July 2020 PPM Data. Information for the July 2020 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 July 2020 survey period covered June 18 – July 15. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM-markets.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats –  A combined -1.8 in May/June (10.0 – 9.3 – 8.2, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL picks up two-tenths to 8.4 (6+) and is #1 the fourth month in a row. Just prior to the May sweep, WMAL doubled (+5.0) its 6+ AQH share through four straight positive spikes (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.8 – 10.0, 6+). April’s 10.0 marked the first time in WMAL’s PPM-history that it reached double-digits. For the 25^th sweep in succession, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

In an alternating up/down pattern that began in “Holiday” 2019 and includes July 2020’s increase of three-tenths, Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” is: 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 1.3 – 1.6 (#19 to #17, 6+). Its 4.8 (November 2019) is the heftiest 6+-share by any D.C. sports talk outlet in the PPM-era. Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM “980 The Team” repeats June’s AQH share and market rank (1.0, #20, 6+). WTEM previously gained four-tenths via three straight up or flat moves (.7 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+).

Up one-tenth (7.6 – 7.7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM occupies the runner-up slot the third month in succession. Having logged three straight down or flat trends (.7 – .6 – .5 – .5, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 & 105.7” regains the two-tenths it lost and is back at .7 (#25 to #21, 6+).

Without an increase the fourth straight time for an overall -2.1 (8.7 – 8.4 – 7.4 – 6.8 – 6.6, 6+), American University-owned public radio news/talk WAMU repeats in fifth-place. “The Mind Is Our Medium” was in a first-place tie with Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM in February before taking sole possession of the lead in March. After gaining one-half share in April/May (.4 – .8 – .9, 6+), Pacifica Foundation public radio news/talk WPFW is off four-tenths in June/July (.9 – .6 – .5, #23 to #25, 6+).

Washington, DC Music Formats – In addition to marching from fourth to a second-place tie, Howard University urban AC WHUR is a collective +1.8 via three straight upticks (5.9 – 6.1 – 7.0 – 7.7, 6+). It overtakes Radio One’s similarly-formatted WMMJ “Majic – The Real Sound of the DMV,” which – despite notching its fifth successive sweep without a loss for a net gain of four-tenths (6.7 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+) – slips from third to fourth. Doubling June’s increase of three-tenths with a July +.6 (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.7, 6+), iHeartMedia classic rocker WBIG-FM “BIG 100” enters the top ten (#12 to #9) with its best 6+-stat (3.7) since February’s 3.8. While unchanged at #6, adult contemporary cluster-mate WASH “Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” posts its third spike in succession for an overall +.8 (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.6, 6+). Likewise, CHR sibling WIHT “Hot 99.5 DC’s #1 Hit Music Station” is +1.2 via three consecutive bumps and continues in eighth-place (2.7 – 3.6 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+). The trend in that iHM cluster continues as alternative WWDC “DC-101” is up six-tenths in three advances in a row (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 3.7, unchanged at #9, 6+). Immediately after being a collective +1.8 in three straight reports without a loss (4.5 – 4.7 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ classical-formatted WETA surrenders a -2.3 in June/July (6.3 – 5.2 – 4.0, 6+) yet continues in seventh-place. Up one-half share this time last month, Manning Broadcasting classic hits-oldies WWEG “106.9 The Eagle” continues its alternating down/up sequence (.9 – .7 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.9 – 1.8, flat at #16, 6+).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Following four successive sweeps without a loss that yielded a +2.5 (2.8 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” is -1.1 via three straight slips (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2, flat at #7, 6+). After nearly doubling (+.5) its 6+ AQH share in April/May (.6 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” returns that increase in its entirety in June/July (1.1 – .8 – .6, #24 to #27, 6+).

Continuing an alternating up/down sequence that began in “Holiday” 2019 and includes July’s +.2 (5.5 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” carries on in eighth-place. In four consecutive downturns, WEEI-FM was an overall -1.7 (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), but the Entercom-owned sports talker applies the brakes with an increase of one-tenth to 2.6 (steady at #15, 6+).

Despite gaining a combined eight-tenths in June/July (5.9 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WBZ-AM backslides from third to fourth. “News Radio 1030” was off one-half share in April/May (6.4 – 6.3 – 5.9, 6+).

Dropping from ninth to tenth, Boston University public radio news/talk outlet WBUR has lost a collective half-share via four straight down or flat trends (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). Following three improvements in a row that netted a +1.7 (2.9 – 3.6  – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation public radio news/talk WGBH spirals by -1.8 in June/July (4.6 – 3.2 – 2.8, #11 to #12, 6+).

