Posts in "Hot Topics"

A Great Program Director

April 3, 2026

If you’ve been around the radio business for any length of time, you’ve likely built up quite the archive. Rubbermaid containers full of tapes, CDs, pictures, memos, staff phone lists, etc. I recently went through my archives in an attempt to reduce clutter. I found this from The Radio Consultants, Inc., a Minneapolis-based radio consulting firm. The article, “A Great Program Director,” was previously published in Radio Ink (October 30, 1995). It is reproduced here for historical and educational purposes.

A Great Program Director understands that radio is a ratings driven business and delivers winning numbers to the sales department. A Great Program Director is an advocate for target listeners, a champion for P-1 listener wants and needs. A Great Program Director puts research to work to stay in touch with his/her target. A Great Program Director understands the incredible powers of imagination, knowledge, creativity, attitude and focus. “The play’s the thing” so said Shakespeare, and A Great Program Director knows that great radio is great theater. A Great Program Director is a leader, a coach, a director, a business person. A Great Program Director values “people skills” and is devoted to being a good and fair person with a reputation for creating a stimulating, positive and challenging environment for creative individuals. A Great Program Director knows building a great radio station is a marathon with no finish line; the price of success is always more competition. A Great Program Director is decisive, a strategic thinker, an excellent listener, a person who “hears” ideal radio playing in his/her head and strives to put that station on the air every set, every quarter-hour, every day. A Great Program Director is a competent fiduciary and accepts responsibility for diligent planning and prudent allocation and care of the company’s most precious resources — talent, time, and cash. A Great Program Director demands, and works to sustain, a “no surprises” environment, keeping the GM and GSM aware of what’s happening — on the air, in the programming department and in the market. A Great Program Director understands that every programmer has the same sixty minutes to “program” each hour and uses every minute to full advantage in the battle for listener’s time, mind, loyalty and recall. A Great Program Director keeps his/her station fresh, compelling, entertaining, informative, topical, local, relatable, memorable and “on strategy” every hour of every day. A Great Program Director knows where his/her time goes. A Great Program Director is focused on taking positive, pro-active action to change the reality in which they live and work. A Great Program Director puts integrity first and always under-promises and over-delivers, especially when the GM, clients, and listeners are involved. A Great Program Director knows he/she can never execute a plan alone and must inspire, motivate, direct, and lead a team to consistently win. A Great Program Director realizes that the studio is a stage and not an office. The single most important activity in the entire radio station (where every hope, wish, plan, promise, strategy and tactic come into sharp focus) happens in a room where performers talk to themselves and push buttons. A Great Program Director focuses his/her efforts on results rather than on his/her work. A Great Program Director builds on strengths — his/her own strengths, the strengths of his/her superiors, colleagues, and subordinates. A Great Program Director “under-programs” his/her radio station always knowing what he/she keeps off the air is often of more strategic value than what is put on. A Great Program Director constantly stays in touch with cutting-edge developments and concepts in his/her format and has developed a network of gifted minds; a speed dial of world-class thinkers. A Great Program Director ensures that the most effective, best written, best produced, most engaging and entertaining creative on his/her air is the latest station promo involving a client. A Great Program Director protects the license because without it there is no radio station. A Great Program Director is always giving listeners reasons to listen longer and to listen again. A Great Program Director knows there is never an excuse for bad manners and understands the most effective way to deal with vendors, record people, and others who are paid to get their attention is to let them do their jobs (always aware that some day these folks may be of value to the radio station). A Great Program Director realizes that jingles, promotions, contesting, promos, and station advertising are first, tools to get and keep the staff excited and enthusiastic; and secondly, tools to accomplish the station’s audience goals. A Great Program Director welcomes objective, outside opinions and counsel because he/she is always open to new ideas. A Great Program Director never underestimates the competition. A Great Program Director genuinely enjoys what he/she is doing, has fun doing it, and customarily wins as a result. A Great Program Director is enthusiastic about sharing what he/she knows and is committed to a lifetime of learning, reading, observing, and growing. A Great Program Director possesses boundless curiosity and an almost childlike, contagious exuberance: he/she dares to be naive. A Great Program Director stays impassioned about creating, reinventing, and staging great radio every day.

Whether you’re a Program Director, Operations Manager, Content Director, or whatever new titles have been ginned up, these words still ring true today. Yes, we have more competition, responsibilities, and pressures than ever before. But the above piece still remains a useful roadmap to creating great radio. Regardless of the platforms, the magic always begins in the studio.

I used to have this posted in my office to remind me of my responsibilities, requirements, and opportunities. I urge you to do the same. Creating radio is a gift. Cherish the process.

Feel free to tell me I’m full of it: sallan@researchdirectorinc.com

PS: Does anyone remember who The Radio Consultants were?

Radio Ratings Roundup, February 2026, Part 4

March 26, 2026

Filed Under: Hot Topics

Appropriately enough for MLB’s opening weekend, we’re rounding third and heading for home with the FEBRUARY survey. We do not need any robot umps to call the balls and strikes of these final five markets. The numbers will always speak for themselves. Well, not entirely as they have yet mastered how to use a keyboard.

The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—in a committed relationship with the wizards of XTRENDS—present FEBRUARY. A survey that began on FEBRUARY 5^th and ended its tenure on MARCH 4^th. There was a three-day holiday, some severe winter weather and a SUNDAY commercial extravaganza. Here’s how we see it:

TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: A Wild Ride

Chaos was the word of the month for this market. We begin with 6+. COX MEDIA Soft AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE) flew back to #1 (8.4-8.6). RADIO TRAINING NETWORK Contemporary Christian WCIE (THE JOY FM) landed its lowest share since OCTOBER as it stepped down to #2 (8.8-7.3). Last month there was a threesome at #5. COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE) landed at #3 as it ended a three-book slide (5.3-6.5). BEASLEY Classic Hits WRBQ (Q105) inched up to #4 (5.3-5.5), while iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB (98 ROCK) slid to #8 (5.3-4.9). COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9) dipped to #5 (5.7-5.3), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WFLZ rose from #10 to #6 with its best outing in over a year (4.0-5.1). iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7) fell from #3 to #7 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER (5.9-5.0). WDUV remained the cume leader with a 3.1% increase (633,800-653,500). The market was down 0.7%.

WDUV rebounded from a down 25-54 book to post its best Frosty-free share in over a year. This drove the station from #4 to #1. WRBQ advanced from #6 to #2 with its third up book in a row. WFLZ vaulted from #7 to #3 with its fifth straight up book. Last month WCIE and WMTX were the demo co-leaders. Both stations experienced large share losses as they slipped to #4 and #5, respectively. WWRM dropped three slots to #6 with its first down book since SEPTEMBER. It was paired with WXTB, which had a slight decrease.

WFLZ went from second place to first 18-34 as it smashed through the double-digit barrier. WDUV was up two slots to #2 with a slight increase but was more than four shares off the lead. WWRM repeated at #3 but with its lowest score since AUGUST. WMTX went from first to fourth, which ended its two-book double-digit run. WXGL leapt from #11 to #5. The station has more than doubled its share over the last two surveys. WCIE dipped to #6 with a small share loss. WXTB halted a four-book surge as it slid from a tie at #5 into one at #8 with WRBQ. BEASLEY Rhythmic CHR WLLD (WiLD 94.1) lost more than half its previous share is it dropped from a tie at #5 into a situation at #13 with Q BROADCASTING Mexican Regional WAMA (LA LEY 107.7FM/1550AM).

WDUV rebounded from a down book to leap from #4 to #1 18-49. WFLZ rose from #6 to #2 with, again, its best showing in over a year. WCIE and WMTX were last seen at #1. Both had down books as they landed at #3 and #4, respectively. WWRM was also at #4, slipping a spot with its lowest total since JUNE. WXTB went from #4 to #6 as it returned most of last month’s share increase.

DENVER-BOULDER: Rocky Mountain High

Sometimes, the headlines just write themselves. AUDACY Classic Rock KQMT (99.5 THE MOUNTAIN) moved up to #1 6+ with its highest score in over a year (5.7-7.0). This halted the twelve-book winning string of BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1), which dipped to #2 (7.0-6.7). BONNEVILLE Country KYGO repeated at #3 (5.6-5.3), while AUDACY Modern AC KALC (ALICE 105.9) remained at #4 (5.2-5.1). KSE MEDIA VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105) was up two slots to #5 with its best book since JULY (4.6-5.0). With the BRONCOS riding off into the sunset BONNEVILLE Sports KKFN (104.3 THE FAN) dropped from #5 to #13 (5.0-2.9). KOSI still had the most cume despite a 6.0% decline (521,800-490,500). The market was off 0.3%.

