Entries in Metro Detroit Category

Blackburn Radio completed the move of its Windsor, Ontario booster station for Rock CKUE-FM Chatham to 100.7 FM today at 11:00 AM. CKUE-FM-1 broadcasts with 9,000 watts maximum from a directional antenna 244 feet tall. The Windsor booster station originally signed on in March 2004 using the same 95.1 frequency as the main station in Chatham, creating interference problems for many receivers in southwestern Ontario. The CRTC granted the station's application to move to 100.7 last fall.

The new 100.7 signal is relatively strong on my car radio in northeast suburban Detroit, but not as easy to capture on home receivers. Reception of 100.7 on the U.S side of the river will likely be very location dependant.

Ratings numbers bloomed for ABC, both locally and nationally, thanks to a little BCS game known as the Rose Bowl. Viewers tuned into local ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) with a vengeance as the University Michigan suffered a painful loss to the University of Southern California on New Year's Day. According to Nielsen Media, the Rose Bowl pulled in a 27.8 rating and a 43 share in local households, making it the No. 1 program in Metro Detroit ... WDIV-TV (Channel 4) is poised to take on the No. 1 afternoon program in Metro Detroit, the "Oprah Winfrey Show" (WXYZ), with an early evening weekday newscast. "Local 4 News at 4 p.m." kicks off Monday with Ruth Spencer anchoring solo... Rose Bowl gives ABC a ratings boost (Wed 1/3)

Alley Oop to play-by-play man Mark Champion (Wed 1/3)

A blast of live jazz is coming to radio in metro Detroit. Beginning later this month, three jazz series from Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts will be simulcast or taped for broadcast on WRCJ-FM (90.9) or WVMV-FM (98.7). The concerts from the downtown Detroit venue featuring national artists like Oscar Castro-Neves and Stanley Clarke and Detroit musicians will be available free to metro Detroit listeners. A distribution deal with JazzWorks, a satellite service, could bring some concerts to 40 other markets in America... Live jazz gets spot on radio (Fri 1/5)

If you never thought you'd see the local music scene chronicled in a public television series, think again. At 11:30 p.m. Saturday, WTVS-TV (Channel 56) will begin airing "Rock 'N' Roll Safari," a new weekly hour-long music series that will feature live concert footage and interviews with some of the local scene's top independent talent. The whole idea began with footage that metro Detroiters James McGovern and Greg Sharrow originally produced for www.canyouhearmetv.com, an online platform the two created to showcase select indie artists from around the country. Ultimately, Detroit Public Television picked up the Detroit episodes and packaged them for the series...Local music: PBS features Detroit acts (Fri 1/5)

TODAY: "NAIAS Primetime Sneak Peek" (8 p.m., WDIV-TV, Local 4). Vroom with a view. Channel 4 news royalty Carmen Harlan and Devin Scillian host a preview of the 2007 North American International Auto Show. OK, guys, get your motor mouths running... Local 4 team will preview auto show vehicles, wonders (Fri 1/5)

Listeners of rock WRIF-FM are going to be in for a surprise the weekend of January 20-21 when WRIF’s HD side channel, Riff 2, invades the airwaves.

The “Riff 2 Weekend” will begin Saturday, January 20th at 6am and continue all weekend through Sunday night. WRIF listeners will get a taste of what RIFF2 has to offer, including an eclectic mix of local artists, alternative, hip-hop, punk and indie-rock. In addition, listeners will hear Riff 2’s on-air staff, including Suzy Cole, Mark Pennington, Trey, and Hightower.

101 WRIF debuted RIFF2, a special HD Radio side channel, at the end of July 2005 with the unveiling of its HD radio broadcast. Both stations transmit a digital signal that provides CD quality sound and has the ability to display more text information than a traditional radio. Fans can listen to RIFF2 through special HD radio receivers available in tabletop and auto receiver models now or by simply logging on to www.riff2.com.

RIFF 2 Program Director (and WRIF Assistant Program Director) Mark Pennington was recently voted “Most Influential Programmer” by FMQB magazine. He has also spoken on many panels regarding the advances of HD radio and what these side channels mean to the medium itself.

This will be the first time a Detroit station will use its main analog signal for programming usually only heard on a digital side channel.

Bruce Goldsen —owner of three Jackson radio stations, on the Michigan Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters and on the board for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters —has been selected as the interim general manager of Wayne State owned-and-operated public WDET-FM (101.9). He’ll serve until a hunt for a permanent successor to the departed Michael Coleman is completed... WDET-FM gets new temporary chief (Mon 1/8)

When WDIV-TV Local 4 launches its 30-minute 4 p.m. weekday newscast today, what's the biggest story that won't be mentioned? Oprah Winfrey. The new Ruth Spencer-anchored effort takes on television's most popular syndicated daytime talk show, which airs against it on WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) and provides an almost insurmountable lead-in to that station's 5 p.m. newscast... News at 4 on Local 4 (Mon 1/8)

Retained: By WJBK-TV (Channel 2), morning news coanchor Fanchon Stinger in what is believed to be a three-year deal... Names and Faces (Mon 1/8)

Cable customers in much of Metro Detroit will see their bills increase next month. Starting in February, Comcast Cable subscribers will pay, on average, 3.3 percent more for a basic cable package in six Michigan counties, including Wayne, Macomb and St. Clair. That means a customer paying $48.99 per month for standard cable, before taxes and fees, would pay about $50.60 starting next month... Comcast will raise cable rates 3.3% in February (Sat 1/6)

WJR's Paul W. Smith Mourns Father's Death: Condolences to longtime WJR-A/DETROIT morning man PAUL W. SMITH on the passing of his father, WILLIAM D. SMITH, SATURDAY morning (1/6) at MERCY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL in MONROE, MI. The elder SMITH was a theatrical actor under the stage name DAN ATHERTON and was 80 years old. (Mon 1/8)

With the Detroit Lions completing their 6th consecutive losing season and with their place in the NFL’s proverbial basement solidified, Sports Radio 1130 WDFN recently provided an avenue for listeners and loyal Lions fans to speak out and let the Lions and more specifically Matt Millen and Bill Ford Senior know how they feel and presented the Fire Millen/Millen Fire Yourself petition on WDFN.com.

Anybody could log onto WDFN.com to sign the petition and divulge exactly how discouraged they were with the franchise’s continued downward spiral. In the weeks since the petition went live on WDFN.com, approximately 2,000 names and comments from literally around the world have poured into the website and continue to do so every day, even though the season is over and it is now known that Millen will be back next year.

WDFN and faithful Lions fans everywhere have spoken and a new billboard embodying the fans frustration has been erected. The actual design was based off of an original entry from the online petition. The billboard, which will be up through the end of January, can be seen on the east side of I-75 near 8 Mile Rd. by motorists traveling south into downtown Detroit. WDFN believes that this comment, as posted by WDFN listener Andy from Trenton, Michigan, best sums up the feelings of Lions fans everywhere.

Returning: This week to WDIV-TV Local 4, morning news anchor Rhonda Walker, after being away for some minor surgery ... Sought: For the fifth year, the donation of a vintage car to be restored for WCSX-FM's (94.7) JJ & Lynne's Stone Soup Project. In four years they've raised more than $700,000 for charity... Names and Faces (Tue 1/9)

TiVo Inc. and Comcast Corp. on Monday unveiled the long-awaited fruits of an agreement to work together: a cable box that runs TiVo's digital-video-recorder software... Comcast adds TiVo DVRs to cable boxes (Tue 1/9)

Lisa O'Sullivan describes herself as a "woman in transition." The 45-year-old interior decorator and single mother of three found that she had that in common with a lot of other women -- enough to base an entire radio show called MetroChick on their issues and interests. "I know a lot of women who are changing professions because they are laid off, downsized in our economy or just doing different things," says O'Sullivan who goes by Lisa Marie on her Wednesday morning talk show, MetroChick Radio on WNZK 690 AM... Show connects women (Wed 1/10)

Hot-bodied guys, cute zoo creatures and an infamous con artist are just some of the angles Deborah Norville will take in covering Detroit this week. Norville, who anchors "Inside Edition," stopped by our city to kick off the show's new station and time. The tabloid news magazine is sharing the 4 to 5 p.m. hour with WDIV-TV's (Channel 4) Local 4 News at 4 p.m., which debuted Monday. "Inside Edition" airs at 4:30 p.m... Norville hits Detroit hotspots (Wed 1/10)

In recent years, as predictable as that first bracing blast of winter, every January the Little Network that Rupert Built undergoes an amazing metamorphosis. FOX (Channel 2 in Detroit) slumbers in the national ratings each September through December, and this season the snooze left it looking nearly comatose. Its medical drama House, led by the single most fascinating lead character on television as constructed by Golden Globe-nominated actor Hugh Laurie, is an unqualified hit. But one hot series does not a network make, and House is the only FOX program to consistently crack the top-40 shows in the Nielsen ratings this season... FOX gives chase (Wed 1/10)

Smith's father dies: The Names & Faces pennant is decidedly at half-mast today for William D. Smith, 80, father of WJR-AM (760) morning man Paul W. Smith, on whose show we appear regularly. Mr. Smith died Saturday after a long illness... Names and Faces (Wed 1/10)

The top 5 stations in Detroit among all listeners this fall were: Adult urban WMXD-FM, soft rock/Christmas WNIC-FM, news/talk WJR AM, urban WJLB-FM, and contemporary hits WKQI-FM.

Country WYCD has rebounded somewhat, improving its number to 3.8 from summer's 3.6 and is now 1.6 ahead of competitor WDTW-FM as compared to a difference of 0.9 in the summer book. Sports WXYT was flat at 1.9 but remained ahead of WDFN which finished with 1.4, a slight improvement over summer's 1.2.

Adult alternative CIDR-FM has remained basically flat since its format change from soft rock in September.

Detroit radio fall 12+ ratings (Arbitron/Stationratings.com)

Ann Arbor radio fall 12+ ratings (Arbitron/Stationratings.com)

Toledo radio fall 12+ ratings (Arbitron/Stationratings.com)

Santa Claus came a little late to Clear Channel-owned WNIC-FM (100.3) today. But the jolly round romper —in the form of the quarterly Arbitrend Radio Ratings —was very welcome. WNIC, notorious for starting Christmas music before the last Halloween candy bar hits the bottom of the goblin’s bag, surged from 12th to 2nd place among all listeners for the final quarter of 2006. It claimed 6.5% of all listeners. It scored a 5.1 in the same quarter of 2005 and was up from a 3.4 in the third quarter of 2006... WNIC holiday music pushes it to second place (Thu, 1/11)

They were firing before Christmas, but they're hiring now: The job ad on Careerbuilder.com says that CBS-owned WKRK-FM (97.1) is looking for "Air Talent"... Calling all owners of dead classic cars: Just in time for auto show preview week, WCSX-FM (94.7) morning avatars J.J. and Lynne have officially launched their search for a classic car to make over and auction off in their fifth annual J.J. & Lynne's Stone Soup Project... WKRK-FM looks to fill recent vacancies (Thu, 1/11)

Tigers fans irked by a weak signal from WXYT 1270 will get a boost this season and beyond. The Tigers today are expected to announce an agreement to simulcast radio broadcasts on WKRK 97.1 and WXYT. Tigers officials said Wednesday they would not discuss ongoing negotiations, but separate industry sources said a deal has been reached. The previous five-year contract between the Tigers and WXYT expired at the end of last season. Adding the 50,000-watt FM power of WKRK should -- at least for Metro Detroit listeners -- eliminate the primary complaint that broadcasts could not be heard reliably, even in some suburbs... Radio deal clears air (Thu, 1/11)

Two of the region’s leading public relations professionals have joined forces to found a new firm that offers a wide range of strategic communications services to corporations, businesses, organizations, individuals, and associations.

Don Tanner and Matt Friedman, both with extensive experience in journalism, broadcasting, and public relations, are the partners in Tanner Friedman, a strategic communications agency based in Farmington Hills.

Tanner possesses more than 25 years of communications industry experience, the past 12 providing strategic PR counsel to his clients. Prior to that, he served in a range of radio posts, including on-air, news and programming. In Detroit, he was heard over WWJ, WXYT, WLLZ, WLTI, WGPR, and CKWW via Metro Networks.

Friedman began his PR career in 1998, after a track record of success in broadcast journalism. Most recently, he was the lead news producer for Detroit station WDIV-TV's 6pm news broadcast. He also served as a news producer at WKMG-TV in Orlando, Florida and WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was the top news writer on the nation’s highest-rated 11pm newscast. Friedman began his professional broadcasting career on-the-air and behind-the-scenes at WWJ-AM Detroit. He first started at age 11 as a DJ and sports announcer at Metro Detroit community radio station WBFH-FM.

• Read the entire press release (.pdf)

• www.tannerfriedman.com

WAAM Ups Black To Prod./Imaging Dir.: FIRST BROADCASTING CO. LP Talk WAAM-A/ANN ARBOR ups producer ALAN BLACK to Production/Imaging Director. BLACK continues to produce the MONDAY-evening "WAAM SPORTS DEN WITH JIM STARK AND AL FELLHAUER" and SATURDAY-morning "THE APPLIANCE DOCTOR JOE GAGNON" shows. (Thu, 1/11)

“We’re pleased with the package we were able to put together,” said Dave Dombrowski, Detroit Tigers president and general manager. “We knew our fans had concerns about signal strength and we believe that this agreement resolves those concerns adequately. We’re excited that Tigers baseball will be more readily available to fans as we head into what promises to be an exciting 2007 season.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to extend our relationship with the Tigers and the Red Wings,” said Kevin Murphy, senior vice president and general manager, WXYT and WKRK. “We look forward to bringing Major League Baseball and NHL Hockey to the FM dial.”

According to Ken Holland, vice president and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, “We’re pleased we could reach this agreement with WXYT and the addition of the simulcast on WKRK will mean more Red Wings fans will be able to tune in and hear all the action. WXYT is a sports station that offers tremendous opportunities to keep both Red Wings and Tigers fans informed throughout the day on the latest happenings with our teams.”

It's reported this extension between the Red Wings and Tigers is for 3 years. The teams have been heard on AM 1270 for the past six years after moving from news/talk WJR.

