“Holiday” 2019 PPM Data. Information for the “Holiday” 2019 ratings period has been released for Washington (DC), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. 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.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Stalled at 5.1 (6+) in September and October before posting a November increase of six-tenths, Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL is off a combined seven-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.7 – 5.5 – 5.0, sixth to seventh, 6+). March 2019’s 6.8 represents the best 6+-stat in its PPM-history. For the 18^th sweep in succession, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

Following six straight positive or neutral moves for an overall +1.7 (3.1 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” is a combined -2.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 2.7 – 2.1, #15 to #16, 6+). In November, the flagship of the 2019 World Series champion Nationals registered the highest 6+-share (4.8) by any D.C. sports talk outlet in the PPM-era. Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team,” which gained one-half share in September/October (.6 – .9 – 1.1, 6+), is off three-tenths through three down or flat moves in a row (1.1 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .8, flat at #19, 6+). Cumulus Media sports talk WSBN “ESPN 630 AM The Sports Capitol” repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.2, #26, 6+).

Although a combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.1 – 7.9 – 6.9, 6+), after November’s increase of seven-tenths, Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM continues in third-place. It segued to the runner-up slot in July, following six straight months at #1. Entercom business news WDCH drops one-tenth (.6 – .5, flat at #23, 6+).

On top the past three months, American University-owned news/talk WAMU “The Mind Is Our Medium” follows December’s one-tenth dip with a -2.3 (8.9 – 8.8 – 6.5, 6+) and segues to fourth. WAMU’s -2.3 is the largest (6+) December 2019 – “Holiday” 2019 decrease in the 24 PPM-markets we’ve highlighted thus far. Recent WAMU shifts include: -.8 (8.2 – 7.4, September, 6+); +.7 (7.4 – 8.1, October, 6+); +.8 (8.1 – 8.9, November, 6+); and -2.3 (“Holiday” 2019).

Washington, DC Music Formats – Having surrendered seven-tenths in November, WASH “Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” roars back with a combined +7.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.4 – 8.1 – 12.9, 6+) as the iHeartMedia adult contemporary station marches from second to first. WASH logged a 10.4 (6+) this time last year (“Holiday” 2018) and was a combined +.8 in September/October (5.3 – 5.6 – 6.1, 6+). Not only does Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association-owned WETA purge its combined November/December loss of eight-tenths (3.8 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+) with a “Holiday” 2019 boost of +1.3, “Classical 90.9” crosses the four-share threshold (4.3, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#12 to #8). After trending 5.2 – 5.4 – 5.2 (October – November – December, 6+), Howard University urban AC WHUR picks up six-tenths to 5.8 (seventh to sixth, 6+). When WHUR added two-tenths in November, it suspended five down or flat reports in a row that accounted for a collective -1.3 (6.5 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+). Its format rival, Radio One’s WMMJ “Majic,” drops two-tenths, yet progresses from fourth to second. On a September 2019 through “Holiday” 2019 seesaw, “Majic” has been -.8 (8.2 – 7.4, September, 6+); +.6 (7.4 – 8.0, October, 6+); -.6 (8.0 – 7.4, November, 6+); +.2 (7.4 – 7.6, December, 6+); and -.2 (7.6 – 7.4, “Holiday” 2019, 6+). When WMMJ added two-tenths in July, it suspended three consecutive dips that resulted in a cumulative loss of seven-tenths (8.2 – 7.8 – 7.7 – 7.5, 6+). Notwithstanding it is without an increase the fifth time in succession for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC climbs from #14 to #13.

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Although unchanged at #12, iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” is a collective -1.1 as a result of four consecutive down or flat reports (3.9 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+). This directly follows nine successive positive or neutral trends that yielded a +1.8 (2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+). Co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.4, #27, 6+).

Rebounding from December’s -1.1 with a “Holiday” 2019 increase of four-tenths (5.1 – 5.5, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” (Patriots, Celtics, Bruins) carries on in fifth-place. “The Sports Hub” had been an overall +2.5 in three spikes in succession (3.7 – 5.0 – 6.1 – 6.2, 6+). November’s 6.2 was its best 6+-stat since May (7.0). Meanwhile, four consecutive positive or neutral reports by WEEI-FM accounted for a +1.6 (3.3 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 4.9, 6+); however, the Entercom-owned sports talker is a combined -1.1 in December “Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.6 – 3.8, flat at #7, 6+). November 2019’s 4.9 represents the strongest 6+-showing for WEEI-FM since its 5.7 in November 2018.

