by Steven Allan, Programming Research Consultant
August PP Insights, Day 4, Sept 6, 2024
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – running cheek by jowl with the numbers nerds from XTRENDS – are back to give you the greatest variety of radio ratings. We bring them to you non-stop with limited commercial interruption. Five big markets in a row! Twenty incredible demos! The kind of ratings everyone at the office can agree on! Nobody plays more ratings than we do.
Now that you’re properly hyped, we’ll tell you this is our final foray into AUGUST. The survey began on JULY 18TH and exited on AUGUST 14TH. There were no holidays, vacations were a thing, and, in many places, it was as hot as hell. Here we go…
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: When Doves Don’t Cry
Of course, COX MEDIA Soft AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE) was #1 6+ again. What is noteworthy is that the station was in double digits for the seventh straight survey (10.4-10.7). BEASLEY Country WQYK was back at a distant #2 (6.6-6.4), while its arch nemesis – iHEARTMEDIA Country WFUS (US 103.5) – bounced back from a down book to advance from #6 to #3 (5.1-6.3). COX MEDIA Urban AC WTBV (101.5 THE VIBE) repeated at #4 (6.1-6.2) but it had company. COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE) moved up a spot as it ended a three-book slide (5.4-6.2). iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7) dropped three places to #6 as it gave back all of last survey’s share increase (6.2-5.7). WDUV still had the largest flock of listeners (612,200-617,200) – a 0.8% increase. The market was up 0.5%.
iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB had its best 25-54 book in over a year, which pushed the station up to #1. WDUV rebounded from a down book to move from #4 to #2 and was very close to the top spot. By posting its smallest share since MARCH, WMTX slid to #3, which ended the station’s three-book winning streak. WTBV repeated at #4 but with its highest mark since FEBRUARY. WFUS drifted down to #5. On our last visit COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9) and COX MEDIA N/T WHPT (102.5 THE BONE) were tied at #10. Both stations had strong share increases as they landed at #6 and #7, respectively.
Last month WDUV slipped to a tie at #2 18-34 as its seven-book reign came to an end at the hands of WMTX. The station bounced back this time with a double-digit performance as it reclaimed the lead. However, WMTX said “Hold my beer” as it also hit double figures to maintain a share of first place. WQYK dipped to #3 but with its best showing in over a year. WFUS went from the tie at #2 with WQYK and WDUV into a tie at #4 with two other stations. WTBV was up from #6 with its highest score since NOVEMBER, while WXTB advanced from #8 as it ended a three-book slide. BEASLEY Rhythmic CHR WLLD (WiLD 94.1) moved from #5 to #7.
WXTB made it back-to-back 18-49 wins and expanded its lead over #2 WMTX from about a half share to almost a share and a half. WDUV regained some of last month’s massive share loss as it moved from #5 to #3. WFUS and WQYK had been tied at #3. They each had a slight share increase to maintain their treaty but down a spot at #4.
SAN DIEGO: It’s Always Sunny In…
AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) was #1 6+ for the second straight survey and fifth time in the last six books (8.3-7.8). SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS repeated at #2 (7.2-6.9), while LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) stepped up to #3 with its first up book since MARCH (5.0-5.2). It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMYI (STAR 94.1), which remained in place as it returned most of last month’s big increase (6.2-5.2). TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNV (QUÉ BUENA 106.5) had its best book in over a year (3.6-4.9) as it rose from #12 to #5. Also landing at that spot was AUDACY Sports KWFN (97.3 FM THE FAN), which posted its best number in exactly a year (4.2-4.9). LOCAL MEDIA Adult Hits KFBG (100.7 BIG FM) slipped from #5 (4.8-4.3) into an arrangement at #8 with AUDACY Country KSON (4.0-4.3). Despite a 5.2% dip, KXSN was still your cume leader (589,800-559,200). The market was off 0.3%.
Though it landed its lowest share since FEBRUARY, KXSN was #1 25-54 for the sixth straight survey. KLNV stepped up to #2 with its best rating in over a year but remained about a share and a half off the lead. XHRM stood alone at #3 with a slight increase, while iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ was up to #4 with a small share gain. KMYI dropped three slots to #5 as it gave back all of last month’s rather large share increase. KPBS had its best book in over a year as it vaulted from #14 to #6. LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X) slipped to #7 and was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHTS (CHANNEL 933) and KWFN.
Last month XHRM took a noticeable share hit as it slipped to #2 18-34. The station bounced back this time to reclaim the top spot. XTRA’s hold on the #1 position was all too brief as it stepped down to #2. It was not alone in that space. KPBS was up from a tie at #4 with its best showing since FEBRUARY, while KXSN recovered from a down book to advance from #8. KMYI slid from #2 to #5 with a small share loss. In the previous survey, there were three stations at #4. That situation did not continue. AUDACY Alternative KBZT slipped to #6. KHTS had its smallest share in over a year as it landed in a three-way tie with KSON and KWFN. LOCAL MEDIA Pop CHR XHTZ (Z90.3) ended up at #10 along with iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KSSX (JAM’N 95.7).
The 18-49 chart was in shuffle mode. KLNV leapt from #4 to #1 with its highest score in over a year. XHRM stepped up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. KXSN dipped to #3, while KMYI went from first to fourth. It was tied with KIOZ, which was up a slot with a small increase. XTRA fell from #5 to #8 as it gave back most of last month’s large share increase.
DENVER-BOULDER: Drinking The Kool-Aid
For the first time since NOVEMBER, KSE VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105) was #1 with everyone age 6 and over (6.8-7.3). It was also the station’s best book in over a year. BONNEVILLE Country KYGO was back at #2 (6.9-6.5). It was joined there by cluster sister BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1), which rose from #4 (6.5-6.5). The stay at the top was a brief one for iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KRFX (103.5 THE FOX), which slid to #4 as it ended a three-book surge (7.1-6.3). In our previous episode, there were three stations claiming to be #5. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) remained in place (5.3-5.4), while AUDACY Modern AC KALC (ALICE 105.9) dipped to #6 (5.2-5.3). iHEARTMEDIA AAA KBCO landed at #8 with its smallest share since MARCH (5.2-4.6). KOSI still had the most listeners (546,600-542,800) – a 0.7% drop. The market grew by 1.2%.
For the tenth time in the last 14 surveys – and the second book in a row – KTCL was #1 25-54. KXKL repeated at #2 but cut into the lead, thanks to its best outing in over a year. KOSI rebounded from a down book to move up to a somewhat distant #3. KYGO dipped to #4 as it shed about half of last month’s huge increase. KBCO held steady at #5 as it ended a four-book surge. It was partnered with KSE VENTURES Hot AC KIMN (MIX 100), which arrived from #8 with a slight decrease. KRFX posted its lowest score since APRIL as it fell from #3 to #9.
That said, KRFX was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row. However, it was forced to share as KXKL moved up to force the tie with its fourth up book in a row. KOSI slipped to #3 and was about a half-share behind the leaders. KTCL remained at #4 but with its lowest total in over a year. It was tied with KYGO, which rose from #7 as it bounced back from a down book. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR KQKS (KS 107.5) stepped down to #6 with a modest share loss.
As with the three previous demos, KXKL had its best 18-49 book in over a year, this time to repeat as the demo champion. KOSI went from #5 to #2 with a slight increase but was about two shares off the pace. KTCL slipped to #3, again with its smallest share in over a year. KYGO remained in place at #4 as it lost some of last month’s big share increase. It was tied with KBCO, which stepped down from #3. KRFX fell from #5 to #8.
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NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): Eight Is Never Enough
COX MEDIA Classic Rock WBAB continued to wield its influence over the 6+ sphere with its eighth win in a row (8.0-9.3). The race was certainly for second place which belonged, again, to iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100), which saw its three-book surge come to a close (5.4-4.8). AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was back at #3 (5.0-4.7) with the added bonus of a 1.3 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) repeated at #4 (4.1-4.4), while CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) stood alone at #5 (4.0-4.3). COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI dipped to #6 (4.0-4.2). WBAB was the cume commander for the seventh straight survey (443,800-448,500) – a 1.1% increase. The market rose by 0.3%.
Speaking of the number eight, WHTZ was #1 25-54 for the eighth straight survey. WBAB was back at #2 but the gap between them shrank to about a half-share. WAXQ stepped up to #3 with its best book since FEBRUARY. WBLI dipped to #4 with a slight increase, while WALK repeated at #5 but with its third down book in a row.