Tigers announce deal with FM affiliate (DetroitTigers.com)

Bobb Vergiels may be the only person in sports who loves to be booed. About 36 times per year, Vergiels is greeted with a hardy heckle from Toledo Storm fans when he announces his own name at home games. But Vergiels, who began his career as a public address announcer when the team was founded in 1991, has formed a unique bond with the fans at the Sports Arena. Vergiels has since parlayed his first PA duties into a career that has taken him to Comerica Park and the World Series last fall. He also has announced at the All-Star game there in 2005... Versatile PA announcer keeps busy (Sun, 1/14)

A new program director is apparently making a difference at WWWM-FM (105.5). Kirk Patrick was hired by the Cumulus-owned station in late September, made some tweaks to what he calls a "musical smorgasbord" format, and took the reins of the afternoon drive shift. The mixture added up to the best audience share the station's had since last winter... Changes at 105.5 add up to higher numbers (Sat, 1/13)

After a week of Motor City saturation -- a story about Detroit a night -- "Inside Edition" anchor Deborah Norville may not need much introduction to her show's viewers at its new time slot, 4:30 p.m. weekdays on WDIV-TV. (Her show previously aired at 1 a.m. on WXYZ-TV, Channel 7). But she turned into a Chatty Cathy the other day after taping her show here, spouting lots of stuff not that evident just from watching... 'Inside Edition's' Deborah Norville reintroduces herself to Detroit (Sun, 1/14)

When the general manager of WKRK 97.1 FM struck a deal to add Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings simulcasts, it wasn’t done to bolster the station’s ratings and revenue, both of which have declined. Instead, it was done to keep the teams on their flagship, WKRK’s CBS Radio-owned sister station, WXYT 1270 AM, an all-sports station. “That’s the only reason I came up with the approach that I did,” said Kevin Murphy, general manager and senior vice president for both stations... Double play gives boost to WKRK (Mon, 1/15)

Carolyn Clifford will become the co-anchor of WXYZ-Channel 7’s 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. news broadcasts beginning Jan. 29. Clifford currently co-anchors the ABC affiliate’s noon news broadcast, which she will continue to do with Robbie Timmons, station news director Andrea Parquet-Taylor said in a statement Monday. Timmons is also co-host of the 5 p.m. Action News... Carolyn Clifford to co-anchor 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. news on Channel 7 (Mon, 1/15)

Frank Turner’s replacement at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) News was named Monday.
It’ll be Carolyn Clifford, who had been co-anchoring the station’s pre-“Good Morning America” newscast, the noon newscast and served as the station’s chief health reporter. Starting Jan. 29, she and Robbie Timmons —Turner’s old co-anchor—will preside over the noon and 5 p.m. newscast with Clifford also anchoring at 7 p.m. The 5 p.m. newscast is generally the station’s most watched news, in part due to the lead in of “Oprah” from 4-5 p.m... Clifford gets promotion at Channel 7 (Mon, 1/15)

Bob Kelly seems to be funny without even trying. Jokes, one-liners and witty retorts pour out in machine-gun fashion during an hour-long interview conducted after his morning radio show on oldies WRQN-FM. But it wasn't always that way for the Toledo radio legend and longtime Monroe County resident who recently was inducted into the Radio Television Broadcaster's Hall of Fame of Ohio... Local radio legend honored in Hall of Fame (Mon, 1/15)

Ken Kalczynski was a practical young man. His dad, a tool and die maker, was forever getting laid off, and who wanted any part of that? So Kalczynski decided he would be a mortician. Off he went to Wayne State, where one day he happened to walk past the studio of WAYN, the campus' closed-circuit radio station. An outdoor speaker was wafting the broadcast across the sidewalk, and on a whim, Kalczynski popped inside the building and did a reading for the general manager... Red Wings broadcaster refuses to let his dream die (Wed, 1/17)

Watch out, Regis and Kelly. There's a new a.m. team slated to give this dynamic duo a run for their java. The program is called "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet," and if Fox has anything to do with it, the show will retain high ratings in local markets and put the network on the map as a formidable morning competitor. In Metro Detroit's case, WJBK-TV's (Channel 2) "Fox 2 News Morning" is the No. 1 morning show locally, beating out both NBC's nationally top-rated "Today" and ABC's "Good Morning America," and giving this new morning offering an enviably strong lead-in... Fox readies for morning fun (Wed, 1/17)

More than 96 tears: Michigan musician Rudy Martinez -- known to legions of fans as the enigmatic rocker Question Mark -- is picking up the pieces after a fire destroyed his home near Clio last week. Martinez and his band, the Mysterians, topped the pop charts in 1966 with the garage-rock chestnut "96 Tears." Lost in the fire, reports band guitarist Bobby Balderama, was a career's worth of memorabilia, including a gold record and other artifacts from Martinez's four decades in the music business ... Not another hour: WDIV-TV Local 4's daytime schedule will get another overhaul in the fall after a big one this week. NBC officials will expand "Today" by an hour until 11 a.m... Names and Faces (Wed, 1/17)

It's A Girl For WKRK/Detroit's Jeff Deminski:
Congratulations to CBS Talk WKRK (LIVE 97.1 FREE FM)/DETROIT afternoon "DEMINSKI AND DOYLE" co-host JEFF DEMINSKI and wife STACEE on the arrival of their second child, daughter MINA BELLE DEMINSKI, on WEDNESDAY (1/17).
The new arrival came in at 8 lbs., 11 oz. and 21 inches and dashed co-host BILL DOYLE's hopes that the baby would be a boy and named MAGGLIO DEMINSKI in honor of the DETROIT TIGERS' MAGGLIO ORDONEZ. (Wed, 1/17)

Calling all guitar players! You can be part of the annual “Guitar Jam” to raise money for the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan during the 28-hour Radiothon hosted by Classic Rock WCSX-FM 94.7 morning hosts JJ & Lynne.

Make plans to bring a $5 donation, your guitar and small amp to Center Court in Oakland Mall Thursday, January 25th at 8pm for a rousing rendition of Cream's Classic Rock anthem “Sunshine of Your Love.” This musical fundraising event will be broadcast live on WCSX. Each guitar player who participates will receive a limited edition Guitar Jam All Access lanyard.

The more guitar players that show, the more money that can be raised for Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.

CLF of Michigan is a statewide organization that provides information, financial assistance and support for adults and children affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other related blood disorders. The JJ & Lynne’s 28 Hour Radiothon is one of the major sources of revenue for the foundation. This long running fundraiser has to date raised over raised $2,500,000 for the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.

Local jazz lovers should be excited to hear that WRCJ-FM 90.9 is planning to broadcast a concert by Brazilian Jazz guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, Saturday January 27 at 8 p.m., live from the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

It is the first of three Music Hall performances scheduled to air live on the classical and jazz station, including a March concert by Dianne Reeves and an April concert with Chick Corea.

These concerts will also be packaged for national broadcasts later this year on public radio stations, hosted by Tony Mowod, whose jazz program airs weeknights from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. on 90.9 WRCJ.

Roast beef sandwiches, along with Mom's loving smile, are on the way to Germany today for U.S. Army Specialist Michael Johnson, 25, of Pinckney. Johnson, stationed in Germany, was unable to come home for the holidays as he had planned. "One of the crazy things he had planned on doing had been stopping (at Arby's,)'' said Dawn Glaser, who said Johnson has lived with her and her husband, Brian, since his teens but was never formally adopted. "He calls us Mom and Dad. It's an adoption of the heart,'' Glaser said. When Glaser learned Johnson wouldn't be home for the holidays, she tried to figure out a way to send him Arby's sandwiches. Glaser contacted Ann Arbor radio station W4 Country, 102.9, for help... Mom, Bubba, listeners see that Michael gets Arby's (Fri, 1/19)

Jay Hudson is new to nights at CIMX (89X)/Detroit, coming over from the part-time chair at crosstown WRIF. Mr. Hudson replaces Phat Matt, who's now at the programming helm of clusterpal CIDR (93.9 The River). (Fri, 1/19)

Interpreting TV ratings is always interesting because you can prove almost anything using the same data. Case in point: The first week (Jan. 8-12) performance of WDIV-TV Local 4's new 4 p.m. weekday newscast and its 4:30 p.m. stable mate, the syndicated "Inside Edition"... Local 4 still trails 'Oprah' at 4 p.m. (Sun, 1/21)

Two locally based radio stations saw a slight drop in the latest radio ratings. According to Arbitron, Detroit talk powerhouse WJR (760 AM) still generally tops the ratings. Country station WWWW (102.9 FM), second in the last ratings period, placed third while Detroit rock station WRIF took over the No. 2 slot. WQKL (107.1 FM), which had been third, is now fourth. Bob Bolak, vice president and market manager at Ann Arbor Radio, said the drop is no cause for alarm. "The sample size is small; we look at it versus a year ago, are we down or up? At 107.1 we're trending up.'' No programming changes are planned, he added... WWWW, WQKL see dip in latest ratings (Sun, 1/21)

This Thursday, January 25th starting at 6 a.m. until Friday, January 26th, at 10am, Classic Rock WCSX-FM 94.7 morning hosts Jim Johnson and Lynne Woodison (JJ & Lynne) will take over the station's airwaves for the 16th Annual WCSX Radiothon. For 28 consecutive hours, JJ & Lynne will broadcast live from the center court at Oakland Mall in Troy to raise money and awareness for the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan (CLF).

Listeners will have a chance to bid on “once in a lifetime” packages during the on-air auction including:

* Lunch with JJ, Lynne and Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios
* Join Karen Savelly for a one on one cooking class with Tribute Chef Don Yamauchi
* A VIP Coney Class with Ken Calvert at Leo’s Coney Island
* OverEasy backyard concert and broadcast with Arlen and Grievous Angel
* A Motor City Blue Project broadcast and“un-plugged Super Session” of blues
…and much more!

To make a donation, call 866-774-WCSX (9279) or log onto www.leukemiamichigan.org.

Back again by popular demand is the “Guitar Jam for CLF.” Local guitar players are invited to join in the fun simply by bringing a $5 donation, a guitar and small amp to Center Court in Oakland Mall Thursday, January 25th at 8pm for a rousing rendition of CREAM’s Classic Rock anthem “Sunshine of Your Love.” This musical fundraising event will be broadcast live on 'CSX. Each guitar player who participates will receive a limited edition Guitar Jam All Access lanyard.

CLF of Michigan is a statewide organization that provides information, financial assistance and support for adults and children affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other related blood disorders. The WCSX Radiothon is one of the major sources of revenue for the foundation.

This long running fundraiser has to date raised over raised $2,800,000 for the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.

"The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet" (9 a.m., WJBK-TV, Channel 2, Fox). Series premiere. Mike Jerrick and Juliet Huddy, who teamed for over four years as anchors of Fox News Channel's "Dayside" chat fest, do the infotainment dance as hosts of this new one-hour weekday program, live from New York... Morning infotainment show premieres on WJBK today (Mon, 1/22)

New Promotions Director Sought For WMXD/Detroit:
CLEAR CHANNEL Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92)/DETROIT has lost its promotions director. BEKKI YANG left the station in NOVEMBER and has returned to her former station, CLEAR CHANNEL Urban WKKV(V-100)/MILWAUKEE, where she is now an AE. (Mon, 1/22)

ABC's "World News with Charles Gibson" and its anchor will be making a stop in Metro Detroit next week. Gibson will broadcast the 6:30 p.m. newscast from here Monday and Tuesday as well as a town hall on the auto industry that will air 8 p.m. Monday on local ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV (Channel 7)... ABC, Gibson work Detroit (Tue, 1/23)

If your cable TV bill hasn't already gone up, get ready for a price hike as cable and satellite companies raise rates for nearly all Metro Detroit customers... Cable providers raise rates (Tue, 1/23)

Deep Trax HD2 Free Preview This Weekend

This coming weekend, Classic Rock WCSX-FM 94.7 will take listeners deep into the music vault with a preview of 'CSX's HD multicast station, "WCSX Deep Trax".

The WCSX Deep Trax Free Preview Weekend will kick off Saturday, January 27th at noon and continue all weekend through Sunday night, all without commercials.

WCSX harnesses the power of HD Radio to provide listeners the highest fidelity ever available on FM radio- and even more choices. Deep Trax features the lesser heard gems from deep within the classic albums. WCSX Deep Trax delivers enormous variety with virtually no repetition and even fewer interruptions.

Responding to our listener feedback of features such as “Classic Rock A-to-Z”, Deep Trax HD2 is hosted by the station’s on-air personalities Ken Calvert, Jim Johnson, Lynne Woodison, Karen Savelly, and Steve Kostan. It provides 24/7 access to those Classic Rock treasures that may be a bit outside the radio musical norm.

94.7 WCSX debuted Deep Trax, a special HD Radio multicast station, at the end of July 2005 with the unveiling of the HD radio broadcast. Both stations transmit a digital signal that provides CD quality sound and has the ability to display more text information than a traditional radio. Fans can listen to WCSX Deep Trax through special HD radio receivers available in tabletop and auto receiver models now or by simply logging on to www.wcsxdeeptrax.com.

Here’s just a sample of some of the titles featured on WCSX Deep Trax:
BEATLES/Abbey Road: “Her Majesty,” “I Want You,” and “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer”
DOORS/L.A. Woman: “Hyacinth House,” “Crawling King Snake,” and “The Wasp”
STEVE MILLER/Fly Like An Eagle: “Wild Mountain Honey,” “Blue Odyssey,” and “You Send Me”
TOM PETTY/Damn the Torpedoes: “Century City,” and “Louisiana Rain”
LED ZEPPELIN/Houses of the Holy: “The Song Remains The Same” and “The Crunge”

Judy Adams, noted musicologist and program director of WDET-FM (101.9) until 2005, has returned to the Detroit music scene after a period of informal exile. She's hosting the Music Hall's new live jazz performance series Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 to 11 p.m., and will voice the programs on WVMV-FM (98.7) Sundays at 11 p.m. (WVMV's HD channel will re-air them more often.) Adams has taken on those jobs in addition to her once-a-week program on CJAM-FM (91.5) on Tuesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m... Judy Adams returns to Detroit music (Wed, 1/24)

Hal Youngblood, a multitalented performer who labored behind the scenes at Detroit’s WJR-AM (760) as producer of J.P. McCarthy’s morning show and his legendary noontime “Focus” show, died early today in Johnson City, Tenn. Youngblood, 77, also was active in the local theater scene, performing in many productions here over the years... Hal Youngblood dies (Wed, 1/24)

Once again it's that time where I attempt to answer all your pressing TV questions... 'Local 4 News' can't defeat 'O' (Wed, 1/24)

Zonjic’s nominations are for Best Wind Instrumentalist and for Broadcaster of the Year.

Winners will be determined through on-line voting and by a panel of industry professionals. To vote, fans should visit www.canadiansmoothjazzawards.com. Voting is now open to an international audience.

Alicia Smith will join WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 Action News as an anchor / reporter effective Monday, January 29. Alicia Smith will co-anchor "Action News This Morning" (weekdays 5-7 am) with Erik Smith. The announcement was made by WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 News Director Andrea Parquet-Taylor.

Smith comes from WWMT in Grand Rapids / Kalamazoo, where she was the weeknight co-anchor of their 5 pm and 5:30 pm newscast. In addition to anchoring, Smith also filed daily reports for the station and covered many national and local events of significance. She reported live from New York City in 2002 for the Anniversary of September 11th, traveled to Florida to cover Hurricane Jeanne, and reported live during President Bush's visit to Battle Creek.

"Alicia is an accomplished hard-working journalist who has covered major breaking news in Michigan and across the country. She is an enthusiastic team player who has always been actively involved in the community where she has worked," said Parquet-Taylor.

Smith graduated cum laude with Phi Kappa Phi honors from the University of Georgia earning a Broadcast News major from the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She minored in Political Science.

The CBC Radio One show "Definitely Not the Opera", a national pop-culture program that airs locally on CBE AM (1550) Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., will be broadcasting their February 3rd show from Windsor/Detroit and will feature a segment with host Sook-Yin Lin talking with Martin Bandyke about the local group Blanche, an alternative-country band. A brand new song will be aired from the group, which features the husband and wife team of Dan John Miller and Tracee Mae Miller, both recently seen in the Johnny Cash biopic "Walk The Line."

