Metro Detroit: June 2006 Archives

Active Rock WRIF-FM's (101.1) morning show hosts Drew & Mike will send one lucky winner and a guest to Miami tomorrow night to watch the Pistons battle the Heat in game 6 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The morning show duo will give the trip away through a 3-Point shot contest tomorrow at the WRIF studios. Throughout the show today ten listeners will be qualified on-air to join the morning show tomorrow, June 2 at 7am to participate in the contest. The contestant, or their pre-selected “ringer,” who scores the most points in a series of two rounds will leave the station and head directly to the airport for their flight to Miami.

This is the third consecutive year that Drew & Mike have held this contest, with the help of sponsor, Rock Financial, sending listeners to Pistons playoff games in San Antonio, Los Angeles and now Miami. The winner and guest will also receive a blue Pistons “away” jersey to wear at the game. “We intend to throw some blue into the white out in that Miami Crowd”, says Drew Lane, WRIF morning show host.

Spring cleaning is here and Habitat For Humanity and Adult Urban WMXD-FM (92.3) are coming together to collect your items! MIX92.3 is helping to restore our community with Habitat for Humanity “ReStore Detroit”. On Saturday, June 3, 2006, join MIX92.3 at Steve's Soul Food, 8443 Grand River, Detroit, as the station broadcasts live from noon-7p.m. collecting gently used home furnishings, air conditioners, appliances, building materials, tool, and any other home goods. All items donated will be re-sold at affordable prices at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Detroit, in effort to help eliminate sub-standard housing in our community. Habitat for Humanity ReStore Detroit will be on site to collect all donated items and also schedule to pick up large and heavy appliances, and home furnishings. All donated items are tax-deductible. Steve's Soul Food will offer 10% discounts to individuals who make a donation.

It's a united effort to help “ReStore Detroit”... won't you join the effort?

WMGC-FM / Magic 105.1's “Teacher of the Year” program culminated today with an awards presentation live on the air with Jim Harper & The Magic Morning Show. Every Friday, starting on September 12, 2005, Jim Harper read one letter nominating a special teacher from Metro Detroit to be “Teacher of the Year.” After 38 weeks of nominations, Cathy Keeler of Hazel Park High School was chosen as the winner of the awards program. She was invited to come in as a “finalist” this morning. Little did she know, she was the winner and was awarded $5,000.

It's either ironic or cosmically fitting that WDET-FM (101.9) 's newest music host, Mick Collins of the Dirtbombs , hasn't listened to a lot of radio in the last few years. "It's not because I don't want to," said Collins with a laugh. "It's not for want of trying, but the antenna on my house blew down, so I can't pick up any radio there at all. And my car has an electrical short so the radio only plays occasionally"... Get ready to ride 'Night Train' (Thu 6/1)

Next week could provide the next bit of news in the Frank Turner vs. WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) soap opera. When last we tuned in, news anchorman Turner was pursuing an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sanction against the station for refusing to let him out of a contract exclusivity clause that would prohibit him from doing a two-hour weekday religious radio show on WEXL-AM (1340) in line with his avocation as a Christian evangelist... Stay turned for 'As the Anchorman Turn(er)s' (Thu 6/1)

WXYT AM 1270 Detroit today announced the debut of the Opie and Anthony Show beginning Monday, June 5. The three-hour program will be heard in Detroit from 6:00 - 9:00 AM. The new weekday line-up on 1270 XYT will be as follows:

The Opie and Anthony Show from 6:00 – 9:00 AM
Sports Inferno with Mike Valenti and Terry Foster from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wetzel and The Gator with Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel and Scott “The Gator” Anderson from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Big Show with Doug Karsch and Art Regner from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

According to WXYT VP/GM Rich Homberg, “Opie and Anthony are flat out the hottest radio show in the country. The opportunity to bring them to Detroit is huge. This show will be a game-changer for both WXYT and the AM dial.”

“We are thrilled to have this new power hitting line up. Opie and Anthony are one of the best morning radio shows in the country,” said XYT Program Director Dan Zampillo. “They are the perfect lead in to the best sports talk in Detroit.”

Opie (Gregg Hughes) and Anthony (Anthony Cumia) returned to CBS RADIO in April 2006 and can currently be heard on FREE FM stations in New York (92.3 WFNY-FM), Dallas (105.3 KLLI-FM), and Philadelphia (94.1 WYSP-FM), WBCN-FM 104.1 in Boston, 93.7 K-ROCK in Pittsburgh (WRKZ-FM), 92.3 K-ROCK in Cleveland (WXRK-FM) and 103.1 THE BUZZ in West Palm Beach (WPBZ-FM). The Opie and Anthony Show originates from the WFNY-FM studio in New York and a simulcast of the show is also broadcast on XM.

Since October 2004, Opie and Anthony have been heard exclusively on XM. Prior to that, their show was broadcast by more than 20 radio stations across the country, including CBS RADIO's WNEW-FM, the show's flagship station in New York. Hughes and Cumia first teamed up in 1994 hosting an evening program for WBAB-FM in Long Island, N.Y. In early 1995, the duo moved to WAAF-FM in Worcester, Mass., where they began hosting “The Opie and Anthony Show” in the afternoons and became one of the Boston market's most popular radio shows.

