Tuesday, August 13, 2019
“America Works” Among ABC Radio Labor Day Specials. Three, three-hour specials will be provided to ABC Radio affiliates for use over Labor Day weekend: “America Works,” “Labor Day Rock Rewind,” and “Raised on ‘90s Country Salute.” In “America Works,” ABC News Radio correspondent Aaron Katersky highlights important volunteerism people around the country who are participating in what transforms neighborhoods into vibrant communities. The program focuses on – among others – volunteer police officers, hospital visitors, and dog rescuers. Hosted by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, “Labor Day Rock Rewind” celebrates 50 years of ZZ Top and features rock albums of 1969, 1979, and 1989 by artists such as Aerosmith, Beatles, Pat Benatar, Phil Collins, Eagles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. Paying tribute to country music of the 1990s, Chris Young-hosted “Raised on ‘90s Country Salute” features songs inspired by the decade and insights on 90s hits. Country stars Maren Morris, Old Dominion, and Thomas Rhett share their favorite ‘90s country songs.
Our Sources Say NY Post To Debut A “Page Six” Podcast.Editors of The New York Post’s fabled “Page Six” gossip column, Maggie Coughlan and Ian Mohr, will host Sources Say: A Page Six Podcast; AdLarge Media digital audio business cabana is its exclusive ad sales partner. This will be the newspaper’s first attempt at podcasting, although more titles are said to be forthcoming. New York Post publisher and chief executive officer Sean Giancola states that with the introduction of “Sources Say,” the paper, “enters the podcast space with one of the most popular brands in our portfolio. ‘Page Six’ fans can now hear insider gossip and news on our podcast straight from our editors. Cabana’s demonstrated ability to generate revenue and help its content partners launch and grow podcasts made them the best choice for our ad sales partner. We look forward to working with the cabana team.” AdLarge Media and cabana co-founder/co-chief executive officer Cathy Csukas notes, “The New York Post and ‘Page Six’ are iconic media brands. We at cabana are excited to be a part of their entrée into podcasting. This is the kind of in-demand content that our podcast advertisers are asking for. As our relationship with the NY Post expands, we will have more highly-engaging podcasts to offer our advertisers.” The ‘Page Six’ section generates a large percentage of the 75 million unique monthly visitors to The New York Post’s digital network. Founded in 1801, The Post is the oldest continuously-published daily newspaper in the United States. PageSix.com and “Page Six Style” editorial director Maggie Coughlan joined “Page Six” in 2014. “Page Six” deputy editor Ian Mohr previously was New York bureau chief of The Hollywood Reporter and box office editor/film reporter for Variety.
TALKERS News Notes. The newest addition to Comrex’s Access IP audio codec line, Access NX Rack, is now shipping. The Comrex Access rackmount was released in 2005 and is being updated to incorporate technical advances from the last decade. Access NX Rack includes AES3 or analog audio I/O, along with AES67 compatibility. AES67 tested to be compatible with all major AoIP systems and features an entirely new hardware platform. Access NX Rack can connect to Wi-fi and 4G modems, and supports a wide arrange of connection protocols and audio encoders. It’s driven via an HTML5-based web user interface. Access NX Rack is compatible with all Comrex IP audio codecs as well as the Comrex FieldTap smartphone app and is built around Comrex CrossLock technology. Included is HotSwap, allowing users to designate a wireless network as a backup that will only engage when the primary network has failed ….. Yesterday (Monday, 8/12) marked the two-year anniversary of the “Unite the Right” white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Even though more than 800 state and local law enforcement officers spent months preparing for the event, it not only turned violent, a counter-protestor (Heather Heyer) was killed. In noting the second anniversary of what has simply been referred to as “Charlottesville,” CBS-TV’s “CBS This Morning” hosted a round table discussion. Among those participating were Monticello Media Charlottesville news/talk WCHV “C-Ville 107.5 & 1260 News-Talk-Sports” program director/morning drive (5:00 am – 9:00 am) host Joe Thomas; “How To Be Antiracist” author professor Ibram Kendi; faith leaders; community activists; and the city’s police chief.
