PPM Data – Part Three. November 2016 ratings information has been released for Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus.
Nielsen Audio's November 2016 survey period covered October 6 – November 2.
RadioInfo managing editor
Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@RadioInfo.com) provides his "Takeaways" from these 12-
PPM markets.
TWELVE TAKEAWAYS
Portland – Over and above gaining eight-tenths to register its strongest 6+-stat since March when it hit 8.0,
Oregon Public Broadcasting's KOPB (6.9 – 7.7, 6+) catches
iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW "K-103" (7.8 – 7.7, -.1, 6+) at #1. While KOPB is often found in the runner-up slot, this is its first time at #1 since April 2013. Ironically, it was an October
decline of
eight-tenths by "K-103" that ended three consecutive progressive trends
netting a +1.5 (7.1 – 7.6 – 8.3 – 8.6, 6+). Whether tied or solo, "K-103" is #1 for the
29th time in the last
31 ratings periods. A one-tenth gain in
May ended four straight sweeps without an increase (21.4 – 9.5 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.6, 6+). Back in
June 2016, "K-103" suffered a massive -1.6 to 7.1, its lowest 6+-share since June
2014 (6.6). In addition to KOPB, public KQAC "All Classical Portland" also notches a gain of eight-tenths and has its fourth straight up-trend (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 4.1, 6+). Moreover, this is the first time "All Classical Portland" crosses the four-share threshold (6+) in exactly
six years (4.1, 6+, November 2010). The market's (6+) country share dwindles by one-half share. Specifically,
Alpha Media's KUPL "98.7 The Bull" is off two-tenths (5.1 – 4.9, 6+) but stays at #6, while
Entercom's KWJJ "99.5 The Wolf" (seventh to eighth) is down for the fourth straight sweep (6.7 – 6.0 – 5.7 – 5.0 – 4.7, 6+), losing two full-shares since July. Not quite four months ago (8/1), Alpha Media transitioned classic hits-oldies KWLZ to rhythmic CHR as KWEE "WE-96.3," creating a format battle with iHeartMedia's KXJM "JAM'N 107.5." The November contest goes to "WE-96.3," which advances from #21 to a four-way logjam at #17 (1.8 – 2.1, +.3, 6+), while KXJM declines by six-tenths and departs the top ten (#16 to #21). This is the fourth straight decline for "JAM'N" for a nearly 50% drop in the 6+-share -1.7 (3.6 – 3.5 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 1.9, 6+). Public jazz outlet KMHD is up or flat for the fourth successive sweep (1.2 – 1.4 – 2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+) and achieves its best 6+-share in more than
six years (2.2, June 2010). It progresses from #19 to that four-way tie at #17. After six straight sweeps without a decrease for a combined +1.4 since April (3.9 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), Entercom adult hits KYCH "97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything" drops two-tenths to 5.1 (6+) and slips from a third-place tie to fourth. Down or flat since June, classic rock sibling KGON (#12 to #13) is at 3.8 for the fourth straight time (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+).
2)
Charlotte – Two stations in this North Carolina market with remarkably similar call letters but unshared ownership enjoy healthy October 2016 – November 2016 increases. By posting a +.3 in
September, W
KQC "K-104.7" ended three consecutive downward trends that yielded a -1.3 (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.4 –
3.8, 6+). The
Beasley Media Group adult contemporary quickly regressed by six-tenths in October but rebounds nicely with a +.8 (3.5 – 4.3, 6+) and is back in the top ten (#13 to #9). Just ahead of W
KQC (ninth to eighth) is
iHeartMedia CHR W
HQC "Channel 96.1," which gains one-half share to 4.5, its finest 6+-showing since July 2015 (4.8). It was tied in October with format rival, Beasley Media Group's WNKS "95.1 Kiss FM," which despite adding one-tenth (4.0 – 4.1, 6+), backslides from that ninth-place tie to tenth. After being on top the past six sweeps, iHeartMedia classic rocker WRFX "The Fox" sputters by six-tenths (7.9 – 7.3, 6+). It falls to the runner-up slot, where it trades places with Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC "Country's Greatest Hits" (7.3 – 7.6, +.3, 6+). The two facilities shared top honors in July and August. "Country's Greatest Hits" occupied the #1 spot the first four months of the year before dropping to third-place in May. After an eight-tenths increase in October, iHeartMedia's WKKT "96.9 The Kat – Charlotte's #1 for New Country" picks up one-tenth to 5.5 (fifth to fourth, 6+). Bouncing back from September's -1.4 to 4.6 – its lowest 6+-stat since "Holiday" 2013 (4.3, 6+) – "The Kat" had been down or flat the previous four sweeps (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 4.6, 6+) for a combined -2.4. Entering the
September ratings period, Beasley Media Group's WBAV "V-101.9" was in 5.1 – 5.9 (6+) territory 13 straight times before notching a +.9 to 6.8 (6+). The urban AC declined by one-half share in October and it now falters by an additional nine-tenths (6.3 – 5.2, 6+) to skid from third to fifth. This is the lowest 6+-share for "V-101.9" since April (5.1). In the spoken word arena, talk WBT (3.6, #8 to #12, 6+) and sports WFNZ (1.3, #17 to #18, 6+) each decrease by one-half share. After back-to-back 3.1 showings (6+) in July and August, the newly-acquired
Entercom property dropped to 2.7 (6+) in September; however, WBT was a robust +1.4 in October to 4.1, the first time the
Carolina Panthers' flagship reached the four-share level (6+) since January 2014 (4.2). In 3.1 – 3.7 range (6+) the past six ratings periods,
Radio One gospel WPZS "Praise 100.9 Charlotte's Inspiration Station" drops six-tenths to 2.9 (#13 to #15, 6+).
3)
Pittsburgh – A trio of outlets here improve by one-half share each, including
Steel City Media adult hits WRRK "Bob-FM" (7.2 – 7.7, fourth to third, 6+), as well as
CBS Radio siblings WDSY "Y-108 Pittsburgh's Country" (5.6 – 6.1, seventh to sixth, 6+) and talk KDKA-AM (eighth to seventh, 6+). Up a combined seven-tenths since July (7.0 – 7.3 – 7.7, 6+), "Bob" surrendered five-tenths in October. "Y-108" had been off the past three sweeps for
a cumulative -1.4 (7.0 – 6.6 – 6.0 – 5.6, 6+). Owing to a -.4 in
August, WDSY had its string of successive
gains – which netted two full-shares – halted at three (5.0 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 7.0, 6+). In three consecutive increases, KDKA-AM is a combined +1.1 (4.3 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since April's 6.0. Following October's one-half share gain to 10.4 – its strongest 6+-stat since November's 10.9 –
iHeartMedia rocker WDVE (10.4 – 10.0, -.4, 6+) repeats at #1. Owing to a loss of two-tenths in September, WDVE halted its string of positive or flat trends at five (8.7 – 8.8 – 8.8 – 9.2 – 9.8 – 10.3, 6+). This is the fifth straight time iHeartMedia alternative WXDX "The X at 105.9" (3.3 – 3.6, +.3, 6+) holds down the #11 slot. In 2.1 – 2.9 range for the 15
th straight time, Steel City Media hot AC WLTJ "Q-92.9" picks up two-tenths to 2.8 (6+) and remains at #12. Having already declined in October by a hefty
-1.1, CBS Radio's KDKA-FM "93.7 The Fan," which logged a +.6 in September, plummets by
-1.8 in November (7.6 – 6.5 – 4.7, 6+). The
Pittsburgh Pirates flagship slides from sixth to eighth. While September's 7.6 was its strongest 6+-showing since October 2015's 10.1, 4.7 is its softest since March 2015 (4.1). Also experiencing significant back-to-back declines (but remaining in the runner-up slot) is iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WWSW "3WS," which eroded by -1.1 in October and now drops an additional one-half share (10.6 – 9.5 – 9.0, 6+). This represents the lowest 6+-share for "3WS" since January's 7.9. WWSW was ousted from the top spot in
August after six consecutive months there and made a return appearance at #1 in September. It somehow seems appropriate that CBS Radio hot AC WBZZ "Star 100.7 Plays the Hits" has its string of three straight gains of one-tenth each (4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+) end with a loss of … one-tenth (4.5, flat at #9, 6+).
