February 2020 PPM Ratings Takeaways – Round One

| March 18, 2020

Warning: Illegal string offset 'video_embed' in /home/talkers/public_html/wp-content/themes/wp-prosper-prem/functions.php on line 1011

February 2020 PPM Data – Information for the February 2020 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 survey period covered January 30 – February 26. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – In addition to adding one-tenth to January’s increase of two-tenths (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” returns to the top twenty (#21 to #20). Red Apple Media’s WABC repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (1.4, #22); 1.4 is its best 6+-showing since 1.5 in February 2019. Without an increase the third straight time for an overall loss of two-tenths (1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .9, 6+), Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” nonetheless advances from #24 to #23.

After gaining one-half share in January to halt three consecutive decreases that led to a collective -1.2 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Brooklyn Nets) falters by eight-tenths (3.1 – 2.3, #12 to #17, 6+). It’s a similar scenario for WEPN-FM (Knicks, Rangers), which improved by six-tenths in January to curtail three straight drops (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), but “98.7 ESPN New York” surrenders four-tenths in February (2.1 – 1.7, 6+) and departs the top twenty (#19 to #21).

Following a January increase of one-half share, Entercom-owned all-news WINS boosts by one-tenth (3.5 – 3.6, 6+) and one ranker (tenth to ninth). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is off two-tenths via three successive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+) but progresses from #16 to #15; December’s 2.6 was its best 6+-showing since May 2019 (2.6, as well).

Adding two-tenths to January’s improvement of one-half share (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.1, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM jumps from #15 to #12. Co-owned news/talk WNYC-AM records a .5 the fourth time in the last five sweeps (.5 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .5, #29 to #27, 6+).

New York City Music Formats –  Replicating January’s +.7 (4.3 – 5.0 – 5.7, 6+), WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” repeats at #3. The Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet was a collective -1.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 4.9 – 4.3, 6+), after being an overall +.2 via four straight up or flat moves (5.7 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.8 – 5.9, 6+). As a result of seven straight upticks, Univision Radio Spanish contemporary WXNY “X.96.3” more than doubles (+2.1) its 6+ AQH share and crosses the four-share mark (2.0 – 2.2 – 2.3 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 4.1, tenth to seventh, 6+). On top the 33rd ratings period in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” is -6.0 in January/February (13.3 – 8.0 – 7.3, 6+), after being +6.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.1 – 9.6 – 13.3, 6+). In three straight down or flat moves, WBLS lost eight-tenths (5.8 – 5.8 – 5.0 – 5.0, 6+). Even though the Emmis urban AC ends the slide with a +.4 to 5.4 (6+), “#1 for R&B” backslides from third to fourth.

Los Angeles

Spoken-Word Formats –  Tacking on an increase of one-half share to January’s +.7 (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk KFI progresses from ninth to seventh. “AM 640” had been an overall -1.9 through seven successive down or flat sweeps (4.5 – 4.3 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.6, 6+). Salem Media Group news/talk KRLA repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (1.1, #29, 6+). Prior to gaining one-tenth in January, “AM 870 The Answer” was down or flat three reports in a row for a net loss of three-tenths (1.3 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.0, 6+). This is the third up or flat report in succession by iHeartMedia-owned KEIB “AM 1150 The Patriot” for a net spike of four-tenths (.6 – .6 – .9 – 1.0, #33 to #32, 6+). Meanwhile, Cumulus Media’s KABC “790 News-Talk-Evolved” has gained four-tenths in January/February (.5 – .7 – .9, #36 to #35, 6+).

Down one-tenth and two-tenths, respectively, are iHeartMedia’s KLAC “AM 570 LA Sports” (1.1 – 1.0, #32, 6+) and Disney-owned/similarly-formatted KSPN “710 ESPN” (1.1 – .9, #35, 6+). KLAC (Clippers) and KSPN (Lakers) were tied at #29 in January. The two sports talk rivals were deadlocked at #27 in June and July.

After recapturing a combined December/“Holiday” 2019 loss of four-tenths with January’s +.4, Entercom all-news KNX “1070 News Radio” repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (3.0, tenth, 6+).

Remaining at #20, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” is up two-tenths in January/February (1.9 – 2.1 – 2.1, 6+).

