by Steven Allan, Programming Research Consultant
October PPM Insights Day 4
As you prepare to carve your pumpkins, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in cooperation with the algorithmic shape-shifters from XTRENDS – are ready to slice and dice another round of the OCTOBER survey. Which stations reaped ratings gold and which ones turned into pumpkins? This book ran from SEPTEMBER 12TH through OCTOBER 9TH. There were no big holidays to contend with, football was in full swing, and schedules had settled into more familiar patterns. Prepare your favorite pumpkin-spiced concoction and play along with us.
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: The Race For Second Place
Book after book, the 6+ crown is consistently on the head of COX MEDIA Soft AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE). The station cruised to another victory with its ninth double-digit book in a row (10.9-10.7). BEASLEY Country WQYK stayed at #2 with its third down book in a row (6.0-5.6). It was hearing footsteps from COX MEDIA Urban AC WTBV (101.5 THE VIBE), which stepped up to #3 (5.7-5.5). The station also gained a 0.7 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7) was up to #4 as it bounced back from a down book (4.9-5.4). iHEARTMEDIA Country WFUS (US 103.5) slid to #5 (6.0-5.3) and was feeling the heat from COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE), which was up two slots to #6 as it got back some of last month’s big share loss (4.5-5.2). WDUV lost 2.9% of its cume but was still the leader in that category (649,200-630,300). The market was up 1.3%.
Though it shed all of last month’s solid 25-54 share gain – plus a bit more, WDUV repeated as the market leader. The country format gained control of the #2 position. WFUS jumped from #5 to #2 with its first up book since JUNE. It was joined in that space by WQYK, which rose from #4 with its best book since people were debating if DIE HARD is a CHRISTMAS movie (it’s not). WMTX moved up two places to #4, while BEASLEY Rhythmic CHR WLLD (WiLD 94.1) advanced to #5 with its best book in a year. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB slid to #6 with its lowest score since SANTA was cruising the streets. COX MEDIA N/T WHPT (102.5 THE BONE) fell from #2 to #8, ending a two-book surge. It was tied with WTBV.
WDUV was #1 and in double figures 18-34 for the third straight survey. WMTX narrowly missed hitting double-digits as it stepped up to #2. WQYK dipped to #3 as it ended a robust three-book surge. WFUS repeated at #4 with a slight increase, while WXTB remained at #5 but with a modest share loss.
Three – count ’em – three stations were perched atop the 18-49 leaderboard. WDUV was there for the second book in a row. It was joined by WQYK, which stepped up from #2 with a slight increase, and WMTX, which rose from #4 as it got back most of last month’s big share loss. WFUS stepped up to #4 with a solid increase, while WLLD was up to #5 with its best showing since last OCTOBER. WXTB slid three places to #6 with its smallest share since the maids were tending the cows.
DENVER-BOULDER: Keep On Going
For the second book in a row, BONNEVILLE Country KYGO was #1 6+ (7.3-7.4). Coming in at #2 again was its cluster cousin BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1) (6.8-6.6). Moving up to #3 with its sixth up book in a row was AUDACY Modern AC KALC (ALICE 105.9) (5.6-6.2). KSE VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105) landed its smallest share since APRIL as it drifted down to #4 (6.8-6.1). AUDACY Classic Rock KQMT (99.5 THE MOUNTAIN) was up two places to #5 (4.7-4.8). The station also garnered a 0.6 share from its online presence. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KRFX (103.5 THE FOX) and iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) had been an item at #5. KRFX dipped to #6 with its lowest score since JANUARY (5.3-4.7), while KTCL moved down to #7 (5.3-4.5). It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA AAA KBCO, which rebounded from a down book (3.8-4.5). Despite a 6.1% decline, KOSI remained the cume leader (530,700-498,300). The market grew by 0.3%.
Despite a slight decrease, KYGO stepped up to #1 25-54. This stopped the three-book winning streak for KTCL, which dipped to #2 with its first down book since JUNE. KALC landed its largest share in over a year as it stepped up to #3. This pushed KXKL down to #4 as it posted its lowest number since FEBRUARY. The station was tied with KBCO, which rose from #7 as it ended a steep two-book slide. KOSI had its smallest share in over a year as it dropped down to #7.
KYGO was both #1 and in double figures 18-34 for the second straight survey. KOSI was up to #2 with its best outing since JUNE but was still about three shares off the lead. KRFX stepped down to #3 with its lowest mark since MAY, while KTCL rose from a tie at #6 to #4 as it halted a two-book slide. Three stations were huddled together at #5. KXKL slipped from #3, while AUDACY Rhythmic AC KQKS (KS 107.5) remained in place with a modest share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDHT (HITS 95.7) moved up from the tie at #6 with its highest score in over a year.
A couple of stations charged up the 18-49 chart to forge a tie at #1. ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KXPK (LA TRICOLOR 96.5) rose from #3 with its best book in over a year, while KBCO advanced from #7 as it stopped a two-book slide. Last month’s leader – KYGO – slipped to #3 as it gave back most of its previous gain. KALC stood alone at #4 with its sixth straight up book, while KOSI dipped to #5 with a slight increase. It was paired with KTCL, which was up from #6 as it ended a six-book skid. KXKL fell from #2 to #7 with its lowest total since Grandma hit the pavement.
SAN DIEGO: Pennant Fever
AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) was #1 6+ for the fourth book in a row (6.4-6.2). However, it as company as the ill-fated postseason run for the PADRES drove AUDACY Sports KWFN (97.3 THE FAN) to its best book in over a year (5.4-6.2). TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNV (QUÉ BUENA 106.5) was up two places to #3 as the station landed its fourth up book in a row (5.3-6.0). SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS slid to #4 (5.7-5.6), while LOCAL MEDIA Adult Hits KFBG (100.7 BIG FM) dropped to #5 (5.4-5.4). KXSN continued to lead the cume parade with a 5.8% increase (510,200-539,900). The market rose by 0.6%.
KLNV solidified its hold on the #1 position 25-54 with its best book in over a year. LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) jumped from #5 to #2 but was still nearly two shares off the pace. KWFN advanced from #7 to #3 with its third up book in a row. KXSN slipped to #4 with its smallest share since JANUARY. It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ, which dipped from a tie at #3 with a slight increase. LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X) was previously tied at #3 but slid to #6 with a small share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHTS (CHANNEL 933) dialed it down to #7, also with a small share decrease.
X marked the spots atop the 18-34 chart. XTRA stood strong at #1 with a solid increase, while XHRM repeated at #2. The gap between the two stations stood at a share and a half. KWFN and KPBS remained tied at #3 with strong share gains. KXSN dropped from the tie at #3 to #5 as it regained some of last month’s share loss. KFBG had also been part of that #3 conglomerate. It fell to #9 as it surrendered a good portion of last month’s massive increase. It was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMYI (STAR 94.1) and iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFI-A
KLNV had its best 18-49 book in over a year as it captured the demo for the third straight survey. XHRM repeated at #2 with its largest share since APRIL, while KWFN was up three places to #3, also with its best outing in over a year. A flat XTRA dipped to #4 and was tied with the stationary KIOZ, which had a small increase. KXSN slipped to #6 with its third straight down book.
CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: A Great Lake
iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE) had its best 6+ book in over a year (7.0-8.8) as it moved back up to #1. BEASLEY Urban AC WBAV (V101.9) dipped to #2 with its first down book since MARCH (7.7-7.1). BEASLEY Country WSOC repeated at #3 (6.6-6.6), while iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT) clawed its way up to #4 (5.4-5.7). PACIFIC Classic Hits WXRC (95.7 THE RIDE) backed up to #5 as it returned most of last month’s solid share increase (6.4-5.5). URBAN ONE N/T WBT-A stepped down to #6 (5.8-5.2). For the tenth straight survey, WLKO was the cume leader (375,500-438,900) – a 16.9% increase. The market rose by 3.7%.
Last month BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (Power 98) narrowly defeated iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) in the 25-54 race. That all changed this time. WEND moved up to #1 with a slight increase, while WPEG slipped to #2 as it surrendered all of last month’s strong increase, plus a little extra. WLKO stepped up to #3 as it rebounded from a down book, while URBAN ONE Sports WFNZ stayed behind at #4, even though it regained all of last month’s lost share. WSOC inched up to #5 with a slight increase and was tied with WBAV, which dropped from #3.
WBAV was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey and made it back-to-back double-digit performances. WPEG remained at #2 but narrowly missed hitting double figures. WFNZ repeated at #3 but with its highest output since MAY. WSOC advanced four places to #4, also with its best outing since MAY. Last month there was a threesome at #5. WLKO remained in place with its highest score since that little boy was incessantly drumming. URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) slipped to #6 with a slight decrease, while WEND, ahem, ended up at #7. It was sharing that moment with two other stations. BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1) dropped from #3 with a rather large share loss, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1) moved up from #9 with its highest score in over a year.
For the last two books, WPEG and WBAV were shuffling between #1 and #2 18-49. It was WPEG’s turn to lead this month, even with a small share loss. WBAV was down to #2 as it gave back most of last month’s huge increase. WEND repeated at #3 as it halted a two-book surge. WLKO stepped up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book, while WSOC advanced to #5 with a strong share gain. WFNZ dipped to #6 with a small increase, while WNKS dropped three places to #7, ending its three-book surge. The station was tied with WOSF.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): A Ten Spot
COX MEDIA Classic Rock WBAB continued its 6+ tear as it was #1 for the tenth straight survey (7.9-8.5). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) was back at #2 (6.1-5.7), while AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) repeated at #3 (4.9-5.6). The station also notched an additional 1.1 share from its stream. CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) stepped up to #4 with its best showing since MAY (4.6-5.0). AUDACY Sports WFAN (WFAN SPORTS RADIO) scored its best number in over a year (2.6-4.7) as it vaulted from #14 to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) dipped to #6 (4.6-4.3), while AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS dropped from #3 to #7, thus ending its two-book surge (4.9-4.0). It was tied with COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI (3.8-4.0), which picked up a 0.3 share from its stream. After a one-book layoff, WBAB was back as the cume leader (437,000-433,000) – a 0.9% decrease. The market was off 1.4%.
