Tuesday, December 3, 2019
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November 2019 PPM Data – Information for the November 2019 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s November 2019 survey period covered October 10 – November 6. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.
Austin
Spoken-Word Formats – The July 2019 through November 2019 alternating up/down pattern for Sinclair Telecable‘s news/talk KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590”includes +.6 (August); -.5 (September); +.7 (October); and now -.4 in November (4.2 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 5.0 – 4.6, sixth to eighth, 6+). October’s 5.0 is its best 6+-performance in more than six years (5.0, as well, June 2013). This is the seventh time in the last nine sweeps that Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” posts a .3 (.3 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3, #26 to #27, 6+).
Nearly doubling (+1.2) its 6+ AQH share via five consecutive spikes (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.5, 6+), Genuine Austin Radio sports talk KTXX “The Horn” repeats at #14. Even though iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted KVET-AM is off one-tenth to .8 (6+), thus snapping at five its consecutive string of up or flat reports that netted one-half share (.4 – .5 – .5 – .7 – .8 – .9, 6+), “1300 AM The Zone” advances from #25 to #24.
On the heels of October’s mammoth +2.0 (7.3 – 9.3, 6+), University of Texas at Austin-owned news/talk KUT relinquishes one-quarter of that increase (8.8, -.5, 6+) but repeats at #1. October’s 9.3 was its highest 6+-performance since March (9.5). Among KUT’s shifts this calendar year include: +1.6 (January); -.6 (February); +.7 (March); -2.0 (April); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); -.6 (September); +2.0 (October); and -.5 (November).
Austin Music Formats – Rebounding from October’s loss of seven-tenths with a November spike of +1.2 (4.5 – 5.7, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR KHFI “96.7 Kiss-FM Austin’s #1 Hit Music Station” vaults from ninth to fourth. “Kiss” was a combined +.6 in August/September (4.6 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+); October’s 4.5 was its lowest 6+-stat since January’s 4.3. Not only does Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KFMK log its fifth successive gain for an overall +3.0 more than doubling its 6+ AQH share (2.8 – 3.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.8, 6+), “Spirit 105.9,” jumps from sixth to third. Progressing by eight-tenths as well in November is iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KPEZ “102.3 The Beat” (4.1, #13 to #11), which had been an overall -1.1 in three drops in a row (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.3, 6+). A cumulative -2.8 in four consecutive slips (6.4 – 5.9 – 4.6 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+), Entercom hot AC KAMX pulls the plug by posting a November gain of six-tenths to 4.2 (6+) and enters the top ten (#12 to #9). Immediately prior to the just-concluded negative streak, “Mix 94.7” was a combined +1.1 in May/June (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+). In five consecutive up or flat moves (.7 – .8 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.6 – 1.8, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KLJA “Amor 107.7” has more than doubled (+1.1) its 6+ AQH-share and advances from #18 to #17. While it repeats at #2 – after six consecutive months at #1 – Sinclair Telecable’s adult hits KBPA “103.5 Bob-FM” is a collective -1.4 via five straight decreases (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.1 – 7.9, 6+). June’s 9.3 was its highest 6+ share since “Holiday” 2018 (also 9.3). Prior to this past April, the last time “Bob” occupied the top spot was December 2018 (8.3, 6+). Off nine-tenths and six-tenths, respectively, are iHeartMedia’s KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” (5.1 – 4.2, fourth to ninth, 6+) and Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” (#17 to #21). This (4.2) is the lowest 6+-showing for KASE since “Holiday” 2018’s 3.7; KOKE-FM is a collective -1.5 (or a roughly 58% loss of its 6+ AQH share) in four straight down or flat trends (2.6 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.1, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s country KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin Texas Original,” which was a combined +2.2 in September/October (3.3 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), is off two-tenths to 5.3 (third to fifth, 6+). September’s 5.5 was its best 6+-showing since May, when KVET-FM gained nine-tenths to 5.8 (6+).
Raleigh
Spoken-Word Formats – After being an overall +1.3 in three straight spikes (4.7 – 5.2 -5.4 – 6.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” surrenders four-tenths (5.6, seventh to eighth, 6+). In four consecutive reports without an increase, Curtis Media Group news/talk WPTF lost nine-tenths (1.9 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+). “News Radio 680” ends the slide with a +.1 to 1.1 (6+) but backslides from #18 to #19.
Within 2.1 – 2.9 range (6+) in each of the past eight sweeps, Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” picks up two-tenths to 3.1 (6+) and is now a collective +1.0 in three straight bumps (2.1 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.1, steady at #14, 6+). September’s increase halted five straight down or flat moves that resulted in a loss of three tenths (2.4 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1, 6+).
