by Steven Allan, Programming Research Consultant
NOVEMBER PPM INSIGHTS Day 3
The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR INC.—along with the right jolly old data elves from XTRENDS—bring you back into the NOVEMBER state of mind. This survey ran from OCTOBER 16TH through NOVEMBER 12TH. The time it was a-changing, there was an election, and we honored our Veterans. Here’s how that all played out:
➤MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: The Flop Flipped
For the fourth book in a row, two stations have been trading places atop the 6+ leaderboard. This time it was COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) that captured the top spot (6.6-6.9), while COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1) eased on down to #2 (7.2-6.6). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Hot AC WAMR (AMOR 107.5) stepped up to #3 with its highest score since MARCH (5.5-5.8). AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH) inched up to #4 (5.4-5.3). AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) landed its smallest share in over a year as it slipped from #3 to #5 (6.5-5.2). The station remained the cume leader despite a 3.6% decline (801,100-772,000). The market was down 1.3%. Market PUMM was up 3.7% from OCTOBER and 17.2% from 2024.
Despite a down book, WFEZ was the clear 25-54 leader for the eleventh book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) was up to #2 with its third straight up book. It was still more than a share off the lead. COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) stepped up to #3 with a slight increase, while WHQT went from #6 to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. WMXJ repeated at #5 but it was not alone. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9) advanced from #16 with its best outing since JANUARY. WLYF fell from #2 to #7 with its lowest mark since FEBRUARY. Market PUMM was up 2.2% from last month and 19.3% from a year ago.
iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT) landed its sixth consecutive 18-34 up book, which propelled the station from #3 to #1. Three stations were circling one another at #2. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7FM) remained in place with a modest share loss. WAMR and SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7) moved up in tandem from a tie at #5 with rather large share gains. WLYF slid from first to fifth. COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) experienced a slight increase but fell from a tie at #5 into one at #6 with AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WPOW (POWER 96). WFEZ also dropped from a tie at #5 but it landed at #9 with its third down book in a row. Market PUMM was up 7.5% from the previous survey and an incredible 68.6% from last year.
For the tenth time in the eleven 2025 surveys, WFEZ was #1 18-49. WLYF was back at #2 but the gap between the two stations expanded to a share and a half. Three stations were in league together at #3. WMXJ and WHQT moved up from a tie at #4 with flat books. WMIB vaulted up from #9 with its best performance in over a year. WFLC and WPOW were last seen at #3 and #4, respectively. They slid into a tie at #6. Market PUMM was up 3.3% from OCTOBER and 24.9% from 2024.
Despite a down book, WFEZ was the clear 25-54 leader for the eleventh book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9) was up to #2 with its third straight up book. It was still more than a share off the lead. COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) stepped up to #3 with a slight increase, while WHQT went from #6 to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. WMXJ repeated at #5 but it was not alone. iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9) advanced from #16 with its best outing since JANUARY. WLYF fell from #2 to #7 with its lowest mark since FEBRUARY. Market PUMM was up 2.2% from last month and 19.3% from a year ago.
iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WMIB (103.5 THE BEAT) landed its sixth consecutive 18-34 up book, which propelled the station from #3 to #1. Three stations were circling one another at #2. SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7FM) remained in place with a modest share loss. WAMR and SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7) moved up in tandem from a tie at #5 with rather large share gains. WLYF slid from first to fifth. COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) experienced a slight increase but fell from a tie at #5 into one at #6 with AUDACY Rhythmic Oldies WPOW (POWER 96). WFEZ also dropped from a tie at #5 but it landed at #9 with its third down book in a row. Market PUMM was up 7.5% from the previous survey and an incredible 68.6% from last year.
For the tenth time in the eleven 2025 surveys, WFEZ was #1 18-49. WLYF was back at #2 but the gap between the two stations expanded to a share and a half. Three stations were in league together at #3. WMXJ and WHQT moved up from a tie at #4 with flat books. WMIB vaulted up from #9 with its best performance in over a year. WFLC and WPOW were last seen at #3 and #4, respectively. They slid into a tie at #6. Market PUMM was up 3.3% from OCTOBER and 24.9% from 2024.
➤SEATTLE-TACOMA: IYKYK
For the eleventh book in a row UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW was #1 6+ (9.1-9.4). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) piloted its best book in over a year to rise to #2 (5.6-6.3). AUDACY Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) stood alone at #3 (5.6-5.8). The magical post-season run of the MARINERS came to an end and so did the lofty numbers for BONNEVILLE Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM). The station went from a tie at first to #4 (9.1-5.2). CRISTA Christian AC KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) had its best book since APRIL as it ascended from #8 to #5 (3.9-4.7). BONNEVILLE N/T KIRO-F ended a three-book surge as it dipped to #6 (5.2-4.4). It was partnered with HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5), which was up from #9 (3.6-4.4) and CLASSIC RADIO Classical KING (4.3-4.4). KJEB climbed back to #1 in cume with a 4.0% increase (577,200-600,300). The previous leader was KIRO-A and it dropped to #9. The market was off 0.5%. Market PUMM was down 2.2% from OCTOBER but up 13.8% from 2024.
KISW moved back to #1 25-54 with a slight increase. KJEB and KQMV moved up to forge a tie at #2. KJEB was off slightly as it stepped up from #3, while KQMV advanced from #4 with its best showing since JANUARY. Still, they were two shares off the pace. FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP leapt from #8 to #4 with a strong increase. KIRO-A dropped from #1 to #5 and was tied with KUOW, which slipped from #4 despite an up book. Market PUMM was down 4.5% from last month but up 32.1% from a year ago.
After taking the last two books off AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) was back at #1 18-34. It held a full share advantage over the three stations, massed together at #2. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KJAQ (96.5 JACK FM) and KQMV moved up from a tie at #4, while KISW inched up from #3. KIRO-A dropped from #1 to #5. Two stations outside of the top five made some impressive gains. AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF) rose from #10 to #6 with its best book since JULY. AUDACY Hot AC KSWD (EMMA 94.1) vaulted from #20 to #7 with its highest mark since FEBRUARY, when it was in a completely different format. Market PUMM was off 4.5% from the previous survey but up 7.2% from last year.
KQMV had its best 18-49 book in over a year as it advanced from #4 to #1. KIRO-A dipped to #2 and was tied with KISW. KNDD stepped down to #4, while KUOW moved up to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. KJEB descended to #6 with a small share loss. Market PUMM was down 3.5% from OCTOBER but up 19.5% from 2024.
KISW moved back to #1 25-54 with a slight increase. KJEB and KQMV moved up to forge a tie at #2. KJEB was off slightly as it stepped up from #3, while KQMV advanced from #4 with its best showing since JANUARY. Still, they were two shares off the pace. FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP leapt from #8 to #4 with a strong increase. KIRO-A dropped from #1 to #5 and was tied with KUOW, which slipped from #4 despite an up book. Market PUMM was down 4.5% from last month but up 32.1% from a year ago.
After taking the last two books off AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) was back at #1 18-34. It held a full share advantage over the three stations, massed together at #2. iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KJAQ (96.5 JACK FM) and KQMV moved up from a tie at #4, while KISW inched up from #3. KIRO-A dropped from #1 to #5. Two stations outside of the top five made some impressive gains. AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF) rose from #10 to #6 with its best book since JULY. AUDACY Hot AC KSWD (EMMA 94.1) vaulted from #20 to #7 with its highest mark since FEBRUARY, when it was in a completely different format. Market PUMM was off 4.5% from the previous survey but up 7.2% from last year.
