Category: Ratings Takeaways

April 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Two

April 2020 PPM Data. Information for the April 2020 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 April 2020 survey period covered March 26 – April 22. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – It’s hardly a surprise that this marks the third month in a row that the top three (6+) finishers in the Nation’s Capital are from the spoken-word arena. What has changed though is the order as WMAL, which had been steady at #3, elevates to #1. Furthermore, the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet is a collective +5.0 in four straight spikes and reaches double-digits for the first time in its PPM-history (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.8 – 10.0, 6+). Its previous highest 6+-share was March’s 7.8. For the 22^nd sweep in succession, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

Flat at #16, Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” follows March’s one-tenth gain with a loss of two-tenths (2.1 – 1.9, 6+). “The Fan” posted six straight positive or neutral moves for an overall +1.7 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+), including the highest 6+-share (4.8, November 2019) by any D.C. sports talk outlet in the PPM-era. Despite repeating March’s 1.0 (6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” departs the top twenty (#20 to #21).

Three increases in a row netted WTOP-FM a +1.3 (6.9 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+), but the Hubbard Broadcasting all-news operation falters by one-half share to 7.7 (second to third, 6+). Following six straight months at #1, WTOP-FM segued to #2 in July. Up three-tenths in February/March (.4 – .5 – .7, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH drops one-tenth to .6 (#22 to #24, 6+).

Off three-tenths (8.7 – 8.4, 6+), American University-owned public radio news/talk WAMU segues from first to second. “The Mind Is Our Medium” was in a first-place tie with WTOP-FM in February before taking sole possession of the lead in March. WAMU was -2.3 (“Holiday” 2019); +.8 (January 2020); +.5 (February); and +.9 (March). By doubling March’s .4 to .8 (6+), Pacifica Foundation public radio news/talk WPFW checks in at #23.

Washington, DC Music Formats – Supplementing March’s increase of two-tenths with a massive +1.6, Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ classical-formatted WETA crosses the six-share level and progresses from seventh to fifth (4.5 – 4.7 – 6.3, 6+). Off four-tenths in February/March (1.1 – .9 – .7, 6+), Manning Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WWEG “106.9 The Eagle” responds with an April increase twice that shortfall and cracks the top twenty (1.5, +.8, #20, 6+). Having relinquished precisely half (-3.6) its 6+ AQH share in February/March (7.2 – 4.7 – 3.6, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS bounces back with an April +.6 to 4.2 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Immediately prior, “91.9 Christian Music Radio” was an overall +2.2 through three straight gains (5.0 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+). In addition to being a collective -1.3 via three down or flat sweeps in succession (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WIHT “Hot 99.5” drifts from the top ten (#8 to #13). Co-owned adult contemporary WASH “Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” has lost roughly 63% (-8.1) of its 6+ AQH share in four straight setbacks (12.9 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.7 – 4.8, sixth to seventh, 6+). On top in “Holiday” 2019, WASH was +7.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.4 – 8.1 – 12.9, 6+). A combined -1.0 in March/April (3.6 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WIAD “94.7 The Drive” exits the top ten (#10 to #14).             –

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Nearly doubling (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share through four successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” traverses the five-share level and jumps from ninth to fifth (2.8 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 5.3, 6+). Co-owned WXKS-AM dropped one-tenth in March, but bounces back with a half-share increase, enabling “Talk 1200” to cross the one-share level (.6 – 1.1, #26 to #22, 6+).

Continuing an alternating up/down sequence that began in “Holiday” 2019 and including its current -1.2 (5.5 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 4.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” slips from fifth to seventh. After posting a January increase of four-tenths, Entercom-owned sports talker WEEI-FM is -1.2 in three straight slumps (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0, #12 to #14, 6+).

After gaining eight-tenths to 6.4 – its best 6+-showing in exactly two years (6.4, as well in March 2018) – iHeartMedia news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” loses one-tenth (6.3, 6+) and one ranker (third to fourth).

Adding two-tenths to March’s +.7 (2.9 – 3.6  – 3.8, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation public radio news/talk WGBH enters the top ten (#11 to #10). Conversely, Boston University public radio news/talk WBUR forfeits two-tenths (3.7 – 3.5, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). WBUR was +.8 in March.

Boston Music Formats – Powered by March/April’s +2.3 (5.2 – 6.3 – 7.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WZLX not only crosses the seven-share level, “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” marches from fourth to first. WZLX had been -.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +.7 (January 2020); and -.5 (February). “Holiday” 2019’s 5.0 was the lowest 6+-stat for WZLX since July 2018 (4.8). Exiting the top spot are co-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” (first to second) and Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” (first to third). “Kiss” is actually a collective +1.7 in four straight upticks (5.6 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 7.0 – 7.3, 6+). Meanwhile, WROR is -1.4 in March/April (8.3 – 7.0 – 6.6, 6+), following its +2.1 in January/February (6.2 – 8.1 – 8.3, 6+). The market leader nine survey periods in a row, before segueing to second in “Holiday” 2019, WROR was a combined -2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.5 – 8.1 – 6.2, 6+). WROR held or shared the lead in January, February, and March. As for “Kiss,” it was a March-only visit at #1. WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WCRB “Classical Radio Boston” substitutes March’s loss of one-half share with an April spike of eight-tenths (1.4 – 2.2, #20 to #16, 6+). Prior to March, WCRB picked up eight-tenths in five straight sweeps without a loss (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+). Having logged a December 2019 through March 2020 topline of 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.2 (6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WJMN “JAM’N 94.5” forfeits nine-tenths to 1.3 (#17 to #20, 6+). A combined -1.3 in March/April (6.2 – 5.6 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom-owned adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” carries on in sixth-place. “Magic” answered January’s -9.5 (15.2 – 5.7, 6+) with a February gain of one-half share. Setting the pace in “Holiday” 2019, WMJX entered the January 2020 sweep a collective +10.5 through three bumps in succession (4.7 – 5.8 – 8.0 – 15.2, 6+). Falling from #16 to #18, iHeartMedia-owned country WBWL “101.7 The Bull” has lost six-tenths in straight down or flat trends (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.8, 6+).

Miami

Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing its alternating down/up pattern that began in December 2019 and including April’s loss of four-tenths (2.5 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WIOD “News Radio 610 Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” drops from #21 to #22.

After losing half (-.7) its 6+ AQH share in five straight sweeps without an increase (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .7 – .7, 6+), Entercom-owned WQAM “560 The Joe” halts the slide with a +.1 to .8 (flat at #26, 6+). Co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket,” which recorded a one-tenth fluctuation five successive sweeps (.7 – .6 – .7 – .8 – .7 – .6, 6+), sputters by two-tenths to .4 (unchanged at #28, 6+).

Three straight improvements by WLRN yielded a collective +1.7 (2.0 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+) but the Dade County School Board public radio news/talk station is off one-tenth to 3.6 (6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #11).

Meanwhile, Union Radio Network of Florida Spanish news/talk WURN continues an alternating down/up sequence that includes April’s massive +1.7 that propels “Actualidad 1040” into the top ten (2.1 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 4.1 (#18 to #9, 6+). Almost tripling (+1.5) its 6+ AQH share in March/April (.9 – 1.1 – 2.4, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish news/talk WAQI “710 AM Radio Mambi” cracks the top twenty at #16.

Miami Music Formats – Up one-tenth the past three survey periods (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.9, Spanish Broadcasting System-owned Spanish contemporary WCMQ “Zeta 92.3” erupts with a gain of nine-tenths to 5.8 (sixth to fourth, 6+). Also notching an uptick of nine-tenths is Univision Radio’s similarly-formatted WAMR “Amor 107.5,” which is +1.3 in March/April and traverses the seven-share threshold (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+). Moreover, “Amor” progresses from third to first. Departing the top spot after 16 consecutive sweeps there is Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” (7.4 – 6.4, -1.0, #1 to #3, 6+). Following five straight reports without a decrease for a net gain of one-half share (7.0 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+), “Easy” dropped two-tenths in February. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” is an overall -2.6 in four consecutive down or flat trends (7.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.9, fifth to sixth, 6+). While unchanged at #8, iHeartMedia classic rock WBGG “Big 105.9” posts its fifth straight report without a loss for a net gain of +1.1 (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+). CHR sibling WHYI “Y-100,” however is -1.5 in March/April (3.8 – 3.5 – 2.3, #11 to #17, 6+) and falls below a three-share (2.3) for the first time since July 2019’s 2.8. Trending 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.6 (January – February – March, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WPOW “Power 96.5” falters by seven-tenths to 1.9 (#16 to #20, 6+). Off six-tenths (each) are Univision Radio Spanish tropical WRTO “Mix 98.3” (#14 to #17); Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WRMA “Ritmo 95.7” (#16 to #19); and iHeartMedia hot AC WMIA “93.9 MIA” (#24). In three straight drops, “Mix” is -1.1 (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.3, 6+). WRMA is a combined -.7 in March/April (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+), while WMIA is -1.0 in that same timeframe (2.2 – 1.8 – 1.2, 6+).

 Seattle

 Spoken-Word Formats – Stacking a +.9 onto March’s +1.2 (4.8 – 6.0 – 6.9, 6+), Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” repeats at #1. KIRO-FM was +1.1 in January and -1.2 in February. Steady at #18, news/talk cluster-mate KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is +1.2 via five consecutive positive or neutral trends (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). In March, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI posted a 1.1 (#22, 6+) but “Talk Radio 570” is unlisted in April.

When Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM posted a March +.1 to 2.6 (6+), it ended four straight down or flat trends that resulted in a -1.4 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 2.5, 6+). “ESPN 710,” however, now forfeits one-half share to 2.1 (#18 to #21, 6+). In three straight downturns, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” has lost more than two-thirds (-1.3) of its 6+ AQH share (1.9 – 1.4 – .9 – .6, flat at #26, 6+).

After having more than doubled (+2.8) its 6+ AQH stat via three straight upticks (2.6 – 3.2 – 4.1 – 5.4, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO relinquishes one-half share (4.9, third to seventh, 6+).

Down one-tenth (5.5 – 5.4, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW slips from second to fourth. KUOW was -.8 (“Holiday” 2019); -.7 (February); and +.7 (March).

Seattle Music Formats – Off three-tenths in February/March (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM breaks out a +1.3 to 5.4 (6+) as “95.7 Jet” rockets into the top ten (#11 to #4). It’s the first time KJR-FM reaches the five-share level (5.4, 6+) since September 2018 (5.2, 6+). More than doubling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in four straight spikes, Friends of 88.5 FM-owned KNKX “Your Connection To Jazz, Blues, & NPR News” enters the top ten (1.9 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1, #13 to #10, 6+). Meanwhile, Friends of KEXP’s KEXP “90.3 Where The Music Matters” expunges March’s one-half share decrease with an April +1.2 (1.5 – 1.0 – 2.2, #25 to #20, 6+). As a result of three straight up or flat trends, iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is a collective +1.6 (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 6.1, fifth to second, 6+). Adding six-tenths to March’s +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+), Classic Radio classical KING advances from ninth to eighth. An overall +2.0 through six straight positive or neutral sweeps, Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” reaches the five-share level (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 5.0, eighth to sixth 6+). On top in December 2019 and “Holiday” 2019, Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” is without an increase the fourth time in a row for a -5.5 and drifts from the top ten (9.2 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 3.7, #6 to #12, 6+). After posting a March increase of six-tenths, iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack-FM” forfeits eight-tenths and departs the top ten (4.2 – 3.4, #9 to #13, 6+). Down six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KUBE (#18 to #22) and Entercom’s KISW “99.9 The Rock of Seattle” (seventh to tenth). KUBE has lost eight-tenths in March/April (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+), while KISW is without an increase the third straight time for a -.8 as well (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.1, 6+).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Not only is Cumulus Media’s WJR an overall +3.2 though four upticks in a row including April’s +1.9 (1.6 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 4.8, 6+) “News Talk 760” catapults from #16 to #4.

Following a March gain of four-tenths (4.4 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” falters by nine-tenths to 3.9 (seventh to tenth, 6+). “The Ticket” was +1.1 in January and -1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 4.8 – 3.8, 6+).

Over and above gaining a collective +2.5 as a result of four successive bumps (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” marches from third to a first-place tie. It is the first time WWJ has hit the six-share mark (6.4, 6+) since May 2019 (6.2, 6+).

Owing to five successive increases, Wayne State University news/talk WDET more than doubles (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share and reaches the three-share level (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 3.0, #20 to #16, 6+). After three consecutive increases that produced a +1.0 (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM returns 60% and falls off the top twenty (1.7, -.6, #19 to #22, 6+).

Detroit Music Formats – Within 5.0 – 5.6 range (6+) in each of the last six survey periods (5.6 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” dials up a +1.1 to 6.4 (6+), advancing from fourth to a first-place deadlock with WWJ (see above). This (6.4) is the best 6+-showing for “Mix” since June 2019 (6.9). Meanwhile, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM” augments its March improvement of six-tenths with April’s +1.0 and leaps into the top ten (3.0 – 3.6 – 4.6, #13 to #6, 6+). Entering the March sweep, “Kiss” was off three-tenths in three down or flat moves in a row (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). In three straight spikes, Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX was a collective +1.0 (5.6 – 5.8 – 60 – 6.6, 6+), but “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” surrenders a -1.4 to 5.2 (6+), segueing from first to third.

A combined +1.1 in March/April (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” vaults from ninth to fourth. Advancing by one-half share are Detroit Classical and Jazz Educational Radio’s WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days/Jazzy Nights” (3.1, #17 to #15) and Radio One gospel WDMK-HD2 (#21). WRCJ was down three-tenths in February/March (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+), while WDMK-HD2 has more than doubled (+1.0) its 6+ AQH share in four straight sweeps without a loss (.8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.8, 6+). Cratering by -1.8 (6.4 – 4.6, 6+) iHeartMedia CHR WKQI shifts from second to sixth. A combined +1.9 in January/February (4.6 – 5.9 – 6.5, 6+), “Channel 95.5” had a February-only stay at #1. Cumulus Media hot AC WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music” is an overall -1.5 via three straight decreases and spirals from the top ten (4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 2.8, #9 to #18, 6+). The (6+) adult contemporary share decreases by -2.0, equally split between iHeartMedia’s WNIC ““100.3 The Best Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” (-1.0, #7 to #11, 6+) and Entercom-owned WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” (-1.0, #13 to #19, 6+). As a result of four straight drops, WNIC is -11.0 (14.8 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 4.8 – 3.8, 6+). It was +9.2 through five successive gains (5.6 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 9.5 – 14.8, 6+). WNIC’s 17.9 in “Holiday” 2018 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. “The Breeze” is now an overall -2.3 via four consecutive down or flat reports (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 3.6 – 2.6, 6+). While Beasley Media Group’s WRIF “Rocks Detroit” is off eight-tenths (5.1 – 4.3, fifth to eighth, 6+), its internet stream pops on with a .6 (#24, 6+). In three straight drops, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC is an overall -1.9 (6.1 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.2, sixth to ninth, 6+). “Detroit’s Greatest Hits” was +.5 (December); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.4 (January 2020).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +2.3 in March/April (3.8 – 4.6 – 6.1, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM progresses from fifth to third. In six straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” nets +2.2 and cracks the top ten (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.7, #14 to #8, 6+).

Flat at #21, Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” returns the one-tenth it picked up in March and has a “Holiday” 2019 through April 2020 topline of 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.9 (6+).

Dropping one-tenth in back-to-back reports, Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ exits the top ten (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4, #8 to #11, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – Down nine-tenths in February/March (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KNIX “Today’s Best Country and All-Time Favorites” erases the deficit with a +1.3 to 4.8 (eighth to seventh, 6+). Its format rival – Entercom’s KMLE “Country 107.9” – is down nine-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.0 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.1, #17 to #18, 6+). Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” is +3.7 through four successive spikes and crosses the five-share level (1.8 – 2.4 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.5, seventh to fifth, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Univision Radio-owned KHOT “Que Buena 105.9” answers March’s loss of four-tenths with an April increase twice that magnitude and returns to the top ten (3.3 – 4.2, +.9, #13 to #9, 6+). As it entered the March sweep, KHOT was +1.5 via five straight increases (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+). Off one-half share in February/March (5.5 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” posts an April gain of eight-tenths (5.8, flat at #4, 6+). Despite being +1.0 in March/April (3.2 – 3.5 – 4.2, 6+), co-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” backslides from eighth to ninth. Via three straight bumps, Chavez Radio Group regional Mexican KNAI “Radio Campesina” has gained nine-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.8, #19 to #14, 6+). Having logged a 1.4 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOMR “Amor 106.3” breaks out a +.9 to 2.3 (6+) and cracks the top twenty (#18, 6+). Albeit -1.0 (8.3 – 7.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is #1 the 11^th consecutive time. Leading up to the January ratings period, KESZ was +12.5 through four spikes in a row (6.7 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 11.0 – 19.2, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 19.2 was its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018’s 15.0. Three successive upticks by iHeartMedia CHR KZZP yielded eight-tenths (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+), but “104.7 Kiss-FM” falters by -1.4 to 3.2 (6+) and spirals from #5 to #12. Hot AC cluster-mate KMXP “Mix 96.9” is -1.8 through three straight drops (4.2 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4, #14 to #17, 6+). Following three increases in a row that netted a +1.4 (5.8 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.2, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL forfeits nine-tenths to 6.3 (6+) but continues in the runner-up slot. Co-owned rhythmic CHR KALV “Live 101.5,” which was trending 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.5 (December 2019 through March 2020, 6+), sputters by seven-tenths to 2.8 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #14). A combined -1.3 in March/April (3.2 – 2.8 – 1.9, 6+), Family Life Communications contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” falls from #16 to #19. Riviera hot AC KMVA “Hot” has lost more than half (-1.6) its 6+ AQH share in March/April (2.8 – 2.0 – 1.2, #26, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic CHR KKFR “Power 98.3,” which was up four-tenths in three straight gains (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), forfeits one-half share to 1.8 (#19 to #22, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Replicating March’s +1.0 (3.6 – 4.6 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” vaults from ninth to fifth. Regaining half of March’s -.2 (2.6 – 2.7, +.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” continues at #14. Off three-tenths (2.7 – 2.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” slips from #13 to #17.

While it repeats in sixth-place, iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” is -2.9 in three consecutive setbacks (8.4 – 6.8 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+); KFXN had a December-only stay at #1. Without an increase the past three reports for a net loss of three-tenths, Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” nonetheless advances from #25 to #22 (.8 – .7 – .5 – .5, 6+).

In addition to being a collective +2.5 as a result of four successive increases (5.7 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 8.2, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW repeats at #1.

Minneapolis Music Formats – After gaining one-tenth in March (2.5 – 2.6, 6+), Minnesota Public Radio triple A “89.3 The Current” piles on a hefty +1.7 to 4.3 (6+) and enters the top ten (#14 to #10, 6+). Off one-tenth in February/March (6.3 – 6.2 – 6.2, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KQRS “Minnesota’s Classic Rock” hauls out a +.9 to 7.1 (fourth to third, 6+). Jumping one-half share each are iHeartMedia-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” (4.0, flat at #11, 6+) and Minnesota Public Radio classical KSJN (#16 to #13). KEEY had been trending 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.5 (January – February – March, 6+). KSJN is without a loss the fifth time in a row for a collective gain of nine-tenths and reaches the three-share level (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+). In addition to being -1.5 as a result of three straight drops (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” exits the top ten (#10 to #12). Classic hits-oldies sibling KQQL “Kool 108,” which was up six-tenths in February/March (5.4 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+), has that improvement erased with an April -.6 to 5.4 (fifth to seventh, 6+). In the hot AC battle, iHeartMedia-owned KTCZ “Cities 97.1” erodes by nine-tenths (#12 to #15), while Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSTP-FM “KS-95” sputters by one-half share (steady at #2). After gaining two-tenths through three straight up or flat sweeps (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), “Cities 97.1” forfeits -1.3 in March/April (3.8 – 3.4 – 2.5, 6+). Having occupied the lead position in January and February, KSTP-FM dropped to the runner-up slot in March. After January’s +2.4, “KS-95” is off eight-tenths in three straight declines (8.2 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 7.4, 6+). A combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.6 – 7.4 – 5.8, 6+), KSTP-FM solely held or shared the top spot in January 2019, March, April, June, August, September, October, and November. It was -.8 (May 2019); +1.1 (August); -1.6 (“Holiday’ 2019); +2.4 (January 2020); and -.5 (April).

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight spikes by iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” yield a +2.8 (3.8 – 4.5 – 5.5 – 6.6, fourth to second, 6+). Its recent (6+) shifts include: +.5 (August); -.7 (September); +.7 (October); -.6 (December); -.9 (January 2020); and +1.1 (April). Jumping from #17 to #12, iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” is +1.3 in March/April (1.9 – 2.4 – 3.2, 6+). Despite being off three-tenths in March/April (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), Local Media of San Diego news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” advances from #21 to #18.

Albeit that it has lost 56% (-1.4) of its 6+ AQH share in three straight slips (2.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.1, 6+), Entercom-owned sports talk KWFN “97.3 The Fan” climbs from #22 to #21. Off six-tenths in four straight declines (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” remains at #23.

Not only is KPBS a whopping +3.7 through four spikes in succession to traverse the eight-share level (4.8 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.9 – 8.5, 6+), the San Diego State University-owned news/talk station progresses from second to first.

San Diego Music Formats – Winning ways continue for UniRadio regional Mexican XHTY “Invasora 99.7,” which more than doubles (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share in four consecutive increases (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.9, tenth to fifth, 6+). Zooming from #19 to #13, iHeartMedia-owned KIOZ “Rock 105.3” is without a loss the fourth time in a row for a +1.2 (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 3.0, 6+) and reaches the three-share level for the first time since September 2019 (3.0, as well). Entercom-owned KSON “San Diego’s #1 New Country” is up seven-tenths in March/April (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.5, ninth to eighth, 6+). Co-owned classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 San Diego’s Greatest Hits,” however, is -2.1 in three consecutive dips (7.0 – 6.5 – 6.0 – 4.9, third to fifth, 6+). “Sunny” had a January-only stay at #1 and was +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.0, 6+). Following two months at #1, iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI craters by -1.8 (7.2 – 5.4, 6+) and segues to #4. Off four-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+), “Star 94.1” posted a January 2020 +1.8 and gained one-half share in March. Up nine-tenths in January/February (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.4, 6+), Local Media of San Diego urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5” replicates March’s -.8 (5.4 – 4.6 – 3.8, sixth to tenth, 6+). Exiting the top ten (#8 to #11), iHeartMedia CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3” has its third drop in a row for a collective -2.0 (5.3 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.3, 6+). In the alternative arena, Entercom’s KBZT “Alt 94.9” falters by nine-tenths (#14 to #20), while Local Media of San Diego’s XTRA “91-X” surrenders six-tenths (#16 to #18). KBZT gained nine-tenths in January/February (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+) but has lost more than half (-1.7) its 6+ AQH share in March/April (3.3 – 2.5 – 1.6, 6+). Entering the April sweep, “91-X” logged three straight up or flat trends for a +1.0 (1.5 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). As a result of three successive sweeps without an increase, Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN was an overall -1.3 (3.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.2, #19, 6+) but “Radio 104.5 Radio Latina” is unlisted in April.

