by Steven Allan, Programming Research Consultant
March PPM Insights, Day 4
Welcome to part four of our MARCH madness. The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with the sharp sabermetricians from XTRENDS – have checked with legal and we can use the term “madness” when discussing this survey because the NCAA is absorbed with much bigger issues. Also, since we did not capitalize it, we think we’re in good shape.
If you’ve been following along, you know that the effects of the new three-minute rule – now in its third big month! – have varied widely from market to market and demo to demo. We will continue to highlight this change in this and future roundups.
This survey ran from MARCH 6TH through APRIL 2ND. Times changed, as did the seasons, and brisket was served in a couple of different ways.
➤TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: A Dove In The Hand
Consistency is a beautiful thing and COX MEDIA Soft AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE) is maddeningly consistent as it was #1 6+ once again (10.1-9.4). The next two stations landed their largest shares in over a year. RADIO TRAINING Contemporary Christian WCIE (THE JOY FM) repeated at #2 (6.5-8.2), while iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB (98 ROCK) was up two slots to #3 (5.2-6.3). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE) dipped to #4 (5.7-5.9), while iHEARTMEDIA Country WFUS (US 103.5) repeated at #5 (5.2-4.8). COX MEDIA Urban AC WTBV (101.5 THE VIBE) landed its lowest share in over a year as it dropped from #4 to #9 (5.5-4.1). It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WFLZ (93.3 FLZ) (3.9-4.1). WDUV still had the biggest flock of listeners (702,100-702,800) – a 0.1% increase. The market was up 2.4%. Market PUMM rose 1.0% from FEBRUARY and 20.6% from 2024.
WXTB was #1 25-54 for the third straight survey and posted its sixth up book in a row. WDUV stepped up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book, while WCIE dipped to #3 with a slight increase. COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9) jumped from #7 to #4 with its highest score in over a year. WFLZ vaulted from #10 to #5 with a small share gain. The two stations previously spotted at #4 fell farther down the chart. BEASLEY Country WQYK (99.5 QYK) ended up at #7 along with COX MEDIA N/T WHPT (102.5 THE BONE) and iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7). WTBV landed at #10 and was accompanied by BEASLEY Classic Hits WRBQ (Q105) and BEASLEY Spanish Contemporary WYUU (92.5 MAXIMA). Market PUMM was down 5.0% from last month but up 14.4% from a year ago.
Last month WFUS ended WDUV’s long-running 18-34 winning string. This time WDUV was back on top with a small share loss while WFUS dipped to #2. It was tied with WFLZ, which moved up a spot with its best book in over a year. A flat WXTB stepped down to #4, while WQYK repeated at #5. It was joined in that space by WCIE, which rose from #8 as it bounced back from a down book. Market PUMM was off 5.7% from the previous survey and up 3.9% from last year.
In the 18-49 arena, WXTB was #1 for the third book in a row with its best book since AUGUST, while WCIE scored its best number in over a year to move up to #2. A flat WDUV slipped to #3, while WWRM was up a spot to #4, also with its best outing on over a year. WFUS dipped to #5. Market PUMM was off 2.2% from last month but rose 23.9% when compared with last MARCH.
➤DENVER-BOULDER
BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1) moved up to #1 6+ (6.1-6.6), which ended the two-book winning streak for KSE VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105), which stepped down to #2 (7.0-5.9). BONNEVILLE Country KYGO was up to #3 (5.4-5.8), while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) dipped to #4 as its two-book surge ground to a halt (5.9-5.3). AUDACY Modern AC KALC (ALICE 105.9) repeated at #5 (4.7-4.9). KOSI remained the cume chieftain with a 7.0% increase (536,900-574,300). The market grew by 1.7%. Market PUMM was up 3.9% from FEBRUARY and 16.4% from 2024.
Though KTCL returned a good portion of last month’s large share increase, the station was #1 25-54 for the third book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDHT (HITS 95.7) rose to #2 with its best showing in over a year. KOSI had its best Frosty-free share since AUGUST as it moved from #5 to #3. It was paired with KYGO, which advanced from #8 with its highest mark since NOVEMBER. KALC leapt from #11 to #5 with a large share increase, while AUDACY Rhythmic AC KQKS (KS 107.5) advanced from #14 to #5 with its largest share in over a year. KXKL had its least productive outing in over a year as it fell from #2 into a tie at #7 with ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KXPK (LA TRICOLOR 96.5). ENTRAVISION Spanish Adult Hits KJMN (LA SUAVECITA 92.1) and AUDACY Classic Rock KQMT (99.5 THE MOUNTAIN) were last seen at #3 and #5, respectively. They dropped into a tie at #9 with KSE VENTURES Hot AC KIMN (MIX 100). Market PUMM was down 1.8% from last month and up 7.6% from a year ago.
KTCL was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row and was flirting with double figures. KQKS and KDHT were previously spotted at #4 and #6, respectively. Both stations posted their best numbers in over a year as they ended up tied at #2. KOSI and KQMT were the previous occupants of that position. Both stations had down books as they slipped to #4 and #5, respectively. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KRFX (103.5 THE FOX) dropped from #5 into an arrangement at #10 with KALC. Market PUMM grew 14.6% on a monthly basis and 16.0% from a year ago.
KTCL repeated as the 18-49 leader with a slight increase and was about a half share ahead of the two stations at #2. KDHT remained in place, while KQKS moved up from #4. Both stations posted their best numbers in over a year. KOSI slipped to #4, while KXPK moved down to #5. KXKL went from a tie at #4 to #9 and was paired with KYGO. Market PUMM was 1.8% larger than last month and 7.2% bigger than a year ago.
➤SAN DIEGO: It’s Almost Always Sunny In…
AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) was #1 6+ for the third book in a row and twelfth time in the last 14 surveys (9.0-8.3). SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS repeated at #2 as it ended a three-book surge (6.7-6.3). LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) remained at #3 (5.4-5.9), while AUDACY AC KYXY moved up to #4 (4.9-5.0). The station also received a 0.5 share from cyberspace. AUDACY Country KSON rebounded from a down book to advance from #8 to #5 (4.2-4.8). LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X) slipped to #6 (5.3-4.6). KXSN was still the cume leader (579,200-659,600) – a 13.9% increase. The market was up 0.2%. Market PUMM was down 0.7% from FEBRUARY but rose 20.2% from 2024.
A flat KXSN repeated as the leading 25-54 station and held about a two-share lead over XHRM, which was up two slots to #2 with a slight increase. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNV (QUÉ BUENA 106.5) remained at #3 but with its fourth down book in a row. XTRA slid to #4 as it surrendered all of last month’s large increase. It was paired with KSON, which advanced from #10 with its best outing since MAY. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ (ROCK 105.3) dipped to #6, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHTS (CHANNEL 933) fell from a tie at #5 to #10. Market PUMM was up 0.8% from the previous survey and 13.5% from a year ago.
KSON and XHRM were last seen at #4 18-34. KSON had its best book in over a year to rise to #1, while XHRM landed at #2 with its highest share since JUNE. It was tied with KXSN, which had been at #1 but gave back almost all of last month’s large share increase. XTRA dipped to #4 with a slight decrease, while KPBS was up two places to #5 with its fourth up book in a row. KHTS dropped from a tie at #4 into one at #9 with KYXY. KIOZ lost almost half of its previous share as it fell from #2 to #12. Market PUMM was up 3.0% from last month and 1.0% from the previous MARCH.
KXSN was back at #1 18-49, but its market lead shrank from about two shares to a half share. XHRM stepped up to #2 with its best book in exactly a year, while XTRA dipped to #3 as it returned most of last month’s large share gain. KLNV stepped up to #4, while KIOZ slipped to #5. Market PUMM was 1.4% larger than last month and 13.6% bigger from a year ago.
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➤CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: Riding High
There was a new 6+ sheriff in town as PACIFIC Classic Hits WXRC (95.7FM THE RIDE) cruised from #4 to #1 with its fourth up book in a row (6.2-7.0). BEASLEY Urban AC WBAV (V101.9) returned at #2 (6.6-6.0) but it had company. BEASLEY Country WSOC (COUNTRY 103.7) moved up from #6 to forge the tie (5.6-6.0). This ended the three-book winning streak for BEASLEY Classic Hits WKQC (K104.7), which dropped to #4 (6.9-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT) rose from #11 to #5 (4.4-5.4), while URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) advanced from #10 to #6 (4.5-5.3). Both stations had their best books since DECEMBER. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WRFX (99.7 THE FOX) slipped from #5 to #8 (5.9-5.1), while UNIVERSITY RADIO FOUNDATION N/T WFAE fell from #2 to #9 (6.6-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE) remained in cume control with a 6.6% increase (416,000-443,600). The market was essentially flat. Market PUMM was up 5.9% from FEBRUARY and 19.8% from 2024.
BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98) was #1 25-54 for the third straight survey. WKQC was back at #2 but with its third down book in a row. URBAN ONE Sports WFNZ (SPORTS RADIO 92.7) leapt from #6 to #3 with its best offensive performance since DECEMBER. WRFX repeated at #4 with a small decrease, while WBAV slipped to #5 with its smallest share since OCTOBER. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) dropped three places to #7 with its lowest mark since MAY. Market PUMM grew 1.6% from last month and 11.7% from a year ago.
