TALKERS

July 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Four

July 2020 PPM Data – Information for the July 2020 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s July 2020 survey period covered June 18 – July 15. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM-markets.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Stuck on 5.5 (6+) in May and June, Waterloo Media Group-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” picks up two-tenths to 5.7 (6+) and continues in third-place. Prior to forfeiting nine-tenths in May, KLBJ-AM posted four consecutive gains for a +2.8 (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 6.4, 6+). Flat at #26, Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” has a February 2020 through July 2020 topline of: .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .3 – .2 (6+).

Off a combined three-tenths in June/July (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” repeats at #22. The alternating March through July up/down sequence for iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” is 5 – .6 – .4 – .5 – .4 (unchanged at #25, 6+).

On top five survey periods in succession before segueing to the runner-up slot in June (where it remains in July), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT is an overall -3.0 in four straight declines (10.3 – 9.8 – 8.5 – 7.8 – 7.3, 6+). Three successive increases yielded a +2.9, enabling KUT to hit double-digits for the first time in its PPM-history (7.4 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.3, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations include: -1.6 (June 2019); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); +2.0 (October); -1.9 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); +.8 (March); -1.3 (May); and -.7 (June 2020).

Austin Music Formats – Not only is Waterloo Media Group adult hits KBPA a collective +1.1 via three straight bumps (8.1 – 8.4 – 8.5 – 9.2, 6+), “103.5 Bob-FM” repeats at #1 with its best 6+-stat since July 2019 (9.2, as well). Also notching a July 2020 increase of seven-tenths is Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ (5.7, fourth to third). “Majic 95.5 Better Music For A Better Workday” had been -1.4 as a result of three consecutive down or flat moves (6.4 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+). In an alternating January 2020 through July 2020 down/up pattern that includes July’s increase of three-tenths, Waterloo Media Group’s KROX “101-X Alternative Austin” is: 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 (#14 to #12, 6+). Replicating June’s decline of six-tenths (5.5 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s country-formatted KVET-FM remains in fifth-place. “The Austin Texas Original” was up nine-tenths in April/May (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.5, 6+) and had its best 6+-showing since last October (5.5, as well). Elsewhere in the country format, KVET-FM sibling KASE, which was off six-tenths in May/June (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+), gains four-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#12 to #10). In the six sweeps between “Holiday” 2019 and May 2020, “Austin’s #1 For New Country” logged a 3.6 (6+) four times (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+). Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” has lost more than half (-1.2) its 6+ AQH share in three drops in succession (2.2 – 1.7 – 1.2 – 1.0, flat at #22, 6+). KOKE-FM was a combined +1.0 in March/April (1.2 – 1.3 – 2.2, 6+). Posting a gain of one-tenth the third time in a row (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+),  Township Media triple A KTSN “Sun Radio – The Best Music Under The Sun” cracks the top twenty (#19). Meanwhile, The University of Texas at Austin-owned/similarly-formatted KUTX “The Austin Music Experience” is off one-half share in June/July and continues at #16 (2.4 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). Two Waterloo Media Group HD-2 channels regress by one-half share: Spanish contemporary KLZT-HD2 (1.2, #17 to #21, 6+) and triple A KGSR-HD2 (1.0, #20 to #22, 6+). KLZT-HD2 gained three tenths in three straight up or flat trends (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), while KGSR-HD2 garnered four-tenths in May/June (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – By notching a July spike of six-tenths to 6.8 (sixth to third, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” snaps at four its consecutive string of decreases that resulted in an overall -1.4 (7.6 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+). A collective -1.2 in three straight drops (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), Curtis Media Group’s WPTF “News Radio 680” is flat at #16.

Four-tenths behind WPTF and unchanged at #17 is Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan,” which logs a 1.1 (6+) the third time in the last four sweeps (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1,  6+).   

Progressing from fourth to second, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” notches its third straight gain for a collective +1.0 (6.1 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+).

Raleigh Music Formats – Tacking on a hefty +1.2 to June’s increase of two-tenths (4.9 – 5.1 – 6.3, 6+), Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB Your Life/Your Music” jumps from eighth to fourth with its best 6+-stat since last October (6.3, as well). In eight straight sweeps without an increase, CHR cluster-mate WPLW-FM lost roughly 48% (-2.5) of its 6+ AQH share (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+). In July though, “Pulse FM” applies the brakes with a +.8 to 3.5 (#14 to #11, 6+). Following five consecutive gains that netted a +2.7 (7.2 – 8.7 – 8.9 – 9.2 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC is -1.1 in June/July (9.9 – 8.9 – 8.8, 6+). Nonetheless, “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 the seventh time in a row. On top four successive sweeps, WFXC shifted to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019. January 2019’s +1.1 took “Foxy” to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Up eight-tenths in May/June (6.1 – 6.7 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WRDU “100.7 Raleigh’s Classic Rock” erodes by -1.1 to 5.8 (third to seventh, 6+). A collective +2.0 via three positive spikes in a row (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 7.3, 6+), Radio One gospel WNNL “The Light 103.9” forfeits exactly half that windfall (6.3, -1.0, second to fourth, 6+). In June, WNNL reached the seven-share level (7.3, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2019 (7.0, 6+). After more than doubling (+2.4) its 6+ AQH share in seven consecutive up or flat moves (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+), Educational Information Corporation’s WCPE “The Classical Station” relinquishes one-third of that increase (3.7, -.8, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Faltering by seven-tenths are Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5 – The Variety That Makes You Feel Good” (5.8, fifth to seventh, 6+) and Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” (4.3, flat at #9, 6+). A combined -2.7 in March/April (7.5 – 6.6 – 4.8, 6+), “Mix” followed with a +1.7 in May/June (4.8 – 5.5 – 6.5, 6+). “Mix” was +2.2 (“Holiday” 2019) and -1.7 (January). Off nine-tenths in April/May, “K-97.5” picked up one-half share in June.

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Stabilizing after May/June’s -2.9 (10.3 – 8.9 – 7.4, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” picks up one-tenth and one ranker (7.4 – to 7.5, fifth to fourth, 6+). WIBC previously logged four straight increases for a +4.9 (5.4 – 7.6 – 8.0 – 8.8 – 10.3, 6+).

Albeit off one-half share in June/July (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), sports talk cluster-mate WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” progresses from #16 to #15. After gaining two-tenths in back-to-back reports (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” has its 6+ AQH share sliced by 50% (-.7) in June/July (1.4 – 1.1 – .7, #18 to #19, 6+).

Three straight gains by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI yielded a +1.6 (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.3 , 6+); however, in four straight drops, it is -1.7 (5.3 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6, tenth to ninth, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – Tied for boasting the largest (6+) June 2020 – July 2020 increase (+1.9) by any station in these 12 PPM-markets is Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “B-105.7” (8.8 – 10.7, 6+). In addition to roaring back from June’s loss of eight-tenths WYXB is #1 the third time in a row. Its five most recent fluctuations are: +.6 (March); -1.2 (April); +1.3 (May); -.8 (June); and +1.9 (July). “B-105.7” had been on top five reports in succession prior to shifting to fourth in April. It was an overall +10.8 through three consecutive increases (7.4 – 8.8 – 10.2 – 18.2, 6+), but was then -9.3 in January/February (18.2 – 9.1 – 8.9, 6+). WYXB’s 18.2 (“Holiday” 2019) represents the strongest 6+-performance by any Indianapolis station in the PPM-era. Gaining eight-tenths each are Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM (5.9, eighth to seventh, 6+) and Cumulus Media hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix” (#15 to #10). WTLC-FM was down nine-tenths in May/June (6.0 – 5.9 – 5.1, 6+) and had its lowest 6+-share since last November (5.1, as well). Having had its 6+-stat carved by 75% (-2.1) in April/May (2.8 – 2.0 – .7, 6+), “The Mix” more than quadruples (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share in June/July (.7 – 2.4 – 3.2, 6+). Plummeting by a whopping -1.1 are iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Indy’s Classic Rock” (third to fifth) and Emmis’ WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” (fourth to sixth). WFBQ erodes by -3.2 in three consecutive dips (10.1 – 8.2 – 8.0 – 6.9, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat (6.9) since “Holiday” 2019’s 6.6. As a result of three drops in succession, “Hank” is -1.9 (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 6.4, 6+). A combined +.8 in May/June (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), Sarkes Tarzian-owned triple A WTTS “92.3 Experience The Music” relinquishes seven-tenths to 3.2 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Immediately prior to the May sweep, WTTS was -1.6 via three consecutive slips (4.7 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+). In the market’s CHR tussle, Cumulus Media’s WZPL “99.5 ZPL” forfeits six-tenths (4.9, seventh to eighth, 6+), while Radio One’s similarly-formatted WNOW “100.9 Radio Now” is off one-half share (#14 to #15). WZPL was +1.2 in May/June (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.5, 6+), as was WNOW (1.3 – 1.8 – 2.5, 6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU posted a 3.4 (6+) in June 2019, but Indianapolis’ version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is unlisted the 14^th time in a row.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly after logging four straight spikes that accounted for a +5.3 (4.0 – 4.2 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 9.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” is a collective -2.4 in three straight declines (9.3 – 8.6 – 7.2 – 6.8, second to fourth, 6+). WISN was on top in April and May. Despite being without an increase the third time in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (6.3 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” progresses from sixth to fifth. WTMJ was a combined +1.2 in March/April (5.1 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+). The repetitive March 2020 through July 2020 topline for Alpha Media-owned WLIP “AM 1050 Kenosha’s News & Talk” is: .5 – .6 – .5 – .6 – .5 (#17 to #18, 6+).  

