Radio Hosts Ralph Garman, Big Boy, Ellen K and Others Remember Their Morning Show Whiplash on 9/11

I still think quite a bit about listening to radio on the way to work on 9/11 and hearing Ralph Garman and Boyd R. Britton "Doq on the Roq" on KROQ; Big Boy on Power 106; Mark Wallengren on KOST; Ellen K on KIIS-FM and others as I scanned the dial that morning. For Variety I talked to them and NY's Elvis Duran Show about having to pivot from jokes to news on air that day:

Elvis Duran still recalls the phone-in topic on his morning radio show the day of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “We were talking about whether you’re cheating on your significant other if you’re flirting with someone else in an online chat room,” Duran says. “And then playing a song.”

Back in 2001, Duran’s top 40 WHTZ-FM “Z100” was located in Jersey City — just across the Hudson River from Downtown Manhattan. The “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” team had a direct view of the World Trade Center from their 40th floor studio, and it was their phone screener who first fielded reports of smoke from one of the towers.

“It started with rumors a helicopter hit it,” Duran recalls. “Around the time we found out it was a commercial airline plane that hit it, that’s when the second plane hit the other tower. And we immediately knew, this isn’t what we think it is, this is something that we don’t understand.”

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, morning hosts were just arriving to start their shifts. “We’re having our pre-meeting off air before we jump on air live,” remembers Big Boy, who was then based at hip-hop KPWR-FM “Power 106.” “One of my guys comes in and says, ‘Man, some fucking idiot just crashed his plane into the World Trade Center.’ So we go into our office. And as we’re sitting there watching it live, the second plane comes in, boom.”

The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks kicked the nation’s TV and radio news organizations into high gear, as they quickly went live to cover the unfolding events. But also on air that day were drive-time radio personalities who suddenly had to drop the jokes, stop spinning records, and instead pivot to becoming somber lifelines as listeners looked for information and solace.

“We got on the air and started answering calls,” says Ellen K, who back then was Rick Dees’ partner on Los Angeles top 40 KIIS-FM. “I was over seven months pregnant, and my baby in my belly, my son — who’s now almost 20 — was kicking and punching wildly because of the stress reaction I was having. I remember I couldn’t breathe very well, so I had to sit down and calm myself while we’re answering these phone calls.”

K remembers no music being played that day on KIIS. “It was just constant calls, and we stayed on the air way past 10 a.m., when we would usually sign off. We were on until almost 2 p.m. People were taking turns, coming on, crying. We were also giving information as fast as we could get it. So we had our producers calling out, we were calling friends in New York City. We were also reaching out to everyone we knew to get on the air.”

At Los Angeles alternative KROQ-FM, the hosts of “Kevin & Bean” were on vacation, so the station was replaying “best of” clips from previous shows. Just a skeleton crew were in the offices: Sidekick Ralph Garman and news anchor Boyd R. Britton (known as “Doc on the Roq”), who were originally only there to contribute a few live segments in between the repeats.

“By the time I had gotten to the studio, the news had just broken that the second plane had hit the second tower,” Garman says. “And it was only then that it dawned on us that this was not an accident. And the station didn’t know what to do. I was in there, Doc was in there. We had a board op. But the decision eventually was made: We can’t ignore this; we have to go on the air with something. And here I am, this baby broadcaster. I had done voices and stuff for the show but I’d never really taken on a larger role than that. And they said we have to go live, so we just turned on the mics and started broadcasting.”

In an unconventional move, Britton and Garman — normally two contributors who never interacted on “Kevin & Bean” — were suddenly co-anchoring coverage on KROQ.

Read the full story here.

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.

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).

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).

RADIO RATINGS: Without Rush Limbaugh, KFI Fluctuates

The January 2014 Los Angeles Arbitron ratings are in, and with the holidays completely out of the way, Clear Channel's hot AC KBIG-FM ("104.3 My FM") is back at No. 1, averaging a 5.5% share of the Los Angeles market radio audience over 12. KIIS-FM (102.7) is No. 2 (5.0 share), while KOST-FM (103.5) -- the leader during the holidays -- is back down to earth, in third (4.7 share). Rounding out the top 10: KPWR "Power 106" (4.1); top 40 KAMP ("97.1 Amp Radio") is next, with 4.0; KRTH-FM ("K-Earth 101") with a 3.9; KROQ (3.7); Spanish KLVE-FM (3.4) and KNX (3.3).

