February 25, 2026
Welcome back to the daytime radio drama: “Where have all the shares gone?” Since this is the J
ANUARY survey, we’re pretty sure they left whatever station was all jolly and bright and somehow found their way back to their previous pre-sets. Of course, in this batch of markets one of them was fortunate enough to be spared the scourge of BURL IVES and his evil minions.
This is a monthly public service from The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. and the data diviners from XTRENDS. The JANUARY book ran from JANUARY 8TH through FEBRUARY 4TH. There was cold weather, playoff football, and a three-day weekend. Here’s how that played out:
MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: A Santa Free Zone
We begin with one of the few markets in AMERICA that does not have a major player dedicated to spinning the holiday tuneage. COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) was #1 6+ for the third book in a row (7.4-7.5). COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) was back at #2 (6.6-6.7). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Hot AC WAMR (AMOR 107.5) stepped up to #3 with its best showing since MARCH (5.0-6.0). AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH) rebounded from a down book to move up to #4 (4.6-5.4). SBS Spanish Contemporary WCMQ (ZETA 92.3) was up to #5 with its best book in over a year (4.4-5.0). The station also picked up a 0.5 share from cyberspace. AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) dropped three places to #6 with its smallest share in exactly one year (5.6-4.9). iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) slipped to #7 (4.8-4.2). WFEZ was still the cume commander with a 0.5% decline (750,500-746,900). The market was down 0.6%.
WFEZ extended its long, uninterrupted string of #1 25-54 books with its highest score since AUGUST. WLYF leapt from #5 to #2 but trailed the leader by well over two shares. WHQT inched up to #3 with a slight decrease, while WMXJ again bounced back from a down book to vault from #10 to #4. AUDACY Classic Hip Hop WPOW (POWER 96) slipped to #5 as it returned all of last survey’s large share increase, plus a bit extra. WMIA fell from #2 into a tie at #7 with WCMQ, which advanced from #13.
COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) repeated as the 18-34 leader but with a slight decrease. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7) was back at #2 but was two shares off the pace. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTÚ (TÚ 94.9) remained at #3 though it ended a strong three-book surge. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT) stepped up to #4 with a small increase, while WHQT rose from #11 to #5 with its best outing in a year. WLYF slid from #4 to #9.
A flat WFEZ was #1 18-49 for the fifth straight survey. WLYF stepped up to #2 with a slight decrease, while WHQT inched up to #3 with a slight increase. Last survey WMXJ fell from #2 to #12. It was up to #4 this time. COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) went from #9 to #5 with its first up book since JULY. WPOW fell from #2 to #6, while WEDR dropped from #5 to #7.
SEATTLE-TACOMA: Back To The Future
Where the previous market had zero Santa stations, this one featured two different flavors of holiday music. However, the #1 6+ spot was again granted to UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW (9.4-9.7). This was the station’s 13TH win in the last 14 books. CRISTA Christian AC KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) was one of the holiday stations. It stepped up to #2 this month with its best Frosty-free share in over a year (7.0-5.7). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) bounced back from a turbulent book to move from #5 to #3 (4.1-5.5). The other ho-ho-ho station was HUBBARD AC KRWM (WARM 106.9). It fell from first to fourth (11.1-5.3). The SEAHAWKS provided rocket fuel for BONNEVILLE Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM) as the station rose to #5 (3.8-5.1). AUDACY Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) slipped to #6 (5.2-5.0). Despite a 32.8% drop KRWM was still the cume leader (963,800-648,000). The market was up 0.6%.
FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP landed its largest 25-54 share in over a year as it moved from #3 to #1. KISW was back at #2 with its smallest share since JULY and trailed the leader by almost two shares. KUOW stepped up to #3 with a small increase, while KJEB advanced from #10 to #4 as it halted a four-book skid. KCMS was up to #5 with its highest mark in over a year. AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) slipped to #7, while KRWM dropped from #1 to #8.
A flat KISW moved up to #1 18-34. KNDD and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) rose together from #3 to #2. Both stations had slight decreases. KJEB more than doubled its previous share as it climbed from #13 to #4. KRWM slid from #1 to #5, while KCMS dipped to #6. It was partnered with the stationary HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN 92.5) and AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF), which advanced from #13.
KEXP soared from #8 to #1 18-49 with its best book in over a year. KISW remained at #2 with a slight increase and was about a share and a half off the pace. KUOW repeated at #3 with a slight increase. It was met there by KJEB, which advanced from # 10, as it regained some of last survey’s huge share loss. KCMS held steady at #5, while KNDD slid three places to #6 with a small decrease. KRWM dropped from #1 to #7.
