Tag: "PPM survey"

October 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Two

October 2020 PPM Data. Information for the October 2020 ratings period has been released for Washington (DC), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis.

Nielsen Audio’s October 2020 survey period covered September 10 – October 7.

Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” for spoken-word formats from these 12 PPM-markets.

Noteworthy: The NFL season started September 10 – the first day of the October 2020 sweep.

WASHINGTON, DC

News/Talk

• This time last month, Cumulus Media’s WMAL picked up one-tenth (7.9 – 8.0, 6+) yet slipped from second to third. Now, even though WMAL returns September’s +.1 (8.0 – 7.9, 6+), it nonetheless advances from third to a second-place tie. WMAL was on top four consecutive sweeps (April through July), before faltering by one-half share in August. April’s 0 marked the first time in WMAL’s PPM-history that it reached double-digits (6+).
• For the 28^th sweep in succession, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

Sports Talk

• After being a combined +1.1 in July/August (1.3 – 1.6 – 2.4, 6+), Entercom-owned WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” (Nationals) drops eight-tenths in September/October (2.4 – 2.1 – 1.6, #16 to #17, 6+). Its 4.8 (November 2019) is the highest 6+-stat by any D.C. sports talk outlet in the PPM-era.
• For the fourth time in the last six reports, WJFK-FM’s internet stream logs a .3 (.2 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3, May 2020 through October 2020, #27 to #28, 6+).
• Up four-tenths via three up or flat moves in a row (.7 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+) but then down four-tenths through four successive sweeps without an increase (1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8 – .7, Radio One’s WTEM “980 The Team” (Washington Football Team) ends the slide with a half-share increase to 1.2 and enters the top twenty (#22 to #20, 6+).
• Following five straight reports of posting a .1 (6+), Cumulus Media’s WSBN “630 AM The Sports Capitol” (Washington Football Team) gains one-tenth to .2 (#31 to #30, 6+).

 News

• In addition to recording its third straight uptick for an impressive +2.6 (7.7 – 8.5 – 9.5 – 10.3, 6+) and setting the pace the third month in a row, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP-FM & WTLP-FM boasts its best 6+ stat (10.3) since January 2019 (10.4). Prior to taking the lead in August, “Washington’s Top News” spent three consecutive months occupying the runner-up slot.
• Regaining the three-tenths it dropped this time last month (.7 – .4 – .7, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH “Bloomberg1 & 105.7” advances from #26 to #22.
• Unlisted in August and September, WDCH’s internet stream reappears with a .1 (#31, 6+).
• For the second month in a row, Black Information Network affiliates WUST and WMZQ-HD2 do not appear in print.

Public Radio News/Talk

• Answering September’s loss of nine-tenths with an October gain of one-half share (6.4 – 6.9, 6+), American University-owned WAMU repeats in fourth-place. “The Mind Is Our Medium” was +.6 in August. Entering the August sweep, WAMU was an overall -2.1 via four straight down or flat trends (8.7 – 8.4 – 7.4 – 6.8 – 6.6, 6+). It was in a first-place tie with Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP-FM in February and took sole possession of the lead in March.

BOSTON

 News/Talk

• Bettering September’s +1.0 with an October +1.1, iHeartMedia-owned WRKO zooms from eighth to fifth and reaches the six-share threshold (3.9 – 4.9 – 6.0, 6+). Four setbacks in a row by “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” immediately prior led to a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+).
• After losing a total of seven-tenths in four straight declines (1.1 – .8 – .6 – .5 – .4, 6+), co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” halts the skid with a one-tenth gain to .5 (flat at #26, 6+). WXKS-AM nearly doubled (+.5) its 6+ AQH share in April/May (.6 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+).

