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May 2016 PPM Analysis:
Urban-Rhythmic Oldies
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
LOS ANGELES — Our three in-depth overviews of May 2016 PPM results begin with a summary of urban-rhythmic oldies, whose stations use such monikers as "Classic Hip-Hop," "Old School," "Classic Soul," and "Classic R&B," among others.
Future posts will be devoted to urban AC (Thursday, 6/16) and mainstream urban contemporary (Friday, 6/17).
Scoreboards for all these formats are based on facilities that rank in the top 20 in any of Nielsen Audio's 48-PPM markets (6+, May 2016).
Another important parameter in addition to that particular ratings caveat is that Nielsen Audio only releases audience estimates for stations that subscribe to its services.
Owing to that reason, ratings stats in this RadioInfo urban-rhythmic oldies analysis (and the urban AC and urban contemporary ones that will follow) are limited to stations that pay Nielsen Audio for its data.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Zach Dillon Joins CHR KDWB, Minneapolis for Afternoons and Music Director Role. This change sees Zach Dillon move from iHeartMedia's Austin cluster where he's been programming the company's CHR KHFI "96.7 KISS FM," to the Twin Cities where, in addition to hosting the afternoon show on KDWB, he'll also serve as assistant program director and music director. iHeartMedia director of CHR programming/Western Great Lakes Region Rich Davis comments, "Zach's experience level both inside and outside our company make him the perfect choice to be my right-hand man at KDWB. I look forward to his contributions on the air and in the programming department as we solidify the powerhouse that is KDWB in the Twin Cities."
Rock Programmer Lance Hale Returns to Beasley in Fort Myers. Programmer Lance Hale is taking the programming reigns of Beasley Media Group's WRXK, Fort Myers "96K-ROCK." The company notes that Hale has "more than 14 years of programming experience, including a stint as music director/APD for [Beasley's] WJBX, Ft. Myers. Hale takes over for Jeff Zito who recently moved up the Gulf Coast to Tampa to program the company's WBRN "98.7 No Rules Rock." Beasley VP of programming Justin Chase says, "Lance is absolutely the best choice to step into the critical program director role at K-ROCK. Lance's knowledge of the market, his passion for the format and his solid programming skills will serve this important 30-year heritage station well."
Clerkin Named WPYA, Birmingham Program Director. After a 16-year career with iHeartMedia's WXKS-FM, Boston "Kiss 108," Jim Clerkin is heading south to join SummitMedia's hot AC WPYA, Birmingham "97.3 Play" as program director and afternoon drive personality. SummitMedia SVP of programming Bill Tanner comments, "I'm very happy to add Jim to the SummitMedia programming team. Jim's experience, creativity and talent make him the perfect fit for '97.3 Play.'"
More RadioInfo Career Moves. Air personality and voiceover talent Jim Bosh joins Midwest Communications to serve as the morning host on classic hits WLMI, Lansing, Michigan…..Dave Thomson exits his morning personality role at iHeartMedia's adult contemporary KSOF, Fresno "Soft Rock 98.9" and KJSN, Modesto "Sunny 102.3."
Michael Harrison and Steve Weisman Discuss the Dark Side of the Digital Era. In an intense conversation that pulls no punches, Michael Harrison and noted media attorney and cyber-scam expert Steve Weisman talk about the dangers to privacy and property presently lurking on the Internet. In the latest installment of the PodcastOne hit series "Up Close and Far Out with Michael Harrison," such topics as the recent hacking of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's accounts are explained and analyzed, covering a variety of dangers spanning identity theft to fraudulent advertising. Harrison and Weisman illuminate the problems being caused by criminals Harrison describes as the "dastardly bastards" who prey upon innocent victims (meaning the rest of us) who are becoming increasingly dependent on the Internet for its obvious benefits in all aspects of day to day life. Harrison also goes off on a rant about his extreme distaste for the widespread and still-growing practice of so-called legitimate websites selling "native" advertising (paid-for editorial content), not to mention the purposely deceptive clutter that leads to unintentional clicks and consequences for the user. This conversation is not-to-be missed. To listen to it in its entirety please click here or click on the "Up Close and Far Out" player box located in the right-hand column on every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
DC Court of Appeals Affirms Internet as Utility; Victory for 'Net Neutrality' Advocates. This ruling from a three-judge panel at the District of Columbia Court of Appeals is not likely to settle the matter once and for all, but this is a huge victory for the Federal Communications Commission which had wanted broadband declared a common carrier utility service in order to put under its purview. Supporters of the ruling say this paves the way for the federal government to prevent broadband providers from creating tiers of services that would give advantage to some at the expense of others. Critics of the ruling will argue that the common carrier utility aspect of the decision puts control of the Internet into the hands of the FCC. Regardless, it's unlikely that we've seen the last legal challenge to this.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Cox Media Group Orlando Holds Live Roundtable Discussion on All Six Stations. Orlando news and radio personalities today broadcast a two-hour live panel discussion about the weekend massacre at Orlando's Pulse night club. The program aired on all Cox Media Group stations in the market and will include the following talent: host and moderator Joe Kelley of news/talk WDBO "News 96.5," AJ and Ashley from WWKA, the "Obie and Lil Shawn Morning Show" from WPYO "Power 95.3," Monica May from WCFB "Star 94.5," Denise Ryan from WMMO and also joining the panel will be Brian Kilmeade, host of "Fox & Friends" on Fox News Channel and host of "Kilmeade & Friends" on Fox News Radio.
Jag Comes to Motown for Middays at '98.7 AMP Radio.' Former Detroit radio personality Jag, a.k.a. Jon Gay, is returning to the market to host the midday show at CBS RADIO's WDZH "98.7 AMP Radio." Jag previously was a jock at crosstown WQKI from June 2011 through December 2012. He says, "The most fun I've ever had in my career was being on the air in Detroit. There's an incredible spirit about this town. In the Motor City, radio listeners have a dedication I haven't seen anywhere else. It really is a dream come true to come back and after meeting with the 'AMP' team, I'm so excited to be a part of something so special. I can't wait to get started!" Jag was most recently program director and afternoon drive host at iHeartMedia's hot AC KVDU, New Orleans "Voodoo 104."
Round Four of May PPMs Released. The fourth of four rounds of May 2016 ratings information from Nielsen Audio has been released for 12 markets including: Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Providence, Raleigh, Norfolk, Nashville, Greensboro, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen's May 2016 survey period covered April 21 – May 18. View all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian (firstname.lastname@example.com) provides his "Takeaways" from all of these 12 PPM markets.
1) Austin – Stuck on 5.0 (6+) in January and February, iHeartMedia's KVET-FM then became locked on 4.6 (6+) in March and April. With a gain of six-tenths in May (5.2, 6+), "All-Time Country Favorites" jumps from a three-way logjam at #7 to #5. Tied with KVET-FM in April, similarly formatted cluster-mate KASE "Today's Country" improves by four-tenths to 5.0 (6+) and advances to #6. To make it a clean sweep for the market's three FM country outlets, Genuine Austin Radio's KOKE "Austin's Country Alternative" notches its third straight gain for a combined +1.1 (1.7 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 2.8, 6+) but remains at #15. Frozen on 3.8 (6+) in March and April, KLBJ-AM (#12 to #11) – like KVET-FM – also improves by six-tenths. The Emmis talker reaches 4.4, its best 6+-stat since November 2014 (4.6). Having picked up four-tenths in April to curtail four straight down or flat trends that yielded a -1.7 (3.9 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 2.8 – 2.2, 6+), Univision regional Mexican KLQB "Que Buena 104.3" adds another one-half share (2.2 – 2.6 – 3.1, 6+) to cruise from #16 to #13. Co-owned fellow regional Mexican KLJA "Mas Variedad 107.7" (3.1 – 2.3, 6+) though sputters by eight-tenths to spiral from #13 to #17. Off by a combined -1.3 as a result of three successive downward trends (9.4 – 9.1 – 8.6 – 8.1, 6+), Emmis adult hits KBPA "Bob" is nonetheless #1 for the fifth consecutive time; February's 9.4 was its strongest 6+-stat since August 2014 (also 9.4). After posting a +.7 in April to 6.5 – its best 6+-performance since last July's 6.6 – iHeartMedia CHR KHFI "96.7 Kiss FM" surrenders all of it plus three-tenths more (5.8 – 6.5 – 5.5, -1.0, 6+) to slip back to third from second.
2) Milwaukee – For the past 13 sweeps, WLUM has been in the 4.0 – 4.9 range (6+), but the Milwaukee Radio Alliance alternative outlet busts out a +.9, elevating "102.1 Sounds Different" from eighth to fifth. Moreover, it is the station's fifth consecutive increase (4.0 – 4.1 – 4.2 – 4.5 – 4.7 – 5.6, 6+). Chalking up gains of one-half share each are Saga Communications' urban AC WJMR "Jammin' 98.3 Today's R&B and Old School" (4.5 – 5.0, tenth to eighth, 6+) and Entercom CHR WXSS "103.7 Kiss-FM" (4.8, #11 to #10, 6+). Off six-tenths in March, "Jammin'" was +.7 in April. As far as "Kiss" is concerned, the increase applies the brakes to three straight downward trends which yielded a -1.3 (5.6 – 4.8 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+). Despite a loss of six-tenths to 10.2 (6+), iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT "95.7 Big FM – Milwaukee's Greatest Hits" occupies the market's top spot for the 13th straight sweep. Recent 6+-fluctuations for WRIT include +1.7 (October); -.7 (November); flat (December); +5.6 ("Holiday"); -5.7 (January); +1.3 (February); -.3 (March); +1.1 (April); and now -.6 (May). Prior to October's -1.7, WRIT put together seven successive positive trends (6.2 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 9.5 – 10.1 – 10.2 – 10.5 – 11.2, 6+), improving by exactly five full-shares since February. No sooner does co-owned WKKV "V-100.7 Jams" add eight-tenths than the urban contemporary property forfeits all of it plus one-tenth (4.8 – 5.6 – 4.7, -.9, 6+) as it plummets from the top ten (#7 to #11); April's 5.6 was the best 6+-showing for "V-100.7" since last August (6.1). Down roughly 50% since January, public WHAD has its fourth straight decrease (2.1 – 1.9 – 1.8 – 1.3 – 1.0, 6+) and slumps from #17 to #20.
