WBZ-FM "finished first overall and in all four day parts in sports radio's most coveted demographic" in the fall radio ratings in the Boston market, while rival WEEI finished second across the board, according to Chad Finn of the BOSTON GLOBE. WBZ was first overall among men 25-54 from Sept. 13-Dec. 5, while WEEI was second in the demo. WEEI's numbers "include its share for its flagship" station, as well as its "separate streaming number and Boston-based listenership" for WVEI-FM that originates from Providence. In the "most competitive day part, morning drive," WBZ's "Toucher & Rich" was first, while WEEI's programming -- which "switched from the 'Kirk and Callahan' program to the 'Mut and Callahan' program when host Kirk Minihane announced in mid-November he was leaving" the station -- came in second once WVEI and streaming are added. In the afternoon drive, WBZ's "Felger & Massarotti" was first, while WEEI's "OMF" program was second. In the midday window, WBZ's "Zolak & Bertrand" was first, while WEEI's "Dale & Keefe" was second. In the evenings, WBZ, which has "The Adam Jones Show," as well as Bruins and Celtics broadcasts, was "tops." WEEI, which has some nightly programming and Red Sox broadcasts, was second (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/28)
MINIHANE MOVE: THE ATHLETIC's Steve Buckley noted though Minihane leaving WEEI to launch his own show through the Radio.com app was "trumpeted as a thrilling new venture," outsiders "viewed it as a scheme to remove a troublemaker from the Boston airwaves." This would mean -- on WEEI, at least -- "no more random shots at the Red Sox." It would also "mean no more battles with the Boston Globe," which is controlled by Red Sox Owner John Henry, and "no more mocking" local politicians (THEATHLETIC.com, 12/27).