Sports Talk

• In addition to logging its fourth straight uptick for an overall +2.9 (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 6.8, sixth to fourth 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Celtics, Bruins, Patriots) has its highest 6+-stat (6.8) since May 2019 (7.0).
• Up a modest three-tenths via four consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom’s WEEI-FM (Red Sox) nonetheless backslides from #12 to a tie at #13. Before gaining one-tenth in July, WEEI-FM was an overall -1.7 in four consecutive downturns (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+).
• Conversely, WEEI-FM’s internet stream is down or flat the fourth time in a row for a net loss of one-tenth (.2 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1, #32 to #31, 6+).
• Providence sibling WVEI notches a .1 (6+) the fifth consecutive report and is tied with WEEI-FM’s internet stream at #31.
• This is the fifth month in a row that co-owned WEEI-AM is unlisted.

News

• Within 6.1 – 6.7 range in six of the last seven reports (6.4 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 6.6 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM erupts with a +1.1 to cross the seven-share level (7.2, 6+). Moreover, “News Radio 1030” marches from fifth to a first-place tie. WBZ-AM was off one-half share in April/May (6.4 – 6.3 – 5.9, 6+).
• Having posted a .1 (6+) four straight months, Beasley Media Group business news WRCA “Bloomberg Boston” added one-tenth this time last month to .2 (6+), but regresses to .1 (flat at #31, 6+).
• This is the second month in a row that Black Information Network affiliate WJMN-HD2 does not appear in print.

Public Radio News/Talk

• While it is up three-tenths through three straight up or flat moves (3.2 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5, 6+), Boston University’s WBUR remains at #9.
• By posting a +1.0 to 3.3 (6+), WGBH Educational Foundation-owned WGBH pulls the plug on four decreases in succession that resulted in a -2.3 (4.6 – 3.2 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+) and vaults from #16 to #11. The just-concluded negative streak followed three straight improvements that netted a +1.7 (2.9 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+), 6+).
• Co-owned WCAI is unlisted the fifth time in a row.

MIAMI

News/Talk

• Without a loss the fourth consecutive month for a net gain of nine-tenths (7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WIOD “News Radio 610 Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” leaps from #20 to #16.

Sports Talk

• Entercom-owned WQAM “560 The Joe” (Panthers, Dolphins) nets four-tenths in three straight up or flat reports (.6 – .7 – .7 – 1.0, #26 to #25, 6+). WQAM last reached a one-share in May (1.0, as well).
• While flat at #30, iHeartMedia’s WINZ “940 AM Miami’s Sports Station” (Marlins) is up two-tenths in three straight up or flat trends (.1 – .1 – .2 – .3, 6+).
• Disappearing from print is Entercom’s WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” (Heat), which doubled August’s .2 (6+) to .4 (#29 to #27, 6+) this time last month. The Los Angeles Lakers clinched the NBA title (10/11) by besting the Heat in a series that went six games.
• This is the fifth month in a row that co-owned WKIS-HD2 does not appear in print.

Public Radio News/Talk

• A combined +.6 in August/September (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+), Dade County School Board’s WLRN forfeits eight-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and exits the top ten (#8 to #11). WLRN previously lost an overall six-tenths in four consecutive slips (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+).

SEATTLE

News/Talk

• Without an increase the past four sweeps for a net loss of eight-tenths (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+), Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM (Seahawks) erases 75% of that shortfall with a +.6 to 7.0 (6+) and advances from second to first. “Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” was on top six successive sweeps before segueing to the runner-up slot this time last month. .
• Not only does cluster-mate KTTH continue an alternating down/up sequence that includes October’s robust +1.1 enabling it to cross the three-share level (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 3.6, June 2020 through October 2020, 6+), “Conservative Talk Radio” catapults into the top ten (#16 to #10). Entering the September sweep, KTTH was anchored at #19 the previous four
• Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” ceased subscribing to Nielsen’s PPM after the March 2020 survey in which it posted a 1.1 (#22, 6+).

 Sports Talk

• Rebounding from a loss of three-tenths this time last month with an October improvement of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.9, 6+), Bonneville’s KIRO-AM (Mariners, Seahawks) advances from #20 to #17. “ESPN 710” was a combined +1.0 in July/August (1.5 – 1.6 – 2.5, 6+).
• Adding one-half share to September’s increase of two-tenths (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” repeats at #24.
• This the 11^th time in a row that co-owned KFNQ “1090 AM” hasn’t logged an increase for a net loss of three-tenths (.5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2, #29, 6+).

