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Archive for October, 2019

Thursday, October 31, 2019

| October 31, 2019

Round Three of October PPM Ratings Released. The third of four rounds of October 2019 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. The October 2019 rating period covered September 12 to October 9.  Here are some of the ratings gains (6+) of note from this group of markets: Bonneville’s KSL-AM/FM, Salt Lake City puts up an astonishing 2.4 share increase from last month to finish at a 6.4 share and a #3 rank in the market; Alpha Media’s news/talk KXL-FM, Portland adds 0.4 to its September number for a 5.1 share and a rise to the #5 rank in the market; iHeartMedia’s WOAI, San Antonio adds to its four-sweep, upward trend to finish the October survey at a 5.7 share and a #2 rank in the market; in Pittsburgh, Entercom’s news/talk KDKA-AM adds 0.4 tenths to finish at a 4.1 share and the #10 rank while sports talk sister KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” increases 0.8 for 7.1 share and remains ranked #4; and Entercom’s sports talk WKRK, Cleveland adds 0.9 tenths to its four-month upward trend to finish with a 5.3 share, good for a #8 rank in the market.  TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian, as he does each month, presents his “Takeaways” from the performances of each market’s spoken-word and music stations.  See his “Takeaways” from this first round here.  You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

Cumulus Names Robert Berju Vice President of Finance and Strategy. Media finance pro Robert Berju joins Cumulus Media in the newly created position VP, finance and strategy. In this role, Cumulus says Berju “will lead financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, capital management, and modeling of strategic initiatives, while having financial oversight of Westwood One.”  Berju is based in New York City.  Berju was most recently with Clever Devices as SVP, finance and accounting.  He previously served with iHeartMedia as VP, corporate finance and as VP, finance and operations for AMC Networks.  Cumulus Media EVP, marketing and president, Westwood One, Suzanne Grimes says, “Robert is a highly accomplished media veteran with over two decades of finance, accounting, and strategic planning experience.  He will play an important role in building upon the success of Westwood One and propelling the organization to new heights in 2020 and beyond.”

SiriusXM Reports Third Quarter Pro Forma Revenue Up 7%. Reporting 2019 third quarter financial data, SiriusXM says revenue jumped 36.7% to $2.01 billion due to the impact of the February acquisition of Pandora.  Revenue was up 7% on a pro forma basis.  However, net income was $246 million – down from $343 million during the same period a year ago – due largely to expenses tied to redeeming its 6% senior notes due 2024 alongside prior-year non-recurring tax benefits.  Still, the satellite/internet radio business added 210,000 net subscribers, pushing the service’s total to 34.6 million.  Self-pay subscribers now total 29.6 million.  Pandora’s ad revenue rose 8% to $315 million, an all-time high for the service.

TALKERS News Notes. As the wildfires in California continue to create havoc, ABC News Radio says that it is providing extensive coverage with correspondent Alex Stone having spent two days on the fire lines in Northern California covering the Kincaid Fire and correspondent Jason Nathanson on the fire lines in Southern California.  Stone will also host the ‘Start Here’ podcast on Thursday and Friday morning from Los Angeles with a heavy focus on the wildfires…..The content creators at public media organization WHYY-FM in Philadelphia voted overwhelmingly to recognize SAG-AFTRA as their union with 99% voting in support.  The election was conducted by the National Labor Relations Board.  The move allows the unit to proceed with negotiating a first contract.  The new bargaining unit will cover the public media professionals who create content for all areas of the station, including radio, television and digital.  It also covers those working in the news department, on the digital team, on podcasts, in the production departments and on “Fresh Air with Terry Gross,” “The Pulse,” “Billy Penn,” “PlanPhilly,” and “Radio Times.”…..iHeartMedia announces the premiere of “Second Oil Age,” a new, scripted sci-fi podcast set in a deep-sea adventure in a post-energy crisis world.  The first three episodes are available on the iHeartPodcast Network and new episodes debut every Tuesday and Thursday.  The podcast is written by host Robert Lamb and follows Synøve Pan, voiced by Angèle Masters, a specially conditioned agent of the UDEX Oil Corporation as she investigates the disappearance of an oil executive on the deep-sea Atlas Station.  iHM says, “The 10-episode scripted podcast will have true sci-fi fans not only hooked but left with their blood pumping.”

Al Herskovitz Honored by the Media Roundtable in Sarasota.  TALKERS marketing director Al Herskovitz was honored yesterday (10/30) at the monthly luncheon gathering of the Media Roundtable, a Sarasota, FL-based, 300-plus member organization of active and retired media professionals.  Herskovitz (right) pictured with the organization’s chairman Dick Miller (left) was honored for his “years of success in the media and great service to the Media Roundtable.”  TALKERS founder Michael Harrison states, “We are so proud of Al and indeed lucky to have his knowledge and wisdom to draw upon.  At 88, he is still going strong and brings a wealth of career experience to our ‘table’ that spans the decades and centuries.  He is indeed an industry treasure and we love him.”

Impeachment Inquiry, California Wildfires, Twitter Bans Political Ads, 2020 Presidential Race, APEC Summit Canceled/U.S.-China Trade Deal, and Nationals Win World Series Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/30). The testimony for the impeachment inquiry against President Trump; the millions affected by the California wildfires and the PG&E power blackouts; social media platform Twitter announces a ban on political ads; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; Chile cancels the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit due to civil unrest and the related U.S.-China trade deal; and the Washington Nationals upset the Houston Astros to win the World Series 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. Programming pro Jake Thomson rises to program director at Dick Broadcasting’s country WUBB, Savannah-Hilton Head “BOB 106.9,” taking over for Hunter Meyer, who exited the station back in May.  Thomson will continue to host the PM drive daypart…..Air personality Isaac Wenzel exits iHeartMedia’s Madison country outlet WMAD “96.3 Star Country.  He was also in charge of promotions for the company’s Madison station group.

October PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Three

| October 31, 2019

October 2019 PPM Data – Information for the October 2019 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s October 2019 survey period covered September 12 – October 9. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these PPM-markets below.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – Locked on 4.7 (6+) in August and September, Alpha Media-owned news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” adds four-tenths in October (5.1, sixth to fifth, 6+). Its recent fluctuations include: -1.0 (March/April); +1.1 (May/June); -.7 (July); and +.6 (August). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” repeats September’s 6+ AQH share (2.3) and market rank (#19). In the ten monthly reports thus far in this calendar year, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” has logged a 1.0 (6+) five times and a .9 (6+) the other five times: 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 (#24 to #23, 6+). After posting a .3 (6+) in June, July, August, and September, Salem Media Group’s KPAM “AM 860 The Answer” is up two-tenths to .5 (#26, 6+).

Not only does Alpha Media’s sports talk KXTG gain an overall half-share in three successive sweeps without a loss (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8, 6+), “The Game” returns to the top twenty (#22 to #20). Up one-tenth (1.5 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KFXX “1080 The Fan” repeats at #21. Advancing from #28 to #27, iHeartMedia-owned KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” has a July 2019 through October 2019 topline of: .3 – .4 – .3 – .4 (6+).

Over and above being a collective +2.0 via three bumps in succession (6.5 – 7.0 – 7.4 – 8.5, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB marches from the runner-up slot to #1. This particular streak follows three downturns in a row that led to a collective -1.4 (7.9 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.5, 6+). KOPB has been +1.2 (January); -2.0 (February/March); +.6 (April); -.9 (May); +.5 (August); and +1.1 (October).

Portland Music Formats – One-half share separates Portland’s top three October 2019 finishers. A combined +1.1 in September/October (6.9 – 7.1, 8.0, 6+) iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” remains in third-place and has its best 6+-showing (8.0) since April’s 8.6. It is a mixed bag for the market’s two country outlets, resulting in the pair being deadlocked. Specifically, Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” rebounds from September’s -1.2 with a +.8 (3.7, #17 to #8), while Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” completely reverses September’s +1.3 with a -1.3 (3.7 – 5.0 – 3.7, fifth to eighth). “The Bull” pulls the plug on three consecutive setbacks in which it lost roughly half (-2.8) its 6+ AQH share (5.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 2.9, 6+). Meanwhile, “The Wolf” was a combined +1.5 in August/September (3.5 – 3.7 – 5.0, 6+), with September’s 5.0 its strongest (6+) showing since August 2017’s 5.2. As a result of five straight spikes, Salem Media Group regional Mexican KRYP “93.1 El Rey” (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+) is a collective +1.6 and jumps from #16 to #12. The rollercoaster ride continues for All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland,” which was +.5 (July); +.7 (August); -.5 (September); and now +.7 in October (2.7 – 3.4, #18 to #12, 6+). July’s increase halted five consecutive down or flat moves that resulted in a -2.4 (4.4 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+). Stuck on 5.1 (6+) in August and September, Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” flashes a +.6 to 5.7, its best 6+-figure since February 2018’s 5.8; “Charlie” continues in fourth-place. Albeit flat at 8.2 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103,” which was #1 the past three months, segues to #2. Its September +1.1 expunged July/August’s -.7 (7.8 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+). July marked the first time “K-103” held the lead position since “Holiday” 2018. Ironically, it returned to the top despite having its consecutive string of increases that yielded eight-tenths snapped at three (7.0 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+). This (8.2 in September and October) is the best 6+-stat for “K-103” since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2. Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” has its 6+ AQH share slivered virtually in half (-2.6) in September/October (5.1 – 4.0 – 2.5, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#10 to #18). When “The Fish” picked up four-tenths in July, it ended three consecutive down or flat trends that led to a loss of nine-tenths (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). After logging three consecutive increases netting eight-tenths (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom-owned KGON “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” is an overall -2.1 in three drops in succession (5.9 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 3.8, sixth to seventh, 6+). Off seven-tenths each are iHeartMedia CHR KKRZ “Z-100 Portland” (3.6, #9 to #11, 6+) and Entercom’s KNRK “94.7 Portland Alternative” (#12 to #14, 6+). The loss by “Z-100” curtails five successive positive or neutral sweeps that netted a +1.0 (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+); KNRK has lost seven-tenths in three consecutive reports without an increase (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.0, 6+). After posting a 1.8 in June (#20, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is unlisted the fourth month in succession.

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding three-tenths to September’s +.4 (3.3 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT (Carolina Panthers) repeats at #11; WBT was -.9 in June and +1.2 in July.

Co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” has a July 2019 through October 2019 topline of: 1.3 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.9 (#18 to #17, 6+).

In all ten of this year’s monthly reports, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE has remained in two-share range: 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.2 (flat at #15, 6+). Adding one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.1 – .2 – .3, 6+), South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC advances from #23 to #22.

Charlotte Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia classic rock WRFX repeat at #1, “99.7 The Fox” is a collective +2.9 via four straight spikes (5.4 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 7.5 – 8.3, 6+). Prior to September, “The Fox” last occupied the top spot in March 2018 (7.3, 6+). Advancing by one-half share each are Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” (5.9 – 6.4, third to second, 6+) and iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake” (third to a second-place tie with WBAV). A combined +1.4 in July/August (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), “V-101.9,” which had an August-only stay at #1, spiraled by -1.0 in September. August’s 6.9 was its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (6.9, as well). “The Lake” is now a combined +.7 in September/October (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.4, 6+). Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in April (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 6.8 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 4.7, 6+),  Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF “105.3 R n B” falls from sixth to eighth with its lowest 6+-stat since February (4.7, as well). In four straight down or flat reports, Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link Charlotte’s Best Mix” is an overall -1.2 (4.6 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.4, #11 to #12, 6+). On the heels of September’s -.7, Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” falters by another half share (6.1 – 5.6, 6+), skidding from second to fifth. A combined -1.5 in June/July (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+), WSOC was up eight-tenths in August. Prior to segueing to #2 in June, “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” was on top the previous four months. May’s improvement of eight-tenths delivered WSOC its strongest 6+-stat since November 2018 (7.5, as well). Overtaking WSOC is iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” (5.5 – 5.7, +.2, fifth to fourth, 6+). In five successive positive or neutral moves, “The Kat” was +1.3 (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+), before dropping a combined -1.1 in August/September (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+). After recording a one-half share increase in June (2.1 – 2.6, #14, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is unlisted for the fourth month in a row.

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia-owned WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather,” which is an overall +1.4 in four straight sweeps without a loss (4.3 – 5.0 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.7, third to second, 6+). Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” is up three-tenths (1.7 – 2.0, 6+) and reenters the top twenty (#21 to #19).

Despite logging five successive up or flat moves and more than tripling (+.5) its 6+ AQH-share (.2 – .3 – .3 – .5 – .7 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” backslides from #27 to #28. The July 2019 through October 2019 topline for Alpha Media’s KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” is: .3 – .2 – .3 – .3 (#32 to #33, 6+).

Up one-tenth in consecutive reports (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX advances from #15 to #14.

San Antonio Music Formats – Owing to four upticks in succession, Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM is a collective +1.3 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+). “Que Buena 92.9” enters the top ten (#11 to #8) and crosses the four-share threshold (4.5) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (4.1). An overall +2.0 through four straight bumps (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 4.2 – 4.6, 6+), Alpha Media CHR KTFM “Energy 94.1” pushes up from eighth to sixth.

Adding six-tenths to September’s +.5 (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the eighth month in a row. Its September increase halted three dips in succession that accounted for an overall -1.8 (8.5 – 8.2 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+). Whereas May’s 8.5 is its highest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 8.8, August’s 6.7 (6+) is KONO-FM’s lowest since 6.0 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018. “San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” had been the runner-up five successive times before progressing to #1 in March. We are accustomed to seeing San Antonio’s two consistently competitive country FMs on top of each either. In October though, there is actually a bit of distance between them – albeit just a bit. For openers, Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” is an overall -1.5 in five straight drops (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.4 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7, 6+) but remains in the runner-up slot. Recent shifts for “Y-100” include: -.8 (December 2018); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.6 (March); +.6 (May); and -.5 (July). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” spirals by -1.1 (5.4 – 4.3, fourth to ninth, 6+). Before gaining three-tenths in September, KAJA was -1.1 in three consecutive losses (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.1, 6+). “KJ-97” has been +1.0 (December 2018); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +3.0 (January 2019); –1.9 (March); -.5 (July); and -1.1 (October). Sputtering by seven-tenths each are Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (#13 to #16, 6+) and Cox Media Group classic country KKYX “Country Legends” (2.5 – 1.8, #17 to #21, 6+). KZLV is trending 2.7 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.7 (6+); KKYX falls below a two-share (1.8, 6+) for the first time since December 2018 (1.9).

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Frozen on 5.2 (6+) in June and July and then on 5.7 (6+) in August and September, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” gains two-tenths to 5.9 (fourth to third, 6+). Co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” is off a combined half-share in September/October (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+) and repeats at #14; August’s 3.3 was its highest 6+-stat since February 2017’s 3.6.

Joined together at #21 are Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140,” which is without a loss the fifth successive sweep for a +.3 (.6 – .6 – .7 – .8 – .9 – .9, #22 to #21, 6+) and Entercom’s KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320,” which had been up or flat the past three reports for a net gain of three-tenths (.7 – .7 – .8 -1.0, 6+), but drops one-tenth to .9 (6+). The two sports talkers were tied in August with identical (.7 – .8, +.1, 6+) profiles.

Flat at #5, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ follows September’s half-share increase with an October loss of two-tenths (5.3 – 5.1, 6+); December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQEI, which had been down or flat the past three months for a -.3 (.7 – .6 – .4 – .4, 6+), is up one-tenth to .5 (flat at #25, 6+).

Sacramento Music Formats – In addition to being an overall +1.2 in three straight upticks (3.2 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+), Bonneville hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5 Today’s Best Hits” cracks the top ten (#11 to #10) and has its highest 6+-figure since May 2018 (4.4, as well). Down a collective six-tenths in three drops in succession (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+), Entravision Communications regional Mexican KRCX “La Tricolor” erases the deficit completely with an October +.6 to 1.7 (#19 to #16). Bouncing back from September’s loss of eight-tenths with an October increase of one-half share (4.0 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” reenters the top ten (#12 to #8). September’s 4.0 was its lowest 6+-stat since February (4.0, as well). With a July 2019 through October 2019 topline of 7.8 – 7.9 – 7.6 – 7.8 (6+), Entercom-owned KSEG “96.9 The Eagle – Sacramento’s Classic Rock” is #1 the ninth month in a row. “The Eagle” held the lead position ten consecutive survey periods before shifting to #2 in December. Seven of its recent fluctuations include: -1.1 (November 2018); -.8 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.0 (February 2019); -.5 (April); +.9 (May); -.6 (June); and -.5 (July). A combined +.9 in August/September (3.9 – 4.4 – 4.8, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KBEB forfeits that entire increase with an October decline of nine-tenths to 3.9 (6+) as “92.5 The Breeze” departs the top ten (#7 to #12). KBEB switched from country to adult contemporary in mid-November (2018). In advance of March/April’s -.8 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+), “The Breeze” netted a +2.1 in three straight positive spikes (2.4 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+). Following three successive boosts that yielded a +1.1 (5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom’s KRXQ “98 Rock” sputters by eight-tenths to 5.3 (third to fourth, 6+). A combined +.8 in August/September (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.8, 6+), Capital Public Radio classical KXPR forfeits one-half share in October (1.3, #16 to #18, 6+); 1.8 (September) was its strongest 6+-performance since April 2018’s 2.2. Through five negative or neutral moves in a row (6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom CHR KUDL is an overall -1.3; “106.5 The End” repeats at #6. Immediately after posting four consecutive gains that netted a +1.4 (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rocker KYRV “93.7 The River” is -2.0 in four straight setbacks (6.6 – 6.3 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6, flat at #7, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on one-half share to September’s +.4 (3.2 – 3.6 – 4.1, 6+), Entercom’s KDKA-AM returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). This time last month, “News Radio 1020” curtailed seven straight negative or neutral reports that accounted for a -1.9 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+).

Co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” (Pirates), which was a combined -.6 in July/August (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.7, 6+), is now +1.4 in September/October (5.7 – 6.3 – 7.1, unchanged at #4, 6+). August’s 5.7 was its lowest 6+-share since December 2018’s 5.5. After an amazingly consistent September 2018 through September 2019 topline of: .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 (6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” (Steelers) logs a +.3 to .5 (6+) but backslides from #19 to #24.

A collective +.6 in three straight improvements (3.6 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” surrenders one-half share to 3.7 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11).

