“Holiday” 2019 PPM Data – Information for the “Holiday” 2019 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. 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.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being down an overall four-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” reenters the top twenty (#21 to #19). Returning in full the three-tenths it earned in December (1.0 – 1.3 – 1.3, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WABC slips from #22 to #23. It is one-tenth head of Townsquare Media’s similarly-formatted WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” (1.1 – 1.0, -.1, #23 to #24, 6+). Prior to December, “New Jersey 101.5” had been off three-tenths via four straight down or flat trends (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+). WABC and WKXW were tied at #22 in October and November.

Dropping from #11 to #14, Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Giants, Brooklyn Nets) is a collective -1.2 in three consecutive slumps (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). WFAN-FM replaced September’s -.6 with an October +.6 (3.8 – 3.2 – 3.8, 6+). Not only is WEPN-FM off an overall half-share via three straight decreases (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets, Knicks, Rangers) departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Up or flat four reports in a row for a net gain of four-tenths (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom-owned all-news WINS is now a combined -.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+), drifting from #8 to #12. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM forfeits two-tenths (2.6 – 2.4, 6+) yet advances from #16 to a three-way tie at #15; December’s 2.6 was its best 6+-showing since May (2.6, as well).

After being an overall +1.1 in six successive reports without a loss (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.2, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM surrenders eight-tenths to 2.4 (#11 to the aforementioned three-way scrum at #15, 6+). Having nearly tripled (+.3) its 6+ AQH share in six consecutive up or flat trends (.2 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .5, 6+), co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM drops one-tenth to .4 (6+) but proceeds from #30 to a four-way tie at #29.

New York City Music Formats – A collective +6.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.1 – 9.6 – 13.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” is #1 the 31^st ratings period in succession. “Lite FM” outdistances its “Holiday” 2018 showing by eight-tenths (13.3 versus 12.5, 6+). December’s increase curtailed three consecutive down or flat moves that resulted in an overall loss of six-tenths (7.7 – 7.7 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+). In addition to being a collective +1.9 in three straight up or flat moves (4.7 – 4.7 – 5.1 – 6.6, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9 – Numero Uno on the Planet” crosses the six-share threshold (6.6, 6+) and advances from third to second. Tacking on one-half share to December’s +.2 (.9 – 1.1 – 1.6, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WPLJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” enters the top twenty (#20) with its best 6+-stat (1.6) since May – its last sweep as a Cumulus Media-owned hot AC. A collective -1.1 in four successive sweeps without an increase (4.3 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+) and logging its lowest 6+-showing since January (3.2, as well), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105.1” ends the slide with a +.1 to 3.3 (#11 to #10, 6+). Co-owned CHR WHTZ “Z-100 – New York’s #1 Hit Music Station” has lost an overall nine-tenths in five successive dips (5.3 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.8 – 4.4, 6+) yet bumps up from fifth to fourth. Locked on 5.8 (6+) in November and December, Emmis urban AC WBLS “#1 for R&B” falters by eight-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and segues from second to third. In the Entercom cluster, classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” sputters by six-tenths (fourth to fifth) and hot AC sibling WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” is off one-half share (4.1 – 3.6, flat at #6, 6+). WCBS-FM is a collective -1.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+) after being an overall +.2 via four straight up or flat moves (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). WNEW-FM posted a December increase of seven-tenths. As a result of four negative or neutral moves in a row, iHeartMedia classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” is down a collective eight-tenths (4.3 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5, 6+) and slips from seventh to eighth.

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being an overall -1.9 through seven successive down or flat sweeps (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI “AM 640” progresses from tenth to ninth. KFI was a combined +.8 in May/June (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+). There is virtually no movement among Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA “AM 870 The Answer” (1.0 the third month in a row, #32 to #30, 6+); iHeartMedia-owned KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” (repeating December’s .6 after October and November’s .8, flat at #35, 6+); and Cumulus Media’s KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” down or flat the third time in a row for a loss of two-tenths (.7 – .6 – .6 – .5, #35 to #38, 6+).

