You are here: Home » Archives for Kevin Wheeler
Tag: "Kevin Wheeler"
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Greta Van Susteren Joins Newsmax for Nightly Show. Talk media personality and news anchor Greta Van Susteren is joining Newsmax as host of her own daily signature show, “The Record with Greta Van Susteren.” The program will be based in Washington, D.C. and will premiere on Tuesday, June 14. Newsmax says it will “lead the network’s evening lineup with a solid hour of factual, fair, and independent perspective on the news.” Van Susteren comments, “With all that is going on in the world, I am getting back to my roots — a daily live news show with real reporting from the places where things are happening. I have been friends
with [Newsmax CEO] Chris Ruddy for years, and he is giving me this great opportunity to return, giving me the complete freedom to cover the news that really matters to people. I have been impressed by Newsmax’s team and their success and would love to be part of a news network that is really growing.” Van Susteren’s career includes high-profile positions at CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC, as well as her recent work with the Gray television network and as a contributor to Voice of America. Ruddy states, “No one in journalism better exemplifies Newsmax’s mission to provide fact-based news and fact-based opinion than Greta Van Susteren. We are so pleased and honored to have Greta lead our nightly news lineup of programs.”
WBAL-AM, Baltimore Pairs Torrey Snow and Dan Joseph for Afternoon Drive. Charm City radio personalities Torrey Snow (left) and Dan Joseph (right) have been working together at Hearst Television’s news/talk WBAL-AM in a limited fashion but now are officially the afternoon drive team. Effective yesterday (5/23), “Torrey and Dan” is the permanent 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm show. Torrey helmed “The Torrey Snow Program” on WBAL since August of 2020. Joseph had hosted his own program on the station before being partnered with Snow. WBAL president and general manager Dan Joerres says, “‘The Torrey and Dan Show’ is a terrific opportunity for two top-notch hosts to join forces and offer our listeners a dynamic show that touches on a wide range of topics every day. Our responsibility is to our listeners and this show further amplifies that commitment as the leading news/talk station in Baltimore and beyond.”
KMOX, St. Louis Announces New Midday Show. St. Louis news/talk KMOX announces that with the retirement of longtime talk host Charlie Brennan, it will debut its new midday program on May 31. Audacy announces that it is expanding the “Total Information AM” program to 10:00 am, “bolstered by co-anchors Carol Daniel, who returns to the newsroom and Megan Lynch, investigative reporter. Together with Debbie Monterrey and Tom Ackerman, they will deliver the news, traffic and weather listeners depend on, including analysis, in-depth interviews and open conversation.” The new midday program will consist of Amy Marxkors, Kevin Wheeler and Chris Rongey, and air weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Wheeler transitions from host of “Sports Open Line” and Cardinals baseball pregame and postgame host, while Rongey expands his part-time role. The station will immediately begin a search for a new host of “Sports Open Line” and Cardinals pregame and postgame programming. As a result of the changes, midday personality Ryan Wrecker exits the station. He says via Twitter, “Yesterday was my last day at KMOX. I would like to think we created some great moments in the last five years in St. Louis. At this point, I have no idea what will happen next, but I trust it’s set up to move in the right direction. Again, thank you all.” Audacy St. Louis SVP and market manager Becky Domyan states, “This series of updates underscores our overarching commitment to delivering news and balanced talk shows to the people of St. Louis, while accentuating the strength of our top-level hosts. From our award-winning morning show to our unrivaled coverage of the Cardinals, we want to elevate the conversation.”
KFI, Los Angeles Takes Eight Honors at 72nd Golden Mike Awards. Los Angeles news/talk KFI-AM took home eight awards at this past Saturday’s 72nd Annual Golden Mike Awards at Universal City. The press release says the Golden Mike Awards is Southern California’s most prestigious, and most coveted, broadcast journalism prize and one of America’s longest running broadcast news award programs. Robin Bertolucci, program director for the iHeartMedia station, says, “The content being produced by the KFI news department is exceptional and I am so proud of the KFI news team and the talented people who have produced these award-winning broadcasts and podcasts. And it’s exciting to note that KFI won twice as many awards as any other station in our division.” KFI won the following: Best Radio Documentary: “The Death and Life of Kobe Bryant,” produced by Steve Gregory, Jacob Gonzalez with associate producer Eric Sklar; Best Public Affairs Program: “After the Verdict, A Path Forward,” produced by Steve Gregory, Jacob Gonzalez with associate producers Kayla Austin and Clay Roe; Best Digital News Reporting: “Unhoused, A look at Homelessness in LA and OC,” produced by Steve Gregory, Jacob Gonzalez with associate producers Mark Mennie and Lt. Geoff Deedrick; Best Podcast – News: “9/11, Two Decades Later,” produced by Steve Gregory, Jacob Gonzalez, with associate producers Nico Melendez and Sheron Bellio; Best Podcast – Feature: “The Death and Life of Kobe Bryant,” produced by Steve Gregory and Jacob Gonzalez; Best Serious Feature Reporting: “Illegal Street Racing in the SFV,” produced by Steve Gregory; Best Government and Political Reporting: “2020 Voter Fraud Fear,” produced by Corbin Carson; and Best Newscast Under 15 Minutes: “KFI News with Michael Crozier,” produced by Michael Crozier.
WTAM, Cleveland and Bloomdaddy Raise $460k for Mike Trivisonno Fund. Yesterday’s radiothon on iHeartMedia Cleveland’s news/talk WTAM launched the “The Mike Trivisonno Fund” to benefit Coats for Kids and the special, seven-hour broadcast brought in $460,000 to the fledgling charity bearing the name of the station’s late PM drive personality. Current afternoon personality Bloomdaddy announced the $400,000 commitment to the charity from The Figgie Foundation. The broadcast included a visit from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Bloomdaddy says, “Triv always said it’s not the kids’ fault and I could not agree more. There is one thing I’m also passionate about and that is doing anything I can to help kids both on and off the air. I’m honored to carry the Coats for Kids torch and make sure Triv’s legacy lives on.” Pictured above are (from l-r): “Bloomdaddy Show” executive producer Carmen Angelo, iHeartMedia Cleveland Area metro president Keith Hotchkiss, DeWine, and Bloomdaddy. Photo by Mike Picha/iHeartMedia
SportsMap Launches New Daily Show with Jeff Michael. A new, daily program is launching on June 6 on SportsMap Radio called “The Rundown with Jeff Michael.” The 11:00 am to 1:00 pm show “will be an energetic and fast-paced program featuring the biggest guests and hottest takes in sports talk radio.” Jeff Michael has been a part-time host on the network since 2020 and has created numerous successful podcasts. He says, “Sports talk radio always meant the world to me. Having an opportunity to reach such a large national audience is something I do not take lightly. While I’m so grateful for the opportunity, my focus will always be on creating captivating and informative content.”
TALKERS News Notes. This Thursday (5/26) at 7:00 pm, Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” presents the latest in a series of Town Hall broadcasts. “The Summer of ’22 – Back to the Beach” kicks off summer in the Garden State and the station’s Eric Scott will lead a panel of tourism officials, local mayors, law enforcement and travel experts. Tourism came roaring back after pandemic restrictions were lifted in 2021, but the surge in visitors has also caused disruptions and chaos in many shore towns, as was seen in Long Branch over the weekend when thousands of partygoers showed up at Pier Village for a pop-up party, leading to a curfew and over a dozen arrests. This year, there is also concern about the impact legal marijuana sales will have on tourism and law enforcement. Scott says, “From wild pop-up parties, groups of rowdy teens taking over the boardwalks and changes in policing laws, towns are trying to avoid a repeat, and provide the best possible experience for vacationing families.”…..The RTDNA is announcing the winners of Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and iHeartMedia Boston’s all-news WBZ-AM wins three awards in the categories of Breaking News Coverage, Best Newscast, and Continuing Coverage. iHeartMedia Boston VP of news, talk & sports Rob Sanchez says, “These awards speak to the professionalism and bravery of our news team, who strive to deliver vital news coverage to those who rely on WBZ NewsRadio each day.”…..D’Annette Roy joins C-SPAN as the network’s new director of legal affairs and business risk management. She will provide legal advice, risk mitigation strategies, and project management acumen while also serving as a value-added partner aligned in achieving C-SPAN’s strategic goals. Roy joins C-SPAN from Black News Channel, where she was the manager of standards and practices.
Biden Asia Tour, Russia-Ukraine War, Midterms/Trump & the GOP, Inflation-Recession Fears, Title 42, COVID-19/Monkeypox, and Kellyanne Conway Book Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (5/23). President Joe Biden’s tour of Asia in which he met with prime ministers from India, Australia and Japan; the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and its effects on the global economy; the primary elections for the November midterms and Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP; the high price of gas & food and fears of a recession; the Biden administrations challenge to Title 42 that prevents migrants from entering the U.S.; the rising rate of COVID-19 cases in parts of the U.S. and the spike in monkeypox cases around the world; and former Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway’s new memoir were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Friday, September 6, 2019
Hubbard to Debut ‘Stalter and Rivers’ Show on ‘101 ESPN St. Louis.’ The mystery of the midday change at Hubbard Radio’s WXOS-FM, St. Louis ‘101 ESPN’ is solved as the company announces “The Turn” host Anthony Stalter is being joined by Jamie Rivers for a new midday show that debuts on Monday (9/9) in the 10:00 am to 2:00 pm slot. “The Turn” had aired from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, following Kevin Wheeler’s late morning show that was cancelled last week. (This change pushes the start of the afternoon drive show “The Fast Lane” to 2:00 pm.) Stalter had been working “The Turn” with former St. Louis Cardinals player Chris Duncan, who left the show in January of this year to focus on his battle with brain cancer. Rivers is a former St. Louis Blues player and is currently also a personality on FOX Sports Midwest. Hubbard Radio St. Louis VP and market manager John Kijowski says, “Hubbard Radio St. Louis and ‘101 ESPN’ are excited to launch another live and local show featuring two incredibly talented guys who are connected and engaged with listeners and sports fans across St. Louis.”
Entercom’s RADIO.COM Sports Partners with The Action Network. This content distribution partnership ties together The Action Network – a media company featuring news, information and an app focused on sports betting and fantasy content – with Entercom’s RADIO.COM Sports platform throughout the 2019 football season. Entercom says the partnership will feature unique broadcast content on Entercom’s 35 all-sports stations, as well as digital content on the RADIO.COM Sports Digital Network – the platform’s new all-digital, daily, live, subscription-free sports network. The company recently announced the launch of “You Better You Bet,” a daily, live sports betting show hosted by Nick Kostos as part of this new native digital content offering. Entercom president of sports Mike Dee says, “We are committed to make RADIO.COM Sports and our local broadcast stations the #1 destination for fans to access the very best sports betting information available. Nobody is better at informing the sports bettor in this fast-growing space than The Action Network. This partnership serves to align their personalities and best-in-class platform with the massive scale of our broadcast portfolio, as well as our new highly targeted sports betting digital programming. The Action Network’s contributions to further enhance our ‘You Better You Bet’ daily podcast will now take that show to the next level as the premier digital audio destination for sports betting enthusiasts.” As part of the partnership, afternoon drive shows across RADIO.COM Sports stations will feature “The Action Network Daily Flash,” short-duration updates of that evening’s betting odds. The reports will be delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the regular season by hosts of “You Better You Bet.” High-profile contributors from The Action Network will also call into RADIO.COM Sports stations on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the season to discuss sports betting headlines and the latest betting lines for that weekend’s games.