WRFX was #1 and in double figures 18-34 for the second book in a row. WBAV jumped from #6 to #2 as it ended a steep six-book decline. WOSF and WPEG advanced from a tie at #7 into one at #3. They were partnered with BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1), which arrived from #9 as it bounced back from a down book. WSOC dipped to #6 and it was joined there by WKKT and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1), both of which were last languishing at #12. WFNZ fell from #2 to #9. WEND dropped from #3 into a situation at #10 with WLKO and URBAN ONE AC WLNK (MIX 107.9). WKQC went from #4 into a four-way tie at #13. Market PUMM was off 8.5% from the previous book but was up 10.3% from last year.
Last month WPEG and WBAV shared the 18-49 lead. WPEG remained on top with a slight decrease, while WBAV stepped down to #2 with its smallest share since JUNE. WRFX repeated at #3 with a small share loss, while WKQC inched up to #4 with a slight increase. WNKS was up to #5 with its highest score in over a year. WEND fell from #4 to #12. Market PUMM rose by 1.4% from last month and 9.3% from the previous MARCH.
➤NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): A Tight Race
Three stations were vying to become the 6+ leader. AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was #1 for the third book in a row but with its smallest share since OCTOBER (7.1-5.7). The station did gain a 1.2 share from the web, but we all know you cannot cross the streams. COX MEDIA Classic Rock WBAB stayed at #2 (5.8-5.6), while CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) rose from #6 to #3 (5.1-5.5). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) dipped to #4 (5.7-4.5) and was tied with CONNOISSEUR AC WKJY (K-JOY 98.3), which stepped up from #5 (5.2-4.5). WALK went from third to first in the cume wars with an 8.4% increase (346,600-375,700). The market was up 2.3%. Market PUMM rose 12.9% from FEBRUARY and 0.9% from 2024.
WALK moved up to #1 25-54 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. This pushed WHTZ down to #2 as it posted its lowest number in over a year. The stations were separated by a very small margin. WBAB repeated at #3 with a small increase. COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI (106.1 BLI) and CONNOISSEUR Mainstream Rock WWSK (94.3 THE SHARK) remained tied at #4, but they were forced to share as WKJY rose from #8 with a small share increase. Market PUMM was up 14.2% from last month but only 3.3% from a year ago.
Despite a rather large share loss, WKJY was a solid #1 18-34 for the second straight survey. WBLI was up two places to #2 with a slight increase, while WALK advanced from #6 to #3, again with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. WHTZ slipped to #4 as it halted a strong two-book surge. Three stations were huddled together at #5. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) remained in place, while WBAB fell from #2 with its least productive outing in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (103.5 KTU) moved up from #7 with its best book in over a year. Market PUMM grew 13.0% on a monthly basis but was off 1.4% from a year ago.
WALK remained in first place 18-49 and opened up a better-than-two-share lead over WKTU, which advanced from #5 to #2 with a small increase. WBLI stepped up to #3 with a small share loss. WHTZ and WBAB had been tied at #2. Both stations had down books as they alit at #4 and #5, respectively. WKJY dipped to #6 as it snapped a four-book surge. Market PUMM rose by 11.1% from last survey but was off 4.5% from the previous MARCH.
That’s a wrap on MARCH. We hope you found it both entertaining and informative. Thank you for taking the time to peruse our prose. We will return in about 28 days as we dissect the APRIL book.
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March PPM Insights, Day 3
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in a committed relationship with the data darlings from XTRENDS – are back to regale you with more radio ratings brouhaha. What’s all this brouhaha, you say? First, it’s a word that is not used often enough for our tastes. Second, this survey completes a full quarter’s worth of results in the new three-minute multiverse.
As with any true multiverse, the realities have varied widely from market to market. As is our custom we will highlight market PUMM changes from both the previous book and last year. This will cover the four basic food, er, demo groups. There is no “one size fits all here” so make sure you delve into your own market to see what has changed.
The MARCH book ran from MARCH 6TH through APRIL 2ND. The clocks sprung forward, spring was also sprung, and there were celebrations for both PURIM and a saint that was never formally canonized (we looked that one up).
Here we go…
➤SEATTLE-TACOMA: Three-peat
For the third book in a row, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW was #1 6+ (7.8-7.8). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZOK was back at #2 (6.1-6.2). Two stations came in as a distant #3. HUBBARD AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) stepped up from #4 (4.7-4.8), while AUDACY Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) rose from #8 with its best showing since NOVEMBER (4.0-4.8). CRISTA Christian Adult Contemporary KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) was up for the fifth straight survey as it advanced to #5 (4.2-4.5). CLASSIC RADIO Classical KING ended a strong three-book surge as it slid from #3 to #6 (5.1-4.3). BONNEVILLE N/T KIRO-FM fell four slots to #9 with its smallest share since APRIL (4.6-4.0). KRWM remained the cume commander with a 4.9% increase (581,800-610,200). The market was down 0.6%. Market PUMM was down 0.9% from FEBRUARY but up 17.0% from 2024.
There was also a three-peat in the 25-54 realm as AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) was again the demo leader with its highest mark in over a year. KISW had its first up book since OCTOBER as it rose from #6 to #2. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) dipped to #3 as it gave back most of last month’s large increase. AUDACY Hot AC KSWD (EMMA 94.1) stepped down to #4 and was paired with KUOW, which advanced from #7. HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5) and FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP were last spotted at #4. Both stations had down books and came to rest at #6 and #9, respectively. Market PUMM was down 0.7% from last month but up 9.2% from a year ago.
KNDD stepped up to #1 18-34 and was dangerously close to double figures. This snapped the five-book winning streak for KRWM, which dipped to #2 despite a small share increase. KQMV slipped from a tie at #2 into an arrangement at #3 with AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF), which moved up from #5. KBKS slid from a tie at #2 to #5 as it halted a strong two-book surge. Market PUMM fell 8.6% from the previous survey and was off 0.5% from last year.
KNDD was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row and held better than a three-share lead over KISW, which zoomed from #10 to #2. KRWM was up two slots to #3 with a slight decrease, while three stations were hanging out at #4. KBKS slipped from #2 with its smallest share in a year, while KSWD stepped down from #3. SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Rhythmic CHR KNHC (C89.5) moved up from #5 to complete the triad. KQMV dropped to #7 with its lowest score in over a year. Market PUMM was down 3.5% from last month but grew 17.3% from a year ago.
➤MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD
Not As Hot Of course, COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) was in its customary #1 6+ position, but the station landed its lowest share in over a year (8.5-7.5). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WAMR (AMOR 107.5) posted its best number since OCTOBER to vault from #5 to #2 (5.1-6.3). COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) dipped to #3 (6.3-6.1), while two stations were idling at #4. AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) remained in place (5.4-5.5), while AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH) stepped down from #3 (5.7-5.5). WLYF remained the #1 cume station despite a 3.3% decrease (744,300-719,700). The market was down 1.5%. Market PUMM fell 3.0% from FEBRUARY but grew 5.6% compared to 2024.
WFEZ was #1 25-54 for the third straight survey, while WMXJ was back at #2 despite surrendering all of last month’s large increase. The gap between the two stations grew from about a share to two and a half shares. WLYF was up two places to #3 with its highest mark since OCTOBER. It was paired with COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99JAMZ), which advanced from #9 with its best showing since JUNE. WHQT dipped to #5 and was tied with AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WPOW (POWER 96), which rose from #8. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7) slid from #3 to #8 as it surrendered almost all of last month’s huge increase. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) fell from #5 to #9 with a slight decrease. Market PUMM was off 3.7% from the previous survey but was up 1.6% from last year.
Last month there were two stations sharing the 18-34 lead and five stations occupying the #3 position. That all changed this month. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TU 94.9) and WXDJ moved from their share of third place up to the top of the chart. Both stations had their best book in over a year. SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7) stood alone at #3, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT) rocketed from #14 to #4 as the station doubled its previous share. Then we had four stations at #5. WPOW fell from a share of first place, while WMXJ slipped to #5. WEDR and TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WRTO (MIX 98.3) were flat but rose together from a tie at #8. The other former co-leader was WLYF. It dropped to #10 with its lowest total in a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHYI (Y100) fell from a tie at #3 to #11. Market PUMM was off 6.9% from last month and down 16.3% from last year.
The 18-49 space was a bit more stable. WFEZ was #1 for the third book in a row, while WZTU rebounded from a down book to move from #5 to #2. WLYF was close behind as it repeated at #3, while WHQT was back at #4. WPOW stepped up to #5 with its fourth up book in a row. WMXJ slid from #2 into a tie at #6 with WEDR. Market PUMM dropped 2.1% from a month ago and 1.5% from last year.
➤PHOENIX: Hit The Easy Button
Ho-hum, iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) was again the runaway 6+ leader (7.4-8.4). HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX stood alone in second place (5.8-5.9), while iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) descended to #3 (5.8-5.8). HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD was back at #4 with its best book in over a year (4.8-5.7). Two stations moved up and into a tie at #5. HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) was last seen at #7 (4.0-4.0), while AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) moved up from #8 (3.7-4.0). iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX slipped to #7 (4.2-3.9). KESZ lost 6.2% of its listeners but remained the cume leader (1,059,900-994,400). The market was off 0.3%. Market PUMM was off 2.3% from FEBRUARY but was up 28.7% from 2024.
KESZ continued its long running 25-54 reign and was flirting with double digits. KUPD was up to #2 with its best showing in over a year and had cut the lead to less than two shares. KYOT dipped to #3 with a slight decrease, while KDKB repeated at #4. KNIX was up two places to #5 as it bounced back from a down book, while KSLX fell from #5 to #11 with its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was down 0.5% from last survey but grew 42.4% from a year ago.
