Tag: "WEEI-FM"

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Dan Sileo Exits Mornings at KWFN, San Diego; Remains with Entercom. Sports talk personality Dan Sileo has exited the morning drive daypart at Entercom’s fledgling San Diego sports talk outlet KWFN “97.3 The Fan.”  He’s been replaced on the station’s schedule by longtime San Diego sports talk personality “Coach” John Kentera.  The San Diego Union-Tribune reports Entercom San Diego SVP and market manager Bob Bolinger saying Sileo is still with the company in other capacities.  Sileo recently began hosting a Saturday afternoon show on the company’s WEEI-FM, Boston in addition to his duties in San Diego.  Sileo previously served with the former crosstown sports station XEPRS “The Mighty 1090” and was often critical of San Diego Padres management’s operation of the team.  KWFN serves as the Padres’ flagship station for play-by-play.  The Union-Tribune report says “many Padres fans on social media” were upset that the team was making team management available for interviews on Sileo’s morning show. Whether that was the reason for the change or not is unknown.

WFNZ, Charlotte and Kyle Bailey Agree to New Deal. Charlotte sports talk host Kyle Bailey and Entercom sports talker WFNZ-AM/W273DA agree to a new, long-term contract extension. Bailey hosts the afternoon drive “The Clubhouse with Kyle Bailey daily from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Entercom Charlotte SVP and market manager Matt Hanlon says, “Kyle Bailey has proven to be an outstanding sports broadcaster in Charlotte, and we are thrilled that he is continuing with WFNZ.  He cares about the listener and demonstrates a genuine interest in the community, which is evident in the quality of the show he produces day in and day out.” Bailey joined WFNZ in 2017 as host of the station’s midday show prior to transitioning to afternoons in 2018.  Prior to joining WFNZ he worked in the Blacksburg, Virginia market at rock WBRW-FM.

OK City Sports Talker Jim Traber Pranked. KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City reports that WWLS-AM, Oklahoma City sports talk personality Jim Traber was pranked by a still-unknown person and the goof ended up taking a few twists.  Traber had said repeatedly on his radio show that Tiger Woods would never win another major tournament.  After Woods’ victory at the Masters on Sunday, someone paid local business Card My Yard to put the display you see at right on Traber’s front lawn.  Traber told his listeners he took the decorations off his yard and took them to the dump.  However, Card My Yard owner Jodi Peters – who didn’t know the order was a prank – picks up the decorations a day later and reuses them.  She told KOCO-TV she’s out over $400.  Traber didn’t realize tossing the stuff would harm a local small business so he’s offered to compensate Peters for the loss of her inventory.  Although Traber will be out $400, it’s great publicity for Traber and the station.  However, who pulled the prank remains a mystery.

Westwood One Brings Theresa Gage Aboard as Vice President for Sponsorship Sales and Marketing. Media sales pro Theresa Gage is named vice president, sponsorship sales and marketing for Westwood One.  In this role, Gage will be responsible for “managing sponsorship sales, partnerships, activations, and integrations for Westwood One’s personality-driven influencer network across music, entertainment, and spoken word syndicated programming.”  She’s based in LA and reports to WWO president of sales Bryan Forbes.  She has served with Pandora, Live Nation, and iHeartMedia, among others.  Gage says, “I am so excited to be back with my first love, Westwood One!  This is where I started my career in talent endorsements, branded content and sponsorships. It’s a legacy organization that has endured the changing media landscape and is a major contributor to the growth of audio and the power of authentic talent endorsements.”

Southern Border Issues/Barr Asylum Decision, Mueller Report Release, 2020 Presidential Politics, Notre Dame Fire, Denver Manhunt for Armed Woman, NBA Playoffs and MLB Action Among Top News/Talk Stories Yesterday (4/16). The Southern Border migrant issue and Attorney General William Barr’s decision to withhold bail for asylum seekers; the anticipation of the release of the redacted version of the entire Mueller Report; the Democrats vying to challenge President Trump in 2020 and Bill Weld’s decision to challenge Trump for the GOP nomination; the fire at Paris’ iconic Notre Dame Cathedral; the search for an armed woman believed to be “infatuated” with the Columbine massacre in the Denver area; NBA playoffs action; and MLB results were some of the most-talked-about stories on news/talk radio yesterday, according to ongoing research from TALKERS magazine.

Music Radio News and Career Moves. A new music show is being launched in syndication by Townsquare Media and Compass Media Networks.  “The Night Shift with Craig Allen” features hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s and is debuting on 17 of Townsquare Media’s classic hits stations in the 7:0 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart.  Townsquare SVP of programming Kurt Johnson says, “We’re excited to bring a fresh new show to classic hits radio.  It is great music and great content with a nighttime attitude.”  Townsquare says Allen has been playing classic hits and doing personality radio on WKXW, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” since 2002…..Cumulus Media appoints Sid Kelly program director for KLIF-FM, Dallas “Hot 93.3.”  Kelly comes to Dallas from the company’s Indianapolis cluster where he was PM drive host and PD for CHR WYRG-FM “Energy 93.9.” Kelly says, “This is an unbelievable opportunity and I’m thrilled to be able to grow even more with Cumulus by joining the team in Dallas.  I’m looking forward to working hard to increase Hot 93.3’s brand and grow the audience.”