3) Indianapolis – Down or flat the past six ratings periods for a cumulative loss of two full-shares (8.2 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.2 – 6.2, 6+), Radio One-owned WTLC-FM breaks out of the funk with a +.6 to 6.8 (6+). "Indy's R&B Leader" jumps from fifth to the runner-up slot, where it is tied with Entercom CHR WZPL (6.7 – 6.8, +.1, 6+), which was #4 in April. Boosting the market's (6+) country share by +1.1 are Emmis-owned WLHK "Country 97.1 Hank" (6.3, +.6, sixth to fifth, 6+) and Cumulus Media's WFMS "95.5 The Country Station" (5.0 – 5.5, +.5, ninth to seventh, 6+). "Hank" was stymied on 5.7 (6+) in March and April. Following four successive gains for a cumulative +2.4 since the "Holiday" report (5.4 – 5.8 – 6.2 – 6.8 – 7.8, 6+), Cumulus Media's WJJK "Classic Hits 104.5" regresses by seven-tenths to 7.1 (6+) but stays at #1 for the third straight sweep. Prior to April, the last time WJJK reached the seven-share level (6+) was October 2014 (7.5). Dialing up a massive +1.7 this time last month, iHeartMedia-owned WOLT "Alt 103.3 Indy's Alternative" coughs up roughly half of it (5.3 – 7.0 – 6.2, -.8, 6+) to skid from third to sixth. Not only was the 7.0 that "Alt 103.3" recorded in April the highest 6+-share in the station's PPM-history, the next closest (happening three times) for WOLT (and previous calls WRZX) was 6.0. Before being off by two-tenths in March, "Alt 103.3" gained a combined +1.6 in four up or flat trends (3.9 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 5.5, 6+). Owing to a May loss of six-tenths (to 4.6, seventh to ninth, 6+), Radio One rhythmic CHR WHHH "Hot 96.3" has its string of positive trends – which netted a combined full-share – end at four (4.2 – 4.3 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+). March's co-occupant (with WJJK) at #1, Emmis adult contemporary WYXB "Soft Rock B-105.7," is off by one-half share (7.1 – 6.6, 6+) to slip from second (in April) to fourth.
4) Providence – Flaunting its most potent 6+-share since last June's 9.3, iHeartMedia rocker WHJY "94 HJY" flashes a +1.2 (8.0 – 9.2, 6+) to inch up from third to second. Although unchanged at #8, Entercom sports outlet (and Red Sox Radio Network affiliate) WVEI trots out a gain of seven-tenths to 3.5, its strongest 6+-performance since February 2015's 4.1. Notwithstanding that it is off in back-to-back sweeps by a combined -1.8 (12.1 – 10.6 – 10.3, 6+), Cumulus Media adult contemporary WWLI "Lite Rock 105" is #1 for the seventh successive ratings period and has been in double-digits (6+) each time; 10.3 though is its lowest 6+-share since November's 8.7. After improving by one-half share in April for its best 6+-performance since October's 7.0, iHeartMedia-owned classic hits-oldies WWBB "B-101" surrenders nine-tenths (5.9 – 6.4 – 5.5, 6+) but continues at #5. Five of the 13 Providence stations listed with at least a .1 (6+) in the May 2016 report are talk outlets; Cumulus Media's WPRO-AM (5.4, +.3, seventh to sixth, 6+) accounts for 69% of the market's 7.8 (6+) total talk shares. Although 38% of the rated outlets are talk, they account for 13% of the market's total 6+-shares.
5) Raleigh – April's tie at #1 is broken, but neither of April's penthouse residents repeats at the top spot. Instead, a potent +1.5 (6.4 – 7.9, 6+) by Radio One's WFXC "Foxy" propels the urban AC from fourth to first. The last time "Foxy" crossed the seven-share level (6+) was November and October with a 7.1 each time. Ironically, April's co-leaders – iHeartMedia CHR WDCG "G-105" and Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL "Mix 101.5" remain tied, although each decline by one-half share (7.7 – 7.2, 6+) and share the runner-up position. Locked on 6.4 in February and March, 6+, "G-105" caught WRAL in April with a +1.3. On top the past eight ratings periods, "Mix 101.5" posted a +5.7 in the "Holiday" report; -7.2 in January; +.6 in February; +.6 in March; -.6 in April; and now -.5 in May. The fourth straight gain by Radio Training Network contemporary Christian WRTP is by a lofty nine-tenths (.9 – 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 2.2, 6+) lifting "His Radio" from #18 to #16. Improving by six-tenths (to 4.3, 6+) is Curtis Media Group adult hits WBBB, cracking the top ten (#13 to #9). A one-tenth gain in April halted nine straight down or flat trends for "Radio 96.1," which had a net loss of -3.5 and roughly 50% of its 6+-share (7.1 – 6.1 – 5.5 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.5 – 4.3 – 4.3 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+). After back-to-back dips of seven-tenths each (7.3 – 6.6 – 5.9, 6+), co-owned WQDR picks up one-tenth to 6.0 – "Today's Best Country" remains at #6. Two public facilities, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill's WUNC (7.3 – 6.2, third to fifth, 6+) and Educational Information's WCPE (3.3, #10 to #14, 6+), erode by -1.1. Classical WCPE had been up or flat the past six monthlies doubling its 6+share since November (2.2 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 4.4, 6+). When WCPE registered a 4.4 in April, it was the first time the station reached the four-share level (6+) since October 2012 (4.0). After declining by one-half share in April, Capitol Broadcasting sports outlet WCMC "The Fan" further regresses by seven-tenths tenth and falls out of the top ten (#10 to #12). The five most recent fluctuations for "The Fan" are +1.1 ("Holiday" 2015 – January 2016); -1.0 (January – February); +1.1 (February – March); -.5 (March – April) and now -.7 (April – May). While steady at #8, this is the third straight downward trend for iHeartMedia FM talker WTKK for a cumulative -1.2 (5.8 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.6, 6+).
6) Norfolk – Without an increase the past three sweeps (4.6 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.3, 6+), Saga Communications' classic rock WAFX "106.9 The Fox" explodes with a +1.2 (5.5, 6+), marching from eighth to fifth; the most recent time "The Fox" was in five-share territory (6+) was November (5.2). After progressing by eight-tenths in March, Entercom adult contemporary WWDE sputtered by twice that amount in April (-1.6), but rebounds in May with a +.7 (6.1 – 6.9 – 5.3, 6.0, 6+); "2WD" is unchanged at #4. Up six-tenths to 12.2 (6+), urban AC sibling WVKL ends three straight down or flat trends (12.1 – 12.1 – 11.7 – 11.6, 6+) and is #1 for the 48th consecutive ratings period. The last time "Smooth R&B From Yesterday & Today" was not in double-digits (6+) was when it registered a 9.8 in January 2014. Owing to a loss of seven–tenths (4.9 – 4.2, 6+), rhythmic CHR cluster-mate WNVZ "Z-104" though falls from sixth to eighth. This is the fifth successive sweep without a decrease for Saga Communications' WJOI "Great Songs, Great Memories" (.5 – .7 – .7 – .7 – 1.5 – 1.8, 6+), which inches up from #16 to #15. After each station gained seven-tenths in April, Max Broadcast Group classic hits-oldies WVBW "92.9 The Wave" (7.2 – 6.1, flat at #3, 6+) and iHeartMedia urban contemporary WOWI "Jamz 103" (8.3 – 7.6, steady at #2, 6+) falter by -1.1 and seven-tenths, respectively. Up or flat the past four sweeps (2.0 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6 – 2.8, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WNOH "Now 105" stumbles by one-half share to 2.3 (6+), slipping from #11 to #12. Without an increase for the seventh consecutive sweep and down one full-share in that stretch (3.7 – 3.7 – 3.7 – 3.5 – 3.3 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.7, 6+), Entercom hot AC WPTE "The Point" finishes at #10 for the fifth straight time.
7) Nashville – In previous 6+ ratings breakouts, it was not uncommon to see the three "Music City USA" FM country properties finish all in a row. There is a little bit of a distance now among them as Cumulus Media's WSM-FM "95.5 Nash Icon" (off four-tenths in April following four straight monthlies without a decrease for a combined +1.6) posts a rousing +.9 to 5.8 (6+) to zoom from ninth to fifth. It is a milestone for "Nash Icon" as 5.8 is its strongest-ever 6+-PPM stat. With back-to-back gains of one-tenth (4.4 – 4.5 – 4.6, 6+,), iHeartMedia's WSIX "The Big 98 #1 For New Country" moves up from tenth to ninth. Down or flat for the fourth straight sweep (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), the market's other country FM – Cumulus Media's WKDF "Nash-FM 103.3" – remains at #13. Following three straight downward trends for a combined -2.2 (7.2 – 5.6 – 5.2 – 5.0, 6+), Cumulus Media sports outlet WGFX "104.5 The Zone" rebounds with a +.7 to 5.7 (6+), climbing from eighth to sixth. This marks the fifth straight downward trend for Midwest Communications adult contemporary WJXA "Mix 92.9" (15.6 – 10.7 – 10.2 – 9.7 – 9.6 – 9.1, 6+), which has declined more than six full-shares since the "Holiday" 2015 report. Nonetheless, "Mix" is #1 for the 51st consecutive ratings period. For the third time since November – and the fourth occurrence since August – "Mix" has not been in double-digits (6+). The AC property has a 1.4-share advantage over iHeartMedia CHR WRVW "The River," which is up or flat for the third time in a row (6.7 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.7, 6+) and at #2 for the sixth time in the last seven sweeps. With a -.1 in April, co-owned WWTN had its string of successive up-trends (for a combined +1.9) end at three (3.3 – 3.6 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+). "Super Talk 97" now erodes further by one full-share to 4.1 (6+) and spirals out of the top ten (#6 to #11). After four successive gains totaling a combined +1.0 (6.0 – 6.1 – 6.2 – 6.6 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia's WNRQ "105.9 The Rock" falters by six-tenths but remains at #4 (6.4, 6+). A string of four consecutive progressive trends which tripled its 6+share (.8 – 1.4 – 1.6 – 2.1 – 2.4) concludes for Ryman Hospitality Properties classic country WSM-AM which is off three-tenths to 2.1 (unchanged at #16, 6+). Without an increase for the sixth successive monthly and -1.9 since December (7.6 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 6.8 – 6.3 – 6.0 – 5.7, 6+), Midwest Communications adult hits WCJK "Jack FM" falls from fifth to sixth.