Even though iHeartMedia’s KLAC (Chargers, Clippers) has surrendered eight-tenths in three consecutive drops (1.8 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.0, 6+) “AM 570 LA Sports” advances from #31 to #30. KLAC’s November loss of one-half share erased its combined September/October +.5 (1.3 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.3, 6+). Disney-owned/similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN” (Rams, Lakers) has lost 40% (-.9) of its 6+ AQH share in December/”Holiday” 2019 (1.5 – 1.2 – .9, #30 to #32, 6+). KSPN nearly doubled (+.7) its 6+ stat in three successive up or flat moves (.8 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.5, 6+). In June and July, KLAC and KSPN were deadlocked at #27 (1.4, 6+).

Following November’s 3.0 – its best 6+-stat since 3.1 in March – Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” relinquishes two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.6, 6+) yet progresses from #12 to a three-way deadlock at #9. Its August 2019 through October 2019 topline was: 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 (6+).

Continuing an alternating up/down pattern (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 1.9, September through “Holiday” 2019, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” falls from #17 to #20.

Los Angeles Music Formats – A collective +8.5 via three straight sweeps without a loss (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.3 – 13.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST repeats at #1. This marked the 19^th holiday season in a row that “Coast 103.5” played all-Christmas music. A year ago at this time, KOST logged a 13.0 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). After setting the pace 12 ratings periods in succession, KOST shifted to the runner-up slot in October. “Coast” had been in a 5.8 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.9 pattern (June – July – August – September, 6+), before sputtering by seven-tenths in October. Also in the all-Christmas music mode during the “Holiday” 2019 sweep was Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters’ KKGO “GO Country 105 FM,” which gains four-tenths (2.1 – 2.5, #20 to #12, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH is off a collective seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Having occupied the top spot in October and November, “K-Earth 101” repeats in the runner-up slot. Three consecutive up or flat moves by KRTH yielded nine-tenths (5.0 – 5.6 – 5.9 – 5.9). When “K-Earth” added six-tenths in September, it curtailed three downward trends in succession that accounted for a collective loss of eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+). Prior to October 2019, KRTH last reached the #1 spot in October 2018 (5.0, 6+). Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD continues an alternating down/up pattern (2.7 – 2.3 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 2.4, 6+). “Recuerdo” departs the top ten (#9 to #13) with its lowest 6+-stat since February (2.4, as well). A loss of one-half share by KAMP takes “97.1 Amp Radio” below a two-share (2.4 – 1.9, 6+) as the Entercom CHR fades from #14 to #20. Its format rival – iHeartMedia’s KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” – is down three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+) and continues in fifth-place. Without an increase the seventh month in a row for a net loss of -1.0 (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.3, 6+), Meruelo Media Holdings’ KLOS “95.5 Southern California’s Classic Rock” drops from #13 to #17. It is tied with Univision Radio regional Mexican KSCA, which had been off a collective six-tenths in five consecutive down or flat sweeps (2.6 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0, 6+); however, “LA 101.9” pulls the plug with a +.3 to 2.3 (#22 to #17, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – This is the second time in a row that Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN surrenders one-half share (4.0 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+) as “Radio 720” departs the top ten (#7 to #11). Just prior, WGN logged three spikes in a row that resulted in a +1.2 (2.8 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.0, 6+). Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM notches a 2.3 (6+) the fourth month in succession, but drops from #18 to #19.

An increase of four-tenths to 3.5 (6+) is enough to propel Entercom sports talk WSCR (Bulls) from #14 all the way to #6; “670 The Score” was a combined -1.2 in November/December (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+). The one-half share that Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP gained via three bumps in a row (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+) evaporates as “ESPN Chicago 1000” is a combined -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.4, #23 to #24, 6+).

Down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (5.1 – 5.0 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom all-news WBBM-AM (Bears) repeats in third-place. Its October increase of one-tenth halted eight successive down or neutral moves that accounted for an overall -1.4 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+).

Following six successive sweeps without a loss that led to a +1.0 (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ forfeits 40% of that increase (3.1, -.4, seventh to eighth, 6+).