Boston Music Formats – An overall -1.4 in three straight setbacks (6.2 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom-owned adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” obliterates that shortfall with a June/July +2.1 (4.8 – 6.1 – 6.9, fifth to third, 6+). February’s one-half share gain followed January’s -9.5 (15.2 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+). Boston’s market leader in “Holiday” 2019, WMJX entered the January 2020 sweep a collective +10.5 through three bumps in succession (4.7 – 5.8 – 8.0 – 15.2, 6+). In four straight jumps, WZLX was +2.5 (5.2 – 6.3 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 7.7, 6+), but the string is suspended as “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” is off three-tenths to 7.4 (6+). Nonetheless, the iHeartMedia-owned facility is #1 the fourth month in a row. WZLX was -.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +.7 (January 2020); and -.5 (February). Formerly CHR WODS “103.3 Amp Radio,” Entercom adult hits WBGB “Big 103 – Music Unleashed” logs its third uptick in succession for a net gain of eight-tenths (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.5 – 1.8, #20 to #19, 6+). The market’s (6+) country share deflates by -1.2, nearly equally divided between WZLX cluster-mate WBWL “101.7 The Bull” (2.3, -.7, #13 to #16, 6+) and Beasley Media Group’s WKLB “Country 102.5” (5.4, -.5, flat at #6, 6+). Three straight down or flat trends by “The Bull” accounted for a loss of six-tenths (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.8, 6+), but WBWL was +1.2 in May/June (1.8 – 1.9 – 3.0, 6+). WKLB followed May’s +1.7 with a June increase of three-tenths (3.9 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+). Meanwhile, reaching “Beantown” from Providence, Hall Communications’ similarly-formatted WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” notches its third modest advance in a row for a cumulative +.4 (.6 – .7 – .8 – 1.0, #24, 6+). A loss of one-half share (1.6 – 1.1, 6+) takes Emerson College’s WERS “88.9 Discover & Rediscover Your Music” to its lowest 6+-stat since January (1.1, as well) and off the top twenty (#19 to #22).

Miami

Spoken-Word Formats – Albeit flat at 1.7 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WIOD “News Radio 610 Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” climbs from #22 to #21.

Entercom-owned sports talk WQAM “560 The Joe” is off four-tenths in June/July (1.0 – .7 – .6, flat at #26, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat in exactly one year (.6, as well, July 2019). Down three-tenths in June/July (.5 – .4 -.2, 6+), co-owned WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” falls from #27 to #30.

Three straight gains by WLRN netted a +1.7 (2.0 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), but the Dade County School Board public radio news/talk station is off a total of six-tenths in four consecutive slips (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.2 – 3.1, #11 to #13, 6+).

A combined -1.4 in May/June (4.1 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), Union Radio Network of Florida Spanish news/talk WURN-AM “Actualidad 1040 AM” logs a half-share increase to 3.2 (#15 to #12, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – Not only is iHeartMedia CHR WHYI an overall +1.3 via three straight spikes (2.3 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.6, 6+), “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” enters the top ten (#13 to #9). Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WFLC “Hits 97.3 Miami’s New Hit Music” is down four-tenths in June/July (3.0 – 2.7 – 2.6, #15 to #17, 6+). Remaining at second and fifth, respectively, are adult contemporary rivals Cox Media Group’s WFEZ “Easy 93.1” and Entercom-owned WLYF “101.5 Lite FM.” WFEZ is up six-tenths as a result of three gains in succession (6.4 – 6.5 – 6.8 – 7.0, 6+), while “Lite” is in an April through July up/down pattern (4.9 – 4.8 – 5.5 – 5.1, 6+). As a result of three consecutive improvements, WHQT was +2.0 (6.4 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+), but the streak is snapped as “Hot 105” surrenders 25% of that increase with a -.5 to 7.9 (6+). Nonetheless, the Cox Media Group urban AC is #1 the third month in a row. Following five down or flat reports in succession for a -1.4 (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish tropical WRTO “Mix 98.3” halts the skid with a +.3 to 2.3 (#20 to #19, 6+). Even though it more than doubles (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share in three straight bumps (1.2 – 1.9 – 2.8 – 2.9, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WMIA backslides from #14 to #15; “93.9 MIA” was -1.0 in March/April (2.2 – 1.8 – 1.2, 6+). Continuing an alternating up/down pattern that includes July’s -.9, classic rock cluster-mate WBGG “Big 105.9” is trending: 3.9 – 4.4 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 3.0 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#7 to #14).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – Following a collective +2.4 via three straight boosts (4.8 – 6.0 – 6.9 – 7.2, 6+), Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM levels off with a combined loss of one-tenth in June/July (7.2 – 7.1 – 7.1, 6+); “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” is #1 the fifth successive sweep. Down one-tenth (2.5 – 2.4, 6+), news/talk cluster-mate KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is #19 the third month in a row. Before dropping three-tenths in May, KTTH was +1.2 via five consecutive up or flat moves (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+). In March, Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI posted a 1.1 (#22, 6+), but “Talk Radio 570” is unlisted the fourth straight month.

