Tag: "Ed Atsinger"

Monday, August 19, 2019

Monday Memo: Your Donald Trump Elevator Speech?  In these dog days of summer when everyone seems to be on vacation, phones can be slow.  In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke invites you to rip off a call-in topic that he says has never failed.  See it here.

TALKERS News Notes. San Diego sports talk personality Scott Kaplan tells KUSI-TV, San Diego personality Paul Rudy that his recent negotiations with the owners of Mexican radio station XEPRS-AM, Rosarito to return the sports talk format – “The Mighty 1090” – back to the station has failed, at least for now.  Kaplan, co-host of the “Scott and BR” program, says after a lot of number-crunching discussions, his attempt to lead a new company that could operate the sports talk radio station isn’t being realized because the numbers show it to be an uphill battle from a financial standpoint.  As you recall, Broadcast Company of the Americas lost its lease of the signal after it was unable to keep up the payments to the Mexican owners. Still, Kaplan says his sports talk show continues to be available on digital platforms, including TuneIn and YouTube…..WEEI, Boston staffer Alex Reimer announces he’s exiting the Entercom-owned sports media outlet after a three-year stint to become the director of communications for Massachusetts State Senator Eric Lesser.  Reimer has been a featured personality on the station’s radio programs as well as a writer for WEEI.com…..Entercom’s Washington, DC station group is celebrating National Radio Day tomorrow (8/20) with live broadcasts from its District Live studios at 1015 Half Street in Southeast Washington, DC.  Four radio programs will be broadcast live for listeners to watch, including the afternoon drive Chad Dukes program – heard on sports talk WJFK-FM – from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm…..ADX Communications is adding WEBY-AM and translator W256DL at 99.1 FM to the multicast of its sports talk “ESPN Pensacola.”  The station emanates from WYCT-HD2 and is also being added to the company’s WYCT-HD4.  The station is heard on translator W233CM at 94.5 FM but that will cease after September…..Talk show host Jeremy Hanson is exiting the libertarian-themed digital platform MOJO 5-0.  He tells TALKERS magazine he’s had a good relationship with operator Ron Phillips but that his show as “outgrown the platform.” His program remains available via Spreaker.com and his website www.ujhlive.com.

Entercom Launches RADIO.com Sports Digital Network. The new digital, subscription-free sports platform from Entercom debuts today (8/19) with live programming and podcast content.  RADIO.COM Sports Digital Network includes daily live shows such as “Home & Home with Ross Tucker and Dave Briggs” (8:00 am to 11:00 am ET), “Swings & Mrs.” with Cody and Jennifer Decker(1:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET); and “You Better You Bet” with Nick Kostos (6:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET).  It also makes available new podcasts including, “Prevent Defense” and “Love @ First Fight.”  The programming is available in both audio and video.

Salem Media Group to Sell 20 Signals to Relevant Radio for $17 Million. This deal delivers 20 radio signals – a mix of stations and translators – from Salem Media Group to Christian operator Relevant Radio for $16.95 million.  The signals are located in 10 markets across the country.  They include: WAFS-AM, Atlanta; WWDJ-AM, Boston; KTNO-AM, Dallas; KTEK-AM, Houston; KRDY-AM, San Antonio; WSDZ-AM, St. Louis; KXFN-AM, St. Louis; and WHKZ-AM, Youngstown.  This deal comes after Salem CEO Ed Atsinger’s recent statement that the company would seek to sell assets if the moves aligned with the company’s long-term strategy.

Michael Harrison: The Notion of “Mass Appeal” Was a Temporary 20^th Century Construct!   TALKERS founder Michael Harrison was a guest on Holland Cooke’s “The Big Picture” television program this past Friday evening (8/16) on RT America to discuss the subject of Woodstock’s 50^th anniversary.  Legendary radio programmer Jay Clark (SiriusXM Satellite Radio, WABC, etc.) was a guest panelist as well.  Cooke asked Harrison if he thought that popular music would ever be able to return to mass appeal status via radio as it did back in the day of the 1969 iconic festival.  Harrison replied, “‘Mass appeal’ is a term we really have to do some thinking about in this modern world of the 21^st century digital era.  Maybe ‘mass appeal’ was just a temporary construct of the 20^th century because I don’t think there was such a thing before electronic media.  The country and world were very fractionalized in the 19th century and certainly earlier than that.  Maybe these notions of the ‘general public’ and the ‘mass media’ were a temporary juncture in the evolution of media and society from the 19^th century when it took forever for everybody to be on the same page because it wasn’t instantaneous by far and now when everybody has their own page.  I don’t know if that’s the natural way of homo sapiens communication.  We are going through a major transition in which the human nervous system is being rewired by the way we communicate in the digital era.”  To view the entire segment please click here.

SRN Presents Christian Films Series. Pictured above is Salem Radio Network v.p./News & Talk Programming Tom Tradup (left) with Christian filmmaker Alex Kendrick (right) during a break while recording the network’s week-long special series on Christian films.  Kendrick directed and stars in the newest Sony/Affirm Films production Overcomer that opens nationwide this Friday.  Others profiled by SRN include Cameron Arnett, the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Miami Vice” star who has devoted his career to sharing Christianity with others.

