June 2020 PPM Data. Information for the June 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 June 2020 survey period covered May 21 – June 17. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these 12 PPM-markets.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – Precisely doubling (+5.0) its 6+ AQH share through four straight positive spikes (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.8 – 10.0, 6+), WMAL is now a combined -1.8 in the last two sweeps (10.0 – 9.3 – 8.2, 6+). Nonetheless, the Cumulus Media news/talk station is #1 the third month in a row. In April, WMAL reached double-digits (10.0) for the first time in its PPM-history. For the 24^th sweep in succession, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

Entercom sports talk WJFK-FM “106.7 The Fan” is in an alternating up/down pattern that began in “Holiday” 2019 and includes June 2020’s loss of eight-tenths (2.1 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 1.3, #16 to #19, 6+). Its 4.8 (November 2019) is the heftiest 6+-share by any D.C. sports talk outlet in the PPM-era. Three straight up or flat moves by Radio One’s similarly-formatted WTEM yielded four-tenths (.7 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1, 6+), but “980 The Team” is off one-tenth to 1.0 (flat at #20, 6+).

Albeit down four-tenths (8.0 – 7.6, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting all-news WTOP-FM repeats in the runner-up slot. Three prior consecutive increases netted a +1.3 (6.9 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+). Up three-tenths in February/March (.4 – .5 – .7, 6+), Entercom business news WDCH “Bloomberg 99.1 & 105.7” loses two-tenths via three straight down or flat trends (.7 – .6 – .5 – .5, #24 to #25, 6+).

Without an increase the third straight time for an overall -1.9 (8.7 – 8.4 – 7.4 – 6.8, 6+), American University-owned public radio news/talk WAMU falls from third to fifth. “The Mind Is Our Medium” was in a first-place tie with WTOP-FM in February before taking sole possession of the lead in March. Up one-half share in April/May (.4 – .8 – .9, 6+), Pacifica Foundation public radio news/talk WPFW is off three-tenths in June (.6, #22 to #23, 6+).

Washington, DC Music Formats – Adding a +.9 to May’s increase of two-tenths enables Howard University urban AC WHUR to reach the seven-share level (5.9 – 6.1 – 7.0, sixth to fourth, 6+). It is one-tenth behind Radio One’s similarly-formatted WMMJ “Majic – The Real Sound of the DMV,” which nets four-tenths in four successive sweeps without a loss (6.7 – 6.8 – 7.0 – 7.0 – 7.1, fourth to third, 6+). Entercom-owned WIAD “94.7 The Drive” (#13 to #10) and its classic hits-oldies rival, Manning Broadcasting’s WWEG “106.9 The Eagle” (#18 to #16), are up six-tenths and one-half share, respectively. “The Drive” gains eight-tenths in May/June (2.6 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+), while “The Eagle” is in alternative down/up sequence (.9 – .7 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.9, 6+). A collective +1.8 in three straight up or flat trends (4.5 – 4.7 – 6.3 – 6.3, 6+), Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications’ classical-formatted WETA surrenders a -1.1 to 5.2 (fifth to seventh, 6+). Off four-tenths in March/April (3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+) and then +.5 in May, Radio One urban contemporary WKYS sputters by seven-tenths in June, drifting from the top ten (2.6, #10 to #15, 6+). In four straight sweeps without a loss, Entercom rhythmic CHR WPGC gained nine-tenths (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.5, 6+), but “95.5 The DNA of the DMV” is off two-tenths and departs the top ten (3.3, #9 to #11, 6+).

Boston

Spoken-Word Formats – Replicating May’s decrease of one-half share (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WRKO “AM 680 – The Voice of Boston” slips from sixth to seventh. This directly follows four successive sweeps without a loss that resulted in a +2.5 (2.8 – 3.5 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 5.3, 6+). After nearly doubling (+.5) its 6+ AQH share in April/May (.6 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), co-owned WXKS-AM “Talk 1200” drops three-tenths (.8, #22 to #24, 6+).

Continuing an alternating up/down sequence that began in “Holiday” 2019 and includes June’s -.8 (5.5 – 5.8 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 3.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WBZ-FM “98.5 The Sports Hub” remains at #8. Following January’s increase of four-tenths, Entercom-owned sports talker WEEI-FM is an overall -1.7 in four consecutive downturns (4.2 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.7 – 2.5, #14 to #15, 6+).

Off one-half share in April/May (6.4 – 6.3 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia news-talk WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” erases that shortfall with a May jump of seven-tenths (6.6, fourth to third, 6+).

Albeit flat at 3.3 (6+), WBUR reenters the top ten (#11 to #9). The Boston University public radio news/talk outlet was up eight-tenths in March, but then down four-tenths in April/May (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3, 6+). Following three straight upticks that resulted in a +1.7 (2.9 – 3.6  – 3.8 – 4.6, 6+), WGBH Educational Foundation public radio news/talk WGBH erodes by -1.4 and trades places with WBUR (3.2, #9 to #11, 6+).

