May 28, 2026
As the Ratings Experts, we tend to nerd out on the process of gathering radio ratings. This week in James Cridland’s excellent newsletter he revealed how the diary process works in Australia.
Image by Moerschy from Pixabay
According to his writings, the paper diary only represents about 20% of all participants. Compare this to Nielsen’s mSurvey which, at least initially, will only represent about 10% of the sample.
The folks at GFK, who conduct the ratings, were nice enough to produce a “how to” video for potential diary keepers. The link to the video is below and I encourage you to invest six-plus minutes in watching it. That is, if you’re a ratings/research geek like me.
What you will see is an incredibly complicated process that involves stickers. I would say it’s more work than the average person would undertake but then my attention span is short.
The video also reveals that by participating in this process you’ll be entered into a drawing to win one thousand Australian dollars. Sounds as enticing as a text to win a national contest, no?
Their diary “week” is eight days long (perhaps an homage to a certain British group?). It runs from Friday through the following Saturday. Oh, and the diary is about 26 pages long.
Listening credit is granted to a station as long as the listener spends at least eight minutes with the station inside a given quarter hour. That means only one station can get credit for a given quarter hour. I wonder how much listening gets left on the cutting room floor.
GFK asks participants for a lot of information. Besides the usual quarter hour listening, they ask for the usual locations: home, car, work, or elsewhere. They ask how you are listening: AM/FM radio, DAB+, Mobile, PC/Tablet, Smart speaker, or other. Lastly, they ask if you are listening via headphones. This is a lot of work for a diary keeper but if this is consistent with their online version and we assume the respondent “ticks” the boxes, there is a lot of valuable information for broadcasters.
Finally, there is a detailed lifestyle questionnaire that covers a variety topics like podcast listening, where you plan to spend your next holiday, and what type of takeaway food you purchased.
The data set is huge, as it encompasses 50,000 annual participants in five markets. That means about 10,000 people are filling out paper diaries a year.
But wait, there’s more. They also record streaming listening directly from streaming logs. Plus, they have a system of “watches,” which I assume are a version of PPM, that are not currently included in the data.
Could/should some of this be incorporated into Nielsen’s version of the diary? It’s certainly worthy of a discussion.
You can watch the video here and be amazed that the demonstrator is filling it out with a Sharpie: https://james.cridland.net/uploads/radio-diary-demo-video.mp4
You can read the entire article here (and I suggest you subscribe): https://james.cridland.net/blog/2026/inside-an-aussie-radio-diary/
May 22, 2026
Welcome back to our final installment of our monthly series – how the ratings turn. We bid a fond farewell to the APRIL book. We had some careless, fancy free good times that we will cherish for about another 28 days. Then all will be forgotten, if not forgiven.
This survey ran from APRIL 2nd through APRIL 29th, the only time this year that the two calendars will align. It featured the EASTER holiday, the reassuring sound on “Play ball!” and, of course, rising gas prices. Let’s dive in, shall we?
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: When Doves Fly
COX MEDIA Soft AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE) continued to dominate the competition as it finished atop the 6+ leaderboard for the third book in a row (9.8-9.7). RADIO TRAINING NETWORK Contemporary Christian WCIE (THE JOY FM) was back at #2 (7.0-7.2), while COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE) repeated at #3 (6.5-6.0). Coming in at #4 once again was BEASLEY Classic Hits WRBQ (Q105) (5.9-5.8). COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9) ended a three-book slide as it stepped up to #5 (5.1-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB (98 ROCK) fell from #5 to #10 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER (5.7-3.9). It was tied with COX MEDIA N/T WHPT (102.5 THE BONE), which moved up a spot (3.5-3.9). WDUV was still in cume control with a 0.4% decline (655,100-652,200). The market was down 1.3%.
A flat WDUV was #1 25-54 for the third book in a row. WRBQ stepped up to #2 with a slight increase but was a share and a half off the pace. WWRM rose from #5 to #3 as it stopped a four-book slide. iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7) leapt from #7 to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. WCIE remained at #5 with a slight increase, while WXTB dropped from #2 to #7 with its lowest score since NOVEMBER.
For the second book in a row WDUV was #1 and in double figures 18-34. WWRM went from #5 to #2 with its highest Frosty-free share in over a year. Tied for third place was WCIE, which was up from #4, and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WFLZ (93.3 FLZ), which dipped from #2 with its least productive outing since DECEMBER. COX MEDIA Urban AC WTBV (101.5 THE VIBE) rose from #8 to #5 with its highest mark since SEPTEMBER. WRBQ stepped down to #6, while WXTB slid from #3 into a five-way tie at #7.
Despite a down book WDUV led the 18-49 pack for the third book in a row. WWRM went from #5 to #2 and narrowed the gap between the two stations to less than a share. WCIE was up to #3 with a slight increase, while WMTX advanced two spaces to #4 as it regained most of last month’s lost share. WFLZ slipped from #3 to #5, while WXTB went from #2 into a tie at #6 with WRBQ.
DENVER-BOULDER: Mountain High
For the third book in a row AUDACY Classic Rock KQMT (99.5 THE MOUNTAIN) stood tall over the 6+ landscape (7.1-6.8). BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1) was back at #2 but with its smallest share since MAY (7.0-6.5). iHEARTMEDIA AAA KBCO landed its largest share in over a year as it rose from a tie at #6 to #3 (4.2-5.5). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) also escaped the #6 pod as it landed at #4 with its best book since JUNE (4.2-5.2). It was paired with the stationary AUDACY Modern AC KALC (ALICE 105.9), which ended a two-book slide (4.9-5.2). KSE MEDIA VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105) slipped to #6 (5.2-5.1), while BONNEVILLE Country KYGO moved down to #7 (4.8-5.0). KOSI still had the most cume despite a 2.0% decrease (506,600-496,400). The market grew by 0.7%.
