January 27, 2010


» Arb-er's Bizarre: Owing to Christmas music in many markets, you'll notice some unusual results in the first Holiday 2009 Arbitron PPM ratings released today. Following those are the latest Fall 2009 diary ratings for stations in the top 150 markets, ranked by metro size. PPM figures are persons 6+ (diaries are for persons 12+), Monday-Sunday, 6am-midnight, with rankings in parentheses where applicable. Additional stations with ratings released this week will appear in Country Aircheck Weekly next Monday (2/1).
  • Los Angeles: Mt. Wilson's KKGO fell 2.0-1.7 (22-24t) with cume down 84,600 to 937,700 (23-25); they are the station's softest figures since PPM began here in July '08. A year ago, Go Country had a 2.7 (15t) with 1,124,100 listeners (21).
  • Chicago: Matching its lowest share in  the PPM era, CBS Radio's WUSN declined 4.1-3.8 (6-7t) with 1,167,000 listeners (12-11), down 38,100 from December. In Holiday '08, US99 also had a 3.8 (6) with 956,300 cume. 'USN has been America's most-heard Country station the past six surveys.
  • San Francisco: Entercom's KBWF recovered a bit from its lowest month ever, 1.7-1.8 (23t-22), with cume up 14,700 to 450,900 (26-26). A year ago, the Wolf had a 2.3 (18t) with a best-ever 605,800 cume (16). Empire's KRTY/San Jose held at a 1.0 (27t-27), with cume down 13,300 to 236,900 (28-29).
  • Dallas: In a stunning upset, Citadel's KSCS won the format battle for the first time since PPM began here in October '08. 'SCS held at a 3.9 (6t-6) with cume down 24,800 to 861,300 (10-10). That was good enough to beat Cumulus' KPLX, which fell sharply, 5.2-3.8 (3-7), which is its lowest share and rank in the PPM era. The Wolf's cume declined 81,600 to 1,122,300. In Holiday '08, KSCS had a 4.4 share (5) with 920,100 listeners (12), while KPLX delivered a 4.6 share (4) and 1,154,400 cume (4).
  • Houston: After three straight declines, Cox's KKBQ grew 3.4-3.8 (12-9), with cume up 28,600 to 915,200 (8-7). CBS Radio's KILT-FM dipped 3.0-2.8 (14t-15); its audience eased 2,400 to 843,700 (12-9). A year ago, KKBQ had a 3.3 share (13) with 967,600 cume (8), while KILT-FM scored a PPM-low 2.6 (16) with 864,600 listeners (11). Cox's Classic Country KTHT hit a PPM low, down 1.8-1.5 (21-23) with cume slipping 9,500 to 510,300 (20-20). Last Holiday, 'THT had a 2.3 (18t) and 541,400 cume (21).
  • Philadelphia: Beasley's WXTU stopped a three-survey decline, stepping up 3.6-3.8 (8t-6t), with cume down 25,300 to 611,300 (15-15). That performance beat Holiday '08's 3.4 share (12t) and audience of 596,400 (16).
  • Riverside: CBS Radio's KFRG gained 4.1-4.5 (6t-6), with cume off 3,500 from last survey's peak to 343,800 (8-8t), but easily beating Holiday '08's 3.1 (8t) and 276,600 cume (12). Mt. Wilson's KKGO held at a 1.3 (23t), with its cume down 14,100 to 124,300 listeners (25-24).
  • San Jose: Empire's KRTY decreased for the third straight period, 3.5-3.2 (12-12t), with its audience down 24,000 to 175,100 (12-15). That still topped Holiday '08's 3.1 (11t) and cume of 151,500 (20).
     
 



