By David Bray

When it comes to radio measurement, we are living in a turbulent time of reassessment.

As mentioned previously, 56 diary markets were dropped by Numeris. While 22 of those markets were picked up by radioCount, in the remaining PPM markets, there is some discussion concerning sample sizes.

In all markets there is ongoing discussion about recruitment methodologies. It is also worth mentioning that Rawlco has moved to withdraw some stations from Numeris. We don’t quite know where that is going to end up. Still, while the old days may be gone, the radio industry continues to perform relatively well in terms of revenues. Let’s forge on.

The new PPM release from Numeris completes the thirteen-week period from Nov. 28 to Feb. 26. It is worth noting that while COVID-19 is now having a lesser effect on radio revenues, it is also true that instead of driving to and from work, many are still working from home. This, in turn alters the nature of drive times.

Toronto

Bragging rights at the top of the ratings heap once again go to CBC Radio One, delivering a 12.9 % share (though that is down from 14.3%) followed by BOOM-FM and CHFI, both with 11.7%.

It would appear that Santa bestowed a bit of a gift to CHFI-FM. Bolstered by all Christmas music in December, CHFI came out on top for women 25 to 54 with a 15.5% share (up from 11.3%) and women 18 to 34 at 19.3%.

Once again, BOOM-FM is out in front for men 25 to 54, posting an 10.2% share, followed by The Edge and CHFI- FM, both with a 9.6%. The Edge steps out in front for men 18 to 34 with a 12.4% share, followed by BOOM-FM with 11.5% and Q107 with 11.3%. It is interesting to note that the Edge has been making significant gains of late.

Vancouver

Global’s talk station CKNW grabs the top spot with a 10.6% share of hours tuned (though that is down from 12.0%).

Taking the top spot for women 25 to 54 is Virgin Radio with a 17.6% share (up from 14.3%). The Move didn’t jump out in front as it normally does in December, when it also plays all Christmas music, but it still posted a very respectable 12.9% share, but it would seem it performed better with younger listeners. It was way out front with men 18 to 34 with an 18.4% share (up from 11.1%) and in the top spot for women 18 to 34 with a 14.8% share.

Here’s another odd one: Virgin holds the lead for 25- to 54-year-old male listeners, delivering an 11.5% share, followed by Rock 101 at 9.8%. It is unusual that the male-oriented rock stations fell well behind variety station Move.

Edmonton

CISN Country takes number with a 9.8% % share of hours, followed by UP99.3 at 9.7%.

102.3 NOW! holds the top spot for women 25 to 54, delivering a 14.9% share (up from 14.4%). NOW also tops the list for men in the same age group with a 10.5 % share, followed by K97 at 10.0% and Sonic 102.9 with 9.7%.

For men 18 to 34, UP 99.3 is way out in front at a 19.8% share. CISN Country led with women 18 to 34, delivering a 21.7% share, followed by NOW at 16.6%.

Calgary

CBC Radio One leads the way with a 9.7% share.

Adult contemporary Star 95.9 is most popular with women 25 to 54, delivering an 11.5 % share (up from 10.5%). For men 25 to 54, alternative rock station X92.9 rules with a 14.7%.

101.5 Today Radio is in the top spot for men 18 to 34, delivering a big 20.9% share. Country 105 is tops with women 18 to 34, posting a 19.0% (up from 14.7%)

Montreal

Among Francophone audiences, talk station CHMP 98.5 FM is number one with a 21.9 % share, while CJAD 800 is number one among English-speakers with a 21.4% share (down from 22.6%).

CHMP-FM is also tops with Francophone women and men, taking the number one spot for women 25-54 with a 17% share (down from 19.0%) and men 25 to 54 with a big 25.3% share (down from 26.3%).

For Anglophones, The Beat 92.5 is well out in front with women 25 to 54, delivering a 32.5 % share (up from 31.5%). The Beat is also in front with men 25 to 54, delivering a 21.4% share (up from 20.4), followed by CHOM-FM at 17.6% (up from 15%).