Pittsburgh Music Formats – Virtually obliterating the overall -1.2 via three setbacks in a row (9.5 – 8.7 – 8.6 – 8.3, 6+) with an October +1.1 (to 9.4, 6), iHeartMedia-owned rocker WDVE (Steelers) marches from second to first. Following three straight months at #1, classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 3WS,” a combined -1.0 in September/October (8.8 – 8.2, -.6, 6+), segues to the runner-up slot. Its -.4 in September interrupted three increases in succession that led to an overall +1.5 (7.7 – 8.5 – 8.9 – 9.2, 6+); August’s 9.2 was its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018 (13.6). Four straight jumps by alternative sibling WXDX have netted a +1.9 (3.0 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+) as “105.9 The X” progresses from eighth to seventh. Also in that iHeartMedia cluster, WKST “96.1 Kiss – Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station” has a fluctuation of seven-tenths for the third month in a row. “Kiss” was +.7 (August); -.7 (September); and -.7 (again) in October (5.9 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.2, flat at #5, 6+). August’s 6.6 was the best 6+-showing for “Kiss” since September 2018’s 6.7. Off eight-tenths in October and remaining at #12, Steel City Media hot AC WLTJ “Q-92.9” has a June 2019 through October 2019 down/up pattern of 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 2.7 (6+). Through five negative or neutral moves in a row (6.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 4.8, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH is a cumulative -1.5; “Wish 99.7” slips from sixth to eighth. Unlisted in July, August, and September, several Forever Media outlets reappear in print in the October report: classic country WLYI (1.2, #16, 6+); country WOGI (1.0, #19, 6+); country WOGG (.7, #22, 6+); and classic hits-oldies WPKL (.7, #22, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Among all stations in the 36 PPM markets whose data has been released so far this week, only Bonneville-owned KSL has made a September 2019 – October 2019 (6+) increase of at least two full shares (4.0 – 6.4, +2.4, 6+). Furthermore, “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” vaults from ninth to third. When KSL gained six-tenths in September (3.4 – 4.0, 6+), it pulled the plug on four consecutive down or flat moves that led to a collective -1.8 (5.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). August’s 3.4 represents KSL’s lowest-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. In three straight sweeps without an increase, similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned KNRS lost nine-tenths (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+) but “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” ends the slide with an October +.4 to 3.2 (#13 to #12, 6+). Unchanged at #21, Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” is without a loss in five survey periods in a row for a net gain of two-tenths (.3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .5, 6+).

For the tenth sweep in a row, Broadway Media sports talk KALL “ESPN 700” is unlisted.

Flat at #16, University of Utah news/talk KUER is trending 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1 (June – July – August – September – October, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – It is an excellent sweep for the market’s two main adult contemporary outlets. More to the point, Bonneville’s KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music/Better Work Day” gains four-tenths to 6.7 (6+), jumping from third to first. Entering this ratings period, “FM 100.3” was -2.0 via four straight negative moves (8.3 – 8.0 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+). KSFI was on top five months in a row; segued to the runner-up slot in April; and returned to #1 in May and June. Three straight increases netted a massive +16.2 (5.6 – 5.7 – 12.7 – 21.8, 6+) for “FM 100.3,” the only PPM-market station in “Holiday” 2018 to reach the 20-share level (6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted KBEE “B-98.7 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” improves by six-tenths (3.4 – 4.0, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #10), reaching the four-share level (4.0) for the first time since January’s 4.2. Co-owned country KUBL “K-Bull 93” notches a half share improvement (4.3 – 4.8, steady in eighth-place, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since February (4.8, as well). The four most recent fluctuations for Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN “Now 97.9 – Today’s Best Music” are +.7 (July); -1.1 (August); +1.0 (September); and now -1.3 in October (6.1 – 4.8, fourth to eighth, 6+). Before the May sweep, KBZN had been down or flat three straight times for a net loss of six-tenths (6.0 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). A combined +.9 in August/September (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KAAZ forfeits that entire increase (3.0, -.9, 6+) and drifts from the top ten (#10 to #14). In September, “Rock 106.7” had its highest 6+-stat since May 2017 (3.9, as well). Not only does its classic hits-oldies sibling KODJ drop six-tenths (7.1 – 6.5, 6+), “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” has a September-only stay at #1 and segues to second. Prior to September’s increase of four-tenths, KODJ was an overall -.7 in three consecutive down or flat moves (7.4 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+). “Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” netted +2.9 via three straight gains (4.4 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.3, 6+); surrendered a -1.1 in April; and was +1.2 in May. Bonneville-owned/similarly-formatted KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” is a combined -1.7 in three setbacks in succession (7.6 – 7.2 – 6.3 – 5.9, 6+) with 5.9 its lowest 6+-showing since December 2018’s 5.7. Its July improvement of eight-tenths interrupted May/June’s -1.4 (8.2 – 7.6 – 6.8, 6+), which followed five consecutive increases resulting in an overall +2.5 (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Before reaching the lead position in July, “Arrow” had an April-only stay at #1. For the tenth sweep in a row, these Broadway Media music-intensive stations are unlisted: adult hits KYMV; alternative KXRK; CHR KUDD; country KEGA; and rhythmic CHR KUUU.

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Following four successive sweeps without a loss that led to a +.5 (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom’s KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” drops one-tenth to 2.2 (6+) and is unchanged at #18. Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” is up a total of two-tenths in September/October (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, #25 to #24, 6+).

In five consecutive positive or neutral reports, Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” has more than tripled (+1.0) its 6+ AQH-share (.4 – .5 – .5 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.4, #24 to #22, 6+). After posting a .5 (6+) in each of the last four sweeps, co-owned KRLV “Fox Sports Radio Las Vegas” gains one-tenth to .6 (#27 to  #26, 6+).

On the heels of September’s loss of seven-tenths, Nevada Public Radio news/talk KNPR falters by another eight-tenths (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.3, fifth to eighth, 6+). An August improvement of three-tenths followed its combined -1.3 in June/July (5.8 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+).

Las Vegas Music Formats – A cumulative +1.3 through three upticks in a row (4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.8, 6+), Lotus Communications’ KXPT “97.1 The Point #1 For Classic Rock” bumps up from fourth to third, reaching the five-share level (5.8, 6+) for the first time since March (5.5). Following four straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -2.1 (5.0 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KXQQ “Q-100.5” erases one-third of that deficit with a +.7 to 3.6 (6+) and leaps into the top ten (#11 to #6). That particular streak immediately trailed its cumulative +1.1 in five consecutive up or flat moves (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+). In May 2019, KXQQ reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time since May 2018 (5.0, as well). A combined -.7 in August/September (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Jammin’ 105.7” regains all but one-tenth of that loss with a +.6 to 3.2 (6+) and cracks the top ten (#15 to #10). A September dip of six-tenths by KISF took “Zona Mx 103.5” to its lowest 6+-stat (1.7) since “Holiday” 2018’s 1.6. In October, however, the Univision Radio regional Mexican outlet improves by one-half share (1.7 – 2.2, #20 to #18, 6+). Setting the pace the fourth month in a row is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music For A Better Workday,” which shakes off September’s -.9 with an increase of three-tenths (7.7 – 8.0, 6+). The decrease this time last month snapped at three its consecutive string of positive spikes that netted a +3.8 (4.8 – 6.0 – 7.6 – 8.6, 6+). “Sunny” was #1 from September 2018 through January 2019. Prior to May, it last fell below a five-share (6+) in October 2017 (4.8, as well). “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is the highest 6+-share for any Las Vegas station since the 14.0 KSNE logged in “Holiday” 2016. After that “Holiday” 2018 12.8 though, “Sunny” was -8.0 in five successive negative or neutral trends (12.8 – 7.5 – 6.7 – 6.7 – 5.5 – 4.8, 6+). Down six-tenths, co-owned KWNR “95.5 The Bull – Las Vegas’ New Country Leader” falls below a three-share (3.4 – 2.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Exiting the top ten as well (#10 to #13) is its format rival, Beasley Media Group’s KCYE “102.7 The Coyote, which is a collective -1.5 via four setbacks in a row (4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+).

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +1.0 via three straight improvements (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” forfeits one-tenth to 4.4 (6+) yet pushes up from tenth to ninth. Not only does Cox Media Group news/talk WDBO-FM return in full September’s +.9 (5.1 – 4.2, -.9, 6+), “News 96.5” exits the top ten (#8 to #11). WDBO-FM was a combined -1.4 in June/July (5.2 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+). Having recorded a very consistent March 2019 through September 2019 topline of 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.5 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WFLF “News Radio Orlando” posts a +.6 to 3.1 (#15 to #14, 6+).

Tied at #16 are Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” (1.0 – 1.1, +.1, #18 to #16, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” (.8 – 1.1, +.3, #20 to #16, 6+).

Up a combined nine-tenths in September/October (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” progresses from #14 to #13.

Orlando Music Formats – Piling on nine-tenths to September’s +1.6 (4.9 – 6.5 – 7.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” rockets from fifth to second. This (7.4) is the highest 6+-showing for “Magic” since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.3. Prior to September, WMGF was -1.0 via four straight sweeps without an increase (5.9 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+). Improving by six-tenths each are its CHR and rock cluster-mates WXXL “XL-106.7 Orlando’s #1 Hit Music Station” (6.7 – 7.3, fourth to third, 6+) and WJRR “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station,” which enters the top ten (4.2 – 4.8, #11 to #8, 6+). “XL-106.7” is rebounding from September’s -1.6, which followed three straight sweeps without a loss netting a +1.3 (7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 8.3, 6+). It has been a wild ride lately for Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105-9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s.” A combined -2.5 in September/October (11.0 – 9.5 – 8.5, 6+), “Sunny” is nonetheless #1 the sixth month in a row. Immediately in advance of the September sweep, WOCL produced a whopping +3.1 through four consecutive spikes (7.9 – 9.0 – 9.4 – 10.8 – 11.0, 6+). July’s 10.8 marked the first time any Orlando station hit double-digits (6+) since “Holiday” 2018 when (aforementioned) iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF reached 14.3 (6+). WOCL’s April loss of three-tenths interrupted three consecutive increases that netted a +3.3 (4.9 – 6.9 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). Dropping from second to fourth, iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM “Rumba 100.3” has its fourth setback in succession for a collective -1.7 (8.7 – 8.5 – 7.8 – 7.1 – 7.0, 6+). WRUM occupied the runner-up slot three months in a row but fell to third in August. Entering the August sweep, “Rumba” notched an 8.5 (6+) in three of the previous four reports (8.5 – 8.5 – 8.7 – 8.5, 6+). Several recent fluctuations by Cox Media Group-owned WWKA include: -.4 (March); +.4 (April); -.5 (May); +.6 (June); -.5 (August); +.6 in September; and now -.9 in October (4.7 – 3.8, 6+); “K-92.3 Orlando’s #1 For New Country” exits the top ten (#9 to #12). Also eroding by nine-tenths in October is Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” (6.8 – 5.9, third to fifth, 6+), which drops below a six-share (5.9, 6+) for the first time since March (5.6). Cluster-mate WQMP “101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” sputters by one-half share to 3.0 (#13 to #15, 6+), thus snapping at seven its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted a +1.4 (2.1 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+).

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite spiraling by nine-tenths (10.7 – 9.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLW “The Big One” (Reds, Bengals) is #1 the third month in a row. Prior to August, the last time WLW reached #1 was January. Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station,” which was down three-tenths in September, recaptures two-tenths (2.9 – 3.1, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#12 to #10).

Sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” more than doubles (+.6) its 6+ AQH Share in three straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .8 – .8 – 1.1, #20 to #17, 6+). Steady at #23, co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” has an April 2019 through October 2019 topline of: .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 (6+).

Despite remaining flat at 2.9 (6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU is propelled into the top ten (#12 to #8).

Cincinnati Music Formats – A collective -.6 in four straight sweeps without an increase (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107.1” answers with a combined +.9 in September/October (3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1, tenth to eighth, 6+). The last time “Kiss” reached the four-share level (6+) was nearly a year ago (November 2018, also 4.1). Leaping from #16 to #12 is Cumulus Media’s WNNF “Cat Country 94.1,” which is +1.0 in September/October (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.9, 6+). Radio One urban contemporary WIZF was -.4 (May); +.7 (June); -.7 (July); a combined +1.2 in August/September; and now -1.5 in October (4.2 – 2.7, 6+); “101.1 The Wiz” slumps from #8 to #15. Immediately after iHeartMedia-owned WEBN posted a September increase of nine-tenths (3.8 – 4.7, 6+), “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” surrenders it in total (3.8, -.9, seventh to ninth, 6+). September’s 4.7 was its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 5.0. For the second time in the last three sweeps, Radio One urban AC WOSL “100.3 Cinci’s R&B Station” drops one-half share and is a collective -1.0 since July (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.0, #10 to #11, 6+). This (3.0) is its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 2.6. Steady in fifth-place, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” is within 5.4 – 5.9 range (6+) the eighth straight time (5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.9, 6+).

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats –The eight most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM (Indians) are: -.6 (March); +.9 (April); -.7 (May); +.5 (June); another +.5 (July); +1.1 (August); -.7 (September) and another -.7 in October (6.5 – 5.8, flat at #6, 6+). August’s 7.2 was the strongest 6+-stat for “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” since October 2017’s 8.5. Unlisted the past three months, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer – News-Opinion-Insight” resurfaces in print with a .9 (#17, 6+).

Through four positive spikes in succession, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” (Browns) nets a +2.3 (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 5.3, tenth to eighth, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat (5.3) since January’s 5.4.

Following September’s -1.3 (4.0 – 2.7, 6+), Ideastream-owned news/talk WCPN posts a gain of six-tenths to 3.3 (#13 to #12, 6+). September’s 2.7 marked the first time WCPN fell below a three-share since “Holiday” 2018’s 2.1.

Cleveland Music Formats – Shaking off September’s -.9 with an October +.8 (8.3 – 7.4 – 8.2, 6+), Entercom-owned WNCX advances from fourth to second; “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” shared the lead in August. Prior to August/September’s -1.1 (8.5 – 8.3 – 7.4, 6+), WNCX was a collective +2.1 via five straight upticks (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+). While it remains at #15, Ideastream-owned WCLV “Classical 104.9” logs its third uptick in succession for a collective gain of seven-tenths (.9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.6, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (1.6) since February’s 2.2. Notwithstanding that it drops four-tenths (9.0 – 8.6, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. Immediately before falling to third in August, WMJI was the market leader for eight straight sweeps. August’s 8.2 was its lowest 6+-stat since December 2018’s 7.9. Eight recent “Majic” shifts include: +2.8 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.7 (January 2019); +.8 (February); +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.6 (July); -1.0 (August); and +.8 (September). Off one-half share (8.2 – 7.7, 6+), immediately after posting a September gain of six-tenths, Radio One urban AC WZAK slips from second to fourth. WZAK was -1.1 in July (7.8 – 6.7) and then a combined +1.5 in August/September (6.7 – 7.6 – 8.2, 6+). When WZAK gained three-tenths in June, it halted five successive sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -1.2 (8.7 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5, 6+). Within 3.1 – 3.9 range the ninth successive time (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WAKS “96.5 Kiss FM” drops from #12 to #13.

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – By tacking seven-tenths onto September’s +.9, Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” crosses the six-share level and repeats at #4 (4.5 – 5.4 – 6.1, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” has lost a cumulative one-half share in four consecutive down or flat reports (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 1.8, flat at #20, 6+). Unchanged at #21, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” is trending 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 (July – August – September – October, 6+).

After posting shifts of four-tenths three months in a row (3.2 – 2.8, July, 6+; 2.8 – 3.2, August, 6+; and 3.2 – 3.6, September, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” notches a +.6 to 4.2 (6+) and zooms into the top ten (#12 to #7). October’s 4.2 is its best 6+-stat since January (5.0). Meanwhile, Entercom-owned KCSP “610 Sports Radio” (Royals) is a collective +.9 in three straight gains (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, #13 to #12, 6+). This directly follows three drops in succession that resulted in a -1.5 (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 2.5, 6+).

Flat at #8, University of Missouri news/talk KCUR has a June 2019 through October 2019 topline of: 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.1 (6+).

Kansas City Music Formats – Following three reports in a row without an increase that accounted for an overall -1.0 (9.2 – 9.2 – 8.6 – 8.2, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” erases 60% of the deficit (8.8, +.6, 6+) and remains at #2. KCMO-FM had been +3.8 via six successive sweeps without a loss (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 9.2 – 9.2, 6+). Seven of its recent fluctuations include: +1.6 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +1.2 (February); +1.1 (March); +1.3 (June); -.6 (August); and +.6 (October). A half-share spike to 3.4 (#15 to #12, 6+) by Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” applies the brakes to five successive negative or neutral trends that led to a collective -1.5 (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+). Powered by its combined +1.2 in September/October (9.3 – 10.3 – 10.5, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KCFX “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” (Chiefs) is #1 the fourth month in a row. An August -.6 interrupted four positive spikes in succession that netted a +2.6 (7.3 – 7.7 – 8.4 – 8.6 – 9.9, 6+). In this year’s ten survey periods, KCFX has been on top seven times (January, February, May, July, August, September, and October), while (aforementioned) cluster-mate KCMO-FM has set the pace the other three (March, April, and June). A combined +1.6 in August/September (2.9 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5” relinquishes all but three-tenths of that increase (3.2, -1.3, 6+) and plummets from #6 to #14. Immediately after posting a September +.8 to 7.0 (6+), Carter Broadcast urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” falters by seven-tenths (6.3, 6+) but continues in third-place. Entercom’s KQRC “98.9 The Rock” has its third decrease in a row for a collective -1.2 and falls below a four-share (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7, ninth to tenth, 6+).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – More than making up for August’s loss of three-tenths, iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” is a combined +1.4 in September/October (5.0 – 5.6 – 6.4, fifth to fourth, 6+).

Unlisted in July, August, and September, Tegna’s WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” reappears in second-place with a topline of 4.0 – 5.7 – 7.0 (6+). October’s 7.0 represents its best printed 6+-stat since December 2018’s 7.3. Co-owned/similarly formatted WBNS-AM resurfaces as well with a .2 (#19, 6+).

Although up a combined half-share in September/October (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+), Ohio State University news/talk WOSU slips from sixth to seventh.

