Issuu

May 22, 2017, Issue 551

Kage Free In The Rockies

As radio stories go, it’s both fortunate and familiar. Programmer has a good run, but his company is sold and he gets an offer in another market. He jumps, the cluster he was at is sold and broken up – hindsight proves the move was the right call. That’s where the narrative changes for KYGO/Denver PD John E. Kage. And happily so for all involved and, not least, the station’s ratings. Ready for a challenge after 17 years at Rhythmic Top 40 KQKS/Denver, the leap to a more mainstream Top 40 with Cox’s WPOI/ Tampa made sense. Lincoln Financial eventually divested KQKS to Entercom, while sister KYGO landed with Bonneville. All John E. Kage good, it seemed. But as a single father, Kage saw his son was struggling in their new Florida home. After only 10 months, Kage’s former Denver GM Bob Call reached out with news that KYGO PD Eddie Haskell had resigned. “My GM in Tampa, Keith Lawless, might just be the greatest next to Bob,” Kage says. “He understood.” Within a month, Kage was a mile high, back in the building and sitting across from his old office at the helm of KYGO (Breaking News 9/16/16). In addition to his knowledge of the market and radio landscape, Kage also has a strong radio pedigree. He started as an intern at powerhouse Top 40 KDWB/Minneapolis and “worked my way up as fast as radio would take me.” Stops at Top 40 and Rhythmic stations included Grand Forks, ND; Ocean City, MD; St. Cloud, MN; Albuquerque and Sacramento. Putting It Together: Back in Colorado and again working for Call, Kage was in his comfort zone. There’s just the matter of a completely new format. “I understood 100% the tools Bob would provide, and his expectations of a PD,” Kage says of his GM. “A little known fact is I have worked with every PD KYGO has ever had including Bob, who was the first. I was aware of the station’s legendary status. I never went looking for what I could bring back. I asked myself what it needed to be in 2017.” First up? Mornings. Five-year station vet Tracy Dixon had been holding down the fort for a year. (continued on page 7)

That’s An Ender: Arista’s Brad Paisley opens his Weekend Warrior Tour with a little help from his radio friends. Pictured (l-r) are the label’s Luke Jensen, WNCB/Raleigh’s Carletta Blake, Paisley and WQDR/Raleigh’s Mimi Wheeler.

Radio’s Weekend Warriors

Brad Paisley’s Weekend Warrior Tour blazed a trail from upstate New York to New Jersey and North Carolina in its first weekend. Radio attendees agree – Paisley’s show is bigger and better than ever. Paisley invited radio and two local high school senior classes to attend a pre-tour rehearsal at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Townsquare WGNA/Albany PD Matty Jeff says, “They ran through the show in about an hour and a half. What a cool experience for those students to be there.” A thunderstorm delayed the first show by Matty Jeff about a half hour, but the crowd hung in for the fun. “Somehow Brad got around the curfew and played until midnight, and everyone stayed to see it,” says Jeff. “The show was fast-paced and visually exciting right from the start,” says CBS Radio WXTU/Philadelphia PD Shelly Easton.

© 2 0 1 7 Co u n t r y A i rc h e c k ™ — A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d . S i g n u p f re e a t w w w. c o u n t r y a i rc h e c k . c o m . S e n d n e w s t o n e w s @ c o u n t r y a i rc h e c k . c o m

May 22, 2017

OFF THE RECORD: Carly Pearce Big Machine's Carly Pearce puts an industry spin on the artist interview: I'm from northern Kentucky, so I grew up listening to WUBE/Cincinnati. I've been lucky enough to have songs out on SiriusXM – that's where "Every Little Thing" started. I also had a song out with the Josh Abbott Band. But I was really Carly Pearce excited to have that moment where I heard my single on terrestrial radio for the first time. I was in Orlando with my band on radio tour and we were on our way to a show. We heard my voice introducing my song on the radio. All of us were freaking out. I will never forget that. The most loopy thing that happened on radio tour was, Once, we flew into a town in the morning and visited a station. Then throughout the day, we visited four cities, drove seven hours and ended the day flying from a different city. Six cities in one day. Seven hours of driving and two flights. I always pick up Orbit gum every time I'm at a truck stop. That sweet, mint gum is my favorite thing. I grew up loving the late '90s/early 2000s-era of Country music. With the character and tone of the female voices, you knew who they were right then. When people listen to what I'm doing, I want them to hear some of that throwback, but also hear a modern sound. I want people to say, "This girl wants to be a modern, live-and-breathe- Country music artist." My last impulse buy was a pair of booties that I can never fit in my suitcase. I really have a shoe addiction. I can't be trusted with any kind of shoe store. I don't know if this is redneck or just gross, but I tend to go out in public dressed questionably – sweat pants and a tank top, no makeup, my hair in a neon clip from 2001. I wish I'd written Sara Evans' "Born To Fly" (written by Evans, Marcus Hummon and Darrell Scott). It's a timeless song. I can't go on the road without running shoes. I'm a big runner. And my band makes fun of me, but I have a second bag that is solely for my makeup and hair products. It's my beauty bag. I would love to be stuck in Charleston, SC. I love their pastel-painted buildings, the architecture and the cobblestone roads.

