June 30, 2026
Another quarter, another round of firings at iHEART. Lives are upended but, sadly, we have almost become numb to this.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay.
I am not here to throw slings and arrows at companies who are doing this. They have the right to handle their business as they see fit. Any employee in any business knows they are officially day-to-day.
That said, several things struck me with this latest mass casualty event:
First, so many of those whose jobs were “eliminated” were seasoned veterans. These are people with high levels of experience with a deep familiarity of their markets who have, likely, developed on-air relationships with their fans. Yes, those same relationships radio touts as one of its core strengths.
These are also people who rise to the top of the salary spreadsheet.
Second, it seems these cuts always come from the bottom up, in terms of market size. Radio has always had a major market bias. What happens in New York, LA, or Chicago is much more important than what happens in smaller markets. I live in a two-book market and can tell you, firsthand, that local media is much more important here than in a Washington, DC.
Smaller markets are more cohesive. There really is a sense of community and caring. It is much easier being involved and local in places like this. As a comparison, what does being local actually mean in, say, New York? Other than a major sports, crisis, or weather story, what can appeal to all five boroughs? I can tell you that the annual county fair in my market unites everyone. (I mean, who doesn’t love a goat agility course?)
I realize the revenue in larger markets makes them more important; however, expenses are also higher.
Finally, notice how many people were wearing four, five, six, or more hats. Those responsibilities still exist. So, the three stations they were programming and the four they were voice tracking are now handed to someone else. This is not to cast aspersions, but what human being has the focus and energy to perform at an “A” level while juggling so many balls? Things will fall through the cracks. The lure of “good enough” will be too strong to resist as the checklist gets ever larger.
This de-humanization of radio may reduce expenses, but it comes at a greater cost.
As the “expensive” veterans are shown the door, where are their replacements? This brain drain is real. If this were a natural evolution of a business, with new blood replacing old, then it could be a boon for radio. But is that really happening? Where are the young guns who will breathe new life into our industry? What are the incentives for them to even consider joining us?
Are we getting close to a tipping point on the talent exodus? Are we slowly replacing “live & local” with homogenization? Wendy’s may be tasty and consistent but it’s a shallow replacement for my local burger joint.
The other consequence of these actions is that radio is ghosting its fan base. Those humans who turn on their radios tomorrow morning to spend time with their trusted companion are greeted by…what? An empty space with no explanation. What if the new voice is unsatisfying to the loyal listeners? In an industry that seems to play more defense than offense, why do we continue to provide listeners with reasons to tune out?
Not exactly a relationship building exercise, is it?
But it’s all OK. AI will fix everything. Guaranteed human, right?
Feel free to tell me I’m full of it: sallan@researchdirectorinc.com
June 25, 2026
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
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
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
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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As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. are ready to help you grow your ratings and revenue. Click the link below to get the gruesome details.
About Research Director, Inc.: Research Director, Inc. is based in Annapolis, Maryland. We help radio stations’ programming and sales departments maximize the value of their research. For more information, visit www.ResearchDirectorInc.com, call 410-295-6619, or
e-mail info@ResearchDirectorInc.com or sallan@ResearchDirectorInc.com.