Columbus Music Formats – An overall -2.2 in three straight declines (13.0 -11.7 – 11.1 – 10.8, 6+) but then up a combined seven-tenths in August/September (10.8 – 11.2 – 11.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WCOL falters by eight-tenths to 10.7 (6+). Nonetheless, “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” is #1 the 23rd sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. Sample fluctuations for WCOL include +3.1 (January 2018); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.2 (April); -1.3 (May); -.6 (June); and -.8 (October). Directly after gaining nine-tenths via three successive up or flat trends (6.7 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 7.6, 6+), Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY is a combined -1.4 in September/October (7.6 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+) as “Sunny 95” slumps from second to sixth. It’s a somewhat similar scenario for hot AC cluster-mate WVMX “Mix 107.9,” which was +.8 in August but regresses by -1.4 in September/October and dips below a two-share (3.3 – 2.4 – 1.9, #12 to #14, 6+). August 2019’s 3.3 was its highest 6+-stat since 3.3 in August 2018. Conversely, co-owned classic hits-oldies WNND “Rewind,” which was a combined -1.3 in August/September (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.1, 6+), directly following a collective +1.2 through four consecutive positive spikes (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), is up three-tenths to 2.4 (flat at #13, 6+). WNND reached the three-share level (June, 3.0, 6+) for the first time since December 2017’s 3.1. Falling from second to third is iHeartMedia CHR WNCI, which is an overall -1.7 in five straight down or flat moves (8.6 – 7.4 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.9, 6+); “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” was +.1.4 in May. Adult hits sibling WODC “93.3 The Bus” is a collective -1.8 in three straight drops (5.6 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 3.8, seventh to eighth, 6+). WODC has been +3.7 (December 2018/“Holiday” 2018); -4.1 (January 2019); +.9 (May); -.5 (June); +1.0 (July); -.9 (August); and -.5 (September). Prior to the June sweep, “The Bus” notched three consecutive up or flat sweeps that yielded a +1.0 (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 5.1, 6+). July’s 5.6 was its best 6+-stat since 8.7 in “Holiday” 2018.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

| October 30, 2019

Round Two of October PPM Ratings Released. The second of four rounds of October 2019 PPM ratings data from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.  The October 2019 rating period covered September 12 to October 9.  Some (6+) ratings gains of note from these markets include: Entercom’s sports talk WJFK-FM, Washington rises 0.8 to a 4.3 share and a #8 ranking in the market; both Boston sports talkers see positive movement as Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” climbs 1.1 to a 6.1 share and #4 in the market while Entercom’s WEEI goes up 0.7  to 4.4 share and #7 in the market; Cumulus Media’s news/talk WJR, Detroit climbs 0.6 to a 2.9 share; Bonneville’s KMVP, Phoenix “98.7 Arizona Sports” gains 0.7 to a 3.1 share; iHeartMedia’s news/talk KOGO, San Diego ranked #5 in the market after a 0.7 increase to a 5.0 share; and recent programming changes at iHeartMedia’s KDFD, Denver “Freedom 93.7” push it up a full share to a 2.1 and #18 in the market.  TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian, as he does each month, presents his “Takeaways” from the performances of each market’s spoken-word and music stations. See his “Takeaways” from this second round here.  You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

TALKERS News Notes. Tomorrow (10/31), C-SPAN2 will air a one-hour special television program about the new book by nationally syndicated radio host Todd Starnes titled, Culture Jihad: How to Stop the Left From Killing a Nation (2019, Post Hill Press).  Former longtime FOX News Radio host Starnes is launching a new, three-hour talk show on Monday (11/4).  Interested stations can inquire about the program by emailing: media@hamiltonstrategies.com…..The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that WIP, Philadelphia overnight on-air personality Big Daddy Graham is dealing with a setback in his health situation that began with a spinal cord injury back in July.  His daughter Ava Graham, who works on the Angelo Cataldi morning show on the station, told listeners her father is back in the hospital suffering with double pneumonia, an inflamed kidney, and a necrotic femur.  He spent 88 days in the hospital recovering from the spinal cord injury that has left him paralyzed from the waist down…..Tomorrow night (10/31), Premiere Networks personality George Noory will continue his traditional “Ghost to Ghost AM” version of the “Coast to Coast AM” show.  It will feature ghost stories, open-line callers, and a Halloween greeting from actor Bill Mumy (“Lost in Space” and “Babylon 5”), as well as a deceased guest.  He’ll also welcome special guests, including The Haunted Housewives – Theresa Argie and Cathi Weber…..WSCO-AM, Appleton, Wisconsin “The Score” morning personality Brian Butch is adding duties with the Big Ten Network this season as a game and studio analyst.  The former University of Wisconsin basketball star says, “I’m excited for this opportunity and for a chance to get back to my Big Ten roots.  I look forward to continuing my growth as a broadcaster and sharing my knowledge of basketball with the viewers.”  Butch co-hosts the “BJ and the Bear” program on the Woodward Radio Group sports talk outlet.  He’s also filled in on FOX Sports Radio’s Rich Eisen show…..Premiere Networks and Dr. Dave Creative Entertainment announce the launch of the “Legit Check” podcast, hosted by Yeezy Busta.  The program is “a journey through the evolving and influential world of sneaker culture.  Each week, Yeezy Busta will invite celebrities, musicians, comedians, athletes, and other sneaker enthusiasts to discuss the state of sneaker culture –where it’s going, the people who influence it, the latest trends, its effect on music, and much more.”

Westwood One: Boomers Are a Demographic Brands Shouldn’t Ignore. In its weekly blog post, Westwood One states that while so many advertisers are focusing on targeting Millennials, “Boomers account for 54% of all disposable income, making them an important demographic brands can’t afford to ignore.  Using AM/FM radio, they can reach and influence this desirable consumer group.” Some of the data points in the report include: Boomers 50+ spend nearly $550 billion annually on their home and personal retail. Boomers have a more active lifestyle than Millennials, spending 56% more time doing leisure activities and sports and 22% more time shopping than Millennials 25-34, according to the Video Advertising Bureau; Weekly, persons 50-64 spend an average of 14 hours and 35 minutes with AM/FM radio.  Daily, they are clocking an average of 2 hours and 5 minutes with AM/FM radio; and Boomers especially connect with classic rock, the music of their formative years, as well as news/talk and sports format stations.  See the blog here.

Impeachment Inquiry Testimony, California Wildfires, 2020 Presidential Race, Boeing CEO Testimony, Rising Sea Levels/Global Warming, and Brexit Election Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/29). Tuesday’s testimony from National Security Council member Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman before the House Intelligence Committee about President Trump’s plea to Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe and Hunter Biden; the California wildfires that have some 25 million people on edge and the PG&E power blackouts; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg’s testimony before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; the latest report on climate change and rising sea levels; and Britain’s December 12 elections in which Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes to gain conservative PMs to push his Brexit plan through were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Nominations Open for 2020 NAB Technology Awards. The National Association of Broadcasters announces it is opening nominations for the 2020 Technology Awards to be presented at the NAB Show in Las Vegas.  The Radio and Television Engineering Achievement Awards are presented to individuals for their outstanding accomplishments in the radio or television broadcast industry and include the following honors: Radio Engineering Achievement Award; Television Engineering Achievement Award; Technology Innovation Award; and Best Paper Award.  NAB executive vice president and chief technology officer Sam Matheny says, “It is an annual highlight to present these awards to deserving individuals and organizations in celebration of our industry’s technical and engineering achievements.  I look forward to again recognizing the successes that foster progress in broadcast technology and broadcaster innovation at the 2020 NAB Show.”  The deadline for nominations is January 13, 2020. Nomination forms and detailed award rules are available at nab.org/events/awards.asp, along with listings of past recipients.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. WKSC, Chicago “103.5 KISS FM” promotes overnight and weekend personality JRDN to the 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight show.  iHeartMedia Chicago SVP of programming James Howard says, “He brings a level of energy to events that no one can match.  Through his charisma and passion for both music and radio, JRND creates inviting and exciting experiences for listeners on the air and in person.”…..Eight-year iHeartMedia New York engineer Tony Peiffer returns to Lewistown, Pennsylvania to take on the market manager role at Mifflin County Communications/Nittany Media where he’ll be in charge of active rock WCHX-FM, country WVNW-FM “Star Country 96.7,” and classic hits WKVA-AM/W262DO “Big 100.3.”  He says, “This is sort of a homecoming, as I had worked with this company prior to my move to the Big Apple.  I’m looking forward to rejoining and now leading the team in Lewistown.  I’d like to thank Ann Hain, Jon Hain, and the entire leadership team at Nittany Media for putting their faith in me to rebuild their hometown heritage stations and brands.”…..Entercom announces the lineups and dates for the “Stars and Strings” concerts in New York (12/4), Detroit (12/6), and Chicago (12/8).  Entercom SVP of programming and music initiatives Michael Martin says, “‘Stars and Strings’ has been consistently sold out in Chicago every year since its inception and sold out in under 30 minutes in its debut in Detroit.  We look forward to expanding the show to additional cities to reflect the strength and mass appeal reach of country music.”  The Detroit lineup includes: Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Lady Antebellum, Kelsea Ballerini, Jon Pardi, Brett Young and Ryan Hurd and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Folds of Honor – a charity that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.  To date, Entercom has raised more than $250,000 for Folds of Honor.  The New York show will feature: Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Blanco Brown, Runaway June, Gone West, and Matt Stell.  The Chicago event will feature: Kane Brown, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery, Lindsay Ell, and Seaforth…..Google and SiriusXM announce that SiriusXM will be available on Google Nest smart speakers and displays via the Google Assistant.  Rolling out over the next week, users will see SiriusXM’s extensive lineup of programming in the Google Home app, available on iOS and Android devices…..Last night (10/29), Big Sean took the stage at the Apollo Theater in Harlem for iHeartRadio LIVE.  He performed hits including” “Bezerk,” “Single Again,” and “Bounce Back,” as well as some of his earlier hits.  Pictured backstage at the Apollo are (from l-r): iHeartMedia EVP of programming Thea Mitchem; iHeartMedia manager, artist relations, urban programs Newal Dehan; Big Sean; iHeartMedia president of entertainment enterprises John Sykes; and iHeartMedia artist operations and production Natasha Lees. Photo: Rachel Kaplan.

October PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Two

| October 30, 2019

October 2019 PPM Data. Information for the October 2019 ratings period has been released for Washington (DC), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s October 2019 survey period covered September 12 – October 9. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these PPM-markets below.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Locked on 5.3 (6+) in July and August, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL repeats September’s 6+ AQH share (5.1) and market rank (#7). March’s 6.8 represents its 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 15th sweep in succession.

It’s a benchmark sweep for Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan,” which is an overall +1.2 in five straight positive or neutral moves (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.3, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #8). Moreover, the flagship of the 2019 National League champion Nationals logs the highest 6+-share (4.3) by any DC sports talk outlet in the PPM-era. Substituting July/August’s combined -.3 (.9 – .7 – .6, 6+) with a September/October +.5 (.6 – .9 – 1.1, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” cracks the top twenty (#21 to #19). On July 1, Cumulus Media suspended its news/talk simulcast of WMAL-AM & WMAL-FM, with the former becoming sports talk WSBN “ESPN 630 AM The Sports Capitol.” In July, WSBN checked in with a .1 (#29, 6+) and was unlisted in August. It resurfaced in September (.1, 6+) and adds one-tenth in October (.2, flat at #30, 6+).

Off a combined six-tenths in September/October (8.0 – 7.5 – 7.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM shifts from first to third. Prior to gaining one-tenth in August, WTOP-FM was an overall -2.5 in six successive down or flat sweeps (10.4 – 9.8 – 9.7 – 8.7 – 8.7 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+). It segued to the runner-up slot in July after six straight months at #1. Nearly tripling (+.7) its 6+ stat through five straight up or flat moves (.4 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .9 – 1.1, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH progresses from a four-way tie at #21 to #19.

Roaring back from September’s loss of eight-tenths with an October boost of seven-tenths (8.2 – 7.4 – 8.1, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” progresses from a second-place tie to #1. WAMU was tied for the top spot in August. July’s boost of four-tenths halted three successive slips that accounted for a loss of nine-tenths (8.9 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.0, 6+). WAMU was -2.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.5 (January 2019); and -1.2 (February).

Washington, DC Music Formats – Mirroring what happened with WAMU (see above), Radio One urban AC WMMJ “Majic” eroded by eight-tenths in September (8.2 – 7.4, 6+), slipping from a first-place tie to a deadlock at #2. In October though, “Majic” improves by six-tenths to 8.0 (6+) and trails frontrunner WAMU by one-tenth. When WMMJ added two-tenths in July, it suspended three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to that skid, “Majic” put together six successive increases that netted a +1.8 (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2, 6+). As WMMJ posts a +.6, Howard University’s similarly-programmed WHUR sputters by that margin and is an overall -1.3 in five down or flat reports in a row (6.5 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2, fifth to sixth, 6+). Off one-tenth in back-to-back reports (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), WHUR regained that deficit with a May pickup of two-tenths. A combined +.8 in September/October (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH advances from sixth to fifth with its best 6+-showing (6.1) since “Holiday” 2018’s 10.4. As a result of four straight sweeps without a loss, Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” is an overall +2.0 (4.2 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 6.2 – 6.2, 6+) and repeats in fourth-place. An overall -1.2 as a result of three consecutive negative or neutral reports (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5” ends the slide with a +.2 to 3.6 (#12 to #11, 6+). September’s 3.4 was its lowest 6+-stat since March (3.2). Off a cumulative eight-tenths in three downward trends in a row (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WIAD “94.7 The Drive – DC’s Greatest Hits” picks up three-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and advances from #17 to #13. Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix” posted a 4.1 (May 2019, 6+) and finished in eighth-place. That’s when the station was officially acquired by Educational Media Foundation and flipped to contemporary Christian WLVW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” Its June 2019 through October 2019 topline is 2.2 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.5 – .7 (#18 to #23, 6+). Off six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are Radio One gospel and urban contemporary cluster-mates WPRS “Praise 104.1” (#14 to #17, 6+) and WKYS (3.4 – 2.9, #12 to #13, 6+). Whereas “Praise” continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in May 2019 (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.3, 6+), WKYS has its lowest 6+-showing since May 2017 (2.9, as well).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Following nine successive up or flat trends that netted a +1.8 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” relinquishes one-half share to 3.4 (6+) and tumbles out of the top ten (#8 to #12). Co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” is a combined -.4 in September/October (.7 – .4 – .3, 6+) and repeats at #29.

The market’s (6+) sports talk share balloons by +1.8. Specifically, Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Patriots, Celtics, Bruins) is +1.1 (5.0 – 6.1, sixth to fourth, 6+) and Entercom-owned WEEI-FM (Red Sox) is +.7 (3.7 – 4.4, ninth to seventh, 6+). Eight recent shifts for “The Sports Hub” include: -1.0 (December 2018); +1.6 (January 2019); -.8 (February); +.8 (May); -1.4 (June); -1.8 (July); +1.3 (September); and +1.1 (October). WEEI-FM has its best 6+-stat (4.4) since January’s 4.7. Eight sample WEEI-FM fluctuations include: -2.0 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.7 (January 2019); -1.0 (February); -.5 (March); +.6 (April); -.6 (July); and +.7 (October).

Off a combined three-tenths in September/October (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” continues in fifth-place. From March through July, WBZ-AM was frozen on 5.0 (6+).

As a result of four consecutive up or flat trends, WGBH nets a +1.5 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+) as the WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk facility enters the top ten (#13 to #10). Meanwhile, Boston University news/talk WBUR has a June 2019 through October 2019 topline of 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.5 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #11).

Boston Music Formats – Logging September 2019 – October 2019 increases of one-half share each are iHeartMedia-owned WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” (steady in third-place, 6+) and Beasley Media Group rhythmic hot AC WBQT “Hot 96.9” (tenth to eighth). WZLX gains eight-tenths in September/October (5.6 – 5.9 – 6.4, 6+) and reaches the six-share level (6+) for the third time in the last eight sweeps. “Hot” was -1.0 in four straight down or flat moves (4.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+) but is now up six-tenths in September/October (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+). A combined -1.2 in August/September (8.8 – 7.7 – 7.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” halts the mini-skid by adding three-tenths to 7.9 (6+) and is #1 the seventh month in a row. When WROR dropped two-tenths in May, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that delivered a +2.2 (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Boston’s (6+) pacesetters thus far this calendar year have been: iHeartMedia-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (January, 7.3, and February, 7.4, 6+); WROR (March and April, 7.8 – both times, 6+); WROR and WXKS-FM (May, 7.6, 6+); and WROR (June, 8.2; July, 8.8; August, 7.7; September, 7.6; and October, 7.9, 6+). Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” is an overall -2.2 via four downturns in a row (6.9 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.7, 6+) and drops from fourth to sixth. “Magic” was a combined +.8 in May/June (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), with June’s 6.9 its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5. A loss of six-tenths (4.4 – 3.8, 6+) sends Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” from seventh to ninth with its lowest 6+-figure (3.8) since February’s 3.7. Cluster-mate WBOS “Boston’s Rock 92.9 Rocks,” which was up eight-tenths in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), forfeits three-tenths to 2.9 (#12 to #14, 6+). An overall -1.3 in four consecutive negative or neutral moves (7.6 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s aforementioned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” pulls the plug with a +.2 to 6.5 (6+) and remains in the runner-up slot the fifth straight month. May’s one-half share increase took “Kiss 108” to 7.6, its strongest 6+-performance since August 2018’s 7.8. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” is without an increase the ninth consecutive time for a net loss of -1.1 or approximately 44% of its 6+ AQH share (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.4, unchanged at #20, 6+).

Miami

English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – A model of consistency, iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 620 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” has an April 2019 through October 2019 topline of: 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.5 (#18 to #17, 6+).

More than doubling its 6+ AQH share (+.7) as a result of four straight bumps (.5 – 6 – .7 – 1.0 – 1.2, 6+), Entercom-owned WQAM “560 The Joe,” (Dolphins) proceeds from #25 to #23. Co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket,” which was off 67% (-.6) in three setbacks in succession (.9 – .8 – .6 – .3, 6+), picks up two-tenths to .5 (#30 to #29, 6+).

Erasing July/August’s -.7 (2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+) with September/October’s +.7 (1.6 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN reenters the top twenty (#21 to #18).

