“Holiday” 2019 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 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 “Holiday” 2019 survey period covered December 5 (2019) – January 1 (2020). Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being a collective -1.4 in three straight setbacks (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.6, 6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” continues in ninth-place. October’s 5.0 was its best 6+-performance in more than six years (5.0, as well, June 2013). Repeating at #26, Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” is without a loss the fourth time in a row with a net gain of one-tenth (.3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4, 6+).

After more than doubling (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share through six consecutive bumps (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.9, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” relinquishes exactly half that increase (2.1, -.8, #14 to #16, 6+). In three straight down or flat moves, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted KVET-AM “1300 AM The Zone” is down a total of four-tenths (.9 – .8 – .5 – .5, flat at #25, 6+).

On top the past three months, University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT (9.3 – 7.4, 6+) segues to second. KUT’s shifts in 2019 include: +1.6 (January); -.6 (February); +.7 (March); -2.0 (April); -.1 (May); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); -.6 (September); +2.0 (October); -.5 (November); +.5 (December); and -1.9 (“Holiday” 2019).

Austin Music Formats – Tacking on a “Holiday” 2019 +5.5 to December’s +1.2 (5.1 – 6.3 – 11.8, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” jumps from third to first. Down four-tenths in October/November (5.5 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), KKMJ becomes the first Austin station to record double-digits (11.8, 6+) since it did so in “Holiday” 2017 (12.4). Up seven-tenths and matching August’s 2.7 (2.0 – 2.7, 6+), Sinclair Telecable’s similarly-formatted KGSR “Star 93.3” advances from #17 to #14. Improving by one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KPEZ “102.3 The Beat” (#13 to #7) and Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” (steady at #15). “The Beat” has its best 6+-stat (4.2) since July (4.4), while “Que Buena” is without a loss the third time in a row (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+). KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” is an overall -1.2 in three drops in a row (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 4.2, fifth to seventh, 6+). The iHeartMedia country station was a combined +2.2 in September/October (3.3 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), with September’s 5.5 its best 6+-showing since May, when KVET-FM reached 5.8 (6+). The three most recent shifts by co-owned/similarly-programmed KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” are -.9 (November); +.9 (December); and -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.2 – 5.1 – sixth to ninth, 3.6, 6+). Having more than doubled (+3.0) its 6+ AQH share via five successive gains (2.8 – 3.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.8, 6+), Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KFMK “Spirit 105.9” drops eight-tenths in December/“Holiday 2019 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.0, 6+) and repeats at #4. Owing to seven setbacks in succession, Sinclair Telecable adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob-FM” is a collective -2.1 (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 7.8 – 7.2, 6+). “Bob” spent six consecutive sweeps at #1; was in the runner-up slot the last three months; and now, slips to third-place. In an alternating up/down pattern that began in September (3.7 – 4.1 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 3.5, 6+), co-owned KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” exits the top ten (#10 to #12). As a result of six consecutive positive or neutral trends, Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLJA tripled (+1.4) its 6+ AQH-share (.7 – .8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1, 6+); however, “Amor 107.7” surrenders four-tenths to 1.7 (#15 to #17, 6+).

Raleigh

Spoken-Word Formats – Off four-tenths (5.7 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” slips from sixth to eighth. A combined +.3 in November/December (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3, 6+), Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF “News Radio 680” drops one-tenth in “Holiday” 2019 to 1.2 (6+) and remains at #19.

A collective +1.0 in three straight improvements (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” relinquishes 40% (-.4) of that increase in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+) yet climbs from #14 to #13.

Including “Holiday” 2019’s loss of eight-tenths, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” continues an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in February: 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 7.5 – 8.5 – 7.4 – 7.5 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 6.0 (third to fifth, 6+).