March 2019 PPM Data – Round One. Information for the March 2019 ratings period has been released for 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 March 2019 survey period covered February 28 – March 27. See the 6+ data from subscribing stations here. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12-PPM markets.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Separated by four-tenths of a share (6+) in March, three commercial news/talkers rank #22, #23, and #24 – just as they did this time last month. Specifically, iHeartMedia’s WOR forfeits one-tenth for the second month in a row (1.8 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+) but “710 The Voice of New York” – which was up four-tenths in January – remains at #22. Up three-tenths in February, Cumulus Media-owned WABC returns two-tenths (1.5 – 1.3, 6+) and repeats at #23. After recording a 1.4 (6+) in each of the last three survey periods, Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” drops two-tenths to 1.2 (6+) and is flat at #24.

Following a January gain of one-tenth, Entercom sports talk WFAN surrenders a combined three-tenths in February/March (3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+) as the flagship of the Brooklyn Nets and Yankees falls out of the top ten (#10 to #12). Without a loss for the third straight time for an overall gain of eight-tenths (1.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.2, 6+), WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York,” the key station of the Knicks, is back in the top twenty (#21 to #18).

The full-share (6+) February lead that Entercom all-news WINS had over co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is down to three-tenths as WINS is a combined -1.1 in February/March (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.7, seventh to ninth, 6+), while WCBS-AM gains three-tenths (3.1 – 3.4, steady at #10, 6+). WCBS-AM improved by three-tenths in January but relinquished two-tenths in February.

Although it is down or flat for the fourth successive time for an overall -1.0 (3.6 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM carries on at #14. Co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM has seen its 6+ share sliced in half (-.3) February/March (.6 – .4 – .3, #31 to #33, 6+).

New York City Music Formats – Not only does iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW post a one-half share increase to 7.7 (6+), following a combined January/February -5.3 (12.5 – 7.6 – 7.2, 6+), “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 for the 21^st consecutive ratings period. WLTW was +5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 9.1 – 12.5, 6+). A collective +1.3 via three straight upticks (5.6 – 6.3 – 6.8 – 6.9, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” repeats in the runner-up position. Co-owned rhythmic CHR WQHT “Hot 97,” which logged a 3.7 (6+) in five of the last six sweeps (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), gains one-tenth to 3.8 (eighth to seventh, 6+). Meanwhile, having posted a 3.1 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, and February 2019, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WKTU “103.5 KTU” (also) picks up one-tenth to 3.2 (6+), yet downslides from a three-way tie at #10 to #11. As a result of three consecutive up or flat trends, Cumulus Media’s WNSH “New York’s Country 94.7” is up an overall six-tenths (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.6, #16 to #14, 6+). Without a loss for the third sweep in a row as well (for a collective +.4) is co-owned WPLJ (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.4, #16 to #17, 6+). The hot AC is soon to become contemporary Christian when its sale to Educational Media Foundation is finalized. It trails Entercom’s similarly formatted WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” by two-tenths (2.5 – 2.6, +.1, #15 to #14, 6+). The wild ride continues for WNYC Broadcasting Foundation-owned WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Radio Station,” which netted a +.9 in four straight up or flat reports (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+); surrendered all of it in January 2019 (-.9); posted a +.8 in February; and surrenders a -.5 in March (2.2 – 1.7, #18 to #21, 6+).

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Returning the two-tenths it earned in February (3.8 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI slips from sixth to seventh. “AM 640” was a combined +.8 in January/February (3.2 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+), immediately after an overall -1.2 via eight straight down or flat trends  (4.4 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.2, 6+). Its internet stream debuted in February and repeats its .6 (#38 to #37, 6+). After recording gains of two-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (.6 – .8 – 1.0, 6+), Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” slips by one-tenth to .9 (6+) but stays at #30. This marks the fourth time in the last five survey periods that iHeartMedia-owned news/talk KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” notches a .8 (.8 – .8 – .9 – .8 – .8, #34 to #33, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media-owned KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” is down or flat for the fourth consecutive time for an overall loss of two-tenths (.7 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5, #38 to #40, 6+).

A slip of four-tenths (1.5 – 1.1, 6+) sends Disney-owned/Lakers flagship KSPN “710 ESPN” from #25 to #29. Up or flat the past three reports for a net gain of two-tenths (.7 – .7 – .9 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” – the key station of the Dodgers – returns that increase in full (.7, -.2, #31 to #34, 6+).

Off one-half share (3.6 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom’s KNX drops from eighth to ninth; “1070 News Radio” posted a +1.1 in January.

