Urban One's stellar ratings in markets 1 through 50

 

Adult R&B, By The Numbers: Philly's WDAS-FM, New Orleans' WYLD-FM Top Nielsen's Rankings In Markets 1-50.

Story by Inside Radio

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The adult R&B format has been one of radio's real success stories over the past three years, steadily trending up in 6+ AQH shares in Nielsen PPM markets from 2019 to 2021 and with year-over-year growth from January 2021 to January 2022.

This week's Inside Radio “By The Numbers” focuses on the stations riding this wave, the top-rated adult R&B stations in each of four separate market groups. The numbers, exclusive to Inside Radio from Nielsen Audio, are based on average quarter-hour share among persons 12+ Monday-Friday 6am-7pm for Fall 2021. Today's spotlight is on the winners in markets 1-25 and 26-50, with a report on 51-100 and 101-forward Friday.

One of the pioneers of the adult R&B format, iHeartMedia's WDAS-FM in Nielsen's ninth-ranked market, Philadelphia, leads among stations in the top 25 markets with an 8.9 share 12+. R&B-formatted for more than 50 years and celebrating its 30th anniversary in this format in 2022, WDAS-FM is known for its community outreach and events such as its annual Woman Of Excellence Luncheon. On air, it's Premiere Radio Networks' two-time Marconi Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year Steve Harvey in mornings, followed by local legend Patty Jackson, who's been part of Philadelphia radio for nearly four decades.

“WDAS has been an institution in Philadelphia for over 70 years, and the reason why it continues to grow generation after generation is its commitment to the community,” WDAS-FM Senior VP of Programming and Program Director Derrick Corbett says. “Our goal is to inform, educate and entertain our audience daily with the best music, along with relevant news and community outreach, all delivered by outstanding air talent. That’s 'DAS.”

Not far behind WDAS-FM with an 8.2 share is three-time Marconi Urban Station of the Year winner, most recently in 2019, Cox Media Group's “Hot 105” WHQT Miami. R&B-focused since 1988 and also celebrating its 30th anniversary in adult R&B this year, Hot 105 features Reach Media's two-time and 2021's Marconi Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year Rickey Smiley in mornings, with locals Alex “Big Lip” Chisholm and Shelby Rushin in afternoons.

“Our success is due to what I call my 3 C's: content, community and consistency,” Hot 105 Director of Branding and Programming Phil Michaels-Trueba says. “We are in the 'emotional connection' business. Connecting with and serving our audience every day consistently is what makes us successful in one of our country’s most diverse markets. When you turn on Hot 105 in Miami, you know what you’re going to get: the best music, information, inspiration and a connection to our local community.”

The only market landing two adult R&B stations in the top 10 is 8th-ranked Washington, DC, with three-time Marconi Urban Station of the Year winner, Howard University's WHUR, and Urban One's “Majic 102.3/92.7” WMMJ. Proving its long-standing power in the number one market, four-time Marconi Urban Station of the Year winner, Mediaco's WBLS New York makes the cut for market 1-25's top 10, as does Cox's “Kiss 104.1” WALR in seventh-ranked Atlanta.

iHeart takes the top prize here as well, with a 12.2 share 12+ for its adult R&B outlet in 50th-ranked New Orleans, WYLD-FM. In the format since 1993, the station features Harvey in mornings and 20-year Big Easy air personality A.D. Berry in PM drive. Placing second is Audacy's WQMG Greensboro, NC, in the format since 1996, currently with Harvey mornings and Brand Manager Shilynne Cole afternoons.

“WQMG has long been the heritage station in the market,” Cole says. “To be able to navigate the ever-evolving world of radio and its listeners while continuing to grow our audience is amazing. The passion that our listeners have for this radio station is a true testament to the vision of the station: awesome on-air personalities who connect daily through the music, online content, our community initiatives, social platforms, life experiences and our localism. We are truly fortunate and grateful for our listeners!”

Highest-ranked markets in this group claiming stations in the top 10 are Orlando (rank 32) with Cox's “Star 94.5” WCFB, and Cleveland (35) with Urban One's WZAK.