Classic Hits Radio Dominates Airwaves: WCBS-FM and K-Earth 101 Lead the Pack in 2024 Ratings
Table of Contents
- 1. Classic Hits Radio Dominates Airwaves: WCBS-FM and K-Earth 101 Lead the Pack in 2024 Ratings
- 2. The Reign of Classic hits: A Look at the Top Stations
- 3. Audacy’s Dominance and the Rise of Classic Hits Nationwide
- 4. From Oldies to Classic Hits: A Generational Shift
- 5. The Future of classic Hits Radio: Adapting to a changing Landscape
- 6. A Conversation with Susan Miller on the Reign of Classic Hits Radio
- 7. The Popularity of Classic Hits
- 8. Audacy’s Dominance and Other Key Players
- 9. Adapting to a Changing Media Landscape
- 10. The Future of Classic Hits
New Nielsen ratings reveal the enduring popularity of classic hits radio,with WCBS-FM in New York and K-Earth 101 in Los Angeles topping the charts. We delve into the reasons behind their success and the broader trends shaping the classic hits format across the nation.
The Reign of Classic hits: A Look at the Top Stations
In the ever-evolving landscape of radio, one format has proven its staying power: classic hits.As of the latest Nielsen Portable People Meter (PPM) surveys from the summer and fall of 2024, classic hits stations continue to capture the hearts and ears of listeners across the U.S.
Leading the charge are two iconic stations, WCBS-FM in New York and KRTH “K-Earth 101” in Los Angeles. These stations, both owned by Audacy and found at 101.1 on the FM dial, share a rich history, having both launched as oldies-formatted stations in 1972. They also boast seasoned on-air personalities,with Broadway Bill Lee holding court on the East Coast and Gary Bryan entertaining listeners on the West Coast.
K-Earth 101 has been a particularly dominant force, consistently ranking first or second in every Nielsen PPM survey since October 2022. This consistent performance underscores the station’s deep connection with its audience and its ability to deliver a compelling listening experience.
The success of WCBS-FM and K-Earth 101 is reflected in their rankings in Inside Radio’s TOP 10 classic hits stations in PPM markets, based on cumulative audience (cume) delivery of persons aged 6 and older. CBS-FM leads with an notable 2.5 million cume, closely followed by K-Earth’s 2.0 million.
Audacy’s Dominance and the Rise of Classic Hits Nationwide
Audacy’s strong presence in the classic hits format extends beyond its New York and Los Angeles flagships. The company boasts a total of six stations in the top 10, with half of those residing in the upper echelons.These include:
| Station | Market | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| WCBS-FM | New York City | 1 |
| KRTH (K-Earth 101) | Los Angeles | 2 |
| KSPF (98.7 The Spot) | Dallas | 4 |
| WOGL (big 98.1) | Philadelphia | 7 |
| WOMC (104.3) | Detroit | 8 |
| WIAD (94.7 The Drive) | Washington, D.C. | 10 |
Beyond Audacy’s impressive showing,Cumulus Media’s WLS-FM (94.7) in Chicago also achieved a important milestone, ranking third with a cume of 1.1 million listeners. This highlights the format’s broad appeal across different markets and demographics.
Of the top 10 stations, Audacy is the only owner with more than one station represented.Cumulus, iHeartMedia, Cox Media Group, and Beasley Media Group each have one station in the top 10. Cox media Group’s “97.1 The River” WSRV in Atlanta, a rock-leaning station, landed in fifth place, with veteran Atlanta radio personality Axel Lowe helming the AM drive slot. iHeartMedia’s “Kool 108” KQQL in Minneapolis, featuring longtime Twin Cities voice and Minnesota Broadcaster’s Hall of fame inductee Lee Valsvik in the mornings, secured the sixth position.
From Oldies to Classic Hits: A Generational Shift
While eight of the top 10 stations transitioned from an oldies format to classic hits, only a few were pioneers of the oldies sound. In addition to CBS-FM and K-Earth, Beasley’s WROR (105.7) in Boston made the switch in 1973 (though under different call letters and frequency, 98.5), when owned by RKO General, alongside K-Earth in Los Angeles.
