KCRW's The Spin-Off: Primetime Ratings Are Down, but Donald Trump is Up (LISTEN NOW!)

On the latest edition of KCRW's The Spin-Off, Mashable's Sandra Gonzalez joins Joe and me for a lively conversation about what's new in the TV biz:

We take a look at some of the numbers from this television season -- it's no surprise that that ratings are down, but it's interesting to see which shows are losing viewers the fastest. Newer shows, even big ones, are having a tougher time holding on to an audience, while older shows seem to have stabilized.

Then we talk about a place where ratings are way, way up -- that would be any network broadcasting a GOP debate. In their combined years of covering television, no one on The Spin-off has ever seen anything quite like the media's reaction to Donald Trump. We discuss why that is, and when and if the networks ever have a responsibility to pull the cord on a public figure, even when they're doing wonders for the ratings.

Listen below!

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.

February Los Angeles Radio Ratings: With No Big Boy at Power 106, Rivals See Gains

Power 106 is feeling the effects of losing Big Boy: In the February 2015 ratings book, among adults 18-34 KPWR-FM dropped from 2nd place (in January, with a 6.2 share) to 5th place (in February, with a 5.0 share) during morning drive, according to Nielsen Audio ratings.

That's the lowest Power's morning drive has ranked in its key demo for perhaps years. Big Boy, of course, exited Power last month and is now expected to show up shortly on the new "Real 92.3." Power owner Emmis is suing Big Boy, claiming it had a right to match a rival's offer, but that the personality refused.

The Big Boy void was good for both of L.A.'s top 40 stations, KIIS-FM and KAMP "Amp Radio." Ryan Seacrest on KIIS skyrocketed in the 18-34 demo, moving from a 7.7 share to a 9.0 share (first place). And Amp's Carson Daly jumped from a 3.8 to a 5.7 (second place). That could very well be Carson Daly's best-ever ranking in the young adult demo.

Across town, the changes at KROQ's Kevin & Bean (Lisa May and Doc on the Roq exits) didn't have much of an impact on ratings. The show was up in total viewers, adults 18-34 and adults 25-54.

At KSWD "The Sound," the arrival of Mark Thompson (formerly of Mark & Brian) in the mornings attracted more overall listeners, giving the station its best morning share in perhaps ever (4.0) among listeners 12+. But the station's 18-34 share dropped, which means most new listeners were on the older side.

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

1. KRTH "K-Earth" (4.9 share)
2. KIIS (4.8)
TIE. KLVE (4.8)
4. KFI (4.6)
5. KNX (4.0)
TIE. KSWD "The Sound" (4.0)
7. KROQ (3.9)
TIE. KBIG "My FM" (3.9)
9. KOST (3.8)
10. KAMP "Amp Radio" (3.6)

25-54:

1. KIIS (9.0)
2. KROQ (5.2)
3. KLVE (5.2)
4. KBIG (4.0)
TIE. KOST (4.0)

In full-day ratings, sorry Art Laboe fans. IHeartMedia's flip of old school "Hot 92.3" (KHHT) to hip-hop "Real 92.3" (KRRL) seems to be working out. The new format is up big time in persons 18-34 (1.9 share to 3.2 share) and was steady in other demos.

The impact of Big Boy leaving KPWR seems to have also benefited KIIS -- which has its best 18-34 share (7.9) since last April, and KAMP, which also has its best 18-34 share (6.1) in at least a year.

Here are the top stations among listeners 12+:

1. KRTH (5.2 share)
TIE. KOST (5.2)
3. KIIS (5.0)
4. KBIG (4.9)
5. KAMP "Amp Radio" (4.0)
6. KLVE (3.9)
7. KSWD "The Sound" (3.8)
TIE. KCBS "Jack FM" (3.8)
9. KFI (3.5)
TIE. KPWR "Power 106" (3.5)

25-54:

1. KIIS (5.4)
2. KOST (5.3)
3. KBIG "My FM" (5.2)
4. KRTH "K-Earth" (4.7)
5. KCBS "Jack FM" (4.6)

L.A. February TV Ratings: On the Weekdays, Everyone's A Winner

As usual, KABC took the local February sweeps crown in households, winning what the station says is its 124th consecutive non-Olympic survey period among households. And in the key Monday to Sunday 11 p.m. news race among adults 25-54, KABC was tops (1.3 rating) over KNBC (1.1) and KCBS (1.0).