Last month WBAB ended a three-book 18-34 winning streak as it slid to #3. The station announced its presence with authority this time, moving back to #1 and hitting double figures. CONNOISSEUR Country WWWF (103.1 THE WOLF) remained at #2 but also landed a double-digit share. Last month’s leader was WBLI. It slipped to #3 with a slight decrease. WHTZ stepped down to #4 with its smallest share since we were getting sugar plum flashbacks. WALK inched up to #5 with a small decrease. It was paired with AUDACY Sports WFAN (WFAN SPORTS RADIO), which arrived from #15, more than doubling its previous share. CONNOISSEUR AC WKJY (K-JOY 98.3) fell from #5 into a five-way tie at #12.
In the previous survey, WBAB and WHTZ were co-leaders with the 18-49 crowd. WBAB stood alone atop the standings with its best book in over a year, while WHTZ drifted down to #3 where it met up with WAXQ. Moving up to #2 was WBLI, which also landed its largest share in over a year. WWWF held firm at #5 with its best book since it went all canis lupus, all the time.
CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: The Lake Rises
iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE) corralled its best Frosty-free 6+ share in over a year as it rose to #1 (7.1-7.5). This snapped the six-book winning streak for BEASLEY Country WSOC, which ebbed to #2 with its smallest share since FEBRUARY (7.4-7.0). BEASLEY Urban AC WBAV (V 101.9) maintained its #3 presence (6.7-6.7), while URBAN ONE N/T WBT-A advanced from #9 to #4 with its highest mark in over a year (4.5-6.6). BEASLEY Classic Hits WKQC (K104.7) stepped up to #5 with its fourth up book in a row (4.9-5.6). Two stations were excused from the top five proceedings. PACIFIC Classic Hits WXRC (95.7 THE RIDE) drove from #4 to #6 (5.5-5.4), while iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT) also landed at #6 (5.3-5.4). WLKO still had the most cume with a 6.9% increase (365,500-390,900). The market fell by 1.9%.
Consider the progression of WLKO over the last five books: #7, #6, #5, #3 and now #1 25-54. It held about a half-share advantage over BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98), which ended a four-book winning streak as it stepped down to #2. URBAN ONE Sports WFNZ halted a two-book slide as it leapt from #7 to #3. WSOC slipped to #4 with its lowest mark since APRIL. URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) stood alone at #5 with a small increase. WBAV was down to #6 with its third down book in a row. It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END), which was off slightly.
WPEG was #1 18-34 for the fourth book in a row and had to share the spotlight with WBAV, which moved up from #2 with its best outing since OCTOBER. The stations were dangerously close to hitting double figures. BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1) came close to doubling its previous share as it advanced from #8 to #3. WFNZ stepped up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. WOSF fell from a tie at #3 to #5 with a small decrease. It was paired with WEND, which rose from a tie at #11 with its best performance since MARCH. Four stations were massed together at #8. WSOC dropped from the tie at #3 with its lowest number in over a year, while WKQC slid from #5 as it ended a four-book surge. The other members of that foursome were WLKO and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1). URBAN ONE AC WLNK (THE MIX 107.9) dropped from #5 to #12 as it surrendered most of last survey’s huge increase.
WPEG was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey. It had been sharing that honor with WSOC, but that station dropped to a tie at #5 with a significant share loss. WBAV moved up to #2 with a slight decrease but was less than a half-share behind the leader. WLKO and WEND advanced from #4 and #5, respectively, to forge a tie at #3. Also in the tie at #5 was WFNZ, which had been at #7 but picked up a sizeable chunk of share. WOSF dropped from a tie at #5 to #8.
This is the end of the line for AUGUST. As always, we appreciate your attention to these matters. We’ll return in about four weeks to chat about SEPTEMBER.
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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
August PPM Insights, Day 3, Sept 5, 2024
It is hard to believe, but this is the beginning of our twelfth year writing this here missive. It is even harder to accept that it has now been a year since we exited ALL ACCESS and started publishing this as part of our Hot Topics blog. The radio industry still seems a bit hollow without our daily dose of ALL ACCESS.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in a close order formation with the data dragoons from XTRENDS – are thrilled to bring you another action-splattered edition of how the ratings turned. Another group of five markets go under the microscope as we continue to parse the results of the AUGUST survey. The markers for this book are JULY 18TH and AUGUST 14TH. There were no holidays but plenty of PTO.
Here is how it unfolded…
MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: Them Changes
Usually, the 6+ section of this market is as predictable as the MARLINS won/loss record (bet the under). And as expected, COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) was #1 by a wide margin (9.6-9.8). However, there were two stations that moved up to #2 with their best outings in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) was previously seen at #5 (4.8-5.9), while SBS Spanish Contemporary WCMQ (Z92.3) crashed the top five party as it arrived from #6 (4.6-5.9). This set off some down chart ripples. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WAMR (AMOR 107.5) slid to #4 (5.5-5.3), while AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) dropped to #5 (5.3-5.2). Exiting the top five was COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1), which dipped to #6 (4.9-5.1). WFEZ wrested the cume crown from WLYF, thanks to a 2.8% increase (673,100-692,100). The gap between the two stations was less than 10,000. The market grew 0.8%.
There was also some movement in the 25-54 ranks. WMIA rebounded from a down book to capture the demo for the third book in a row. WHQT stepped up to #2 with a slight increase, while WLYF dipped to #3 with a slight decrease. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7 FM) moved up to #4 with a small share increase, while COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) moved up to #5 with its best book in over a year. WAMR fell from #4 to #9 with its least productive outing in over a year.
The 18-34 realm was not without drama. Last month COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) had its four-book winning streak snapped as it slipped to #3. The station regained some of that lost mojo and was back on top once again. Two stations moved up and into a tie at #2. WFEZ got there from #5 with its best book since tinsel was hanging on palm trees. This next one is not a typo. WCMQ vaulted from #18 to that tie at #2, more than tripling its previous number. In the previous survey, WLYF and WHQT were tied at #1. Both stations experienced the exact same huge share loss as they sauntered down to #4. AUDACY Country WKIS (KISS COUNTRY 99.9) slid to #6 with a slight increase. WXDJ fell from #5 to #9 and was tied with AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WPOW (POWER96)
WMIA had its best 18-49 book in over a year to move back up to #1. This deposed WHQT, which stepped down to #2 as it returned a healthy portion of last month’s share increase. WFEZ rebounded from a down book to move up to #3. It was tied with WCMQ, which advanced from #18 (again, not a typo). WXDJ moved from #7 to #5 with its best showing since MARCH. WLYF slid from #2 to #6, while WEDR fell from #4 to #8.
SEATTLE-TACOMA: A Two-fer
For the second straight survey, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW was #1 6+. The station also landed its largest share in over a year (7.7-8.6). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZOK was back at #2 as it halted a three-book slide (6.6-7.1). AUDACY Active Rock KISW repeated at #3 (6.4-5.9), while BONNEVILLE N/T KIRO stepped up to #4 with its highest score in over a year (4.9-5.3). AUDACY AC KSWD (94.1 THE SOUND) moved up three places to #5 (4.0-4.3), while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) descended to #6 with its smallest share since April (5.3-4.2). It was tied with AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF), which remained in place (4.8-4.2). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KJAQ (96.5 JACK FM) was at #16 (2.4-2.7). Why is that noteworthy? Because the station was #1 in cume with a 0.3% decrease (473,700-472,500). This was made possible in large measure because last month’s #1 station – KZOK – shed 13.6% of its cume. The market was up 0.4%.
The 25-54 leaderboard went through plenty of revisions. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) was off slightly yet rose from #4 to #1. HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5) was back at #2 but with its lowest number since MARCH. Then you had four – count ‘em – four stations at #3. KKWF held steady, while KISW dropped down from #1. Both stations posted their lowest scores in over a year. AUDACY Rhythmic AC KHTP (HOT 103.7) advanced from #6 with a small increase, while AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) moved up from #7 with its third up book in a row. FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP fell from #5 to #9 with its lowest mark in over a year. It was paired with LOTUS Country KPLZ (101.5 HANK FM).
As with the previous demo, KBKS went from #4 to #1 18-34. The station also hit double digits. KQMV was back at #2. The station tried to keep pace with its best book since JANUARY but was about a half-share off the lead. KISW repeated at #3 with a small decrease and was hanging out with its cluster bruh KNDD, which rose from #6 with its highest share since MARCH. KJEB dipped to #5 as it gave back almost all of last month’s large share increase. In JULY KKWF rose from #9 to #1. This time the station sank back to #7 and was tied with KHTP and KJAQ.
