Tag: "WXKS"

Friday, July 14, 2017

Nielsen Releases Total Audience Report for First Quarter of 2017.  The new edition of Nielsen’s Total Audience Report for the first quarter of 2017 compares the consumer media habits of Americans to the same period in 2016 based on their age and inclusion in one of four generational groupings – Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z.  As expected, the measure of daily time spent with AM/FM radio is shrinking among the younger generations.  During the first quarter of 2017, both Baby Boomers and Generation Xers spent about two hours a day with the medium, while Millennials averaged 1:37.  Both figures are steady from Q1 2016 to Q1 2017.  Generation Z’s use of AM//FM was steady from quarter to quarter at 1:08 (only ages 12-20 were included in the radio figure).  The use of an app or web service via smartphone has shot up across the three older generations (Gen Z is not included due to privacy regs for minors) from quarter to quarter.  Baby Boomers’ use rose from 1:20 to 2:29 from Q1 2016 to Q1 2017; Gen Xers’ use went from 1:40 to 2:36; and Millennials’ use spiked from 2:01 to 2:51.  Breaking the age groups down even further, the report indicates that adult AM/FM radio monthly reach during Q1 of 2017 was as follows: 50-64 – 62.5 million; 35-49 – 59.8 million; 25-34 – 42.5 million; 18-24 – 29.7 million; and 12-17 – 23.8 million.   See more about the report here.

Dana Loesch NRA Ad Spurs Protest at DC Headquarters.  Today (7/14) at 1:00 pm ET, a Women’s March will convene at the Washington, DC headquarters of the National Rifle Association to protest the organization’s recent ad announcing its intent to fight back against political opponents with the “clenched fist of truth.”  Radio America talk show host and author (and unabashed gun rights advocate) Dana Loesch is the spokeswoman in the video ad.  Critics of the ad object to the language used, saying it’s “irresponsible and dangerous” and “suggests armed violence against communities of color.”  Loesch says that in response, during her special program today she’ll focus on “Second Amendment rights, examples of peaceful rallies, a history of violent leftist protests, and discussion of a Women’s Rights organizer recently calling for jihad.”

Santoro Named Director of Marketing for iHM Boston. This promotion boosts Shaileen Santoro from marketing manager to director of marketing for iHeartMedia’s Boston Region, effective immediately.  Santoro’s duties include overseeing all aspects of iHeartMedia Boston’s marketing and promotions department and working closely with the sales and programming teams to promote and market concerts, broadcast shows, on-air talent, local community events and partnerships on air and online.  Stations in the region include: news/talk WKOX “Talk 1430,” business news WXKS “Bloomberg Radio,” CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108,” hip hop WJMN “JAM’N 94.5,” and country WBWL “101.7 The Bull.”  iHM SVP of programming for the Boston Region Dylan Sprague comments, “Shaileen’s combination of passion, creativity, meticulous attention to detail and years of experience made her the obvious choice for this role.  Our marketing team is the best in the business and Shaileen’s leadership will elevate it further.”

TALKERS News Notes. The new editorial and newsgathering partnership between CBS News and BBC News fills the needs for both.  For CBS, BBC News replaces the partnership it had with Sky – which is in the process of being acquired by 21^st Century Fox.  The BBC is looking to CBS to take the place of former partner ABC News.  CBS News president David Rhodes says, “CBS News is completely committed to original reporting around the world – a commitment clearly shared by the BBC.  There’s no better partner to strengthen and extend our global coverage than BBC News.”…..The Kevin McCullough-hosted “Radio Night LIVE” radio and TV “SuperCast” adds affiliate stations WGCH-AM, Greenwich/Stamford, Connecticut and WANN-TV, Atlanta…..Former NBC News personality Tamron Hall, who left the organization in February after it was announced that Megyn Kelly would take over the third hour of the “Today” show, is developing a daytime talk show in conjunction with Weinstein Television.  Variety reports that the program will be shot in front of a live audience and feature discussion of current events, human-interest stories and celebrity interviews.