After taking the last two books off, KESZ was back at #1 and in double figures 18-34. KUPD moved up to #2 as it regained most of last survey’s big share loss. KDKB went from first to third with a small share loss. KYOT repeated at #4 with its third up book in a row. KNIX landed its largest share in over a year as it vaulted from #10 to #5. AUDACY Country KMLE slipped to #7 as it surrendered most of last survey’s strong share increase. Market PUMM was off 0.3% from last month but grew by 38.5% from the previous MARCH.
Last month KESZ surprisingly fell to #2 18-49 with its smallest share in over a year. The station came roaring back this time as it returned to the top spot. KUPD dipped to #2 despite scoring its best book in over a year. It went from leading by the smallest of margins to trailing by almost a share and a half. KDKB stepped up to #3 with a slight increase, which pushed KYOT down to #4. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) bounced back from a down book as it rose from #8 to #5. KMLE and KSLX dropped from a tie at #5 to #10 and #11, respectively. Market PUMM was down 0.2% from last month but rose by 35.5% from last year.
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➤DETROIT: Five For Fighting
iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC was #1 6+ for the fifth book in a row (9.1-8.4). Meanwhile, AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) ended a five-book slide as it stepped up to #2 (6.2-7.6). The station also gained a 1.7 share from its online presence. AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC dipped to #3 with its third up book in a row (7.0-7.3). AUDACY News WWJ-A remained at #4 (5.9-5.5) and added a 0.4 share from its stream. It was paired with AUDACY Country WYCD, which rose from #7 (5.2-5.5). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 95.5) slipped from a tie at #4 to #6 (5.9-5.3). WNIC kept its cume lead with a 7.1% increase (1,044,200-1,118,700). The market was up 2.4%. Market PUMM grew 8.2% from FEBRUARY and 18.0% from 2024.
While WNIC also captured the 25-54 flag for the fifth straight survey the station was no longer in double figures. WXYT jumped from #5 to #2 and was about a share off the lead. WOMC stood alone at #3 with its highest mark in over a year. WKQI slipped to #4 with a solid share loss. BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF fell from a tie at #3 to #5 despite posting its best number since JUNE. Market PUMM was up 6.9% from last month and 8.1% from a year ago.
WKQI and WNIC were #1 and #2, respectively, in the 18-34 contest for the third book in a row. However, the gap between them grew from under a half share to close to a share and a half. WOMC slid to #4 as it returned a good portion of last month’s huge increase. It was paired with WRIF, which stepped up from #5 as it bounced back from a down book. WYCD dipped to #6 and was partnered with AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) and iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB ). Market PUMM gained 2.2% from last month and 11.3% from the previous MARCH.
WNIC was #1 18-49 for the sixth straight survey, while WKQI was back at #2. Both stations had down books and were separated by a half share. WXYT repeated at #3 as it snapped a five-book slide, while WOMC remained at #4 with its best outing since OCTOBER. WRIF stepped up to #5, while WMXD slipped to #6. Market PUMM was up 6.3% from last month and 11.1% over last year.
➤MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: Hitting The Fan
For the third book in a row, and seventh time in the last eight surveys, iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (K-FAN 100.3) was #1 6+ (9.3-9.9). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) remained at #2 (7.2-7.4), while MPR N/T KNOW stood alone at #3 (7.1-7.2). The station was granted a 1.5 share from the interwebs. HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) dipped to #4 (7.1-6.9), while UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS was back at #5 (5.5-6.1). KQQL still had the most cume (720,700-768,400) – a 6.6% increase. The market was up 0.9%. Market PUMM rose 6.3% from FEBRUARY and 13.1% from 2024.
KFXN was in double digits 25-54 for the eighth book in a row. The only time the station wasn’t #1 was when the big guy was in town. MPR AAA KCMP (THE CURRENT) was back at #2 with its best book in over a year. Moving up to a somewhat distant #3 was KQQL, which had a small increase. KSTP dipped to #4 with a noticeable loss of share, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB dipped to #5. It was paired with AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM), which rose from #7 with its third up book in a row. Market PUMM was up 4.7% from the previous survey and 7.8% from a year ago.
KQQL was both #1 and in double figures 18-34 for the fifth straight survey. KFXN was back at #2 and returned to double-digit territory. KDWB remained a distant #3 with a small decrease, while KCMP stepped up to #4 as it regained some of last month’s rather large share loss. KSTP stood alone at #5 with a modest increase. KTIS fell from #4 to #10 with its smallest share since JULY. Market PUMM grew 5.2% from last month and 13.2% from the previous MARCH.
The top five 18-49 had the same occupants as last month with some slight alterations in the rank order. KFXN repeated at #1 and was back in double figures. A flat KQQL stepped up to #2, while KSTP slipped to #3 with a down book. KCMP was up to #4 with its best showing in over a year, while KDWB dipped to #5. Market PUMM gained 5.4% over the previous survey and 10.7% from 2024.
Three down, one to go. Thank you for playing along. More numbers are on the way from TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, CHARLOTTE, and NASSAU-SUFFOLK.
As we traipse through the latest ratings jungle, we find ourselves knee-deep in numbers that only a true data aficionado could love. But fear not, dear friends, for we are here to guide you through the murky waters of MARCH’s radio ratings with nothing less than fervent gusto.
The Ratings Experts at RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC., alongside XTRENDS’ mystical data wizards, have brewed up a concoction of insights that will make your head spin faster than a QRK turntable at 78 RPM. So grab your metaphorical machete and join us as we hack our way through the underbrush of percentages, shares, demos and mixed metaphors.
This book ran from MARCH 6TH through APRIL 2ND. We boldly sprang forward into spring, many were feasting on kreplach and, for some, turning green was a thing. Shall we proceed?
➤HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Sunshine On A Cloudy Day
iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) extended its 6+ winning streak to eight but with its smallest share since AUGUST (9.0-7.1). Meanwhile, URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) leapt from #5 to #2 with its highest score in over a year, which made this more than a one-horse race (5.8-6.3). RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (93Q COUNTRY) stood alone in third place (6.0-6.0), while RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) dipped to #4(6.0-5.6). It was paired with HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ, which fell from #2 with its lowest total in over a year (6.4-5.6). KODA shed 4.3% of its cume but remained the leader in that category (2,032,400-1,944,000). The market was down 0.9%. Market PUMM rose 3.6% from FEBRUARY and 27.6% from 2024.
While KODA was down for the third book in a row, it was still sturdy enough to finish at #1 25-54 for the fifth straight survey. However, it was not alone. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) moved up from #3 to capture a share of the lead. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT) landed its largest share in over a year as it vaulted from #8 to #3. KKBQ slipped to #4 and was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX), which remained in place. KGLK stepped down to #6 with a modest share loss. Market PUMM was off 0.9% from last month but up 26.1% from a year ago.
KTBZ repeated as the 18-34 leader with its best outing since JUNE. The race here was for second place as the pacesetter was three shares clear of the field. The next four stations were within a half-share of one another, beginning with KQBT, which leapt from #6 to #2 with its best book in over a year. KODA repeated at #3 and was tied with KGLK. Both stations had down books. KBXX stayed at #5 with a slight increase, while KKBQ fell from #2 to #7 with a large share loss. Market PUMM grew 1.6% on a monthly basis and 39.5% from last year.
Last month KTBZ and KODA were the 18-49 co-leaders. The relationship did not last. KTBZ stood alone at #1 with a slight decrease, while KODA stepped down to #2 with its smallest share since JULY. KQBT landed its third up book in a row as it jumped from #6 to #3. KBXX inched up to #4 with a slight decrease, while KSBJ dipped to #5, ending a three-book surge. KKBQ fell from #3 to #7. Market PUMM increased by 0.1% from the previous survey and 26.2% from a year ago.
➤ATLANTA: Watchin’ The River Flow
COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) regained all of last month’s lost share (7.5-8.0), and that was enough to propel the station from #3 to #1. This snapped the nine-book winning streak for COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A, which dipped to #2 with its smallest share in over a year (7.9-7.0). AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V-103) was up for the fourth straight survey (6.3-6.9) as it moved up to #3. URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) slipped to #4 as it gave back all of last survey’s share gain (7.6-6.8). COX MEDIA AC WSB-F (B98.5) was up to #5 with its best outing since AUGUST (6.1-6.4). COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1FM) stepped down to #6 (6.2-5.7). WSB-F continued to have the most cume (888,100-908,400) – a 2.3% rise. The market grew by 1.3%. Market PUMM rose 1.2% from FEBRUARY and 5.4% from 2024.
WVEE had its best 25-54 share in over a year. The station finished at #1 for the last four books and six of the last seven surveys. WAMJ was back at #2 but with its least productive outing since OCTOBER. It trailed the leader by more than three shares. Three stations were massed together at #3. WALR remained in place with lowest mark since APRIL, while WSB-F moved up a spot despite surrendering most of last month’s big increase. Moving up from #10 with its best book in over a year was iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT). A flat WSRV dipped to #6. Market PUMM was up 3.4% from the previous survey and 3.6% year over year.
Despite a small share loss, WSB-F was #1 18-34 for the second straight survey. It held a share-and-a-half edge over the two stations at #2. WVEE remained in place with a slight decrease, while WRDG vaulted from #7 with its best showing in over a year. WSRV repeated at #4 with a small increase, while EMF Contemporary Christian WAKL (106.7 K-LOVE) inched up to #5. WAMJ at #3 and RADIO TRAINING Contemporary Christian WVFJ (THE JOY FM) at #4 landed together at #6. They were partnered with AUDACY Rhythmic AC WSTR (STAR 94), which advanced from #12 as it bounced back from a down book. Market PUMM was up 3.2% from FEBRUARY and 35.4% from last year.