4)
Sacramento – Much of the considerable significant October 2016 – November 2016 (6+) movement that occurs in California's capital city is found in the top six rankers. Down a combined
-2.2 in September and October,
CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX "Mix 96" answers in November with a
solid
+1.2 (7.6 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 6.6, 6+) and continues in third-place for the fourth successive sweep. Prior to September, "Mix" had been up or flat the previous four monthlies (6.5 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 7.6 – 7.6, 6+). Locked on 4.7 (6+) in August and September,
Entercom's KRXQ "98 Rock" added one-tenth in October but it now explodes with a full-share increase in November (4.8 – 5.8, 6+), inching up from fifth to fourth. "Rock 98" has its best 6+-performance since July 2014 (also 5.8). Posting gains of one-half share each are CBS Radio's KNCI "New Country 105.1" (5.1 – 5.6, fourth to fifth, 6+);
Capital Public Radio-owned KXJZ (4.8, seventh to sixth, 6+); and
Lazer Broadcasting's KGRB "Radio Lazer 94-3" (1.1 – 1.6, #23 to #20, 6+). In October, "New Country" forfeited seven-tenths of September's +1.1 (4.7 – 5.8 – 5.1, 6+). At the same time, iHeartMedia's KBEB "B-92.5 – #1 For New Country" sputters by one full-share (3.8 – 2.8, 6+) and slides from #10 to #12; October's 3.8 was its best 6+-stat since June 2015 (3.9). The market's other country player –
Entravision Communications' KNTY "101.9 The Wolf" – is flat at 2.3 (#16 to #17). Amazingly, in the last 11 sweeps (January 2016 through November 2016), the 6+-line for "The Wolf" has not varied from a high of 2.3 to a low of 2.1 (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+). Given that KXJZ was stuck on 3.9 (6+) in July and August and then on 4.3 (6+) in September and October, this marks its fourth straight sweep without a decrease. In October, "Radio Lazer 94-3" relinquished all but one-tenth of September's +.7. It had a (6+) May through August ping-pong pattern of .9, 1.0, .9, 1.0. Gaining six-tenths (.8 – 1.4, 6+), Entercom's KIFM-AM "
ESPN Radio 1320" checks in at #21, tying CBS Radio's similarly programmed KHTK "Sports 1140" (1.7 – 1.4, -.3, 6+). Notwithstanding it is down by eight-tenths to 8.8 – its lowest 6+-share in exactly one year (8.8 as well in November
2015) – Entercom classic rock KSEG "The Eagle" remains on top for the tenth straight ratings period. After consecutive downtrends (in
May and
June) that produced a -1.2 (10.6 – 9.8 – 9.4, -.4, 6+), KSEG posted a +.9 in July. When "The Eagle" faltered by eight-tenths in
May, it witnessed an end to three consecutive increases (8.9 – 9.0 – 9.5 – 10.6, 6+) that netted a combined +1.7. While it remains in the runner-up slot for the fourth consecutive sweep,
iHeartMedia news-talk hybrid KFBK continues its wild ride that has seen it go
+.8 (August);
-1.4 (September);
+1.2 (October) and now
.7 in November (7.3 – 8.1 – 6.7 – 7.9 – 7.2, 6+). The two-tenths KFBK picked up in
July ended three straight downward trends (9.1 – 7.8 – 7.4 – 7.1, 6+) for a net loss of two full-shares. In addition to KFBK, CBS Radio hot AC KZZO "Now 100.5" is also off by seven-tenths (4.3 – 3.6, seventh to ninth, 6+). "Now" had not been below a four-share (6+) since the "Holiday" 2014 report (3.9).
5)
San Antonio – Not only does KONO-FM "101.1 San Antonio's Greatest Hits" erase 90% of October's one-share loss with a +.9 (8.3 – 7.3 – 8.2, 6+), the
Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies outlet returns to #1. It departed the top spot in October after nine straight sweeps there. Before dropping from #1 to #2 in the "Holiday" 2015 report, KONO-FM was #1 in 17 of the previous 22 monthlies; 7.1 was the lowest 6+-share for "San Antonio's
Greatest Hits" since July 2015 (7.1). Evicted from the penthouse is co-owned KCYY "Y-100 – San Antonio's New Country Leader" (7.5 – 7.1, -.4, 6), which netted +1.5 in three straight positive trends (6.0 – 6.6 – 7.2 – 7.5, 6+). In October, cross-town rival – iHeartMedia's KAJA – coughed up the six-tenths it garnered in September, but "KJ-97" posts a +.1 in November (5.6, 6+) to inch up from fifth to fourth; September's 6.1 was the highest 6+-stat for KAJA since last November (also 6.1). Within 1.8 – 2.3 range (6+) the past 18 sweeps,
Univision Radio's KMYO "YO! 95.1 Classic Jams" busts out a +.8 (2.0 – 2.8, 6+) to advance from #18 to #15. Displaying identical 4.0 – 4. 5 (tenth to seventh, 6+) profiles are KMYO rhythmic CHR sibling KBBT "98.5 The Beat" and
Alpha Media adult hits KJXK "102.7 Jack FM – Playing What We Want." The one-half share gain by "The Beat" snaps four straight ratings periods without an increase that yielded a -1.4 (5.4 – 5.3 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). Meanwhile, "Jack" is coming off back-to-back decreases (5.1 – 4.6 – 4.0, 6+) that produced a -1.1. In addition to "The Beat" and "Jack,"
iHeartMedia talker WOAI also notches a one-half share increase (4.3 – 4.8, 6+) to climb from ninth to seventh. Unchanged at #3, Cox Media Group's KISS "Rocks San Antonio" drops one-tenth to 5.7 (6+), curtailing three consecutive up-trends (4.9 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 5.8, 6+) that netted nine-tenths. October's 5.8 (6+) matched what KISS recorded in the "Holiday" 2015 report. Owing to a decline of six-tenths to 5.2 (6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KROM "Que Buena 92.9" (third to fifth) has its string of up or flat trends end at five (5.1 – 5.1 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.8, 6+). Surrendering in its entirety the one-half share gained in October is KZAR "Air 1 Positive Hits" (1.3 – 1.8 – 1.3, #20 to #21, 6+); 1.8 (October 2016) was KZAR's best 6+-stat since February 2012 when it reached 1.9. Others off by one-half share in November are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KQXT "Q-101.9 San Antonio's Best Variety" (steady at #6, 6+) and Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH-FM "Norteno 104.1" (3.4 – 2.9, #13 to #14, 6+). This is the fourth straight sweep without an increase for "Q-101.9" (5.8 – 5.5 – 5.5 – 5.3 – 4.8, 6+) for a full-share loss; "Norteno 104.1" posted an impressive +1.2 in October.
