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Thursday, May 28, 2020
PPM Analysis: The Coronavirus Impact. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents augmented analysis of Nielsen Audio’s April 2020 PPM ratings with a look at how spoken-word stations performed (based on weekly, 6+ AQH share data). During the April survey, Washington, DC was the strongest spoken-word market with its stations combining for a 28 share. Boston was close behind with a 27.6 share and San Jose followed in third place with a 25.5 share. PPM markets showing the most improvement from the March survey to the April survey were led by Milwaukee (+4.6 shares), New York (+3.8 shares), and Salt Lake City (+3.6 shares). Conversely, markets that lost the most spoken-word share were Kansas City (-1.6 shares), Hartford (-1.4 shares), and Raleigh (-1.3 shares). See Mike Kinosian’s entire report here.
Re-Opening Across America, Statistics & Projections, Trump vs Twitter, Minneapolis Protests, China’s Hong Kong Policy, and Michael Flynn Case Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/27). The gradual re-opening of the economy in states across the nation; the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the death toll, and projections for future cases; President Trump threatens executive action against Twitter for ‘fact-checking’ his tweet; protesters clash with police in Minneapolis in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd at the hands of police; China continues its aggressive policies in Hong Kong; and the process of “unmasking” is reviewed in the wake of the Michael Flynn case were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS News Notes. Philadelphia online publication Crossing Broad reports that sports talk WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” afternoon host Mike Missanelli has been suspended a day after an on-air spat with producer Tyrone Johnson and air personality Natalie Egenolf. Missanelli, explaining his absence from the show, tells reporter Kyle Scott that he’s taking vacation time. Scott further reports that sources tell him fellow staffers at ‘The Fanatic’ are “fed up” with Missanelli and want him fired, but Scott writes that Missanelli’s show is crucial to the station’s bottom line and doubts
management would take such a step…..WHAM-AM, Rochester evening host Shannon Joy tells Spectrum Local News that she had a “scary encounter” with a local man while leaving a recent re-open Rochester protest. Joy, who hosts a nightly 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm show on WHAM, says the man blocked her exit from a narrow street with his car, got out and screamed and ranted at her before returning to his car, taking out a large bottle of hand sanitizer and dumping it on her car. Police later arrested 40-year-old Morgan Bida and charged him with menacing…..A new date of June 15 has been set by Townsquare Media as the date it will release its first quarter 2020
financial data. The company says that the new June date will give it, along with its former and current independent accounting firms, the additional time it needs to complete the Form 10-K annual report for 2019 as well as the Form 10-Q for the quarter that ended March 31. Townsquare will hold an earnings call on that date and plans to present updates from its reporting segments for April and May…..WTMJ-AM, Milwaukee producer Rachel Frye is announced as the recipient of the first-ever Results Broadcasting Education Grant. The grant was created to provide student debt relief for broadcasters working in Wisconsin. Recipients get $1,000 for that purpose. Frye has been with WTMJ since June of 2014. She is a 2013 graduate of Western Illinois University. Good Karma Brands VP and market manager Steve Wexler says, “She’s hard-working, sets a very high bar of expectations for herself and our team and sweats the details.”
WBT, Charlotte Afternoon Drive Host Brett Winterble Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. One of the rising stars of news/talk radio, Brett Winterble of WBT, Charlotte is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne production, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” After spending nearly a decade with Rush Limbaugh as a producer, Winterble – a seasoned pro – began his own conservative talk show in 2008. Since then he has been heard on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, plus KFWB, Los Angeles and until recently KFMB-AM, San Diego before joining WBT. He’s a graduate of Emerson College and American Military University with
degrees in Political Communication and Homeland Security Intelligence Studies. Among the subjects Harrison and Winterble discuss include the growth and dynamism of the Carolinas, the US military, changes in technology and the radio business, the politics of COVID-19, and the uncertain state of the Republican National Convention scheduled for Charlotte August 24-27. The interview was produced on the eve of Memorial Day Weekend with an addendum recorded immediately following President Trump’s Monday morning threat to move the convention elsewhere if the governor of North Carolina fails to guarantee the arena be opened to full capacity. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located on the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Friday, May 15, 2020
NOW POSTED: New Installment of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The vibrant, one-hour weekend special, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted. The new episode titled, “Skating Away on the Thin Ice of a New Day!” looks back at this past week of May 11-15, 2020 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS; Brian Kilmeade, talk show host, FOX News Channel / FOX News Radio; Ian Anderson, musician, Jethro Tull, UK; Ken Matthews, talk show host, WHP, Harrisburg, PA; and Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company. This acclaimed news/talk radio show airs each week on its flagship, WONK-FM, Washington, DC, Friday evenings at 6:00 pm ET. It also airs throughout the weekend on WRKO, Boston; KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KDFD, Denver “Freedom 93.7”; KFNX, Phoenix; WVLY, Wheeling, WV; WVOX, Westchester, NY; KBDT, Dallas; KQSP, Minneapolis; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA; WGDJ, Albany, NY; WJFN-FM, Richmond, VA; WZFG, Fargo; KTGO, Tioga, ND; WPHM, Port Huron, MI; KSYL, Alexandria, LA; KTOE, Mankato, MN, the Virginia Talk Radio Network, Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA, Podcast Radio, UK and many more. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here. “The Michael Harrison Wrap” is now available in syndication via Talk Media Network to stations across America on a market exclusive basis. For affiliation information, please click here or call 616-884-8616.