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on seven-tenths to March’s +.9 (3.0 – 3.9 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” jumps from tenth to fifth. Down one-tenth (3.2 – 3.1, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” continues at #15. Its internet stream gains six-tenths (.4 – 1.0, #23, 6+).

Dropping four-tenths (1.9 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” repeats at #19.

Following eight consecutive sweeps without a loss for a collective +2.4 (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 4.1, 6+), University of South Florida public radio news/talk WUSF falters by two-tenths to 3.9 (seventh to tenth, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – It might have taken a worldwide pandemic to do it, but a Tampa station finally catches Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” at #1. The key word is “catches,” not “overtakes” as WDUV remains on top the 93^rd time in succession but has a co-leader. “Lite Favorites” is -4.6 in four straight setbacks (11.2 – 9.9 – 9.7 – 9.4 – 6.6, 6+). January’s decrease suspended three straight improvements that led to a +3.3 (7.9 – 8.6 – 9.8 – 11.2, 6+). Its current -2.8 represents the largest (6+) March 2020 – April 2020 decrease by any station in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve analyzed thus far. A combined -1.1 in February/March (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.1, 6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE gains one-half share to 6.6 (6+) and it’s enough to propel “The Joy FM” from the runner-up slot to the aforementioned first-place tie. Immediately prior to February, WCIE netted a +2.0 through four successive spikes (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 7.2, 6+). Down seven-tenths in February/March (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 for New Country” answers with a +1.5 to 5.6 (seventh to fourth, 6+). Meanwhile, the internet stream of Beasley Media Group’s WQYK “Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” pops on with a .5 (#26, 6+). Spanish contemporary sibling WYUU “92.5 Maxima,” which was off one-half share in March, erases that shortfall with an April +.7 (2.3 – 3.0, steady at #17, 6+). Transforming March’s -.7 to an April +.6 (5.9 – 5.2 – 5.8, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” continues in third-place. WXGL was -.7 (January) and +.9 (February). Up one-tenth in March (4.3 – 4.4, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WWRM “Magic 94.9” erodes by -1.2 to 3.2 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#6 to #14). Immediately after adding one-half share in March (3.6 – 4.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1” forfeits eight-tenths to 3.3 (#7 to #13, 6+). By picking up two-tenths in February, WLLD ended four consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -1.5 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – After dropping two-tenths in March, iHeartMedia news/talk KDFD storms back with a +1.2 and zooms into the top ten (3.4 – 4.6, #13 to #6, 6+). “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” was a combined +1.1 in January/February (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+). In three straight bumps, news/talk cluster-mate KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is up seven-tenths (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.1, #19 to #18, 6+). A combined +.6 in February/March (1.0 – 1.4 – 1.6, 6+), co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” forfeits two-tenths to 1.4 (6+) but remains at #21.

Following January’s +.6 to 3.1 (6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” is -1.0 in three straight drops (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.1, flat at #18, 6+). KSE Radio Ventures-owned KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” is without an increase the third successive sweep for a net loss of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .8 – .5, #28 to #30, 6+).

Exceeding March’s +1.1 with an April +1.5 (5.2 – 6.3 – 7.8, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR repeats at #1. KCFR has been -1.6 (June); +.8 (July); +.5 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +.7 (January 2020); +1.1 (March); and +1.5 (April). After being up four-tenths via three straight modest gains (.5 – .6 – .8 – .9, 6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC sputters by six-tenths to .3 (#26 to #31, 6).

Denver Music Formats – Despite being +3.3 through four consecutive bumps including its current +1.3 and traversing the seven-share threshold (4.3 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 6.3 – 7.6, 6+), Bonneville country outlet KYGO segues from a first-place March deadlock at #1 to the runner-up slot. Roaring back from March’s -1.4 with an April +1.2 (5.0 – 3.6 – 4.8, 6+), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO leaps from tenth to fourth. Directly prior, “97.3 World Class Rock” posted three straight up or flat trends that yielded a +1.1 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). More than compensating for March’s loss of one-tenth (2.6 – 2.5, 6+) with a +1.0 to 3.5 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KWBL “106.7 The Bull Colorado’s New Country” charges from #17 to #11. Without an increase the third straight sweep for a -2.0 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KPTT “95.7 The Party” skids from #12 to #17. A collective +1.0 as a result of three straight gains (5.0 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), classic rock cluster-mate KRFX drops three-tenths to 5.7 (6+) but continues at #3; “103.5 The Fox” had a February-only stay at #1. In the hot AC arena, Entercom’s KALC “Alice 105.9” is -1.2 (#8 to #15), while KSE Radio Ventures’ KIMN “Mix 100.3” is off one-half share (seventh to tenth). In March, “Alice” regained in full the seven-tenths it dropped in February and is in an alternating down/up pattern (4.5 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.9 – 2.7, 6+). Directly in advance of its current 3.6 (6+), “Mix” had been within 4.0 – 4.4 range (6+) the past seven sweeps (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+). Co-owned classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” is off the third time in a row for a collective -1.9 and exits the top ten (4.8 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 2.9, #8 to #13, 6+). After gaining two-tenths (4.1 – 4.3, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI “Real-Music-Variety” surrenders six-tenths to 3.7 (sixth to ninth, 6+). A combined -.8 in March/April (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” remains at #13. More than doubling (+1.0) its 6+ AQH share through four straight sweeps without a loss (.6 – .6 – .8 – .9 – 1.6, 6+), co-owned KEZW “EZ 1430 Timeless Music” cracks the top twenty (#20). Regressing by one-half share each are Max Broadcast Group rhythmic hot AC and rhythmic CHR siblings KJHM “Jammin’ 101.5” (1.3, #20 to #22, 6+) and KFCO “Flo 107.1” (.8, #28, 6+). KJHM was up seven-tenths in February/March (1.1 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+); KFCO gained four-tenths in three straight up or flat moves (.9 – .9 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Making it (an even) ten successive positive spikes since July, Hearst Television-owned WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is an overall +4.2 and reaches the six-share level (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 6.0, eighth to third, 6+). Independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” is a cumulative +1.8 via four straight increases (2.3 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.1, #11 to #10, 6+). Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL gained one-half share in four straight up or flat trends (.1 – .1 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+) but drops one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.6 – .5 – .4, #26 to #25, 6+).

Even though it is an overall -2.0 in three straight declines (5.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” advances from #12 to #11.

WJZ-FM’s business news sibling WDCH more than triples (+1.2) its 6+ AQH share through four consecutive increases (.5 – .6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.7, #18 to #17, 6+).

Three improvements in succession by Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR resulted in +2.8 (2.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.7, 6+), but “88.1 Your NPR News Station” surrenders two-tenths (5.5, flat at #5, 6+). American University-owned news/talk WAMU doubles its 6+ AQH share through four sweeps without a loss (.4 – .5 – .5 – .8 – .8, #20 to #19, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – Down eight-tenths in February/March (8.7 – 8.1 – 7.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” roars back with a +1.4 to 9.3 (6+) and is #1 the fourth time in a row. WWIN-FM was dislodged from the top spot in “Holiday” 2019, after seven successive months there. “Magic” was -.8 (October); +.6 (November); -.9 (December); +1.0 (January 2020); -.6 (February); and now +1.4 (April). Owing to four sweeps in succession without a loss, Shamrock Communications classic rock WZBA “100.7 The Bay” is a collective +2.1 (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+) and progresses from sixth to fourth. Locked on 1.4 (6+) in February and March, Baltimore City Community College’s WBJC “Maryland’s Classical Music Station” erupts with a +1.2 to 2.6 (#17 to #13, 6+). Off three-tenths in March (2.0 – 1.7, 6+), University of Maryland’s WEAA “Your Source For Cool Jazz” rebounds with a +.6 to 2.3 (flat at #14, 6+). Trending 6.2 – 5.8 – 6.2 (January – February – March, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” craters by -1.8 to 4.4 (fourth to ninth, 6+). Co-owned alternative WWDC “DC-101,” off four-tenths in March (20 – 1.6, 6+), notches a half-share increase to 2.1 (#15 to #16, 6+). In three straight bumps, Entercom’s WWMX was a collective +1.1 (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+), but “Mix 106.5” erodes by -1.5 to 2.9 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). A combined -2.2 in March/April (7.5 – 6.3 – 5.3, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WLIF “Today’s 101.9” slips from third to sixth. WLIF had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1. It was +10.1 (December/“Holiday” 2019, 6+); -9.5 (January 2020, 6+); +1.0 (February, 6+); -1.2 (March); and -1.0 (April). Following three straight bumps that accounted for a +1.5 (3.7 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” forfeits six-tenths to 4.6 (sixth to eighth, 6+). Up six-tenths in February/March (6.8 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q” is off one-half share to 6.9 (6+) but remains anchored in the runner-up slot. Down one-half share as well is Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS, which is off seven-tenths in March/April (1.0 – .8 – .3, #20 to #28, 6+). This is the 22^nd sweep in succession 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 – Down six-tenths in February, Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” has stormed back with a combined +1.8 in March/April (5.1 – 5.4 – 6.9, 6+), elevating from sixth to third. Off nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” follows with four straight spikes for a +3.8 (2.7 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.5 – 6.5, fifth to fourth, 6+).

Slipping from #14 to #17, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 Sports” has seen its 6+ AQH share evaporate by roughly 46% (-2.1) in three straight decreases (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.4 – 2.5, 6+). WXOS was  -.9 (December/“Holiday” 2019) and +.6 (January 2020).

Three drops in succession by University of Missouri news/talk KWMU have resulted in a -1.4 (4.2 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8, flat at #15, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – The +2.3 (10.6 – 12.9, 6+) logged by Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” is the largest (6+) March 2020 – April 2020 improvement by any station in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve seen so far. Moreover, KSHE is #1 the fourth month in succession and 12.9 is its strongest-ever performance in the PPM-era. After eight consecutive months on top, KSHE segued to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019. Its “Holiday” 2019 -1.1 interrupted four consecutive improvements that resulted in a +2.2 (8.6 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.8 – 10.8, 6+). It was -1.6 (April 2019); +1.0 (November); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); and now +2.3 (April 2020). Continuing on a roll, Radio One urban AC WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” is a collective +2.6 in five upticks in succession and crosses the six-share level (3.9 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 6.5, steady at #4, 6+). WFUN lost four-tenths in November/December (4.3 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). Without an increase the past four reports for a -1.1 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” regains seven-tenths to 4.7 and enters the top ten (#13 to #10, 6+). Continuing in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “The Best Variety of the 70s, 80s, and 90s” is +1.7 in four consecutive reports without a loss (5.5 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 7.2, 6+) and logs its best 6+-stat (7.2) since last November (7.3). In four straight setbacks, Entercom adult contemporary KEZK “The Best Mix of the 80s and Today” is a cumulative -11.2 (a nearly 80% loss) and exits the top ten (14.2 – 6.1 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 3.0, #9 to #14, 6+). Up nine-tenths in January/February (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate KYKY “Y-98” is -2.1 in March/April (5.4 – 4.9 – 3.2, #11 to #13, 6+). Forfeiting six-tenths each are iHeartMedia alternative KLLT “Alt 104.9” (.8, #19 to #20, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL “New Country 92.3” (4.8, sixth to eighth, 6+). KLLT gained one-tenth in February/March (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+). Down one-tenth in February (4.8 – 4.7, 6+), WIL answered with a March increase of seven-tenths. It was a combined -1.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.6 – 4.7 – 4.3, 6+). In three straight improvements, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KSD gained eight-tenths (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+) but “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” drops one-tenth to 4.5 (#12 to #11, 6+). When “The Bull” added three-tenths in December, it halted three consecutive declines that led to a loss of seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+); KSD forfeited eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019. WIL and KSD were each up one-half share in January.

March 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Four

March 2020 PPM Data – Information for the March 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 March 2020 survey period covered February 27 – March 25. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly following three straight decreases that led to a collective -1.4 (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.6, 6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” is +1.2 in three consecutive gains (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8, seventh to fourth, 6+). After being up or flat five successive sweeps for a net gain of one-tenth (.3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+), Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” logs a .3 (6+) in back-to-back reports and remains at #26.

In addition to dropping three-tenths (1.6 – 1.3, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” exits the top twenty (#18 to #21, 6+). Anchored at #25, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” notches a .5 (6+) the fourth time in the last five sweeps (.5 – .5 – .6 -.5 – .5, 6+).

Not only is KUT #1 the third month in a row, the University of Texas at Austin-owned public radio news/talk outlet has its third successive spike for a +2.9 and hits double-digits for the first time in its PPM-history (7.4 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.3, 6+). Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: -2.0 (April 2019); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); +2.0 (October); -.5 (November); +.5 (December); -1.9 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); +.6 (February); and +.8 (March).

Austin Music Formats – Off three-tenths via three down or flat moves in a row (1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), Township Media triple A KTSN logs a half-share gain to 1.4 (6+). In addition to having its best 6+-stat since May 2019 (1.4, as well), “Sun Radio” cracks the top twenty (#19). After forfeiting approximately 47% (-5.5) of its 6+ AQH share in January/February (11.8 – 6.7 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom-owned adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” picks up one-tenth to 6.4 (6+) and continues in third-place. KKMJ was a combined +6.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 6.3 – 11.8, 6+) and had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1. In “Holiday” 2019, “Majic” became the first Austin station to record double-digits (11.8, 6+) since it did so in “Holiday” 2017 (12.4). Sinclair Telecable’s similarly-formatted KGSR “Star 93.3” follows “Holiday” 2019’s increase of seven-tenths (2.0 – 2.7, 6+) with three downturns in a row for a -1.0 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 1.7, #15 to #17, 6+). A combined +.2 in January/February (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KFMK “Spirit 105.9” craters by -1.9 to 3.3 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#4 to #13). It is the first time KFMK is below a four-share (6+) since July 2019 (3.1). Surrendering in full the +1.1 in gained in January/February (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+) with a March -1.1 to 3.5 (6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” exits the top ten (#7 to #11). Co-owned regional Mexican KLZT “107.1 La Z” continues an alternating up/down pattern that began last August and includes its current loss of eight-tenths (4.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.0, sixth to seventh, 6+). Following a January/February +1.0 (4.2 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” returns 60% of the increase (4.6, -.6, fourth to fifth, 6+). Its January +.6 halted three drops in a row that led to an overall -1.2 (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 4.2, 6+). Co-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” is down three-tenths in February/March (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+) and repeats at #12. Up one-tenth in January, KASE was -.9 (November); +.9 (December); and -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019). Elsewhere in the country format, Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” regains the one-tenth it lost in February (1.3 – 1.2- 1.3, #22 to #21, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +2.3 in January/February (5.3 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” returns seven-tenths to 6.9 (second to fourth, 6+). Unlisted in January, Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” reappeared with a 2.0 (6+) in February and drops two-tenths in March (1.8, flat at #16, 6+).

After logging a +1.0 in January, Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” is –1.5 in February/March (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.2, 6+), dropping from #14 to #15.

In addition to being +1.1 in three straight spikes (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” progresses from fourth to second.

Raleigh Music Formats – The market’s (6+) country share swells by +2.4, with the bulk of that increase coming from Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR-FM. “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” answers February’s loss of six-tenths (5.8 – 5.2, 6+) with a whopping +1.9 to 7.1 (seventh to second, 6+). Unlisted in January, WQDR-FM was previously a collective -1.9 through five successive decreases (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+). This (7.1) is its best 6+-stat since June (7.3). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WNCB “B-93.9 #1 For New Country” records its fourth sweep in a row without a loss for a net gain of seven-tenths (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6, #13 to #12, 6+) and has its highest 6+-figure (3.6) since October (4.1). The internet stream of WQDR-FM was unlisted in January; reappeared in February with a .5 (#21, 6+); and is unlisted in March. Having dropped one-half share in February to 5.4 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WRDU answers with a March +.8 (6.2, steady at #6, 6+); “100.7 Raleigh’s Classic Rock” was a combined +.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+). Unlisted in January and February, Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” returns with a 1.4 (#17, 6+). Setting the pace the third time in a row, Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is +2.0 via three straight upticks (7.2 – 8.7 – 8.9 – 9.2, 6+). After four straight sweeps on top, WFXC shifted to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019. “Foxy” spent 12 consecutive survey periods at #1; had an August-only stay at #2; and returned to #1 in September. January 2019’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. An overall -2.5 in four straight downturns (7.5 – 6.8 – 6.3 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WQOK “K-97.5” ends the slide with a +.4 to 5.4 (ninth to seventh, 6+). Faltering by nine-tenths each are Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5 – The Variety That Makes You Feel Good” (6.6, third to fifth, 6+) and Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW-FM “Pulse FM” (#10 to #13). “Mix” was up one-tenth in February; -1.7 (January); +2.2 (“Holiday” 2019); and a combined -.8 in November/December. In five straight sweeps without an increase, “Pulse” is a collective -1.8 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.4, 6+). As a result of four consecutive down or flat trends, iHeartMedia Greensboro adult contemporary WMAG is -1.7 (2.2 – 1.9 – .5 – .5 – .5, #21 to #22, 6+).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Winning ways continue for Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1,” which is +3.4 via three straight positive spikes (5.4 – 7.6 – 8.0 – 8.8, steady at #2, 6+). Its recent (6+) shifts include: -1.2 (April 2019); +.9 (June); +.5 (August); -.5 (October); +.6 (November); -1.3 (“Holiday” 2019); +2.2 (January 2020); and +.8 (March).

Dropping from #12 to #14, sports talk cluster-mate WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” is down three-tenths in February/March (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+). Following three straight sweeps without a loss which yielded three-tenths (.9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” is off two-tenths to 1.0 (6+) but advances from #18 to #17.

An overall +1.6 through three straight improvements (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.3 , 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI progresses from eighth to seventh with its best 6+-stat since August (5.3, as well).

Indianapolis Music Formats – A robust +1.4 elevates iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ from fifth to third as “Q-95 Rocks” continues an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in June (6.7 – 5.9 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 8.6, 6+). Having posted a 2.3 in three of the last five reports (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WOLT “Alt 103.3” breaks out a gain of seven-tenths to 3.0 (#15 to #12, 6+). Following seven successive decreases that accounted for a roughly 48% decline (-3.0) of its 6+ AQH share (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom CHR WZPL “99.5 ZPL” is +1.3 in three straight bumps (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.5, steady at #9, 6+). Up six-tenths to 9.5 (6+), Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “B-105.7” is #1 the fifth time in a row. WYXB was an overall +10.8 through three increases in succession (7.4 – 8.8 – 10.2 – 18.2, 6+) but then -9.3 in January/February (18.2 – 9.1 – 8.9, 6+). Its 18.2 (“Holiday” 2019) represents the largest 6+-performance by any Indianapolis station in the PPM-era. Significant shifts continue for Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” (7.9 – 6.9, -1.0, third to fifth, 6+). Having occupied the top spot 11 sweeps in a row, WJJK dropped to second in December. Its 11.1 (July and September) represents the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history. Among WJJK’s recent (6+) fluctuations are: +1.7 (April 2019); +1.4 (July); -1.1 (August); +1.1 (September); -.7 (October); -2.2 (December); -1.4 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.1 (January 2020); and -1.0 (March). Co-owned WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” is -1.1 in February/March and falls below a six-share (6.9 – 6.6 – 5.8, flat at #6, 6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” posted a 3.4 (6+) in June but is unlisted the tenth time in a row.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly after a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” is a collective +1.8 via three straight spikes (4.0 – 4.2 – 5.2 – 5.8, 6+) and advances from fifth to fourth. Up six-tenths as well in March is Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ (5.1 – 5.7, steady at #6, 6+). “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” was off eight-tenths in January/February (5.9 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+).

Locked in a three-way tie at #17 are iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks,” which is -.4 in February/March (1.0 – .9 – .6, #14 to #17, 6+); Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN,” also -.4 in that timeframe (1.0 – .8 – .6, 6+); and Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan,” off two-tenths in February/March (.9 – .8 – .6, -.2, 6+). Dropping from #21 to #22 is iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920,” which has lost three-tenths in six straight sweeps without an increase (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Up one-half share through three straight bumps (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM repeats in eighth-place. Despite gaining one-tenth (1.3 – 1.4, 6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD slips from #12 to #13.

Milwaukee Music Formats – Notching increases of eight-tenths each are Magnum Radio cluster-mates WMBZ “92.9 Buzz Country” (2.1, #13 to #11, 6+) and WVTY “92.1 VTY Country” (1.6, #16 to #12, 6+). “Buzz Country” hadn’t had an increase the past four sweeps for a net loss of four-tenths (1.7 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+); WVTY’s December 2019 through February 2020 topline was .9 – .7 – .9 – .8 (6+). Albeit #1 the sixth time in a row, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” spirals by -1.2 (8.9 – 7.7, 6+). WRIT spent four straight months at #1 before slipping to the runner-up slot in October. “Holiday” 2019’s 11.8 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Its recent (6+) moves include: +.7 (April 2019); -1.5 (May); +.8 (June); -1.3 (October); -.5 (November); +4.0 (“Holiday” 2019); -3.9 (January 2020); +1.0 (February); and -1.2 (March). In addition to WRIT, Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB “B-93.3” plummets by -1.2 in March and has lost roughly half (-5.6) its 6+ AQH share in three setbacks in succession (11.4 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 5.8, second to fourth, 6+). “B-93.3” was a cumulative +6.2 as a result of three bumps in a row (5.2  – 5.7 – 6.8 – 11.4, 6+). Off one-half share each are Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” (flat at #2, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” (6.0, fourth to third, 6+). WMYX had a January-only stay at the top but is a combined -1.4 in February/March (7.9 – 7.0 – 6.5, 6+). After posting an increase of seven-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.6, 6+), “Mix” faltered by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019 before notching a +1.8 in January (6.1 – 7.9, 6+). Prior to December (7.6), the last time WMYX reached the seven-share level was in November 2015 (7.0, 6+). Immediately in advance of being +1.4 in January/February (5.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), WMIL was a collective -2.1 in three decreases in a row (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+). With their “Holiday” 2019 (6+) AQH share and market rank information in parentheses, the following Saga Communications stations are unlisted the third 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 – Down one-tenth in February (4.8 – 4.7, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WWTN bounces back with a gain of six-tenths to 5.3 (seventh to sixth, 6+). “Super Talk 99.7” was -.7 (December/“Holiday” 2019) and then +.7 (January 2020). Trending 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.3 (“Holiday” 2019 – January – February – March, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” pushes up from #17 to #16. When WLAC logged a 2.4 (6+) in December, it marked the first time the station reached the two-share level since October 2015 (2.0).

