RADIO RATINGS ROUNDUP, October 2025, Part III

November 6, 2025

The siren song of OCTOBER—when radio programmers everywhere are faced with the daunting decision of how often to spin Thriller and Monster Mash. Do we treat this like CHRISTMAS music and play them beginning eight weeks out, or do we just bombard listeners with spooky tunes all day on HALLOWEEN? Fortunately, the OCTOBER survey does not reflect that. This one ran from SEPTEMBER 18^TH through OCTOBER 15^TH. It featured ROSH HASHANAH, YOM KIPPUR, the changing of the seasons and the beginning of a government shutdown.

As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—with a significant tush push from the data diviners from XTRENDS—are here to make sense of it all. Or not.

MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: It’s So Easy

For the third book in a row, COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) and COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) have been jockeying for the #1 6+ position. This month it was WFEZ’s turn to take the wheel (7.2-7.2), while WHQT stepped down to #2 (7.4-6.6). AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) remained at #3 (6.6-6.5), while TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Hot AC WAMR (AMOR 107.5) inched up to #4 (5.3-5.5). AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH) was down to #5 (5.8-5.4). WFEZ increases its cume total by 4.2% to remain the leading station in that category (768,500-801,100). The market was up 4.8%. Market PUMM rose 3.6% from SEPTEMBER and 16.2% from 2024.

WFEZ was #1 25-54 for the tenth straight survey, while WLYF was back at #2. WFEZ had a solid increase while WLYF experienced a down book. As a result, the gap between the two went from under a half share to more than a share and a half. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) stepped up to #3, while COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) rose to #4. Both stations had slight increases. WMXJ slipped to #5 with a small share loss, while WHQT dipped to #6 with its smallest share since MAY. Market PUMM was up 1.1% from last month and 20.3% from a year ago.

The 18-34 contest was a wild scramble. WLYF was back at #1 but held a small lead over SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7), which moved up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT) dipped to #3 despite being up for the fifth book in a row. AUDACY Rhythmic OldiesWPOW (POWER 96) also rebounded from a down book to leap from #11 to #4. There were four stations massed together at #5. A flat COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) remained in place while WFEZ slid down from #2. WAMR advanced from #14, while SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7) made the leap o’ the month, advancing from #19. It more than doubled last survey’s share. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9) sank from #5 to #10 with its lowest score in over a year. Market PUMM was up 7.4% from the previous survey and a monster 60.8% from last year.

Last month WFEZ had its eight-book 18-49 winning streak snapped by WLYF. WFEZ was back on top this time with a solid share gain, while WLYF dipped to #2 with a down book. A flat WFLC was up two slots to #3, while three stations were hanging out at #4. WMXJ remained in place though it did return some of last month’s share increase. WHQT dipped from #3, while WPOW moved up from #6 with a slight share gain. Market PUMM was up 3.4% from SEPTEMBER and 29.5% from 2024.

SEATTLE-TACOMA: We’re Talkin’ Baseball

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW was #1 6+ for the tenth book in a row (9.2-9.1). However, that is not the story of this survey. Proving that if you build it, they will come, BONNEVILLE Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM) moved up to claim a share of the lead with its best book in over a year (6.2-9.1). It certainly helps when you’re the flagship station for a team that is making an historic playoff run. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) was back at #3 (5.8-5.6) but it had company. AUDACY Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) stepped up to forge a tie at that position (5.7-5.6). BONNEVILLE N/T KIRO-F was up to #5 with its best showing since NOVEMBER (4.5-5.2). CLASSIC RADIO Classical KING dipped to #6 (4.6-4.3). Give them a reason and they will tune in. KIRO-A went from #9 to #1 in cume with an amazing 54.8% increase (419,900-649,900). The market grew by 2.7%. Market PUMM was up 2.9% from SEPTEMBER and 15.2% from 2024.

You’ve probably sensed this month’s theme by now. KIRO-A jumped from #5 to #1 25-54. KISW stepped down to #2 with a small share loss, while KJEB dipped to a somewhat distant #3 with a slight decrease. KUOW was back at #4 but was joined there by HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5), which rose from #8 with its highest mark since JANUARY. AUDACY Alternative KNDD (101.7 THE END) posted its smallest share in over a year as it fell from #2 to #6. Market PUMM was up 10.2% from last month and 34.1% from a year ago.