For the second book in a row iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) was #1 25-54. The station also had its best showing since JUNE. KQMT went from #4 to #2, again with its largest share in over a year. It was about a half share off the lead. KALC and KOSI were previously seen at #2. Both stations experienced a down book as they landed at #3 and #4, respectively. KXKL was up from #7 to #5 with its highest total in a year. KYGO advanced from #14 to #6 with its best book since SEPTEMBER. KKFN dropped from #5 to #18 where it was hanging with two other stations.

Last month KXKL and ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KXPK (LA TRICOLOR 96.5) were tied at #4 18-34. KXKL landed at #1, while KXPK ended up at #2. It was sharing that moment with two other stations. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR KQKS (KS 107.5) stepped down from #1, while KSE MEDIA VENTURES Hot AC KIMN (MIX 100) rose up from #3. Both of those stations had down books. KOSI was also in first place last month. It drifted down to #5 this time with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER. It was partnered with KTCL, up from #6, and KQMT, which advanced from #7.

KTCL landed its largest 18-49 share since JUNE as it went from third to first. KALC and KOSI were last month’s co-leaders. They moved down together to #2 and were a half share off the pace. KQMT vaulted from #10 to #4 with, yup, its best book in over a year. KQKS slipped two places to #5 and was tied with KIMN, which advanced from #8 with its best performance in over a year. KSE MEDIA VENTURES Sports KKSE (ALTITUDE SPORTS RADIO 92.5FM) fell from #5 to #12.

SAN DIEGO: Wait, Wait…

…don’t tell me, but who is the new 6+ leader? Why it was SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS, which posted its largest share in over a year (7.6-8.1). This pushed AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) down to #2 (7.7-7.7). LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) was back at #3 (6.8-6.7), while AUDACY AC KYXY remained at #4 (6.7-6.3). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHTS (CHANNEL 93.3) vaulted from #11 to #5 with its highest score in over a year (3.4-4.9). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMYI (STAR 94.1) fell from #5 to #7 as it returned most of last month’s large share increase (5.2-4.5). KXSN continued as the cume commander with a 5.4% increase (572,400-603,500). The market was off 1.0%.

Despite a slight decrease KXSN was #1 25-54 for the second book in a row. KHTS advanced from #10 to #2 with, again, its best book in over a year. It still trailed the leader by nearly a share. A flat XHRM dipped to #3, where it was paired with the stationary LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X), which had a small increase. KYXY and iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ (ROCK 105.3) were tied at #4. Both stations were flat as they drifted down to #5.

KYXY was #1 18-34 for the fourth book in a row and hit double figures for the third time during this run. KXSN remained at #2, while KMYI stepped up to #3. Both stations had down books. XTRA rose two places to #4. The station has more than tripled its share from the HOLIDAY survey. XHRM repeated at #5 with a slight increase, while AUDACY Country KSON fell from #2 to #6 as it surrendered most of last month’s massive increase.

KXSN was #1 18-49 for the second straight survey with a slight increase. KYXY stood alone at #2, while XHRM dipped to #3. It was paired with KHTS, which advanced from #9. Those four stations were separated by less than a half share. XTRA rose from #8 to #5 with its best showing since MAY. It was tied with the stationary KIOZ, which scored its largest number since JULY. KMYI fell from #4 to #9 as it returned most of last month’s large increase.

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CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: mmmm…K

BEASLEY Classic Hits WKQC (K104.7) moved back to #1 6+ with its best Frosty-free share since JULY (7.4-7.9). Two stations raced up the chart to meet up at #2. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE) rose from #4 (6.2-6.3), while BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98) advanced from #6 with its best performance in over a year (5.0-6.3). URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) went from first to fourth with its smallest share since JULY (7.7-6.1). iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT) repeated at #5, also with its highest score in over a year (5.4-6.0). UNIVERSITY RADIO FOUNDATION N/T WFAE slipped from #3 to #6 (6.3-5.7). It was tied with BEASLEY Country WSOC (COUNTRY 103.7), which remained in place (5.0-5.7). WLKO padded its cume lead with a 12.0% increase (419,600-470,000). The market grew by 6.0%.

WPEG stepped up to #1 25-54 and was dangerously close to hitting double figures. WOSF dipped to #2 with its lowest mark since SEPTEMBER, while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) inched up to #3 with its best book since OCTOBER. A flat WKQC dipped to #4, while WKKT stood alone at #5 with a slight increase. Its former partner in that space—WLKO—was down to #6 with a slight decrease.

BEASLEY Urban AC WBAV (V 101.9) jumped from #4 to #1 18-34. The station landed in double digits with its best showing in over a year. WPEG rose from #6 to #2. The station was also in double figures as it more than doubled last month’s share. As strong as both these stations were, the gap between them was a bit over three shares. BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1FM) dipped to #3 with its third down book in a row. WOSF went from #1 to #4 as its two-book double-digit string came to an end. WLKO slipped to #5 with its lowest total since AUGUST. It was joined there by WKQC, which turned it up from #11 as it regained all of last month’s lost share. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1) also moved up to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. WFAE fell from #5 into a tie at #11 with WKKT.

WPEG hit double figures 18-49 as it rose from #3 to #1. WNKS repeated at #2 but with a down book. It was paired with WBAV, which rose from #5 with its first up book since NOVEMBER. This halted the seven-book winning string for WOSF, which slid to #4 and out of double digits. WEND was up two places to #5 with a solid increase. WLKO and WFAE were #4 and #5, respectively. They fell together to #7 and were joined by WKKT and iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WRFX (99.7 THE FOX), which arrived from #11.

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): Double Talk

AUDACY News WINS was again #1 6+ with its best outing in over a year (9.2-10.6). RED APPLE MEDIA N/T WABC-A was back at #2 but with its fourth down book in a row (6.3-6.0). CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) was up two places to #3 (5.6-5.7), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) dipped to #4 (5.8-5.5). COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI stepped down to #5 as it returned a good portion of last month’s share increase (5.7-4.8). WINS still had the most listeners (441,200-424,300)—a 3.8% decline. The market was off 2.3%.

WALK was #1 25-54 for the third straight survey. The station was up slightly. WHTZ remained at #2 with a modest decrease. The gap between the two stations went from very small to about a share. WINS stood alone at #3 with its third up book in a row. AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS stepped up to #4 with its largest number in over a year. WBLI slipped to #5 despite a small increase.

There was a first-place tie 18-34. WBLI stepped up from #2 with a small increase, while WCBS advanced from #4 with its fourth straight up book. This ended the two-book winning streak for WALK, which slipped to #3 with its lowest score since NOVEMBER. Three stations moved up and into a tie at #4. WHTZ rose from #6 as it bounced back from a down book. WINS advanced from #8 with its best outing in over a year. AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) vaulted from #15 as it more than doubled last month’s number. WABC-A fell from #4 to #10 with its lowest total since MARCH.

WALK rebounded from a down book as it moved back up to #1 18-49. This pushed WHTZ down to #2 as it landed its lowest share since MARCH. WBLI held firm at #3 with its fourth up book in a row. WNEW leapt from #7 to #4 with its best performance in over a year. WINS dipped to #5, while WCBS stepped down to #6. Both stations had solid share increases. WABC-A fell from a tie at #5 to #9.

Thank you for slogging through this with us. We hope you were at least mildly entertained. We’ll be back in about 28 days with the MARCH results. In the meantime, be kind.

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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.

Radio Ratings Roundup, February 2026, Part 3

March 25, 2026

Filed Under: Hot Topics

We often see blogs and columns that downplay the importance of ratings to radio stations. While we never believe anyone should program their station(s) TO NIELSEN, to ignore the ratings entirely would deprive you of important data and feedback. Let’s face it, radio people are highly competitive. We love to keep score.

But since we are The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC., we’re kind of biased. The same can be said of our data partners from XTRENDS. That’s why we perform this labor of love every survey.

Here’s our third foray into the FEBRUARY book. It ran from FEBRUARY 5^th through MARCH 9^th. There was a federally mandated three-day weekend, some ridiculously cold weather, and some football stuff. Let us proceed…

MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: When You’re Hot…

The 6+ contest is usually a two-horse race. The winning entry this month belonged to COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105), which rose to the occasion with its best outing since SEPTEMBER (6.7-7.2). This ended the three-book winning string for COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1), which dipped to second place (7.5-7.0). AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) moved up to #3 with its highest mark since OCTOBER (4.9-6.3). AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH) stepped down to #4 (5.4-5.1), where it met up with the rising SBS Spanish Contemporary WCMQ (Z92.3), which was last seen at #5 (5.0-5.1). WFEZ still had the most listeners (746,900-790,600) – a 5.9% rise. The market was off 0.7%.