Los Angeles Music Formats – Having recorded a .6 (6+) in each of the past three sweeps, Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KFSH “95.9 The Fish” doubles that stat to 1.2 (6+) and checks in at #28. This (1.2) is the first time that “The Fish” has reached the one-share level (6+) in more than four years (1.0, 6+, November 2015). While it is the market leader the fourth time in a row, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KOST is -8.0 in January/February (13.7 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+). “Coast 103.5” was an overall +8.5 via three straight sweeps without a loss (5.2 – 5.2 – 9.3 – 13.7, 6+). It has a half-share advantage (6+) over Entercom classic hits-oldies KRTH “K-Earth 101,” which forfeits the one-tenth it picked up this time last month (5.2 – 5.3 – 5.2, flat at #2, 6+). Prior to January, KRTH lost seven-tenths in three straight sweeps without an increase (5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.2, 6+); “K-Earth” occupied the top spot in October and November. Three successive dips by smooth AC cluster-mate KTWV resulted in a net loss of six-tenths (4.5 – 4.1 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+), but “94.7 The Wave” is +.8 in January/February (3.9 – 4.6 – 4.7, fourth to third, 6+). In the market’s CHR contest, iHeartMedia’s KIIS “102.7 Kiss FM” (4.1 – 4.4, +.3, unchanged at #5, 6+) has a more than a two-to-one lead over Entercom’s KAMP “97.1 Amp Radio” (flat at 2.0, #21 to #22, 6+). “Kiss” was down three-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+); “Amp” was -.6 in the same timeframe (2.5 – 2.4 – 1.9, 6+). Separated by one-tenth of a share are iHeartMedia’s alternative KYSR “Alt 98.7” (2.9 – 2.6, -.3, #11 to #12, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-formatted KROQ, which is trending 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.5 – 2.5 (flat at #14, 6+).

Chicago

Spoken-Word Formats – Up one-tenth after January’s increase of eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.8 – 3.9, 6+), Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN “Radio 720” moves from eighth to seventh. Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM notches a 2.3 (6+) the sixth time in succession but slips from #18 to #19.

Off eight-tenths in January/February (3.5 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom sports talk WSCR “670 The Score” (Bulls) dips from #13 to #14. As a result of four consecutive sweeps without an increase, Disney/ESPN-owned WMVP “ESPN Chicago 1000” has lost a cumulative seven-tenths (1.9 – 1.6 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.2, #25 to #27, 6+).

Not only does WBBM-AM add four-tenths to January’s half-share gain (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8, 6+), the Entercom all-news operation marches from second to first. Its October gain of one-tenth halted eight successive negative or neutral moves that accounted for an overall -1.4 (6.2 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 4.8, 6+).

In an alternating down/up pattern since December (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ falls from seventh to ninth.

Chicago Music Formats –The market’s top three February 2020 finishers are separated by one-half share. Without an increase the last three reports for a net loss of two-tenths (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System regional Mexican WLEY “La Ley 107.9” responds with a February +.7 to 2.6 (6+) and zooms into the top twenty (#21 to #15). Tacking a one-half share onto January’s +1.6 (3.3 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WTMX “101.9 The Mix” vaults from fifth to second. Immediately prior, “The Mix” was a collective -2.2 in three consecutive downturns (5.5 – 4.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). WTMX exited the top spot in September when it eroded by -1.5 (5.7 – 4.2, 6+); “Mix” was #1 in April, May, and June. Following three straight sweeps at #1, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” (5.5 – 4.8, -.7, 6+) segues to fifth. “Lite FM” more than tripled (+9.5) its 6+-stat via four straight upticks (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 9.5 – 13.7, 6+), but plummeted by -8.2 in January. Venture Technologies Group-owned/similarly-formatted WRME-LP “Me TV 87.7” falters by -1.1 (3.5 – 2.4, #11 to #18, 6+), while the market’s other major AC – Hubbard Broadcasting’s WSHE “100.3 SHE” – forfeits three-tenths (3.6 – 3.3, ninth to tenth, 6+). WSHE improved by six-tenths in January and WRME-LP was up one-half share. WSHE was a combined -.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 3.3 – 3.0, 6+); “Me TV 87.7” was -1.1 (4.1 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+). A collective -1.2 in six successive down or flat trends (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+), Cumulus Media alternative WKQX applies the brakes with a +.1 to 2.3 (flat at #19, 6+).

San Francisco

Spoken-Word Formats. A loss of four-tenths (2.2 – 1.8, 6+) sends Cumulus Media news/talk KSFO from #15 to a four-way logjam at #19. Three straight up or flat trends yielded six-tenths (1.7 – 2.0 – 2.0 – 2.3, September through December, 6+). Part of that four-way tie at #19 is KSFO’s cluster-mate KGO, which adds three-tenths in back-to-back months (1.2 – 1.5 – 1.8, #25 to #19, 6+). By gaining one-tenth (.1 – .2, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned KKSF-AM “Real Talk 910 – Think Forward” progresses from #36 to #34.

No sooner does Cumulus Media-owned KNBR-AM “The Sports Leader” chalk up a January +1.1 than it surrenders -1.3 in February (3.7 – 4.8 – 3.5, third to eighth, 6+). Up one-tenth in consecutive reports (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) continues at #23.

