEEI is a legendary Boston station and one of 
the country’s first sports stations. I am excited to anchor mornings moving forward. I also want to thank WAAF and all of the listeners and co-workers who have made the last 28 years so amazing.” Callahan tweeted the news of his departure Friday afternoon, writing: “Well, that was fun. After 20 years in morning drive, I did my last show on WEEI this morning. Thanks to all who listened. Unfortunately, this ain’t a movie. Sometimes the bad guys win. Much more to come.” Callahan was originally partnered with John Dennis, who exited the station in 2016. But the WEEI morning show’s best ratings versus Beasley’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” came with Callahan partnered with Kirk Minihane. He left the morning show last fall. The Boston Globe reports that the 2019 Spring Book (April, May, June) numbers from Nielsen for Men 25-54 saw “Mut & Callahan” garner a 6.5 share, compared to WBZ-FM crosstown competitors “Toucher & Rich,” who tallied a 9.1 share. No word yet from WEEI about its plans for morning drive.
Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continue Posting Today with Sports Talk Superstar Jim Rome’s Keynote Address. TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story. Today’s (7/12) post presents the special keynote address delivered by CBS Sports Radio syndicated host Jim Rome with an introduction from Yappy Days author/college professor Bernadette Duncan. Posted yesterday: panel discussion titled “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2019” featuring (in alphabetical order) Asa Andrew, host,
AsaRx; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Suzanne Grimes, EVP/marketing, Cumulus Media and president, Westwood One; and Dave Robinett, chief marketing officer, #250-America’s Mobile Speed Dial. The panel is moderated by Erica Farber, president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and introduced by renown independent station owner Michael Zwerling of KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz, CA. Also already posted: special keynote address by Key Networks syndicated personality Bill O’ Reilly; one-on-one discussion, “Sports Talk Radio’s Role in Popular Culture” featuring a conversation between Mark Chernoff, senior VP/programming WFAN/Entercom, NY and captain/sports format, CBS Sports Radio and Mike Thomas, PD, WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Boston and brand manager/spoken word, podcasts, esports, Beasley Broadcasting with Kate Delaney, host, GCN and correspondent NBC Sports Radio, serving as facilitator; panel discussion, “Broadcasting and Podcasting,” featuring (in alphabetical order) Greg Batusic, chief operating officer, PodcastOne; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO Amplifi Media; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC and iHeartRadio Podcast Channel; and Craig Schwalb, former program director WABC, New York and WPRO, Providence with moderation by Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS; keynote “fireside chat” in which TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviews Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity in a casual one-on-one conversation introduced by DC Radio Company executive director Victoria Jones; opening address titled, “Telling the Story,” delivered by Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the successful syndicated program, “Our American Stories;” RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star “Cousin” Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday, June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event’s colorful history. TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com where they will remain on view for the rest of the year. To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.
Soren Petro Promoted to Afternoon Drive at WHB-AM, Kansas City. Midday host Soren Petro is taking his “The Program” to the afternoon drive daypart at Union Broadcasting’s WHB-AM, Kansas City, effective Monday (7/15). Petro
moves to the slot vacated by Kevin Keitzman, who left the station in the aftermath of his controversial comments about Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s family. Producer/host Kurtis Seaboldt and technical producer Jed Marshall will be part of the new afternoon show. Union Broadcasting president Chad Boeger says, “Soren is the consummate professional and is one of the best sports radio talk show hosts in the country. We are thrilled to have Soren move to the afternoon time slot to what we think is the best lineup of local sports talk anywhere.” The station plans to announce a new midday show in the near future.
New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap” for Week of July 8-12 Now Posted. The recently launched, one-hour weekend radio show, “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation,” analyzing the hot talk media topics of this past week (July 1-5) is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia‘s WONK-FM, Washington, DC. It currently airs on
WONK-FM in the key position of Friday at 6:00 pm as a dynamic programming punctuation mark of the week’s conversation and is also heard on several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz; the Virginia Talk Radio Network; and Pioneer Valley Radio in Western Massachusetts. Hosted by TALKERS magazine’s iconic publisher, this week’s installment (titled “Heavy Traffic!”) features a lineup of guests that includes TALKERS executive editor Kevin Casey; radio talk show hosts Sebastian Gorka of Salem Radio Network, Martha Zoller of WDUN, Athens, GA and Kate Delaney of GCN and NBC Sports Radio; and investigative reporter Petr Svab of the Epoch Times. The non-partisan-but-hard-hitting program explores multiple opinions along the spectrum of contemporary American political and social thought. For more information about the program, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413. To listen to it in its entirety, please click here.
Public Voting for Radio Hall of Fame Begins Monday. Voting in two categories for induction into the Radio Hall of Fame in which the public participates – Spoken Word Format On Air Personality and Music Format On-Air Personality –
begins Monday (7/15) and runs through July 28. The nominees for Spoken Word Format On-Air Personality are: Joe Madison, Scott Slade, Stephanie Miller, and Suzyn Waldman. The nominees for Music Format On-Air Personality are: Hollywood Hamilton, Lon Helton, The Mark and Brian Show, and Ryan Seacrest. The winners will be inducted in November. Radio Hall of Fame chairman Kraig Kitchin says, “Listener engagement is an important part of this process as they’re given an opportunity to directly support their favorite on-air personality.” There are four categories also being voted on by a panel comprised of nearly 1,000 industry professionals. See more here.
TALKERS News Notes. The appearance at two events in Chicago by former
Trump advisor Roger Stone with WLS-AM, Chicago morning host Mancow Muller is getting some attention from Chicago media writer Robert Feder. He notes that in addition to the “STONE FREE: Mancow & Roger Stone – Uncensored” event taking place on Sunday July 21 (tickets range from $100 to $500), there’s a pricier, separate event happening. Mancow is hosting an already-sold-out, $1,000 per plate fundraiser for Stone’s legal defense. (He’s been indicted on charges of lying to congress and obstruction of justice.) Mancow says his motivation in 
hosting the event isn’t political but about freedom of speech…..Forever Media’s Wilmington, Delaware news/talk WDEL-AM/FM is named Best Station for News, Best Station for Sports in Delaware Today Magazine’s Best of Delaware Upstate awards. Also, midday talk show host Rick Jensen won the Best Talk Show Host honors…..New York Times and Conde Nast-published travel writer Daniel Scheffler teams with iHeartMedia to debut, “Everywhere,” an iHeartRadio Original travel podcast that will take listeners on an adventure across the globe. The 26-episode series’ mission is to support travelers in their quest to overcome fears and ditch preconceptions about travel…..Westwood One and Subnation announce a new, original podcast called, “The Voice of Esports,” hosted by gaming legend Paul “ReDeYe” Chaloner. WWO says “The Voice of Esports” will “highlight the pioneers of one of today’s hottest lifestyle categories as famous esports industry expert and gameplay commentator ReDeYe entices legends of esports to lift the lid on what’s gone before and what’s to come.”…..SiriusXM and Netflix announce the first original program to broadcast exclusively on the newly launched Netflix Is A Joke Radio channel. Popular comedians Tom Papa and Fortune Feimster are co-hosting, “What A Joke with Papa and Fortune,” weekdays from 10:00 am –
12:00 pm ET…..Cumulus Media’s sports talk KESN-FM “ESPN Radio Dallas” is “the new official radio broadcast home of the NFL in Dallas-Fort Worth” with the addition of the “Prime Time NFL Package” from Westwood One. The station is airing “Sunday Night Football,” “Thursday Night Football,” and “Monday Night Football.” It is also airing every NFL playoff game and the 2020 Super Bowl.
Cool News Opportunity: FOX News Headlines 24/7 Seeks Freelance Writer. The job posting says: “We are looking for a freelance writer to join the Fox News Headlines 24/7 team. As a writer, you will be a crucial member of our broadcast team. You will write news for our national news network, conceptualizing, writing, compiling enterprise stories, fact checking, and building show content
newscasts for “FOX News Headlines 24/7.” You may be the right candidate if you have the right attitude and understand the level of commitment required to be successful in this role. Your passion for national and international news is bar none! Please note this is a shift-based role, including overnight and weekend shifts. You will work some holidays and must be available off-hours in the event of major breaking news.” See more information and apply here.
Jeffrey Epstein Case Top News/Talk Story for Week of July 8-12. The sex trafficking charges leveled against Jeffrey Epstein and who in his circle of friends might get caught up was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Southern border crisis and the planned ICE raids. Coming in at #3 was the U.S. Women’s Soccer victory and the related issues of gender, equal pay and more, followed by the 2020 presidential race and race relations 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.
News/Talk Radio Consultant Greg Moceri Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the most influential programmers of the modern era in the news/talk radio format, Greg Moceri, is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Moceri is the founder and owner of the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Moceri Media, a national consultation firm that for the past 20 years has provided programming advice and talent coaching to a number of clients including Cox Media. Prior to being a consultant, Moceri served eight years as program
director of Cox Media’s WSB-AM, Atlanta. For a couple of years before that he was news and program director of WTIC-AM, Hartford where he and Michael Harrison met and worked together in the early 1990s. In this long-form conversation, Harrison and Moceri go deep into the nuts and bolts of the talk format (as well as their own backgrounds) discussing the direction and future of spoken word radio, the state of journalism, the role of podcasting as it relates to broadcasters, the care and nurturing of talent and more. Don’t miss this! 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 of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A new CHR station debuts in the West Palm Beach market as Hubbard Radio unveils “Party 96.3” on WMBX-HD2 and translator W242CI. The station is being anchored in mornings by the Seattle-based, syndicated “Brooke and Jubal” show. Core artists include: Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Drake, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Khalid, Billie Eilish, and more…..Fort Myers
adult contemporary WJPT has a new program director as Beasley Media Group bestows that title upon Matt Mangas, who also program the company’s rock WRXK and hosts the midday program there. Beasley Fort Myers operations manager Adam Star says, “Matt has been serving as program director for both stations in the interim and has been doing a tremendous job. It was an easy 
decision for us.” Also, at WJPT, the company names Ralph Marino assistant program director and morning drive personality, effective July 15. Marino recently exited AC WQRC, Cape Cod where he’d been hosting the morning show…..At Stephens Media Group’s 80s-formatted KTSO, Tulsa, Josh Venable is named program director. He continues his programming and morning show duties on sister alternative rock KMYZ “Z104.5 The Edge.” Stephens SVP of programming Bob Thornton comments, “Josh has been involved in the ‘Totally Awesome 80s’ brand since its inception in 2016, so this promotion was an easy one for us. Josh is smart, passionate, and one of the best programmers in the country.”…..Tampa Bay radio personality Mason Dixon is pictured below (seated) signing a new, multi-year deal to continue hosting the morning show on the company’s classic hits WRBQ “Q105.” Assisting him with his signature are (from l-r): program director Ted Cannarozzi, VP/market manager Steve Triplett, and operations manager Travis Daily.
June 2019 PPM Data – Round Two. June 2019 ratings information has been released for Washington (D.C.), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s June 2019 survey period covered May 23 – June 19. 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.
Washington, DC
Spoken-Word Formats – The collective +2.5 that Cumulus Media news/talk
WMAL accrued through three straight “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 improvements (4.3 – 5.7 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+) virtually vanishes (-2.4) in three successive March through June decreases (6.8 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4, fifth to seventh, 6+). Nonetheless, March’s 6.8 is 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 11th sweep in succession.
Recapturing three-tenths of the eight-tenths squandered in May (3.1 – 3.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Nationals flagship WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” jumps from #16 to #13. In four straight sweeps without a loss, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” nearly doubles (+.4) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .9, 6+) and cracks the top twenty (#22 to #20).
Setting the pace in the Nation’s Capital the sixth straight time, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP nevertheless falters for the fifth month in a row and is an overall -2.2 in that January 2019 through June 2019 stretch (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7 – 8.7 – 8.7 – 8.2, 6+). January 2019’s 10.4 is its best 6+-performance since March 2018 (10.4, as well). The March 2019 through June 2019 topline for Entercom business news WDCH is: .4 – .5 – .4 – .5 (#25 to #24, 6+).
Although down nine-tenths via three successive slips (8.9 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.0, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU continues in the runner-up slot. Prior to gaining three-tenths in March, “The Mind Is Our Medium” was -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and -1.2 (February).
