Hockey scores on T. O. radio

Hockey is back and so are the audiences for Toronto sports radio. The FAN 590 recorded double- digit increases in fall ratings released yesterday, while AM 640 experienced a healthy jump in evening audiences thanks to its Maple Leafs broadcasts. The only negative was a 13 per cent drop in ratings for 640’ s Leafs Lunch show compared with last fall.

‘‘ I couldn’t be happier,” said FAN general manager and vice- president Nelson Millman. ‘‘ The return of the NHL helped us a lot and so did ( Blue Jays) baseball.” Millman said the ratings, compiled by BBM during September and October, are among the best he’s experienced in at least five years. AM 640 program director Gord Harris said his station was ‘‘extremely pleased” with the ratings, which show a 32 per cent increase in evening audience share among the target adult male demographic.

Evening share among all listeners was up 77 per cent and 35 per cent higher than it was the last time the NHL was in business. The evening time slot, strengthened by the return of the Leafs, was easily the strongest on 640, which saw its cumulative audience rise 15 per cent. As for the 13 per cent drop in the Leafs Lunch share to 4.1, Harris said he’s not concerned. ‘‘ I think last year’s number ( 4.7) was a bit high because there was so much concern about whether the season would be lost. The show is a strong performer.” The show’s share was more than double the 2.2 rating it scored last winter.

Overall, the FAN saw its audience share jump 50 per cent from last fall in its adult male target group. The big winners were Mike Hogan ( up 83 per cent to a 4.4 per cent share); Chuck Swirsky ( up 50 per cent to 3.9); Bob McCown ( up 46 per cent to 9.5); and Don Landry and Gord Stellick’s morning show ( up 30 per cent to 5.2). McCown’s Prime Time Sports finished second among adult males in Toronto.