KIRO-A advanced from #6 to #1 18-34 and was flirting with double digits. For some perspective, in JANUARY the station was #23. KNDD repeated at #2 with a small share loss, while KISW remained at #3 but with its best book in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KJAQ (96.5 JACK FM) gave back a good portion of last month’s massive increase as it slid from first to fourth. It was tied with KQMV, which remained in place with its best outing since FEBRUARY. HUBBARD AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) slid to #7. It was tied with KJEB and CRISTA Christian AC KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3), which rose from #16. Market PUMM was up 6.3% from the previous survey and 21% from last year.

Completing the demo sweep, KIRO-A vaulted from #6 to #1 18-49. A flat KISW WAS #2. This snapped the nine-book winning streak for KNDD, which drifted down to #3. KJEB held steady at #4 with a slight decrease. It was paired with KQMV, which moved up from #8 with its best showing since JANUARY. KUOW dropped three places to #6, while KJAQ fell from #5 to #8. Market PUMM was up 11.6% from SEPTEMBER and 22.8% from 2024.

PHOENIX: Seventh Heaven

HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX was #1 6+ for the seventh straight survey (8.8-8.7). iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) repeated at #2 as it ended a two-book slide (6.1-7.9). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A had its best book since NOVEMBER as it climbed up to #3 (4.3-4.7). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) descended to #4 with its smallest share the bells were ringing the sad, sad news (5.0-4.3). AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) stepped up to #5 (4.2-4.2), while iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX slid to #7 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER (4.4-3.7). KESZ padded its cume lead with a 15.6% increase (853,000-985,700). The market was up 2.4%. Market PUMM grew 3.2% from SEPTEMBER and 21.3% from 2024.

Last month KSLX snapped KESZ’s long running 25-54 winning streak. KESZ was back on top this time as it landed in double-digit territory. KSLX stepped down to #2. How dramatic was the reversal? Glad you asked. KSLX went from leading by nearly a share to trailing by close to three shares. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KHOT (QUÉ BUENA 105.9) advanced two spaces to #3 with its fourth up book in a row. HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD was back at #4 but was sharing that space with HUBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3), which advanced from #11 with its best outing since JUNE. KYOT slid three places to #6 and was tied with ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KLNZ (LA TRICOLOR 103.5). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMXP (MIX 96.9) fell from #5 to #8 with its lowest total since MARCH. Market PUMM was up 0.3% from last month and 21.8% from a year ago.

KSLX was back at #1 18-34 but was unable to duplicate last month’s double-digit feat. KDKB vaulted from #8 to #2 as it ended a steep three-book slide. KHOT dipped to #3 as it surrendered most of last month’s huge share increase. KESZ was up to #4 as it regained a small portion of last survey’s huge share loss. KYOT slipped to #5 with its first down book since MAY. KMXP dropped from a tie at #3 into one at #8 with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KZZP (104.7 KISS FM). Market PUMM rose 10.8% from the previous survey and 22.7% from last year.

KSLX ended KESZ’s six-book 18-49 winning streak in SEPTEMBER. They reversed roles this time with KESZ moving back to #1 and KSLX dipping to #1. KSLX went from leading by a share to trailing by more than two shares. A flat KHOT moved up to #3, while KDKB advanced from #9 to #4 as it recovered from a couple of fallow surveys. KMXP repeated at #5, while KUPD slid into a tie at #6 with KLNZ. Market PUMM was up 4.7% from SEPTEMBER and 21.6% from 2024.

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DETROIT: Sports Is Life

There was a lot to cheer about in the MOTOR CITY sporting world and AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) continued to reap the benefits. The station was back at #1 6+ with its best book in a year (8.4-10.3). Its stream came in at #13 with a 3.3 share. iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC repeated at #2 (7.9-7.4), while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) remained at #3 (7.4-6.9). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC held steady at #4 but with its smallest share in over a year (5.9-5.5). BEASLEY Classic Rock WCSX stepped up to #5 (4.8-5.0), while AUDACY Country WYCD dipped to #6 with its smallest share since the place was lousy with leaping lords (5.5-4.8). Despite a 5.2% decline WNIC was still the cume leader (1,089,900-1,033,700). The market grew by 1.1%. Market PUMM was down 1.4% from SEPTEMBER but rose by 20.3% from 2024.