Having lost an overall seven-tenths through four straight down or flat sweeps (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM eradicates that deficit with a +1.2 to 6.0 (sixth to third, 6+). This (6.0) is the first time “News Radio 1030” reaches the six-share level (6+) in nearly two years (6.4, March 2018, 6+).

After November’s +1.0 (3.5 – 4.5, 6+), Boston University news/talk WBUR is a combined -1.8 in December/ “Holiday” 2019 (4.5 – 3.9 – 2.7, 6+) and drifts from the top ten (#8 to #13). Down six-tenths in November and then up two-tenths in December, WGBH Educational Foundation news/talk WGBH falters by six-tenths (3.3 – 2.7, 6+) and is tied with WBUR at #13. WGBH’s November decrease snapped at four its consecutive string of up or flat trends that yielded a +1.5 (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+).

Boston Music Formats – As a result of three robust upticks in succession, Entercom adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” is a collective +10.5 (4.7 – 5.8 – 8.0 – 15.2, 6+) and progresses from second to first. Its 15.2 (“Holiday” 2019, 6+) is seven-tenths higher than “Holiday” 2018’s 14.5 (6+). Entering the November ratings period, “Magic” had a net loss of -2.2 via four decreases in a row (6.9 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.7, 6+). WMJX was a combined +.8 in May/June (6.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+). The market’s (6+) adult contemporary share gets a further boost of eight-tenths from iHeartMedia’s WSRS, which not only is trending .6 – 1.2 – 2.0 (6+), “Worcester’s At-Work Station” is propelled into the top twenty (#23 to #18). In Boston’s “Holiday” 2018 report, WSRS logged a 1.5 (6+). Setting the pace the past nine survey periods, Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR “105.7 – 80s & More” spirals by a combined -2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.5 – 8.1 – 6.2, 6+), segueing from first to second. October’s increase of three-tenths followed WROR’s combined -1.2 in August/September (8.8 – 7.7 – 7.6, 6+). The August 2019 through December 2019 topline for iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM was: 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 6.5 (6+), but “Kiss 108” falters by nine-tenths to 5.6 (third to fourth, 6+). Within 3.0 – 3.9 (6+) range in each of the past ten sweeps, Entercom hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1 Boston’s Best Variety” stumbles by six-tenths to 2.9 (6+) and departs the top ten (#10 to #11). Forfeiting one-half share (each) are iHeartMedia’s WZLX “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” (5.5 – 5.0, fourth to sixth, 6+) and co-owned WBWL “101.7 The Bull – New Hit Country” (2,1, #11 to #16). This (5.0) is the lowest 6+-stat for WZLX since July 2018’s 4.8; “The Bull” was up a combined six-tenths in November/December (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+). As a result of seven down or flat reports in a row, iHeartMedia urban AC WKAF “97.7 The Beat of Boston” is a cumulative -1.6 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 1.8 – 1.3 – 1.1, #21 to #23, 6+).

Miami

English-Language Spoken-Word Formats – In the past nine survey periods (April through December), iHeartMedia news/talk WIOD logged a 6+-stat no higher than 2.7 and no lower than 2.5. “News Radio 610 – Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station,” however, sputters by one-half share in “Holiday” 2019 (2.5 – 2.0, #16 to #17, 6+).

Having nearly tripled its 6+ AQH share (+.7) through five consecutive increases (.5 – 6 – .7 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom-owned WQAM “560 The Joe” (Dolphins, Florida Panthers) is now off three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.4 – 1.3 – 1.1, 6+) but remains at #23. Co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” (Heat), which more than doubled its 6+-stat in October/November (.3 – .5 – .7, 6+), regains the one-tenth it lost in December (.6 – .7, #29 to #27, 6+).

Off three-tenths (2.3 – 2.0, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN repeats at #17.

