BBM overview: new PPM ratings

Hennessy & Bray Communications partner David Bray breaks down the latest BBM numbers.

The snow is melting and things are heating up…with the latest PPM radio ratings. Today’s radio release from BBM completes the 13-week period covering Nov. 29 to Feb. 27. This marks the sixth 13-week period in the new era of measurement for Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. Let’s take a look at some of the numbers.

Toronto: Bragging rights at the top of the ratings heap go to CHFI-FM with a 14.9% share of hours tuned for A12+ (up from 12.7% last time out). The fact that the station went with all-Christmas music in December gave them a big boost. That fact also resulted in office favourite CHUM-FM slipping to #2 for females 25-54 with a 16.9% share (up from 16.7%). CHFI-FM, #1 with those ladies, posted a 17.8% share (up from 14.2%). Q107 is on top for males 25-54, posting a 12.5% share (down from 13.7% in the last 13-week book). The Edge held its #1 slot with M18-34 turning in an 18.6% share (down from 18.8%). For F18-34, CHUM-FM tops the list posting a 15.8% (up from 15.2%) share of hours tuned.

Vancouver: CKNW holds the #1 spot for A12+ with a 12.4% share of hours tuned (flat with 12.4% last time out). Taking the top spot for F25-54 was perennial office station favourite 103.5 QM-FM, buoyed by the popularity of all-Christmas music in December, posting a 13.9% share (up from 12.2%). CKNW leads the way with M25-54 listeners, delivering a 10.4% share (up from 7.0%). The Beat tops the list for M18-34 with a 16.5% share of hours tuned (down from 20.2%). When it comes to females 18-34, the Beat takes also top spot with a 23.2% share (up from 20.5%).

Edmonton: 630 CHED rules the roost for A12+ posting a 10.3% share of hours tuned (up from 10.2% in the last book). CISN Country takes top spot for F25-54, delivering a 10.6% share (up from 9.7%) followed closely by EZ Rock at 10.5% share (up from 9.0%). The Bear continues to top the list for M25-54 with a 12.1% share (down from 12.5%). For M18-34, Sonic 102.9 is out in front with a 17.0% share followed by NOW! with a 14.4% share.

Calgary: XL103FM leads the way for A12+ with a 9.7% share (up from 9.5%) followed closely by QR77 with a 9.6% share (down from 10.2%). 96.9 JACK-FM is popular with the ladies, taking #1 spot for F25-54, delivering an 12.5% share (up from 9.4). For M25-54, JACK-FM also leads the way with an 11.6% share (up from 9.7%). X92.9 takes top spot for M18-34, posting a 15.4% share (up from 13.8%).

David Bray is a partner at Hennessy & Bray Communications.

Summary charts include a brief overview of share figures from the latest PPM 2010 BBM release. (Charts courtesy of David Bray. All figures Monday to Sunday, 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.)

TORONTO (UPDATED)