Round Four of April 2020 PPM Data Released. Ratings information from the fourth and final round of Nielsen Audio’s April 2020 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and
Michael Medved Show and CRN Partner to Expand Distribution. A partnership
Josh Innes to Join ‘ESPN 97.5’ Houston. The Houston Chronicle’s David Barron
Adams Radio Group Transitioning Back to Offices. In all of the market in which Adams Radio Group operates, staffers are beginning to return to their offices and studios. Company CEO Ron Stone says employees have been working from home for the past nine weeks. He says, “Adams markets have begun the transition of returning to normal operations at our offices and studios. Each market is staging the return of
NRG Media Omaha Offices Re-Opening with the Help of Plexiglass and Shower Curtains. Pictured above is Studio 1 at NRG Media Omaha as the company prepares to bring staffers back into the facility. As with many radio stations across the country, on-air personalities have been working remotely or in separate studios. The company says no studio was occupied with more than one on-air personality at any given time in an effort to keep everyone safe. Now that some of the restrictions are being lifted, NRG Omaha is starting to bring back all on-air personalities and staffers. As you can see in the photo, they are using plexiglass and shower curtains to mitigate movement of airborne particles. General manager Mark Shecterle states, “COVID-19 has challenged every business and made us all stop and think about how we operate. My number one priority during these challenging times has been and will continue to be keeping all of our employees safe. Therefore, we had to get creative and shower curtains are a perfect and safe barrier for our talent, sellers, and employees who share an office. Moreover, during the holidays we can have some fun with it. My promotions department already ordered a Freddy Krueger one for Halloween.” KOZN-AM “1620 The ZONE” personality Damon Benning commens, “I am so ready to get back into the building and work alongside my co-host Mike’l Severe even though there will be a clear shower curtain between us. We have not missed a beat, but nothing beats being in the same studio with your producer and co-host. I’m ready.”
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Entercom Reports First Quarter Net Revenue Down 4%. On revenue of $297 million, Entercom reports a drop of 4% for the first quarter of 2020 compared to Q1 2019 in which net revenue was $309 million. Digital revenue was up 41% year-over-year for the quarter, “propelled by strong audience and revenue growth in podcasting and digital audio advertising.” Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was
Round Three of April PPMs Released. The third of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s April 2020 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen’s
Rod Blagojevich to Host WLS-AM-Produced Podcast. Titled, “The Lightning Rod,” former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich begins hosting the weekly podcast for Cumulus Media’s WLS-AM, Chicago. Blagojevich was sentenced to prison after
Michelle Franzen Named Midday Anchor at ABC News Radio. Rising from correspondent at ABC News Radio is news pro Michelle Franzen, who is named midday news anchor, joining Cheri Preston, Daria Albinger, and Rich Cantu in the
Radio Hall of Fame Opens Nomination Process. The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces that the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee is now accepting suggestions for 2020 nominees and will continue to accept them until May 29. Inductees will be honored at the annual Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which is returning to Chicago in late October 2020. The exact date of the gala will be announced shortly. Suggestions for Radio Hall of Fame nominees can be
Raiders Continue Relationship with Compass Media Networks. The Las Vegas Raiders sign a multi-year extension with Compass Media Networks in which the company will continue to produce and broadcast all Raiders’ play-by-play-audio for
Statistics and Projections, Re-Opening Controversy, Financial Markets/The Economy, Bright Testimony, Michael Flynn Case, Presidential Election, GOP Special Election Victories, Burr Investigation, and Sports Leagues’ Plans Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/13). The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the death toll, and projections for future infections; the controversy over re-openings in various states; the financial markets react to coronavirus news and Fed chair Jerome Powell’s warning about the effect on the U.S. economy; Dr. Rick Bright’s Thursday testimony before a House panel; Judge Emmet Sullivan’s oversight of the case of former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn; the November presidential election and the allegation of sexual assault against Joe Biden; the GOP wins seats in California and Wisconsin in special elections; the investigation into Senator Richard Burr’s sale of stocks; and the various sports leagues’ plans to play games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Dimick Promoted to VP, Programming Operations, Cumulus Radio Station Group. Programming pro John Dimick is upped from his VP, programming operations position with Cumulus Media to the newly created position of senior vice president, programming operations, Cumulus Radio Station Group. In his new
WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago’s Felicia Middlebrooks to Leave All-News Outlet; Will Launch New Multimedia Platform. Morning drive news co-anchor Felicia Middlebrooks announces via a Facebook post that she is leaving Entercom’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago on May 29 after almost 36 years in the morning drive position. She says she’s “not retiring, I’m rewiring” and
Round Two of April PPM Ratings Released. The second of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s April 2020 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including Washington, Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen’s April 2020 survey period covered March 26 – April 22. You can see all the weekly, 6+
Winners of Regional Murrow Awards Named. Yesterday, TALKERS featured some of the stations that won honors in the Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association. Here are some more stations that were recognized: Sinclair Broadcast Group’s all-news KOMO-AM/FM, Seattle won
EMF Launches Podcast Initiative. Religious broadcaster Educational Media Foundation – parent of K-LOVE, Air1, and WTA Media – is preparing to launch a new podcasting platform called Accessmore that features a growing library of on-
Statistics and Projections, Re-Opening Controversy/Fauci Warning, $3 Trillion House Aid Bill, Michael Flynn Case, SCOTUS Trump Taxes Arguments, U.S.-China Relations, and MLB Play Plans Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/12). The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the number of deaths, and projections about future infections; concerns about the gradual re-openings taking place in some states and Dr. Tony Fauci’s warning that cases will likely spike; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi files a $3 trillion air bill; a Superior Court judge mulls whether the DOJ can drop the Michael Flynn charges plus allegations of the Obama administration’s role in implicating Flynn; the Supreme Court arguments over President Trump’s efforts to block disclosure of his tax returns; accusations by China and the U.S. that the other is responsible for the coronavirus pandemic; and Major League Baseball announces plans to start season in July were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
45th Annual Gracie Award Winners Announced. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation announces the winners of the 45th annual Gracie Awards. The Gracies recognize exemplary programming created by, for and about women in radio, television, and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets. AWMF executive director Becky Brooks says, “Our leadership is proud to honor the best of the best who embody the spirit and intention of the Alliance for Women in Media
April 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways — Round One
April 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round One
April 2020 PPM Data – Information for the April 2020 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San
New York City
In three straight dips, Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM has lost approximately 54% (-1.7) of its 6+ AQH share (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.4, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). Its one-half share January gain halted three consecutive decreases that led to a collective -1.2 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). Two-tenths behind WFAN-FM is similarly-formatted WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” (1.5 – 1.2, -.3, which is off nine-tenths in three straight downturns (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2, #21 to #22, 6+).
