by Steven Allan, Programming Research Consultant
March PPM Insights Day 4, April 18, 2024
It has come to our attention that up to this point we have droned on about so many aspects of MARCH that we left out one critical reference: March madness. Perhaps we were reticent to include this in the blog because of fear that the NCAA enforcement division – such as it is – would crush us with their proverbial hobnailed boot. Then we realized that as long as we did not capitalize the phrase or include other terms like sweet 16 or elite eight or final four, we’d be good. At least, that’s what the lawyers said.
As with every ratings survey, there is a touch of madness. MARCH is no different. This one ran from FEBRUARY 29TH through MARCH 27TH. The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – working hand in glove with the math maestros from XTRENDS – bring you the following analysis in living color …
(Yet another lineup change. Though the annual NIELSEN Market Definition Changes do not go into effect until the APRIL book, we have already changed the positions of DENVER and SAN DIEGO.)
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: As The Dove Flies
It’s pretty much axiomatic that COX MEDIA Soft AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE) will soar above the rest of the 6+ flock. The station was in its customary #1 position and hit double digits for the third time in the last four books (10.0-10.1). iHEARTMEDIA Country WFUS (US 103.5) was up for the third straight survey (6.2-6.4) to repeat at #2. COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE) returned at #3 with its highest share since AUGUST (5.6-5.9). BEASLEY Country WQYK maintained its #4 status (5.1-5.4), while COX MEDIA N/T WHPT (102.5 THE BONE) stepped up to #5 (4.9-5.1). This pushed COX MEDIA Urban AC WTBV (101.5 THE VIBE) down to #6 (5.1-4.7). WDUV still had the largest following (632,500-627,200) – a 0.8% decline. The market dropped by 1.0%.
Santa was not kind to WFUS. The station sank to #13 25-54 in the HOLIDAY book and clawed its way up to #11 in JANUARY. However, as of this survey, the station was the back-to-back victor with its highest mark since AUGUST. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB repeated at #2 with its best showing in over a year. WDUV had the slightest of increases, but that was enough for the station to migrate from #5 to #3. WHPT slipped to #4 with a small decrease while two stations landed at #5. WTBV slid from #2 as it returned some of last month’s huge increase, while WQYK rose from #8 with a solid share gain.
WDUV was #1 18-34 for the fourth book in a row and hit double figures for the third time during that span. However, WFUS also hit double digits as it rose from #2 to forge a tie at the top of the leaderboard. WQYK was back at #3 with a small decrease. It was joined there by COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9), which advanced from #8 with its best book since AUGUST. BEASLEY Rhythmic CHR WLLD (WiLD 94.1) dipped to #5 and was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WFLZ, which vaulted from #12 with its highest score since APRIL. WHPT slipped to #7 and it was hanging with WTBV and WXTB. RADIO TRAINING Contemporary Christian WCIE (THE JOY FM) fell from a tie at #5 into one at #10 with iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7).
On our last visit, WFUS and WDUV were the 18-49 co-leaders. WFUS remained in place with its biggest share since JULY, while WDUV stepped down to #2. WXTB remained at #3 with its highest mark since MAY. It joined forces with WQYK, which moved up thanks to its largest share in over a year. WWRM dipped to #5 as it halted a strong three-book surge.
SAN DIEGO: Sunny Side Up
For the first time since NOVEMBER, AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) was #1 6+. The fact that the station posted its best number since DECEMBER certainly helped (6.4-7.6). This ended the short reign for SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS, which stepped down to #2 (7.3-7.1). LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) remained at #3 but with its highest mark since JULY (6.3-6.9). AUDACY Country KSON was back at #4 (5.1-5.0), while two stations moved up and into a tie at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHTS (CHANNEL 933) moved up a slot (4.8-4.8), while iHEARTMEDIA N/T KOGO-A flew in from #7 (4.6-4.8). AUDACY AC KYXY slid three places to #8 (4.9-4.1). KXSN remained in cume control, despite a 2.6% loss (531,300-517,400). The market was up 0.3%.
The joy that is supposed to be the holiday season was anything but for KXSN as the station dropped to as low as #7 25-54 during Santa’s reign of terror. The station was back on top in this survey, thanks to a massive share increase. XHRM was forced to vacate the top spot and stepped down to #2 with a slight decrease. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ dipped to #3. It was paired with TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNV (QUÉ BUENA 106.5), which rose from #8 with its highest score since JUNE. KHTS slipped to #5 as it gave back all of last month’s share increase. LOCAL MEDIA Pop CHR XHTZ (Z90.3) moved down to #6 with a slight decrease. KSON dropped from a tie at #5 into one at #9 with KYXY and AUDACY Sports KWFN (97.3 THE FAN).
The 18-34 contest became more hotly contested. XHRM was back at #1 but with a down book, while KXSN vaulted from #9 to #2 with its best outing in over a year. The net result was that the two stations were separated by a half-share. KIOZ moved down to #3 despite a solid increase. Four stations had been tied at #5. KHTS stepped up to #4 with its third up book in a row. It met headlong with a flat LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X), which dropped from #2. XHTZ dipped to #6, while KSON ended up at #7. KPBS fell from #2 to #8 as it returned a healthy portion of last month’s massive share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic AC KSSX (JAM’N 95.7) fell from that #5 tie into a group discussion at #13 with KLNV and iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMYI (STAR 94.1).
Both XHRM and KXSN posted their best 18-49 shares in over a year. That kept XHRM at #1 but allowed KXSN to claim a share of the lead. KLNV stood alone at #3 with its highest score since MAY. KHTS and KIOZ dropped into a tie at #4. KHTS was up for the third book in a row, while KIOZ had a small share loss.\
DENVER-BOULDER: Nice And Cozy
COX MEDIA Classic Rock WBAB was the leading 6+ station for the third straight survey (6.9-7.1). It held a comfortable lead over CONNOISSEUR AC WKJY (K-JOY 98.3), which stepped up to #2 with its best book in over a year (5.1-5.2). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) slipped to #3 (5.5-5.1), while AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS moved up two slots to #4 as it bounced back from a down book (4.4-5.0). AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) dropped to #5 (5.1-4.9), though it gained an additional 0.6 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) slid to #6 (4.8-4.7). WBAB repeated as the cume leader with a 0.3% increase (434,700-436,100). The market was up 2.0%.
WHTZ was the 25-54 leader for the third book in a row and held a two and a half share lead over the duo at #2. WBAB moved up a slot with a slight decrease, while iHEARTMEDIA hot AC WKTU advanced from #4 with its highest mark in over a year. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) also had its largest share in over a year as it leapt from #11 to #4. WCBS repeated at #5 with a small increase. It had company as CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) moved in from #9 as it bounced back from a down book. WAXQ fell six places to #8.
WSKQ posted its largest 18-34 share in over a year and was up for the fifth straight survey as it rose from #3 to #1. WHTZ stepped down to #2 and trailed the leader by a share and a half. WBAB moved up to #3 with its best outing since OCTOBER. COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI slipped to #4 with its lowest score in over a year. WKJY dipped to #5 with a small decrease.
Though WHTZ returned last month’s share increase, the station was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row. WSKQ leapt from #5 to #2 with its best performance in over a year, while WBAB drifted down to #3 with a small decrease. WKTU stepped down to #4, despite being up for the sixth straight survey. It was paired with WINS, which remained stationary as it regained most of last month’s share loss. WKJY and WBLI had been tied at #5. They kept the relationship alive, but this time were found at #7.
CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: Country Comfort
Santa was not kind to WFUS. The station sank to #13 25-54 in the HOLIDAY book and clawed its way up to #11 in JANUARY. However, as of this survey, the station was the back-to-back victor with its highest mark since AUGUST. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB repeated at #2 with its best showing in over a year. WDUV had the slightest of increases, but that was enough for the station to migrate from #5 to #3. WHPT slipped to #4 with a small decrease while two stations landed at #5. WTBV slid from #2 as it returned some of last month’s huge increase, while WQYK rose from #8 with a solid share gain.
WDUV was #1 18-34 for the fourth book in a row and hit double figures for the third time during that span. However, WFUS also hit double digits as it rose from #2 to forge a tie at the top of the leaderboard. WQYK was back at #3 with a small decrease. It was joined there by COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9), which advanced from #8 with its best book since AUGUST. BEASLEY Rhythmic CHR WLLD (WiLD 94.1) dipped to #5 and was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WFLZ, which vaulted from #12 with its highest score since APRIL. WHPT slipped to #7 and it was hanging with WTBV and WXTB. RADIO TRAINING Contemporary Christian WCIE (THE JOY FM) fell from a tie at #5 into one at #10 with iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7).
On our last visit, WFUS and WDUV were the 18-49 co-leaders. WFUS remained in place with its biggest share since JULY, while WDUV stepped down to #2. WXTB remained at #3 with its highest mark since MAY. It joined forces with WQYK, which moved up thanks to its largest share in over a year. WWRM dipped to #5 as it halted a strong three-book surge.
SAN DIEGO: Sunny Side Up
The joy that is supposed to be the holiday season was anything but for KXSN as the station dropped to as low as #7 25-54 during Santa’s reign of terror. The station was back on top in this survey, thanks to a massive share increase. XHRM was forced to vacate the top spot and stepped down to #2 with a slight decrease. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ dipped to #3. It was paired with TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNV (QUÉ BUENA 106.5), which rose from #8 with its highest score since JUNE. KHTS slipped to #5 as it gave back all of last month’s share increase. LOCAL MEDIA Pop CHR XHTZ (Z90.3) moved down to #6 with a slight decrease. KSON dropped from a tie at #5 into one at #9 with KYXY and AUDACY Sports KWFN (97.3 THE FAN).
The 18-34 contest became more hotly contested. XHRM was back at #1 but with a down book, while KXSN vaulted from #9 to #2 with its best outing in over a year. The net result was that the two stations were separated by a half-share. KIOZ moved down to #3 despite a solid increase. Four stations had been tied at #5. KHTS stepped up to #4 with its third up book in a row. It met headlong with a flat LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X), which dropped from #2. XHTZ dipped to #6, while KSON ended up at #7. KPBS fell from #2 to #8 as it returned a healthy portion of last month’s massive share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic AC KSSX (JAM’N 95.7) fell from that #5 tie into a group discussion at #13 with KLNV and iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMYI (STAR 94.1).
