Tag: "Rich Eisen"
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Entercom Names Rick Dayton Afternoon Host at KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh. Almost three months after former afternoon drive talk host Wendy Bell was taken off news/talk KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh’s air for suggesting park rangers shoot people caught defacing public monuments (she was officially fired on October 16), Entercom names local news pro Rick Dayton host of “KDKA Radio Afternoon News hosted by Rick Dayton,” effective December 7. Dayton has worked in television news in North Carolina, at WOWK-TV, Charleston, West Virginia;
and at KDKA-TV, Pittburgh. He’s most recently been a fill-in host for the station. Entercom Pittsburgh SVP and market manager Michael Spacciapolli says, “Rick is ingrained in the local community and has a tremendous news reputation in the market. He is a beloved personality who will engage the listeners daily with content and information and I’m excited to welcome him to our weekday lineup.” Dayton adds, “After spending more than a decade back home in western Pennsylvania, I am honored to join KDKA Radio and build on its iconic legacy. To talk with KDKA’s loyal listeners each day and to discuss important issues is something I do not take lightly. I cannot wait to get those conversations started on Monday afternoon.”
WPEN-FM, Philadelphia Fires Morning Host Marc Farzetta. According to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, morning drive host Marc Farzetta is out at Beasley Media Group’s sports talk WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “97.5 The Fanatic” after a little more than two years in the daypart. Farzetta let fans know about his departure via Twitter in which he said: “I was informed a few hours ago that today was my last day hosting the Morning Show at 97.5 The Fanatic… I’m so proud of the work we did taking that time slot to heights it hadn’t seen in the station’s 15-year history in the sports format.” Farzetta had been hosting the show with Bob Cooney and producer Jamie Lynch. At this time, it’s not clear if they remain with the station or not.
OPINION: Broadcasting’s Free Speech Responsibility. In the response to the on-air statement by Trump campaign attorney Joe diGenova about former cybersecurity official Chris Krebs, WYD Media Management and Crossover Media Group Sales president Ron Hartenbaum pens a piece for TALKERS explaining his take on the responsibilities of broadcasters who find themselves in such a position. diGenova, while appearing as a guest on “The Howie Carr Show,” said, “Anybody who thinks the election went well, like that idiot Krebs who used to be the head of cybersecurity. That guy is a class A moron. He should be drawn and quartered. Taken out at dawn and shot.” Read Hartenbaum’s response here.
UNCF First Recipient of iHeartMedia’s Media Grant Program. The new iHeartRadio Communities Spotlight Media Grant Program from iHeartMedia is designed to “support organizations that are making a positive impact within the communities iHeart serves and to use iHeart’s multi-platform media network to deliver messaging that is timely, relevant and hyper-targeted to most effectively serve impacted communities.” The company says that the inaugural Spotlight Grants will provide a nationwide platform for Black-focused community organizations to “inspire, educate, and empower listeners to take a stand against systemic racism and promote social justice; celebrate Black excellence, achievement, and culture; help members of the Black community express themselves and address the unique needs of their communities; and invest in educational programs and individuals that are inspiring the next generation of Black journalists and leaders.” Long-time partner UNCF, an organization that helps fund 37 private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has been named the first partner and will receive a minimum media grant of $350,000 to be used through the end of the year. The all-new PSA airs now through the end of the year across all iHeartMedia radio stations and will bring attention to the many social, financial, educational and mental health challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to communities of color and the threat to America’s progress for a more equitable society. UNCF is asking listeners to donate $10 online at UNCF.org/donate to help HBCU students who had to withdraw from school because of COVID-19 challenges get back to college in the spring. Additionally, iHeart will again host UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax as a guest on the iHeartRadio Communities public affairs show in the coming weeks.
TALKERS News Notes. There’s a new sports channel coming to SiriusXM as the satellite radio company and NBC Sports have partnered to create NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM that will launch tomorrow (12/3). Sirius XM SVP of sports programming Steve Cohen says, “The NBC Sports Audio channel is a terrific addition to the SiriusXM lineup. Fans of NBC Sports’ great programming and talent will get access to an outstanding sports talk lineup every weekday, and our subscribers will get access to live play-by-play of many top events on the sports calendar.” Shows airing on the channel will include: “PFT Live featuring Mike Florio and Chris Simms,” “The Dan Patrick Show,” “The Rich Eisen Show,” “Brother From Another with Michael Holley and Michael Smith,” and more…..Entercom Chicago is presenting its 25th
annual “Good Neighbor Radiothon” on all-news WBBM Newsradio (WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM) to raise money for The Salvation Army. Hosted by WBBM Newsradio news anchor Pat Cassidy, the live program will encourage listeners to donate through the station’s phone bank or online via the station’s website…..Prior to Thanksgiving, Cox Media Group Atlanta’s radio stations – including news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM – partnered
with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to collect food and monetary donations to supply holiday meals for local families in need and collected a grand total of 2,127 pounds of dry food, 1,325 pounds of frozen turkey, and monetary donations that will provide 25,816 meals for hungry children, hardworking families and struggling seniors…..Entercom Milwaukee is presenting WSSP-AM 1250AM The Fan’s 14th annual “FAN Toy Drive,” to benefit Children’s Wisconsin. This year’s 24-hour virtual on-air event will aim to raise funds and toys for the hospital’s patients. Listeners will be encouraged to donate via the station’s website…..Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, Imperative Entertainment’s Podcast Division and Pegalo Pictures are premiering the podcast, “American Coyote” that tells the true story of America’s most successful coyote, Elden Kidd. While active, Elden was responsible for ushering over a thousand people across the border — and was unfazed even after cheating death multiple times and spending two years incarcerated in a Mexican prison…..iHeartMedia Stockton’s “Fox Sports AM1280, Stockton’s Only Sports Station,” announces an extension of its broadcast agreement with the University of the Pacific to continue to broadcast the university’s men’s and women’s Pacific Tiger basketball games through the 2020-2021 basketball season.
COVID-19/Vaccines, Trump Tactics/Barr Statement, DOJ Pardon Bribery Investigation, Georgia Runoff Elections, Iran Nuke Scientist Death, and the NFL’s COVID Problem Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (12/1). The fast-rising number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the death toll, concerns about private gatherings fueling the pandemic, and the promise of soon-to-be-available vaccines; Donald Trump’s ongoing attempts to call the election results into question and Attorney General William Barr’s public statement that his agency had found no evidence of widespread election fraud; the DOJ’s investigation into a possible bribery scheme involving pay for pardons; the January runoff elections for Georgia’s two U.S. Senate seats; the fallout from the assassination of Iran’s top nuclear weapons scientist; and the NFL’s strategy for dealing with growing COVID-positive players were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. In a move that’s not too surprising to the staffers at the Pohlad family’s Northern Lights Broadcasting, the company’s two radio stations – hip hop KZGO-FM and alternative KQGO-FM in Minneapolis – are being sold to religious
broadcaster Educational Media Foundation for an undisclosed sum. The Pohlad family owns MLB’s Minnesota Twins and until 2018 games were broadcast on KQGO. Now, with Twins broadcasts on WCCO-AM, the family has little use for the signals. Both stations will flip to religious formats in the New Year. KALIL & CO., INC. is the exclusive broker for this transaction…..SiriusXM and the family of Bob Marley announce a new, exclusive year-round channel dedicated to the legacy of Bob Marley. Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio launches tomorrow (12/3) and will feature the cultural icon’s entire music catalog, both live and recorded, including rare recordings, some of which have never been made available to the public. The channel is being curated by the Marley family and will include a wide range of Caribbean music from its inception to present day.
Monday, August 17, 2020
Monday Memo: Emulate Success. Talkers of all sorts – music DJs, talk hosts, podcasters – are fighting for attention, now more than ever, in what TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison calls “today’s sped-up world.” In this week’s column, consultant Holland Cooke lists success prescriptions from industry icons. Read it here.
