MK’s September 2025 PPM Ratings Recaps Shown here are my takeaways from all 48 PPM-measured markets, based on Nielsen Audio’s 6+ total week stats fr
MK’s September 2025 PPM Ratings Recaps
Shown here are my takeaways from all 48 PPM-measured markets, based on Nielsen Audio’s 6+ total week stats from the September 2025 ratings period (August 21 – September 17).
Round One
New York
Up just over a full-share the past two sweeps (7.5 – 8.4 – 8.6, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned Adult Contemporary WLTW sheds one-half share to 8.1 (6+). Nonetheless, “106.7 Lite FM” is on top the 37th consecutive time; August’s 8.6 was its strongest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2024’s 13.1. In the last six survey periods, Educational Media Foundation Contemporary Christian WPLJ has notched a consistent 1.6 – 1.3 – 1.5 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 1.6 (6+). In September though, “K-Love 95.5” trots out a +.8 to 2.4 (6+) and surfaces at #16. Slipping by four-tenths each are Audacy Classic Hits WCBS-FM “101.1 New York’s Greatest Hits” and Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish Tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9.” This is WCBS-FM’s fourth down or flat move for a net -.8 (5.6 – 5.3 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 4.8, third to fourth, 6+), while WSKQ is a collective -1.7 the past three months (6.2 – 5.6 – 4.9 – 4.5, fifth to sixth, 6+).
Los Angeles
After dropping two-tenths in August, Audacy Classic Hits KRTH “K-Earth 101” regains half of it (7.4 – 7.2 – 7.1, 6+) and is #1 the fifth month in a row. The combination of Hot AC KBIG “104.3 My-FM” surging by eight-tenths (5.0 – 5.8, 6+) and Adult Contemporary KOST “Coast 103.5” dropping seven-tenths (6.2 – 5.5, 6+) results in the two iHeartMedia siblings swapping places: KBIG from third to second and “Coast” from second to third. In three straight increases, “My FM” is a net +1.3 (4.5 – 4.9 – 5.0 – 5.8, 6+); “Coast” gained a combined six-tenths in July and August (5.6 – 6.1 – 6.2, 6+). Their News/Talk cluster-mate – KFI – mirror’s KOST’s -.7 and is trending: 3.8 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 2.9 (6+); “AM 640” drifts from #9 to #14.
Chicago
iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary WLIT “93.9 Lite FM” and Hubbard Broadcasting-owned Classic Rock WDRV “97.1 The Drive” keep playing tag for #1 honors and it’s WDRV’s turn in September, (4.7 – 5.0, +.3, second to first, 6+). Meanwhile, “Lite” drops two-tenths (4.9 – 4.7, 6+) and departs the penthouse to succeed WDRV in the runner-up slot. WLIT and WDRV were tied at #1 in July; “The Drive” was on top in June; and “Lite” had a one-tenth lead over “The Drive” in May. After trending 3.3 – 3.4 – 3.3 (June – July – August, 6+), Univision Regional Mexican WOJO “Que Buena 105.1” notches a +.8 to 4.1 (#12 to #8, 6+). Faltering by four tenths are: Audacy Triple A WXRT “93 XRT” (4.6 – 4.2, third to seventh, 6+), Country sibling WUSN “US-99” (4.1 -3.7, seventh to tenth, 6+); and iHeartMedia CHR WKSC “103.5 Kiss-FM” (3.8 – 3.4, #8 to #11, 6+).
San Francisco
Even though it’s without an increase the third straight month for a net -2.6 (11.3 – 9.8 – 8.7 – 8.7, 6+), KQED Inc.-owned public News/Talk KQED is #1 the ninth successive survey period. Prior to being flat in September, KQED was: -1.0 (May); +1.7 (June) -1.5 (July); and -1.1 (August). As a result of logging a gain of seven-tenths (4.6 – 5.3, unchanged in fourth-place, 6+), University of Southern California Classical-formatted KDFC “Classical California” records its best 6+-stat (5.3) since “Holiday” 2024’s 5.4. A combined +.8 in July and August (2.8 – 3.0 – 3.6, 6+), iHeartMedia Urban Contemporary “106.1 KMEL” surrenders one-half share to 3.1 (#8 to #11, 6+). August’s 3.6 was KMEL’s strongest 6+-showing since October 2024 when it posted a 3.7.
Dallas
Plopping on a half-share to August’s gigantic +2.3 (4.2 – 6.5 – 7.0, 6+), iHeartMedia Hot AC KDMX repeats at #1. Entering the August sweep, “Mix 102.9” was steady in the 4.1 – 4.6 range for six straight sweeps (4.4 – 4.4 – 4.6 – 4.1 – 4.5 – 4.2, 6+). The station “Mix” displaced at #1 in August – Cumulus Media’s Country-formatted KPLX – surrenders seven-tenths to 4.7 (6+); “99.5 The Wolf” slips from second to fourth. Holding the top spot in July and August, “The Wolf” had been without a loss three consecutive months for a collective +.6 (4.8 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 5.4, 6+). Locked on 1.9 (6+) in July and August, Univision’s KDXX “Latino Mix” busts out a +1.0 to 2.9 (6+) and returns to the top twenty at #16.
Houston
Following twelve sweeps in a row setting the pace, iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary KODA segued to second in August. More than doubling August’s -.8 with a massive +1.7 to 8.1 (6+), however, “Sunny 99.1” reappears at #1. KODA had been without an increase four straight months for a net -1.3 (7.7 – 7.6 – 7.3 – 7.2 – 6.4, 6+). Meanwhile, it’s an August-only stay at the top for Urban One Urban AC KMJQ, which slides to the runner-up slot. “Majic 102.1” has an extremely steady March through September topline: 6.3 – 6.3 – 6.6 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 6.7 – 6.4 (6+). Off one-tenth in August (4.3 – 4.2, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR “104.1 KRBE” answers with a full-share increase to cross the five-share level (5.2, ninth to fifth 6+). In addition to losing six-tenths, Audacy Spanish Contemporary KLOL “Mega 101” continues an alternating up/down pattern that began in March: 2.6 – 3.0 – 2.8 – 3.0 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 2.5 (#15 to #18, 6+).