KQMV had its best 18-49 book in over a year as it advanced from #4 to #1. KIRO-A dipped to #2 and was tied with KISW. KNDD stepped down to #4, while KUOW moved up to #5 as it rebounded from a down book. KJEB descended to #6 with a small share loss. Market PUMM was down 3.5% from OCTOBER but up 19.5% from 2024.
➤PHOENIX: Do We Need A Little Christmas?
Right this very survey? Apparently, the folks at iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) thought so, as the station changed formats on the last Friday of the book. It was not dramatic, but the station did move back to #1 6+ (7.9-8.3). That was its exact share and rank as last year. This did end the seven-book winning streak for HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX, which dipped to #2 (8.7-7.6). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN) was up to #3 with its best outing since MARCH (4.3-5.3). AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.3) landed its largest share in over a year to inch up to #4 (4.2-4.9). iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX bounced back from a down book as it went from #7 to #5 (3.7-4.3). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A slid to #6 (4.7-4.2) and was tied with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KZZP (104.7 KISS FM), which rose from #8 (3.5-4.2). KESZ still had the most cume with a 4.3% decline (985,700-943,500). The market was up 0.1%. Market PUMM was up 6.3% from OCTOBER and 27.6% from 2024.
KESZ made it back-to-back #1 and double-digit 25-54 books. KSLX was a distant, but solid, #2 with its best outing in over a year. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KHOT (QUÉ BUENA 105.9) remained at #3 with a small increase, while KYOT moved up two places to #4 as it regained some of last month’s share loss. Last month, HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD and HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) were tied at #4. KUPD was up slightly as it slipped to #5, while a flat KDKB dropped to #6. Market PUMM was up 9.3% from last month and 31.5% from a year ago.
KSLX was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey and was dangerously close to hitting double figures. KYOT scaled from #5 to #2 with its best showing in over a year. KHOT repeated at #3 as it rebounded from a down book. KESZ was back at #4 with a solid increase, while KDKB slid from #2 to #5 as it returned a portion of last month’s massive increase. Market PUMM was up 10.6% from the previous survey and 39.4% from last year.
KESZ repeated at #1 18-49 with a slight increase. A flat KSLX was back at #2, while KHOT remained at #3 but with its highest score in over a year. KYOT leapt from #8 to #4, while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMXP (MIX 96.9) held steady at #5 with a small increase. KDKB slipped to #6 despite a slight increase. Market PUMM was up 10.3% from OCTOBER and 32.5% from 2024.
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➤DETROIT: Rudolph By A Nose
The reindeer games began early as iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC went the jolly route on the last Friday of the book. The station did move up to #1 6+ (7.4-8.0). AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) dipped to #2 with its least productive outing since FEBRUARY (10.3-7.4). The station did pick up a 2.1 share from cyberspace. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) was back at #3 as it bounced back from a down book (6.9-7.3). AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC repeated at #4 (5.5-6.0), while AUDACY Country WYCD moved up to #5 as it also bounced back from a down book (4.8-5.4). BESLEY Classic Rock WCSX dipped to #6 (5.0-5.1) and was paired with BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF (4.6-5.1). WNIC saw its cume drop by 0.7% but it was still the leader in that category (1,033,700-1,026,300). The market was down 1.8%. Market PUMM was off 4.0% from OCTOBER but up 14.8% from 2024.
Though it departed double-digit land, WXYT was #1 25-54 for the eighth book in a row. WRIF was back at #2 with its best outing since MAY, while WNIC remained at #3 with a small increase. WMXD repeated at #4 with a modest decrease, while a flat iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) rounded out the top five again. Market PUMM was down 1.4% from last month but up 15.4% from a year ago.
WRIF was #1 18-34 for the fourth straight survey. It was tied at that spot last month with WXYT. That partnership did not endure. WNIC rebounded from a down book to move up to #2. It was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB, which advanced from #8. WCSX rose from #7 to #4. Both WJLB and WCSX had their best outings in over a year. WXYT landed at #5 and was tied with AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7). WKQI and WYCD were last spotted at #3 and #5, respectively. Both stations had down books as they landed together at #7. Market PUMM was up 7.1% from the previous survey and 19.9% from last year.
WXYT was #1 18-49 for the fourth book in a row but was hearing footsteps from #2 WRIF. The gap between the two stations shrank from nearly four shares to under a half share. WNIC stepped up to #3 with its best book since MARCH, while WMXD dipped to #4 with a small decrease. A flat WKQI remained at #5 and was joined there by WDZH, which rose from #7 with its highest score in exactly a year. Market PUMM was up 0.4% from OCTOBER and 11.4% from 2024.
Though it departed double-digit land, WXYT was #1 25-54 for the eighth book in a row. WRIF was back at #2 with its best outing since MAY, while WNIC remained at #3 with a small increase. WMXD repeated at #4 with a modest decrease, while a flat iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI (CHANNEL 955) rounded out the top five again. Market PUMM was down 1.4% from last month but up 15.4% from a year ago.
WRIF was #1 18-34 for the fourth straight survey. It was tied at that spot last month with WXYT. That partnership did not endure. WNIC rebounded from a down book to move up to #2. It was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WJLB, which advanced from #8. WCSX rose from #7 to #4. Both WJLB and WCSX had their best outings in over a year. WXYT landed at #5 and was tied with AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7). WKQI and WYCD were last spotted at #3 and #5, respectively. Both stations had down books as they landed together at #7. Market PUMM was up 7.1% from the previous survey and 19.9% from last year.
WXYT was #1 18-49 for the fourth book in a row but was hearing footsteps from #2 WRIF. The gap between the two stations shrank from nearly four shares to under a half share. WNIC stepped up to #3 with its best book since MARCH, while WMXD dipped to #4 with a small decrease. A flat WKQI remained at #5 and was joined there by WDZH, which rose from #7 with its highest score in exactly a year. Market PUMM was up 0.4% from OCTOBER and 11.4% from 2024.
➤MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL: You Can’t Stop Them…
…you can only hope to contain them. And few have been able to even contain iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3). The station was #1 6+ for the eleventh book in a row, the last three of which have been in double figures (12.1-11). UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN-ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS was back at #2 but with its best showing in over a year (7.8-8.1). MPR N/T KNOW moved up to #3 with its highest score since MARCH (5.9-7.0). It also added a 1.3 share from the interwebs. HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95) dipped to #4 (6.6-6.8), while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) remained at #5 but with its smallest share in over a year (5.8-5.5). The station was still the cume leader despite a 4.4% decline (743,700-711,300). The market was off 2.2%. Market PUMM was down 5.8% from OCTOBER and 1.8% from 2024.
For the fourth book in a row KFXN was both #1 and in double figures in the 25-54 space. CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X) stepped up to #2 with its best showing in over a year yet still trailed the leader by more than six shares. MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT) dipped to #3 with its lowest total in over a year. AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) remained at #4 with a small increase, while KSTP held steady at #5. Market PUMM was down 5.3% from last month but up 0.8% from a year ago.
KFXN made it back-to-back #1 18-34 books. The station was also in double-digits for the third straight survey. KCMP repeated at a distant #2, while KXXR remained at #3 with a slight decrease. KZJK stepped up to #4 as it got back a small portion of last month’s huge share loss. It was joined there by iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KTCZ (CITIES 97.1), which rose from a tie at #6 as it bounced back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB fell from #4 to #7 with its least productive outing in over a year. Market PUMM was down 7.7% from the previous survey but up 9.1% from last year.