WFEZ continued to run away with the 25-54 situation. Though it had a down book it maintained better than a share lead over WHQT, which was up to #2 with its best book in over a year. WLYF moved down a spot to #3 with a slight increase, while COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) was up to #4 as it ended a two-book slide. WMXJ dipped to #5 with a slight decrease, while a flat AUDACY Classic Hip Hop WPOW (POWER 96) slipped to #7.

COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row. WHQT has been on quite the ascent. It has gone from #11 to #5 and was granted second place in this book. The station has more than doubled its share during this run. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT) was up to #3 with its best showing in over a year. Two stations were circling each other at #4. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7) slipped from #2 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER. WCMQ rose from #8 with its best book in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9) fell from #3 to #13 with its least productive outing in over a year.

A flat WFEZ was #1 18-49 for the sixth straight survey. WHQT stepped up to #2 with its best book in over a year and was now only about a share off the lead. WLYF dipped to #3 with a slight increase, while two stations moved up to #4. WFLC made the small step from #5 with a slight increase, while WPOW moved up two places as it bounced back from a down book. WMXJ dropped from #4 to #8 with a small share loss.

SEATTLE-TACOMA: To The Nines

For the eighth book in a row UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW topped a nine share 6+ (9.7-9.5). It led the rest of the field by a wide margin. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) cruised up to #2 (5.5-5.6), while CRISTA Christian AC KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) dipped to #3 (5.7-5.4). AUDACY Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) was up two places to #4 (5.0-5.1), while FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP worked it from #9 to #5 with its best outing in over a year (4.3-4.7). HUBBARD AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) cooled off a bit as it slipped to #6 (5.3-4.6). It was paired with AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF), which was up from #8 (4.5-4.6). With the big game now a distant memory BONNEVILLE Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM) slid from #5 to #10 (5.1-3.8). It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZOK (3.6-3.8). Despite a 5.4% drop KRWM was still in cume control (648,000-613,200). The market was down 2.3%.

KEXP and KISW were still #1 and #2, respectively, 25-54. However, the gap between the two stations went from about two shares to less than a share. KUOW repeated at #3 with a slight increase, while AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) rose from #7 to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. KCMS remained at #5 but was joined there by HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5), which advanced from #10 as it halted a steep three-book skid. KJEB descended from #4 to #7 as it returned some of last month’s large share increase.

KISW and KNDD were back at #1 and #2, respectively, 18-34. However, the gulf between the two stations expanded from about a half share to more than two shares. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) dipped to #3 with a noticeable share loss. It was partnered with KKWF, which rose from #6 with its best outing since MAY. KJEB stepped down to #5 and was tied with AUDACY Hot AC KSWD (EMMA 94.1), which advanced from #9 with its third consecutive up book. KRWM fell from #5 to #13 and was paired with LOTUS Country KPLZ (101.5 HANK FM).

Despite a large share loss KEXP was back at #1 18-49. KUOW moved up to #2 with a small increase, while KISW was down to #3 with a slight decrease. KNDD was up two slots to #4 and was joined there by KQMV, which advanced from #10 as it halted a three-book slide. KCMS slipped to #6, while KJEB fell from #3 to #8.

PHOENIX: The Easy Button

For the fifth book in a row iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) was #1 6+ (7.5-8.0). HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX was back at #2 with its best outing since NOVEMBER (6.2-6.8). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A moved up to #3 (4.6-4.6), while four stations were languishing at #4. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) dipped from #3 (5.2-4.5), while MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Classical KBAQ (K-BACH 89.5) remained in place (4.9-4.5). AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) was up from #6 (4.4-4.5), while iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX advanced from #7 with its best book in over a year (4.3-4.5). KESZ retained the cume crown despite a 3.5% drop (1,044,300-1,007,700). The market was down 1.4%.

KESZ was #1 25-54 for the sixth straight survey but with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER. Say that three times fast. KYOT was back at #2. It narrowly defeated ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KLNZ (LA TRICOLOR 103.5), which leapt from #7 to #3 with its highest score in over a year. KSLX repeated at #4 with a solid increase, while KOOL slipped to #5 with a slight decrease.

KESZ led the 18-34 field for the fourth book in a row. It held almost a share and a half lead over HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3), which jumped from #6 to #2 with its best outing since OCTOBER. KYOT remained at #3 with a solid increase, while KOOL slipped to #4 with a down book. KSLX and AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) rose from a tie at #9 to one at #5. Both stations had strong share increases. KNIX dropped from #4 to #8 as it gave back half of last month’s huge increase.

KESZ was the 18-49 champ for the sixth book in a row. KLNZ leapt from #8 to #2 with its best showing in over a year but was still about two shares off the pace. KOOL repeated at #3 with a small increase, while KSLX stepped up to #4. KYOT fell from #2 to #5 with a small share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KZZP (104.7 KISS FM) and iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMXP (MIX 96.9) fell in tandem from #4 to #7.

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DETROIT: Yea, That’s The Ticket

AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) made it back-to-back 6+ wins (8.9-8.6). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC was back at #2 with its best outing in over a year (7.4-7.7). iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC stepped up to #3 (6.3-6.3), while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) dipped to #4 with its smallest share since MAY (6.4-6.1). AUDACY Country WYCD was up to #5 (5.4-5.5), while AUDACY News WWJ-A moved down to #6 (5.5-5.3). WNIC padded its cume lead by 6.4% (924,200-983,600). The market was up 1.5%.

WXYT was both #1 and in double figures 25-54 for the second straight survey. WOMC inched up to #2 with its highest mark since MARCH. Beasley Active Rock WRIF stepped down to #3 as it gave back some of last month’s large increase. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) repeated at #4, also with its best book since MARCH. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB was up to #5 with its largest share in over a year. WMXD dipped to #6 with its lowest score since JULY.

Last month WKQI and WXYT were tied at #1 18-34. Both stations had down books this month. The end result saw WKQI stand alone in first place while WXYT slipped to #3. In between was WJLB, which again had its best book in over a year. WOMC stepped up to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) leapt from #11 to #5 with a massive share increase. WRIF slipped to #6 with its lowest total in over a year. WNIC and WMXD were tied at #5. WNIC landed at #7, while WMXD fell into a tie at #9 with BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WMGC (105.1 THE BOUNCE).

WXYT was back at #1 18-49 but could not quite duplicate last month’s double-digit performance. WOMC advanced two squares to #2 with its best book in over a year. WKQI remained at #3 with a slight increase, while WJLB stepped up to #4 with – again – its highest mark in over a year. WRIF slid from #2 to #5 as it surrendered most of last month’s large increase.

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: Time Is Tight

The 6+ contest became much more compressed this month. MPR N/T KNOW stepped up to #1 as it returned a good portion of last survey’s increase (8.6-7.7). The station did pocket a 1.4 share from cyberspace. iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (K-FAN FM 100.3) stepped down to #2 with its lowest score in over a year (8.9-7.3). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) moved up to #3 (6.2-7.2), while HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) dipped to #4 (6.9-7.1). UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS repeated at #5 as it regained some of last month’s huge share loss (5.7-6.2). KOOL was still #1 in cume with a 3.3% increase (612,400-632,500). The market was up 1.0%.

For the eighth book in a row KFXN was in double-digits 25-54. The station was #1 in seven of those surveys, including the last two. KQQL had its best Frosty-free share in over a year as it jumped from #5 to #2. MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT) dipped to #3 with a large share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB stepped down to #4 as it returned about half of last month’s large increase. It was tied with AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM), which was up a spot with a solid increase. KNOW slipped from #4 to #6 but its stream came in at #17.

KCMP was back at #1 18-34 but it had company as KQQL advanced from #3 to forge the tie. KFXN was down to #3 with its lowest total in over a year. KZJK stood alone at #4 with a small increase. A flat iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KTCZ (CITIES 97.1) moved up two slots to #5. KDWB went from a tie at #4 to #6, while KSTP fell from its share of the #4 position into an arrangement at #13 with iHEARTMEDIA Country KEEY (K102).

As with an earlier demo, KFXN was in double figures 18-49 for the eighth straight survey. It held more than a two-share advantage over KCMP, which repeated at #2 but with a large decrease. KQQL vaulted from #6 to #3 with its highest Frosty-free share since JULY. KDWB dipped to #4 with a small share loss, while KZJK held steady at #5 with a small share gain. KNOW slipped two slots to #6.

But wait—there’s more to come. We’ll be back after the break with 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.

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.

-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant

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Radio Ratings Roundup, February 2026, Part II

March 24, 2026

Filed Under: Hot Topics

So here we are reviewing the shortest month of the year. The symmetry between the real-world calendar and the way NIELSEN rates us all is striking. Both the month and the book have 28 days (mind blown). You would think that once, just once, the stars would collide and we would achieve a level of ratings oneness.