Both XHRM and KXSN posted their best 18-49 shares in over a year. That kept XHRM at #1 but allowed KXSN to claim a share of the lead. KLNV stood alone at #3 with its highest score since MAY. KHTS and KIOZ dropped into a tie at #4. KHTS was up for the third book in a row, while KIOZ had a small share loss.\
DENVER-BOULDER: Nice And Cozy
BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1) was back on top of the 6+ chart, thanks to its best Frosty-free share in over a year (6.0-7.1). This displaced the two stations that were last month’s co-leaders. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KRFX (103.5 THE FOX) dipped to #2 (7.0-6.5), while BONNEVILLE Country KYGO landed at #3 (7.0-6.3). KSE VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105.1) stepped up to #4 with its best book since NOVEMBER (4.8-5.9). Despite being up for the fourth book in a row, iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) moved down to #5 (5.5-5.7). KSE VENTURES Hot AC KIMN (MIX 100) ended a three-book slide as it slipped to #6 (4.8-4.9). KOSI was the cume king again with a 3.5% increase (506,300-524,100). The market grew by 0.4%.
Though the top five 25-54 was relatively unchanged, the race did get a bit tighter. A flat KTCL was #1 for the third book in a row, while KOSI repeated at #2 but with, again, its best Frosty-free share in over a year. As a result, the gap between the two stations was more than halved. KXKL remained at #3 and posted its largest share since JUNE. KYGO inched up to #4 with a slight increase, while KIMN dipped to #5 with a slight decrease.
KTCL notched its third 18-34 book in a row and crashed through the double-digit barrier. It held better than a four-share lead over the three stations tied at #2. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR KQKS (KS107.5) remained in place as it ended a two-book surge. KYGO stepped up a slot, while KOSI advanced from #6 with its best Frosty-free share since JULY. KXKL slipped to #5 with a slight decrease. It was confronted there by KIMN, which rose from #7 as it rebounded from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA AAA KBCO fell from a tie at #3 to #8 with its smallest share since OCTOBER. It was spending some quality time with KRFX and EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FOUNDATION Contemporary Christian KLDV (K-LOVE).
As with the previous demo, KTCL was #1 18-49 for the third straight survey and hit double figures. KOSI was back at #2 with a slight increase, while KXKL repeated at #3 with its third up book in a row. KYGO stepped up to #4 as it regained last month’s lost share, while KIMN dipped to #5 with a slight increase.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): The Song Remains The Same
Though the top five 25-54 was relatively unchanged, the race did get a bit tighter. A flat KTCL was #1 for the third book in a row, while KOSI repeated at #2 but with, again, its best Frosty-free share in over a year. As a result, the gap between the two stations was more than halved. KXKL remained at #3 and posted its largest share since JUNE. KYGO inched up to #4 with a slight increase, while KIMN dipped to #5 with a slight decrease.
KTCL notched its third 18-34 book in a row and crashed through the double-digit barrier. It held better than a four-share lead over the three stations tied at #2. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR KQKS (KS107.5) remained in place as it ended a two-book surge. KYGO stepped up a slot, while KOSI advanced from #6 with its best Frosty-free share since JULY. KXKL slipped to #5 with a slight decrease. It was confronted there by KIMN, which rose from #7 as it rebounded from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA AAA KBCO fell from a tie at #3 to #8 with its smallest share since OCTOBER. It was spending some quality time with KRFX and EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FOUNDATION Contemporary Christian KLDV (K-LOVE).
As with the previous demo, KTCL was #1 18-49 for the third straight survey and hit double figures. KOSI was back at #2 with a slight increase, while KXKL repeated at #3 with its third up book in a row. KYGO stepped up to #4 as it regained last month’s lost share, while KIMN dipped to #5 with a slight increase.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): The Song Remains The Same
COX MEDIA Classic Rock WBAB was the leading 6+ station for the third straight survey (6.9-7.1). It held a comfortable lead over CONNOISSEUR AC WKJY (K-JOY 98.3), which stepped up to #2 with its best book in over a year (5.1-5.2). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) slipped to #3 (5.5-5.1), while AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS moved up two slots to #4 as it bounced back from a down book (4.4-5.0). AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) dropped to #5 (5.1-4.9), though it gained an additional 0.6 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) slid to #6 (4.8-4.7). WBAB repeated as the cume leader with a 0.3% increase (434,700-436,100). The market was up 2.0%.
WHTZ was the 25-54 leader for the third book in a row and held a two and a half share lead over the duo at #2. WBAB moved up a slot with a slight decrease, while iHEARTMEDIA hot AC WKTU advanced from #4 with its highest mark in over a year. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) also had its largest share in over a year as it leapt from #11 to #4. WCBS repeated at #5 with a small increase. It had company as CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) moved in from #9 as it bounced back from a down book. WAXQ fell six places to #8.
WSKQ posted its largest 18-34 share in over a year and was up for the fifth straight survey as it rose from #3 to #1. WHTZ stepped down to #2 and trailed the leader by a share and a half. WBAB moved up to #3 with its best outing since OCTOBER. COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI slipped to #4 with its lowest score in over a year. WKJY dipped to #5 with a small decrease.
Though WHTZ returned last month’s share increase, the station was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row. WSKQ leapt from #5 to #2 with its best performance in over a year, while WBAB drifted down to #3 with a small decrease. WKTU stepped down to #4, despite being up for the sixth straight survey. It was paired with WINS, which remained stationary as it regained most of last month’s share loss. WKJY and WBLI had been tied at #5. They kept the relationship alive, but this time were found at #7.
CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: Country Comfort
The top two 6+ stations posted their largest shares in over a year and happened to be in the same format. BEASLEY Country WSOC made it back-to-back wins (7.0-7.6), while iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT) bounded from #5 to #2 (5.4-6.2). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE) remained calm and steady at #3 (5.6-5.6), while URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) was up three places to #4 as it rebounded from a down book (4.8-5.5). BEASLEY Urban AC WBAV (V101.9) slid three slots to #5 with its lowest score in over a year (5.7-5.3). WLKO still had the most listeners (414,600-410,000) – a 1.1% decrease. The market rose by 1.2%.
Given the passion for college basketball in this part of the country, it comes as no surprise that March Madness shot URBAN ONE Sports WFNZ to #1 25-54. The station leapt from #6 with its best book in over a year. WOSF was up two places to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. It was tied with BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98), which ended its two-book run at #1 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER. WSOC slipped to #4 with its lowest number in exactly a year, while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) dropped to #5. WKKT advanced from #9 to #6 with its best showing in over a year. WLKO moved from #4 to #7.
WFNZ nearly doubled its previous 18-34 share as it rocketed from #8 to #1. This pushed WKKT – which had a small decrease – down to #2. The stations were about a share and a half apart. WPEG moved up three places to #3 with its best showing since AUGUST, while WEND saw its five-book surge come to a close as it slipped from #2 to #4. WBAV was back at #5, though with its lowest number since SEPTEMBER. WSOC dropped from a tie at #3 into a tie at #6 with WLKO. BEASLEY AC WKQC (K104.7) was also previously tied at #3. It was still in a tie but at #12 with UNIVERSITY RADIO FOUNDATION N/T WFAE and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1).
WKKT had its best 18-49 book in over a year as it climbed from #4 to #1. It narrowly defeated last month’s leader WEND, which stepped down to #2. Three stations were about a half-share behind at #3. WOSF remained in place with a slight increase, while WSOC dipped from #2 with its lowest mark in over a year. WFNZ joined the fray, advancing from #11 with its best offensive performance in over a year. WLKO slipped to #6 with a slight decrease.
Thus endeth our foray into the MARCH survey. Thank you for playing along. We’ll be back in 28 days to see what havoc APRIL has wrought.
Make sure you – and everyone you know – doesn’t miss our next adventure by subscribing to our blog here. And if you have any comments, suggestions or complaints, just send us an e-mail.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
About XTrends: XTrends reveals the trends and stories buried in your ratings data. To maximize your investment in Nielsen, learn more here.
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.
Of all the events that were part of MARCH, the most perplexing is DST. That would be Daylight Saving Time (we’ll avoid a rant about the people who insist on pluralizing the second word).
No one really knows why we do it. Babies and pets don’t get it. And it screws up the already funky circadian rhythms for morning shows. At least Leap Year makes scientific sense.
The MARCH survey ran from FEBRUARY 29TH through MARCH 27TH and besides the clock change thing, the month had several religious celebrations, a changing of the season, and a day when everyone was supposed to wear green. It’s like a law or something.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in cahoots with the oracles of the numbers at XTRENDS – bring you part three of our latest audio – er, radio – ratings rundown.
A scoring change of note. NIELSEN initiated its annual Market Definition changes with the APRIL survey. While this did not technically affect the market rank order for MARCH, we made the change anyway. This month’s roundup reflects one of those changes.
MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: Eight Is Enough
Given the passion for college basketball in this part of the country, it comes as no surprise that March Madness shot URBAN ONE Sports WFNZ to #1 25-54. The station leapt from #6 with its best book in over a year. WOSF was up two places to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. It was tied with BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98), which ended its two-book run at #1 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER. WSOC slipped to #4 with its lowest number in exactly a year, while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) dropped to #5. WKKT advanced from #9 to #6 with its best showing in over a year. WLKO moved from #4 to #7.
WFNZ nearly doubled its previous 18-34 share as it rocketed from #8 to #1. This pushed WKKT – which had a small decrease – down to #2. The stations were about a share and a half apart. WPEG moved up three places to #3 with its best showing since AUGUST, while WEND saw its five-book surge come to a close as it slipped from #2 to #4. WBAV was back at #5, though with its lowest number since SEPTEMBER. WSOC dropped from a tie at #3 into a tie at #6 with WLKO. BEASLEY AC WKQC (K104.7) was also previously tied at #3. It was still in a tie but at #12 with UNIVERSITY RADIO FOUNDATION N/T WFAE and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1).
WKKT had its best 18-49 book in over a year as it climbed from #4 to #1. It narrowly defeated last month’s leader WEND, which stepped down to #2. Three stations were about a half-share behind at #3. WOSF remained in place with a slight increase, while WSOC dipped from #2 with its lowest mark in over a year. WFNZ joined the fray, advancing from #11 with its best offensive performance in over a year. WLKO slipped to #6 with a slight decrease.
Thus endeth our foray into the MARCH survey. Thank you for playing along. We’ll be back in 28 days to see what havoc APRIL has wrought.
Make sure you – and everyone you know – doesn’t miss our next adventure by subscribing to our blog here. And if you have any comments, suggestions or complaints, just send us an e-mail.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
About XTrends: XTrends reveals the trends and stories buried in your ratings data. To maximize your investment in Nielsen, learn more here.
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.
