by Steven Allan, Programming Research Consultant
April PPM Insights, Day 4
Why is it that in some markets we see status quo in survey after survey, while in others we witness wild swings almost every month? Is it market conditions? Are some stations actually marketing? Or is it just the mood swings of the panel? These are some of the great mysteries of radio life.
Alas, while The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with the number’s gurus from XTRENDS – may have some insight into this after years of observations, the sad truth is that every market has its own idiosyncrasies.
As we wrap up the fourth month under the new three-minute reality, we find the one consistent theme has been a lack of consistent themes. The APRIL survey began on APRIL 3RD and ground to a halt on APRIL 30TH. Here’s our final look at this survey:
➤TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: There Is Joy In The Big Guava
The old sports adage is that streaks were made to be broken. Or is it records? Either way, the reality is that the long uninterrupted 6+ winning streak for COX MEDIA Soft AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE) was ended at the hands of RADIO TRAINING Contemporary Christian WCIE (THE JOY FM). WCIE moved up to #1 with its best book in over a year (8.2-8.8), while WDUV dipped to #2 with its smallest share in over a year (9.4-8.6). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE) inched up to #3, also with its best outing in over a year (5.9-7.2). iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB (98 ROCK) halted a four-book surge as it moved down to #4 (6.3-5.8). BEASLEY Classic Hits WRBQ (Q105) landed its largest share in over a year as it leapt from #8 to #5 (4.4-5.1). iHEARTMEDIA Country WFUS (US 103.5) slipped to #6 (4.8-4.9). WDUV was still #1 in cume (702,800-743,300) – a 5.8% increase. The market was up 0.6%. Market PUMM grew 4.1% from MARCH and 21.2% from 2024.
WXTB was #1 25-54 for the fourth straight survey, though the station ended a strong six-book surge. WDUV repeated at #2 and trailed the leader by a half-share. COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9) was up to #3 with its best book in over a year, while WCIE dipped to #4 with a modest share loss. WRBQ and COX MEDIA Urban AC WTBV (101.5 THE VIBE) were last spotted at #10. Both stations had solid increases as they rose to #5 and #6, respectively. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WFLZ (93.3 FLZ) slid to #7 and was partnered with BEASLEY Rhythmic CHR WLLD (WiLD 94.1). Market PUMM was up 5.1% from last month and 19.8% from a year ago.
Last month WFLZ and WFUS were tied at #2 in the 18-34 demo. WFLZ had a slight decrease as it moved up to #1, while WFUS’ share loss was a bit larger and it stayed behind at #2. WWRM was up to #3, again with its best book in over a year. WXTB repeated at #4 but had company as WLLD arrived from #9, also with its highest score in over a year. WDUV dove from #1 to #6 with its least productive outing in over a year. BEASLEY Country WQYK (99.5 QYK) and WCIE had been an item at #5. WQYK dipped to #7, while WCIE landed at #8 along with WXGL and WTBV. Market PUMM rose 5.6% from the previous book and 10.8% from last year.
WXTB ended a four-book surge but still captured the 18-49 flag for the fourth straight survey. WWRM was up to slots to #2 and was a half-share behind the leader. WCIE dipped to #3 as it returned all of last month’s share increase. WDUV stepped down to #4 and was tied with WFUS, which moved up a spot. Market PUMM grew 3.4% from MARCH and 25.3% from 2024.
➤DENVER-BOULDER: Six For One
Six stations were within a share of first place in the 6+ contest. BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1) made it back-to-back wins (6.6-6.5), while BONNEVILLE Country KYGO stepped up to #2 (5.8-6.1). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) was up to #3 as it bounced back from a down book (5.3-5.8). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KRFX (103.5 THE FOX) advanced two spaces to #4 with its best showing since AUGUST (4.8-5.6). AUDACY Modern AC KALC (ALICE 105.9) remained at #5 (4.9-5.5) but was joined there by KSE VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105), which slid from #2 (5.9-5.5). KOSI still has the most cume, despite a 3.8% decline (574,300-552,500). The market was up 0.9%. Market PUMM rose by 3.4% from MARCH and 12.0% from 2024.
KTCL was #1 25-54 for the fourth book in a row. The station also regained all of last month’s large share loss and opened up about a three-share lead over KOSI, which moved up to #2 with its third up book in a row. KALC was up two places to #3 with its best outing since NOVEMBER, while KYGO dipped to #4 with a slight increase. ENTRAVISION Spanish Adult Hits KJMN (LA SUAVECITA 92.1) and AUDACY Classic Rock KQMT (99.5 THE MOUNTAIN) were previously seen at #9. The stations moved up to #5 and #6, respectively. Two stations exited the top five and were part of a four-station confab at #7. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDHT (HITS 95.7) fell from #2 as it ended a strong two-book surge. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR KQKS (KS 107.5) slipped from #5 as it gave back some of last month’s large increase. Also in the mix were ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KXPK (LA TRICOLOR 96.5) and KRFX, which advanced from #14. Market PUMM was up 7.8% from last month and 8.2% from a year ago.
Even with a down book, KTCL was a solid #1 18-34 for the fourth straight survey. KOSI was up to #2 with a small increase and trailed the leader by better than two shares. KQKS dipped to #3 as it returned most of last month’s large increase. KDHT did the same as it slid from #2 into a tie at #4 with KQMT. Market PUMM grew 3.2% from the previous survey and 12.8% from last year.
KTCL was up for the fourth book in a row as it captured its third straight 18-49 victory. KOSI moved up to #2 with its best Frosty-free share since JUNE. KQKS dipped to #3, while KALC was up two places to #4. KXPK repeated at #5, while KDHT fell from #2 into a tie at #6 with KYGO. Market PUMM was up 5.1% from MARCH and 5.6% from 2024.
➤SAN DIEGO: Sunny And 98
For the fourth book in a row, AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) was #1 6+ (8.3-8.9). LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) was up to #2 with its fifth straight up book (5.9-6.6). SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS dipped to #3 (6.3-6.0), while two stations were occupying the #4 position. AUDACY AC KYXY remained in place (5.0-5.4) but also added a 0.7 share from the World Wide Web (a term not often used). It was paired with AUDACY Sports KWFN (97.3 FM THE FAN), which advanced from #11 with its best offensive production since OCTOBER (3.8-5.4). Go PADRES! AUDACY Country KSON slipped to #7 (4.8-4.5). KXSN lost 4.7% of its cume but remained #1 in that category (659,600-628,900). The market was up 1.5%. Market PUMM was off 0.3% from MARCH but up 13.3% from 2024.
KXSN was #1 25-54 for the third book in a row and landed its largest share since JULY. XHRM repeated at #2 with a down book and was about three shares off the pace. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNV (QUÉ BUENA 106.5) remained at #3 with a slight decrease. It was paired with LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X), which moved up a slot with a small share increase. KWFN rode the seamhead express from #11 to #5, while KSON dropped five spots to #9 as it gave back most of last month’s share increase. Market PUMM was down 1.5% from last month and 12.0% from a year ago.
Last month XHRM and KXSN were tied at #2 18-34. Both stations had up books this time, though XHRM’s gain was a bit stronger as it moved up to #1 and KXSN stayed in place. KSON went from first to third as it lost a good chunk of last month’s huge share increase. It was tied with KWFN, which advanced three bases from #6. XTRA dipped to #5 with a small share loss, while KPBS ended a four-book surge as it slide into a tie at #7 with IHEARTMEDIA N/T KFI-A. Market PUMM was down 1.0% from the previous survey but up 2.0% from last year.
KXSN was #1 18-49 for the third straight survey with a slight increase, while XHRM was back at #2 with a small share loss. Three stations were massed together at #3. XTRA remained in place with a slight decrease, while AUDACY Alternative KBZT (ALT 94.9) arrived from #8 as it rebounded from a down book. KWFN advanced from #11. KLNV slipped to #6 with a slight decrease, while iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ (ROCK 105.3) fell two places to #7. Market PUMM was down 1.2% from MARCH but rose 12.2% from 2024.
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➤CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: On The March
Back in JANUARY BEASLEY Country WSOC (COUNTRY 103.7) was sitting at #9 6+. The station has been on the move since then and this time arrived at #1 with its highest mark since JULY (6.0-7.1). This pushed PACIFIC Classic Hits WXRC (95.7FM THE RIDE) to #2 (7.0-6.9). BEASLEY Urban AC WBAV (V101.9) dipped to #3 (6.0-6.5). It was paired with BEASLEY Classic Hits WKQC (K104.7FM), which stepped up from #4 (5.7-6.5). Both stations bounced back from down books. URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) leveled up to #5 (5.3-5.9). iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT) fell from #5 to #10 as it returned most of last month’s large increase (5.4-4.5). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE) was still the cume leader despite a 1.7% decline (443,600-436,100). The market was up 0.1%. Market PUMM was up 7.8% from MARCH and 24.8% from 2024.
WKQC and BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98.1) swapped positions on the 25-54 leaderboard. WKQC moved up to #1 with a modest increase, while WPEG dipped to #2 with a slight decrease. URBAN ONE Sports WFNZ (SPORTS RADIO 92.7) repeated at #3 with a small share gain, while WSOC advanced from #9 to #4 with its best outing since AUGUST. WBAV was back at #5 but with its lowest score since AUGUST. It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END), which was last seen at #7. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WRFX (99.7 THE FOX) dropped from #4 to #9 with a rather large share loss. Market PUMM grew by 10.3% from last month and 27.5% from a year ago.
Check out the glide path of the two stations that are now the 18-34 co-leaders. Over the last three books, WOSF has gone from #7 to #3 to #1. WBAV’s track was #6 to #2 to #1. They had a full-share lead over WSOC, which rose from #6 to #3. BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1) and WPEG had been tied at #3. Both stations had up books but slipped to #4 and #5, respectively. WRFX surrendered more than half its previous number as it fell from #1 to #7. Market PUMM rose 19.3% from the previous survey and 35.2% from last year.