For the eleventh book in a row KFXN was #1 18-49. The station also hit double figures for the fourth straight survey. KXXR stepped up to #2 with a solid increase, while KZJK was up to #3. KCMP slipped to #4 with its smallest share since MAY. KDWB stood alone at #5, while its former partner in that space – KSTP – dipped to #6 with its lowest mark in over a year. Market PUMM was off 5.9% from OCTOBER but up 6.1% from 2024.
Had enough? Well, we haven’t. Another fresh batch of markets is in the oven. Specifically, they are TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, CHARLOTTE, and NASSAU-SUFFOLK.
In our previous episode we went on a bit of a rant about how the NOVEMBER survey was “sus,” as the kids say, because of the early arrival of the elfin horde. Well, as it turned out, only one of the five markets we dissected had an early adopter. (To be fair, it went very well for that station.) As we were preparing this batch of markets, we thought it would be prudent to see if any stations jumped the shark, as it were. The answer is—none did. So, the NOVEMBER book is completely legit, only subject to the whims of the audience. Which is how things normally are.
This book ran from OCTOBER 16TH through NOVEMBER 12TH. The times changed (don’t they always), there were elections, and we honored our Veterans. Let’s dive in…
➤SAN FRANCISCO
That is not a Stranger Things reference. Nothing strange about the 6+ leaderboard as the top five 6+ stations remained the same as last month. KQED INC. N/T KQED was #1 for the eleventh straight survey (8.8-9.3). AUDACY News KCBS was back at #2 (8.7-8.1). The station also added a 0.3 share from the upside down. At #3, USC Classical KDFC (CLASSICAL CALIFORNIA) was still the leading music station (5.7-5.1). BONNEVILLE AC KOIT repeated at #4 (4.8-4.7), while iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) was steady at #5 (4.6-4.6). KOIT maintained its cume lead with a 3.6% increase (1,031,000-1,068,400). The market declined by 0.5%. Market PUMM was off 0.4% from OCTOBER but was up 18.9% from 2024.
KQED made it three 25-54 wins in a row with its best outing since APRIL. BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) was back at #2 but with its third straight down book. It was paired with AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105), which moved up a slot with a slight decrease. KOIT stepped up to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) had its best book since DECEMBER as it advanced two squares to #5. KISQ landed its lowest share since MAY as it slipped to #6. It was tied with AUDACY Hot AC KLLC (ALICE @ 97.3). Market PUMM was up 1.6% from last month and 11.8% from a year ago.
For the third book in a row the top two 18-34 stations were not ones you normally associate with that demo. KOIT was #1 with a slight increase, while KISQ was back at #2 with a small share loss. KYLD repeated at #3 but was forced to share the moment with KQED, which advanced from #9 with its highest mark since JANUARY. KITS stepped up to #5, which pushed KMVQ down to #6. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL fell to #7 with its lowest score in over a year. Market PUMM was down 3.4% from the previous survey and 1.3% from last year.
KQED was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row, while KITS repeated at #2. However, the gap between the two stations widened from less than a half share to more than a full share. KOIT was up two places to #3 as it regained some of last month’s share loss. KMVQ remained at #4 but was partnered with KYLD, which moved up from #6 with its best performance since DECEMBER. KISQ slid to #6 with its lowest total since FEBRUARY. Market PUMM was down 0.1% from OCTOBER but up 16.0% from 2024.
➤ATLANTA: Gold, Silver, & Bronze
Once again, COX MEDIA made a clean sweep of the top three positions on the 6+ chart. COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A was #1 for the third book in a row and landed its largest share since JANUARY (7.7-8.5). COX MEDIA AC WSB-F (B98.5) stepped up to #2 (6.8-6.8), while COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) dipped to #3 (7.3-6.5). URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) inched up to #4 as it regained a bit of last month’s rather large share loss (5.9-6.2). AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V-103) stepped down to #5 (6.1-5.6) and was paired with COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER), which was there last month (5.9-5.6). WSB-F still had the most listeners (861,700-851,300)—a 1.2% decline. The market was up 0.2%. Market PUMM was down 5.0% from OCTOBER and 7.6% from 2024.
WVEE was back at #1 25-54 with a slight share increase. WSB-F repeated at #2 but was closing in on the leader thanks to landing its largest share in over a year. WSB-A stepped up to #3 with its fourth up book in a row. WALR dipped to an extremely close #4 with a small share loss. AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9 THE GAME) inched up to #5 with its best offensive output in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT) fell from #5 to #9. Market PUMM was off 6.7% from last month and 1.4% from a year ago.
WSB-F remained at #1 18-34 and hit double figures for the second time in 2025. WALR repeated at #2 with its fifth straight up book. WVEE and WSRV moved up to forge a tie at #3. WVEE had its best book since MAY, while WSRV rebounded from a down book. WRDG slid from #2 to #5. CUMULUS Pop CHR WWWQ (Q99.7) dropped two places to #6 with a small share loss. The BERT SHOW departed during week #2 of the survey. Market PUMM was down 12.3% from the previous survey and 2.3% from last year.
WSB-F stepped up to #1 18-49 with its best book in over a year. This coerced WVEE, which was up slightly, to step down to #2. WALR dipped to #3, while WSB-A inched up to #4. WWWQ stood alone at #5 with a slight decrease, while WRDG dropped from #4 to #7. Market PUMM was off 7.5% from OCTOBER and 9.8% from 2024.
➤WASHINGTON, DC: Status, Meet Quo
PHILADELPHIA: Back On Top
➤BOSTON: They Do Sports
For the first time since JANUARY, BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) was #1 6+ (6.4-6.9). This dethroned last month’s co-leaders in AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) and BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR. WMJX dipped to #2 (6.5-6.1), while WROR alit at #3 (6.5-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) moved up to #4 (5.1-5.3), while BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR landed its largest share since JUNE. It rose from #8 to #5 (4.2-5.0). As the RED SOX season sputtered to a halt, so did the ratings fortunes of AUDACY Sports WEEI. It dropped from #4 to #7 (5.7-4.4). Despite a 2.8% decline WMJX still had the most cume (867,800-843,600). The market was down 1.4%. Market PUMM was up 0.4% from OCTOBER and 0.1% from 2024.
WBZ-F was #1 25-54 for the third consecutive month and made it back-to-back double-digit outings. WXKS repeated at #2 but with its highest mark in over a year. AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX 104.1) remained at #3 with a small share loss, while a flat iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX stepped up to #4. WBUR worked it from #9 to #5, while WROR slipped to #6 as it returned all of last month’s share increase. Market PUMM was down 5.1% from last month but up 6.3% from a year ago.
In a move that likely turned market heads, iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) rose from #3 to #1 18-34. The station did land its largest share in over a year. This ended the two-book run for WMJX, which dipped to #2. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) had its best showing since JANUARY as it moved up to #3. WWBX inched up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. WBUR vaulted from #13 to #5 with its best book in over a year—by far. WROR fell from #2 to #7, while WEEI slid from #5 to #8. It was tied with AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103). Market PUMM was down 0.9% from the previous survey and 2.2% from last year.
WBZ-F was back at #1 18-49. WXKS leapt from #5 to #2 but was still a share and a half off the lead. WMJX repeated at #3 with a small share loss, while WWBX was back at #4 with a slight decrease. WROR dropped from #2 to #5 as it surrendered all of last month’s large share increase. Market PUMM was down 5.3% from OCROBER and 0.1% from 2024.
Thank you for listening, uh, reading. Stay tuned for another action splattered episode. On tap are MIAMI, SEATTLE, PHOENIX, DETROIT, and MINNEAPOLIS. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog. And remember, sharing is caring—spread the word far and wide.