8) Greensboro – It is once again a one-two-three (6+) finish for Entercom, but there are changes at #1 and #2. Powered by a full-share gain, urban AC WQMG advances from second to first. Moreover, "The Best R&B and Old School" continues a streak of being up or flat for the sixth straight sweep for a whopping cumulative increase of three shares (7.7 – 7.7 – 8.2 – 9.1 – 9.3 – 9.7 – 10.7, 6+); 10.7 is its strongest 6+-showing since November 2014 (10.7). WQMQ trades places with rhythmic CHR sibling WJMH "102 Jamz" (9.6, -.2, 6+), which had been up the previous three ratings periods (8.3 – 8.6 – 9.4 – 9.8, 6+). Improving by six-tenths (8.6 – 9.2, 6+) – and remaining in third-place – is adult hits cluster-mate WSMW "Simon," which was up one-half share in April. It is the strongest 6+-performance for "Simon" since April 2015 (9.3). Somewhat similarly, iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMAG "The Triad's Best Mix" (steady at #4) adds nine-tenths to April's one-half share increase (6.9 – 7.4 – 8.3, 6+). Prior to April's +.5, WMAG was down or flat the previous three sweeps for a combined -8.3 or an approximately 55% erosion (15.2 – 7.8 – 7.8 – 6.9, 6+). Although steady at #6, co-owned CHR WMKS "100.3 Kiss FM" sputters by eight-tenths (5.5 – 4.7, 6+).
9) West Palm Beach – The third successive gain by iHeartMedia classic rock WKGR is by nine-tenths (3.3 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 5.0, 6+) as "98.7 The Gater" advances from seventh to fifth. The last time "The Gater" crossed the five-share threshold was September 2014 with a 5.3. Finishing at #8 for the fourth straight sweep, CHR cluster-mate WLDI "WiLD 95.5" adds six-tenths to April's one-half share increase (2.8 – 3.3 – 3.9, 6+). In a bit of a similar scenario, Spanish contemporary cluster-mate WRLX adds one-half share to April's +.6 (1.4 – 2.0 – 2.5, 6+) and enters the top ten (#11 to #10). Prior to April's +.6, WRLX was down or flat five straight times (2.5 – 1.9 – 1.6 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.4, 6+). Registering a decrease for the fourth successive sweep yielding a cumulative -2.2 (9.5 – 9.3 – 8.2 – 8.1 – 7.3, 6+), Alpha Media hot AC WRMF nonetheless holds down the top spot for the 22nd consecutive time. This is, however, the lowest 6+-share for WRMF since July 2014 (7.1). Following four successive progressive trends in which it doubled its 6+-share since the "Holiday" 2015 ratings period (1.3 – 1.6 – 1.9 – 2.4 – 2.6, 6+), iHeartMedia talker WJNO is off by four-tenths to 2.2 (6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #11). Prior to reaching 2.4 in March, WJNO had been in 1.3 – 1.9 (6+) range the previous 13 sweeps.
10) Jacksonville – In a ratings game of "crazy eights," Renda Broadcasting adult contemporary WEJZ "Lite 96.1 – Today's Variety" (10.7, 6+); cluster-mate WGNE "99.9 Gator Country" (4.9 – 5.7, ninth to seventh, 6+); and Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies WJGL "Eagle 96.9" (8.2, 6+) all improve by eight-tenths. "Lite 96.1" is #1 for the seventh straight time and back in double-digits (6+) after four consecutive sweeps between 9.2 – 9.9 (6+). Prior to dropping to #2 in November, "Lite" had been on top the previous 17 sweeps. Advancing from fourth to third, "Eagle" curtails three consecutive downward trends (8.8 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 7.4, 6+). This marks back-to-back sweeps that iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies WSOL adds one-half share (5.3 – 5.8 – 6.3, 6+); "V-101.5" climbs from sixth to a fifth-place tie. Conversely, after improving by one-half share in March and then piling on seven-tenths in April (4.3 – 4.8 – 5.5, 6+), co-owned CHR WKSL "Kiss FM" relinquishes all of it (plus three-tenths) to 4.0 (-1.5, 6+) as it plummets from the top ten (#7 to #11).
11) Memphis – Over and above being #1 for the third straight time, iHeartMedia urban AC KJMS "V-101" notches its third successive increase for a whopping +4.2 in that stretch (8.3 – 10.2 – 11.2 – 12.5, 6+) – and – has its strongest 6+-share since December 2012's 13.5. Prior to a -1.4 in "Holiday" 2015, "V-101" had not had a decline in the previous four sweeps (8.9 – 9.2 – 9.3 – 9.3 – 10.0, 6+). Down or flat the past four ratings periods for a roughly 52% erosion (14.0 – 7.3 – 7.3 – 7.1 – 6.7, 6+), Entercom adult contemporary WRVR "The River Continuous Soft Rock" roars back in a significant way with a +1.2 to 7.9 (6+) and inches up from fourth to third. On the strength of a +.6 (2.8 – 3.4, 6+), Cumulus Media's WXMX "Maximum Rock 98.1 The Max" advances from tenth to ninth and has its best 6+-performance in over one year (3.6, April 2015). Back in February, cluster-mate WRBO extended its streak of consecutive progressive trends to four (7.0 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 8.2 – 8.3, 6+), but "Soul Classics and Today's R&B" was off four-tenths in March; gained three-tenths in April; and now regresses by seven-tenths in May (7.9 – 8.2 – 7.5, third to fourth, 6+). Declining by six-tenths each are Entercom hot AC WMC-FM "FM 100 Today's Best Mix" (6.2 – 5.6, unchanged at #5, 6+) and public urban AC WQOX (1.3 – .7, #16 to #17). After six successive ratings periods at #6, "FM 100" advanced to #5 to April. Co-owned sports outlet WMC-AM is at .1 for the seventh straight sweep and remains at #18. Within 8.3 – 8.9 range (6+) for the seventh consecutive sweep, iHeartMedia urban contemporary WHRK "K-97.1" sputters by one-half share (8.8 – 8.3, 6+) but remains in the runner-up slot; "K-97.1" finished first in February.
12) Hartford – Boasting the greatest (6+) April 2016 – May 2016 increase of any station in the 48-PPM markets, CBS Radio talker WTIC-AM (6.5 – 8.8, +2.3, 6+) rockets from seventh to second. As a result of being down in April (by -1.1), WTIC-AM ended a string of six straight up or flat ratings periods for a +1.9 (5.7 – 5.9 – 5.9 – 6.3 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+). Following three straight gains (2.4 – 2.7 – 2.9 – 3.3, 6+), public WNPR regressed by one-half share in April but gains it all back (2.8 – 3.3, +.5, 6+); WNPR though stays at #9. Owing to a +.3 in April, CBS Radio adult contemporary WRCH halted a three-month slide that resulted in a combined decline of nearly seven shares (17.8 – 12.1 – 11.9 – 11.0, 6+). Flat in May at 11.3 (6+), "Lite 100.5" is the market leader for the 20th time in the last 21 sweeps – including the past 12. Snapped in January was its string of five straight increases (8.7 – 10.8 – 11.1 – 11.6 – 11.9 – 17.8 – 12.1, 6+). Faltering by eight-tenths each are rhythmic CHR sibling WZMX "Hot 93.7" (second to fourth, 6+) and iHeartMedia CHR WKSS "Kiss 95.7" (sixth to seventh, 6+). Over the last three monthlies (which now includes back-to-back declines of -.8), "Hot" is a combined -2.3 (10.1 – 9.4 – 8.6 – 7.8, 6+); February's 10.1 was its best-ever 6+-share in the PPM-era. This is the fourth successive time "Kiss" is without an increase (7.1 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.0, 6+).
RadioInfo Tidbits. Sacramento alternative outlet KKDO "Radio 94.7" is hosting the "City of Trees" concert on Saturday, September 10 featuring acts Weezer, Panic! At the Disco, Phantogram, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, The Rebel Light, and more TBA…..CBS RADIO's country KMLE, Phoenix is presenting the second annual Daddy-Daughter Derby in which teams of dads and daughters will compete in a timed obstacle course made up entirely of "daughter" tasks for dad (such as finger-painting and braiding ribbons), and "daddy" tasks for daughter (including throwing a football and checking the tire pressure on a car). The fastest-winning team gets a pair of tickets to the Selena Gomez concert for the daughter and brand new Weber grill for dad. Other contestants will win gift cards to Paul's Ace Hardware. The promotion takes place on Father's Day this Sunday.
CBS Execs Meet The Chainsmokers. At last week's CBS RADIO meeting in New York City, company CHR, rhythmic CHR, hot AC and alternative programmers and executives from across the country came together to chat with various music labels, managers and artists. The two days of meetings included surprise appearances and performances by American Authors, The Chainsmokers, Dagny, DNCE, Ingrid Michaelson, Jordan Fisher, Jordan Smith, Kent Jones, LEON, Marc E. Bassy, OneRepublic, Shaggy, Stanaj, Tinashe, and others. Pictured here are Columbia Records executives and The Chainsmokers presenting CBS RADIO executives with a double platinum plaque to thank them for their support and commemorate more than 2 million copies of their hit single "Roses." Pictured here are CBS RADIO EVP, programming Chris Oliviero; president Andre Fernandez; SVP, programming Michael Martin; and SVP, programming Kevin Weatherly congratulating the band, along with Columbia Records EVP/GM Joel Klaiman and EVP, promotion Lee Leipsner.