Trump Jr-Russia Story Tops the Talkers Ten^TM This Week.  The controversy surrounding Donald Trump Jr.’s meeting with Russian attorney Natalia Veselnitskaya during the 2016 campaign was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio during the week of July 10-14, landing atop the Talkers Ten^TM.  At #2 this week was GOP health care plan and the push to vote on a package before the August break.  Coming in at #3 was President Trump’s trip to France, followed by the two environmental stories – the new Antarctic iceberg and the talk of a sixth mass extinction – at #4.   The Talkers Ten^TM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.  It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. View this week’s entire chart here.

TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/14) with Jeff Smulyan, Kevin Casey and Steve Weisman.  The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day.  Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor  Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein.  All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.  Yesterday (7/12) TALKERS posted a “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).  Yesterday (7/13), a “Fireside Chat” was posted featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).  Today (7/14) TALKERS is posting a “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman). Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year.  The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp.  To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. There are three changes at iHeartMedia’s Boston station group to announce: First, Michael “Mikey V” Vinci is named the assistant program director and music director for CHR WXKS-FM “KISS 108” in addition to his current evening show hosting role.  At country WBWL “101.7 The Bull,” Lance Houston signs a new, long-term agreement to continue his role as the station’s program director and evening personality.  And at hip hop WJMN “JAM’N 94-5,” DJ Pup Dawg signs a new deal to continue as APD and music director at the station…..Stephens Media Group brings Premiere Networks’ Delilah back to adult contemporary WVLF, Norwood, New York (Watertown market) for the evening daypart.

Round Two of June PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of June 2017 PPM ratings information from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s June 2017 survey period covered May 25 – June 21. View 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets.

TWELVE TAKEAWAYS

1) Washington, D.C. – Climbing from ninth to eighth, Columbia Union College contemporary Christian WGTS has its fourth straight up or flat trend that accounts for a +1.6 (2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+). Moreover, “91.9 Christian Music Radio” reaches the four-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2013’s 4.1. Stuck on 2.8 (6+) in February, March, and April, Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3” is a combined  +.6 in May and June (2.9 – 3.4, 6+) and rises from #16 to #13. This represents the highest 6+-share for “Mix” since it returned to hot AC (from CHR) in mid-November 2013. As far as 6+-share is concerned for WAMU, it continues to be a rollercoaster ride. A combined -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounded in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+), but “The Mind Is Our Medium” forfeits exactly twice that increase in June (9.3, -1.4, 6+). Even though -1.4 is the largest (6+) May 2017 – June 2017 decrease by any station in the 12 PPM-markets whose data was released yesterday, WAMU is the market leader for the sixth consecutive time. Off by -2.3 in “Holiday” 2016, the American University-owned station recaptured all of it in January and February (9.2 – 11.0 – 11.5, 6+). February’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. Holding down the runner-up slot in each of the six successive sweeps that WAMU has finished first is Hubbard all-news operation WTOP, which is off for the third consecutive time (9.9 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.7, 6+) for a collective -1.2. Following five straight sweeps without a decrease that generated a +1.5 (3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WBIG “Big 100 – Washington’s Classic Rock Station” stumbles by six-tenths to 4.8 (fourth to sixth, 6+). Having doubled its 6+-stat since February with three straight gains (1.5 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), CBS Radio’s sports/talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” is flat at 3.0 (6+), but the Washington Nationals’ flagship dips from #14 to #17. This is the sixth straight month that its main competitor, Red Zebra Broadcasting’s WTEM “ESPN 980” (1.9, #17, “Holiday” 2016, 6+), does not appear in print. Finishing back-to-back in June 2017 are urban AC rivals, Howard University-owned WHUR, up or flat for the fourth consecutive sweep for a +1.8 (5.7- 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5, #3 for the sixth time in a row, 6+) and Radio One’s WMMJ “Majic 102.3” (5.3 – 5.7, +.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). Down in five consecutive sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), WMMJ bounced back with three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), but that streak concluded in March.