WHTZ continued to dominate the 25-54 space as it collared its tenth #1 book in a row. WBAB moved back up to #2 as it rebounded from a down survey. It was nearly two shares behind the leader. WALK rose from #5 to #3 with its first up book since MAY. WAXQ slid to #4 with a modest share loss. CONNOISSEUR Mainstream Rock WWSK (94.3 THE SHARK) advanced three squares to #5 with its largest share in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU fell four places to #7 as it gave back most of last month’s big share increase.
There were loads of changes in the 18-34 sphere. Last month WBAB stepped down to #2 and out of double-digit territory. This time the station recovered all of that lost share to move back to #1. CONNOISSEUR Country WWWF (103.1 THE WOLF) dipped to #2 and ended a two-book double-digit streak. WHTZ repeated at #3 as it surrendered a good portion of last month’s large increase. It was tied with WBLI, which rebounded from a down book to move up a slot. Also coming in at #3 was CONNOISSEUR AC WKJY (K-JOY 98.3), which leapt from #10, more than doubling its previous number. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) slipped to #7 and was paired with WALK.
Last month WBAB had its three-book 18-49 winning streak upended by WHTZ. This survey WBAB was back at #1 while WHTZ stepped down to #2. WBAB regained a lot of last month’s lost share, while WHTZ gave back a good portion of its previous increase. WAXQ repeated at #3, though it ended a eight-book surge. WBLI and WALK were previously seen at #7 and #6, respectively. Both stations had solid share increases as they moved up and into a tie at #4. WKTU slipped to #7 and was paired with WFAN, which advanced from #15.
That’s a wrap on our OCTOBER ratings excursion. Thank you for tagging along. We’ll be back in a month to dissect the NOVEMBER survey.
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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
October PPM Insights Day 3
Way back in ancient days when the Romans or Greeks or whatever dead civilization was naming our months, OCTOBER made sense. At the time it was the eighth month in the calendar and “octo” means eight. Fast forward to modern times and radio decided to co-opt the name and retitle it Roctober. We’ve railed about this in the past, but there is now a new bastardization of this period of time.
Apparently, the geniuses that run the marketing for the MINI line of automobiles have coined the phrase: MotorTober. I’m sure your initial reaction was just like mine – this will clearly compel me to go out and buy a brand new car. To their credit, the automaker admits that this is a “cheeky way to invite people into their nearest MINI showroom during the month of OCTOBER to test drive a new MINI.” Are you not motivated?
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with our analytical partners from XTRENDS – will make better use of our time by dissecting more of the OCTOBER survey. This one ran from SEPTEMBER 12TH through OCTOBER 9TH and unfolded thusly:
SEATTLE-TACOMA: Wait, Wait …
… don’t tell me, but was UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW #1 6+ for the fourth book in a row? Yes, it was (8.4-8.5). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZOK repeated at #2 as it bounced back from a down book (6.1-7.1). HUBBARD AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) landed its largest Frosty-free share in over a year (4.2-5.6) as it rose from #8 to #3. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) continued to circle the #4 position but with its best book in over a year (4.9-5.5). AUDACY Active Rock KISW was down for the third straight survey (5.4-5.1) as it slid to #5. BONNEVILLE N/T KIRO and AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF) were previously seen at #5. KIRO was up (4.7-5.0) as it stepped down to #6, while KKWF bedded down at #7 (4.7-4.4). KJEB was soaring as it ascended from #6 to #1 in the cume chase, thanks to a 22.2% increase (435,600-532,300). The market was up 3.5%.
Last month there were three stations wearing the #2 mantle. They were no longer aligned. HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5) moved into first place with a strong share gain. KISW remained at #2 with a moderate increase, while KKWF slipped to #4 with a slight decrease. A flat iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) went from first to third with a slight increase. AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) was back at #5 with its highest score in over a year.
KBKS made it three 18-34 wins in a row, though it did not reach double figures as it had in the two previous surveys. KQMV stepped up to #2 as it regained most of last month’s massive share loss. KRWM was up three places to #3 with, again, its best Frosty-free share in over a year. KKWF slipped to #4 as it gave back a good portion of last month’s huge share increase. It was paired with KNDD, which dipped from a tie at #3 with a small decrease. KJEB dropped from the tie at #3 to #6 as it surrendered all of SEPTEMBER’s large share increase.
KQMV had its five-book 18-49 winning streak shuttered last month. The station bounced back this time to move from a tie at #2 into the leadership position. KBKS dipped to #2 with a slight increase, while a flat KKWF stepped down to #3. KNDD repeated at #4 with its highest mark since MARCH, while KRWM inched up to #5 with its fourth up book in a row. KISW drifted from #4 to #6 with a slight decrease.
MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: It’s Still Hot
The one constant in this market is that COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) will be #1. That prophesy was fulfilled once again, though the station could not duplicate last month’s double-digit feat (10.5-9.1). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WAMR (AMOR 107.5) landed its largest share since MAY (5.1-6.4) as it rose from #5 to #2. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) dipped to #3 as it halted a two-book surge (6.2-5.7). COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) eased its way up to #4, also with its best book since MAY (5.1-5.6). AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) was WFEZ’s mirror image as it slipped to #5 (5.6-5.1). MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS N/T WLRN stepped up to #6 (4.9-4.9), while SBS Spanish Contemporary WCMQ (Z92.3) fell from #3 to #7 (5.6-4.8). The station did garner a 0.3 share from its stream. WFEZ moved back up to #1 in the cume wars with a 4.9% increase (661,000-693,700). The market was off 1.0%.
Despite landing a down book, WMIA was #1 25-54 for the fifth straight survey. In a surprise move a pair of stations formerly seen at #9 made bold and daring moves up the chart. WAMR advanced to #2 with its highest score since MARCH, while COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) plowed its way to #3 with its best performance in over a year. WLYF slid to #4 with a slight decrease, while the two stations formerly tied at #4 moved on. AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WPOW (POWER 96) slipped to #5 but with its best book in over a year, while WFEZ alit at #6 with its third straight up book. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7) dropped from #3 to #15 with its lowest score in over a year.
COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row. The station was a share ahead of the two stations at #2. A flat WLYF dipped from a tie at #1 last time, while SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7) moved up from a five-way tie at #4 with its biggest number in over a year. WPOW stood alone at #4, also with its largest share in over a year. WHQT, at #3 last book, and WAMR moved down the leaderboard and ended up in a tie at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9) slid from the tie at #4 to #7. It was partnered with AUDACY Country WKIS (KISS COUNTRY 99.9) and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHE WHYI (Y100), both of which were last spotted at #14. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT), also previously sitting at #4, ended up at #10 this time along with WFEZ.
WMIA continued to lead the 18-49 pack, winning for the third book in a row. It held about a share and a half advantage over WPOW, which advanced from #5 to #2. WLYF dipped to #3 with a slight decrease, while WFEZ stepped up to #4 with a slight increase. WEDR moved up to #5, also with a slight increase, while WHQT dropped to #6. It was tied with a couple of upwardly mobile stations. WRMA was previously sited at #13, while WFLC rose from #15. WXDJ dropped from #2 to #14 and was partnered with three other stations.
PHOENIX: The Easy Way
As with the previous market, there is a station here that is perennially the 6+ leader. That would be iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (KEZ 99.9). The station did not disappoint this month, though it was not able to remain in double figures (10.1-8.4). HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX was back at #2 for the tenth straight survey but with its lowest share in over a year (6.2-5.5). HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD stepped up to #3 (4.2-4.6). It had company as iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A advanced from #13 with its best outing in over a year (3.0-4.6). MARICOPA N/T KJZZ also posted its best number in over a year (3.7-4.5) as it moved up to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) slid to #6 with its lowest mark since FEBRUARY (4.6-4.1). AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) dropped four places to #8 (4.2-3.8). KESZ added 1.5% to its market-leading cume total (759,400-770,500). The market grew by 2.1%.
Triskaidekaphobics may want to avert your eyes from the next sentence. KESZ was #1 25-54 for the 13th straight survey, though with its lowest share since MAY. KUPD repeated at #2 with a small increase, while KSLX jumped from #7 to #3 as it bounced back from a down book. KYOT dipped to #4 with a small decrease, while HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) stepped down to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX and BONNEVILLE Sports KMVP (ARIZONA SPORTS 98.7FM) had been tied at #5. Both stations were down this month as they landed at #6 and #7, respectively.
KESZ was #1 18-34 for the fourth book in a row, the last three of which have been in double digits. KFYI-A more than doubled last month’s share as it vaulted from #10 to #2. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) repeated at #3, while KUPD slipped to #4 as it ended a strong two-book surge. The three stations formerly sharing the #4 space scattered to the wind. KYOT remained in place with a slight increase, while KDKB dipped to #6 with a slight decrease. KOOL slid to #7 and was tied with AUDACY Country KMLE.
KESZ’s long, uninterrupted string of #1 18-49 books was extended, though the station’s double-digit streak ended at three. KUPD was back at #2 with a slight increase. This next statement is not a typo. KFYI-A rose from #23 to #3, more than doubling its previous share. KYOT scaled two places to #4 with a slight increase, while KDKB slipped to #5 with a small decrease. KOOL fell from #5 into a tie at #13 with DESERT VALLEY Hot AC KMVA (HOT 97.5 & 103.9).