WBAV and WPEG swapped places on the 18-49 chart, with WBAV going from trailing by almost a share to leading by a very small margin. Three stations were in third place. A flat WKQC stepped up from #4, while WSOC vaulted from #8 with its highest mark since JULY. WOSF advanced from #10 with its best book in over a year. WNKS dipped to #6, while WRFX fell from #3 to #8. Market PUMM was up 8.5% from MARCH and 20.2% from 2024.
➤NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): The Out Of Towners
The 6+ chart was dominated this month by NEW YORK radio stations. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) leapt from a tie at #4 to #1 with its best book in over a year (4.5-6.2). AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) dipped to #2 (5.7-5.6) but added a 1.4 share from cyberspace. It shared the position with AUDACY Sports WFAN (SPORTS RADIO 101.9FM/66AM), which leapt from #8 (3.9-5.6). It also picked up a 3.0 share from the digital realm. Go YANKEES! CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) dipped to #4 (5.5-5.5), while RED APPLE N/T WABC-A moved from a tie at #8 to #5 with its highest score in over a year (3.9-5.3). COX MEDIA Classic Rock WBAB fell from #2 to #7 with its smallest share in over a year (5.6-4.3). It was tied with CONNOISSEUR AC WKJY (K-JOY 98.3), which slipped from the tie at #4 (4.5-4.3). COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI (106.1 BLI) dropped from the tie at #4 (4.5-4.1) into one at #9 with AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS (4.1-4.1). WHTZ went from fifth to first in the cume wars with a 24.3% increase (325,500-404,700). The market was down 0.1%. Market PUMM rose 4.0% from MARCH and 0.4% from 2024.
Last month WHTZ slipped to #2 25-54. The station came back with vengeance this time as it almost hit double digits. WALK dipped to #2 and was almost three shares off the lead. CONNOISSEUR Mainstream Rock WWSK (94.3 THE SHARK) rebounded from a down book as it moved up to #3. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) landed its largest share since OCTOBER as it vaulted from #10 to #4. WKJY dipped to #5 with a slight increase, while WBLI slid from a tie at #4 into an arrangement at #7 with WABC-A. WBAB dropped from #3 to #9. Market PUMM was up 1.6% from last month and 4.1% from a year ago.
The 18-34 chart experienced some things. WHTZ rebounded from a down book as it jumped from #4 to #1. WBLI repeated at #2 with a slight decrease. WABC-A rocketed from #15 to #3, more than tripling its previous number. There was a threesome at #4. WKJY slid from #1 with its lowest score since NOVEMBER. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (103.5 KTU) stepped up from #5 with a small increase, while WAXQ advanced from #9 with its highest share in over a year. WALK dropped from #3 to #7 and was tied with WFAN, which rose from #13. WBAB and iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) were last seen at #5. They dropped to #9 and #10, respectively. Market PUMM grew 8.6% from the previous survey but was off 2.6% from last year.
WHTZ completed the demo sweep as it leapt from #4 to #1 18-49 with its largest share in over a year. WALK dipped to #2 with its lowest mark since DECEMBER and was two and a half shares in arrears. WBLI repeated at #3 with a small decrease, while WKTU dropped two places to #4 as it ended a strong four-book surge. WAXQ worked it from #9 to #5, while WBAB fell from #5 into a tie at #9 with WCBS. Market PUMM was up 4.4% from MARCH but down 4.5% from 2024.
April PPM Insights, Day 3
It’s that time again – time to marvel at the magical numbers that tell us just how much people love their radios. Or, if we’re honest, at least how much they tolerate them between Spotify sessions. Wait, did I say the last part out loud?
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in quiet collaboration with the math mages from XTRENDS – are back to demonstrate the power of radio. Yes, we believe – and if you’re reading this here missive, you do, too.
We are now four months into the three-minute reality, and we have seen PUMMS on the rise. Every market is different and these next five are a perfect example. The APRIL survey ran from APRIL 3RD through APRIL 30TH and unfolded thusly:
➤SEATTLE-TACOMA: IYKYK
Those in the know are aware that UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW was #1 6+ for the fourth book in a row with its highest share since NOVEMBER (7.8-8.0). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZOK was back at #2 with its third up book in a row (6.2-6.4). CRISTA Contemporary Christian KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) rose to #3 with its best showing in over a year (4.5-4.9). It was joined in that place by iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET), which soared from #7 with its fourth up book in a row (4.1-4.9). Last month HUBBARD AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) and AUDACY Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) were an item at #3. KRWM was flat (4.8-4.8) as it slipped to #5, while KISW landed at #6 (4.8-4.7). Ladies and gentlemen, your new cume leader was KZOK, which was up 9.2% (551,100-601,900). This ended the six-book winning string for KRWM, which drifted to #3. Market cume was up 3.3%. Market PUMM gained 3.8% from MARCH and 16.4% from 2024.
For the first time since NOVEMBER, KISW was #1 25-54. This ended the three-book winning streak for AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END), which dipped to #2 with a rather large share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) repeated at #3 with a modest share gain, while KUOW held steady at #4 with a small increase. FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP worked it from #9 to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. It was paired with BONNEVILLE Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710 AM), which vaulted from #17 with its highest score since OCTOBER. Go MARINERS! AUDACY Hot AC KSWD (EMMA 94.1) fell from #4 to #16. Market PUMM was up 3.4% from last month and 10.7% from a year ago.
Last month KRWM’s five-book 18-34 winning streak was upended by KNDD. KRWM was back on top – and dangerously close to double figures – while KNDD slid to #3 with its lowest total since DECEMBER. In between was KBKS, which jumped from #5 to #2 as it regained almost all of last survey’s lost share. Also coming in at #3 was AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF), which had a small share gain. KISW and KZOK were last spotted at #6. Both stations had solid share increases as they rose in unison to #5. HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5) fell from #3 to #7 with its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was up 10.3% from the previous survey and 3.7% from last year.
Despite a down book, KNDD was #1 18-49 for the fourth straight survey. KBKS moved up from a tie at #4 to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. KRWM remained at #3 with a small increase, while a flat KISW slipped two slots to #4. KEXP vaulted from #12 to #5 with its best showing since JULY. KQMV rose from #7 into a tie at #6 with KUOW and KIRO-A. SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Rhythmic CHR KNHC (C89.5) and KSWD were also previously tied at #4. KNHC fell to #11, while KSWD landed in a tie at #15 with AUDACY Rhythmic AC KHTP (HOT 103.7). Market PUMM grew 5.0% from MARCH and 13.6% from 2024.
➤MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: Breaking News!
This just in…for the first time in over a year, COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) was not the #1 6+ station. That honor went to COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1), which moved up thanks to its best book in over a year (6.1-6.9). WHQT landed its lowest share in over a year as it dipped to #2 (7.5-6.8). AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) stepped up to #3 with its third up book in a row (5.5-6.2), while AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH) stood alone at #4, but with its largest number in over a year (5.5-5.8). iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) ended a three-book slide as it moved up two places to #5 (4.0-4.9). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WAMR (AMOR 107.5) fell from #2 to #6 with its lowest score in over a year (6.3-4.8). WFEZ became the cume leader with a 16.5% increase (695,900-810,600). The market was up 1.9%. Market PUMM rose 2.9% from MARCH and 4.4% from 2024.
For the fourth book in a row, WFEZ was #1 25-54. It also opened up a three-plus share lead over WLYF, which stepped up to #2 with its best book since JUNE. A flat WMXJ dipped to #3, while three stations moved up and into a gaggle at #4. AUDACY Rhythmic CHRWPOW (POWER 96) moved up a notch, while SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7 FM) arrived from #8. WMIA ended a three-book slide as it advanced from #9. COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) experienced a slight decrease but fell four places to #7. WHQT dropped from #5 into a tie at #8 with iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9). Market PUMM was up 1.3% from last month and 3.3% from a year ago.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little push. SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7) had a slight share increase, but that was enough to advance the station from #3 to #1. WZTU and WXDJ were sharing first place a month ago. They dropped to #2 this time with identical share losses. WLYF rebounded from a down book as it jumped from #10 to #4. It was joined there by WFEZ, which rose from #12 with its highest mark since AUGUST. We had a four-way logjam at #5 last month. WMXJ and TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WRTO (MIX 98.3) both stepped down to #6. WPOW and WEDR landed together at #8. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT) fell from #4 to #10. (As an aside, am I the only one who sees those call letters and immediately thinks of a certain WILL SMITH movie franchise?) Market PUMM was up 9.8% from last month and down 0.7% from the previous year.
WFEZ landed its largest 18-49 share in over a year as it finished in first place for the fourth book in a row. WLYF inched up to #2 with its best showing since JUNE but still trailed the leader by more than two shares. WZTU dipped to #3 with a slight decrease, while two stations moved up and into a tie at #4. WPOW and WMXJ were previously at #5 and #6, respectively. WHQT slid from #4 to #8. Market PUMM was up 3.1% from MARCH and 1.5% from 2024.
➤PHOENIX: Another Upset
As we saw in the previous market, there was a surprising changing of the guard here. iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) saw its year-plus 6+ winning streak brought to an end at the hands of HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX. KSLX moved up to #1 with its best book since JULY (5.9-7.5), while KESZ dipped to #2 with its smallest share in over a year (8.4-7.3). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) stood firm at #3 (5.8-4.8), while AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) advanced four spaces to #4 with its biggest book in over a year (4.0-4.6). The station also picked up a 0.3 share from the digital realm. HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD stepped down to #5 as it ended a three-book surge (5.7-4.3). HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) dropped into a four-way tie at #6 (4.0-3.8). Also in that mix were iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX (3.9-3.8), AUDACY Country KMLE (3.5-3.8) and iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A (2.7-3.8). KESZ was still the cume commander with a 1.0% increase (994,400-1,003,900). The market was up 0.9%. Market PUMM rose by 6.1% from MARCH and 31.6% from 2024.
