Local Programming Focus Keeps Ratings on the Rise for Sports Radio 850 The Buzz

PRLog (Press Release) - May 07, 2009 -
RALEIGH, N.C. – McClatchey Broadcasting’s continued focus on local programming has struck a chord with the Triangle Sports Talk market to the tune of a 25% increase in overall weekly audience on Sports Radio 850 The Buzz (WRBZ).  The just released Winter 2009 Arbitron ratings for Raleigh-Durham have the McClatchey Broadcasting station showing a 25% increase in total audience of persons 12 years old and above (Monday – Sunday from 6a.m. - 12 a.m.).  

Even more impressive, the 850 The Buzz  and 620 The Bull (WDNC) combo continues to lead the overall Triangle sports talk radio market with a combined total audience share of 1.4% in persons 12 years old and above (Monday – Sunday from 6a.m. - 12 a.m.).  The Winter Arbitron survey took place for twelve consecutive weeks beginning in January of 2009.

“With over ten years in the format, we’ve learned Triangle sports fans want more local sports talk, so that is what we are giving them,” said WRBZ/WDNC general manager Brian Maloney.  “We continue to be grateful that the Triangle chooses 850 The Buzz and 620 The Bull as their source for not only local sports talk, but for great national programming as well.”  

850 The Buzz and 620 The Bull bring Triangle listeners local programming focused on local teams and events with shows like Adam Gold & Joe Ovies – mornings, Dave Glenn – weekday afternoons, The Sports Pig with Morgan Patrick – evenings and  The Bomani Jones Show – weekdays and weekends.

Raleigh-Durham’s only local all-sports morning show, “The Adam Gold Show” (weekdays from 6am-10am) on 850 The Buzz featuring Adam Gold and Joe Ovies, showed the largest audience gains of any McClatchey Broadcasting program.

            Demographic          Percentage of Growth vs. Fall 2009 Arbitron*      

      Men 25-54         +  26%
      Men 18-49         +  33%   
      Men 18-34         +766%

*Source:  Arbitron Ratings – Fall 2008 vs. Winter 2009.  Monday-Friday, 6am-10am, share of audience.