Tag: "talk radio"
October 2019 PPM Analysis: Country
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Following extensive October 2019 overviews of Major League Baseball flagships and public radio news/talk, we turn our attention to stations in the country format; waiting on deck is our thorough examination of (commercial) news/talk.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from country-formatted properties that rank in the top 20 in any PPM-market (October 2019, 6+).
Over and above that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Thus, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
October 2019 PPM Analysis:
Major League Baseball Flagships
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — All set to lead off with our first in a four-part series of extensive October 2019 ratings overviews, we’re in the batter’s box taking our third and final swing this calendar year at the performance of Major League Baseball radio flagships.
The following scoreboards are for an MLB team’s English-language, Nielsen Audio subscribing key station during the October 2019 sweep (September 12 – October 9).
Unlike most of our other such overviews, however, this particular one comes with some unique ground rules and fine-print.
While some MLB teams have an AM and FM flagship and/or an emergency alternative (backup), we show one “designated hitter” per team.
Mirroring the one-station-per-team model, no MLB flagship in this analysis has ratings data from multiple Nielsen Audio metros.
Therefore, stats for the primary stations of the Mets (WCBS-AM) and Yankees (WFAN) are limited to their home market of New York City, even though one or both of those stations may appear in ratings reports for Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) and/or Middlesex-Somerset-Union.
The same applies to the primary station of the San Francisco Giants, Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR. It is listed in both San Francisco and San Jose but only information from the San Francisco report is used here.
Things get a bit trickier regarding the Los Angeles Angels. Its main radio home – KLAA – has studios and offices at Anaheim Stadium but is unlisted in both the Los Angeles and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario reports (October 2019). As a result, we are using data from another Angels Radio Network station throughout this entire overview, KSPN “ESPN LA 710.”
No ratings information is available/shown for either the flagship of the American League East’s Toronto Blue Jays (CJCL) or the American League West’s Oakland Athletics (KTRB).
Data cited here is not limited to any specific day-part. All stats are full-week, Monday – Sunday, 6:00 am – 12:00 midnight (6+).
With that out of the way, it’s time for the first pitch.
October PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round Four
October 2019 PPM Data – Information for the October 2019 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis,
Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s October 2019 survey period covered September 12 – October 9. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.
Austin
Spoken-Word Formats – When Sinclair Telecable news/talk KLBJ-AM gained six-tenths in August to 4.8 (6+), it marked the station’s best 6+-performance in more than six years (5.0, June 2013). Bouncing back from September’s half-share loss with an October +.7 (4.8 – 4.3 – 5.0, tenth to sixth, 6+), “News Radio 590” matches that June 2013 5.0 (6+). Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” repeats September’s .3 (#26, 6+).
An overall +1.1 through four straight improvements (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.4, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” advances from #15 to #14. More than doubling (+.5) its 6+ AQH-share in five straight reports without a loss (.4 – .5 – .5 – .7 – .8 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” continues at #25.
Truly roaring back from September’s loss of six-tenths with an astonishing +2.0 (7.3 – 9.3, 6+), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT progresses from second to first with its highest 6+-performance (9.3) since March (9.5). Among KUT’s shifts this calendar year include: +1.6 (January); -.6 (February); +.7 (March); -2.0 (April); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August) -.6 (September); and +2.0 (October).
Austin Music Formats – On the heels of September’s massive +1.7 to 5.0 (6+), iHeartMedia’s country KVET-FM adds another half-share (5.5, 6+) and leaps from sixth to third. September’s 5.5 is the best 6+-showing for “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” since May, when it gained nine-tenths to 5.8 (6+). Following that uptick, however, KVET-FM was an overall -2.5 via three successive significant setbacks (5.8 – 5.2 – 4.5 – 3.3, 6+). Prior to August’s 3.3, “98.1 The Austin Texas Original,” which was +1.2 in January (5.0 – 6.2, 6+), hadn’t been below a four-share (6+) in more than six years (3.1, February 2013). Also boosting by one-half share in October is Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KFMK “Spirit 105.9,” which reaches the five-share level (6+) and posts its fourth straight increase for an overall +2.2 (2.8 – 3.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0, ninth to sixth, 6+). In addition to being a collective -1.2 in four straight dips (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), Emmis Austin Radio Broadcasting Company adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob-FM” segues to #2 after six consecutive months at #1. June’s 9.3 was its highest 6+ share since “Holiday” 2018 (also 9.3). Prior to this past April, the last time “Bob” occupied the top spot was December 2018 (8.3, 6+). More than doubling (+.9) its 6+ AQH-share in four consecutive up or flat moves (.7 – .8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLJA “Amor 107.7” advances from #19 to #18. Immediately after logging September’s +1.1 to 3.1, its highest 6+-stat since November 2018 (3.1, as well), regional Mexican cluster-mate KLQB surrenders -1.0 (2.1, #14 to #15, 6+). Entering the September sweep, “Que Buena 104.3” was off an overall four-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+). Similarly-formatted KLZT, which was a combined +1.3 in August/September (4.0 – 4.3 – 5.3, 6+), falters by one-half share to 4.8 (fourth to eighth, 6+). Directly following March’s +1.2, “107.1 La Z” was a collective -2.7 in four straight decreases (6.7 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). A combined +.6 in August/September (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHFI surrenders seven-tenths (fifth to ninth) as “96.7 Kiss-FM Austin’s #1 Hit Music Station” has its lowest 6+-stat (4.5) since January’s 4.3. As a result of six successive reports without a loss, Emmis Austin Radio Broadcasting Company alternative KROX was a collective +2.1 (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.7, 6+); however “101-X” drops four-tenths in October (4.3, seventh to tenth, 6+). With a 4.7 in September 2019, KROX reached the four-share level (6+) for the first time since September 2018’s 4.0). Directly after May/June’s combined +1.1 (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Entercom hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7” is an overall -2.8 in four straight setbacks (6.4 – 5.9 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 3.6, #11 to #12, 6+).
Raleigh
Spoken-Word Formats – Progressing from eighth to seventh, iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” is an overall +1.3 in
three straight upticks (4.7 – 5.2 -5.4 – 6.0, 6+). On the other hand, Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” has lost nine-tenths as a result of four consecutive reports without an increase (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.0, #17 to #18, 6+).
In consecutive months, Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” notches a gain of four-tenths (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+). After finishing at #15 five months in a row, Raleigh’s “Fan” now repeats at #14. September’s increase halted five straight down or flat moves that resulted in a loss of three tenths (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted model of consistency WDNC “620 The Ticket” has an August 2018 through October 2019 topline of: .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 (flat at #25, 6+).
After posting an August +1.0 and then a September -1.1, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” levels off with a +.1 (7.4 – 7.5, flat at #3), 6+). August 2019’s 8.5 was its best 6+-stat since 8.8 in August 2018.
Raleigh Music Formats – Making September’s loss of seven-tenths disappear is Radio One gospel WNNL “The Light 103.9 – The Triangle’s Inspiration Station,” which posts an October increase of the same magnitude (5.2 – 4.5 – 5.2, +.7, tenth to ninth, 6+). The 5.2 in August 2019 and October 2019 is WNNL’s strongest 6+-stat since October 2018 (5.2, as well). Immediately prior to the September ratings period, “The Light” was a collective +1.5 via seven consecutive up or flat moves (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+). Jumping seven-tenths as well in October is Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW-FM “Pulse FM” (4.2 – 4.9, unchanged at #11, 6+), which records its best 6+-stat since June 2017 (also 4.9). Replicating September’s increase of six-tenths, iHeartMedia’s WNCB “B-93.9 #1 For New Country” crosses the four-share level and climbs from #13 to #12 (3.5 – 4.1, 6+). Its April 2019 through August 2019 topline was: 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.9 (6+). After having its 6+ AQH share sliced by roughly 72% (-2.3) as a result of nine negative or neutral Raleigh reports in succession (3.2 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.3 – .9, 6+), Curtis Media Group-owned regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” applies the brakes with a +.1 to 1.0 (#20 to #18, 6+). While it repeats at #1, Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” erases August/September’s +.6 (8.2 – 8.4 – 8.8, 6+) with a -.6 to 8.2 (6+). “Foxy” spent 12 consecutive survey periods on top; had an August-only stay at #2; and returned to #1 in September. Its August gain of two-tenths ended six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -2.8 (11.0 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+). Seven recent WFXC (6+) fluctuations include: +.9 (November 2018); -1.5 (December); +1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.1 (February); -.6 (July); and -.6 (October). January’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Remaining in fourth-place, Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB “96.1 BBB Your Life – Your Music” is in an up/down pattern that began in June (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 6.3, 6+).
Indianapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – Down a combined seven tenths in September/October (6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” falls from fourth to sixth. Recent WIBC shifts include: +1.0 (October 2018); +.7 (November); -.9 (December); -.9 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); -1.2 (April); +.9 (June); +.5 (August); and -.5 (October).
Adding one-tenth to September’s +.8 (1.7 – 2.5 – 2.6, 6+), Emmis-owned WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” climbs from #16 to #15. The June 2019 through October 2019 topline for iHeartMedia’s WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” is: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 (flat at #18, 6+). Cumulus Media’s WXNT “CBS Sports AM 1430” logged a .1 (6+) in July and August; disappeared from print in September; and returns in October with a .1 (#22, 6+).
After surrendering one-half share in September, Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI bounces back with a +.4 (4.8 – 5.2, eighth to seventh, 6+).
Indianapolis Music Formats – It is a mixed bag for the market’s two major FM country players as Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank” obliterates August/September’s -1.2 (7.2 – 7.1 – 6.0, 6+) with a robust +1.3 to 7.3 (sixth to third, 6+). Prior to July’s 7.2, “Hank” last reached the seven-share threshold in May 2018 (7.1); WLHK was a combined +1.1 in June/July (6.1 – 6.2 – 7.2, 6+). Its format rival, Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station,” was a combined -.7 in July/August (7.6 – 7.5 – 6.9, 6+); up four-tenths in September to 7.3 (6+); but is -.8 in October (6.5, third to fifth, 6+). October’s 6.5 is its lowest 6+-stat since 6.1 in “Holiday” 2018. In three straight drops, WTLC-FM was a collective -1.1 (5.5 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+) but the Radio One urban AC halts the slide with a +.8 to 5.2 (ninth to seventh, 6+). Steady at #4, iHeartMedia classic rock WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” (+.6 in October) is in an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in June: 6.7 – 5.9 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.9 (6+). Having lost roughly 42% (-2.1) of its 6+ AQH share via four straight down or flat moves (5.0 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 2.9, 6+), Cumulus Media hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix” curtails that streak with a gain of four-tenths to 3.3 (#13 to #11, 6+). Despite its October loss of seven-tenths (11.1 – 10.4, 6+), its classic hits-oldies sibling, WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5,” is #1 the tenth report in a row. WJJK’s 11.1 (July and September) represents the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing April’s 10.2. After spending six straight ratings periods on top, “Classic Hits 104.5” slipped to third in “Holiday” 2018 but returned to #1 this past January. WJJK has had some dramatic fluctuations this year including: +2.9 (January); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); +1.7 (April); +1.4 (July); -1.1 (August); +1.1 (September); and -.7 (October). The overall +.9 that Emmis adult contemporary WYXB racked up in three straight spikes (7.4 – 7.8 – 8.0 – 8.3, 6+) vanishes as “B-105.7” sputters by nine-tenths and returns to 7.4 (flat at #2, 6+). Radio One rhythmic CHR WHHH “Hot 96.3” is off a combined eight-tenths in September/October (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.4, 6+) and is unchanged in tenth-place. Logging its fourth loss in a row for an overall -1.5 (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+), Entercom CHR WZPL “99.5 ZPL” slips from seventh to ninth.
Milwaukee
Spoken-Word Formats – Not only does Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ tack on nine-tenths to September’s +.4 (7.5 – 8.4, 6+),
“Wisconsin’s Radio Station” darts from third to first. Immediately prior to this, the flagship of the Brewers and Packers was -2.3 in three straight setbacks (9.4 – 8.7 – 7.6 – 7.1, 6+). Repeating in eighth-place, iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” is up four-tenths in September/October (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0, 6+), directly after a collective -1.1 through three decreases in succession (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+).
By breaking out a +.9 to 1.6 (6+), iHeartMedia’s WRNW more than doubles September’s .7 (6+) as “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” jumps from #18 to #14. Its last time in double-digits was December 2018 (2.8, 6+) when WRNW was a CHR. Tied at #20 – all with .7 (6+) – are Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN”; Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan”; and iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920.” WKTI had gained two-tenths in three straight up or flat moves (.6 – .7 – .7 – .8, 6+). “The Fan” has improved by one-tenth in three sweeps in a row (.4 – .5 – .6 – .7, 6+). Until posting a half-share increase to October’s .7 (6+), “The Big 920” logged a .2 (6+) in six straight sweeps and eight of the last nine.
Up one-half share in three straight positive or neutral moves (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM remains at #13. Despite being up six-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (.8 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.4, 6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD backslides from #15 to #17.
Milwaukee Music Formats – Adding six-tenths to September’s +.3 (4.1 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+), Saga Communications’ WHQG “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” advances from ninth to eighth. Debuting in print with a 1.1 (6+), Magnum Radio’s WVTY “Country 92.1 VTY” checks in at #19. After four months in a row at #1, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” (9.6 – 8.3, -1.3, 6+) segues to #2 with its lowest 6+-figure (8.3) since December 2018’s 7.7. A combined +1.1 in June/July (8.6 – 9.4 – 9.7, 6+), WRIT occupied the lead position five straight sweeps before dropping to second in May. Having spent 43 consecutive ratings periods at #1, “Big FM” shifted to #2 in October 2018. “Holiday” 2018’s 11.5 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Nine of its recent (6+) moves are: -1.0 (December); +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); – 1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); +.8 (June); and -1.3 (October). Repeating at #10, Entercom CHR WXSS “103.7 Kiss-FM” is an overall -1.4 as a result of four straight down or flat trends (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+) and has its softest 6+-stat since May 2018 (4.1, as well). This is the eighth straight sweep without an increase for Alpha Media’s WIIL, which has lost three-tenths in that February 2019 through October 2019 timeframe (.8 – .8 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+); “95 WIIL Rock” falls from #21 to #23.
Nashville
Spoken-Word Formats – It’s another good month for Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN, which is now +1.1 as a result of five successive sweeps without a loss (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2, 6+); “Super Talk 99.7” repeats at #12. A combined +.4 in September/October (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” remains at #17; 1.8 (in July and October) is its best 6+-stat in four years (2.0, October 2015).
As a result of four straight spikes, Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) is a collective +2.4 (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+) and jumps from tenth to eighth. Prior to June, the last time WGFX fell below a three-share (6+) was July 2017 (2.7, as well). By adding three-tenths in consecutive sweeps, Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” nearly doubles August’s 6+ share (.7 – 1.0 – 1.3, #20 to #19, 6+).
Following August/September’s combined +1.8 (5.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” relinquishes more than half that increase (5.9, -1.0, third to sixth, 6+). The news/talk/classical hybrid outlet was a combined +1.2 in May/June (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+) but lost one-half share in July (5.6 – 5.1, 6+).
Nashville Music Formats – Substituting September’s loss of seven-tenths (3.1 – 2.4, 6+) with an October +1.0 (3.4, 6+), Cromwell-owned WBUZ “102.9 The Buzz – Nashville’s Rock Station” proceeds from #14 to #13 with its best 6+-stat since last November (3.4, as well). There’s good news/bad news in the Midwest Communications cluster involving adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” and adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM Playing What We Want.” After being on top the past five months, “Mix” – a collective -2.2 in three straight setbacks (9.8 – 9.5 – 9.2 – 7.6, 6+) – falls to the runner-up slot. This particular streak directly follows an overall +1.6 in three successive spikes (8.2 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.8, 6+). Eight recent (6+) WJXA fluctuations include: +1.9 (December 2018); +3.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); -.5 (March); -.6 (April); +1.0 (May); and -1.6 (October). WJXA’s “Holiday” 2018’s 14.1 is the highest 6+-share by any Nashville outlet since its 14.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Prior to its current 7.6, “Mix” last fell below an eight-share (6+) in January 2018 (7.7). Succeeding WJXA is (aforementioned) co-owned “Jack,” which is +2.1 in three successive upticks (6.8 – 8.0 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+). It is the first time at #1 for Nashville’s version of “Jack” since April, when WCJK logged an 8.4 (6+). Improving by one-half share each are iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUBT “101.1 The Beat” (fifth to third); its CHR sibling WRVW “107.5 The River” (sixth to fourth); and Cumulus Media country WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” (5.0, #11 to #9, 6+). In three straight up or flat trends “The Beat” has gained nine-tenths (5.6 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+), while “The River” has picked up nine-tenths as well in four successive reports without a loss (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+). Meanwhile, “Nash Icon” had lost an overall seven-tenths in four straight down or flat sweeps (5.2 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Unchanged at #7, iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” is a collective -1.0 as a result of three drops in a row (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2, 6+), immediately after its +2.7 in seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.2, 6+). “The Big 98” reached the six-share level (July 2019, 6.2, 6+) for the first time since April 2017’s 6.1. Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WLVU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” which notched three improvements in a row for a collective +1.5 (2.0 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.5, 6+), forfeits 60% of that increase (2.6, -.9, #13 to #14, 6+); September’s 3.5 was its highest 6+-stat since April’s 3.7. Meanwhile, Salem Media Group’s similarly formatted WFFH “The Fish” has relinquished approximately 47% (-2.1) of its 6+-share as a result of four down or flat moves in a row (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.2 – 2.4 – 2.4, #14 to #16, 6+). This directly follows a collective +1.0 via four straight increases (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). An overall +1.3 via four bumps in a row (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.5, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” is now a combined -.8 in September/October (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7 (eighth to tenth, 6+). In August, “92-Q” reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (5.5, as well). An overall -1.6 in three straight setbacks (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.5 – 6.2, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rock WNRQ “105.9 The Rock” repeats in fourth-place.
Providence
Spoken-Word Formats –Down six-tenths in September/October (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM “News Talk 630”
carries on in eighth-place. August’s +.3 halted three consecutive down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). Without an increase the eighth time in a row for an approximately three-fourths reduction (-1.6) of its 6+-AQH share (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – .9 – .9 – .7 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” repeats at #19. Flat at #20, Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” has lost four-tenths via five consecutive negative or neutral moves (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3, 6+).
Anchored in seventh-place, Entercom sports talker WVEI continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in February: 4.1- 3.6 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.8 (6+). July’s 3.1 is its lowest 6+-stat since March 2018’s 2.8.
Following five consecutive ratings periods without an increase that led to a loss of four-tenths in that timeframe (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston news – talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” posts a half-share increase to 1.4 (#18 to #13, 6+).
A combined -.4 in August/September (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8, 6+) following July’s +.6, WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH busts out a +.8 to 2.6 (6+) and reenters Providence’s top ten (#11 to #9). In six consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), The Wheeler School’s news/talk WELH has lost six-tenths but advances from #14 to #13.
Providence Music Formats – Albeit down one-tenth (9.3 – 9.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” repeats at #1. After occupying the lead position three months in a row, WHJY shifted to the runner-up slot in August; “94 HJY” was +.7 in September. A combined -1.6 in July/August (10.2 – 9.8 – 8.6, 6+), WHJY lost nine-tenths in April, forcing it from the penthouse after three straight months there. The decline halted four consecutive positive or flat moves that netted a +2.0 (8.5 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 10.5, 6+). Nine recent (6+) shifts for co-owned hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” include: -.9 (November 2018); -1.0 (Holiday” 2018); +.5 (March); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); +1.4 (July); -.5 (August); +.5 (September); and -.6 in October (5.7 – 5.1, flat at #6, 6+). Prior to June’s loss of seven-tenths, WSNE was a collective +1.2 in three consecutive improvements (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+). Hall Broadcasting country WCTK follows September’s -1.0 (9.3 – 8.3, 6+) with a -.5 to 7.8 (flat at #3, 6+). Entering the September sweep, “Cat Country 98.1” was a collective +1.7 in three straight upticks (7.6 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3, 6+), with August’s 9.3 (#1, 6+) representing its highest 6+-share since 10.1 in July 2018. Unlisted for the fourth month in a row are Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3,” which posted a 1.2 in June (#16, 6+) and classic hits-oldies sibling WSKP “Good Times … Great Oldies” (.8, #19, June 2019, 6+).
Norfolk
Spoken-Word Formats – Although flat at #12, Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” has nearly doubled (+1.0) its 6+-stat in three straight bumps (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 2.2, 6+).
Norfolk Music Formats – Not only is Entercom urban AC WVKL #1 the tenth consecutive month, “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” adds six-tenths to September’s massive +2.3 (9.1 – 11.4 – 12.0, 6+). A combined -2.3 in July/August (11.4 – 10.0 – 9.1, 6+), WVKL last failed to log double-digits (6+) in January 2014 (9.8). “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” had been the market pacesetter 25 successive survey periods before segueing to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018. Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. Saga Communications’ WAFX “106.9 The Fox – Hampton Roads’ Classic Rock,” which was -3.0 in three setbacks in succession (8.2 – 7.0 – 6.6 – 5.2, 6+), ends the slide with a +.5 to 5.7 (6+) and continues at #4. Prior to September’s 5.2, “The Fox” last fell below a six-share (6+) in December 2018 (5.5). Three straight spikes by Max Broadcast Group adult contemporary WVBW yield a +1.7 (3.4 – 4.2 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+) as “92.9 The Wave” progresses from seventh to fifth. It is tied with Entercom’s similarly-formatted WWDE “101.3 2WD” (4.9 – 5.1, +.2, sixth to fifth, 6+). WWDE was a combined +.6 in July/August (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.0, 6+) and then off one-tenth in September. Without a decrease March 2019 through September 2019 and +3.2 in that stretch (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 8.9 – 9.1, 6+), Saga Communications’ WNOR “FM 99 Rocks” forfeits exactly half that bounty with an October -1.6 to 7.5 (second to third, 6+). September’s 9.1 marked the first time in the PPM-era that WNOR appeared in print with a 6+-share reaching the nine-share level (6+). Adult standards cluster-mate WJOI “Great Songs – Great Memories,” which had been trending 1.2 – .9 – 1.2 (6+), erodes by nine-tenths to .3 (#16 to #17, 6+). The three most recent shifts by Max Broadcast Group’s country WGH-FM “97.3 The Eagle” are: -.6 (August); +.9 (September); and -.8 in October (4.7 – 4.1 – 5.0 – 4.2, fifth to seventh, 6+).
Jacksonville
Spoken-Word Formats – Three straight positive spikes by WOKV-FM netted a +2.9 (7.5 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 10.4, 6+), but the Cox Media
Group news/talk outlet surrenders a -1.0 in October to 9.4 (6+). Nonetheless, “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” is #1 the fourth month in a row. July’s increase halted five consecutive down or flat sweeps that accounted for a collective -2.9 (10.4 – 9.7 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.6 – 7.5, 6+).
More than quadrupling (+.7) its 6+ AQH share since June in three straight gains (.2 – .5 – .7 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “97.3 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” repeats at #18. August’s +.3 halted nine consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a net loss of 75% (-.6) of its 6+-stat (.8 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3 -.3 – .2 – .2, 6+).
Unchanged at #11, public radio news/talk WJCT, which lost nine-tenths in five consecutive down or flat trends (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+), is a combined +.4 in September/October (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2, 6+).
Jacksonville Music Formats – Boasting September 2019 – October 2019 improvements of nine-tenths each are iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 Jacksonville’s Country” (fifth to fourth) and Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCRJ “HIS Radio” (2.1, #17 to #15). WQIK is a combined +1.1 in September/October (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.5, 6+); WCRJ had been trending 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.2 (6+). WQIK’s format rival, Renda Broadcasting’s WGNE “99.9 Jacksonville’s Hottest Country,” is down six-tenths in September/October (4.7 – 4.5 – 4.1, ninth to tenth, 6+). Up a cumulative eight-tenths via three straight up or flat trends (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.4, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL “V-101.5” pushes up from eighth to sixth with its best 6+-stat (5.4) since May’s 5.7. Conversely, urban contemporary sibling WJBT “93.3 The Beat” sputters the third time in a row for an overall –1.6 (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.0, fifth to eighth, 6+). Repeating in ninth-place, co-owned gospel WKSL-HD3 is +1.2 via four straight up or flat moves (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+). Even though cluster-mate WWJK is without an increase the fourth consecutive report for a net loss of seven-tenths (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+), “107.3 Planet Radio – Jacksonville’s Rock Station” climbs from #13 to #12.
West Palm Beach
Spoken-Word Formats – Regaining the two-tenths it lost in September (4.0 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” pushes up from sixth to fifth. Prior to September, WJNO was an overall +2.0 in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+). Co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches,” which was down one-tenth in September, picks up four-tenths (2.0 – 2.4, 2.4, #13 to #10, 6+). August’s +.2 halted three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). By dropping nine-tenths to 1.8 (6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL not only suspends four straight boosts that netted a +1.0 (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+), “News Talk 850” drifts from #10 to #14. September’s 2.7 was its strongest 6+-stat since December 2018’s 2.9. Repeating at #21, iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD “610 News Radio” is trending 1.0 – .7 – .8 (6+).
After doubling (+.3) its 6+ share in three straight sweeps without a loss (.3 – .3 – .4 – .6, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” drops one-tenth to .5 (flat at #22, 6+). This is the 15th sweep in a row iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WBZT “1230 The Zone” has been a “no-show.”
The alternating down/up March 2019 through October 2019 topline for Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN is: 3.1 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.8 (flat at #9, 6+).
West Palm Beach Music Formats – Bouncing back from September’s loss of one-half share (3.6 – 3.1, 6+) with an October spike of nine-tenths to 4.0 (6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIRK “New Country 103.1” jumps from eighth to fifth. This (4.0) is its best 6+-showing since September 2018’s 4.2. Four consecutive decreases by hot AC cluster-mate WRMF that resulted in a -3.4 (11.2 – 9.0 – 8.8 – 8.2 – 7.8, 6+) are directly followed by an overall +1.4 via three straight gains (7.8 – 8.3 – 8.5 – 9.2, 6+). Moreover, WRMF “Variety from the 90s and Now” is #1 the tenth time in a row. Whereas July’s 7.8 is WRMF’s lowest 6+-share and first time below an eight-share (6+) since “Holiday” 2016 (7.7), 11.2 in March is its best 6+-showing since November 2017 (11.2, as well). Emphatically wiping out its August/September +.7 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+) with an October -1.4, iHeartMedia CHR WLDI “Wild 95.5” slips from third to seventh with its lowest 6+-figure (3.3) since February’s 3.0. Miami CHR sibling WHYI “Y-100,” which had been within 2.0 – 2.6 range (6+) the last five ratings periods (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+), falters by six-tenths to 1.9 (6+) but continues at #12. A collective +.7 in three straight sweeps without a loss (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9” surrenders two-tenths to 1.5 (6+) but remains at #15. In the adult contemporary arena, iHeartMedia-owned WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” loses one-tenth (6.9 – 6.8, unchanged at #2, 6+), while Hubbard Broadcasting’s WEAT-FM “Sunny 107.9” adds two-tenths (4.4 – 4.6, fourth to third, 6+). WOLL was -.8 (July); +1.0 (August); and -.5 in September. Whereas August 2019’s 7.4 is the best 6+-showing for “Kool” since July 2016’s 7.5, July 2019’s 6.4 (6+) is its softest since March (6.4, as well). “Sunny” was a massive -2.2 in August/September (6.6 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). Prior to September, the last time WEAT fell below a five-share (6+) was in October 2018 (4.6). When “Sunny” gained one-tenth in July, it suspended three straight decreases that accounted for an overall -1.7 (8.2 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). In three improvements in succession, Moody Bible Institute gospel/religious teaching WRMB “89.3 Moody Radio” doubles (+.7) its 6+-figure (.7 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.4, #19 to #16 , 6+) and has its highest 6+-stat (1.4) since March (1.5).
Greensboro
Spoken-Word Formats – Answering September’s -1.3 with an October improvement of six-tenths (to 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk
WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). August’s 4.3 is its best 6+-stat since February (4.4).
Up one-tenth (.8 – .9, 6+), Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” climbs from #16 to #15.
Even though it drops three-tenths (2.4 – 2.1, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” is locked at #13 the 18th consecutive ratings period. In six consecutive reports without a loss, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC has more than tripled (+1.2) its 6+ AQH-share (.5 – .8 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, steady at #14, 6+).
