Good Times for Hispanic, Country Formats

Younger-skewing rock-based formats continue to decline, Katz Media Group says in its National Format Averages study of Arbitron spring ratings.
“The Classic Hits format is one of the only rock-based formats to increase this spring,” it stated. “Classic Rock is up marginally and Adult Alternative is flat. The younger skewing formats – specifically Alternative/Modern Rock and AOR – have seen continuous declines over the past few years.”
Author Lisa Chiljean speculated that one reason Classic Hits did better is the popularity of the “play-anything” niche.
The Hispanic format was among the winners, up 6% on a direct comparison basis since last year. Average market shares for that format are at one of their highest levels ever.
“Further evidence of the format’s popularity is the emergence of new niches such as Reggaeton and Hurban over the past six to nine months,” Katz stated.
Country continued to post increases; its average market shares are at their highest level since the late 1990s. Country has remained the number one format for more than a decade, Katz said.
“This spring, Country enjoys a 69% share advantage over the next closest competitor among Persons 12+ in the average market.”
News, Talk and Sports format results were mixed.