» In diary results:
  • McAllen: CC's KTEX posted its best book in 18 months, up 7.1-7.7 (3-3). Border Media's KBUC dipped 1.3-1.1 (18-17t), matching its ratings from a year ago.
  • Albuquerque: CC's KBQI scored its best book in years, up 3.9-5.2 (6t-3). Citadel's KRST increased 3.2-4.0 (11-6), surpassing Fall '08's 3.1. Aloha Station Trust's new Classic Country KABQ-FM scored a 2.4 (15).
  • El Paso: In this subscriber-only market (therefore no rankings), CC's KHEY-FM saw its lowest book in recent years, 5.2-3.4.
  • Charleston, SC: CC's WEZL was steady at a 6.0 (3-4t). Citadel's WIWF also was even at a 3.7 (9t-10), ahead of its 3.3 from Fall '08.
  • Des Moines: In another subscriber-only market, Citadel's KJJY shifted 5.1-5.0, beating its 4.5 from Fall '08. That performance was good enough to pull in front of co-owned KHKI, which, after two solid gains, was down 6.1-4.4.
  • Spokane: Also measuring subscribers only, CC's KIXZ was off 5.3-4.2, close to its 4.3 from a year ago. Mapleton's KDRK moved 3.7-3.6, its lowest figures in a long time. In its first Fall survey, Spokane Television's KEZE rose 3.0-3.4.
  • Madison: Mid-West Family's WWQM was down 5.5-4.5 (6-6), matching its ratings from a year ago and edging out CC's WMAD, which declined 5.1-4.3 (7-7). Dodge Point's WDMP-FM dipped 1.0-0.9 (16t-18).
  • Ft. Wayne, IN: JAM's WQHK stopped a two-book decline, up 7.0-8.2 (2-2) to its highest numbers since Spring '08. After three straight declines, Oasis' WBTU turned in an impressive 76% improvement, up 4.6-8.1 (9t-3) to its best ratings in two years.
  • Jackson, MS: CC's WMSI improved for the third book in a row, up 6.0-6.6 (4-4). New South Radio's WUSJ enjoyed its second straight uptick, 3.1-4.2 (11-6), besting Fall '08's 3.1.
 

» Road Crew Ahead: Nine North regionals Greg Stevens (West/Southwest) and Ryan Barnstead (Northeast/Midwest) have moved to new sister company Turnpike Music. Stevens has been named National Dir./West, with Barnstead as National Dir./East. Both have been with Nine North since its May 2007 launch and report to Nine North/Turnpike VP/Promotion & Marketing Tom Moran. Additionally, Nine North Dir./Secret Projects Kevin Mason adds a similar role for Turnpike, which is aimed at Activator, Indicator and secondary stations. Details on the open Nine North regional slots will be announced soon.
 

» Lucky Tucker: Neuhoff's WDZQ/Decatur, IL PM driver Toby Tucker has been named PD. Tucker assumes the role from Michael Theriac, who continues to program sister Top 40 WSOY-FM. Tucker can be reached at 217-423-9744 or here.
 

» New & Approved: Finalists for the ACM Awards' newcomer categories are: In the Top New Solo Vocalist category – Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson and Chris Young; for New Vocal Duo – Bomshel, Joey + Rory and Steel Magnolia; and for New Vocal Group – Eli Young Band, Gloriana and the Lost Trailers. Online voting runs Feb. 26 through March 12 at VoteACM.com. Each category's winner will compete for Top New Artist, which is also fan-voted and will be presented during the CBS-TV telecast airing live from Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena April 18 at 8pm ET.
 

» We've Got Contract: CBS Radio's WUSN/Chicago morning co-host Lisa Dent has signed a multi-year contract extension with the station. "Lisa is one of the premier talents in the country," says PD Bill Gamble. "Not only is she a remarkable interviewer, she has incredible relationships within the Nashville community, especially with the artists." Dent has spent 14 years with CBS Radio, the last eight with 'USN.
 

» Feels Like A Decade: Lyric Street's Rascal Flatts will celebrate their 10th anniversary Wednesday (2/3) with a tribute honoring more than 75 songwriters who have written tracks for the group's six albums. The event will be held at Nashville's Musicians Hall of Fame.
 



» Sunday Morning Going Down: BNA's Kenny Chesney will kick off Westwood One's Super Sunday coverage with a special version of his single "This Is Our Moment" mixed with highlights of the Indianapolis Colts' and New Orleans Saints' seasons. The network's Super Bowl XLIV programming begins at 3pm ET with Super Bowl Preview, followed by Super Sunday at 4pm.
 

» Kevin Can't Wait: Singer/songwriter Kevin Fowler ("Long Line Of Losers," "Beer, Bait And Ammo") has signed with Lyric Street. New music is expected this spring.
 

» Chairman Of The Board: MCA's Vince Gill will produce Curb's LeAnn Rimes' next album, which is being described as a collection of love songs that were previous hits for male artists. The pair will head into the studio in February; a release date hasn't been set.
 

