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From Radio Insight: Welcome to the third edition of Mason?s Observations, a weekly review of the songs generating real requests and positive response amongst the 500+ phone calls, texts and DMs we get weekly. Plus, we point out songs with no passion from listeners which got hyped to high chart positions which clutter the format with high tune-out potential.* Songs with No PassionWhen times are tough, many programmers turn to Mediabase to pick adds instead of Spotify and other charts to find songs that at least have digital consumption or passion (which usually end up becoming radio hits anyway, long after Gen Z has discovered them). Best indicator of hype and weak PD passion is no streaming action plus the ratio of overnight spins to daytime airplay?more than 30% overnights is a fake add. Songs gaining airplay this week in the CHR Top 30 for which we have never received a request: Gracie Abrams/Close To You, Khalid/Heatstroke, Addison Rae/Diet Pepsi, Meghan Trainor -Criminals, Coldplay/We Pray and Jelly Roll/I Am Not Okay. Blowing UpROS? & Bruno Mars – APT.:*Streaming numbers on this song are astronomical. Finally Top 40 has a good reason to embrace an element of K-POP. All it took was a major artist to jump on board with ROS? (from the girl group BLACKPINK) to propel this future anthem to #1 on Spotify in America and the world. It was the third most-added song at Top 40 radio this week and fills the desperate void we’ve been in for new music since summer ended. 200 million views on the video in 10 days. It’s exploding*unlike the formula BTS nonsense and other K-POP acts which the labels and media desperately tried to convince us was huge in America. It sounds like the Go-Go’s “We Got The Beat”. When I asked PD Tabatha Grammer of “106.9 K-Hits” KHTT Tulsa (43 spins this week) why radio often takes so long to hop on songs that are clearly hit-bound, she said “?music decisions are being made by few and many not even in the market, my guess is research and call out. It?s just a tool. For me it was knowing the sound of our station and how the song fit with our listeners in Tulsa. It?s the Bruno sound with a touch of K-Pop, making it perfect for the Top 40 format.” “99.7 Now” KMVQ San Francisco’s Jazzy Jim Archer says, “APT has taken over the Bay Area. It’s fun, catchy, and exceeding all our early expectations. Metrics are huge, but this song is so much more than metrics. It very quickly made its way into the minds of 99.7’s most passionate listeners. It may not be for everyone yet, but it’s most definitely a home run for the 99.7 NOW superfans.” Lady Gaga – Disease:*This song has absolutely nothing to do with her Joker movie or her Harlequin album, which both received overall negative reviews. It’s actually the second single from an upcoming eighth studio album which hasn’t yet been given a title or release date. Produced by Gaga, Andrew Watt and Cirkut, this song brings back the familiar dance-pop she built her career on with the fabulous “Fame” and “Born This Way” albums. Other than 2018’s “Shallow” with Bradley Cooper, she has failed to deliver a great song that any format held onto for more than a month. 2022’s “Bloody Mary” (originally from 2011) had potential, but it seemed like every station in the country was playing a different version of it. “Die With A Smile” with Bruno Mars is heading for #1 at Top 40 & Hot AC and already hit #1 in requests on Liveline. She is still creating new fans and maintaining the old ones, unlike Katy Perry with her “143” album (which is the number of copies it sold). Gaga continues to evolve and stay classy. “Disease” is most-added on CHR this week and lingering in the top 30 on Spotify, which doesn’t happen often for her. We?ll let you know next week what requests show. So far, two. Buried TreasuresGwen Stefani –*“Hollaback Girl”:*An icnonic high-energy song that has never died. Since 2005, it’s become a total female anthem, though plenty of guys calls for it too. It’s one of our most-requested throwbacks ever and received a total of 6 calls and texts in the past two weeks from widely separated markets. It’s crazy to think that 6 different people from 6 different places all wanted to hear*this*song, out of everything they could’ve asked for. #1 Billboard, Top 40, Rhythmic and the second biggest song of 2005. (#1 that year and for the decade was “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey, for which we’ve had a total of 3 requests for in the past 4 years). The biggest hit of Gwen’s career and still receives decent CHR airplay today, though not much in the top 10 markets. Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj –*“Beauty and A Beat”: Two weeks ago, we revealed that 2010’s “Baby” with Ludacris was our most-requested throwback of all time, but Justin has many more hits in our Gold category that still connect with people today. The obvious ones are “Sorry”, “Despacito” and “STAY”, but some songs just get overlooked and forgotten, like 2012’s “Beauty and A Beat” which peaked at #5 Billboard, #2 on Top 40 and #4 on Rhythmic (back when they played pop hits too). The two of them are as big as any star gets, the song WAS a hit and defined the dance party pop era with that Nicki line “gotta keep an eye out for Selener”. We get multiple requests for this every week and are always happy to play it. Check out the video (which has 1.1 billion views); written and directed by Justin and is arguably the best of his career: Seeking your responseDoes Top 40 radio really need a new add or two every week? When the music being hyped by the labels is weak, do you really feel inclined to play them just to “keep the cycle moving”? Isn’t it more important to always play people’s favorite songs, even if that means adding a Gold every hour or holding onto a low-burn song that’s been around longer than usual?*When Pop music is lacking great new material, the majority of our requests are pre-2016 Golds. Many PDs, consultants and music experts blame Top 40’s weak ratings on bad currents, so why not just play the proven good stuff? Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” era will make people a lot happier than anything she has released in the past 10 years. Comments? Email me*mason@livelineradio.com or post them below. Thanks to Sean Ross and Lance Venta for the platform to discuss observations about the state of Top 40 music every week. Hosting Liveline for the past 4 ? years has been my honor and a dream come true. I?m lucky to work with and be inspired by so many incredible professionals who teach me things about the industry I cherish dearly. That being said, my sincerest appreciation to YOU for reading and the dozens of radio people who have expressed appreciation for our honest, unbiased and fair observations. I take pride in my work and love knowing that it contributes reality from our unique perspective and helps someone’s decisions to achieve greater success. We don’t work for or with the labels and gain nothing from this except hopefully your respect and trust. more