KBIG was also No. 1 with adults 25-54 (5.9 share), followed by KIIS and KROQ. KIIS was tops with 18-34 (8.1 share), then KPWR and KBIG.

In morning drive, KROQ's "Kevin and Bean Show" was off to a good start for 2014, winning in listeners 12+ (5.4 share) and 25-54 (7.7 share).

Without Rush Limbaugh for the first time in years, KFI nonetheless managed to hold its own in morning drive, coming in second among listeners 12+ (4.4). But interestingly, it crumbled with adults 25-54 (1.9, tied for 20th place -- compared to 3.7 share as recently as November, in sixth place) while gaining with adults 18-34 (1.6, tied for 23rd place).

Also having a good month: KPWR's Big Boy, who finished in No. 1 for morning drive among adults 18-34 (7.0 share). That's his best showing in recent memory.

Place Your Bets: When Will KOST-FM Go All-Christmas This Year? (UPDATED)

In 2011, KTWV "The Wave" beat KOST to the punch and launched its all-Christmas format on November 13. KOST, the market leader in Christmas music, didn't take it lying down. Last year, KOST launched its Christmas format on November 15. KRTH "K-Earth" has also been getting into the act in recent years.

In 2012, the format paid off for KOST, dominating Arbitron's Holiday 2012 ratings book in Los Angeles with a 10.1 share of all audiences 12+. The station was also No. 1 with persons 25-54 (9.6 share) and No. 2 (behind KIIS) with persons 18-34.

So when's it going to happen this year? KOST is turning that question into a contest, asking its listeners to place a wager here. My guess: This Friday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. -- and they'll kick it off with The Carpenters' "Merry Christmas Darling."

THURSDAY NIGHT UPDATE: I was close! According to RadioInsight, KOST will go all-Christmas tomorrow at 3 p.m. And it's confirmed via this KOST-FM Facebook post.

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%).

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.

Holiday 2012 Arbitron Ratings: KOST's Christmas Creams The Competition

Santa was very, very good to KOST-FM this holiday season. The station's all-Christmas music format once again dominated Arbitron's Holiday 2012 ratings book in Los Angeles, averaging a 10.1 share of all audiences 12+. The station was also No. 1 with persons 25-54 (9.6 share) and No. 2 (behind KIIS) with persons 18-34.

It was a nice jump for KOST over holiday 2011, when the station was tops with an 8.4 share. (KOST was also No. 1 in the December 2012 book -- as its Christmas format starts by mid-November.) As a matter of fact, this is the best Holiday showing for KOST in recent memory: It posted a 9.3 share in holiday 2010 and an 8.1 share in holiday 2009. Apparently no one's tired yet of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You." (You should be. But that's a debate for a different time.)

Among listeners 12+, here's the rest of the top ten for holiday 2012: KIIS-FM (5.3 share, up from 4.0 share during holiday 2011); KBIG "My 104.3" (4.8, up from 3.5); KTWV "The Wave" (4.1, up from 3.8); KFI-AM (3.8, down from 4.7); KRTH "K-Earth 101" (3.5, up from 3.3); KPWR "Power 106" (3.5, down from 4.4); KHHT "Hot 92.3" (3.4, up from 2.8); KROQ (3.3, up from 2.7); and KAMP "Amp Radio 97.1" (3.2, down from 4.1).

In the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. morning drive race, KOST's Christmas music (hosted by "Mark and Kristin") dominated among listeners 12+ (8.2 share). That was followed by KFI's Bill Handel/Rush Limbaugh (5.6), KIIS' Ryan Seacrest (4.8), KROQ's Kevin & Bean (4.7) and KBIG's Valentine (4.4).