Bandyke is set to celebrate is one-year anniversary at Adult Alternative station "Ann Arbor's 107one", WKQL-FM 107.1, where he hosts morning drive weekdays 6-10 a.m. and also presents the free-from show Fine Tuning every Sunday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. Prior to joining WKQL, Bandyke hosted middays for a number of years at Public/Adult Alternative WDET-FM 101.9 Detroit.

Want to be part of local broadcast history and hear some great Brazilian jazz? Head down to the Music Hall in Detroit on Saturday, where Oscar Castro-Neves will perform a concert at 8 p.m. that also will be broadcast live on WRCJ-FM (90.9). Tony Mowod, who hosts WRCJ's nightly "JazzWorks" program, will emcee the event... Music Hall jazz concert will be broadcast on WRCJ (Thu, 1/25)

Happy birthday, sweet 16 -- times five, plus nine. Today is Ernie Harwell's 89th birthday, which he'll celebrate quietly with his family. The bigger party comes next year. Does he still make a wish and blow out the candles on his cake? "Sure," the Hall of Fame broadcaster said. "But it's the candle on my cake, not the candles. There's not room for them all anymore"... Forever young (Thu, 1/25)

Channel 30's "History at Home" series will feature shows about Ohio's neighboring state in February. Want to learn more about Michigan's fairs, lighthouses and bridges? Check out WGTE Channel 30 in February. For three Thursday nights, the Toledo public broadcasting channel will air Michigan episodes of "History at Home." Other topics are the Michigan State Capitol, wine-making and conservation districts. Michigan history programs aren't regularly aired on WGTE, but the channel has a strong Monroe County following... Toledo PBS station focuses on Michigan (Thu, 1/25)

He had two dreams growing up as a no-frills, working-class kid from Macomb County. Lary Sorensen wanted to be a big league pitcher. Secondly, but not secondarily, he wanted to be a baseball radio announcer, a man who one day might do what one of his heroes, Ernie Harwell, did so famously. If only life had leveled off, jet-airliner-style, for a man after two dreams were realized... 'My alcoholism cost me' (Fri, 1/26)

Michael Coleman, whose job as general manager of Detroit Public Radio WDET-FM (101.9) ended on Dec. 31, has a new gig. Coleman now is development director at Affirmations, the Ferndale-based center for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender programs, services and social opportunities... Former WDET manager takes job at gay, lesbian center (Fri, 1/26)

One of the WXYZ-TV's (Channel 7) familiar rays of morning sunshine for nearly five years, anchorwoman Carolyn Clifford, takes her leap to evening anchor beginning Monday. In her new post, the Emmy winning broadcast journalist will share the 5 and 7 p.m. desks with Robbie Timmons. New hire Alicia Smith , formerly of WWMT-TV (Channel 3), the CBS affiliate in Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo will take Clifford's old a.m. job on Monday, the station announced Thursday... Carolyn Clifford becomes evening anchor at WXYZ (Fri, 1/26)

In this age of high-definition televisions that are the size of a compact car, some people may nonetheless harbor nostalgia for the golden age of radio; if this accurately describes you, Concordia University, at 4090 Geddes Road in Ann Arbor, has the perfect event for your calendar... Learn about radio when it was young (Fri, 1/26)

Women Who Make Magic®
Magic 105.1FM
One Radio Plaza
Detroit, MI 48220

You can also e-mail your nomination to: women@detroitmagic.com. The station is asking for a photo of your “Magical” nominee as well.

Every Friday morning through May, Jim Harper & The Magic Morning Show will recognize two amazing “Women Who Make Magic.” Each nominee will receive two tickets to attend the Women Who Make Magic® Awards Banquet at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom in Warren and a $50 Kroger gift card.

The 6th Annual Women Who Make Magic Awards Banquet and Dinner will be held on Monday, June 11, 2007 at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom on 14 Mile in Warren. More details, including ticket information, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Here's a riddle of sorts: Do you know the name of somebody you've heard, probably can't identify by sight, who is a female pioneer in a tough business and grew up around Detroit? The answer: Randy Thomas. And she's setting another first -- she'll announce the Pepsi Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show Feb. 4 on CBS (WWJ-TV, Channel 62) from Dolphin Stadium in Miami. Yes, she's the first female to handle the chore... Detroit voice gets big gig (Sun, 1/28)

Shawne Duperon writes and produces television shows and corporate videos, does voice-over work and is a media trainer... Five Things: About a media maven (Sun, 1/28)

One of the most widely known Detroiters was a fictional hero most often associated with Texas. The Lone Ranger was invented in Detroit and made his radio debut Jan. 30, 1933, on station WXYZ. Although the man in the white hat and the black mask was billed as a guy who saved good people from bad, he was really intended to save the radio station from a lousy economy, wracked as it was by the Great Depression. Station owner George W. Trendle wanted to come up with a character who was a Wild West cross between Zorro and Robin Hood... Lone Ranger makes his radio debut (Sun, 1/28)

Michael Coleman, former deputy director of Michigan Public Media, which oversees the University of Michigan's public radio and television operations, has taken a job as development director for Affirmations, a nonprofit community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people located in Ferndale. Coleman moved from WUOM to Detroit public radio station WDET in mid-2005... Public radio's Coleman accepts Ferndale job (Sun, 1/28)

Does the rest of America care about the bad news from the domestic auto industry? Charles Gibson thinks so. He's set to anchor ABC's "World News" broadcast from metro Detroit tonight and Tuesday. He's also moderating a town hall meeting on the state of the auto industry that airs live at 8 tonight on WXYZ-TV (Channel 7)... Gibson to focus on autos (Mon, 1/29)

Mark your calendars. The Salvation Army of Eastern Michigan, WOMC-FM (104.3) veteran Detroit radio voice Dick Purtan and his Purtan's People cast will hold the 20th annual Dick Purtan Radiothon Feb. 23 to raise money for the Detroit area's homeless and hungry people. The live broadcast starts at 6 a.m. from the center court at Oakland Mall and will end at 10 p.m.; the donation number is 248-307-1043. Expect live performances by local and national performers and interviews with celebrities and sports figures... Purtan's Radiothon to be Feb. 23 (Mon, 1/29)

"Play It Again: Tigers vs. Yankees" (7 p.m., FSN Detroit). Winter baseball memory bliss. FSN rolls out January-February-March encores of manager Jim Leyland and the Tigers' October playoff pennant run through the Yankees and Oakland to the American League championship... FSN Detroit relives the glory of Tigers' '06 pennant race (Mon, 1/29)

Second place just won't do for anchorman Charles Gibson. To tighten the gap between his "World News with Charles Gibson" on ABC and the No. 1 rated "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams," Gibson has been hitting the road. He arrives in Metro Detroit this morning, where he'll butter up the bigs at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), the local ABC affiliate. Gibson, 63, also will spend today and Tuesday broadcasting his newscast from here and hosting a town hall on the auto industry tonight... Gibson visits Channel 7 (Mon, 1/29)

Chatman Named Director/Digital Media At WYCD:
CBS RADIO Country WYCD/DETROIT has named longtime MD/night personality RON CHATMAN Director/Digital Media. RON will oversee all campaigns on the Internet for WYCD as well as its HD2 station, THE WOLF. CHATMAN has been with WYCD for seven years. (Mon, 1/29)

Anchorman Charles Gibson took a strictly business approach Monday night from Ford's River Rouge Plant in Dearborn for a local broadcast of ABC's "World News with Charles Gibson," the first from his two-day stop here... Gibson does news from Rouge Plant (Tue, 1/30)

John Mason is back on Detroit radio. Early. While the WGPR-FM (107.5) website still promises a new morning show starting Feb. 1, Mason has already extended his syndicated “Mason Radio” morning show to the Detroit outlet. (Heard in Saginaw, he was prevented from being heard in Detroit until this month because of a non-compete clause enforced in court by his last station, WDMK-FM (105.9), He left that station in thesummer of 2006. Tuesday morning, Mason was percolating as usual, playing soul oldies, talking about welcome-back parties and his upcoming gig as public address announcer for the NBA all-star game in Las Vegas... Mason back on Detroit airwaves (Tue, 1/30)

"I know less about the automobile industry than anybody here," said ABC News anchor Charles Gibson near the start of Monday night's town hall meeting on WXYZ-TV (Channel 7). And as an outsider, he asked tough questions. Do we need an American auto industry? Do the Detroit automakers have time to change consumer attitudes? In a friendly yet proddingly provocative way, Gibson asked these things and more during the hour-long program that aired live from Channel 7's Southfield studios... ABC anchor grills on autos (Tue, 1/30)

The event will feature everything a guy could want…all under one roof. See the latest cars and trucks, motorcycles, electronics, sports, music and so much more. Just a few of the exciting elements fans can experience at the Motor City Men’s Expo include a NASCAR simulator, an indoor Home Run Derby and Speed Pitch Challenge, the Motor City Men’s Expo Bikini Contest and The Miller Lite Lounge.

In addition, expo-goers can check out the “Strong Man Competition”, Extreme sports demonstrations from Modern Skate and Nemesis Skateboards, the ladies of the “Detroit Derby Girls”. Plus, they can climb the U.S. Army’s Rock Climb wall and participate in the flag football competition by signing up at www.wrif.com.

Attendees will also have a chance to meet a great line-up of celebrities this year including:

Jackass and Jackass 2 star Steve O, Playboy Playmates Miss May 2006, Allison Waite and Miss November 2006, Sarah Elizabeth. They can also meet WRIF’s own celebrities Drew and Mike and the WRIF Rock Girl, Lisa Welch.

The Motor City Men’s Expo is one of the featured activities of the Detroit Winter Blast, which is going on throughout the weekend, February 9-11 in Downtown Detroit, centered around Campus Martius. For more info on Detroit Winter Blast activities, click on www.motownwinterblast.com.

Ford Field is located at 2000 Brush Street in Downtown Detroit. Admission to the show is only $7 at the door with $2 off discount coupons and more show info available at www.wrif.com.

On February 3rd, 1959 the music world lost three of its pioneering rock and roll performers. Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens died when their plane crashed after a concert near Mason City, Iowa which was immortalized in the Don McLean classic “American Pie”.

Oldies CKWW AM 580, Motor City Favorites, will salute their legacy with special programming this weekend. On Friday’s “Blue Plate Special” airing at 12 noon, Wayne Stevens will play 5 back-to-back songs by the artists in tribute to the last concert the three stars would perform on their “Winter Dance Party Tour” February 2nd in Iowa.

Then, throughout Saturday and Sunday music from Buddy Holly as well as the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens will be spotlighted, including tribute songs like “American Pie” and others.

Was he or wasn't he? Wasn't that John Mason broadcasting for five hours Tuesday morning on WGPR-FM (107.5), from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.? The station's Web site didn't have Mason starting his show until Thursday, but the veteran broadcaster was on briefly Monday, and then behind the mike for a whole morning shift Tuesday as a "teaser," according to WGPR program director Carol James. Technically it's not official. But he was there, broadcasting... Mason back on WGPR to tease new show (Wed, 1/31)

It seems like every time I open my mail bag, the letters, e-mails and queries seem only to multiply. But I aim to please, and am pleased that people are reading my column and feel comfortable enough to ask me questions. So fire away, I say. In the meantime, here are the answers to many of last week's inquiries. Gloria Smith of Detroit wanted to know where on earth WDIV-TV (Channel 4) morning anchor Rhonda Walker has been hiding. Meanwhile, another reader, who didn't identify himself, asked about her temporary replacement, Ama Daetz... WDIV's Walker to make return (Wed, 1/31)

As part of "Shrinking Cities," San Francisco-based artist Jon Brumit celebrates local gumption in a series of short radio narratives by, or about, what he calls "self-driven, self-motivated" Metro Detroiters whose passions have led them in intriguing directions... Local radio tour highlights innovative Metro Detroiters (Wed, 1/31)

Ownership of the four Ann Arbor radio stations operated by Clear Channel Communications, Inc. is changing hands. The new owner will be Atlanta-based Cumulus Media, Inc., the second largest radio broadcasting company in the country. Under a local marketing agreement (LMA), the exchange took place last week, said Jerry Kersting, chief financial officer for Clear Channel. The LMA will allow Cumulus to operate the Ann Arbor stations until the FCC approves the exchange. That's expected by June, Kersting said... New owner for Clear Channel stations (Thu, 1/2)

Sunday is Super Bowl, er, Symphony Sunday , if you're an avid listener of classical/jazz WRCJ-FM (90.9), as host Chris Felcyn continues his practice of pitting symphonies from each Super Bowl city against each other. This year, it's Chicago vs. Indianapolis... Super Bowl city orchestras duke it out Symphony Sunday (Thu, 2/1)

Consumers can run, but they can't hide from the almighty ad. Satellite radio listeners are the latest to be irked by the omnipresence of marketing pitches. Last year, advertisements began popping up on four XM Radio music channels, even though thousands of customers signed up under the promise of commercial-free listening. Some analysts predict current satellite advertising is just the start of the trend... Ads invade satellite radio (Thu, 2/1)

Let’s give Greater Media —owners of Detroit’s WRIF-FM (101.1), WCSX-FM (94.7) and WMGC-FM (105.1) —credit for trying to do something to get some buzz going about HD radio. Over the past two weekends, first the main WRIF signal and the next weekend the main WCSX lineup was replaced by the station’s HD channels. WRIF's RIFF2 plays an eclectic mix of local artists, alternative, hip-hop, punk and indie-rock; WCSX’s Deep Trax plays lesser heard rock gems. Of course to hear them all the time, you need to buy an HD receiver and despite recent price cuts, they’re still not cheap. Or particularly plentiful... HD radio experiments good, but... (Wed, 1/31)

Effective Monday, ESPN Radio returns to Ann Arbor sports radio station WTKA 1050 and will include the Colin Cowherd and Dan Patrick shows. The station currently is affiliated with FOX Sports. Cowherd will occupy the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. slot weekdays, followed by Patrick from 1 to 4 p.m. Syndicated ESPN show "The Sports Bash with Erik Kuselias " will fill the weekday 4-6 p.m. slot.

"While the FOX Sports brand is a building young brand, ESPN is the most recognizable brand in sports broadcasting worldwide," WTKA program director Brian Cowan said in a statement. "We want only the very best sports brands on WTKA."

The station's new afternoon lineup won't affect specialty shows for Michigan and Eastern Michigan athletics. On Monday, WTKA also will re-launch its local morning show "The Locker Room, with Dave Shand, " weekdays from 6-10 a.m. Shand will be joined by former afternoon show host Josh Vernier... Local Briefs/Broadcasting: ESPN Radio returns to WTKA (Fri, 2/2)

Mort Crim, former WDIV-TV (Channel 4) anchorman and for years one of the most recognizable faces in Detroit television, has told The Detroit News that he is undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. Crim, 71, underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 31. Crim says he's six weeks into a chemotherapy regimen that will wind up in June... Mort Crim optimistic on cancer recovery (Fri, 2/2)

It's been more than a decade since you've seen Carmen Harlan and Mort Crim together at the anchor desk. It's time to catch up... One on one with Mort Crim (Thu, 2/1)

WDET-FM 101.9, Detroit Public Radio, will air Governor Granholm's annual State of the State Address on Tuesday evening, February 6 at 7pm. The address will be followed by reaction from lawmakers, and a formal Republican response. Coverage will be hosted by Michigan Public Radio's
Rick Pluta. The broadcast is expected to run between an hour and 90 minutes.

