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He’s Was Talk Radio’s Premiere Songwriter
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS magazine
Managing Editor
LOS ANGELES — Arguably the leading voice of the conservative movement over the last several decades, 70-year-old Rush Limbaugh died Wednesday (2/17) after a battle with advanced lung cancer.
His diagnosis was announced to listeners of his radio show exactly one year ago (February 2020).
News of his passing was delivered by his wife, Kathryn, on Wednesday’s Premiere Networks radio broadcast.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
WFAN, New York Officially Announces New Lineup. On New Year’s Eve, Entercom announced the new lineup for sports talk WFAN, New York “The Fan” that takes effect on Monday, January 6. As had been reported in numerous New York media outlets, the station goes from four to three daytime shows with Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts moving from late mornings to the 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm slot, replacing Mike Francesa. He will host the 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm “Mike’s On” program as well as “host special programs, remote broadcasts, and contribute to other shows on WFAN.” Maggie Gray remains with the station in midday, reunited with longtime WFAN personality Marc “Moose” Malusis for the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm “Moose and Maggie” show. Prior to her joining WFAN in 2018 with co-hosts Bart Scott and Chris Carlin, she served with CBS Sports Radio co-hosting a Saturday morning show with Malusis. Malusis currently serves as the host of “Football Sunday” on WFAN with former New York Giants player David Diehl. The rest of the lineup remains the same, with “Boomer and Gio” in AM drive, Steve Sommers in evenings and John Jastremski in overnights. Entercom New York SVP of programming Mark Chernoff says, “This is quite an impressive lineup of talent on WFAN as we remain the one and only place to talk New York sports all day, every day. Combined with our play-by-play of New York Yankees baseball, New York Giants football, Brooklyn Nets basketball and New Jersey Devils hockey, as well as our slate of National Football League games, we look forward to expanding our position as the flagship station for New York sports fans.”
KABC, Los Angeles Adds Two Evening Shows to New Lineup. Los Angeles news/talk outlet KABC adds two one-hour programs to its evening lineup, effective today (1/2). Former Secret Service Agent and NYPD officer and New York Times best-selling author Dan Bongino hosts his eponymous 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm show and Andrew Klavan brings his “distinctive brand of political satire, cultural commentary, interviews and more” to the 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm hour. Both Bongino and Klavan host
podcasts of the same name on the Westwood One Podcast Network. Cumulus Media’s KABC recently announced its daily lineup consisting of “Armstrong & Getty” in AM drive, Washington-based Larry O’Connor from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, John Phillips from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, Ben Shapiro from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and “The Savage Nation” with Michael Savage from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. KABC general manager Drew Hayes says, “We are thrilled to add Dan Bongino and Andrew Klavan to our built-for-election year lineup. Both Dan and Andrew have strong, thoughtful opinions and huge followings that will make nights on KABC a real destination for common sense listeners in 2020 and beyond.”
Ratings Takeaways from December PPM Survey. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents his “Ratings Takeaways” from Nielsen Audio’s December 2019 PPM survey that covered November 7 to December 4, 2019. Some positive 6+ weekly AQH share ratings movement for spoken-word stations during the survey includes: Hearst’s news/talk WBAL-AM, Baltimore adds three-tenths to its five-survey uptick to finish at a 3.2 share and the #11 rank in the market; Entercom’s crosstown sports talker WJZ-FM, Baltimore rises six-tenths to a 4.9 share and #8 in the market; Alpha Media’s KXL-FM, Portland adds two-tenths to its fifth survey without a loss to stand at 5.4 share and the #4 rank in the market; and Emmis Communications’ WIBC-FM, Indianapolis adds three-tenths to finish with a 6.7 share and the #4 rank in the market. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here and check out all of Mike Kinosian’s “Takeaways” from the December survey here.