Once again, four Milwaukee sports talk stations are separated by three-tenths of a share; in July, they combine for a 1.5 (6+). The only one in the quartet not losing ground is iHeartMedia-owned WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” (flat at .6 and remaining at #17, 6+). Down one-tenth each are Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” (.5 – .4, #19 to #20, 6+); Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” (.4 3 .4, flat at #21, 6+); and iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920,” which has its tenth straight sweep without an increase for a net loss of one-half share (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2, #22 to #23, 6+).

A combined -1.4 in May/June (5.0 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM picks up three-tenths to 3.9 (flat at #9, 6+). Off one-half share through three straight down or flat reports (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD halts the skid with a +.1 to 1.0 (#15 to #16, 6+).    

Milwaukee Music Formats – Milwaukee’s top three July 2020 finishers are separated by seven-tenths of a share. One member of that trio is WLDB “B-93.3.” The Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary outlet was +6.2 through three straight boosts (5.2 – 5.7 – 6.8 – 11.4, 6+); then lost nearly 60% (-6.7) of its 6+ AQH share in five consecutive downturns (11.4 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.7, 6+); and is now +2.5 in June/July (4.7 – 5.7 – 7.2, fifth to second, 6+). This (7.2) is its highest 6+-stat since January’s 7.3. Alternative sibling WLUM “FM 102.1 Sounds Different” logs its seventh successive positive or neutral sweep for a +1.7 and crosses the five-share level (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.3, eighth to seventh, 6+). Highlighted by June’s mammoth +2.2, iHeartMedia-owned WMIL was an overall +2.7 in three spikes in a row (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 8.7, 6+). In July, “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” falters by nine-tenths to 7.8 (6+) but repeats at #1. Co-owned urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7,” which was +1.1 via five reports in succession without a loss (4.7 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 5.8, 6+), stumbles by four-tenths to 5.4 (fourth to sixth, 6+). With their “Holiday” 2019 (6+) AQH share and market rank information in parentheses, the following Saga Communications stations are unlisted the seventh month in a row: WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” (5.6, fifth, 6+); WHQG “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” (4.7, eighth, 6+); urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3” (3.2, #13, 6+); and rhythmic CHR WNRG “Energy 106.9” (1.5, #15, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Bouncing back from May/June’s -.8 (5.4 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+) with a July gain of two-tenths to 4.8 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WWTN progresses from tenth to ninth. “Super Talk 99.7” was up seven-tenths in March/April (4.7 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). Unchanged at #17, iHeartMedia’s WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” was a combined +.5 in March/April (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.7, 6+), but is -1.0 in three downturns in succession (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+).

Off three tenths in June – following May’s increase of eight-tenths – Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” regains one-half share (2.4 – 2.9, #14 to #13, 6+). As a result of six straight sweeps without an increase, Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” has lost 70% (-.7) of its 6+ AQH share (1.0 – .6 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3, #22 to #23, 6+).

After gaining three-tenths in June (3.7 – 4.0, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” is off two-tenths to 3.8 (6+) but remains at #11.

Nashville Music Formats – Not only is Midwest Communications-owned adult contemporary WJXA a collective +1.3 in three straight increases (8.1 – 8.2 – 8.4 – 9.4, 6+), “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” repeats at #1. After spending five consecutive sweeps on top, WJXA shifted to #2 in April. “Mix” has been: -1.6 (October 2019); +2.2 (December); +6.1 (“Holiday” 2019); -5.5 (January 2020); +1.3 (February); -1.9 (March); -1.6 (April); and +1.0 (July). Nearly quintupling (+1.1) its 6+ AQH share in June/July (.3 – 5. – 1.4, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s classical-formatted WFCL “91 Classical” cracks the top twenty (#21 to #18), hitting double-digits (1.4) for the first time since January’s 1.0. By gaining six-tenths to 2.9 (#15 to #13, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFFH “The Fish” pulls the plug on six successive negative or neutral reports that resulted in a -1.7 (4.0 – 3.2 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). After scoring back-to-back gains of eight-tenths (4.0 – 4.8 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WRVW “107.5 The River” sputters by two-tenths to 5.4 (seventh to eighth, 6+). Meanwhile, similarly-programmed WRVW-HD2 debuts in print with a .6 (#21, 6+). The three latest (highly volatile) fluctuations by iHeartMedia-owned WNRQ “105.9 The Rock – Nashville’s Classic Rock” are: -1.6 (May); +2.7 (June); and -1.5 (7.8 – 6.3, third to fifth, July, 6+). Entering the May ratings period, “The Rock” more than doubled (+3.4) its 6+ AQH share in four straight spikes, including April’s +2.1 (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.6 -6.7, 6+). Continuing the theme of three most recent trends, co-owned WSIX has been: +1.2 (7.1 – 8.3, May, 6+); -1.2 (8.3 – 7.1, June, 6+); and -.7 (7.1 – 6.4, fourth to third, July, 6+). “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 For New Country” had a May-only stay on top and was off one-tenth in March/April (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+). Elsewhere in the country format, Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” continues its alternating down/up pattern that commenced in December 2019 (5.5 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.5, eighth to sixth, 6+). Slipping from ninth to tenth, co-owned WKDF “Nash FM 103.3” records a March 2020 through July 2020 topline of: 4.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.6 (6+). Prior to May, “Nash FM 103.3” was a collective +1.7 through three straight increases (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.2 – 5.0, 6+). Meanwhile, the alternating down/up pattern in that same (March through July) timeframe for Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU includes July’s loss of fourth-tenths: 1.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 3.2 – 2.8 (#13 to #15, 6+). In June, “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” reached the three-share level (3.2) for the first time since last September (3.5). Down or flat eight reports in a row for a -1.2 (1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .7 – .5 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+), TBLC Media’s Spanish contemporary WNVL “Activa” is unlisted the fourth month in a row.

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – After more than doubling (+3.6) its 6+ AQH share in four straight up or flat trends (2.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 6.1, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” is an overall -1.7 in three drops in succession (6.1 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.4, flat at #7, 6+).

Even though it returns the two-tenths it gained this time last month (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “News Radio 920” continues at #16. Flat at .5 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” drops from #21 to #22. This immediately follows ten consecutive up or flat reports that netted four-tenths (.3 – .3 -.3 -.3 -.3 -.3 -.3 – .4 – .4 – .6 – .7, 6+).

In six straight down or flat survey periods, Entercom sports talk WVEI has essentially lost half (-2.1) its 6+ AQH share (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+) yet advances from tenth to ninth.

A combined -.9 in April/May (2.2 – 1.5 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston’s WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” repeats June’s AQH and market rank (1.5, #14, 6+).

Without an increase the fourth time in a row for a net loss of -1.3 (3.2 – 3.0 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Flat at #12, Rhode Island Public Radio news/talk WNPN is down one-half share in three straight negative or neutral moves (2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 , #12, 6+). After posting either a .6 (6+) or .4 (6+) February 2020 through June 2020 (.6 – .4 – .6 – .4 – .4, 6+), The Wheeler School-owned news/talk WELH “89.3 The Public’s Radio” slips to .3 (flat at #23, 6+).

Providence Music Formats – Over and above adding eight-tenths to June’s +.7 (9.4 – 10.1 – 10.9, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” marches from second to first. Ousted from the top spot after six straight months at #1 is iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” (10.6, -.1, 6+), which trades places with WCTK. WHJY was up one-half share in May/June (10.2 – 10.6 – 10.7, 6+). Prior to the April ratings period, it was an overall +2.6 through three successive increases (8.0 – 9.4 – 10.2 – 10.6, 6+). Without an increase five successive sweeps for a collective -1.4 (7.4 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music 92 PRO-FM” applies the brakes with a half share gain to 6.5 (fifth to fourth, 6+). June’s 6.0 was its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2019’s 5.8. After netting a +1.3 as a result of four straight positive or neutral moves (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” surrenders nine-tenths to 5.2 (fourth to fifth, 6+). Unchanged in third-place, Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI is +1.2 in June/July (6.1 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+). “Lite Rock 105” was -8.3 (16.8 – 8.9 – 8.5, January/February, 6+); +1.3 (8.5 – 9.8, March, 6+); -1.9 (9.8 – 7.9, April, 6+) -1.8 (7.9 – 6.1, May, 6+); and +.9 (6.1 – 7.0, June, 6+).

