by Steven Allan, Programming Research Consultant
JULY PPM Insights Day 4
The JULY book ran from JUNE 26TH through JULY 23RD and did have a somewhat extended holiday weekend along with the usual summer stuff. Let’s go inside the numbers:
TAMPA-ST. PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER: Flip Meet Flop
For the fourth book in a row, we see two stations trading spaces atop the 6+ leaderboard. This time it was COX MEDIA Soft AC WDUV (105.5 THE DOVE) nesting at #1 (7.3-7.8). RADIO TRAINING NETWORK Contemporary Christian WCIE (THE JOY FM) moved back to #2 (7.5-7.4). COX MEDIA Classic Hits WXGL (107.3 THE EAGLE) remained at #3 (5.7-5.3). It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Country WFUS (US 103.5), which moved in from #9 as it rebounded from a down book (4.3-5.3). BEASLEY Country WQYK dipped to #5 (5.6-5.0) and was met there by COX MEDIA AC WWRM (MAGIC 94.9), which rose from #7 with its best outing in over a year (4.5-5.0). iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock WXTB (98 ROCK) dropped three places to #8 (4.9-4.8). WDUV kept its cume lead despite a 2.4% decline (622,800-607,900). The market was up 0.9%. Market PUMM fell 6.7% from JUNE but was up by 10.2% from 2024.
As with the previous demo, WWRM had its best 25-54 book in over a year, which propelled the station to #1. WXTB stepped down to #2 with a small share loss. WDUV regained a portion of last month’s huge share loss as it rose from #6 to #3. There was a foursome at #4. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WFLZ and WQYK held steady with slight increases. WCIE was up from #6 as it rebounded from a down book, while iHEARTMEDIA AC WMTX (MIX 100.7) advanced from #8 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. COX MEDIA N/T WHPT (102.5 THE BONE) fell from #3 to #8. Market PUMM fell 12.0% from last month but was up by 7.1% from a year ago.
So, a lot happened in the 18-34 arena. Last month WFLZ and WQYK were tied at #1. WFLZ remained in place with a slight increase. WQYK dipped to #2 as it surrendered almost all of last month’s large increase. It was part of a threesome at that spot along with WDUV and WFUS, which rose from #8 as it rebounded from a down book. That trio trailed the leader by two shares. WXTB dipped to #5 and was part of a triumvirate of stations at that position. WWRM held steady while BEASLEY Rhythmic CHR WLLD (WiLD 94.1) advanced from #8 as it also bounced back from a down book. WCIE and WXGL were tied at #5. WCIE slid to #8 with a slight decrease, while WXGL landed at #9 along with WMTX and COX MEDIA Urban AC WTBV (101.5 THE VIBE). Market PUMM was off 6.9% from the previous book but rose 12.3% from last year.
Last month WXTB and WQYK were the 18-49 co-leaders. Both stations were off this time as they descended to #2 and #3, respectively. This opened the door for WWRM, which rose to #1 as it ended a two-book slide. WFLZ repeated at #4, while WCIE stepped up to #5. Both stations had small increases. A flat WMTX dipped to #6. Market PUMM was down 9.5% from JUNE but up by 19.1% from 2024.
➤DENVER-BOULDER: Keepin’ It Cozy
For the fifth straight survey BONNEVILLE AC KOSI (KOSI 101.1) was #1 6+ (7.7-7.5). BONNEVILLE Country KYGO repeated at #2 (5.9-6.2). Three stations were sorting things out at #3. KSE RADIO VENTURES Classic Hits KXKL (KOOL 105) stepped up from #4 (5.3-5.6), while AUDACY Modern AC KALC (ALICE 105.9) moved up from #5 with its best outing since DECEMBER (5.2-5.6). AUDACY Classic Rock KQMT (99.5 THE MOUNTAIN) advanced from #7 with its best book in over a year (4.4-5.6). iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTCL (CHANNEL 93.3) fell from #3 to #7 with its smallest share since JANUARY (5.4-5.0). KOSI remained in cume command (520,600-551,800) – a 6.0% increase. The market was down 2.4%. Market PUMM was off 5.3% from JUNE but up by 4.3% from 2024.
Despite landing its lowest number since MARCH, KTCL was #1 25-54 for the seventh straight survey. KOSI was back at #2 though it returned a good portion of last month’s huge share increase. ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KXPK (LA TRICOLOR 96.5) moved up to #3 with its highest score in over a year. AUDACY Rhythmic CHR KQKS (KS 107.5) dipped to #4, while KALC repeated at #5 with its best showing since OCTOBER. Market PUMM was down 6.1% from last month but up by 6.3% from a year ago.
KXPK has been on quite the 18-34 journey. Two months ago it was #11. Last time it moved up to #5 and this survey it landed at #1. The station has more than doubled its share over that span. KOSI repeated at #2 with a slight increase and was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDHT (HITS 95.7), which moved up from #4 with a rather large increase. KBKS slid from first to fourth. It was joined by two other stations. KXKL dipped from #3 despite a slight increase, while KWBL vaulted up from #9 with its best book in over a year. KYGO fell from #5 to #9 and it was partnered with KXKL and KIMN. Market PUMM was down 3.4% from JUNE but up 9.6% from last year.
KQKS was back in first place 18-49 but it had a partner as KXPK moved up from #4 with its third up book in a row. KOSI repeated at #3, while KTCL slipped to #4 with its smallest share since JANUARY. KALC was up to #5 as it halted a somewhat steep two-book slide. KDHT and KYGO were last seen at #5. KDHT dipped to #6, while KYGO fell into a tie at #8 with iHEARTMEDIA Country KWBL (106.7 THE BULL). Market PUMM was down 7.1% from JUNE but rose 4.4% from 2024.
➤SAN DIEGO: Sunny Seven
For the seventh straight survey, AUDACY Classic Hits KXSN (SUNNY 98.1) was #1 6+ (10.0-8.6). LOCAL MEDIA Rhythmic AC XHRM (MAGIC 92.5) was back at #2 (6.8-6.8), while AUDACY AC KYXY stepped up to #3 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year (5.8-6.6). SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY N/T KPBS dipped to #4 (6.1-5.8), while iHEARTMEDIA N/T KOGO-A rose from #7 to #5 with its best performance in over a year (4.4-4.9). AUDACY sports KWFN (97.3 THE FAN) slipped to #6 with its smallest share since MARCH (5.5-4.5). KXSN remained the cume leader with a 2.2% decline (691,700-676,800). The market was off 1.0%. Market PUMM was up 5.1% from JUNE and 13.0% from 2024.
KXSN was #1 25-54 for the sixth book in a row but was unable to extend its double-digit streak to three. iHEARTMEDIA Active Rock KIOZ (ROCK 105.3) remained at #2 but with its largest share in over a year. The gap between the two stations shrank from about five shares to under two shares. LOCAL MEDIA Alternative XTRA (91X) rebounded from a down book to move up to #3. XHRM slipped to #4 with a slight decrease. KWFN stepped down to #5 and was partnered with KYXY and AUDACY Country KSON, which were last spotted at #7. Market PUMM was up 2.9% from last month but down 1.1% from a year ago.