The market’s (6+) all-news share balloons by +1.5 as Entercom-owned WINS is an overall +2.2 via three successive increases including April’s +1.0 (3.5 – 3.6 – 4.7 – 5.7, fifth to third, 6+), while co-owned WCBS-AM notches back-to-back gains of one-half share (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.4, #13 to #9, 6+). In April 2019, WINS posted a 3.7 (6+) and WCBS-AM was 2.9 (6+).
In addition to more than doubling (+2.7) its 6+ AQH share through four straight spikes to reach the five-share level (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 4.0 – 5.1, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM progresses from seventh to sixth. Co-owned public radio news/talk WNYC-AM adds one-half share to its .6 (6+) and crosses the one-share threshold (1.1, #29 to #25, 6+).
New York City Music Formats – Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3,” which is a collective +1.8 through four straight sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 5.3, seventh to fourth, 6+). Over and above doubling March’s +.6 with an April +1.2 (5.9 – 6.5 – 7.7, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ elevates from the runner-up slot to #1. “Mega 97.9” was off seven-tenths in January/February (6.6 – 6.0 – 5.9, 6+). As a bonus, its internet stream adds six-tenths (.2 – .8, #27, 6+). Having set the pace the past 34 ratings periods, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” segues from first to second. After being +6.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.1 – 9.6 – 13.3, 6+), “Lite FM” has dropped roughly 54% (-7.2) of its 6+ AQH share in four straight declines (13.3 – 8.0 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.1, 6+). Trending 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.2 (January – February – March, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation classical-formatted WQXR breaks out a +1.1 to 3.3 (6+) and rockets into the top ten (#17 to #10). An increase of one-half share (.9 – 1.4, 6+) has Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WARW “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” checking in at #21. Following a “Holiday” 2019 through March 2020 topline of 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.5 (6+), Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” erodes by -1.0 to 2.5 (6+) and tumbles from the top ten (#10 to #15). Off nine-tenths each are its classic hits-oldies sibling WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” (5.3, third to fourth, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WXNY “X.96.3” (3.1, #7 to #11, 6+). In three consecutive gains, WCBS-FM was an overall +1.9 (4.3 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+), directly after its -1.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+). Via seven straight improvements, WXNY more than doubled (+2.1) its 6+ AQH share (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1, 6+), but lost one-tenth in March. Locked on 5.0 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019 and January 2020 and then on 5.4 (6+) in February and March, Emmis urban AC WBLS forfeits seven-tenths to 4.7 (fourth to seventh, 6+). Down six-tenths are iHeartMedia CHR and alternative cluster-mates WHTZ “Z-100” (sixth to eighth) and WNYL “Alt 92.3” (#16 to #19). “Z100” is a combined -1.1 in March/April (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.6, 6+); WNYL was stuck on 2.3 (6+) in February and March. Co-owned rhythmic CHR WKTU is off one-half share (3.1 – 2.6, #14, 6+), as is Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1” (2.8 – 2.3, #14 to #16, 6+).
Los Angeles
Spoken-Word Formats – The fourth uptick in a row by iHeartMedia news/talk KFI enables “AM 640” to cross the five-share threshold
After each was off one-tenth in March, iHeartMedia’s KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .5, #36 – #40, 6+) and Disney-owned/similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN” (1.1 – .9 – .8 – .4, #37 to #41, 6+) both surrender four-tenths in April. The two sports talk rivals were tied at #29 in January.
Following a March improvement of eight-tenths, Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” returns half that increase (3.8 – 3.4, -.4, 6+) but repeats in eighth-place.
The “Holiday” 2019 through April 2020 topline for Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is: 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.0 (#22 to #18, 6+).