John Lund, WXYT's former morning co-host, is no longer with the station.

O&A "Virus" Spreads To Detroit, Columbus, Rochester: OPIE AND ANTHONY "spread the virus" with the addition of three more markets on top of the previously-announced WJFK (FREE FM 106.7 WJFK)/WASHINGTON addition: Sports WXYT-A/DETROIT adds the show for mornings, while Alternative WZNE (THE ZONE 94.1)/ROCHESTER (2-5p), and Rock WAZU/COLUMBUS (3-6p) will carry the show on a delayed-tape basis. The three new additions will start O&A on MONDAY (6/5), while WJFK launches the show on JUNE 26. WAZU previously carried the show in its earlier WESTWOOD ONE syndication incarnation before the team was removed from the air over the "SEX FOR SAM" incident. At WXYT, O&A replace JOHN LUND and SCOTT "THE GATOR" ANDERSON in mornings. LUND has reportedly left the station, while ANDERSON will move to a new shift, which LANSINGSPORTSRAGE.COM reports will be 1-4p paired with DAN WETZEL. "THE SPORTS INFERNO" moves up an hour to 9a-1p and "THE BIG SHOW" drops an hour to run 4-7p to make room.

As of Monday, you won't have to pay XM Satellite Radio to hear shock jocks Opie and Anthony in the morning. In an agreement with XM, four more CBS stations are picking up the three-hour show, including sports station WXYT-AM (1270) in Detroit. Opie and Anthony will debut on WXYT 6-9 a.m. Monday... Opie and Anthony hit Detroit airwaves (Sat 6/3)

Opie & Anthony, the New York-based radio shock jocks who were banished from terrestrial radio after a stunt involving a couple allegedly having sex in St. Patrick's Cathedral in 2002, continue their amazing career comeback on Detroit radio Monday... Shock jocks land spot on WXYT (Sat 6/3)

News/Talk WJR-AM (760) Detroit - the Great Voice of the Great Lakes - and Michigan State University are partners again and the reborn partnership is the subject of a Spartan Podcast today.

Morning host Paul W. Smith (5:30 - 9:00 AM) is WJR's most recognized voice and talks about how he always knew from his days growing up in Monroe, Michigan that he wanted to be in radio. He tells us how his WJR career began and how he loves coming to work every day.

WJR president and general manager Mike Fezzey tells us how the WJR/MSU deal came about and discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the radio industry.

This Spartan Podcast is hosted by MSU communications manager Russ White.

Hear the Show (18 Minutes, 10 MB mp3): spartanpodcast.com/?p=137

Greater Media, Inc. announces Heidi Raphael, Director of Corporate Communication, has been named among the 50 Most Influential Women in Radio by Radio Ink Magazine. The selection process is based on individuals who are making a difference in the radio industry.

“I am honored to be named among such an incredible list of individuals in the broadcasting field. I am extremely grateful to Peter Smyth, Tom Bender and all the wonderful people at Greater Media and the industry at large who I have the privilege of working with on a daily basis,” said Raphael.

Raphael has been with Greater Media for the past ten years. She served as the Marketing Director of legendary active rock station WRIF-FM for five years. Raphael was subsequently promoted to Group Marketing Director and New Business Development Director of Greater Media's Detroit-based properties. She was later promoted to Director of Corporate Communications for Greater Media, Inc. in 2005.

Raphael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Medaille College in Buffalo, New York and Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. She is a past vice president of American Women in Radio & Television's (AWRT) Nashville-based chapter and is a member of the Broadcast Education Association (BEA).

Hosting: Michigan Radio, the public radio service of the University of Michigan (WUOM-FM, 91.7) preview screenings of the movie "A Prairie Home Companion" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. They're free but open to Michigan Radio members only... Names and Faces (Mon 6/5)

WXYZ-TV Channel 7's morning news anchor Eric Smith has a new book out. Inspired by "From the Heart," his short segments on various unsung heroes in and around Metro Detroit, Smith wrote a book of the same name for Huron River Press. The book, a best-of-the-best, is cool, but it's the author, a popular TV personality and journalist, who draws you in. A native Detroiter, Smith has been at WXYZ for 44 years. His warm, signature rosy-cheeked smile, snow-white Caesar haircut and pierced ear are all part of his disarming charm... WXYZ's Smith writes 'From the Heart' (Wed 6/7)

We love the '00s. The '90s are nice. The '70s are OK, and '60s music is very good. We love '50s R&B. But '80s music all those synthesizers and bad perms, it's truly a baffling format for anyone who didn't graduate from high school between 1980-89 ... Political office seekers in Washtenaw County can have their message heard, thanks to a WEMU-FM (89.1) feature, "Soapbox Summer," that returns in time for the 2006 primaries ... WDET streaming includes archive- If you forgot to tune in to Mick Collins' new music show "Night Train" on WDET-FM (101.9) last Saturday, you can tune in anytime online at wdetfm .org, where there's not only a live stream, but also an archive of past programs... Sirius revists '80s with best prom song (Thu 6/8)