As of January 2020, Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” is in an alternating down/up pattern that includes July’s one-tenth increase (3.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 1.5 – 1.6, flat at #23, 6+). Regaining the two-tenths it squandered in June (1.0 – .8 – 1.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950”  advances from #25 to #24.

Jumping from eighth to sixth, Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO nets one-half share in June/July (4.4 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), directly after dropping one-half share in April and again in May (5.4 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+).

Off nine-tenths in April/May (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW erases all but one-tenth of that deficit in June/July and continues in fourth-place (4.6 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+); KUOW was +.7 in March.

Seattle Music Formats – The March 2020 through June 2020 topline for iHeartMedia CHR KBKS was: 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 (6+), but “Jubal 106.1” erupts in July with a +1.2 to 3.0 (6+) and rockets back into the top twenty (#14). By dialing up an increase of seven-tenths to 5.5 (sixth to third, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KJR-FM “95.7 The Jet” negates its May/June loss of six-tenths (5.4 – 5.1 – 4.8, 6+). In four of the last five survey periods, KISW has posted a 4.6 (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 4.6, 6+), but the Entercom rocker adds six-tenths and crosses the five-share level (5.2, eighth to fifth, 6+). The alternating down/up pattern of iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KUBE “Seattle’s #1 For Hip-Hop” includes July’s +.5: 2.6 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 2.3 (#20, 6+). At the same time that Entercom’s country-programmed KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” progresses by one-half share (3.4 – 3.9, #13 to #12), its format foe – Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KNUC “98.9 The Bull” – craters by -1.7 (4.6 – 2.9, #8 to #15). When “The Wolf” gained three-tenths in June, it curtailed four straight down or flat trends that resulted in a net loss of eight-tenths (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.1, 6+). Stuck on 3.3 (6+) in February and March and then on 3.2 (6+) in April and May, “The Bull” hung out a +1.4 in June. The five most recent fluctuations by Classic Radio classical KING are: +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2, March, 6+); +.6 (4.2 – 4.8, April, 6+); -.7 (4.8 – 4.1, May, 6+); +1.2 (4.1 – 5.3, June, 6+); and -.9 (5.3 – 4.4, July, third to eighth, 6+). Dropping one-half share each are Entercom alternative KNDD “107.7 The End” (sixth to ninth) and Friends of KEXP-owned KEXP “90.3 Where The Music Matters” (#17 to #21). “The End” continues its alternating up/down sequence (4.5 – 5.0 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). After nearly tripling (+1.7) its 6+ AQH share in three straight spikes (1.0 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), KEXP drops to 2.2 (6+). A collective +2.2 as a result of five successive sweeps without a loss (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is down four-tenths to 6.3 (6+), but continues in the runner-up slot.

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Though four successive improvements, Cumulus Media’s WJR was +3.2 (1.6 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 4.8, 6+). “News Talk 760,” however, follows with a -1.4 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.4 – 3.4, #17 to #16, 6+).

By gaining one-half share to 4.1 (#13 to #12, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” pulls the plug on three straight drops that accounted for a -1.2 (4.8 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+).

Co-owned WWJ, which was -1.0 in May/June (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+), picks up one-tenth to 5.5 (steady at #3, 6+). “News Radio 950” previously was a collective +2.5 through four successive bumps (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+).

WDFN posts a .2 (6+) the third time in a row. As of June 29, the iHeartMedia outlet joined the Black News Network.

Having more than doubled (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share in five successive increases (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 3.0, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET is down or flat the third time in a row for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.1 – 2.1, #20 to #19, 6+). Off seven-tenths in April/May (2.3 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM is up one-tenth in June/July (1.6 – 1.7 – 1.7, 6+) and remains at #21.