Norfolk

Spoken-Word Formats – Bouncing back from June’s half share loss with a July gain of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+), Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” climbs from #14 to #12. May’s increase of two tenths suspended seven straight down or flat reports that accounted for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.3, 6+).

Norfolk Music Formats – Negating June’s -1.0 with a +1.1 (13.2 – 12.2 – 13.3, 6+), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” makes it 20 consecutive times at #1. WVKL was –1.5 (February); +.7 (March); -1.0 (April); +.6 (May); -1.0 (June); and +1.1 (July). August 2018’s 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. The alternating down/up pattern of iHeartMedia alternative WNOH (#12 to #14) includes July’s -.8, which took “Alt 105.3” below a one-share: 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.5 – .7 (6+). It is now part of iHeartMedia’s Black Information Network. Off one-half share each are Entercom adult contemporary WWDE “101.3 2WD” (4.6 – 4.1, third to fourth, 6+) and WNVZ “Z-104” (3.6 – 3.1, fifth to seventh). WWDE was +.9 in May and -1.1 in June. After losing more than 60% (-7.7) of its 6+ AQH share through three straight setbacks (12.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.7, 6+), “2WD” was +1.0 in April/May (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.7, 6+). “Z-104” posted an increase of seven-tenths in June. Prior to that, it was -1.0 in three successive drops (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+). These three Saga Communications-owned properties are unlisted the sixth month in a row: WAFX “106.9 The Fox – Hampton Roads’ Classic Rock”; WNOR “FM 99 Rocks”; and adult standards WJOI “Joy FM – Great Songs/Great Memories.” WAFX was -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.3 – 6.7 – 5.8, #4, 6+); WNOR lost basically half (-4.5) its 6+ AQH share via four consecutive downturns (9.1 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+), finishing fifth in “Holiday” 2019; and WJOI logged a .2 in “Holiday” 2019 (#17, 6+).

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Three drops in a row by Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM account for an overall -3.9 (13.4 – 10.4 – 9.9 – 9.5, 6+), but “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” remains in the runner-up slot. Immediately prior, it garnered a +5.3 in five consecutive increases (8.1 – 8.3 – 9.8 – 10.4 – 11.8 – 13.4, 6+).

Off three-tenths (.9 – .6, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” slips from #18 to #19. “The Game” was a combined +.6 in March/April (.8 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+) but surrendered the entire increase in May.

Erasing back-to-back losses of seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.2 – 2.5, 6+) with a June/July +1.5 (2.5 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+), public radio news/talk WJCT reenters the top ten (#12 to #10).

Jacksonville Music Formats – Owing to four straight setbacks, WEJZ “96.1 The Most Music For Your Workday” was -1.8 (12.0 – 11.1 – 10.8 – 10.7 – 10.2, 6+), but the Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary outlet pulls the plug with a +1.4 to 11.6 (6+) and is #1 the third time in a row. In addition, WEJZ notches double-digits the sixth consecutive sweep and eighth time in the last nine reports. WEJZ held the top spot from December 2019 through February 2020. Meanwhile, Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WEZI is down or flat the third time in a row for a -1.3 (5.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, seventh to eighth, 6+). “Easy 102.9” has its lowest 6+-stat (4.3) since “Holiday” 2019’s 4.1. As a result of three positive trends in a row, Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “99.9 Jacksonville’s Hottest Country” is +2.0 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.9 – 6.0, seventh to fifth, 6+). Conversely, iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “Jacksonville’s Country 99.1” falters by a full-share to 4.5 (fifth to seventh). WQIK was +1.9 in May/June (3.6 – 4.9 – 5.5, 6+), directly after being down or flat three reports in succession for a -1.0 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+). After logging a 6.3 (6+) in four of the last six survey periods (6.3 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL “V-101.5” improves by one-half share to 6.6 (6+) and continues in fourth-place. Good Tidings Trust’s religious teaching WAYR “WAY Radio Jacksonville” pops on with a .6 (#19, 6+). In six straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia CHR WKSL was a cumulative +1.7 (2.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 4.1, 6+), but “97.9 Kiss-FM” surrenders roughly half that windfall with a -.8 to 3.3 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – Down or flat the third time in a row for a net loss of eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” drops from sixth to seventh. It previously posted four consecutive up or flat reports that generated an overall +1.9 (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.7, 6+). Co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches,” which was up one-half share in March/April (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.2, 6+), regresses by three-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9, flat at #12, 6+). Following six straight negative or neutral trends that resulted in a -1.4 (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” answers with three straight improvements netting six-tenths (.7 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3, #14 to #15, 6+). Locked on .7 (6+) in April and May, iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD “610 News Radio” is now stuck on .6 (6+) in June/July (#20 to #19, 6+).

Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” logs a .2 (6+) the third time in the last four reports (.2 – .7 – .2 – .2, #23 to #24, 6+).

Despite dropping one-tenth (3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Dade County School Board public radio news/talk WLRN advances from ninth to eighth. Prior to May’s loss of one-tenth, WLRN was an overall +.9 in four straight up or flat reports (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – On a roll, Hubbard Broadcasting urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” is a collective +2.8 (which includes July’s +1.4) as a result of four straight spikes (3.0 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 5.8, fifth to third, 6+). This (5.8) is its best 6+-stat since January’s 6.8. After faltering by six-tenths in June, iHeartMedia CHR WLDI “WiLD 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” answers with a +1.0 (3.7 – 4.7, eighth to sixth, 6+). Prior to June’s decrease, WLDI was +1.0 in four straight up or flat reports (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+). Adult contemporary cluster-mate WOLL “Today’s KOOL 105.5” remains in the runner-up slot and continues an alternating up/down pattern that includes July’s +.6: 7.6 – 7.7 – 6.7 – 7.2 – 6.9 – 7.5 (6+). Unlisted in April, May, and June, WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “WAY-FM” reappears with a 2.6 (#10, 6+). After logging a May +3.7 and a June -1.9, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF “Variety from the 90s and Now” is up a modest three-tenths (8.3 – 8.6, 6+) and #1 the third straight time. Entering the May sweep, WRMF was -2.3 via three straight setbacks (8.8 – 8.7 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+). It had been on top three months in a row before falling to third in April. After spending 12 ratings periods at #1, WRMF slid to #2 in “Holiday” 2019 (-1.5). A combined +1.2 in May/June (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.9, 6+), co-owned WIRK relinquishes 75% of that increase (3.0, -.9, sixth to ninth, 6+). Prior to May, “New Country 103.1” was an overall -2.8 in six straight down or flat reports (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). On the heels of June’s +1.2 (5.0 – 6.2, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WEAT “Sunny 107.9” sputters by eight-tenths to 5.4 (third to fourth, 6+). Part of a three-way March tie at #1, WEAT emerged in sole possession of the lead, but eroded by -2.2 in May. “Sunny” was up three-tenths in February/March (7.4 – 7.6 – 7.7, 6+) and then off one-half share (7.7 – 7.2, April, 6+). Dropping six-tenths each are iHeartMedia Miami CHR WHYI “Y-100” (1.7, #10 to #13) and Glades Media Spanish contemporary WWRF “AM 1380 Radio Fiesta” (1.2 – .6, #14 to #19, 6+). “Y-100” was a combined +1.0 in May/June (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.3, and had its best West Palm Beach showing (2.3, 6+) since last September (2.5, 6+). Before notching a +.8 in June, WWRF had a January 2020 through May 2020 topline of: .3 – .4 – .5 – .2 – .4 (6+). “AM 1380 Radio Fiesta” logged a +1.3 in December 2019 (.3 – 1.6, 6+), but forfeited the increase in its entirety the very next sweep (.3 – 1.3, “Holiday” 2019, 6+). A combined +1.5 in May/June (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WKGR “98.7 The Palm Beaches’ Rock Station” forfeits one-third of that increase (5.3, -.5, fourth to fifth, 6+).

 Greensboro

 Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.4 via three straight drops (5.6 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.2, 6+), WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” continues in ninth-place. The iHeartMedia news/talker had been a collective +2.6 via four consecutive gains (3.0 – 3.9 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+).

Down one-tenth in May/June (-.5 – .5 -.4, 6+), Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” gains two-tenths in July to .6 (flat at #15, 6+).