Greensboro Music Formats – Powered by a +1.4 (8.9 – 10.3, steady at #2, 6+), Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” is back in double-digits (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (10.3, as well). In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia-owned WMKS “100.3 Kiss-FM All the Hits” is +1.1 in September/October (2.9 – 3.1 – 4.0, tenth to ninth, 6+), reaching the four-share level (4.0, 6+) for the first time since April (4.6). At the same time that “Kiss” notches an October +.9, Dick Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WKZL “107.5 KZL The #1 Hit Music Station” erodes by that magnitude (6.0 – 5.1, sixth to eighth, 6+). The loss curtails three straight up or flat trends that (appropriately) netted nine-tenths (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.0, 6+). September’s 6.0 is its best 6+-stat since January’s 6.3. WKZL has prevailed over WMKS in all 10 head-to-head battles this year; the closest was in April when WKZL beat “Kiss” by six-tenths (5.2 to 4.6, 6+). As a result of adding eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.7, 6+), WKZL’s sibling, WKRR “Rock 92,” leaps from seventh to fourth. Without a loss three times in succession for a collective +2.1 (8.8 – 9.5 – 10.9 – 10.9, 6+), Entercom adult hits WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” has been on top in March, June, August, September, and October. Among its 2019 (6+) fluctuations are: +.9 (January); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); -1.6 (April); +1.1 (May); +.5 (June); -1.0 (July); +.7 (August); and +1.4 (September). Prior to its March stay at #1, WSMW last reached the top in August 2016 when it logged a 10.5 (6+). In addition to the market’s (6+) country share shrinking by -2.3, the two key players are deadlocked. More to the point, Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” takes the bulk of the hit (6.8 – 5.2, -1.6, fourth to sixth, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” is -.7 (5.9 – 5.2, seventh to sixth, 6+). In September, “The Wolf” replicated August’s +.8 and posted its best 6+-stat (6.8) since October 2017’s 7.1. August/September’s +1.6 came directly after WPAW was down or flat three reports in a row for an overall loss of one-half share (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.2, 6+). Up six-tenths in August, WTQR had a May 2019 through September topline of: 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 (6+). In three straight sweeps without an increase, “Q-104.1” was a cumulative -1.0 (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), but erased 70% of that deficit in May with a +.7 to 5.7 (6+). Over the course of the last 18 sweeps (June 2018 through October 2019), WTQR has triumphed over WPAW ten times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, May, and July); WPAW has come out on top six times (December 2018, February 2019, March, April, August, and September; and there have been two ties (June 2019 and October 2019). Immediately after busting out a September +1.0 to 7.6 (6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WJMH “102 Jamz” relinquishes 70% of the increase (6.9, -.7, flat at #3, 6+). Five straight upticks by WVBZ netted +2.3 (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+) but the iHeartMedia-owned rocker is now a combined -1.3 in September/October (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+); “105.7 – Man Up” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). WVBZ reached the four-share level (4.1, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 4.0.
Memphis
Spoken-Word Formats – Following four consecutive increases that yielded a +1.1 (4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WREC “600 AM – Memphis’ News, Traffic, & Weather” drops seven-tenths to 4.5 (sixth to seventh, 6+).
Repeating at #12, Entercom sports talk WMFS “ESPN Sports Radio” is a combined +.7 in September/October (2.3 – 2.6 – 3.0, 6+). September’s increase suspended seven consecutive down or flat trends that led to a collective -1.7 (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.3, 6+) as well as its lowest 6+-stat (2.3) since July 2018. Co-owned WMC-AM “ESPN 790” is now up or (mostly) flat the 13th straight time for a net gain of three-tenths (.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 -.1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .3 – .4 , flat at #20, 6+).
Memphis Music Formats – Off six-tenths in August/September (10.1 – 9.8 – 9.5, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS “V-101” responds with a +1.0 in October to 10.5 (6+) and is #1 the 12th time in a row. July’s increase of three-tenths ended four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a -1.8 (11.6 – 11.4 – 10.4 – 10.4 – 9.8, 6+). Prior to June’s loss of six-tenths to 9.8 (6+), KJMS reached double-digits (6+) 14 successive ratings periods. “Holiday” 2018’s 12.8 is the highest 6+-share since December 2012’s 13.5 for “V-101,” which was +2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (10.5 – 11.5 – 12.8, 6+). Cumulus Media’s WXMX “Maximum Rock 98.1 The Max” is +1.2 (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.7, 6+) in September/October and jumps from tenth to sixth. After logging three consecutive downturns that accounted for a net loss of eight-tenths (4.3 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom’s country-formatted WLFP “94.1 The Wolf” recaptures seven-tenths (4.2, 6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #9). In addition to exiting the top ten (#8 to #11), hot AC cluster-mate WMC-FM “FM 100 Today’s Best Mix” is an overall -1.5 via three drops in succession (5.2 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 3.7, 6+) and falls below a four-share (3.7) for the first time since April’s 3.8. Off one-half share each are iHeartMedia classic rock and urban-rhythmic siblings WEGR “Rock 102.7” (seventh to eighth) and WDIA “1070 The Heart & Soul of Memphis” (flat at #13). “Rock 102.7” is down nine-tenths in September/October (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+), while WDIA is an overall –1.5 as a result of three straight decreases (3.4 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+).
Hartford
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of September’s robust +1.2 (6.2 – 7.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk WTIC-AM “News Talk 1080” is
level at 7.4 (6+) but slips from second to third. Red Wolf Broadcasting news/talk WDRC-AM “AM 1360 The Talk of Connecticut” continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in April: .9 – .8 – 1.0 – .5 – .6 – .4 – .7 (steady at #14, 6+). For the 17th survey period in a row, iHeartMedia’s WPOP “News Radio 1410” logs a .1 (6+) and is anchored at #16; WPOP was a “no-show” in June 2018.
Off one-tenth (1.7 – 1.6, 6+) after September’s increase of two-tenths, iHeartMedia sports talk WUCS “97.9 ESPN Hartford” continues at #12.
In the last three sweeps, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network news/talk WNPR had a shift of one-tenth (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). In October, “Connecticut’s Public Media Source for News & Ideas” gains two-tenths to 4.5 and is steady at #9. Flat at #13, University of Massachusetts-owned WFCR “New England Public Radio” returns September’s spike of three-tenths (.8 – 1.1 – .8, 6+).
Hartford Music Formats – An increase of seven-tenths enables Red Wolf Broadcasting classic rock WDRC-FM “102.9 The Whale” to cross the seven-share threshold (6.5 – 7.2, fifth to fourth, 6+). Off seven-tenths in August/September (7.9 – 7.2 – 7.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WWYZ “Country 92.5” bounces back with a half-share increase to 7.7 (third to second, 6+). Although down six-tenths to 10.1 (6+), Entercom adult contemporary WRCH “Lite 100.5” is #1 the 40th consecutive time. Its August/September +1.3 (9.4 – 9.5 – 10.7, 6+) basically wiped away June/July’s -1.4 (10.8 – 10.4 – 9.4, 6+). Eight recent (6+) WRCH shifts include: +1.8 (December 2018); -6.9 (January 2019); +1.0 (February); -1.0 (March); -1.3 (April); +1.0 (May); -1.0 (July); and +1.2 (September). “Holiday” 2018’s +5.6 was to 18.0, the strongest 6+-showing for any Hartford station since WRCH recorded an 18.3 in “Holiday” 2017). Prior to slipping to 9.8 in April, “Lite” was in double-digits (6+) in 30 of the previous 32 sweeps. Owing to four straight negative or neutral sweeps, iHeartMedia CHR WKSS “Kiss 95.7 All The Hits” is an overall -1.2 and falls below a six-share (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 5.7, fifth to eighth, 6+). Entercom adult contemporary WMAS-FM, which ranked #12 in July (1.5, 6+), is unlisted for the third month in a row. Down or flat the fourth time in a row for a cumulative -1.4 (7.2 – 7.2 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+), classic hits-oldies cluster-mate WHCN “105.9 The River” continues in seventh-place.
September 2019 PPM Analysis: News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — An in-depth analysis of (commercial, English-language) news/talk stations concludes our four-part series of September 2019 overviews.
If a commercial, English-language news/talk outlet (including its online stream, if applicable) appeared in any of Nielsen Audio’s 48 PPM-markets (6+, September 2019), it is included in this wide-ranging overview. Thus, there are no ratings restrictions in this particular synopsis.
Unless otherwise noted, information for each station and stream was factored into all of our highlighted charts.
September 2019 PPM Analysis: Hot AC
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Last week’s extensive September 2019 ratings overviews dealt with two spoken-word arena formats: all-news (Thursday, 10/10) and sports talk (Friday, 10/11).
Waiting on deck is our thorough examination of news/talk; however, in advance of that, we turn our attention to hot AC.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from hot AC stations that rank in the top 20 in any PPM market (6+, September 2019).
Over and above that ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services.
Thus, ratings stats in this and our other analyses are limited to facilities that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
September 2019 PPM Analysis:
Sports Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Sports talk takes center stage in the second of our four-part comprehensive series of September 2019 PPM overviews.
The following scoreboards are comprised of sports talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in any of the 48 PPM-markets during the September 2019 sweep, which covered August 15 through September 11.
Ratings information in this exclusive analysis is limited to sports talk properties that subscribe to Nielsen Audio’s audience estimates.
September 2019 PPM Analysis:
The All-News Format
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — A synopsis of all-news stations begins our wide-ranging four-part series of September 2019 ratings recaps.
The following scoreboards reflect data from all-news properties that appear in the top 20 (6+) in September 2019, a sweep that covered August 15 – September 11.
Nielsen Audio releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. As a result, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations paying that company for its data.
All but three stations listed in this format overview are Entercom-owned properties.
Non-Entercom all-news operations in this report are iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston (also listed in Providence); WTOP-FM, Washington, DC (Hubbard Broadcasting); and KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group).
Monday Memo: Weekend Talkers, Non-Stop Callers
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — This week, part 3 of a series outlining best practices for attorneys, realtors, veterinarians, financial advisors, and other professional services providers who broker weekend talk radio time to round-up new clients.
- ICYMI: In too many cases, the station isn’t doing all it should to help produce results. If you missed part 1, which included a helpful podcast, click here.
- Last week: Filling your “Sales Funnel,” converting listeners to callers to customers: click here.
- This week: How a simple tool that you already use can light-up your show.
Monday Memo: Play the Hits
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Last week here, we detailed a negotiating strategy for attorneys, realtors, veterinarians, financial advisors, and other professional services providers who broker weekend talk radio time to round-up new clients. In too many cases, the station isn’t doing all it should to help produce results. If you missed that column, which included a helpful podcast, click here.
August 2019 Spoken-Word Pacesetters: DC, Boston, Minneapolis
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Earlier this month, we posted August 2019 ratings overviews for all-news (9/12); sports talk (9/13); and public radio news/talk (9/16).
Given that our definition of spoken-word includes commercial English-language news/talk outlets; all-news facilities (including business news); sports talk; and public radio news/talk operations, the following August 2019 “Ratings Extra” marks the first time in our years of doing such comprehensive individual monthly format synopses that we gauge the temperature of spoken-word stations as a complete entity in all 48 PPM-markets.
Admittedly, that last category – “public radio news/talk” – can be tricky.
Some stations falling under that banner are much broader in scope and could easily be labeled “variety,” as it is highly-possible listeners will hear those outlets air jazz, classical, bluegrass, and/or several other musical genres in various dayparts.
Nonetheless, programming on the majority of “public radio news/talk” stations listed here falls predominantly (if not exclusively) under the news/talk umbrella.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations subscribing to its services.
As a result, stats in this analysis are limited to facilities paying Nielsen Audio for its information.
There’s only other disclaimer: For the sake of across-the-board consistency, we have established the criteria in this particular analysis as a top 20 finish in any of the 48 PPM-markets.
August 2019 PPM Analysis:
Mainstream CHR
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Each month, we focus on three spoken-word genres and one music-intensive format: A thorough examination of mainstream CHR wraps up our four-part series that has been reviewing August 2019 ratings performances.
As was the case with the three heretofore published overviews of spoken-word formats (all-news, sports talk, and public radio news/talk), our mainstream CHR analysis is comprised of data from PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (August 2019, 6+).
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive mainstream CHR breakdown are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
The company’s August 2019 ratings period covered July 18 – August 14.
August 2019 PPM Analysis:
Public Radio News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of comprehensive summaries of the August 2019 ratings period continues by highlighting the performance of public radio news/talk stations.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from public radio news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in any PPM-market during the aforementioned July 18 through August 14-conducted sweep.
In addition to that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations subscribing to its services.
As a result, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities paying Nielsen Audio for its information.
July 2019 PPM Analysis: Adult Hits
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Having already addressed all-news and Major League Baseball flagships, we continue our four-part series of July 2019 ratings overviews with an in-depth examination of adult hits.
This analysis is comprised of PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in the July 2019 sweep, a ratings period that covered June 20 through July 17.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. For that reason, ratings stats and information in the following charts are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Bottom-line: When indexed against aforementioned all-news and MLB flagships, the qualifying PPM-market adult hits properties in our sample claim the strongest 6+-share (5.65) and best average 6+-rank (#5.57), easily outdistancing all-news (3.63/#10.75) and MLB flagships (3.72/#12.75).
July 2019 PPM Analysis: The All-News Format
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — An overview of all-news stations kicks off our thorough four-part series of July 2019 ratings recaps.
Spoiler alert: This isn’t the greatest month you’ll ever see for the format.
That point notwithstanding, the following scoreboards reflect data from all-news properties that appear in the top 20 (6+) in July 2019, a ratings period that covered June 20 – July 17.
Nielsen Audio releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. As a result, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations paying that company for its data.
Entercom has a virtual monopoly on the all-news genre, as that company owns all but three stations listed in this format synopsis.
The exceptions are iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston (also listed in Providence); WTOP, Washington, DC (Hubbard Broadcasting); and KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group).
Monday Memo: Advertisers Believe Each Other
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI – Here is unsolicited email from an advertiser – an auto parts retailer – on one of my client stations:
“At first I was skeptical about the advertising and whether or not I would see a benefit, but I figured I would try it. For a little while I wasn’t seeing any benefit to it, but like the sales rep had said, I waited. After 6 months I started to see a specific benefit from the advertising; people were coming in and saying they heard of the store on the radio! Five years later I’m still getting new customers that hear of my business on the radio. I would highly recommend this service to any business!”
If advertisers will volunteer kudos like that without the station asking, imagine the success stories you could tell if you bothered to ask!
Testimonial spots are THE best way to fill unsold avails.
Why:
- What message do you send filling with Ad Council PSAs?
- Retailers are curious what’s working for other retailers.
- Clients who appear in testimonial spots perceive them as free advertising for their businesses.
Important: YOU should write the spot.
Why:
- It’ll get done. Your client is busy. He/she will probably ask you to anyway.
- You DO commercials, he sells auto parts.
Consider: 30s, roughly half-and-half their-message/your-message:
Client:
With the weather getting cooler, you might have some unwelcome company. Do you need “Pest Eviction,” from Thompson Exterminating?
I’m Chuck Thompson, and when I tell MY story, I tell it HERE. ConnectFM is never just on-in-the-background, so listeners HEAR my message.
Account Executive:
New customers can hear YOUR message here too! I’m Dominique. Give me 60 seconds to demonstrate? Email Tell My Story at Connect Radio dot FM. Tell My Story at Connect Radio dot FM.
Holland Cooke (HollandCooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet. He is the author of “Holland Cooke: Greatest Hits” an instant download available exclusively from Talkers Books. Click the ad banner on this page. And he hosts “The Big Picture” TV show on RT America. Read HC’s Monday Memo each week at Talkers.com, and follow him on Twitter @HollandCooke
Recipe for Better Sales Revenue: Better Sales Compensation Programs
By Bill Brady
Futures & Opinions, Inc.
President/CEO
PHOENIX — Radio sales has never been an easy job.
The challenges of selling an “intangible” against 20-to-30 other radio stations—plus every other form of media—was always difficult. Only the strongest survived and the business chewed up and spat out those who didn’t have the skill and the drive necessary to succeed.
But, while radio sales was never an easy job, it was once a good job. At one point, an A-player could make six figures and some even had barter allowances and car trades, which helped their cash income go further. Before consolidation, many top radio sales pros were livin’ large.
Monday Memo: “Hollywood,” Co-starring
AM Radio
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
WARWICK, RI — This week Showcase Cinema at Warwick Mall is herding movie-goers into side-by-side theaters showing – at the same time – “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood:” here.
Credits for “The Ninth Film From Quentin Tarantino” include Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, and (in his final performance) the late Luke Perry. Those credits should also include the late, great 93KHJ.
“How we listened to the radio back then is different than the way we listen to the radio now.”
June 2019 PPM Analysis:
Commercial News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of June 2019 overviews concludes with an in-depth analysis of commercial, English-language news/talk stations.
Included in this exhaustive analysis are all commercial, English-language news/talk outlets (including online streams, if applicable) that appeared in any of Nielsen Audio’s 48 PPM-markets (6+, June 2019).
Unless otherwise noted, information for each station and stream was factored into all of our highlighted charts.
June 2019 PPM Analysis: Alternative
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Having already posted thorough June 2019 ratings overviews for sports talk (Wednesday, 7/18) and public radio news/talk (yesterday, 7/19), we turn our attention to a similar analysis for alternative – occasionally referred to as “modern rock.”
The following scoreboards are comprised of alternative-formatted facilities that rank in the top 20 in any PPM-market (6+, June 2019).
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay that company for its data.
June 2019 PPM Analysis: Public Radio News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of detailed recaps of the June 2019 ratings period continues by highlighting performance of public radio news/talk stations.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from public radio news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in any PPM-market during that aforementioned May 23 through June 19-conducted sweep.
In addition to that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations subscribing to its services.
As a result, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities paying Nielsen Audio for its information.
Monday Memo: Show Me Your Show
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — Talk radio PDs are haunted by enthused wanna-be’s with “a GREAT idea for a weekend show.”
But they’re unproven on-air performers. Sadly, pay-for-play is now business-as-usual, and coaching is minimal at best.
Turnover hurts.
Many who do get a crack at on-air work don’t pan-out long-term. They meant well, and swore up-and-down that they’d show up, weekend after weekend. But after 60-90 days of show prep and being cooped-up in a radio station while all their friends are having a good time every weekend, they run out of gas.
March 2019 PPM Analysis:
Mainstream Rock
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Each month, we review PPM performances of three spoken-word genres and one music-intensive format.
Today’s focus is in the latter category with mainstream rock in the spotlight.
This overview is comprised of PPM-market mainstream rock facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in the March 2019 survey period, which covered February 28 through March 27.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
March 2019 PPM Analysis:
The All-News Format
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our comprehensive four-part series of March 2019 ratings recaps commences with an overview of all-news stations.
The following scoreboards reflect data from such properties that appear in the top 20 (6+) in March 2019, a ratings period that covered February 28 – March 27.
Nielsen Audio releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. As a result, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations paying that company for its data.
All but three stations listed here are owned by Entercom. The exceptions are iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston (also listed in Providence); WTOP, Washington, DC (Hubbard); and KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group).
Monday Memo: The Podcast Consumer 2019
Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI – Last week in Las Vegas, the message was unmistakable. While the National Association of Broadcasters’ mission remains advocating for FCC-licensees, the clear message to broadcasters at the NAB Show was to augment on-air with on-demand. More, ICYMI in last week’s column:
http://www.talkers.com/2019/04/08/monday-memo-2019-nab-show/
For AM/FM talkers and bloggers, “on-demand” = “podcasting,” a topic we discussed with Michael Harrison and Fred Jacobs on my TV show:
https://youtu.be/sj8PRAG99rg
February 2019 PPM Analysis: Commercial News/Talk (Part Two)
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Yesterday’s column (Monday, 4/1) addressed the national big-picture performance of commercial, English-language news/talk stations in Nielsen Audio’s February 2019 survey period.
In a follow-up piece, we dissect the format on a more localized basis.
February 2019 PPM Analysis:
Classic Rock
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — After having posted special feature February 2019 ratings overviews of sports talk stations (Wednesday, 3/27) and public radio news/talk outlets (yesterday, Thursday, 3/28), we turn our attention to classic rock.
This summary is comprised of PPM-market classic rockers that rank in the top 20 (6+) in the February 2019 ratings period, which covered January 31 – February 27.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Bottom-line matchup: The typical PPM-market classic rock station in February 2019 generally notches a 6+-share of 5.13 and finishes in sixth-place (#6.31), both stats exceeding what we previously noted in sports talk and public radio news/talk.
February 2019 PPM Analysis:
Public Radio News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of all-encompassing synopses of the February 2019 ratings period continues with a focus on public radio news/talk stations.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from public radio news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in any PPM-market during the February 2019 sweep (January 31 – February 27).
In addition to that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Thus, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities paying that company for its information.
January 2019 PPM Analysis:
Major Movers
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — In a special feature piece at about this time last month, we noted that – owing to a wildly popular programming strategy of playing wall-to-wall Christmas music from (roughly) Thanksgiving week through December 25 – Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” survey period can be known for reflecting some especially noteworthy wobbles.
The same can certainly be said for the ratings company’s January sweeps when listening habits revert to pre-Christmas levels.
If, for example, you sensed there were copious Holiday” 2018 – January 2019 (6+) improvements of nine-tenths, your perception was exceptionally well-founded, as 29 stations posted such gains.
Additionally, 21 stations registered a +1.2, while another 21 a +1.1 (Holiday” 2018 – January 2019, 6+); the January 2019 ratings period covered January 3 – 30.
The following summarizes which formats benefitted the most from turning the calendar to January and which wished the “Holiday” sweep could have continued even longer. Gold star if you blurted out “adult contemporary” for the latter.
January 2019 PPM Analysis: News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of January 2019 overviews wraps up with a comprehensive analysis of commercial, English-language news/talk properties.
Included are all commercial, English-language news/talk outlets (including their online stream, if applicable) that appeared in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, January 2019).
If Nielsen Audio listed a commercial, English-language news/talk station (or stream) in January 2019, it appears below and – unless otherwise noted – its information was factored into all of our highlighted charts.
Therefore, the only fine-print is “DNA,” meaning a station – or its stream – “Did Not Appear” (unlisted) in a particular survey period.
January 2019 PPM Analysis: Rhythmic CHR
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
Our four-part series reviewing January 2019 ratings performances continues with a thorough examination of rhythmic CHR.
Earlier recaps addressed all-news (Wednesday, 2/27) and sports talk (yesterday, 2/28).
Our rhythmic CHR analysis is comprised of data from PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+, January 2019).
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive rhythmic CHR breakdown are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
The company’s January 2019 ratings period covered January 3 – 30.
January 2019 PPM Analysis: Sports Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of comprehensive January 2019 PPM overviews continues with a look at sports talk.
The following scoreboards are comprised of sports talk facilities that rank in the top 20 in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, January 2019).
Given that Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services, ratings information in this exclusive analysis are limited to properties that pay that company for its data.
January 2019 PPM Analysis: News
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — An overview of news stations kicks off our all-encompassing four-part series of January 2019 ratings recaps – and – spoiler alert: The format had an outstanding January.
The following scoreboards reflect data from news properties that appear in the top 20 (6+) in January 2019, a ratings period that covered January 3 – 30.
Nielsen Audio releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. As a result, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations paying that company for its data.
All but three stations listed here are owned by Entercom. The exceptions are iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston (also listed in Providence); WTOP, Washington, DC (Hubbard); and KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group).
Qualifying in the Baltimore report is Entercom’s WDCH, which airs a business news format.
Monday Memo: Handling Bad News
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — OOPS. One of your hosts said WHAT??? Managers: Gaffes are inevitable, especially in talk radio. When your station stumbles:
1) Act quickly. The sooner you confront a negative story, the sooner it will be over. Responding as quickly to negative stories as you do to positive ones enhances your credibility.
2) Be honest. Hiding embarrassing information or lying will do more damage than damage control. Never stonewall, and avoid “rolling disclosure.” As several U.S. presidents have learned (is learning), the cover-up can be worse than the crime.
3) Tell your side of the story. Use specifics, and detail what corrective action “has already been taken.” You’ll sound responsible and in-control.
4) Respond in kind. If the issue is emotional, don’t sound like a cold, unemotional Mr. Spock. “I have a teenage daughter myself, and I know how much our host’s comments must have hurt.”
Holland Cooke (hollandcooke.com) is a media consultant working at the intersection of broadcasting and the Internet; he is the author of “Holland Cooke Greatest Hits” from Talkers Books; and he hosts “The Big Picture” TV show on RT America. Read HC’s Monday Memo each week at Talkers.com, and follow him on Twitter @HollandCooke
PPM Analysis: “Holiday” 2018’s
Top-Rated Stations
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — We’ve witnessed it yet again: The “Holiday” survey period hardly resembles the other 12 sweeps in a calendar year.
Nielsen Audio’s “Holiday” 2018 survey period covered December 6 (2018) – January 2 (2019) and – repeating a familiar theme – stations that played wall-to-wall Christmas music (up until December 25) reaped the benefits.
As usual, the overwhelming majority of those outlets are adult contemporary.
All the facts and figures are contained in this special report, including which formats were most adversely impacted in “Holiday” 2018.
Monday Memo: Say What?
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — “Sucks” sucks. Ditto “pissed-off,” and “friggin’” and “effen.”
Why: Protective soccer mom is her family’s Secretary of The Treasury, driving the car your advertisers want to see pull into the parking lot as a result of being on your air. She might actually use these words when young ears aren’t around. But when they’re in the minivan, you’re committing TSL suicide using language Mom doesn’t want kiddos to parrot.
“Holiday” 2018 PPM Analysis: News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — A thorough analysis of commercial, English-language news/talk properties concludes our four-part series of “Holiday” 2018 PPM overviews.
All commercial, English-language news/talk outlets (including their online stream, if applicable) that appeared in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, “Holiday” 2018) are included – there are no ratings restrictions whatsoever.
Thus, if Nielsen Audio listed a commercial, English-language news/talk station (or stream) in “Holiday” 2018, it appears below and, unless otherwise noted, its information was factored into all of our highlighted charts.
The only fine-print is “DNA,” meaning a station – or its stream – “Did Not Appear” (unlisted) in a particular survey period.
“Holiday” 2018 PPM Analysis: Adult Contemporary
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The third of four installments of our comprehensive look at “Holiday” 2018 overviews is for adult contemporary – the format that leads the way in the all-Christmas music programming strategy.
While stations from other formats engage in wall-to-wall Christmas music, adult contemporary was the originator and, by an overwhelming majority, it remains the most common proponent.
Full disclosure: Not every adult contemporary station listed here played all-Christmas music during the “Holiday” 2018 sweep and some ACs (14% of our sample) even register a December 2018 – “Holiday” 2018 decline.
Regardless if they programmed all-Christmas music roughly between Thanksgiving week and Christmas Day, all adult contemporary facilities that rank in the top 20 in a PPM-market (6+, “Holiday” 2018) comprise the following scoreboards in the industry’s most extensive overview of a “Holiday” ratings sweep.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings information in this “Holiday” 2018 report are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
“Holiday” 2018 PPM Analysis: Sports Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — As we head into Super Bowl Sunday, our four-part series of detailed “Holiday” 2018 PPM overviews continues with a look at sports talk.
The following scoreboards are comprised of sports talk facilities that rank in the top 20 in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, “Holiday” 2018).
Given that Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services, ratings information in this exclusive analysis are limited to properties that pay that company for its data.
“Holiday” 2018 PPM Analysis: All-News
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our extensive four-part series of “Holiday” 2018 ratings recaps commences with an analysis of all-news properties.
The following scoreboards reflect data from all-news stations that appear in the top 20 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, a ratings period that covered December 6 (2018) – January 2 (2019).
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. As a result, ratings stats in this exclusive overview are limited to stations paying that company for its data.
All but three stations listed here are owned by Entercom. The exceptions are iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston (also listed in Providence); WTOP, Washington, DC (Hubbard); and KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group).
Monday Memo: Improving Results from Endorsement Spots
By Holland Cooke
Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI — The news/talk stations I work with make big money doing what talk radio does best: cutting through mental clutter, with live endorsement spots delivered by familiar local on-air personalities.