New Installment Posted of “The Michael Harrison Wrap: An Overview of the National Conversation.” The recently launched, one-hour experimental weekend program, “The Michael Harrison Wrap,” produced by Goodphone Communications, that looks back each week at the hottest topics discussed in American talk media per the research of TALKERS magazine, is now posted on the website of its flagship station, iHeartMedia’s WONK-FM, Washington, DC (9/6). The new episode titled, “Category 5 Radio” looks back at this past week of September 2-6, 2019 and features guests (in order of appearance): Kevin Casey, executive editor, TALKERS magazine; Michael Brown, talk show host, KHOW, Denver; Victoria Jones, executive director, DC Radio Company; Daliah Wachs, M.D., talk show host, Genesis Communications Network; Ethan Bearman, political analyst & commentator, Fox News Channel; and Richard Neer, talk show host, WFAN, New York. This increasingly acclaimed news/talk radio show airs on WONK-FM on Friday afternoons between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm as a recap and exclamation point for the week-in-review as well as several other stations around the country including KSCO, Santa Cruz, CA; KBKW, Aberdeen, WA and during the weekend on the Virginia Talk Radio Network as well as Pioneer Valley Radio in Springfield, MA and the iHeartRadio App. To listen to this week’s episode (and the program’s complete archives), please click here. To view the latest TALKERS magazine topic research, please click here.
NAB Announces New Training Program for First-Time Managers. Through the NAB Leadership Foundation, an online education series for first-time radio and television station managers, is now available. The NAB Leadership Foundation says the “First Time Manager Series” uses interactive sessions and provides online resources to help bridge the gaps in management training that can hinder professionals recently promoted to their first supervisory role. The program empowers rising managers to effectively communicate, delegate and motivate. The five-part curriculum covers all aspects of managerial responsibility, including productive transition habits, continued professional development, and progressive leadership skills. NAB Leadership Foundation president Michelle Duke says, “The NAB Leadership Foundation noticed a gap in training for new managers and responded by developing this program to provide the tools and resources necessary to help them succeed. The materials are designed to be a continued resource as these future leaders progress in their careers.”
TALKERS News Notes. Public media giant NPR announces John Lansing is named its new CEO, effective in mid-October. Lansing is a government broadcast and cable television executive who’s been selected by NPR’s corporate board to succeed its current chief, Jarl Mohn. Lansing has been serving as chief executive of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, operator of Voice of America, Radio and Television Martí, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. He tells NPR News, “When I think of NPR and I think of the member stations collectively, I think really of journalism as a public service, not tied to a profit motive.”…..Cumulus Media’s sports talk KBGG-AM, Des Moines “1700 The Champ” is adding the new, Westwood One-syndicated sports talk program, “The Pat McAfee Show,” starring former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee to its lineup. WWO announced its multi-platform deal with McAfee earlier this week. The midday sports talk show is fed live daily, 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm ET…..SiriusXM is celebrating the NFL’s 100th season with a new podcast series titled, “The NFL 100 Greatest.” The podcast is a specially-produced, 20-episode series counting down the greatest NFL memories in five categories – plays, games, characters, game changers, and teams. It’s produced in conjunction with NFL Films and voiced by longtime NFL broadcaster James Brown…..The Philadelphia Eagles and Entercom helped raise $363,746 for Eagles Autism Challenge Inc. via WIP, Philadelphia’s 2019 Eagles Radiothon. Eagles fans and SportsRadio 94WIP listeners had the opportunity to bid on exclusive experiences involving their favorite Eagles players and SportsRadio 94WIP radio personalities. All proceeds will benefit Eagles Autism Challenge Inc., the team’s public organization, whose goal is to assist those currently affected by autism as well as future generations by providing the necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading institutions…..The GCN-syndicated Dr. Daliah Wachs program is added to the program schedule of WVWI-AM, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Hurricane Dorian Top News/Talk Story for Week of September 2-6. The devastation Hurricane Dorian caused in the Bahamas and its track up the Eastern Seaboard was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio this week, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 this week was U.S.-China relations, the stock market and the economy. Coming in at #3 was the unrest in Hong Kong, followed by Brexit at #4. The Talkers TenTM is a weekly chart of the top stories and people discussed on news/talk radio during the week and is the result of ongoing research from TALKERS magazine. It is published every Friday at Talkers.com. See this week’s entire chart here.
KHOW, Denver Morning Host Ross Kaminsky Is This Week’s Guest on Harrison Podcast. KHOW, Denver morning host Ross Kaminsky is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” The conversation addresses the intersection where the economy, partisan politics, and the influence of talk media converge in a demolition derby of theories, ideas, opinions and arguments. In discussing the interview, Harrison states, “With the US-China trade war and its impact on the stock market and economy among the hottest topics on talk radio
these past couple of weeks, I decided to tap into this broadcaster’s tremendous experience in this arena for the podcast.” Kominsky spent most of his adult life waving his hands and yelling on the trading floors in Chicago after studying economics and politics at Columbia University. He has also visited more than 60 countries, which adds to his perspective on a wide range of talk topics. Harrison continues, “Frankly, I like what this guy is all about. He brings a fresh perspective to the news, politics, culture and everyday life. He says it’s all about great ideas, freedom, and fun and not about labels, about us versus them, or about assuming that a disagreement means someone has bad intentions.” To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the player box marked “The Michael Harrison Interview” located in the right-hand column of the TALKERS email newsletter or on every page of Talkers.com.
Minneapolis
Not only is iHeartMedia’s KFXN (Minnesota Vikings) a cumulative +1.4 in four straight up or flat moves (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.3, 6+), “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” cracks the top ten (#11 to #9) with its best 6+-stat (5.3) since “Holiday” 2018’s 5.6. In four successive sweeps without an increase, Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” has lost two-tenths (.8 – .7 – .7 -.6 – .6, flat at #23, 6+).
Three bumps in a row by KNOW have produced a +2.2 (4.3 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.5, 6+) as the Minnesota Public Radio news/talk facility jumps from fourth to third.
Minneapolis Music Formats – Over and above recording a whopping +1.1 (6.3 – 7.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM progresses from third to first. This calendar year, “KS-95” has held (or shared) the top spot in January, March, April, June, and August. It has been +1.9 (January); -.8 (February); +.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.8 (May); flat (June); -.4 (July); and +1.1 (August). Ousted from the top spot in June by “KS-95,” iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies outlet KQQL “Kool 108” returned the favor in July, but is now dislodged (again) by KSTP-FM. After racking up a July improvement of nine-tenths, “Kool 108” relinquishes one-half share (7.5 – 7.0, 6+) and segues from first to second. Approximately 54% (-6.8) of KQQL’s 6+ AQH share vanished through four straight negative or flat trends (12.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+) before “Kool 108” logged a +1.0 in May. KQQL cluster-mate/KSTP-FM’s format rival – KTCZ “Cities 97.1” – regresses by nine-tenths (5.1 – 4.2, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Shifts in 2019 for “Cities 97.1” include +1.2 (January) -.5 (February); +.2 (March); +.5 (April); -.2 (May); flat (June); +.6 (July); and -.9 (August). Unchanged at #13, Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP “The Current – Great Music Lives Here” is +1.2 via five consecutive positive or neutral trends (2.1- 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+), with 3.3 its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (3.3, as well). Up three-tenths in June/July (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.4, 6+), University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” falters by nine-tenths to 5.5 (6+) and slumps from second to seventh. In the market’s country tussle, iHeartMedia’s KEEY “K-102,” which was -1.0 in June/July (4.9 – 4.8 – 3.9, 6+) gains three-tenths to 4.2 (#12 to #11, 6+), while Entercom’s KMNB “102.9 The Wolf” is off one-half share in July/August (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, #14 to #15, 6+). July’s 3.9 for KEEY “K-102” was its lowest 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.4. KMNB “102.9 The Wolf” lost eight-tenths in four successive down or neutral trends (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), but ended the slide with June’s gain of four-tenths.
San Diego
Spoken-Word Formats – A one-half share increase by iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” (4.5 – 5.0, seventh to sixth, 6+)
After losing one-tenth in back-to-back (June and July) sweeps (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom-owned KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) posts a +.3 to 2.2 (6+) but backslides from a three-way logjam at #18 to #19. Advancing from #24 to #23, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” records a .8 (6+) the fourth time in the last five sweeps (.8 – 1.0 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+).
A one-tenth increase (5.9 – 6.0, 6+) is sufficient to boost KPBS from third to first. The San Diego State University-owned news/talk facility was an top six months in a row before falling to third in July. KPBS has been -.6 (December 2018); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +2.1 (January 2019); -1.7 (April); +.9 (May); and -.7 (June).
San Diego Music Formats – In six consecutive positive or neutral sweeps, iHeartMedia CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 – San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” is a combined +1.6 (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+) and advances from fourth to second. This streak follows a cumulative -2.3 as a result of four straight decreases (6.6 – 6.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). Replicating July’s one-half share improvement (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” pushes from sixth to fifth. This (5.5) is the best 6+-showing for “Star” in more than two years (July 2017, 6.0, 6+). Five straight down or flat trends by Entercom-owned KSON resulted in a collective -2.0 since February (6.1 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+) but “103.7 San Diego’s #1 New Country” pulls the plug with a +.1 to 4.2 (flat at #11, 6+). It proves to be a July-only stay at #1 for classic hits-oldies sibling KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – San Diego’s Greatest Hits,” which falls from first to fourth. Sunny was a collective +1.7 in five successive improvements (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+), but regresses by seven-tenths to 6.4 (6+). Prior to July 2019, the last time “Sunny” hit #1 was July 2018 (6.2, 6+). Co-owned adult contemporary KYXY, which was a combined +1.7 in June/July (3.5 – 4.2 – 5.2, 6+), surrenders one-half share to 4.7 (fifth to seventh, 6+). July’s 5.2 was its best 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2018’s 8.4. Locked on 1.3 (6+) in June and July, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KARJ “Air 1 – Worship Now” forfeits one-half share to .8 (#23, 6+). Following four consecutive positive or neutral moves that netted a +1.0 (5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.0, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNV “Que Buena 106.5” falters by two-tenths to 5.8 (second to third, 6+).
Tampa
Flat at #18, iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Rays, Buccaneers) has lost a combined six-tenths in July/August (2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+).
Even though it regains the three-tenths it lost in July (1.7 – 1.4 – 1.7, 6+), University of South Florida news/talk WUSF remains at #20.