Detroit Music Formats – In addition to jumping from fourth to second, Entercom-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” is without a loss the fifth time in a row for a collective +2.3 and reaches the six-share level (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 6.0, 6+). Despite recapturing the two-tenths it lost this time last month (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “Detroit’s New Country 93.1” backslides from #11 to #13. After being an overall -1.5 as a result of three consecutive downturns (4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 2.8, 6+), hot AC sibling WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music” is +1.5 in three straight advances (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.3, tenth to ninth, 6+). Not only does Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX repeat at #1, “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” is a combined +2.1 in three straight spikes (5.2 – 5.4 – 6.7 – 7.3, 6+). WCSX reaches the seven-share threshold (7.3) for the first time since last September’s 7.1. “Detroit’s Classic Rock” was #1 in March, as well. A combined -1.0 in May/June (4.6 – 3.8 – 3.6, 6+), Radio One urban AC WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM” purges 60% of that deficit with an increase of six-tenths to 4.2 (6+) and cracks the top ten (#13 to #10). Similarly-formatted/iHeartMedia-owned WMXD “Mix 92.3” is -1.1 through three successive setbacks (6.4 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.3, second to fifth, 6+). Three straight up or flat trends by CHR cluster-mate WKQI “Channel 95.5 Detroit’s #1 Hit Music Station” account for a net gain of eight-tenths (4.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.4, fifth to fourth, 6+). Still in that iHM cluster, adult contemporary WNIC “The Best Variety of the 80s, 90s, & Today” gains nine-tenths in three successive upticks (3.8 – 4.2 – 4.3 – 4.7, eighth to seventh, 6+). Without a loss the third report in a row as well (for a collective +.3) is Entercom-owned similarly-formatted WDZH “98.7 The Breeze” (2.6 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.9, steady at #17, 6+).

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – Locked on 4.6 (6+) in May and June, Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM adds one-tenth to 4.7 (sixth to fifth, 6+). KTAR-FM was a combined +2.3 in March/April (3.8 – 4.6 – 6.1, 6+). Three-tenths behind KTAR-FM is iHeartMedia’s KFYI “News Talk 550,” which bounces back from June’s -.7 with an increase of three tenths (4.1 – 4.4, eighth to sixth, 6+). Immediately prior to June, KFYI nearly doubled (+2.3) its 6+ AQH share in seven up or flat reports in succession (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+).

Flat at #23, Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM “98.7 Arizona Sports” is off six-tenths in June/July (2.2 – 1.8 – 1.6, 6+).

In seven of the last eight survey periods, Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ has logged a 6+ AQH share between 3.4 – 3.8 (3.5 – 3.7 – 3.6 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 4.2 – 3.7 – 3.8, flat at #10, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – In three consecutive dips, KOOL was -2.1 (7.2 – 6.3 – 5.4 – 5.1, 6+) but halts the slide with a +.3 to 5.4 (flat at #4, 6+). Immediately prior, the Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet recorded three increases in a row accounting for a +1.4 (5.8 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.2, 6+). A combined +.9 in June/July (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.9, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KOMR “Amor 106.3” progresses from #19 to #16. Conversely, its cluster-mate with similar calls – KQMR “Latino Mix 100.3” – falters by one-half share (1.8 – 1.3, #25, 6+). In a similar vein, Riviera hot AC KMVA “Hot” gains one-half share (#19 to #18), while Entravision Spanish adult hits KVVA “La Suavecita” sputters by the same margin (#15 to #20). Over the course of the last three sweeps, “Hot” is +1.4 (1.2 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+), while ““La Suavecita” is -.7 in the same timeframe (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.3, 6+).  Having lost roughly 72% (-2.3) of its 6+ AQH share in four decreases in succession (3.2 – 2.8 – 1.9 – 1.3 – .9, 6+), Family Life Communications contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” pulls the plug with a +.1 to 1.0 (#29 to #27, 6+). While it is #1 the 14^th consecutive report, KESZ is off one-half share, immediately following June’s increase of eight-tenths (6.8 – 7.6 – 7.1, 6+). The iHeartMedia adult contemporary outlet was a combined -1.5 in April/May (8.3 – 7.3 – 6.8, 6+). Entering the January ratings period, KESZ was +12.5 through four straight gains (6.7 – 7.0 – 7.1 – 11.0 – 19.2, 6+). “Holiday” 2019’s 19.2 was its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018’s 15.0. Regressing by six-tenths each are cluster-mate KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” (second to third) and Entravision regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” (fifth to ninth). “The Mountain” was up nine-tenths in May/June (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+) and had its highest 6+-stat (6.3) since December’s 7.1. Immediately after more than tripling (+3.7) its 6+ AQH share (1.8 – 2.4 – 3.8 – 4.5 – 5.5, 6+), KLNZ is now in an alternating up/down pattern (5.5 – 4.6, 4.8 – 4.2, 6+).