Chicago Music Formats – More than tripling (+9.5) its 6+-stat via four straight upticks (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 9.5 – 13.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT repeats at #1. Its 13.7 (“Holiday” 2019, 6+) is four-tenths higher than “Holiday” 2018’s 13.3 (6+). After logging a 3.8 (6+) in October, November, and December, Entercom triple A WXRT “93 XRT Chicago’s Finest Rock” sputters by seven-tenths to 3.1 (sixth to eighth), its lowest 6+-figure since March (3.1, as well). Displaying losses of one-half share (each) are Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WLS-FM “94.7 Chicago’s Classic Hits” (fourth to fifth) and alternative cluster-mate WKQX (#15 to #18). In December, WLS-FM, which was in a three-way November tie at #1, returned November’s +.3 (4.8 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+). November’s 5.1 was the highest 6+-showing for “Chicago’s Classic Hits” in more than a year (5.4, September 2018). WKQX is a collective -1.0 in five successive down or flat trends (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). Notwithstanding that Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX is a cumulative -2.2 in three consecutive setbacks (5.5 – 4.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), “101.9 The Mix” actually elevates from tenth to seventh. This streak directly follows October’s +1.3 (4.2 – 5.5, 6+). “The Mix” exited the top spot in September when it eroded by -1.5 (5.7 – 4.2, 6+). In July, the combination of a three-tenths gain by WTMX classic rock sibling WDRV “97.1 The Drive” and an equal margin decrease by “The Mix” resulted in the cluster-mates swapping places at first and second. In August, “The Mix” notched a +.5 (5.2 – 5.7, 6+) and proceeded from second to first. WTMX was #1 in April, May, and June before giving way to “The Drive” in July; April’s 5.9 was the highest 6+-stat for “Mix” since November 2017’s 6.3.

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. Three straight up or flat trends by KSFO yielded six-tenths (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3, 6+) but the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet drops one-tenth to 2.2 (unchanged at #14, 6+). July 2019’s 1.7 (6+) marked the first time KSFO fell below a two-share since July 2017’s 1.8. Cluster-mate KGO has lost one-half share in three straight reports without an increase (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.2, #22 to #27, 6+). Stuck on .2 (6+) in July and August; on .3 (6+) in September and October; and on .2 (6+) in November and December, iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” slips to .1 (#33 to #36, 6+).

Down three-tenths via three negative or neutral trends in succession (4.0 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.7, 6+), Cumulus Media sports talk KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” (49ers) continues in seventh-place. Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) repeats December’s 6+ AQH share (1.5) and market rank (#22). After posting a collective half-share gain via three straight spikes (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8 – 2.0, 6+), “The Game” had that increase wiped away in its entirety in December (1.5, -.5, 6+).

In addition to being down one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 (6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM (Raiders) – which was #1 the past four months – segues to #2. Prior to September, KCBS-AM last reached #1 in May.

Three recent fluctuations for California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED include September/October’s -1.2 (7.1 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+); November/December’s +1.6 (5.9 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+); and now “Holiday” 2019’s -1.2 (6.3, second to third, 6+). KQED was San Francisco’s first-place finisher in June, July, August, and tied at the top (with KCBS-AM) in September. December’s 7.5 was its best 6+-stat since 8.0 in January. San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” repeat’s December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.8, #28, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Off a collective six-tenths in four successive negative or neutral trends (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM answers with a combined +7.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 4.8 – 10.7, 6+). Moreover, “96.5 “Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” marches from third to first, precisely mirroring “Holiday” 2018’s 10.7 (6+). At the same time, iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KISQ “98.1 The Breeze” surrenders eight-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.7, fourth to seventh, 6+). “The Breeze” was up an overall nine-tenths via five successive positive or flat moves (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+) and had its best 6+-stat (4.5) since 5.0 in March. Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” drops one-half share (2.8 – 2.3, 6+), dipping from #12 to #13. As a result of four straight down or flat moves, Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY lost one-half share (2.5 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 2.0, 6+) but “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” halts the slide with an increase of one-tenth to 2.1 (#18 to #15, 6+). After three successive up or flat trends by KMEL “#1 For Hip-Hop and R&B” delivered eight tenths (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+), the iHeartMedia urban contemporary facility is off three-tenths to 3.8 (sixth to fifth, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – The +.8 Cumulus Media’s WBAP racked up in in October/November (3.6 – 4.1 – 4.4, 6+) vanishes with a December/“Holiday” 2019 decrease of six-tenths (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8, 6+); however, “News Talk 820” advances from ninth to seventh. Co-owned KLIF-AM doubled (+.3) its 6+ AQH share in seven successive up or flat sweeps, (.3 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6, 6+) but “570 News & Information” forfeits one-tenth to .5 (steady at #34, 6+). Off one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.5 – .4 – .3, 6+), Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” regains one-tenth to .4 (#37 to #35, 6+).