Washington, DC Music Formats – In addition to being an overall +1.4 through three gains in succession (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.6, 6+) and progressing from ninth to sixth, iHeartMedia CHR WITH “Hot 99.5” has its best 6+-showing in nearly two years (4.6, as well in August 2017). Co-owned adult contemporary WASH “97.1 – Washington’s Variety” logs its third straight sweep without a loss for a collective gain of nine-tenths (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.3, seventh to fifth, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-performance (5.3) since “Holiday” 2018 (10.4). Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, WMZQ “98.7 Today’s Best Country” is +1.3 through four consecutive improvements (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.1, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #9). Owing to four straight gains, Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC is up seven-tenths (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+) and continues in tenth-place. When the sale of Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3 More Music – More Variety” to Educational Media Foundation was finalized, the station transitioned to contemporary Christian (now WLVW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love”). In its final sweep (May 2019) before the hot AC-to-contemporary Christian transition, “Mix” added six-tenths (3.5 – 4.1, 6+) and exited 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+). WLVW erodes by -1.9 (4.1 – 2.2, #8 to #17, 6+), the largest (6+) May 2019 – June 2019 falloff by any station in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far. When Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS dropped one-tenth in May, it halted four straight bumps that yielded an overall +1.8 (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.6 – 5.3, 6+). Now in June, however, “91.9 Christian Music Radio” plummets by -1.0 (5.2 – 4.2, fifth to eighth, 6+). WGTS wiped away four straight September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 declines that resulted in a -1.4 (4.9 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+). While it is locked at #3 for the seventh time in a row, Radio One urban AC WMMJ is down a cumulative seven-tenths in three consecutive dips (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to this skid, “Majic” cobbled together six successive increases that yielded a +1.8 (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). After dropping one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), Howard University’s similarly-programmed WHUR regained that deficit with a May pickup of two-tenths but falters by four-tenths in June (6.5 – 6.1, 6+) and repeats in fourth-place. 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+). Maryland-licensed Manning Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WWEG surfaced in print in January and reeled off four straight up or flat trends for a net gain of four-tenths (.6 – .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0, 6+), but “106.9 The Eagle” returns one-tenth to .9 (#19 to #20, 6+).
Boston
Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #12, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680
– The Voice of Boston” has an overall gain of six-tenths in six successive up or flat trends (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). November 2018’s 3.2 is its best 6+-stat since 3.3 in November 2014). Down or flat the past four monthlies for a loss of two-tenths (.6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+), co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” is up one-tenth to .5 (#27 to #26, 6+).
Eight recent shifts for Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” include +.9 (October 2018); +.8 (November); -1.0 (December); +.5 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); -.8 (February); +.8 (May); and now -1.4 in June (7.0 – 5.6, third to fourth, 6+). “The Sports Hub” is the lead station of the Stanley Cup runner-up Bruins; Super
Bowl champion New England Patriots; and the Celtics. A combined eight-tenths in April/May (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom-owned sports talk WEEI-FM is off one-tenth (4.0 – 3.9, 6+) and carries on in eighth-place. The flagship of the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox has been -.5 (September 2018); +.5 (October); +.6 (November); -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); -.5 (March); and +.6 (April).
This marks the fourth successive month that WBZ-AM has logged a 5.0 (6+); “News Radio 1030” is anchored in sixth-place. The iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid was +1.3 in January/February (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+).
Flat at #11, Boston University news/talk WBUR forfeits half of the two-tenths it picked up in May (3.5 – 3.4, -.1, 6+). Similarly, WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH, which gained four-tenths in May, relinquishes 50% of that margin in June (2.4 – 2.2, -.2, #15 to #16, 6+).
Boston Music Formats – In 6.1 – 6.4 range in each of the last five sweeps (6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 6.2, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” (fourth to third, 6+) breaks out a June improvement of seven-tenths to 6.9, its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5. May’s first-place tie is broken as Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” gains six-tenths (7.6 – 8.2, steady at #1, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by four-tenths (7.6 – 7.2, first to second, 6+). By dropping two-tenths in May, WROR snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +2.2 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). A one-half share increase in May took “Kiss 108” to 7.6, its strongest 6+-performance since August 2018’s 7.8. Boston’s (6+) pacesetters thus far this calendar year have been: WXKS-FM (January, 7.3, 6+); WXKS-FM (February, 7.4, 6+); WROR (March, 7.8, 6+); WROR (April, 7.8, 6+); WROR and WXKS-FM (May, 7.6, 6+); and WROR (June, 8.2, 6+). Meanwhile, WXKS-FM’s format rival, Entercom’s WODS “103.3 Amp Radio,” is down or flat the fifth straight time for a net loss of four-tenths (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+) yet advances from #19 to #17. While off one-half share (6.0 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WZLX “Classic Rock 100.7” continues in fifth-place. In the market’s country contest, Beasley Media Group’s WKLB regains all but one-tenth of May’s -.4 (4.4 – 4.7, +.3, 6+) and remains in seventh-place. “Country 102.5” was a cumulative +1.3 in four straight bumps (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). Six successive sweeps without a loss by iHeartMedia-owned WBWL netted six-tenths (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+), but “101.7 The Bull Boston’s #1 For New Hit Country” sputters by three-tenths to 2.1 (#15 to #17, 6+). May’s 2.4 is the highest 6+-share for “The Bull” since July 2018’s 2.5. Up seven-tenths in five successive positive or flat trends (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WXLO ends the streak by surrendering three-tenths to 1.7 (flat at #20, 6+). The 2.0 that “104.5 XLO” posted in May is its best 6+-stat since November 2014 (2.0, as well). Falling from #18 to #19, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “Jam’n 94.5” cedes a collective -1.1 in five straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+).
Miami
English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating May’s 2.6 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, &
Weather Station” falls from #17 to #18.
In seven successive sweeps without a loss, Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” nets three-tenths (.6 – 
.6 – .6 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .9 – .9, 6+) and continues at #25. Flat at #29, co-owned WQAM “Sports Radio 560” has a January 2019 through June 2019 topline of .6 – .5 – .7 – .5 – .6 – .5 (6+).
Up two-tenths in four straight up or flat reports (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN remains at #20.
Miami Music Formats – Completely erasing April/May’s combined -.6 (7.4 – 7.3 – 6.8, 6+) with a June increase of eight-tenths to 7.6 (6+), WFEZ “Easy 93.1” is #1 the sixth consecutive ratings period (including a three-way tie at #1 in February). Eight-tenths is a common fluctuation for the Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary outlet as it was down eight-tenths in February and then up by that magnitude in March (7.4 – 6.6 – 7.4, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. On the positive side, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF is in third-place the fourth month in a row. The downside is that “101.5 Lite FM” is an overall -1.2 in four straight sweeps without an increase (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+). Adult contemporary outlets “Easy” and “Lite” traded places with each other in January, as WFEZ went from second to first and WLYF segued from first to second. Consequently, an adult contemporary controls or has a share of Miami’s lead position (6+) for the 14th straight ratings period. Not only is iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU -1.7 in four straight drops (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+), “Tu 94.9” fades from the top ten (#7 to #12) with its weakest 6+-stat since October 2017 (3.4, as well). By gaining four-tenths in May, Spanish Broadcasting System’s WCMQ interrupted four successive down or flat moves that resulted in a -1.0 (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.1, 6+). “Zeta 92.3” falters by six-tenths in June (5.5 – 4.9, 6+) but stays in fifth-place. Co-owned Spanish tropical WXDJ is off nine-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+) as “El Zol 106.7” falls from a three-way tie at #7 to #8. Still in that SBS cluster, Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7” falters by seven-tenths in four consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+) but actually climbs from #16 to #15. Repeating in seventh-place, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” is a collective -1.1 through five straight negative or neutral moves (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Its format challenger, iHeartMedia-owned WMIB “103.5 The Beat,” hasn’t had an increase the last three ratings periods and is down three-tenths in that March through June stretch (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6, #17 to #16, 6+). Up a cumulative nine-tenths in three straight up or flat trends (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.8, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WFLC “Hits 97.3” advances from tenth to ninth with its best 6+ showing (3.8) since its 4.0 in December 2017. “Hits 97.3” responded to March’s one-tenth loss with an April increase of six-tenths. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which posted a half-share increase in May, returns 80% of that improvement (3.0 – 2.6, -.4, 6+) and slips from #15 to #16. When “Y-100” added one-tenth in March, it curtailed five straight reports without an increase for a collective loss of nine-tenths (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+).
Seattle
Spoken-Word Formats – Unchanged in fifth-place, Bonneville news/talk KIRO
-FM has a March 2019 through June 2019 topline of 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.6 (6+); this follows February 2019’s 5.9 (6+). Co-owned KTTH lost roughly 43% (-.9) of its 6+-stat due to three straight down or flat trends 
(2.1 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), but “Conservative Talk Radio” picks up two-tenths to 1.4 (#23 to #22, 6+). This is the fourth straight down or flat report for Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570,” which has lost one-half share since February (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, #23 to #24, 6+).
Having plummeted by nine-tenths in May, Bonneville sports talk/Mariners’ flagship KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” levels off by repeating May’s 6+ AQH share (3.4) and market rank (#13). With its 6+ stat sliced by more than 50% (-.8) via three setbacks in succession (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” slumps from #23 to #27.
Off four-tenths in April/May (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO adds one-tenth to 2.8 (#17 to #16, 6+).
It is a May-only stay at #1 for Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW, which sputters by one-half share (6.1 – 5.6, 6+) and segues from first to third. In May, KUOW rebounded from March/April’s combined -2.3 with a gain of four-tenths. KUOW shifted to #2 in April after three months in a row at #1.
Seattle Music Formats – A collective -1.0 in four successive down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” ends the slide with a gain of one-tenth to 6.1 (6+) and advances from second to a first-place tie. “MOViN’” made it to #1 in April, the first time it reached the lead spot since November 2018. As noted, KQMV isn’t alone in the pacesetter position. It is sharing the penthouse with iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station,” which is +2.4 as a result of seven straight upticks (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1, second to first, 6+). Immediately in advance of this positive run, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). Just as they were in May, Entercom adult contemporary KSWD “94.1 The Sound” (flat at 4.5, seventh to sixth, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KRWM “Warm 106.9” (unchanged at 4.4 and #9, 6+) are separated by one-tenth. “The Sound” was an overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+) before eroding by -1.1 in April. Prior to the May sweep, “Warm 106.9” recorded a 4.8 (6+) in three of the previous four reports (4.8 – 4.0 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+) and was #1 in December and “Holiday” 2018. The five most recent shifts for Classic Radio, Inc.-owned KING “98.1 Listener-Supported Classical Music” are +.9 (February); -.5 (March); +.7 (April) -.6 (May); and +.7 in June (2.5 – 3.2, #19 to #14, 6+). By way of contrast, its October 2018 through January 2019 topline was a consistent 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0 (6+). After being an overall -1.1 via four straight sweeps without an increase (4.7 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” pulls the plug with a +.4 to 4.0 (steady at #12, 6+). On the heels of posting a +.9 in May (4.1 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country” surrenders one-half share to 4.5 (fourth to sixth, 6+). Prior to April, when it regressed by six-tenths, “The Wolf” was a cumulative +1.4 as a result of three straight upticks (3.3- 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). Just three-tenths behind “The Wolf” is Hubbard Broadcasting’s KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull,” which has exactly doubled (+2.1) its 6+ AQH share in seven successive up or flat sweeps (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2, #10 to #11, 6+). In three consecutive positive or neutral trends, co-owned adult standards KIXI almost doubled (+.6) its 6+-stat (.7 – .7 – .7 – 1.3, 6+), but “AM 880” drops one-tenth to 1.2 (#22 to #23, 6+). In six straight sweeps without an increase, Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ is a collective -2.2 (5.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+) but “Star 101.5 Today’s Best Mix” advances from #16 to #15.
Detroit
Spoken-Word Formats – This is the fifth straight sweep in which Cumulus
Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” has recorded a negative or neutral trend and is -1.1 since the first of the year (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.6, #16 to #17, 6+).
Locked on 5.0 (6+) in February and March and then on 5.4 (6+) April and May, Entercom sports talk/Tigers flagship WXYT-FM“97.1 The Ticket” falters by seven-tenths to 4.7 (sixth to ninth, 6+).
For the third time in the last four sweeps, co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” erodes by eight-tenths (6.2 – 5.4, fourth to fifth, 6+). It did so in both March and April (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.1, 6+). Even with the -.8, WWJ had a March-only stay in first-place.
Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM regains the one-tenth it dropped in May (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+) and remains at #20. May’s -.1 ended four consecutive fluctuations of three-tenths (1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.6, 6+). This is the third time in the last four ratings periods that Wayne State University news/talk WDET has had a shift of one-tenth (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.2, #22 to #21, 6+).