Raleigh Music Formats – Having squandered eight-tenths in November/December (7.7 – 7.2 – 6.9, 6+), Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL answers with a “Holiday” 2019 +2.2 to 9.1, its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018 (9.6). Moreover, “Mix 101.5 – The Variety That Makes You Feel Good” progresses from second to first. On top the past four sweeps, Radio One urban AC WFXC (7.2, 6+) segues to the runner-up slot. Up one-half share in November/December (8.2 – 8.3 – 8.7, 6+), “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” spent 12 consecutive survey periods at #1; 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); -.6 (October); and -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019). January’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. Winning ways continue for Radio One gospel WNNL “The Light 103.9,” which is a collective +2.5 in four straight bumps and reaches the seven-share mark (4.5 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 6.2 – 7.0, fifth to third, 6+). Notching gains of one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia’s WRDU “Classic Rock 100.7” (5.6, ninth to sixth, 6+) and Curtis Media Group WYMY “La Ley 101.1 FM” (1.0 – 1.5, 6+). WRDU is bouncing back from December’s loss of nine-tenths to 5.1, its lowest 6+-stat since July 2018’s 4.7. Meanwhile, WYMY returns to the top twenty (#21 to #18) with its best 6+-stat (1.5) since July (1.6). As WYMY hot AC sibling WPLW-AM “Star 92.9 – The Triangles Best Variety” notches a +.5 (#22), CHR sibling WPLW-FM “Pulse FM” regresses by seven-tenths and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). This marks the sixth successive report without a loss for “Star,” which more than quadruples (+.7) its 6+-figure in that timeframe (.2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .2 – .4 – .9, 6+); “Pulse FM” is a combined -.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). The three latest fluctuations for Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” are: +1.3 (November); -.7 (December); and -.5 in “Holiday” 2019 (6.8 – 6.3, third to fourth, 6+). November’s 7.5 was its strongest 6+-stat since February (7.8). Through five successive downturns, Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” is a collective -1.9 (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.9, eighth to ninth, 6+). By gaining one-tenth to 5.4 (unchanged at #7, 6+), its adult hits sibling, WBBB “96.1 BBB Your Life – Your Music,” curtails three straight decreases that accounted for an overall -1.5 (6.8 – 6.3 – 5.9 – 5.3, 6+). December’s 5.3 was WBBB’s lowest 6+-stat since March (5.0).

Indianapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1,” which has been: -.9 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); -1.2 (April); +.9 (June); +.5 (August); -.5 (October); +.6 (November); and now -1.3 in “Holiday” 2019 (6.7 – 5.4, fourth to fifth, 6+).

Three consecutive increases by Emmis’ WFNI yielded a +1.2 (1.7 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (2.8, #14, 6+). Unchanged at #18, iHeartMedia-owned WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” has a June 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline of: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – .9 – 1.0 (6+).

The July 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 2019 alternating up/down pattern by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI (including “Holiday” 2019’s -1.1) is: 4.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 3.7 (eighth to ninth, 6+).

Indianapolis Music Formats – Three mega-increases in succession deliver Emmis adult contemporary WYXB a cumulative +10.8 (7.4 – 8.8 – 10.2 – 18.2, 6+) as “B-105.7” repeats at #1. Over and above that, WYXB now boasts the largest 6+-performance (18.2) by any Indianapolis station in the PPM-era. “B-105.7” was +.9 in three straight June through September gains (7.4 – 7.8 – 8.0 – 8.3, 6+) and then -.9 in October. The station WYXB dislodged from the top spot after 11 months in a row there – Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” – is -4.5 via four straight downturns (11.1 – 10.4 – 10.2 – 8.0 – 6.6, second to third, 6+). WJJK’s 11.1 (July and September) represents the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing April’s 10.2. 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); -2.2 (December).; and -1.4 (“Holiday” 2019). As a result of seven successive decreases, Entercom CHR WZPL has its 6+ AQH share eroded by roughly 48% (-3.0) as “99.5 ZPL” exits the top ten (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 3.2, #9 to #11, 6+). On the heels of December’s -1.2, Emmis-owned WLHK “Country 97.1 Hank” forfeits another eight-tenths (7.4 – 6.2 – 5.4, 6+) yet advances from sixth to a fifth-place tie. “Hank” was up one-tenth in November, after its October +1.3 neutralized August/September’s -1.2 (7.2 – 7.1 – 6.0, 6+). Dropping one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia-owned WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” (flat at #3) and Cumulus Media hot AC WNTR “107.9 The Mix” (3.4 – 2.9, flat at #13, 6+). In an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in June and includes December’s +1.0 and “Holiday” 2019’s -.5, “Q-95” is: 6.7 – 5.9 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 6.1 – 7.1 – 6.6 (6+). “The Mix,” which was trending 2.9 – 3.3 – 2.9 (September – October – November, 6+), logged a +.5 in December. A +1.2 in four successive up or flat trends (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+), Sarkes Tarzian triple A WTTS is off one-tenth to 3.8, 6+); nonetheless, “92.3 Experience The Music” proceeds from a tenth-place tie to eighth. After posting a 3.4 (6+) in June, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU is unlisted the seventh time in a row.

