The national "Mike & Mike Show," featuring Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, always held its own on WMVP-AM/1000 against WSCR-AM/670's entries, which most recently have been Mike Mulligan and Brian Hanley.

It always seemed a bit intriguing that a national show could do so well in this market, but the ESPN brand goes a long way. Plus, the hosts put on a good show.

However, when there is a big local story, WSCR clearly has the edge. There wasn't anything bigger in this town than the Bears' run to the NFC Championship game in January.

The Bears talk helped propel "Mully and Hanley" to a commanding victory during last month's ratings period. For men ages 25 to 54, the most important demographic for sports talk radio, WSCR ranked second in morning drive with a 6.1 marketshare, while the MVP's Mikes were eighth at 5.2.

"Chicago sports is key," said WSCR program director Mitch Rosen, who noted "Mully and Hanley" have won the ratings race between the two shows in 13 of the last 15 months. "Our mornings never have been stronger."

Mr. Rosen can say the same thing about the entire station. Clearly getting off to a good start in the morning has helped build momentum for the rest of the day. Overall in men 25-54, WSCR was second at 5.3; MVP seventh at 3.8.

In the other big day slots:

Late morning/early afternoon: "Danny Mac Show" third at 5.4; "Waddle and Silvy" seventh at 3.6.

Afternoon drive: "Boers and Bernstein" second at 5.9; "Afternoon Saloon" sixth at 4.2.