Epstein Suicide Ruling, U.S.-China Trade War, 2020 Presidential Race, Peaceful Hong Kong Protest, Portland Antifa-Proud Boys Clash, Kabul Wedding Massacre, Russian Nuke Weapon Test, and Woodstock Anniversary Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The official ruling that the prison death of accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was a suicide; the economic effects of the trade war between the U.S. and China; the Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in 2020; the peaceful protest in Hong Kong; the violent clash between members of the Proud Boys and Antifa during a march in Portland; the Islamic State-credited bombing of a wedding in Kabul, Afghanistan that killed more than 60; the explosion that rocked a Russian missile test and killed five scientists; and the 50^th anniversary of the Woodstock festival were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. On-air pro Dave O’Brien is the new morning show host at Entercom’s classic rock KQMT, Denver “99.5 The Mountain,” effective August 27.  He was most recently morning host at Emmis Communications’ country WLHK, Indianapolis.  He says, “I’m very excited to join the talented team at Entercom Denver and can’t wait to start rocking Denver awake every morning on ‘99.5 The Mountain.’  I’m eager to embrace the Colorado lifestyle and I’m more than ready to return to my classic rock roots.”…..Programming pro Brad Austin exits his role with Forever Media as corporate director of programming.  He also had been serving as program director and afternoon drive host for the company’s country WXCY, Havre de Grace, Maryland.  Austin had been serving in a similar capacity with Delmarva Broadcasting prior to its being acquired by Forever Media…..iHeartMedia hip hop WWPR, New York “Power 105.1” announces the lineup for its annual live music event, “Powerhouse,” presented by AT&T and produced by Live Nation taking place on October 26 at Prudential Center in Newark.  Performers will include: Migos, Meek Mill, Lil Baby, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Da Baby, Davido, Megan thee Stallion, Saweetie, Polo G, Lil Tjay, with more to be announced.

Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 PPM Data. July 2019 ratings information has been released for Kansas City, Columbus, San Jose, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Middlesex, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@Talkers.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM-markets.

Kansas City

Spoken-Word Formats – Ups/downs continue for Entercom news/talk KMBZ-FM “98.1 News-Traffic-Weather,” which was -.8 in March/April  (5.6 – 5.4 – 4.8, 6+); +.7 May/June (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+); and now -.6 in July (5.5 – 4.9, flat at #4, 6+). The February 2019 through July 2019 topline for co-owned KMBZ-AM “Talk 980” is much more consistent: 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2 (#19 to #20, 6+). Off two-tenths through three straight down or flat trends (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+) before picking up one-tenth to 1.3 (6+) in June, Cumulus Media’s KCMO-AM “Talk Radio 710 AM” coughs up two-tenths to 1.1 (6+) and is anchored at #22.

A June increase of two-tenths by Union Broadcasting’s WHB suspended four straight negative or flat trends that led to a -2.0 (5.0 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). “Sports Radio 810” is off four-tenths in July to 2.8 (6+) and repeats at #15. A combined -1.5 in June/July (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 2.5, 6+), Entercom’s KCSP slumps from #14 to #18; “610 Sports Radio” was +1.7 in March/April (2.3 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+).

Answering June’s loss of eight-tenths with a July increase of two-tenths (4.1 – 4.3, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KCUR jumps from ninth to seventh.

Kansas City Music Formats – Not only is Cumulus Media-owned KCFX +2.6 in four upticks in succession (7.3 – 7.7 – 8.4 – 8.6 – 9.9, 6+), “101 The Fox – Kansas City’s Classic Rock Station” advances from second to first. This (9.9) is the highest 6+ showing for KCFX since January 2019’s 10.1. Albeit +3.8 via six successive sweeps without a loss (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.7 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 9.2 – 9.2, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KCMO-FM “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” backslides from first to second. Five recent KCMO-FM fluctuations include +1.6 (“Holiday” 2018); -1.3 (January 2019); +1.2 (February); +1.1 (March); and +1.3 (June). In the seven survey periods in calendar year 2019, KCFX has been on top four times (January, February, May, and July), while cluster-mate KCMO-FM has been at #1 the other three (March, April, and June). By gaining one-half share to 2.6 (#20 to #16, 6+), Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” erases the -.5 it lost in three straight decreases (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+). Improving by one-half share in July as well is Carter Broadcast Group’s KPRT “Gospel 1590,” which doubles June’s .5 to 1.0 (#23, 6+). An increase of three-tenths to 3.1 (#16 to #13, 6+) by Cumulus Media-owned urban AC KMJK “Magic 107.3” halts three drops in succession that resulted in a -1.2 (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+). A combined +1.5 in May/June (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC KZPT “99.7 The Point” forfeits roughly half that increase (4.1, -.7, fifth to eighth, 6+). In June, “The Point” crossed the four-share threshold (4.8) for the first time since September 2018’s 4.3. In five consecutive reports without a loss, University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KJNW was an overall +2.0 (1.5 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+), but “Life 88.5” relinquishes 30% of that gain (2.9, -.6, #12 to #14, 6+). In June, KJNW had its strongest (6+) performance since January 2018 (3.5, as well). Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” is trending 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.5 (April – May – June – July, fifth to sixth, 6+), while co-owned KBEQ “Q-104 New Hit Country” is -1.8 in three drops in a row (5.9 – 5.3 – 4.2 – 4.1, flat at #8, 6+). July’s 4.1 is the weakest 6+-stat for “Q-104 since December 2018’s 3.7. The market’s other country FM, Entercom’s WDAF “106.5 The Wolf,” gains an overall seven-tenths in its third successive up or flat trend (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#12 to #10).

Columbus

Spoken-Word Formats – After being an overall -2.3 via five consecutive negative or neutral trends (7.0 – 5.9 – 5.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTVN “News Radio 610” breaks out a +.6 to 5.3 (6+) and remains in sixth-place.

Since reappearing in print several months ago, RadiOhio sports talk outlet WBNS-FM was 4.7 (April, 6+); down one-tenth to 4.6 (May, 6+); and off seven-tenths in June to 3.9 (#9, 6+). In July, “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” is once again unlisted.