Adding one-half share to June’s +.3 (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD carries on at #11. The December 2019 through July 2020 topline for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill public radio news/talk WUNC is: 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 (#14 to #13,  6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – Sharing top honors with Emmis Indianapolis adult contemporary WYXB (see above) for registering the largest (6+) June 2020 – July 2020 increase (+1.9) by any station in these 12 PPM-markets, Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” (8.3 – 10.2, 6+) continues in the runner-up slot. Entering the May report, “Simon” was a collective -2.8 in three straight drops (10.4 – 8.9 – 8.1 – 7.6, 6+). Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: +1.4 (September 2019); +1.0 (November); -1.2 (December); -2.2 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.9 (January 2020); +1.2 (May); and +1.9 (July). Tacking on eight-tenths to June’s +1.3 (6.7 – 8.0 – 8.8, 6+), WMAG remains in third-place. In three straight declines, the iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet was -1.4 (8.1 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+). Four successive spikes delivered WMAG a +9.9 and a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1 (6.3 – 6.4 – 7.5 – 10.2 – 16.2, 6+). In January though, WMAG had its 6+ AQH share plummet by roughly 54% (16.2 – 7.4, 6+). After posting an 11.1 (6+) three times in a row, Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” slips two-tenths to 10.9 (6+), but is #1 the fifth successive sweep. The July slip suspended four consecutive up or flat trends that yielded a +1.2 (9.9 – 10.5 – 10.8 – 11.1 – 11.1 – 11.1, 6+), This directly follows three consecutive losses that resulted in a -1.1 (11.0 – 10.9 – 10.1 – 9.9, 6+). In 2019, WQMG was #1 in January, February, April, May, July, and December. The three most recent fluctuations by Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” are: +.7 (1.8 – 2.5, May, 6+); -.6 (2.5 – 1.9, June, 6+); and -.9 (1.9 – 1.0, July, #13 to #14, 6+). Prior to May, WYMY had been without an increase four reports in a row for a net loss of one-half share (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+). Including July’s loss of eight-tenths, Dick Broadcasting classic rock WKRR “Rock 92” is -1.7 in three straight decreases (8.3 – 7.5 – 7.4 – 6.6, flat at #4, 6+).

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Off one-tenth (5.5 – 5.4, 6+), WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” slips from fifth to seventh. The iHeartMedia news/talker plummeted by -1.5 in May.

The March 2020 through July 2020 alternating up/down pattern for Entercom’s WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” is: 2.3 – 1.8 – 2.4 – 1.8 – 2.0 (#14 to #13, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – Improving by +1.0 and +.5, respectively, are Entercom’s WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” (steady at #12) and Cumulus Media-owned/similarly (country)-formatted WGKX “Kix 106 Today’s Best Country” (unchanged at #8). In the last three sweeps, “The Wolf” is +1.0 (2.2 – 2.2- 2.2 – 3.2, 6+), while “Kix 106” is +1.4 in the same period (3.3 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+). Neither station was down in that stretch. Notching July 2020 increases of seven-tenths are: Cumulus Media’s WXMX “98.1 The Max – Maximum Rock” (6.0 – 6.7, steady at #4, 6+); adult contemporary sibling WRVR “104.5 The River” (seventh to sixth); and iHeartMedia’s WDIA “1070 The Heart & Soul of Memphis” (3.7, unchanged at #10, 6+). After crossing the six-share threshold by notching three straight increases for a collective +2.3 (4.2 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.5, 6+), “Max” relinquished one-half share in June. “The River” is +1.1 in June/July (4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing since February (5.7, as well). Having more than doubled (+2.2) its 6+ AQH stat through five straight up or flat trends (1.9 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 4.1, 6+), WDIA forfeited half (-1.1) that increase in May/June (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.0, 6+). Up one-half share are WDIA’s gospel and classic rock cluster-mates WHAL “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” (steady at #5) and WEGR “Rock 103 – Memphis’ Classic Rock” (3.7, #10 to #11, 6+). In three bumps in succession, WHAL is +1.0 (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+); WEGR was down nine-tenths in May/June (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.0 6+). Up eight-tenths in June/July (9.9 – 10.4 – 10.7, 6+), Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO “103.5 The Best Mix of R&B” is #1 the fifth straight time. May’s -1.2 interrupted three consecutive improvements that generated a +2.8 (8.3 – 9.1 – 11.0 – 11.1, 6+) and enabled WRBO to hit double-digits (11.0) for the first time since November 2018 (10.7). Entering the January sweep, it was +1.4 in three improvements in succession (7.1 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.5, 6+). Three straight gains by iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK netted a +2.4 (6.8 – 7.3 – 8.1 – 9.2, 6+), but “K-97” is -1.8 in June/July (9.2 – 9.1 – 7.4, second to third, 6+). WHRK was a combined -1.0 in January/February (7.8 – 6.9 – 6.8, 6+). While it remains in the runner-up slot, urban AC cluster-mate KJMS  spirals by –1.1 to 8.0 (6+). In three straight sweeps without a loss “V-101” was up six-tenths (8.5 – 8.7 – 9.1 – 9.1, 6+). As a result of five straight survey periods without an increase, Mid-South Public Communications’ classical WKNO has lost half (-1.0) its 6+ AQH share (2.0 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, #17 to #16, 6+).

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – Following six successive up or flat moves that yielded a +2.1 (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+), Entercom-owned WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” craters by -1.7 to 6.1 (fourth to seventh, 6+). Having trended .7 – .8 – .7 (April – May – June, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” dials up a gain of six-tenths to 1.3 (#14 to #13, 6+). Remaining at #15, iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” logs a .2 (6+) the third time in a row. In 23 consecutive reports, WPOP recorded either a .1 (6+) or a .2 (6+) – then notched a .7 (April, 6+).

WPOP’s sports talk cluster-mate, WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford,” is down one-half share in June/July (1.4 – 1.1 – .9, #13 to #14, 6+).

Four successive reports without an increase by Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” resulted in a -2.0 (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+); however, WNPR ends the slide with a gain of three-tenths to 2.9 (#11 to #10, 6+). Owing to six consecutive down or flat trends, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” has lost half (-.2) its 6+ AQH share (.4 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, flat at #15, 6+).

Hartford Music Formats – Stacking nine-tenths onto June’s improvement of seven-tenths, Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX “Hot 93.7” crosses the seven-share level and inches up from fifth to fourth (6.0 – 6.7 – 7.6, 6+). June’s spike curtailed three straight modest dips that accounted for a net loss of four-tenths (6.4 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+). Adult contemporary cluster-mate WRCH “Lite 100.5” is +1.8 via three straight upticks (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9 – 10.7, 6+) and is #1 the third time in a row. A combined -2.1 in March/April (11.0 – 9.9 – 8.9, 6+), WRCH segued to the runner-up slot after 46 straight times at #1. “Lite 100.5” was a combined +8.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.8 – 11.5 – 18.4, 6+) and -7.7 in January; 18.4 is the best 6+-showing by any Hartford station since WRCH’s 18.0 in “Holiday” 2018. Recent (6+) WRCH shifts include: +1.7 (December); +6.9 (“Holiday” 2019); -7.7 (January 2020); -1.1 (March); -1.0 (April 2020); and +.5 (June). It shared the lead in May with Red Wolf Broadcasting classic rock WDRC-FM, which is -1.3 in June/July (9.4 – 9.3 – 8.1, 6+); “102.9 The Whale” repeats in the runner-up slot. Off three-tenths in February (6.8 – 6.5, 6+), WDRC-FM countered with a +2.4 in March/April (6.5 – 7.6 – 8.9, 6+). Following four reports in a row without a loss for a collective +1.4 (1.6 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 3.0, 6+), Spanish tropical sibling WMRQ-HD2 is -1.0 in June/July (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.0, #10 to #12, 6+). Down or flat the third time in a row for an overall -1.9 (9.8 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 7.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” continues in third-place. Red Wolf Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WNTY “Kool Radio – Good Times/Great Oldies” is without an increase the 13^th time in succession for a net loss of three-tenths (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+) and carries on at #15.

July 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Three

July 2020 PPM Data – Information for the July 2020 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 July 2020 survey period covered June 18 – July 15. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM-markets.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – Carving May’s -1.0 in half with a June/July +.5 (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.5, 6+), Alpha Media-owned news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” continues in third-place. In the iHeartMedia cluster, KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” posts a July gain of two-tenths to 3.8 (#13 to #12, 6+). Its June drop of three-tenths followed nine straight up or flat moves that generated an overall +1.6 (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). Albeit flat at 1.4 (6+), Alpha Media news/talk KUFO progresses from #22 to #21. “Freedom 970” was off four-tenths in April/May (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+), but purged the shortfall in June with a +.4. Flat at #27, Salem Media Group’s KPAM “AM 860 The Answer” has logged either a .4 (6+) or .5 (6+) in each of the last eleven (11) survey periods: .5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .5, 6+).