March PPM Insights Day 3, April 17, 2024
Of all the events that were part of MARCH, the most perplexing is DST. That would be Daylight Saving Time (we’ll avoid a rant about the people who insist on pluralizing the second word).
No one really knows why we do it. Babies and pets don’t get it. And it screws up the already funky circadian rhythms for morning shows. At least Leap Year makes scientific sense.
The MARCH survey ran from FEBRUARY 29TH through MARCH 27TH and besides the clock change thing, the month had several religious celebrations, a changing of the season, and a day when everyone was supposed to wear green. It’s like a law or something.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in cahoots with the oracles of the numbers at XTRENDS – bring you part three of our latest audio – er, radio – ratings rundown.
A scoring change of note. NIELSEN initiated its annual Market Definition changes with the APRIL survey. While this did not technically affect the market rank order for MARCH, we made the change anyway. This month’s roundup reflects one of those changes.
MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: Eight Is Enough
Talk about stasis, the 6+ leaderboard was frozen in time as the top eight spots were as we last saw them. And we’re here to give them to you. COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) continued its long uninterrupted streak of #1 books (8.2-8.3), while TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WAMR (AMOR 107.5) finished in second place for the sixth straight survey (7.0-6.7). AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) was back at #3 (5.9-6.4), while its arch nemesis COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) repeated at #4 (5.8-6.0). MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS N/T WLRN was still at #5 but with its highest grade in over a year (5.1-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) also posted its largest number in over a year as it finished in sixth place again (4.8-5.4). SBS Spanish Contemporary WCMQ (Z92.3) was #7 (3.9-3.8), while AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH) stayed at #8 (3.8-3.6). Whew! WLYF remained the cume leader with a 2.7% increase (715,600-735,100). The market was up 0.4%.
You may recall that, back in NOVEMBER, WMIA changed format. The station has been on quite the roll since then, and this time landed at #1 25-54. However, it was in a pitched battle as the next three stations were less than a half share off the lead. WLYF repeated at #2 with a small decrease. WAMR slipped to #3 as its two-book winning streak came to a halt. It was tied with WFEZ, which landed its largest share in over a year. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7 FM) stepped up to #5 with its first up book since DECEMBER. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9) experienced its first down book since NOVEMBER as it slid from #5 into a tie at #8 with COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ).
Last month WEDR fell from first to a tie at #3 with a huge share loss. This month the station got all of that back – plus a lot more – as it returned to the top spot. WXDJ also had been tied at #3 and it stepped up to second place with its highest score of the year. Making the leap o’ the month was SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7), which soared from #14 to #3, more than doubling its previous share. WZTU slipped to #4 as it ended a strong four-book surge. WAMR inched up to #5 with a slight increase. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WRTO (MIX 98.3 FM) #1 to #9 as it surrendered all of last month’s massive increase, plus a little more. AUDACY Country WKIS (KISS COUNTRY 99.9) dropped from #5 into a tie at #10 with WLYF.
WMIA was #1 18-49 for the fourth book in a row but was hearing footsteps as WFEZ moved up to #2 with its highest score in over a year. Less than a half-share separated the two stations. WAMR stepped up to #3 with a slight decrease, while WEDR bounced back from a down book to advance from #10 to #4. WLYF and WHQT were #6 and #7, respectively, last month. Both stations had up books and landed together at #5. WZTU fell from #1 to #9, while WRTO dropped from #4 into a tie at #10 with WKIS.
SEATTLE-TACOMA: Meet The New Boss…
You may recall that, back in NOVEMBER, WMIA changed format. The station has been on quite the roll since then, and this time landed at #1 25-54. However, it was in a pitched battle as the next three stations were less than a half share off the lead. WLYF repeated at #2 with a small decrease. WAMR slipped to #3 as its two-book winning streak came to a halt. It was tied with WFEZ, which landed its largest share in over a year. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7 FM) stepped up to #5 with its first up book since DECEMBER. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9) experienced its first down book since NOVEMBER as it slid from #5 into a tie at #8 with COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ).
Last month WEDR fell from first to a tie at #3 with a huge share loss. This month the station got all of that back – plus a lot more – as it returned to the top spot. WXDJ also had been tied at #3 and it stepped up to second place with its highest score of the year. Making the leap o’ the month was SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7), which soared from #14 to #3, more than doubling its previous share. WZTU slipped to #4 as it ended a strong four-book surge. WAMR inched up to #5 with a slight increase. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WRTO (MIX 98.3 FM) #1 to #9 as it surrendered all of last month’s massive increase, plus a little more. AUDACY Country WKIS (KISS COUNTRY 99.9) dropped from #5 into a tie at #10 with WLYF.
WMIA was #1 18-49 for the fourth book in a row but was hearing footsteps as WFEZ moved up to #2 with its highest score in over a year. Less than a half-share separated the two stations. WAMR stepped up to #3 with a slight decrease, while WEDR bounced back from a down book to advance from #10 to #4. WLYF and WHQT were #6 and #7, respectively, last month. Both stations had up books and landed together at #5. WZTU fell from #1 to #9, while WRTO dropped from #4 into a tie at #10 with WKIS.
SEATTLE-TACOMA: Meet The New Boss…
For the third book in a row, there was a new 6+ leader. This month’s champion was iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZOK, which moved up from #3 with its highest mark in over a year (6.4-7.9). AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF) remained at #2 (7.1-7.4), while last month’s victor – UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW – slipped to #3 (7.2-7.2). AUDACY Active Rock KISW was back at #4 (5.3-5.6), while HUBBARD AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) moved up to #5 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year (4.3-4.8). HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5) slid to #7 (4.9-3.9). It was partnered with BONNEVILLE N/T KIRO (4.1-3.9). KRWM still had the most listeners (569,900-587,700) – a 3.1% increase. The market grew by 1.2%.
Last month KKWF and KISW were #1 and #2, respectively, 25-54 and separated by less than a half-share. The stations remained in place but the gap grew considerably wider. KKWF had its best outing in over a year, while KISW had a slight decrease. They were now a share and a half distant. AUDACY Rhythmic AC KHTP (HOT 103.7) also scored its highest share in over a year as it rose from #7 to #3. FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP repeated at #4 with a slight increase. It was joined in that spot by KZOK, which moved up from #6. KQMV slid from #3 to #6, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) dropped from #5 to #9.
KISW had a nearly 50% 18-34 share increase as it leapt from #5 to #1. It was the station’s best book in over a year. Last month AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) and KKWF were the co-leaders in this category. KNDD stepped down to #2, despite being up for the fourth straight survey, while KKWF landed at #4. KZOK moved up to claim a share of the #2 spoils. KRWM stood alone at #5 with a slight increase. KQMV slipped down to #6 with its lowest total in over a year and was paired with KHTP, which arrived from #9. KBKS fell from #3 to #8 and was joined by iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KJAQ (96.5 JACK FM), which turned it up from #11 with its highest score in over a year.
KKWF rebounded from a down book while KISW landed its largest share since JUNE. As a result, the two stations collided at #1 18-49. KQMV returned all of last month’s huge increase as it went from first to third. KEXP repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. It had company as KNDD moved up from #7 with its best performance in over a year. KBKS slipped from #5 to #7 and was hanging with KJAQ and KRWM.
Another shameless plug: The Ratings Experts saves your programming team time and makes your sales team money. Quite the combo. Find out how that works by clicking the link at the end of this missive.
PHOENIX: Easy Eight
As with the previous demo, WNIC had its best Frosty-free 25-54 share in over a year as it moved up to #1. WXYT got back some of last month’s huge share loss as it went from #4 to #2. WKQI dropped from first to third as it returned all of last survey’s solid share increase. Those three properties were within about a half share of each other. WRIF slipped to #4 with a slight increase, while BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WMGC (105.1 THE BOUNCE) had its highest score in over a year, which propelled the station from #7 to #5. A flat WYCD was back at #6, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) dropped to #7 as it gave back about half of last month’s large share increase.
The only force that can overcome WKQI in the 18-34 space is the power of the Claus. The station was #1 and in double-digits, both for the 12th time in the last 14 surveys. WNIC repeated at #2 and also hit double figures. WRIF has its best outing since NOVEMBER, but it dipped to #3. It was tied with WXYT, which rose from #5 as it rebounded from a down book. AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC stood alone at #5 with a small decrease. WYCD dropped four places into a tie at #6 with WMXD.
After taking the last two books off, WNIC was back at #1 and in double digits 18-49. WKQI had to step down to #2 as it gave back all of last month’s solid increase. WXYT maintained its #3 post with a strong increase, while WRIF stepped down to #4 with a small share gain. WYCD inched up to #5 despite a small decrease. WMGC moved down to #6 and was tied with AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7), which rose from #8 with its fourth up book in a row.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: The Status Is Quo
There was quite a battle brewing in the 25-54 bracket. CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X) was up to #1 with its highest score since AUGUST. This pushed KSTP down to #2 but the stations were less than a half-share apart. KTIS stood alone at #3 with a slight decrease, while its former partner – KFXN – dipped to #4 with its least productive outing since AUGUST. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB had its best book since OCTOBER to repeat at #5. KQQL made a daring move as it rose three places to #6.
Speaking of bold moves, KQQL stepped up to #1 18-34 with a double-digit output. KDWB stepped down to #2, despite landing its largest share since NOVEMBER. A flat iHEARTMEDIA Country KEEY (K102) dipped to #3, while CUMULUS Classic Rock KQRS posted its best number since MAY to rise from #7 to #4. A flat AUDACY AC KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) remained at #5, where it welcomed KSTP, which moved down a spot with a small share loss. KXXR slipped from #5 to #7.
KSTP and KXXR were as close as two stations could be with the 18-49 crowd. KSTP was back at #1 with a small decrease, while KXXR repeated at #2 as it rebounded from a down book. KTIS held firm at #3 despite a modest share loss, while KDWB had its best book since OCTOBER to move up two places to #4. Meanwhile, KQQL advanced from #8 to #5 with its best Frosty-free share since AUGUST. KZJK dipped to #6, while KFXN slid from #4 into a tie at #7 with KEEY.
Thank you for spending some quality time with us. After a brief respite, we’ll return with this month’s final installment, which will focus on TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, NASSAU-SUFFOLK, and CHARLOTTE. If you haven’t done so, please subscribe to our blog here.
As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. stand ready to help you grow your ratings and revenue. Click the link below to get the gruesome details.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
About XTrends: XTrends creates simple pictures of sometimes complex and difficult-to-understand information. To more easily navigate Nielsen ratings click here!
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.