PHOENIX: Way Too Easy
It’s not like iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (KEZ 99.9) needs performance enhancing holiday music. The station was #1 6+ for the fourth book in a row (16.8-7.5). HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX moved up to #2 as it halted a four-book slide (5.1-6.2). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) was up to #3 as it shook off the holiday blues (3.6-5.2). MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Classical KBAQ (KBACH 89.5) slipped to #4 as it returned some of last survey’s huge increase (5.6-4.9). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A inched up to #5 with its best book since OCTOBER (3.5-4.6), while AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) slipped to #6 (4.0-4.4). KESZ continued to have the most listeners despite a 30.6% drop (1,504,000-1,044,300). The market was off 0.5%.
KESZ was #1 25-54 for the fifth straight survey, while TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KHOT (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) repeated at #2 but with its highest score in over a year. The gap between the two stations stood at a bit more than a share. KYOT rose from #7 to #3 with its best outing since MARCH, while KOOL repeated at #4 with a slight decrease. KSLX was up two slots to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KZZP (104.7 KISS FM) dipped to #6 despite landing its largest share in over a year. KBAQ fell from #3 to #10. It was tied with HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD, which dropped from #5 but with only a slight decrease.
KESZ led the 18-34 contingent for the third book in a row. KOOL was back at #2 but with its largest share in over a year. It was joined in that space by KHOT, which arrived from #4. KYOT stepped up to #4, iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX moved from a tie at #8 to #5. All three of those stations rebounded from down books. AUDACY Pop CHR KALV (LIVE 101.5FM) dropped from #3 to #10 with only a small decrease. It was tied with KSLX. KUPD fell from #5 to #12 but only with the slightest of possible decreases.
KESZ was the 18-49 leader for the fifth straight survey. KHOT remained at #2 with its best showing in over a year. KYOT vaulted from #13 to #3 as it ended a two-book slide. A flat KOOL dipped to #4, while KZZP advanced three spaces to #5 with its highest share in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMXP (MIX 96.9) slipped to #7 and was paired with ZELUS Hot AC KMVA (HOT 97.5/103.9). KBAQ dropped from #4 to #16, while KUPD fell from #5 to #12, again with only a slight decrease.
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DETROIT: The Sporting Life
It was a good month to be AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) as the station moved back up to #1 6+ for the first time since OCTOBER (7.6-8.9). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC landed its largest share in over a year as it moved from #4 to #2 (6.0-7.4). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) repeated at #3 (7.0-6.4), while iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC went from first to fourth with its smallest share in over a year (14.7-6.3). AUDACY News WWJ-A stepped up to #5 with its best book since MARCH (4.3-5.5), while AUDACY Country WYCD dipped to #6 (4.7-5.4). WNIC stayed on top of the cume chart despite a 29.8% decline (1,316,700-924,200). The market was down 1.8%.
WXYT crashed through the double-digit barrier as it made its way up to #1 25-54. BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF had its best showing since NOVEMBER as it moved up to #2, while WOMC advanced to #3 with its highest mark since MAY. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) was up three places to #4 with its largest number since JULY. WMXD slipped to #5, while WNIC dropped from #1 to #6.
WXYT stepped up to #1 18-34 with a huge share increase. However, it was not alone. WKQI vaulted from #7 to a share of first place with its finest performance since MARCH. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB was up two spots to #3 with its best book in over a year. WRIF remained at #4 with a small increase, while four stations were huddled together at #5. WNIC fell from first place, while WOMC dipped from #3 as it surrendered all of last survey’s share increase. WMXD remained in place, while WYCD rose from #8 with a modest share gain.
WXYT completed the demo sweep as it stepped up to #1 18-49. The station also hit double digits. WRIF inched up to #2 as it halted a two-book skid. WKQI advanced from #7 to #3 with its highest score since JULY. WOMC stepped up to #4 with its fourth up book in a row. WJLB made it to #5 with its largest number since AUGUST. WNIC fell from #1 to #6, while WMXD dropped from #4 to #7.
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: I’m A Big Fan
This was another market with two major holiday players providing different flavors of the same theme. For this survey, however, the 6+ spoils went to iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3), which was back on top after taking the last two books off (8.5-8.9). MPR N/T KNOW was up to #2 with its highest mark in over a year (6.9-8.6). It also added a 1.7 share from the interwebs. This might be driven by events on the ground in this market. HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) had its first up book since SEPTEMBER as it rose to #3 (5.6-6.9). The secular holiday choice was iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108). It dropped from #1 to #4 (13.1-6.2). The other yuletide choice was offered by UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS. It slipped from #3 to #5 with its smallest share since FEBRUARY (7.7-5.7). MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT) dipped to #6 (5.6-5.6). KQQL maintained its cume lead despite a 33.8% drop (924,500-612,400). The market fell by 1.0%.