And as you read in my Monday Memo three weeks ago, this technique can help sell podcast sponsorships. ICYMI: http://www.talkers.com/2019/01/07/monday-memo-podcast-ads-work/
#250 Working on Ways to Overcome Obstacles in Maximizing Direct Response Spot Success.
#250 Working on Ways to Overcome Obstacles in Maximizing Direct Response Spot Success. It is no secret that a significant percentage of talk radio advertising consists of direct response advertising and the results are tallied by the sponsors – making it even more imperative that the spots get measurable action. Considering the fact that much of the listening is done while driving, it makes it even more of a challenge to get people to make the leap from hearing an 800 phone number and actually placing the call while the thought is top of mind. The firm #250 – America’s Mobile Speed Dial has been making progress in
simplifying this process for talk shows, stations and networks across the nation by creating simple word prompted codes and phrases designed to simplify the act of calling while behind the 
wheel. Now they have taken it one step further addressing another problem. #250 chief marketing officer Dave Robinett tells TALKERS, “Accomplishing the task of making your advertiser’s phone ring is tough enough. But there are many points of ‘breakage’ after that. Phone reps can be poorly trained or rude. Client phone systems or call centers might have technical issues. Long hold times might encourage abandonment. The #250 platform recently solved a major-yet-unrealized problem for a Premiere Networks advertiser. A timeshare exit company’s ad was working well – so well that when the spot ran and calls came pouring in, they exceeded the 15 available call center agents. The ‘overflow’ callers then got a busy signal. Since these callers came in via dialing #250, for the first time ever, this advertiser has visibility to how many calls they were blocking. It was also revealed that only one in 15 of these blocked callers bothered to attempt to call the advertiser later that day or next day. This was clearly significant lost revenue – that the advertiser never knew they were missing – since they never before had visibility to calls they never received!” Robinett continues, “But #250 was able to implement a call saver feature to detect the busy signal, take back the call, and prompt the caller to leave their name and number for a callback. This voice message was set up to be emailed immediately to a designated sales manager back at the advertiser. The advertiser was extremely pleased with the proactive discovery of a way to increase revenue by the Premiere sales executive, John Buckley. Loyalty established. Media spend secured.” Dave Robinett will be one of 55 industry leaders speaking at the forthcoming convention Talkers 2019: Telling the Story in NYC on Friday, June 7. He can be reached at 816-559-0620.
December 2018 PPM Analysis:
Public Radio News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of extensive overviews of the December 2018 ratings period continues with a focus on stations under the public radio news/talk umbrella.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from public radio news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in any PPM-market during the December 2018 sweep (November 8 – December 5).
In addition to that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Thus, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities paying that company for its information.
December 2018 PPM Analysis:
Sports Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of detailed December 2018 PPM overviews continues with a look at sports talk; all-news was in the spotlight yesterday (Wednesday, 1/9).
The following scoreboards are comprised of sports talk facilities that rank in the top 20 in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, December 2018).
Given that Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services, ratings information in this exclusive analysis are limited to properties that pay that company for its data.
December 2018 PPM Analysis: All-News
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — An analysis of all-news properties begins our extensive four-part series of December 2018 ratings recaps.
The following scoreboards reflect data from all-news stations that appear in the top 20 (6+) in December 2018, a ratings period that covered November 8 – December 5.
All but three stations listed here are owned by Entercom. The exceptions are iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM, Boston (also listed in Providence); WTOP, Washington, DC (Hubbard); and KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group).
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. As a result, ratings stats in this exclusive overview are limited to stations paying that company for its data.
“We’re Number One!” … and Runners-Up
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — For our final scoreboard of 2018, we offer a hat-tip to stations that finished first or second in the November 2018 sweep, which covered October 11 through November 7.
In addition to giving these stations their due recognition, it will be interesting to see how things will shift in the December 2018 survey period (November 8 – December 5), when a number of FM music stations suspended their customary format to play wall-to-wall Christmas music.
Watch this space for that analysis at roughly the same time next month.
November 2018 PPM Analysis:
Strongest News/Talk Markets
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our most extensive news/talk analysis was posted yesterday (Tuesday, 12/11).
As a follow-up, we have ranked the strongest news/talk markets, according to 6+-share in the November 2018 sweep, which concluded (11/7) one day after the much ballyhooed mid-term elections (11/6).
October 2018 PPM Analysis: Country
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Following extensive October 2018 overviews of public radio news/talk and Major League Baseball flagships, we turn our attention to stations in the country format; waiting on deck is our thorough examination of (commercial) news/talk.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from country-formatted properties that rank in the top 20 in any PPM-market (6+, October 2018).
Over and above that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Thus, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
October 2018 PPM Analysis:
Major League Baseball Flagships
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — This is our third and final check this year on Major League Baseball radio flagships.
The following scoreboards are for an MLB team’s English-language, Nielsen Audio subscribing key station during the October 2018 sweep.
While some MLB teams have an AM and FM flagship and/or an emergency alternative (backup), we only show one “designated hitter” per team.
Mirroring the one-station-per-team model, MLB flagships listed here have ratings data from one Nielsen Audio metro.
Specifically, information for the flagships of the Mets (WOR) and Yankees (WFAN) is limited to their home market of New York City, even though they may appear in Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island) and/or Middlesex-Somerset-Union.
Key stations for the two Bay Area teams – the San Francisco Giants (KNBR) and Oakland A’s (KGMZ) – have San Francisco ratings info only here – nothing from San Jose.
The primary flagship for the Los Angeles Angels, KLAA, is unlisted (October 2018) in both the Los Angeles and Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario reports. Therefore, “NA” (“Not Available”) is displayed next to KLAA throughout this entire overview.
No ratings information is shown for the flagship for the American League East’s Toronto Blue Jays (CJCL).
Data cited here is full-week, Monday – Sunday, 6:00 am – 12:00 midnight (6+), so it is not limited to any specific day-part.
With that out of the way, it’s time to throw out the first pitch.
September 2018 PPM Analysis: Hot AC
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Following two extensive September 2018 spoken-word arena-focused overviews last week (all-news, Thursday, 10/11 and sports talk Friday, 10/12), we turn our attention to hot AC. Waiting on deck is our thorough examination of news/talk.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from hot ACs that rank in the top 20 in any PPM market (6+, September 2018).
Over and above that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Thus, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
September 2018 PPM Analysis:
Sports Talk
By Mike Kinosian,
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of detailed September 2018 PPM overviews continues with a look at sports talk; all-news was in the spotlight yesterday (Thursday, 10/11).
The following scoreboards are comprised of sports talk facilities that rank in the top 20 in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, September 2018).
Given that Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services, ratings information in this exclusive analysis are limited to properties that pay that company for its data.
August 2018 PPM Analysis: Mainstream CHR
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — A thorough examination of mainstream CHR wraps up our four-part series reviewing August 2018 ratings performances.
Earlier recaps addressed all-news (last Thursday, 9/13); public radio news/talk (last Friday, 9/14); and sports talk (yesterday, 9/17).
As was the case with those other three overviews, our mainstream CHR analysis is comprised of data from PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+, August 2018).
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive mainstream CHR breakdown are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
The company’s August 2018 ratings period covered July 19 – August 15.
August 2018 PPM Analysis: Sports Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of detailed August 2018 PPM overviews continues with a look at sports talk.
The following scoreboards are comprised of sports talk facilities that rank in the top 20 in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, August 2018).
Given that Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services, ratings information in this exclusive analysis are limited to properties that pay that company for its data.
Spoiler alert: The format enjoys a stellar July 2018 – August 2018 performance and nearly as strong August 2017 – August 2018 showing.
August 2018 PPM Analysis:
Public Radio News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The second of our four-part series of extensive overviews of the August 2018 ratings period addresses public radio news/talk; we examined all-news outlets yesterday (Wednesday, 9/13).
Breakouts shown here consist of data from public radio news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in any PPM-market during the August 2018 sweep.
In addition to that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Thus, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities that pay the company for its information.
July 2018 PPM Analysis: News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
Los Angeles – The fourth and final installment of our special feature summary of July 2018 ratings overviews deals with (commercial, English-language) news/talk outlets.
All-news was addressed Monday (8/20); MLB flagships the following day (Tuesday, 8/21); and we highlighted adult hits yesterday (Wednesday, 8/22).
Ratings criteria for PPM-market (commercial, English-language) news/talk facilities is at least a .5 (6+) in the July 2018 ratings period, which covered June 21 – July 18; eligibility to appear on our all-news and adult hits analyses is based on a top 20 finish (6+, July 2018).
Nielsen Audio releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive overview are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
July 2018 PPM Analysis: Adult Hits
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of July 2018 ratings overviews continues with an in-depth examination of adult hits.
Previously posted were similar July 2018 ratings summaries for all-news operations (Monday, 8/20) and MLB flagships (yesterday, 8/21).
This analysis of adult hits stations is comprised of PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in the July 2018 sweep, a ratings period that covered June 21 through July 18.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. For that reason, ratings stats and information in the following charts are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Bottom-line: When indexed against all-news and MLB flagships, the roughly two-dozen qualifying PPM-market adult hits properties in our sample claim the strongest 6+-share (5.55) and best average 6+-rank (#5.71), easily outdistancing all-news (4.34/#8.33) and MLB flagships (3.77/#13.03).
July 2018 PPM Analysis: All-News
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — All-news properties take center stage as we begin our four-part series of July 2018 ratings recaps.
The following scoreboards reflect data from all-news stations that appear in the top 20 (6+) in July 2018, a ratings period that covered June 21 – July 18.
Among qualifying all-news properties, only of every five is up month to month (20%, June 2018 – July 2018, 6+), while roughly one in three (36%) shows a July 2017 – July 2018 increase.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. As a result, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
While the vast majority of outlets on this particular panel program news around-the-clock, a few run talk blocks in addition to their news committment, making them genuine news – talk hybrids.
All but four facilities listed here are owned by Entercom. The exceptions are WBZ-AM, Boston and KFBK, Sacramento (both iHeartMedia); WTOP, Washington, DC (Hubbard); and KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group).
Advice to Rush Limbaugh Stations: PANDER
By Holland Cooke
Media Consultant
BLOCK ISLAND, RI – “Pander.” That is your one-word, sure-shot ratings success strategy.
Ten years ago, Limbaugh was a mature act. Some stations that branded as “Rush Radio” eventually re-branded. Now, buoyed by Trump, his 30th anniversary. During El Rushbo’s recent Three-Oh show, the president called to gush congratulations.
Gallup Poll: How many people feel that the media “report the news fully, accurately and fairly?”
A Real Producer Can Protect a Talk Show Host from Saying Something Stupid
By Jeffrey Haveson
Talk Media Consultant
Newark, NJ — Dennis Malloy and Judi Franco are back at Trenton-based New Jersey 101.5 after a 10-day suspension, but what have we learned from this as an industry?
For those who don’t know or have forgotten, the suspension was meted out to Dennis and Judi after they repeatedly called New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewalon, who is a Sikh, “the guy with the turban” and “Turban Man,” and Dennis defended the name calling by saying “if that offends you, then don’t wear the turban (man) and I’ll remember your name.”
This is a perfect example of why talk radio stations, be they public or commercial, news talk, conservative talk, progressive talk, sports talk, financial talk, or other, need real producers.
June 2018 PPM Analysis: Sports Talk
By Mike Kinosian,
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Sports talk launches our four-part series of detailed June 2018 PPM overviews.
Spoiler alert: The format enjoys far better June 2017 – June 2018 results than its month-to-month (May 2018 – June 2018) performance.
The following scoreboards are comprised of sports talk facilities that rank in the top 20 in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, June 2018).
Given that Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services, ratings information in this exclusive analysis are limited to properties that pay that company for its data.
Ex-“stream”-ly Enlightening Net Results
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — A little over three weeks ago (6/8) in New York City, an uncommonly tight-knit community gathered for “TALKERS 2018,” making it the 21st chapter of talk media’s longest-running and most relevant national convention.
Panel discussions and gathering-area locations alike were abuzz with optimism about spoken-word formats and recent ratings success stories.
There was justifiable reason for the palpable upbeat “Full Speed Ahead!” attitude pervasive at this year’s confab, especially given that literally within 72 hours after founder/publisher Michael Harrison gaveled the seminar to adjournment, May 2018 PPM results were released.
Five news/talk outlets chalked up top-two results (6+): WSB-AM Atlanta (7.5, #1); KMOX, St. Louis (8.3, #1); WOKV, Jacksonville (9.3, #1); WISN, Milwaukee (7.7, #2); and WKXW, Middlesex-Somerset-Union (6.0, #2).
An equal number of news properties finished no lower than second as well (6+): WTOP, Washington, DC (9.7, #1); WBBM-AM, Chicago (4.9, #2); KCBS-AM, San Francisco (5.4, #2); news – talk hybrid KFBK, Sacramento (6.7, #2); and KCBS-AM, San Jose (6.4, #2).
A half-dozen sports talk representatives placed in the top five (6+), including WFAN, Long Island (4.7, #3); KDKA-FM, Pittsburgh (7.4, #3); WFAN, New York (4.7, #5); WIP, Philadelphia (6.1, #5); WBZ-FM, Boston (5.7, #5); and WXYT-FM, Detroit (5.3, #5).
The May 2018 sweep included six instances of public news/talkers being (6+) pacesetters in their respective markets: KQED, San Francisco (8.1, #1); KPBS, San Diego (6.4, #1); KCFR, Denver (6.0, #1); KOPB, Portland (8.0, #1); KUT, Austin (8.2, #1); and KQED, San Jose (6.9, #1).
May 2018 PPM Analysis: Urban AC
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Each month, we focus on three spoken-word genres and one music-intensive format.
In our fourth and final installment of May 2018 ratings overviews, urban AC takes center stage representing that latter category.
Previous special feature analyses of the most recent PPM sweep dealt with all-news (last Wednesday, 6/20); sports talk (Thursday, 6/21); and public news/talk (Friday, 6/22).
This summary is comprised of PPM-market urban ACs that rank in the top 20 (6+, May 2018).
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Bottom-line matchups: The typical PPM-market urban AC meeting the above-stated criteria registers a May 2018 6+-share of 5.47, the best among the four genres we examined from that ratings period; the runner-up is all-news (4.41, 6+).
Additionally, it is customary for a qualifying urban AC to rank seventh (#7.16, 6+), which is the strongest of these four categories with all-news (#8.62, 6+) again placing second-best.
May 2018 PPM Analysis:
Public News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The third of our four-part series of extensive overviews of the May 2018 sweep looks at public stations whose primary focus is news/talk.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from public news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in any PPM market during the May 2018 ratings period, which covered April 26 – May 23.
Over and above that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Thus, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities that pay the company for its information.
May 2018 PPM Analysis: Sports Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of detailed May 2018 PPM overviews continues with sports talk; an analysis of all-news operations was posted yesterday (Wednesday, 6/20).
The following scoreboards are comprised of sports talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in any of the 48 PPM-markets for the May 2018 survey period, which covered April 26 – May 23.
Given that Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services, ratings information in this exclusive analysis are limited to properties that pay that company for its data.
May 2018 PPM Analysis: All-News
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of May 2018 ratings recaps commences with an overview of all-news properties.
The following scoreboards reflect data from all-news stations that appeared in the top 20 (6+) in May 2018, a ratings period that covered April 26 – May 23.
Among qualifying all-news properties, May 2018’s average market share is off slightly from April 2018 (4.53 – 4.41, 6+); however, the (6+) market rank improves from #8.75 to #8.62.
A whopping 93.75% of our panel was down or flat (March – April, 6+), but the format bounces back (April – May), as 62.5% are either down or flat.
May 2017 – May 2018 stats for all-news outlets are extremely consistent with comparable April 2017 – April 2018 figures.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. As a result, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
While the vast majority of outlets on this particular panel program news around-the-clock, a few run talk blocks (in addition to their news commitment), making them genuine news – talk hybrids.
All but four properties listed here are owned by Entercom. The exceptions are WBZ-AM, Boston and KFBK, Sacramento (both iHeartMedia); WTOP, Washington, DC (Hubbard); and KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group).
Appearing in the Baltimore report, Bloomberg-operated WDCH airs a business news format.
April 2018 PPM Analysis:
Classic Hits-Oldies
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The first two installments of this four-part special feature series of April 2018 ratings overviews dealt with spoken-word formats. Specifically, an all-news overview was posted Wednesday (5/23) and our analysis of Major League Baseball flagships (all of which are either sports talkers or news/talk) appeared yesterday (5/24). On deck Monday is the comprehensive look at news/talk.
Right now though our attention is on classic hits-oldies, with this summary comprised of PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+, April 2018).
Bottom-line matchup: In April 2018, the typical PPM-market classic hits-oldies station generally notches a 6+-share of 5.13 and finishes #6.33. Those (6+) rank and share stats are better than both all-news (4.53/#8.75) and our particular panel of MLB flagships (3.98/#12.39).
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
April 2018 PPM Analysis: All-News
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — An overview of all-news properties launches our four-part series of April 2018 ratings recaps.
The following scoreboards reflect data from all-news stations that appeared in the top 20 (6+) in April 2018, a ratings period that covered March 29 – April 25 – and one that was not especially kind to this particular format.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. As a result, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
While the vast majority of outlets on this particular panel program news around-the-clock, a few run talk blocks (in addition to their news commitment), making them genuine news – talk hybrids.
All but four properties listed here are owned by Entercom. The exceptions are WBZ-AM, Boston and KFBK, Sacramento (both iHeartMedia); WTOP, Washington, DC (Hubbard); and KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group).
Appearing in the Baltimore report, Bloomberg-operated WDCH airs a business news format.
March 2018 PPM Analysis: News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
The fourth and final installment of our special feature summary of March 2018 ratings overviews deals with (commercial, English language) news/talk outlets.
All-news was addressed last Wednesday (4/25); public news/talk the following day (Thursday, 4/26); and we highlighted mainstream rock last Friday (4/27).
The ratings criteria for PPM-market commercial news/talk facilities is at least a .5 (6+) in the March 2018 ratings period, which covered March 1 – 28. By contrast, eligibility to appear on the all-news; public news/talk; and rock panels is based on a top 20 finish (6+, March 2018).
Nielsen Audio releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive overview are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Why Does Talk Radio Struggle?
By Bryan Crabtree
Talk40.com News
Publisher
ATLANTA — It doesn’t. There you have it. Talk radio is as strong today as it has ever been.
Most commercial talk stations in the United States have predominantly conservative opinion. I’ve sat through countless seminars and meetings listening to the pontification about how we’ve gotten too political and how we should try something different. Wrong!
Talk radio is about what affects our audiences’ lives. I continue to be puzzled by the fact that I hear local newscasts on stations across the country during Rush Limbaugh with the lead story about a shooting at a gas station (or similar) in the inner city. What talk listener really cares about another murder in Atlanta, Chicago or Dallas?
Four Steps to Creating Magic on the Radio
By Bill McMahon
The Authentic Personality
CEO
EAGLE, Idaho — The surest way to attract and hold the largest and most loyal audience you can is to consistently create meaningful emotional experiences for your listeners. Experiences that make their lives more interesting, rewarding and fun. Experiences that challenge them to think, feel, and grow.
Creating magical moments for your listeners flows naturally from recognizing and fully understanding meaningful emotional experiences in your life. Here’s a process for doing just that:
PPM Analysis: January 2018’s
Highs & Lows
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — This time last month, we highlighted “Holiday” 2017 success achieved by stations programming all-Christmas music, as well as the significant consequence that proven programming strategy had across-the-board.
The following recaps the falloff (in some cases, particularly steep) that many of those all-Christmas music stations (the majority of which are adult contemporary) experienced in January 2018 and how stations in certain formats, including those in the spoken-word arena, have quickly rebounded.
Included below are all PPM-stations that either improved – or decreased – by one full-share (“Holiday” 2017 – January 2018, 6+).
We have broken out this interesting data market-by-market; format-by-format; highs to lows; and (6+) AQH share and ranking.
This supplements our earlier in-depth January 2018 ratings overviews of all-news (Wednesday, 2/28); sports talk (Thursday, 3/1); commercial news/talk (Friday, 3/2); and rhythmic CHR (Monday, 3/5).
PPM Analysis: 2017 in Review
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — As was once again documented in exhaustive detail in our exclusive series of “Holiday” 2017 overviews posted here last week, the “Holiday” sweep is without question the most volatile of Nielsen Audio’s 13 ratings periods per calendar year, particularly as it relates to music radio.
Historically, the December and January survey periods produce the next wildest activity as they directly lead up to and follow the “Holiday” momentum; things tend to quickly shake back to a sense of “normalcy” in the January report.
Owing to major programming modifications (primarily all-Christmas music), listening patterns change significantly, of course, in November and December.
Given that a variety of formats are impacted, pronounced ratings swings in the aforementioned survey periods are hardly limited though to music-intensive formats.
In anticipation of next week’s January 2018 results, let’s examine the extent and 2017 timeline of high/low fluctuations registered by a comprehensive cross-section of spoken-word stations.
Each facility shown here (a) appeared in all 13 ratings periods (January 2017 through “Holiday” 2017), notching a minimum of .1 (6+) each time and (b) reached 1.0 or higher (6+) at least once in the last 13 sweeps.
“Holiday” 2017 PPM Analysis:
Public News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — We commence our extensive overview of the “Holiday” 2017 sweep with a look at public-owned stations that primarily focus on news/talk.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from public news/talk stations that rank in the top 20 in any PPM market (6+, “Holiday” 2017).
Over and above that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Thus, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities that pay the company for its information.
Is it Against the Law for Terrestrial Radio to Say “Shithole” on the Air in Covering Trump Story?
By Steven J.J. Weisman
TALKERS
Legal Editor
BOSTON – It is hard to give a definitive answer to the above question which is part of the problem because the indecency standards for broadcast radio are not particularly clear. In 2012 when the Supreme Court ruled on this matter in response to enforcement decisions against Fox and ABC, the Supreme Court, unlike the lower appeals court did not rule that the present indecency rules violated the First Amendment. Instead, by a vote of 8-0 they ruled in favor of Fox and ABC thus overturning the FCC’s decisions and fines against the networks on the grounds that the standards were too vague and there was not sufficient notice when the FCC changed its interpretation of its rules. Specifically, the court indicated that, “This opinion leaves the Commission free to modify its current indecency policy in light of its determination of the public interest and applicable legal requirements.” The FCC has not made any substantial changes to its indecency rules and has kept them in force, largely without any controversy for the last six years.
December 2017 PPM Analysis: Hot AC
By Mike Kinosian,
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Following two extensive December 2017 overviews in the spoken-word arena (all-news, Friday 1/5 and sports talk yesterday, 1/8), we turn our attention to hot AC.
Breakouts shown here consist of data from hot ACs that rank in the top 20 in any PPM market (6+, December 2017).
Over and above that particular ratings caveat, Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services. Thus, ratings stats in this analysis are limited to facilities that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Bottom-line comparison: Based on our parameters and analysis, hot AC (#8.81) and all-news (#8.41) are similar in average 6+ rank in December 2017, as well as typical 6+share (4.34, hot AC/4.46, all-news).
December 2017 PPM Analysis: Sports Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of thorough December 2017 PPM overviews continues with sports talk.
This chain of recaps began last Friday (1/5) with a look at all-news operations.
The following scoreboards are comprised of sports talk facilities that rank in the top 20 in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, December 2017).
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services.
Owing to that reason, ratings information in this exclusive analysis are limited to properties that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
December 2017 PPM Analysis: All-News
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — An overview of all-news operations commences the first in our four-part series of December 2017 ratings recaps.
The following scoreboards are comprised of all-news stations that appeared in the top 20 (6+) in any of the 48 PPM-markets in December 2017, a ratings period that covered November 9 to December 6.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services.
Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
With the exception of WTOP, Washington, D.C. (Hubbard); KOMO, Seattle (Sinclair Broadcast Group); and KFBK, Sacramento (iHeartMedia), all stations listed here are Entercom-owned properties.
The vast majority of the properties shown here program news around the clock; a few, however, run talk blocks and could be considered genuine news – talk hybrids.
Appearing in the Baltimore report, Bloomberg-operated WDCH airs a business news format.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Holland Cooke and Michael Harrison Present TALKERS 2017 in Review on RT America. Noted media consultant and TALKERS correspondent/columnist Holland Cooke was joined by Michael Harrison during a special year-end wrap up of 2017 on Cooke’s RT America show, “The Big Picture.” The two counted down the 10 most-talked-about topics and people on talk radio in America during 2017 according to TALKERS, offering personal insights and commentary along the way. To view the entire segment, please click here.
CMG, Mike Calta and Matt Loyd Sued by Hulk Hogan in Sex Tape Case. The infamous Hulk Hogan sex tape is back in the news in Florida as the former pro wrestler (real name Terry Bollea) is suing Cox Media Group, WHPT, Tampa air
personality Mike Calta, and former WHPT staffer Matt Loyd for unspecified damages. According to a report by WFTS-TV, Tampa, the defendants had asked that the case be dismissed, but a Pinellas County court judge has ruled the case can move forward. If you remember, Hogan sued Gawker over its posting of a video of him having sex with Bubba the Love Sponge’s then-wife Heather Clem and won a $100 million judgement. But Gawker’s subsequent bankruptcy declaration and sale make it unlikely he’ll collect on that. So, now Hogan is going after CMG, Calta, and Loyd, claiming that the defendants are guilty of “stealing, disseminating, using and exploiting illegally-recorded video.”
Mike Felger Re-Ups with Beasley’s ‘98.5 The Sports Hub.’ Boston sports media
personality Mike Felger – co-host of the afternoon drive “Felger and Mazz” show on WBZ-FM – signs a multi-year contract extension with Beasley Media Group to continue his duties with the station. Beasley EVP and COO Brian Beasley says, “We are thrilled to have Mike continue entertaining Boston’s loyal and dedicated sports fans.” The company says the afternoon show – co-hosted by Tony Massarotti – has finished #1 with Men 25-54 for the 22nd consecutive quarter.
Sports Talk Host Dan Sileo to Leave ‘Mighty 1090’ San Diego. Sports talk personality Dan Sileo announces he’s exiting the morning drive show at Broadcast
Company of the Americas’ sports talk XEPRS, San Diego “The Mighty 1090” for a new, yet-to-be-announced gig. Sileo says, “It’s with GREAT sadness that I informed the ‘Mighty 1090’ that I will be moving on to a great opportunity! But, I want to thank the folks at 1090 for SAVING my career. Mike Shephard has been amazing to work for! JT I see why Jim Rome had so much success. I love the on-air guys like Scott Kaplan and Darren Smith…amazing lineup. Once again SD, Sileo is NOT going anywhere. Stay tuned!”
Great Stock Market Gains For 2017; But Not in Radio. In 2017, Wall Street had its best year since 2013 with the Nasdaq jumping 28% and the Dow Jones gaining 25%. However, those stellar double-digit gains didn’t extend into the radio sector as the majority of radio stocks saw double-digit decreases, led by Cumulus Media, whose stock has evaporated following the company’s late-2016 8-for-1 reverse stock split and subsequent bankruptcy filing. Stock in Entercom (ETM) – despite its buyout of CBS RADIO, Townsquare Media (TSQ) and Salem Media Group (SALM) all slid about 25% in 2017. E.W. Scripps (SSP) and Saga Communications (SGA) sank nearly 20% for the year. Shares of Urban One (UONE) underperformed, losing more than 40% last year, and Pandora (P) plummeted from a closing high of $13.58 on February 17 to $4.82 on December 29. Shares of Emmis Communications (EMMS) were basically flat, closing at $3.52 on December 29 – which was 10 cents higher than the stock closed for trading on January 3, 2017. There were two noticeable radio winners, however. Radio’s bright light was Beasley Broadcast Group (BBGI), which opened at $6.15 on the first day of trading of 2017 and closed at $13.55 on the last day of trading for the year. SiriusXM (SIRI) delivered a gain of more than 20% in 2017.
TRN Receives Permission from Appeals Court for Extension; Status of Programming Uncertain. Just before Christmas, a number of affiliates of Talk Radio Network reported that they were receiving no programming from the
syndicator and had received no notice relative to the missing programming. At this point, it’s still unclear what the status of the company’s operations is, but the appeal of its suit against Cumulus, Westwood One, Lew Dickey, and Charles Steinhauer is continuing. TRN was granted an “extension of time to file” its brief to January 26. As you may recall, TRN sued Cumulus/WW1 and others alleging anti-trust practices. That suit was dismissed. TRN’s second suit against many of the same parties was dismissed because the claims were almost identical to the previous, already-dismissed suit. Back on September 20, TRN filed an appeal. But, because of the November Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Cumulus/WW1, those parties have been granted stays.