The way John Trapane tells it, more than 110,000 e-mails, e-votes and voice mails are doing his job for him. Trapane is the program director of WDTW-FM (106.7), which became Detroit's newest country radio station May 26. He and the Clear Channel Communication ownership say they've relied heavily on e-input from listeners in changing the station from a slumping-in-the-ratings rock hits player... 106.7 FM's new format is listeners' choice (Thu 6/8)

The yellow-and-white striped hospitality tent outside the WTKA-AM (1050) studios, and yellow balloons - imprinted with the message M Go Blue - tied to the entrance of the building offered clues to what was happening inside. It was Wednesday morning, and WTKA program director Ryan Maguire held a wireless microphone and had just finished conducting an interview in a hallway with Laurie Carr. In the studio, Carr's husband, University of Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr, was busy with hosts Mike Wickett and Dave Shand, catching up with former players who called in to the radiothon... Athletes help net $40,110 on WTKA (Thu 6/8)

In celebration of Black Music Month, Adult Urban WMXD-FM 92.3 and Oakland Mall are looking for the hottest choirs in the Detroit metro area to participate in the “Gospel Challenge” on Saturday, June 17th at Oakland Mall in Troy. Hosted by Grammy Award winner and host of the #1 rated Sunday morning gospel show, “Rhythm & Praise” Marvin Winans; the challenge is open to choir groups of all ages.

Interested groups must submit their demo CDs or videos to MIX92.3 for pre-selection process by email to WMXDPromotions@clearchannel.com, or by mail or in person at the MIX92.3 Studio, 645 Griswold Avenue, #633, Detroit, Michigan, 48226. Select choir groups will compete, Saturday, June 17th, at Oakland Mall in Center Court, from Noon-2pm, for their chance to win $500 in Oakland Mall gift certificates and other prizes. Special guest judges will include Vanessa Bell Armstrong among others who will determine the winning group of the 2006 “Gospel Challenge”.

Oakland Mall and MIX92.3 are encouraging everyone to come out and take part in celebrating Black Music Month. Patrons will have an opportunity to register to win an Apple iPod, various music CDs, Beans & Cornbread gift certificates, and more.

It is the All Star of BBQ...the Homerun of Grilling Knowledge…the Big Daddy of Secret Spices, and the Masters of the Grill. Call it what you may, the Sizzle-N-Sauce BBQ Competition held July 8-9, 2006 will put one out of the park

Save the date for July 8-9, 2006 when over twenty-five contestants will release the sweetest smelling BBQ aromas at the 2nd Annual “Sizzle-N-Sauce” over Eastern Market for three pork, beef, & chicken stuffed days of BBQ heaven, where contestants will eat, sleep, and live to win cash prizes and trophies. Masters of the grill and folks wanting to enjoy the competitors finest BBQ, will descend on Eastern Market July 8 & 9 for a serious competition guaranteed to be seriously fun. Expected attendance at the event promised more than 20,000 BBQ lovers from around the globe who will gather to testify about the tasty delights of special sauces, rubs, ribs, and much more during the weekend.

The Main Stage is set with world-class musical entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday. The outstanding lineup of performers and entertainers will include the R&B sounds of Streetcorner and Larry Lee & Back In The Day, the jazz sounds of The Edge and the all-female group Straight Ahead, a Motown review by Horizon, Blues favorites by Bons Temps Roulle, and a very exciting blues show by Da Blooze Brothers. On-air personalities from both 100.3 WNIC-FM and MIX 92.3-FM will also make appearances during the weekend.

Admission to “Sizzle-N-Sauce” is absolutely FREE and a variety of BBQ menu items will be available for purchase to feed the entire family.

For more information about the event, visit www.sizzlensauce.com or call (248) 324-5424. Limited sponsorship opportunities for this year's event also remain available. Sizzle-N-Sauce sponsors will have amazing contact and sales opportunities at this wonderful and exciting food and entertainment event at Eastern Market.

The music of Frank Zappa is explored in a conversation with his son Dweezil Zappa on Sunday's (June 11th) Ralph Valdez Program on Public WDET-FM 101.9. The show airs from 10pm - midnight. Dweezil Zappa is touring with ex-Zappa band mates in a show coming to The Meadow Brook Music Festival this week called 'Zappa Plays Zappa'.

Prolific American composer, guitarist, singer, film maker, social critic and satirist Frank Zappa continues to be an important and influential artist even after his death in 1993, with work spanning virtually every musical genre (including avant-garde, big band, blues, contemporary classical, doo-wop, electronic music, funk, hard rock,
jazz, jazz fusion, musique concrète, pop, progressive rock, proto-rap, reggae, rock, ska, and world music), and often noted for his intense blend of high art, low humor, general absurdity and modern vaudeville theatrics.

There will also be tickets given away for the latest multi media performance from Detroit playwright Ron Allen entitled "The Aboriginal Treatment Center,"described as "an examination of the archetypical Black man's mind." As always, other arts and culture information and a wide variety of "rummage sale records", music new and old, from around Detroit and around the world will also be explored.