Boston Music Formats – An overall -1.4 in three straight dips (6.2 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom-owned adult contemporary WMJX “Magic 106.7 – Today’s Hits/Yesterday’s Favorites” reverses the tide with a +1.3 to 6.1 (sixth to fifth, 6+). February’s one-half share gain followed January’s -9.5 (15.2 – 5.7 – 6.2, 6+). Setting the pace 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+). Three straight down or flat trends by iHeartMedia-owned country WBWL accounted for a loss of six-tenths (2.4 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 1.8, 6+), but “101.7 The Bull” tacks on a +1.1 to May’s increase of one-tenth (1.8 – 1.9 – 3.0, #17 to #13, 6+). Its format rival – Beasley Media Group’s WKLB – follows May’s +1.7 with a June spike of three-tenths (3.9 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+), although “Country 102.5” backslides from fifth to sixth. Cumulus Media hot AC WXLO “104.5 XLO,” which was down eight-tenths via three straight decreases (2.1 – 1.8 – 1.5 – 1.3, 6+), pulls the plug with a half-share gain to 1.8 (#20 to #17, 6+). Not only is iHeartMedia’s WZLX +2.5 in four straight improvements (5.2 – 6.3 – 7.5 – 7.6 – 7.7, 6+), “100.7 Boston’s Classic Rock” is #1 the third month in a row. WZLX was -.5 (“Holiday” 2019); +.7 (January 2020); and -.5 (February). Three straight losses by Beasley Media Group classic hits-oldies WROR accounted for a -2.2 in (8.3 – 7.0 – 6.6 – 6.1, 6+), but “105.7 – 80s & More” applies the brakes with a +.2 to 6.3 (third to fourth, 6+). A combined -2.3 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.5 – 8.1 – 6.2, 6+), WROR held or shared the lead in January, February, and March. Stuck on 2.2 (6+) in April and May, WGBH Educational Foundation’s WCRB “99.5 Classical Radio Boston” sputters by seven-tenths to 1.5 (#15 to #20, 6+). While it continues in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia CHR WXKS-FM drops three-tenths to 7.2 (6+), thus snapping at five its consecutive string of increases that yielded a collective +1.9 (5.6 – 6.7 – 6.9 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+). “Kiss 108” had a March-only visit at #1. Its former format rival – Entercom’s WODS “103.3 Amp Radio” – is now adult hits WBGB “Big 103 – Music Unleashed” (1.0 – 1.1 – 1.5, #20, 6+).

Miami

Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing its alternating down/up pattern that began in December 2019 and includes June’s decrease of three-tenths (2.5 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.6 – 2.0 – 1.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WIOD “News Radio 610 Miami’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” falls from #21 to #22.

Finishing at #26 and #27, respectively, are Entercom-owned sports talk siblings WQAM “560 The Joe” (1.0 – .7, -.3, flat at #26, 6+) and WAXY “Sports Talk 790 The Ticket” (.5 – .4, -.1, #28 to #27, 6+). “The Joe” was up three-tenths in April/May (.7 – .8 – 1.0, 6+), while “The Ticket” gained one-tenth in May.

Three straight improvements by WLRN yielded a collective +1.7 (2.0 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+), but the Dade County School Board public radio news/talk station is off one-half share in three consecutive drops (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4 – 3.2, flat at #11, 6+).

Having almost tripled (+1.5) its 6+ AQH share (.9 – 1.1 – 2.4, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish news/talk WAQI “710 AM Radio Mambi” falters by eight-tenths in May/June (2.4 – 2.1 – 1.6, #20 to #23, 6+).

Miami Music Formats – Not only is Cox Media Group urban AC WHQT +2.0 in three straight upticks (6.4 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+), “Hot 105” repeats at #1. Joining “Hot” with a June gain of nine-tenths is WMIA “93.9 MIA,” which is a combined +1.6 the past two sweeps (1.2 – 1.9 – 2.8, 6+). Rocketing into the top twenty (#22 to #14), the iHeartMedia hot AC is bouncing back from March/April’s -1.0 (2.2 – 1.8 – 1.2, 6+). An overall -2.7 in five consecutive sweeps without an increase (7.5 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 4.9 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” answers with an increase of seven-tenths to 5.5 (sixth to fifth, 6+). Improving by one-half share each are iHeartMedia CHR WHYI “Y-100 Miami’s #1 Hit Music Station” (#17 to #13) and Entercom alternative WSFS “104.3 The Shark” (1.9, #21, 6+). “Y-100” is up seven-tenths in May/June (2.3 – 2.5 – 3.0, 6+). Meanwhile, “The Shark” had been off eight-tenths as a result of three straight declines (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.8 – 1.4, 6+). Following three gains in a row that resulted in a +.7 (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 4.9, 6+), Cox Media Group urban contemporary WEDR “99 Jamz” spirals by -1.0 to 3.9 (fifth to seventh, 6+). Regressing by one-half share each are Spanish Broadcasting System-owned siblings WCMQ “Zeta 92.3” (5.7, third to fourth, 6+) and WRMA “Ritmo 95.7” (2.1, #16 to #19, 6+). WCMQ had been +1.6 as a result of five straight spikes (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+). WRMA was a combined -.7 in March/April (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.0, 6+) and +.6 in May. Without an increase the fifth time in a row, Univision Radio Spanish tropical WRTO “Mix 98.3” is -1.4 (3.4 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0, #18 to #20, 6+).