Atlanta
On one hand, Cox Media Group-owned WSB-AM “Atlanta’s News & Talk” chalks up an increase of nine-tenths (6.9 – 7.8, 6+), but at the same time, cluster-mate WSRV “Classic Hits 97.1 The River” falters by that magnitude. Consequently, WSB-AM progresses from fourth to first and “The River” flows from first to fourth. “Atlanta’s News & Talk” halts three straight modest dips that resulted in a combined -.6 (7.5 – 7.1 – 7.0 – 6.9, 6+). On top six consecutive survey periods, “The River” is now a net -1.7 the past three sweeps (8.2 – 7.5 – 7.4 – 6.5, 6+). Simultaneous with Audacy Sports Talk/flagship of the Falcons and Hawks WZGC “92.9 The Game” improving by seven-tenths (2.7 – 3.4, #15 to #11, 6+), Educational Media Foundation Contemporary Christian WAKL “106.7 K-Love” regresses by one-half share (5.2 – 4.7, flat at #7, 6+).
Philadelphia
Two huge fluctuations lead to a change at the top. Specifically, Audacy-owned/Phillies and Eagles flagship WIP “Sports Radio 94” hammers out a whopping +1.4 (7.1 – 8.5, 6+) to advance from second to first. Conversely, Beasley Broadcast Group’s WMGK “Classic Rock 102.9 MGK,” which had been #1 the past six sweeps, plummets by nearly that magnitude and trades places with WIP (8.1 – 6.8, -1.3, first to second, 6+). Three consecutive improvements by Educational Media Foundation Contemporary Christian WKVP “106.9 K-Love” have yielded a net +1.5 (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.0 – 3.9, #12 to #10, 6+). Tumbling by -1.3 (in addition to WMGK) is iHeartMedia Urban AC “105.3 WDAS-FM” (6.0 – 4.7, third to sixth, 6+).
Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island)
A combined -1.5 in July and August (6.7 – 6.4 – 5.2, 6+), “77 WABC” obliterates that deficit with a September +1.6 to 6.8 (6+). Moreover, the Red Apple Media News/Talk facility progresses from third to first. WABC’s February – June topline was: 2.6 – 3.9 – 5.2 – 6.5 – 6.7 (6+) for a collective +4.1. Departing the top spot after a one-month stay is iHeartMedia CHR WHTZ (6.9 – 6.5, -.4, first to second, 6+). “Z-100” had been a net +1.1 via three straight months without a loss (5.8 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+). In August, “Z-100” succeeded Audacy all-News “1010 WINS @ 92.3 FM,” which had a July-only residence at #1. In September, WINS drops six-tenths (6.6 – 6.0, 6+) and slides from second to third. Entering the August sweep, WINS notched three increases in a row for a collective +1.3 (5.6 – 5.8 – 6.2 – 6.9, 6+). Slipping by six-tenths as well is iHeartMedia Classic Rock WAXQ “Q-104.3” (4.7 – 4.1, sixth to ninth, 6+).
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario
Without a loss the third sweep in succession for a collective gain of two full-shares (9.8 – 11.4 – 11.8 – 11.8, 6+), Entravision Spanish Adult Hits KLYY “Jose” is #1 the ninth consecutive month. Four straight downward trends by Univision Spanish Contemporary KLVE resulted in a -3.2 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.2 – 3.9 – 3.7, 6+); however, “K-Love 107.5” answers with a September +1.2 to 4.9 (6+) and is steady in third-place. Frozen on 2.6 (6+) in July and August, Anaheim Broadcasting-owned “96.7 KCAL-FM Rocks” falters by eight-tenths to 1.8 (fifth to tenth, 6+) and is below a two-share (6+) for the first time since December 2024’s 1.6.
San Jose
Four different stations have held the #1 spot in this Northern California metro during the 2025 calendar year. Bonneville International Adult Contemporary KOIT-FM “Better Music For A Better Workday” did so in January; February; March; June; and was tied at the top in July. Univision Spanish Adult Hits KBRG “Amor 100.3” was #1 in April and August, while co-owned Regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena” reigned in May. Audacy’s KCBS-AM & KFRC-FM– which tied KOIT-FM in July – posts a September +.4 (5.3 – 5.7, 6+) to progress from second to first. “All News AM 740 & FM 106.9” succeeds “Amor 100.3,” which falters by six-tenths (5.9 – 5.3, 6+) and exchanges places with KCBS-AM. Hauling out increases of +1.3 are Connoisseur Media Hot AC KEZR “Mix 106.5 (4.0 – 5.3, sixth to second, 6+) and co-owned KBAY “Bay Country 94.5” (2.5 – 3.8, #12 to #7, 6+); “Mix” is rebounding from August’s -1.1. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media News/Talk “810 KSFO” has its third straight dip for a combined -1.5 (3.4 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 1.9, 6+) to plunge from #11 to #18.
Middlesex-Somerset-Union
Despite eroding by a whopping -2.1 (9.5 – 7.4, 6+), iHeartMedia Classic Rock WAXQ repeats at #1. In July, “Q-104.3” registered a colossal +3.5 (6.3 – 9.8, 6+), but dropped three-tenths this time last month. With an increase of eight-tenths to 6.6 (third to second, 6+), Spanish Broadcasting System Spanish Tropical WSKQ “La Mega 97.9” erases exactly half its combined -1.6 deficit the past two sweeps (7.4 – 6.4 – 5.8, 6+). Including September’s -1.4, iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary WLTW “106.7 Lite FM” is a net -1.9 the past two survey periods (7.2 – 6.7 – 5.3, second to fourth, 6+). Beasley Broadcast Group’s similarly-formatted WMGQ “Magic 98.3” is: -.5 (July); +.8 (August); and -1.0 in September (5.3 – 4.8 – 5.6 – 4.6, fourth to seventh, 6+).