Detroit Music Formats – At the same time that Entercom adult contemporary WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” improves by seven-tenths and cracks the top ten (#12 to #8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WNIC “The Best Variety of the ‘80s, ‘90s, & Today” forfeits six-tenths (6.5 – 5.9, second to third, 6+). In early-November (2018), CHR WDZH “Amp Radio” became adult contemporary “98.7 The Breeze” and it has more than doubled (+2.5) its 6+ AQH in eight successive reports without a loss (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.6 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+). After its 6+ AQH share eroded by nearly two-thirds (-11.8) in four successive sweeps (17.9 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+), WNIC answered with a May increase of four-tenths. Its “Holiday” 2018 17.9 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. On top in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share via four straight increases (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+). In addition to “The Breeze,” Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” notches a May 2019 – June 2019 increase of seven-tenths (5.9, seventh to third, 6+), thus halting three consecutive down or flat reports that resulted in a loss of two-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+). In the country tussle, Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 – Detroit Country Music” is a combined +.4 in May/June (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.3, eighth to seventh, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” is +1.2 through four consecutive bumps (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8, #17 to #16, 6+). This is the best 6+-showing for “Nash FM” since June 2018 (2.8, as well). Ever since iHeartMedia debuted WLLZ as “106.7 – Detroit’s Wheels,” the classic rocker has had a (6+) February 2019 through June 2019 topline of 1.5 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 4.3 (#13 to #11, 6+). Down or flat the past three months for a -1.4 (7.8 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” ends the slide with a +.1 to 6.5 (third to second, 6+). In March, WCSX eroded by -1.3 to shift from first to second. Its March/April decline of -1.5 followed back-to-back gains of nine-tenths (6.0 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+). “Detroit’s Classic Rock” spent four straight months at #1 before being dislodged in September 2018. Without a loss the fourth time in succession for an overall +1.4 (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.9 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” repeats at #1. Its format challenger, Radio One-owned WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM,” which was +1.0 in four straight improvements (2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), drops one-tenth to 3.6 (#13 to #14, 6+). In May, “Kiss” had its best 6+-stat since June 2018 (3.7, as well). Unchanged at #9, Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Rocks Detroit,” which faltered by -1.5 in four successive down or flat sweeps (6.0 – 5.9 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), pulls the plug with a +.2 to 4.7 (6+). While it is flat at #15, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “97.9 – Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” is a collective -1.0 through three straight declines (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+).
Phoenix
Spoken-Word Formats – A hefty loss of eight-tenths (4.0 – 3.2, 6+) nudges
Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM out of the top ten (#10 to #12). Four-tenths behind KTAR-FM is iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550,” which is off three-tenths following May’s half-share increase 
(3.1 – 2.8, #14 to #13, 6+).
Following three straight gains for a collective +1.1 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 3.1, 6+), Bonneville sports talk/Arizona Diamondbacks flagship KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” forfeits nine-tenths to 2.2 (#14 to #20, 6+); May’s 3.1 was its strongest 6+-showing since September 2018 (3.1, as well).
For the fourth straight sweep, Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ has a fluctuation of one-tenth (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6, #12 to #11, 6+).
Phoenix Music Formats – The wild ride continues for iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT, whose six most recent shifts are -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.6 (January/February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April) -1.2 (May); and +1.2 in June (5.4 – 6.2, 6+). Moreover, “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” progresses from third to first. “The Mountain” had been at #1 three ratings periods in succession before being ousted in May. It takes over from Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7,” which has a May-only stay at the top (flat at 6.1, first to third, 6+). An April +1.2 fully erased its January – February – March -1.2 (6.5 – 5.4 – 5.3 6+). A collective +1.2 via three straight upticks (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 6.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ remains in the runner-up slot. Progressing from fifth to fourth, Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL “94.5 Phoenix Classic Hits” is a combined +1.3 in three positive spikes in succession (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.0 – 5.3, 6+). Off nine tenths in three straight decreases (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country” halts the skid with a +.1 to 4.3 (eighth to seventh, 6+). After being up one-half share in May (2.8 – 3.3, 6+), Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” relinquishes eight-tenths to 2.5 (#13 to #16, 6+). Sputtering by seven-tenths each are iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” (5.3 – 4.6, fourth to fifth, 6+) and Maricopa County Community College classical KBAQ “89.5 K-Bach,” which loses more than half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share in four straight drops (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 1.1, #26, 6+). In each of the last 13 sweeps, “Kiss” was between a 5.0 – 5.7 (6+). The three latest shifts by Entercom rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5” are -.6 (April); +1.2 (May); and -.6 in June (4.5 – 3.9, seventh to eighth, 6+). April’s loss curtailed three successive up or flat sweeps that accounted for a gain of nine-tenths (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.9, 6+).
Minneapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being +2.1 via three consecutive upticks (3.3
– 4.8 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), Entercom-owned/Twins flagship WCCO “News Radio 830” backslides from eighth to ninth. Four straight decreases by Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY account for a net loss of -1.1 (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.3, #14 to #17, 6+); “My Talk 107.1” was a combined +1.2 
in January/February (2.2 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+). It is tied with iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130,” which is -1.0 in five straight down or flat trends (3.3 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.3, flat at #17, 6+).
Repeating May’s 4.1 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” continues at #12. Likewise, Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” echoes its May stats of .7 (6+) and a #24 ranking.
A combined -.4 in April/May (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW roars back with a robust +1.2 to 5.5 (6+) and leaps back into the top ten (#11 to #7).
Minneapolis Music Formats – Anchored at #13, Entercom’s country-formatted KMNB“102.9 The Wolf,” which lost eight-tenths in four successive down or neutral trends (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), halts the skid with a gain of four-tenths to 3.3 (6+). Albeit flat at 6.7 (6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSTP-FM vaults from third to first. “KS-95,” which faltered by eight-tenths in May, held or shared the top spot in January, March, and April. This calendar year, “KS-95” has been +1.9 (January); -.8 (February); +.6 (March); +.5 (April); and -.8 (May). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-programmed KTCZ “Cities 97.1,” which lost two-tenths in May, is flat at 4.5 (6+), but departs the top ten (#10 to #11). Shifts this calendar year for “Cities 97.1” include +1.2 (January) -.5 (February); +.2 (March); +.5 (April); and -.2 (May). Dislodged by KSTP-FM from the top spot are iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies outlet KQQL “Kool 108” (6.8 – 6.6, -.2, first to second, 6+) and Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” (6.8 – 5.9, -.9, first to fifth, 6+). After approximately 54% (-6.8) of its 6+ AQH share vanished through four straight negative or flat trends (12.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+), “Kool 108” logged a +1.0 in May. Meanwhile, entering the June sweep, “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” was +1.3 in three straight upticks (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.7 – 6.8, 6+). Prior to April’s 6.7, KQRS had been within five-share range (6+) in each of the previous 13 sweeps. May’s 6.8 was the best 6+-stat for “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” since December 2016’s 6.9. Down or flat the fourth time in a row for an overall -1.5 (7.0 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.1 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” skids from fifth to seventh. A loss of eight-tenths (2.2 – 1.4, 6+) by KBEM not only forces “Jazz 88 FM” out of the top twenty (#18 to #21), it takes the Minneapolis Public Schools outlet to its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018 (1.4, as well).
San Diego
Spoken-Word Formats – Following a +1.0 via three straight increases (4.0 – 4.2
– 4.4 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” relinquishes two-tenths to 4.8 (6+) yet advances from sixth to fifth. An overall +.9 as a result of four successive increases (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-
AM “AM 760” is now a combined -.5 in May/June (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.0, #17 to #19, 6+). The (ultra-consistent) December 2018 through June 2019 San Diego topline for iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ similarly-formatted KFI “AM 640” is: 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 -1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 (#22 to #23, 6+).
Immediately after tripling (+1.4) its 6+ AQH share in three straight advances (.7 – .9 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom-owned/Padres flagship KWFN “97.3 The Fan” loses one-tenth to 2.0 (6+) but remains at #19.
Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” falters by two-tenths to .8 (#24 to #25, 6+), thus suspending three consecutive improvements that yielded six-tenths (.4 – .5 – .8 – 1.0, 6+).
Significant ups/down continue for San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS, which has been -.6 (December 2018); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.1 (January 2019); -1.7 (April); +.9 (May); and now -.7 in June (6.9 – 6.2, 6+). Nonetheless, KPBS is #1 for the sixth month in a row.
San Diego Music Formats – A mere one-tenth from the lead, Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” is a collective +1.4 in four successive improvements (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1, steady at #2, 6+). By registering a gain of seven-tenths to 4.2 (#14 to #11, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate KYXY applies the brakes to three straight negative or neutral trends that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+). Still in that Entercom cluster, in four upticks in succession, KBZT “Alt 94.9 – San Diego’s Alternative” nets +1.3 (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9, #11 to #12, 6+). Steady at #3, iHeartMedia CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a combined +1.2 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), directly after a cumulative -2.3 as a result of four straight decreases (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). Meanwhile, co-owned KGB “San Diego’s Classic Rock” is -1.6 in four drops in a row (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3, flat at #10, 6+), following three consecutive improvements that yielded a +2.2 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.9, 6+). A combined +.7 in May/June (2.9 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+), urban contemporary sibling KSSX “Jam’n 95.7” regresses by nine-tenths to 2.7 (#12 to #15, 6+). Without an increase the fourth time in a row, Entercom-owned KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” is a collective -1.6 since February (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.5, sixth to seventh, 6+). Local Media San Diego-programmed CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” (eighth to seventh) continues an alternating up/down pattern that commenced in “Holiday” 2018 (3.8 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+).
Tampa
Spoken-Word Formats – Slipping from #14 to #15, iHeartMedia-owned WFLA
“970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” is a collective -1.5 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.5 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), immediately after three successive gains led to a +1.4 (3.1 – 3.6 – 4.3 – 4.5, 6+). Four-tenths behind WFLA is Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio,” which rebounds from May’s -.8 with a June increase of three-tenths (2.3 – 2.6, #16 to #17, 6+).
The flagship of the Rays – iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” – has been -.4 (March); +.9 (April); -.4 (May); and now +.5 in June (2.2 – 2.7, #17 to #16, 6+).
Following three straight declines in which it lost six-tenths (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), University of South Florida news/talk WUSF picks up two-tenths to 1.7 (flat at #20, 6+).
Tampa Music Formats – Owing to three straight improvements (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4, ninth to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” is +1.4 and reaches the five-share level (5.4, 6+) for the first time since February 2018’s 5.2. By gaining seven-tenths to 6.1 (third to second, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” suspends three consecutive setbacks that accounted for a -1.0 (6.4 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). Notwithstanding that it falters seven-tenths (9.3 – 8.6, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is #1 for the 82nd straight time but is below a nine-share (8.6, 6+) for the first time since October 2018’s 8.9. Its May gain of three-tenths curtailed four straight negative trends that resulted in a -4.7 (13.7 – 11.8 – 11.6 – 10.6 – 9.0, 6+). WDUV’s 13.7 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-stat for any Tampa station since WDUV’s 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. Co-owned WXGL “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” is an overall -1.8 in three straight negative or neutral moves (7.5 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 5.7, second to third, 6+). Prior to the March report, “The Eagle” was an overall -1.5 in five successive sweeps without an increase (6.9 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). Up three-tenths in May, iHeartMedia CHR WFLZ “93.3 Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Channel” surrenders one-half share (4.3 – 3.8, #12 to #13, 6+). Its format foe, Cox Media Group’s WPOI “Hot 101.5 – Tampa Bay’s New Hit Music,” is off four-tenths to 4.1 (seventh to tenth, 6+), thus curtailing three straight bumps that produced a +1.3 (3.2 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). A collective +1.2 through three consecutive increases (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WXTB “98 Rock” forfeits four-tenths to 4.0 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12). Unchanged at #9, urban contemporary cluster-mate WBTP “95.7 The Beat,” which was +1.3 in seven successive sweeps without a loss (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), loses two-tenths to 4.2 (6+). Beasley Media Group classic rocker WPBB “98.7 The Shark” is up an overall nine-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.6 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.5, steady at #18, 6+) and has its highest 6+-showing (2.5) since “Holiday” 2018’s 4.6. Having more than doubled (+.7) its 6+ AQH share in four straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .6 – .7 – .7 – 1.2, 6+), The Diocese of St. Petersburg-owned contemporary Christian WBVM “90.5 Spirit FM – Tampa Bay’s Hit Christian Music” falters by three-tenths to .9 (6+) but stays at #21.
Denver
Spoken-Word Formats – Regaining May’s loss of three-tenths (5.2 – 4.9 – 5.2,
6+), iHeartMedia news/talk and Colorado Rockies flagship KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” progresses from sixth to fifth. Co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” has a “Holiday” 2018 through June 2019 topline of 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 (#23 to #21, 6+).
After posting a May gain of four-tenths to halt three straight decreases accounting for a -1.5 (4.1 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” regresses by six-tenths (3.0 – 2.4, #16 to #18, 6+). KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM nearly tripled (+.5) February’s 6+ stat in three consecutive bumps (.3 – .4 – .6 – .8, 6+) but “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” has May’s .8 (6+) sliced in half to .4 (#26 to #29, 6+).
A massive -1.6 (6.2 – 4.6, 6+) sends Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR tumbling from first to sixth. A combined +1.2 in January/February (6.4 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+), KCFR was #1 in September 2018, October, and November before segueing to #2 in December. Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC, which logged a 1.5 (6+) in three of the last four ratings periods (1.5 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), is off four-tenths to 1.1 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#19 to #21).