USPS Controversy/Mail-In Voting, Presidential Election/Kamala Harris Choice, COVID-19 Statistics & Projections, School Opening Debate, Portland Protests/Urban Violence, WAP Controversy Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The funding issues facing the U.S. Postal Service and President Trump’s allegation that mail-in voting breeds fraud; the November presidential election and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s choice of Kamala Harris as his running mate; the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and projections for future cases; the debate over opening schools this fall; the ongoing protests in Portland and rise in violent crime in a number of U.S. cities; and the controversy over the Cardi B song “WAP” were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Pending Business: In the Market for a Test Drive. A personality endorsement campaign is a commitment on both sides – the client’s and the talent’s and AE’s. What happens when a prospect responds with the desire to “try it for a month?” Sales and marketing consultant Steve Lapa, president of Lapcom Communications, writes about tying the length of time it takes to get a consumer through the purchase process to the minimum term required for an endorsement campaign featuring one of your talk personalities. Read it here.
WQAM, Miami Re-Vamps Daily Program Schedule. South Florida sports talker WQAM “560 The Joe” announces it’s tweaking its daily lineup, adding ESPN Radio’s “Greeny” with Mike Greenberg in the 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm daypart and is expanding the afternoon drive “Hochman and Crowder” show – hosted by Marc Hochman and Channing Crowder – to 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Entercom South Florida SVP and market manager Keriann Worley says, “With the return of live sports, we aim to give sports fans of South Florida a home for both national headlines and premier coverage of their favorite teams. As he returns to radio, Mike Greenberg is a nationally recognized and trusted voice and we’re delighted to add his show to our already impressive lineup of weekday programming.”
John Fredericks Radio Network Announces New Virginia Digital News Operation. In conjunction with Star News Digital Media, the Virginia based John Fredericks Radio Network is launching The Virginia Star – a new, digital news operation that begins publishing today. John Fredericks is host of the network’s morning drive program and he’s also serving as publisher and editor-in-chief of the news operation. He says, “We are very excited about this new venture: real news in real time. The Virginia Star will be fiercely local in its core news reporting content, augmented with a national flavor and robust commentary section. Like on my radio show, we encourage all voices.” Star executives say they have hired three local, full-time reporters and have contracted with several more on a part-time basis. Fredericks adds, “We are going to cover the stories important to our readers that the fake news refuses to do simply because it doesn’t fit their narrative. At The Virginia Star, we have our own narrative, it’s called the truth.” Star News Digital Media CEO Michael Patrick Leahy says, “The Virginia Star now becomes the fifth state-based news site in the Star News Network, joining The Tennessee Star, The Ohio Star, The Minnesota Sun, and The Michigan Star.” Star News Digital Media chief technology officer Christina Botteri adds, “The Virginia Star is the first affiliate of the Star News Network. We own and operate our four other news sites. We searched the country to find the right organization with the reputation and experience to work with in a fifth state, and the John Fredericks Radio Network in Virginia was hands down the right choice for us. Together with John, our crackerjack team of on-the-ground reporters, and the great people of Virginia, we will change the face of news in the Commonwealth.”
PPM Analysis: Sports Talk. TALKERS magazine managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a look at the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s July 2020 PPM survey, today focusing on sports talk. As sports leagues begin returning to live play-by-play, America’s sports talk stations are hoping it will translate into improved ratings. During the July 2020 survey, Tegna’s WBNS-FM, Columbus “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” was the big gainer, adding seven-tenths to post a 3.6 share. Right behind was Cumulus Media’s KNBR, San Francisco tacking on six-tenths for a 2.5 share finish. Comparing July 2020 to July 2019, the top gainer is iHeartMedia’s KXFN, Minneapolis “K-FAN,” which posts a seven-tenths gain for a 5.0 share. No sports talk station ranked #1 in its market in July – not even close. However, three stations – Beasley Media Group’s WBZ-FM, Boston “98.5 The Sports Hub”; WBNS-FM, Columbus; and KXFN-FM, Minneapolis – tied for ranking #8 in their respective markets. See the complete report here.
TALKERS News Notes. This month, Premiere Networks is celebrating the 20th anniversary of FOX Sports Radio. Premiere says that it and FOX Sports “have enjoyed a long partnership that kicked off in 2000 with the goal of producing a home for industry-leading talent focused on delivering entertaining, informed and thought-provoking programming for sports fans. FOX Sports Radio launched in August of that year, and the network’s storied 20-year run has developed a loyal following of more than 14 million listeners across more than 500 affiliates nationwide with an unmatched weekday lineup featuring some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting, including Colin Cowherd, Dan Patrick, Clay Travis, Doug Gottlieb, Chris Broussard, Rob Parker, R.J. Bell, Jason Smith, Mike Harmon and Ben Maller.” Premiere SVP of sports programming Don Martin says, “What an amazing accomplishment – 20 years! I’ve been fortunate to be part of the FSR family for the entire run, both as an affiliate and on the management team.”…..San Diego is getting its first taste of “The Mightier 1090” today (8/17) as the Bill Hagen-led station begins operating. XEPRS-AM had been a sports
talker as “The Mighty 1090” operated by Broadcast Corporation of the Americas but that organization lost its lease on the Mexican blowtorch last year. Now, ad exec Hagen is re-imagining the station. Times of San Diego reports that former XEPRS sports talk host Scott Kaplan is hosting afternoon drive. The rest of the schedule is: SportsGrid’s “The Morning After” with Ariel Epstein and Jared Smith in morning drive, Rich Eisen from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, two programs hosted by Scott Ferrall, and Tony Bruno in evenings…..ESPN Radio announces that effective today (8/17), personalities Dan
LeBatard and Stugotz are presenting new daily podcast-exclusive content. A new digital-only episode will be recorded and posted before their 10:00 am to 12:00 noon ET national radio show. Following the radio program, LeBatard and Stugotz will record more thoughts and ramblings as a digital-only “post-game show.” In addition, each hour of the radio show – as well as their local hour heard in Miami – will continue to be available as podcasts. ESPN Audio VP, digital marketing and strategy Tom Ricks says, “Dan and Stugotz already have a large digital-only audience, and we wanted to better serve that audience with exclusive podcast content. They are a unique show on sports radio and now their podcast listeners will get more unique podcast content each day.”
Michael Harrison Joins Gunhill Road with New Song About Life During Pandemic. Here they come again! Gunhill Road, the legendary album rock band that was a cult favorite of FM radio in the early 70s and then scored a Top 40 AM radio one-off smash in 1973 with “Back When My Hair Was Short” has returned in 2020 with a reworked version of the classic hit. This time the catchy tune has new lyrics that address the coronavirus with a lovingly humorous take on the sacrifices society is making to contain it. Rock enthusiasts might recall that Gunhill Road reunited in 2014 to a packed house at New York’s Bitter End and a brand new double album titled, “Every 40 Years,” which became the subject of a feature film documentary. The long-running ensemble which consists of original members Glenn Leopold, Steve Goldrich, and Paul Reich and new members musician/arranger Brian Koonin and TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison has a new set of songs ready to drop in early 2021. Among the new songs is one co-written and performed by Harrison that addresses the issue of animal welfare. To check out the new “Back When We Used to Hug” video, please click here.
Newsmax TV Adds ‘Stinchfield’ to Nightly Lineup. Four-time Emmy-winning journalist Grant Stinchfield is joining the evening lineup at Newsmax TV, beginning tomorrow (8/18) at 8:00 pm ET. Newsmax says “Stinchfield” is “a full hour of the day’s top news and provocative conversation.” Stinchfield says, “I’m thrilled to be at Newsmax TV. Each night, our viewers can look forward to a compelling mix of up-to-the-second news and compelling discussions with newsmakers and Newsmax TV’s great roster of contributors.” Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy says, “Grant has an impeccable track record in broadcast journalism with the awards to prove it. He will bring our viewers solid news reports with the insight they can’t find elsewhere.”
Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Townsquare Media’s Albany, New York station group, country WGNA brand manager Matty Jeff is promoted to director of content for the cluster that also includes alternative WQSH, rock WQBK, adult contemporary WPBZ, hip hop WQBK-HD2/W256BU, and sports talk WTMM-FM. Townsquare Albany market president Kevin Rich says, “Matty has programmed WGNA to be a consistent local ratings and online leader and by far the #1 country station in the Capital Region. Having him as my partner in the director of content role will make our locally programmed stations even stronger.”…..Country radio air personality Jessica Cash
announces she’s leaving Alpha Media’s WFLS, Fredericksburg, Virginia at the end of this week. She says, “Fourteen years is a long time for someone in our profession to be in one place. I’ve had the good fortune to do that, to hopefully get your day started with a smile. But, now it’s time for me to make a change in my life.” Cash co-hosts the morning drive show with Steve Waters. The duo has won honors over the years, including CMA’s Small Market Morning Show in 2018 and the ACM Small Market Personality in 2019. The station is searching for her replacement…..Condolences to the family and friends of longtime South Florida radio personality Sonny Fox, who passed away on Friday (8/14) in Dunnellon, Florida after an illness at age 73. An obit in the Miami Herald notes that Fox worked at former rock outlet WSHE (now hip hop WMIB), CHR WHYI, oldies WMXJ, and country WKIS.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
New Talk Format to Launch on WTZA, Atlanta. According to a report by Rodney Ho in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, local entrepreneur Will Regan is leasing WTZA-AM, Atlanta and translator W271CV at 102.1 FM to air a news/talk format featuring Atlanta talk radio icon Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson in afternoon drive. Peterson will continue to work with show cast members Pete Davis, Jim Gossett, and producer Brent “Flounder” Dundon. Peterson was most recently heard in the market on WYAY-FM “Talk 106.7” (now WAKL) prior to Cumulus Media selling the signal to Christian broadcaster Educational Media Foundation. Mike Brooks, who also hosted a show on “Talk 106.7,” is slated to host the 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm program. Regan tells Ho that he’s still looking for morning and midday hosts. The station is expected to debut on February 3.
Impeachment, Trump at Davos, Presidential Race, Wuhan Coronavirus, Honduran Immigrant Caravan, Putin’s Power Grab, and Megxit Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (1/21). Tuesday’s battle in the Senate over procedure for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump; the various topics Trump addressed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland; the Democrats battling to take on President Trump in November; the Wuhan Coronavirus affecting China and the first confirmed case in the U.S. in Washington state; the status of the migrant caravan attempting to get from Honduras to the U.S.; Vladimir Putin’s attempt to re-engineer the Russian constitution to remain in power; and Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s move to Canada were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Networks Gear Up for Super Bowl LIV. Radio networks covering Super Bowl LIV are announcing their plans. Cumulus Media’s Westwood One – the official network radio partner of the National Football League – is presenting play-by-play of the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on February 2. Kevin Harlan handles the play-by-play with Super Bowl XXXIV MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner as the lead analyst. Former NFL referee turned rules analyst Gene Steratore joins the radio broadcast booth. Former All-Pro offensive lineman Tony Boselli returns for a fourth straight year as sideline reporter and is joined by longtime field reporter Laura Okmin, who is making her debut on the Super Bowl crew. Jim Gray anchors the pregame and halftime coverage with appearances by Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and New England Patriots quarterback and six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Westwood One is producing the hourlong preview show “Seven Days to Sunday — The Road to Super Bowl LIV” that airs each evening from
January 26 through February 1, hosted by Scott Graham and co-hosted by a different WWO analyst each night. FOX Sports Radio – a division of Premiere Sports Network – is on site in Miami during Super Bowl week broadcasting its shows from Radio Row at the Miami Beach Convention Center. “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”; “Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis”; “The Doug Gottlieb Show”; Straight Outta Vegas with RJ Bell”; and “The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard and Rob Parker” will emanate from the Convention Center while AT&T/DIRECTV’s “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Rich Eisen Show” will broadcast live from South Beach.
TALKERS News Notes. Arkansas Business reports that Cumulus Media has downsized at the Little Rock cluster and that three staffers from news/talk KARN-FM’s news department have exited. The publication says news and traffic anchor Chris Ingram, anchor and reporter Heidi Sohl, and traffic reporter Chris Counts are all out…..In the Twin Cities, reporter and air personality Danny Cunningham leaves Hubbard Radio’s sports talk KSTP-AM “SKOR North” after his contract was not renewed. Cunningham – who co-hosted the “Vikings Vent Line” show and hosted the “Raised by Wolves” podcast in addition to his reporting duties covering the NBA’s Timberwolves – announced his departure via social media…..Lima News reports that Woof Boom Radio’s sports talk WWSR, Lima, Ohio “93.1 The Fan” has filled the afternoon drive daypart with “The Drive With Marty Bannister.” He takes over after longtime market sports personality and PM drive host Vince Koza succumbed to cancer in December. Bannister is currently play-by-play announcer for Ohio University’s men’s and women’s basketball. He also serves with Spectrum TV and the Ohio High School Athletic Association radio network…..Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman and current WPEN-FM, Philadelphia “The Fanatic” morning drive personality Tra
Thomas was honored by his hometown of DeLand, Florida last weekend. The city re-named Eastside Park and Playground after Thomas during a ceremony that was part of a number of events linked to the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. Thomas has stayed active in charity efforts in the city where his parent’s still reside, helping fund Our Daily Bread, a nonprofit outreach ministry at Bethel A.M.E. Church that provides bagged groceries, and clothing; paying off his church’s mortgage and purchasing a bus for the church; and buying books for the Tra Thomas Book Club with the Boys & Girls Club of DeLand, the DeLand Library and the Chisholm Community Center…..Sison Broadcasting’s news/talk WVMT, Burlington adds Envision Networks’ “60 Seconds of Service” to its programming, airing
twice daily each week. The one-minute feature spotlights the men, women, and even animals in uniform who have served their country and their communities…..Late night talk radio star Jim Bohannon is being honored with induction into the Missouri Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame. The induction takes place on June 6 at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark as part of the 2020 Awards Banquet at the MBA annual convention. Bohannon’s program is syndicated nationally via Westwood One.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Programming pro Emily Boldon – who serves as vice president of AC formats and STRATUS music scheduling for Cumulus Media – moves back to the company’s Atlanta headquarters. Boldon had been
working from the company’s Providence cluster and was serving as program director for AC WWLI “Lite Rock 105.” With the recent arrival of new operations manager Mary Ellen Kachinske – who is also the new PD of WWLI – Boldon is free to return south. Cumulus VP of programming operations John Dimick says, “If there was ever any doubt about Emily’s programming acumen, she proved her skills with the tremendous growth and continued success of ‘Lite Rock 105’ Providence while maintaining our company’s leadership in the AC format. Now it’s time to bring her back to Atlanta where she can continue to lead our AC stations and focus more of her time and effort on improving the company’s STRATUS system.”…..UJA-Federation of New York names SiriusXM president and chief content
officer Scott Greenstein its Music Visionary of the Year. He’ll be recognized for his exceptional professional accomplishments and commitment to philanthropy at the annual Music Visionary of the Year Award Luncheon on June 4 in New York City. Daniel Glass, president & founder of Glassnote Entertainment Group and vice chair of UJA’s Entertainment, Media & Communications Division, says, “Scott’s vision and leadership have made an indelible impact on the world of music and entertainment. Scott is the perfect recipient of this prestigious award because he is always ahead of the cultural and technology curve. He is responsible for the discovery and growth of so many careers.”…..On-air pro Robyn Cisar exits Cumulus Media’s hot AC KURB-FM, Little Rock “B 98.5” where she was co-host of the morning drive “Kevin and Robyn Show” with Kevin Idol. She posted on Facebook, “It’s all still a blur, but news travels fast. I have never loved a job more than I did working with Kevin on ‘B98.5.’ I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to do what I did. I’ll always remember it and treasure the memories.”…..Skyview Networks’s “The Dana Cortez Show” adds two new affiliates as Campesina’s KBHH, Fresno “Forge 95.3” and KBDS, Bakersfield “Forge 103.9” add the show to their program lineups…..Big Radio names three new program directors to its Rock County radio operations. Paul Michaels assumes the programming duties for rock WWHG “105.9FM – The Hog”; Micki Morgret is program director for 90s-formatted WBEL-AM/W222AU, Beloit/W255CZ, Janesville “The Beat 92.3FM and 98.9FM”; and Greg “Big Red” Hanthorn is the new PD for country WGEZ-AM/W270CW, Beloit “Iron Country.”