Round Two
Washington, DC
Four straight increases by Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP generated a +3.4 (10.5 – 10.7 – 11.7 – 13.1 – 13.9, 6+). In September, however, the all-News operation plummets by -2.4 to 11.5 (6+). Nonetheless, WTOP is #1 the third straight survey period and is in double-digits (6+) the tenth successive sweep. This time last month, Audacy Spanish Tropical WLZL basically had its 6+-share carved in half (3.4 – 1.8, -1.6, 6+). “El Zol 107.9” bounces back though with a +1.2 to 3.0 (6+), leaping from #17 to #11. Dropping one-half share each are iHeartMedia Country-formatted “98.7 WMZQ” (3.5 – 3.0, #8 to #11, 6+) and Hubbard Broadcasting Alternative WBQH “The Gamut” (1.4 – .9, #18 to #20, 6+).
Boston
Not only does Audacy Adult Contemporary WMJX follow August’s +1.2 with a gain of one full-share (5.4 – 6.6 – 7.6, 6+), “Magic 106.7” repeats at #1. Entering the August sweep, “Magic” was a combined -1.8 in four successive losses (7.2 – 5.9 – 5.8 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+). WMJX held – or shared – #1 honors five straight months before shifting to third in July. Off six-tenths in August (5.3 – 4.7, 6+), Beasley Broadcast Group Classic Hits “105.7 WROR” answers with an increase nearly twice that magnitude (5.8, +1.1, fourth to second, 6+). After being up a combined six-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (5.0 – 5.3 – 5.6, 6+), Audacy Hot AC WWBX “Mix 104.1” is now a collective -1.4 in August and September (5.6 – 4.7 – 4.2, fourth to eighth, 6+).
Miami
Audacy owned Adult Contemporary WLYF “101.5 Lite FM” was #1 in July and Cox Media Group’s similarly formatted WFEZ “Easy 93.1” held the top spot in August. Now setting the pace – as it did in June – is WFEZ’s Urban AC cluster-mate WHQT “Hot 105” (6.9 – 7.4, +.5, second to first, 6+). Despite being a combined +1.2 via four straight up or flat trends (6.0 – 6.0 – 6.5 – 7.1 – 7.2,6+), “Easy” segues from first to second. Including September’s gain of seven-tenths, iHeartMedia Urban Contemporary WMIB “103.5 The Beat” is up one full-share in three straight months without a loss (2.1 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 3.1, #18 to #11, 6+). Owing to a September dip of six-tenths to 2.6 (6+), Educational Media Foundation Contemporary Christian WMLV “K-Love” forfeits 75% of the +.8 it logged in July and August (2.4 – 2.6 – 3.2, 6+) and drifts from #12 to #17.
Seattle
Not only is it a combined +1.7 in four consecutive gains (7.5 – 7.9 – 8.4 – 9.1 – 9.2, 6+), University of Washington-owned News/Talk “94.9 KUOW” is #1 the ninth survey period in a row. With its September uptick of seven-tenths, iHeartMedia Classic Hits KJEB “95.7 The Jet” is steady in third-place and has a May through September topline of: 5.5 – 5.7 – 5.6 – 5.1 – 5.8 (6+). Down one full-share (4.8 – 3.8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting Adult Contemporary KRWM “Warm 106.9” slips from fifth to ninth. Separated by one-tenth are three Country-formatted outlets that combine for a total of 8.6 (6+) shares: Audacy’s KKWF “100.7 The Wolf” (3. 2 – 2.9, -.3, #14 to #15); Hubbard Broadcasting-owned KPNW “98.9 The Bull” (2.3 – 2.9, +.6, #19 to #15, 6+); and Lotus Communications’ KPLZ “101.5 Hank FM” (3.4 – 2.8, -.6, #12 to #17, 6+).
Detroit
- In tandem with Audacy Sports Talk/Tigers flagship WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” gaining three-tenths (8.1 – 8.4, 6+) and iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary “100.3 WNIC” regressing by that margin (8.2 – 7.9, 6+), “The Ticket” progresses from second to first and WNIC segues from first to second. It’s an August-only stay at #1 for WNIC (+1.5 in August), which had been absent from the lead position since March. Prior to August, “The Ticket” was #1 four straight months. Urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” improves by nine-tenths (6.5 – 7.4, fourth to third, 6+), while iHeartMedia Urban Contemporary cluster-mate “97.9 WJLB” falters by that same magnitude (3.9 – 3.0, #11 to #14, 6+). In four straight sweeps without a loss, “Mix” is a net +1.4 (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.2 – 6.5 – 7.4, 6+); WJLB was a combined +.6 in July and August (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.9, 6+).
Phoenix
Over and above posting a gain of six-tenths (8.2 – 8.8, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting “Classic Rock 100.7 KSLX” is #1 the sixth straight month. Immediately prior to August’s loss of nine-tenths, KSLX generated a net +3.7 in seven consecutive increases (5.4 – 5.6 – 5.8 – 5.9 – 7.5 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 9.1, 6+). Improving by one-half share each are Audacy’s “KMLE Country 107.9” 3.3 – 3.8, #12 to #8, 6+) and Entravision Regional Mexican KLNZ “La Tricolor 103.5” (2.9 – 3.4, #14 to #11, 6+). Erasing the six-tenths it recorded in August with September’s -.8 (2.5 – 3.1 – 2.3, 6+), Riviera Broadcast Group Rhythmic Hot AC KMVA “Hot” slumps from #13 to #19.