News

• Sinclair Broadcast Group’s KOMO repeats September’s average quarter hour share and market rank (5.0, #5, 6+). It dropped one-half share in April and again in May (5.4 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+); gained one-half share in June/July (4.4 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+); forfeited one-half share in August (4.9 – 4.4, 6+); and posted a September +.6.
• After logging a .1 (6+) in June, iHeartMedia-owned/Black Information Network affiliate KHHO is unlisted the fourth month in a row.
• Hubbard Broadcasting business news KKNW does not appear in print the fifth consecutive report.

 Public Radio News/Talk

• Duplicating September’s increase of one-half share (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.3, 6+), Northwest Public Radio’s KUOW bumps up from fourth to third. The last time it reached the six-share level was December 2019 (6.1). KUOW was off nine-tenths in April/May (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+) and gained eight-tenths in June/July (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+).
• Following four straight months of logging a .1 (6+), Washington State University-owned KSWS is unlisted the second time in a row.

DETROIT

 News/Talk

• Three consecutive positive spikes by Cumulus Media’s WJR (Lions) account for a +1.3 (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.7, 6+) as “News Talk 760” cracks the top ten (#12 to #9). This (4.7) is its best 6+-showing since April’s 4.8. WJR was +3.2 through four successive improvements (1.6 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 4.8, 6+), but then a collective -1.4 via three straight sweeps without an increase (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, 6+).

Sports Talk

• Entercom-owned WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings) was +1.7 in July/August (3.6 – 4.1 – 5.3, 6+); -.6 (5.3 – 4.7, September, 6+); and now +.5 in October (4.7 – 5.2, seventh to fourth, 6+). Its half-share July gain curtailed three straight drops that accounted for a -1.2 (4.8 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+).
• Up four-tenths (.1 – .5, 6+), WXYT-FM’s internet stream climbs from #26 to #23.
• Cluster-mate WXYT-AM is trending: .1 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 (May 2020 through October 2020, #23 to #24, 6+).

 News

• With an October increase of three-tenths to 4.8 (6+), co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” erases 30% of August/September’s -1.0 (5.5 – 5.3 – 4.5, 6+) to progress from tenth to eighth. WWJ previously was a collective +2.5 through four successive bumps (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+).
• From May through August, WDFN recorded a .2 (6+), but the iHeartMedia outlet/Black Information Network affiliate is unlisted in September and October.

 Public Radio News/Talk

• Despite dropping one-tenth (3.0 – 2.9, 6+), Wayne State University-owned WDET advances from #18 to #16. Its September +1.0 expunged a collective -1.0 from four straight down or flat reports (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.0, 6+).
• Without a loss the past four months for a modest net increase of one-tenth (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+), Michigan Public Media’s WUOM drops two-tenths to 1.5 (6+) but continues at #21. WUOM was off seven-tenths in April/May (2.3 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+).

PHOENIX

News/Talk

• Stacking a robust +1.4 onto September’s gain of one-tenth, iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” jumps from sixth to third and nearly reaches a six-share (4.3 – 4.4 – 5.8, 6+). Immediately prior to June’s -.7, KFYI practically doubled (+2.3) its 6+ AQH share in seven up or flat reports in succession (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+).
• Bonneville’s KTAR-FM (Arizona Cardinals) falters by one-half share in back-to-back reports (4.8 – 4.3 – 3.8, seventh to eighth, 6+). Entering the September sweep, KTAR-FM netted two-tenths via three straight up or flat moves (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+).