Music Radio News and Career Moves. Los Angeles rhythmic CHR KPWR “Power 106” and co-owned KDAY “93.5 Hip-Hop Back in the Day” six-month interim program director Emmanuel “E-Man” Coquia is elevated to Meruelo Media’s director of programming/content. He will oversee programming and music content for those two stations, as well as initial stages of Latin rhythmic cluster-mate KLLI “Cali 93.9.” Meruelo Media president/chief operating officer Otto Padron declares, “After an exhaustive nationwide search that attracted some of the most talented program directors in America, the choice was clear that ‘E-Man’ is our-man. ‘E-Man’ had a sensible plan and a vision that aligned perfectly with our goals to disrupt the industry with new hyper-local Los Angeles content. Above all, he had boundless confidence strengthened by a time-built arsenal of industry respect from the labels, artist, management, colleagues, and fellow Meruelo Media team members.” Coquia notes, “I am truly excited to continue to lead the incredible winning teams at our two iconic hip-hop radio stations in Los Angeles. I am also enjoying every minute assembling and developing the new ‘Cali 93.9’ team. To be a part of three major radio stations in Los Angeles that play hip-hop – current, classic, & Latin hip-hop/Reggaeton – is a very dope feeling, especially as a fan of these music genres.” Meruelo Media’s other Los Angeles property is newly-acquired (from Cumulus Media) rocker KLOS ….. Co-creator, co-executive producer, writer, lead on Amazon Prime and Apple TV’s “The Jamz,” Chris Petlak, is appointed director of digital content/night personality at Hubbard Radio Chicago hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix.” Hubbard Chicago vice president/market manager Jeff England comments, “It is sort of a homecoming for Chris. Back in 2011, he served as our first social media manager as well as a contributor to ‘Eric in the Morning.’ Chris will complement our already incredibly strong on-air lineup, and bring with him a wealth of digital and entertainment experience to help drive both the quantity and quality of our episodic digital content creation.” Petlak adds, “Returning home to join ‘The Mix’ and work for Hubbard Radio Chicago is an honor. I couldn’t be more excited to work with the entire team at a station with such a strong Chicago legacy.” Musician and standup comedian Petlak co-hosts the “Not From Here” podcast ….. Rebranding KRBQ “The Bay’s Old School” as “The New Q-102.1 – The Bay’s Old School,” the Entercom San Francisco outlet is “providing the Bay Area with expertly curated gold-based rhythmic classic hits.” KRBQ will include airing mass-appeal titles from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Entercom San Francisco senior vice president/market manager Gregory Nemitz remarks “Q-102” has “already built a great audience. They have been telling us to play more of the familiar, rhythmic hits. With the relaunch of ‘The New Q-102.1,” a Bay Area station is finally playing more of the classics we all know and love.” Programming updates are forthcoming. Among persons 6+ in Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 report for San Francisco, rhythmic hot AC KRBQ is tied for #19 (2.1). In San Jose, it is up or flat the third straight time for a two-tenths increase (1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9, 6+) and ranks #19, as well ….. XTRA-FM “91-X” morning host John Moug (“The Moug Show”) exits the Local Media of San Diego-programmed alternative outlet. The program debuted approximately 18 months ago; co-host “Danielle” continues on “91-X” in the 5:00 am – 10:00 am slot ….. One-year KYSR “Alt 98.7” mid-day (10:00 am – 3:00 pm) talent Tamo Sein exits the iHeartMedia Los Angeles alternative outlet. She previously worked at similarly-formatted stations in Charlotte (WEND “106.5 The End”); Austin (KROX “101-X”): Norfolk (WROX “96-X”); and Richmond (WRXL “XL-102”). Taking Samo’s place until further notice is Hudson Hott, who does “Alt 98.7” Saturday and Sunday PM drive ….. Canadian-born Lucky Pierre, whose Los Angeles radio career spanned more than 35 (non-consecutive) years, has died. Included in his Los Angeles on-air tenure were stops at legendary KHJ in the early-1960s; roughly six years at KGFJ (whose personalities over the years included Hunter Hancock, Larry McCormick, Johnny Magnus, and Frankie Crocker); and a ten-year stint at a station he programmed and transitioned to dance, KUTE. It’s believed Lucky Pierre did his last greater Los Angeles on-air work in the late-1990s at suburban KACD (Santa Monica) & KBCD (Newport Beach), known then as “Groove Radio 103.1.”