The ultra-consistent January 2019 through July 2019 topline for Ohio State University news/talk WOSU is: 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 (fifth to seventh, 6+).

Columbus Music Formats – Replacing June’s -.5 with a July increase twice that magnitude (4.6 – 5.6, +1.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus” drives from seventh to fifth. Prior to the June sweep, WODC notched three consecutive up or flat sweeps that netted a +1.0 (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 5.1, 6+). This (5.6) is its best 6+-stat since 8.7 in “Holiday” 2018. Owing to three straight declines, co-owned WCOL is an overall -2.2 (13.0 -11.7 – 11.1 – 10.8, 6+); however, “92.3 Columbus’ #1 For New Country” is #1 the 20^th sweep in a row and has been in double-digits (6+) each ratings period since June 2017. Sample WCOL fluctuations include 1.5 (November 2018); -2.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +.8 (January 2019); +.7 (February); +1.2 (April); -1.3 (May); and -.6 (June). Not only does Saga Communications classic hits-oldies WNND extend its consecutive string of upticks to four for a collective +1.2 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), “Rewind” enters the top ten (#11 to #10). In June, WNND reached the three-share level (6+) for the first time since December 2017’s 3.1. When “Rewind” cluster-mate WLVQ gained three-tenths this time last month, it stopped an April/May slide that resulted in a combined -1.4 (8.7 – 8.4 – 7.3, 6+). In July, “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96” erodes by -1.3 (7.6 – 6.3, 6+) and slips from second to fourth. In three straight “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 increases, WLVQ netted a +1.9 (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.1 – 8.7, 6+). For the third time in the last six survey periods, hot AC cluster-mate WVMX “Mix 107.9” logs a 2.5 (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 2.5, #11 to #13, 6+). June’s 3.0 was the highest 6+-stat for “Mix” since October 2018 (3.2). Immediately following May’s +1.4, iHeartMedia-owned CHR WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music Station” is a combined -1.5 in June/July (8.6 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+) yet actually advances from third to second. May’s 8.6 was its strongest 6+-performance since September 2018’s 9.4. Prior to May, WNCI was a collective –1.1 through three successive decreases (8.3 – 8.0 – 7.7 – 7.2, 6+). Nine consecutive sweeps without a loss by Ohio State University’s WOSA resulted in more than doubling (+.7) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+), but WOSA forfeits one-tenth in July to 1.1 (#17 to #16, 6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – The last time Cumulus Media news/talk KGO logged an increase was October 2018 (2.8 – 3.0, +.2, #15 to #13, 6+). Since then, KGO has lost more than 50% of its 6+ AQH share (-1.6) in ten straight San Jose sweeps without an increase (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.4, #21 to #23, 6+). Likewise, co-owned news/talk KSFO has lost roughly half (-.7) its 6+-stat in three successive setbacks (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – .8, #23 to #27, 6+) and falls below a one-share (.8, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (.9).

Sports talk cluster-mate/Giants flagship KNBR “The Sports Leader” erases June’s half-share loss and posts a 4.2 (+.5, 6+) for the third time in the last four reports (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 4.2, eighth to seventh, 6+). KNBR was +1.1 in April. Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game,” which lost one-half share in June as well, regresses by another eight-tenths (2.9 – 2.4 – 1.6, 6+) and fades from the top twenty (#15 to #21). In three consecutive positive spikes (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.9, 6+), “The Game” nearly doubled (+1.4) its 6+-stat.

Returning in full June’s increase of four-tenths, all-news sibling KCBS-AM drops from fourth to fifth. KCBS-AM was -1.9 in three straight March through May decreases and has an April 2019 through July 2019 topline of 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.2 (6+).

Three straight dips by KQED accounted for a collective -1.1 (7.1 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 6.0, 6+) but the Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk facility picks up three-tenths in July to 6.3 (6+) and carries on in third-place. In June, KQED slipped from second to third, after an April-only stay at #1. Stuck on .9 (6+) in March and April and then on .7 (6) in May and June, San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW erupts with a +.6 to 1.3 (#27 to #24, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – An overall -1.1 in three successive declines (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” recaptures all but two-tenths of that shortfall with a +.9 to 5.9 (sixth to fourth, 6+). Somewhat similarly, in five consecutive sweeps without a gain (4.6 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI was a collective -1.4 but “Star 101.3” erases half that deficit with a +.7 to 3.9 (ninth to eighth, 6+). “Star” was -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, “Holiday” 2018, 6+); +.8 (3.8 – 4.6, January 2019, 6+); and -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, February, 6+). On top the third month in succession, Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” has a March 2019 through July topline of 7.7 – 6.2 – 7.5 – 7.7 – 7.3 (6+). “Bay FM” answered April’s -1.5 with a +1.3 in May (6.2 – 7.5, 6+) as KBAY returned to #1 after an April-only stay at #2. Prior to the April sweep, “Bay FM” had been +1.5 via three bumps in a row (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). In back-to-back sweeps, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD “Wild 94.9” is a combined -1.1 (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #13). “Wild” falls below a three-share (2.3, 6+) for the first time since November 2018 (2.9). Faltering by one-half share each are Entercom alternative KITS “Alt 105.3” (2.3, #12 to #13, 6+); iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “106.1 #1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” (2.2, #13 to #15, 6+); and Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KJLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” (.1, #28 – #31). Both KITS (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.8, 6+) and KMEL (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.7, 6+) were a combined +.5 in May/June. “K-Love” popped on with a .6 (6+) in June. This is the seventh month in a row that KOIT-FM is unlisted in San Jose. As the result of five straight increases (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites”  was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018. The Bonneville adult contemporary outlet remains in print in the San Francisco report.