Kevin & Bean were tops with persons 18-34, followed by Seacrest. Mark & Kim led the 25-54 race, followed by Kevin & Bean.

Meanwhile, also-ran AM talker KABC -- which dipped down to a 0.9 and literally gets a 0 share among 18-34 year olds, is once again under new leadership as Drew Hayes (who once ran the station here but has more recently been at Chicago's WLS) returns to shake things up.

Which Radio Station Will Go All-Christmas First, And When?

Last year, 94.7 KTWV-FM "The Wave" pulled a fast one on rival 103.5 KOST-FM and launched its all-Christmas format the night of Sunday, November 13. KOST, which traditionally OWNS the all-Christmas niche here in Southern California, didn't take the competition lying down, and quickly followed suit.

Expect the rivalry to be just as fierce this year -- which makes me assume that the Big Christmas Flip will happen this weekend. But when? And who will go first?

In 2010, KOST went all-Christmas on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. In 2011, The Wave flipped to all-Christmas on Sunday, Nov. 13. So it's time to lay down a wager: When will the first station go all-Christmas this year, and which one? Leave your guesses in the comments!

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.

Remembering Dick Clark: Host, Media Mogul, KOST-FM Pitchman

Is there anything Dick Clark didn't do? Producer, Media mogul, TV show host, music industry fixture, awards show maven -- and TV pitchman. Clark promoted radio stations around the country through the 1980s and 1990s -- and here in Los Angeles, his spots were for adult contemporary KOST-FM. Above, a spot from 1984. And below, Dick strolls along the coast for KOST in 1991.



It wasn't just radio stations that Dick Clark pitched over the years. Below, he promotes slacks for JCPenney in this goofy spot. Check out his pose at the end!



And here he is promoting the Dairy Queen burger (complete with "processed cheese").

Holiday 2011 Arbitron Ratings: Amp Pulls Upset Over KIIS

The Los Angeles area Arbitron ratings for the holiday 2011 period (December 8 - January 4) are out, and no surprise: KOST, which dominates the holidays with its all-Christmas format, is once again a strong #1 (with an 8.5 share of the listening audience and a cume of 4.3 million listeners).

But that's not the big news of the holiday 2011 book. For the first time since CBS Radio flipped its FM Talk 97.1 station in 2009 to top 40 KAMP-FM "Amp Radio," the station (with a 4.5 share) has beat Clear Channel's L.A. top 40 radio titan KIIS-FM (4.0 share).

Even urban KPWR-FM (Power 106) beat KIIS, tying KAMP and AM talker KFI with a 4.5 share as well.

Amp Radio had been creeping up on KIIS for some time. In November, KIIS beat KAMP with a 5.0 share vs. a 3.9 share. But in December, KIIS' lead (4.4) was razor thin over KAMP (4.3).

Meanwhile, with the first year of its own wall-to-wall Christmas music format, KTWV-FM "The Wave" averaged a decent 3.7 share, up from 2.6 in December. KRTH "K-Earth" took a hit, dropping to a 3.2 share as its rivals went all-Christmas.

Despite its leadership, KOST took a bit of a holiday haircut this year, now that it has a rival in The Wave. Its 8.5 share was dominant, but down from 9.3 in holiday 2010 (but still up from an 8.1 share in holiday 2009).

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.

All-Christmas Radio En Espanol Comes to LA

We wrote a few days ago about the Christmas music war that has broken out between traditional holiday leader KOST-FM and rival smooth jazz KTWV "The Wave." Now enters a third competitor: Spanish-language oldies outlet KRCD-FM, known as "Recuerdo 103.9/98.3."

The interesting thing here: Recuerdo is playing a mix of Spanish-language Christmas songs (yes, including "Feliz Navidad") and English-language Christmas songs from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Because, let's face it, even if you don't speak English, you've been bombarded with these songs over the years and I'm sure they're pretty familiar anyway.

There aren't many Spanish stations that have gone all-Christmas over the years, but Recuerdo probably figured it could steal away from bilingual and Spanish-language listeners who tune into KOST to get into the holiday mood.

Here's a sample of Recuerdo's playlist: