Inside Radio’s 2024 Holiday Rankings: U.S. Stations Going All-In on Christmas Classics
The holiday season has once again set the stage for a festive radio takeover, as Inside Radio’s TOP 10 rankings highlight stations that switch to an all-Christmas music format across key U.S. markets. Based on cume delivery—a metric measuring persons aged 6 and older during Nielsen’s Holiday 2024 survey period—this annual tradition sees longtime holiday enthusiasts tuning in to their favorite tunes across the nation, with each station vying for top ratings in their respective markets.
Leading the pack is iHeartMedia’s powerhouse station, “106.7 Lite FM” WLTW in New York, which clinched the number one spot with 4.13 million cume. With more than two decades of switching to the holiday format each year, WLTW has become a staple in the New York radio landscape. Their dominance is further highlighted by their 28th consecutive market win—a consistency that underscores the station’s deep connection with its audience and the enduring appeal of its seasonal programming.
Tying into a broader trend, several stations under the iHeartMedia umbrella continue to make significant strides. AC KOST Los Angeles secured second place with 3.17 million cume, while AC “Sunny 99.1” KODA Houston recorded a respectable 2.13 million cume. Simultaneously occurring,“93.9 Lite FM” WLIT Chicago rounded out the all-iHeart top four at fourth with 1.97 million listeners. These figures reflect not only their strong local followings but also the stations’ ability to tap into a national sentiment of holiday cheer. For instance, in Los Angeles—a market renowned for its diverse entertainment scene—KOST’s festive playlists serve as the perfect backdrop for holiday events and community gatherings.
Rounding out the top five is Audacy’s AC “B101.1” WBEB Philadelphia, which delivered 1.65 million cume. Philadelphia’s rich ancient traditions and growing interest in local arts and culture have bolstered the station’s appeal, mirroring trends seen in other major U.S. cities where community roots and tradition are celebrated during the holiday season.
Expanding on recent developments,the rankings also include a mix of seasoned performers and rising stars in the holiday format. Notably, iHeart’s “Star 102.1” KDGE in Dallas, which debuts its all-holiday AC format in November 2016, claims the sixth spot—demonstrating that even newer entrants can make significant inroads with innovative programming. In contrast, “99.9 K-EZ” KESZ Phoenix—a trailblazer known for its round-the-clock Christmas music as 1996—maintains its position as a holiday radio pioneer, earning its eighth rank and marking its 18th consecutive win in the phoenix market.
Other stations that made the elite million-cume cutoff include Bonneville AC KOIT,ranked seventh; iHeart’s WNIC Detroit in ninth; and Audacy’s “Magic 106.7” WMJX in boston at tenth. Each of these stations has cultivated a loyal following, seamlessly blending cherished classics with modern renditions to connect with a wide-ranging audience.“WLTW New York racked up its 28th consecutive win,” a testament to the station’s unwavering dominance, while “KESZ Phoenix made it 18 victories in a row.” These accolades are not just numbers; they represent carefully curated playlists, strategic market positioning, and a deep understanding of what American listeners crave during the festive season.
From a domestic perspective, these rankings offer valuable insights for advertisers, event organizers, and community leaders who target holiday audiences. U.S. businesses can leverage these popular stations to bolster local campaigns—from sponsoring holiday concerts to partnering on community events designed to foster local traditions. Case studies from previous seasons reveal that communities in markets like New York and Los Angeles see measurable economic boosts when their top holiday stations spearhead local initiatives, driving both engagement and foot traffic to seasonal events.
Further bolstering the credibility of this annual analysis, Nielsen’s robust survey methods provide clarity and reliability to the cume metrics. These insights are critical for stakeholders who rely on data-driven strategies to plan holiday programming and advertising budgets. As the U.S. transitions into an era of increasingly granular audience measurement, the successes of these top 10 stations underscore the enduring power of tradition combined with innovative audience engagement techniques.
The persistent popularity of all-Christmas music stations highlights a broader cultural narrative—one where communities across the country find solace, celebration, and unity in the timeless appeal of holiday music. with each station achieving million-cume ratings, the narrative of holiday radio continues to resonate, affirming that, year after year, it remains an integral part of the American festive season.
as U.S.listeners prepare for another season of holiday festivities,these top-rated stations not only deliver the soundtrack to our celebrations but also illustrate how strategic programming and local engagement can drive market success. With their blend of nostalgia and innovation, these stations are setting the stage for a holiday season in which every mile of the nation resonates with the sounds of Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What do Inside radio’s 2024 Holiday Rankings represent?
A1: The rankings showcase the top U.S. radio stations that switch to an all-Christmas music format each holiday season, based on cume delivery during Nielsen’s Holiday 2024 survey period. The cume metric measures the number of persons aged 6 and older reached by each station.
Q2: Which station claimed the top spot and what were its figures?
A2: iHeartMedia’s “106.7 Lite FM” WLTW in New York claimed the number one spot with a cume of 4.13 million. The station’s success is highlighted by its 28th consecutive market win, reflecting a deep connection with its audience.
Q3: How do cume ratings reflect a station’s performance during the holiday season?
A3: Cume ratings indicate how many listeners (persons aged 6 and older) tune in during the survey period. High cume figures, like those seen in the rankings, underscore the stations’ ability to reach a widespread audience and tap into the national sentiment of holiday cheer.
Q4: What other major stations and markets were highlighted in the rankings?
A4: Along with WLTW New York, notable stations include iHeartMedia’s AC KOST Los Angeles (second with 3.17 million cume), AC “Sunny 99.1” KODA Houston (2.13 million cume),and “93.9 Lite FM” WLIT Chicago (fourth with 1.97 million listeners).Audacy’s AC “B101.1” WBEB Philadelphia (fifth with 1.65 million cume) and newer entrants like iHeart’s “Star 102.1” KDGE in Dallas (sixth) also made the list.Additionally, long-time holiday pioneers such as “99.9 K-EZ” KESZ Phoenix (eighth and marking its 18th consecutive win) were featured.
Q5: What does the term “cume” mean in this context?
A5: “Cume” stands for cumulative audience and measures the number of persons aged 6 and older reached by a station during a specific survey period, providing a reliable metric for assessing a station’s overall listenership during the holiday season.
Q6: How can advertisers, event organizers, and community leaders benefit from these rankings?
A6: The rankings provide valuable insights into which stations command large, engaged audiences during the holiday season. Businesses and community leaders can leverage this data to sponsor local events, partner on community initiatives, and craft targeted advertising campaigns that align with seasonal festivities and traditions.
Q7: What ancient significance do stations like “99.9 K-EZ” KESZ Phoenix hold?
A7: “99.9 K-EZ” KESZ Phoenix is a trailblazer in the all-Christmas music format, having been a pioneer as 1996. The station’s 18th consecutive win in the Phoenix market highlights its long-standing role in setting the standard for holiday programming and its deep-rooted appeal to its local audience.