Los Angeles Music Formats – For the fourth time in the last five sweeps, Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH logs a 5.2 (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+), but “K-Earth 101” segues from first to second. Prior to March, KRTH last occupied the top spot in October and November. “K-Earth 101” lost seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). An increase of one-half share (.8 – 1.3, 6+) takes Estrella Media’s KWIZ “La Ranchera 96.7” to #30. Off three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+), then up eight-tenths in January/February (3.6 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+), KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” is -1.4 in March/April (4.4 – 3.9 – 3.0, 6+). The iHeartMedia CHR finds itself in the unusual position of being excluded from the top ten (#7 to #11). Entercom’s similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio,” which had a “Holiday” 2019 through March 2020 topline of 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 (6+), forfeits six-tenths (1.3, #22 to #30, 6+). Off by six-tenths, in addition to KAMP, are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103.5” (second to third, 6+); urban contemporary sibling KRRL “Real 92.3” (#14 to #23); and Entercom alternative KROQ (#21 to #27). After four straight sweeps at #1, KOST shifted to the runner-up slot in March. “Coast 103.5” is a collective -9.2 in four straight downturns (13.7 – 6.5 – 5.7 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+). It had been an overall +8.5 via three sweeps in a row without a loss (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.3 – 13.7, 6+). “Real” has lost eight-tenths through three straight slips (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 1.8, 6+). Having trended 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 (December 2019 through February 2020, 6+), KROQ is -1.1 in March/April (2.5 – 2.0 – 1.4, 6+). Similarly-programmed/iHeartMedia-owned KYSR “Alt 98.7” has lost seven-tenths in three straight drops (2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.2, #12 to #17, 6+). Three consecutive gains by Entercom smooth AC KTWV yielded a +1.0 (3.9 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), but “94.7 The Wave” slips by four-tenths to 4.5 (6+) and remains at #3.
Chicago
In four drops in a row, Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” is -1.3 (3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.2, #15 to #17, 6+). Meanwhile, Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” has lost seven-tenths as a result of six consecutive down or flat sweeps (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2, #26 to #28, 6+).
On the heels of its massive March 2020 +1.9, Entercom all-news WBBM-AM tacks on seven-tenths and is #1 the third time in a row. Furthermore, WBBM-AM crosses the eight-share mark and is a collective +3.5 via four straight gains (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+).
Tacking on an April +1.1 to its March spike of seven-tenths (3.6 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ advances from sixth to fourth.
Chicago Music Formats – Off two-tenths in February/March (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WDRV “97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock” breaks out a +1.3 to 6.4 (fourth to second, 6+). Frozen on 1.9 (6+) in December 2019, “Holiday” 2019, and January 2020, before proceeding to 2.6 (6+) in January and 2.4 (6+) in February, Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican WLEY-FM logs a +.7 to 3.1 (6+). “La Ley 107.9” enters the top ten (#16 to #10). By posting an April half-share increase (2.3 – 2.8, #20 to #12, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WGCI-FM “Chicago’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” has its best 6+-showing since July 2019 (2.8, as well). Via seven straight sweeps without a loss, Window to the World Communications classical WFMT more than doubles (+.8) its 6+ AQH share and finishes at #23 (.7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+). Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” is -1.0 in March/April (5.4 – 5.2 – 4.4, third to sixth, 6+). Off seven-tenths and six-tenths, respectively, Entercom CHR and country cluster-mates WBBM-FM “B-96 Chicago’s New Hit Music” (2.8 – 2.1, 6+) and WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” (2.7 – 2.1, 6+) are tied at #18. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” (sixth to ninth) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WSHE “100.3 SHE” (#11 to #14) falter by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively. Following three straight sweeps at #1, WLIT is -10.0 in four straight decreases (13.7 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.7, 6+), while WSHE sputters by -1.0 in three consecutive downturns (3.6 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+).
San Francisco
Spoken-Word Formats. Flat at #19, Cumulus Media-owned KSFO “560 – The Bay Area’s Exclusive Hot Talk” returns the two-tenths it
An overall -2.7 in three straight drops (4.8 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 2.1, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” fades from the top ten (#9 to #16). After being up one-tenth in consecutive reports (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” drops seven-tenths in March/April (1.7 – 1.4 – 1.0, #23 to #26, 6+).
A cumulative +2.2 in four successive sweeps without a loss (7.7 – 8.4 – 8.7 – 9.9 – 9.9, 6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM is #1 the third time in a row. KCBS-AM was on top from September through December, as well.
Seven recent (6+) fluctuations for California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED include: -1.2 (September/October); +1.6 (November/December); -1.2 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.2 (January 2020); -.9 (February); +1.5 (March); and +1.8 in April (8.1 – 9.9, second to a first-place tie with KCBS-AM, 6+). KQED was San Francisco’s first-place finisher in June, July, August, and tied at the top (with KCBS-AM) in September. Down three-tenths in February/March (1.0 – .8 – .7, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” regains two-tenths to .9 (flat at #29, 6+).
San Francisco Music Formats – Improving by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze – Relaxing Favorites At Work” (unchanged at #3) and Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM The Bay’s Greatest Hits” (#13 to #8). “The Breeze” is an overall +1.4 through four successive upticks (3.7 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 5.1, 6+) and reaches the five-share level (5.1) for the first time since March 2019 (5.0). “Bay FM” gains eight-tenths in March/April (2.2 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). Bonneville’s KMVQ “99.7 Now – The Bay’s #1 For All The Hits” is an overall -1.8 in three straight declines (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.7, seventh to tenth, 6+). In the hot AC arena, Entercom’s KLLC “Alice @ 97.3,” falters by nine-tenths (4.2 – 3.3, fifth to seventh, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned KIOI “Star 101.3” is an overall -1.3 in five straight down or flat trends (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.3, #10 to #15, 6+). Rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KYLD “WiLD 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” lost one-half share in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+); wiped away the deficit with a half-share February increase; and is now -1.3 in March/April (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.8, #14 to #19, 6+). Up four-tenths in February/March (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+), co-owned urban contemporary KMEL surrenders one-half share to 3.5 (flat at #6, 6+).