Owing to a loss of six-tenths (2.7 – 2.1, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” plummets from the top twenty (#13 to #21).

Los Angeles Music Formats – The market’s big (non-ratings-related) news involves the just announced sale of Cumulus Media’s KLOS for $43 million in cash to Meruelo Media Holdings, which has already begun programming KLOS under a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA). When the sale becomes official, it will leave Cumulus Media with one Los Angeles property (news/talk KABC), while Meruelo will pair KLOS with rhythmic CHR KPWR “Power 106.” With a “Holiday” 2018 through March 2019 topline of 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 26 (6+), KLOS advances from #16 to #14. Its soon-to-be sibling “Power 106” is in the middle of a repetitive 3.0 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.7 sequence (#10 to #12, 6+). Unchanged at #6, Entercom adult hits KCBS-FM “93.1 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” is up a collective eight-tenths through three straight gains (3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). Level at 6.5 (6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST sets the pace for the sixth straight time. Prior to January when it surrendered a -6.8 to 6.2 (6+), “Coast 103.5” was an overall +8.4 via five improvements in a row (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 9.0 – 13.0, 6+). It enjoys a one-share advantage (6+) over Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101,” which is a cumulative +1.1 via four straight up or flat trends (4.4 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.5, 6+) and repeats in the runner-up slot. Steady at #3, smooth AC sibling KTWV “94-7 The Wave” is a collective +1.1 as a result of its third positive spike in succession (3.6 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7, 6+). In addition to logging its fourth consecutive uptick for a +1.0 (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican KLAX “97.9 La Raza” cracks the top ten (#11 to #9). Down or flat seven straight times for an overall loss of one-half share (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+), format rival – Liberman Broadcasting’s KBUE “Que Buena” – ends the slide with a +.1 to 2.1 (flat at #21, 6+). Both of the market’s mainstream CHRs – iHeartMedia’s KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” (4.4 – 4.3, third to fourth, 6+) and Entercom-owned KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” (2.8 – 2.7, flat at #12, 6+) drop one tenth. “Kiss” was a combined +.9 in January/February (3.5 – 4.3 – 4.4, 6+), while “Amp” – which is within 2.0 – 2.9 territory for the 22^nd time in a row – gained four-tenths in February.

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Returning all but one-tenth of February’s one-half share gain (3.5 – 3.1, -.4, 6+), Tribune Media news/talk WGN drops out of the top ten (#8 to #11). Even though WLS-AM logs a 1.7 (6+) for the third time in a row, the Cumulus Media news/talker slips from #21 to #22.

After recording three straight gains that netted one-half share (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” has lost a combined February/March half-share (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+) as the flagship for the Cubs and Bulls tumbles from #13 to #16. Despite picking up one-tenth to 1.1 (6+) thus ending three straight sweeps without an increase for a collective half-share loss (1.5 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.0, 6+), Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” drops from #26 to #27.

Notwithstanding back-to-back (February/March) losses accounting for a -.4 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8, 6+) following a January gain of nine-tenths, Entercom news outlet WBBM-AM is on top for the third month in a row.

Steady at #9, Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ is a combined +.8 via three consecutive positive spikes (2.6 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – Off one-tenth in both January and February (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom CHR WBBM-FM “B-96” erupts with a +.8 to 3.0 (#20 to #13, 6+), its strongest 6+-showing since January 2018 (3.0, as well). After dialing up a November 2018 3.3 (6+), fellow CHR – iHeartMedia’s WKSC “103.5 Kiss FM Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station” – follows with five consecutive 2.9 showings (6+) and climbs from #15 to #14. A cumulative -1.4 in eight straight down or flat trends (6.1 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WVAZ “V-103” curtails that streak with a six-tenths gain to 5.3 (fifth to third, 6+). Improving by six-tenths as well, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” is an overall +.9 in three straight improvements (3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, seventh to fifth, 6+). Steady at #3, Hubbard-owned classic rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” is a collective +1.4 in its third successive increase (3.9 – 4.5 – 5.1 – 5.3, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing (5.3) since 5.5 in August 2018. Co-owned adult contemporary WSHE “100.3 SHE” is +.7 through three consecutive up or flat moves (2.5 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+) and returns to the top ten (#11 to #10). In addition to being up or flat for the third sweep in succession for a collective +.6 (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom urban-rhythmic oldies WBMX “104.3 Jams” enters the top ten (#12 to #8). A January increase of nine-tenths by Univision Radio regional Mexican WOJO curtailed its December/“Holiday” 2018 mini-slide that resulted in a loss of eight-tenths (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.6, 6+), but “Que Buena 105.1” is now -1.3 in February/March (5.5 – 5.0 – 4.2, fourth to sixth, 6+). Three-tenths behind WOJO is iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT, which is an overall -9.4 via three consecutive declines (13.3 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 3.9, sixth to seventh, 6+); “93.9 Lite FM” was a combined +10.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 8.4 – 13.3, 6+). This is the fifth time in a row that co-owned WEBG is without a loss and “Big 95.5 Chicago’s New Country” is up two-tenths in that stretch (1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6, #23, 6+). Its format foe – Entercom-owned WUSN “US-99 Chicago’s Hottest Country” – forfeits four-tenths after February’s +.2 (3.0 – 2.6, 6+) and slides from #13 to #17.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats –With a December 2018 through March 2019 topline of 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.3 (6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO progresses from #17 to #15. Owing to six successive down or flat sweeps, cluster-mate KGO is a collective -.7 (2.2 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+) and carries on at #24.