6)
Cincinnati – Off in back-to-back ratings periods by just over one full-share (6.7 – 5.8 – 5.6, 6+),
iHeartMedia talker WKRC rebounds with a gain of six-tenths to 6.2 (6+) and carries on in fifth-place. Elsewhere in the spoken-word genre, a gain of four-tenths to 8.3 (6+) by co-owned, similarly-
formatted WLW applies the brakes to six successive sweeps without an increase that resulted in the loss of nearly four full-shares (11.7 – 11.0 – 10.8 – 9.2 – 9.2 – 8.2 – 7.9, 6+); WLW moves from third to second. In addition,
Cincinnati Public Radio's WVXU posts its fifth straight up or flat trend (3.0 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 3.8 – 4.1, 6+) for a cumulative +1.1. Although WVXU remains at #11, it has its best 6+-share since February 2014 (also 4.1). Locked on 9.8 (6+) in September and October,
Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR drops two-tenths to 9.6 (6+) but "103.5 WGRR" is in first-place for the third straight month. Prior to September's gain, it posted three successive negative trends resulting in a cumulative -1.7 (10.3 – 9.8 – 9.3 – 8.6, 6+). As the result of a +.2 to 4.5 (6+),
Hubbard Broadcasting rhythmic hot AC WREW "Mix 94.9" progresses from tenth to eighth and ends four straight decreases (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.3, 6+). Sputtering by six-tenths (8.5 – 7.9, 6+), country cluster-mate WUBE "B-105" segues from second to third. Unchanged at #15, format challenger – Cumulus Media's WNNF "94.1 Nash FM" – declines for the fourth straight time (3.4 – 3.2 – 2.7 – 2.3 – 2.1, 6+) and is -1.3 in that stretch. Going back to July, the 6+ trend for Cumulus Media classic rock WOFX is 5.0 – 4.6 – 5.0 – 4.6. The redundant pattern breaks though as "The Fox" falters by one-half share to 4.1 and departs the top ten (#8 to #11). Anchored at #9, iHeartMedia CHR WKFS "Kiss 107" is off for the fourth successive time for a combined -1.6 (5.9 – 5.4 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+).
7)
Cleveland – Despite the fact that the
Cleveland Indians couldn't accomplish their goal of winning their first World Series title since 1948, the team's flagship – WTAM – boasts the largest (6+) October 2016 – November 2016 increase of any station in the 36
PPM-markets whose data has thus far been released. Above and beyond its eye-popping
+2.7, the
iHeartMedia talker rockets from seventh to first and has its most potent 6+-share (9.1)
since May 2012 when it reached 9.8. Incidentally, the
second-largest (6+) October 2016 – November 2016 gain we've seen to this point
(+1.9) is by
CBS Radio's WSCR "The Score," the key station of the
Chicago Cubs, the winner of the 2016 World Series. Among those impacted by WTAM's success is classic hits-oldies sibling WMJI, which departs the top spot after ten successive sweeps there. Off by nearly three full-shares in three straight downward trends (11.5 – 10.8 – 9.6 – 8.6, 6+), "Cleveland's Greatest Hits" slips to #2. September's -.7 ended five straight gains for a cumulative +1.2 (10.3 – 10.7 – 10.9 – 11.3 – 11.4 – 11.5, 6+) and marked the first time in the previous 17 ratings periods that WMJI was
not in double-digits (6+). Co-owned WMMS adds seven-tenths to the +.8 it posted in October (when it finished eighth) and is without a decrease for the fifth consecutive ratings period (4.2 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.0 – 5.8 – 6.5, 6+) for a cumulative +2.3. The rocker last crossed the (6+) six-share threshold in August 2014 with a 6.1. It is tied at #5 with adult hits cluster-mate WHLK "The Lake," which slips from #3 and records its third successive negative move (8.9 – 8.4 – 7.7 – 6.5, 6+) accounting for a -2.4. This is the weakest 6+-performance for "The Lake" since June 2012 (6.1). Mainstream CHR sibling WAKS "96.5 Kiss-FM" falters by seven-tenths (5.7 – 5.0, 6+) and drops out of the top ten (#9 to #11). Over in the CBS Radio cluster, adult contemporary WDOK "Star 102" has its third consecutive fluctuation of one-half share. Steady at #4, "Star 102" was
off by that margin in September and October, but
adds one-half share in November (7.8 – 7.3 – 6.8 – 7.3, 6+). Sibling WNCX "98.5 Cleveland's Classic Rock," however, regresses by seven-tenths to 6.0, drifting from fifth to eighth. Stymied at #12 since
February, co-owned
Cleveland Browns flagship, WKRK "Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan," gains three-tenths (4.5 – 4.8, 6+).
8)
Salt Lake City – The top three stations are separated by two-tenths of a share. Frozen on 2.7 (6+) in September and October,
University of Utah-owned KUER improves by six-tenths to 3.3, inching up from #13 to #11. Conversely,
Bonneville talker KSL forfeits nearly one-half of October's
mammoth +2.0 (8.1 – 7.2,
-.9, 6+) to segue from first to second. The 8.1 it notched this time last month was the strongest 6+-figure for KSL in two years (9.1, October 2014). Trending 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.9 (6+),
iHeartMedia talker KNRS advances from eighth to sixth. Taking over from KSL at #1 is co-owned adult contemporary KSFI "FM 100.3 – Better Music Better Work Day," which has not had a decrease since April. In that stretch of seven successive sweeps, "FM 100.3" has netted exactly two full-shares (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.7 – 7.0 – 7.3 – 7.3, 6+) and has its best 6+-performance since "Holiday" 2015, when it scored a 15.6. For the fourth time in the last six ratings periods, fellow adult contemporary,
Cumulus Media-owned KBEE (#13 to #14), registers a 2.7 (6). Progressing from ninth to seventh with a +.3 to 4.8 (6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KODJ "Salt Lake's Greatest Hits" halts four consecutive declines (6.6 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 4.6 – 4.5, 6+) for a cumulative loss of -2.1. Exactly two shares ahead of it and steady at #4 is Bonneville's similarly-formatted KRSP "103.5 The Arrow," up for the third straight time (5.5 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+). Albeit that it is regresses for the third consecutive month (5.5 – 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+), Cumulus Media's country KUBL "K-Bull 93″ (seventh to eighth) overtakes format foe KSOP-FM "Z-104 Utah's #1 Country," which sputters by six-tenths (4.9 – 4.3, sixth to ninth, 6+). Unchanged at #10,
Broadway Media-owned mainstream CHR KUDD "Mix 105.1 All The Hits" is down for the fourth consecutive time (5.3 – 4.8 – 4.2 – 4.0 – 3.8, 6+) for a combined -1.5. It is the weakest 6+-share for "Mix" since March (3.2). Format rival – KZHT "97.1 Salt Lake's #1 Hit Music Station" (6.2 – 6.4, +.2) – is in six-share range (6+) for the sixth straight sweep and continues at #5. Remaining flat at 3.1 and 2.1 (6+), respectively, and each dropping by one ranker are the market's two alternative outlets – Broadway Media's KXRK "X-96" (#11 to #12) and Cumulus Media's KHTB "Alt 101.9" (#17 to #18).