Upstate Radiothon Raises $200,945. In the 12th annual radiothon for Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System (GHS), seven Entercom Greenville-Spartanburg stations (“Greenville Upstate”) raised $200,945. The radiothon aired last Thursday (8/8) and Friday (8/9) from 6:00 am – 7:00 pm . Donations help sustain programs/services that support children and families during a hospital stay. Entercom Upstate director of sales Devon van der Merwe comments, “This radiothon is a signature event for giving back by the Upstate community. It is such a labor of love for the entire Entercom family. For two days, the airwaves were filled with stories of hope and support. Entercom Upstate always looks forward to going the extra mile when it comes to supporting and aiding Prisma Health–Upstate. We have a passion for our loyal listeners and community and none are more special than the families at Children’s Hospital. Being able to give back is what makes our radio brands, our sponsors, and personalities so powerful.” GHS Children’s Hospital serves all of upstate South Carolina, western North Carolina, and eastern Georgia. Money raised during the radiothon impacts more than 400,000 patients and families each year. Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate medical director Robin LaCroix, MD notes that, “Hospital stays can be intimidating emotional experiences for children and parents. Funds we receive from this radiothon are critical to ensuring that we can provide families with support and resources they need while they are in our care. Prisma Health and Entercom come together each year to make a difference in the lives of so many families in our region. We are so thankful to the community and especially to Entercom Upstate listeners for their continued support.” In addition to news/talk WYRD “106.3 WORD – The Upstate’s Talk Station,” and sports talk WORD-AM “ESPN Upstate,” the Entercom Greenville cluster consists of adult contemporary WSPA-FM “Magic 98.9,” CHR WFBC-FM “B-93.7 – #1 For Hit Music,” WROQ “Classic Rock 101.1,” WTPT “93.3 Planet Rocks,” and WFBC-HD2 “96.3 The Block.”
July 2019 PPM Data. Information for the July 2019 ratings period has been released for Charlotte, St. Louis, and Riverside. Nielsen Audio’s July 2019 survey period covered June 20 – July 17. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from these three markets.
Charlotte
Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of June’s +1.2 (3.2 – 4.4, 6+), Entercom news/talk WBT surrenders 75% of that bounty (3.5, -.9, 6+) but repeats at #12. June’s huge increase precisely wiped away the overall -1.2 WBT lost in three straight declines (4.4 – 4.3 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+).
While flat at 1.3 (6+), co-owned WFNZ “The Fan – Charlotte’s Sports Leader” bumps up from #19 to #18.
Thus far this calendar year, University Radio Foundation news/talk WFAE has remained in two-share range (6+) in all seven sweeps: 2.7 – 2.9 – 2.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.4 (#15 to #14, 6+). For the fourth time in the last five survey periods, South Carolina Educational Television Commission news/talk WNSC notches a .3 (.3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3, #22 to #21, 6+).