In our previous installment, we established the versatility of the word “march.” A quick search revealed the many supposedly famous people who were gifted the surname MARCH. Veteran radio folk will remember LITTLE PEGGY MARCH (of “I Will Follow Him” fame). There’s the two-time Stanley Cup winner for the CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS, “MUSH” MARCH. And believe it or not, there are two famous women named APRIL MARCH. One is a contemporary singer-songwriter. The other was an exotic dancer billed as the First Lady of Burlesque.
And now you know.
However, our purpose here is to explore more recent history. Specifically, the MARCH survey, which ran from FEBRUARY 29TH through MARCH 27TH. We had an equinox and a time change, and many people decided they liked corned beef and cabbage. The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with the numbers diviners from XTRENDS – invite you to find out what really happened out there….
HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Rising To The Top
It would seem appropriate that during the month of holy celebrations, HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ would ascend to the top 6+ spot, though the station did have its first down book since NOVEMBER (7.7-7.3). Thus ended the four-book winning streak for iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1), which dipped to #2 (8.2-7.0). Then came the rest of the trailing field. RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) was back at #3 (5.6-5.9), while URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) repeated at #4 (5.2-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) had its best book in over a year (5.1-5.5) as it moved up to #5. RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (THE NEW 93Q) slipped three places to #7 (5.2-4.8). KODA remained the cume leader with a 1.1% increase (1,652,500-1,671,200). This nearly matched the market’s 1.3% rise.
Last month KSBJ and KODA were tied at #1 25-54. That partnership did not endure as KTBZ took control of the demo – thanks, once again, to its best outing in over a year. KSBJ dipped to #2 as it halted a strong four-book surge, while KODA ended up at #3 with its smallest share in over a year. The next two stations crashed the top five gala with their best books in over a year. ESTRELLA Mexican Regional KTJM (LA RAZA 98.5 & 101.7) was up three places to #4, while CUMULUS Pop CHR KRBE vaulted from #9 to #5. Untieing a tie at #5, ESTRELLA Spanish Adult Hits KQQK (EL NORTE 107.9) stepped down to #6 while its partner, KKBQ, slipped to #7, ending a three-book surge and pairing with its archrival AUDACY Country KILT (100.3 THE BULL). AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) slid five slots to #9 with its lowest score in over a year.
Back in NOVEMBER, KILT was ranked at #15 18-34. The station has been slowly progressing up the chart and this time landed at #1 with its highest mark in over a year. AUDACY Spanish Contemporary KLOL (MEGA 101 FM) and KTBZ had been tied at #5. Both stations had strong increases as they moved up to #2 and #3, respectively. KODA had its lowest number in over a year as it went from first to fourth. It was paired with KSBJ, which rose from #7 with its best book in over a year. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX) had its smallest share since APRIL as it fell from #2 to #7. It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT). KKBQ fell from #4 into a tie at #13 with KMJQ.
KTBZ and KODA swapped spots atop the 18-49 leaderboard with KTBZ moving up to #1 and KODA dipping to #2. KTBZ had its highest share in over a year while KODA posted its lowest. KODA was also tied with KTJM, which moved up from #4. KILT stepped up to #4 with a small increase, while KQQK slipped to #5 with a small decrease.
ATLANTA: Cox Rocks
Last month KKWF and KISW were #1 and #2, respectively, 25-54 and separated by less than a half-share. The stations remained in place but the gap grew considerably wider. KKWF had its best outing in over a year, while KISW had a slight decrease. They were now a share and a half distant. AUDACY Rhythmic AC KHTP (HOT 103.7) also scored its highest share in over a year as it rose from #7 to #3. FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP repeated at #4 with a slight increase. It was joined in that spot by KZOK, which moved up from #6. KQMV slid from #3 to #6, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) dropped from #5 to #9.
KISW had a nearly 50% 18-34 share increase as it leapt from #5 to #1. It was the station’s best book in over a year. Last month AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) and KKWF were the co-leaders in this category. KNDD stepped down to #2, despite being up for the fourth straight survey, while KKWF landed at #4. KZOK moved up to claim a share of the #2 spoils. KRWM stood alone at #5 with a slight increase. KQMV slipped down to #6 with its lowest total in over a year and was paired with KHTP, which arrived from #9. KBKS fell from #3 to #8 and was joined by iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KJAQ (96.5 JACK FM), which turned it up from #11 with its highest score in over a year.
KKWF rebounded from a down book while KISW landed its largest share since JUNE. As a result, the two stations collided at #1 18-49. KQMV returned all of last month’s huge increase as it went from first to third. KEXP repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. It had company as KNDD moved up from #7 with its best performance in over a year. KBKS slipped from #5 to #7 and was hanging with KJAQ and KRWM.
Another shameless plug: The Ratings Experts saves your programming team time and makes your sales team money. Quite the combo. Find out how that works by clicking the link at the end of this missive.
PHOENIX: Easy Eight
iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) was #1 6+ for the eighth straight survey and hit double figures for the fourth time during this span (10.1-10.3). Of course, the last two huge shares were accomplished without the aid of performance-enhancing music. HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX repeated at #2 (6.8-7.0), while HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD was back at #3 (5.3-5.0). DESERT VALLEY Adult Hits KOAI (95.1/94.9 THE WOW FACTOR) sat at #4 with its third up book in a row (4.8-4.9). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) was solid as a rock as it stepped up to #5 with its highest mark in over a year (3.9-4.7). iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX slipped to #7 (4.0-3.5). HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) joined it in that slot (3.8-3.5). Despite a 4.2% decrease, KESZ was still the cume leader (882,600-845,200). The market rose by 1.0%.
For the sixth straight survey, KESZ was runaway 25-54 leader. The station was also rapidly approaching double-digit territory. KUPD was back as a distant #2 with a slight decrease, while KSLX repeated at #3 with its third up book in a row. KYOT moved up a couple of places to #4 with its best book in over a year, KDKB drifted down to #5 with its third down book in a row and was paired with a stationary KNIX. It is worth noting the rapid ascent of iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMXP (MIX 96.9). The station vaulted from #16 to #7 with its highest score since SEPTEMBER.
KESZ notched back-to-back 18-34 wins with its – get this – fifth double-digit book in a row. KDKB remained in second place with a slight decrease and was better than four shares off the pace. KUPD was back at #3, also with a slight decrease. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KZZP (104.7 KISS FM) and SIERRA H Rhythmic AC KZCE (101.1 THE BOUNCE) went from a tie at #7 to a tie at #4. Speaking of tandem leaps, KYOT and AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) went from a tie at #10 to a similar arrangement at #6. KNIX dropped three places to #8 with its smallest share since AUGUST. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) dropped from #4 to #9 with its lowest score in over a year. It was sharing the moment with AUDACY Country KMLE, which slid from #5.
You can’t stop ’em; you can only hope to contain ’em. KESZ was #1 18-49 for the eighth consecutive survey and hit double figures again. It had more share than the next two stations – combined. KUPD and KDKB were back at #2 and #3, respectively. Both stations had down books. KSLX stepped up to #4 with a solid increase. KYOT repeated at #5 with its third up book in a row. It was joined by KZZP, which advanced from #7 with its best showing since AUGUST. KNIX fell from #4 into a tie at #7 with KZCE.
DETROIT: Twice As Nice
For the sixth straight survey, KESZ was runaway 25-54 leader. The station was also rapidly approaching double-digit territory. KUPD was back as a distant #2 with a slight decrease, while KSLX repeated at #3 with its third up book in a row. KYOT moved up a couple of places to #4 with its best book in over a year, KDKB drifted down to #5 with its third down book in a row and was paired with a stationary KNIX. It is worth noting the rapid ascent of iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMXP (MIX 96.9). The station vaulted from #16 to #7 with its highest score since SEPTEMBER.
KESZ notched back-to-back 18-34 wins with its – get this – fifth double-digit book in a row. KDKB remained in second place with a slight decrease and was better than four shares off the pace. KUPD was back at #3, also with a slight decrease. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KZZP (104.7 KISS FM) and SIERRA H Rhythmic AC KZCE (101.1 THE BOUNCE) went from a tie at #7 to a tie at #4. Speaking of tandem leaps, KYOT and AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) went from a tie at #10 to a similar arrangement at #6. KNIX dropped three places to #8 with its smallest share since AUGUST. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) dropped from #4 to #9 with its lowest score in over a year. It was sharing the moment with AUDACY Country KMLE, which slid from #5.
You can’t stop ’em; you can only hope to contain ’em. KESZ was #1 18-49 for the eighth consecutive survey and hit double figures again. It had more share than the next two stations – combined. KUPD and KDKB were back at #2 and #3, respectively. Both stations had down books. KSLX stepped up to #4 with a solid increase. KYOT repeated at #5 with its third up book in a row. It was joined by KZZP, which advanced from #7 with its best showing since AUGUST. KNIX fell from #4 into a tie at #7 with KZCE.
DETROIT: Twice As Nice
For the second book in a row – and fourth time in the last five surveys – iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC was #1 6+. The station also posted its best Frosty-free share in over a year (7.9-9.1). AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) moved up to #2 (7.1-7.5). The station also added a 1.5 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) stepped down to #3 (7.3-6.7), while AUDACY Country WYCD remained firmly affixed to the #4 position (6.5-6.6). BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF held steady at #5 (6.2-6.1) and was hanging with its older bro BEASLEY Classic Rock WCSX (6.1-6.1). WNIC was still the cume champ with a 3.3% increase (1,000,000-1,033,300). The market gained 0.9%.
As with the previous demo, WNIC had its best Frosty-free 25-54 share in over a year as it moved up to #1. WXYT got back some of last month’s huge share loss as it went from #4 to #2. WKQI dropped from first to third as it returned all of last survey’s solid share increase. Those three properties were within about a half share of each other. WRIF slipped to #4 with a slight increase, while BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WMGC (105.1 THE BOUNCE) had its highest score in over a year, which propelled the station from #7 to #5. A flat WYCD was back at #6, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) dropped to #7 as it gave back about half of last month’s large share increase.
The only force that can overcome WKQI in the 18-34 space is the power of the Claus. The station was #1 and in double-digits, both for the 12th time in the last 14 surveys. WNIC repeated at #2 and also hit double figures. WRIF has its best outing since NOVEMBER, but it dipped to #3. It was tied with WXYT, which rose from #5 as it rebounded from a down book. AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC stood alone at #5 with a small decrease. WYCD dropped four places into a tie at #6 with WMXD.
