KMCK Ascends Radio Rankings

Clear Channel Communication’s KKIX-FM, 103.9 “KIX 104” has been the top-rated radio station in Northwest Arkansas for 23 plus years and its stature did not change with the fall 2008 ratings by Arbitron Inc.

But the battle for Nos. 2 and 3 can be downright competitive. A minor upset came in the spring ratings, as KEZA-FM, “Magic” 107.9 came out as the No. 2 station, beating its brother KIGL-FM, 93.3 “The Eagle”.

In the fall, KEZA maintained it’s magic on the market with a 7.6 share, but the Eagle lost its altitude with a 6 percent share, dropping to No. 4 on the list, which is down from No. 2 (an 8 percent share) a year earlier and the No. 3 slot in the spring ratings (a 6.8 percent share).

All three stations are owned by Clear Channel of San Antonio, but rival group Cumulus Broadcasting Inc.’s KMCK-FM, “Power” 105.7, climbed the rankings to the No. 3 slot, with an increase to 6.5 percent share from a 5.4 share a year earlier.

KVBA-FM, “Variety” 106.5, owned by Hendren Communications Inc. of Bella Vista and KXNA-FM, 104.9 “The X” owned by Butler Broadcasting Inc. of Fayetteville tied for No. 5.

Variety plays light standards like Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond; The X plays alternative and hard rock.

Arbitron rates stations in the Northwest Arkansas market twice annually. The data are the most recent available.