Both KESZ and KUPD posted their lowest 25-54 shares since NOVEMBER, but the stations remained #1 and #2, respectively. KDKB stepped up to #3 with a small decrease, while KSLX advanced from #11 to #4 with its best outing since, yep, NOVEMBER. KYOT slid to #5 with a rather large share loss. A flat KNIX dropped from #5 to #7. Market PUMM grew 2.3% from last month and 37.6% from a year ago.
KDKB was flat but that was sufficient to push the station from #3 to #1 18-34. KESZ stepped down to #2 with its least productive outing since JUNE. KYOT had a down book but moved up to #3. It was paired with KSLX, which rose from #12 with its highest mark in over a year. KMLE rebounded from a down book as it moved up to #5. It was tied with KUPD, which dropped from #2 with its lowest total since OCTOBER. KNIX slipped from #5 to #7. Market PUMM was up 3.3% from the last survey and 37.8% from last year.
The top three 18-49 stations all had down books but maintained their rank position. KESZ was #1, KUPD #2, and KDKB #3. KSLX vaulted from #11 to #4 with its highest score since JULY. KYOT dipped to #5. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) fell from #5 to #12 and was paired with ZELUS MEDIA Hot AC KMVA (HOT 97.5 & 103.9). Market PUMM grew 2.3% from MARCH and 31.0% from 2024.
Shameless Plug: Wonder how the three-minute rule changed things from year to year? We teamed up with XTRENDS to compare Q1 of 2024 with Q1 of 2025. You can see how formats were affected by reading this blog post.
➤DETROIT: Punching Their Ticket
Audacy Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) landed its largest 6+ share since NOVEMBER (7.6-8.9) as it stepped up to #1. The station also garnered a 2.1 share from the interwebs. This ended the five-book winning streak for iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC, which dipped to #2 (8.4-7.5). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC repeated at #3 (7.3-6.9), while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) was up three places to #4 with its highest score in over a year (5.1-6.5). BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF scored its best number since AUGUST (4.9-5.4) as it rose three places to #5. AUDACY Country WYCD slipped from a tie at #4 to #6 (5.5-5.2). AUDACY News WWJ-A was also last seen at #4. It fell to #9 with its lowest total in over a year (5.5-4.2). WNIC still had the most listeners (1,118,700-1,120,200) – a 0.1% increase. The market was up 2.8%. Market PUMM grew 8.7% from MARCH and 25.7% from 2024.
WXYT had a large share increase as it stepped up to #1 25-54 for the first time since NOVEMBER. WRIF advanced three squares to #2 with its fourth up book in a row. WNIC had its lowest score in over a year as it went from first to third. This also stopped the station’s five-book tear. WOMC dipped to #4 as it ended a robust three-book surge. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) stepped down to #5 with its third straight down book. Market PUMM was up 9.8% from last month and 19.2% from a year ago.
WRIF crashed through the double-digit barrier for the first time since JUNE as it leapt from #4 to #1 18-34. WKQI ended its three-book winning streak as it dipped to #2 and was paired with WXYT, which moved up a slot with a strong share increase. WYCD had its best book since SEPTEMBER as it rose to #4, while WNIC slid three places to #5 with its least productive outing since the very same month. WOMC slipped to #6 as it surrendered a rather large chunk of share. It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB, which had its best book in over a year. Market PUMM was up 10.5% from the previous survey and 23.9% from last year.
WRIF had its best 18-49 book since JUNE as it advanced from #5 to #1. WXYT stepped up to #2 with a modest increase. The stations were separated by under a half-share. WKQI dipped to #3 with its lowest mark in over a year. WNIC saw its six-book winning streak draw to a close as it fell to #4. WOMC dipped to #5 and was paired with WMXD. Market PUMM was 10.8% bigger than MARCH and 22.4% larger than 2024.
➤MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: I’m A Big Fan
iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3) was #1 6+ for the fourth straight survey (9.9-10.9). The next four stations were within a half share of one another. UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS was up three places to #2 with its best book since NOVEMBER (6.1-6.9). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) dipped to #3 with its uncoolest share since JUNE (7.4-6.6). MPR N/T KNOW stepped down to #4 (7.2-6.5) and was paired with HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95), which remained in place (6.9-6.5). KNOW did add a 1.1 share from its stream. KQQL retained the cume crown with a 1.1% increase (768,400-776,900). The market was up 2.6%. Market PUMM grew 4.4% from MARCH and 16.3% from 2024.
You can’t stop them; you can only hope to contain them. KFXN was in double figures 25-54 for the ninth straight survey and was #1 for the fourth book in a row. MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT) repeated at #2 but with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. The gap between the two stations was better than five shares. AUDACY AC KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) was up two places to #3 with a small increase, while KSTP remained at #4 but with its third down book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB was back at #5 with a noticeable share loss. KQQL fell from #3 to #9 with its lowest score since JUNE. Market PUMM was up 5.5% from the previous survey and 12.0% from a year ago.
There was a lot of drama in the 18-34 scenario. KFXN stepped up to #1 with its largest double-digit share in over a year. KZJK was also in double figures as it rose from #8 to #2. The station more than doubled its previous number. CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X) advanced from #7 to #3 with its best showing since DECEMBER. KQQL went from first to fourth. This ended the station’s five -book double-digit winning streak. KDWB slipped to #5 with its third straight down book. KSTP dipped to #6 and was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Country KEEY (K102). KCMP slid from #4 to #8. Market PUMM rose 3.4% from last month and 19.7% from a year ago.
KFXN extended its 18-49 winning streak to four and was in double figures for the eighth time in the last 9 surveys. KZJK was up four places to #2 with its best outing since JUNE but was nearly six shares off the pace. KSTP repeated at #3 but with its smallest share in over a year. KXXR leapt from #8 to #4, while KDWB remained at #5. KQQL fell from #2 to #6 with its lowest score since JULY. KCMP dropped from #4 into a tie at #7 with KNOW and KEEY. Market PUMM was up 5.9% from MARCH and 18.0% from 2024.
Well, dear friends, here we are again, digging through the dirt of the radio ratings trenches. APRIL has been a rollercoaster of numbers, surprises, and the usual drama, which pretty much sums up every survey. Just when you thought you could predict the winners and losers, the universe throws a curveball or a sweeper. Honestly, I don’t know the difference.
This specific 28-day segment began on APRIL 3RD and concluded on APRIL 30TH. It featured some rather important religious holidays, baseball was being played for real, and you were likely having some pleasant discussions with your accountant.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with our partners in data from XTRENDS – are here with all the juicy details.
➤HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Nine Is Fine
For the ninth consecutive survey, iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) was the leading 6+ station (7.1-7.7). URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) repeated at #2 (6.3-6.3), while HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ inched up to #3 (5.6-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KTRH-A was up for the fourth book in a row (5.1-5.3) as it advanced three spaces to #4. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) stepped up to #5 (5.4-5.2). Two cluster buds exited the top five and joined forces at #6. They were RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) (5.6-5.1), which posted its lowest score since OCTOBER, and RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (93Q COUNTRY) (6.0-5.1). KODA added 10.7% to its market-leading cume total (1,944,000-2,151,500). As a matter of fact, the station also exceeded its cume score from that magical HOLIDAY book. Market cume was up 1.1%. Market PUMM was off 1.2% from MARCH but up 17.8% from 2024.
Last month KODA and KTBZ were the 25-54 co-leaders. Both stations were up this survey but KODA’s was a bit more uppity as it remained in first place while KTBZ dipped to #2. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KOVE (AMOR 106.5) landed its largest share in over a year this month as it vaulted from #10 to #3. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT) dipped to #4 as it stopped a strong three-book surge. KSBJ rebounded from a down book as it rose from #8 to #5. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX) and KKBQ were last spotted at #4. Both stations had down books as they dropped to #8 and #12, respectively. Market PUMM was off 0.7% from last month but grew by 20.7% from a year ago.
KTBZ was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey and hit double figures for the first time since JUNE. KODA bounced back from a down book to step up to #2, while KQBT dipped to #3 as it returned most of last month’s large share influx. KGLK slipped to #4, while AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) advanced from #13 to #5 with its best performance since JULY. KBXX posted its smallest share since AUGUST as it moved down to #6. Market PUMM was down 9.7% from the previous survey but rose 16.5% when compared to last year.
A flat KTBZ was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row, while KODA repeated at #2. The stations were about a half-share apart. KSBJ was also flat but moved up two spots to #3. KQBT slipped to #4 and was tied with KOVE, which leapt from a tie at #14 with its best book in over a year. SBS Mexican Regional KROI (LA LEY 92.1) was also last seen at #14. It rose to #6 this month with its best showing in its current format configuration. KBXX fell from #4 to #7. Market PUMM was down 0.9% from MARCH but up 17.6% from 2024.
➤ATLANTA: Watchin’ The River Flow
For the second book in a row, COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) was #1 6+ (8.0-7.8). The next three stations were all within a share of the leader. URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) was up two slots to #2 as it rebounded from a down book (6.8-7.2). COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) had its best outing since DECEMBER as it climbed from #6 to #3 (5.7-7.1). COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A slipped to #4 (7.0-7.0), while AUDACY Urban Contemporary WVEE (V-103) dipped to #5 with its first down book since NOVEMBER (6.9-6.2). COX MEDIA AC WSB-FM (B98.5) stepped down to #6 (6.4-5.9). The station remained the cume leader despite a 1.1% decline (908,400-898,800). The market shrank by 2.1%. Market PUMM was up 3.6% from MARCH and 3.1% from 2024.
Despite a down book, WVEE was #1 25-54 for the fifth straight survey. WALR moved up to #2 as it regained most of last month’s lost share but still trailed the leader by nearly two shares. WAMJ dipped to #3 as it regained a small portion of last month’s big share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT) stepped down to #4, even though it was up for the third book in a row. WSRV inched up to #5, while WSB-F slipped to #6. Market PUMM was up 3.4% from last month and 6.2% from a year ago.