From Radio Insight: Kevin ‘Meatball’ Kerr exited as Brand Manager and morning co-host at Townsquare Media Classic Rock 107.7 WRKR Kalamazoo MI last week in a budget cut. Kerr, who also hosted the weekend edition of Townsquare and Compass Media Networks’ “Loudwire Nights”, joined WRKR in April 2022 after previously programming SummitMedia Rock “T95” KICT Wichita. He began his career in Ardmore OK holding multiple roles at Stephens Media Group’s cluster before moving to KICT as afternoon host in 2018 and then rising to PD. Mark Frankhouse remains in mornings at WRKR. Kerr tells RadioInsight, “I’ve loved working in rock radio for the past 10 years, and it’s still a passion of mine, not just to bring great music to the masses, but to deliver an experience that makes my audience feel like they’re in the room with me. It’s something I hope to continue in my career, and continue to offer to audiences, and radio stations across the country.” He says he has experience in Active and Classic Rock programming and scheduling, long-form show production, commercial/imaging writing and production, plus =0 years on-air and can be reached at kevin.kerrradio@gmail.com. more

From Radio Insight: Saga Communications has appointed Morgan Prue as Program Director for AC 95.7 WZID and Classic Hits “Rewind 94.1” W231BR/WZID-HD2 Manchester NH. Prue joins Saga from Binnie Media where she was serving as Regional Promotions and Programming Coordinator for the company and also scheduling music for Classic Rock “99.1 The Bone” WNNH Concord NH. After starting her career in Tampa and WPLJ New York, she spent twelve years as Music Director at AC “106.7 Lite-FM” WLTW New York then rising to Assistant Program Director from 2007 to 2012. She then moved to Canada where was Brand Director at Classic Hits “Boom 99.7” CJOT-FM Ottawa before returning to the US to spend six years as APD/MD at AC “Magic 106.7” WMJX under both Beasley and Entercom ownership from 2013-19 before returing to Beasley to hold the same role at Classic Hits 105.7 WROR for a year. Prior to joining Binnie in 2023, she also spent three years back in her native Ottawa as APD/MD of Rock 106.1 CHEZ. Saga Manchester Market President Lucy Lange said, ?We are fortunate to have major market talent leading the region?s strongest AC brand, WZID.? Prue added, ?I?m thrilled to be a part of another legendary radio station and to be working with the amazing and talented team at WZID! Special thanks to Lucy Lange and Pat Paxton for this incredible opportunity!? She fills the position that had been held by Pat McKay until his exit earlier this month. more

From Radio Online: With less than a week to go until election day in the U.S., the battle for undecided voters has taken a twist as both Vice President Harris and former President Trump utilize podcasts to reach potential voters. "The Joe Rogan Experience" stands out as a prime platform, being the number one podcast in the More...

From Radio Online: Audacy names Ray Borelli as Senior Vice President of Research and Insights, effective immediately. He previously served as Vice President of Ad Sales Research at Warner Bros. Discovery, directing the go-to-market sales narrative for WBD's portfolio. Borelli also previously served as Senior Vice President for More...

From Radio Online: Cumulus Media appoints Leslie Whittle as Regional Content Director for CHR WWWQ-FM (Q99.7) in Atlanta and CHR KRBE in Houston, a newly created position. Concurrently, Whittle's programming purview is expanded to include oversight of the company's CHR stations as VP of CHR/Hot AC Formats. Whittle has served More...

From Radio Insight: Audacy has appointed Ray Borelli as Senior Vice President of Research and Insights. Borelli will Audacy?s audio research and insights practice, closely supporting its forward growth agenda and client enablement strategies reporting to Chief Marketing Officer Paul Suchman working with Audacy?s leadership team across revenue, digital and programming. He joins Audacy from Warner Brothers Discovery where he has been VP/Ad Sales Research since 2016. He has also held roles as SVP/Strategic Research, Scheduling and Longform Programming for CNBC, Managing Director of Media Content for Skybridge Capital, Senior Director of Market Research for the NBA, and VP/Sports Research and Marketing at Fox Sports. Suchman stated, “Ray?s research experience across channels and media, coupled with his unique ability to turn data into powerful narratives, will make him an excellent addition to the team as we execute our forward strategy. With tenure spanning some of the most influential media companies, his expertise in driving meaningful outcomes for clients will be a strong asset as Audacy continues to elevate our value to the advertising community.? Borelli commented, “I am thrilled to be joining Audacy at such an exciting time for the audio industry. Audacy?s portfolio of brands and research platform is best in class, and I look forward to working closely with our team and advertising partners to help fuel exponential growth for the business.? more

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Media has made the promotion of Leslie Whittle to Regional Content Director for CHR “Q99.7” WWWQ Atlanta and 104.1 KRBE Houston official. Whittle will also expand her duties as Vice President of Hot AC for the company to include all of the company’s CHR stations under the new title of VP of CHR/Hot AC Formats. Whittle has been with KRBE since 2000 starting as Assistant Program Director before rising to PD in 2006 and to her VP role in 2019. She began her career at 96.7 KHFI Austin as an intern in 1992 and would rise to Program Director before her move to Houston. Cumulus Chief Content Officer Brian Phillips said, “Leslie Whittle has masterfully programmed 104.1 KRBE for almost two decades, and has led as VP of Hot AC Formats for six years. Everyone acknowledges that this natural expansion of her role will serve Houston and Atlanta well; two monster CHRs with dominant morning shows. Leslie?s warm and unaffected management style commands the respect of her Cumulus peers and the entire industry.? Whittle added, “The Q997 team is incredibly talented, and the Q997 brand iconic. I’m honored to be part of building its future along with being very thankful for the support of the KRBE crew in Houston. This truly is the best of both worlds. Many thanks to Brian Philips, Melissa Forrest and Alex Cadelago for their faith in me!” Her promotion follows the exit of Louie Diaz from his role as PD of WWWQ and VP/Contemporary formats. more

