Tag: "WLS-AM"

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Townsquare Media Co-Founder Dhruv Prasad to Exit the Company. Company co-founder and current co-CEO Dhruv Prasad announces he will leave Townsquare Media, Inc at the end of this month.  Current co-CEO Bill Wilson will become the sole chief executive officer.  The company adds that, in addition to Wilson, co-founder and CFO Stuart Rosenstein and EVP Claire Yenicay will assume Prasad’s management responsibilities.  Prasad comments, “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished since founding Townsquare in 2010.  From scratch, we created not only the nation’s third-largest radio broadcaster, but also built new, profitable businesses in live events and digital.  With the company on strong footing and in the hands of an outstanding senior management team, it’s time for me to move on to my next challenge.” Wilson states, “I want to thank Dhruv for his contributions to Townsquare over his longstanding tenure, and in particular, his partnership over the past year as co-CEO.  Together, we were able to reorient Townsquare to focus on our ‘Local First’ strategy and successfully rationalize our non-local businesses.  I look forward to continuing this strategy, which has driven strong local growth in 2018, particularly within our digital businesses, and solidified our position as the premier local advertising and marketing solutions company in the heartland of America.”

Mancow Begins New Year Hosting Mornings on WLS-AM, Chicago. As had been teased prior to the holidays, Erich Mancow Muller is the new morning drive personality on Cumulus Media’s Chicago news/talker WLS-AM.  He’ll launch the new morning show tomorrow (1/3). Last month, the station announced that the morning team of Big John Howell and Ramblin’ Ray Stevens was exiting the morning daypart, but Howell stays with the station hosting the new 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm program.  This is a return to WLS-AM for Muller.  He co-hosted the midday show with Pat Cassidy from 2008 to 2010.  Mancow had been hosting the morning program at classic rock WLUP-FM until last March when owner Merlin Media sold the signal to religious operator Educational Media Foundation.  Since then, Muller has been off the air.  He’ll once again be working for Marv Nyren, Cumulus Media’s vice president and market manager for Chicago.  Interestingly, Nyren fired Muller from alternative WKQX in 2006 and when he became Cumulus’ market manager (Cumulus was operating WLUP under an LMA) in 2017, Muller sued him for harassment and emotional distress.  However, the suit was dropped and the two have obviously overcome their differences.  John Dempsey is still the morning news anchor and Midge “Luv Cheez” Ripoli will serve as the show’s executive producer.

KKOB-AM, Albuquerque Afternoon Host Scott Stiegler to Exit. Actually, Scott Stiegler is remaining with the Cumulus Media station and will move to the sales department. The station says it will have an announcement about the programming change on January 7, but New Mexico blogger Joe Monahan reports that former longtime morning rock jock T.J. Trout will take over the afternoon drive show.  Trout served with iHeartMedia’s crosstown KZRR “94 Rock” for 25 years until he exited the station in 2011. According to Monahan, Trout is returning to the market after retiring to his hometown of Cleveland in 2011.

Salem Debuts Sebastian Gorka on 340 Affiliates and 24/7 in Washington.  New Year’s Day marked the national syndication debut of “America First with Dr. Sebastian Gorka” from Salem Radio Network.  In addition to launching on some 340 affiliate stations across the country, the program is being heard in the Washington, DC market on four signals – including round the clock on Salem-owned WSPZ-AM.  The show can also be heard in DC on Salem’s news/talk WWRC “AM 570 The Answer,” WAVA-AM, and WAVA-HD2.

2019: Welcome to the Golden Age of Audio.  Consultant Holland Cooke launches a new, weekly column in TALKERS magazine called the “Monday Memo” in which he outlines “techniques proven to produce results and how these timeless basics advantage us on the changing media landscape.”  Coming on Monday (1/7) at Talkers.com, Cooke will address “how smart stations score smartphone clicks and earn digital dollars podcasting.”  Meanwhile, read today’s introductory piece explaining some of the good news/bad news scenarios facing the radio business here.

Davis Media to Launch ‘All News 102’ in Virginia Beach. The current triple A format on Davis Media’s WXTG-FM, Virginia Beach; WXTG-AM, Hampton; and W270DA, Hampton is flipping to all-news on Monday (1/7).  Davis Media says, “Listeners can expect ‘All-News 102’ to feature a wide variety of national and local news. Our content partners include ABC Radio, NBC Sports Radio, Bloomberg Radio, Accuweather, Reliant Traffic, Associated Press, Virginia News Network, and content from our sister publications, wydaily.com and southsidedaily.com.  While the focus for the station is news and not talk – community conversation will have its place. Throughout each newsday, ‘All-News 102’ will host discussions with local newsmakers regarding compelling, focused topics to inform communities and promote more thoughtful daily considerations and learnings for audiences.”  The triple A format continues on the company’s WTYD-FM, Deltaville, Virginia.

