We are half-way through the February sweeps period, where our local TV stations are presenting specials, investigations and feature stories. We know that WTMJ-TV Ch. 4, the NBC affiliate in the Milwaukee market, should get a viewing bump with exclusive coverage of the Winter Olympics.

It will be interesting to watch what happens in the final few weeks.

In January, WISN-TV Ch. 12 lead the way with ratings wins at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. and had the highest ratings from sign-on to sign-off for the month.

The most watched local newscast in the market was 6 p.m. weekdays, where WISN earned a 7.4 rating. Now that half hour is different than others, where WDJT-TV CBS 58 airs "Jeopardy," which came in at a 7.5. In second place in the news race was WTMJ with a 5.6 and WITI-TV Fox 6 had a 5.4.

At 10 p.m., WISN led the time slot with a 7.1, WTMJ had a 6.8, WITI a 5.5 and WDJT had a 5.3. At 5 p.m., WISN won the race with a 7.1, WTMJ followed with a 6.2, WITI a 4.6 and WDJT had a 3.0. WISN’s second half hour of news at 10:30 p.m., the ABC affiliate had a 4.9 rating.

"It is very rewarding for all of us at 12 News to earn the trust and loyalty of southeastern Wisconsin viewers," Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN, said in a release. 

"We work hard to bring viewers the news that is important to them because we care very much about the communities we serve."

In the morning news, where each station is on at different times, WITI lead the 4:30 to 7 a.m. slot where the four local stations each have newscasts. The Fox affiliate had a 3.9, and WISN a 3.7.

Heading into February sweep, WITI was ahead of all of the others on the first official day, Jan. 30. In the morning the 4:30 to 9 a.m. time where the station has news, the station recorded a 5.8 rating. Next on the list was WISN, with its local news cast and "Good Morning America," which had a 5.2. WTMJ with local news and the "Today" show had a 2.5 and WDJT with local news and "CBS This Morning," a 1.3.

Averaging out the early evening block of 5 to 6:30 p.m., WITI had a 6.1, WTMJ a 5.6, WISN a 5.4 and WDJT a 5.4. At 10 p.m., WITI recorded a 7.4, WDJT had a 5.7 and WTMJ and WISN each had a 5.4.

NEW VOICE: Ashley Z hits the air waves this week as a new midday personality on WNRG-FM Energy 106.9, Saga's Milwaukee Radio Group announced.

"Ashley recognizes the necessity to be a content creator, and digital expert in our field. We can’t wait to showcase her talent, and ... wait for it ... Energy!" Brand Manager Jeremy "Cousin Ed" Schulz told the RAMP newsletter.

Ashley Z started working in radio in Grand Rapids, Mich., and most recently worked nights at WKHQ in Traverse City, Mich. She also interned at Ryan Seacrest Productions in Los Angeles.

SPECIAL TOP 10: Tonight, the cast of "How I Met Your Mother" will present the Top 10 on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on WDJT-TV CBS 58.

Josh Radnor, Cobie Smulders, Jason Segel, Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris will present the list while promoting the show’s final season. After nine seasons on CBS, the show will end its run, telling the story of how Ted Mosby (Radnor) ultimately meets the mother of his children, with a special one-hour series finale on Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m.