Without an increase the past nine reports for a roughly 44% drop (-.7) of its 6+ AQH share (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .9, 6+), Entercom sports talk KFXX “1080 The Fan” applies the brakes with a +.2 to 1.1 (#23 to #22, 6+). Directly after netting four-tenths in three consecutive gains (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KXTG “The Game” is -1.1 in June/July (1.9 – 1.6 – .8, #21 to #23, 6+). Although it remains at #30, iHeartMedia-owned KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” picks up one-tenth to .3 (6+), thus snapping at five a consecutive string of down or flat sweeps that resulted in a roughly 78% loss of its 6+ AQH share (.9 – .7 – .6 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+).

Notwithstanding that it records a drop the third month in succession for a collective -1.3 (10.1 – 9.3 – 9.1 – 8.8, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB is #1 the fourth time in a row. KOPB and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW are the only Portland stations to achieve double-digits (6+) in the PPM-era; KOPB was a combined +1.9 in March/April (8.2 – 9.9 – 10.1, 6+).

Portland Music Formats – As a result of notching a +.9, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KXJM not only continues its alternating up/down sequence but “JAM’N 107.5” reaches a five-share (3.6 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 5.0, eighth to fifth, 6+). Repeating in the runner-up slot is its aforementioned adult contemporary cluster-mate, KKCW “K-103,” which is +1.5 via three straight upticks (5.6 – 5.9 – 6.7 – 7.1, 6+). May’s increase pulled the plug on four straight setbacks that led to an approximately 60% (-8.3) loss of its 6+ AQH share (13.9 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1 – 5.6, 6+). Setting the pace four sweeps in succession (including sharing January’s lead with public radio news/talk KOPB), “K-103” segued to #2 in March. A combined +6.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.4 – 9.1 – 13.9, 6+), KKCW regressed by -5.4 in January; 13.9 was its highest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2. In four straight up or flat moves, CHR sibling KKRZ “Z-100 Portland’s #1 Hit Music Station” nets eight-tenths and remains at #11 (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). When Entercom adult hits KYCH gained four-tenths this time last month, it suspended five consecutive slips in which it basically lost half (-3.3) its 6+ AQH share (6.7 – 5.9 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+). In July, “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” adds six-tenths (3.8 – 4.4, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#11 to #7). In three consecutive reports without a loss, Alpha Media triple A KINK “101.9 Independent Portland” gains eight-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+) and elevates from #20 to a four-way scrum at #15. A combined +1.5 in April/May (3.0 – 4.3, 4.5, 6+), All Classical Public Media KQAC is -1.5 in June/July (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.0, 6+). Ranking #10 in June, “All Classical Portland” joins KINK as part of the four-way logjam at #15. Mount Hood Community College jazz outlet KMHD continues an alternating up/down pattern that includes July’s -.8: 2.3 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 2.2 (#16 to #20, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being -1.2 in three slips in succession (7.1 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom-owned WBT progresses from fourth to third. “Charlotte’s News Talk” had more than doubled (+3.6) its 6+ AQH share through four increases in a row (3.5 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 5.7 – 7.1, 6+).

Co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” is without an increase the fourth consecutive time for a net loss of seven-tenths (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.1, flat at #18, 6+).

The very consistent January 2020 through July 2020 topline for iHeartMedia contemporary Christian WRFX-HD2 is: .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .2 – .1 (6+). As of June 29, it joined iHeartMedia’s Black News Network.

Up seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+), University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE advances from #14 to #11.

Charlotte Music Formats – The wild ride continues for Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits,” which was -1.2 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.0 (January 2020); +2.6 via three consecutive February through May increases (5.5 – 5.7 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+); -.8 (8.1 – 7.3, June, 6+); and now a whopping +1.5 (7.3 – 8.8, July, 6+). Furthermore, WSOC storms from second to first. “Country’s Hottest Hits” last occupied the top spot in May 2019. At this time last month, WSOC had a nine-tenths advantage over iHeartMedia-owned/similarly programmed WKKT, but it widens considerably (to 3.4) as “96.9 The Kat Charlotte’s #1 For New Country” spirals by -1.0 to 5.4 (third to seventh, 6+). “The Kat” had been +1.2 through four spikes in succession (5,2 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.4, 6+). Segueing to the runner-up slot after setting the pace the past six sweeps is iHeartMedia classic rock WRFX “99.7 The Fox,” which is an overall -3.5 in three straight downturns (10.2 – 8.4 – 8.0 – 6.7, 6+). Entering the May sweep, WRFX was a collective +3.8 via four successive increases (6.4 – 6.8 – 7.9 – 8.1 – 10.2, 6+) and reached double-digits (10.2, 6+). The only other Charlotte station hitting double-digits in the PPM-era is Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WKQC, which has done it seven times. Immediately prior, “The Fox” had been -1.9 via three straight drops (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.3 – 6.4, 6+). Pushing up from #12 to #11, Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link Charlotte’s Best Mix” is a cumulative +1.3 in three bumps in a row (2.1 – 2.4 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+). By picking up one-tenth to 4.9 (flat at #8, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO “102.9 The Lake We Play Anything” halts three successive drops that accounted for a -2.5 (7.3 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+). The market’s (6+) CHR share shrinks by -1.5 as iHeartMedia-owned WHQC “Hits 96.1” is -.8 (3.9, ninth to tenth, 6+) and Beasley Media Group’s WNKS “Kiss 95.1” is -.7 (2.8, #11 to #15, 6+). “Hits 96.1” was +1.3 in May/June (3.4 – 3.7 – 4.7, 6+) and had its strongest 6+-stat (4.7) since last September’s 5.0. “Kiss” was up three tenths in May/June (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – The market’s top six July 2020 finishers are separated by six-tenths of a share. Included in that group is iHeartMedia-owned WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather,” which has been: +1.0 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.3, January/February, 6+); -.5 (6.3 – 5.8, March, 6+); +2.1 (5.8 – 7.9, April, 6+); -.8 (7.9 – 7.1, May, 6+); -.6 (7.1 – 6.5, June); and now -1.0 (6.5 – 5.5, flat at #2, 6+). While WOAI is a collective -2.4 the last three reports (7.9 – 5.5, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” notches three modest advances in the same timeframe for a +.7 (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.1, #21 to #20, 6+).

Alpha Media sports talk KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” and iHeartMedia-owned KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” are finally separated. The two were deadlocked at #28 in May and at #30 in June, but KTKR gains two-tenths (.4 – .6, #27, 6+), while KZDC is up one-tenth (.4 – .5, #29, 6+).

After losing nine-tenths in four straight decreases (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX ends the slide with a +.3 to 2.8 (#17 to #16, 6+).

San Antonio Music Formats – Improving by eight-tenths each are Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Que Buena 92.9” (5.5, sixth to second, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (#15 to #11). Prior to being -.9 in May/June (5.6 – 5.3 – 4.7, 6+), “Que Buena” was +1.9 in four consecutive up or flat trends (3.7 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.6, 6+). Matching February’s 3.7, KZLV is +1.1 in June/July (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+). Albeit that it follows June’s -1.5 with a July -1.1 (8.4 – 6.9 – 5.8, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the seventh consecutive time. Directly prior, KONO-FM netted a +1.6 through three jumps in a row (6.8 – 7.3 – 8.2 – 8.4, 6+). “San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” had been the market leader ten successive ratings periods before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2019. KONO-FM was -1.8 (“Holiday” 2019); +.8 (January 2020); and -.7 (February). Even though Cox Media Group’s KCYY logs its third straight spike for a collective increase of seven-tenths (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” downslides from third to fourth. “Y-100” was a combined -2.0 in March/April (6.6 – 6.3 – 4.6, 6+). For the third time in the last five survey periods, Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KBBT “98.5 The Beat” records a 2.8 (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 2.8, #13 to #16, 6+).

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight hefty declines, iHeartMedia-owned KFBK is an overall -3.7 (11.6 – 9.4 – 8.9 – 7.9, 6+) and – after six straight times at #1 – “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” shifts to #3. KFBK was +2.7 in January and a combined +3.2 in March/April (8.4 – 10.3 – 11.6, 6+). April 2020’s 11.6 is its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era, besting the previous high (10.3) set in March 2020. After returning the three-tenths it added in May (1.8 – 2.1 – 1.8 +), cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” erupts with a +1.2 to 3.0 (#15 to #13, 6+). The last time KSTE reached the three-share level was September 2019 (3.0, as well). May’s increase suspended three straight downturns that led to a loss of four-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+).