Sports Talk

• Off six-tenths in June/July (2.2 – 1.8 – 1.6, 6+), Bonneville-owned KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (Arizona Diamondbacks) roars back with three straight spikes for a collective +1.3 (1.6 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.9, #20 to #15, 6+).
• Co-owned KTAR-AM is trending: .1 – .2 – .1 – .3 (#32 to #31, 6+).
• For the sixth consecutive time, iHeartMedia’s KGME “Fox Sports 910” (Coyotes) records a .2 (#31 to #32, 6+),
• Likewise, Hubbard Broadcasting’s KDUS “Sports AM 1060” logs a .1 the sixth month in a row (#32 to #33, 6+).

Public Radio News/Talk

• Bouncing back from a September loss of nine-tenths with a one-tenth gain (3.9 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), Maricopa County Community College-owned KJZZ moves from #15 to #13. In eight of nine previous survey periods, KJZZ notched a 6+ AQH share between 3.4 – 3.8 (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+).

MINNEAPOLIS

News/Talk

• A combined +1.2 in August/September (4.3 – 4.6 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO (Twins, Timberwolves) relinquishes 25% of that increase (5.2, -.3, sixth to eighth, 6+). “News Radio 830” was -1.3 in June/July (5.6 – 5.5 – 4.3, 6+) and an overall +2.0 as a result of three straight up or flat trends (3.6 – 4.6 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+).
• Four consecutive sweeps without a loss by iHeartMedia’s KTLK result in a net gain of nine-tenths (2.5 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.4, #14 to #13, 6+). Entering the August report, “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” recorded a fluctuation of one-tenth four times in a row (2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+) and then notched a +.4 to 3.0 (6+).
• While remaining flat at #16, Hubbard Broadcasting’s KTMY “My Talk 107.1” is down six-tenths in September/October (2.3 – 2.1 – 1.7, 6+), directly after gaining a collective four-tenths in July/August (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+).

Sports Talk

• To say iHeartMedia’s KFXN (Wild, Vikings) has stormed back from September’s modest loss of three-tenths would be quite the understatement. “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” registers the largest (6+) September 2020 – October 2020 increase of any station from these 12 PPM markets (5.3 – 8.2, +2.9, 6+) and leaps from #7 all the way to #1. This is the first time “K-Fan” has been on top since January. Following a May increase of four-tenths (5.5 – 5.9, 6+), KFXN forfeited nine-tenths in June/July (5.9 – 5.6 – 5.0, 6+).
• Having doubled (+.2) its 6+ AQH share through three straight up or flat trends (.2 – .3 – .3 – .4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSTP-AM is off one-tenth to .3 (#24 to #29, 6+).

News

• Unlisted in August, iHeartMedia-owned/Black Information Network affiliate KQQL-HD2 resurfaced in September with a .1 (#27, 6+) but does not appear in the October report.

Public Radio News/Talk

• Minnesota Public Radio’s KNOW regains the one-tenth it lost this time last month and repeats in the runner-up slot. KNOW has a June 2020 through October 2020 topline of: 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 7.2 (6+).

SAN DIEGO

News/Talk

• By gaining four-tenths to 4.8 (fifth to fourth, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KOGO “News Radio 600” applies the brakes to five consecutive down or flat trends that accounted for a net loss of -2.2 (6.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5 – 4.4 – 4.4, 6+). Entering the May sweep, KOGO was a collective +2.8 via three straight bumps (3.8 – 4.5 – 5.5 – 6.6, 6+).
• Co-owned KGB-AM (formerly Tegna’s KFMB-AM) repeats September’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (2.2, #18, 6+). This is the third time in the last five sweeps “AM 760” has notched a 2.2 (2.2 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+).
• Los Angeles sibling KFI “AM 640,” which was off four-tenths this time last month, recaptures one-tenth (2.0 – 2.1, 6+) and one ranker (#20 to #19).

Sports Talk

• An overall +1.8 through five consecutive reports without a loss (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+), Entercom’s KWFN “97.3 The Fan” (Padres) falters by two-tenths to 2.7 (6+), but repeats at #14.
• This marks the fourth consecutive time that iHeartMedia-owned KLSD (Chargers) has a fluctuation of one-tenth (.7 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .9, flat at #24, 6+). “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” had lost eight-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .7, 6+).