Miami Music Formats – There is a first-place “Holiday” 2019 tie and it involves two adult contemporary rivals. Specifically, Cox Media Group’s WFEZ “Easy 93.1” logs its fourth straight positive or neutral report for a net gain of one-half share (7.0 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+) and is #1 the 13^th consecutive time. “Easy” was down eight-tenths in February; up by that same magnitude in March; and notched an improvement of … eight-tenths in June. Catching it at the top is Entercom-owned WLYF “101.5 Lite FM,” which is an overall +2.2 in four successive sweeps without a loss (5.3 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 7.5, second to a first-place tie, 6+). In “Holiday” 2018, WFEZ notched a 7.1 (6+); WLYF a 7.3 (6+). Owing to three straight decreases, Entercom classic hits-oldies WMXJ was a collective -1.0 (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.2 – 4.8, 6+), but “102.7 The Beach” erases 80% of that deficit with a +.8 to 5.6 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Flat at #19, co-owned WKIS “Kiss Country 99.9” is without an increase the eighth successive month for a net loss of -1.4 and falls below a two-share (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.7, 6+). The market’s two mainstream CHR outlets are again separated by four-tenths as Cox Media Group’s WFLC “Hits 97.3” is flat at 3.4 but leaves the top ten (#10 to #11, 6+), while iHeartMedia-owned WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” repeats December’s 3.0 (6+), dropping from #13 to #14. Prior to faltering by three-tenths in December, WFLC “Hits 97.3” was up seven-tenths through three spikes in a row (3.0 – 3.1 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+). Meanwhile, “Y-100” has lost a total of four-tenths via three straight reports without an increase (3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). This is directly after gaining eight-tenths in four straight up or flat trends (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – Over the course of the last nine survey periods (May through “Holiday” 2019), Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” has logged a 4.9 (6+) four times and a 5.0 (6+) three times (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 4.9, fourth to fifth, 6+). News/talk cluster-mate KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” recaptures the two-tenths it lost in December (1.8 – 1.6 – 1.8, #23 to #22, 6+). Although it has surrendered one-third (-.4) of its 6+ AQH share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (1.2 – 1.1 – .8, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” remains at #25.

Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” (Seahawks) repeats December’s 6+ AQH hour share and rank (3.7, #11, 6+). September’s increase of seven-tenths halted four straight down or flat trends that resulted in a collective -1.3 (4.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). Having more than quadrupled (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share in five consecutive positive or neutral moves (.5 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 2.1, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” falters by three-tenths to 1.8 (flat at #22, 6+).

Off a collective half-share in three successive down or flat trends (3.1 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO falls from #14 to #18; August’s 3.2 was its best 6+-stat since November 2017’s 3.4.

A cumulative +1.6 through three straight improvements (4.5 – 5.0 – 5.5 – 6.1, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW relinquishes half that increase (5.3, -.8, flat at #3, 6+). Immediately prior, it had been -1.6 through four consecutive decreases (6.1 – 5.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+).

Seattle Music Formats – It isn’t quite the #1/#2 format finish as in Miami (see above) but Seattle adult contemporary facilities rank first and fourth this sweep. Repeating at #1 is Hubbard Broadcasting’s KRWM, which is a combined +4.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 6.6 – 9.2, 6+). This time last year, “Warm 106.9” recorded an 11.2 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). Entering the November survey period, “Warm” was up a collective seven-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without a decrease (4.3 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Meanwhile, Entercom’s similarly-formatted KSWD was a combined -1.4 via three straight decreases (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.4 – 4.1, 6+) but “94.1 The Sound” answers with a +1.0 to 5.1 (ninth to fourth, 6+). “The Sound” and “Warm” were separated by one-tenth in May (4.5 – 4.4, 6+); June (4.5 – 4.4, as well, 6+); and July (4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Progressing by +1.0 in “Holiday” 2019 is Sinclair Broadcast Group hot AC KPLZ “Star 101.5 – Today’s Best Mix,” which is a collective +2.0 in three consecutive bumps (2.4 – 2.7 – 3.4 – 4.4, 6+) and zooms into the top ten (#13 to #7). As was the case with “Star,” iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KJR-FM logged a December increase of seven-tenths and was +1.0 in November/December (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.8, 6+); however, “95.7 The Jet” spirals by -1.0 in “Holiday” 2019 to 3.8 (sixth to ninth, 6+). Off a cumulative -1.5 in three decreases in succession (4.7 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KJAQ “96.5 Jack FM – Playing What We Want” exits the top ten (#10 to #13). Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf #1 For Country” is -1.1 via three slips in succession (4.9 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.8, seventh to ninth, 6+). This immediately follows three straight increases that netted eight-tenths (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+). At the same time, Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KNUC “New Country 98.9 The Bull” is an overall -1.9 as a result of four drops in a row (4.4 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.5, #16 to #19, 6+). After more than doubling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in eight successive up or flat sweeps (2.1 – 2.1 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.2 – 4.3, 6+), “The Bull” surrendered one-tenth in August and gained two-tenths in September. Within 2.1 – 2.7 range (6+) in each of the last ten survey periods, Friends of 88.5’s KNKX sputters by seven-tenths to 1.9 (6+). “Your Connection to Jazz, Blues, and NPR News” departs the top twenty (#18 to #21).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Four improvements in a row by Cumulus Media’s WJR (Lions) accounted for a +1.1 (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+) but “News Talk 760” is now a combined -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 and falls below a two-share (3.1 – 2.2 – 1.6, #18 to #19, 6+).