Minneapolis
In a bit of an oddity, the first four finishers have (6+) August 2025 – September 2025 fluctuations of nine-tenths. They include: iHeartMedia Sports Talk KFXN “100.3 The Fan” (9.2 – 10.1, +.9, #1, 6+); Hubbard Broadcasting Hot AC KSTP-FM “KS-95” (6.7 – 7.6, +.9, third to second, 6+); University of Northwestern – St. Paul Contemporary Christian “98.5 KTIS-FM” (7.9 – 7.0, -.9, second to third, 6+); and Minnesota Public Radio-owned KNOW “91.1 MPR News” (5.4 – 6.3, +.9, fifth to fourth, 6+). Appropriately enough, “The Fan,” which was +1.1 in August, is #1 the ninth month in a row; KTIS-FM was up seven-tenths in August. Meanwhile, Cumulus Media Rock KXXR surrenders in full the half-share it picked up in August (3.7 – 4.2 – 3.7, 6+), but “93-X” remains at #11.
San Diego
Up a modest one-tenth in September (9.5 – 9.6, 6+), Audacy Classic Hits KXSN “Sunny 98.1” is #1 the ninth month in a row. By contrast, its last three variations had been: +1.0 (June); -1.4 (July); and +.9 (August). Notching gains of six-tenths each are Local Media San Diego-operated Alternative XTRA “91-X” (3.1 – 3.7, #12 to #11, 6+) and Lotus Communications Regional Mexican KFBG “Frontera 100.7” (.4 – 1.0, #20, 6+). On the heels of August’s dramatic +2.4 (4.5 – 6.9, 6+), Audacy Sports Talk KWFN “97.3 The Fan” falters by one full-share to 5.9 (second to fourth, 6+). Stuck on 5.5 (6+) in May and June, the Padres flagship lost a full-share in July.
Tampa
Flat at 7.1 (6+), Cox Media Group Adult Contemporary WDUV is on top the third month in succession. “Lite Favorites 105.5” has a June through September (6+) topline of: 7.3 – 7.8 – 7.1 – 7.1. Co-owned Classic Hits WXGL “107.3 The Eagle” adds seven-tenths to July’s +.4 (5.3 – 5.7 – 6.4, 6+) and is unchanged in third-place. Off one full-share, iHeartMedia-owned WXTB “98 Rock” is without a gain the third straight time (4.9 – 4.8 – 4.8 – 3.8, #6 to #11, 6+) and drops to the three-share level for the first time since December 2024’s 3.5.
Denver
Somewhat similar to what was mentioned (above) in Minneapolis, four Denver facilities have (6+) month-to-month moves of nine-tenths. While the situation here doesn’t affect the top four stations as it does in the Twin Cities, the Denver twist is a tie at #1. At the same time Bonneville International Adult Contemporary KOSI “Real Music Variety” loses nine-tenths (7.5 – 6.6, 6+), co-owned Country “98.5 KYGO” gains nine-tenths (5.7 – 6.6, 6+). From the runner-up slot, KYGO thus catches KOSI at #1; KYGO was off one-half share in August (6.2 – 5.7, 6+). This is the seventh consecutive survey period at #1 for KOSI, which is an overall -1.1 in three straight down or flat sweeps (7.7 – 7.5 – 7.5 – 6.6, 6+). Registering increases of … nine-tenths … each are KSE Radio Ventures Hot AC KIMN “Mix 100” (2.7 – 3.6, #15 to #12, 6+) and Community Radio For Northern Colorado Triple A KJAC “105.5 The Colorado Sound” (.8 – 1.7, #20, 6+). Meanwhile, Entravision Regional Mexican KXPK “La Tricolor 96.5,” which had been locked on 4.4 (6+) in July and August, sputters by eight-tenths to 3.6 (#9 to #12, 6+).
Baltimore
The see-saw continues for Urban One Urban AC WWIN-FM which has been: -1.2 (June); +1.5 (July); -1.0 (August) and now +.8 in September (8.6 – 9.4, 6+). Most importantly though, “Magic 95.9” is #1 the eighth month in a row. Advancing from tenth to seventh with September’s +1.2, Peter & John Radio Fellowship Contemporary Christian WRBS-FM “Bright FM” is a combined +1.4 via three straight gains (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 4.5, 6+). Conversely, Audacy Adult Contemporary WLIF “Today’s 101.9” (down one-half share in September) is without an increase the third time in succession for a net loss of nine-tenths (6.2 – 6.2 – 5.8 – 5.3, third to fourth, 6+).
St. Louis
Even though Hubbard Broadcasting’s KSHE relinquishes all but one-half share of August’s gigantic +1.9 (10.9 – 9.5, -1.4, 6+),“Real Rock Radio” is #1 the ninth month in a row. Including September’s +1.1, iHeartMedia Country KSD “93.7 The Bull” is a net +1.5 in three straight improvements (4.8 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 6.3, fifth to fourth, 6+). Collapsing by -1.9 and -1.0, respectively, are Hubbard Broadcasting Adult Hits WARH “106.5 The Arch” (7.7 – 5.8, third to fifth, 6+) and iHeartMedia Classic Hits “103.3 KLOU” (8.7 – 7.7, unchanged in second-place, 6+). As a result of three gains in succession, “The Arch” was +1.5 (6.2 – 6.8 – 7.1 – 7.7, 6+); KLOU is now -1.5 via three consecutive down or flat trends (9.2 – 8.7 – 8.7 – 7.7, 6+).