The four most recent shifts by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” are: +1.0 (August); -1.1 (September); +.1 (October); and now -1.0 in November (7.5 – 6.5, third to fourth, 6+). August 2019’s 8.5 was its best 6+-stat since 8.8 in August 2018.
Raleigh Music Formats – Down eight-tenths in September/October (7.0 – 6.3 – 6.2, 6+), Radio One urban contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” erupts with a +1.3 to 7.5, its strongest 6+-stat since February’s 7.8, and leaps from sixth to second. After wiping away August/September’s +.6 (8.2 – 8.4 – 8.8, 6+) with an October -.6 to 8.2 (6+), urban AC cluster-mate WFXC picks up one-tenth (8.3, 6+) and is #1 the third month in a row. “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” spent 12 consecutive survey periods on top; had an August-only stay at #2; and returned to #1 in September. Its August gain of two-tenths ended six straight down or flat sweeps that resulted in an overall -2.8 (11.0 – 9.9 – 9.5 – 9.5 – 9.1 – 8.8 – 8.2, 6+). Seven recent WFXC (6+) fluctuations include: +.9 (November 2018); -1.5 (December); +1.1 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.1 (February); -.6 (July); and -.6 (October). January’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. In the market’s country tussle, iHeartMedia’s WNCB “B-93.9 #1 For New Country” falters by seven-tenths to 3.4 (flat at #12, 6+), while Curtis Media Group’s WQDR “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” drops one-half share (fourth to seventh), although its internet stream debuts with a .5 (#22, 6+). WNCB suspends three successive improvements that yielded a +1.4 (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.5 – 4.1, 6+); WQDR has lost one full-share as a result of three drops in succession (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+). Up a combined nine-tenths in September/October (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.9, 6+), Curtis Media Group classic hits-oldies WKIX “Carolina’s Greatest Hits KIX 102.9” surrenders seven-tenths to 3.2 (steady at #13, 6+). In somewhat the same vein, Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5,” which was +1.6 in September/October, stumbles by one-half share to 7.2 (second to third, 6+). In four consecutive down or flat reports (.8 – .7 – .7 – .6 – .6, 6+), North Carolina Central University-owned WNCU “Jazz Radio 90.7” has lost two-tenths and is unchanged at #21.
Indianapolis
Spoken-Word Formats – A gain of six-tenths to 6.4 (sixth to fifth, 6+) by Emmis news/talk WIBC “Indy’s Mobile News 93.1” nearly eradicates September/October’s -.7 (6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8, 6+). Recent WIBC shifts include: -.9 (December 2018); -.9 (“Holiday” 2018); +.9 (January 2019); +.9 (February); -.8 (March); -1.2 (April); +.9 (June); +.5 (August); -.5 (October); and +.6 (November).
In three bumps in a row (1.7 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+), Emmis’ WFNI “The Fan – Indy’s Sports Center” nets a +1.2 and advances from #15 to #13. Unchanged at #18, iHeartMedia-owned WNDE “Indy’s Sports Station” has a June 2019 through November 2019 topline of: 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.3 (6+).
The July 2019 through November 2019 alternating up/down pattern by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI is: 4.9 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 4.7 (seventh to eighth, 6+).
Indianapolis Music Formats – The rollercoaster ride continues for Emmis adult contemporary WYXB, which was +.9 in three straight June through September gains (7.4 – 7.8 – 8.0 – 8.3, 6+); then -.9 in October to 7.4 (6+); and is now a robust +1.4 (8.8, steady in the runner-up slot, 6+). This is the best 6+-performance for “B-105.7” since April (8.8, as well). Cumulus Media’s WFMS “95.5 The Country Station” was a combined -.7 in July/August (7.6 – 7.5 – 6.9, 6+); +.4 (September, 7.3, 6+); -.8 (October, 6.5, 6+); and explodes with a November +1.1 to 7.6 (fifth to third, 6+). October’s 6.5 was its lowest 6+-stat since 6.1 in “Holiday” 2018. It overtakes Emmis-owned WLHK, even though “Country 97.1 Hank” is up one-tenth (7.3 – 7.4, third to fourth, 6+). In October, “Hank” dialed up a +1.3 to demolish August/September’s -1.2 (7.2 – 7.1 – 6.0, 6+). Notwithstanding that it has lost a combined nine-tenths in September/October (11.1 – 10.4 – 10.2, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WJJK “Classic Hits 104.5” is #1 the 11th report in a row. WJJK’s 11.1 (July and September) represents the highest 6+-share in the station’s PPM-history, eclipsing April’s 10.2. After spending six straight ratings periods on top, “Classic Hits 104.5” slipped to third in “Holiday” 2018 but returned to #1 this past January. WJJK has had some dramatic fluctuations this year including: +2.9 (January); -.7 (February); -.6 (March); +1.7 (April); +1.4 (July); -1.1 (August); +1.1 (September); and -.7 (October). A combined -1.0 in October/November (3.3 – 3.2 – 2.3, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WOLT “Alt 103.3” falls from #14 to #16. Co-owned classic rock WFBQ “Q-95 Rocks” (-.8 in November) is in an alternating down/up pattern that commenced in June: 6.7 – 5.9 – 6.4 – 6.3 – 6.9 – 6.1 (fourth to sixth, 6+). An overall -1.8 via five losses in a row (6.2 – 6.0 – 5.8 – 4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom CHR WZPL “99.5 ZPL” carries on in ninth-place. After posting a 3.4 (6+) in June, Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WKLU is unlisted the fifth month in a row.