9)
Las Vegas – Four successive negative trends entering the November ratings period by
Beasley Media Group urban-rhythmic oldies KOAS have produced a combined -1.5 (5.0 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+). Not only does "Old School 105.7" gain nearly all of it back with a
+1.3 to 4.8 (6+), it zooms from #11 all the way to #4. Conversely, a move of 1.3 is bad news for
Lotus Communications' KXPT "97.1 The Point – #1 for Classic Rock," which
falters by that amount (5.9 – 4.6,
-1.3, 6+) to slide from third to sixth. It is the lowest 6+-stat for "The Point" since January's 4.4. Co-owned Spanish adult hits KWID "La Buena 101.9" rebounds from October's -.6 with an increase of one full-share (3.7 – 4.7, 6+) to progress from ninth to fifth. Cluster-mate KOMP "92.3 The Rock Station" dials up a robust gain of eight-tenths (3.2 – 4.0, 6+) to move from #12 to #10. In addition to matching an increase of that maginitude (to 7.2, 6+), Beasley Media Group's KKLZ returns to the lead from the runner-up slot. Prior to November's +.8, the classic hits-oldies outlet was off by a combined full-share in consecutive sweeps (7.4 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+). Flat at 7.0 (6+),
iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE "Sunny 106.5" trades places with KKLZ. Following three straight downward trends netting a combined -2.4 (8.1 – 7.4 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), "Sunny" was +.7 in September and then +.6 in October, climbing to first – where it had been for
22 straight monthlies before July. Prior to advancing to #1 in July – and remaining there in August and September – KKLZ was in the runner-up slot for six straight months; 7.4 in
August was its best 6+-showing in more than four years (7.5, July 2012). Down a cumulative two shares in August and September (5.6 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia's KWNR "95.5 The Bull – Las Vegas' New Country" regained 45% of it in October with a +.9 and tacks on additional one-half share in November (4.5 – 5.0, 6+), inching up from a three-way tie at #4 to #3. Before the August sweep, KWNR had three successive progressive trends netting a +2.2 (3.4 – 3.9 – 5.2 – 5.6, 6+). Meanwhile, dropping from #15 to #13, format rival – Beasley Media Group's KCYE "102.7 The Coyote" – regresses by six-tenths to 2.5, its lowest 6+-share since the "Holiday" 2015 report (1.8). Also declining by six-tenths (to 1.5, #20 to #22, 6+) is
Entravision regional Mexican KQRT "La Tricolor 105.1," which had been in two-share territory the past 14 sweeps. Off a collective nine-tenths in July and August,
Faith Communications contemporary Christian KSOS regained all of it in September, only to plummet
-1.8 in October. "Radio For Life" now sputters by another one-half share (5.4 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 5.4 – 3.6 – 3.1, 6+) to exit the top ten (#10 to #12). This represents the lowest 6+-share for KSOS since February's 2.9. Down by one-half share as well is Beasley Media Group hot AC KVGS "Star 107.9" (#15 to #19, 6+), which had been up or flat the past three months (2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+).
10)
Kansas City – It's one thing to post back-to-back gains of a few-tenths and quite another to accomplish what
Entercom alternative KRBZ "96.5 The Buzz" just did
which is to replicate October's
+1.1 (5.0 – 6.1 – 7.2, 6+). September's then fifth-ranked "Buzz" was more than two shares away from
being #1, but – while steady from October at #3 – it now trails
Cumulus Media-owned classic hits-oldies KCMO-FM "Kansas City's Greatest Hits" (7.8, 6+) by just six-tenths. "Kansas City's Greatest Hits" remains at the top after supplanting its classic rock sibling KCFX "The Fox" in October. Before dropping three-tenths in November, KCMO-FM registered four straight progressive trends (5.3 – 6.0 – 7.0 – 7.2 – 8.1, 6+) for a combined +1.8. Continuing in the runner-up slot, "The Fox" – #1 May through September – has its third straight up-trend (7.2 – 7.3 – 7.6 – 7.7, 6+). By dropping two-tenths in August, it closed four successive up or flat monthlies yielding a +1.5 (5.9 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). An improvement of eight-tenths propels
University of Missouri-owned KCUR (#14 to #11) to 4.0, its best 6+-share since February (also 4.0). Unchanged at #8,
Steel City Media CHR KMXV picks up one-tenth to 4.4 (6+), halting its string of five consecutive sweeps without an increase (5.5 – 5.5 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.3, 6+); "Mix 93.3" was a collective -1.2 (6+) since May. In the market's country tussle, co-owned KFKF has its fourth straight sweep without a loss (3.8 – 3.8 – 4.2 – 4.7 – 4.9, 6+) as "Country 94.1" climbs from seventh to sixth. After being tied at
#12 in October, co-owned KBEQ "Q-104 #1 for New Country" and Entercom's WDAF "106.5 The Wolf" are now deadlocked at
#13 (3.6 – 3.5, -.1, 6+). This is the fourth consecutive loss for "The Wolf" (4.2 – 3.9 – 3.8 – 3.6 – 3.5, 6+); "Q-104" was off by seven-tenths in October. Boasting a 10.6 (6+) this time last year (November
2015), Entercom's KCSP – the flagship of the 2015 World Series champion
Kansas City Royals – occupied the #1 spot. To say the least, things though have been quite bumpy this calendar year for "610 Sports," which was
-.6 (July);
-.6 (August);
-1.3 (October); and now a whopping
-1.8. From November 2015 to November 2016, KCSP not only slumps from #1 to #20, its 6+ AQH plummets nearly 90% from 10.6 to 1.2. At the same time, cross-town
Union Broadcasting's WHB "Sports Radio 810" posts its fifth consecutive gain netting +1.1 (1.8 – 1.9 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.9, 6+) and progresses from #17 to #15. Without an increase for the fourth straight time for a cumulative -1.5 (4.1 – 4.1 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 2.6, 6+), Cumulus Media's KCHZ "95.7 The Vibe – All The Hits" slips from #15 to #16.
11)
Orlando – Having advanced back to first from second in October,
iHeartMedia Spanish tropical WRUM remains there by applying a November +1.1 exclamation point to 10.7, eclipsing the 10.6 "Rumba 100.3" notched in June. Third-ranked for the sixth straight ratings period, adult contemporary cluster-mate WMGF "Magic 107.7" rebounds from October's one-half share loss with a gain of nearly twice that (8.0 – 7.5 – 8.4, 6+). Over the course of
the past 15 sweeps, "Magic 107.7" shifts by
+.5 (October 2015);
-1.0 (November 2015);
+1.6 (December 2015);
+5.2 ("Holiday" 2015);
-4.7 (January);
-1.2 (February);
+1.3 (March);
+.7 (April);
+.6 (May);
-.8 (June);
-1.1 (July);
-.4 (August);
+.7 (September);
-.5 (October) and
+.9 (November). "Magic" has its best 6+-share since June's 8.8. Regressing by one-half share each are CHR cluster-mate WXXL "XL-106.7" (unchanged at #2, 6+);
CBS Radio classic hits-oldies WOCL "105.9 Sunny FM" (6.2, fourth to fifth, 6+); and
Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB "Star 94.5" (6.2 – 5.7, steady at #6, 6+). On the strength of +1.5 to 10.4, its best-ever (6+) performance in the
PPM-era, "XL-106.7" had a one-month stay at #1 (September) but is a combined -1.6 in October and November (10.4 – 9.3 – 8.8, 6+). Without a loss in the previous four sweeps, "Sunny" netted a +1.3 (5.4 – 5.7 – 5.5 – 6.7 – 6.7, 6+). Although off by one-tenth and remaining at #14 (2.5 – 2.4, 6+), public WMFE is in 2.0 – 2.9 range for the 26th straight time.