From Radio Insight: Entravision Audio Network has announced it is partnering with Estrella MediaCo to manage advertising sales for its “Don Cheto Al Aire” syndicated morning show based at Regional Mexican “Que Buena 105.5/94.3” Los Angeles. Don Cheto Ai Aire joins programs on Entravision’s sales network including ?Erazno y La Chokolata,? ?El Show De Piolin,? ?La Bronca Ma?ana,? and ?The Shoboy Show.? It also represents digital audio platform AudioEngage and Spanish language broadcasts for the NFL. The ‘Don Cheto’ character is portrayed by Juan Carlos Razo and has been featured on the KBUA/KBUE/KEBN trimulcast in Los Angeles since 2003. Liliana Aristizabal, Senior Vice President of Entravision?s Audio Network said, “We are excited to join forces with Estrella MediaCo to represent their beloved ?Don Cheto Al Aire? show. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our advertisers and listeners by providing comprehensive market reach and superior content. Together, we will redefine the landscape of Spanish-language media and advertising.” more

From Radio Online: Orbyt Media, a radio sales and syndication network in Canada, inks a new partnership with Benztown, beginning in January, 2025. The partnership makes Orbyt Media the home of Benztown's vast selection of radio libraries on a cash or barter basis. Benztown's radio libraries span all major formats as well as More...

From Radio Online: Premiere Networks' "After MidNite with Granger Smith' will once again provide a Thanksgiving special for Country stations nationwide. The four-hour, barter-free "After MidNite Friendsgiving Special with Granger Smith" will be highlighted by conversations with Country stars and celebrities including Blake More...

From Radio Insight: Louie Diaz exited his roles as Cumulus Media VP/Contemporary formats, Atlanta VP/Programming, and Program Director of CHR “Q99.7” WWWQ Atlanta over the weekend. Diaz came to Atlanta in November 2016 before rising to his corporate VP role in October 2018. He also spent time for the company programming CHR “Hot 93.3” KLIF-FM Dallas and Hot AC “Mix 107.3” WRQX Washington DC. He began his career as a teenaged programming assistant to Scott Shannon at WPLJ New York and would rise to APD. He would then serve as National Programming Coordinator for Citadel Broadcasting and also programmed Rhythmic CHR 98.3 KWIN Modesto CA, Hip Hop “95.7 The Beat” KPAT and Variety Hits “Pirate Radio 104.1” KBOX Santa Maria CA, and CHR “Live 95.5” KBFF Portland and Country “98.7 The Bull” KUPL Portland. A full announcement is forthcoming, but Vice President of Hot AC and CHR 104.1 KRBE Houston Program Director Leslie Whittle will assume Diaz’s former roles in addition to her own. She has been with KRBE since 2000 starting as Assistant Program Director before rising to PD in 2006 and to her VP role in 2019. She began her career at 96.7 KHFI Austin as an intern in 1992 and would rise to Program Director before her move to Houston. more

From Radio Online: In a significant shift for Wisconsin broadcasting, WISN/Milwaukee's conservative talk host Mark Belling has announced his plans to transition from his daily radio segment on the iHeartMedia News/Talk outlet to a new format. Starting May 2025, Belling will host a weekly podcast series titled "The Mark Belling More...

From Radio Insight: Orbyt Media has announced a partnership with Benztown to represent their music libraries across Canada. The libraries all major formats as well as key topical and seasonal ?in a box? content including Country, News/Talk, Classic Hits, Rock, Hot AC, and more. Orbyt Media will offer them on both a cash or barter basis. Benztown President Dave ‘Chachi’ Denes said, ?All of us at Benztown are elated to be partnering with Orbyt. A special thanks to Jay Bailey, Heather Edwards, and the entire Orbyt team for making this collaboration possible.? Orbyt Media affiliate specialist Heather Edwards added, “?This partnership with Benztown represents a significant opportunity for Canadian broadcasters to access exceptional music libraries that resonate with a multitude of audiences. We look forward to bringing the incredible Benztown brand back here to Orbyt Media and across the country to our radio partners.? Edwards can be reached at (416)735-4863 or heather.edwards@orbytmedia.com. more