WDET now offers "music on demand" - a special feature on WDET's website homepage at www.wdetfm.org which allows you to listen to archived shows at your leisure.

The 5th Annual Women Who Make Magic Awards® Banquet and Dinner is just around the corner! It will be held this Monday, June 12th, at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom on 14 Mile in Warren. Doors open at 6:30pm and the event begins at 7pm sharp. Tickets are still available! They are $35 and may be purchased at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom Box Office in Warren or by calling 586-268-3200. The event is hosted by Adult Contemporary WMGC-FM 105.1 Detroit.

This year's entertainment comes from former New Kids on The Block member, Jordan Knight! Knight, formerly of New Kids on the Block, will be evening's entertainment. A portion of ticket sales for the 5th Annual Women Who Make Magic Awards® Banquet and Dinner will go to HAVEN. HAVEN's mission is to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault through treatment and prevention services throughout Oakland County and surrounding communities. HAVEN was founded in 1975 as the first and only sexual assault counseling center in Oakland County. In 1977 HAVEN broadened services to include domestic violence services. Today all of HAVEN's programs provide specialized, comprehensive services in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault.

In addition to donating money from the ticket sales, there will be a 50/50 auction at the 5th Annual Women Who Make Magic Awards® Banquet and Dinner to help raise funds for HAVEN.

WVMV-FM's (98.7) 8th Annual Smooth Jazzfest will be held June 23-25 in Southfield, on the Green in front of the Southfield Civic Center (just south of I-696 off of Evergreen).

For a run down of the lineup of artists scheduled to appear, visit the station's web site at www.wvmv.com. Tickets are available at the Southfield Civic Center and all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at 248-645-6666. Daily Tickets are set for $30/$40 and a weekend pass will go for $75/$105 along with the usual Ticketmaster service charges on each order.

Gates will open at 4:00pm on Friday, 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday and performances will start approximately 1 hour after the gate opens. Smooth Jazzfest is a rain or shine event and no cans, bottles, liquid or glass containers, coolers, picnic baskets, beach umbrellas, tents, video or sound recording devices, strollers or pets allowed. Concessions will be available at the event. Blankets, tarps and low beach chairs are fine for lawn seating.

Adult Urban WMXD-FM (92.3) will present “Meeting of the Minds”, a progressive Town Hall meeting with the Detroit Board of Education, and the community it serves, on Wednesday, June 14th, at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 East Warren, Detroit, Michigan, from 6 - 9 p.m.

Led by MIX92.3's Frankie Darcell, “Meeting of the Minds” is an opportunity for the community to address concerns with the Detroit Public Schools, in an attempt to resolve issues facings our community and the future of our children. Confirmed panelists include: Doctor Jimmy Womack – President of the Board of Education; William Coleman – Superintendent for DPS; Helen Moore – long standing activist for children; Attorney Paula Johnson – Chair of the Contract Procurement Committee; and others. The program will broadcast live from 7 - 8 p.m. on WMXD. Doors open at 5:30 p.m and the Town Hall Meeting is schedued to begin promptly at 6 p.m.

“It's now time for the Detroit Public School and the community to get on one accord to work for the best interest of our children,” said Frankie Darcell, host of MIX92.3's Mid-Day MIX, heard Monday through Friday, from 10a.m. to 3p.m.

Anyone interested in attending must RSVP in advance by emailing FrankieDarcell@clearchannel.com.

Nominated: WEMU-FM (89.1), Eastern Michigan University's public radio station, as Jazz Station of the Year in a Major Market by JazzWeek Magazine readers ... Scheduled: The Gospel Challenge from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Oakland Mall in Troy. Hosted by Grammy winner and host of WMXD-FM's (92.3) "Rhythm & Praise" the Rev. Marvin Winans, the challenge is open to choir groups of all ages... Names and Faces (Mon 6/12)

ABC News Radio has added WDRQ (Doug FM)/Detroit to the list of stations now carrying its ABC FM News service ... "We have seen - especially over the past year - how radio is unmatched in its ability to deliver news and information to listeners in times of crisis," said WDRQ PD Ron Harrell. "We are pleased to provide ABC FM News so that FM music listeners in Detroit will have a source for the latest news headlines of the day"... http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=229323 (Mon 6/12)

Kat Jensen To Middays At KKMG:
CLEAR CHANNEL Top 40 WKQI (CHANNEL 95-5)/DETROIT weekend/swinger, and former CC Top 40 WVKS/TOLEDO Promotion Dir. KAT JENSEN takes middays at CITADEL Top 40 KKMG (98.9 MAGIC-FM)/COLORADO SPRINGS, beginning JUNE 28th. (Mon 6/12)

Question Mark says his name is written on Mars. He won't tell how or why, but as any sensible person might suspect, Stephen King had something to do with it. Also as a sensible person might suspect, Question Mark is not your average rock 'n' roll icon. At heart, he is the same kid who put together ?& the Mysterians with four other guys from the Saginaw Valley and recorded one of the best singles ever to hit a turntable... Online radio host is one mysterious Question Mark (Mon 6/12)