SB Nation Announces New Programming. The national radio syndication lineup of SB Nation Radio has a few changes in the New Year.  The KDUS-AM, Phoenix-based “Calling All Sports” show featuring Roc, Manuch, and Crespin airs on the network in the 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm ET slot.  The show has been airing on KDUS-AM for the past 14 years.  Other changes include Jake Asman hosting “The Power Hour” from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET and Dave Smith joining the network for weekend show hosting duties.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Vinny D joins Beasley Media Group’s hip hop WMGC, Detroit “105.1 The Bounce” as afternoon drive personality.  He was most recently with Urban Radio’s hip hop WMSR-FM “Power 94.9” and urban contemporary WMXV “V101.5” in Tuscumbia, Alabama.   WMGC program director John Candelaria comments, “We are thrilled to find a diamond in the rough.  He is authentic and funny.  Detroit is a blue-collar city and Vinny D is eager to roll up his sleeves and serve our community!”…..Entercom adds Greg “Grego” Onofrio to the air staff of adult hits KKHH, Houston “95.7 The Spot.”  Onofrio was previously an anchor and on-camera commentator at KIAH-TV, Houston “CW 39” where he hosted “NewsFix,” an alternative presentation to traditional local news.  Before working in television, he hosted “Outlaw Radio” on then-rock KLOL-FM, Houston. nighttime show at Rock 101 KLOL in Houston…..Cumulus Media flips country WIWF, Charleston, South Carolina to classic hits as “The All-New 96.9 The Wolf.”  Cumulus Charleston vice president and market manager Sherry Dollar says, “Our New Year’s resolution is to be the station that only plays the best of Charleston’s classic hits.  We think listeners will love hearing the songs that have stood the test of time and are now classics!  Their all-time favorites all have a home at 96.9 FM.”…..In the Akron-Canton market, iHeartMedia debuts new adult contemporary outlet WHOF-FM “SUNNY 101.7, Variety from the 80s, 90s and Today.”  The station is airing 5,000 commercial-free songs in a row and says it will have details about its new air personality lineup in the coming weeks…..Beasley Media Group launches new classic rock outlet WPBB-FM, Tampa “98.7FM The Shark” that is focused on rock songs from the 80s and 90s.  The station begins airing the Detroit-based “Dave & Chuck the Freak” in mornings on Monday (1/7).  Beasley EVP of programming Justin Chase says, “It’s been many years since Tampa Bay had a true classic rock station on a full signal and we’re excited to offer the next generation of classic rock to such a great rock market.”…..Cumulus Media names Summer James midday personality for adult contemporary WTCB, Columbia, South Carolina “B106.7.”  James has worked for Cumulus in Los Angeles.   She says, “I’m so excited to be joining this great team on the air in the Capital City.  They have a winning philosophy, I love South Carolina, and we have the signal to rock the state in 2019!”

December 2018 PPM Data – Round One. REVISED information for the December 2018 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 December 2018 survey period covered November 8 – December 5. 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 – As a result of being off three-tenths in consecutive months (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.7, October-November-December, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” completely forfeits its cumulative +.6 in September and October (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). In addition to posting its eighth straight monthly report without a loss for an overall +.5 (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” climbs from #23 to #22. Up or flat the fifth straight month for a net gain of three-tenths (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC checks in at #24.

Following November’s loss of seven-tenths, Entercom sports talk WFAN is down another two-tenths (3.7 – 3.5, eighth to tenth, 6+). The flagship of the Yankees, New York Giants, and Brooklyn Nets was -.8 in September and +.5 in October; 4.7 in May, July and August is its best 6+-showing since November 2017’s 5.2. Without a loss the past four months for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1. 7 – 1.8, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” forfeits three-tenths to 1.5 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #23). The New York Jets and New York Knicks flagship was locked on 1.7 (6+) in May and June.

Frozen on 4.2 (6+) in July, August, and September, Entercom all-news WINS was then stymied at 4.4 (6+) in October and November before dropping one-tenth in December to 4.3 but advances from sixth to fifth. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is a combined +.8 in four consecutive positive spikes (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+) yet backslides from a three-way tie at #11 to #12.

The rollercoaster ride continues for WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s news/talk WNYC-FM, which was a cumulative -.7 (May, June, and July); +.7 (August); -.6 (September); +.6 (October); -.4 (November); and now +.6 in December (3.0 – 3.6, #15 to #9, 6+). For the third month in a row, co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM logs a .5 (steady at #28, 6+). Prior to September’s .6 (6+), WNYC-AM recorded a .5 (6+) three times in a row.

New York City Music Formats – After being down by four-tenths in back-to-back survey periods (7.5 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” roars back with a +2.4 in December to 9.1 (6+) and is #1 for the 17^th successive sweep. An overall -1.6 through three setbacks in succession (8.5 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.9, 6+), WLTW (which was 8.8, 6+, in December 2017) was a combined +.6 in August and September (6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5, 6+). With a consistent July 2018 through November 2018 topline of 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.2 – 6.3 (6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM sputters by nine-tenths in December to 5.4, but “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” carries on in third-place. Four successive up or flat trends by Emmis urban AC WBLS accounted for a net +1.2 (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+); however, “107.5 – #1 For R&B” returns two-thirds of that increase (5.7, -.8, flat at #2, 6+). In five-share range (6+) for 33 sweeps in succession, WBLS recorded a 6.1 (6+) in June 2018. Flat at #8, rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WQHT “Hot 97” 6+), is without an increase for the sixth straight time for a cumulative loss of three-tenths (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+). Up a collective half-share in October and November (4.3  – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” surrenders six-tenths to 4.2 (fifth to seventh, 6+). Co-owned Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1,” which had been up or flat the past four ratings periods in succession for an overall gain of nine-tenths (2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+), drops one-tenth to 3.3 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #13).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though it is without an increase the seventh time in a row for a collective loss of nine-tenths (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” manages to climb from seventh to sixth. Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” and iHeartMedia news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” are tied at #31 with identical profiles (1.1 – .8, -.3, 6+). In consecutive sweeps, Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” gains two-tenths (.3 – .5 – .7, #40 to #35, 6+).

