Radio Ratings Roundup: AC Stations Dominate, Sports Surge, and Streaks End!
The latest Nielsen PPM (Portable People Meter) surveys for April reveal a dynamic shift in radio listenership across various markets. Adult Contemporary (AC) stations continue to be a dominant force, while sports radio is experiencing a significant resurgence, fueled by the start of the MLB season and the NBA/NHL playoffs. Several long-standing streaks at the top also came to an end, shaking up the rankings. This report highlights some of the key takeaways and market-specific developments from the Day 1 and Day 2 PPM data.
Upsets Across the Nation: Several stations saw their long winning streaks broken in the April PPM surveys. In Miami, Cox Media Group's "Easy 93.1" WFEZ dethroned urban AC sister "Hot 105" WHQT after 27 consecutive surveys at the top. In Phoenix, Hubbard classic rock KSLX ended iHeart AC "99.9 K-EZ" KESZ's 20-book streak. Perhaps the biggest upset occurred in Tampa, where Radio Training Network contemporary Christian "The Joy FM 91.5" WCIE took the lead from soft AC WDUV, ending a 45-survey run at number one.
AC Stations Reign Supreme: Adult Contemporary stations are proving their staying power. On Day 1, AC and soft AC outlets led in major markets like New York (iHeartMedia AC "Lite FM" WLTW), Los Angeles (iHeart AC KOST), Chicago (iHeart soft AC "93.9 Lite FM" WLIT), and Houston (iHeart AC "Sunny 99.1" KODA). The format’s consistent performance demonstrates its broad appeal across diverse demographics.
Sports Radio Bounces Back: With the MLB season underway and NBA/NHL playoffs heating up, sports radio is experiencing a resurgence. The Day 1 report shows an impressive 7.5 share point increase for sports stations across the reporting markets compared to March. Markets with strong MLB starts or playoff-bound NBA/NHL teams saw even more pronounced growth. Audacy sports "97.1 The Ticket" WXYT-FM in Detroit, for example, retook the lead thanks to the postseason berth of the NBA’s Pistons and a hot start for MLB’s Tigers.
Key Market Highlights:
- New York: iHeartMedia AC "Lite FM" WLTW continued their dominance with their 32nd consecutive win.
- Los Angeles: The race between iHeart AC KOST and Audacy classic hits "K-Earth 101" KRTH remained tight.
- Chicago: iHeart soft AC "93.9 Lite FM" WLIT took the top spot for the first time since the holiday book.
- Dallas: Cumulus Media stations ruled the top three, with sports "The Ticket" KTCK-AM-FM back at number-one.
The April PPM surveys paint a picture of a dynamic radio landscape where listener preferences are constantly evolving. How will these trends continue to develop in the coming months? What strategies will stations employ to adapt to these changes and maintain their audience share?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