KTCL was #1 25-54 for the fourth straight survey. It held a half share lead over KALC, which stepped up to #2 with a small share gain. KQMT dipped to #3 while KSE MEDIA VENTURES Sports KKSE (ALTITUDE SPORTS RADIO 92.5FM) was up two slots to #4 with its best showing in over a year. KOSI slipped to #5 and was tied with the motionless KXKL, which did post its best number in over a year.
KTCL vaulted from #8 to #1 18-34, more than doubling its previous number and landing in double-digit territory. KXKL moved up to #2, again with its best book in over a year, but trailed the leader by nearly three shares. KYGO moved from #5 to #3 with a strong increase, while ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KXPK (LA TRICOLOR 96.5) slid from #1 to #4 as it gave back all of last month’s huge increase, plus a bit extra. Four stations were hanging out at #5. KOSI dropped from #2 with its lowest total in over a year, while COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO N/T KCFR remained in place as it halted a strong three-book surge. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDHT (HITS 95.7) and KALC advanced together from a tie at #9. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR KQKS (KS 107.5) fell from #3 to #9, while KQMT dropped from #5 to #12. Both stations posted their lowest scores in over a year.
Last month KTCL fell from #1 to #7 18-49. The station recovered nicely this time as it moved back up to the top spot. KXKL rose from #5 to #2 with its third straight up book. KALC repeated at #3 and was paired with KKSE, which moved up a spot with its best performance in over a year. KQKS fell from #1 to #5, KOSI dropped from #2 to #6, and KXPK slipped from #5 to #7. All three stations had down books.
SAN DIEGO: The Sun Also Rises
It’s not often we can slip a HEMMINGWAY reference into the Roundup. AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) moved back to #1 6+ just by showing up (7.4-7.4). SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS repeated at #2 (7.6-7.3), while LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) went from first to third as it surrendered all of last month’s large share increase (7.9-6.7). AUDACY AC KYXY remained at #4 (6.0-6.0), and baseball was very, very good for AUDACY Sports KWFN (97.3 THE FAN) as it advanced from #12 to #5 with its best outing since OCTOBER (3.2-5.3). KXSN continued as the cume champ with a 3.4% increase (591,200-611,100). The market was up 1.3%.
KXSN bounced back from a down book to move back up to #1 25-54. KWFN vaulted from #9 to #2 with its highest score since AUGUST. XHRM went from first to third again as it returned most of last month’s increase. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ (ROCK 105.3) repeated at #4 with a slight increase, while KYXY stepped up to #5 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHTS (CHANNEL 93.3) slid three places to #8, while LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X) fell from #3 to #9.
KXSN and KYXY were back at #1 and #2, respectively 18-34 and remained a half share apart. XTRA inched up to #3 despite a down book, while two stations landed together at #4. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMYI (STAR 94.1) moved up a spot while KWFN vaulted from #9 with its largest share since SEPTEMBER. XHRM fell from #2 to #6 as it ended a strong three-book surge. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KSSX (JAM’N 95.7) dropped from #5 to #10 and was partnered with AUDACY Alternative KBZT (ALT 94.9) and GROUPO IMAGEN Spanish Hot AC XLTN (RADIO LATINA 104.5FM).
Despite surrendering most of last month’s huge share increase, XHRM held steady atop the 18-49 leaderboard. KXSN was back at #2 with two stations nipping at its heels at #3. KIOZ held steady with a slight increase, while KYXY moved up from #6 as it rebounded from a down book. KWFN rose from #10 to #5. KHTS and XTRA went from a tie at #4 to #8 and #9, respectively.
Shameless plug: Instant Answer, Exact Age, Hot Zip and Format Tracker. These reports save you an enormous amount of time and unlock the secrets of your book. Give us 20 minutes and we’ll show you how powerful they are.
CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: Pure Chaos
Book after book we see surprises, including unusual rises and falls, but we rarely see the type of upheaval as occurred in this survey. Two stations rose up to claim the 6+ crown. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE) stepped up from #2 (7.9-6.5), while UNIVERSITY RADIO FOUNDATION N/T WFAE advanced from #4 (6.2-6.5). iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT) clawed its way up to #3 with its highest mark in over a year (6.0-6.4), while two stations moved up to #4, each posting their best number in over a year. BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1) was up from #6 (4.7-5.7), while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WRFX (99.7 THE FOX) rose from #9 (4.2-5.7). BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98) slipped from #3 to #6 as it ended a strong five-book surge (7.4-5.4). BEASLEY Classic Hits WKQC (K104.7) snapped a two-book winning string as it dropped from #1 to #7 with its smallest share in over a year (8.1-5.3). WLKO added 13.0% to its #1 cume total (472,100-533,600). The market was down 0.6%.
iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) leapt from #4 to #1 25-54 with its best outing in over a year. This ended WPEG’s two-book winning string, and six-book surge, as it dipped to #2. WLKO stepped down to #3 with a slight decrease. It was paired with URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB), which advanced from #7 as it bounced back from a down book. WRFX vaulted from #12 to #5 with its highest score since AUGUST. It was tied with WKKT, which moved down a spot with a slight increase. WKQC dropped from #3 to #10.
WNKS rose from #3 to #1 18-34, while WRFX advanced from #5 to #2. Both stations landed in double figures. WPEG went from first to third as its double-digit streak ended at two. WLKO slipped to #4 as it gave back most of last month’s massive increase. It was paired with WOSF, which moved up from #9 as it regained most of last month’s massive share decrease. WKQC slipped to #6, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1) fell from #5 to #11 with its least productive outing since JUNE.
WNKS stepped up to #1 18-49 and was dangerously close to hitting double digits. WRFX vaulted from #8 to #2. Just two books ago it was languishing at #11. WPEG went from first to third, again, thus ending a five-book surge. WFAE repeated at #4 with a slight increase and was joined there by WEND, which moved up from #6. WHQC slipped from #4 to #7, while WLKO fell from #3 to #8. It was tied with WKQC and BEASLEY Urban AC WBAV (V 101.9).