Miami Music Formats – In the market’s highly-competitive CHR tussle, Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” is up one-half share in September/October (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.5, 6+) and moves from #12 to a three-way tie at #10. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” gains a collective eight-tenths via four straight up or flat trends (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+) yet backslides from #12 to #13. In August, “Y-100” gained three-tenths, while “Hits 97.3” lost three-tenths. Up one-tenth in July/August (5.4 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+) but then down two-tenths in September (to 5.3, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” breaks out a half-share gain to 5.8 (fifth to fourth, 6+). “Lite” was in third-place March, April, May, and June. July’s one-tenth increase halted four straight down or flat sweeps that led to an overall -1.2 (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.1 – 5.4, 6+). This marks the fifth time in succession that Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” is up or flat for a cumulative +1.1 (4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+). WEDR progresses from seventh to sixth with its best 6+-showing since January (5.2, as well). Steady at 7.0 (6+), co-owned adult contemporary WFEZ is #1 the tenth consecutive ratings period (including a three-way tie for the lead in February). The June 2019 through October 2019 topline for “Easy 93.1” is: 7.6 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.0 – 7.0 (6+). “Easy” was down eight-tenths in February; up by that same magnitude in March; and notched an improvement of … eight-tenths in June. Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, “Easy 93.1” finished on top seven straight times. Down or flat the fifth successive sweep for a net loss of eight-tenths (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom’s WKIS “Kiss Country 99.9” drops from #15 to #18 and logs its lowest 6+-stat (2.3) in exactly two years (2.1, October 2017). An overall -1.4 in eight straight reports without an increase (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System-owned Spanish tropical WXDJ “El Zol 106.7” dips from ninth to tenth.

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – KIRO-FM “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” repeats September’s 6+ AQH share (5.0) and market rank (#4). Its Bonneville news/talk cluster-mate KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” has a July 2019 through October 2017 topline of 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 (6+) and carries on at #22. Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” wipes away September’s one-tenth loss with an October gain of two-tenths (.9 – .8 – 1.0, #26 to #25, 6+).

An uptick of just one-tenth (3.7 – 3.8, 6+) is enough to propel Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” (Mariners, Seahawks) into the top ten (#13 to #9). September’s increase of seven-tenths applied the brakes to four straight down or flat trends that resulted in a collective -1.3 (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). More than tripling (+1.2) its 6+ AQH share in three straight boosts (.5 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” inches up from #23 to #22.  

Unchanged at #15, Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO is up two-tenths following September’s -.3 (3.2 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+); August’s 3.2 was its best 6+-stat since November 2017’s 3.4.

A collective -1.6 via four consecutive decreases (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW answers with a half-share improvement to 5.0 (ninth to fourth, 6+).

Seattle Music Formats – September’s tie at #1 is broken with emphasis as Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 – Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” hauls out a +1.4 (6.0 – 7.4, 6+) to take sole possession of first-place. At the same time, iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” gains one-tenth (6.0 – 6.1, 6+) but shifts to second-place. June’s first-place deadlock between these same two outlets was settled when KZOK gained nine-tenths in July while KQMV spiraled by eight-tenths. The roles were reversed in August as “MOViN’ 92.5” logged a +1.1 (5.3 – 6.4, third to first, 6+) but “Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” eroded by -1.0 (7.0 – 6.0, first to second, 6+). An overall -1.0 in four successive down or flat trends (7.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+), KQMV ended the slump in June with a gain of one-tenth. “MOViN’” made it to #1 in April, the first time it reached the lead spot since November 2018. As a result of August’s -1.0, KZOK snapped its consecutive string of eight straight bumps that produced a +3.3 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 7.0, 6+). Immediately in advance of that particular run, KZOK was -1.6 in four consecutive ratings periods without an increase (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 3.7, 6+). By gaining eight-tenths to 3.0 (6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KUBE “93.3 Seattle’s #1 For Hip-Hop” vaporizes the eight-tenths it lost in five straight down or flat trends (3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.2, #19 to #16, 6+). Erasing half of its -1.0 through three straight decreases (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.2) with a half-share increase to 2.7 (6+), Classic Radio’s KING “Classical Radio 98.1” pushes up from #19 to #17. September’s 2.2 was its weakest 6+-showing since January (2.0). Plummeting by nine-tenths each are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” (4.7 – 3.8, sixth to ninth, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull” (4.4 – 3.5, #10 to #12, 6+). “The Jet” had been within 4.1 – 4.8 range (6+) in each of the last 13 sweeps. After more than doubling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in eight successive up or flat sweeps (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), “The Bull” surrendered one-tenth in August and gained two-tenths in September. Its format rival, Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf – #1 For Country,” is up eight-tenths via three straight spikes (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+) and remains in seventh-place. June/July’s combined -.9 (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+) wiped away KKWF’s +.9 in May. 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+). Entercom’s KNDD “107.7 The End Alternative Seattle” has lost nine-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.4, #12 to #13, 6+). Locked on 4.3 (6+) in August and September, co-owned KISW “Rock 99.9” regresses by six-tenths to 3.7, its lowest 6+-stat since March (3.7, as well), and stays at #11. Faltering by one-half share in back-to-back reports (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KBKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” departs the top twenty (#17 to #21). This is the lowest 6+-stat for “Kiss” in exactly one year (2.2, as well, in October 2018). In three consecutive reports without a decrease, Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” is up a collective seven-tenths (4.3 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.0, fifth to fourth, 6+). Entering 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. Two-tenths ahead of “Warm” and anchored in third-place is Entercom’s similarly-formatted KSWD. A combined +1.1 in August/September (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.5, 6+), “94.1 The Sound” drops three-tenths to 5.2 (6+). Prior to plummeting by -1.1 in April, KSWD was an overall +1.5 through three consecutive increases (3.7 – 3.8 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+). “The Sound” and “Warm” were separated by one-tenth in May (4.5 – 4.3, 6+); June (also 4.5 – 4.4, 6+); and July (4.4 – 4.3, 6+).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight spikes by Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” (Lions) account for a +.9 (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9, #18 to #17, 6+), directly following a -1.7 via six consecutive reports without an increase (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.1 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+).

Notching back-to-back increases of four-tenths (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers) advances from tenth to ninth. Immediately prior, “The Ticket” had been an overall -1.5 in three successive setbacks (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+).

Unchanged in fifth-place, co-owned WWJ is off a combined eight-tenths in September/October (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+). “News Radio 950” was #1 in March and posted a +1.1 in August.

Following September’s half-share increase, Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM surrenders two-tenths (2.1 – 1.9, #19 to #20, 6+). Prior to September, WUOM last reached the two-share level (6+) in November 2017 (2.1, as well). Wayne State University news/talk WDET is up a collective four-tenths in three successive modest gains (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+) and remains at #21.

Detroit Music Formats – Continuing an alternating up/down sequence that commenced in May (4.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WRIF Everything That Rocks” leaps from sixth to third with its best 6+-stat (5.8) since February’s 5.9. Stuck on 3.8 (6+) in August and September, Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music and More” posts a +.6 to 4.4 – its highest 6+-showing since January’s 4.5 – and climbs from #12 to #11. Unchanged at #13, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “97.9 – Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” is up six-tenths via three bumps in succession (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7, 6+). This directly follows four straight survey periods without an increase that led to a -1.0 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). Albeit off six-tenths (7.1 – 6.5, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 – Detroit’s Classic Rock” is #1 the fourth month in a row. Its June/July +.8 (6.4 – 6.5 – 7.2, 6+) followed three successive down or flat months that accounted for a -1.4 (7.8 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.4, 6+). In March, WCSX eroded by -1.3, shifting from first to second. A combined +.4 in September/October (5.6 – 5.9 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC continues in second-place. WNIC lost six-tenths in August (6.2 – 5.6, 6+). After its 6+ AQH share eroded by nearly two-thirds (-11.8) in four successive negative trends (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+). Its format rival, Entercom’s WDZH “98.7 The Breeze Relaxing Favorites At Work,” is up three-tenths to 4.2 (6+) but backslides from #11 to #12. The increase suspends three straight declines that led to an overall -.9 (4.8 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+). After trending 5.7 – 5.4 – 5.7 (July-August-September, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” sputters by eight-tenths to 4.9 (third to sixth, 6+). This (4.9) is the first time “Mix” is below a four-share (6+) since February 2018 (4.6). A collective -1.0 in four straight drops (4.3 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), classic rock sibling WLLZ remains at #14; “106.7 Detroit’s Wheels” debuted in March with a 3.4 (6+). Off a collective seven-tenths in four straight down or flat reports (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom’s WYCD “99.5 Detroit Country Music” slips from ninth to tenth. Its format rival, Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM,” which had been +1.3 through seven consecutive positive or neutral sweeps (1.6 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), relinquishes one-tenth to 2.8 (#16 to #18, 6+). September’s 2.9 was its best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 3.0.

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Following three consecutive positive or neutral reports that netted a +1.0 (3.2 – 3.3 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (Arizona Cardinals) forfeits three-tenths to 3.9 (sixth to eighth, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550,”which lost nine-tenths via four drops in succession (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), applies the brakes with a half-share increase to 2.7 (#18 to #15, 6+).

Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (Arizona Diamondbacks) is a collective +1.0 via three straight up or flat trends (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.1, #15 to #13, 6+), fully expunging June/July’s -1.0 (3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+).

Progressing from tenth to ninth, Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ gains four-tenths in three straight (slightly) up or flat moves (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – Owing to three successive reports without an increase (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), Riviera Broadcasting hot AC KMVA was off six-tenths; however, “Hot 97.5” rebounds with a +.7 to 2.6, its highest 6+-stat since February’s 3.0, and cracks the top twenty at #16. Recapturing the three-tenths it lost in September (7.0 – 6.7 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is #1 the fourth time in a row. September’s decrease interrupted five consecutive improvements that yielded an overall +1.7 (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.0, 6+). August and October’s 7.0 is its strongest 6+-showing since January (7.0, as well). Four successive spikes by co-owned KNIX that netted a +1.0 (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+) immediately followed three straight decreases that resulted in a -.9 (5.1 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). In October, “102.5 Today’s Best Country” spirals by nine-tenths to 4.3 (6+) but carries on in fifth-place. Its format foe, Entercom’s KMLE, was a cumulative -1.0 through three straight downward moves (3.8 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+) but “Country 107.9” gains one-tenth (2.9, #13 to #14, 6+). Up a collective seven-tenths in three straight boosts (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting alternative KDKB “93.3 Alt AZ” forfeits three-tenths to 3.2 (6+) but remains at #12. Similarly, Family Life Communications contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio,” which netted seven-tenths via three consecutive positive or neutral moves (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.8, 6+), slips by one-tenth to 1.7 (6+) and stays at #23. An overall -2.0 via five straight decreases (5.3 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Prior to August’s 3.7, the last time “Kiss” fell below a four-share (6+) was “Holiday” 2017 (3.0).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +.7 in three straight positive or neutral moves (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+),  Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” (Minnesota Twins) advances from sixth to fifth. WCCO lost one-tenth in July, halting three consecutive improvements that accounted for a +2.1 (3.3 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+). Following September’s loss of two-tenths, iHeartMedia’s KTLK responds with an October +.3 (3.0 – 2.8 – 3.1, #15 to #14, 6+). “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” gained six-tenths in August. Flat at #16, Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” has picked up three-tenths in September/October (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). July’s increase of four-tenths interrupted four straight decreases that led to a net loss of -1.1 (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+).

In addition to being a cumulative +2.9 in six straight positive or neutral moves (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.3 – 6.1 – 6.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” (Minnesota Vikings) jumps from fourth to second. After losing two-tenths in four successive sweeps without an increase (.8 – .7 – .7 -.6 – .6, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” is up three-tenths in September/October (.6 – .7 – .9, steady at #22, 6+).

In back-to-back sweeps, Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW is off by one-tenth (6.5 – 6.4 – 6.3, third to fourth, 6+). September’s decrease halted three consecutive upticks that netted a +2.2 (4.3 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+).

Minneapolis Music Formats – Replicating September’s improvement of one-half share (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” jumps from sixth to third. This is its best 6+-showing since April (6.5, as well). KTIS-FM was up a combined three-tenths in June/July (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.4, 6+) but lost nine-tenths in August. Logging a September 2019 – October 2019 increase of one-half share as well is iHeartMedia hot AC KTCZ “Cities 97.1” (4.5 – 5.0, 6+), which reenters the top ten (#11 to #10). Shifts this year for “Cities 97.1” include +1.2 (January) -.5 (February); +.5 (April); +.6 (July); -.9 (August); and +5 (October). Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KSTP-FM is up three-tenths (7.2 – 7.5, 6+) and is #1 the third month in succession. “KS-95” has held (or shared) the top spot in January, March, April, June, August, September, and October. It has been +1.9 (January); -.8 (February); +.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.8 (May); and +1.1 (August). Having lost approximately half (-1.5) its 6+ AQH-share as a result of six consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.6, 6+), Northern Lights Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KZGO “GO-95.3” ends the slide with a +.3 to 1.9 (#19 to #18, 6+). As a result of three straight spikes, iHeartMedia CHR KDWB gained a collective six tenths (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+) but “101.3 The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” surrenders nine-tenths to 5.2 (6+), drifting from fourth to ninth. After posting a July improvement of nine-tenths, co-owned classic hits-oldies KQQL is an overall -1.8 in three large drops in a row (7.5 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+) and slips from second to sixth. Dislodged from the top spot in June by KSTP-FM, “Kool 108” returned the favor in July, but was (again) ousted by KSTP-FM in August. Before logging a +1.0 in May, KQQL had approximately 54% (-6.8) of 6+ AQH share vanish through four straight negative or flat trends (12.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+). Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” erodes by eight-tenths in October (5.8 – 5.0, 6+, eighth to tenth) and matches April’s 5.0. After logging five consecutive positive or neutral trends that yielded a +1.2 (2.1- 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP “The Current – Great Music Lives Here” is now a combined -.8 in September/October (3.3 – 3.2 – 2.5, #13 to #17, 6+). August’s 3.3 was its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (3.3, as well). Despite being -1.1 through four straight down or flat moves (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.3, 6+), Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” advances from ninth to eighth.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Significant ups/down continue for iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600,” which was +1.0 via three straight February through May increases (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+); a combined -.5 in June/July (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.5, 6+); +.5 (4.5 – 5.0, August, 6+); -.7 (5.0 – 4.3, September, 6+); and +.7 in October (4.3 – 5.0, seventh to fifth, 6+). Although flat at 2.3 (6+), Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM jumps from #20 to #17. “AM 760” was an overall -.6 via three consecutive slips (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), but erased that deficit in August with a +.6 to 2.5 (6+). Up a collective seven-tenths through four successive San Diego improvements (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” continues at #22.

Following August’s increase of three-tenths, Entercom-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) returns that increase in its entirety in September/October (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, flat at #21, 6+). While it remains at #23, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” gains six-tenths in four successive reports without a loss (.8 – .8 – .8 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+).

In addition to being up a collective four-tenths in three straight modest gains (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+), San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS marches from second to first. Before falling to third in July, KPBS was on top the previous six months.

San Diego Music Formats – Improving by six-tenths each are Entercom’s KSON “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country,” which carries on its down/up pattern (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.7, ninth to seventh, 6+) and Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “104.5 Radio Latina,” which is trending 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 3.1 (#16 to #12, 6+). It’s a September-only stay at #1 for Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits” (6.6 – 6.2, -.4, first to second, 6+), which was -.7 in August and +.9 in September. KXSN was a collective +1.7 in five successive improvements (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+) and had a July-only stay at #1. Prior to July 2019, “Sunny” last reached #1 in July 2018 (6.2, 6+). Off a cumulative -1.0 in three drops in succession (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KGB-FM “101.5 San Diego’s Classic Rock” falls below a four-share (3.5, 6+) the first time since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.8 and departs the top ten (#7 to #11). Owing to three consecutive dips, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” is -1.7 (6.0 – 5.8 – 4.4 – 4.3, sixth to eighth, 6+), directly after four consecutive positive or neutral moves that accounted for a +1.0 (5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.0, 6+).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – Via three successive (albeit slight) spikes, iHeartMedia-owned WFLA earned eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+) but “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” drops two-tenths in October to 3.6 (#12 to #13, 6+). In a similar scenario, Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio,” which was up or flat four times in succession netting one-half share (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), loses one-tenth to 2.7 (#15 to #17, 6+).

Following September’s half-share increase, iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays, Buccaneers) is flat at 2.6 (6+) but slips from #16 to #18.

Continuing at #20, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF is up one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats –  Recapturing in its entirety the six-tenths it lost in September (3.1 – 2.5 – 3.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned Spanish contemporary WYUU progresses from #17 to #15. In advance of the September sweep, “92.5 Maxima” had been trending 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.1 (6+). Making half-share improvements are its rhythmic CHR sibling WLLD “Wild 94.1” (4.4 – 4.9, seventh to sixth, 6+) and Cox Media Group CHR WPOI “Hot 101.5” (#14 to #10). Off three-tenths in September, “Wild” immediately prior to that was an overall +1.1 via six successive up or flat trends (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+). Meanwhile, WPOI’s increase applies the brakes to four successive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of eight-tenths (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+). It is now again tied with iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WFLZ “93.3 FLZ” (4.2, +.4, #12 to #10, 6+). WFLZ had been off a collective one-half share in three consecutive negative or neutral moves (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+). WFLZ and WPOI were deadlocked at #12 in August. An overall +1.0 through three upticks in succession (5.1 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WXGL shifts from third to second. Just prior, “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” was a cumulative -2.4 in four straight negative or neutral moves, (7.5 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 5.7 – 5.1, 6+). In the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far, Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV is the only station with a September 2019 – October 2019 erosion of at least two full-shares (9.9 – 7.9, -2.0, 6+) but “Lite Favorites” is #1 the 86th straight time. Up seven-tenths in September (9.2 – 9.9, 6+), WDUV faltered by seven-tenths in June. That was directly after a May gain of three-tenths suspended 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 its 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. As a result of three successive positive or neutral moves, co-owned adult contemporary WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” is +1.3 (4.7 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+) and carries on in third-place. “Magic” plummeted by -1.0 in July to 4.7, its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.9. This (6.0 in September and October) though is WWRM’s best 6+-showing since April’s 6.2. Down two-tenths this time last month (6.3 – 6.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” plummets by -1.2 in October to 4.9 (second to sixth, 6+). Having lost eight-tenths in three successive decreases (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 for New Country” halts the slide with an increase of four-tenths to 4.3 (tenth to ninth, 6+). Prior to September 2019, the last time WFUS dropped below a four-share (6+) was September 2017 (3.8, 6+). A combined +1.3 in August/September (4.6 – 5.3 – 5.9, 6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” returns approximately half that increase (5.2, -.7, 6+) yet advances from fifth to fourth. Immediately after logging three straight improvements that yielded a +1.4 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” is now -2.1 in four successive decreases (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #14). Even though Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ is a cumulative -1.6 in three drops in a row (6.7 – 6.6 – 5.2 – 5.1, 6+), “Q-105” pushes up from sixth to fifth.