KFXN was up to #1 25-54 as the station extended its double-digit streak to seven. KCMP stepped up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB and KNOW were last seen at #5. Each station landed its largest share in over a year as they rose to #3 and #4, respectively. KQOL slid from first to fifth and was tied with AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM), which dipped from #4 as it ended a five-book surge. KTIS went from #8 to #12.
KCMP became the 18-34 leader with its second straight double-digit performance. KFXN stepped up to #2 despite posting its lowest number since JULY. KQQL slipped from #1 to #3, while KZJK and KDWB remained at #4 with flat books. They were joined there by KSTP, which advanced from #10 with its best showing since MAY. KTIS slipped from #7 to #9.
KFXN moved up to #1 18-49 with its seventh straight book in double figures. KCMP stepped up to #2 with a small increase, while KDWB inched up to #3 with its highest score in over a year. KNOW rose two places to #4, also with its best outing in over a year. KZJK repeated at #5 with a small increase, while KQQL fell from #1 to #6. KTIS dropped from #8 to #11.
We ain’t done yet! In the queue are TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, CHARLOTTE, and NASSAU-SUFFOLK.
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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
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About Research Director, Inc.: Research Director, Inc. is based in Annapolis, Maryland. We help radio stations’ programming and sales departments maximize the value of their research. For more information, visit www.ResearchDirectorInc.com, call 410-295-6619, or email info@ResearchDirectorInc.com or sallan@ResearchDirectorInc.com.
February 24, 2026
We’re back from the shadows again, ready to regale you with another round of radio ratings (hence the clever title for this here missive).
The JANUARY survey is the one where all those stations who “got swole” through the use of performance enhancing music return to their previous positions. You’ll see shares plummet! Cume disappear! Dogs and cats living together!
It’s not a pretty picture.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—along with our cohorts at XTRENDS—present the JANUARY book. This one ran from JANUARY 8TH through FEBRUARY 4TH. It was cold as…well, you know, and also featured a long holiday weekend. Let us begin…
SAN FRANCISCO: Back To Normal
Santa had his little one book fling and now things were back to where they usually are. KQED INC. N/T KQED moved up to #1 6+ with its best book since JULY (9.2-9.8), while AUDACY News KCBS reassumed its usual #2 position (7.9-8.3). The leading music station plays some true oldies as USC Classical KDFC (CLASSICAL CALIFORNIA) stepped up to #3 (5.0-4.9). BONNEVILLE AC KOIT shed its HOLIDAY weight as it went from first to fourth (9.9-4.7). BONNEVILLE Hot AC KMVQ (99.7 NOW) remained at #5 but with its highest mark in over a year (3.8-4.6). iHEARTMEDIA AC KIOI (STAR 101.3) landed its largest share since MAY as it rose from #10 to #6 (2.7-3.7). KOIT kept cume control but with a 27.1% decrease (1,353,000-985,900). Last year it was still above the million listener threshold. The market was down 1.7%.
After seeing its 25-54 numbers decline during the holiday frenzy, KQED was back at #1 25-54. KMVQ moved up to #2 with its best outing since AUGUST, while AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) rose to #3 with a solid increase. KOIT dropped from #1 to #4, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) repeated at #5 with a flat book.
KMVQ increased its previous 18-34 share by 50% as it claimed the #1 position. This ended the five-book winning string for KOIT, which stepped down to #2. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL bounced back from a down book to advance to #3. Two stations came from way outside the top five to land together at #4. KIOI soared up from #13 with its best book since APRIL, while TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KBRG (AMOR 100.3) vaulted from #17 with its highest score in over a year. KYLD and iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) were last spotted at #4 and #5, respectively. KISQ was up, KYLD was down but both ended up at #6. SBS Mexican Regional KRZZ (LA RAZA 93.3) fell from #3 into a tie at #11 with KITS.
KQED was up to #1 18-49, while KITS moved to #2. The stations were a half share apart. KMVQ rose from #5 to #3 with its largest share since SEPTEMBER. KOIT went from first to fourth, while KYLD dipped to #5 with its third down book in a row.