Tampa Music Formats – Logging improvements of seven-tenths each are Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM” (4.6 – 5.3, seventh to fifth, 6+) and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WBTP “95.7 The Beat” (3.6 – 4.3, #13 to #9, 6+). This is the highest 6+-stat for “The Joy FM” since February 2018 (5.3, as well). WBTP “The Beat” dropped six-tenths in July to its lowest 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2018 (3.6, as well). Prior to losing two-tenths in June, WBTP was +1.3 in seven successive sweeps without a loss (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+). Tampa Bay’s (6+) August 2019 adult contemporary share balloons by +1.1, nearly equally divided between Cox Media Group cluster-mates WDUV “Lite Favorites” (8.6 – 9.2, +.6, 6+) and WWRM “Magic 94.9 Tampa Bay’s Best Music” (4.7 – 5.2, +.5, steady at #6, 6+). On top the 84th straight time, WDUV sputtered by seven-tenths in June, directly after a May gain of three-tenths curtailed four straight negative trends that resulted in a -4.7 (13.7 – 11.8 – 11.6 – 10.6 – 9.0, 6+). WDUV’s 13.7 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-stat for any Tampa station since its 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. WWRM “Magic 94.9” plummeted by -1.0 in July to 4.7, its lowest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2017’s 3.9. In four straight negative or neutral moves (7.5 – 6.6 – 6.6 – 5.7 – 5.1, 6+), co-owned WXGL was a cumulative -2.4 but “107.3 The Eagle – Tampa Bay’s Classic Hits” applies the brakes with a +.3 to 5.4 (steady at #4, 6+). An overall +1.1 via six successive positive or neutral trends (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1” advances from ninth to seventh. Drifting from the top ten (#5 to #11), iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” is -1.4 in July/August (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.0, 6+), immediately after three straight improvements netted +1.4 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4, 6+). In June, “Mix” reached the five-share level (5.4, 6+) for the first time since February 2018’s 5.2. Three straight upticks by Cox Media Group alternative WSUN resulted in a gain of six-tenths (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5, 6+), but “97-X” forfeits four-tenths to 2.1 (#17 to #18, 6+). The market’s two CHRs are deadlocked at #12. Specifically, Cox Media group’s WPOI “Hot 101.5” is down seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.8, #10 to #12, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WFLZ “93.3 FLZ” is off one-half share in three consecutive negative or neutral moves (4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8, unchanged at #12, 6+).
Denver
Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of a full-share erosion (5.0 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia
A combined +1.2 in January/February (6.4 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR was -1.6 in June (6.2 – 4.6, 6+); +.8 in July (4.6 – 5.4, 6+); and now -.4 in August to 5.1 (fourth to sixth, 6+). In five consecutive down or flat reports, Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC has lost more than 70% (-1.3) of its 6+ AQH-share (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.1 – .8 – .5, #23 to #28, 6+).
Denver Music Formats – At the same time that KSE Radio Ventures’ hot AC KIMN “Mix 100” posts a +1.2 (3.6 – 4.8, 6+) to vault into the top ten (#14 to #7) with its best-ever 6+-stat (4.8) in the PPM-era, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KALC “Alice 105.9” falters by half that magnitude (4.7 – 4.1, -.6, eighth to tenth, 6+). Off one-half share in July, “Mix” was a combined +.8 in May/June (3.3 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). This is the 13th time in a row “Alice” is within 4.0 – 4.7 range (6+). In three successive reports without a loss, KSE Radio Ventures’ classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” is a collective +1.0 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.6, sixth to fourth, 6+). Locked on 5.4 (6+) in May and June and then off six-tenths to 4.8 (6+, July), iHeartMedia-owned KTCL “Channel 93.3 – Denver’s Modern Rock” posts a +.7 to 5.5 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Not only is Entercom classic rock KQMT +1.5 in five successive positive or neutral moves (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.6 – 6.2, 6+), “99.5 The Mountain” climbs from third to first. This (6.2) is the highest 6+-stat for KQMT in exactly one year (August 2018, 6.6, 6+). After a two-month run at #1, Bonneville-owned KYGO (5.8 – 5.7, -.1, 6+) shifts to third. After netting +1.4 in four straight up or flat trends (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), country KYGO regressed by seven-tenths in May only to post a +1.0 in June to 6.0, its highest 6+-stat since September 2018 (6.0, as well). Via three straight spikes, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KWBL racked up a +1.7 (2.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), but “106.7 The Bull” is off two-tenths to 3.5 (#13 to #14, 6+). July’s 3.7 was KWBL’s highest 6+-stat since it switched to country in mid-December 2017. Up six-tenths in addition to aforementioned “The Mountain” is iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “97.3 World Class Rock” (4.8, tenth to seventh, 6+), which was a combined -1.0 in June/July (5.2 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+). Entercom rhythmic CHR KQKS “KS-107.5” is -1.3 in four straight down or flat moves (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.3, #12 to #16, 6+), while iHeartMedia CHR KPTT “95.7 The Party” has lost eight-tenths in three reports in succession without an increase (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.6, #10 to #12, 6+). Positive or neutral February through July for a net gain of (just) one-tenth, Entercom classic hits-oldies KEZW “EZ-1430 Timeless Music” surrenders that one-tenth in August (.7 – .6, #25 to #27, 6+).
Baltimore
With an April 2019 through August 2019 topline of 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 4.5 (6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” (Orioles) slips from seventh to eighth.
Down a combined eight-tenths in June/July (1.9 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+), co-owned business news WDCH is up three-tenths to 1.4 (#19 to #17, 6+).
Substituting July’s -.7 with an August +.7 (3.3 – 2.6 – 3.3, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” continues at #11. Its internet stream, which logged a July .5 (6+), is unlisted in August. For the fourth time in the last five sweeps, American University-owned news/talk WAMU records a 1.2 (1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2, #18 to #19, 6+).
Baltimore Music Formats – Five straight reports without an increase by Shamrock Communications-owned WZBA resulted in an overall -2.3 (6.2 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 3.9, 6+) but “100.7 The Bay – Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” applies the brakes with a +.6 to 4.5 (ninth to eighth, 6+). Prior to July, the last time “The Bay” slipped below a four-share (6+) was February 2018 (3.8). Also improving by six-tenths in August is Radio One Washington, DC urban contemporary WKYS, which actually gains seven-tenths in three consecutive positive or neutral moves (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.7, #19 to #16, 6+). Tacking on one-half share to July’s +.4 (5.8 – 6.2 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” repeats at #3. Entering the July sweep, WPOC lost one-half share in four straight down or flat moves (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). Off two-tenths in three successive negative or flat reports (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), alternative sibling WWDC “DC-101” posts a +.1 to 1.9 (#15 to #14, 6+). Co-owned CHR WZFT “Z-104.3 Baltimore’s #1 Hit Music Station,” which was -1.0 in five sweeps in a row without an increase (4.6 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+), adds one-tenth to 3.7 (unchanged at #10, 6+). Notwithstanding it drops three-tenths to 8.8 (6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” is #1 the third month in succession. A combined +1.8 in June/July (7.3 – 8.1 – 9.1, 6+), “Magic” reached the nine-share level (9.1, 6+, July) for the first time since January’s 9.0. After being an overall -1.8 in three down or flat moves in a row (9.8 – 8.8 – 8.0 – 8.0, 6+), co-owned urban contemporary WERQ “92 Q Jams” rebounds with a +.4 to 8.4 (6+) and carries on in the runner-up slot. April’s 9.8 marked the first time WERQ reached the nine-share level (6+) since July 2016’s 9.2. Entercom gospel WLIF-HD2 doubled (+1.0) its 6+ AQH-share in three straight gains (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 2.0, 6+), but surrenders one-tenth in August to 1.9 (flat at #14, 6+). Up or flat February through July for a net gain of one-tenth (.7 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WMZQ “98.7 Today’s Best Country” forfeits four-tenths to .4 (#27, 6+). This is the 13th sweep in a row that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).
St. Louis
Spoken-Word Formats – Although repeating at #7, Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” (Cardinals) is an overall -2.3 in
Repeating at #15, University of Missouri news/talk KWMU has a March through August topline of 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 (6+).
St. Louis Music Formats – Hauling out a +.9 (5.9 – 6.8, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “103.3 St. Louis’ Greatest Hits” marches from fourth to second with its best 6+-stat since March (6.8, as well). A combined -1.3 in June/July (5.1 – 3.9 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom CHR KNOU “Now 96.3” cuts that deficit roughly in half with a +.7 to 4.5 (#14 to #11, 6+). On a seesaw, iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” regressed by seven-tenths in May; improved by one-half share in June; dropped two-tenths in July; and adds one-half share in August (4.5 – 5.0, 6+), jumping from tenth to seventh. Its format rival – Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL “New Country 92.3” – is up three-tenths (6.1 – 6.4, 6+) and continues in third-place. Albeit down one-tenth (8.7 – 8.6, 6+), co-owned KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” is #1 the fourth straight month. Recent shifts for KSHE include: +.5 (December); -.7 (Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +1.3 (March); -1.6 (April); +.9 (June); and +.4 (July). KSHE was tied with (aforenoted) iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU for February’s top spot. In March, KSHE took sole possession of first-place but had to share the lead again the following month; on that occasion, it was with Entercom news/talk KMOX. “Real Rock Radio” has had sole possession of the top spot in May, June, July, and August. Cluster-mate KPNT “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” (6.7 – 5.7, 6+) drops from second to fourth. Its four most recent shifts are +.6 (May); -.6 (June); +.7 (July); and -1.0 (August). In seven straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned KLLT netted two-tenths (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), but “Alt 104.9” relinquishes three-tenths to 1.7 (flat at #19, 6+). Despite being a collective -2.2 via four consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.2 – 6.7 – 6.0 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+), Gateway Creative Broadcasting contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy FM” jumps from ninth to seventh.
Portland
KUFO’s sports talk sibling, KXTG “The Game,” regains the one-tenth it lost in July (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.4, #22 to #21, 6+). Entercom’s similarly-formatted KFXX “1080 The Fan” is down four-tenths in three successive sweeps without an increase (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.1 – 1.1, #23 to #22, 6+). Up one-tenth (.3 – .4, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KPOJ “Sports Radio 620” progresses from #28 to #26.
A cumulative -1.4 in three downturns in a row (7.9 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.5, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting news/talk KOPB answers with a half-share increase to 7.0 (third to second, 6+). KOPB has been +1.2 (January 2019); -2.0 in February/March; +.6 (April); -.9 (May); and +.5 (August) .