Lack of access to quality health care. Failing public schools. A disproportionate number of African Americans incarcerated in America's prisons. These are just a few of the issues confronting many of America's poor and black communities, says PBS talk show host and author Tavis Smiley. On Friday, Smiley will wrap up his five-month, 20-city national "The Covenant with Black America" tour in Detroit at a town hall meeting at Greater Grace Temple... Smiley tour stops in Detroit for town hall (Tue 6/13)

Classic Rock WCSX-FM 94.7 afternoon host Ken Calvert has been making Detroiters laugh, on and off the air, for more than 25 years but he takes helping the community very seriously. In recognition of his public and personal support, Catholic Social Services of Oakland County will honor Calvert with the Leonard R. Jagels Award at their annual meeting to be held at 6:30 pm in the Dining Hall on the campus of the Orchard Lake Schools on June 21st.

Over the past five years, Calvert has served as emcee and auctioneer at the agency's Spring Gala fund raisers and hosted an event produced by WCSX, “KC's Comedy for a Cause.” His efforts have raised over $50,000 for the agency.

A graduate of Brother Rice High School, Calvert has been a long supporter of Catholic Social Services. In his true comedic style, Calvert had many people to thank, “I would like to start by thanking all the nuns that made grade school fly by. I've often said, for example, that a meeting with my boss or a root canal often seems longer than the third grade. And the priests who recognized my talent as an altar boy and insisted I accompany them to Holy Sepulcher for a graveside service thus forcing me to miss precious classroom time. And I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the Irish Christian Brothers of Brother Rice HS, especially Brother Kelly. The doctors are now confident that I will regain 100% use and feeling of the knuckles on both hands. In all seriousness, this is a great honor and I can assure you that my deceased parents are extremely proud as they look down and I accept this with great humility.”

As the recipient of the Leonard R. Jagels Award, Calvert is being recognized for his commitment to Catholic Social Services' mission: Through its professional services and outreach programs, Catholic Social Services of Oakland County strengthens families, protects children and cares for the elderly, serving all regardless of race or creed. In its 60 year history, the agency has provided counseling services, adoption and foster care, adult day care, programs for pregnant and parenting teens, and outreach to Hispanic families. Len Jagels, for whom the award is named, was the executive director of Catholic Social Services from 1957 to 1983.

Jennifer Koski and Tim Cerda of Ferndale have been named the winners of WRIF's “Get Hitched at HarleyFest” contest. Over the course of a two-week campaign, WRIF received a total of 75 online entries from couples hoping to “Get Hitched at HarleyFest.” The entries were narrowed down to 10 finalists, based on their stories. The 10 finalists were then invited to Waterfall Jewelers for the chance to win. Eight total couples showed up and after choosing the package containing the $1,000 gift certificate to Waterfall Jewelers, Jennifer and Tim won the prize.

Jennifer and Tim's prize includes a ceremony at HarleyFest, June 17th at 4:30pm, presided over by WRIF's afternoon drive host, Arthur P, a $1,000 shopping spree at Waterfall Jewelers, flowers for the ceremony, a photographer and a reception dinner for themselves and 20 friends to take place at HarleyFest. They'll also win a gift voucher for a honeymoon in Las Vegas!

HarleyFest is an exciting all-day event that will gather Harley-Davidson® fans from all over as they come together to celebrate great music, great food and great bikes. All bikes are welcome as the party kicks off at 11am on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at Freedom Hill Park, located at Metro Parkway and Schoenherr in Sterling Heights. Admission to the festival in the park is always free and will again feature a live music stage with some of Detroit's hottest local bands including 50 Cent Headrush, Radiocraft, Government Honey, Redline, Mindcandy, PHX, Brian Schram Band, Inviting the Crash, Dirty Americans, Shipwreck Union, Jocaine and Rockstar.

For more details on HarleyFest 2006 and the “Get Hitched at HarleyFest” contest, log on to WRIF's website at www.wrif.com.

His name is well known to classic rhythm and blues buffs, but Andre Williams, aka the "Black Godfather," has been off the mainstream radar for decades. But his sizzling-hot singles in the '50s were no less than a precursor of rap ... After some initial make-nice comments about respecting the competition, it sounds like Clear Channel's new country station, The Fox, WDTW-FM (106.7), is on the warpath... 'Black Godfather' is alive and well on XM (Thu 6/15)

Dom Theodore Named WKSC/Chicago Programming Consultant:
SHOCKER! CLEAR CHANNEL/CHICAGO Trading Zone RVP/Programming DARREN DAVIS announces that CC/MICHIGAN RVP/Programming and Top 40 WKQI (CHANNEL 95-5)/DETROIT PD DOM THEODORE has been named Programming Consultant for Top 40 WKSC (KISS 103.5)/CHICAGO, replacing STEVE PERUN. THEODORE will work closely with new WKSC PD RICK GILLETTE (NET NEWS 6/13). (Wed 6/14)

Adult Urban WMXD FM 92.3 has given away free gas each summer for the last 3 years, and will do it again this summer. MIX92.3's Free Gas Fridays will kick off this morning, and the station will be doubling the offer. Listeners are encouraged to tune in to The Steve Harvey Morning Show at 7 and 9 a.m. to hear the gas station locations- the first 92 cars to arrive will receive $9.23 worth of free gas.