Friday, June 10, 2016
Dan McNeil Exits WDRV, Chicago's Morning Drive Show. Mercurial Chicago radio personality Dan McNeil exits Hubbard Radio's classic rock WDRV "The Drive" after 16 months on the morning drive show. McNeil is probably one of the markets most famous – or infamous – sports talk personalities. Over the last 25 years he had talked sports on CBS RADIO's WSCR and ESPN O&O WMVP. Prior to joining WDRV, McNeil was in contract talks to rejoin WSCR in the midday slot but the two sides couldn't come to terms. In February of 2015, McNeil was paired up with Pete McMurray to co-host The Drive's morning show. Recently, McNeil disappeared from the air and, when he returned, was only heard doing brief sports reports. According to several sources, McNeil was upset when Greg Solk was let go from his SVP of programming post and was more upset when he was instructed not to talk about the matter on the show. Apparently, he was given some time off to cool down. Now, the station and he part ways and Hubbard makes the announcement in a press release from Hubbard Radio Chicago vice president/market manager John Gallagher and WDRV program director Rob Cressman. McNeil is quoted in the presser saying, "It was an incredible chapter in my radio tour. I got to be a part of a terrific air staff… some really wonderful people. 'The Drive' paid me go to movies, to take listeners to see AC/DC and The Who. I've been wanting to write a love letter to rock and roll publicly for years and I got to do it on one of the most sparkling classic rock stations in the country." Cressman addresses the station's morning show going forward. "We look forward to what lies ahead for 'The Drive.' Pete McMurray and the team have assembled a strong foundation. Our plans include a search for the chemistry and content mix that our audience has clearly requested. The considerable research and appraisal that accompanied the former incarnation of 'The Morning Drive' will continue to determine where future opportunities exist to super-serve Chicago's classic rock enthusiasts in the morning."
Bewley Named Digital Director for Hubbard Minneapolis-St. Paul. Replacing Jeremy Sinon as Hubbard Radio's Minneapolis-St. Paul digital director is Jesse Bewley, who will be responsible for the digital strategies for hot AC KSTP-FM "KS95-FM," talk KTMY "myTalk 107.1," and sports talk KSTP-AM "1500 ESPN." Bewley says, "I couldn't be more grateful to Dan Seeman and the entire team at Hubbard for giving me this incredible opportunity to advance my career. Jeremy Sinon undoubtedly leaves me gigantic shoes to fill, but I'm very much looking forward to leading the team to continued and expanded success in the local digital space." Sinon was promoted to corporate digital director. Bewley, who most recently served as digital PD for iHeartMedia Minneapolis, starts with Hubbard on June 20.
More RadioInfo Career Moves. In the Danbury, Connecticut market, Rich Minor is the new program director at Berkshire Broadcasting's classic hits WAXB "B103.7." He's also on air hosting the "Rich Minor in the Morning" show on sister hot AC WDAQ "98Q."…..According to a story in the Charlotte Observer, octogenarian morning show cast member Robert D. Raiford is retiring from his position with the WRFX, Charlotte-based syndicated classic rock morning show "John Boy & Billy." The 88-year-old Raiford suffered a stroke last year and it has affected his mobility and his voice.
Round Three of May PPM Data Released. May 2016 PPM ratings information from Nielsen Audio has been released for the third group of 12 markets including: Portland, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Antonio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, and Columbus. Nielsen Audio's May 2016 survey period covered April 21 – May 18. See all the 6+ numbers from subscribing stations here. Meanwhile, RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian (email@example.com) provides his "Takeaways" from these 12 PPM markets below.
1) Portland – Matching the 4.0 (6+) it registered in August, Alpha Media triple A KINK notches a full-share increase (3.0 – 4.0, 6+) to zoom from #16 to #12. Coming off a +1.2 in March, country sibling KUPL "The Bull" delivered a +.2 in April and follows up with a +.6 in May (4.5 – 4.7 – 5.3, 6+), climbing from sixth to fifth. Prior to the +1.2 in March, "The Bull" had four consecutive monthlies without an increase that produced a combined -2.3 (5.6 – 4.8 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.3, 6+). It is chasing Entercom's KWJJ, up in back-to-back sweeps for a combined +.5 (5.5 – 5.6 – 6.0, 6+); "Great Country for the Great Northwest 99.5 The Wolf" remains in third-place for the fifth straight sweep. Finishing fourth for the fourth time in a row, iHeartMedia mainstream CHR KKRZ "Z-100" is either up or flat for the sixth consecutive time for a cumulative +1.2 (4.2 – 4.4 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.4, 6+). In addition to being #1 for the 23rd time in the last 25 ratings periods, adult contemporary cluster-mate KKCW "K-103" dials up a one-tenth gain to 8.7 (6+), thus ending four straight sweeps without an increase (21.4 – 9.5 – 8.8 – 8.6 – 8.6, 6+). Moreover, "K-103" widens its (6+) lead by one full-share over runner-up KOPB from 1.3 in April to 2.3 in May as Oregon Public Broadcasting's KOPB is a combined -1.6 in April and May (8.0 – 7.3 – 6.4, 6+). Rewinding to the "Holiday" 2015 report, "K-103" enjoyed a 16.1 lead over KOPB (21.4 versus 5.3, 6+). In advance of the January sweep, KOPB had been down or flat the previous four monthlies (6.7 – 6.4 – 6.0 – 6.0 – 5.3, 6+). Despite being either up or flat for the fifth time in a row (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.2 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6, 6+), Salem Media Group regional Mexican KRYP actually slips from a three-way logjam at #12 to #14, which is where it was in March.
2) Charlotte – As usual, country is a dominant ratings theme in Charlotte – but it is only part of May's headline. A new #1 ends the four-month run by Beasley Media Group-owned WSOC "Country's Greatest Hits," which is off by four-tenths (7.0 – 6.6, 6+) and drops to third. Given that cross-town challenger – iHeartMedia's WKKT – trots out a robust +1.1 (5.9 – 7.0, 6+), one would think "The Kat" is succeeding WSOC. The new penthouse occupant though is actually WKKT's classic rock sibling WRFX "The Fox," which also improves by +1.1 (6.0 – 7.1, 6+) and eases into #1 from the runner-up slot. Owing to a +.3 in April, "The Kat" curtailed seven consecutive trends without an increase that yielded a cumulative -4.2 (9.8 – 9.6 – 8.8 – 8.5 – 5.9 – 5.7 – 5.6, 6+). After holding down third-place the past five sweeps, "The Kat" climbs to second. This marks the fifth consecutive gain for WLNK "The Link" for a +1.7 (3.6 – 3.7 – 4.3 – 4.6 – 5.2 – 5.3, 6+), yet the Greater Media hot AC-talk hybrid has to settle for backward move of #4 to #5. Even though it remains at #9, Beasley Media Group urban contemporary WPEG "Power 98" boasts a +.8 to 4.7 (6+), applying the brakes to five straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a combined -1.6 (5.5 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 4.6 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+). Also registering an increase of eight-tenths (and inching up from fifth to fourth) is urban AC sibling WBAV (5.9, 6+), which has been in 5.1 – 5.9 range the past 10 ratings periods. Adding one-half share, Radio One gospel WPZS "Praise 100.9" elevates from #13 to #15. Conversely, Davidson College-owned WDAV "Classical Public Radio" sputters by seven-tenths to 2.3 (6+) and slips from #13 to #16; "Classical Public Radio" had been up or flat the past three sweeps (2.2 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.0 (6+).
3) Pittsburgh – On the heels of a one-half share gain this time last month, iHeartMedia alternative WXDX doubles it to advance from eighth to seventh (4.1 – 4.6 – 5.6, +1.0, 6+). It is the highest 6+-share for "The X @ 105.9" in more than four years (6.2, April 2012). After logging a +1.1 in April, CBS Radio's KDKA-FM "The Fan" piles on an additional nine-tenths (4.8 – 5.9 – 6.8, 6+) as the Pittsburgh Pirates' flagship climbs from sixth to fifth; 6.8 is the highest 6+-stat for "The Fan" since October's 10.1. The rollercoaster ride for co-owned country WDSY "Y-108" continues. Owing to April's -.8 (after a +.9 in March), "Y-108" had its consecutive string of progressive trends ended at three (3.9 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.8 – 5.0, 6+), but "Pittsburgh's Country" hauls out a +.7 to 5.7 (6+) and progresses from seventh to sixth; 5.8 in March was the highest 6+-share for "Y-108" since September 2014 (6.0). Elsewhere in the format, while unchanged at #10, iHeartMedia's WPGB "Big 104.7 #1 for New Country" is without a decrease for the seventh successive sweep (2.5 – 2.5 – 2.6 – 2.7 – 3.2 – 3.9 – 3.9 – 4.3, 6+). Having put together a successive trio of increases yielding a combined three full-shares (7.9 – 9.5 – 10.7 – 10.9, 6+), classic hits-oldies sibling WWSW "3WS" sputters by seven-tenths to 10.2 (6+), but is #1 for the fourth successive ratings period. "3WS" was +5.8 in "Holiday" 2015, halting four straight decreases for a combined -2.4 (10.8 – 10.1 – 9.3 – 8.9 – 8.4, 6+). In January, it regressed by -6.3 (14.2 – 7.9, 6+); rebounded with a +1.6 in February; and tacked on another +1.2 in March (9.5 – 10.7, 6+). Off for the fourth straight time for a combined -3.9 (8.8 – 8.2 – 6.9 – 6.0 – 4.9, 6+), CBS Radio talker KDKA-AM spirals from fifth to eighth. KDKA-AM followed a -1.8 in "Holiday" 2015 with a +2.2 in January 2016.
4) Sacramento – Flashing a +.9 to duplicate the 3.3 (6+) it registered in September, iHeartMedia's KBEB "B-92.5 #1 For New Country" jumps from #16 to #12. As far as the market's other country facilities are concerned, CBS Radio's KNCI "New Country 105.1" is off two-tenths to 4.3 (sixth to seventh, 6+), while Entravision-owned KNTY "101.9 The Wolf" is flat at 2.2 and unchanged at #17. On top for the fourth straight ratings period, Entercom classic rocker KSEG "The Eagle" falters by eight-tenths to 9.8 (6+), therefore witnessing an end to three consecutive increases (8.9 – 9.0 – 9.5 – 10.6, 6+) that netted a combined +1.7. Prior to the April 2016 sweep (when "The Eagle" soared to 10.6, 6+), the only other instances of a Sacramento outlet achieving double-digits (6+) were CBS Radio adult contemporary KYMX "Mix 96" (11.7) and KSEG (10.0). Aforementioned KYMX "Mix 96" (6.5 – 6.6, +.1, 6+) holds down the #3 slot for the fourth consecutive sweep, while co-owned hot AC KZZO "Now 100.5" is without an increase for the third successive time (5.0 – 5.0 – 4.9 – 4.6, 6+), dipping from fourth to fifth. While the net increase is three tenths, Capital Public Radio classical KXPR (#21) is nonetheless without a decrease for the fifth time in a row (.9 – .9 – .9 – 1.0 – 1.0 – 1.2, 6+).
