Tag: "Cumulus"

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

iHeartMedia and ‘Disgraceland’ Creator Announce Deal; Season 3 to Premiere on Radio. Season 3 of the true crime podcast “Disgraceland” – produced and hosted by Jake Brennan – will be available on the iHeartRadio platform, it was announced at today’s Winter Podcast Upfront.  In announcing the deal, iHeartMedia notes that each new episode will premiere on its broadcast radio stations before being available digitally.  The first episode of Season 3 is part-one of a two-part program about Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love.  Brennan says, “I can’t wait for ‘Disgraceland’ listeners to hear Season 3. They can expect more of the same highly entertaining stories from the seedy underbelly of rock and roll past and present, but with a whole new cast of characters: Kurt and Courtney, Ike and Tina, Johnny Cash and Amy Winehouse to name a few.  More death, self-destruction, scandal, amazing music, and pre-set mellotron loops.”  Brennan will also create new, original podcasts later this year.  Two of those include: “Rocka Rolla,” focusing on the “madness and genius of Phil Spector,” and “The 27 Club,” a new anthology series that explores the lives of rock stars who died mysteriously at the age of 27.

February 19 Declared Jillian Barberie Breast Cancer Awareness Day in LA. Yesterday (2/19) was declared “Jillian Barberie Breast Cancer Awareness Day” in the City of Los Angeles. The KABC-AM, Los Angeles morning personality announced late last year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The declaration from the office of Councilman Bob Blumenfield states that Barberie “made her recovery journey public to encourage, support and honor the tens of thousands of women and their family members who endure the same challenge.” Blumenfield says, “Jillian has made honesty, full public disclosure and transparency a hallmark of her storied and acclaimed media career. When she was given a life altering diagnosis, she decided to step up and use her experiences to shed more light on this disease.  Early detection is vital and for the sake of the countless families who are impacted by it every day, we must continue to break down stigmas around cancer.”  Barberie reponds, “I am beyond moved and honored to receive this recognition. My fight is the fight of so many and I am committed to raising the awareness of the impact of breast cancer on so many women and their families. My thanks to Councilman Blumenfield and the city council, for this great honor, to all my colleagues at KABC and Cumulus Los Angeles for their support, and to the many people who have sent their messages of love.” Barberie co-hosts KABC’s “The Morning Drive” with John Phillips.

‘Motley Fool Money’ Celebrates 10 Years.  “Motley Fool Money” host Chris Hill checks in with TALKERS magazine to report the show is celebrating its 10^th anniversary.  Hill says “Motley Fool Money” launched on February 22, 2009 as a 15-minute, weekly podcast.  A year later it made the leap to radio as a nationally syndicated program.  It currently airs on 55 stations across the U.S. He says the program paved the way for a series of finance-related podcasts that the company now produces.

Border Wall, Trump-Russia Investigation, 2020 Presidential Hopefuls, Lara Logan Journalism Criticism, Covington Student Sues Washington Post, Jussie Smollett Case, Venezuela Unrest, Catholic Clergy Abuse Scandal, NFL-Kaepernick Settlement, NBA/NCAA Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (2/19).The U.S.-Mexico border wall project, President Trump’s emergency declaration, and the 16 states suing over the emergency declaration; the growing list of Democrats entering the 2020 presidential race, including Bernie Sanders; former CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Lara Logan’s criticism of agenda-driven journalism; the family of Covington Catholic student Nicholas Sandmann sues the Washington Post for $250 million; the investigation into actor Jussie Smollett’s claim of being assaulted in Chicago; President Trump ramps up criticism of Nicolas Maduro’s regime in Venezuela amidst the political unrest; the latest revelations of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church; the settlement of Colin Kaepernick’s collusion suit against the NFL; and NBA and NCAA basketball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

iHeartRadio Music Festival Returns to Las Vegas September 20-21. The eighth iHeartRadio Music Festival will take place this year on September 20-21 in Las Vegas, iHeartMedia announced today (2/20). The evening performances will take place at the T-Mobile Arena and the Daytime Stage will take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on Saturday, September 21. The Daytime Stage features performances by both popular and emerging artists.  As it has done in the past, the festival will broadcast live via iHeartMedia radio stations will be featured as an exclusive national television broadcast special on The CW Network at a later date.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Jason Kidd is moving from Cumulus Media’s hot AC WRXQ, Washington – in the process of being sold to religious broadcaster Educational Media Foundation – to Entercom’s classic hits WIAD “94.7 The Drive” to host the morning drive program, effective immediately.  Entercom Washington SVP and market manager Phil Zachary says, “Jason’s boundless energy and local connection to the D.C. market made him a strong candidate early in the search process.  Once we had the opportunity to meet and discuss his innovative ideas, there was no doubt that Jason was ideally suited to host mornings on ‘The Drive.’”…..Beasley Media Group Philadelphia announces Nicole Michalik is named the new weekday afternoon drive personality on country WXTU, effective February 25.  Michalik appeared on the radio in Philly on WISX-FM and WIOQ-FM.  She’s also been on television as a contestant on NBC-TV’s “The Biggest Loser.”  She is currently hosting the podcast “Why Are You Following Me?”  She replaces Mark Razz, who was recently promoted to program director and is currently splitting the midday shift with Brian Mckay…..Sales pro Andy Anderson is appointed president of sales for American Urban Radio Networks.  In this role, Anderson will be responsible for the network’s sales, marketing strategy, digital expansion and new business development.  He’s been with AURN for the past 11 years as vice president sales for the Eastern Region…..The YEA Networks-syndicated Tino Cochino Radio show adds another new affiliate.  Saga Communications’ hip hop WMXZ-HD2/W257BQ, Charleston, South Carolina “99.3 The Box” is airing the program from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm…..SiriusXM announces that alternative rockers Weezer will perform in an exclusive concert on Wednesday, February 27 at the Black Cat nightclub in Washington, DC.  The intimate set for SiriusXM listeners will feature Weezer performing music from their new album, Weezer (Black Album) ahead of its March 1 release via Crush Music/Atlantic Records.  In addition to their new music, the performance will also feature Weezer playing numerous hits from their iconic albums as well as covers from their most recent hit covers album, Weezer (Teal Album).….The Tom Joyner Foundation’s “Party with a Purpose” cruise to benefit Historically Black Colleges and Universities sets sail on its epic 20th voyage from Miami on April 7.  The Carnival Magic cruise makes stops at Amber Cove, San Juan, and St. Thomas.  This year’s cruise will feature entertainment favorites, informative seminars, morning inspiration, fitness classes, notable celebrities, and popular theme nights. Music superstars including Janet Jackson, Maxwell, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, KEM, and more will headline the entertainment lineup.  Joyner is pictured below on deck with listeners on a previous cruise.