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Craig Carton Resigns from WFAN. A day after releasing his first public statement declaring his innocence relative to the federal fraud charges filed against him, radio personality Craig Carton has resigned from his position as morning host alongside co-host Boomer Esiason on CBS RADIO’s WFAN, New York. As most TALKERS readers are aware, Carton is charged with being part of a Ponzi scheme that bilked $5.6 million out of investors, ostensibly to pay off gambling debts. Carton’s attorney says the government’s case is a “gross misunderstanding of what happened.” Here’s Carton’s statement: “Unfortunately, the unfounded legal issues currently plaguing me will only be a distraction to everyone at WFAN and the show I helped build.
With that in mind, I have submitted my resignation to the station and they accepted. I am sad to see this chapter of my life close but know that it will allow me to focus on my family, my well-being and clearing my name, while giving the show the best opportunity to succeed without further disruption. I’ve always felt a personal connection to our listeners and want to thank them for making me a part of their daily routine. I hope they can respect the fact that as much as I want to talk about the allegations against me I can’t at this time. There will come a time when I will be able to speak directly about the case and I hope our listeners will be there.” In accepting Carton’s resignation, CBS RADIO issued the following statement: “We appreciate all of his contributions over the last decade and wish him and his family well during this next phase. We are especially grateful to our dedicated employees, sponsors and listeners for their continued support of ‘THE FAN.’ The search for a replacement co-host for the morning show will begin immediately.”
PPM Analysis: Public News/Talk. Managing editor Mike Kinosian presents the second of four analyses of the performances of radio stations based on data from Nielsen Audio’s August 2017 PPM survey, today focusing on public news/talk. Kinosian reports that, comparing July PPM figures to August numbers (all 6+ ratings), “six of every 10 stations on this public news/talk panel are up (60%)…while 29% are down; the remaining 11% of the sample is flat.” Similarly, a comparison of August 2016 ratings to August 2017 shows 60% of stations are up year-over-year. As far as market rank is concerned, there were four public news/talk stations that ranked #1 in their respective markets in the August survey: KQED-FM, San Francisco (which also ranked #1 in the adjacent San Jose market); WAMU, Washington; KUOW, Seattle; and KPBS, San Diego. Five other public news/talk stations finished in the top five in their respective markets. Read the whole report here.
Watkins Named LSM at Cox Atlanta. Sales and marketing pro Mike Watkins is appointed to the local sales manager position at Cox Media Group’s Atlanta radio operations. In this role, Watkins will “focus on developing talent and driving new business development initiatives” for the cluster’s stations, including news/talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM. For the past 20 years, Watkins has been a media consultant for CMG Atlanta. Prior to that, he spent the first half of his career on the programming side of the business working at legendary stations KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh and WGCI, Chicago. Watkins came to Atlanta in 1993 as the program director of WALR “Kiss 104.”
WTAR, Norfolk Debuts New Lineup; Local PM Drive Show. On Monday (9/18), Sinclair Communications unveils the new programming lineup at WTAR, Norfolk “Sports Radio 850.” The schedule will consist of FOX Sports Radio’s “Outkick the Coverage with Clay
Travis,” Dan Patrick; “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”; the local Nick Bailey show; and the Rich Eisen show. Host and PD Nick Bailey says his show will also feature Jason Dick, from “101X” in Austin. It will also include Tim Murray based in Washington. Murray is nationally syndicated as part of SBNation. Bailey states, “We are excited to give the people of Hampton Roads premiere sports talk every weekday. I think the lineup gives a fresh entertaining spin on sports no matter what time of the day you tune in. Plus, local sports talk starting at 3:00 pm will be a nice addition to the market.”
Rita Cosby Hosts ‘Pubs and Politics’ Event at The Cutting Room. This evening in New York City, 77 WABC Radio personality and political editor Rita Cosby hosts “Pubs and Politics” at The Cutting Room on E. 32nd Street. The evening features three of the top New York City mayoral challengers: Nicole Malliotakis, Sal Albanese, and Bo Dietl. Also appearing will be former Milwaukee County sheriff David Clarke. Appearing to discuss the media’s role in the political scene is CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota. The program will be opened by “Saturday Night Live” cast member Darrell Hammond with remarks and thoughts on the current political environment. WABC program director Craig Schwalb says, “It’s hard to imagine a better night of political debate and comedy. The stars come out for Rita, our great listeners, and for WABC Radio.”
Galaxy’s Ed Levine Inducted into Syracuse University’s WAER Hall of Fame. Pictured above is Galaxy Communications president and CEO Ed Levine (center) during the ceremony inducting him into the WAER Hall of Fame. Flanking him are Scott MacFarlane (left) and Marv Albert (right). Levin comments, “WAER is where it all started. It’s where my love for radio was realized, where I met my wife (Pam), and where Craig Fox, Ted Utz and I formulated the plan to start WAQX, which was my first real job in radio. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of a class that includes Scott MacFarlane and the great Marv Albert.” Past WAER Hall of Fame inductees include: Bob Costas, Mike Tirico, Lakshmi Singh and former ABC News anchor Ted Koppel. WAER, once a student-run radio station, is a public radio station based at Syracuse University that maintains a student workforce, primarily in the news and sports departments.
Trump Administration’s DACA Policy, Trump Tax Code Overhaul, Irma and Harvey Aftermath, Hillary Clinton Book, ESPN’s Jemele Hill Controversy, North Korea Threats, Ben Shapiro’s Berkeley Speech, Equifax Security Breach, Apple Introduces New iPhones, ‘Racism’ Banner Unfurled at Red Sox Game, and NFL Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (9/13). The negotiations between Democrats and President Trump on immigration policy regarding ‘dreamers’; the Trump Administration’s efforts to rewrite the U.S. tax code; the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey and the prognosis for long-term recovery; Hillary Clinton’s new book What Happened and her current media tour; the controversy at ESPN over Jemele Hill’s statement calling Trump a white supremacist and the sports media organization’s reaction; the nuclear threats against the U.S. by North Korea; anticipation of protests at UC Berkeley at tonight’s Ben Shapiro speech; the Equifax security breach and criticism of the company’s handling of it; Apple’s introduction of new iPhones, including the iPhone X; protesters unfurl anti-racism banner at Wednesday’s Red Sox game; and NFL action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Country stations KPLX, Dallas “99.5 The Wolf” and KSCS “New Country 96.3” brought Broken Bow Records artist Dustin Lynch to Cowboys Red River Dance Hall in Dallas on Tuesday (9/12) to raise money for the American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Lynch performed a 90-minute set for the nearly 2,600 fans in attendance, raising $25,750 to help those affected by last month’s Hurricane Harvey…..CBS RADIO CHR KLUC, Las Vegas partnered with Zappos For Good, Lyft and the Salvation Army for a three-day broadcast last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to collect items for Hurricane Harvey and Irma relief efforts. KLUC’s “Chet Buchanan & the Morning Zoo” filled five semi-trucks with donated supplies and hit the road this past Saturday for the 1,200 mile trek from Las Vegas to the Salvation Army Divisional Disaster warehouse in Arlington, Texas…..Envision Networks is partnering with Skid Trax to offer “The Ashley & Brad Show” to affiliates on a barter basis. Ashley & Brad are based at KWSV-LP, Simi Valley, California. Envision says the show “targets the 25 to 54 audience with current topics and humor. Radio stations’ music playlists will remain intact – just add Ashley & Brad voice tracks.”…..Jim Dorman joins iHeartMedia to serve as operations manager for the company’s four-station Wichita cluster that includes CHR KZCH, country KZSN, adult contemporary KRBB, and alternative KTHR. Dorman takes over for the departed Brian Jennings…..Milwaukee hip hop outlet WKKV “V100.7” is presenting the 6th annual Cracker Barrel Sista Strut – a 3K breast cancer charity walk that aims to bring awareness to the importance of breast cancer screenings. The charity walk will take place on Saturday, October 7.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Judge Shoots Down Bubba’s Counterclaim. This counterclaim can be refiled because it was denied without prejudice, but U.S. District Court Judge James Whittemore said no to Bubba the Love Sponge’s complaints against Nielsen Audio, Cox Media and WHPT, Tampa morning personality Mike Calta. Among the complaints against the three was an allegation the trio conspired to harm the performance of Bubba’s show in the Tampa market. In Whittemore’s brief ruling, he wrote, “The proposed counterclaim and third party complaint is heavily redacted, at Plantiff’s request. As a result, it is impossible to determine whether the proposed pleading meets the standard for granting leave to amend, including whether the proposed claims are meritless and therefore futile, as plaintiff contends.” In a related note, Bubba’s legal team is requesting the discovery period in Nielsen’s suit against Bubba be extended to March 21.