Denver Music Formats – After netting +1.4 in four straight up or flat trends (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), KYGO regressed by seven-tenths in May. The Bonneville country outlet roars back in June though with a +1.0 (5.0 – 6.0, 6+) and storms from fifth to first with its highest 6+-stat since September 2018 (6.0, as well). It is a similar scenario for iHeartMedia’s KRFX. In four straight sweeps without a loss, “Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox” was +1.4 (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+). It dropped one-half share in May only to roar back in June with a +.9 (4.9 – 5.8, sixth to second, 6+). “The Fox” is two-tenths behind frontrunner KYGO and two-tenths ahead of Entercom’s similarly-programmed KQMT “99.5 The Mountain,” which has gained nine-tenths in three straight up or flat sweeps (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.6, flat at #3, 6+). Immediately after erasing its +.7 in four successive up or flat moves (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+) with a May loss of seven-tenths, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” posts a half-gain increase (2.6 – 3.1, #18 to #17, 6+). A combined +.6 in April/May (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “97.3 World Class Rock” flounders by eight-tenths to 4.4 (6+) and drifts from third to tenth. A loss of six-tenths (1.5 – .9, 6+) forces Colorado Public Radio classical KVOD off the top twenty (#19 to #24). Owing to five straight up or flat trends (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), KQKS was a collective +1.7, but the Entercom rhythmic CHR forfeits four-tenths to 4.2 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #12).
Baltimore
Spoken-Word Formats – The heretofore consistent January 2019 through May
2019 topline (2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+) for Hearst Television news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is jolted owing to a loss of seven-
tenths to 2.1 (#11 to #12, 6+). Off by seven-tenths as well is independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News,” which is a collective -1.9 in five straight sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.2 – 1.5, #13 to #15, 6+). Even though it gains one-tenth (.3 – .4, 6+), Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL backslides from #28 to #29.
Returning May’s one-tenth increase (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Orioles flagship WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” continues at #9.
On the heels of April/May’s +1.0 (.9 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+), co-owned business news WDCH coughs up 50% of that increase (1.4, -.5, #15 to #18, 6+).
Down one-half share (each) in back-to-back reports (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” is now a combined +.9 in May/June (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.3, #12 to #11, 6+). American University-owned news/talk WAMU recaptures the one-tenth it lost in May (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2, #20 to #19, 6+).
Baltimore Music Formats – Not only does an increase of eight-tenths (7.3 – 8.1, 6+) propel Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM to its best 6+-stat (8.1) since January 2019’s 9.0, “Magic 95.9” advances from second to first. It displaces urban contemporary sibling WERQ “92 Q Jams,” which had been the market leader the past four sweeps but trades places with “Magic.” Immediately after posting a +2.2 in March/April (7.6 – 8.3 – 9.8, 6+), “92 Q Jams” slumps to a -1.8 in May/June (9.8 – 8.8 – 8.0, 6+). In May, it reached the nine-share level (9.8, 6+) for the first time since July 2016’s 9.2. As noted above in the Washington, DC summary, Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3 More Music – More Variety” is now Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian WLVW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” In its debut contemporary Christian report, the former hot AC – which reached a 1.4 (6+) in May – erodes by nine-tenths to .5 (6+) and fades from Baltimore’s top twenty (#18 to #27). Shamrock Communications-owned WZBA regresses by nine-tenths as a result of four straight down or flat moves (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+) but “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” progresses from seventh to sixth. Dropping from fifth to eighth, Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” (-.6 in June) continues a down/up pattern it started in December 2018 (4.3 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+). In four straight down or flat moves (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” has lost one-half share and slips from third to fourth, while co-owned CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station” is off seven-tenths in four sweeps in a row without an increase (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, flat at #10, 6+). This is the tenth sweep in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).
St. Louis
Spoken-Word Formats – April’s gigantic +2.2 by Entercom news/talk KMOX
“The Voice of St. Louis” has been whittled by 50% (-1.1) in May/June (7.3 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+) but the flagship of the Cardinals and Stanley Cup-winning Blues advances from a three-way tie at #3 to #2. KMOX had 
an April-only stay at #1. Flat at #18, co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” wipes away May’s increase of two-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+.
After back-to-back losses of one-half share (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk WXOS is a combined +.6 in three
straight upticks (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.7, steady at #15, 6+). Starting later this year, “101 Sports” becomes the flagship of the Blues.
University of Missouri news/talk KWMU repeats May’s 6+ AQH share (3.3) and market rank (#16).
St. Louis Music Formats – The eight most recent shifts for Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSHE are +.5 (December); -.7 (Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +1.3 (March); -1.6 (April); +.1 (May); and now +.9 in June (7.4 – 8.3, 6+) as “95 Real Rock Radio” repeats at #1. KSHE was tied for February’s top spot with iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU, and, in March, took sole possession of first-place. Then, in April, KSHE again had to share the lead – on that occasion with Entercom news/talk KMOX – but has had sole possession of the top spot in May and June. In each of the last 20 ratings periods, iHeartMedia urban AC KATZ-FM has been within two-share territory (6+), but “100.3 The Beat” gains six-tenths to 3.2 (flat at #17, 6+) and reaches the three-share level for the first time since November 2017’s 3.0 (6+). In a bit of a reversal from what happened in May, iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” is up one-half share (4.2 – 4.7, #12 to #10, 6+), while Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL “New Country 92.3” erodes by eight-tenths (6.6 – 5.8, third to sixth, 6+). Compare that to this time last month when KSD regressed by seven-tenths and WIL improved by eight-tenths. The five most recent fluctuations for “The Bull” are +.5 (February); -.5 (March); +.9 (April); -.7 (May); and +.5 (June). The alternating (6+) December 2018 through June 2019 down/up pattern for WIL includes: 6.1 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 5.8. A cumulative -2.0 via four straight decreases (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.8 – 6.2 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” ends the slide with a +.1 to 6.0 (#6 to the three-way scrum at #3, 6+). In six straight sweeps without a loss, co-owned KLLT “Alt 104.9” nets two-tenths (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9, flat at #19, 6+). After extending its consecutive string of upticks to five – and more than doubling (+2.6) its 6+ AQH share in that timeframe (2.5 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+) – Entercom CHR WNOU surrenders nearly half (-1.2) that increase (3.9, 6+). “Now 96.3 All The Hits” spirals from the top ten (#9 to #14). Even though its May increase of six-tenths is erased in its entirety (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” remains in third-place. It is tied there with Gateway Creative Broadcasting contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy FM,” which is a combined -1.2 in May/June (7.2 – 6.7 – 6.0, second to third, 6+). By dropping three-tenths to 5.3 (seventh to eighth, 6+), Entercom hot AC KYKY “Y-98” suspends three straight bumps that netted a +1.0 (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+).
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Rush Limbaugh’s ‘Stand Up for Betsy Ross’ T-Shirts Sell Rapidly; Benefit 9/11 Charity. Nationally syndicated talk radio star Rush Limbaugh began selling the “Stand Up for Betsy Ross” t-shirt seen here in response to Nike pulling its Betsy Ross flag-themed sneakers after former NFL player Colin Kaepernick
complained. Kaepernick has a shoe deal with the company and obviously holds sway with executives. So far, tens of thousands of shirts have sold and the proceeds are going to Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Premiere Networks superstar Rush Limbaugh says, “I am tired of people like Colin Kaepernick and others taking all of the incredible rewards of this country happily, while continuing to bash it left and right. Our history is not perfect. However, the United States of America is truly the land of the free for all. Our country is a miracle. For Americans, nothing is impossible. Betsy Ross was an American hero. She was one of the early feminists before the term was coined. Betsy Ross was a strong, creative, hard-working woman. Why on earth should we attack her? Is this a new definition of ‘war on women’? It’s outrageous.” However, Limbaugh was quick to notice that internet crooks have already begun selling fake versions of the t-shirt, complete with Limbaugh’s signature in the artwork. He’s warning listeners, “The only place to purchase the official Rush Limbaugh approved Stand Up for Betsy Ross flag shirt is at www.rushlimbaughshowstore.com. Don’t get fooled!”
Emmis Fiscal Q1 Net Revenue Up 3% Pro Forma. Financial data from Emmis Communications Corporation’s first fiscal quarter ending May 31, 2019 is being released and the company reports net revenue of $26.4 million – flat compared to the same period in fiscal 2018. However, Emmis is a company going through changes as it divests of radio stations. Pro forma for radio station divestures,
Emmis’ first quarter radio revenue as reported to Miller Kaplan, which excludes barter revenues and syndication revenues, was up 3%, matching the 3% growth in Emmis’ markets. As previously reported, Emmis announced an agreement to sell its controlling interest in a partnership that owns and operates six Austin radio stations and two FM translators to Sinclair Telecable, Inc. Emmis also announced an agreement to form a new public company, Mediaco with New York investment firm Standard General. Mediaco is purchasing urban music stations WBLS-FM and WQHT-FM “HOT 97” from the company, but Emmis will continue to manage operations of the stations. After closing these transactions, Emmis expects to have approximately $88 million of cash available for reinvestment and other corporate purposes, after settling all tax obligations, closing costs, and assuming 
$13 million remains outstanding under the mortgage on its corporate headquarters. Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan says, “In the past 14 years, we’ve paid off more than $1.3 billion of debt while making the conscious decision to take our entrepreneurial skills and transition Emmis into new areas of growth. We believe that this fiscal year will reveal a new Emmis, and I couldn’t be more excited. Looking ahead, Emmis’ radio net revenues for its second fiscal quarter are currently pacing up double digits, largely thanks to a record-breaking ‘HOT 97’ Summer Jam concert in New York. Due to hard work and superior execution by our New York team, coupled with a terrific artist lineup, ticket revenue was the strongest in the 26-year history of Summer Jam. We are also seeing a nice strengthening in advertising sales overall, which points to an outstanding quarter ahead.”
Ratings Interpretations Add Controversy to Heated Mike Francesa-Michael Kay Battle in New York Sports Talk Radio. As expected, the New York media is
reporting on the ratings battle between WFAN afternoon personality Mike Francesa and WEPN’s Michael Kay show. And again, how the 
ratings numbers are tabulated matters. As James Kratch explains to readers at NJ.com, WFAN sells different ads on its stream and therefore rates it separately. WEPN sells the same adds on its air and stream and reports the figures combined. In Men 25-54, WEPN’s Michael Kay grabbed at 6.4 share for the Spring Book (April-May-June) compared to Mike Francesa’s radio-only 6.1 share. But, adding WFAN’s streaming listening, Francesa tops Kay 6.6 to 6.4.
Talkers 2019: Telling the Story Videos Continue Posting Today with the “Generating Talk Radio Revenue” Panel Discussion. TALKERS is continuing to post key speeches, presentations and sessions from the recent 22nd annual edition of the talk media industry’s longest-running and most-important national convention – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story. Today’s (7/11) post presents the important panel discussion titled “Generating Talk Radio Revenue in 2019” featuring (in alphabetical order) Asa Andrew, host, AsaRx; Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Suzanne Grimes, EVP/marketing, Cumulus Media and president, Westwood One; and Dave Robinett, chief marketing officer, #250-America’s Mobile Speed Dial. The panel is moderated by Erica Farber, president and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and introduced by renown independent station owner Michael Zwerling of KSCO/KOMY, Santa Cruz, CA. Posted yesterday (7/10): special keynote address by Key Networks syndicated personality Bill O’ Reilly. Already posted: one-on-one discussion, “Sports Talk Radio’s Role in Popular Culture” featuring a conversation between Mark Chernoff, senior VP/programming WFAN/Entercom, NY and captain/sports format, CBS Sports Radio and Mike Thomas, PD, WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub,” Boston and brand manager/spoken word, podcasts, esports, Beasley Broadcasting with Kate Delaney, host, GCN and correspondent NBC Sports Radio, serving as facilitator; panel discussion, “Broadcasting and Podcasting,” featuring (in alphabetical order) Greg Batusic, chief operating officer, PodcastOne; Steven Goldstein, founder/CEO Amplifi Media; Michael Czarnecki, program director, WONK-FM, Washington, DC and iHeartRadio Podcast Channel; and Craig Schwalb, former program director WABC, New York and WPRO, Providence with moderation by Mike Kinosian, managing editor/West Coast bureau chief, TALKERS; keynote “fireside chat” in which TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison interviews Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel star Sean Hannity in a casual one-on-one conversation introduced by DC Radio Company executive director Victoria Jones; opening address titled, “Telling the Story,” delivered by Lee Habeeb, host and producer of the successful syndicated program, “Our American Stories;” RAB president/CEO Erica Farber receiving the Woman of the Year award and SiriusXM Satellite Radio star “Cousin” Bruce Morrow receiving the Lifetime Achievement award. The convention took place in New York City on Friday, June 7 and was one of the most positively received in the event’s colorful history. TALKERS plans to add one or two videos per day to those posted until all the major events of the conference are posted here at Talkers.com where they will remain on view for the rest of the year. To see the videos and convention video page, please click here.