In a somewhat similar scenario, Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” (Pistons, Red Wings) was a collective +1.6 in three straight upticks (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.5, 6+) but is -1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 4.8 – 3.8 (#7 to #12, 6+). “The Ticket” had been an overall -1.5 through three successive decreases (5.4 – 4.7 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+).

A December increase of two-tenths by co-owned WWJ halted three successive downturns that resulted in an overall -1.5 (5.9 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+); however, “News Radio 950” relinquishes seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (4.6 – 3.9, 6+). Furthermore, WWJ – which was #1 in March and posted a +1.1 in August – exits the top ten (#8 to #11).

Regaining the one-tenth it lost in December (1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET advances from #22 to #20. In addition to being off one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.0 – 1.6 – 1.3, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM falls from the top twenty (#20 to #21).

Detroit Music Formats – Mirroring what has happened in Seattle (see above), adult contemporary facilities in Detroit occupy the #1 and #4 positions. On top the third month in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WNIC “100.3 The Best Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” is a stunning +9.2 through five successive upticks (5.6 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 9.5 – 14.8, 6+). By way of comparison, in “Holiday” 2018, WNIC displayed a 17.9, the largest 6+ AQH share by any Detroit station in the PPM-era. On top in December 2018 and “Holiday” 2018, WNIC more than tripled (+12.2) its 6+-share via four straight increases (5.7 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 12.2 – 17.9, 6+). A combined -1.1 in November/December (4.2 – 4.0 – 3.1, 6+), Entercom-owned/similarly formatted WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” obliterates that deficit with a “Holiday” 2019 +1.8 to 4.9 (6+), rocketing 11 rankers from from #15 to #4. This (4.9) is the strongest 6+-stat for “The Breeze” since it switched from CHR (“Amp Radio 98.7”) in mid-November 2018. Down or flat three reports in a row for a collective loss of six-tenths (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+), Detroit Classical and Jazz Educational Radio, LLC’s WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days/Jazzy Nights” then picked up one-tenth in November (2.2, 6+); lost four-tenths in December (1.8, 6+); and now gains six-tenths (2.4, #19 to #18, 6+). After improving by one-half share in December, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC “104.3 Detroit’s Greatest Hits,” plummets by a margin three times that magnitude (6.2 – 4.7, -1.5, second to sixth, 6+) and has its lowest 6+ performance (4.7) since “Holiday” 2018’s 4.6. Having logged a 5.8 (6+) in October, November, and December, Beasley Media Group rock WRIF “101 Rocks Detroit” spirals by -1.0 to 4.8 (third to fifth, 6+). In five consecutive sweeps without an increase, Entercom’s WYCD “99.5 Detroit Country Music” lost a cumulative nine-tenths (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.4, 6+); picked up one-tenth in December (4.5, 6+); and now erodes by -1.1 in “Holiday” 2019 (3.4, #9 to #13, 6+). In the iHeartMedia cluster, classic rock WLLZ “106.7 Detroit’s Wheels” regresses by eight-tenths (#13 to #17), while CHR WKQI “Channel 95.5” drops one-half share (4.6, sixth to seventh, 6+). “Wheels” is a combined -.9 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.5, 6+); “Channel 95.5” was up three-tenths in November/December (4.8 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Off six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 after December’s loss of four-tenths (4.0 – 3.6 – 3.0, 6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM (Arizona Cardinals) drops from seventh to ninth. Repeating December’s 2.8 (6+), iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550” progresses from #14 to #12.