 • • •  

"Bridging The Racial Divide" set to air on WDET, WJR, Ch. 56 Feb 5

The second in a series of prime-time, one-hour telecasts on race relations in Metro Detroit is ste for broadcast on Monday, February 5 at 10 p.m. Produced by Kingberry Productions and WTVS - Detroit Public Television, "Bridging the Racial Divide" will be co-hosted by former NBC correspondent and news anchor Emery King and WJR's Paul W. Smith. The hosts will be joined by a number of dynamic and influential voices in the community representing a variety of backgrounds and points of view on the complex issue of race relations in metropolitan Detroit. The program will be broadcast simultaneously on WDET, WTVS Channel 56 Detroit Public Television, and WJR-AM 760.

 • • •  

Ralph Valdez to interview Midlake Feb 4

This Sunday night, February 4, solve the mystery of the hermit Van Occupanther as Ralph Valdez interviews Midlake, a young quintet from Denton, Texas whose critically acclaimed latest CD “The Trials of Van Occupanther” shows their talent for blending a soft, 70’s folk sensibility with a darker, more mysterious, storytelling and progressive rock songcraft. Lucky listeners can also call in to win copies of Midlake’s new CD and tickets to their February 13th concert at Detroit’s Majestic Theatre.

Tickets to the classical Sphinx Competition Finals for young Black and Latino string players at Orchestra Hall February 11th at 2pm will also be offered to listeners this Sunday night.

As always, other arts and culture information and a wide variety of music new and old, from around Detroit and around the world, plus a few “rummage sale records”, will also be spun and explored on The Ralph Valdez Program, which airs from 10pm-midnight every Sunday.

Tune in to CBC Radio One (CBE-AM, 1550) from 1 to 4 p.m. today as '"Definitely Not the Opera," the CBC Canadian network radio show, explores Detroit's music scene (and that of its sister city, Windsor, Ontario)... Canada's CBE-AM talks Detroit, Windsor music scenes today (Sat, 2/3)

Television captured the imagination of America in the 1950s, and Greg Byndrian was a willing captive. He remembers spending weekends in front of the television while growing up in Highland Park, watching sporting events, enthralled by the play-by-play. Long before Byndrian graduated from Henry Ford Elementary to Highland Park High, he had found a calling. As a high school freshman in 1959, Byndrian began announcing Highland Park varsity basketball games on the school's radio station, WHPR-FM. In a sense, he has never left... A lifetime behind the mike (Sat, 2/3)

CLEAR CHANNEL Talk WRVA-A/RICHMOND ups morning show host JIMMY BARRETT to PD. BARRETT, who will continue hosting "RICHMOND'S MORNING NEWS," has been with WRVA since MARCH 2001. (Thu, 2/1).

Barrett spent a number of years behind the mic locally at both WJR and WXYT AM 1270 before departing for Richmond.

The old interview studio at Plymouth-Canton Schools' radio station is so cramped that two people are hard put to crowd inside. And they'd have to be standing. But hey, who needs comfortable surroundings and in-studio guests? WSDP-FM (88.1) is radio, not TV. Listeners don't need to see who's talking -- in their imagination, they can cook up any old face for the announcer, who might be sitting in the studio naked and nobody would know. He or she might be talking to somebody halfway around the world, and you'd think both people were side-by-side. Radio. It's the sound... 35 years of sound (Sun, 2/4)

For a show that just from its title might suggest a night of strong opinion, the second installment of the Emery King- and Paul W. Smith-hosted "Bridging the Racial Divide" is a surprisingly calm hour of largely informational TV. It's long on matter-of-factness and, perhaps surprisingly, low on passion. Mused Kingberry Productions' Tom LoCicero: "The most effective way to get to people is to appeal to rational self-interest. At a time when this community is under siege economically, it's a good time to think about the advantages of working together." Airing at 10 p.m. Monday on WTVS-TV (Channel 56) with audio simulcast on WJR-AM (760) and WDET-FM (101.9), this episode examines the cost -- much of it not very apparent -- of metro Detroit's segregated living patterns... 'Bridging the Divide' has calm view of racial issues (Sun, 2/4)

The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity is sponsoring public previews of the TV program "Bridging the Racial Divide" Monday at various locations throughout metro Detroit. The group is inviting members of the public to attend one of several viewings at which 50 to 100 people will eat a light dinner, watch the program and share their thoughts. The program will be shown at 7 p.m... Preview is planned for TV show on race issues (Sun, 2/4)

Tuesday is a big day for Bob Allison, now 74. From 9 to 11 a.m. on WNZK-AM (690), he'll mark the 45th anniversary of his "Ask Your Neighbor" program. Ah, memories. "We used to be the No. 1-rated show in the mid-'60s when mothers were less a part of the workforce and tuned us in to talk about things as if it were over the backyard fence," Allison said in a chat passed along by Len Malysz, husband of nutritionist-registered dietitian Theresa Malysz, a regular guest. "Neighbor" was born Feb. 6, 1962, on WWJ-AM (950), when talk radio was more an experiment than a full-fledged radio format... 'Ask Your Neighbor' show is 45- (Mon, 2/5)

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Clint Black, a true superstar and humanitarian to help us launch this year’s Radiothon”, said WYCD program director Tim Roberts.

Also joining the fundraising efforts will be Hot Young Country Star Eric Church who is appearing Thursday afternoon at 5pm prior to his free Winterblast concert Friday evening at the GM Renaissance Center Wintergarden.

You may have noticed that it's cold outside. Extremely cold. Excessively cold. Egregiously cold, even. How cold, Sonny Eliot?"It's colder," he says, "than a former wife's hello."

A simple thermometer can give you the exact reading. A TV meteorologist will gladly quote you the wind-chill factor, even if that's a thunderously incorrect term. For the proper perspective, though, the man to see is Eliot, who's weathered the highs and lows on WWJ-AM (950) for 60 years. Some of the dramatics on the nightly newscasts might make him shiver, but he knows how to tell you it's chilly outside... The Sonny side of Metro Detroit's weather forecast (Wed, 2/7)

The title of Sean Ross' column this week for Edison Media Research is "The Most Intriguing Radio Stations of 2006," and one of his picks is WRIF-HD-2 (Riff 2) , the high-definition station that Greater Media Detroit launched a year and a half ago. RIFF 2 is a youthful, lively mix of hip-hop and edgy rock, a combination that programmers have been reluctant to try on the FM dial. But then, formats for young people in general are hard to find anywhere on "terrestrial" radio, when in the past the teenage audience was eagerly sought out... High-definition radio starts programming for teen guys (Thu, 2/8)

Rock singer Question Mark, who had a No. 1 hit in the 1960s, believes the following: His soul is from Mars, he roamed the Earth with dinosaurs in an earlier life, and he chats with people from the future. His fantasy life notwithstanding, he's now reeling from a catastrophe that's all too real... 96 Tears? How about none? (Thu, 2/8)

A pair of recent radio chats —with WRIF-FM (101.1) morning stars Drew & Mike and another appearance with WKRK-FM’s (97.1) Jay Towers —have raised the question: Is Lucy Noland laying the groundwork for coming back to work in Detroit?.. Noland on Detroit radio; TV to follow? (Thu, 2/8)

To be celebrated: The life and times of the late Hal Youngblood by members of Detroit's theatrical and broadcast community, 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Jewish Ensemble Theatre, 6600 W. Maple in West Bloomfield... Names and Faces (Thu, 2/8)

Country WYCD-FM 99.5 listeners pledged $572,209 during the station's two-day radiothon, which wrapped up yesterday evening. The money raised goes to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. St. Jude's focuses on finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases and serves patients from across North America.

The funny thing about answering questions for readers is invariably there is always another query or two that pops up as a result. For instance, a couple of weeks ago, several readers asked about WDIV-TV (Channel 4) morning anchorwoman Rhonda Walker . After minor surgery, Walker returned to work Feb. 1 following a nearly two-month leave. While she was out, weekend anchor and San Jose, Calif., native Ama Daetz filled in for her. When Daetz first joined WDIV, she shared the desk with reporter/ anchor Jeff Vaughn, who hasn't been on for about a month... WDIV anchors' absence clarified (Fri, 2/9)

He got out of the burning house with three Yorkshire terriers and a shoe.

Clio rock musician Question Mark had been in his basement that January afternoon, washing his dogs' sweaters, when he smelled the smoke. The fire spread rapidly: By the time he got upstairs, he was on his knees, crawling through the living room and out the door... Free Press Winter Blast Guide: Question Mark and Mysterians will play (Fri, 2/9)

On Tuesday, February 20th at 12:30pm, Studio A2 on the Road will feature two-time Grammy winner Rickie Lee Jones, best known for her 1979 self-titled debut, which included the smash hit "Chuck E's In Love." She's touring to support her new release "Sermon On Exposition Boulevard." Rickie Lee Jones does not tour that often these days, and rarely does in-store events like this one, making her appearance at Borders a very special event for Bandyke and WQKL.

The downtown Ann Arbor Borders store is located at 612 E. Liberty. The free performance will be broadcast live on 107one hosted by Martin Bandyke. A CD signing session will follow the performance.

Four Ann Arbor radio stations formerly owned by Clear Channel Communications are under new ownership. Country station WWWW (102.9 FM), adult album alternative station WQKL-FM (107.1 FM), liberal-talk station WLBY (1290 AM) and sports outlet WTKA (1050 AM) are now owned by Atlanta, Ga.-based Cumulus Media Inc. as of Jan. 15, General Manager Bob Bolak said ... Ann Arbor Radio also announced it has hired Chris Ammel as program director for WQKL and WLBY... Business In Brief (Sat, 2/10)

Smooth Jazz V98.7 (WVMV-FM Detroit) in cooperation with the American Stroke Association will present “Angels for Angela,” a benefit concert for Angela Bofill and the American Stroke Association, on Wednesday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Detroit.

Alexander Zonjic will perform with some special friends, Kem, Maysa, Najee, Marion Meadows, Jeff Lorber, Ken Navarro, James Lloyd, Thornetta Davis, Dave McMurray and many others.

“All of the artists are donating their time, energy and talent. We’ve enjoyed her music so much over the years,” said jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic who often performed with Bofill.

Award-winning recording artist Angela Bofill suffered a massive stroke in January 2006 that left her partially paralyzed and impaired her speech. One year later her recovery is progressing. With continued physical and speech therapy, she is determined to sing again. Like millions of Americans, Bofill was without health insurance coverage. She is expected to attend the Detroit benefit.

Tickets are available at all TicketMaster locations, at www.ticketmaster.com and by phone (248) 645-6666 or the Music Hall Box Office (313) 963-2366. The Music Hall is located on 350 Madison Ave. in Detroit. Tickets range from $35 to $100.

“We took the name ‘Angels for Angela’ from one of Angela’s biggest hits, ‘Angel of the Night’,” said Zonjic. His company Hi-Falutin’ Music is producing the benefit concert. “We just want to show her our love and support,” he added.

Zonjic is the popular weekday morning host on Smooth Jazz V98.7 (WVMV-FM). The radio station is presenting the benefit with the American Stroke Association (ASA) not only to support Angela Bofill’s recovery, but also to raise awareness of the devastating disease through the ASA’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign. For more information log onto www.strokeassociation.org or call 1-888-4-STROKE.

Soft Rock WMGC-FM, Magic 105.1, plans to hold "The Magic Wine Down" event from 6-9 pm on Friday, March 2nd at the Marble & Granite Gallery on Telegraph Rd. between 8 and 9 Mile Roads in Southfield.

The event will feature hors d'oeuvres, dessert, coffee and wine from John Jonna of Merchants Fine Wine. Over 10 different wines will be showcased and wine stewards will be on hand to educate attendees about the specific types featured at the event. There will also be a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association. Magic 105.1 personalities Linda Lanci, Cyndy Canty and Fay Samona will co-host.

Those interested in attending should visit the station's web site at www.detroitmagic.com. Tickets will not be for sale - they will only be available via giveaways from WMGC-FM.

Opus One restaurant and News/Talk WJR AM 760 have announced the fundraising campaign “Cuisine for a Cause.” This dining program, created to assist ten non-profit organizations carefully selected by committee, will kick off Friday, February 16, 2007 and continue through April 28, 2007.

During this ten-week period, Opus One will donate 25 percent of all funds generated from dining room guest checks Monday-Thursday. Opus One guests are invited to choose from one of the participating charities indicated at the conclusion of their meal.

Additionally, each Friday and Saturday, Opus One will donate 25 percent of the entire day’s dining receipts to one of the ten charities highlighted each week:

February 16-17: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
February 23-24: Children’s Hospital of Michigan
March 2-3: ALS of Michigan, Lou Gehrig’s Disease
March 9-10: American Red Cross Southeastern MI Chapter
March 16-17: The Children’s Center
March 23-24: Detroit Symphony Orchestra Volunteer Council
March 30-31: March of Dimes
April 13-14: The Salvation Army
April 20-21: The Detroit Historical Society
April 27-28: Michigan Opera Theatre

“We look forward to joining WJR and these ten outstanding charitable organizations for Cuisine For A Cause,” said Jim Kokas, General Manager of Opus One. “We are glad to be able to help those in need right here in the Detroit area.”

“Cuisine For A Cause was designed to assist non-profit organizations during this difficult economic time in Michigan,” adds Mike Fezzey, WJR President & General Manager. “It is a privilege to join this group and continue to play a role in helping people within our community.”

Reservations may be made to help “Cuisine For A Cause” by calling Opus One, located at 565 East Larned Street in Detroit, MI at 313-961-7766. For more information, visit Opus-One.com or WJR.com.

Listeners are invited to join Governor Jennifer Granholm and WJR's Lloyd Jackson for another edition of "Ask The Governor" on Thursday, February 15th from 7:00-8:00 PM. The number to call during the show with your questions is (800) 859-0-WJR.

It was Detroit night across the nation early this morning when Detroit natives George Noory — the host of nationally syndicated “Coast-to-Coast-AM” (heard here on CKLW-AM, 800, 1-5 a.m.) --- and Casey Kasem, the king of the music countdown shows, got together for the 'C-to-C" show’s first hour. Noory noted both were Detroit natives, both attended Detroit colleges (Noory at the University of Detroit; Kasem at Wayne State University) and both were of Lebanese ancestry... Detroit-bred radio stars get together (Tue, 2/13)

John Mason is in demand. Detroit Pistons fans know him simply as Mason, the Pistons’ in-arena announcer and progenitor of the call, “DEE-TROIT BASKETBALL,” and they wave and yell for his attention like he was one of the players. They did it again before the Pistons hosted the Boston Celtics last week. Mason obliged, signing as many autographs as he could before tip-off. He received handshakes and pats on the back in return as he signed his way down the line... Mason: An All-Star Announcer (Wed, 2/14)

Soft rock WMGC-FM, Magic 105.1 has dropped 'The Magic Cafe', hosted locally by Johnny Williams, and in its place will air the syndicated John Tesh program from 8pm - 1am Sunday - Friday evenings. The new show starts tonight.