What Have You Learned Doing Television? That’s the question recently put to media consultant Holland Cooke a couple months into his gig hosting “The Big Picture” Fridays on RT America. Ever the consultant, Cooke happily offers his thoughts on what the medium has taught him relative to the talk radio business. He says his first lesson is the importance of scripting his opening monologue – something he’s had a difficult time selling to talk radio hosts who prefer to “wing it.” Check out his thoughts on that and six other items he’s taken away from his television talk hosting experience here.
TALKERS News Notes. Los Angeles news/talk outlet KFI raised more than $462,000 last month during its seventh annual “KFI PastaThon.” The iHeartMedia station’s on-air fundraising event to help feed local children in need benefits
Caterina’s Club, a charitable organization that feeds 3,500 underprivileged children five days a week in more than 15 cities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. During the 17-hour, live broadcast on December 8, KFI personalities Bill Handel, Jennifer Jones Lee, Gary Hoffman, Shannon Farren, John Kobylt, Ken Chiampou, Tim Conway Jr. and Aron Bender were on site at the Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove encouraging listeners to donate packaged pasta, jars of pasta sauce and money to help feed underprivileged children that live in motels without access to a kitchen. KFI program director Robin Bertolucci comments, “Over the past seven years ‘KFI PastaThon’ has raised over $1.8 million dollars and 347,000 pounds of pasta and sauce. We are honored to join our listeners in support of chef Bruno Serato and his outstanding organization, Caterina’s Club that helps thousands of children in Southern California.”…..Beginning on January 8, the nationally syndicated Steve Sanchez show expands to a daily program via Genesis Communications Network. Sanchez says, “I still will be hosting my Sunday night live flagship show but GCN wanted me 
to expand and utilize my large social media platform and live stream as I do the show.”…..The nationally syndicated “Free Talk Live” program – hosted by Ian Freeman and Mark Edge – announces new affiliate stations WCGO-AM, Chicago and KLAY-AM, Tacoma are both airing the weekday program…..Entercom Communications names Gene Vidler director of sales for the New Orleans station group that includes news/talk WWL-AM/FM and CHR WEZB “B97,” classic rock WKBU “Bayou 95.7,” urban contemporary WWWL-AM/W297DF “HOT 103.7,” and AC WLMG “Magic 101.9.” has joined the New Orleans cluster as the Director of Sales for B97 (WEZB-FM), BAYOU 95.7 (WKBU-FM), HOT 103.7 (WWWL-AM), MAGIC 101.9 (WLMG-FM) and WWL AM-FM. Vidler was most recently VP of sales for Tyler Media’s nine-station cluster.
Iran Protests, North Korea Nukes, Trump Pakistan Criticism, the New Year Holiday, Frigid Winter Weather, NFL Playoffs, and College Football Championship Among Top News/Talk Stories Over the Weekend. The violent protests taking place in Iran; North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and Kim Jong Un’s overture to South Korea; President Trump criticizes Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism; the New Year holiday; the unusually cold weather affecting much of the U.S.; the NFL playoffs scenario; and the College Football Playoff games were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio over the holiday weekend, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. A new adult hits station takes to the airwaves in Oklahoma City as Cumulus Media launches KQOB “ALICE 96.9 FM.” Cumulus OK City VP/market manager Jay Davis says, “We created ‘ALICE’ for the listeners who wanted something compelling and different from the traditional radio fare. ‘ALICE 96.9 FM’ lives by the mantra ‘We Play Anything,’ and surrounds the great music it plays with a playful, clever, and authentic persona. While ‘ALICE 96-9 FM’ does not have traditional ‘announcers,’ listeners will find plenty of personality on the station.”…..Entercom re-brands alternative KITS, San Francisco ‘The New ALT 105.3, The Bay Area’s New Alterntive.” The move marks the end of the “Live 105” moniker after 31 years. At the same time, Michael Martin is named program director for the station…..Cumulus Media appoints radio programming pro Paul Horton program director and morning show host for adult contemporary WMXS, Montgomery “Mix 103.3.” Horton joins Cumulus from Back Door Broadcasting’s crosstown Christian contemporary WVRV Montgomery…..Cumulus flips WRWM, Indianapolis from classic hip hop to CHR as “ENERGY 93.9.” The on-air lineup will be: the nationally syndicated “The Bert Show,” (PD) Jay Michaels from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Rachel Ryan from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Justin Luvv from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and the syndicated Zach Sang from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am…..Cumulus Media appoints programming pro Gary Nolan program director and midday host for KQHN, Shreveport “Q97.3.” He was most recently with iHeartMedia’s WMAG, Greensboro…..Alpha Media launches adult hits KSAJ, Topeka “98.5 Jack FM.”…..iHeartMedia alternative WRDA, Atlanta “ALT 105.7” adds “The Woody Show” for mornings, effective tomorrow (1/3)…..Cumulus Media Amarillo will flip the frequencies of country stations KPUR-FM “The Armadillo” and KARX. KPUR moves from 107.1 on the dial to the more powerful 100,000-watt signal 95.7. KARX-FM will segue to its new home at 107.1 as “NASH Icon 107.1 FM.”
Round One of December PPM Ratings. Information for the December 2017 ratings period has been released for 12 markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), Riverside, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s November 2017 survey period covered November 9 – December 6. More often than not, sharp November 2017 – December 2017 improvements are attributable to stations playing all-Christmas music (usually about a week before Thanksgiving). View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM markets.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) New York – In four straight gains, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW is a collective +2.8 (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 7.0 – 8.8, 6+). On top for the fourth straight time, “106.7 Lite FM” has its best 6+-share since 13.3 in “Holiday” 2016 and is 
one-half share ahead of December 2016’s 8.3. After finishing at #1 for three consecutive months, “Lite FM” dropped to #2 in August. Its loss of seven-tenths in that sweep (6.7 – 6.0, 6+) completely erased three straight gains that yielded that exact margin (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+). Co-owned rhythmic CHR WKTU, which had been off one full-share over its last three sweeps (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+), regains half that loss and carries on at #11 (3.5, +.5, 6+). One-tenth ahead of it and remaining at #10 is its format rival, Emmis-owned WQHT “Hot 97” (3.6, +.2, 6+). When “Hot 97” picked up one-tenth in November, it ended three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of nine-tenths (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3). The market lost one of its two CHR players on November 9, as Entercom transitioned WBMP “Amp” to “Alt 92.3 – New York’s New Alternative.” The station’s June 2017 through December 2017 6+ topline is a very consistent 2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.1; WBMP slips from #17 in November to #18. Former top 40 rival – iHeartMedia’s WHTZ “Z-100” – is down a combined six-tenths in November and 
December (4.8 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+) but moves up from eighth to seventh. In the all-news arena, Entercom’s WCBS-AM picks up one-half share (2.6 – 3.1, #13 to #12, 6+), while co-owned similarly-formatted WINS declines by that same margin to 5.8 (6+) and remains in second-place. Immediately prior to this ratings period, WINS
was a cumulative +1.6 via four straight upticks (4.7 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.9 – 6.3, 6+); its 6.3 in November 2017 represents the highest 6+-share in its PPM-history. By recording a +.2 in August, WINS halted four straight dips that resulted in a collective -1.1 (5.8 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+). In two-share range (6+) in each of the last 14 sweeps, WCBS-AM reaches the three-share threshold (6+) for the first time since its 3.0 in October 2016. Without an increase the past four sweeps for a combined -1.1 (6.6 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.5, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WCBS-FM “New York’s Greatest Hits” gains two-tenths to 5.7 (6+), inching up from fourth to third. It exited the #1 spot in September after only a one-month stay there. A one-half share dip in August curtailed at four a streak of successive up or flat trends that generated a combined seven-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.6, 6+). Prior to August, the last time “New York’s Greatest Hits” was at #1 was in May. Also in that Entercom cluster, sports talk WFAN-FM plummets by -1.3 to 3.9 (fifth to eighth, 6+). “The Fan” had been without a loss since June for a collective +1.7 (3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+). The 5.2 that it registered in October and November is the station’s best-ever 6+-stat in the PPM-era and first time above the five-share level (6+). On two prior occasions, “The Fan” dialed up a 4.5 and it reached a 4.6 (6+) in September 2017. Down or flat for the sixth straight time for a combined loss of one full-share (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock” remains in sixth-place.
2) Los Angeles – So, how did the transition to all-Christmas music affect KOST “Coast 103” in sunny Los Angeles? The iHeartMedia adult contemporary nearly doubles October’s 4.4 (8.7, +4.3, 6+) to march from third to first and is 2.3 shares better than its 6.4 (6+) in December 2016. As a result of “Coast 103” picking up two-tenths in October, it halted
three consecutive off-trends that resulted in a combined decrease of one-half share (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). Ousted from the top spot after a run of ten (10) straight months there is co-owned hot AC KBIG “My-FM,” which is flat at 5.9 (6+) and shifts to second-place; KBIG was down one-half share in November (6.4 – 5.9, 6+). In October, “My-FM” regained in its entirety the four-tenths squandered in September (6.4 – 6.0 – 6.4, 6+). Prior to September’s -.4, KBIG posted four successive up or flat trends that netted eight-tenths (5.6 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.1 – 6.4, 6+). Remaining in sixth-place, news/talk cluster-mate KFI is without a decrease for the sixth time in a row for a collective +.8 and is trending 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 since January (6+). Having recorded a 1.9 in three of the last four sweeps (1.9 – 1.7 – 1.9, 1.9, 6+), Pasadena Area Community College news/talk KPCC “89.3 Southern California Public Radio” breaks out a gain of six-tenths to 2.5, reaching the two-share level (6+) for the first time since February’s 2.1 (6+) and cracks the top twenty at #15. Tied at #13 are iHeartMedia-owned KYSR-FM “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” (2.6, -.1, flat at #13, 6+) and its format rival, Entercom’s KROQ (2.6, +.2, three-way tie at #18 to #13, 6+). With a gain of two-tenths in November, “Alt 98.7 – LA’s New Alternative” ended eight consecutive down or flat trends for a collective loss of seven-tenths (3.2 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+). After nine monthlies in a row for without a loss for an overall gain of one full-share (1.8 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+), KROQ regressed by two-tenths in both October and November (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.4). September’s 2.8 was its strongest 6+-showing since June 2016’s 2.9. One week into the December ratings period (11/16), Entercom classic rock KSWD “The Sound” became Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KKLQ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love.” In its final ratings performance, “The Sound” notched a 2.8 to finish at #12 (November 2017, 6+). The last song played by “The Sound” was The Beatles’ “The End.” Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ version of “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” debuts in December by forfeiting more than half of November’s 2.8 (1.2, -1.6, 6+), freefalling to #28. Following five successive sweeps without an increase for a net loss of seven-tenths (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101” bounces back with a gain of four-tenths to 4.8 (6+) and is steady at #3. At the same though, smooth AC cluster-mate KTWV “The Wave” is a collective -1.7 in four successive down or flat trends (5.9 – 5.2 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.2, 6+) but stays at #5; “The Wave” occupied the runner-up slot from March through September. Even though it is down three-tenths to 1.0 (6+) to end at seven its streak of up or flat trends that yielded a net gain of one-half share (.8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.3, 6+), KSPN “ESPN LA 710” – the flagship of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Lakers – improves from #30 to #29. After trotting out a +.7 to 1.7 (6+) in November, matching the audience draw in Vin Scully’s swan song after 67 consecutive years as the play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1.7, 6+, November 2016), iHeartMedia sports talk KLAC “AM 570 Sports” falters by -1.2 to .5 (#25 to #36, 6+).
3) Chicago – The noteworthy accomplishment of iHeartMedia Los Angeles adult contemporary KOST “Coast 103” doubling its November 2017 stat (see above) is taken one step further by its “Windy City” hot AC sibling WLIT “93.9 
My-FM,” which more than triples November’s 2.8 to 8.5 (6+). In the process, “93.9 My-FM” rockets from a four-way logjam at #12 all the way to #1 and is 2.2 shares in front of December 2016’s 6.3 (6+). WLIT fell off the top twenty in October (2.5 – 2.2, -.3, #21, 6+), but recovered in November with a gain of six-tenths. Knocked out of the penthouse where it resided in October and November is its hot AC foe, Hubbard’s WTMX “101.9 The Mix,” which segues to #3. After registering six straight improvements for a collective +1.7 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.8 – 6.3, 6+), WTMX surrenders eight-tenths to 5.5 (6+). Prior to November, the last time “Mix” reached the six-share level (6+) was in May 2013 (6.4). “Mix” finished in the runner-up slot in July, August, and September. Stuck on 2.4 (October, November, 6+) and within 2.4 – 2.9 range (6+) the past nine sweeps, Entercom’s WBMX “104.3 Jams” explodes with an increase of two full-shares to 4.4 (6+) and catapults from #22 to #5. Up until November 9, Chicago’s 104.3 dial position was the home of classic hits-oldies WJMK “K-Hits,” but that’s when Entercom transitioned “K-Hits” to WBMX (the calls formerly used by its new Boston sibling); “The Long & Winding Road” (Beatles) and “Changes” (David Bowie) were the last two songs played by WJMK before the format flip. The last 
time the former WJMK reached a four-share (6+) was in July 2015 (4.1). It is a tough sweep for the market’s sports talk outlets. Not only is Entercom-owned Chicago Cubs flagship WSCR a combined -2.8 in November and December (4.9 – 3.6 – 2.1, 6+), “670 The Score” sinks from #6 to #21; WSCR posted a full-share gain in October (3.9 – 4.9, 6+). Meanwhile, after being a collective +1.1 via three straight
gains (1.3 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.4, 6+), WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” is off by nine-tenths to 1.5 (#22 to #24, 6+). Regressing by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia urban contemporary WGCI-FM “Chicago’s #1 for Hip-Hop and R&B” (3.3 – 2.7, #9 to #14, 6+) and Merlin Media alternative WKQX (#12 to #20, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-stat for WGCI-FM (2.7) since March (2.6); WKQX is a cumulative -.8 in four straight down or flat trends (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.2, 6+). Off for the fourth straight sweep for an overall loss of one full-share (4.1 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WKSC “103.5 Kiss FM – Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” slips from seventh to ninth. With a +.1 in November, Entercom-owned WBBM-FM ended five consecutive down or flat trends for a collective -.7 (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+) but “Chicago’s B-96” returns that one-tenth and is back at 3.3 (seventh to eighth, 6+).
4) San Francisco – A November 2017 – December 2017 increase of +2.3 (4.5 – 6.8, 6+) elevates Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM “Better Music for a Better Workday” from third to second. December 2017’s 6.8 (6+) is two full-shares better than its 4.8 in December 2016 and represents the station’s highest 6+-share since 9.2 in “Holiday” 2016.
As a result of KOIT-FM finishing second, it ends 11 straight months of KCBS-AM occupying that runner-up slot, as KOIT-FM’s all-news sibling shifts to #3. 
Up eight-tenths in October, KCBS-AM is a combined -.4 in November and December (6.8 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). October’s 6.8 was its strongest 6+-performance since February (6.8, as well). When KCBS-AM added two-tenths in September to 6.0 (6+), it ended four consecutive down or flat monthlies that yielded a loss of one-half share (6.3 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). Down one-tenth in each of the last four ratings periods (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” ends the pattern with a gain of six-tenths to 3.2, its best 6+-showing in San Francisco since 3.3 in “Holiday” 2016, and jumps from #14 to #7. From October 2016 through November 2017, the 6+ high/low variance for KMEL was just seven-tenths. Up one-half share (1.3 – 1.8, 6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” checks in at #21. While this marks the 12th successive time that KQED-FM sets the pace in San Francisco, the Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet erodes by nine-tenths to 7.7 (6+). A gain of four-tenths in July halted at four a successive streak without an increase that produced a -1.0 (7.7 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+). It added one-half share in August (7.1 – 7.6, 6+), but relinquished 60% of that increase in September (7.3, -.3, 6+). At this time last month, KQED-FM hung out a +1.3 (7.3 – 8.6, 6+). After picking up three-tenths in November to halt six straight down or flat trends for a cumulative -1.4 (4.2 – 4.1 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+), Cumulus
Media sports talk KNBR “The Sports Leader” regresses by seven-tenths to 2.4 (6+) and again exits the top ten (#9 to #14). Having doubled its 6+ stat via four straight positive spikes (1.7 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+), news/talk cluster-mate KSFO surrenders four-
tenths in December (3.0, 6+), falling from seventh to ninth. Locked on 2.9 in October and November (#11, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” slips one-half share to 2.4 and is tied with KNBR at #14. A collective +.9 as the result of six straight up or flat moves (1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.7, 6+), University of Southern California classical KDFC gives back one-tenth in December to curtail the streak (2.6, #12 to #13, 6+). For the ninth month in succession, KUFX “98.5 K-Fox – The South Bay’s Classic Rock” is unlisted in San Francisco, but it still appears in print in San Jose. The station’s March 2017 6+-San Francisco stat was 1.5.
5) Dallas – Not only does KDGE “Star 102.1 – More Music, More Variety” nearly double its 6+-share (2.6 – 5.0, +2.4, 6+), the iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet zooms from #17 all the way to #4 with its strongest 6+-stat since 7.7 in 
“Holiday” 2016. Seven-tenths of a share separates the top seven December 2017 finishers. Included in that scrum (in addition to “Star”) is Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 K-LUV,” which bounces back from November’s half-share decrease with a December gain twice that margin (4.2 – 5.2, +1.0, 6+); November’s 4.2 was its lowest 6+-stat since January 2015 (4.2, as well). In the process, KLUV vaults from seventh to a first-place tie with iHeartMedia classic rocker KZPS “Lone Star 92.5, which is an overall +.7 in three consecutive increases (4.5 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+). After four straight gains that netted nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+), KZPS was down or flat the next four ratings periods for an overall loss of one full-share (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.5, 6+). “Lone Star” repeats as a co-occupant at the top spot. Its November partner, however, was Cumulus Media country outlet KPLX “The Wolf” which after 11 successive months on top, tumbles to fifth. “The Wolf” posts its fourth straight negative trend for a collective loss of one full-share (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.8, 6+). On the heels of trending 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.5 (6+), Entercom adult hits KJKK “100.3 Jack FM” notches a gain of six-tenths to 4.1 (6+) and continues at #8. This is the sixth month in succession that iHeartMedia’s KEGL “97.1 The Eagle Rocks’ is either up or flat for an overall gain of eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.0 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.8, ninth to tenth, 6+). Once a heritage adult contemporary facility, KVIL in recent years repositioned itself to hot AC and then to CHR as “Amp.” Simultaneous with Entercom officially closing on its ownership of KVIL (11/9), the station became “Alt 103.7 DFW’s New Alternative.” In PPM’s 12 reports covering calendar year 2017, KVIL notched a high of 2.9 (February) and a low of 2.1 (April). Down an overall half-share in back-to-back sweeps (2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), KVIL moves from a four-way logjam at #17 in November to #20. Meanwhile, steady at #3, iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “Kiss” improves in back-to-back sweeps by a cumulative seven-tenths (4.4 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+). Following nine straight up or flat trends that more than doubled its 6+-share (1.4 – 1.5 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), co-owned sports talk KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” returns six-tenths of that +1.7 (2.5, #14 to #17, 6+). In 13 monthly reports since “Holiday” 2016, co-owned news/talk KRLD-AM (#21 to #19) has been within a high of 2.4 and a low of 2.0 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). A collective -1.1 in November and December (3.9 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “94.9 Your Life … Inspired” slumps from #11 to #15.
6) Houston – The significant up/down pattern continues for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1,” which gained eight-tenths in August; lost it all in September; picked up one-half share in October; surrendered eight-tenths in November; and now logs a whopping +2.8 in December (6.4 – 7.2 – 6.4 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 8.9, 6+). After back-to-back stays at #2, “Sunny” cruises to #1. Immediately prior to September’s -.8, KODA was a collective +1.7 via four
straight up or flat monthlies (5.5 – 5.5 – 5.8 – 6.4 – 7.2, 6+). This is its strongest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2016’s 10.3; KODA was 7.3 in December 2016. Trading places with “Sunny” is Radio One urban AC KMJQ, which is actually up one-tenth to 7.5, but shifts to #2 after three straight months at #1. When “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” was off three-tenths in November, it ended three straight gains that netted seven-tenths (7.0 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.7, 6+). “Majic” spent six consecutive months on top before segueing to #2 in August. It was +1.4 in May; -.6 in June; and -.7 in July. Somewhat similar to its AC sibling KODA, cluster-mate KTBZ has a bit of a yoyo effect, as “94.5 The Buzz – Houston’s Rock and Alternative” was up a combined full-share in September and October (3.6 – 4.3 – 4.6, 6+); dropped eight-tenths in November to 3.8 (6+); and now regains six-tenths in December (4.4, tenth to eighth, 6+). Having entered the top twenty in November with a gain of eight-tenths (1.3 – 2.1, 6+), co-owned Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” forfeits nearly twice that increase (.6, -1.5, #20 to #26, 6+). Following October’s +1.6, Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN is a combined -1.8 in November and December (4.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 4.5, 6+) and dips from third to sixth. It was -.5 in March; +.7 in April; -1.1 in June; -.7 in July; +.7 in August; -.5 in November; and now -1.3 in December. Following three straight negative trends that yielded a combined -1.5 (8.0 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5, 6+), KLTN brought back 60% of that deficit in January (+.9), jumping from third to first. It was a very quick stay there though as KLTN surrendered -1.3 in February (7.4 – 6.1, 6+) and dropped to third. A loss of one-half share by Entercom adult hits KKHH (fifth to ninth) takes “95.7 The Spot” to 4.3, its lowest 6+-showing since 3.5 in January.
7) Atlanta – A November decrease of one-tenth by Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH curtailed at four its string of successive trends without a loss that netted a +1.8 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+); however, “104.7 
Fish” answers in a big way with a December +1.6 (5.6 – 7.2, 6+), swimming from fourth to second. This marks the first time that Atlanta’s “Fish” has reached the seven-share level (6+) since “Holiday” 2016’s 7.1. Even though it replicates November’s increase of seven-tenths (5.1 – 5.8 – 6.5, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WALR “Kiss 104.1” backslides from a second-place tie to third as it is leapfrogged by WFSH. Its gain of seven-tenths in November ended four consecutive declines that resulted in a cumulative -1.1 (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+). Steady at #6, Radio One-owned and similarly-formatted WAMJ “Majic – The Real Sound of Atlanta” drops two-tenths (4.9 – 4.7, 6+) following a November improvement of six-tenths. “Majic” was a combined -.5 in September and October (4.8 – 4.6 – 4.3, 6+). By chalking up a one-half share uptick (5.8 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom urban contemporary WVEE “V-103 The People’s Station” records its best 6+-stat since May’s 6.5, yet must settle for a fourth-place finish (down from November’s #2 tie with WALR). Having notched three straight increases for a
collective +1.6 (8.6 – 8.9 – 9.9 – 10.2, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is now a combined -1.1 in November and December (10.0 – 9.1, 6+), but is #1 for the 24th successive ratings period. Prior to June’s +.2, WSB-AM had been down or flat the previous four sweeps for a combined -2.1 (10.7 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 8.6, 6+); January 2017’s 10.7 represents WSB-AM’s best-ever (6+) PPM-performance. Elsewhere in the news/talk arena, City of Atlanta Board of Education-owned WABE surrenders one-half share (4.9 – 4.4, sixth to seventh, 6+). As a result of declining by seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.1, #12 to #15, 6+), Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1 – Today’s Hits” has its lowest 6+-share since April (3.1, as well). Down or flat in four straight ratings periods for a net loss of four-tenths (4.3 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WWPW picked up two-tenths in November, but “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” forfeits one-half share in December to 3.7, its softest 6+-share since 3.6 in March, and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Its format rival – Cumulus Media’s WWWQ – is down or flat for the third straight time for an overall loss of six-tenths (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.1, 6+) as “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” slips from eighth to ninth. Having lost roughly 70% of its 6+-stat in five successive down or flat trends since June (1.8 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.0 – .7 – .5, 6+), Woman’s World Broadcasting-owned WTSH “Georgia Country” adds one-tenth to .6 (#30 to #28, 6+). Elsewhere in the format, iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull – Atlanta’s #1 For New Country” returns to the top ten with its third straight modest increase (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, #11 to #8, 6+), while Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” returns November’s +.3 but remains at #13 (3.4 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+). Without an increase for the fifth consecutive sweep, Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” is an overall -.8 (4.7 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+) and drops from ninth to tenth.
8) Philadelphia – Ousted from #1 in November, Jerry Lee-owned adult contemporary WBEB roars back with a gain of five full-shares as it returns to the top spot from #2. In four straight increases, “Today’s 101.1 More FM” is a collective +6.1 (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.6 – 7.8 – 12.8, 6+) and has its highest 6+-share since 17.9 in “Holiday” 2016; WBEB logged an 11.1 in
December 2016. It is the only station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here to reach double-digits (6+). Prior to September, the last time “More FM” occupied the top spot was February when it ended a seven-straight month run there. Owing to a gain of one-half share (1.1 – 1.6, 6+), University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN “88.5 Vinyl at Heart – Rhythms, Not Algorithms” registers its highest 6+-share since August (1.6, as well) and it enters the top twenty (#20). In five straight sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia-owned WRFF was a modest +.3 (3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), but “Radio 104.5 – Philadelphia’s Alternative Rock” spirals by one full-share in December to 3.0, fading from #7 to #13 (6+). The market’s (6+) sports talk share 
erodes by -1.4 as two positive streaks come to an end. Specifically, Entercom-owned WIP forfeits nine-tenths (7.1, first to second, 6+) and Beasley Media Group’s WPEN “97.5 The Fanatic” regresses by one-half share (2.7 – 2.2, #15 to #18, 6+). Philadelphia Eagles flagship WIP was a combined +3.5 as the result of four straight increases (4.5 – 5.3 – 6.4 – 7.5 – 8.0, 6+) and
reached #1 in November for the first time in the PPM-era by recording its best-ever 6+-stat (8.0). Off a collective full-share in June and July (5.5 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), WIP gained eight-tenths in August. Prior to December, “97.5 The Fanatic,” the key station of the Philadelphia 76ers, notched five straight up or flat trends for a collective +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.7, 6+). Following five consecutive up or flat trends that netted an overall +1.5 (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WISX “Real 106.1 – Philly’s Real #1 for Throwbacks” returns one-third of that increase (3.0, -.5, 6+) yet actually improves from #14 to a tie at #13 (with WRFF). Immediately before the November sweep, WISX was within 2.0 – 2.9 range (6+) in each of the previous 18 survey periods. Although unchanged at #5, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL declines for the fifth straight month for an overall -2.2 (7.5 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+).
9) Long Island – Over and above repeating at #1, Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM is a whopping +3.3 in November and December (5.4 – 6.7 – 8.7, 6+), following an October loss of nine-tenths. “Real Variety 97.5” was on top 
between June and September, as well. After three consecutive increases that generated a +2.1 (4.2 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 6.3, 6+), WALK-FM dropped one-tenth in July; bounced back with a +.7 in August; but surrendered six-tenths in September. In five successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW has nearly doubled its 6+-share (2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 4.5, 6+) as New York City’s “Lite FM” soars from #13 to #4 with its strongest 6+-showing in Long Island since 7.8 in “Holiday” 2016. In addition to being up or flat for the fourth month in a row more than doubling its 6+-share since August (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.5, 6+), public news/talk WNYC-FM breaks into the top twenty at #15. After four straight increases that produced an overall +1.9 (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.3 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN “The Fan” relinquishes all but four-tenths of that increase (4.4, -1.5, 6+), skidding from second to sixth. In November, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB gained one-half share to 5.5, its best-ever 6+ PPM-performance, but “Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” falters by twice as much as that +.5 (4.5, -1.0, 6+) to slip from third to fourth. Although within 2.0 – 2.9 territory (6+) for the 37th consecutive ratings period, Emmis rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97” falters by seven-tenths (2.7 – 2.0, 6+) and drifts from #14 to #18. Its urban AC cluster-mate, WBLS “107.5 – #1 For R&B,” is within 3.0 – 3.9 range (6+) for the 15th sweep in a row but is down two-tenths and departs the top ten (3.7 – 3.5, #9 to #11, 6+). Recording a negative trend for the fourth time in succession Cox Media Group CHR WBLI is an overall -2.1 since July (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.3 – 4.1, sixth to seventh, 6+). Ending at 13 its consecutive string of three-share showings (6+) in Long Island, Entercom all-news WCBS-AM has its third straight decrease for an overall loss of one full-share (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.8, #12 to #13, 6+).