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – While it remains in ninth-place, iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” is an overall -1.8 in four straight downturns (6.5 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 4.7, 6+), basically neutralizing three successive up or flat trends that netted a +1.9 (4.6 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.5, 6+). This is the 20^th time in a row Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” (1.9 – 1.8, -.1, unchanged at #16, 6+) has recorded a 6+ AQH share between 1.0 – 1.9; June marked the first time it reached 1.9 in that timeframe.

For the fourth successive month, Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” posts a 2.2 (6+) and finishes at #15. Co-owned/similarly-formatted model of consistency WDNC “620 The Ticket” has an August 2018 through July 2019 topline of: .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .2 (#26 to #24, 6+).

Repeating in the runner-up slot, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC  follows June’s gain of eight-tenths with a loss of three-tenths (7.8 – 7.5, 6+); “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” was +1.0 in January and -.6 in February.

Raleigh Music Formats – In addition to jumping from fifth to third by gaining two-tenths to 6.7 (6+), Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5 – The Variety That Makes You Feel Good” pulls the plug on four successive sweeps without a gain that resulted in a -2.1 (8.6 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.5 – 6.5, 6+). June’s 6.5 was the lowest 6+- showing for “Mix” since October 2018’s 5.3. In June, Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB – Your Life/Your Music” and iHeartMedia’s WRDU “Classic Rock 100.7” each logged gains of six-tenths. As WBBB replicates that accomplishment and is an overall +1.8 in six straight sweeps without a loss (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+), WRDU spirals by -1.4 to 5.5 (6+), virtually negating its +1.5 in three consecutive positive or neutral moves (5.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.9, 6+). WBBB jumps from eighth to fifth, while “Classic Rock 100.7” tumbles from fourth to eighth. Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” has followed its combined March/April -1.6  (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.2, 6+) with a +.7 (6.9, May, 6+); -.7 (6.2, June, 6+); and +.5 in July (6.7, sixth to third, 6+). Notching a June 2019 – July 2019 half-share gain as well is Curtis Media Group’s WPLW, netting a +1.3 in three successive sweeps without a loss (3.2 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+). Steady at #11, “Pulse FM” has its best 6+-showing (4.5) in just over two years (4.9, June 2017). Setting the pace the 12^th consecutive survey period, Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is nonetheless an overall -2.8 in six straight down or flat sweeps (11.0 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+). A half-dozen recent “Foxy” fluctuations include: +.9 (November 2018); -1.5 (December); +1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.1 (February); and -.6 (July).  January’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. In that same vein, the four most recent shifts for Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR-FM “94.7 – Today’s Best Country” are: +.7 (April); -.5 (May); +.6 (June); and -.8 in July (7.3 – 6.5, third to sixth, 6+). “Today’s Best Country” logged a 6.5 (6+) in March, as well. After having wiped away its combined March/April -.9 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+) with a May/June +1.1 (5.1 – 5.5 – 6.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned CHR WDCG “G-105 – Raleigh’s #1 Hit Music Station” “G-105” surrenders six-tenths in July (5.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). Owing to seven consecutive down or flat Raleigh reports (3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6, 6+), Curtis Media Group-owned regional Mexican WYMY has had its 6+ AQH share sliced precisely in half (-1.6); “La Ley 101.1” continues at #17. Curtis Media Group classic country WQDR-AM debuted in print in “Holiday” 2018. In five up or flat reports, “Just Right Country – AM 570” progressed from a .1 to 1.0 (.1 – .1 – .4 – .8 – .8 – 1.0, 6+). Roughly halfway through the June sweep (6/4), the station switched to hot AC; changed call letters to WPLW-AM; and adopted a new handle  “Star 92.9.” Raleigh’s new “Star” is a combined -.8 in June/July (#20 in May to #23 in June to #24 in July, 6+).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Steady in fifth-place, Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” follows June’s gain of nine-tenths with a loss of four-tenths (6.4 – 6.0, 6+). Ten recent WIBC fluctuations are: -.7 (September 2018); +1.0 (October); +.7 (November); -.9 (December); -.9 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); -1.2 (April); and +.9 (June).

Even though it is off a combined half-share in June/July (2.4 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+), WIBC cluster-mate WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” advances from #17 to #16. It has a nine-tenths advantage over iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station,” which has lost a total of eight-tenths in six successive sweeps without an increase (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+) but progresses from #19 to #18. Following 16 consecutive sweeps of logging either a .1 or .2 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WXNT disappeared in June; “CBS Sports AM 1430” resurfaces in July though with a .1 (#22, 6+).