WVEE was the 18-49 leader for the fourth straight survey. WSB-F moved up to #2 with a slight decrease and was three shares off the pace. WRDG leapt from #7 to #3. It was #13 just two books ago. WAMJ slid from #2 to #4 with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. WALR dipped to #5, while WSRV moved down to #6 and was tied with WAKL. Market PUMM rose 0.6% from last month and 12.7% from last year.
➤WASHINGTON, D.C.: Double Your Pleasure
If you’re of a certain age, that will likely trigger a jingle in your brain…. You may have heard of some newsworthy events emanating from our nation’s capital. For the fourth straight survey, the top two 6+ stations specialized in spoken word programming and were in double figures. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU was #1 (12.3-11.4), while HUBBARD News WTOP was #2 (11.7-11.3). iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH was again the leading music station at #3 (6.5-6.7), while HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR stood alone at #4 (5.5-5.4). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) dipped to #5 (5.5-5.3). Adding to the spoken word fray was CUMULUS N/T WMAL (NEWSTALK 105.9), which stepped up to #6 with its best book in a year (3.9-4.7). WASH stepped up with the most cume (824,500-955,500) – a 15.9% increase. The market was up 1.4%. Market PUMM rose 6.2% from FEBRUARY and 12.0% from 2024.
Last month WAMU and WTOP were the 25-54 co-leaders. WAMU remained in place for its third win in a row, while WTOP slipped to #3 as it snapped a five-book surge. Moving up to #2 was WASH, which experienced a slight decrease. WWDC repeated at #4, while WHUR was back at #5. Both stations had slight gains. Market PUMM grew 4.5% from last month and 2.9% from a year ago.
WASH had its best Frosty-free 18-34 share in over a year as it ascended the demo throne. This ended the two-book winning streak for iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5), which dipped to #2. There was a threesome at #3. iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ and WWDC moved up from #4 and #5, respectively, with down books. AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) advanced from #7 with a slight increase. WTOP dropped three slots to #6, while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100) slid to #7. Market PUMM was up 16.3% from the previous survey and 10.4% from a year ago.
In our last visit, we saw WASH and WTOP tied for the 18-49 lead. WASH remained in place with a small share loss, while WTOP slipped to #3 with its first down book since OCTOBER. WAMU stepped up to #2 with a slight decrease. WWDC and WIHT remained at #4 and #5, respectively. WBIG moved up to #6 with its best showing in over a year and was dangerously close to cracking the top five. Market PUMM grew 8.4% on a monthly basis and 9.9% when compared to last year.
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➤PHILADELPHIA: We Have Both Rock And Roll
For the second book in a row, the top two spots on the 6+ leaderboard had a distinct edge to them. However, this month featured a role reversal as BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK stepped up to #1 (8.0-8.8), while its younger cluster bruh BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR dipped to #2 (8.2-7.9). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS stepped up to #3 (6.7-7.2), while BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) advanced to #4 with its best outing in over a year (4.4-5.5). AUDACY Sports WIP (SPORTSRADIO 94WIP) had the expected postseason swoon as it slipped to #5 (7.5-5.3). The station did garner a 1.6 share from its digital assets. AUDACY AC WBEB (B101) had its best Frosty-free share since JUNE as it inched up to #6 (4.2-5.1). AUDACY News KYW-A ended its three-book surge as it dropped to #7 (5.6-4.7). It did add a 0.8 share from the stream. WBEB added 13.2% to its market leading cume total (1,036,600-1,173,800). The market was up 0.7%. Market PUMM grew 3.0% from FEBRUARY and 17.5% from 2024.
WMMR remained in first place 25-54 and was back in double figures for the first time since DECEMBER. WDAS stepped up to #2 with a slight increase but was almost four shares off the lead. WMGK was a click behind at #3 with its best book in over a year. WBEB stepped up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. WIP fell from #2 to #5, though its stream came in at #17. Market PUMM was up 3.5% from last month and 23.4% from a year ago.
Last month WMGK and WBEB were #2 and #3, respectively, on the 18-34 chart. Both stations were granted a massive influx of share as they rose to meet at the #1 position. WDAS vaulted from #8 to #3 with its highest score since AUGUST. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WRFF (ALT 104.5) and WXTU were also last seen at #3. Both stations took the exact same share hit as they stepped down in unison to #4. WMMR had its least productive outing in over a year as it dropped from #1 into a tie at #6 with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99). Market PUMM gained 9.0% from the previous survey and 14.1% from the previous year.
WMMR was #1 18-49 for the third straight survey, while WMGK stepped up to #2 with its fifth up book in a row. WDAS moved up to #3 as it halted a three-book slide, while WBEB made it to #4 with its highest Frosty-free share in over a year. WIP fell three places to #5, while WXTU dipped to #6. Market PUMM was 4.2% larger than last month and 30.3% bigger than a year ago.
➤BOSTON: Oh, Ho, Ho, It’s Magic
KESZ continued its long running 25-54 reign and was flirting with double digits. KUPD was up to #2 with its best showing in over a year and had cut the lead to less than two shares. KYOT dipped to #3 with a slight decrease, while KDKB repeated at #4. KNIX was up two places to #5 as it bounced back from a down book, while KSLX fell from #5 to #11 with its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was down 0.5% from last survey but grew 42.4% from a year ago.
After taking the last two books off, KESZ was back at #1 and in double figures 18-34. KUPD moved up to #2 as it regained most of last survey’s big share loss. KDKB went from first to third with a small share loss. KYOT repeated at #4 with its third up book in a row. KNIX landed its largest share in over a year as it vaulted from #10 to #5. AUDACY Country KMLE slipped to #7 as it surrendered most of last survey’s strong share increase. Market PUMM was off 0.3% from last month but grew by 38.5% from the previous MARCH.
Last month KESZ surprisingly fell to #2 18-49 with its smallest share in over a year. The station came roaring back this time as it returned to the top spot. KUPD dipped to #2 despite scoring its best book in over a year. It went from leading by the smallest of margins to trailing by almost a share and a half. KDKB stepped up to #3 with a slight increase, which pushed KYOT down to #4. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) bounced back from a down book as it rose from #8 to #5. KMLE and KSLX dropped from a tie at #5 to #10 and #11, respectively. Market PUMM was down 0.2% from last month but rose by 35.5% from last year.
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➤DETROIT: Five For Fighting
iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC was #1 6+ for the fifth book in a row (9.1-8.4). Meanwhile, AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) ended a five-book slide as it stepped up to #2 (6.2-7.6). The station also gained a 1.7 share from its online presence. AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC dipped to #3 with its third up book in a row (7.0-7.3). AUDACY News WWJ-A remained at #4 (5.9-5.5) and added a 0.4 share from its stream. It was paired with AUDACY Country WYCD, which rose from #7 (5.2-5.5). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 95.5) slipped from a tie at #4 to #6 (5.9-5.3). WNIC kept its cume lead with a 7.1% increase (1,044,200-1,118,700). The market was up 2.4%. Market PUMM grew 8.2% from FEBRUARY and 18.0% from 2024.
While WNIC also captured the 25-54 flag for the fifth straight survey the station was no longer in double figures. WXYT jumped from #5 to #2 and was about a share off the lead. WOMC stood alone at #3 with its highest mark in over a year. WKQI slipped to #4 with a solid share loss. BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF fell from a tie at #3 to #5 despite posting its best number since JUNE. Market PUMM was up 6.9% from last month and 8.1% from a year ago.
WKQI and WNIC were #1 and #2, respectively, in the 18-34 contest for the third book in a row. However, the gap between them grew from under a half share to close to a share and a half. WOMC slid to #4 as it returned a good portion of last month’s huge increase. It was paired with WRIF, which stepped up from #5 as it bounced back from a down book. WYCD dipped to #6 and was partnered with AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) and iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB ). Market PUMM gained 2.2% from last month and 11.3% from the previous MARCH.
WNIC was #1 18-49 for the sixth straight survey, while WKQI was back at #2. Both stations had down books and were separated by a half share. WXYT repeated at #3 as it snapped a five-book slide, while WOMC remained at #4 with its best outing since OCTOBER. WRIF stepped up to #5, while WMXD slipped to #6. Market PUMM was up 6.3% from last month and 11.1% over last year.
➤MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: Hitting The Fan
For the third book in a row, and seventh time in the last eight surveys, iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (K-FAN 100.3) was #1 6+ (9.3-9.9). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) remained at #2 (7.2-7.4), while MPR N/T KNOW stood alone at #3 (7.1-7.2). The station was granted a 1.5 share from the interwebs. HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) dipped to #4 (7.1-6.9), while UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS was back at #5 (5.5-6.1). KQQL still had the most cume (720,700-768,400) – a 6.6% increase. The market was up 0.9%. Market PUMM rose 6.3% from FEBRUARY and 13.1% from 2024.
KFXN was in double digits 25-54 for the eighth book in a row. The only time the station wasn’t #1 was when the big guy was in town. MPR AAA KCMP (THE CURRENT) was back at #2 with its best book in over a year. Moving up to a somewhat distant #3 was KQQL, which had a small increase. KSTP dipped to #4 with a noticeable loss of share, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB dipped to #5. It was paired with AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM), which rose from #7 with its third up book in a row. Market PUMM was up 4.7% from the previous survey and 7.8% from a year ago.