KXSN was #1 18-34 for the third book in a row and just missed hitting double figures again. KSON remained #2 with a modest share loss. KWFN and XHRM remained tied at #3 with slight decreases. That duo became a foursome as KYXY and KIOZ moved up in tandem from #5. For KYXY it was the station’s best Frosty-free share in over a year. For KIOZ it was the station’s best outing since FEBRUARY. Market PUMM was up 2% from the previous survey and 13.6% from last year.
KXSN completed the demo sweep again capturing the 18-49 flag for the sixth straight survey. KIOZ repeated at #2 with its third up book in a row. XHRM was back at #3 with a slight decrease. KYXY stepped up to #4 and was tied with XTRA, which advanced from a tie at #7 as it rebounded from a down book. AUDACY Alternative KBZT (ALT 94.9) dipped into a tie at #6 with iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMYI (STAR 94.1). KWFN fell from #4 to #8. Market PUMM was up 2.2% from JUNE and 6.9% from 2024.
➤CHARLOTTE-GASTONIA-ROCK HILL: A Solid K Rate
BEASLEY Classic Hits WKQC (K104.7) was #1 6+ for the third book in a row (8.8-8.9). BEASLEY Country WSOC (COUNTRY 103.7) remained in second place with its highest share in exactly a year (7.1-7.4). PACIFIC BROADCASTING GROUP Classic Hits WXRC (95.7FM THE RIDE) cruised up to #3 with its highest mark in over a year (6.7-7.1). iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits WLKO (102.9 THE LAKE) dipped to #4 (6.9-6.4), while BEASLEY Urban AC WBAV (V101.9) repeated at #5 (5.7-5.7). WSOC became the cume leader despite a 5.7% decline (413,200-389,500). This had a lot to do with the 10.9% decrease suffered by the previous leader WLKO. The market was down 1.1%. Market PUMM was down 7.6% from JUNE but up by 39.2% from 2024.
WKQC was #1 25-54 for the fourth straight survey and just missed hitting double figures for the third book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) remained at #2, while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WRFX (99.7 THE FOX) leapt from #7 to #3 as it rebounded from a down book. A flat WLKO dipped to #4. URBAN ONE Sports WFNZ moved down to #5 and was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT), which remained in place with a slight increase. BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98 FM) fell from a tie at #5 into one at #8 with BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1). Market PUMM was down 8.3% from last month but up by 39.3% from a year ago.
WBAV was back at #1 18-34 but was forced to share that moment with WEND, which stepped up from #2. Both stations had significant share losses. URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) came back from a couple of down books to rise from #8 to #3. WRFX dipped to #4 and was joined with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1), which advanced from #13 with its best outing in over a year. Also coming it at #4 was WNKS, which moved up a slot with a small increase. WPEG was tied at #3, while WKQC was last seen tied at #5. The stations fell in tandem to #9 and were met there by WKKT. Market PUMM was down 5.9% from the previous survey but shot up 55.3% from last year.
WKQC remained #1 18-49 for the third book in a row. However, it had company as WNKS rose from #4 with its best outing in over a year as it forged the tie. WRFX leapt from #7 to #3, while WLKO stepped up to #4. These four stations were separated by less than a half share. WBAV slipped from a tie at #2 to #5 with its lowest score in over a year. WEND was also last spotted at #2. It dropped to #6 and was paired with WOSF, which rose from a tie at #11. WPEG dropped from a tie at #5 to #10 with its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was down 6.5% from JUNE but up by 35.3% from 2024.
WKQC was #1 25-54 for the fourth straight survey and just missed hitting double figures for the third book in a row. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WEND (106.5 THE END) remained at #2, while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WRFX (99.7 THE FOX) leapt from #7 to #3 as it rebounded from a down book. A flat WLKO dipped to #4. URBAN ONE Sports WFNZ moved down to #5 and was partnered with iHEARTMEDIA Country WKKT (96.9 THE KAT), which remained in place with a slight increase. BEASLEY Urban Contemporary WPEG (POWER 98 FM) fell from a tie at #5 into one at #8 with BEASLEY Pop CHR WNKS (KISS 95.1). Market PUMM was down 8.3% from last month but up by 39.3% from a year ago.
WBAV was back at #1 18-34 but was forced to share that moment with WEND, which stepped up from #2. Both stations had significant share losses. URBAN ONE Urban Oldies WOSF (105.3 RnB) came back from a couple of down books to rise from #8 to #3. WRFX dipped to #4 and was joined with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHQC (HITS 96.1), which advanced from #13 with its best outing in over a year. Also coming it at #4 was WNKS, which moved up a slot with a small increase. WPEG was tied at #3, while WKQC was last seen tied at #5. The stations fell in tandem to #9 and were met there by WKKT. Market PUMM was down 5.9% from the previous survey but shot up 55.3% from last year.
WKQC remained #1 18-49 for the third book in a row. However, it had company as WNKS rose from #4 with its best outing in over a year as it forged the tie. WRFX leapt from #7 to #3, while WLKO stepped up to #4. These four stations were separated by less than a half share. WBAV slipped from a tie at #2 to #5 with its lowest score in over a year. WEND was also last spotted at #2. It dropped to #6 and was paired with WOSF, which rose from a tie at #11. WPEG dropped from a tie at #5 to #10 with its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was down 6.5% from JUNE but up by 35.3% from 2024.
➤NASSAU-SUFFOLK (LONG ISLAND): This Just In…
For the first time since MARCH, AUDACY News WINS was #1 6+ (6.2-6.9). The station also added a 1.1 share from the interwebs. RED APPLE MEDIA N/T WABC-A stepped down to #2, ending a four-book surge (6.7-6.4). iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) dipped to #3 (6.2-6.2), while CONNOISSEUR Hot AC WALK (WALK FM) moved up to #4 as it bounced back from a down book (4.6-5.2). AUDACY Sports WFAN (SPORTS RADIO 66AM/101.9FM) rose from #9 to #5 (3.8-4.5). It also picked up a 1.5 share from its stream. Four stations were locking arms at #6. COX MEDIA Pop CHR WBLI dropped from a tie at #4 (4.7-4.2), while iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3) remained in place (4.6-4.2). AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS moved up from #8 (4.3-4.2), while COX MEDIA Classic Rock WBAB advanced from #10 (3.4-4.2). CONNISSEUR AC WKJY (K-JOY 98.3) fell from a tie at #4 to #10 (4.7-3.6). WALK recaptured the cume crown with a 4.5% increase (372,800-389,500). The market was down 2.6%. Market PUMM was off 9.7% from JUNE but up by 2.2% from 2024.