WXYT was #1 25-54 for the seventh straight survey, the last two of which have been in double figures. The station’s online presence landed at #12. BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF moved up to #2 with its best book since MAY. WNIC moved up to #3 with its highest mark since APRIL, while WMXD slid to #4 as it gave back all of last month’s share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) remained at #5 with a slight increase. Market PUMM was down 2.1% from last month but grew by 18.2% from a year ago.

For the second straight survey WXYT and WRIF were the 18-34 co-leaders. Both stations were given huge share increases and were very close to double digits. WKQI repeated at #3 but with its lowest total since that ringing in our ears was something beside tinnitus. WNIC was back at #4 with a small share loss, while WYCD stepped up to #5 with a slight decrease. AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) dipped to #6. Market PUMM was off 3.4% from the previous survey but up 17.4% from last year.

WXYT was #1 18-49 for the third straight survey as it cracked the double-digit code. WRIF moved up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. WMXD dipped to #3 as it halted a two-book surge. WNIC remained at #4 with a slight decrease, while a flat WKQI stood alone at #5. CUMULUS Hot AC WDVD moved down to #6 with a slight decrease. Market PUMM was down 3.2% from SEPTEMBER but rose by 12.8% from 2024.

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: Fan Flourishes

iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3)has been on quite the roll. The station was #1 6+ for the tenth straight survey with its best book in a year (10.1-12.1). UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN/ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS moved up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book (7.0-7.8). HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) dipped to #3 as it returned all of last month’s increase – plus a little extra (7.6-6.6). MPR N/T KNOW was back at #4 (6.3-5.9). It also picked up a 1.4 share from the interwebs. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) stepped up to #5 (5.6-5.8), while iHEARTMEDIA Country KEEY (K102) slipped to #6 (5.8-5.4). KQQL was still in cume control despite a 2.5% decline (762,900-743,700). The market was off 0.7%. Market PUMM was down 2.8% from SEPTEMBER but rose by 5.7% from 2020.

KFXN continued to dominate the 25-54 space. The station was both #1 and in double figures for the third book in a row. MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT) was back at #2 but with its lowest mark since MAY. It trailed the leader by nearly seven shares! CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X) remained at #3 as it rebounded from a down book. AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) rose from #7 to #4 with only a slight increase. KSTP dipped to #5 with its third straight down book. KNOW stepped down to #6 as it surrendered most of last month’s increase. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB landed at #7 with its smallest share in over a year. It was partnered with KQQL and CUMULUS Classic Rock KQRS. Market PUMM was down 2.5% from last month and 1.8% from a year ago.

KFXN moved up to #1 18-34 with an almost 50% share increase. This stopped the three -book winning streak of KCMP, which moved down to #2. It was almost six shares off the pace. KXXR inched up to #3 with a small increase, while KDWB was up to #4 with a small decrease. KZJK slid to #5 as it gave back most of last month’s huge share increase. Market PUMM was down 0.8% from the previous survey but up by 11.1% from last year.

KFXN was #1 18-49 for the tenth book in a row, the last three of which were in double figures. KCMP repeated at #2 but with its lowest score since MAY and was over seven shares behind the leader. KXXR moved up to #3 as it regained some of last month’s share loss. KZJK dipped to #4, while KDWB was down to #5. Both stations had small share losses. Also coming in at #5 was KSTP which moved up a spot with a slight decrease. Market PUMM was down 1.0% from SEPTEMBER but rose by 6.1% from 2024.

We’re not quite finished with you. Still another tranche of markets to come. Specifically, they are TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, CHARLOTTE, and NASSAU-SUFFOLK.

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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant

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About Research Director, Inc.: Research Director, Inc. is based in Annapolis, Maryland. We help radio stations’ programming and sales departments maximize the value of their research. For more information, visit www.ResearchDirectorInc.com, call 410-295-6619, or e-mail info@ResearchDirectorInc.com or sallan@ResearchDirectorInc.com.

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