Practically doubling its 6+-stat (+.7) through three positive spikes in a row (.8 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+), Los Angeles Rams’ AM flagship KSPN “710 ESPN” forfeits two-tenths to 1.3 (#25 to #26, 6+). Prior to August’s loss of four-tenths, KSPN gained one-tenth in three straight sweeps (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+). Following ten (10) successive ratings periods without a loss – in which time it more than quintupled (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share (.4 – .4 – .5 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” erodes by two-thirds (-1.4) to .7 (6+), plummeting from #22 to #35. KLAC is the flagship of the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers and is among the key stations of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers.

A gain of three-tenths (2.8 – 3.1, 6+) propels Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio” back into the top ten (#11 to #9).

The ten (10) most recent 6+ stats for Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” (#unchanged at #14) are an extremely steady 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.5.

Los Angeles Music Formats – Over and above repeating at #1, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST racks up a +3.9 and is up for the fourth month in succession for an overall +4.4 (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0, 6+). In December 2017, “Coast 103.5” was 8.7 (6+). While unchanged at #3, Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH is a collective -.7 as a result of four straight down or flat trends (5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+).“K-Earth 101” was on top in October 2018. Prior to that sweep, the last time a non-iHeartMedia-owned station was #1 in Los Angeles was November 2015 – and it was “K-Earth” with a 5.7 (6+). Sandwiched between KOST and KRTH is iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM,” which gains two-tenths to 4.9 (6+), thus snapping at five a consecutive string of decreases that resulted in an overall loss of -1.1 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). When “My-FM” was dislodged from the top spot in October, it halted a streak of five successive months at #1. As the result of four consecutive upticks (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), KUSC is a collective +.7 as the University of Southern California classical outlet enters the top twenty (#19). Finishing at #23, Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “Zona MX 101.9” is without an increase for the seventh time in a row for an overall loss of nine-tenths (2.6 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+). Meanwhile, Liberman Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KBUE “Que Buena” is down or flat for the fourth straight sweep for a -.3 (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+) but stays at #20. In the market’s alternative contest, iHeartMedia’s KYSR “Alt 98.7” returns the three-tenths it gained in November (2.7 – 2.4, #14 to #16, 6+), while Entercom’s KROQ is down or flat for the fourth successive sweep for a -.7 (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+), dipping from #17 to #20. Unchanged at #5, smooth AC sibling – KTWV “94.7 The Wave” – is nonetheless off one-half share in December (4.3 – 3.8, 6+). The June 2018 – September 2018 (6+) topline for KXOS was 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.3, but regional Mexican “Mega 96.3” is unlisted for the third sweep in a row.

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – After logging three straight up or flat trends for a collective +.7 (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN returns six-tenths to 2.6 (6+) and spirals from #11 to #18. Entering the August sweep, the key station of the Chicago White Sox notched three consecutive gains for a combined +1.0 (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). Dropping from #22 to #23, Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM has a May through December topline of 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4. Its +.2 in July ended four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a one-half share loss (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+).

An increase of one-tenth (2.8 – 2.9, 6+) by Entercom sports talk WSCR (flagship for both the Cubs and Bulls) is enough to boost “670 The Score” from #18 to a three-way tie at #12. WSCR was up eight-tenths in September and then -1.5 in October and November (4.3 – 4.2 – 2.8, 6+). In four straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” (#23 to #22) is up one half-share.

Notwithstanding it is a collective +1.1 in four consecutive months without a loss (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM shifts from first to second. Immediately in advance of this streak, the Chicago Bears flagship logged six straight down or flat showings for a collective -.7 (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+).

Up or flat for the fourth month in a row for a +.7 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ has its best 6+-showing (2.9) since April’s 3.0 and leaps from #16 to that aforementioned three-way scrum at #12.