Portland Music Formats – Logging increases of seven-tenths each are Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS “104.1 The Fish” (4.4 – 5.1 – sixth to fifth, 6+) and All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” (2.5 – 3.2, #17 to #15, 6+). When “The Fish” picked up four-tenths in July, it ended three consecutive down or flat trends that led to a loss of nine-tenths (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+). Likewise, KQAC this time last month posted a half-share increase that suspended five consecutive down or flat moves that resulted in a -2.4 (4.4 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 2.6 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+). Immediately prior to losing seven-tenths in March, KQAC was without a loss four times in a row for a collective +1.8 (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+) and reached the four-share level (4.4, 6+) the first time since February 2017’s 4.2. In four successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia CHR KKRZ “Z-100 Portland” is up nine-tenths (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.2, 6+) and advances from tenth to eighth. Salem Media Group regional Mexican KRYP “93.1 El Rey” is a collective +1.0 via three bumps in succession (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.8, #19 to #18, 6+). Even though it is a collective -.7 in July/August (7.8 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW “K-103” repeats at #1. July marked the first time “K-103” held the lead position since “Holiday” 2018. Ironically, it returned to the top despite having its consecutive string of increases that yielded eight-tenths snapped at three (7.0 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+). June’s 7.8 was the best 6+-stat for “K-103” since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2. Immediately after putting together three up or flat trends that yielded two-tenths (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+), Alpha Media’s KWEE “96.3 – WE are Portland’s Real Hip-Hop Station” craters by more than 55% (-1.1) of its 6+ AQH-share to .8 (#20 to #25, 6+). Ironically, iHeartMedia’s KXJM “Jam’n 107.5 – Portland’s #1 for Hip-Hop and Throwbacks” has a major July 2019 – August 2019 decrease as well (3.7 – 2.7, -1.0, #12 to #19, 6+). Prior to faltering by two-tenths in July, “Jam’n 107.5” posted four successive positive or neutral moves for an overall +1.5 (2.4 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), with June’s 3.9 its strongest 6+-showing since March 2016 (3.9, as well). A combined +.6 in June/July (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), co-owned KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” surrenders one-half share to 3.4 (#11 to #14, 6+). Three consecutive jumps by Entercom-owned KGON resulted in a +.8 (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+) but “92.3 Portland’s Classic Rock” drops four-tenths to 5.5 (flat at #4, 6+). The (6+) gap between the market’s two main country FMs shrinks from nine-tenths in July to four-tenths as Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” is down three-tenths (4.4 – 4.1, sixth to ninth, 6+), while Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf” – The Northwest’s Hottest Country” picks up two-tenths to 3.7 (#14 to #11, 6+). A combined +1.5 in May/June (4.2 – 4.6 – 5.7, 6+), KUPL “The Bull” plummeted by -1.3 in July. Prior to June, the last time KUPL reached the five-share level (6+) was in April 2017 (5.5). KWJJ “The Wolf,” which gained eight-tenths in May, was -1.1 in June/July (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+). June’s 4.6 was its best 6+-stat since July 2018 (4.6, as well). After notching a 1.8 in June (#20, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLVP “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is unlisted for the second month in a row.
Charlotte
Spoken-Word Formats – Settling down from June’s +1.2 and July’s -.9 (3.2 – 4.4 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT (Carolina
In all eight sweeps this calendar year, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE has remained in two-share range: 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.2 (#14 to #15, 6+). Unchanged at #21, South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC is down two-tenths (.3 – .1, 6+).
Charlotte Music Formats – Adding nine-tenths to July’s +.4 (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.3, 6+), Radio One gospel WPZS proceeds from #14 to #12. “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” reaches the three-share level (3.3, 6+) for the first time since February’s 3.4. Its July increase pulled the plug on four consecutive down or flat trends that accounted for a -1.4 (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.0, 6+). At the same time as Beasley Media Group’s WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” notches a +.8 (6.0 – 6.8, sixth to second, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country” regresses by six-tenths (6.0, second to fourth, 6+). WSOC was a combined -1.5 in June/July (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+). Prior to segueing to #2 in June, “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” was on top the previous four months. May’s improvement of eight-tenths delivered WSOC its strongest 6+-stat since November 2018 (7.5, as well). Entering the August sweep, WKKT “The Kat” was +1.3 in five successive positive or neutral moves (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+). Before logging a +1.2 in January, WKKT was -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+). Over and above being a combined +1.4 in July/August (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” zooms from fifth to first with its best 6+-stat since September 2018 (6.9, as well). Dislodged from the top spot after a July-only stay there is Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF “105.3 RnB,” which craters by -1.9 (6.8 – 4.9, 6+) and spirals from first to seventh. The -1.9 obliterates July’s +1.4. June’s one-tenth loss halted three straight gains that yielded eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+). Prior to July, the last time “105.3 RnB” reached the six-share threshold (6+) was in “Holiday” 2016 (6.2). A one-half share increase to 4.5 (6+) by iHeartMedia CHR WHQC sends “Hits 96.1” back to the top ten (#11 to #10). Consecutive losses (June and July) accounted for a -1.0 (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+) with July’s 4.0 its lowest 6+-showing since November 2018 (3.4). Recent shifts for adult hits cluster-mate WLKO “102.9 The Lake” include: -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.4 (February); +.5 (March); -.5 (April); +.8 (May); -.5 (July); and now -.9 in August (6.6 – 5.7, second-place tie to fifth, 6+). In advance of “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2, WLKO enjoyed eight straight months without a loss for a +3.7 (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+). A collective -1.0 in three straight dips (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+), alternative sibling WEND “106.5 The End” ends the slide with a +.3 to 3.0 (6+) – but – backslides from #13 to #14. Radio One urban contemporary WQNC “92.7 The Block” is down one-half share (2.2 – 1.7, 6+) and slips from #16 to #17. In the contemporary Christian arena, Radio Training Network’s WLFJ “HIS Radio” quadruples (+.9) its 6+ AQH share in five straight positive or neutral reports (.3 – .7 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2, steady at #19), but iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRFX-HD2, which gained one-half share via six straight sweeps without a loss (.1 – .1 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+), drops one-tenth to .5 (flat at #20, 6+). Meanwhile, after recording a one-half share increase in June (2.1 – 2.6, #14, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is unlisted for the second month in a row.
San Antonio
For the past two months, iHeartMedia’s KTKR “Ticket 760 – San Antonio’s Sports Station” and Alpha Media’s KZDC “ESPN San Antonio” have been tied (#32 in June and #30 in July). They aren’t deadlocked in August though as “The Ticket” is up two-tenths (.3 – .5, flat at #30, 6+), while KZDC is down one-tenth (.3 – .2, #30 to #33, 6+).
Forfeiting the three-tenths it gained in July (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+), Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX slips from #12 to #15.
San Antonio Music Formats – In mid-April, Univision Radio transitioned Tejano KXTN to rhythmic hot AC KVBH “The Vibe,” which is +1.0 in three spikes in a row (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0, #16 to #15, 6+). June’s +.1 curtailed four consecutive negative or neutral moves that accounted for an overall -1.4 (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.0, 6+). Substantial alternating ups/down continue for Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV. In the last five ratings periods, San Antonio’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” has been +.5 (April); -1.0 (May); +1.5 (June); -1.2 (July); and now +.7 in August (2.7 – 3.4, #16 to #12, 6+). Conversely, co-owned/similarly-formatted KZAR “Air 1 – Worship Now” surrenders six-tenths (2.0 – 1.4, #21 to #23, 6+). When iHeartMedia CHR KXXM faltered in July by seven-tenths to 3.1 (6+), it suspended four consecutive up or flat trends that accounted for an overall gain of four-tenths (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+). In August, “96.1 Now” bounces back with a +.6 to 3.7 (#14 to #11, 6+); July’s 3.1 was its lowest 6+-stat since December 2018 (3.1, as well). Notwithstanding it is an overall -1.8 in three setbacks in succession (8.5 – 8.2 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the sixth month in a row. Whereas May’s 8.5 is its highest 6+-stat since September 2018’s 8.8, August’s 6.7 (6+) is its lowest since “Holiday” 2018’s 6.0 (6+). “San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” had been the runner-up five successive times before progressing to #1 in March. On the heels of July’s jump of eight-tenths, iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary KZEP “104.5 Latino Hits” has it completely wiped away (2.7, -.8, 6+), drifting from #11 to #17. August’s decrease ends three consecutive improvements that yielded a +1.4 (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.5, 6+). Prior to July 2019’s 3.5 (6+), “Latino Hits” last reached the three-share level in July 2018 (3.1, 6+). In addition to KZEP, Cox Media Group-owned KISS “Rocks San Antonio” stumbles by eight-tenths in August (to 4.7, third to fifth, 6+), thus erasing the eight-tenths it netted via three consecutive up or flat trends (4.7 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+). KISS cluster-mate KCYY “Y-100 San Antonio’s New Country Leader” and iHeartMedia’s KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” both showed June decreases of two-tenths as well as July losses of one-half share. KCYY “Y-100” is -1.0 in three straight drops (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.4 – 6.2, flat at #2, 6+), while KAJA “KJ-97” is -1.1 in three consecutive losses (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.5 – 5.1, third to fourth, 6+). Recent shifts for “Y-100” include: -.8 (December); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.8 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.6 (March); +.6 (May); and -.5 (July). “KJ-97” has been +.5 (September 2018); -1.1 (October); +1.0 (December); -1.0 (“Holiday” 2018); +3.0 (January 2019); –1.9 (March); and -.5 (July).
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Michael Brown Returns to KHOW, Denver in Middays. Former Under Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Brown is back on the radio in Denver on iHeartMedia’s news/talk KHOW hosting the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm show. Brown got his start in talk radio
‘101 ESPN’ St. Louis Drops Kevin Wheeler from Program Schedule. There’s no official word from Hubbard Radio, but St. Louis sports talk personality Kevin Wheeler announced via social media that WXOS-FM let him go. He posted on Facebook: “Last
Envision Networks and GAB Radio Unveil Daily Smart Talk Radio Network Lineup. The Smart Talk Radio Network – a cooperative effort from Envision Networks and the GAB Radio Network – unveils its weekday program lineup. This comes several weeks
Pat McAfee Inks Podcast and Radio Deal with Westwood One. Former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee and Cumulus Media’s Westwood One sign a deal that brings the “The Pat McAfee Show 2.0” podcast to the Westwood One Podcast Network, starting
TALKERS News Notes. Detroit sports talk station WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” is launching its own special edition beer in partnership with Ellison Brewing and Spirits.
Hurricane Dorian, 2020 Presidential Race, U.S.-China Trade War, Brexit Chaos, Walmart’s New Guns Policy, and California Boat Fire Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/3). The status of Hurricane Dorian and the devastation it caused in the Bahamas; the Democrats hoping to challenge President Trump in 2020; the battle of tariffs between the U.S. and China; the political chaos in Great Britain over Boris Johnson’s Brexit strategy; Walmart’s decision to stop selling handgun ammo; and the California dive boat fire that killed 34 people were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
New York City
Spoken-Word Formats – Down or flat five straight survey periods for a collective loss of
Despite adding two-tenths (3.6 – 3.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN (Yankees, Giants) backslides from eighth to ninth. Repeating July’s 1.6 (6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets) drops out of the top twenty (#20 to #21). This (1.6) is its weakest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 1.4.
Even though WINS has lost seven-tenths in three consecutive negative or neutral trends (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+), the Entercom all-news outlet advances from #13 to #11. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM (Mets), which faltered by a collective full-share via four straight declines (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, 6+), ends the slide with a one-tenth pickup to 2.5 (#15 to #14, 6+).
Off a collective eight-tenths in three successive reports without an increase (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM gains two-tenths to 2.3 (#18 to #16, 6+). The February 2019 through August 2019 topline for co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM is .4 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .3 – .3 (#35 to #34, 6+).
