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RadioInsight

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March 2022 (3/3 - 3/30) Nielsen Audio Ratings Day 2: KJZZ Leads Phoenix For
The First Time

Posted: 20 Apr 2022 02:00 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/224137/march-2022-3-3-3-30-nielsen-audio-ratings-day-2-kjzz-leads-phoenix-for-the-first-time/



Nielsen Audio has released Day 2 of its monthly four day sweep of ratings
in PPM markets.

Todays releases include Washington DC, Boston, Seattle, Miami, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Denver, Baltimore,
and St. Louis.

All the numbers can be found at RadioInsight.com/Ratings.


Public News/Talk 88.5 WAMU leads Washington DC as it slips 10.8 to 9.6.
Hubbard News 103.5 WTOP rises back to second 7.3 to 8.7. Howard University Adult RB 96.3 WHUR is third up 8.1 to 8.3. iHeartMedia AC 97.1 WASH slips
7.5 to 7.1. Well behind in fifth is iHeartMedia Classic Rock Big 100.3
WBIG-FM up 4.2 to 4.3.

Classical 90.9 WETA-FM trends down 5.3 4.2 4.0. iHeartMedia CHR Hot 99.5
WIHT is down 4.7 to 4.2. Trending up in Washington are Audacys duo of
Classic Hits 94.7 The Drive WIAD (3.0 3.5 3.7) and Hip Hop 95.5 WPGC
(2.8 3.2 3.4).

Beasley Media Classic Hits 105.7 WROR rises 6.9 8.4 9.2 to lead Boston. Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes that is the largest share ever in the
history the station. Beasleys 98.5 The Sports Hub WBZ-FM rises 6.3 to 7.3
to move up to second just ahead of Audacy AC Magic 106.7 WMJX as it rises
6.7 to 7.2. iHeartMedia Classic Rock 100.7 WZLX is fourth up 5.2 to 5.9,
while co-owned CHR Kiss 108 WXKS-FM is down a share 6.6 to 5.6.

The Public News/Talk battle in Boston is moving in opposite directions.
90.9 WBUR trends up 3.9 4.3 5.0, while 89.7 WGBH-FM dips 3.4 3.0 2.6. iHeartMedias Conservative Talk 680 WRKO jumps up 3.6 to 4.7. Trending down
are Audacy Sports 93.7 WEEI-FM (3.1 2.7 2.6) and iHeartMedia Hip Hop Jamn 94.5 WJMN (3.1 3.0 2.3).

Bonneville News/Talk 97.3 KIRO-FM stays on top of Seattle steady at a 7.4 share. Hubbard AC Warm 106.9 KRWM places second up 5.5 to 6.3. Public
News/Talk 94.9 KUOW-FM rises 5.3 to 5.9. iHeartMedias duo of Classic Rock
102.5 KZOK (steady at 5.5) and Classic Hits 95.7 The Jet KJR-FM (up 5.0 to
5.4) follow.

Following its addition of the 93.3 KUBE signal on the second week of the survey, iHeartMedia Sports 950 KJR rises 0.9 to 1.8. The stations have
since split with the local programming remaining on 93.3.

Audacy Rhythmic AC Hot 103.7 KHTP takes advantage of the loss of KUBEs
former Hip Hop format to trend up 2.7 2.9 3.6. Despite the multi-week
stunt to move those listeners to CHR Hits 106.1 KBKS-FM, that station only rises 2.8 to 3.1.

Trending down in Seattle are Audacy Rock 99.9 KISW (5.1 to 4.3) and AAA
90.3 KEXP (3.3 2.5 2.3).

Cox takes the top two spots in Miami with Soft AC Easy 93.1 WFEZ moving 9.1
to 9.0 and Adult RB Hot 105 WHQT down 8.2 to 7.2. SBS Spanish Oldies Zeta
92.3 WCMQ (5.3 to 5.2) and Audacy AC 101.5 Lite-FM WLYF (5.7 to 5.2) tie
for third. Univision Spanish AC Amor 107.5 WAMR is fifth 5.1 to 4.9.

Audacy Classic Hits 104.3 WOMC remains on top in Detroit down from its
record high last month 8.3 to 7.7. iHeartMedia Adult RB Mix 92.3 WMXD
inches up 6.4 to 6.5. Beasley Classic Rock 94.7 WCSX rises 5.9 to 6.4. iHeartMedia AC 100.3 WNIC slips 6.6 to 6.2. Audacy Sports 97.1 The Ticket WXYT-FM rises 5.0 to 5.7.