Chicago Music Formats – In what has become a tradition when it transitions to all-Christmas music, iHeartMedia adult contemporary-turned hot AC-turned adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” registers a lofty +5.2 (3.2 – 8.4, 6+) and catapults from #11 all the way to #1. WLIT, which displaces Entercom all-news WBBM-AM at the top spot, was 8.5 in December 2017. Coming in at #15 and #16, respectively, are WLIT’s AC rivals – Hubbard’s WSHE (3.1 – 2.8, -.3, #13 to #15, 6+) and Venture Technologies Group AC WRME-LP “FM 87.7 Me TV” (#9 to #16, 6+). Until surrendering its entire half-share increase in October to 2.6 (6+), WSHE had been without a loss five consecutive months for a +.5 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+). In November, however, WSHE regained that half-share decline in its entirety (3.1 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+). WRME-LP is down or flat for the fourth successive time for a collective -1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+). Sliding from fourth to seventh, Cumulus Media-owned WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” is a cumulative -1.4 in three straight drops (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+). A loss of six-tenths (2.9 – 2.3, #16 to #19, 6+) takes alternative WKQX to its lowest 6+-showing (2.3) in exactly one year (December 2017‘s 2.2). Four consecutive increases by Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO netted +1.4 (4.0 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+) but “Que Buena 105.1” sputters by seven-tenths to 4.7 (6+) and slips from second to fourth. Following three straight showings of 3.7 (6+), Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” drops three-tenths to 3.4 (seventh to ninth, 6+) and is within 3.0 – 3.9 range for the 17^th consecutive ratings period. At the same time, iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 – Chicago’s New Country” is without a gain for the fourth straight month for a collective -.4 (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+) and remains at #23. Steady at #3, iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103” is a collective -.8 in five straight down or flat trends (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats – Wiping away October’s seven-tenths’ increase with a collective -.8 in November and December (3.1 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO drops from #14 to #16. KSFO was a combined -1.0 in August and September (3.4 – 3.0- 2.4, 6+). Cluster-mate KGO is unchanged from November (2.1, 6+) but slips from #18 to #19. August’s increase of four-tenths ended four successive down or flat trends that resulted in a collective loss of three-tenths (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+).

Returning all but one-tenth of November’s +.4 (2.9 – 2.6, -.3, 6+), co-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” regresses from #13 to #14. Prior to November, KNBR was without an increase in the previous three ratings periods for a cumulative -1.2 (3.7 – 3.7 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). By recapturing the two-tenths it lost in November and one-tenth more (1.9 – 2.2, +.3, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #17). KGMZ was a combined +.6 in three straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+), before faltering by two-tenths in November.

Despite logging a gain of four-tenths (5.3 – 5.7, 6+), all-news cluster-mate KCBS-AM segues from second – where it had been the past ten (10) sweeps – to third. Frozen on 5.4 (6+) in April and May, KCBS-AM was then stuck on 5.5 (6+) in June and July.

In addition to tacking on two-tenths to November’s +.7 (6.7 – 7.4 – 7.6, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED is #1 for the 11^th straight month. This (7.6) is its best 6+-performance since May’s 8.1. Its gain of four-tenths in September ended five downward trends in a row that accounted for a -2.5 (8.9 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Inching up from #31 to #30, San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” has its sixth straight up or flat trend for a collective +.3 (.4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Rebounding from a November dip of two-tenths (3.9 – 3.7, 6+), Bonneville-owned adult contemporary KOIT-FM counters with a +2.7 to 6.4 (6+), leaping from sixth to second. Meanwhile, its AC rival – iHeartMedia’s KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” – is off a combined six-tenths in November and December (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+) and falls from third to fourth. Not only does KDFC post a one-half share increase for the second straight sweep (2.1 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), the University of Southern California-owned classical outlet zooms into the top ten (#14 to #9). After being an overall +1.1 in six straight up or flat sweeps (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” falters by six-tenths to 2.8 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Prior to August, “The Bone” recorded a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.9 in each of the previous 40 sweeps. Directly on the heels of November’s +.8, (2.8 – 3.6, 6+) KOSF “iHeart 80s @ 103.7” surrenders six-tenths to 3.0 (seventh to tenth, 6+). As a result of a one-half share decline (3.5 – 3.0, 6+), co-owned urban contemporary KMEL “106.1 #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” has its lowest 6+-stat (3.0) since November 2017’s 2.6 and is tied with KOSF at #10.

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss the past five months for a collective +1.1 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP forfeits nearly half that increase (2.7, -.5, #13 to #16, 6+). Immediately in advance of the September sweep, “News Talk 820” posted a 2.2 (6+) in three of the previous five sweeps (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+). Flat at #35, Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” is an overall -.3 in three straight down or flat trends (.9 – .9 – .7 – .6, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” is without an increase for the third time in a row (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4, flat at #36, 6+).

Even though it is off a collective three-tenths in November and December (3.2 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” advances from #15 to #14. Meanwhile, Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” has its fifth straight sweep without a loss for a +.5 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6, steady at #18, 6+). On the other hand, ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas,” which was a collective +.3 in four straight up or flat moves (.9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), is off one-tenth to 1.1 (#29 to #31, 6+).

Down or flat for the fourth straight time (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” actually progresses from #21 to a tie at #20. Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM is within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0.

After posting three increases in a row for an overall gain of seven-tenths (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA returns two-tenths to 3.1 (#11 to #13, 6+). Before September’s +.4 to 3.0, KERA logged a 6+-stat in the two-share range for 37 consecutive sweeps.

Dallas Music Formats – In seven successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE “Star 102.1” has nearly doubled (+2.4) its 6+-stat (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 5.1, 6+), vaulting from ninth to third. “Star” (5.1, 6+) is up one-tenth from where it was a year ago (5.0, December 2017, 6+). A combined +1.2 in three successive upticks (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” progresses from seventh to fourth. Down one-half share in November (6.6 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” bounces back with a +.2 to 6.3 (6+) and is on top for the 12^th straight time. “Kiss” was +1.1 in August, after a combined -1.4 in June and July (6.9 – 6.3 – 5.5, 6+). Flat at #19, Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB “105.7 Smooth R&B” is a combined -1.0 via five consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+). Albeit that Cumulus Media’s KSCS is -1.1 in five straight down or flat reports (5.2 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, fourth to sixth, 6+), “New Country 96.3” overtakes similarly-programmed sibling KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” (4.1 – 3.6, -.5, fourth to tenth, 6+). An October gain by “The Wolf” halted six straight down or flat trends that accounted for an overall loss of three-tenths; its May through November topline was 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.1 (6+). July’s 5.2 represents the best-ever 6+ share in KSCS’ PPM history and the first time it ever reached the five-share level (6+). Despite being off a cumulative one-half share in four straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks” advances from #13 to #11.