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iHeartMedia WNCB/Raleigh PD Carletta Blake reports the “video screen was as wide as the stage,” and the show kicked off dramatically with a flashing date, market localized images and a Knight Rider musical theme. The TV tie-in works well with new single “Last Time For Everything,” which features David Hasselhoff and the show’s car in the video Carletta Blake shown during the performance. When the line about Prince and “Purple Rain” hits, “The screen and lights –everything turns purple,” Blake says. “It really looked like it was raining purple on the stage.” Blake was equally impressed with the production during “Perfect Storm.” “The video showed a massive storm rolling in on the coast,” she says. “Again, it looked like it was really raining onstage.” After the storms that delayed the show in New York, it was even more impactful. After the first three songs, radio was invited to leave the soundboard to wch the rest of the show from the onstage bar. “There was one on both sides of the stage, with winners and fans on the other side,” Blake says. Curtis WQDR/Raleigh MD Mimi Wheeler called the show “mind-blowing” and noted his extensive incorporation of “visual album” elements throughout. “I especially loved ‘Grey Goose Chase,’” she says. Wheeler even got to do some guest vocals on “Crushin’ It” and was moved by Paisley’s Mimi tribute to North Carolina icon the late Andy Wheeler Griffith, who appeared in the “Waitin’ On A Woman” video. WFFG/Glens Falls, NY PD Chris O’Neil recalls other big moments. “Brad brought members of the military onstage for a salute, had a couple get engaged and signed his guitar for a little boy and then left the main stage to perform on the lawn,” he says. Opener Lindsay Ell joined Paisley for “Whiskey Lullaby.” “Lindsey’s new music and Chris O’Neil guitar playing really stood out in her set,” Jeff says. “Watching her trade licks with Brad at the end of ‘Whiskey Lullaby’ was impressive.” Easton adds, “I would pay just to watch Lindsey Ell play guitar.” Paisley encored with “Alcohol,” bringing up Ell and fellow support act Chase Bryant, who’s no six-string slouch either. “He’s not just a singer, he’s a performer,” Easton says of Bryant. “He

May 22, 2017

MY TUNES: MUSIC THAT SHAPED MY LIFE WKWS/Charleston PD/personality Billy Brown discusses his most influential music: 1. Garth Brooks: He is polite, gracious and a great inspiration. He stood around chatting with me as if we went to high school together. 2: David Ball's "Riding With Private Malone": That song makes me feel that we're Billy Brown not alone on this planet. 3. Boston: Their self-titled debut album was just filled with hits that I liked to sing when I was growing up. 4. Ronnie Milsap: When I was a kid, he really impressed me onstage. A few years ago he called my show in Miami when I was doing afternoons on 99.9 Kiss Country. What a great guy! 5. Iron City House Rockers & Black Oak Arkansas: I saw them open for Blackfoot. Not only did they rock, they made me really want to get involved with music or at least play music on the radio. • Highly regarded music you've actually never heard: Keith Urban's Ripcord must be amazing, but I've only had a chance to hear three songs. Keith is one of the best guitarists ever. I put him up there with Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Hendrix. I really need to find some time and spend it with Ripcord. • "Important" music you just don't get: I have friends who love heavy metal but I just can't get past the screaming. I sound like my father talking about Led Zeppelin (whom I love and respect) when I was a kid – but some heavy metal and speed metal is just too loud for me to understand. My daughter loves emo. I like some of it but I've often heard some artists that sound off pitch to me. • Music you listened to incessantly: I once listened to Owl City's "Fireflies" all day. • Obscure or non-country song everyone should listen to right now: Maroon 5's "Don't Wanna Know" featuring Kendrick Lamar. It has a great bounce to it. • Music you'd rather not admit to enjoying: hip hop and pop from the '80s. I love MC Hammer, The Sugarhill Gang, Young MC, Tone Loc, TLC, Company B, Black Box, MARRS, Pretty Poison, Kid 'n Play, The Fat Boys and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

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really took command – high energy, polished and knew exactly how to work the crowd.” Dustin Lynch appeared with Paisley for “I’m Still A Guy” in addition to his own substantial set. “With hit-after-hit-after-hit, you can see he’s for real,” says Jeff. “For a new song, ‘Small Town Boy’ got a big reaction.” Easton adds, “He debuted an incredible new ballad, looked great, sounded great and took the stage like a star.” “Brad Paisley never fails to deliver in the entertainment category,” O’Neil says in summation. “The audience and industry love him for a reason. He’s humble, relevant and a joy to watch.” Easton gets a bit emotional. “From his first radio tour and my first programming job at WRBT/Harrisburg, we’ve both had country music to thank for a great ride,” she says. “How could I not cry about that?” –Paul Williams

Chart Chat

Congrats to Luke Combs, Steve Hodges, Shane Allen and the Columbia promo crew on landing a second week at No. 1 for “Hurricane.” The last time an artist held their debut at the chart pinnacle for more than a week was December 2012. That song was Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise.” And kudos to Tom Martens and the WAR team on securing 55 adds for Chris Janson’s “Fix A Drink,” topping this week’s board.

Luke Combs

News & Notes

Sun’s The Fitz Show adds KYKX/Tyler, TX and WCJC/Martinsville, IN for weekday mornings. Renegade Radio is offering space for radio stations to broadcast from CMA Music Festival in Nashville June 8-10. Contact Captain Jack Aponte here. Creal is selling Classic Country WKDO/Liberty, KY to Shoreline for $395,000. Nextstar is now airing Larry’s Country Diner in Baton Rouge, LA; Chattanooga, TN; Huntsville, AL; Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN and Springfield, MO. The Nashville Association of Talent Directors 2017 Picnic is June 6 from 11:30am to 12:30pm at Fannie Mae Dees Park, 2400 Blakemore Ave. David Ball will perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, as part of the JFK Centennial Celebration Wednesday (5/24). More here.

May 22, 2017

Page 7

Aaron Watson has added five shows to his 2017 tour. Complete schedule here. Montgomery Gentry and Storme Warren will team with Music City Indian for the inaugural Warren Peace Motorcycle Ride and Parking Lot Party June 10. The event will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation. Tickets and complete lineup here. The Ketucky Headhunters will kick off a U.K. tour Oct. 2 in Bilston. Dates here. The 14th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic will be June 2-3 at Belmar Golf Club and Riverwind Casino in Norman, OK. The event benefits Keith’s OK Kids Corral. More info here.

The Week’s Top Stories

Full coverage in the archives at countryaircheck.com. • Travis Moon departs iHeartMedia (5/15). • Heidi Raphael named Beasley VP/Corporate Communications (5/15). • Krystal Clark named KXKS/Shreveport Dir./Production and afternoon host (5/16). • Moon Mullins passed away in Texas (5/16). • Lew Dickey raised over $200 million for Modern Media Acquisition (5/17). • BMI responded to DOJ filing (5/18). • Futuri expanded TopicPulse team (5/18). • Gerry House and Mike Bohan set to return to Nashville airwaves (5/19). • Martina McBride and Mike Dungan to be honored by Country Radio Broadcasters. (5/19).