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Having lost approximately 54% (-2.6) of its 6+ AQH share in four successive setbacks (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.0 – 3.0 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOA (Rockies, Broncos) drifts from #5 (July) to #11 (August) to #16 (September) to #17 (October). “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” was second in October 2018. Conversely, cluster-mate KDFD not only records its fourth uptick in a row for an eye-popping +2.0 since June (.1 – .2 – .8 – 1.1 – 2.1, 6+) “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” cracks the top twenty (#25 to #18). As a result of three consecutive slips, co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” has lost one-half share (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, #22 to #23, 6+).

Notwithstanding it is an overall +1.3 through four gains in a row (2.4 – 2.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” downslides from #12 to #13. After hauling out a +1.0 in September, KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM forfeits one-tenth (1.4 – 1.3, #21 to #22, 6+). Prior to September (2019), “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” last reached a one-share (6+) in September 2018 (1.0).

Having relinquished two-tenths in September (5.1 – 4.9, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR bounces back with a half-share increase to 5.4 (sixth to third, 6+). KCFR was -1.6 in June and +.8 in July. In six consecutive reports without an increase, KUNC lost more than 70% (-1.3) of its 6+ AQH-share (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1 – .8 – .5 – .5, 6+), but the Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk outlet applies the brakes with a +.1 to .7 (#29 to #26, 6+).

Denver Music Formats – Tacking on one-half share to September’s increase of eight-tenths (2.6 – 3.4 – 3.9, 6+), Entravision regional Mexican KXPK “La Tricolor 96.5” advances from #13 to #12. Albeit down one-tenth (6.2 – 6.1, 6+), Bonneville-owned country KYGO repeats at #1. After spending June and July at #1, KYGO was ousted from the top by Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain.” Four straight up or flat trends netted KYGO a +1.4 (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). It then regressed by seven-tenths in May and posted a +1.0 in June. Immediately after notching a +1.7 in three straight improvements (2.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KWBL “106.7 The Bull” is off nine-tenths in three successive dips (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.8, #14 to #15, 6+). July’s 3.7 was KWBL’s highest 6+-stat since it switched to country in mid-December 2017. As for KQMT, it had an August-only stay at #1 and “The Mountain” is now a combined -1.6 in September/October (6.2 – 5.6 – 4.6, third to sixth, 6+). Its successive string of positive or neutral moves that produced a +1.5 ended at five (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+). August 2019’s 6.2 was the highest 6+-stat for KQMT since 6.6 in August 2018. Four successive decreases by iHeartMedia CHR KPTT accounted for a -1.1 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+) but “95.7 The Party” suspends the slide with a +.3 to 3.6 (flat at #14, 6+). A combined +1.4 in August/September (3.6 – 4.8 – 5.0, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures’ hot AC KIMN “Mix 100 Today’s Best Mix” drops six-tenths to 4.4 (fourth to eighth, 6+). Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” is an overall -2.0 in six consecutive sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+) but moves from #17 to #16.

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three consecutive upticks (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Hearst Television’s news/talk WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” (Ravens) nets nine-tenths and continues at #12. Similarly-formatted independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” is up eight-tenths in September/October (1.4 – 1.7 – 2.2, #15 to #13, 6+). Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL-FM gains one-tenth (.1 – .2, 6+) and one ranker (#30 to #29).

Off six-tenths in August/September (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” (Orioles) picks up one-tenth to 4.3 (ninth to eighth, 6+).

The June 2019 through October 2019 topline for WJZ-FM’s business news sibling WDCH is: 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.3 (#19 to #16, 6+).

Anchored at #11, Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” is a collective +.9 via three successive increases (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). Off one-half share in four straight down or flat Baltimore sweeps (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – .8 – .7, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU falls from #23 to #25.

Baltimore Music Formats – In addition to crossing the six-share threshold (6.4, 6+), Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” is a collective +1.7 in three gains in a row (4.7 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.4, sixth to third, 6+). Although it is #1 the fifth straight month, Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” surrenders eight-tenths (9.1 – 8.3, 6+). A combined +1.8 in June/July (7.3 – 8.1 – 9.1, 6+), “Magic” reached the nine-share level (9.1, 6+, July) for the first time since January’s 9.0. Up six-tenths in August and September (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+), Shamrock Communications-owned WZBA “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” relinquishes two-thirds of that combined +1.2 (5.1 – 4.3, -.8, 6+) but carries on in eighth-place. “The Bay” was an overall -2.3 in five straight reports without an increase (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 3.9, 6+); prior to July’s 3.9 it last slipped below a four-share (6+) in February 2018 (3.8). Off by one-half share each are iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” (6.2 – 5.7, third to sixth, 6+) and Entercom gospel WLIF-HD2 (#16 to #21). Baltimore’s version of “Jack” posted a September +1.2, enabling WQSR to reach the six-share level (6.2, 6+) for the first time since July 2017 (6.0). In three straight declines, WLIF-HD2 has lost 50% (-1.0) of its 6+ AQH share (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.5 – 1.0, 6+). This is the 15th 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 – An impressive +2.2 in September/October (5.0 – 6.4 – 7.2, steady at #2, 6+) by Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” (Cardinals) virtually washes away its overall -2.3 in four successive losses (7.3 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Flat at #17, co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” is up a collective eight-tenths in three positive or neutral trends in succession (2.3 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (3.1) since June 2018’s 3.3.

In a very similar scenario to KFTK (see above), Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk WXOS “101 Sports” gains nine-tenths as a result of three successive bumps (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+) and continues at #15. This (4.0) is its highest 6+-figure since January’s 4.1.

Following its March 2019 through September 2019 (6+) topline of 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 (6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU erupts with a +.8 to 4.1 (#16 to #13).

St. Louis Music Formats – The three most recent fluctuations for iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” are +.9 (August); -.9 (September); and +.9 in October (5.9 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 6.8, fourth to third, 6+). The 6.8 in August and October is its best 6+-stat since March (6.8, as well). In addition to being a combined +.9 in September/October (8.6 – 9.3 – 9.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” is #1 the sixth straight month. In February, KSHE was tied at the top with aforementioned KLOU and took sole possession of first-place the following month. “Real Rock Radio” had to share the lead again in April but on that occasion, it was with Entercom news/talk KMOX. KSHE has had sole possession of the top spot in May, June, July, August, September, and October. Some of its recent shifts include: -.7 (Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +1.3 (March); -1.6 (April); +.9 (June); and +.7 (September). Down or flat the third consecutive report for an overall loss of eight-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom hot AC KYKY “Y-98” slips from eighth to ninth with its lowest 6+-stat since February (4.6, as well). The market’s (6+) country share drops by four-tenths, equally divided between Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL “New Country 92.3” (-.2, flat at #7) and iHeartMedia-owned KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” (-.2, unchanged at #10). A combined +.6 in July/August (5.8 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+), WIL is now -1.1 in September/October (6.4 – 5.5 – 5.3); KSD is off six-tenths in September/October (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+).

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

| October 29, 2019

Round One of October PPM Ratings Released.  The first of four rounds of October 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 (New Jersey).  The October 2019 rating period covered September 12 to October 9.  Some positive (6+) ratings gains of note include: Entercom’s WFAN, New York (+0.6) re-enters the market’s top 10 with a 3.8 share; Nexstar’s WGN, Chicago (+0.3) continues to ascend to #9 in the market with a 3.5 share; Cumulus Media’s WBAP, Dallas marks six consecutive surveys without a dip and scores a 4.1 share; iHeartMedia’s KTRH, Houston has a another positive survey, now ranking #11 in the market with a 3.9 share; Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta earns a fourth consecutive positive survey (+0.6) and is #1 in the market with an 8.2 share; and Entercom’s WIP-FM, Philadelphia rises almost a full share from September to a 7.5 share.  TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian, as he does every month, presents his “Takeaways” from the performances of each market’s spoken-word and music stations. See his “Takeaways” from this first round here.  You can see all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here.

Bill O’Reilly Packs House at Boston Event. Pictured above at center is Key Networks syndicated radio personality and best-selling author Bill O’Reilly at last Saturday’s appearance in suburban Boston.  iHeartMedia’s news/talk WRKO airs the daily “The O’Reilly Update” program and hosted the “An Afternoon with Bill O’Reilly” event that drew a sellout crowd during which O’Reilly offered his “no spin” take on news, politics, the 2020 election, his experience being back on radio, and more.  He also talked about his latest book, The United States of Trump (2019, Henry Holt & Company).  Pictured with O’Reilly are WRKO talk show hosts Doug “VB” Goudie (left) and Jeff Kuhner (right).  Photo: Mario Jarjour.

TALKERS News Notes. With the release of the latest October 2019 PPM ratings from Nielsen Audio, the sports talk radio battle in New York between Entercom’s WFAN and ESPN’s WEPN is once again under scrutiny by the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand.  He reports that in afternoon drive, WEPN’s Michael Kay grabbed a 7.4 share to take the #1 spot in that daypart while WFAN’s Mike Francesa had a 5.6 share – or a 6.0 share if his streaming numbers are included – to finish third or second, respectively…..Salem Media Group’s KNUS, Denver is presenting a live event titled, “Countdown 2020: War for America’s Soul,” at University of Colorado South Denver tonight (10/29).  It features Salem Radio Network talk host Dennis Prager and author, FOX News contributor, and TOWNHALL columnist Michelle Malkin discussing such topics as “the march toward socialism,” “Iran waging war,” “restricted free speech and religious rights,” and “racial tensions.”…..Good Karma Brands fires up a new subscription service for content from its Wisconsin sports talk stations called, “Wisconsin On Demand.”  For $5 per month or $50 per year, subscribers get content on demand from WTLX-FM, Madison “ESPN Madison” and WKTI-FM and WAUK-AM, Milwaukee “ESPN Milwaukee” that includes limited commercials…..Condolences to the family and friends of former, longtime Syracuse traffic reporter Anthony Bombardo, Jr., who passed away on October 27 at the age of 78.  During his career, Bombardo worked as an aerial traffic reporter on WHEN, Syracuse as Captain Scott King.  Later, he provided traffic reports to numerous Central New York stations using his given name.  He retired in 2010.

Robin Fitzgerald to Serve as Chief Judge for 2020 Radio Mercury Awards. The Radio Mercury Awards announces that BBDO Atlanta chief creative officer Robin Fitzgerald will serve as the 2020 Chief Judge for the 29th annual Radio Mercury Awards.  Fitzgerald has been named one of Business Insider’s “Most Creative People in Social Media Marketing” and “Most Creative Women in Advertising.”  She has participated on juries for the Radio Mercury Awards, D&AD, One Show, Clios, Art Director’s Club and New York Festivals.  She says, “I’ve always loved radio. To me, it’s one of the most challenging platforms for creatives.  The Radio Mercury Awards are a champion of great ideas delivered in stereo.  It’s a pretty cool gig to be leading the charge on curating the best of the best for 2020.”

Impeachment Inquiry/Ukraine Scandal, Death of Baghdadi, California Wildfires/Power Blackouts, 2020 Presidential Race, Rep. Hill Scandal, and Trump Booed at World Series Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/28). The Democrats’ impeachment inquiry against President Trump and the related allegations of Trump’s quid pro quo offer to Ukraine and Hunter and Joe Biden’s energy dealings there; the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi; the California wildfires that threaten some 25 million and the PG&E power blackouts; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020; the sex scandal that forced U.S. Rep. Katie Hill (D-CA) to resign from the House; and President Trump being booed at the World Series 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. Programming pro Nick Rivers joins Hubbard Radio’s West Palm Beach station group to serve as APD and music director for country WIRK and classic hits WEAT.  He is also hosting afternoon drive on WIRK.  He was most recently in the production and imaging department at Dick Broadcasting’s Greensboro, North Carolina station group.  Hubbard West Palm Beach OM and brand/content director Bruce Logan says, “We had a lot of fantastic candidates to join Hubbard Radio West Palm Beach, but Nick’s enthusiasm and the chemistry he had with the team truly set him apart from the others.  We are building something special at WIRK and Nick is another outstanding puzzle piece.”…..In Atlanta, Radio One promotes Derek Harper to operations manager for the cluster, taking over for Hurricane Dave Smith, who exited in August.  Harper has been serving as program director for urban AC WAMJ “Majic 107.5” and Gospel WPZE “Praise 97.5.”  He’ll continue to program WAMJ and serve as Radio One and Reach Media’s captain for the inspiration format…..Entercom’s KROQ, Los Angeles announces the lineup for the RADIO.COM event, “KROQ Absolut Almost Acoustic Christmas 2019” on December 7 at the Honda Center in Orange County.  The opening night of the two-day event will feature performances by: Cage The Elephant, Beck, Jimmy Eat World, Young the Giant, Angels & Airwaves, Cold War Kids, The Head and the Heart, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and DJ Jeremiah Red…..Non-commercial triple A WYMS, Milwaukee “88Nine Radio Milwaukee” begins a search for a new executive director as Glenn Kleiman announces he’ll exit the position next spring.  Station board president Juli Kaufmann says, “The search will focus on seeking the next leader to continue our forward momentum of inspiring positive change in the community.  Through creative content and programming, Radio Milwaukee will continue to raise the social awareness and engagement of listeners while expanding our audience.”  Kleiman became executive director in April 2016 after previously serving as a station consultant.  He says, “I love this job, our team, and our mission.  I’m proud of the work we do, and I’ll miss leading our efforts.  But it’s time for me to slow down a bit.  I’m not retiring, just turning it down a notch.  I do hope to stay involved with ‘Radio Milwaukee’ in some capacity.”…..Christian broadcaster Brighter Media Group announces the addition of Molly Chambers to afternoons on Christian contemporary WRBS, Baltimore “SHINE-FM,” alongside longtime host Jack Larkin.  Program director John Lawhon says, “It’s amazing to see what God is doing with SHINE-FM.  Molly brings a new and fresh voice to the SHINE-FM team.  She represents a commitment to investing in the next generation of talent.  She is a rock star!”

October PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round One

| October 29, 2019

October 2019 PPM Data – Information for the October 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex (New Jersey). Nielsen Audio’s October 2019 survey period covered September 12 – October 9. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these PPM-markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Erasing its two-tenths loss in September with an October increase of three-tenths (2.0 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” advances from #20 to #19. Continuing at #22, Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” is off a total of two-tenths via three straight down or flat trends (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+). May’s one-tenth increase halted five straight sweeps without an improvement that resulted in an overall decline of four-tenths. Tied with WKXW is news/talk WABC, which is up two-tenths after September’s -.3 (1.2 – .9 – 1.1, #24 to #22, 6+).

Substituting September’s -.6 with an October +.6 (3.8 – 3.2 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN (Yankees,  Giants) returns to the top ten (#13 to #8). September’s 3.2 was its lowest 6+-showing since March (3.0). Off an overall four-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.0 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) is now +.5 in September/October (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1, #20 to #19, 6+).

After picking up two-tenths in August, Entercom-owned all-news WINS repeats October’s 3.4 (#12 to #11, 6+). Locked on 2.5 (6+) in August and September, co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM (Mets) drops two-tenths to 2.3 (#15 to #17, 6+). Prior to August’s improvement of one-tenth, WCBS-AM faltered by a collective full-share via four straight declines (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+).

Steady at #14, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM is up an overall eight-tenths in four straight reports without a loss (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+). Co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM has doubled (+.2) its 6+ AQH share in four consecutive up or flat trends (.2 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4, #33 to #30, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – When Educational Media Foundation officially closed on its purchase of WPLJ from Cumulus Media on May 31, it transitioned the hot AC to contemporary Christian. The rather wobbly May 2019 through October 2019 topline for “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is: 3.1 – 1.5 – .4 – 0.0 – .4 – 1.1 (#22, 6+). Stuck on 7.7 (6+) in August and September, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW is down three-tenths to 7.4 (6+) but “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 the 28th consecutive ratings period. Before erupting with a jump of nine-tenths in August, WLTW logged a 6.8 (6+) in May, June, and July. Its 7.7 (6+) in August and September matched what was recorded in March when “Lite FM” posted a one-half share increase. 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+). Off just one-tenth in three straight down or flat trends (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” regains that one-tenth (5.8, 6+) and continues in the runner-up slot. Following four consecutive positive or neutral sweeps for an overall gain of eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+), hot AC sibling WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” drops two-tenths to 3.6 (eighth to ninth, 6+). In a similar situation, cluster-mate WNYL “Alt 92.3 – New York’s New Alternative,” which netted six-tenths in six straight reports without a decrease (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), has its positive streak snapped by forfeiting one-tenth to 2.4 (flat at #15, 6+). Having gained eight-tenths in four successive boosts (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Station” surrenders two-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). Albeit steady in third-place, Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 for R&B” is a collective -1.0 in three straight drops (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.3, 6+). At the same time, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 KTU” has lost an overall nine-tenths in three successive slips and exits the top ten (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.4, #8 to #11, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of  four straight decreases (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3, June – July – August – September – October, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI is a collective -1.2 and shifts from seventh to eighth. “AM 640” was a combined +.8 in May/June (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+). More than doubling (+.7) its 6+ AQH share via four straight up or flat trends (.6 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA progresses from #30 to #29. Down three-tenths in September (1.0 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” regains one-tenth to .8 (#35 to #33, 6+). Pushing up from #38 to #35, Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” has more than doubled (+.4) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (.3 – .4 – .5 – .7, 6+).

A combined +.5 in September/October (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (Dodgers, Chargers) jumps from #28 to #25. It has a seven-tenths advantage over Disney-owned KSPN “710 ESPN” (Angels, Rams), which is up three-tenths (.8 – .8 – 1.1, #33 to #32, 6+). In June and July, KLAC and KSPN were deadlocked at #27 (1.4, 6+).

Steady at #12, Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” has an April 2019 through October 2019 topline of: 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 (6+). Prior to picking up one-tenth in July, KNX had five straight negative or neutral monthlies accounting for a full-share loss in that January 2019 – June 2019 timeframe (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+).

Not only is Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC an overall +.6 in four consecutive reports without a loss (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.4, 6+), “The Voice of Southern California” is back in the top twenty (#23 to #17).