Cumuluss Detroit FMs move in opposite directions as Hot AC 96.3 WDVD slips
3.7 3.6 2.9, while New Country 93.1 WDRQ rises 2.0 to 2.7.

Public News/Talk 91.5 KJZZ-FM makes history in Phoenix as it rises 6.3 to
6.8 to take the market lead for the first time in its history. Chris Huff
notes it is also a record high share for the station. iHeartMedia AC 99.9
KEZ KESZ is second up 6.5 to 6.6. Hubbard Classic Rock 100.7 KSLX jumps up
4.6 to 5.5. iHeartMedia Conservative Talk 550 KFYI trends down 5.7 5.4
4.6. Desert Valley Medias The Wow Factor 95.1 KOAI is fifth up 4.0 4.1
4.5.

Hubbard Hot AC KS 95 KSTP-FM remains on top of Minneapolis despite falling
10.1 to 8.5. Public News/Talk 91.1 KNOW-FM rises 6.6 to 7.3. Audacy Variety Hits 104.1 Jack-FM WZJK jumps up 5.2 to 6.4. iHeartMedia Classic Hits Kool
108 KQQL is up 5.7 to 6.0. Minnesota Public Radio AAA 89.3 The Current KCMP surges up 4.8 to 5.7 for what Huff notes is its largest share ever.

Northwestern Media Christian AC 98.5 KTIS-FM trends up 4.2 4.7 7.0. The Milestone Radio Classic Country Bob quintcast falls 2.0 to 0.7.

Audacy Classic Hits Sunny 98.1 KXSN leads San Diego as it slips 8.1 to 7.0.
LM San Diego Variety Hits 100.7 Big-FM KFBG surges up 4.0 to 6.3 for what
Huff notes is its largest share since Spring 1998 when it was Hot AC Star 100.7. LM San Diego Rhythmic AC Magic 92.5 XHRM is third steady at a 6.0
share. Public News/Talk 88.5 KPBS slips 6.6 6.3 5.8. Audacy AC 96.5 KYXY
is fifth up 4.4 to 4.7.

Trending down are iHeartMedias Rock 105.3 KIOZ (4.9 4.4 3.8) and Hot AC
Star 94.1 KMYI (4.4 to 3.8). iHeart News/Talk 600 KOGO rises 2.9 3.3 3.8.
LM San Diego CHR Z90.3 XHTZ is up 3.1 3.5 3.7.

Cox Soft AC 105.5 WDUV continues to lead Tampa down 8.6 to 8.1. Radio
Training Network Christian AC The Joy FM 91.5 WCIE is second 6.7 to 6.6.
Cox AC Magic 94.9 WWRM rises to third 5.0 to 5.4. Beasley Classic Hits Q105 WRBQ jumps up 4.4 to 5.1. Cox Classic Rock 107.3 The Eagle WXGL is down 5.4
to 5.0.

iHeartMedias duo of AC Mix 100.7 WMTX (6.1 5.3 4.7) and 98 Rock WXTB (5.1
to 4.2) see drops. Beasley Spanish CHR Maxima 92.5 WYUU rises 2.8 to 3.6.

Audacy Classic Rock 99.5 The Mountain KQMT leads Denver up 6.6 to 6.8 with
what Huff notes is its largest share since June 2016. Bonneville Country
98.5 KYGO holds in second up 5.9 to 6.3. KSE Media Hot AC Mix 100 KIMN
surges up 4.6 to 5.9. Audacy Hot AC Alice 105.9 KALC (5.7 to 5.4) and Bonneville AC 101.1 KOSI (5.6 to 5.4) tie for fourth.

Trending up in Denver is iHeartMedia Alternative Channel 93.3 KTCL (2.9
3.1 3.4). Audacy Hip Hop KS 107.5 KQKS falls 1.7 to 1.3 to set a new
record low in the history of the brand. Also falling in Denver are KSE
Media Classic Hits Kool 105 KXKL (5.7 to 4.9), Bonneville Sports 104.3 The
Fan KKFN-FM (3.9 2.7 2.3), and iHeartMedia News/Talk 850/94.1 KOA (3.3
2.6 2.0).