WHTZ was the runaway 25-54 winner for the fourth book in a row. WALK remained at #2 and was tied with WBLI, which moved up a slot. Both stations had slight decreases. WBAB posted its largest share since MARCH as it vaulted from #9 to #4. WINS worked it from #8 to #5 with its highest mark since JANUARY. WABC-A had its first down book since FEBUARY as it slipped to #5. WCBS dropped from #5 to #8. Market PUMM was down 9.2% from the previous book but up 11.6% from last year.
The top of the 18-34 leaderboard continued to be, well, odd. WABC-A was #1 for the third book in a row. Repeating at #2 was SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ-STREAM (MEGA 94.7). The station came in at #7. WBLI moved up to #3 as it rebounded from a down book. WALK dipped to #4, while WCBS stepped down to #5. It was tied with a stationary WHTZ. WKJY and iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) went from a tie at #5 to #10. They were partnered with MEDIACO Urban Contemporary WHQT (HOT 97). Market PUMM was off 5.9% from last month but up 3.5% from a year ago.
For the fourth book in a row, WHTZ was #1 18-49. WBLI inched up to #2 with a small increase, while WALK dipped to #3 with its fourth straight down book. WABC-A was back at #4, while WCBS repeated at #5. Market PUMM was down 8.8% from JUNE and up 5.6% from 2024.
July PPM Insights Day 3
The JULY book ran from JUNE 26TH through JULY 23RD. It was hot and humid and featured a long holiday weekend. Now, let’s dive in.
SEATTLE-TACOMA: Lucky Number Seven
For the seventh book in a row, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON N/T KUOW was the 6+ leader (7.9-8.4). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KJEB (95.7 THE JET) continued to circle around the #2 position (5.7-5.6), while BONNEVILLE Sports KIRO-A (SEATTLE SPORTS 710AM) advanced to #3 with its fourth up book in a row. Isn’t it amazing what a hot baseball team can do for ratings? HUBBARD AC KRWM (WARM 106.9) remained settled in at #4 (5.2-4.7), while CLASSIC RADIO Classical KING leapt from #12 to #5 with its best book since FEBRUARY (3.5-4.5). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZOK had its least productive outing in over a year as it dropped from #3 to #6 (5.6-4.4). It was tied with CRISTA Contemporary Christian KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3) (4.2-4.4). KJEB continued as the cume leader (641,600-593,100) – a 7.6% decline. The market was down 4.3%. Market PUMM was off 4.9% from JUNE but up 20.9% from 2024.
The 25-54 leaderboard continued to have an edge to it. AUDACY Alternative KNDD (107.7 THE END) moved into first place for the first time since its three-book win streak concluded in MARCH. AUDACY Active Rock KISW (THE ROCK) stepped down to #2 as its three-book run came to an end. It was joined there by FRIENDS OF KEXP Alternative KEXP, which posted its largest share in over a year. KUOW stood alone at #4, while KJEB stepped up to #5, also with its best outing in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KBKS (HITS 106.1) slid to #7 but with only a slight decrease. Market PUMM was down 7.1% from the previous survey but went up 23.4% from last year.
KNDD was #1 18-34 for the third straight survey and hit double figures, as well. HUBBARD Pop CHR KQMV (MOViN’ 92.5) was up two slots to #2 with its best showing since FEBRUARY. KISW leapt from #7 to #3 with its highest mark since AUGUST. Four stations were resting comfortably at #4. KBKS remained in place while AUDACY Country KKWF (100.7 THE WOLF) moved up from #6. KRWM and KJEB fell from #2 and #3, respectively. Market PUMM was down 13.0% from last month but was up 16.9% from a year ago.
KNDD ran its 18-49 #1 string to seven. It held better than a share advantage over a flat KBKS, which remained at #2. KJEB was back at #3 but with its fifth up book in a row. KEXP rose from #7 to #4 with its best showing in over a year. KUOW repeated at #5, while KISW slipped to #6 and was tied with KIRO-A. Market PUMM was off 11.0% from JUNE but was up 12.6% from 2024.
➤MIAMI-FT. LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD: Flat Wins
AUDACY AC WLYF (101.5 LITE FM) was flat for the second book in a row 6+ (6.6-6.6), but that was enough to nudge the station up to #1. COX MEDIA Urban AC WHQT (HOT 105) dipped to #2 (6.9-6.5). It was partnered with COX MEDIA AC WFEZ (EASY 93.1), which rose from #3 (6.0-6.5). TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Hot AC WAMR (AMOR 107.5) stood alone at #4 (5.3-5.2), while AUDACY Classic Hits WMXJ (102.7 THE BEACH) stepped down to #5 (5.3-5.1). WLYF still had the most cume (750,800-764,500) – a 1.8% rise. The market was down 3.7%. Market PUMM was off 5.7% from JUNE but up by 9.6% from 2024.
WFEZ was the 25-54 winner for the seventh straight survey. It held about a share and a half edge over iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Adult Hits WMIA (MAGIC 93.9), which remained at #2 but with its best book since NOVEMBER. COX MEDIA Rhythmic AC WFLC (HITS 97.3) jumped from #8 to #3 with its highest mark since DECEMBER. WLYF dipped to #4, while WHQT slipped to #5 – both with small share losses. WMXJ dropped to #7 with its lowest score since DECEMBER. Market PUMM was down 4.8% from last month but rose 10.3% from last year.
As is often the case, the 18-34 contest was a jumbled mess. Last month three stations were tied at #1. Only one remained this time and it was WLYF, which was up for the fourth book in a row. SBS Latino Urban WRMA (RITMO 95.7) dipped to #2, while iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZTU (TÚ 94.9) moved down to #3. COX MEDIA Urban Contemporary WEDR (99 JAMZ) repeated at #4, while three stations were huddled together at #5. WAMR and TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary WRTO (MIX 98.3) rose from a tie at #11, while SBS Spanish Tropical WXDJ (EL ZOL 106.7 FM) arrived from #8. WMIA fell from #4 to #8 and was aligned with WFLC and WFEZ. Market PUMM was down 10.9% from the previous survey but rose 0.7% from a year ago.
WFEZ rebounded from a down book to extend its 18-49 win streak to seven. WFLC advanced from #5 to #2 with its best outing since NOVEMBER. WLYF dipped to #3 with a slight decrease. WHQT repeated at #4 but was joined there by a flat WMIA, which leapt from #7. WZTU and WEDR were at 3 and #5, respectively. They fell into a tie at #10. Market PUMM was down 6.3% from JUNE but up by 5.7% from 2024.