Minneapolis

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to being a combined -1.3 in June/July (5.6 – 5.5 – 4.3, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” departs the top ten (#8 to #11). WCCO had been an overall +2.0 as a result of three straight up or flat trends (3.6 – 4.6 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+). This marks the fourth sweep in a row that iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” has a fluctuation of one-tenth: 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.6 (steady at #15, 6+). By gaining one-tenth to 2.0 (#17 to #16, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” suspends five straight down or flat moves that accounted for a net loss of nine-tenths (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+).

Following a May increase of four-tenths (5.5 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” surrenders nine-tenths in June/July (5.9 – 5.6 – 5.0, seventh to eighth, 6+). KFXN had a December-only stay at #1. Flat at #24, Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM gains one-tenth to .3 (6+); “ESPN 1500” had been without an increase the past five times for a net loss of six-tenths or 75% of its 6+ AQH share (.8 – .7 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .2, 6+).

As of June 29, iHeartMedia’s KQQL-HD2 (.2, #25, July 2020, 6+) joined the Black News Network.

Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW replicates June’s AQH share and rank (7.0, #3, 6+). KNOW was -1.6 in May (8.2 – 6.6, 6+) and then up four-tenths in June.

Minneapolis Music Formats – Three consecutive slips by KTIS-FM “Always Uplifting” resulted in a -1.8 (7.2 – 6.5 – 6.4 – 5.4, 6+), dropping it below a six-share (5.4) for the first time since last August’s 5.5. In June/July though, the University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian outlet is up eight-tenths (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.2, eighth to sixth, 6+). Adding six-tenths to June’s one-tenth increase (7.4 – 7.5 – 8.1, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” is #1 the third straight time. June’s gain interrupted four consecutive down or flat sweeps that resulted in a -.8 (8.2 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). On top in January and February, KSTP-FM segued to the runner-up slot in March. A combined -1.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.6 – 7.4 – 5.8, 6+), KSTP-FM solely held or shared the top spot in January 2019, March, April, June, August, September, October, and November. A combined -1.3 in March/April (3.8 – 3.4 – 2.5, 6+), iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KTCZ “Cities 97.1” answers with a collective +1.8 in three straight advances (2.5 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.3, unchanged at #11, 6+). In an alternating up/down pattern that includes July’s +.5, co-owned KEEY “K-102 Minnesota’s Country Station” reenters the top ten: 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 4.6 (#11 to #10, 6+). Even though Entercom adult hits KZJK is +1.0 in four consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.9 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+), “104.1 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” backslides from sixth to seventh. Conversely, Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP “89.3 The Current,” which doubled (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share via four successive spikes (2.5 – 2.6 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+), forfeits one-tenth to 4.9 (6+), yet climbs from tenth to ninth. Minneapolis Public Schools’ KBEM “Jazz 88 FM,” which was trending 2.1 – 1.8 (April – May, 6+), disappeared from print in June but resurfaces with a 1.6 (#18, 6+).

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – Dropping from fifth to sixth, iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO “News Radio 600” is without an increase the third month in a row for a net loss of -2.1 (6.6 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5, 6+). Entering the May sweep, KOGO was a collective +2.8 via three straight spikes (3.8 – 4.5 – 5.5 – 6.6, 6+). Off one-tenth in June, news/talk sibling KGB-AM “AM 760” (formerly Tegna’s KFMB-AM) answers with a +.4 to 2.6 (6+) and returns to the top twenty (#21 to #16, 6+). A combined +1.3 in March/April (1.9 – 2.4 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” is -1.0 in three straight San Diego drops (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.6 – 2.2, #17 to #20, 6+).

Entercom sports talk KWFN “97.3 The Fan” is up or flat the third time in succession for a net gain of two-tenths (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.3, #22 to #21, 6+). After losing eight-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” logs a +.1 to .8 (#24 to #23, 6+).  

The three latest fluctuations by San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS are: -1.4 (8.5 – 7.1, May, 6+); -1.6 (7.1 – 5.5, June, 6+); and +.8 (5.5 – 6.3, June, fourth to a first-place tie, 6+). Four increases in a row just prior netted a +3.7 (4.8 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.9 – 8.5, 6+).