Welcome to the first survey of the dystopian nightmare known as the holiday season. While you are recovering from your food coma and pouring through hundreds of unopened e-mails, your listeners have become zombies, lured by the siren songs of BURL IVES and his evil minions. They have flocked to the one station in your market that flipped the Frosty switch. Some may say this is a premature capitulation to our elfin overlords, but who are we to decide? The data will tell the story.
As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—in a close-quarters formation with the numbers nerds from XTRENDS—bring you the NOVEMBER book. This one ran from OCTOBER 16TH through NOVEMBER 12TH. There was a time change, a few elections, and a federal holiday. Here’s how it all unfolded:
➤NEW YORK: Not A Holiday
When you’re the 800-pound gorilla you can do whatever you want. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) did not succumb to the dark side this month as it remained #1 6+ (7.4-7.4). AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was back at #2 (6.4-6.8) and added a 0.5 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) repeated at #3 (5.9-5.8), while AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS stepped up to #4 with its best book since MAY (5.0-5.6). SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) dipped to #5 (5.2-5.0). However, the station garnered a 1.4 share from the interwebs. Also coming in at #5 was RED APPLE MEDIA N/T WABC-A. It advanced from #8 with its best outing in over a year (4.2-5.0). There’s a good chance this rise was fueled by the loud mayoral race. WLTW was still the cume leader with a 1.0% increase (3,727,900-3,765,500). The market was off 1.7%. Market PUMM rose 1.6% from OCTOBER and 15.5% from 2024.
After seeing its five-book 25-54 winning streak snapped last month WLTW vaulted back up to first place. It narrowly defeated a flat WHTZ, which dipped to #2. WSKQ remained at #3 though it surrendered about half of last month’s rather large share increase. MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97) was up for the fourth straight survey as in moved up to #4. This pushed its arch nemesis – iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WWPR (POWER 105.1) – down to #5. Market PUMM was up 1.1% from last survey and 17.5% from a year ago.
A flat WLTW stepped up to #1 18-34. WSKQ jumped from #4 to #2 with its best showing since MAY and trailed the leader by about a half share. WHTZ had its two-book winning streak snapped as it drifted down to #3. WWPR dropped to #4 with a small share loss. WQHT rebounded from a down boom to advance two spaces to #5. The WSKQ STREAM more than doubled its previous share as it rocketed from #16 to #6. MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS dropped from #5 into a tie at #11 with AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7). Market PUMM grew 5.7% from the previous survey and 8.9% from last year.
WHTZ was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row. It held the slimmest of possible leads over WLTW, which was back at #2 but with its highest mark since APRIL. WQHT was up two places to #3 with its best book in over a year. WWPR dipped to #4, while WSKQ was down to #5 with a slight share loss. Market PUMM was up 1.3% from OCTOBER and 15.7% from 2024.
➤LOS ANGELES: Nothing to See Here
➤CHICAGO: Sleigh Bells Ring
…and they were listening. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) joined the Santa brigade towards the end of week #3 of the survey and it paid dividends. The station remained at #1 6+ but with its best Frosty-free share in over a year (4.9-6.0). Last year it was #3 with a 5.5 share. Three stations were huddled together at #2. AUDACY AAA WXRT (93XRT) remained in place (4.6-5.1), while HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) advanced from #6 (4.0-5.1). Both stations landed their largest shares in over a year. The third member of that grouping was AUDACY News WBBM-A, which moved up a slot (4.4-5.1). It also picked up a 0.5 share from cyberspace. AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) dipped to #5 (4.2-4.6). They didn’t exactly rush to hear the holiday tunes. WLIT was still #1 in cume but with a 0.3% decline (1,325,500-1,321,800). The market was off 2.0%. Market PUMM was down 2.6% from OCTOBER but grew by 19.2% from 2024.
For the first time since JUNE, WTMX was #1 25-54 thanks to its best outing in over a year. WLIT leapt from #6 to #2 and was partnered with the stationary CUMULUS Alternative WKQX (Q101), which also landed its largest share in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) ended its four-book reign as it slid to #4 with its smallest share since MAY. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) dropped three places to #5 with a small share loss. CHICAGO PUBLIC MEDIA N/T WBEZ fell from #5 to #9. It was tied with HUBBARD Adult Hits WTBC (THROWBACK 100.3). Market PUMM was down 3.4% from last month but up 20.2% from a year ago.
WLIT moved up to #1 18-34 with a massive share increase. It was #4 a year ago. This halted the five-book winning string for WKSC, which dipped to #2. WUSN stepped up to #3 with its best showing since JANUARY. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI slipped to #4, while two stations made some bold advances. HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) accelerated from #12 to #5, while CRAWFORD BROADCASTING Urban Contemporary WPWX (POWER 92) jumped from #14 to #6. WOJO dropped from #4 to #10 and was tied with WTMX. Market PUMM was off 0.7% from the previous survey but gained 13.0% from last year.
WLIT rose from #6 to #1 18-49. It was #4 last year. WKQX advanced to #2 with its fourth up book in a row. WKSC slid to #3 as its five-book heater ground to a halt. WTMX dipped to #4 despite a slight increase, while WOJO dropped three spots to #5, also with a slight decrease. A flat WGCI dipped to #6. Market PUMM was down 5.0% from OCTOBER but up 19.3% from 2024.
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➤DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Win, Place & Show
One cluster dominated the 6+ medal stand. CUMULUS Sports KTCK (96.7FM/1310AM THE TICKET) had its best outing since FEBRUARY as it stepped up to #1 (5.3-6.4). This forced CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) to slink down to #2 (5.4-5.1). CUMULUS Country KSCS (NEW COUNTRY 96.3) bounced back from a down book to rise to #3 (4.6-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1), which did not go all jolly and such this month – dipped to #4 (4.9-4.8). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) stepped down to #5 (4.8-4.4). It was partnered with TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1), which advanced from #8 with its best book since FEBRUARY (3.7-4.4). KDGE kept its cume lead despite a 2.8% decline (1,225,000-1,190,400). The market was up 0.5%. Market PUMM fell 1.4% from OCTOBER but grew 24.7% from 2024.
KLNO had its best 25-54 book in over a year as it rose to #1. It had company as KTCK moved up from #4 to forge the tie. This ended the three-book winning string for KDMX, which slipped to #3 with its smallest share since JULY. KPLX dropped two places to #4 as it returned most of last month’s share increase. KDGE dipped to #5 as it gave back about half of last month’s gain. Market PUMM was down 2.3% from last month but up 18.1% from a year ago.
KLNO was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey. It held nearly a share advantage over KSCS, which moved up to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. KTCK repeated at #3 but with its highest score in over a year. KDGE inched up to #4 with its fifth up book in a row. KPLX slipped three places to #5. Making the leap o’ the month was URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBFB (97.9 THE BEAT), which advanced from #17 to #6, more than doubling last month’s number. Market PUMM was down 3.8% from the previous survey but up 22.6% from last year.
KLNO was back as the 18-49 leader with a solid share increase. KTCK vaulted from #6 to #2 and was a bit more than a half share off the lead. KDMX stepped down to #3 with a small decrease, while KDGE remained at #4 but with a down book. KPLX slipped to #5 with its lowest total since MAY. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) landed its lowest number in over a year as it dropped to #8. It was tied with AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7). Market PUMM was off 2.0% from NOVEMBER but up 19.9% from 2024.
➤HOUSTON-GALVESTON: No Santa For You
For the fourth book in a row KFXN was both #1 and in double figures in the 25-54 space. CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X) stepped up to #2 with its best showing in over a year yet still trailed the leader by more than six shares. MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT) dipped to #3 with its lowest total in over a year. AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) remained at #4 with a small increase, while KSTP held steady at #5. Market PUMM was down 5.3% from last month but up 0.8% from a year ago.