Tegna to Sell KFMB-AM and FM to Local Media San Diego. Television company Tegna is entering into a deal to sell its two San Diego radio stations – news/talk KFMB-AM and adult hits KFMB-FM – to Local Media San Diego for
Donald Trump Impeachment, Attacks on U.S. Embassy in Iraq, 2020 Presidential Race, New Year/2019 Retrospectives, Hanukkah Attack, Texas Church Shooting, and North Korea Nuclear Ambitions Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/1). The articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump; the attacks on the U.S. embassy in Iraq and President Trump’s blaming Iran; the Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in November; retrospectives of 2019 and the “teens” decade; five are wounded at a Hanukkah celebration in New York; the Sunday shooting at a Texas church that claimed the lives of two parishioners; and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
iHeartMedia Extends Deal with Alfred ‘Big Al’ Williams. Denver radio personality Alfred “Big Al” Williams and iHeartMedia sign a new, five-year
Paige Rockwell Named VP of Sales at iHeartMedia Binghamton. Sales pro Paige Rockwell is named vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s
TALKERS News Notes. After a two-year absence, CBS News Radio is back providing news programming for Hubbard Radio’s all-news WTOP-FM,
Shock & Awe(mus)
By Mike Kinosian
TALKERS
Managing Editor
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in TALKERS magazine in July of 2011.
Now imagine pretty much the exact opposite with what some would insist is a cynical, bitter-sounding, often-mumbling personality who berates nearly everyone in his path (his bosses, co-workers, advertisers, guests and listeners are never exempt) and you have a reasonably good feel for “Imus in the Morning.”
Friday, December 27, 2019
Don Imus Dead at 79. There are not may details available but radio legend Don Imus passed away early this morning (12/27) at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in College Station, Texas. The Hollywood Reporter says Imus had been hospitalized on Christmas Eve. No cause of death has been given.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
iHeartMedia Releases August Financial Figures; Revenue Up 6.3%. Although iHeartMedia is not publicly traded and required by law to release financial data, it is
TALKERS News Notes. The NFL’s Washington Redskins are working with Skyview Networks’ AdView Inventory Management software and Live Read Capture system, under a new, multi-year deal. Skyview says, “AdView’s custom design makes scheduling complex play-by-play inventory efficient, providing the Redskins a user-friendly
Warner Wolf Loses Imus Age Discrimination Suit; Attorney Vows to Appeal. According to a report in the New York Daily News, longtime New York sports media
Kavanaugh Investigation, Sanders’ Stop BEZOS Bill, the USMCA Deal, U.S.-China Tensions, Kanye West ‘SNL’ Pro-Trump Speech, Midterm Elections, NFL Action, and MLB Playoffs Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (10/1). The accusations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and the FBI’s investigation into Christine Blasey Ford’s claim; Bernie Sanders’ bill that would tax Amazon, Walmart and others for the amount their workers receive in federal benefits; the new USMCA trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada; U.S.-China tensions over tariffs and China’s military programs in the South China Sea; the flap over Kanye West’s pro-Trump speech on “SNL”; November’s midterm elections and the battle to control congress; the weekend’s NFL action, and the MLB playoffs were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TAKEAWAYS
New York City
Spoken-Word Formats – Off in each of the last four months for a collective -.8 (2.5 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” adds
New York City Music Formats – Up or flat for the sixth time in succession for an overall +.6 (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU “103.5 The Beat of New York” jumps from tenth to eighth. It overtakes Emmis’ similar-formatted WQHT “Hot 97 – #1 for Hip-Hop,” which sits at 3.9 for the fourth time in the last five ratings periods (3.9 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+) and repeats at #9. After posting four straight modest gains for an overall boost of one-half share (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), “Hot” dropped one-tenth in July. An overall -1.6 via three setbacks in succession (8.5 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW is a combined +.6 in August and September (6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5, 6+). Moreover, “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 for the 14th successive sweep. Prior to July, the last time WLTW fell below a six-share (6+) was in October 2017 (6.6). A collective +7.1 in five consecutive gains (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 7.0 – 8.8 – 13.1, 6+), WLTW was -5.1 in January and February (13.1 – 8.5 – 8.0, 6+) but rebounded in March and April with a +.5 (8.0 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+). Its urban contemporary sibling, WWPR, continues a down/up pattern that began in December 2017 (3.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+) as “Power 105.1” climbs from #12 to #11. In the market’s hot AC battle, Entercom’s WNEW “New 102.7,” whose April through August topline was 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 (6+), is off two-tenths to 2.8 (#13 to a four-way tie at #13), while Cumulus Media-owned WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” adds one-tenth and is trending 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.3 (May through September, #18 to #17, 6+).