Milwaukee
Spoken-Word Formats – The combined +1.3 that Good Karma Brands’ news/talk WTMJ “Wisconsin’s Radio Station” racked up in September/October (7.1 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+) completely vanishes with a November -1.8 to 6.6 (6+). It is the largest (6+) October 2019 – November 2019 decrease (-1.8) by any station in the 12 PPM-markets shown here. Furthermore, after an October-only stay at #1, WTMJ (Packers, Bucks) segues to #5. Immediately prior, WTMJ was -2.3 in three straight losses (9.4 – 8.7 – 7.6 – 7.1, 6+). Anchored in eighth-place, iHeartMedia’s WISN “News/Talk 1130” is up one-half share in three straight bumps (4.6 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.1, 6+), directly after a collective -1.1 through three decreases in succession (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.0 – 4.6, 6+).
Among the market’s sports talkers, iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” drops three-tenths (1.6 -1.3, #14 to #16, 6+); Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” and Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan” each have identical profiles (.7 – .8, +.1, flat at #20, 6+); and iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” drops one-tenth (.7 – .6, #20 to #22, 6+). WSSP has doubled (+.4) its 6+ AQH stat in three straight bumps of one-tenth each (.4 – .5 – .6 – .7 – .8, 6+).
Four consecutive sweeps without a loss by WUWM net a +1.4 (3.0 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.5 – 4.4, 6+) as the University of Wisconsin news/talk station enters the top ten (#13 to #10). Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD doubles (+.8) its 6+ AQH share in four consecutive up or flat reports (.8 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.4 – 1.6, #17 to #15, 6+).
Milwaukee Music Formats – An increase of seven-tenths by Entercom hot AC WMYX (6.2 – 6.9, fifth to fourth, 6+) takes “99.1 The Mix” to its strongest 6+-stat (6.9) in exactly four years (7.0, November 2015). In three straight upticks (4.1 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.5, 6+), Saga Communications’ WHQG “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” nets a +1.4 and climbs from eighth to seventh. Down six-tenths in September/October (5.8 – 5.4 – 5.2, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB “B-93.3” posts a half-share increase to 5.7 (steady at #6, 6+). Following eight straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a loss of three-tenths in that February 2019 through October 2019 stretch (.8 – .8 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+), Alpha Media’s WIIL “95 WIIL Rock” ends the slide with a +.1 to .6 (#23 to #22, 6+). Despite dropping one-half share in November, after October’s -1.3 (9.6 – 8.3 – 7.8, 6+), WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” elevates from second to first. The iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies outlet spent four months in a row at #1 before segueing to #2 in October. This (7.8) is its lowest 6+-figure since December 2018’s 7.7. Having spent 43 consecutive ratings periods at #1, “Big FM” shifted to #2 in October 2018. “Holiday” 2018’s 11.5 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Ten of its recent (6+) moves are: -1.0 (December); +3.8 (“Holiday” 2018); – 1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); +.8 (June); -1.3 (October); and -.5 (November). In a somewhat similar scenario as WRIT, Saga Communications’ WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” is down or flat the fourth time in a row for a -1.1 (8.4 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 7.6 – 7.3, 6+) yet progresses from third to second. In addition to being an overall -1.5 as a result of five straight reports without an increase (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.0 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.0, 6+), Entercom CHR WXSS “103.7 Kiss-FM” departs the top ten (#10 to #11). In four straight sweeps without an increase (5.4 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WKKV “V-100.7” has dropped three-tenths and slips from sixth to eighth.
Nashville
Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing its positive roll, Cumulus Media news/talk WWTN “Super Talk 99.7” is +1.7 as a result of six successive sweeps without a loss (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+) and progresses from #12 to #11. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia news/talk WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” is up one-half share through three consecutive improvements (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.9, unchanged at #17, 6+). This (1.9) is its best 6+-stat in more than four years (2.0, October 2015).