KFXN made it back-to-back #1 18-34 books. The station was also in double-digits for the third straight survey. KCMP repeated at a distant #2, while KXXR remained at #3 with a slight decrease. KZJK stepped up to #4 as it got back a small portion of last month’s huge share loss. It was joined there by iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KTCZ (CITIES 97.1), which rose from a tie at #6 as it bounced back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB fell from #4 to #7 with its least productive outing in over a year. Market PUMM was down 7.7% from the previous survey but up 9.1% from last year.
For the eleventh book in a row KFXN was #1 18-49. The station also hit double figures for the fourth straight survey. KXXR stepped up to #2 with a solid increase, while KZJK was up to #3. KCMP slipped to #4 with its smallest share since MAY. KDWB stood alone at #5, while its former partner in that space – KSTP – dipped to #6 with its lowest mark in over a year. Market PUMM was off 5.9% from OCTOBER but up 6.1% from 2024.
Had enough? Well, we haven’t. Another fresh batch of markets is in the oven. Specifically, they are TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, CHARLOTTE, and NASSAU-SUFFOLK.
NOVEMBER PPM INSIGHTS Day 2
In our previous episode we went on a bit of a rant about how the NOVEMBER survey was “sus,” as the kids say, because of the early arrival of the elfin horde. Well, as it turned out, only one of the five markets we dissected had an early adopter. (To be fair, it went very well for that station.) As we were preparing this batch of markets, we thought it would be prudent to see if any stations jumped the shark, as it were. The answer is—none did. So, the NOVEMBER book is completely legit, only subject to the whims of the audience. Which is how things normally are.
This book ran from OCTOBER 16TH through NOVEMBER 12TH. The times changed (don’t they always), there were elections, and we honored our Veterans. Let’s dive in…
➤SAN FRANCISCO
That is not a Stranger Things reference. Nothing strange about the 6+ leaderboard as the top five 6+ stations remained the same as last month. KQED INC. N/T KQED was #1 for the eleventh straight survey (8.8-9.3). AUDACY News KCBS was back at #2 (8.7-8.1). The station also added a 0.3 share from the upside down. At #3, USC Classical KDFC (CLASSICAL CALIFORNIA) was still the leading music station (5.7-5.1). BONNEVILLE AC KOIT repeated at #4 (4.8-4.7), while iHEARTMEDIA Soft AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) was steady at #5 (4.6-4.6). KOIT maintained its cume lead with a 3.6% increase (1,031,000-1,068,400). The market declined by 0.5%. Market PUMM was off 0.4% from OCTOBER but was up 18.9% from 2024.
KQED made it three 25-54 wins in a row with its best outing since APRIL. BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) was back at #2 but with its third straight down book. It was paired with AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105), which moved up a slot with a slight decrease. KOIT stepped up to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) had its best book since DECEMBER as it advanced two squares to #5. KISQ landed its lowest share since MAY as it slipped to #6. It was tied with AUDACY Hot AC KLLC (ALICE @ 97.3). Market PUMM was up 1.6% from last month and 11.8% from a year ago.
For the third book in a row the top two 18-34 stations were not ones you normally associate with that demo. KOIT was #1 with a slight increase, while KISQ was back at #2 with a small share loss. KYLD repeated at #3 but was forced to share the moment with KQED, which advanced from #9 with its highest mark since JANUARY. KITS stepped up to #5, which pushed KMVQ down to #6. iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL fell to #7 with its lowest score in over a year. Market PUMM was down 3.4% from the previous survey and 1.3% from last year.
KQED was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row, while KITS repeated at #2. However, the gap between the two stations widened from less than a half share to more than a full share. KOIT was up two places to #3 as it regained some of last month’s share loss. KMVQ remained at #4 but was partnered with KYLD, which moved up from #6 with its best performance since DECEMBER. KISQ slid to #6 with its lowest total since FEBRUARY. Market PUMM was down 0.1% from OCTOBER but up 16.0% from 2024.
➤ATLANTA: Gold, Silver, & Bronze
Once again, COX MEDIA made a clean sweep of the top three positions on the 6+ chart. COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A was #1 for the third book in a row and landed its largest share since JANUARY (7.7-8.5). COX MEDIA AC WSB-F (B98.5) stepped up to #2 (6.8-6.8), while COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) dipped to #3 (7.3-6.5). URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) inched up to #4 as it regained a bit of last month’s rather large share loss (5.9-6.2). AUDACY Urban AC WVEE (V-103) stepped down to #5 (6.1-5.6) and was paired with COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER), which was there last month (5.9-5.6). WSB-F still had the most listeners (861,700-851,300)—a 1.2% decline. The market was up 0.2%. Market PUMM was down 5.0% from OCTOBER and 7.6% from 2024.
WVEE was back at #1 25-54 with a slight share increase. WSB-F repeated at #2 but was closing in on the leader thanks to landing its largest share in over a year. WSB-A stepped up to #3 with its fourth up book in a row. WALR dipped to an extremely close #4 with a small share loss. AUDACY Sports WZGC (92.9 THE GAME) inched up to #5 with its best offensive output in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT) fell from #5 to #9. Market PUMM was off 6.7% from last month and 1.4% from a year ago.
WSB-F remained at #1 18-34 and hit double figures for the second time in 2025. WALR repeated at #2 with its fifth straight up book. WVEE and WSRV moved up to forge a tie at #3. WVEE had its best book since MAY, while WSRV rebounded from a down book. WRDG slid from #2 to #5. CUMULUS Pop CHR WWWQ (Q99.7) dropped two places to #6 with a small share loss. The BERT SHOW departed during week #2 of the survey. Market PUMM was down 12.3% from the previous survey and 2.3% from last year.
WSB-F stepped up to #1 18-49 with its best book in over a year. This coerced WVEE, which was up slightly, to step down to #2. WALR dipped to #3, while WSB-A inched up to #4. WWWQ stood alone at #5 with a slight decrease, while WRDG dropped from #4 to #7. Market PUMM was off 7.5% from OCTOBER and 9.8% from 2024.
➤WASHINGTON, DC: Status, Meet Quo
The thirst for information continued to drive the 6+ arena. HUBBARD News WTOP was #1 for the fifth straight survey (11.9-12.1). AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU remained at #2 (11.0-11.6). If you’re keeping score (and we do) nearly a quarter of all listening is flowing to just these two stations. HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR was still the leading music station at #3. It had its best book since DECEMBER (6.6-7.0). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) remained at #4 (5.5-5.0), while iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH was back at #5 (4.9-4.9). WTOP continued to lead the cume wars with a 2.6% increase (812,100-833,200). The market was off 1.9%. Market PUMM was down 1.5% from OCTOBER and up 17.2% from 2024.
WAMU was #1 25-54 for the eleventh book in a row and hit double figures for the fifth time during this run. WTOP repeated at #2 with a slight increase. It was more than two shares behind the leader but led the third-place station by more than a share. That honor was bestowed on WASH, which moved up a slot with a slight increase. WWDC dipped to #4 as it surrendered about half of last month’s share increase. A flat ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS maintained its presence at #5. Market PUMM was down 8.6% from last month but rose by 12.6% from a year ago.
WTOP moved up to #1 18-34 with a slight increase. It held a slim advantage over iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5), which saw its two-book winning streak come to a close. A flat iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ remained at #3 but was paired with WASH, which stepped up from #4 with a small share gain. WHUR vaulted from #8 to #5 with its highest mark since JULY. WWDC slipped to #6 as it gave back all of last month’s share increase, plus a little extra. Market PUMM was down 5.4% from the previous survey but up a whopping 36.3% from last year.