Round Three
Portland
Turnaround is fair play here for iHeartMedia cluster-mates, as Adult Contemporary KKCW “K-103” (7.7 – 9.2, +1.5, second to first, 6+) succeeds Classic Hits sibling KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” (9.5 – 9.0 -.5, first to second, 6+) at #1. This time last month, “The Eagle” replaced “K-103,” which had set the pace the previous ten survey periods. KKCW continues an alternating down-up pattern that commenced in March: 9.0 – 8.8 – 9.3 – 8.9 – 9.8 – 7.7 – 9.2 (6+). Audacy Adult Hits KYCH gains nine-tenths to 4.4 (#11 to #8, 6+). With a +.3 in August (3.2 – 3.5, 6+), “97.1 Charlie FM” curtailed a string of eight straight losses that resulted in a combined -2.4 (5.6 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 4.1 – 3.8 – 3.7 – 3.4 – 3.3 – 3.2, 6+). Two Classic Rockers sustain hefty month-to-month declines: iHeartMedia’s KFBW “105.9 The Brew” is down one full-share (7.0 – 6.0, third to fourth, 6+), while Audacy’s “92.3 KGON” is -.1.4 (6.4 – 5.0, fourth to seventh, 6+).
Charlotte
Over and above being a net +2.8 via three straight upticks (4.7 – 5.4 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+), Urban One Urban-Rhythmic Oldies WOSF “105.3 RnB” advances from second to first. After four straight months on top, Beasley Broadcast Group Adult Contemporary WKQC falls to third. “K-104.7” has lost a combined two full-shares in August and September (8.9 – 7.6 – 6.9, 6+), directly after four consecutive increases that generated a collective +3.2 (5.7 – 6.5 – 8.1 – 8.8 – 8.9, 6+). Pushing up from fourth to second, co-owned WSOC regains 90% of August’s -1.0 (7.4 – 6.4 – 7.3, 6+). Entering the August sweep, “Country 103.7” was a net +2.7 via six straight sweeps without a loss (4.7 – 5.6 – 6.0 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.1 – 7.4, 6+). As a result of adding nine-tenths (2.5 – 3.4, #17 to #13, 6+), iHeartMedia CHR WHQC “Hits 96.1” has its best 6+-stat (3.4) since January’s 4.2. Urban One Hot AC WLNK continues its wild ride. In May, “Mix 107.9” was +1.0; then a combined -2.5 in June and July (5.6 – 4.5 – 3.1, 6+); was a whopping +1.8 in August; but is now -1.7 (4.9 – 3.2, 6+) to fade from #9 to #16.
San Antonio
Despite dropping four-tenths (7.6 – 7.2, 6+), Cox Media Group-owned Classic Hits KONO-FM “KONO 101.1” repeats at #1. Univision Regional Mexican KROM “Que Buena 92.9” completely expunges August’s -1.4 with September’s +1.5 (5.0 – 3.6 – 5.1, 6+) and vaults from ninth to fifth. Faltering by -1.4 and -1.1, respectively, are Cox Media Group Country-formatted KCYY “Y-100” (6.6 – 5.2, second to fourth, 6+) and Educational Media Foundation Contemporary Christian KZAR “Air 1” (3.1 – 2.0, #12 to #20, 6+).
Sacramento
Piling on eight-tenths to August’s +.3 (8.6 – 8.9 – 9.7, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KFBK is #1 the sixth month in a row. “News 93.1” has its strongest 6+-stat (9.7) since November 2024’s 10.2. Owing to a +1.3 (3.6 – 4.9, 6+), Audacy CHR KUDL zooms from #11 to #5; “106.5 The End” had been a collective -1.1 as a result of four straight down or flat trends (4.7 – 4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.6, 6+). Dropping seven-tenths are Audacy’s KSEG “96.9 The Eagle” (8.7 – 8.0, unchanged in the runner-up slot, 6+) and iHeartMedia-owned KYRV “93.7 The River” (3.3 – 2.6, #14 to #15, 6+).
Pittsburgh
Here we go again: iHeartMedia Classic Hits WWSW “94.5 3WS” and Frischling Family Adult Hits WRRK “96.9 Bob FM” trade places at #1. In September, it’s WRRK’s turn at the top (10.3 – 10.5, +.2, second to first, 6+), while “94.5 3WS” (10.4 – 10.2, 6+) segues from the lead to the runner-up slot. While the reverse was true in August, the two stations were tied at #1 in January; WWSW was #1 (solo) the next five months; and “Bob” returned to the top in July. Owing to September’s whopping +1.8 (3.8 – 5.6, 6+) Audacy-owned KDKA-AM more than doubles August’s increase of eight-tenths (3.0 – 3.8, 6+), facilitating “News Radio” to leap from ninth to sixth. After August’s one-half share gain (1.7 – 2.2, 6+), Matz Communications Group-owned Urban Contemporary “WAMO 107.3” regresses by nine-tenths to 1.3 (#15 to #18, 6+).
Salt Lake City
Three straight improvements by Capital Broadcasting Hot AC KBZN have not only accounted for a net +1.6 (6.0 – 6.2 – 6.9 – 7.6, 6+), “Now 97.9” progresses from third to first. Consequently, Bonneville International Adult Contemporary KSFI (7.4 – 7.3, -.1, 6+) has an August-only stay at #1 and shifts to second-place; “FM 100.3” was also #1 in April and May. Owing to September’s +1.5 to 5.2 (6+), Broadway Media CHR KUDD completely wipes away July and August’s combined -1.2 (4.9 – 3.9 – 3.7) as “Mix 105.1” elevates from tenth to seventh. Evaporating by seven-tenths are Bonneville International-owned KRSP “103.5 The Arrow” (6.2 – 5.5, fourth to fifth, 6+) and Brigham Young University’s KBYU “Classical 89” (2.8 – 2.1, #15 to #20, 6+), which was -1.3 in August (4.1 – 2.8, 6+).
Las Vegas
Albeit logging a hefty -1.3 (8.2 – 6.9, 6+), KSNE “Sunny 106.5” is #1 the twelfth survey period in succession. The iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary outlet picked up seven-tenths in August. Co-owned Country KWNR “95.5 The Bull” regains 70% of August’s full-share loss to advance from eighth to fifth (3.1 – 3.8, +.7, 6+); KWNR was +1.3 in July (2.8 – 4.1, 6+). Gaining seven-tenths as well is Beasley Broadcast Group News/Talk KMXB-HD3, which is trending 1.0 – 1.2 – 1.9 (6+) and reenters the top twenty at #20. Meanwhile, University of Nevada-Las Vegas’ KUNV “91.5 Jazz & More” has its 6+-stat sliced by one full-share (2.9 – 1.9, #11 to #20, 6+).