12)
Columbus – It has been quite a positive roll lately for
Radio One urban AC WXMG "Magic 95.5 Columbus' Best R&B," which, in addition to flaunting a +1.2, posts its seventh straight sweep without a loss. Dating back to April, "Magic 95.5" has more than tripled its 6+-share (1.2 – 1.6 – 1.8 –
2.1 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 4.0, 6+) and cracks the top ten (#11 to #8). In a similar vein,
Radiohio's WBNS-FM "Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan" boasts its fifth straight gain (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.0 – 5.1 – 6.9 – 7.7, 6+), more than doubling its 6+-stat since June (+4.1 in that timeframe) and continues in third-place. The last time "The Fan" crossed the seven-share threshold (6+) was February 2015 when it reached 7.2. Gaining eight-tenths as well and inching up from sixth to fifth is
Saga Communications' WLVQ "Iconic Rock Q-FM 96" (5.5 – 6.3, 6+). This is the fourth consecutive positive trend for adult contemporary sibling WSNY (6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 6.9 – 7.1, 6+), but after three straight appearances at #3, "Sunny 95" backslides to #4. Sputtering by one-half share (2.7 – 2.2, 6+), hot AC cluster-mate WVMX "Mix 107.9" dips from #12 to #13. Albeit down two-tenths (10.4 – 10.2, 6+),
iHeartMedia's WCOL "92.3 Columbus' #1 for New Country" repeats at #1 and is in double-digits (6+) for the eleventh straight time. Down in each of the last four ratings periods (12.2 – 12.1 -11.1 – 9.8 – 9.4, 6+), co-owned CHR WNCI (flat at #2) is a collective -2.8 in that stretch. In 4.2 – 4.8 range (6+) the past seven ratings periods, urban contemporary sibling WZCB "106.7 The Beat" falters by nine-tenths to 3.7 (6+), skidding from seventh to tenth.
PPM Data – Part Four. November 2016 ratings information has been released for Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio's November 2016 survey period covered October 6 – November 2. RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian (
"Bob," which flexes its muscle with a +2.5 (8.0 – 10.5, 6+) and is back in first-place after a one-month hiatus. In addition to 10.5 being the highest-ever 6+-share for "Bob" under PPM-methodology, it is the seventh-best 6+ share by any Austin station in the PPM-era. The Emmis adult hits outlet had been #1 each month this calendar year before seguing to second in October. It succeeds the station that replaced it this time last month – University of Texas at Austin-owned KUT – down one-tenth (9.1 – 9.0, 6+) and returning to the runner-up slot it occupied the previous five ratings periods before advancing to #1 in October. By gaining four-tenths in June, "Bob" halted three successive downward trends that produced a combined -1.3 (9.4 – 9.1 – 8.6 – 8.1, 6+). "Bob" regressed by -.5 in July; rebounded with a +1.1 in August; and declined -.8 in September. Similarly, significant month-to-month swings are not unusual for KUT, which was +1.2 in December 2015; -.1.0 in April; +.7 in July; +1.3 in August; -.9 in September; and +1.3 in October. Prior to August, the last time KUT crossed the eight-share barrier (6+) was February 2011 when it reached 8.5. Progressing by one-half share to 5.6 (6+) and jumping from sixth to fourth is Entercom adult contemporary KKMJ "Majic 95.5," still boasting Austin's highest 6+ PPM stat (11.4). "Majic" was locked on 5.1 (6+) in September and October. Having gained eight-tenths (each) in back-to-back sweeps (2.9 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+), Univision Radio regional Mexican KLQB "Que Buena 104.3" falters by that amount and is back to 3.7 (6+), dipping from ninth to tenth. "Que Buena" last reached the four-share level one year ago (4.0, October 2015). Declining by eight-tenths as well is iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KHFI "96.7 Kiss-FM" (5.4 – 4.6, seventh, 6+), which had been in 5.1 – 5.5 range (6+) the past six ratings periods. Ironically, the last time "Kiss-FM" fell below a four-share (6+) was one year ago – November 2015 – when it recorded a 4.6 as well. Off by one-half share – following a +.6 in October – Emmis regional Mexican KLZT "107.1 La Z" (6.1 – 5.6, 6+) shifts from third to fourth. It was three years ago when "La Z" last crossed the six-share level (6.1, 6+, October 2013). Up or flat the past four sweeps for a gain of four-tenths (.7 – .7 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1, 6+), iHeartMedia's KVET-AM "1300 The Zone – Austin's Sports Talk" loses all of it plus one-tenth (.6, -.5, #24, 6+). After four straight gains, which netted a +1.5 (2.0 – 2.6 – 2.8 – 2.9 – 3.5, 6+), the HD3 channel of Entercom-owned KKMJ slips by two-tenths to 3.3 (6+), falling from #12 to #13.
WRIT "95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee's Greatest Hits" rolls out a massive +1.2 to 9.6 (6+), halting four consecutive down or flat trends (10.4 – 10.4 – 9.3 – 8.7 – 8.4, 6+) that yielded a cumulative loss of two full-shares since June. Robust recent fluctuations for "Milwaukee's Greatest Hits," which is #1 for the 19th successive time, include +1.7 (October 2015); -.7 (November 2015); +5.6 ("Holiday" 2015); -5.7 (January); +1.3 (February); +1.1 (April); -.6 (May); -1.1 (August); -.6 (September) and +1.2 (November). In a slightly less pronounced way, the three latest trends for Scripps' WKTI "94.5 KTI Country" have been -.6 (September); -.5 (October; and now +.7 in November (2.8 – 2.3 – 3.0, 6+). October's 2.3 was the lowest 6+-share for WKTI since it transitioned from adult hits WLWK "The Lake" to country in late-May 2015. Prior to September's -.6, "KTI Country" had been positive or flat the previous four sweeps (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.0 – 3.0 – 3.4, 6+). Advancing from #15 to #13, "KTI Country" trails iHeartMedia's WMIL "FM 106.1 Milwaukee's Best Country" (5.6, fourth to seventh, 6+) by 2.6 shares. Following October's one-half share gain, Scripps-owned talker WTMJ surrenders eight-tenths (6.3 – 6.8 – 6.0, 6+), tumbling from second to third. With a +.5 in August, WTMJ pulled the plug on three straight dips (6.8 – 6.7 – 6.6 – 6.4, 6+). The Green Bay Packers flagship posts a 6+-share between 6.1 – 6.9 for the twelfth straight time. Without a decrease the past three ratings periods (3.6 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+), Saga Communications' urban AC WJMR "Jammin' 98.3" sputters by one-half share to 4.3 (6+) but remains at #11. Although steady at #14, WUWM dips by one-tenth to 2.9 (6+), curtailing five straight up or flat trends that netted +1.2 since May (1.8 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.5 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+). In October, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee station crossed the three-share level (6+) for the first time since May 2014 when it hit 3.2.