For the eight straight survey spoken word dominated the 18-49 sphere as WAMU and WTOP were again #1 and #2, respectively. WASH was up two slots to #3 with its best showing since MARCH. WWDC dipped to #4, while two stations moved up and into a tie at #5. WGTS and WIHT had been at #6 and #7, respectively. AUDACY Spanish Contemporary WLZL (EL ZOL 107.9FM) fell from #4 to #9. Market PUMM was down 8.0% from OCTOBER but up 21.6% from 2024.
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WAMU was #1 25-54 for the eleventh book in a row and hit double figures for the fifth time during this run. WTOP repeated at #2 with a slight increase. It was more than two shares behind the leader but led the third-place station by more than a share. That honor was bestowed on WASH, which moved up a slot with a slight increase. WWDC dipped to #4 as it surrendered about half of last month’s share increase. A flat ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS maintained its presence at #5. Market PUMM was down 8.6% from last month but rose by 12.6% from a year ago.
WTOP moved up to #1 18-34 with a slight increase. It held a slim advantage over iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5), which saw its two-book winning streak come to a close. A flat iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ remained at #3 but was paired with WASH, which stepped up from #4 with a small share gain. WHUR vaulted from #8 to #5 with its highest mark since JULY. WWDC slipped to #6 as it gave back all of last month’s share increase, plus a little extra. Market PUMM was down 5.4% from the previous survey but up a whopping 36.3% from last year.
For the eight straight survey spoken word dominated the 18-49 sphere as WAMU and WTOP were again #1 and #2, respectively. WASH was up two slots to #3 with its best showing since MARCH. WWDC dipped to #4, while two stations moved up and into a tie at #5. WGTS and WIHT had been at #6 and #7, respectively. AUDACY Spanish Contemporary WLZL (EL ZOL 107.9FM) fell from #4 to #9. Market PUMM was down 8.0% from OCTOBER but up 21.6% from 2024.
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PHILADELPHIA: Back On Top
Last month BEASLEY Active Rock WMMR had its nine-book 6+ winning string snapped at the hands of cluster bruh BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK. Well, WMMR returned to the top spot this time with its best book since MARCH (6.1-7.7). WMGK dipped to #2 (7.0-6.7). With the PHILLIES ousted from the playoffs, AUDACY Sports WIP (94WIP SPORTSRADIO) went from first to third (9.2-6.6). The station did gain a 2.5 share from the digital realm. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS stepped up to #4 (5.4-5.4), while AUDACY AC WBEB (B101) slipped to #5 with its smallest share since MAY (5.6-5.0). AUDACY News KYW was back at #6 (4.4-4.9) and picked up a 1.5 share from the interwebs. WBEB was still the cume commander with a 3.4% increase (1,053,500-1,088,900). The market fell 1.8%. Market PUMM was up 1.1% from OCTOBER and 14.8% from 2024.
WMMR extended its 25-54 winning string to ten as it opened up a more than three share lead over the new #2 station. EMF Contemporary Christian WKVP (K-LOVE) vaulted from #6 to #2 with easily its best book ever (most probably). WDAS remained at #3 with a slight increase, while a flat WBEB was back at #4. It was joined in that space by WIP, which dropped from #2. WIP’s stream came in at #18. WHYY INC. N/T WHYY landed its largest share in over a year as it also came in at #4, advancing from #7. WMGK slipped from #5 to #7. Market PUMM was up 2.1% from last month and 20.7% from a year ago.
WMGK made it back-to-back 18-34 wins but could not quite duplicate last month’s double-digit experience. WMMR bounced back from a down book to rise from #5 to #2. BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) repeated at #3 with a slight increase, while WDAS moved up two spots to #4 with its best showing since
MARCH. WIP slid three places to #5, while WBEB landed at #6 with its lowest score in over a year. Market PUMM was off 1.0% from the previous survey but up 1.6% from last year.
WMMR moved back up to #1 18-49 with a double-digit performance. WDAS jumped from #5 to #2 but was nearly four shares off the lead. WIP went from first to third again, narrowly missing out on second place. WMGK dipped to #4 as it returned most of last month’s huge increase. WBEB stepped down to #5. Market PUMM was up 0.4% from OCTOBER and 10.3% from 2024.
WMMR extended its 25-54 winning string to ten as it opened up a more than three share lead over the new #2 station. EMF Contemporary Christian WKVP (K-LOVE) vaulted from #6 to #2 with easily its best book ever (most probably). WDAS remained at #3 with a slight increase, while a flat WBEB was back at #4. It was joined in that space by WIP, which dropped from #2. WIP’s stream came in at #18. WHYY INC. N/T WHYY landed its largest share in over a year as it also came in at #4, advancing from #7. WMGK slipped from #5 to #7. Market PUMM was up 2.1% from last month and 20.7% from a year ago.
WMGK made it back-to-back 18-34 wins but could not quite duplicate last month’s double-digit experience. WMMR bounced back from a down book to rise from #5 to #2. BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) repeated at #3 with a slight increase, while WDAS moved up two spots to #4 with its best showing since
MARCH. WIP slid three places to #5, while WBEB landed at #6 with its lowest score in over a year. Market PUMM was off 1.0% from the previous survey but up 1.6% from last year.
WMMR moved back up to #1 18-49 with a double-digit performance. WDAS jumped from #5 to #2 but was nearly four shares off the lead. WIP went from first to third again, narrowly missing out on second place. WMGK dipped to #4 as it returned most of last month’s huge increase. WBEB stepped down to #5. Market PUMM was up 0.4% from OCTOBER and 10.3% from 2024.
➤BOSTON: They Do Sports
For the first time since JANUARY, BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) was #1 6+ (6.4-6.9). This dethroned last month’s co-leaders in AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) and BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR. WMJX dipped to #2 (6.5-6.1), while WROR alit at #3 (6.5-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) moved up to #4 (5.1-5.3), while BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR landed its largest share since JUNE. It rose from #8 to #5 (4.2-5.0). As the RED SOX season sputtered to a halt, so did the ratings fortunes of AUDACY Sports WEEI. It dropped from #4 to #7 (5.7-4.4). Despite a 2.8% decline WMJX still had the most cume (867,800-843,600). The market was down 1.4%. Market PUMM was up 0.4% from OCTOBER and 0.1% from 2024.
WBZ-F was #1 25-54 for the third consecutive month and made it back-to-back double-digit outings. WXKS repeated at #2 but with its highest mark in over a year. AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX 104.1) remained at #3 with a small share loss, while a flat iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX stepped up to #4. WBUR worked it from #9 to #5, while WROR slipped to #6 as it returned all of last month’s share increase. Market PUMM was down 5.1% from last month but up 6.3% from a year ago.
In a move that likely turned market heads, iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) rose from #3 to #1 18-34. The station did land its largest share in over a year. This ended the two-book run for WMJX, which dipped to #2. BEASLEY Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) had its best showing since JANUARY as it moved up to #3. WWBX inched up to #4 as it rebounded from a down book. WBUR vaulted from #13 to #5 with its best book in over a year—by far. WROR fell from #2 to #7, while WEEI slid from #5 to #8. It was tied with AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103). Market PUMM was down 0.9% from the previous survey and 2.2% from last year.
WBZ-F was back at #1 18-49. WXKS leapt from #5 to #2 but was still a share and a half off the lead. WMJX repeated at #3 with a small share loss, while WWBX was back at #4 with a slight decrease. WROR dropped from #2 to #5 as it surrendered all of last month’s large share increase. Market PUMM was down 5.3% from OCROBER and 0.1% from 2024.
