Radio Ratings: Big January for KOST, KIIS, "Omar y Argelia" and "Kevin & Bean"

KOST-FM continued to enjoy a Christmas halo in January.

The station's annual all-Christmas format was a huge hit during the holidays, pulling a staggering 12.1 share of all Los Angeles radio listeners at the end of December. Christmas may be long gone, but listeners were still tuning into KOST way into January, giving it the No. 1 slot among listeners over the age of 12 (with a 5.9 share).

According to Nielsen's January radio ratings, top 40 KIIS-FM was No. 1 throughout the day with listeners 18-34 (8.0 share) and adults 25-54 (5.4 share).

In morning drive, Spanish-language KLVE's Omar y Argelia won overall, while KROQ's Kevin & Bean were tops in the key 25-54 demo. What's more, KROQ's Internet stream of Kevin & Bean also posted strong numbers -- so much more, that if you add the show's over-the-air and web numbers together, the show would be No. 3 overall (with a 4.5 share), and command an even more dominant 6.9 share with adults 25-54.

In public radio, our friends at KCRW led everyone with a strong 2.2 share.

Here are the top radio stations in January among listeners 12+:
1. KOST-FM (5.9 share)
2. KRTH-FM "K-Earth" (4.7)
3. KIIS-FM (4.6)
4. KBIG-FM "My FM" (4.5)
5. KLVE-FM "K-Love" (4.4)
6. KTWV-FM "The Wave" (4.2)
7. KRCD-FM "Recuerdo" (3.5)
tie. KCBS-FM "Jack FM" (3.5)
9. KNX-AM (3.3)
tie. KFI-AM (3.3)


25-54:
1. KIIS (5.4)
2. KBIG (5.0)
3. KLVE (4.8)
tie. KOST (4.8)
5. KCBS (4.0)
tie. KRTH (4.0)

Here are the top stations in morning drive among listeners 12+:
1. KLVE-FM "K-Love"/Omar y Argelia (5.3 share)
2. KOST-FM/Ellen K. (4.7)
3. KFI-AM/Bill Handel (4.4)
4. KIIS-FM/Ryan Seacrest (4.1)
5. KRTH "K-Earth"/Gary Bryan (4.0)
6. KNX-AM/Dick Helton and Vicky Moore (3.8)
tie. KROQ-FM/Kevin & Bean (3.8)
8. KTWV "The Wave"/Pat Prescott (3.6)
tie. KBIG "My FM"/Valentine (3.6)
10. KSCA "LA 101.9"/"El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo" (3.1)

25-54:
1. KROQ (5.6)
2. KLVE (5.2)
3. KIIS (4.7)
4. KBIG (3.8)
tie. KSCA (3.8)

L.A. Radio Ratings: K-Earth Extends Domination to Mornings in November

L.A. likes its classic hits.

According to Nielsen's November radio ratings, KRTH "K-Earth 101" has now extended its lead as the No. 1 radio station in Los Angeles for the fourth month in a row. KRTH has also extended its dominance to mornings, where Gary Bryan's show was No. 1 in the daypart among listeners 12 and older (and in the key listeners 25-54 demo).

Meanwhile, top 40 KIIS-FM was No. 1 throughout the day with listeners 18-34 (8.1 share) and KBIG "My FM" (104.3) with No. 1 with adults 25-54 (5.6 share).

It was also a strong month for our pals at KCRW, which jumped ahead of competitor KPCC for the first time in recent memory (1.9 share vs. 1.8 share).



In morning drive, here are the top shows among listeners 12+:
1. KRTH "K-Earth"/Gary Bryan (5.7 share)
2. KLVE "K-Love"/Omar y Argelia (5.0)
3. KFI-AM/Bill Handel (4.8)
4. KBIG "My FM"/Valentine (4.6)
5. KIIS/Ryan Seacrest (4.5)
6. KROQ/Kevin & Bean (4.1)
TIE. KNX-AM/Dick Helton and Vicky Moore (4.1)
8. KOST/Ellen K (3.9)
9. KTWV "The Wave"/Pat Prescott (3.6)
10. KCBS "Jack FM"/Music (3.4)

25-54:
1. KRTH (5.5)
2. KROQ (5.4)
3. KLVE (5.2)
4. KIIS (4.9)
5. KBIG (4.7)