Pierce to Retire from Springfield Radio Shows. Forty-five-year radio pro Brian Pierce is retiring from this business and his two radio shows in the Springfield, Illinois market, effective July 26. Pierce is morning drive host at Mid-West
Family Broadcasting’s country WUSW “U.S. 92.7” and late morning host at sister news/talk WMAY-AM. In addition to his most recent work in his hometown of Springfield, Pierce has worked at WOAI, San Antonio; WEZB, New Orleans; WZOU, Boston; and KLUV, Dallas. He says, “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for a living. And I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to do what I love across the country and back here in my hometown. But now it’s time to stop getting up at 2:30 in the morning.”
TALKERS News Notes. Chicago news/talker WLS-AM is presenting the live
event, “STONE FREE: Mancow & Roger Stone – Uncensored,” on Sunday July 21. The evening of drinks, dinner, and conversation between former Trump advisor Roger Stone and Mancow takes place at Maggiano’s Little Italy in suburban Schaumburg. The event starts at 4:00 pm for guests with an upgraded “Cocktail Hour” ticket. They will have a pre-dinner drink with Roger Stone as he demonstrates how to make the perfect martini. A seated dinner starts at 5:00 
pm, followed by a conversation with Mancow and Stone and audience Q&A…..Resort Broadcasting’s news/talk/sports WGMD, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is named Best News Station Downstate by Delaware Today Magazine for the second straight year. The station was also named Best Sports Station for the third year running. WGMD recently adjusted its national programming, adding
Premiere Networks’ Sean Hannity show to the evening lineup…..Hubbard Radio and Florida Atlantic University agree to terms for sports talk WMEN-AM, Royal Palm Beach “640 The Hurricane” to serve as flagship for the school’s football and men’s basketball play-by-play. The new pact begins this school year and runs through the 2023-2024 school year.
New York Radio Legend Richard Neer Pens Ninth Book in Riley King Detective Series. Famed sports talk radio personality, Richard Neer of WFAN, New York – whose colorful radio career goes back to the legendary album rock days of WNEW-FM in the Big Apple – has penned the ninth in his successful
series of Riley King detective/crime novels. Titled, Wrecking Ball, there is a strong subplot involving a small local radio station’s struggle for survival and the lengths its owner must take to keep it going. There is some nostalgia for an earlier time when an innovative free format might have a shot at succeeding but fails in the harsh reality of today’s market. As usual in the King series, there are lots of rock ‘n’ roll and sports references, given the author’s background. Neer gained fame for writing the definitive FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio (Villard, 2001). It makes for great summer reading as Riley King attempts to solve the mystery of million-dollar beach houses collapsing for no apparent reason, and how the politics of a small resort town can be manipulated by greedy corporate interests. To arrange an interview with Richard Neer please email novelistcafe@twc.com.
Immigration Policy/Detention Facilities, Iran-British Tanker Incident, 2020 Presidential Race, Pelosi vs the Squad, Hurricane Threatens NOLA, and Jeffrey Epstein Case Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/10). The Trump Administration’s immigration policies and the controversy over conditions at border detention camps; Iran’s attempt to force a British tanker into Iranian waters; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s internal battle with the four freshman congresswomen known unofficially as “the squad”; a tropical storm threatens New Orleans and the Gulf Coast; and the sex trafficking charges leveled against billionaire hedge fund manager Jeffrey Epstein 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. Amarillo, Texas station KEYU-FM changes call letters to KVEW-FM and new owner Alpha Media installs a hip hop format, branded as “WE 102.9.” Alpha acquired the radio station from Grey Television, which had been programming a Spanish hits format. Alpha EVP of content and programming Phil Becker says, “Hip hop is the most consumed music in the world and one that our company is passionate about and believes in. The addition of ‘WE 102.9’ to our Amarillo cluster gives us the ability to offer our advertisers a new demographic and puts us in a great position to continue to be the market’s most-listened-to radio operators.” New operations manager Keith Curry is serving as the station’s PD…..Boston’s Matt Siegel, host of WXKS-FM “KISS 108’s “Matty in the Morning” show, has sold out his ninth live event at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre. Siegel began hosting the events in the fall of 2018. Called, “An Evening With Matty in The Morning at The Wilbur,” the show has sold more than 10,000 ticket
COOL JOB OPPORTUNITY: In New York, Pillar of Fire‘s WAWZ, Zarephath, New Jersey “STAR 99.1” reports it’s seeking a PD/air talent. “STAR 99.1 is NYC’s uplifting Christian adult contemporary station. We’re looking for the right person
to lead our programming department and continue to build our brand on the New York radio dial. But wait, there’s more! You’ll lead a “live & local” team of talent, create our on-air imaging, establish music philosophy, supervise hourly clock structure and execution, analyze PPM, on-line and auditorium research to serve our listeners and grow our audience. When it comes to digital, social media might as well be your second language. You will oversee text, video and voice content that drives traffic to our website, social and mobile communities. Together with a great team, you’ll work diligently to reflect the tastes, interests and values of a Christian listener. Apply today. Looking for 3 years of successful programming experience. Knowledge of NexGen, VoxPro, and Adobe Audition is a plus. To apply, submit your resume to jobs@star991.com. No Phone calls, please. WAWZ/Pillar of Fire is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
June 2019 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the June 2019 ratings period has been released for 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 June 2019 survey period covered May 23 – June 19. 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.
New York City
Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit without an increase the fifth straight time for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia
news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” is back in the top twenty (#21 to #20). Returning the one-tenth it gained in May (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” slips from #22 to #23. May’s increase halted five straight down or flat 
sweeps that resulted in an overall -.4 (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+). Four successive decreases by news/talk WABC have led to a loss of one-half share (1.5 – 1.3 -1.2 – 1.0 – .9, flat at #24, 6+). Approximately two weeks ago (6/27), John Catsimatidis-fronted Red Apple Media acquired WABC from Cumulus Media for $12.5 million in cash; the deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year.
An April spike of +1.2 by Entercom sports talk WFAN is followed by a May/June loss of seven-tenths (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+) as the Yankees’ flagship slumps from sixth to ninth. While flat at #19, WEPN falters by three-tenths (2.0 – 1.7, 6+). Before adding two-tenths in May, “98.7 ESPN New York” posted a 1.8 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+).
Entercom all-news siblings combine for a net May 2019 – June 2019 loss of one-half share: WINS is down four-tenths (3.9 – 3.5, 6+), while Mets flagship WCBS-AM is off one-tenth. They are unchanged at #9 and #15, respectively. In advance of adding two-tenths in May, WINS was -1.1 in three successive down or flat reports (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+). WCBS-AM is down the third straight time for a combined loss of nine-tenths (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+).
When WNYC-FM gained three-tenths in April, it pulled the plug on four successive down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -1.0 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+); however, the WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk station is a combined -.8 in May/June (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.1, #17 to #18, 6+). Meanwhile, the February 2019 through June 2019 topline for co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM is .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .2 (#34 to #37, 6+).
New York City Music Formats – Steady in third-place, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits,” which was down one full-share via four successive down or flat moves (6.4 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+), ends the slide by adding four-tenths to 5.8 (6+). At the same time, iHeartMedia classic rocker WAXQ “Q-104.3,” off one-half share in three consecutive dips (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 4.0, 6+), picks up three-tenths to 4.3 (6+) and carries on in sixth-place. It is a May-only stay at the top for Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” (6.8 – 6.2, -.6, 6+), which segues from a share of the lead to second. It was tied at #1 with WLTW “106.7 Lite FM.” The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet repeats May’s 6.8 (6+) and occupies the penthouse for the 24th consecutive ratings period. It posted a one-half share increase in March, but surrendered seven-tenths in April. A combined -5.3 in January/February (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), WLTW was +5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). An April decrease of four-tenths by WBLS interrupted three straight gains that accounted for a collective +1.3 (5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+). Coinciding with its sale from Cumulus Media to Educational Media Foundation, WPLJ flipped to contemporary Christian “K-Love Classics” and surrenders approximately 50% (-1.6) of its 6+ AQH share (3.1 – 1.5, #13 to #20, 6+). The legendary hot AC, however, went out on a very positive note, as it posted five straight New York City gains for a cumulative +1.1 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 3.1, “Holiday” 2018 through May 2019, 6+). Down one-tenth in May, Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” follows the WPLJ format change with an uptick of three-tenths (3.0 – 3.3, #14 to #13, 6+). Steady at #4, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” has a February 2019 through June 2019 topline of 5.3 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 (6+). Following four straight increases that netted eight-tenths (3.2 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” drops one-tenth to 3.9 (three-way tie at sixth to seventh, 6+). This is the tenth time in a row that rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WKTU “103.5 KTU” is within 3.1 – 3.7 range (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7, tenth to eighth, 6+). Its format rival, Emmis’ WQHT “Hot 97,” is a collective -.4 in three straight down or flat moves (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+) and drops out of the top ten (#10 to #11).
Los Angeles
Spoken-Word Formats – Down three-tenths in March/April (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” bounces back with a combined May/June
bump of eight-tenths (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+) and rockets into the top five (seventh to fifth). On the downside though, ever since debuting in February, its internet stream notched three straight up or flat moves (.6 – .6 – .7 – .8, #34, 6+), but disappears from print in June. Co-owned 
news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot,” which lost one-tenth in three straight down or flat sweeps (9 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+) before improving by two-tenths to 1.0 (6+) in May, forfeits one-tenth (.9, #31 to #32, 6+). Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” falters by three-tenths (.9 – .6, #32 to #35, 6+). The November 2018 through June 2019 topline for Cumulus Media-owned KABC is .5 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .6 – .5 – .4, 6+) as “790 News-Talk-Evolved” exits the top forty (#38 to #41).
Tied at #27 are iHeartMedia sports talk/Dodgers flagship KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (1.2 – 1.4, +.2, #28 to #27, 6+) and Disney-owned KSPN “710 ESPN” (1.3 – 1.4, +.1, flat at #27, 6+). After nearly doubling March’s 6+-stat with an April +.6 (.7 – 1.3, 6+), KLAC notched a one-tenth loss in May. Three down or flat moves in a row by KSPN accounted for a one-half share decline (1.6 – 1.5 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), but it gained two-tenths in May.
This is the fifth time in a row that Entercom’s KNX is without an increase and “1070 News Radio” is -1.0 in that (January 2019 – June 2019) timeframe (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, #13 to #14, 6+).
A loss of one-half share (2.3 – 1.8, 6+) sends Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” out of the top twenty (#18 to #23).
Los Angeles Music Formats – In addition to notching its sixth straight up or flat trend for a net gain of nine-tenths (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), KLOS cracks the top ten (#11 to #8). Meruelo Media Holdings acquired KLOS from Cumulus Media for $43 million and is programming the station under a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA). Steady in ninth-place, Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KLAX “97.9 La Raza” is a collective +1.1 in seven consecutive up or flat moves (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+). Los Angeles’ top three June 2019 finishers are all down from May but manage to retain their rankers. Included in that trio are Entercom classic hits-oldies and smooth AC cluster-mates KRTH “K-Earth 101” and KTWV “94-7 The Wave,” both of whom have positive streaks come to an end. As a result of six straight sweeps without a loss, KRTH was a cumulative +1.4 (4.4 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.8, 6+), but “K-Earth 101” drops four-tenths to 5.4 (6+) and is steady at #2. A collective +1.6 in five consecutive upticks (3.6 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), “The Wave” surrenders two-tenths to 5.0 (6+) yet carries on at #3. The third member of that group, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103.5,” falters by eight-tenths (6.6 – 5.8, 6+) but remains at #1 for the ninth straight time. After its “Holiday” 2018 13.0 (6+), “Coast” has followed with 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 5.8 (6+). Prior to January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), KOST was an overall +8.4 via five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). In four consecutive gains, Entravision Riverside Spanish adult hits KLYY more than doubled (+1.5) its Los Angeles 6+-stat (1.1 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+), but “Jose” falters by four-tenths to 2.2 (#16 to #18, 6+). Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary KXOL improved by one-half share through three straight improvements (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+); in June, however, “Mega 96.3” slips by three-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #12). Off seven-tenths in four successive sweeps without an increase (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” slips from fifth to seventh. The last time “Kiss” was under a four-share (6+) was in “Holiday” 2018 (3.5). Meanwhile, Entercom-owned/similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory for the 25th time in a row (flat at 2.4, #17 to #16, 6+). Down one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KYSR “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” is unchanged at 2.2 (#19 to #18, 6+). It is two-tenths ahead of format rival, Entercom-owned KROQ (2.0, +.1, #21 to #20, 6+), which halts four consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in a collective half-share deficit (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFSH “95.9 The Fish” records a .7 (6+) for the fifth time in the last six reports (.7 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .7 – .7, #36 to #34, 6+).
Chicago
Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight down or flat trends, Tribune Media
news/talk WGN surrendered six-tenths (3.5 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), but the White Sox flagship gains one-tenth in June to 3.0 (6+) and advances from #14 to #12. For the sixth consecutive report, Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM is without a loss and is +1.0 in that “Holiday” 2018 through June 2019 timeframe (1.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 
– 2.1, #22 to #21, 6+).