10) Riverside – On top for the 26th consecutive ratings period, Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” recaptures all but one-tenth of November’s -.8 (6.9 – 7.6, +.7, 6+). When “Jose” gained three-tenths in August, it ended six consecutive decreases for a net loss of -2.7 (9.4 – 9.2 – 8.6 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 6.7, 6+). It was in that stretch that “Jose”
fell below a seven-share for the first time since May 2016’s 6.5. Winning ways continue for Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “89.7 Family Friendly,” which is a combined +1.1 in five successive ratings periods without a decrease (1.6 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+). Climbing from ninth to seventh, KSGN, in September, reached the two-share level (6+) for the first time since December 2015’s 2.0. Albeit that it slips from fourth to fifth, Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA “Zona MX 101.9” notes its fourth straight monthly without a decrease (3.2 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), repeating its best 6+-share in the Inland Empire since April’s 4.9. It is tied with Spanish contemporary cluster-mate KLVE “K-Love 107.5,” which is an overall -1.2 in four straight survey periods without an increase (5.3 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.1 – 4.1, fourth to fifth, 6+). Having doubled its 6+-share in November (1.2 – 2.4, +1.2, 6+), All-Pro Broadcasting’s KHTI forfeits all of that increase and two-tenths more (1.0, -1.4, 6+) as “Hot 103.9 – Move to the Music” falls out of the top ten (#8 to #14). Prior to November, “Hot” was off a collective nine-tenths in six straight down or flat trends (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+). Four consecutive up or flat moves by LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE netted an overall gain of six-tenths (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.9, 6+), but “Old School 104.7” coughs up more than twice that increase with its 6+-share cut by one-third (2.6 -1.3, sixth to eighth, 6+).
11) San Jose – It has been a rollercoaster ride for Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits,” which was a combined +2.3 in August and September (3.7 – 4.8 – 6.0, 6+); a collective -2.0 in October 
and November (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.0, 6+); and now +1.6 in December to 5.6 (6+). September’s 6.0 was its strongest 6+-stat since 8.0 in the “Holiday” 2016 report. It is tied in third-place with Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM “Better Music for a Better Workday,” which has an identical 4.0 – 5.6/eighth to third November 2017 – December 2017 profile. KOIT-FM’s adult contemporary rival – iHeartMedia’s KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” – tacks on nine-tenths to the one-half share it added in November (3.6 – 4.5, 6+) to zoom into the top ten (#11 to #6). Prior to November, “The Breeze” had been -1.3 in three straight negative or flat trends (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). A gain of seven-tenths boosts Universal Media Access world ethnic KSJO “Bolly 92.3 – The Bay Area’s Bollywood Station” to 1.0 (6+, #28). Doubling its 6+-share since October (.9 – 1.2 – 1.8, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KRZZ “93.3 La Raza” checks in at #23. When Univision Radio’s similarly-formatted KSOL lost one-tenth in November, it ended at four a consecutive string of up or flat trends that generated a +1.1 (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+). Ironically, “Que Buena” is -1.1 in December (3.8 – 2.7, 6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #12). October’s 3.9 was its best 6+-share in San Jose since last December’s 4.1. Likewise, as a result of returning 90% of November’s full-share increase (4.2 – 3.3, -.9, 6+), Entercom CHR KMVQ “99.7 New Hit Music Now!” exits the top ten (#6 to #11). While it is on top in San Jose for the fifth straight time, Northern California Public Broadcasting’s KQED-FM slips by one-tenth to 8.1 (6+), thus halting three consecutive gains that produced an overall +1.3 (6.9 – 7.3 – 8.0 – 8.2, 6+). Back in July, KQED-FM recaptured 80% of the cumulative -1.5 it lost in four straight downward moves (7.6 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 6.3 – 6.1, 6+) to advance from #3 to #1. Unlisted in San Jose since posting a 5.1 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2015 report, KQED-FM returned in January 2017 by recording a 6.9 (6+) to finish at #1 and had been on top through April; November’s 8.2 was its highest 6+-share since reappearing the first of this year. Eroding by eight-tenths each are Entercom all-news KCBS-AM (7.2 – 6.4, steady at #2, 6+); iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3 – More Music, More Variety” (4.5, third to sixth, 6+); and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “100.3 Mas Variedad,” which was off six-tenths in November (5.4 – 4.8 – 4.0, 6+) and drifts from fourth to ninth. Entering the December sweep, “Star” netted +1.8 in four successive increases (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.3, 6+). At the same time, as a result of four straight upticks, Entercom sports talk KGMZ nearly tripled its 6+-share (.4 – .5 – .5 – .6 – 1.1, 6+), but “95.7 The Game” is off in December by one-tenth to 1.0 (6+, #28). For the third straight time, Cumulus Media’s similarly-programmed KNBR has a fluctuation of one-half share (3.2 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+), yet “The Sports Leader” actually climbs from #13 to a three-way tie at #12. With a -.1 in November, co-owned KSFO ended three straight up or flat trends that accounted for a cumulative +.7 (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.2, 6+) and now the news/talk slips by another seven-tenths (2.1 – 1.4, 6+), tumbling out of the top twenty (#20 to #26).
12) Middlesex – In addition to notching its fifth straight Middlesex-Somerset-Union gain for an overall whopping +4.2 (4.3 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.9 – 8.5, 6+), iHeartMedia New York City’s WLTW “Lite-FM” marches from third to first as it 
practically doubles its 6+-share. Moreover, 8.5 is its best 6+-showing in this New Jersey market since “Holiday” 2016’s 8.7. It displaces WKXW, which had been #1 the past 11 ratings periods. The Townsquare Media news/talker surrenders all nine-tenths of November’s +.9 – and one-tenth more – to segue to #2 (7.2 -1.0, 6+). November’s 8.2 was its strongest 6+-stat since 8.2 in September 2016. As a result of a “Holiday” 2016 – January 2017 increase of one-full-share (6.8 – 7.8, 6+), “New Jersey 101.5” returned to #1 following one month in the runner-up slot. A +1.5 (2.3 – 3.8, 6+) enables Pillar of Fire contemporary Christian WAWZ “Star 99.1” to reach the three-share level (6+) for the first time since April’s 3.0. Moreover, “Star” rockets from #20 all the way into the top ten at #8. Having registered a 2.2 (6+) in three of the last five sweeps (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom all-news WCBS-AM breaks out a +.6 to 2.8 (6+), entering the top twenty in a three-way tie at #15. By dropping two-tenths to 5.0 (6+), sports talk sibling WFAN-FM concludes three straight increases for an overall +1.4 (3.8 – 4.3 – 5.1 – 5.2, 6+), but “The Fan” manages to inch up from fifth to fourth. Having logged a 2.8 (6+) eight times in the previous ten sweeps – including the past four – iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR WKTU picks up one-tenth to 2.9 (6+, #15 top #13). On the heels of dropping one full-share in November, Spanish Broadcasting System-owned Spanish tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” sputters by another nine-tenths (5.3 – 4.3 – 3.4, 6+) to exit the top ten (#6 to #11). After three straight increases for a collective +1.1 (2.5 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1 New York’s Hip-Hop and R&B” surrenders seven-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and – likewise – departs the top ten (#10 to #13). Faltering by one-half share each are co-owned WAXQ “Q-104.3 New York’s Classic Rock,” a combined -1.2 in three straight sweeps without a gain (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8, fourth to fifth, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish tropical WXNY “X-96.3,” which was off by eight-tenths in November (3.2 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+), fading from #16 to #22.
November 2017 PPM Analysis: Mainstream CHR
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — A thorough examination of mainstream CHR will put a bright seasonal bow around our four-part series reviewing November 2017 ratings performances.
Earlier recaps addressed news/talk (last Friday, 12/8); NBA flagships (Monday, 12/11); and adult hits (yesterday, 12/12).
As was the case with those other three overviews, our mainstream CHR analysis is comprised of data from PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+, November 2017).
Bookends for these four recaps (news/talk and mainstream CHR) represent two of the three largest sample bases (historically) in the medium, with country being the other.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive mainstream CHR breakdown are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
The company’s November 2017 ratings period covered October 12 – November 8.
November 2017 PPM Analysis: Adult Hits
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of November 2017 ratings overviews continues with an in-depth examination of adult hits.
Previously posted were similar ratings summaries for news/talk operations (12/8) and NBA flagships (yesterday, 12/11).
This analysis of adult hits stations is comprised of PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in the November 2017 ratings sweep, which covered October 12 through
November 8.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. For that reason, ratings stats and information in the following charts are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Bottom-line: While there may not be a great many PPM-market adult hits stations, the vast majority in our November 2017 sample did quite well. In fact, the adult hits format claims the strongest 6+-share (5.43) and best average 6+-rank (#6.47), easily outdistancing news/talk (3.80/#11.02) and the NBA flagships (2.63/#17.30) in those areas.
November 2017 PPM Analysis: News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of November 2017 ratings analyses commences with a thorough overview of news/talk outlets.
The following breakouts are comprised of PPM-market news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in the November 2017 ratings period, which covered October 12 through November 8.
It is typical for an eligible news/talk station in our sample to have a November 2017 Monday-Sunday (6+) average-quarter-hour share of 3.80 and to finish at #11.02.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive overview are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
October 2017 PPM Analysis: Alternative
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Having already posted October 2017 ratings overviews for public news/talk stations (Wednesday, 11/8) and NFL flagships (yesterday, Thursday, 11/9), we turn our attention to a similar analysis for alternative – occasionally referred to as “modern rock” or “new rock.”
Facilities that rank in the top 20 in a PPM market (6+, October 2017) comprise the following alternative scoreboards.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services, so owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Bottom-line comparison: Among the three eligible sample bases we’ve addressed so far, alternative has the highest (October 2017, 6+) market rank (#13.44) and lowest (October 2017, 6+) market share (3.02). The NFL flagships we used as our sample score the best (October 2017, 6+) share (4.10), while the qualifying public news/talk facilities accounted for the lowest (October 2017, 6+) market rank (#11.09).
October 2017 PPM Analysis: Public News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Our four-part series of October 2017 PPM ratings overviews leads off with a thorough look at public news/talk outlets.
This analysis is comprised of PPM-market public news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) for the October 2017 sweep, which covered September 14 – October 11.
This is not an overview of all public outlets in PPM-markets, but rather a focus on those that are primarily news/talk.
Given that programming on public stations is generally multi-faceted, some listed on our “public news/talk” panel might be incorporating music blocks (jazz, classical, folk, bluegrass, etc.); however, noncommercial public stations that are exclusively or principally music-reliant are purposefully excluded from this list.
One more noteworthy disclaimer: Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. For that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
August 2017 PPM Analysis:
Public News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The second of our four-part series of August 2017 PPM ratings overviews deals with a thorough look at public news/talk outlets; a similar recap of sports talk stations was posted yesterday (Wednesday, September 13).
As was the case with that one, this analysis is comprised of PPM-market public news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) for the August 2017 sweep, which covered July 19 – August 16.
This is not an overview of all public outlets in PPM-markets, but rather a focus on those that are primarily news/talk.
Given that programming on public stations is generally multi-faceted, some listed on our “public news/talk” panel might be incorporating music blocks (jazz, classical, folk, bluegrass, etc.); however, noncommercial public stations that are exclusively or principally music-reliant are purposefully excluded from this list.
One more noteworthy disclaimer: Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. For that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Compared to their sports talk counterparts, eligible PPM-market public news/talk outlets in August 2017 typically have a 6+-AQH share one full-point higher (3.43 versus 2.40) and rank 11th (#11.37), compared to 14th (#14.13).
July 2017 PPM Analysis: MLB Flagships
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The second in our four-part series of July 2017 recaps is this year’s second ratings overview of Major League Baseball’s radio flagships.
More specifically, the following scoreboards are for each MLB team’s English-language, Nielsen Audio-subscribing key station.
While some MLB teams have a secondary outlet and/or an emergency alternative, we are showing one designated hitter per team.
Key outlets of the two New York franchises (Mets and Yankees) appear in three PPM-rated markets (New York, Long Island, and Middlesex); the Angels’ flagship is listed in Los Angeles and Riverside; and key stations of the San Francisco and Oakland franchises (Giants and A’s) appear in San Francisco and San Jose.
In these instances, ratings information is limited to New York City for the flagships of the Mets (WOR) and Yankees (WFAN); the only ratings stats used for the Angels’ key station (KLAA) is from the Los Angeles report; while flagships for the two Bay Area teams – Giants (KNBR) and A’s (KGMZ) – have San Francisco ratings info only.
No ratings information is shown for the flagship for the American League East’s Toronto Blue Jays (CJCL).
Full-week, Monday-Sunday, 6:00 am – 12:00 midnight (6+) is the ratings data cited here. It is not limited to a specific day-part.
The July 2017 ratings period covered June 22 – July 19.
Digital Creates a New Ballgame For Boston’s WEEI
By Jeff McKay
TALKERS
Special Features Correspondent
BOSTON – While some radio stations and companies are working harder and in some cases struggling to make digital dollars and digital traffic work for them, Boston’s WEEI (850AM/93.7FM) has proven digital can work extremely well for them. The Boston and New England region Entercom sports/talk powerhouse weaves its podcasts, along with an unusually strong presence on social media into a mechanism that drives listeners to and from the radio and social media, and advertisers to multiple platforms.
Success for WEEI’s digital arm didn’t happen overnight. The digital and social media launch came nine years ago as the stock market was tanking and businesses crumbling during the “great recession,” and now employs eight full and part-time staffers who also bring strong content to the radio while on-air sports radio hosts enhance their digital domain.
June 2017 PPM Analysis:
Public News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The first of our four-part series of June 2017 PPM ratings overviews commences with a thorough look at public news/talk outlets.
This analysis is comprised of PPM-market public news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) for the June 2017 sweep, which covered May 25 – June 21.
This is not an overview of all public outlets in PPM-markets, but rather a focus on those that are primarily news/talk.
Given that programming on public stations is generally multi-faceted, some on our “public news/talk” panel could incorporate music blocks (jazz, classical, folk, bluegrass, etc.); however, noncommercial public stations that are exclusively or principally music-reliant are purposefully excluded from this list.
One more noteworthy disclaimer: Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. For that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Eyes on iHeartMedia as Debt Restructuring Attempts Continue. Industry watchers continue to observe and report on the possible debt restructuring of iHeartMedia that would prevent the 
company’s bankruptcy. The New York Post is reporting that a group of lenders led by Symphony Asset Management has a proposal offered to iHM that would to just that. But the group won’t give final approval unless Franklin Advisers – which owns $2.3 billion of iHM debt – agrees to the package as well. The Post story indicates that Franklin is reviewing the offer. This proposal from the lender group would have them trade their debt for 49% of iHeartMedia. Read it here.
Final RTDNA Newsroom Research Project: Salary Survey. The ninth of nine reports for 2017 as part of Hofstra professor emeritus Bob Papper’s Newsroom Research Project focuses on the
salaries of those working in the television and radio industries. How did radio newsroom salaries compare to last year’s? Tepid increases at best, writes Papper. “Radio salaries rose 2.3% from last year. That’s less than last year’s 3.1% increase… but far better than the two previous years. Factor in low inflation of 2.1%, and radio salaries barely budged in the last year.” Looking at median newsroom salaries, Papper notes, “Five- and 10-year salary comparisons show two entirely different pictures. Again. The last five years have been tough, overall, in radio news. Half the positions saw salary increases above the rate of inflation, but half were below. The 10-year picture shows mostly strong growth based on some very low salaries reported in 2007. We’ll see how these numbers hold up over time.” Read the RTDNA report here.
Translator Deal to Give WTMJ, Milwaukee FM Presence. The FCC filing indicates that translator W277CV at 103.3 FM – owned by Frank Glass McCoy – will soon move to Scripps’ tower that hosts transmitters for WTMJ-TV and WKTI-FM and will become an FM translator for news/talk WTJM-AM. The translator is currently licensed to Waukegan, Illinois with a construction permit to move it to Milwaukee. McCoy originally had talks with WRRD, Waukesha owner Michael Crute
about leasing the translator to his station. It sounds as though Scripps offered more money for the signal. Vice president & general manager of WTMJ/WKTI-Milwaukee and VP, news/talk & sports Tom Langmyer tells TALKERS magazine, “WTMJ is ‘Wisconsin’s Radio Station’ and Milwaukee’s leading news, talk and sports brand. We’re also the flagship for the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s important to make the station’s services available to listeners on additional platforms. The exclusive FM radio cume will now be especially well-served by our commitment to live and local talk – and our 24-hour newsroom.”
Media Equality Project to Hold Rally at CNN Headquarters. The Media Equality Project – an organization led by talk radio pros Melanie Morgan and Brian Maloney – is organizing a rally at the Atlanta headquarters of CNN this Saturday (7/22) from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm. The organization says that Morgan and Maloney “will be joined by their volunteer leaders, local political activists and Atlanta
talk show host Bryan Crabtree of ‘Biz1190’ and ‘AM920 The Answer’ to call for unbiased, balanced coverage of national issues that people care about.” Maloney adds, “For too long, CNN has been allowed to warp, misrepresent and outright manufacture news events out of 
thin air. Real damage has been done to the targets of CNN’s misreporting, not to mention the country as a whole.” Crabtree comments, “If there’s one anti-Trump protester standing in Times Square with a sign, CNN will rush a camera to the scene seizing the opportunity to make our president look defeated. It will be interesting to see if CNN will notice that real news is happening outside their front door as Americans gather to protest the hysteria and fake news being peddled by their network every day. Americans want real, truthful news and that’s why CNN is not even in the top 10 – even trailing Nick at Nite.”
TALKERS News Notes. The price Townsquare Media is paying for Berkshire Broadcasting’s and Gamma Broadcasting’s Western Massachusetts stations is $3.35 million. The deal, announced
back on July 7, is for the six stations/translators: hot AC WBEC-FM, news/talk WBEC-AM, classic hits WUPE-AM/FM (and an FM translator at 94.1 FM), adult contemporary WNAW-AM, adult contemporary WSBS-AM (and translator W277CJ at 103.3 FM)…..Digital media pro Mike Orth joins Adams Radio as VP of sales for Adams Digital Media. Orth previously served with the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He comments, “I am very excited to bring to Adams Radio the knowledge base I have gained while working with one of 
the premier newspapers that has been a pioneer in developing digital assets for traditional media. Adams has wonderful radio assets and I believe we can leverage those into some amazing complementary digital tools that will assist our clients in further growing their businesses. At the end of the day that’s all that matters – when our clients grow, we grow.” Adams CEO Ron Stone adds, “Mike’s consultative sales approach and ability to partner with clients to bring them into the process goes beyond selling…Mike has developed exceptional interpersonal communication skills resulting in trusted relationships with his clients and peers.” Adams operates radio clusters in Fort Wayne; suburban Chicago/Northwest Indiana; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland…..SB Nation Radio announces the addition of a new weekend program to its schedule. “Realtree Radio” with host O‘Neill Williams will air live from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturdays. SB Nation Radio program director Craig Larson comments, “O’Neill Williams is a true pioneer and master of his craft. With a brilliant combination of humor and insight, ‘Realtree Radio’ will not only appeal to outdoor enthusiasts but any fans of great sports
talk.”…..iHeartMedia Milwaukee’s six-station cluster – including news/talk WISN – held a water drive to benefit victims of Southeast Wisconsin’s recent flood. The cluster, with the help of generous listeners filled five large semi-trucks with bottled water for those whose wells were tainted by the floodwaters. iHeartMedia operations manager Kerry Wolfe states, “The iHeartMedia Milwaukee team and our listeners are committed to the people in the Milwaukee community. They saw their neighbors in need and jumped to action in a matter of hours.”…..Back on June 13, WBUR, Boston launched “Freak Out and Carry On,” a new politics and history podcast designed to address the “urgent issues of our time through a historical lens.” The program is hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Ron Suskind and Boston College historian Heather Cox Richardson and examines the national political landscape and explores the historical context for today’s events…..On Friday (7/21), XEPRS, San Diego “The Mighty 1090” morning personality Dan Sileo will host CBS Corp. chairman Les Moonves. Sileo says that topic of discussion will be the Entercom-CBS merger.
GOP’s Health Care Reform Failure, Undisclosed Trump-Putin Meeting, Huntsman Nominated for Russian Ambassador Post, Woman Slain by Minnesota Cop, Saudi Miniskirt Controversy, ‘Game of Thrones’ New Season, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/18). Analysis of the GOP’s failure to vote on its health care reform package and President Trump’s comments about letting ObamaCare fail; reports of a previously undisclosed 60-minute meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin at the recent G20 summit; President Trump nominates Jon Huntsman for Ambassador to Russia post; the investigation into the shooting death of a woman in Minnesota by a police officer; the arrest of a woman in Saudi Arabia for posting a video of herself wearing a miniskirt; Sunday’s season premiere of “Game of Thrones” including the cameo appearance of singer Ed Sheeran; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/19) with Mike McVay, Julie Talbott and Steve Jones. The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are:
– The “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein).
– The special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan).
– The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim Bohannon).
– The “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo).
– The special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard).
– The special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell).
– The first, second and third in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” featuring conversations between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman, Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto and DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, and nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein. All three sessions are facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter.
– A “one-on-one” dialogue titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab).
– A “Fireside Chat” featuring former CBS Radio president/CEO and Broadcasters Foundation of America chairman Dan Mason being interviewed by WPGG, Atlantic City morning host Harry Hurley (with introduction by BOB-FM, London morning host Graham Mack).
– A “Fireside Chat” featuring Emmis Communications CEO/chairman Jeff Smulyan being interviewed by TALKERS VP/executive editor Kevin Casey (with an introduction by Bentley University professor/TALKERS legal editor Steve Weisman).
– The first two in a series of four “one-on-one” dialogues titled “The Challenges of Doing Talk Radio in 2017.” They feature a conversation between WYD Media syndicated host Thom Hartmann and Cumulus Media corporate PD/WMAL, Washington PD Bill Hess, introduced by Moceri Media president Greg Moceri and a conversation between morning co-host of WAQY-FM (Rock102), Springfield, MA Mike “Bax” Baxendale and morning host of WOLB, Baltimore Larry Young (facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).
– TODAY (7/19), the third in the above series is posted featuring a conversation between Cumulus Media EVP programming and content Mike McVay and Premiere Networks president Julie Talbott (also facilitated by ABC News Radio VP/GM Steve Jones).
Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.
Todd Feinburg of WTIC, Hartford Guests on Harrison Podcast. The newest full-time member of the air staff of heritage talker WTIC, Hartford – Todd Feinburg – is this week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne media series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Feinburg, a veteran New England radio talk show host whose decades-long broadcasting career included a five-year stint as morning co-host on WRKO, Boston, joined the legendary
Connecticut CBS O&O in April hosting afternoon drive, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Feinberg talks to Harrison about his method balancing local and national stories in a way that is constantly relevant to the station’s geographical community as well as recognizing that the conservative “choir” to whom news/talk has traditionally been preaching can no longer be considered homogeneous since the political ascendancy of Donald Trump. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Personality Marley Sherwood officially joins Premiere Networks and CMT as a part of the “CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan” and “CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan” shows. She will serve as a correspondent –
bringing pop culture and lifestyle stories to the country radio programs. She will continue in her role as associate producer of CMT’s signature music show “Hot 20 Countdown” with Cody Alan and Katie Cook. Alan states, “Radio is all about connecting with the audience and I’m looking forward to our listeners getting to know Marley. She’s genuine, magnetic, and fearless, so we’re going to have a lot of fun with our listeners every night!”.…..Cox Media Group appoints Christy Lendry to the general sales manager position for its seven-station Jacksonville cluster. Lendry – who was most recently with Cox as new business sales manager for WFOX-TV and WJAX-TV – will also serve as brand manager for CHR WAPE and adult contemporary WEZI “EASY 106.5.”…..Beasley Media Group’s alternative WBOS, Boston “ALT 92.9” announces the lineup for its “ALT Rocks Boston 2017” free summer concert series that will be headlined by: The Revivalists, American Authors and New Politics. The shows will take place at Copley Square Park on August 17, 31, and on September 9 at the SoWa Art & Design District Market.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Salem to Hold White House Radio Broadcast. The theme of the July 25 special broadcast from the White House will be “Made in America” and will feature senior members of the Trump Administration as guests on some 20 Salem Media Group radio shows. The press statement from Salem says that the special broadcast day is “part of a larger White House effort to broaden media access and bring in more local and regional media, including talk 
radio.” Salem’s nationally syndicated talk radio hosts – Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Larry Elder and Eric Metaxas – will be joined by 13 local hosts from Salem Media Group-owned stations and will total 36 hours of live radio programming between the hours of 6:00 am to 9:00 pm ET on that day. Salem Media Group CEO Ed Atsinger comments, “Donald Trump ran an unconventional campaign that reflected a broad public discontent with the status quo, and despite intense opposition and overwhelming odds, he was successful. There is an unprecedented level of public interest in what is happening in Washington, DC…Salem Media Group’s audiences are highly active politically and very interested in both the policy components of the president’s agenda, as well as how the administration is accomplishing its objectives.”
Entercom Recruits Larkin for Regional VP Position. Radio management pro Susan Larkin is joining
Entercom as a regional vice president. She’s most recently been serving in the same capacity with Cox Media Group, in charge of the Orlando and Jacksonville markets. During her career she also served with ABC-Disney in the Twin Cities. Entercom COO Weezie Kramer states, “Susan is a highly respected and top-performing radio veteran with a winning track record. At Entercom, we are committed to being a best-in-class organization with A-level talent and we are excited to have Susan on board with us at this transformational time.”
Cumulus Unveils Its ‘Digital C-Suite.’ The Cumulus Digital C-Suite is a “comprehensive portfolio of digital marketing solutions” that Cumulus sellers will represent to local businesses in its 90 U.S. markets. Cumulus says it’s a “flexible local marketing solution, currently featuring digital solutions in three distinct areas that can be used in any combination to achieve a local advertiser’s digital marketing goal. Local businesses can now work with a single 
point of contact to create stand-alone radio or digital campaigns, or holistic multi-media strategies.” Cumulus Media president and CEO Mary Berner states, “Cumulus is offering local marketers the formidable reach, frequency, and recall of radio combined with comprehensive custom digital marketing solutions that we know engage consumers. We spent the last year in market testing digital solutions with local advertisers and have pulled together the most effective products that delivered the best results. With C-Suite, our advertisers can now work with one partner to coordinate and optimize their campaign, messaging, and creative across multiple platforms.” VP of digital operations and business development Larry Linietsky adds, “We’re evolving our broadcast business to maximize digital and social in support of our local partners’ needs. Our plan is to vigilantly watch the ever evolving digital technology landscape for new products, innovations and opportunities for inclusion in the Cumulus Digital C-Suite.”
Radio Drops Out of Top Five in BIA Kelsey’s Local Media Advertising Forecast. In this mid-year update to the 2017 U.S. Local Ad Revenues Forecast from BIA Kelsey, radio drops from the #5 spot to #6 with forecast total revenue of $15.6 billion. Mobile inches ahead of radio with 11% of the advertising pie, or $16 billion. The five-
year forecast report states that total U.S. ad revenue will reach “approximately $174 billion by 2021 (Compound Annual Growth Rate: 3.8%.) This growth will be driven by double-digit increases in mobile and social advertising and local online and mobile video, all slated to experience at least a 17% increase by 2021. For 2017, the firm has slightly decreased their advertising estimate to $147.9 billion. An overall weaker than expected economy in the beginning of 2017 has led to softness in advertising revenues. However, future growth in online/digital advertising revenues will be higher than originally predicted, with a 2016-2021 CAGR of 11.9%. Over the same period, traditional advertising revenues will see a slight decrease in the 2016-2021 period with a CAGR of -0.6%.” See more here.