New York City Music Formats – After posting a 6.8 (6+) three months in succession, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” busts out a +.9 to 7.7 (6+) and is #1 the 26th consecutive ratings period. August’s 7.7 (6+) matches what was recorded in March when “Lite FM” logged a one-half share increase; WLTW surrendered seven-tenths in April. A combined -5.3 in January/February (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), “Lite FM” was +5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). The one-half share (6+) advantage it held over Emmis urban AC WBLS in July widens to 1.9 (6+) as WBLS sputters from 6.3 – 5.8 (-.5, flat at #2, 6+) and is below a six-share (5.8, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018’s 5.6. An uptick of seven-tenths (3.6 – 4.3, 6+) enables iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” to jump from eighth to sixth with its strongest 6+-stat in nearly two years (4.3, as well, September 2017). In five straight sweeps without an increase, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” has lost seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, flat at #12, 6+). It is tied with Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish contemporary WPAT-FM “Amor 93.1,” which had notched four successive up or neutral moves for an overall gain of six-tenths (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+), but drops four-tenths to 3.1 (#11 to #12, 6+). Between February 2019 – July 2019, Spanish tropical sibling WSKQ recorded a 5.0 (6+) three times and a 5.3 (6+) the other three times (5.3 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+) but “La Mega 97.9” is off two-tenths in August to 4.8 (unchanged at #5, 6+). While Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM is up a combined six-tenths in three consecutive positive or neutral sweeps (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), “NEW 102.7” backslides from eighth to tenth. It is the end of an era in New York City ratings books as the WPLJ calls disappear from print. In back-to-back (June 2019 and July 2019) losses totaling a massive -2.7, WPLJ virtually wiped away its May AQH-stat (3.1 – 1.5 – .4, 6+), plummeting from the top twenty (#20 to #31). In August, WPLJ is unlisted. Coinciding with its sale from Cumulus Media to Educational Media Foundation, WPLJ flipped from hot AC to contemporary Christian “K-Love Classics.” The legendary contemporary music outlet went out on a very positive note leading up to the format flip though, as it posted five straight New York City gains for a cumulative +1.1 (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 3.1, “Holiday” 2018 through May 2019, 6+).
Los Angeles
Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +.8 in May/June (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia
In June and July, iHeartMedia sports talk KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (Dodgers, Chargers) and Disney-owned KSPN “710 ESPN” (Angels, Rams) were deadlocked at #27 (1.4, 6+). The tie is broken in August though as KLAC – which is trending 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.3 (6+) – falls to #28 and KSPN erodes by six-tenths to .8 (6+), spiraling to #36.
Up one-tenth in July, Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” forfeits two-tenths (2.8 – 2.6, #13 to #14, 6+). Prior to July’s +.1, KNX had five straight negative or neutral monthlies accounting for a full-share loss in that January 2019 – June 2019 timeframe (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+).
In back-to-back sweeps, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” adds one-tenth (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0, #23 to #21, 6+).
Los Angeles Music Formats – Elevating from fourth to second, iHeartMedia hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” records its fourth straight up or flat trend for an overall +1.2 (4.1 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.3, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing (5.3) in nearly a year (5.5, September 2018). One-half share ahead of KBIG is its adult contemporary sibling KOST “Coast 103.5” (5.9 – 5.8, -.1, 6+), which is #1 the 11th straight time. After its “Holiday” 2018 13.0 (6+), “Coast” has followed with 6.2 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 5.8 (6+). Prior to January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), KOST was an overall +8.4 through five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). In four consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), co-owned KYSR lost two-tenths. In August, however, “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” answers with a positive spike of one-half share to 2.7 (6+) and vaults from #19 to #12. “Alt 98.7” has a three-tenths lead over format rival, Entercom-owned KROQ (2.0 – 2.4, +.4, 6+), which returns to the top twenty (#21 to #18). KROQ’s June gain of one-tenth ended four consecutive negative or neutral sweeps that resulted in a collective half-share deficit (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). Anchored at #8, Cumulus Media-to-Meruelo Media Holdings KLOS “95.5 Southern California’s Classic Rock” posts its eighth straight up or flat trend for a net gain of nine-tenths (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3, 6+). Both of the market’s principal CHRs are unchanged from July. In the case of iHeartMedia’s KIIS, it repeats its (6+) rank (#7); “102.7 Kiss FM” has lost eight-tenths in six consecutive negative or neutral sweeps (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+). Prior to June, the last time “Kiss” was under a four-share (6+) was in “Holiday” 2018 (3.5). Meanwhile, Entercom-owned/similarly-formatted KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory the 27th time in a row (flat at 2.3, #17 to #19, 6+).
Chicago
Spoken-Word Formats – Stuck on 2.9 (6+) in April and May and then on 3.0 (6+) in June
Unchanged at #4, Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM (Bears) is an overall -1.4 via seven successive down or neutral moves (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). WBBM-AM finished on top in January, February, and March.
In three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ was off a collective nine-tenths, but is now +.3 in July/August (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, #19 to #16, 6+).
Chicago Music Formats – The top of the leader board game of musical chairs between Hubbard Broadcasting siblings continues. In July, the combination of a three-tenths uptick by classic rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” and an equal margin decrease by WTMX “101.9 The Mix” resulted in the cluster-mates swapping places. Now, “The Mix” balloons by one-half share (5.2 – 5.7, second to first, 6+), while “The Drive” holds steady at 5.4 (6+), backsliding from first to second. “The Mix,” which was #1 in April, May, and June before giving way to “The Drive” in July, has a January 2019 through August 2019 topline of 5.4 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 5.7 (6+); April’s 5.9 was its highest 6+-stat since November 2017’s 6.3. In addition to WTMX, iHeartMedia CHR WKSC “103.5 Kiss FM – Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” is up one-half share as well (3.8, ninth to seventh, 6+). The increase ends a mini-June/July slide that accounted for a loss of three-tenths (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Not only is Cumulus Media’s WKQX a collective +.8 in five successive sweeps without a loss (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+), “The New Home For Alternative” cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). Up a combined half-share in June/July (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.5, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WCKL forfeits the entire increase (1.0, -.5, #27, 6+). July’s 1.5 was the best 6+-stat for Chicago’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” since February (1.5, as well). It’s mostly good news for Chicago’s three leading adult contemporary properties. On the positive side, iHeartMedia’s WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” is without a loss the fifth time in a row for a collective gain of six-tenths (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.5, steady at #5, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting’s WSHE “100.3 SHE” zooms from #16 to #11 (2.8 – 3.1, +.3, 6+). “Lite FM” was a combined +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+). Before faltering by one-half share in May, WSHE notched an overall increase of eight-tenths via four consecutive positive or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+). On the flipside, Venture Technologies Group-owned WRME-LP “FM 87.7 – Me TV,” which logged three upticks in succession for a collective increase of six-tenths (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), returns two-tenths to 2.9 (#11 to #14, 6+). June’s 3.0 marked the first time WRME-LP reached the three-share level (6+) since November 2018’s 3.3. The market’s two main country outlets are separated by one full-share as Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” is down two-tenths (2.8 – 2.6, #16 to #18, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WEBG “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” notches a 1.6 (6+) the third time in a row (unchanged at #23, 6+). Before dropping two-tenths in June, WEBG had been up or flat the previous seven sweeps for an overall gain of four-tenths (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+).
San Francisco
Spoken-Word Formats. As part of four successive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 –
San Francisco’s top three (6+) August 2019 finishers are spoken-word stations, including Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR (Giants, 49ers), which is +1.1 in three straight up or flat sweeps (3.3 – 3.3 – 4.1 – 4.4, steady at #3, 6+). “The Sports Leader” was up one full-share in April. Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game,” however, sputters by -1.8 via three consecutive declines (3.3 – 3.0 – 1.9 – 1.5, 6+) and spirals from #21 to #26. KGMZ nearly doubled (+1.5) its 6+-stat in three straight sweeps without a loss, (1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 3.3, 6+).
Off a combined half-share in June/July (6.6 – 6.2 – 6.1, 6+), KCBS-AM (Raiders) improves by four-tenths to 6.5 (6+) and continues at #2; the Entercom all-news station was #1 in May.
In three bumps in a row (6.3 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED gains an overall eight-tenths and is #1 the third time in a row with its best 6+-stat (7.1) since 7.3 in March. KQED had been on top four sweeps in a row, but faltered by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps (7.3 – 6.8 – 6.3, 6+), segueing to #2 in May. Flat at #28, San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” is trending -1.0 – .9 – .8 – 1.0 – .9 (April – May – June – July – August, 6+).
San Francisco Music Formats – As a result of four successive down or flat trends, iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD lost eight-tenths (4.1 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.3, 6+), but “Wild 94.9 – The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” answers with an August gain of seven-tenths to 4.0 (ninth to fifth, 6+). A combined -1.3 in June/July (4.0 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” is up four-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#12 to #10). Before dropping two-tenths in April, “The Bone” was +1.1 in three successive improvements (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+). Faltering by one-half share each are Bonneville CHR KMVQ “99.7 Now – The Bay’s #1 For All The Hits” (3.5 – 3.0, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” (3.1 – 2.6, #11 to #12, 6+). In addition to departing the top ten (#8 to #11), “Now” has its lowest 6+-showing since January (3.0, as well). Although slipping from seventh to eighth, iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” is within 3.0 – 3.9 range the 14th time in a row (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). April 2019’s 3.7 represents its best 6+-stat since October 2018’s 3.9. Following five straight up or flat trends that netted seven-tenths (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), Bonneville’s KUFX “98.5 K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” has lost two-tenths in three consecutive down or flat trends (2.0 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.8, unchanged at #22, 6+).
Dallas
Spoken-Word Formats – Bouncing back from July’s -.6 with an improvement of four
Having lost a total of seven-tenths via three straight declines (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 1.8, 6+), Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” is up one-tenth to 1.9 (6+) and repeats at #23.
Four straight negative or neutral moves by KERA resulted in a collective -1.0 (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+), but the North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet ends the slide with a +.3 to 3.2 (#14 to #11, 6+).
Dallas Music Formats – The nine-tenths that iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” squandered as a result of three straight negative or neutral moves (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+) is wiped away with an August increase of that magnitude (5.8 – 6.7, +.9, 6+). “Kiss” is #1 the eighth month in a row. Its May dip of four-tenths brought to a close four successive up or flat sweeps that netted eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). April’s 6.7 was KHKS’ best 6+-stat since May 2018’s 6.9. On top 12 straight times, “Kiss” shifted to #3 in “Holiday” 2018. Down two-tenths in July (1.6 – 1.4, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KNOR “La Raza 93.7” responds with a half-share increase to 1.9 (#23, 6+). Three consecutive gains by Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDA resulted in an overall +1.2 (1.9 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.1, 6+), but “Air 1 – Worship Now” surrenders more than half that increase (2.4, -.7, #13 to #18, 6+). The wild ride continues for WAY Media’s similarly-formatted KAWA “WAY-FM Uplifting-Upbeat-Real,” which was -1.2 in March; a combined +1.2 in April/May (1.1 – 1.6 – 2.3, 6+); -1.4 in June; +.2 in July; and now -.5 in August (1.1 – .6, #30 to #32, 6+). The station KYDA and KAWA are chasing – Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” – follows July’s +1.1 with an August increase of four-tenths to 5.5 (6+) and continues in the runner-up slot. KLTY was stymied on 4.2 (6+) in April and May before slipping to 4.0 (6+) in June. Off one full-share in July/August (3.7 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE slips from #11 to #15. “Star 102.1” is below a three-share (2.7, 6+) for the first time since June 2018’s 2.9.
Houston
Spoken-Word Formats – Without an increase the fourth time in succession for a net loss
Surrendering one-tenth in back-to-back survey periods (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), University of Houston news/talk KUHF carries on at #19.