ATLANTA: The Talk Of The Town
This year, Santa’s impact on the market was minimal. Submitted for your approval—COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A was #1 6+ for the sixth straight survey (6.7-7.8) COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) repeated at #2 (6.4-6.7). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) was up three slots to #3 with its best showing since SEPTEMBER (5.7-6.4). AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V103) remained at #4 (6.1-6.2), but it had company as URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) moved up a spot (6.0-6.2). COX MEDIA AC WSB-F (B98.5) was up to #6 as it bounced back from a down book (4.8-5.8). This was the first year AUDACY Rhythmic AC WSTR (STAR 94) flipped the Frosty switch as it filled in for the station formerly known as THE FISH. WSTR made it to #3 last survey but landed at #11 this time (6.3-3.8). Despite a 3.7% drop WSB-F was still the cume leader (699,900-673,700). The market was down 2.5%.
WVEE was #1 25-54 for the fifth book in a row. AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9 THE GAME) moved up to #2 with its best book in over a year but still trailed its cluster mate by a share and a half. WSB-F leapt from #6 to #3 as it regained some of last survey’s large share loss. WAMJ stepped up to #4 with a small increase, while WALR slid from #2 to #5 as it surrendered a good portion of last survey’s increase. WSTR dropped from #3 to #9.
Last survey Santa ended WSB-F’s three-book 18-34 winning string. The station regained all of that lost share and more this time as it returned to the top spot. WSRV rose from #4 to #2 with a large share increase, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT) leapt from #8 to #3 with its highest mark since OCTOBER. WVEE dipped to #4 with a small increase, while WSTR slid from first to fifth. It was tied with WALR, which posted its lowest number since JULY.
WVEE was back at #1 18-49 with its best outing since JUNE. WSB-F jumped from #5 to #2 as it recovered from last survey’s huge loss. WSRV repeated at #3 but with a healthy share gain. WRDG advanced from #11 to #4 as it halted a four-book slide. WAMJ stepped up to #5 with a slight increase. WALR fell from a tie at #3 into an arrangement at #7 with WSB-A and WZGC. WSTR dropped from #2 to #10.
WASHINGTON, DC: Still On TOP
For the eighth straight survey HUBBARD News WTOP was #1 6+ (11.3-13.5). AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU stepped up to #2 and was back in double figures (9.8-11.0). HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR ended a two-book slide as it stepped up to #3 (5.9-6.6). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) inched up to #4 (4.8-5.4). It was paired with ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS, which arose from #6 with its best showing in over a year (4.5-5.4). Santa’s chosen station— iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH—dropped from #2 to #6 (10.1-4.9). That is the same share the station had in NOVEMBER. Your new cume leader was WTOP, which moved up to #1 with a 4.5% increase (814,600-851,200). The market was down 2.5%.
After taking the last two books off WAMU was back on top of the 25-54 leaderboard. It led WTOP, which was up two places to #2 with its best outing in over a year, by about a half share. WWDC repeated at #3, also with its largest share in over a year. WGTS moved up two places to #4 with—get this—its best book in over a year. WASH had its smallest share since SEPTEMBER as it fell from first to fifth. WHUR dipped to #6 with a slight decrease.
What is up with those 18-34 screen addicts? iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ stepped up to #1 and hit double digits with this crowd. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5) leapt from #8 to #2 as it ended a three-book slide. WHUR advanced three spaces to #3 with its highest share in over a year. WTOP dipped to #4 but with a solid increase. WASH dropped from #1 to #5, while a flat iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WBIG (BIG 100) slid from a tie at #3 to #6. WWDC was also last seen at #3. It fell to #7 and was tied with its polar formatic opposite WETA Classical WETA.
WTOP jumped from #4 to #1 18-49 with its best showing since AUGUST. WAMU was back at #2 as it rebounded from a down book, while WWDC repeated at #3 with a small share increase. WASH slid from #1 to #4. It was partnered with WGTS and WMZQ, which were previously an item at #6. Despite a small increase WHUR slipped two slots to #7.
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PHILADELPHIA: Fly, Eagles, Fly
Wait, too soon? At the time hope did spring eternal for the hometown eleven as AUDACY Sports WIP (94WIP SPORTSRADIO) soared from #4 to #1 6+ (5.5-8.5). BEASLEY Active Rock WMMR and BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK were tied at #2. WMMR wrested control of that spot as it ended a two-book slide (5.9-7.1). WMGK dipped to #3 (5.9-6.6). It was met there by AUDACY News KYW, which advanced from #9 with its best book in over a year (3.6-6.6). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS repeated at #5 (5.3-5.7). The holiday hitmaker AUDACY AC WBEB (B101) dropped from #1 to #6 (17.0-5.4). The station was still #1 in cume despite a 39.5% decrease (1,699,900-1,028,800). The market was down 2.8%.