John Batchelor Inks New Deal with WABC and Westwood One. WABC-based and nationally syndicated talk show host John Batchelor re-ups with Cumulus Media’s WABC, New York and Westwood One for a multi-year deal to continue hosting his eponymous 9:00 pm to 1:00 am ET program. WABC notes that more than 16 years ago – on September 12, 2001, the day after the fall of the Twin Towers, it recruited John Batchelor to go on the air until Osama bin Laden was either killed or captured and he’s been on
the air ever since. “The John Batchelor show has since become appointment listening for incisive, thought-provoking discussion of the fight to preserve Western civilization from military and political attacks by its enemies. Batchelor’s themes cover every detail – from military battles, presidential campaigns, planetary exploration, and Hollywood politicos to his own international travel. John has broadcast from many corners of the world and in his program he calls out to all points, including New York, Jerusalem, Des Moines, Kazakhstan, Orlando, Manchester, Morocco, Boston, Taipei, Washington, and Baghdad.” Batchelor comments, “It’s a joy and privilege to join again with WABC and Westwood One to carry on reporting to extremely well-informed listeners. I run as fast as I can to keep up on the radio and the podcast with all the can’t-make-this-up news events rushing around the planet each day.”
Trump’s Border Wall-Mexican Relations Top News/Talk Story for Week of January 23-27. President Donald Trump’s executive order to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and the relations between the two countries was the most-talked-about story on news/talk radio, landing atop the Talkers TenTM. At #2 was Trump’s threats to withhold federal funding from cities that don’t change their sanctuary city policies. Coming in at #3 was the plans by the GOP to replace the Affordable Care Act, followed by the Democrats’ bill to keep the nation’s nuclear codes out of the hands of President Trump 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. View this week’s entire chart here.
TALKERS News Notes. One of the many sports media outlets with a presence in Houston for Super Bowl week is FOX Sports Radio – its 17th straight year covering the build-up to the game. During the week of January 30 – February 3. Shows that will emanate from Houston include: “The Herd with Colin Cowherd.” “Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis,” Dan Beyer and Brady Poppinga, J.T. The Brick, Dan Patrick, and Rich Eisen. Programming from Houston is also broadcast via iHeartRadio…..AdLarge Media expands its podcast offerings with a new show targeted toward women called “EmmeStyle,” and hosted by supermodel Emme. The show is being co-produced by AdLarge and Hangar Studios. The show will take “women
on an uplifting journey to empowerment with a range of guests from fashion, beauty, art, culture, money, politics, business, health, and more.”…..Radio marketing pro Ray Handel is exiting Townsquare Media’s WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” after a 15-plus year stint (and a total of 28 years in New Jersey media!) to join Community Broadcasters as director of business development in South Carolina. Handel has been serving “New Jersey 101.5” as director of marketing/promotions and director of NTR sales.
Cavanah to Program WUSN, Chicago. After former “US99” program director Jeff Kapugi exited the station back in December, CBS RADIO announces that market VP of programming Todd Cavanah officially assumes the PD role at WUSN. Cavanah has been VP of programming since April of last year in which he’s also responsible for overseeing programming at music outlets CHR WBBM-FM “B96,” triple A WXRT, and classic hits WJMK “K-Hits 104.3.” Cavanah comments, “Programming ‘US99’ is a role I really wanted to take on. Country music is all about relationships, from the music itself to how stations connect with listeners and how the industry works together. We have assembled an incredible staff at ‘US99,’ led by the incomparable Marci Braun and featuring exciting new on-air personalities that are already resonating with local audiences. Together, we will ensure that ‘US99’ remains the first choice for Chicagoland’s country music fans.”
WMGC, Detroit Names Shay Shay AM Host; DJ Ryan Richards for Weekends. Motor City classic hip hop and R&B outlet WMGC “105.1 The Bounce” announces two new Bounce “Ambassadors” join the station. Detroit native Shay Shay – formerly midday host at CBS RADIO’s crosstown CHR WDZH “98.7 AMP Radio” takes over the AM drive show, and DJ Ryan Richards joins the station for weekend on-air duties. WMGC PD Al Payne states, “We’re assembling an all-star team for Detroit on 105.1! I am so excited to add Shay Shay and DJ Ryan Richards to our lineup! Legendary personalities like them perfectly match the legendary throwback hip hop and R&B our fans crave.”
More Music Radio News and Career Moves. At Entercom’s alternative KNDD, Seattle “107.7 The End,” evening personality Zach Van Lue exits the station to pursue interests away from Seattle…..Hayley Smith-Rose is promoted to APD at Mainestream Media’s CHR WHTP, Portland “HOT 104.7.” Smith-Rose currently handles the evening show and serves as promotions director – responsibilities she’ll continue to hold. Program director Ryan Deelon comments, “Hayley is the rock of our organization. To say she’s my right hand is not giving her enough credit. She’s essentially the right hand for everyone that works here. She’s risen to the occasion at every opportunity and has the complete respect and admiration of everyone on the team. This is just the start of what will be a bright future.”…..Morning personality Eric Ashmont – host of the “Shmonty in the Morning” program on Arizona Lotus Corp’s rock KFMA, Tucson, will exit his role with the station at the end of March in order to relocate to Rockville, Maryland for family reasons. He says, “I’d like to thank Larry Mac and Ken Kwilosz for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and further success of KFMA.”…..The weekly radio show “Woman of the Week” is airing on CBS RADIO stations in Philadelphia. Originating as a blog by WOGL “Breakfast Club” personality Marilyn Russell, the effort morphed into a radio show that honors extraordinary women. Russell hosts the half-hour program that airs on classic hits WOGL, country WXTU, and CHR WTDY. Sister all-news KYW is highlighting the show via a weekday vignette series.
Round Three of Holiday PPM Ratings Released. The third of four rounds of Holiday 2016 ratings information from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s Holiday 2016 survey period covered December 1, 2016 – January 4, 2017. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Portland – December’s +2.1 concluded KKCW’s September-October-November mini-slide (8.6 – 7.8 – 7.7, 6+). “K-103” now rolls out a +5.5 (9.8 – 15.3, 6+) as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary is #1 for the 31st time in the last 33 ratings periods. Following six consecutive months without a decrease for a combined +1.4 since April (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom adult hits KYCH dropped two-tenths in November and lost one-full-share in December. Roaring back with a +1.4 in “Holiday” 2016 though, “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” rockets from a ninth-place three-way logjam to third (5.3 – 5.1 – 4.1 – 5.5, 6+). Picking up one-half share each are sports sibling KFXX “1080 The Fan” (1.3 – 1.8, 6+), which
cracks the top 20 at #18 and public KQAC “All Classical Portland” (3.7 – 4.2, #12 to #7, 6+). When “All Classical Portland” was -.4 in December, it ended four straight up-trends (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 4.1, 6+). Prior to November 2016, the last time “All Classical Portland” crossed the four-share threshold (6+) was six years ago (4.1, 6+, November 2010). Suffering erosions of -1.3 (6+) are iHeartMedia-owned KLTH “106.7 The Eagle Portland’s Classic Hits Station” (5.6 – 4.3, fourth to sixth, 6+) and Alpha Media’s KUPL “98.7 The Bull #1 For New Country” (#7 to #12, 6+). Down seven-tenths since September (5.8 – 5.2 – 5.1, 6+), “The Eagle” was +.5 in December. This is the third straight decrease for “The Bull” (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 3.3, 6+) for a combined -1.8. Having crossed the six-share threshold (6+) for the first time in its PPM-history by posting a +1.4 to 6.1 in December, Entercom hot AC KRSK “105.1 The Buzz Today’s Best Mix” forfeits eight-tenths to 5.3 (6+). “The Buzz” slides from third to fourth. More than eight full-shares behind “K-103” is Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB, which loses seven-tenths (7.6 – 6.9, 6+) but stays at #2. Falling by six-tenths each are Alpha Media talker KXL
(4.7 – 4.1, sixth to eighth, 6+) and co-owned KBFF “Live 95.5 The Station That Sounds Like Portland” (seventh to ninth). “Live 95.5” is down or flat for the fourth straight time (5.4 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+) for a collective -1.4. Albeit without an increase in the last seven sweeps for a combined -1.6 since June (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom classic rocker KGON actually moves up from #14 to #12. Steady at #19, iHeartMedia’s KXJM “JAM’N 107.5” is nonetheless down for the sixth straight time for a collective -1.9 (3.6 – 3.5 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7, 6+).