San Diego Music Formats – Adding six-tenths onto June’s increase of one-tenth enables Entercom adult contemporary KYXY to reenter the top ten (3.3 – 3.4 – 4.0, #11 to #9, 6+). A combined +1.9 in May/June (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.8, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling KXSN “Sunny 98.1 San Diego’s Greatest Hits” forfeits one-half share to 6.3 (6+), tying it for first with KPBS (see above). “Sunny” succeeded KPBS at #1 this time last month. Three consecutive dips by KXSN resulted in a -2.1 (7.0 – 6.5 – 6.0 – 4.9, 6+). “Sunny” had a January-only stay at #1 and was +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.0, 6+). Dropping six-tenths each are iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” (5.8 – 5.2, second to fourth, 6+) and Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLQV “Amor 102.9” (#13 to #19). A combined -2.3 in April/May (7.2 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+), “Star” bounced back with a +.9 in June. On top in February and March, “Star” posted a January 2020 +1.8 and gained one-half share in March. The alternating up/down sequence for “Amor” is: 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.4 (6+). After gaining nine-tenths in three consecutive gains (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+), Local Media of San Diego CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” falters by four-tenths to 3.3 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall -1.4 in three straight sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” slips from #14 to #15. It is one-tenth ahead of Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio,” which is trending: 3.1 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 (#17 to #16, 6+). WHPT’s internet stream improves by seven-tenths and enters the top twenty (.8 – 1.5, #20, 6+).

Down seven-tenths through four drops in a row (1.9 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3 – 1.2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” departs the top twenty (#20 to #22).

After being a cumulative +2.4 in eight consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 4.1, 6+), University of South Florida public radio news/talk WUSF is now down or flat the fourth straight report for a -1.1 (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0, #16 to #17, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – Simultaneous with the half-share gain by Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” (4.8 – 5.3, sixth to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFUS “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 for New Country” falters by nine-tenths (third to sixth). Having posted a 3.9 (6+) in three of the previous four sweeps (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), WQYK broke out a +.9 in June. WFUS was -.7 (4.8 – 4.5 – 4.1, February/March, 6+); +1.5 (4.1 – 5.6, April, 6+); -.5 (5.6 – 5.1, May, 6+); +.6 (5.1 – 5.7, June, 6+); and now -.9 (5.7 – 4.8, July, 6+). Also on a rollercoaster ride is Beasley Media Group Spanish contemporary WYUU “92.5 Maxima,” which has been: -.5 (March); +.7 (April); -.6 (May); +.8 (June); and now +.7 in July (3.2 – 3.9, #15 to #10, 6+). Continuing the theme, the seven most recent shifts by Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” are: -.7 (5.7 – 5.0, January, 6+); +.9 (5.0 – 5.9, February, 6+); -.7 (5.9 – 5.2, March, 6+); +.6 (5.2 – 5.8, April, 6+); +.7 (5.8 – 6.5, May, 6+); -1.1 (6.5 – 5.4, June, 6+); and now +.6 (5.4 – 6.0, July, fourth to second, 6+). In three straight gains, Beasley Media Group’s similarly-formatted WRBQ “Q-105” nets nine-tenths (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.5, fifth to fourth, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since last November (5.5, as well). Cox Media Group-owned adult contemporary WDUV (8.2 – 7.9, -.3, 6+) is #1 an astounding 96^th time in succession. “Lite Favorites” was up four-tenths in June; its +1.2 in May halted four straight downturns that accounted for a -4.6 (11.2 – 9.9 – 9.7 – 9.4 – 6.6, 6+). Conversely, January’s decrease concluded three straight improvements that led to a +3.3 (7.9 – 8.6 – 9.8 – 11.2, 6+). Off one-half share each are WDUV’s adult contemporary sibling WWRM “Magic 94.9” (4.0, eighth to ninth, 6+) and iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” (sixth to eighth). “Magic” plummeted by -1.2 in April; was +.8 in May; and surrenders the half-share it garnered in June. “Mix” has lost seven-tenths in June/July (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+). At the same time that Cox Media Group-owned CHR WPOI “Hot 101.5 Tampa Bay’s New Hit Music” gains two-tenths (3.5 – 3.7, flat at #12, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-programmed WFLZ “93.3 FLZ – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” drops two-tenths (3.6 – 3.4, #11 to #14, 6+). This time last month, the two rivals were -.6 and -.7, respectively. In four straight sweeps without a loss, “Hot” gained one-half share (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). WFLZ notched a May +1.2 and recorded a four-share (4.3, 6+) for the first time since last October (4.2).

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Down four-tenths in May and again in June (4.6 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KDFD “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” picks up two-tenths to 4.0 (6+), climbing from tenth to ninth. KDFD was +1.2 in April (3.4 – 4.6, 6+). In three straight reports without an increase, news/talk cluster-mate KOA “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” is off four-tenths (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7, #19 to #20, 6+). Albeit flat following June’s one-tenth increase (1.1 – 1.2 – 1.2, 6+), co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” progresses from #24 to #23.