Co-owned KNBR “The Sports Leader” is off three-tenths in February/March (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+); the Giants flagship remains at #13. Logging a 1.8 (6+) for the third time in the last four sweeps (1.8 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.8, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).

After posting three consecutive upticks for an overall +1.7 (5.3 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 7.0, 6+), all-news cluster-mate KCBS-AM is off six-tenths in February/March (7.0 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+) but retains the runner-up slot.

Up two-tenths after February’s decline of nine-tenths (8.0 – 7.1 – 7.3, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED is on top for the third straight month. Following 11 months in succession at #1, KQED fell to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. Having more than tripled (+.9) its 6+-share in nine successive sweeps without a loss (.4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .7 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” suspends that streak by dropping two-tenths to 1.1 (#27 to #28, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Advancing from seventh to sixth, Cumulus Media classic rocker KSAN “107.7 The Bone” is +1.1 in three successive upticks (2.6 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.7, 6+). Tacking on six-tenths to February’s increase of four-tenths (2.0 – 2.4 – 3.0, #16 to #11, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” has its best 6+-showing (3.0) since September 2018’s 3.1. Completely erasing February’s -.5 with a March +.5 to 4.8 (6+), KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” continues in fourth-place. The Bonneville-owned adult contemporary improved its 6+-stat by seven full-shares in December/“Holiday” 2018, (3.7 – 6.4 – 10.7, 6+), but was a combined -6.4 in January/February (10.7 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). Steady at #3, similarly-formatted KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” is  a collective +1.2 via three consecutive gains (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Prior to January, the iHeartMedia outlet had been off a combined nine-tenths in three setbacks in a row (4.7 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+). A loss of six-tenths (2.9 – 2.3, 6+) sends co-owned KOSF “iHeart 80s @ 103.7” from #12 to #15. By dropping three-tenths to 2.3 (#14 to #15, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” interrupts at five its consecutive string of up or flat trends that netted six-tenths (2.0 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.6, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Although unchanged at #15, Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” gains eight-tenths via three straight positive spikes (2.3 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), nearly wiping away its -.9 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3, 6+). For the third month in a row, Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” posts a .7 (6+) and remains at #34, while Cumulus Media’s KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” adds one-tenth in back-to-back sweeps (.3 – .4 – .5, flat at #36, 6+).

Sports talk cluster-mate, KTCK “The Ticket All Sports All The Time,” is in an alternating down/up pattern (2.9 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.7, #17 to #16, 6+). In seven straight sweeps without a loss (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM was a +1.0, but “105.3 The Fan” is now -1.4 in February/March (3.1 – 2.5 – 1.7, 18, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#18 to #22). Meanwhile, Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” is off for the sixth time in succession and has had its 6+-share sliced in half (-.6) in that timeframe (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .8 – .6, #33 to #35, 6+).

Flat at #19, Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM is without a loss for the third month in a row for a gain of three-tenths (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+); going back to “Holiday” 2016, “News Radio 1080” remains within a (6+) high of 2.8 and a low of 2.0.

Not only is KERA a collective +.8 via three improvements in a row (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+), the North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk outlet zooms into the top ten (#12 to #7).

Dallas Music Formats – An increase of six-tenths (1.8 – 2.4, #18, 6+) enables Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian KYDA “Air 1 Worship Now” to log its strongest 6+-showing (2.4) since December 2016 (2.4, as well). Conversely, WAY Media’s similarly-formatted KAWA “WAY-FM, Uplifting-Upbeat-Real,” which was up one-half share in February (1.8 – 2.3, 6+), craters by -1.2 to 1.1 and fades from the top thirty (#19 to #31). Bumping up by one-half share (each) and finishing back-to-back are iHeartMedia hot AC KDMX “Now 102.9” (3.8 – 4.3, sixth to fifth, 6+) and Univision Radio regional Mexican KLNO “Que Buena 94.1” (3.7 – 4.2, ninth to sixth, 6+). This (4.3) is the highest 6+-share for KDMX since July 2018 (4.3, as well) and KLNO’s best (4.2) since September 2018’s 4.2. Unchanged at 6.3 (6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is #1 for the third month in a row. On top 12 straight times, “Kiss” shifted to #3 in “Holiday” 2018. Off seven-tenths (2.9 – 2.2, 6+), Entercom regional Mexican KMVK “La Grande 107.5” fades from the top twenty (#15 to #21). In February, Cumulus Media country siblings KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” and KSCS “New Country 96.3” were tied for fourth-place; however, as “The Wolf” adds three-tenths (4.1 – 4.4, 6+) and remains at #4, “New Country” regresses by one-half share to 3.6 (fourth to ninth, 6+). In addition to losing approximately half (-3.6) its 6+-share in three successive drops (7.1 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE exits the top ten (#9 to #11). In eight successive sweeps without a loss, “Star 102.1” almost tripled (+4.4) its 6+-stat (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 5.1 – 7.1, 6+).