From Radio Insight: Nielsen Audio has released Day 2 of its monthly four day sweep of ratings in PPM markets. Today’s releases include Washington DC, Boston, Seattle, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Phoenix, Detroit, Minneapolis, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Denver, San Diego, Baltimore, and St. Louis. All the numbers can be found at RadioInsight.com/Ratings. Washington DCPublic News/Talk 88.5 WAMU is down slightly 12.1 to 11.8. Hubbard News 103.5 WTOP is second 9.2 to 9.1. Howard University Adult R&B 96.3 WHUR surges up 6.4 – 7.9 – 8.5 for its best share since May 2022. iHeartMedia AC 97.1 WASH rises 4.5 to 5.1. Classical 88.1 WETA-FM dips 4.5 to 4.2. iHeartMedia CHR “Hot 99.5” WIHT rises 3.1 to 3.8. Audacy Hip Hop 95.5 WPGC slides 3.8 – 2.7 – 2.4, while Radio One’s 93.9 WKYS is down 3.4 – 3.0 – 2.2. BostonBeasley Media Sports “98.5 The Sports Hub” WBZ-FM returns to the top of the market with an 8.6 to 8.3 dip. Beasley Classic Hits 105.7 WROR rises 6.1 to 7.1 for what Ratings Expert Chris Huff notes is its largest share since October 2022. Audacy AC “Magic 106.7” WMJX jumps up 5.2 to 6.3 with its stream adding a 0.6 to 1.1 rise. After multiple months of station record high shares, Audacy Hot AC “Mix 104.1” WWBX falls 9.6 to 5.6. iHeartMedia News 1030 WBZ gains 4.4 to 5.5 for its best share since March 2022. After its frequency swap in early September, “Bloomberg 92.9” WBOS is down 1.8 to 0.8. The Classic Rock “Rock 92.9” move to 1330/106.1 WRCA registers a 0.2 share. Despite the move, iHeartMedia’s 100.7 WZLX dips 4.9 to 4.5. iHeartMedia Conservative Talk 680 WRKO is up 3.5 to 4.1. Both Public News/Talk stations tie with 90.9 WBUR holding at a 4.2 share and 89.7 WGBH-FM up 3.9 to 4.2. Classical 99.5 WCRB rises 2.3 – 2.9 – 3.4. After its talent cuts, Beasley Country 102.5 WKLB slides down 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.0. iHeartMedia Rhythmic CHR “Jam’n 94.5” WJMN is up 2.1 – 2.5 – 2.7. Audacy Variety Hits “Big 103” WBGB is down 3.4 – 2.9 – 2.5. Seattle/TacomaPublic News/Talk 94.9 KUOW-FM maintains its lead 8.4 to 8.5. iHeartMedia Classic Rock 102.5 KZOK swings 7.1 – 6.1 – 7.1. The demise of Soft AC “94.1 The Sound” helps Hubbard AC “Warm 106.9” KRWM to jump 3.8 – 4.2 – 5.6. iHeartMedia Classic Hits “95.7 The Jet” KJEB is also up 4.2 – 4.9 – 5.5. Audacy Rock 99.9 KISW continues its downward trend 6.4 – 5.9 – 5.4 – 5.1. Audacy’s new Hot AC “Emma 94.1” KSWD falls 4.0 to 2.4 in its first full monthly. Both CHRs were down with Hubbard’s “Movin 92.5” KQMV moving 4.3 to 3.9 and iHeartMedia’s “Hits 106.1” KBKS 4.1 to 3.7. Audacy Alternative “107.7 The End” KNDD rises 2.6 to 3.2. Public Jazz/Talk 88.5 KNKX is up 2.3 to 3.0, while its all Jazz HD2’s stream is up to 0.6. iHeart Sports 93.3 KJR-FM is up 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.6. Audacy Rhythmic Throwbacks “Hot 103.7” KHTP slides 3.2 – 2.6 – 2.2. Hubbard Country “98.9 The Bull” KPNW-FM is down 2.3 to 1.8. Miami/Fort LauderdaleCox Media Group Adult R&B “Hot 105” WHQT maintains its lead despite being down 10.5 to 9.1. Univision Spanish AC “Amor 107.5” WAMR rises 5.1 to 6.4. iHeartMedia Bilingual AC “Magic 93.9” WMIA-FM is down 6.2 to 5.7. Cox Soft AC “Easy 93.1” WFEZ rises 5.1 to 5.6. Audacy AC “101.5 Lite-FM” WLYF is down 5.6 to 5.1. SBS Spanish Classic Hits “Zeta 92.3” WCMQ-FM slides 5.9 – 5.6 – 4.8. Audacy Rhythmic Throwbacks “Power 96” WPOW-FM continues its climb 2.7 – 3.1 – 3.6. Cox Rhythmic Hot AC “Hits 97.3” WFLC is up 3.0 to 3.6. Audacy’s “Kiss Country 99.9” WKIS climbs 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.3. Audacy Alternative “104.3 The Shark” WSFS is down 2.2 – 2.0 – 1.7. Latino Media Network Spanish Talk “Radio Mambi” 710 WAQI rises 1.0 to 1.6. PhoenixiHeartMedia AC “99.9 KEZ” KESZ falls 10.1 to 8.4. Hubbard Classic Rock 100.7 KSLX is down 6.2 to 5.5. iHeart Conservative Talk 550 KFYI jumps up 3.0 to 4.6 to tie for third with what Huff notes is its best share since July 2022. Hubbard Rock 97.9 KUPD is up 4.2 to 4.6. Public News/Talk 91.5 KJZZ-FM continues its rise up 2.5 – 3.1 – 3.7 – 4.5. iHeart Variety Hits “95.5 The Mountain” KYOT dips 4.6 to 4.1. Audacy Classic Hits “Big 94.5” KOOL-FM is down 4.2 to 3.8. Audacy Country 107.9 KMLE rises 2.5 to 3.4. Hubbard Alternative “93.3 Alt AZ” KDKB slides 4.1 – 3.6 – 3.2. Entravision’s recently launched Spanish Rhythmic “Fuego 106.7” KFUE is up 0.2 – 0.7 – 1.7. DetroitAudacy Sports “97.1 The Ticket” rides the Tigers playoff run and the Lions hot start to a 9.0 to 11.4 gain. Huff notes that is the largest share ever for the station and the largest non-Christmas share for any station in the market since 1988. The Ticket’s stream rises 1.6 to 2.7. iHeartMedia AC 100.3 WNIC holds at a 7.3 share. Audacy Classic Hits 104.3 WOMC climbs 5.3 – 6.1 – 6.5 – 7.0. iHeart CHR “Channel 95.5” WKQI is off 6.5 to 6.4 and sister Adult R&B “Mix 92.3” WMXD dips 6.2 to 5.0. Audacy Country 99.5 WYCD drops 7.6 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 5.4. Audacy News 950 WWJ is up 4.7 to 5.3, but “Alt 98.7” WDZH drops 4.4 to 3.8. Beasley Media Rock 101.1 WRIF rebounds 4.6 to 5.3, but sister Classic Rock 94.7 WCSX continues its slide 7.1 – 6.4 – 5.9 – 5.6 – 5.0. Beasley Classic Hip Hop “105.1 The Bounce” WMGC-FM drops 4.2 to 2.8. iHeartMedia Hip Hop 97.9 WJLB slides 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.7. WGPR Inc’s 107.5 WGPR-FM is down 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.4. Minneapolis/St. PaulLike Detroit, iHeartMedia Sports “100.3 KFAN” KFXN-FM takes advantage of the baseball playoffs and hot NFL season start to rise 7.0 – 10.3 – 13.0. Huff notes that is the largest share ever for the frequency and highest non-Christmas share for any station in the market since 1997. Northwestern Media Christian AC 98.5 KTIS-FM dips 8.9 to 8.5. iHeart Classic Hits “Kool 108” KQQL is down 8.4 – 7.9 – 7.4. Public News/Talk 91.1 KNOW-FM is up 6.5 to 6.7 with its stream rising 0.9 to 1.2.. Hubbard Hot AC “KS 95” KSTP-FM moves 6.2 to 6.1. Cumulus Classic Rock 92.5 KQRS is down 5.6 to 5.1. iHeart CHR 101.3 KDWB drops 6.2 to 5.0. Classical 99.5 KSJN slides 2.7 – 2.2 – 1.9. WRPX Inc. Oldies 740 WDGY is up 1.6 to 2.0. Tampa/St. PetersburgCox Media Group Soft AC 105.5 WDUV holds a lead nearly double its closest competitor down 10.9 to 10.7. Beasley Country 99.5 WQYK is second down 6.4 – 6.0 – 5.6. Cox Adult R&B “101.5 The Vibe” WTBV-FM slides 6.2 – 5.7 – 5.5 with its stream adding a 0.7 share. iHeartMedia AC “Mix 100.7” rises 4.9 to 5.4 and sister Country “US 103.5” WFUS is down 6.3 – 6.0 – 5.3. Cox Classic Rock “107.3 The Eagle” WXGL is up 4.5 to 5.2. Hot Talk “102.5 The Bone” WHPT drops 4.8 to 4.0. iHeart’s “98 Rock” WXTB slides 4.7 – 3.8 – 3.5. Beasley Classic Rock “98.7 The Shark” WPBB falls 4.0 to 3.0. Beasley Rhythmic CHR “Wild 94.1” WLLD surges up 2.9 – 3.3 – 3.6 – 4.6. iHeartMedia CHR 93.3 WFLZ is up 2.7 to 3.0. iHeart’s recently upgraded Spanish CHR “Rumba 95.7” WRUB drops down 1.8 to 1.2. DenverBonneville takes the top two spots with Country 98.5 KYGO inching up 7.3 to 7.4 and AC 101.1 KOSI dips 6.8 to 6.6. Audacy Hot AC “Alice 105.9” KALC is up for the sixth straight month rising 5.6 to 6.2 for what Huff notes is its largest share since November 2022. With its morning change, KSE Media Classic Hits “Kool 105” KXKL slides 7.3 – 6.8 – 6.1. Audacy Classic Rock “99.5 The Mountain” KQMT is up 4.7 to 4.8 with its stream adding a 0.6 share. iHeartMedia Classic Rock “103.5 The Fox” KRFX slides 7.1 – 6.3 – 5.3 – 4.7. Co-owned Alternative “Channel 93.3” KTCL is down 4.3 to 4.5. AAA 97.3 KBCO swings 4.6 – 3.8 – 4.5. iHeartMedia News/Talk 850/94.1 KOA jumps up 2.3 – 3.5 – 4.4. Public News/Talk 90.1 KCFR is up 3.7 to 4.0. The morning show changes also affect KSE Media Hot AC “Mix 100” KIMN as its falls 4.7 – 3.6 – 3.1. iHeart Country “106.7 The Bull” KWBL is down 3.0 to 2.4. KSE Media Sports “Altitude 92.5” KKSE-FM rises 0.9 – 1.3 – 1.9. iHeartMedia Rock 107.9 KBPI jumps 1.0 to 1.7. San DiegoAudacy Sports “97.3 The Fan” KWFN rides the Padres playoff run to rise 4.9 – 5.4 – 6.2, which is also the brand’s first time atop the market. Audacy Classic Hits “Sunny 98.1” KXSN falls into a tie down 7.8 – 6.4. – 6.2. Univision Regional Mexican “Que Buena 106.5” KLNV is up 4.9 – 5.3 – 6.0, which Huff notes is its best share since November 2020. Public News/Talk 89.5 KPBS-FM dips 5.7 to 5.6. Local Media San Diego Variety Hits “100.7 Big-FM” KFBG holds at a 5.4 share. iHeartMedia Hot AC “Star 94.1” KMYI drops 5.2 – 4.8 – 4.3. Audacy Country 103.7 KSON is down 4.7 to 4.0. BaltimoreHearst Rock “98 Rock” WIYY uses its status as home of the Orioles and Ravens play-by-play to claim a stake of the Baltimore lead for the first time ever with a 7.5 to 7.7 gain that ties it with Radio One Adult R&B “Magic 95.9” WWIN-FM which drops 8.7 to 7.7. Radio One Hip Hop “92Q” WERQ is down 8.6 to 7.2. Audacy AC “Today’s 101.9” WLIF slides 9.3 – 7.5 – 6.8. Brighter Media Group Christian AC “95.1 Bright-FM” WRBS-FM gains 4.2 – 4.5 – 5.6. Public News/Talk 88.1 WYPR rebounds 3.8 to 4.6. Audacy Sports “105.7 The Fan” WJZ-FM is up 3.3 to 3.8. Shamrock Classic Rock “100.7 The Bay” WZBA is up 3.3 to 3.7. iHeartMedia Variety Hits “102.7 Jack-FM” WQSR slides 4.5 – 4.3 – 3.8. Hearst News/Talk 1090/101.5 WBAL rises 2.3 – 2.8 – 3.0. St. LouisiHeartMedia Classic Hits 103.3 KLOU holds onto the top spot with an 8.4 to 7.7 decline. Hubbard Variety Hits “106.5 The Arch” WARH is just behind down 8.2 to 7.6. Hubbard Classic Rock 94.7 KSHE is up 6.9 to 7.0 with sister “New Country 92.3” WIL continuing its rise 5.0 – 6.3 – 6.5. Audacy Adult R&B “96.3 R&B” WFUN-FM climbs 5.4 to 6.1. Audacy News/Talk 1120/98.7 KMOX trends up 4.3 – 4.7 – 5.0. Its stream is down 1.6 to 1.1. Hubbard Sports “101 ESPN” WXOS jumps 3.2 – 3.7 – 4.6. iHeartMedia CHR “Z107.7” KSLZ slides 5.4 – 4.7 – 4.2. more