January 2019 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the January 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s January 2019 survey period covered January 3 – 30. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight decreases, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR lost a collective nine-tenths (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.4, 6+), but “710 The Voice of New York” retrieves four-tenths to 1.8 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). WOR was a cumulative +.6 in September and October (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+). When Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW dropped two-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, it ended eight straight monthly reports without a loss that netted one-half share (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+). In January 2019, “New Jersey 101.5” is flat at 1.4 (#21 to #22, 6+). Up or flat five straight sweeps for an overall increase of three-tenths (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC lost one-tenth in “Holiday” 2018 but regains it in January 2019 (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2, unchanged at #24, 6+).

Three losses in succession by Entercom sports talk WFAN resulted in a -1.2 (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), but the flagship of the New York Giants, Brooklyn Nets, and Yankees is up one-tenth to 3.3 (tenth to ninth, 6+). Off a cumulative four-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.8 – 1.5- 1.4, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” picks up four-tenths (1.8, #21 to #20, 6+). Entering the December sweep, the flagship of the New York Jets and New York Knicks notched an overall gain of four-tenths via four straight up or flat monthlies (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1. 7 – 1.8, 6+).

Entercom all-news siblings WINS and WCBS-AM transform their combined -.9 in “Holiday” 2018 into a January 2019 +1.3, as the former is up one full-share (3.8 – 4.8, seventh to fifth, 6+), while the latter improves by three-tenths (3.0 – 3.3, #13 to #9, 6+). WINS was off one-half share in “Holiday” 2018, while WCBS-AM is rebounding from a “Holiday” 2018 loss of four-tenths, which halted four consecutive upticks that produced a net gain of eight-tenths (2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4, 6+).

While flat at 3.2 (6+), WNYC-FM departs the top ten (#10 to #11). The WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk outlet had been a cumulative -.7 (May, June, and July); +.7 (August); -.6 (September); +.6 (October); -.4 (November); +.6 (December); and -.4 (“Holiday” 2018). Co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM, which logged a .5 (6+) in each of the past four sweeps, is up one-tenth to .6 (#29 to #27, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – Erasing its combined December and “Holiday” 2018 -1.2 (6.3 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+) with a January 2019 +1.3 to 6.4 (6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” pushes up from third to second. It is one-tenth ahead of Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B,” which is up seven-tenths (5.6 – 6.3, 6+), yet backslides from second to third. Major fluctuations continue for Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9,” which was a collective +.5 (October and November, 4.3  – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+); -.6 (December); +.8 (“Holiday” 2018, 4.2 – 5.0, 6+); and now +.5 in January 2019 (5.5, steady at #4, 6+). Off a collective three-tenths in three straight down or flat sweeps (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+), Cumulus Media country WNSH is up four-tenths to 2.4 (#19 to #16, 6+). Next month, the (pending) new owner of “94.7 Nash FM” – Entercom – will begin operating the station. While it is #1 for the 19^th successive sweep, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” falters by -4.9 to 7.6 (6+). “Lite FM” was a combined +5.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). In four straight up or flat reports, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WQXR netted nine-tenths (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+), but “New York’s Classical Music Radio Station” surrenders all of it and fades from the top twenty (1.4, -.9, #15 to #22, 6+). Unchanged at #8, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97”  is without an increase for the eighth straight time for a cumulative loss of one-half share (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). The sale of Cumulus Media’s WPLJ (2.0 – 2.3, +.3, #19 to #17, 6+) to Educational Media Foundation is expected to close in early-summer, at which time EMF will flip the hot AC to contemporary Christian.

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.2 via eight straight down or flat trends  (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” wipes out half that deficit with a +.6 to 3.8 (6+, ninth to sixth). Co-owned news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” is up one-tenth (.8 – .9, 6+) and carries on at #31. Regaining the two-tenths it dropped in “Holiday” 2018, Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” (.8 – .6 – .8, 6+) advances from #38 to #33. Off one-tenth (.7 – .6, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” slips from #33 to #37. Prior to “Holiday” 2018, KABC was up two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (.3 – .5 – .7, 6+).

The AM flagship of the National Football Conference champion Los Angeles Rams – KSPN “710 ESPN” – records a one-half share gain (1.6, #27 to #25, 6+). Disney-owned KSPN was down two-tenths in consecutive survey periods (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+), after practically doubling its 6+-stat (+.7) through three straight gains (.8 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.5, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Chargers AM key station KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” gains two-tenths to .9 (#33 to #31, 6+). The flagship of the NL champion Los Angeles Dodgers posted ten successive ratings periods without a loss – in which time it more than quintupled (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share (.4 – .4 – .5 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+), but then plummeted by -1.4 in December.  