WMMR shook off the holiday blues as it moved up to #1 25-54 after a two-book break. WIP leapt from #5 to #2 with its best offensive performance since FEBRUARY. WBEB went from first to third, while WHYY INC. N/T WHYY moved up two places to #4 with its highest share in over a year. WDAS dipped to #5 with a slight increase. EMF Contemporary Christian WKVP (K-LOVE 106.9) slid from #3 to #6 with a small share loss.
Not only did WMMR move up to #1 18-34, the station smashed through the double-digit barrier. BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) was up to #2 with a small increase but trailed the leader by more than four shares. WBEB slipped from #1 to #3 as it lost about three-quarters of its previous number. WMGK repeated at #4 as it regained most of last survey’s large share loss. WIP was up to #5 as it halted a four-book skid. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WUSL (POWER 99) and WDAS were previously tied at #4. Both stations experienced the exact same small share gain as they trotted down to #6.
After just missing double figures 18-49 the last two books, WMMR surpassed that threshold as it stepped up to #1. WIP and WXTU were last seen at #4. Each station had a strong share increase as they moved up to #2 and #3, respectively. WBEB slipped from #1 to #4, while WDAS drifted down to #5 with a slight decrease. WMGK was not far behind as it rose from #9 to #6 as it thwarted a three-book slide.
BOSTON: Super Bowl Or…Bust
The good news is that BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) is the PATRIOTS flagship. That helped the station rise to #1 6+ with its best book in exactly a year (6.3-7.6). The bad news…didn’t happen in this book. AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) stepped down to #2 (13.5-6.2) as it resumed its regular format. BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR ended a three-book slide as it jumped from #6 to #3 (4.6-5.5). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) ADVANCED FROM #7 TO #4 (4.5-5.1). iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A slipped to #5 (4.8-5.0). AUDACY Sports WEEI and AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX 104.1) were tied at #4. WEEI dropped to #6 (4.7-4.8), while WWBX landed at #7 (4.7-4.5). It had a new partner in BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR (4.0-4.5). WMJX still had the most meters, er, listeners despite a 36.5% decline (1,228,400-779,800). The market was up 0.7%.
WBZ-F moved up to #1 25-54 and was back in double figures for the fourth time in the last 14 surveys. WWBX stepped up to #2 with a slight increase. It was joined there by WXKS, which rose from #4 with tis first up book since NOVEMBER. WMJX went from first to fourth, while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX remained at #5 but with its smallest share in a year.
Despite the expected share loss WMJX was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row, and fifth time in the last six surveys. BEASLEY Country WKLB (COUNTRY 102.5) vaulted from #6 to #2 with its highest mark in over a year. WWBX dipped to #3 with a slight decrease, while WXKS held firm at #4 with a small increase. WBZ-F worked it from #9 to #5 with its best outing since MARCH. It was paired with BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9), which advanced from #10 as it ended a steep two-book slide. WEEI fell from #3 to #15, shedding more than half its previous share. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZRM (RUMBA 97.7) dropped from #5 to #16 as it gave back all of last survey’s large increase, plus a bit extra.
WBZ-F matriculated up the 18-49 chart from #4 to #1 (props to HANK STRAM). WWBX was back at #2 with a slight increase, while WXKS remained at #3 with its highest share since AUGUST. WMJX went from first to fourth, while WKLB rose three spots to #5, again with its best book in over a year. WROR dipped to #6 with a slight increase.
We’ve reached the halfway point in our JANUARY review. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Stay tuned for another action splattered episode. On tap are MIAMI, SEATTLE, PHOENIX, DETROIT, and MINNEAPOLIS. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog at www.ResearchDirectorInc.com/Hot-Topics. And remember, sharing is caring—spread the word far and wide.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
About XTrends: XTrends is radio’s favorite Nielsen ratings analysis tool, used by all major groups. Learn why here.
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 sallan@researchdirectorinc.com.
February 23, 2026
Welcome to the JANUARY survey. Or, as we like to refer to it around the radio ratings ranch, a return to normalcy. This is the book where programmers in PPM markets start paying attention to the numbers again. Why? Santa. The previous two books are always clouded by the scourge of CHRISTMAS music. Hopefully, during this one the wandering herds of listeners have found their collective way home.