Kage Free In The Rockies

(continued from page 1)

Mission one was finding her a co-host. “I went through hundreds of audition MP3s,” Kage says. “It felt like Groundhog Day.” But Kage eventually found his Guy. Moving from Australia to Los Angeles 12 years ago on a tennis scholarship, Guy David decided he wanted to do morning radio and landed in Fon du Lac, WI. Plucked from Kage’s stack of audio, David qualifies for market leap of the decade. “While I love that he doesn’t sound like anyone else on the radio, he’s also missing the foundation we all learned coming up,” Kage says. “But I’ll sacrifice the polish for the content and sound, and we’ll shore the rest up along the way.” Kage spends time with David on basics like weather and liners.

Crab & Go: Capitol’s Dierks Bentley gets a gold plaque during a stop in Maryland. Pictured (l-r) are WPOC/ Baltimore’s Jeff Wyatt, Bentley, the station’s Jeff St. Pierre and Capitol’s Bobby Young.

Producer Patrick Knight worked at iHeartMedia’s KEEY/ Minneapolis and plays a utility infield position. “When you get to a radio station you always find that indispensable person who can do a bit of everything, and that’s Patrick,“ says Kage. In addition to his morning duties, Knight helps with label relationships (there is no MD currently), and can help with imaging. Middayer Melissa Moore moved back to town in 2011 after stops in Orlando and Minneapolis. That’s three staffers with links to the Twin Cities, if you’re scoring at home (or if you’re alone). She previously spent three years at AC KOSI/Denver. “Melissa reflects the lifestyle, is great with the listeners and loves country music,” says Kage. “She has good ears too. I often bounce records off her for opinions.” Sixteen-year station vet Paul Donovan returned for afternoons after four years at iHeartMedia’s WMZQ/Washington, DC. “He might be one of the best sounding personalities on the air today in any market,” beams Kage. “Bob Call brought him back before I arrived and I am lucky he did.” Fizz handles evenings. A former Top 40 host, “He rides the phones, lives the lifestyle and is exactly what a night jock should be in terms of his energy and sound,” says Kage. KYGO is even live and local in overnights. “Sheena is new to the full time air staff,” says Kage. “She has a bright future.”

May 22, 2017

All In The Details: Long a market leader, the station returned to No. 1 three months ago and enjoyed a PPM high 6.4 share in April. Kage points to multiple factors for the resurgence. Beyond the staff, imaging and presentation have been freshened. Kage works with imaging voice Scott Fisher and added Heather Walters for a female voice after hearing them on Cox KKBQ/Houston. “I took a look at who was winning in Country and did a ton of streaming to hone in on a sound,” he says. Kage writes the copy and the production is handled by Longtrain Productions. The station app, vehicle and performance studio have also been updated. And then there’s attention to detail. “I learned some things in Tampa that are deep in the weeds of PPM and chart construction that I use,” he says cagily, declining to elaborate. “The air staff are focused and have executed a different way of thinking,” he adds. His programming philosophy is extremely hands-on. Literally. Kage cites CBS Radio Top 40 WBBM/Chicago MD Erik Bradley as a mentor. Bradley hand-schedules his playlists and Kage adopted the same philosophy. “The funny thing about music scheduling is that is our product, yet PDs hate it,” he says. “Along with the morning show, it is the No. 1 reason people come to you.” Other mentors beyond Bradley and Call include Cox VP/Radio Programming Steve Smith and his former boss at Lincoln Financial, now a VPP at Cumulus. “John Dimick probably shaped me the most,” he says. On air, he points to Sirius XM Hits 1 host Tone E. Fly. “In the Twin Cities, he gave me a foundation of how to be

Page 8

an air personality that I still lean on to this day.” Rather than counter programming his competitors, Kage says he programs against himself. Where can he be better? What angle will move the audience on a promotion? How would he attack his station from across the street? “Of course I always pay attention to music coming in and out of competitors and the market in general,” he adds. He also watches CBS Radio’s KMLE/Phoenix. As for the move to an unfamiliar format, Kage says that’s not exactly accurate. “It’s interesting that I became a Top 40 guy much less a Rhythmic Top 40 guy,” he says. “I had to learn those formats.” Kage’s father listened exclusively to country – The Outlaws, Hank Williams and the classics played on eight-track. As the Country format became more contemporary, his father turned away. “He always told me I’d like country when I was older and now I do it for a living, but he doesn’t listen.” Kage is hopeful. “I’ve rounded up some good artists for him to listen to. We’ll see if I can get him back.” In the meantime, he’s back in Colorado, skiing and snowboarding with his son and reflective about his family-focused return and the values he sees in KYGO’s listeners. “This is a blue collar, fun loving audience,” he says. “Community and family are important to them.” Reach Kage here. –Paul Williams

Lon Helton, lon@countryaircheck.com Chuck Aly, chuck@countryaircheck.com Wendy Newcomer, wendy@countryaircheck.com Paul Williams, paul@countryaircheck.com (615) 320-1450

May 22, 2017

Page 9

Seek & Employ Available Jobs Here’s a list of job seekers and open gigs. Not listed? Send info here and we’ll include you in a future update: Entercom KKWF/Seattle is looking for a morning show host. Details here. Midwest WNCY/Appleton-Green Bay, WI is seeking an on air host who is compelling, social media savvy, interactive, organized and solid with promotions. Airchecks here. Entercom KWJJ/Portland, OR is now accepting applications for part time on-air positions. Send materials here. AJG WKKW/Morgantown, WV has an opening for an afternoon host. Details here. Albany Broadcasting WKLI/Albany is looking for a morning show co-host. Send materials here. Cox WWKA/Orlando seeks a Dir./Branding & Programming. Apply here. Ryman Hospitality Properties seeks a Dir./Opry Programming & Artist Initiatives. Apply here. The CMA has an opening for an Executive Assistant/Marketing. Materials to HR Consultant Sarah Pinson here. GCC Bend’s KSJJ/Bend, OR is searching for a morning show producer/air talent. Airchecks and resumes here. Cumulus’ WIVK/Knoxville has an opening in middays. Apply here. Zimmer/Cookeville, TN is searching for an engineer. Three years experience is required. Materials here.