KQMV was #1 18-49 for the fifth book in a row but with its smallest share since MARCH. KBKS was off slightly but stepped up to #2 and within striking distance of the leader. KNDD moved up two slots to #3 with its third up book in a row. KISW slipped to #4, while KHTP advanced three places to #5. KKWF dipped to #6 with its lowest score in over a year. KEXP dropped from #5 into a tie at #7 with BONNEVILLE Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM).
PHOENIX: It’s So Easy
To the surprise of absolutely no one, iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) was #1 6+ once again. The station also had its best book since MARCH (9.5-10.1). HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX was #2 for eighth straight survey (8.3-6.1), while iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) repeated at #3 with its lowest score since FEBRUARY (5.3-4.6). HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD and iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A had been tied at #6. KUPD moved up to #4 (3.8-4.5), while KFYI-A ended up at #5 (3.8-4.2). HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) dipped to #6 (4.0-4.1), while AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) slid to #7 (4.2-3.9). KESZ padded its cume lead with a 15.3% increase (736,500-849,100). The market added 0.2%.
KESZ turned it up to eleven 25-54 wins in a row and hit double figures for the second straight survey. KUPD bounced back from a down book as it rose from #5 to #2. It was still more than three and a half shares off the lead. KDKB stepped up to #3 with a slight decrease, while KSLX slid to #4 as it surrendered all of last month’s large increase – plus a little extra. KYOT moved down to #5 with its second down book in a row. Keep an eye on ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KLNZ (LA TRICOLOR 103.5 FM) as it leapt from #19 to #7.
Not only did KESZ win the 18-34 contest for the second book in a row, but the station also crashed through the double-digit barrier. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) landed its largest share in over a year as it rose from #5 to #2. KDKB dipped to #3 with its smallest offering since APRIL, while KUPD leapt from #10 to #4 as it halted a three-book slide. KYOT slid to #5 where it was introduced to SIERRA H Rhythmic AC KZCE (101.1 THE BOUNCE). Both stations had down books. KOOL and AUDACY Country KMLE were previously an item at #5. KOOL met up with iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMXP (MIX 96.9) at #8, and KMLE landed at #10.
Lucky KESZ. The station was #1 18-49 for the 13th book in a row and hit double-digits for the second straight survey. KUPD advanced from #6 to #2 as it ended a five-book slide. It trailed the leader by five shares. KDKB was back at #3 with a slight decrease, while KZCE stepped up to #4 with its third up book in a row. KSLX dropped from #2 to #5 and was tied with KALV, which arrived from #12. KYOT slid from #4 to #7.
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DETROIT: Yeah, That’s The Ticket
We can be reasonably sure that the reason AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) moved up to #1 6+ had virtually nothing to do with the TIGERS’ performance in the AL CENTRAL but we could be wrong. WXYT had its best book since APRIL (7.8-8.5) and added another 1.5 share from its stream. This snapped the three-book winning streak for iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC, which dipped to #2 (8.2-7.3). AUDACY Country WYCD repeated at #3 but with its lowest score since JANUARY (7.6-6.4). Meanwhile, cluster sibling AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC landed its largest share since SEPTEMBER as it rose from #8 to #4 (5.3-6.1). BEASLEY Classic Rock WCSX dipped to #5 with its lowest mark in over a year (6.4-5.9). It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955), which stepped up from #6 (5.7-5.9). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) slid to #7 (6.4-5.6). WNIC was still the cume leader (939,700-937,400) – a 0.2% decrease. The market grew by 2.3%.
WXYT had its best 25-54 book since JANUARY as it advanced from #3 to #1. WNIC was back at #2 with a small decrease and was about a share off the pace. WKQI stepped up to #3, despite landing its lowest score since there were piping pipers everywhere. WYCD went from first to fourth with its least productive outing since MARCH. A flat BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF repeated at #5. It was hearing footsteps from WOMC, which advanced from #11 to #6.
Over the last year, the only survey when WKQI was not #1 18-34 was when the big guy was in the building. The station notched its eighth win in a row, all of which have been in double figures. WRIF was back at #2 with a small decrease. It was paired with WNIC, which moved up from #6 with its best book since MARCH. A flat WYCD dipped to #4, while WXYT slipped to #5. AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) stepped down to #6 with a slight increase.
Last month WKQI and WYCD were tied atop the 18-49 leaderboard. WKQI remained in place with its fifth win in a row, while WYCD dropped to #4. WXYT moved up to #2 with a solid increase, and WNIC remained at #3 with its lowest total since JANUARY. WRIF was back at #5 with a small decrease. It was joined in that place by WOMC, which advanced from #11.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: The Great Eight
Ever since the big guy from up north left town, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS has been #1 6+. That’s eight books in a row, if you’re counting. However, that streak may be in jeopardy as the station matched its lowest number of the streak (9.3-8.7). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) moved up to within shouting distance after posting its best Frosty-free share in over a year (7.0-8.4). HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) dipped to #3 with its first down book since BRENDA LEE was on the charts (8.3-7.3). It was paired with MPR N/T KNOW, which moved up from a tie at #4 with its best showing since MARCH (6.7-7.3). KNOW also gained a 0.7 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3) dipped to #5 (6.7-7.0). KQQL continued as the cume champ, despite a 2.5% decrease (726,200-708,000). The market was up 2.4%.
KSTP was both #1 and in double figures 18-49 for the third book in a row. KQQL leapt from #9 to #2 with a huge share increase yet still trailed the leader by more than a share. KTIS dipped to #3 with a slight increase, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB stepped down to #4 with a slight decrease. A flat CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X) moved down to #5. KFXN and AUDACY AC KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) were last spotted at #5. KFXN dropped to #6 with a slight increase, while KZJK ended up at #7 with its smallest share since MARCH.
The kids dig the classics. CUMULUS Classic Rock KQRS went from #7 to #1 18-34 and scored a double-digit book. KDWB and iHEARTMEDIA Country KEEY (K102) were sharing the spotlight last month. KDWB dipped to #2, while KEEY ended up in a three-way tie at #3. The other stations in that triumvirate were KZJK, which stepped up from #4, and KSTP, which remained motionless. KQQL slipped into a tie at #6 with KXXR.
For the seventh straight survey, KSTP was #1 18-49. The station also copped its third double-digit book in a row. KQQL vaulted from #8 to #2, which caused a ripple effect on the chart. KXXR stepped down to #3 with a slight decrease, while KTIS moved down to #4 with a small increase. KDWB dipped to #5, while KEEY ended up at #6. Both stations had slight decreases.
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Still to come our final attempt at insight as we dive into TAMPA, SAN DIEGO, DENVER, NASSAU-SUFFOLK and CHARLOTTE.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
August PPM Insights, Day 2, Sept 4, 2024
Howdy, buckaroos! Welcome back to the Triple R Radio Ranch. The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with those old number-crunching cowhands from XTRENDS – are back for another round of roping the ratings. We can assure you this is not our first rodeo.
There are another five markets in the corral, and we’re here to show you the good, bad and the ugly of the AUGUST survey. This one ran from JULY 18th through AUGUST 14th and was devoid of any federally mandated holidays. It was hot (dang hot!) and was smack dab in the middle of vacation and county fair season. So saddle up – we’re rarin’ to go.
HOUSTON-GALVESTON: The Streak Is Alive
For the fourth straight survey – and fifth time in the last six books, HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ was #1 6+ (7.6-7.0). However, iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) grew larger in the rearview mirror as it moved up to #2 (5.7-6.8). URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) dipped to #3 (5.9-5.9), while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) ended a three-book slide as it advanced four spaces to #4 (4.5-5.4). RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (THE NEW 93Q) stepped up to #5 (4.8-5.2). A couple of library-based stations each landed their lowest share in over a year. RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) fell from #3 to #7 (5.7-4.4), while AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) dropped from #5 to #9 (5.3-3.9). KODA remained the cume leader, despite a 1.9% decrease (1,566,500-1,536,700). The market was off 0.6%.
For the first time since FEBRUARY, KODA was #1 25-54. It held a full-share advantage over KTBZ, which stepped up to #2. This ended the three-book winning streak for KSBJ, which slid to #3 with only a slight decrease. KKBQ moved up to #4 with its highest mark since JANUARY. Two stations came together at #5. CUMULUS Pop CHR KRBE stepped up from #6, while AUDACY Spanish Contemporary KLOL (MEGA 101 FM) vaulted from #10. Both stations landed their largest share in over a year. KKHH dropped from #3 to #10. It was tied with ESTRELLA Regional Mexican KTJM (LA RAZA 98.5/101.9 FM) and URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX).