The top two 18-34 stations each posted their largest number in over a year. WRDG stepped up to #1 and crossed the double-digit threshold. WAMJ leapt from #6 to #2. WVEE dipped to #3 with its lowest number since OCTOBER, while WSB-F saw its two-book winning streak come to a close as it dropped to #4. WSRV slipped to #5, while WALR rose from #11 to #6 as it rebounded from a down book. EMF Contemporary Christian WAKL (106.7 K-LOVE) fell from #5 to #14, shedding more than half its previous share. Market PUMM grew 7.7% from last month and 35.5% from the previous year.
WVEE captured the 18-49 flag for the fifth book in a row but its once-commanding lead had shrunk to less than a half share over WAMJ, which moved up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. WRDG repeated at #3 with a strong share increase, while WALR stepped up to #4 with its highest mark since DECEMBER. WSB-F fell from #2 to #5. Market PUMM was up 7.9% from MARCH and 18.7% from 2024.
➤WASHINGTON, D.C.: All Talk, All The Time
➤PHILADELPHIA: They Call It Rock
For the second straight survey, the 6+ chart had a definite rock lean. BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK was back at #1 with its best book in over a year (8.8-9.0), while BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR repeated at #2 (7.9-7.6). AUDACY Sports WIP (SPORTSRADIO 94WIP) moved up to #3 as it rebounded from a down book (5.3-7.2). The station also picked up a 1.5 share from cyberspace. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS dipped to #4 with its smallest share in over a year (7.2-6.5). BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) stepped down to #5 (5.5-5.4). AUDACY News KYW-A inched up to #6 (4.7-5.0). It also added a 1.0 share from the stream. AUDACY AC WBEB (B101) remained the cume leader despite a 3.7% decline (1,173,800-1,130,200). The market was up 1.2%. Market PUMM was off 0.8% from MARCH but up 13.2% from 2024.
WMMR was #1 25-54 for the third straight survey and hit double figures for the second book in a row. WMGK was up to #2 with its highest mark in over a year but still trailed its cluster bruh by more than two shares. WIP got back some of last month’s share loss as it was up two slots to #3. WBEB repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. WDAS fell three places to #5 with, again, its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was down 2.4% from last month but up 18.3% from a year ago.
Last month WBEB and WMGK were sharing first place in the 18-34 crowd. Both stations had down books this time. WBEB remained on top while WMGK dipped to #2. They were about a share apart. WDAS also had a down book but remained at #3. However, it was forced to share as WXTU stepped up to forge the tie as it bounced back from a down book. WIP more than doubled its previous share as it vaulted from #11 to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WRFF (ALT 104.5) slipped from #4 to #6. It was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIOQ (Q102) and iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99). Market PUMM grew 0.5% from the previous survey and 3.8% from last year.
WMMR conquered the 18-49 kingdom for the fourth book in a row. WIP leapt from #5 to #2 but was still almost two shares behind the leader. WMGK dipped to #3, while WBEB repeated at #4. Both stations had small share losses. WDAS slid from #3 to #5. Market PUMM was down 4.0% from MARCH but up 16.6% from 2024.
➤BOSTON: Time Is Tight
The top six stations on the 6+ leaderboard were all within a share of one another. AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) was #1 for the third book in a row but with its smallest share since NOVEMBER (7.2-5.9). iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A stepped up to #2 (5.8-5.6). It was paired with BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR, which advanced from #5 with its fourth up book in a row (5.1-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX repeated at #4 (5.7-5.4), while AUDACY Hot AC WWBZ (MIX 104.1) stepped up from #5 (4.8-5.3). BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) dropped four places to #6 with its least productive outing in over a year (6.2-5.2). WMJX was still the cume leader, despite a 4.9% loss (882,900-839,200). The market was up 0.1%. Market PUMM was down 4.4% from MARCH but rose 10.6% from 2024.
A flat WBZ-F repeated as the 25-54 leader. WWBX was still at #2 with a slight increase. The stations were about a half-share apart. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) was also flat as it held steady at #3. BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR stood alone at #4 with a slight increase, while WZLX dipped to #5 with a small share loss. Market PUMM was down 1.9% from last month but grew 11.6% from a year ago.
WWBX was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey and posted its biggest number since DECEMBER. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) stepped up to #2 with a small share increase but found itself trailing the leader by about two and a half shares. BEASLEY Country WKLB (COUNTRY 102.5) had its best outing in over a year as it jumped from #9 to #3. WMJX slipped to #4 with a small decrease, while WXKS moved up to #5 with a small increase. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) dipped to #6, while WBZ-F fell five places to #9. It was tied with WZLX and AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103). Market PUMM was down 6.8% from the previous survey but rose 15.3% from last year.
Last month WBZ-F was #1 18-49 and bested #2 WWBX by more than two shares. This time the stations swapped spots and were separated by a very small margin. WXKS stepped up to #3 with its best showing since NOVEMBER, while WBUR was up two places to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. WBGB slid to #5 with a slight decrease. It was partnered with WROR, which moved up from #6, and WKLB, which advanced from #12 with its highest score in over a year. WZLX fell from #5 to #11. Market PUMM was off 5.0% from MARCH but up 7.8% from 2024.
Welcome to the APRIL survey. That glorious month of… well, unpredictability. Just when you think you can finally pack away those bulky winter coats and embrace the gentle caress of spring, April swoops in with a mischievous grin and a bipolar weather forecast. One day it’s sunshine and daisies, the next it’s a surprise hailstorm, just to keep you on your toes. Because who needs consistency, right?
Except, of course, when it comes to ratings. And that’s where we enter the chat. The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in a close order formation with the masters of the algorithm from XTRENDS – bring you another action splattered edition of the ratings wars.
This book ran from APRIL 3RD through the 30TH and featured Passover, Easter Sunday, and National Zipper Day—for those of you that celebrate. Here’s what happened:
➤NEW YORK: Status Meet Quo
The top five 6+ stations were unchanged from last with one addition. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was in its usual #1 position (8.0-7.8), while AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was back at #2 with its highest reported number in over a year (5.9-6.0). It also gained a 1.0 share from the digital realm. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) repeated at #3 (5.7-5.5). It was also granted some cyber share to the tune of a 0.8 addition. AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS remained at #4 (5.4-5.3), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) held steady at #5 (5.0-5.1). However, it was not alone as MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS moved up to claim its share of fifth place (4.9-5.1). WLTW was still in cume control despite a 2.3% decline (3,717,600-3,631,600). The market was down 0.4%. Market PUMM shrank 1.6% from MARCH but grew 2.6% from 2024.
WSKQ was not only #1 25-54 for the third straight survey the station landed its largest share in over a year. WLTW was still at #2 with a small share increase but was joined in that space by WHTZ, which after two flat books in a row had its first up survey since AUGUST. A flat WBLS rose two places to #4, while AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) was back at #5 with a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (103.5 KTU) slipped to #6 and was tied with WCBS. Market PUMM was off 4.0% from last month but up 2.9% from a year ago.
WLTW kept its long running #1 slash double-digit 18-34 streak alive with its best Frosty-free share since OCTOBER. WSKQ was back at #2 with its first down book since DECEMBER and was paired with a flat WHTZ, which advanced from #5. WKTU repeated at #4 as it halted a three-book surge. WCBS fell three places to #5 with its smallest share since the place was lousy with leaping lords. Market PUMM rose 0.2% from the previous book but dropped 13.1% from last year.
WLTW extended its 18-49 winning string to nine with a strong share increase. WSKQ remained at #2 with a slight decrease, while WHTZ repeated at #3 with a small share gain. MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97) jumped from #7 to #4 with its best showing in over a year. WKTU dipped to #5 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER and was tied with WCBS. Market PUMM was off 2.3% from MARCH and 8.5% from 2024.
➤LOS ANGELES: A Six Pack
For the sixth straight survey iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST was #1 6+ (6.3-5.9). Nipping at its heels was AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101FM) which repeated at #2 (5.8-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MY FM) was back at #3 though it ended a three-book surge (5.3-4.8). It was tied with AUDACY News KNX which stepped up from #4 (4.7-4.8). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5) was up to #5 (4.2-4.5), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) slipped into a three-way tie at #6 (4.3-4.2). Joining that triumvirate was SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9)(3.9-4.2) and iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFI (4.0-4.2). KOST still had the most listeners (2,458,900-2,349,800) – a 4.4% decline. The market was up 1.1%. Market PUMM was down 1.7% from MARCH but rose 12.1% from 2024.
The top three 25-54 stations were each separated by the slimmest of margins. A, ahem, flat KRTH was up to #1 for the first time since AUGUST, while KBIG stood alone at #2 with a slight increase. KIIS inched up to #3, also with a slight increase. KOST went from first to fourth with its smallest share since NOVEMBER. KLAX was back at #5 with a small increase, while KLVE remained at #6. MERUELO Classic Rock KLOS rose from #10 to #7 with its best book in over a year. Market PUMM was down 2.2% from last month but rose 4.0% from a year ago.
The 18-34 race was also very tight as the top three stations were within a half share of each other. KRTH and KIIS were back at #1 and #2, respectively, as both stations experienced down books. KOST narrowed the gap from its #3 position with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. KLOS repeated at #4 with a solid increase, while SBS Spanish Contemporary KXOL (MEGA 96.3) remained at #5. Market PUMM was up 0.6% on a monthly basis and 0.7% from last year.
KRTH experienced a slight decrease, while KIIS experienced a slight increase which evened out the stations as they moved up to be co-leaders in the 18-49 space. KBIG moved up to #3, while KOST slid to #4 with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. KLVE stood alone at #5, while its former partner – TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) – slid to #7. Market PUMM was down 2.8% from MARCH but grew 5.4% when compared with 2024.
➤CHICAGO: The Incredible Lite-ness Of Being
iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) rose to #1 6+ with its third up book in a row and highest Frosty-free share since JULY (5.2-5.7). HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) stepped up to #2 with its best performance since DECEMBER (5.1-5.3). AUDACY News WBBM-A slipped to #3 with its smallest share in over a year (6.1-4.8). The station did add a 1.0 share from the interwebs. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WVAZ (V103) and HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) were last seen at #7. Both stations had up books as WVAZ was up to #4 (4.3-4.5), while WTMX arrived at #5 (4.3-4.4). AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) slipped to #6 (4.7-4.3), while AUDACY AAA WXRT fell to #7 (4.5-4.2). It was paired with CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS-F which moved up from #9 (4.0-4.2). WLIT added 12.8% to its already market leading cume total (1,310,600-1,477,800). The market was up 1.2%. Market PUMM grew 1.8% from MARCH and 15.8% from 2024.