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): This Just In…
…you can probably hear the teletype machine in the background. AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was #1 6+ for the fourth straight survey (8.9-8.8). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) remained at #2 (6.9-6.2), while AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) leapt from #8 to #3 with its best book in over a year (3.8-5.5). AUDACY Sports WFAN (SPORTS RADIO 101.9FM/66AM) was back at #4 (5.6-5.4), while CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) held steady at #5 (5.3-5.1). RED APPLE MEDIA N/T WABC-A fell from #3 to #8 with its lowest mark in over a year (6.1-4.4). WINS remained in cume control with a 5.7% decline (417,700-394,000). The market grew by 1.6%.
The top five 25-54 was unchanged from last survey. WHTZ was back at #1, while WALK came in at #2. Both stations had down books. COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI (106.1 BLI) repeated at #3 but with its best book in over a year. WNEW remained at #4 but with its seventh up book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) rounded out the top five again with a slight increase.
WBLI stepped up to #1 18-34 with its highest mark since OCTOBER. WINS stepped down to #2 with its first down book since DECEMBER. WALK remained at #3 as it halted a three-book slide. It was paired with two other stations. WNEW advanced from #10 with its best showing in over a year, while WLTW rose from #7 with its highest Frosty-free number in over a year. WHTZ and CONNOUSSEUR AC WKJY (K-JOY 98.3) went from a tie at #3 to #6 and #7, respectively.
WHTZ made it back-to-back 18-49 wins but with a down book. WNEW moved up to #2 and was now only a half share behind the leader. WALK dipped to #3 and was tied with WBLI, which moved up a slot as it bounced back from a down book. WINS stepped down to #5 but with a small share gain.
Thank you for playing along. Feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions, critiques and complaints to our customer care department, which is definitely not AI driven. A real human will answer this e-mail: sallan@researchdirectorinc.com.
If you haven’t done so already, please subscribe to our blog right now. www.ResearchDirectorInc.com/Hot-Topics. Or, and consider this, you could share this with your industry friends who are pining for this kind of monthly analysis. They’ll thank you for it.
About XTrends: XTrends is radio’s favorite tool for reviewing ratings. Click here to see why all of radio’s major groups love XTrends!
As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. are ready to help you grow your ratings and revenue. Click the link below to get the gruesome details.
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.
May 20, 2026
Once again, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—in a close-knit formation with the spreadsheet warriors from XTRENDS—are charging boldly forward into the rearview mirror. Yes, this whole ratings exercise remains an elaborate attempt to predict the future by dissecting the past. So we cast a nostalgic glance back at the APRIL survey, a 27-day expedition that launched on APRIL 2nd and wrapped on APRIL 29th. Along the way, we celebrated EASTER, observed Earth Day, and finalized our tax returns (or extensions). Here’s what the numbers—and history—revealed…
MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: A Sea Change
Usually this market is fairly predictable with the leaderboards topped by the usual suspects. Stuff happened this time, especially for AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM). The station moved up to #1 6+ for the first time since JULY (6.0-7.1). Meanwhile, SBS Spanish Contemporary WCMQ (Z92.3) leapt from #5 to #2 with its best book in over a year (5.5-6.1). COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) dipped to #3, its lowest rank since JUNE (6.3-5.8). COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) went from first to fourth with its lowest rank and share in over a year (6.7-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) moved up two slots to #5 with its third up book in a row (4.9-5.3). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Hot AC WAMR (AMOR 107.5) slipped to #6 (5.7-5.2) and was tied with AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH), which was motionless (5.4-5.2). WLYF was still the cume leader with a 3.1% rise (800,000-824,600). The market was up 0.1%.
WLYF had its best 25-54 book in over a year as it rose from #4 to #1. WMIA stepped up to #2 with a small increase but trailed the leader by a full share. WFEZ dipped to #3 with its lowest score in over a year. It was tied with COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3), which was up from #5 but with a slight decrease. WCMQ inched up to #5 with a slight increase. It was paired with WHQT, which fell from first place.
WLYF more than doubled its previous 18-34 share as it vaulted from a tie at #11 to #1. This ended the four-book winning string for COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ), which dipped to #2. It was paired with WCMQ, which remained in place. That duet trailed the leader by better than a half share. WMIA moved up two places to #4 with a slight increase, while three stations moved up to occupy the #5 space. WHQT was up from #6 with a small decrease. AUDACY Classic Hip Hop WPOW (POWER 96) rose from #9 with its highest score since NOVEMBER. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHYI (Y100) advanced from a tie at #11 with its best book in over a year. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7FM) and iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT) were last seen at #3 and #5, respectively. They fell into a tie at #8. WFLC dropped from #4 to #12, losing nearly half its previous share in the process.
WLYF completed the demo sweep as it launched itself from #7 to #1 18-49. WCMQ inched up to #2 with a slight decrease, while WPOW advanced from #6 to #3 with a small share gain. WMIA stepped up to #4 with a slight increase, while WHQT dropped from #2 to #5. WFLC returned all of last month’s increase as it fell from #1 to #6. WFEZ had its smallest share in over a year as it moved from #4 into a tie at #10 with iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBGG (BIG 105.9).
SEATTLE-TACOMA: Play Ball
For the fourth book in a row UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW was #1 6+ by a considerable margin (8.4-10.6). However, proving that life actually does begin on opening day BONNEVILLE Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM) rose from a tie at #6 to #2 with its best outing since OCTOBER (4.7-6.4). Three stations were circling one another at #3. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) remained on the tarmac (5.6-5.3), while CRISTA Contemporary Christian KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) moved up a spot (5.0-5.3). AUDACY Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) advanced from a tie at #6 with its highest score since DECEMBER (4.7-5.3). HUBBARD AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) went from #5 to #9 with its smallest share since OCTOBER (4.9-4.0). FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP ended a strong four-book surge as it dropped from #2 to #11 (6.3-3.6). KRWM still had the most listeners (607,800-618,800) – a 1.8% increase. The market rose by 4.5%.