Entercom all-news operation KCBS-AM is a combined +1.0 in January/February (7.7 – 8.4 – 8.7, 6+) and repeats at #1. KCBS-AM was on top from September through December.

Five recent fluctuations for California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED include: September/October’s -1.2 (7.1 – 6.4 – 5.9, 6+); November/December’s +1.6 (5.9 – 7.3 – 7.5, 6+); “Holiday” 2019’s -1.2; January 2020’s +1.2; and February’s -.9 (7.5 – 6.6, flat at #2, 6+). KQED was San Francisco’s first-place finisher in June, July, August, and tied at the top (with KCBS-AM) in September. After five successive sweeps without a loss for an overall +.3 (.7 – .7 – .7 – .8 – .8 – 1.0, 6+), San Francisco Unified School District’s KALW “91.7 Local Public Radio” drops two-tenths to .8 (#27 to #29, 6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Immediately after sputtering by -6.6 (10.7 – 4.1, 6+), Bonneville adult contemporary KOIT-FM “96.5 Today’s Hits & Yesterday’s Favorites” bounces back with a +.7 to 4.8 (seventh to third, 6+). Setting the pace in “Holiday” 2019, KOIT-FM was off a collective six-tenths in four successive negative or neutral trends (4.1 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 3.7 – 3.5, 6+), before notching a combined +7.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.5 – 4.8 – 10.7, 6+). Down four-tenths via three straight modest dips (2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8, 6+), Entercom rhythmic hot AC KRBQ “Q-102.1 The Bay’s Old School” erases the deficit with a +.6 to 2.4 (#19 to #14, 6+). It is a somewhat similar situation for iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KYLD. “WiLD 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” was down one-half share in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+), but wipes away the deficit completely with a half-share increase to 3.1 (#11 to #10, 6+). The +.7 that Entercom hot AC KLLC racked up in January all but disappears in February as “Alice @ 97.3” drops six-tenths (4.7 – 4.1, fourth to sixth, 6+). In three straight dips, KLLC was -1.0 (5.0 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.0, 6+).

Dallas

Spoken-Word Formats – Off six-tenths via three straight down or flat moves in succession (4.4 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.8, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WBAP “News Talk 820” halts the skid by picking up two-tenths to 4.0 (6+) and continues at #8. Co-owned KLIF-AM “570 News & Information” records a .5 the sixth time in the last eight sweeps (.5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .6 – .5 – .5 – .5, 6+) and stays at #34. In a similar vein, Salem Media Group-owned KSKY “660 AM The Answer” logs a .4 the fifth time in the last eight survey periods (.4 – .4 – .5 – .4 – .3 – .4 – .5 – .4, #34 to #35, 6+).

Regressing by three-tenths in back-to-back reports (2.5 – 2.2 – 1.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk KRLD-FM “105.3 The Fan” repeats at #19. Cumulus Media’s KTCK “The Ticket – All Sports All The Time” is a combined +.5 in January/February (1.1 – 1.5 – 1.6, #23 to #21, 6+). This comes directly after ten down or flat reports in succession that accounted for a roughly 59% loss (-1.6) of its 6+ AQH share (2.7 – 2.7 – 2.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.2 – 1.1, 6+). Following seven consecutive up or flat trends that yielded one-half share (.7 – .8 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.1 – 1.2, 6+), Disney/ESPN’s KESN “103.3 ESPN Dallas” (Mavericks) forfeits two-tenths to 1.0 (#29 to #32, 6+).

Entercom news-talk hybrid KRLD-AM “News Radio 1080” has a July 2019 through February 2020 topline of: 1.8 – 1.9 – 1.7 – 1.7 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.6 (#20 to #21, 6+).

This is North Texas Public Broadcasting news/talk KERA’s seventh down or flat report in succession for a net decline of four-tenths (3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.2 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 2.8 – 2.8, #15 to #14, 6+).

Dallas Music Formats – Registering improvements of nine-tenths (each) are iHeartMedia hot AC KDMX “Now 102.9 – More Music/More Variety” (3.2 – 4.1, #12 to #7, 6+) and Service Broadcasting urban AC KRNB “Smooth R&B 105.7” (2.3 – 3.2, #18 to #13, 6+). Both KDMX and KRNB were off one-half share in January. “Now” had been up seven-tenths in three straight spikes (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+), but was a combined -1.4 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.6 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+). In three straight upticks, KRNB gained six-tenths (2.2 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.8, 6+). Albeit that it surrenders the four-tenths it picked up in January (6.9 – 7.3 – 6.9, 6+), Salem Media Group contemporary Christian KLTY “Your Life … Inspired” repeats at #1. KLTY was +1.6 in “Holiday” 2019 (5.3 – 6.9,6+) and a combined -1.3 in November/December (6.6 – 5.6 – 5.3, 6+). Entercom classic hits-oldies KLUV “98.7 Nobody Plays More 80s” is within 4.0 – 4.6 range (6+) the 15th sweep in succession (4.4 – 4.6, +.2, steady at #5, 6+). There’s practically no movement in the country competition between Cumulus Media siblings KSCS “New Country 96.3” (flat at 5.2 and unchanged at #3, 6+) and KPLX “99.5 The Wolf” (4.7 – 4.6, -.1, fourth to fifth, 6+). The cluster-mates gained eight-tenths (each) in January. “New Country” was off one-half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.9 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+). “The Wolf” lost a combined half-share in October/November (4.4 – 4.0 – 3.9, 6+), but fully erased that deficit with a December increase of one-half share.