KQQL was both #1 and in double figures 18-34 for the fifth straight survey. KFXN was back at #2 and returned to double-digit territory. KDWB remained a distant #3 with a small decrease, while KCMP stepped up to #4 as it regained some of last month’s rather large share loss. KSTP stood alone at #5 with a modest increase. KTIS fell from #4 to #10 with its smallest share since JULY. Market PUMM grew 5.2% from last month and 13.2% from the previous MARCH.
The top five 18-49 had the same occupants as last month with some slight alterations in the rank order. KFXN repeated at #1 and was back in double figures. A flat KQQL stepped up to #2, while KSTP slipped to #3 with a down book. KCMP was up to #4 with its best showing in over a year, while KDWB dipped to #5. Market PUMM gained 5.4% over the previous survey and 10.7% from 2024.
Three down, one to go. Thank you for playing along. More numbers are on the way from TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, CHARLOTTE, and NASSAU-SUFFOLK.
March PPM Insights, Day 2
As we traipse through the latest ratings jungle, we find ourselves knee-deep in numbers that only a true data aficionado could love. But fear not, dear friends, for we are here to guide you through the murky waters of MARCH’s radio ratings with nothing less than fervent gusto.
The Ratings Experts at RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC., alongside XTRENDS’ mystical data wizards, have brewed up a concoction of insights that will make your head spin faster than a QRK turntable at 78 RPM. So grab your metaphorical machete and join us as we hack our way through the underbrush of percentages, shares, demos and mixed metaphors.
This book ran from MARCH 6TH through APRIL 2ND. We boldly sprang forward into spring, many were feasting on kreplach and, for some, turning green was a thing. Shall we proceed?
➤HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Sunshine On A Cloudy Day
iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) extended its 6+ winning streak to eight but with its smallest share since AUGUST (9.0-7.1). Meanwhile, URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) leapt from #5 to #2 with its highest score in over a year, which made this more than a one-horse race (5.8-6.3). RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (93Q COUNTRY) stood alone in third place (6.0-6.0), while RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) dipped to #4(6.0-5.6). It was paired with HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ, which fell from #2 with its lowest total in over a year (6.4-5.6). KODA shed 4.3% of its cume but remained the leader in that category (2,032,400-1,944,000). The market was down 0.9%. Market PUMM rose 3.6% from FEBRUARY and 27.6% from 2024.
While KODA was down for the third book in a row, it was still sturdy enough to finish at #1 25-54 for the fifth straight survey. However, it was not alone. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) moved up from #3 to capture a share of the lead. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT) landed its largest share in over a year as it vaulted from #8 to #3. KKBQ slipped to #4 and was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX), which remained in place. KGLK stepped down to #6 with a modest share loss. Market PUMM was off 0.9% from last month but up 26.1% from a year ago.
KTBZ repeated as the 18-34 leader with its best outing since JUNE. The race here was for second place as the pacesetter was three shares clear of the field. The next four stations were within a half-share of one another, beginning with KQBT, which leapt from #6 to #2 with its best book in over a year. KODA repeated at #3 and was tied with KGLK. Both stations had down books. KBXX stayed at #5 with a slight increase, while KKBQ fell from #2 to #7 with a large share loss. Market PUMM grew 1.6% on a monthly basis and 39.5% from last year.
Last month KTBZ and KODA were the 18-49 co-leaders. The relationship did not last. KTBZ stood alone at #1 with a slight decrease, while KODA stepped down to #2 with its smallest share since JULY. KQBT landed its third up book in a row as it jumped from #6 to #3. KBXX inched up to #4 with a slight decrease, while KSBJ dipped to #5, ending a three-book surge. KKBQ fell from #3 to #7. Market PUMM increased by 0.1% from the previous survey and 26.2% from a year ago.
➤ATLANTA: Watchin’ The River Flow
COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) regained all of last month’s lost share (7.5-8.0), and that was enough to propel the station from #3 to #1. This snapped the nine-book winning streak for COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A, which dipped to #2 with its smallest share in over a year (7.9-7.0). AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V-103) was up for the fourth straight survey (6.3-6.9) as it moved up to #3. URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) slipped to #4 as it gave back all of last survey’s share gain (7.6-6.8). COX MEDIA AC WSB-F (B98.5) was up to #5 with its best outing since AUGUST (6.1-6.4). COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1FM) stepped down to #6 (6.2-5.7). WSB-F continued to have the most cume (888,100-908,400) – a 2.3% rise. The market grew by 1.3%. Market PUMM rose 1.2% from FEBRUARY and 5.4% from 2024.
WVEE had its best 25-54 share in over a year. The station finished at #1 for the last four books and six of the last seven surveys. WAMJ was back at #2 but with its least productive outing since OCTOBER. It trailed the leader by more than three shares. Three stations were massed together at #3. WALR remained in place with lowest mark since APRIL, while WSB-F moved up a spot despite surrendering most of last month’s big increase. Moving up from #10 with its best book in over a year was iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT). A flat WSRV dipped to #6. Market PUMM was up 3.4% from the previous survey and 3.6% year over year.
Despite a small share loss, WSB-F was #1 18-34 for the second straight survey. It held a share-and-a-half edge over the two stations at #2. WVEE remained in place with a slight decrease, while WRDG vaulted from #7 with its best showing in over a year. WSRV repeated at #4 with a small increase, while EMF Contemporary Christian WAKL (106.7 K-LOVE) inched up to #5. WAMJ at #3 and RADIO TRAINING Contemporary Christian WVFJ (THE JOY FM) at #4 landed together at #6. They were partnered with AUDACY Rhythmic AC WSTR (STAR 94), which advanced from #12 as it bounced back from a down book. Market PUMM was up 3.2% from FEBRUARY and 35.4% from last year.
WVEE was the 18-49 leader for the fourth straight survey. WSB-F moved up to #2 with a slight decrease and was three shares off the pace. WRDG leapt from #7 to #3. It was #13 just two books ago. WAMJ slid from #2 to #4 with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. WALR dipped to #5, while WSRV moved down to #6 and was tied with WAKL. Market PUMM rose 0.6% from last month and 12.7% from last year.
➤WASHINGTON, D.C.: Double Your Pleasure
If you’re of a certain age, that will likely trigger a jingle in your brain…. You may have heard of some newsworthy events emanating from our nation’s capital. For the fourth straight survey, the top two 6+ stations specialized in spoken word programming and were in double figures. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU was #1 (12.3-11.4), while HUBBARD News WTOP was #2 (11.7-11.3). iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH was again the leading music station at #3 (6.5-6.7), while HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR stood alone at #4 (5.5-5.4). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) dipped to #5 (5.5-5.3). Adding to the spoken word fray was CUMULUS N/T WMAL (NEWSTALK 105.9), which stepped up to #6 with its best book in a year (3.9-4.7). WASH stepped up with the most cume (824,500-955,500) – a 15.9% increase. The market was up 1.4%. Market PUMM rose 6.2% from FEBRUARY and 12.0% from 2024.
Last month WAMU and WTOP were the 25-54 co-leaders. WAMU remained in place for its third win in a row, while WTOP slipped to #3 as it snapped a five-book surge. Moving up to #2 was WASH, which experienced a slight decrease. WWDC repeated at #4, while WHUR was back at #5. Both stations had slight gains. Market PUMM grew 4.5% from last month and 2.9% from a year ago.
WASH had its best Frosty-free 18-34 share in over a year as it ascended the demo throne. This ended the two-book winning streak for iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5), which dipped to #2. There was a threesome at #3. iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ and WWDC moved up from #4 and #5, respectively, with down books. AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) advanced from #7 with a slight increase. WTOP dropped three slots to #6, while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100) slid to #7. Market PUMM was up 16.3% from the previous survey and 10.4% from a year ago.
In our last visit, we saw WASH and WTOP tied for the 18-49 lead. WASH remained in place with a small share loss, while WTOP slipped to #3 with its first down book since OCTOBER. WAMU stepped up to #2 with a slight decrease. WWDC and WIHT remained at #4 and #5, respectively. WBIG moved up to #6 with its best showing in over a year and was dangerously close to cracking the top five. Market PUMM grew 8.4% on a monthly basis and 9.9% when compared to last year.
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➤PHILADELPHIA: We Have Both Rock And Roll
For the second book in a row, the top two spots on the 6+ leaderboard had a distinct edge to them. However, this month featured a role reversal as BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK stepped up to #1 (8.0-8.8), while its younger cluster bruh BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR dipped to #2 (8.2-7.9). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS stepped up to #3 (6.7-7.2), while BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) advanced to #4 with its best outing in over a year (4.4-5.5). AUDACY Sports WIP (SPORTSRADIO 94WIP) had the expected postseason swoon as it slipped to #5 (7.5-5.3). The station did garner a 1.6 share from its digital assets. AUDACY AC WBEB (B101) had its best Frosty-free share since JUNE as it inched up to #6 (4.2-5.1). AUDACY News KYW-A ended its three-book surge as it dropped to #7 (5.6-4.7). It did add a 0.8 share from the stream. WBEB added 13.2% to its market leading cume total (1,036,600-1,173,800). The market was up 0.7%. Market PUMM grew 3.0% from FEBRUARY and 17.5% from 2024.
WMMR remained in first place 25-54 and was back in double figures for the first time since DECEMBER. WDAS stepped up to #2 with a slight increase but was almost four shares off the lead. WMGK was a click behind at #3 with its best book in over a year. WBEB stepped up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. WIP fell from #2 to #5, though its stream came in at #17. Market PUMM was up 3.5% from last month and 23.4% from a year ago.