Up a total of three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5, 6+), Entercom’s KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” (Cowboys) inches up from #18 to #17. This marks the tenth down or flat report in succession for Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, #26 to #27, 6+). The flagship of the Stars has lost roughly 59% (-1.6) of its 6+ AQH share. It is now tied at #27 with Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” (Mavericks), which notches its sixth consecutive positive or neutral trend for a collective gain of four-tenths (.7 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1, #28 to #27, 6+).

Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” has a July 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline of: 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5 (#22 to #21, 6+).

Following four straight months of logging a 3.2 (6+), North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA is off  two-tenths in back-to-back reports (3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8, #13 to #14, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – Over and above posting its fifth spike in a row for a collective +7.6 (2.7 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.8 – 5.0 – 10.3, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KDGE “Star 102.1” cracks double-digits (10.3, 6+) and jumps from third to first. This (10.3) is the best 6+-showing for “Star” since “Holiday” 2018’s 7.1. In five straight negative or neutral sweeps (6.7 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.2 – 5.7 – 5.7, 6+), CHR cluster-mate KHKS “106.1 Kiss – Dallas/Fort Worth’s Hit Music” is down a cumulative full-share and shifts from first to third. “Kiss” had been the market leader nine months in a row before slipping to second in October. An August increase of nine-tenths wiped away the collective nine-tenths KHKS lost as a result of three straight negative or neutral moves (6.7 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.8, 6+). Its May dip of four-tenths brought to a close four successive up or flat sweeps that netted eight-tenths (5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.7, 6+). A combined -1.3 in November/December (6.6 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “Your Life … Inspired” roars back with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.6 to 6.9 (6+) and is steady in the runner-up slot. Conversely, Educational Media Foundation-owned/similarly-formatted KYDA “Air 1 – Worship Now” is a combined -2.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.4 – 2.2 – 1.4, #20 to #22, 6+), immediately after its November +1.2 (2.2 – 3.4, 6+). The seven-tenths that iHeartMedia hot AC KDMX “Now 102.9 – More Music/More Variety” accumulated in three straight bumps (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+) is wiped away with a “Holiday” 2019 loss of nine-tenths to 3.7 (fifth to eighth, 6+). Classic rock sibling KZPS “Lone Star 92.5,” which was off a collective nine-tenths via four successive downturns (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+) before December’s +.1 to 4.3 (6+), forfeits seven-tenths to 3.6 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Although down six-tenths to 4.0 (flat at #5, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 Nobody Plays More 80s” is within 4.0 – 4.6 range (6+) the 13^th sweep in succession. Faltering by one-half share (each) are Cumulus Media-owned/country-formatted KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” (4.4 – 3.9, seventh to sixth, 6+); Entercom regional Mexican KMVK “La Grande 107.5” (3.5 – 3.0, #10 to #12, 6+); and North Texas Public Broadcasting triple A KKXT “91.7 Independent Music radio for North Texas” (1.3 – .8, #30, 6+). KPLX lost a combined half-share in October/November (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+) but fully erased that deficit with a December +.5. “The Wolf” was locked on 3.9 (6+) in July and August, before notching a one-half share improvement in September. Off seven-tenths in October/November (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+), KMVK answered with a December increase of nine-tenths, reaching the three-share level (3.5) for the first time since May’s 3.0.