Four straight gains by Cumulus Media-owned sports talk WGFX (Tennessee Titans) resulted in a collective +2.4 (2.7 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 4.7 – 5.1, 6+), but “104.5 The Zone” is off one-tenth to 5.0 (eighth to ninth, 6+). Prior to June, the last time WGFX fell below a three-share (6+) was July 2017 (2.7, as well). After having nearly doubled August’s 6+ share in consecutive sweeps (.7 – 1.0 – 1.3, 6+), Cromwell Group-owned/similarly-formatted WPRT “102.5 The Game” (Predators) forfeits two-tenths to 1.1 (#19 to #20, 6+).
Following August/September’s combined +1.8 (5.1 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+), Nashville Public Radio’s WPLN-FM “NPR News and Classical Music” surrenders -1.5 in October/November (6.9 – 5.9 – 5.4, flat at #6, 6+).
Nashville Music Formats – Tacking on a hearty +.1.1 to October’s +.5 (4.5 – 5.0 – 6.1, 6+), Cumulus Media’s country-formatted WSM-FM “95.5 Nash Icon” vaults from ninth to fourth. Entering the October sweep, “Nash Icon” had lost an overall seven-tenths in four straight negative or neutral trends (5.2 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). Down or flat the fourth time in a row for a collective -1.0 (6.2 – 5.6 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WSIX remains in seventh-place. This comes immediately after “The Big 98 – Nashville’s #1 for New Country” was +2.7 in seven consecutive sweeps without a loss (3.5 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 6.2, 6+). WSIX reached the six-share level (July 2019, 6.2, 6+) for the first time since April 2017’s 6.1. As WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYM “WAY-FM” notches an increase of seven-tenths (#18 to #16, 6+), Educational Media Foundation’s similarly-formatted WLVU “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” falters by eight-tenths (#14 to #18). In three straight spikes, WAYM has more than doubled (+1.3) its 6+ AQH share (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 2.4, 6+). WLVU posted three improvements in a row for a collective +1.5 (2.0 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.5, 6+), but is now a combined -1.7 in October/November (3.5 – 2.6 – 1.8, 6+). Having lost approximately 47% (-2.1) of its 6+-share as a result of four down or flat moves in a row (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.2 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), Salem Media Group’s similarly formatted WFFH “The Fish” answers with a +.4 to 2.8 (#16 to #14, 6+). The just-concluded negative streak directly follows a collective +1.0 via four straight increases (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.5, 6+). Nashville Public Radio classical WFCL, which lost three-tenths through six consecutive down or (mostly) flat moves (1.0 – .9 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .7 – .7, 6+), improves by one-half share to 1.2 (6+) and enters the top twenty (#19). This is the fifth straight report without a loss by iHeartMedia CHR WRVW “107.5 The River” for a net gain of nine-tenths (5.3 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.2, fourth to third, 6+). An overall +2.1 in three successive spikes (6.8 – 8.0 – 8.1 – 8.9, 6+), Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK “96.3 Jack FM Playing What We Want” relinquishes roughly half that increase (7.8, -1.1, 6+) but repeats at #1. October marked the first time at #1 for Nashville’s version of “Jack” since April, when WCJK logged an 8.4 (6+). Co-owned adult contemporary WJXA “Mix 92.9 – Your Life, Your Music” is an overall -2.3 in four straight negative moves (9.8 – 9.5 – 9.2 – 7.6 – 7.5, 6+) and repeats at #2. Prior to October, “Mix” was on top five months in a row. This particular streak directly follows an overall +1.6 in three successive upticks (8.2 – 9.2 – 9.6 – 9.8, 6+). Eight recent (6+) WJXA fluctuations include: +1.9 (December 2018); +3.2 (“Holiday” 2018); -3.5 (January 2019); -1.3 (February); -.5 (March); -.6 (April); +1.0 (May); and -1.6 (October). WJXA’s “Holiday” 2018’s 14.1 is the highest 6+-share by any Nashville outlet since its 14.4 in “Holiday” 2017. Slipping from fourth to seventh, iHeartMedia’s WNRQ “105.9 The Rock” is an overall -2.6 in four consecutive decreases (7.8 – 7.6 – 6.5 – 6.2 – 5.2, 6+). The last time WNRQ fell below a six-share (6+) was just over two years ago (5.7, October 2017). Down seven-tenths each are its urban contemporary sibling WUBT “101.1 The Beat” (5.8, third to fifth, 6+) and Cumulus Media urban AC WQQK “92-Q” (#10 to #12). In three straight up or flat trends “The Beat” had gained nine-tenths (5.6 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 6.5, 6+). Meanwhile, “92-Q” is now a collective -1.5 in three drops in a row (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+), immediately after an overall +1.3 via four successive bumps (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.5, 6+). In August, “92-Q” reached the five-share level (6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (5.5, as well). Since returning in print this past July, Middle Tennessee State University alternative WMOT (down six-tenths in November) is trending: .8 – .9 – .8 – 1.0 – .4 (#24, 6+).