Charlotte Music Formats – Six of Charlotte’s top seven July 2019 finishers post a month-to-month fluctuation of at least one-half share. Topping that list is Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WOSF, which not only flaunts a +1.4 (5.4 – 6.8, 6+), “105.3 RnB” vaults from sixth to first. A one-tenth June loss halted three straight gains that yielded eight-tenths (4.7 – 4.9 – 5.1 – 5.5, 6+). The last time “105.3 RnB” reached the six-share threshold (6+) was in “Holiday” 2016 (6.2). Dislodged from the top spot and slipping to a second-place tie is iHeartMedia adult hits WLKO (7.1 – 6.6, 6+). Recent shifts for “102.9 The Lake” include -1.2 (“Holiday” 2018); +1.1 (January 2019); -1.4 (February); +.5 (March); -.5 (April); +.8 (May); and -.5 (July). In advance of “Holiday” 2018’s -1.2, WLKO enjoyed eight straight months without a loss for a +3.7 (4.1 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.2 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 6.4 – 7.1 – 7.8, 6+). By chalking up a full-share improvement to 6.4 (sixth to fourth, 6+), co-owned WRFX “99.7 The Fox Charlotte’s Classic Rock” suspends four successive sweeps without an increase that resulted in a decrease of seven-tenths (6.1 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.4, 6+). This is the best 6+-stat for “The Fox” since September 2018 (6.4, as well). Steady in fifth-place, Beasley Media Group urban AC WBAV “V-101.9” adds one-half share, matching the 6.2 (6+) it logged in March. A combined -1.5 in June/July (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.0, 6+), cluster-mate WSOC “103.7 Country’s Hottest Hits” slumps from second to sixth. Prior to segueing to #2 in June, WSOC was on top the previous four months. A May improvement of eight-tenths delivered WSOC its strongest 6+-stat since November 2018 (7.5, as well). Its format rival, iHeartMedia’s WKKT “96.9 The Kat – Charlotte’s #1 for New Country,” is +1.3 in five successive positive or neutral moves (5.3 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.6, 6+) and advances from #3 to a tie at #2. Prior to logging a +1.2 in January, WKKT was -2.3 in December and “Holiday” 2018 (6.7 – 5.8 – 4.4, 6+). Radio One gospel WPZS “Praise 100.9 Charlotte’s Inspiration Station” is up four-tenths to 2.4 (#16 to #14, 6+), thus curtailing four consecutive down or flat trends that accounted for a -1.4 (3.4 – 2.9 – 2.8 – 2.4 – 2.0, 6+). Back-to-back losses by iHeartMedia CHR WHQC account for a full-share decrease (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.0, 6+) as “Hits 96.1” exits the top ten (#9 to #11) with its lowest 6+-showing (4.0) since November 2018’s 3.4. Beasley Media Group adult contemporary operation with similar call letters – WKQC “K-10.7 More Music/Better Variety” – follows June’s increase of nine-tenths with a July loss of one-half share (4.8 – 5.7 – 5.2, fourth to seventh, 6+). June’s 5.7 was its best 6+-performance since “Holiday” 2018’s 12.9 (#1). Off a collective full-share in three setbacks in succession (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.8 – 2.7, 6+), iHeartMedia alternative WEND “106.5 The End” remains at #13. A combined -1.2 in April/May (3.3 – 2.6 – 2.1, 6+), Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian WRCM recorded a one-half share increase in June (2.6, #14, 6+) but “Positive & Encouraging K-Love” vanishes from print in July. Elsewhere in the contemporary Christian arena, Radio Training Network’s WLFJ “HIS Radio” nearly quadruples (+.8) its 6+ AQH share in four straight positive or neutral reports .3 – .7 – .8 – 1.1 (#20 to #19), while iHeartMedia’s similarly-formatted WRFX-HD 2 nets one-half share via six straight sweeps without a loss (.1 – .1 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .5 – .6, 6+) and enters the top twenty at #20.
St. Louis
Spoken-Word Formats – In three setbacks in a row (7.3 – 6.6 – 6.2 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom news/talk KMOX is a cumulative -2.1, meaning April’s whopping +2.2 by the flagship of the Cardinals has virtually disappeared. Moreover, “The Voice of St. Louis” drifts from second to seventh. Anchored at #18, co-owned KFTK “FM News Talk 97.1” is playing a game of April 2019 through July 2019 ping pong (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.3, 6+).
In three straight spikes (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.4 – 3.7, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting sports talk WXOS netted six-tenths but “101 Sports” has that all erased with a July loss of that magnitude (3.7 – 3.1, -.6, #15 to #17, 6+). Effective later this year, WXOS takes over from KMOX as flagship of the NHL’s Blues.
Progressing from #16 to #15, University of Missouri news/talk KWMU has a March 2019 through July 2019 topline of 3.7 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 3.7 (6+).