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—along with the data shepherds from XTRENDs— are back in the saddle again. This book ran from JANUARY 8TH through FEBRUARY 4TH. It featured ice, snow, and a federally mandated three day weekend. Let’s take a look at the results…
NEW YORK: This Just In…
Apparently if you give them 22 minutes, they’ll go to #1 6+. That’s what happened to AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS), which landed its largest share in over a year (6.2-7.5). Without Santa’s generosity iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) dipped to #2 (12.5-7.0). SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) repeated at #3 (5.6-5.4). The station also added a 1.5 share from the interwebs. AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS stepped up to #4 (4.6-5.3). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) slipped to #5 (5.3-5.1). It was paired with NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO N/T WNYC, which moved up a spot with its best showing in a year (4.4-5.1). Despite a 25.9% decrease WLTW was still the cume leader (4,571,200-3,387,600). The market was off by 4.0%.
WSKQ experienced a slight share loss but that did not deter the station as it moved up to #1 25-54 for the first time since JUNE. WLTW landed its smallest share since JUNE as it dipped to #2. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WWPR (POWER 105.1) moved up to #3 with its highest score in over a year. WHTZ was down for the third book in a row as it stepped down to #4. In our last episode MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97FM) and WCBS were tied at #5. Both stations had solid but unequal increases as they stood at #5 and #6, respectively.
Despite a massive share loss WLTW was #1 18-34 for the eleventh time in the last 14 surveys. A flat WQHT inched up to #2, while WWPR was up two slots to #3 as it rebounded from a down book. WHTZ slid to #4 as it surrendered a good portion of last survey’s large increase. WCBS dipped to #5 with a small share gain. It was met there by the WSKQ STREAM, which advanced from #7. The broadcast version of WSKQ came in at #10.
WSKQ became the new 18-49 leader with a slight decrease. It narrowly defeated WLTW, which was down to #2. One click behind was WWPR, which rose to #3 with its best book in over a year. WHTZ had its lowest total in over a year as it dipped to #4. WQHT slipped to #5 as it ended a steep three-book slide.
LOS ANGELES: Sleigh Bells Don’t Ring
But plenty of folks were still listening. With the holidays just a distant memory, iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST was still #1 6+ (13.3-6.3). AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101FM) remained at #2 (5.6-5.7), while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM) was back at #3 (5.1-5.3). AUDACY Adult Hits KCBS (93.1 JACK FM) landed its largest share in over a year as it rose from #6 to #4 (3.9-4.4). AUDACY News KNX was back at #5 (4.1-4.3), while AUDACY Urban AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE) receded three spots to #7 (4.3-4.1). KOST continued to win the cume despite a 31.9% loss (3,459,000-2,354,800). The market was up by 1.3%.
The 25-54 contest was hotly contested as the top six stations were separated by less than a share. A flat KBIG moved up to #1. AUDACY Alternative KROQ was also flat as it stepped up to #2. KRTH also came in at #2, arriving from #4, as it ended a three-book skid. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7) leapt from #8 to #4 with its best showing in over a year. KCBS repeated at #5 but with a solid share increase. KOST fell from #1 to #6.
However, KOST still had enough left in its tank to remain #1 18-34 for the third book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) stepped up to #2 with a small increase. It was partnered with TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9), which came up from #5 with its highest score in over a year. KYSR leapt from #8 to #4 with a huge share gain. KRTH slipped from #2 to #5 and was tied with KTWV, which moved up as slot as it bounced back from a down book. KROQ fell from #3 to #7 as it returned all of last survey’s increase, plus a bit of value added.
KBIG was up to #1 18-49 with a slight increase, as KOST dipped to #2 with a huge share loss. KSCA advanced two spaces to #3 with its third up book in a row. KRTH dipped to #4 with a slight increase and just edged the two stations at #5. KROQ stepped down from #4 with a slight increase, while KCBS inched up from #6 with its largest share in over a year.
CHICAGO: Breaking News…
AUDACY News WBBM-A moved up to #1 6+ with its highest mark since MARCH (5.1-5.9). HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) was happy Santa skipped town as it rose from #5 to #2 with its best book in over a year (4.2-5.5). AUDACY AAA WXRT (93XRT) also landed its largest share in over a year as it stepped up to #3 (4.5-5.4). iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.3 LITE FM) fell from first to fourth (12.4 -5.2). NEXTSTAR N/T WGN-A (RADIO 720) slipped to #5 (4.6-4.8). One benefit of PPM technology is you can really see market influenced audience movement. WLIT still had the most cume despite a 42.9% drop (2,102,400-1,200,200). The market was down 2.3%.
WTMX had its best 25-54 outing in over a year as it rose to #1. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) stepped up to #2 with its best book since OCTOBER. WLIT went from first to third as it ended a five-book surge. WXRT advanced from #7 to #4 with its highest mark since JULY. WBEZ ALLIANCE N/T WBEZ repeated at #5 with a modest share gain. HUBBARD Adult Hits WTBC (THROWBACK 100.3) slipped to #6 with a slight increase.