Obliterating its “Holiday” 2018 loss of one-half share with a January 2019 +1.1 (2.6 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom’s KNX “1070 News Radio,” which was up three-tenths in December, returns to the top ten (#13 to #7).

Within 2.3 – 2.7 range in each of the last 11 sweeps (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.5 – 2.3, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” erupts with a one-half share increase to 2.8 (6+) and rockets into the top ten (#16 to #10).

Los Angeles Music Formats – Even though it erases “Holiday” 2018’s -.9 with a January 2019 +1.0, iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” (4.9 – 4.0 – 5.0, 6+) remains in third-place. When KBIG gained two-tenths in December, it snapped at five a consecutive string of decreases that resulted in an overall loss of -1.1 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). “My FM” spent five successive months at #1 before being dislodged in October. Within 4.0 – 4.9 range (6+) for 19 straight survey periods, co-owned mainstream CHR KIIS faltered by one-half share to 3.5 in “Holiday” 2018, but “102.7 Kiss FM” roars back with a +.8 to 4.3 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory for the 20^th  time in a row (2.3 – 2.4, +.1, 6+), yet drifts from #16 to #20. Gaining seven-tenths (each) are KAMP’s classic-hits oldies and smooth AC cluster-mates KRTH “K-Earth 101” (5.1, steady at #2, 6+) and KTWV “94-7 The Wave” (3.6 – 4.3, unchanged at #4, 6+), as well as Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” (1.1 – 1.8, #23, 6+). On top in October 2018, “K-Earth” regains in its entirety the seven-tenths it lost in five straight down or flat trends (5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+). KLYY’s co-owned/similarly-formatted KSSE, which was trending 1.1 – .8 (6+) disappears from print. Unlisted the past four sweeps, Grupo Radio Centro regional Mexican KXOS “Mega 96.3” returns with a 1.0 (#30, 6+), while California State University – Northridge triple A KCSN debuts with a .6 (#37, 6+). An overall +8.4 via five upticks in succession (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST surrenders a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), but “Coast 103.5” is #1 for the fourth straight time. Down or flat the past eight sweeps for an overall -1.2 (2.6 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “Zona MX 101.9” picks up two-tenths to (1.6, 6+), yet slips from #24 to #25. A loss of one-half share by Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary KXOL (3.3 – 2.8, sixth to tenth, 6+) takes “Mega 96.3” to its lowest 6+-showing (2.8) since June 2018’s 2.6. In addition to being without an increase for the sixth straight time for an overall loss of one-half share (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KBUE “Que Buena” exits the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 2.6 – 2.2, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN wipes away 80% of that deficit with a +.8 to 3.0, propelling itself back into the top twenty (#21 to #12). Immediately prior to the December sweep, the key station of the Chicago White Sox logged three straight up or flat trends for a collective +.7 (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+). Off one-half share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM answers with a January 2019 gain of six-tenths to 1.7 (#26 to #22, 6+).

Up an overall one-half share in three straight gains (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” (flagship for both the Cubs and Bulls) inches up from ninth to eighth. WSCR was up eight-tenths in September and then -1.5 in October and November (4.3 – 4.2 – 2.8, 6+). Flat at 1.2 (6+), ESPN-owned WMVP slips from #24 to #26. Prior to surrendering three-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, “ESPN Chicago 1000” was up one half-share in four straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+).

Not only does Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM substitute its “Holiday” 2018 loss of four-tenths with a January 2019 gain of nine-tenths (5.3 – 6.2, 6+), the flagship of the NFL’s Chicago Bears marches from second to first. WBBM-AM – which was a collective +1.1 via four consecutive up or flat trends (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+) – shifted from first to second in December.

Regaining all of the three-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2018 and one-tenth more (2.6 – 3.0, +.4, #14 to #12, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ logs its best 6+-showing since April 2018 (3.0, as well). Its loss of three-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 ended four straight up or flat trends that generated a gain of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – With a May 2018 – “Holiday” 2018 topline between 4.1 – 4.9 (4.7 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101. 9 The Mix” explodes with a +1.0 to 5.4 (fifth to third, 6+). This is its best 6+-stat in exactly one year (5.4, as well in January 2018). While it remains at #6, co-owned classic rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” adds six-tenths (3.9 – 4.5, 6+) for its highest 6+-showing (4.5) since 5.5 in August 2018. An increase of nine-tenths to 5.5 (fourth to second, 6+) by Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO “Que Buena 105.1” curtails its December – “Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+). By picking up one-tenth to 3.7 (steady at #7, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” halts four straight setbacks that resulted in a cumulative -1.8 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+). Improving by six-tenths and one-half share, respectively, are adult contemporary outlets WSHE (2.5 – 3.1, 6+) and WRME-LP “87.7 FM Me TV – Me Music” (2.8, 6+). Hubbard Broadcasting’s “100.3 SHE” leaps into the top ten (#16 to #10),while Venture Technologies Group’s “FM 87.7 Me TV” advances from #19 to #16. WRME-LP had been down or flat five successive times for a collective -1.5 (3.8 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+). A combined +10.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+), the market’s other AC – iHeartMedia’s WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” – surrenders a -8.3 to 5.0 (6+), segueing from first to fourth. This marks the fifth time in a row that Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” is without an increase for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8, #13 to #16, 6+). Entering the “Holiday” 2018 sweep, WUSN had been within 3.0 – 3.9 range in each of the prior 17 ratings periods. A collective -1.3 in seven straight down or flat trends (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103” drops from third to fifth.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats –Off three times in succession for a -1.0 (3.1 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO picks up two-tenths to 2.3 (6+), yet backslides from #15 to #16. KSFO was up seven-tenths in October, after being a combined -1.0 in August and September (3.4 – 3.0- 2.4, 6+). Cluster-mate KGO is a cumulative -.6 in four successive down or flat sweeps 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#20 to #22, 6+).