Milwaukee

Spoken-Word Formats – Off a whopping -2.7 in November/December (8.4 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+), Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ (Packers, Bucks) answers with a “Holiday” 2019 increase of two-tenths (5.9, sixth to fourth, 6+). “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” 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 increases, iHeartMedia’s WISN gained one-half share (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), but “News/Talk 1130” falters by -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.0, flat at #9, 6+).

Tied at #18 are iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” (1.4 – .9, #15 to #18) and Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” (.7 – .9, +.2, #22 to #18, 6+). “The Game” and “The Fan” are one-tenth ahead of Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” (.9 – .8, -.1, #19 to #20, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WOKY is down a total of three-tenths in three straight decreases (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4, 6+), “The Big 920” moves from #24 to #23.

Following five up or flat sweeps in a row that netted a +1.8 (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.4 – 4.8, 6+), University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM surrenders eight-tenths to 4.0 (flat at #9, 6+). Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD, which doubled (+.8) its 6+ AQH share in four consecutive up or flat reports (.8 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.6, 6+), is -.5 in December/“Holiday 2019” (1.6 – 1.3 – 1.1, #18 to #17, 6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – Owing to three upticks in succession, Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB is a cumulative +6.2 (5.2  – 5.7 – 6.8 – 11.4, 6+). Down six-tenths in September/October (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2, 6+), “B-93.3” cracks double-digits (11.4) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (10.3). Three consecutive down or flat moves by WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” accounted for a -1.8 (9.6 – 8.3 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). The iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet, however, roars back in “Holiday” 2019 with a +4.0 to 11.8 (6+) and is #1 the third time in a row. WRIT spent four straight months in the lead before segueing to the runner-up slot in October. “Holiday” 2019’s 11.8 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Recent (6+) moves by WRIT include: +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); – 1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); +.8 (June); -1.3 (October); -.5 (November); and +4.0 (“Holiday” 2019). After notching an increase of seven-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.6, 6+), Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” spirals by -1.5 (6.1, second to third, 6+). Prior to December (7.6), the last time “Mix” reached the seven-share level was in November 2015 (7.0, 6+). Eroding by -1.4 (each) are Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” (third to fifth) and iHeartMedia-owned WMIL “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” (fifth to sixth). WKLH is down or flat the sixth time in a row for a -2.8 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 5.6, 6+); WMIL is -2.1 in three downturns in succession (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+). As a result of three straight increases, Saga Communications’ WHQG was an overall +1.4 (4.1 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), but “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” is a combined -.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.7, seventh to eighth, 6+). When Entercom CHR WXSS posted a +.4 in December, it interrupted five straight reports without an increase (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, however, “103.7 Kiss-FM” falters by six-tenths to 3.8 (flat at #11, 6+). Saga Communications urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3” has lost eight-tenths via three down or flat moves in a row (4.0 – 4.0 – 3.7 – 3.2, #12 to #13, 6+). After nearly tripling (+1.2) its 6-stat in four straight sweeps without a loss (.7 – .9 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.9, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance classic hits-oldies WZTI “Fonz FM – Milwaukee’s Pop, Soul, & Rock ‘N Roll” drops one-tenth (1.8, flat at #14, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Down seven-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+), directly after its +1.7 in six up or flat sweeps in a row (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” slips from ninth to tenth. Four consecutive improvements by iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC netted +1.0 (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.4, 6+); however, “Talk Radio 1510” forfeits four-tenths to 2.0 (#16 to #17, 6+). In December, WLAC reached the two-share level (2.4) for the first time in more than four years (2.0, October 2015).

Despite being an overall -1.1 in three straight down or flat moves (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX “104.5 The Zone” (Tennessee Titans) advances from #12 to #11. Prior to this streak, “The Zone” netted a +2.4 in four straight upticks (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+). Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) is down an overall one-half share in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (1.3 – 1.1 – 1.1 – .8, #20 to #19, 6+).

Recent shifts by Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” include: August/September’s +1.8 (5.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+); October/November’s -1.5 (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+); December’s +.4 (5.4 – 5.8, 6+); and -1.2 in “Holiday” 2019 (5.8 – 4.6, fourth to eighth, 6+).