KTBZ kept its 18-34 buzz going as it scored its fifth straight #1 book. KLOL stepped up to #2 with, again, its best outing in over a year and trailed the leader by about a half-share. KODA spent the last three books lounging at #8. It received a large share infusion this month, which propelled the station to #3. KRBE has been on quite a three-book journey. Last month it rose from #7 to claim a share of the demo lead. This time, thanks to a slight share loss, it slipped to #4. There was a twosome at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT) moved up a spot with a small share loss, while TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLTN (QUÉ BUENA 102.9) advanced from #12 with its biggest number in over a year. The two stations previously seen at #3 moved much farther down the chart. KKBQ dropped to #8 as it returned a good portion of last month’s massive share increase. KKHH landed at #15 as its share was more than halved.
As it halted a three-book slide, KTBZ copped its sixth straight #1 18-49 book. KODA leapt from #6 to #2 but was still about a share off the pace. KKBQ and KSBJ had been tied at #2. KKBQ dipped to #3 with a slight increase, while a flat KSBJ alit at #4. It was paired with KRBE, which took one step upward with a slight increase. KKHH fell from #2 to #11.
ATLANTA: Cluster Muster
The top four spots on the 6+ leaderboard all park in the same garage (we assume). COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A made it back-to-back #1 books with its highest score in over a year (9.1-9.9). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) rebounded from a down book (6.7-7.6) to move up to #2. COX MEDIA AC WSB (B98.5) dipped to #3 (6.9-6.9). The station also gained a 0.6 share from its stream. COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) stepped up to #4 (5.9-6.0). SALEM AC WFSH (104.7 THE FISH) had its best Frosty-free share since NOVEMBER (4.9-5.6) as it swam up to #5. URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) landed its lowest share in over a year (6.2-5.2) as it slipped to #6. WSB still had the most listeners (793,100-826,900) – a 4.3% increase. The market rose by 1.9%.
Last month WSRV had its three-book 25-54 winning streak squashed by AUDACY Urban Contemporary WVEE (V103). WSRV regained a good portion of last survey’s share loss as it rose from #4 to #1. WVEE dipped to #2 with a small share loss. WSB-A was up for the third book in a row as it advanced from #7 to #3. A flat WALR stepped down to #4, while WSB slid from #2 to #5. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WHTA (HOT 107.9) and WAMJ were previously aligned at #5. WHTA moved to #6, despite posting its largest share in over a year. WAMJ ended up at #7 with its least productive outing since DECEMBER. It was partnered with WFSH, which moved up from #13.
You can’t tell the 18-34 leaders without their frequency. WSB was #1 for the eighth straight survey. WSB-A stepped up to #2 with its best book since MARCH. WFSH and WSRV were last seen at #5. Both stations had solid share increases as they rose to #3 and #4, respectively. WVEE dropped three places to #5, while WALR landed in a tie at #6 with WHTA. AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9 THE GAME) surrendered all of last month’s huge increase – plus a bit more – as it dropped from #3 to #10. It was cohabitating that space with iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WBZY (Z105.7) and CUMULUS Pop CHR WWWQ (Q99.7).
The top two 18-49 stations flip-flopped. WSB moved up to #1, while WVEE stepped down to #2. Both stations had down books. WALR remained at #3 with a slight increase. WSRV repeated at #4, also with a slight increase, and was paired with WHTA, which moved up a slot with its hottest score in over a year. Making a strong bid to join the top five club was WSB-A, which advanced from #9 to #6 with its best book in over a year.
Shameless plug: How many reports to generate when the book arrives? What if all that data was in your inbox within minutes of its release? How much time could The Ratings Experts save you? We can answer these – and many other – questions. All it will cost you is a little time to learn what we can do.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: That Was Fast
HOUSTON-GALVESTON: The Streak Is Alive
For the fourth straight survey – and fifth time in the last six books, HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ was #1 6+ (7.6-7.0). However, iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) grew larger in the rearview mirror as it moved up to #2 (5.7-6.8). URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) dipped to #3 (5.9-5.9), while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) ended a three-book slide as it advanced four spaces to #4 (4.5-5.4). RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (THE NEW 93Q) stepped up to #5 (4.8-5.2). A couple of library-based stations each landed their lowest share in over a year. RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) fell from #3 to #7 (5.7-4.4), while AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) dropped from #5 to #9 (5.3-3.9). KODA remained the cume leader, despite a 1.9% decrease (1,566,500-1,536,700). The market was off 0.6%.
For the first time since FEBRUARY, KODA was #1 25-54. It held a full-share advantage over KTBZ, which stepped up to #2. This ended the three-book winning streak for KSBJ, which slid to #3 with only a slight decrease. KKBQ moved up to #4 with its highest mark since JANUARY. Two stations came together at #5. CUMULUS Pop CHR KRBE stepped up from #6, while AUDACY Spanish Contemporary KLOL (MEGA 101 FM) vaulted from #10. Both stations landed their largest share in over a year. KKHH dropped from #3 to #10. It was tied with ESTRELLA Regional Mexican KTJM (LA RAZA 98.5/101.9 FM) and URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX).
KTBZ kept its 18-34 buzz going as it scored its fifth straight #1 book. KLOL stepped up to #2 with, again, its best outing in over a year and trailed the leader by about a half-share. KODA spent the last three books lounging at #8. It received a large share infusion this month, which propelled the station to #3. KRBE has been on quite a three-book journey. Last month it rose from #7 to claim a share of the demo lead. This time, thanks to a slight share loss, it slipped to #4. There was a twosome at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT) moved up a spot with a small share loss, while TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLTN (QUÉ BUENA 102.9) advanced from #12 with its biggest number in over a year. The two stations previously seen at #3 moved much farther down the chart. KKBQ dropped to #8 as it returned a good portion of last month’s massive share increase. KKHH landed at #15 as its share was more than halved.
As it halted a three-book slide, KTBZ copped its sixth straight #1 18-49 book. KODA leapt from #6 to #2 but was still about a share off the pace. KKBQ and KSBJ had been tied at #2. KKBQ dipped to #3 with a slight increase, while a flat KSBJ alit at #4. It was paired with KRBE, which took one step upward with a slight increase. KKHH fell from #2 to #11.
ATLANTA: Cluster Muster
The top four spots on the 6+ leaderboard all park in the same garage (we assume). COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A made it back-to-back #1 books with its highest score in over a year (9.1-9.9). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) rebounded from a down book (6.7-7.6) to move up to #2. COX MEDIA AC WSB (B98.5) dipped to #3 (6.9-6.9). The station also gained a 0.6 share from its stream. COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) stepped up to #4 (5.9-6.0). SALEM AC WFSH (104.7 THE FISH) had its best Frosty-free share since NOVEMBER (4.9-5.6) as it swam up to #5. URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) landed its lowest share in over a year (6.2-5.2) as it slipped to #6. WSB still had the most listeners (793,100-826,900) – a 4.3% increase. The market rose by 1.9%.
Last month WSRV had its three-book 25-54 winning streak squashed by AUDACY Urban Contemporary WVEE (V103). WSRV regained a good portion of last survey’s share loss as it rose from #4 to #1. WVEE dipped to #2 with a small share loss. WSB-A was up for the third book in a row as it advanced from #7 to #3. A flat WALR stepped down to #4, while WSB slid from #2 to #5. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WHTA (HOT 107.9) and WAMJ were previously aligned at #5. WHTA moved to #6, despite posting its largest share in over a year. WAMJ ended up at #7 with its least productive outing since DECEMBER. It was partnered with WFSH, which moved up from #13.
You can’t tell the 18-34 leaders without their frequency. WSB was #1 for the eighth straight survey. WSB-A stepped up to #2 with its best book since MARCH. WFSH and WSRV were last seen at #5. Both stations had solid share increases as they rose to #3 and #4, respectively. WVEE dropped three places to #5, while WALR landed in a tie at #6 with WHTA. AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9 THE GAME) surrendered all of last month’s huge increase – plus a bit more – as it dropped from #3 to #10. It was cohabitating that space with iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WBZY (Z105.7) and CUMULUS Pop CHR WWWQ (Q99.7).
The top two 18-49 stations flip-flopped. WSB moved up to #1, while WVEE stepped down to #2. Both stations had down books. WALR remained at #3 with a slight increase. WSRV repeated at #4, also with a slight increase, and was paired with WHTA, which moved up a slot with its hottest score in over a year. Making a strong bid to join the top five club was WSB-A, which advanced from #9 to #6 with its best book in over a year.