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DETROIT: Lions And Tigers and…
…Wolverines? Surely a sign of the apocalypse is having the TIGERS in the postseason and the LIONS as SUPER BOWL contenders, right? Those situations continued to be a boon for AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET), which was #1 6+ for the third book in a row (9.0-11.4). The station also picked up a whopping 2.7 share from its online property. iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC was back at #2 with its second straight flat book (7.3-7.3). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC stood alone at #3 with its highest mark in over a year (6.5-7.0). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) dipped to #4 (6.5-6.4), while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) stepped up to #5 (6.2-6.0). AUDACY Country WYCD had its lowest share since ELMO & PATSY were in the building (6.4-5.4) as it slipped to #6. WNIC still had the most listeners (900,900-896,700) – a 0.5% decline. The market was down 0.6%.
WXYT has been on a 25-54 tear. The station was up for the fourth book in a row, copped its third straight win and made it back-to-back double-digit efforts. WKQI repeated at #2 with its best outing in exactly a year, while a flat WNIC was back at #3. WOMC once again landed its largest share in over a year as it moved from a tie at #6 to #4. BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF had also been a part of that #6 scene. It stepped up to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. WYCD slid to #6 with its lowest score since JANUARY, while AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) dropped to #8 as it stopped a strong two-book surge.
Two stations were dominating the 18-34 space. WXYT was #1 and in double figures for the second book in a row. WKQI remained at #2 but hit double figures for the 10th straight survey and 13th time in the last 14 books. WRIF moved up to #3 and was dangerously close to joining the double-digit club. WNIC advanced three spaces to #4 as it regained most of last month’s huge share loss. WOMC stepped up to #5 with its fourth straight up book. WYCD slid three places to #6 with its lowest total since MAY. WDZH fell from #5 into a tie at #8 with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB.
Last month WXYT and WKQI were tied atop the 18-49 leaderboard and were flirting with double-digit status. This month WXYT did reach that rarefied air as it stood alone at #1, while a flat WKQI dipped to #2. WNIC repeated at #3 with its first up book since MAY. WOMC was up to #4 with its best showing in over a year, while WRIF advanced two places to #5 as it stopped a five-book skid. WYCD dropped from a tie at #3 to #6. WDZH was also previously spotted at #3. It fell into a tie at #7 with WMXD.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: Same As It Ever Was
The top five 6+ stations were pretty much as we last saw them. iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN 100.3 FM) was #1 and in double figures again (10.3-13.0), while UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS was back at #2 but with its lowest score in over a year (8.9-8.5). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) remained at #3 (7.9-7.4), while MPR N/T KNOW held firm at #4 (6.5-6.7). KNOW added a 1.2 share from its stream. HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) again rounded out the top five (6.2-6.1). CUMULUS Classic Rock KQRS stepped up to #6 (5.6-5.1), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB fell from a tie at #5 to #7 with its smallest share since MARCH (6.2-5.0). KQQL was the cume commander again with a 6.9% increase (661,300-706,900). The market was off 0.3%.
There wasn’t much change to the 25-54 leaderboard either. KFXN was #1 and in double figures again, while KTIS repeated at #2 with its third up book in a row. A flat KQQL stepped up to #3. KSTP slid from #2 to #4 with its lowest mark in over a year. KDWB dipped to #5 with its least productive outing since JANUARY. It narrowly defeated CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X), which remained at #6.
Both KFXN and KXXR crashed through the double-digit barrier 18-34. KFXN landed at #1, while KXXR finished at #2. The stations were less than a half share apart. This ended the two-book winning streak for KQRS, which ended up at #3 with only a small decrease. KTIS had its best showing in over a year as it leapt from #7 to #4. KDWB slid to #5 with its fourth down book in a row. It was paired with KQQL, which stepped up from #6 with a solid increase. KSTP went from #5 to #7 with its lowest score since MARCH.
KFXN was #1 and in double figures again in the 18-49 space. KTIS inched up to #2 and was within shouting distance of double-digit territory. KQQL stepped up to #3 as it bounced back from a down book, while KSTP slid to #4 with its lowest total in over a year. KXXR was up to #5 with a small decrease, which forced KDWB down to #6.
Rounding third and heading for home as we are close to wrapping up OCTOBER. Thank you for participating. We will conclude our ratings run shortly with TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, NASSAU-SUFFOLK and CHARLOTTE.
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This is round two of our take on the OCTOBER survey, which ran from SEPTEMBER 12TH through OCTOBER 9TH. There were no mandatory holiday weekends, football was in full swing and life patterns were reset to their factory settings. Here’s what happened:
HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Was A Sunny Day
For the first time since the beginning of the year, iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) made it back-to-back 6+ victories (7.6-7.4). HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ repeated at #2 but with its smallest share since DECEMBER (6.9-6.0). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) copped its best book since MAY (4.9-5.7) as it rose two places to #3. RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (93Q) dipped to #4 (5.4-5.3), while cluster mate URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) stepped down to #5 with its lowest mark in over a year (5.3-4.9). KODA added 0.9% to its already market-leading cume total (1,674,200-1,689,500). The market shrank by 1.1%.
KODA returned all of last month’s 25-54 share increase – plus a tad more – yet it was in first place for the third straight survey. However, it was feeling the heat from KTBZ, which was back at #2 with a solid increase. The gap between the two stations was the smallest of allowable margins. KKBQ inched up to #3 with a slight decrease, while KSBJ dipped to #4 with its lowest score since NOVEMBER. CUMULUS Pop CHR KRBE rose to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. AUDACY Spanish Contemporary KLOL (MEGA 101 FM) slipped to #6 with a slight decrease.
The 18-34 contest was heating up. A flat KODA remained at #1, while KTBZ returned as the #2 station but with its best book since JUNE. The net result was that the distance between these two stations went from about two shares to less than a half share. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX) had its best outing in exactly a year as it leapt from #6 to #3. KLOL regained some of last month’s huge share loss as it held steady at #4. KRBE was up to #5 as it, again, bounced back from a down book. RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) slid to #7, while AUDACY Country KILT (100.3 THE BULL) stamped from #3 to #12, losing more than half its previous share. It was tied with AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) and KSBJ.
As with some of the previous demos, KODA and KTBZ were neck and neck for the 18-49 crown. KODA repeated as the victor with a small decrease, while KTBZ solidified its hold on second place with a solid share increase. KBXX ended a steep two-book slide as it rose from #9 to #3. KSBJ dipped to #4 with a small share loss, while KLOL vaulted from #10 to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. KKBQ dropped three places to #7, while KILT posted its lowest number in over a year as it dropped from #5 to #16.
ATLANTA: Cluster Control
The folks at one specific group of stations had to be very pleased with the 6+ results this time. COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A was #1 for the fourth book in a row and hit double figures for the first time in over a year (9.5-10.1). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) held firm at #2 (7.3-7.7), while COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1 FM) was back at #3 (6.6-6.3). COX MEDIA AC WSB (B98.5) had its smallest share since DECEMBER (6.2-5.6) but moved up to #4. It also picked up a 0.9 share from its stream. It was technically tied with AUDACY Urban ContemporaryWVEE (V-103), which rose from #6 with its highest mark in over a year (4.8-5.6). URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) slipped to #6 as it gave back most of last month’s share gain (6.3-5.5). WSRV was back atop the cume chart, despite a 2.5% decrease (791,700-771,800). The market grew by 0.9%.
The top two 25-54 stations each had their best books in over a year. WVEE leapt from #4 to #1, while WSB-A stepped up to #2. They were separated by about a share. WALR tumbled from first to third as it gave back a good portion of last month’s huge share increase. WAMJ was up two slots to #4 with a slight increase, while URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WHTA (HOT 107.9) repeated at #5 with a small share loss. WSRV ebbed from #2 to #6 with its lowest score in over a year.
Last month WSB saw its eight-book 18-34 winning streak screech to a halt. The station was back on top this time, despite a small decrease. This pushed WSB-A down to #2 as it gave back most of last month’s massive share increase. Two stations moved up to forge a tie at #3. WSRV advanced from #5, while WVEE moved up from #6. Both stations rebounded from down books. WALR dipped to #5 with a small decrease. WAMJ dropped from #3 into a tie at #6 with WHTA and JDJ COMMUNICATIONS Urban Contemporary WWSZ-A (STREETZ 94.5).
WVEE moved up to a dominant #1 18-49 position, thanks to its best outing in over a year. WSB-A advanced from #6 to #2 with its fourth up book in a row but trailed the leader by about two shares. WALR went from first to third as it, once again, surrendered most of last month’s huge share increase. WHTA dipped to #4, while WSB was back at #5 but with its lowest total since DECEMBER. WSRV dropped six places to #9 with its smallest share in over a year.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The 20% Club
This is a city that gorges itself on information – news, gossip, tidbits, whatever. Which is why better than 20% of the 6+ share is devoted to that spoken word stuff. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU was back on its usual #1 perch (12.1-11.8), while HUBBARD News WTOP repeated at #2 (9.2-9.1). HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR tightened its grip on the #3 slot, thanks to its best showing in over a year (7.9-8.5). iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH stood alone at #4 with its highest mark since MAY (4.5-5.1). WETA Classical WETA dipped to #5 (4.5-4.2). WASH increased its cume lead by 0.6% (723,000-727,200). The market was up 1.4%.