2) Boston – The two-share lead (6+) Beasley Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” enjoyed in May over adult contemporary sibling WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” has been sliced to just three-tenths as “Magic 106.7” logs a +1.1 (7.0, third to second, 6+), while “Boston’s Classic Hits” falters by six-tenths (7.9 – 7.3, 6+). Even so, WROR remains at #1 for the sixth successive sweep. As far as “Magic” is concerned, the 7.0 (6+) it displays in June 2017 ends a repetitive trending pattern of 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.9 (6+) and is its strongest 6+-share since 13.4 in “Holiday” 2016. The market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December by “Magic,” WROR was +1.1 in December; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; and -.8 in April. Two stations on opposite ends of the music spectrum – classical WCRB (2.1 – 2.8, #17 to #14, 6+) and iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” – each pick up seven-tenths. This is the fourth successive increase for “Kiss” netting a cumulative +1.3 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), but it moves from second to third. Meanwhile, WCRB notches its best 6+-stat since last November’s 3.2. Unchanged at #13, 6+), WXKS-FM’s direct competitor – CBS Radio’s WODS “Amp 103.3” – loses one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+), immediately after posting four successive positive monthlies which netted four-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). After losing a cumulative nine-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (3.0 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom news/talk WRKO gains two-tenths to 2.3 (6+), but actually backslides from a tie at #17 to #18. It is linked there with urban AC cluster-mate WKAF “97.7 – Boston’s #1 For R&B,” which is up or flat for the fifth consecutive time (.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, #19 to #18, 6+). Not only is CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM without an increase for the fifth straight time for a combined loss of over two full-shares (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.5, 6+), “The Sports Hub” drops from eighth to tenth and is below a four-share (6+) for the first time in exactly two years (3.6, June 2015). Bouncing back from May’s -.1 with a gain of three-tenths (4.7 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom owned/Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM shifts from seventh back to fifth. Trending 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.8 (6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” sputters by eight-tenths to 3.0, sliding from #11 to #12. After three straight improvements that netted a +1.1 since February (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.1, 6+), co-owned WKLB “Country 102.5” regresses by six-tenths to 4.5 (6+), falling from fifth to seventh. In May, “Country 102.5” crossed the five-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last September’s 5.0. Cross-town format challenger, iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull,” picks up two-tenths to 2.4 (6+), yet slips from #15 to #17. With a February 2017 to May 2017 6+-line of 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6, WBZ-AM is off by one-half share to 5.1 (6+), however, the CBS Radio news/talk hybrid carries on in fourth-place.

3) Miami – As Cox Media Group mainstream CHR WFLC “Hits 97.3” loses two-tenths in successive sweeps (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+) dropping from sixth to seventh, iHeartMedia-owned and similarly-programmed WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” erases May’s -.4 with a +.4 (3.7 – 4.1, 6+) to climb from tenth to eighth. The four-tenths decrease in May halted at four WHYI’s successive string of up or flat trends that netted an overall gain of one-half share (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+), while April’s 4.7 was the strongest 6+-performance for “Hits 97.3” since 4.9 last September. Having wiped out April’s one-half share loss with a +.7 in May to advance from second to first (7.2 – 6.7 – 7.4, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105” adds three-tenths to 7.7 (6+) and repeats at #1; 7.7 is the station’s strongest 6+-stat since last July’s 8.0. Down or flat in six straight sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), “Hot 105” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 but was off by seven-tenths in January. For the fifth time in the last nine survey periods, iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM – Donde Viven Tus Hits” puts up a 3.6 (6+) as it climbs from #12 to #11. Meanwhile, Spanish Broadcasting System’s similarly-programmed WRMA “Ritmo 95.7 – Cubatón y Más” has lost one full-share via three straight declines (3.9 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+) and tumbles from #13 to #16. Within 3.7 – 4.0 range (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, co-owned WBGG “Big 105.9 – South Florida’s Classic Rock” falters by six-tenths to 3.2 and exits the top ten (#9 to #12). It is the lowest 6+-share for “Big” since May 2016 (3.2 as well). After picking up nine-tenths via three upticks in succession (3.3 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), CBS Radio rhythmic CHR WPOW “Power 96 – Miami’s Party Station” is off by three-tenths to 3.9 (6+), slipping from eighth to tenth. Tied at #14, each with 3.0 (6+), are Univision Radio Spanish tropical WRTO “Mix 98.3” (-.1, #15 in May, 6+) and Spanish Broadcasting System counterpart WXDJ “106.6 El Zol” (+.1, #16 in May, 6+); “El Zol” pulls the plug on three straight decreases that yielded a -1.2 (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+). Either flat or (modestly) up in each of the last seven sweeps for a gain of seven-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom’s WSFS “104.3 The Shark – South Florida’s Alternative” falters by three-tenths to 1.9, moving from #19 to #20. Without an increase since last November (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9 – .9, 6+), Spanish news/talk WWFE “670 AM – La Ponderosa” finishes at #26.

4) Detroit – Immediately after flaunting a substantial +1.5 in May, iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD tacks on another nine-tenths (4.0 – 5.5 – 6.4, 6+) as “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s R&B and Throwbacks” rockets from #6 all the way to #1 with its most potent 6+-showing since a 6.5 in “Holiday” 2014. Steady at #15, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM,” is a collective -.7 in May and June (4.0 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). Knocked out of the top spot following five successive months there is CBS Radio all-news WWJ, off for the third straight time for a combined -1.8 (7.4 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.6, 6+) and trading places with “Mix” at #6. The 7.4 that WWJ garnered in March through a +.9 marked the first time it crossed the seven-share level (6+) since February 2016, when it reached 7.5 (6+). Without an increase in each of the last three survey periods for a -.7 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” answers with a one-half share increase to 5.3, inching up from eighth to seventh. Up three-tenths to 5.0 (6+), cluster-mate WRIF “Rocks Detroit” (tenth to eighth) applies the brakes to four consecutive decreases that accounted for a -1.2 (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). Locked on 3.3 in February, March, and April, CBS Radio CHR WDZH “Amp 98.7” posted a +.6 in May, but coughs up nearly twice that margin in June (3.3 – 3.9 – 2.8, -1.1, 6+), freefalling from #11 to #17. In May, WDRQ regained one-tenth of April’s -.5, but “93.1 Nash FM” sputters by one-half share (3.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+); the Cumulus Media country outlet nonetheless carries on at #18.

5) Seattle – The winning ways continue for KNKX “Your Connection to Jazz, Blues and NPR News,” which is without a decrease for the sixth successive sweep. Nearly doubling its 6+-share in that period (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.9, 6+), KNKX cruises from #9 to a three-way tie at #5. Within 2.1 – 2.5 range (6+) in each of the last eight ratings periods, Hubbard’s KVRQ “Rock 98.9 – Everything That Rocks” hauls out a +.7 to 2.8 (6+) and cracks the top twenty at #17. Following three straight gains that accounted for a +1.0 (6.8 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), mainstream CHR sibling KQMV “MOViN 92.5 – All the Hits” returned 90% of that increase in April (6.9, -.9, 6+). Having bounced back in May with a +.5 to 7.4 (6+), KQMV is steady at 7.4 (6+) and finishes at #1 for the sixth consecutive time. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period, “MOViN 92.5” was on top for 12 straight sweeps but gave way to adult contemporary cluster-mate KRWM “Warm 106.9” and regained the lead in January. As for “Warm,” it surrenders May’s half-share increase – and one-tenth more – (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.0, -.6, 6+) but continues at #4. May’s +.5 stymied four successive sweeps without an increase that nearly sliced KRWM’s 6+-share in half since the “Holiday” report (10.9 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+). Off by six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia CHR KPWK “Power 93.3 – Seattle’s New #1 for Hit Music,” which had recorded three straight positive trends netting nine-tenths (2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+). At 2.8 (6+), “Power” slumps from #13 to #17. Unchanged at #11, Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM adds one-tenth to 3.6 (6+), thus halting at four its successive streak of losses that produced a -2.2 (5.7 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.5, 6+). May’s 3.5 was the lowest 6+-share for KIRO-FM in nearly three years (3.8, 6+, July 2014). A gain of one-half share lifts similarly-formatted cluster-mate KTTH (#20 to #19) to 2.7, its strongest 6+-performance since last August (2.9). Returning from eighth back to ninth, CBS Radio adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” has its consecutive string of up or flat trends that generated a +1.5 in that stretch (2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+) end at five as Seattle’s version of “Jack” drops four-tenths to 4.0 (6+).