Houston                              

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to seven consecutive positive or neutral moves, iHeartMedia news/talk KTRH “News Radio 740” is an overall +2.4 (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.4 – 5.7, fifth to fourth, 6+). The September 2019 through February 2020 topline for co-owned KPRC “AM 950 – Houston’s More Stimulating Talk Radio” is: .3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .3 – .3 – .4 (#28 to #26, 6+).

In an alternating up/down pattern that began in November and includes February’s -.5, Entercom’s KILT-AM “Sports Radio 610” continues at #22 (1.4 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.2, 6+). Tied for the third time in a row are iHeartMedia’s KBME “Sports Talk 790” (Rockets) and Gow Communications’ sports talk KFNC “ESPN 97.5.” KBME is an overall -1.2 (or -80%) the last four sweeps (1.5 – .6 – .4 – .4 – .3, #26 to #27, 6+), while KFNC has lost four-tenths in four straight down or flat moves (.7 -.5 – .4 – .4 – .3, #26 to #27, 6+).

Flat at 3.7 (6+) following January’s +1.0, University of Houston news/talk KUHF progresses from #12 to #11.

Houston Music Formats – In addition to recording its third successive spike for a net increase of +2.1 (including February’s +1.3), independent contemporary Christian KSBJ “89.3 God Listens” crosses the five-share level (3.3 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.4, tenth to sixth, 6+). Despite being a combined -4.9 in January/February (11.6 – 7.0 – 6.7, 6+) after a +.5.8 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.8 – 7.8 – 11.6, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KODA “Sunny 99.1” is #1 the fourth successive sweep. Prior to December, “Sunny” lost roughly 52% (-6.3) of its 6+ AQH share in 11 straight sweeps without an increase (12.1 – 8.6 – 8.5 – 8.2 – 7.5 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.6 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 5.8, 6+). KODA was the market leader 16 sweeps in a row before segueing to #2 in August. Major ups/downs continue for Univision Radio regional Mexican KLTN “Que Buena 102.9,” which was a collective +1.9 via six straight increases (4.9 – 5.0 – 5.1 – 5.6 – 6.5 – 6.6 – 6.8, 6+); -1.1 (“Holiday” 2019); +.9 (January 2020); and now -.9 in February (6.6 – 5.7, second to fourth, 6+). December’s 6.8 was its best 6+-showing since January 2019 (7.0). Locked on 4.2 (6+) in “Holiday” 2019 and January 2020, Entercom’s country-formatted KILT-FM “100.3 The Bull” regresses by seven-tenths to 3.5 (6+) and drifts from the top ten (#9 to #15). Its format rival – Cox Media Group’s KKBQ “93-Q Country” – is flat at 4.6 (seventh to eighth, 6+). KKBQ substituted its combined December/”Holiday” 2019 -1.0 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5, 6+) with a January 2020 +1.1.

Atlanta

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly following its January +2.0, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM piles on a +1.4 (10.0 – 11.4, 6+) and is #1 the eighth month in a row. Moreover, this (11.4) is WSB-AM’s strongest 6+-showing in the PPM-era and only the third time any Atlanta station has reached the 11-share level (6+). Despite dropping two-tenths (.8 – .6, 6+), Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” progresses from #26 to #25. Having lost two-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (.4 – .4 – .4 – .3 – .2 – .2, 6+), Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” curtails the slide with a +.1 to .3 (#31 to #29, 6+). Flat at .2 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” repeats at #31.

Slumping by seven-tenths (4.6 – 3.9, 6+), Entercom sports talk WZGC “92.9 The Game” slips from seventh to tenth. After posting seven consecutive up or flat months for a net gain of +1.1 (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.5 – 2.7, 6+), Dickey Broadcasting’s WCNN is now a combined -1.7 through six losses in a row (2.7 – 2.5 – 1.8 – 1.7 – 1.3 – 1.2 – 1.0, #21 to #23, 6+).

Adding four-tenths to January’s +.1 (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE advances from #14 to #13. The October 2019 through February 2020 topline for Georgia State University news/talk WRAS is: .6 – .8 – .8 – .6 – .7 – .6 (#27 to #25, 6+).