Seattle

Spoken-Word Formats – A loss of one-tenth to 7.1 (6+) by Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM suspends three straight boosts that led to a collective +2.4 (4.8 – 6.0 – 6.9 – 7.2, 6+). Despite that, “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” is #1 the fourth successive sweep. News/talk cluster-mate KTTH repeats its May AQH share and market rank (2.5, #19, 6+). Before dropping three-tenths in May, “Conservative Talk Radio” 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 third straight month.

As of January 2020, Bonneville sports talk KIRO-AM “ESPN 710” is in an alternating down/up pattern that includes June’s loss of seven tenths (3.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 1.5, #21 to #23, 6+). Flat at #25, iHeartMedia-owned KJR-AM “Seattle’s Sports Radio 950” forfeits half of May’s four-tenths’ increase (1.0 – .8, -.2, 6+).

After dropping one-half share in April and again in May (5.4 – 4.9 – 4.4, 6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group all-news KOMO regains 20% of that loss (4.6, +.2, flat at #8, 6+).

Off nine-tenths in April/May (5.5 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+), Northwest Public Radio news/talk KUOW rebounds with a half-share improvement to 5.1 (fifth to fourth, 6+); KUOW was +.7 in March.

Seattle Music Formats – Anchored in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia-owned KZOK “102.5 Seattle’s Classic Rock Station” is an overall +2.2 via five successive sweeps without a loss (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.1 – 6.1 – 6.6 – 6.7, 6+). Locked on 3.3 (6+) in February and March and then on 3.2 (6+) in April and May, Hubbard Broadcasting country KNUC explodes with a +1.4 as “98.9 The Bull” reaches the four-share level (4.6) for the first time since last September’s 4.4. Furthermore, KNUC cracks the top ten (#14 to #8, 6+). Its format rival – Entercom’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” – gains three-tenths to 3.4 (#15 to #13), thus halting 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+). After surrendering seven-tenths in May (4.8 – 4.1, 6+), Classic Radio classical KING answers with a June +1.2. It crosses the five-share level (5.3, 6+) and rockets from tenth to third. KING was a combined +1.7 in March/April (3.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). Up eight-tenths in May/June (5.4 – 5.8 – 6.2, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting CHR KQMV “MOViN’ 92.5 Seattle’s #1 Hit Music Station” erodes by -1.2 to 5.0 (third to fifth, 6+). After more than doubling (+2.2) its 6+ AQH share in four straight increases (1.9 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+), Friends of 88.5 FM-owned KNKX “Your Connection To Jazz, Blues, & NPR News” is -1.7 in May/June (4.1 – 3.0 – 2.4, -1.1, #17 to #20, 6+).

Detroit

Spoken-Word Formats – Duplicating May’s loss of seven-tenths (4.8 – 4.1 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WJR fades from the top ten (#9 to #17). Immediately prior, “News Talk 760” was +3.2 though four successive improvements (1.6 – 2.4 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 4.8, 6+).

After gaining four-tenths in March (4.4 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” is -1.2 in three straight subsequent drops (4.8 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6, #12 to #13, 6+). Its internet stream falters by eight-tenths (1.1 – .3 #23, 6+).

Four successive spikes by co-owned WWJ netted a collective +2.5 (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), but “News Radio 950” is -1.0 in May/June (6.4 – 5.7 – 5.4, second to third, 6+). In April 2020, WWJ hit the six-share mark (6.4, 6+) for the first time since May 2019 (6.2, 6+).

Having more than doubled (+1.6) its 6+ AQH share in five successive increases and reaching the three-share level (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 3.0, 6+), Wayne State University news/talk WDET surrenders nine-tenths in May/June (3.0 – 2.5 – 2.1, #19 to #20, 6+). Off seven-tenths in April/May (2.3 – 1.7 – 1.6, 6+), Michigan Public Media news/talk WUOM picks up one-tenth to 1.7 (6+) and remains at #21.