Notwithstanding that it gains two-tenths (2.7 – 2.9, 6+), co-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” moves from #12 to #13. Prior to November, KNBR was without an increase the previous three ratings periods for a cumulative -1.2 (3.7 – 3.7 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). Continuing an up/down pattern (2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” continues at #18. KGMZ was a combined +.6 in three straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+), before faltering by two-tenths in November.

Not only does all-news cluster-mate KCBS-AM log its third consecutive positive spike for an overall +1.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 7.0, 6+), it progresses from third to second. At #2 ten (10) straight sweeps before shifting to #3 in December, KCBS-AM was in 5.3 – 5.8 range (6+) between February 2018 – “Holiday” 2018.

A one-half share improvement returns KQED (7.5 – 8.0, 6+) to #1. Following 11 straight months at #1, the Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk station fell to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. This (8.0) is its best 6+-performance since May’s 8.1. In eight successive sweeps without a loss, San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” nets six-tenths (.4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .9 – 1.0, 29 to #28, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Down four-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KYLD “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” answers with a +.8 to 4.2 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Similarly, Entercom hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3,” which declined by one-half share in December and “Holiday” 2018   (3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+) bounces back with a January 2019 increase of seven-tenths to 3.7 (ninth to sixth, 6+). After posting one-half share increases in consecutive sweeps (2.1 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), University of Southern California-owned classical outlet KDFC dropped one-tenth in “Holiday” 2018 but notches a +.6 in January 2019 (3.6, ninth to seventh, 6+). Displaying increases of one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia’s KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” (4.3, steady at #4, 6+) and Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” (3.1, #13 to #9, 6+). “The Breeze” had been off a combined nine-tenths in three setbacks in a row (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+), while “The Bone” lost eight-tenths in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+). An overall -.9 in five consecutive negative or flat trends (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3, 6+), Entercom’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” adds two-tenths to 1.5 (#25 to #23, 6+). At the same time, Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “Hot Country 95.3,” which hadn’t had an increase in five straight reports and surrendered 50% (.9) of its 6+-share in that stretch (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .9, 6+), is up two-tenths to 1.1 (flat at #27, 6+). After improving its 6+-stat by seven full-shares in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.7 – 6.4 – 10.7, 6+), Bonneville-owned adult contemporary KOIT-FM falters by -5.9 to 4.8 (6+) and shifts from first to third. For the third sweep in a row, iHeartMedia-owned urban contemporary KMEL “106.1 #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” notches a fluctuation of one-half share. It was -.5 (3.5 – 3.0, December, 6+); +.5 (3.0 – 3.5, “Holiday” 2018, 6+); and now -.5 in January 2019 (3.5 – 3.0, fifth to tenth, 6+). In six straight reports without an increase (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.4, #23 to #24, 6+), Entercom alternative KITS “Alt 105.3 The Bay Area’s Alternative” is an overall -.7.

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” regains one-half share to 2.8 (#19 to #16, 6+). Immediately prior to December, WBAP was without a loss five monthlies in a row for a collective +1.1 (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+). Progressing from #35 to #34, Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” is up two-tenths to 3.7 (6+), thus ending four straight down or flat trends that resulted in a loss of four-tenths (.9 – .9 – .7 – .6 – .5, 6+), while Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” is without an increase for the fifth time in a row (.5 – .4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3, #36 to #37, 6+).

In seven straight sweeps without a loss (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” is a +1.0 and climbs from #14 to #13. Up by one-half share as well in January 2019 is Cumulus Media-owned KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports, All The Time” (2.9, #18 to #15, 6+), which had been off a collective eight-tenths in three dips in a row (3.2 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). Even though ESPN’s KESN is down one-tenth (1.0 – .9, 6+), “103.3 ESPN Dallas” advances from #33 to #32.

Having been down or flat five straight times for an overall decline of three-tenths (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” picks up two-tenths to 2.2 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#23 to #20). Going back to “Holiday” 2016, KRLD-AM remains within a high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0.

Locked on 3.1 (6+) in December and “Holiday” 2018,North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA is up three-tenths to 3.4 (#13 to #12, 6+). Before September’s +.4 to 3.0, KERA logged a 6+-stat in the two-share range for 37 consecutive sweeps.

Dallas Music Formats – Trending 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.6 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+), Entercom adult hits KJKK busts out a +1.3 to 4.9 (6+), elevating “100.3 Jack FM” from ninth all the way to second. The rollercoaster ride continues for WAY Media contemporary Christian KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real,” which has been +.7 (September); -.8 (October); +.6 (November); a combined -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.2, 6+); and now +.6 in January 2019 (1.2 – 1.8, #30 to #24, 6+). Improving by six-tenths as well in January 2019 is Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX “99.5 The Wolf,” which not only returns to the top ten (3.8, #11 to #9, 6+), it pulls the plug on three straight negative trends that resulted in a -1.0 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+). It is one-tenth behind co-owned/similarly-formatted KSCS (3.8 – 3.9, +.1, 6+), which had been -1.4 in six straight down or flat reports (5.2 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+); “New Country 96.3” backslides from sixth to eighth. Up by one-half share (each) are Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNO “Que Buena 94.1” (3.5 – 4.0, tenth to sixth, 6+); Entercom’s similarly-formatted KMVK “La Grande 107.5” (2.5 – 3.0, #16 to #14, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDA “Air 1 Worship Now” (1.5 – 2.0, #21, 6+). In eight successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE almost tripled (+4.4) its 6+-stat (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 5.1 – 7.1, 6+), but “Star 102.1” regresses by -2.9 to 4.2 (6+) and segues from first to fourth. Replacing it at #1 is co-owned CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” (5.9 – 6.1, +.2, 6+). On top 12 straight times, “Kiss” shifted to #3 in “Holiday” 2018. On the heels of a +1.8 in “Holiday” 2018, Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV surrenders all but three-tenths of that gain (6.1 – 4.6, -1.5, second to third, 6+). Four successive improvements netted Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY a combined +1.4 (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+), but “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” forfeits one full-share to 3.6, dropping it from the top ten (#4 to #11). When Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB gained four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, it ended five consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a combined -1.0 (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+). In January 2019 though, “105.7 Smooth R&B” returns eight-tenths (2.5 – 1.7, 6+) and fades from the top twenty (#16 to #26). Co-owned urban contemporary KKDA “K-104” is without an increase for the third straight time for a collective loss of six-tenths (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.7, #11 to #17, 6+).