•Rob Stark Former PD/Morning host KACT/Panama City, FL 850 775-7451 rstarkccm@gmail.com •Eddie Haskell Former KYGO/Denver PD 505 886-1418 haskell99@gmail.com •Cheri Cranford Former GM Streamsound/Red Vinyl Music 615 473-6837 cheri.cranford@comcast.net • Bethany Linderman Former WGNA/Albany morning co-host 727 460-2389 linderman.bethany@gmail.com • Mike Preston Former KKWF/Seattle PD 206 979-2500 pljpreston@aol.com • Jeff Roper Former KCYY/San Antonio APD/MD/morning host 210-790-7099 ropershow@gmail.com • Jim Day Former WIL/St. Louis morning host 314-258-4365 jimdayshow@gmail.com •Wes McShay Former Cumulus/Montgomery, AL OM/PD 208-758-5435 wesgardipe@gmail.com

WFON/Fond du Lac, WI has an opening for a morning show co-host. Aircheck, social media samples, and resume to Barry Mardit Media Consulting here.

• Jeff Miles Former WKLB/Boston and KCYY/San Antonio morning host 469 667-3890 radiojeff@icloud.com

BiCoastal Media is searching for a PD/on air host to launch a new station in the Pacific Northwest. Send materials here.

• Rosey Fitchpatrick Former Dir./National Promotion Roseyfitch99@gmail.com

Searching

•Travis Moon Former KAJA/KASE/KVET PD travismooncountry@hotmail.com •Don Brake Former WFRE/Frederick PD 717 404-5679 fmonairbrake@aol.com

• Wayne Manning Former Cold River Regional 801-361-2993 imaviator@yahoo.com • Dan Hagar Strategic Marketing & Promotions 615-430-2560 dhpromoman@gmail.com

•Crash Poteet Former KVOO/Tulsa and WKWS/Charleston/WV PD 417 499-4046 okccrash@gmail.com ©2017 Countr y Aircheck™ — All r ights reser ved. Sign up free at w w w.countr yaircheck .com. S end news to news@countr yaircheck .com

May 22, 2017

April 2017 PPM Scoreboard

Country radio shares were up by slightly by 1% compared to last month and up just under 2% compared to April 2016. Of the 86 subscribing stations listed, 47 increased, 35 decreased and four were flat.

Station/City WKHX/Atlanta WUBL/Atlanta KASE/Austin^ KVET/Austin^ KOKE/Austin WPOC/Baltimore WKLB/Boston WBWL/Boston WCTK/Providence (Boston) WKKT/Charlotte WSOC/Charlotte WEBG/Chicago WUSN/Chicago WNNF/Cincinnati WUBE/Cincinnati^ WYGY/Cincinnati^ WGAR/Cleveland WCOL/Columbus, OH KPLX/Dallas^ KSCS/Dallas^ KWOF/Denver KYGO/Denver WDRQ/Detroit WYCD/Detroit WPAW/Greensboro WTQR/Greensboro WWYZ/Hartford KILT/Houston KKBQ/Houston^ KTHT/Houston^+ WFMS/Indianapolis WLHK/Indianapolis WGNE/Jacksonville WQIK/Jacksonville KBEQ/Kansas City^ KFKF/Kansas City^ WDAF/Kansas City KCYE/Las Vegas WUBLKWNR/Las Vegas KKGO/Los Angeles WGKX/Memphis WLFP/Memphis WKIS/Miami

April 6+ Share

March Cume

March 6+ Share

Rank

4.1 3.4 4.6 6.4 1.7 7.4 4.1 2.3 0.4 5.7 5.2 2.2 1.9 2.3 7.0 1.5 7.1 10.1 6.0 4.3 2.0 6.2 3.4 5.3 5.6 5.9 7.6 3.5 5.8 2.7 6.4 5.1 4.9 12.4 4.1 5.7 3.6 3.4 5.0 2.5 5.6 3.5 2.2

10t 3.6 12t 618,600 616,900 14 3.6 12t 678,200 688,900 7 4.6 8 329,300 326,700 3 6.7 2 368,900 371,600 21 1.8 20 108,600 106,900 3 8.0 2 443,400 481,600 9 4.3 8t 634,600 689,300 17 2.1 16t 438,900 458,200 24 0.5 25 124,200 124,800 2 5.9 3 461,900 453,400 5t 6.0 2 447,000 489,100 21 2.3 20t 786,200 776,200 19t 2.2 20t 952,900 939,200 15 2.5 15 236,800 289,000 3 7.8 3 449,000 473,000 17 0.9 21 124,900 139,700 5 7.3 5 434,800 452,800 1 10.5 1 458,900 493,200 1t 6.2 1 1,305,500 1,287,300 5 3.8 6 1,083,500 995,800 21 1.8 21t 277,600 275,500 1 6.4 1 540,200 559,700 15 2.9 16 503,400 510,900 5t 6.0 3 772,700 794,600 6 6.0 5 249,600 251,700 5 6.1 4 276,300 256,300 4 7.6 3 239,600 235,000 14t 3.3 15 1,095,300 955,100 2t 4.9 6 1,142,000 1,186,900 18 2.5 19 571,900 471,100 5 5.9 7 357,200 341,000 9 6.0 5t 313,600 346,700 7 4.5 7 226,000 261,900 1 12.5 1 288,400 285,600 10t 4.7 7 295,200 331,100 3t 5.6 5 367,300 376,500 15t 4.0 10t 260,400 312,600 10 3.5 11t 234,500 230,300 6 5.2 3t 308,000 254,300 16 2.7 13t 1,251,100 1,296,100 6 4.9 7 192,200 190,300 10 2.6 14 125,200 117,700 18 2.3 18 453,800 437,200

Rank

April Cume

400

403.1

391.3

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The cume leader was Mt. Wilson KKGO/Los Angeles with 1,296,100, Cumulus KPLX/Dallas was second with 1,287,300. Legend: A “+” indicates a Classic Country outlet; a “^” designates co-owned Country stations in the metro; “t” indicates a tie; and a “*” indicates a station best in that statistic. Ranks are among subscribers.