Atlanta Music Formats – Eliminating January’s loss of one-half share with a February increase of the same magnitude (4.9 – 5.4, +.5, 6+), Cox Media Group adult contemporary WSB-FM “B-98.5” inches up from sixth to fifth. One-tenth of a share separates the market’s urban AC rivals: Cox Media Group’s WALR “Kiss 104.1” is off three-tenths (5.8 – 5.5, unchanged at #4, 6+), while Radio One’s WAMJ “Majic 107.5 & 97.5” drops one-tenth (5.5 – 5.4, flat at #5, 6+). A combined -1.0 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.9 – 5.7 – 4.9, 6+), WAMJ sliced that deficit by 60% in January with a +.6. It’s the same margin (one-tenth) between the two major CHR players, as Cumulus Media’s WWWQ “Q-99.7” improves by one-tenth (4.2 – 4.3, ninth to seventh, 6+), while iHeartMedia’s similarly-programmed WWPW “Power 96.1 Atlanta’s #1 Hit Music Station” picks up two-tenths (4.0 – 4.2, tenth to ninth, 6+). Following back-to-back modest decreases (3.4 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+), “Q-99.7” hauled out a +1.1 in January, reaching the four-share level (4.2) for the first time since June (4.0). Entering the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, “Power” was a cumulative +1.1 in three straight advances (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.6 – 4.0, 6+). There is a bit more distance between the country combatants, but it’s still relatively close with iHeartMedia’s WUBL “94.9 The Bull” (3.6 – 3.5, -.1, flat at #12, 6+) holding a nine-tenths advantage over Cumulus Media-owned WKHX “Kicks 101.5 – Atlanta’s #1 For Country Hits” (2.8 – 2.6, -.2, unchanged at #15, 6+). “The Bull” was down six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 but rebounded with a +.5 in January 2020. The half-share increase halted four successive slips that resulted in an overall -1.8 (4.9 – 4.3 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.1, 6+). “Kicks” was off one-half share in “Holiday” 2019, after being a combined +.9 in November/December (2.4 – 3.0 – 3.3, 6+).

Philadelphia

Spoken-Word Formats – Off two-tenths (2.3 – 2.1, 6+), Entercom-owned WPHT slips from #18 to #19; “Talk Radio 1210” notched a +.7 in January. While flat at 1.0 (6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” dips from #23 to #24.

Wild shifts continue for Entercom sports talk WIP “Sports Radio 94.1.” It was +1.6 (October/November; -1.5 (December); +1.1 (“Holiday” 2019/January 2020); and now -2.0 in February (7.8 – 5.8, first to fourth, 6+). Before falling to third in December, WIP had been #1 three months in a row. Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM (76ers, Flyers) relinquishes the four-tenths it gained in January (2.9 – 3.3 – 2.9, 6+) and slips from #12 to #15. A “Holiday” 2019 decrease of one-tenth interrupted six straight up or flat reports that yielded nine-tenths (2.1 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 3.0, 6+).

Following January’s +1.4, Entercom-owned KYW “News Radio 1060” is down one-tenth (4.8 – 4.7, 6+) and one ranker (seventh to eighth).

A combined +1.6 in January/February (3.3 – 4.5 – 4.9, 6+), public radio news/talk WHYY progresses from ninth to seventh. WHYY was +.7 in December and -.7 in “Holiday” 2019.

Philadelphia Music Formats – On the heels of logging a January +1.1, Beasley Media Group adult hits WBEN-FM “95.7 Ben FM – Playing Anything We Feel Like” boasts a +1.2. “Ben” crosses the four-share level (3.1 – 4.3, 6+) and enters the top ten (#14 to #10). WBEN-FM improved by one-half share in December, but was -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019. It’s a #1/#2 finish for its rock and classic rock cluster-mates WMMR “93.3 Everything That Rocks” (6.4 – 6.9, +.5, third to first) and WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” (6.2 – 6.4, +.2, fourth to second, 6+ ). After dropping eight-tenths in December, WMMR faltered by seven-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (6.1 – 5.3 – 4.6, 6+). It was a different story though in January 2020 as it notched a +1.8. Before picking up one-tenth in November, WMMR had lost an overall four-tenths in five successive sweeps without an increase (6.4 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.1 – 6.0 – 6.0, 6+). WMGK answered “Holiday” 2019’s -2.0 with a January improvement of seven-tenths. “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK” had been +1.0 in three straight up or flat moves (6.5 – 6.6 – 7.5 – 7.5, 6+). In addition to WMMR, iHeartMedia CHR WIOQ “Q-102 Philly’s #1 Hit Music Station” (2.9 – 3.4, #16 to #12, 6+) and Entercom’s similarly-programmed WTDY “Today’s Hits 96.5 TDY” (2.7, #19 to #16) are up by one-half share, as well. “Q-102” was down a combined six-tenths in December/“Holiday” 2019 (3.0 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), but rebounded with a one-half share gain in January. “Today’s Hits” was without an increase the past four reports for a net loss of nine-tenths (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.5 – 2.4 – 2.2, 6+). Co-owned adult contemporary WBEB “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” is a combined –13.5 in January/February (18.6 – 6.1 – 5.1, flat at #5, 6+). This comes directly following its “Holiday” 2019 +9.7 (8.9 – 18.6, 6+). “B-101.1 More Music/More Variety” was +1.1 in three straight increases (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.1 – 6.6, 6+); -1.2 in November (6.6 – 5.4, 6+); and +3.5 in December. In an alternating up/down pattern since November (2.8 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 2.7, 6+), Radio One urban-rhythmic oldies WPPZ “107.9 Philly’s Classic R n B” has its lowest 6+-stat (2.7) since May (2.5) and falls from #12 to #16. In five consecutive negative or neutral moves, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOGL “Nobody Plays More 80s” is an overall -1.2 (5.8 – 5.6 – 4.7 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6, eighth to ninth, 6+).