Perhaps another time.

The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—running cheek by jowl with the numbers nerds from XTRENDS—are here to break down the aforementioned month for a second time. This book, as they call it, ran from FEBRUARY 5^th through MARCH 9^th. It featured a three-day weekend and a ton of frigid weather. There was also a big football game a few may have watched. Here’s the scoop:

SAN FRANCISCO: Back To Normal

Now that Santa is but a distant memory, the ratings chart has reverted to its usual status. KQED INC N/T KQED was #1 6+ again (9.8-9.9), while AUDACY News KCBS-A was in its customary #2 position (8.3-8.8). There was a rather large bay between those two stations and the rest of the field. BONNEVILLE AC KOIT stepped up to #3 (4.7-5.0), while iHEARTMEDIA AC KIOI (STAR 101.3) rose two places to #4 with its best book in over a year (3.7-4.7). BONNEVILLE Hot AC KMVQ (99.7 NOW) remained at #5 (4.6-4.6), while USC Classical KDFC (CLASSICAL CALIFORNIA) dropped three spots to #6 with its smallest share since JUNE (4.9-4.3). KOIT continued as the cume commander with a 3.1% increase (985,900-1,016,200). The market was down 0.5%.

KQED remained #1 25-54 with a small increase, while KMVQ was back at #2 with a slight decrease. Those two were separated by about a share. KIOI jumped from #6 to #3 with its third up book in a row. KOIT repeated at #4, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) held steady at #5. Both stations had solid share increases. AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) slid from #3 to #6. Keep an eye on TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KBRG (AMOR 100.3), which leapt from #11 to #7. The station has more than doubled its share over the last two surveys.

KMVQ was the repeat 18-34 winner with a slight decrease. KOIT remained at #2 but with a down book, while iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL was steady at #3 with a solid increase. KIOI and KBRG continued to occupy the #4 position as each station had a good book. They were joined in that space by SBS Mexican Regional KRZZ (LA RAZA 93.3), which advanced from #11 as it rebounded from a down book.

KQED remained #1 18-49 with a slight increase. KIOI jumped from #6 to #2 with its best outing in over a year and was less than a half share off the lead. KOIT stepped up to #3 with a small increase, while a flat KMVQ dipped to #4. KYLD was back at #5 as it stopped a three-book slide. KITS fell from #2 to #6 and was paired with KBRG, which arrived from #10.

ATLANTA: Do You Believe In Majic?

URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) jumped from #4 to #1 6+ with its highest mark since APRIL (6.2-7.2). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) moved up to #2 with its best showing since AUGUST (6.4-6.8). Thus ended the six-book winning string for COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A. The station slid to #3 with its smallest share in over a year (7.8-6.6). AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V-103) repeated at #4 (6.2-6.0), while COX MEDIA AC WSB-F (B98.5) inched up to #5 (5.8-5.9). COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) dropped from #2 to #6 with its lowest score since MARCH (6.7-5.7). WSB-F padded its cume lead with a large 13.1% increase (673,700-762,100). The market grew by 2.6%.

WVEE was back at #1 25-54. However, the station landed its lowest share since SEPTEMBER, which opened the door for WAMJ, which moved up from #4 to forge a tie for the lead. WSB-F was back at #3 with a slight increase, while AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9 THE GAME) slipped to #4 as it returned all of last month’s modest increase. WSRV stepped up to #5 with a small increase, while WALR dipped to #6

WSRV assumed control of the 18-34 space thanks to its best book in over a year. WSB-F stepped down to #2 as it gave back some of last month’s huge increase. WSB-F went from leading the demo by over two shares to trailing by about a half share. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT) remained at #3, while WVEE was back at #4. Both stations had solid increases. WZGC rose two places to #5 with its highest score in over a year. WALR and AUDACY Rhythmic AC WSTR (STAR 94) were last spotted at #5. Both stations experienced a down book as they drifted to #6 and #7, respectively.

WVEE was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row. A flat WSB-F was back at #2, while WAMJ moved up two slots to #3 with its third straight up book. WSRV dipped to #4 with a slight decrease, while WRDG stepped down to #5 with a slight increase.

WASHINGTON, DC: I Heard The News Today…

…and it had something to do with the partial government shutdown which happened in the middle of this book. That was good news for HUBBARD News WTOP, which was #1 6+ for the ninth book in a row and posted its largest share in over a year (13.5-15.2). AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU repeated at #2 with its best book since JUNE (11.0-11.8). HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR was again the leading music station at #3 (6.6-7.0), while iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) remained at #4 (5.4-5.4). iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH stepped up to #5 despite landing its lowest number since SEPTEMBER (4.9-4.6). ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS slipped to #6 (5.4-4.3). WTOP was back as the cume leader with an 8.4% increase (851,200-922,600). The market was off 0.6%.

WAMU and WTOP were back at #1 and #2, respectively, 25-54. Both stations also achieved double-digit status. I think that means they get a free donut. WWDC repeated at #3 but with a noticeable share loss. WASH was up to #4, while WHUR inched up to #5. Both stations had slight decreases. WGTS slipped two slots to #6 as it ended a strong two-book surge.

WTOP vaulted from #4 to #1 18-34. The station was in double figures and came close to doubling its previous share. iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ was forced to step down to #2 as it was unable to duplicate last month’s double-digit performance. WHUR remained at #3 with its highest score in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100) advanced two spaces to #4 with a small increase, while WASH was back at #5 with a small decrease. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) slid from #2 to #6 as it surrendered a healthy portion of last month’s massive increase.

WTOP and WAMU were back at #1 and #2, respectively, 18-49 as they both surpassed the double-digit threshold. WHUR advanced from #7 to #3 with, again, its highest mark in over a year. A flat WASH was back at #4, while WWDC slipped to #5 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER. WGTS and WMZQ were previously aligned at #4. Both stations had a down book as they dropped to #6 and #7, respectively.

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PHILADELPHIA: They Call It Rock

Two flavors of music that rocks rose up in defiance of the man to become co-leaders of the 6+ cohort. BEASLEY Active Rock WMMR stepped up from #2 (7.1-7.1), while its older cluster bro, BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK, advanced from #3 (6.6-7.1). AUDACY AC WBEB (B101) jumped three spaces to #3 with its highest Frosty-free share in over a year (5.4-6.5). With the EAGLES no longer in flight, AUDACY Sports WIP (94WIP SPORTSRADIO) went from first to third (8.5-6.5). AUDACY News KYW slipped to #5 (6.6-6.3), while iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS dipped to #6 (5.7-6.1). WBEB increased its #1 cume total by 7.0% (1,028,800-1,101,300). The market was down 0.8%.

WMMR was back as a dominant #1 25-54 for the second straight survey. WBEB inched up to #2 with a solid increase but still trailed the leader by better than two shares. WDAS rose two spots to #3, while EMF Contemporary Christian WKVP (POSITIVE, ENCOURAGING 106.9 K-LOVE) took two steps upward to #4. Both stations had solid increases. WIP slid from #2 to #5, while WHYY INC N/T WHYY slipped to #6. It was paired with BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK, which advanced from #9.

WMMR was unable to match last month’s double-digit outcome but had enough left in the tank to repeat at #1 18-34. BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) remained #2 and was about a share off the pace. WBEB remained at #3 with a strong share increase. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) was up to #4 with its best outing in over a year. WMGK dipped to #5 and was tied with BEASLEY Adult Hits WBEN (95.7 BEN FM), which advanced from #9. WIP dropped from #5 into an arrangement at #11 with WHYY and URBAN ONE Urban AV WRNB (100.3 RnB).

WMMR was both #1 and in double figures 18-49 for the second book in a row. WBEB moved up two places to #2 with its best Frosty-free share since AUGUST. WMGK rose from #6 to #3, while WDAS stepped up to #4. Both stations had what would be considered to be a “nice” book. WIP slid from #2 to #5, while WXTU dropped from #3 to #6.

BOSTON: Oh, Oh, Oh, It’s…

…not Ozempic. It’s AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7), which stepped up to #1 6+ (6.2-6.2). BEASLEY Adult Hits WROR inched up to #2 (5.5-5.7), while BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) went from first to third with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER (7.6-5.3). It was paired with AUDACY Hot AC WBMX (MIX 104.1), which advanced from #7 with its highest score since JULY (4.5-5.3). BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR moved from #7 to #5 with its best showing in exactly a year (4.5-5.2). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) slipped to #6 (5.1-4.9), while iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A drifted down to #7 (5.0-4.3). It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX, which moved up from #10 (3.8-4.3). WMJX added 6.1% to its best-in-class cume total (779,800-827,000). The market was up 0.2%.

