After a ratings dip of more than a full point in the spring book, the Bay Area’s KNBR 104.5/680 enjoyed a strong rebound during the summer months. 95.7 The Game did not fare as well, with their numbers remaining mostly steady.
COVID-19 has made it difficult to compare year-over-year numbers, but despite impacts of the global pandemic on the sports schedule for the first month of the book, KNBR finished top-five for all dayparts.
In weekday prime (M-F 6a – 7p), KNBR ranked second overall for their target demo of Men 25 – 54, with a 5.3 share, 1.5 points ahead of their spring book. Their sports radio competitor, 95.7 The Game finished the summer ratings period with a 2.4 share. For the full week, (M-SU 6a – Midnight) KNBR finished fifth with a 4.7 rating, while The Game produced a 2.1 share, according to Nielsen Audio data.
KNBR’s morning show featuring Brian Murphy and Paul McCaffrey regained more than what they lost in the spring book, jumping almost two full points with a 6.1 share for the summer. The Game’s morning show which began the book as Joe, Lo & Dibs did a 2.0 in the 6a – 10a timeslot. But they experienced significant change midway through the ratings period as morning show quarterback Joe Fortenbaugh departed the station for a new role with ESPN.
In middays, KNBR’s Greg Papa and John Lund went from 12th to second, earning an impressive 5.3 share for the summer book. The Game’s Bonta, Steiny & Guru stayed the same, finishing with a 2.1 for the second straight ratings period.
KNBR again finished strong in afternoons with Tolbert, Krueger & Brooks turning in a 4.8 share. The Game’s Damon, Ratto & Kolsky garnered a 3.0, which was up a tick from their spring performance.
In evenings, KNBR’s Mark Willard helped to more than double the station’s spring performance, jumping from 2.4 to a 5 share for the summer book. The MLB season starting in late July also provided a boost, with KNBR serving as the San Francisco Giants flagship radio station. From 6p – 10p, The Game’s weeknight duo of Ryan Covay and Joe Shasky earned a 2.9 share, up by half a point from their spring book.
Ratings for the fall book should be interesting, with an unprecedentedly jam-packed sports season and a retooled lineup for The Game. Although one month of the fall ratings period has already passed, The Game just announced changes to their weekday lineup that will begin Oct. 12.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