“This year's increase in gas prices has made this event even more relevant than in years past. Free Gas Fridays is another way MIX92.3 enjoys serving our community,” said Jamillah A. Muhammad, WMXD program director.

Alternative rock has undergone quite a stylistic transformation since 1991, from the flannels and torn jeans worn by Pearl Jam and Nirvana to the mascara and eyeliner favored by bands such as AFI and the Killers. But through it all, CIMX-FM (88.7) -- known to the masses as 89X -- has been there to chronicle "the best new rock first," as the station's tagline has promised its listeners over the years... Birthday time for 89X! (Fri 6/16)

A second audit of Michigan Public Media, which was rocked earlier this year by a criminal probe into the actions of three former employees, found no further wrongdoing but uncovered a host of sloppy management practices. In a summary made public this week, University of Michigan auditors faulted Michigan Public Media, the parent organization of public radio station WUOM, for inadequate oversight of its business operations and its "tone at the top.'' "The operation lacks clear operational policies and procedures, and roles and responsibilities have not been sufficiently defined or monitored,'' the audit stated... U-M public media faulted; New audit finds no new wrongdoing, but criticizes management (Fri 6/16)

On Friday, June 16th, Country WYCD FM's (99.5) Grunwald from the Dr. Don Morning Show headed to the Amazon Jungle in South America to help raise money for Haven of Oakland County. David Hall of Rock Financial offered to send 99.5 WYCD'S Grunwald to several exotic locations with a one-way ticket. WYCD listeners then voted via the station's web site on where to send him. Grunwald will start in Manaus Brazil and then have to beg, borrow, cheat his way back home in time for his air-shift on Friday June 23rd.

For every mile traveled by Grunwald, Haven of Oakland County receives $1.00. So if he travels 3,000 miles, Haven receives $3000 dollars…Courtesy of David Hall & Rock Financial. Grunwald will be equipped with $99.50 in his pocket, a phone & a digital camera so he can document his travels & the listeners can keep track also.

Among many of the charities that Grunwald donates his time for, Haven of Oakland County holds a special place, and is why he is attempting this journey. The sole beneficiary of this great event, Haven of Oakland County is a non Profit organization that helps rid households & the community of violence.

Legendary rocker Bob Seger played in The Ken Calvert Casual Classic Golf Outing earlier today and had a chat on air about his upcoming album "Face the Promise", due to be released on September 12th. It's Seger's first studio album in 11 years and has already created a buzz among fans of the Hall of Fame rocker. The seven minute discussion with Calvert and WCSX midday host Karen Savelly is posted on the station's website for you to download and listen at www.wcsx.com.

Soft Rock WMGC-FM Detroit, Magic 105.1, will spend the first official day of summer 2006 at the Detroit Zoo's newest exhibit, The Australian Outback Adventure. This exhibit allows visitors to get an up close and personal view of the Red Kangaroo in their natural habitat. The exhibit trail is lined by 21-inch high cables on each side, which allow the 16 kangaroos to roam free within The Australian Outback Adventure yard.

The event, hosted by Jim Harper & The entire Magic Morning Show, officially takes place from noon to 2pm on Wednesday, June 21st and is open to the public. The Detroit Zoo is open from 10am to 5pm daily. The first 150 kids who “jump” into the Magic 105.1FM “Kangaroo Kid Zone” will receive a very special limited edition Detroit Zoo/Magic 105.1 t-shirt. In addition, parents who attend will receive a free “Bloomin' Onion” gift certificate good at all Metro Detroit Outback Steakhouses (while supplies last).

But "mate", there's more! Metro Detroit kids will want to “jump” into the fun in the “Kangaroo Kids Zone” activities area, featuring the popular Magic Game Show and hosted by Jim Harper & The entire Magic Morning Show. Kids will play for fun prizes like outback hats as they're asked Zoo related questions. What Kid Doesn't Like to Color? Magic 105.1FM will provide kangaroo pictures and crayons for kids to color. They will then be featured on display in the designated Magic 105.1FM area. Two face painters will also be on hand to put cute kangaroos on all kids' cheeks. On the way out… after this fun-filled two hours, kids and parents will be encouraged to sign up to win a fabulous dinner for their family at the Outback Steakhouse.

Admission to the Detroit Zoo is $11.00 for adults ages 13 years to 61 years old; $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12 years old; $9.00 for seniors ages 62 years and older and free for children under 2 years old. Parking is $5.00 for cars/vans and $8.00 for buses.