This evolution from oldies to classic hits reflects a broader shift in audience preferences and the need for radio stations to stay relevant across generations. The classic hits format typically features music from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, appealing to a wide demographic, from Baby Boomers to Gen X and even Millennials who have developed an appreciation for these timeless tunes.
The Future of classic Hits Radio: Adapting to a changing Landscape
The enduring success of classic hits radio in 2024 suggests a bright future for the format. Though, stations must continue to innovate and adapt to the changing media landscape to maintain their relevance. This includes:
- Embracing Digital Platforms: Expanding their presence on streaming services, podcasts, and social media to reach a wider audience and cater to changing listening habits.
- Engaging with Listeners: Creating interactive content, hosting events, and fostering a sense of community to build stronger relationships with their audience.
- Curating a Diverse Playlist: While staying true to the core of the classic hits format, incorporating a wider range of artists and genres to appeal to a broader demographic. For example, some stations are beginning to incorporate early 90s hits, recognizing the nostalgia factor for Millennial listeners.
- Leveraging Data Analytics: Using data to understand listener preferences, optimize playlists, and target advertising efforts more effectively.
The classic hits format has proven its resilience, evolving from its oldies roots to become a dominant force in the radio industry. By embracing innovation and staying connected with their listeners, stations like WCBS-FM and K-earth 101 are well-positioned to continue entertaining and engaging audiences for years to come. As Broadway Bill Lee might say, “It’s gonna be a long, hot summer…of classic hits!”
A Conversation with Susan Miller on the Reign of Classic Hits Radio
Archyde News: Welcome, Susan. Thanks for joining us today. For our readers, Susan Miller is a leading media analyst, and we’re here today to discuss the continuing dominance of classic hits radio.
Susan Miller: Thank you for having me. I’m happy to be here.
The Popularity of Classic Hits
Archyde News: the latest Nielsen ratings are out, and it’s clear: classic hits stations like WCBS-FM and K-Earth 101 are still hugely popular. What do you attribute to the sustained success of the classic hits format?
Susan Miller: It really boils down to a few key factors. First, there’s the strong nostalgia factor. Classic hits resonate with multiple generations,providing a soundtrack for their lives. Second, the format often provides a sense of comfort and consistency, offering familiar music that listeners know and love. the on-air personalities, like Broadway Bill Lee at WCBS-FM and Gary Bryan at K-Earth 101, build strong connections with their audiences.
Audacy’s Dominance and Other Key Players
Archyde News: audacy certainly has a strong presence with multiple stations in the top 10. Beyond Audacy, who else is making waves in this format?
Susan Miller: cumulus, iHeartMedia, Cox Media Group, and Beasley Media Group each have stations performing well. WLS-FM in Chicago continues to be a strong performer, and stations like WSRV in Atlanta and KQQL in Minneapolis are also making a mark.
Adapting to a Changing Media Landscape
Archyde News: What strategies do you foresee classic hits stations employing to remain relevant in the coming years?
Susan Miller: Innovation and evolution are key. Stations will need to broaden their digital presence. This includes expanding their online streaming and podcast offerings and curating a more diverse playlist. Data analytics will play a crucial role in understanding listener preferences and better-tailoring content.
The Future of Classic Hits
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what’s your overall forecast for the future of classic hits radio?
Susan Miller: I’m optimistic. The format has shown remarkable resilience, evolving from oldies to classic hits.Stations that embrace digital platforms, engage with listeners, and stay true to their core format whilst adapting to the changing tastes of consumers will continue to thrive. I see opportunities for incorporating early 90s hits, for example, to broaden appeal.
Archyde News: That’s a great point about the early 90s.It’s captivating to consider how tastes shift over time. Susan, thank you for your insights. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.
Susan miller: The pleasure was mine.
Archyde News: Now, we’d love to hear from our readers: What are your favorite classic hits stations, and what do you think makes them so appealing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