March 6+ Share

Station/City

WNSH/New York (Middlesex) WKTI/Milwaukee WMIL/Milwaukee KEEY/Minneapolis KMNB/Minneapolis WKDF/Nashville^ WSIX/Nashville WSM-FM/Nashville^ WSM-AM/Nashville WNSH/New York (Nassau) WNSH/New York WWKA/Orlando KMLE/Phoenix KNIX/Phoenix KSWG/Phoenix WXTU/Philadelphia WDSY/Pittsburgh WPGB/Pittsburgh KWJJ/Portland KUPL/Portland WCTK/Providence WNCB/Raleigh WQDR/Raleigh KFRG/Riverside KBEB/Sacramento KNCI/Sacramento KNTY/Sacramento KEGA/Salt Lake City KSOP/Salt Lake City ^ KSOP-AM/Salt Lake City ^+ KUBL/Salt Lake City KAJA/San Antonio KCYY/San Antonio^ KKYX-AM/San Antonio^+ KSON/San Diego KRTY/San Jose KKWF/Seattle KMPS/Seattle KSD/St. Louis WIL/St. Louis WFUS/Tampa WQYK/Tampa WMZQ/Washington WIRK/West Palm Beach

3.6 4 5.4 5.9 3.7 3.9 5.4 4.8 1.8 2.4 2.4 5.0 4.6 3.4 1.1 4.0 4.5 3.6 5.5 4.2 7.8 3.6 8.0 4.5 2.7 5.3 2.7 1.6 4.3 0.7 3.3 4.6 5.2 1.9 4.9 4.3 2.1 4.0 4.2 5.9 4.1 4.7 3.3 6.3

Rank

April 6+ Share

8t 12t 8 6 13 11 7 10 17 18 17 7 5 10t 30 10 8 10 5 9t 4 13t 3 5 15t 4 15t 21 8 29 9t 7 5 20 6 7 20t 8t 12 6 9 6 12t 3

Rank

March Cume

April Cume

3.7 10 142,800 172,100 3.9 13 257,400 270,900 5.1 7t 316,300 324,300 5.8 4 570,700 616,800 4.0 13 506,800 556,200 4.0 11 235,300 241,200 6.1 7 279,900 291,700 4.2 10 265,400 249,800 1.1 21 36,100 41,100 2.1 21 178,900 161,700 2.3 17t 1,127,400 1,137,100 4.7 8 286,300 270,600 4.1 8 543,300 560,400 3.9 10 566,800 626,400 1.0 30 109,100 118,500 4.3 10t 674,000 777,600 3.9 10 320,200 345,500 3.8 11 230,400 244,400 4.8 8 404,700 399,000 5.5 4 394,200 383,900 7.2 4 380,600 390,200 3.6 13 230,300 233,600 7.8 3 346,500 346,500 4.6 4 379,400 387,700 2.9 14t 228,600 235,800 5.9 4 303,500 346,100 3.4 9t 209,800 242,400 1.8 20 179,000 194,900 4.5 8 249,700 262,600 0.6 28 38,100 32,500 4.3 8 285,700 315,200 4.4 8t 503,100 557,000 5.5 3 655,300 632,300 1.3 24 166,100 155,300 5.1 4 442,500 432,000 4.0 9 207,100 387,700 2.4 18 427,900 445,000 3.7 10 545,700 492,100 4.7 8 511,400 542,700 6.0 6 521,100 524,700 4.0 10t 432,300 431,700 4.7 6t 437,300 443,100 3.3 13 520,600 497,200 5.5 3 179,800 191,500

392.8

385.4

381.3 380.8

382.0

379.8 376.3 370.0

350

363.3

370.3

370.3 362.0

Format-Wide PPM Ratings Aggregate share for Nielsen Audio subscribing stations month to month. 326.5

300

Apr '15 Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Hol

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May 22, 2017 LW

Artist/Title (Label)

LUKE COMBS

Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud Stations ADDS 2nd Week at No. 1

26717

-16

8931

-20

59.202 -0.761

159

BRETT YOUNG/In Case You Didn't Know (BMLGR) ✔

25560

1125

8587

484

57.911 2.872

159

DIERKS BENTLEY/Black (Capitol)

23770

842

7974

258

53.422 2.015

159

SAM HUNT/Body Like A Back Road (MCA/Capitol)

23686

-572

7787

-219

54.302 -1.761

158

DARIUS RUCKER/If I Told You (Capitol) ✔

20356

1621

6732

590

45.705 3.965

158

DAN + SHAY/How Not To (Warner Bros./WAR)

19269

844

6544

289

42.824 2.163

159

BRANTLEY GILBERT/The Weekend (Valory)

18248

-641

6451

-228

39.853 -1.205

158

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/God, Your Mama, And Me (BMLGR)

17164

1013

5603

389

1.763

159

BLAKE SHELTON/Every Time I Hear... (Warner Bros./WMN)

15366

836

5103

333

35.679 1.738

158

KELSEA BALLERINI/Yeah Boy (Black River Entertainment)

15287

-8482

5281

-2867

32.624 -19.659

159

RASCAL FLATTS/Yours If You Want It (Big Machine)

14360

649

4799

217

33.073 2.136

158

DYLAN SCOTT/My Girl (Curb)