WBMX stepped up to #1 25-54 with its best book since JUNE. WBZ-F was unable to replicate last month’s double-digit share as it dipped to #2. WXKS was down to #3 as it returned all of last month’s share increase. WMJX repeated at #4 with a slight decrease, while WZLX remained at #5 as it rebounded from a down book. It was not alone as WROR moved up from #6 to forge the tie.

For the fourth book in a row—and sixth time in the last seven surveys—WMJX was #1 18-34. Vaulting from #8 to #2 was iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5). The station was also #2 two books ago before hitting a rough patch. WBMX remained at #3 with a slight increase, while four stations were massed together at #4. WXKS held steady but with its smallest share since NOVEMBER. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) stepped up from #5 with a slight increase. WROR rose from #8, while WBUR advanced from #12. BEASLEY Country WKLB (COUNTRY 102.5) fell from #2 to #8 as it surrendered all of last month’s huge increase. It was met there by AUDACY Sports WEEI, which was last seen at #15. WBZ-F offense was held in check (ouch) as it dropped from #5 to #11. It was partnered with AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) and WGBH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION N/T WGBH.

WMBX rode its third straight up book to first place in the 18-49 space. WXKS stepped up to #2 and WMJX was up to #3. Both stations had down books. WROR advanced to #4 with a strong increase, while WBZ-F fell from first to fifth. WJMN leapt from #12 to #6, while WKLB fell from #5 to #11.

Thanks for taking time to read this here missive. Enjoy the halftime festivities as we prep the next batch of markets. 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.

-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant

About XTrends: XTrends is radio’s favorite Nielsen ratings analysis tool, used by all major groups. Learn why here.

Radio Ratings Roundup, February 2026, Part I

March 23, 2026

Filed Under: Hot Topics

The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—in cahoots with our cohorts from XTRENDS—are back with another thrilling installment of ratings summaries. We are spanning the country to bring you the constant variety of ratings performances. Experience the thrill of ratings victories and the agony of ratings defeats. It’s the human (or AI generated) drama of ratings competition. This is the FEBRUARY survey. A period that lasted from FEBRUARY 5^th through MARCH 4^th. It featured one three-day holiday weekend and a ton of winter weather. Here’s how it unfolded…

NEW YORK: Another WINS

For the second book in a row, AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was #1 6+. The station also posted its largest share in over a year (7.5-7.8). iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was back as a close #2 (7.0-7.4). AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS stepped up to #3 (5.3-5.3), while three stations were massed together at #4. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) dipped from #3 (5.4-5.0). The station did garner a 1.1 share from its stream. NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO N/T WNYC and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) moved up from a tie at #5 with identical 5.1-5.0 shares. WLTW padded its cume lead with a 7.5% increase (3,387,600-3,642,300). The market was off by 0.2%.

Despite a slight decrease WLTW moved back up to #1 25-54. WSKQ slipped to #2 as it lost a noticeable chunk of share. The station’s stream placed at #17. WHTZ was up to #3 with a small share gain, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WWPR (POWER 105.1) stepped down to #4 with a small share loss. MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97FM) was back at #5 with its best showing since NOVEMBER. WCBS was a tick behind at #6.

WLTW was #1 18-34 for the fifth consecutive survey with its best Frosty-free share since JULY. WHTZ rebounded from a down book to advance two places to #2. WQHT dipped to #3 and was just ahead of WCBS, which was up to #4 with its third up book in a row. WWPR slipped to #5 with a slight decrease. Showing the volatility of stream numbers, the WSKQ STREAM dropped from a tie at #5 to #12.

A flat WLTW stepped up to #1 18-49. It held a very slight advantage over WHTZ, which moved up two slots to #2 as it again recovered from a down book. WWPR repeated at #3 but with a small share loss. WSKQ slid from first to fourth, while its stream dropped from #13 to #18. WQHT remained at #5 with a slight decrease.

LOS ANGELES: Same As It Ever Was

There was very little change atop the 6+ chart this month. iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST was #1 for the fourth book in a row (6.3-6.2). AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101FM) was back at #2 (5.7-5.8), while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM) repeated at #3 (5.3-5.3). AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) held steady at #4 (4.4-4.5). It was joined there by AUDACY News KNX, which stepped up from #5 with its highest mark since JULY (4.3-4.5). SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9) remained at #6 (4.2-4.2). KOST was still in cume control despite a 5.8% decline (2,354,800-2,218,400). The market was down 1.2%.

Last month KRTH and AUDACY Alternative KROQ were tied for second 25-54. This month KRTH moved into first place with its best book since NOVEMBER, while KROQ was left behind at #2 even though it landed its largest share in over a year. KBIG went from first to third with a slight decrease, while two stations moved up and into a tie at #4. A flat KCBS stepped up from #5, while KOST arrived from #6 with a small increase. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7) slid to #6 with a modest share loss.

KOST was #1 18-34 for the fourth straight survey with a small share loss. KROQ vaulted from #7 to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. It was still about a share and a half off the lead. KRTH rose two places to #3 with a small share gain. KYSR repeated at #4 despite a down book. TELEVISIAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) were last spied at #2. Each station took the same share hit as they fell in tandem to #5. AUDACY Urban AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE) slid three places to #8 with its lowest score since APRIL.

There was quite the commotion in the 18-49 ranks as three—count ‘em—three stations rose up to claim its share of the lead. KOST stepped up from #2 with a small increase. KRTH rose from #4 with its best outing since NOVEMBER. KROQ advanced from #5 with its best book in over a year. A flat KBIG slid from first to fourth, but it was as close to the leading trio as was mathematically possible. A flat KCBS stood alone at #5, while KSCA slid from #3 to #6 as it halted a three-book surge.

CHICAGO: It’s News To Us

For the second book in a row AUDACY News WBBM-A was the leading 6+ station (5.9-5.9). AUDACY AAA WXRT (93XRT) inched up to #2 with its best showing in over a year (5.4-5.6). HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) dipped to #3 (5.5-5.4), while iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) remained at #4 (5.2-5.0). As you can see, the 6+ leaderboard is tight with four stations within a share of the top spot. AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) was up two slots to #5 with its best book since NOVEMBER (4.0-4.8). NEXTSTAR N/T WGN-A (RADIO 720) fell from #5 to #9 with its smallest share since OCTOBER (4.8-3.7). It was paired with WBEZ ALLIANCE N/T WBEZ (3.8-3.7). WLIT increased its #1 cume total by 4.0% (1,200,200-1,247,700). The market was up by 2.4%.

Despite a small share loss WTMX was a dominant #1 25-54 for the second book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) repeated as a distant #2 with a slight increase. WLIT was close behind at #3 and was partnered with WXRT, which moved up a slot with, once again, its best book in over a year. AUDACY Pop CHR WBBM-F (B96) accomplished the same feat as it rose from #8 to #5.

WKSC was #1 18-34 for the second book in a row with its best book in over a year. WUSN was up two places to #2, while WBBM-F rose from #7 to #3. Both stations landed their largest shares in over a year. Also coming in at #3 was WLIT, which dipped from #2 with a slight increase. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI worked it from #9 to #5 with its best outing since OCTOBER. WTMX slipped from #3 to #6 with a slight increase, while CONNOISSEUR Active Rock WIIL (96 WIIL ROCK) fell from #4 to #9 as it returned a good portion of last month’s huge increase.

WTMX repeated at #1 18-49 with a small decrease, while WKSC was back at #2 with a small increase. WUSN advanced from #6 to #3, while WBBM-F rose from #7 to #4. Once again, each station landed its largest share in over a year. WXRT dipped to #5 though it, too, posted its best number in over a year. WLIT slid from #3 to #7 with a slight decrease, while WBEZ dropped from #4 to #9.

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DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Mix Master

For the second book in a row iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) was #1 6+ (4.5-5.2). EMF Contemporary Christian KLTY (K-LOVE) advanced from #7 to #3 with its highest mark in over a year (3.6-4.4). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) was back at #3 (4.2-4.4), while iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) slipped to #4 (4.4-4.2). AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) remained at #5 (3.8-3.8). AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) slid four places to #8 (3.9-3.5). It was tied with SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104), which had its first up book since OCTOBER (2.9-3.5). KDGE was still the cume commander with a 5.8% increase (1,165,500-1,233,100). The market grew by 3.7%.

Despite a small share loss TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) was still #1 25-54. KDMX was back at #2 as it bounced back from a down book. The stations were separated by about a half share. KJKK vaulted from #7 to #3 with its best performance in over a year. KHKS repeated at #4 with a slight increase, while KDGE slipped from #3 to #5 with a slight decrease.