Los Angeles
Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit steady in sixth-place, iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” is down or flat for the fourth time in a row for a collective loss of seven-tenths (4.4
Los Angeles Music Formats – Within two-share range (6+) in each of the last 12 ratings periods, Meruelo Group rhythmic CHR KPWR “Power 106” busts out a +.6 to 3.2 (6+), catapulting from #15 to #9. On top for the fifth straight sweep, iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG is nonetheless off one-tenth for the third sweep in a row. In fact, its seven most recent trends are: 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.5 (6+). Dating back to December 2015, “My-FM” has set the pace on 17 of the past 37 Los Angeles sweeps: February 2017 through November 2017; January and February 2018; and May 2018 through September 2018. Remaining in the runner-up slot is Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101,” which continues a repetitive 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.0 (6+) sequence. A collective +.7 in five straight months without a loss (4.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), smooth AC cluster-mate KTWV was then a combined six-tenths in three straight dips (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). In September, however, “94.7 The Wave” improves by four-tenths to 4.6 (fifth to fourth, 6+). An overall -.7 in six consecutive down or flat trends (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KIIS picked up four-tenths in August, but “102.7 Kiss-FM” returns half that increase in September (4.6 – 4.4, -.2, 6+), slipping from third to fifth. Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-programmed KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” – which had logged a 2.7 (6+) in May, June, and July before adding one-tenth to 2.8 (6+) in August – sputters by one-half share to 2.3 (6+), plummeting from #12 to #20. In six straight up or flat trends (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), co-owned KROQ was a combined +.7, but the alternative outlet drops one-tenth to 2.8 (#11 to #14, 6+). Its format foe, iHeartMedia’s KYSR-FM “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative,” is off a combined nine-tenths in four declines in succession (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3, #19 to #20, 6+). After logging a 2.1 (6+) the past three consecutive months, Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA drops one-tenth to 2.0 (#21 to #22, 6+); “Zona Mx 101.9” is within 2.1 – 2.8 range (6+) for the 20th ratings period in a row. Similarly, Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “Go Country 105” (#20 to #17, 6+) is within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) for the 35th time in succession and is without a loss for the fourth straight time (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+) for a net gain of three-tenths.
Chicago
Spoken-Word Formats – Bouncing back from August’s one-half share loss with a gain of three-tenths (2.5 – 2.8, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN climbs from #17 to #16.
Chicago Music Formats – While on top for the ninth month in a row, iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103 Today’s R&B and Throwbacks” (6.0 – 5.7, -.3, 6+) has its lowest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017 (5.7, as well). WVAZ was up one-tenth in back-to-back ratings periods (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1, May – June – July, 6+). Its gain of one-tenth in June halted four straight down or flat trends that produced a -.9 (6.8 – 6.6 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9, 6+). In a highly-noteworthy eight straight up or flat trends (2.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.5, 6+), Hubbard’s WDRV more than doubled its 6+-stat (a combined +3.0). In September, however, “97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock” forfeits more than one-third of that increase (4.4, -1.1, second to fifth, 6+). Upon entering the September sweep, co-owned hot AC WTMX was no higher than 5.1 (6+) and no lower than 4.7 (6+) in each of the previous seven sweeps; however, “101.9 The Mix” regresses by eight-tenths to 4.1 (6+), sliding from fourth to seventh. A combined -.6 in July and August (3.5 – 3.1 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WLIT erases half the deficit in September with a +.3 to 3.2 (#15 to #12, 6+). Immediately prior to that, “93.9 Lite FM” notched three increases in succession for an overall gain of four-tenths (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+). Following August’s eight-tenths’ leap, Moody Bible Institute religious teaching WMBI “90.1 Moody Radio” surrenders more than half that increase (1.7 – 1.2, -.5, #24, 6+). Via three consecutive upticks, Cumulus Media-owned WLS-FM is a cumulative +1.2 (4.2 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 5.4, third to second, 6+). Before surrendering one-tenth in June, “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” was an overall +1.6 in seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 4.3, 6+). Up or flat for the fifth successive month for a +.5 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1, Hubbard adult contemporary WSHE carries on at #13. Seven-tenths ahead of “100.3 SHE” is Venture Technologies Group adult contemporary WRME-LP “FM 87.7 Me TV,” which is within 3.3 – 3.8 range (6+) for the eighth month in a row and up or flat for the third successive time (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8, seventh to eighth, 6+). Entercom’s WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” (3.3 – 3.7, +.4, tenth to ninth, 6+) has a more than two-to-one advantage over iHeartMedia’s WEBG “Big 95.5 – Chicago’s New Country” (1.8 – 1.6, -.2, #22 to #23, 6+). This is the 14th straight time that “US-99” is within 3.0 – 3.9 range.