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – For the third sweep in succession, iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH records a move of seven-tenths: -.7 December (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and now +.7 January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, #16 to #12, 6+). “News Radio 740” posted a November gain of six-tenths to 4.3, its strongest 6+-stat since February 2017’s 4.4.

In six straight up or flat trends (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” was a collective +.5, but the AM flagship of the Houston Texans drops two-tenths to 1.2 (6+) and repeats at #22. After four straight monthlies of notching a .8 (6+), Gow Communications’ KFNC “ESPN 97.5” is up one-tenth to .9 (#25 to #23, 6+), while KTRH cluster-mate/Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” regains the one-tenth it dropped in “Holiday” 2018 (.6 – .5 – .6, #28 to #27, 6+).

Down or flat the past six ratings periods for a collective -1.5 (3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+), University of Houston news/talker KUHF erases roughly half the deficit (2.7, +.8, #21 to #18, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – After seven straight sweeps without an increase for an overall -1.8 since June 2018 (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz” posts a gain of seven-tenths (3.9, #14 to #10, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths as well is Entercom’s KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” (3.8 – 4.5, ninth to eighth, 6+), which pulls ahead of Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted KKBQ “93-Q Country,” which despite gaining four-tenths to 4.3 (6+), slips from eighth to ninth. KKBQ was a collective -1.5 in four straight reports without an increase (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+). Improving by one-half share (each) are Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” (6.5 – 7.0, unchanged at #2, 6+) and Cox Media Group classic rocker KGLK “The Eagle” (5.3, sixth to fourth, 6+). Prior to plummeting -1.5 in “Holiday” 2018, “Que Buena 102.9” was a collective +3.3 through five successive increases (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 8.0, 6+). “The Eagle” pulls the plug on three consecutive downward moves that resulted in a collective loss of six-tenths (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+). Steady at #6, KSBJ Educational Foundation contemporary Christian KSBJ “89.3 – God Listens” is an overall +1.5 via seven straight sweeps without a loss (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). A cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive upticks (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KODA “Sunny 99.1” erodes by -3.5 to 8.6 (6+) but is the market leader for the tenth straight time. In “Holiday” 2017, “Sunny” recorded a 12.5, the station’s strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston facility reached double-digits (6+) since that particular ratings period. Off seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.1, 6+), Univision Radio’s KOVE “Amor 106.5” fades from the top ten (#9 to #16) with its lowest 6+-stat (3.1) since July 2018’s 2.8. A collective +1.6 as the result of five positive spikes in succession (3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR KBXX “97.9 The Box” drops one-half share to 4.6 (fourth to seventh, 6+). Down one-half share as well in January 2019 is Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KAMA “Latino Mix” (2.2, #17 to #20, 6+), which had been trending 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 (6+). An overall -2.0 in six successive sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” continues at #11.

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -2.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.6 – 7.9 – 6.5, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM wipes away two-thirds of that deficit with a +1.4 to 7.9 (6+); moreover, it returns to #1. WSB-AM had been #1 37 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. Prior to November 2018, WSB-AM was a collective +1.1 in three straight gains (7.5 – 7.9 – 8.2 – 8.6, 6+). Flat at 1.2 (6+), WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” remains at #22. WYAY, which Cumulus Media is selling to Educational Media Foundation, was -1.0 in August (2.3 – 1.3, 6+). Following eight consecutive sweeps in a row without a loss for an overall gain of six-tenths (.1 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .4 – .5 – .6 -.6 – .7, 6+), Entercom news/talk WAOK is off two-tenths to .5 (#25 to #28, 6+).

Co-owned sports talk/Atlanta Falcons flagship WZGC “92.9 The Game” is a combined -.5 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #12). Prior to November 2018, WZGC was an overall +1.7 in four consecutive positive moves (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.9,  6+). Unchanged at #19, Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” regains half (+.1) of the two-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (2.0 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+). After three straight down or flat trends for a collective -.5 (2.4 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), the Atlanta Braves flagship picked up one-tenth in December.

Bouncing back from a “Holiday” 2018 loss of six-tenths with a January 2019 +1.0 (3.7 – 4.7, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE zooms back into the top ten (#11 to #6). Immediately before the “Holiday” 2018 ratings period, WABE was a collective +1.2 as a result of five straight up or flat trends (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+). Georgia State University news/talk WRAS is down or flat for the third time in a row for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.0 – .7 – .7 – .7, #25 to #26, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Until dropping seven-tenths to 4.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, WAMJ “Majic” had been within 5.1 – 5.6 range (6+) for ten consecutive sweeps. Now in January 2019, the Radio One urban AC posts a +1.0 to 5.4 (seventh to fourth, 6+), its strongest 6+-stat since June 2018’s 5.6. Gospel sibling WPZE “Praise 102.5 Atlanta’s Inspiration Station,” which also lost seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, gains one-half share (3.0 – 3.5, #15 to #13, 6+). A combined -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” makes up 70% of that deficit with a +.7 to 4.1 (#12 to #10, 6+). When “Q-100” lost one-tenth in October, it snapped at four a consecutive string of up or flat moves that netted three-tenths (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+). Having almost doubled (+4.2) its 6+-share in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 5.4 – 8.6, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “The Fish” flounders by -3.7 to 4.9, slipping from first to fourth. In advance of the December sweep, WFSH posted three negative trends in succession that accounted for an overall -1.5 (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+). A “Holiday” 2018 increase of one-half share by Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM halted at three a consecutive string of decreases that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+), but “B-98.5” erodes by -1.0 in January 2019 (5.6 – 4.6, fifth to seventh, 6+). Down six-tenths to 2.6 (#14 to #16, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” puts an end to what was a September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018 up/down pattern (3.4 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.2, 6+). Conversely, its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull,” is a collective +1.4 via four straight increases (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+) and is steady at #9. November’s gain of six-tenths followed three consecutive decreases that led to a -1.1 (4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.9 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (2.9 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+), immediately following seven straight ratings periods without a decrease that generated a +1.4 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” produces a +.5 to 2.5 (#18 to #17, 6+). Up one-tenth (1.3 – 1.4, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” climbs from #22 to #21.