The 25-54 competition went from runaway status to nailbiter. WAMU was back at #1, though it returned most of last month’s huge increase. WASH repeated at #2 as it ended a two-book slide. In the end, the distance between those two stations went from about two and a half shares to less than a half share. Two stations that posted their best numbers since JUNE rose up into a tie at #3. AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) motored in from #6, while WHUR advanced from #9. There was a threesome at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ slipped from #3 as it ended a two-book surge, while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) stepped down from #4 with its lowest score since JANUARY. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) rose from #8 with its best showing in over a year. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WKYS fell five slots to #10 with its smallest share in over a year.
The 18-34 arena was causing quite the commotion. WIHT leveled up to #1 and smashed through the double-digit barrier. WIAD more than doubled its previous share as it vaulted from #12 to #2. It was about two and a half shares off the pace. WAMU stepped down to #3 with a small decrease. WHUR and WMZQ were last spied at #5. Both stations posted the same strong increase as they rose in unison to #4. ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS slipped to #6 despite a small increase. WKYS ended a strong two-book surge as it fell from #1 to #7. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR WPGC dropped from #5 to #9 with its least productive outing since NOVEMBER. It was partnered with WETA, WWDC and iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100).
Though WAMU had a small 18-49 share loss, the station repeated at #1. WASH was up to #2 with a solid increase and the stations were all but statistically tied. WIAD advanced four squares to #3 with its best book in over a year, while WIHT was up to #4 with a solid increase. WWDC slip three places to #5 with its lowest mark since JANUARY. A flat WMZQ dipped to #6, while WKYS fell four slots to #8 with a rather large share loss.
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PHILADELPHIA: Sport Is Life
BOSTON: Sports Is Pain
It would be pretty safe to say that the fall performances of the local sports teams did not quite match those in the previous market. Still, BEASLEY Sports WBZ (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) was back at #1 6+ (8.6-8.3). Complaining can be ratings gold as much as celebrating. BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR had its best book in over a year as it stepped up to #2 (6.1-7.1). AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) was up to #3 with its best showing since FEBRUARY (5.2-6.3). The station also added a 1.1 share from its stream. The bubble burst for AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX104.1). The station ended its four-book surge as it fell from #1 to #4 (9.6-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A stepped up to #5 with its highest score in over a year (4.4-5.5). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX slipped to #6 (4.9-4.5). WMJX was still the cume leader with a 1.6% increase (722,400-733,700). The market was up 1.0%.
WWBX was #1 25-54 for the previous three surveys, the last two of which were in double figures. That streak came to a grinding halt as the station moved down to #2. WBZ assumed control of the demo with a double-digit output and led the rest of the field by about three shares. WZLX remained at #3 with a slight decrease, while WROR moved up to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) slipped to #5 as it ended a four-book skid.
Despite its struggles in the previous two demos, WWBX was #1 18-34 for the sixth straight survey. The station also landed its fifth double-digit book in a row. The next three stations had very strong performances. WXKS repeated at #2 with its highest mark since NOVEMBER. It was paired with WMJX, which moved up a slot with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) also landed its largest share in over a year as it dipped to #4. WROR stepped up to #5 with its best book since MARCH. It was paired with WBZ, which rose from #7. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) slipped to #7 as it ended a three-book surge.
WBZ was #1 and in double figures 18-49 for the first time since MAY. This stopped the four-book #1-slash-double-digit streak for WWBX, which stepped down to #2. WMJX inched up to #3 as it halted a three-book slide. WROR dipped to #4 but with its largest share since MARCH. WXKS and WZLX were previously perched at #5. WXKS stood alone in that space, while WZLX slipped to #6.
In case you were wondering, the formula for calculating ERA is ERX9/IP. I’m sure you’ll find that handy. We are feverishly working on round three of the OCTOBER roundup, which will feature SEATTLE, MIAMI, PHOENIX, DETROIT and MINNEAPOLIS.
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Ahhh, OCTOBER. The foliage, the taint of pumpkin spice on, well, everything, and the MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL post-season. The time when the biggest question on everyone’s mind in – why do fans boo when the visiting pitcher attempts a pick-off? Truly one of the most profound mysteries of our time.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with the seam savants from XTRENDS – bring you the latest in the NIELSEN numbers. The OCTOBER survey spanned the period from SEPTEMBER 12th through OCTOBER 9th. There were no federally-mandated holiday breaks, most people had settled into their regular schedules, and the election buzz was intensifying. Here’s how it affected the radio landscape:
NEW YORK: The Unbearable Being Of Lite-ness
Ho-hum, iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was the leading 6+ station again, though it did halt a two-book surge (8.5-8.2). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) continued at #2 (6.1-6.1), while MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS was up two slots to #3 with its best outing in over a year (5.1-5.8). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) remained at #4 (5.5-5.7), while AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS slipped to #5 (5.6-5.5). Making a bid to gain top five status was RED APPLE N/T WABC-A, which repeated at #6 but with its largest share in over a year (4.4-5.0). WLTW surrendered 2.2% of its cume but continued as the leader in that category (3,549,800-3,470,000). The market was off 2.0%.
Sometimes all you need to do is show up. WHTZ was flat 25-54 but cruised to its sixth win in a row. WLTW was back at #2 with a small increase and was nearly a share off the lead. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) repeated at #3 as it gave back about half of last month’s solid increase. AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) had its best showing in over a year as it rose to #4. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU and WAXQ were previously spied at #4. WKTU dipped to #5 with a slight increase, while WAXQ landed at #6 with its smallest share since APRIL.
WLTW continued to crush it with the 18-34 crowd. The station continued its long, uninterrupted string of #1 books and was in double figures for the twelfth time in the last 14 surveys. It also had a larger share than the next two stations – combined. WAXQ leapt from #7 to #2 as it ended a steep two-book slide. WNEW stepped up to #3 with its third up book in a row. WSKQ was elevated to #4 with its highest mark since MARCH, while two stations were loitering at #5. SBS Spanish Contemporary WPAT (93.1 AMOR) remained in place with a slight increase, while WHTZ drifted down from #2 with its lowest total since we were carefully hanging our hosiery on the mantle. WCBS fell from #3 to #8 as it ended a robust two-book surge.
Though it only received a slight share increase, WLTW was both #1 and in double digits for the second straight survey. WHTZ was back at #2 but with its smallest share since APRIL. As a result, the gap between the two stations expanded to over three shares. WNEW inched up to #3 with its highest score in over a year. This pushed WSKQ, which registered a slight decrease, down to #4. WAXQ moved up to #5, which forced WCBS to step down to #6.
LOS ANGELES: The Good Earth
Despite landing its lowest share since MAY, AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101) was #1 6+ for the ninth straight survey (6.4-5.8). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) had its best book in over a year as it rose to #2 (4.9-5.3). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5) dipped to #3 as it ended a two-book surge (5.5-5.0). It was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM), which remained in place but with its first down book since APRIL (5.4-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST slipped to #5 with its smallest share in over a year (5.4-4.8). KRTH was the new cume commander (2,018,400-2,027,000) – a 0.4% increase. The market fell by 2.2%.
The usual suspects continued to populate the 25-54 top five. KIIS moved back to #1 with, again, its best outing in over a year. The station has topped this chart in four of the last six surveys. KRTH stepped up to #2 with a slight increase, while KBIG went from first to third as it ended a strong three-book surge. KOST stepped down to #4, while KLVE stayed at #5 with a slight increase.
KIIS made it back-to-back 18-34 wins with, naturally, its best book in over a year. It held better than a two and a half share lead over the pair of stations at #2. KRTH remained in place but with its lowest score since MAY, while KBIG stepped up from #3 with a small share loss. KOST leapt from #9 to #4 with its highest mark since APRIL. MERUELO Classic Rock KLOS moved up to #5 with a small increase. MERUELO Rhythmic CHR KPWR (POWER 106 FM) slipped to #6 as it ended a strong three-book surge. KLVE fell from #5 to #13 and was tied with AUDACY Alternative KROQ.
KIIS stopped a small two-book slide as it moved up to #1 18-49. KBIG dipped to #2 with its first down book since MARCH. It was joined here by KRTH, which moved up a slot despite a modest share loss. KLVE repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. KOST was back at #5 but had company as TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) arrived from #7 with its largest share in over a year.
CHICAGO: It’s News To Us
Last month AUDACY News WBBM-A and HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) were the 6+ co-leaders. That partnership did not endure. WBBM-A remained in first place (6.0-6.3) and picked up a 0.2 share from its stream. WDRV backed up to #2 (6.0-6.0). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WVAZ (V103) repeated at #3 but with its third down book in a row (5.8-5.4). iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) moved up to #4 as it halted a steep three-book skid (4.7-4.8). CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS was up to #5 (4.6-4.6), while AUDACY AAA WXRT was down to #6 with its smallest share since THURL RAVENSCROFT was fouling the airwaves (5.0-4.5). WLIT added 4.8% to its already market-leading cume total (1,140,300-1,195,500). The market was up 1.2%.
There was all sorts of turmoil in the 25-54 ranks. What remained a constant were the top two stations. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) was #1 for the third book in a row. WVAZ repeated at #2 and the stations were separated by the slimmest of possible margins. WLS moved up to #3 with its third up book in a row. It was paired with WLIT, which rose from a tie at #8 as it finally ended an seven-book slide. Also previously seen at #8 was iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI. It made it to #5 with its largest share in over a year. A couple of other stations made bold moves. SBS Mexican Regional WLEY (LA LEY 107.9) advanced from #13 to #6 with a solid increase, while AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) leapt from #11 to #7 as it bounced back from a down book. A couple of other stations were excused from the top five. WXRT fell from #3 into a tie at #9 with CUMULUS Alternative WKQX (Q101) and WBBM-A. AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WBMX (104.3 JAMS) dropped from #4 into a tie at #12 with WDRV.