A collective -1.1 via three slips in succession (3.1 – 3.0 – 2.5 – 2.0, 6+), Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” (Suns, Arizona Coyotes) shifts from #17 to #18. KMVP-FM was a combined -1.0 in June/July (3.1 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+) and then +1.0 via three straight up or flat trends (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.1, 6+). Meanwhile, co-owned KTAR-AM repeats December’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (.3, #30, 6+).

Up six-tenths through five consecutive reports without a loss (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.0, 6+), Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ surrenders one-half share to 3.5 (fifth to sixth, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – In the driver’s seat the seventh time in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ is a whopping +12.5 through four upticks in succession (6.7 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 11.0 – 19.2, 6+) and boasts the highest 6+-stat (19.2) of any station in the 24 PPM-markets highlighted thus far. This is its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018’s 15.0. September’s decrease suspended five consecutive improvements that netted a +1.7 (5.3 – 5.5 – 5.9 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.0, 6+). Up nine-tenths as a result of four successive sweeps without a loss (6.2 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits KYOT “95.5 The Mountain” craters by -1.5 to 5.6 (second to third), its lowest 6+-figure since May (5.4). Flat at #4, Hubbard’s KSLX “Classic Rock 100.7” is -1.3 in three consecutive negative or neutral reports (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 5.1, 6+) and is below a six-share (5.1) for the first time since March (5.3). Immediately after KOOL improves by eight-tenths (5.8 – 6.6, 6+), the Entercom classic hits-oldies station surrenders the increase in its entirety (5.8, -.8, 6+) yet climbs from third to second. Despite being -1.0 in three straight negative or neutral moves (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” advances from ninth to eighth. Family Life contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” is a combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.3 – 2.0 – 1.3, #25, 6+). Somewhat similarly, iHeartMedia’s KNIX “102.5 Today’s Best Country & All-Time Favorites” is a collective -2.3 via four consecutive drops (5.2 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.0 – 2.9, 6+) yet reenters the top ten (#12 to #10). KNIX is one-tenth ahead of  Entercom’s similarly-programmed KMLE “Country 107.9,” which was a combined +.5 in October/November (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), but -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.8, flat at #12, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – WCCO “News Radio 830” repeats December’s AQH share and market rank (4.3, #10, 6+). November’s -1.8 curtailed three straight up or flat moves that yielded seven-tenths for the Entercom-owned flagship of the Minnesota Timberwolves (5.3 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+). Three consecutive increases yielded one-half share for Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+); however, “My Talk 107.1” is off three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.7, #14 to #13, 6+). KTMY is one-tenth ahead of iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130,” which gained six-tenths in August but is off one-half share in three straight down or flat moves (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6, #15 to #14, 6+).

A cumulative +3.9 in eight positive or neutral trends in succession (3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.3 – 5.3 – 6.1 – 6.8 – 7.3 – 7.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN (Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild) is -1.0 to 6.8 (6+). After a December-only stay at #1, “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” falls to #3. Unchanged at #22, Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” is off 33% (-.3) in December/“Holiday” 2019 (.9 – .8 – .6, 6+).

Following December’s increase of one-half share to 6.8 (6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW erodes by -1.1 to 5.7 (fifth to sixth, 6+).

