The ratings numbers for the November book (Oct 14th – Nov 10th) are out, and both 98.5 and WEEI are claiming victory, depending on how you look at the numbers.  

The numbers are actually very good for both stations, showing the interest level in Boston sports seems to be at an all-time high.

98.5 FM tied WZLX for number one in the overall ratings (25-to-54-year-old male listeners), pulling a 7.6. 

98.5′s Toucher and Rich were number one among the 25-54 male demo with a 9.4. WEEI’s Dennis and Callahan did an 8.9. However, the station insists that numbers from WEEI-FM in Providence be included. That station did a .8, which when added to the 8.9 gives D&C a 9.7 rating – topping Toucher and Rich. Whether you believe that the ratings should be compiled that way seems to depend on who you work for.

On Mid-days WEEI’s Dale and Holley did a 6.3 (7.4 with FM numbers included) topping Gresh and Zolak, who did a 6.0. That number pops out when you see that the duo did a 3.9 in the previous book.

For afternoon drive, Felger and Massarotti (8.5) topped The Big Show (6.6, 7.2 with FM numbers).

Evenings, 6-11 Mike Adams (and Celtics broadcasts) beat The DA Show (and Bruins broadcasts) 6.2 to 5.1.

No matter how the numbers are spun, one thing is clear, WEEI is facing its first serious challenge, and can’t do too much in the way of changes to regain their ratings dominance. The morning and afternoon drive shows are the most important ones, and they are getting beaten in both, more so especially in the afternoons. As Glenn Ordway would say, Here’s the problem: WEEI is locked in to huge contracts with John Dennis, Gerry Callahan and Ordway. They can’t really do much in the way of making changes. The NESN morning simulcasts were one effort, and I’ll confess to having switched over there briefly almost every morning. More needs to be done.

This is Jason Wolfe’s first serious challenge to WEEI, and it’s not going so well.

Tirico unfazed by double duty - Chad Finn’s media column has Mike Tirico calling Patriots/Jets on Monday night, and Celtics/Nuggets on Wednesday night. He also dives into the radio numbers.

Sports Hub scores big in radio ratings race - Jessica Heslam also reports on the numbers.

From The Childish To The Lame, Everyone’s Talking About The Patriots - In my SB Nation Media column I’m taking a sampling of Patriots talk from this week.

Wins all that count for Patriots defense - Ian R. Rapoport has the Patriots defense only concerned with the final results.

Monday night can’t get here fast enough - Tedy Bruschi and Mike Reiss break down Monday night’s matchup.

Patriots defense catches Ryan’s eye - Monique Walker has Rex Ryan saying that the Patriots defense is better than it appears statistically.

Brady’s disdain for Jets remains - Glen Farley has the Patriots QB only making a slight attempt to hide his contempt for the Jets.

Darrelle Revis has several target options - Karen Guregian wonders who the Jets CB will cover with Randy Moss gone.

Pats will beat Jets … I guarantee it - Suddenly I’m very worried about the Patriots chances on Monday Night. Bill Burt has guaranteed a Patriots win.

Brady gets the import of Monday’s game - Tom E Curran has the Patriots QB understanding the significance of this game.

Santonio Holmes disses CB Devin McCourty - Rapoport’s notebook has the Jets WR confident that rookie Devin McCourty cannot hang with him. The Globe notebook from Monique Walker has Stephen Neal headed to IR. The Projo Patriots Journal has more on Neal. The Gatehouse notebook from Glen Farley has Ryan admitting to stealing schemes from Belichick. The Sun Chronicle notebook from Mark Farinella has Tom Brady speaking of the rivalry.

Bruins too much for Tampa Bay, 8-1 - Joe Haggerty and Danny Picard report on the Bruins big win last night.

Return of Marc Savard is critical to Bruins’ hopes - Stephen Harris notes the importantance of Savard’s return to the lineup. Joe McDonald says that Savard’s return was just right.

Savard Returns, Krejci dominates and Tim Thomas contributes offensively - DJ Bean has the keys to the game last night.

Marc Savard, Patrice Bergeron Thankful to Still Have Marco Sturm as Bruins Teammate - The trade of Marco Sturm to the Kings didn’t happen after all, and Douglas Flynn says that the Bruins are happy about it.

Club’s buzz seems light-years away - John Tomase says that the Red Sox need a Manny Ramirez-like buzz.

Red Sox have reason to their rhyme - Gordon Edes urges patience, insisting that there is a method to the team’s offseason madness.

Varitek, Red Sox a good fit - Mike Fine says that the return of Jason Varitek is good for both sides.

Why Doc Rivers is the perfect coach for the Celtics - Paul Flannery looks at the fit of Rivers and his team.

Efficiency becomes Paul Pierce’s game - Peter May looks at the evolution of Paul Pierce as a scorer.

Marquis Daniels: Standing tall - A Sherrod Blakely submits a feature on the Celtics reserve swingman.

Boxer’s life story a real knockout - Ron Borges says that Micky Ward’s life was made for the big screen.