Despite losing nearly half (-.5) its 6+ AQH share in three straight reports without an increase (1.1 – .8 – .6 – .6, 6+), Entercom sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” progresses from #22 to #21. Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KHTK “Sports 1140” is off three-tenths in June/July (.8 – .6 – .5, -.2, #22 to #23, 6+). These two sports talkers were deadlocked last July, August, and October.

As a result of three modest increases, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ nets one-half share (4.5 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+) and repeats in sixth-place.

Sacramento Music Formats – A combined -1.3 in May/June (4.4 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KSFM wipes away approximately half the deficit with a +.7 to 3.8 (6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #9).

Bonneville hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5 Today’s Best Hits” replicates June’s +.6 and is an overall +2.3 in three straight jumps (1.8 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 4.1, tenth to seventh, 6+). KZZO was +1.1 in January/February (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.7, 6+) and -1.9 in March/April (3.7 – 3.2 – 1.8, 6+). In an alternating down/up pattern that includes July’s +.5, co-owned KNCI “New Country 105.1” is trending: 7.9 – 7.7 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 8.2 (third to second, 6+). It is two-tenths from the lead now held by Entercom classic rock KSEG “96.9 The Eagle” (8.8 – 8.4, -.4, second to first, 6+). A one-tenth June loss terminated three straight advancements that resulted in a +1.9 (7.0 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 8.9, 6+). Co-owned CHR KUDL “106.5 The End” craters by -1.3 and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #14) as it continues an alternating down/up sequence of 4.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 2.5 (6+). A combined -1.2 in June/July (5.1 – 4.9 – 3.9, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX slips from sixth to eighth. “Mix 96” set the pace in “Holiday” 2019 (12.6, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths each are Entercom-owned KRXQ “98 Rock” (flat at #4) and iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” (eighth to tenth). KRXQ is -1.7 in three straight drops (7.5 – 7.2 – 6.4 – 5.8, 6+), immediately after being +2.7 through five jumps in a row (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 7.5, 6+). Three consecutive increases by “V-101” yielded a +1.4 (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+), directly following six straight down or flat reports for an overall -1.9 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -2.2 in May/June (7.3 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+), KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” improves by three-tenths to 5.4 (6+) and is anchored in fourth-place. The Entercom-owned heritage outlet was previously +4.2 via four straight spikes (3.1 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 5.6 – 7.3, 6+).

Co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan,” which gained four-tenths in May, is -1.9 in June/July (6.3 – 4.5 – 4.4, eighth to ninth, 6+). May’s increase interrupted three straight slips that resulted in a -2.0 (7.9 – 7.5 – 6.7 – 5.9, 6+).

Precisely mirroring KDKA-AM (see above), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” logs a July 5.1 – 5.4 (6+) and continues at #4.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – It’s unrealistic to think iHeartMedia rocker WDVE would approach (let alone top) June’s gigantic +2.4 (8.5 – 10.9, 6+). Instead, it settles for a modest decline of four-tenths to 10.5 (6+) and is #1 the fifth month in a row. Prior to June (10.9), the last time WDVE reached double-digits (6+) was October 2017 (10.2). WDVE’s very consistent “Holiday” 2019 through May 2020 topline was: 8.2 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 8.2 – 8.3 – 8.5 (6+). In addition to being steady in the runner-up slot, classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 3WS” nets a +2.4 via three successive gains (7.1 – 8.1 – 9.2 – 9.5, 6+). This (9.5) is its best 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2019’s 13.6. WWSW was a combined -1.6 in March/April (8.7 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+). Co-owned CHR WKST “96.1 Kiss-FM” is +1.1 in three sweeps in a row without a loss (3.9 – 4.3 – 5.0 – 5.0, flat at #6, 6+), directly after being -1.2 in three straight drops (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 3.9, 6+). Alternative cluster-mate WXDX “105.9 The X,” which was -1.5 as a result of four consecutive slips (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.5, 3.8 – 3.6, 6+), ends the slide with a +.3 to 3.9 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #10). A loss of nine-tenths takes Steel City Media adult hits WRRK below a seven-share (7.1 – 6.2, 6+) for the first time since February 2019 (6.9), but “96.9 Bob FM” remains in third-place. After posting four straight spikes that resulted in a +2.7 (1.9 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” is -1.2 in three straight drops (4.6 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12). In “Holiday” 2019, “Big 104.7” faltered by one-half share to 1.9, halting 13 successive survey periods of posting a 6+-stat within 2.3 – 2.9 range. Conversely, Entercom-owned WDSY is up a total of one-half share in these last three sweeps (4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+). “Pittsburgh’s Country Y-108” is unchanged in seventh-place. Once again unlisted are Forever Media classic country WLYI; classic hits-oldies WPKL; classic hits-oldies WKPL; country WOGG; and country WOGI. These five Forever Media stations were unlisted “Holiday” 2019 through March 2020 and reappeared April 2020 through June 2020.

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Reducing May/June’s -1.0 (6.3 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+) by exactly 50% with a half-share increase to 5.8 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” jumps from seventh to fifth. Four consecutive sweeps without a loss garnered KNRS a +2.2 (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.3, 6+). It leapfrogs Bonneville’s KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM,” which is down the third time in a row for a collective -3.6 (8.8 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.2, sixth to eighth, 6+). A combined +3.9 in March/April (4.9 – 6.0 – 8.8, 6+), KSL had an April-only stay at #1. Repeating at #21, Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” has its 6+ AQH share reduced by exactly 50% (-.5) as a result of three down or flat moves in a row (1.0 – .7 – .5 – .5, 6+). KKAT had more than tripled (+.7) its 6+ AQH share through four straight sweeps without a loss (.3 – .6 – .8 – .8 – 1.0, 6+).

After an approximately three-year hiatus from appearing in print, Larry H. Miller Communications Corporation sports talk KZNS “The Zone” resurfaced in June with a .6 (#19, 6+) and repeats those stats in July.

After picking up three-tenths in June (2.0 – 2.3, 6+), University of Utah public radio news/talk KUER slips one-tenth to 2.2 (6+) but continues at #15. KUER was down nine-tenths in April/May (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.0, 6+). Brigham Young University public radio news/talk KUMT replicates June’s AQH share and market rank (.5, #21, 6+).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Classic hits-oldies outlets occupied Salt Lake City’s top two spots in June. That’s the case in July as well, but the stations swap places. Over and above being a collective +1.9 in three straight spikes (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.6 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KODJ “94.1 Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” marches from second to first. This (7.2) represents its strongest 6+-stat in over a year (7.4, June 2019). Meanwhile, a combined -1.5 in June/July (8.1 – 7.7 – 6.6, 6+), Bonneville’s KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” segues from first to second. June’s loss interrupted three straight improvements that accounted for a +2.2 (5.9 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 8.1, 6+). The alternating down/up pattern by Cumulus Media CHR KENZ “Power Utah’s New Hit Music” includes July’s increase of eight-tenths: 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 4.0 (#13 to #11, 6+). Its country cluster-mate, KUBL “K-Bull 93 FM,” logs its third straight sweep without a loss for a net gain of nine-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.6, eighth to sixth, 6+). A collective +2.0 in six straight sweeps without a loss (3.7 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country Station” forfeits two-tenths to 5.5 (fifth to seventh, 6+). June’s 5.7 was its highest 6+-stat since last August’s 5.8. Off three-tenths in May/June (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KAAZ notches a +.6 to 4.2 (6+), enabling “Rock 106.7” to reenter the top ten (#11 to #9). Hot AC cluster-mate KJMY “My-99.5” is a combined -1.6 in June/July (4.7 – 4.3 – 3.1, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #14). CHR sibling KZHT “Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” continues an alternating up/down sequence that’s within 4.2 – 4.7 range (6+) each time and includes July’s half-share decrease: 4.6 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.2 (flat at #9, 6+). Unlisted the 20^th sweep in a row are Broadway Media-owned adult hits KYMV; alternative KXRK; CHR KUDD; country KEGA; and rhythmic CHR KUUU.

Las Vegas

Spoken-Word Formats – Tied in March (2.1, 6+), then separated by three-tenths of a share (6+) the next three months, Entercom-owned KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” and Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk” are within one-tenth of each other. Since the March report, KXNT is trending 3.2 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4 (#16 to #18, 6+), while KDWN is 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.3 (#19 to #20, 6+).

Unchanged at #29, Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” has its AQH share split in half (.8 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Having been an overall +1.3 through three straight improvements (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), Nevada Public Radio news/talk KNPR is -1.0 in June/July (3.9 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#7 to #13).