An improvement of one-tenth (7.1 – 7.2, 6+) is enough to propel Entercom sports talk WIP from second to first; “Sports Radio 94.1” was #1 in October, as well. The flagship of the Eagles and Phillies was -.8 (February 2018); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); -.5 (June); +.7 (August); +1.4 (October); -1.0 (November); and +.8 (“Holiday” 2018). Without a loss the past four ratings periods for an overall +1.0 (1.8 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” is off one-tenth to 2.7 (#12 to #16, 6+). Prior to October, the key station of the 76ers and Flyers was without an improvement the previous five months for an overall -1.0 (2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+).

After spiraling by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” rebounds with a +.7 (4.3 – 5.0, steady at #7, 6+).

A collective -1.1 via three declines in a row (3.8 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+), public news/talk WHYY picks up two-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and continues at #14. An August increase of one-half share interrupted three successive negative trends for an overall -1.1 (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – Trending 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.9 (August through November, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WMGK dropped seven-tenths in December and then seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018. “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK,” however, roars back in January 2019 with a +1.6 to 7.1 (fourth to second, 6+) and is one-tenth behind #1 finisher WIP. In mid-November, iHeartMedia transitioned rhythmic hot AC WISX “Real 106.1” to adult contemporary as “106.1 The Breeze – Philly’s Relaxing Favorites.” WISX was off eight-tenths in its first report as an AC (December 2018), but is a combined +1.9 in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 (2.5 – 3.0 – 4.4, 6+) and is already in the top ten (#11 to #9). Its format rival – Entercom adult contemporary WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” –  suffers a whopping -10.3 (16.3 – 6.3, 6+) and slips from first to third. In back-to-back gains, WBEB was +10.1 (6.5 – 10.4 – 16.6, 6+).“Today’s 101.1 More FM” was on top from March through June before being dislodged in July. A combined -2.4 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.0, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” responds with a +1.3 to 6.3 (fifth to a three-way tie for third, 6+). November’s increase of six-tenths curtailed three straight negative trends that accounted for a combined -1.4 (8.2 – 7.5 – 7.0 – 6.8, 6+). WOGL finished first in August 2018 and segued to second in September. The last three sweeps have been particularly interesting for Beasley Media Group’s WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks,” which is -.6 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +1.1 in January 2019 (6.5 – 5.9 – 4.9 – 6.0, unchanged at #6, 6+). Prior to December, WMMR had been an overall +1.1 via four straight up or flat trends (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+). In that same vein, Entercom’s WXTU “92.5 Philadelphia’s Country Station” has recently been -.9 (October); +.6 (November); -1.1 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); and now +.9 (3.6 – 4.5, ninth to eighth, January 2019, 6+). After a September gain of four-tenths, WXTU surrendered more than twice that increase with a loss of nine-tenths. With a November – December – “Holiday” 2018 topline of 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.6 (6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” logs a gain of seven-tenths to 2.3 (flat at #19, 6+). Up six-tenths (2.4 – 3.0, #16 to #13, 6+), Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM” has its best 6+-showing (3.0) since July 2018’s 3.4. Surfacing at #26 and #28, respectively, are Delmarva Broadcasting hot AC and country siblings WSTW “93.7 Today’s Best Variety” (.7, 6+) and WXCY “New Country 103.7” (.5, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Three decreases in succession by iHeartMedia news/talk WOR accounted for a -1.5 (3.6 – 3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+), but “710 The Voice of New York” adds three-tenths to 2.4 (#16 to #15, 6+). In September and October, WOR doubled (+1.8) its 6+ share (1.8 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+). Down or flat the past four sweeps (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC picks up one-tenth to 1.4 (6+) yet backslides from #25 to #26. Its August increase of one-tenth stopped four consecutive down or flat moves that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, 6+).

A collective -1.4 via three drops in a row (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN pulls the plug by gaining four-tenths to 4.6 (6+), progressing from #4 to a three-way tie at #2. In November, the flagship of the Giants, Brooklyn Nets, and Yankees was in a three-way tie at #1. Owing to three decreases in a row (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN lost one-half share, but the key station of the New York Jets is up two-tenths to 1.9 (6+) and stays at #20. As was the case with WFAN, “98.7 ESPN New York” gained six-tenths in October.

This market’s (6+) all-news share balloons by +1.3 as Entercom’s WINS is up eight-tenths (2.8 – 3.6, #11 to #10, 6+), while co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM gains one-half share (2.9 – 3.4, #10 to #12, 6+). WINS lost four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 and WCBS-AM was off three-tenths. The two cluster-mates were tied in December and separated by one-tenth of a share in November.