Orlando
Cox Media Group-owned WCFB follows August’s +1.3 with a September loss of nine-tenths (9.8 – 8.9, 6+); nonetheless, “Star 94.5” is #1 the fifth consecutive month. WCFB was a combined -1.4 in June and July (9.9 – 8.6 – 8.5, 6+). Registering a +1.4 and +1.0, respectively, are WCFB’s Classic Rock sibling “98.9 WMMO” (6.3 – 7.7, fifth to second, 6+) and Norsan Media Spanish Tropical WFYY “Kaliente 103.1” (1.7 – 2.7, #17 to #13, 6+). WMMO had a June – July – August (6+) topline of 6.4 – 6.5 – 6.3, while “Kaliente” pulls the plug on four straight dips that resulted in a nearly 50% decline (net -1.5) of its 6+-share (3.2 – 2.6 – 2.5 – 2.3 – 1.7, 6+). After three consecutive gains that generated a +1.5 (3.7 – 4.3 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia News/Talk WTKS “Real Radio 104.1” forfeits all but two-tenths with a -1.3 to 3.9 (eighth to tenth, 6+).
Cincinnati
Albeit off four-tenths (10.4 – 10.0, 6+), iHeartMedia-owned WLW progresses from second to first; “News Radio 700” was also #1 in June and July. Entering the September sweep, the Reds flagship was a net +3.1 in six consecutive improvements (7.3 – 7.8 – 8.8 – 9.4 – 9.7 – 10.3 – 10.4, 6+). Trading places with WLW is Cumulus Media Classic Hits “103.5 WGRR,” which relinquishes all but one-tenth of August’s massive +1.4 (10.8 – 9.5, -1.3, first to second, 6+). WGRR had been in an alternating up/down pattern that began in February: 9.2 – 9.8 – 8.7 – 9.1 – 8.3 – 9.4 (6+). Powered by a +1.8 to 4.8 (#11 to #8, 6+), iHeartMedia Rock-formatted “102.7 WEBN” all but obliterates its net -1.9 in three straight losses (4.9 – 4.5 – 3.4 – 3.0, 6+). A combined +.9 in July and August (7.7 – 8.0 – 8.6, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s Country WUBE forfeits a -1.5 to 7.1 (6+), but “B-105.1” remains in third-place.
Cleveland
Posting a one-tenth gain (9.6 – 9.7, 6+), iHeartMedia Classic Hits WMJI repeats at #1. “Majic 105.7” was the market leader in fifteen straight sweeps before shifting to the runner-up slot in July. At the same time as Ideastream Classical WCLV “Ideastream Public Media” notches an uptick of nine-tenths (1.4 – 2.3, #17 to #15, 6+), iHeartMedia Country “99.5 WGAR” declines by that magnitude (7.8 – 6.9, third to sixth, 6+). After registering a 2.4 (6+) in April 2024, WCLV had exclusively been in the one-share range for the next seventeen sweeps. WGAR’s May through August (6+) topline was: 7.1 – 7.4 – 7.9 – 7.8.
Kansas City
A combined +2.9 in July and August (10.9 – 13.4 – 13.8, 6+), Cumulus Media-owned KCMO-FM stumbles by four-tenths in September. Even so, “94.9 Kansas City’s Greatest Hits” is #1 a whopping 17th survey period in a row. After Audacy Sports Talk KFNZ “96.5 The Fan” declined by -1.2 in July (3.9 – 2.7, 6+), the Royals flagship has answered in August and September with a net gain of two full-shares (2.7 – 3.8 – 4.7, ninth to fifth, 6+). Without a loss the past four sweeps for an overall +1.6 (3.5 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 4.8 – 5.1, 6+), Carter Broadcast Group Urban Contemporary KPRS “Hot 103 Jamz” relinquishes six-tenths to 4.5 (fourth to sixth, 6+).
Columbus
Making the most robust (6+) August 2025 – September 2025 spike by any station in the first three rounds of PPM-data (6.8 – 9.7, +2.9), WBNS-FM vaults from fifth to first, as “97.1 The Fan” logs its best 6+-stat (9.7) since January’s 10.2. This follows the Tegna Sports Talk outlet’s +1.4 in August (5.4 – 6.8, 6+). Exiting the penthouse after an August-only residence is Saga Communications Adult Contemporary WSNY “Sunny 95,” which plummets by -2.7 (8.5 – 5.8, first to sixth, 6+). There are actually four other huge month-to-month fluctuations in Ohio’s capital city: WSNY’s Classic Rock sibling WLVQ “Q-FM 96” dials up a massive +2.1 (6.4 – 8.5, sixth to second, 6+) and North American Broadcasting Rock WRKZ “99.7 The Blitz” posts a +1.8 (3.7 – 5.5, ninth to seventh, 6+). This marks WLVQ’s third straight gain for a net +2.9 (5.6 – 6.0 – 6.4 – 8.5, 6+). Conversely, two iHeartMedia cluster-mates each sputter by -1.5: Country “92.3 WCOL” (7.8 – 6.3, fourth to fifth, 6+) and co-owned Adult Hits WODC “93.3 The Bus” (8.2 – 6.7, second to fourth, 6+). On top in July, WCOL collapsed by eight-tenths in August; “The Bus” had been a collective +1.3 via three consecutive improvements (6.9 – 7.0 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+).