KDMX landed its largest 18-34 share in over a year as it leapt from #3 to #1. KKDA rose to #2, also with its best outing in over a year. Yet it was about a share behind the leader. KLNO went from first to third as it returned almost all of last month’s huge share increase. KHKS was up three places to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. EMK Contemporary Christian KYDA (AIR 1) jumped from #10 to #5 with its highest score since AUGUST. KDGE dipped to #6, while KJKK dropped to #7. It was tied with KVIL, which fell from #2 with a rather large share loss.

KDMX stepped up to #1 18-49 with its best outing since SEPTEMBER. This forced KLNO to move down to #2 as it had a modest share loss. KKDA advanced from #7 to #3 with its highest share in over a year. KDGE stood alone at #4 with a solid increase. KHKS dipped to #5 with a small increase, while KVIL dropped from #3 to #6.

HOUSTON-GALVESTON: It’s Always Sunny

For the seventh straight survey iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) was #1 6+ (9.7-9.0). URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) was back at #2 but with its fourth down book in a row (6.9-6.7). The month leading up to rodeo was a boon for URBAN ONE Country KKBQ (93Q) as it repeated at #3 but with its highest mark in over a year (5.8-6.6). HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ was back at #4 with its best book since AUGUST (5.3-6.0). AUDACY Hot AC KHMX (MIX 96.5) rounded out the top five once again (5.1-5.1). KODA was still the cume leader despite a 2.0% drop (1,928,000-1,890,100). The market was up 3.4%.

Boosted by a slight increase iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) stepped up to #1 25-54 for the first time since MARCH. It narrowly defeated KODA, which dipped to #2. This was the first time in over a year that KODA was not #1 in this demo. KSBJ stepped up to #3 with its fourth up book in a row. It was partnered with KKBQ, which advanced from #6 with its highest mark in exactly a year. KHMX slipped to #5 as it ended a strong four-book surge. SBS Mexican Regional KROI (LA LEY 92.1) advanced three spaces to #6 as it bounced back from a down book. KMJQ slid from #4 to #7 with its smallest share since APRIL.

Last month KTBZ and KHMX were the 18-34 co-leaders. That partnership was dissolved as KTBZ remained in first place as it crashed through the double-digit barrier. KHMX dipped to #2 with its first down book since OCTOBER. KODA remained at #3 but with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER. AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) rose five places to #4 with its best showing in over a year. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOXX) dipped to #5, while KMJQ stepped down to #6.

A flat KTBZ moved up to #1 18-49. This ended KODA’s four-book winning string as it dipped to #2. KKBQ inched up to #3 with its best book since NOVEMBER, while KHMX stepped down to #4 as it returned all of last month’s huge increase, plus a tad more. KSBJ was up to #5 with a solid increase, while KBXX was down a spot to #6. It was joined there by KKHH, which vaulted from #12.

Our long trek into the ratings multiverse has just begun. Grab some snacks as we prepare for round two. That will feature SAN FRANCISCO, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA and BOSTON. In the meantime, please use your turn signals.

If you’re a first-time caller but long-time listener, be sure to sign up for our blog. And feel free to pass it along to others in your chat group. www.ResearchDirectorInc.com/Hot-Topics.

-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant

About XTrends: XTrends is radio’s favorite Nielsen ratings analysis tool, used by all major groups. Learn why here.

Working for the Weekend

March 20, 2026

Filed Under: Hot Topics

Everybody loves the weekend. It’s when we get to run errands, hit the to-do list, schlep the kids around and, maybe, have some down time. And you know what’s even better? People spend a lot of time in their cars, where radio continues to excel.

Last week The RAB spotlighted a YouGov poll that, among other things, asked people which day of the week was their favorite. The Captain Obvious answers were Friday then Saturday and Sunday. (We needed a poll for that?)

Image by Adrien Olichon on Pexels.

But I digress.

We have known for years how important weekend listening is to radio. If you are a healthy music-based format you should see 50% of your weekly cume tune in at least once during the Sat-Sun 6A-12M day part. That is more cume than typically samples your morning show on a weekly basis. It can also be more than listen to you in mid-day. Yet, weekends are often treated as a lesser day part by both programming and sales.

For programming, this is an excellent opportunity for recycling. Since your TSL (AWTE) is affected by both occasions (how often they visit) and durations (how long they listen while visiting), one additional occasion can have a positive effect on your station’s share.

This is an excellent time to engage your audience. They are in motion and—at the very least—looking for a complementary soundtrack whilst they drive hither and yon. Are you providing them with quality entertainment value during that time frame? Are you giving them a reason to come back when they return to their regular schedule? I will remind you again—more people will tune in to your weekend fare than will tune in to your morning show.

(Side note: this generally does not apply to spoken word programming which sees the bulk of its tune-in Mon-Fri 6A-7P. The exceptions tend to be major weather/market events or sports play-by-play).

For Sales, weekends are often used as a packaging tool. Think about what your listeners are doing while they are tooling around. They are headed to a hardware store (Home Depot? Lowes? Or your local hometown store?). They are looking for a quick bite (McDonald’s or the local taco joint?). For those, and other categories, you are reaching listeners at the point of purchase. I once worked for an agency that only bought Thursday through Sunday schedules for their retail clients. Smart move.

To paraphrase an old beer campaign: weekends were made for radio. How much effort do you put into that day part?

If you want to read the poll you can find it here: https://yougov.com/en-us/articles/54257-americans-are-living-for-the-weekend-vast-majorities-like-saturday-and-sunday-while-mondays-are-divisive

If you’d like us to help you evaluate the daily listening habits of your audience, we stand ready to serve.

The Consultative Radio Seller: A Three-Part Playbook

March 17, 2026

Filed Under: Hot Topics

This article is part one of a three-part series from CEO Marc Greenspan. In future issues, Marc will dig into how to conduct better discovery conversations and how to build measurable campaigns that make you indispensable to your advertisers.

Part 1: From Spot Seller to Marketing Resource: Rethinking the Role of the Radio AE

In many ways, the biggest change a radio account executive can make is not in their product knowledge, their closing skills, or even their prospecting. It is in how they see their role. Are you primarily a seller of spots and packages, or are you a marketing resource helping local businesses reach their goals? That mindset shift changes the questions you ask, the conversations you have, and ultimately the value you bring to your clients.

From inventory pusher to business problem solver

A traditional “radio ad salesperson” focuses on:

Filling avails and hitting weekly or monthly budgets.
Talking about rates, CPP, reach, and frequency before understanding the client’s situation.
Pitching packages, sponsorships, and promotions as the answer to almost every need.

A marketing resource, on the other hand, starts somewhere very different. They begin with the business, not the schedule. They want to understand:

What are this advertiser’s real business goals (more customers, higher ticket, better margins, new locations)?
Who is their ideal customer, and how does that customer decide whom to buy from?
What are the client’s biggest obstacles—awareness, perception, competition, staffing, pricing, or something else?

Once you think of yourself as a problem solver, radio becomes a tool in a larger toolkit rather than the centerpiece of your identity. You are there to help a business owner make smarter marketing decisions, with radio and digital working together, instead of just “selling more radio.”

Why this matters in a digital-first world

Many local advertisers now start their marketing journey with digital tools—search, social, display, and online video. That can make radio sellers feel like they’re “late to the party.” But this is where your mindset gives you a powerful advantage.

Most digital platforms are self-serve or lightly supported by remote reps. Few provide a real, in-market human being who will sit across the table, ask tough questions, and help the advertiser think strategically. As a radio AE, you can be that person. You can:

Interpret their digital metrics in plain language and connect them to business outcomes.
Point out gaps in their digital-only approach (limited reach, inconsistent frequency, weak branding)
Show how radio can make their digital campaigns work better by increasing awareness and trust before someone ever sees an online ad.

When you adopt the marketing resource mindset, you are no longer “competing with digital.” You are helping your clients make all of their marketing—radio and digital—more effective.

Radio’s local human advantage

Digital platforms are powerful but distant. Your station is local and personal. That difference is more than geography; it’s a value proposition.

As a marketing resource, you can emphasize that radio offers something digital rarely does:

A local, accessible team that understands the community and the market.
Experienced people who see campaigns across many categories and can share best practices.
On-the-ground knowledge about events, seasons, and local trends that can shape smarter marketing plans.

For the business owner, this means they don’t have to figure everything out alone or rely solely on dashboards. They have a partner who can look them in the eye, challenge their assumptions, and help them adapt. That is a very different role from “someone who calls when it’s time to renew.”

Positioning radio as a complement to digital

With the right mindset, you never tell a client to abandon digital; you show them how radio can strengthen what they are already doing. You begin to say things like:

“Your digital is great at capturing people who are already looking. Let’s use radio to create more people who are looking.”
“Your social ads are targeting a narrow audience. Radio can extend your message to more potential customers who don’t yet follow you online.”
“Your search campaigns are converting well. Radio can increase brand recognition so more of those searchers click on you instead of a competitor.”