Houston                              

Spoken-Word Formats – Winning ways continue for iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740,” which is an overall +1.3 via five straight positive or neutral moves (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.6, eighth to sixth, 6+). This directly follows a net loss of one-half share in four successive down or flat reports (3.8 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). For the fourth time in the last five survey periods, co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” posts a .3 (flat at #28, 6+).

After gaining six-tenths in six consecutive up or flat moves (1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 1.6, 6+), Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” (Texans) forfeits one-tenth to 1.5 (flat at #22, 6+). Tied at #26 are iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” (Rockets) and Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5.” KBME is a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.5 – .6 – .4, #25 to #26, 6+), while KFNC is trending .5 – .6 – .7 -.5 – .4 (flat at #26, 6+).

Four straight reports without a loss netted KUHF an overall eight-tenths (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+), but the  University of Houston news/talk station loses four-tenths to 2.7 (#15 to #18, 6+).

Houston Music Formats – Stacking a +3.8 onto December’s +2.0 (5.8 – 7.8 – 11.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” repeats at #1. Prior to December, KODA lost roughly 52% (-6.3) of its 6+ AQH share in 11 straight sweeps without an increase (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). This time last year, “Sunny” recorded a 12.1 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). KODA was the market leader 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. An increase of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.9, #19 to #16, 6+) takes Liberman Broadcasting regional Mexican KQQK “El Norte 107.9” to its best 6+-stat (2.9) since March (3.3). After eight consecutive negative or neutral reports that resulted in a -1.6 (4.9 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+), contemporary Christian KSBJ “89.3 God Listens” breaks out a +.6 to 3.9 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#14 to #10. A collective +1.9 via six straight spikes (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9” forfeits a -1.1 to 5.7 (unchanged at #3, 6+). December’s 6.8 was its best 6+-showing since January (7.0). While repeating in the runner-up slot, Radio One urban AC KMJQ erodes by -1.0 (7.1 – 6.1, 6+). Prior to slipping to #2 in December, “Majic 102.1 The People’s Station” spent four straight months on top. KMJQ, which was a combined +1.3 in August/September (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.1, 6+), crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) in May 2018 (7.2) and then again in September (7.1, 6+). Five Houston stations falter by one-half share in “Holiday” 2019: Cox Media Group classic rock KGLK “The Eagle” (6.1 – 5.6, flat at #4, 6+); Entercom hot AC KHMX “Mix 96.5” (3.5, #10 to #11); iHeartMedia alternative KTBZ “94.5 The Buzz” (4.0 – 3.5, #10 to #11, 6+); urban contemporary cluster-mate KQBT “93.7 The Beat” (3.2, #13 to #14, 6+); and Cox Media Group classic country KTHT “Country Legends 97.1” (1.6, #20 to #21, 6+). “The Eagle” was an overall +1.3 via three upticks in a row (5.3 – 5.5 – 6.5 – 6.6, 6+); -1.0 in November; +.5 in December; and now -.5 in “Holiday” 2019. October’s 6.6 was its highest 6+-stat since September 2017 (6.7). “Mix” was a combined +.7 in November/December (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.0, 6+). Stuck on 4.5 (6+) in October and November, “The Buzz” has now lost one-half share in back-to-back sweeps. “The Beat” had been trending 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.7 (6+), while “Country Legends” is below a two-share (1.6, 6+) for the first time since June (1.9).

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Following five straight sweeps without a loss for a collective +3.0 (6.3 – 6.6 – 7.6 – 7.6 – 8.2 – 9.3, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is now a combined -1.3 in December “Holiday” 2019 (9.3 – 9.1 – 8.0, 6+). Nevertheless, WSB-AM is #1 the sixth month in a row. Tied at #29 are Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer,” which logs a .3 (6+) the fourth time in a row (flat at #29) and iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” (.2 – .3, +.1 #31 to #29, 6+). One-tenth behind WGKA and WGST is Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community,” which is trending .4 – .3 – .2, (#29 to #31, 6+).