Minneapolis Music Formats – By more than doubling (+5.9) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (5.7 – 5.9 – 7.0 – 11.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies KQQL not only demolishes its overall -1.8 from three decreases in a row (7.5 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+),“Kool 108” zooms from fourth to first. This time last year, KQQL logged a 12.6 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). Ousted from the penthouse in June by Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM, “Kool 108” returned the favor in July, but was (again) dislodged by KSTP-FM in August. Prior to posting a +1.0 in May, KQQL had approximately 54% (-6.8) of its 6+ AQH share vanish through four straight negative or flat trends (12.6 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+). When KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” slipped by one-tenth (to 7.3, 6+), in December, it interrupted three straight gains that accounted for an overall +1.9 (5.5 – 6.0 – 6.5 – 7.4, 6+). The University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian outlet bounces back with a +.9 to 8.2 (third to second, 6+), three full-shares higher than “Holiday” 2018’s 5.2. Up seven-tenths in December/ “Holiday” 2019 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.3, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WGVX “Love 105 FM” advances from #19 to a three-way tie at #17. A combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.6 – 7.4 – 5.8, 6+), previously-mentioned KSTP-FM “KS-95” falls from second to fifth. The Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC solely held or shared the top spot in January, March, April, June, August, September, October, and November. KSTP-FM was +1.9 (January); -.8 (February); +.6 (March); +.5 (April); -.8 (May); +1.1 (August); and now -1.6 (“Holiday’ 2019). Regressing by six-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia CHR KDWB “The Twin Cities’ #1 Hit Music Station” (eighth to ninth); co-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” (#11 to #12); and Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP “The Current – Great Music Lives Here” (2.3, #13 to #17, 6+). KDWB is off nine-tenths in December/ “Holiday” 2019 (5.3 – 5.0 – 4.4, 6+); “K-102” is -1.3 in the same timeframe (4.4 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+); and “The Current” was up four-tenths in November/December (2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9, 6+). In three drops in succession, KEEY’s format competitor, Entercom’s KMNB “102.9 The Wolf,” has lost nine-tenths (3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+) and is flat at #15.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Slicing in half December’s loss of six-tenths with a “Holiday” 2019 increase of three-tenths (4.4 – 4.7, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” progresses from eighth to sixth. Recent KOGO fluctuations include: +1.0 via three straight February through May increases; a combined -.5 in June/July; +.5 (August); -.7 (September); +.7 (October); and -.6 (December). A spike of three-tenths (1.7 – 2.0, 6+) is sufficient to propel iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” into San Diego’s top twenty (#22 to #19). Conversely, a dip of three-tenths forces Tegna news/talk KFMB-AM from the top twenty (#20 to #21). “AM 760” is off eight-tenths in five consecutive negative or neutral moves (2.5 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+).

Up a collective four-tenths in three successive sweeps without a loss (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+), Entercom-owned sports talk KWFN “97.3 The Fan” advances from #19 to #17. In seven consecutive up or flat reports, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” has nearly doubled (+.7) its 6+ AQH share (.8 – .8 – .8 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5, steady at #22, 6+).

Following four straight reports without a loss that netted four-tenths (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS is now a combined -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.3 – 6.0 – 4.8, second to fifth, 6+). Before falling to third in July, KPBS was on top the previous six months.

San Diego Music Formats – Tacking on a +4.5 to December’s +2.9 (3.7 – 6.6 – 11.1, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary KYXY repeats at #1. One year ago, KYXY posted an 8.4 (“Holiday” 2018, 6+). A combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.2, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHTS “Channel 93.3 San Diego’s #1 Hit Music Station” drops from fifth to eighth. Uniradio regional Mexican XHTY “Invasora 99.7” relinquishes eight-tenths from November/December’s +1.1 (2.1 – 2.5 – 3.2, 6+) and slips from #12 to #15 (2.4, 6+). December 2019’s 3.2 was its best 6+-stat since December 2018’s 3.4. This is the fourth straight sweep without an increase for Local Media San Diego-programmed urban-rhythmic oldies XHRM “Magic 92.5,” which is -1.0 in that stretch (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 4.5, fourth to seventh, 6+). Without an increase the fifth sweep in succession for an overall -1.5 (3.3 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 1.8, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KIOZ “Rock 105.3” slides from #16 to #20. Co-owned KGB-FM “101.5 San Diego’s Classic Rock,” which was a collective -1.5 in five straight setbacks (4.5 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+), ends the slide with a +.4 to 3.4 (#13 to #11). When KGB-FM posted a 3.5 (6+) in October, it marked the first time since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.8 that the station had fallen below a four-share.

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – Three decreases in a row by iHeartMedia-owned WFLA resulted in a -1.0 (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.8, 6+), but “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” halts the slide with a one-tenth improvement to 2.9 (#16 to #14, 6+). Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” falters by one-half share (3.1 – 2.6, #14 to #17, 6+). Entering the October sweep, WHPT gained one-half share through four consecutive up or flat trends (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.8, 6+).

Flat at #20, iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” (Buccaneers) has lost nine-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (2.6 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-showing since March (1.7, as well).

