Archive for October, 2019
Thursday, 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 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
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 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
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!”