After taking the last two books off, WNIC was back at #1 and in double digits 18-49. WKQI had to step down to #2 as it gave back all of last month’s solid increase. WXYT maintained its #3 post with a strong increase, while WRIF stepped down to #4 with a small share gain. WYCD inched up to #5 despite a small decrease. WMGC moved down to #6 and was tied with AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7), which rose from #8 with its fourth up book in a row.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: The Status Is Quo
Not much changed atop the 6+ leaderboard as it featured the same five stations as last month. UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS was #1 and in double figures for the third book in a row (10.5-10.6). MPR N/T KNOW was back at #2 with its third up survey in a row (7.4-7.5) and added a 0.8 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3) remained at #3 (7.1-7.4). HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) repeated at #4, also with its third up book in a row (6.4-6.7). It had a partner as iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) moved up a slot as it got back all of last month’s lost share (6.1-6.7). KQQL was also the most listened-to radio station (706,400-683,300) – a 3.3% decrease. The market was off by 0.4%.
There was quite a battle brewing in the 25-54 bracket. CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X) was up to #1 with its highest score since AUGUST. This pushed KSTP down to #2 but the stations were less than a half-share apart. KTIS stood alone at #3 with a slight decrease, while its former partner – KFXN – dipped to #4 with its least productive outing since AUGUST. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB had its best book since OCTOBER to repeat at #5. KQQL made a daring move as it rose three places to #6.
Speaking of bold moves, KQQL stepped up to #1 18-34 with a double-digit output. KDWB stepped down to #2, despite landing its largest share since NOVEMBER. A flat iHEARTMEDIA Country KEEY (K102) dipped to #3, while CUMULUS Classic Rock KQRS posted its best number since MAY to rise from #7 to #4. A flat AUDACY AC KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) remained at #5, where it welcomed KSTP, which moved down a spot with a small share loss. KXXR slipped from #5 to #7.
KSTP and KXXR were as close as two stations could be with the 18-49 crowd. KSTP was back at #1 with a small decrease, while KXXR repeated at #2 as it rebounded from a down book. KTIS held firm at #3 despite a modest share loss, while KDWB had its best book since OCTOBER to move up two places to #4. Meanwhile, KQQL advanced from #8 to #5 with its best Frosty-free share since AUGUST. KZJK dipped to #6, while KFXN slid from #4 into a tie at #7 with KEEY.
Thank you for spending some quality time with us. After a brief respite, we’ll return with this month’s final installment, which will focus on TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, NASSAU-SUFFOLK, and CHARLOTTE. If you haven’t done so, please subscribe to our blog here.
As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. stand ready to help you grow your ratings and revenue. Click the link below to get the gruesome details.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
About XTrends: XTrends creates simple pictures of sometimes complex and difficult-to-understand information. To more easily navigate Nielsen ratings click here!
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.
March PPM Insights Day 2, April 16, 2024
In our previous installment, we established the versatility of the word “march.” A quick search revealed the many supposedly famous people who were gifted the surname MARCH. Veteran radio folk will remember LITTLE PEGGY MARCH (of “I Will Follow Him” fame). There’s the two-time Stanley Cup winner for the CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS, “MUSH” MARCH. And believe it or not, there are two famous women named APRIL MARCH. One is a contemporary singer-songwriter. The other was an exotic dancer billed as the First Lady of Burlesque.
And now you know.
However, our purpose here is to explore more recent history. Specifically, the MARCH survey, which ran from FEBRUARY 29TH through MARCH 27TH. We had an equinox and a time change, and many people decided they liked corned beef and cabbage. The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with the numbers diviners from XTRENDS – invite you to find out what really happened out there….
HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Rising To The Top
It would seem appropriate that during the month of holy celebrations, HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ would ascend to the top 6+ spot, though the station did have its first down book since NOVEMBER (7.7-7.3). Thus ended the four-book winning streak for iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1), which dipped to #2 (8.2-7.0). Then came the rest of the trailing field. RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) was back at #3 (5.6-5.9), while URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) repeated at #4 (5.2-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) had its best book in over a year (5.1-5.5) as it moved up to #5. RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (THE NEW 93Q) slipped three places to #7 (5.2-4.8). KODA remained the cume leader with a 1.1% increase (1,652,500-1,671,200). This nearly matched the market’s 1.3% rise.
Last month KSBJ and KODA were tied at #1 25-54. That partnership did not endure as KTBZ took control of the demo – thanks, once again, to its best outing in over a year. KSBJ dipped to #2 as it halted a strong four-book surge, while KODA ended up at #3 with its smallest share in over a year. The next two stations crashed the top five gala with their best books in over a year. ESTRELLA Mexican Regional KTJM (LA RAZA 98.5 & 101.7) was up three places to #4, while CUMULUS Pop CHR KRBE vaulted from #9 to #5. Untieing a tie at #5, ESTRELLA Spanish Adult Hits KQQK (EL NORTE 107.9) stepped down to #6 while its partner, KKBQ, slipped to #7, ending a three-book surge and pairing with its archrival AUDACY Country KILT (100.3 THE BULL). AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) slid five slots to #9 with its lowest score in over a year.
Back in NOVEMBER, KILT was ranked at #15 18-34. The station has been slowly progressing up the chart and this time landed at #1 with its highest mark in over a year. AUDACY Spanish Contemporary KLOL (MEGA 101 FM) and KTBZ had been tied at #5. Both stations had strong increases as they moved up to #2 and #3, respectively. KODA had its lowest number in over a year as it went from first to fourth. It was paired with KSBJ, which rose from #7 with its best book in over a year. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX) had its smallest share since APRIL as it fell from #2 to #7. It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT). KKBQ fell from #4 into a tie at #13 with KMJQ.
KTBZ and KODA swapped spots atop the 18-49 leaderboard with KTBZ moving up to #1 and KODA dipping to #2. KTBZ had its highest share in over a year while KODA posted its lowest. KODA was also tied with KTJM, which moved up from #4. KILT stepped up to #4 with a small increase, while KQQK slipped to #5 with a small decrease.
ATLANTA: Cox Rocks
The 6+ competition was relatively calm this month with one cluster winning gold, silver and bronze. COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) felt barely a ripple as it repeated at #1 (7.8-7.8). Moving up to a very close #2 was COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A, which bounced back a bit from a down book (7.3-7.7). COX MEDIA AC WSB (B98.5) also regained some of last month’s lost share as it stepped up to #3 (6.6-6.9). The station did pick up an additional 0.3 share from its stream. URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) slid to #4 (7.4-6.3), while URBAN ONE Contemporary Inspirational WPZE (MYPRAISE 102.5) experienced its first down book since OCTOBER (5.4-5.0) as it repeated at #5. Despite a 6.0% decrease (802,300-753,900), WSB was the cume controller for the fourth book in a row. The market was up a modest 0.3%.
For the third straight survey, WSB and WSRV held the top two spots in the 25-54 contest. WSB was up slightly to stay #1 while WSRV had its highest share since DECEMBER. AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V-103) posted its best number since NOVEMBER as it moved up two places to #3. CUMULUS Alternative WNNX (99X) dipped to #4, while WAMJ stepped down to #5. Both stations had noticeable share losses.
Though WSB was flat, the station was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey. In a surprise move, WSB-A moved up to #2 with its best showing in over a year. As recently as the HOLIDAY book, it was sitting at #15. With its lowest score in over a year, WSRV slipped to #3, where it met up with two stations entering the top five chat. WVEE rose from #8 with a solid increase, while AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9 THE GAME) arrived from #7 as it rebounded from a down book. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WHTA (HOT 107.9) and WAMJ had been tied at #3. Both stations had identical share losses to remain cojoined but at #6 this month. COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) fell from #5 to #9. It was tied with CUMULUS Pop CHR WWWQ (Q99.7).
WSB got back most of last month’s huge share loss to move up to #1 18-49. WSRV stood alone at #2 as it regained all of last survey’s share decrease. WVEE had its best showing since OCTOBER to step up to #3, while WNNX ended a strong two-book surge to drop from #1 to #4. WWWQ posted its largest number since NOVEMBER to climb three slots to #5. WAMJ scored its smallest share in over a year to drop down to #7.
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WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Train Kept A Rollin’
It is not often that a station can lose two shares off its 6+ total and not only remain #1 but in double figures. That is exactly what AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU did this time (13.0-11.0). HUBBARD News WTOP was back at #2 (7.6-7.9), while HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR repeated at #3 (7.4-7.5). Despite posting its lowest number in over a year, iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH managed to retain its hold on fourth place (5.9-5.2). CUMULUS N/T WMAL had its best outing in over a year (4.5-4.8) to move up to the #5 position. For those keeping score at home, that meant the spoken word format garnered a combined 23.7 share … and that doesn’t account for the sports stations, which added another 3.9 share to the mix. URBAN ONE Urban AC WMMJ (MAJIC 102.3/92.7) slipped to #7 with its smallest share in over a year (5.2-4.5). WASH retained the cume crown, despite a 7.2% drop (838,900-778,500). The market shrank by 0.3%.
WAMU saw its four-book 25-54 surge grind to a halt, but the station had enough left over to repeat at #1. WHUR returned as the #2 station and trailed the leader by less than a half share. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WKYS landed its largest share in over a year to advance from #5 to #3. WASH was down for the third straight survey as it slipped to #4. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) stepped up to #5 with its highest mark in over a year, while WMMJ slid four slots to #8 with its lowest score since OCTOBER.
WAMU and WMMJ repeated as the top two 18-34 stations but were not able to duplicate their double-digit performances from last month. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) was up to #3, while WKYS leapt four places to #4. Both stations bounced back from a down book. WASH drifted down to #5 with its least productive outing since JUNE. ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS dropped down to #6 and was tied with WHUR. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR WPGC fell from #5 to #8.
A year ago, WKYS was the ninth ranked 18-49 station. The station rose to the top spot in this survey and has more than doubled its number from last MARCH. A flat WASH was back at #2 and it narrowly edged WAMU, which went from first to third. WWDC repeated at #4 with its third up book in a row, while a flat WHUR was up two spots to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ posted its biggest number in over a year as it zoomed from #11 to #6. WMMJ fell from #5 into a tie at #9 with WPGC.
PHILADELPHIA: Three-peating
Is that actually a word? For the third straight survey, BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK was #1 6+ (9.1-8.5). It was also the eighth time in the last 14 books that the station accomplished that feat. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS ended a three-book slide as it stepped up to #2 (6.8-7.5). This pushed BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR down to #3 (8.0-7.3). AUDACY AC WBEB (B101.1) remained at #4 as it returned most of last month’s share increase (6.3-5.8). It was hanging with cluster buddy AUDACY News KYW-A, which moved up one spot (6.0-5.8). KYW-A was granted an additional 0.2 share from its stream. Just outside the top five at #6 was AUDACY Sports WIP (5.7-5.5). However, the station did pick up a 3.2 share from its online presence. WBEB still had the most listeners (963,700-981,100) – a 1.8% increase. The market expanded by 2.9%.