From Radio Insight: Longtime iHeartMedia Conservative Talk 1130 WISN Milwaukee afternoon host Mark Belling will give up his daily show in the coming months and launch a three time per-week podcast. Belling, who has been with WISN since 1989, will end his radio show at the end of the year. As he has taken off the first few months of the year in recent years, he will return in May 2025 with the podcast. “The Mark Belling Podcast” is described as featuring “top stories, breaking news and newsmakers with Mark’s unique brand of investigative journalism.” The 68 year old Belling has been in radio for 48 years, 35 of which have been at WISN. He previously worked at stations in Madison and Oshkosh WI, Benton Harbor/St. Joseph MI, and Springfield IL. iHeartMedia Milwaukee Area President Jeff Tyler said, “Podcasting is now a mass-reach medium, and with iHeartMedia being the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, this is a great opportunity for Mark to take his unique style of talk content to this exploding medium. We are all excited that Mark will continue to bring his thought-provoking commentary to listeners wherever and whenever they want via iHeartPodcasts.” Belling released a more detailed statement on his website: I have decided, with the full support of WISN-AM and its parent iHeartMedia, to transition my program to podcast only effective at the end of this year. There are two main reasons for this. I set an incredibly ambitious goal when I began my Milwaukee show on WISN-AM in March of 1989. I said I wanted it to be the best local radio talk show in America. I feel I have achieved that goal by every possible measurement. The most recent Nielsen ratings give my program the highest listenership share of any local talk show in the United States (top 48 markets, also known as ?metered? markets). In addition, my show has the highest ratings of any radio program in Wisconsin and WISN-AM is the most listened-to radio station in the state. WISN-AM has the highest audience share in its market of any station in the top 48 markets in America and I am the highest rated show on the station. Mission accomplished. Secondly, the future of spoken word programming on our planet is podcasting. We live in an on-demand world. Driving people to listen to or watch content at specific times is a thing of the past. Podcasting allows total flexibility and gives hosts far more freedom. The staggering success of shows like Joe Rogan, Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson, all distributed exclusively on the web in a podcast-like format, makes clear what the present and especially the future are. I am NOT retiring. I will be a podcast-only host and expect my already high listenership and profile to grow. This is my new challenge. I believe I have accomplished as much as any on-air radio personality in Wisconsin history and now want to make my mark in the revolutionary world of podcasting. My current radio program is turned into a podcast platform and is usually ranked in the top 100 on the iHeart platform. A specifically dedicated podcast that can be accessed only on podcast platforms has the potential to be much bigger. I will continue to do the podcast from Milwaukee and the WISN-AM studios. Like my radio show, the content will be a combination of local and national topics and my intent is for it to be even more freewheeling than my current anything-goes approach. I have signed a contract with iHeartMedia to stay with the company in this transitioned role. The podcast will be released three times per week with the flexibility for special additional shows if events warrant. It will begin May 1 and be available on iHeart and other traditional podcast platforms. The last ?Mark Belling Late Afternoon Show? will air December 30. There will be no farewell shows nor any going-away programming or events. I?m not going anywhere. My show, in its new incarnation, will be bigger and better than ever. more