Shameless plug: How many reports to generate when the book arrives? What if all that data was in your inbox within minutes of its release? How much time could The Ratings Experts save you? We can answer these – and many other – questions. All it will cost you is a little time to learn what we can do.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: That Was Fast
Last month the market was torn asunder as the leading 6+ station was not AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU. That honor was bestowed upon HUBBARD News WTOP. Welp, order was restored as WAMU was back on top (10.4-10.5), while WTOP was back to its more customary #2 position (10.7-9.8). HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR was again the leading music station at #3 (6.7-6.4). Coming in at a distant #4 once again was iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH (4.8-4.8). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) repeated at #5 (4.5-4.4). WASH was still the cume leader (750,700-733,800) – a 2.3% decline. This was remarkably similar to the market’s 2.0% drop.
WWDC racked up its third 25-54 win in a row despite a slight decrease. WAMU was back at #2. The stations were separated by about a half-share. WASH repeated at #3 with a small share loss. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WKYS was up two places to #4 with a solid share gain. It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ, which landed its largest share in over a year as it advanced from #10. WTOP gave back most of last month’s rather large share increase as it slipped into a tie at #6 with AUDACY Rhythmic CHR WPGC. AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) fell from #5 to #9.
Say hello to your new 18-34 leader. WPGC moved up to #1 and landed its largest share in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) was last month’s leader but stepped down to #2 as it surrendered a good portion of its previous share. It was joined in that space by WKYS, which arrived from #6, also with its highest share in over a year. WAMU dipped to #4 with its lowest mark in over a year. It was met there by a flat iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100), which stepped up from #5. WASH returned most of last month’s huge increase as it slipped to #6. It was tied with WWDC and ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS. Both of those stations moved up the chart.
WWDC was flat 18-49 but captured the 18-49 flag for the third book in a row. WASH was back at #2 but the gap between the two stations expanded past the one-share mark. WAMU repeated at #3 but was forced to share as WPGC moved up from #5 to forge the tie. WKYS rose from #7 to #5 with its first up book since MARCH. WIHT slid from #3 to #6.
PHILADELPHIA: A Three-Peat
We checked with legal and were fairly certain we do not owe PAT RILEY any royalties for the use of his trademarked phrase. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS was #1 6+ for the third straight survey as it regained all of last month’s share loss (8.2-9.0). BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR had its best outing in over a year (7.2-8.1) as it rose to #2. AUDACY Sports WIP dipped to #3 (7.7-7.0) but was consoled by the fact that its stream picked up a 1.7 share. BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK repeated at #4 (6.7-6.7), while AUDACY News KYW-A was back at #5 (5.0-4.8). It added a 0.6 share from its stream. AUDACY AC WBEB (B101.1) continued to have the largest cume (895,700-900,100) – a 0.5% increase. The market was down 0.5%.
Can we trademark “eight straight”? That’s how many 25-54 books in a row that WMMR has been #1. The station did post its lowest number of the streak but still led WDAS, which moved up to #2 with its first up book since APRIL, by about two shares. WIP slipped to #3 with its first down book since FEBRUARY. BEASLEY Adult Hits WBEN (95.7 BEN FM) was up two places to #4 with a small share increase, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) repeated at #5 with a slight increase. BEASLEY Country WXTU ended a very strong two-book surge as it dropped from #4 to #7.
In our previous dalliance into this market, WDAS and WMMR were both sitting at #3 18-34. They each had strong share increases as they rose together to become co-leaders of the demo. WMGK stepped down to #3 with a slight increase. This ended the two-book run at #1 for WUSL, which landed at #4 with its smallest share since APRIL. WBEN was up two spots to #5 with its highest score since SEPTEMBER. WXTU slipped into a tie at #6 with WBEB.
WMMR ended a three-book 18-49 skid as it cruised to its eighth consecutive victory. WDAS rebounded from a down book to move up to #2 but was more than two shares off the lead. WUSL stepped down to #3 with a somewhat large share loss. WIP dipped to #4 and just edged out WBEN, which jumped from #8 to #5 with its highest mark since MARCH. WXTU fell from #5 to #8.
BOSTON: A Mix-Up
In a somewhat surprising turn of events, AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX 104.1) found its way to the 6+ winner’s podium after landing its largest share in over a year (7.0-7.8). This ended the seven-book winning streak for BEASLEY Sports WBZ (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB), which drifted down to #2 (7.7-7.5). BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR was back at #3 (6.8-6.4), while AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) repeated at #4 (6.0-5.7). WMJX did gain an additional 0.3 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A stepped up to #5 (4.7-4.7), which forced BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR down to #6 (5.1-4.6). WMJX may have lost 8.3% of its listening base but the station was still #1 in cume (758,800-695,600). The market was essentially flat.
WWBX made it back-to-back 25-54 victories as it posted a double-digit share. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) remained at #2 with its third down book in a row. The stations were better than four shares apart. WBZ and WROR were previously tied at #3. A flat WBZ held steady, while WROR dipped to #4 with a slight decrease. A flat WMJX was still sitting at #5 but it was accompanied by iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX, which moved up a slot with its best showing since NOVEMBER.
How dominant is WWBX with the 18-34 crowd? Let us show you. The station was #1 for the fourth book in a row, and seventh time in the last eight surveys. The station was also in double figures for the seventh time during that eight-book span. We’re not finished. Its share was larger than the next three stations – combined! WXKS was back at #2 as it regained some of last month’s large share loss. WMJX repeated at #3 but was matched with BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9), which moved up from #5. WBZ advanced three bases to #5 as it partially recovered from last month’s devastating share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) slipped to #6 with its lowest mark since APRIL. WROR and AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) were formerly partners at #5. The stations dissolved that arrangement and landed at #7 and #8, respectively.
WWBX was #1 and in double figures 18-49 to the third straight survey. WBZ maintained its presence at #2 but was nearly seven shares off the lead. WXKS stepped up to #3 with a slight increase, which pushed WMJX down to #4. WROR dipped to #5 as it ended a modest two-book surge.
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The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. stand resolute and ready to help you grow your ratings and your revenue. Stay tuned for part three featuring MIAMI, SEATTLE, PHOENIX, DETROIT, and MINNEAPOLIS.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
Since it has been well established that AUGUST are the dog days of summer, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with our faithful data-crunching companions from XTRENDS – are doggedly in pursuit analyzing and opining about the latest NIELSEN results. No tricks here. We are here to fetch the numbers. Think of us as radio’s best friend.
This survey began its incredible journey on JULY 18th and came home on AUGUST 14th. It was a holiday-free time frame, only clouded by the likely decline in PUMM due to vacations, or as HR prefers to call it: PTO.
We are on the clock and ready for duty. Let’s go…
NEW YORK: Same As It Ever Was
For the seventh straight survey, the top three slots on the 6+ leaderboard were filled by members of the same team. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was back at its customary #1 spot with its first up book since APRIL (7.3-8.0). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) posted its largest share in over a year (5.9-6.5) as it stepped up to #2. Meanwhile, iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) dipped to #3 with its lowest mark since that right jolly old elf was parading around town (6.9-5.9). AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS was back at #4 (5.2-5.4), while MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS repeated at #5 with its third up book in a row (4.9-5.0). Despite losing 1.1% of its cume, WLTW remained the leader in that category (3,463,300-3,423,500). The market was off by 1.3%.
WHTZ was the 25-54 leader for the fourth straight survey and missed hitting double figures by the smallest of possible margins. WLTW ended a three-book slide as it jumped from #5 to #2 but still trailed its cluster brother by more than three shares. WAXQ slipped to #3 with its first down book since MARCH. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU dipped to #4 with a slight decrease, while SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) stepped down to #5.
WLTW continued to dominate the 18-34 space and was back in double digits for the twelfth time in the last 14 surveys. WHTZ remained at #2 as it bounced back from a down book. Still, it trailed the leader by about – get this – six shares! SBS Spanish Contemporary WPAT (93.1 AMOR) pulled in its best number in over a year as it vaulted from #11 to #3. WCBS was up three slots to #4 as it regained most of last month’s share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WWPR (POWER 105.1) was up for the third book in a row as it rose from #8 to #5. MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97) dipped to #6 as it halted a three-book surge. WKTU and WAXQ were last seen at #3 and #4, respectively. Both stations took large share hits as they landed together at #7.
WHTZ made it three 18-49 wins in a row and was also basking in a double-digit glow. WLTW inched up to #2 as it ended a three-book slide. The station just missed hitting double figures. WSKQ stepped up to #3, despite a small share loss. WAXQ dropped to #4 as it ended a very strong four-book surge. It was paired with WKTU, which returned about half of last month’s solid share increase. This duo was barely outdistancing AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7), which remained at #6 with a flat performance.
