Bay Area Sports Guy is kind of known for its local sports radio coverage. Look no further than earlier today with “the guy” breaking down the news that Ralph Barbieri has Parkinson’s disease. So being the new guy around these parts, I want to try to do my part to fit in around here.
In light of the fact that I don’t have fancy sources that will get me scoops or any other sort of “insider” knowledge, I will do what I do best and look at the numbers and break down the latest Arbitron ratings that came out this week.
The Radio War Ratings through September:
San Francisco |
|||||||
|
July |
August |
September |
|||||
| Station |
AQH% |
Reach |
AQH% |
Reach |
AQH% |
Reach |
Owner |
| KNBR-AM | 5.1 | 1,019,500 | 4.3 | 903,400 | 4.4 | 936,200 | Cumulus |
| KGMZ-FM | 0.4 | 128,500 | 0.8 | 173,300 | 0.8 | 195,200 | Entercom |
| KTCT-AM | 0.5 | 192,800 | 0.4 | 201,800 | 0.6 | 318,800 | Cumulus |
San Jose |
|||||||
|
July |
August |
September |
|||||
| Station |
AQH% |
Reach |
AQH% |
Reach |
AQH% |
Reach |
Owner |
| KNBR-AM | 4.5 | 206,100 | 4.2 | 187,500 | 4.6 | 211,800 | Cumulus |
| KGMZ-FM | 1.0 | 30,700 | 1.1 | 32,400 | 0.9 | 33,900 | Entercom |
| KTCT-AM | 0.4 | 56,700 | 0.4 | 41,900 | 0.7 | 70,400 | Cumulus |
The ratings show that “The Sports Leader” is still number one in the Bay Area (and also a very close second in the Sacramento Market with the reach of the 50,000 watt flamethrower) and it really isn’t even that close… yet.
95.7 “The Game” has had a pretty impressive start seeing as they have had to build a new station from scratch, because I am sure the former country station didn’t leave behind all that much audience-wise for them.
That being said, right now “The Game” is more on par ratings wise with KNBR’s “B” team on 1050. The Game is managing a higher share but fewer total listeners than 1050 (even discounting for the boost from 49ers games being broadcast there with the Giants on 680). The battle for second place in the all sports category is much more interesting right now and with the Oakland Athletics’ season over it will be interesting to see how the ratings of 95.7 react without live sports to broadcast.
The Sports Radio market is no longer a monopoly in the Bay Area, but for the time being KNBR still stands head and shoulders above the rest. It will be fun to keep an eye on things because it seems like 95.7 “The Game” means business and has its sights set for the leader. With the counter moves that have played out, KNBR has certainly noticed.
—
I’m Scott Willis you can catch my Giants writing at Crazy Crabbers and follow me on twitter @BAStatsGuy and @CrazyCrabbers