Long Island

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of a January +1.5 to 4.6 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” falters by four-tenths to 4.2 (flat at #6, 6+). WOR was a cumulative -1.6 through five straight down or flat trends (4.7 – 4.5 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.3 – 3.1, 6+). The August 2019 through February 2020 topline for Red Apple Media news/talk WABC is: 1.1 – 1.3 – 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.1 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.1 (unchanged at #24, 6+).

A combined +1.0 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (4.8 – 4.9 – 5.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Brooklyn Nets) relinquishes all but one-tenth of that increase (4.7, -1.1, 6+), segueing from first to third. WFAN-FM was a combined -1.6 in November/December (6.4 – 6.1 – 4.8, 6+). Similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers), which was off a combined half share in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.5 – 2.2, flat at #15, 6+), is unlisted in Long Island for the second month in a row.

Entercom’s all-news WINS was .7 (October); +.5 (November/December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2019); +.6 (January 2020); and now -.1 in February (3.6 – 3.5, #9 to #11, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM is off three-tenths in January/February (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.5, #14 to #15, 6+).

In addition to halting at three a consecutive string of increases that netted four-tenths (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 1.9, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation news/talk WNYC-FM exits the top twenty (1.5, -.4, #20 to #21, 6+).

Long Island Music Formats – Doubling January’s +.6 with a February +1.2 (2.6 – 3.2 – 4.6, 6+), Emmis urban AC WBLS “107.5 #1 For R&B” rockets from a three-way tie at #11 all the way to #4. Not only is Entercom classic hits-oldies WCBS-FM a collective +2.0 via six straight sweeps without a loss (4.0 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 5.2 – 6.0, 6+) “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” reaches the six-share level (6.0, 6+) and storms from fourth to first. A combined +1.0 in January/February (2.0 – 2.3 – 3.0, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105” jumps from #15 to #12. Classic rock cluster-mate WAXQ “Q-104.3” nets seven-tenths via three straight positive or neutral trends (3.5 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 4.2, ninth to sixth, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since September (4.2, as well). Cox Media Group-owned/similarly-formatted WBAB “Long Island’s Only Classic Rock,” which was +1.2 in January, forfeits 75% of that increase (5.5 – 4.6, -.9, second to fourth, 6+). WBAB had been trending 4.4 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.3 (October – November – December – “Holiday” 2019, 6+). CHR sibling WBLI “Long Island’s #1 For All The Hits” is in alternating up/down pattern that began in November (4.9 – 5.0 – 4.6 – 4.7 – 4.0, fifth to eighth, 6+). Following January’s -5.9 (10.3 – 4.4, 6+), Connoisseur Media hot AC WALK-FM relinquishes another six-tenths (3.8, seventh to ninth, 6+). WALK-FM had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1. Entering the January sweep, “97.5 Real Variety” was a collective +6.5 through four successive bumps (3.8 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 6.1 – 10.3, 6+) with 10.3 its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 10.5. Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” returns in full January’s half-share improvement (1.8 – 2.3 – 1.8, #15 to #19, 6+). WNEW-FM was off seven-tenths in three straight declines (2.5 – 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.8, 6+).

Riverside

Spoken-Word Formats – After notching a .1 (6+) in August, September, and October, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is unlisted the fifth time in a row. Likewise, KKDD did not appear in print in May, June, and July.

Flat at #20, co-owned KPWK “Fox Sports Radio 1350 AM” is without an increase the tenth time in succession (.2 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1 – .1, 6+). Similarly-formatted/Los Angeles Angels-owned (LAA 1, LLC) KLAA “Angels Radio AM 830” does not appear in print the 27th straight sweep.

