Michiguide.com: Michigan's Guide to Radio and Television Broadcasting

Crain's Detroit Business:

The question that has puzzled listeners and radio industry insiders alike in recent weeks is why Greater Media Inc. jettisoned longtime morning ratings kings Drew Lane and Mike Clark from 101.1 FM WRIF. The easy answer is age.

Full story: For 'RIF, 'W' is for why: Greater Media may be looking to dial in younger market (Sun, 5/19)

Informal Toledo radio reunion set for May 28th

Hot off the e-mail inbox:

Peter C. Cavanaugh, now prominently showcased in Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, will be joined by other past and present Toledo radio broadcasters in an "Informal Toledo Radio Reunion" at Manhattan's Restaurant & Bar Downtown on Tuesday, May 28th, from 5 till 7 PM.

Mr. Cavanaugh was Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Reams Broadcasting from 1983 through 1992, a period of time which witnessed WIOT-FM become the highest-rated Rock Station in America and, with sister facility WCWA, produce dozens of Toledo "River Rallies" in Promenade Park featuring top national attractions. In the same decade, hundreds of thousands were drawn to annual Fourth of July and Labor Day Fireworks presented by Reams Broadcasting simulcast live and synchronized to music and lasers on the banks of the Maumee.

Cavanaugh, now a private broadcast consultant and writer for McClatchy Newspapers, lives with his wife, Eileen, in Oakhurst, California at the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. This "Reunion" at Manhattan's marks his first visit back to Toledo in a dozen years.

"We're calling this an "informal radio reunion" and that's exactly what's planned", reports Cavanaugh. He continues, " You are enthusiastically invited if you have ever worked for -- or listened to -- any Toledo radio station -- ever. All you have to do is show up! "

Fine Tuning:

• Birach Broadcasting's Sports WCAR AM 1090 Livonia/Detroit has apparently dropped all of its local weekday programming that had been airing from 1 - 10 p.m. and is now instead carrying the syndicated programming from ESPN Radio full time. Missing from the airwaves since they were last heard on Friday May 3rd have been the afternoon programs hosted locally by Damon 'The Dog' Perry, Eddie Mio and Art Regner, and the evening program hosted by Mark 'The Man' Wilson. Wilson had also held the role of program director -- it's not clear if he is even with the station any longer.
  
  Nothing official has been released by Birach as to the status of its local programming block.

Detroit News:

The "Drew & Mike" show headed into its final hours Friday morning with hugs and shots of Jagermeister as Drew Lane, Mike Clark and crew wound down their 22-year run at WRIF-FM (101.1).

Full story: 'Drew & Mike' sign off at WRIF (Fri, 5/17)

Detroit Free Press:

Just as they did much of the past 22 years, Drew Lane and Mike Clark began their radio show at 6 a.m. Friday by cracking jokes, hitting the latest headlines and talking sports. But with local TV crews doing live shots from the show's get-go, a bottle of Jagermeister being passed around, and guests watching from every corner of the studio, the last "Drew and Mike" show broadcast on WRIF-FM (101.1) was an emotional, bittersweet ride.

Full story: Drew and Mike sign off with jokes, guests and a look back (Fri, 5/17)

The Oakland Press:

Did you listen today to the "Drew and Mike Show" on WRIF, 101.1-FM? Drew Lane and Mike Clark wrapped up their popular radio show on the RIF, they highlighted popular past bits from their 22-year run and also interviewed actor-comedian David Spade.

Full story: Drew and Mike wrapped up run at WRIF (Fri, 5/17)

AnnArbor.com:

Some Michigan football fans might be doing some double takes around Ann Arbor this weekend as some familiar faces may be walking around town.

Full story: Michigan football alumni take to airwaves to raise money for C.S. Mott Children's Hospital (Fri, 5/17)

Detroit Free Press:

Just hours before his final "Drew and Mike" morning show broadcast on WRIF-FM (101.1), Drew Lane was still focused on making the best radio show possible.

Full story: 'Drew and Mike' crew prepares for final broadcast on Friday (Thu, 5/16)

Jason Strayhorn returned to the Michigan State sidelines for the 2006 season -- John L. Smith's 4-8 exit as head coach -- and has been there for Mark Dantonio's entire tenure. Starting with the 2013 season, Strayhorn will be watching from above. He will replace Jim Miller as color analyst for Spartan Sports Network radio broadcasts, teaming with George Blaha in his 38th season of doing MSU play-by-play.

Full story: Michigan State football radio: Jason Strayhorn replaces Jim Miller as analyst (Thu, 5/16)

AllAccess.com:

Radio has lost a true legend. Top 40 radio pioneer PAUL DREW died of natural causes at VICTOR ROYALE ASSISTED LIVING in GLENDALE, CA; he was 78. DREW launched his radio career in ATLANTA, as a DJ at WAKE, WGST and WQXI -- the latter station promoted him to PD. He also held PD gigs at CKLW/WINDSOR-DETROIT, WIBG/PHILADELPHIA, KFRC/SAN FRANCISCO and KHJ/LOS ANGELES.

Full story: Paul Drew Passes (Thu, 5/16)

MLive.com:

Popular Detroit radio personalities Drew Lane and Mike Clark are expected to host their final "Drew and Mike" show 6-11 a.m. Friday on 101 WRIF-FM. What happens to their careers after their curtain call on the rock station appears unclear, but at least two experts agree the colorful hosts could be successful at a new home.

Full story: There's radio life for 'Drew and Mike' after WRIF-FM exit, experts say; share your show memories (Wed, 5/15)

Detroit Free Press:

The two-month search for the newest WRIF Rock Girl will end Thursday, May 16, with a concert party at the Hard Rock Café.

Full story: WRIF to crown a new Rock Girl (Wed, 5/15)

Detroit News:

Nearly 60 percent of Americans predict the death of terrestrial radio will happen within five years, according to results from a Harris Interactive survey released Tuesday.

Full story: Harris survey: 6 in 10 predict demise of terrestrial radio within 5 years (Tue, 5/14)

TVSpy.com:

Bill Spencer has joined Houston NBC affiliate KPRC as a member of its investigative team. "I'm thrilled to be here." Spencer told TVspy. "My first story is an investigative piece on Monday night at 10:00 p.m." In January, Spencer left Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ after 16 years.

Full story: Bill Spencer 'Thrilled' to Join Houston's KPRC (Tue, 5/14)

Fine Tuning:

• Changes at Cumulus/Ann Arbor Country WWWW-FM 102.9 as Mandy Cooke exits middays; new to evenings at W4 Country is Brian Welch. Also exiting recently was weekender Kyle Linford, who also handled some swing shifts.