Latest local radio ratings released

Arbitron has just released the latest ratings for Houston radio stations. Since their method of collecting data (written diaries by the few people who actually agree to take the time completing them) is ancient, the ratings reflect the listenership for Fall 2005. Here’s the top ten (based on listeners over the age of 12):

1. KMJQ (102.1 FM) Urban/R&B AC

2. KODA (99.1 FM) Adult Contemporary

3. KBXX (97.9 FM) Hip-Hop/R&B Hits

4. KLTN (102.9 FM) Regional Mexican

5. KRBE (104.1 FM) Top 40

6. KTRH (790 AM) News/Talk

7. KILT (100.3 FM) Country

8. KTBZ (94.5 FM) Alternative Rock

9. KPTY (104.9 FM) Hip-Hop/R&B Hits

10. KLOL (101.1 FM) Latin Urban

Majic 102 and Sunny 99.1 are the biggest gainers in the top ten, while 104 KRBE and 94.5 The Buzz had the largest decreases. As much as we like to complain about Clear Channel, they only own four stations on this list.

Outside the top ten, KROI-FM and KQUE-AM, both regional Mexican formats, had the biggest gains while 950 AM (News/Talk) and KHJZ (Smooth Jazz) had significant rating drops.

This trend is similar to what’s happening around the country: Latin and hip-hop stations are flourishing while rock, pop and country stations are hurting. One thing the ratings don’t tell us is: how many people have stopped listening to traditional radio? Houstonist can barely stomach Houston radio these days, and we’re sure we’re not the only ones who feel that way.

Do these ratings reflect what you listen to, or do you rely on your iPod and satellite radio?