There was a lot of movement in the 25-54 ranks but one thing did not change. WTMX was #1 for the fourth straight survey. It held a share and a half lead over the three stations that settled in at #2. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) stepped up from #3 with a slight decrease. It was joined by CUMULUS Alternative WKQX (Q101) and iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI which were previously found at #4. WUSN slid from #2 to #5 as it surrendered most of last month’s rather large increase. It was partnered with WLIT, which turned it up from #11 with a strong share gain. Market PUMM was off 0.9% from last month but grew by 6.3% when compared to last year.
WLIT moved up to #1 18-34 as it bounced back from a down book. WKSC dipped to #2 and was about a share behind the leader. WDRV leapt from #10 to #3 with its best book since JULY. WTMX moved from #6 to #4 with a slight decrease, while WKQX moved from #7 to #4 with a small increase. WLS-F, WUSN and TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) were last seen at #3. WLS-F and WUSN fell in tandem to #6, while WOJO ended up at #8. Market PUMM was up 2.7% from the previous survey but down 0.3% from a year ago.
WTMX was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row with a slight decrease. WGCI rose from #5 to #2 as it halted a three-book slide. WLIT advanced from #6 to #3 with its best Frosty-free outing since JULY. WKQX was back at #4 with a small decrease. It was tied with WKSC which slid from a tie at #2. WUSN was also last spotted at #2. It dropped to #6 as it gave back most of last month’s solid increase. Market PUMM was up 1.9% on a monthly basis and 6.4% from 2024.
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➤DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Win, Place And Show
Once cluster completed the 6+ medal sweep. CUMULUS Sports KTCK (THE TICKET 96.7FM/1310AM) was back at #1as it ended a two-book slide (5.2-5.7). CUMULUS Country KSCS (New Country 96.3) rose from #5 to #2 with its best book since DECEMBER (4.9-5.4). CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) slipped to #3 as it returned some of last month’s massive increase (6.0-5.1). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) dipped to #4 ending a three-book heater (5.1-4.8). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) moved up to #5 (4.4-4.6), while AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) fell to #6 with its first down book since FEBRUARY (5.1-4.4). iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) remained the cume leader with a 1.0% increase (1,259,300-1,271,700). The market was up 0.4%. Market PUMM grew 9.4% from MARCH and 14.3% from 2024.
A flat KTCK was #1 25-54 for the fourth book in a row. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) was back at #2 with a slight increase and was about a half share off the lead. AUDACY Mexican Regional KMVK (LA GRANDE 107.5) landed its largest share in over a year as it advanced from #9 to #3. KSCS repeated at #4 with a slight decrease, while AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) jumped from #8 to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. KDMX dipped to #6, while KPLX fell from #2 to #7 as it returned all of last month’s solid increase. Market PUMM rose 7.0% from last month and 12.8% from a year ago.
Though it was unable to duplicate last month’s double-digit 18-34 share KHKS was still #1. KSCS and KDMX remained tied at #2 with identical share losses. They were better than three shares off the lead. KLNO was back at #4 as it regained a small portion of last survey’s huge share loss. EMF Contemporary Christian KYDA (AIR1) rose from #11 to #5 as it bounced back from a down book. KJKK advanced from #13 to #6 with its best showing since JULY. AUDACY Classic Hits KSPF (98.7 THE SPOT) slid three places to #7 with a small share loss. Market PUMM was up 14.7% from the last book and 12.2% from last year.
KHKS was #1 18-49 for the second book in a row. KTCK advanced from #7 to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. The stations were about a half share apart. KLNO dipped from #2 to #3, KDMX stepped down to #4 and KSCS slipped to #5. All three stations had slight decreases. KDGE fell from #5 to #9 with its lowest total since AUGUST. Market PUMM gained 11.2% from MARCH and 14.5% from a year ago.
➤SAN FRANCISCO: The Song Remains The Same
Or in this case, the spoken word continues to rule. KQED INC. N/T KQED was #1 6+ for the fourth book in a row (10.5-10.6). AUDACY News KCBS (ALL NEWS 106.9FM/740AM) was back at #2 but with its lowest total since DECEMBER (6.5-6.3). Bonneville AC KOIT remained at #3 (5.6-5.6), while iHEARTMEDIA AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) moved up to #4 with its fourth up book in a row (4.4-4.5). BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) stepped up to #5 (4.0-4.1). USC Classical KDFC (Classical California) slipped to #6 with its lowest score since AUGUST (5.0-4.0). Despite a 5.5% drop KOIT remained the cume leader (1,120,200-1,059,100). The market was flat. Market PUMM was down 1.7% from MARCH but up 19.6% from 2024.
A flat KQED repeated as the 25-54 leader. KOIT was back at #2 but with its fourth down book in a row. KMVQ repeated at #3 with a small decrease. It was paired with KISQ which rose from #8 with its best showing since AUGUST. BONNEVILLE Urban AC KBLX advanced from #12 to #5 with its highest mark in over a year. AUDACY Hot AC KLLC (ALICE @ 97.3) dropped three slots to #7 as it gave back all of last month’s solid increase. Market PUMM was off 1.2% from last month but gained 12.5% when compared to a year ago.
KOIT was off slightly 18-34 but remained #1 for the third straight survey. However, it was forced to share as KMVQ moved up from #3 to claim its share of the lead as it halted a four-book skid. KQED and iHEARTMEDIA AC KIOI (STAR 101.3) were last seen at #7. KQED rose to #3 with its best outing in over a year, while KIOI advanced to #4 with its fourth up book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL slipped from #2 into a tie at #5 with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9). KISQ dropped from a tie at #5 to #7, while SBS Mexican Regional KRZZ (LA RAZA 93.3) fell six places to #9 with its lowest mark since SEPTEMBER. Market PUMM declined by 1.0% from last month but was up 3.2% from a year ago.
The top three 18-49 stations were the same as we last saw them. KQED was #1 with a slight decrease, while KOIT was #2 with a small share loss. KMVQ repeated at #3 with a small increase. KISQ vaulted from #7 to #4 with its best book since SEPTEMBER. A flat AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) slipped to #5, while KIOI stepped down to #6. Market PUMM dropped 2.4% from the previous book but rose 4.9% from last year.
Thank you for slogging through the numbers with us. We’re putting things together for round two which will feature the zany antics of HOUSTON, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA, and BOSTON in that order.
If you’re a first-time caller but long-time listener, be sure to sign up for this here missive. And feel free to pass it along to others in your chat group.
-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 fourth book in a row, WFEZ was #1 25-54. It also opened up a three-plus share lead over WLYF, which stepped up to #2 with its best book since JUNE. A flat WMXJ dipped to #3, while three stations moved up and into a gaggle at #4. AUDACY Rhythmic CHRWPOW (POWER 96) moved up a notch, while SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7 FM) arrived from #8. WMIA ended a three-book slide as it advanced from #9. COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) experienced a slight decrease but fell four places to #7. WHQT dropped from #5 into a tie at #8 with iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9). Market PUMM was up 1.3% from last month and 3.3% from a year ago.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little push. SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7) had a slight share increase, but that was enough to advance the station from #3 to #1. WZTU and WXDJ were sharing first place a month ago. They dropped to #2 this time with identical share losses. WLYF rebounded from a down book as it jumped from #10 to #4. It was joined there by WFEZ, which rose from #12 with its highest mark since AUGUST. We had a four-way logjam at #5 last month. WMXJ and TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WRTO (MIX 98.3) both stepped down to #6. WPOW and WEDR landed together at #8. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT) fell from #4 to #10. (As an aside, am I the only one who sees those call letters and immediately thinks of a certain WILL SMITH movie franchise?) Market PUMM was up 9.8% from last month and down 0.7% from the previous year.
WFEZ landed its largest 18-49 share in over a year as it finished in first place for the fourth book in a row. WLYF inched up to #2 with its best showing since JUNE but still trailed the leader by more than two shares. WZTU dipped to #3 with a slight decrease, while two stations moved up and into a tie at #4. WPOW and WMXJ were previously at #5 and #6, respectively. WHQT slid from #4 to #8. Market PUMM was up 3.1% from MARCH and 1.5% from 2024.
➤PHOENIX: Another Upset
As we saw in the previous market, there was a surprising changing of the guard here. iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) saw its year-plus 6+ winning streak brought to an end at the hands of HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX. KSLX moved up to #1 with its best book since JULY (5.9-7.5), while KESZ dipped to #2 with its smallest share in over a year (8.4-7.3). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) stood firm at #3 (5.8-4.8), while AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) advanced four spaces to #4 with its biggest book in over a year (4.0-4.6). The station also picked up a 0.3 share from the digital realm. HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD stepped down to #5 as it ended a three-book surge (5.7-4.3). HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) dropped into a four-way tie at #6 (4.0-3.8). Also in that mix were iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX (3.9-3.8), AUDACY Country KMLE (3.5-3.8) and iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A (2.7-3.8). KESZ was still the cume commander with a 1.0% increase (994,400-1,003,900). The market was up 0.9%. Market PUMM rose by 6.1% from MARCH and 31.6% from 2024.
Both KESZ and KUPD posted their lowest 25-54 shares since NOVEMBER, but the stations remained #1 and #2, respectively. KDKB stepped up to #3 with a small decrease, while KSLX advanced from #11 to #4 with its best outing since, yep, NOVEMBER. KYOT slid to #5 with a rather large share loss. A flat KNIX dropped from #5 to #7. Market PUMM grew 2.3% from last month and 37.6% from a year ago.