From Radio Online: Urban One has set the date for the upcoming retirement of David Kantor, the long-serving CEO of its audio division, comprised of Radio One and Reach Media. Kantor's departure is set for January 5, 2025, after nearly two decades of leadership within the company. Succeeding him will be Eddie Harrell, Jr. and More...

From Radio Online: Millennial and Gen Z sports fans spend more time with sports audio weekly than Gen X and Boomers, according to the Sports Audio Report: Demographics at Play from Edison Research and SiriusXM Media. Millennial sports fans spent an average of 6 hours and 16 minutes with sports audio in the last week and Gen Z More...

From Radio Online: In a fresh collaboration that merges Hollywood entertainment with interactive podcasting, The Black List, LAist Studios and The Ankler have announced the upcoming launch of a new game, chat podcast and radio show entitled "Nobody Knows Anything." The announcement, made from ADWEEK's More...

From Radio Online: Talentmasters' Morning Show Boot Camp (MSBC) is gearing up for its 37th annual gathering in the city of Austin, TX. Scheduled from August 7-9, 2025, the event will take place at the Austin Marriott Downtown, an upscale venue that only opened its doors last year. MSBC founder and host, Don Anthony, More...

From Radio Online: In a significant expansion of its content library, PodcastOne has secured sales and distribution rights to "Pop Apologists," a popular podcast that delves into pop culture, hosted by sisters Lauren and Chanler. "Pop Apologists" has climbed the Apple Charts since its inception in More...

From Radio Online: In a significant move to enhance digital proficiency among public media, the first 50 stations have been chosen to participate in the latest phase of the Digital Transformation Program organized by the Poynter Institute, in collaboration with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting More...

From Radio Online: Podtrac is expanding its podcast rankings to 30 countries outside the U.S., marking a major step to provide accurate and reliable data to support worldwide growth of the podcasting industry. The firm's new Top 100 Podcasts by Country expansion allows publishers, advertisers and listeners in France, Germany, More...