Having dropped two-tenths in December, Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” (Falcons) regains one-tenth (4.9 – 5.0, 6+) and is unchanged at #7. “The Game” had been +2.3 via four successive increases (2.8 – 3.4 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.1, 6+). Following seven consecutive up or flat months for a net gain of +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN is now a combined -1.4 through four losses in a row (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3, 6+) and exits the top twenty (#20 to #22).

Within 3.2 – 3.7 range (6+) the past ten sweeps (3.4 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE spirals by eight-tenths to 2.8 (#11 to #14, 6+). The October 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline for Georgia State University news/talk WRAS is: .6 – .8 – .8 – .6 (flat at #26, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – A combined +2.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 4.8 – 6.7, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian WFSH “104.7 The Fish” leaps from eighth to second with its strongest 6+-stat (6.7) since July (8.5). Entering the December sweep, “The Fish” lost approximately 56% of its 6+ AQH share (-4.9) via five decreases in a row (8.8 – 8.5 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 4.1 – 3.9, 6+). WFSH had been #1 four straight months before shifting to #7 in August. When “The Fish” lost three-tenths in July, it halted at five a consecutive string of bumps that netted an overall +3.9 (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.7 – 7.0 – 7.9 – 8.8, 6+). Radio Training Network’s similarly-formatted WVFJ improves by nine-tenths. After eleven straight sweeps between 1.4 – 1.9 (6+), “The Joy FM” cracks the two-share level (1.9 – 2.8, #17 to a four-way tie at #14, 6+). The last time WVFJ reached a two-share was January 2019 (2.0, 6+). In addition to WFSH, Entercom hot AC WSTR “Star 94.1” notches a +1.9 (to 4.3, #16 to #9, 6+), thus pulling the plug on six straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a -1.0 (3.4 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+). Dropping from fourth to eighth, Radio One urban AC WAMJ “Majic 107.5 & 97.5” is a combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.9, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share shrinks by -1.1 as iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” is -.6 (#10 to #12), while Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” is off one-half share (2.8, #13 to #14). WUBL is now an overall -1.8 in four successive slips (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+). The April 2019 through July 2019 topline for “The Bull” was 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 4.1 (6+). In December, WKHX added three-tenths to November’s increase of six-tenths (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+). A combined +.4 in August/September (2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), “Kicks” was off one-half share in October. August’s increase halted three straight dips that resulted in a net loss of six-tenths (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Owing to four drops in a row, Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WSRV “97.1 The River” is -1.4 (6.5 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 5.1, fifth to sixth, 6+). Despite being -1.3 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.1 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), Radio One gospel WPZE “Praise 102.5 Atlanta’s Inspiration Station” advances from #15 to #14. WPZE had been +1.3 via three successive up or flat moves (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). A cumulative +1.1 in three straight advances (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” is off two-tenths to 3.8 (ninth to tenth, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Down an overall seven-tenths in three successive down or flat trends, Entercom–owned WPHT “Talk Radio 1210” falls below a two-share (2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.6, #19 to #20, 6+). Without a loss the sixth time in a row for a net gain of four-tenths (.7 – .8 – .8 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” progresses from #24 to #22.

The rollercoaster ride continues for Entercom sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” (Eagles), which was +1.6 in October/November (6.6 – 7.5 – 8.2, 6+); -1.5 in December (8.2 – 6.7, 6+); and now +.6 in “Holiday” 2019 (6.7 – 7.3, third to second, 6+). Before falling to third in December, WIP had been #1 three months in a row. November’s 8.2 was its best 6+-stat since February 2018’s 8.7. Without a loss the past six reports for a  collective gain of nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” (76ers, Flyers) drops one-tenth to 2.9 (#14 to #13, 6+). Prior to November, the last time “The Fanatic” reached the three-share level (6+) was in March (3.0, as well).   