Last month WMGK and WBEB were #2 and #3, respectively, on the 18-34 chart. Both stations were granted a massive influx of share as they rose to meet at the #1 position. WDAS vaulted from #8 to #3 with its highest score since AUGUST. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WRFF (ALT 104.5) and WXTU were also last seen at #3. Both stations took the exact same share hit as they stepped down in unison to #4. WMMR had its least productive outing in over a year as it dropped from #1 into a tie at #6 with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99). Market PUMM gained 9.0% from the previous survey and 14.1% from the previous year.
WMMR was #1 18-49 for the third straight survey, while WMGK stepped up to #2 with its fifth up book in a row. WDAS moved up to #3 as it halted a three-book slide, while WBEB made it to #4 with its highest Frosty-free share in over a year. WIP fell three places to #5, while WXTU dipped to #6. Market PUMM was 4.2% larger than last month and 30.3% bigger than a year ago.
➤BOSTON: Oh, Ho, Ho, It’s Magic
Time to break out the Ozempic jingle! For the second straight survey, AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) was #1 6+ (7.0-7.2). It also got a 0.3 share from cyberspace. BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) repeated at #2 with its smallest share in over a year (6.8-6.2), while iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A was back at #3 (6.2-5.8). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX moved up to #4 with its third up book in a row (5.2-5.7). BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR stepped up to #5, also with its third straight up performance (4.8-5.1). BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR slipped to #6 (5.6-4.8) and was tied with AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX 104.1) (4.8-4.8). WMJX maintained its cume lead with a 15.4% increase (765,300-882,900). The market was up 5.9%. Market PUMM grew 6.8% from FEBRUARY and 16.8% from 2024.
For the ninth time in the last 14 surveys, WBZ-F was #1 25-54. WWBX had to step down to #2 as it returned about half of last month’s large share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) moved up to #3 with a small share loss. WBUR dipped to #4 and was tied with WZLX, which advanced from #6 with a solid increase. AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) had its best outing since MAY to climb up to #6, while WROR slid to #7. Market PUMM grew 12.1% from last month and 14.4% from a year ago.
Last month WWBX picked up a ton of new share as it moved up to #1 18-34. This time the station remained in first place but ceded all of that gain plus a bit more. WMJX leapt from #5 to #2 and was a half-share off the pace. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) stood alone at #3 with a small decrease, while WBZ-F dipped to #4 with its lowest score since JULY. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) fell three places to #5 with a noticeable loss of share. Market PUMM was up 6.5% from the previous survey and 31.6% from a year ago.
WBZ-F was #1 18-49 for the third straight survey. WWBX was back at #2 but the gap between the two grew from a share and a half to better than two shares. WBGB landed its largest share since APRIL as it advanced from #10 to #3. WXKS inched up to #4 with a small decrease, while WZLX landed at #5 with a slight increase. Three stations were circling one another at #6. WROR remained in place while WBUR and WBQT fell from #3 and #4, respectively. Market PUMM was up 11.1% from last month and 17.3% from 2024.
Prepare for more three-minute reveals tomorrow, as we delve into the realm of SEATTLE, MIAMI, PHOENIX, DETROIT and MINNEAPOLIS. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog. And remember, sharing is caring – spread the word far and wide.
Welcome to the MARCH survey! Like you, the Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with those savvy mathematicians from XTRENDS – have been anxiously awaiting this moment for the last 28 days.
Why? Glad you asked. This completes the first quarter of data using the new three-minute qualifier. As has been our custom, we will be highlighting the change in market PUMM in the four demos we cover, comparing MARCH to both the previous survey and 2024. For the most part, we have seen consistent year-over-year PUMM gains, but they have varied wildly from market to market and demo to demo. Will that trend continue? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.
This book ran from MARCH 6TH through APRIL 2nd. Both the clocks and the season changed, we celebrated PURIM and, lastly, many pretended to be IRISH as an excuse to day drink. Now, on with the countdown…
➤NEW YORK: The Race For Second Place
As is per the norm, iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was the leading 6+ station again (8.2-8.0). The next four stations were within a share of each other. AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) stepped up to #2 (5.8-5.9). It also added a 0.9 digital share. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) moved up to #3 (5.5-5.7). It picked up a 0.8 share from the interwebs. AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS slipped to #4 (5.9-5.4), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) inched up to #5 (5.0-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) fell two slots to #7 (5.1-4.7). It was paired with NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO N/T WNYC (4.9-4.5). WLTW maintained its cume lead with a 2.8% rise (3,615,900-3,717,600). The market increased by 1.8%. PUMM was up 3.1% from FEBRUARY and 5.5% from 2024.
Despite a slight decrease, WSKQ was the 25-54 leader for the second book in a row. It had about a half-share lead over WLTW, which moved up to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. A flat WHTZ dipped to #3, while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (103.5 KTU) was up two places to #4 with its best showing since OCTOBER. AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) remained at #5, while WCBS slid to #7 as it ended a robust two-book surge. Market PUMM was up 5.6% from last survey and 6.5% from a year ago.
WLTW continued its scorched earth policy with the 18-34 crowd. It was #1 again and in double figures for the 13th time in the last 14 surveys. It also maintained better than a four-share advantage over the two stations at #2. WCBS remained in place as it ended a three-book surge, while WSKQ moved up a slot with its best book in a year. WKTU also landed its largest share in a year as it rose to #4. WHTZ slipped to #5, while a flat WNEW moved down to #6. Market PUMM grew 3.4% from last month but shrank 7.3% from the previous year.
WLTW extended its 18-49 winning streak to eight but was feeling the heat from #2 WSKQ, which was extremely close to overtaking the leader. WHTZ was up to #3 with its best outing since NOVEMBER, while WKTU stepped up to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. WCBS returned most of last month’s large increase as it slipped to #5. Market PUMM increased by 4.4% on a monthly basis but decreased 4.3% from last MARCH.
➤LOS ANGELES: A One, Two Punch
➤CHICAGO: It’s News To Us
➤DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Hungry Like The Wolf
Oh, we have been sitting on that headline for a looooong time. CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) was certainly feasting this survey. The station leapt from #10 to #1 6+ with its best outing in over a year (3.6-6.0). This ended the two-book winning streak for CUMULUS Sports KTCK (96.7 & 1310 THE TICKET), which dipped to #2 with its lowest score since SEPTEMBER (6.4-5.2). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) and AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) had been tied at #4. Both stations had the identical share increase (4.6-5.1) as they rose in tandem to #3. CUMULUS Country KSCS (New Country) stepped up to #5 (4.4-4.9), while iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) fell three places to #6 (4.8-4.6). TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUE BUENA 94.1) fell from #2 to #8 (4.9-4.1) and was tied with SERVICE Urban AC KRNB (SMOOTH R&B 105.7), which moved up a spot (3.7-4.1). KDGE’s cume was off 1.6% but it was still the market leader (1,280,000-1,259,300). The market was up 2.9%. Market PUMM was down 0.7% from FEBRUARY but grew 14.1% when compared with 2024.
Despite a down book KTCK was #1 25-54 for the third book in a row. KLNO was back at #2, also with a down book. It was sharing the moment with KPLX, which advanced from #9. That duo was less than a share behind the leader. KSCS dipped to #4 with a slight decrease, while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) was up two places to #5 with its highest share in over a year. KDGE slipped to #6, while AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) dropped three slots to #8. Market PUMM was off 4.9% from the last book but up 14.1% from a year ago.
The 18-34 arena was truly the wild, wild West. KHKS stepped up to #1 for the first time since JULY and landed in double figures. KDMX stepped up to #2 and was paired with KSCS, which rose from #5. Both stations posted their largest numbers in over a year yet still trailed the leader by three shares. KLNO fell from first to fourth with its lowest score in over a year. It was tied with AUDACY Classic Hits KSPF (98.7 THE SPOT), which advanced from #12 with, yup, its best book in over a year. KDGE fell from #3 to #7 and was met there by SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104), which turned it up from #11. Market PUMM declined by 7.6% from last month and was off by 1.0% from last year.
Three of the top four 18-49 stations posted their largest shares in over a year. KHKS moved from #3 to #1, KDMX rose from #5 to #3 and KSCS advanced from #8 to #4. KLNO dipped to #2 as its two-book winning streak came to an end. KDGE slipped to #5 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER, while KTCK fell five slots to #7 with its least productive outing since AUGUST. Market PUMM fell 6.5% from FEBRUARY but grew 11.7% from 2024.
➤SAN FRANCISCO: Status, Meet Quo
The top four 6+ stations were unchanged from a month ago. KQED INC. N/T KQED was #1 for the third book in a row and 10th time in the last 14 surveys (9.7-10.5). AUDACY News KCBS-A remained at #2 (7.2-6.5) but picked up a 0.6 share from the digital realm. BONNEVILLE AC KOIT was still the leading music station, coming in again at #3 but with its smallest share since NOVEMBER (6.1-5.6). USC Classical KDFC repeated at #4 as it halted a three-book slide (4.6-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) wafted up to #5 with its highest score since NOVEMBER (4.1-4.4). BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) dipped to #6 (4.2-4.0). It was partnered with AUDACY Hot AC KLLC (ALICE @ 97.3), which moved up a spot (3.8-4.0). Despite a 6.8% decrease. KOIT still had the most listeners (1,201-800-1,120,200). The market was up 0.2%. Market PUMM was up 3.4% from FEBRUARY and 20.5% from 2024.