Nashville Music Formats – Stacking a +6.1 onto December’s +2.2 (7.5 – 9.7 – 15.8, 6+) Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” repeats at #1. This time last year, WJXA posted a 14.1 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). Recent (6+) fluctuations by “Mix” include: +3.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); -.5 (March); -.6 (April); +1.0 (May); -1.6 (October); +2.2 (December); and +6.1 (“Holiday” 2019). Repeating at #2, co-owned WCJK “96.3 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” is -2.7 in three drops in a row (8.9 – 7.8 – 6.6 – 6.2, 6+). This immediately follows its overall +2.1 in three successive spikes (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+). A collective +1.6 in four straight sweeps without a loss (2.4 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 4.0, 6+), Salem Media Group’s WFFH “The Fish” jumps from #14 to #11. “94 FM The Fish” previously 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+). Educational Media Foundation’s similarly-formatted WLVU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” was a  collective +1.5 in three June through September improvements (2.0 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.5, 6+); a combined -1.7 in October/November (3.5 – 2.6 – 1.8, 6+); +.6 in December (1.8 – 2.4, 6+); and now -.5 in “Holiday” 2019 (2.4 – 1.9, #16 to #18, 6+). In five straight sweeps without a loss, WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYM “WAY-FM” is an overall +1.8 (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+) and is flat at #15. In the market’s CHR tussle, Midwest Communications’ WNFN “106.7 Nashville’s New Hit Music” gains six-tenths (2.1 – 2.7, #18 to #16, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRVW “107.5 The River” drops one-half share (6.1 – 5.6, flat at #3, 6+). WNFN is bouncing back from December’s loss of one-half share. 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+), “The River” dropped one-tenth in December. The three most recent shifts by Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” are -.7 (November); +.6 (December); and +.5 in “Holiday” 2019 (4.6 – 5.1, tenth to fifth, 6+). 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+). Faltering by eight-tenths (each) are Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” (5.5 – 4.7, fifth to sixth, 6+); Cromwell alternative WBUZ “102.9 The Buzz” (3.6, #11 to #13, 6+); and iHeartMedia’s WNRQ “105.9 The Rock” (#12 to #14). WSM-FM was +1.6 in October/November (4.5 – 5.0 – 6.1, 6+) and -.6 in December. 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+). WBUZ had been an overall +2.0 in three consecutive improvements (2.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.4, 6+). In six consecutive decreases, WNRQ is a cumulative -4.5 (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.5 – 6.2 – 5.2 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+). Tied with WSM-FM is iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WSIX “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country,” which is down or flat the sixth time in a row for a collective -1.5 (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.9 – 4.7, seventh to sixth, 6+). 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+). Nashville Public Radio classical-formatted WFCL, which gained one-half share in six successive sweeps without a loss (.7 – .7 – .7 – .7 -.7 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), forfeits six-tenths to .6 (#19 to #22, 6+).

Providence

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit down a combined half-share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+),  Cumulus Media–owned WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” progresses from ninth to eighth. Regaining the two-tenths it lost in December (.6 – .4 – .6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” pushes up from #18 to #16. November’s one-tenth increase 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+). As a result of eight down or flat reports in succession, Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” has lost four-tenths (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, flat at #19, 6+).

Entrenched 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 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 3.8 (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” surrenders one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.2, flat at #14, 6+).

WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH is a combined -.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.9 – 2.8 – 2.3, eighth to ninth, 6+). Following December’s -1.3, The Wheeler School’s news/talk outlet WELH repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.3, #19, 6+). November’s gain of two-tenths 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+).