Detroit Music Formats – Over and above being a combined +1.5 in May/June (5.2 – 5.4 – 6.7, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” marches from third to first with its best 6+-stat (6.7) since last September’s 7.1. WCSX last occupied the top spot in March. After back-to-back months at #1, iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” (6.1 – 5.6, -.6, 6+) segues to the runner-up slot. April’s +1.1 to 6.4, the best 6+-showing for “Mix” since June 2019’s 6.9), drove WMXD from fourth to a first-place deadlock with Entercom’s news-formatted WWJ. An overall -2.0 in four consecutive slips (6.1 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.2 – 4.1, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOMC recaptures 40% of the shortfall with June’s +.8 to 4.9 (ninth to fifth, 6+); Detroit’s Greatest Hits” was +1.4 in January 2020. Co-owned WYCD “99.5 Detroit’s Country” is without a loss the fourth time in a row for a collective +1.3 (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 4.4 – 5.0, sixth to fourth, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s WDRQ “Detroit’s New Country 93.1,” which logged three straight gains for a +1.9 (2.0 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.9), drops two-tenths to 3.7 (6+) but repeats at #11. After being an overall -1.5 as a result of three decreases in succession (4.3 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 2.8, 6+), WDRQ’s hot AC cluster-mate, WDVD “96.3 Today’s Best Music,” is +1.1 in May/June and reenters the top ten (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.9, #14 to #10, 6+). Dropping six-tenths each are iHeartMedia urban contemporary WJLB “Detroit’s Hip-Hop and R&B” (fifth to ninth) and Detroit Classical And Jazz Educational Radio-owned WRCJ “90.9 Classical Days/Jazzy Nights” (#17 to #19). Both WJLB (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.1, 6+), and WRCJ (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.3, 6+), have lost eight-tenths in May/June.

Phoenix

Spoken-Word Formats – While it remains flat at 4.6 (6+) following May’s -1.5 from 6.1 (6+), Bonneville news/talk KTAR-FM progresses from seventh to sixth. KTAR-FM was a combined +2.3 in March/April (3.8 – 4.6 – 6.1, 6+). In seven up or flat reports in succession, iHeartMedia’s KFYI nearly doubled (+2.3) its 6+ AQH share (2.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 4.7 – 4.8, 6+); however, “News Talk 550” has that streak halted with June’s -.7 (4.1, sixth to eighth, 6+).

The January 2020 through June 2020 topline for Bonneville sports talk KMVP-FM alternates from down to up: 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 1.8 (6+) as “98.7 Arizona Sports” departs the top twenty (#18 to #23).

On the heels of May’s increase of eight-tenths, Maricopa County Community College news/talk KJZZ forfeits one-half share but remains at #10 (4.2 – 3.7, 6+).

Phoenix Music Formats – A combined -1.5 in April/May (8.3 – 7.3 – 6.8, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KESZ eliminates roughly half that shortfall with a +.8 to 7.6 (6+) and is #1 the 13^th consecutive report. 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. Matching the AC’s June gain of eight-tenths are its adult hits and hot AC cluster-mates KYOT “95.5 The Mountain – We Play Everything” (third to second) and KMXP “Mix 96.9” (2.0 – 2.8, #19 to #15, 6+). “The Mountain” nets nine-tenths in May/June (5.4 – 5.5 – 6.3, 6+) and has its highest 6+-stat (6.3) since December’s 7.1. At the same time, hot AC “Mix” applies the brakes to four straight declines that led to a -2.2 (4.2 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.0, 6+). Notching increases of one-half share each are Hubbard Broadcasting alternative KDKB “Alt AZ 93.3” (3.0 – 3.5, #15 to #12, 6+) and Sierra Broadcasting’s KNRJ “101.1 The Beat” (#26). KDKB posted a half-share gain in May as well, immediately after being off six-tenths in three successive down or flat trends (3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.5, 6+). “The Beat” is up six-tenths in May/June (.6 – .7 – 1.2, 6+) and reaches the one-share level (1.2, 6+) for the first time since February’s 1.1. After recording three increases in a row accounting for a +1.4 (5.8 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.2, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies KOOL is -2.1 in three consecutive dips (7.2 – 6.3 – 5.4 – 5.1, flat at #4, 6+). Dropping by six-tenths are Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KUPD “Arizona’s Real Rock” (3.9, flat at #9, 6+) and Chavez Radio Group regional Mexican KNAI “Radio Campesina” (2.6, #13 to #17, 6+). “Arizona’s Real Rock” had been an overall +1.3 through three straight spikes (3.2 – 3.5 – 4.2 – 4.5, 6+). Similarly, KNAI netted a +1.3 as a result of four successive improvements (1.9 – 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+). Family Life Communications contemporary Christian KFLR “Family Life Radio” has lost roughly 72% (-2.3) of its 6+ AQH share in four decreases in succession (3.2 – 2.8 – 1.9 – 1.3 – .9, #26 to #29, 6+).

Minneapolis

Note: The first day of the June sweep was May 21, four days before the May 25^th killing of George Floyd.