Having lost seven-tenths in June (4.6 – 3.9, 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI rebounds with a +1.0 to 4.9 (tenth to eighth, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – Not only is Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK #1 the seventh consecutive month, “Classic Hits 104.5” chalks up a robust +1.4 to 11.1 (6+), obliterating its May/June -.5 (10.2 – 9.9 – 9.7, 6+). Furthermore, 11.2 is the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing April’s 10.2. Among  WJJK’s 2019 shifts are: +2.9 (January); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); +1.7 (April); and +1.4 (July). After spending six straight sweeps on top, “Classic Hits 104.5” slipped to third in “Holiday” 2018 but returned to #1 in January 2019. A combined +1.1 in June/July (6.1 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+), Emmis’ WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank” jumps from sixth to fourth. The last time “Hank” reached the seven-share threshold was May 2018 (7.1). It is three-tenths behind Cumulus Media’s similarly-formatted WFMS “95.5 The Country Station,” which has a May – June – July topline of 7.4 – 7.6 – 7.5 (second to third, 6+). The day after the June sweep commenced (5/24), WFMS’ CHR sibling, WYRG “Energy 93.9,” flipped to rock WNDX. In June and July, “93.9-X” responds by nearly tripling (+2.3) its 6+-stat (1.3 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+, 6+) and has jumped from #18 (May) to #16 (June) to #12 (July). After being off six-tenths in four consecutive down or flat reports (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.2, 6+), “Energy” gained one-tenth in May. By improving four-tenths in July to 7.8 (third to second, 6+), Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “B-105.7” ends a May/June slide that accounted for a -1.4 (8.8 – 8.2 – 7.4, 6+). April’s +1.9 (to 8.8, 6+) suspended three negative moves in succession that resulted in a -9.5 (16.4 – 7.6 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+). On the heels of losing one-half share in June, iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Indy’s Classic Rock” falters by another eight-tenths in July (7.2 – 6.7 – 5.9, 6+), skidding from fourth to seventh. “Q-95” hadn’t been below a six-share (6+) since March 2017’s 5.8. A May loss of four-tenths by WTLC-FM “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” curtailed four successive up or flat trends that yielded eight-tenths (4.6 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). The Radio One urban AC rebounded with a one-half share increase only to drop seven-tenths in July (5.5 – 4.8, eighth to ninth, 6+). Regressing by seven-tenths as well is iHeartMedia-owned WOLT “Alt 103.3 Indy’s Alternative” (3.6 – 2.9, #12 to #14, 6+).

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – April/May provided Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” a +3.5 (5.9 – 8.8 – 9.4, 6+), but the Brewers flagship is -1.8 in June/July ( 9.4 – 8.7 – 7.6, second to third, 6+). Recent WTMJ shifts include +2.5 (October 2018); -1.0 (November); -2.6 (December); +2.9 (April 2019); -.7 (June); and -1.1 (July). The six-tenths iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” gained in April/May (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.7, 6+) evaporates with June/July’s -.7 (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.0, seventh to ninth, 6+).

Five Milwaukee sports talk outlets combine for a 2.3 (July 2019, 6+), down one-tenth from June. Leading the field is iHeartMedia’s WRNW “The Game,” which has tripled its 6+-stat since April (.3 – .6 – .8 – 9, #17 to #16, 6+). In late-November (2018), CHR WRNW “Now” became sports talk “The Game” and this (.9) is the best 6+-stat on that frequency since 2.8 (December 2018). Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” and Entercom-owned WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” were tied in May (1.0, 6+) and again in June (.6, 6+). The ties are broken in July though as WKTI is up one-tenth to .7 (#19 to #18, 6+), halting three straight winless sweeps in which it lost roughly half (-.7) its 6+ audience (1.3 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .6, 6+). Meanwhile, WSSP is a collective -1.0 in five straight dips (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .6 – .4, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). WRNW cluster-mate WOKY “The Big 920” posts a .2 (6+) for the seventh time in the last nine sweeps (.2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, #24 to #22, 6+). After popping on in November 2018 with a .5 (6+), Good Karma Brands’ WAUK disappeared from print the next seven ratings periods. It returned in June with a .2 (6+) but drops one-tenth to .1 (#24 to #28, 6+).

In five straight negative or neutral moves (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk outlet WUWM is a collective -1.8 but is anchored at #13. This directly follows three reports in a row without a loss that netted a +1.2 (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Off one-half share as a result of five straight negative or neutral moves (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 -.8, 6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD slips from #16 to #17.

Milwaukee Music Formats – Four straight down or flat moves by Saga Communications’ WKLH resulted in a -1.1 (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 7.3 – 7.0, 6+), but “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” makes that shortfall vanish completely with a +1.4 to 8.4 (6+) and advances from third to second. Doubling June’s increase of six-tenths with a July +1.2 (5.3 – 5.9 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” climbs from fifth to fourth. This (7.1) is the highest 6+-stat for “Milwaukee’s Best Country” since 7.5 in January. Four positive or neutral moves in succession by co-owned urban contemporary WKKV yield a +1.1 (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 5.4, 6+) as “V-100.7 Jams” rockets from tenth to fifth. Repeating at #1, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is +1.1 in June/July (8.6 – 9.4 – 9.7, 6+). WRIT occupied the lead position five straight sweeps before segueing to #2 in May with its lowest 6+-figure (8.6) since December 2018’s 7.7. Having spent 43 consecutive ratings periods at #1, “Big FM” shifted to #2 in October 2018. “Holiday” 2018’s 11.5 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Eight of its recent moves are: -1.0 (December); +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); – 1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); and +.8 (June). Absorbing a -1.6 is Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” (6.7 – 5.1, 6+), slumping from fourth to eight with its lowest 6+-stat (5.1) since November 2018’s 4.8. A loss of seven-tenths (5.1 – 4.4, 6+) by Saga Communications’ WHQG sends “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” from ninth to tenth.

Middlesex

Spoken-Word Formats – While this is the sixth time in a row that Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW hasn’t had an increase and is -1.2 in that stretch (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.9 – 6.9, 6+), “New Jersey 101.5” is #1 the sixth successive month. After logging a 3.0 (6+) in May, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR is stuck on 2.9 in June and July (#15 to #17, 6+). Cumulus Media news/talk WABC started 2019 by recording a 1.0 (6+) in January, February, and March. Since then, its April through July topline is: .7 – .6 – .7 – .9 (#27 to #25, 6+).

An improvement of three-tenths by Entercom sports talk WFAN takes the Yankees flagship to a four-share (3.7 – 4.0, steady at #10, 6+) for the first time since October 2018 (4.2). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York,” which added seven-tenths in May, is down a combined nine-tenths in June/July (2.5 – 2.1 – 1.6, #21 to #23, 6+).