Houston

Spoken-Word Formats – Relinquishing the three-tenths it gained in February (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH departs the top ten (#10 to #12). “News Radio 740” was -.7 in December (4.3 – 3.6, 6+); -.7 in “Holiday” 2018 (3.6 – 2.9, 6+); and +.7 in January 2019 (2.9 – 3.6, 6+).

After losing a combined half-share in January/February, Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” is unchanged from February in 6+-share (.9) and 6+-market rank (#22). Up or flat six sweeps in succession for a net gain of three-tenths (.6 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .8 – .9 – .9, 6+), Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5” has that streak suspended with a loss of one-tenth to .8 (#22 to #24, 6+). Continuing at #27, iHeartMedia-owned/Houston Astros flagship KBME “Sports Talk 790” has a December 2018 through March 2019 topline of .6 – .5 – .6 – .5 – .6 (6+).

Following a January gain of eight-tenths, University of Houston news/talker KUHF is off a combined three-tenths in February/March (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.4, #18 to #19, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – An overall -2.0 in six successive sweeps without an increase (5.7 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom adult hits KKHH “95.7 The Spot” answers in February/March with a combined +1.4 (3.7 – 4.2 – 5.1, ninth to fifth, 6+); 5.1 is its strongest 6+-stat since August 2018’s 5.7. Having logged a 3.9 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 3.9, 6+), Cox Media Group country outlet KKBQ “93-Q” busts out a +.8 to 4.7 (tenth to ninth, 6+). At the same time, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull,” which had been +1.7 via three positive spikes in a row (3.5 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+), is off two-tenths to 5.0 (fifth to sixth, 6+). The three most recent fluctuations for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” are +.5 in January (6.5 – 7.0, 6+); -.8 in February (7.0 – 6.2, 6+); and now +.5 in March (6.2 – 6.7, steady at #2). Prior to plummeting -1.5 in “Holiday” 2018, “Que Buena 102.9” was a collective +3.3 through five successive increases (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 8.0, 6+). While iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA is #1 for the 12^th straight time, “Sunny 99.1” is an overall -3.9 in three slips in succession (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2, 6+). Prior to this slide, KODA was a cumulative +4.9 via three consecutive positive spikes (7.2 – 7.5 – 9.7 – 12.1, 6+). Down or flat for the fifth consecutive ratings period for a collective loss of eight-tenths (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+), Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KTJM “La Raza” repeats at #21.

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – It’s been an up and down ride lately for Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM, which erased two-thirds of December/“Holiday” 2018’s combined -2.1 with a January 2019 +1.4. It was then -.9 in February and now picks up one-tenth (7.0 – 7.1, 6+) to finish at #1 for the third straight month. WSB-AM had been on top 37 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in “Holiday” 2018. As a result of three straight up or flat moves (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.3  1.4, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WYAY “106.6 Where Atlanta Comes to Talk” gains two-tenths and moves from #23 to #22. Tied at #29 are Entercom news/talk WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community,” off four-tenths in three dips in a row (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3, 6+), and Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer,” which is trending .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .3 (6+).

Despite returning the three-tenths it gained in February (3.7 – 4.0 – 3.7, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” actually inches up from tenth to ninth. Up one-tenth (1.6 – 1.7, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s Atlanta Braves flagship WCNN “Sports Radio The Fan” returns to the top twenty (#22 to #20).

With the largest (6+) February 2019 – March 2019 decrease of any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here (4.8 – 3.4, -1.4, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education news/talk WABE drifts from the top ten (#9 to #13). Down or flat the past four sweeps for a collective loss of three-tenths (1.0 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .7, 6+), Georgia State University news/talk WRAS adds one-tenth to .8 (6+) but stays at #26.