Here are the top stations among listeners 12+:
1. KRTH "K-Earth" (5.7 share)
2. KBIG "My FM" (5.1)
3. KIIS (4.9)
TIE. KOST (4.9)
5. KTWV "The Wave" (3.9)
6. KLVE "K-Love" (3.8)
TIE. KCBS "Jack FM" (3.8)
8. KFI (3.8)
9. KSWD "The Sound" (3.4)
TIE. KNX (3.4)
25-54:
1. KBIG (5.6)
2. KRTH "K-Earth" (5.5)
TIE. KIIS (5.5)
4. KOST (4.6)
5. KLVE (4.2)

September Radio Ratings: Bill Handel, Ryan Seacrest, Kevin & Bean Lead Mornings

School's back, which means more people on the road-- and listening to morning drive radio. Big beneficiaries included KIIS-FM's Ryan Seacrest and KROQ's Kevin & Bean, both of which saw strong gains in their key listener demos.

According to Nielsen's September radio ratings, KFI's Bill Handel was No. 1 in the morning among listeners 12 and older (mostly thanks to the strength of listeners over 54), tied with KLVE's Omar y Argelia. But in top demos, it was Ryan Seacrest (No. 1 in persons 18-34, leaping to 9.2 share from a 7.9 in August) and Kevin & Bean (No. 1 in persons 25-54, jumping to a 5.6 share from a 5.0 in August) that experienced healthy moves.

In overall listenership (6 a.m. to midnight), KRTH "K-Earth 101" was No. 1 for a second month in a row with a 5.1 share of the listening audience age 12 and over.

Meanwhile, top 40 KIIS-FM was No. 1 with listeners 18-34 (9.2 share) and with 25-54 (5.5 share).

It was also a strong month for KCRW, posted its highest numbers in at least a year.



In morning drive, here are the top shows among listeners 12+:
1. KFI (5.1 share)
TIE. KLVE "K-Love" (5.1)
3. KRTH "K-Earth" (4.9)
4. KIIS (4.6)
5. KROQ (4.0)
6. KNX (3.9)
TIE. KBIG "My FM"(3.9)
8. KTWV "The Wave" (3.4)
9. KLYY "Jose FM" (3.3)
TIE. KOST (3.3)

25-54:
1. KROQ (5.6)
2. KLVE (5.3)
3. KIIS (4.9)
4. KRTH (4.3)
TIE. KBIG (4.3)

Here are the top stations among listeners 12+:
1. KRTH "K-Earth" (5.1 share)
2. KIIS (5.0)
3. KBIG "My FM" (4.8)
4. KOST (4.5)
5. KTWV "The Wave" (3.9)
6. KLVE "K-Love" (3.8)
7. KSWD "The Sound" (3.7)
8. KCBS "Jack FM" (3.6)
TIE. KFI (3.6)
10. KRCD (3.1)
TIE. KLAX (3.1)
TIE. KNX (3.1)
TIE. KAMP "Amp Radio" (3.1)

25-54:
1. KIIS (5.5)
2. KBIG (5.2)
3. KRTH "K-Earth" (4.9)
4. KOST (4.4)
TIE. KLVE (4.4)

August Radio Ratings: KRTH, KFI Top the Charts

KRTH "K-Earth 101" is back on top.

The classic hits station (the classy way of saying "oldies") won the August 2015 book in Los Angeles with a 4.9 share of the listening audience age 12 and over. It was also 8th with persons 18-34 and 4th with the 25-54 year olds.

Meanwhile, top 40 KIIS-FM was No. 1 with listeners 18-34 (7.9 share), while hot adult contemporary KBIG "My 104.3" was No. 1 with 25-54 (5.4 share).

The big market success story right now may be hip-hop KRRL "Real 92.3," which has been the No. 2 station in the market among adults 18-34 since May. Not bad for a station that had previously been urban AC "Hot 92.3." It continues to narrowly beat heritage hip-hop KPWR "Power 106," having stolen key morning star Big Boy.

In morning drive time, KFI's Bill Handel remains dominant with radio listeners age 12 and up, averaging a 5.2 share. Close behind was Spanish language KLVE (5.1 share), which was No. 1 with listeners 25-54 (5.4). Ryan Seacrest on KIIS was still No. 1 with persons 18-34, a streak he's held all of 2015.