Meg McDonald Rejoins TalkersRadio with Solo Short-Form Commentary. Longtime public relations specialist Meg McDonald is enjoying a second career as a talk radio commentator. The daughter of a Hollywood show biz couple (actress Elizabeth Fraser and dancer Ray McDonald), she earned tremendous notoriety for
many years as one of Southern California’s leading publicists. She ran her own LA-based company, McDonald Media Services, and was married to an accomplished broadcaster, the late-Brent Seltzer, for more than three decades. When Seltzer died almost two years ago, the couple were in the process of co-hosting a new, rapidly-growing, syndicated husband/wife midday chat show “Brent and Meg” on the Genesis Communications Network (GCN) that had gotten its launch as an experimental project on TalkersRadio. Now McDonald is back as a solo performer with a compelling, short-form radio feature simply titled, “MEG!” It’s a 2½-minute feature that 
showcases her unique and quirky observations about the “things and events” of daily life. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison describes McDonald as “a female version of the late-Andy Rooney, only far less curmudgeonly.” “MEG!” can be used as a stand-alone interstitial feature or as an accompanying “kicker” for an already-existing radio program. TalkersRadio is an experimental radio lab designed to give talent, programmers and producers a platform and industry showcase to try out new ideas and projects for talk radio. Since its inception in 2013, TalkersRadio has launched a number of programs that have gone on to terrestrial radio success – the most recent being “American Family Farmer” with Doug Stephan, now heard weekends on approximately 150 terrestrial stations across the nation. At the time of his death, Alan Colmes was experimenting with a program titled “Healed Planet” that explored the boundaries of human consciousness. These shows are archived at TalkersRadio which can be accessed by clicking here. For more information about TalkersRadio call GM David Bernstein at 413-565-5413.
TALKERS 2017 Convention Videos Continue Posting Today (7/12) with Joe Madison, Sharon Madison and Dave Gorab. The entire agenda of the recent Talkers 2017: A New Era national talk media convention has been video recorded and its sessions are being posted to Talkers.com – one event per day. Already posted are the “Welcoming Remarks” by WMAL, Washington, DC afternoon drive host Larry O’ Connor (including an introduction by TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein); the special presentation “You HAVE Options” by consultant Holland Cooke (including an introduction by Yappy Days author Bernadette Duncan); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison and Premiere Networks/Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity (with introduction by Westwood One host Jim 
Bohannon); the “Fireside Chat” between TALKERS managing editor Mike Kinosian and WFAN, New York sports talk show host Mike Francesa (with introduction by Sabo Media CEO Walter Sabo); the special presentation “The Trump Effect: Latest Research of Interest to News/Talk Radio” by Salem Radio Network SVP Phil Boyce (with introduction by Pioneer Valley Radio GM/host Brad Shepard); the special presentation “Podcasting and Local Radio” by PodcastOne excutive chairman Norm Pattiz (with introduction by Hubbard Radio SVP/programming Greg Strassell); and the first and second in a series of three consecutive “one-on-one” sessions discussing the topic “Maximizing Talk Radio’s Multi-Platform Potential for Reach and Revenue” beginning with a conversation between WABC, New York, PD Craig Schwalb and KGO, San Francisco host Ethan Bearman (facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter) as well as the second in that series featuring Bold Gold Media Group president/CEO Vince Benedetto in conversation with DGital Media managing partner Ron Hartenbaum, plus the third in the series featuring a conversation between nationally syndicated host Dr. Asa Andrew and TalkersRadio GM David Bernstein (facilitated by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio host Karen Hunter). Today (7/12) TALKERS has posted a “one-on-one” chat titled “Radio That Makes a Difference” featuring the SiriusXM Satellite Radio husband/wife team of host Joe Madison and executive producer Sharon Madison (introduced by Sirius/XM Satellite Radio VP/GM talk programming Dave Gorab). Within the following days and weeks, every session will be posted and will remain on Talkers.com for the rest of the year. The Talkers 2017: A New Era video page is sponsored by Backbone Networks, Broadcasters General Store and Comrex Corp. To view the video page of Talkers 2017: A New Era, please click here.
Trump Jr.- Russia Meeting, GOP Health Care Plan, North Korea Threats/China Responsibility, ‘Sixth Mass Extinction’ Controversy, Shia LeBeouf Arrest, and MLB All-Star Game Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (7/11). The controversy over Donald Trump Jr’s meeting with a Russian attorney promising dirt on Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign; the Republicans’ plan to attempt a vote on their health care plan before the August break; North Korea’s nuclear program and China’s statement that the hermit kingdom is not solely its responsibility; the concern of prominent zoologists that the world may be in a “sixth mass extinction” with large numbers of species disappearing; the flap over the arrest of actor Shia LeBeouf on public drunkenness charges; and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
SiriusXM Host Rick Ungar Guests on Harrison Podcast. This week’s guest on the award-winning PodcastOne series “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison” is the animation-heavyweight-turned-progressive-pundit, Rick Ungar. Ungar, a former top executive with Marvel Entertainment and New World Animation, is the liberal co-host, with former Republican National Committee head Michael Steele, of the political talk
show “Steele and Ungar” heard nightly on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s politically moderate POTUS Channel. The show is known for its collegial and civil approach to political left/right debate – a rarity in today’s radio. Harrison and Ungar (who also writes the column “The Token Lefty” for Forbes.com) discuss a wide array of media topics including the moderate approach to political discussion, the POTUS Channel, the state of talk radio, and a whole bunch of cool stuff about superheroes, comics and animation in American popular culture. Not to be missed! To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Century Broadcasting Co-Founder George Collias Dead at 89. According to a lengthy obit in the Chicago Tribune, George Collias – co-founder of Century Broadcasting – died of complications from Alzheimer ’s disease at age 89. The Chicagoland native left his law practice in the mid-1960s and formed Century Broadcasting with a partner. They started acquiring radio stations, first in suburban St. Louis (what became the legendary rock station KSHE-FM), then Dallas and Detroit and, in 1966 WFMF-FM in Chicago (currently WSHE-FM). The company continued to buy FM stations in major markets – moves that many in the radio business thought were crazy, since FM was largely the domain of easy listening or Muzak at that time. Few saw the rise of FM rock and pop stations on the horizon. But Collias was proved prescient as the value of those stations skyrocketed in the 1970s. Century began selling stations in the 1980s and by 1997 – a year after the Telecommunications Act of 1996 – Collias had sold his last station. He confessed to the Tribune in a 1997 article that he thought the business would be successful, but he did not know it would reap the rewards it did. Read the Tribune obit here.
Tony & Kris Named WIVK, Knoxville Morning Show. Knoxville country outlet WIVK finds a replacement for
the popular “Andy & Alison” morning show, signing Tony Randall and Kris Rochester to handle the wake-up show. Cumulus Media says that after a nationwide search, the station is hiring only the fourth morning show in the history of the station. “Andy & Alison” retired earlier this year after 20 years with the station to leave the radio business. “Tony & Kris” were most recently syndicated via United Stations Radio Networks. They began their career together in 1991 at WHMA, Anniston-Oxford, Alabama. Cumulus Knoxville VP/market manager Ken Salyer states, “The excitement level of the staff at the hiring of ‘Tony & Kris’ speaks to their track record of success.” In addition to hosting mornings, the duo will develop a new, music-based weekend show for WIVK.
May 2017 PPM Analysis: Adult Hits
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — After focusing on two spoken-word formats, all-news (Wednesday, 6/21) and sports talk (Thursday (6/22), we turn our attention of in-depth overviews of May 2017 PPM results to adult hits.
In our sample, adult hits facilities typically finish eighth in May 2017 (#8.00, 6+) with a 6+-share of 4.98.
Scoreboards in the following overview consist of adult hits stations that rank in the top 20 in any of the 48 PPM-markets (6+, May 2017) and are Nielsen Audio subscribers; only Nielsen Audio subscribing stations can appear in print.
May 2017 PPM Analysis: News
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The first in our series of May 2017 ratings recaps begins with the all-news format, where our qualifying panel did far better year-to-year (May 2016 – May 2017), versus month-to-month (April 2017 – May 2017).
The following (6+) scoreboards are comprised of all-news stations that appeared in any of the 48 PPM-markets in May 2017, a ratings period that covered April 27 – May 24.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services.
Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Several facilities that are all-news throughout the day, but program extended talk blocks are designated by an asterisk (*).
Open a Mall
By Walter Sabo
Sabo Media
CEO
NEW YORK — The forbidden topic about the future of AM talk radio is infomercials. Infomercials, rather than the subtleties of topic selection, harm AM talk cume more than any other single station element. Most stations airing infomercials generate about 40% of their total income from that stream. So, what’s the problem? It’s money!
The problem is that in most cities the number two HOMES USING RADIO daypart is Saturdays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. There is significant radio listening available and it is discretionary, weekend listening, an ideal time to promote and sample your best work. Infomercials during that valuable time period depress total week audience – easily by a full share.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Ted Nugent Tells ‘Curtis & Eboni’ Americans Must Tone It Down. On WABC, New York’s midday Curtis &
Eboni show with Curtis Sliwa and Eboni K. Williams, legendary rocker and prominent Second Amendment advocate Ted Nugent called for toning down the violent political rhetoric in the country, vowing he will do the same. In the wake of yesterday’s shooting at the GOP baseball practice for the Congressional Baseball charity game, Nugent appeared on WABC and spoke about the matter. Hear that audio here. Nugent has a history of over-the-top rhetoric, including referring to President Obama as a “subhuman mongrel.” He also has used language inviting political opponents to “put their lips on my machine gun.”
Deportes Media Sues Over Sale of KTRB, San Francisco to East Bay Broadcasting. KTRB-AM, San Francisco had been operated as a Spanish sports talk station since it entered into an LMA with station Receiver Susan L. Uecker in May of 2011. In June of 2015, the former Pappas Telecasting station was sold to East Bay Broadcasting, operated by the managing partners of Salem Media Group. Now, Deportes Media is suing East Bay, Salem, Uecker, Media Acquisition Trust, and broker Kalil & Co in District Court in San Francisco over the 
sale. Deportes claims that it wanted to buy the station; that Uecker knew the company wanted to buy it and there were clauses in their LMA deal to give it the first opportunity to acquire the station. Deportes notes in its suit, “A number of conditions were built into the lease to discourage other potential suitors from acquiring the station out from under Plaintiff, robbing it of the hard work it had invested in building the station. For example, the agreement contained a no-shop provision that prevented anyone from offering the radio station for sale. Additionally, the contract specified that any buyer would have to honor the full term of Plaintiff’s lease, meaning it would likely be years from the time of acquisition until a new owner could begin making its own programming decisions or trying to integrate KTRB into any other media plays or other strategies. Most importantly, the contract contained a “Programmer’s Right of First Refusal” clause. This Right of First Refusal explicitly gave Plaintiff the right to match any competitors purchase offer within ninety (90) days so that KTRB could not be bought out from under it.” It’s suing Uecker for breach of contract; Media Trust, Kalil and Salem for tortious interference with contract; and all for violation of California’s unfair competition law. It is seeking actual and compensatory damages.
Tony Matteo Named iHM’s RSVPP for California-Nevada. Programmer Tony Matteo moves from
iHeartMedia’s Omaha Region – based in Wichita, Kansas — to a new post with the company as region senior vice president of programming for the Central California/Nevada Region. Matteo will work with on-air personalities and program directors from the 36 radio station brands in that area. He comments, “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of a group of incredibly talented programmers, on-air talent and managers in the Wichita market and Omaha Region and together we’ve accomplished much. The outstanding brands built by the iHM Central California/Nevada team have a ton of momentum. I’ll be proud to join and help continue the region’s winning streak.”
TALKERS News Notes. As reported by Chicago media writer Robert Feder, Windy City sports blogger and podcaster Dan Katz, a.k.a. Barstool Big Cat, is joining WMVP, Chicago “ESPN Radio” as a weekly contributor to Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman’s afternoon drive “Waddle & Silvy” show. Katz tweeted that he’ll be on each Thursday around 4:00 pm…..Also from Robert Feder, WMVP personality Jordan Cornette – who co-hosts the midday show with David Kaplan – is one of three co-hosts (alongside Felicia Lawrence and Danielle Robay) of a new Chicago morning television show slated to start later this summer titled, “The Jam.” Cornette is a former Notre Dame basketball star who also serves as color commentator for CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports 1…..SiriusXM is presenting live coverage of the 2017 NCAA Men’s College World Series starting Saturday (6/17). The play-by-play is produced and provided by Westwood One and airs on SiriusXM’s College Sports Nation channel…..Architecture firm V Three Studios recently designed new facilities for Native Broadcast Enterprise’s properties in St. Michaels, Arizona. KTNN “The Voice of the Navajo Nation” and KWRK “Capital Country” recently moved its operations to a new state-of-the-art, 7,352-square-foot facility. The new facility features eight studios supporting AM/FM radio and digital broadcast capabilities reaching listeners beyond reservation lines, providing Navajo people across the country, and even overseas, with a connection to home. V Three worked with Native Broadcast Enterprise to create a facility that celebrates the Navajo culture and reflects the station’s mission of educating, informing and entertaining the Navajo people, many of whom rely on the station as the only source of news and entertainment. Navajo-owned design/build firm LAM Corporation developed the building shell and site work…..Mediabase promotes Minal Patel to project manager. Patel joined Mediabase in 2008 as the director of client services and has advanced through various departments in the company…..Regional Reps Corp. signs Falls Media LLC’s KWFB-FM, Wichita Falls, Texas to an exclusive representation agreement.
Cooke: Car Money Moving Back to Radio. Radio consultant Holland Cooke says that not too long ago, Detroit wanted dealers to move ad money from radio to digital. Now, some of that money is moving back. But, the radio auto ad needs to be effective in order for dealers to be glad they re-invested in radio. He’s got some tips here.
Veteran Radio/TV Newswoman/Talk Show Host Donna Francavilla Returning to NYC via WCBS. She’s a “Jersey girl” who has been in the talk media business for more than three decades building a stellar reputation among those in the know for her solid talent, media flexibility, entrepreneurial resilience and downright intelligence. And now, she was just hired at WCBS “Newsradio 880” as a part-time news anchor/reporter – a
development that has prompted her after all these years to pick up stakes in Birmingham, Alabama and move back to the Big Apple to spend more time close to her parents, children and friends in the Northeast. For those who wonder where she’s been all these years, Donna Francavilla spent the last 16 years covering major national news stories in Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle as a freelancer for CBS Radio News. She also served as a television reporter at WBMA and WVTM-TV as well as filling-in as a talk show host on WAPI, Birmingham “Talk 99 FM.” She has also run her own multi-media services company, Frankly Speaking Communications (franklyspeakingcommunications.com) which still serves as an umbrella company for her many activities ranging from air talent and voice actor to public speaker; from talent coach and consultant to public relations strategist. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison says, “Donna Francavilla is one of the most talented, hardworking people in all of talk media. I’ve had the pleasure of following her career since the first year we published this trade journal. An extremely likable individual, she has always done it the hard way, never had an easy ride or a long-term, high-profile job. Yet everyone knows how much quality – on so many levels – she brings to the table. The fact that she is risking her established lifestyle in Birmingham to return to the Northeast and go into ‘training’ for a part-time gig at WCBS is one of the most compelling radio human interest stories to come down the pike in a long time. Go Donna – we are all pulling for you!” Francavilla brings a boatload of experience with her to WCBS. She was named the 2016 Communicator of Achievement by Alabama Media Professionals, has worked in the newsrooms and on air at stations KYW, Philadelphia; Tunnel Radio, Boston; WTOP, Washington, DC; as well as WINZ, Miami and she is also a former director-at-large for the RTDNA.
GOP Baseball Practice Shooting, Sessions Senate Testimony/Trump-Russia Investigation, Megyn Kelly-NBC Criticism, Warmbier-North Korea Case, Bachelor in Paradise Scandal, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/14). The politically motivated shooting of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and others at a practice for the congressional charity baseball game; the testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the related special counsel investigation into possible links between Trump campaign operatives and Russian agents; the criticism of NBC and Megyn Kelly over her scheduled interview with Alex Jones; North Korea’s release of comatose U.S. student Otto Warmbier; the flap over the cessation of production of ABC-TV’s “Bachelor in Paradise”; and Major League Baseball action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.
Former KNOX, Grand Forks Owner Hoberg Dies. One-time owner of news/talk KNOX-AM Grand Forks, North Dakota Justin Hoberg died last Friday at age 87. Hoberg started his career at KNOX as an account executive and purchased the station in 1966. He sold that station – along with others – to Peoria Journal Star in 1972 and stayed with the stations as Peoria’s VP and general manager. According to the Grand Forks Herald, he is credited with transforming the station into a talk radio outlet.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Country KNIX, Phoenix appoints Lois Lewis assistant program director and music director, effective July 17. Lewis previously served with iHeartMedia in the
same capacity at KWNR, Las Vegas “95.5 The Bull.” She’ll host middays – including the 90’s @ Noon feature – plus be responsible for record label relations, concert booking, as well as on-air content and music programming. iHM EVP of programming for the West Division Steve Geofferies says, “I’ve worked with Lois for over four years and have always appreciated her tremendous attention to detail and great relationships. She’s quickly becoming one of the best on-air talents we have in the country format. Plus, I love the amazing energy she brings to the building.”…..On-air pro Bill Dollar transfers from Cumulus Media’s Montgomery, Alabama cluster to the company’s Albany, Georgia station group to serve as its operations manager. In addition to his operations duties, Dollar will host the
midday show on country WKAK “NASH FM 104.5” as well as the afternoon drive show on rock WJAD “Rock 103.5.” In Albany, Cumulus also operates classic country WNUQ “NASH Icon 102.1,” AC WEGC “Mix 107,” urban contemporary WQVE “V101.7,” news/talk WALG-AM, and sports talk WGPC-AM “1450 The Fan.”…..Alpha Media promotes Crystal 
Legends to program director of country WRNS, Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, North Carolina. Alpha EVP of programming Scott Mahalick says Legends brings 20 of experience to the position. “It is great to have bench strength and promote from within Alpha Media. Crystal has the chops, passion, and love of people to drive WRNS every day.”…..American General Media is agreeing to buy four Albuquerque stations from Univision. The stations – hip hop KKSS, classic rock KIOT, regional Mexican KJFA, and hip hop KKRG – will be added to the company’s existing holdings in the market. However, due to FCC ownership rules, AMG will divest some of its properties. It will sell hot AC KAGM-FM to VCY America Inc.; CHR KDLW-FM to BB Broadcasting LLC; KJFA-FM to Vanguard Media LLC; and will donate classical KHFM-FM to KHFM Community Partners, which will convert the broadcasting license to non-commercial. Kalil & Co., Inc. is the exclusive broker for the transactions.
Round Three of May PPM Data Released. The third of four rounds of ratings information from Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey has been released for 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Orlando, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey period covered April 27 – May 24. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Portland – This time last month, KMHD had its 6+-share erode by just over 50% (1.8 – .8, -1.0, 6+), but the Mount Hood Community College jazz outlet recoups 90% of the loss with a +.9 to 1.7 (#23 to #21). The January through April (6+) trends for Entercom’s KNRK have been 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.5 – 2.5, but “94.7 Alternative Portland” posts
a gain of eight-tenths to 3.3 (6+) to advance from #16 to #14. It is the first time “Alternative Portland” reaches the three-share level (6+) in just over one year ago (3.0, 6+, April 2016). Without a loss for the fourth straight time for a collective +2.1, (3.2 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+), classic rock sibling KGON climbs from sixth to 
fourth. When KGON registered a +.8 in February, it brought to an end eight straight sweeps without a gain that resulted in a combined -1.7 dating back to last June (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). Prior to these last three sweeps, KGON last crossed the five-share threshold (6+) in March 2015 (5.5). Off by one-half share in April, iHeartMedia-owned KLTH “106.7 The Eagle – Portland’s Classic Hits Station” bounces back with a gain of six-tenths (6.2 – 5.7 – 6.3, 6+) and carries on in third-place. Adult contemporary cluster-mate KKCW regains the three-tenths it dropped in April and one-tenth more (8.6 – 8.3 – 8.7, +.4, 6+) as “K-103” is #1 for the 36th time in the last 38 ratings periods. The razor-thin one-tenth advantage it had in April over Oregon Public Broadcasting’s KOPB expands to 1.3 shares, with KOPB sputtering by eight-tenths (8.2 – 7.4, steady at #2, 6+). Both stations gained nine-tenths in March. “K-103” was off by nine-tenths in February; KOPB declined by one full-share, completely surrendering January’s +1.0, after a -.7 in “Holiday” 2016. The last time KOPB crossed the eight-share level (6+) was in March 2016 (8.0, 6+). After registering four straight gains for an overall +1.7 (4.7 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), Entercom-owned KWJJ “99.5 The Wolf – Great Country for the Great Northwest” is now a combined -1.8 in March and April (6.4 – 5.5 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+). Nonetheless, it actually progresses from eighth to seventh (6+), overtaking (by one-tenth) Alpha Media’s similarly-formatted KUPL “98.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” (4.5, fourth to eighth, 6+). In April, “The Bull” halted three straight months of notching a 4.2 (6+) by busting out with a +1.3 to 5.5 – its strongest 6+-showing since last July’s 5.5 – but surrenders all but three-tenths of the increase (-1.0). A January +.9 ended three straight decreases for “The Bull” that resulted in a combined -1.8 (5.1 – 4.9 – 4.6 – 3.3, 6+). Up or flat the past three sweeps for a combined +.7 (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFIS returns the entire seven-tenths as “104.1 The Fish” is back at 1.9 (#15 to #18). Following April’s full-share increase to 4.5 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” surrenders 60% of it (4.5 – 3.9, -.6, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). In April, Alpha Media rhythmic CHR KWEE regained the four-tenths it lost in March (2.3 – 1.9 – 2.3, 6+) but now “WE – 96.3” falters by one-half share to 1.8, slipping from #19 to #20.
2) Charlotte – An increase of one-full share (3.9 – 4.9, 6+) enables Entercom hot AC WLNK “107.9 The Link – Charlotte’s Best Mix” to record its best 6+-share in nearly a year (4.9, 6+, June 2016) and return to the top ten (#11
to #8). Down the past three sweeps for a collective -.8 (2.3 – 2.2 – 1.6 – 1.5, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” regains all of it and is back at 2.3 (#18 to #17). With its third successive increase for a net +1.1 (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” rises from sixth to third, recording its best 6+-stat since last October’s 6.3. On the heels of April’s +.8, co-owned WSOC “Country’s Hottest Hits” adds six-tenths (5.2 – 6.0 – 6.6, 6+) and remains in second-place. Prior to April, “Country’s Hottest Hits” was a cumulative -1.8 in three successive downward moves dating back to the “Holiday” 2016 report (7.0 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Moreover, 5.2 in March was the lowest 6+-share in its PPM-history. It has an eight-tenths lead over its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat” (5.8, -.1, third to fourth, 6+). In “Holiday” 2016, “The Kat” trailed 
“Country’s Hottest Hits” by three full-shares (7.0 to 4.0, 6+). Albeit off by one-half share since March (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), classic rock cluster-mate WRFX “99.7 The Fox” is #1 for the fifth month in a row. Immediately in advance of that, “The Fox” posted three consecutive positive trends that accounted for a +1.3 (6.4 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+). Its +.8 in January curtailed a series of three consecutive downward moves that yielded a -1.5 (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Owing to a -.4 to 5.4 (6+), Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG snaps at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a gain of six-tenths (5.2 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+); “Power 98” drops from fourth to sixth. The market’s (6+) CHR share erodes by six-tenths as Beasley Media Group’s WNKS “Kiss 95.1 – Charlotte’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -.2 (4.6, eighth to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s WHQC “Channel 96.1” is -.4 (4.7 – 4.3, ninth to tenth, 6+). “Kiss” had been up or flat the past four sweeps netting a full-share (3.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). With a -.2 in April, “Channel 96.1” had its string of consecutive increases that produced a cumulative +1.4 snapped at three (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 4.9, 6+).
3) San Antonio – As the result of three straight increases – the latest by a robust +1.3 – Texas Public Radio news/talk KSTX nearly doubles its 6+-share (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.8, 6+) and rockets from #17 to #12. It had been almost two years (August 2015, 3.0, 6+) since KSTX reached the three-share level (6+). In a somewhat similar vein,
iHeartMedia’s KZEP had notched three straight modest gains for a net of one-half share (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+), but “104.5 Latino Hits” erupts with a +1.2 (3.5, 6+) to bump up from #18 to #16. This represents the best 6+-showing for “Latino Hits” since “Holiday” 2014 (3.8, 6+). Trending 2.6 – 2.2 – 2.3 (6+), Univision Radio’s KMYO “Latino Mix 95.1” dials up a +1.1 to 3.4 (#18 to 17). Up two-tenths to 5.2 (6+), regional Mexican sibling KROM “Estereo Latino 92.9” ends at three its consecutive skein of downward trends that accounted for a -2.4 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.4 – 5.0, 6+) and jumps from fifth to third. It was a combined +2.2 in “Holiday” 2016 and January (6.2 – 7.4, 6+). In three straight improvements (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KZLV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is up one full-share; KZLV began appearing in print this past December and moves from #16 to #14. Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH-FM has logged a 3.2 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps, but “Las Estacion de la Raza” improves by 
six-tenths to 3.8 (6+), climbing from #15 to #12. By gaining four-tenths in April, iHeartMedia’s KXXM ended at six its string of consecutive down or flat trends that produced a -1.1 (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3, 6+). Now in May, “Mix 96.1 – San Antonio’s #1 Hit Music Station” tacks on another half share to 4.2 (#12 to #11, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations for Cox Media Group-owned classic hits-oldies KONO-FM are October 2016’s -1.0; November’s +.9; December’s -1.1; “Holiday” 2016’s -1.3; January’s +1.1; April’s +.8; and now May’s -.6 (7.6 – 7.0, 6+). Even so, “101.1 San Antonio’s Greatest Hits” occupies the top spot for the fourth successive time; KONO-FM departed the lead position in October after nine straight sweeps there. The rollercoaster ride continues for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT, which lost one full-share (-1.0) in February; was a collective +1.5 in March and April (5.2 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.6, 6+); but regresses by -1.0 in May (5.6 – 4.6, 6+). It drifts from second to seventh. With an 11.8 (6+) in the “Holiday” 2016 report, “Q-101.9 – San Antonio’s Best Variety” finished at #1. Stuck on 3.7 (6+) in March and April, Univision Radio’s KXTN “Tejano and Proud” returns its March +.9 and is back at 2.8, plummeting from #12 to #19. Dropping six-tenths in both April and May (6.1 – 5.5 – 4.9, third to fourth, 6+) is Cox Media Group’s KISS “Rocks San Antonio,” which – prior to April – had been up or flat the previous three sweeps for a +.7 (5.4 – 5.4 – 6.0 – 6.1, 6+).
4) Pittsburgh – More than halting a brief slide that produced a -.4 (8.3 – 8.1 – 7.9, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WKST dials up an increase three times that margin (9.1, +1.2, 6+) and “96.1 Kiss – Pittsburgh’s #1 Hit Music Station”
remains in third-place. On the heels of April’s gain of eight-tenths (3.3 – 4.1, 6+), alternative sibling WXDX piles on another full-share to 5.1 (6+), as “The X at 105.9” moves from ninth to 
seventh. In the market’s country matchup, CBS Radio-owned WDSY “Pittsburgh’s Country Y-108” improves by one-half share (3.9 – 4.4, unchanged at #10, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s WPGB “Big 104.7 Pittsburgh’s #1 for New Country” slumps by nine-tenths (3.8 – 2.9, flat at #11, 6+). Without a decrease in January, February, and March, “Y-108” was +.8 in that stretch (3.7 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+), but it lost six-tenths in April. By adding two-tenths this time last month, “Big 104.7” halted three straight declines that accounted for a -1.2 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+). In addition to posting its third consecutive increase netting a +1.3 (9.1 – 9.9 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW “94.5 – 3WS” repeats at #1.
Immediately before picking up eight-tenths in March, “3WS” was -4.6 since “Holiday” 2016 (13.7 – 9.3 – 9.1, 6+). Owing to three straight increases (4.9 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+), CBS Radio news/talk KDKA-AM was +1.4, but now in back-to-back sweeps (April and May) “News Radio 1020” is a combined -1.6 (6.3 – 5.7 – 4.7, 6+) to drop from seventh to eighth. Although it remains at #4, Steel City Media adult hits WRRK “Bob” has faltered by nearly two full-shares in four consecutive declines (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.1 – 7.5 – 6.7, 6+).