Radio One Adult RB Magic 95.9 WWIN-FM leads Baltimore dipping 8.6 to 8.4. Audacy AC Todays 101.9 WLIF is second 8.0 to 7.9. iHeartMedia Variety Hits 102.7 Jack-FM WQSR is off 7.4 to 7.1, while sister Country 93.1 WPOC is
fourth 6.2 to 6.1. Audacy Hot AC Mix 106.5 WWMX slips 5.2 to 4.1.

Off in Baltimore are Hearsts 98 Rock WIYY (4.5 to 3.9) and iHeartMedia CHR Z104.3 WZFT (3.4 3.1 2.3).

Hubbards Rock duo of Classic Rock 94.7 KSHE (up 8.6 to 9.8) and Alternative 105.7 The Point KPNT (7.2 to 8.2) take dominant leads in St. Lous.
iHeartMedia Classic Hits 103.3 KLOU (6.7 to 7.0) and Audacy AC 102.5 KEZK
(7.5 to 7.0) tie for third. Hubbard Variety Hits 106.5 The Arch WARH is
fifth down 7.1 to 6.9.

Hubbard Country 92.3 WIL trends up 4.6 5.7 6.4, while iHeartMedias 93.7
The Bull KSD-FM drops 8.2 5.4 4.8. Audacy Conservative Talk 97.1 FM Talk
KFTK drops 4.0 3.4 2.6 as iHeartMedias 104.9 The Patriot KTLK-FM is up slightly 0.8 to 1.1.


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Steve Smith & Tim Richards Launch Consultancy

Posted: 20 Apr 2022 01:15 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/224177/steve-smith-tim-richards-launch-consultancy/



Veteran radio senior executives Steve Smith and Tim Richards and digital marketing strategist Heidi McIvor-Allen announce that they have joined
forces to launch a new radio consulting group, the Smith Richards
Collective. The Smith Richards Collective brings deep radio operations, programming, and digital marketing experience to radio stations and groups, with a fresh approach and innovative strategies to help stations grow their audience and revenues, while saving money. 

Steve Smith, Partner, Smith Richards Collective, said: At the most comprehensive level, SRC has the ability to assist in programming an entire cluster or group of stations in ALL FORMATS. We’re approaching the industry in a way that fits today’s needs. 

Tim Richards, Partner, Smith Richards Collective, noted: “This is a full-service venture offering a wide spectrum of services that can be
tailored to each clients unique needs with the goal of improving the
product while achieving immediate savings.” 

In addition to podcast and radio talent coaching services, the Smith
Richards Collective offers full-service white glove consulting for radio stations and groups. Services include brand growth and strategy, music
strategy and scheduling, production, imaging and talent services –
including locating quality tracked talent and station voice talent,
audience targeting and contesting, and reviewing and improving ratings
through a dedicated team focused on ratings analysis and tactics to market
to the listeners that matter most. 

The Smith Richards Collective also includes an embedded full-service
digital marketing agency, McIvor Marketing, which offers stations and
groups a full spectrum of digital resources and support, including email marketing, podcast development and support, social and digital advertising, website development, and creative support, as well as training for sales
and programming, led by partner Heidi McIvor-Allen.

Tim Richards’ successful radio career spans over 30 years, with stops in Tucson (KRQ), Boston (WBMX), Detroit (WKQI), Chicago (Q101) and Phoenix
(KZZP, KALV, KMLE). He has worked with many of the industry’s best talent
and brands, including Mojo in the Morning, Johnjay and Rich and The Morning Mess. 

Steve Smith has more than 34 years of major market radio experience, and he
has left a trail of success everywhere he goes. During Steve’s 11-year run
as VP of Programming at Cox Media Group, the company enjoyed close to 70%
of their full signal stations in the top 5 among 25-54 adults in all
formats. Prior to Cox, Steve was SVP of Programming for Clear
Channel/iHeart Media, SVP of Programming at AM/FM, and VP/Programming at
Emmis Broadcasting. He is also a two-time Billboard Consultant of the Year. Smith has extensive experience coaching and developing top-tier,
award-winning morning shows and talent, including Ryan Seacrest, Bigboy, Johnjay and Rich, Brooke and Jubal, Miguel and Holly, Rickey Smiley and
more. 

