NYC Radio: Francesa Narrowly Wins The Battle of Sports Mikes

WFAN's Mike Francesa

Mike Francesa of WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM  edged Michael Kay of WEPN 98.7 FM ESPN New York in the quarterly autumn ratings book, averaging 5.9 percent of the over-the-air audience among men ages 25-54 to Kay’s 5.8, according to Newsday citing data Nielsen Audio reported on Wednesday.

The two shows ranked second and third overall in the market in that key, advertiser-friendly demographic, behind only a Spanish-language music station, WSKQ-FM, for the period Sept. 13 through Dec. 5.

Kay never has beaten Francesa for a full book, but he has narrowed the ratings gap through the years, and consistently is the highest-rated show on his station.

Emmis' ESPN tends to do better at the younger end of the ratings range, and Entercom's WFAN wins among older listeners, including those over 55. But the 25-54 demo is how the stations measure themselves, and sell advertising time.

The ratings race in afternoon drive time was reignited by Francesa’s return to WFAN on May 1. This fall was the first full ratings book since he came back.

Kay finished the quarter strongly after Francesa took an early lead in October. He will get another shot in winter, assuming Francesa sticks around for that. He has said that he might have to choose between his app and over-the-air radio, and that if he does have to pick one over the other, he will choose the former.

Tim McCarthy, the senior vice president who oversees the New York station for ESPN, said he “couldn’t be happier” with the Kay show, citing the chemistry among Kay, Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg.

Very tough for constant and chronic losers to lose as always, especially when they give away a ton of money and still lose. I was No.1 in the fall book. Others make up nonsense.

— Mike Francesa (@MikeFrancesa) December 26, 2018

WFAN led comfortably at other times of the day, with the morning show finishing third at 5.6 percent of the audience and ESPN 12th at 3.8. WFAN’s streaming number from 6 to 10 a.m. was 0.6, which added to the 5.6 would have made that show second overall.

You know what’s a really cool trick? Listen closely to what a person says or tweets and you can tell that they have a really small, tiny, insignificant package of self esteem and self worth. You really can!

— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) December 26, 2018

Meanwhile, on Twitter Kay quickly had a replied to a Francesa jab, for which he later apologized.

Earlier today I sent out a tweet in response to an unprovoked tweet sent out earlier by @MikeFrancesa and I want to apologize to my family, friends and fans who expect better from me. No need for me to respond in kind when those that listen to my show know that’s not me.

— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) December 27, 2018

I would also like to congratulate @MikeFrancesa on his tenth of a point victory in the three month battle. Fair and square l, Mike finished second and I was third. All good. I have no complaints in life. Can’t wait to do battle over the next 3 months.

— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) December 27, 2018