NYC Radio: Francesa, Kay Neck And Neck During February

Mike Francesa

The closely watched radio ratings battle between Mike Francesa and Michael Kay continued apace in February, with Francesa performing better than he had in January, setting up what should be an interesting finish when the full winter book is released next month.

In the way sports radio has traditionally graded itself, the men 25-54 demographic that it sells advertising against, ESPN’s “Michael Kay Show” beat WFAN’s Mike Francesa, 5.8 to 5.6 for the month of February.

Newsday reports an apples-to-apples comparison is complicated by the fact that Nielsen Audio includes both streaming and over-the-air data in ESPN’s number because it uses the same commercials for both. WFAN has separate commercials and thus separate ratings.

If you include the FAN stream, then Francesa would have a 6.4-5.8 advantage in the month.

What is certain, according to The NY Post, after six innings of a nine-inning game for the winter book, the final month will determine if Kay and company can finally dethrone Francesa atop of afternoon sports radio ratings.

ESPN looks at the first two months as if Kay won January, 5.8 to 5.0, while his program took February, 5.8 to 5.6. On the other hand, when including Francesa’s stream FAN admits Kay won January, 5.8-5.7, while Francesa took February, 6.4-5.8, in its eyes.

Bottom line: Kay and Francesa are neck-and-neck. Whatever happens, it will likely be disputed by the losing side because FAN and ESPN think the final score should be calculated differently.

Last fall, Francesa edged Kay, 5.9 to 5.8, if one excluded WFAN’s streaming data and 6.4 to 5.8 with streaming included.