When you think and talk this way, you’re not just selling commercial units. You are designing a role for radio inside the advertiser’s broader marketing system. That’s what a marketing resource does.

How to start the mindset shift

You don’t need a new title or a certification to make this change. You need new habits:

Prepare for every call with questions about the business, not just ideas about the schedule.
Spend part of each conversation exploring goals, customers, and challenges before you mention rates or spots.
Take notes on what keeps the owner up at night, then come back with ideas that connect radio and digital to those specific concerns.
Begin to see yourself as part consultant, part coach, and part media expert—someone who is invested in the client’s success, not just this month’s order.

In Part 2, we’ll dig into the consultative conversation itself: how to ask better questions, listen for real problems, and translate what you hear into marketing solutions that use radio and digital together.

MMMBop

March 12, 2026

Filed Under: Hot Topics

As you are likely aware, Nielsen is bringing technology to the diary markets. Beginning with the Spring 2026 survey, they will be offering a digital version of the diary known as mSurvey.

The reasons for this have been widely discussed and Nielsen has been relatively transparent about the process. As The Ratings Experts, we are interested in seeing how this affects your ratings moving forward.

Image by Burst at Pexels

A few things to consider:

The mSurvey is an option for diary keepers. It is not a replacement. According to Nielsen, survey participants can choose whether to go with their smartphone or continue with the handwritten diary.
We hear that the digital diaries will initially be about 10% of the total sample. Depending on how well they work, this could be expanded in the future.
Regardless of the chosen option, this is still a recall based methodology. Hopefully, participants will record their listening occasions in a more timely manner. Rather than waiting for the end of the week, perhaps they will enter their listening choices closer to when they occur. We have not seen mSurvey in action, but perhaps Nielsen has included frequent prompts to aid this process.
The target audience for this new option is clearly the younger demos. The hope is this will increase participation (and listening) with those younger cells. Keep an eye on TSL with the 18-24, 25-34, and 35-44 cells. See what changes occur in both gender and ethnicity.
While you’re at it, keep an eye on proportionality. Look at age cells by gender and ethnicities. This is something you should routinely do, as you are paying Nielsen for sample, not ratings.
That said, keep an eye on overall TSL. While listeners can enter their start and end times for listening occasions, will they approximate what they would write in a paper diary? Will they digitally draw that line from 9 to 5, or will they record more precise listening times?
If diary keepers are more prompt with their entries, could this lead to an increased number of stations being consumed?
We strongly suggest you conduct an in-depth comparison of 2025 vs 2026 as this unfolds. Track any changes in the two components of AQH—Cume and Time Spent Listening. Do this at both the station and the market level.
Track your market’s PUR (Persons Using Radio) across all demos and day parts. If you see dramatic changes in your shares. this could be due to market conditions, not product issues.
We can help you track and make sense of how mSurvey is affecting your stations and markets.

We applaud Nielsen for this move into the digital realm. We will also monitor what changes this will bring to the ratings game. Watch this space.

PS: Sorry for the Hanson ear worm. Oh, fun fact. They are all now in their 40s.

An Age-Old Argument

March 5, 2026

Filed Under: Hot Topics

Lately I’m seeing buzz in the trades about how valuable older demos are becoming. There is talk that the 25-54 demo is too narrow, and that the 55+ audience brings real value (read: money) to any advertising campaign.

Sadly, this argument is as old as, well, Father Time. Those of us who worked in what was then called “oldies” radio dealt with this all the time. The strength of that format was 35-64, but the only people who cared about that were the listeners.

This is obviously driven by advertisers. Many brands still behave as if people make their brand decisions at an early age and then stick with that decision for the rest of their lives. Once you choose your beer or car you’ll never change. The reality is that most people are fluid in their brand choices across their lifetime, especially as their income, health, and family situation change. (Except for mayonnaise. That is a line in the sand.)

Let’s talk about cars. Look at this chart:

In Q1 2025 the coveted 18-34 age group made up less than ten percent of new car registrations, while adults 55+ made up nearly half and have held the largest share for multiple years. Yet, if you watch the ads the car manufacturers create, you know they are not targeting those older folks.

And it’s not just autos. Households headed by older adults now hold a disproportionate share of U.S. wealth:

Americans aged 65–74 have the highest median net worth of any age group, around 410,000 dollars, with roughly three-quarters owning a home and about half holding retirement accounts. (Source: https://www.investopedia.com/how-does-the-wealth-of-americans-aged-65-74-measure-up-against-other-generations-11883297)
Over the last few decades, households 75+ moved from being only slightly above the national average net worth to more than 50 percent above it by 2022, while younger groups have seen their relative wealth slip. (Source: https://www.nber.org/digest/202511/shifting-wealth-us-age-groups)
Recent analysis shows average inflation-adjusted wealth rising for households 55–69 even as it has declined for some middle-age groups, underscoring how much financial power is concentrated in later life. (Source: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/wealth-of-younger-americans-is-historically-high/)

Today’s 55+ customer is not the “fixed-income, slowing down” stereotype from 25 years ago. They are more likely to own their home outright, have sizable retirement savings, and still be in the market for cars, travel, financial services, healthcare, home improvement, and high-end consumer goods. If an advertiser’s job is to follow the money, a huge share of that money now sits in the 55+ wallet.

I look at a lot of radio ratings numbers every month. I can tell you that the age group that tends to spend the most time with radio is 55+. Their numbers dwarf the 18-34 cells in most markets and formats, especially in news/talk, classic hits, classic rock, and AC. While exact levels vary by market, the pattern is consistent: older listeners deliver big Time Spent Listening and heavy AQH.

I realize we need to do a better job of cultivating younger audiences because when those 18-34s become 55+, where will the industry be? At the same time, radio is leaving real money on the table by not packaging and selling the audience we already dominate.

We have been so locked in on 25-54 for so long we can’t see a way out. We are so desperate for revenue we don’t exploit our strongest assets because someone at an agency thinks older people are still fully analog and, frankly, don’t matter. Advertisers care about one thing—paying customers. It doesn’t matter if they are 28 or 58.

A wise person once said: “25-54 is not a demo, it’s a family reunion.” Radio has a powerful, valuable, and loyal audience. That some of it happens to be outside that family reunion demo is an asset, not a liability.

Feel free to tell me I’m full of it: sallan@researchdirectorinc.com

Radio Ratings Roundup, January 2026, Part 4

February 26, 2026

Filed Under: Hot Topics

If JANUARY made you shiver, with every ratings result we delivered, we’re bringing good news to your doorstep. This is the last batch of roundups for this survey.

Previously on the roundup we have seen dramatic drops in cume for the holiday hit makers and a (somewhat) return to normalcy in the share situations. Let’s see if that continues here.

As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—along with our curating cousins from XTRENDS—do this all for you. The JANUARY book ran from JANUARY 8^TH through FEBRUARY 4^TH. It was a wintry mix of weather, football, and a three-day weekend. Read on…

TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: Pure Joy

The dust has settled from the holiday skirmish between COX MEDIA Soft AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE) and iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7). This allowed RADIO TRAINING NETWORK Contemporary Christian WCIE (THE JOY FM) to move up to #1 6+ (8.4-8.8). WDUV dipped to #2 (11.0-8.4), while WMTX remained at #3 (7.6-5.9). COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9) repeated at #4 (5.8-5.7). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE) was still nested at #5 (5.6-5.3). However, it was not alone as two stations formerly seen at #6 moved up to make it a threesome at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB (98ROCK) had its best book since APRIL (4.5-5.3), while BEASLEY Classic Rock WRBQ (Q105) landed its largest share in over a year (4.5-5.3). WDUV was still the cume leader with a rather modest 12.8% decrease (727,100-633,800). The market was off 3.4%.

WMTX repeated as the 25-54 leader, but it was not alone. WCIE jumped up from #3. Both stations had down books. WWRM stepped up to #3 with a slight decrease, while WDUV slipped to #4. WXTB was back at #5 with, again, its best book since APRIL.

WMTX was both #1 and in double figures 18-34 for the second book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WFLZ (93.3 FLZ) moved up two slots to #2 with its highest mark in over a year. WWRM dipped to #3, while WDUV stepped down to #4. Both stations had down books. We had another three-way at #5. WCIE held steady with a slight increase, while WXTB and BEASLEY Rhythmic CHR WLLD (WiLD 94.1) inched up from #6. WXTB had its best outing since JULY, while WLLD rebounded from a down book.

WMTX was back at #1 18-49 but was forced to share the moment with WCIE, which stepped up from #2. WWRM inched up to #3, while WDUV slipped to #4. All four of those stations experienced a loss of share. WXTB moved from a tie at #5 to one at #4, while WFLZ was down to #6 despite a slight increase.