Up one-half share as a result of three consecutive up or flat moves (3.4 – 3.5 – 3.9 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom’s KYW “News Radio 1060” erases that increase in its entirety with a “Holiday” 2019 -.5 to 3.4 (6+) yet progresses from tenth to ninth. Prior to the just-concluded streak, KYW was an overall -1.6 in eight sweeps in succession without an increase (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.4, 6+).

Substituting December’s +.7 (3.3 – 4.0, 6+) with “Holiday” 2019’s -.7 (4.0 – 3.3, 6+), public radio news/talk WHYY slips from eighth to tenth. Entering the November sweep, WHYY was a cumulative +1.2 in four straight positive or neutral reports (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+).

Philadelphia Music Formats – Flaunting a +9.7 (8.9 – 18.6, 6+), the loftiest (6+) December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets highlighted here, Entercom adult contemporary WBEB repeats at #1. Furthermore, 18.6 is the largest 6+ AQH share by any station in these 12 PPM-markets. This time last year, WBEB posted a 16.6 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” was +1.1 in three straight increases (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+); -1.2 in November (6.6 – 5.4, 6+); and +3.5 in December. On the other hand, Beasley Media Group’s WMGK records the most significant (6+) December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 erosion by any station in these 12 PPM markets (5.5, -2.0, second to third, 6+). “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” had been a combined +1.0 in the last three reports (6.5 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+). Co-owned adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM – Playing Anything We Feel Like,” which improved in December by one-half share, craters by three times that margin (3.5 – 2.0, -1.5, #12 to #18, 6+). December’s 3.5 was its best 6+-showing since June 2016’s 3.7. Not only is WBEB’s format rival, iHeartMedia-owned WISX, a collective -1.9 in four straight down or flat reports (4.9 – 4.3 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.0, 6+), “106.1 The Breeze” departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Off eight-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia-owned WRFF “Radio 104.5 Philadelphia’s Alternative Rock” (3.0 – 2.2, #14 to #17, 6+) and University of Pennsylvania triple A WXPN “88.5 Vinyl At Heart” (1.8 – 1.0, #23, 6+). After dropping eight-tenths in December, Beasley Media Group-owned WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” falters by another seven-tenths (6.1 – 5.3 – 4.6, flat at #5, 6+). Before picking up one-tenth in November, WMMR had lost an overall four-tenths in five successive sweeps without an increase (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+). As was the case with WMMR, Entercom-owned WXTU “Philly’s Country Station 92.5 XTU” sputtered by eight-tenths in December and is now a collective -2.1 in four successive decreases (5.7 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 4.2 – 3.6, seventh to eighth, 6+). Down one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia urban AC WDAS-FM “Philly’s Best R&B and Throwbacks” (fourth to third) and its CHR cluster-mate WIOQ “Q-102 Philly’s #1 Hit Music Station” (#16 to #15). WDAS-FM is a cumulative -1.1 in four straight setbacks (6.6 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 5.5, 6+), while “Q-102” is down a combined six-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “Nobody Plays More 80s” is a cumulative -1.2 in three consecutive dips (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.6, sixth to fifth, 6+). An overall -1.4 in the last three sweeps (5.0 – 4.5 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WUSL applies the brakes with a gain of one-tenth to 3.7 (6+) and reenters the top ten (#11 to #7). “Power 99” was +.8 in four successive (February through June) up or flat trends (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 4.5, 6+); -.6 in July/August (4.5 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+); and +1.1 in September, with September’s 5.0 its best 6+-performance in more than two years (5.6, July 2017).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being an overall -1.6 through five straight down or flat trends (4.7 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” reenters the top ten (#11 to #9). The August 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 topline for Cumulus Media news/talk WABC is: 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0, flat at #27, 6+).

A combined -1.6 in November/December (6.4 – 6.1 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Giants, Brooklyn Nets) picks up one-tenth to 4.9 (fifth to third, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Jets, Knicks, Rangers), which was a collective +.8 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.2 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), is off a combined half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.2, flat at #15, 6+).