Dallas
A collective -1.1 in three straight decreases (2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom sports talk KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” halts the slide with a +.3 to 1.7 (#22 to #21, 6+). Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” repeats March’s 1.4 (#22 to #23, 6+). Following seven consecutive up or flat trends that yielded one-half share (.7 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+), Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” has its 6+ AQH share sliced in half (-.6) via three straight dips (1.2 – 1.0 – .7 – .6, #33 to #34, 6+).
Off four-tenths (1.8 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” departs the top twenty (#19 to #23).
After gaining six-tenths in March (2.8 – 3.4, 6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA surrenders that increase in its entirety (2.8, -.6, #11 to #17, 6+).
Dallas Music Formats – Within 2.3 – 2.6 range (6+) in each of the last five survey periods (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+), Entercom adult hits KJKK “100.3 Jack-FM” erupts with a +1.3 to 3.7 (#17 to #11, 6+). Off three-tenths in February/March (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), Estrella Media regional Mexican KZZA “La Ranchera 106.7” answers with a gain of eight-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and cracks the top twenty (#18). Service Broadcasting urban contemporary KKDA-FM “K-104,” which was down one-tenth in February/March (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), picks up seven-tenths to 4.3 (6+) and jumps from tenth to fourth. Tacking on six-tenths to March’s +.5 (2.7 – 3.2 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom regional Mexican KMVK “La Grande 107.5” enters the top ten (#13 to #9). Directly prior, KMVK had been off eight-tenths in three straight drops (3.5 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+). Leading the pack the fourth report in succession, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “Your Life … Inspired” has a “Holiday” 2019 through April 2020 alternating up/down sequence of: 6.9 – 7.3 – 6.9 – 7.0 – 6.7 (6+). KLTY was +1.6 in “Holiday” 2019 (5.3 – 6.9,6+) and a combined -1.3 in November/December (6.6 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+). Following March’s half-share boost (4.6 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 Nobody Plays More 80s” falters by twice as much (4.1, -1.0, third to sixth, 6+). Stuck on 4.7 (6+) in February and March, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE “Star 102.1” forfeits nine-tenths to 3.8 (fifth to ninth, 6+). Off one-tenth in back-to-back reports (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+), Cumulus Media country-formatted KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” regresses by another eight-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and drifts from the top ten (#6 to #11). KPLX lost a combined half-share in October/November (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+), but fully erased that deficit with a December increase of one-half share. While unchanged in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss-FM” is -1.0 in March/April (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+).
Houston
Spoken-Word Formats – Shaking off March’s -1.1 with an April +1.7 (4.6 – 6.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH leaps from seventh to
Anchored at #22, Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” has lost seven-tenths in three straight drops (1.7 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+). Doubling (+.3) its 6+ AQH share in March/April (.3 – .5 – .6, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” inches up from #26 to #25. In six straight sweeps without an increase, Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5” has lost four-tenths (.7 -.5 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3, #28 to #27, 6+).
Off three-tenths in back-to-back reports (3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF continues at #14.
Houston Music Formats – As a result of being a combined +2.7 in March/April, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN crosses the eight-share level and repeats at #1 (5.7 – 6.7 – 8.4, 6+). “Que Buena 102.9” was a collective +1.9 via six straight increases (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +.9 (January 2020); and -.9 (February). Down three-tenths in February/March (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+), Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” answers with a +1.2 to 7.0 (third to second, 6+). Via four upticks in succession, iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz” is a collective +1.8 and crosses the five-share level (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.3, ninth to sixth, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are Estrella Media regional Mexican KQQK “El Norte 107.9” (3.0, #20 to #15, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOVE “Amor 106.5” (2.9, #19 to #17, 6+). KQQK lost six-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), while “Amor” was down four-tenths in February/March (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). In three successive up or flat trends, Entercom adult hits KKHH was +1.2 (4.4 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.6, 6+), but “95.7 The Spot” erodes by -1.1 to 4.5 (fifth to eighth, 6+). Up four-tenths in March (4.1 – 4.5, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR KRBE “104.1 Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” surrenders a -1.0 to 3.5 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Faltering by seven-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” (second to fifth) and Entercom country KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” (3.2, #11 to #13, 6+). After four successive sweeps at #1, KODA fell to #2 in March. It is now an overall -6.1 in four straight downturns (11.6 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.5, 6+). “Sunny 99.1” was +.5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.8 – 7.8 – 11.6, 6+) and the market leader 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. “The Bull” was up four-tenths in March (3.5 – 3.9, 6+), after being a combined -.7 in January/February (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+). Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “93-Q Country” – is a collective -1.3 in March/April (4.6 – 3.9 – 3.3, #11 to #12, 6+). KKBQ replaced its combined -1.0 in December/ “Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+) with a January 2020 +1.1. A cumulative +1.2 via four straight spikes (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom Spanish contemporary KLOL “Mega 101” forfeits four-tenths to 3.9 (ninth to tenth, 6+).