But on the weekdays, this may be the oddest February sweeps in local Los Angeles TV ever. In the key adult 25-54 demographic at 11 p.m., rivals KABC, KNBC and KCBS all tied for No. 1 on the weekdays, with a 1.1 rating. (In total viewers, KABC remained champ, although was down from November.)

Going back to at least 1989, this is the first time insiders say they've ever seen KCBS, KNBC and KABC tie for #1 in weekday late news during a major sweep in adults 25-54 – the primary demo for news.

But that's not all: Adding to the unusual month, the three major stations with news at 10 p.m. (KTLA, KTTV and KCAL) also all virtually tied, with a 1.0 rating each.

I always preface these ratings by reminding you that sweeps really shouldn't matter in Los Angeles any more -- the local market is now measured every day via personal people meters. But old habits die hard, and the local stations compete heavily in November, February and May as if it still mattered.

It's also hard to do apples-to-apples comparisons with last February, since the Winter Olympics skews those totals. So instead, this time I'll compare the ratings to the last major sweeps period in November 2014.

Beyond the ties, it was a strange month. KABC saw huge gains at 6 p.m., yet a big drop at 11 p.m. -- despite the fact that it won primetime for the month. KTLA Morning News regained the crown as the most-watched morning show, and "CBS This Morning" on KCBS narrowly edged out "Today" on KNBC.

Here are the February total viewers weekday ratings for the Los Angeles market, Monday through Friday in key news timeslots (as well as Monday through Sunday in primetime).

4:30 am
KABC 74,000 (in November 93,800)
KTLA 43,000 (in November 41,500)
KNBC 37,000 (in November 23,600)
KCBS 26,000 (in November 16,400)
KTTV 9,000 (in November 10,400)

5am
KABC 98,000 (in November 135,000)
KTLA 87,000 (in November 93,100)
KNBC 46,000 (in November 37,800)
KTTV 39,000 (in November 36,800)
KCBS 35,000 (in November 27,300)

6am
KABC 181,000 (in November 192,700)
KTLA 165,000 (in November 182,400)
KTTV 76,000 (in November 72,800)
KNBC 75,000 (in November 66,400)
KCBS 53,000 (in November 46,600)

7am
KTLA/Morning News 208,900 (in November 208,000)
KABC/Good Morning America 206,000 (in November 213,500)
KCBS/CBS This Morning 88,000 (in November 74,700)
KNBC/Today 86,000 (in November 95,900)
KTTV/Good Day LA 81,000 (in November 67,600)

5pm
KABC 246,000 (in November 245,600)
KNBC 143,000 (in November 139,600)
KCBS 115,000 (in November 108,900)
KTTV 49,000 (in November 48,200)

6pm
KABC 328,000 (in November 277,500)
KNBC 145,000 (in November 147,200)
KCBS 102,000 (in November 97,200)
KTLA 79,000 (in November 58,900)

Primetime (Monday through Sunday)
KABC/ABC 367,000
KCBS/CBS 366,000
KNBC/NBC 239,000
KTTV/Fox 200,000

10pm
KCAL 167,000 (in November 156,100)
KTLA 136,000 (in November 126,500)
KTTV 116,000 (in November 76,900)

11pm
KABC 250,000 (in November 335,900)
KCBS 211,000 (in November 215,000)
KNBC 177,000 (in November 159,000)
KTLA 80,000 (in November 83,000)

One Last Big November Sweeps Win For KABC's Retiring General Manager

Arnie Kleiner's going out on a high note. The KABC general manager, who recently announced his retirement, just added one last November sweeps crown to his impressive tenure at the owned-and-operated ABC station. (Kleiner is departing at the end of January.)

I always preface these November ratings by reminding you that sweeps really shouldn't matter in Los Angeles any more -- the local market is now measured every day via personal people meters. But old habits die hard, and the local stations compete heavily in November as if it still mattered.

At 11 pm, KABC expanded its lead vs. No. 2 KCBS in total viewers, thanks in part to a surging primetime (in which KABC dominated vs. its competitors). Meanwhile, at 10 pm, KCAL is also now a dominant No. 1 -- a contrast to last year, where the three-way race was tight. A weak primetime has led to big drop-offs for KTTV.