Los Angeles Music Formats – Within 2.3 – 2.8 range (6+) in each of the last 18 ratings periods, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD busts out a +.6 to 3.2 (6+) and rockets into the top ten (#16 to #9, 6+). “Recuerdo” last reached the three-share level (6+) in April 2018 (3.0). Spanish contemporary cluster-mate KLVE “107.5 K-Love” is an overall +1.0 in its sixth straight sweep without a loss (3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.0, seventh to fifth, 6+). “K-Love” last reached the four-share level in February 2018 (4.0, as well). Having been in a 5.8 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.9 pattern (June – July – August – September, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST falters by seven-tenths in October to 5.2 (6+). After setting the pace the past 12 ratings periods, “Coast 103.5” segues to the runner-up slot. Prior to January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), KOST was an overall +8.4 through five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). Succeeding KOST at #1 is Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101” (5.6 – 5.9, +.3, second to first, 6+ ). When “K-Earth” added six-tenths in September, it applied the brakes to three downward trends in succession that accounted for a net loss of eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). KRTH last reached the #1 spot exactly one year ago (October 2018, 5.0, 6+). Smooth AC sibling KTWV “94.7 The Wave,” which was a cumulative -1.0 in four consecutive down or flat reports (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+), picks up three-tenths to 4.5 (flat at #4, 6+). September’s 4.2 is the lowest 6+-stat for KTWV since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.6. Flat in ninth-place, Meruelo Media Holdings’ KLOS “95.5 Southern California’s Classic Rock” drops one-tenth to 3.2 (6+), thus snapping at nine its successive string of up or flat trends that yielded nine-tenths (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). Likewise, co-owned Spanish contemporary KLLI “Cali 93.9 – #1 For Reggaeton y Mas,” which doubled (+.9) its 6+-stat via four straight reports without a loss (.9 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.8, 6+), sees that streak ended with a -.4 to 1.4 (#24 to #28, 6+). In that same cluster, rhythmic CHR KPWR “Power 106” is off a collective six-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.5, #12 to #14, 6+). Following five successive sweeps without a loss for an overall +1.2 (4.1 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” surrenders four-tenths to 4.9 (6+) but repeats at #3. The 5.3 in August and September is KBIG’s strongest 6+-showing in just over one year (5.5, September 2018). In four consecutive sweeps without a decrease (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO was up a collective one-half share to 2.7, its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018 (2.7, as well). In October., however, “Go Country 105 FM” forfeits one-tenth to 2.6 (6+) and is unchanged at #12. The market’s two alternative outlets are separated by three-tenths of a share (6+). Specifically, iHeartMedia-owned KYSR “Alt 98.7” is down four-tenths (2.5, #11 to #14), while Entercom-owned KROQ is off two-tenths (2.2, #15 to #19, 6+). In each case, a positive streak is broken. KYSR had gained seven-tenths in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+), whereas KROQ was +.5 as a result of four successive up or neutral reports (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +.7 in September/October (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN (White Sox) is back in the top ten (#12 to #9) with its best 6+-showing since February (3.5, as well). WGN was locked on 2.9 (6+) in April and May and then on 3.0 (6+) in June and July. Shaking off a September loss of four-tenths with an October improvement of six-tenths (2.1 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM “890 AM” reenters the top twenty (#21 to #19).

Even though it is up an overall half-share in three straight sweeps without a loss (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” (Cubs) backslides from fifth to sixth. Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” gains two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8, #23 to #21, 6+).

An overall -1.4 via eight successive down or neutral moves (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom all-news WBBM-AM (Bears) pulls the plug with a +.1 to 4.9 (flat at #4, 6+). WBBM-AM finished on top in January, February, and March.

In four successive upticks, Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ gains eight-tenths (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+) and climbs from #15 to #12.

Chicago Music Formats – Over and above posting the largest (6+) September 2019 to October 2019 increase  by any station in the 10 PPM-markets highlighted here, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” (4.2 – 5.5, +1.3, 6+) vaults from sixth to first. “The Mix” exited the top spot in September when it plummeted by -1.5 (5.7 – 4.2, 6+). In July, the combination of a three-tenths uptick by WTMX classic rock sibling WDRV “97.1 The Drive” and an equal margin decrease by “The Mix” resulted in the cluster-mates swapping places at first and second. In August, “The Mix” notched a +.5 (5.2 – 5.7, 6+) and proceeded from second to first. WTMX was #1 in April, May, and June before giving way to “The Drive” in July; April’s 5.9 was the highest 6+-stat for “Mix” since November 2017’s 6.3. It proves to be a September-only stay at #1 for iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ, which drops three-tenths to 5.4 (first to second, 6+). Moreover, “V-103” curtails its string of three straight bumps that yielded a collective +1.4 (4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+). In September, WVAZ recorded its best 6+-stat since October 2018 (5.7, as well), which had been the last time “V-103” reached #1. Bouncing back from September’s loss of two-tenths with an October improvement of one-half share (3.1 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHE “100.3 SHE” leaps from #15 to #10. Before faltering by one-half share in May, WSHE notched an overall increase of eight-tenths via four consecutive positive or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). It is tied in tenth-place with Venture Technologies Group-owned adult contemporary WRME-LP “FM 87.7 – Me TV,” which is a combined +.5 in September/October ( 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.4, #11 to #10, 6+). After logging three gains in a row for a collective increase of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), WRME-LP returned two-tenths in August. Having posted a 2.7 (6+) three times in the last six reports (2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” falters by seven-tenths to 2.0 (#18 to #20, 6+). In addition to being a combined -.8 in September/October (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKSC “103.5 Kiss-FM Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” drifts from the top ten (#8 to #14) and has its lowest 6+-showing (3.0) since March (2.9). A collective +.8 in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WKQX “The New Home For Alternative” forfeits three-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Window to the World Communications’ WFMT “98.7 – Chicago’s Classical and Folk Music Radio” is without an increase the seventh time in a row and has lost roughly half (-.6) its 6+ AQH share in that timeframe (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7, #29 to #31, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. Reentering the top twenty (#22 to #19), Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO is in a (repetitive) June 2019 through October 2019 pattern of 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 2.0 (6+). July 2019’s 1.7 (6+) marked the first time KSFO fell below a two-share since July 2017’s 1.8. Cluster-mate KGO, which recorded a  June 2019 through September 2019 topline of: 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.5 (6+), is up two-tenths to 1.7 (#25 to #23, 6+). Repeating September’s .3 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” climbs from #34 to #33.

Down seven-tenths in September, Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) answers with a +.3 to 4.0 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Less than a week before the September ratings period concluded (9/6), co-owned triple A KFOG jettisoned its longtime music format and became sports talk KNBR-FM (1.0 – .9, -.1, #28, 6+). KNBR-FM disappears from print in October and is now listed as a simulcast with KNBR-AM. Up three-tenths in September/October (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” moves from #24 to #22. KGMZ nearly doubled (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three straight sweeps without a loss, (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 3.3, 6+) and then had three consecutive declines that accounted for a -1.8 (3.3 – 3.0 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+).

In a first-place tie in September, KGMZ all-news sibling KCBS-AM (Raiders) busts out a +.6 (6.4 – 7.0, 6+) and takes sole possession of the top spot. Prior to September, KCBS-AM last reached #1 in May.

KCBS-AM had been deadlocked at the top with Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED; however, KQED falters by -1.2 in September/October (7.1 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+) and slips to #2. KQED had been at #1 the past four sweeps – August’s 7.1 was its best 6+-stat since 7.3 in March. San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is without an increase the third straight time for an overall -.3 (1.0 – .9 – .7 – .7, #31 to #30, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Down a total of three-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” posts an improvement of six-tenths to 3.9 (tenth to seventh, 6+). KMEL is within 3.0 – 3.9 range the 16th time in a row and this represents its best 6+-stat in exactly one year (3.9, as well, in October 2018). Off a collective four-tenths via three straight down or flat moves (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” is a combined +1.2 in September/October (3.8 – 4.7 – 5.0, fourth to third, 6+). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned KIOI “Star 101.3,” which notched six reports in a row without a decrease and earned six-tenths in that stretch (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), surrenders two-tenths to 3.3 (eighth to tenth, 6+). Up an overall nine-tenths via four successive increases (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+) and having its best 6+-stat (4.5) since 5.0 in March, adult contemporary cluster-mate KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” inches up from fifth to fourth. Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KOIT-FM “96.5 “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” has lost a total of four-tenths in three straight down or flat trends (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7, sixth to eighth, 6+). After recording five straight reports without a loss for a net gain of seven-tenths (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), co-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” has dropped an overall four-tenths in five consecutive down or flat trends (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6, #22 to #24, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss six successive survey periods for a +1.8 (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” has since been -.6 (July); +.4 (August); -.3 (September); and now +.5 in October (3.6 – 4.1, seventh to sixth, 6+). Co-owned KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” is up a total of two-tenths via five successive positive or neutral sweeps (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5, #36 to #35, 6+). It is tied with Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” (.4 – .5, +.1, #37 to #35, 6+).

Repeating September’s 2.4 (6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Rangers, Cowboys) advances from #19 to #18. Without an increase the seventh report in succession (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.2, #25 to #29, 6+), Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” has lost roughly 55% (-1.5) of its 6+ AQH share. It is two-tenths ahead of Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas,” which repeats September’s 1.0 (#30 to #32, 6+).         

The July 2019 through October 2019 topline for Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” is: 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 (#23 to #22, 6+).

For the third time in succession, North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA records a 3.2 (#11 to #12, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – Over and above being a collective +2.6 as a result of four straight up or flat trends including October’s +1.1 (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.6, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” marches from second to first. KLTY was frozen on 4.2 (6+) in April and May before slipping to 4.0 (6+) in June. Ups/downs continue for WAY Media’s similarly-formatted 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+); -1.4 in June; +.2 in July; -.5 in August; +.4 (September); and -.4 in October (1.0 – .6, #30 to #33, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is flat at 6.5 (6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music,” which had been on top the past ninth months, trades places with KLTY at #2. An August increase of nine-tenths wiped away the collective nine-tenths “Kiss” lost as a result of three straight negative or neutral moves (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). Its May dip of four-tenths 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 was KHKS’ best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 6.9. At the same time that Cumulus Media’s country-formatted KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” drops four-tenths (4.4 – 4.0, fourth to seventh, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted KSCS “New Country 96.3” adds four-tenths (3.6, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #8). “The Wolf” was locked on 3.9 (6+) in July and August, before notching a one-half share improvement in September. Meanwhile, KSCS halts three straight losses that resulted in a cumulative decrease of six-tenths (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). Slipping from third to fourth, iHeartMedia classic rock KZPS “Lone Star 92.5” is off a collective eight-tenths in three downturns in succession (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). It is tied with hot AC sibling KDMX “Now 102.9 More Music/More Variety,” which picks up four-tenths to 4.3 (sixth to fourth, 6+), thus snapping three straight dips that accounted for a -.8 (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.9, 6+).

Houston                              

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a net loss of one-half share in four successive negative or neutral reports (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH bounces back with a combined +.6 in September/October (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9, #14 to #11, 6+). “News Radio 740” was -.7 in December 2018 (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 in “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and +.7 in January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, 6+). Co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” repeats September’s 6+ AQH-share (.3) and market rank (#29).

Through four consecutive up or flat moves, Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” (Texans) has gained a total of three-tenths (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+) and is unchanged at #22. It overtakes iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” (Astros), which is up one-tenth (1.1 – 1.2, 6+) but backslides from #22 to #23. Eight straight down or flat trends by Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC led to a net loss of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .5 – .5, 6+) but “ESPN 97.5” ends the slide with a +.1 to .6 (flat at #26, 6+).

After forfeiting one-tenth in back-to-back survey periods (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF is up a combined eight-tenths in September/October (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 (flat at #17, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – An overall +1.6 in four straight positive spikes including October’s +.9 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 6.5, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” advances from fourth to third. This (6.5) is its best 6+-showing since March (6.7). An increase of six-tenths (3.9 – 4.5, 6+) propels iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz” into the top ten (#11 to #7) with its highest 6+-stat since September 2018 (4.5, as well). A combined +1.3 in August/September (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+), Radio One urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” surrenders four-tenths in October to 6.7 (6+) but is #1 the third month in a row. Prior to September (7.1), KMJQ last crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) in May 2018 (7.2). In addition to being an overall +1.3 in three upticks in a row and repeating at #2 (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” has its highest 6+-stat (6.6) since September 2017’s 6.7. Regressing by six-tenths each are KMJQ’s rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KBXX “97.9 The Box” (flat at #6) and Cumulus Media CHR KRBE “104.1 – Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.7 – 4.1, seventh to ninth, 6+). “The Box” continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in May (4.9 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 4.6, 6+). A September increase of two-tenths by KRBE interrupted five consecutive negative or neutral trends that led to an overall decline of eight-tenths (5.3 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+). Three straight positive or flat moves by Entercom hot AC KHMX accounted for a +1.7 (3.0 – 3.4 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), but “Mix 96.5” follows that with a combined -1.4 in September/October (4.7 – 3.8 – 3.3, #12 to #15, 6+). Spanish contemporary sibling KLOL “Mega 101 FM” is -1.0 as a result of three straight down or flat trends (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.2, #15 to #16, 6+). For the seventh time in the last eight survey periods, adult hits cluster-mate KKHH posts a 6+ AQH share between 5.0 – 5.7 (5.1 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+); “95.7 The Spot” is steady in fifth-place. Slipping from third to fourth, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA has lost roughly 51% (-6.2) of its 6+ AQH share in ten straight months without an increase (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). “Sunny 99.1” was the market leader 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. Immediately in advance of this spiral, KODA was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive gains (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). It had been more than two years since KODA slipped below a six-share (June 2017, 5.8, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share dips by three-tenths of a share as Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “The New Country 93-Q” forfeits two-tenths (4.6 – 4.4, 6+), while Entercom’s similarly-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” drops one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+); “93-Q” and “The Bull” continue at eighth and ninth, respectively. KKBQ is trending 4.8 – 4.7- 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.4 (June – July – August – September – October, 6+).  Before losing two-tenths in March, KILT-FM had been +1.7 via three bumps in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+).

 Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – On a roll, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM “Atlanta’s News & Talk” is an overall +1.9 as a result of four straight up or flat trends (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.6 – 7.6 – 8.2, 6+) and is #1 the third month in a row. Following three consecutive months on top, WSB-AM slipped to the runner-up slot in April. Despite doubling (+.2) its 6+ stat in four successive reports without a loss (.2 – .2 – .3 – .4 – .4, 6+), Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” backslides from #27 to #29. Whereas Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” regains the one-tenth it lost in September (.3 – .2 -.3, #29 to #30, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” returns the one-tenth it picked up this time last month (.1 – .2 – .1, #29 to #35, 6+). Prior to September, WGST lost three-tenths via twelve straight down or flat trends (.4 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+).

As a result of three successive upticks, Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) is a collective +1.8 (2.8 – 3.4 – 4.3 – 4.6, eighth to seventh, 6+). Before August’s increase, “The Game” was an overall -1.2 in five straight negative or neutral sweeps (4.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). Following seven consecutive monthlies without a loss for a net gain of +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN (Braves) is off two-tenths to 2.5 (6+) but carries on at #16.

Within 3.3 – 3.7 range the eighth sweep in a row (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE improves from #12 to #11. Four successive up or flat moves by news/talk WRAS resulted in a +.2 (.5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7, 6+) but the Georgia State University news/talk station loses one-tenth to .6 (#25 to #26, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – After trending .2 – .4 – .2 (July -August – September, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WAKL “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erupts with a +1.1 to 1.3 (#22), its best 6+-performance since March (1.4). Simultaneous with Radio One urban contemporary WAMJ-HD2 improving by one-half share and entering the top twenty (#21 to #20, 6+), co-owned urban AC WAMJ-FM “Majic – The Real Sound of Atlanta” regresses by eight-tenths (5.8, second to fifth, 6+). WAMJ-HD2 is an overall +.9 in three improvements in succession (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 2.0, 6+). The loss by “Majic” curtails three straight gains that accounted for a +1.4 (5.2 – 5.8 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+). Ups/downs continue for Cumulus Media-owned CHR WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits,” which was +.4 (June); -.9 (July/August); +.3 (September); and is now -.7 in October (3.4 – 2.7, #11 to #14, 6+). Having put together six up or flat moves in a row for a collective gain of nine-tenths (5.6 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.5, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV “97.1 The River” surrenders two-thirds of that increase (5.9, -.6, 6+) yet advances from third to second. The market’s two country FMs account for a -1.1 (6+), nearly equally divided between iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” (4.9 – 4.3, -.6, seventh to eighth, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” (2.4, -.5, #14 to #17, 6+). “The Bull” had been an overall +.9 via three successive positive spikes (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+). Its April 2019 through July 2019 topline was 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 (6+). When “The Bull” dropped one-tenth in June, it interrupted three straight increases that produced a +.8 (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). Meanwhile, “Kicks” was a combined +.4 in August/September (2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). That August increase halted three straight dips that resulted in a net loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Off three-tenths in March, WKHX later faltered by four-tenths in May. Four successive setbacks by Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” have accounted for an approximately 53% erosion (-4.7) of its 6+ AQH share (8.8 – 8.5 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 4.1, flat at #9, 6+). WFSH had been at #1 four straight months before shifting to seventh in August. When “The Fish” lost three-tenths in July, it halted at five a consecutive string of bumps that netted an overall +3.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9 – 8.8, 6+). Although down a collective seven-tenths in four straight sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” progresses from #16 to #14.

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Rebounding from September’s loss of three-tenths with an October +.8 (1.8 – 1.5 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” returns to the top twenty (#22 to #18). Up a total of two-tenths in three straight positive or neutral moves (.7 – .8 – .8 – .9, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” climbs from #24 to #23.

In a first-place tie in September, Entercom sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” (Phillies, Eagles) emphatically breaks the deadlock with an October +.9 (6.6 – 7.5, 6+); WIP gained eight-tenths in August. In four straight reports without a loss, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” nets six-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7, unchanged at #17, 6+). June’s 2.1 was its lowest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 1.8.     

There’s good news/bad news for Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060.” On the plus side, it gains one-tenth to 3.5 (6+), thus snapping eight sweeps in succession without an increase that resulted in an overall -1.6 (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+). The downside is that KYW exits the top ten (#10 to #11).   

In four straight up or neutral reports, public radio news/talk WHYY is a cumulative +1.2 (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+) and jumps into the top ten (#14 to #10). WHYY reaches the three-share level (3.7, 6+) for the first time since February’s 3.0.

