iHeartMedia CHR 102.7 KIIS Los Angeles is the new #1 revenue generating station in the country.
BIA/Kelsey released its annual report of the top ten billers showing KIIS rising ahead of Hubbard News 103.5 WTOP Washington, DC as it ends WTOP’s four year reign at the top. KIIS’ $65.9 million estimated revenue in 2014 is up from $61.6 million in 2013 (and $56.8 million in 2012). WTOP held steady with an estimated $63.5 million.
The full Top Ten list features:
1) iHeartMedia CHR 102.7 KIIS Los Angeles – $65.9 million ($61.6 in 2013)
2) Hubbard News 103.5 WTOP Washington DC – $63.5 million ($63.5 million)
3) iHeartMedia CHR “Z100” WHTZ New York – $51 million ($51 million)
4) CBS News 880 WCBS – $49.2 miilion ($50.5 million)
5) iHeartMedia Hot AC “104.3 My-FM” KBIG Los Angeles – $42.9 million ($44.5 million)
6) iHeartMedia AC “106.7 Lite-FM” WLTW New York – $41.5 million ($45.5 million)
7) CBS News 1010 WINS New York – $41 million ($45 million)
8) CBS Sports 660/101.9 WFAN New York – $41 million ($43 million)
9) CBS Alternative 106.7 KROQ – $40.5 million ($42.8 million)
10) CBS News 780 WBBM/105.9 WCFS Chicago – $39.2 million ($42 million)
Radio as a whole generated $14.3 billion from over-the-air radio and $636 million in online revenue in 2014. “Local radio stations continue to maintain an important position in the local media marketplace,” said Mark Fratrik, senior vice president and chief economist, BIA/Kelsey. “Last year, a slight decline in over-the-air revenues was offset by an increase in online revenues, resulting in steady overall revenues.”
All those music stations with high billings? Makes you wonder how much of that money is record company payola.
It’s not by coincidence that this came out as iHeartMedia and all the other consolidators are lobbying the FCC to legalize payola.
Kind of surprised not to see WKTU 103.5 on that list. Until I looked just now, I thought KTU was ahead of Z in the ratings for NYC.
Could it be because it is simulcast on Sirius/ Xm?