San Francisco
Spoken-Word Formats – Following four successive increases for an overall +1.3 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO falters by a combined -1.0 in
San Francisco Music Formats – Steady at #4, Entercom-owned hot AC KLLC is up or flat for the fourth straight time for a +.5 (3.3 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+). Prior to June’s increase, “Alice @ 97.3” was off eight-tenths via four successive declines (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Adult contemporary cluster-mate KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” regresses by a collective -.7 in four straight down or flat moves (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2, ninth to tenth, 6+). Unchanged at #3 is iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KISQ “98.1 The Breeze,” which is -.4 in three modest dips in succession (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), after being an overall +.6 via four straight up or flat trends (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Improving by one-half share each and making healthy ranker moves in the process are Bonneville urban AC KBLX “102.9 The Soul of the Bay” (3.3 – 3.8, tenth to fourth, 6+); iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3” (3.2 – 3.7, #11 to #6, 6+); and co-owned KOSF “iHeart80s @ 103.7” (2.7 – 3.2, #15 to #10, 6+). This is the best 6+-stat for “Star” since February’s 3.8. Meanwhile, the last time KOSF reached the three-share level was nearly three years ago (3.0, October 2015). In four straight up or flat sweeps, Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN is an overall +.7 (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0, #12 to #13, 6+). Prior to August, “107.7 The Bone” recorded a 6+-share between 2.0 – 2.9 in each of the previous 40 sweeps.
Dallas
Spoken-Word Formats – An increase of two-tenths to 2.4 (6+) is enough to send Cumulus Media’s WBAP back into the top twenty (#21 to #19). Preceding the
Dallas Music Formats – At the same time that WAY Media contemporary Christian KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” improves by seven-tenths (1.6 – 2.3, #20, 6+), First Dallas Media’s similarly-formatted KCBI “90.9 Encouraging Music – Words of Hope” regresses by one-half share (2.0 – 1.5, #27, 6+). It is the lowest 6+-share for KCBI since “Holiday” 2017’s 1.3. As the result of five straight sweeps without a loss, City of Dallas-owned WRR “Classical 101” more than doubles (+1.7) its 6+ share (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 3.0 – 3.1, #15 to #13, 6+). At #1 for the ninth straight month, iHeartMedia-owned KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” follows August’s +1.1 (5.5 – 6.6, 6+) with a loss of four-tenths to 6.2 (6+). “Kiss” was a combined -1.4 in June and July (6.9 – 6.3 – 5.5, 6+), after a +1.5 via three upticks in a row (5.4 – 6.0 – 6.7 – 6.9, 6+). When “Kiss” reached #1 in January, it was the first time the mainstream CHR held the lead position since March 2017. Without a loss for five successive sweeps for a +.7 (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom-owned KVIL “Alt 103.7 – DFW’s New Alternative” surrenders four-tenths to 2.7 (#13 to #18, 6+). Notwithstanding it is down or flat for the sixth time in a row (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” climbs from sixth to fifth. It is two-tenths behind co-owned and similarly-programmed KSCS “New Country 96.3” (flat at 4.3 and steady at #3, 6+). When KSCS dropped nine-tenths in August, it curtailed seven successive up or flat trends that accounted for a +1.3 (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+). July’s 5.2 represents the best-ever 6+ share in KSCS’ PPM history and first time it ever reached the five-share level (6+).