A collective +.3 in three straight gains of one-tenth each (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom all-news WINS jumps from #24 to #21. Co-owned/similarly-programmed Mets flagship WCBS-AM is off four-tenths (2.5 – 2.1, 6+) and falls from #18 to #19.

Tied with WINS at #21 is WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM, which is off six-tenths in three consecutive setbacks (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.9, #22 to #21, 6+).

Middlesex Music Formats – As a result of three positive spikes in succession (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6, 6+), rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” is an overall +.9 and progresses from #13 to #11. This is its best 6+ performance in Middlesex-Somerset-Union since November 2018 (3.6, as well). WQHT’s format rival, iHeartMedia-owned WKTU, posts a gain of three-tenths to 3.1 (#17 to #15, 6+), thus suspending three down or flat moves in a row that led to a loss of two-tenths (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+). Advancing from eighth to sixth, Beasley Media Group adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” is up one full-share in three consecutive positive or neutral trends (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+). Four successive improvements by Entercom hot AC WNEW yield a +1.6 (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+) as “NEW 102.7” continues in fifth-place. Meanwhile, its former hot AC competitor, WPLJ, is a combined -3.4 in June/July (3.8 – 2.0 – .4, 6+) and fades from #22 to #30. Cumulus Media sold WPLJ to Educational Media Foundation, which shifted the station from hot AC to contemporary Christian on May 31. On the heels of June’s gain of eight-tenths (5.8 – 6.6, 6+), iHeartMedia New York mainstream CHR WHTZ forfeits seven-tenths to 5.9 (6+) but continues in the runner-up slot. When “Z-100” faltered by four-tenths in May, it halted four straight improvements that netted +1.9 (4.3 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+). Co-owned urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” is off an overall one-half share in three sweeps in a row without an increase (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.2, #11 to #14, 6+). Down or flat the third straight time as well is Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9,” which has faltered by seven-tenths since April (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 30, #13 to #16, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – A June gain of four-tenths by Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN ended three straight down or flat moves that resulted in a collective one-half share loss (3.6 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+). Now, “Super Talk 99.7” repeats June’s 6+ AQH-share (3.5) and 6+-rank (#12). Although flat at #17, iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 98.3 & 1510” improves by four-tenths to 1.8, its best 6+-stat in nearly four years (2.0, October 2015).

In three straight decreases (5.5 – 4.8 – 4.2 – 2.7, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX had its 6+ AQH-share sliced approximately in half (-2.8), but “104.5 The Zone” picks up two-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and continues at  #14. Prior to June, the last time WGFX fell below a three-share (6+) was July 2017 (2.7, as well). Meanwhile, Cromwell Group-owned WPRT “102.5 The Game” is a combined -1.1 in three straight down or flat moves (1.9 – 1.1 – .8 – .8, #22 to #21, 6+).

May/June’s +1.2 (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+) by Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” essentially wiped away March/April’s -1.3 (5.7 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+), but the news/talk/classical hybrid outlet falters by one-half share in July to 5.1 (fifth to seventh, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – The market’s three major country FMs were separated by just three-tenths of a share in June, but the gap widens to 1.5 (6+). Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia’s WSIX, which is a whopping +2.7 in seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.2, 6+). Not only does “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” jump from eighth to fourth, it reaches the six-share level (6.2, 6+) for the first time since April 2017’s 6.1. Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” logs a 5.0 (6+) for the fifth time in the last six sweeps (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+) and advances from ninth to eighth. After posting a collective +2.2 in five straight gains (4.1 – 4.2 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3, 6+), co-owned WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” is a combined -1.6 in three setbacks in succession (6.3 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 4.7, sixth to tenth, 6+). It’s been a rollercoaster ride lately for Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” which was +.7 in April (3.0 – 3.7, 6+); a combined -1.7 in May/June (3.7 – 2.8 – 2.0, 6+); and is now +.8 in July (2.8, steady at #15, 6+). June’s 2.0 was its lowest 6+-stat since February 2018’s 1.0. Tacking on six-tenths to June’s positive spike of nine-tenths (7.2 – 7.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WNRQ progresses from third to second. Entering the June sweep, “105.9 The Rock” was an overall -1.2 in three successive down or flat reports (7.5 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+). An overall +1.6 in three successive upticks (8.2 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.8, 6+) – which immediately follows four straight decreases that resulted in a collective -5.9 (14.1 – 10.6 – 9.3 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+) – Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA is #1 the third month in a row. Before forfeiting six-tenths in April, “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” had been on top the previous 15 ratings periods. Seven recent WJXA fluctuations include: +1.9 (December 2018); +3.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); -.5 (March); -.6 (April); and +1.0 (May). “Holiday” 2018’s 14.1 is the highest 6+-share for any Nashville outlet since WJXA’s 14.4 in “Holiday” 2017. On the other hand, in three consecutive negative or neutral sweeps, co-owned adult hits WCJK “Jack” is a collective -1.6 (8.4 – 7.6 – 7.6 – 6.8, 6+) and segues from second to third. After dropping one-half share in June, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUBT “101.1 The Beat” falters by another seven-tenths (6.8 – 6.3 – 5.6, fourth to fifth, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-share (5.6) since December 2016 (4.9). Following five positive spikes in a row which nearly quadrupled (+1.3) its 6+-stat (.5 – .6 – .8 – .9 – 1.5 – 1.8, 6+), TBLC Media Spanish contemporary WNVL “Activa 105.1 & 1240 AM” forfeits roughly half that increase (1.2, -.6, #16 to #20, 6+). A collective +1.0 through four straight bumps (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFFH “The Fish” is off one-tenth to 4.4 (6+) but repeats at #11. June’s 4.5 was its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 4.7. Unchanged in sixth-place, iHeartMedia CHR WRVW “107.5 The River” has a March 2019 through July 2019 topline of: 5.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.3 – 5.3 (6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – While down seven-tenths via three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” inches up from eighth to a seventh-place tie. Five downturns in a row by iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WHJJ have resulted in a more than 50% reduction (-1.2) of its 6+-AQH share (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – .9, 6+) as “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” drifts from #14 to #17. Even though Cumulus Media’s WPRV forfeits two-tenths (.7 – .5, 6+), “AM 790 Talk & Business” is back in the top twenty (#21 to #20).