Atlanta
Despite being a combined -1.3 in three straight drops (4.6 – 3.9 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” reenters the top ten (#12 to a three-way tie at #8). After seven consecutive up or flat months netted a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN is now a combined -1.7 through eight sweeps in succession without an increase (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, flat at #23, 6+).
Locked on 3.3 (6+) in February and March, City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE spirals by -1.1 to 2.2 (#14 to #16, 6+). The “Holiday” 2019 through April 2020 topline for Georgia State University news/talk WRAS is: .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .5 (#27 to #29, 6+).
Atlanta Music Formats – Including its current massive +3.4, Cox Media Group urban AC WALR “104.1 Kiss FM – Atlanta’s R&B” is a combined +3.8 in March/April and crosses the nine-share level (5.5 – 5.9 – 9.3, fourth to second, 6+). Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian WAKL “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” follows its March increase of nine-tenths with an April +1.2 (1.0 – 1.9 – 3.1, #17 to #11, 6+). An overall -2.9 via three drops in succession (6.7 – 4.5 – 4.3, 3.8, 6+), Salem Media Group’s similarly-formatted WFSH “104.7 The Fish” curtails the slide with a +.3 to 4.1 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Flat at #7, Radio One gospel WPZE “Praise 102.5 Atlanta’s Inspiration Station” posts its fifth straight up or flat trend for a +1.2 (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+). Despite being a combined +1.6 in March/April (5.8 – 6.4 – 7.4, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV “97.1 The River” backslides from second to third. Adult contemporary sibling WSB-FM “B-98.5” is -2.1 in March/April (5.4 – 5.1 – 3.3, fifth to eighth, 6+). The market’s 6+ CHR share shrinks by -1.7 as Cumulus Media’s WWWQ “Q-99.7” is -1.1 (3.4 – 2.3, #12 to #14, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -.6 (3.7 – 3.1, #9 to #11). Following back-to-back modest decreases (3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), “Q-99.7” hauled out a +1.1 in January, reaching the four-share level (4.2) for the first time since June (4.0). Entering the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, “Power” was a cumulative +1.1 in three straight advances (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+). These two CHRs were a combined -1.4 in March: “Q-99.7” eroded by nine-tenths, while “Power” surrendered one-half share. Cumulus Media-owned WNNX “Rock 100.5” sputters by six-tenths (1.6 – 1.0, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #23). Off one-half share each are Radio One urban contemporary WHTA “Hot 107.9” (#10 to #11) and Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” (#16 to #18). In three straight sweeps without an increase, “Hot” is off six-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+); “Star” is a collective -2.7 via four consecutive downturns (4.3 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.6, 6+).
Philadelphia
Spoken-Word Formats – Down six-tenths in February/March (2.3 – 2.1 – 1.7, 6+), Entercom-owned WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” cuts the
Flat at #5, WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” is down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6, 6+). Before falling to third in December, the Entercom sports talk station had been #1 three months in a row. A combined -1.9 in three straight slips (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 1.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” drops from #19 to #20.
Adding seven-tenths to March’s +1.9 (4.7 – 6.6 – 7.3, 6+), Entercom-owned KYW “News Radio 1060” moves from third to a second-place tie.
After being a cumulative +2.1 in three straight gains (3.3 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), public radio news/talk WHYY forfeits nine-tenths to 4.5 (sixth to eighth, 6+). WHYY was +.7 in December and -.7 in “Holiday” 2019.
Philadelphia Music Formats – Powered by a whopping +2.9, iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” crosses the nine-share level and marches from fourth to first (6.3 – 9.2, 6+). Even though Beasley Media Group’s WMGK is a collective +1.8 in four straight sweeps without a loss (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.4 – 7.3 – 7.3, 6+), “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” has a March-only stay at #1 and segues to #2. WMGK answered “Holiday” 2019’s -2.0 with a January improvement of seven-tenths. Rebounding from March’s loss of eight-tenths with an April +1.0 (2.5 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WRFF jumps into the top ten (#15 to #10, 6+); “Radio 104.5” was a combined +1.1 in January/February (2.2 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). After trending 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 (December 2019 – February 2020, 6+), Temple University’s WRTI “Your Classical and Jazz Source” is a combined +1.6 in March/April (1.8 – 2.5 – 3.4, #15 to #11, 6+). At the same time that Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 BEN-FM” is -1.9 in March/April (4.3 – 4.1 – 2.4, #10 to #15, 6+), its internet stream pops on with a .5 (#27, 6+). Four consecutive downturns by Entercom-owned adult contemporary WBEB have resulted in a collective –15.2 (18.6 – 6.1 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 3.4, 6+) as “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” uncharacteristically exits the top ten (#7 to #11). This comes directly following its +13.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.4 – 8.9 – 18.6, 6+). Dropping from #12 to #17, iHeartMedia CHR WIOQ “Q-102” is -1.3 in March/April (3.4 – 3.1 – 2.1, 6+). Ironically, Entercom’s WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” is -1.3 as well in that same time period (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.4, #18 to #20, 6+). Before picking up one-half share in February, WTDY was without an increase four straight reports for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+).
Long Island
An overall -3.0 through three straight slumps (5.8 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM falls from seventh to tenth. Its internet stream, however, doubles its March .5 to 1.0 (#26, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is unlisted in Long Island the fourth month in a row. WEPN was a combined -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.2, #15, 6+).