Slumping from #13 to #17, Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” is a combined -2.7 in February/March (4.7 – 3.2 – 2.0, 6+), following January’s gain of seven-tenths. Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” has lost more than half (-.6) its 6+ AQH share in February/March (1.0 – .6 – .4, flat at #22, 6+).

Following January’s +1.1 (4.6 – 5.7, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” forfeits seven-tenths in February/March (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.0, sixth to eighth, 6+); WPLN-FM was -1.2 in “Holiday” 2019.

Nashville Music Formats – Notwithstanding that it continues in the runner-up slot, Midwest Communications-owned adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” records its third spike in succession for an overall +2.1 (6.2 – 6.5 – 7.5 – 8.3, 6+). Its three drops in a row for an overall -2.7 (8.9 – 7.8 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+) directly followed three successive improvements for +2.1 (6.8 – 8.0 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+). A collective -1.6 in three straight downturns (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.3, 6+), Cumulus Media country outlet WKDF “Nash FM 103.3” is now +.9 in February/March (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.2, (6+) and carries on at #11. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” wipes away February’s loss of three-tenths with a half-share increase (4.7 – 5.2, unchanged at #7, 6+). WSM-FM was +1.6 in October/November (4.5 – 5.0 – 6.1, 6+) and -1.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.7, 6+). Following its January/February +2.5 (4.7 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” dips one-tenth to 7.1 (6+) and remains at #3. WSIX previously was down or flat six times in a row for a collective -1.5 (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+). Logging March increases of six-tenths each are Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” (4.8, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WNRQ “105.9 The Rock,” which remain at ninth and tenth, respectively. WQQK was off nine-tenths in January/February (5.1 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), while WNRQ is +1.3 via three successive gains (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+). Gospel WNRQ-HD2 is down six-tenths (.7 – .1, #21 to #26, 6+). Four upticks in succession by co-owned urban contemporary WUBT 101.1 “The Beat” account for a collective +1.3 (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 6.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). Three straight down or flat moves by Educational Media Foundation’s WLVU resulted in a -1.0 (2.4 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.4, 6+), but “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” picks up four-tenths to 1.8 (steady at #18, 6+). Although plummeting by -1.9 (11.6 – 9.7, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” is #1 the fifth consecutive report. A combined +8.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.5 – 9.7 – 15.8, 6+), WJXA has been: +1.0 (May 2019); -1.6 (October); +2.2 (December); +6.1 (“Holiday” 2019); -5.5 (January 2020); +1.3 (February); and -1.9 (March). A combined +1.5 in January/February (5.6 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WRVW “107.5 The River” forfeits roughly half that increase (6.4, -.7, flat at #4, 6+). Just prior to the December 2019 report, WRVW netted nine-tenths via five straight sweeps without a loss (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2, 6+), but was then -.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.6, 6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight up or flat trends by Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” yield a +1.3 (2.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.8, unchanged at #7, 6+). Nearly tripling (+.7) its 6+ AQH share in four straight sweeps without a loss (.4 – .6 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “News Radio 920” repeats at #16. Progressing from #21 to #20, Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” repeats February’s .4 (6+).

A combined -1.0 in February/March (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk WVEI slips from eighth to ninth.

Conversely, iHeartMedia Boston news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” is +1.0 in three spikes in succession (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 2.2, #13 to #12, 6+).

Up nine-tenths via three straight up or flat moves (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH pushes up from ninth to eighth. Ever since appearing in print (December 2019), Rhode Island Public Radio news/talk WNPN is trending 1.5 – .8 – 1.2 – .9 – 1.4 (#17 to #13, 6+). The Wheeler School-owned news/talk WELH “89.3 The Public’s Radio” has lost three-tenths in February/March (.7 – .6 – .4, flat at #20, 6+).

Providence Music Formats – After having its 6+ AQH share erode by approximately 50% (-8.3) in January/February (16.8 – 8.9 – 8.5, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” responds with a March uptick of +1.3 to 9.8 (steady at #2, 6+). Not only is iHeartMedia-owned WHJY  on top the third month in a row, “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” is a collective +2.6 through three successive bumps (8.0 – 9.4 – 10.2 – 10.6, 6+). After four consecutive months at #1, WHJY segued to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019, when it was -1.3. A December gain of six-tenths wiped away October/November’s loss of equal magnitude (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7, 6+). Forfeiting six-tenths each are Hall Broadcasting’s WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” (7.9, second to third, 6+) and iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” (4.4, fifth to sixth, 6+). “Cat Country” was +2.1 in January/February (6.4 – 7.8 – 8.5, 6+), directly after “Holiday” 2019’s -1.9 (8.3 – 6.4, 6+). “Coast 93.3” had been a combined +1.1 in January/February (3.9 – 4.1 – 5.0, 6+). Unlisted the tenth month in a row are Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3,” which posted a 1.2 in June (#16, 6+) and classic hits-oldies sibling WSKP “Good Times … Great Oldies” (.8, #19, June 2019, 6+).

Norfolk

Spoken-Word Formats – Without an increase the sixth straight time for a net loss of one-half share (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+), Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” exits the top ten (#9 to #11).

Norfolk Music Formats – Progressing from eighth to sixth, Max Broadcast Group CHR WVHT “Hot 100 Today’s Hits Now” is +1.6 in three consecutive jumps (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.6, 6+) and crosses the three-share level (3.6) for the first time since July (3.1). Dusting itself off from February’s -1.5 with a March increase of seven-tenths (12.9 – 13.6, 6+), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 the 16^th consecutive ratings period. Just prior to February, WVKL was an overall +2.7 in three straight gains (11.7 – 12.7 – 14.1 – 14.4, 6+). WVKL’s 9.1 (6+) in August marked the first time since January 2014 (9.8) that the station failed to log double-digits (6+). Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. An increase of six-tenths enables WNSB to reach the two-share level and the top ten; the Norfolk State University urban contemporary outlet is +.9 in February/March (1.1 – 1.4 – 2.0, #12 to #10, 6+). Sputtering by one-half share each are Entercom adult contemporary WWDE “101.3 2WD” (flat at #3) and its format rival, Max Broadcast Group’s WVBW “92.9 The Wave” (3.8 – 3.3, seventh to eighth, 6+). WWDE has lost roughly 62% (-7.7) of its 6+ AQH share via three straight declines (12.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.7, 6+). It was +8.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.3 – 6.9 – 12.4, 6+), before faltering by -7.2 in January. Immediately prior to its February +.2, “The Wave” was a collective -1.5 via three drops in a row (5.1 – 4.6 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). Immediately before gaining two-tenths in February, “The Wave” was a collective -1.5 through four consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.1 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). These three Saga Communications-owned properties are unlisted the third 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 – Continuing on a roll, Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” is +3.7 through four consecutive spikes (8.1 – 8.3 – 9.8 – 10.4 – 11.8, 6+) and advances from second to first.

Recapturing the four-tenths it lost in February (1.2 – .8 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” pushes up from #18 to #17. Cox Media Group sports talk WOKV-AM “690 AM ESPN Jacksonville” repeats February’s .3 (#22 to #21, 6+).

Off three-tenths in February, public radio news/talk WJCT bounces back with a half-share improvement (3.4 – 3.9, unchanged at #10, 6+).

Jacksonville Music Formats – A combined -1.8 in January/February (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.0, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL-FM “Eagle 96.9” breaks out a +.8 in March to 6.8 (fifth to third, 6+). WJGL-FM answered December’s -.5  with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.1. Three successive improvements delivered “Eagle 96.9” a net gain of seven-tenths (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+). The +1.3 that iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJBT “93.3 The Beat” accrued in January/February (4.8 – 6.1 – 6.1, 6+) vanishes with a March -1.3 (4.8, fourth to eighth, 6+). The five latest fluctuations by Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ are +2.7 (December); +7.6 (“Holiday” 2019); -8.6 (January); +2.2 (February); and -.9 in March (8.1 – 10.8 – 18.4 – 9.8 – 12.0 – 11.0, 6+). After four ratings period in a row at #1, WEJZ shifts to #2. WEJZ shared the lead in January with Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM. “Holiday” 2019’s 18.4 was the highest 6+-showing by any Jacksonville station in four years (WEJZ, 19.7, “Holiday” 2015, 6+). Although down two-tenths to 5.4 (6+), Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WEZI “Easy 102.9 advances from sixth to fifth. “Easy” was +1.5 in January/February (4.1 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+). Its January increase interrupted five successive downturns that accounted for a -2.8 (6.9 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.1, 6+). Flat at #17, co-owned WXXJ “X-106.5 Jacksonville’s New Alternative” is a collective -1.7 via nine consecutive down or flat sweeps (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.2, 6+).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – In three consecutive reports without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” is up seven-tenths (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5, eighth to fifth, 6+). After logging a -1.2 in February (2.9 – 1.7, 6+), co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” regains three-tenths to 2.0 (#13 to #11, 6+). Down or flat the fifth time in a row for a roughly 62% loss (-1.3) of its 6+ AQH share (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8 – .8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” departs the top twenty #20 to #21. After gaining two-tenths through four straight sweeps without a loss (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD “610 News Radio” forfeits three-tenths to .6 (#18 to #22, 6+).

The November 2019 through March 2020 topline for Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” is: .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .2 (#24 to #25, 6+).

An overall +.9 in three straight positive or neutral reports (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), Dade County School Board public radio news/talk WLRN proceeds from ninth to eighth. WLRN was +.8 (December) and -1.0 (Holiday” 2019).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – There is a three-way tie for the lead position. Making identical moves of 7.6 – 7.7 (+.1, second to first, 6+) are iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” and Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WEAT “Sunny 107.9.” As a result of three consecutive spikes, WOLL is +3.1 (4.6 – 6.3 – 7.6 – 7.7, 6+). This directly follows five downturns in succession for an overall -2.8 (7.4 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 4.6, 6+). Sunny is up three-tenths in February/March (7.4 – 7.6 – 7.7, 6+). The station with which they are deadlocked is Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF “Variety from the 90s and Now” (8.7 – 7.7, -1.0, 6+), #1 the third straight month. WRMF dropped one-tenth in February, following January’s +1.1. After spending 12 ratings periods on top, WRMF slid to #2 in “Holiday” 2019 (-1.5). It substituted November’s -.6 with December’s +.6  (9.2 – 8.6 – 9.2, 6+). Wiping away February’s loss of six-tenths with a March +.9 (4.4 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WKGR “Gater 98.7” pushes up from fifth to fourth. WKGR had been a collective +1.9 in three bumps in a row (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+). The three latest shifts by Hubbard Broadcasting urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” are +1.8 (January); -2.3 (February); and -1.5 in March (5.0 – 6.8 – 4.5 – 3.0, fourth to seventh, 6+). Co-owned WIRK “New Country 103.1” notches its fifth straight setback for an overall -2.8 and falls below a two-share (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.7, sixth to tenth, 6+). In three straight up or flat trends, WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF gained two-two-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+) but “Way-FM” regresses by seven-tenths to 1.4 (#11 to #15, 6+).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – Climbing from eighth to seventh, iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” is a collective +2.1 via three straight gains (3.0 – 3.9 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+).

Unlisted in January, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” adds one-tenth to February’s  .7 (.8 flat at #15, 6+).

An overall +1.3 as a result of three successive jumps (2.1 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD remains in tenth-place. The “Holiday” 2019 through March 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 (flat at #14,  6+).

Greensboro Music Formats – February’s loss of four-tenths by iHeartMedia-owned WTQR vanishes with a March +.6 (4.2 – 4.8, 6+) as “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” inches up from ninth to eighth. Format foe, Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf,” picks up one-tenth 5.2 – 5.3 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Both WTQR and WPAW were down six-tenths in December and up six-tenths in January. Over the course of the last 24 sweeps (June 2018 through March 2020), WTQR has triumphed over WPAW 12 times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, May, July, November, and December); WPAW has come out on top on ten occasions (December 2018, February 2019, March, April, August, September, “Holiday” 2019, January 2020, February, and March); and there have been two ties (June 2019 and October 2019). Continuing an alternating down/up pattern that began last July and includes its current half-share gain (6.1 – 6.2 – 5.9 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 5.8 – 7.3 – 7.2 – 7.7, 6+), Dick Broadcasting’s WKRR “Rock 92” improves from fifth to fourth. Co-owned CHR WKZL “107.5 KZL The #1 Hit Music Station” is off nine-tenths in February/March (5.7 – 5.5 – 4.8, sixth to eighth, 6+). Owing to three straight setbacks, Entercom urban AC WQMG was -1.1 (11.0 – 10.9 – 10.1 – 9.9, 6+), but “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” adds nine-tenths in February/March and repeats at #1 (9.9 – 10.5 – 10.8, 6+). In 2019, WQMG was #1 in January, February, April, May, July, and December. Recent (6+) fluctuations for co-owned adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” include: -1.6 (April 2019); +1.1 (May); +.5 (June); -1.0 (July); +.7 (August); +1.4 (September); +1.0 (November); -1.2 (December); -2.2 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.9 (January 2020); -1.5 (February); and -.8 in March (8.9 – 8.1, unchanged at #2, 6+). In November 2019, “Simon” hit the eleven-share level (11.9, 6+) for the first time since February 2018 (11.4). After improving by seven-tenths in February (7.4 – 8.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG forfeits one-half share to 7.6 (third to fifth, 6+). Following its “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1, WMAG plummeted by roughly 54% (-8.8) of its 6+ AQH share (16.2 – 7.4, 6+). Immediately before that, four successive spikes netted WMAG a +9.9 (6.3 – 6.4 – 7.5 – 10.2 – 16.2, 6+). This time last month, the internet stream of Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” popped on with a .7 (#15, 6+) but it vanishes in March.

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three straight upticks, iHeartMedia news/talk WREC is a collective +1.2 (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.6, sixth to fifth, 6+); “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” reached the five-share level in February (5.1) for the first time since September’s 5.2.

Entercom’s WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” is -1.1 in February/March (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.3, #12 to #13, 6+). Co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790” repeats February’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.3, #20, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – Winning ways continue in a major way for Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO, which is a whopping +2.7 in February/March (8.3 – 9.1 – 11.0, 6+). Furthermore, “103.5 The Best Mix of R&B” repeats at #1 and hits double-digits (11.0) for the first time since November 2018 (10.7). Entering the January sweep, WRBO was +1.4 in three straight increases (7.1 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.5, 6+). Trending 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.2 (“Holiday” 2019 – February 2020, 6+), co-owned WXMX “98.1 The Max – Maximum Rock” hauls out a +1.3 to 5.5 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Cluster-mate WGKX “Today’s Best Country Kix 106” neutralizes February’s -.5 (4.0 – 3.5, 6+) with a March +.6 to 4.1 (tenth to ninth, 6+). “Kix” 106” was -1.7 in December/“Holiday 2019” (4.8 – 4.4 – 3.1, 6+) and then +.9 in January. Directly prior, it gained +1.4 in five successive sweeps without a loss (3.4 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). As WGKX is +.6, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” is -.6 (3.5 – 2.9, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12). WLFP” gained one-half share in February. In four straight negative or neutral sweeps, “The Wolf” was -1.2 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). Tied in tenth-place this time last month, WLFP and WGKX were deadlocked at #9 in October. Four straight up or flat moves by iHeartMedia’s WDIA “1070 The Heart & Soul of Memphis” yield +1.1 (1.9 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 3.0, #13 to #11, 6+). Climbing one-half share each are WDIA’s urban contemporary sibling WHRK “K-97” (7.3, fourth to third, 6+) and Entercom hot AC WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” (unchanged at #8). “K-97” was -1.0 in January/February (7.8 – 6.9 – 6.8, 6+). Including its current +.5, “FM 100” continues an alternating up/down pattern (3.9 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+). Off six-tenths in December and +1.8 “Holiday” 2019/January 2020, iHeartMedia-owned gospel WHAL “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” is now -2.1 in February/March (8.3 – 7.8 – 6.2, third to fourth, 6+). The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share contracts by -1.2, nearly equally divided between Entercom’s WRVR “104.5 The River” (-.7, fifth to seventh, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s WKIM “98.9 The Bridge” (-.5, flat at #15, 6+). WRVR is -4.0 as a result of three consecutive downturns (9.0 – 6.3 – 5.7 – 5.0, 6+). Directly prior to January, WRVR was +2.5 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 9.0, 6+). “The Bridge” was up three-tenths in February. In addition to WKIM, Mid-South Public Communications classical WKNO drops one-half share (1.5, flat at #14, 6+); WKNO was +.8 in January/February (1.2 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+). Repeating at #2, iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS is -3.0 in six negative or neutral reports in a row (10.5 – 10.5 – 9.7 – 9.4 – 9.2 – 8.8 – 8.5, 6+). In February, “V-101” exited the top spot after 16 consecutive times there.

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +1.5 via three consecutive gains (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+), Entercom-owned WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” progresses from fifth to fourth. Anchored at #13, Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” doubles its 6+ AQH share in February/March (.6 – .8 – 1.2, 6+). Having recorded a .1 (6+) 21 straight times, iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” notches a .2 in back-to-back reports (#16 to #15, 6+).

WPOP’s sports talk cluster-mate, WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford,” has a June 2019 through March 2020 topline of: 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.6 (flat at #12, 6+).

A combined +1.1 in January/February (3.5 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” drops three-tenths to 4.3 (6+) but continues at #9. University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” forfeits one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (.4 – .3 – .2, #14 to #15, 6+).

Hartford Music Formats – Off three-tenths in February (6.8 – 6.5, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting classic rock WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale” answers with a +1.1 to 7.6 (6+) and progresses from third to second. Without an increase the past three reports for a net loss of three-tenths (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WHCN dials up a +1.0 to 7.1 (sixth to fifth, 6+) as “105.9 The River” reaches a seven-share (7.1) for the first time since July 2019 (7.2). Albeit -1.1 in March (11.0 – 9.9, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WRCH is #1 the 46^th consecutive sweep. “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 of any Hartford station since WRCH’s 18.0 in “Holiday” 2018. Recent (6+) WRCH shifts include: -1.3 (April 2019); +1.0 (May); -1.0 (July); +1.2 (September); +1.7 (December); +6.9 (“Holiday” 2019); -7.7 (January 2020); and -1.1 (March). Flat at #8, co-owned hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC-FM” continues an alternating up/down pattern (6.2 – 7.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+). Down or flat the ninth time in succession – including eight straight times of recording a .3 – for a net loss of two-tenths (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WNTY “Kool Radio – Good Times/Great Oldies” repeats at #14.

March 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Three

March 2020 PPM Data – Information for the March 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 March 2020 survey period covered February 27 – March 25. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – It has been a seesaw lately for Alpha Media-owned news/talk KXL. “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” was: +.2 (December 2019); -.8 (“Holiday” 2019); +.5 (January 2020); -.2 (February); and in March, racks up a robust +1.8 to cross the six-share level (4.9 – 6.7, fourth to third, 6+). Posting its seventh straight up or flat trend for a net gain of nine-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” progresses from #18 to #14. Regaining two-tenths of February’s -.3 (1.5 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+), Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” continues at #22. Salem Media Group’s KPAM “AM 860 The Answer” is without an increase the sixth time in a row for a net loss of just one-tenth (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+) and is locked at #28.

Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in September (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.2 – 1.9 – 1.5 – 1.7, 6+), Alpha Media sports talk KXTG “The Game” repeats at #21. Entercom’s similarly-formatted KFXX “1080 The Fan” is down a collective four-tenths in six successive negative or neutral trends (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+) and dips from #22 to #23. Down one-third of its 6+ AQH share (-.3) in February/March (.9 – .7 – .6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” falls from #24 to #26.

A hefty +1.7 in March enables Oregon Public Broadcasting public radio news/talk KOPB to advance from second to first and nearly reach double-digits (8.2 – 9.9, 6+). Tied for the top spot in January, KOPB has been +.6 (April); -.9 (May); +.5 (August); +1.1 (October); -.6 (November); +.6 (January 2020); and +1.7 (March).

Portland Music Formats – On top the past four sweeps (including sharing the lead in January with public radio news/talk KOPB), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW segues to #2. “K-103” has essentially shed half (-6.8) its 6+ AQH share in three straight dips (13.9 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1, 6+). 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. “K-103” was on top in July, August, and September, before slipping to #2 in October. After improving by seven-tenths in February, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” spirals by -1.0 (6.1 – 5.1, third to fourth, 6+). “The Eagle” had been an overall -3.1 in three downturns in a row (8.5 – 7.1 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+) and had a November-only stay at #1. By gaining nine-tenths in February, All Classical Public Media’s KQAC pulled the plug on four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a net loss of seven-tenths (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+). In March though, “All Classical Portland” surrenders six-tenths (3.6 – 3.0, #12 to #17, 6+). Off by one-half share each are Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” (4.7 – 4.2, fifth to seventh, 6+) and Alpha Media CHR KBFF “Live 95.5” (sixth to ninth). Six recent (6+) shifts for “Charlie” include: +.6 (September/October); -1.1 (November/December); +2.1 (“Holiday” 2019); -.8 (January 2020); -1.2 (February); and -.5 (March). After notching a January improvement of seven-tenths, “Live 95.5” replicates February’s half-share loss (4.9 – 4.4 – 3.9, 6+). Entering the January sweep, KBFF was off eight-tenths via three drops in a row (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of three straight upticks, Entercom news/talk WBT is an overall +2.2 (3.5 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+) and advances from sixth to fifth.

Via three consecutive sweeps without a loss, co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” gains six-tenths (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8, #18 to #16, 6+).

Pushing up from #15 to #13, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE is a cumulative +1.1 through three spikes in succession (2.0 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.1, 6+).

Charlotte Music Formats – Answering February’s loss of three-tenths with a March boost of one-half share (5.5 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” jumps from seventh to fifth. It is tied there with Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits,” which erases half of February’s -.4 by adding two-tenths (5.9 – 5.5 – 5.7, steady at #5, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, WSOC was -1.2, while WKKT was -1.1; both were +1.0 in January. WSOC has been -1.5 (June/July); +.8 (August); -1.2 (September/October); +1.5 (November); -1.0 (December) -1.2 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.0 (January 2020). In advance of August/September’s -1.1 (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+), “The Kat” was a collective +1.3 via five successive positive or neutral moves (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+). In addition to being #1 the third time in a row, iHeartMedia classic rock WRFX “99.7 The Fox” is an overall +1.7 through three successive increases (6.4 – 6.8 – 7.9 – 8.1, 6+). Immediately prior, “The Fox” had been -1.9 via three straight setbacks (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.3 – 6.4, 6+). WRFX was ousted from the top spot in December, after three successive months there. Down or flat the past three months for a net loss of six-tenths (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” logs a +.4 to 4.9 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Directly after alternative cluster-mate WEND dialed up a February +1.1 (3.2 – 4.3, 6+), “106.5 The End” craters by -1.7 to 2.6 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #14). Having posted a 3.4 (6+) in three of the last six sweeps (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link Charlotte’s Best Mix” regresses by eight-tenths to 2.4 (#14 to #15, 6+). Trending 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 (January – February – March, #12 to #10, 6+), Beasley Media Group CHR WNKS “Kiss 95.1” leapfrogs iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WHQC “Hits 96.1” (3.7, flat at #11, 6+), which was +.6 in January/February (3.5 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+).