WKSC had its best 18-34 book since OCTOBER as it moved up to #1. WLIT dipped to #2 as it shed more than half its previous share. WTMX vaulted from #7 to #3. It was sitting at #11 two books ago. CONNOISSEUR Active Rock WIIL (95 WIIL ROCK) advanced from #10 to #4 with its largest share in over a year. It was joined there by AUDACY Country WUSN (US99.5), which rose from #8 as it bounced back from a down book. CRAWFORD Urban Contemporary WPWX (POWER 92) slid to #7 with a slight decrease.
WTMX stepped up to #3 18-49 with its best showing since APRIL. WKSC was up to #2 with a strong share increase. WLIT slipped from first to third, while WBEZ leapt from #11 to #4 with its highest score in over a year. WXRT was also upwardly mobile as it went from a tie at #9 to join the fray at #4. In its final appearance, the station formerly known as AUDACY Rhythmic AC WBMX (104.3 JAMS) fell from #4 to #9.
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DALLAS-FT. WORTH: A Tight Race
The top of the 6+ leaderboard had all the stations closely bunched together. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) moved up to #1 (4.4-4.5), while Santa’s chosen station—iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1)— dipped to #2 (10.1-4.4). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) was up to #3 (4.2-4.2), while AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) advanced two squares to #4 (3.6-3.9). AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) leapt from #8 to #5 as it halted a four-book slide (3.4-3.8). While KDGE shed 34.9% of its cume, the station was still #1 in that category (1,789,000-1,165,500). The market was down 5.0%.
TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) landed its largest 25-54 share in over a year as it climbed up to #1. KDMX made the move to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. KDGE went from first to third, while KHKS held steady at #4 with a small share loss. AUDACY Mexican Regional KMVK (LA GRANDE 107.5) advanced two spaces to #5 with a slight increase.
After skidding for a couple of surveys KLNO was back at #1 18-34 with a massive share increase. KVIL advanced from #7 to #2 with its best outing in over a year. It was paired with KDMX which moved up a slot with a slight decrease. SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104) stepped up to #4, while KDGE slid from first place to #5. KHKS dropped three places to #7 as it stopped a strong two-book surge.
KLNO was back to #1 18-49 after a two-book hiatus. KDMX worked its way up to #2 despite a down book, while KVIL moved from #6 to #3 with its highest mark since MAY. KDGE fell from first to fourth and was tied with the stationary KHKS. A flat KKDA dipped to #6.
HOUSTON-GALVESTON: Sunny Side Down
Despite the expected loss of its holiday influenced poundage, iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) was #1 6+ for the sixth straight survey (13.3-9.7). URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) repeated at #2 (7.5-6.9), while URBAN ONE Country KKBQ (93Q COUNTRY) stepped up to #3 (5.3-5.8). HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ dipped to #4 (5.6-5.3), while AUDACY Hot AC KHMX (MIX 96.5) remained at #5 (5.2-5.1). KODA shed 19.2% of its cume but still had the most listeners (2,387,500-1,928,000). The market was off 0.6%.
KODA extended its long uninterrupted string of #1 25-54 books. It held about a share advantage over iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ), which moved up to #2 with a solid increase. KHMX was up to #3 with its best book in over a year. KMJQ slipped to #4 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER. It was tied with KSBJ, which advanced from #8 with its third up book in a row. KKBQ was just a tick behind at #6 as it rebounded from a down book. SBS Mexican Regional KROI (LA LEY 92.1) fell from #5 to #9. It was partnered with URBAN ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9/107.5) and URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX).
Last survey KTBZ and KHMX were #2 and #3, respectively, with the 18-34 crowd. Both stations flirted with double figures as they each landed at #1. KODA went from first to third and was nearly two shares off the pace. KBXX was up two slots to #4 with its highest score in over a year. KMJQ slipped to #5 with a modest share loss.
KODA led the 18-49 pack for the fourth book in a row. KTBZ was back at #2 and narrowed the gap between the two stations from about seven-ish shares to close to a share and a half. KHMX repeated at #3 with its fourth straight up book. KKBQ moved up to #4 with a strong share increase. KBXX moved from #8 to #5 with its best book since MAY. KMJQ dropped from #4 into a tie at #9 with TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KOVE (AMOR 106.5). KROI fell from #5 to #14.
Thus ends our first roundup. Thank you for reading. We’re working on the next batch which will focus on SAN FRANCISCO, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA, and BOSTON. In the meantime, please use your turn signals.