Houston Music Formats – For the fifth time in the last six reports, Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” posts a 6+ AQH share between 5.0 – 5.7 (5.1 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+), progressing from fifth to third. Airing a variety of musical genres including jazz and blues, Texas Southern University’s KTSU “90.9 Your Community Station” posted a .8 (6+) in May; .5 (6+) in June; disappeared from print in July; and resurfaces in August with a .6 (#25, 6+). Over and above reaching the six-share level (6+) for the first time since February’s 6.1, Radio One urban AC KMJQ “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” escalates from second to first. Supplanted from the top spot after 16 sweeps in a row there is iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1.” Not only does “Sunny” slip from first to second, it has lost roughly 51% (-6.2) of its 6+ AQH share in eight straight declines (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 5.9, 6+). Immediately in advance of this spiral, “Sunny” was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive gains (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). It had been more than two years since KODA slipped below a six-share (June 2017, 5.8, 6+). Faltering by seven-tenths as well in August 2019 is urban contemporary cluster-mate KQBT “93.7 The Beat,” which is off an overall eight-tenths in four straight reports without an increase (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 3.6, #12 to #14, 6+). In five successive down or flat reports, Liberman Broadcasting’s KQQK lost eight-tenths (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+) but “El Norte 107.9” stops the slide with a gain of two-tenths to 2.8 (6+) and stays at #18. Owing to five consecutive negative or neutral trends, Cumulus Media CHR KRBE “104.1 – Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station” has lost an overall eight-tenths (5.3 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 4.5, 6+) and drifts from fourth to eighth. The market’s two main country FMs are separated by two-tenths of a share (6+) and finish at eighth and tenth. Specifically, Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “The New Country 93-Q” is trending 4.8 – 47- 4.5 (6+) and stays at #8, while Entercom’s similarly-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull,” which added two-tenths in July, relinquishes three-tenths in August (4.6 – 4.3, flat at #10, 6+). Before losing two-tenths in March, “The Bull” had been +1.7 via three bumps in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+).
Atlanta
Spoken-Word Formats – July/August’s +1.3 (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.6, 6+) amassed by WSB-AM
Even though City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE returns July’s gain of one-tenth (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.4, 6+), it inches up from #12 to #11. Georgia State University news/talk WRAS repeats July’s (6+) AQH share (.6) and market rank (#25).
Atlanta Music Formats – Not only is Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM a cumulative +1.3 in three straight upticks (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 6.0, seventh to sixth, 6+), “B-98.5” reaches the six-share level (6.0, 6+) for the first time in more than four years (May 2015, 6.1, 6+). Up six-tenths as well in August 2019 is Clark Atlanta University-owned WCLK “91.9 Atlanta’s Jazz Station – Classic, Cool, Contemporary” (1.4 – 2.0, 6+), which reaches the top twenty (#19). Both of Atlanta’s country FMs post gains of four-tenths: iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” (4.5, #8 the third month in a row, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” (2.9, #16 to #14, 6+). The April 2019 through July 2019 topline for “The Bull” was 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 (6+). When “The Bull” dropped one-tenth in June, it interrupted three straight increases that produced a +.8 (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). The increase by “Kicks’ suspends three straight dips that accounted for a net loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Off three-tenths in March, “Kicks” later faltered by four-tenths in May. On top the past four months, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” craters by -3.8 (8.5 – 4.7, 6+) and fades to seventh. The -3.8 is the largest (6+) July 2019 – August 2019 decrease by any station in the nine PPM-markets highlighted here. When “The Fish” lost three-tenths in July, it halted at five its consecutive string of bumps that netted an overall +3.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9 – 8.8, 6+). A collective -1.6 through five consecutive negative or neutral moves (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.6, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WHTA “Hot 107.9” halts the skid with a +.1 to 3.7 (6+) and carries on at #10. After faltering by two-tenths in July (3.9 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” regains one-tenth to 3.8 (6+) and continues at #9. Frozen on 3.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 before dropping to 3.0 (6+) in February, “Power” gained seven-tenths in March; was down one-tenth in April; and dialed up a +.6 in May. Sputtering by one-half share each are WWPW’s format rival – Cumulus Media-owned WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” (3.1, #10 to #13, 6+) – and Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” (#13 to #14, 6+). In July, “Q-100” returned the four-tenths it gained the previous sweep; it logged a +.7 in January; relinquished six-tenths in February; and had a February 2019 through May 2019 topline of 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.6 (6+). In the last five reports, “Star” has posted a 2.9 (6+) three times and 3.4 (6+) the other two (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+).
Philadelphia
Spoken-Word Formats – Down a combined half-share in June/July (2.2 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+),
Anchored at #10, Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” hasn’t shown an increase seven sweeps in succession and is an overall -1.3 in that timeframe (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+).
Public news/talk WHYY is up three-tenths (2.6 – 2.9, 6+) and advances from #14 to a four-way tie at #12.
Philadelphia Music Formats – In back-to-back sweeps, iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM improves by a half-share (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.3, fifth to third, 6+). Prior to July, “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” lost eight-tenths since March via three consecutive negative or neutral moves (6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.3, 6+). A collective -1.0 as a result of four straight losses (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom-owned WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” pulls the plug with a +.1 to 2.4 (#17 to #16, 6+). After nearly quadrupling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in nine straight sweeps without a loss (.8 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+), Radio One-owned WPPZ “107.9 – Philly’s Classic R&B” lost one-tenth in July but rebounds with a +.4 (2.9 – 3.3, #12 to #11, 6+). WPPZ transitioned from gospel in mid-December 2018. Frozen on 6.6 (6+) in May and June, WMGK gained four-tenths in July, enabling it to proceed from second to first. While off one-tenth in August to 6.9 (6+), the Beasley Media Group classic rocker repeats at #1; July’s 7.0 was its highest 6+-stat since February 2018’s 7.1. The yoyo effect continues for Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s,” which was a combined +2.1 in January/February (5.0 – 6.3 – 7.1, 6+); -1.2 via four straight April through June down or flat sweeps (7.1 – 6.8 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.9, 6+); +.8 in July; and now -1.0 in August (6.7 – 5.7, second to fifth, 6+). Entercom-owned sports talk WIP was on top in January; WOGL in February; adult contemporary sibling WBEB in March; WMGK set the pace in April; WBEB did so in May and June; and WMGK is #1 in July and August. Following six straight sweeps without a loss that yielded a +1.2 (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN “88.5 Vinyl At Heart” is -.8 in July/August (2.6 – 2.4 – 1.8, #16 to #20, 6+). Four successive up or flat trends by iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL netted eight-tenths (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+), but “Power 99” surrenders six-tenths in July/August (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+) and continues in ninth-place.
Long Island
Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to logging the largest (6+) July 2019 to August 2019 increase of any station in the nine PPM-markets shown here (+1.5), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR extends to five its consecutive string of bumps that have netted a +2.5 (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 4.7, 6+), as “710 The Voice of New York” rockets from #11 in Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) all the way to #4. In four consecutive decreases, news/talk WABC lost one-half share (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+) but stops the slide with a +.1 to 1.1 (#25 to #26, 6+).
In six straight up or flat reports, Entercom sports talk WFAN (Yankees, Giants) is +1.3 (4.3 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+) and is #1 the fifth month in a row. This is its highest 6+-share in Long Island since October 2018 (5.6, as well). Off a combined four-tenths in June/July (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” picks up one-tenth (2.0, #19 to #18, 6+).
Tied at #12 are Entercom all-news siblings WINS (2.9, +.2, #13 to #12, 6+) and WCBS-AM (2.9, +.4, #15 to #12, 6+). WINS was stuck on 3.0 (6+) in May and June and then dropped three-tenths in July. Entering the August sweep, WCBS-AM was -1.3 via three straight down or flat trends (3.8 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+).
After losing eight-tenths through six successive sweeps without an increase (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM gains two-tenths to 1.5 (6+) yet backslides from #24 to #25.
Long Island Music Formats – Without a decrease in each of the last five sweeps for a net gain of one-half share (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), iHeartMedia New York City CHR WHTZ “Z-100” advances from fourth to third. Entercom New York City classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits,” which was -1.0 via three consecutive decreases (5.1 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+), ends the slide with a gain of two-tenths to 4.3 (seventh to sixth, 6+). Three straight drops by Connoisseur Media-owned classic hits-oldies WBZO accounted for a collective -1.6 (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1, 6+), but “103.1 Max FM” is +.6 in July/August (2.1 – 2.6 – 2.7, #14 to #15, 6+). Spanish contemporary Christian WNYG “Radio Cantico Nueva” records an August increase of nine-tenths (1.5 – 2.4, 6+) and cracks the top twenty at #17. Five consecutive up or flat reports by Entercom alternative WNYL “Alt 92.3” account for a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.7, #16 to #15, 6+). Cox Media Group-owned classic rock WBAB, which was +1.1 in three straight positive or neutral sweeps (4.0 – 4.1 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), forfeits all but one-tenth of that bounty (4.1, -1.0, 6+) and tumbles from third to eighth. A collective +1.1 through three straight Long Island reports without a loss (3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia New York City classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” surrenders four-tenths to 4.2 (fifth to seventh, 6+). Prior to July, the last time “Q-104.3” reached the four-share threshold in Long Island was in January (4.0). After three Long Island declines in a row resulting in a loss of more than 75% (-1.7) of its 6+ AQH-share in that April 2019 through July 2019 stretch (2.2 – 1.9 – 1.5 – .5, 6+), WPLJ vanishes from print. The sale of the legendary hot AC from Cumulus Media to Educational Media Foundation closed on May 31 and EMF immediately switched WPLJ to contemporary Christian “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.”