Turns out WMGC-FM (105.1) morning man Jim Harper has a lot in common with his new syndicated evening host, John Tesh. Both revealed they are major-league germaphobes. In an interview that aired this morning — Tesh’s show debuts today from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. — Tesh and Harper swapped tales of being enemies of all things soiled, including sharing a story about the general unhealthiness of ice cubes. They discussed the value of carrying around black lights to scan for bad things unseen under normal light... Harper, Tesh talk dirty, sort of... (Wed, 2/14)

Detroit Public Radio, along with other public broadcasters in the state, will air a special live call-in program with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm on Friday, February 16 at 9 a.m.

Governor Granholm has laid out her plans to fix the state's economy and to balance the budget with spending cuts and tax increases that will impact many in the state. This special broadcast will be the citizens' turn to ask the Governor about her plans. Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta will host the live, call-in with Michigan's Governor Granholm. The Governor will be answering caller questions beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, February 16 in this special, one-hour
broadcast. Listeners interested in speaking with Governor Granholm during the program can call (877) 952-7870.

• • • •

Detroit Public Radio will air a one-hour special on Thursday evening, February 22 at 9pm, as Destination Jazz: The Ed Love Program observes Black History Month by presenting Wynton Marsalis' "From The Plantation to the Penitentiary."

This documentary shares its title with a new Wynton Marsalis recording, due to be released March 6 on Blue Note Records. On the album, Maralis takes an uncompromising look at
America's promise of prosperity and happiness as it relates to the African American experience.

On this special, Keith David from WBGO in Newark dissects this monumental recording along with Marsalis himself, who previously was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for "Blood On The
Fields."

At 7pm on the evening of February 22, Ed Love will also feature a live "From Studio A" performance by Allan Barnes and the Primetime Big Band.

John Mason wanted to see the NBA All-Star Game last year in Houston, and he couldn't get in. Couldn't get close, in fact: No pass, no ticket, not even a significant conversation with a scalper. This weekend, the Detroit Pistons' public address announcer will be courtside in Las Vegas, with the best seat and loudest speakers in the house. At the request of the NBA, and to his little-kid delight, he's the voice of all three all-star related games... DEE-troit's Mason sets standard for NBA (Fri, 2/16)

It's Friday, which means it's time to put on my detective hat and answer a few more questions from my wonderfully curious and devoted readers. This week, several readers inquired about former WDIV-TV (Channel 4) sports anchor FredMcLeod . After 17 years with the station, McLeod left in December for a sports play-by-play gig with the Cleveland Cavaliers... McLeod lands basketball gig (Fri, 2/16)

In an explosive interview with WKQI-FM's (95.5) "Mojo in the Morning" show this morning, Eminem's ex-wife Kim Mathers flipped the tables on Em and cleaned out her closet live on the air for all to hear... Kim Mathers slams Eminem in radio interview (Fri, 2/16)

Eminem’s daughter had her radio tuned to the “Mojo in the Morning” show one day in early 2002 when she heard talk about rumors involving her baby-sitter and her dad. On a lark, the Detroit rapper dialed the station’s request line, got on the air with the startled DJs and proceeded to set the record straight. That impromptu chat was the start of an offbeat but fruitful relationship for Farmington Hills radio station WKQI-FM (95.5), which on Friday morning landed its latest blockbuster call-in from Slim Shady’s personal kingdom: a spicy interview with ex-wife Kim Mathers. Speaking with host Mojo and his on-air crew, Mathers dished hard on her ex, accusing him of losing interest in their kids, lying about ongoing drug addiction and even being bad in bed... WKQI-FM gets low-down from Eminem and ex (Fri, 2/16)

To be feted: Radio personality Frankie Darcell of WMXD-FM (92.3) at the Ford-employees African-Ancestry Network's (FAAN) 26th Annual Black History Month Celebration. Darcell will receive the 2007 Community Service Award... Names and Faces (Fri, 2/16)

Best known for his tenure as afternoon drive host at WXYZ AM 1270 in the 1970's, he also worked at CKWW AM 580 for several years after the "Music of Your Life" format switched over to AM 580 from CKLW AM 800 in the mid-1990s. He also worked at WOMC-FM 104.3 during the 1980's in their pre-oldies days. Davis' resume also included hosting a show for CKLW and serving as a part-time weekend weather reporter on WXYZ-TV Channel 7. In total, his broadcast career spanned 35 years in metro Detroit after his discharge from the US Army where he served in Europe for three years, broadcasting for the Armed Forces Radio Network of Europe.

Born in Greensburg, PA, he moved to Clearwater in 2001. He is survived by his son Jim Davis of Houston, TX a daughter Karen Davis of Columbus, OH., and his father James S. Davis of Clearwater.

This profile is from his days at WYUR:
The Jim Davis Show- With his laid-back style, Jim Davis is known as "everybody's friend". Jim has been pleasing radio audiences in Detroit for over 3 decades. "Top of the Hour" news and information from CNN Radio, along with traffic from the WYUR Traffic Center, weather reports, hourly sports from veteran sportscaster Jim Berk, local news and business with Scott Bradley and just the right amount of music from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. At 6:15 Jim is joined in the studio by pianist David Syme at his baby grand piano playing listeners' requests on Detroit's only live musical request show. Leave the work day far behind with your pal, your buddy, your friend, Jim Davis, weekday afternoons from 3:00 to 7:00.

Art Vuolo contributed to this report

Detroit radio flashback- Time to jump in the radio Wayback Machine! XM Satellite Radio is back paying tribute to Detroit radio from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday with XM's "Sonic Sound Salute" to the old WKNR-AM, which broadcast at 1310. Host Terry (Motormouth) Young will use old Keener 13 DJ voice-checks, chatter from the local station of the '60s including local news, commercials, high school news and, of course, the music from the day... Names and Faces (Sun, 2/18)

On Feb. 25 at noon at the Townsend Hotel, the Board of Governors of the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences -- the local Emmy people -- will induct the seven newest members of its Silver Circle. It honors those spending at least 25 years in broadcasting or media production... Emmy academy honors seven for longevity (Sun, 2/18)

Sports WDFN AM 1130 has announced the signing of Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander who will provide exclusive weekly in-season call-ins and in-depth analysis during the Stoney and Wojo Show, heard weekdays from 3pm to 6pm. The partnership promises to deliver inside information from the player’s perspective as well as providing an outlet for Detroit fans to talk to one of their favorite athletes.

Justin Verlander begins his second full-season in 2007 as a major cog in the Tigers' starting rotation and looks to continue the success of his 2006 campaign which saw him win the American League Rookie of the Year award. After earning a spot in the Tigers' rotation in spring training last March, Verlander went 17-9 with a 3.63 earned run average and helped lead the Tigers to the playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades. He started four games in the postseason, including two in the World Series.

The proposed merger of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. could erase a dividing line between automotive companies. The deal announced Monday would consolidate the only two players in the emerging business of subscription satellite radio, and is sure to face tough scrutiny from federal regulators. Investors and analysts have been speculating about a deal for months. The companies billed the deal as a merger of equals, with shareholders of both companies owning approximately 50 percent of the combined company. However, Sirius will be giving $4.57 billion of its stock to XM shareholders, a substantial premium to the value of their shares... XM, Sirius join forces join forces (Tue, 2/20)

Detroit Public Radio, WDET-FM 101.9 has announced that Jerome Vaughn has been named News Program Director and will begin his duties on March 5, 2007. Jerome Vaughn worked at WDET for 14 years prior to becoming News Director at Michigan Radio in September 2006. His return
to the WDET newsroom will contribute greatly to the station's ongoing commitment of providing a premier public radio service for metropolitan Detroit.

Jerome Vaughn has been honored with countless awards for his work from the Michigan Associated Press, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and Society of Professional Journalists. He also has served as a mentor/trainer for National Public Radio's Next Generation Radio Project and developed and managed a nationally recognized internship program in
the WDET newsroom.

Vaughn replaces Joan Silvi who exited WDET late last year.

Talkers magazine has released its annual list of the Heavy Hundred -- its highly subjective annual view of the top 100 talk radio hosts in the United States, plus a list of 150 others it deems notable. Some highlights: WJR-AM (760) daily syndicated personalities Rush Limbaugh (1), Sean Hannity (2), Dr. Laura Schlessinger (4) and Mark Levin (20) were all in the top 20. Also listed were three WJR local show hosts: Free Press columnist Mitch Albom (59), Paul W. Smith and Glenn Haege. (Smith and Haege were listed in the alphabetical/by category section for those from 101-250). Other locals listed in the top 250 were WKRK-FM's (97.1) afternoon drive team of Deminski & Doyle and, in a most curious pick, the recently united team of Doug Karsch and Scott Anderson at WXYT-AM (1270)... Rush and Hannity are tops in talk (Wed, 2/21)

Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio hope to merge, but the channels that subscribers get probably won't broaden immediately. Company executives spelled out more details about the proposed merger between the two satellite radio companies in a news conference Tuesday. Here's what you need to know as a current (or future) customer... CEO tells how Sirius-XM merger would work (Wed, 2/21)

The 16-hour fundraising extravaganza is scheduled for Feb. 23. The Salvation Army of Eastern Michigan, Motor City’s 104.3 FM WOMC, Dick Purtan and Purtan’s People are joining forces for the 20th Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon to raise much-needed funds for the homeless and hungry in our community. The 20th Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon will broadcast live from the Oakland Mall in Troy from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23rd... 20th Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon To Benefit The Salvation Army (Fri, 2/23)

Readers ask some downright hilarious questions about their favorite local TV anchors and reporters. One of the best came last week from Jennifer Golden, of Trenton, who wondered if Hank Winchester , a reporter at WDIV-TV (Channel 4), once worked on TV in Lansing. She also inquired about his romantic status... The real scoop on Hank Winchester (Fri, 2/23)

Listen up, baseball fanatics. If you root for the Detroit Tigers or Cleveland Indians, you'll want to keep the remote control within reaching distance of your Barcalounger this season. There will be oodles of chances to sit back, relax, and enjoy America's pastime. The Toledo airwaves will be saturated with Tigers and Indians games... Tigers, Tribe rally to load local airwaves (Fri, 2/23)

It all starts Friday at 6 a.m. That’s when the Salvation Army of Eastern Michigan, WOMC-FM (104.3) and morning host Dick Purtan rev up the 20th Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon to raise funds for the homeless and hungry via the Army’s Bed and Bread program. The radiothon airs live from Oakland Mall through 10 p.m. Friday and will feature guest performances, entertainers, athletes and media celebrities. Pledges can be called in to 248-307-1043 or online at www.womc.com... Purtan radiothon ready to launch Friday at 6 a.m. (Thu, 2/22)

The crowd at Oakland Mall was most energized when the tally topped the $2 million mark at 9:00pm and again when Purtan was given a plaque by the Salvation Army to commemorate his 20 years helping to raise money for what has become one of the biggest radio fundraisers anywhere in the country.

Those in attendance during the last hour were also moved by the tributes to the late Gene Taylor and Mark Andrews - two of Purtan's People that cared deeply about the Radiothon and helped elevate it to what's clearly become the most significant grass roots charity drive in Metro Detroit.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

WOMC's web site features tons of pictures from the day's events.

Fundraiser sets single day record for Bed & Bread Program

Dick Purtan of the Motor City's 104.3 WOMC and The Salvation Army in metro Detroit joined together for the 20th straight year setting another one-day, fundraising record as WOMC listeners and sponsors helped raise $2,398,783 in 16 hours to feed, shelter, council and rehabilitate Detroit’s homeless and hungry. Last year’s total was $1,808,440. Every penny raised for this program is used in the metro Detroit area and no administration costs are deducted from it.

The Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon was broadcast live on Friday, February 23, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Oakland Mall in Troy.

An average of 7,000 meals are served each day to those in need via the four Bed & Bread trucks which make stops in metro Detroit’s most depressed areas. In addition, 1,700 men, women and children are sheltered and fed every day and night of the year.

This all-day event included Dick Purtan and Purtan’s People interviewing celebrities, sports figures, comedians, political and business leaders, as well as metro area children who organized creative ways to collect money on their own or through programs in their schools. The Salvation Army coordinates with schools through the Salvation Army Junior Bed & Bread Club.

“I never thought we’d get even close to $2 million but to go considerably above it is remarkable,” says Purtan. “It’s a great testament to our listeners and to the community of Southeastern Michigan. To think that even during these tough times people still found ways to contribute is just overwhelming. We are all so very grateful for their generosity.”

In honor of his significant dedication and personal contributions over the last 20 years, The Salvation Army presented Dick Purtan with an award at the end of the Radiothon commemorating all his hard work for helping make the Bed & Bread Program what it is today.

Since 1988, the Dick Purtan Radiothon has raised close to $17 million for the Bed and Bread Program, including this year’s record total of $2,398,783.

Destination Jazz: The Ed Love Program Celebrates Black History Month With Two Special Features

In honor of Black History month WDET’s Destination Jazz: Ed Love Show will air the Billy Strayhorn Broadcast Special - "Lush Life" on Tuesday, February, 27 at 9 p.m. and Ed Love's interview with jazz great Joe Williams on Wednesday, February 28 at 9 p.m.

Tuesday night's special will reveal the story of how Billy Strayhorn became one of America’s most original jazz composers yet, never acquired much fame. The show is part biography and part showcase for how today’s jazz stars approach the works of one of the twentieth century’s most enduring and important composers. The special will include comments from Bill Charlap, Dianne Reeves, Russell Malone, Joe Lovano, Hank Jones, biographer David Hajdu and many others. This one-hour special was produced by WBGO in New York and narrated by Rhonda Hamilton.

Wednesday night's special features an archived interview of WDET's own Ed Love talking with legendary jazz vocalist Joe Williams about his music and career in jazz.

Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan, has been selected for nine 2006 Broadcast Excellence Awards by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Michigan Radio’s awards were received in the following categories: 'Hard News & Current Events Story', 'Mini Documentary and Series', 'Feature/Use of Medium', 'Newscast', and 'Marketing Materials and Membership Appeals'.

“We are honored to receive these awards from the MAB,” Station Manager Jon Hoban said. “They’re the result of plenty of hard work, and show the dedication of the Michigan Radio news staff to high-quality public radio journalism.”

The MAB will present the awards, as well as announce the winners of the Station of the Year awards, as part of its award ceremony on March 14. A total 841 entries were received from 28 television and 55 radio stations. All entries aired between January 1 and December 31, 2006.

Adult Urban WMXD-FM, Mix 92.3, has added "The Keith Sweat Hotel" to its daily program lineup from 7 pm - midnight. Hosted by R&B singer and music producer Keith Sweat, the program originates from Atlanta and got its start yesterday by clearing on twelve stations across the country. Sweat's program is distributed by Premiere Radio Networks.

Sweat commented, "Radio is one of the reasons I wanted to be a singer, so I've always had an interest in that part of the business. And now, the timing is right for me to add something different to my legacy and to take a chance in sharing who I am on a more intimate level with those listeners checkin' into the Sweat Hotel."

The Keith Sweat Hotel is a music-intensive program with 10-12 songs an hour – R&B and slow jamz from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today. Also featured on the show will be special guests, live in-studio musical performances, and listener confessions, apologies and dedications.