6) Phoenix – A combined +1.4 via four straight progressive trends (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 – Today’s Best Music Mix” climbs from fourth to third and notches its highest 6+-share in exactly three years (5.8, June 2014). Owing to seven straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), Hubbard-owned KDKB “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” is a cumulative +1.4 and enters the top ten (#12 to #10). Trending 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.7 (6+) since January, CBS Radio classic hits-oldies KOOL improves by six-tenths to 5.3 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Even though Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ is without a loss for the fifth time in a row for a +1.2 (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), “La Tricolor 103.5” backslides from a four-way logjam at #13 to #14. Dipping four-tenths in April (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), Hubbard’s KSLX shifted from a one-month stay at #1 to #2. By hanging out a +1.2 in May (6.1 – 7.3, 6+), “Classic Rock 100.7” returned to the top spot and – albeit down three-tenths to 7.0 (6+) – it repeats at #1. When “Classic Rock 100.7” gained seven-tenths in March (5.8 – 6.5, 6+), and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ faltered by one-half share (6.7 – 6.2, 6+), the impressive streak of KESZ reigning at #1 for 30 successive ratings periods concluded. Once again in the runner-up slot, KESZ is off four-tenths (7.2 – 6.8, 6+) and trails KSLX by two-tenths. Ups and downs continue for Hubbard-owned KUPD. In April, following three straight gains netting a +1.3 (4.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+), “Arizona’s Real Rock” returned in full the one-half share it picked up in March; was +.8 in May; but surrenders six-tenths in June (4.8 – 5.6 – 5.0, 6+) to segue from third to fifth.

7) Minneapolis – The (6+) country share in the Twin Cities enjoys a +1.4 spike, thanks in equal part to iHeartMedia’s KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” (5.6 – 6.3, +.7, seventh to fourth, 6+) and CBS Radio–owned KMNB “Buz’n” @ 102.9” (+.7, #12 to #9, 6+). This is the third straight gain for KMNB (3.7 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+), yielding a +1.1. Stuck on 6.8 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” dials up a +.6 to 7.4 and finishes first for the third time in a row. The station it succeeded at #1 – Hubbard-owned KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” – is without an increase for the fifth successive sweep (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.6, 6+) and stays in the runner-up slot. In January, “KS-95” posted a +1.3, curtailing a lengthy dry spell in which the hot AC hadn’t had an increase since February 2016 (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+). In those 11 straight sweeps of being either down or flat, “KS-95” was a combined -3.8. Format rival – iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97” (steady at #12) – was +1.3 in January; followed with four consecutive negative trends that produced a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+); but adds four-tenths in June (4.3, 6+). “Cities 97” was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). Flat and up (slightly) in each of the past three ratings periods (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 5.0, 6+), CBS Radio news/talk WCCO erodes by -1.3 to 3.7 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #13). The last time WCCO fell below a four-share (6+) was exactly two years ago (3.8, June 2015). Regressing by one-half share each are adult hits sibling KZJK “104.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” (5.7 – 5.2, sixth to eighth, 6+) and University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Twin Cities’ Christian Radio” (5.3 – 4.8, flat at #9, 6+).