KQED regained most of last month’s big share loss as it moved back to #1 in the 25-54 space. KOIT stepped down to #2 with its third down book in a row. The stations were separated by a full share. KMVQ returned at #3, also with its third straight down book. KLLC repeated at #4 but with its highest mark in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA AC KIOI (STAR 101.3) stepped up to #5 with its third consecutive up book. A flat AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) slipped three places to #7. Market PUMM rose 3.6% from last month and 14.1% from the previous year.
KOIT made it back-to-back 18-34 wins with a slight share increase. It maintained a narrow lead over iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL, which moved up to #2 with its best outing since NOVEMBER. KMVQ stepped down to #3 with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. It was paired with SBS Mexican Regional KRZZ (LA RAZA 93.3), which advanced from #9 as it rebounded from a down book. KISQ moved from #8 to #5 and was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9), which moved up a spot. Three stations were conspiring together at #7. KITS fell from #4 with its smallest share in exactly a year, while KIOI dipped from #6. KQED rose from #12 thanks to its best book in over a year. Market PUMM was down 3.0% from the previous book and up 0.5% from 2024.
KQED rebounded from a down book to grab first place in the 18-49 competition. KOIT dipped to #2 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER. KMVQ stepped down to #3 with its third down book in a row. KITS inched up a spot to forge a tie for third place, while KIOI was up to #5 with its best book in over a year. KMEL fell three places to #8 with a slight decrease. Market PUMM was up 1.8% from last month and 8.9% from 2024.
And so it begins…one roundup down, three to go. Stand by for our next reveal featuring HOUSTON, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA and BOSTON in that order.
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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
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About Research Director, Inc.: Research Director, Inc. is based in Annapolis, Maryland. We help radio stations’ programming and sales departments maximize the value of their research. For more information, visit www.ResearchDirectorInc.com, call 410-295-6619, or e-mail info@ResearchDirectorInc.com or sallan@ResearchDirectorInc.com.
For the ninth time in the last 14 surveys, WBZ-F was #1 25-54. WWBX had to step down to #2 as it returned about half of last month’s large share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) moved up to #3 with a small share loss. WBUR dipped to #4 and was tied with WZLX, which advanced from #6 with a solid increase. AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) had its best outing since MAY to climb up to #6, while WROR slid to #7. Market PUMM grew 12.1% from last month and 14.4% from a year ago.
Last month WWBX picked up a ton of new share as it moved up to #1 18-34. This time the station remained in first place but ceded all of that gain plus a bit more. WMJX leapt from #5 to #2 and was a half-share off the pace. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) stood alone at #3 with a small decrease, while WBZ-F dipped to #4 with its lowest score since JULY. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) fell three places to #5 with a noticeable loss of share. Market PUMM was up 6.5% from the previous survey and 31.6% from a year ago.
WBZ-F was #1 18-49 for the third straight survey. WWBX was back at #2 but the gap between the two grew from a share and a half to better than two shares. WBGB landed its largest share since APRIL as it advanced from #10 to #3. WXKS inched up to #4 with a small decrease, while WZLX landed at #5 with a slight increase. Three stations were circling one another at #6. WROR remained in place while WBUR and WBQT fell from #3 and #4, respectively. Market PUMM was up 11.1% from last month and 17.3% from 2024.
Prepare for more three-minute reveals tomorrow, as we delve into the realm of SEATTLE, MIAMI, PHOENIX, DETROIT and MINNEAPOLIS. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog. And remember, sharing is caring – spread the word far and wide.
March PPM Insights, Day 1
Welcome to the MARCH survey! Like you, the Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with those savvy mathematicians from XTRENDS – have been anxiously awaiting this moment for the last 28 days.
Why? Glad you asked. This completes the first quarter of data using the new three-minute qualifier. As has been our custom, we will be highlighting the change in market PUMM in the four demos we cover, comparing MARCH to both the previous survey and 2024. For the most part, we have seen consistent year-over-year PUMM gains, but they have varied wildly from market to market and demo to demo. Will that trend continue? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.
This book ran from MARCH 6TH through APRIL 2nd. Both the clocks and the season changed, we celebrated PURIM and, lastly, many pretended to be IRISH as an excuse to day drink. Now, on with the countdown…
➤NEW YORK: The Race For Second Place
As is per the norm, iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was the leading 6+ station again (8.2-8.0). The next four stations were within a share of each other. AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) stepped up to #2 (5.8-5.9). It also added a 0.9 digital share. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) moved up to #3 (5.5-5.7). It picked up a 0.8 share from the interwebs. AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS slipped to #4 (5.9-5.4), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) inched up to #5 (5.0-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) fell two slots to #7 (5.1-4.7). It was paired with NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO N/T WNYC (4.9-4.5). WLTW maintained its cume lead with a 2.8% rise (3,615,900-3,717,600). The market increased by 1.8%. PUMM was up 3.1% from FEBRUARY and 5.5% from 2024.
Despite a slight decrease, WSKQ was the 25-54 leader for the second book in a row. It had about a half-share lead over WLTW, which moved up to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. A flat WHTZ dipped to #3, while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (103.5 KTU) was up two places to #4 with its best showing since OCTOBER. AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) remained at #5, while WCBS slid to #7 as it ended a robust two-book surge. Market PUMM was up 5.6% from last survey and 6.5% from a year ago.
WLTW continued its scorched earth policy with the 18-34 crowd. It was #1 again and in double figures for the 13th time in the last 14 surveys. It also maintained better than a four-share advantage over the two stations at #2. WCBS remained in place as it ended a three-book surge, while WSKQ moved up a slot with its best book in a year. WKTU also landed its largest share in a year as it rose to #4. WHTZ slipped to #5, while a flat WNEW moved down to #6. Market PUMM grew 3.4% from last month but shrank 7.3% from the previous year.
WLTW extended its 18-49 winning streak to eight but was feeling the heat from #2 WSKQ, which was extremely close to overtaking the leader. WHTZ was up to #3 with its best outing since NOVEMBER, while WKTU stepped up to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. WCBS returned most of last month’s large increase as it slipped to #5. Market PUMM increased by 4.4% on a monthly basis but decreased 4.3% from last MARCH.
➤LOS ANGELES: A One, Two Punch
For the fifth straight survey, iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST was #1 in 6+ (6.1-6.3). Also, for the fifth book in a row, AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101F) was #2 (5.6-5.8). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MY FM) was back at #3 with its third up book in a row (5.2-5.3). AUDACY News KNX moved up to #4 (4.9-4.7). It landed a 0.2 digital share, as well. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) dipped to #5 with its lowest total in exactly a year (5.0-4.3). KOST remained in cume control with a 2.7% rise (2,395,200-2,458,900). The market was up 0.8%. Market PUMM grew 1.7% from FEBRUARY and 9.1% from 2024.
There was a changing of the 25-54 guard as KIIS went from first to fourth with its smallest share in a year. Stepping into the breach was KOST, which rose to #1 with a slight increase. KRTH and KBIG both stepped up to #2, from #3 and #4 respectively, witha slight increase for KBIG. . SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9) was up to #5 with a small share gain, while AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) dropped three places to #8 with a small share loss. Market PUMM was up 0.6% on a monthly basis but off 2.8% when compared to a year ago.
Two months ago, KRTH and KIIS were the 18-34 co-leaders. KIIS stood alone last survey but KRTH bounced back this time to reclaim the mantle. KIIS dipped to #2 with its smallest share since AUGUST, while KOST repeated at #3. A flat MEURELO Classic Rock KLOS inched up to #4, while SBS Spanish Contemporary KXOL (MEGA 96.3) moved up to #5, despite a small share loss. KBIG slipped to #6 ending a robust two-book surge. Market PUMM was up 3.8% from last month but fell 11.1% compared to last year.
Last month KOST and KRTH were in second place for 18-49. KOST rose to the top with a small increase, while a flat KRTH remained behind. KIIS slid from first to third with its lowest score in a year, while KBIG was back at #4 with a small decrease. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5) and TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) rose up and forged a tie at #5. KCBS slipped to #7 where it met up with KLAX. Market PUMM was up 2.8% from last survey but off 2.3% from last year.
There was a changing of the 25-54 guard as KIIS went from first to fourth with its smallest share in a year. Stepping into the breach was KOST, which rose to #1 with a slight increase. KRTH and KBIG both stepped up to #2, from #3 and #4 respectively, witha slight increase for KBIG. . SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9) was up to #5 with a small share gain, while AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) dropped three places to #8 with a small share loss. Market PUMM was up 0.6% on a monthly basis but off 2.8% when compared to a year ago.
Two months ago, KRTH and KIIS were the 18-34 co-leaders. KIIS stood alone last survey but KRTH bounced back this time to reclaim the mantle. KIIS dipped to #2 with its smallest share since AUGUST, while KOST repeated at #3. A flat MEURELO Classic Rock KLOS inched up to #4, while SBS Spanish Contemporary KXOL (MEGA 96.3) moved up to #5, despite a small share loss. KBIG slipped to #6 ending a robust two-book surge. Market PUMM was up 3.8% from last month but fell 11.1% compared to last year.
Last month KOST and KRTH were in second place for 18-49. KOST rose to the top with a small increase, while a flat KRTH remained behind. KIIS slid from first to third with its lowest score in a year, while KBIG was back at #4 with a small decrease. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5) and TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) rose up and forged a tie at #5. KCBS slipped to #7 where it met up with KLAX. Market PUMM was up 2.8% from last survey but off 2.3% from last year.