Immediately after equalizing the -1.0 from three straight drops (3.1 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+) with a May +1.0 to 3.1 (6+), Bonneville-owned KKFN “Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan” regresses by -1.3 in June/July (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.8, #17 to #18, 6+). Up one-tenth in May, KSE Radio Ventures-owned KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” has lost half (-.3) its 6+ AQH share in June/July (.6 – .4 – .3, flat at #31, 6+).

Down two-tenths in July (5.8 – 5.6, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR nonetheless repeats at #3. KCFR was +2.6 in March/April (5.2 – 6.3 – 7.8, 6+) and -2.1 in May (7.8 – 5.7, 6+). Even though it’s flat at .6 (6+), Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC advances from #29 to #28.

Denver Music Formats – Dialing up positive spikes of nine-tenths each are Entercom classic rock KQMT “99.5 The Mountain Denver Adult Rock” (fourth to second) and KSE Radio Ventures-owned classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” (sixth to fourth). Prolonging its alternating down/pattern, “The Mountain” is: 3.8 – 3.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 5.8 (6+). A collective -1.9 in three straight downward sweeps (4.8 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 2.9,  6+), “Kool 105” is now +2.6 in three straight upticks (2.9 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.5, 6+). This (5.5) is the first time “Kool” has reached the five-share level since August 2019 (5.6). A combined -1.6 in May/June (7.6 – 7.5 – 6.0, 6+), Bonneville country outlet KYGO slices that deficit nearly in half with a +.7 to 6.7 and is #1 the third time in a row. Despite being +3.3 through four consecutive improvements (4.3 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 6.3 – 7.6, 6+), KYGO shifted from a first-place March deadlock to April’s runner-up slot. That bit of irony was corrected in May: KYGO was down one-tenth but proceeded from second to first. Three straight up or flat trends netted KBCO “97.3 World Class Rock” a +1.3 (3.6 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.9, 6+), but the iHeartMedia triple A erodes by -1.2 to 3.7 (6+) and drifts from the top five (#4 to #12). It is below a four-share (3.7, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2019 (3.9). Faltering by six-tenths each are Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9” (3.1, #12 to #14, 6+) and iHeartMedia’s KPTT “95.7 The Party” (2.9, #14 to #15, 6+). “Alice” was +1.0 in May/June (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+). “The Party” was +1.3 in the same timeframe (2.2 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+), directly after three survey periods in a row  without an increase that led to a -2.0 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.2, 6+).

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three slips in succession, Hearst Television-owned WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is an overall -1.9 (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.1, eighth to ninth, 6+). This directly follows ten successive boosts for a collective +4.2 (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.4 – 5.1 – 6.0, 6+). Independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” was -.8 in May/June (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.3, 6+), but expunges 75% of that shortfall with a +.6 to 3.9 (#11 to #10, 6+). Prior to May, WCBM was +1.8 via four straight increases (2.3 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+). Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL repeats June’s AQH share and market rank (.4, #28, 6+).

After spiraling by -1.0 in June, Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM “105.7 The Fan” regains 30% of the shortfall (2.5 – 2.8, +.3, flat at #12, 6+). May’s increase of four-tenths interrupted three straight declines that led to an overall -2.0 (5.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+).

Through five consecutive increases, WJZ-FM’s business news sibling WDCH nearly quadrupled (+1.3) its 6+ AQH share (.5 – .6 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.7 – 1.8, 6+); however, “Bloomberg 99.1 & 105.7” is -.6 in June/July (1.8 – 1.5 – 1.2, #16 to #18, 6+).