5) San Antonio – It has certainly been an up-and-down past few sweeps for Cox Media Group classic rocker KTKX. After dialing up a +.8 in March, "The Eagle 106.7" regressed by -.9 in April, but in May, it recaptures April's loss in its entirety (3.9 – 4.7 – 3.8, 4.7, 6+) and is back in the top ten (+.9, #11 to #8). A combined +2.4 since December (nearly twice its December 2015 6+-stat), Alpha Media adult hits KJXK notches its sixth straight increase (2.6 – 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.8 – 4.1 – 4.4 – 5.0, 6+). San Antonio's version of "Jack" leaps from ninth to a fifth-place tie. Moreover, it is the strongest 6+-performance for "Jack" in nearly four years (5.3, August 2012). In addition to "Jack," also improving by six-tenths and bumping up from #13 to #11 (4.2, 6+) is iHeartMedia CHR KXXM "Mix 96.1," which halts a three-month slide (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.7 – 3.6, 6+). Country rivals KCYY and KAJA again finish back-to-back and they improve their April rankers. Specifically, Cox Media Group's "Y-00" improves by one-half share to 6.3 (third to second, 6+), while iHeartMedia's "KJ-97" is right behind although down three-tenths to 5.4 (6+); even so, "KJ-97" manages to move from fourth to third. The two format foes are typically within close 6+-share/rank proximity but "Y-100" has won 13 of the last 14 head-to-head battles. After being up or flat in four consecutive sweeps (7.8 – 8.4 – 9.0 – 9.0 – 9.1, 6+), Cox Media Group classic hits-oldies KONO-FM falters by seven-tenths to 8.4 (6+), but is #1 for the fifth straight sweep. Before dropping from first to second in the "Holiday" 2015 report, KONO-FM was #1 in 17 of the previous 22 sweeps. The 9.1 it registered in April is the loftiest 6+-share for "San Antonio's Greatest Hits" in more than six years (9.2, March 2010). Having declined by one-half share in April, Univision regional Mexican KROM "Que Buena 92.9" regresses further – this time by a whopping -1.1 (6.7 – 6.2 – 5.1, 6+), skidding from second to fourth. Back in March, "Que Buena" put up a massive +2.0 (6+), crossing the six-share threshold for the first time since December 2012. Following an April gain of eight-tenths, rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KBBT "The Beat" (unchanged at #5) relinquishes more than half of it (4.7 – 5.5 – 5.0, -.5, 6+). Cluster-mate KXTN is on a rollercoaster ride that has taken it from a -.5 to March to a +1.2 in April and now a -.6 in May (3.8 – 3.3 – 4.5 – 3.9, 6+) as "Tejano & Proud" spirals out of the top ten (#8 to #12). As is the case with KXTN, Alpha Media regional Mexican KSAH-FM drops six-tenths (2.2 – 1.6, 6+), plummeting from #15 to #20.
6) Cincinnati – Owing to an April loss of two-tenths (to 9.4, 6+), Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies facility WGRR had its string of consecutive increases halted at three (6.8 – 8.5 – 8.8 – 9.6, 6+). Roaring back though, "103.5 WGRR" hangs out a +.9 to 10.3, thus joining WLW, WRRM, and WUBE as the only Cincinnati stations in the PPM-era to boast double-digits (6+). While unchanged at #5, co-owned (and just-referenced) adult contemporary WRRM "Warm 98" gains two-tenths to 5.4 (6+) to apply the brakes to four successive declines that resulted in a combined -6.7 (11.9 – 7.2 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.2, 6+). WGRR is seven-tenths behind aforementioned iHeartMedia talker – and Cincinnati Reds flagship – WLW, which declines by seven-tenths 11.7 – 11.0 (6+). Nonetheless, "The Big One" is in double-digits (6+) for the 28th successive sweep and at #1 for the fifth time in a row; WLW was +1.6 in April. After registering four straight increases (10.1 – 10.2 – 10.7 – 11.3 – 11.7, 6+), WLW was -1.3 in February and -.3 in March. A gain of seven-tenths to 5.1- its best 6+ share since last August (also 5.1) – enables co-owned CHR WKFS "Kiss 107" to advance from seventh to sixth. Returning to the top ten (#11 to #10), talk sibling WKRC adds one-half share (3.5 – 4.0, 6+). At the same time, Radio One urban contemporary WIZF "101.1 The WIZ" declines by seven-tenths (3.8 – 3.1, 6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #12). One of two streaks is snapped for Hubbard Broadcasting hot AC WKRQ and the other continues: While "Q-102" holds the #4 spot for the ninth straight time, a -.6 halts four straight positive trends that yielded a combined +1.9 (6.2 – 7.0 – 7.5 – 7.8 – 8.1, 6+). Until a +.8 in January, "Q-102" was without a gain in the previous four sweeps (7.2 – 6.8 – 6.8 – 6.7 – 6.2, 6+). Four consecutive negative trends by country cluster-mate WUBE for a combined -3.6 (9.5 – 9.3 – 8.5 – 7.3 – 5.9, 6+) concluded in January when "B-105" posted a +.2. WUBE multiplied that gain by nine in February; tacked on two-tenths in March; and delivered a +.5 in April (6.1 – 7.9 – 8.1 – 8.6, 6+). This string breaks at three though as "B-105" (steady at #3) is off two-tenths to 8.4 (6+). Public classical WGUC has its fourth straight negative trend (3.3 – 3.2 – 2.9 – 2.2 – 19, 6+) but remains at #16.
7) Cleveland – Off by eight-tenths in April, CBS Radio sports outlet WKRK "92.3 The Fan" regains all of it and one-tenth for good measure (4.1, +.9, 6+) remaining at #12. The increase puts an end to three straight losses for "The Fan" which was -1.7 since January (4.9 – 4.0 – 4.0 – 3.2, 6+). Never higher than 1.3 (6+), or lower than .6 (6+) in the last 26 sweeps, Ideastream classical WCLV trots out a +.8 (.9 – 1.7) to climb from #15 to #14. Co-owned WCPN though regresses by seven-tenths (3.2 – 2.5, 6+) and dips from #12 to #13. Holding the top spot for the fifth successive sweep, WMJI "Cleveland's Greatest Hits" notches a two-tenths gain (10.7 – 10.9, 6+). By posting a +.4 in April, it halted three consecutive downward trends (12.3 – 11.5 – 10.6 – 10.3 – 10.7, 6+); WMJI was #1 for eight straight months before giving way in "Holiday" 2015. Co-owned CHR WAKS "96.5 Kiss FM," which had not had a decrease in the past seven sweeps (4.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.6 – 4.9 – 4.9 – 5.1, 6+), regresses by one-half share to 4.6 (6+) and exits the top ten (#10 to #11). Also in that iHeartMedia cluster, WGAR's four straight gains generated a combined +2.3 (5.1 – 5.7 – 6.3 – 6.5 – 7.4, 6+), but the country outlet drops two-tenths in May to 7.2 (6+); it, however, remains at #4.
8) Salt Lake City – A gain of eight-tenths (3.7 – 4.5, 6+) enables iHeartMedia's KAAZ "Rock 106.7" to crack the top ten (#11 to #10). The last time KAAZ reached the four-share level was nearly two years ago (4.0, July 2014); "Rock 106.7" was up by one-half share in April. Enjoying an improvement of seven-tenths (3.2 – 3.9, 6+), Broadway Media's KXRK "X-96 Utah's Original Alternative" climbs from #13 to #12. A six-tenths gain by Capital Broadcasting hot AC KBZN "Now 97.9 Today's Best Music" (6.6, 6+), coupled with a full-share decline by Bonneville talk outlet KSL results in "Now" vaulting from third to first and KSL drifting from first to fifth. The +.6 ends three straight downtrends for "Now" (6.8 – 6.7 – 6.5 – 6.0, 6+), while this is the fourth straight survey period that KSL has been down or flat for a combined -1.4 (6. 9 – 6.9 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 5.5, 6+). "Now" recorded a +1.1 in January to stop seven consecutive down or flat sweeps (8.1 – 7.8 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 7.0 – 6.8 – 6.6 – 5.7, 6+). In addition to "Now," Broadway Media's KUDD "Mix 105.1 – All The Hits" (4.0 – 4.6, tenth to eighth, 6+); rhythmic CHR KUUU "U-92" (#18 to #16, 6+); and public KRCL (.8 – 1.4, #26 to #23, 6+) also hang out gains of six-tenths. Bouncing back from a -.7 in March, "Mix" was +.8 in April. This is the third straight up-trend for "U-92" (1.7 – 1.9 – 2.2 – 2.8, 6+); KRCL is rebounding from April's -.5. Within 2.2 – 2.8 (6+) range the past eight sweeps, Brigham Young University classical KBYU slumps by a lofty -1.1 (2.7 – 1.6, 6+) and freefalls from the top 20 (#16 to #22). Replicating April's -.7 is iHeartMedia CHR KZHT (7.1 – 6.4 – 5.7, 6+). "Salt Lake's #1 Hit Music Station" remains in the runner-up slot, but is now tied there with Bonneville classic hits-oldies and adult contemporary siblings KRSP "103.5 The Arrow" (-.3, 6+) and KSFI "FM 100.3" (+.4, 6+). Prior to April and May's combined -1.7, KZHT had three straight progressive trends (4.7 – 5.1 – 6.7 – 7.1, 6+) and best 6+-performance since last August (7.5).
