WKKO continues impressive streaks
11/2/2005WKKO-FM (99.9) extended two impressive streaks and WRVF-FM (101.5) reached double digits in another during Arbitron s summer survey.
Cumulus-owned WKKO, which has a country format, finished No. 1 overall for the 39th consecutive ratings period, dating back to 1996, and its morning show was in the top spot for the 15th time in a row.
Meanwhile, Clear Channel s WRVF, which has an adult contemporary format, finished No. 2 overall for the 10th consecutive ratings period.
Among listeners age 12-plus, WKKO s audience share was 13.1 percent. It averaged 8,800 listeners during a typical 15-minute interval, an increase of 700 from Arbitron s spring survey. During the course of the week, the station averaged 114,700 listeners, up from 107,300 the previous ratings period.
WRVF s audience share was 9.2 percent, with 6,200 listeners during an average quarter-hour, an increase of 700. Known as The River, the station s weekly average of 100,700 listeners was down 800 from the spring.
Arbitron conducts four 12-week surveys each year. The results of the summer ratings period, which ran from June 30 to Sept. 21, arrived at local stations last week.
Oldies station WRQN-FM (93.5) had its best ratings period in recent years, finishing No. 3 overall. The Cumulus station was No. 5 in each of the two previous Arbitron surveys.
Clear Channel stations swept the next three positions: news/talk station WSPD-AM (1370) moved up two spots, to No. 4; contemporary hits/pop WVKS-FM (92.5) and rocker WIOT-FM (104.7) tied for fifth. The latter two tied for third last spring.
In addition to being No. 1 overall, WKKO, known as K-100, was first in all four weekday time slots. Similarly, WRVF was No. 2 in every time slot. (WRVF and WSPD tied for No. 2 from 7 p.m. to midnight.)
WKKO s morning show, hosted by Gary Shores and Harvey J. Steele, was a decisive winner over WRVF s morning show, hosted by Mitch & Mary Beth.
Among listeners age 12-plus, WKKO s morning show averaged 12,200 listeners during a typical 15-minute interval, compared to 8,000 for WRVF.
While WKKO has been No. 1 in the morning race in all three ratings periods this year, there has been a different No. 2 each time. WIOT s show, hosted by the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom, was second in the spring. WSPD s show, hosted by Bob Frantz, was No. 2 in the winter.
Bob & Tom were No. 3 in the summer, followed by WRQN (Kelly & Staples) and WSPD.
The WVKS morning show, hosted for eight of the 12 weeks by Johny D., remained at No. 6.
But its audience for an average quarter-hour dropped from 6,000 to 5,000. Andrew Zepeda made his debut as morning host on Monday.
Johny D. has been at WTWR-FM (98.3) for two months, but he started at the station just 10 days before the end of the summer ratings period. WTWR tied for 13th in the morning with 1,700 listeners during an average quarter-hour.
How did Denny Schaffer fare in his final full ratings period on WSPD? His afternoon talk show was No. 3. He tied for second in the previous ratings period. He averaged 6,400 listeners during a average quarter-hour, down 200 from the previous ratings period.
Schaffer left WSPD in late September.
Among listeners age 25 to 54, which is the demographic that advertisers covet, WKKO was No. 1 overall with an audience share of 11.5 percent. WRVF was next with a 9.9 share, followed by WRQN at 8.5, WWWM-FM (105.5) at 8.0, and WIOT at 7.7.
WIOT led the 25-54 demo in the mornings with a 12.1 share. WKKO was second at 10.7, followed by WRVF at 9.1, WRQN at 8.2, and WWWM at 7.6.
Arbitron s fall survey began Sept. 22 and runs through Dec. 14.
WSPD-AM (1370) has hired Brian Wilson for the dual role of afternoon talk-show host and program director.
Wilson started this week as program director, but he won t make his on-air debut until next week at the earliest.
He succeeds Denny Schaffer as afternoon host and Al Brady Law as program director. Schaffer left WSPD for WGST-AM in Atlanta, while Law went to KTRS-AM in St. Louis.
Wilson, a 40-year radio veteran, has worked in seven markets, including New York City and Washington.
After Schaffer left WSPD, Wilson hosted the afternoon show for two days in early October. Fred Lefebvre has filled in for most of the past month.
Contact Russ Lemmon at: rlemmon@theblade.com or 419-724-6122.