San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +1.0 in January/February (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” forfeits half that increase in March (5.8, -.5, 6+) but remains in third-place. Three straight modest gains by Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” generate a net of one-half share (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8, steady at #21, 6+).

At the same time that iHeartMedia-owned KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” adds one-tenth (.5 – .6, unchanged at #29, 6+), Alpha Media sports talk KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” forfeits one-tenth (.6 – .5, #28 to #32, 6+).

Up seven-tenths in January/February (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX drops two-tenths to 3.2 (6+) but carries on at #14.

San Antonio Music Formats – As a result of three straight positive or neutral trends, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZAR “Air 1 Worship Now” more than doubles (+1.1) its 6+ AQH share (.8 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.9, 6+) and enters the top twenty (#20). This (1.9) is its best 6+-stat since July’s 2.0. On top the third month in a row, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” has been: -1.8 (“Holiday” 2019); +.8 (January 2020); -.7 (February); and now +.5 in March (6.8 – 7.3, 6+). KONO-FM was the market leader ten ratings periods in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2019. Prior to that sweep, KONO-FM was a cumulative +1.8 in four consecutive bumps (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.2 – 8.5, 6+). Posting gains of one-half share, in addition to KONO-FM, are classic rock cluster-mate KTKX “106.7 The Eagle” (4.1 – 4.6, ninth to sixth, 6+) and Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH “Norteno 104.1” (1.6 – 2.1, #20 to #19, 6+). February’s +.8 by “The Eagle” suspended three straight downturns that accounted for a -.9 (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+). KSAH is substituting its March +.5 for February’s loss of equal magnitude. Entering the February sweep, “Norteno 104.1” had been within 2.0 – 2.6 territory (6+) the previous eight reports. Plummeting by -1.0 are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT “Q-101.9” (#4 to #11) and Texas Public Radio classical KPAC (#19 to #24). The 6+ AQH share of KQXT has eroded by more than 60% (-6.5) in three straight sweeps without an increase (10.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.0, 6+). KPAC is -1.1 in February/March (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.2, 6+). Off seven-tenths in February/March (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KXXM “96.1 Now” tumbles out of the top ten (#6 to #11).

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – Already posting its second colossal bump of 2020, KFBK “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” is #1 the third straight month. In January, KFBK logged a mammoth +2.7; now in March, it boasts a +1.9 (8.4 – 10.3, 6+). Furthermore, the iHeartMedia-owned outlet joins Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96” and Entercom classic rock KSEG “96.9 The Eagle” as the only Sacramento stations to reach double-digits (6+) in the PPM-era. KYMX has accomplished the feat four times (14.2, 13.8, 13.0, and 11.7, 6+), while KSEG has it managed it on three occasions (10.6, 10.3, and 10.0, 6+). Off three-tenths in February/March (2.2 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+), following January’s +.7, KFBK cluster-mate KSTE “Talk 650” slips from #15 to #16.

Regaining the one-tenth it lost in February (1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” advances from #21 to #19. Meanwhile, Entercom sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” forfeits an overall half-share in three straight declines (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#18 to #21). These two sports talkers were tied in July, August, and October.

The “Holiday” 2019 through March 2020 topline for Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ is: 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.6 (eighth to sixth, 6+). December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history.

Sacramento Music Formats – A combined +.8 in February/March (3.4 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom alternative KKDO “Alt 94.7” enters the top ten (#11 to #9) with its best 6+-stat (4.2) since October’s 4.3. Repeating in fourth-place, co-owned KRXQ “98 Rock” is +1.5 via four straight spikes (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 6.2 – 6.3, 6+). An overall -1.4 in three drops in a row (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.5 – 1.2, 6+), Lotus Communications regional Mexican KVMX-FM halts the slide with a +.3 to 1.5 (#18 to #17, 6+). The just-concluded negative streak directly followed “La Ranchera” doubling (+1.3) its 6+-stat through three consecutive gains (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+). Even though aforementioned Bonneville adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96” has had its 6+ AQH share whittled by approximately 60% (-7.7) in three straight decreases (12.6 – 6.0 – 5.0 – 4.9, 6+), “Mix 96” progresses from sixth to fifth. On top in “Holiday” 2019, “Mix” tripled (+8.4) its 6+ AQH share via four consecutive improvements (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 6.1 – 12.6, 6+). Another major move is made by iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KBEB “92.5 The Breeze,” which has been a combined +.9 (August/September); -.9 (October); +.6 (November); -.8 (December/“Holiday” 2019); +1.1 (January/February); and now -.9 in March (4.8 – 3.9, seventh to tenth, 6+). In February, KBEB and its classic rock sibling, KYRV “93.7 The River,” both improved by six-tenths. While “The Breeze” surrenders nine-tenths in March, “The River” falters by eight-tenths (5.1 – 4.3, fifth to eighth, 6+). February’s increase curtailed three straight KYRV losses that accounted for a -.6 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). A combined +1.1 in January/February (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.7, 6+), Bonneville hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5 Today’s Best Hits” surrenders roughly half that increase (3.2, -.5, #11 to #12, 6+). Entering the January sweep, KZZO was -1.8 in three straight decreases (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.6, 6+). As a result of six up or flat reports in a row, Entravision Spanish adult hits KXSE netted nine-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+). In March, however, “La Suavecita 104.3” drops one-tenth to 2.0 (6+) yet advances from #16 to #14. In six straight sweeps without an increase, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” is a cumulative -1.9 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6, flat at #13, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Matching (and exceeding by one-tenth) January/February’s +1.2 (3.1 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+) with a March +1.3 to 5.6 (6+), Entercom’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” elevates from ninth to fifth.

While steady in fourth-place, co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM is -1.2 in February/March (7.9 – 7.5 – 6.7, 6+); “93.7 The Fan” was +1.5 in January. Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” notches its third straight up or flat trend (.1 – .2 – .2 – .2, 6+) and is anchored at #20.

Continuing an up/down pattern that began in November and includes its current +.6 (3.8 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 4.3, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” carries on at #10.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – By replicating January/February’s combined +1.2 (1.9 – 2.7 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” crosses the four-share level and enters the top ten (4.3, +1.2, #11 to #10, 6+). 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. A combined +1.9 in January/February (3.1 – 4.3 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom-owned/similarly programmed WDSY “Pittsburgh’s Country Y-108” drops one-tenth to 4.9 (6+) but remains at #6. Entering the January sweep, “Y-108” was an overall -2.1 in three straight drops (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 3.1, 6+). That immediately followed a +1.0 in three up or flat shifts in succession (4.2 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+). Although down-one-tenth, iHeartMedia-owned rocker WDVE advances from second to first. Its “Holiday” 2019 through March 2020 topline is a very consistent 8.2 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 8.2 (6+). Ousted from the top spot after three straight months there is WDVE’s classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 3WS” (8.7 – 7.4, -1.3, first to third, 6+). Its February half-share improvement followed January’s -5.4 (13.6 – 8.2, 6+). WWSW occupied the runner-slot three months in succession before proceeding to #1 (with a +5.0) in “Holiday” 2019. Immediately prior to the October sweep, “3WS” spent three successive months on top. Still in that iHeartMedia cluster, alternative WXDX “105.9 The X,” which was +1.0 in January/February (4.1 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+), falters by one-half share to 4.6 (fifth to eighth, 6+). Repeating in sixth-place, Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH “Wish 99.7” is -2.7 in three straight dips (7.6 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9, 6+). When “Wish” picked up four-tenths in December, it halted six consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall -1.7 (6.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Tied at #12 are Entercom hot AC WBZZ “Star 100.7” and Steel City Media’s similarly-programmed WLTJ “Q-92.9.” WBZZ is a collective -1.7 through four consecutive negative or neutral reports (4.5 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.8, #11 to #12, 6+); “Q-92.9” is up three-tenths in February/March (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8, #13 to #12, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – By posting a +1.1 (4.9 – 6.0, 6+), Bonneville’s KSL leaps from eighth to third. Entering the January sweep, “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” was a collective -2.4 in three successive decreases (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 4.0, 6+). Even though it is without a loss the third straight time for a +1.1 (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” backslides from seventh to eighth. In three successive up or flat moves, Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” has nearly tripled (+.5) its 6+ AQH share (.3 – .6 – .8 – .8,  6+), yet drops from #18 to #20.

Advancing from #14 to #15, University of Utah public radio news/talk KUER is a collective +1.2 via three bumps in a row (1.7 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+). In addition to notching its fifth consecutive sweep without a loss for a net gain of eight-tenths (.1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .4 – .9, 6+), Brigham Young University public radio news/talk KUMT cracks the top twenty (#18).

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Independent KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country Station” logs its third uptick in a row for a +1.6 (3.7 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+) and progresses from ninth to seventh with its best 6+-stat (5.3) since August’s 5.8. Despite having its 6+ AQH share sliced by roughly 65% (-13.8) as a result of three straight downturns (21.1 – 8.5 – 7.6 – 7.3, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI “FM 100.3 Better Music/Better Work Day” is #1 the seventh successive report. Entering the January ratings period, KSFI was a collective +14.8 via four consecutive increases (6.3 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 11.0 – 21.1, 6+). KSFI is the only PPM-market outlet to reach the 20-share level (6+) and has accomplished that feat in “Holiday” 2019 (21.1, 6+); “Holiday” 2018 (21.8, 6+); “Holiday” 2017 (23.2, 6+); “Holiday” 2016 (20.6, 6+); and “Holiday” 2015 (21.4, 6+). The four most recent shifts by Cumulus Media CHR KENZ “Power 94.9 Utah’s New Hit Music” are: +1.5 (3.1 – 4.5 – 4.6, December/“Holiday” 2019, 6+); -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, January 2020, 6+); +.5 (3.8 – 4.3, February, 6+); and now -.7 in March (4.3 – 3.6, #11 to #12, 6+). Off eight-tenths in February/March (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “My-99.5” slumps from fourth to ninth. KJMY’s January +2.1 shattered its overall -2.2 through five downturns in a row (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+). Unlisted the 16^th sweep in a row are Broadway Media-owned adult hits KYMV; alternative KXRK; CHR KUDD; country KEGA; and rhythmic CHR KUUU.

Las Vegas

Please note that on March 13, Nielsen Audio released revised local summary and respondent-level data for December 2019; “Holiday 2019”; and January 2020. The internal clock in Lotus Communications-owned classic rock KXPT’s encoder “was not working properly during these survey periods, resulting in atypically low estimates for the station. The revised estimates reflect complete measurement of panelist exposure to KXPT. For stations other than KXPT, AQH persons and AQH rating are not affected, but there may be minor differences in AQH share and AQH rank. Nielsen has determined this issue was isolated to KXPT’s specific device, which has been replaced. There have been no issues with encoders for other stations in Las Vegas.”

It is for that reason some 6+ shares and ranks below are slightly different from Las Vegas “Takeaways” columns in December 2019, “Holiday” 2019,” and/or January 2020.

Spoken-Word Formats – Off a combined four-tenths in February/March (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom-owned KXNT “News Talk Radio 840” drops from #18 to #19. Catching KXNT is Beasley Media Group news/talk KDWN “AM 720 Where Las Vegas Comes to Talk,” which improves by four-tenths in back-to-back reports (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.1, #23 to #19, 6+).

In six successive sweeps without an increase, Lotus Communications sports talk KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” has lost six-tenths (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8, flat at #26, 6+). KWWN siblings KRLV “Fox Sports Radio Las Vegas” (flat at .2, 6+) and KBAD “920 AM The Game” (flat at .2, 6+), as well as Entercom sports talk KXST “CBS Sports Radio 1140 AM” (flat at .2, 6+) are all tied at #32, just as they were in February.

After dropping three-tenths this time last month (2.9 – 2.6, 6+), Nevada Public Radio news/talk KNPR bounces back with a half share gain to 3.1 (#14 to #12, 6+).  

Las Vegas Music Formats – February’s tie at #1 continues in March as both iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5 – Better Music For A Better Workday” (7.1 – 7.0, 6+) and Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies KKLZ “Hits of the ‘80s and More” (7.1 – 7.0, 6+) each drop one-tenth. Although off roughly 54% (-.8.3) via three straight drops (15.3 – 8.6 – 7.1 – 7.0, 6+), “Sunny” has held (or shared) the lead in each of the past five reports. “Holiday” 2019’s 15.3 is the highest 6+-share by any Las Vegas station in the PPM-era. Prior to dropping one-tenth in March, KKLZ was a combined +.9 in January/February (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+) and had a November-only visit at #1. KKLZ was a collective +2.0 through six consecutive increases (6.1 – 7.2 – 7.4 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.0 – 8.1, 6+), before spiraling by -1.7 in “Holiday” 2019. As a result of three straight bumps, country-formatted sibling KCYE “102.7 The Coyote” is an overall +1.7 (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 4.1, 6+) and advances from ninth to seventh. This directly follows a -1.7 in seven straight sweeps without an increase (4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.4, 6+). By substituting February’s loss of six-tenths with a March increase of six-tenths (3.4 – 2.9 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom CHR KLUC “98.5 Las Vegas’ #1 Hit Music Station” enters the top ten (#12 to #9). Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS “SOS Radio” is +1.6 in February/March (3.1 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+) and jumps from sixth to fourth. Per its readjusted stats, aforementioned Lotus Communications-owned KXPT was +.2.6 in January/February (3.7 – 4.9 – 6.3, 6+); however, “97.1 The Point #1 For Classic Rock” craters by -1.6 to 4.7 (third to fourth, 6+). An overall +1.8 via five successive up or flat moves (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 4.1, 6+), Kemp Broadcasting rhythmic CHR KVEG forfeits one-third of that gain (3.5, -.6, seventh to ninth, 6+). Dropping six-tenths as well in March is Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF “Zona MX 103.5” (2.3, #12 to #16, 6+), which had gained one-half share in January/February (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+). Regressing by one-half share each are Lotus Communications Spanish adult hits KWID “La Buena 101.9” (fifth to sixth) and Entravision regional Mexican KQRT “La Tricolor 105.1” (#21 to #23). KWID is down seven-tenths in February/March (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.5, 6+). Since surfacing in print in December 2019, KQRT is trending 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.0 – 1.5 (6+).

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – The four most recent (6+) shifts by iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WTKS  are: -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.2 (January 2020); -.2 (February); and now +.7 in March as “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” crosses the five-share level (4.4 – 5.1, tenth to seventh, 6+). A combined +1.3 in January/February (3.3 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WDBO-FM “News 96.5” falters by one-half share to 4.1 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12). Following a January/February +.9 (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WFLF “News Radio Orlando” surrenders six-tenths to 2.7 (#13 to #14, 6+).

Up three-tenths in January/February (.9 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader” drops one-tenth to 1.1 (#18 to #20, 6+). Meanwhile, Cox Media Group’s WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando” has its third straight fluctuation of two-tenths (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.0, #18 to #21, 6+). This time last month, WYGM and WDBO-AM were tied at #18.

Recapturing the one-tenth it lost in February (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” progresses from #14 to #13.

Orlando Music Formats – Off a combined six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB roars back with a +2.3 in February/March (4.6 – 5.0 – 6.9, 6+), rocketing from eighth to second. Powered by March’s +1.9, this (6.9) is the strongest 6+-showing for “Star 94.5” since April 2019’s 7.6. Country cluster-mate WWKA is an overall +2.1 via three straight upticks (2.9 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.0, 6+). In addition to re-entering the top ten (#11 to #8), “K-92.3” has its best 6+-stat (5.0) since December 2018 (5.1). Also cracking the top ten is iHeartMedia-owned WJRR “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station,” which is +1.6 via three straight spikes (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.6, #12 to #10, 6+) and has its highest 6+-share (4.6) since October (4.8). Albeit -1.0 in February/March (9.2 – 8.4 – 8.2, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” is #1 the third report in a row. Before segueing to the runner-up slot in December, “Sunny” was #1 seven straight sweeps. It was -.8 (February); +1.2 (January); -1.1 (December/“Holiday” 2019); +.6 (November); and -2.5 in September/October). The dubious distinction of suffering the largest (6+) February 2020 – March 2020 decrease we’ve seen so far in these 36 PPM-markets (-2.2) falls to iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF. In fact, “Magic 107.7” has spiraled by roughly 63% (-9.7) as a result of three straight setbacks (15.4 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 5.7, second to sixth, 6+). Not only does the eight-tenths that Entercom hot AC WOMX accrued in January/February (4.3 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+) vanish, “Mix 105.1” drifts from the top ten (4.3, -.8, #7 to #11, 6+). Forfeiting six-tenths each are iHeartMedia Spanish tropical and CHR siblings WRUM “Rumba 100.3” (flat at #3) and WXXL “XL-106.7” (5.8, fourth to fifth, 6+). “Rumba 100.3” is without an increase the fourth consecutive time for a net loss of -1.6 (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+). When “XL-106.7” added three-tenths in February, it pulled the plug on three sweeps in succession without an increase that accounted for a -1.4 (7.5 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.1, 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 fourth time in a row.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Over and above being +3.0 via three straight upticks (7.1 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 10.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLW progresses from the runner-up slot to #1 and is in double-digits (10.1, 6+) for the first time since September (10.7). Through three successive sweeps without a loss, co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” is a collective +1.2 (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.8, unchanged at #9, 6+).

After four straight down or flat reports in which its 6+ AQH share was carved in half (1.6 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8, 6+), sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” adds two-tenths to 1.0 (#19 to #18, 6+). Steady at #23, co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” has logged either a .4 (6+) or .3 (6+) from April 2019 through March 2020: .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 (6+).

Following six down or flat sweeps in a row for a -.8 (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU picks up one-tenth to 2.2 (#17 to #16, 6+).

Cincinnati Music Formats – After holding the lead position the past two reports, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” is -1.3 in February/March (11.3 – 10.1 – 10.0, 6+) and segues to #2. Prior to posting a January +2.8, WGRR lost a collective nine-tenths in three consecutive down or flat moves (9.4 – 9.3 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). “Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” was #1 in eight of 2019’s 13 ratings periods: The exceptions were January, August, September, October, and “Holiday” 2019. The station WGRR replaced at #1 – co-owned adult contemporary WRRM – is an overall -8.0 in three consecutive declines (13.1 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.1, flat at #5, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, “Warm 98.5” 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. On the heels of breaking out a February +1.6, Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WGUC “Classical 90.9” surrenders half that increase (2.7 – 1.9, -.8, #14 to #17, 6+). Prior to February, WGUC was within 1.0 – 1.8 range (6+) in each of the previous 11 survey periods. A combined +2.5 in January/February (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WUBE “Get Your Country On B-105.1” returns six-tenths to 6.9 (6+) but continues in third-place. WUBE previously was an overall -2.3 in three drops in succession (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.0 – 5.0, 6+).

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of three straight upticks – including its current +1.4 – iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” is a collective +3.0 (4.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.2, eighth to sixth, 6+). Radio One’s WZAK-HD3 debuted in print in November and had a topline of .6 – 1.2 – 1.5 (6+); WZAK-HD3 is unlisted the third straight month. After recording a .9 (6+) in four successive sweeps, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer, News-Opinion-Insight” is unlisted as well. WHK was unlisted in July, August, and September, resurfacing in print in October.

While it repeats at #11, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is a combined -1.7 in February/March (4.9 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+).

Steady in ninth-place, Ideastream-owned public radio news/talk WCPN logs its third spike in a row for a cumulative +2.1 and crosses the five-share level (3.1 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 5.2, 6+).

Cleveland Music Formats – Marching from third to first, Entercom-owned WNCX is a collective +2.1 in five straight positive or neutral sweeps (7.0 – 7.2 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 8.0 – 9.1, 6+). Furthermore, “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” boasts its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era, reaching the nine-share level for the first time (9.1, 6+). Displaced from the top spot after two straight months there, iHeartMedia-owned WGAR shifts to #2. “Cleveland’s #1 For New Country” is a combined -1.5 in February/March (9.5 – 8.8 – 8.0, 6+). Its six most recent (6+) shifts are: +.9 (November); -.7 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +2.3 (January 2020); -.7 (February); and -.8 (March). Having lost roughly half (-2.4) its 6+ AQH share through five straight decreases (5.0 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” ends the slide with a +.4 to 3.0 (#13 to #12, 6+). Surfacing in print in January, gospel cluster-mate WENZ-HD2 has a topline of 1.9 – 1.6 – 2.5 (#15 to #14, 6+). In the last six reports (October 2019 – February 2020), iHeartMedia CHR WAKS has logged either a 3.2 or 3.5 (3.2 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+). In March, however, “96.5 Kiss FM” falters by one-half share to 3.0 (flat at #12, 6+). Entercom adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” is an overall -4.4 in three straight downturns (11.8 – 8.3 – 7.7 – 7.4, 6+) and slips from fourth to fifth. On top in December and “Holiday” 2019, “Star” had been without a loss four straight sweeps for an overall +5.2 (6.6 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 9.0 – 11.8, 6+).

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Erasing February’s loss of three-tenths with a half-share March increase (5.6 – 5.3 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” continues in fifth-place. Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” is +1.3 through three straight spikes and crosses the three-share level (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.1, #18 to #13, 6+). Compared to February, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” drops one-tenth of its 6+ AQH share and one ranker (1.4 – 1.3, #20 – #21, 6+).

A combined -2.1 in February/March (4.8 – 4.1 – 2.7, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” fades from the top ten (#9 to #16). Meanwhile, Entercom-owned KCSP “610 Sports Radio” has its 6+ AQH share erode by 40% (-1.2) in February/March (3.0 – 2.6 – 1.8, #15 to #19, 6+).

Owing to three bumps in a row, University of Missouri news/talk KCUR is an overall +1.3 (3.5 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.8, ninth to eighth, 6+).