Entercom’s all-news WINS was -.7 (October); +.5 (November/December); and now -.6 in “Holiday” 2019 (3.6 – 3.0, ninth to tenth, 6+). Off three-tenths in July, WINS followed with a +1.1 in August/September (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.8, 6+). A combined -.8 in October/November (3.2 – 2.7 – 2.4, 6+), co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM gains two-tenths in consecutive sweeps (2.4 – 2.6 – 2.8, #14 to #11, 6+).

Up one-tenth in both December and “Holiday” 2019 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM progresses from #23 to #22.

Long Island Music Formats – Not only is Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM a collective +6.5 through four successive spikes (3.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 6.1 – 10.3, 6+),“97.5 Real Variety” marches from second to first. This (10.3) is the best 6+-stat for WALK-FM since “Holiday” 2018’s 10.5. Notwithstanding that it has more than tripled  November’s stat for a combined +6.5 (3.2 – 6.7 – 9.7, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” backshifts from first to second. Last year at this time, WLTW notched a 9.2 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). Connoisseur Media’s similarly-formatted WKJY is a combined -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 and falls below a three-share (4.2 – 3.9 – 2.7, 6+), as “98.3 Long Island’s Place To Relax” exits the top ten (#8 to #12). Advancing from sixth to fifth, Cox Media Group-owned WBAB “Long Island’s Only Classic Rock” is trending 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 (October – November – December – “Holiday” 2019, 6+). It is tied with Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits,” which is up three-tenths in four straight sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3, seventh to fifth, 6+). Off nine-tenths is iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ “Z-100 New York’s #1 Hit Music Station” (5.2 – 4.3, third to fifth, 6+). The April 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 Long Island topline for Educational Media Foundation’s WPLJ “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” is: 2.2 – 1.9 – 1.5 – .5 – 0.0 – .4 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1 (flat at #25, 6+). When EMF officially closed on its purchase of WPLJ from Cumulus Media on May 31, it transitioned the station from hot AC to contemporary Christian.

 Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – After recording a .1 (6+) in August, September, and October, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is unlisted the third month in a row. Likewise, KKDD did not appear in print in May, June, and July.

Flat at #21, co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is without an increase the eighth time in succession (.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” does not appear in print the 25^th straight sweep.

Locked on .7 (6+) in November and December, San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR is up one-tenth to .8 (6+) and climbs from #14 to #13. Returning the one-tenth it gained in December (.1 – .2 – .1, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” leaves the top twenty (#20 to #21).

Riverside Music Formats – Off one-half share in three successive down or flat reports (3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+), Good News Radio contemporary Christian KSGN “Family Friendly 89.7” wipes away the deficit with a +.9 to 3.8 (seventh to fourth), its best 6+-performance since March (3.8, as well). Meanwhile, Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted the seventh month in a row. Up a combined nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), Entercom country KFRG “K-Frog 95.1” carries on in third-place with its highest 6+-stat (4.6) since July (5.1). On top the third month in a row, Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” is nonetheless a combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.2 – 7.9 – 7.0, 6+). KLYY was up one-half share in November and +1.3 in July/August (6.2 – 6.7 – 7.5, 6+). Immediately prior to the July report, “Jose” was an overall -4.3 in seven straight declines (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+); KLYY had occupied the runner-up slot in April, May, June, and July. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when “Jose” recorded a 10.4. Steady in the runner-up slot, Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies KOLA is a cumulative -1.6 in three straight down or flat reports (7.9 – 7.3 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+). KOLA was dislodged from the top spot in November, after setting the pace in September and October. September/October’s +1.0 (6.9 – 7.7 – 7.9, 6+) followed July/August’s -1.7 (8.6 – 7.6 – 6.9, 6+). KOLA was the market leader in April, May, June, and July before segueing to #2 in August. Immediately prior to July/August’s -1.7, KOLA was +1.8 via three successive positive spikes (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+). Stuck on 3.1 (6+) in November and December, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-LOVE” erodes by nine-tenths and falls below a three-share (2.2, sixth to eighth, 6+). Off nine-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 3.6 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” segues from fourth to sixth.

Category: Ratings Takeaways