Spoken-Word Formats – An overall +2.0 as a result of three straight up or flat trends (3.6 – 4.6 – 5.6 – 5.6, 6+), Entercom-owned WCCO “News Radio 830” drops one-tenth to 5.5 (6+), slipping from seventh to eighth. Flat at #15, iHeartMedia’s KTLK “Twin Cities News Talk AM 1130” is off by one-tenth in back-to-back reports (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5, 6+). Without an increase the fifth time in a row for a net loss of nine-tenths, Hubbard Broadcasting news/talk KTMY “My Talk 107.1” falls below a two-share (2.8 – 2.8 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.3 – 1.9, #16 to #17, 6+).

Immediately after gaining four-tenths in May (5.5 – 5.9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFXN “Sports Radio 100.3 K-Fan” forfeits three-tenths to 5.6 (fifth to seventh, 6+). KFXN had a December-only stay at #1. Dropping from #22 to #24, Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk KSTP-AM “ESPN 1500” is down or flat the fifth straight time for a net loss of six-tenths or 75% of its 6+ AQH share (.8 – .7 – .5 – .5 – .5 – .2, 6+).

Even though it answers May’s -1.6 (8.2 – 6.6, 6+) with a June increase of four-tenths to 7.0 (6+), Minnesota Public Radio news/talk KNOW backslides from a second-place tie to third. Entering the May sweep, KNOW logged four successive gains for a collective +2.5 (5.7 – 6.3 – 7.0 – 8.1 – 8.2, 6+).

Minneapolis Music Formats – One-half share separates the Twin Cities’ top three June 2020 finishers. Four recent fluctuations by iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KQQL “Kool 108” include: +.6 (5.4 – 5.8 – 6.0, February/March, 6+); -.6 (6.0 – 5.4, April, 6+); +1.0 (5.4 – 6.4, May, 6+); and now +.9 in June (6.4 – 7.3, fourth to second, 6+). Entercom adult hits KZJK “104.1 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” nets nine-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without a loss (4.9 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.8, ninth to sixth, 6+) and has its strongest 6+-showing since last September (5.8, as well). Up one-tenth to 7.5 (6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” repeats at #1. The increase suspends four straight down or flat sweeps that led to 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 +1.6 in May/June (2.5 – 3.7 – 4.1, #13 to #11, 6+). 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 though, the University of Northwestern St. Paul contemporary Christian outlet picks up one-tenth to 5.5 (6+) and continues in eighth-place. Unchanged at #10, Minnesota Public Radio triple A KCMP “89.3 The Current” precisely doubles (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share via four successive upticks (2.5 – 2.6 – 4.3 – 4.9 – 5.0, 6+). Entercom’s country-formatted KMNB “102.9 The Wolf,” which was +1.0 in April/May (2.4 – 2.5 – 3.4, 6+), surrenders 80% of that windfall with a -.8 to 2.6 (flat at #14, 6+). May 2020’s 3.4 was its best 6+-showing since last October (3.4, as well). Minneapolis Public Schools’ KBEM “Jazz 88 FM,” which was trending 2.1 – 1.8 (April – May, 6+), disappears from print.

San Diego

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of recording a -1.4 (6.6 – 5.2, 6+), 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KOGO  repeats May’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (5.2, #5, 6+). Entering the May sweep, “News Radio 600” was a collective +2.8 via three straight uptick (3.8 – 4.5 – 5.5 – 6.6, 6+). A combined +1.3 in March/April (1.9 – 2.4 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia Los Angeles news/talk KFI “AM 640” is off six-tenths in May/June (3.2 – 2.8 – 2.6, #15 to #17, 6+). Newly co-owned news/talk KGB-AM “AM 760” (formerly Tegna’s KFMB-AM) added four-tenths in May but relinquishes one-tenth in June and exits the top twenty (1.9 – 2.3 – 2.2, #19 to #21, 6+).

Flat at 1.3 (6+), Entercom sports talk KWFN “97.3 The Fan” slips from #21 to #22. In five straight down or flat moves, iHeartMedia’s KLSD “Fox Sports 1360 San Diego’s Sports Station” loses eight-tenths (1.5 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .7, #23 to #24, 6+).

Of by -1.4 in May (8.5 – 7.1, 6+), San Diego State University-owned news/talk KPBS plummets another -1.6 in June to 5.5 (6+), shifting from first to fourth. Four spikes in succession just prior yielded a +3.7 (4.8 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.9 – 8.5, 6+).