Up one-half share via three straight up or flat trends (.7 – .7 – .8 – 1.2, 6+), San Bernardino Community College news/talk KVCR forfeits two-tenths (1.0, flat at #12, 6+). After improving by four-tenths in January, Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” returns two-tenths (.5 – .3, unchanged at #17, 6+).

Riverside Music Formats – Tacking on eight-tenths to January’s gain of six-tenths (2.2 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+), KLVE “107.5 K-LOVE” advances from seventh to fifth. The Univision Radio Spanish contemporary outlet was locked on 3.1 (6+) in November and December, and faltered by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2019. By gaining three-tenths to 3.0 (steady at #8, 6+), iHeartMedia rhythmic CHR KGGI “99.1 Riverside’s Hottest Hit Music” pulls the plug on three straight downturns that accounted for a cumulative -1.2 (3.9 – 3.6 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+). On the heels of January’s +.9 to 7.9 (6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” sputters by four-tenths to 7.5 (6+) but is #1 the fifth time in a row. January’s increase suspended a combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (8.2 – 7.9 – 7.0, 6+). KLYY was up one-half share in November. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when “Jose” recorded a 10.4. After nearly doubling (+.8) its 6+-stat in three straight up or flat moves (.9 – 1.3 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+), Univision Radio Spanish adult hits KRCD “Recuerdo” falters by six-tenths to 1.1 (6+) but remains at #11. A collective +1.5 via three spikes in succession (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom country KFRG “K-Frog 95.1” surrenders four-tenths to 4.8 (6+) and continues in third-place. In January, “K-Frog” reached the five-share level (5.2, 6+) for the first time since July (5.1). Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted the ninth time in a row.

San Jose

Spoken-Word Formats – Adding six-tenths to January’s improvement of seven-tenths (1.3 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+), Cumulus Media news/talk KGO leaps from #20 to a five-way scrum at #12. KGO was a combined -1.1 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (2.4 – 2.3 – 1.3, 6+). Co-owned/similarly-formatted KSFO, which was up four-tenths this time last month, repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (1.3, #22, 6+) and has its best 6+-stat since May (1.3, as well).

Sports talk sibling KNBR “The Sports Leader” was down a combined -.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019; +.9 in January; and now -1.4 in February (4.7 – 3.3, sixth to eighth, 6+). Entercom’s similarly-formatted KGMZ “95.7 The Game” (Golden State Warriors) is part of that aforementioned five-way tie at #12 (2.7 – 2.6, -.1, #13 to #12, 6+).

The six most recent San Jose fluctuations for Entercom all-news KCBS-AM are -.5 (October); +.7 (November); -.8 (December); -.7 (“Holiday” 2019); +.6 (January 2020); and now +.7 in February (5.7 – 5.2 – 5.9 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 5.0 – 5.7, fifth to fourth, 6+).

Steady in second-place, Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED follows January’s +1.2 with a loss of four-tenths (6.9 – 6.5, 6+). A combined -1.2 in December/“Holiday 2019 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+), KQED was +1.0 in November (5.9 – 6.9, 6+) and had a November-only stay at #1. The December 2019 through February 2020 topline for San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW is: .7 – .8 – .7 – .8 (#28 to #27, 6+).

San Jose Music Formats – By dialing up a +.7 to 6.1 (steady at #3, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC KEZR “Mix 106.5 Today’s Best Music” pulls the plug on five straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a net loss of -1.3 (6.7 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). Improving by seven-tenths as well in February is Bonneville urban AC KBLX “102.9 R&B and Old School” (1.1 – 1.8, #26 to #20, 6+). After vanishing from print in January 2019, KBLX reappeared in print in January 2020. Albeit down one-half share (8.1 – 7.6, 6+), KBAY “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the fourth time in a row. The Alpha Media classic hits-oldies facility was a combined +1.5 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (6.6 – 7.4 – 8.1, 6+). Following six successive months on top, KBAY segued to #2 in November when it plummeted by -2.0 (8.6 – 6.6, 6+). As a result of three setbacks in succession, iHeartMedia hot AC KIOI “Star 101.3” is an overall -1.3 and falls below a three-share (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.6, #10 to #12, 6+). Three straight boosts by Cumulus Media classic rock KSAN resulted in a collective +1.2 (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+), but “107.7 The Bone” forfeits nearly half that increase (2.2, -.5, #13 to #19, 6+). Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena,” which was a collective -1.4 through three drops in a row (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 1.9, #20, 6+), is unlisted the second month in succession.