Following three consecutive losses that accounted for a -1.4 (5.7 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.3, 6+), Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” picks up two-tenths to 4.5 (ninth to seventh, 6+). American University-owned news/talk WAMU had a net loss of one-tenth in May/June (.8 – .7 – .7, 6+) but posts a July gain of four-tenths to 1.0 (#21 to #20, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – Roaring back from June’s -1.0 with a July +.7 (1.6 – 2.3, 6+), Baltimore City Community College-owned WBJC “Maryland’s Classical Music Station” pushes up from #15 to #14. WBJC was frozen on 1.4 (6+) in February and March, and then, after a +1.2, was locked on 2.6 (April and May, 6+). Notwithstanding that it is -1.1 in June/July (10.5 – 9.6 – 9.4, 6+) after being +2.6 in April/May (7.9 – 9.3 – 10.5, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” is #1 the seventh time in a row. In May, WWIN-FM reached double-digits (10.5, 6+) for the first time in more than two years (April 2018, 10.3, 6+). “Magic” exited the top spot in “Holiday” 2019, after seven successive months there. It was -.8 (October 2019); -.9 (December); +1.0 (January 2020); -.6 (February); +1.4 (April); +1.2 (May); and -.9 (June). As a result of three drops in succession, Shamrock Communications’ WZBA “100.7 The Bay Baltimore’s Classic Rock Station” is -1.7 (5.9 – 5.5 – 5.4 – 4.2, fifth to eighth, 6+) and has its lowest 6+-stat (4.2) since “Holiday” 2019’s 3.8. In three straight positive spikes, Hearst Television’s WIYY was a collective +1.5 (5.0 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.5, 6+). In July, “98 Rock” erodes by -1.1 to 5.4 (6+) yet progresses from fourth to third. For the past four months, the #1 and #2 finishers have been Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM “Magic 95.9” and co-owned urban contemporary WERQ “92-Q Jams.” That familiar scenario is suspended in July as “92-Q Jams” spirals by -1.0 to 5.9 (6+) and shifts from the runner-up slot to third-place. WERQ had been trending 6.9 – 6.8 – 6.9 (6+). Taking its place is iHeartMedia-owned WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” (6.8, -.1,6+), which shared the #2 position with WERQ in June. WPOC was -1.8 (April); +1.2 (May); and +1.3 (June). This is the 25^th sweep in succession that Peter and John Radio Fellowship contemporary Christian WRBS-FM is unlisted; “95.1 Shine FM – Baltimore’s Positive Hits Station” was #13 in August 2018 (2.6, 6+).

St. Louis

Spoken-Word Formats – An increase of three-tenths to 5.0 (6+) enables Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” to progress from tenth to ninth. KMOX was a combined -2.2 in May/June (6.9 – 5.9 – 4.7, 6+), directly after a +1.8 in March/April (5.1 – 5.4 – 6.9, 6+). Co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1,” which was -2.4 in May/June (6.5 – 4.9 – 4.1, 6+) following four straight upticks that delivered a +3.8 (2.7 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.5 – 6.5, 6+), is up four-tenths to 4.5 (flat at #12, 6+).

By picking up two-tenths in June, Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS pulled the plug on four straight decreases that accounted for a roughly 52% (-2.4) vaporization of its 6+ AQH share (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.4 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+). In July, however, “101 Sports” falters by one-half share (2.4 – 1.9, #15 to #18, 6+).

A collective -2.2 via five consecutive decreases (4.2 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0, 6+), University of Missouri news/talk KWMU ends the slide with a +.3 to 2.3 (#18 to #16, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – Owing to seven successive sweeps without a loss, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “The Best Variety of the 70s, 80s, and 90s” is +3.5 (5.5 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 8.2 – 8.7 – 9.0, 6+) and remains entrenched in the runner-up slot. In back-to-back reports, Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” posts an increase of seven-tenths (4.5 – 5.2 – 5.9, 6+) and leaps from sixth to third. WARH was off six-tenths in April/May (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.5, 6+). KEZK “The Best Mix of the 80s & Today” continues an alternating down/up pattern that includes July’s +.5 and takes the Entercom adult contemporary outlet where it was in March (5.3 – 3.0 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 5.3, unchanged at #7, 6+). Albeit -2.0 in June/July (13.7 – 13.4 – 11.7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSHE “95 Real Rock Radio” is #1 the seventh consecutive time. Prior to June’s decrease, KSHE was +3.1 in April/May (10.6 – 12.9 – 13.7, 6+). Its 13.7 (May 2020) is the station’s strongest-ever performance in the PPM-era, eclipsing the previous record of 12.9 set the previous month (April 2020). After eight consecutive months on top, “Real Rock Radio” segued to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019. KSHE was +1.0 (November 2019); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); +2.3 (April); +.8 (May); and -1.4 (July). Eroding by eight-tenths each are Radio One urban AC and urban contemporary cluster-mates WFUN “95.5 R&B For The Lou” (fourth to sixth) and KHHL “Hot 104.1” (#12 to #14). Over the course of the last three survey periods, WFUN is a collective -1.1 (6.5 – 6.3 – 6.2 – 5.4, 6+), while “Hot” is an overall -1.4 in that same stretch (4.7 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 3.3, 6+). The tie between the market’s two country foes is broken as WIL “New Country 92.3” gains four-tenths (4.8 – 5.2, seventh to eighth, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull” drops one-tenth (4.8 – 4.7, seventh to tenth, 6+). WIL had lost six-tenths in three straight down or flat reports (5.4 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+). Prior to picking up four-tenths in June, “Bull” dropped two-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+).

Category: Ratings Takeaways