News

• Co-owned Black Information Network affiliate KSSX-HD2 is unlisted the third successive sweep.

 Public Radio News/Talk

• Recent fluctuations by KPBS include: -1.4 (8.5 – 7.1, May, 6+); -1.6 (7.1 – 5.5, June, 6+); +.8 (5.5 – 6.3, July, 6+); and now +1.3 in October (6.1 – 7.4, 6+), enabling the San Diego State University-owned facility to leap from third to first. KPBS was tied for the top spot in July and held sole possession of the lead in August.      

TAMPA

News/Talk

• Winning ways continue for Cox Media Group-owned WHPT as five consecutive ratings periods without a loss yield “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” a +2.4 (2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 4.6 – 5.1, steady at #5, 6+).
• Unlisted the second month in a row is WHPT’s internet stream, which was a combined +1.6 in July/August (.8 – 1.5 – 2.4, #19, 6+).
• Despite being down two-tenths (3.5 – 3.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFLA (Tampa Bay Lightning) inches up from #14 to #13. Prior to gaining six-tenths this time last month, “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” was down or flat the previous four sweeps for an overall -1.7 (4.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 2.9, 6+). During this particular ratings period, The Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars four games to two to win the Stanley Cup (9/28).
• After adding one-tenth this time last month (.1 – .2, 6+), co-owned WHNZ “1250 Tampa Bay’s Impact Radio” repeats September’s .2 (#30 to #29, 6+).

Sports Talk

• Steady at #19, iHeartMedia-owned WDAE (Rays) is up four-tenths (1.8 – 2.2, 6+). This year’s World Series concluded last night (10/27), when the Dodgers beat the Rays in game six, 3 – 1. Prior to gaining six-tenths in August, “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” sputtered by seven-tenths through four drops in a row (1.9 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+).

News

• As a result of five straight up or flat reports, Beasley Media Group business news WHFS has gained two-tenths (.1 – .1 – .1 – .3 – .3 – .3, #27 to #28, 6+).
• This is the third time in succession that iHeartMedia-owned/Black Information Network affiliate WBTP-HD2 is unlisted.

Public Radio News/Talk

• Following a September gain of eight-tenths (2.9 – 3.7, 6+), University of South Florida-owned WUSF forfeits one-half share to 3.2 (#12 to #15, 6+). In advance of the September report, WUSF was down or flat the previous five months for a -1.2 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+). Leading up to that, it was an overall +2.4 in eight consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 4.1, 6+).
• WUSF’s internet stream has lost half (-.2) its 6+ AQH share in three straight down or flat moves (4 – .3 – .3 – .2, #27 to #29, 6+).

DENVER

News/Talk

• Dropping from eighth to tenth, iHeartMedia’s KDFD is off one-half share in September/October (4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+). “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” improved by one-half share in July/August (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.3, 6+).
• Cluster-mate KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” (Broncos, Colorado Rockies) reclaims the two-tenths it squandered this time last month (2.1 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+) and repeats at #19.
• Not only is co-owned KHOW up seven-tenths in five successive sweeps without a loss (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+), “Talk Radio 630” enters the top twenty (#21 to #20).

Sports Talk

• Practically doubling (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share via three straight upticks (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 3.5, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN (Nuggets) elevates from #17 to #11. “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” was -1.3 in June/July (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.8, 6+).
• Up one-half share in August/September (.3 – .5 – .8, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures-owned KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” (Colorado Avalanche) surrenders two-tenths to .6 (flat at #29, 6+).
• Despite logging its fourth straight up or flat move for a modest gain of two-tenths (.1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .3, 6+), Bonneville’s KEPN-AM “ESPN Denver 1600 AM” backslides from #31 to #32.
• This is the fifth consecutive time that KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-AM records a .1 (#33 to #34, 6+).

