By David Bray

While the COVID numbers are backsliding, let’s look for some good news in the latest PPM radio ratings released today for the country’s five largest markets.

The new PPM release from Numeris completes the thirteen-week period covering Aug. 30 to Nov. 28. Once again, all listening for this period occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, sometimes yielding unusual results.

Toronto

Bragging rights at the top of the ratings heap go to CBC Radio One, delivering a 14.3 % share for A12+ (up from 13.6% in the last book). Taking the number spot with women 25 to 54 is adult contemporary station CHUM-FM, delivering a 16.6% share (down from 19.3%), while women 18 to 34 tuned in most to another adult contemporary station, CHFI-FM, in front with 14.0% (down from 17.1%).

Classic hits station BOOM-FM is on top for men 25 to 54, posting a 12.6% share (up from 11.5%), also leading the way for men 18 to 34 with a 16.5% share.

Vancouver

Talk station CKNW grabs the number one spot for A12+ with a 12.2% share of hours tuned (in line with last book’s 12.1%).

Taking the top spot for women 25 to 54 is Rock 101 with 11.9% (compared to 12.0% last book). Another rock station, FOX, holds the lead for 25 to 54 year old men, delivering a 16.2 % share (up slightly from 16.0 %). The FOX is also well out in front for men 18 to 34 with a 27.2 % share of hours tuned (up from 23.4 %) and also top with women 18 to 34 with a 17.3% share (in line with last book’s 17.4%).

Edmonton

CBC Radio One takes number one with A12+, posting a 9.0% share of hours tuned (up from 8.2% in the last book).

Adult contemporary station NOW! Radio holds top spot for women 25 to 54, delivering a 13.7% share (down ever so slightly from 13.8%). NOW! also tops the list for men 25 to 54 with a 13.0 % share (up from 12.0%) and women 18 to 34 with a 15.2% (down from 16.0%).

For men 18 to 34, classic rock station K97 leads the way with a 14.9%.

Calgary

CBC Radio One leads the way for A12+ with a 12.2% (up from 10.4%).

Adult contemporary station 101.5 Today Radio is most popular with women 25 to 54, delivering a 10.5% share (down from 12.7%). For men in the same age group, alternative rock station X92.9 rules with a 12.6% (down slighty from 12.9%). Men 18 to 35 are also tuning in most to 101.5 Today Radio with an 18.0% share (up from 16.3%), while 96.9 Jack-FM is tops with women 18 to 34, posting a 12.5% share.

Montreal

For Francophone stations, talk station CHMP 98.5 FM is number one for A12+ with a 24.7% share (up from 18.7%). CHMP is also tops with women 25 to 54, delivering a 17.1% share (up from 11.6%), and men 25 to 54 at a 24.7% share (up from 21.0%).

For English stations, talk station CJAD 800 is on top with a 26.8% (down from 28.4%). For women 25 to 54, adult contemporary station The Beat 92.5 is, once again, waaay out in front with a 29.8% share (up from 25.5%), while rock station CHOM is number one with men 25 to 54 at 21.4% (down from 24.0%).

David Bray is president of Bray & Partners Communications.