Las Vegas Music Formats – Stuck on 1.8 (6+) in May and June, Entercom alternative KXTE “X-107.5” erupts with a +.8 to 2.6, its strongest 6+-showing since January (2.6, as well) and cracks the top twenty (#21 to #16). Posting July 2020 gains of six-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music For A Better Workday” (6.1 – 6.7, steady at #2, 6+) and Lotus Communications’ KXPT “97.1 The Point #1 For Classic Rock” (sixth to third). “Sunny” erases half of June’s -1.2, a decline responsible for dropping “Sunny” from #1 to #2. Immediately prior to June, KSNE held (or shared) the top spot seven successive survey periods. Its May increase of six-tenths to 7.3 (6+) curtailed at four a consecutive string of decreases that resulted in an overall -.8.6 (15.3 – 8.6 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 15.3 is the highest 6+-share by any Las Vegas station in the PPM-era. The rollercoaster ride continues for “The Point,” which has been: +.2.6 (January/February); -1.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.5 (May); -.6 (June); and +.6 (July). While it is off two-tenths after June’s robust +1.5 (6.4 – 7.9 – 7.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet KKLZ “96.3 Hits of the 80s and More” repeats at #1. KKLZ was a combined +1.7 in May/June (6.2 – 6.4 – 7.9, 6+) and recorded its strongest 6+-stat (7.9) since last December (8.1). Up six-tenths in May/June (4.4 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+), Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” surrenders eight-tenths to 4.2 (third to fourth, 6+). Faltering by seven-tenths each are Lotus Communications Spanish adult hits KWID “La Buena 101.9” (4.6 – 3.9, fourth to sixth, 6+) and co-owned KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” (3.2 – 2.5, #11 to #17, 6+). By recording a June increase of six-tenths, “La Buena” applied the brakes to four consecutive downturns that resulted in a -1.2 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). Conversely, when KOMP lost four-tenths this time last month, it suspended five straight spikes that more than doubled (+1.9) its 6+ AQH share (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.6, 6+). Finishing at eighth and ninth, respectively, are Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9” (3.5, -.1, flat at #8, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-formatted KMXB “Mix 94.1” (3.4, +.4, #13 to #9, 6+). Star was up three-tenths in May/June (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), while “Mix” halts at four its consecutive string of down or flat reports that accounted for a -2.7 (5.7 – 5.5 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+).

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – Flat at #8, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WTKS is a collective -2.6 in three drops in a row (6.7 – 6.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+); “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” was +2.3 in March/April (4.4 – 5.1 – 6.7, 6+). Approximately 11 days into the July survey period (6/29), Cox Media Group’s WDBO-FM “News 96.5” became Spanish contemporary WOEX “Exitos 96.5.” Its news/talk programming shifted to WDBO-AM, where “Orlando’s News Talk” replaces sports talk “ESPN 580 Orlando,” which had lost eight-tenths in five straight down or flat trends (1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .6 – .6 – .6, 6+). WDBO-AM’s signal is simulcast on FM translator W297BB (107.3 FM). While it is off the third time in succession for a -1.3 (2.8 – 2.2 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WFLF “News Radio Orlando” continues at #17.

After trending .9 – .8 – .9 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” gains three-tenths to 1.2 (#20, 6+).

Including its current increase of one-tenth, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in December (3.0 – 2.6 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 3.2 – 2.3 – 2.4, #14 to #13, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – Rarely does a station’s internet stream post a +1.0, but such is the case with Cox Media Group’s country-formatted WWKA (1.2 – 2.2, #20 to #16, 6+). The previous (6+) high for WWKA’s internet stream was 1.6 this past January. The FM signal itself garnered a cumulative +3.6 via six consecutive spikes (2.9 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 6.5, 6+), but “K-92.3 Orlando’s #1 For New Country” slips one-tenth to 6.4 (third to fourth, 6+). Ever since reappearing in print in January, Entravision’s WNUE “Salsa 98.1” has tripled (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share via six successive upticks and elevates from #15 to #13 (.8 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned WRUM “Rumba 100.3” (steady at #2) is up six-tenths in June/July (6.2 – 6.7 – 6.8), logging its best 6+-showing (6.8) since “Holiday” 2019’s 6.9. Winning ways continue for Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL, which is +3.7 in three significant bumps in a row and hits double-digits (6.4 – 7.4 – 9.3 – 10.1, 6+). In addition, “105.9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” repeats at #1. This current positive streak directly follows three drops in a row that accounted for a -2.8 (9.2 – 8.4 – 8.2 – 6.4, 6+). On top in January, February, and March, WOCL was +1.2 (January) and -.8 (February). In four consecutive reports without a loss, co-owned WQMP “FM 101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” gains nine-tenths (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.5, #13 to #11, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since last September (3.5, as well). Cox Media Group-owned urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” was +4.3 in three straight jumps (4.6 – 5.0 – 6.9 – 8.9, 6+); -3.0 in May/June (8.9 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+); and is now +.5 in July (5.9 – 6.4, sixth to fourth, 6+). “Star” had an April-only stay at #1. Not only does a whopping -1.4 send Entercom hot AC WOMX below a three-share (4.2 – 2.8, 6+), “Mix 105.1” exits the top ten (#10 to #12). After logging a collective +2.1 in five straight gains (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJRR “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station” regresses by six-tenths in back-to-back reports (5.1 – 4.5 – 3.9, eighth to ninth, 6+). Dropping six-tenths as well is University of Central Florida’s WUCF (1.3, #16 to #19, 6+); “89.9 Jazz & More” was up nine-tenths in May/June (1.0 – 1.6 – 1.9, 6+). Despite being +2.6 in three straight sweeps without a loss (3.4 – 4.8 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” backslides from fifth to sixth. On top in December 2019 (9.4, 6+) and “Holiday” 2019 (15.4, 6+), WMGF was then -12.0 through four straight downturns (15.4 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 5.7 – 3.4, 6+). JVC Media’s WOTW “103.1 The Wolf – New Country + All Time Favorites,” which was trending 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 (October – November – December, 6+), is unlisted the seventh time in a row.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – While it repeats in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia’s heritage news/talk WLW is down the third time in a row for a collective -3.7 (12.9 – 10.3 – 9.4 – 9.2, 6+). This directly follows four straight gains that netted a +5.8 (7.1 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 10.1 – 12.9, 6+). Co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” was +.8 (May); -.7 (June); and is now +.4 (3.6 – 4.0, tenth to eighth, July, 6+). Directly prior to April, WKRC was +1.2 through three successive sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+).

Continuing an alternating down/up sequence which includes its current increase of three-tenths, sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” climbs from #22 to #21 (1.1 – .8 -1.0 – .5 – .6 – .4 – .7, 6+). Co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” repeats June’s AQH share and market rank (.1, #24, 6+).

A combined +.6 in June/July (1.8 – 2.1 – 2.4, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU continues at #16.

Cincinnati Music Formats – After being without an increase four sweeps in succession for a -2.1 (11.3 – 10.1 – 10.0 – 9.2, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR stacks a July +1.0 onto June’s +.9 (9.2 – 10.1 – 11.1, 6+); “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. WGRR was on top in January 2020 and February 2020, as well as reaching #1 in eight of 2019’s 13 ratings periods. Prior to posting a January +2.8, “Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” lost a collective nine-tenths in three consecutive down or flat moves (9.4 – 9.3 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). Adult contemporary cluster-mate WRRM “Warm 98.5” is an overall +2.0 in three straight upticks (4.4 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). Four consecutive declines by “Warm” led to an overall -8.7 (13.1 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, WRRM jumped from third to first. It was a combined +7.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 6.9 – 13.1, 6+), with 13.1 its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6. After doubling May’s +.6 with a June +1.2 (4.0 – 4.6 – 5.8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” erodes by -1.0 to 4.8 (fourth to seventh, 6+). Its May/June +1.8 followed three straight decreases that led to a -2.2 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 4.0, 6+). On the heels of its half-share June increase (7.3 – 7.8, 6+), co-owned WUBE “B-105 Get Your Country On” forfeits seven-tenths to 7.1 (6+) but remains in third-place. “B-105” lost eight-tenths in March/April (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.7, 6+) and notched a May gain of six-tenths. Up a full-share in April/May (1.9 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio’s WGUC “Classical 90.9” falters by -1.4 in June/July (2.9 – 2.1 – 1.5, #16 to #17, 6+). When iHeartMedia CHR WKFS notched a June increase of four-tenths, it curtailed four straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -.9 (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+). In July, however, “Kiss 107.1” forfeits one-half share (3.3 – 2.8, #13 to #14, 6+). In three consecutive increases, Cumulus Media-owned classic rock WOFX was +1.2 (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), but “92.5 The Fox” slips two-tenths to 5.0 (seventh to sixth, 6+). In June, it crossed the five-share level (5.2) for the first time since last October’s 5.0.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – Although remaining in fifth-place, iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” sputters the third time in a row for a -2.2 (8.8 – 7.7 – 7.1 – 6.6,  6+). This follows a collective +4.6 through four straight spikes (4.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.2 – 8.8, 6+).

