Country music station KSJJ (102.7 FM) is the most listened-to radio station in Central Oregon, according to the seasonal 12-plus ratings data recently released by Arbitron Inc.

The station, owned by the Bend Radio Group, claimed the largest share 10.1 of listeners ages 12 and older during the spring 2009 survey period. It was followed by contemporary pop station KXIX (94.1 FM, also known as Power 94) with an 8.4 share and news-talk station KBND (1110 AM), with a 6.6 share.

KXIX also is owned by the Bend Radio Group. KBND, which features Rush Limbaughs talk show along with Lars Larsons and others, is owned by Bend-based Combined Communications.

Share represents the estimated percentage of radio listeners ages 12 and up listening to a particular station during any 15-minute period from 6 a.m. to midnight through the week.

In the previous fall 2008 survey period, the same three stations were the highest ranked in the 12-plus ratings category, but in different positions. KXIX was the most listened-to local radio station, with a share of 10.2; followed by KSJJ, with a 9.3 share; and KBND, with an 8.8 share.

The station with the biggest jump in share from fall 2008 to spring 2009 was news-talk station KBNW (1310 AM). The station, which launched in August 2008, saw its share jump from 0.9 to 2.6, or 189 percent, in Arbitrons 12-plus ratings. It features the Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Dennis Miller and Ed Schultz shows, among others.

KBNW is owned by Summit Broadcasting Group but operated by Horizon Broadcasting Group, both based in Bend.

We know were competing with a station with a head start, but were really pleased with the progress were making and think we offer a nice alternative to the news-talk consumer group, said Keith Shipman, president and CEO of Horizon Broadcasting. Shipman also owns Summit Broadcasting.

Representatives for Bend Radio Group and Combined Communications could not be reached for comment.

Demographic listening data, which shows which stations are most listened to in certain age brackets coveted by advertisers, is available only to Arbitron subscribers.