NIELSEN SPRING 2016: CLASSICAL MUSIC RISES IN MEDIUM & SMALLER DIARY MARKETS

Nielsen Audio’s Spring 2016 audience estimates show substantial growth of weekly cumulative listeners at a majority of Classical stations in Nielsen Audio Diary markets compared to Spring 2015. To make apples-to-apples assessments, we have divided the stations into two categories: Full-time Classical music and Dual Format Classical and NPR News.

Of the 25 full-time music stations we are tracking, 18 stations (72%) increased weekly listeners and 7 stations saw (28%) declines during the past year.

We also are tracking 18 dual format stations airing Classical music and NPR News. Twelve dual format stations (67%) increased the number of weekly listeners and 6 stations had fewer weekly listeners than they did in Spring 2015.

(Scroll down to the ratings for dual format stations.)

WMHT & WXXI-FM ARE THE TOP FULL-TIME CLASSICAL STATIONS IN DIARY MARKETS

 In many ways WMHT, Albany and WXXI-FM, Rochester are siblings separated at birth. Both are co-licensed with PBS TV stations.  Both began their Classical music service many years ago.  Both have exits on the New York Thruway. Both continue to increase their number of weekly listeners.

WMHT may have the hardest working programmer in the biz: Chris Wienk.  Not only does Wienk program Triple A WEXT, he also programs WMHT’s Classical format. He works with a small but devoted team plus he provides the creative juice that keeps them fresh and relevant.
 

WXXI-FM is a regional player with listeners in the Rochester and Syracuse metro areas. Plus there are lots of listeners to WXXI-FM trying to cool their nerves on the Thruway during frequent blizzards.

WCVE & HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO LEAD DUAL FORMAT CLASSICAL STATIONS IN WEEKLY LISTENERS

I’ve seldom seen an organization so entwined in its community as The Ideas Stations of WCVE. They are a leader in educational services, relentless promoters of regional arts and culture and a key news source in Virginia’s capital city.  Plus Bill Miller is a fine manager!

Ah yes, Hawaii. I can recall sunning on Maui listening to music and the latest news on Hawaii Public Radio (HPR). HPR is not only a link to outside world, it is distinctly Hawaiian. Best wishes to Jose Fajardo, the new GM at HPR.

Monday-Sunday 6AM-Midnight Persons 12+

These data are provided for use by Nielsen subscribers ONLY,

in accordance with RRC's limited license with Nielsen Inc. Data Copyright Nielsen Inc. Format distinctions are the sole responsibility of Ken Mills Agency, LLC.