When their identity has been stolen, the rental car company overcharges them or the landscaper runs off with their money, Metro Detroiters turn to the Call Bill for Action Team. You see the fruits of his labor weeknights on the 5 p.m. WXYZ (Channel 7) news. But standing in the shadows behind the consumer advocate is a team of about 50 volunteers who answer the telephones and make calls to solve lingering problems... Got a problem? Bill's your man (Mon 6/19)

Here's another twist in WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) news anchor Frank Turner's attempt to launch a radio career as a weekday evangelist despite exclusivity clauses in his TV contract that Channel 7 maintains prohibit such activity. Turner attorney Jeffrey Wilson filed a request for a preliminary injunction in U.S. District Court late Friday to allow Turner to proceed with a 9:30 a.m.-noon weekday show on WEXL-AM (1340)... Channel 7's Turner seeks injunction so he can proceed with radio show (Tue 6/20)

With its varying styles, alternative music has often been difficult to categorize, but it usually depicts music that is south of the mainstream. For 15 years, Windsor-based CIMX-FM (88.7), better known as 89X, has helped develop some of today's largest rock acts by giving them their first bits of airplay. It was no surprise, then, that the station's celebrated its independent spirit Sunday at the 15th annual 89X Birthday Bash by featuring many of those artists on stages at Detroit's State Theatre, Fox Theatre and an outdoor stage on Woodward Avenue... 89X's 15th birthday show bigger, better (Mon 6/19)

Sports WDFN AM (1130) is doing its part to ease the pinch at the pump with its Free Gas Frenzy. During the months of June, July, and August WDFN will hook up one lucky person with free gas for a month.

During the last two weeks of each month WDFN will encourage listeners to qualify both on-air and in person at nine Red Wing Shoes stores throughout Metro Detroit. Registering is easy...all you have to do is listen Monday through Friday to Jamie & Brady from 6 to 9am, Sean Baligian from 9a to 12p and Stoney & Wojo from 3 to 6pm for the cue to call and be the 11th caller at 313-298-1130 to qualify or go into any Red Wing Shoes store and fill out an entry form.

Free gas qualifiers will be put in a grand prize drawing at the end of each month where one person will win free gas for a month valued at $500. The grand prize winners will be announced live on the air. Runner up winners will also win free gas…literally…when they walk away with cans of beans and more.

The Big Ten will announce today that it is about to enter into the television business, forming its own network that will launch in 2007. The Chicago Tribune, citing anonymous sources, reported the conference also will announce the ABC/ESPN family will remain the exclusive carrier of some of its signature events. The current deal, set to expire in June 2007, is said to be worth up to $50 million per year. That means ABC/ESPN will continue to get all the choicest cuts like Michigan-Ohio State football... Big Ten forms TV network (Wed 6/21)

They handed out the local Emmys the other evening in Novi. And because the local academy charges for entries and some stations subsidize those efforts while others don't, it's not exactly a totally fair measure of local TV excellence. That said, here's who got statues in some of the high-visibility categories... And the Emmy's go to... (Wed 6/21)

It looks like WWJ-TV Channel 62 has its mind on fashion. The local CBS affiliate is kicking off a new series called "Eye on Style" that debuts this weekend. The show is slated to give Metro Detroiters an inside look at fashion, beauty, fitness and the area's most talked about events. Interviews with local stylists, designers and personal trainers are supposed to provide viewers with tips on the latest trends, including what's hot in cities such as New York and Los Angeles... WWJ-TV has its 'Eye on Style' (Wed 6/21)

The Big Ten Conference will create its own cable channel to showcase its athletic and academic programs and has reached new broadcast and cable deals with ABC Sports and ESPN, the conference announced Wednesday. The new channel — which will be created in partnership with Fox Cable Networks — is expected to launch in August 2007, the Park Ridge, Ill.-based league said in a news release. The league also announced it has reached a new 10-year agreement with ABC and ESPN for coverage of football, men's and women's basketball and volleyball... Big Ten announces new TV contract, creation of new cable channel (Wed 6/21)

Spring Phase II ratings (Wed 6/21)

If you want to hear the Dixie Chicks, don't tune in to Detroit's new station, the Fox -- WDTW-FM (106.7). The Clear Channel-owned station, which "chose" its new country format by polling listeners, won't be playing the Dixie Chicks' new album "Taking the Long Way" -- the No. 2 album in the United States this week, according to Billboard -- after conducting a poll. Well, actually two polls. The Dixie Chicks drew flak last year when lead singer Natalie Maines criticized President Bush and the war in Iraq from a stage in London. WDTW program director John Trapane explains that he'd been getting hammered with e-mails from both Dixie Chicks fans and foes, and he decided to do something about it... Dixie Chicks get boot from country station (Thu 6/22)

Alexander Zonjic is a busy guy. The jazz and classical flutist performs frequently in the metro area, records under the Telarc label, is the artistic director for five major local music festivals, and is the morning host at Smooth Jazz WVMV-FM (V98.7). But that's not all, folks. Zonjic also is a partner in Seldom Blues restaurant, along with Frank Taylor, Jerry Nottage and Robert Porcher... Get to know: Alexander Zonjic (Thu 6/22)

The Big Ten has hatched a ground-breaking approach to nationally televising its intercollegiate athletic contests while maintaining a strong tie with two networks -- ABC and ESPN -- that have such a stranglehold in sports broadcasting. Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany unveiled on Wednesday a 20-year agreement with Fox Cable Networks to launch a 24-hour Big Ten Channel that will carry a number of football and men's basketball games beginning in August 2007. It also will carry nonrevenue sports, coaches shows and nonsports programming... Big Ten announces it own cable channel (Thu 6/22)