Here are the November total viewers ratings for the Los Angeles market, in key news timeslots (as well as in primetime).

4:30 am
KABC 93,800 (last year 59,900)
KTLA 41,500 (last year 55,500)
KNBC 23,600 (last year 24,400)
KCBS 16,400 (last year 20,500)
KTTV 10,400 (last year 15,700)

5am
KABC 135,000 (last year 109,100)
KTLA 93,100 (last year 98,400)
KNBC 37,800 (last year 39,200)
KTTV 36,800 (last year 28,700)
KCBS 27,300 (last year 32,900)

6am
KABC 192,700 (last year 213,300)
KTLA 182,400 (last year 176,200)
KTTV 72,800 (last year 65,100)
KNBC 66,400 (last year 68,200)
KCBS 46,600 (last year 38,700)

7am
KABC/Good Morning America 213,500 (last year 241,800)
KTLA/Morning News 208,900 (last year 210,000)
KNBC/Today 95,900 (last year 79,800)
KCBS/CBS This Morning 74,700 (last year 50,700)
KTTV/Good Day LA 67,600 (last year 87,200)

5pm
KABC 245,600 (last year 257,700)
KNBC 139,600 (last year 146,600)
KCBS 108,900 (last year 109,700)
KTTV 48,200 (last year 45,700)

6pm
KABC 277,500 (last year 278,200)
KNBC 147,200 (last year 136,900)
KCBS 97,200 (last year 107,300)
KTLA 58,900 (last year 86,600)

Primetime
KABC/ABC 428,600 (last year 388,500)
KCBS/CBS 331,100 (last year 341,700)
KNBC/NBC 287,400 (last year 273,800)
KTTV/Fox 161,100 (last year 233,900)
KTLA/The CW 112,800 (last year 111,000)

10pm
KCAL 156,100 (last year 131,900)
KTLA 126,500 (last year 130,500)
KTTV 76,900 (last year 128,100)

11pm
KABC 335,900 (last year 318,200)
KCBS 215,000 (last year 205,000)
KNBC 159,000 (last year 186,700)
KTLA 83,000 (last year Arsenio Hall 75,300)

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).

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).

May Sweeps L.A. TV Ratings: Good Month for KABC, KCAL, KTLA

With May sweeps wrapped up (although, I must note, L.A. is a metered market measured all year, so sweeps are pointless here), KABC/Channel 7 remains the local market leader in every news time slot. But KTLA has reason to crow in the mornings, as "KTLA Morning News" is a close second to KABC's "Good Morning America" (and where KTTV's "Good Day LA" continues to disappear). At 10 p.m., KCAL leads.

Here are the key weekday matchups. Ratings are for May 2014 (weekdays only), with May 2013 in parenthesis for comparison.

5 a.m.
KABC 129,000 (last year: 91,000)
KTLA 92,000 (84,000)
KNBC 38,000 (41,000)
KTTV 34,000 (39,000)
KCBS 25,000 (33,000)

6 a.m.
KABC 229,000 (last year: 180,000)
KTLA 178,000 (170,000)
KTTV 67,000 (88,000)
KNBC 62,000 (75,000)
KCBS 41,000 (54,000)

7 a.m. Morning shows
KABC (Good Morning America) 207,000 (last year: 197,000)
KTLA (KTLA Morning News) 200,000 (172,000)
KNBC (Today Show) 80,000 (84,000)
KTTV (Good Day LA) 74,000 (98,000)
KCBS (CBS This Morning) 60,000 (72,000)

5 p.m.
KABC 224,000 (last year: 239,000)
KNBC 132,000 (117,000)
KCBS 107,000 (94,000)
KTTV 54,000 (48,000)

6 p.m.
KABC 261,000 (last year: 247,000)
KNBC 117,000 (133,000)
KCBS 87,000 (83,000)
KTLA 66,000 (62,000)

Primetime
KABC 384,000 (last year: 410,000)
KCBS 303,000 (315,000)
KNBC 256,000 (295,000)
KTTV 242,000 (308,000)
KTLA 91,000 (92,000)
KCOP 43,000 (47,000)