In morning drive, here are the top shows among listeners 12+:

1. KFI (5.2 share)
2. KLVE (5.1)
3. KRTH "K-Earth" (4.6)
4. KIIS (4.3)
5. KOST (4.0)
6. KTWV "The Wave" (3.9)
7. KBIG (3.7)
TIE. KNX (3.7)
9. KROQ (3.4)
TIE. KSWD "The Sound" (3.4)


25-54:

1. KLVE (5.4)
2. KROQ (5.0)
3. KIIS (4.6)
4. KLYY (4.3)
5. KBIG (4.0)


Here are the top stations among listeners 12+:

1. KRTH (4.9 share)
2. KBIG (4.8)
TIE. KIIS (4.8)
TIE. KOST (4.8)
5. KTWV "The Wave" (4.1)
6. KCBS "Jack FM" (3.8)
TIE. KSWD "The Sound" (3.8)
TIE. KFI (3.8)
TIE. KLVE (3.8)
10. KAMP "Amp Radio" (3.1)

25-54:

1. KBIG (5.4)
2. KIIS (5.2)
3. KOST (4.7)
4. KRTH "K-Earth" (4.6)
5. KLVE (4.3)

April Radio Ratings: Morning Shake Up Spells Trouble for Power 106

KRTH_FM ("K-Earth 101") morning host Gary Bryan is continuing his winning streak, leading the L.A. market in morning drive for the fourth month in a row.

KRTH and Bryan was first with persons 12+ for the month of April, averaging a 5.4 share. That follows by Bill Handel on KFI (4.9), KLVE's Omar y Argelia was third with a 4.8 share, then KIIS FM's Ryan Seacrest (4.5 share) and KBIG-FM's (My 104.3 FM) Valentine (4.4 share). In Persons 25-54, Seacrest and KIIS were first (7.8), then Omar y Argelia at KLVE (5.3) and KBIG's Valentine (4.6). Seacrest was also tops with persons 18-34 (7.8). Meanwhile, are listeners not following Big Boy to the new KRRL "Real 92.3"? The station saw a nice boost in March after Big Boy's arrival, particularly in persons 18-34, where it was 3rd (5.0 share) last month, up from 15th place (2.8) prior to Big Boy in February. But in April, the station was back down to 6th place (4.8 share) in drive time.

It's still not as rough as things at Big Boy's old home, KPWR "Power 106." The station, once consistently No. 1 or 2 in persons 18-34, was 10th in mornings in April (3.3 share).

Nice news for my pals at KCRW, which averaged its highest 12+ audience share in mornings (2.3) in at least a year.

In total day viewing, KIIS and KBIG were tied for tops (5.3 share) in listeners 12+, followed by KRTH, KOST and KSWD "The Sound," which is doing quite well these days.

August Radio Ratings: Healthy Summer Gains for LA's Top Stations

Univision's KLVE "K-Love 107.5" is once again No. 1 spot in morning radio, as the station's "Omar y Argelia" posted a 4.8 share (same as last month) of the Los Angeles 12+ audience in August. KRTH "K-Earth 101's" Gary Bryan (4.7, up from 4.5) was No. 2, followed by KFI-AM's Bill Handel (4.6, up from 4.2), Spanish station KSCA's "El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo" show (4.1 down from 4.7), and all-news KNX, benefiting from a busy news month (4.0, up from 3.6). Also tied in 5th was Valentine at KBIG "My 104.3 FM" (4.0, up from 3.8).

Among persons 18-34, KPWR "Power 106's" Big Boy was No. 1 in the morning (8.0 share). And in adults 25-54, KROQ's "Kevin & Bean Show" remained No. 1 (5.1).

In overall 6 a.m. to midnight ratings, it was a nice month of gains for most of the most-listened-to stations. KBIG was once again No. 1 with listeners 12+ (5.3, up from 4.9 last month), followed by KRTH (4.9, up from 4.7), KIIS-FM (4.8, up from 4.5), KOST (4.4, up from 4.2) and KPWR "Power 106" (4.2, down from 4.3). KPWR was No. 1 with 18-34 listeners (8.0) while KBIG was also No. 1 with 25-54 (5.4).