Kansas City Music Formats – Country is the big headline here as the format’s 6+ share balloons by +3.8. Leading the charge is Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1,” which is +2.6 in February/March and crosses the eight-share level (5.6 – 5.9 – 8.2, third to second, 6+). Furthermore its +2.3 is the largest 6+ February 2020 – March 2020 increase by any station in the 36 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far. Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” bounces back from February’s loss of two-tenths with a positive spike of nine-tenths (5.0 – 4.8 – 5.7, seventh to sixth, 6+). Advancing from eighth to seventh, Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country” is a collective +1.4 through three gains in succession (3.9 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.3, 6+). Entercom-owned KQRC lost six-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+), but “98.9 The Rock” picks up two-tenths to 3.4 (#13 to #11, 6+). Co-owned alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” is in an alternating down/up pattern that began in October (2.2 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.5 – 2.2 – 2.3, #19 to #17, 6+). Despite being -4.2 as a result of three consecutive setbacks (12.8 – 10.0 – 9.0 – 8.6, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the fourth straight report. KCMO-FM was a combined +4.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.6 – 9.3 – 12.8, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 12.8 marked the first time the station reached double-digits (6+) since “Holiday” 2017 (10.4). Recent (6+) fluctuations for “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” include: +1.1 (March 2019); +1.3 (June); -.6 (August); +.6 (October); +.7 (December); +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019); -2.8 (January 2020); and -1.0 (February). Up one-tenth in February (8.5 – 8.6, 6+), co-owned KCFX “101 The Fox Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” sputters by -1.0 in March to 7.6 (second to third, 6+). A combined +.5 in January/February (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” falters by eight-tenths to 4.4 (sixth to ninth, 6+), its lowest 6+-stat since October’s 4.1. In a somewhat similar scenario, University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW “Life 88.5,” which was +1.0 in January/February, surrenders six-tenths to 3.3 (#11 to #12, 6+). Without an increase the seventh time in a row for an overall -1.2 (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KCJK “105.1 The X – Kansas City’s Rock Alternative” repeats at #20.

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to crossing the nine-share level and carrying on at #2, iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” is a collective +3.4 via four positive spikes in succession (6.0 – 6.1 – 8.0 – 8.6 – 9.4, 6+).  

Despite being down four-tenths (5.2 – 4.8, 6+), Tegna’s WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” proceeds from fifth to fourth. Co-owned/similarly formatted WBNS-AM, which posted a .2 the past six sweeps, drops to .1 (#15 to #16, 6+).

Replacing February’s loss of three-tenths with a March increase of four-tenths (4.3 – 4.0 – 4.4, 6+), Ohio State University public radio news/talk WOSU climbs from seventh to sixth.

Columbus Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia-owned WCOL an overall +2.8 as a result of three straight improvements (7.7 – 9.8 -10.2 -10.5, 6+), “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” is #1 the third straight time. Following 25 consecutive ratings periods on top, WCOL segued to #3 in “Holiday” 2019. By logging a 9.8 (6+) in December, WCOL failed to reach double-digits (6+) for the first time since June 2017. Sample (6+) WCOL fluctuations include: +1.2 (April); -1.3 (May); -.6 (June); -.8 (October); -1.1 (December); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2019); and +2.1 (January 2020). While flat at #15, the internet stream of Ohio State University-owned classical WOSU-HD2 is up six-tenths in February/March (.1 – .2 – .7, 6+). Off eight-tenths (5.3 – 4.5, 6+), co-owned adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus” slips from fourth to fifth. WODC was +.9 (May); -.5 (June); +1.0 (July); -.9 (August); -.5 (September); +2.0 (December); +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019); -5.2 (January 2020); and +1.1 (February). Also in that iHeartMedia cluster, CHR WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ #1 Hit Music Station,” which was +1.2 in January/February (6.1 – 7.2 – 7.3, 6+), surrenders half that increase (6.7, -.6, 6+) but continues in third-place. One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO netted a +1.2 in four consecutive sweeps without a decrease (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+); however, “104.9 The River” loses one-tenth in March to 3.5 (steady at #8, 6+). Through seven straight reports without an increase, Radio One’s WCKX “Power 107.5” is an overall -1.4 (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.3, ninth to tenth, 6+). This is the third month in a row that the following 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.”

March 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Two

March 2020 PPM Data. Information for the March 2020 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 March 2020 survey period covered February 27 – March 25. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

 Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – As was the case in February, spoken-word claims the top three March 2020 finishers in the Nation’s Capital. That trio includes Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL, which is a collective +2.8 in three straight upticks (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.8, steady at #3, 6+). Moreover, March’s 7.8 represents the best 6+-stat in its PPM-history, eclipsing 7.3 posted this time last month. This marks the 21^st sweep in succession that Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

Rebounding from February’s -.6 (2.6 – 2.0, 6+) with a March gain of one-tenth to 2.1 (6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” advances from #17 to #16. “The Fan” posted six straight positive or neutral moves for an overall +1.7 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+), including the highest 6+-share (4.8, November 2019) by any D.C. sports talk outlet in the PPM-era. Having lost four-tenths via five sweeps in succession without an increase (1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .7, 6+), Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” ends the slide with an improvement of three-tenths to 1.0 (#21 to #20, 6+).

Despite notching its third increase in a row for a net gain of +1.3 (6.9 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM backslides from a first-place tie to the runner-up slot. WTOP-FM segued to #2 in July, following six straight months at #1. Entercom business news WDCH is up three-tenths in February/March (.4 – .5 – .7, #23 to #22, 6+).

Seven recent (6+) shifts by American University-owned public radio news/talk WAMU include: -.8 (8.2 – 7.4, September, 6+); +.7 (7.4 – 8.1, October, 6+); +.8 (8.1 – 8.9, November, 6+); -2.3 (8.8 – 6.5, “Holiday” 2019); +.8 (6.5 – 7.3, January 2020); +.5 (7.3 – 7.8, February 2020); and now +.9 in March (7.8 – 8.7, 6+). As a result, “The Mind Is Our Medium,” which was in a first-place tie with WTOP-FM, now has sole possession of the lead. Before dropping to fourth in “Holiday” 2019, WAMU was on top the previous three reports.

Washington, DC Music Formats – Unlisted in January and logging a .3 (6+) in February, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” erupts with a +.9 to 1.2 (6+) and cracks the top twenty (#19). Up eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.2 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+) and then surrendering two-tenths in February (6.0 – 5.8, 6+), Howard University urban AC WHUR dials up a half-share increase to 6.3 (sixth to fifth, 6+). One-half share ahead of WHUR is Radio One-owned/similarly-formatted WMMJ (6.7 – 6.8, +.1, steady at #4, 6+). After a January 2020-only visit to the top spot, “Majic” sputtered by eight-tenths in February. Recent (6+) moves by WMMJ include: -.8 (8.2 – 7.4, September 2019, 6+); +.6 (7.4 – 8.0, October, 6+); -.6 (8.0 – 7.4, November, 6+); and -.8 (7.5 – 6.7, February). After being an overall +2.2 through three straight spikes (5.0 – 5.9 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+), Atlantic Gateway Communications contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” forfeits exactly half (-3.6) its 6+ AQH share in February/March (7.2 – 4.7 – 3.6, seventh to ninth, 6+). Dropping one-half share each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary WASH “Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” (fifth to sixth) and Radio One gospel WPRS “Praise 104.1” (1.7, #16 to #17, 6+). WASH has lost roughly 56% (-7.2) of its 6+ AQH share in three straight dips (12.9 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.7, 6+). Down seven-tenths in November, WASH answered with a combined +7.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.4 – 8.1 – 12.9, 6+) and was #1 in “Holiday” 2019. WPRS was up four-tenths in January/February (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.2, 6+).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of three straight up or flat trends, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” is a combined +1.0 (2.8 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.8, eighth to ninth, 6+). After more than doubling (+.4) its 6+ AQH in five straight reports without a loss (.3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .7, 6+), co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” drops one-tenth to .6 (6+) but remains at #26.

Regaining the four-tenths it squandered in February (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” repeats at #5. “The Sports Hub” was up seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.8, 6+) and -1.1 in December. After posting a January increase of four-tenths, Entercom-owned sports talker WEEI-FM is -1.0 in February/March (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). WEEI-FM was a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.6 – 3.8, 6+).

Three recent (6+) trends by iHeartMedia’s news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM are: “Holiday” 2019/January 2020’s +1.4 (4.8 – 6.0 – 6.2, 6+); February’s -.6 (6.2 – 5.6, 6+); and +.8 in March (5.6 – 6.4, fourth to third, 6+). This is the best 6+-showing for “News Radio 1030” in exactly two years (6.4, as well, March 2018).

Answering February’s loss of four-tenths with a March increase twice that magnitude (2.9 – 3.7, +.8, 6+), Boston University public radio news/talk WBUR returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). WBUR cut its December/“Holiday” 2019 -1.8 (4.5 – 3.9 – 2.7, 6+) by one-third with a January 2020 +.6. It is one-tenth ahead of WGBH Educational Foundation public radio news/talk WGBH, which is in alternating up/down pattern that begin in September and includes March’s +.7 (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.9, #12 to #11, 6+).

Boston Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia’s WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock,” which has been: -.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +.7 (January 2020); -.5 (February); and now +1.1 in March (5.2 – 6.3, sixth to fourth, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 5.0 was the lowest 6+-stat for WZLX since July 2018 (4.8). A combined +2.1 in January/February (6.2 – 8.1 – 8.3, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” erodes by -1.3 to 7.0 (6+). The market leader nine survey periods in a row, before segueing to second in “Holiday” 2019, WROR was a combined -2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.5 – 8.1 – 6.2, 6+). While on top the third month in a row, it now shares the lead with iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108,” which is a collective +1.4 in three bumps in a row (5.6 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 7.0, second to first, 6+). Entercom-owned adult contemporary WMJX responded to January’s -9.5 (15.2 – 5.7, 6+) with a February gain of one-half share to 6.2 (6+). In March, however, “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” falters by six-tenths to 5.6 (third to sixth, 6+). Setting the pace in “Holiday” 2019, WMJX entered the January 2020 sweep a collective +10.5 through three jumps in a row (4.7 – 5.8 – 8.0 – 15.2, 6+). Off one-half share (each) are WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WCRB “Classical Radio Boston” and WXKS-FM’s CHR rival, Entercom’s WODS “103.3 Amp Radio.” In five straight sweeps without a loss, WCRB picked up eight-tenths (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+). WODS continues an alternating down/up pattern: 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.4 (6+). Both WCRB and WODS move from #19 to #20.

Miami

Spoken-Word Formats – While it slips from #20 to #21, iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD “News Radio 610 Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” continues its alternating down/up pattern that began in December 2019 (2.5 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+).

Owing to five straight sweeps without an increase, Entercom-owned WQAM “560 The Joe” has lost half (-.7) its 6+ AQH share (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – .9 – .7 – .7, #28 to #26, 6+). It is one-tenth ahead of co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket,” which records a one-tenth fluctuation the fifth successive sweep (.7 – .6 – .7 – .8 – .7 – .6, flat at #28, 6+).

In addition to being a collective +1.7 via three straight bumps (2.0 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), Dade County School Board public radio news/talk WLRN enters the top ten (#13 to #9).

Meanwhile, Union Radio Network of Florida Spanish news/talk WURN “Actualidad 1040” is one-half share and continues an alternating down/up sequence: 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 2.4 (#18, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – Regaining the six-tenths it forfeited in February (5.6 – 5.0 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” advances from fifth to fourth. WMXJ was up eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.8 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+). A combined -1.0 in January/February (3.7 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WMIB “103.5 The Beat” erases half that shortfall with a +.5 to 3.2 (#16 to #13, 6+). Classic rock cluster-mate WBGG “Big 105.9” logs its fourth straight up or flat trend for a net gain of six-tenths (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.9, ninth to eighth, 6+). In addition to being up one-tenth (7.3 – 7.4, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ is #1 the 16^th consecutive time. Following five straight reports without a decrease for a net gain of one-half share (7.0 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+), “Easy 93.1” dropped two-tenths in February. Entercom’s similarly-formatted WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” is an overall -2.1 in three straight negative or neutral moves (7.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.4, third to fifth, 6+). Trending 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.4 (December 2019 through February 2020, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WXDJ “El Zol 106.7” falters by nine-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #11). Co-owned Spanish contemporary WCMQ “Zeta 92.3” is up one-tenth the third time in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.9, unchanged at #6, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – Given that Washington State had the nation’s first reported case of the coronavirus on January 21, it is especially noteworthy to track Seattle’s listening habits. Similar to Washington, DC (see above), Seattle’s top three are from the spoken-word arena. In the case of Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM, it’s been an up/down situation as “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” has been +1.1 (January); -1.2 (February); and now +1.2 in March (4.9 – 6.0 – 4.8 – 6.0). Moreover, KIRO-FM progresses from fourth to first. Owing to four consecutive sweeps without a loss, news/talk cluster-mate KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is +1.0 (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+) and cracks the top twenty (#22 to #18. Although flat at 1.1 (6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” proceeds from #25 to #22.

Four straight down or flat trends by Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM resulted in a -1.4 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 2.5, 6+), but “ESPN 710” ends the slide with a +.1 to 2.6 (#20 to #18, 6+). In back-to-back reports,  iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” surrenders one-half share (1.9 – 1.4 – .9, #24 to #26, 6+).

Rocketing from ninth to third, Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO has more than doubled (+2.8) its 6+ AQH share via three straight spikes and crosses the five-share level (2.6 – 3.2 – 4.1 – 5.4, 6+).

Completely zapping February’s loss of seven-tenths (5.5 – 4.8 – 5.5, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW elevates from fourth to second. KUOW was -.8 in “Holiday” 2019.

Seattle Music Formats – Although it slips from seventh to eighth, Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” is a collective +1.5 as a result of five straight sweeps without a loss (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Not only does Classic Radio classical KING flash a +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2, 6+), it vaults from #16 into the top ten (#9). Trending 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.9 – 3.6 (December 2019 through February 2020, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack-FM” logs an increase of six-tenths to 4.2 (6+) and ties KING at #9. Practically doubling (+1.8) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (1.9 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), Friends of 88.5 FM-owned KNKX “Your Connection To Jazz, Blues, & NPR News” advances from #14 to #13. Following back-to-back stays at #1, Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5” (6.5 – 5.4, -1.1, 6+) shifts to a third-place tie. KQMV improved by one-tenth in consecutive sweeps (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+), before dropping one-tenth in February. Locked on 3.9 (6+) in January and February, Entercom country KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” falters by seven-tenths to 3.2 (#11 to #16, 6+). The three latest moves by adult contemporary cluster-mate KSWD “94.1 The Sound” are: -1.9 (5.1 – 3.2, January, 6+); +1.3 (3.2 – 4.5, February, 6+); and now -.6 in March (4.5 – 3.9, #7 to #12, 6+). In advance of “Holiday” 2019’s +1.0, “The Sound” was an overall -1.4 via three straight decreases (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+). Down one-half share (1.5 – 1.0, 6+), Friends of KEXP’s KEXP “90.3 Where The Music Matters” checks in at #25.

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit flat at #16, Cumulus Media’s WJR “News Talk 760” is an overall +1.3 though three bumps in succession (1.6 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+).

Answering February’s half-share loss with a March gain of four-tenths (4.4 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” jumps from ninth to seventh. “The Ticket” was +1.1 in January and -1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 4.8 – 3.8, 6+).

In three straight upticks, co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” nets a +1.9 (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 5.8, 6+), progressing from sixth to third.

A cumulative +1.0 via three consecutive spikes (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM pushes up from #20 to #19. Despite being up seven-tenths as a result of four successive increases (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.2, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET backslides from #18 to #20.

Detroit Music Formats – Over and above being +1.0 via three straight upticks (5.6 – 5.8 – 60 – 6.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” marches from second to first. That means it is a February-only stay at #1 for iHeartMedia CHR WKQI (6.5 – 6.4, -.1, first to second, 6+). “Channel 95.5” was +1.9 in January/February (4.6 – 5.9 – 6.5, 6+), after being off one-half share in “Holiday” 2019. In addition to WCSX, Radio One urban AC WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM” (3.6, #14 to #13, 6+) and Cumulus Media country WDRQ “New Country 93.1” (2.6, #20 to #17, 6+) log March 2020 increases of six-tenths and halt negative streaks. “Kiss” had been off three-tenths in three down or flat moves in a row (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), while WDRQ dropped nine-tenths in the same timeframe (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.0, 6+). The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share deflates by -2.1, virtually equally divided between iHeartMedia’s WNIC “100.3 The Best Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” (-1.1, third to seventh, 6+) and Entercom-owned WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” (-1.0, #8 to #13, 6+). Owing to three straight drops, WNIC is -10.0 (14.8 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 4.8, 6+). It was +9.2 through five successive bumps (5.6 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 9.5 – 14.8, 6+). WNIC’s 17.9 in “Holiday” 2018 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. “The Breeze” is now an overall -1.3 via three consecutive reports without an increase (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 3.6, 6+). Co-owned classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits” has been +.5 (December); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.4 (January 2020); and now -1.2 in February/March (6.1 – 5.6 – 4.9, fourth to sixth, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Down one-tenth in February (3.9 – 3.8, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM responds with a +.8 to 4.6 (seventh to fifth, 6+). In five straight positive or neutral reports iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” nets nine-tenths (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+) and progresses from #14 to #12.

An overall -1.2 via five consecutive down or flat trends (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” curtails the slump with a +.1 to 2.0 (#22 to #21, 6+).

Despite dropping one-tenth (3.6 – 3.5, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ advances from tenth to eighth.

Phoenix Music Formats – Albeit repeating at #7, Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” nets +2.7 through three straight robust upticks and crosses the four-share level (1.8 – 2.4 – 3.8 – 4.5, 6+). Negating February’s loss of three-tenths with a March +.4 (7.9 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is on top the tenth consecutive sweep. Leading up to January, KESZ was +12.5 through four bumps in succession (6.7 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 11.0 – 19.2, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 19.2 was its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018’s 15.0. Unchanged in fifth-place, co-owned CHR KZZP “104.7 Kiss-FM” nets eight-tenths via three successive positive spikes (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+). Without a loss the past three sweeps for a collective gain of six-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), Riviera Broadcasting hot AC KMVA “Hot” sputters by eight-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#18 to #21). Off a combined nine-tenths in February/March (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KNIX “Today’s Best Country & All-Time Favorites” slides from sixth to eighth. Five straight increases by Univision Radio regional Mexican KHOT yielded a +1.5 (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+), but “Que Buena 105.9” forfeits four-tenths to 3.3 (6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #13).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight down or flat sweeps by Entercom-owned WCCO resulted in a net loss of seven-tenths (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+), but “News Radio 830” rebounds with a +1.0 to 4.6 (6+) and is back in the top ten (#11 to #9). Down one-tenth and two-tenths, respectively, are Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1,”which is trending 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 (flat at #13, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” (2.8 – 2.6, #13 to #14, 6+). The latter’s +.2 in February halted four straight down or flat moves that resulted in the loss of one-half share (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+).

Slipping from fourth to sixth, iHeartMedia’s KFXN has been: -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.6 (January 2020); and -2.5 in February/March (8.4 – 6.8 – 5.9, 6+). “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” had a December-only stay at #1. Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” is off three-tenths in February/March (.8 – .7 – .5, #24 to #25, 6+).

Not only is Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW a collective +2.4 as a result of three straight increases (5.7 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 8.1, 6+), it jumps from third to first.

Minneapolis Music Formats – Having occupied the lead position the past two months, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM drops to the runner-up slot. After January’s +2.4, “KS-95” is off three-tenths in February/March (8.2 – 8.1 – 7.9, 6+). A combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.6 – 7.4 – 5.8, 6+), KSTP-FM solely held or shared the top spot in January 2019, March, April, June, August, September, October, and November. It was +.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.8 (May); +1.1 (August); -1.6 (“Holiday’ 2019); and +2.4 (January 2020). After gaining two-tenths through three straight up or flat sweeps (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KTCZ “Cities 97.1” forfeits four-tenths (3.4, #10 to #12, 6+). Anchored at #16, Minnesota Public Radio classical KSJN is up or flat the fourth time in a row for a collective gain of four-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). Unlisted the past three ratings periods, Milestone Radio KLCI “Total Country Bob FM” resurfaces with a 1.6 (6+) and pops on at #19. KLCI posted an October 2019 through December 2019 topline of 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 (6+). University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” continues an alternating up/down sequence that began in October and includes its current loss of seven-tenths (6.5 – 7.4 – 7.3 – 8.2 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 6.5 (second to third, 6+). A combined +1.0 in January/February (5.0 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” returns half that increase (5.5, -.5, sixth to seventh, 6+). Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack FM” is in an alternating down/up pattern: 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 4.9 (flat at #8, 6+).

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Jumping from seventh to fourth, iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” is +1.7 in February/March (3.8 – 4.5 – 5.5, 6+). Its recent (6+) shifts include: +.5 (August); -.7 (September); +.7 (October); -.6 (December); and -.9 (January 2020). After forfeiting two-tenths in February (2.1 – 1.9, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” responds with a one-half share increase to 2.4 (6+) and is in San Diego’s top twenty (#21 to #17). Conversely, Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM “AM 760” slips by one-tenth (2.2 – 2.1, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#18 to #21, 6+).

Following February’s loss of nine-tenths, Entercom-owned sports talk KWFN “97.3 The Fan” repeats that month’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (1.6, #22). Flat at #23, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” drops one-half share in three straight declines(1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+).

Three upticks in a row by San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS result in a +2.1 (4.8 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.9, third to second, 6+). KPBS was -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.3 – 6.0 – 4.8, 6+).

San Diego Music Formats – Not only is UniRadio regional Mexican XHTY a collective +1.3 via three consecutive positive spikes (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+), “Invasora 99.7” enters the top ten (#12 to #10). Answering February’s loss of one-tenth (6.8 – 6.7, 6+) with a half-share March gain to 7.2 (6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” repeats at #1. Off four-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.4 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+), KMYI posted a January 2020 +1.8. Spiraling by eight-tenths each are Local Media San Diego urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5” (4.6, fifth to sixth, 6+) and Entercom alternative KBZT “Alt 94.9” (2.5, #11 to #14, 6+). KBZT (2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+) and XHRM (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.4, 6+) both netted nine-tenths in January/February. As a result of three successive sweeps without an increase, Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “Radio 104.5 Radio Latina” is an overall -1.3 (3.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.2, #15 to #19, 6+). Regressing by one-half share are Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 San Diego’s Greatest Hits” (second to third) and Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” (fourth to fifth). Following its +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.0, 6+), “Sunny,” which had a January-only stay at #1, is -.5 in back-to-back reports (7.0 – 6.5 – 6.0, 6+). Meanwhile, February’s +1.0 by KLNV (4.8 – 5.8, 6+) lifted “Que Buena” to its best 6+-showing since August (5.8, as well).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – A march boost of nine-tenths (3.0 – 3.9, 6+) enables iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” to leap from #16 to a four-way tie at #10. After being up three-tenths in back-to-back reports (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” is flat at 3.2 (#13 to #15, 6+).  

Six straight negative or neutral moves by iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WDAE accounted for a -1.0 (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), but “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” ends the slump with a +.3 to 1.9 (#20 to #19, 6+).

Owing to eight consecutive sweeps without a loss, University of South Florida public radio news/talk WUSF is a collective +2.4 (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 4.1, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#15 to #7).