Philadelphia Music Formats – After being up one-tenth in consecutive reports (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5, July – August – September, 6+), Entercom’s WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” improves by six-tenths in October to 3.1 (#16 to #13, 6+). WTDY was -1.0 in four straight March 2019 through July 2019 decreases (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). After not showing an increase the past six sweeps for a collective decline of six-tenths (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WIOQ “Q-102” ends the slide with a +.1 to 2.8 (#15 to #14, 6+). In the market’s adult contemporary tussle, Entercom’s WBEB “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” is an overall +1.1 in three straight upticks (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 6.6, fourth to second, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WISX “106.1 The Breeze,” which had been trending 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.9 (6+), drops six-tenths to 4.3 (flat at #9, 6+). As noted above, Entercom sports talk WIP breaks the tie at #1 and has sole possession of the lead. In September, it was deadlocked with iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM, which falters by two-tenths to 6.4 (6+) and segues to fourth. “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” had been +1.3 via three upticks in a row (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.3 – 6.6, 6+). Prior to July, WDAS-FM lost a collective eight-tenths since March as a result of three consecutive negative or neutral moves (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.3, 6+). So far in 2019, WIP was on top in January; its classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” was #1 in February; WBEB was #1 in March; Beasley Media Group classic rock WMGK set the pace in April; WBEB did so in May and June; WMGK returned to #1 in July and August; WIP and WDAS-FM were tied for the lead in September; and WIP is #1 in October. A loss of six-tenths (5.7 – 5.1, sixth to seventh, 6+) by Entercom-owned WXTU drops “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” to its lowest 6+-stat (5.1) since March (5.0). There are more significant swings for iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL “Power 99,” which was +.8 in four successive (February through June) up or flat trends (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+); -.6 in July/August (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+); +1.1 in September; and now -.5 in October (5.0 – 4.5, flat at #8, 6+). September’s 5.0 is its best 6+-performance in more than two years (5.6, July 2017). In five successive sweeps without an increase, Beasley Media Group-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” has lost four-tenths (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0, flat at #5, 6+). Six straight sweeps without a loss yielded a +1.2 for University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), but “88.5 Vinyl At Heart” is now -1.1 in four straight down or flat moves (2.6 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.5, flat at #21, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Five increases in succession by iHeartMedia news/talk WOR more than doubled (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 4.7, 6+); however, “710 The Voice of New York” is now a combined -1.0 in September/October (4.7 – 4.5 – 3.7, fourth to seventh, 6+). Up three tenths in August/September (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), news/talk WABC falters by two-tenths in October to 1.1 (6+) but continues at #26.

When WFAN lost one-tenth in September, its consecutive streak of up or flat reports that generated a +1.3 was halted at six (4.3 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+) and, after five months in a row at #1, the Entercom sports talker segued to #2. Roaring back in October with a +.9 (5.5 – 6.4, 6+), WFAN (Yankees, Giants) reclaims the top spot. Directly after a -.4 in June/July (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is a collective +.8 in three straight gains (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.7, 6+), leaping from #19 to #14.

Nassau-Suffolk’s (6+) all-news share shrinks by -1.2, as Entercom’s WINS is -.7 (3.1, #9 to #11, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is -.5 (2.7, #12 to #14, 6+). Stuck on 3.0 (6+) in May and June and then off three-tenths in July, WINS followed with a +1.1 in August/September (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+). WCBS-AM had been a collective +.7 in three straight up or flat trends (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+).

Five successive up or flat trends by WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM net four-tenths (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, #24 to #23, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – Following four consecutive down or neutral moves that accounted for a -1.3 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+), Connoisseur Media-owned hot AC WALK-FM “Real Variety 97.5” answers with a +1.0 to 4.8 (6+) and rockets from ninth to third. The April 2019 through October 2019 topline for Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WPLJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is: 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.5 – .5 – 0.0 – .4 – 1.1 (#26, 6+). When EMF officially closed on its purchase of WPLJ from Cumulus Media on May 31, it transitioned the station from hot AC to contemporary Christian. Erasing September’s one-tenth loss with an October gain of one-half share (5.0 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ progresses from third to second. Prior to September, “Z-100” was positive or neutral in five sweeps in succession for a net gain of one-half share (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). An overall +1.1 via three successive sweeps without a loss (4.5 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+), Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WBLI not only erodes by eight-tenths to 4.8 (6+), “106.1 Long Island’s #1 For All The Hits” concludes a September-only stay at #1 and shifts to #3. After posting three straight positive or flat moves that yielded six-tenths (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+), Connoisseur Media adult contemporary WKJY “98.3 K-JOY Long Island’s Place to Relax” is now a combined -.7 in September/October (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+) yet actually climbs from #11 to #9. This (3.4) is its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.2. Having gained a cumulative eight-tenths in four upticks in a row (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” relinquishes all but one-tenth of that bounty (3.4, -.7, sixth to ninth, 6+). Cluster-mate WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock” is a collective -1.0 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.6, fifth to eighth, 6+). Three bumps in a row by Connoisseur Media classic hits-oldies WBZO netted nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+), immediately following a collective -1.6 via three straight drops (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1, 6+). In October, “103.1 Max FM” loses one-tenth to 2.9 (6+) yet advances from #14 to #13.

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – For the third month in a row (August, September, and October), iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” records a .1 (6+) and repeats at #23. KKDD was unlisted in May, June and July.

This is the fifth time in succession that co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is without an increase (.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, flat at #23, 6+) and the 22nd straight sweep that similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted.

In three straight up or flat trends, San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR gains a collective three-tenths (.5 – .8 – .8 – .9, 6+) and advances from #13 to #12. Stuck on .3 (6+) in July, August, and September, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is off one-tenth to .2 (#19 to #20, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – Tacking on two-tenths to September’s +.8 (6.9 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+), Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA repeats at #1. September/October’s +1.0 follows July/August’s -1.7 (8.6 – 7.6 – 6.9, 6+). KOLA occupied the top spot in April, May, June, and July before segueing to #2 in August. Immediately prior to July/August’s -1.7, KOLA was +1.8 via three successive positive spikes (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+). It has a two-tenths lead over Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose,” which is trending 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.7 (6+) and is flat at #2. “Jose” was +1.3 in July/August (6.2 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+), dropping from first to second. Immediately in advance of the July report, KLYY was 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+). KLYY had been in the runner-up slot in April, May, June, and July. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when “Jose” recorded a 10.4. Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KRQB gains two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9, steady in eighth-place, 6+), immediately following four consecutive down or flat trends that led to a loss of eight-tenths (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+). August’s 2.5 was the lowest 6+-showing for “Que Buena 96.1” since November 2018’s 2.3. In six straight up or flat reports, Lazer Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KAEH “Radio Lazer” has doubled (+.3) its 6+ AQH share (.3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .5 – .6, 6+), but backslides from #16 to #17. This is the third straight sweep without an increase for iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music,” which is -1.0 in that stretch (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, unchanged in fourth-place, 6+). Surrendering more than half (-1.9) its 6+-share via seven consecutive decreases (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE falls from ninth to tenth. Leading up to this particular streak, “Old School 104.7” chalked up a +1.6 in three successive improvements (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). All-Pro Broadcasting rhythmic hot AC KHTI “Hot 103.9 The I.E.’s Best Mix” has lost a collective seven-tenths in three drops in a row (1.5 – 1.1 – .9 – .8, #12 to #13, 6+), while co-owned adult contemporary KATY “101.3 The Mix” is an overall -.6 via four straight setbacks (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .8 – .7, #13 to #16, 6+). Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted for the fourth month in a row.

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight positive spikes by Cumulus Media news/talk KGO produce a +1.0 (1.4 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.4, #19 to #16, 6+). This comes directly after it surrendered more than 50% of its 6+ AQH share (-1.6) in ten straight negative or neutral San Jose sweeps (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), Co-owned news/talk KSFO picks up one-tenth (.8 – .9, 6+) and one ranker (#27 to #26). In August, KSFO gained two-tenths, thus halting three successive declines that accounted for a loss of roughly half (-.7) of its 6+-stat (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .8, 6+).

Locked on 3.6 (6+) in August and September, sports talk sibling KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” (Giants, 49ers) improves by two-tenths to 3.8 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Less than a week before the September ratings period concluded (9/6), co-owned triple A KFOG ditched its longtime music format and became sports talk KNBR-FM (1.8 – 1.2, -.6, #24, 6+). KNBR-FM disappears from print in October and is now listed as a simulcast with KNBR-AM. Down six-tenths in August, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” is a combined +.8 in September/October (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.8, #25 to #21, 6+). September’s increase suspended three straight declines that eroded nearly two-thirds (-1.9) of its 6+ AQH share (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.6 – 1.0, 6+). This came immediately after a +1.4 as a result of three consecutive increases (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.9, 6+).

Although off by one-half share (5.7 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM continues in fourth-place. KCBS-AM was -1.9 in three straight March through May decreases.

An overall -.4 in three consecutive down or flat trends (6.3 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.9, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED remains in third-place. Logging a 1.0 (6+) the third time in a row (after July’s 1.3), San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW is flat at #24.

San Jose Music Formats – Wiping away August/September’s -.5 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+) with an October increase of eight-tenths to 4.2 (6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3 More Music/More Variety” jumps from eighth to fifth with its best 6+ San Jose showing (4.2) since January’s 4.6. Elsewhere in the hot AC format, Entercom’s KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” improves by six-tenths and enters the top ten (#12 to #9, 6+), while Alpha Media-owned KEZR “Mix 106” drops six-tenths to 6.1 (6+) but continues in the runner-up slot. “Alice” is now a collective +1.2 in three straight increases (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+). Entering the October ratings period, “Mix” was +1.9 in five successive positive or neutral trends (4.8 – 5.6 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+). Bonneville-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock,” which was a collective -2.7 via four straight setbacks (5.8 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 3.9 – 3.1, 6+), ends the slide with an October gain of four-tenths to 3.5 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Following a July/August loss of six-tenths (2.7 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “106.1 #1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” answers with a September/October +1.1 (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.2, #13 to #12). In addition to recapturing the three-tenths it lost in September (8.6 – 8.3 – 8.6, 6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the sixth consecutive month. “Bay FM,” which was +1.3 in August, nearly negated April’s -1.5 with a May +1.3 (6.2 – 7.5, 6+), returning to #1 after an April-only stay at #2. Prior to the April sweep, KBAY had been +1.5 via three upticks in a row (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). The rollercoaster ride continues for Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3,” which was an overall -1.1 in three successive declines (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+); was +.9 (July); -1.5 (August); +.5 (September); and is now -1.1 in October (4.9 – 3.8, fifth to sixth, 6+). Off by one-half share each are KBRG’s rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KVVF “Latino Mix 105.7” (#15 to #18, 6+) and Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” (sixth to ninth, 6+). In four straight down or flat trends, “Latino Mix” has lost eight-tenths (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+) and has its weakest 6+-showing (2.1) since “Holiday” 2018’s 1.8. Meanwhile, “Hot Country” is a combined -.7 in September/October (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+). An overall +1.5 in four straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.6 – 2.5, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” regresses by four-tenths to 2.1 (#16 to #18, 6+). Prior to September, the last time KRZZ reached the two-share level (6+) in San Jose was July 2017 (2.0). Unlisted in San Jose the tenth month in a row are Bonneville cluster-mates adult contemporary KOIT-FM “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites”; CHR KMVQ “Now 99.7”; and urban AC KBLX “102.9 R&B and Old School.”

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – On top the past eight survey periods, Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW segues to the runner-up position. “New Jersey 101.5” has lost roughly 27% (-2.2) of its 6+-share in nine consecutive (January 2019 through October 2019) negative or neutral trends (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.9 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). Stuck on 3.5 (6+) in August and September following August’s gain of six-tenths, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” is up one-tenth to 3.6 (#13 to #11, 6+). News/talk WABC, which doubled (+.6) its 6+ Middlesex-Somerset-Union share via three upticks in succession (.6 – .7 – .9 – 1.2, 6+), regains the four-tenths it lost in September (1.2 – .8 – 1.2, flat at #25, 6+).

Completely reversing September’s loss of seven-tenths with an October +1.1 (3.7 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Yankees, Giants) progresses from tenth to seventh. Three straight gains by New York’s “Fan” yielded eight-tenths (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is a combined +.8 in September/October (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.4, #21 to #18, 6+), immediately after being down a collective nine-tenths through three consecutive negative or neutral trends (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+).

Entercom all-news WINS repeats September’s 1.9 (6+) but departs the top twenty (#20 to #21). Its September loss of two-tenths curtailed four consecutive increases that accounted for a one-half share gain (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-programmed WCBS-AM (Mets) is a collective -1.1 in four drops in a row (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.4, #21 to #23, 6+).

Up three-tenths (1.5 – 1.8, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM climbs from #23 to #22. August’s increase of one-tenth to 2.0 (6+) halted three consecutive decreases that accounted for a collective loss of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+).

Middlesex-Somerset-Union Music Formats – Over and above netting a whopping +2.6 through five Middlesex spikes in succession (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.8 – 6.6, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” marches from second to first. “New York’s Greatest Hits” succeeds WKXW at #1 (see above). Owing to three straight improvements (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 3.5, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1” is an overall +1.4 and jumps from #17 to #12. Off one-half share in August/September (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW erases that deficit with an October increase of seven-tenths to 5.3, its best (6+) Middlesex stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 11.4; “106.7 Lite FM” vaults from seventh to third. Anchored in tenth-place, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” nets a +1.6 in six successive up or flat moves (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.3, 6+). A combined +.9 in August/September (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.2, 6+), Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” erodes by -1.1 in October (3.1, 6+) and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #16). September’s 4.2 is its best 6+-stat since January (4.2, as well). Regressing by seven-tenths each are iHeartMedia New York City classic rock and CHR siblings WAXQ “Q-104.3 – New York’s Classic Rock” (5.0, third to fourth, 6+) and WHTZ “Z-100” (fifth to eighth, 6+). WAXQ was +1.3 in August/September (4.4 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+), while “Z-100” is -2.0 in four straight setbacks (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+). Immediately after posting an August increase of nine-tenths (5.4 – 6.3, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” is a combined -1.4 in September/October (6.3 – 5.5 – 4.9, fourth to sixth, 6+). The 6.3 that WBLS recorded in August is its highest (6+) Middlesex performance since June’s 6.8. Following four straight up or flat trends that netted seven-tenths (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WXNY “X-96.3” falters by one-half share to 2.0 (#19 to #20, 6+). Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9” is without an increase the sixth straight time for a -1.4 since April (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.3, #17 to #19, 6+).

Monday, October 28, 2019

| October 28, 2019

WCBM, Baltimore Announces Programming Changes. Charm City news/talk outlet WCBM “Talk Radio 680” announces a number of coming programming changes.  Starting in morning drive, longtime newsman and co-host Frank Luber exits the show but will stay with the station to help with special projects and to continue to serve as a spokesman for some of its major advertisers.  WCBM says that Luber and Nicholas Mangione were “instrumental in establishing WCBM as a major news/talk presence in Baltimore.”  Beginning November 4, late morning talk host Bruce Elliott joins Sean Casey (who continues to serve as the station’s PD) for “The Morning Drive with Casey & Elliott.”  Stepping into the 9:00 am to 12:00 noon talk host role is Derek Hunter, who returns to Baltimore after having served in recent years with the Heritage Foundation, Americans for Tax Reform, and as managing editor at The Daily Caller.  The station also adds “The FOX News Rundown” for the 5:00 am to 6:00 am hour and Key Networks’ “The O’Reilly Update” with Bill O’Reilly to air from 11:45 am to 12:00 noon.

Monday Memo: Pronouncers for Announcers. How-you-say what-you-say makes a difference, and (obvious) former high school English teacher Holland Cooke explains in this week’s column.  Read it here.

ISIS Leader Dead, Impeachment Inquiry/Ukraine Scandal, 2020 Presidential Race, Rep. Katie Hill Resigns, California Wildfires/Power Blackouts, and Brexit Extension Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi is reported by President Trump; the impeachment inquiry against President Trump and the related allegations of illegal actions against Trump, and Joe and Hunter Biden with regard to the Ukraine; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020, U.S. Rep. Katie Hill (D-CA) resigns her seat after being accused of improper relations with a campaign staffer; the wildfires in California and PG&E’s shutting off electricity to almost 1 million customers; and Boris Johnson gets an extension to January 31 for Britain’s exit from the EU were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Newsmax TV Presents Presidential Town Hall. In conjunction with the League of United Latin American Citizens, Newsmax TV presented a two-hour Presidential Town Hall with top Democratic candidates last Thursday (10/24). Taking part in the Newsmax Town Hall at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines were candidates Bernie Sanders, Beto O’Rourke, Tulsi Gabbard, and Julian Castro.  The live Newsmax TV production reached 70 million cable homes.

FOX News Radio Makes ‘Rundown’ Available for Radio Stations. “The FOX News Rundown” launched in 2017 as a podcast hosted by Dave Anthony, Lisa Brady, and Jessica Rosenthal.  Now, FOX News Radio is making the program available as an early morning weekday news hour “perfect for setting the stage for your local morning show.”  FNR says, “‘The Rundown’ takes a deeper dive into the stories that are important to you and your listeners.  Hosted by the anchors of FOX News Radio, the ‘Rundown’ also features voices from FOX News Channel, FOX Business Channel and the world of politics and entertainment.”

Ben & Skin Exit ‘105.3 The Fan’ in Dallas. The midday duo Ben & Skin – Ben Rogers and Jeff “Skin” Wade – have resigned their positions with Entercom’s sports talk KRLD-FM, Dallas for an opportunity elsewhere.  They are being replaced in the station lineup by evening duo Kevin Hageland and Cory Mageors.  It’s not known if this is a permanent move or not.  Regardless, morning drive co-host Shan Shariff tweeted that the duo was not fired and was moving on to another opportunity.

TALKERS News Notes. Former White House press secretary Sarah Sanders will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2020 Todd Starnes Faith and Freedom Celebration to be held at Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia on April 18, 2020.  The annual event has raised more than $300,000 in scholarship money for students at the Christian school.  Starnes says, “I can’t say enough great things about Sarah.  Our media company is committed to super-serving the communities that broadcast my programs and bringing nationally known speakers to our event is a part of that effort.”…..WODS, Boston morning drive personality TJ Taormina has launched a podcast on Entercom’s RADIO.COM platform called, “Meet My Wife.”  Taormina tells TALKERS, “It was an opportunity for me to step up to a blank canvas and create something from scratch.  It starts in a music recording studio with a full band and travels from grocery store parking lots, to the middle of Boston Common, to my home living room.  I wanted to take a unique approach to the rapidly growing podcast arena and make it something that could complement my daily live radio show.”…..Entercom’s board of directors have approved a clawback policy for five of its highest-paid executives.  A clawback is a provision in an employment contract that states money paid to an employee may have to be returned.  It’s usually for highly compensated executives and is intended as a sign of goodwill toward investors.  In Entercom’s case, stock ownership guidelines were included with this move and require president and CEO David Field to hold Entercom shares equal to at least six times his base salary.  It requires CFO Rich Schmaeling, COO Weezie Kramer, chief revenue officer Robert Philips, and EVP/general counsel Andrew Sutor to hold shares of at least two times their base salaries…..Boston public radio news/talk WGBH-FM is adding the NPR-distributed program “1A” to its lineup, airing from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.  The program is hosted by Joshua Johnson and focuses on First Amendment issues “related to policy, politics, technology, pop culture, sports, and humor.”  The program’s goal is to “act as a national mirror — taking time to help America look at itself and to ask what it wants to be.”