A one-half share loss (3.6 – 3.1, flat at #7, 6+) sends Entercom sports talker WVEI to its lowest 6+-stat (3.1) since March 2018’s 2.8.

Even though iHeartMedia Boston hybrid news – talk WBZ-AM is off by three-tenths in three consecutive Providence reports without an increase (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+), “News Radio 1030” advances from #18 to #16.

By gaining six-tenths (1.6 – 2.2, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH jumps into the top ten (#12 to  #9). WGBH, which notched a 1.6 (6+) five times in the last seven survey periods (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), overtakes The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH, which has lost three-tenths in three successive down or flat sweeps (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+). WELH exits the top ten (#10 to #11).

Providence Music Formats – Albeit unchanged at #6, iHeartMedia-owned hot AC WSNE vaporizes June’s -.7 with a July increase twice that size (4.3 – 5.7, +1.4, 6+). Prior to June’s loss, “Coast 93.3” was a collective +1.2 in three consecutive improvements (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+). This is its best 6+-performance in just over two years (June 2017, 5.7, as well). Despite dropping four-tenths (10.2 – 9.8, 6+), co-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” is #1 the third month in a row. An April loss of nine-tenths forced WHJY from the top spot after three straight months there. The decline halted four consecutive positive or flat moves that netted a +2.0 (8.5 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 10.5, 6+). Before taking over at #1 in January, WHJY was in the runner-up slot from September 2018 through “Holiday” 2018. Locked on 7.4 (6+) in May and June, Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music 92 PRO-FM” (flat at #5) sputters by six-tenths to 6.8, its lowest 6+-stat since January (6.8, as well). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia Boston’s similarly-programmed WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” is up a collective half-share via five successive up or flat Providence moves (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6, #13 to #12, 6+). Also in the CHR arena, Townsquare Media’s WFHN “Fun 107 – The South Coast’s #1 Hit Music Station” sees its 6+-stat erode by two-thirds (-2.8) in six negative or neutral reports in succession (4.2 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.4, 6+) and drops from #11 to #14. Immediately in advance of this stretch, WFHN more than tripled (+3.0) its 6+-stat as a result of six successive up or flat moves (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 4.2, 6+). Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX “Hot 106” has lost six-tenths in June/July (2.4 – 2.3 – 1.8, ninth to tenth, 6+) and is below a two-share (6+) for the first time since October 2018 (1.8, as well). Disappearing from print in July are Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3,” which posted a 1.2 in June (#16, 6+) and classic hits-oldies sibling WSKP “Good Times … Great Oldies” (.8, #19, June 2019, 6+).

Norfolk

Spoken-Word Formats – Highly noteworthy here is the return to print of Max Media stations that had been unlisted the past three years. Included in that group is sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1,” which has a July 2019 1.2 (#16, 6+); its internet stream appears with a .1 (#19, 6+).

Norfolk Music Formats – Other Max Media outlets listed again after a hiatus of exactly three years (July 2016)  are country WGH-FM “97.3 The Eagle” (4.7, #7, 6+); adult contemporary WVBW “92.9 The Wave” (3.4, #9, 6+); CHR WVHT “Hot 100” (3.2, #10, 6+); urban AC/talk hybrid WGH-AM “1310 The Power” (.1, #19, 6+); and the internet streams of WGH-FM and WVBW (both at .1, #19, 6+). Among stations affected by the reappearance of Max Media stations from a ranker standpoint are iHeartMedia alternative WNOH “Alt 105.3” and Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point.” Notwithstanding that it has nearly tripled (+1.4) its 6+-stat in seven straight survey periods without a loss (.8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.9 – 2.2, 6+), “Alt 105.3” exits the top ten (#8 to #11). Meanwhile, “94.9 The Point,” an overall +1.2 in three consecutive up or flat trends (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.2, 4.0, 6+) backslides from seventh to eighth. Moreover, this (4.0) is the best 6+-showing for “The Point” since September 2017’s 4.4. Setting the pace the seventh consecutive month, WPTE’s urban AC cluster-mate – WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” – nonetheless spirals by -1.4 (11.4 – 10.0, 6+). WVKL was a combined -2.4 in March/April (12.9 – 11.6 – 10.5, 6+) and then added a +1.0 in May to 11.5 (6+). Just prior to logging a 10.5 this past April, WVKL had posted a 6+-share of 11.0 or higher 37 of 38 times. “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” had been on top 25 successive survey periods before segueing to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018. Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. Following four successive positive or neutral moves that netted eight-tenths (7.4 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+), Saga Communications-owned classic rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” (second to third) surrenders a -1.2 to 7.0, its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 6.1.

Jacksonville

Spoken-Word Formats – Over and above pulling the plug on five consecutive down or flat sweeps that accounted for a collective -2.9 (10.4 – 9.7 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.6 – 7.5, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM (7.5 – 8.0, +.5, 6+) marches from second to first. Tied for the top spot in May, WOKV-FM 104.5 – Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” had sole possession of first-place in January, February, and April.

Without an increase the ninth consecutive time for a net loss of 75% (-.6) of its 6+-stat (.8 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3 -.3 – .2 – .2, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” drops from #19 to #20.