KISW had a massive 25-54 share increase as it stepped up to #1 25-54. KUOW also had a solid share gain as it moved up to #2, where it was about a share off the lead. This ended the three-book winning string for KEXP, which dropped to #3. KIRO-A rose from #7 to #4, while AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) was back at #5 with a slight increase. KJEB descended from #3 to #6 and was partnered with KCMS and HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5).
Speaking of which, KQMV repeated as the 18-34 leader and landed in double figures. KISW stepped up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. Still, it was more than three shares off the pace. AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF) moved up to #3 with a massive share increase. KNDD remained at #4 but with its smallest share in over a year. It was paired with KIRO-A, which advanced from #8. KJEB slid from #2 to #6 as it surrendered all of last month’s massive increase – plus a bit more. It was joined there by AUDACY Rhythmic AC KHTP (HOT 103.7), which was down to #6 with a small share gain. AUDACY Hot AC KSWD (EMMA 94.1) fell from a tie at #5 into a situation at #11 with KCMS and iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZOK.
Back in JANUARY KQMV was sitting at #10 18-49. It has slowly worked its way up the chart and this time landed at #1 with its best book in over a year. KISW advanced from #5 to #2, while KIRO-A vaulted from #8 to #3. This brought the three-book winning streak of KEXP to a close as it ended up at #4. KNDD dipped to #5 with a slight increase, while KUOW stepped down to #6 with a slight decrease. KJEB dropped from #3 to #9.
PHOENIX: Easy On Down The Road
For the seventh straight survey iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) was the leading 6+ station (6.7-6.9). HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX maintained its presence at #2 (6.6-6.4), while iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX moved from #5 to #3 with its best book in over a year (4.6-5.2). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A repeated at #4 (5.0-4.8), while two stations heading in opposite directions met headlong at #5. AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) slipped from #3 as it returned all of last month’s increase (5.9-4.5), while MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE N/T KJZZ rose from #7 with its highest mark in over a year (3.9-4.5). KESZ kept cume control despite a 1.6% decline (966,500-950,600). The market was off 0.5%.
Make it eight straight 25-54 wins for KESZ as the station ended a three-book slide. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) climbed from #4 to #2 with a small increase. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KHOT (QUÉ BUENA 105.9) dipped to #3 with its smallest share since OCTOBER, while ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KLNZ (LA TRICOLOR 103.5) stepped down to #4 as it surrendered most of last month’s share increase. KOOL remained at #5 with a slight decrease.
Last month KESZ fell from #1 to #4 18-34. HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) dropped from #2 to #9. Both stations recovered this time to land in a tie at #1. KYOT dipped to #3, while four – count ‘em – four stations were massed together at #4. KHOT stepped down from #3, while AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) came down from #1 as it gave back most of last month’s huge increase. KNIX moved up from #7 while HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD vaulted from #13. Both stations posted their largest shares in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KZZP (104.7 KISS FM) slid from a tie at #4 to #12 with its lowest score since JULY.
KESZ rebounded from a down book to move back up to #1 18-49. KLNZ inched up to #2 despite giving up most of last month’s share gain. KHOT landed its lowest total since AUGUST as it went from first to third. KDKB leapt from #11 to #4 with its best outing since NOVEMBER. Three stations were fighting for attention at #5. KALV and KOOL moved down from a tie at #4, while KYOT stepped up from #6.
Shameless plug: Shoot me an email at sallan@researchdirectorinc.com so I can show you the power of our amazing reports. It’ll take only 15 minutes, and we’ll save you, no wait, we’re not lizard people. We’ll save you time, yea, that’s it.
DETROIT: Ticket To Ride
For the fourth book in a row, AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) was the 6+ champion. The station also landed its largest share in over a year (9.0-11.3). iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC moved up to #2 with its best Frosty-free share since SEPTEMBER (7.0-7.5). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC dipped to #3 (7.3-7.3), while AUDACY Country WYCD remained at #4 with its first down book since DECEMBER (6.3-6.0). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) was back at #5 (5.9-6.0). WNIC padded its cume lead with a 5.6% increase (983,400-1,038,4000). The market grew by 2.1%.
Four is a good number for WXYT. It was #1 25-54 for the fourth book in a row, all of which have been in double figures. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) repeated at #2 with a down book and was six shares behind the leader. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB held steady at #3 with a slight decrease, while BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF stepped up to #4 with a slight increase. WOMC dipped to #5 and was feeling the heat from the stationary WNIC at #6.
There was quite the movement in the 18-34 ranks. Last month WJLB was #2 and in double figures. The station had a down book, remained in double digits and stepped up to #1. Not to be out done, WXYT also hit double digits as it rose from #3 to claim a share of the lead. WKQI went from first to third as its three-book winning string came to an end. WNIC moved from #6 to #4 with its highest Frosty-free share in over a year. AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) remained at #5 with its best showing since SEPTEMBER. WOMC went from #4 to #6 with a large share loss.
WXYT was #1 18-49 for the, yup, fourth book in a row. The station also hit double figures again. WJLB stepped up to #2 with a slight decrease, while WKQI dipped to #3 as it ended a strong three-book surge. It was tied with WNIC, which rose from #5 with a solid share gain. WOMC moved down a spot to #5 with a small decrease.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: A Photo Finish
iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3) was back at #1 6+ but by a narrow margin (7.3-8.2) as MPR N/T KNOW remained in hot pursuit at #2 (7.2-8.1). KNOW was granted an additional 1.1 share from the digital realm. iHEARTMEDIA Country KEEY (K102) moved from #5 to #3 with its best showing in over a year (6.3-7.2). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) dipped to #4 (6.9-7.0), while HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) stepped down to #5 (6.7-6.8). KQQL maintained its cume lead with a 4.6% increase (674,200-705,500). The market was off 0.4%.