LOS ANGELES: Seven On Your Side
HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) repeated as the 6+ champion (6.6-6.5). That makes four #1 books in the last five surveys. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WVAZ (V103) held steady at #2 (6.5-6.1), while AUDACY News WBBM-A moved up a couple of places to #3 with its best outing since JANUARY (5.2-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) landed its lowest share in over a year as it dipped to #4 (5.9-5.3). AUDACY AAA WXRT slipped to #5 as it gave back most of last month’s solid share increase (5.3-4.8). The station was hearing footsteps from AUDACY Country WUSN (US99), which remained at #6 as it rebounded from a down book (4.0-4.7). WLIT still had the most listeners (1,244,000-1,181,500) – a 5.0% decrease. The market was basically flat.
Despite a slight decrease, WVAZ finished at #1 25-54 for the second straight survey. However, it was not alone. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) ended a steep three-book skid as it moved up from #5 to claim its share of the lead. The next four stations were separated by a half-share. WLIT stepped down to #3 with its sixth straight down book. WXRT dipped to #4 with its smallest share since the geese were making more geese. WUSN inched up to #5 with a small increase, while CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS rose three places to #6 with its first up book since APRIL.
Way back in MAY AUDACY Pop CHR WBBM (B96) was sitting at #10 in the 18-34 competition. Fast forward to the present day and the station leapt from #5 to #1 with its best book in over a year. WUSN was a heartbeat behind as it moved up to #2 with a slight increase. WVAZ stepped down to #3 with a small share loss, while WDRV put it in reverse moving from #1 to #4. These four stations were within a half-share of each other. Last month WOJO dropped from #6 to #15. The station bounced back this time as it landed at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI moved down to #6, while WLIT fell from #3 to #7.
What a difference a month can make. In JULY WOJO dropped from #2 18-49 to #8. The station came back with gusto as it rose to the #1 position. It held a very small lead over WVAZ, which went from a tie at #1 to #2. WUSN repeated at #3 with a small share gain, while WGCI was up two slots to #4 with a slight increase. WLIT had previously been the other half of that #1 pairing. It dropped to #5 this time with its lowest score in over a year. WDRV slipped to #6, while AUDACY Rhythmic AC WBMX (104.3 JAMS) fell from #3 to #7.
SAN FRANCISCO: Quod Erat Demonstrandum
Proving that last month was no fluke, KQED INC. N/T KQED was back at #1 6+ with its best book since JANUARY (7.1-7.9). BONNEVILLE AC KOIT remained at #2 (6.7-6.7), while AUDACY News KCBS-A stepped up to #3 with its best showing since FEBRUARY (5.8-6.6). iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) wafted its way down to #4, despite landing its fifth up book in a row (6.1-6.3). BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) landed its largest share since MARCH to move up to #5 (4.1-4.8). UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Classical KDFC returned all of last month’s big gain – plus a little extra – as it slipped to #6 (5.0-3.8). KOIT remained in cume control with a 0.3% decrease (1,083,600-1,080,800). The market was up 0.7%.
KOIT kept its long, uninterrupted string of #1 25-54 books alive with its best showing since MARCH. KISQ remained at #2 but now trailed the leader by more than two shares. KMVQ stepped up to #3 as it ended a five-book slide. AUDACY Hot AC KLLC (ALICE @ 97.3) moved up to #4 as it came back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) had its best book in over a year as it advanced from #9 to #5. Three stations had previously occupied that spot. None remained. KQED dipped to #6 with a slight increase, while AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) slipped to #7 with a small share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL ended up at #8 with its lowest mark since OCTOBER. CUMULUS Classic Rock KSAN (107.7 THE BONE) fell from #3 to #10.
For the first time in over a year, the #1 18-34 station was not sporting the KOIT call letters. Your new market leader was KMEL, which rose from #2 with its best outing since MAY. KOIT stepped down to #2 with its fifth down book in a row. The stations were about a half-share apart. KISQ inched up to #3 with a slight increase. It was paired with KMVQ, which vaulted from #6 with its highest score since FEBRUARY. KYLD moved from #7 to #5 with its largest share in over a year. KITS dropped three places to #6, while KSAN fell from #4 to #8.
KOIT extended its long 18-49 winning streak as it bounced back from a down book. It was more than three shares in front of KMVQ, which stepped up to #2 as it ended a five-book skid. KISQ dipped to #3 as it returned all of last month’s strong increase. KMEL repeated at #4 with a slight increase. KYLD moved up to #5 with its third up book in a row. This pushed KITS down to #6.
DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Market Volatility
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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
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WWDC racked up its third 25-54 win in a row despite a slight decrease. WAMU was back at #2. The stations were separated by about a half-share. WASH repeated at #3 with a small share loss. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WKYS was up two places to #4 with a solid share gain. It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ, which landed its largest share in over a year as it advanced from #10. WTOP gave back most of last month’s rather large share increase as it slipped into a tie at #6 with AUDACY Rhythmic CHR WPGC. AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) fell from #5 to #9.
Say hello to your new 18-34 leader. WPGC moved up to #1 and landed its largest share in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) was last month’s leader but stepped down to #2 as it surrendered a good portion of its previous share. It was joined in that space by WKYS, which arrived from #6, also with its highest share in over a year. WAMU dipped to #4 with its lowest mark in over a year. It was met there by a flat iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100), which stepped up from #5. WASH returned most of last month’s huge increase as it slipped to #6. It was tied with WWDC and ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS. Both of those stations moved up the chart.
WWDC was flat 18-49 but captured the 18-49 flag for the third book in a row. WASH was back at #2 but the gap between the two stations expanded past the one-share mark. WAMU repeated at #3 but was forced to share as WPGC moved up from #5 to forge the tie. WKYS rose from #7 to #5 with its first up book since MARCH. WIHT slid from #3 to #6.
PHILADELPHIA: A Three-Peat
We checked with legal and were fairly certain we do not owe PAT RILEY any royalties for the use of his trademarked phrase. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS was #1 6+ for the third straight survey as it regained all of last month’s share loss (8.2-9.0). BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR had its best outing in over a year (7.2-8.1) as it rose to #2. AUDACY Sports WIP dipped to #3 (7.7-7.0) but was consoled by the fact that its stream picked up a 1.7 share. BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK repeated at #4 (6.7-6.7), while AUDACY News KYW-A was back at #5 (5.0-4.8). It added a 0.6 share from its stream. AUDACY AC WBEB (B101.1) continued to have the largest cume (895,700-900,100) – a 0.5% increase. The market was down 0.5%.
Can we trademark “eight straight”? That’s how many 25-54 books in a row that WMMR has been #1. The station did post its lowest number of the streak but still led WDAS, which moved up to #2 with its first up book since APRIL, by about two shares. WIP slipped to #3 with its first down book since FEBRUARY. BEASLEY Adult Hits WBEN (95.7 BEN FM) was up two places to #4 with a small share increase, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) repeated at #5 with a slight increase. BEASLEY Country WXTU ended a very strong two-book surge as it dropped from #4 to #7.
In our previous dalliance into this market, WDAS and WMMR were both sitting at #3 18-34. They each had strong share increases as they rose together to become co-leaders of the demo. WMGK stepped down to #3 with a slight increase. This ended the two-book run at #1 for WUSL, which landed at #4 with its smallest share since APRIL. WBEN was up two spots to #5 with its highest score since SEPTEMBER. WXTU slipped into a tie at #6 with WBEB.
WMMR ended a three-book 18-49 skid as it cruised to its eighth consecutive victory. WDAS rebounded from a down book to move up to #2 but was more than two shares off the lead. WUSL stepped down to #3 with a somewhat large share loss. WIP dipped to #4 and just edged out WBEN, which jumped from #8 to #5 with its highest mark since MARCH. WXTU fell from #5 to #8.
BOSTON: A Mix-Up
In a somewhat surprising turn of events, AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX 104.1) found its way to the 6+ winner’s podium after landing its largest share in over a year (7.0-7.8). This ended the seven-book winning streak for BEASLEY Sports WBZ (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB), which drifted down to #2 (7.7-7.5). BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR was back at #3 (6.8-6.4), while AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) repeated at #4 (6.0-5.7). WMJX did gain an additional 0.3 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A stepped up to #5 (4.7-4.7), which forced BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR down to #6 (5.1-4.6). WMJX may have lost 8.3% of its listening base but the station was still #1 in cume (758,800-695,600). The market was essentially flat.