In May, Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” posted its best 6+-showing (4.2) since October 2018, but the Cubs flagship regresses by three-tenths to 3.9 (sixth to seventh, 6+). Up a collective four-tenths in three straight positive spikes (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+), Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” returns two-tenths to 1.2 (6+) but remains at #26.
Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM is an overall -1.4 via five successive down or flat moves (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+) and slips from second to third. Prior to April, WBBM-AM had been at #1 the previous three sweeps.
Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ is off a collective nine-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5, #16 to #19, 6+).
Chicago Music Formats – Unchanged at #11, Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “Que Buena 105.1” (3.2, +.1, 6+) curtails four successive setbacks that resulted in a -2.4 (5.5 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.1, 6+). Its January increase of nine-tenths halted a December/“Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-formatted WLEY “La Ley 107.9,” which lost seven-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (2.6 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+), adds one-tenth to 2.0 (6+) yet backslides from #21 to #22. With a steady January 2019 through June 2019 topline of 5.4 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.5 (6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” is #1 the third month in a row. April’s 5.9 is its highest 6+-stat since November 2017’s 6.3. All three main “Chicagoland” outlets that compete under the broad adult contemporary banner record modest May 2019 – June 2019 improvements. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s WLIT, an overall -9.4 as a result of five successive down or flat reports (13.3 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), applies the brakes with a gain of three-tenths (4.2, seventh to sixth, 6+); “93.9 Lite FM” was a combined +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+). Having faltered by one-half share in May, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WSHE “100.3 SHE” is up one-tenth to 2.9 (#16 to #15, 6+). Prior to May, WSHE notched an overall increase of eight-tenths via four consecutive up or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). Rounding out the market’s AC field, Venture Technologies Group-owned WRME-LP “FM 87.7 – Me TV” adds one-tenth as well (2.9 – 3.0, #14 to #12, 6+), reaching the three-share level (3.0, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 3.3. Up an overall seven-tenths in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WKSC “103.5 Kiss FM Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” forfeits one-tenth to 3.5 (6+) and stays in ninth-place. The February 2019 through June 2019 topline for Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” is 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 (#12 to #18, 6+). It is being pursued by iHeartMedia-owned WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” (1.6, -.2, #22 to #24, 6+). “Big 95.5” had been up or flat the past seven sweeps for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+). Its urban AC sibling, WVAZ “V-103,” is a combined -1.3 in May/June (5.6 – 5.2 – 4.3, third to fourth, 6+).
San Francisco
Spoken-Word Formats – Down three-tenths via three straight down or flat
trends (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO exits the top ten (#18 to #21). When cluster-mate KGO gained three-tenths in May, it ended seven successive down or flat sweeps that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), but KGO forfeits one-tenth in June to 1.6 (#24 to #26, 
6+). Following five consecutive times of recording a .2 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” slips to a .1 (#36 to #41, 6+).
While it repeats May’s 3.3 (6+), Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR “The Sports Leader” drops from an eighth-place tie to ninth. Even so, the Giants’ key station, which was +1.0 in April, retakes the lead over Entercom’s KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (3.3 – 3.0, -.3, #8 to #11, 6+). Flagship of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, “The Game,” nearly doubled (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three straight sweeps without a loss, dominated by May’s +1.4 (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 3.3, 6+).
Down four-tenths (6.6 – 6.2, 6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM concludes a May-only stay at #1 and segues to #2. It spent four straight months in the runner-up slot before picking up three-tenths in May and progressing to the top.
It trades places with Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED (6.3 – 6.6, +.3, second to first, 6+), which had been #1 four sweeps in a row, but faltered by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (7.3 – 6.8 – 6.3, -.5, 6+), segueing to #2 in May. San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is off a collective half-share via four straight drops (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .8, #29 to #30, 6+). This is directly after more than tripling (+.9) its 6+-share in nine successive sweeps without a loss (.4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+).
San Francisco Music Formats – Answering May’s loss of seven-tenths with a June increase of six-tenths, KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” returns to the top ten (#11 to #6). The iHeartMedia urban contemporary outlet is within 3.0 – 3.9 range for the 12th time in a row (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 3.6, 6+). April 2019’s 3.7 represents its best 6+-stat since October 2018’s 3.9. A one-half share increase (3.2 – 3.7, 6+) enables Bonneville CHR KMVQ “99.7 Now” – The Bay’s #1 For All The Hits” to zoom from tenth to fifth with its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (3.7, as well). A combined -1.4 in three straight dips (5.0 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” drops from fourth to sixth. Prior to April’s loss of six-tenths, “The Breeze” was an overall +1.2 via three straight gains (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+).
Unchanged at #12, iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3” is off one-half share in five successive down or flat trends (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). After a May increase of one-half share (3.5 – 4.0, 6+), Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” surrenders seven-tenths to 3.3 (fourth to ninth, 6+). Before dropping two-tenths in April, “The Bone” was +1.1 in three successive improvements (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+). Stuck on 1.6 (6+) in April and May, co-owned triple A KFOG falters by six-tenths to 1.0 (#28, 6+). Having posted five straight up or flat trends for a gain of seven-tenths (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” dips by one-tenth to 1.9 (#21 to #22, 6+). In four straight sweeps without an increase, urban AC sibling KBLX “Today’s R&B and Old School” surrenders a collective -1.1 (3.3 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, #14 to #18, 6+).
Dallas
Spoken-Word Formats – The good news continues for Cumulus Media’s WBAP
“News Talk 820,” which is without a loss the sixth time in a row for a “Holiday” 2018 through June 2019 +1.8 (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1, steady at #6, 6+). Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” is down three-tenths (.8 – .5, #35 to #36, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” is without an increase the third time in a row for a loss of two-tenths (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3, #37 to #38, 6+).
Following four straight declines in which it lost roughly 52% (-1.6) of its 6+-share (3.1 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” ends the slide with a gain of three-tenths to 1.8 (6+) as the flagship of the Texas Rangers climbs from #26 to #22. It overtakes Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time,” which plummets -1.0 to 1.7 (6+) and fades from the top twenty (#17 to #23). “The Ticket” had notched a 2.7 (6+) the past three reports. A combined +.3 in April/May (.6 – .8 – .9, 6+), Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” loses one-tenth to .8 (6+) but improves from #33 to #32.
Down one-tenth (2.3 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” repeats at #21 and has been within a (6+) high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0 since “Holiday” 2016.
In addition to dropping out of the top ten (#8 to #11), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet KERA is off a collective six-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+).
Dallas Music Formats – Faltering by a combined six-tenths in April/May (4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KDMX “Now 102.9 – More Music/More Variety” wipes away that deficit by dialing up a +1.0 to 4.7 (sixth to fourth, 6+), its best 6+-stat in exactly one year (4.7, as well in June 2018). Piling on six-tenths to May’s increase of one-tenth (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.9, 6+), Cumulus-owned country outlet KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” zooms from fourth to second. While it is #1 for the sixth month in a row, iHeartMedia-owned CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is nonetheless a combined -.9 in May/June (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+). Its dip of four-tenths in May brought to a close four successive up or flat sweeps that netted eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). April’s 6.7 is its best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 6.9. On top 12 straight times, “Kiss” shifted to #3 in “Holiday” 2018. The wild ride continues for WAY Media’s KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real,” which was -1.2 in March; a combined +1.2 in April/May (1.1 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+); and is now -1.4 in June (2.3 – .9, #21 to #30, 6+). Cut precisely in half (-.7) is the 6+ AQH share of Univision Radio regional Mexican KFZO “Zona MX 99.1” (1.4 – .7, #34, 6+). In six straight down or flat moves, iHeartMedia KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks” is an overall -1.1 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.7, #12 to #16, 6+).
Houston
Spoken-Word Formats – Flat at 3.5, (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH slips
from #13 to #14. “News Radio 740” was -.7 in December (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 in “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and +.7 in January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, 6+). Stuck on .4 (6+) in March and April, co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” is now frozen on .3 in May and June (#30 to #31, 6+).
In four straight sweeps without a loss, the flagship of the Houston Astros – iHeartMedia-owned KBME “Sports Talk 790” – has more than doubled (+.7) its 6+-stat (.5 – .6 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, steady at #22, 6+). Two-tenths behind KBME is Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” (1.1 – 1.0, flat at #23, 6+). Meanwhile, Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5,” which had logged a .8 seven times in the last nine ratings periods (.8 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+) drops to .7 (unchanged at #25, 6+).
Even though it gains four-tenths (2.1 – 2.5, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF remains at #19.
Houston Music Formats – Off six-tenths as a result of four straight reports without an increase (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz” erases that shortfall in its entirety with a gain of six-tenths to 3.9 (#14 to #13, 6+). Despite being an overall -5.0 in six straight declines (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” is #1 for the 15th sweep in a row. Immediately in advance of this skid, KODA was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive gains (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). Entering the June sweep, Entercom’s country-formatted KILT-FM was trending 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.1 (6+) but “100.3 The Bull” falters by seven-tenths to 4.4 (fifth to tenth, 6+). Before losing two-tenths in March, “The Bull” had been +1.7 via three upticks in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+). The six most recent fluctuations for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” are: +.5 (January, 6.5 – 7.0, 6+); -.8 (February, 7.0 – 6.2, 6+); +.5 (March, 6.2 – 6.7, 6+); -.6 (April, 6.7 – 6.1, 6+); another -.6 (6.1 – 5.5, 6+); and yet another -.6 in June (5.5 – 4.9, fourth to sixth, 6+). Prior to plummeting -1.5 in “Holiday” 2018, “Que Buena 102.9” was a collective +3.3 through five successive increases (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 8.0, 6+). A combined +.9 in April/May (5.0 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” surrenders one-half share to 5.4 (second to third, 6+). May’s 5.9 is its strongest 6+-showing since October 2017 (5.9, as well). After seven consecutive up or flat reports that yielded a +1.1 in that November 2018 through May 2019 period (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KQBT “93.7 The Beat” slips by one-tenth to 4.3 (6+) but stays at #11. Unchanged at #17, Liberman Broadcasting’s KQQK “El Norte 107.9” has lost seven-tenths in four successive reports without an increase (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+).
Atlanta
Spoken-Word Formats – Down an overall eight-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (7.1 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB
-AM nonetheless advances from third to second. It had slipped to the runner-up slot in April, following three straight months at #1. WSB-AM had been on top 37 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. Tied with a .2 (6+) and both unchanged at #29 are Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” (.3 – .2, -.1, 6+) and Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” (.3 – .2, -.1, #29, 6+). Elsewhere in the news/talk format, iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” has lost three-tenths via ten straight down or flat trends (.4 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, unchanged at #34, 6+).
An overall -1.1 in four straight sweeps without an increase (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” slips from #14 to #15. At the same time, Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” is up six-tenths in four consecutive up or flat moves (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+), as the AM flagship of the Atlanta Braves progresses from #18 to #17.
A loss of three-tenths (3.7 – 3.4, 6+) drops City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE from #11 to #12. Georgia State University news/talk WRAS has lost a collective three-tenths via three down or flat moves in succession (.8 – .6 – .5 – .5, #25, 6+).
Atlanta Music Formats – Not only is Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH #1 the third month in a row, “104.7 The Fish” is an overall +3.9 through five successive positive spikes (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9 – 8.8, 6+). Improving by one-half share each are Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” (5.2, seventh to sixth, 6+) and Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” (3.4, #14 to #12, 6+). “B-98.5” was a combined -1.0 in April/May (5.7 – 5.4 – 4.7, 6+); “Star” had been locked on 2.9 (6+) in April and May and has its best 6+-stat (3.4) since November 2018’s 3.8. After gaining two-tenths in May, Radio One’s WAMJ “Majic” erodes in June by -1.1 (6.3 – 5.2, third to sixth, 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. In the last three sweeps, Entercom urban contemporary WVEE posted gains of two-tenths each time (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.5, 6+), but “V-103 The People’s Station” regresses by three-tenths in June to 6.2 (6+) and shifts from second to third. Radio One’s similarly-programmed WHTA “Hot 107.9” is an overall -1.6 through four consecutive decreases (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). By procuring four-tenths (3.6 – 4.0, #12 to #8, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned CHR WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” overtakes its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which forfeits three-tenths (4.2 – 3.9, #8 to #10, 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. In three straight upticks, iHeartMedia’s country-formatted WUBL netted eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+), but “94.9 The Bull” drops one-tenth to 4.0 (ninth to eighth, 6+). The market’s other major country player, Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits,” is off one-tenth, as well (2.7 – 2.6, flat at #16, 6+). Before plummeting by -1.0 in February, “The Bull” was a collective +1.4 through four straight increases (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+). “Kicks 101.5” faltered by four-tenths in May, after being off three-tenths in March.
Philadelphia
Spoken-Word Formats – A loss of four-tenths (2.2 – 1.8, 6+) sends Entercom’s
WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” out of the top twenty (#20 to #22, 6+). In four straight dips, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” has lost a collective half-share (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, flat at #24, 6+).