KFXN extended its 25-54 double-digit streak to ten as it finished in first place for the fourth book in a row. KQQL moved up to #2 with its largest Frosty-free share in over a year. MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT) moved down a spot to #3 with a slight increase, while KEEY went from #6 to #4 with its fourth up book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB and AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) went from a tie at #4 to one at #5 even though both stations rebounded from down books.
For the fourth straight survey KCMP was #1 18-34 and held about a share advantage over two stations at #2. KFXN moved up a slot as it snapped a six-book slide, while KDWB vaulted from #9, nearly doubling its previous share. KQQL went from #2 to #4 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER. KZJK stepped up to #5 as it bounced back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KTCZ (CITIES 97.1) fell from #4 to #7 with only a slight decrease.
As with an earlier demo KFXN extended its double-digit 18-49 string to ten and was #1 for the fourth straight survey. KCMP was back at #2 with a small increase and was better than two shares off the pace. KDWB moved up a slot to #3 as it regained all of last month’s lost share. KQQL dipped to #4 with a slight increase, while KZJK repeated at #5. It was paired with KNOW, which moved up from #7. Both stations bounced back from down books.
Thank you for your participation. Stay tuned for TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, CHARLOTTE, and NASSAU-SUFFOLK.
If someone in your circle of friends or colleagues might also enjoy our radio ratings reporting blended with a healthy dose of snark and industry know-how, send them this link: www.ResearchDirectorInc.com/Hot-Topics.
About XTrends: XTrends is radio’s favorite tool for reviewing ratings. Click here to see why all of radio’s major groups love XTrends!
As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. stand ready to help you grow your ratings and revenue. Click the link below to get the gruesome details.
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.
May 19, 2026
If APRIL showers bring MAY flowers, what do APRIL ratings bring? We’ll let that one just hang in the air for a bit and let the radio pundit class debate it. We are merely the humble Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. We embark on this monthly journey through the morass of data with our trusty partners from XTRENDS.
This book ran from APRIL 2nd through APRIL 29th, a rare calendar convergence. It featured the EASTER holiday, the introduction of the ABS system “for real” and, of course, those aforementioned precipitation events. Here’s how it all played out…
SAN FRANCISCO: Spoken Word Rules
As usual. Last month KQED INC. N/T KQED and AUDACY News KCBS (ALL NEWS 106.9FM/740AM) were the 6+ co-leaders. KQED remained on top for the fourth book in a row (8.6-9.2), while KCBS drifted down to second place (8.6-8.7). The music posse was fighting for third place. That went to BONNEVILLE AC KOIT (4.8-4.6). BONNEVILLE Hot AC KMVQ (99.7 NOW) remained at #4 (4.5-4.4) but was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KIOI (STAR 101.3), which rose from #6 (4.1-4.4). iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) wafted down to #6 (4.5-4.3). KOIT was still the cume leader despite a 10.7% decline (1,145,600-1,022,900). The market was off at 1.6%.
Last survey KQED and KIOI were #2 and #3, respectively, 25-54. KQED was up slightly while KIOI landed its fifth straight up book. Both stations rose together to #1. KMVQ went from first to third with a small share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) moved from #6 to #4 with its best outing in over a year. SBS Regional Mexican KRZZ (LA RAZA 93.3) also landed its largest share in over a year as it rose from #7 to #5. A couple of stations were forced to exit the top five. AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) and KOIT went from a tie at #4 to #6 and #7, respectively.
There was also sort of movement in the 18-34 ranks. KOIT rebounded from a down book to rise to #1. KRZZ remained behind at #2 and was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL, which moved up from #4 as it also bounced back from a down book. KMVQ went from first to fourth with its smallest share since the place was lousy with leaping lords. It was joined there by KISQ, up from #5, and KIOI, which advanced from #9 with its best showing in over a year. KYLD and KITS slipped from a tie at #5 into the same situation at #8.
In an odd turn of events the top four 18-49 stations each posted their largest number in over a year. KIOI repeated as the market leader, while KYLD vaulted from #6 to #2. KMVQ remained at #3 and was met there by KRZZ, which advanced from #8. KQED slid from #2 to #5. KITS went from #4 to #6, while KOIT slipped from #5 to #7. All three stations had slight decreases.
ATLANTA: The Majic Is Back
Last month URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) went from first to third 6+. The station responded with its highest share in over a rear to move back to #1 (6.9-7.5). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) kept flowing at #2 (7.0-7.4), while the previous leader—COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A—slid to #3 as it returned most of last month’s huge increase (8.5-7.0). AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V-103) repeated at #4 (6.7-6.7), while COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) was back at #5 (6.4-6.3). COX MEDIA AC WSB-F (B98.5) still had the most listeners (770,600-787,500)—a 2.2% rise. The market grew by 0.4%.
When last we visited, WAMJ and WSB-F were #2 and #3, respectively, 25-54. Each station posted its best score in over a year as they rose as one to #1. WVEE went from #1 to #3 with a modest share loss. WSRV repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9FM THE GAME) advanced from #8 to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. WSB-A slipped to #6 and was tied with WALR.
WSB-F landed its largest 18-34 share since NOVEMBER as it stepped up to #1. It narrowly edged the former leader as WSRV dipped to second place with a slight decrease. They were well ahead of #3 WVEE, which held steady with a small share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT) dipped to #4 with its smallest share since Santa was roaming the streets. It was paired with WALR, which stepped up a spot with a solid increase.
Thanks to its best 18-49 book in over a year, WSB-F moved up to #1. This ended the four-book winning string for WVEE, which stepped down to #2. WSRV dipped to #3 with a slight increase, while WAMJ repeated at #4 with its best showing in exactly a year. WSB-A was back at #5 with a down book.
