July 15, 2026 Clark Smidt, Broadcast Advisor www.broadcastideas.com clarkfsmidt@gmail.com 978 502 6633
A hot hazy summer night in the air offers release of the June 2026 Boston radio overall numbers. I’ve reviewed every ratings edition since July ’71 when I got to work at WBZ AM & FM. Back in the days of Arbitron there was no June. April/May was the big book. July/August was for summer Top 40 and didn’t count. October/November came out too late for Christmas buys and Jan/Feb was just there in the middle. This latest June ’26 Total Audience report is good for Boston music stations but not great for news. Memorable call letters are gone. Big signals seem wasted. Many stories in the Naked City
The News category shows Boston University’s WBUR in a strong overall 3rd place. Iconic 50kw WBZ-AM 1030 is 10th and all resources at WGBH give it 14th. AM Talk 680 WRKO ranks 16. The start of summer sports shrinks to a second-tier fight between Sports Hub WBZ/FM 98.5 at 9th vs. WEEI/FM 93.7, tied for 11th place. 50kw WEEI-AM (once significant as 850 WHDH) stays at no show.
The number one 872,000 total weekly WMJX Magic Adult Contemporary audience delivers the top overall share (106.7 as All Hits WBZ/FM was orphaned by Group W). Classic Hits WROR takes 2nd place (they laughed at the 105.7 WVBF signal). WBMX Mix Hot A/C is in 4th place on 104.1 (once WBCN – those memorable call letters now available). WXKS Kiss Chart Hit Radio CHR 107.9 settles for 5th and WZLX 100.7 Boston’s lone Classic Rocker follows at 6th. WXRV 92.5 The River’s unique Adult Alternative playlist is now 7th and Classical WCRB 99.5 is up to 8th (formerly “Wish” WSSH).
Big Hub Signals: WBGB 103.3 Adult Hits (previously CBS WEEI/FM) is tied at 11th. Jammin’ WJMN 94.5 Rhythmic Top 40 (remember WCOZ?) sits at 13th. Country WKLB 102.5 (the huge former WCRB signal) is #15. WBQT 96.9 Hot A/C #2 (a big stick as easy listening WJIB ding ding) is stuck at #17.
Without taking away achievements, who let the dogs out? To credit Mr. Natural, We Keep On Truckin’. Radio stations with good metro signals are resilient and can go from worst to first! It takes the right team, great experienced coaching, spirit and showbiz. Not necessarily big bucks.
In any market, Great Radio is Essential. Our 24/7 free service brings news, information, talk, weather, sports, traffic, music, personality, entertainment and Local Connections. Vote For Radio!
Podcasting is nice but still not generating major profit. Please remember: Licensed Broadcasting with digital delivery is on-air everywhere reaching far and wide with immediate reception. Don’t forget how radio works: “All you do is fade your voice out….and cue the organist.” To be continued..
Congratulations for the 58th On-Air Anniversary of WWUH-FM University of Hartford, July 15, 1968.