Despite adding one-tenth to March’s +1.7 (3.5 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom’s all-news WINS backslides from second to fifth. Conversely, co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is flat at 3.4 (6+) yet advances from tenth to ninth.
Trending 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 (February – March – April, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM slips from #21 to #23.
Long Island Music Formats – Leaping from fifth to second, iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” posts its fifth straight positive or neutral trend for a +2.7 (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 6.2, 6+). The format balloons by another +1.5 as Cox Media Group’s WBAB “102.3 Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” improves from 4.7 – 6.2 (6+) and ties “Q-102.3” at #2. Locked on 3.7 (6+) in January and February, Connoisseur Media adult contemporary WKJY “K-Joy 98.3 Long Island’s Place To Relax” surrendered one-half share in March, but storms back with a +1.1 (3.2 – 4.3, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#12 to #6). On the other hand, iHeartMedia New York City’s similarly-formatted WLTW “Lite FM” is an overall -7.9 in four straight drops (9.7 – 3.2 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 1.8, #13 to #18, 6+). A collective +3.0 via seven straight Long Island sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 7.0, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM surrenders a -1.0 to 6.0 (6+). After spending February and March at #1, “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” falls to #4. Owing to four drops in succession, Connoisseur Media-owned hot AC WALK-FM “97.5 Real Variety” has lost roughly 80% (-8.2) of its 6+ AQH share (10.3 – 4.4 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 2.1, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#9 to #14). WALK-FM had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1. Entering the January sweep, it was a collective +6.5 through four successive improvements (3.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 6.1 – 10.3, 6+), with 10.3 its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 10.5. After doubling January’s +.6 with February’s +1.2 (2.6 – 3.2 – 4.6, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” spirals by -2.4 in March/April (4.6 – 3.3 – 2.2, #11 to #12, 6+). In the CHR contest, iHeartMedia New York City’s WHTZ “Z-100” falters by eight-tenths (third to seventh) and Cox Media Group-owned WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All The Hits” forfeits six-tenths (fifth to eighth). In three straight Long Island sweeps without an increase, “Z-100” is -1.6 (5.5 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 3.9, 6+); WBLI is in alternating up/down pattern that began in November (4.9 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+). Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9,” which nearly doubled (+1.1) its 6+ AQH share via three straight spikes (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 2.4, 6+), spirals by nine-tenths to 1.5 (#15 to #21, 6+). Up three-tenths in four straight positive or neutral trends (1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3” relinquishes six-tenths to 1.6 (#17 to #20, 6+).
Riverside
Spoken-Word Formats – After posting a .1 (6+) in August, September, and October, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE”
Without an increase the past 11 survey periods (.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+), co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is unlisted in April. Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” does not appear in print the 29th straight sweep.
Up four-tenths in March/April (1.0 -1.3 – 1.4, 6+), San Bernardino Community College public radio news/talk KVCR climbs from #12 to #11. Progressing from #17 to #16, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” gains two-tenths in March/April (.3 – .3 – .5, 6+).
Riverside Music Formats – Obliterating its February/March -.9 (7.9 – 7.5 – 7.0, 6+) with a +2.6 to 9.6 (6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” is #1 the seventh time in a row. January’s +.9 interrupted December/“Holiday” 2019’s -1.2 (8.2 – 7.9 – 7.0, 6+). December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when “Jose” recorded a 10.4. Continuing on a roll, Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “Family Friendly 89.7” has essentially doubled (+2.8) its 6+ AQH share in five straight upticks (2.9 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.7, fourth to third, 6+). Having logged a 3.2 (6+) in four of the last six sweeps (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA busts out a +.9 to 4.1 (6+) and is steady at #6. A collective +2.1 via four successive spikes (2.3 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 4.4, 6+), Estrella Media’s similarly-formatted KRQB “Que Buena 96.1” is flat at #5. Following gains of one-half share in March, Entercom country outlet KFRG “K-Frog 95.1” (4.8 – 5.3 – 4.5, third to fourth, 6+) and All-Pro Broadcasting-owned KHTI “Hot 103.9 The I.E.’s Best Mix” (1.4 – .9, #11 to #13, 6+) are off eight-tenths and -.5, respectively. KFRG was a collective +1.5 via three spikes in succession (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), before dropping four-tenths in February. It reached the five-share level in January (5.2, 6+) for the first time since July 2019 (5.1). “Hot 103.9” had been trending .9 – .8 – .9 (“Holiday” 2019 – January 2020 – February, 6+). Slipping from eighth to ninth, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” is off eight-tenths in March/April (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.2, 6+). Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted the 11th time in a row.
San Jose
Sports talk sibling KNBR “The Sports Leader,” which was -1.9 in February/March (4.7 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+), picks up one-tenth to 2.9 and is back in the top ten (#13 to #10). Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” has lost eight-tenths in three straight slumps (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 1.9, #14 to #16, 6+).
A whopping +2.5 via three significant gains (4.4 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 6.9, 6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM surrenders one-half share to 6.4 (6+) and continues at #3. KCBS-AM was -.5 (October); +.7 (November); -.8 (December); and -.7 (“Holiday” 2019).