Providence
Spoken-Word Formats – A combined -.6 in September/October (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WPRO-AM “News Talk 630” picks up two-tenths in November to 3.0 (steady at #8, 6+). August’s increase of three-tenths suspended three consecutive down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.1, 6+). Following an approximately three-fourths reduction (-1.6) of its 6+-AQH share via eight straight down or flat moves (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.3 – .9 – .9 – .7 – .5, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned news/talk WHJJ “Providence’s News, Traffic, and Weather” ends the slide with a +.1 to .6 (unchanged at #19, 6+). Cumulus Media’s WPRV “AM 790 Talk & Business” has lost four-tenths as a result of six consecutive down or flat reports (.7 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .3 – .3, flat at #20, 6+).
Remaining at #7 is Entercom sports talker WVEI, which continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in February: 4.1- 3.6 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.1 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 (6+). July’s 3.1 is its lowest 6+-stat since March 2018’s 2.8.
Following five consecutive Providence ratings periods without an increase that led to a loss of four-tenths (1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston news – talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” doubles (+.9) its 6+ AQH share in October/November (.9 – 1.4 – 1.8 (#13 to #12, 6+).
Steady in ninth-place, WGBH Educational Foundation Boston news/talk WGBH is +1.1 in October/November (1.8 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+). In six consecutive sweeps without an increase (2.0 – 2.0 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+), WELH lost six-tenths but The Wheeler School’s news/talk outlet applies the brakes with a +.2 to 1.6 (flat at #13, 6+).
Providence Music Formats – Nine recent (6+) shifts for iHeartMedia-owned hot AC WSNE “Coast 93.3” include: -1.0 (Holiday” 2018); +.5 (March); +.5 (May); -.7 (June); +1.4 (July); -.5 (August); +.5 (September); -.6
(October); and +.6 in November (5.1 – 5.7, steady at #6, 6+). Prior to June’s loss of seven-tenths, WSNE was a collective +1.2 in three consecutive improvements (3.8 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+). Notwithstanding that it has lost six-tenths in October/November (9.3 – 9.2 – 8.7, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WHJY “94 HJY Providence’s Home of Rock & Roll” is #1 the third month in succession. After occupying the lead position three months in a row, WHJY shifted to the runner-up slot in August; “94 HJY” was +.7 in September. A combined -1.6 in July/August (10.2 – 9.8 – 8.6, 6+), WHJY lost nine-tenths in April, forcing it from the penthouse after three straight months there. The decline halted four consecutive positive or flat moves that netted a +2.0 (8.5 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 10.5, 6+). While it is unchanged in third-place, Hall Broadcasting country WCTK “Cat Country 98.1” is an overall -1.5 in three consecutive down or flat reports (9.3 – 8.3 – 7.8 – 7.8, 6+). Entering the September sweep, “Cat Country 98.1” was a collective +1.7 in three straight spikes (7.6 – 8.5 – 8.6 – 9.3, 6+), with August’s 9.3 (#1, 6+) representing its highest 6+-share since 10.1 in July 2018. Following three successive up or flat moves that resulted in a net gain of three-tenths (1.2 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia Boston rhythmic CHR WJMN “JAM’N 94.5” drops one-tenth to 1.4 (#12 to #14, 6+). Unlisted the fifth month in a row are Red Wolf Broadcasting Spanish tropical WKKB “Latina 100.3,” which posted a 1.2 in June (#16, 6+) and classic hits-oldies sibling WSKP “Good Times … Great Oldies” (.8, #19, June 2019, 6+).
Norfolk
Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of four consecutive up or flat moves, Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” has nearly doubled (+1.0) its 6+-stat (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.8 – 2.2 – 2.2, #12 to #11, 6+).