➤PHOENIX: Renewing Their Vows
For the second book in a row, HUBBARD Classic Rock KSLX and iHEARTMEDIA AC KESZ (99.9 KEZ) were the 6+ co-leaders. The stations have been on fire. KSLX was up for the seventh straight survey and was in the #1 spot for the fourth book in a row. KESZ was up for the third book in a row with its best Frosty-free share since SEPTEMBER. Coming in at a distant #3 again was iHEARTMEDIA Adult Hits KYOT (95.5 THE MOUNTAIN), which was flat (4.4-4.4). iHEARTMEDIA Country KNIX moved up to #4 (4.1-4.3), while AUDACY Classic Hits KOOL (BIG 94.5) repeated at #5 (4.3-4.2). iHEARTMEDIA N/T KFYI-A slipped three places to #6 (4.4-3.8). KESZ remained the cume commander with a 4.3% decline (964,600-923,400). The market was off 2.5%. Market PUMM was down 6.5% from JUNE but up by 19.3% from 2024.
KESZ extended its long, uninterrupted string of #1 25-54 books with a slight increase. KSLX was back at #2 and about two shares off the pace. iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KMXP (MIX 96.9) leapt from #7 to #3 with its highest mark in over a year. HUBBARD Active Rock KUPD rebounded from a down book to move from #8 to #4. KYOT advanced from #12 to #5 with a solid increase. HUBBARD Alternative KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3) and KNIX were #3 and #4, respectively. They fell together into a tie at #6. KOOL dropped from #5 to #8 where it was met by AUDACY Country KMLE and TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KOMR (AMOR 106.3). Market PUMM was down 6.8% from last month but grew by 20.7% from a year ago.
KESZ made it back-to-back 18-34 wins and crashed through the double-digit barrier. KDKB repeated at #2 but with its lowest score since JANUARY. The gap between the two stations grew from about a share to over five shares! KMXP remained at #3 and was paired with KSLX, which rose from #5 with its best book in over a year. KMLE dipped to #5 despite landing its largest share since FEBRUARY. KUPD fell from #5 into a tie at #8 with RIVIERA Hot AC KMVA (HOT 97.5/103.9). Market PUMM was down 7.7% from the previous survey but was up by 12.4% from last year.
For the fifth book in a row KESZ was #1 18-49. The station also had its best Frosty-free share since SEPTEMBER. KMXP rebounded from a down book to move up to #2, while KSLX remained at #3 but with its best outing in exactly a year. KDKB slipped to #4 with its lowest score since JANUARY, while KUPD stood alone at #5. ENTRAVISION Mexican Regional KLNZ (LA TRICOLOR 103.5) fell from a tie at #5 to #9. Market PUMM was off 6.3% from JUNE but up by 15.3% from 2024.
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➤DETROIT: Yeah, That’s The Ticket
For the fourth book in a row AUDACY Sports WXYT (97.1 THE TICKET) was #1 6+ (8.0-7.7). The station also added a 2.8 share from the interwebs. AUDACY Classic Hits WOMC was back at #2 (7.0-6.7) and was paired with iHEARTMEDIA AC WNIC, which stepped up from #3 (6.4-6.7). iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3) repeated at #4 (6.2-6.2), while AUDACY Country WYCD remained at #5 (5.6-5.3). Despite an 11.5% decline, WNIC was still the cume leader (1,101,600-974,400). This was the first time since NOVEMBER that the station did not top the one million mark. Market cume was down 2.1%. Market PUMM fell 9.3% from JUNE but was up by 18.8% from 2024.
As with the previous demo WXYT was #1 25-54 for the fourth straight survey. Its stream came in at #14. BEASLEY Active Rock WRIF was back at #2 with a small decrease, while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKQI(CHANNEL 955) repeated at #3 with a slight share loss. WYCD remained at #4, also with a down book. WOMC dipped to #5 with its smallest share since JANUARY. It was partnered with CUMULUS Hot AC WDVD, which arrived from #7 with its fourth up book in a row. Market PUMM was down 9.8% from last month but up by 15.3% from a year ago.
Sometimes, all you need to do is show up. WKQI was flat 18-34 but still moved from third to first place. WRIF and WYCD were the co-leaders last month. WRIF dipped to #2, which ended its three-book winning string, while WYCD landed at #4. In between was WOMC, which moved up thanks to a small increase. A flat AUDACY Alternative WDZH (ALT 98.7) stepped up to #5. It was joined there by BEASLEY Classic Rock WCSX , which advanced from #10 with its best outing in over a year. WXYT fell from #4 to #7 with its smallest share in over a year. Market PUMM was down 13.3% from the previous survey but up by 14.2% from last year.
WRIF and WKQI remained #1 and #2, respectively, with the 18-49 crowd. The stations were separated by the slimmest of possible margins. WXYT dipped to #3 with its third down book in a row. It was matched with WDVD, which rose from #5 with its highest mark in over a year. WYCD slipped to #5 with its smallest share since APRIL. Market PUMM was down 10.3% from JUNE but up by 12.7% from 2024.
➤MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL
Despite being down for the third book in a row iHEARTMEDIA Sports KFXN (KFAN FM 100.3) was #1 6+ for the seventh straight survey (8.4-8.1). UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN/ST. PAUL Contemporary Christian KTIS moved up to #2 with its best showing since NOVEMBER (6.9-7.2). iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KQQL (KOOL 108) was back at #3 (7.0-7.0). It was paired with HUBBARD Hot AC KSTP (KS95), which dipped from #2 (7.1-7.0). MPR N/T KNOW remained at #5 (6.6-6.3). It was granted a 1.3 share from cyberspace. KQQL lost 11.0% of its cume but remained #1 in that category (793,800-706,400). The market was down 3.7%. Market PUMM was off 5.5% from JUNE but up by 5.5% from 2024.
The top five on the 25-54 chart was relatively unchanged from last month. MPR AAA KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT) was back at #1, while KFXN repeated at #2, though with its lowest score since AUGUST. KSTP repeated at #3 with a slight increase. AUDACY Adult Hits KZJK (104.1 JACK FM) stepped up to #4 with a solid increase, which pushed KQQL down to #5. Market PUMM was down 9.0% from last month but rose by 12.0% from a year ago.
Two months ago, KCMP was #8 18-34. Last month it jumped up to #3 and this time the station finished in first place. KZJK was unable to match last month’s double-digit share as it dipped to #2. KFXN stepped down to #3 and was met there by CUMULUS Active Rock KXXR (93X), which moved up from #5 with its best book since DECEMBER. Also coming in at #3 was KQQL, which got back some of last month’s huge share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KDWB landed its lowest share in over a year as it fell from #5 into a tie at #8 with iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KTCZ (CITIES 97.1). Market PUMM was down 12.0% from the previous survey but up by 2.3% from last year.
KFXN extended its #1 18-49 streak to seven but this time it was forced to share as KCMP stepped up from #2 with its highest mark in over a year. KSTP was back at #3, KQQL remained at #4 and KZJK held steady at #5. All three stations had small share losses. Market PUMM was down 10.2% from JUNE but rose by 8.4% from 2024.