5) Sacramento – A combined -.6 in back-to-back monthlies (9.2 – 9.0 – 8.6, 6+, February – March – April), CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX “Mix 96” recaptures all of it to 9.2 (6+) and is #1 for the fourth successive time. Ranked third for five straight sweeps before reaching #1 in “Holiday” 2016, KYMX rebounded from January’s -4.8
with a full-share February increase (13.0 – 8.2 – 9.2, 6+). After eing a combined +2.4 in November and December, “Mix” was +5.2 in “Holiday” 2016. Registering a 2.1 in five of the last eight ratings periods (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KXSE “Jose 104.3” (#17 to #19) sputters by one-half share to 1.6, its lowest 6+-stat since last August (1.6, as well). Owing to a -.1 to 3.3 (6+), co-owned country KNTY “101.9 – The Wolf” (#9 to #11) witnesses its streak of successive increases which generated a +1.5 (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.4, 6+) end at five. Prior to April, the last time Sacramento’s “Wolf” reached the three-share level (6+) was November 2014 (3.0, 6+). Another positive streak in the format continues though as iHeartMedia’s KBEB “92.5 The Bull – #1 For New Country” puts together its third 
straight improvement for a +.8 (2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). Remaining at #14, “The Bull” had been within 2.1 – 2.9 range (6+) the previous seven ratings periods. Unchanged at #5, co-owned KYRV “The River” is off by one-tenth to 4.9 (6+), thus halting at four the frequency’s string of consecutive gains that netted almost three full-shares (2.1 – 2.5 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 5.0, 6+). Several days into the April ratings period (4/3), adult hits KQJK “Jack FM” became classic rock KYRV “The River,” which improved KQJK’s March numbers by +1.5. The switch was made when “Jack” ranked ninth. Not only does Entercom’s KRXQ depart the top ten (#9 to #13), “98 Rock” is without an increase for the seventh successive ratings period for a collective -2.6 (5.8 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+). Flat at #16, iHeartMedia news/talk KSTE has its fourth straight negative trend and is -1.5 since January (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.0 – 2.6 – 2.4, 6+).
6) Salt Lake City – Independent country KSOP-FM “Z-104 Utah’s #1 Country” (eighth to sixth, 6+) and classic country sibling KSOP-AM “AM 1370 – Utah’s Home for Classic Country” (1.1, #24, 6+) log gains of eight-tenths and 
one-half share, respectively. It is the third straight uptick for “Z-104” (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.3, 6+) for a combined +1.3 and its strongest 6+-stat since July’s 5.9. “Classic Country” registered a .6 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps. Elsewhere in the mainstream country format, Cumulus Media’s KUBL “K-Bull 93” (flat at #3) drops four-tenths to 5.5 (6+), thus ending four straight upward moves that netted a +2.6 (3.3 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 5.4 – 5.9, 6+). In advance of January’s +1.0, “K-Bull” sputtered for five consecutive months and was a combined -2.2 since August (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 3.8 – 3.3, 6+). For the fifth straight ratings period, KYMV “Rewind 100.7” is either up or flat and has more than doubled its 6+-share in that timeframe (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.3 ,6+). Moreover, the Broadway Media adult hits outlet reaches a two-share for the first time since last October’s 2.0 and enters the top twenty at #18. The market’s CHR tussle has an interesting scenario as “Rewind” cluster-mate KUDD “Mix 105.1 – All the Hits” forfeits 60% of its combined March and April +1.5 (3.5 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 4.1, -.9, 6+), drifting from fifth back to tenth. Prior to March, “Mix” was trending 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 (6+); April’s 5.0 was its best 6+-stat since last July’s 5.3. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KZHT lost eight-tenths in April to curtail three straight progressive trends that yielded a +1.3 (4.4 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), but “97.1 – Salt Lake City’s #1 Hit Music Station” regains 75% of April’s decrease (4.9 – 5.5, +.6, 6+), moving from #6 to a three-way tie at #3. Co-owned KAAZ “106.7 – Everything That Rocks” (#13 to #11) ends its 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.4 (6+) trending with a gain of one-half share to 3.9, its best 6+-performance in exactly one year (4.5, 6+, May 2016). Even though it picked up six-tenths in April – shaking off March’s massive -1.7 – Bonneville’s KSFI “FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day” remained at #2. Ironically, it drops four-tenths in May (6.9 – 6.5, 6+) yet advances to #1. Following three straight sweeps at #1, “FM 100.3” shifted to #2, having dropped 12.3 shares in January (20.6 – 8.3,
6+). Until that massive January spiral, “FM 100.3” didn’t have 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 a staggering +15.3. The station it dislodges at #1 is its news/talk cluster-mate KSL (6.0, 6+), which shifts to the runner-up slot. Recent KSL fluctuations include +2.0 (October), -.9 (November), +1.1 (December), -1.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +2.1 (January); -2.1 (February); +.6 (April); and now a -1.1 in May. Broadway Media rhythmic CHR KUUU “U-92” (2.3 – 2.4, +.1, #17 to #16, 6+) is within 2.0 – 2.8 range (6+) for the 12th straight time.
7) Las Vegas – Three-tenths of a share separates May 2017’s top three finishers. Down or flat in four straight sweeps for a -.7 (4.5 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KISF rolled out a +1.2 in January, but followed with three straight losses: -1.6 in February; -.6 in March; and -.5 in April (5.0 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+). It adds
two-tenths in May though to shift from #19 to #17 (2.5, 6+). At this time last month, iHeartMedia’s KWNR “95.5 Las Vegas’ New Country Leader” enjoyed a 1.7-share advantage over Beasley Media Group-owned KCYE “The Coyote – We Are Country.” Fast-forward to May results where “The Coyote” dials up a +1.4 (#11 to #5, 6+), while KWNR drops six-tenths (5.2 – 4.6, third to seventh, 6+), giving KCYE a three-tenths lead over its format foe. This is the third straight gain for “The Coyote” for a collective +1.8 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.9, 6+). Consistent with its three most recent trends of 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.2 (6+), co-owned KOAS urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS “Old School 105.7” erupts with a +.8 to 6.0 (6+). It carries on at #3, one-tenth behind classic hits-oldies sibling KKLZ (6.4 – 6.1, -.3, 6+). Off by a combined four-tenths the past two sweeps (.8 – .7 – 
.4, 6+), news/talk sibling KDWN logs a one-half share gain to .9, its best 6+-share since last November’s 1.1, and checks in at #24. There continues to be some wild moves for iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE “Sunny 106.5,” which has recently been +1.8 in March; -1.1 in April; and now -1.2 in May (6.8 – 8.6 – 7.5 – 6.3, 6+). Nevertheless, “Sunny” is on top for the seventh consecutive time. Five straight up or flat trends generated a +8.3 for “Sunny” (6.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 14.0, 6+) before January’s -.7.3 to 6.7 (6+). Following three successive downward trends (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), KSNE was +.7 in September and +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for 22 ratings periods in a row. In addition to KWNR, Lotus Communications’ KOMP “92.3 The Rock Station” (seventh to ninth, 6+) and Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS “Star 107.9” (#16 to #20, 6+) are down by six-tenths. “The Rock Station” had been without a decrease the past four sweeps for a +1.6 (3.1 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.7, 6+), while “Star” is a combined -1.0 in three straight decreases (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+).
8) Cincinnati – In 4.2 – 4.7 territory (6+) the past four sweeps, Hubbard rhythmic hot AC WREW “Mix 94.9 – Cincinnati’s Best Mix” matches the 5.3 (6+) it posted last June by unfurling a full-share increase to march from eighth 
to sixth. A gain of eight-tenths by Cumulus Media classic rocker WOFX takes “The Fox” to 6.0 (sixth to fifth), its finest 6+-showing since November 2015 (6.0, as well). Chalking up gains of one-half share each are iHeartMedia CHR WKFS “Kiss 107 – Cincinnati’s #1 Hit Music Station” (4.1 – 4.6, tenth to seventh, 6+); Hubbard hot AC WKRQ “Q-102 Cincinnati’s Hit Music” (6.8, steady at #4, 6+); and its country cluster-mate WYGY “97.3 The Wolf” (1.4, #21 to #17, 6+). Prior to May, the three most recent trends for “Q-102” were 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.3 (6+); the increase by “The Wolf” curtails three straight downward
trends that produced a loss of one full-share (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.5 -.9, 6+). For the first time since last August, iHeartMedia news/talk WLW can be found at #1. As with KSFI, Salt Lake City though (see above) “The Big One” (#2 in April) backs into the top spot as it is down three-tenths (9.3 – 9.0, 6+). Moreover, the Cincinnati Reds flagship must share the lead with Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies outlet WGRR (9.5 – 9.0, -.5, 6+), which has actually been #1 every month this calendar year. In April, WLW answered a combined -1.2 in February and March (8.4 – 8.1 – 7.2, 6+) with a +2.1 to 9.3, its finest 6+-showing since last June’s 10.8. Conversely, March’s 7.2 was the lowest 6+-stat in its PPM-history. Co-owned, fellow news/talker WKRC erodes by one full-share (5.3 – 4.3, 6+) and drifts from fifth to tenth. Meanwhile, WGRR posted a full-share gain in April, after a -.7 in March (9.2 – 8.5 – 9.5, 6+). Prior to the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, WGRR occupied the top spot for four straight months. A +.8 in January ended four successive down or flat sweeps that produced a -1.6 (9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+) as WGRR progressed from second to first. Backsliding by one-half share each are Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSL “100.3 R&B + Old School,” off for the third straight time (3.9 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 2.9, #12 to #13, 6+) and co-owned WDBZ “Soul 101.5” (1.9 – 1.4, #16 to #17).
9) Orlando – The third successive increase by Cox Media Group’s WMMO (unchanged at #3) is by a hefty +1.2 and enables “98.9 – Orlando’s Classic Hits” to cross the eight-share threshold (6.6 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 8.2, 6+). The December 2016 – March 2017 6+-line for iHeartMedia’s WJRR was 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 3.7. With back-to-back one-half share
increases, “Orlando’s Rock Station” is 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.7 (6+) and it climbs from ninth to eighth. A one-half share gain is also logged by Cox Media Group rhythmic CHR WPYO (3.7 – 4.2, 6+), sending “Power 95.3” into the top ten (#11 to #10). While the (Spanish 
contemporary) HD2 channel of co-owned WCFB improves by one-half share and remains at #17 (1.2 – 1.7, 6+), urban AC WCFB “Star 94.5” surrenders nine-tenths (6.4 – 5.5, fifth to sixth, 6+). Within 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 32nd straight time, Community Communications news/talk WMFE (flat at 2.5, 6+), climbs from #14 to #13. Continuing its steady pace, Entravision-owned Spanish tropical WNUE advances for the sixth straight ratings period – this time, by two-tenths to 2.5 (#15 to #13, tied with WMFE). The five previous gains in this WNUE streak were by one-tenth (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+). On top for the fifth consecutive month, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRUM “Rumba 100.3” drops six-tenths to 12.2 (6+). The 12.8 it registered in April was the best-ever 6+-share in its PPM-history, eclipsing by two-tenths the previous record (12.6, 6+), set in March. Prior to January, “Rumba” was on top in October, November, and December. A collective +2.7 via four consecutive progressive trends (7.2 – 8.0 – 9.0 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), CHR sibling WXXL “XL-106.7” stumbles by -1.1 to 8.8, but carries on in the runner-up slot; April’s 9.9 was its strongest 6+-share since September’s 10.4. As the result of three consecutive decreases (3.6 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.2, 6+), FM news/talk sibling WTKS is a collective -1.4 and moves from #13 to #15. Not only does the University of Central Florida’s WUCF have its consecutive streak of up or flat trends conclude at five (.7 – .8 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), “89.9 – Jazz & More” exits the top twenty (#18 to #21).
10) Cleveland – The top six May 2017 finishers are separated by nine-tenths of a share. Unchanged at #6, iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM is up or flat for the fifth successive sweep (5.4 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.0, 6+), with 
the Cleveland Indians’ flagship +1.6 in that stretch. Following four straight negative trends that yielded a loss of nearly five shares (10.4 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), CBS Radio adult contemporary WDOK “Cleveland’s Star 102” picks up three-tenths to 5.8 (6+) and inches up from ninth to eighth. A combined +1.3 in March and April (6.8 – 7.3 – 8.1, 6+), co-owned WNCX relinquishes two-tenths 7.9 (6+). Mirroring what we have detailed in Salt Lake City and Cincinnati (see above),
however, a loss isn’t necessarily a bad thing at the front-end of the rankers. In this particular case, “98.5 Cleveland’s Classic Rock” backs into #1 (from #3 in April). Departing the penthouse is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WMJI “Cleveland’s Greatest Hits” (8.4 – 7.7 -.7, 6+), which had been #1 each month this calendar year and now segues to #2. A +.2 in April snapped at three WMJI’s consecutive string of downward moves that accounted for a collective -1.6 (9.8 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 8.2, 6+). 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+). WMJI was +1.1 in “Holiday” 2016. Tied with WMJI at #2 is Radio One urban AC WZAK, which is off by one-half share (8.2 – 7.7, 6+). 
Counting the May sweep, the five most recent trends for co-owned WGAR “99.5 – Cleveland’s Country” are 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 7.3 – 7.1 (6+); it is unchanged at #5. Up one-tenth (3.8 – 3.9, 6+), CBS Radio’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is anchored at #12 for the 17th successive sweep. Behind it at #13 for the 14th time in a row is Ideastream’s WCPN, which returns the three-tenths it gained in April (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+). Prior to a -.2 in February, WCPN was without a decrease for eight consecutive ratings periods netting a combined +1.8 (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.8, 6+).
11) Kansas City – Owing to a +.8 (3.9 – 4.7, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC KMJK not only has its best 6+-performance since last October’s 4.9, “Magic 107.3 – Kansas City’s Best Mix of R&B” cracks the top ten (#13 to #7). Co-owned classic rock KCFX “The Fox,” which bounced back from a -.8 in March with a full-share gain in April,
adds two-tenths (8.5 – 8.7, 6+) and is #1 for the fifth straight time. Before its +1.0 in April, “The Fox” registered three consecutive declines accounting for a -1.5 (9.0 – 8.5 – 8.3 – 7.5, 6+). On top from May through September and then in December, KCFX had five straight uptrends prior to January’s -.5 for a cumulative +1.8 (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7 – 8.9 – 9.0, 6+). After six straight down or flat trends in which it eroded by more than three full-shares (7.2 – 7.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom alternative KRBZ “96.5 The Buzz” gains four-tenths to 4.4 (6+) and carries on at #10. By regaining the one-tenth it lost April (5.7 – 5.6 – 5.7, 6+), Steel City Media’s KFKF “Country 94.1” progresses from fifth to third. As the result 
of three consecutive increases prior to April’s -.1 “Country 94.1” was a collective +2.1 (3.6 – 4.1 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+). It entered the December 2016 sweep with four consecutive up or flat trends that accounted for a +1.1 (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+), but was a combined -1.3 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (4.9 – 4.3- 3.6, 6+). This time last month, Entercom’s similarly-formatted WDAF-FM “106.5 The Wolf” improved by four-tenths to 4.0 (6+), thus curtailing its 3.6 – 3.9 – 3.6 (6+) trending. Now, “The Wolf” adds another one-half share (4.5, 6+), shifting from a three-way tie at #10 to #8. It is one-tenth ahead of Steel City Media’s KBEQ “Q-104 – #1 For New Country,” which forfeits half of the six-tenths it gained in April (4.1 – 4.7 – 4.4, -.3, 6+) to tumble from seventh to tenth. Turning to the market’s CHR battle, the format’s 6+-share spikes by -1.2. Specifically, after posting four straight improvements for a nearly two-share cumulative gain (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.7, 6+), Steel City Media’s KMXV “Mix 93.3 – Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station” falters by seven-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and slips from fourth to fifth. At the same time, Cumulus Media’s KCHZ, which had been without a loss in each of the past six survey periods netting a +1.2 (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+) surrenders nearly half that increase (3.3, -.5, 6+) but “95-7 The Vibe – All the Hits” remains at #14. Down one-tenth, University of Missouri-owned news/talk KCUR (flat at #15) is without an increase for the fourth successive time for a -.9 (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+).
12) Columbus – Steady at #11, Ohio State University’s WOSU adds two-tenths to 3.0 (6+), thus pulling the plug on three straight negative trends that accounted for a -1.1 (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+). Similarly, Radio One urban AC 
WXMG “Magic 95.5 – Columbus’ Best R&B” (unchanged at #12) is up one-tenth to 2.8 (6+), halting three successive downward sweeps (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.7, 6+) that yielded a -.9. The game of musical chairs for the top spot, principally between iHeartMedia CHR and country siblings WNCI “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” and WCOL, continues. Taking its turn this month with back-to-back gains of one-half share (following a -.9 in March) is “97.9 Columbus’ Hit Music” (8.9 – 9.4 – 9.9, second to first, 6+). Its one-half share improvement, coupled with a massive -1.3 by WCOL (10.5 – 9.2, 6+), sends the latter to the runner-up
slot. With a combined improvement of two full-shares over the January and February sweeps (7.8 – 9.1 – 9.8, 6+), WNCI advanced from second to first in February. Prior to January, however, the CHR outlet was down or flat in each of the previous six surveys for a collective -4.4 (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4 – 9.4 – 7.8, 6+). In calendar year 2016, “Columbus’ Hit Music” was on top in January, February, March, August, September, and December. After regaining the top spot from WNCI in March, WCOL not only repeated in April but added four-tenths (10.1 – 10.5, 6+). WCOL was +2.2 in January; -1.2 in February; +.8 in March; and now -1.3 in May (10.5 – 9.3 – 10.1 – 10.5 – 9.2, 6+). In 7.1 – 7.9 range (6+) the past four ratings periods, Saga Communications’ WLVQ “Q-96 Iconic Rock” (third to fifth) spirals by -1.2 to 6.1, its lowest 6+-share since last October’s 5.5. Unlisted for the fifth straight month is Radio One gospel WJYD “Joy 107.1” (1.0, #15, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Report: Cable News Numbers Soaring in Trump Era. According to a story in Variety, Pew Research data
indicates that the combined ratings for the three cable news/talkers – CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC – are up 33% for the first week of June over the same period a year ago. The same Pew data notes that prime time viewership for the cable channels in the election year of 2016 was up 55%. In past years, viewership would have come back down to earth following the election. Fox News Channel chief political anchor Bret Baier says, “We’ve never seen a news cycle like this. We’ve never seen an administration get this kind of reaction from the country. Add to that breaking news of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, and you get a pretty frenetic pace…We are just working at a different pace now. It’s not just this administration but our society. People are now used to absorbing things in a nanosecond, and they expect their 24-hour cable news to be as fast as they are.” Read the Brian Steinberg/Cynthia Littleton piece here.
Fox News Radio’s Mitch Davis to Retire. Twenty-year Fox News manager Mitch Davis announces he’s
retiring from his post as vice president at Fox News Radio, effective June 23. He says, “I’m blessed – not only because of the great places I’ve been and stories I’ve covered – but by the chance to work with so many amazing people in this business. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and I thank everyone involved for making this wonderful ride.” Prior to joining Fox News, Davis served for 24 years with ABC News.
NAB Supports Rosenworcel Return to FCC. The word is out that President Trump intends to nominate former FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to return to her position with the agency. National
Association of Broadcasters president and CEO Gordon Smith says, “NAB is delighted to hear that President Trump will renominate Jessica Rosenworcel to the FCC. Commissioner Rosenworcel is supremely qualified for another FCC term, having demonstrated her public service credentials and full command of telecommunications issues during her Commission tenure. NAB strongly supports her renomination and confirmation.”
RTDNA Responds to Senate Access Rule Changes. The U.S. Senate Rules Committee, responding to what it sees as increasing chaos and aggressiveness on the part of the media in the halls of the U.S. Capitol, is considering ending the longstanding practice of allowing the media to use video and audio recording equipment to interview 
senators in Capitol hallways. The RTDNA says reporters who cover the U.S. Senate were told that new rules had been enacted to no longer allow reporters to interview senators in the hallways. RTDNA executive director Mike Cavender states, “This is another attempt at obscuring transparency in Washington. At a time when Senators are already doing too much business behind closed doors, such as on the health care overhaul, further limiting access to senators in the hallways of Congress represents just one more effort to keep the public’s business private. It’s totally unacceptable!” On its website, the RTDNA notes that Rules Committee Chairman Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) issued a statement saying that no rules change had occurred. But the existing rules, while not currently enforced, do require advance permission for interviewing Senators outside of designated areas. Should the Senate choose to enforce those rules, access to lawmakers would be considerably restricted. Responding to concerns about overly aggressive reporting tactics, incoming RTDNA executive director Dan Shelley says, “In no way does RTDNA condone an atmosphere in which someone might be hurt in the process of routine newsgathering. However, today’s new restrictions appear to be an overreaction. It is the duty of the Senate Sergeant at Arms and U.S. Capitol Police to protect everyone’s safety, but, in our view, not through such draconian means.”
TALKERS News Notes. Houston sport talk host Lance Zierlein announces via Facebook that he is leaving his
role as morning drive personality on iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sportstalk 790.” Zierlein says he’s exiting “The Proper Gentlemen of Sports” program with co-host Matt Thomas when his contract is up to take a break from years of doing morning radio…..Alpha Media stations recently took home honors from the Missouri Broadcasters Association including first place for Complete Newscast for KTJJ-FM, Farmington; first place for Documentary/Public Affairs/Special Programming for KJPW-AM, 
Waynesville; and first place for News Series for KJFF-AM, Festus’ “Heroin.” Also, Alpha Media Waynesville-Lebanon market manager Mike Edwards received the Distinguished Broadcaster Award. He says, “I was surprised and honored by this award. To be recognized by my peers is the highest compliment I have ever received. I could not have survived 47 years in this business without the support of my wife and daughters who made sacrifices so that I could advance my career. It’s gratifying to work for Alpha Media who still believes that radio should be live and local and be dedicated to serving the community.”
Nielsen Signs Up Westwood One for New Data Management Platform Service. Ratings giant Nielsen announces that Cumulus Media’s Westwood One is its charter client for its first-ever audio advanced data management platform – Nielsen DMP. Nielsen says that its Marketing Cloud’s unique consumer insights capabilities will enable Westwood One to “easily provide its advertisers with detailed reports indexing all of its network station lineups, key programming (NFL and NCAA) and radio formats (such as ‘Alternative Rock,’ 
‘Mainstream Country,’ or ‘News/Talk’) against their prospective customers’ demographics, personalities, TV viewing habits, digital behavior, credit card spending and specific product purchases.” WW1 EVP of corporate marketing Suzanne Grimes states, “Purchase-based marketing is now a long-awaited reality for our advertisers, and proudly a first-mover advantage for Westwood One. Radio now offers specificity of audience alongside the biggest reach in media. We are embracing Nielsen’s big data capabilities to enable our advertisers to identify and reach their best customers across every radio format we offer at an extremely high degree of accuracy.” Nielsen EVP Damian Garbaccio states, “Never before have radio audiences been linked to such a rich source of actual purchase data across industries – something Nielsen is uniquely equipped to do. The Nielsen DMP has the data, analytics and reporting advertisers need to understand and act on incredibly deep consumer insights. This enables Westwood One to better demonstrate just how important its audience is and to win more advertising dollars in a very competitive cross-media marketing environment.”
Jeff Sessions Testimony, Trump-Russia Investigation, Megyn Kelly Controversy, Rodman in North Korea, Virginia Governor Race, Warriors’ Take NBA Title, and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (6/13). Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee; the special counsel investigation into possible Trump campaign connections with Russia; the backlash NBC is facing over Megyn Kelly’s interview piece with Alex Jones; former NBA star Dennis Rodman visits North Korea; the primary races for governor of Virginia; the Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA Championship; and MLB action were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio according to research from TALKERS magazine.
Sean Hannity’s Freedom of Speech Award Presentation on This Week’s Harrison Podcast. Talk radio and television star Sean Hannity received the 2017 Gene Burns Memorial Award for Freedom of Speech at TALKERS 2017: A New Era in New York on June 2. The award was presented within the context of a “fireside chat” between the Premiere Networks and Fox News Channel host and TALKERS founder Michael Harrison at the event. This week, in advance of the posting of the videos of sessions at the convention on
Talkers.com, the audio of that presentation is being played on the latest installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison.” Hannity and Harrison discuss the meaning of the First Amendment along with the dangers inherent in the ongoing practice of heavily organized, politically motivated advertiser boycotts used as an offensive weapon to shut down voices in the media with which certain groups and individuals disagree. (Hannity describes this latest effort to take him down as a “kill shot.”) Harrison opens the podcast with a detailed explanation of the events leading up to and following the selection of Hannity for this honor, as well as providing background about the meaning and history of the award – a tradition in the talk radio industry for almost three decades. To listen to the podcast in its entirety, please click here or click on the “Up Close and Far Out” player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Alternative WLZX, Springfield, Massachusetts “LAZER 99.3 & 105.1” names Leah Rantz its new afternoon drive jock. The Saga station had the opening after Pat Kelly was tapped to move from afternoons to the AM drive show to replace the departing Leslie. Rantz comes to WLZX from her most recent gig at Adams Radio’s rock WZBH, Salisbury-Ocean City, Maryland “93.5 The Beach.”…..Country radio pro Don Brake joins West Virginia Radio’s WKKW, Morgantown to serve as afternoon drive personality. He’d most recently served with iHeartMedia at country WFRE, Frederick, Maryland…..Bobby Bones show director of digital Nada Taha announces she’s leaving the Premiere Networks-syndicated country morning show for a gig soon to be announced…..The Premiere Networks-syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show” hits the 100-affiliate mark. Harvey comments, “This milestone has me beaming. To be in the 100 club is so gratifying, and to have growth after all this time is a testament to my crew’s hard work and willingness to evolve. We keep looking for ways to improve to give our listeners the best morning we can.”
Round Two of May PPM Data Released. The second of four rounds of ratings data from Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 PPM survey period is released for 12 markets including: Washington, Boston, Miami, Detroit, Seattle, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Denver, Tampa, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s May 2017 survey period covered April 27 – May 24. View the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhle, managing editor Mike Kinosian provides his “Takeaways” from all of these PPM markets below.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
1) Washington, D.C. – Frozen on 2.8 (6+) in February, March, and April, Cumulus Media hot AC WRQX “Mix 107.3” picks up one-tenth to 2.9, yet actually backslides from #15 to #16. A gain of two-tenths to 3.4 (6+) by CBS Radio’s similarly-formatted WIAD “94.7 Fresh FM” (#14 to #13) pulls the plug on three consecutive downward
trends (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+) that resulted in a combined full-share loss in that stretch. With its third straight gain (1.5 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+), sports cluster-mate WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” doubles its 6+-stat since February, with the Washington Nationals’ flagship advancing from #15 to #14. Meanwhile, this is the fifth straight month that its main competitor, Red Zebra Broadcasting’s WTEM “ESPN 980” (1.9, #17, “Holiday” 
2016, 6+), does not appear in print. Ups and downs in terms of 6+-share continue for American University‘s WAMU, but one constant is that “The Mind Is Our Medium” is the market leader for the fifth consecutive time. A combined -1.5 in back-to-back sweeps (11.5 – 11.0 – 10.0, February – March – April, 6+), WAMU rebounds in May with a +.7 to 10.7 (6+). Off by -2.3 in “Holiday” 2016, WAMU recaptured all of it in January and February (9.2 – 11.0 – 11.5, 6+). February’s 11.5 matches the highest 6+-share in its
PPM-history, first reached in December 2016. Holding down the runner-up slot in each of the five successive sweeps that WAMU has finished first is Hubbard all-news operation WTOP (9.1 – 8.8, -.3, 6+). After posting a 5.7 (6+) in three of the previous six sweeps (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 6.0, 6+), WHUR in April dialed up a full-share increase and follows in May with a one-half share gain (7.0 
– 7.5, 6+), as the Howard University urban AC continues in third-place for the fifth straight month. A loss of one-tenth (5.4 – 5.3, 6+) drops format rival – Radio One’s WMMJ “Majic 102.3” – from fourth to fifth. Down in five consecutive sweeps resulting in a combined -2.3 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.3 – 3.8, 6+), WMMJ bounced back with three straight increases for a collective +1.6 (3.8 – 4.4 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), but that streak concluded in March. In 3.0 -3.9 range (6+) in each of the last 13 survey periods, co-owned urban contemporary WKYS sputters by six-tenths to 2.9, drifting from #11 to #16 (6+), where it is tied with “Mix 107.3.”