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – A December loss of seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, 6+) by iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH erases its November gain of six-tenths and sends “News Radio 740” out of the top ten (#7 to #11). November’s 4.3 was its strongest 6+-stat since February 2017’s 4.4. KTRH was a combined -.9 in August and September (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+) and up one-half share in October.

The AM flagship of the Houston Texans – Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” – is a collective +.4 in five straight up or flat trends (.9 .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3, #22, 6+). Gow Communications’ KFNC “ESPN 97.5” notches a .8 for the third straight month (#25 to #27, 6+), while KTRH cluster-mate/Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790,” which was trending 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1 (6+), falters by one-half share to .6 (#22 to #28, 6+).

In five successive down or flat moves, University of Houston news/talk KUHF is off one full-share (3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+) but carries on at #20.

Houston Music Formats – On top for the eighth month in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” dials up a +2.2 (7.5 – 9.7, 6+). “Sunny” recorded an 8.9 (6+) in December 2017. Its 12.5 in “Holiday” 2017 is the station’s strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston facility reached double-digits (6+) since that particular ratings period. KODA has a 1.7-share (6+) advantage over Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9,” which is a collective +3.3 via five successive positive spikes (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 8.0, 6+) and remains in the runner-up slot. In three successive declines, Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “93-Q Country” is a collective -1.5 (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9, sixth to eighth, 6+). Its format foe, Entercom’s KILT-FM “New Country 100.3 The Bull,” returns November’s +.1 (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+) yet climbs from #14 to #13. Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOVE “Amor 106.5” is down by one-half share (4.1 – 3.6, flat at #11, 6+). Three straight upticks by KOVE accounted for an overall +1.7 (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.5, 6+), but “Amor 106.5” lost four-tenths in November. A 4.5 (6+) in October 2018 enabled it to reach the four-share level for the first time since October 2016. Faltering by one-half share as well, Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” is a collective -2.0 in four successive downward moves (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.7, ninth to tenth, 6+). It is one-tenth behind iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz,” an overall -1.2 via six straight sweeps without an increase (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8, flat at #9, 6+). For the seventh ratings period in succession, Radio One CHR KROI “92.1 Radio Now” is without an increase for a collective loss of four-tenths (1.2 – 1.1 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .8 – .8, #26, 6+).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – A collective +1.1 in three straight positive spikes (7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2 – 8.6, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM forfeits seven-tenths to 7.9 (6+) but is #1 for the 37^th consecutive time. Even though Cumulus Media’s WYAY gains one-tenth (1.3 – 1.4, 6+), “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” departs the top twenty (#20 to #21); WYAY was -1.0 in August (2.3 – 1.3, 6+). Logging its sixth sweep in a row without a loss for an overall gain of one-half share (.1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .4 – .5 – .6 -.6, 6+), Entercom news/talk WAOK nonetheless backslides from #27 to #28.

Off three-tenths in November, co-owned sports talk/Atlanta Falcons flagship WZGC “92.9 The Game” answers with a +.6 (3.6 – 4.2, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#13 to #9). Prior to November, WZGC was an overall +1.7 in four positive spikes in succession (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.9,  6+). Following three straight down or flat trends for a collective -.5 in that stretch (2.4 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” picks up one-tenth to 2.0 (flat at #19, 6+). When the Atlanta Braves flagship lost two-tenths in July, it halted seven successive sweeps without a decrease that netted eight-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+).

As a result of five straight up or flat trends, City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE is a collective +1.2 (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3, tenth to seventh, 6+). This directly follows five consecutive down or flat sweeps for an overall -1.4 (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+). Georgia State University news/talk WRAS returns all but one-tenth of November’s +.4 (.6 – 1.0 – .7, #24 to #25, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Following three negative trends in succession that accounted for an overall -1.5 (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” erases two-thirds of the deficit with a +1.0 to 5.4 (seventh to fourth, 6+). August’s 5.9 is the strongest 6+-showing for “The Fish” since its 6.0 in January. At this time last month, two-tenths of a share separated Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” and its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull.” The two country outlets though are now part of a three-way tie at #10 as “Kicks” is up one-tenth (3.7 – 3.8, +.2, flat at #10, 6+), while “The Bull” gains three-tenths (3.5 – 3.8, #14 to #10, 6+). A combined +.7 in September and October (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+), “Kicks” returned three-tenths in November. After three consecutive decreases that led to a -1.1 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+), “The Bull” responded with a November gain of six-tenths. Three straight downward moves by Radio One-owned WHTA resulted in a combined -1.4 (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), but “Hot 107.9” is up three-tenths to 3.6 (#15 to #14, 6+). Its May through August topline was 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 (6+). Cumulus Media-owned rhythmic CHR WWWQ-HD3 more than doubles (+1.0) its 6+-stat in three straight upticks (.8 – 1.2 -1.3 – 1.8, flat at #20, 6+), while Davis Broadcasting regional Mexican WLKQ “LA Raza” debuts with a .7 (#25, 6+). The market’s (6+) mainstream CHR share shrinks by -1.8 as iHeartMedia’s WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -1.2 (3.3, #6 to #15, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” is -.6 (4.4 – 3.8, #7 to #10, 6+). “Power” had been without a loss the past seven sweeps for a cumulative +1.1 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+). When “Q-100” lost one-tenth in October, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat moves that netted three-tenths (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+). Within 3.6 – 3.9 range (6+) in each of the last seven survey periods (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” is off six-tenths to 3.2 (#11 to #16), its lowest 6+-showing since April’s 2.5.