Unlisted in October and November, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM resurfaced in December (2.0, #17, 6+); was off three-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (1.7, #19, 6+); and adds four-tenths in January 2019 (2.1, #17, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – Off eight-tenths in December and then down seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (3.9 – 3.1 – 2.4, 6+), Connoisseur Media classic hits-oldies WBZO “103.1 Max FM” follows with a January 2019 +1.1 to 3.5 (#14 to #11, 6+).After three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.0 (4.2 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.2, 6+), co-owned adult contemporary WKJY “Long Island’s K-98.3” gains seven-tenths to 3.9 (6+) and continues at #8. Ascending by seven-tenths as well in January 2019 is Cox Media Group–owned WBAB “102.3 Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” (3.8, unchanged at #9, 6+), which had been an overall -1.9 in six straight down or flat trends (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). Having been down or flat the past seven sweeps for an overall decline of -1.3 (2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” answers with a gain of six-tenths to 2.1 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#24 to #17). Prior to December, WQHT had been within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) the previous 49 consecutive Long Island ratings periods. In six straight down or flat ratings periods, Cumulus Media country WNSH lost 50% (-1.2) of its 6+ AQH share (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.5 – 1.2, 6+), but “94.7 – Nash FM” is up one-half share to 1.7 (#26 to #22, 6+). Licensed to Bridgehampton (New York), LRS Radio adult contemporary WBAZ “102.5 BAZ – Refreshing & Relaxing Music” debuts with a .5 (#33, 6+). Through six consecutive sweeps without a loss, Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” more than doubles (+1.4) its 6+-stat (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.6, #12 to #14, 6+). A combined +6.1 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 6.5 – 10.5, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM “97.5 – Real Variety” surrenders a -4.5 to 6.0 (6+) but is #1 for the third straight time. “Real Variety” was off one-half share in November. More than tripling (+6.4) its 6+-stat in seven Long Island sweeps in succession without a loss (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 6.3 – 9.2, 6+), iHeartMedia New York City adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” has its 6+-share slashed exactly in half (4.6, -4.6, 6+) yet continues in the runner-up slot. In six straight down or flat trends (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.4, #14 to #15, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – #1 For R&B” is an overall -1.5.

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the fourth consecutive down or flat trend for iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” (.4 – .2 – .2 -.2 – .1, #21 to #24, 6+). KKDD debuted in July with a .2 (6+); gained one-tenth in August; was flat in September; and up one-tenth in October.

Co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” (formerly KUBE) disappeared from print in June; resurfaced in July (.2, 6+); dropped one-tenth in August; and added one-tenth in both September and October. It is without an increase for the fourth successive time (.3 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1, flat at #24, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted for the 13^th straight sweep.

San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR erases its “Holiday” 2018 loss of two-tenths with an increase of four-tenths (1.1 – 1.5, #13 to #11, 6+). A collective -.4 in three straight losses (.6 – .4 – .3 – .2, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is up one-tenth to .3 (#21 to #20, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – Pulling the plug on four straight negative trends that resulted in a collective -1.7  (3.8 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.1, 6+), LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” dials up a +.6 to 2.7 (ninth to seventh, 6+). An October loss of four-tenths halted five straight increases that netted +5.3, more than doubling its 6+-stat since April (4.6 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 9.9, 6+). Notwithstanding it is a collective +1.8 via five successive up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “89.7 – Family Friendly” slips from fourth to fifth. Setting the pace for the ninth successive sweep, Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” follows “Holiday” 2018’s -2.0 with a more modest decrease of three-tenths (8.5 – 8.2, 6+). “Jose” was +1.1 in December and +2.5 in September. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. Up one-tenth (7.2 – 7.3, 6+), Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA is secure in the runner-up slot for the ninth time in a row. KOLA hit #1 in May 2018 with a 6.5 (6+). Flat at 1.4 (#12 to #13, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” is in one-share range (6+) for the 18^th successive ratings period. Without an increase the past three sweeps for a net loss of four-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), regional Mexican sibling KSCA “Zona Mx 101.9” adds two-tenths to 2.7 (eighth to seventh, 6+). Lazer Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted KAEH “Radio Lazer” is without a loss for the sixth report in a row (.1 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, #17 to #20, 6+). This is the fourth straight down or flat report for iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music,” which is off seven-tenths in that timeframe (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3, flat at #6, 6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to four straight sweeps without an increase, Cumulus Media’s KGO is an overall -1.1 (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9, #18 to #19, 6+). Prior to November’s -.8, KGO posted four improvements in a row for a cumulative +1.3 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KSFO, which was a collective -.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (1.2 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), gains three-tenths to 1.2 (#27 to #25, 6+). Its October increase of one-tenth ended three consecutive downward moves that resulted in the disappearance of exactly half (-1.1) of its 6+-share (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.1, 6+).

By adding six-tenths to 3.4 (#13 to #11, 6+), sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” halts five straight down or flat moves that yielded a combined -1.6 (4.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game,” which was a collective +.9 in November and December, is up four-tenths (1.4 – 1.8, #25 to #21, 6+).

Over and above being a collective +1.4 in three straight up or flat moves (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.1, 6+), all-news sibling KCBS-AM marches from fourth to first with its best 6+-stat (7.1) since June 2018’s 7.2.