Sweat's program joins syndicated drive-time shows from Steve Harvey mornings and Michael Baisden afternoons on WMXD, leaving Frankie Darcell's 10am - 3pm show as the station's only locally-based program during the prime weekday hours of 6am - midnight.

After nearly losing his life, it's amazing that broadcast journalist Bob Woodruff has maintained a sense of humor, purpose, familial obligation and the desire to continue working in his field. Today, he is a grateful man on a mission. "I feel lucky," said the Bloomfield Hills native, who is still recovering from the traumatic brain injury he suffered Jan. 29, 2006. On that day, an explosive device hit the convoy he and his cameraman, Doug Vogt, were riding in while on assignment in Iraq. Vogt received less-severe head injuries. On Monday, Woodruff held a press conference in New York to talk about his health and tonight's documentary "To Iraq and Back: Bob Woodruff Reports." The ABC special combines Woodruff's own chilling story with a rage-inducing investigation of military families dealing with the debilitating injuries of their loved ones with little to no help. To plug the documentary, Woodruff will also appear today on ABC's "Good Morning America" and "The Oprah Winfrey Show"... Battling back (Tue, 2/27)

Appearing: At 4 p.m. March 11 at Barnes & Noble, 3120 Fairlane Drive in Allen Park, WDMK-FM (105.9) syndicated afternoon drive personality Wendy Williams with copies of her New York Times best-sellers "The Wendy Williams Experience" and "Wendy's Got the Heat." Details at 313-271-0688... Names and Faces (Tue, 2/27)

On the I-75 service drive at Casmere, it's a pulsing, multilayered FM soundscape that throbs from your car radio speakers, momentarily displacing the cheap pitchmen hawking their goods at 107.9. Be warned: If you're moving too fast, you'll barely notice it, even if you're looking. Near Tillman Street and Michigan Avenue, the static is broken by a soft-spoken man talking about making music and art that's off the Starbucks nation radar while he's, apparently, making tea... Radio Free Detroit (Wed, 2/28)

Dave Woodruff cried Tuesday morning as he watched his brother Bob return to national television, 13 months after he was injured by a roadside bomb that exploded while he was reporting for ABC News in Iraq. "We were thrilled beyond words," said Dave Woodruff, 47, of Birmingham. "This is the day that we've been praying for all these months, for him to come back and speak for himself and tell the story. Really, that's what he does"... TV's Woodruff is back; Mich. family is thrilled (Wed, 2/28)

Changing stations: Local health and fitness expert Peter Nielsen. Formerly with WWJ-AM (950), he'll have weekday, one-minute vignettes on WJR-AM (760) beginning at noon March 12... Names and Faces (Wed, 2/28)

Detroit's economy may be rough, but Dick Purtan's 20th annual Radiothon set a new record last week. In just 16 hours on Friday, the WOMC-FM (104.3) air personality raised nearly $2.4 million for the Salvation Army (last year the radiothon raised $1,808,440) ... Wendy Williams , host of the syndicated "The Wendy Williams Experience," will sign her new book, "The Ritz Harper Chronicles, Vol. 2," at the Barnes & Noble, in the new Fairlane Green Shopping Center in Allen Park, starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 11... Dick Purtan gets award for raising millions for Salvation Army (Thu, 3/1)

Apparently, there's a lot of thinking, questioning and reacting going on out there. My e-mail and voice mail in-boxes have been stuffed lately with a lot of tidbits from readers. Some of the missives are funny. Others are serious. And some are just plain cries for help, prayers to change the mass-media universe. I am here to serve, so let's get to your issues... Readers stuff complaint box (Thu, 3/1)

WXYZ-TV is the Detroit television market's number one station, sign-on/sign-off, according to the February 2007 Nielsen Media Research rating survey which ended Wednesday. WXYZ-TV garnered a 5.4 rating/12.5 share, versus WDIV's 4.4 rating /10.2 share, WJBK's 3.7 rating/8.7 share and WWJ's 2.7 rating/ 6 share. In addition to winning sign-on/sign-off in television household ratings, WXYZ was also metro Detroit's number one station in delivery of all key demographics including Women 18-49, Persons 18-49, Women 25-54 and Persons 25-54... WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 Sweeps to Victory in February Ratings (Thu, 3/1)

The side channel of Rock WRIF-FM 101.1, Riff 2, has been voted "Best Local Radio Show" for its "Detroit Local 101" show in this year's "Real Best of Detroit" issue of Real Detroit Weekly.

The show's co-hosts, Suzy Cole and Melody Licious wanted to create a show that really expanded Riff 2's local music catalogue and featured a variety of genres, including hip-hop, indie rock, country and more. Detroit Local 101 often features local musicians performing live
in-studio. The show airs every Tuesday night from 10p-Midnight.

If you want to catch "Detroit Local 101" in a fun, interactive environment, check out Small's bar in Hamtramck every Tuesday night for a "Detroit Local 101" listening party.

"This award is a really big deal for Riff 2, especially since the station is still relatively new and still not available through conventional FM radio channels. We're really pleased with the attention that Riff 2 has been getting lately and we're hoping that it will turn people on to HD radio on the whole", says Riff 2 Program Director, Mark Pennington.

Special event programming -- the Super Bowl and Grammys on CBS and the Oscars on ABC plus the return of ratings powerhouse "American Idol" on Fox -- left its imprint on Detroit February sweeps Nielsen ratings numbers released Thursday. WJBK-TV (Fox 2) and WWJ-TV (CBS 62) posted stellar prime-time numbers based on the NFL title game, Grammy and "Idol" ratings, knocking NBC and WDIV-TV (Local 4) into a rare fourth place prime-time finish... Big shows leave prints on Detroit TV ratings (Fri, 3/2)

Television station WADL-TV (Channel 38) will air weekly messages from Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick for a segment called "2 Minutes with the Mayor," starting Monday. The first message will preview Kilpatrick's State of the City address, which he will deliver March 13. The next four focus on donating blood, financial literacy, a new community involvement program and an Easter message... Hear Kilpatrick on Channel 38 (Fri, 3/2)

WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) earned bragging rights for its overall rankings in the February Sweeps ratings race, but WDIV (Channel 4) still retains the No. 1 title for its 11 p.m. newscast and WJBK (Channel 2) remains No. 1 in the mornings. In all, WXYZ garnered a 5.4 rating over WDIV's 4.4 rating, WJBK's 3.7 rating and WWJ-TV's (Channel 62) 2.7 rating. Each rating point represents 19,440 local viewers. The station was tops for its newscasts at noon, 5 p.m. and 6 p.m... Channel 7 wins overall sweeps race (Sat, 3/3)

What we now call alternative rock was once known as “college rock.” There’s a reason for that. In the ’80s, the bands that laid the groundwork for the alternative movement got the majority of their airplay from college radio stations, which had a greater willingness to play nonmainstream music. Back then, that included St. Clair County Community College’s WSGR-FM (91.3). But for the last decade, college rock generally has been absent from this college station, which instead has played mainly smooth jazz and soft pop. While you still may hear some Kenny G on the station — particularly if you tune in this week while students are on spring break — his days on WSGR are numbered... Voices of change- College DJs working to change station’s format (Sun, 3/4)

By day, he's Nick Giles, a regular 21-year-old Green Oak Township resident who loves music and enjoys the outdoors. By night, when he hits the RIFF2 airwaves, he becomes Tre. He's a DJ who spins hip-hop, indie rock, metal and lots of new local groups trying to carve out a name for themselves. He isn't afraid to play anything because he knows people his age love variety... Brighton grad makes waves on radio (Mon, 3/4)

The rabbit-eared TV has less than two years to live. And forget trying to buy one from your neighborhood electronics store. We're coming to the end of analog. Analog broadcasts -- a basic TV signal sent through the air -- are set to end in 2009. That's when TV signals become a digital stream that only the right kind of TV or converter box can decode... Time is running out for rabbit ears (Mon, 3/5)

1st Annual Sabrina Black Foundation Event Set:
Details have been confirmed for the first official SABRINA BLACK FOUNDATION event, which will happen on APRIL 10 in MT. CLEMENS, MI. Blues guitarist KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD will headline this special WRIF/DETROIT-SBF concert/auction fundraiser.

STEVE BLACK, co-founder of The SABRINA BLACK Foundation and host of "The Chop Shop Radio Show," commented on the upcoming event: "SABRINA was a 15-year DETROIT radio personality who was very public with her battle. She has become a symbol of hope to everyone facing life and death situations."

The SABRINA BLACK FOUNDATION raises money and then selects cancer patients through the billing offices of local cancer hospitals. The hospitals select candidates, and then contact the patients to let them know that their entire hospital bill has been paid. Visit www.sabrinablackfoundation.org for more information.

Rock WRIF-FM 101.1 announced today that the station's morning show, "Drew and Mike", have nabbed the award for "Best Morning Show" in Real Detroit Weekly's "Real Best of Detroit". Drew and Mike have been a foundation of WRIF for the last 12 years. The station believes the the show's continued success is attributed to its irreverent humor, the relevance of its content, great interviews, the amazing chemistry between the hosts and of course, the fact that the show has remained local.

In honor of this weekend's "Metro Times Blowout," the local music festival which takes place in Hamtramck, WRIF's HD channel, Riff 2, will play music from Blowout Artists all weekend long.

The "Blowout Weekend" will begin Friday, March 9th at 8:00 a.m. and continue all weekend through Sunday night. RIFF2 will feature music from local favorites like: The Muggs, Broadzilla, The Hard Lessons, The Sights, Paper Street Saints, Grande Nationals, Crud and more.

"We try to feature local music on an ongoing basis on Riff 2. This is just one more opportunity to spotlight some of the truly great artists that Detroit has to offer," said RIFF2's Mark Pennington.

What to make of Arbitrend's Tuesday radio ratings release for November, December and January? Pretty much what you'd expect... Winter good to WWJ; Drew & Mike tops in a.m. (Wed, 3/7)

Adult urban WMXD-FM 92.3 lead soft rock WNIC-FM 100.3, news/talk WJR AM 760, urban WJLB-FM 97.9 and smooth jazz WVMV-FM 98.7.

Detroit 12+ ratings, Stationratings.com

WKRK's Doyle Launches 'Pwned Radio' Video Gaming Show:
CBS Talk WKRK (LIVE 97.1 FREE FM)/DETROIT afternoon "DEMINSKI AND DOYLE" co-host BILL DOYLE is launching a weekend gaming show, "PWNED RADIO," with co-host and tech guy SHANE HAMELIN, on the station starting this SUNDAY night at 7p ET. DOYLE, whose gaming exploits include the invention of the "Gamer Trough," a device to allow obsessive gamers to munch on Cheez Doodles while their eyes remain transfixed on WORLD OF WARCRAFT, will talk about video games with co-host HAMELIN, known to D&D listeners as "SHANE THE WORM SNORTER" for having pulled that particular stunt on the show; he is a webmaster who has written several popular game strategy guides. (Tue, 3/6)

Starting Monday, March 12th on Oldies CKWW AM 580, the station's Morning Mystery Oldie Contest will feature “Supreme Diva Week” with a chance for listeners to see Motown diva Diana Ross.

Each weekday morning at 8:20, host Charlie O'Brien will play a clip from a Diana Ross song. It could be one of her hits with the Supremes or her later solo work. The first person to correctly name that tune will win a pair of tickets to see Diana Ross at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 16th, and get her newest CD “I Love You”, and a Supremes greatest hits CD. Winners are then qualified for the Grand Prize: we’ll pamper you like a “diva” with a spa package at Mystique Day Spa in Dearborn and a weekend trip for two to Toronto including first class transportation aboard VIA Rail and deluxe hotel accommodations.

The contest runs for two weeks with the grand prize draw on March 23rd.

Soft Rock WMGC-FM, Magic 105.1, has announced the station's “Magic Bowling Party” will take place on Saturday, March 31st at Sterling Lanes on Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights. The event will be hosted by many Magic’s personalities who will be on hand from from noon to 4pm. There will be door prizes and special contests, as well as food, soft drinks and fun for all. The only way in is to win tickets by listening to the station. Visit www.DetroitMagic.com for details.

Jon Hoban, the station manager of Michigan Radio in Ann Arbor, has been named deputy director of the Public Radio Partnership, beginning April l7 ... “Jon is one of the outstanding managers in the public radio system,” said Donovan Reynolds, PRP’s director and general manager, “and I know he will bring new ideas and new energy to our stations in Louisville.” At Michigan Radio, where Reynolds also worked for many years, Hoban developed numerous award-winning radio projects, including interview and call-in programs, a state-wide cultural program and a regional environmental news service... Public radio names deputy director (Thu, 3/8)

For the fifth year in a row, Classic Rock WCSX-FM 94.7 and its listeners will take on the task of totally restoring a classic car and then raffle it off to raise money for a local charity. This year's selected car is a 1968 Dodge Charger, as selected by an e-mail vote and revealed by morning show hosts JJ & Lynne. The car will be rebuilt from a rusty shell thanks to donations of parts, expertise, and time from 'CSX listeners and corporate sponsors.

Focus: Hope, an important part of Detroit for nearly forty years, will be this year's beneficiary from the raffle. The $25 tickets will be on sale starting today at Cobo Hall during Autorama from WCSX's booth where the station will be featuring live broadcasts throughout the weekend.

Visitors to Autorama will be able to check out the Stone Soup project's first four cars: a '67 Mustang from 2003, a '70 Hemi Roadrunner from 2004, a '65 GTO convertible from 2005, and last year's '47 Nailhead custom truck. The Stone Soup Project has raised more than $750,000 for various local charities in its four years.