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Seven straight ratings periods without a decrease netted Entercom’s WPHT a +1.4, nearly doubling its 6+ AQH share (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). That streak, however, ends in December as “Talk Radio 1210” falters by eight-tenths to 2.1 (#14 to #18, 6+). Up one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, September-October-November, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” returns to 1.3 in December (-.2, #20 to #23, 6+).

Stable at 6.3 (6+), Entercom’s WIP “Sports Radio 94.1,” which was #1 in October, proceeds from sixth to fourth. The flagship of the Eagles and Phillies was -.8 (February); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); -.5 (June); +.7 (August); +1.4 (October); and -1.0 (November). Flat at #15, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” is without a loss for the third time in a row for an overall +.9 (1.8 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). Prior to October, the key station of the 76ers and Flyers was without an improvement the previous five months for an overall -1.0 (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+).

Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” is down one-tenth (5.2 – 5.1, 6+), yet climbs from eighth to seventh; KYW was up seven-tenths in August.

A loss of four-tenths to 3.0 (#12 to #11, 6+) by public news/talk WHYY ends a down/up pattern that began in June (3.6 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+). An August increase of one-half share interrupted three successive declines for an overall -1.1 (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – On top from March through June before being dislodged in July, Entercom adult contemporary WBEB returns to #1 (6.5 – 10.4, +3.9, fourth to first, 6+); “Today’s 101.1 More FM” was 12.8 (6+) in December 2017. Immediately prior to October, WBEB was a collective -2.2 in three consecutive decreases (8.5 – 7.8 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). It displaces co-owned classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s,” which erases November’s +.6 with a December -1.0 (7.4 – 6.4, 6+) and falls to third. That November increase of six-tenths pulled the plug on three straight negative trends that accounted for a combined -1.4 (8.2 – 7.5 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). WOGL finished first in August and segued to second in September. July’s 8.2 represents its highest-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Frozen on 6.6 (6+) in October and November, iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” breaks out a +.8 to 7.4 (third to second, 6+). On the heels of November’s increase of six-tenths, Entercom’s WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” erodes by -1.1 (5.4 – 4.3, seventh to eighth, 6+). After a September gain of four-tenths, WXTU surrendered more than twice that increase with a loss of nine-tenths. This is its lowest 6+-showing since February (4.3, as well). In mid-November, iHeartMedia transitioned rhythmic hot AC WISX “Real 106.1” to adult contemporary as “106.1 The Breeze – Philly’s Relaxing Favorites.” In its first report as an AC, “The Breeze” is off eight-tenths (3.3 – 2.5, #13 to #17, 6+). Trending 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.9 (August through November, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” shrinks by seven-tenths to 6.2 (second to fifth, 6+), its lowest 6+-share since 5.2 in “Holiday” 2017. Off six-tenths each are co-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” (5.9, fourth to sixth, 6+) and iHeartMedia alternative WRFF “Radio 104.5 Philly’s Alternative Rock” (3.5 – 2.9, #11 to #13, 6+). WMMR had been an overall +1.1 via four straight up or flat trends (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – After doubling its 6+ share (+1.8) in September and October (1.8 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” is a combined -1.4 in November and December (3.6 – 3.1 – 2.2, #14 to #15, 6+). Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is down or flat for the third straight sweep (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3, #25 to #26, 6+). Its August increase of one-tenth stopped four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+).

Not only is Entercom sports talk WFAN off by four-tenths (4.8 – 4.4, 6+), the flagship of the Giants, Brooklyn Nets, and Yankees slumps from a three-way tie at #1 to #5. WFAN had been on top the past four months. It wiped away October’s +.6 with a November loss of eight-tenths. October’s 5.6 was the strongest 6+-showing in Long Island for WFAN since November 2017’s 5.9. The flagship of the New York Jets – WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” – is a collective -.3 in November and December (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9, #16 to #19, 6+). As was the case with WFAN, similarly-programmed WEPN gained six-tenths in October (1.6 – 2.2, 6+). “ESPN New York” had been off seven-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6, #22, 6+), immediately after five consecutive upticks for a +1.2 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+).

Separated by one-tenth of a share in November, Entercom all-news WINS (3.4 – 3.2, -.2, #11 to #9, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM (3.2, -.1, #12 to #9, 6+) are now tied. WINS was up six-tenths in October; WCBS-AM had been +.9 in six straight up or flat trends (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+).

Unlisted the past two months, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM resurfaces at #17 (1.9 – 2.0, +.1, 6+). From February 2018 – September 2018,  WNYC-FM had been trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 (6+) and ranked #19 in September.

