Posts in "Hot Topics"
June 25, 2026
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Dollar General has more than 21,000 stores in the US. There are more Dollar General locations than Starbucks or McDonald’s. 75% of Americans live within five miles of a Dollar General. Annually, people visit a Dollar General store 2.7 BILLION times. That is a lot of cume.
The company is building their own version of a retail audio network. It is already in 6,000 stores with plans to expand to 12,000. This is nothing new. Wal-Mart has been doing this for years. 7-11 is also entering this space. The use of audio as a selling medium at the point of purchase is also not new. Radio has been doing this for years.
Image by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels.
However, radio cannot hyper focus on a targeted ad to a specific store. Radio can drive traffic to that location, but it is difficult to accurately track the effectiveness of that particular ad.
The powers that be at Dollar General not only tout the localization possibilities of their network, but they also point out that having music piped into their stores enhances both customer and employee experiences.
They talk about this in a recent episode of The Drum’s “Basket Case” podcast (link below).
Apparently, the company is using AI to select the music. They also claim that employees will have a say in the song selections.
They do not mention anything about personalities (something Wal-Mart radio has). Perhaps this will evolve.
What I found interesting about their approach is that there was no mention of who the architects of this network are. Are real radio people involved? Or is this a bespoke concoction developed by non-audio folks?
One thing is for sure—more and more retailers will create their own in-house “radio” networks. This presents an opportunity to the hundreds of riffed programmers and personalities. There is a wealth of creative, competent, and successful radio professionals on the beach who would welcome an opportunity to build a network like Dollar General’s.
How do we make that connection?
Can radio use this as a marketing tool? (Don’t snicker.) Imagine running a 15 second ad inside a Dollar General inviting shoppers to tune in once they leave the store?
How does radio turn this threat to its share of ear into an opportunity?
It’s certainly worth a conversation.
Here’s the link to the podcast. Its only about ten minutes long: https://www.thedrum.com/news/dollar-general-thinks-retail-media-s-future-is-hiding-in-plain-sight
June 18, 2026
Filed Under: Hot Topics
MAY is one of those charming little months when radio stations get to discover, yet again, that warm weather, long weekends, graduations, vacations, and the general human desire to be anywhere but inside can influence usage patterns. Of course, your mileage and ratings could vary. That’s why it behooves us to factor in the real world when looking at ratings performance.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—along with the expert data diviners from XTRENDS—are here to put things in perspective. The MAY book ran from APRIL 30TH through MAY 27TH. We had the MEMORIAL DAY holiday weekend, Mom’s Day and, of course, that one day when Taco Bell thinks it serves MEXICAN food.
Now, on with the countdown:
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: A Bevy Of Wins
COX MEDIA AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE) was nested atop the 6+ leaderboard for the fourth book in a row (9.7-9.0). RADIO TRAINING NETWORK Contemporary Christian WCIE (THE JOY FM) was back at #2 (7.2-7.3), while COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE) was perched at #3 once again (6.0-6.4). Moving up to #4, COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9) had its best showing in over a year (5.7-6.3). BEASLEY Classic Hits WRBQ (Q105) dipped to #5 (5.8-5.4) and was being threatened by iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7) at #6 (5.3-5.3). WDUV remained in cume control despite a 1.3% decline (652,200-643,600). The market was off by 0.7%.
While WDUV was #1 25-54 for the fourth straight survey, the station landed its first down book since JANUARY. As a result, it held a very narrow lead over the two stations at #2. WRBQ repeated at #2 with its highest score in over a year, while WWRM moved up a spot with a solid increase. WCIE stepped up to #4 with a strong share gain, while WMTX dipped to #5 with a slight decrease.
WDUV was #1 and in double figures 18-34 for the third book in a row. WWRM was back at #2 and was dangerously close to landing in double-digit territory. WCIE remained at #3 with its highest mark since NOVEMBER. WMTX leapt from #7 to #4 as it recovered from a couple of soft surveys. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WFLZ (93.3 FLZ) slipped from #3 to #5 with its smallest share since OCTOBER. COX MEDIA Urban AC WTBV (101.5 THE VIBE) dipped to #6 though its stream came in at #16. WXGL rebounded from a down book as it moved up to claim its share of the #6 position.
WDUV was unable to extend its 18-49 winning streak to four as it slipped to #3. WWRM moved up to #1 with its best book since DECEMBER, while WCIE rose to #2 with a solid increase. WMTX held steady at #4, while WRBQ inched up to #5. Both stations had slight increases. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB (98 ROCK) stood alone at #6 with a slight decrease, while WFLZ slipped from #5 to #7.
DENVER-BOULDER: Cozying Up
For the first time since JANUARY, BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1) was #1 6+ (6.5-6.7). The next six stations on the chart were within a share of each other. AUDACY Classic Rock KQMT (99.5 THE MOUNTAIN) dipped to #2 as its three-book winning string was reduced to gravel (6.8-5.9). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) stepped up to #3 (5.2-5.2) and was paired with BONNEVILLE Country KYGO, which rose from #7 (5.0-5.2). KSE MEDIA VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105) was down to #5 (5.1-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA AAA KBCO slipped from #3 to #6 (5.5-4.9). It was joined there by AUDACY Modern AC KALC (ALICE 105.9), which was last seen at #4 (5.2-4.9). KOSI was still the cume leader (496,400-481,800) —a 2.9% decline. The market was up by 0.1%.
KTCL was #1 25-54 for the fifth book in a row and widened its lead over #2 KALC from a half share to nearly two shares. A flat KKSE MEDIA VENTURES Sports KKSE (ALTITUDE SPORTS RADIO 92.5FM) stepped up to #3 and was joined there by KOSI, which rose from #5 with a slight increase. KQMT went from #3 to #5 with its smallest share since MARIAH CAREY was relevant. KXKL dipped to #6 with its first down book since JANUARY.