Tampa Music Formats – When Beasley Media Group rhythmic CHR WLLD picked up two-tenths in February, it ended four consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -1.5 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+). Now, “Wild 94.1” adds one-half share (3.6 – 4.1, 6+) and leaps into the top ten (#12 to #7). On top the 92^nd time in succession, Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is nonetheless -1.8 in three straight dips (11.2 – 9.9 – 9.7 – 9.4, 6+). January’s decrease suspended three straight improvements that led to a +3.3 (7.9 – 8.6 – 9.8 – 11.2, 6+). Following four successive jumps that yielded a +2.0 (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 7.2, 6+), Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” is now -1.1 in February/March (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.1, 6+) and is ensconced in the runner-up slot. Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL had a November – December – “Holiday” 2019 topline of: 5.3 – 5.8 – 5.7 (6+). Since then, “107.3 The Eagle” was -.7 (January); +.9 (February); and now -.7 in March (5.7 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 5.2, flat at #3, 6+). With a December 2019 through February 2020 topline of 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.8 (6+), Beasley Media Group Spanish contemporary WYUU “92.5 Maxima” regresses by one-half share to 2.3 (flat at #17, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +1.1 in January/February (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KDFD “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” drops two-tenths to 3.4 (6+) but remains at #13. Its “Holiday” 2019 loss of three-tenths suspended six increases in succession that yielded a +2.7 (.1 – .2 – .8 – 1.1 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). Down or flat three straight sweeps for a -1.1 (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 1.4, 6+), KDFD news/talk cluster-mate KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is up one-half share in February/March (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.9, #22 to #19, 6+). Co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” was down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+), but is a combined +.6 in February/March (1.0 – 1.4 – 1.6, #23 to #21, 6+).

Following January’s +.6 to 3.1 (6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” surrenders seven-tenths in February/March (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.4, #15 to #18, 6+). KSE Radio Ventures-owned KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” is down one-tenth in February/March (.9 – .9 – .8, #25 to #28, 6+).

Over and above continuing an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in August and includes its current +1.1 (5.1 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 6.3 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 6.3, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR marches from third to a first-place tie. KCFR has been -1.6 (June); +.8 (July); +.5 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +.7 (January 2020); and +1.1 (March). Up four-tenths in three straight modest gains (.5 – .6 – .8 – .9, 6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC repeats at #26.

Denver Music Formats – Winning ways continue for Bonneville country outlet KYGO, which is +2.0 via three consecutive upticks (4.3 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 6.3, 6+) and progresses from second to a first-place deadlock with KCFR (see above). This (6.3) is the first time KYGO has reached the six-share level since October (6.1). Jumping seven-tenths each are Entravision Spanish adult hits KJMN “Radio La Suavecita” (tenth to fifth) and Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” (#14 to #8). KJMN is +1.0 in February/March (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5, 6+), hitting the four-share threshold (4.5) for the first time since October (4.0). Regaining in full the seven-tenths it dropped in February, “Alice” is in an alternating down/up pattern (4.5 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.9, 6+). Also in the seven-tenths theme, Latino Communications regional Mexican KBNO “Que Bueno Denver” pops on with a +.7 (#30, 6+). By picking up six-tenths to 3.3 (steady at #15, 6+), Entravision’s similarly-programmed KXPK “La Tricolor 96.5” suspends five successive downturns that resulted in a -1.2 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia classic rock KRFX is +1.0 as a result of three bumps in a row (5.0 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), “103.5 The Fox” has a February-only stay at #1 and segues to #3. After logging three straight up or flat trends that yielded a +1.1 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “97.3 World Class Rock” craters by -1.4 to 3.6 (fourth to tenth, 6+). Faltering by seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” (sixth to eighth) and iHeartMedia alternative KTCL “Channel 93.3” (3.6, ninth to tenth, 6+). “Kool” is off nine-tenths in February/March (4.8 – 4.6 – 3.9, 6+); “Channel 93.3” was up one-tenth in January/February (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to nine successive upticks since July, Hearst Television-owned WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is an overall +3.3 and crosses the five-share threshold (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.1, unchanged at #8, 6+). Independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” is a cumulative +1.4 via three straight bumps (2.3 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7, #12 to #11, 6+). Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL gained one-half share in four straight up or flat trends (.1 – .1 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+) but drops one-tenth to .5 (#25 to #26, 6+).

Shifting from #11 to #12, Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” is -1.5 in February/March (5.1 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+).

WJZ-FM’s business news sibling WDCH more than doubles (+.6) its 6+ AQH share through three consecutive increases (.5 – .6 – .9 – 1.1, #19 to #18, 6+).

As a result of three improvements in succession, Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” nearly doubles (+2.8) its 6+ AQH share (2.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.7, seventh to fifth, 6+). Entering the top twenty (#25 to #20), American University-owned news/talk WAMU doubles its 6+ AQH share through three sweeps without a loss (.4 – .5 – .5 – .8, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – In three ratings periods in succession without a loss, Shamrock Communications classic rock WZBA “100.7 The Bay” is a collective +1.4 (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.2, 6+) and jumps from ninth to sixth with its best 6+-stat (5.2) since June (5.3). Notwithstanding that Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM is down eight-tenths in February/March (8.7 – 8.1 – 7.9, 6+), “Magic 95.9” is #1 the third time in a row. WWIN-FM was dislodged from the top spot in “Holiday” 2019, after seven successive months there. “Magic” was -.8 (October); +.6 (November); -.9 (December); +1.0 (January 2020); and -.6 (February). Recent (6+) fluctuations by Entercom adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” are: +10.1 (5.9 – 7.9 – 16.0, December/“Holiday” 2019, 6+); -9.5 (16.0 – 6.5, January 2020, 6+); +1.0 (6.5 – 7.5, February, 6+); and now -1.2 in March (7.5 – 6.3, second to third, 6+). Stuck on 5.9 (6+) in October and November, WLIF had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1. By dropping nine-tenths to 5.0 (fourth to ninth, 6+), Hearst Television’s  WIYY “98 Rock” surrenders all but one-tenth of January/February’s +1.0 (4.9 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+). This is the 21^st sweep in succession 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 – Off nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” more than doubles (+2.8) its 6+ AQH share in three straight upticks and enters the top five (2.7 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.5, #11 to #5, 6+). After sputtering by six-tenths in February to 5.1 (6+), news/talk cluster-mate KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” regains half that shortfall (5.4, +.3, eighth to sixth, 6+). KMOX was a combined +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.7, 6+).

Recent shifts by Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 Sports” include: -.9 (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, December/“Holiday” 2019, 6+); +.6 (4.0 – 4.6, January 2020, 6+); and -1.2 in February/March (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.4, #13 to #14, 6+).  

Following January’s +1.0 to 4.2 (6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU surrenders 90% of that increase (4.2 – 3.4 – 3.3, flat at #15, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – Owing to four positive spikes in succession, WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” is a combined +1.8 (3.9 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.7, fifth to fourth, 6+). The Radio One urban AC lost four-tenths in November/December (4.3 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). Down one-tenth in February (4.8 – 4.7, 6+), Hubbard’s WIL “New Country 92.3” answers with a March increase of seven-tenths (5.4, ninth to sixth, 6+). WIL was a combined -1.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.6 – 4.7 – 4.3, 6+). Even though its format rival, iHeartMedia’s KSD, gains eight-tenths via three straight improvements (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” backslides from #11 to #12. When “The Bull” added three-tenths in December, it halted three consecutive declines that led to a loss of seven-tenths (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+); however, KSD forfeited eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019. WIL and KSD were each up one-half share in January. Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” is down six-tenths in February/March (11.2 – 10.8 – 10.6, 6+) but is #1 the third month in succession. KSHE segued to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019, after eight consecutive months on top. Its “Holiday” 2019 -1.1 interrupted four consecutive improvements that resulted in a +2.2 (8.6 – 9.3 – 9.5 – 9.8 – 10.8, 6+). December’s 10.8 marked the first time KSHE hit double-digits in the PPM-era. Sample (6+) KSHE shifts include: +1.3 (March 2019); -1.6 (April); +.9 (June); +.7 (September); +1.0 (November); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.5 (January 2020). Forfeiting one-half share each are Entercom hot AC and CHR siblings KYKY “Y-98” (4.9, #5 to #11, 6+) and KNOU “Now 96.3” (flat at #17). KYKY was up nine-tenths in January/February (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+); KNOU is trending 3.0 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 2.6 (“Holiday” 2019 through March 2020, 6+).

February 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Four

February 2020 PPM Data – Information for the February 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 February 2020 survey period covered January 30 – February 26. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly following three straight decreases that led to a collective -1.4 (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.6, 6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” is a combined +1.0 in January/February (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.6, eighth to seventh, 6+). October’s 5.0 was KLBJ-AM’s best 6+-performance in more than six years (5.0, as well, June 2013). Up or flat the past five sweeps for a net gain of one-tenth (.3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+), Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” drops one-tenth to .3 (6+), but remains at #26.

Included in November 2019 through February 2020’s up/down/up/down pattern by Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” is February’s -.6 (2.5 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 1.6, #16 to #18, 6+). Returning the one-tenth it added in January (.5 – .6 -.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” remains at #25.

Not only does KUT add six-tenths to January’s +1.5 (7.4 – 8.9 – 9.5, 6+), the University of Texas at Austin-owned public radio news/talk facility repeats at #1. In “Holiday” 2019, KUT shifted to #2, following three sweeps in a row on top. Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: +1.6 (January 2019); +.7 (March); -2.0 (April); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); +2.0 (October); -.5 (November); +.5 (December); -1.9 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); and +.6 (February). This is KUT’s highest 6+-stat since March (9.5, as well).

Austin Music Formats – Adding a +.6 to January’s half-share boost (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” elevates from tenth to seventh, where it is tied with co-owned news/talk KLBJ-AM (see above). In the market’s adult contemporary contest, Entercom-owned KKMJ “Majic 95.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” falters by roughly 47% (-5.5) in January/February (11.8 – 6.7 – 6.3, 6+) and repeats in third-place. KKMJ was a combined +6.7 in December “Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 6.3 – 11.8, 6+) and had a “Holiday” 2019-only visit to #1. In “Holiday” 2019, “Majic” became the first Austin station to record double-digits (11.8, 6+) since it did so in “Holiday” 2017 (12.4). Sinclair Telecable’s similarly-formatted KGSR “Star 93.3” follows “Holiday” 2019’s increase of seven-tenths (2.0 – 2.7, 6+) with a combined -.6 in January/February (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.1, #14 to #15, 6+). After logging three consecutive up or flat trends for a net gain of two-tenths (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” slips by one-tenth to 1.2 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #22). Elsewhere in the country format, iHeartMedia’s KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” improves by four-tenths (4.8 – 5.2, fifth to fourth, 6+), while co-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” forfeits one-tenth (3.7 – 3.6, #11 to #12, 6+). An overall -1.2 as a result of three drops in a row (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 4.2, 6+), KVET-FM cut that deficit in half with a January +.6. Immediately prior, it was a combined +2.2 in September/October (3.3 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), with September’s 5.5 its best 6+-showing since May (5.8, 6+). Up one-tenth in January, KASE was -.9 (November); +.9 (December); and -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – Tacking on one-half share to January’s +1.8 (5.3 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” advances from third to second. Unlisted in January, Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” reappears with a 2.0 (#16, 6+). A combined +.3 in November/December (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), WPTF dropped one-tenth in “Holiday” 2019 to 1.2 (#19, 6+).

Erasing 70% of January’s +1.0 (3.7 – 3.0, -.7, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” fades from the top ten (#9 to #14).

A combined +.8 in January/February (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” repeats at #4.

Raleigh Music Formats – In addition to supplementing January’s +1.5 with a February increase of two-tenths (7.2 – 8.7 – 8.9, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” repeats at #1. After four straight sweeps on top, WFXC shifted to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019. “Foxy” spent 12 consecutive survey periods at #1; had an August-only stay at #2; and returned to #1 in September. Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: +1.1 (January 2019); -1.1 (February); -.6 (July); -.6 (October); -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.5 (January 2020). January 2019’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Dropping from seventh to ninth, urban contemporary cluster-mate WQOK “K-97.5” is an overall -2.5 in four straight setbacks (7.5 – 6.8 – 6.3 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). November’s 7.5 was its strongest 6+-stat since February (7.8). A combined +.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WRDU “100.7 Raleigh’s Classic Rock” regresses by one-half share to 5.4 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Off six-tenths (5.8 – 5.2, 6+), Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR-FM is in seventh-place. “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” was a collective -1.9 through five successive decreases (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+). Reaching the market from Greensboro, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG was an overall +1.8 as a result of three straight up or flat trends (.4 – .4 – .4 – 2.2, 6+), but is now -1.7 in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.2 – 1.9 – .5 – .5, #21, 6+). Among the Curtis Media Group stations unlisted in January and reappearing in February are: adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB Your Life/Your Music” (5.1, #8, 6+); CHR WPLW-FM “Pulse FM” (4.3, #10, 6+); classic hits-oldies WKIX “KIX 102.9 Carolina’s Greatest Hits” (3.6, #12, 6+); classic hits-oldies WPTK “Just Right Radio” (1.1, #18, 6+) and the internet stream of WQDR-FM “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” (.5, #21, 6+).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Progressing from third to second, Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” obliterates “Holiday” 2019’s -1.3 (6.7 – 5.4, 6+) with a combined January/February increase double that magnitude (+2.6) and reaches the eight-share level (5.4 – 7.6- 8.0, 6+). Its recent (6+) shifts include: +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); -1.2 (April); +.9 (June); +.5 (August); -.5 (October); +.6 (November); -1.3 (“Holiday” 2019); and +2.2 (January 2020).

Locked on 2.8 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2019, sports talk cluster-mate WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” returns the two-tenths it gained in January (2.8 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+) yet climbs from #13 to #12. Via three straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” nets three-tenths (.9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+) and continues to be affixed at #18.

A combined +1.1 in January/February (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8, 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI improves from ninth to eighth.

Indianapolis Music Formats – With a January/February +2.1 (5.4 – 6.4 – 7.5, sixth to fourth 6+), Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank” snuffs out December/“Holiday” 2019’s -2.0 (7.4 – 6.2 – 5.4, 6+). “Hank” was +1.3 in October. Despite eroding by -9.3 in January/February (18.2 – 9.1 – 8.9, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WYXB “B-105.7” is #1 the fourth time in a row. WYXB was an overall +10.8 through three increases in succession (7.4 – 8.8 – 10.2 – 18.2, 6+). Its 18.2 (“Holiday” 2019) represents the largest 6+-performance by any Indianapolis station in the PPM-era. Directly following January’s +.9 (3.8 – 4.7, 6+), Sarkes Tarzian triple A WTTS “92.3 Experience The Music” forfeits seven-tenths (4.0, eighth to tenth, 6+). In advance of shedding one-tenth in “Holiday” 2019, WTTS was +1.2 in four successive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+). Continuing an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in June (6.7 – 5.9 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” dips from fourth to fifth. Despite being +1.3 in January/February (6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” backslides from second to third. Having occupied the top spot 11 sweeps in a row, WJJK dropped to second in December. Its 11.1 (July and September) represents the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing April’s 10.2. Among WJJK’s recent (6+) fluctuations are: +2.9 (January 2019); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); +1.7 (April); +1.4 (July); -1.1 (August); +1.1 (September); -.7 (October); -2.2 (December); -1.4 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.1 (January 2020). Seven successive decreases by WZPL “99.5 ZPL” accounted for a roughly 48% decline (-3.0) of its 6+ AQH share (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.2, 6+). In January/February, however, the Entercom CHR is +1.0 (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.2, tenth to ninth, 6+). Unchanged in seventh-place, Radio One urban AC WTLC-FM has an alternating August 2019 through February 2020 down/up pattern of: 4.5 – 4.4 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 5.4 (6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” posted a 3.4 (6+) in June but is unlisted the ninth time in a row.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding a +1.0 to January’s increase of two-tenths (4.0 – 4.2 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WISN progresses from seventh to fifth. “News/Talk 1130” was a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+). WISN overtakes Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” (Bucks), which is off eight-tenths in January/February (5.9 – 5.3 – 5.1, fifth to sixth, 6+). Directly prior to “Holiday” 2019’s increase of two-tenths, WTMJ was -2.7 in November/December (8.4 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+).

The market’s four major sports talkers are separated by one-half share in February, versus six-tenths of a share in January. Surrendering the one-tenth it picked up this time last month (-.9 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” is flat at #14. In a similar vein, Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” forfeits January’s +.2 (.8 – 1.0 – .8, #14 to #16, 6+). It is tied with Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan,” which is down one tenth (.9 – .8, steady at #16, 6+). Flat at #21, iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” has lost three-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Despite completely erasing half of “Holiday” 2019’s -.8 with back-to-back gains of two-tenths (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM backslides from seventh to eighth. Following January’s +.5 to 1.6 (6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD drops three-tenths to 1.3 (6+) and repeats at #12.

Milwaukee Music Formats – January’s deadlock at the top is broken with an exclamation point as iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” posts a +1.0 (7.9 – 8.9), while Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” falters by nine-tenths (7.9- 7.0). Whereas WRIT is #1 the fifth time in a row, “Mix” has a January-only stay at the top and segues to #2. Plummeting by -3.9 in January (11.8 – 7.9, 6+), WRIT spent four straight months at #1 before slipping to the runner-up slot in October. “Holiday” 2019’s 11.8 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Its recent (6+) moves include: -1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); +.8 (June); -1.3 (October); -.5 (November); +4.0 (“Holiday” 2019); -3.9 (January 2020); and +1.0 (February). After posting an increase of seven-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.6, 6+), “Mix” faltered by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019 but notched a +1.8 in January (6.1 – 7.9, 6+). Prior to December (7.6), the last time WMYX reached the seven-share level was in November 2015 (7.0, 6+). A cumulative +6.2 as a result of three bumps in a row (5.2  – 5.7 – 6.8 – 11.4, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB “B-93.3” is -4.4 in January/February (11.4 – 7.3 – 7.0, 6+), but advances from third to second. In “Holiday” 2019, “B-93.3” reached double-digits (11.4, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (10.3). In three downturns in succession, iHeartMedia-owned WMIL was a collective -2.1 (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+) but “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” is now +1.4 in January/February (5.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, steady at #4, 6+). Ever since Magnum Media’s WRJN “Your Radio Friend” debuted in print this past December, it has tripled (+.6) its 6+ AQH share, posting a topline of: .3 – .3 – .4 – .9 (6+). The hybrid classic-hits oldies/information outlet zooms from #20 to #14. With their “Holiday” 2019 (6+) AQH share and market rank information in parentheses, the following Saga Communications stations are unlisted the second 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 – Sevens are wild for Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7,” which was -.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.1 –, 6+); +.7 to 4.8 (January 2020, 6+); and now down one-tenth to 4.7 (#8 to #7, 6+). Entering the December sweep, WWTN was +1.7 in six up or flat sweeps in a row (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). Trending 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.2 (“Holiday” 2019 – January – February, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” remains at #17. When WLAC logged a 2.4 (6+) in December, it marked the first time the station reached the two-share level in more than four years (2.0, October 2015).

A collective -1.1 in three straight negative or neutral trends (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” rebounded with a +.7, but erodes in February by -1.5 (4.7 – 3.2, #9 to #13, 6+). Off four-tenths (1.0 – .6, 6+), Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) departs the top twenty (#19 to #22).

Following January’s +1.1 (4.6 – 5.7, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” relinquishes two-tenths to 5.5 (fifth to sixth, 6+); WPLN-FM was -1.2 in “Holiday” 2019.

Nashville Music Formats – Responding to January’s -5.5 (15.8 – 10.3, 6+) with a February +1.3 (11.6, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” sets the pace the fourth consecutive sweep. A combined +8.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.5 – 9.7 – 15.8, 6+), WJXA has been: -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); +1.0 (May); -1.6 (October); +2.2 (December); +6.1 (“Holiday” 2019); -5.5 (January 2020); and +1.3 (February). Co-owned adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” adds a +1.0 to January’s increase of three-tenths (6.2 – 6.5 – 7.5, 6+) and continues in the runner-up slot. In three successive improvements, Nashville’s version of “Jack” was +2.1 (6.8 – 8.0 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+) but then posted three drops in a row for an overall -2.7 (8.9 – 7.8 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+). October 2019 marked WCJK’s first time at #1 since April. On the heels of January’s increase of nine-tenths, iHeartMedia CHR WRVW adds six-tenths (5.6 – 6.5 – 7.1, 6+); nonetheless, “107.5 The River” segues from second to fourth. Immediately in advance of the December report, WRVW netted nine-tenths via five straight sweeps without a loss (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2, 6+), but was then -.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.6, 6+). Three contemporary Christian outlets combine for a -1.9. Specifically, WAY Media’s WAYM drops eight-tenths (4.2 – 3.4, #11 to #12, 6+); Salem Media Group’s WFFH “94 FM The Fish” is down six-tenths (3.2 – 2.6, #14 to #16, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation’s WLVU surrenders one-half share to 1.4 (flat at #18, 6+). WAYM nearly quadrupled (+3.1) its 6+ AQH share in six straight up or flat moves (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 4.2, 6+). WFFH was a collective +1.6 in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 4.0, 6+), only to forfeit half that increase (-.8) in January. Directly prior, “The Fish” dropped approximately 47% (-2.1) of its 6+-share as a result of four down or flat moves in a row (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.2 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). In three straight negative or neutral moves, WLVU is a collective -1.0 (2.4 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.4, 6+). “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” was +.6 in December (1.8 – 2.4, 6+), following October/November’s -1.7 (3.5 – 2.6 – 1.8, 6+). Not only does iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” add eight-tenths onto January’s +1.7 to cross the seven-share mark (4.7 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+), it advances from fourth to third. Immediately prior, WSIX was down or flat six times in a row for a collective -1.5 (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+), then +2.7 in seven consecutive positive or neutral sweeps (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.2, 6+). Squandering the three-tenths it picked up in January (4.7 – 5.0 – 4.7, 6+), Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” remains at #7. WSM-FM was +1.6 in October/November (4.5 – 5.0 – 6.1, 6+) and -1.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.7, 6+). Co-owned WKDF “Nash FM 103.3,” which was a collective -1.6 in three straight downturns (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.3, 6+), ends the slide with an increase of two-tenths to 3.5 (#13 to #11, 6+). A loss of six-tenths (1.0 – .4, 6+) nudges Nashville Public Radio’s classical WFCL “91 CL” off the top twenty (#19 to #24).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Leveling off after January’s +1.2 (2.5 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” progresses from eighth to seventh. Nearly tripling (+.7) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (.4 – .6 – .8 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “News Radio 920” pushes up from #18 to #16. In nine consecutive down or flat reports, Cumulus Media’s WPRV lost a collective four-tenths (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+), but “AM 790 Talk & Business” pulls the plug with a +.1 to .4 (flat at #21, 6+).

Falling from sixth to eighth, Entercom sports talk WVEI continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in February 2019 and includes February 2020’s -.7: 4.1- 3.6 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 3.4 (6+). July’s 3.1 is its lowest 6+-stat since March 2018 (2.8).