It ain’t over yet. One last data dump to absorb. Up next in the queue are TAMPA, DENVER, SAN DIEGO, CHARLOTTE, and NASSAU-SUFFOLK.
July PPM Insights Day 2
➤HOUSTON-GALVESTON: It’s The Same Old Song
The top five slots on the 6+ chart were unchanged from last month. iHEARTMEDIA AC KODA (SUNNY 99.1) ran its winning streak to twelve (7.3-7.2). HOPE MEDIA Contemporary Christian KSBJ remained hot on KODA’s heels as it came in at #2 again (7.1-6.9). URBAN ONE Urban AC KMJQ (MAJIC 102.1) was back at #3 (6.5-6.5), while RADIO ONE Classic Rock KGLK (THE EAGLE 106.9/107.5) repeated at #4 but with its highest share in over a year (5.4-6.0). Once again, RADIO ONE Country KKBQ (93Q) rounded out the top five (5.2-5.2). KODA continued to have the most listeners (1,914,200-1,841,800) – a 3.8% decline. The market was off 0.4%. Market PUMM was down 3.9% from JUNE but grew by 17.8% from 2024.
There wasn’t much change in the 25-54 ranks, either. KODA was #1 for the ninth straight survey and expanded its lead over #2 KSBJ to a full share. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative KTBZ (94.5 THE BUZZ) was up to #3 as it ended a two-book slide, while KMJQ repeated at #4 with a slight increase. iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary KQBT (93.7 THE BEAT) slipped to #5 with its smallest share since FEBRUARY. Market PUMM was down 4.1% from last month but rose 27.6% from a year ago.
KTBZ was the 18-34 leader for the sixth straight survey, though the station was unable to extend its three-book double-digit streak. KODA was back at #2 with a slight increase and was about a half share off the pace. KKBQ moved up to #3 with its best outing since FEBRUARY, while KQBT dipped to #4 with its lowest score since JANUARY. URBAN ONE Rhythmic CHR KBXX (97.9 THE BOXX) stepped down to #5 as it halted a two-book surge. Market PUMM was down 11.0% from the previous survey but up 26.2% from last year.
The top five on the 18-49 leaderboard were the same as last month. KODA was #1 for the third book in a row, while KTBZ was back at #2 but with its smallest share in over a year. KSBJ remained at #3 with its best outing in over a year, while KQBT held steady at #4 with a small share loss. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Adult Hits KOVE (AMOR 106.5) stayed put at #5, also with a small share loss. Market PUMM was down 6.2% from JUNE but was up 25.4% from 2024.
➤ATLANTA: Watchin’ The River Flow
For the fifth book in a row COX MEDIA Classic Hits WSRV (97.1 THE RIVER) was #1 6+ (8.2-7.5). COX MEDIA N/T WSB-A remained at #2 (7.1-7.0), while URBAN ONE Urban AC WAMJ (MAJIC 107.5/97.5) stood alone at #3 as it stopped a two-book slide (6.3-6.9). COX MEDIA Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) dipped to #4 (6.3-6.5), while EMF Contemporary Christian WAKL (106.7 K-LOVE) was up to #5 with its third up book in a row (4.6-5.8). AUDACY Urban Contemporary WVEE (V-103) stepped down to #6 with its smallest share since DECEMBER (5.9-5.6). COX MEDIA AC WSB-F (B98.5) remained the cume commander despite a 2.7% decrease (984,200-957,900). The market was up 1.0%. Market PUMM was off 5.7% from JUNE but up 3.5% from 2024.
Though WVEE landed its lowest 25-54 share since SEPTEMBER the station was still #1 for the eighth book in a row. WAMJ was back at #2 with a slight increase and found itself about a share off the lead. WALR repeated at #3 but with its third straight down book. WSRV stepped up to #4 with its highest mark since SEPTEMBER, while WSB-F dipped to #5 with a slight increase. Market PUMM was down 6.4% from the previous survey but went up 7.3% from a year ago.
WSB-F had its best 18-34 book since MARCH as it vaulted from #3 to #1. Several stations had down books but still maintained their rank or moved up the chart. WAKL was back at #2 though it ended a strong two-book surge. WSRV stepped up to #3 though it returned some of last month’s share increase. WVEE was up to #4 with its lowest score since SEPTEMBER. It was paired with WAMJ which rose from #7with a slight increase. Last month’s leader was iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WRDG (96.1 THE BEAT). It fell to #9, ceding more than half its previous number. AUDACY Rhythmic AC WSTR (STAR 94) dropped from #5 into a tie at #10 with URBAN ONE Urban Contemporary WHTA (HOT 107.9). Market PUMM was down 8.5% from last month but up 16.9% from the previous year.
WVEE continued to dominate the 18-49 space, finishing in first place for the eighth book in a row. WSB-F stepped up to #2 with its third straight up book. WAMJ remained at #3 with a slight increase but was paired with WAKL which advanced from #6 with its highest score to date. WALR was back at #5 with a small decrease and was joined by WSRV which moved up from #7. WRDG fell from #2 into a tie at #9 with iHEARTMEDIA Country WUBL (94.9 THE BULL). Market PUMM was down 6.9% from JUNE but rose 7.6% from 2024.
➤WASHINGTON, DC: Breaking News!
We’re used to hearing that splash coming out of this city, but this one is huge. For the first time in well over a year, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY N/T WAMU was NOT the leading 6+ station. That honor went to HUBBARD News WTOP which moved to the, ahem, top of the chart with its best book in over a year (11.7-13.1). The station was also in double figures for the eighth book in a row. WAMU dipped to #2 but kept its double-digit streak alive (12.7-11.2). HOWARD UNIVERSITY Urban AC WHUR was back at #3 (5.7-5.8), while CUMULUS N/T WMAL (NEWSTALK 105.9) rebounded from a down book to rise from #7 to #4 (4.1-4.7). iHEARTMEDIA AC WASH and iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WWDC (DC101) were last spotted at #4. WASH dipped to #5 with its smallest share since SEPTEMBER (5.1-4.6), while WWDC landed at #6 with its lowest score since NOVEMBER (5.1-4.4). For the first time since MARCH WTOP was the cume leader, thanks to a 1.5% increase (814,300-826,900). The market was down 0.9%. Market PUMM was off 3.6% from JUNE but up 16.4% from 2024.
WAMU had its second straight double-digit 25-54 book as it ran its demo win streak to seven. WTOP was back at #2 but with its lowest total since DECEMBER. ATLANTIC GATEWAY Contemporary Christian WGTS landed its largest share in over a year as it rose from #8 to #3. WWDC posted its lowest number since BRENDA LEE was charting as it dipped to #4. WHUR remained at #5, while AUDACY Classic Hits WIAD (94.7 THE DRIVE) motored from #4 to #9 with its least productive outing in over a year. Market PUMM was down 8.3% from last month but grew 10.0% from a year ago.