Digital marketing strategist Heidi McIvor-Allen, owner of McIvor Marketing,
has been in the digital marketing space for over 13 years. She spent five
of those years working on the digital side of radio in both Saginaw, MI,
and Atlanta, GA, followed by eight years in the agency world. McIvor-Allen
has worked extensively in sales and execution with significant expertise in automotive, events, hospitality, e-commerce and more. From training to execution, McIvor-Allen’s team brings proven marketing prowess to the table that guarantees client growth and success. McIvor-Allen is an expert in
SEO, SEM, Branding, and Social Media Marketing. She also offers expert
website design and development and high impact digital ads. An active
leader in her industry, she is a member of ForbesWomen Forum, Meta’s
Leaders Network, and serves on the marketing board for Northwood
University. She is also a trained brainstorm facilitator, a founding member
of a Global Women’s Collective, and is certified in Wellbeing in the Workplace.

Tim Richards’ separate service, Audience Targeting Strategy, continues to
be available to stations through Benztown. 


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Meghan Ottolini Joins WEEI's Merloni & Fauria

Posted: 20 Apr 2022 12:36 PM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/224149/meghan-ottolini-joins-weeis-merloni-fauria/



Audacy Sports 93.7 WEEI-FM Lawrence/Boston has announced the addition of
Meghan Ottolini as a third co-host of their “Merloni Fauria” afternoon show starting May 4.

Ottolini has served as a part-time host at WEEI since January 2021. She previously served as a multimedia reporter for the Boston Herald, co-host
of NBC Sports Boston’s “Quick Slants”, and a host, reporter and editor for
CRNtv.

She will now join incumbent co-hosts Lou Merloni and Christian Fauria on
the 2-6pm afternoon show.

Audacy has announced Meghan Ottolini as afternoon show co-host on WEEI (WEEI-FM) in Boston. Ottolini will join “Merloni Fauria” and be heard weekdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, beginning May 4. Ottolini had previously been serving as a part-time host on the station since January
2021.

“Meghan is a rising star in this industry and we are very excited to have
her join ‘Merloni Fauria’ each afternoon, said Mike Thomas, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Boston. “Writing is a passion of
Meghans and she will be able to continue to do that for our station’s website, enabling her to create cant miss content for Boston sports fans – both on air and online.”

“I’m thrilled to join WEEI and work alongside Lou [Merloni] and Christian [Fauria] delivering premier sports talk coverage in the best sports city in
the country,” said Ottolini. “This opportunity is such a privilege and I look forward to having a lot of fun in this next chapter of my career.”

Ottolini is a multi-platform sports broadcaster, having most recently
served as a multimedia reporter for the Boston Herald since 2017.
Additionally, she was an on-air talent for NBC Sports Boston’s “Quick Slants” television program. She also served as a host, reporter and editor for CRNtv in Framingham, MA from 2012 to 2017.


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WTRP Flips To Classic Country

Posted: 20 Apr 2022 10:29 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/224140/wtrp-flips-to-classic-country/



Tiger Communications has flipped Classic Hits Troup 98.9 620 WTRP/98.9
W255DP La Grange GA to Classic Country Classic Country 98.9.

The station features a local morning show hosted by Walter Douglas and
features a playlist centered on music from the 1980s through early 2000s.
WTRP continues to feature sports play-by-play of Lafayette Christian High School, LaGrange College, and the Atlanta Braves.


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Drew Anderssen Departs WSB To Program KRLD

Posted: 20 Apr 2022 06:08 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/224130/drew-anderssen-departs-wsb-to-program-krld/



Drew Anderssen is joining Audacy News 1080 KRLD Dallas and the Texas State Networks as Brand Manager.

Anderssen joins Audacy from Cox Media Group where he was Brand Manager of News/Talk 750 WSB/95.5 WSBB Atlanta and corporate News/Talk/Sports format leader. He has spent the past 24 years with Cox previously serving as Operations Manager for KRMG Tulsa and Program Director of WDBO Orlando.
Prior to joining the company, he worked in music radio hosting nights at
KHTT Tulsa, programming KIOC Beaumont TX, and Promotions Director/night
host at KNIN Wichita Falls.

Audacy welcomes Drew Anderssen as Brand Manager of Newsradio 1080 KRLD (KRLD-AM) and the Texas State Networks (TSN) in Dallas/Fort Worth. In this role, Anderssen will oversee content strategy, talent, operations and
branding for the station and networks.