WWBX made it back-to-back 25-54 victories as it posted a double-digit share. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) remained at #2 with its third down book in a row. The stations were better than four shares apart. WBZ and WROR were previously tied at #3. A flat WBZ held steady, while WROR dipped to #4 with a slight decrease. A flat WMJX was still sitting at #5 but it was accompanied by iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX, which moved up a slot with its best showing since NOVEMBER.
How dominant is WWBX with the 18-34 crowd? Let us show you. The station was #1 for the fourth book in a row, and seventh time in the last eight surveys. The station was also in double figures for the seventh time during that eight-book span. We’re not finished. Its share was larger than the next three stations – combined! WXKS was back at #2 as it regained some of last month’s large share loss. WMJX repeated at #3 but was matched with BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9), which moved up from #5. WBZ advanced three bases to #5 as it partially recovered from last month’s devastating share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) slipped to #6 with its lowest mark since APRIL. WROR and AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) were formerly partners at #5. The stations dissolved that arrangement and landed at #7 and #8, respectively.
WWBX was #1 and in double figures 18-49 to the third straight survey. WBZ maintained its presence at #2 but was nearly seven shares off the lead. WXKS stepped up to #3 with a slight increase, which pushed WMJX down to #4. WROR dipped to #5 as it ended a modest two-book surge.
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The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. stand resolute and ready to help you grow your ratings and your revenue. Stay tuned for part three featuring MIAMI, SEATTLE, PHOENIX, DETROIT, and MINNEAPOLIS.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
August PPM Insights, Day 1, Sept 3, 2024
Since it has been well established that AUGUST are the dog days of summer, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with our faithful data-crunching companions from XTRENDS – are doggedly in pursuit analyzing and opining about the latest NIELSEN results. No tricks here. We are here to fetch the numbers. Think of us as radio’s best friend.
This survey began its incredible journey on JULY 18th and came home on AUGUST 14th. It was a holiday-free time frame, only clouded by the likely decline in PUMM due to vacations, or as HR prefers to call it: PTO.
We are on the clock and ready for duty. Let’s go…
NEW YORK: Same As It Ever Was
For the seventh straight survey, the top three slots on the 6+ leaderboard were filled by members of the same team. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was back at its customary #1 spot with its first up book since APRIL (7.3-8.0). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) posted its largest share in over a year (5.9-6.5) as it stepped up to #2. Meanwhile, iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) dipped to #3 with its lowest mark since that right jolly old elf was parading around town (6.9-5.9). AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS was back at #4 (5.2-5.4), while MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS repeated at #5 with its third up book in a row (4.9-5.0). Despite losing 1.1% of its cume, WLTW remained the leader in that category (3,463,300-3,423,500). The market was off by 1.3%.
WHTZ was the 25-54 leader for the fourth straight survey and missed hitting double figures by the smallest of possible margins. WLTW ended a three-book slide as it jumped from #5 to #2 but still trailed its cluster brother by more than three shares. WAXQ slipped to #3 with its first down book since MARCH. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU dipped to #4 with a slight decrease, while SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) stepped down to #5.
WLTW continued to dominate the 18-34 space and was back in double digits for the twelfth time in the last 14 surveys. WHTZ remained at #2 as it bounced back from a down book. Still, it trailed the leader by about – get this – six shares! SBS Spanish Contemporary WPAT (93.1 AMOR) pulled in its best number in over a year as it vaulted from #11 to #3. WCBS was up three slots to #4 as it regained most of last month’s share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WWPR (POWER 105.1) was up for the third book in a row as it rose from #8 to #5. MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97) dipped to #6 as it halted a three-book surge. WKTU and WAXQ were last seen at #3 and #4, respectively. Both stations took large share hits as they landed together at #7.
WHTZ made it three 18-49 wins in a row and was also basking in a double-digit glow. WLTW inched up to #2 as it ended a three-book slide. The station just missed hitting double figures. WSKQ stepped up to #3, despite a small share loss. WAXQ dropped to #4 as it ended a very strong four-book surge. It was paired with WKTU, which returned about half of last month’s solid share increase. This duo was barely outdistancing AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7), which remained at #6 with a flat performance.
LOS ANGELES: Seven On Your Side
I have no idea – is there a Channel 7 in LA? Whatever, AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101 FM) sewed up its seventh straight 6+ win (7.1-6.8). Coming in at a somewhat distant #2 again was iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST (5.3-5.4). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5) had its best book in over a year as it rose from #6 to #3 (4.1-5.2). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM) remained at #4 as it ended a three-book run of flat numbers (4.7-4.9). It was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM), which stepped down from #3 with its first down book since MARCH (5.1-4.9). AUDACY Rhythmic AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE) dipped to #6 (4.5-4.1). Thanks to a 3.9% increase, KOST moved back up to #1 in the cume category (1,933,100-2,008,700). The market grew 0.3%.
For the second book in a row – and third time in the last four surveys – KIIS was #1 25-54. However, it was no longer a solo act as a flat KRTH moved up from #2 to force the tie. KBIG stood alone at #3 with a slight increase, while its former partner in that space – KOST – dipped to #4 with its smallest share since OCTOBER. KLVE moved up to #5 as it bounced back from a down book. AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) slipped to #6 with a small share loss.
Last month KRTH slipped from #1 to #3 18-34. The station came back with a vengeance, posting its largest share in over a year as it made a triumphant return to the top spot. It held a two-share advantage over KIIS, which stepped down to #2. KBIG dipped to #3 as it gave back most of last month’s solid share increase. MERUELO Rhythmic CHR KPWR (POWER 106) held firm at #4 with its best performance in over a year. MERUELO Classic Rock KLOS also landed its largest share in over a year as it advanced from #8 to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KRRL (REAL 92.3) and KTWV were last spotted at #5. Both stations had the exact same share loss as they landed in tandem at #9.
Back in MARCH KRTH, KIIS and KBIG were tied at #1 18-49. For the first time since then, KRTH was back on top. This ended the five-book winning streak for KIIS, which dipped to #2 and was a share off the lead. KBIG stepped down to #3 with a slight increase. KLVE was up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7) had only a slight increase but that was enough to propel the station from #8 to #5. KTWV ebbed from #4 to #9.
CHICAGO: Wheels On Fire
For the second book in a row – and third time in the last four surveys – KIIS was #1 25-54. However, it was no longer a solo act as a flat KRTH moved up from #2 to force the tie. KBIG stood alone at #3 with a slight increase, while its former partner in that space – KOST – dipped to #4 with its smallest share since OCTOBER. KLVE moved up to #5 as it bounced back from a down book. AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) slipped to #6 with a small share loss.
Last month KRTH slipped from #1 to #3 18-34. The station came back with a vengeance, posting its largest share in over a year as it made a triumphant return to the top spot. It held a two-share advantage over KIIS, which stepped down to #2. KBIG dipped to #3 as it gave back most of last month’s solid share increase. MERUELO Rhythmic CHR KPWR (POWER 106) held firm at #4 with its best performance in over a year. MERUELO Classic Rock KLOS also landed its largest share in over a year as it advanced from #8 to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KRRL (REAL 92.3) and KTWV were last spotted at #5. Both stations had the exact same share loss as they landed in tandem at #9.
Back in MARCH KRTH, KIIS and KBIG were tied at #1 18-49. For the first time since then, KRTH was back on top. This ended the five-book winning streak for KIIS, which dipped to #2 and was a share off the lead. KBIG stepped down to #3 with a slight increase. KLVE was up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7) had only a slight increase but that was enough to propel the station from #8 to #5. KTWV ebbed from #4 to #9.
CHICAGO: Wheels On Fire
HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) repeated as the 6+ champion (6.6-6.5). That makes four #1 books in the last five surveys. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WVAZ (V103) held steady at #2 (6.5-6.1), while AUDACY News WBBM-A moved up a couple of places to #3 with its best outing since JANUARY (5.2-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) landed its lowest share in over a year as it dipped to #4 (5.9-5.3). AUDACY AAA WXRT slipped to #5 as it gave back most of last month’s solid share increase (5.3-4.8). The station was hearing footsteps from AUDACY Country WUSN (US99), which remained at #6 as it rebounded from a down book (4.0-4.7). WLIT still had the most listeners (1,244,000-1,181,500) – a 5.0% decrease. The market was basically flat.
Despite a slight decrease, WVAZ finished at #1 25-54 for the second straight survey. However, it was not alone. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) ended a steep three-book skid as it moved up from #5 to claim its share of the lead. The next four stations were separated by a half-share. WLIT stepped down to #3 with its sixth straight down book. WXRT dipped to #4 with its smallest share since the geese were making more geese. WUSN inched up to #5 with a small increase, while CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS rose three places to #6 with its first up book since APRIL.