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NOVEMBER PPM INSIGHTS Day1
As always, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC.—in a close-quarters formation with the numbers nerds from XTRENDS—bring you the NOVEMBER book. This one ran from OCTOBER 16TH through NOVEMBER 12TH. There was a time change, a few elections, and a federal holiday. Here’s how it all unfolded:
➤NEW YORK: Not A Holiday
When you’re the 800-pound gorilla you can do whatever you want. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) did not succumb to the dark side this month as it remained #1 6+ (7.4-7.4). AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) was back at #2 (6.4-6.8) and added a 0.5 share from its stream. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) repeated at #3 (5.9-5.8), while AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS stepped up to #4 with its best book since MAY (5.0-5.6). SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) dipped to #5 (5.2-5.0). However, the station garnered a 1.4 share from the interwebs. Also coming in at #5 was RED APPLE MEDIA N/T WABC-A. It advanced from #8 with its best outing in over a year (4.2-5.0). There’s a good chance this rise was fueled by the loud mayoral race. WLTW was still the cume leader with a 1.0% increase (3,727,900-3,765,500). The market was off 1.7%. Market PUMM rose 1.6% from OCTOBER and 15.5% from 2024.
After seeing its five-book 25-54 winning streak snapped last month WLTW vaulted back up to first place. It narrowly defeated a flat WHTZ, which dipped to #2. WSKQ remained at #3 though it surrendered about half of last month’s rather large share increase. MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97) was up for the fourth straight survey as in moved up to #4. This pushed its arch nemesis – iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WWPR (POWER 105.1) – down to #5. Market PUMM was up 1.1% from last survey and 17.5% from a year ago.
A flat WLTW stepped up to #1 18-34. WSKQ jumped from #4 to #2 with its best showing since MAY and trailed the leader by about a half share. WHTZ had its two-book winning streak snapped as it drifted down to #3. WWPR dropped to #4 with a small share loss. WQHT rebounded from a down boom to advance two spaces to #5. The WSKQ STREAM more than doubled its previous share as it rocketed from #16 to #6. MEDIACO Urban AC WBLS dropped from #5 into a tie at #11 with AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7). Market PUMM grew 5.7% from the previous survey and 8.9% from last year.
WHTZ was #1 18-49 for the third book in a row. It held the slimmest of possible leads over WLTW, which was back at #2 but with its highest mark since APRIL. WQHT was up two places to #3 with its best book in over a year. WWPR dipped to #4, while WSKQ was down to #5 with a slight share loss. Market PUMM was up 1.3% from OCTOBER and 15.7% from 2024.
➤LOS ANGELES: Nothing to See Here
The top five 6+ stations were where we last left them. AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101FM) was #1 for the seventh straight survey but with its lowest score since JUNE (8.3-7.0). iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST showed incredible restraint and delayed Santa’s arrival until the next book. The station did repeat at #2 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year (5.7-6.5). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM) was back at #3 (4.9-4.9), while AUDACY Urban AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE) remained at #4 as it bounced back from a down book (4.2-4.6). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) again rounded out the top five (4.0-4.0). KOST padded its cume lead by 5.7% (2,283,700-2,414,400). The market was up 0.9%. Market PUMM was up 0.5% from OCTOBER and 14.3% from 2024.
For the seventh time in the last eight surveys KRTH was #1 25-54, though the station’s lead over the rest of the field shrank to under a share. KBIG stepped up to #2 as it regained some of last month’s share loss. KOST had its best outing since MARCH as it moved up to #3. AUDACY Alternative KROQ slipped to #4 with a small share loss, while three stations were aligned at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7) dipped from #4 as it surrendered a good chunk of last month’s increase. KIIS inched up from #6 with a small decrease, while KTWV advanced from #9 with its best book in over a year. Market PUMM was up 2.7% from last month and 10.4% from a year ago.
Despite a noticeable loss of share, KRTH was #1 18-34 for the fifth book in a row. KIIS moved up to #2 with its highest score since JUNE. Still, it was nearly two shares off the pace. KOST moved up to a very close #3, while KTWV was up to #4. Both stations had strong share gains. KYSR slid three places to #5 as it returned most of last month’s huge increase. KROQ dipped to #6 with its lowest mark since JULY. Market PUMM was up 1.1% from the previous survey and 2.2% from last year.
KRTH extended its 18-49 winning string to eight despite a down book. KBIG repeated at #2 with a slight increase. KTWV advanced from #8 to #3 with its best book in over a year. KOST and KIIS were previously situated at #3. Both stations had up books but dropped to #4 and #5, respectively. KROQ and KYSR were last an item at #5. Both stations had down books to land at #6 and #8, respectively. Market PUMM was up 4.0% from OCTOBER and 7.7% from 2024.
For the seventh time in the last eight surveys KRTH was #1 25-54, though the station’s lead over the rest of the field shrank to under a share. KBIG stepped up to #2 as it regained some of last month’s share loss. KOST had its best outing since MARCH as it moved up to #3. AUDACY Alternative KROQ slipped to #4 with a small share loss, while three stations were aligned at #5. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7) dipped from #4 as it surrendered a good chunk of last month’s increase. KIIS inched up from #6 with a small decrease, while KTWV advanced from #9 with its best book in over a year. Market PUMM was up 2.7% from last month and 10.4% from a year ago.
Despite a noticeable loss of share, KRTH was #1 18-34 for the fifth book in a row. KIIS moved up to #2 with its highest score since JUNE. Still, it was nearly two shares off the pace. KOST moved up to a very close #3, while KTWV was up to #4. Both stations had strong share gains. KYSR slid three places to #5 as it returned most of last month’s huge increase. KROQ dipped to #6 with its lowest mark since JULY. Market PUMM was up 1.1% from the previous survey and 2.2% from last year.
KRTH extended its 18-49 winning string to eight despite a down book. KBIG repeated at #2 with a slight increase. KTWV advanced from #8 to #3 with its best book in over a year. KOST and KIIS were previously situated at #3. Both stations had up books but dropped to #4 and #5, respectively. KROQ and KYSR were last an item at #5. Both stations had down books to land at #6 and #8, respectively. Market PUMM was up 4.0% from OCTOBER and 7.7% from 2024.
➤CHICAGO: Sleigh Bells Ring
…and they were listening. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM) joined the Santa brigade towards the end of week #3 of the survey and it paid dividends. The station remained at #1 6+ but with its best Frosty-free share in over a year (4.9-6.0). Last year it was #3 with a 5.5 share. Three stations were huddled together at #2. AUDACY AAA WXRT (93XRT) remained in place (4.6-5.1), while HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) advanced from #6 (4.0-5.1). Both stations landed their largest shares in over a year. The third member of that grouping was AUDACY News WBBM-A, which moved up a slot (4.4-5.1). It also picked up a 0.5 share from cyberspace. AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) dipped to #5 (4.2-4.6). They didn’t exactly rush to hear the holiday tunes. WLIT was still #1 in cume but with a 0.3% decline (1,325,500-1,321,800). The market was off 2.0%. Market PUMM was down 2.6% from OCTOBER but grew by 19.2% from 2024.
For the first time since JUNE, WTMX was #1 25-54 thanks to its best outing in over a year. WLIT leapt from #6 to #2 and was partnered with the stationary CUMULUS Alternative WKQX (Q101), which also landed its largest share in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) ended its four-book reign as it slid to #4 with its smallest share since MAY. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) dropped three places to #5 with a small share loss. CHICAGO PUBLIC MEDIA N/T WBEZ fell from #5 to #9. It was tied with HUBBARD Adult Hits WTBC (THROWBACK 100.3). Market PUMM was down 3.4% from last month but up 20.2% from a year ago.