DENVER-BOULDER: An Even Dozen

Even though BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1) suffered the expected loss of the Santa share, the station was still #1 6+ for the twelfth book in a row (12.1-7.0). AUDACY Classic Rock KQMT (99.5 THE MOUNTAIN) stood resolute at #2 for the third straight survey (5.6-5.7). BONNEVILLE Country KYGO reaped the benefits of Santa’s demise as it rose from #10 to #3 (3.9-5.6). AUDACY Modern AC KALC (ALICE 105.9) ended a three-book slide as it stepped up to #4 (4.4-5.2). It was one of three stations previously found at #5. BONNEVILLE Sports KKFN (DENVER SPORTS 104.3) remained in that space (4.4-5.0), while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KRFX (103.5 THE FOX) dipped to #6 (4.4-4.7). KSE RADIO VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105) slid from #3 to #7 (4.8-4.6). AUDACY Rhythmic CHR KQKS (KS 107.5) fell from #4 to #11 (4.5-3.6). It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Country KWBL (106.7 THE BULL), which rose from #13 (3.3-3.6). KOSI still claimed the most listeners despite a 28.2% drop (726,400-521,800). The market was down 2.4%.

iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) rebounded from a down book to move up to #1 25-54. KOSI dipped to #2 and was joined there by KALC, which arrived from #5 with its highest score in over a year. KQMT stepped down to #4, also with its best book in over a year. KKFN scrambled from #10 to #5 with its first up book since SEPTEMBER. KQKS slid from #3 into a tie at #7 with KXKL.

KOSI was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row but was paired with KQKS, which moved up a spot. Both stations had rather large share losses. KSE RADIO VENTURES Hot AC KIMN (MIX 100) leapt from #8 to #3 with easily its best showing in over a year. ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KXPK (LA TRICOLOR 96.5) and KXKL went from a tie at #3 to one at #4. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDHT (HITS 95.7) slid from #5 into an arrangement at #8 with KYGO, KALC, KRFX and iHEARTMEDIA AAA KBCO.

KOSI remained #1 18-49 but had company as KALC advanced from #4 with its best book in over a year. KQKS dipped to #3 as it returned some of last survey’s massive increase. It was tied with KTCL, which remained in place with a small increase. KSE RADIO VENTURES Sports KKSE (ALTITUDE SPORTS 92.5FM) and KDHT were an item at #4. A flat KKSE dipped to #5, while KDHT slipped to #6 with a slight decrease.

SAN DIEGO: The Sunny Also Rises

After taking the last two books off because of some sort of holiday hijinks, AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) was back at #1 6+ (8.1-7.7). SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS rebounded from a down book to advance from #5 to #2 (5.9-7.6). LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) stepped up to #3 (6.4-6.8), while AUDACY AC KYXY returned to regular programming as slid from #1 to #4 (13.7-6.7). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMYI (STAR 94.1). inched up to #5 with its highest share in over a year (4.1-5.2). Despite a 5.2% loss KXSN was back at #1 in cume (604,000-572,400). This was due, in large part, to the 28.3% decline for KYXY. The market was off 2.9%.

Despite a small share loss KXSN moved up to #1 25.54. XHRM was up to #2 with its best showing since MAY. LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X) vaulted from #9 to #3 as it halted a steep three-book slide. KYXY went from first to fourth and was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ (ROCK 105.3), which stepped up a spot with its highest mark since JULY. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHTS (CHANNEL 933) dropped from #4 to #10 with only a slight decrease. LOCAL MEDIA Pop CHR XHTZ (Z90.3) fell from #5 to #13 with its smallest share since AUGUST.

KYXY left double-digit land but was still strong enough to lead the 18-34 pack for the third book in a row. KXSN was back at #2 though it did not remain in double figures. It was joined in that space by AUDACY Country KSON, which rose from #5 as it more than doubled last survey’s share. KMYI and XHRM had been tied at #3. Both stations had very good books but still drifted to #4 and #5, respectively. XTRA rocketed from #16 to #6 with its best showing since AUGUST.

KXSN moved up to #1 18-49 despite a large share loss. KYXY dipped to #2 and was paired with XHRM, which moved up a spot with its third up book in a row. KMYI stepped up to #4, while TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNV (QUÉ BUENA 106.5) was up to #5. Both stations had strong share gains. KHTS fell from #4 to #10 despite a slight increase.

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CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: Get On The Soul Train

This was another market where there were dueling Santa stations. However, as the polar express left the station the tracks were cleared for URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) to move back to #1 6+ (7.5-7.7). BEASLEY Classic Hits WKQC (K104.7) stepped down to #2 (14.9-7.4), while UNIVERSITY RADIO FOUNDATION N/T WFAE leapt from #7 to #3 with its highest score since FEBRUARY (4.4-6.3). The other holiday hit machine was iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE). It dipped to #4 (7.4-6.2). iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT) advanced from #13 to #5 with its best showing since MARCH (3.3-5.4). BEASLEY Country WSOC (COUNTRY 103.7) slipped to #6 with its smallest share in over a year (6.5-5.0). It was tied with BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98), which remained in place (4.5-5.0). BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WBAV (V101.9) was down for the third book in a row as it slid from #5 to #8 (5.1-4.8). WLKO still had the cume lead despite a 29.3% drop (593,100-419,600). WKQC remained #2 with a 45.3% decline. The market was down 8.8%.

WOSF did not duplicate last survey’s double-digit share, but the station did rise to #1 25-54. WPEG stepped up to #2 with a slight increase, while WKQC went from first to third. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) inched up to #4 as it halted a three-book skid. WLKO dipped to #5 and was paired with WKKT, which was up from #7 with its best book in over a year.

WOSF was both in double figures and #1 18-34 for the second straight survey. BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1) repeated at #2 but was unable to extend its double-digit streak to three. WLKO moved up to #3 with a strong increase, while WBAV dipped to #4 despite a nice share gain. WFAE vaulted from #13 to #5, more than doubling its previous number. WPEG stepped down into a three-way tie at #6. Also in that mix were WKKT, which was up from #9, and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1). WKQC fell from a tie at #6 into one at #11 with iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WRFK (99.7 THE FOX).

WOSF completed the demo sweep by capturing the 18-49 flag for the seventh straight survey, the last two of which have been in double digits. WNKS stepped up to #2 with a small increase, while WPEG was up to #3 with its third consecutive up book. A flat WLKO inched up to #4, while WFAE zoomed from #11 to #5. It was paired with a flat WBAV, which moved up a slot. WKQC fell from #2 into a tie at #7 with WKKT and WEND.

NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): It’s News To Us

The 6+ leaderboard was topped by stations that don’t play songs for a living. AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) went from third to first with its highest share in over a year (7.0-9.2). RED APPLE MEDIA N/T WABC-A advanced two spaces to #2 (6.5-6.3), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) moved up to #3 (5.6-5.8). COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI (106.1 BLI) was elevated to #4 with its best book in over a year (4.3-5.7). The local holiday station was CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK. It slipped three places to #5 (7.6-5.6). The holiday outsider was iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM). It fell from #1 to #10 (8.5-3.5). WINS became the cume commander with a 4.9% increase (420,700-441,200). WALK was down 21.9% and WLTW was off 37.3%. The market fell by 2.4%.

Despite a modest share loss WALK repeated at #1 25-54. WHTZ stepped up to #2 with a solid increase and was putting the pressure on the leader. WBLI inched up to #3 with its highest mark since SEPTEMBER. It was paired with WINS which advanced from #7. AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS and WABC-A were last seen at #5. WCBS remained in place with a small increase, while WABC-A slid to #7 with its third straight down book. WLTW fell from #2 to #8.

WALK was back at #1 18-34 and held a full share lead over WBLI, which moved up two spots to #2. RED APPLE MEDIA N/T WLIR vaulted from #15 to #3, almost quadrupling its previous number. WABC-A dipped to #4 with its lowest score since MARCH. It was paired with WCBS, which was up from #6 with its third up book in a row. WHTZ stepped down to #6 and was joined there by WLTW, which dropped from #2.

WHTZ stepped up to #1 18-49 with a small increase and held a very small advantage over WALK, which slipped to #2. WBLI was up two places to #3 with its best showing since SEPTEMBER. WINS rose to #4 with its highest total in over a year. WABC-A dipped to #5 with a huge share loss. It was partnered with WCBS, which was up from #7 with a slight decrease. WLTW fell from #2 into a tie at #7 with AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) and COX MEDIA Classic Rock WBAB.

Thank you for reading this here missive. We’ll see you in 28 days as we dive into FEBRUARY. In the meantime, please remember to wash your vegetables.

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.

-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant

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