Netting four-tenths in January/February (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” continues at #13.

After posting a positive spike of one-half share this time last month, WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (2.8, #9, 6+). Off one-tenth (.7 – .6, 6+), The Wheeler School-owned news/talk WELH “89.3 The Public’s Radio,” which was -1.3 in December, remains at #20.

Providence Music Formats – A combined +1.1 in January/February (3.9 – 4.1 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” advances from sixth to fifth. Over and above adding eight-tenths to January’s +1.4 (8.0 – 9.4 – 10.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” repeats at #1 with its best 6+-stat since June (10.2, as well). After four months in succession at #1, WHJY segued to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019, when it was -1.3. A December gain of six-tenths wiped away October/November’s loss of equal magnitude (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7, 6+). Following “Holiday” 2019’s -1.9 (8.3 – 6.4, 6+), Hall Broadcasting’s WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is +2.1 in January/February (6.4 – 7.8 – 8.5 third to second, 6+). Entering the September sweep, WCTK was a collective +1.7 in three straight improvements (7.6 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3, 6+). Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX “Hot 106” nets nine-tenths in January/February (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.6, #11 to #10, 6+). An overall -1.9 via three straight down or flat sweeps (7.6 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB suspended the streak in January with a +.1; however, “B-101” plummets by -1.0 in February (5.8 – 4.8, fifth to sixth, 6+). The four most recent fluctuations for Townsquare Media CHR WFHN “Fun 107 The Southcoast’s #1 Hit Music Station” are: +.8 (December); -.8 (“Holiday” 2019); +.7 (January 2020); and now -.5 in February (2.6 – 2.1, #10 to #11, 6+). December’s 2.7 was its strongest 6+-stat since February 2019 (3.7). Unlisted the ninth month in a row are Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3,” which posted a 1.2 in June (#16, 6+) and classic hits-oldies sibling WSKP “Good Times … Great Oldies” (.8, #19, June 2019, 6+).

Norfolk

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though it is down or flat the fifth straight time for a net loss of three-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” nonetheless pushes up from tenth to ninth.

Norfolk Music Formats – Recapturing in full the seven-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.2 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WNVZ “Z-104” progresses from seventh to fifth. After being an overall +2.7 in three spikes in succession (11.7 – 12.7 – 14.1 – 14.4, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WVKL forfeits more than half that increase (14.4 – 12.9, -1.5, 6+). Despite that loss, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is #1 the 15^th consecutive ratings period. WVKL had been the market pacesetter 25 successive times before shifting to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018. When WVKL recorded a 9.1 (6+) in August, it marked the first time since January 2014 (9.8) that the station failed to log double-digits (6+). Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in July and includes February’s -.7 (8.0 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 7.8 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI “103 Jamz” repeats in the runner-up slot. Up four-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8, 6+), jazz-formatted WHOV “Smooth 88.1 The Essence of Hampton University” forfeits one-half share to 1.3, (#11 to #13), its lowest 6+-stat since April (1.3, as well). Following January’s massive -2.0 (3.1 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV regains 10% with a +.2 to 1.3 (6+) and is in a tie at #13 (with WHOV). “MOViN’ 107.7” was +1.7 in December/“Holiday” (1.4 – 1.9 – 3.1, 6+). There’s not much January 2020 – February 2020 movement in the adult contemporary arena. Entercom’s WWDE “101.3 2WD” repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (5.2, #3, 6+), while Max Broadcast Group’s WVBW “92.9 The Wave” is up two-tenths to 3.8 (6+), yet slips from a fifth-place tie to seventh. WWDE was +8.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.3 – 6.9 – 12.4, 6+) but faltered by -7.2 in January. Immediately prior to its February +.2, “The Wave” was a collective -1.5 via three drops in a row (5.1 – 4.6 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). These three Saga Communications-owned properties are unlisted the second 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 – Notwithstanding that it is a cumulative +2.3 through three upticks in succession (8.1 – 8.3 – 9.8 – 10.4, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” segues from a tie at #1 to #2. WOKV-FM had been the market leader from July through November and is in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September (10.4, as well).

Anchored at #18, iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” follows January’s improvement of three-tenths with a February loss of four-tenths (1.2 – .8, 6+). Surrendering the one-tenth it gained via four straight up or flat moves (.3 – .4 – .4 -.4 – .4, 6+), Cox Media Group sports talk WOKV-AM “690 AM ESPN Jacksonville” exits the top twenty (.3, #20 to #22, 6+).

Public radio news/talk WJCT, which gained eight-tenths in January (2.9 – 3.7, 6+), is off three-tenths to 3.4 (6+), but repeats in tenth-place.

Jacksonville Music Formats – Storming back from January’s -8.6 with a robust +2.2 (18.4 – 9.8 – 12.0, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ is #1 the fourth ratings period in a row. It shared the lead in January with Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM (see above). In four consecutive up or flat moves, WEJZ was +11.0 (7.4 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 10.8 – 18.4, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 18.4 was the highest 6+-showing by any Jacksonville station in four years (WEJZ, 19.7, “Holiday” 2015, 6+). Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s WEZI “Easy 102.9 – adds one-half share to January’s +1.0 (4.1 – 5.1 – 5.6, seventh to sixth, 6+). WEZI’s January increase interrupted five successive downturns that accounted for a -2.8 (6.9 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.1, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 4.1 was the lowest 6+-figure for “Easy” since “Holiday” 2018 (4.0). CHR cluster-mate WAPE “Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which was an overall -2.1 as a result of seven successive sweeps without an increase (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.5, applies the brakes with a +.8 (5.3, ninth to seventh, 6+). Still in that Cox Media Group cluster, classic hits-oldies WJGL-FM “Eagle 96.9” is -1.8 in January/February (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.0, third to fifth, 6+), while urban contemporary WJGL-HD2 picks up one-half share (1.5 – 2.0, #17 to #15, 6+). WJGL-FM bounced back from December’s -.5  with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.1. Three successive improvements delivered “Eagle 96.9” a net gain of seven-tenths (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+). Three straight sweeps without a loss by iHeartMedia’s rock WWJK yielded one-half share (2.7 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.2, 6+); however, “Planet Radio 107.3” regresses by seven-tenths to 2.5 (#12 to #13, 6+). A combined +1.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (3.7 – 4.0 – 5.5, 6+), Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “99.9 Gator Country” relinquishes one-half share to 5.0 (sixth to eighth, 6+). WGNE had been within 4.1 – 4.7 range (6+) five survey periods in succession (4.3 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+) before faltering in December by eight-tenths to 3.7, its lowest 6+-stat since June (3.5). As a result of eight consecutive sweeps without an increase, Cox Media Group-owned WXXJ “X-106.5 Jacksonville’s New Alternative” is a collective -1.3 (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.6 – 1.6, #16 to #17, 6+).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – An increase of four-tenths this time last month by iHeartMedia-owned WJNO halted three straight drops that accounted for a 1.2 (4.0 – 3.7 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+); “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (3.2, #8, 6+). Co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” follows January’s half-share improvement (2.4 – 2.9, 6+) with a -1.2 and tumbles out of the top ten (1.7, #9 to #13, 6+).

Without an increase the fourth sweep in succession for a roughly 62% loss (-1.3) of its 6+ AQH share (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” drops from #16 to #20. Without a West Palm Beach loss the fourth straight time for a net gain of two-tenths (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD “610 News Radio” pushes up from #19 to #18.

The November 2019 through February 2020 topline for Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” is: .4 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 (#22 to #24, 6+).

After being -.8 (October/November, 6+); +.8 (December); and -1.0 (Holiday” 2019), Dade County School Board public radio news/talk WLRN is a combined +.9 in January/February (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.9, tenth to ninth, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – Nearly matching January’s +1.7 with a strong +1.3 (4.6 – 6.3 – 7.6, 6+), WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” jumps from fourth to second. In five setbacks in a row, the iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary outlet was an overall -2.8 (7.4 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 4.6, 6+). Its Spanish contemporary sibling, WRLX “Mia 92.1,” is in alternating down/up pattern (2.4 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.5, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #10). On the heels of January’s +1.1 (7.7 – 8.8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF “Variety from the 90s and Now” drops one-tenth to 8.7 (6+) but repeats at #1. After spending 12 ratings periods on top, WRMF slid to #2 in “Holiday” 2019 (-1.5) with its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (7.7, as well). It substituted November’s -.6 with December’s +.6  (9.2 – 8.6 – 9.2, 6+). Co-owned urban AC WMBX “X-102.3,” which logged a +1.8 this time last month (5.0 – 6.8, 6+), craters by -2.3 to 4.5 (third to fourth, 6+). Only Atlantic Gateway Communications’ Washington, DC  contemporary Christian WGTS “91.9 Christian Music Radio” had a greater (6+) January 2020 – February 2020 decrease (7.2 – 4.7, -2.5, 6+). Still in that Hubbard Broadcasting cluster, WIRK “New Country 103.1” posts its fourth drop in a row for an overall loss of -1.8 and falls below a four-share (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.7, flat at #6, 6+). Off six-tenths are iHeartMedia classic rock and CHR siblings WKGR “Gater 98.7” (4.4, unchanged at #5, 6+) and WHYI “Y-100” (1.6, #11 to #15, 6+). WKGR had been a collective +1.9 in three upticks in a row (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+), while “Y-100” was up four-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+). The three most recent shifts by iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM – Joven Como Tu” are: -.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +.9 (January 2020); and now -.5 in February (1.8 – 1.3, #13 to #16, 6+).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding eight-tenths to January’s +.9 (3.0 – 3.9 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” moves from ninth to eighth.

Unlisted in January, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” reappears with a .7 (#15, 6+); it had a .6 (#15, 6+) in “Holiday” 2019.

Repeating in tenth-place, Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD follows January’s +.9 with a gain of three-tenths (2.1 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+). Posting a repetitive December 2019 through February 2020 topline of 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 (6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill public radio news/talk WUNC slips from #13 to #14.

Greensboro Music Formats – In addition to being a combined +1.2 in January/February (6.9 – 7.0 – 8.1 fifth to third, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH “102 Jamz” crosses the eight-share mark (8.1, 6+) for the first time since June 2018 (8.2). Improving by seven-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG (8.1, steady at #3, 6+) and co-owned rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up” (3.0, #12 to #11, 6+). Following its “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1, WMAG cratered by approximately 54% (-8.8) of its 6+ AQH share (16.2 – 7.4, 6+). Directly prior, four successive spikes netted WMAG a +9.9 (6.3 – 6.4 – 7.5 – 10.2 – 16.2, 6+). In six successive down or flat moves, WVBZ was an overall -2.5 (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+). That directly followed five straight improvements that accounted for a +2.3 (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). The internet stream of Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” pops on with a .7 (#15, 6+). The combination of urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” posting a +.6 (10.5, second to first, 6+) and adult hits WSMW eroding by -1.5 (10.4 – 8.9, first to second, 6+) results in the Entercom cluster-mates swapping places. Owing to three straight setbacks, WQMG was 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. An overall +3.1 as a result of four up or flat sweeps in a row (8.8 – 9.5 – 10.9 – 10.9 – 11.9, 6+), “Simon” hit the eleven-share level (11.9, November 2019, 6+) for the first time since February 2018 (11.4). Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: +.9 (January 2019); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); -1.6 (April); +1.1 (May); +.5 (June); -1.0 (July); +.7 (August); +1.4 (September); +1.0 (November); -1.2 (December); -2.2 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.9 (January 2020); and -1.5 (February). The market’s two country rivals are now separated by one share (6+): Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” is 5.5 – 5.2 (-.3, flat at #7, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” is 4.6 – 4.2 (-.4, eighth to ninth, 6+). Both were down six-tenths in December and up six-tenths in January. Over the course of the last 23 sweeps (June 2018 through February 2020), WTQR has triumphed over WPAW 12 times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, May, July, November, and December); WPAW has come out on top on nine occasions (December 2018, February 2019, March, April, August, September, “Holiday” 2019, January 2020, and February); and there have been two ties (June 2019 and October 2019).

Memphis

Spoken-Word Formats – Up seven-tenths in January/February 2019, iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” climbs from seventh to sixth (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+) and reaches the five-share level for the first time since September’s 5.2.

Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” is in a down/up/down pattern (3.5 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). Co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790” regains the two-tenths it lost in January (.3 – .1 – .3, flat at #20, 6+).

Memphis Music Formats – Not only does Cumulus Media urban-rhythmic oldies WRBO bounce back from January’s loss of two-tenths with an increase four times that magnitude to cross the nine-share mark (8.3 – 9.1, 6+), “103.5 The Best Mix of R&B” marches from a second-place tie to first. Entering the January sweep, WRBO was +1.4 In three straight spikes (7.1 – 7.3 – 7.9 – 8.5, 6+). This is its best 6+-performance since April (9.1, as well). Dislodged from the top spot after 16 consecutive times there is iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101,” -1.7 in five down or flat reports in succession (10.5 – 10.5 – 9.7 – 9.4 – 9.2 – 8.8, first to second, 6+). Its October +1.0 more than counteracted August/September’s -.6 (10.1 – 9.8 – 9.5, 6+). By gaining one-tenth to 3.3 (flat at #11, 6+), co-owned WEGR “Rock 102.7” suspends three successive downturns that led to a -1.3 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). As Entercom’s country-formatted WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” gains one-half share and enters the top ten (3.5, #12 to #10, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WGKX “Today’s Best Country Kix 106” falters by that same margin (4.0 – 3.5, -.5, ninth to tenth 6+). WLFP and WGKX are tied in tenth-place and were deadlocked at #9 in October. In four straight negative or neutral sweeps, “The Wolf” was -1.2 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). “Kix” 106” was -1.7 in December/“Holiday 2019” (4.8 – 4.4 – 3.1, 6+) and then +.9 in January. Directly prior, it gained +1.4 in five successive sweeps without a loss (3.4 – 3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). In addition to WLFP, iHeartMedia’s WDIA “1070 The Heart & Soul of Memphis” improves by one-half share, as it nets eight-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.9 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.7, steady at #13, 6+). Including -1.1 in February, Entercom hot AC WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” continues an alternating up/down pattern (3.9 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 3.8, sixth to eighth, 6+). A combined -3.3 in January/February (9.0 – 6.3 – 5.7, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate WRVR “104.5 The River” repeats in fifth-place. Directly prior to January, WRVR was +2.5 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 7.2 – 9.0, 6+). After being off six-tenths in December and then +1.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (6.5 – 7.0 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned gospel WHAL “Hallelujah 95.7 – Memphis’ Inspiration Station” forfeits one-half share to 7.8 (second to third, 6+).

Hartford

Spoken-Word Formats – Up one-half share in January/February (5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2, 6+), Entercom-owned  WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” progresses from sixth to fifth. This was preceded by four successive down or flat reports resulting in a -1.7 (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 5.7, 6+). Anchored at #13, Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” counters January’s -.1 with an increase of two-tenths (.6 – .8, 6+). Following 21 straight times of notching a .1 (6+), iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” records a .2 (#17 to #16, 6+).

WPOP’s sports talk cluster-mate, WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford,” has a June 2019 through February 2020 topline of: 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.8 (#11 to #12, 6+).

Adding one-half share to January’s +.6 (3.5 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” continues in ninth-place. Flat at #14, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” surrenders the one-tenth it gained in January (.3 – .4 – .3, 6+).

Hartford Music Formats – A February +1.1 enables Entercom rhythmic CHR WZMX to zoom from eighth to fourth; “Hot 93.7” is +1.3 in January/February (5.1 – 5.3 – 6.4, 6+). Down or flat the past four sweeps for an overall loss of eight-tenths (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 ends the slide with a +.5 to 2.1 (#12 to #11, 6+). A combined +8.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.8 – 11.5 – 18.4, 6+) and -7.7 in January to 10.7 (6+), Entercom adult contemporary WRCH “Lite 100.5” gains three-tenths (11.0, #1 the 45^th consecutive time, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 18.4 is the best 6+-showing of any Hartford station since WRCH’s 18.0 in “Holiday” 2018. Ten of its recent (6+) shifts include: -6.9 (January 2019); +1.0 (February); -1.0 (March); -1.3 (April); +1.0 (May); -1.0 (July); +1.2 (September); +1.7 (December); +6.9 (“Holiday” 2019); and -7.7 (January 2020). On the heels of its January +1.9 (5.5 – 7.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKSS “Kiss 95.7 All The Hits” relinquishes all but six-tenths (6.1, -1.3, third to sixth, 6+). Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC-FM” is in an alternating up/down pattern that includes February’s +.9 (6.2 – 7.3 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 5.5, fifth to eighth, 6+). Despite not having an increase the eighth time in succession for a net loss of two-tenths (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WNTY “Kool Radio – Good Times/Great Oldies” advances from #15 to #14.

February 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Three

February 2020 PPM Data – Information for the February 2020 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus; a technical glitch has affected the Las Vegas report. Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 survey period covered January 30 – February 26. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Portland

Spoken Word Formats – Down eight tenths in “Holiday” 2019 and then bouncing back with a January 2020 half-share increase, Alpha Media-owned news/talk KXL “FM News 101 – Stay Connected” drops two-tenths (5.1 – 4.9, fifth to fourth, 6+). Despite logging its sixth straight up or flat trend for a net gain of one-half share (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KEX “News Radio 1190 – Depend On Us” backslides from #17 to #18. After gaining four-tenths in January, Alpha Media news/talk KUFO “Freedom 970” sheds three tenths in February (1.5 – 1.2, flat at #22, 6+). Unchanged at #28, Salem Media Group’s KPAM “AM 860 The Answer” is without an increase the fifth time in a row for a net loss of just one-tenth (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in September (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.2 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+), Alpha Media sports talk KXTG “The Game” repeats at #21. Entercom’s similarly-formatted KFXX “1080 The Fan” is down a collective four-tenths in five successive negative or neutral trends (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), yet advances from #23 to #22. Returning January’s increase of two-tenths (7 – .9 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” is flat at #24.

Surrendering half of January’s +.6 (8.5 – 8.2, -.3, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB segues from a first-place tie to the runner-up slot. On top in October, KOPB has been -2.0 (February/March); +.6 (April); -.9 (May); +.5 (August); +1.1 (October); -.6 (November); and +.6 (January 2020).

Portland Music Formats – From different ends of the musical spectrum, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KXJM “Jam’n 107.5” (#15 to #10) and All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” (#16 to #12) each boast February 2020 increases of nine-tenths. KXJM is +1.0 in January/February (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.7, 6+), while KQAC halts four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a net loss of seven-tenths (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” (6.1, fourth to third, 6+) and Entercom’s KNRK “94.7 Alternative Portland” (#14 to #10). Immediately prior, KLTH had been an overall -3.1 in three downturns in a row (8.5 – 7.1 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+). “The Eagle” had a November-only stay at #1. KNRK has been within 3.0 – 3.7 range in each of the last ten survey periods (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). Off seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (2.9 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate KRSK “105.1 The Buzz” jumps one-half share to 2.7 (#20 to #19, 6+). Albeit down one-tenth (8.5 – 8.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103” is #1 the fourth sweep in succession. It shared the lead in January with public radio news/talk KOPB (see above). 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. “K-103” was on top in July, August, and September, before slipping to #2 in October. In three straight bumps, Entercom-owned KGON was a combined +1.5 (3.1 – 3.8 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), but “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” drops two-tenths to 4.4 (6+). Even so, KGON progresses from ninth to sixth. This particular positive streak directly followed four straight decreases that accounted for an overall -2.8 (5.9 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 3.8 – 3.1, 6+). Five recent (6+) shifts for its adult hits sibling KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” include: +.6 (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.7, September/October 6+); -1.1 (5.7 – 4.8 – 4.6, November/December 6+); +2.1 (4.6 – 6.7, “Holiday” 2019, 6+); -.8 (January 2020); and now -1.2 in February (5.9 – 4.7, third to fifth, 6+). A combined +2.5 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (2.4 – 3.0 – 4.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” surrenders 28% of that increase (4.2, -.7, sixth to ninth, 6+). After logging a January improvement of seven-tenths, Alpha Media CHR KBFF “Live 95.5” regresses by one-half share (4.2 – 4.9 – 4.4, flat at #6, 6+). “Live 95.5” was off eight-tenths via three drops in a row (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +1.8 in January/February, Entercom news/talk WBT crosses the five-share level and advances from eighth to sixth (3.5 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+).

Co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” repeats January’s 1.4 (6+), but slips from #17 to #18.

Steady at #15, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE adds one-tenth to January’s +.6 (2.0 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+).

Charlotte Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia classic rock WRFX stack a +1.1 onto January’s increase of four-tenths (6.4 – 6.8 – 7.9, 6+), “99.7 The Fox” repeats at #1. Directly prior, “The Fox” had been an overall -1.9 via three straight setbacks (8.3 – 8.2 – 7.3 – 6.4, 6+). WRFX was ousted from the top spot in December, after three successive months there. November’s decrease halted four consecutive improvements that accounted for a +2.9 (5.4 – 6.4 – 6.7 – 7.5 – 8.3, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations for adult hits sibling WLKO “102.9 The Lake” are: +.7 (September/October); -.5 (November); +.8 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.0 (January 2020); and now +.5 in February (6.7 – 7.2, unchanged at #2, 6+). Alternative cluster-mate WEND hauls out a February +1.1 as well with “106.5 The End” crossing the four-share level and entering the top ten (3.2 – 4.3, #14 to #10, 6+). A loss of seven-tenths to 4.7 (seventh to eighth, 6+) by Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF “105.3 RnB” completely erases the overall +.7 it accumulated through four straight up or flat trends (4.7 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). Unchanged in ninth-place, Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG “Power 98” is without an increase the third month in a row for a net loss of six-tenths (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Within 2.0 – 2.3 range (6+) in each of the last five sweeps (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+), Davidson College’s WDAV “89.9 Classical Public Radio” falters by one-half share to 1.6 (flat at #16, 6+). Finishing at fifth and seventh, respectively, are Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” (5.9 – 5.5, -.4, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” (5.5 – 5.2, -.3, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, WSOC was -1.2, while WKKT was -1.1; both were +1.0 in January. WSOC has been -1.5 (June/July); +.8 (August); -1.2 (September/October); +1.5 (November); -1.0 (December) -1.2 (“Holiday” 2019); and +1.0 (January 2020). In advance of August/September’s -1.1 (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+), “The Kat” was a collective +1.3 via five successive positive or neutral moves (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+).

 San Antonio

Spoken-Word Formats – Supplementing January’s +.4 with a February increase of six-tenths (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WOAI “News Radio 1200 – San Antonio’s News, Traffic, & Weather” (Spurs) carries on in third-place. Alpha Media news/talk KTSA “Stay Connected” improves by one-tenth (1.5 – 1.6, 6+) and one ranker (#22 to #21).