KTCL was both #1 and in double digits 18-34 for the second straight survey. ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KXPK (LA TRICOLOR 96.5) was up two places to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. KXKL dipped to #3 as it returned all of last month’s large increase plus a tad more. KYGO stepped down to #4 with a small share loss. Last survey four stations were massed together at #5. This time only KOSI remained in place. It did have a new partner as iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KRFX (103.5 THE FOX) advanced from a tie at #12 with its best showing since NOVEMBER. KALC and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDHT (HITS 95.7) fell together to #7 and were joined by KSE MEDIA VENTURES Hot AC KIMN (MIX 100), which moved up from a tie at #12. The final member of that #5 quartet was COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO N/T KCFR. It landed in a tie at #10 with KQMT.
KTCL made it back-to-back 18-49 wins. A flat KKSE stepped up to #2, while KOSI moved from #6 to #3 with a solid increase. KALC dipped to #4, while KXPK advanced from #7 to #5. KXKL slid from #2 into a tie at #6 with KDHT. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR KQKS (KS 107.5) fell from #5 to #11. It was partnered with KQMT, COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO AAA KVOQ, and KRFX.
SAN DIEGO: Time Is Tight
The 6+ competition remained very tight. AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) was back at #1 (7.4-7.7) but was being closely pursued by #2 SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS (7.3-7.6). AUDACY Sports KWFN (97.3 FM THE FAN) was up two places to #3 (5.3-5.4) while the next two stations landed their lowest shares in over a year. LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) stepped down to #4 (6.7-4.9), while AUDACY AC KYXY landed at #5 (6.0-4.7). KXSN was still the most listened to radio station despite a 0.5% decline (611,100-608,100). The market was up 0.5%.
The 25-54 race was also close as iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ (ROCK 105.3) vaulted from #4 to #1 with its best showing in over a year. KXSN moved down to #2 but was under a half share off the lead. KWFN dipped to #3 as it returned some of last month’s rather large increase. KPBS advanced from #10 to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. KYXY was back at #5 with a small share loss and was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHTS (CHANNEL 93.3), which moved up from #8 with a small increase. XHRM fell from #3 to #10 with its lowest score in over a year.
KXSN was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row and was flirting with double digits. It held better than a three share lead over the three stations at #2. KYXY remained in place but with its lowest total since NOVEMBER. LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X) stepped up from #3 with a small decrease, while KWFN advanced from #4 with a slight increase. There was also a threesome at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMYI (STAR 94.1) dipped from #4 with a large share loss. GRUPO IMAGEN Spanish Hot AC XLTN (RADIO LATINA 104.5FM) rose from #10, while TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNV (QUÉ BUENA 106.5) leapt from #14. Both stations landed their largest shares in over a year.
After taking a two-book hiatus, KXSN was back at #1 18-49 with its best showing since the weather outside was frightful (though not in this market). KIOZ moved up to #2 with a slight increase, while KPBS jumped from #10 to #3 with its best book in over a year. KLNV vaulted from #11 to #4 with a huge share increase. KYXY slipped to #5 and was tied with KHTS, which moved up from #8. XHRM fell from #1 to #10, again with its lowest score in over a year.
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CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: Ties Don’t Bind
Last month UNIVERSITY RADIO FOUNDATION N/T WFAE and iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE) were tied atop the 6+ chart. This time around, WFAE was alone at #1 with its third up book in a row (6.5-7.6), while WLKO moved down to #2 (6.5-6.9). iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT) was back at #3 (6.4-5.8), while PACIFIC BROADCASTING GROUP Classic Hits WXRC (95.7FM THE RIDE) cruised from #9 to #4 with its highest mark since AUGUST (5.1-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) leapt from #10 to #5 with its best showing in over a year (4.9-5.6). It was met there by BEASLEY Classic Hits WKQC (K104.7FM), which rose from #7 (5.3-5.6). BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1FM) slid from a tie at #4 to #7 (5.7-5.2). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WRFX (99.7 THE FOX) also vacated the #4 hole as it made its way down to #9 (5.7-4.7). It was tied with BEASLEY Urban AC WBAV (V101.9), which moved up from #11 (4.6-4.7). WLKO kept the cume lead despite a 4.9% drop (533,600-507,700). The market was down 0.4%.
WEND repeated as the 25-54 leader and was coming awfully close to hitting double figures. WFAE zoomed from #7 to #2, while WLKO was back at #3. Both stations had their best books in over a year. BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98) slipped to #4 with its smallest share since NOVEMBER. WRFX and WKKT remained together at #5 but welcomed a new member to the club as URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) dropped from 3.
WNKS was both #1 and in double figures 18-34 for the second book in a row. WEND leapt from #6 to #2 and was on the doorstep of double digits. WLKO moved up to #3 as it regained most of last month’s dramatic share loss. WKQC rose from #6 to #4 with its largest number in over a year. WRFX slid from #2 to #5 as it surrendered all of last month’s massive increase, plus a bit more. It was tied with WFAE, which moved up from #8. WPEG fell from #3 to #7, while WOSF dropped from #4 to #12.
WEND increased its previous 18-49 share by about a third as it rose from a tie at #4 to #1. This pushed WNKS down to #2. They were about a half share apart. WFAE moved up into contention at #3, again with its best outing in over a year. WLKO and WKQC were last seen at #8. They rose to #4 and #5, respectively, with large share gains. WRFX slid from #2 to #6, while WPEG fell from #3 to #7.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): News You Can Use
For the fifth straight survey, AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was #1 6+ (8.8-8.3). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) was back at #2 (6.2-7.3), while AUDACY Sports WFAN (SPORTS RADIO 105.9FM/66AM) inched up to #3 (5.4-5.5). CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) strolled up to #4 (5.1-5.1), while COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI (106.1 BLI) moved up to #5 (4.9-4.8). AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS had its best outing in over a year (4.2-4.7) as it rose from #9 to #6. AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) fell from #3 to #10 as it gave back all of last month’s large increase plus a skosh more (5.5-3.5). It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM), which remained in place (3.8-3.5). For the first time since NOVEMBER, WHTZ was the leading cume station, thanks to a 9.6% increase (381,300-417,900). The market was up 1.3%.