July Radio Ratings: A New Number One in the Mornings

Another semi-dramatic shift in Los Angeles morning drive radio, as Univision's KLVE "K-Love 107.5" landed the No. 1 spot in the July book among persons 12+, as "Omar y Argelia" posted a 4.8 share of the audience. Spanish station KSCA's "El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo" show, which was No. 1 in June, is now No. 2 (4.7), followed by KRTH "K-Earth 101's" Gary Bryan (4.5), KFI-AM (4.2) and KBIG "My 104.3 FM" (3.8).

Among persons 18-34, KSCA was No. 1 (7.1 share). And in adults 25-54, KROQ's "Kevin & Bean Show" was tops (5.1), a streak they've held since December.

In overall 6 a.m. to midnight ratings, KBIG was No. 1 with listeners 12+, followed by KRTH (4.7), KIIS-FM (4.5), KPWR "Power 106" (4.3) and KOST (4.2). KPWR was No. 1 with 18-34 listeners (8.1) while KBIG was also No. 1 with 25-54 (5.3).

June L.A. Radio Ratings: Why Are Things So Topsy-Turvy?

What's going on with the Nielsen radio ratings in Los Angeles? The June 2014 book is out, and the results are still strange. Yet, Nielsen says it now believes everything is kosher, according to the Los Angeles Times:

Ratings giant Nielsen on Wednesday said it has concluded its investigation into inaccurate ratings in the Los Angeles radio market, but stopped short of sanctioning Univision Communications for alleged unethical conduct by a former station executive.

Last month, Nielsen discovered that a high-ranking Univision Radio executive at the company's Los Angeles station, KSCA-FM (101.9), had access to several of Nielsen's portable people meter devices that pick up audio signals. Nielsen uses data transmitted from the devices to determine which radio stations have the most listeners.

It is a violation of Nielsen rules for a station employee to have access to the devices. Univision quickly fired the executive and announced more rigorous ethics training sessions for its employees. No other station executives were reprimanded.

Nielsen notified radio stations on Wednesday that despite the problems it found with two households that were removed from its sample audience in Los Angeles, the agency would not go back and reissue the ratings for last year or the first quarter of 2014.

And yet KSCA, which had been 13th place in mornings as recently as January, is suddenly the No. 1 station between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. among listerners 12+ (5.0 share), up from 5th place in May. The station's new "El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo" show is also No. 1 with listeners 18-34 with a whopping 9.3 share, up a massive 3 share points from May (6.3).

KRTH "K-Earth 101"'s Gary Bryan is No. 2 with 12+ (4.9 share), followed by KLVE-FM's Omar y Argelia (4.3), KIIS' Ryan Seacrest (4.1) and KFI-AM's Bill Handel (3.9). In persons 18-34, KPWR "Power 106"'s Big Boy is second (7.5), then KIIS (5.8), KROQ's Kevin & Bean (5.2) and KBIG's Valentine (4.8). With persons 25-54, KROQ is No. 1 (5.3), then KSCA (4.9), KIIS (4.6), KLVE (4.1) and KBIG (3.8).

In total day listening, KRTH is extending its reign among persons 12+ (5.5 share), followed by KIIS (5.0), KBIG (4.9), KPWR (4.7) and KOST (4.1). KPWR is tops with listeners 18-34 (8.4 share), while KIIS leads with listeners 25-54 (5.2).

L.A. May Radio Ratings: KRTH's Surprise Surge To No. 1

After all the drama surrounding the last two months of Los Angeles radio ratings -- which may have been tampered with -- Nielsen Audio (which had held back on reporting May, due to the controversy) has finally revealed last month's numbers. And although I suppose Nielsen has solved whatever problem held them back, it's still an interesting month, as KRTH "K-Earth 101" has shot to the top of the charts.

It's a bit of a surprise: "K-Earth 101" is now tied for No. 1 in the market, among listeners 12+. For the weekly 6 a.m. to midnight average, KRTH tied KIIS in the top spot, with a 5.2 share each. That's after being K-Earth consistently ranking No. 5 or No. 6 for most of the past year. After K-Earth and KIIS it's KBIG "My FM" (4.8), KPWR "Power 106" (4.3) and a tie between KOST and Spanish-language KLVE (4.1).