As a result of five consecutive positive spikes, University of South Florida news/talk WUSF is a collective +1.0 (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, #18 to #15, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – In addition to being +3.3 via three upticks in succession (7.9 – 8.6 – 9.8 – 11.2, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WDUV “Lite Favorites” is #1 the 89^th straight time. WDUV was up seven-tenths in September but -2.0 in October. WDUV’s 13.7 in “Holiday” 2018 is the highest 6+-stat by any Tampa station since its 14.9 in “Holiday” 2015. A +2.3 by iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX enables “Mix 100.7” to reach the six-share level (6.0, 6+) and to rocket from #11 to #2. The September 2019 through December 2019 topline for “Mix” was: 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 (6+). Tied with WMTX in the runner-up slot is Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WCIE “The Joy FM,” which is up a combined eight-tenths in three upticks in succession (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 6.0, 6+). An overall +1.1 via six consecutive up or flat trends through August (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1” has since been -.3 (September); +.5 (October); and -1.5 in three decreases in a row (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.6 – 3.4, #12 to #13, 6+). In December, Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” and iHeartMedia’s WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 for New Country” were tied in seventh-place. The two format rivals are deadlocked again in “Holiday” 2019 as each loses four-tenths (4.6 – 4.2, 6+) as they fall to eighth. WQYK was up two-tenths in December. WFUS’ “Holiday” 2019 loss curtails three straight increases that accounted for a net gain of seven-tenths (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+). Its October improvement interrupted three straight slips that resulted in a cumulative loss of eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 3.9, 6+).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – After recording six spikes in a row for a +2.7 (.1 – .2 – .8 – 1.1 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KDFD “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” surrenders three-tenths to 2.5 (#15 to #16, 6+). Locked on 2.5 (6+) in November and December, news/talk cluster-mate KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” (Broncos) falters by four-tenths to 2.1 (#17 to #18, 6+). Its November gain of one-tenth ended at four a consecutive string of decreases that accounted for an approximately 54% erosion (-2.6) of its 6+ AQH share (5.2 – 5.0 – 4.0 – 3.0 – 2.4, 6+). Anchored at #23, co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” follows December’s increase of two-tenths with a one-tenth loss (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+).

A collective -1.2 in three down or flat sweeps in a row (3.7 – 3.2 – 2.5 – 2.5, 6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” (Nuggets) nonetheless climbs from #17 to #16. This streak directly follows its overall +1.3 through four successive gains (2.4 – 2.5 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+). As a result of four consecutive drops,  KSE Radio Ventures’ KKSE-FM (Colorado Avalanche) has lost more than half (-.8) its 6+-stat (1.4 – 1.3 – .9 – .7 – .6, #26 to #27, 6+); “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” was +1.0 in September.

In an alternating down/up pattern since August (5.1 – 4.9 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 6.3 – 4.8, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR segues from second to third. KCFR has been -1.6 (June); +.8 (July); +.5 (October); +1.0 (December); and now -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019). After being up three-tenths in three straight sweeps without a loss (.5 – .5 – .7 – .8, 6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC is off three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (.8 – .6 – .5, flat at #29, 6+).

Denver Music Formats – Four successive sweeps without a loss by Bonneville adult contemporary KOSI net a whopping +10.3 (4.1 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 6.7 – 14.4, 6+), as “101.1 Real Music Variety” repeats at #1. In “Holiday” 2018, KOSI logged a 12.8 (6+). Entering the September ratings period, KOSI lost a collective half-share in five down or flat months in a row (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). Without a decrease the seventh consecutive sweep for an overall +1.7 (.9 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+), Colorado Public Radio classical-formatted KVOD proceeds from #16 to #15. After gaining eight-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.9, 6+), Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” is a combined -1.4 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.5 – 3.5, 6+) and drifts from the top ten (#6 to #11). Four successive up or flat trends by iHeartMedia’s KRFX generated a collective four-tenths (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+); however, “Classic Rock 103.5 The Fox” is a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.0, 6+). Even so, KRFX – which had a November-only stay at #1 – advances from third to second. Bonneville-owned country KYGO is -1.9 through four decreases in a row (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.3, flat at #4, 6+). KYGO occupied the top spot in June, July, September, and October. Regressing by six-tenths, iHeartMedia alternative KTCL “Channel 93.3” (4.6 – 4.0, 6+) remains in fifth-place. Despite being off six-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.0, 6+), KSE Radio Ventures-owned classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 – Denver’s Greatest Hits” progresses from sixth to fifth.

Category: Ratings Takeaways