14264

841

4621

233

31.887 2.173

157

KEITH URBAN f/CARRIE UNDERWOOD/The Fighter (Capitol)

14155

-67

4801

32.309 0.037

157

THOMAS RHETT f/MAREN MORRIS/Craving You (Valory)

13381

924

4303

294

31.375 2.371

156

LADY ANTEBELLUM/You Look Good (Capitol)

13327

560

4485

105

29.902 1.489

159

COLE SWINDELL/Flatliner (Warner Bros./WMN)

13245

307

4441

1.345

156

MIDLAND/Drinkin' Problem (Big Machine)

13007

591

4305

261

28.577 1.876

158

JUSTIN MOORE/Somebody Else Will (Valory)

11566

964

4010

282

25.236 3.855

157

ZAC BROWN BAND/My Old Man (SouthernGrnd/Elektra/WAR)

10694

381

3724

126

23.012 0.529

159

TIM MCGRAW & FAITH HILL/Speak To A Girl (Arista)

9846

3215

-21

20.475 0.439

159

OLD DOMINION/No Such Thing As A Broken... (RCA)

8755

709

2940

234

18.942 1.808

145

BILLY CURRINGTON/Do I Make You Wanna (Mercury) ✔

8103

1034

2706

256

17.427

147

BROTHERS OSBORNE/It Ain't My Fault (EMI Nashville)

8028

318

2838

146

14.686 0.753

154

CHRIS LANE/For Her (Big Loud)

7545

347

2575

13.006

0.55

148

KIP MOORE/More Girls Like You (MCA)

6169

574

2075

209

11.308

2.92

144

Hurricane (River House/Columbia)

38.9

27.9

2.78

Chart Page 1

May 22, 2017 LW

Artist/Title (Label)

BRETT ELDREDGE/Somethin' I'm Good At (Atlantic/WMN)

5530

499

1865

100

10.545

2.57

144

DUSTIN LYNCH/Small Town Boy (Broken Bow)

4932

864

1638

265

8.231

1.554

136

DRAKE WHITE/Makin' Me Look Good Again (BMLGR)

4764

537

1536

142

8.01

1.528

123

LOCASH/Ring On Every Finger (Reviver)

4512

321

1572

128

8.946

0.241

133

MAREN MORRIS/I Could Use A Love Song (Columbia)

4475

302

1419

8.908

2.183

133

CARLY PEARCE/Every Little Thing (Big Machine) ✔

4267

1251

1422

434

7.448

2.826

122

EASTON CORBIN/A Girl Like You (Mercury)

4048

1476

5.544 -0.099

122

GARTH BROOKS/Ask Me How I Know (Pearl)

3912

358

1383

135

6.127

0.682

123

JON PARDI/Heartache On The Dance Floor (Capitol)

3610

718

1182

242

6.312

1.009

101

ERIC CHURCH/Round Here Buzz (EMI Nashville)

3370

230

1235

101

5.912

0.677

114

JASON ALDEAN/They Don't Know (Broken Bow) ✔

3308

1043

1122

370

5.963

2.203

Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud Stations ADDS

MORGAN WALLEN/The Way I Talk (Big Loud)

3271

-84

1199

6.219

-0.19

101

SETH ENNIS/Woke Up In Nashville (Arista)

3199

-17

1134

-4

4.686

0.169

123

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/Missing (Warner Bros./WMN)

3075

1127

5.506 -0.176

BIG & RICH/California (B&R/New Revolution)

3033

104

1084

4.473

0.149

102

KANE BROWN/What Ifs f/Lauren Alaina (RCA)

2965

182

961

4.032

0.187

BRAD PAISLEY/Last Time For Everything (Arista)

2881

253

951

4.638

0.423

100

0.259

102

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Tin Man (RCA)

2490

859

-6

4.052

ADAM CRAIG/Just A Phase (Stoney Creek)

2373

-45

875

3.362 -0.151

CHRIS STAPLETON/Either Way (Mercury)

2347

668

782

225

Debut 45

4.022

1.12

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Happy People (Capitol)

2314

-10

764

3.937 -0.257

AARON WATSON/Outta Style (Big)

2239

-30

658

4.202 -0.108

WALKER MCGUIRE/Til Tomorrow (Wheelhouse)

2124

410

653

117

5.092

0.667

Debut 48 49

HIGH VALLEY/She's With Me (Atlantic/WEA)

2013

187

569

3.396

0.228

LANCO/Greatest Love Story (Arista)

1920

122

741

2.867

0.253

Chart Page 2

May 22, 2017 Country Aircheck Add leaders CHRIS JANSON/Fix A Drink (Warner Bros./WAR) LAUREN ALAINA/Doin' Fine (19/Interscope/Mercury) DUSTIN LYNCH/Small Town Boy (Broken Bow) JON PARDI/Heartache On The Dance Floor (Capitol) JASON ALDEAN/They Don't Know (Broken Bow) JOSH TURNER/All About You (MCA) TYLER FARR/I Should Go To Church Sometime (Columbia) CHRIS YOUNG/Losing Sleep (RCA) BRAD PAISLEY/Last Time For Everything (Arista) CHRIS STAPLETON/Either Way (Mercury) GRANGER SMITH/Happens Like That (Wheelhouse) KIP MOORE/More Girls Like You (MCA)

Activator Top point Gainers

Adds 55 28 19 10 9 9 9 8 7 7 7 7

Country Aircheck Top point Gainers

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/God, Your Mama... (BMLGR)

971 ✔

DARIUS RUCKER/If I Told You (Capitol)

732 ✔

DYLAN SCOTT/My Girl (Curb)

586 ✔

OLD DOMINION/No Such Thing As A Broken... (RCA)

582 ✔

BLAKE SHELTON/Every Time I Hear... (Warner Bros./WMN)

529 ✔

THOMAS RHETT f/MAREN MORRIS/Craving You (Valory)

528

CHRIS STAPLETON/Either Way (Mercury)

503

KIP MOORE/More Girls Like You (MCA)

480

DUSTIN LYNCH/Small Town Boy (Broken Bow)