WHAT IS REAL? Former WWE Champion Mick Foley Is Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the most theatrical professional wrestlers of the modern era who blurred the line between reality and fiction as much as anyone who ever played the game, Mick Foley, guests on the award-winning PodcastOne series “The Michael Harrison Interview.” Foley created several of wrestling’s most memorable characters, including Cactus Jack and Mankind, participating in physically damaging stunts that took his body past the limits of safety and protection. Although he played brutish, psychotic characters, Foley went on to become a best-selling author, public speaker, and articulate supporter of a variety of charities and social causes. In a fascinating one-on-one conversation, Harrison and Foley discuss the nature of reality TV and the role it plays in today’s political circus citing Donald Trump’s participation in the WWE prior to his presidency as an early example of the Commander in Chief’s penchant for mixing over-the-top theatrics with the semblance of real life storylines. 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 or on every page of Talkers.com.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Steve Hoffman is named program director for Beasley Media Group’s hot AC KVGS-FM and assistant program director for sister urban contemporary KOAS, effective October 14.  Hoffman has been consulting for the past few years.  He was previously on air at KSWD, Los Angeles and programmed KCAL, Riverside for 15 years.  Beasley Las Vegas VP and market manager Peter Burton states, “We have been interested in bringing Steve into the fold for quite some time.  I had the pleasure of working with him in Los Angeles for five years.  Hiring Steve allows us to continue to surround ourselves with the best in the industry.”…..At Entercom’s CHR KAMP, Los Angeles, Chris Booker shifts from the afternoon drive show to AM drive where he’ll work with co-host Chelsea Briggs and Krystal Bee.  The new show replaces Edgar “Shoboy” Sotelo.  He’d been paired with Brian Moote and Briggs.  Briggs exited the station in August.  Taking over Booker’s afternoon drive show is midday personality Yesi Ortiz.  Moving to middays from weekends is Christen…..iHeartMedia names Adam Rivers program director for its four-station cluster in New Haven.  He’d been serving as APD and music director at CHRs WKCI “KC101” and WKSS “KISS 95-7.”  He’s now also programming news/talk WELI and sports talk WAVZ “ESPN 1300.”   iHeartMedia Hartford Region president Steve Honeycomb says, “Over the past several years, Adam has truly been the backbone here at ‘KC101’ and a staple in Connecticut radio.  Adam’s years of experience and the way he engages with his listeners go far beyond his afternoon drive show and we couldn’t be happier to see him evolve into this new role here in New Haven, Connecticut.”

Monday Memo: Pronouncers for Announcers

| October 28, 2019

By Holland Cooke
Consultant

 

BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Warning:  I was once a high school English teacher.  And the way I write has several of my high school English teachers spinning-in-their-graves.  Mrs. Krause once told me, “It looks like, after you write something, you sprinkle it with a salt shaker of hyphens.”  So the following is not meant to nit-pick.

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Friday, October 25, 2019

| October 25, 2019

Chris Stigall to Take Over Mornings on Salem’s WNTP, Philadelphia. Eight months after exiting Entercom’s news/talk WPHT, Philadelphia where he’d been AM drive host for nine years, Chris Stigall is joining Salem Media Group’s WNTP, Philadelphia “NewsTalk 990 AM” to host the morning show, effective November 4.  The station says, “Stigall has been talking with Philadelphia for years, waking radio audiences each morning with razor-sharp wit, a pull-no-punches opinion, and captivating guest interviews.  He’s covered everything from political conventions to the Super Bowl parade and sugary beverage taxes.  From train derailments and protests to the Mummers to law enforcement heroes, Stigall has talked with Philadelphia about it all.”  WNTP general manager Lorenzo Caldara says, “We are all very proud to have Chris join our roster of some of the best talent on radio today.  Chris brings with him depth of knowledge of both local and national politics while evoking both thought and laughter from his audience.  I look forward to hearing Chris engage our great city and beyond every morning Monday through Friday.”

NOW POSTED:  New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.”   The vibrant one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC (10/25).  The new episode titled “All the World’s a Stage!” looks back at this past week of October 21-25, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine;  Mick Foley, former WWE champion/author/public speaker; Joyce Kaufman, talk show host, WFTL, Fort Lauderdale/Miami/Palm Beaches; Dom Giordano, talk show host WPHT, Philadelphia; Bali Samra, commentator, Pioneer Valley Radio/Human Resources consultant; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company.  This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as well as other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; and KBKW, Aberdeen, WA as a special week-in-review and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA and the iHeartRadio App.  To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here.  To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.

Entercom and AccuWeather Announce Digital Content Partnership. This new relationship between Entercom and AccuWeather integrates the AccuWeather widget across all RADIO.COM station websites, providing hyper-localized forecasts for users accessing RADIO.COM content.  Entercom says the widget will provide current temperature, precipitation, and high and low temperatures in an easy to interpret design and will direct users to the AccuWeather website for more detailed and extensive forecasts.  RADIO.COM SVP and general manager Pam Russo says, “This new integration adds real value for our users and we are pleased to team up with AccuWeather, the leaders in the weather information space, to further personalize their experience on RADIO.COM.  Our listeners trust and recognize AccuWeather’s unparalleled weather reports from our on-air programming and we’re excited to now make this content available to them online.”

Impeachment Inquiry/Ukraine Scandal Top News/Talk Story for Week of October 21-25. The Democrats impeachment inquiry against President Trump and the related allegations of Trump’s withholding aid to Ukraine unless it investigates Joe and Hunter Biden was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria and the lifting of sanctions on Turkey. Coming in at #3 was Mark Zuckerberg’s appearance before the House Financial Services Committee, followed by the Brexit turmoil and Canadian election, tied 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 complete chart here.

TALKERS News Notes. On October 16, Entercom closed on the remaining equity in Cadence13 and DGital Media, for which it paid approximately $50 million.  In August of 2017, Entercom entered into a deal to acquire a 45% stake in DGital Media and in August of this year reached an agreement in principle to acquire podcast producer Cadence13…..Forever Media’s news/talk WRSC “NewsRadio 1390” and sports talk WQWK “ESPN Radio 1450 in State College, Pennsylvania add FM translators to their broadcasts.  WQWK is now also heard on W279DK, State College at 103.7 FM and WRSC is also heard on W227DV, State College at 93.3 FM…..REELZ announces that two more of its original series are headed to PodcastOne with the launch of “Autopsy: The Last Hours of…” on Wednesday, October 30 and “Copycat Killers” on Thursday, November 21.  New podcasts for both will be available every week on Apple Podcasts and PodcastOne.  Both programs were originally slated to debut in 2020 but advanced to this year in response to customer demand based on the success of the network’s “Murder Made Me Famous” podcasts on PodcastOne.  PodcastOne CEO Peter Morris says, “We have developed an incredible partnership with REELZ, and the fan demand is real (pun intended).  We can’t wait to bring this additional highly-produced content from the popular true-crime genre to even more people.”…..SiriusXM announces the return of “Center Court with Patrick Ewing to its ESPNU Radio channel.  The weekly show airs Mondays at 7:00 pm ET throughout the basketball season with Rick “Doc” Walker as co-host…..Podcast network Lemonada Media launches the new show “As Me with Sinéad,” hosted by Irish activist and academic Sinéad Burke.  She recently graced the cover of British Vogue and was the first little person to attend the Met Gala.  The series features candid conversations with diverse and notable guests that explore the human condition.  The first episode features Victoria Beckham and the second, Tig Notaro.  Burke says, “I live in a world that was not designed for me.  I live in a body that provokes a reaction and one which has required the kindness of strangers for my independence.  My advocacy is rooted in the notion that the disabled community should not be transformed to fit within the world.  This lived experience has cultivated an unparalleled empathy, one that allows this podcast to be a space for intimate conversations with people we know about what it is like to live as them.  My podcast will tilt the lens on how we view the world and make it an easier place for all of us to fully be ourselves.”

Oink Ink Announces Call for Entries for 19th Annual Dead Radio Contest. Creative radio ad shop Oink Ink is announcing its call for entries for the 2019 Dead Radio Contest.  The contest is a competition for advertising copywriters who have written radio scripts that were never selected by the client.  A panel of industry leaders will judge the entries and choose the best “dead” spot, along with two runners-up.  The grand prize winner receives a trip to Oink’s studios in New York City where the once-killed script is brought back to life fully cast, directed, and produced. Oink Ink says the contest began as a “humble platform to shine light on great-but-overlooked radio ads has become an arena for writers to gain recognition for stellar work that wasn’t always embraced by clients.  Whether thought to be too provocative, too silly, or perhaps simply not considered.  The occasional winning Dead spot has caused some clients to think twice about their initial rejection; some ads have even made it to air and gone on to win international advertising awards.”  Oink Ink president Dan Price says, “In fact, since the contest began, about eight winning spots went on to eventually win at various award shows.”  Since 1998, spots written for IKEA, Southwest Airlines, Durex, Miller Lite, Verizon, and even M.A.D.D. have earned recognition as the best of the Dead.  Find out more about the contest here.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Cox Media Group’s Orlando country station WWKA “K92.3,” Michael “Slater” Wheaton moves from his on-air producer role on the “Obie & Ashley in the Morning” show to host of the afternoon drive daypart.  Slater says, “I’m excited for what the future holds for the ‘K92.3’ on-air family.  Our listeners deserve the ultimate afternoon experience that is second to none and I won’t stop until that’s what they receive.”  Also at WWKA, Melissa Quinones rises from part-time night host to full-time midday personality.  She comments, “I grew up in Orlando listening to the music and on-air personalities of ‘K92.3.’ Being able to say that I am now a full-time part of this team is a dream come true.”  Taking over the evening show is Macie Banks, who is based at the Cox Media Group Athens, Georgia operations where she hosts mornings on WNGC…..Townsquare Media Portland names Kwame Dankwa brand manager and afternoon drive personality for CHR WJBQ.  Dankwa arrives in Portland from iHeartMedia’s CHR WRTS, Erie “Star 104.”…..Programming pro Nick Fox leaves his PD post at Cumulus Media’s WXBM-FM, Pensacola “NASH FM 102.7” to relocate to Colorado where his wife is beginning a new job…..WECK, Buffalo “Oldies 102.9/100.5 FM and 1230 AM” names market legend Roger Christian host of the new “WECK More Music Morning Show,” effective October 28.  Christian recently joined WECK as a swing-shift personality and host of ‘The WECK Road Show’ after spending 43 years at Entercom’s hot AC WTSS.  He takes over for Tom Donahue and Gail Ann Huber, who are being offered alternate roles with the station.  WECK president Buddy Shula says, “We’re thrilled to have Roger on our team.  WECK will be playing more music in the morning, but we’ll continue to serve our listeners with the critical information they need to start their day, so they don’t have to worry about missing anything important.”…..“BOB & TOM” show host Tom Griswold (pictured below) is playing the role of the desk clerk at the Hotel of Spells — the 56th Annual Haunted House benefiting The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.  This is Griswold’s fifth year as a celebrity haunter at the Hotel of Spells.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

| October 24, 2019

iHeartMedia and BuzzFeed Create ‘Impeachment’ Podcast. Just two days after former Donald Trump adviser Stephen K. Bannon started his “War Room: Impeachment” podcast and radio show, iHeartMedia and BuzzFeed News roll out “Impeachment Today,” a daily podcast covering the Trump impeachment process hosted by BuzzFeed News senior reporter Hayes Brown.   The show is distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network beginning today (10/24). iHM and BuzzFeed News call it “a digestible, 10- to 15-minute news breakdown of the day’s impeachment process, debuting each morning and helping listeners make sense of the all-consuming political and legal saga that will captivate U.S. politics in the months to come.”  iHeartPodcast Network president Conal Byrne states, “The current climate of fast changing news cycles often makes it difficult to keep up with complex topics like the Trump impeachment proceedings.  Podcasting is an ideal medium to dissect this news coverage and make it available to listeners in a way that is quick and easy to digest while on the go, and Buzzfeed is the perfect partner to breakdown this crucial information for listeners in an appealing daily podcast format.”

The Herd Podcast Network Launches Dallas Cowboys Podcast. A new football podcast dedicated to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys debuts on The Herd Podcast Network.  FOX Sports Radio and Premiere Networks announce the launch of “The ‘Boys and Girl Podcast,” hosted by Dallas-based NFL Network reporter Jane Slater and NFL Network field producer Bobby Belt.  New episodes of the podcast will be available on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout football season, with episodes continuing in the off-season.  Slater says, “As a Dallas native who reports on the Cowboys daily, I’ve found there is no offseason – the appetite for more content is as strong as Ezekiel Elliott’s desire to be fed on the field.  When Colin Cowherd approached me about this podcast, it was a no brainer.  My producer Bobby Belt and I talk this beat 24/7 and we’re excited to share those conversations with the fans.”

Michael Koolidge Show Adds Third Hour. The WROK, Rockford, Illinois-based Michael Koolidge show adds a third hour and is now airing from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Koolidge says that affiliate WZUS, Decatur, Illinois “Talk 101 FM” requested the additional hour.  “Talk 101 FM” operations manager Storm Edwards says, “Mike’s show has been on ‘Talk 101FM’ from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm for over five years now and it’s extremely popular with our listeners.  When we asked Mike if he could create an additional third hour from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily, he jumped at the chance and we all couldn’t be happier about it.  I’m sure other affiliates will take advantage of it as well!”  Koolidge’s show is heard on a number of regional affiliate stations including: WTAX-AM/FM, Springfield and WTAD, Quincy in Illinois as well as Hillsdale College’s WRFH-LP, Hillsdale, Michigan.

Tegna Chief Dave Lougee to Receive BFoA’s Golden Mike Award. The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that Tegna president and CEO Dave Lougee is the recipient of its 2020 Golden Mike Award.  The award will be presented during a black-tie gala on Wednesday, March 4 at the famed Plaza Hotel in New York City.  The annual event is a major fundraiser in support of the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America to provide aid to broadcasters in acute need.  Lougee says, “When devastation strikes one of our colleagues, it’s good to know the Foundation is there to help.  I’m so very proud of the generosity of the many broadcasters who support and donate to the Broadcasters Foundation and I am honored to receive their Golden Mike Award.”  BFoA chairman Dan Mason adds, “As a member of our board of directors, Dave has made a difference in the lives of the many broadcasters the Foundation helps.  Dave is an exemplary broadcaster who leads his team in serving their local markets with journalistic integrity.  We are proud to honor him.”  Previous recipients of the Golden Mike Award include: Perry Sook, Emily Barr, David Barrett, Michael Bloomberg, Bob Pittman, Gordon Smith, Jeff Smulyan, and more.

TALKERS News Notes. Radio executive and McVay Media principal Mike McVay and Sun Broadcast Group announce that McVay is serving as an advisor to SBG with his focus being on the company’s international platform.  McVay’s role will be to consult Sun CEO Jay Bailey and the company as they grow their international digital and international product line…..One of the carriers of the new “War Room: Impeachment” talk show hosted by former Breitbart exec and former Donald Trump strategist Stephen K. Bannon is the John Fredericks Radio Network based at WJFN-FM, Goochland, Virginia…..RADIO.COM’s Pineapple Street Studios is producing “The Catch and Kill Podcast with Ronan Farrow” in partnership with Ronan Farrow. The podcast will serve as an audio companion to his bestselling book, Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators (2019, Little, Brown and Company).  Farrow says, “Catch and Kill is full of incredibly compelling men and women and this podcast will give you the opportunity to hear their voices directly, in intimate, candid conversations with me.  We’ll provide a deeper understanding of the plot that unravels in the book and feature brand new details and pieces of evidence directly from the investigation.”…..iHeartMedia and Fatherly launch a new iHeartRadio Original podcast, “Finding Fred.”  iHM says, “The show digs into the deep and simple language of Mister Rogers to uncover his very adult lessons about how to build a meaningful life.”  The 10-episode podcast is hosted by New York Times bestselling author, memoirist, and award-winning podcaster Carvell Wallace.  He says, “‘Mister Rogers’ has had a huge impact on an entire generation of children.  As this generation becomes parents, raising children of their own, it’s important to discuss how his words and ideas are still relevant today.”

Impeachment Inquiry/Republicans Protest Closed-Door Deposition, Zuckerberg on Capitol Hill, 2020 Presidential Race/Gabbard-Clinton Feud, Syria Pullout/Turkey Sanctions Lifted, California Wildfires/Power Blackouts, Katie Hill Ethics Investigation, and 39 Deceased Found in British Truck Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/23). The impeachment inquiry against President Trump and the Republicans’ attempts to gain access to the closed-door deposition; Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before the House Financial Services Committee about his cryptocurrency plans; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and the Hillary Clinton–Tulsi Gabbard feud; the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Syria and Trump lifts the sanctions against Turkey; the California wildfires and power blackouts; the ethics investigation being initiated against U.S. Rep. Katie Hill; and the discovery of 39 bodies of Chinese nationals in a truck in Essex, England 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.  On-air pro JJ Kincaid has joined Cumulus Media’s Atlanta CHR WWWQ “Q 99.7.”  He made his first appearance on the station yesterday (10/23) in the midday daypart but it’s not clear yet if he’ll be the permanent midday jock or is destined for another daypart on the station.  Kincaid was most recently morning drive host at iHeartMedia’s CHR KPTT, Denver “95.7 The Party.”…..The Skyview Networks-syndicated “Dana Cortez Show” adds three new Texas stations to its roster of affiliates.  Adding the program to their schedules are: Alpha Media’s KBTE-FM, Lubbock and KVWE-FM, Amarillo; and Four R Broadcasting’s KMDX-FM, San Angelo…..SiriusXM announces that jam band Phish will perform an exclusive concert for SiriusXM and Pandora listeners on Tuesday, December 3 at The Met in Philadelphia.  The live performance will mark the smallest venue the band has played in nearly 20 years and will be broadcast live on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 pm ET…..Condolences to the family and friends of former, longtime KNCI, Sacramento air personality Dan Cheatham, who died Tuesday (10/22) at age 50.  At this time, the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office is saying the cause of death is undetermined.

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