Though WMMR was unable to duplicate last month’s double-digit 25-54 share, the station was #1 for the third book in a row. WDAS rose from #6 to #2 with its best outing since DECEMBER, yet it was still about three shares off the pace. BEASLEY Adult Hits WBEN (95.7 BEN FM) dipped to #3 and finished just in front of WMGK, which repeated at #4. WBEB slipped to #5 with its lowest mark since SEPTEMBER, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) stepped down to #6 with a small share loss.
WMMR regained most of last month’s large share loss as it advanced from #3 to #1 18-34. WBEB was also up two places – to #2 – with a significant increase. All this upward movement stopped the two-book winning streak for WUSL, which descended to #3 with its lowest total since NOVEMBER. WMGK was also down two spots to #4 with a noticeable share loss. BEASLEY Country WXTU repeated at #5 as it ended a two-book surge. It was partnered with WBEN, which rose from #6 thanks to a small increase.
For the third straight survey, WMMR was the runaway 18-49 leader. WBEB moved up to #2 despite a down book and was about two and a half shares off the pace. WDAS landed its largest share since OCTOBER as it vaulted from #8 to #3. WUSL slipped to #4 with its third down book in a row. WBEN dipped to #5, while WMGK ended a four-book surge as it moved down to #6.
BOSTON: A Good Sport
For the third book in a row, BEASLEY Sports WBZ (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) was the dominant 6+ player (9.1-9.7). The race was for second place and the next four stations were all within a share of that position. BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR roared up to #2 with its highest mark since AUGUST (6.0-6.5). BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR remained at #3 (6.1-6.4), while AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX 104.1) shot up to #4 (4.9-5.9). Back when Grandma was roadkill, the station was #13 with a 2.8 share. AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7 FM) slid three places to #5 (6.4-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX had its smallest share since OCTOBER as it dipped to #6 (5.2-4.6). It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A (4.9-4.6). WMJX kept the cume crown with a 5.7% increase (715,900-756,500). The market fell by 0.2%.
For the third book in a row – and 13th time in the last 14 surveys – WBZ was #1 25-54. The next two stations had their best outings in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) was up three places to #2, while AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) dipped to #3. WWBX posted its largest share since JUNE as it moved up to #4. WROR and WMJX had been tied at #2. WROR was flat as it slipped to #5, while WMJX dropped to #6 with a small decrease.
Two stations continued to crush the 18-34 competition. WWBX was both #1 and in double digits for the third book in a row. Meanwhile, WBGB made it back-to-back double-digit outings as it repeated at #2. This duo came close to garnering a quarter of the available share in this demo. WBZ stood alone at #3 as it got back a small portion of last month’s huge share loss. WROR stepped down to #4 with a slight decrease. WXKS bounced back from a down book to hold steady at #5. Its former partner in that space was iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5). It drifted off to #7 as it ended a robust two-book surge.
WBZ was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row and returned to double-digit territory. WWBX repeated at #2 and narrowly missed hitting double figures. WROR repeated at #3 with a slight decrease, while WXKS inched up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. WMJX slipped to #5 and was partnered with a flat WBGB, which moved up from #6.
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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
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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.
MARCH is an interesting term. Sure, it’s the third month of the year. But it is also a verb (“Forward march!”) And it can be a plural noun (Google “The Welsh Marches”) However, it is probably best known as the first name of a famous rabbit.
For our purposes, the term is the NIELSEN designation for the third survey of the year. This one began its, uh, march on Leap Day and came to a halt on MARCH 27TH. It featured no official holidays – unless you celebrate green beer – but it did require many of us to re-learn how to set the clock on our microwaves.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in close cooperation with those masters of the numerical dark arts at XTRENDS – now bring you the latest in the ratings game:
NEW YORK: I Heart A Threesome
Your prophecy came true! AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101) was flat 6+ (6.0-6.0) but the station stood alone at #1. That’s because iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST dipped to #2 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER (6.0-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFI-A repeated at #3 (5.4-5.5), while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM) was a somewhat distant #4 (5.0-4.5). AUDACY Urban AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE) remained tied at #5 (4.3-4.2) but with a new partner. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5) moved in from #8 with its best book since JUNE (3.7-4.2). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) slipped to #7 (4.3-4.1). After taking the last four books off, KRTH was back as the cume leader with a 4.4% increase (2,071,900-2,163,700). The market gained 1.3%.
The top five on the 25-54 leaderboard were exactly where we left them last time. KOST was #1 for the fifth book in a row with a slight decrease. KBIG was #2 while KRTH was #3 – both stations also had tiny decreases. KIIS was #4 with a small decrease, while KLVE remained at #5 with a slight increase. Making a bid to join that prestigious group was TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KRCD (103.9/98.3 RECUERDO), which was up three places to #6 with its best showing in over a year.
The 18-34 arena was both topsy and turvy. KIIS stepped up to #1 despite a small decrease. It had company as KLVE launched itself from #8 with its highest share in over a year. KBIG repeated at #3 with its lowest mark in over a year. It was partnered with KOST, which saw its four-book demo winning streak come to a close. KRTH was back at #5 with a slight increase. Things were pretty tight after that as witnessed by MERUELO Rhythmic CHR KPWR (POWER 106 FM) rising from #10 to #6 with only the slightest of increases. AUDACY Alternative KROQ dropped from #5 to #8. AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) fell from #4 to #9 with its lowest score in exactly a year. It was joined in that space by SBS Spanish Contemporary KXOL (MEGA 96.3) and iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7).
What are the odds? Three stations moved up and into a tie at #1 18-49. KBIG, KRTH and KIIS were #2, #3 and #4 respectively before they made that mad dash. KOST was the previous leader and it landed at #4 and just missed making it a four-way tie. KLVE repeated at #5 with a solid increase. It was met there by KRCD, which advanced from #9 with its best showing in over a year. SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9) and KYSR has been tied at #5. KLAX slipped to #7 with a slight decrease, while KYSR dropped to #10 with its lowest total since DECEMBER.
CHICAGO: Lite ‘Em Up
Once again, BONNEVILLE AC KOIT was the clear 6+ leader (8.7-8.4). KQED INC. N/T KQED was back at #2 (7.6-7.2), while AUDACY News KCBS-A was sitting at #3 for the sixth book in a row (6.7-6.5). BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) was #4 for the seventh straight survey (6.1-5.6). Coming in at a distant #5 again was iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) (4.6-4.4). This time it was forced to share as iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KIOI (STAR 101.3) moved up a slot with its best book since JULY (3.7-4.4). Despite a 1.9% decrease, KOIT was still the cume commander (1,226,700-1,203,500). The market rose by 1.1%.
KOIT continued to dominate the 25-54 expanse as it opened up a nearly three share lead over #2 KMVQ. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL had its best outing since DECEMBER as it stepped up to #3. KISQ dipped to #4 as it gave back most of last month’s huge increase. KIOI rebounded from a down book to rise from #8 to #5. Just a click behind at #6 was KQED, which was also in rebound mode. AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) and SBS Mexican Regional KRZZ (93.3 LA RAZA) were no longer tied at #5. KITS slipped to #7 with a small share loss, while KRZZ ended up at #11, though it was only about a share outside of the top five.
KOIT was in its customary #1 position with the 18-34 folks. The station also recorded its eighth straight double-digit book. KMEL bounced back strongly from a down book to move up to #2, while KMVQ dipped to #3 as it ended a robust three-book surge. KITS stepped up to #4, despite landing its lowest number since OCTOBER. AUDACY Rhythmic AC KRBQ (102.1 JAMS) made the leap o’ the month as it rocketed from #17 to #5, doubling its previous share in the process. KRZZ slipped to #6 and was tied with KISQ, which remained in place, and CUMULUS Classic Rock KSAN (107.7 THE BONE), which turned it up from #11.
To the surprise of no one, KOIT was #1 18-49 again. It held more than a two-share lead over #2 KMVQ. KMEL had its first up book since DECEMBER to advance two squares to #3. KISQ dipped to #4, while KITS rose to #5 with a slight decrease. KRZZ fell from #4 to #10.
DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Time Is Tight
Thank you for the time. Feel free to forward the link to anyone you know who is a ratings geek like us: www.ResearchDirectorInc.com/Hot-Topics. Round two is in the queue and will focus on 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.
For the third straight survey, WSB and WSRV held the top two spots in the 25-54 contest. WSB was up slightly to stay #1 while WSRV had its highest share since DECEMBER. AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V-103) posted its best number since NOVEMBER as it moved up two places to #3. CUMULUS Alternative WNNX (99X) dipped to #4, while WAMJ stepped down to #5. Both stations had noticeable share losses.
Though WSB was flat, the station was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey. In a surprise move, WSB-A moved up to #2 with its best showing in over a year. As recently as the HOLIDAY book, it was sitting at #15. With its lowest score in over a year, WSRV slipped to #3, where it met up with two stations entering the top five chat. WVEE rose from #8 with a solid increase, while AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9 THE GAME) arrived from #7 as it rebounded from a down book. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WHTA (HOT 107.9) and WAMJ had been tied at #3. Both stations had identical share losses to remain cojoined but at #6 this month. COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) fell from #5 to #9. It was tied with CUMULUS Pop CHR WWWQ (Q99.7).
WSB got back most of last month’s huge share loss to move up to #1 18-49. WSRV stood alone at #2 as it regained all of last survey’s share decrease. WVEE had its best showing since OCTOBER to step up to #3, while WNNX ended a strong two-book surge to drop from #1 to #4. WWWQ posted its largest number since NOVEMBER to climb three slots to #5. WAMJ scored its smallest share in over a year to drop down to #7.
Shameless promotional interlude: do you know about micro-targeting? We do. And we’d love to do it for you.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Train Kept A Rollin’
It is not often that a station can lose two shares off its 6+ total and not only remain #1 but in double figures. That is exactly what AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU did this time (13.0-11.0). HUBBARD News WTOP was back at #2 (7.6-7.9), while HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR repeated at #3 (7.4-7.5). Despite posting its lowest number in over a year, iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH managed to retain its hold on fourth place (5.9-5.2). CUMULUS N/T WMAL had its best outing in over a year (4.5-4.8) to move up to the #5 position. For those keeping score at home, that meant the spoken word format garnered a combined 23.7 share … and that doesn’t account for the sports stations, which added another 3.9 share to the mix. URBAN ONE Urban AC WMMJ (MAJIC 102.3/92.7) slipped to #7 with its smallest share in over a year (5.2-4.5). WASH retained the cume crown, despite a 7.2% drop (838,900-778,500). The market shrank by 0.3%.