Norfolk Music Formats – Boasting the largest (6+) October 2019 – November 2019 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets shown here is Saga Communications-owned WAFX “106.9 The Fox – Hampton Roads’ Classic Rock” (+1.6, fourth to second, 6+). This (7.3) is the highest 6+-stat since June’s 8.2 for “The Fox,” which is a combined +2.1 in October/November (5.2 – 5.7 – 7.3, 6+). WAFX was -3.0 in three decreases in a row (8.2 – 7.0 – 6.6 – 5.2, 6+). Prior to September’s 5.2, “The Fox” last fell below a six-share (6+) in December 2018 (5.5). Following three setbacks in succession that accounted for a -1.2 (4.0 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.8, 6+), Entercom hot AC WPTE “94.9 The Point” erases nearly half the deficit with a +.5 to 3.3 (steady at #9, 6+). After tacking on six-tenths to September’s +2.3 (9.1 – 11.4 – 12.0, 6+), Entercom urban AC WVKL “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” loses three-tenths (11.7, 6+) but is #1 the 11th consecutive month. A combined -2.3 in July/August (11.4 – 10.0 – 9.1, 6+), WVKL last failed to log double-digits (6+) in January 2014 (9.8). “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” had been the market pacesetter 25 successive survey periods before segueing to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2018. Its August 2018 15.5 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. A combined +.6 in July/August (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.0, 6+); off one-tenth in September; up two-tenths in October; and now faltering by -.8 in November (5.1 – 4.3, 6+), adult contemporary cluster-mate WWDE “101.3 2WD” slips from fifth to sixth. Conversely, Max Broadcast Group’s similarly-formatted WVBW “92.9 The Wave” nets a +1.7 via four consecutive reports without a loss (3.4 – 4.2 – 4.8 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+) and carries on in fifth-place. Trending 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 2.4 (July through October, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WNOH “Alt 105.3” sputters by six-tenths to 1.8 (#11 to #12, 6+). Continuing in the runner-up slot, urban contemporary sibling WOWI “103 Jamz” is in an alternating July 2019 through November 2019 up/down pattern (8.0 – 8.3 – 7.5 – 7.8 – 7.3, 6+). A combined -1.9 in October/November (9.1 – 7.5 – 7.2, 6+), immediately after being +3.2 via six consecutive positive or neutral reports (5.9 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 8.9 – 9.1, 6+), Saga Communications’ WNOR “FM 99 Rocks” falls from third to fourth. September’s 9.1 marked the first time in the PPM-era that WNOR appeared in print with a 6+-share reaching the nine-share level (6+). The June 2019 through November 2019 topline for iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WHBT “92.1 The Beat” is: 1.6 – 1.8 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.8 (#13 to #12, 6+). Having witnessed its 6+ AQH share erode by two-thirds (-.7) through six successive down or flat trends (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4, 6+), rhythmic hot AC cluster-mate WMOV “MOViN’ 107.7” slips from #14 to #15.
Jacksonville
Spoken-Word Formats – While it is #1 the fifth month in a row, Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” falters by another three-tenths on the heels of October’s -1.0 (10.4 – 9.4 – 9.1, 6+).
Four straight gains since June by iHeartMedia sports talk WFXJ “930 The Game – Jacksonville’s Sports Leader” have more than quintupled (+.9) its 6+ AQH (.2 – .5 – .7 – .9 – 1.1, #18 to #17, 6+). August’s +.3 halted nine consecutive sweeps without an increase that accounted for a net loss of 75% (-.6) of its 6+-stat (.8 – .7 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .3 – .3 -.3 – .2 – .2, 6+).
Up eight-tenths in three spikes in succession (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.2 – 3.6, 6+), public radio news/talk WJCT is unchanged at #11. This directly follows five consecutive down or flat trends that resulted in a loss of nine-tenths (3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.8, 6+).
Jacksonville Music Formats – At the same time that Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ gains seven-tenths (steady in second-place), Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WEZI “Easy 102.9” falters by six-tenths (fifth to seventh). WEJZ is a combined +.7 in October/November (7.4 – 7.4 – 8.1, 6+) and logs its best 6+-stat (8.1) since April (8.3); “Easy” is an overall -1.7 in its third drop in a row (6.9 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+) with its lowest 6+-showing (5.2) since May (5.1). Without a loss the fourth successive report for a +1.0 (4.6 – 4.7 – 4.7 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WSOL “V-101.5” advances from sixth to fifth with its best 6+-stat (5.6) since May’s 5.7. Following three successive downturns for an overall –1.6 (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.0, 6+), urban contemporary sibling WJBT “93.3 The Beat” pulls the plug with a +.3 to 5.3 (eighth to sixth, 6+). Cox Media Group urban AC WOKV-HD2, which was off three-tenths in September/October (1.9 – 1.9 – 1.6, 6+), improves by one-half share to 2.1 (steady at #16, 6+). Repeating in fourth-place, iHeartMedia-owned WQIK “99.1 Jacksonville’s Country” is a collective +1.3 in three straight upticks (5.4 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.7, 6+). In four successive up or flat moves, co-owned gospel WKSL-HD3 was +2.2 (2.3 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 4.5 – 4.5, 6+) but it forfeits seven-tenths to 3.8 (ninth to tenth, 6+). Without an increase the fifth consecutive ratings period for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.6 – 3.4 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+), cluster-mate WWJK “107.3 Planet Radio – Jacksonville’s Rock Station” dips from #12 to #13. Cox Media Group CHR WAPE “Jacksonville’s #1 Hit Music Station” is an overall -1.4 as a result of four down or flat moves in a row (6.6 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.2, 6+) and continues in seventh-place. Co-owned alternative WXXJ “X-10.5” is off one-half share in four sweeps without an increase (2.9 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.4, flat at #14, 6+). Its internet stream, which was negative or neutral the past six reports for a net loss of two-tenths (.3 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+), disappears from print.