2) Boston – The third straight improvement by Beasley Media Group’s WKLB (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.1, 6+) elevates “Country 102.5” from eighth to fifth, as it crosses the five-share threshold (6+) for the first time since last
September’s 5.0 and is +1.1 since February. Advancing from #16 to #15 is its cross-town format challenger, iHeartMedia’s WBWL “101.7 The Bull” (2.1 – 2.2, +.1, 6+). Logging its third successive increase for a cumulative +.6 (5.6 – 5.7 – 6.1 – 6.2, 6+) and continuing at #2 is 
co-owned CHR WXKS-FM “Kiss 108 – Boston’s #1 Hit Music Station.” At the same time, format rival – CBS Radio’s WODS “Amp 103.3” – dips by one-tenth to 3.0 (unchanged at #13, 6+), curtailing four successive positive sweeps which netted four-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+). When hot AC sibling WBMX dropped two-tenths in April, it snapped at three its consecutive string of increases which yielded one-half share (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.5, 6+), but “Mix 104.1 – Boston’s Best Variety” rebounds with a one-half share increase (3.3 – 3.8, 6+) to improve from #12 to #11. On top for the fifth successive sweep, Beasley Media Group-owned classic
hits-oldies WROR “Boston’s Classic Hits” gains two-tenths to 7.9 (6+). The market leader for 11 successive monthlies before being dislodged in December by adult contemporary sibling WMJX “Magic 106.7,” WROR was +1.1 in December; -1.4 in “Holiday” 2016; +1.6 in January; +.8 in March; and -.8 in April. As far as “Magic” is concerned, it advances from fourth to third with a repetitive trending pattern of 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.9 (6+). Without an increase for the fourth straight time for a 
combined -1.3 (5.8 – 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+), CBS Radio’s WBZ-FM “The Sports Hub” drops from sixth to eighth. Also in the sports talk format, Entercom owned Boston Red Sox flagship WEEI-FM, off by six-tenths in both February and March before gaining six-tenths in April, loses one-tenth in May (4.7, fifth to seventh, 6+). Slipping from #16 to #17, co-owned news/talk WRKO has lost a cumulative nine-tenths in four straight down or flat trends (3.0 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+). Conversely, urban AC cluster-mate WKAF “97.7 – Boston’s #1 For R&B” is up or flat for the fourth consecutive time (.9 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), climbing from #20 to #19.
3) Miami – Sandwiched between a pair of Spanish contemporary outlets are the market’s two adult contemporary facilities. Specifically, with a robust +.8 to 6.6 (6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WFEZ “Easy 93.1” (fourth to third) applies the brakes to six successive decreases that accounted for a combined -1.4 (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.6 –
6.3 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+), directly following a collective +1.1 (6.1 – 6.7 – 7.2, September – October – November, 6+). “Easy 93.1” finished first in November, December, and “Holiday” 2016. It 
overtakes by nine-tenths Entercom’s similarly-programmed WLYF “Lite FM” (5.9 – 5.7, third to fourth, -.2, 6+); “Lite” gained three-tenths in April, after spiraling by a full-share in March. Its 5.6 in March took “Lite” below a six-share (6+) for the first time since June 2014’s 5.8, while January’s one-tenth gain enabled the AC to halt five straight down or flat ratings periods that resulted in a decrease of more than two full-shares (8.4 – 8.4 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+). “Lite” was #1 from July 2016 through October. Serving as bookends for the two adult contemporary properties are Univision Radio’s WAMR “Amor 107.5” (7.0 – 7.1, +.1, 6+) and Spanish Broadcasting System-owned WCMQ “Zeta 92.3” (4.8, +.1, unchanged at #5, 6+). After back-to-back stays at #1, “Amor” drops to second-place, while “Zeta” halts three straight negative trends that produced a loss of one-half share (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.7, 6+). Prior to the April sweep, “Amor” recorded a 6.8 (6+) in four of the previous seven ratings periods. Taking over for “Amor” at #1 and advancing from #2 is Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT “Hot 105,” which wipes out April’s one-half share loss with a +.7 (7.2 – 6.7 – 7.4, 6+); 7.4 is the station’s strongest 6+-stat since last July’s 8.0. Down or flat in six straight sweeps for a combined -1.9 (8.2 – 8.0 – 7.2 – 7.1 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.3, 6+), “Hot 105” notched a one-half share gain in “Holiday” 2016 but was off by seven-tenths in January. Within 4.1 – 4.6 range (6+) the past five ratings periods, Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ “102.7 The Beach” sputters by seven-tenths (4.4 – 3.7, 6+), sliding from seventh to tenth. A recap of the market’s CHR battle finds iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” off by four-tenths to 3.7 (eighth to tenth, 6+) to halt at four its successive string of up or flat trends that netted an overall gain of one-half share (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+). April’s 4.1 was the best 6+-stat for “Y-100” since December 2015 (4.1, as well). Meanwhile, Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WFLC “Hits 97.3” follows April’s full-share improvement with a loss of two-tenths (4.7 – 4.5, fifth to sixth, 6+); 4.7 in April was the strongest 6+-performance for “Hits 97.3” since 4.9 last September.
4) Detroit – Enjoying the most substantial (6+) April 2017 – May 2017 improvement of any station in the 24 PPM-markets whose data has been released thus far is iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3 – Detroit’s R&B and 
Throwbacks” (4.0 – 5.5, +1.5, 6+), which catapults from #11 to #6. The last time “Mix” reached the five-share level (6+) was exactly one year ago (May 2016, 5.0, 6+). On the flipside, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM,” which was trending 4.0 – 3.8 – 4.0 (6+), erodes by six-tenths to 3.4, as it slips from #11 to #15 (6+). Progressing by six-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 – The ‘80s ‘Til Now” (5.8, fifth to fourth, 6+) and CBS Radio CHR WDZH “Amp 98.7” (#15 to #11, 6+). WNIC was off by a combined one-half share since February (5.7 – 5.6 – 5.2, 6+), while after a 3.6 (6+) in January, “Amp” was locked on 3.3 in February, March, and April. Having lost a collective full-share in three straight dips (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WOMC
“104.3 – Detroit’s Greatest Hits” recaptures half of it (5.9, +.5, 6+) to climb from fourth to third. Picking up one-half share as well is urban contemporary WGPR “Hot 107.5” (3.3, #17 to #16, 6+), which had been trending 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.8 (6+). On the heels of surrendering in its entirety the nine-tenths it gained in March (6.5 – 7.4 – 6.5, 6+), CBS Radio all-news WWJ is off by another two-tenths (6.5 – 6.3, 6+), but is #1 for the fifth successive 
sweep. The 7.4 that WWJ garnered in March marked the first time it crossed the seven-share level (6+) since February 2016, when it reached 7.5 (6+). A loss of seven-tenths by Beasley Media Group-owned WMGC takes “105.1 The Bounce – Detroit’s Throwback and R&B” out of the top ten (#10 to #13) and to the 3.6 (6+) it posted in January. Co-owned WRIF “Rocks Detroit” is -1.2 via four consecutive decreases (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), slumping from sixth to tenth. After improving by nearly two full-shares in four successive up or flat trends (4.1 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 6.0, 6+), CBS Radio-owned WYCD “Detroit’s Country 99.5” has a two-tenths decrease to 5.8 (third to fourth, 6+). Prior to April, the last time “Detroit’s Country” reached the six-share level (6+) was in July 2014 (6.0, as well). Format rival – Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “93.1 Nash FM” – regains one-tenth of April’s -.5 (3.4 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+) yet backslides from #16 to #18. As was the case in April, Bell Media alternative CIMX “89-X,” which was trending 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.4 (6+) since the “Holiday” 2016 report, is unlisted.
5) Seattle – Notching impressive gains of nine-tenths each are iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” (5.0 – 5.9, fifth to third, 6+) and CBS Radio-owned KMPS “Seattle Country Music Radio” (3.7 – 4.6, tenth to
sixth, 6+). Following three straight gains that netted one full-share (6.8 – 7.1 – 7.2 – 7.8, 6+), Hubbard’s mainstream CHR KQMV “MOViN 92.5 All The Hits” returned 90% of that 
increase in April (6.9, -.9, 6+) but bounces back with a +.5 (7.4, 6+) in May to finish at #1 for the fifth consecutive time. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 ratings period, KQMV was on top for 12 straight sweeps before giving way to adult contemporary cluster-mate KRWM “Warm 106.9” and then regained the lead in January. Speaking of “Warm,” it improves by one-half share as well, thus applying the brakes to four successive sweeps without an increase that nearly sliced its 6+-share in half since the “Holiday” report (10.9 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+); “Warm” continues at #4. In addition to KQMV and KRWM, CBS Radio adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” picks up one-half share as well and climbs from ninth to eighth. This represents the fifth consecutive sweep in which Seattle’s version of “Jack” is either up or flat and is +1.5 in that stretch (2.9 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 4.4, 6+). Owing to four consecutive losses (5.7 – 5.1 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 3.5,
6+), Bonneville news/talk KIRO-FM has eroded by more than two full-shares and departs the top ten (#7 to #11). Moreover, this is the lowest 6+-share for KIRO-FM in nearly three years (3.8, 6+, July 2014). By adding one-tenth to 3.3 (6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KBKS “106.1 Kiss FM” (unchanged at #14) ends at three a consecutive string of down or flat trends that yielded a -.5 (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). It overtakes Sinclair Broadcast Group’s similarly-programmed KPLZ “Star 101.5,” which spirals from #11 to #17 (3.3 – 3.0, -.3, 6+). When “Star” added two-tenths in April, it curtailed three consecutive negative trends that accounted for a combined -2.4 (5.5 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+).
6) Phoenix – Having sputtered by four-tenths in April (6.5 – 6.1, 6+), Hubbard-owned KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” segued from a one-month stay at the top spot to #2. Roaring back though, “Classic Rock 100.7” hangs out a whopping 
+1.2 (6.1 – 7.3, 6+) and returns to the Phoenix penthouse. Once again, it evicts iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ, which logs an impressive +.6 (6.6 – 7.2, 6+), but must slide to #2, one-tenth behind KSLX. When “Classic Rock 100.7” gained seven-tenths (5.8 – 6.5, 6+) in March and KESZ faltered by one-half share (6.7 – 6.2, 6+), the impressive streak of KESZ reigning at #1 for 30 successive ratings periods came to an end. Concurrent with KESZ notching a +.6, The Yucaipa Companies’ adult contemporary KOAI “The Oasis” erodes by that margin to 1.9 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #22). Entering the May sweep, “The Oasis” was up a combined nine-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (1.6 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+). At this time last month, following three straight gains netting a +1.3 (4.0 – 4.4 –
4.8 – 5.3, 6+), Hubbard-owned KUPD returned in full the one-half share it picked up in March, but “Arizona’s Real Rock” responds with a +.8 (4.8 – 5.6, 6+) and continues at #3. Up a combined +1.1 via six straight up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+), co-owned KDKB “Alt 93.3 Arizona’s Alternative” is steady at #12. Locked on 1.8 (6+) in January and February and then on 2.2 in March and April, Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ busts out a +.6 to 2.8 and enters the top twenty in a four-way logjam at #13. It is the best 6+-showing for “La Tricolor 103.5” since last November’s 2.9. One of its format rivals – Farmworker Educational Radio’s KNAI “La Network Campesina” – falters by eight-tenths (3.2 – 2.4, 6+) and drifts from #12 to #18. Trending 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.4 (6+) since January, iHeartMedia hot AC KMXP “Mix 96.9 – Today’s Best Music” registers a one-half share gain to 4.9 (sixth to fourth), its best 6+-stat in almost one year (5.5, 6+, June 2016). Dropping seven-tenths each are its news/talk cluster-mate KFYI (3.0 – 2.3, #14 to #19, 6+) and Family Life Radio contemporary Christian KFLR (1.6, #20 to #24, 6+), which hadn’t had a decrease in the last seven sweeps for a cumulative +1.5 (.8 – 1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3, 6+).
7) Minneapolis – Not only does a gain of eight-tenths to 5.9 (6+) put an end to its 5.1 – 4.8 – 5.1 (6+) trending, Cumulus Media rocker KXXR “93-X” jumps from ninth to fifth with its best 6+-performance since September 
(5.9, as well). Stuck on 5.8 (6+) in March and April, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL “Kool 108 – Minnesota’s Greatest Hits” improves by six-tenths to 6.4 to climb from a four-way tie at #4 to #3 (6+). After posting a one-half share increase in March, CHR sibling KDWB dropped one-tenth in April and is flat in May, but “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station”
manages to repeat at #1 (6.9 – 6.8 – 6.8, 6+). The station it succeeded in the top spot – Hubbard-owned KSTP-FM “KS-95 Today’s Variety” – is down for the fourth successive sweep (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 6.7 – 6.6, 6+) and remains at #2. In January, “KS-95” posted a +1.3, curtailing a drought in which the hot AC hadn’t had an increase since February 2016 (10.2 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.1 – 9.1 – 8.9 – 7.7 – 7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+). In those 11 straight sweeps of being either down or flat, “KS-95” was a combined -3.8. Format rival – iHeartMedia’s KTCZ “Cities 97” (#12 to #13) – was +1.3 in January, only to follow with four consecutive negative trends of its own that have produced a -1.4 (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+). “Cities 97” was a combined -1.2 in December and “Holiday” 2016 (5.2 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+). Included in the Twin Cities’ aforementioned April logjam at #4, iHeartMedia sports outlet KFXN “KFAN 100.3 – The Sports Leader” regresses by eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.0, 6+) and spirals to tenth with its softest 6+-stat since last July’s 4.8. Down three-tenths to 1.4 (#18 to #19, 6+), Northern Lights Broadcasting alternative KQGO has its streak of consecutive up or flat trends which nearly tripled its 6+-stat end at four (.6 – .7 -.7 – .7 – 1.7, 6+).
8) San Diego – On the strength of four straight up or flat trends (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0, 6+), Media Sports de Mexico classic hits-oldies XPRS-FM is a combined +1.2 and “Max 105.7 – San Diego’s Throwback Station” leaps from 
#19 to #15. Within 3.0 – 3.9 range (6+) the past 18 sweeps, iHeartMedia-owned KGB-FM “101 – San Diego’s Classic Rock” notches a +.6 to 4.0 (6+), inching up from #11 to #10. Displaying a gain of six-tenths as well is Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “104.5 Radio Latina” (3.2, #16 to #13, 6+), which had been off in each of the past three ratings periods for a -1.6 (4.2 – 3.5 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). Six-tenths of a share separates the market’s top five stations,
including iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO (5.6, +.3, #1, 6+) and public (San Diego State University) news/talk KPBS (5.0 -. 5.3, +.3, fifth to second, 6+). Powered by an April increase of seven-tenths (4.6 – 5.3, 6+), KOGO rocketed from eighth to second. Departing the top spot (which it held for the first time since December) is Entercom adult contemporary KXSN “Sunny 98.1 – Better Music for a Better Workday,” which forfeits April’s +.7 in its entirety (5.3 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+). “Sunny” is now tied for second-place with KPBS. Its 6.0 in April was its most potent 6+-share since last May’s 6.6. Prior to April, “Sunny” had been within 5.1 – 5.9 range (6+) the previous 11 sweeps. After trending 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.8 (6+), CBS Radio hot AC KYXY regresses by six-tenths to 4.2, its lowest 6+-share since last September’s 4.0 (seventh to eighth, 6+). As the result of four straight declines, Entercom-owned KBZT “94.9 San Diego’s Alternative” is -1.2 (2.7 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+) and falls from #21 to #22. After tripling its 6+-share in five straight up or flat trends (.6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+) and finishing steady at #22 in March, Tijuana FM regional Mexican XHTY “99.7 La Invasora” was unlisted in April, but reappears in May at #20 with a 1.7 (6+).
9) Denver – Over and above recapturing the seven-tenths it lost in back-to-back declines since February (6.2 – 5.9 – 5.5, 6+), Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain” (6.2, 6+) vaults from third to first. Shifting from the 
top spot after three straight months there, Bonneville country outlet KYGO slips to second (6.4 – 6.0, -.4, 6+). Within 5.3 – 5.9 range (6+) for seven consecutive survey periods, KYGO posted a full-share gain in February (5.6 – 6.6, 6+), lifting it past the six-share threshold for the first time since last July’s 6.0. Registering its sixth successive increase netting a cumulative +2.1 (3.4 – 3.6 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5, 6+) iHeartMedia triple A KBCO “World
Class Rock” marches from fifth to third with its best 6+-showing since a 6.1 in September 2015. A gain of six-tenths (1.8 – 2.4, 6+) enables Colorado Public Radio classical outlet KVOD (#20 to #19) to notch its best 6+-stat since January’s 2.7. More ups and downs for Bonneville’s KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan,” whose six most recent fluctuations are -.5 (“Holiday” 2016); +1.1 (January); -.7 (February); +.6 (March); -.5 in April; and 
now +.5 in May (3.4 – 3.9, #16 to #11, 6+). A loss of six-tenths in November halted four successive up or flat trends which netted two full-shares (2.9 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.9, 6+). This past October’s 4.9 represents the most potent 6+ showing for KKFN under PPM methodology. Regressing by one-half share in back-to-back sweeps is Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KLDV “Positive & Encouraging K-Love,” which is down for the fourth straight month for a -1.2 (4.4 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.2, #12 to #16, 6+). Slipping by one-half share as well is KSE Radio Ventures classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105” (4.1, seventh to ninth, 6+), which was trending 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.6 (6+). Down or flat for the fourth straight time accounting for a loss of nearly two full-shares (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KTCL “Modern Rock – Channel 93-3” shifts from third to fifth. Co-owned KBPI “Rocks the Rockies” is in 3.0 – 3.8 range for the 18th successive survey period (3.7 – 3.3, -.4, #12 to #15, 6+).
10) Tampa – Following March’s -1.0 and a +.2 in April (9.7 – 8.7 – 8.9, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” trots out a +.6 in May to 9.5 (6+) and finishes first for the 56th successive ratings period. The
8.7 it recorded in March was its lowest 6+-stat since November 2015’s 8.5. “Lite Favorites” was off by more than three shares in January (12.7 – 9.6, 6+). Once again finishing in the runner-up slot is co-owned WXGL “Classic Hits 107-3 The Eagle,” which boasts its fifth straight increase (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.1 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 8.1, 6+) for a cumulative +1.7. After five consecutive positive trends for a cumulative full-share increase (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+), “The Eagle” was down by one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016. Gaining one-half share as well is iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US 103.5 – Tampa Bay’s Best Country” (4.5, tenth to eighth, 6+), which applies the brakes to three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (4.7 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). Three-tenths ahead of it and steady at #6 is Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits,” up or flat for the third straight month (4.2 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+) for a +.6. Steady at 
#19, iHeartMedia-owned WDAE “Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” picks up three-tenths to 1.8 (6+) as the flagship of MLB’s Rays ends four straight declines (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.7 -1.6 – 1.5, 6+) that produced a -1.2. Making identical 3.8 – 3.3 (-.5, #12 to #14, 6+) moves are Beasley Media Group rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1” and iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7.” Between November 2016 and April 2017, “Wild” registered a 3.7 (6+) four times and was without a decrease in the last three ratings periods (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+). On three occasions over
the last six sweeps, “Mix” notched a 3.4 (6+). Tied with those two stations at #14 (up from #16 in April) is Cox Media Group’s WHPT “102.5 The Bone -Real, Raw, Radio,” which is actually down one-tenth to 3.3 (6+), halting at four a string of successive sweeps without a loss (2.2 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+) that yielded a +1.2. A collective +1.7 in three successive positive trends (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WRBQ “Tampa Bay’s Q-105” lost two-tenths in April and drops another half-share in May (5.4 – 4.9, 6+), moving from fourth to fifth. Its 5.6 in March was the best 6+-performance for “Q-105” since last September (5.6, as well). Segueing from sixth to seventh, iHeartMedia’s WXTB “98 Rock” dips one-tenth to 4.6 (6+), curtailing at four its successive streak of positive trends that netted two full-shares (2.7 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.7, 6+).
11) Baltimore – In a bit of a statistical oddity, iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore” (4.4 – 5.6, seventh to fifth, 6+) and CBS Radio hot AC-turned-CHR WWMX “106.5 Baltimore’s 
Best Mix” (ninth to eighth, 6+) flaunt impressive April 2017 – May 2017 gains of +1.2. It is the best 6+-performance for “Jack” in more than two years (6.1, 6+, March 2015) and fifth straight time that “Mix” is without a loss for a combined +1.6 (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 5.0, 6+). After holding down the runner-up slot for four consecutive ratings periods, Radio One urban contemporary WERQ moved to third in April, but with a gain of one-half share (7.5 – 8.0, 6+) “Q
-92 Jams” catches co-owned urban AC WWIN “Magic 95.9” (8.3 – 8.0, -.3, 6+) at #1. “Magic” is on top for the fifth straight time. Without an increase in six consecutive sweeps for a cumulative -1.7 since June (9.8 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 8.4 – 8.1, 6+), “Magic” added one-tenth in “Holiday” 2016 and seven-tenths in January 2017 to march from third to first. Prior to gaining four-tenths in March, WERQ was down or flat since December (8.5 – 8.3 – 8.3 – 7.3, 6+); February’s 7.3 was its lowest 6+-share since the 7.3 it recorded in March 2016. Three-tenths behind the co-leaders (second to third) is iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” (7.7, -.3, 6+), which sees its skein of consecutive positive trends (which included back-to-back increases of +1.2) that netted a +3.3 end at four (4.7 – 5.9 – 7.1 – 7.4 – 8.0, 6+). April’s 8.0 (6+) matches what “Baltimore’s #1 for New Country” posted in September 2015. Entering the “Holiday” 2016 sweep, WPOC had been at #4 the previous seven ratings periods, but fell to #5, surrendering a combined -2.5 in three consecutive slides (7.2 – 6.9 – 6.3 – 4.7, 6+), including a -1.6 in “Holiday” 2016.
12) St. Louis – After three successive sweeps as the market’s pacesetter, KLOU assumed the runner-up slot in April and, despite a gain of six-tenths in May (7.8 – 8.4, 6+), it continues there. The iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet 
is one-tenth behind CBS Radio news/talk and St. Louis Cardinals flagship KMOX, which jumped from fifth to first in April and has more than doubled its 6+-share in five straight increases (4.1 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 6.2 – 8.4 – 8.5, 6+). A combined +1.3 in October and November (6.4 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+),
KLOU floundered by -1.6 in December; bounced back with a +3.8 in “Holiday” 2016; but was -2.8 in January. Before October’s +.5, it had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.4 – 7.4 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) for a net loss of one full-share. In addition to KLOU, Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” flashes an increase of six-tenths as well (tenth to eighth, 6+), nearly wiping out the collective -.7 since February (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+). Having logged four successive trends without a loss for a collective +1.4 (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” falters by one-half share to 4.2 (6+) and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Registering a decrease of one-half share as well is co-owned KMJM “100.3 The Beat – STL’s Hip-Hop and R&B” (2.5 – 2.0, 6+). This marks the fifth straight decline that has accounted for a cumulative loss of over seven full-shares (11.1 – 5.5 – 4.6 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+) for CBS Radio adult contemporary KEZK (#11 to #12). Prior to January’s decline, KEZK put together four consecutive progressive trends that netted a +6.8 (4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 11.1) and it was #1 in “Holiday” 2016. Unlisted for the fifth consecutive month are Gateway Creative Broadcasting-owned contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy! FM” (4.5, #9, “Holiday” 2016, 6+) and co-owned, similarly-formatted KLJY-HD2 (.2, #20, “Holiday” 2016, 6+).
April 2017 PPM Analysis: MLB Flagships
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — Much like umpires review a ballpark’s ground rules with a visiting manager on a team’s first visit of the year to that particular venue, we need to cover some logistics of our first ratings overview of 2017 for Major League Baseball’s radio flagships.
The following scoreboards are for each MLB team’s English-language – Nielsen Audio subscribing – key station.
While some MLB teams have a secondary outlet and/or an emergency alternative, we are not showing multiple stations for a team; rather, there is one designated hitter per team.
Key outlets of the two New York franchises (Mets and Yankees) appear in three PPM-rated markets (New York, Long Island, and Middlesex); the Angels’ flagship is listed in Los Angeles and Riverside; and key stations of the San Francisco and Oakland franchises (Giants and A’s) appear in San Francisco and San Jose.
In these instances, ratings information is limited to New York City for the flagships of the Mets (WOR) and Yankees (WFAN).
The only ratings stats used for the Angels’ key station (KLAA) is from the Los Angeles report.
Flagships for the two Bay Area teams – Giants (KNBR) and A’s (KGMZ) – have San Francisco ratings info only.
No ratings information is shown for the flagship for the American League East’s Toronto Blue Jays (CJCL).
Full-week, Monday-Sunday, 6:00 am – 12:00 midnight (6+) is the ratings data cited here – it is not limited to a specific day-part.
With the fine print concluded, it is time to throw out the first pitch for this exclusive, TALKERS overview of MLB flagships encompassing the April 2017 ratings period, which covered March 30 – April 26; the 2017 MLB season began on (Sunday) April 2.
Play ball.
April 2017 PPM Analysis: Public News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The first of our four-part series of April 2017 PPM overviews commences with a thorough look at ratings results for public news/talk outlets in that sweep.
This analysis is comprised of PPM-market (public) news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) for the April 2017 sweep, which covered March 30 – April 26.
This is not an overview of all public outlets in PPM-markets, but rather a focus on those that are primarily news/talk. By the very nature of being public stations, programming can be multi-faceted, meaning some on our “public news/talk” panel could incorporate music blocks (jazz, classical, folk, bluegrass, etc.).
Purposefully excluded from this list are noncommercial public stations that are exclusively or principally music-reliant.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
March 2017 PPM Analysis:
Adult Contemporary
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — A thorough examination of adult contemporary concludes our four-part series of March 2017 ratings overviews.
This AC analysis is comprised of PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in the March 2017 ratings period, which covered March 2 – 29.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. For that reason, ratings stats and information in the following charts are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Previously posted were March 2017 ratings summaries of all-news operations (Thursday, 4/27); news talk (Friday, 4/28); and classic hits-oldies (yesterday, 5/1).
Bottom-line: Among the two-aforementioned spoken-word formats and two music-intensive genres, our adult contemporary base boasts both the strongest 6+-share (5.56) and best average 6+-rank (#5.45). In each case, classic hits-oldies is the runner-up with 5.11 and #6.38, respectively.
An impressive 85% of the adult contemporary qualifying stations are in their respective markets’ top ten (March 2017, 6+).
March 2017 PPM Analysis:
Classic Hits-Oldies
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — After having posted special feature March 2017 ratings overviews of all-news stations (Thursday, 4/27) and news/talk outlets (Friday, 4/29), we turn our attention to classic hits-oldies.
This summary is comprised of PPM-market facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in the March 2017 ratings period, which covered March 2 – 29.
Bottom-line matchup: The typical PPM-market classic hits-oldies station in March 2017 generally notches a 6+-share of 5.11 and finishes in sixth-place (#6.38). Those (6+) rank and share stats are better than both of its aforementioned spoken-word counterparts.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
March 2017 PPM Analysis: News/Talk
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES —The second in a series of March 2017 ratings overviews deals with news/talk outlets; our special feature summary of all-news stations was posted yesterday (Thursday, 4/27).
This overview is comprised of PPM-market news/talk facilities that rank in the top 20 (6+) in the March 2017 ratings period, which covered March 2 – 29.
Bottom-line matchup: The typical PPM-market news station in March 2017 tends to produce a 6+-stat that is more than a full-share higher (4.86 to 3.76, 6+) and finish roughly three rankers better (#7.76 versus #10.59, 6+) than the representative news/talk station in our sample.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
March 2017 PPM Analysis: News
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
TALKERS
LOS ANGELES — The first in our series of March 2017 ratings recaps begins with the all-news format, where nearly the same number of such outlets were up from February 2017 as were down.
The following (6+) scoreboards are comprised of news stations that appeared in any of the 48 PPM-markets in March 2017, a ratings period that covered March 2 – 29.
Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for facilities that subscribe to its services. Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this exclusive analysis are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Designated by an asterisk (*) are several facilities that are all-news throughout the day, but program extended talk blocks as well.
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