Friday, April 20, 2018
KFTK-FM, St. Louis Makes Morning and Early Afternoon Changes. St. Louis news/talker KFTK-FM makes changes to its program schedule after the recent departure of morning personality Jamie Allman. Entercom is
Who’s #1 in Boston Sports Talk Mornings? The answer, as Boston Globe journo Chad Finn discovered, is it all depends on exactly how you measure it. After learning about Tweets from both WEEI-FM and WBZ-FM thanking
iHeartMedia Brings Aboard Digital and Social Media Pro Justin Nesci. His title is executive vice president of advanced audio and data revenue. Justin Nesci previously was SVP for digital sales at Fox Network Group where he managed the national digital sales and marketing responsibilities for Fox Broadcasting, Fox Cable and Fox Sports properties. He’s been running his
TALKERS News Notes. WABC, New York talk show host and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa may be an unlikely celebrant of “4/20 Day” – the
Patriots Radio Play-by-Play Legend Gil Santos Dies at 80. Long before Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were the most famous names associated with the
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
Austin
Spoken-Word Formats – After four straight negative moves that produced a -1.3 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+), Emmis news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590 AM” immediately follows with a +1.8 via three upticks in a row (2.8 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+) and carries on at #9. The majority of that +1.8 stems from January’s +1.3. A combined +1.0 in January and
Austin Music Formats – Trending -1.7 (“Holiday” 2017); +1.7 (January 2018); and -.6 (February), Emmis adult hits KBPA “Bob” picks up one-tenth in March and is #1 for the third month in a row (6.7 – 8.4 – 6.7 – 8.4 – 7.8 – 7.9, 6+). Immediately prior to the “Holiday” 2017 report, “Bob” occupied the lead spot the previous ten (10) sweeps. A November gain of one-half share took KBPA to 8.8, its strongest 6+-stat since 9.1 in March 2017 and halted three down or flat trends for a collective -.4 (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.6 – 8.3, 6+). The 6.7 in “Holiday” 2017 marked the first time that Austin’s “Bob” was below a seven-share (6+) in three years (6.9, “Holiday” 2014). Following three improvements in a row that netted eight-tenths (4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7” returns 75% of it and it and tumbles from fourth to eighth (4.7 (-.6, 6+). Prior to February, the last time “Mix” reached the five-share level (6+) was in July 2016 (5.1). Locked on 3.5 (6+) in January and February, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” drops one-half share to 3.0 (#12 to #13, 6+). Regressing by that margin as well is Emmis’ KLBJ-FM (4.3 – 3.8, 6+) with “93.7 The Rock of Austin” dropping out of the top ten (#9 to #11). Tied at #5 are iHeartMedia’s KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” (up from #6 in February) and co-owned/similarly formatted KVET-FM “98.1 – The Austin Texas Original” (5.0 – 5.3, +.3, up from #7 in February, 6+). When KASE racked up a +.7 in January, it ended three consecutive decreases for an overall -1.2 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+) and is now +1.4 via three straight gains (3.9 – 4.6 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+); KVET-FM was -.9 in February. Simultaneously, Genuine Austin Radio’s KOKE is down 60% (-1.5) as the result of six negative or flat trends in succession (2.5 – 2.3 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+) as “Austin’s Country Alternative” departs the top twenty (#20 to #23).
Raleigh
Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight decreases by iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK accounted for a -1.4 (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 3.8, 6+), but “106.1 Stay Connected” roars back with three positive spikes in a row for an overall +1.5 (3.8 – 4.7 – 4.9 –
Raleigh Music Formats – Not only does Radio One gospel WNNL replicate February’s gain of seven-tenths (3.4 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+), “103.9 The Light” enters the top ten (#11 to #10). February’s increase ended three straight decreases that accounted for a -1.0 (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). A March +.7 by Curtis Media Group classic hits-oldies WKIX more than wipes out February’s one-half share loss (4.8 – 4.3 – 5.0, 6+) as “Kix 102.9 Carolina’s Greatest Hits” jumps from tenth to eighth. “Kix” lost eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2017, but bounced back in January with a +1.1. Even though it is a combined -1.4 in February and March (10.7 – 9.5 – 9.3, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is #1 for the 10th straight month; January 2018’s 10.7 is its best-ever (6+) PPM stat. Immediately prior to February, “Foxy” was an overall +2.0 in four gains in a row (8.7 – 8.9 – 9.4 – 10.4 – 10.7, 6+), Its loss of one-half share in October 2017 halted six straight positive spikes that netted +2.4 (6.8 – 7.2 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.2, 6+). After registering an eye-popping +2.6 in January, Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” is a combined -1.9 in February and March (9.4 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+) but remains at #3. “Today’s Best Country” was off a collective full-share October-November-December (7.7 – 6.9 – 6.7, 6+). Four straight up or flat trends by iHeartMedia CHR WDCG – including identical +.7 performances in January and February – yield a +1.7 (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0 – 6.7, 6+), but “G-105” relinquishes seven-tenths in March to 6.0 (flat at #5, 6+). When WDCG recorded a +.3 in “Holiday” 2017, it ended six monthlies in succession without an increase for an overall -1.9 (6.9 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+); November and December’s 5.0 matched the lowest 6+-share of “G-105” since “Holiday” 2013. Off one-half share (5.4 – 4.9, 6+), Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 Your Life – Your Music” segues from sixth to ninth. A February +1.1 pulled the plug on three consecutive downward moves that generated a -1.7 (6.0 – 5.7 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+).
Indianapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +2.2 in three straight upticks (3.4 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.6, 6+), directly following four straight downward moves for a collective -1.8 (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC “93.1 Indy’s News Center” advances from tenth to eighth. Regaining the three-tenths it lost in February (3.3 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Metropolitan
Indianapolis Music Formats – February’s -.6 by iHeartMedia-owned WOLT deleted the collective +.6 it racked up the two previous sweeps (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+), but “Alt 103.3 – Indy’s Alternative” rebounds in March with a +.8 (3.9 – 4.7, 6+), progressing from #13 to a three-way tie at #9. Stymied at 6.2 (6+) in January and February, Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank FM” improves by one-half share to 6.7 (fifth to third, 6+). With a +.7 in January, “Hank” ended three straight down or flat sweeps for a -1.6 (7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 5.5, 6+); October’s +.8 took “Hank” to 7.1, its strongest 6+-showing since September 2015’s 7.6. One-half share behind “Hank” and steady at #6 is Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” (5.9 – 6.2, +.3, 6+). An overall +.8 in May and June (2017), WFMS was -.9 (July); +.8 (August); +.5 (September); -.7 (October); +1.1 (November); -.9 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); and -.5 (February 2018). Mirroring what happened in February, just one-tenth of a share separates Entercom CHR WZPL (7.4 – 7.5, +.1, repeating at #1, 6+) and Emmis adult contemporary WYXB “Soft Rock B-105.7” (7.3 – 7.4, +.1, steady at #2, 6+). “Soft Rock” was #1 in December 2017, “Holiday” 2017, and January 2018. Its 13.4 in “Holiday” 2017 represents the best 6+-showing for WYXB since “Holiday” 2016’s 17.7, while November 2017’s 5.5 was its weakest since November 2012’s 5.3. In December, “B-105.7” halted three straight downturns that accounted for an overall -1.4 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+). Flat or (slightly) down in three successive sweeps for a -.4 (6.3 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.9, 6+), “99.5 ZPL” erupted with a +1.4 in January and has gained one-tenth in both February and March. In six successive up or flat trends between June 2017 and “Holiday” 2017, the Cumulus Media frequency at 93.9 was +2.5, virtually doubling its 6+-stat (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.4 – 5.1, 6+). On December 26 (2017), Cumulus Media transitioned urban-rhythmic oldies WRWM “93.9 The Beat” to CHR WYRG “Indianapolis’ Energy 93.9.” The aforementioned streak ended in January 2018 as “Energy” was -2.2 (2.9, #10 to 15, 6+). Flat at 2.9 (6+) in February, “Energy” short-circuits by -.9 in March to 2.0 (#15 to #16, 6+). At the same time, Radio One CHR WNOW “100.9 Radio Now,” a combined +2.2 in January and February (3.2 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), relinquishes roughly one-third of that increase (4.7, -.7, eighth to ninth, 6+). It is tied with rhythmic CHR sibling WHHH “Hot 96.3” (4.7, -.1, 6+), whose consecutive string of up or flat trends for an overall +1.5 ends at four (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.8, 6+). February’s 4.8 is the best 6+-stat for “Hot” since 5.0 in November 2016. Trending 5.3 – 5.1 – 5.2 (“Holiday” 2017 – January 2018 – February, 6+), urban AC cluster-mate WTLC-FM is off six-tenths to 4.6 (6+) as “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” departs the top ten (#9 to #12).
Milwaukee
Spoken-Word Formats – After logging a gain of nine-tenths in February (5.3 – 6.2, 6+), Scripps news/talk WTMJ returns two-tenths to 6.0 (6+), but stays in fifth-place. Immediately before that +.9, “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” was without an
Milwaukee Music Formats – Major ups/downs continue for Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock,” which was -.9 in “Holiday” 2017; +.5 in January 2008; -.9 in February (7.2 – 6.3, 6+); and now +1.1 in March (7.4, fourth to third, 6+). “Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” was an overall +3.0 in four consecutive August through December increases (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.0 – 7.6, 6+). December 2017’s 7.6 marked the first time WKLH reached the seven-share level (6+) since the station reappeared in print more than three years ago (December 2014). In addition to posting a +.6 (8.8 – 9.4, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” is #1 for the 37th consecutive ratings period. Prior to January 2018, “Big FM” had been in double-digits (6+) in six of the previous 12 ratings periods; 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017 was its strongest 6+-stat since 14.4 in “Holiday” 2015). Owing to three consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.4 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB is an overall -3.1; “B-93.3” leaves the top ten (#9 to #11). In three positive spikes in a row (3.6 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WMIL is a cumulative +1.8 as “FM 106.1 – Milwaukee’s Best Country” shifts from eighth to sixth. Also in the market’s top ten is WMIL’s format rival, Scripps’ WKTI “94.5 KTI Country,” which adds four-tenths to February’s +.6 (3.4 – 4.0 – .4, #11 to #9, 6+). Until registering a +.9 in January, “FM 106.1” was a combined -3.2 in five successive downward moves (6.5 – 5.7 – 5.0 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Likewise, February’s +.6 by “KTI Country” suspended six successive down or flat survey periods for a collective -1.4 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+). Immediately in advance of that trending, WKTI posted three straight gains for a collective +1.1 (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.0 – 4.8, 6+).
Nashville
Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #11, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” is in a repetitive 3.0 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 sequence (6+). January’s half-share improvement suspended three straight declines that yielded a -2.0 (5.0 – 4.4 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). Off two-tenths after February’s -.1 (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio
Nashville Music Formats – It would be quite the understatement that the past few sweeps have been interesting for WLVU. For all practical purposes, the Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian outlet virtually disappeared from print in January with a -2.6 to .1 (6+); regained roughly one-third of that deficit in February (+.9); and now tacks on a whopping +2.2 in March (1.0 – 3.2, #19 to #14, 6+). In fact, no other station in the 48 PPM-markets had as large of a (6+) February 2018 – March 2018 increase than Nashville’s version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” By adding eight-tenths to February’s +.7 (6.0 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUBT “101.1 The Beat – Nashville’s Home for Hip-Hop and R&B” marches from fourth to second. Prior to February, “The Beat” was without an increase the previous five ratings periods for a cumulative -2.5 (8.5 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.0, 6+). Following two months at #1, “The Beat” shifted to #2 in November; 8.5 in September was its highest 6+-share since July 2015’s 8.4. An increase of seven-tenths (.2 – .9, 6+) enables TBLC Media Spanish contemporary WNVL “Activa” to enter the top twenty for the first time (#20). Down one-tenth (8.7 – 8.6, 6+), Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA repeats at #1. On top in November, December, and “Holiday” 2017, “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” shifted to second in January, but returned to #1 in February with a +1.0. Prior to January’s -6.7, “Mix” was +8.0 in six straight increases (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.4 – 7.7 – 9.9 – 14.4, 6+). It is a rough ratings period for Nashville’s three FM country players as Cumulus Media’s WKDF “103.3 Nash FM” is -1.2 (4.7 – 3.5, #10 to #11, 6+); iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” is -.6 (5.8 – 5.3, flat at #8, 6+); and Cumulus Media’s WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” is -.3 (6.1 – 5.8, unchanged at #6, 6+). Following four straight gains for an overall +1.8 (3.2 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 5.0, 6+), “Nash FM” dropped three-tenths in February. In January, WSIX was +1.1 to end three straight drops that generated a -1.4 (5.5 – 5.1 – 4.9 – 4.1, 6+); “The Big 98” added six-tenths in February. A January and February +1.9 by “Nash Icon” (4.2 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+) wiped out its -1.7 from December and “Holiday” 2017 (5.9 – 5.6 – 4.2, 6+). Declining by one-half share are iHeartMedia’s WNRQ “105.9 Nashville’s Classic Rock” (7.0 – 6.5, second to fifth, 6+) and Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” (5.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). A -.8 by “Nashville’s Classic Rock” stopped four gains in succession that netted +2.1 (5.7 – 6.0 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 7.8, 6+); January’s 7.8 represents its best 6+-stat since June 2017 (7.8, as well). Immediately prior to March, “92-Q” was +.7 in four straight (modest) uptrends (5.4 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1, 6+).