Providence Music Formats – December’s tie at #1 is broken with emphasis by Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI “Lite Rock 105,” which hauls out a +7.5 and has nearly doubled (+8.3) its 6+-stat in three bumps in a row (8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3 – 16.8, 6+). Its 16.8 (6+) is six-tenths better than “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2 (6+). After four months in succession at #1, iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” (9.3 – 8.0, -1.3, 6+) segues to the runner-up slot. WHJY wiped away October/November’s loss of six-tenths (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7, 6+) with a December gain of equal magnitude. Having occupied the lead position three months in a row, WHJY shifted to the runner-up slot in August; “94 HJY” was +.7 in September. Even though Hall Broadcasting-owned WCTK plummets by -1.9 (8.3 – 6.4, 6+), “Cat Country 98.1” continues in third-place. Entering the September sweep, WCTK was a collective +1.7 in three straight improvements (7.6 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3, 6+). August’s 9.3 (#1, 6+) represented its highest 6+-share since 10.1 in July 2018. “Cat Country” then posted three consecutive down or flat reports that led to an overall -1.5 (9.3 – 8.3 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+) and gained one-half share in December. Unchanged in fifth-place, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWBB “B-101” is an overall -1.9 in three sweeps in a row without an increase (7.6 – 7.4 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+). Regressing by eight-tenths and seven-tenths, respectively, are Townsquare Media CHR WFHN “Fun 107 The Southcoast’s #1 Hit Music Station” (1.9, ninth to tenth, 6+) and iHeartMedia Boston’s similarly-programmed WXKS-FM “Kiss 108” (1.7 – 1.0, #12 to #16, 6+). Off three-tenths in October/November (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9, 6+), “Fun 107” was up eight-tenths in December to 2.7, its strongest 6+-stat since February’s 3.7. “Kiss 108” gained a total of four-tenths in November/December (1.3 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+). Also in the CHR arena, Cumulus Media-owned WPRO-FM “Today’s Hit Music PRO FM” is -1.2 in four consecutive down or flat trends (7.0 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.2 – 5.8, 6+) yet advances from fifth to fourth. Unlisted the seventh 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 – After almost doubling (+1.0) its 6+-stat in five consecutive up or flat moves (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2, 6+), Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” surrenders one-tenth to 2.1 (6+) but continues at #11.

Norfolk Music Formats – Reinforcing December’s +2.6 with a “Holiday” 2019 +5.5 (5.1 – 4.3 – 6.9 – 12.4, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WWDE “101.3 2WD” jumps from third to second with its best 6+-stat (12.4) since “Holiday” 2018’s 13.6. Max Broadcast Group’s similarly-formatted WVBW “92.9 The Wave,” which posted four straight up or flat sweeps for a +1.7 (3.4 – 4.2 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+), is a combined -1.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 4.6 – 3.7, sixth to seventh, 6+). In addition to being #1 the 13^th time in a row, Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” is a combined +2.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (11.7 – 12.7 – 14.1, 6+). “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” had been the market pacesetter 25 successive survey periods before shifting to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018. When WVKL recorded a 9.1 (6+) in August, it was the first time since January 2014 (9.8) that the station failed to log double-digits (6+). Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. Following six successive trends without an increase that resulted in a two-thirds loss (-.7) of its 6+-stat (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV “MOViN’ 107.7” is +1.7 in December/“Holiday” (1.4 – 1.9 – 3.1, 6+) and enters the top ten (#13 to #8). Without a loss the fifth straight time for a net gain of one-half share (1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), urban-rhythmic oldies cluster-mate WHBT “92.1 The Beat” climbs from #12 to #11. Immediately after logging a +1.6 in November, Saga Communications’ WAFX “106.9 The Fox – Hampton Roads’ Classic Rock” regresses by -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.3 – 6.7 – 5.8, flat at #4, 6+). November’s 7.3 represents the highest 6+-stat since June’s 8.2 for “The Fox,” which was a combined +2.1 in October/November (5.2 – 5.7 – 7.3, 6+). Prior to September’s 5.2, WAFX last fell below a six-share (6+) in December 2018 (5.5). There’s another major shift for co-owned WNOR. While unchanged at #5, “FM 99 Rocks” has lost basically half (-4.5) its 6+ AQH share via four consecutive downturns (9.1 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+). Directly before this streak, WNOR was +3.2 via six consecutive up or flat trends (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 8.9 – 9.1, 6+). September’s 9.1 (6+) marked the first time in its PPM-history that WNOR appeared in print with a 6+-share reaching the nine-share level (6+). Max Broadcast Group’s WGH-FM “New Country 97.3 The Eagle” is a combined -1.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.3 – 3.5 – 2.9 (eighth to tenth, 6+). Locked on 2.6 (6+) in October, November, and December, co-owned WVHT “Hot 100 – Today’s Hits Now” dips six-tenths to 2.0 (#10 to #13, 6+). Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in July 2019 (8.0 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 7.8 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 6.9, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI “103 Jamz” drops from second to third.

 Jacksonville

 Spoken-Word Formats – By adding two-tenths to 8.3 (steady at #2, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” pulls the plug on three straight downturns that accounted for a -2.3 (10.4 – 9.4 – 9.1 – 8.1, 6+). Prior to December, WOKV-FM had been the market leader the previous five months.  