2) Charlotte – Up by a combined +2.4 in November and December (3.5 – 4.3 – 5.9, 6+), WKQC “K-104.7” pours it on in “Holiday” 2016 with a +6.4 to 12.3 (6+), marching from fourth to first. The Beasley Media Group adult contemporary was #1 this time last year as well with a 13.2 (“Holiday” 2015, 6+). It was just a one-month stay at #1 for Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF “Old School 105.3,” which sputters by eight-tenths (7.0 – 6.2, 6+) and shifts to #4. “Old School 105.3” posted a massive +1.9 in December to move from sixth to the top spot. Rebounding from December’s loss of one-half share (2.7 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WEND “106.5 The End Charlotte’s New Rock Alternative” picks up six-tenths to 2.8 (#16 to #13, 6+). Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLXK improves by one-half share (.3 – .8, 6+) and breaks into the top 20 (#20). Freefalling by -1.2 each are iHeartMedia country and CHR siblings WKKT “96.9 The Kat” (5.2 – 4.0, sixth to eighth, 6+) and WHQC “Channel 96.1” (3.5, #8 to #11, 6+), with the latter ending three straight gains (3.9 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.7, 6+). In December, Radio One gospel property WPZS
recaptured the six-tenths it lost in November. While “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” now surrenders seven-tenths (3.5 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 2.8, 6+), it actually climbs from #15 to a three-way logjam at #13. Two talkers – Entercom’s WBT (3.7 – 3.1, steady at #12, 6+) and University Radio Foundation’s WFAE (3.4 – 2.8, #14 to #13, 6+) – are off by six-tenths each; WFAE was 3.4 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps.
3) Pittsburgh – Three straight down or flat trends between August and November by Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary outlet WSHH resulted in a one-half share loss (6.8 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.3, 6+); however, “Wish 99.7” answers in December (+1.3) and “Holiday” (+4.4) with a combined +5.7 to 12.4, its strongest 6+-stat since it returned to print in April 2016. Although unchanged at #8, CBS Radio‘s KDKA-FM “93.7 The Fan” improves by four-tenths to 4.5 (6+), halting three consecutive declines that accounted for a cumulative -3.5 (7.6 – 6.5 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+). Not only is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW back in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September with a +4.4 to 13.7 (6+), “3WS” succeeds rock
cluster-mate WDVE at #1. It is the strongest 6+-showing for “3WS” in exactly one year (14.2, “Holiday” 2015). On top in October, November, and December – WDVE plummets by two full-shares (10.4 – 8.4, 6+) and slips to third. September’s -.2 halted its string of positive or flat trends at five (8.7 – 8.8 – 8.8 – 9.2 – 9.8 – 10.3, 6+). Suffering a -2.0 as well is CBS Radio-owned WDSY “Y-108 Pittsburgh’s Country” (5.7 – 3.7, sixth to ninth, 6+). It is overtaken by iHeartMedia’s similarly formatted WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 For New Country,” which gains one full-share (3.8 – 4.8, tenth to seventh, 6+). Within 7.0 – 7.9 range (6+) April through December, Steel City Radio adult hits WRRK “Bob” flounders by one full-share (7.9 – 6.9, 6+), dropping from third to fourth. Off by one-half share each are CBS Radio hot AC WBZZ “Star 100.7 Plays The Hits” (eighth to tenth, 6+); Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s WESA (2.5 – 2.0, steady at #13, 6+) and triple A sibling WYEP “91.3 – Where The Music Matters” (1.2, #14 to #15, 6+). This is the third straight dip for “Star” (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+). Meanwhile, the loss erases WYEP’s +.5 from December and ends its consecutive streak of upward trends at three (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.7, 6+). Flat at 3.5 (6+), iHeartMedia alternative WXDX “The X at 105.9” is #11 for the seventh straight ratings period, while Steel City Media hot AC WLTJ “Q-92.9” (2.8 – 2.8, 6+) is in 2.1 – 2.9 range for the seventeenth consecutive time and continues at #12.
4) Sacramento – On the heels of back-to-back November 2016 and December 2016 increases of +1.2 (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.8, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary outlet KYMX “Mix 96” takes that combined +2.4 and more than doubles it (7.8 – 13.0, +5.2, 6+). Over and above that, it cruises from third – where it was the past five sweeps – to first. For context, “Mix 96” was #1 in “Holiday” 2015 with an 11.7 (6+). In advance of November’s +1.2, it was a combined -2.2 in September and October. At #2 for the sixth straight time is iHeartMedia news-talk hybrid KFBK which is flat at 7.9 (6+). That’s fairly significant since KFBK’s
five previous moves have been +.8 (August 2016); -1.4 (September 2016); +1.2 (October 2016); -.7 (November 2016) and +.7 (December 2016). Exiting the top spot after eleven consecutive months and taking the spot vacated by “Mix” at #3 is Entercom classic rock KSEG. “The Eagle” has its fifth negative trend in the last six ratings periods – including the past three (9.6 – 8.8 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+) for a combined -2.4. After consecutive downtrends in May and June that produced a -1.2 (10.6 – 9.8 – 9.4, -.4, 6+), KSEG posted a +.9 in July. When “The Eagle” faltered by eight-tenths in May, it witnessed an end to three consecutive increases (8.9 – 9.0 – 9.5 – 10.6, 6+) that netted a cumulative +1.7. Owing to a +.6 to 3.7 (6+), CBS Radio hot AC KZZO “Now 100.5” pulls the plug on three straight downward trends that generated a combined -1.4 (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+) and climbs from tenth to eighth. Directly in front of “Now” and also posting a +.6 is iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101 Throwback Hip-Hop and R&B” (3.3 – 3.9, ninth to seventh, 6+). Locked on 3.9 (6+) in November and December, talk cluster-mate KSTE plummets by -1.4 to 2.5 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #12). In addition to KSEG (see above), Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ (seventh to ninth) also falters by nine-tenths and is a combined -1.6 since November (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.2, 6+). Prior to November, KXJZ had not had a decrease in the previous four sweeps (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+). Down six-tenths (2.9 – 2.3, 6+) and falling from #12 to #14, Entercom hot AC KUDL “Star 106.5” is within 2.3 – 2.9 range (6+) for the eighth consecutive month. Declining by one-half share each are CBS Radio’s KNCI “New Country 105.1 FM” (5.5 – 5.0, flat at #4, 6+); iHeartMedia adult hits KQJK “93.7 Jack FM” (#14 to #16, 6+); and California State University – Sacramento classical KXPR (1.3 – .8, #24, 6+). “Jack” is without an increase for the sixth consecutive ratings period (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+) for a -1.2, while KXPR is down or flat for the third straight time (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – .8, 6+).
5) San Antonio – Following its December gain of +1.5 to 4.8 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT adds another +5.5 to 10.3 (6+) as “Q-101.9 San Antonio’s Best Variety” advances from second to first. One year ago at this time, “Q-101.9” was on top with a 10.6 (“Holiday” 2015, 6+). Prior to December’s increase. KQXT went four straight sweeps without an increase for a full-share loss (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+). It takes over from Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits,” which slides to third. KONO-FM slumps by -1.3 (7.1 – 5.8, 6+) after December’s -1.1; November’s +.9; and October’s -1.0. “San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” departed the top spot in October after nine straight sweeps there. Before dropping from #1 to #2 in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KONO-FM was #1 in 17 of the previous 22 monthlies. Frozen on 5.2 (6+) in November and December, Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM “Estereo Latino 92.9” trots out a full-share improvement to 6.2 (its best 6+-showing since April, 6.2 as well) and vaults from sixth to second. Rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KBBT “98.5 The Beat” (eighth to sixth, 6+) enjoys its third straight gain (4.0 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 5.2, 6+) and is a collective +1.2 since October. Advancing by eight-tenths is iHeartMedia’s KZEP “Hot 104.5” (1.7 – 2.5, #19 to 17, 6+). On the other hand, co-owned KAJA “KJ-97 San Antonio’s #1 Country Station” spirals by -1.4 (5.4 – 4.0, 6+) to drift from fifth to ninth. Also in that cluster, talk
WOAI sputters by nine-tenths to 4.0 (seventh to ninth, 6+), curtailing three consecutive gains (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 4.9, 6+) which netted seven-tenths. Below a four-share (6+) for the first time since February (when it registered a 3.8, 6+), Alpha Media adult hits KJXK “102.7 Jack FM” drops seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, #10 to #11, 6+). Decreasing by one-half share each are regional Mexican sibling KSAH (3.1 – 2.6, #13 to #15, 6+); Cox Media Group’s KTKX “106.7 The Eagle” (flat at #12, 6+); and iHeartMedia-owned KQXT-HD3 (2.2 – 1.7, #17 to #18, 6+). In eight straight sweeps without an increase, “The Eagle” is down by a combined -1.4 (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+).