Houston
Spoken-Word Formats – Off a combined nine-tenths in August and September (4.1 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH tumbles from #13 to #16; “News Radio 740” improved by six-tenths in January. Among the market’s sports talk competitors,
Houston Music Formats – An overall -1.3 in three straight negative moves (4.8 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR KBXX “97.9 The Box” responds with a +.4 to 3.9 (6+) and returns to the top ten (#14 to #9). In August, “The Box” slipped below a four-share (3.5, 6+) for the first time since July 2017’s 3.9. In addition to being on top for the fifth month in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” is up six-tenths in three straight up or flat trends (7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.6, 6+). Having finished first in four successive sweeps, “Sunny 99.1” segued to second in March, but then rebounded from a -1.1 in March with an April +.8 to return to the top spot. Its 12.5 in “Holiday” 2017 is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3 and the first time any Houston station reached double-digits (6+) since that ratings period. A cumulative -1.5 in June and July (7.2 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+), Radio One urban AC KMJQ responds with a collective +.7 in August and September (5.7 – 6.3 – 6.4, 6+). “Majic 102.1 – The People’s Station” remains in the runner-up slot for the fifth month in a row. Stuck on 7.0 (6+) in January and February, “Majic” dropped to 6.8 (6+) in March; it was tied for #1 in April. On the heels of gaining four-tenths in August to 4.2 (6+), Entercom Spanish contemporary KLOL “Mega 101” forfeits twice that increase with a September loss of eight-tenths (3.4, 6+), drifting from #9 to #15. In advance of the August sweep, “Mega 101” had a March – July 6+ topline of 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.8. Adult hits cluster-mate KKHH “95.7 The Spot,” which was +1.2 in four straight positive spikes (4.5 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+), surrenders just over half that combined increase (5.0, -.7, third to seventh, 6+). Dating back to “Holiday” 2017, Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK was an overall +1.4 in eight straight up or flat trends (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+). The string ends in September though as “Houston’s Eagle” is off four-tenths to 5.3 (third to fourth, 6+). KGLK’s 5.7 in July and August is its strongest 6+-performance since 5.9 in October 2017.
Atlanta
Spoken-Word Formats – Down three-tenths in July and August (7.8 – 7.6 – 7.5, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM rebounds in September with a +.4 to 7.9 and is #1 for the 34th consecutive time. When WSB-AM gained three-tenths in June, it halted three
Atlanta Music Formats – An increase of three-tenths to 5.5 (fifth to fourth, 6+) by Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” pulls the plug on four down or flat sweeps in succession for a collective loss of seven-tenths (5.9 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+). An overall -.9 in July and August (4.3 – 4.0 – 3.4, 6+), urban AC sibling WALR “Kiss 104.1 – Atlanta’s R&B” erases two-thirds of that shortage with a +.6 to 4.0 (6+) and is back in the top ten (#13 to #10). “Kiss” posted three negative trends in succession for an overall loss of nine-tenths (4.5 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+), but was up seven-tenths in June. This Georgia metro’s two CHR rivals again finish back-to-back, only in September, iHeartMedia’s WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” (ninth to seventh, 6+) emerges ahead of Cumulus Media’s WWWQ “Q-100, Atlanta’s New Hits” (unchanged at #8, 6+). “Power” is without a loss for the fifth straight time for a cumulative gain of one full-share (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+), while “Q-100” is up three-tenths in four straight up or flat moves (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+). Locked on 6.6 (6+) in June and July, classic hits-oldies sibling WSRV notched a one-half share increase in August to 7.1 (6+), but “97.1 The River” surrenders seven-tenths to 6.4 (6+), segueing from second to third. Three positive spikes in a row by Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH netted a +1.9 (4.0 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.9, 6+), but “The Fish” falters by six-tenths to 5.3 (fourth to fifth, 6+). August’s 5.9 is its strongest 6+-showing since January’s 6.0. Following a May through August (repetitive 6+) sequence of 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.7, Radio One-owned WHTA “Hot 107.9” surrenders one-half share to 4.2 (seventh to ninth, 6+). In the market’s country contest, iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” is off one-tenth (3.8 – 3.7, #11 to #12. 6+), while Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” adds one-tenth (3.3 – 3.4, flat at #14, 6+). A one-tenth May setback by “The Bull” ended four increases in a row for an overall gain of six-tenths (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+); it was then -.7 in June. July’s 3.9 by “Kicks” is the station’s best 6+-showing since August 2017 (3.9, as well). Not only does Entercom hot AC WSTR have its consecutive string of up or flat monthlies that yielded a collective +1.4 end at four (2.5 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), “Star 94.1 – Today’s Hits” exits the top ten (3.6, -.3, #10 to #13). Having logged seven straight up or flat moves (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+) and finishing #19 in May, Cox Media Group urban contemporary WSTR-HD3 is unlisted for the fourth month in a row.