San Diego Music Formats – Taking over for KPBS at #1 (see above) is Entercom classic hits-oldies KXSN “Sunny 98.1 San Diego’s Greatest Hits,” which stacks a +1.4 onto May’s half-share increase (4.9 – 5.4 – 6.8, third to first, 6+). Just earlier, three consecutive dips resulted in a -2.1 (7.0 – 6.5 – 6.0 – 4.9, 6+). KXSN had a January-only stay at #1 and was +1.2 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.8 – 6.2 – 7.0, 6+). A combined -2.3 in April/May (7.2 – 5.4 – 4.9, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC KMYI “Star 94.1” responds with a June +.9 to 5.8 (sixth to second, 6+). On top in February and March, “Star” posted a January 2020 +1.8 and gained one-half share in March. Notching gains of one-half share are Local Media San Diego rhythmic hot AC “Magic 92.5” (eighth to sixth) and iHeartMedia urban contemporary KSSX “Jamn’ 95.7” (#18 to #14). “Magic” is up eight-tenths in May/June (3.8 – 4.1 – 4.6, 6+), while KSSX gains six-tenths in that same timeframe (2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+). Repeating in tenth-place, Local Media of San Diego CHR XHTZ “Z-90.3 Today’s Hit Music” is up nine-tenths in three consecutive gains (2.8 – 2.8 – 3.5 – 3.7, 6+). Co-owned adult hits KFBG “Big FM 100.7” (formerly Tegna’s KFMB-FM) is off one-tenth to 3.2 (flat at #12, 6+), thus snapping at three its consecutive string of improvements that netted a +1.1 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 3.3, 6+). Unlisted in April and May, Imagen Spanish contemporary XLTN “Radio 104.5 Radio Latina” reappears with a 2.6 (#18, 6+). As a result of three successive sweeps without an increase, XLTN was an overall -1.3 (3.5 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.2, #19, 6+). A collective +2.1 via three straight spikes (3.8 – 4.0 – 4.5 – 5.9, 6+), Entercom-owned KSON “San Diego’s #1 New Country” erodes by -1.3 to 4.6 (second to sixth, 6+). After more than doubling (+2.5) its 6+ AQH share in four consecutive increases (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.9, 6+), UniRadio regional Mexican XHTY replicates May’s -1.0 (4.9 – 3.9 – 2.9, 6+) as “Invasora 99.7” drifts from the top ten (#9 to #14). By dropping four-tenths to 2.7 (#14 to #16, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KIOZ “Rock 105.3” halts five straight sweeps without a loss that led to a +1.3 (1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 3.0 – 3.1, 6+).

Tampa

Spoken-Word Formats – A combined +1.6 in March/April (3.0 – 3.9 – 4.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WFLA “970 Tampa Bay’s News Radio” stabilizes from May’s -1.2 by repeating May’s AQH share/market rank (3.4, #14, 6+).

Down one-half share in April/May (3.2 – 3.1 – 2.7, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WHPT “102.5 The Bone – Real, Raw, Radio” echoes May’s 2.7 (6+) and falls from #16 to #17.

Off six-tenths via three drops in succession (1.9 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.3, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WDAE “620 Tampa Bay’s Sports Radio” remains at #20.

After logging eight consecutive sweeps without a loss for a cumulative +2.4 (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 -1.1 in three straight dips (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.3 – 3.0, #15 to #16, 6+).

Tampa Music Formats – Having posted a 3.9 (6+) in three of the last four sweeps (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WQYK “99.5 Tampa Bay’s New Country Hits” breaks out a +.9 to 4.8 (6+) and leaps into the top ten (#11 to #6, 6+). Disappearing from print is its internet stream, which logged a .5 (6+) in April and May. WQYK’s format rival – iHeartMedia-owned WFUS – continues its rollercoaster ride. “US-103.5 Tampa Bay’s #1 for New Country” 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+); and is now +.6 in June (5.7, fourth to third, 6+). It’s a similar significant up/down story for Beasley Media Group Spanish contemporary WYUU “92.5 Maxima,” which was -.5 (March); +.7 (April); -.6 (May); and now +.8 in June (2.4 – 3.2, #17 to #15, 6+). Tampa Bay’s (6+) adult contemporary share grew by +2.0 in May and expands another nine-tenths in June. That increase is virtually equally divided between Cox Media Group cluster-mates WWRM “Magic 94.9” (4.0 – 4.5, +.5, tenth to eighth, 6+) and WDUV “Lite Favorites” (7.8 – 8.2, +.4, 6+). Up one-tenth in March (4.3 – 4.4, 6+), “Magic 94.9” plummeted by -1.2 in April to 3.2 (6+), but was +.8 in May. Co-owned WDUV is #1 an eye-popping 95^th time in succession. May’s +1.2 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+). The six most recent shifts by classic hits-oldies sibling 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 May (5.8 – 6.5, May, 6+); and now -1.1 in June (6.5 – 5.4, second to fourth, 6+). The market’s two CHRs combine for a -1.3 as iHeartMedia-owned WFLZ “93.3 FLZ – Tampa Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -.7 (3.6, #7 to #11, 6+) and Cox Media Group-owned WPOI “Hot 101.5 Tampa Bay’s New Hit Music” is -.6 (3.5, #8 to #12, 6+). WFLZ notched a May +1.2 and recorded a four-share (4.3, 6+) for the first time since last October (4.2). WFLZ had been trending 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.1 (January 2020 – April 2020, 6+). In four straight sweeps without a loss, “Hot” gained one-half share (3.6 – 3.9 – 3.9 4.0 – 4.1, 6+). In an alternating up/down sequence which includes June’s loss of two-tenths (4.8 – 4.9 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 4.8, 6+), iHeartMedia hot AC WMTX “Mix 100.7” slips from fifth to sixth.

Denver

Spoken-Word Formats – Down four-tenths in back-to-back reports (4.6 – 4.4 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KDFD slips from seventh to tenth. “Freedom 93.7 – Real News, Real Talk” was +1.2 in April (3.4 – 4.6, 6+). News/talk cluster-mate KOA repeats May’s 6+ AQH share/market rank (1.7, #19, 6+). Prior to dropping four-tenths in May, “Colorado’s News, Traffic, & Weather Station” was +.7 via three straight gains (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.1, 6+). Down one-half share in April/May (1.6 – 1.4 – 1.1, 6+), co-owned KHOW “Talk Radio 630” picks up one-tenth to 1.2 (#25 to #24, 6+).

Immediately after offsetting 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 eight-tenths (2.3, #14 to #17, 6+). After adding one-tenth in May, KSE Radio Ventures-owned KKSE-FM “Attitude Sports Radio 92.5” drops two-tenths (.6 – .4, #29 to #31, 6+).

On the heels of wild fluctuations, including a +2.6 in March/April (5.2 – 6.3 – 7.8, 6+) and May’s -2.1 (7.8 – 5.7, 6+), Colorado Public Radio news/talk KCFR has a modest +.1 to 5.8 (6+) but downslides from second to third.  Off six-tenths in April and then notching a half-share improvement in May, Community Radio for Northern Colorado news/talk KUNC sputters by two-tenths (.8 – .6 #27 to #29, 6+).

Denver Music Formats – Two-tenths of a share separates Denver’s top three (6+) June 2020 finishers. A combined -.7 in April/May (3.3 – 3.2 – 2.6, 6+), Entravision regional Mexican KXPK “La Tricolor” roars back with a +1.1 in June to 3.7 (#17 to #12, 6+). May’s 2.6 was its lowest 6+-stat since last August (2.6, as well).  Tied with KXPK is Entercom hot AC KALC “Alice 105.9,” which is +1.0 in May/June (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.7, #16 to #12, 6+). Gains of six-tenths are posted by iHeartMedia classic rock KRFX “103.5 The Fox” (5.9, third to second, 6+) and KSE Radio Ventures-owned classic hits-oldies KXKL “Kool 105 Denver’s Greatest Hits” (tenth to sixth). “The Fox” was down seven-tenths in April/May (6.0 – 5.7 – 5.3, 6+). A collective -1.9 in three straight downward sweeps (4.8 – 4.6 – 3.9 – 2.9,  6+), “Kool 105” is +1.7 in May/June (2.9 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+). Without an increase three survey periods in a row accounting for a -2.0 (4.2 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KPTT “95.7 The Party” erases 65% of that shortfall with a May/June +1.3 (2.2 – 3.0 – 3.5, #15 to #14, 6+). Notwithstanding it is -1.6 in May/June (7.6 – 7.5 – 6.0, 6+), Bonneville country outlet KYGO repeats at #1. Despite being +3.3 through four consecutive positive spikes (4.3 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 6.3 – 7.6, 6+), KYGO shifted from a first-place March deadlock at #1 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. A combined +1.0 in April/May (2.5 – 3.5 – 3.5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KWBL “106.7 The Bull – Colorado’s New Country” forfeits half that boon (3.0, -.5, 6+) and drops from #12 to #16.

Baltimore

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly after posting 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+), Hearst Television-owned WBAL “News Radio – Expect More” is -1.6 in May/June (6.0 – 4.9 – 4.4, sixth to eighth, 6+). Perhaps not quite as dramatic, independent news/talk WCBM “680 Stimulating Talk – Breaking News” was +1.8 via four straight increases (2.3 – 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.7 – 4.1, 6+), but is -.8 in May/June (4.1 – 4.0 – 3.3, #10 to #11, 6+). Returning the two-tenths it gained in May (.4 – .6 – .4, 6+), Cumulus Media Washington, DC news/talk WMAL dips from #22 to #28.

A May increase of four-tenths by Entercom sports talk WJZ-FM curtailed three straight declines that led to an overall -2.0 (5.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+); however, “105.7 The Fan” falters by -1.0 in June (2.5, flat at #12, 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+). In June though, “Bloomberg 99.1 & 105.7” drops three-tenths to 1.5 (#15 to #16, 6+).