Round Four
Austin
On the strength of September’s +1.1, University of Texas at Austin-owned News/Talk “KUT 90.5” is back in double-digits (10.7, 6+) for the first time since January and February when it posted a 10.1 (6+) in both sweeps. Moreover, KUT repeats at #1 and has netted two full-shares via five straight up or flat trends (8.7 – 8.9 – 8.9 – 9.6 – 9.6 – 10.7, 6+). Advancing from fifth to third, Audacy Hot AC KAMX “Mix 94.7” adds seven-tenths to August’s half-share increase (3.8 – 4.3 – 5.0, 6+). Conversely, Univision Regional Mexican KLQB “Que Buena 104.3” regresses by seven-tenths, continuing an alternating up/down pattern that began in April: 3.2 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 2.6 – 3.8 – 3.1 (#9 to #12, 6+). August’s 3.8 was KLQB’s highest 6+-share since February (3.8, as well).
Raleigh
After registering six straight survey periods without a loss which accounted for a net gain of four full-shares (6.8 – 6.8 – 7.4 – 8.1 – 9.5 – 10.0 – 10.8, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill News/Talk WUNC relinquishes more than half that bounty (10.8 – 8.6, -2.2, 6+). Nonetheless, “North Carolina Public Radio” is on top for the fifth straight sweep. Logging upticks of seven-tenths each are Urban One Urban Contemporary WQOK “K-97.5” (2.8 – 3.5, #13 to #11, 6+) and Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW “Pulse FM” one-tenth behind (2.7 – 3.4, #14 to #12, 6+). iHeartMedia’s WTKK “106.1 FM Talk” craters by two full-shares and is a combined -2.7 in August and September (7.3 – 6.6 – 4.6, sixth to ninth, 6+). Immediately following August’s +2.1, Curtis Media Group Adult Hits WBBB “96.1 BBB” regresses by -1.1 (4.9 – 7.0 – 5.9, fifth to sixth, 6+).
Indianapolis
A collective +2.2 in four straight improvements (7.4 – 8.2 – 8.5 – 8.8 – 9.6, 6+), Urban One Urban AC WTLC-FM sputters by nine-tenths to 8.7 (6+); “106.7 Indy’s R&B Leader” is nonetheless #1 the third straight month. Co-owned Rhythmic CHR WHHH “Hot 100.9” hauls out a +1.4 (3.3 – 4.7, #12 to #11, 6+), while Cumulus Media Rock WNDX “93.9 X” is up one full-share (2.8 – 3.8, #15 to #12, 6+). Three straight gains by iHeartMedia Alternative WOLT produced an overall +1.1 (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.9 – 4.1, 6+), but in September, “Indy 103.3” surrenders one full-share to 3.1 (#11 to #13, 6+).
Milwaukee
Not only is iHeartMedia-owned WISN #1 a stunning 26th time in succession, “News/Talk 1130” picks up one-tenth to 8.7 (6+), thus curtailing four straight downward moves that resulted in a collective -3.1 (11.7 – 10.4 – 10.3 – 10.2 – 8.6, 6+). Prior to August, WISN was in double-digits (6+) for 17 consecutive survey periods. Including September’s full-share increase, iHeartMedia Sports Talk/Green Bay Packers flagship WRNW “97.3 The Game” has doubled its 6+-stat since July (1.3 – 1.6 – 2.6, #16 to #13, 6+). Faltering by one full-share and -1.2, respectively, are WRNW’s Country cluster-mate WMIL “FM 106.1” (5.8, third to fourth, 6+) and Milwaukee Radio Alliance Adult Contemporary WLDB “B-93.3” (fifth to ninth, 6+). “FM 106.1” had been a net +1.1 in four straight gains (5.7 – 5.9 – 6.1 – 6.3 – 6.8, 6+); “B-93.3” is now an overall -2.1 via three losses in succession (6.0 – 5.4 – 5.1 – 3.9, 6+).
Nashville
Bolstered by a staggering +2.1 to 8.8 (6+), Cumulus Media Sports Talk/Tennessee Titans flagship WGFX marches from third to first. In four straight gains, “104.5 The Zone” is a net +3.7 (5.1 – 5.3 – 5.4 – 6.7 – 8.8, 6+). Departing the penthouse – following ten successive months there – is Midwest Communications Adult Contemporary WJXA (8.7 – 8.5, -.2, first to second, 6+). In three straight losses, “Mix 92.9” is an overall -3.5 (12.0 – 9.3 – 8.7 – 8.5, 6+). June’s 12.0 was its best 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2024’s 15.8. Without an increase the past three sweeps for a collective -2.7 (8.1 – 5.7 – 5.7 – 5.4, 6+), WJXA’s Adult Hits sibling – WCJK “96.3 Jack FM” – notches a +1.2 to 6.6 (sixth to fourth, 6+). Two Educational Media Foundation-owned Contemporary Christian outlets each drop eight-tenths: WLVU “97.1 K-Love” (6.1 – 5.3, fifth to seventh, 6+) and WAIV “Air 1” (1.8- 1.0, #18 to #19, 6+). WLVU was up six-tenths in August; WAIV had gained a collective eight-tenths the past three sweeps (1.0 – 1.2 – 1.3 – 1.8, 6+).
Providence
On the heels of August’s +1.6 (9.8 – 11.4, 6+), Hall Communications’ WCTK forfeits one full-share to 10.4 (6+). While “Cat Country 98.1” is #1 the fourth straight month, its consecutive string of increases which accounted for a +2.3 is halted at three (9.1 – 9.2 – 9.8 – 11.4, 6+). A combined -.9 in July and August (7.3 – 7.0 – 6.4, 6+), Cumulus Media CHR WPRO-FM “92 PRO-FM” posts a September gain of seven-tenths to 7.1 (6+) and is steady in fifth-place. Dropping from ninth to tenth, WGBH Educational Foundation-owned News/Talk WGBH “GBH 89.7” follows August’s -.7 with is a half-share decline (4.0 – 3.3 – 2.8, 6+).