From Radio Online: Cumulus Media and TuneIn have renewed and expanded their existing content partnership. Under the terms of the deal, TuneIn will continue to make Cumulus Media's local sports, news, talk and entertainment programming available to its 75 million monthly global listeners. The extended agreement also includes a More...

From Radio Insight: When should a label or radio give up on a developing song? Or double down? That?s an eternal question, but also one that has been exacerbated lately by the stagnation at the top of the charts, the release of fewer Top 40 radio singles, and a decreased willingness by labels and radio to commit to any song without a streaming story. With many songs taking longer than ever to perform in radio-station callout, the period between songs tapering off on early streams and justifying their place on the air has become harder than ever to negotiate. These aren?t the songs that show strength in nearly every metric before radio powers them. At any given time, there are songs like Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars?s ?Die With a Smile,? Sabrina Carpenter?s ?Taste,? Chappel Roan?s ?Hot to Go!,? or Billie Eilish?s ?Birds of a Feather? that quickly became hits in every other meaningful way. Songs like those often get their Billboard Hot 100 trophies quickly, becoming established hits regardless of radio?s co-sign. Then there?s another group of songs, often in the No. 11-20 range. They are gaining somewhere in the range of 150-300 spins. They are often songs with tempo by established artists. Their streaming story may have trailed off ? or never been significant. Do those songs still have something to offer? Would the spin be better used on a newer, more exciting song? Or another spin of ?Beautiful Things?? Often, they?re helping create chart gridlock just outside the top 10 that also slows down those songs already agreed to be hits. Those songs are often the ones I struggle most to evaluate from week-to-week. In his new RadioInsight column, Mason Kelter, host of the syndicated LiveLine, takes issues with stations playing mid-charters, while not reacting fast enough to other active records. But what about now when there are so few active songs that are consensus hits? In general, labels are inconsistent in when they choose to stay with a song these days. Some faltering songs have been worked just to the edge of the top 10. But there are other fast starters just as quickly discarded in the top 25-30 range as soon as streaming cools. In general, I don?t want a song that is neither strong nor fresh to stick around for an extra month just to be a trophy. Then again, with label radio departments under siege, it is harder to begrudge them their commitment. It?s a sharp contrast to Country, where some songs still build slowly over the course of a year or more. For years, that seemed ridiculous. But in the streaming era, the formula has been modified just enough to make Country a highly rated format with a mix of active records and those ratified by callout research over the course of many months. And sometimes the experience of radio nurturing a record turns out to be worthwhile. Sabrina Carpenter?s ?Feather? looked definingly like a turntable hit, but eventually acquitted itself in callout, also helping set up Carpenter?s next three hits and fostering one of Top 40?s few new core artists.* Teddy Swims?s ?The Door,? despite months in the shadow of ?Lose Control,? is a power for successful smaller-market outlets like WIXX Green Bay, Wis., and WAEZ (Electric 94.9) Johnson City, Tenn. As Warners? Josh Reich notes, it was also a song where radio could drive streaming.* With the early support of SiriusXM?s Alex Tear and Mikey Piff and Cumulus?s Louie Diaz, Reich says, ?The Door? has gone from about 2 million on-demand U.S. weekly streams to nearly 7 million. This week, it?s also the ?1 to Watch? in Coleman Insights? syndicated callout service, Integr8USA ? based on a significant bump compared to its peers, according to VP/consultant Jay Nachlis. * In times past, a lot of songs would have had the opportunity to grow on listeners over time. Matt Bailey, for whom streaming data informs the weekly Hit Momentum Report,hypothesizes that ?streaming has changed the math. Instead of hearing a new song casually for a while, people now binge-sample new releases on Spotify are now making up their minds about a song instantly.? Longboard Insights? Mike Castellucci, who uses streaming and other data to predict callout with his Power Indicator Score Report, says that ?we have enough data points, be it streaming, TikTok, etc., to indicate whether a song is topical with the audience. There really isn?t a reason to ?wait and see? ? If a song doesn?t perform, we?re living in a world where another record can absolutely take its place.? ?If a song?s streams have trailed off a lot in recent weeks, it means listeners sampled the song and rejected it. There?s no point in radio hammering it. Callout will simply confirm what streaming already told you a month later,? says Bailey. ?If, however, a song isn?t getting massive streaming and has never gotten massive streaming, listeners haven?t rejected it. They simply haven?t discovered it yet. That?s the kind of song radio can make a hit.? KMVQ (99.7 Now) San Francisco has been one of the most successful CHRs in recent years, and one of the few stations still displaying significant music enterprise. In 2024, that has manifested itself in a top 10 made up mostly of Carpenter and Roan, but also in playing Natasha Bedingfield?s ?Unwritten? as a current because of Anyone but You, or moving the Weeknd?s ?Popular? back into significant rotation several times. ?The audience always appreciates a fresh song ? it doesn?t have to be brand new ? that fits expectations,? says KMVQ PD Jim Archer. ?The problem comes if the radio station plays it too often or too long after it?s obvious the song isn?t special enough to cut through. Freshness must always be a part of any contemporary station.? For veteran consultant/programmer Guy Zapoleon, part of the solution to the current product issues is to both find and play new music more aggressively and get a faster read, before the specialness can wear off. ?Create clocks that spin ?B?s and ?new?s faster to make them more familiar and become the next powers.? Could we reach the point where there?s no need to give a slowly developing song the benefit of the doubt? This column has asked before if Top 40 should return to its long-abandoned model of turning over a lot of songs, knowing that most of them ? other than the biggest smashes ? will last only 8-10 weeks, as they did for the first 20 years of the format. That might seem like a stone-age philosophy, but we?ve returned to 1966 in other ways, particularly the focus on songs, not albums. And while ?seeing what sticks? might seem like an insult to a label?s commitment or an act?s artistry, it is exactly what labels are doing for TikTok or DSPs. At this point in the troubled radio/label relationship, there?s just no incentive to do the same for radio. I?d mostly like to see CHR move faster overall, but there are still times when I might give a mid-chart song the benefit of the doubt, particularly if it helps with tempo issues. Even as Gracie Abrams?s ballad ?I Love You, I?m Sorry? emerges as an obvious streaming smash, I might also keep ?Close to You? for tempo and artist image. It?s not inconceivable to me that the new song might help reinforce the older one. And often, hearing a song like ?Popular? bounce back on KMVQ again is a reminder that radio can miss records. Coleman?s Nachlis says that how a station ?handles mid-charting songs on their way up? depends, in part, on ?how important is breaking new music to the station?s strategy? One station may step out earlier because they believe in and the station has built a brand for music discovery. For another station, it may be entirely too soon.? Through much of this decade, PDs tried to reassure themselves that shorter playlists and glacial turnover were the will of an audience that no longer expected music discovery from radio. But aside from the Mainstream AC format, which has been on that chassis for 20 years, contemporary radio didn?t flourish again until early this summer and the best volley of new music in years. Perhaps new music is important to everybody?s strategy. Meanwhile, if radio?s overall timing gets better, I?m less likely to begrudge a song that merely sounds good on the radio a few extra weeks. more