Three stations moved up to create a commotion atop the 18-34 leaderboard. WUSN stepped up from #2 with a small share increase, while WGCI rose from #4 with its best book since MARCH. They were joined by TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WPPN (AMOR 106.7), which vaulted from #13 with its largest share in over a year. WOJO was up four places to #4 as it regained all of last month’s lost share. WLS and WDRV remained tied at #5 as each station had the identical share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) dropped from #3 to #7 with only a slight decrease. WLIT fell from #1 to #8 as it gave back all of last month’s large share increase. WXRT went from #5 to a tie at #12 with WLEY.
WOJO made it three 18-49 wins in a row but was hearing footsteps from WGCI, which moved up to #2 with its fifth up book in a row. The stations were less than half a share apart. WUSN advanced to #3 as it regained some of last month’s lost share. WVAZ slid to #4 with a slight decrease, while WLS was up three spots to #5 with its best showing since APRIL. WLIT dipped to #6 and was partnered with WKQX. WBMX dropped from #4 into a tie at #10 with WKSC.
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DALLAS-FT. WORTH: A Two-Way Ticket
For the second book in a row, CUMULUS Sports KTCK (1310 & 96.7 THE TICKET) was #1 6+ (5.0-5.9). In a related note – how ‘bout dem COWBOYS (snort). TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) moved up to #2 with its highest score since MAY (4.5-5.0). NORTH TEXAS PUBLIC BROADCASTING N/T KERA stood alone at #3 (4.5-4.4), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) jumped four spaces to #4 (4.2-4.3). AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) advanced from #10 to #5 (4.0-4.1). The station also picked up a 0.3 share from its stream. CUMULUS Country KSCS (NEW COUNTRY 96.3) slipped from #3 to #6 with its lowest total since JUNE (4.5-4.0). It was paired with AUDACY Classic Hits KSPF (98.7 THE SPOT), which remained in place (4.4-4.0). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) returned all of last month’s big share increase – plus a bit more – as it fell from #2 to #10 (4.8-3.7). It was tied with CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF), which stepped up from #11 (3.8-3.7). Despite a 6.7% decrease, iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) still had the most listeners (1,062,900-991,400). The market rose by 3.7%.
Griping about the local gridiron squad was a boon for KTCK as it moved up to #1 25-54 with its highest output in over a year. This ended the two-book winning streak for KLNO, which dipped to #2 despite regaining all of last month’s share loss. AUDACY Mexican Regional WMVK (LA GRANDE 107.5) moved up to #3 with its fifth straight up book. KSCS slipped to #4 as it ended a three-book surge. It was tied with two other upwardly mobile stations. KERA moved up from #6 with a slight increase, while KDGE advanced from #7 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. KJKK slid three places to #7 with its lowest total in over a year.
Last month KLNO saw its seven-book 18-34 winning streak come to a crashing halt. The station came back with vengeance this time as it rose from #3 to #1 with its best outing since MARCH. KDGE stepped down to #2 with a small share loss, while EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FOUNDATION Contemporary Christian KYDA ascended from #11 to #3 with its biggest number in over a year. KSCS slipped to #4 with its lowest mark since the swans were doing laps. SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104) dipped to #5 with a small decrease. KHKS soared from #17 to #6 as it began to recover from a couple of down books. It was tied with KJKK and KTCK. Three stations were previously an item at #5. KDMX dropped to #9 as it gave back most of last month’s share gain. It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KEGL (97.1 THE EAGLE). KPLX landed at #11, while URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBFB (97.9 THE BEAT) fell into a tie at #12 with AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7).
KLNO was the 18-49 leader for the tenth book in a row. KTCK repeated at #2 with its best showing in over a year. The stations were separated by a half share. KMVK moved up to #3 with its best book since JANUARY, while KHKS continued its redemption tour as it rose from #9 to #4. KDGE dipped to #5 with a slight decrease, while KSCS fell four slots to #7.
SAN FRANCISCO: What Are Words for
We’re back to our customary 6+ leaderboard as the top two stations eschew the playing of music. KQED INC N/T KQED was #1 for the fourth straight survey with its highest score in over a year (8.3-8.6). AUDACY News KCBS-A repeated at #2 with its fourth up book in a row (6.9-7.0). The leading music station was BONNEVILLE AC KOIT, which was back at #3 but with its smallest share in over a year (6.4-5.5). iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) repeated at #4 (5.4-5.0), while BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) held steady at #5 (5.0-4.8). Despite a 10.5% drop, KOIT still had the largest cume (1,075,300-962,200). The market was down 2.1%.
KOIT continued to dominate the 25-54 space as it racked up yet another #1 book. It had about a share and a half lead over the two stations occupying the #2 position. KQED stepped up from #3, while KMVQ advanced from #4. Both stations had small increases. KISQ slipped two places to #4 with its third down book in a row. It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL, which moved up from #6 with its best outing since MARCH. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) fell from #5 to #12 with its lowest mark since FEBRUARY.
Last month KMEL dropped from first to second 18-34. This time the station regained all of that lost share – plus a bit more – as it moved back into the top spot. KISQ was forced to step down to #2, despite landing its largest share in over a year. The two stations were about a half share apart. They, in turn, were about two shares ahead of the trio of stations at #3. KOIT dipped from #2 with its lowest score in over a year, while AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) inched up from #4 with a slight increase. KMVQ advanced from #5 as it got back about half of last month’s share loss.
Nothing lasts forever. KOIT’s year-plus 18-49 winning streak finally came to an end. The station surrendered about a third of its previous share as it dropped to #3. KMVQ assumed command of the demo with its best book since APRIL. KQED moved up to #2 with its highest score in over a year. KMEL stepped up to #4 with a solid increase, while KITS was up to #5, also with its highest share since NOVEMBER. KISQ slipped to #6 with its third down book in a row. KYLD fell from #5 to #11 and was tied with BONNEVILLE Urban AC KBLX.
We’ve only just begun. Next up in the queue: HOUSTON, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA and BOSTON in that order.
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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
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Despite landing a down book, WMIA was #1 25-54 for the fifth straight survey. In a surprise move a pair of stations formerly seen at #9 made bold and daring moves up the chart. WAMR advanced to #2 with its highest score since MARCH, while COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) plowed its way to #3 with its best performance in over a year. WLYF slid to #4 with a slight decrease, while the two stations formerly tied at #4 moved on. AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WPOW (POWER 96) slipped to #5 but with its best book in over a year, while WFEZ alit at #6 with its third straight up book. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7) dropped from #3 to #15 with its lowest score in over a year.
COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row. The station was a share ahead of the two stations at #2. A flat WLYF dipped from a tie at #1 last time, while SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7) moved up from a five-way tie at #4 with its biggest number in over a year. WPOW stood alone at #4, also with its largest share in over a year. WHQT, at #3 last book, and WAMR moved down the leaderboard and ended up in a tie at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9) slid from the tie at #4 to #7. It was partnered with AUDACY Country WKIS (KISS COUNTRY 99.9) and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHE WHYI (Y100), both of which were last spotted at #14. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT), also previously sitting at #4, ended up at #10 this time along with WFEZ.
WMIA continued to lead the 18-49 pack, winning for the third book in a row. It held about a share and a half advantage over WPOW, which advanced from #5 to #2. WLYF dipped to #3 with a slight decrease, while WFEZ stepped up to #4 with a slight increase. WEDR moved up to #5, also with a slight increase, while WHQT dropped to #6. It was tied with a couple of upwardly mobile stations. WRMA was previously sited at #13, while WFLC rose from #15. WXDJ dropped from #2 to #14 and was partnered with three other stations.
PHOENIX: The Easy Way
As with the previous market, there is a station here that is perennially the 6+ leader. That would be iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (KEZ 99.9). The station did not disappoint this month, though it was not able to remain in double figures (10.1-8.4). HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX was back at #2 for the tenth straight survey but with its lowest share in over a year (6.2-5.5). HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD stepped up to #3 (4.2-4.6). It had company as iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A advanced from #13 with its best outing in over a year (3.0-4.6). MARICOPA N/T KJZZ also posted its best number in over a year (3.7-4.5) as it moved up to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) slid to #6 with its lowest mark since FEBRUARY (4.6-4.1). AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) dropped four places to #8 (4.2-3.8). KESZ added 1.5% to its market-leading cume total (759,400-770,500). The market grew by 2.1%.
Triskaidekaphobics may want to avert your eyes from the next sentence. KESZ was #1 25-54 for the 13th straight survey, though with its lowest share since MAY. KUPD repeated at #2 with a small increase, while KSLX jumped from #7 to #3 as it bounced back from a down book. KYOT dipped to #4 with a small decrease, while HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) stepped down to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX and BONNEVILLE Sports KMVP (ARIZONA SPORTS 98.7FM) had been tied at #5. Both stations were down this month as they landed at #6 and #7, respectively.
KESZ was #1 18-34 for the fourth book in a row, the last three of which have been in double digits. KFYI-A more than doubled last month’s share as it vaulted from #10 to #2. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) repeated at #3, while KUPD slipped to #4 as it ended a strong two-book surge. The three stations formerly sharing the #4 space scattered to the wind. KYOT remained in place with a slight increase, while KDKB dipped to #6 with a slight decrease. KOOL slid to #7 and was tied with AUDACY Country KMLE.
KESZ’s long, uninterrupted string of #1 18-49 books was extended, though the station’s double-digit streak ended at three. KUPD was back at #2 with a slight increase. This next statement is not a typo. KFYI-A rose from #23 to #3, more than doubling its previous share. KYOT scaled two places to #4 with a slight increase, while KDKB slipped to #5 with a small decrease. KOOL fell from #5 into a tie at #13 with DESERT VALLEY Hot AC KMVA (HOT 97.5 & 103.9).