8) San Diego – Advancing from #15 to #13, Media Sports de Mexico classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM “Max 105.7 – San Diego’s Throwback Station” is +1.3 as the result of five straight up or flat trends (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+). At this time last month, Entercom adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – Better Music for a Better Workday” forfeited April’s +.7 in its entirety (5.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+), causing it to exit the top spot which it held for the first time since December. A June spike of +.9 though returns “Sunny” from second to first (5.3 – 6.2, 6+), with 6.2 its most potent 6+-share since last May’s 6.6. Prior to April, “Sunny” had been within 5.1 – 5.9 range (6+) the previous 11 sweeps. Powered by an April increase of seven-tenths, KOGO rocketed from eighth to second and, with a +.3 to 5.6 (6+), it advanced to #1 in May. The iHeartMedia news/talk outlet, however, returns May’s +.3 (5.3 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+) and shifts from first to fourth. Notching gains of one-half share each are “Sunny” cluster-mate KSON “New Country,” up for the third time in a row (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.2 – 5.7, fourth to second, 6+); iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1 – San Diego’s Best Music Variety” (4.8 – 5.3, sixth to fourth, 6+); and Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” (4.5, tenth to sixth, 6+), which ends three straight down or flat trends that yielded a -.7 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). Conversely, sputtering by one-half share is urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5” (5.0 – 4.5, 6+), which slides from fifth to sixth. In a recap of San Diego-area outlets with similar call letters and formats, iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a combined -1.2 in three successive decreases (5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.2, sixth to eighth, 6+), while XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” is right behind “Channel 93.3” (4.2 – 4.1, -.1, eighth to ninth, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth straight ratings period, Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” is -1.2 (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+) but remains at #22.

9) Denver – Logging its seventh successive increase accounting for a +2.3 (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+) iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World Class Rock” (steady at #3) has its best 6+-showing since 6.1 in September 2015. Within 3.0 – 3.8 range for the 19^th successive survey period (3.3 – 3.6, +.3, 6+), co-owned KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” inches up from #15 to #14. After being down in each of the last four sweeps for a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+) Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” adds one-tenth to 3.3 (#16 to #15, 6+). In addition to rebounding from May’s -.4 with a +.6 (6.4 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+), KYGO returns to #1. In May, the Bonneville country outlet shifted from the top spot after three straight months there and slipped to #2. It has a seven-tenths advantage over Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” (6.2 – 5.9, -.3, first to second, 6+), which progressed from third to first in May by recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+). Posting improvements of one-half share each are KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105” (4.1 – 4.6, ninth to seventh, 6+) and hot AC sibling KIMN (3.8 – 4.3, #12 to #9 6+). The wild ride continues for Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan,” whose seven most recent fluctuations are -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 in April; +.5 in May; and now -.7 in June (3.9 – 3.2, #11 to #16, 6+). A loss of six-tenths in November halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). This past October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. Without an increase for the fifth straight time accounting for a -2.4 (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTCL “Modern Rock – Channel 93-3” slides from fifth to sixth. Regressing by one-half share as well is Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR (4.5 – 4.0, seventh to tenth, 6+).