For the third book in a row WTOP was #1 18-34 and opened up about a two-share advantage over the rest of the field. iHEARTMEDIA Country WMZQ was up to #2 with a slight decrease. WWDC and WHUR went from a tie at #5 up to one at #3 with identical small share increases. WASH dropped from #2 to #5 with its lowest mark since OCTOBER. WIAD fell from #3 to #7 where it was partnered with WGTS and iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WIHT (HOT 99.5). Market PUMM was down 4.5% from the previous survey and 1.4% from last year.
WAMU was #1 18-49 for the fourth book in a row. It had a two-share lead over WTOP which remained at #2. The next three stations each landed their largest shares in over a year. WGTS advanced from #10 to #3, WHUR moved from #6 to #4 and AUDACY Spanish Contemporary WLZL (EL ZOL 107.9) rose from #8 to #5. WWDC slipped three places to #6, while WASH went from #4 to #7. WIAD fell from #5 to #11. Market PUMM was down 4.8% from JUNE but up 10.5% from 2024.
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➤PHILADELPHIA: Same Old Song And Dance
The top six finishers in the 6+ race were in the same position as last time. BEASLEY Classic Rock WMGK was #1 for the fifth book in a row (8.3-8.5), while BEASLEY Album Oriented Rock WMMR made it five consecutive second place finishes (6.9-7.2). AUDACY Sports WIP (SPORTSRADIO 94WIP) was back at #3 (6.7-6.4), though it did pick up a 2.0 share from the digital realm. iHEARTMEDIA Urban AC WDAS repeated at #4 (5.7-5.5), while AUDACY AC WBEB (B101.1) remained at #5 (5.5-5.3). AUDACY News KYW-A held steady at #6 (5.3-5.0), though it did pick up a 1.5 share from cyberspace. WBEB kept its cume lead despite a 7.8% decrease (1,164,400-1,073,800). The market was down 1.0%. Market PUMM was off 5.0% from JUNE but went up 13.5% from 2024.
WMMR was the runaway 25-54 leader for the sixth straight survey. WMGK was #2 for the fourth book in a row but trailed its more inked cluster bro by well over two shares. WBEB repeated at #3 with a slight decrease, while WDAS remained at #4. WIP bounced back from a down book to move up to #5, while BEASLEY Country WXTU (92.5 XTU) slid to #7 as it returned most of last month’s share increase. Market PUMM was down 6.8% from last month but grew by 13.2% when compared to a year ago.
WMMR was up for the third book in a row as it leapt from #3 to #1 18-34. A flat WXTU remained at #2, while two stations were massed together at #3. WBEB fell from first place with its lowest score since NOVEMBER, while BEASLEY Adult Hits WBEN (95.7 BEN-FM) rose from #6 with its best book in over a year. iHEARTMEDIA Alternative WRFF (ALT 104.5) and WMGK were last seen at #4. A flat WRFF dipped to #5, while WMGK dropped into a tie at #6 with WDAS. Market PUMM was down 10.0% from the previous survey but gained 19.0% from last year.
Not only was WMMR #1 18-49 for the seventh straight survey, the station cracked the double-digit barrier. WMGK was back at #2 with a slight decrease and was more than three shares off the pace. WIP stepped up to #3 and was paired with WDAS which arrived from a tie at #6 with a small increase. WBEB slipped two places to #5 with its lowest score since FEBRUARY. It was tied with a flat WXTU. WRFF slid from #5 to #8 as it surrendered a good portion of last month’s large share increase. Market PUMM was down 9.4% from JUNE but up by 13.6% from 2024.
➤BOSTON: The Space Between
The top five 6+ stations were all within a share of one another. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WZLX vaulted from #4 to #1 with its best book since MARCH (5.1-5.7). AUDACY Hot AC WWBX (MIX 104.1) stepped up to #2 with its highest mark since NOVEMBER (5.3-5.6). AUDACY AC WMJX (MAGIC 106.7) saw its five-book winning streak come to an end. The station slipped to #3 with its lowest score since SEPTEMBER (5.7-5.4). BEASLEY Classic Hits WROR was back at #4 (5.1-5.3), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WXKS (KISS 108) moved up two places to #5 (4.9-4.9). iHEARTMEDIA N/T WBZ-A dropped from #1 to #6 (5.7-4.5). It was paired with BOSTON UNIVERSITY N/T WBUR (5.0-4.5). Despite an 8.0% decline WMJX was still in cume control (866,900-797,200). The market was down 4.6%. Market PUMM was off 2.7% from JUNE but grew by 8.8% from 2024.
WWBX was #1 25-54 for the third book in a row. It held a commanding lead over BEASLEY Sports WBZ-F (98.5 THE SPORTS HUB) which remained at #2. WZLX jumped from #7 to #3 with its best showing since DECEMBER. WXKS slipped to #4 with its smallest share in over a year. WROR repeated at #5 with a small decrease, while WBUR dropped down to #6 with its lowest total since the reindeer were bullying Rudolph. Market PUMM was down 4.8% from last month but up by 13.5% from a year ago.
For the sixth book in a row WWBX was #1 18-34. The station also made back-to-back double-digit performances. WXKS and iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR WJMN (JAM’N 94.5) moved up to tie at #2. WXKS rose from #4 with its highest mark since NOVEMBER, while WJMN advanced from #7 with its best book since OCTOBER. They were both about four shares off the lead. WMJX dipped to #4 but with a solid share increase. BEASLEY Country WKLB (COUNTRY 102.5) remained at #5. However, it was forced to share that space with AUDACY Adult Hits WBGB (BIG 103) and iHEARTMEDIA N/T WRKO-A. Last month iHEARTMEDIA Spanish Contemporary WZRM (RHUMBA 97.7) more than doubled its share as it rocketed up to #2. The station returned most of that gain as it fell to #13. Market PUMM was up 8.7% from the previous survey and 11.4% from last year.
WWBX continued to dominate the 18-49 space, capturing the flag for the fourth book in a row. WXKS repeated at #2 but was more than two shares off the lead. WBZ-F was back at #3 but with its lowest score in over a year. WJMN soared from #12 to #4 with its best book in over a year. WZLX worked it from #9 to #5 (what a way to make a livin’) with its first up book since MARCH. Beasley Rhythmic AC WBQT (HOT 96.9) and WROR exited the top five and landed together at #7. Market PUMM was up 0.3% from JUNE and 8.0% from 2024.
It is now time for the half-time festivities. There is plenty of data still left to sift through. Up next on the docket are SEATTLE, MIAMI, PHOENIX, DETROIT, and MINNEAPOLIS. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog. And remember, sharing is caring – spread the word far and wide.