6) Cincinnati – A +5.4 (6+) enables Cumulus Media adult contemporary WRRM “Warm 98” to better the 11.9 (6+) it registered in “Holiday” 2015 by two-tenths as it storms from fourth to first. In five successive improvements since August, “Warm 98” has gained nearly seven full-shares (4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 6.3 – 11.7, 6+). Conversely, co-owned classic hits-oldies WGRR is down or flat for the fourth successive sweep for a -1.6 (9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+). After four straight months at #1, WGRR drops to the runner-up slot. Prior to a gain in September, WGRR posted three successive negative trends resulting in a cumulative -1.7 (10.3 – 9.8 – 9.3 – 8.6, 6+). With each suffering an erosion of -1.3, Hubbard Radio hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (6.8 – 5.5, 6+) slides from third to fourth, while iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107” (5.4 – 4.1, 6+) moves from seventh to eighth. Owing to a +1.1 in December, “Kiss 107” recaptured well over half of the combined -1.6 it lost by being down in each of the previous four monthlies (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+); “Q-102” was off by one-half share in December. Three successive negatives trends (8.5 – 7.9 – 6.3 – 5.3, 6+) have yielded a -3.2 for Hubbard Radio country outlet WUBE “B-105, which dips from fourth to
fifth. In the talk format, iHeartMedia siblings WKRC (6.0 – 4.8, unchanged at #6, 6+) and WLW (8.7 – 7.8, second to third, 6+) sputter by -1.2 and nine-tenths, respectively. Their rock cluster-mate WEBN is a collective -1.4 as a result of four straight declines (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+) yet it actually inches up from eighth to seventh. With its sixth straight downward trend (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WNNF is -1.5 but “94.1 Nash FM” carries on at #15.
7) Cleveland – After four consecutive fluctuations of one-half share – three in the negative direction (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.8 – 7.3 – 6.8, 6+) – CBS Radio adult contemporary WDOK “Star 102” breaks out a +3.6 to 10.4 and vaults from fifth to first. It is the strongest 6+-showing for “Star” in exactly one year (12.4, “Holiday” 2015). Notwithstanding that it is nudged out of the penthouse after just one month, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” racks up a +1.1 (8.7 – 9.8, 6+) and trails “Star” by six-tenths. Prior to December’s +.1, “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” was off by nearly three full-shares in three straight downward trends (11.5 – 10.8 – 9.6 – 8.6, 6+) and slipped to #2. September’s -.7 ended five straight gains for a cumulative +1.2 (10.3 – 10.7 – 10.9 – 11.3 – 11.4 – 11.5, 6+) and marked the first time in the previous 17 ratings periods that WMJI was not in double-digits (6+). It departed the penthouse after ten successive sweeps there. Without an increase in the last four ratings periods (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+) Radio One urban AC WZAK more than makes up for the cumulative six-tenths it lost with a rousing +1.3 to 7.6, rocketing from eighth to fourth. Seven consecutive up or flat trends for Ideastream’s WCPN (unchanged at #13) produce a combined +.7 (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+). Absolutely anchored at #12 – where it’s been since
February – CBS Radio-owned WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan”/Cleveland Browns flagship picks up two-tenths (3.6 – 3.8, 6+). Trending 7.9 – 7.7 – 7.9 (6+) since October, iHeartMedia-owned WGAR “99.5 Cleveland’s Country” plummets by -1.9 to 6.0, drifting from third to seventh. Co-owned talk WTAM (6.1 – 5.4, 6+); CHR sibling WAKS (5.9 – 5.2, 6+); and rock cluster-mate WMMS (5.2 – 4.5, 6+) regress by seven-tenths each. They remain at #9, #10, and #11, respectively. In November, Cleveland Indians flagship WTAM recorded a massive +2.7 to 9.1, its most potent 6+-share since May 2012 when it reached
9.8; it sunk by three full-shares in December. Entering the December sweep, WMMS was without a decrease in the previous five ratings periods for a collective +2.3 (4.2 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.8 – 6.5, 6+), but coughed up 1.3 shares of that gain in December. The rocker last crossed the six-share threshold (6+) in August 2014 with a 6.1. Also in that iHM cluster, three successive negative moves by WHLK “The Lake” in September, October, and November accounted for a -2.4 (8.9 – 8.4 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+). The adult hits property rebounded in December with a +1.8 but relinquishes one-third of it in “Holiday” 2016 with a -.6 (8.3 – 7.7, 6+) as it shifts from second to third. November’s 6.5 was the weakest 6+-performance for “The Lake” since June 2012 (6.1). After a +.9 in December, Radio One urban contemporary WENZ “Z-107.9” surrenders one-half share (5.5 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+) to move from seventh to eighth.
8) Salt Lake City – It is genuinely noteworthy under PPM-methodology for a station to achieve double-digits (6+), so it is truly a monumental accomplishment for KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” to shatter the 20-share barrier. The Bonneville adult contemporary rolls out a ridiculous +9.2 to reach 20.6 (6+), eclipsing by five full-shares what it recorded one year ago (15.6, 6+, “Holiday” 2015). Over and above finishing at #1 for the third successive month, “FM 100.3” quite remarkably has not had a decrease since April (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 11.4 – 20.6, 6+), nearly quadrupling its 6+-stat since then with an eye-popping +15.3 shares. Stuck on 1.4 (6+) in November and December, Broadway Media-owned KEGA “101.5 The Eagle Utah’s Best Country” erupts with a full-share gain to 2.4 (6+) and cracks the top 20 at #15. After dropping one-half share in December, iHeartMedia’s KAAZ “Rock 106.7” rebounds with a +.9 (2.7 – 2.2 – 3.1, 6+) to climb from #16 to #12. Those three outlets alone (KSFI, KEGA, and KAAZ) account for an increase of more than 11 shares (6+). In terms of 6+-share decrease, KZHT “97.1 Salt Lake’s #1 Hit Music Station” is the most heavily affected with a -1.9 (6.3 – 4.4, 6+) yet it only slides from fourth to fifth to fourth. The iHeartMedia CHR had registered a 6+-share between 6.1 – 6.7 in each of the last seven
sweeps. The four most recent (6+) fluctuations for KSL are +2.0 (October), -.9 (November), +1.1 (December), and -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016). The Bonneville talker repeats at #2, with December 2016’s 8.3 its strongest 6+-figure in more than two years (9.1, October 2014). Fellow talker – iHeartMedia’s KNRS – spikes by -.9 (4.6 – 3.8, sixth to seventh, 6+). Following December’s one-half share decline, co-owned classic hits-oldies KODJ “Salt Lake’s Greatest Hits” sputters by twice as much (4.3 – 3.3, -1.0, 6+) and slips from seventh to ninth. When KODJ notched a +.3 in November, it curtailed four consecutive declines (6.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+) for a cumulative loss of -2.1. Hard hit by KSFI’s +9.2 is its format rival, Cumulus Media’s KBEE “B-98.7,” which tumbles by nine-tenths to 1.9 (6+), drifting from #13 to #19. “B-98.7” had not had a decrease in the past five ratings periods (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+). Finishing at #25, public KRCL is off by eight-tenths (1.5 – .7, 6+). After three straight gains for a +1.3 (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), Bonneville’s KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” relinquished all of it in December and now drops another six-tenths (5.5 – 4.9, 6+) but inches up from fifth to fourth. Down by six-tenths as well (yet managing to improve from ninth to eighth) is Broadway Media-owned KUDD “Mix 105.1 All The Hits” (4.1 – 3.5, 6+). With a +.3 in December, “Mix” halted four consecutive negative trends that yielded a -1.5 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+). Faltering for the fifth consecutive month (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+), Cumulus Media country-formatted KUBL “K-Bull 93” (tenth to ninth) is a combined -2.2 since August. In addition to “K-Bull,” iHeartMedia hot AC KJMY “My 99.5” is also off by one-half share (2.8 – 2.3, #13 to 316, 6+).