» You're Looking At Country: A Sony Music/Nashville label will release a Loretta Lynn album featuring guest artists from multiple genres to mark the 50th anniversary of her debut single "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl." Also this year, reissues are expected of Lynn's bestselling 1976 autobiography Coal Miner's Daughter and film of the same name. Lynn is being honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award this weekend.
 

» Hall Of Free: Those visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Saturday (1/30) will be treated to free admission, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Fund. All of the museum's exhibits will be open from 9am-5pm in addition to two Songwriter Sessions with Tim Buppert and Jerry Vandiver at 11:30am and a TBD artist at 1:30pm.
 

» Have Some Compassion: Compassion International is offering stations free Country-specific resources, information, spots and liners as part of its Help Haiti with Compassion campaign, airing Feb. 1. The effort is intended to help radio raise funds for the children and families affected by the country's earthquake. Participating artists include Lady Antebellum, Jewel, Jeff Foxworthy, Josh Turner, Diamond Rio, Gretchen Wilson, Clay Walker and Mica Roberts. Sign up for these turnkey plug-ins here or by contacting Mike Severson at 615-496-6023 or here.
 

» Life Note: Our thoughts and prayers go out to Terri Clark, whose mother Linda Clark is battling cancer. Terri wrote a note to fans on her website Tuesday (1/26); read it here.
 

» Country Aircheck Today Top 5: Here are the Top 5 songs for Jan. 26:
  1. JASON ALDEAN/The Truth (BBR) 2247 points
  2. BRAD PAISLEY/American Saturday Night (Arista) 2218 points
  3. MIRANDA LAMBERT/White Liar (Columbia) 2035 points
  4. JOSH TURNER/Why Don't We Just Dance (MCA) 1934 points
  5. TIM MCGRAW/Southern Voice (Curb) 1920 points

All daily airplay data is from Mediabase 24/7.

 

» Country Aircheck Today Top 5 Downloads: Here are Play MPE's Top 5 for Jan. 26:
  1. TIM MCGRAW/Still (Curb)
  2. MALLARY HOPE/Blossom In The Dust (MCA)
  3. EMILY WEST f/KEITH URBAN/Blue Sky (Capitol)
  4. JERROD NIEMANN/Lover, Lover (Sea Gayle/Arista)
  5. TYLER DICKERSON/Tell Your Sister I'm Single (Lyric Street)
» Tomorrow's Birthdays (1/28): Greg Cook.
 

» Tube Check Tomorrow (1/28): Taylor Swift, CSI (re-air) (CBS).
 



» Blue Genie: Broken Bow's Jason Aldean kicks off the latest leg of his tour with a few Carolina friends. Pictured (l-r) are WESC/Greenville, SC's John Landrum, BBR VP/Promotion Lee Adams, WKKT/Charlotte's Ryan Dokke, WKSF/Asheville, NC's Brian Hatfield, Aldean, WSOC/Charlotte's DJ Stout, WSSL/Greenville, SC's Kix Layton, WKKT's Bruce Logan and BBR Southeast rep Clay Henderson.
 

» Kegling Party: Big Machine's Jack Purcell and Erik Powell celebrate their three-game sweep during WDSY/Pittsburgh's inaugural Bowl Off In The 'Burg. Pictured (l-r) are Promotions Dir. Jane O'Malia, CBS Radio/Pittsburgh VP/Programming Keith Clark, APD/MD Stoney Richards, Purcell and Powell.
 

» Sore Loser: Sony Music/Nashville's Paul Williams (kneeling) gets pushed around by (l-r) CO5/Nashville's Denise Roberts, WLHK/Indianapolis' Bob Richards and Big Machine's Mandy McCormack at the AFC Championship game between the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets Sunday (1/24).
 

» Bubba, You Can Play It Now: Mason/Grassroots's Travis Rush poses with Country Aircheck staff after a performance this morning (1/27). Rush shared the advice he got from hometown station KUPL/Portland to get written up in Country Aircheck. He also belted out a few tunes including his single "You'll Find Your Way." Pictured (l-r) are CA's Jeff Green, Lon Helton, Lauren Tingle and Erin Duvall, Rush, CA's Chuck Aly and Mary Forest Findley and Grassroots' Nancy Tunick.
 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


© 2010 Country Aircheck