Three setbacks in succession by Your Public Radio news/talk WYPR “88.1 Your NPR News Station” result in a -1.4 (5.7 – 5.5 – 4.7 – 4.3, seventh to ninth, 6+). This directly follows a +2.8 in three straight gains (2.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.7, 6+). After doubling its 6+ AQH share through four consecutive sweeps without a loss (.4 – .5 – .5 – .8 – .8, 6+), American University-owned news/talk WAMU has a net loss of one-tenth in May/June (.8 – .7 – .7, #20 to #21, 6+).

Baltimore Music Formats – Trending 6.2 – 5.8 – 6.2 (January – February – March, 6+) and then spiraling by -1.8 in April, WPOC “93.1 Today’s Best Country” notched a May +1.2. The iHeartMedia facility manages to outdo that with a June +1.3 (4.4 – 5.6 – 6.9 fourth to second, 6+). Advancing by eight-tenths each are Hearst Television’s WIYY “98 Rock” (third to fourth) and Entercom adult contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” (5.2, ninth to seventh). In three straight bumps, WIYY is a collective +1.5 (5.0 – 5.2 – 5.7 – 6.5, 6+). Entering the June sweep, WLIF – which had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1 – was -3.1 in three drops in succession (7.5 – 6.3 – 5.3 – 4.4, 6+). WLIF was +10.1 (December/“Holiday” 2019, 6+); -9.5 (January 2020, 6+); +1.0 (February, 6+); -1.2 (March); -1.0 (April); -.9 (May); and now +.8 (June). A combined +.8 in May/June (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.4, seventh to fifth, 6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WQSR “102.7 Jack-FM Playing What We Want” notches its best 6+-stat (5.4) since November’s 5.6. Albeit down nine-tenths to 9.6 (6+), after being +2.6 in April/May (7.9 – 9.3 – 10.5, 6+), Radio One urban AC WWIN-FM is #1 the sixth time in a row. “Magic 95.9” reached double-digits (10.5, May 2020, 6+) for the first time in more than two years (April 2018, 10.3, 6+). WWIN-FM exited the top spot in “Holiday” 2019, after seven successive months there. “Magic” was -.8 (October 2019); -.9 (December); +1.0 (January 2020); -.6 (February); +1.4 (April); +1.2 (May); and now -.9 (June). Baltimore City Community College’s WBJC spirals by -1.0 to 1.6 (#13 to #15, 6+). “Maryland’s Classical Music Station” was stuck on 1.4 (6+) in February and March, and then – after a +1.2 – it was frozen on 2.6 (April and May, 6+). This is the 24^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 – 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+), Entercom news/talk KMOX “The Voice of St. Louis” stumbles from fifth to tenth. It’s a similar scenario for co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1,” which recorded four straight spikes for a +3.8 (2.7 – 4.0 – 4.6 – 5.5 – 6.5, 6+), but is -2.4 in May/June (6.5 – 4.9 – 4.1, #7 to #12, 6+).

Four straight decreases by Hubbard Broadcasting’s WXOS resulted in a roughly 52% (-2.4) evaporation of its 6+ AQH share (4.6 – 4.3 – 3.4 – 2.5 – 2.2, 6+), but “101 Sports” ends the slide by picking up two-tenths (2.4,  #18 to #15, 6+).

Five consecutive decreases by University of Missouri news/talk KWMU have resulted in a -2.2 (4.2 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.0, #17 to #18, 6+).

St. Louis Music Formats – Owing to three straight down or flat moves, Entercom hot AC KYKY was -2.1 (5.4 – 4.9 – 3.2 – 3.2, 6+); however, “Y-98” hauls out a +1.3 to 4.5 (#14 to #11, 6+). KYKY was up nine-tenths in January/February (4.5 – 5.1 – 5.4, 6+). Off six-tenths in April/May (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting adult hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” wipes away that deficit with a +.7 to 5.2 (tenth to sixth, 6+), its best 6+-showing since “Holiday” 2019’s 5.5. Even though it remains anchored in the runner-up slot, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU “The Best Variety of the 70s, 80s, and 90s” is +3.2 in six positive or neutral reports in succession (5.5 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 8.2 – 8.7, 6+). Down three-tenths to 13.4 (6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSHE is #1 the sixth consecutive time. Prior to the June slip, “95 Real Rock Radio” was +3.1 in April/May (10.6 – 12.9 – 13.7, 6+). KSHE’s 13.7 (May 2020) is its 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, KSHE 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); and +.8 (May). Tied at #7 are country rivals WIL “New Country 92.3” (ninth to seventh) and KSD “93.7 The Bull” (4.8, #11 to #7, 6+). Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL has lost six-tenths in three straight down or flat reports (5.4 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s “Bull” lost two-tenths in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (4.6 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.4, 6+). This (4.8) is the highest 6+-stat for KSD since August 2019’s 5.0.

Category: Ratings Takeaways