#14. "The Light" doubles October's 1.3 (to 2.6, 6+) and nearly triples September's .9 (6+). In fact, "The Light" is without a loss for the fifth straight time for a collective gain of two full-shares (6.- .7 – .7 – .9 – 1.3 – 2.6, 6+). The seesaw though continues for co-owned urban AC WTLC-FM "Indy's R&B Leader," which was -1.2 in September; +.6 in October; and now -.7 in November (7.7 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 6.4, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-share for WTLC-FM (fourth to fifth) since April's 6.2. Progressing from fifth to fourth, Cumulus Media's WFMS "95.5 The Country Station" boasts its fifth successive positive trend for a collective +1.2 (5.3 – 5.6 – 5.7 – 6.0 – 6.2 – 6.5, 6+). Without an increase in four successive sweeps for a combined May through September -1.6 (6.3 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.7 – 4.7, 6+), crosstown format rival – Emmis' WLHK "97.1 Hank" – adds one-tenth to October's +.5 (4.7 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), but actually backslides from a seventh-place tie to eighth. As a result of three straight June through September increases for a combined +1.2 (4.4 – 4.5 – 5.4 – 5.6, 6+), iHeartMedia's WOLT forfeited three-quarters of that gain in October (-.9). "Alt 103.3 Indy's Alternative" roars back though with a +.8 (4.7 – 5.6, 6+), inching up from ninth to seventh. Notching its third consecutive gain for a combined +.7 (7.1 – 7.4 – 7.6 – 7.8, 6+), Cumulus Media's WJJK "Classic Hits 104.5" repeats at #1. It has a one-tenth advantage over Entercom CHR WZPL (7.3 – 7.7, +.4, 6+), which elevates from third to second. Up or flat for a combined +1.5 in four straight sweeps (6.4 – 6.7 – 6.8 – 7.9 – 7.9, 6+), WZPL lost three-tenths in August, slipping to second from first (where it was in June and July). WZPL regained the top spot in September from WTLC-FM. Declining by one-half share each are its hot AC cluster-mate WNTR "107.9 The Mix" – Better Variety for a Better Workday" (4.7 – 4.2, 6+) and Emmis adult contemporary WYXB "Soft Rock B-105.7" (7.0, second to third, 6+). This marks the 19th straight time that "The Mix" – transitioning from ninth to tenth – has registered a 6+-share between 4.0 – 4.9. "B-105.7" had been up in each of the three previous sweeps for a cumulative +1.1 (6.4 – 6.6 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+). With a +.2 in August, "Soft Rock" ended three straight declines (7.1 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 6.4, 6+).
are Cumulus Media mainstream CHR WPRO-FM "Today's Hit Music," (9.0, 6+) and iHeartMedia rocker WHJY "94-HJY Providence's Home of Rock and Roll" (8.8, 6+). Up six-tenths in September, "Today's Hit Music" is rebounding from October's -.9 (8.5 – 9.1 – 8.2 – 9.0, 6+). September's 9.1 was the best 6+-stat for WPRO-FM since February (also 9.1), however, October's 8.2 was its lowest 6+-showing since the "Holiday" 2015 report (7.4). Following three successive declines for a combined -.8 (9.2 – 8.9 – 8.7 – 8.4, 6+), WHJY added one-tenth in September, but "Providence's Home of Rock and Roll" faltered by one-half share in October (8.5 – 8.0, 6+). Having registered three straight progressive trends for a collective gain of one-half share (9.4 – 9.6 – 9.7 – 9.9, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI "Lite Rock 105" dips a cumulative four-tenths in October and November (9.9 – 9.8 – 9.5, 6+), but is #1 for the thirteenth successive ratings period. A +.2 in July put an end to three consecutive downward stats totaling -2.7 (12.1 – 10.6 – 10.3 – 9.4, 6+); June's 9.4 was the lowest 6+-share for "Lite Rock" since November's 8.7. Regressing by one-half share each are Hall Communications' WCTK "98.1 Cat Country" (7.2 – 6.7, unchanged at #4, 6+) and Cumulus Media rhythmic CHR WWKX "Hot 106.3" (2.5, 6+), which hadn't had a decrease in the last five ratings periods (2.5 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.0, 6+), but stays at #9. Two streaks conclude in the (noncommercial) spoken-word arena as Boston's WGBH (steady at #10) is off by two-tenths to 2.0 (6+) and The Wheeler School's WELH (#11 to #12) drops one-tenth to .7 (6+). WGBH put together four straight uptrends (1.2 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 2.2, 6+) for a one-share gain, while WELH with up or flat the past seven survey periods (.3 – .4 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .8 – .8 – .8, 6+).
105" are +.6 (July); -.6 (August); +1.3 (September); -.9 (October) and +.5 in November (7.0 – 7.6 – 7.0 – 8.3 – 7.4 – 7.9, 6+). Prior to September, "G-105" last reached the eight-share level (6+) more than four years ago (8.4, July 2012). Locked on 7.7 (6+) in September and October, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's WUNC (7.8, +.1, 6+) is one-tenth behind "G-105" and repeats in the runner-up slot. Dislodged from #1 is Radio One urban AC WFXC "Foxy," which completely surrenders the seven-tenths it gained in October (7.5 – 8.2 – 7.5, 6+) and moves to third. The market's country contest finds Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR "94.7 Today's Best Country" (steady at #5) notching its fourth straight improvement (5.6 – 6.2 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 7.0, 6+) and iHeartMedia's WNCB "B-93.9 #1 for New Country" up one-tenth to 3.2 (flat at #14, 6+), halting four straight downward trends (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.4 – 3.1, 6+). In the process of dropping one-half share, Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL "Mix 101.5" slips from third to fourth. Over the course of Raleigh's October 2015 – November 2016 ratings reports, "Mix 101.5" has been in sole possession of first-place seven times and shared it three times. Recent sweeping monthly (6+) swings for "Mix" include +.5 November 2015; +.6 December 2015; +5.7 Holiday 2015; -7.2 January 2016; +.6 February; +.6 March; -.6 April; +.5 May; +.5 July; +.9 September; +1.0 October; and now -.5 in November. Off three-tenths to 4.9 (6+), Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB "Radio 96.1" has its string of consecutive progressive trends, which netted a +1.6, end at four (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.1 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+); October's 5.2 was the best 6+-share for "Radio 96.1" since November 2015 (5.2 as well).
displays its best 6+-share since January's 3.5 and carries on in seventh-place. Unchanged at #6, rhythmic CHR sibling WNVZ "Z-104" picks up one-tenth and has been up or flat since August (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2, 6+), although the net increase is just two-tenths. It is nevertheless in four-share range (6+) for the eleventh straight time. Urban AC cluster-mate – WVKL "Smooth R&B From Yesterday & Today" (12.2 – 12.0, -.2, 6+) – is #1 for the 54th consecutive ratings period. The last time WVKL – which faltered by one-half share in October – was not in double-digits (6+) was when it registered a 9.8 in January 2014. Steady at #4, adult contemporary sibling WWDE "2WD" gained a collective one-half share in back-to-back (August – September – October) sweeps (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+) before slumping by eight-tenths to 4.5, its lowest 6+-share since June 2015's 4.4. In the runner-up slot for the eleventh straight time, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI "Jamz 103" picks up three-tenths (7.7 – 8.0, 6+). A gain of one-tenth (to 4.5, 6+) enables Saga Communications' WAFX "106.9 The Fox" (fifth to fourth) to halt three successive declines which accounted for a -1.5 since July (5.9 – 5.3 – 5.1 – 4.4). After a +.6 in August and a -.7 in September, "Jamz 103" answered with a 1.1 in October (6.7 – 7.3 – 6.6 – 7.7, 6+). Back in June, WOWI was -1.3 to 6.3, the first time it had been below a seven-share (6+) since April 2014 (6.8). For the fourth straight sweep, Max Broadcast Group Norfolk stations are no longer Nielsen Audio subscribers. With data cited from the June 2016 ratings period, they are classic hits-oldies WVBW (#3, 6.0); country WGH-FM (5.0, #7); CHR WVHT (#9, 3.8); sports WVSP (#12, 2.3); and gospel WGH-AM (#15, 1.9).