In adults 18-34, Power 106 was No. 1 (7.8 share), while KIIS was No. 1 in adults 25-54.

The morning drive race is also interesting, as K-Earth morning host Gary Bryan took the top spot with persons 12+ (4.5 share). The show had never been above No. 5 in the past year. KIIS (4.4), KLVE and KROQ (4.3, tied) and KSCA (4.0) followed. KROQ was No. 1 with persons 25-54 (6.2) and Power 106 was No. 1 with listeners 18-34 (7.1).

Radio Ratings: Two Spanish Shows Take Morning Radio By Storm

KROQ's Kevin & Bean Show was once again No. 1 in April among listeners 12+ (a streak it has kept up from the beginning of the year) with a 4.7 share of the Los Angeles market audience, according to Nielsen Audio. Kevin & Bean are also No. 1 with adults 25-54 (6.4 share) for the sixth book in a row.



But it appears that change is afoot in morning radio, led by two rapidly rising Spanish-language radio stations: KSCA-FM and KXOS-FM. "El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo" ("The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"), the new morning show on KSCA "LA 101.9," was No. 2 in April, averaging a 4.5 share among listeners 12+. It's been a great recovery for KSCA, which had slumped at the end of last year after previous host Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo exited.

Experiencing an even more dramatic rise is KXOS-FM "Exitos 93.9," which was not a player at all in the mornings until the arrival of El Mandril, who was previously at KLAX. KXOS scored a 4.2 share in April -- compared to the 0.6 it posted in December. (KLAX, on the flip side, went from No. 1 for most of last year in morning drive to 24th place for much of this year so far.)

KIIS' Ryan Seacrest was No. 1 with adults 18-34, with a 7.1 share.

In overall 6 a.m. to midnight listening, KIIS-FM was No. 1 in people 12+, with a 5.1 share, followed by KBIG "My 104.3" (4.9), KRTH "K-Earth 101" (4.8), KPWR "Power 106" (4.5) and KOST-FM (4.5).

KPWR was tops with adults 18-34 (8.7) and KBIG was No. 1 with 25-54 (5.6).

There were so many major changes in this book -- KPCC's online stream even posted a decent number, even though it never showed up in the book until now. Did Nielsen Audio overhaul its Los Angeles sample in the past month?

Radio Ratings: Three-Way Tie for First Place in February

In February, Clear Channel pulled off a hat trick at No. 1 in the Los Angeles radio Arbitron ratings. Adult contemporary KOST, hot AC KBIG and top 40 KIIS (all owned by Clear Channel), split a three-way tie for a 5.2% (each) share of the persons 12+ listening audience.

Granted, the 12+ measurement isn't actually sold to advertisers, and is more bragging rights than anyone else. Still, not a bad showing for the radio behemoth out here.

In fourth: KPWR "Power 106" (4.6 share), while KRTH "K-Earth 101" and KAMP "Amp Radio" tied for fifth (4.4 share).

It was a great month for Power 106, which also averaged its best numbers in at least a year among adults 18-34 (8.5 share). KIIS was solo tops with listeners 25-54.

Meanwhile, in the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. morning drive competition, KROQ's Kevin & Bean dominated in listeners 12+ (5.7) and 25-54 (7.8). KIIS' Ryan Seacrest was second in both measurements, but was No. 1 with listeners 18-34 (7.1 share).

October L.A. Radio Arbitrons: KBIG Back On Top

Clear Channel's hot AC KBIG-FM "My FM" dropped to a 5.3% share of the Los Angeles market listening audience (12+) in October, from a 5.6% in September. But it was still good enough to lead the market, as KBIG has been in the No. 1 or No. 2 spot for the entire year. Not bad.

In second was top 40 KIIS (5.2%, down from 5.8% in September), followed by a surging oldies KRTH "K-Earth" (4.3%, up from 4.1%), then AC KOST-FM (4.2%, unchanged) and top 40 KAMP-FM "Amp Radio" (4.1%, down from 4.2).

KBIG was also tops with adults 25-54 (6.0%), followed by KIIS (5.2%); KIIS led with adults 18-34 (8.2%), followed by KPWR "Power 106" (8.0%).

Among public radio stations, classical KUSC (2.2%) edged out KPCC (2.1%) for the first time this year.