WAMU saw its four-book 25-54 surge grind to a halt, but the station had enough left over to repeat at #1. WHUR returned as the #2 station and trailed the leader by less than a half share. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WKYS landed its largest share in over a year to advance from #5 to #3. WASH was down for the third straight survey as it slipped to #4. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) stepped up to #5 with its highest mark in over a year, while WMMJ slid four slots to #8 with its lowest score since OCTOBER.
WAMU and WMMJ repeated as the top two 18-34 stations but were not able to duplicate their double-digit performances from last month. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) was up to #3, while WKYS leapt four places to #4. Both stations bounced back from a down book. WASH drifted down to #5 with its least productive outing since JUNE. ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS dropped down to #6 and was tied with WHUR. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR WPGC fell from #5 to #8.
A year ago, WKYS was the ninth ranked 18-49 station. The station rose to the top spot in this survey and has more than doubled its number from last MARCH. A flat WASH was back at #2 and it narrowly edged WAMU, which went from first to third. WWDC repeated at #4 with its third up book in a row, while a flat WHUR was up two spots to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ posted its biggest number in over a year as it zoomed from #11 to #6. WMMJ fell from #5 into a tie at #9 with WPGC.
PHILADELPHIA: Three-peating
Is that actually a word? For the third straight survey, BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK was #1 6+ (9.1-8.5). It was also the eighth time in the last 14 books that the station accomplished that feat. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS ended a three-book slide as it stepped up to #2 (6.8-7.5). This pushed BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR down to #3 (8.0-7.3). AUDACY AC WBEB (B101.1) remained at #4 as it returned most of last month’s share increase (6.3-5.8). It was hanging with cluster buddy AUDACY News KYW-A, which moved up one spot (6.0-5.8). KYW-A was granted an additional 0.2 share from its stream. Just outside the top five at #6 was AUDACY Sports WIP (5.7-5.5). However, the station did pick up a 3.2 share from its online presence. WBEB still had the most listeners (963,700-981,100) – a 1.8% increase. The market expanded by 2.9%.
Though WMMR was unable to duplicate last month’s double-digit 25-54 share, the station was #1 for the third book in a row. WDAS rose from #6 to #2 with its best outing since DECEMBER, yet it was still about three shares off the pace. BEASLEY Adult Hits WBEN (95.7 BEN FM) dipped to #3 and finished just in front of WMGK, which repeated at #4. WBEB slipped to #5 with its lowest mark since SEPTEMBER, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) stepped down to #6 with a small share loss.
WMMR regained most of last month’s large share loss as it advanced from #3 to #1 18-34. WBEB was also up two places – to #2 – with a significant increase. All this upward movement stopped the two-book winning streak for WUSL, which descended to #3 with its lowest total since NOVEMBER. WMGK was also down two spots to #4 with a noticeable share loss. BEASLEY Country WXTU repeated at #5 as it ended a two-book surge. It was partnered with WBEN, which rose from #6 thanks to a small increase.
For the third straight survey, WMMR was the runaway 18-49 leader. WBEB moved up to #2 despite a down book and was about two and a half shares off the pace. WDAS landed its largest share since OCTOBER as it vaulted from #8 to #3. WUSL slipped to #4 with its third down book in a row. WBEN dipped to #5, while WMGK ended a four-book surge as it moved down to #6.
BOSTON: A Good Sport
For the third book in a row, BEASLEY Sports WBZ (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) was the dominant 6+ player (9.1-9.7). The race was for second place and the next four stations were all within a share of that position. BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR roared up to #2 with its highest mark since AUGUST (6.0-6.5). BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR remained at #3 (6.1-6.4), while AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX 104.1) shot up to #4 (4.9-5.9). Back when Grandma was roadkill, the station was #13 with a 2.8 share. AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7 FM) slid three places to #5 (6.4-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX had its smallest share since OCTOBER as it dipped to #6 (5.2-4.6). It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A (4.9-4.6). WMJX kept the cume crown with a 5.7% increase (715,900-756,500). The market fell by 0.2%.
For the third book in a row – and 13th time in the last 14 surveys – WBZ was #1 25-54. The next two stations had their best outings in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) was up three places to #2, while AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) dipped to #3. WWBX posted its largest share since JUNE as it moved up to #4. WROR and WMJX had been tied at #2. WROR was flat as it slipped to #5, while WMJX dropped to #6 with a small decrease.
Two stations continued to crush the 18-34 competition. WWBX was both #1 and in double digits for the third book in a row. Meanwhile, WBGB made it back-to-back double-digit outings as it repeated at #2. This duo came close to garnering a quarter of the available share in this demo. WBZ stood alone at #3 as it got back a small portion of last month’s huge share loss. WROR stepped down to #4 with a slight decrease. WXKS bounced back from a down book to hold steady at #5. Its former partner in that space was iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5). It drifted off to #7 as it ended a robust two-book surge.
WBZ was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row and returned to double-digit territory. WWBX repeated at #2 and narrowly missed hitting double figures. WROR repeated at #3 with a slight decrease, while WXKS inched up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. WMJX slipped to #5 and was partnered with a flat WBGB, which moved up from #6.
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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
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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.
March PPM Insight Day 1 April 15, 2024
MARCH is an interesting term. Sure, it’s the third month of the year. But it is also a verb (“Forward march!”) And it can be a plural noun (Google “The Welsh Marches”) However, it is probably best known as the first name of a famous rabbit.
For our purposes, the term is the NIELSEN designation for the third survey of the year. This one began its, uh, march on Leap Day and came to a halt on MARCH 27TH. It featured no official holidays – unless you celebrate green beer – but it did require many of us to re-learn how to set the clock on our microwaves.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in close cooperation with those masters of the numerical dark arts at XTRENDS – now bring you the latest in the ratings game:
NEW YORK: I Heart A Threesome
Wait, that didn’t come out right.… For the second straight survey, the top three positions on the 6+ leaderboard belonged to one cluster. For well over a year, the top two slots were occupied by iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM), which had its best Frosty-free share in over a year (8.4-8.6), and iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) (6.9-6.9). Coming in at #3 again was iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) (5.6-5.2). AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS stepped up to #4 (4.6-4.9), while AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) advanced two squares to #5 (4.5-4.6). The station gained an additional 0.4 share from its stream. MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS was forced to move down to #6 (4.6-4.5). NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO N/T WNYC fell from #4 to #9 (4.7-4.0), where it was in league with iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (4.2-4.0) and RED APPLE RADIO N/T WABC-A (3.8-4.0). As per usual, WLTW had the most cume (3,578,100-3,660,800) – a 2.3% increase. The market rose by 0.4%.
The top five slots on the 25-54 chart were relatively unchanged from last month, but four of the five stations had down books. WHTZ moved back up to #1, which displaced its cluster mate as WLTW had to step down to #2. WKTU repeated at #3, while SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) was back at #4 with its fifth consecutive up book. WAXQ remained at #5.
WLTW was #1 18-34 for the eleventh straight survey and hit double digits for the eighth time during that span. WSKQ was up three places to #2 with its best showing in over a year, yet it still trailed the leader by about four and a half shares. WHTZ remained at #3 as it ended a solid two-book surge, while WAXQ repeated at #4 with a down book. WKTU fell from #2 to #5. The stations at #2 through #5 were all within a half share of each other.
Though it was off slightly, WLTW cruised to its second consecutive 18-49 victory. WHTZ fell a bit further off the base while maintaining its hold on the #2 position. WSKQ moved up to #3 with its highest score in over a year, while WKTU dipped to #4 with a modest decrease. WAXQ stepped down to #5 with its first down book since DECEMBER.
LOS ANGELES: Flat Earthers Rejoice
The top five slots on the 25-54 chart were relatively unchanged from last month, but four of the five stations had down books. WHTZ moved back up to #1, which displaced its cluster mate as WLTW had to step down to #2. WKTU repeated at #3, while SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) was back at #4 with its fifth consecutive up book. WAXQ remained at #5.
WLTW was #1 18-34 for the eleventh straight survey and hit double digits for the eighth time during that span. WSKQ was up three places to #2 with its best showing in over a year, yet it still trailed the leader by about four and a half shares. WHTZ remained at #3 as it ended a solid two-book surge, while WAXQ repeated at #4 with a down book. WKTU fell from #2 to #5. The stations at #2 through #5 were all within a half share of each other.
Though it was off slightly, WLTW cruised to its second consecutive 18-49 victory. WHTZ fell a bit further off the base while maintaining its hold on the #2 position. WSKQ moved up to #3 with its highest score in over a year, while WKTU dipped to #4 with a modest decrease. WAXQ stepped down to #5 with its first down book since DECEMBER.
LOS ANGELES: Flat Earthers Rejoice
Your prophecy came true! AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101) was flat 6+ (6.0-6.0) but the station stood alone at #1. That’s because iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST dipped to #2 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER (6.0-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFI-A repeated at #3 (5.4-5.5), while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM) was a somewhat distant #4 (5.0-4.5). AUDACY Urban AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE) remained tied at #5 (4.3-4.2) but with a new partner. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5) moved in from #8 with its best book since JUNE (3.7-4.2). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) slipped to #7 (4.3-4.1). After taking the last four books off, KRTH was back as the cume leader with a 4.4% increase (2,071,900-2,163,700). The market gained 1.3%.
The top five on the 25-54 leaderboard were exactly where we left them last time. KOST was #1 for the fifth book in a row with a slight decrease. KBIG was #2 while KRTH was #3 – both stations also had tiny decreases. KIIS was #4 with a small decrease, while KLVE remained at #5 with a slight increase. Making a bid to join that prestigious group was TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KRCD (103.9/98.3 RECUERDO), which was up three places to #6 with its best showing in over a year.
The 18-34 arena was both topsy and turvy. KIIS stepped up to #1 despite a small decrease. It had company as KLVE launched itself from #8 with its highest share in over a year. KBIG repeated at #3 with its lowest mark in over a year. It was partnered with KOST, which saw its four-book demo winning streak come to a close. KRTH was back at #5 with a slight increase. Things were pretty tight after that as witnessed by MERUELO Rhythmic CHR KPWR (POWER 106 FM) rising from #10 to #6 with only the slightest of increases. AUDACY Alternative KROQ dropped from #5 to #8. AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) fell from #4 to #9 with its lowest score in exactly a year. It was joined in that space by SBS Spanish Contemporary KXOL (MEGA 96.3) and iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7).