10 p.m.
KCAL 149,000 (last year: 161,000)
KTLA 134,000 (145,000)
KTTV 125,000 (147,000)

11 p.m.
KABC 320,000 (last year: 303,000)
KCBS 218,000 (205,000)
KNBC 184,000 (183,000)

L.A. March Radio Ratings: Good Month for Kevin & Bean, KOST

March was great for KROQ's "Kevin & Bean Show," which ended the month in first place among all morning drive radio shows. K&B posted a 5.4 share of persons 12 and older; a 6.8 share of listeners 18-34; and 7.6 share of listeners 25-54. That was good enough for first in all key measurements.

In persons 12+, next were talk radio KFI's Bill Handel (4.3), Spanish KLVE's Omar Velasco (4.2), top 40 KIIS' Ryan Seacrest (4.1) and AC KBIG's Valentine, tied with Spanish KSCA's "El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo" (3.9).

Second in 18-34 was Power 106 KPWR (6.6 share), while No. 1 in 25-54 was KBIG (4.8).

The biggest rise in the mornings is KLVE's Velasco, who went from 9th to 3rd in just one month.

As for the overall radio rankings, AC KOST is still No. 1, even without Christmas music, with a 5.0 share, followed by KBIG and KIIS (tied at 4.9), KPWR (4.5) KRTH (4.3). KPWR was first with 18-34 year olds (8.4), while KBIG led the 25-54 audience (5.6).

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.

Rose Parade Ratings: Bob and Stephanie Do It Again, As KTLA is Down Vs. Last Year But Still Dominates

Here's why KTLA was silly a few years ago to try and marginalize Stephanie Edwards off its coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade: You don't mess with success. And KTLA continues to OWN the Rose Parade coverage in Los Angeles. No one else even comes close. Here's how the live coverage broke down on New Year's Day from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.:

KTLA -- 1.3 million
KABC -- 264,000
KNBC -- 105,000
(CBS stopped airing the Rose Parade in 2005.)

KTLA's ratings are town a tick from last year (1.4 million), but still solid. Kudos to KTLA, but I must admit, I was disappointed to see Bob Eubanks and Stephanie Edwards on their best behavior this year. Normally, part of the fun of the KTLA broadcast is catching the subtle passive aggressive jabs between the two, much like an old married couple. (They've been doing this for more than 30 years, after all.) But this year, the Bickersons seemed rather subdued, and if there were any juicy Bob/Stephanie moments, I missed them. (To be fair, I remember writing last year about how they played nice as well.)

KTLA airs the Tournament of Roses Parade throughout the day, and subsequent airings are also ratings hits. Here's how the rerun numbers broke down:

Encore 1 (10 am-12:30pm): 991,000
Encore 2 (12:30-3 pm): 373,000
Encore 3 (3-5:30 pm: 171,000
Encore 4 (Primetime 7:30-10pm): 113,000

By that last encore, viewers are pretty much done with the parade. KABC, KCBS and KCAL all beat the station in primetime.

Meanwhile, did you miss the parade? Here's a 3-minute time lapse of the entire event, via Los Angeles News Group photographer Dean Musgrove. H/t to LA Observed for this link:



Oh, you wanna watch the entire 2-hour show? KTLA has video here.

L.A. TV Ratings: KTLA Wins This Year's Yule Log Smackdown

(I have rewritten this post throughout due to an initial goof -- I was looking at Household ratings, not total viewers, originally. Look at total viewers, and there isn't as much of a ratings dip for local Yule log ratings. Whew. The Yule Log lives!)

KTLA/Channel 5 won this year's annual Christmas morning Yule Log Smackdown, averaging 103,000 viewers between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. -- the five hours that both stations are simultaneously airing the log. KCAL averaged 63,000 viewers during that same time frame. (For comparison, I don't have 2012's ratings handy, but in 2011, KCAL averaged 81,000 viewers from 4:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. while averaged 79,000 viewers during the same time frame.)

KTLA viewership peaked with 237,000 from 9:00-9:15 a.m. KCAL viewership peaked with 179,000 from 8:00-8:15 a.m.