West Palm Beach
Spoken-Word Formats – Trending 4.0 – 3.8 – 4.0 (August – September – October, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WJNO “1290 The Palm Beaches’ News & Talk” drops three-tenths to 3.7 (fifth to sixth, 6+). Prior to September, WJNO was an overall +2.0 in six successive sweeps without a loss (2.0 – 2.3 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.0, 6+). Co-owned news/talk WZZR “Real Radio 94.3 – Real Talk For The Palm Beaches” adds one-tenth to October’s +.4 (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.5, #10 to #9, 6+). August’s gain of two-tenths curtailed three straight down or flat sweeps that accounted for a loss of four-tenths (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.0 – 1.9, 6+). Recapturing one-third of October’s -.9 (1.8 – 2.1, +.3, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WFTL “News Talk 850” progresses from #14 to #13. October’s decrease interrupted four straight gains that netted a +1.0 (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.4 – 2.6 – 2.7, 6+). Slipping from #21 to #22, iHeartMedia Miami news/talk WIOD “610 News Radio” is trending 1.0 – .7 – .8 – .7 (6+).
After doubling (+.3) its 6+ share in three straight sweeps without a loss (.3 – .3 – .4 – .6, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WMEN “Fox Sports 640 AM South Florida” drops one-tenth in back-to-back reports (.6 – .5 – .4, #22 to #24, 6+). A “no-show” 15 sweeps in a row, iHeartMedia-owned sports talk WBZT “1230 The Zone” resurfaced in October with a .1 (6+) and repeats that .1 (6+) in November.
Down eight-tenths in October/November (3.0 – 2.8 – 2.2, 6+), Dade County School Board news/talk WLRN exits the top ten (#9 to #11).
West Palm Beach Music Formats – Each of this Florida market’s top five finishers has an October 2019 – November 2019 shift of at least one-half share. On the positive side, the three most recent shifts by Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIRK “New Country 103.1” are -.5 (September); +.9 (October); and now +1.5 in November (3.6 – 3.1 – 4.0 – 5.5, fifth to fourth, 6+). The last time “New Country “ crossed the five-share threshold (6+) was in August 2018 (5.1). Adult contemporary cluster-mate WEAT-FM “Sunny 107.9” adds a +1.0 to October’s two-tenths (4.4 – 4.6 – 5.6, 6+) and repeats at #3. WEAT was a -2.2 in August/September (6.6 – 5.1 – 4.4, 6+). Prior to September, the last time “Sunny” fell below a five-share (6+) was in October 2018 (4.6). When WEAT gained one-tenth in July, it halted three straight decreases that accounted for an overall -1.7 (8.2 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.5, 6+). Even though iHeartMedia-owned/similarly-formatted WOLL remains in the runner-up slot, “Today’s Kool 105.5” is an overall -1.6 (including November’s -1.0) in three drops in a row (7.4 – 6.9 – 6.8 – 5.8, 6+). WOLL was -.8 in July (7.2 – 6.4, 6+) and +1.0 in August to 7.4, the best 6+-showing for “Kool” since July 2016’s 7.5. Notwithstanding that Hubbard Broadcasting-owned urban AC WMBX is up one-half share; is a combined +.8 in October/November (4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0, 6+); and has its best 6+-stat since May (5.0, as well), “102.3 The X” backslides from fourth to fifth. WAY Media contemporary Christian WAYF “WAY-FM” notches its fourth straight up or flat report for a net one-half share increase (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.2, #12 to #11, 6+). Owing to four spikes in a row, Moody Bible Institute gospel WRMB “89.3 Moody Radio” nearly triples (+1.3) its 6+-figure (.7 – .8 – 1.3 – 1.4 – 2.0, #16 to #15 , 6+). With a .8 (6+), Glades Media regional Mexican WLLY “99.5 La Ley” pops on at #21. After being an overall +1.4 via three straight gains (7.8 – 8.3 – 8.5 – 9.2, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WRMF surrenders six-tenths to 8.6 (6+) but is #1 the 11th time in a row. Directly prior to the just-concluded positive streak, “Variety from the 90s and Now” was -3.4 via four consecutive decreases (11.2 – 9.0 – 8.8 – 8.2 – 7.8, 6+). Whereas 7.8 (July) is WRMF’s lowest 6+-share and first time below an eight-share (6+) since “Holiday” 2016 (7.7), 11.2 (March) is its best 6+-showing since November 2017 (11.2, as well). Flat at #10, iHeartMedia Spanish contemporary WRLX “Mia 92.1” is a cumulative -1.3 through four down or flat sweeps in a row (3.7 – 3.7 – 2.7 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+). Although co-owned urban contemporary WMIB picks up two-tenths to 1.7 (6+), thus snapping at four its consecutive string of down or flat moves that accounted for a loss of seven-tenths (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), “103.5 The Beat” backslides from #15 to #16.