KDKB was flat but that was sufficient to push the station from #3 to #1 18-34. KESZ stepped down to #2 with its least productive outing since JUNE. KYOT had a down book but moved up to #3. It was paired with KSLX, which rose from #12 with its highest mark in over a year. KMLE rebounded from a down book as it moved up to #5. It was tied with KUPD, which dropped from #2 with its lowest total since OCTOBER. KNIX slipped from #5 to #7. Market PUMM was up 3.3% from the last survey and 37.8% from last year.
The top three 18-49 stations all had down books but maintained their rank position. KESZ was #1, KUPD #2, and KDKB #3. KSLX vaulted from #11 to #4 with its highest score since JULY. KYOT dipped to #5. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) fell from #5 to #12 and was paired with ZELUS MEDIA Hot AC KMVA (HOT 97.5 & 103.9). Market PUMM grew 2.3% from MARCH and 31.0% from 2024.
Shameless Plug: Wonder how the three-minute rule changed things from year to year? We teamed up with XTRENDS to compare Q1 of 2024 with Q1 of 2025. You can see how formats were affected by reading this blog post.
➤DETROIT: Punching Their Ticket
Audacy Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) landed its largest 6+ share since NOVEMBER (7.6-8.9) as it stepped up to #1. The station also garnered a 2.1 share from the interwebs. This ended the five-book winning streak for iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC, which dipped to #2 (8.4-7.5). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC repeated at #3 (7.3-6.9), while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) was up three places to #4 with its highest score in over a year (5.1-6.5). BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF scored its best number since AUGUST (4.9-5.4) as it rose three places to #5. AUDACY Country WYCD slipped from a tie at #4 to #6 (5.5-5.2). AUDACY News WWJ-A was also last seen at #4. It fell to #9 with its lowest total in over a year (5.5-4.2). WNIC still had the most listeners (1,118,700-1,120,200) – a 0.1% increase. The market was up 2.8%. Market PUMM grew 8.7% from MARCH and 25.7% from 2024.
WXYT had a large share increase as it stepped up to #1 25-54 for the first time since NOVEMBER. WRIF advanced three squares to #2 with its fourth up book in a row. WNIC had its lowest score in over a year as it went from first to third. This also stopped the station’s five-book tear. WOMC dipped to #4 as it ended a robust three-book surge. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) stepped down to #5 with its third straight down book. Market PUMM was up 9.8% from last month and 19.2% from a year ago.
WRIF crashed through the double-digit barrier for the first time since JUNE as it leapt from #4 to #1 18-34. WKQI ended its three-book winning streak as it dipped to #2 and was paired with WXYT, which moved up a slot with a strong share increase. WYCD had its best book since SEPTEMBER as it rose to #4, while WNIC slid three places to #5 with its least productive outing since the very same month. WOMC slipped to #6 as it surrendered a rather large chunk of share. It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB, which had its best book in over a year. Market PUMM was up 10.5% from the previous survey and 23.9% from last year.
WRIF had its best 18-49 book since JUNE as it advanced from #5 to #1. WXYT stepped up to #2 with a modest increase. The stations were separated by under a half-share. WKQI dipped to #3 with its lowest mark in over a year. WNIC saw its six-book winning streak draw to a close as it fell to #4. WOMC dipped to #5 and was paired with WMXD. Market PUMM was 10.8% bigger than MARCH and 22.4% larger than 2024.
➤MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: I’m A Big Fan
iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3) was #1 6+ for the fourth straight survey (9.9-10.9). The next four stations were within a half share of one another. UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS was up three places to #2 with its best book since NOVEMBER (6.1-6.9). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) dipped to #3 with its uncoolest share since JUNE (7.4-6.6). MPR N/T KNOW stepped down to #4 (7.2-6.5) and was paired with HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95), which remained in place (6.9-6.5). KNOW did add a 1.1 share from its stream. KQQL retained the cume crown with a 1.1% increase (768,400-776,900). The market was up 2.6%. Market PUMM grew 4.4% from MARCH and 16.3% from 2024.
You can’t stop them; you can only hope to contain them. KFXN was in double figures 25-54 for the ninth straight survey and was #1 for the fourth book in a row. MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT) repeated at #2 but with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. The gap between the two stations was better than five shares. AUDACY AC KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) was up two places to #3 with a small increase, while KSTP remained at #4 but with its third down book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB was back at #5 with a noticeable share loss. KQQL fell from #3 to #9 with its lowest score since JUNE. Market PUMM was up 5.5% from the previous survey and 12.0% from a year ago.
There was a lot of drama in the 18-34 scenario. KFXN stepped up to #1 with its largest double-digit share in over a year. KZJK was also in double figures as it rose from #8 to #2. The station more than doubled its previous number. CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X) advanced from #7 to #3 with its best showing since DECEMBER. KQQL went from first to fourth. This ended the station’s five -book double-digit winning streak. KDWB slipped to #5 with its third straight down book. KSTP dipped to #6 and was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Country KEEY (K102). KCMP slid from #4 to #8. Market PUMM rose 3.4% from last month and 19.7% from a year ago.
KFXN extended its 18-49 winning streak to four and was in double figures for the eighth time in the last 9 surveys. KZJK was up four places to #2 with its best outing since JUNE but was nearly six shares off the pace. KSTP repeated at #3 but with its smallest share in over a year. KXXR leapt from #8 to #4, while KDWB remained at #5. KQQL fell from #2 to #6 with its lowest score since JULY. KCMP dropped from #4 into a tie at #7 with KNOW and KEEY. Market PUMM was up 5.9% from MARCH and 18.0% from 2024.
April PPM Insights, Day 2
Well, dear friends, here we are again, digging through the dirt of the radio ratings trenches. APRIL has been a rollercoaster of numbers, surprises, and the usual drama, which pretty much sums up every survey. Just when you thought you could predict the winners and losers, the universe throws a curveball or a sweeper. Honestly, I don’t know the difference.
This specific 28-day segment began on APRIL 3RD and concluded on APRIL 30TH. It featured some rather important religious holidays, baseball was being played for real, and you were likely having some pleasant discussions with your accountant.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with our partners in data from XTRENDS – are here with all the juicy details.
➤HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Nine Is Fine
For the ninth consecutive survey, iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) was the leading 6+ station (7.1-7.7). URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) repeated at #2 (6.3-6.3), while HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ inched up to #3 (5.6-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KTRH-A was up for the fourth book in a row (5.1-5.3) as it advanced three spaces to #4. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) stepped up to #5 (5.4-5.2). Two cluster buds exited the top five and joined forces at #6. They were RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) (5.6-5.1), which posted its lowest score since OCTOBER, and RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (93Q COUNTRY) (6.0-5.1). KODA added 10.7% to its market-leading cume total (1,944,000-2,151,500). As a matter of fact, the station also exceeded its cume score from that magical HOLIDAY book. Market cume was up 1.1%. Market PUMM was off 1.2% from MARCH but up 17.8% from 2024.
Last month KODA and KTBZ were the 25-54 co-leaders. Both stations were up this survey but KODA’s was a bit more uppity as it remained in first place while KTBZ dipped to #2. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KOVE (AMOR 106.5) landed its largest share in over a year this month as it vaulted from #10 to #3. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT) dipped to #4 as it stopped a strong three-book surge. KSBJ rebounded from a down book as it rose from #8 to #5. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX) and KKBQ were last spotted at #4. Both stations had down books as they dropped to #8 and #12, respectively. Market PUMM was off 0.7% from last month but grew by 20.7% from a year ago.
KTBZ was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey and hit double figures for the first time since JUNE. KODA bounced back from a down book to step up to #2, while KQBT dipped to #3 as it returned most of last month’s large share influx. KGLK slipped to #4, while AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) advanced from #13 to #5 with its best performance since JULY. KBXX posted its smallest share since AUGUST as it moved down to #6. Market PUMM was down 9.7% from the previous survey but rose 16.5% when compared to last year.
A flat KTBZ was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row, while KODA repeated at #2. The stations were about a half-share apart. KSBJ was also flat but moved up two spots to #3. KQBT slipped to #4 and was tied with KOVE, which leapt from a tie at #14 with its best book in over a year. SBS Mexican Regional KROI (LA LEY 92.1) was also last seen at #14. It rose to #6 this month with its best showing in its current format configuration. KBXX fell from #4 to #7. Market PUMM was down 0.9% from MARCH but up 17.6% from 2024.
➤ATLANTA: Watchin’ The River Flow
For the second book in a row, COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) was #1 6+ (8.0-7.8). The next three stations were all within a share of the leader. URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) was up two slots to #2 as it rebounded from a down book (6.8-7.2). COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) had its best outing since DECEMBER as it climbed from #6 to #3 (5.7-7.1). COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A slipped to #4 (7.0-7.0), while AUDACY Urban Contemporary WVEE (V-103) dipped to #5 with its first down book since NOVEMBER (6.9-6.2). COX MEDIA AC WSB-FM (B98.5) stepped down to #6 (6.4-5.9). The station remained the cume leader despite a 1.1% decline (908,400-898,800). The market shrank by 2.1%. Market PUMM was up 3.6% from MARCH and 3.1% from 2024.
Despite a down book, WVEE was #1 25-54 for the fifth straight survey. WALR moved up to #2 as it regained most of last month’s lost share but still trailed the leader by nearly two shares. WAMJ dipped to #3 as it regained a small portion of last month’s big share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT) stepped down to #4, even though it was up for the third book in a row. WSRV inched up to #5, while WSB-F slipped to #6. Market PUMM was up 3.4% from last month and 6.2% from a year ago.
The top two 18-34 stations each posted their largest number in over a year. WRDG stepped up to #1 and crossed the double-digit threshold. WAMJ leapt from #6 to #2. WVEE dipped to #3 with its lowest number since OCTOBER, while WSB-F saw its two-book winning streak come to a close as it dropped to #4. WSRV slipped to #5, while WALR rose from #11 to #6 as it rebounded from a down book. EMF Contemporary Christian WAKL (106.7 K-LOVE) fell from #5 to #14, shedding more than half its previous share. Market PUMM grew 7.7% from last month and 35.5% from the previous year.