9) Las Vegas – After posting a gain of nine-tenths in April, Lotus-owned KOMP "92.3 The Rock Station" actually outdoes that accomplishment with a +1.1 (2.8 – 3.7 – 4.8, 6+), jumping from tenth to fifth. "The Rock Station" was locked on 2.8 (6+) in February and March. The last time KOMP reached the four-share level (6+) was August 2013 (4.3). In April, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KSNE picked up four-tenths to put an end to three straight declines which resulted in an approximately 55% erosion of its 6+-share (15.7 – 7.8 – 7.2 – 7.1, 6+). "Sunny 106.5" adds six-tenths in May (7.5 – 8.1, 6+) and is #1 for the 21st straight time. Aided by a one-half share increase (3.4 – 3.9, 6+), cluster-mate KWNR "New Country 95.5 The Bull" enters the top ten (#12 to #10) and has its best 6+share since November's 4.4. Flat at 6.1 (6+), Beasley Media Group's classic hits-oldies KKLZ is in the runner-up slot for the fifth successive sweep. Declining by seven-tenths each are CBS Radio-owned KLUC "Las Vegas' #1 Hit Music Station" (4.4, fifth to eighth, 6+) and iHeartMedia CHR KPLV "93.1 The Party" (1.6, #18 to #19, 6+)."Las Vegas' #1 Hit Music Station" regressed by six-tenths in March, but was up one-half share in April. May's loss by "The Party" curtails six successive monthlies without a decrease for a cumulative +.8 (1.5 – 1.6 – 1.6 – 1.7 – 2.3 – 2.3 – 2.3, 6+); 2.3 (in February, March, and April) represents the best 6+-stat for "The Party" since last July (2.8). In the market's hot AC contest, CBS Radio-owned KMXB "Mix" is flat at 5.4 (third to fourth, 6+), while Beasley Media Group's KVGS "Star 107.9" falters by one-half share (3.2 – 2.7, 6+) to move from #13 to #14.
10) Kansas City – There is plenty of movement among Kansas City's three FM country facilities. For openers, Entercom's WDAF "106.5 The Wolf" trots out an impressive +1.1 (3.1 – 4.2, 6+) to leap from #16 to #12, while – with a one-half share gain (4.1, unchanged at #13, 6+) – Steel City Media-owned KBEQ "Q-104 #1 for New Country" puts an end to three straight down or flat trends (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.1 – 3.6, 6+). On the downside though, co-owned KFKF "Country 94.1" regresses by six-tenths (4.3 – 3.7, 6+) and plummets from the top ten (#8 to #15). It is the lowest 6+-share for "Country 94.1" since August (3.6). In the sports tussle, Entercom's KCSP "610 Sports" follows up April's whopping +1.4 with a +.9 (2.4 – 3.8 – 4.7, 6+) as the Kansas City Royals flagship marches from tenth to seventh; it finished at #19 in March. On the other hand, Union Broadcasting's WHB "Sports Radio 810" surrenders eight-tenths (2.9 – 2.1, 6+) but remains at #18. Registering a 6+-share between 3.1 – 3.8 the past six sweeps, Cumulus Media adult hits KCJK improves by nine-tenths to 4.5 (6+) with Kansas City's version of "Jack" ironically progressing from a three-way tie at #13 to a three-way deadlock at #8. Locked on 3.6 (6+) in March and April, CHR sibling KCHZ "95.7 The Vibe All The Hits" busts out a one-half share increase to 4.1 (where it was in February) and is steady at #13. Notching increases of six-tenths each are Entercom talker KMBZ-FM (3.8 – 4.4, #10 to #11, 6+) and public contemporary Christian KJNW "Life 88.5" (1.2 – 1.8, #20 to #19, 6+). Adding four-tenths to April's +.5 pushes Cumulus Media classic rock KCFX "The Fox" from second to first, where it trades places with Entercom hot AC KZPT "99.7 The Point" (6.9 – 6.2, -.7, 6+). KZPT (now at #2) had been on top in February, March, and April; 6.9 was the most potent 6+-share for "The Point" since March 2015 (6.9 as well). Following four successive sweeps without a decrease for a net gain of one full-share (4.4 – 4.8 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 5.4, 6+), Cumulus Media urban AC KMJK "Magic 107.3" sputters by nine-tenths to 4.5 (6+) and tumbles from fourth to eighth.
11) Orlando – As was the case in April, iHeartMedia Orlando boasts a one-two-three (6+) finish, but there are changes at #1 and #2. Powered by a gain of six tenths (9.0 – 9.6, 6+) adult contemporary WMGF "Magic 107.7" progresses from second to first, while Spanish tropical WRUM "Rumba" (9.8 – 9.4, 6+) segues from first (where it had been the past four sweeps) to second. Despite a +.6 (8.0 – 8.6, 6+), co-owned CHR WXXL "XL-106.7" remains in third-place. "Magic" and "XL-106.7" were each up seven tenths in April (6+) and now they both improve by six-tenths. In the last nine sweeps, "Magic" is trending +.5 (October); -1.0 (November); +1.6 (December); +5.2 ("Holiday" 2015); -4.7 (January); -1.2 (February); +1.3 (March); +.7 (April); and now +.6 (May). Down a combined -1.4 in consecutive monthlies (6.2 – 5.0 – 4.8, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB "Star 94.5" rebounds with a +.6 to 5.4 (6+) and remains at #7. "Rumba" format rival – Entravision's WNUE "Salsa 98.1" – displays a one-half share gain (1.6 – 2.1, 6+) and cruises from #17 to #14. In the spoken-word arena, Cox Media Group's WDBO-FM (3.6, ninth to tenth, 6+) and public WMFE (2.5 – 2.0, #14 to #15, 6+) are each off by one-half share. WDBO-FM had been without a decrease the past four monthlies (3.4 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 4.1, 6+). This is the lowest 6+-share for Community Communications' WMFE since last June (also 2.0). Also eroding by one-half share each are Cox Media Group's WMMO (7.6 – 7.1, fourth to fifth, 6+) and iHeartMedia's WTKS-HD2 (1.8 – 1.3, #15 to #17, 6+). WMMO was +1.1 (6+) in April and had its most potent 6+-showing in almost six years (7.6, August 2010). After four straight gains for an overall +2.2 (5.4 – 6.4 – 6.8 – 7.5 – 7.6, 6+), CBS Radio hot AC WOMX drops two-tenths to 7.4 (6+) but "Mix 105.1" is unchanged at #4; April's 7.6 is its most potent 6+-share since May 2013 (8.6). Notwithstanding that it is down for the fourth straight time with a net loss of -2.4 (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.3 – 4.0 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia's WJRR "Orlando's Rock Station" manages to climb from #11 to a tie (with WDBO-FM) at #10.
12) Columbus – Despite a full-share increase (4.5 – 5.5, 6+), Saga Communications' classic rock WLVQ remains in fifth-place; "Q-FM 96" was at 5.5 (6+) in December as well. Jumping from #14 to #11, adult hits cluster-mate WNND "Rewind Columbus' Greatest Hits" turns in its fifth successive progressive trend (1.4 – 1.5 – 1.8 – 1.9 – 2.3 – 3.0, 6+). Dating back to the "Holiday" 2015 report, "Rewind" has more than doubled its 6+-share for a cumulative +1.6. Not only does iHeartMedia's WCOL repeat at #1 and notch double-digits (6+) for the fifth successive sweep, the country outlet chalks up an impressive +.9 just as it did in April (10.5 – 11.4 – 12.3, 6+). Turning in gains of one-half share each are iHeartMedia CHR WNCI "97.9 Columbus' Hit Music" (11.0, 6+); classic hits-oldies-turned adult hits sibling WODC "The Bus – We Play Anything" (4.8, 6+); and Radio One rhythmic CHR WCKX "Power 107.5" (4.3, 6+). They are unchanged at #2, #6, and #9, respectively. While it remained (and remains) in double-figures (6+), "Columbus' Hit Music" was off or flat the past three sweeps (12.2 – 11.1 – 11.1 – 10.5, 6+). This is the fourth straight improvement for "The Bus" for a net +1.3 (3.5 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.3 – 4.8, 6+). Prior to reaching 4.3 (6+) in May, "Power" was in 3.0 – 3.8 range (6+) the previous nine ratings periods. Stumbling by seven-tenths each are iHeartMedia talker WTVN (flat at #4, 6+) and River Radio Ministries contemporary Christian WCVO "Uplifting & Encouraging 104.9 The River" (#11 to #13, 6+). This is the third straight dip for both WTVN (7.3 – 6.5 – 6.2 – 5.5, 6+) and "The River" (4.4 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 2.6, 6+). Down three-tenths to .5, Radio One gospel WJYD "Joy 107.1" sees its consecutive string of monthlies without a decrease end at four (.5 – .5 – .5 – .6 – .8 (6+) but it perseveres at #17.
PwC Gives Radio Positive Outlook Over Next Four Years. The new Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2016-2020 is out from PwC (PriceWaterhouseCoopers) and it presents current ad spend data and predicts where the industries will be in the year 2020. For radio, the news is mixed. PwC scores radio's ad spend based on AM/FM spot sales, internet streaming and digital revenue, and NTR (or live events). It predicts radio as an industry will rise from its current $21.4 billion in revenue to $23.1 billion in 2020 – a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. For radio stations and companies already integrating live events into their revenue stream, PwC says the news is good. The study forecasts an almost 5% increase in revenue in the Live Events sector to $11.69 billion by the year 2020. See the study here.
Analysis: More Hivio Highlights
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
LOS ANGELES — The third and final installment of our recap of last week's Hivio 2016 conference sums up three of the 17 sessions presented Thursday (6/2) and Friday (6/3) on Hollywood's Sunset Strip, literally steps away from the famous Comedy Store. Most of the agenda featured one-on-one interviews conducted by event co-organizer Mark Ramsey, who declares, "Contests on radio are pathetic." The "attraction to listen," he notes, is "a one in a million chance to win something." That incentive to listen, Ramsey stresses, "makes no sense" and the San Diego-based media advisor-strategist/research analyst seamlessly utilizes that statement to introduce Omaze co-founder/co-chief executive officer Ryan Cummins, who Ramsey comments has a "different – better – way [that] will change the way you view contesting."