Unlisted in October and November, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED returned in December with a 6.7 (6+); added four-tenths in “Holiday” 2018; but drops two-tenths in January 2019 (7.1 – 6.9, flat at #2, 6+). In December, San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW debuted with a .5 (6+). It added two-tenths to .7 in “Holiday” 2018 and is flat in January 2019 (.7, #30 to #26, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – A collective +1.3 in November and December (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD faltered by seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, but “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” bounces back with a +.9 (3.0 – 3.9, 6+) and rockets into the top ten (#12 to #7). Regaining in its entirety the eight-tenths it squandered in “Holiday” 2018 (4.6 – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate KIOI “Star 101.3” progresses from seventh to fifth. Having posted a +1.2 in October and a +.7 in November, “Star” relinquished one-half share in December. A combined -1.8 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (8.0 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), after being an overall +1.7 in October and November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” is up seven-tenths (6.9, third to second, 6+). In November, “Bay FM” reached the eight-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2016 (8.0, as well). Improving by six-tenths (each) are Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” (3.3 – 3.9, tenth to seventh, 6+), which spiraled by eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, and Univision Radio rhythmic CHR KVVF “Hot 105.7” (2.4, 6+), which was trending 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.8 (6+). A December gain of four-tenths by KRTY curtailed three consecutive negative trends that resulted in a collective -2.4 (6.1 – 5.4 – 4.5 – 3.7, 6+). Prior to the aforementioned streak, “Hot Country” was an overall +2.1 via five successive gains (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 6.1, 6+). November’s 3.7 marked the first time KRTY was below a four-share (6+) since January’s 3.8. “Hot 105.7” catapults from #22 to #13. Via five straight down or flat trends, Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN was an overall -1.1 (2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+) but “107.7 The Bone” is up one-half share to 1.7 (#26 to #22, 6+). Gaining one-half share as well is Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” (.9 – 1.4, #24). As the result of five straight upticks (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), KOIT-FM was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018. The Entercom adult contemporary facility, however, is unlisted in San Jose’s January 2019 report. An overall +1.5 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.8 – 4.4 – 5.3, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG forfeits one full-share (4.3, fifth to sixth, 6+). Immediately in advance of the December sweep, “Amor 100.3” was -2.4 through three declines in succession (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 3.8, 6+). In four successive San Jose setbacks, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ has lost roughly half (-2.3) its 6+-share (4.5 – 3.8 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.2, #14 to #15, 6+); “98.1 The Breeze” was a combined +1.0 in September and October (3.5 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+). Similarly, Bonneville-owned KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” sees its 6+ AQH share sliced nearly in half (-3.2) in five straight declines (6.9 – 5.9 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, seventh to ninth, 6+). Three increases in a row netted it a collective +1.7 (5.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+). Before shifting to #3 in October, KUFX had been #1 for three straight months.

Middlesex

Spoken-Word Formats – It’s a brief (“Holiday” 2018-only) time away from #1 for Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” (6.9 – 8.1, +1.2, second to first, 6+). “New Jersey 101.5” occupied the top spot for   six straight sweeps, before shifting to #2 in “Holiday” 2018 with a -1.1. When it lost three-tenths in December, WKXW had its consecutive string of increases that netted +2.3 halted at six (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 8.0 – 8.2 – 8.3, 6+). November 2018’s 8.3 was its best 6+-share since January 2018 (8.3, as well). Completely erasing its overall -1.0 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (3.4 – 2.8, 2.4, 6+) with a January 2019 +1.0 to 3.4 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR leaps from #17 to #12. Entering the December sweep, WOR was without a loss the previous five ratings periods and precisely doubled (+1.7) its 6+-share (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+). Without an increase the past seven reports for an overall loss of roughly half (-.9) its 6+ AQH share (1.7 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.2 – .8, 6+) Cumulus Media news/talk WABC adds two-tenths to 1.0 (6+) but remains at #26.

Following three consecutive slips which accounted for a -1.0 (4.2 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN is up three-tenths to 3.5 (#13 to #11, 6+). Its October increase of seven-tenths ended four Middlesex-Somerset-Union decreases in succession that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” has lost six-tenths in three straight reports without an increase (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.3, #18 to #19, 6+). The New York Jets flagship was +1.2 through five consecutive up or flat trends, (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+).

Both Entercom all-news outlets show “Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 increases: WCBS-AM regains the four-tenths it lost in “Holiday” 2018 (2.3 – 1.9 – 2.3, #22 to #19, 6+), while WINS improves for the third straight time (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, #23 to #24, 6+).

Missing from print in October and November, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM reappeared in December (2.6, #18, 6+); was down six-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (2.0, #21, 6+); and is up one-half share in January 2019 to 2.5 (#18, 6+).

Middlesex Music Formats – Tacking on eight-tenths to “Holiday” 2018’s +.2 (5.1 – 5.3 – 6.1, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” jumps from fourth to second with its best (6+) Middlesex-Somerset-Union figure (6.1) since June 2018’s 6.8. Displaying improvements of seven-tenths (each) are Pillar Of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” (3.5 – 4.2, ninth to seventh, 6+) with its highest 6+performance (4.2) since May 2018’s 4.6, and Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT “Amor 93.1” (2.3, #20, 6+), which had been trending 2.5 – 2.0 – 1.6 (November – December – “Holiday” 2018, 6+). At the same time, up one-half share are Entercom-owned WNYL “Alt 92.3 New York’s New Alternative” (3.0, flat at #16, 6+), which had been trending 3.1 – 2.7 – 2.5 (6+), and Beasley Media Group’s WDHA “105.5 The Rock Of New Jersey” (1.3 – 1.8, #24, 6+). By improving two-tenths to 4.5 (fifth to fourth, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WHTZ “Z-100” applies the brakes to four successive down or flat moves that accounted for a collective -1.1 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+). Owing to five straight Middlesex-Somerset-Union upticks (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 6.5 – 11.4, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WLTW was an overall +6.5. In January 2019, however, “106.7 Lite FM” plummets by -6.2 to 5.2 (first to third, 6+). On the heels of its +1.7 in “Holiday” 2018, Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WMGQ “Magic 98.3 Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” forfeits -1.3 (5.8 – 4.5, third to fourth, 6+). “Holiday” 2018’s 5.8 is the highest 6+-share for “Magic” since February 2018’s 5.9.