Atlanta Music Formats – The market’s (6+) urban AC share balloons by +1.4, nearly equally divided between Cox Media Group-owned WALR “Kiss 104.1 Atlanta’s R&B” (+.8, seventh to fourth, 6+) and Radio One’s WAMJ “Majic” (+.6, steady at #2, 6+), which is a solid +2.5 via its third successive uptick (4.4 – 5.4 – 6.3 – 6.9, 6+). “Kiss” is +1.4 in February/March (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.9, 6+). Locked on 3.4 (6+) in “Holiday” 2018 and January 2019 before dropping to 3.0 (6+) in February, iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” breaks out a +.7 to 3.7 (6+) and cracks the top ten (#15 to #9). It overtakes format rival – Cumulus Media-owned CHR WWWQ “Q-100 Atlanta’s New Hits” – which is flat at 3.5 (flat at #11, 6+). “Q-100” logged a +.7 in January but forfeited six-tenths in February. Tacking on six-tenths to February’s one-half share increase (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.7, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” progresses from seventh to fifth. A “Holiday” 2018 increase of one-half share halted at three WSB-FM’s consecutive string of decreases that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 5.1, 6+); “B-98.5” was off by -1.0 in January. Four successive gains by Radio One urban contemporary WHTA accounted for an overall +1.9 (3.3 – 3.6 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.2, 6+), but “Hot 107.9” forfeits roughly one-third of that bounty with a six-tenths’ drop to 4.6 (sixth to eighth, 6+). Co-owned WAMJ-HD2, nearly tripled (+1.3) its 6+-stat in five consecutive sweeps without a loss (.7 – .7 – .7 – .9 – 1.1 – 2.0, 6+), but it surrenders one-half share to 1.5 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#18 to #21). The one-tenth advantage that iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” had over its country foe, Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits,” grows to six-tenths as “The Bull” is up two-tenths 3.3 – 3.5 (#13 to #11), while “Kicks” falters by three-tenths (3.2 – 2.9, #14 to #16, 6+). WUBL was a collective +1.4 via four straight increases (2.9 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+), before eroding by -1.0 in February. WKHX rebounded from January’s loss of six-tenths with an identical magnitude increase in February (2.6 – 3.2, +.6).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Frozen on 2.5 (6+) in January and February, Entercom’s WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” is off two-tenths to 2.3 (#17 to #18, 6+). Up or flat the past three sweeps for a net gain of two-tenths (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” drops one-tenth to 1.4 (#22 to #23, 6+).

Bouncing back from February’s -1.3 with a March increase of two-tenths (7.2 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+), Entercom sports talk/Phillies flagship WIP advances from sixth to fourth. “Sports Radio 94.1” was -.8 (February 2018); -2.9 (March); +1.1 (April); -.8 (May); -.5 (June); +.7 (August); +1.4 (October); -1.0 (November); +.8 (“Holiday” 2018); and -1.3 (February 2019). Steady at #14, Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” – the key station of the 76ers and Flyers – has an October 2018 – March 2019 topline of 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0 (6+).

Down eight-tenths in “Holiday” 2018, Entercom’s KYW rebounded in January with a +.7 (4.3 – 5.0, 6+), but “News Radio 1060” is a combined -.6 in February/March (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4, flat at #9, 6+).

Up by three-tenths in January/February (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.0, 6+), public news/talk WHYY falters by four-tenths to 2.6 (#13 to #16, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – A one-half share gain by Entercom-owned WBEB “Today’s 101.1 More FM” (6.5 – 7.0, 6+), coupled with a loss of three-tenths by classic hits-oldies sibling WOGL “98.1 – Nobody Plays More 80s” (7.1 – 6.8, 6+) results in WBEB progressing from third to first and WOGL segueing from first to second. A combined +2.1 in January/February (5.0 – 6.3 – 7.1, 6+), immediately after a December/“Holiday” 2018 -2.4 (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.0, 6+), WOGL jumped from a three-way January tie for third to first in February. WOGL finished on top in August 2018 and segued to second in September. This market’s pacesetter from March 2018 through June before being dislodged in July, WBEB was +10.1 (6.5 – 10.4 – 16.6, 6+) just prior to January 2019’s -10.3 (16.3 – 6.3, 6+); it gained two-tenths in February. WBEB’s format challenger, iHeartMedia’s WISX “106.1 The Breeze – Relaxing Favorites,” is unchanged from February in 6+-share (4.8) and 6+-rank (eighth). Formerly rhythmic hot AC “Real 106.1,” WISX became adult contemporary “106.1 The Breeze” in mid-November (2018). It was off eight-tenths in its first report as an AC (December 2018), but is now a combined +2.3 in four up or flat trends (2.5 – 3.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Unchanged at #7, Beasley Media Group-owned WXTU “92.5 Philly’s Country Station” is a collective +1.4 via three straight gains (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Owing to three successive improvements, co-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” is an overall +1.7 (4.9 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 6.6, fourth to third, 6+). Conversely, cluster-mate WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” is a combined -1.3 in February/March (7.1 – 6.7 – 5.8, 6+) and falls from second to sixth.

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +.4 in January/February (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” forfeits three-tenths in March (2.2, #14 to #19, 6+). Up or flat for the fourth straight time in Long Island for a net gain of two-tenths (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC progresses from #26 to #25.