WASHINGTON, DC: Turn It Up To Eleven
HUBBARD News WTOP was #1 6+ for the eleventh straight survey, all of which have been in double figures (14.3-12.9). AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU was in second place again as it extended its double-digit string to four (10.8-10.4). The leading music station this time was ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS, which rose from #6 to #3 with its best performance in over a year (4.6-5.7). HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR dipped to #4 with its smallest share in exactly a year (5.8-5.4). iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH stepped down to #5 (5.1-5.0), while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) slipped to #6 (4.8-4.9). WASH padded its cume lead with a 9.1% increase (795,700-868,200). The market was up by 0.5%.
WAMU was #1 25-54 for the fourth straight survey, the last three of which have been in double figures. WTOP remained at #2 and continued to trail the leader by about a share. WWDC rebounded from a down book to step up to #3, while WASH dipped to #4 with a slight decrease. WGTS inched up to #5 as it ended a steep two-book slide. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) slid from #5 to #8 with its lowest score since we were hallucinating about fruit.
WASH had its best Frosty-free 18-34 share in over a year as it rose from #4 to #1. This pushed two-time winner WTOP down to #2. WIHT leapt from #5 to #3 as it halted a two-book slide. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100) dipped to #4 with its lowest mark since NOVEMBER. A flat WWDC moved up a spot to #5, while iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ fell from #2 to #6. It shed almost half its previous share.
WTOP was #1 18-49 for the fourth straight survey but was unable to extend its double-digit string to three. WAMU remained at #2 with a down book and was a half share off the pace. WASH repeated at #3 with its highest Frosty-free share in over a year, while WWDC was back at #4 with a modest share increase. WGTS rose from #8 to #5, while WHUR fell from #5 to #8.
Shameless plug: In about 20 minutes we can show you how our exclusive reports both save you valuable time and give you incredible insight into your NIELSEN data. Plus, we do barter!
PHILADELPHIA: Good Sports
The anticipation of the PHILLIES slow start fueled AUDACY Sports WIP (94WIP SPORTARADIO) to #1 6+ (6.6-7.4). BEASLEY Active Rock WMMR regained most of last month’s large share loss as it moved from #5 to #2 (5.8-6.9). BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK had its two-book winning streak snapped as it slipped to #3 (7.1-6.3). AUDACY AC WBEB (B101) went from a tie at #2 to #4 (6.6-6.1), while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS dipped to #5 (6.5-5.9). WBEB still held the cume lead despite a 0.8% decline (1,168,000-1,158,500). The market increased 1.0%.
The 25-54 space was a tale of two stations. WMMR regained all of last month’s share loss—plus some added value—as it moved back to #1. Meanwhile, WBEB returned most of last month’s large increase as it stepped down to #2. WIP and WDAS also pulled a switcheroo with WIP up to #3 with a solid share gain, while WDAS dipped to #4 with a small share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) was up a spot to #5 with a slight decrease. This pushed WHYY INC. N/T WHYY down to #6 where it was tied with iHeart Media Pop CHR WIOQ (Q102).
Beasley Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) and WBEB remained #1 and #2, respectively, 18-34 despite the fact that both stations experienced large share losses. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WRFF (ALT 104.5) vaulted from #9 to a very close #3 with its best showing since JULY. BEASLEY Adult Hits WBEN (95.7 BEN FM) rose from #7 to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. WUSL dipped to #5, while WMGK dropped from #3 to #6. Both stations had noticeable share losses. URBAN ONE Urban AC WRNB (100.3 RnB) dropped from #5 to #13 as it returned all of last month’s share increase, plus a little extra.
As with the previous demo, WMMR got back some of last month’s huge share loss to move up to #1 18-49, while WBEB did the opposite as it stepped down to #2. WIP repeated at #3 with a solid increase, while WUSL inched up to #4 with a small share loss. WXTU slipped from #3 to #5 and narrowly defeated WBEN, which rose from #9 to #6.
BOSTON: Wait, Wait…
We’ll tell you. BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR moved up to #1 6+ with its best showing in over a year (5.6-6.6). Two stations moved up to forge a tie at #2. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) rose from #4 with its fourth straight up book (5.2-5.9), while BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) advanced from #5 (5.1-5.9). This ended the two-book winning string for AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7), which drifted down to #4 with its smallest share since JULY (6.2-5.8). BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR went from #3 to #5 (5.3-5.6). WMJX kept the cume crown with a 3.4% increase (832,200-860,900). The market was up 2.1%.
WXKS leapt from #3 to #1 25-54 with its highest mark in over a year. WBZ-F was back at #2 with a small increase and trailed the new leader by a full share. This halted the two-book winning streak for AUDACY Hot AC WBMX (MIX 104.1), which slipped to #3 with a slight decrease. WBUR stepped up to #4 with its fourth straight up book. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX went from #7 to #5 as it bounced back from a down book. WMJX slipped two places to #6 as it returned all of last month’s share increase.
Despite a slight decrease WMJX was #1 18-34 for the sixth straight survey. A flat WXKS repeated at #2 but was joined in that space by WBMX, which rose from #4 as it rebounded from a down book. IHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) dipped to #4 with its second straight down book. It was partnered with a couple of stations that came roaring up the chart. AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) vaulted from #13 with its highest mark in over a year. WZLX advanced from #16 with its best book since SEPTEMBER. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) slid from #5 to #8 thus ending a three-book surge.
WXKS had its best 18-49 book in over a year as it moved up to #1. WBMX was down to #2 and went from a small lead to trailing by more than a share. WBUR leapt from #6 to #3 with its highest score in over a year. WMJX slipped to #4 and met up with the stationary WBZ-F. WZLX rose from #9 to #6, while WJMN dipped from #5 to #7.