Long Island Music Formats – Roaring back from a one-half share November dip with an improvement more than four times that margin (4.4 – 6.5, +2.1, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “97.5 – Real Variety” jumps from fourth to first. This (6.5) is its strongest 6+-performance since March (7.0). In addition, “Real Variety” breaks up November’s three-way logjam at #1, which included WFAN (see above); Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” (4.8 – 5.3, +.5, first to third, 6+); and iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WHTZ “Z-100” (4.8 – 4.6, -.2, first to fourth, 6+). Following six straight months without an increase that accounted for a collective loss of four-tenths (5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), “Z-100” picked up one-tenth in November. In three increases in succession, WCBS-FM was +1.2 (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+). Immediately prior to that, however, it was a collective -1.2 via five straight down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+). Two-tenths behind WALK-FM is iHeartMedia New York City adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM,” which rockets from eighth to second and has more than doubled (+3.5) its 6+-stat in six sweeps in succession without a loss (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 6.3, 6+). “Lite FM” recorded a 4.5 (6+) in December 2017. Debuting or reappearing in print after a lengthy absence are Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (.8, #29, 6+); Newark Public Radio’s WBGO “88.3 The Jazz Source” (.7, #30, 6+); Fordham University triple A WFUV “90.7 Music Discovery Starts Here” (.5, #33, 6+); and WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Radio Station” (.5, #33, 6+). Dropping from #9 to #11, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “102.3 – Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” is an overall -1.9 in five straight slips (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+). Off eight-tenths to 3.1, its lowest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2017 (3.0), Connoisseur Media classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM” drifts from #7 to #11. Also departing the top ten and part of the four-way logjam at #11 is Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – #1 For R&B,” which is an overall -.8 in four straight down or flat trends (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.1, #9 to #11, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” is down or flat for the sixth consecutive time for an overall decline of nine-tenths (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9, #16 to #19, 6+); “Hot 97” had been within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) the previous 49 consecutive ratings periods. In five straight sweeps without an increase, Cumulus Media country WNSH is a collective -.9 (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.5, 6+) as “94.7 – Nash FM” fades from the top twenty (#18 to #26).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – Debuting in July with a .2 (6+), iHeartMedia news talk KKDD gained one-tenth in August; was flat in September; up one-tenth in October; down two-tenths in November; and now “1290 News Talk IE” is flat at .2, remaining at #20 (6+).

It’s the same (November 2018 – December 2018) story for co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM,” which is unchanged at .2/#20 (6+). The former KUBE disappeared from print in June; resurfaced in July (.2, 6+); dropped one-tenth in August; added one-tenth in both September and October; and dropped one-tenth in November. Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted for the 11^th month in a row.

Following three straight modest increases that accounted for a +.4 (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR erases that gain with a -.4 to 1.3 (#11 to #12, 6+). The October 6+-share for Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is sliced in half in November and December (.6 – .4 – .3, #17 to #18, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – A collective +.9 in three straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.2, 6+), Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “89.7 – Family Friendly” bumps up from eighth to sixth, reaching the three-share level (3.2, 6+) for the first time since January 2018’s 3.1. Over and above being #1 for the seventh successive sweep, Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” dials up a +1.1 to 10.5, the largest 6+-stat for any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted in this particular overview; “Jose” was +2.5 in September. This (10.5) marks the first time any Riverside station has reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. A loss of four-tenths in October ended five straight increases that netted an astonishing +5.3, more than doubling its 6+-stat since April (4.6 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 9.9, 6+). This follows five sweeps in succession without an increase for an overall -3.0 (7.6 – 7.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+). June 2018 marked the first time “Jose” was in the lead position since “Holiday” 2017 when it scored a 7.3 (6+). An increase of six-tenths (2.3 – 2.9, ninth to seventh, 6+) elevates Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB “Que Buena 96.1” to its best 6+-performance (2.9) since March (3.0). Despite being off four-tenths to 6.7 (6+), Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA is secured in the runner-up slot for the seventh month in a row. KOLA held the lead position in May with a 6.5 (6+). Its +.3 in July ended four downward trends in succession that generated a -2.1 (8.4 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). Co-owned KCAL-FM “96.7 Rocks,” which lost nearly half (-1.3) its 6+ AQH share as the result of six straight sweeps without an increase (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), picks up one-tenth to 1.6 (#12 to #11, 6+). Flat at 1.3 (#13 to #12, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” is in one-share range (6+) for the 16^th successive ratings period.

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a November loss of eight-tenths, Cumulus Media’s KGO levels off at 2.2 and advances from #17 to #16. In advance of November’s -.8, KGO posted four upticks in a row for a cumulative +1.3 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). Locked on 1.2 (6+) in October and November, co-owned news/talk KSFO forfeits two-tenths to 1.0 (#24 to #28, 6+). Its +.1 in October ended three consecutive downward moves that resulted in the vanishing of exactly half (-1.1) of its 6+-share (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.1, 6+).

Sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” is a combined -1.5 in four straight down or flat moves (4.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9, #11 to #14, 6+), while Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game” adds four-tenths to November’s one-half share increase (.6 – 1.1 – 1.5, #26 to #23, 6+).

All-news sibling KCBS-AM, which was off by one-half share in November (6.2 – 5.7, 6+), is up two-tenths to 5.9 (6+), yet backslides from third to fifth.

Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED rebounded from July and August’s -1.6 (7.5 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+) with a +.3 in September to 6.2 (6+), jumping from sixth to fourth. Unlisted in October and November, KQED returns in December at #2 (6.7, 6+). San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW debuts at #30 (.5, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – Having recorded a gain of one-tenth in each of the last three sweeps, Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM erupts with a +2.7 (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0, 6+), vaulting from tenth to fourth. On the heels of posting a one-half share improvement in November, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on eight-tenths (2.9 – 3.7, #12 to #11, 6+). An overall -2.4 as the result of three declines in succession (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” erases one-quarter of that decrease with a +.6 to 4.4 (sixth to seventh, 6+). A collective -2.4 in three consecutive negative trends (6.1 – 5.4 – 4.5 – 3.7, 6+), Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” rebounds with a +.4 to 4.1 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Prior to that streak, “Hot Country” was an overall +2.1 via five successive gains (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 6.1, 6+). November’s 3.7 marked the first time KRTY was below a four-share (6+) since January’s 3.8. In one fell swoop, KOSF “iHeart 80s @ 103.7” has virtually half of its 6+-stat slashed (2.9 – 1.5, -1.4, 6+) as it fades from the top twenty (#12 to #23). An overall +1.7 in October and November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” erases all but six-tenths of that increase with a -1.1 to 6.9 (6+), but is #1 for the third month in a row. In November, “Bay FM” reached the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2016 (8.0, as well). Prior to October, the last time KBAY held the lead spot was “Holiday” 2015 – when it was an adult contemporary outlet. After regressing by seven-tenths in November, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ surrenders another eight-tenths in December (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.0, 6+) and exits the top ten (#6 to #13); “98.1 The Breeze” was a combined +1.0 in September and October (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+). Having posted a +1.2 in October and a +.7 in November, hot AC sibling KIOI “Star 101.3” relinquishes one-half share (5.1 – 4.6, fourth to sixth, 6+). As a result of four straight down or flat trends, Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” is an overall -1.0 (2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.3, 6+) and drifts from the top twenty (#20 to #26). Three increases in a row (5.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+) netted Bonneville-owned KUFX a collective +1.7, but “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” is now -2.6 in three straight declines (6.9 – 5.9 – 4.8 – 4.3, fifth to eighth, 6+). Before shifting to #3 in October, KUFX had been #1 for three straight months. An overall +.3 via three successive up or flat trends (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “106.1 #1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” sputters by one-half share to 2.2 (#14 to #16, 6+).

Middlesex

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to a loss of three-tenths to 8.0 (6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW has its consecutive string of increases that netted +2.3 halted at six (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3, 6+). Even so, “New Jersey 101.5” is #1 for the sixth month in a row. November’s 8.3 was its best 6+-share since January (8.3, as well). Without a loss the past five sweeps and precisely doubling (+1.7) its 6+-share (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR sputters by six-tenths to 2.8 (#13 to #16, 6+). Without an increase for the sixth straight sweep for an overall loss of one-half share (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.2, 6+) Cumulus Media news/talk WABC slips from #23 to #26.

The +.7 that Entercom sports talk WFAN logged in October is erased by a combined -.8 in November and December (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+). Moreover, WFAN spirals from the top ten (#7 to #13). Its October increase ended four Middlesex-Somerset-Union decreases in succession that accounted for a -.9 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+). Through five consecutive up or flat trends, similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” was +1.2 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), but the flagship of the New York Jets loses four-tenths in December to 2.5 (#17 to #19, 6+).

As Entercom all-news WCBS-AM loses two-tenths (2.5 – 2.3, #19 to #20, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS adds two-tenths (1.4 – 1.6, flat at #24, 6+). Through three increases in a row, WCBS-AM was up eight-tenths (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+). Prior to November, WINS recorded a 1.7 (6+) in each of the previous six Middlesex-Somerset-Union monthlies.

Missing from print in October and November, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM reappears at #18 (2.6, 6+). An August gain of three-tenths halted five straight losses (3.4 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+) that accounted for a nearly 50% erosion of its 6+ share (-1.6).

Middlesex Music Formats – On a rollercoaster ride, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” was +.4 through three straight up or (mostly) flat July through October trends (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+); -.6 in November; and now +.9 in November (3.5 – 4.4, seventh to fifth, 6+). November’s 3.5 was its lowest 6+ Middlesex-Somerset-Union showing since 3.3 in September 2016. In addition to being +2.4 (6+) in its home (New York City) market and +2.5 (6+) in Long Island, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” is +.7 in Middlesex. Carrying on in second-place, WLTW is an overall +1.6 in four straight Middlesex upticks (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.5, 6+). Replicating November’s half-share improvement (3.0 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” progresses from tenth to eighth.WNYC Broadcasting Foundation classical WQXR debuts with a .5 (#28, 6+). Returning in full the one-half share increase it registered in November (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.1, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – #1 For R&B” continues in third-place. Faltering by one-half share as well and departing the top twenty is Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1” (2.5 – 2.0, #19 to #23, 6+). Co-owned Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9,” which was down or flat the past five months for an overall loss of nine-tenths (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+) gains one-tenth to 3.1 (#16 to #14, 6+).