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
FCC Commissioner Michael O'Reilly Emphasizes Need for Action Ownership Issues. A recent court decision struck down a 2014 FCC rule affecting joint sales agreements. At the same time, the court chided the commission for its failure to complete not one, but two congressionally mandated Quadrennial Reviews. Republican Commissioner Michael O'Reilly writes in a blog post that the time is now to move on eliminating cross-ownership bans. He writes, "Consumers are demanding 24/7 access to media content on numerous platforms, but artificial silos created by the cross-ownership bans are keeping broadcasters and newspapers from innovating into multi-platform entities that could better serve these needs. Evidence of synergies already exists in the form of grandfathered combinations and giving the opportunity for more, with additional outlets and platforms, could generate a boom in local content or perhaps prevent a further erosion from occurring in some markets." Prepared for the possibility that the cross-ownership ban won't be repealed, O'Reilly suggests that, at the very least, provide more waivers and grandfathering. He says the Commission should "reform [the] current waiver processes to make them clear and realistically obtainable, provide more opportunities for waivers, and allow grandfathering of existing combinations. The market size waivers proposed by various parties could mitigate the constrictive impact of these outdated rules on broadcasters in smaller markets." Read the entire blog here.
iHeartCountry to Serve as Radio Simulcast for Tomorrow's 2016 CMT Music Awards. When tomorrow night's fan-voted 2016 CMT Music Awards get underway from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena at 8:00 pm ET, the program will be simulcast on more than 115 iHeartCountry music radio stations. Additionally, Premiere Networks country shows Bobby Bones, "CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan," and "The Crook & Chase Countdown" are on location providing listeners with interviews with award nominees, performers and celebrity guests, including Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, Elle King, Sam Hunt, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Kelsea Ballerini and others. The telecast is being co-hosted by sportscaster and TV personality Erin Andrews and NFL star J.J. Watt.
RadioInfo Career Moves. Media executive Julia Wallace is retiring from her position as Ohio market VP with Cox Media Group at the end of this year. Wallace oversees the company's newspaper, television and radio operations in the Dayton market – country WHKO, classic hits WZLR, and news/talk WHIO-AM/FM. During her career, Wallace lead the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as its editor for a decade and was responsible for spearheading the convergence of the company's media in Dayton. CMG EVP Mike Joseph says, "During her five-and-a-half years in Dayton, Julia has been a driving force in growing CMG Ohio into a financially successful multi-media organization. She is creative, energetic, future-focused and willing to take risks." The company says Wallace will transition from her role as market VP on July 1 to work directly with Joseph on broader strategic CMG newspaper news and operations matters for the remainder of 2016. In addition, she will also be teaching a class on political journalism at the University of Dayton…..Programming pro Mike Love is charged with maintaining and building the afternoon drive daypart currently called "The Doug Banks Radio Show" for the American Urban Radio Network. Love says, "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to work with AURN and build on the daypart the late Doug Banks held down for so many years. I'm assembling a solid team and it is my intent to dominate afternoons on urban adult stations." Most recently Love was urban senior director of programming and distribution for Cumulus Media Networks. Access.1 Communications recently assumed control of AURN from Sheridan Broadcasting…..Jessica Kelley is promoted to director of promotions for three of iHeartMedia's Nashville properties: country WSIX, rock WNRQ, and alternative WNRQ-HD2…..Hip hop KKFR, Phoenix "Power 98.3" personality Tino Cochino has reached an agreement with Riviera Broadcasting allowing for his Tino Cochino Radio to syndicate his daily program as an evening show, available to stations worldwide….."Original Country Gold with Rowdy Yates" is now airing in the Houston market on KTHT "Country Legends 97.1." The weekly Compass Media Networks-syndicated show will air Saturdays from 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. Yates worked in the Houston market from 1994 through 2011 and is known for his afternoon drive show on KILT-FM called "Rowdy's Ride Home."
Michael Harrison Gets 'Up Close and Far Out' with Retired CBS RADIO President Dan Mason. In this week's new episode of the PodcastOne hit series "Up Close and Far Out," retired CBS RADIO president/CEO Dan Mason joins host Michael Harrison for a wide-ranging dialogue about the state of radio broadcasting in the digital era. The discussion focuses on Mason's recent change of career direction that includes assuming the chairmanship of the 60-year-old, non-profit charity, the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) as well as putting on the headphones again and becoming a CBS Sports play-by-play announcer for college athletics. Mason discusses his passion for women's basketball as well as his roots in radio programming going back to his days as a teenage top 40 fan (a "contest pig") in Louisville, Kentucky. The two talk about the fine work being done by the BFOA on behalf of broadcasters in acute need and the satisfaction Mason is getting by being able to "give back" to the industry. The discussion covers the viability of the "stick" as a business going forward, HD radio, and the role of the computer screen in digital audio media. Not to be missed! To listen to the entire podcast, please click here or click on the "Up Close and Far Out" players located in the right-hand column of every page of Talkers.com and RadioInfo.com.
Analysis: Final Hivio Highlights. RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian presents a wrap-up of his analysis of the recent Hivio 2016 conference in Los Angeles. It includes a different view of contesting from Omaze co-founder Ryan Cummins; Red Seat Ventures founder (and former Mercury Radio Arts president/CEO) Chris Balfe speaking about AM/FM broadcasters truly seizing the digital opportunities available to them; and MaximumFun.org chief Jesse Thorn presenting his philosophy of operating a podcasting platform. Read the entire story here.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Forbes Returns to WJBR, Wilmington. The former promotions director for Beasley Media Group's adult contemporary WJBR, Wilmington, Delaware is returning to the station to serve as event producer. Susan Forbes was promotions director for the station in 2012 and left to work on other business ventures. Beasley Wilmington/Philadelphia market manager Matt Smith says, "99.5 WJBR is reaching new heights in event management, from logistics to marketing to advertising! I have admired Susan's work for some time. We are fortunate to have Susan on board to plan, produce and customize non-traditional radio events."
More RadioInfo Career Moves. Programmer Scott Smith is promoted to vice president of programming for Adams Radio Group. Smith will lead programming for the company's stations in Fort Wayne; suburban Chicago/Northwest Indiana; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Salisbury/Ocean City, Maryland. Adams Radio CEO Ron Stone says, "Scott has been an integral part of the management team in Northwest Indiana and his leadership has truly stood out. The on-air products that we acquired in Northwest Indiana continue to set the standard for us. Scott will continue his day-to-day duties in Northwest Indiana along with his new duties of working directly with our country PDs in all ARG markets to assist in the continued growth of our country formats." Prior to joining Adams Radio in 2012, Smith had served on air at CBS RADIO's hot AC WCFS, Chicago "Fresh 105.9."….. Great Northern Broadcasting's country KICR, Coeur D' Alene, Idaho/Spokane, Washington brings Paul "Coyote" Neumann back on the airwaves. After a break from broadcasting, Neumann begins hosting afternoon drive tomorrow (6/7)…..Cool Radio LLC brings Jim Williams aboard to serve as news director and production manager for its Rocky Mountain trio of stations – triple A outlets KKVM, Vail "The Mile" and KSNO, Aspen "The Mammoth," plus alternative KZYR, Avon "The Zephyr."
Tainted Boston Jock Mark Parenteau Dead at 66. The radio industry is remembering legendary rock radio personality Mark Parenteau, who died at Mass. General Hospital early this morning after a long illness and a recent surgery. Parenteau rose to fame on Boston's legendary rock station WBCN, where he held down the afternoon drive time slot for 19 years. As the rock radio landscape changed and WBCN's ratings domination eroded in the 1990s, Parenteau was let go from the station in 1997. He landed at the old XM Satellite radio in Washington. But it was in Washington that he was arrested for having sex with a minor in 2004. Parenteau's reputation was tarnished after prosecutors charged him with luring teenaged boys to his apartment and plying them with liquor and marijuana. He pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse and was sentenced to three years in prison. Read the Boston Herald account of his life and death here.
Hivio 2016 Day Two Coverage: Commercial Radio's Changing Model. RadioInfo managing editor Mike Kinosian reports from Los Angeles and day two of the Hivio 2016 conference. Among the media pros who spoke with conference organizer and presenter Mark Ramsey were Panoply Media chief content officer Andy Bowers, Recode senior editor for media Peter Kafka, ESPN general manager Traug Keller, and Lapides Entertainment CEO Howard Lapides. The focus was on podcasting, monetizing the nascent audio format, and podcasting's ultimate effect on AM/FM radio. All of the aforementioned media figures are working at the ground level in the podcasting business and strongly believe in its power as a news and entertainment medium and as a revenue generator. Read Kinosian's complete coverage here.
iHeartMedia Launches 'iHeart80s 103.7' in San Francisco. Bay Area signal KOSF will be the home of the company's 1980s station branded "iHeart80s 103.7" effective today. For the next eight days, the station will air commercial-free 80s music with a 6:00 am to 10:00 am show that will be hosted by iconic MTV VJ Martha Quinn. She says, "I love everything about music from the '80s, and I'm psyched to relive the excitement of my favorite decade every morning with San Francisco's '80s fans of all ages. This influential decade obviously holds a very special place in my heart, and every day I hear from people who remind me that I'm not the only one. Hosting the first iHeart80s Party earlier this year was a total blast, I knew I had to be involved with the launch of this trailblazing new station. Every day will be a boombox of awesome." The company calls the new station a "broadcast extension" of the iHeart80s channel on the iHeartRadio digital platform. SVP/programming, San Francisco Region Don Parker says, "iHeartRadio has an unparalleled ability to connect with its audience through a variety of great music and top-billed live events like the iHeart80s Party. When we were discussing creating the first iHeart80s-branded FM station, we knew that San Francisco would be the perfect place for it to launch, and that Martha Quinn was the only person we wanted to launch it with."