Philadelphia
Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing its winning ways, Entercom’s WPHT is +1.3 in five straight positive spikes (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8, #15 to #14, 6+). “Talk Radio 1210” was stuck on 1.8 (6+) in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018 and
Philadelphia Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia CHR WIOQ jump from #13 to #11 with a one-half share increase to 3.5 (6+), “Q-102 Philly’s #1 Hit Music Station” applies the brakes to four straight decreases that accounted for a collective -.8 (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0, 6+). Over and above racking up its third improvement in a row for a +1.9 (5.8 – 6.4 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+), co-owned WDAS-FM marches from second to first. August’s 7.3 marked the first time “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” reached the seven-share level (6+) since September 2017’s 7.1. Immediately prior to a loss of one-half share in June, WDAS-FM was an overall +.8 in three straight positive spikes (5.5 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 6.3, 6+). Ousted from the top spot and shifting to second is Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s,” which is a combined -1.2 in August and September (8.2 – 7.5 – 7.0, 6+). This comes immediately after six straight gains for a combined +2.9 (5.3 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.7 – 8.2, 6+). July’s 8.2 represents its highest-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era. When WOGL reached #1 in that sweep, it was the first time the station occupied that spot since August 2017. In five straight sweeps without a loss (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WRFF gained a collective four-tenths, but “Radio 104.5 Philadelphia’s Alternative” falters by six-tenths to 3.2 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). Unchanged at #4, WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” is a collective -2.2 in three consecutive decreases (8.5 – 7.8 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). WBEB had been on top from March through June but was dislodged from the top spot in July. In “Holiday” 2017, WBEB achieved its most potent 6+-share since 17.9 in “Holiday” 2016. Entercom is now operating WBEB under a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA), until it officially closes on its $57.5 million purchase of the Jerry Lee Radio adult contemporary outlet.
Long Island
Spoken-Word Formats – In three straight down or flat trends (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” was a collective -1.3, but the key station of the New York Mets recaptures one full-share (2.8, 6+) and rockets back into the top twenty (#22 to #13). Before surrendering three-tenths in March, WOR was an overall +.8 in three straight gains (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). Cumulus Media news/talk WABC adds two-tenths to 1.5 (#23). Its +.1 in August 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+). Despite dropping two-tenths (5.2 – 5.0, 6+), Entercom’s WFAN repeats at #1. August’s 5.2 is its strongest 6+-showing in Long Island since November 2017’s 5.9. “Sports Radio” was -1.1 in February; a collective +1.8 in April and May (2.9 – 4.0 – 4.7, 6+); -.5 in June; and the New York Yankees’ flagship was +.7 in July. WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” is off seven-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6, #22, 6+), immediately after five consecutive upticks for a +1.2 (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+). Stuck on 2.5 (6+) in June, July, and August, WCBS-AM adds two-tenths to 2.7 (#15 to #14, 6+). The Entercom all-news operation gained two-tenths in January, halting four straight down or flat trends for an overall loss of one full-share (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). It is tied with co-owned and similarly-formatted WINS (2.8 – 2.7, -.1, #13 to #14, 6+). Prior to the September sweep, WINS showed a month-to-month fluctuation of three-tenths four straight times: +.3 (May); -.3 (June); -.3 (July); and +.3 (August). Checking in at #19, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM is trending 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.0 (February 2018 – September 2018, 6+).