Providence
Spoken-Word Formats – Steady at #7, Cumulus Media news/talk WPRO-AM adds four-tenths to February’s +.3 (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.6, 6+). When “News Talk 630” lost one-tenth in January, it curtailed four straight upward moves of two-tenths
Providence Music Formats – Logging a nine-tenths increase (5.0 – 5.9, steady at #5, 6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101 The 80s and More” is within 5.0 – 5.9 range (6+) for the 12th sweep in succession. As a result of three straight positive spikes (7.2 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 8.3, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is a +1.1 and dials up its best 6+-share since July 2017’s 8.4. Substituting February’s -.6 with a March +.7 (2.7 – 2.1 – 2.8, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB returns to the top ten (#11 to #8). “Latina 100.3” was a cumulative +1.3 in “Holiday” 2017 and January 2018, basically doubling its 6+-share. For more than two years in a row (28 straight ratings periods), the top spot in this Rhode Island market was held by Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105.” That consistency changes in calendar year 2018 though as iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock and Roll” took over in January; “Lite Rock” returned to #1 in February with a +1.3; and WHJY recaptures the crown in March. This particular transition is more a function of “Lite Rock” eroding by -1.1 (10.2 – 9.1, first to second, 6+) than anything else, since WHJY is actually off four-tenths (9.6 – 9.2, second to first, 6+). The 9.6 by WHJY is its best 6+-stat since September 2013 (9.6, as well), while the 12.3 in “Holiday” 2017 was the strongest 6+-share since 18.0 in “Holiday” 2016 for “Lite Rock,” which had been in double-digits (6+) seven sweeps in succession. Prior to October, WWLI was a combined +1.6 as the result of three straight increases (9.8 – 10.0 – 10.8 – 11.4, 6+).
Norfolk – In a very stagnant monthly, five of the 13 listed stations are up from February with an average increase of exactly +.2; seven are down with an average increase of exactly +.3; and one station is flat. Eleven of the 13 Norfolk outlets in print maintain their (6+) February market rank. The exceptions are iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WHBT
Greensboro
Spoken-Word Formats – Ever since it rolled out a +1.6 in January (4.3 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” is -.7 in February and now -.6 in March (4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). An overall
Greensboro Music Formats – Albeit -1.1 (12.1 – 11.0, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” records double-digits (6+) for the 17th sweep in a row and remains at #1. Before slipping to #2 in “Holiday” 2017 with a -1.2, WQMG spent seven straight survey periods on top and had been #1 each month in calendar year 2017 except April and May. Right behind it repeating in the runner-up slot, adult hits sibling WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” (11.4 – 10.4, -1.0, 6+) has been in double-digits (6+) in eight of the last nine sweeps. Following three straight gains that more than quadrupled (+1.3) its 6+-share (.4 – .9 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+), Baker Family Stations gospel WXRI “Joy FM – Real Music, Real Life” surrenders roughly half that increase (1.0, -.7, flat at #12, 6+). A collective +.7 in three positive moves in a row (2.9 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” forfeits all but one-tenth of it (3.0, eighth to ninth, 6+). It is tied with iHeartMedia-owned rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up,” which is +.1 to 3.0 (tenth to ninth, 6+), thus halting four straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a -2.0 (4.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9, 6+).
West Palm Beach
Spoken-Word Formats – Exiting the top ten (#10 to #11), iHeartMedia news/talk WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” is a collective -1.3 as the result of four straight decreases (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+). This comes immediately after three upticks in a row that netted six-tenths (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.3, 6+). Off nine-tenths in four
West Palm Beach Music Formats – Owing to four straight improvements (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.9, fourth to third, 6+), Alpha Media urban AC WMBX “X-102.3” is +1.7. In a similar vein, iHeartMedia-owned adult contemporary WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” is +2.0 in three consecutive positive spikes (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.4 – 6.9, steady at #2, 6+). The five most recent (6+) fluctuations for “Kool” are +.8 (December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2017); +.5 (January 2018); +1.0 in February; and now +.5 in March. Off one full-share in September to 4.2 – its lowest 6+ showing since 3.9 in July 2011 – “KOOL” regained six-tenths of that decline in October. This (6.9) is the station’s highest 6+-share since 7.5 in July 2016. Elevating by one-half share as well – and adding to its February +.7 – is JVC Media’s WSVU “True Oldies Channel” (1.1 – 1.8 – 2.3, #6+), which cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). On top for the third month in a row is Alpha Media hot AC WRMF “97.9 Variety from the 90s and Now” (10.2 – 9.9, -.3, 6+). In advance of January’s +1.6, WRMF was down or flat in three consecutive ratings periods for a collective -3.0 (11.2 – 11.2 – 8.9 – 8.2, 6+). After 12 consecutive months on top, it dropped to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2017. A one-tenth September loss by WRMF pulled the plug on four straight increases that netted +1.6 (9.3 – 9.4 – 9.5 – 10.4 – 10.9, 6+). In the two sweeps following January’s +.9 (4.4 – 5.3, 6+), WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “Uplifting-Upbeat-Real” is -1.9 (5.3 – 4.0 – 3.4, seventh to eighth).
Jacksonville
Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to four straight negative trends (9.7 – 8.5 – 7.7
Jacksonville Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL register a +1.2 with its third increase in succession for an overall +1.7 (3.6 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 5.3, 6+), “V-101.5” enters the top ten (#11 to #6). A whopping -5.7 in four straight decreases (13.6 – 12.3 – 11.0 – 10.6 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+), co-owned WQIK “99.1 – Jacksonville’s Country” breaks out a +1.1 to 9.0 (6+), vaulting from third to first. On top for 12 ratings periods in succession, WQIK segued to #2 in “Holiday” 2017. A combined -1.8 in July and August (12.2 – 11.6 – 10.4, 6+), WQIK followed with an overall +3.2 in September-October-November (10.4 – 11.7 – 13.6, 6+), with October’s 13.6 its best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. Displaced from the top spot is Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ “96.1 Jacksonville’s Official Work Station” (8.3 – 8.1, -.2, first to third, 6+). Before sputtering by -4.3 in January, WEJZ was an overall +5.8 in four straight up trends, practically doubling its 6+ AQH share (6.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 9.0 – 11.9, September 2017 through “Holiday” 2017, 6+) and noted its highest 6+-stat since 14.7 in “Holiday” 2016. After cratering by -1.7 in “Holiday” 2017 (8.3 – 6.6, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL “96.9 The Eagle” answers with a combined +1.6 in three straight increases (6.6 – 7.1 – 7.7 – 8.2, 6+), jumping from fourth to second. Its urban AC HD2 channel, however, is off six-tenths (2.9 – 2.3, #13 to #14, 6+). A +1.0 in January enabled WKSL to end three straight losses that produced a -1.2 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+); however, “97.9 Kiss-FM” is a combined -1.2 in February and March (4.7 – 4.2 – 3.5, 6+) as the iHeartMedia CHR exits the top ten (#9 to #11). Co-owned urban contemporary WJBT “93.3 The Beat,” which was +.6 in January and February (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+), surrenders all of it (4.6, -.6, seventh to ninth, 6+). Prior to January, “The Beat” was without an increase in four straight sweeps for an overall -.7 (5.3 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+). Up one-half share in February (1.8 – 2.3, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WOKV-HD2 sputters by six-tenths as well (1.7, #15 to #16, 6+), as does Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “Gator Country 99.9” (5.4 – 4.8, fifth to eighth, 6+).
Memphis
Spoken-Word Formats – Following a -.8 in “Holiday” 2017 and a +.9 in January, iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” is a combined -.3 in February and March (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, #10 to #11, 6+). Its loss
Memphis Music Formats – While unchanged in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK “K-97.1 – Memphis’ Only Hip-Hop and R&B” improves by one full-share (8.2 – 9.2, 6+). This (9.2) is the strongest 6+-performance for “K-97.1” since November 2015’s 9.4. It is just one-half share behind urban AC cluster-mate KJMS “V-101” (10.1 – 9.7, -.4, 6+), which is #1 for the third month in a row. “V-101” rebounded from January’s -.6 with a +.7 in February. It departed the top spot in “Holiday” 2017 after four consecutive months there. Following three straight improvements that yielded a +2.1 (9.2 – 10.0 – 10.4 – 11.3, 6+), “V-101” was -1.0 in December. Two other stations in that cluster have streaks snapped. Gospel WHAL “95.7 Halleluiah – Memphis’ Inspiration Station,” which was +2.3 in four upticks in a row (5.0 – 5.4 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 7.3, 6+), is off one-tenth to 7.2 (6+) but stays at #5. Meanwhile, co-owned WDIA “1070 The Heart & Soul of Memphis,” +1.8 as the result of five straight increases (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+), drops one-tenth as well (5.6, 6+) and carries on at #6. Having posted a .8 (6+) five times in the last six survey periods (.8 – .7 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+), Shelby County Schools’ urban AC WQOX picks up two-tenths to 1.0 (6+) and is anchored at #17.
Hartford
Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three increases in a row (4.4 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 5.9), Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM is a collective +1.5 and remains at #7. Ironically, “News Talk 1080” just concluded a consecutive string of negative moves in
Hartford Music Formats – Bouncing back from a -.2 in February, Entercom adult contemporary WRCH “Lite 100.5” trots out a +1.1 (13.2 – 14.3, 6+) and reaches a milestone for being #1 for the 20th consecutive ratings period. January’s -4.9 halted at six its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +8.4 (9.9 – 10.2 – 10.2 – 10.3 – 11.0 – 13.0 – 18.3, 6+). This marks the 17th time in the last 19 sweeps – and ninth in succession- that “Lite” is in double-digits (6+). In addition to logging its third straight increase for an overall +1.1 (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.5 – 6.0, seventh to sixth, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” has its best 6+-showing since December 2017’s 6.2. As Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WMRQ-HD2 improves for the third time in a row for a +1.1 (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.7, #12 to #11, 6+), co-owned alternative WMRQ-FM “Radio 104.1” regresses by one-half share (3.9 – 3.4, 6+) but remains at #10. Stuck on 7.3 (6+) in January and February, Entercom hot AC WTIC-FM “96.5 TIC – Today’s Best Variety” coughs up six-tenths to 6.7 (6+), segueing from fourth to fifth. Without an increase in each of the last four sweeps (.4 – .4 – .3 – .1 – .1, 6+), Red Wolf Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WNTY “Good Times – Great Oldies – Kool Radio” picks up two-tenths to .3 (#15 to #14, 6+).