If you’re a first-time caller but long-time listener be sure to sign up for our blog. And feel free to pass it along to others in your chat group. www.ResearchDirectorInc.com/Hot-Topics.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
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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 email info@ResearchDirectorInc.com or sallan@ResearchDirectorInc.com.
February 19, 2026
There was an article in last week’s Radio Ink titled “Gen Z Trends Show Opportunity for Christian Radio Growth” that contained a startling revelation.
The fact that Christian radio has been on an upward trajectory for the last decade or so is no surprise. More and more often we are seeing Contemporary Christian stations achieve a high level of ratings success. They provide what radio has excelled at for years—developing a strong sense of community.
What is truly encouraging about the growth of Christian radio is its appeal to the exact demos that have all but abandoned traditional radio. In a study of students at Liberty University, 41% said they listen to Christian radio. That is an encouraging number.
However, here’s the money quote from the same study: Several said they simply don’t know where to find Christian radio on the dial but would listen if they could.
Let that marinate in your brain for a moment. Here is a young, motivated audience that would listen to a radio station…if they only knew where to find it. This is not a product problem; it’s a perception issue. One that could be easily solved if Christian radio (or any radio format) would embrace the M word.
Image by geralt on Pixabay.
Marketing!
I’ll avoid the “yelling at the clouds” argument about how radio sells itself as an advertising vehicle to clients but refuses to market itself.
What I will point out is that marketing any radio station is easier, more efficient, and cheaper than it was back in the day when stations had real marketing budgets. We do not need six figure direct mail or TV campaigns. We also won’t win by using our own air waves to sell our product. That is, well, preaching to the choir.
We can improve radio’s perception and awareness issue by embracing our nemesis—digital. Just about every station sells digital to their clients. Why aren’t they using these same tools to promote their own product? Yes, there is some cost involved but it is minimal when compared to the potential audience growth it can provide.
You may have the greatest product ever created. You’re live, local, compelling, interesting, entertaining, and totally awesome. You may fill the exact need a large audience is seeking. But if they don’t know how to find you, then what’s the point?
A shameless plug here. If you’re in a PPM market, we can help you focus on those meters that move the needle for both you and your competition. Our Exact Age and Hot Zip reports provide you with the kind of intelligence needed to grow your audience.
I can show you how it all works in 15 minutes or less: sallan@researchdirectorinc.com
In case you missed the Radio Ink article, here’s the link.
PS: For you younger readers, this blog’s title refers to the original rock opera. You can Google it.
February 12, 2026
Image by iKrUeMeL from Pixabay
Since I work in the research field, I will always take part in surveys. My phone blew up during last November’s election, but I dutifully answered every question. I do this for two reasons. First, curiosity. I want to see how the questions are structured. I also want to know what topics they consider to be important. Second, I feel for all survey takers. Gone are the days when a researcher could randomly dial a land line and actually get a live body to answer the phone. I dare say none of us answer our phones today unless we know the number. Plus, my provider is nice enough to let me know if the call is possible spam.
A survey I consistently participate in focuses on my grocery shopping habits. For me grocery shopping is kind of a sport (looking at you, Costco). Prior to writing this I received a survey for certain household products. Despite my non-demographically desirable age I was able to pass all the screeners. This one focused on product packaging.
The one question that got me was about how my packaging choice made me feel. I was presented with about 15 options ranging from “neutral” to “confused” to “excited.” I chose neutral because, well, we’re talking about packaging. For some strange reason I have zero emotional involvement with a counter cleaner or bleach-based wipes.
This has been a consistent theme in the advertising world, especially since the dawn of the digital age. Brands want to develop a “relationship” with their consumers. They want us “involved” with them on a personal level. In short, they want to be our friends. What do we want? Products that do their job well and are affordable. Period. A generic bleach is bleach and not necessarily less effective than an oft advertised name brand.
Which brings me to radio.
We have specialized in emotional connections for decades. Despite all the distractions, radio remains a medium that delivers connection, community, and comfort. This has become increasingly important as we have lost ground in the music category. Spotify has my perfect playlist, but the interaction is soulless.
This is where radio can excel. Listeners do not connect with liners or sweepers. Your perfect music schedule goes right over their heads. I’m not saying these things are not important. They are. But they are just the packaging.
Creating a relationship with our audience is a two-way street. We must give them something of value and they have to recognize its availability. Radio does an excellent job in packaging the “what” of our brands. Do we do the same with the “why”?
Feel free to tell me I’m full of it: sallan@researchdirectorinc.com