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DETROIT: Lions And Tigers and…
…Wolverines? Surely a sign of the apocalypse is having the TIGERS in the postseason and the LIONS as SUPER BOWL contenders, right? Those situations continued to be a boon for AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET), which was #1 6+ for the third book in a row (9.0-11.4). The station also picked up a whopping 2.7 share from its online property. iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC was back at #2 with its second straight flat book (7.3-7.3). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC stood alone at #3 with its highest mark in over a year (6.5-7.0). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) dipped to #4 (6.5-6.4), while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) stepped up to #5 (6.2-6.0). AUDACY Country WYCD had its lowest share since ELMO & PATSY were in the building (6.4-5.4) as it slipped to #6. WNIC still had the most listeners (900,900-896,700) – a 0.5% decline. The market was down 0.6%.
WXYT has been on a 25-54 tear. The station was up for the fourth book in a row, copped its third straight win and made it back-to-back double-digit efforts. WKQI repeated at #2 with its best outing in exactly a year, while a flat WNIC was back at #3. WOMC once again landed its largest share in over a year as it moved from a tie at #6 to #4. BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF had also been a part of that #6 scene. It stepped up to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. WYCD slid to #6 with its lowest score since JANUARY, while AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) dropped to #8 as it stopped a strong two-book surge.
Two stations were dominating the 18-34 space. WXYT was #1 and in double figures for the second book in a row. WKQI remained at #2 but hit double figures for the 10th straight survey and 13th time in the last 14 books. WRIF moved up to #3 and was dangerously close to joining the double-digit club. WNIC advanced three spaces to #4 as it regained most of last month’s huge share loss. WOMC stepped up to #5 with its fourth straight up book. WYCD slid three places to #6 with its lowest total since MAY. WDZH fell from #5 into a tie at #8 with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB.
Last month WXYT and WKQI were tied atop the 18-49 leaderboard and were flirting with double-digit status. This month WXYT did reach that rarefied air as it stood alone at #1, while a flat WKQI dipped to #2. WNIC repeated at #3 with its first up book since MAY. WOMC was up to #4 with its best showing in over a year, while WRIF advanced two places to #5 as it stopped a five-book skid. WYCD dropped from a tie at #3 to #6. WDZH was also previously spotted at #3. It fell into a tie at #7 with WMXD.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: Same As It Ever Was
The top five 6+ stations were pretty much as we last saw them. iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN 100.3 FM) was #1 and in double figures again (10.3-13.0), while UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS was back at #2 but with its lowest score in over a year (8.9-8.5). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) remained at #3 (7.9-7.4), while MPR N/T KNOW held firm at #4 (6.5-6.7). KNOW added a 1.2 share from its stream. HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) again rounded out the top five (6.2-6.1). CUMULUS Classic Rock KQRS stepped up to #6 (5.6-5.1), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB fell from a tie at #5 to #7 with its smallest share since MARCH (6.2-5.0). KQQL was the cume commander again with a 6.9% increase (661,300-706,900). The market was off 0.3%.
There wasn’t much change to the 25-54 leaderboard either. KFXN was #1 and in double figures again, while KTIS repeated at #2 with its third up book in a row. A flat KQQL stepped up to #3. KSTP slid from #2 to #4 with its lowest mark in over a year. KDWB dipped to #5 with its least productive outing since JANUARY. It narrowly defeated CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X), which remained at #6.
Both KFXN and KXXR crashed through the double-digit barrier 18-34. KFXN landed at #1, while KXXR finished at #2. The stations were less than a half share apart. This ended the two-book winning streak for KQRS, which ended up at #3 with only a small decrease. KTIS had its best showing in over a year as it leapt from #7 to #4. KDWB slid to #5 with its fourth down book in a row. It was paired with KQQL, which stepped up from #6 with a solid increase. KSTP went from #5 to #7 with its lowest score since MARCH.
KFXN was #1 and in double figures again in the 18-49 space. KTIS inched up to #2 and was within shouting distance of double-digit territory. KQQL stepped up to #3 as it bounced back from a down book, while KSTP slid to #4 with its lowest total in over a year. KXXR was up to #5 with a small decrease, which forced KDWB down to #6.
Rounding third and heading for home as we are close to wrapping up OCTOBER. Thank you for participating. We will conclude our ratings run shortly with TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, NASSAU-SUFFOLK and CHARLOTTE.
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October PPM Insights Day 2
As the acrid aroma of pumpkin spice wafts through the HVAC system, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – in a closed order formation with the math mavens from XTRENDS – bring you another scintillating round of crackerjack ratings analysis. Also, as the baseball playoffs continue to unfold, we are here to reveal an amazing fact. The numbers nerds at XTRENDS have the uncanny ability to immediately calculate a pitcher’s ERA – in their head! Take that, BILL JAMES!
This is round two of our take on the OCTOBER survey, which ran from SEPTEMBER 12TH through OCTOBER 9TH. There were no mandatory holiday weekends, football was in full swing and life patterns were reset to their factory settings. Here’s what happened:
HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Was A Sunny Day
For the first time since the beginning of the year, iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) made it back-to-back 6+ victories (7.6-7.4). HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ repeated at #2 but with its smallest share since DECEMBER (6.9-6.0). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) copped its best book since MAY (4.9-5.7) as it rose two places to #3. RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (93Q) dipped to #4 (5.4-5.3), while cluster mate URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) stepped down to #5 with its lowest mark in over a year (5.3-4.9). KODA added 0.9% to its already market-leading cume total (1,674,200-1,689,500). The market shrank by 1.1%.
KODA returned all of last month’s 25-54 share increase – plus a tad more – yet it was in first place for the third straight survey. However, it was feeling the heat from KTBZ, which was back at #2 with a solid increase. The gap between the two stations was the smallest of allowable margins. KKBQ inched up to #3 with a slight decrease, while KSBJ dipped to #4 with its lowest score since NOVEMBER. CUMULUS Pop CHR KRBE rose to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. AUDACY Spanish Contemporary KLOL (MEGA 101 FM) slipped to #6 with a slight decrease.
The 18-34 contest was heating up. A flat KODA remained at #1, while KTBZ returned as the #2 station but with its best book since JUNE. The net result was that the distance between these two stations went from about two shares to less than a half share. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX) had its best outing in exactly a year as it leapt from #6 to #3. KLOL regained some of last month’s huge share loss as it held steady at #4. KRBE was up to #5 as it, again, bounced back from a down book. RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9 & 107.5) slid to #7, while AUDACY Country KILT (100.3 THE BULL) stamped from #3 to #12, losing more than half its previous share. It was tied with AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) and KSBJ.
As with some of the previous demos, KODA and KTBZ were neck and neck for the 18-49 crown. KODA repeated as the victor with a small decrease, while KTBZ solidified its hold on second place with a solid share increase. KBXX ended a steep two-book slide as it rose from #9 to #3. KSBJ dipped to #4 with a small share loss, while KLOL vaulted from #10 to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. KKBQ dropped three places to #7, while KILT posted its lowest number in over a year as it dropped from #5 to #16.
ATLANTA: Cluster Control
The folks at one specific group of stations had to be very pleased with the 6+ results this time. COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A was #1 for the fourth book in a row and hit double figures for the first time in over a year (9.5-10.1). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) held firm at #2 (7.3-7.7), while COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1 FM) was back at #3 (6.6-6.3). COX MEDIA AC WSB (B98.5) had its smallest share since DECEMBER (6.2-5.6) but moved up to #4. It also picked up a 0.9 share from its stream. It was technically tied with AUDACY Urban ContemporaryWVEE (V-103), which rose from #6 with its highest mark in over a year (4.8-5.6). URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) slipped to #6 as it gave back most of last month’s share gain (6.3-5.5). WSRV was back atop the cume chart, despite a 2.5% decrease (791,700-771,800). The market grew by 0.9%.
The top two 25-54 stations each had their best books in over a year. WVEE leapt from #4 to #1, while WSB-A stepped up to #2. They were separated by about a share. WALR tumbled from first to third as it gave back a good portion of last month’s huge share increase. WAMJ was up two slots to #4 with a slight increase, while URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WHTA (HOT 107.9) repeated at #5 with a small share loss. WSRV ebbed from #2 to #6 with its lowest score in over a year.
Last month WSB saw its eight-book 18-34 winning streak screech to a halt. The station was back on top this time, despite a small decrease. This pushed WSB-A down to #2 as it gave back most of last month’s massive share increase. Two stations moved up to forge a tie at #3. WSRV advanced from #5, while WVEE moved up from #6. Both stations rebounded from down books. WALR dipped to #5 with a small decrease. WAMJ dropped from #3 into a tie at #6 with WHTA and JDJ COMMUNICATIONS Urban Contemporary WWSZ-A (STREETZ 94.5).
WVEE moved up to a dominant #1 18-49 position, thanks to its best outing in over a year. WSB-A advanced from #6 to #2 with its fourth up book in a row but trailed the leader by about two shares. WALR went from first to third as it, once again, surrendered most of last month’s huge share increase. WHTA dipped to #4, while WSB was back at #5 but with its lowest total since DECEMBER. WSRV dropped six places to #9 with its smallest share in over a year.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The 20% Club
This is a city that gorges itself on information – news, gossip, tidbits, whatever. Which is why better than 20% of the 6+ share is devoted to that spoken word stuff. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU was back on its usual #1 perch (12.1-11.8), while HUBBARD News WTOP repeated at #2 (9.2-9.1). HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR tightened its grip on the #3 slot, thanks to its best showing in over a year (7.9-8.5). iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH stood alone at #4 with its highest mark since MAY (4.5-5.1). WETA Classical WETA dipped to #5 (4.5-4.2). WASH increased its cume lead by 0.6% (723,000-727,200). The market was up 1.4%.