“We’re delighted to bring Drew aboard to lead KRLD and TSN,” said Brian Purdy, Regional President and Market Manager, Audacy Dallas/Fort Worth.
“For over two decades, Drew has proven to be a winning brand leader across multiple formats, which we trust will serve him well as he takes the reins
of DFW’s news and information brand.”

“Im thrilled to join Audacy and work with the phenomenal team at KRLD and
the Texas State Networks,” said Anderssen. “This was a tremendous opportunity to return to the city where I grew up and fell in love with
radio, and work with such a prestigious brand and decorated team. Im
grateful to Susan Larkin, Jeff Sottolano, Brian Purdy and Gavin Spittle and
I cant wait to hit the ground running in the Lone Star State.

For the last 24 years, Anderssen has worked in multiple formats and
locations with Cox Media Group, most recently as news/talk/sports format
leader and brand manager at 95.5 WSB in Atlanta, GA. He previously served
as operations manager in Orlando, FL and Tulsa, OK. Other career stops
include Beaumont and Wichita Falls, TX in various roles, including program director across multiple formats.


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Mary Lucia Departs The Current

Posted: 20 Apr 2022 05:45 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/224127/mary-lucia-departs-the-current/



Mary Lucia, the only afternoon host in the seventeen year history of
Minnesota Public Radio AAA 89.3 The Current KCMP Minneapolis, will exit her position following her show on Thursday, April 21.

Lucia has been a staple in Minneapolis since the early 90s with stints
hosting nights at Rev 105, co-hosting mornings and local music show Popular Creeps at successor Zone 105, and hosting a talk show at 1500 KSTP. She has been with KCMP since its launch in January 2005.

Lucia, who also serves as imaging voice for the station, intends to focus
on her voiceover work. Bring Me The News states that Lucia is one of many longtime Current staffers to depart over the past couple of years following original evening host Mark Wheat in 2020, Local Show host Andrea Swensson
last April, and Sean McPherson in February to become Music Director at Jazz
88 KBEM-FM Minneapolis.

In a statement on the Current website, Program Director Jim McGuinn said,
She has long been more than a DJ to music fans. Shes been a friend, playing
her favorite records and opening her heart to our listeners, who have
responded with deep appreciation. Shes been recognized as City Pages
Readers Choice Best DJ nearly every year of the Currents existence and been
at the mic for hundreds of memorable sessions, conversations and interviews.


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Marquee Broadcasting Acquires WHIZ Media Group

Posted: 20 Apr 2022 05:10 AM PDT https://radioinsight.com/headlines/224106/marquee-broadcasting-acquires-whiz-media-group/



The WHIZ Media Group of four radio stations and one television station
serving Zanesville OH has been sold Salisbury MD based Marquee Broadcasting.

The sale will end four generations of Littick family ownership of the
group, which operates CHR Z92.7 WHIZ-FM South Zanesville, Country Highway
103.7 WZVL Philo, Full Service 1240 WHIZ Zanesville and NBC affiliate
WHIZ-TV. The company also owns the license of Regional Mexican La Grande
102.5 WWLG Baltimore/Columbus OH, which is operated by Radio One via LMA.

The deal will mark an entry into radio for Marquee, which currently owns television stations in Albany, Macon, and Toccoa GA, Bowling Green KY, and their home base of Salisbury.

Wednesday morning the WHIZ Media Group announced it has sold its media properties in Zanesville to Marquee Broadcasting.

This includes NBC affiliated TV station WHIZ, which dates back to 1953 and
four radio stations (WHIZ-AM and its FM transmitter, WHIZ-FM, and WZVL-FM).

WHIZ Media President, Hank Littick stated, “In four generations our family has built a wonderful group of stations during our ownership starting in
the print industry and migrating to electronic media. We have been blessed with a wonderful group of employees over the years, they are the heartbeat
of everything we do. We were looking for a buyer that was committed to the family atmosphere we have fostered and serving the local communities.
Marquee is committed to both, and we know we can trust them to carry on our legacy to the next chapter.”

Marquee CEO Patricia Lane noted “We are excited and privileged to build
upon the great foundation that the Littick family built in southeast Ohio.
The WHIZ family will be a perfect addition to the Marquee family of stations.”

The sale is being submitted for FCC approval and closing is anticipated to occur later this year.

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