Down or flat the fourth straight sweep for a net decrease of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), public news/talk WJCT repeats at #12. Immediately prior to April, “Your Community – Your World” was a cumulative +1.5 in five increases in a row (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+).

Jacksonville Music Formats – A May/June mini-slide by Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths concludes with a July improvement of eight-tenths to 4.3 (6+) as “99.9 Gator Country” enters the top ten (#11 to #9). Advancing from a fifth-place tie to a fourth-place tie with identical (6.0 – 6.6, +.6, 6+) June 2019 – July 2019 profiles are Cox Media Group CHR WAPE “95.1 Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJBT “93.3 The Beat.” WAPE had been an overall -1.3 in three straight sweeps without an increase (7.3 – 7.2 – 7.0 – 6.0, 6+) with June’s 6.0 its weakest 6+-stat since 5.2 in “Holiday” 2018. Meanwhile, “The Beat” – +1.4 in June – has its best 6+-showing (6.6) since May 2017’s 7.2. Improving by six-tenths as well in July is iHeartMedia gospel WKSL-HD3, which erases June’s loss of six-tenths (2.9 – 2.3 – 2.9, #14 to #13, 6+). Prior to the June sweep, WKSL-HD3 had shown a net increase of seven-tenths in four straight positive or neutral sweeps (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+). The market’s adult contemporary battle tightens as the two principals are now separated by just nine-tenths of a share. Specifically, Renda Broadcasting’s WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” is a collective -1.5 in four setbacks in succession (8.7 – 8.3 – 7.6 – 7.5 – 7.2, second to third, 6+), while Cox Media Group’s WEZI “Easy 102.9” nets +1.8 in four consecutive bumps (4.5 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.9 – 6.3, 6+) and is anchored at #7. “Holiday” 2018’s 16.3 by WEJZ is the highest 6+-mark for any Jacksonville station since “Holiday” 2015 when WEJZ notched a 19.5. A combined +1.1 in January/February, WEZI surrendered roughly half that increase with a March loss of six-tenths. In three straight reports without an increase, Cox Media Group-owned WXXJ lost seven-tenths (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.4, 6+), but “X-106.5 Jacksonville’s Alternative” answers with a one-half share gain to 2.9 (6+) and continues at #13. On the strength of June’s +1.0, iHeartMedia-owned CHR WKSL crossed the five-share level (5.2, 6+) but “97.9 Kiss FM” craters by -1.4 to 3.8 (6+) and drops from eighth to tenth. In addition to being -1.3 in June/July (8.6 – 8.1 – 7.3, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle” segues from first to second. After a March-only stay at #1, “The Eagle” shifted to a second-place tie in April; progressed to a first-place tie in May; and had sole possession of first-place in June. WJGL’s April loss of six-tenths interrupted three upticks in succession that resulted in a +1.6 (7.3 – 8.1 – 8.6 – 8.9, 6+). Off nine-tenths in June/July (2.7 – 2.3 – 1.8, 6+), co-owned urban AC WOKV-HD2 drops from #14 to #16.

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – There seems to be no stopping iHeartMedia-owned WJNO, which is a collective +1.7 in five successive sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+) as “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” zooms from ninth to sixth. June marked the first time WJNO reached the three-share level since December 2017’s 3.3. Up a combined seven-tenths in June/July (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” advances from #13 to #11. In three straight down or flat sweeps, iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” loses four-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+) and slips from #13 to #14. Miami news/talk sibling WIOD “610 News Radio” is up three-tenths in June/July (.6 – .8 – .9, 6+) and reenters the top twenty (#22 to #20).

Co-owned sports talk WBZT “1230 The Zone” posted a .1 (6+) in August 2018 but has been a “no-show” in the subsequent 12 ratings periods.

While it repeats at #10, Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN is up two-tenths to 3.1 (6+), its best 6+-stat since March (3.1, as well).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – Adding one-half share to June’s +1.2 (2.0 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WRLX “Mia 92.1” jumps from eighth to sixth. On top the seventh time in a row, Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF “Variety from the 90s and Now” is nonetheless an overall -3.4 via four successive downturns (11.2 – 9.0 – 8.8 – 8.2 – 7.8, 6+). This (7.8) is it lowest 6+-share – and first time below an eight-share (6+) – since “Holiday” 2016 (7.7). On the other hand, WRMF logged a +2.0 in March to 11.2, its highest 6+-share since November 2017 (11.2, as well). Having faltered by -1.0 in January, WRMF was frozen on 9.2 (6+) in January and February. Cluster-mate WIRK “South Florida’s New Country 103.1” is down seven-tenths in June/July (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+), slipping from seventh to ninth. Regressing by eight-tenths (7.2 – 6.4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” segues from second to third. Whereas June’s 7.2 was the best 6+-showing for “Kool” since July 2016’s 7.5, this is its softest since March (6.4, as well). An overall -1.7 via three straight decreases (8.2 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WEAT-FM “Sunny 107.9” applies the brakes with a one-tenth increase to 6.6 (6+) and leapfrogs “Kool” (third to second). In six straight positive spikes, iHeartMedia CHR WLDI was +1.6 (2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+) and reached the four-share level (4.1, June 2019, 6+) for the first time since August 2018’s 4.0. In July, however, “WiLD 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” forfeits one-tenth to 4.0 (6+) and carries on in fourth-place. Hubbard Broadcasting urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” is a collective -2.2 in three straight setbacks (5.9 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 3.7, 6+) and dips from fourth to sixth. An April gain of six-tenths took WMBX to 5.9, its highest 6+-share since May 2018’s 6.2. While off a full-share in three drops in succession (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+), WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “WAY-FM Uplifting – Upbeat – Real” climbs from #16 to a tie at #15.