Off six-tenths in June/July (2.7 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom’s WKRK remains at #14. In May, “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” gained three-tenths to halt three consecutive decreases that accounted for an approximately 52% loss (-2.5) of its 6+ AQH share (4.9 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.4, 6+).

Three decreases in a row by Ideastream-owned public radio news/talk WCPN resulted in a -1.9 (5.2 – 4.8 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+), but it answers with a July increase of one-half share to 3.8 (#12 to #11, 6+). Prior to the just concluded negative streak, WCPN logged three consecutive gains that netted a +2.1 (3.1 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 5.2, 6+).

Cleveland Music Formats – Responding to April’s -1.7 with three successive spikes that deliver a +1.7 (6.8 – 7.5 – 8.2 – 8.5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI progresses from fourth to second. “Majic 105.7” was a combined +1.3 in February/March (7.2 – 8.3 – 8.5, 6+). By duplicating June’s +.6 (2.8 – 3.4 – 4.0, 6+), CHR cluster-mate WAKS “96.5 Kiss-FM Cleveland’s #1 Hit Music Station” enters the top ten (#11 to #10, 6+). Albeit unchanged at #7, co-owned adult hits WHLK “106.5 The Lake We Play Anything” is a combined +1.9 in three straight gains (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.8 – 6.3, 6+). Steady in eighth-place, Entercom hot AC WQAL “Q-104” is without a loss the third straight time for a +1.4 (4.3 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+). Following eight straight sweeps without a loss that generated a +4.0 (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 8.0 – 9.1 – 10.1 – 10.2 -11.0, 6+), co-owned WNCX “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” drops two-tenths to 10.8 (6+) but is #1 the fifth time in a row. June’s 11.0 is its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Its three previous bests (all in a row) were 10.2 (May 2020, 6+); 10.1 (April 2020, 6+) and 9.1 (March 2020, 6+). Immediately after gaining nine-tenths, Radio One urban AC WZAK plummets -1.3 (9.0 – 7.7, second to fourth, 6+). May’s increase of eight-tenths took WZAK to the eight-share level (7.3 – 8.1, 6+) for the first time since last September (8.2).

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – After having logged a +1.4 in May (5.4 – 6.8, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” is -2.5 in June/July (6.8 – 5.5 – 4.3, seventh to tenth, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM, which was -1.0 in May, repeats June’s 2.8 (6+); “Talk 980” slips from #14 to #16. Flat at #20, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” is down or flat the fifth straight time for a net loss of three-tenths (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+).

Down four-tenths this time last month (3.0 – 2.6, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” recaptures three-tenths to 2.9 (#17 to #14, 6+). After losing two-thirds (-2.0) of its 6+ AQH share in five successive slips (3.0 – 2.6 – 1.8 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+), Entercom-owned KCSP “610 Sports Radio” ends the slide with a one-tenth pickup to 1.1 (#21 to #20, 6+).

With June/July’s +1.4 (3.1 – 3.6 – 4.5, #11 to #9, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR nearly negates April/May’s -1.7 (4.8 – 3.5 – 3.1, 6+).

Kansas City Music Formats – The largest (6+) June 2020 – July 2020 increase (+1.7) by any station in these 12 PPM-markets is turned in by Steel City Media CHR KMXV, which nearly doubles (+2.9) its 6+ AQH share in three straight upticks (3.0 – 3.4 – 4.2 – 5.9, ninth to fourth, 6+). “Mix 93.3” is bouncing back after being down three sweeps in a row for a -1.1 (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+). Displaying increases of eight-tenths each are KMXV cluster-mate KFKF “Country 94.1” (7.1, fourth to third, 6+) and University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5” (4.2, #13 to #11). In May/June, “Country 94.1” was -4.1 (10.4 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+), while “Life 88.5” was +1.4 in that same period (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.4, 6+). Entercom’s country-formatted WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” continues an alternating up/down pattern that began last November and includes July’s +.2: 3.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.9 (sixth to fourth, 6+). The tie at #1 between Cumulus Media classic rock and classic hits-oldies siblings is broken: KCFX “101 The Fox Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” gains two-tenths (8.2 – 8.4, 6+) to take sole possession of the lead, while KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” regresses by nine-tenths (8.2 – 7.3, 6+) and shifts to the runner-up slot. Even though “The Fox” spiraled by -1.0 (8.7 – 7.7, May 2020, 6+), it advanced to #1. KCFX was -1.0 (March); +1.1 (April); -1.0 (May); and +.5 (June). Following four successive downturns that resulted in a -5.9 (12.8 – 10.0 – 9.0 – 8.6 – 6.9, 6+), KCMO-FM notched +.7 in May. A combined +4.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.6 – 9.3 – 12.8, 6+), “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” spent four consecutive sweeps on top before shifting to third in April. Recent (6+) KCMO-FM fluctuations include: +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019); -2.8 (January 2020); -1.0 (February); -1.7 (April); +.7 (May); +.6 (June); and -.9 (July). Cluster-mate KCJK “105.1 The X – Kansas City’s Rock Alternative,” which was +2.1 in May/June (1.4 – 2.2 – 3.5, 6+), surrenders approximately half that windfall (2.4, -1.1,#12 to #17). This directly follows an overall -1.2 as a result of eight straight sweeps without an increase, (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+). In an alternating down/up pattern that includes July’s -.8, Entercom-owned KQRC is: 3.4 – 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 2.9 (6+), as “98.9 The Rock” falls below a three-share and exits the top ten (#10 to #14). A combined -1.0 in June/July (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.9, third to fourth, 6+), Carter Broadcast Group urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” has its lowest 6+-stat (5.9) since January (4.9).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – After logging a -3.0 in May/June (10.6 – 9.0 – 7.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN answers with a half-share July spike to 8.1 (6+) and carries on in the runner-up slot. “News Radio 610” immediately prior was a collective +4.6 as a result of five successive increases (6.0 – 6.1 – 8.0 – 8.6 – 9.4 – 10.6, 6+).  

Substituting June’s -.7 with a July +.7 (3.6 – 2.9 – 3.6, 6+), Tegna’s WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” remains in eighth-place. WBNS-FM was -1.7 in March/April (5.2 – 4.8 – 3.5, 6+). Co-owned/similarly formatted WBNS-AM, which recorded a .1 (6+) in back-to-back reports; was unlisted in May; returned in June with a .2; and now replicates that .2 and #16 finish (6+).

An alternating up/down pattern that Ohio State University public radio news/talk WOSU initiated in January 2020 includes July’s increase of two-tenths: 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 4.1 (fifth to sixth, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – After posting an April – May – June topline of 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7 (6+), One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River Uplifting & Encouraging” breaks out a +.7 and crosses the four-share level (4.4, seventh to fifth, 6+). Ups/downs continue for iHeartMedia CHR WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ #1 Hit Music Station,” which was +1.2 (6.1 – 7.2 – 7.3, January/February, 6+); -1.8 (7.3 – 6.7 – 5.5, March/April, 6+); +1.1 (5.5 – 6.6, May 6+); -.3 (6.6 – 6.3, June, 6+); and is +.4 (6.3 – 6.7, flat at #3, July, 6+). On top the eighth time in a row, co-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” follows June’s +1.1 with a -.8 (9.5 – 10.6 – 9.8, 6+). A May decrease halted four consecutive improvements that yielded a +3.4 (7.7 – 9.8 -10.2 -10.5 – 11.1, 6+). Following 25 consecutive ratings periods on top, WCOL segued to #3 in “Holiday” 2019. WCOL has been: -1.1 (December 2019); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +2.1 (January 2020); -1.6 (May 2020); +1.1 (June); and -.8 (July). Forfeiting six-tenths each are WCOL’s adult hits and urban-rhythmic oldies siblings WODC “93.3 The Bus We Play Anything” (5.6, flat at #4, 6+) and WYTS “Throwback 105.3” (flat at #11). Owing to three straight spikes, “The Bus” netted a +1.7 (4.5 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.2, 6+) and had its best 6+-stat (6.2) since “Holiday” 2019’s 9.4. WYTS is down seven-tenths in June/July (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.2, 6+). This is the seventh month in a row that these four Saga Communications stations are unlisted: adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95,” which had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1; WLVQ “Iconic Rock Q-96 FM”; hot AC WVMX “Mix 107.9”; and classic hits-oldies WNND “Rewind 103.5 & 104.3.”