➤CHICAGO: It’s News To Us
For the second book in a row AUDACY News WBBM-A was the 6+ market champion (6.8-6.1). It also received a 1.2 share digital boost. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) was back at #2 (5.0-5.2), while HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) motored up to #3 as it snapped a two-book slide (4.7-5.1). AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) fell from #3 to #9 last month. The station regained most of that lost share as it moved up to #4 (3.7-4.7). NEXSTAR N/T WGN-A (Radio 720) repeated at #5 (4.4-4.5) but with a new partner. AUDACY AAA WXRT (93XRT) advanced from #7 (4.3-4.5). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WVAZ (V103) posted its lowest share in over a year (5.0-4.3) as it slid from #2 to #7. It was partnered with HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX), which dipped from a tie at #5 (4.4-4.3). WLIT still had the biggest cume (1,253,400-1,310,600) – a 4.6% increase. The market was up 0.2%. Market PUMM rose 2.3% from FEBRUARY and 12.8% from 2024.
WTMX captured the 25-54 flag for the third straight survey but was less than a half share ahead of WUSN, which leapt from #5 to #2 with its highest mark since MAY. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) dipped to #3 with a slight increase, while two stations moved up and into a tie at #4. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI stepped up from #5 with a slight increase, while CUMULUS Alternative WKQX (Q101) advanced from #8 with its fourth up book in a row. WXRT slipped to #6 with a slight decrease, while three stations were huddled together at #7. CHICAGO PUBLIC MEDIA N/T WBEZ dropped from a tie at #2, while TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUE BUENA 105.1) slipped from #5. The third member of that triad was CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS-F, which rose from #9. Market PUMM was off 0.4% from last month but up 7.1% from a year ago.
Though WKSC returned all of last month’s huge share increase – plus a bit extra – the station was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row. WLIT also gave back a good portion of FEBRUARY’s gain but had enough left in the tank to remain at #2. It held better than a share advantage over the three stations nestled in at #3. WOJO moved up from #4 as it regained a good portion of last month’s large share loss. WUSN advanced from #6, while WLS-F arrived from #7. Both stations bounced back from down books. WTMX slid from #3 to #6, while WVAZ dropped from #5 to #7. Market PUMM was up 1.2% from last survey and 0.5% from a year ago.
WTMX landed its largest 18-49 share in over a year as it repeated at #1. WKSC was back at #2 with a down book, while WUSN advanced from #6 as it, once again, bounced back from a down book. WKQX stepped up to #4 with its best performance in over a year. WGCI slipped to #5, while WOJO fell into a sixth-place tie with WLIT. Market PUMM was down 0.5% from last month but grew 3.8% when compared with last year.
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WTMX captured the 25-54 flag for the third straight survey but was less than a half share ahead of WUSN, which leapt from #5 to #2 with its highest mark since MAY. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) dipped to #3 with a slight increase, while two stations moved up and into a tie at #4. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI stepped up from #5 with a slight increase, while CUMULUS Alternative WKQX (Q101) advanced from #8 with its fourth up book in a row. WXRT slipped to #6 with a slight decrease, while three stations were huddled together at #7. CHICAGO PUBLIC MEDIA N/T WBEZ dropped from a tie at #2, while TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUE BUENA 105.1) slipped from #5. The third member of that triad was CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS-F, which rose from #9. Market PUMM was off 0.4% from last month but up 7.1% from a year ago.
Though WKSC returned all of last month’s huge share increase – plus a bit extra – the station was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row. WLIT also gave back a good portion of FEBRUARY’s gain but had enough left in the tank to remain at #2. It held better than a share advantage over the three stations nestled in at #3. WOJO moved up from #4 as it regained a good portion of last month’s large share loss. WUSN advanced from #6, while WLS-F arrived from #7. Both stations bounced back from down books. WTMX slid from #3 to #6, while WVAZ dropped from #5 to #7. Market PUMM was up 1.2% from last survey and 0.5% from a year ago.
WTMX landed its largest 18-49 share in over a year as it repeated at #1. WKSC was back at #2 with a down book, while WUSN advanced from #6 as it, once again, bounced back from a down book. WKQX stepped up to #4 with its best performance in over a year. WGCI slipped to #5, while WOJO fell into a sixth-place tie with WLIT. Market PUMM was down 0.5% from last month but grew 3.8% when compared with last year.
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➤DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Hungry Like The Wolf
Oh, we have been sitting on that headline for a looooong time. CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) was certainly feasting this survey. The station leapt from #10 to #1 6+ with its best outing in over a year (3.6-6.0). This ended the two-book winning streak for CUMULUS Sports KTCK (96.7 & 1310 THE TICKET), which dipped to #2 with its lowest score since SEPTEMBER (6.4-5.2). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) and AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) had been tied at #4. Both stations had the identical share increase (4.6-5.1) as they rose in tandem to #3. CUMULUS Country KSCS (New Country) stepped up to #5 (4.4-4.9), while iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) fell three places to #6 (4.8-4.6). TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUE BUENA 94.1) fell from #2 to #8 (4.9-4.1) and was tied with SERVICE Urban AC KRNB (SMOOTH R&B 105.7), which moved up a spot (3.7-4.1). KDGE’s cume was off 1.6% but it was still the market leader (1,280,000-1,259,300). The market was up 2.9%. Market PUMM was down 0.7% from FEBRUARY but grew 14.1% when compared with 2024.
Despite a down book KTCK was #1 25-54 for the third book in a row. KLNO was back at #2, also with a down book. It was sharing the moment with KPLX, which advanced from #9. That duo was less than a share behind the leader. KSCS dipped to #4 with a slight decrease, while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) was up two places to #5 with its highest share in over a year. KDGE slipped to #6, while AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) dropped three slots to #8. Market PUMM was off 4.9% from the last book but up 14.1% from a year ago.
The 18-34 arena was truly the wild, wild West. KHKS stepped up to #1 for the first time since JULY and landed in double figures. KDMX stepped up to #2 and was paired with KSCS, which rose from #5. Both stations posted their largest numbers in over a year yet still trailed the leader by three shares. KLNO fell from first to fourth with its lowest score in over a year. It was tied with AUDACY Classic Hits KSPF (98.7 THE SPOT), which advanced from #12 with, yup, its best book in over a year. KDGE fell from #3 to #7 and was met there by SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104), which turned it up from #11. Market PUMM declined by 7.6% from last month and was off by 1.0% from last year.
Three of the top four 18-49 stations posted their largest shares in over a year. KHKS moved from #3 to #1, KDMX rose from #5 to #3 and KSCS advanced from #8 to #4. KLNO dipped to #2 as its two-book winning streak came to an end. KDGE slipped to #5 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER, while KTCK fell five slots to #7 with its least productive outing since AUGUST. Market PUMM fell 6.5% from FEBRUARY but grew 11.7% from 2024.
➤SAN FRANCISCO: Status, Meet Quo
The top four 6+ stations were unchanged from a month ago. KQED INC. N/T KQED was #1 for the third book in a row and 10th time in the last 14 surveys (9.7-10.5). AUDACY News KCBS-A remained at #2 (7.2-6.5) but picked up a 0.6 share from the digital realm. BONNEVILLE AC KOIT was still the leading music station, coming in again at #3 but with its smallest share since NOVEMBER (6.1-5.6). USC Classical KDFC repeated at #4 as it halted a three-book slide (4.6-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) wafted up to #5 with its highest score since NOVEMBER (4.1-4.4). BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) dipped to #6 (4.2-4.0). It was partnered with AUDACY Hot AC KLLC (ALICE @ 97.3), which moved up a spot (3.8-4.0). Despite a 6.8% decrease. KOIT still had the most listeners (1,201-800-1,120,200). The market was up 0.2%. Market PUMM was up 3.4% from FEBRUARY and 20.5% from 2024.
KQED regained most of last month’s big share loss as it moved back to #1 in the 25-54 space. KOIT stepped down to #2 with its third down book in a row. The stations were separated by a full share. KMVQ returned at #3, also with its third straight down book. KLLC repeated at #4 but with its highest mark in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA AC KIOI (STAR 101.3) stepped up to #5 with its third consecutive up book. A flat AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) slipped three places to #7. Market PUMM rose 3.6% from last month and 14.1% from the previous year.
KOIT made it back-to-back 18-34 wins with a slight share increase. It maintained a narrow lead over iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL, which moved up to #2 with its best outing since NOVEMBER. KMVQ stepped down to #3 with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. It was paired with SBS Mexican Regional KRZZ (LA RAZA 93.3), which advanced from #9 as it rebounded from a down book. KISQ moved from #8 to #5 and was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9), which moved up a spot. Three stations were conspiring together at #7. KITS fell from #4 with its smallest share in exactly a year, while KIOI dipped from #6. KQED rose from #12 thanks to its best book in over a year. Market PUMM was down 3.0% from the previous book and up 0.5% from 2024.
KQED rebounded from a down book to grab first place in the 18-49 competition. KOIT dipped to #2 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER. KMVQ stepped down to #3 with its third down book in a row. KITS inched up a spot to forge a tie for third place, while KIOI was up to #5 with its best book in over a year. KMEL fell three places to #8 with a slight decrease. Market PUMM was up 1.8% from last month and 8.9% from 2024.
And so it begins…one roundup down, three to go. Stand by for our next reveal featuring HOUSTON, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA and BOSTON in that order.
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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
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About Research Director, Inc.: Research Director, Inc. is based in Annapolis, Maryland. We help radio stations’ programming and sales departments maximize the value of their research. For more information, visit www.ResearchDirectorInc.com, call 410-295-6619, or e-mail info@ResearchDirectorInc.com or sallan@ResearchDirectorInc.com.
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