WHTZ landed in double figures as it won the 25-54 competition for the third book in a row. WALK was back at #2 as it rebounded from a down book. It was about two shares off the lead. WBLI repeated at #3 though it gave back a good portion of last month’s share increase. WLTW and WCBS were previously spied at #5 and #6, respectively. They rose together and settled in at #4. WNEW dropped two places to #6 as it ended a very strong seven-book surge.
WBLI was back at #1 18-34, while WHTZ vaulted from #6 to #2. Both stations landed their largest shares in over a year and were a half share distant. CONNOISSEUR AC WKJY (K-JOY 98.3) also has its best performance in over a year as it leapt from #7 to #3. WALK dipped to #4 despite a strong share increase. Five—count ‘em—five stations were languishing at #5. WNEW and WLTW slipped from a tie at #3, while WINS dropped from #2. COX MEDIA Classic Rock WBAB rose from a tie at #8 as it bounced back from a down book. WCBS advanced from #10.
As with the 25-54 cell, WHTZ hit double digits 18-49 for its third win in a row. WALK stepped up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book, while WBLI remained behind at #3 with a small share loss. WNEW slipped from #2 to #4 with a huge share loss. WKJY jumped from #11 to #5, again with its highest score in over a year. WINS stepped down to #6 and was paired with WFAN, which moved up from #7.
Thank you for playing along. We’ll be back in about four weeks to dissect the JUNE survey. 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.
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June 17, 2026
Filed Under: Hot Topics
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—with a healthy assist from the fine folks at XTRENDS—are back with another edition of our renowned ratings revue. Or is it a review? Are we rating the ratings or merely providing you with a momentary diversion from your broadcast day? We leave that interpretation up to you, dear reader.
The MAY survey began on APRIL 30TH and reached its conclusion on MAY 27TH. We had a three-day weekend that unofficially kicked off summer, Mom got her day, and the price at the pump gave everyone pause. How that affected radio ratings will now be revealed…
MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: Them Changes
This market is generally predictable from month to month with the usual suspects showing up in the usual places. Not so this time around. Your new 6+ leader was iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9), which vaulted from #5 to #1 with its best outing in over a year (5.3-6.2). This pushed AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) down to #2 (7.1-6.1). COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) was back at #3 but with its fourth straight down book (5.8-5.5). It was joined there by TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Hot AC WAMR (AMOR 107.5), which advanced from #6 (5.2-5.5). SBS Spanish Contemporary WCMQ (Z92.3) slid from #2 to #5 as it ended a six-book surge (6.1-5.3). It was paired with COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105), which dipped from #4 with its smallest share in over a year (5.7-5.3). Despite a 10.2% decline WLYF was still in cume control (824,600-740,300). The market was off by 1.1%.
A flat WLYF was back at #1 25-54 but saw its lead over #2 WMIA cut in half. AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH) advanced from #8 to #3 with its best book in over a year. WFEZ and COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) were last seen at #3. A flat WFEZ dipped to #4, while WFLC landed at #5 with a slight decrease. COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99JAMZ) vaulted from #11 to #6 with its best showing in over a year. WCMQ and WHQT dropped from a tie at #5 into one at #7.
WEDR recovered from a down book to go back to being a dominant #1 18-34. It had better than a three-share lead over the two stations at #2. Last month WLYF rose from #11 to #1. It stepped down to #2 this month. It was paired with WMIA, which moved up from #4 with a slight increase. WCMQ went from a tie at #2 into an arrangement at #4 with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT), which rose from #8 with a small share gain. AUDACY Country WKIS (KISS COUNTRY 99.9) rocketed from #18 to #6, more than doubling its previous share in the process. Things did not fare well for the three stations previously huddled together at #5. WHQT fell to #11 and was tied with WFLC and iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBGG (BIG 105.9). AUDACY Classic Hip Hop WPOW (POWER 96) dropped into a tie at #14 with WAMR. And iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHYI (Y100) landed in a three-way tie at #17.
WLYF surrendered most of last month’s huge share increase but had enough left in the tank to repeat at #1 18-49. WMIA moved up to #2 and was less than a half share off the pace. WMXJ and WEDR were at #7 and #8, respectively. Both stations had strong increases as they moved up to #3. WHQT remained at #5 and was paired with WFLC, which moved up a spot. Both stations had down books. WCMQ and WPOW were #2 and #3, respectively. They fell together and landed at #7.
SEATTLE-TACOMA: Five Alive
For the fifth straight survey, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW was #1 6+ (10.6-10.1). BONNEVILLE Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM) continued to rise the MARINERS’ success as the station was back at #2 (6.4-6.8). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) was still circling the #3 spot but with its highest share since NOVEMBER (5.3-6.3). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZOK was up for the fifth book in a row as it rose from #8 to #4 (4.3-5.6). AUDACY Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) slipped to #5 (5.3-5.5), while CRISTA Contemporary Christian KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) found its way down to #6 with its smallest share since OCTOBER (5.3-4.4). KJEB climbed up to #1 in cume thanks to a 16.9% increase (583,300-682,000). The market was down 1.5%.
KISW was back at #1 25-54 as it posted its largest number in over a year. KUOW remained a somewhat distant #2 with a slight decrease, while KIRO-A stepped up to #3 with its third straight up book. KJEB moved up two places to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) remained at #5, while FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP dropped from #3 to #6 with its lowest score since DECEMBER.
After taking the last two books off, KISW was back at #1 18-34 and in double figures. KJEB ascended from #6 to #2 as it regained most of last month’s huge share loss. AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF) repeated at #3 but with a large share loss. It was paired with KIRO-A, which moved up from #4 with its best offensive performance since OCTOBER. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) worked it from #9 to #5 with a huge share gain. KNDD slipped to #6 with its lowest mark in over a year. HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5) fell from #1 to #8, which is exactly where it was in FEBRUARY. It was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KJAQ (96.5 JACK FM) and AUDACY Rhythmic AC KHTP (HOT 103.7).