WLIT moved up to #1 18-34 with a massive share increase. It was #4 a year ago. This halted the five-book winning string for WKSC, which dipped to #2. WUSN stepped up to #3 with its best showing since JANUARY. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI slipped to #4, while two stations made some bold advances. HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1 THE DRIVE) accelerated from #12 to #5, while CRAWFORD BROADCASTING Urban Contemporary WPWX (POWER 92) jumped from #14 to #6. WOJO dropped from #4 to #10 and was tied with WTMX. Market PUMM was off 0.7% from the previous survey but gained 13.0% from last year.
WLIT rose from #6 to #1 18-49. It was #4 last year. WKQX advanced to #2 with its fourth up book in a row. WKSC slid to #3 as its five-book heater ground to a halt. WTMX dipped to #4 despite a slight increase, while WOJO dropped three spots to #5, also with a slight decrease. A flat WGCI dipped to #6. Market PUMM was down 5.0% from OCTOBER but up 19.3% from 2024.
Shameless Plug: We’re still recovering from all the food. We got nothin’. Continue reading.
➤DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Win, Place & Show
One cluster dominated the 6+ medal stand. CUMULUS Sports KTCK (96.7FM/1310AM THE TICKET) had its best outing since FEBRUARY as it stepped up to #1 (5.3-6.4). This forced CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) to slink down to #2 (5.4-5.1). CUMULUS Country KSCS (NEW COUNTRY 96.3) bounced back from a down book to rise to #3 (4.6-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1), which did not go all jolly and such this month – dipped to #4 (4.9-4.8). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) stepped down to #5 (4.8-4.4). It was partnered with TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1), which advanced from #8 with its best book since FEBRUARY (3.7-4.4). KDGE kept its cume lead despite a 2.8% decline (1,225,000-1,190,400). The market was up 0.5%. Market PUMM fell 1.4% from OCTOBER but grew 24.7% from 2024.
KLNO had its best 25-54 book in over a year as it rose to #1. It had company as KTCK moved up from #4 to forge the tie. This ended the three-book winning string for KDMX, which slipped to #3 with its smallest share since JULY. KPLX dropped two places to #4 as it returned most of last month’s share increase. KDGE dipped to #5 as it gave back about half of last month’s gain. Market PUMM was down 2.3% from last month but up 18.1% from a year ago.
KLNO was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey. It held nearly a share advantage over KSCS, which moved up to #2 as it rebounded from a down book. KTCK repeated at #3 but with its highest score in over a year. KDGE inched up to #4 with its fifth up book in a row. KPLX slipped three places to #5. Making the leap o’ the month was URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBFB (97.9 THE BEAT), which advanced from #17 to #6, more than doubling last month’s number. Market PUMM was down 3.8% from the previous survey but up 22.6% from last year.
KLNO was back as the 18-49 leader with a solid share increase. KTCK vaulted from #6 to #2 and was a bit more than a half share off the lead. KDMX stepped down to #3 with a small decrease, while KDGE remained at #4 but with a down book. KPLX slipped to #5 with its lowest total since MAY. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM) landed its lowest number in over a year as it dropped to #8. It was tied with AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7). Market PUMM was off 2.0% from NOVEMBER but up 19.9% from 2024.
➤HOUSTON-GALVESTON: No Santa For You
iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) decided to delay its descent into the depths of holiday depravity until the DECEMBER book. No problem. The station was #1 6+ for the third straight survey (9.0-8.7). URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) was back at #2 but with its highest score in over a year (6.9-8.1). RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (93Q) repeated at #3 (5.7-6.0), while CUMULUS Pop CHR KRBE stepped up to #4 (5.3-5.3). RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9/107.5) slipped to #5 with its smallest share since MAY (5.7-4.9). KODA continued to have the most listeners despite a 1.0% drop (1,991,900-1,972,000). The market was off 2.3%. Market PUMM was down 3.0% from OCTOBER but grew by 13.4% from 2024.
KODA was #1 25-54 for the lucky thirteenth straight survey. It was about two shares ahead of iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ), which repeated at #2. Both stations had down books. Coming at a close #3 was KMJQ, which—again—landed its largest share in over a year. A flat KRBE repeated at #4, while SBS Mexican Regional KROI (LA LEY 92.1) posted its best number in over a year as it rose from #13 to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Urban contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT) and HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ were last seen at #5. KQBT fell to #8 with its lowest mark since JANUARY, while KSBJ landed at #11 with its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was down 6.7% from last month but up 15.3% from a year ago.
Not only was KODA #1 18-34 for the second book in a row, the station crashed through the double-digit barrier. KRBE moved up to #2 with its best showing in over a year. KKBQ moved from #5 to a very close #3, while KTBZ slid to #4 with its lowest total in exactly a year. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX) inched up to #5 with a small share increase. KQBT fell four slots to #8 and was tied with KMJQ. Market PUMM was down 12.8% from the previous survey and 9.8% from last year.
After a three-book hiatus, a flat KODA moved back to #1 18-49. This ended the three-book reign of KTBZ, which dipped to #2 as it returned most of last month’s share gain. KKBQ rose from #6 to #3, while KRBE stepped down to #4. KROI launched itself from #17 to #5 with its best book in over a year. KQBT slid four places to #8, while KSBJ dropped from #5 to #13. Market PUMM was down 5.7% from OCTOBER but up 7.7% from 2024.
Thanks for wasti – er, spending your valuable time reading this here missive. Round two is currently at the factory but will be delivered tomorrow. It will spotlight SAN FRANCISCO, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA, and BOSTON in that order.
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.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
About XTrends: XTrends is radio’s favorite tool for reviewing ratings. Click here to see why all of radio’s major groups love XTrends!
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.
KODA was #1 25-54 for the lucky thirteenth straight survey. It was about two shares ahead of iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ), which repeated at #2. Both stations had down books. Coming at a close #3 was KMJQ, which—again—landed its largest share in over a year. A flat KRBE repeated at #4, while SBS Mexican Regional KROI (LA LEY 92.1) posted its best number in over a year as it rose from #13 to #5. iHEARTMEDIA Urban contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT) and HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ were last seen at #5. KQBT fell to #8 with its lowest mark since JANUARY, while KSBJ landed at #11 with its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was down 6.7% from last month but up 15.3% from a year ago.
Not only was KODA #1 18-34 for the second book in a row, the station crashed through the double-digit barrier. KRBE moved up to #2 with its best showing in over a year. KKBQ moved from #5 to a very close #3, while KTBZ slid to #4 with its lowest total in exactly a year. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOX) inched up to #5 with a small share increase. KQBT fell four slots to #8 and was tied with KMJQ. Market PUMM was down 12.8% from the previous survey and 9.8% from last year.
After a three-book hiatus, a flat KODA moved back to #1 18-49. This ended the three-book reign of KTBZ, which dipped to #2 as it returned most of last month’s share gain. KKBQ rose from #6 to #3, while KRBE stepped down to #4. KROI launched itself from #17 to #5 with its best book in over a year. KQBT slid four places to #8, while KSBJ dropped from #5 to #13. Market PUMM was down 5.7% from OCTOBER but up 7.7% from 2024.
Thanks for wasti – er, spending your valuable time reading this here missive. Round two is currently at the factory but will be delivered tomorrow. It will spotlight SAN FRANCISCO, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA, and BOSTON in that order.
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.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
About XTrends: XTrends is radio’s favorite tool for reviewing ratings. Click here to see why all of radio’s major groups love XTrends!
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.