Greensboro
Spoken-Word Formats – The five most recent shifts by iHeartMedia news/talk WPTI “94.5 Your News, Talk, & Sports Station” are +.6 (July); +.5 (August); -1.3 (September); +.6 (October); and now -.5 in November (3.6 – 3.1, tenth to ninth, 6+).
Flat at #15, Curtis Media Group sports talk WSJS “Triad Sports” returns October’s gain of one-tenth (.8 – .9 – .8, 6+).
Up two-tenths (2.1 – 2.3, 6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD “88.5 Public Radio for the Piedmont” is frozen at #13 the 19th consecutive ratings period. After more than tripling (+1.2) its 6+ AQH-share in six consecutive reports without a loss (.5 – .8 – .8 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.7 – 1.7, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC falters by one-half share to 1.2 (flat at #14, 6+).
Greensboro Music Formats – A combined +1.2 in October/November (6.3 – 6.4 – 7.5, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG jumps from fifth to third. On top in March, June, August, September, October, and November, Entercom adult hits WSMW is an overall +3.1 as a result of four positive or neutral reports in a row (8.8 – 9.5 – 10.9 – 10.9 – 11.9, 6+). Moreover, “98.7 Simon Says We Play Everything” reaches the eleven-share level (11.9) for the first time since February 2018’s 11.4. Among its 2019 (6+) fluctuations are: +.9 (January); -.6 (February); +.9 (March); -1.6 (April); +1.1 (May); +.5 (June); -1.0 (July); +.7 (August); +1.4 (September); and +1.0 (November). Steady at #2, urban AC cluster-mate WQMG “97.1 QMG The Best R&B and Old School” is a combined +2.1 in October/November (8.9 – 10.3 – 11.0, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat (11.0) in exactly one year (11.4, November 2018). Dick Broadcasting CHR WKZL “107.5 KZL The #1 Hit Music Station” roars back from October’s -.9 with a November +.9 (6.0 – 5.1 – 6.0, eighth to sixth, 6+). October’s loss suspended three straight up or flat trends that (fittingly) netted nine-tenths (5.1 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.0, 6+). September and November’s 6.0 is its best 6+-stat since January’s 6.3. Its format rival, iHeartMedia-owned WMKS “100.3 Kiss-FM All the Hits,” erodes by -1.3 to 2.7 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). “Kiss,” which was +1.1 in September/October (2.9 – 3.1 – 4.0, 6+), reached the four-share level (4.0, October, 6+) for the first time since April (4.6). WKZL has prevailed over WMKS in all 11 head-to-head battles this year; the closest was in April when WKZL beat “Kiss” by six-tenths (5.2 to 4.6, 6+). Five straight spikes by WVBZ “105.7 – Man Up” yielded a +2.3 (2.5 – 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+) but the iHeartMedia-owned rocker is now a combined -2.0 in three consecutive setbacks (4.8 – 4.0 – 3.5 – 2.8, #11 to #10, 6+). In June, WVBZ reached the four-share level (4.1, 6+) for the first time since November 2018’s 4.0. Off one-half share, Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” is in an August-September-October-November down/up/down pattern (3.1 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 2.4, flat at #12, 6+). The market’s two country FMs were deadlocked at #6 in October. Both outlets notch November gains yet must settle for backward moves. Specifically, iHeartMedia-owned WTQR “Q-104.1 – #1 for New Country” is up four-tenths to 5.6 (sixth to seventh, 6+) and Entercom’s WPAW “93.1 The Wolf” improves by three-tenths to 5.5 (sixth to eighth, 6+). WTQR was -.7 in October and WPAW was -1.6. Up six-tenths in August, WTQR had a May through September topline of: 5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.9 – 5.9 (6+). In three straight sweeps without an increase, “Q-104.1” was a cumulative -1.0 (6.0 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), but erased 70% of that deficit in May with a +.7 to 5.7 (6+). In September, “The Wolf” replicated August’s +.8 and posted its best 6+-stat (6.8) since October 2017’s 7.1. August/September’s +1.6 came directly after WPAW was down or flat three reports in a row for an overall loss of one-half share (5.7 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.2, 6+). Over the course of the last 19 sweeps (June 2018 through November 2019), WTQR has triumphed over WPAW 11 times (June 2018, July, August, September, October, November, “Holiday” 2018, January 2019, May, July, and November); WPAW has come out on top six times (December 2018, February 2019, March, April, August, and September; and there have been two ties (June 2019 and October 2019).
Tags: Mike Kinosian, Nielsen Audio, PPM, ratings, survey, TALKERS
Category: Ratings Takeaways