-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
July PPM Insights Day 1
The JULY book ran from JUNE 26TH through JULY 23RD. Vacation season was in full swing and there was a long holiday weekend wedged in there. The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – with a healthy boost from our compatriots at XTRENDS – are here to regale you with the stories and sagas of the most recent ratings reveal. Let us begin…
➤NEW YORK: Same As It Ever Was
The 6+ leaderboard was relatively unaltered from the previous survey. iHEARTMEDIA AC WLTW (106.7 LITE FM) was again #1 but with its best Frosty-free share since SEPTEMBER (7.5-8.4). AUDACY News WINS (1010 WINS) inched up to #2 (6.1-5.8) and was granted a 0.5 share from the interwebs. SBS Spanish Tropical WSKQ (MEGA 97.9) dipped to #3 (6.2-5.6). However, it was gifted a 1.3 share from the digital sphere. AUDACY Classic Hits WCBS stepped up to #4 (5.3-5.3), while iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WHTZ (Z100) moved down to #5 (5.4-5.1). It was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAXQ (Q104.3), which rose from #8 with its best showing since FEBRUARY (4.8-5.1). WLTW continued to have the most listeners (3,781,900-3,775,400) – a 0.2% decrease. The market was off 0.9%. Market PUMM went down 4.5% from JUNE but up 4.2% from 2024.
For the third book in a row WLTW was given the coveted 25-54 crown. WHTZ moved up to #2 but with its smallest share since MARCH. It was more than a share off the lead. WSKQ went from a tie for first place to #3 with its lowest number since JANUARY. WCBS repeated at #4, while iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC WKTU (103.5 KTU) was up two places to #5 with a slight increase. AUDACY Hot AC WNEW (NEW 102.7) slipped to #6. It was partnered with MEDIACO Rhythmic CHR WQHT (HOT 97) and iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WWPR (POWER 105.1). Market PUMM was down 5.9% from last month but grew by 7.4% when compared to a year ago.
Last month WLTW saw its long string of #1 18-34 books grind to a halt as it slipped into a tie for second place. The station was back on top this survey as it ended a steep two-book slide. A flat WNEW stood alone at #2 and was more than two shares behind the leader. WHTZ advanced two spaces to #3 with a small increase, while WQHT rose from #8 to #4 as it bounced back from a down book. WSKQ dipped to #5 with its lowest mark since AUGUST. It was tied with WWPR, which moved up from #7 with its fourth up book in a row. WCBS fell from first to seventh with its smallest share since DECEMBER. Market PUMM was up 2.4% from the previous month but off 8.3% from last year.
WLTW rebounded from a down book as it moved from #3 to #1 18-49. WSKQ stepped down to #2 and was a half share off the pace. WHTZ dipped to #3 with its lowest mark since FEBRUARY. WQHT remained at #4 with a slight increase, while WNEW inched up to #5 with its third up book in a row. WCBS slid from #5 to #8. Market PUMM was down 5.1% from JUNE and 2.7% from 2024.
➤LOS ANGELES: The Good Earth
For the third book in a row AUDACY Classic Hits KRTH (K-EARTH 101FM) was #1 6+. The station also landed its best number in over a year (6.6-7.4). iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST was back at #2 with its first up book since MARCH (5.6-6.1). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYFM) broke out of a three-way tie for fourth place to move up a spot to #3 (4.5-4.9). AUDACY Urban AC KTWV (94.7 THE WAVE) and AUDACY News KNX remained behind at #4 with the exact same flat books (4.5-4.5). Though KNX did pick up a 0.3 share from its online presence. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KIIS (102.7 KISS FM) slipped three places to #6 (4.7-4.2). KRTH was your new cume leader despite a 0.6% decrease (2,162,900-2,146,700). This ended the seven-book run at #1 for KOST. The market was down 2.0%. Market PUMM was off 5.0% from JUNE but up 15.7% from 2024.
KRTH extended its 25-54 win streak to four and again had its best outing in over a year. KBIG was up to #2 as it bounced back from a down book, while KOST was up to #3 with its best book since MARCH. KIIS slipped to #4 with its smallest share in over a year, while MERUELO Classic Rock KLOS was down two slots to #5 ending a strong three-book surge. Market PUMM was down 6.1% from the previous survey but up 10.5% from a year ago.
KRTH took control of the 18-34 space as it moved up to #1 with its highest mark in over a year. It had about a share and a half lead over KOST, which stepped up to #2 with its best Frosty-free share in over a year. KLOS inched up to #3 with a small increase, while KIIS fell from first to fourth as it gave up all of last month’s large increase, plus quite a bit more. KBIG repeated at #5 with a small share loss. Market PUMM was down 6.6% from last month and 3.1% from last year.
KRTH completed the demo sweep as it captured the 18-49 flag for the fourth straight survey. KBIG rose two places to #2 with its highest score since NOVEMBER. KOST repeated at #3 with a small increase. KIIS had been tied at #1 last month but dropped to #4 this time with its smallest share in over a year. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KSCA (LA NUEVA 101.9) stepped up to #5 with a slight increase. KLOS fell from #5 to #8 and was partnered with TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KLVE (K-LOVE 107.5). Market PUMM was down 8.4% from JUNE but up 5.9% from 2024.
➤CHICAGO: The Magnificent Seven
The top seven 6+ stations were all less than a share off the 6+ lead. Two of those stations were taking the lead roles. HUBBARD Classic Rock WDRV (97.1FM THE DRIVE) was back at #1 (5.8-4.9) but was forced to share the limelight with iHEARTMEDIA AC WLIT (93.9 LITE FM), which moved up from #3 (4.8-4.9). CUMULUS Classic Hits WLS-F inched up to #3 (4.7-4.8) and was paired with AUDACY AAA WXRT (93XRT), which advanced from #7 (4.3-4.8). HUBBARD Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX) repeated at #5 (4.5-4.6). AUDACY Country WUSN (US99) slid from #2 to #6 (5.0-4.5). And AUDACY News WBBM-A dipped to #7 (4.5-4.3). It did get a 0.6 share from the stream. WLIT continued as the cume leader despite an 8.6% decrease (1,375,000-1,265,100). The market fell 0.6%. Market PUMM was down 2.5% from JUNE but up 19.6% from 2024.
iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR WKSC (103.5 KISS FM) had its best 25-54 book in over a year as it rose from #2 to #1. This snapped the six-book winning string for WTMX, which slipped to #2 with its third straight down book. WXRT advanced from #9 to #3 with its best outing since JANUARY. WUSN stepped down to #4 with its smallest share since FEBRUARY. CUMULUS Alternative WKQX (Q101) dipped to #5 with a small share loss. WDRV fell four places to #9 as it returned most of last month’s share increase. It was tied with WLS-F. Market PUMM was off 2.4% from the previous survey but grew 15.3% from last year.
WKSC was a dominant #1 18-34 for the second straight survey. It maintained its two-share lead over #2 WLIT as both stations had slight decreases. WLS-F also had a slight share loss as it moved up to #3. There was a threesome at #4. iHEARTMEDIA Mainstream Rock WCHI (ROCK 95.5) remained in place as it surrendered a good portion of last month’s large increase. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional WOJO (QUÉ BUENA 105.1) moved up from #6 with a slight decrease, while iHEARTMEDIA Urban Contemporary WGCI advanced from #10 with its best showing since that awful Grinch song was fouling the airwaves. WDRV dropped from #3 to #12. Market PUMM was down 2.6% from last month but up 8.6% from a year ago.