From Radio Insight: David KantorUrban One has confirmed that David Kantor will retire as CEO of Radio One and Reach Media on January 5, 2025. Kantor co-founded Reach Media with Tom Joyner in 2002 and joined Radio One when it acquired a 51% controlling stake in Reach Media in 2004. Radio One would expand its ownership stake in Reach Media to 80% in 2012 and merge its internal Syndication One division into the company. Kantor would then add the oversight of the entire radio station group in 2015. Prior to launching Reach Media, Kantor started his career as a local programming and sales researcher and then held roles at Satellite Music Network where he would rise to President followed by time as President of ABC Radio Networks, where he oversaw the launch of Joyner?s national morning show, ESPN Radio and Radio Disney. He then was SVP/Network Operations for AMFM Inc. where he would launch their network from 1996 until its 2000 sale to Clear Channel. Eddie Harrell Jr.He will be succeeded in his role by the promotion of Eddie Harrell Jr. and Deon Levingston to the roles of co-Presidents of Urban One’s Audio Division. The Cleveland based Harrell joined the company in 2011 as VP/General Manager of the company’s Columbus properties before moving to Cleveland and soon becoming Regional VP overseeing those two markets and Cincinnati. Levingston has served as Indianapolis based Regional Vice President and General Manager since 2016. He has previously held roles as General Manager, President and SVP/Market Manager for YMF Media and Emmis Communications in New York from 2004-2016 preceded by an earlier stint at Radio One Indianapolis as Local Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and Market Manager from 1998 to 2004. Deon LevingstonUrban One CEO Alfred Liggins said, “The radio industry is losing one of its giants, and Urban One is bidding farewell to a venerable leader whose passion and vision have helped to shape our industry, guide our company, and serve our growing and diverse audience. Eddie Harrell, Jr. and Deon Levingston are ready to take the helm and build on the legacy David leaves behind They understand our brand, our audience, and our position in this industry. Their talent and experience are just what we need moving forward.? more

From Radio Insight: The Radio People Monroe LA is mourning the loss of longtime personality John Reynolds, who passed away on Monday at the age of 55. After serving in the Navy during the first Gulf War and returning to Monroe to complete college, Reynolds joined the company’s Country “K104” KJLO-FM first as a newscaster in 1998 before quickly rising to morning host. He would remain until 2017 when he departed to relocate to Key West FL to pursue acting. He returned to the company in 2019 in the dual role of host of “The Morning Vacation” along with Jim Elliot at Classic Hits “LA 105” KLIP-FM and midday host at KJLO-FM. He also previously served as Program Director at KJLO. In a Facebook post noting his passing, the station said, “John has been a member of our family and yours for 25 years now. We?ve laughed and cried with him. John loved fiercely, his spirit was bright, his heart was huge, and his personality was even bigger. We here at K-104 and the Radio People will continue to work hard to bring fun and music into your lives each day, and as we do, we will strive to honor John?s memory. We truly loved him, and none of us will ever be the same without him. Thank you for listening, and please remember John?s family and friends during this sad time.” more

From Radio Insight: Cumulus Media and TuneIn have announced a renewal and expansion of their content partnership. The deal will include the continued streaming of Cumulus’ portfolio of stations and podcasts on TuneIn’s platform. It will also include a new non-exclusive sales and supply partnership to optimize digital audio advertising monetization for the stations. Cumulus Chief Content Officer Brian Phillips said, “TuneIn naturally aligns with our strategy to expand our digital footprint and extend the reach of our diverse programming to a global audience. TuneIn offers significant global reach that makes it possible for listeners to easily discover our extensive collection of radio stations and podcasts almost anywhere through the TuneIn platform and 200+ connected devices.? TuneIn CEO Rich Stern added, “We are excited to continue to expand our long-standing partnership with Cumulus to extend the reach of their comprehensive content offerings. This partnership allows us to bring high-quality content to our listeners while also helping Cumulus monetize its digital audio advertising inventory effectively. It?s a win-win for both companies and our audiences.? more

From Radio Online: Veteran Christian Radio personality Rob Dempsey has died at age 57 due to complications from stage 3 bladder cancer. Dempsey, known for co-hosting the "Rob and Lizz in the Morning Show" airing from WLFJ-FM (HIS Radio) in Greenville, SC, passed away just one week after revealing his cancer diagnosis to his More...

From Radio Online: reVolver Podcasts has introduced a new podcast titled "A Cop's Life," hosted by retired Las Vegas Police Lieutenant Randy Sutton. The show aims to provide an unfiltered look into the personal and professional experiences of law enforcement officers in America. Randy Sutton, a 34-year veteran of the Las More...