WDIV-TV (Local 4) is shaking up its anchor corps. Starting March 26, morning news anchor Rhonda Walker will co-anchor "Local 4 News at 5," joining Ruth Spencer. Walker will replace Robbin Simmons, who returns to reporting and special projects. Walker will also be the primary fill-in for Carmen Harlan on "Local 4 News at 11 p.m.," joining Devin Scillian. Ama Daetz will replace Walker on the early weekday newscast from 5 to 7 a.m... Walker, Daetz get new roles at 4 (Fri, 3/9)

Wendy Williams isn't exactly sure she's the right one to tell women of Detroit how to ... well, how to be fly ... This weekend Williams, who took over John Mason's WDMK-FM (105.9) syndicated afternoon drive time slot last year, will be in town as part of the Pamper Me Party happening at the African American Museum on Sunday, a chance for local women to come out, listen to some good music and check out a hair and fashion show... Wendy Williams buzzes into town (Fri, 3/9)

If you had the TV on at all last week, there was no way you could have escaped the touching and miraculous story of former ABC "World News Tonight" co-anchor Bob Woodruff. The Bloomfield Hills native is back and telling his amazing story after an explosive devise hit a convoy that was carrying him and his cameraman Doug Vogt in Iraq last year, crushing Woodruff's skull, badly injuring Vogt, and nearly taking both men's lives... Bob Woodruff to make appearance (Fri, 3/9)

Johny D has worn out his welcome in his hometown. He's burned just about every bridge in Toledo this side of I-280. Apparently, the road to Detroit isn't quite as bumpy. The controversial host, fired by both major radio groups in town, Cumulus Broadcasting and Clear Channel Radio, has landed a gig as morning talk-show talent at WKRK-FM, 97.1, in the Motor City. Johny D confirmed yesterday that he signed a two-year contract earlier this week. His new show, which will follow Opie & Anthony, will air weekdays from 9 to 11 a.m.. He is scheduled to make his on-air debut April 2... Johny D finds new radio job in Detroit (Sat, 3/10)

WKRK is adding ENTERCOM Top 40 WKRZ/SCRANTON-WILKES BARRE personality SHILA NATHAN to co-host "MOTOR CITY MIDDAYS" with incumbent JAY TOWERS 11a-3p starting APRIL 9. NATHAN will fill the slot opposite TOWERS formerly occupied by the departed MICHELLE MCKORMICK and more recently filled on an interim basis by producer and weekend "HAMTRAMCK HOUSE PARTY" co-host BILL MCALLISTER (Mon, 3/12)

Appendicitis Waylays WKRK's Deminski:
Get well wishes go out to CBS Talk WKRK (LIVE 97.1 FREE FM)/DETROIT afternoon co-host JEFF DEMINSKI, who landed in the emergency room for an appendectomy early SUNDAY morning (3/11). While DEMINSKI recovers, co-host BILL DOYLE will carry on with producer BILL "BEAVER" TORTORIELLO and phone screener/rock star RUDY DESANTIS providing on-air support. (Mon, 3/12)

Greater Media sister stations Classic Rock WCSX-FM 94.7 and Active Rock WRIF-FM 101.1 are giving Metro Detroit college basketball fans two more reasons to enjoy all the action this March. WRIF’s Hoop Mania and WCSX’s College Hoop Basketball Challenge provide listeners the opportunity to be a part of the action from tip-off to the final game. Best of all, these bracket games are free and can be found at www.wcsx.com and www.wrif.com.

Fanatics will be able to test their college basketball knowledge against WCSX personalities including Jim Johnson, Karen Savelly, Ken Calvert, Steve Kostan, Paul Buck and WRIF’s Marc Fellhauer and Steve Black.

Each day, participants will be given a list of real-life matches between college basketball teams. Prior to the start of the games, participants will review the matches and select the teams they think will win.

After the games have been decided, participants will be given 1 “win” for each correct pick and 1 “loss” for each incorrect pick. The standings will display all the participants ranked according to their win percentage. Features include:

• Live Stats & Daily Scoring
• Easy registration with point and click bracket selections
• Early upsets only cost you one pick
• Join a private group with your buddies and find out who makes the best picks
• Download printable bracket comparisons
• View everyone’s picks
• Read in depth team reviews and expert predictions
• Follow each team with articles, stats and interviews
• Read game recaps and all the box scores

"Hey John, did you hear what happened to me?" e-mails WKRK-FM (97.1) afternoon drive host Jeff Deminski. "What a weekend. I had to undergo an emergency appendectomy at 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Appendix was close to rupturing and Beaumont had to drag surgeons out of bed... Deminski has eventful weekend (Wed, 3/14)

The interactive Web services arm of Clear Channel Television will manage technical support for www.wcpo.com and eight other Internet sites of television stations owned by E.W. Scripps Co., the two companies said. The Clear Channel unit, called Inergize Digital Media, will provide technology integration and system support functions for the stations' Web sites. The stations include ones in Cincinnati, Phoenix, Baltimore, Detroit and Kansas City... Clear Channel to manage tech for Scripps sites (Wed, 3/14)

Rock WRIF's 101.1 morning duo, Drew & Mike, auctioned off a pair of front row Bob Seger tickets live on the air this week, earning $2,600 for the Grant Children’s Fund.

The tickets that were auctioned are for tonight’s sold out Seger show at Cobo Hall. The highest bidder was Erica Zarzycki of Garden City at a whopping $2,600. The tickets were donated to Drew & Mike by Live Nation, Punch Enterprises, and Bob Seger. The show promises to be well worth it, as the entire show is being recorded and the promise of a Kid Rock appearance has been mentioned by Mr. Rock himself.

Contributions in memory of Tara Grant or for the Grant children can be made to the Grant Children's Trust Fund, c/o Warren Bank, at 38880 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038, or arranged by phone at (586) 416-1650.

CBS-owned WKRK-FM (97.1), reeling in the ratings since it lost Howard Stern at the end of 2005, is trying to rebound by restructuring its mid-morning lineup by adding Toledo talk sdhow host Johny D. According to the Toledo Blade, he'll fill the 9-11 a.m. weekdays slot starting April 2. Presumably, Jay Towers will move to fill the 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. but station GM Kevin Murphy was in a meeting and said through a spokeswoman he couldn't talk about the situation until Thursday morning... WKRK to add former Toledo voice (Thu, 3/15)

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters announced the winners in its annual Broadcast Excellence Awards on Wednesday night. In the Metro Detroit category for commercial broadcasting station of the year, WJBK-TV Fox 2 won as TV station of the year and news radio WWJ-AM (950) won as radio station of the year. The winning stations racked up the most merit points in the individual award categories... Fox 2 News, WWJ-AM win awards (Fri, 3/16)

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Celtic rockers Bill Grogan's Goat join Ralph Valdez for a live performance blending the traditional and the modern. Singer / guitarists Terry Murphy and Gerard Smith are joined by drummer Jude Closson, lead guitarist Norm Rosenbaum and bassist Dean Western for a heady stew of rock solid playing and singing that mixes acoustic Irish instrumentation with grittier electric rock sounds.

Ralph will also be giving away two pair of tickets to see the band LaGuitara on March 22 as well as two pair of tickets to see illusionist Marc Salem on March 22 at the Fisher Theatre.

As always, other arts and culture information and a wide variety of music new and old, from around Detroit and around the world, plus a few "rummage sale records", will also be spun and explored on The Ralph Valdez Program, 10 pm - midnight on Public WDET-FM 101.9.

Hank Winchester lies awake at night, thinking about the eerie conversations he had with Stephen Grant. "I think, 'Why did he try to lure me into his garage?' " said Winchester, a reporter with WDIV-TV Local 4. Grant has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Tara Lynn Grant. A few hours before police discovered Tara Grant's remains, Winchester was on his way to interview Stephen Grant. In Grant's garage. On Grant's request. Where police found the torso March 2... Conversations with Grant haunt one Local 4 reporter (Sat, 3/17)

Several media outlets were trying to land interviews with Stephen Grant, just hours before police found a torso in his garage on March 2 and Grant went on the run. Hank Winchester, from WDIV-TV, was on his way to interview Grant when police searched his home. On the same day, people at WJBK-TV thought they were about to get an exclusive interview with Grant. Doug McKenzie, a night assignment editor at FOX 2, started talking to Stephen Grant in late February, hoping to land an exclusive interview... In-depth Grant TV interview was in the works (Sat, 3/17)

Two nuggets of special programming coming from WDIV-TV (Local 4) this weekend: Saturday, at 7 p.m. “S.O.S. For Michigan,” hosted by Devin Scillian, presents local business owners with their visions for the future, and what they’re doing right now to make jobs and make a difference ... Then The Friendship Circle, a West Bloomfield based non-profit organization with 60 international chapters, will be the focus of the ongoing “NBC Nightly News” profile “People Making a Difference”, with correspondent Kevin Corke, on Sunday, at 6:30 pm. WDIV will also be airing a feature about the organization as part of Paula Tutman’s continuing series on Autism... Local 4's weekend nuggets (Fri, 3/16)

"Veterans Radio,'' a locally produced radio program by and for veterans of the armed services, returns to the air April 7 at 9 a.m. on WDEO (990 AM). The show had previously been heard on WAAM, but was dropped from the lineup in January... Veterans Radio to return (Sun, 3/18)

Brian Cowan has been named as program director of Sports Talk 1050 WTKA effective immediately, adding to his duties at Ann Arbor Radio. Cowan’s other responsibilities include W4 Country (102.9 FM) morning show host for “Breakfast with Bubba”; W4 music director and W4 program director.

According to Ann Arbor Radio General Manager, Bob Bolak, the promotion is well-deserved. “Brian has done an excellent job taking 102.9 W4 Country to the top of Ann Arbor’s adult Arbitron ratings ranking. He understands that our mission is to focus on Ann Arbor and create content with high entertainment value. Brian has done just that for our company and will help WTKA continue to grow as Ann Arbor’s #1 sports brand.”

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters gave out its 2006 Broadcast Excellence Awards the other evening. Big as "American Idol"? Not quite. The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association -- not the audience, not snarky judges -- did the judging; here are some awards of note. (Full list at www.michmab.com.) Stations of the Year for commercial broadcasters in large markets were WJBK-TV (Channel 2) and WWJ-AM (950) in radio... WJBK, WWJ win annual awards (Mon, 3/19)

Steve Harvey arrived 18 months ago in the kingdom of the radio shock jocks, where the royalty included Howard Stern, Don Imus and Opie and Anthony. The "King of Comedy" surveyed the raunchy landscape and launched his morning drive-time show with some trepidation. "I was concerned about it," Harvey said recently after finishing his four-hour weekday show at WBLS-FM. "But I am who I am. I can't stop being who I am. I'm not a mean-spirited guy." And so Harvey started his nascent show each morning with 12 minutes devoted to gospel music and God -- a stark contrast to Stern's salacious satellite shenanigans, or Opie & Anthony's weekly Wednesday hunt for female flesh... Steve Harvey's radio show No. 1 among urban stations (AP- Mon, 3/19)

Dennis Miller Launching With Over 80 Affiliates:
WESTWOOD ONE's DENNIS MILLER will launch on over 80 stations, including in seven of the top 10 markets, when the show hits the air on MONDAY (3/26). Among the charter affiliates are SALEM Talk KRLA-A/LOS ANGELES, WIND-A/CHICAGO, WNTP-A/PHILADELPHIA, KSKY-A/DALLAS, WORL-A/ORLANDO, KNUS-A/DENVER, KKOL-A/SEATTLE, KYCR-A/MINNEAPOLIS, and WDTK-A/DETROIT and CLEAR CHANNEL Talk KNEW-A/SAN FRANCISCO and KTRH-A/HOUSTON. MILLER will broadcast live from NEW YORK in the show's debut week, with RUDY GIULIANI and DANA CARVEY among scheduled guests. (Tue, 3/20)

Sports WDFN AM 1130 has announced that it has secured an exclusive interview with former NHL player Claude Lemieux. The interview will air on the Jamie & Brady Show, heard weekdays from 6am to 9am, at 8:35am on Thursday, March 22nd and will also be able to be heard via podcast on wdfn.com by late afternoon.

Lemiux, notorious for his illegal hit on Detroit Red Wing Kris Draper during the 1995-96 NHL season and catalyst in the brawl between the Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche the following year, amassed 785 points including 379 goals in addition to over 1700 penalty minutes throughout his 20-year career.

The interview marks the 10-year Anniversary of the now infamous brawl between bitter rivals, The Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche.

News-Talk WDTK AM 1400 announced yesterday that The Dennis Miller Show will debut March 26 from 6 – 9 p.m. weekdays. A new product of Westwood One, Dennis Miller will air on more than 80 stations and in seven of the top 10 markets including Salem’s KRLA-AM Los Angeles, WIND-AM Chicago, WNTP-AM Philadelphia, KSKY-AM Dallas, and WDTK-AM Detroit.

Joe Davis, COO of Salem commented, “Dennis Miller is a self-proclaimed 9-11 conservative with an engaging style and a quick wit that our listeners will appreciate. He is an entertainer, he is smart, and he understands politics and current affairs. He fits well with our other talk personalities, and he will bring a fresh perspective and new vigor to news talk on Salem stations.”

Salem is the largest station group carrying The Dennis Miller Show. Other Salem stations airing the new program include KKOL-AM Seattle, KYCR-AM Minneapolis, KNUS-AM Denver, and WORL-AM Orlando. In Detroit, WDTK’s weekday line-up of nationally syndicated talk show hosts includes:

Bill Bennett’s Morning in America – 6 - 9 a.m.
The Laura Ingraham Show – 9 a.m. - Noon
The Dennis Prager Show – Noon – 3 p.m.
The Michael Medved Show – 3 – 6 p.m.
The Dennis Miller Show – 6 – 9 p.m.

In his first ever radio show, five-time Emmy award winner and four-time Writers’ Guild award winner, Dennis Miller will offer his unique take on the day’s topics with comedy and satire. The daily talk show also will feature Miller taking listener calls, as well as interviewing high-profile special guests.

After six seasons as the Weekend Update anchor on Saturday Night Live, Dennis Miller has become a household name through an eclectic mix of television, cable, film and sports broadcasting platforms. The Santa Barbara resident, who had a nine year run on the HBO live talk show “Dennis Miller Live,” also has written and starred in six solo one-hour HBO comedy specials. He was the host and executive producer of CNBC’s “Dennis Miller,” a topical interview talk show, has starred in various feature films, written a series of bestselling 'Rant' books, and provided color commentary for ABC's “Monday Night Football.”

“The management team at Salem understands the awesome potential of The Dennis Miller Show and is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the program in their markets as a result of their vision for the show,” said Dennis Green, Westwood One executive VP affiliate sales.

It was 12:30 Friday afternoon, and those driving through the Bloomfield Hills area with their radios tuned to 88.1 FM found themselves on a trip down memory lane as DJ Corey Berkowitz played everything from vintage Aretha Franklin to the Beatles. "It's time to rock out on the Biff," Corey, a junior from Andover High School, told his WBFH listeners before playing "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. WBFH, better known as the Biff, is the student radio station for Andover and Lahser high schools in the Bloomfield Hills Schools District. The station is in its 30th year and has racked up a slew of awards this month that helps cement its reputation as one of the best high school radio stations in the country... National Radio Awards: High schoolers rule the airwaves (Wed, 3/21)

Brent Dingman Named GSM At Ann Arbor Radio:
Effective MARCH 26, BRENT DINGMAN is new the new GSM for ANN ARBOR RADIO’s four radio stations: Country WWWW (W4 COUNTRY), AAA WQKL (107ONE), Sports Talk WTKA and Talk WLBY (1290 AIR AMERICA). DINGMAN comes to ANN ARBOR RADIO from MUSKEGON, where he was Sales Mgr. for CITADEL BROADCASTING. Prior to that, DINGMAN served as a Sales Manager for the MID-WEST FAMILY BROADCAST GROUP's seven-station cluster in Southwest MICHIGAN. (Wed, 3/21)

In the mid-1950s, Marvin Welch Jr. entertained metro Detroit youngsters through his children’s program “Wixie’s Wonderland” on WXYZ-TV. Donning his signature blue tunic and beanie cap with a makeshift television antenna on top, Welch’s Wixie the Pixie entertained children from 1953 to 1957 with songs and jokes, and by pantomiming popular records and introducing cartoons such as Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse. The hour-long show aired live every morning. Regardless of the fact that Welch’s first television exposure was in 1952, on WWJ-TV’s “Musically Speaking,” a programming director at WXYZ felt Welch’s extroverted personality and boyish looks were perfectly suited for the local preschool set. The unique show was a huge success... The last laugh (Wed, 3/21)

Scheduled: By WMXD-FM's (92.3) syndicated morning man Steve Harvey, his second annual "Old School Skating Party" April 15 at Skate World in Troy ... Changing: WJLB-FM's (97.9) midday lineup, as Kris Kelly leaves the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekday shift to become programmer at Chicago's WGCI-FM. Cheron, formerly the 10 p.m.-2 a.m. host, becomes WJLB assistant program director, music director and the new 10 a.m.-2 p.m. host. Weekend voice Sunshyne take the 10 p.m.-2 a.m. "Quiet Storm" shift... Names and Faces (Tue, 3/22)

Wendy Williams Moves Across The Hall In Detroit:
INNER CITY Urban WBLS/NEW YORK and SUPERADIO syndicated afternoon diva WENDY WILLIAMS debuts on two stations on MONDAY, MARCH 29. WILLIAMS movies from RADIO ONE Urban AC WDMK (KISS 105.9)/DETROIT to sister station WHTD (HOT 102.7). (Thu, 3/22)

In addition to adding nationally renowned public radio programs such as Marketplace, Talk of the Nation, Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me! and the BBC World Service to the broadcast schedule, the station will also introduce a local two-hour weekday public affairs program, Detroit Today.