Bouncing back from May’s loss of seven-tenths with a gain of three-tenths (5.6 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Phillies flagship WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” progresses from sixth to fourth. Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” – the key station of the 76ers and Flyers – sputters by six-tenths (2.7 – 2.1, #15 to #20, 6+), with 2.1 its lowest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 1.8.
Slipping from ninth to tenth, Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” is off a collective -1.2 via five straight sweeps without an increase (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+).
After three successive fluctuations of four-tenths (3.0 – 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.6, 6+), public news/talk WHYY is off one-tenth to 2.5 (6+) and remains at #16.
Philadelphia Music Formats – Four “City of Brotherly Love” outlets log May 2019 – June 2019 increases of one-half share: iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL “Power 99” (unchanged at #9, 6+); Radio One’s WPPZ “107.9 – Philly’s Classic R&B” (#17 to #12, 6+); Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 BEN- FM” (2.2 – 2.7, #20 to #14, 6+); and Temple University-owned WRTI “Your Classical and Jazz Source” (1.4 – 1.9, #21, 6+). In four successive up or flat trends, “Power” nets eight-tenths (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+), while “Philly’s Classic R&B” has nearly quadrupled (+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+). It flipped from gospel in mid-December 2018. The March 2019 through June 2019 topline for Entercom-owned adult contemporary WBEB is 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 7.0 (6+) as “Today’s 101.1 More FM” repeats at #1. Co-owned sports talk WIP was on top in January; classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL in February; WBEB in March; and Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK set the pace in April. “Today’s 101.1 More FM” was Philly’s market leader from March 2018 through June before being dislodged in July. 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 WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” is down the third time in a row for a collective loss of nine-tenths (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.4, #12 to #17, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat since October 2018 (2.4, as well). Also down the third consecutive month is iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks,” which has lost an overall eight-tenths since March (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.3, fifth to seventh, 6+). Following a combined +2.1 in January/February (5.0 – 6.3 – 7.1, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” is -1.2 in four straight down or flat sweeps (7.1 – 6.8 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.9, 6+) and carries on in fourth-place.
Long Island
Spoken-Word Formats – Logging its third straight gain for an overall increase of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” progresses from #15 to #13. Cumulus Media news/talk WABC has lost four-tenths in three downturns in a row (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1, #25 to #26, 6+).
Not only is Entercom sports talk WFAN #1 the third month in a row, the
Yankees’ flagship is +1.2 in four straight upticks (4.3 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5, 6+). This (5.5) is its highest 6+-share in Long Island since October 2018’s 5.6. Despite dropping one-tenth (2.3 – 2.2), similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” manages to improve from #17 to #15.
Entercom all-news WINS repeats May’s 3.0 (#12 to #11, 6+), while co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM (+.5 in April) is a combined -1.3 in May/June (3.8 – 2.9 – 2.5, #13 to #14, 6+).
Down or flat the fifth time in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM remains at #25.
Long Island Music Formats – Boasting increases of +1.0 each are Cox Media Group’s WBAB “102.3 – Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” (4.1 – 5.1, sixth to second, 6+) and Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” (3.4 – 4.4, ninth to sixth, 6+). The last time WBAB reached the five-share level (6+) was in July 2018 (5.0). In three straight upticks, Entercom alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3” gains one-half share (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1, #20 to #17, 6+). A loss of nine-tenths (2.6 – 1.7, 6+) by Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ sends “La Mega 97.9” below a two-share (1.7) for the first time since November 2018’s 1.8 and out of the top twenty (#15 to #22). Owing to three straight setbacks, Connoisseur Media-owned classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM” is a collective -1.6 (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1, #13 to #17, 6+). When hot AC sibling WALK-FM gained one-tenth in May, it halted four consecutive declines in which “97.5 – Real Variety” lost over half (-5.5) its 6+-share (10.5 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). In June, however, WALK-FM forfeits one-half share (5.1 – 4.6, second to fourth, 6+). A combined +6.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 6.5 – 10.5, 6+), WALK-FM spent five straight sweeps at #1 before shifting to the runner-up slot. Having shared the lead in April with sports talk cluster-mate WFAN, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM was flat in May at 5.1 (6+) and drops seven-tenths in June to 4.4 (second to sixth, 6+). An April gain of six-tenths by “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” suspended four successive sweeps without an increase that accounted for an overall loss of eight-tenths (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Up seven-tenths in three consecutive improvements (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WBLI relinquishes one-tenth to 4.5 (fourth to fifth, 6+). Following a net gain of seven-tenths via five straight sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia New York rhythmic CHR WKTU falters by three-tenths to 3.0 (#10 to #11, 6+). Co-owned New York City urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1,” which didn’t have a decrease in each of the last four reports netting one-half share (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+), surrenders two-tenths to 1.9 (#19 to #20, 6+).
Riverside
Spoken-Word Formats – Following seven consecutive sweeps without an increase (.4 – .2 – .2 -.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #23, 6+), iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is unlisted for the second month in a row.
The November 2018 through May 2019 topline for co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is: .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .1 – .2 – .1 (#23 to #21, 6+). For the 18th straight sweep, similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted.
Flat at #17, KVCR is up two-tenths to .6 (6+). The San Bernardino Community College news/talk station lost more than three-quarters (-1.3) of its 6+-share in April/May (1.7 – .8 – .4, 6+). Returning the two-tenths it gained in May (.1 – .3 – .1, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” remains at #21.
Riverside Music Formats – Not only is Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies outlet KOLA on top the third month in a row, it is a combined +1.8 in three straight positive spikes (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to May, the last time KOLA reached the eight-share level (6+) was February 2018 (8.4). KOLA finished second in 11 successive survey periods and went to #1 in April. Advancing by six-tenths as well in June are All-Pro adult contemporary KATY “101.3 The Mix” (#13 to #12) and co-owned rhythmic hot AC KHTI “Hot 103.9 – The I.E.’s Best Mix” (1.1 #16 to #13, 6+). After three consecutive down or flat trends that led to a loss of just one-tenth (.8 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+), “The Mix” nearly doubles its 6+-stat to 1.3 (6+), reaching a one-share for the first time since September 2018’s 1.1. Meanwhile, “Hot” had been without an increase the past four ratings periods for a net loss of three-tenths (.8 – .8 – .8 – .7 – .5, 6+). Off eight-tenths in four setbacks in a row (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “Family Friendly 89.7” ends the slide with a gain of one-tenth to 3.4 (flat at #5, 6+). While it continues in the runner-up slot the third month in succession, Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” is an overall -4.3 in seven straight declines (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+). In advance of the April ratings period, “Jose” occupied the #1 spot 11 sweeps in succession. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. Unchanged in ninth-place, LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” is a combined -1.1 in three drops in a row (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+), immediately following three successive improvements that yielded a collective +1.6 (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+).
San Jose
Spoken-Word Formats – In nine straight San Jose sweeps without an increase, Cumulus Media news/talk KGO has had its 6+ AQH share sliced exactly in half
(-1.5) but continues at #21 (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KSFO has lost a combined three-tenths in May/June (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+) and remains at #23.
Sports talk cluster-mate/Giants flagship KNBR “The Sports Leader” (4.2 – 3.7, seventh to eighth, 6+) and Entercom sports talk/Golden State Warriors key station KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (2.4, #11 to #15, 6+) each falter by one-half share. KNBR was +1.1 in April. In three consecutive positive spikes (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.9, 6+), “The Game” nearly doubled (+1.4) its 6+-stat.
All-news sibling KCBS-AM, which was -1.9 in three straight March through May decreases (7.1 – 6.7 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+), picks up four-tenths to 5.6 (sixth to fourth, 6+). The negative streak directly followed a collective +1.4 in four successive ratings periods without a loss (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+).
Slipping from second to third, after an April-only stay at #1, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED is off a collective -1.1 in three straight dips (7.1 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW repeats May’s 6+ AQH share (.7) and market rank (#27).
San Jose Music Formats – An increase of seven-tenths (3.2 – 3.9, tenth to seventh, 6+) enables Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “Hot Country 95.3” to match January 2019’s 3.9. Tacking on six-tenths to May’s +.8 (4.8 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC KEZR “Mix 106 – Today’s Best Music” jumps from fourth to second and hits the six-share threshold (6.2, 6+) for the first time since December 2018 (6.5); “Mix 106” was off eight-tenths in April. In three straight “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 up or flat trends, KEZR gained six-tenths (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+). In five consecutive sweeps without a gain (4.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KIOI “Star 101.3” is a collective -1.4 and slips from eighth to ninth. “Star” was -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, “Holiday” 2018, 6+); +.8 (3.8 – 4.6, January 2019, 6+); and -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, February, 6+). Yet another hot AC, Entercom’s KLLC “Alice @ 97.3,” is trending 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.3 (#15 to #18, 6+). With a one-half share uptick to 2.4 (#19 to #15, 6+), University of Southern California classical KDFC pulls the plug on four drops in a row that accounted for a -1.7 (3.6 – 2.9 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KJLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” pops on at #28 (.6, 6+). Trending 7.7 – 6.2 – 7.5 – 7.7 (6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. “Bay FM” answered April’s -1.5 with a +1.3 in May (6.2 – 7.5, 6+) as KBAY returned to #1 after an April-only stay at #2. Prior to the April sweep, “Bay FM” had been +1.5 via three upticks in a row (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). It was a combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (8.0 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), after an overall +1.7 in October/November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+). Cumulus Media triple A KFOG erodes by nine-tenths (2.1 – 1.2, 6+) and drifts from the top twenty (#18 to #23). A combined +2.0 in April/May (3.8 – 5.3 – 5.8, 6+), Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” forfeits 25% of that increase in June (5.3, -.5, third to fifth, 6+). A combined -1.1 in three successive declines (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” slips from fifth to sixth. For the sixth straight month, KOIT-FM “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” is unlisted in San Jose. As the result of five straight increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), it was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018. The Bonneville adult contemporary outlet remains in print in the San Francisco report.
Middlesex
Spoken-Word Formats – On top the sixth month in a row, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW is nonetheless -1.2 via five successive downturns (8.1 – 7.9 –
7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9, 6+); “New Jersey 101.5” was +1.2 in January. Despite being off one-tenth (3.0 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR inches up from #16 to #15. Down or flat the past four months for 40% (-.4) reduction of its 6+-stat (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .7 – .6, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC ends the slide with a one-tenth pickup to .7 (flat at #27, 6+). As mentioned above, on June 27, John Catsimatidis-led Red Apple Media acquired WABC from Cumulus Media for $12.5 million in cash; the deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year.
Regaining the one-tenth it lost in May (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Yankees key station WFAN is back in the top ten (#13 to #10). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” returns roughly half the seven-tenths it added in May (2.5 – 2.1, -.4, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#19 to #21).
Up one-tenth each are Entercom all-news/Mets flagship WCBS-AM (2.4 – 2.5, #20 to #18, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-programmed WINS, which has an August 2018 through June 2019 topline of: 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 (#25 to #24, 6+). WCBS-AM was off one-half share in May, after having improved by seven-tenths in March/April (2.2 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+).
WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM is off a combined half-share in May/June (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0, #21 to #22, 6+).
Middlesex Music Formats – When iHeartMedia New York mainstream CHR WHTZ sputtered by four-tenths in May, it halted four straight improvements that netted +1.9 (4.3 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+). In June, “Z-100” notches a gain of eight-tenths (5.8 – 6.6, 6+) and remains in the runner-up slot. An overall +1.1 in three upticks in succession (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+), Entercom hot AC WNEW “NEW 102.7” leaps from a ninth-place tie to a fifth-place tie. It has one less hot AC rival, following the completed transaction between Cumulus Media and Educational Media Foundation in which WPLJ transitions from hot AC to contemporary Christian as “K-Love Classics.” In the first Middlesex-Somerset-Union monthly in its new format, WPLJ registers the highest (6+) May 2019 – June 2019 decrease of any station in the 12 PPM-markets listed here (3.8 – 2.0, -1.8, #11 to #22, 6+). In its final hot AC sweep, “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” logged a one-half share uptick; WPLJ posted a +1.0 in April. A cumulative +1.2 as a result of five consecutive monthlies without a decrease (2.5 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3” forfeits two-thirds of that increase (2.9, -.8, #12 to #13, 6+). Spiraling by six-tenths each are Pillar Of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” (4.0 – 3.4, #7 to #12, 6+); Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” (3.6 – 3.0, flat at #13, 6+); and Beasley Media Group’s WDHA “105.5 The Rock of New Jersey” (2.0 – 1.4, #25, 6+).
