December 2019 PPM Data – Information for the December 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 December 2019 survey period covered November 7 – December 4. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Off a combined half-share in November/December (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+), Emmis Austin Radio Broadcasting Company news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” slips from eighth to ninth. October’s 5.0 is its best 6+-performance in more than six years (5.0, as well, June 2013). Advancing from #27 to #26, Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” has posted a .3 (6+) seven times in the last ten sweeps and a .4 (6+) the other three (.3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4, 6+).

The hot streak continues for Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn,” which has more than doubled (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share through six consecutive upticks (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.9, unchanged at #14, 6+). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” has lost four-tenths in November/December (.9 – .8 – .5, #24 to #25, 6+).

In addition to regaining the half-share it surrendered in November (9.3 – 8.8 – 9.3, 6+), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT (+2.0 in October) is #1 the third month in a row. KUT’s shifts in 2019 include: +1.6 (January); -.6 (February); +.7 (to 9.5, 6+, March); -2.0 (April); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); -.6 (September); +2.0 (October); -.5 (November); and +.5 (December).

Austin Music Formats – Down four-tenths in October/November (5.5 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5 Better Music for a Better Workday answers with a December +1.2 to 6.3 (sixth to third), its best 6+-stat since July (6.3, as well). By way of comparison, “Majic” notched a 7.4 (6+) in December 2018. Fully recapturing the nine-tenths it squandered in November (5.1 – 4.2 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” jumps from ninth to sixth. November’s 4.2 was the lowest 6+-showing for KASE since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.7. One-tenth ahead of KASE and steady in fifth-place is co-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-FM. A combined +2.2 in September/October (3.3 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” is down three-tenths in November/December (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2, 6+). September’s 5.5 was its best 6+-showing since May, when KVET-FM gained nine-tenths to 5.8 (6+). The market’s other country FM, Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM, was a collective -1.5 (or a roughly 58% loss of its 6+ AQH share) in four straight down or flat trends (2.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.1, 6+). With a December increase of one-tenth to 1.2 (6+), “Austin’s Country Alternative” ends the slide and re-enters the top twenty (#21 to #20). In six consecutive positive or neutral trends, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLJA “Amor 107.7” has tripled (+1.4) its 6+ AQH-share (.7 – .8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+) and advances from #17 to #15. The three most recent shifts by iHeartMedia CHR KHFI are: -.7 (October); +1.2 (November); and now -1.1 in December (5.2 – 4.5 – 5.7 – 4.6, 6+) as “96.7 Kiss-FM Austin’s #1 Hit Music Station” slips from fourth to eighth. “Kiss” was a combined +.6 in August/September (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+); October’s 4.5 was its lowest 6+-stat since January’s 4.3. Emmis Austin Radio Broadcasting Company adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob-FM” is a collective -1.5 via six straight decreases (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 7.8, 6+). After six consecutive months at #1, “Bob” is in the runner-up slot the third time in a row. This is its lowest 6+-showing for “Bob” since October 2018 (7.8, as well); June’s 9.3 was its best 6+ stat since “Holiday” 2018 (also 9.3). Following five successive gains for an overall +3.0, more than doubling its 6+ AQH share (2.8 – 3.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.8, 6+), Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KFMK “Spirit 105.9” drops one-tenth to 5.7 (third to fourth, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of one-tenth (5.6 – 5.7, 6+) is sufficient to boost iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” from eighth to sixth. Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” is up three-tenths in November/December (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+) and repeats at #19.

A collective +1.0 in three straight spikes (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” drops three-tenths to 2.8 (flat at #14, 6+). 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+).

Continuing an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in February, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” (steady in third-place) has a topline of: 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 8.5 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 6.5 – 6.8 (6+). August 2019’s 8.5 was its best 6+-stat since 8.8 in August 2018.

Raleigh Music Formats – Reaching the market from Greensboro, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG “99.5 The Best Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” erupts with a +1.8 to 2.2 (6+), cracking Raleigh’s top twenty (#15). Immediately prior to Raleigh’s December sweep, WMAG had lost two-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (.6 – .6 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths each are Radio One gospel WNNL “The Light 103.9” (ninth to fifth) and Radio Network Training contemporary Christian WRTP “His Radio” (#19 to #17). “The Light” is a collective +1.7 in three straight gains and crosses the six-share level (4.5 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.2, 6+). Meanwhile, “His Radio” has doubled (+.9) its 6+-stat in November/December (.9 – 1.1 – 1.8, 6+), posting its best 6+-stat (1.8) since March (1.9). In addition to being up one-half share in November/December (8.2 – 8.3 – 8.7, 6+), Radio One urban AC WFXC is #1 the fourth month in a row. “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” 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+). Recent WFXC (6+) fluctuations include: +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. The market’s (6+) country share deflates by -1.1 as Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” falters by six-tenths (seventh to eighth) and iHeartMedia’s WNCB “B-93.9 #1 For New Country” loses one-half share (3.4 – 2.9, flat at #12, 6+). As a result of four successive setbacks, WQDR is a collective -1.6 (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). When WNCB sputtered by seven-tenths in November, it halted three successive improvements that yielded a +1.4 (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 4.1, 6+). A loss of nine-tenths by WNCB cluster-mate WRDU (6.0 – 5.1, 6+) sends “Classic Rock 100.7” from fifth to ninth with its lowest 6+-stat (5.1) since July 2018’s 4.7. On the heels of November’s +1.3 to 7.5, its strongest 6+-stat since February’s 7.8, Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” forfeits seven-tenths to 6.8 (second to third, 6+). Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB  has its third decrease in a row for an overall -1.5 (6.8 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.3, sixth to seventh, 6+) and “96.1 BBB Your Life – Your Music” logs its softest 6+-stat (5.3) since March (5.0). Despite gaining two-tenths to .8 (6+), thus snapping four consecutive down or flat reports that led to a loss of two-tenths (.8 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6, 6+), North Carolina Central University-owned WNCU “Jazz Radio 90.7” downshifts from #21 to #22.

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – Replacing September/October’s -.7 (6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+) with a November/December +.9 (5.8 – 6.4 – 6.7, 6+), Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” jumps from fifth to fourth. Recent WIBC shifts include: -.9 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); -1.2 (April); +.9 (June); +.5 (August); -.5 (October); and +.6 (November).

Following three consecutive increases that yielded a +1.2 (1.7 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+), Emmis’ WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” loses one-tenth (2.8, 6+) and one ranker (#13 to #14). Flat at #18, iHeartMedia-owned WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” has a June 2019 through December 2019 topline of: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – .9 (6+).

The July 2019 through December 2019 alternating up/down pattern by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI is: 4.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.8 (flat at #8, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – Not only does Emmis adult contemporary WYXB replicate November’s +1.4 (7.4 – 8.8 – 10.2, 6+), “B-105.7” progresses from second to first. WYXB was +.9 in three straight June through September gains (7.4 – 7.8 – 8.0 – 8.3, 6+) and then -.9 in October. This (10.2) is the first time “B-105.7” has reached double-digits (6+) since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.4. Knocked out of the top spot after 11 months in a row there and segueing to #2 is Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5,” which is -3.1 via three straight setbacks  (11.1 – 10.4 – 10.2 – 8.0, 6+). WJJK’s 11.1 (July and September) represents the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing April’s 10.2. Six straight ratings periods on top, “Classic Hits 104.5” slipped to third in “Holiday” 2018 but returned to #1 in January. Among WJJK’s dramatic 2019 fluctuations are: +2.9 (January); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); +1.7 (April); +1.4 (July); -1.1 (August); +1.1 (September); -.7 (October); and -2.2 (December). Up one full-share in December, iHeartMedia-owned classic rock WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” is in an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in June: 6.7 – 5.9 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 7.1 (sixth to third, 6+). Jumping six-tenths each are Sarkes Tarzian triple A WTTS “92.3 Experience The Music” (#11 to #10) and Cumulus Media-owned WNDX “X-93.9 Indy’s Rock Station” (unchanged at #12). WTTS nets a +1.2 in four successive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+). December’s 3.6 by WNDX is three times greater than its 1.2 (6+) in April when it was CHR WYRG. Hot AC cluster-mate WNTR “107.9 The Mix,” which had been trending 2.9 – 3.3 – 2.9 (September – October – November, 6+), records a half-share increase to 3.4 (6+) and continues at #13. The market’s (6+) country share takes a -2.2 hit, nearly equally divided between Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank” (7.4 – 6.2, -1.2, fourth to sixth, 6+) and Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” (7.6 – 6.6, -1.0, third to fifth, 6+). “Hank” was up one-tenth in November, after its October +1.3 vaporized August/September’s -1.2 (7.2 – 7.1 – 6.0, 6+). WFMS erupted with a +1.1 in November, following October’s -.8 to 6.5, its lowest 6+-stat since 6.1 in “Holiday” 2018. Anchored in ninth-place, Entercom CHR WZPL “99.5 ZPL” is a cumulative -2.0 as a result of six successive decreases (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2, 6+). After posting a 3.4 (6+) in June, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU is unlisted the sixth month in a row.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – A November -1.8 by Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ (Packers, Bucks) is followed by a December decrease half that magnitude (6.6 – 5.7, -.9, 6+), as “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” slips from fifth to sixth. WTMJ was a combined +1.3 in September/October (7.1 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+) and had an October-only stay at #1. In three straight spikes, iHeartMedia’s WISN gained one-half share (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), but “News/Talk 1130” falters by three-tenths in December to 4.8 (eighth to ninth, 6+).

One-tenth is the dominant theme for four Milwaukee sports talk stations. Down three-tenths in November, iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” is up one-tenth (1.3 – 1.4, #16 to #15, 6+). Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” posts a one-tenth increase the second straight month (.7 – .8 – .9, 6+) and advances from #20 to #19. Meanwhile, Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” returns November’s one-tenth gain (.8 – .7, -.1, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #22). In back-to-back sweeps, iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” is down by one-tenth (.7 – .6 – .5, #22 to #24, 6+). WSSP doubled (+.4) its 6+ AQH stat in successive spikes of … one-tenth each (.4 – .5 – .6 – .7 – .8, 6+).

Five positive or neutral sweeps in succession by WUWM yield a +1.8 (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.4 – 4.8, 6+) as the University of Wisconsin news/talk station progresses from tenth to ninth. Following four consecutive up or flat reports in which Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD doubled (+.8) its 6+ AQH share (.8 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.6, 6+), it surrenders three-tenths to 1.3 (#15 to #18, 6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – Down six-tenths in September/October (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB roars back with a November/December +1.6 (5.2  – 5.7 – 6.8, sixth to fourth, 6+). “B-93.3” crosses the six-share level (6.8) for the first time since February’s 6.4. Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” racks up an increase of seven-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.6, fourth to second, 6+). The last time “Mix” (7.6) reached the seven-share level was in November 2015 (7.0, 6+). In addition to WMYX, Milwaukee Radio Alliance classic hits-oldies WZTI “Fonz FM – Milwaukee’s Pop, Soul, & Rock ‘N Roll” improves by seven-tenths (#18 to #14) and has nearly tripled (+1.2) its 6-stat in four straight sweeps without a loss (.7 – .9 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.9, 6+). An overall -1.5 as a result of five straight reports without an increase (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom CHR WXSS “103.7 Kiss-FM” pulls the plug with a +.4 to 4.4 (unchanged at #11, 6+). By gaining two-tenths to 5.3 (steady in eighth-place, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7” halts four straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a net loss of three-tenths (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.1, 6+). Notwithstanding that it’s -1.8 via three consecutive down or flat moves (9.6 – 8.3 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #1. WRIT spent four months in a row in the lead before segueing to the runner-up slot in October. Whereas “Holiday” 2018’s 11.5 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017, this (7.8) is its lowest 6+-figure since December 2018’s 7.7. Having spent 43 consecutive ratings periods at #1, “Big FM” shifted to #2 in October 2018. Recent (6+) moves include: +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); – 1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); +.8 (June); -1.3 (October); and -.5 (November). A combined -.7 in November/December (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” dips from third to fifth with its lowest 6+-stat (6.5) since June (5.9). In three straight spikes, Saga Communications’ WHQG recorded an overall +1.4 (4.1 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), but “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” drops one-tenth to 5.4 (flat at #7, 6+). Co-owned WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” is down or flat the fifth time in a row for a -1.4 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 7.0, second to third, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Without a loss the past six sweeps for a +1.7 (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” falters by one-tenth to 4.7 (6+) – but – manages to crack the top ten (#11 to #9). As a result of four consecutive improvements, iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” is +1.0 (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.4, #17 to #16, 6+) and reaches the two-share level (2.4) for the first time in more than four years (2.0, October 2015).

Four straight spikes by Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX (Tennessee Titans) netted a +2.4 (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), but “104.5 The Zone” is a combined -1.0 in November/December (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.1, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12). Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) repeats November’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (1.1, #20).

Off a combined -1.5 in October/November (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+), following August/September’s +1.8 (5.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” regains four-tenths to 5.8 (sixth to fourth, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – The three-tenths (6+) advantage Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM Playing What We Want” held over adult contemporary cluster-mate WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” in November flips to a 3.1-share lead for WJXA. An overall -2.3 in four straight negative moves (9.8 – 9.5 – 9.2 – 7.6 – 7.5, 6+), “Mix” expunges all but one-tenth of that shortfall with a +2.2 to 9.7 (second to first, 6+). Prior to October, “Mix” was on top five months in a row. Its just-concluded negative streak directly followed an overall +1.6 in three successive bumps (8.2 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.8, 6+). Eight recent (6+) WJXA fluctuations include: +3.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); -.5 (March); -.6 (April); +1.0 (May); -1.6 (October); and +2.2 (December). WJXA’s 14.1 (“Holiday” 2018) is the highest 6+-share by any Nashville outlet since its 14.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Meanwhile, Nashville’s version of “Jack” is -2.3 in November/December (8.9 – 7.8 – 6.6, first to second, 6+). This immediately trails its overall +2.1 in three successive upticks (6.8 – 8.0 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+). October marked WCJK’s first time at #1 since April, when it logged an 8.4 (6+). Advancing from #13 to #11, Cromwell alternative WBUZ “102.9 The Buzz” crosses the four-share mark and is an overall +2.0 in three consecutive improvements (2.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.4, 6+). Substituting November’s loss of seven-tenths with December’s increase of six-tenths (4.6, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” re-enters the top ten (#12 to #10). Prior to the December sweep, “92-Q” was a collective -1.5 in three decreases  in succession (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+). That immediately followed an overall +1.3 via four successive gains (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.5, 6+). The contemporary Christian arena has noteworthy December 2019 growth as Educational Media Foundation’s WLVU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is up six-tenths (2.4, #18 to #16), while both Salem Media Group’s WFFH “The Fish” (flat at #14) and WAY Media’s WAYM “WAY-FM” (#16 to #15) expand by one-half share. After posting three improvements in a row for a collective +1.5 (2.0 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.5, 6+), WLVU was a combined -1.7 in October/November (3.5 – 2.6 – 1.8, 6+). Having lost 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, 6+), WFFH is up nine-tenths in November/December (2.8 – 3.3, 6+). The just-concluded negative streak directly follows a collective +1.0 via four straight increases (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). Owing to four straight bumps, WAYM is an overall +1.9 (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 3.0, 6+). In five consecutive decreases, iHeartMedia’s WNRQ “105.9 The Rock” is a cumulative -3.7 (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.5 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 4.1, 6+) and fades from the top ten (#7 to #12). Prior to November, WNRQ last fell below a six-share (6+) just over two years ago (5.7, October 2017). Down seven-tenths in November and December (6.5 – 5.8 – 5.1, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WUBT “101.1 The Beat” slips from fifth to sixth. In three straight up or flat trends “The Beat” had gained nine-tenths (5.6 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+). On the heels of October/November’s +1.6 (4.5 – 5.0 – 6.1, 6+), Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” relinquishes six-tenths to 5.5 (fourth to fifth, 6+). Entering the October sweep, “Nash Icon” had lost an overall seven-tenths in four straight negative or neutral trends (5.2 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Without an increase the fifth time in a row for a collective -1.3 (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” remains in seventh-place. This comes immediately after WSIX was +2.7 in seven consecutive up or flat sweeps (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.2, 6+). Off one-half share (2.6 – 2.1, 6+), Midwest Communications CHR WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” dips from #15 to #18. After five straight reports without a loss for a net gain of nine-tenths (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRVW “107.5 The River” drops one-tenth to 6.1 (6+) but remains in third-place.