KCAL (which first brought the tradition to Los Angeles in 2004) aired its Yule Log starting at midnight as Christmas Eve turned into Christmas Day, and continued the tradition until 9 a.m. KTLA ran its log from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m.

KTLA and KCAL face more competition these days for Yule Log supremacy, as the televised image of a crackling fire is now available all over the place: On Netflix, On demand, online.

Also, the most unusual Yule Log this year came courtesy The Hub, which aired a My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic-themed animated log on Christmas morning. In cable, "uplifting entertainment" channel UP and the Hallmark Movie Channel also pre-empted programming to run a Yule Log.

The TV Yule Log was first created by New York's WPIX-TV. The TV station made the yule log an annual tradition from 1966 to 1989, originally using a shot of the fireplace at New York's Gracie Mansion. Late WPIX general manager Fred Thrower came up with the idea when he realized that most of New York's apartment dwellers didn't have fireplaces.

WPIX brought the tradition back to New York in 2001, and it eventually made its way to Los Angeles, where KCAL and KTLA now battle every year for yule log ratings supremacy.

November L.A. Radio Ratings: KBIG, El Mandril Still No. 1

Stop me if you've heard this one before: KBIG-FM ended November as the No. 1 radio station in Los Angeles, while KLAX's "El Mandril" was the No. 1 morning drive time host. (This will all change as the holidays put KOST once again in the pole position.)

In November, among listeners 12+, KBIG was tops with 5.3 percent share of the audience, followed by KIIS (5.1), KRTH "K-Earth" (4.3), KPWR "Power 106" (4.2) and KAMP "Amp Radio" (4.1).

Among persons 18-34, KIIS and KPWR were tied for first, with a 7.9 share, followed by KBIG (6.5). In the persons 25-54 demo, KBIG (6.0) led, then KIIS (5.0) and KROQ (4.5).

In morning drive, El Mandril led with listeners 12+ (5.4), 18-34 (8.8) and 25-54 (6.9), continuing his streak that began this summer (although his ratings are starting to cool off). KROQ's Kevin and Bean were a solid No. 2 in listeners 12+ (5.1), 18-34 (7.3) and 25-54 (6.8). KFI was no. 3 in listeners 12+ (5.0), while KIIS' Ryan Seacrest was No. 3 with 18-34 (6.8) and KBIG was No. 3 in 25-54 (4.6).

KCRW's TV Podcast -- the November Edition: Marvel/Netflix, Ratings and Reality TV

We're back! And still untitled. (If you have an idea for what to call our podcast, leave a comment!) On this month's TV podcast edition of KCRW's "The Business," Variety's AJ Marechal, Vulture's Joe Adalian and I talk about Netflix's mega Marvel deal; how the networks are looking to get paid and get advertisers to embrace more extended DVR ratings; and what's next for the moribund reality TV genre.

Listen below!

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).

A Salute to Our New Duck Dynasty Overlords

I know, it's hard to believe, but Duck Dynasty is truly a phenomenon. After the ratings came in last week, I quickly grew this beard and replaced my Twitter icon.

The A&E reality comedy, which stars Louisiana-based duck call moguls the Robertson family, broke cable viewership records on Aug. 14 with its fourth season bow.

The one-hour premiere averaged 11.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched unscripted series telecast in cable history. The episode attracted 6.3 million adults 18-49, a new record for A&E, and the biggest rating in the demo for any regular program, broadcast or cable, since an episode of The Voice on April 15.

The show's success baffles many rivals, but A&E general manager/executive vice president Dave McKillop credits the Robertsons' authenticity. "They're self-made, they love each other, they do have rivalries and multi-generational tension, but what comes first to them is family," he says. "There's no fighting or yelling or cursing. Just lots of hijinks."

The Robertsons kept shooting season four even as their agents tussled with A&E over a new deal. The clan eventually secured $250,000 an episode, which actually seems like a bargain given the show's smash success. But the Robertsons are also cashing in via other means, such as merchandising. And Duck Dynasty has helped make their Duck Commander business even bigger.

A&E and Gurney Productions, which makes the show, also had to hammer out a new deal. But despite rumors of renegotiation strife, McKillop says deal making was "never contentious… Any time a negotiation is challenging. But it was never to a point where we lost faith in them. I will say that everyone's happy." Nothing like a ratings hit to bring people together.