Likewise, Alpha Media sports talk KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” gains one-tenth (.5 – .6, 6+) and one ranker  (#29 to #28). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” is flat at .5 (6+) and remains at #29.

A combined +.7 in January/February (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+) after December/“Holiday” 2019’s -.8 (3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX progresses from #15 to #14.

San Antonio Music Formats – Jumping eight-tenths (each) are Cox Media Group-owned KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” (5.8 – 6.6, steady at #2); co-owned KISS “Rocks San Antonio” (3.7 – 4.5, #11 to #5, 6+); and classic rock cluster-mate KTKX “106.7 The Eagle” (4.1, #13 to #9). Recent (6+) “Y-100” shifts include: +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.6 (March); +.6 (May); -.5 (July); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.1 (January 2020); and +.8 (February). Without an increase four successive sweeps for an overall -1.6 (4.8 – 4.6 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+), KISS ended the slide in January with a half-share increase. “The Eagle” curtails three straight downturns that accounted for a -.9 (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+). Down or flat the past four ratings periods for a net loss of -1.8 (5.5 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), hot AC sibling KSMG “Magic 105.3” posts a +.4 to 4.1 and reenters the top ten (#11 to #9). In the Univision Radio cluster, rhythmic hot AC KVBH “Vibe 107.5” (#17 to #16) and Spanish contemporary sibling KMYO “Latino Mix 95.1” (#20 to #17) each improve by six-tenths. KVBH is up seven-tenths in January/February (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9, 6+), while KMYO gains eight-tenths in the same period (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+). An overall -1.3 in four straight down or flat reports, (4.6 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), Alpha Media CHR KTFM “Energy 94.1” pulls the plug with a +.3 to 3.6 (steady at #13, 6+). The three latest shifts by Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet KONO-FM are -1.8 (“Holiday” 2019); +.8 (January 2020); and -.7 in February (7.5 – 6.8, 6+). Nonetheless, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. KONO-FM was the market leader ten ratings periods in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2019. Prior to that sweep, KONO-FM was a cumulative +1.8 in four consecutive spikes (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.8 – 8.2 – 8.5, 6+). Having more than doubled (+2.9) its 6+ AQH share in three straight up or flat moves (2.4 – 2.4 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” spirals by -1.6 to 3.7 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#4 to #12). A combined +1.1 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary KZEP “104.5 Latino Hits” has that increase evaporate with a February -1.2 (2.6, #10 to #17, 6+). The seven-tenths that Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” picked up in January vanishes in its entirety (5.1 – 4.4, -.7, fifth to seventh, 6+). A loss of one-half share sends regional Mexican cluster-mate KSAH below a two-share (1.6, #19 to #20, 6+). “Norteno 104.1” had been within 2.0 – 2.6 territory (6+) in each of the last eight sweeps.

Sacramento

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of January’s robust +2.7 to 8.6 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFBK sheds two-tenths to 8.4 (6+). At this time last month, “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” was in a first-place tie but it now has sole possession of the lead. Flat at 2.2 (6+), following January’s +.7, co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” slips from #14 to #15.

Despite losing three-tenths in January/February (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk KIFM-AM “ESPN Radio 1320” proceeds from #19 to #18. Off one-tenth in January/February (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+), Bonneville’s KHTK “Sports 1140” (Kings) repeats January’s market rank (#21). These two sports talkers were tied in July, August, and October.

After picking up three-tenths in January, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ relinquishes all of it (4.4 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+) and slips from seventh to eighth. December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history.

Sacramento Music Formats – When KZZO “Now 100.5 Today’s Best Hits” notched an increase of two-tenths in January, it suspended three straight decreases that led to a -1.8 (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.6, 6+). The Bonneville hot AC tacks on nine-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and jumps from #13 to #11. Chalking up a February +.9 as well is Entercom-owned KRXQ “98 Rock” (fifth to fourth), which is +1.4 via three straight upticks (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 6.2, 6+). Whereas iHeartMedia adult contemporary KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” posts a +.6 (4.2 – 4.8, ninth to seventh, 6+), Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KYMX “Mix 96” falters by -1.0 (fourth to sixth). “The Breeze” has been a combined +.9 (August/September); -.9 (October); +.6 (November); -.8 (December/“Holiday” 2019); and +1.1 (January/February). Through four consecutive spikes, “Mix” tripled (+8.4) its 6+ AQH share (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 6.1 – 12.6, 6+), with 12.6 representing its largest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 13.8. While it was #1 in “Holiday” 2019, KYMX is -7.6 in January/February  (12.6 – 6.0 – 5.0, 6+). In the 17 reports since KBEB’s format switch from country to AC in mid-November 2018, “Mix” has prevailed 15 times; “The Breeze” has come on top once (September, 4.8 to 4.2, 6+); and the two AC rivals were tied in November 2019. In addition to KBEB, its classic rock sibling, KYRV “93.7 The River,” improves by six-tenths (5.1, eighth to fifth, 6+) as well. The increase suspends three straight losses that led to a -.6 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). In three successive bumps, KSFM was +1.8 and crossed the four-share level (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 4.9, 6+), but the Entercom-owned rhythmic CHR regresses by eight-tenths to 4.1 (sixth to ninth, 6+). Even though Entravision Spanish adult hits KXSE logs its sixth up or flat report in succession for an overall increase of nine-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+),“La Suavecita 104.3” slips from #15 to #16. Mirroring iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK’s (6+) January 5.9 – 8.6, +2.7, third to first move (see above), Bonneville-owned KNCI “New Country 105.1” surrenders one-half share to 8.1 (6+) and shifts from a first-place tie to the runner-up slot. KNCI had a December-only stay at #1, as it plummeted by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019. Entering the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, “New Country 105.1” was up or flat three times in a row for a net gain of one-half share (6.9 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). Owing to five sweeps in a row without an increase, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” is a cumulative -1.7 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8, #12 to #13, 6+). After doubling (+1.3) its 6+-stat through three consecutive gains (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+), Lotus Communications regional Mexican KVMX-FM “La Ranchera” is now an overall -1.4 in three drops in a row (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.5 – 1.2, flat at #18, 6+).

Pittsburgh

Spoken-Word Formats – Steady in ninth-place, Entercom’s KDKA-AM “News Radio 1020” tacks on three-tenths to January’s +.9 (3.1 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+).

On the heels of January’s +1.5, co-owned sports talk KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” forfeits four-tenths (7.9 – 7.5, 6+) but carries on in fourth-place. Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned WBGG 970 AM – ESPN Pittsburgh” repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.2, #20, 6+).

Returning the three-tenths it added in January (3.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), Essential Public Media news/talk WESA “90.5 Pittsburgh’s NPR Station” dips from ninth to tenth.

Pittsburgh Music Formats – Tacking seven-tenths onto January’s +1.2 (3.1 – 4.3 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom-owned WDSY “Pittsburgh’s Country Y-108” progresses from eighth to sixth. Entering the January sweep, “Y-108” was a combined -2.1 in three straight drops (5.2 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 3.1, 6+). That immediately followed a +1.0 in three up or flat shifts in succession (4.2 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country” is a combined +1.2 in January/February (1.9 – 2.7 – 3.1, #12 to #11). “Big 104.7” faltered by one-half share to 1.9 (“Holiday” 2019, 6+), halting 13 successive survey periods of posting a 6+-stat within 2.3 – 2.9 range. Answering January’s -5.4 (13.6 – 8.2, 6+) with a February improvement of one-half share to 8.7 (6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet WWSW “94.5 3WS” is #1 the third time in a row. WWSW occupied the runner-slot three months in succession before proceeding to #1 (with a +5.0) in “Holiday” 2019. Immediately prior to the October sweep, “3WS” spent three successive months on top. A combined –2.6 in January/February (7.6 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+), Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WSHH drops from fifth to sixth. When “Wish 99.7” picked up four-tenths in December, it halted six consecutive sweeps without an increase that resulted in an overall -1.7 (6.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Flat at #11, Entercom hot AC WBZZ “Star 100.7” is a collective  -1.4 via three consecutive down or flat reports (4.5 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+).

Salt Lake City

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding two-tenths to January’s +.9 (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KNRS “Talk Radio 105.9 – Listen And You’ll Know” is unchanged at #7. KNRS was +2.0 (3.2 – 5.2, November, 6+); -1.0 to 4.2 (6+) in December; and -.1 to 4.1 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019. It has a three-tenths advantage over Bonneville’s KSL “News Radio 102.7 FM & 1160 AM” (5.0 – 4.9, -.1, seventh to eighth, 6+). The two were tied in January, when KSL logged a +1.0. Entering the January sweep, KSL was a collective -2.4 in three successive decreases (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 4.0, 6+); KSL was +2.4 in October (4.0 – 6.4, 6+). Cumulus Media-owned KKAT “860 AM – Utah’s Big Talker” has nearly tripled (+.5) its 6+ AQH share since “Holiday” 2019 (.3 – .6 – .8, flat at #18, 6+).

Up seven-tenths in January/February (1.7 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+), University of Utah news/talk KUER remains at #15.

Salt Lake City Music Formats – Off eight-tenths this time last month (4.6 – 3.8, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KENZ recoups one-half share (4.3, +.5, 6+) and continues at #11. “Power 94.9 Utah’s New Hit Music” was a combined +1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.1 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+). Jumping one-half share as well in February is Brigham Young University’s KBYU “Classical 89,” which is a combined +.9 in January/February (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.2, flat at #16, 6+). Tied in fourth place are iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “My-99.5” (5.8 – 5.5, -.3, third to fourth, 6+) and its format rival, Capital Broadcasting’s KBZN “Now 97.9 Today’s Best Music” (5.5, -.1, flat at #4, 6+). KJMY’s January +2.1 demolished its overall -2.2 through five setbacks in a row (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 3.7, 6+). KBZN was down eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 and +1.4 in January (4.2 – 5.6). Following January’s -12.6 (21.1 – 8.5, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KSFI erodes by another nine-tenths to 7.6 (6+), but “FM 100.3 Better Music/Better Work Day” is #1 the sixth successive sweep. Entering the January ratings period, KSFI was a collective +14.8 via four consecutive upticks (6.3 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 11.0 – 21.1, 6+) and was the only PPM-market station to reach the 20-share level (21.1, 6+) in “Holiday” 2019. Moreover, KSFI was the only PPM-market outlet to accomplish that feat in “Holiday” 2018 (21.8, 6+); “Holiday” 2017 (23.2, 6+); “Holiday” 2016 (20.6, 6+); and “Holiday” 2015 (21.4, 6+). Three consecutive down or flat reports by Listeners Community Radio triple A KRCL led to a loss of two-tenths (.7 – .6 – .5 – .5, 6+); however, “90.9 Community Connection – Music Discovery” picks up two-tenths to .7 (unchanged at #19, 6+). After dropping one-half share as a result of four straight sweeps without an increase (.8 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .3, 6+), independent KSOP-AM “1370 – Utah’s Home For Classic Country” ends the slide with a one-tenth gain to .4 (6+) and continues at #21. These Broadway Media stations are unlisted the 15^th  sweep in a row: adult hits KYMV; alternative KXRK; CHR KUDD; country KEGA; and rhythmic CHR KUUU.

Orlando

Spoken-Word Formats – Piling on a +.5 to January’s increase of eight-tenths (3.3 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Cox Media Group’s WDBO-FM “News 96.5,” which was -.7 in “Holiday” 2019, progresses from tenth to ninth. WDBO-FM is two-tenths ahead of iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WTKS  (4.6 – 4.4, -.2, seventh to tenth, 6+). “Real Radio 104.1 – We Say What We Want” was -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019) and then +1.2 (January 2020). A combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019, co-owned WFLF “News Radio Orlando” expunges 90% of that shortfall with a January/February +.9 (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.3, #15 to #13, 6+).

Tied at #18 are Cox Media Group sports talk WDBO-AM “ESPN 580 Orlando and iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted (Magic flagship) WYGM “FM 96.9 The Game – Orlando’s Sports Leader.” WDBO-AM returns the two-tenths it gained in January (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.2, #17 to #18, 6+), while “The Game” is up three-tenths in January/February (.9 – 1.1 – 1.2, #20 to #18, 6+).

On the heels of January’s +.7 (2.6 – 3.3, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” drops one-tenth to 3.2 (flat at #14, 6+).

Orlando Music Formats – Progressing by eight-tenths (each) are Cox Media Group’s WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” (5.4 – 6.2, unchanged at #5, 6+) and rhythmic CHR sibling WPYO “Power 95.3 Orlando’s New #1 For All The Hits”  (4.5 – 5.3, ninth to sixth, 6+). In January, WMMO regained the one-half share it squandered in “Holiday” 2019. Meanwhile, “Power” was -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+) and +.7 in January. Major ups/down continue for Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s,” which – despite being off eight-tenths – repeats at #1 (9.2 – 8.4, 6+). WOCL ballooned by +3.1 through four consecutive (April through August) spikes (7.9 – 9.0 – 9.4 – 10.8 – 11.0, 6+); was -2.5 in September/October (11.0 – 9.5 – 8.5, 6+); +.6 (November); -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (9.1 – 9.0 – 8.0, 6+); +1.2 (January 2020); and now -.8 (February). Before segueing to the runner-up slot in December, “Sunny” was #1 seven straight sweeps. A loss of one-half share (3.4 – 2.9, #13 to #15, 6+) by cluster-mate WQMP sends “FM 101.9 Orlando’s New Alternative” to its lowest 6+-showing since July (2.9, as well). Continuing in third-place, iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM “Rumba 100.3” is down or flat the third consecutive time for a net loss of -1.0 (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+). Conversely, CHR cluster-mate WXXL “XL-106.7,” which was -1.4 via three sweeps in succession without an increase (7.5 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.1, 6+), ends the slide with a +.3 to 6.4 (flat at #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 third time in a row.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia news/talk WLW is +1.2 in January/February (7.1 – 8.1 – 8.3, 6+), directly following a -3.6 through five straight down or flat moves (10.7 – 10.7 – 9.8 – 8.7 – 7.5 – 7.1, 6+). Three straight drops by co-owned WKRC accounted for a net loss of one-half share (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.6, October through “Holiday” 2019, 6+), but “55 KRC The Talk Station” obliterates that loss with a January/February +1.2 (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.8, tenth to ninth, 6+).

Sports talk cluster-mate WCKY “Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530” has its 6+ AQH share carved in half (-.8) via four straight sweeps without an increase (1.6 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8, #17 to #19, 6+). The extremely consistent April 2019 through February 2020 topline for co-owned WSAI “Fox Sports 1360” is: .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 (steady at #23, 6+).

This is the sixth sweep in a row without an increase for Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU, which has lost eight-tenths in that timeframe (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1, #14 to #17, 6+).

Cincinnati Music Formats – Within 1.0 – 1.8 range (6+) in each of the last 11 survey periods, Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WGUC “Classical 90.9” breaks out a +1.6 to 2.7 (#17 to #14, 6+). Nearly wiping away January’s loss of nine-tenths with a February +.8 (3.2 – 2.3 – 3.1, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WIZF “101.1 The Wiz” jumps from #15 to #13. Adding six-tenths to January’s +1.9 (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WUBE “Get Your Country On B-105.1” repeats at #3. WUBE had been an overall -2.3 in three drops in succession (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.0 – 5.0, 6+). A collective -1.9 via five successive sweeps without an increase (4.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WEBN “Cincinnati’s Rock Station” applies the brakes with a +.4 to 3.2 (flat at #12, 6+). After flaunting a January +2.8 to 11.3 (6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” forfeits nearly half that bounty (10.1, -1.2, 6+) but repeats at #1. Entering the January sweep, WGRR lost a collective nine-tenths in three consecutive down or flat moves (9.4 – 9.3 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). It was #1 in eight of 2019’s 13 ratings periods: The exceptions were January, August, September, October, and “Holiday” 2019. The station WGRR replaced at #1 – co-owned adult contemporary WRRM – is a combined -7.6 in January/February (13.1 – 6.2 – 5.5, fourth to fifth, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, “Warm 98.5” 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. Four consecutive significant upticks by Grant County Broadcasters’ WNKN generated a collective +3.3 (2.1 – 2.9 – 4.1 – 4.7 – 5.4, 6+). “Classic Country” sputters by one-half share to 4.9 (6+) but remains in sixth-place.

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – Recent (6+) fluctuations by iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” include: -.6 (March); +.9 (April); -.7 (May); +.5 (June); +.5 (July); +1.1 (August); -.7 (September) -.7 (October); -.6 (November); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.1 (January 2020); and now +.5 in February (5.3 – 5.8, steady at #8, 6+). Radio One’s WZAK-HD3 debuted in print in November and had a topline of .6 – 1.2 – 1.5 (6+); WZAK-HD3 is unlisted the second straight month. After recording a .9 (6+) in four successive sweeps, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer, News-Opinion-Insight” is unlisted as well. WHK was unlisted in July, August, and September, resurfacing in print in October.

Following January’s increase of two-tenths (4.7 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WKRK spirals by -1.3 and exits the top ten (3.6, #9 to #11). “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” was -1.4 in “Holiday” 2019, after more than doubling (+3.1) its 6+ AQH share via six successive increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 5.3 – 5.7 – 6.1, 6+).

Not only does WCPN tack on two-tenths to January’s +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), the Ideastream-owned public radio news/talk outlet enters the top ten (#11 to #9).

Cleveland Music Formats – Powered by a +1.1 (7.2 – 8.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies WMJI “Majic 105.7 – Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” zooms from fifth to second. On top three consecutive months, WMJI was dislodged in December. Recent (6+) “Majic” shifts include: +1.0 (March); -1.0 (April); -.6 (July); -1.0 (August); +.8 (September); +.8 (November); -.6 (December); +2.0 (Holiday” 2019); -3.6 (January 2020); and +1.1 (February). One-half share ahead of WMJI is co-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s #1 For New Country,” which drops seven-tenths (9.5 – 8.8, 6+) but repeats at #1. Its five most recent (6+) shifts are: +.9 (November); -.7 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +2.3 (January 2020); and -.7 (February). A combined -4.1 in January/February (11.8 – 8.3 – 7.7, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” falls from second to fourth. On top in December and “Holiday” 2019, “Star” had been without a loss four straight sweeps for an overall +5.2 (6.6 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 9.0 – 11.8, 6+). Flat at #13, Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” has lost roughly half (-2.4) its 6+ AQH share as a result of five straight decreases (5.0 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+).

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Returning 30% of January’s +1.0 (5.6 – 5.3, -.3, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather” slips from third to fifth. KMBZ-FM was -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+). Co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” adds three-tenths to January’s +.2 (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+) and inches up from #19 to #18. While it remains at #20, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” drops two-two-tenths to 1.4 (6+), thus snapping at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted six-tenths (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.6, 6+).

A combined +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (3.6 – 3.9 – 4.8, 6+), Union Broadcasting’s WHB “Sports Radio 810” surrenders seven-tenths to 4.1 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Off four-tenths (3.0 – 2.6, 6+), directly after being a combined +.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (2.2 – 2.7 – 3.0, 6+), Entercom-owned KCSP “610 Sports Radio” drops from #14 to #15.

In addition to doubling January’s gain of two-tenths (3.7 – 4.1, +.4, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR enters the top ten (#12 to #9). KCUR was +.6 (November); -.6 (December); and -.6 (“Holiday” 2019).

Kansas City Music Formats – Purging the -1.8 that resulted through three straight negative reports (6.7 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.9, 6+) with a February +1.9 (seventh to third), Carter Broadcast Corporation urban contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” has its best 6+-stat (6.8) since September’s 7.0. On top the third straight time, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is nonetheless -3.8 in January/February (12.8 – 10.0 – 9.0, 6+). KCMO-FM was a combined +4.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.6 – 9.3 – 12.8, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 12.8 marked the first time the station reached double-digits (6+) since “Holiday” 2017 (10.4). Recent (6+) fluctuations for “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” include: +1.2 (February 2019); +1.1 (March); +1.3 (June); -.6 (August); +.6 (October); +.7 (December); +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019); -2.8 (January 2020); and -1.0 (February). As a result of three straight sweeps without an increase, Entercom-owned KQRC “98.9 The Rock” has lost six-tenths (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.2, #12 to #13, 6+). Co-owned alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” is in an alternating down/up pattern that began in October (2.2 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.5 – 2.2, #16 to #19, 6+). January’s 2.5 was the best 6+-stat for “The Buzz” since its 2.6 in July. Despite being down or flat the sixth time in a row for an overall -1.2 (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KCJK “105.1 The X – Kansas City’s Rock Alternative” reenters the top twenty (#21 to #20). The market’s three country players are separated by 1.2 shares (6+). Specifically, Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” is up three-tenths, remaining in third place (5.6 – 5.9, 6+); Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf” drops two-tenths, slipping from sixth to seventh (5.0 – 4.8, 6+); and like its Steel City Media cluster-mate KFKF, KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country” notches a gain of three-tenths (4.4 – 4.7, ninth to eighth, 6+). In January, WDAF improved by eight-tenths and KBEQ posted a half-share increase; KFKF regressed by seven-tenths.

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – Repeating in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” is an overall +2.6 through three straight upticks (6.0 – 6.1 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+).

Continuing an alternating down/up pattern that began in October (7.0 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+), Tegna’s WBNS-FM “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” slips from fourth to fifth. Co-owned/similarly formatted WBNS-AM posts a .2 the sixth successive time and continues at #15.

After logging a January +1.4 (2.9 – 4.3, 6+), Ohio State University public radio news/talk WOSU forfeits three-tenths to 4.0 (fifth to seventh, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – A collective +5.6 in three straight upticks (3.8 – 3.9 – 5.9 – 9.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WODC surrendered a -5.3 in January. Storming back with a February +1.1 to 5.3 (6+), “93.3 The Bus” rides from sixth to fourth. WODC was -4.1 (January 2019); +.9 (May); -.5 (June); +1.0 (July); -.9 (August); -.5 (September); +2.0 (December); +3.5 (“Holiday” 2019); -5.2 (January 2020); and +1.1 (February). As a result of four consecutive sweeps without a decrease, One Connection Media Group contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” nets a +1.2 (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.6, steady at #8, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing (3.6) since May (4.3). Up four-tenths (9.8 -10.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WCOL “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” repeats at #1. Following 25 consecutive ratings periods at #1, WCOL segued to #3 in “Holiday” 2019. By logging a 9.8 (6+) in December, WCOL failed to reach double-digits (6+) for the first time since June 2017. Sample (6+) WCOL fluctuations include: +.8 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.2 (April); -1.3 (May); -.6 (June); -.8 (October); -1.1 (December); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2019); and +2.1 (January 2020). Trending down/up/down (3.3 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 2.5, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WZCB “106.7 The Beat” carries on in ninth-place. Tied at #9 with WZCB is Radio One’s WCKX “Power 107.5,” which is an overall -1.2 through six straight down or flat reports (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). For the second month in a row, the following 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.”