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Up two-tenths in November to 3.0 (6+), after September/October’s loss of six-tenths (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” forfeits three-tenths to 2.7 (eighth to ninth, 6+). A November increase of one-tenth by iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ halted eight straight down or flat moves that accounted for an approximately 75% reduction (-1.6) of its 6+-AQH share (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – .9 – .9 – .7 – .5, 6+); however, “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” falters by one-tenth to .4 (#18, 6+). As a result of seven consecutive down or flat reports, Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” has lost four-tenths (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, #20 to #19, 6+).

Anchored in seventh-place is Entercom sports talker WVEI, which 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 – 3.7 – 4.1 (6+). July’s 3.1 is its lowest 6+-stat since March 2018’s 2.8.

Having doubled (+.9) its 6+ AQH share in October/November (.9 – 1.4 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston news – talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” sputters by three-tenths in December to 1.5 (#12 to #14, 6+).

Even though WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH drops one-tenth (2.9 – 2.8, 6+), it progresses from ninth to eighth. A November gain of two-tenths by The Wheeler School’s news/talk outlet WELH suspended six consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+). In December though, WELH erodes by -1.3 to .3 (#13 to #19, 6+).

Providence Music Formats – Off three-tenths in October/November (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), Townsquare Media CHR WFHN responds with a +.8 to 2.7, its strongest 6+-stat since February’s 3.7; “Fun 107 The Southcoast’s #1 Hit Music Station” enters the top ten (#11 to #9). There’s a tie for the top spot between iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” (8.7 – 9.3, +.6, #1 the fourth month in succession, 6+) and Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105” (8.6 – 9.3, +.7, second to first, 6+). WHJY bounces back from October/November’s loss of six-tenths (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7, 6+). 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. “Lite Rock” is up eight-tenths in November/December (8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3, 6+) and has its best 6+-showing since May (9.3, as well). By gaining one-half share to 8.3 (flat at #3, 6+), Hall Broadcasting-owned WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” applies the brakes to three consecutive down or flat reports that led to an overall -1.5 (9.3 – 8.3 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Entering the September sweep, “Cat Country 98.1” was a collective +1.7 in three straight improvements (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. Ten recent (6+) shifts for iHeartMedia-owned hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” include: -1.0 (Holiday” 2018); +.5 (March); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); +1.4 (July); -.5 (August); +.5 (September); -.6 (October); +.6 (November); and -1.5 in December (5.7 – 4.2, 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+). Regressing by eight-tenths and six-tenths, respectively, are WSNE’s classic hits-oldies sibling WWBB “B-101” (flat at #5) and Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music PRO FM” (unchanged at #5). “B-101” is -1.0 in November/December with its lowest 6+-stat (6.6) since 6.0 in March. WPRO-FM has lost eight-tenths in three consecutive down or flat trends (7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.2, 6+). Unlisted the sixth 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+).

Category: Ratings Takeaways