Media Watch

Latest Trends Show Journal Taking a Hit

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Last week, local radio stations took a look at the latest trends--basically, ratings released in between the actual quarterly numbers--to get a read on what direction ratings might be headed in prior to the next book, when the numbers really matter.

If this trend is any indication, it won't be a particularly strong winter ratings period for the Journal Broadcast Group cluster of stations. KMXZ FM 94.9 (MixFM) dipped from first to third, dropping .7 from its market-leading 9.5 share to 8.8. Meanwhile, Clear Channel-owned Top 40 station KRQQ FM 93.7 continued its upward trend, registering an 8.9 to move into second place, up from its fall 2007 ratings, when the station made a big jump to an 8.2.

Citadel Broadcasting-owned KIIM FM 99.5 moved into the top spot with a 9.3, up .5 from the fall book. Citadel--which reported corporate losses of more than $800 million last quarter--could use some good news. KHYT FM 107.5 (which underwent a format change from classic rock to classic hits that won't register in these numbers) remained static with a 2.3 share, but Citadel counterpart KSZR FM 97.5 (Bob-FM) moved up .4 from 1.8 to 2.2. KCUB AM 1290 (my part-time employer) moved ahead of Journal sports counterpart KFFN AM 1490 (1.0, up from .6; and .9, down from 1.2, respectively), but Journal's big slide occurred with rhythmic oldies KGMG FM 106.3, which dipped from 4.1 to more familiar territory at 2.6. Journal's FM talk entry, KQTH FM 104.1, did see growth, to 1.8 from 1.6, whereas Clear Channel owned talker KNST AM 790 slipped from 5.5 to 5.1.

THE KGUN FERTILITY MACHINE

For those of you who watch KGUN Channel 9's evening news are probably aware that news anchor Jennifer Waddell--a significant reason KGUN has become a legitimate news player--is with child.

Pregnancies aren't exactly a new thing at the ABC affiliate. Prior to her departure to Phoenix, morning host Destry Jetton welcomed her first child during her KGUN stint. Jetton's replacement, Kimberly Romo, gave birth in September, just months after accepting the position.

KGUN's male contingent has held up its end of the bargain, too. Weekend anchor Dan Spindle, weatherman Len Johnson and traffic reporter Allen Kath enjoyed the fruits of their labor with new additions within the last year. Baby factory Phil Buehler, who left KGUN for an anchor job in Michigan, welcomed No. 6 in December.

KOLD HELPS HUMANE SOCIETY RAISE 50K

A day after the dog-hoarding incident that strained the resources of authorities who confiscated more than 700 dogs and other pets, KOLD Channel 13 held an impromptu telethon that helped the Humane Society of Southern Arizona raise more than $50,000. Anchor Heather Rowe broadcast live from the Humane Society during every newscast on Thursday, March 13.