454

DIERKS BENTLEY/Black (Capitol)

442

Activator Top Spin Gainers

DARIUS RUCKER/If I Told You (Capitol)

1621

CARLY PEARCE/Every Little Thing (Big Machine)

1251

BRETT YOUNG/In Case You Didn't Know (BMLGR)

1125

JASON ALDEAN/They Don't Know (Broken Bow)

1043

BILLY CURRINGTON/Do I Make You Wanna (Mercury)

1034

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/God, Your Mama, And Me (BMLGR)

1013

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/God, Your Mama, And Me (BMLGR)

241

DARIUS RUCKER/If I Told You (Capitol)

174

CHRIS STAPLETON/Either Way (Mercury)

134

BLAKE SHELTON/Every Time I Hear... (Warner Bros./WMN)

126

OLD DOMINION/No Such Thing As A Broken... (RCA)

119

DYLAN SCOTT/My Girl (Curb)

117

JUSTIN MOORE/Somebody Else Will (Valory)

964

DUSTIN LYNCH/Small Town Boy (Broken Bow)

107

THOMAS RHETT F/MAREN MORRIS/Craving You (Valory)

924

THOMAS RHETT f/MAREN MORRIS/Craving You (Valory)

104

DUSTIN LYNCH/Small Town Boy (Broken Bow)

864

DIERKS BENTLEY/Black (Capitol)

100

DAN + SHAY/How Not To (Warner Bros./WAR)

844

JON PARDI/Heartache On The Dance Floor (Capitol)

100

Country Aircheck Top Recurrents

Country Aircheck Top Spin Gainers

points

JON PARDI/Dirt On My Boots (Capitol)

13642

484

JOSH TURNER/Hometown Girl (MCA)

12064

CARLY PEARCE/Every Little Thing (Big Machine)

434

JASON ALDEAN/Any Ol' Barstool (Broken Bow)

11198

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/God, Your Mama, And Me (BMLGR)

389

BLAKE SHELTON/A Guy With A Girl (Warner Bros./WMN)

9787

JASON ALDEAN/They Don't Know (Broken Bow)

370

LUKE BRYAN/Fast (Capitol)

8761

BLAKE SHELTON/Every Time I Hear That Song (Warner Bros./WMN)

333

LAUREN ALAINA/Road Less Traveled (19/Interscope/Mercury)

7844

THOMAS RHETT f/MAREN MORRIS/Craving You (Valory)

294

MICHAEL RAY/Think A Little Less (Atlantic/WEA)

7711

DAN + SHAY/How Not To (Warner Bros./WAR)

289

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/May We All (BMLGR)

7402

JUSTIN MOORE/Somebody Else Will (Valory)

282

DUSTIN LYNCH/Seein' Red (Broken Bow)

7061

DUSTIN LYNCH/Small Town Boy (Broken Bow)

265

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Better Man (Capitol)

6340

DARIUS RUCKER/If I Told You (Capitol)

590

BRETT YOUNG/In Case You Didn't Know (BMLGR)

Chart Page 3

May 22, 2017

A D D DAT E S

CoUNTRy AIRCHeCK ACTIVITy CHRIS STAPLETON/Either Way (Mercury) Debuts 45* 2347 points, 783 spins 7 adds: WDRQ*, WQYK, WNOE, WGKX*, WLFP, WKLI, KHKI*

May 30

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Happy People (Capitol) Moves 45-46* 2314 points, 764 spins 2 adds: WKIS, WGTY

June 5

AARON WATSON/Outta Style (Big) Moves 46-47* 2239 points, 658 spins 2 adds: KYGO, WIRK WALKER MCGUIRE/Til Tomorrow (Wheelhouse) Debuts 48* 2124 points, 653 spins 5 adds: KFRG, WGNE, WCKN, WWQM, WGTY HIGH VALLEY/She's With Me (Atlantic/WEA) Remains 49* 2013 points, 569 spins 4 adds: WQMX, KDRK, WXBQ, WSLC LANCO/Greatest Love Story (Arista) Remains 50* 1920 points, 741 spins 2 adds: KKGO, WUSY

LINDSAY ELL/Waiting On You (Stoney Creek) CHRIS YOUNG/Losing Sleep (RCA)) GARY ALLAN/Mess Me Up (EMI Nashville)

Jordan Davis/Singles You Up (MCA) Trent Tomlinson/That’s What’s Working Right Now (Mucho Love/ New Revolution)

June 12

RYAN HURD/Love In A Bar (RCA) Granger Smith/Happens Like That (Wheelhouse) Send yours to adds@countryaircheck.com

CHECK OUT 5/26

Various Gentle Giants: The Songs Of Don Williams (Slate Creek) Artists putting their own spin on the Country Music Hall of Famer's hits include Chris and Morgane Stapleton ("Amanda"), Trisha Yearwood ("Maggie's Dream"), Dierks Bentley ("Some Broken Hearts Never Mend"), Garth Brooks ("Good Ole Boys Like Me") and Brandy Clark ("I Believe In You").

TODD O'NEILL/Love Again (Nash Next/Valory) 1752 points, 481 spins 1 add: KSOP

Bobby Bare Things Change (Hypermedia/BFD/ Sony RED) Bare (another CMHoFamer) releases his first studio album in five years, which was produced by Max T. Barnes. It features a collaboration with Chris Stapleton on Bare's 1963 Grammy-winning hit "Detroit City," plus songs by Mary Gauthier and a tune he co-wrote with the late Guy Clark.