Thanks for reading. We have a fresh batch of markets baking in the oven. On tap are MIAMI, SEATTLE, PHOENIX, DETROIT, and MINNEAPOLIS. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog at www.ResearchDirectorInc.com/Hot-Topics. And remember, sharing is caring—spread the word far and wide.
About XTrends: XTrends is radio’s favorite tool for reviewing ratings. Click here to see why all of radio’s major groups love XTrends!
As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. are ready to help you grow your ratings and revenue. Click the link below to get the gruesome details.
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.
May 18, 2026
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends (ear worm alert!). Here we are, about a third of the way through the NIELSEN year and what do we have to show for it? Ratings goulash. Or maybe it’s a callaloo. Whatever you wish to call it The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—along with the data sous chefs from XTRENDS—are here to dissect the APRIL situation.
The book ran from APRIL 2nd through the 29th. A rare convergence of the ratings and thew Gregorian calendar. It featured the EASTER holiday and our first look at the ABS system in real time (IYKYK). Here’s how the ratings service called it…
NEW YORK: Same As It Ever Was
Oooh, another ear worm. Nothing much to see here as the usual suspects were in their usual positions, for the most part. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was #1 6+ again with its best Frosty-free share since SEPTEMBER (7.4-8.1). AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was back at #2 (7.2-7.1), while AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS inched up to #3 (5.4-5.4). IHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) dipped to #4 (5.6-5.2), while NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO N/T WNYC remained at #5 (4.9-4.7). MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS was close behind at #6 (4.8-4.6). WLTW padded its cume lead with a 3.7% increase (3,758,200-3,898,300). The market grew by 0.8%.
Despite a slight decrease WLTW was #1 25-54 for the third book in a row. WHTZ repeated at #2 as it ended a two-book surge. It was about a half share off the lead. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WWPR (POWER 105.1) bounced back from a down book to elevate from #5 to #3. AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) stepped down to #4, while WCBS dipped to #5. Both stations had slight decreases.
A flat WLTW was #1 18-34 for the seventh straight survey. WHTZ stood alone at #2 with a slight increase but was about a share and a half off the pace. WNEW went from a tie at #2 to #3 with a slight decrease. WWPR again rebounded from a down book to move from #6 to #4. WCBS accomplished the same feat as it rose from #8 to #5. WBLS halted a strong three-book surge as it slipped from #4 to #6. It was joined there by MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97), which dipped from #5 with its lowest score since OCTOBER.
WLTW landed its best Frosty-free 18-49 share in exactly a year as it moved back up to #1. WHTZ was forced to step down to #2 as it surrendered some of last month’s share increase. WWPR moved up a spot to #3 as it regained some of last month’s lost share. WNEW dipped to #4, while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (103.5 KTU) remained at #5. Both stations had small share losses.
LOS ANGELES: KOST Control
For the sixth straight survey iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST was #1 6+. The station also posted its largest Frosty-free share in over a year (6.5-7.1). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM) was back at #2 with its highest mark in over a year (5.9-6.2). AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101.1FM) repeated at #3 (5.0-5.0) (flat Earthers rejoice!), while AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) remained at #4 (4.9-4.6). AUDACY News KNX moved from a tie at #6 to #5 (4.1-4.1). SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9) fell from #5 to #13 with its lowest score since DECEMBER (4.4-3.2). It was partnered with TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5), which was up a slot (3.1-3.2), and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM), which slid from #8 with its smallest share in over a year (3.8-3.2). KOST increased its market leading cume total by 12.5% (2,280,500-2,566,700). The market rose by 0.5%.
Last month KBIG and AUDACY Alternative KROQ were the 25-54 co-leaders. That partnership was dissolved this time. KBIG remained in first place with a slight increase, while KROQ slid to #5 with its lowest total since SEPTEMBER. KOST stepped up to #2 with a slight increase, while a flat KCBS moved from #5 to #3. KRTH remained at #4 with a slight decrease. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7) remained at #6 and was a click behind its arch nemesis KROQ.
KOST was #1 18-34 for the sixth straight survey. It held better than a three-share advantage over the two stations nestled in at #2. KRTH moved from #5 to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. It was joined there by iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KRRL (REAL 92.3), which advanced from #11 with its best outing in over a year. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) slipped two places to #4 with a small decrease and narrowly defeated KYSR, which was back at #5 but also with a small share loss. KIIS and KYSR were last seen at #3. KISS landed at #6, while KROQ ended up at #7 along with KBIG. AUDACY Urban AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE) ebbed from #5 to #9 with its lowest mark in over a year.
KOST had its best Frosty-free 18-49 share in over a year as it finished at #1 for the third book in a row. Last month a flat KBIG held a share of the demo lead but dipped to #2 this time. A flat KCBS stepped up to #3, while KROQ moved down to #4. It was paired with KRTH, which inched up from #5. Both stations had down books.
CHICAGO: Double A
For the second straight survey AUDACY AAA WXRT (93XRT) was #1 6+ (6.1-6.3). AUDACY News WBBM-A was back at #2 (6.0-5.7) but was forced to share as HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) moved up from #3 to forge the tie (5.6-5.7). HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) motored up to #4 with its best showing since JUNE (4.3-5.1). AUDACY Country WUSN (US 99) remained at #5 (4.4-4.4), while two stations were huddled together at #6. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) slipped from #4 with its lowest score in over a year (5.0-4.0). It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WVAZ (V103), which moved up a slot (4.0-4.0). WLIT kept cume control despite a 4.1% decline (1,370,200-1,314,100). The market was up 1.0%.
WTMX landed its largest 25-54 share in over a year, which kept the station in first place for the fourth book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) stepped up to #2 with its best outing since JULY but still trailed the leader by about three shares. WXRT dipped to #3 even though it rebounded from a down book. AUDACY Pop CHR WBBM-F (B96) moved from #6 to #4, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI advanced from #7 to #5. Both stations had slight increases. WUSN and WLIT were previously seen at #4. WUSN dropped into a tie at #5, while WLIT slid to #8.