Off one-tenth in back-to-back reports (1.1 – 1.0  – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” repeats at #18. “The Game” more than quintupled (+.9) its 6+ AQH through four straight gains (.2 – .5 – .7 – .9 – 1.1, 6+).

Three improvements in a row by WJCT led to a net gain of eight-tenths (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+) but the public radio news/talk outlet forfeits seven-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.5 – 2.9, #11 to #12, 6+).

Jacksonville Music Formats –  A whopping +11.0 in four consecutive positive or neutral trends (7.4 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 10.8 – 18.4, 6+), WEJZ repeats at #1. Moreover, the Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary outlet logs the highest 6+-showing (18.4) by any Jacksonville station in exactly four years (WEJZ, 19.7, “Holiday” 2015, 6+). Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s WEZI “Easy 102.9” – is an overall -2.8 in five successive setbacks (6.9 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.1, 6+) and carries on in seventh-place. This (4.1) is its lowest 6+-figure since “Holiday” 2018 (4.0). Rebounding from December’s loss of one-half share with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.1 (6.7 – 7.8, 6+), WEZI’s classic hits-oldies sibling, WJGL “Eagle 96.9,” moves from fourth to third. Three improvements in a row delivered WJGL a net gain of seven-tenths (6.5 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.2, 6+). As a result of four successive upticks, iHeartMedia-owned WQIK was a collective +1.6 (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 7.0, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, however, “99.1 Jacksonville’s Country” craters by -3.0 to 4.0 (third to eighth, 6+). WQIK’s -3.0 is the largest (6+) December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 decrease by any station in the 48 PPM-markets. Catching “Jacksonville’s Country” is Renda Broadcasting’s similarly-formatted WGNE “99.9 Gator Country” (3.7 – 4.0, +.3, ninth to eighth, 6+). WGNE had been within 4.1 – 4.7 range (6+) five survey periods in succession (4.3 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+) before sputtering in December by eight-tenths to 3.7, its lowest 6+-stat since June’s 3.5. Having lost a total of nine-tenths in six consecutive down or flat ratings periods (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WWJK “107.3 Planet Radio – Jacksonville’s Rock Station” ends the slide with a +.3 to 3.0 (#13 to #11, 6+). As of this past March, CHR sibling WKSL “97.9 Kiss FM” has been in an alternating up/down pattern: 4.0 – 4.4 – 4.2 – 5.2 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 2.4 (#12 to #13, 6+). Despite being an overall -2.1 via six negative or neutral moves in a row (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.5, 6+), WKSL’s format rival – Cox Media Group’s WAPE “Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” – advances from seventh to sixth. Co-owned alternative WXXJ “X-10.5” is off eight-tenths in six straight downturns (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.1, #14 to #15, 6+).

West Palm Beach

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though iHeartMedia-owned WJNO is an overall -1.2 in three straight drops (4.0 – 3.7 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” pushes up from ninth to eighth. 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+). After gaining seven-tenths through three consecutive improvements (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” forfeits three-tenths to 2.4 (6+) but elevates from tenth to ninth. Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” is -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.1 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+) and repeats at #17. October’s decrease of nine-tenths interrupted four straight gains that accounted for a +1.0 (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+). Logging a .7 (6+) the fourth time in the last five West Palm Beach reports (.7 – .8 – .7 – .7 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD “610 News Radio” progresses from #23 to #22.

Without an increase the fourth sweep in a row for a net loss of half (-.3) its 6+ AQH share (.6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .3, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” falls from #24 to #25.

Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN was -.8 (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.2, October/November, 6+); +.8 (2.2 – 3.0, December, 6+); and now -1.0 (3.0 – 2.0, “Holiday” 2019, #8 to #10, 6+).