In the morning drive race, KLAX-FM's El Mandril continued his streak at No. 1 for the fifth month in a row (5.6%), although he was down from September (6.9%). In second was KFI's Bill Handel/Rush Limbaugh combo (5.0%, up from 4.1%), with KROQ's Kevin & Bean in third (4.8%), then KIIS' Ryan Seacrest (4.4%) and KRTH's Gary Bryan (4.0%).

El Mandril also led listeners 18-34 (9.8%) and 25-54 (6.6%). Kevin & Bean were second in 25-54 (6.4%), while Seacrest was second with 18-34 (7.0%).

L.A. September Radio Ratings: KIIS Back On Top; El Mandril Extends Morning Streak

KLAX-FM morning host Ricardo "El Mandril" Sanchez (above), who recently scored a glowing Page 1 profile in the Los Angeles Times, has now won his fourth month in a row as the No. 1 morning radio show in Los Angeles. According to the recently released Arbitron ratings for September, El Mandril received a 6.9% share of the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. audience among listeners over the age of 12.

El Mandril was also a dominant No. 1 with listeners 18-34, averaging a 11.5% share. And he was No. 1 with listeners 25-54 (8.2% share).

KROQ's Kevin & Bean landed the most-listened-to morning show among English speakers, and No. 2 overall, in listeners 12+ (4.9%) and 25-54 (6.5%). KIIS' Ryan Seacrest was No. 2 with the 18-34 crowd (7.2%).

In total day (6 a.m. to midnight) listening, KIIS-FM is back to No. 1 after ceding the top spot to KBIG the last five months. Here are the rankings:

Persons 12+
1. KIIS 5.8
2. KBIG ("My FM") 5.6
3. KOST 4.2
t. KAMP ("Amp Radio") 4.2
5. KRTH ("K-Earth") 4.1
6. KPWR ("Power 106") 3.9
7. KLVE 3.8
8. KLAX ("La Raza") 3.7
9. KTWV ("The Wave") 3.4 t. KROQ 3.4

Persons 18-34
1. KIIS 9.2
2. KPWR 7.6
3. KAMP 6.4
t. KBIG 6.4
5. KLAX 4.7

Persons 25-54
1. KBIG 6.0
2. KIIS 5.6
3. KLAX 4.4
4. KROQ 4.2
5. KAMP 4.1

August L.A. Radio Arbitron Ratings: KLAX's El Mandril Widens His Morning Lead

El Mandril is still king of the morning. The rise of the KLAX-FM morning host to the top spot in Los Angeles' Arbitron drive-time report is apparently not a fluke. In August, El Mandril was once again No. 1 (for the third month in a row), and this time he pulled off a hat trick: No. 1 with listeners 12+ (6.2 share), persons 18-34 (10.2 share) and persons 25-54 (7.7 share).

After that, KFI's Bill Handel/Rush Limbaugh combo and KROQ's Kevin & Bean tied for No. 2 in listeners 12+ (5.0), followed by a tie (4.0 share) between KSCA "La 101.9" (which, it appears, hasn't yet replaced fired host Eddie "Piolin" Soetelo) and KNX's morning news show. That's the best showing for KNX in a long time.

In persons 18-34, KBUE-FM "Que Buena" host Don Cheto was No. 2 (6.4), while Kevin & Bean were No. 2 with listeners 25-54 (6.9).

In total day ratings, KBIG-FM was once again No. 1 with listeners 12+ (5.8 share), followed by KIIS (5.2), KOST (4.5), KAMP "Amp Radio" (4.3) and KPWR "Power 106" (4.0).

Among listeners 25-54, KBIG was also No. 1 (6.5), followed by KIIS (5.3). KIIS was tops with listeners 18-34 (7.7), then Power 106 (7.6).

L.A. Radio Ratings: The Return of Spanish Radio Dominance? And What's Happening to KFI?

For a second month in a row, KLAX-FM's "El Mandril" locked the No. 1 spot in morning drive among listeners over the age of 12, as well as in the persons 18-34 demo. He was No. 2 with listeners 25-54. Not bad for a morning show that was ranked No. 13 as recently as the end of December.

Also on the rise: KSCA-FM, which rose dramatically in July -- in part thanks to the controversy surrounding the firing of host Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo, who was removed from the show on July 22. In his final month on the air, Piolin rose to fourth place in mornings (and No. 3 with 25-54), having been in 12th place as recently as January.