10) Tampa – Answering March’s -1.0 with a modest +.2 in April (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.9, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV replicates May’s +.6, thus “Lite Favorites” is up for the third straight sweep (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.1). Not only does WDUV return to double-digits (6+) for the first time since its 12.7 in “Holiday” 2016, it finishes first for the 57^th successive ratings period. The 8.7 “Lite Favorites” recorded in March was its lowest 6+-stat since November 2015’s 8.5. By hanging out a one-half share increase to 4.0 (6+), University of South Florida news/talk WUSF applies the breaks to three straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+) and progresses from #13 to #10. Boasting five straight increases for a cumulative +1.7 (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle” now erodes by one full-share to 7.1 (6+) but is in the runner-up slot for the eighth straight time. Following five consecutive positive trends for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. A collective +1.7 in three successive positive trends (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” lost two-tenths in April and drops one half-share for the second consecutive sweep (5.4 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+), slipping from fifth to seventh; 5.6 in March was the best 6+-performance for “Q-105” since last September (5.6, as well). Unchanged at #6, co-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits,” which had been without a loss in each of the past three monthlies for a +.6 (4.2 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+), drops two-tenths to 4.6 (6+). Off by one-half share as well is adult contemporary cluster-mate WPBB “B-98.7 Today’s Hits, Yesterday’s Favorites” (1.4 – .9, #22, 6+).

11) Baltimore – Having finished second for four consecutive ratings periods, Radio One urban contemporary WERQ shifted to third in April, but with a gain of one-half share in May (7.5 – 8.0, 6+) “Q-92 Jams” caught co-owned urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” at #1. The tie is broken in June though as “Q-92 Jams” flashes a +.7 to 8.7, while “Magic” improves by four-tenths to 8.4, settling for second-place. Notwithstanding the downward move, “Magic” curtails at four its consecutive string of downward trends that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.0, 6+). It had been on top the past five monthlies. Without an increase in six consecutive sweeps for a cumulative -1.7 since June 2016 (9.8 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), “Magic” added one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016 and seven-tenths in January 2017 to march from third to first. Prior to gaining four-tenths in March, WERQ was down or flat since December (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.3, 6+); February 2017’s 7.3 was its lowest 6+-share since the 7.3 it recorded in March 2016. Sputtering by seven-tenths (5.4 – 4.7, 6+), CBS Radio sports/talk and Baltimore Orioles flagship WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” slips from sixth to eighth. Following an impressive April 2017 – May 2017 gain of +1.2, iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore” returns one-half share (4.4 – 5.6 – 5.1, 6+) to fall from fifth to sixth; 5.6 was the best 6+-performance for “Jack” in more than two years (6.1, 6+, March 2015). Without a loss in each of the past five survey periods including a similar (to WQSR) April 2017 – May 2017 gain of +1.2 (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 5.0, 6+), CBS Radio hot AC-turned-CHR WWMX “106.5 Baltimore’s Best Mix” dips by two-tenths to 4.8 (6+) yet improves from eighth to seventh.

12) St. Louis – An increase of +1.2 propels Emmis’ KSHE (third to second) from 6.7 to 7.9, its strongest 6+-stat since last November’s 8.6. Despite a decrease of two-tenths (8.4 – 8.2, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet KLOU advances from second to first. After three successive sweeps as the market’s pacesetter, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April. A combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), it floundered by -1.6 in December; bounced back with a +3.8 in “Holiday” 2016; but was -2.8 in January. Before October’s +.5, KLOU had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) for a net loss of one full-share. It supplants CBS Radio news/talk KMOX, which jumped from fifth to first in April. The St. Louis Cardinals flagship more than doubled its 6+-share in five straight increases (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 6.2 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+), before eroding in June by -1.2 to 7.3 (6+) and segueing to #3. Five straight declines by KEZK accounted for a cumulative loss of over seven full-shares (11.1 – 5.5 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+) but KMOX’ adult contemporary sibling picks up one-tenth to 4.1 (6+) and climbs from #12 to #10. Prior to January’s decline, KEZK put together four consecutive progressive trends that netted a +6.8 (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 11.1) and it was #1 in “Holiday” 2016. Following a May increase of six-tenths, Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” surrenders nine-tenths (4.4 – 5.0 – 4.1, 6+) to slide from eighth to tenth. May’s +.6 nearly erased WHHL’s collective -.7 since February (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+). Unlisted for the sixth consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).