Though the challengers to its throne increase as its working margin idles, 1310 AM The Ticket remains the undisputed champeen when it comes to Dallas-Fort Worth sports talk radio.
Even as Arbitron has made the switch from manual diaries to portable people meters, The Ticket has maintained an edge over long-time rival 103.3 FM ESPN Radio and newcomer 105.3 The Fan. Back in December the margin between The Ticket and ESPN had dwindled to only 2.2-1.6 among all listeners. But for January's PPM ratings, the scoreboard looks thusly:
JANUARY '09 PPM LISTENERS 6+
Station D-FW Rank Rating
The Ticket 15th 2.7
ESPN Radio 26th 1.8
The Fan 35th 0.8
A year ago - according to Arbitron's Winter '08 diary - The Ticket's lead over ESPN was a similar 2.6-1.7.
In the coveted target demographic of Men 25-54, January's PPM stats show The Ticket at 4.7, ESPN at 3.6 and The Fan at 1.4.
With Mike Rhyner and The Hardline flirting with departure but ultimately staying put, The Ticket's dynasty seems secure. For now.