Norfolk
Despite a loss of three-tenths to 10.6 (6+), Audacy Urban AC WVKL is #1 the eighth successive survey period. Prior to this sweep, “95-7 R&B” was a collective +2.1 in three straight gains (8.8 -10.0 – 10.5 – 10.9, 6+) and registered its best 6+-stat (10.9) since February 2024’s 11.2. As a result of boasting a +.2.1 following August’s increase of four-tenths, Sinclair Telecable News/Talk WNIS “AM 790” has more than doubled (net +2.5) its 6+-stat since July (2.3 – 2.7 – 4.8, 6+) and zooms from #12 to #6. Faltering by -1.1 and -1.2, respectively, are Saga Communications Classic Rock WAFX “106.9 The Fox” (5.7 – 4.6, fifth to eighth, 6+) and Max Media Country WGH-FM “97.3 The Eagle” (4.5 – 3.3, #9 to #12, 6+). “The Fox” lost six-tenths in August (6.3 – 5.7, 6+); “The Eagle” had been an overall +1.2 the past three sweeps (3.3 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+).
Jacksonville
Notwithstanding that it plummets by -1.9 (11.8 – 9.9, 6+), Renda Media Adult Contemporary WEJZ “96.1 WEJZ” records its third straight sweep at #1. Including a +1.3 in August, WEJZ was a net +3.5 in three straight gains (8.3 – 8.8 – 10.5 – 11.8, 6+), with 11.8 its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2024’s 16.8. The seven-share advantage it held in August over Cox Media Group’s similarly-formatted WEZI is essentially carved in half, as “Easy 102.9” dials up a +1.5 to 6.3 (6+) to zoom from ninth to fourth. This marks WEZI’s fifth consecutive sweep without a loss for a net +2.4 (3.9 – 3.9 – 4.0 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 6.3, 6+). Down nine-tenths, Educational Media Foundation Contemporary Christian WJKV “90.9 K-Love” is now a collective -1.2 in three straight declines (6.4 – 6.3 – 6.1 – 5.2, fifth to eighth, 6+).
West Palm Beach
This market’s top two September finishers register massive month-to-month spikes. Specifically, iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary WOLL “Kool 105.5” surges by +2.5 (6.5 – 9.0, 6+) to progress from third to first and despite dialing up a +2.2 (6.6 – 8.8, 6+) – Hubbard Broadcasting Classic Hits WEAT – “Sunny 107.9” slips from a first-place tie to second. The closest “Kool” has come to a nine-share in recent memory was its 8.7 (6+) in June and July 2023. Meanwhile, “Sunny” has its third straight gain for a net +3.9 (4.9 – 5.3 – 6.6 – 8.8, 6+). August’s co-leader with “Sunny” – Hot AC cluster-mate “97.9 WRMF” – gains six-tenths (6.6 – 7.2, 6+), but slips to third. Frozen on 6.8 (6+) in April and May, WRMF dropped eight-tenths in June; rebounded with a +1.0 in July; and was down four-tenths in August. After July’s -1.1, Educational Media Foundation Contemporary Christian WFLV “K-Love” responded with a +1.5 in August and adds six-tenths (1.4 – .3 – 1.8 – 2.4, #11 to #8, 6+). Also improving by six-tenths is Hubbard Broadcasting’s WIRK “New Country 103.1” (4.0 – 4.6, unchanged at #6, 6+). On the flipside, including September’s -1.7, iHeartMedia News/Talk WZZR “Real Radio 92.1” is a combined -2.3 the past two sweeps and tumbles from #8 to #14 (3.5 – 2.9 – 1.2, 6+).
Greensboro
Audacy Urban AC WQMG’s August +1.4 is sliced in half (-.7) in September (11.6 – 13.0 – 12.3, 6+). Nonetheless, “97.1 QMG” is #1 the ninth straight month and records double-digits (6+) an amazing 56th time in a row. Regaining 80% of August’s -1.5 with a September +1.2 (7.0 – 5.5 – 6.7, 6+), iHeartMedia Adult Contemporary WMAG “Mix 99.5” advances from fifth to fourth. Owing to three gains in succession, Audacy Adult Hits WSMW garnered a +2.1, but “Simon” forfeits all that increase plus another half-share by eroding -2.6 to 9.9 (flat at #2).
Memphis
Enhancing August +1.4’s with a half-share increase (13.6 – 15.0 – 15.5, 6+), iHeartMedia Urban AC KJMS “V-101” is #1 the 22nd time in succession. Entering the August sweep, KJMS was a net -3.0 via three straight downward moves (16.6 – 15.6 – 14.5 – 13.6, 6+). Two “V-101” cluster-mates improve by six-tenths each: Gospel WHAL “Halleluiah 95.7” (7.7 – 8.3, fourth to third, 6+) and WREC “News Talk 600 AM,” which has more than doubled (+1.0) its 6+-stat the past two sweeps (.7 – 1.1 – 1.7 , #12 to #11, 6+). Also in the iHeartMedia cluster, Urban Contemporary “K-97,” which was +1.4 in August, surrenders a -1.1 (7.9 – 9.3 – 8.2, second to fourth, 6+).
Hartford
Three straight downward moves by Audacy Adult Contemporary WRCH accounted for a net -3.1 (13.5 – 12.5 – 12.0 – 10.4, 6+). In September though, “Lite 100.5” answers with a full-share increase to 11.4 (6+) and is #1 the 15th consecutive time. A +1.4 by Red Wolf Broadcasting Classic Rock WDRC-FM (7.6 – 9.0, unchanged in third-place, 6+) enables “102.9 The Whale” to match the 9.0 it posted in June. Three gains in a row by iHeartMedia Classic Hits WHCN netted a +1.2 (6.1 – 6.6 – 7.1 – 7.3, 6+), but “105.9 The River” forfeits two-thirds of that increase with a September loss of eight-tenths to 6.5 (fourth to fifth, 6+).
Contact me at Mike.Kinosian@gmail.com.
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