"Positive & Encouraging K-LOVE" regresses by seven-tenths (2.9 – 2.2, flat at #15, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-share for "K-LOVE" since the "Holiday" 2015 report (2.1). In addition to "WAY-FM," Cumulus Media's WWTN "Super Talk 99.7" (5.4 – 5.9, eighth to fifth, 6+) and CHR WNFN "All the Hits 106.7" (3.7, #14 to #12, 6+) also notch gains of one-half share. Midwest Communications' newly-acquired WNFN has registered a 3.2 in four of the last six sweeps. On top for the 57th consecutive ratings period, adult contemporary sibling WJXA "Mix 92.9" is tending 9.7 – 8.4 – 8.3 (6+), following September's +1.3. A gain of two-tenths in August by "Mix" pulled the plug on seven straight downward trends (15.6 – 10.7 – 10.2 – 9.7 – 9.6 – 9.1 – 8.3 – 8.2, 6+) that yielded a net loss since the "Holiday" 2015 report of -7.4. Its lead over runner-up WGFX "104.5 The Zone" increases to seven-tenths, as the Cumulus Media sports outlet/Tennessee Titans flagship loses two-tenths to 7.6 (6+), halting three consecutive improvements which resulted in a massive +4.1 (including October's +2.4) since July (3.7 – 4.0 – 5.4 – 7.8, 6+). The 7.8 (6+) "The Zone" posted in October was its highest since December (also 7.8). Without an increase for the seventh straight sweep for a combined loss of more than two full-shares (7.0 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 4.9, 6+) iHeartMedia's WNRQ "105.9 The Rock" nonetheless carries on at #9. The market's country share tumbles by four-tenths. Specifically, Cumulus Media's WSM-FM "Nash Icon" is down four-tenths to 5.6, dropping from fifth to eighth (6+), while the three-tenths sibling WKDF "Nash 103.3" loses following October's +.3 (3.3 – 3.6 – 3.3, #12 to #14, 6+) is erased by the +.3 from iHeartMedia's WSIX-FM "The Big 98 – Nashville's #1 for New Country" (4.4 – 4.7, steady at #10, 6+). Back in June, "Nash Icon" registered its strongest-ever 6+-PPM stat (5.9).
above having its fifth straight increase, this one a whopping +1.8, the Entercom-owned rhythmic CHR is up by nearly four full-shares since June (8.6 – 9.8 – 10.0 – 10.1 – 10.6 – 12.4, 6+). For good measure, "102 Jamz" is #1 for the third successive sweep, with 12.4 the best-ever (6+) showing in its PPM-history. For the third consecutive ratings period, urban AC sibling WQMG is in the runner-up slot, but it erodes by six-tenths. Recent ratings history for "The Best R&B and Old School" includes three straight increases totaling +2.5; followed by three successive decreases yielding a -2.6; back-to-back gains of +1.1 in September and October (8.1 – 9.2 – 10.3, 6+); and November's -.6 to 9.7 (6+). Whereas 10.7 (May) was its strongest 6+-showing since November 2014 (10.7), 8.1 (August) was its weakest since "Holiday" 2015 (7.7). Co-owned adult hits WSMW "Simon" is a collective +.8 in October and November, following September's -1.8 (10.5 – 8.7 – 9.3 – 9.5, +.6, 6+). "Simon" remains at #3, giving Entercom a #1 – #2 – #3 (6+) finish for the eleventh successive sweep. In September, "Simon" departed the top spot it held in June, July, and August; it has achieved double-digits (6+) four times with July's 10.9 its best-ever under PPM methodology. After three successive down-trending monthlies that produced a cumulative loss of more than two full-shares (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+), iHeartMedia's WTQR "New Country Q-104.1" picks up three-tenths to 5.4 (sixth to fifth, 6+). It has a three-tenths advantage over Entercom's similarly-programmed WPAW "93.1 The Wolf" (5.0 – 5.1, +.1, seventh to sixth, 6+). In September, "Q-104.1" held a 1.9-share lead over "The Wolf." Prior to reaching 5.0 in October, "The Wolf" had been in 4.2 – 4.8 range (6+) the previous eight sweeps. On the heels of October's +.5, iHeartMedia talker WPTI tacks on an additional six-tenths (3.9 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+) to move from eighth to seventh. Recent (6+) movement for adult contemporary cluster-mate WMAG (6.9 – 7.3, flat at #4, 6+) is -.9 (March); +.5 (April); +.9 (May); -.3 (June); -.7 (July); -.5 (August); +.7 (September); -.6 (October); and +.4 (November).
latest fluctuations for "Kool" have been by +1.5 (July); -1.0 (August); -.8 (September); -.9 (October); and +.9 (November). July's 7.5 was its highest 6+-stat since 7.7 in April 2015. Three-tenths ahead of WOLL – and flat at #2 – is its adult contemporary rival, Alpha Media's WEAT, but "Sunny 107.9," is off for the third consecutive ratings period for a cumulative -1.9 (7.9 – 7.6 – 6.3 – 6.0, 6+). This is the softest 6+-showing for "Sunny" since December (6.0 as well). The ups and downs continue for iHeartMedia classic rocker WKGR "Gater 98.7," which wiped out August's -.7 with a +.7 in September; lost one-half share in October; and now picks up three-tenths in November (4.9 – 4.2 – 4.9 – 4.4 – 4.7, 6+) to shift back to fourth from sixth. Notwithstanding that it is #1 for the fourth straight time, Alpha Media hot AC WRMF (up a collective +1.9 in August and September to 9.1, 6+) follows October's -.8 with a loss of another six-tenths (9.1 – 8.3 – 7.6, 6+). WRMF fell to second in July, after 23 successive sweeps at #1. In June, WRMF gained three-tenths to end four successive decreases yielding a cumulative -2.2 (9.5 – 9.3 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.3, 6+). September's 9.1 was its strongest 6+-stat since February's 9.3. In addition to WRMF, Alpha Media-operated talker WFTL (1.8 – 1.2, #12 to #16, 6+) and iHeartMedia CHR WLDI "WiLD 95.5" (5.2 – 4.6, third to seventh, 6+) are also off by six-tenths. The loss of six-tenths by "WiLD" pulls the plug on seven successive up or flat monthlies that netted +2.4 (2.8 – 3.3 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.5 – 5.2, 6+). October's 5.2 marked the first time "WiLD 95.5" reached the five-share level (6+) since the "Holiday" 2013 report (5.3).