Way back in MAY AUDACY Pop CHR WBBM (B96) was sitting at #10 in the 18-34 competition. Fast forward to the present day and the station leapt from #5 to #1 with its best book in over a year. WUSN was a heartbeat behind as it moved up to #2 with a slight increase. WVAZ stepped down to #3 with a small share loss, while WDRV put it in reverse moving from #1 to #4. These four stations were within a half-share of each other. Last month WOJO dropped from #6 to #15. The station bounced back this time as it landed at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI moved down to #6, while WLIT fell from #3 to #7.
What a difference a month can make. In JULY WOJO dropped from #2 18-49 to #8. The station came back with gusto as it rose to the #1 position. It held a very small lead over WVAZ, which went from a tie at #1 to #2. WUSN repeated at #3 with a small share gain, while WGCI was up two slots to #4 with a slight increase. WLIT had previously been the other half of that #1 pairing. It dropped to #5 this time with its lowest score in over a year. WDRV slipped to #6, while AUDACY Rhythmic AC WBMX (104.3 JAMS) fell from #3 to #7.
SAN FRANCISCO: Quod Erat Demonstrandum
Proving that last month was no fluke, KQED INC. N/T KQED was back at #1 6+ with its best book since JANUARY (7.1-7.9). BONNEVILLE AC KOIT remained at #2 (6.7-6.7), while AUDACY News KCBS-A stepped up to #3 with its best showing since FEBRUARY (5.8-6.6). iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) wafted its way down to #4, despite landing its fifth up book in a row (6.1-6.3). BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) landed its largest share since MARCH to move up to #5 (4.1-4.8). UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Classical KDFC returned all of last month’s big gain – plus a little extra – as it slipped to #6 (5.0-3.8). KOIT remained in cume control with a 0.3% decrease (1,083,600-1,080,800). The market was up 0.7%.
KOIT kept its long, uninterrupted string of #1 25-54 books alive with its best showing since MARCH. KISQ remained at #2 but now trailed the leader by more than two shares. KMVQ stepped up to #3 as it ended a five-book slide. AUDACY Hot AC KLLC (ALICE @ 97.3) moved up to #4 as it came back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) had its best book in over a year as it advanced from #9 to #5. Three stations had previously occupied that spot. None remained. KQED dipped to #6 with a slight increase, while AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) slipped to #7 with a small share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL ended up at #8 with its lowest mark since OCTOBER. CUMULUS Classic Rock KSAN (107.7 THE BONE) fell from #3 to #10.
For the first time in over a year, the #1 18-34 station was not sporting the KOIT call letters. Your new market leader was KMEL, which rose from #2 with its best outing since MAY. KOIT stepped down to #2 with its fifth down book in a row. The stations were about a half-share apart. KISQ inched up to #3 with a slight increase. It was paired with KMVQ, which vaulted from #6 with its highest score since FEBRUARY. KYLD moved from #7 to #5 with its largest share in over a year. KITS dropped three places to #6, while KSAN fell from #4 to #8.
KOIT extended its long 18-49 winning streak as it bounced back from a down book. It was more than three shares in front of KMVQ, which stepped up to #2 as it ended a five-book skid. KISQ dipped to #3 as it returned all of last month’s strong increase. KMEL repeated at #4 with a slight increase. KYLD moved up to #5 with its third up book in a row. This pushed KITS down to #6.
DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Market Volatility
It is not often you see the dramatic swings in the 6+ shares as we are about to present. AUDACY Classic Hits KSPF (98.7 THE SPOT) was #1 for the third book in a row but with a dramatic share loss (6.4-4.8). It was also forced to share the spotlight as NORTH TEXAS PUBLIC RADIO N/T KERA zoomed from #14 to claim its share of the lead with its best book in over a year (2.9-4.8). AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) dipped to #3 as it returned most of last month’s large increase (5.6-4.6). It was partnered with TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUE BUENA 94.1), which rose from #5 (4.4-4.6). SERVICE Urban AC KRNB (SMOOTH R&B 105.7) worked it from #9 to #5 with its best outing since APRIL (4.0-4.5). CUMULUS Country KSCS stepped up from a tie to #6 with a tiny increase (4.2-4.3), while CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) slipped to #7 (4.4-4.2). It was tied with cluster bro CUMULUS Sports KTCK (1310 & 96.7 THE TICKET), which remained in place (4.2-4.2). SALEM AC KLTY fell from #3 to #10 with its smallest share since MARCH (4.6-3.7). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) posted its lowest number since BURL IVES was fouling the airwaves as it dropped from #4 to #11 (4.5-3.5). We’re not done yet. Though iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) was sitting at #15 in the share category (3.1-2.9), it moved back to #1 in cume despite an 8.0% decrease (1,005,300-925,300). The market fell by 1.1%. Whew!
There was less drama in the 25-54 arena, but things were not exactly stable. KLNO rose from #5 to #1 as it regained most of last month’s large share loss. KSCS was up two places to #2 with a slight increase. KPLX dipped to #3 as it surrendered most of last month’s big increase. KJKK went from first to fourth with a noticeable loss of share. AUDACY Mexican Regional KMVK (LA GRANDE 107.5) advanced four squares to #5 with its highest mark since JANUARY. KERA rose from #12 to #6. KHKS dropped from #3 to #9.
Despite a slight decrease, KLNO was the 18-34 winner for the seventh straight survey. Two stations moved up to forge a tie at #2. KSCS had been at #4 and posted its largest share in over a year. SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104) stepped up from #3 with its best showing in exactly a year. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBFB (97.9 THE BEAT) advanced four spaces to #4 with its best book in over a year. Those four stations were within a half share of one another. Two stations moved up to a distant #5 tie. KPLX inched up from #6 with its lowest mark since APRIL, while KDGE arrived from #10 as it halted a seven-book slide. KJKK dropped from #5 to #11 with a rather large share loss. KHKS fell from #1 to #13, shedding more than half its previous share in the process.
The 18-49 turmoil was bubbling below the surface as KLNO was #1 for the eighth book in a row. KSCS moved from #6 to #2 with its best showing since OCTOBER. Two books ago KRNB was sitting at #16. This time it was resting comfortably at #3 with its highest score in over a year. KERA rocketed from #16 to #4, while three stations were huddled together at #5. KMVK and KBFB rose in unison from #9, while KKDA stepped down from #4. KHKS dropped from #2 into a tie at #8 with KPLX and KTCK. KJKK dropped eight places to #11.
There was less drama in the 25-54 arena, but things were not exactly stable. KLNO rose from #5 to #1 as it regained most of last month’s large share loss. KSCS was up two places to #2 with a slight increase. KPLX dipped to #3 as it surrendered most of last month’s big increase. KJKK went from first to fourth with a noticeable loss of share. AUDACY Mexican Regional KMVK (LA GRANDE 107.5) advanced four squares to #5 with its highest mark since JANUARY. KERA rose from #12 to #6. KHKS dropped from #3 to #9.
Despite a slight decrease, KLNO was the 18-34 winner for the seventh straight survey. Two stations moved up to forge a tie at #2. KSCS had been at #4 and posted its largest share in over a year. SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104) stepped up from #3 with its best showing in exactly a year. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBFB (97.9 THE BEAT) advanced four spaces to #4 with its best book in over a year. Those four stations were within a half share of one another. Two stations moved up to a distant #5 tie. KPLX inched up from #6 with its lowest mark since APRIL, while KDGE arrived from #10 as it halted a seven-book slide. KJKK dropped from #5 to #11 with a rather large share loss. KHKS fell from #1 to #13, shedding more than half its previous share in the process.
The 18-49 turmoil was bubbling below the surface as KLNO was #1 for the eighth book in a row. KSCS moved from #6 to #2 with its best showing since OCTOBER. Two books ago KRNB was sitting at #16. This time it was resting comfortably at #3 with its highest score in over a year. KERA rocketed from #16 to #4, while three stations were huddled together at #5. KMVK and KBFB rose in unison from #9, while KKDA stepped down from #4. KHKS dropped from #2 into a tie at #8 with KPLX and KTCK. KJKK dropped eight places to #11.
We appreciate your patience and indulgence. We still have another 15 markets to dissect. If you know of someone who still does not know we have migrated here after the demise of ALL ACCESS, send them this link.
Next up in the queue: HOUSTON, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA, and BOSTON in that order.
-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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