One of the bigger stories of Wednesday's Arbitrend monthly report card on metro-area radio listening may be at the bottom of the top 20. Sports-talker WXYT-AM slipped back into the top 20, largely on the power of its 3.3 score among all listeners for 7 p.m.-midnight, mostly for Tigers baseball... Tigers fever heats up local radio ratings (Thu 6/22)

The Big Ten sent ripple through college sports Wednesday. The conference announced its plans to create a nationally distributed television network, as well as a 10-year extension with ABC/ESPN to air football and men's basketball games. "It is a destination for Big Ten fans throughout the country," conference commissioner Jim Delany said of the new channel... TV channel will be 'destination' for Big Ten fans (Thu 6/22)

Continuing a commitment to local music, Classic Rock 94.7 WCSX is proud to offer local bands and musicians the opportunity to perform during The GM Renaissance Center's Rockin' on the Riverfront free concert series.

This summer long series takes place on the scenic Riverfront Plaza located on the Detroit River behind the Renaissance Center on Friday afternoons and evenings through August 18th. Performers in this amazing concert line up include Dickey Betts & Great Southern and The Romantics.

Right now, WCSX is accepting submissions from local bands for possible inclusion in the series. Musicians selected will perform 45 minute sets and be included on the WCSX web site (www.wcsx.com), press releases and event communications distributed throughout the GM Renaissance Center.

Submissions for consideration will be accepted via email at feedback@wcsx.com and at

94.7 WCSX
Local Band Search
One Radio Plaza
Ferndale Michigan 48220

Please include CD or mp3, bio, references and contact information.

A former public radio director was sentenced to probation Thursday for his part in an embezzlement scandal that shook the University of Michigan's stations this year. Michael Coleman, former deputy director at U-M's public radio and television stations, including WUOM-FM (91.7), was sentenced in Washtenaw County Circuit Court to 2 years' probation and ordered to pay $3,500 in restitution... Radio exec gets probation (Fri 6/23)

Michael Coleman, former deputy director of Michigan Public Media, was sentenced to probation Thursday for his involvement in an embezzlement case that shook up management of the public radio and television stations operated by the University of Michigan. In Washtenaw County Circuit Court Thursday, Coleman, 40, of Ypsilanti Township, was placed on two years of probation and must pay $3,500 in restitution to his former employer for misusing in-kind trade agreements... Ex-media official gets probation (Fri 6/23)

A judge on Friday scheduled a Sept. 13 trial for a man charged with shooting a former employee of television station WDIV in the entryway to the NBC affiliate's downtown office. Epifanio Rivas Jr., 27, of Detroit, is charged with assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, felonious assault and using a gun in a felony in the April 15, 2005, shooting of John Owens... Trial date set in Detroit TV station shooting (Fri 6/23)

All News WWJ AM 950 has released overnight anchor Brad Bianchi. According to the Detroit Free Press, Bianchi may have been let go because of unauthorized airing of commercials.

News-Talk WJR AM 760 has dropped weekend home improvement guru Murray Gula from the lineup.

WJBK-TV ( Channel 2) and FSN Detroit reigned supreme at the Michigan Emmy Awards this year. The Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences bestowed WJBK with 13 Emmys and FSN Detroit with nine earlier this month. WJBK got nods in the Investigative Reports Single Story and Arts and Entertainment categories, among others, while FSN Detroit's Emmys included ones for Station Excellence, Sports News Feature and Sports Program Feature Segment. WDIV-TV (Channel 4) grabbed eight Emmys, and WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) won seven... WJBK-TV, FSN rule with Emmy wins (Wed 6/28)

Oh, my. Radio know-it-all Rush Limbaugh's (noon-3 p.m. weekdays WJR-AM, 760) deal could be in trouble with prosecutors in a long-running prescription fraud case after authorities found a bottle of the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra in his bag at Palm Beach International Airport. Why? The prescription was not in his name ... Paul W. Smith will sit in for Limbaugh Monday... Viagra bust could imperil plea deal (Wed 6/28)

WRCL/Flint, MI Promotions Director/afternoon jock Ced Lover heads to Radio One/Detroit's Marketing & Promotions Department... Street Talk (Wed 6/28)

Frank Turner will get his day in federal court July 6 to argue for a court order to allow the WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) news anchor to pursue a second career as a radio evangelist on WEXL-AM (1340) despite an exclusive services clause in his Channel 7 pact. But it could all be too late. Station general manager Frank Franciosi had written Turner that WEXL would hold the weekday mid-morning slot open for him only until Friday... Turner court date coming too late? (Thu 6/29)

Has it really been 11 years since Liz Copeland 's all-night show "AlternateTake" debuted on WDET-FM (101.9) ? Such is the case, and from midnight to 5 a.m. Friday Copeland will be celebrating her anniversary with giveaways, music and fun. If you're sleeping while Copeland spins her mix of techno, ambient and pop music, you can still listen online anytime on demand, at wdetfm.org... Copeland celebrates 11 years at WDET (Thu 6/29)