PPM Monthlies:  Arbitron released its PPM (Personal People Meter) radio ratings for August on Tuesday, September 3rd.  WCBS-FM (101.1), making a rare appearance at the #1 spot, edged out perennial ratings leader, Lite FM (WLTW, 106.7), earning a 6.2 share, 0.1 share ahead of Lite.  WBLS (107.5 FM) and Z-100 (WHTZ) followed, with a 5.9 and 5.8 shares, respectively. WNSH (94.7 FM), Cumulus` country station, seems to have settled in, finishing with a 1.9 share.

     Urban Twang: (January 21)  Cumulus Media, owner of WABC (770 AM) and WPLJ (95.5 FM), returned the sound of country music to the NY market when it unveiled the new format for its latest station acquisition, WXRP (94.7 FM), on Monday morning, January 21st. The station is identified as "Nash FM". Cumulus completed its purchase of former WFME (94.7 FM) from Harold Camping`s Family Stations on January 9th. The religious programming heard on 94.7 since the mid-60s came to a close on January 11th, after which Cumulus aired a simulcast of WPLJ and a weekend of stunting. The station`s call letters, WRXP, lasted only two weeks, with new call letters WNSH being adopted on January 29th.

     Shifting Assignments: (January 12)  With recent ownership changes, a number of market executives have moved to new positions. Longtime WABC (770 AM)/WPLJ (95.5 FM) GM Steve Borneman has moved to Clear Channel`s WOR (710 AM) as GM, while former WPLJ PD Tom Cuddy joins WOR as PD. Former WOR GM Jerry Crowley has moved to Salem`s WNYM (970 AM)/WMCA (570 AM) as GM, and will report to Market Manager Sean O`Neil. Meanwhile, Cumulus has appointed Kim Bryant as GM for its NY cluster, WABC, WPLJ, and WFME (94.7 FM).

     Radio Newsbriefs:   Long-time WFUV (90.7 FM) air host and Music Director Rita Houston has been named as the Bronx-based station`s Program Director. She takes over from Chuck Singleton, who was recently promoted to General Manager.    Cumulus has announced the appointment of Maire Mason as General Sales Manager for its New York stations - WABC (770 AM), WPLJ (95.5 FM), and WNSH (94.7 FM). Mason previously served as General Manager for WCBS-FM (101.1), WXRK (92.3 FM), and WNEW-FM (102.7).    Four months after the ESPN sports format moved to the 98.7 FM frequency, ESPN has brought its Spanish-language sports format, ESPN Deportes Radio, to 1050 AM. Beginning on September 7th, the station will feature two local weekday sports talk shows, along with syndicated programming and sportscasts.