WVEE captured the 18-49 flag for the fifth book in a row but its once-commanding lead had shrunk to less than a half share over WAMJ, which moved up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. WRDG repeated at #3 with a strong share increase, while WALR stepped up to #4 with its highest mark since DECEMBER. WSB-F fell from #2 to #5. Market PUMM was up 7.9% from MARCH and 18.7% from 2024.
➤WASHINGTON, D.C.: All Talk, All The Time
As is usually the case, the top two spots on the 6+ leaderboard were controlled by stations that eschew the playing of songs. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU was #1 again (11.4-12.4), while HUBBARD News WTOP remained at #2 (11.3-10.5). The leading music station this month was iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101), which rose from #5 to #3 (5.3-5.5). HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR dipped to #4 (5.4-5.4), while iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH slipped to #5 with its smallest share since OCTOBER (6.7-5.1). This is something you do not often see. AUDACY Sports WJFK (106.7 THE FAN) scored a larger share from its stream than its tower. The station went 1.0-1.3 while the stream went 1.0-1.6. WASH saw its cume total shrink by 8.0%, but the station was still #1 in that category (955,500-879,200). The market was down 0.2%. Market PUMM was up 1.5% from MARCH and 17.8% from 2024.
The 25-54 contest featured the usual suspects. WAMU was #1 for the fourth book in a row, while a flat WTOP stepped up to #2. WWDC moved up to #3 with a slight increase, while WASH slipped to #4 with a rather large share loss. WHUR repeated at #5 with a slight decrease. Market PUMM was up 2.7% from last month and 16.5% from a year ago.
Though WASH coughed up all of last month’s huge share increase – plus a little extra – the station had enough left to repeat as the 18-34 leader. AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) and iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ were last seen at #3. Both stations had the identical strong share increase as they moved up as a couple to #2. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) landed its lowest number in exactly a year as it drifted down to #4. WWDC slipped to #5 and held a slim lead over WHUR and WTOP, which were tied at #6. Market PUMM was up 6.4% from the previous survey and 20.7% from last year.
WAMU moved up to #1 18-49 with a small share gain, while WTOP stepped up to #2 with a slight increase. A flat WWDC inched up to #3. This halted the two-book winning streak for WASH, which slid to #4. A flat WHUR moved up two places to #5. It was paired with WIAD, which rose from #8 with a small increase. WIHT slipped to #7 with its third down book in a row. Market PUMM grew 3.1% on a monthly basis and 20.9% annually.
Shameless plug: ICYMI, we teamed up with XTRENDS to compare to see how the three-minute qualifier changed the landscape from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025. You can read all about it here.
The 25-54 contest featured the usual suspects. WAMU was #1 for the fourth book in a row, while a flat WTOP stepped up to #2. WWDC moved up to #3 with a slight increase, while WASH slipped to #4 with a rather large share loss. WHUR repeated at #5 with a slight decrease. Market PUMM was up 2.7% from last month and 16.5% from a year ago.
Though WASH coughed up all of last month’s huge share increase – plus a little extra – the station had enough left to repeat as the 18-34 leader. AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) and iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ were last seen at #3. Both stations had the identical strong share increase as they moved up as a couple to #2. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) landed its lowest number in exactly a year as it drifted down to #4. WWDC slipped to #5 and held a slim lead over WHUR and WTOP, which were tied at #6. Market PUMM was up 6.4% from the previous survey and 20.7% from last year.
WAMU moved up to #1 18-49 with a small share gain, while WTOP stepped up to #2 with a slight increase. A flat WWDC inched up to #3. This halted the two-book winning streak for WASH, which slid to #4. A flat WHUR moved up two places to #5. It was paired with WIAD, which rose from #8 with a small increase. WIHT slipped to #7 with its third down book in a row. Market PUMM grew 3.1% on a monthly basis and 20.9% annually.
Shameless plug: ICYMI, we teamed up with XTRENDS to compare to see how the three-minute qualifier changed the landscape from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025. You can read all about it here.
➤PHILADELPHIA: They Call It Rock
For the second straight survey, the 6+ chart had a definite rock lean. BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK was back at #1 with its best book in over a year (8.8-9.0), while BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR repeated at #2 (7.9-7.6). AUDACY Sports WIP (SPORTSRADIO 94WIP) moved up to #3 as it rebounded from a down book (5.3-7.2). The station also picked up a 1.5 share from cyberspace. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS dipped to #4 with its smallest share in over a year (7.2-6.5). BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) stepped down to #5 (5.5-5.4). AUDACY News KYW-A inched up to #6 (4.7-5.0). It also added a 1.0 share from the stream. AUDACY AC WBEB (B101) remained the cume leader despite a 3.7% decline (1,173,800-1,130,200). The market was up 1.2%. Market PUMM was off 0.8% from MARCH but up 13.2% from 2024.
WMMR was #1 25-54 for the third straight survey and hit double figures for the second book in a row. WMGK was up to #2 with its highest mark in over a year but still trailed its cluster bruh by more than two shares. WIP got back some of last month’s share loss as it was up two slots to #3. WBEB repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. WDAS fell three places to #5 with, again, its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was down 2.4% from last month but up 18.3% from a year ago.
Last month WBEB and WMGK were sharing first place in the 18-34 crowd. Both stations had down books this time. WBEB remained on top while WMGK dipped to #2. They were about a share apart. WDAS also had a down book but remained at #3. However, it was forced to share as WXTU stepped up to forge the tie as it bounced back from a down book. WIP more than doubled its previous share as it vaulted from #11 to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WRFF (ALT 104.5) slipped from #4 to #6. It was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIOQ (Q102) and iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99). Market PUMM grew 0.5% from the previous survey and 3.8% from last year.
WMMR conquered the 18-49 kingdom for the fourth book in a row. WIP leapt from #5 to #2 but was still almost two shares behind the leader. WMGK dipped to #3, while WBEB repeated at #4. Both stations had small share losses. WDAS slid from #3 to #5. Market PUMM was down 4.0% from MARCH but up 16.6% from 2024.
➤BOSTON: Time Is Tight
The top six stations on the 6+ leaderboard were all within a share of one another. AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) was #1 for the third book in a row but with its smallest share since NOVEMBER (7.2-5.9). iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A stepped up to #2 (5.8-5.6). It was paired with BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR, which advanced from #5 with its fourth up book in a row (5.1-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX repeated at #4 (5.7-5.4), while AUDACY Hot AC WWBZ (MIX 104.1) stepped up from #5 (4.8-5.3). BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) dropped four places to #6 with its least productive outing in over a year (6.2-5.2). WMJX was still the cume leader, despite a 4.9% loss (882,900-839,200). The market was up 0.1%. Market PUMM was down 4.4% from MARCH but rose 10.6% from 2024.
A flat WBZ-F repeated as the 25-54 leader. WWBX was still at #2 with a slight increase. The stations were about a half-share apart. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) was also flat as it held steady at #3. BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR stood alone at #4 with a slight increase, while WZLX dipped to #5 with a small share loss. Market PUMM was down 1.9% from last month but grew 11.6% from a year ago.
WWBX was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey and posted its biggest number since DECEMBER. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) stepped up to #2 with a small share increase but found itself trailing the leader by about two and a half shares. BEASLEY Country WKLB (COUNTRY 102.5) had its best outing in over a year as it jumped from #9 to #3. WMJX slipped to #4 with a small decrease, while WXKS moved up to #5 with a small increase. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) dipped to #6, while WBZ-F fell five places to #9. It was tied with WZLX and AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103). Market PUMM was down 6.8% from the previous survey but rose 15.3% from last year.
Last month WBZ-F was #1 18-49 and bested #2 WWBX by more than two shares. This time the stations swapped spots and were separated by a very small margin. WXKS stepped up to #3 with its best showing since NOVEMBER, while WBUR was up two places to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. WBGB slid to #5 with a slight decrease. It was partnered with WROR, which moved up from #6, and WKLB, which advanced from #12 with its highest score in over a year. WZLX fell from #5 to #11. Market PUMM was off 5.0% from MARCH but up 7.8% from 2024.
April PPM Insights, Day 1
Welcome to the APRIL survey. That glorious month of… well, unpredictability. Just when you think you can finally pack away those bulky winter coats and embrace the gentle caress of spring, April swoops in with a mischievous grin and a bipolar weather forecast. One day it’s sunshine and daisies, the next it’s a surprise hailstorm, just to keep you on your toes. Because who needs consistency, right?
Except, of course, when it comes to ratings. And that’s where we enter the chat. The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in a close order formation with the masters of the algorithm from XTRENDS – bring you another action splattered edition of the ratings wars.
This book ran from APRIL 3RD through the 30TH and featured Passover, Easter Sunday, and National Zipper Day—for those of you that celebrate. Here’s what happened:
➤NEW YORK: Status Meet Quo
The top five 6+ stations were unchanged from last with one addition. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was in its usual #1 position (8.0-7.8), while AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was back at #2 with its highest reported number in over a year (5.9-6.0). It also gained a 1.0 share from the digital realm. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) repeated at #3 (5.7-5.5). It was also granted some cyber share to the tune of a 0.8 addition. AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS remained at #4 (5.4-5.3), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) held steady at #5 (5.0-5.1). However, it was not alone as MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS moved up to claim its share of fifth place (4.9-5.1). WLTW was still in cume control despite a 2.3% decline (3,717,600-3,631,600). The market was down 0.4%. Market PUMM shrank 1.6% from MARCH but grew 2.6% from 2024.
WSKQ was not only #1 25-54 for the third straight survey the station landed its largest share in over a year. WLTW was still at #2 with a small share increase but was joined in that space by WHTZ, which after two flat books in a row had its first up survey since AUGUST. A flat WBLS rose two places to #4, while AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) was back at #5 with a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (103.5 KTU) slipped to #6 and was tied with WCBS. Market PUMM was off 4.0% from last month but up 2.9% from a year ago.