For the first time in over a year, KISW captured the 18-49 flag. KIRO-A stepped up to #2, while KJEB rebounded from that down book to rise from #9 to #3. KNDD inched up to #4 despite a down book. KKWF and KBKS were last spotted at #7 and #10, respectively. Both stations added share as they advanced into a tie at #5. KEXP slipped from #4 to #7, while KQMV fell from #1 to #10. It was tied with KHTP and AUDACY AC KSWD (EMMA 94.1).
PHOENIX: Ending The String
For the last seven surveys in a row, iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) was #1 6+. That ended this month as HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX stepped up to #1 (6.4-6.7). KESZ was forced to step down to #2 (6.9-6.5). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A moved up to #3 with its best book in over a year (4.8-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX dipped to #4 (5.2-5.2), while MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE N/T KJZZ remained at #5 (4.5-4.5). KESZ still had the most listeners (950,600-964,200)—a 1.4% increase. The market was up 1.1%.
KESZ did extend its 25-54 winning streak to nine with a solid increase. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) remained at #2 but was still about two shares off the pace. ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KLNZ (LA TRICOLOR 103.5) moved up to #3 with a slight increase. It was met there by TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KHOT (QUÉ BUENA 105.9) which had a slight decrease. KSLX was up to #5 while AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) was down to #6.
Last month KESZ and HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) were the 18-34 co-leaders. That partnership did not endure. Your new demo leader was KYOT, which rose from #3 with its best outing in over a year. KESZ dipped to #2 despite a small increase, while KNIX was up to #3. KDKB slid to #4 as it gave back some of last month’s huge share gain. HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD and KHOT were tied at #4. Each station had the same large share loss as they drifted together to #6. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5) was also part of that #4 scenario. It fell to #8 with its lowest score in over a year. It was joined there by a flat AUDACY Country KMLE, which moved up from #10.
KESZ repeated as the 18-49 leader and was about two shares in front of the two stations at #2. KLNZ remained in place, while KYOT rose from #5 with its highest score since NOVEMBER. KHOT stepped down to #4 with a small decrease. KDKB dipped to #5 and was met there by KUPD, which advanced from #8. KOOL and KALV were formerly partners at #5. KOOL dropped to #7 and was joined there by KMLE, KNIX, KSLX and SIERRA H Rhythmic AC KZCE (101.1 THE BOUNCE). KALV ended up at #12 along with ZELUS Hot AC KMVA (HOT 97.5/103.9).
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DETROIT: Punching Their Ticket
For the fifth straight survey, AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) was #1 6+ (11.3-9.8). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC stepped up to #2 (7.3-6.9), while iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC dipped to #3 as it stopped a three-book surge (7.5-6.8). AUDACY Country WYCD stood alone at #4 with its highest mark in over a year (6.0-6.6). Its former partner in that space—iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3)—moved down to #5 (6.0-6.1). Despite a 4.0% decline WNIC was still #1 in cume (1,038,400-997,300). The market grew by 1.7%.
WXYT was both #1 and in double figures 25-54 for the fifth book in a row. BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF rose from #4 to #2 with its best showing since JANUARY yet still trailed the leader by five shares. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) moved down to #3 with a small share loss, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB was down to #4 with a slight increase. WOMC repeated at #5 but with its third down book in a row.
Last month WJLB and WXYT were both #1 18-34 and in double digits. This time WJLB remained on top— and in double figures—while WXYT was pushed down to #2. WKQI was back at #3 but with a huge share loss. WRIF vaulted from #11 to #4 with its best book since NOVEMBER. A flat AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) remained at #5. WNIC slid from #4 to #8 as it returned all of last month’s massive increase.
Five was again the number for WXYT as it won the 18-49 race for the fifth book in a row. WJLB remained at #2 as it trimmed the lead from close to three shares to under a share. WRIF advanced from #7 to #3 and just nipped WKQI, which dipped to #4. WOMC was back at #5 with a slight increase, while WNIC fell from #3 to #7.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: A Triple Play
It was crowded atop the 6+ chart as three stations laid claim to the #1 position. iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3) was there for the third book in a row (8.2-7.8). iHEARTMEDIA Country KEEY (K102) was up from #3 with its fifth straight up book (7.2-7.8). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) arrived from #4 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year (7.0-7.8). MPR N/T KNOW slipped to #4 with its lowest total since OCTOBER (8.1-6.4). The station did add a 1.1 share from the interwebs. AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) had its best showing in over a year as it rose from #8 to #5 (5.2-6.0). HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) dipped to #6 with its lowest score since some big guy from up north was violating our privacy (6.8-5.8). KQQL kept cume control with a 6.9% increase (705,500-754,500). The market was up 2.7%.
For the fifth book in a row KFXN was #1 25-54. The station also turned up its double-digit streak to eleven. KQQL was back at #2 with a slight decrease, while KEEY rose from #5 to #3 with its best outing in over a year. It narrowly edged out MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT), which dipped to #4 with a noticeable share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB remained at #5 but with its best book since JANUARY.
KQQL leapt from #4 to #1 18-34 and landed in double figures. KFXN held steady at #2 with its highest mark since the place was lousy with leaping lords. KCMP went from first to third with its smallest share since NOVEMBER. It was paired with KZJK, which moved up from #5 with its best book since JULY. KDWB slid from #2 to #5 as it returned some of last month’s huge share increase.
As with the 25-54 space KFXN was #1 18-49 for the fifth book in a row and reached double digits for the eleventh straight survey. KCMP remained at #2 with a share loss, while KDWB repeated at #3 with its highest mark in over a year. KQQL was back at #4 with its best Frosty-free share since JUNE. KZJK rounded out the top five again with a strong share gain. KEEY was up to #6 and threatening to crash the top five.
We appreciate your continued support of this here missive. More to follow. Stay tuned for TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, CHARLOTTE, and NASSAU-SUFFOLK.
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June 16, 2026
Filed Under: Hot Topics
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—along with our intrepid cohorts from XTRENDS—are back to regale you with stories and sagas contained within the MAY survey. This survey ran from APRIL 30th through MAY 27th. There was a long weekend, a salute to Mom, and a perfect excuse for day drinking. It was a month of celebrations and remembrances.