The 25-54 competition went from runaway status to nailbiter. WAMU was back at #1, though it returned most of last month’s huge increase. WASH repeated at #2 as it ended a two-book slide. In the end, the distance between those two stations went from about two and a half shares to less than a half share. Two stations that posted their best numbers since JUNE rose up into a tie at #3. AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) motored in from #6, while WHUR advanced from #9. There was a threesome at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ slipped from #3 as it ended a two-book surge, while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) stepped down from #4 with its lowest score since JANUARY. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) rose from #8 with its best showing in over a year. URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WKYS fell five slots to #10 with its smallest share in over a year.
The 18-34 arena was causing quite the commotion. WIHT leveled up to #1 and smashed through the double-digit barrier. WIAD more than doubled its previous share as it vaulted from #12 to #2. It was about two and a half shares off the pace. WAMU stepped down to #3 with a small decrease. WHUR and WMZQ were last spied at #5. Both stations posted the same strong increase as they rose in unison to #4. ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS slipped to #6 despite a small increase. WKYS ended a strong two-book surge as it fell from #1 to #7. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR WPGC dropped from #5 to #9 with its least productive outing since NOVEMBER. It was partnered with WETA, WWDC and iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100).
Though WAMU had a small 18-49 share loss, the station repeated at #1. WASH was up to #2 with a solid increase and the stations were all but statistically tied. WIAD advanced four squares to #3 with its best book in over a year, while WIHT was up to #4 with a solid increase. WWDC slip three places to #5 with its lowest mark since JANUARY. A flat WMZQ dipped to #6, while WKYS fell four slots to #8 with a rather large share loss.
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PHILADELPHIA: Sport Is Life
If you’re a PHILLY sports fan, it is a great time to be alive (we write those words through clenched teeth). This particular survey was all about the PHILLIES ill-fated postseason run, and the station that reaped the rewards was AUDACY Sports WIP. The station was up to #1 6+ with its best book in over a year (8.0-9.8) and also padded its lead with an additional 2.5 share from the stream. This ended the four-book winning streak for iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS, which dipped to #2 (8.9-8.2). The rest of the top five was unchanged from last month. BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR was back at #3 (7.8-7.9), while its more grizzled cluster bruh BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK repeated at #4 (6.6-6.7). AUDACY News KYW-A once again rounded out the top five (4.9-4.8). How hungry were fans for sports programming? WIP increased its cume by 25.9% as it moved into first place in that column (769,300-968,900). The market rose a more modest 0.2%.
Despite all the hoopla, WMMR was #1 25-54 for the tenth book in a row, though it did not quite match last month’s double-digit performance. WIP was up to #2 with its best book in over a year and trailed the leader by the smallest of measurable margins. WDAS dipped to #3 as it gave back most of last month’s large share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) repeated at #4 with a slight increase. WMGK and BEASLEY Country WXTU were tied at #5. Both stations had small increases but WXTU’s was a skosh smaller. The stations ended up at #5 and #6, respectively.
After taking the last two books off, WUSL was back at #1 18-34 with a small increase. WDAS rose from #5 to #2 as it bounced back from a down book and was a half share off the lead. WMMR went from first to third with a noticeable share loss. WXTU and WMGK were most recently an item at #3. WXTU was up slightly as it dipped to #4, while a flat WMGK landed at #5. In case you were wondering, WIP had a modest share gain as it remained at #7.
WIP was the 18-49 winner this month. It moved up from #3 with its best offensive outing in over a year. This stopped the nine-book winning streak for WMMR, which dipped to #2 with its smallest share since MARCH. WDAS stepped down to #3 as it gave back most of last survey’s solid share increase. WUSL repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. WXTU and WMGK were last tied at #5. Both stations had solid share gains but, in the end, WXTU stood alone at #5, while WMGK slipped to #6.
Despite all the hoopla, WMMR was #1 25-54 for the tenth book in a row, though it did not quite match last month’s double-digit performance. WIP was up to #2 with its best book in over a year and trailed the leader by the smallest of measurable margins. WDAS dipped to #3 as it gave back most of last month’s large share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) repeated at #4 with a slight increase. WMGK and BEASLEY Country WXTU were tied at #5. Both stations had small increases but WXTU’s was a skosh smaller. The stations ended up at #5 and #6, respectively.
After taking the last two books off, WUSL was back at #1 18-34 with a small increase. WDAS rose from #5 to #2 as it bounced back from a down book and was a half share off the lead. WMMR went from first to third with a noticeable share loss. WXTU and WMGK were most recently an item at #3. WXTU was up slightly as it dipped to #4, while a flat WMGK landed at #5. In case you were wondering, WIP had a modest share gain as it remained at #7.
WIP was the 18-49 winner this month. It moved up from #3 with its best offensive outing in over a year. This stopped the nine-book winning streak for WMMR, which dipped to #2 with its smallest share since MARCH. WDAS stepped down to #3 as it gave back most of last survey’s solid share increase. WUSL repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. WXTU and WMGK were last tied at #5. Both stations had solid share gains but, in the end, WXTU stood alone at #5, while WMGK slipped to #6.
BOSTON: Sports Is Pain
It would be pretty safe to say that the fall performances of the local sports teams did not quite match those in the previous market. Still, BEASLEY Sports WBZ (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) was back at #1 6+ (8.6-8.3). Complaining can be ratings gold as much as celebrating. BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR had its best book in over a year as it stepped up to #2 (6.1-7.1). AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) was up to #3 with its best showing since FEBRUARY (5.2-6.3). The station also added a 1.1 share from its stream. The bubble burst for AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX104.1). The station ended its four-book surge as it fell from #1 to #4 (9.6-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A stepped up to #5 with its highest score in over a year (4.4-5.5). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX slipped to #6 (4.9-4.5). WMJX was still the cume leader with a 1.6% increase (722,400-733,700). The market was up 1.0%.
WWBX was #1 25-54 for the previous three surveys, the last two of which were in double figures. That streak came to a grinding halt as the station moved down to #2. WBZ assumed control of the demo with a double-digit output and led the rest of the field by about three shares. WZLX remained at #3 with a slight decrease, while WROR moved up to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) slipped to #5 as it ended a four-book skid.
Despite its struggles in the previous two demos, WWBX was #1 18-34 for the sixth straight survey. The station also landed its fifth double-digit book in a row. The next three stations had very strong performances. WXKS repeated at #2 with its highest mark since NOVEMBER. It was paired with WMJX, which moved up a slot with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) also landed its largest share in over a year as it dipped to #4. WROR stepped up to #5 with its best book since MARCH. It was paired with WBZ, which rose from #7. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) slipped to #7 as it ended a three-book surge.
WBZ was #1 and in double figures 18-49 for the first time since MAY. This stopped the four-book #1-slash-double-digit streak for WWBX, which stepped down to #2. WMJX inched up to #3 as it halted a three-book slide. WROR dipped to #4 but with its largest share since MARCH. WXKS and WZLX were previously perched at #5. WXKS stood alone in that space, while WZLX slipped to #6.
In case you were wondering, the formula for calculating ERA is ERX9/IP. I’m sure you’ll find that handy. We are feverishly working on round three of the OCTOBER roundup, which will feature SEATTLE, MIAMI, PHOENIX, DETROIT and MINNEAPOLIS.
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The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. stand resolute and ready to help you grow your ratings and your revenue.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
October PPM Insights Day 1
Ahhh, OCTOBER. The foliage, the taint of pumpkin spice on, well, everything, and the MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL post-season. The time when the biggest question on everyone’s mind in – why do fans boo when the visiting pitcher attempts a pick-off? Truly one of the most profound mysteries of our time.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with the seam savants from XTRENDS – bring you the latest in the NIELSEN numbers. The OCTOBER survey spanned the period from SEPTEMBER 12th through OCTOBER 9th. There were no federally-mandated holiday breaks, most people had settled into their regular schedules, and the election buzz was intensifying. Here’s how it affected the radio landscape:
NEW YORK: The Unbearable Being Of Lite-ness
Ho-hum, iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was the leading 6+ station again, though it did halt a two-book surge (8.5-8.2). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) continued at #2 (6.1-6.1), while MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS was up two slots to #3 with its best outing in over a year (5.1-5.8). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) remained at #4 (5.5-5.7), while AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS slipped to #5 (5.6-5.5). Making a bid to gain top five status was RED APPLE N/T WABC-A, which repeated at #6 but with its largest share in over a year (4.4-5.0). WLTW surrendered 2.2% of its cume but continued as the leader in that category (3,549,800-3,470,000). The market was off 2.0%.
Sometimes all you need to do is show up. WHTZ was flat 25-54 but cruised to its sixth win in a row. WLTW was back at #2 with a small increase and was nearly a share off the lead. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) repeated at #3 as it gave back about half of last month’s solid increase. AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) had its best showing in over a year as it rose to #4. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU and WAXQ were previously spied at #4. WKTU dipped to #5 with a slight increase, while WAXQ landed at #6 with its smallest share since APRIL.
WLTW continued to crush it with the 18-34 crowd. The station continued its long, uninterrupted string of #1 books and was in double figures for the twelfth time in the last 14 surveys. It also had a larger share than the next two stations – combined. WAXQ leapt from #7 to #2 as it ended a steep two-book slide. WNEW stepped up to #3 with its third up book in a row. WSKQ was elevated to #4 with its highest mark since MARCH, while two stations were loitering at #5. SBS Spanish Contemporary WPAT (93.1 AMOR) remained in place with a slight increase, while WHTZ drifted down from #2 with its lowest total since we were carefully hanging our hosiery on the mantle. WCBS fell from #3 to #8 as it ended a robust two-book surge.