Repeating in fourth-place, Entercom sports talk WFAN is up one-tenth (4.3 – 4.4, 6+), following February’s loss of three-tenths. Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” bounces back as well from February’s -.3 with a gain of two-tenths (1.6 – 1.8, #24 to #21, 6+).

As Entercom all-news WCBS-AM picks up two-tenths (3.1 – 3.3, flat at #11, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted WINS regresses by one-half share (3.5 – 3.0, #10 to #13, 6+). Tied in December and separated by one-tenth of a share in November, these two siblings were a combined +1.3 in January.

Unlisted in October 2018 and November, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM resurfaced in December (2.0, #17, 6+); was off three-tenths in “Holiday” 2018 (1.7, #19, 6+); added four-tenths in January 2019; but is down one-half share in February/March (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.6, #20 to #22, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – An overall -1.7 as the result of seven straight down or flat moves (3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 – #1 For R&B” pulls the plug on that slide with a +1.1 to 3.3 (#18 to #11, 6+). There is another significant shift for classic hits-oldies sibling WBZO “103.1 Max FM,” whose five most recent moves are -.8 (December 2018); -.7 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January); -.5 (February); and now +.7 in March (3.0 – 3.7, #12 to #8, 6+). As a result of four successive sweeps without a loss, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “102.3 Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” nets a +1.3 (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.4, eighth to fourth, 6+). As it advances from #18 to #15, Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” logs its fourth up or flat report in succession for a +.8 (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.2 – 2.4, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-performance in Nassau-Suffolk (2.4) since August 2018 when it reached 2.6. Zooming into the top fifteen (#21 to a three-way logjam at #15), Connoisseur Media-owned WWSK “94.3 The Shark – Long Island’s Home For Everything That Rocks” is a cumulative +.9 in five straight up or flat trends (1.5 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.4, 6+). While it remains at #1 for the fifth straight time, hot AC cluster-mate WALK-FM “97.5 – Real Variety” has lost over half its 6+-share (-5.4) in three consecutive declines (10.5 – 6.0 – 5.9 – 5.1, 6+). “Real Variety” was a combined +6.1 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (4.4 – 6.5 – 10.5, 6+). Off eight-tenths as well in March is iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” (fifth to tenth, 6+), which is a collective -5.8 through three drops in succession (9.2 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.4, 6+).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – For the sixth consecutive sweep, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is without an increase (.4 – .2 – .2 -.2 – .1 – .1 – .1, #23 to #24, 6+).

Co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” (formerly KUBE), which had been down or flat the past five survey periods (.3 – .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+) picks up one-tenth to .2 (#23 to #22, 6+). For the 15^th straight sweep, similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted.

In a December 2018 through March 2019 down/up pattern (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.7, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR pushes up from #12 to #11. Meanwhile, the September 2018 through February 2019 topline for Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is .3 – .6 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .3 – .2 – .1 (#21 to #24, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – Although it remains in seventh-place, LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” is a collective +1.6 in three successive upticks (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+). Stuck on 1.8 (6+) in January and February, Anaheim Broadcasting’s KCAL-FM “96.7 Rockin’ The Empire” posts a one-half share increase to 2.3 (6+) and carries on in tenth-place. Up or flat the past three survey periods for a gain of six-tenths (6.7 – 7.2 – 7.3 – 7.3, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KOLA stumbles by one-half share to 6.8 (6+) but is anchored in the runner-up slot for the 11^th time in a row. KOLA hit #1 in May 2018 with a 6.5 (6+). It is chasing Entravision’s KLYY “Jose,” which is off for the fourth consecutive report for a collective -3.1 (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4, 6+), but is #1 for the eleventh successive sweep. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Inland Empire (Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario) station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. Not only is KLRD “Air 1 Worship Now” a collective -1.9 via four successive negative trends (2.2 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2 – .3, 6+), the Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian outlet drifts from #13 to #19. Locked on 4.6 (6+) in January and February, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” falters by one-half share to 4.1 (third to fourth, 6+). Even though co-owned Spanish adult hits KRCD posts its fifth consecutive up or flat trend for an overall +.2 (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+) and is in one-share range (6+) for the 19^th successive ratings period, “Recuerdo” backslides from #11 to #12. After being without a loss the past seven reports netting one-half share (.1 – .2 – .2 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .6, 6+), Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KAEH “Radio Lazer” dips by two-tenths to .4 (#16 to #17, 6+).

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – While this marks KGO’s sixth straight San Jose sweep without an increase for an overall -1.1 (3.0 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet climbs from #19 to #18. Netting one-half share via three straight modest gains (.9 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 15, 6+), co-owned news/talk KSFO moves from #25 to a four-way tie at #22.

Sports talk cluster-mate KNBR “The Sports Leader” is off three-tenths in February/March (3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+) yet manages to climb from ninth to eighth. By picking up two-tenths (1.5 – 1.7, 6+), Entercom sports talk KGMZ “95.7 The Game” returns to the top twenty (#23 to #20).