9) Las Vegas – Powered by five consecutive up or flat trends that have generated a +8.3 (5.7 – 6.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 14.0, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5” repeats at #1 with its best 6+-performance since 15.7 in “Holiday” 2015. Following three straight downward trends (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), “Sunny” was +.7 in September and +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for 22 straight monthlies before July. While it continues in the runner-up position, Beasley Media Group’s KKLZ erodes by -1.8 (6.6 – 4.8, 6+). Prior to advancing to #1 in July – and remaining there in August and September – KKLZ was in the runner-up slot for six straight months; 7.4 in August was its best 6+-showing in over four years (7.5, July 2012). More than doubling its 6+-share as a result of five successive gains (1.4 – 1.9 – 2.3 –
2.4 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+), CBS Radio talker KXNT climbs from #14 to #12. A combined -2.7 in four straight negative trends (6.3 – 5.9 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+), Lotus Broadcasting classic rock KXPT “97.1 The Point” shifts from sixth to ninth. Dropping by one-half share each are CBS Radio rhythmic hot AC KXQQ “Q-100.5” (ninth to tenth, 6+) and Lotus Broadcasting’s KWWN “ESPN Radio 1100” (1.4 – .9, #23, 6+). This is the third straight monthly without an increase for “Q-100.5” for a combined -1.3 (4.5 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). The HD2 channel of iHeartMedia’s KYMT is off by six-tenths (2.7 – 2.1, #16 to #19, 6+).
10) Kansas City – Boasting its best 6+-share since the 7.6 it notched this time last year (“Holiday 2015), Steel City Media adult contemporary KCKC “KC-102.1 Today’s Best Variety” improves by +2.9 (4.1 – 7.0, 6+) and leaps from #11 to #3. Trailing its classic rock sibling KCFX “The Fox” by six-tenths in December, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet KCMO-FM “Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” hangs out a +2.5 (8.3 – 10.8, 6+) and advances from second to first. On top from May through September and then in December, “The Fox” has its fifth straight up-trend (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.9 – 9.0, 6+) for a cumulative +1.8, but slides to #2. By dropping two-tenths in August, it closed four successive up or flat monthlies yielding a +1.5 (5.9 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). Before a loss of three-tenths in November, KCMO-FM registered four straight progressive trends (5.3 – 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 8.1, 6+) for a collective +1.8. Public (University of Northwestern St. Paul) contemporary Christian KJNW completely wipes away December’s -.5 (1.9 – 1.4 – 1.9, 6+) and inches back to #19 (from #20). After improving by two full-shares between September and December (5.0 – 6.1 – 7.2 – 7.0, 6+), Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” relinquishes the entire gain and is back at 5.0 (-2.0, third to fifth, 6+). Up by a combined eight-tenths via three straight increases (3.5 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), sibling KQRC “98.9 The Rock” forfeits nine-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and departs the top ten (#7 to #12). Entering the December sweep with four straight up or flat trends netting a +1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” is a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (4.9 – 4.3- 3.6, 6+) and it leaves the top ten as well (#7 to #11). CHR cluster-mate KMXV “Mix 93.3,” which trended 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 (October-November-December6+), drops one-half share to 3.8 (6+) and slips from seventh to ninth.
11) Orlando – Over the course of the past 17 sweeps, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” (10.5 – 16.1, second to first, 6+) has registered some major fluctuations. They include +.5 (October 2015); -1.0 (November 2015); +1.6 (December 2015); +5.2 (“Holiday” 2015); -4.7 (January); -1.2 (February); +1.3 (March); +.7 (April); +.6 (May); -.8 (June); -1.1 (July); -.4 (August); +.7 (September); -.5 (October) +.9 (November); +2.1 (December); and the biggest, +5.6 (“Holiday” 2016). At this time last year “Magic” was #1 with a 12.9 (6+, “Holiday” 2015). After six straight rating periods finishing in third-place, “Magic” progressed to the runner-up slot in December and now overtakes Spanish tropical cluster-mate WRUM (12.1 – 11.6, -.5, 6+) at #1. “Rumba 100.3” (first to second) had been on top the past three sweeps and was a combined +2.5 in November and December as it reached 12.1 (6+), the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. CHR sibling WXXL “XL-106.7,” however, erodes by -1.7 (8.9 – 7.2, 6+) and continues in third-place. Owing to a +. 3 to 5.3 (6+), CBS Radio hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” (eighth to fifth, 6+) snaps its string of successive down and flat trends that resulted in a net loss of -1.2 to four (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.0, 6+). Without a decrease from
September through December (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 5.3, 6+), Cox Media Group talker WDBO-FM was only up three tenths in that stretch and it now loses three-times that margin (5.3 – 4.4, -.9, 6+), sliding from seventh to ninth. Steady at #4, co-owned WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” falters by six tenths (6.7 – 6.1, 6+). Meanwhile, CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOCL “Sunny” falls from fifth to seventh with its fourth consecutive decline (6.7 – 6.7 – 6.2 – 5.9 – 5.2, 6+) that has produced a combined -1.5. Public WMFE (2.5 – 2.3, -.2, 6+) is in 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 27th straight time and remains at #14.
12) Columbus – On the heels of December’s +2.7, iHeartMedia adult hits WODC “93.3 The Bus – We Play Anything” tacks on a +4.4 and is within four-tenths of what it logged in “Holiday” 2015 (11.5, 6+). This actually represents the fourth straight ratings period without a loss for “The Bus” (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 6.7 – 11.1, seventh to first, 6+), which overtakes CHR cluster-mate WNCI (first to fourth) at #1. WNCI is now down or flat in each of the last six ratings periods for a collective -4.4 (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 7.8, 6+). In addition to being #1 in December, WNCI was on top in September, August, March, February and January. Energized by a +1.8 (6.9 – 8.7, 6+) Saga Communications adult contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95” surges from fifth to second. When “Sunny 95” dropped two-tenths in December, it concluded four consecutive positive trends which netted a total of six-tenths (6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+). With its finest 6+-stat since March’s 3.6, River Radio Ministries contemporary Christian WCVO “104.9 The River” boasts a +1.4 (2.0 – 3.4, 6+) to progress from #13 to #10. After six straight monthlies without a loss netting in excess of four full-shares and more than doubling its 6+-stat since June (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 6.9 – 7.7 – 7.7, 6+), Radiohio‘s WBNS-FM
surrenders -1.8 to 5.9 (6+). “Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan” drifts from third to sixth. Prior to November 2016, the last time “The Fan” crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) was February 2015 when it reached 7.2. Another streak ends as Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Iconic Rock Q-FM 96” – up the past three ratings periods for a net +2.2 (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.3 – 7.5, 6+) – coughs up half of that gain (6.4, -1.1, 6+) and slides from fourth to fifth. Between April and November, Radio One urban AC WXMG “Magic 95.5 Columbus’ Best R&B” more than tripled its 6+-share via seven straight increases (1.2 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+). “Magic” though dropped one-half share in December and another seven-tenths in “Holiday” (4.0 – 3.5 – 2.8, 6+), moving from #11 to #12. Approximately one week before the December 2016 sweep concluded, iHeartMedia transitioned alternative WXZX “105.7 The X” to “Sports Radio 105.7 The Zone.” The 105.7 frequency was off seven-tenths in December and loses six-tenths in “Holiday” (1.7 – 1.0 – .4, #16 to #17, 6+). Floundering by six-tenths as well is Saga Communications classic hits-oldies WNND “Rewind” (2.4 – 1.8, #13 to #14, 6+), which was +.5 in December.