Though it only received a slight share increase, WLTW was both #1 and in double digits for the second straight survey. WHTZ was back at #2 but with its smallest share since APRIL. As a result, the gap between the two stations expanded to over three shares. WNEW inched up to #3 with its highest score in over a year. This pushed WSKQ, which registered a slight decrease, down to #4. WAXQ moved up to #5, which forced WCBS to step down to #6.
LOS ANGELES: The Good Earth
Despite landing its lowest share since MAY, AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101) was #1 6+ for the ninth straight survey (6.4-5.8). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) had its best book in over a year as it rose to #2 (4.9-5.3). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5) dipped to #3 as it ended a two-book surge (5.5-5.0). It was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM), which remained in place but with its first down book since APRIL (5.4-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST slipped to #5 with its smallest share in over a year (5.4-4.8). KRTH was the new cume commander (2,018,400-2,027,000) – a 0.4% increase. The market fell by 2.2%.
The usual suspects continued to populate the 25-54 top five. KIIS moved back to #1 with, again, its best outing in over a year. The station has topped this chart in four of the last six surveys. KRTH stepped up to #2 with a slight increase, while KBIG went from first to third as it ended a strong three-book surge. KOST stepped down to #4, while KLVE stayed at #5 with a slight increase.
KIIS made it back-to-back 18-34 wins with, naturally, its best book in over a year. It held better than a two and a half share lead over the pair of stations at #2. KRTH remained in place but with its lowest score since MAY, while KBIG stepped up from #3 with a small share loss. KOST leapt from #9 to #4 with its highest mark since APRIL. MERUELO Classic Rock KLOS moved up to #5 with a small increase. MERUELO Rhythmic CHR KPWR (POWER 106 FM) slipped to #6 as it ended a strong three-book surge. KLVE fell from #5 to #13 and was tied with AUDACY Alternative KROQ.
KIIS stopped a small two-book slide as it moved up to #1 18-49. KBIG dipped to #2 with its first down book since MARCH. It was joined here by KRTH, which moved up a slot despite a modest share loss. KLVE repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. KOST was back at #5 but had company as TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) arrived from #7 with its largest share in over a year.
CHICAGO: It’s News To Us
Last month AUDACY News WBBM-A and HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) were the 6+ co-leaders. That partnership did not endure. WBBM-A remained in first place (6.0-6.3) and picked up a 0.2 share from its stream. WDRV backed up to #2 (6.0-6.0). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WVAZ (V103) repeated at #3 but with its third down book in a row (5.8-5.4). iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) moved up to #4 as it halted a steep three-book skid (4.7-4.8). CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS was up to #5 (4.6-4.6), while AUDACY AAA WXRT was down to #6 with its smallest share since THURL RAVENSCROFT was fouling the airwaves (5.0-4.5). WLIT added 4.8% to its already market-leading cume total (1,140,300-1,195,500). The market was up 1.2%.
There was all sorts of turmoil in the 25-54 ranks. What remained a constant were the top two stations. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) was #1 for the third book in a row. WVAZ repeated at #2 and the stations were separated by the slimmest of possible margins. WLS moved up to #3 with its third up book in a row. It was paired with WLIT, which rose from a tie at #8 as it finally ended an seven-book slide. Also previously seen at #8 was iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI. It made it to #5 with its largest share in over a year. A couple of other stations made bold moves. SBS Mexican Regional WLEY (LA LEY 107.9) advanced from #13 to #6 with a solid increase, while AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) leapt from #11 to #7 as it bounced back from a down book. A couple of other stations were excused from the top five. WXRT fell from #3 into a tie at #9 with CUMULUS Alternative WKQX (Q101) and WBBM-A. AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WBMX (104.3 JAMS) dropped from #4 into a tie at #12 with WDRV.
Three stations moved up to create a commotion atop the 18-34 leaderboard. WUSN stepped up from #2 with a small share increase, while WGCI rose from #4 with its best book since MARCH. They were joined by TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WPPN (AMOR 106.7), which vaulted from #13 with its largest share in over a year. WOJO was up four places to #4 as it regained all of last month’s lost share. WLS and WDRV remained tied at #5 as each station had the identical share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) dropped from #3 to #7 with only a slight decrease. WLIT fell from #1 to #8 as it gave back all of last month’s large share increase. WXRT went from #5 to a tie at #12 with WLEY.
WOJO made it three 18-49 wins in a row but was hearing footsteps from WGCI, which moved up to #2 with its fifth up book in a row. The stations were less than half a share apart. WUSN advanced to #3 as it regained some of last month’s lost share. WVAZ slid to #4 with a slight decrease, while WLS was up three spots to #5 with its best showing since APRIL. WLIT dipped to #6 and was partnered with WKQX. WBMX dropped from #4 into a tie at #10 with WKSC.
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DALLAS-FT. WORTH: A Two-Way Ticket
For the second book in a row, CUMULUS Sports KTCK (1310 & 96.7 THE TICKET) was #1 6+ (5.0-5.9). In a related note – how ‘bout dem COWBOYS (snort). TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) moved up to #2 with its highest score since MAY (4.5-5.0). NORTH TEXAS PUBLIC BROADCASTING N/T KERA stood alone at #3 (4.5-4.4), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) jumped four spaces to #4 (4.2-4.3). AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) advanced from #10 to #5 (4.0-4.1). The station also picked up a 0.3 share from its stream. CUMULUS Country KSCS (NEW COUNTRY 96.3) slipped from #3 to #6 with its lowest total since JUNE (4.5-4.0). It was paired with AUDACY Classic Hits KSPF (98.7 THE SPOT), which remained in place (4.4-4.0). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) returned all of last month’s big share increase – plus a bit more – as it fell from #2 to #10 (4.8-3.7). It was tied with CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF), which stepped up from #11 (3.8-3.7). Despite a 6.7% decrease, iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) still had the most listeners (1,062,900-991,400). The market rose by 3.7%.
Griping about the local gridiron squad was a boon for KTCK as it moved up to #1 25-54 with its highest output in over a year. This ended the two-book winning streak for KLNO, which dipped to #2 despite regaining all of last month’s share loss. AUDACY Mexican Regional WMVK (LA GRANDE 107.5) moved up to #3 with its fifth straight up book. KSCS slipped to #4 as it ended a three-book surge. It was tied with two other upwardly mobile stations. KERA moved up from #6 with a slight increase, while KDGE advanced from #7 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. KJKK slid three places to #7 with its lowest total in over a year.
Last month KLNO saw its seven-book 18-34 winning streak come to a crashing halt. The station came back with vengeance this time as it rose from #3 to #1 with its best outing since MARCH. KDGE stepped down to #2 with a small share loss, while EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FOUNDATION Contemporary Christian KYDA ascended from #11 to #3 with its biggest number in over a year. KSCS slipped to #4 with its lowest mark since the swans were doing laps. SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104) dipped to #5 with a small decrease. KHKS soared from #17 to #6 as it began to recover from a couple of down books. It was tied with KJKK and KTCK. Three stations were previously an item at #5. KDMX dropped to #9 as it gave back most of last month’s share gain. It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KEGL (97.1 THE EAGLE). KPLX landed at #11, while URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBFB (97.9 THE BEAT) fell into a tie at #12 with AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7).
KLNO was the 18-49 leader for the tenth book in a row. KTCK repeated at #2 with its best showing in over a year. The stations were separated by a half share. KMVK moved up to #3 with its best book since JANUARY, while KHKS continued its redemption tour as it rose from #9 to #4. KDGE dipped to #5 with a slight decrease, while KSCS fell four slots to #7.
SAN FRANCISCO: What Are Words for
We’re back to our customary 6+ leaderboard as the top two stations eschew the playing of music. KQED INC N/T KQED was #1 for the fourth straight survey with its highest score in over a year (8.3-8.6). AUDACY News KCBS-A repeated at #2 with its fourth up book in a row (6.9-7.0). The leading music station was BONNEVILLE AC KOIT, which was back at #3 but with its smallest share in over a year (6.4-5.5). iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) repeated at #4 (5.4-5.0), while BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) held steady at #5 (5.0-4.8). Despite a 10.5% drop, KOIT still had the largest cume (1,075,300-962,200). The market was down 2.1%.
KOIT continued to dominate the 25-54 space as it racked up yet another #1 book. It had about a share and a half lead over the two stations occupying the #2 position. KQED stepped up from #3, while KMVQ advanced from #4. Both stations had small increases. KISQ slipped two places to #4 with its third down book in a row. It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL, which moved up from #6 with its best outing since MARCH. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) fell from #5 to #12 with its lowest mark since FEBRUARY.
Last month KMEL dropped from first to second 18-34. This time the station regained all of that lost share – plus a bit more – as it moved back into the top spot. KISQ was forced to step down to #2, despite landing its largest share in over a year. The two stations were about a half share apart. They, in turn, were about two shares ahead of the trio of stations at #3. KOIT dipped from #2 with its lowest score in over a year, while AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) inched up from #4 with a slight increase. KMVQ advanced from #5 as it got back about half of last month’s share loss.
Nothing lasts forever. KOIT’s year-plus 18-49 winning streak finally came to an end. The station surrendered about a third of its previous share as it dropped to #3. KMVQ assumed command of the demo with its best book since APRIL. KQED moved up to #2 with its highest score in over a year. KMEL stepped up to #4 with a solid increase, while KITS was up to #5, also with its highest share since NOVEMBER. KISQ slipped to #6 with its third down book in a row. KYLD fell from #5 to #11 and was tied with BONNEVILLE Urban AC KBLX.
We’ve only just begun. Next up in the queue: HOUSTON, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA and BOSTON in that order.
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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
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