Middlesex-Somerset-Union

Spoken-Word Formats – Continuing an alternating down/up pattern that started in October (5.9 – 5.2 – 5.6 – 5.3 – 5.5 – 5.2, 6+), Townsquare Media news/talk WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” slips from third to fifth. An overall -2.1 in four straight decreases (3.6 – 3.0 – 2.0 – 1.7 – 1.5, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” ends the slide with a +.1 to 1.6 (#21 to #20, 6+). Flat at #23, Red Apple Media news/talk WABC returns January’s increase of three-tenths (.8 – 1.1 – .8, 6+).

Major ups/downs continue for Entercom sports talk WFAN-FM (Brooklyn Nets), which was -.7 (September); +1.4 (October/November); -1.5 (December/“Holiday” 2019); +1.4 (January 2020); and now -1.0 in February (5.0 – 4.0, fifth to tenth, 6+). Off six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019 (2.7 – 2.1, #17 to #19, 6+), after being an overall +1.1 via four consecutive sweeps without a loss (1.6 – 1.7 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 2.7, 6+), similarly-programmed WEPN “98.7 ESPN New York” (Knicks, Rangers) is unlisted the second consecutive month.

Entercom all-news WCBS-AM, which gained two-tenths this time last month, repeats January’s 6+ AQH share and market rank (2.1, #19, 6+). In January, co-owned/similarly-programmed WINS picked up two-tenths to interrupt five straight down or flat trends that accounted for a net loss of six-tenths (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+); however, WINS forfeits one-half share (1.7 – 1.2, #20 to #22, 6+).

Despite dropping one-tenth after January’s +.7 (1.7 – 2.4 – 2.3, 6+), WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM progresses from #18 to #17.

Middlesex-Somerset-Union Music Formats – The four latest Middlesex trends for WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” are +.6 (December); -1.4 (“Holiday” 2019); +.5 (January 2020); and +1.1 in February (6.1 – 7.2, 6+). The Entercom classic hits-oldies outlet carries on at #2. After three successive months at #1, WCBS-FM shifted to #2 in “Holiday” 2019. “New York’s Greatest Hits” dropped two-tenths in November, thus interrupting five gains in a row that netted a +2.6 (4.0 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.7 – 5.8 – 6.6, 6+). Replacing January’s loss of seven-tenths with a February +.8 (2.7 – 3.5, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish tropical WSKQ “Mega 97.9 – Numero Uno on the Planet” elevates from #15 to #13. “Mega” was a collective +1.1 via three straight increases (2.3 – 2.5 – 2.8 – 3.4, 6+); this (3.5) is its best 6+-showing since May (3.6). Improving by one-half share each are Emmis urban AC WBLS “#1 For R&B” (sixth to third) and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WWPR “Power 105” (steady at #14). WBLS is trending 4.9 – 5.3 – 4.9 – 5.4 (6+) in this New Jersey market, while “Power” gains six-tenths in January/February (2.8 – 2.9 – 3.4, 6+). Repeating at #1, co-owned classic rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” is +1.8 in January/February (5.6 – 7.0 – 7.4, 6+). This time last month, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation’s WQXR “New York’s Classical Music Radio Station” and Entercom hot AC WNEW-FM “NEW 102.7” each posted positive spikes of six-tenths. In February though, WQXR falters by seven-tenths (1.4 – .7, #22 to #24, 6+), while WNEW-FM surrenders one-half share (4.6 – 4.1, seventh to ninth, 6+). Entering the January sweep, WNEW-FM was an overall -1.0 in three straight down or flat trends (5.0 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 4.0, 6+).

Category: Ratings Takeaways
http://www.talkers.com/2020/03/18/february-2020-ppm-ratings-takeaways-round-one/
www.talkers.com
crawl=CC-MAIN-2020-16
119125
application/http; msgtype=response
sha1:TUAOX7MN2XDQOI365EIPBNUSJM6JYIHY
<urn:uuid:09a57314-0549-411e-aa36-f399465bf7d8>
2020-04-04T23:20:43Z
107.180.78.137
application/xhtml+xml
sha1:D374Q6RQMA3D674Y6YZMHRA74NACBY6P
<urn:uuid:18ecf1b2-1828-41ca-8f10-ba06938695af>
http://www.talkers.com/2020/03/18/february-2020-ppm-ratings-takeaways-round-one/
response
<urn:uuid:4aa22f0e-82ed-4c5a-825d-ebf5a9f34056>
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2020-16
publisher: Common Crawl
description: Wide crawl of the web for March/April 2020
operator: Common Crawl Admin (info@commoncrawl.org)
hostname: ip-10-67-67-235.ec2.internal
software: Apache Nutch 1.16 (modified, https://github.com/commoncrawl/nutch/)
robots: checked via crawler-commons 1.1-SNAPSHOT (https://github.com/crawler-commons/crawler-commons)
format: WARC File Format 1.1
conformsTo: http://iipc.github.io/warc-specifications/specifications/warc-format/warc-1.1/