Not only was WKSC #1 18-34 for the fourth straight survey, the station found itself in that rarefied air of double figures. WTMX moved up to #2 with its highest mark in over a year but remained about three plus shares off the lead. A flat WBBM-F stepped down to #3, while WUSN leapt from #7 to #4 as it regained a small portion of last month’s huge share loss. WGCI was back at #5 with a small decrease. WLIT and CRAWFORD Urban Contemporary WPWX (POWER 92) were #4 and #5, respectively. Both stations had down books.
WTMX was #1 18-49 for the fourth straight survey. WKSC stepped up to #2 with its best showing since OCTOBER, while WGCI inched up to #3 with a slight decrease. WXRT slipped from #2 to #4 as it surrendered most of last month’s increase. WBBM-F remained at #5 with a slight decrease.
Shameless plug: Have you played around with the DTS Auto Stage data yet? We have and we’d love to show you what we’ve done. And it won’t cost you a dime.
DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Everybody Tighten Up
The 6+ leaderboard was being hotly contested. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) stood alone at #1 this month (4.5-4.3) but was closely pursued by iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1), which stepped up to #2 (4.3-4.2). AUDACY Sports KRLD (105.3 THE FAN) vaulted from #9 to #3 with its best offensive performance in over a year (3.6-4.0). NORTH TEXAS PUBLIC BROADCASTING N/T KERA jumped from #7 to #4 (3.8-3.9) with its highest mark since JUNE). TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) and AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) were previously a pair at #4. KLNO dipped to #5 (4.2-3.7), while KJKK landed at #6 (4.2-3.6). Last month K-LOVE, INC. Contemporary Christian KLTY (K-LOVE) was tied with KDMX for the market lead. The station did not fare as well this time as it fell to #11 (4.5-3.2). KDGE was still the cume leader despite a 12.0% decline (1,312,500-1,155,400). The market was off by 2.0%.
Despite landing its smallest share since OCTOBER KLNO was #1 25-54 for the fourth book in a row. KDMX was back at #2 as it ended a robust two-book surge. KRLD rose from #5 to #3 with, again, its best outing in over a year. KDGE dipped to #4 with a slight decrease, while SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104) remained at #5 with a slight increase. KJKK slid from #3 to #6, halting a strong three-book surge.
KDGE landed its largest Frosty-free 18-34 share in over a year as it vaulted from #6 to #1. KKDA moved down to #2 with a large share loss but was still within shouting distance of the leader. AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) leapt from #9 to #3, thus ending a steep two-book slide. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBFB (97.9 THE BEAT) had its best showing since NOVEMBER as it advanced from #12 to #4. KDMX remained at #5 but with its smallest share in over a year. KLNO fell from #2 into a tie at #6 with KJKK and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM).
For the second book in a row, and third time in the last four surveys, KLNO was #1 18-49. KDMX repeated at #2 as the stations remained a half share apart. KRLD rose from #7 to #3. KKDA was close behind as it was back at #4 but with a down book. KDGE slipped into a tie at #5 with KJKK.
HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Nine Lives
iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) was flat 6+ for the third book in a row (9.0-9.0) but captured the flag for the ninth straight survey. URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) was back at #2 (6.9-7.1), while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) advanced from #7 to #3 with its best outing in over a year (4.4-5.6). URBAN ONE Classic Rock KGLK (106.9/107.5 THE EAGLE) remained nested at #4 (5.4-5.5), while HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ stepped up to #5 (4.6-5.3). URBAN ONE Country KKBQ (93Q) landed its smallest share since SEPTEMBER as it slipped from #3 to #6 (6.6-5.2). UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON N/T KUHF (NEWS 88.7) moved from #5 to #7 (4.9-4.8). KODA still had the most listeners (1,914,200-1,766,700) – a 7.7% drop. The market was off by 3.4%.
Last month KTBZ and KODA were sharing the 25-54 crown. This month KTBZ stood alone at #1 with its best book in over a year. KODA dipped to #2 with a small increase. KSBJ rebounded from a down book to move from #6 to #3, while KMJQ repeated at #4 with a small share loss. AUDACY Hot AC KHMX (MIX 96.5) was back at #5 with a slight decrease. KKBQ dropped from #3 to #9.
KTBZ had another buzz worthy 18-34 performance as it was #1 for the fourth book in a row, the last three of which have hit double figures. KODA repeated at #2 and also hit double digits. These two were well clear of KGLK, which rose from #7 to #3 with its best showing in over a year. AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) dipped to #4, while KHMX held steady at #5. KMJQ fell from #4 to #8 with its lowest total since SEPTEMBER.
For over a year the 18-49 demo has been the domain of KTBZ and KODA. These two stations have been either #1 or #2 during that span. This month KTBZ claimed the crown with, again, its best book in over a year. KODA dipped to #2 with a slight increase. KSBJ bounced back from a down book to rise from #6 to a distant #3. KHMX maintained its #4 image with a slight increase, while KKHH continued to lay claim to the #5 position, also with a slight increase. KKBQ dropped from #3 to #10 with its smallest share since JUNE.
One down, three to go. Thanks for playing along. Waiting in the queue are SAN FRANCISCO, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA, and BOSTON. They will be in your inbox tomorrow.
If you haven’t done so already, please subscribe to our blog right now. www.ResearchDirectorInc.com/Hot-Topics. Or, and consider this, you could share this with your industry friends who are pining for this kind of monthly analysis. They’ll thank you for it.
About XTrends: XTrends is radio’s favorite tool for reviewing ratings. Click here to see why all of radio’s major groups love XTrends!
As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. are ready to help you grow your ratings and revenue. Click the link below to get the gruesome details.
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.