WKSC and WTMX were back at #1 and #2, respectively, 18-49. They continued to be separated by under a half share. WUSN stepped up to #3 and was joined there by WGCI, which rose from #7. The former had a slight decrease while the latter had a slight increase. WLIT slipped to #5 and was paired with WXRT, which advanced from #10. WKQX and WLS-F went from a tie at #4 into the same arrangement at #8. Market PUMM was off 0.5% from JUNE but up 21.5% from 2024.
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➤SAN FRANCISCO: Maintaining The Status Quo
The top 5 6+ stations were unchanged from last month, with one small addition. KQED INC. N/T KQED was #1 for the seventh straight survey (11.3-9.8). AUDACY News KCBS-A was back at #2 but with its highest mark in over a year (7.2-8.2). BONNEVILLE AC KOIT was again the leading music station at #3 (6.5-6.1), while USC Classical KDFC remained at #4 (4.3-4.9). iHEARTMEDIA AC KISQ (98.1 THE BREEZE) pressed on at #5 (3.9-4.2). However, it was forced to share as AUDACY Hot AC KLLC (ALICE @ 97.3) moved up from #9 with its best book in over a year (3.4-4.2). Despite a 2.4% decline KOIT was still the overall cume leader (1,090,400-1,064,400). The market was down 1.9%. Market PUMM was off 0.9% from JUNE but up 17.9% from 2024.
Despite posting its lowest score since OCTOBER, KQED was #1 25-54 for the fifth book in a row. KOIT was back at #2 but narrowed the gap to a half share. BONNEVILLE Pop CHR KMVQ (99.7 NOW) stepped up to #3 with its best showing since FEBRUARY. AUDACY Alternative KITS (LIVE 105) dipped to #4 with a slight decrease, while KISQ stepped down to #5 with a small increase. Market PUMM was down 3.7% from last month and 1.4% from a year ago.
KOIT was #1 18-34 for the sixth straight survey and landed its largest Frosty-free share in over a year. KISQ and iHEARTMEDIA Rhythmic CHR KMEL were tied at #6. KISQ advanced to #2 with its highest mark since NOVEMBER, while KMEL rose to #3 as it rebounded from a down book. Last month four stations were huddled together at #2. They all moved down the chart. KMVQ alit at #4 even though it regained a good portion of last month’s share loss. iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KYLD (WiLD 94.9) landed at #5 with its lowest total since JANUARY. KITS and KQED parachuted together down to #6. Market PUMM was down 2.2% from the previous survey and 3.6% from last year.
KMVQ made the leap o’ the month as it vaulted from #7 to #1 18-49. It narrowly defeated KOIT, which stepped up to #2 with a small share loss. KISQ inched up to #3 with a solid increase. This stopped the four-book winning streak for KQED, which slipped to #4 with its least productive outing since AUGUST. KITS also had a share of the lead last month, but it fell to #5 with its lowest score since NOVEMBER. KYLD and iHEARTMEDIA Classic Hits KOSF (CLASSIC HITS 103.7) were last seen at #5. They resurfaced at #7 and #8, respectively. Market PUMM was down 1.4% from JUNE but up 4.5% from 2024.
DALLAS-FT. WORTH: Good Ole Country Comfort
Country music was cookin’ as the top two 6+ stations specialized in that format. CUMULUS Country KPLX (99.5 THE WOLF) repeated at #1 (5.3-5.4), while CUMULUS Country KSCS (NEW COUNTRY 96.3) moved up to #2 (5.0-5.2). The cluster also had the #3 station. CUMULUS Sports KTCK (96.7FM & 1310AM THE TICKET) dipped to #3 with its least productive outing since AUGUST (5.1-4.7). AUDACY Mexican Regional KMVK (LA GRANDE 107.5) rose from #10 to #4 as it bounced back from a down book (3.8-4.4). It also added a 0.3 share from cyberspace. iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KZPS (LONE STAR 92.5) leapt from #8 to #5 with its highest mark in over a year (4.0-4.3). iHEARTMEDIA Hot AC KDMX (MIX 102.9) dropped to #6 (4.5-4.2), while AUDACY Adult Hits KJKK (100.3 JACK FM) slid to #7 (4.4-4.1). It was tied with iHEARTMEDIA AC KDGE (STAR 102.1), which moved down a slot (4.3-4.1). KDGE maintained its cume edge despite a 5.0% drop (1,116,600-1,061,000). The market was down 2.1%. Market PUMM was down 3.5% from JUNE but up 18.7% from 2024.
Despite a slight decrease KPLX was #1 25-54 for the second straight survey. KTCK was back at #2 and less than a half share behind its cluster mate. TELEVISAUNIVISION Mexican Regional KLNO (QUÉ BUENA 94.1) repeated at #3 with its highest share since FEBRUARY, while a flat KDMX remained at #4. SERVICE Urban Contemporary KKDA (K104) had its best showing in over a year as it advanced from #8 to #5. It was paired with KMVK, which rose from #11 as it regained some of last month’s large share loss. AUDACY Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7) slipped to #7 and was paired with iHEARTMEDIA Pop CHR KHKS (106.1 KISS FM), which moved up from #10. KSCS slid from #5 to #10 with its lowest mark since the place was lousy with leaping noblemen. Market PUMM was down 5.3% from last month but up 17.5% from a year ago.
KHKS was #1 18-34 for the fifth book in a row. It held about a half share lead over the pair of stations at #2. A flat KLNO remained in place, while KSCS moved up a notch with its best book since MARCH. KDMX inched up to #4 with a small decrease. It was tied with EMF Contemporary Christian KYDA (AIR1), which advanced from #14. That station has been on quite the four-book run, going from #5 to #17 to #14 to #4. TELEVISAUNIVISION Spanish Contemporary KDXX (LATINO MIX 107.9 & 107.1) fell from #3 to #8. Market PUMM was up 0.4% from the previous survey and 16.4% from last year.
KPLX remained in first place 18-49. However, it held the slimmest of possible leads over the two stations at #2. KLNO and KHKS were previously spotted at #4. Both stations had solid increases. KDMX slipped to #4. It was partnered with KKDA, which advanced from #8 with its seventh up book in a row. KSCS slipped three slots to #6. Market PUMM was down 3.6% from JUNE but up 25.4% from 2024.
Thank you for your attention to these matters because, well, they matter. We’re just getting warmed up and are currently preparing our next roundup. It will spotlight HOUSTON, ATLANTA, WASHINGTON D.C., PHILADELPHIA, and BOSTON in that order.
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-Steve Allan, Programming Research Consultant
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