Public Radio News/Talk

• Adding two-tenths to September’s +1.2 (5.5 – 6.7 – 6.9, 6+), Colorado Public Radio’s KCFR repeats at #1. KCFR was +2.6 in March/April (5.2 – 6.3 – 7.8, 6+); -2.1 in May (7.8 – 5.7, 6+); and down three-tenths in July/August (5.8 – 5.6 – 5.5, 6+).
• Three straight reports without a loss by Community Radio for Northern Colorado’s KUNC yielded four-tenths (.6 – .6 – .8 – 1.0, 6+), but KUNC is off one-tenth in October to .9 (flat at #26, 6+).

BALTIMORE

News/Talk

• Not only is independent WCBM an overall +2.6 via four consecutive positive spikes (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+), “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” jumps from sixth to third. WCBM was +1.8 via four straight increases (2.3 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+), but then -.8 in May/June (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.3, 6+).
• Repeating September’s 4.3 (6+), Hearst Television-owned WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” nonetheless climbs from ninth to eighth. Its August increase of three-tenths interrupted three drops in a row that led to an overall -1.9 (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+). That streak directly followed ten successive upticks that produced a +4.2 (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 6.0, 6+).
• Cumulus Media Washington, DC’s WMAL more than doubles (+.5) its 6+ AQH share in four successive up or flat moves (.4 – .4 – .6 – .7 – .9, #23 to #21, 6+).

Sports Talk

• Despite regressing by four-tenths to 3.5 (6+), Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM (Orioles) reenters the top ten (#11 to #10). Baltimore’s version of “The Fan” spiraled by -1.0 in June, but was then +1.4 in three straight sweeps without a loss (2.5 – 2.8 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+).
• Unlisted in August and September, co-owned WJZ-AM resurfaces with a .1 (#32, 6+).

 News

• Business news sibling WDCH lost exactly half (-.9) its 6+ AQH share through four straight decreases (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .9, 6+); however, “Bloomberg1 & 105.7” suspends the skid with a gain of two-tenths to 1.1 (#20 to #18). The just-ended negative streak followed five consecutive increases that accounted for a +1.3 (.5 – .6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+).
• M-10 Broadcasting-owned/Black Information Network affiliate WQLL “BIN 1370” doubled July’s .5 to 1.0 (August 2020, 6+); forfeited three-tenths in September (1.0 – .7, #18 to #23, 6+); and is now unlisted in October.

 Public Radio News/Talk

• Including October’s loss of one-tenth, Your Public Radio’s WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” continues an alternating down/up pattern (4.3 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 4.3, flat at #8, 6+).
• Albeit off four-tenths in three straight down or flat moves (1.0 – .9 – .6 – .6, 6+), American University-owned WAMU improves from #27 to #25.

ST. LOUIS

 News/Talk

•  Down three-tenths this time last month (5.2 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom’s KFTK rebounds with an October increase twice that magnitude (5.5, +.6, eighth to fifth, 6+). “FM News Talk 97.1” was a combined +1.1 in July/August (4.1 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+).
• Three consecutive upticks by co-owned KMOX (Cardinals) accounted for a +2.0 (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.4 – 6.7, 6+), but “The Voice of St. Louis” relinquishes 75% of that windfall with a -1.5 to 5.2 (third to seventh, 6+). September’s 6.7 marked the first time KMOX reached a six-share (6+) since April (6.9). Directly after a +1.8 in March/April (5.1 – 5.4 – 6.9, 6+), KMOX was -2.2 in May/June (6.9 – 5.9 – 4.7, 6+).

Sports Talk

• Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS “101 Sports” sputters by three-tenths in September/October (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1, #17 to #19, 6+). By picking up two-tenths in June, WXOS stymied four straight losses that accounted for a roughly 52% (-2.4) vaporization of its 6+ AQH share (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.4 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+).

 News

• This is the third month in a row that iHeartMedia-owned/Black Information Network affiliate KATZ-HD2 is u

Public Radio News/Talk

• Up one-half share in September/October (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), University of Missouri-owned KWMU progresses from #16 to #15.