Did you know it was also Older Americans Month? It’s actually a thing, sponsored by a government agency and it has been around since 1963. The best part? It’s all about a demo that radio (and too many advertisers) ignores, despite the fact they are one of our most loyal demos. I’m speaking, of course, about 65+.
You won’t see any results of that kind as we proceed with the countdown:
SAN FRANCISCO: The AC Is On
The 6+ leaderboard is almost always a spoken word thing. And that did not change this month. KQED INC. N/T KQED was #1 for the fifth straight survey (9.2-9.3). In its customary #2 position was AUDACY News KCBS (8.7-8.8). The music flavor of MAY was various spins on the Adult Contemporary format. iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) stepped up to #3 with its best showing in over a year (4.3-5.3). CONNOISSEUR AC KOIT dipped to #4 (4.6-4.8). CONNOISSEUR Hot AC KMVQ (99.7 NOW) and iHEARTMEDIA AC KIOI (STAR 101.3) remained tied as they slipped from #4 to #5. Both stations went 4.4-4.7, which was a 14-book high for KMVQ. KOIT was still picked up by the most meters (1,022,900-1,054,700) – a 3.1% rise. The market was off by 0.3%.
Last month KIOI and KQED were the 25-54 co-leaders. KIOI remained on top with its sixth up book in a row. KQED stepped down to #2 with a slight decrease. It was paired with KMVQ, which moved up a spot with a slight increase. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) repeated at #4 with a slight share loss. KOIT was up to #5 as it halted a two-book slide. KISQ rose from #10 to #6 with its best showing since OCTOBER. SBS Mexican Regional KRZZ (LA RAZA 93.3) fell from #5 to #9 as it returned all of last month’s share increase, plus a bit extra.
The 18-34 space was another AC haven. KOIT repeated as the leader with its best Frosty-free share since SEPTEMBER. KISQ moved from a tie at #4 to #2 but remained two shares off the pace. KIOI stepped up from a tie at #4 to #3 with its highest score in over a year. KMVQ was still at #4 but with a new partner in iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL, which slipped from a tie at #2 as it gave back all of last month’s increase. KRZZ was also last seen at #2. It dropped into a tie at #7 with AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105).
A flat KIOI was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row. KMVQ inched up to #2 with a slight increase and was less than a half share off the lead. Three—count ‘em—three stations were languishing at #3. KYLD dipped from #2 with a small share loss. KQED was up from #5, while KOIT advanced from #7. Both stations had up books. KISQ rose from #11 to #6, while KRZZ fell from #3 to #9.
ATLANTA: Rollin’ On The River
The big NIELSEN wheel kept turning as COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) posted its fifth straight up book in the 6+ realm. This moved the station up to #1 (7.4-7.6). However, it was feeling the heat from a couple of other stations. URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) stepped down to a very close #2 (7.5-7.4), while COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A remained in place at #3 (7.0-7.1). AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V-103) was back at #4 (6.7-6.1), while COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) repeated at #5 (6.3-5.9). COX MEDIA AC WSB-F (B98.5) remained in the mix at #6 but with its smallest share since the geese were making more geese (6.1-5.4). Despite a 3.8% decline, WSB-F continued as the cume leader (787,500-757,600). The market was down 0.7%.
Last month WAMJ and WSB-F were tied atop the 25-54 leaderboard. This time WAMJ stood alone in first place with its best book in over a year. WSB-F slipped to #3 as it returned most of last month’s large increase. Between those two was WVEE, which moved up to #2 with a slight increase. WSRV was back at #4 but with a small share loss. WALR stepped up to #5 with a slight increase, while AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9 THE GAME) fell from #5 to #8 as it also returned most of last month’s gain.
In APRIL WSB-F and WSRV were #1 and #2, respectively 18-34. They also were well ahead of the rest of the field. This time, both stations suffered huge share losses and when the dust settled WSRV was #1 with WSB-F placing at #2. WVEE was back at #3 but with its lowest mark since OCTOBER. It was paired with AUDACY Rhythmic AC WSTR (STAR 94), which advanced from #8 with its best Frosty-free share in a year. WALR and iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT) slipped in tandem from a tie at #4 to #5 thanks to noticeable share losses.
WAMJ vaulted from #4 to #1 18-49 with its best outing in over a year. WVEE was back at #2 with a slight decrease and trailed the leader by the narrowest of possible margins. WSB-F went from first to third with its first down book since JANUARY. WSRV dipped to #4 with a rather large share loss. WSTR rose from #8 to #5 as it bounced back from a down book. WSB-A went from #5 into a tie at #6 with WALR.
WASHINGTON, DC: Lucky #13
For the first time since last JUNE, HUBBARD News WTOP was not the leading 6+ station. If you’re keeping track, that’s a twelve-book winning string. The Station dipped to #2 with its smallest share in over a year (12.9-10.2). Rising to #1 was AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU (10.4-11.6). Moving up from #6 to #3— and claiming leading music station status—was iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) (4.9-5.4). HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR was back at #4 (5.4-5.2), while ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS slipped from #3 to #5 as it ended a strong two-book surge (5.7-5.1). iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH stepped down to #6 (5.0-4.9). Despite a 2.9% drop WTOP was still your cume commander (868,000-842,500). The market was off by 0.6%.
For the fifth book in a row, WAMU was #1 25-54. The station also extended its double-digit share streak to four. WWDC moved up to #2 with its best outing since JANUARY but trailed the leader by three shares. WTOP stepped down to #3 with its lowest mark since Grandma was roadkill. A flat WGTS moved up to #4, while WASH dipped to #5 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER.
Despite a significant share loss, WASH was back at #1 18-34. WWDC rose from #5 to #2 and was under a share behind the leader. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) repeated at #3, while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100) remained at #4. Both stations had modest share losses. AUDACY Sports WJFK (106.7 THE FAN) advanced from #8 to #5 with its best offensive performance in over a year. As recently as JANUARY the station was sitting at #15. WTOP fell from #2 to #7, losing more than half its previous share. Also coming in at #7 were WGTS, WHUR, AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) and AUDACY Rhythmic CHR WPGC.