RadioInfo Tidbits. Tampa Bay radio personality Drew Garabo took up the mantle of former fellow staffer Jayde Donovan (now at WPLJ, New York) and threw a party for kids battling cancer at which he presented them with iPads. The event took place at the WHPT, Tampa "102.5 The Bone" studios on June 4 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Garabo says, "Children should have to worry about what video game they want to play or how to ace a test, not about fighting for their lives. I'm hoping that we can help them keep their mind occupied at such a challenging time." Listeners and clients were directed to donate to the Give Hope Foundation which helps secure the iPads. WHPT morning host Mike Calta got in on the action as well, helping raise more than $13,000 through his show. The staff of the station and hospital staffers are pictured at right…..A couple of deals to report today: Central Arkansas Radio Group closes on the $1.6 million dollar acquisition of four Hot Springs, Arkansas signals from Noalmark Broadcasting. The deal is for CHR KLAZ, rock KYRC, rock KHRK, and news/talk KBHS. Second, EAB of Russellville is applying to buy three stations from Kermit and Diane Womack for $800,000. The stations are country KARV-FM, Ola, Arkansas; news/talk KARV-AM, Russellville, Arkansas; and country KYEL, Danville, Arkansas…..Rockcastle Media Group and broadcasting pro John Christopher are entering in to a partnership in which Rockcastle will provide affiliate relations and distribution services to Christopher for the syndication of his adult standards radio show called, "The Neon Beat." Christopher's show emanates from flagship station KCXL, Kansas City…..Mid-West Family Broadcasting's classic rock KKLH, Springfield, Missouri "104.7 The CAVE" is the new local affiliate station for Kansas City Chiefs football beginning this season.
Analysis: Hivio 2016 Day 2
By Mike Kinosian
Managing Editor
LOS ANGELES — After presenting a full slate of activity Thursday afternoon (6/2), San Diego-based media advisor-strategist/research analyst Mark Ramsey returned the following morning (Friday, 6/3) with another packed schedule as part of Hivio 2016. Kicking things off was a one-on-one discussion with Panoply Media chief content officer Andy Bowers, who has been working on Slate podcasts since 2005. The former, 14-year NPR correspondent joined Slate in April 2003 when it was working on various internet projects. "By magazine standards, we jumped in pretty early," he recalls. "It proved to be one of the most popular things Slate did." By 2014, they realized other magazines would most likely get into the business as well and Bowers opines, "We could either compete [against them] or we could try to form a network and help teach them what we had learned." That was the idea behind Panoply, a full-service podcast network that "connects sophisticated listeners with top publishers and thinkers," which was started approximately 16 months ago. "We are trying to be a 'one-stop shop' for media brands, authors, and people we think should be doing a podcast," Bowers told Ramsey.


text:
Mary Richards, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — Officials at the University of Utah say their new 3-D printer that is now available to any student, faculty or staff is getting more and more popular, and the reasons for its use are expanding into surprising fields.
The 3-D printer is housed in the J. Willard Marriott Library and it has been humming for hours, printing out projects for those who know how to use the software.
"We are printing 24/7 right now, but we haven't been doing that for a long time so we are still identifying how to deal with it," said IT supervisor TJ Ferrill.
Ferrill had the idea to get the funding for the technology in August.
"The idea was to have a service that's available to all students, faculty and staff and they come to the Marriott Library and check it out and try it out," Ferrill said.
The cost is $5 a cubic inch, Ferrill said. Depending on the size of the project, it could take a few hours to print.
"People come and ask questions about the printer and we say, 'you will have to learn how to model and use the software that interfaces with the printer' and they do it," Ferrill said.
It's very popular with architecture and engineering students.
Ferrill said he has helped print out scale buildings for architecture students, models for engineering students and even models for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
The Huntsman Cancer Institute printed a mold for a prosthetic foot, Ferrill said. The plastic and plaster process can be thousands of dollars, but the printer made it happen for a few hundred.
"If you had a micro controller you could put it in here, the material here, you can't break this," he said. "This is incredibly strong stuff."
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
PRO Research
DSW: Overdone Sell-Off And Multiple Positive Catalysts Should Generate At Least 20%- 30% Upside
John Zhang • 16 Comments
John Zhang • 16 Comments
When Will DSW Be Good Value?
Alpha Gen Capital
Alpha Gen Capital
DSW Still Looks Expensive After The Drop
Josh Arnold
Josh Arnold
DSW Still Looks Expensive After The Drop
Josh Arnold
Josh Arnold
DSW: Good Business, Bad Price
Josh Arnold
Josh Arnold
Aug. 28, 2015, 10:58 AM
- DSW (NYSE:DSW) announces new store openings in McHenry, Illinois and Newport News, Virginia.
- The company is now up to 455 stores after having 449 at the end of Q2 and about 410 at this point a year ago.
- While DSW's sales and EPS have improved over the last year, share price hasn't quite kept up, DSW -7.1% over the last 52 weeks.
- Dividend investors might take note that the company offers a 2.8% yield and carries no long-term debt.
Aug. 25, 2015, 12:46 PM
Aug. 25, 2015, 7:20 AM
- DSW (NYSE:DSW) reports comparable sales rose 1.8%.
- DSW business sales grew 7% to $592.58M.
- ABG business sales were up 4% to $34.62M.
- Gross margin rate increased 120 bps to 30.5%
- Store count +39 Y/Y to 449.
- The company expects FY2015 EPS to be in the range of $1.80 to $1.90.
- Q2 results
Aug. 25, 2015, 7:01 AM
- DSW (NYSE:DSW): Q2 EPS of $0.42 in-line.
- Revenue of $627M (+6.8% Y/Y) misses by $9.68M.
Aug. 24, 2015, 5:30 PM
Jul. 30, 2015, 10:48 AM
- Shoe stocks are higher after Skechers (SKX +13.8%), Steve Madden (SHOO +2.9%), and Crocs (CROX +8.7%) all top estimates in Q2.
- Skechers showed the strongest growth rates of the trio, although pricing and demand trends look positive across the sector.
- Notable shoe movers include Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE:WWW) +1.3%, Deckers Outdoor (NYSE:DECK) +1.0%, DSW (NYSE:DSW) +1.9%.
Jul. 14, 2015, 3:09 PM
- A weak read on demand for apparel in today's Retail Sales report is contributing to a down day for some stocks in the sector.
- Notable decliners include Aeropostale (ARO -2.8%), Pacific Sunwear (PSUN -5.3%), DSW (DSW -4.8%), Christopher & Banks (CBK -4.9%), Stage Stores (SSI -2.2%).
- Previously: June Retail Sales miss expectations (Jul. 14 2015)
- Previously: Retail sales: No help from department stores (Jul. 14 2015)
Jun. 11, 2015, 8:48 AM
- Clothing stores showed some signs of life in May as tipped in today's Retail Sales report.
- The category was up 1.5% M/M and 3.6% Y/Y to outpace total retail sales.
- The improvement is consistent is with the reads from the narrow range of apparel chains which still report monthly sales.
- The sector has seen discounters show stronger traffic trends than mall-based chains, although both groups have eased off promotional activity a bit.
- Previously: Retail sales stronger-than-expected in May
- Related stocks: ANF, AEO, LUX, GES, CTRN, CATO, LB, PLCE, SSI, ROST, GPS, BOOT, CHS, MW, ANN, ASNA, BKE, DSW, EXPR, URBN, FRAN.
Jun. 6, 2015, 12:58 PM
- Many analysts covering the apparel/department store part of the retail sector have been pushing out the same story on global lifestyle brands and REIT conversions without giving investors much of a play except an all-in turnaround bet.
- There's a suspicion with some industry insiders that F/X and comp sales headlines are hiding some undervalued picks.
- A few screens below. Add your own in the comments.
- Lowest forward price-to-earnings ratio: Genesco (NYSE:GCO), Dillard's (NYSE:DDS), Gap (NYSE:GPS), Stage Stores (NYSE:SSI), Stein Mart (NASDAQ:SMRT).
- Lowest price-to-book ratio: Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF), Stage Stores, Ascena Retail Group (NASDAQ:ASNA), Guess (NYSE:GES), J.C. Penney (NYSE:JCP).
- Highest current ratio (assets/liabilities): Shoe Carnival (NASDAQ:SCVL), Francesca's (NASDAQ:FRAN), Guess, Citi Trends (NASDAQ:CTRN), DSW (NYSE:DSW).
May 27, 2015, 7:56 AM
- Comparable-store sales rose 5.1% for DSW (NYSE:DSW) in Q1 off of strong demand for athletic footwear.
- Revenue for the DSW business was up 9.5% to $612.21M.
- Gross profit rate +110 bps.
- Merchandise margin rate +85 bps.
- Operating expense rate -10 bps.
- Inventory +13.8% on a cost per square foot basis.
- Guidance: DSW expects FY15 EPS of $1.80-$1.90 vs. $1.88 consensus.
- Previously: DSW beats by $0.06, beats on revenue
- DSW +1.52% premarket.
May 27, 2015, 7:02 AM
- DSW (NYSE:DSW): Q1 EPS of $0.53 beats by $0.06.
- Revenue of $655.49M (+9.4% Y/Y) beats by $2.08M.
May 26, 2015, 5:30 PM
Mar. 18, 2015, 7:06 AM
- DSW (NYSE:DSW) announces 19 new stores will open this spring.
- The expansion will include the company entering 12 new markets.
- DSW aims to open 35 stores this year.
- Previously: DSW beats by $0.07, beats on revenue (Mar. 17 2015)
- Previously: DSW +7% after impressive comp (Mar. 17 2015)
Mar. 17, 2015, 9:19 AM
Mar. 17, 2015, 8:12 AM
- Shares of DSW (NYSE:DSW) fly in opening premarket trades after the company showed comp acceleration in Q4.
- The comp includes DSW's online channel which has been revamped and is seen giving the shoe seller broader reach.
- DSW appears to have navigated around the West Coast port slowdown without a large impact on its bottom line.
- Previously: DSW beats by $0.07, beats on revenue
- Previously: DSW delivers 7.6% comp in Q4
- DSW +6.78% premarket to $39.35.
Mar. 17, 2015, 7:20 AM
- DSW (NYSE:DSW) reports comparable-store sales rose 7.6% in Q4.
- Operating profit +4.4% Y/Y to $47.87M.
- The company's store count increased by 37 to 431 units.
- Inventory was up 6.7% on a square footage basis.
- Guidance: DSW expects comp growth of 7% to 8%. Full-year EPS of $1.80-$1.90 is forecast.
- Previously: DSW beats by $0.07, beats on revenue
Company Description
DSW, Inc. engages in the provisions of footwear and accessories. It offers a range of footwear products such as casual and athletic footwear, handbags as well as accessories for women, men and kids. It operates through the following segments: DSW stores, dsw.com and ABG segment. DSW, Inc. was... More
Sector: Services
Industry: Apparel Stores
Country: United States
Other News & PR
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