But Piolin had already been back on the rise in 2013, having jumped from a 3.0 share in January to a 4.2 in April. (Which is why it was clear he wasn't removed for ratings reasons -- and allegations of sexual harassment have emerged.) Have listening habits changed that much over the past seven months? Much more likely, a change in the makeup Arbitron's local roster of Personal People Meter (PPM) users has brought in a few more listeners more likely to listen to Spanish-language radio.

Perhaps the new panel has also lost a few older listeners, as news/talk KFI has seen its share of listeners also tumble. The morning mix of Bill Handel and Rush Limbaugh is still No. 2 overall, but at a 4.9 share-- much smaller than the 8.1 share from August 2012 (granted, during a busy election cycle). The change is much more noticable in KFI's 6 a.m. to midnight listenership: In July, the station averaged a 3.2 share, putting it in a tie for 11th place. As recently as April, KFI was in fourth place, with a 4.3 share.

In morning drive, after KLAX (5.5) and KFI (4.9), KROQ's "Kevin & Bean Show" was third, with a 4.8 share, followed by KSCA (4.4) and KIIS' Ryan Seacrest in fifth (4.0). Among listeners 25-54, KROQ is No. 1 (6.8), followed by KLAX (6.5), KSCA (4.7), KIIS (4.6) and a tie between KBIG's Valentine and KBUE's "Don Cheto" (4.5).

Overall, from 6 a.m. to midnight, KBIG continued its winning streak with listeners 12+ (5.3), followed by KIIS (5.1), KOST (4.6), KAMP "Amp Radio" (4.4) and KPWR "Power 106" (4.2). With listeners 25-54, KBIG led (5.7), then KIIS (5.2), KROQ (4.5) and a tie between KSCA and KAMP (4.1).

March Arbitrons: Ryan Seacrest Gets a "10"

What's the deal with Ryan Seacrest? His KIIS-FM morning show posted a 10 share this March among listeners aged 18-34, the first double-digit share in the demo over at least the last year. That made him easily No. 1 among young adults. KROQ's Kevin & Bean dominated the money demo, adults 25-54, with a 7.5 share of the audience. And in listeners 12+, KFI's Bill Handel was No. 1 (thanks to his older audience).

In total day ratings, KIIS-FM also reclaimed the No. 1 spot among persons 12+, with a 5.7 share, followed by KBIG "My 104.3" (5.4), KOST-FM (4.6), KFI-AM (4.3), KAMP "Amp Radio" (4.0, its best showing in a year), KPWR "Power 106" (3.9), KRTH "K-Earth 101" (3.7), KROQ-FM (3.4), KHHT "Hot 92.3" (3.3) and KSCA (3.2, its best in a year).

KIIS was also No. 1 in 18-34 (9.3), while KBIG was No. 1 with 25-54 (6.2).

February Arbitron Ratings: KBIG Goes Big

I can't remember the last time hot AC KBIG "My 104.3" was No. 1, but there it is in the February local Arbitron book, winning the persons 12+ crown with a 5.4 share of the listening audience. KBIG has been either No. 2 or 3 throughout the last year, so a move to No. 1 was inevitable -- but to do so, it had to climb over Clear Channel sibling KIIS, which has been No. 1 for most of the last year (with the exception of the months when KOST airs Christmas music).

KBIG did it by easily winning the persons 25-54 audience (No. 1 with a 5.9 share) and coming in a solid No. 4 with persons 18-34 (where KIIS is still No. 1).

The rest of the top ten: top 40 KIIS (5.1), AC KOST (4.9) talker KFI (4.7), classic hits KRTH "K-Earth" (3.9), top 40 KAMP "Amp Radio" (3.8) hip-hop KPWR "Power 106" (3.6), urban oldies KHHT "Hot 92.3" (3.3), all-news KNX (3.2), alternative KROQ (3.2).

In morning drive, KFI is back at No. 1 among listeners 12+ (6.0), followed by KROQ's Kevin & Bean (5.1) and KIIS' Ryan Seacrest (4.9). Kevin & Bean are tops with 25-54 and No. 2 with 18-34, while Seacrest wins 18-34 and is No. 2 with 25-54.