What are the odds? Three stations moved up and into a tie at #1 18-49. KBIG, KRTH and KIIS were #2, #3 and #4 respectively before they made that mad dash. KOST was the previous leader and it landed at #4 and just missed making it a four-way tie. KLVE repeated at #5 with a solid increase. It was met there by KRCD, which advanced from #9 with its best showing in over a year. SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9) and KYSR has been tied at #5. KLAX slipped to #7 with a slight decrease, while KYSR dropped to #10 with its lowest total since DECEMBER.
CHICAGO: Lite ‘Em Up
For the sixth book in a row – and thirteenth time in the last 14 surveys – iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) was #1 6+ (6.7-6.8). The object in its rearview mirror was HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (THE DRIVE 97.1), which repeated at #2 (6.6-6.6). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WVAZ (V103) inched up to #3 (5.1-5.5), which pushed AUDACY News WBBM-A down to #4 (5.4-5.4). AUDACY AAA WXRT was back at #5 (5.0-5.0). WLIT was still in cume control (1,296,200-1,391,800) – a 7.4% increase. The market was up by 0.1%.
For the third book in a row, TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) and WLIT were #1 and #2, respectively, with the 25-54 crowd. Both stations were down this survey and were separated by about a share. WXRT was back at #3 with a slight increase, while WVAZ was up two spots to #4 with its best outing since everything was all merry and jolly and stuff. CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS posted its best number since APRIL as it advanced from #8 to #5. These moves knocked two stations out of the top five. WDRV backed up to #6, while AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) drifted down to #7. Both stations had small decreases.
This was the third straight convincing 18-34 win for WOJO. Despite a down book, the station had about a share and a half lead over iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI, which regained most of last month’s huge share loss as it rose from #6 to #2. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) repeated at #3 with a slight decrease. WUSN slipped from #2 to #4 and was tied with the stationary WLIT. WDRV dropped from a tie at #4 to #7 as it returned a chunk of last month’s sizeable share increase.
For over a year, the top two 18-49 stations have been WOJO and WLIT. This was the third straight survey that they finished in first and second, respectively. The next two stations landed their largest shares in over a year. WVAZ leapt from #8 to #3, while iHEARTMEDIA Mainstream Rock WCHI (ROCK 95.5) held steady at #4. WDRV reversed its course from #3 to #5. WUSN and AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WBMX (104.3 JAMS) dropped from a tie at #5 to #9 and #10, respectively. While this looks bad on paper, WUSN, in particular, was only about a half-share away from returning to the top five.
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SAN FRANCISCO: Towering Above The Competition
For the third book in a row, TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) and WLIT were #1 and #2, respectively, with the 25-54 crowd. Both stations were down this survey and were separated by about a share. WXRT was back at #3 with a slight increase, while WVAZ was up two spots to #4 with its best outing since everything was all merry and jolly and stuff. CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS posted its best number since APRIL as it advanced from #8 to #5. These moves knocked two stations out of the top five. WDRV backed up to #6, while AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) drifted down to #7. Both stations had small decreases.
This was the third straight convincing 18-34 win for WOJO. Despite a down book, the station had about a share and a half lead over iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI, which regained most of last month’s huge share loss as it rose from #6 to #2. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) repeated at #3 with a slight decrease. WUSN slipped from #2 to #4 and was tied with the stationary WLIT. WDRV dropped from a tie at #4 to #7 as it returned a chunk of last month’s sizeable share increase.
For over a year, the top two 18-49 stations have been WOJO and WLIT. This was the third straight survey that they finished in first and second, respectively. The next two stations landed their largest shares in over a year. WVAZ leapt from #8 to #3, while iHEARTMEDIA Mainstream Rock WCHI (ROCK 95.5) held steady at #4. WDRV reversed its course from #3 to #5. WUSN and AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WBMX (104.3 JAMS) dropped from a tie at #5 to #9 and #10, respectively. While this looks bad on paper, WUSN, in particular, was only about a half-share away from returning to the top five.
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SAN FRANCISCO: Towering Above The Competition
Once again, BONNEVILLE AC KOIT was the clear 6+ leader (8.7-8.4). KQED INC. N/T KQED was back at #2 (7.6-7.2), while AUDACY News KCBS-A was sitting at #3 for the sixth book in a row (6.7-6.5). BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) was #4 for the seventh straight survey (6.1-5.6). Coming in at a distant #5 again was iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) (4.6-4.4). This time it was forced to share as iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KIOI (STAR 101.3) moved up a slot with its best book since JULY (3.7-4.4). Despite a 1.9% decrease, KOIT was still the cume commander (1,226,700-1,203,500). The market rose by 1.1%.
KOIT continued to dominate the 25-54 expanse as it opened up a nearly three share lead over #2 KMVQ. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL had its best outing since DECEMBER as it stepped up to #3. KISQ dipped to #4 as it gave back most of last month’s huge increase. KIOI rebounded from a down book to rise from #8 to #5. Just a click behind at #6 was KQED, which was also in rebound mode. AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) and SBS Mexican Regional KRZZ (93.3 LA RAZA) were no longer tied at #5. KITS slipped to #7 with a small share loss, while KRZZ ended up at #11, though it was only about a share outside of the top five.
KOIT was in its customary #1 position with the 18-34 folks. The station also recorded its eighth straight double-digit book. KMEL bounced back strongly from a down book to move up to #2, while KMVQ dipped to #3 as it ended a robust three-book surge. KITS stepped up to #4, despite landing its lowest number since OCTOBER. AUDACY Rhythmic AC KRBQ (102.1 JAMS) made the leap o’ the month as it rocketed from #17 to #5, doubling its previous share in the process. KRZZ slipped to #6 and was tied with KISQ, which remained in place, and CUMULUS Classic Rock KSAN (107.7 THE BONE), which turned it up from #11.
To the surprise of no one, KOIT was #1 18-49 again. It held more than a two-share lead over #2 KMVQ. KMEL had its first up book since DECEMBER to advance two squares to #3. KISQ dipped to #4, while KITS rose to #5 with a slight decrease. KRZZ fell from #4 to #10.
DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Time Is Tight
There were six – count ‘em – six stations within a share of the 6+ lead. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) was back at #1 with its best book since OCTOBER (4.9-5.1). Two stations moved up to forge a tie at #2. SERVICE Urban AC KRNB (SMOOTH R&B 105.7) inched up from #3 (4.8-4.7), while AUDACY Classic Hits KSPF (98.7 THE SPOT) regained all of last month’s lost share as it rose from #6 (4.2-4.7). AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) had its best book in over a year (4.1-4.5) as it moved from #7 to #4. iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) slipped to #5 (4.8-4.2). It was tied with NORTH TEXAS PUBLIC RADIO N/T KERA, which vaulted from #8 (4.0-4.2). There was a three-way at #10 that featured two former members of the top five club. CULUMUS Sports KTCK (1310AM/96.7FM THE TICKET) had its two-book winning streak snapped as it landed its smallest share in over a year (4.9-3.6). SALEM AC KLTY dropped from #5 (4.3-3.6), while CUMULUS N/T WBAP moved in from #12 (3.3-3.6). KDGE still had the most listeners (1,060,700-1,148,900) – an 8.3% increase. The market grew by 1.2%.
Though it was flat, KLNO maintained a comfortable lead over the rest of the 25-54 field. AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) stepped up to #2 despite a slight decrease. KJKK jumped from #9 to #3 with a strong share increase. KERA rose two slots to #4 with a slight gain, while three stations found their way to the #5 watering hole. KTCK slid from #2 while its cluster bud – CUMULUS Country KSCS – stepped up from a tie at #6. KRNB leapt from #9 but with only a slight increase. The six stations sandwiched between #2 and #5 were separated by a half share. Two other stations were excused from the top five. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) slid from #4 to #9, while KDGE dropped six places to #11. It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM).
What a difference a year makes. Last MARCH KLNO was #12 18-34. The station has more than doubled its share since then as it repeated at #1 with its best book in over a year. KVIL moved up to #2 despite a slight decrease, while KHKS went from first to third as it returned a good portion of last month’s massive increase. KDGE was back at #4 but with a noticeable share loss. It was paired with KSCS, which stepped up from a tie at #5 as it bounced back from a down book. CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) and KDMX were also at #5 last time. KPLX was up slightly as it moved down to #6, while KDMX ended up at #7.
KLNO dominated the 18-49 space for the second straight survey as it scored its biggest number since OCTOBER. KDGE remained at #2 but with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. KVIL was also down but moved up to claim its share of second place. KSCS moved up two places to #5 with a slight increase. Meanwhile, KJKK also landed at #5 as it leapt from #11. KHKS slipped two slots to #7.
Though it was flat, KLNO maintained a comfortable lead over the rest of the 25-54 field. AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) stepped up to #2 despite a slight decrease. KJKK jumped from #9 to #3 with a strong share increase. KERA rose two slots to #4 with a slight gain, while three stations found their way to the #5 watering hole. KTCK slid from #2 while its cluster bud – CUMULUS Country KSCS – stepped up from a tie at #6. KRNB leapt from #9 but with only a slight increase. The six stations sandwiched between #2 and #5 were separated by a half share. Two other stations were excused from the top five. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) slid from #4 to #9, while KDGE dropped six places to #11. It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM).
What a difference a year makes. Last MARCH KLNO was #12 18-34. The station has more than doubled its share since then as it repeated at #1 with its best book in over a year. KVIL moved up to #2 despite a slight decrease, while KHKS went from first to third as it returned a good portion of last month’s massive increase. KDGE was back at #4 but with a noticeable share loss. It was paired with KSCS, which stepped up from a tie at #5 as it bounced back from a down book. CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) and KDMX were also at #5 last time. KPLX was up slightly as it moved down to #6, while KDMX ended up at #7.
KLNO dominated the 18-49 space for the second straight survey as it scored its biggest number since OCTOBER. KDGE remained at #2 but with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. KVIL was also down but moved up to claim its share of second place. KSCS moved up two places to #5 with a slight increase. Meanwhile, KJKK also landed at #5 as it leapt from #11. KHKS slipped two slots to #7.
Thank you for the time. Feel free to forward the link to anyone you know who is a ratings geek like us: www.ResearchDirectorInc.com/Hot-Topics. Round two is in the queue and will focus on 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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