For the first time since NOVEMBER, WAMU was #1 18-49. WWDC went from #4 to #2 with its highest mark in over a year. However, it was more than two shares off the pace. This ended the four-book winning string for WTOP, which slipped to #3. WASH dipped to #4 with its smallest share since JULY. It was paired with WGTS, which stepped up from #5 despite a small share loss. WHUR rose from #8 to #6.
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PHILADELPHIA: Good Sports
AUDACY Sports WIP (94WIP SPORTSRADIO) was back at #1 6+ with its third up book in a row (7.4-8.0). BEASLEY Active Rock WMMR was back at #2 (6.9-6.7) but it was not alone. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS rose from #5 to forge a tie thanks to its best outing in over a year (5.9-6.7). AUDACY AC WBEB (B101) remained at #4 (6.1-6.2), while BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK slipped from #3 to #5 (6.3-6.0). AUDACY News KYW held steady at #6 (5.5-5.7). WBEB still had the most listeners (1,158,500-1,154,800) – a 0.3% decline. The market was down 0.1%.
For the second book in a row—and eleventh time in the last 14 surveys—WMMR was #1 25-54. WDAS was up two places to #2, again with its best book in over a year. The stations were separated by a share and a half. WIP remained at #3 with a slight increase, while WBEB slipped from #2 to #4 with a slight decrease. WHYY INC. N/T WHYY stepped up to #5 as it ended a three-book slide. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) dipped to #6 with a small share loss.
BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey. WBEB remained at
#2 but was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WRFF (ALT 104.5), which moved up a slot with its highest score in over a year. That dynamic duo trailed the leader by about a share. BEASLEY Adult Hits WBEN (95.7 BEN FM) was back at #4 and held a narrow lead over two stations at #5. WMGK moved up from #6 with a small increase, while WIP advanced from #7. WUSL slipped from #5 to #7 with its third down book in a row.
The top three 18-49 stations were the same as last month. WMMR was #1, WBEB #2 and WIP #3. All three stations had small increases. WXTU inched up to #4, while WDAS rose from #9 to #5. Both stations rebounded from down books. WUSL slipped to #6 with a small share loss.
BOSTON: Fit To Be Tied
BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR was back at #1 6+ (6.6-6.2) but was forced to share as BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR advanced from #5 with its best book since OCTOBER (5.6-6.2). AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) stepped up to a very close #3 as it bounced back from a down book (5.8-6.1). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) slipped two places to #4 (5.9-5.6). It was met there by iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX, which rose from #6 with its fourth up book in a row (5.2-5.6). BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) landed its lowest share since AUGUST as it fell from a tie at #2 to #7 (5.9-4.7). WMJX kept the cume crown despite a 0.3% decline (860,900-858,700). The market also fell by 0.3%.
WXKS was #1 25-54 for the second book in a row but saw its lead shrink to under a share as AUDACY Hot AC WBMX (MIX 104.1) stepped up to #2 with its highest score since JULY. WBZ-F dipped to #3 with a small share loss, while WZLX stepped up to #4 with its best showing since AUGUST. WBUR dipped to #5 as it halted a strong four-book surge.
Despite landing its lowest share since AUGUST, WMJX was #1 18-34 for the seventh straight survey. WBMX returned at #2 but cut the lead from almost a share and a half to less than a share. WROR vaulted from a tie at #9 to #3 with its best book since DECEMBER. WXKS slipped from a tie at #2 to #4 and joined up with the stationary WZLX. AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) slipped to #6 and was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZRM (RUMBA 97.7), which advanced from #13 with its largest share since JUNE. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) dropped from a tie at #4 to #8 with only a slight decrease.
WXKS and WBMX were back at #1 and #2, respectively, 18-49. WZLX rose from #6 to #3 with its highest mark in over a year. WMJX repeated at #4 with a slight increase, while WBUR went from #3 to #5 as its four-book surge ground to a halt. WBZ-F slipped from #4 to #6 with its least productive outing in over a year.
We appreciate you taking the time to read this here missive. More to come! 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.
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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.
June 15, 2026
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Welcome to the merry, merry month of MAY, one of only two on the calendar that can be both a noun AND a verb. That’s true versatility. And before you “at” me for AUGUST, it’s a noun and an adjective. Now let’s all diagram that last sentence…a little middle school English anxiety for everyone.
The MAY book ran from APRIL 30th through MAY 29th. We saluted Mommie dearest, took part in a federally mandated three-day weekend, and watched as gas prices spiked. (I include that last point not to be political but to point out that rising gas prices could lead to fewer driving miles, which has a direct effect on time spent listening to radio.)
Now, on with the countdown…
NEW YORK: Same Old, Same Old
The 6+ leaderboard in AMERICA’s largest city was relatively unchanged from last month as the top four stations remained the same. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was #1 for the third book in a row (8.1-7.9). AUDACY News WINS was back at #2 (7.1-6.9), while AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS strengthened its hold on the #3 position with its highest mark in over a year (5.4-5.8). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) repeated at #4 (5.2-5.6). Breaking into the top five with its best showing since JULY was iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) (4.4-4.9). NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO N/T WNYC slid from #5 to #9 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER (4.7-4.1). WLTW padded its market leading cume total with a 1.6% increase (3,898,300-3,960,700). The market was up by 0.4%.
WHTZ rebounded from a down book to move up to #1 25-54 for the first time since OCTOBER. This ended the three-book winning string for WLTW, which dipped to #2. AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) stepped up to #3 with its best book in over a year. This pushed iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WWPR (POWER 105.1) down to #4. WCBS remained at #5 with a slight increase.
WLTW was #1 18-34 for the eighth straight survey. WHTZ was back at #2 and managed to cut its cluster sister’s lead down to a share. WNEW held steady at #3 with a solid increase, while WWPR stood still at #4 with a small increase. WCBS rounded out the top five again, also with a small increase. WAXQ rose from #10 to #6 with its best outing in over a year.