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Cumulus Makes $115 Million Term Loan Prepayment. In a statement, Cumulus Media announces that it has made a $115 million on its first lien senior secured term loan. It adds that in the year since emerging from bankruptcy, it has reduced its total outstanding debt by $200 million and bringing net leverage down from approximately 5.8x at emergence to approximately 4.8x with this
payment. Cumulus made the debt prepayment with proceeds from sale of six radio stations to Educational Media Foundation that brought in $103.5 million in cash. Cumulus is also agreeing to sell KLOS-FM, Los Angeles to Meruelo Media for $43 million and plans to use those net proceeds to pay down more debt. Cumulus president and CEO Mary Berner says, “In our ongoing efforts to strengthen the business, Cumulus has been relentlessly focused on executing our key strategic priorities and meeting our financial objectives. The milestone we achieved today — $200 million of debt reduction in the first year since we emerged from Chapter 11 — resulted from those efforts and is another example of the progress we continue to make in implementing our business plan. I would like to thank the entire Cumulus team for the hard work and dedication which have produced such a tremendous record of achievement over the past year, and I have every confidence that, together, we will be able to further improve our financial position and continue to deliver on the goals we have laid out for the business.”
PPM Analysis: Internet Streams. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian looks at the internet stream ratings from Nielsen Audio’s April PPM survey. In this report, Kinosian ranks stations based on streaming listening – iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles ties with Entercom’s rock KISW, Seattle at the top with a 0.7 (weekly, 6+ AQH share). He also breaks down streaming listening by format (sports talk comes out on top in the PPM markets) and by market. See him entire report here.
TALKERS News Notes. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder,
former WLS-AM, Chicago personality Garry Meierwill be doing some sub work on the Cumulus Media news/talk station. Meier was on WLS-AM with then-partner Steve Dahl during the early 1980s and again with former partner Roe Conn from 1995 to 2004. He’ll sit in with current WLS-AM morning host Mancow Muller on June 21 and them fill in for him during the week of June 24…..In Houston, sports 
talk media personality Paul Gallant announces via social media that he’s exited Entercom’s sports talk KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” where he was most recently co-host of the “Mad Radio” morning show with Mike Meltser and Seth Payne. Gallant had been working without a contract since the beginning of the year. He continues to co-host the weekly, Friday night “Just Sayin” television program with Patti Smith and John Granato on KUBE-TV…..New York sports talk radio host Tony Paige – overnight personality on Entercom’s WFAN – announced to his
listeners that he’ll retire from the station on September 14. He’s been with WFAN for the past 16 years. He told his listeners that his health is fine, he just thinks it’s time…..KGO, San Francisco afternoon drive host Chip Franklin riled up FOX News Channel host Leland Vittert during a recent appearance on the cable news channel. Franklin held up a photo (pictured at right) of John McCain, causing Vittert to ask him why he was doing it. Franklin told him, “In the off-chance the president’s watching. Real heroes out there, Pete Buttigieg, others that have served this country, just a thought.”
TALKERS Convention Set for This Friday in New York City. The 22nd annual installment of the longest-running and most important convention in the talk media industry (radio, television, satellite, internet) – Talkers 2019: Telling the Story – is set for this Friday, June 7 in the colorful Chelsea district of Manhattan at the ultra-modern Helen Mills Event Space and Theater. More than 67 speakers will address the hottest issues, challenges and opportunities facing talk radio and its related media and business communities before a sold-out crowd of media professionals. TALKERS will provide on demand video coverage of the key sessions of this colorful event shortly after it takes place for those who have been locked out due to on-site space limitations. For the latest agenda and information about this historic convention, please click here.
Trump in England, Trade Wars with China and Mexico, 2020 Presidential Race, Impeachment Talk, Big Tech Anti-Trust Investigation, Parkland Deputy Charged, Red Meat/White Meat Controversy, and Holzhauer’s ‘Jeopardy!’ Run Ends Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/4). The official state visit to the U.K. by President Trump; the tariffs the U.S. is placing on Chinese exports and threatening to put on Mexican exports; the Democrats vying to challenge Trump in 2020; Democrats increasing talk of impeachment proceedings against President Trump; the House Judiciary Committee’s investigation into possible Big Tech anti-trust activity; former Parkland, Florida deputy Scot Peterson is charged with failing to protect the students at Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School; the new report equating white meat and red meat in high cholesterol potential; and James Holzhauer’s improbable “Jeopardy!” run ends were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Iconic LA Jock Humble Harve Dies at 84. Legendary radio personality and Boss Radio jock Humble Harve, a.k.a. Harvey Miller, died at his home in Camarillo, California yesterday (6/4) at the age of 84. The Philadelphia native arrived in Southern California in the mid-1960s as PD and air personality at KBLA. He worked at KHJ-FM, Los Angele from 1967 to 1971. Read more at Don Barrett’s LARadio.com here.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In the Raleigh-Durham market, Curtis Media Group drops the classic country on WQDR-HD3/W225DF and launches a new hot AC format branded as “STAR 92.9.” The station will feature the Charlotte-based “Bob & Sheri” show in morning drive. Curtis general manager Terry Ratliff says, “Our success with our top 40 station, ‘Pulse FM 96.9/102.5,’ led us to launch the new ‘STAR 92.9.’ It gives us the opportunity to go beyond today’s hits to play a deeper library of superstars. We are also very excited to welcome Bob and Sheri to the Triangle. They have a proven track record in other North Carolina markets, and we look forward to introducing them to the Triangle on ‘STAR 92.9.’”…..Jason “Budman” Paige is the new co-host and executive morning show producer for the “Big
Mama and the Wild Bunch Show” Beasley Media Group’s CHR WXKB-FM, Cape Coral, Florida (Ft. Myers/Naples market). Beasley SWFL operations manager Adam Star says, “‘Budman’ is a game changer. He has so many different unique skillsets to bring to the table. We are ecstatic to have him on the ‘Big Mama and the Wild Bunch’ team.”…..Adams Radio names Lisa Layne vice president and market manager for its Salisbury/Ocean City, Maryland group that includes rock WZBH “The Beach,” CHR WOCQ “OC 104,” classic rock WGBG “Big 107.7,” country WUSX, and classic hits WOCQ-HD2/W282AW “KOOL FM.” She says, “I am so excited for this next chapter of my radio career. I’m confident that as the new leader for Adams Radio Delmarva we will grow our brands and get even better results for our clients. I look forward to serving the community and building a legacy we all at Adams Radio can be proud of.”
Friday, April 12, 2019
Sean Hannity Named Among Top 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media. This 2019 edition is the ninth annual list of the 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media published by The Hollywood Reporter, and Premiere Networks syndicated radio personality and FOX
News Channel star Sean Hannity is once again on the list. The Hollywood Reporter points out Hannity’s achievements, including his status as a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame and winner of a Marconi Award, and his hosting 2018’s most-watched cable news show. It also writes that his “closeness with Trump has bestowed unprecedented influence — not to mention well-watched exclusive interviews. Even his time slot rival, CNN’s Chris Cuomo, calls Hannity ‘the most powerful person in the media.’” The only other FNC personalities to make the list are FOX & Friends hosts Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, and Brian Kilmeade and FOX News’ Shepard Smith. See the list here.
KNBR, San Francisco Renews Midday Personality Larry Krueger. Twenty-two-year KNBR sports talk personality Larry Krueger signs a multi-year contract extension with the
Cumulus Media station to continue co-hosting the 10:00 am to 1:00 pm show with Gary Radnich. Krueger also serves as host of the pre- and post-game shows for San Francisco 49ers and Stanford Cardinal football broadcasts. KNBR program director Jeremiah Crowe says, “Larry is a cornerstone of KNBR ‘The Sports Leader.’ He brings a tremendous work ethic and ability to connect with Bay Area sports fans weekdays on ‘Gary & Larry,’ while also providing listeners with first-class coverage across KNBR’s San Francisco 49ers and Stanford Cardinal game day broadcasts. We are extremely proud to extend our relationship with Larry for years to come.”
WLS-AM, Chicago Celebrates 95 Years on the Air. Today, Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago is celebrating its 95th birthday on the air and will mark the milestone with live interviews, contests, as well as “throw-backs showing WLS’s long legacy serving
Chicago, Illinois, and much of the lower 48 for 95 years.” The station first launched on April 12, 1924, as Sears-Roebuck and Company’s own broadcast outlet to reach and market to farmers. Shortly after 6:00 pm that day, Edgar Bill stepped to the microphone and exclaimed: “Here ye, here ye, here ye! WLS, the Sears-Roebuck station is on the air!” The call letters WLS stood for “World’s Largest Store” and first aired farm and civic programming, popular music, comedies and radio serials. Guests on the station today will include numerous former WLS-AM staffers and Chicago media icons including: John Records Landecker, Roe Conn, John Gehron, Garry Meier, Tom Tradup, Tim Sabean, and more.
Beasley Names Burton Las Vegas Cluster Manager. Media management pro Peter Burton is named vice president and market manager for Beasley Media Group’s Las Vegas
operations that includes news/talk KDWN and four music-formatted stations. Burton was most recent COO of California-based Converze Media. Prior to that he’d served with Entercom as VP/GM of its Los Angeles stations. He also worked in the rep firm end of the business with both Katz and CBS. Burton says, “Las Vegas is one of the most dynamic growth markets in the country. The Beasley family has assembled a group of radio stations with amazing potential. I’m thankful for the opportunity to join their team.”
Mueller Report Aftermath Remains Top News/Talk Story for Week of April 8-12. The events following Robert Mueller’s report to the AG’s office were again the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the Southern border crisis and the related shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security. Coming in tied at #3 were 2020 presidential politics and the attempts to get President Trump’s tax returns, followed by the college admissions scandal 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.
TALKERS News Notes. Per Rodney Ho’s report in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, WYAY-FM “Talk 106.7” afternoon drive host Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson and co-host Pete Davis
were suspended for three days this week by Cumulus Media management for his on-air comment about U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath that was deemed sexist. Ho reports the on-air conversation was about gun laws and Rep. McBath and included Davis saying to Peterson, “You’re there to knock Lucy McBath back into the kitchen.” With Peterson replying, “Yeah, go back to sewing stuff and leave my guns alone!” The company issued a statement condemning Peterson’s comments. As regular TALKERS readers are aware, WYAY is being sold to Educational Media Foundation and will flip to a Christian music format. Closing is expected to take place as 
early as next month…..The New Orleans Advocate is reporting that a local ownership group that includes actor Wendell Pierce, local PR firm owner Cleveland Spears, business consultant Troy Henry and local media entrepreneur Jeff Thomas are buying urban talk station WBOK, New Orleans. The group has formed Equity Media and expects to close the deal within a few months. Bakewell Media is the current owner of the station. Equity Media says in a statement, “The opportunity to elevate the station by ensuring that it provides a well-rounded view of major issues that affect the day-to-day lives of African Americans is something that we all feel immensely passionate about.” After taking over the station, the new owners say they will launch “a full assessment of the organization, programming and brand identity, with plans for a relaunch of the station in mid-summer.”…..In Western Massachusetts, the radio and television public media outlets are merging into one company called New England Public Media. Coming together are New England Public Radio’s WFCR-FM, Amherst and WGBY-TV, Springfield. A statement from the organizations says they will merge to form an independent non-profit, expected to close near July 1.
Golf Tourney Raises $100k for Broadcasters Foundation of America. Concurrent with this week’s NAB Show in Las Vegas, broadcasters took part in the Philip J. Lombardo Charity Golf Tournament at Bali Hai Golf Club that raised a record $100,000 in support of the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America to help broadcasters in need. Pictured above (l-r) are: Leo MacCourtney, president of Katz Television Group; Michael O’Brien, VP distribution, E.W. Scripps Company; Ralph Oakley, president/CEO of Quincy Media, Inc.; Matthew Johnson, director of sales, Katz Television Group; and Jim Thompson, president of the Broadcasters Foundation of America.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In Houston, Cumulus Media inks night jock Tyler Frye to a new deal to continue his role with CHR KRBE-FM. Program director Leslie Whittle says, “Tyler launched ‘H-Town Live with Tyler Frye’ on KRBE four years ago and hasn’t looked back. When you listen to him each night
you know exactly what’s happening in our great city at that moment, plus his social game is second to none. He’s truly formed a relationship with our listeners because he understands how to communicate on all levels. I’m thrilled to continue our partnership! I am beyond excited and extremely humbled to sign an extension with one of the most successful and legendary radio stations in the country. This city and my coworkers are truly second to none.”…..Lon Helton, host of Westwood One’s “Country Countdown USA” and publisher of Country Aircheck, was honored for his impact on country music with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award during an event held Wednesday (4/10) at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The award was created in 2014 to recognize the most deserving individuals across the spectrum of record label/industry, creative/production and radio/media. The evening benefitted the Opry Trust Fund, which for more than 50 years has supported members of the country music community in need. Among the artists who performed at the event were: Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Eli Young Band, Vince Gill, Randy Owen, Carly Pearce, Steve Wariner, Mark Wills, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young and a special appearance by Randy Travis. The award was presented by Bob Kingsley himself. Pictured below are (from l-r): Kingsley; country star Trisha Yearwood; Helton; the Grand Old Opry’s Sally Williams; and country legend Garth Brooks.