West Palm Beach Music Formats – Owing to four straight increases, Hubbard Broadcasting adult contemporary WEAT-FM is +8.1 (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.6 – 6.3 – 12.5, 6+) and marches from second to first. “Sunny 107.9” reaches double-digits (12.5, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (10.7). WEAT-FM was a -2.2 in August/September (6.6 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). Prior to September, the last time “Sunny” fell below a five-share (6+) was in October 2018 (4.6). After spending the last 12 ratings periods at #1, hot AC cluster-mate WRMF “Variety from the 90s and Now” (9.2 – 7.7, -1.5, 6+) slides to #2 with its lowest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2016 (7.7, as well). WRMF substituted November’s -.6 with December’s +.6  (9.2 – 8.6 – 9.2, 6+). Prior to November, WRMF was an overall +1.4 as a result of three straight gains (7.8 – 8.3 – 8.5 – 9.2, 6+). At the same time that WEAT-FM posts four consecutive gains, iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WOLL “Today’s Kool 105.5” is an overall -2.8 in five setbacks in a row (7.4 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 5.8 – 5.6 – 4.6, 6+), slipping from third to fourth. WOLL was -.8 in July (7.2 – 6.4, 6+) and +1.0 in August to 7.4, its best 6+-showing since July 2016 (7.5). A combined +.9 in November/December (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.9, 6+), co-owned CHR WLDI “Wild 95.5 The Palm Beaches’ #1 Hit Music Station” jumps from seventh to sixth. After losing roughly 57% of its 6+-share (-2.1) as a result of five straight sweeps without an increase (3.7 – 3.7 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 1.6, 6+), Spanish contemporary sibling WRLX “Mia 92.1” halts the slide with a +.4 to 2.0 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#13 to #10). Still in that iHM cluster, a half-share decrease takes Spanish contemporary WZTU “Tu 94.9 FM – Joven Como Tu” below a one-share (1.4 – .9, #17 to #19, 6+). Immediately after scoring a +1.3 (.3 – 1.6, 6+), Glades Media Spanish contemporary WWRF “AM 1380 Radio Fiesta” forfeits the increase in its entirety (.3 – 1.3, 6+) and fades from the top twenty (#13 to #25).

Greensboro

Spoken-Word Formats – Off six-tenths in three down or flat reports in a row (3.6 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” continues in ninth-place.

This is the third consecutive time that Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” regresses by one-tenth (.9 – .8 – .7 – .6, flat at #15, 6+).

Trending 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 (October – November – December – “Holiday” 2019, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD slips from #12 to #13. Prior to December, “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” occupied the #13 spot 19 ratings periods in succession. Down one-tenth (1.5 – 1.4, 6+) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC is steady at #14.

Greensboro Music Formats – Four bumps in a row for a cumulative +9.9 (6.3 – 6.4 – 7.5 – 10.2 – 16.2, 6+) propel iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG from third to first. This (16.2) is the best 6+-showing for WMAG since “Holiday” 2018 (16.5). It’s a December-only stay at #1 for Entercom urban AC WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” (10.9 – 10.1, -.8, first to second, 6+). WQMG was a combined +2.1 in October/November (8.9 – 10.3 – 11.0, 6+) and had its best 6+-stat (11.0, November 2019) since November 2018 (11.4). On the heels of December’s -1.2 to 10.7 (6+), adult hits sibling WSMW “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” further plummets by -2.2 to 8.5 (second to third, 6+). “Simon” had been an overall +3.1 as a result of four up or flat sweeps in a row (8.8 – 9.5 – 10.9 – 10.9 – 11.9, 6+), hitting the eleven-share level (11.9) for the first time since February 2018 (11.4). 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); +1.4 (September); +1.0 (November); -1.2 (December); and -2.2 (“Holiday” 2019). Up one-half share in December (6.6 – 7.1, 6+), Dick Broadcasting’s WKRR “Rock 92” follows with a “Holiday” 2019 decrease of -1.3 (5.8, fourth to fifth, 6+). Co-owned CHR WKZL “107.5 KZL The #1 Hit Music Station,” a combined +1.1 in November/December (5.1 – 6.0 – 6.2, 6+), surrenders a -1.2 to 5.0 (unchanged at #6, 6+). Swapping places are Entercom’s country-formatted WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” (flat at 4.9, eighth to seventh, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” (5.0 – 4.0, -1.0, seventh to eighth, 6+). Both of the country rivals were down six-tenths in December. “Q-104.1” was up four-tenths in November, while “The Wolf” improved by three-tenths; WTQR was -.7 in October and WPAW was -1.6. Over the course of the last 21 sweeps (June 2018 through “Holiday” 2019), WTQR has triumphed over WPAW 12 times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, May, July, November, and December); WPAW has come out on top seven times (December 2018, February 2019, March, April, August, September, and “Holiday” 2019; and there have been two ties (June 2019 and October 2019). The 6+-share of iHeartMedia-owned rocker WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up” is sliced in half (-2.4) via five successive negative or neutral trends (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.4, unchanged at #11, 6+). This directly follows five straight improvements that accounted for a +2.3 (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+).

Category: Ratings Takeaways