WHTZ regained all of last month’s lost 18-49 share as it moved back up to #1. WLTW stepped down to #2 with its lowest score since OCTOBER. WNEW and WWPR swapped places with WNEW up to #3 with a small increase and WWPR down to #4 with a slight decrease. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (103.5 KTU) remained at #5 but was just ahead of WAXQ, which leapt from #12 to #6.
LOS ANGELES: Seven Up
For the seventh straight survey iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST was #1 6+ (7.1-7.1). The next three stations were in their same positions as last month. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM) was back at #2 but with its first down book since OCTOBER (6.2-6.0). AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101) held steady at #3 (5.0-5.5), while AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) remained at #4 (4.6-4.9). AUDACY Urban AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE) swelled up to #5 with its highest score since NOVEMBER (4.0-4.4). AUDACY News KNX-A, which lost its FM simulcast during week three, slid from #5 to #8 with its smallest share in over a year (4.1-3.5). It was partnered with TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5), which rose from #13 (3.2-3.5) and the stationary PASADENA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE N/T KPCC (3.5-3.5). KOST was still the cume commander despite a 3.5% decline (2,566,700-2,477,200). The market was up 0.5%.
The top five 25-54 stations were all within a half share of one another. KBIG was #1 for the third book in a row. KRTH and KCBS moved up to a tie at #2 with small share gains. KOST slipped to #4 as it ended a three-book surge. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7) stepped up to #5 with its best book in over a year. AUDACY Alternative KROQ dipped to #6 with a slight increase.
KOST was #1 18-34 for the seventh straight survey and landed its largest Frosty-free share in over a year. KRTH was back at #2 with a slight increase and was paired with KYSR, which rose from #4 with its best showing since OCTOBER. KTWV advanced from #9 to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) stepped up to #5 with a slight increase. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) fell from #4 to #12 with its smallest share since JULY. It was tied with MEURELO MEDIA Rhythmic CHR KPWR (POWER 106FM) and SBS Mexican Regional KLAX (LA RAZA 97.9).
The top four 18-49 stations were unchanged from last survey. KOST was #1 for the fourth book in a row and was about a share ahead of a flat KBIG, which repeated at #2. KCBS was back at #3 with a small increase, while KRTH held firm at #4 with a slight increase. KYSR inched up to #5 with its highest score in over a year, while KROQ dropped two places to #6 with its lowest mark since DECEMBER.
CHICAGO: X Marks The Spots
For the third book in a row AUDACY AAA WXRT (93XRT) was #1 6+ (6.3-5.6). However, the race got significantly tighter as HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) moved up to claim a share of first place (5.7-5.6). Close behind at #3 was AUDACY News WBBM-A (5.7-5.5), which narrowly defeated HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE), which remained idled at #4 (5.1-5.3). iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) was up to #5 with its first up book since we were hanging hosiery on the mantle (4.0-4.6). AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) dipped to #6 (4.4-4.5). WLIT still had the most listeners despite a 0.6% decline (1,314,100-1,306,400). The market was up 1.7%.
Despite a rather large share loss, WTMX was a dominant #1 25-54 for the fifth book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) was back at #2 but still trailed the leader by more than two shares. WXRT repeated at #3 with a small decrease. It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI, which rose from #5 with its fifth up book in a row. WUSN held steady at #5 with a small increase, while AUDACY Pop CHR WBBM-F (B96) slipped to #6 with a small decrease.
For the second straight survey WKSC was in double figures 18-34. This extended the station’s demo winning streak to five. WBBM-F stepped up to #2 with its highest mark in over a year yet still trailed the leader by more than three shares. WTMX dipped to #3 with a small decrease, while WGCI moved up to #4 with its best book since OCTOBER. WUSN stepped down to #5 despite a small share gain. SBS Mexican Regional WLEY (LA LEY 107.9) was close behind as it jumped from #9 to #6 with its largest share in over a year.
The 18-49 contest got much tighter. WTMX was #1 for the fifth book in a row but saw its lead over #2 WKSC sink to under a half share. WGCI repeated at #3 while WBBM-F moved up to #4. Both stations had small increases. WXRT dipped to #5, also with a small share loss.
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DALLAS-FT. WORTH: A Star Is Born
iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1) moved up to #1 6+ with its best Frosty-free share since OCTOBER (4.2-4.9). It just edged out iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9), which dipped to #2 (4.3-4.8). EMF Contemporary Christian KLTY (K-LOVE) bounced back from a down book to vault from #11 to #3 (3.2-4.1). The two stations previously spied at #6 moved up the chart. AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) made it to #4 (3.6-3.9), while AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) was awarded the #5 position (3.6-3.8). AUDACY Sports KRLD (105.3 THE FAN) slid from #3 to #9 as it surrendered all of last month’s share increase, plus a bit more (4.0-3.4). KDGE maintained its cume lead with a 3.8% increase (1,155,400-1,199,400). The market grew by 0.1%.
Two stations rose up to forge a tie at #1 25-54. KDMX stepped up from #2 with a small increase, while KDGE arrived from #4 with its highest Frosty-free share in over a year. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) went from first to third with its smallest share since JUNE, which ended the station’s four-book winning string. KJKK was up two slots to #4 and was joined there by SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104), which stepped up from #5. KRLD slid from #3 to #6.
KKDA moved into first place 18-34 by landing its largest share in over a year. KDMX rose from #5 to #2 with a rather large share increase, while KDGE slipped from #1 to #3 with a slight decrease. It was tied with KVIL, which dropped down a spot with a slight increase. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) remained at #5, while URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBFB (97.9 THE BEAT) slid from #3 to #6.
KDMX and KKDA ended two-book slides as they rose to #1 and #2, respectively, 18-49. KLNO halted a two-book winning streak as it slipped from #1 to #3. KVIL advanced from #7 to #4, while KDGE repeated at #5. It was joined in that space by KHKS, which moved up from #8 as it regained last month’s lost share. KJKK went from #5 to #7, while KRLD fell from #3 to #8.
HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Ten For Ten
For the tenth straight survey iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) and URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) were #1 and #2, respectively, 6+. KODA (9.0-8.6) still had a strong lead over KMJQ (7.1-7.2). URBAN ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9/107.5) was up to #3 with its highest share in over a year (5.5-6.4). HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ was up to #4 (5.3-5.6), while URBAN ONE Country KKBQ (93Q) rose to #5 (5.2-5.2). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) slid from #3 to #6 (5.6-5.1). KODA added 7.1% to its #1 cume total (1,766,700-1,892,800). The market was up by 2.5%.
Despite a down book KTBZ extended its 25-54 winning streak to four. KODA was back at #2 and was a little more than a share off the pace. KSBJ repeated at #3, while KMJQ remained at #4. Both stations had solid increases. AUDACY Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT) inched up to #5 with its best showing in over a year. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KOVE (AMOR 106.5) was close behind at #6 with its largest share since JUNE. AUDACY Hot AC KHMX (MIX 96.5) slipped to #7 with a slight decrease.
KTBZ was #1 18-34 for the fifth book in a row, the last four of which were in double figures. KKHH advanced two places to #2, again with its best outing in over a year. However, the station was about four shares off the lead. KODA dipped to #3 with its smallest share since AUGUST. It joined up with the stationary KGLK, which posted a slight increase. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX) stepped up to #5 with a strong share increase.
The top three 18-49 stations were the same as last month. KTBZ was #1, followed by KODA at #2. Both stations had down books. KSBJ repeated at #3 with a slight increase. KKHH and KOVE rose together from #5 to #4. KHMX slipped from #4 to #7 with a slight decrease and was tied with KBXX.
We’ve only just begun. More markets and more numbers are still waiting to be crunched. Waiting in the queue are SAN FRANCISCO, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA, and BOSTON. They will be in your inbox tomorrow.
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June 11, 2026
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Radio has been fighting—and losing—the digital wars for far too long. Our once vaunted advertising medium is considered passe in too many circles. The bright shiny promise of a brave new digital world has hypnotized too many products and services into thinking that this is the only way to compete.
If only there was an alternative narrative.
Photo by Alex Knight from Pexels.
Here’s one. According to a recently released study by Cloudflare, bots and AI agents now outnumber humans in the digital realm. According to their study, 57.4% of internet traffic is generated by bots. That means only 42.6% is coming from humans.
The fraud in digital advertising has been well documented and is likely growing. That potential advertiser who touts all their “traffic” may not be aware that more than half of the visits to their web site are not potential customers.
But wait, there’s more.
According to an article by NBC news, humans may visit five web sites before making a purchase while bots will “visit” 5,000 (oh, and they don’t make purchases). Additionally, user-driven AI requests account for just 3% of all traffic.
Imagine, if you will, that more than half the listeners to your radio station were actually machines. (Insert your favorite listener joke here).
Advertisers often say Google is their number one referral tool. However, radio is a prime driver of awareness for those Google searches. Yes, things like SEO are important. Google is today’s version of the Yellow Pages (look that up, kids). Radio plants the seed in the minds of real people who use that knowledge to look for more detail on products they are interested in. You could say radio is a prime catalyst for that process.
This is not to say digital advertising is bad. It has a place in any media mix. But Radio not only delivers results – it reaches actual human beings.
Our strength is that human to human connection. Studies like the one cited above point to the urgent need for radio to invest in that human capital. Expand our emotional involvement with our audience. Develop a level of trust AI agents cannot deliver.
Not yet, anyway.
Here is the NBC article I referenced.
Feel free to tell me I’m full of it: sallan@researchdirectorinc.com
June 4, 2026
Filed Under: Hot Topics
Mark Ritson recently wrote a column in The Drum about the decline of Peloton. The company was built on selling bicycles. Roughly 75% of their sales were product based, while the remainder of their income was from subscription sales. Their rise was fueled by the pandemic and their decline stemmed from people’s desire to get back in the gym. Peloton lost their “must have” status because they were not able to develop a sense of community around their participation model. (Google their stock trajectory.)
Image by Stocksnap from Pixabay.
I couldn’t help but think of the parallels to radio.
As a free platform, we were a must-have item. We had radios everywhere. Now, we’re trying to hold on to our last stronghold—the car. We gave people information, companionship, and music at work that everyone can agree on.
There was a time when we actually valued our connection to community.
Unfortunately, consolidation and the annual budget cuts/layoffs have eroded that bond with our audience. While we were able to weather the portability of recorded music, we were not primed to combat the on-demand world.
As Ritson points out, back during Covid, if you saw a Peloton on your Zoom call you thought, “Cool.” Now, when you see one you ask, “Why?”
Fortunately for us, the radio industry is in a much stronger financial position than Peloton. We hear a lot about our ultimate demise, but we still reach a significant portion of the American public every day. And we continue to excel as an advertising medium.
The question is, is our current trajectory sustainable? Can we afford to continue to ignore our local communities? Can we afford to continue to cut back on talent? Can we afford the lack of a pipeline for new talent?
Radio once offered the element of surprise to our listeners. Conservative programming, the fear of “tune outs,” and the dogged pursuit of creating a product that plays it safe every day has taken us from “must have” to “nice to have.” That does not engender passion.
Everyone I have ever met or worked with in radio got into the business because they loved it. They loved the challenges, the people, and the competition. That passion fueled what came out of the speakers.
Have we lost that passion or are we just afraid to translate that into compelling content because one meter might switch off?
A lot of people who are much smarter than me have been saying similar things for years. I read about it weekly in the trades.
Radio became great because we took chances. We risked doing something that did not appeal to everyone, all the time. Those actions developed loyal audiences. They brought us repeat customers. They created communities.
That magic still exists…if we want it to.
If you still believe in great radio, call us. You’re the kind of person who appreciates and values the services and insights we provide.
Feel free to tell me I’m full of it: sallan@researchdirectorinc.com
May 28, 2026
Filed Under: Hot Topics
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
Filed Under: Hot Topics
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.
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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.
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May 20, 2026
Filed Under: Hot Topics
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.
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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.
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