The ratings are in for the first quarter in Boston, and for 98.5 The Sports Hub it was a good one. As first reported by Chad Finn of the Boston Globe, from December 31st to March 23rd, the radio station finished first in every single daypart and was up a half a point year to year. Equally impressive was the fact that every weekday timeslot turned in a double digit ratings performance.
The news wasn’t all bad for their main competitor WEEI. The radio station finished third overall, and continues to gain double digit numbers out of their morning show. An expected new radio rights agreement with the Boston Red Sox should help provide bigger momentum in the spring, summer, and possibly the fall, depending on how the Sox play this year.
Here’s the head to head comparisons for the first quarter.
M-F 6a-10a:
- 98.5 The Sports Hub = Toucher & Rich – 14.1
- WEEI = Dennis & Callahan featuring Kirk Minihane – 10.1
M-F 10a-2p:
- 98.5 The Sports Hub = Scott Zolak & Marc Bertrand – 11.7
- WEEI = Glenn Ordway, Lou Merloni & Christian Fauria – 5.9
M-F 2p-6p:
- 98.5 The Sports Hub = Felger & Massarotti – 13.8
- WEEI = Brian Haddad – Dale & Holley 7.1
M-F 6p-11p:
- 98.5 The Sports Hub = Adam Jones/Bruins/Celtics – 10.6
- WEEI = Planet Mikey – 4.0
M-SU 6a-Mid:
- 98.5 The Sports Hub = 11.8
- WEEI = 6.7
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