WLTW kept its long running #1 slash double-digit 18-34 streak alive with its best Frosty-free share since OCTOBER. WSKQ was back at #2 with its first down book since DECEMBER and was paired with a flat WHTZ, which advanced from #5. WKTU repeated at #4 as it halted a three-book surge. WCBS fell three places to #5 with its smallest share since the place was lousy with leaping lords. Market PUMM rose 0.2% from the previous book but dropped 13.1% from last year.
WLTW extended its 18-49 winning string to nine with a strong share increase. WSKQ remained at #2 with a slight decrease, while WHTZ repeated at #3 with a small share gain. MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97) jumped from #7 to #4 with its best showing in over a year. WKTU dipped to #5 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER and was tied with WCBS. Market PUMM was off 2.3% from MARCH and 8.5% from 2024.
➤LOS ANGELES: A Six Pack
For the sixth straight survey iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST was #1 6+ (6.3-5.9). Nipping at its heels was AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101FM) which repeated at #2 (5.8-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MY FM) was back at #3 though it ended a three-book surge (5.3-4.8). It was tied with AUDACY News KNX which stepped up from #4 (4.7-4.8). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5) was up to #5 (4.2-4.5), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) slipped into a three-way tie at #6 (4.3-4.2). Joining that triumvirate was SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9)(3.9-4.2) and iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFI (4.0-4.2). KOST still had the most listeners (2,458,900-2,349,800) – a 4.4% decline. The market was up 1.1%. Market PUMM was down 1.7% from MARCH but rose 12.1% from 2024.
The top three 25-54 stations were each separated by the slimmest of margins. A, ahem, flat KRTH was up to #1 for the first time since AUGUST, while KBIG stood alone at #2 with a slight increase. KIIS inched up to #3, also with a slight increase. KOST went from first to fourth with its smallest share since NOVEMBER. KLAX was back at #5 with a small increase, while KLVE remained at #6. MERUELO Classic Rock KLOS rose from #10 to #7 with its best book in over a year. Market PUMM was down 2.2% from last month but rose 4.0% from a year ago.
The 18-34 race was also very tight as the top three stations were within a half share of each other. KRTH and KIIS were back at #1 and #2, respectively, as both stations experienced down books. KOST narrowed the gap from its #3 position with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. KLOS repeated at #4 with a solid increase, while SBS Spanish Contemporary KXOL (MEGA 96.3) remained at #5. Market PUMM was up 0.6% on a monthly basis and 0.7% from last year.
KRTH experienced a slight decrease, while KIIS experienced a slight increase which evened out the stations as they moved up to be co-leaders in the 18-49 space. KBIG moved up to #3, while KOST slid to #4 with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. KLVE stood alone at #5, while its former partner – TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) – slid to #7. Market PUMM was down 2.8% from MARCH but grew 5.4% when compared with 2024.
➤CHICAGO: The Incredible Lite-ness Of Being
iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) rose to #1 6+ with its third up book in a row and highest Frosty-free share since JULY (5.2-5.7). HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) stepped up to #2 with its best performance since DECEMBER (5.1-5.3). AUDACY News WBBM-A slipped to #3 with its smallest share in over a year (6.1-4.8). The station did add a 1.0 share from the interwebs. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WVAZ (V103) and HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) were last seen at #7. Both stations had up books as WVAZ was up to #4 (4.3-4.5), while WTMX arrived at #5 (4.3-4.4). AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) slipped to #6 (4.7-4.3), while AUDACY AAA WXRT fell to #7 (4.5-4.2). It was paired with CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS-F which moved up from #9 (4.0-4.2). WLIT added 12.8% to its already market leading cume total (1,310,600-1,477,800). The market was up 1.2%. Market PUMM grew 1.8% from MARCH and 15.8% from 2024.
There was a lot of movement in the 25-54 ranks but one thing did not change. WTMX was #1 for the fourth straight survey. It held a share and a half lead over the three stations that settled in at #2. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) stepped up from #3 with a slight decrease. It was joined by CUMULUS Alternative WKQX (Q101) and iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI which were previously found at #4. WUSN slid from #2 to #5 as it surrendered most of last month’s rather large increase. It was partnered with WLIT, which turned it up from #11 with a strong share gain. Market PUMM was off 0.9% from last month but grew by 6.3% when compared to last year.
WLIT moved up to #1 18-34 as it bounced back from a down book. WKSC dipped to #2 and was about a share behind the leader. WDRV leapt from #10 to #3 with its best book since JULY. WTMX moved from #6 to #4 with a slight decrease, while WKQX moved from #7 to #4 with a small increase. WLS-F, WUSN and TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) were last seen at #3. WLS-F and WUSN fell in tandem to #6, while WOJO ended up at #8. Market PUMM was up 2.7% from the previous survey but down 0.3% from a year ago.
WTMX was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row with a slight decrease. WGCI rose from #5 to #2 as it halted a three-book slide. WLIT advanced from #6 to #3 with its best Frosty-free outing since JULY. WKQX was back at #4 with a small decrease. It was tied with WKSC which slid from a tie at #2. WUSN was also last spotted at #2. It dropped to #6 as it gave back most of last month’s solid increase. Market PUMM was up 1.9% on a monthly basis and 6.4% from 2024.
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➤DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Win, Place And Show
Once cluster completed the 6+ medal sweep. CUMULUS Sports KTCK (THE TICKET 96.7FM/1310AM) was back at #1as it ended a two-book slide (5.2-5.7). CUMULUS Country KSCS (New Country 96.3) rose from #5 to #2 with its best book since DECEMBER (4.9-5.4). CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) slipped to #3 as it returned some of last month’s massive increase (6.0-5.1). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) dipped to #4 ending a three-book heater (5.1-4.8). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) moved up to #5 (4.4-4.6), while AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) fell to #6 with its first down book since FEBRUARY (5.1-4.4). iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) remained the cume leader with a 1.0% increase (1,259,300-1,271,700). The market was up 0.4%. Market PUMM grew 9.4% from MARCH and 14.3% from 2024.
A flat KTCK was #1 25-54 for the fourth book in a row. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) was back at #2 with a slight increase and was about a half share off the lead. AUDACY Mexican Regional KMVK (LA GRANDE 107.5) landed its largest share in over a year as it advanced from #9 to #3. KSCS repeated at #4 with a slight decrease, while AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) jumped from #8 to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. KDMX dipped to #6, while KPLX fell from #2 to #7 as it returned all of last month’s solid increase. Market PUMM rose 7.0% from last month and 12.8% from a year ago.
Though it was unable to duplicate last month’s double-digit 18-34 share KHKS was still #1. KSCS and KDMX remained tied at #2 with identical share losses. They were better than three shares off the lead. KLNO was back at #4 as it regained a small portion of last survey’s huge share loss. EMF Contemporary Christian KYDA (AIR1) rose from #11 to #5 as it bounced back from a down book. KJKK advanced from #13 to #6 with its best showing since JULY. AUDACY Classic Hits KSPF (98.7 THE SPOT) slid three places to #7 with a small share loss. Market PUMM was up 14.7% from the last book and 12.2% from last year.
KHKS was #1 18-49 for the second book in a row. KTCK advanced from #7 to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. The stations were about a half share apart. KLNO dipped from #2 to #3, KDMX stepped down to #4 and KSCS slipped to #5. All three stations had slight decreases. KDGE fell from #5 to #9 with its lowest total since AUGUST. Market PUMM gained 11.2% from MARCH and 14.5% from a year ago.
➤SAN FRANCISCO: The Song Remains The Same
Or in this case, the spoken word continues to rule. KQED INC. N/T KQED was #1 6+ for the fourth book in a row (10.5-10.6). AUDACY News KCBS (ALL NEWS 106.9FM/740AM) was back at #2 but with its lowest total since DECEMBER (6.5-6.3). Bonneville AC KOIT remained at #3 (5.6-5.6), while iHEARTMEDIA AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) moved up to #4 with its fourth up book in a row (4.4-4.5). BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) stepped up to #5 (4.0-4.1). USC Classical KDFC (Classical California) slipped to #6 with its lowest score since AUGUST (5.0-4.0). Despite a 5.5% drop KOIT remained the cume leader (1,120,200-1,059,100). The market was flat. Market PUMM was down 1.7% from MARCH but up 19.6% from 2024.
A flat KQED repeated as the 25-54 leader. KOIT was back at #2 but with its fourth down book in a row. KMVQ repeated at #3 with a small decrease. It was paired with KISQ which rose from #8 with its best showing since AUGUST. BONNEVILLE Urban AC KBLX advanced from #12 to #5 with its highest mark in over a year. AUDACY Hot AC KLLC (ALICE @ 97.3) dropped three slots to #7 as it gave back all of last month’s solid increase. Market PUMM was off 1.2% from last month but gained 12.5% when compared to a year ago.
KOIT was off slightly 18-34 but remained #1 for the third straight survey. However, it was forced to share as KMVQ moved up from #3 to claim its share of the lead as it halted a four-book skid. KQED and iHEARTMEDIA AC KIOI (STAR 101.3) were last seen at #7. KQED rose to #3 with its best outing in over a year, while KIOI advanced to #4 with its fourth up book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL slipped from #2 into a tie at #5 with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9). KISQ dropped from a tie at #5 to #7, while SBS Mexican Regional KRZZ (LA RAZA 93.3) fell six places to #9 with its lowest mark since SEPTEMBER. Market PUMM declined by 1.0% from last month but was up 3.2% from a year ago.
The top three 18-49 stations were the same as we last saw them. KQED was #1 with a slight decrease, while KOIT was #2 with a small share loss. KMVQ repeated at #3 with a small increase. KISQ vaulted from #7 to #4 with its best book since SEPTEMBER. A flat AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) slipped to #5, while KIOI stepped down to #6. Market PUMM dropped 2.4% from the previous book but rose 4.9% from last year.
Thank you for slogging through the numbers with us. We’re putting things together for round two which will feature the zany antics of HOUSTON, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA, and BOSTON in that order.
If you’re a first-time caller but long-time listener, be sure to sign up for this here missive. And feel free to pass it along to others in your chat group.
-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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