As a result of being a combined +2.8 in March/April (6.5 – 7.4 – 9.3, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED elevates from second to a first-place tie. KQED was -1.2 in December/“Holiday 2019 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+) and had a November-only stay at #1. In three straight bumps, San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW has more than doubled (+1.0) its 6+ AQH share (.7 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.7, 6+) and zooms into the top twenty (#25 to #18).
San Jose Music Formats – Through six consecutive sweeps without a loss – including April’s +1.7 – Bonneville’s KUFX is a collective +2.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 5.4, 6+). “K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” reaches the five-share level (5.4) for the first time since June 2019’s 5.3 and vaults from seventh to fourth. The three latest moves by Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY are -.5 (February); +.5 (March); and now +1.2 in April (8.1 – 7.6 – 8.1 – 9.3, 6+) as “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the sixth time in a row. This time though it is tied for the lead with public radio news/talk KQED (see above). KBAY was a combined +1.5 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (6.6 – 7.4 – 8.1, 6+). Following six successive months on top, it segued to #2 in November when it plummeted by -2.0 (8.6 – 6.6, 6+). Notching gains of eight-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze – Relaxing Favorites At Work” (seventh to fifth) and University of Southern California classical KDFC (#11 to #8). “The Breeze” is a cumulative +2.3 in three straight spikes (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+), while KDFC is +1.1 in March/April (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+). Off one-half share in February/March (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL erases the deficit with a +.5 to 2.9 (#16 to #10, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well is Cumulus Media classic rock KSAN (2.1, #21 to #15, 6+); “107.7 The Bone” was -1.1 in February/March (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.6, 6+). Just prior, three straight increases accounted for a collective +1.2 (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+). Alpha Media-owned hot AC KEZR “Mix 106.5 Today’s Best Music” spirals by -2.8 in March/April (6.1 – 5.0 – 3.3, fourth to ninth, 6+). When “Mix” added seven-tenths in February, it suspended five straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a net loss of -1.3 (6.7 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). Following four straight sweeps without a loss for a +1.2 (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” relinquishes two-thirds of that increase (2.7, -.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12). Elsewhere in the hot AC format, iHeartMedia’s KIOI “Star 101.3” is -2.5 as a result of five consecutive down or flat trends (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.4, #18 to #21, 6+). Fading from the top ten (#10 to #16) is Entercom CHR KMVQ “99.7 Now The Bay’s #1 For All The Hits,” which is -2.5 in March/April (4.4 – 3.3 – 1.9, 6+). A combined +.9 in January/February (2.3 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KYLD “WiLD 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -1.5 in March/April (3.2 – 2.5 – 1.7, #14 to #18, 6+). After more than doubling (+1.0) its 6+ AQH share via three successive sweeps without a loss (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.9, 6+), Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXZM returns half the increase (1.4, -.5, #19 to #21, 6+). Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena,” which was a collective -1.4 through three consecutive drops (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 1.9, #20, 6+), is unlisted the fourth month in a row.
Middlesex-Somerset-Union
Spoken-Word Formats – Adding seven-tenths to March’s +.8 (5.2 – 6.0 – 6.7, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey
Up two-tenths in March, Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM craters by -1.3 (4.2 – 2.9, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). WFAN-FM was +1.4 (January) and -1.0 (February). Off six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.1, #17 to #19, 6+), after being an overall +1.1 via four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is unlisted in Middlesex the fourth consecutive month.
Entercom all-news WCBS-AM is without a loss the fourth time in a row for a net gain of one-half share (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4, #18 to #15, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS is a combined +1.0 in March/April (1.2 – 1.6 – 2.2, #20 to #16, 6+).
Following its March increase of six-tenths with an April gain of two-tenths (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM cracks the top ten (#15 to #10).
Middlesex-Somerset-Union Music Formats – Over and above being #1 the fourth ratings period in a row, iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” is an eye-popping +6.7 in four consecutive spikes (5.6 – 7.0 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 12.4, 6+). Furthermore, its current +4.7 is the largest (6+) March 2020 – April 2020 increase by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. If that weren’t enough, 12.4 ties adult contemporary cluster-mate WLTW “Lite FM” for Middlesex-Somerset-Union’s highest 6+-share recorded in the PPM-era. Off three-tenths in March (7.2 – 6.9, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” answers with a +1.2 to 8.1 (6+) and continues in the runner-up slot. In three straight reports without a loss, Emmis urban AC WBLS is +1.2 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 6.1, unchanged at #4, 6+). Down or flat the past six sweeps for a net loss of just one-tenth (.6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5, 6+), Press Communications-owned WKMK “Thunder 106 Jersey’s Best Country” doubles (+.5) March’s .5 to 1.0 (#22, 6+). Eroding by -1.5 (each) are Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1” (#11 to #18) and iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU (#15 to #21). As a result of three downturns in a row, WPAT has lost exactly 50% (-2.0) of its 6+ AQH share (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.0, 6+). WKTU is -1.7 in March/April (3.1 – 2.9 – 1.4, 6+). Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3” (3.7, eighth to ninth, 6+) and Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” (#12 to #14) are both off by eight-tenths. “Magic” was up three-tenths in February/March (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+), while “La Mega” is -.9 in March/April (3.5 – 3.4 – 2.6, 6+). A combined +1.0 in January/February (4.4 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ “Z-100” is -1.3 in March/April (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.1, fifth to seventh, 6+). An overall +1.5 in four straight sweeps without a loss (3.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.7, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” forfeits four-tenths (4.3 fifth to sixth, 6+).