Without a loss the past four sweeps for a collective +1.4 (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+), all-news sibling KCBS-AM regresses by four-tenths to 6.7 (second to third, 6+). January and February’s 7.1 is its best 6+-stat since June 2018’s 7.2.

A combined -.9 in January and February (7.1 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED wipes away that deficit in its entirety with a +.9 to 7.1 (third to second, 6+). Unlisted in October 2018 and November, KQED returned with a 6.7 (December 2018, 6+). In December, San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW debuted with a .5 (6+). It added two-tenths in “Holiday” 2018; was flat in January 2019; and has added one-tenth in back-to-back (February/March) sweeps (.7 – .8 – .9, flat at #27, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – Over and above being +1.5 via three positive spikes in succession (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+), Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. “Bay FM” was a combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2018 (8.0 – 6.9 – 6.2, 6+), after being an overall +1.7 in October/November (6.3 – 6.9 – 8.0, 6+). Following four straight up or flat trends that accounted for a +1.4 (2.2 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), University of Southern California-owned classical outlet KDFC returns all but one-tenth of that increase (-1.3) in February/March (3.6 – 2.9 – 2.3, #12 to #16, 6+). Off one-half share (3.6 – 3.1, eighth to ninth, 6+), Empire Broadcasting’s KRTY “Hot Country 95.3” has its lowest 6+-share (3.1) in nearly four years (3.0, May 2015). In addition to slipping by three-tenths to 3.0 (6+), thus snapping at three its consecutive string of increases that generated an overall +1.0 (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.3, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” exits the top ten (#9 to #11). In each of the past three sweeps, iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3” posted a shift of eight-tenths: It was -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, “Holiday” 2018, 6+); +.8 (3.8 – 4.6, January 2019, 6+); and -.8 (4.6 – 3.8, February, 6+). In March, however, it is off two-tenths to 3.6 (6+) and continues in seventh-place. For the third straight month, Entercom adult contemporary KOIT-FM is unlisted in San Jose. As the result of five straight positive spikes (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 6.0 – 10.1, 6+), it was a cumulative +7.1 and reached #1 in “Holiday” 2018.

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – Following January’s +1.2, WKXW relinquishes half that increase (-.6) in February/March (8.1 – 7.9 – 7.5, 6+), but the Townsquare Media news/talk outlet is on top for the third month in a row. “New Jersey 101.5” occupied the top spot six straight sweeps before shifting to #2 in “Holiday” 2018 with a -1.1. Stuck on 3.4 (6+) in January and February, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR slips by three-tenths to 3.1 (#12 to #14, 6+). January’s +1.0 completely erased the overall -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2018. Following its .8 in “Holiday” 2018, Cumulus Media news/talk WABC notches a 1.0 (6+) for the third straight time and continues at #26.

Having regressed by one-half share in February, Entercom sports talk WFAN is unchanged in both 6+-share (3.0) and 6+-rank (#15). Similarly-programmed WEPN is a collective -1.0 in five straight reports without an increase (2.9 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+) as “98.7 ESPN New York” departs the top twenty (#20 to #23).

A loss of one-tenth to 1.8 (#24 to #25, 6+) by Entercom all-news WINS curtails four straight gains that accounted for a one-half share increase (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-programmed WCBS-AM picks up two-tenths (2.2 – 2.4, 6+) and returns to the top twenty (#22 to #19).

It is tied at #19 with WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WNYC-FM which is down four-tenths to 2.4 (#17 to #19, 6+), cutting in half its combined January/February +.8 (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.8, 6+).

Middlesex Music Formats –Without an increase four successive times for a collective -1.1 (5.4 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia mainstream CHR WHTZ “Z-100” bounces back with a combined +1.5 in three straight improvements (4.3 – 4.5 – 5.2 – 5.8, 6+) and continues in third-place. While unchanged at #5, Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” is up six-tenths through three consecutive gains (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.6, 6+). In the rhythmic CHR contest, Emmis owned WQHT “Hot 97” picks up two-tenths to 3.2 (#15 to #13, 6+), thus drawing to a close five straight sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). At the same time, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WKTU “103.5 KTU” is up two-tenths as well (2.8 – 3.0, #17 to #15, 6+). With a one-half share increase (1.4 – 1.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group’s WDHA “105.5 The Rock of New Jersey” checks in at #23. Co-owned adult contemporary WMGQ “Magic 98.3 Today’s Hits – Yesterday’s Favorites,” however, has its third slip in a row for an overall -2.3 (5.8 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.5, sixth to ninth, 6+). Among hot ACs in the Middlesex-Somerset-Union report, Entercom’s WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” is off two-tenths (3.6 – 3.4, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11), while Cumulus Media’s WPLJ “New York’s 95.5 PLJ,” which had been a collective +.5 in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+), surrenders three-tenths to 2.3 (6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #21). The latter is in the process of being sold to Educational Media Foundation and will flip to contemporary Christian when the deal is finalized.