BROOKE EDEN/Act Like You Don't (Red Bow) 1563 points, 550 spins 3 adds: KCYE, WWKA*, WTGE

June 1 Various The Music Of Nashville, Season 5 Volume 2 (Big Machine)

JACKIE LEE/Getting Over You (Broken Bow) 1383 points, 541 spins 1 add: KFRG

June 2 Luke Combs This One's For You (River House/Columbia) A Thousand Horses Bridges (BMLGR) Wheeler Walker Jr. Ol' Wheeler (Pepperhill)

JAKE OWEN/Good Company (RCA) 1906 points, 647 spins 2 adds: WDRQ*, KNIX

Chart Page 4

May 22, 2017 LW

Artist/Title (Label)

Points

+/- Points

Plays

BRETT YOUNG

11072

172

2536

+/- Plays Stations ADDS

DIERKS BENTLEY/Black (Capitol)

10497

442

2406

LUKE COMBS/Hurricane (River House/Columbia)

10454

-834

2384

DARIUS RUCKER/If I Told You (Capitol) ✔

9488

732

2122

174

DAN + SHAY/How Not To (Warner Bros./WAR)

9269

120

2081

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/God, Your Mama, And Me (BMLGR) ✔

8592

971

1984

241

KEITH URBAN f/CARRIE UNDERWOOD/The Fighter (Capitol)

7878

258

1747

In Case You Didn’t Know (BMLGR)

100

-197

10 8

BLAKE SHELTON/Every Time I Hear That Song (Warner Bros./WMN) ✔

7711

529

1664

126

11 9

RASCAL FLATTS/Yours If You Want It (Big Machine)

7188

222

1555

13 10

COLE SWINDELL/Flatliner (Warner Bros./WMN)

6934

1504

14 11

THOMAS RHETT f/MAREN MORRIS/Craving You (Valory)

6929

528

1454

104

12 12

LADY ANTEBELLUM/You Look Good (Capitol)

6866

-81

1505

-3

17 13

DYLAN SCOTT/My Girl (Curb) ✔

6321

586

1411

117

16 14

MIDLAND/Drinkin' Problem (Big Machine)

6059

320

1316

15 15

ZAC BROWN BAND/My Old Man (SouthernGrnd/Elektra/WAR)

5942

111

1269

18 16

JUSTIN MOORE/Somebody Else Will (Valory)

5597

222

1202

19 17

TIM MCGRAW & FAITH HILL/Speak To A Girl (Arista)

5239

-95

1246

-18

20 18

OLD DOMINION/No Such Thing As A Broken... (RCA) ✔

5003

582

1021

119

21 19

BROTHERS OSBORNE/It Ain't My Fault (EMI Nashville)

4135

207

887

23 20

BILLY CURRINGTON/Do I Make You Wanna (Mercury)

3456

315

723

22 21

BRETT ELDREDGE/Somethin' I'm Good At (Atlantic/WMN)

3442

154

693

24 22

CHRIS LANE/For Her (Big Loud)

3206

180

698

26 23

KIP MOORE/More Girls Like You (MCA Nashville)

3065

480

643

32 24

DUSTIN LYNCH/Small Town Boy (Broken Bow)

2353

454

435

107

28 25

BRAD PAISLEY/Last Time For Everything (Arista)

2245

160

452

27 26

GARTH BROOKS/Ask Me How I Know (Pearl)

2235

127

498

29 27

MAREN MORRIS/I Could Use A Love Song (Columbia Nashville)

2142

416

31 28

AARON WATSON/Outta Style (Big)

2061

147

422

30 29

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Tin Man (RCA)

2012

381

34 30

JON PARDI/Heartache On The Dance Floor (Capitol)

2009

435

385

100

Chart Page 5

May 22, 2017 LW

Artist/Title (Label)

Points +/- Points

36 31

JASON ALDEAN/They Don't Know (Broken Bow)

1799

318

Plays

302

+/- Plays

Stations Adds

39 32

CHRIS STAPLETON/Either Way (Mercury)

1726

503

373

134

33 33

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Happy People (Capitol)

1639

-12

310

35 34

EASTON CORBIN/A Girl Like You (Mercury)

1594

109

353

37 35

LOCASH/Ring On Every Finger (Reviver)

1448

306

41 36

CARLY PEARCE/Every Little Thing (Big Machine)

1422

396

291

38 37

ERIC CHURCH/Round Here Buzz (EMI Nashville)

1392

305

40 38

DRAKE WHITE/Makin' Me Look Good Again (BMLGR)

1344

144

308

43 39

BIG & RICH/California (B&R/New Revolution)

1028

150

250

42 40

JAKE OWEN/Good Company (RCA)

886

-60

135

-9

50 41

CHRIS JANSON/Fix A Drink (Warner Bros./WAR)

734

186

45 42

TODD O'NEILL/Love Again (Nash Next/Valory)

729

207

44 43

MORGAN WALLEN/The Way I Talk (Big Loud)

719

146

47 44

SETH ENNIS/Woke Up In Nashville (Arista)

629

155

53 45

ELI YOUNG BAND/Skin And Bones (Valory)

622

49 46

KANE BROWN f/LAUREN ALAINA/What Ifs (RCA Nashville)

549

-8

157

-7

46 47

LANCO/Greatest Love Story (Arista)

542

-125

107

-11

48 48

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/Missing (Warner Bros./WMN)

541

-54

112

-14

52 49

JERROD NIEMANN/God Made A Woman (Curb)

520

-11

101

-3

57 50

WALKER HAYES/You Broke Up With Me (Monument)

477

60 51

JO SMITH/Old School Groove (Smack)

460

56 52

ASHLEY MCBRYDE/A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega (---)

460

51 53

KENNY CHESNEY/Rich And Miserable (Blue Chair/Columbia)

453

-90

-9

RUNAWAY JUNE/Wild West (Wheelhouse)

450

Debut 54 Debut 55

CODY JOHNSON/Wild As You (Cojo)

445

101

55 56

CHRIS STAPLETON/Broken Halos (Mercury)

422

-44

-18

Debut 57

DELTA RAE/A Long And Happy Life (Valory)

419

Debut 58

JOHN MAYER/In The Blood (Columbia)

408

-34

-6

Debut 59

A THOUSAND HORSES/Preachin' To The Choir (BMLGR)

397

-14

-1

Debut 60

ADAM CRAIG/Just A Phase (Stoney Creek)

395

-8

-1

Chart Page 6