September Arbitron Ratings: KIIS-FM Stays on Top

The kids may be back in school, but top 40 KIIS-FM is still No. 1 among listeners 12 and over. According to the Los Angeles market Arbitron ratings for September, KIIS led the pack with a 5.1 share of the audience (down from 5.3 in August), followed by hot AC KBIG "My FM" (5.0, up from 4.8), talk KFI (5.0, unchanged), AC KOST (4.7, up from 4.3), classic hits KRTH "K-Earth" (4.2, up from 4.0), hip-hop KPWR (3.9, down from 4.2), alternative KROQ (3.4, up from 3.3), top 40 KAMP "Amp Radio" (3.4, down from 3.5), jammin' oldies KHHT "Hot" (3.4, down from 3.5) and Spanish KLVE (3.1, down from 3.4). KPCC was again tops among public stations (2.0 share)

Among listeners 25-54, KBIG was first, followed by KIIS, KROQ, KOST and KPWR. In listeners 18-34, KPWR was by far the leader, then KIIS, KROQ, KBIG and KAMP.

In morning drive, KFI was again tops among listeners 12+, thanks to its older audience. The talk station averages a 7.5 share, followed by KROQ's Kevin and Bean (5.0), KIIS' Ryan Seacrest (4.5), KOST's Mark and Kristin (4.0) and KBIG's Valentine (3.9).

But in the key money demos, Kevin and Bean dominate at No. 1 among both listeners 18-34 and with listeners 25-54. KPWR's Big Boy is No. 2 with listeners 18-34, while Seacrest is No. 2 with listeners 25-54.

August Arbitron Ratings: Big Month for KIIS-FM and Kevin & Bean

The summer of KIIS-FM continues, as the top 40 powerhouse ended August once again in first place, according to Arbitron portable people meter data. Among persons 12+, KIIS posted a 5.5 share of the Los Angeles market audience, unchanged from July and June. Hot AC KBIG ("My 104.3") was in second, with a 4.9 share, followed closely by talker KFI-AM (4.8) and AC KOST-FM (4.3). All four top stations are owned by Clear Channel.

Rounding out the top ten: Hip-hop KPWR (Power 106), classic hits KRTH "K-Earth 101" (3.9), top 40 KAMP-FM "Amp Radio" (3.8), oldies KHHT "Hot 92.3" (3.6, a big jump from 3.0), Spanish KLVE (3.3) and alternative KROQ (3.3).

Among the public stations, KPCC dipped to a 1.6, while KUSC (1.1, up from 0.9) and KCRW (1.0, up from 0.7) saw gains.

In morning drive, KROQ's Kevin & Bean dominate in every demo, garnering an 8.9 share with persons 18-34, a dominant first place win over No. 2, KPWR's Big Boy (6.2). KIIS' Ryan Seacrest is third (5.2). (By the way, among listeners 18-34, the race has gotten tight between rival top 40 morning show hosts -- and rival TV singing competition hosts -- Seacrest and Carson Daly.)

Kevin & Bean are also a clear No. 1 with adults 25-54 (7.5), ahead of KFI's Bill Handel (4.9). Handel's older audience is big enough that KFI wins overall with persons 12+ in the morning.

July 2012 Radio Ratings: KIIS Leads and KBIG Soars

It continues to be top 40 radio's time to shine, and Clear Channel's KIIS-FM is riding the wave -- once again leading the Los Angeles market for the month of July 2012, with a 5.5 share (unchanged from June).

But hot on KIIS' tail is sister Clear Channel adult contemporary KBIG ("My FM") 104.3, which continues its amazing rise to second place, with a 5.2 share. Then there's Clear Channel talker KFI-AM in third (4.7 share) and surging KPWR ("Power 106"), up to a 4.3 share.

Other stations enjoying a good July were KOST (4.1) and KAMP ("Amp Radio") (4.0). KROQ led the alternative fight (thanks in part to Kevin & Bean in the mornings), averaging a 3.1 share (up from 2.7) vs. KYSR "98.7 FM" (2.4). Among public broadcasters, KPCC-FM led with a 1.7 share, but that was a dip from 2.0.

Check out the full Arbitron rankings over at Radio-Info, but keep in mind, as always, that these total listener numbers aren't used to sell the stations' ad time, but are pretty much just for bragging rights.