Long Island Music Formats – It remains tight at the top, as the first six Nassau-Suffolk September 2018 finishers are separated by seven-tenths of a share. Despite dropping four-tenths (5.1 – 4.7, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM remains in the runner-up slot. “Real Variety 97.5” was ousted from the penthouse in July after nine straight months there. Its +.1 in August halted seven successive sweeps without an increase for an overall -7.6 (12.6 – 7.4 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+). A one-half share decline (2.6 – 2.1, 6+) sends Entercom’s similarly-programmed WNEW “New 102.7” from #14 to #18. One-tenth behind is its NYC format rival – Cumulus Media’s WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ” (2.2 – 2.0, -.2, #18 to #19, 6+). Mirroring WALK-FM’s (6+) August – September 5.1 – 4.7 profile and thus part of the four-way tie at #2 is its classic hits-oldies sibling WBZO “103.1 Max FM,” which gained one-half share in August (4.6 – 5.1, 6+). In five straight down or flat trends, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WCBS-FM was a collective -1.2 (4.9 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7, 6+), but “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” regains one full-share in August and September (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.7, 6+). It moves from #5 to that aforementioned four-way logjam at #2. Included in that scrum as well is iHeartMedia New York City CHR WHTZ “Z-100,” which is flat or down slightly for the fifth straight time for a collective loss of four-tenths (5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+) yet actually moves up from #4. Off one-tenth (2.5 – 2.4, 6+), Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” (#15 to #16) is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the 47th consecutive ratings period.
Riverside
Spoken-Word Formats – Immediately after dropping four-tenths in August to 1.3 (6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR regains one-tenth (1.4, #13 to #12, 6+). KVCR nearly doubled its 6+-stat in June and July (.9 –
Riverside Music Formats – In an absolute runaway, the honors for largest (6+) August 2018 – September 2018 gain by any station in the 12 PPM-markets noted here goes to Entravision’s KLYY “Jose” (7.4 – 9.9, +2.5, 6+). Not only that, “Jose” finishes first for the fourth successive sweep and is +5.3 in five straight positive spikes (4.6 – 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.9 – 7.4 – 9.9, 6+). This follows five sweeps in succession without an increase for an overall -3.0 (7.6 – 7.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+). June 2018 marked the first time “Jose” was in the lead position since “Holiday” 2017 when it scored a 7.3 (6+). The last time KLYY reached the nine-share level (6+) was in February 2017 (9.2). Continuing in the runner-up slot, Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA is a collective +.9 in three successive monthlies without a loss (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 7.2, 6+). Its +.3 in July ended four downward trends in succession that generated a -2.1 (8.4 – 7.1 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.3, 6+). In four straight sweeps without a loss (2.5 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.8, 6+), LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE is a collective +1.3 as “Old School 104.7” carries on at #6. Following four straight Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario decreases for an overall -1.8 (5.3 – 4.9 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” posts a +.6 to 4.1 (6+) and is steady at #5. A collective +1.5 in June and July (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.9), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI relinquished 80% of that increase in August (3.7, -1.2, 6+); however, “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” answers with a +.5 in September to 4.2 and continues in fourth-place. Improving by one-half share as well is All-Pro Broadcasting adult contemporary KATY “101.3 The Mix” (1.1, #17 – #14, 6+), which had notched a .6 in four of the last five sweeps (.6 – .6 – .7. – .6 – .6, 6+). In three consecutive losses, Entercom country outlet KFRG was -1.5 (5.9 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+), but “K-Frog” picks up one-tenth to 4.5 and carries on at #3. When KFRG sputtered by four-tenths in June, it snapped at four a consecutive string of increases that netted an overall +1.3 (4.6 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). Faltering by six-tenths each are Anaheim Broadcasting’s KCAL-FM “96.7 Rocks” (ninth to tenth, 6+), which is -1.0 in four straight sweeps without an increase (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 1.8, 6+) and Lazer Licenses’ Spanish adult hits KCAL-AM “La Mexicana 1410” (.7 – .1, #16 to #23, 6+). Meanwhile, Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXSB “Radio Lazer” is without a gain for the fifth straight month for a collective -.6 (.7 – .6 – .6 – .4 – .3 – .1, #21 to #23, 6+). Entering the August sweep, iHeartMedia Spanish adult hits KFOO recorded a .3 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (.3 – .3 – .5 – .3, 6+). “La Preciosa 1440 AM” erupted with a +.7 to 1.0 (6+), only to disappear from print in September.