St. Louis Music Formats – The three most recent shifts by Hubbard Broadcasting’s KPNT are +.6 (May); -.6 (June); and +.7 in July (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 6.7, 6+), as “105.7 The Point – Everything Alternative” inches up from third to second. Improving by seven-tenths in July as well and marching from ninth to fifth is its adult hits sibling WARH “106.5 The Arch,” which is up a full-share in June/July (4.7 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+). Still in that Hubbard Broadcasting cluster, this marks the third month in a row at #1 for KSHE, which has its best 6+-stat (8.7) since March’s 8.9. The nine most recent shifts for “95 Real Rock Radio” are: +.5 (December); -.7 (Holiday” 2018); +2.0 (January 2019); -.5 (February); +1.3 (March); -1.6 (April); +.1 (May); +.9 (June); and +.4 (July). KSHE was tied with iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLOU for February’s top spot. In March, KSHE took sole possession of first-place but had to share the lead again the following month; on that occasion, it was with Entercom news/talk KMOX. “Real Rock Radio” has had sole possession of the top spot in May, June, and July. Unchanged at #19, iHeartMedia-owned KLLT “Alt 104.9” nets two-tenths in seven straight sweeps without a loss, (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+). The alternating (6+) December 2018 through July 2019 down/up pattern for Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIL ironically has “New Country 92.3” right where it was eight reports ago: 6.1 – 5.8 – 6.0 – 5.4 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 6.6 – 5.8 – 6.1(6+); WIL progresses from sixth in June to third. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s KSD “93.7 The Bull – #1 For New Country” regressed by seven-tenths in May; improved by one-half share in June; and now drops two-tenths (4.7 – 4.5, 6+) and carries on at #10. There’s virtually no June 2019 – July 2019 movement regarding the market’s two CHRs as KSD sibling, KSLZ “Z-107.7,” repeats June’s 4.0 (#12 to #13, 6+), while Entercom’s KNOU “Now 96.3” drops one-tenth (3.9 – 3.8, flat at #14, 6+). An overall -2.2 as a result of three successive setbacks (7.2 – 6.7 – 6.0 – 5.0, 6+), Gateway Creative Broadcasting contemporary Christian KLJY “99.1 Joy FM” fades from third to ninth. Not only does a loss of six-tenths to 4.1 (6+) send Radio One urban contemporary WHHL “Hot 104.1” out of the top ten (#10 to #12), it interrupts three successive bumps that accounted for a +1.0 (3.7 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 4.7, 6+).
Riverside
Spoken-Word Formats – Following seven consecutive sweeps without an increase (.4 – .2 – .2 -.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, #23, 6+), iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is unlisted for the third ratings period in a row.
The November 2018 through July 2019 topline for co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is: .2 – .2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .1 – .2 – .1 – .1 (#21 to #20, 6+). For the 19th straight sweep, similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” is unlisted.
This is the fourth report in a row that San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR is below a one-share (.8 – .4 – .6 – .5, #17 to #14, 6+). In a repetitive April 2019 through July 2019 pattern (.1 – .3 – .1 – .3, 6+), Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is back in the top twenty (#21 to #16).
Riverside Music Formats – Powered by a robust +1.2 (3.2 – 4.4, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” leaps from sixth to fourth with its strongest 6+-stat (4.4) in exactly one year (4.9, July 2018). An overall -4.3 in seven straight declines (10.5 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.4 – 7.0 – 6.4 – 6.2, 6+), Entravision’s KLYY pulls the plug by notching a one-half share increase to 6.7 (6+); “Jose” is #2 for the fourth straight time. In advance of the April ratings period, “Jose” occupied the #1 spot 11 sweeps in succession. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when KLYY recorded a 10.4. “Jose” is now nine-tenths behind Anaheim Broadcasting classic hits-oldies outlet KOLA, which is #1 the fourth month in a row, but forfeits a full-share to 7.6 (6+). July’s decrease halts three straight upticks that yielded a combined +1.8 (6.8 – 7.2 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to May, the last time KOLA reached the eight-share level (6+) was February 2018 (8.4). KOLA finished second in 11 successive survey periods and went to #1 in April. In the Univision Radio cluster, Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-Love” is a collective -1.1 in three down or flat trends in a row (4.6 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 3.5, fourth to fifth, 6+), while regional Mexican sibling KSCA “LA 101.9” has lost six-tenths in June/July (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+) but carries on in eighth-place. Immediately following three successive improvements that yielded a collective +1.6 (2.1 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.7, 6+), LC Media urban-rhythmic oldies KQIE “Old School 104.7” is a combined -1.4 via four downturns in a row (3.7 – 3.4 – 2.7 – 2.6 – 2.3, flat at #9, 6+). Two Educational Media Foundation contemporary Christian outlets disappear from print in July: KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+).
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