Group talker WOKV flaunts a rousing +1.7 (6.5 – 7.2 – 8.9, 6+) to march from fourth to first. It is the most potent 6+-stat for WOKV in exactly four years (9.9, November 2012). Evicted from the top spot and trailing WOKV by two-tenths is Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ "Lite 96.1 – Today's Variety," which sputters by one-half share (9.2 – 8.7, 6+). "Lite 96" rebounded from a -1.3 in August with a +.5 in September. Prior to August, "Lite" had been #1 the previous nine sweeps and in fact, before dropping to #2 in November 2015, it was on top the previous 17 sweeps. This is the weakest 6+-share for WEJZ in precisely two years (7.5, November 2014). Simultaneous with the -.5 by "Lite," AC rival – Cox Media Group's WEZI – improves by that margin to 3.6, its best 6+-stat since September 2015's 4.2. Even so, "Easy 106.5" actually backslides from #12 to #13. Powered by a hefty +.8 to 3.8 (6+), iHeartMedia adult hits WWJK "107.3 Jack-FM" enters the top ten (#11 to #10), applying the brakes to four straight negative trends that produced a collective loss of -2.7 and nearly 50% of its 6+-share (5.7 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+). Steady at #15, Brunswick, Georgia-licensed independent contemporary Christian WMUV "The Promise" registers a one-half share gain to 1.3 to curtail three successive downward trends (1.1 – 1.1 – 1.0 – .8, 6+). Three consecutive improvements (May – June – July) gave Renda Broadcasting's WGNE "99 Gator Country" a combined +1.2 (4.9 – 5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1, 6+). It, however, surrendered virtually all that gain in August (-1.1, 6+) only to post three straight gains in September, October, and November for a combined +1.7; "99 Gator Country" (5.2 – 5.3, 6+) is unchanged at #7. Meanwhile, prior to November's +.1 to 6.8 (6+), format foe – iHeartMedia-owned WQIK "Jacksonville's Country" (sixth to fifth) – was down two full-shares as a result of not having an increase since February (8.7 – 8.7 – 8.4 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.7 – 7.7 – 7.3 – 6.7, 6+). Relinquishing more than twice the one-half share it secured in October after bouncing back from a -.7 in September (8.6 – 9.1 – 7.9, -1.2, 6+), Cox Media Group CHR WAPE slides from second to fourth. "Jacksonville's #1 Hit Music Station" had a one-month stay at #1 in August and is back to the 7.9 (6+) it had in June. This marks the sixth straight sweep that iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WSOL "V-101.5 Throwback Hip-Hop and R&B" (eighth to ninth) is either down or flat (6.3 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 5.4 – 5.2 – 5.1 – 4.4, ninth, 6+) for a cumulative loss of almost two full-shares. In contrast, urban contemporary sibling WJBT "93.3 The Beat" (fifth to sixth) drops six-tenths to 6.4 (6+), thus ending five consecutive improvements for a combined +1.8 (5.2 – 5.5 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.4 – 7.0, 6+). October's 7.0 by "The Beat" was its strongest 6+-stat in three years (also 7.0 in October 2013). Down two-tenths to .6 (6+), co-owned WFXJ "Sports Radio 930" (#15 to #16) has its consecutive streak of positive trends end at three (.1 – .2 -.3 – .8, 6+).
nearly three years (6.9, December 2013). Trotting out meaty increases of eight-tenths each are Cumulus Media cluster-mates WRBO "Soul Classics & Today's R&B" (9.1, 6+, #2 for the sixth straight survey period) and WGKX "Kix 106 Today's Best Country" (5.1, 6+, fourth successive time at #9). Back-to-back modest declines by WRBO in August and September produced a combined loss of six-tenths (8.5 – 8.2 – 7.8, 6+), but "Soul Classics & Today's R&B" wiped out virtually all of it with October's one-half share gain. A +.3 in October curtailed three successive negative trends that produced a -.7 for "Kix 106 Today's Best Country" (4.7 – 4.6 – 4.4 – 4.0, 6+). Rock sibling WXMX "98.1 The Max" (steady at #8) hasn't had a decrease in the last seven ratings periods, netting +2.4 since April (2.8 – 3.4 – 3.5 – 4.0 – 4.7 – 4.9 – 5.2, 6+). Advancing from #12 to #11, Entercom's WMFS "ESPN Sports Radio" is up or flat for the fourth straight time (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.0, 6+). While #1 for the ninth consecutive monthly, iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS "V-101" is -2.6 in six successive monthly reports without an increase (12.5 – 11.6 – 10.7 – 10.5 – 10.2 – 9.9 – 9.9, 6+). October and November (9.9, 6+) mark the first time since February (8.3) that "V-101" is not in double-digits (6+). Flat at #7, co-owned gospel WHAL "Halleluiah 95.7 – Memphis' Inspiration Station" is down by one-half share to 5.3, its lowest 6+-performance since June's 5.1. Flat at #10, talk sibling WREC drops one-tenth to 3.5 (6+), ending its consecutive progressive trends, which netted a +.9, at four (2.7 – 2.8 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 3.6, 6+).
to repeat at #1 "Lite 100.5" is back in double-digits (6+) for the first time since August (9.6 – 10.1, 6+). "Lite" had been in double-digits (6+) for 13 straight ratings periods before posting a 9.3 in September and a 9.6 in October; 9.3 was its lowest 6+-showing since August 2015, when it recorded an 8.7. Entering the September sweep, "Lite" was on top for 15 straight sweeps and 23 of the previous 24 but it declined by -1.1 and dropped to second-place. Even though co-owned WTIC-AM forfeits all of the six-tenths it secured in October – plus two-tenths more – to 8.1 (-.8, 6+), the talk facility actually moves up from third to second. Nonetheless, the decrease stymies WTIC-AM's successive string of gains – which netted a +1.9 – at three (7.0 – 8.0 – 8.3 – 8.9, 6+); WTIC-AM's 8.9 in October matched what it registered in June. Progressing from eighth to seventh, Connecticut Public Broadcasting's WNPR boasts its fifth straight gain (3.1 – 3.3 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 5.0 – 5.4, 6+) for an overall +2.3. Four-tenths behind "Lite" in October, iHeartMedia-owned WWYZ "Country 92-5" follows up October's one-half share decrease by plummeting nearing three times as much (-1.4, 6+), sliding from second to third. It results in being the third straight regression for "Country 92-5" (10.1 – 9.7 – 9.2 – 7.8, 6+) producing a collective -2.3 and the station's lowest 6+-share since March (7.2). WWYZ actually took over the top spot from WRCH in September with a decrease of four-tenths, which halted five straight positive or flat monthlies (7.2 – 7.9 – 7.9 – 9.0 – 9.5 – 10.1, 6+). "Country 92-5" was up nearly three full-shares since March and had been in the runner-up slot the previous three sweeps. Without an increase for the fifth successive time (6.5 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.3 – 5.0, 6+), mainstream CHR cluster-mate WKSS "Kiss 95.7 – All the Hits" slips from seventh to eighth and is a collective -1.5 since June. This also marks the fifth consecutive time that Connoisseur Media's WDRC-FM "102.9 The Whale – Hartford's Classic Rock" (flat at #9) hasn't posted an improvement (6.0 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+).