San Jose
Spoken-Word Formats – This is the third increase in a row for Cumulus Media’s KGO for a cumulative +1.1 (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.8, #16 to #15, 6+). July’s increase stopped four successive downward sweeps for a -1.4 (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+). Co-owned news/talk KSFO, however, relinquishes exactly half of its 6+-share (-1.1) in three consecutive downward moves (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.1, #21 to #27, 6+). Prior to July, KSFO was without a loss the previous five months for an overall +1.0 (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+). Immediately after registering a +.8 to halt three decreases in
San Jose Music Formats – As a result of three upticks in succession (1.7 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KOSF “iHeart80s @ 103.7” has doubled its 6+-share (+1.7) and vaults into the top ten (#18 to #10). A July gain of seven-tenths by adult contemporary cluster-mate KISQ interrupted four straight negative trends that produced a loss of nine-tenths (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). In August, “98.1 The Breeze” surrendered eight-tenths, but it recaptures seven-tenths in September (3.5 – 4.2, ninth to seventh, 6+). Erasing in full August’s -.5 with a September +.6 (3.0 – 2.5 – 3.1, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” advances from #15 to #13. Enjoying an increase of six-tenths as well are University of Southern California classical KDFC (1.8 – 2.4, #19, 6+) and Entercom urban AC KBLX (1.2 – 1.8, #22, 6+). KBLX cluster-mate, KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock,” is a collective +1.7 in three increases in a row (5.2 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+) and is #1 for the third straight month. As the result of six consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.7, 6+), Cumulus Media triple A KFOG was up eight-tenths, but has that increase wiped out in full (1.9, -.8, 6+) and drifts from the top twenty (#13 to #21). After recording five gains in a row for an overall +2.1 (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 6.1, 6+), Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “San Jose Hot Country 95.3” returns one-third of that increase (5.4, -.7, fifth to sixth, 6+). Alpha Media hot AC KEZR “Mix 106 Today’s Best Music,” which had been +.9 in three straight up or flat trends (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 4.9, 6+), is now -.9 in August and September (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, flat at #8, 6+).
Middlesex
Spoken-Word Formats – There is more good news for Townsquare Media news/talker WKXW “New Jersey 101.5,” which is #1 for the third month in a row and +2.0 in four straight increases (6.0 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 8.0, 6+). Moreover, this
Middlesex Music Formats – Off seven-tenths in July and August (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ “Z-100” roars back with a +1.0 to 5.4 (fifth to second, 6+). Even though it notches its third increase in succession for an overall +.6 (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+), classic rock cluster-mate WAXQ “Q-104.3” backslides from fourth to fifth. Faltering by eight-tenths (6.0 – 5.2, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” slips from second to third. Its rhythmic CHR sibling – WQHT “Hot 97” – wipes out August’s +.3 with an August -.5 (3.8 – 4.1 – 3.6, sixth to eighth, 6+). Prior to August, “Hot” was within three-share range (6+) in each of the prior 13 sweeps. Posting identical 3.5 – 3.2 (-.3, #12 to #14, 6+) profiles are Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 – Todays Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites,” which was down one-half share in August; Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9,” down for the third straight time (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+); and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1.” Despite being down for the fifth consecutive month for an overall -1.4 (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” advances from #12 to #11.