“The new program schedule reflects WDET’s commitment to be a public radio service that is uniquely designed for metropolitan Detroit,” said Allen Mazurek, Assistant General Manager and Program Director. “Our new local program will give the station the opportunity to interact with the community in unprecedented ways and will further establish WDET as a leader in news and information programming.” Detroit Today will air weekdays from 10am to noon and feature reports, interviews and discussions on issues and events important to metro Detroiters. Subjects will include local government and politics, business and industry, education, history, health, sports, cultural affairs, technology, lifestyle issues and much more. Detroit Today will
also engage listeners to participate in the conversations via phone and email. The new two-hour local program will be produced by the WDET news staff.

As a public service of Wayne State University, the station’s new program schedule supports the University’s mission to provide Detroit with a premier public radio station. WDET’s new line up includes such signature public radio programs as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Car Talk, Marketplace, Fresh Air, This American Life, Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!, Talk of the Nation, News & Notes, BBC News, The Tavis Smiley Show, Democracy Now! in addition to local programming such as Detroit Today, Destination Jazz: The Ed Love Program, Folks Like Us with Matt Watroba, Arkansas Traveler with Larry McDaniel, Deep River with Robert Jones, and Jay’s Place with Jay Butler.

Coming off the weekday schedule with the changes announced today are Liz Copeland's local 'Alternative Take' overnight music show along with NPR's 'Day to Day'. Weekend shows that will be ending include offerings from hosts Ralph Valdez, W. Kim Heron, Mick Collins, and Chuck Horn.

WJBK-TV's (Channel 2) morning co-anchor Fanchon Stinger has been off the air as of late, and fan Betty Dzis of Dearborn Heights and several other readers wanted to know what's up with that. Don't worry Ms. Dzis and friends. WJBK spokesman Keith Stironek assures me that Stinger, who is on a leave, will be back at the station on "Fox 2 News Morning" very soon, although he couldn't give an exact date... Fox 2's Stinger will return soon (Fri, 3/23)

The Bloomfield Hills School District’s radio station WBFH-FM 88.1, also known as “The Biff", will begin broadcasting its 31st Annual 24-Hour Marathon Broadcast at 7 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2007. The annual pledge drive is entitled “Biffstock” and will continue until 7 a.m. Saturday, March 31. During the live broadcast, WBFH students will be collecting money and pledges from listeners in the community to help underwrite radio station operating costs.

“This is a great way to support local student broadcasters who provide a real service to the community”, said WBFH Marathon Chair and Andover Senior Wade Fink. All 21 WBFH staff students from Andover and Lahser will be on the air live throughout the 24 hours, some staying up for the whole event.

There are three levels of support: Backstage Pass ($100 or more), Pavilion ($50-$100), and Lawn ($25-$50). Listeners who would like to be an underwriter can do so by calling (248) 341-WBFH. They can also stop by the station located at Andover High School (4200 Andover Road) during the marathon. They can also fax in the pledges at (248) 341-5679, or e-mail their pledges from the link on the WBFH website (www.wbfh.fm).

WBFH, which can be heard at 88.1 on the FM dial or online at www.wbfh.fm, is licensed to the Board of Education of the Bloomfield Hills School District. The community radio station is operated by radio broadcasting students from Andover High School and Lahser High School under the supervision of the WBFH management team of Pete Bowers, Station Manager, Randy Carr, Assistant Station Manager/Chief Engineer, and Ron Wittebols, Remote Supervisor/Webmaster.

WBFH has been honored with both national and state recognition this school year. The Biff won 1st Place, Best High School Radio Station in a national competition entitled The John Drury High School Radio Awards March 3rd. WBFH students won nine state broadcasting awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters at their awards ceremony March 14th. It was the fifth year in a row that WBFH had won or tied for the most awards/points in that statewide competition.

As usual, Liz Copeland was understated and cool just after midnight Saturday morning when she welcomed the world to her “Alternate Take” show on WDET-FM (101.9). It was her first moment on the air after the station announced another revamping of the daily schedule. Copeland’s 12-year-old overnight show will be cancelled as of April 2, replaced by a program produced by the British Broadcasting Co. as listener-supported ‘DET continues the purge of its cutting-edge contemporary music and airs more news and information... Always a breath of fresh airwaves, WDET's Liz Copeland is leaving the building (Sun, 3/25)

Peter Sagal and Karl Kassel are coming back to town. A live taping of the popular public-radio current-events quiz show "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me'' has been announced for May 17 at the Michigan Theater. This will be the third time "Wait, Wait'' has been taped in the area. A segment of the show was recorded in May 2005 at Eastern Michigan University; the group also did the same at the 2003 Ann Arbor Summer Festival... Public radio show returning to area (Sun, 3/25)

When “Ernie Harwell's Audio Scrapbook” was unveiled in December, sales skyrocketed like a home run at Michigan and Trumbull. The four-hour, four-CD compilation of interviews and broadcast snippets from the former Detroit Tigers broadcaster's 55-year career quickly sold 20,000 copies. Then the trouble began. Reports began to filter in to Gary Spicer, Harwell's St. Clair Shores-based attorney and adviser of 31 years, that copies of the CD were being sold illegally online, and counterfeit copies were turning up, too... Harwell cries "foul' over bootlegged CD set (Mon, 3/26)

Liz Copeland, in her final week as overnight host on public WDET-FM (101.9) is going out in style ... Expanded: By Comcast, its Hispanic programming lineup in southeast Michigan with the addition of WUDT Univision. WUDT is the Detroit affiliate of the Univision Network, the most watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the United States. The new channel will be available to Comcast customers in more than 20 southeast Michigan markets beginning March 28... John Smyntek blog (Mon, 3/26)

Rock WRIF-FM 101.1 has announced its $40,000 “WRIF Rock Girl Search”, where one woman will have the opportunity to represent WRIF for one year as a station personality and spokesperson. In addition to being the WRIF ambassador at VIP parties, concerts and events, she’ll also receive a $40,000 salary, a Riff ad in Stuff Magazine and she’ll star in a WRIF billboard campaign this summer.

Through an extensive radio and print campaign, WRIF will encourage the women of Detroit to attend one of 3 remaining casting calls. There, they will be asked a series of questions and they’ll be asked to read a traffic report to determine whether they will make the cut into the 2007 “WRIF Rock Girl” semifinals.

Once the 32 semi-finalists are selected, WRIF listeners will be encouraged to vote in a series of 3 rounds for their favorite contestant online at www.wrif.com.

Following are the dates, times and locations of the casting calls:

Wednesday, March 28th at Lucky Strike inside Fountain Walk in Novi, 5p-9p
Wednesday, April 4th at The Venue in Dearborn, 7p-11p
Friday, April 6th at Malarky’s in Southgate, 3p-7p

Contestants must bring a photo and a bio / resume. Potential candidates must attend a casting call to be considered.

The contest is open to Michigan residents 21 years of age and older. For official contest rules, log on to www.wrif.com.

Classic Rock WCSX-FM 94.7 morning hosts Jim Johnson (JJ) & Lynne Woodison announced the WCSX $20,000 Commercial Casting Call this morning. The station is offering listeners the
chance to make the next WCSX TV commercial with a prize of $20,000 to the winner for the best commercial.

You don't have to be a Spielberg to win- just create a video and telling why "You Listen to WCSX At Work." Use animation, live action or whatever you want to do that captures the feel of WCSX. Deadline for entries is April 18th. Entries can be dropped off or mailed to One Radio Plaza, Detroit, MI 48220.

The station will post finalists online April 23rd and let listeners vote for their favorites. The winner earns $20,000 cash and their commercial will be used on TV. JJ & Lynne will announce the winner on April 30th.

Univision, the country's most-watched Spanish language network, is finding a home in the lineup of Metro Detroit's largest cable operator. Comcast Cable will begin broadcasting WUDT, Univision's local affiliate, on Wednesday in 20 local communities, including Detroit, Troy, Westland and Ann Arbor. Comcast serves 470 cities statewide... Comcast adds local Univision affiliate to lineup (Tue, 3/27)

Billed as the "world's largest free country concert," the Downtown Hoedown will celebrate 25 years when it kicks off a season of weekend festivals May 18-20 at Hart Plaza in Detroit. "To be able to put on an event of this magnitude for 25 years has exposed a tremendous amount of artists to the Detroit market, starting the first year with Hank Williams Jr. and Tanya Tucker, to this year where we have a huge amount of No. 1 hit-makers as well as the top new acts," says Tim Roberts, program director for WYCD-FM (99.5), a festival co-sponsor... Hoedown celebtrates 25 years (Tue, 3/27)

With the Tigers coming off a magical year and the 2007 season set to kick off this coming Monday, sports WDFN AM 1130 is asking listeners if they have what it takes to win Opening Day tickets.

On Friday, March 30th during The Jamie & Brady Show, heard weekdays from 6am to 9am, listeners will have the chance to showcase their throwing arm and illustrate their desire to go to Tigers Opening Day at Comerica Park on Monday, April 2nd by coming down to the station at 8am to try and dunk WDFN personality and update reporter Rob Pascoe in an actual dunk tank. Participants will have one shot to hit a small target from 90 feet away with a tennis ball to submerge Pascoe, who will be fully adorned in a dress, in the frigid water.

WDFN will be awarding the coveted Opening Day tickets to the first person to successfully hit the target and release the WDFN air talent into the watery abyss below.

WDFN is eager to see how much Tiger fever Detroit fans have and how able and willing some people are to skip work and do whatever they can just for the chance to win the tickets.

Alexander Zonjic, Jazz flutist and WVMV-FM 98.7 morning host, will be honored by the Detroit Chapter of the National Coalition of Black Women (NCBW) as one of its 2007 “Legends of Jazz,” on Saturday, March 31 at the Detroit Yacht Club, 1 Riverbank Rd. on Belle Isle.

Zonjic and other artists, Marion Hayden, Angela Bofill and Rodney Whitaker, will be honored for their talents, for providing continuous enjoyment to audiences and for stimulating the appreciation of jazz locally and internationally.

The NCBW Detroit Chapter will present the awards at its signature “Scholarship Gala” fundraising event. A reception and silent auction begins at 6:00 PM and dinner will be served at 7:30 PM. Gala proceeds will support targeted community service projects.

Tickets are $65 or $125 per couple. Call 248-442-9334 or 248-471-9662 for more information or reservations.

When it comes to local TV news, reader Barbara Hickey of Warren watches WXYZ-TV (Channel 7). She watches the ABC affiliate so much that she noticed during a recent newscast that one of the anchors alluded to a spouse named "Shay" when talking to general assignment reporter Glenn Zimmerman... Reader guesses right about Glenn and Shay (Wed, 3/28)

Sports WDFN AM 1130 has announced the addition Art Regner, a Detroit sports radio staple, to its air staff. This is Regner’s second stint as a staff member at WDFN and is best known for his rants on WDFN’s Detroit Lions' post game shows although he is also a passionate Red Wings fan and always had the inside scoop and dirt on the team. He is a native of Livonia, Michigan and graduated from Franklin High School and then the University of Michigan.

Regner will make his debut on Monday, April 2nd co-hosting the Stoney & Wojo Show, heard weekdays from 3 to 6pm, with WDFN’s Mike Stone. He will be filling in for WDFN air personality and Detroit News Columnist Bob Wojnowski during WDFN’s Tigers Opening Day coverage at Centaur in downtown Detroit.

Art will be rejoining the WDFN air staff as a fill-in host for the station. Regner proclaims, “As corny as it sounds I feel like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, without the ruby red slippers, when I say there’s no place like home.”

The grass is greening up over in Comerica Park, and with memories of the Detroit Tigers' hot bats from last season, Detroit radio stations are staking out their territory near Tigertown North. On Monday, Opening Day, CBS Radio's Detroit cluster -- WOMC-FM (104.3), WWJ-AM (950), WYCD-FM (99.5 ), WVMV-FM (98.7), WKRK-FM (97.1 ) and WXYT-AM (1270) -- will be hosting an "Opening Day Block Party" in Grand Circus Park, starting at 10 a.m., and you don't have to have tickets to Comerica Park to attend... Stations ready to field Opening Day excitement (Thu, 3/29)

Again, my therapy couch is open for sports media fans in need of counseling. I can't solve all problems, but I promise to listen to all rants, phobias, fears and irrational peeves. You're fired up and frisky about a lot of things, so let's work through these issues... Fans pan announcers in NCAAs (Thu, 3/29)

Former WDIV-TV (Local 4) reporter Anne Thompson, now NBC chief financial correspondent, has revealed that she has spent the past year battling breast cancer... Ex-Local 4 star Thompson reveals cancer battle (Thu, 3/29)

Let us open with some radio prattle. Detroit News columnist Rob Parker and former Channel 2 sportscaster Mark Wilson were let go from their evening sports talk show on WKRK-FM (97.1) at the end of 2006. The CBS station was slashing salary and Red Wings/Tigers play-by-play simulcasts were coming. Now, Detroit Radio One chief Carol Lawrence-Dobrusin confirms it’s a “strong possibility” that they’ll turn up weeknights from 9-midnight on WCHB-AM (1200)... Parker & The Man may be back (Wed, 3/28)

For many motorists, their car is their second home. That's why the Chrysler Group has partnered with satellite brand Sirius to offer what they're calling Sirius Backseat TV in 2008 Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans. Chrysler announced the new option Thursday in New York. It becomes the first automaker to offer television programming in a vehicle... Kid TV comes to Chrysler minivan back seats (Fri, 3/30)

I’ve been loyal to one radio station above all else since high school – WDET FM Detroit. For me, Summer nights wouldn’t be the same without turning on the Ed Love lovelight. I wouldn’t know anything about electronica without Ralph Valdez. WDET isn’t your typical public radio station – it represents the city of Detroit as it should and could be: A haven of music and culture and class to rival the likes of Chicago. But there’s new management in their Wayne State broadcast tower, management that seems to be focused on one thing only: News... Why, WDET, Why? (Fri, 3/30)

Public WDET-FM's 101.9 new local public affairs program, "Detroit Today," is set to debut on Monday, April 2 at 10am. The two-hour program will air weekdays, and hosting the program for its first week will be WDET's Matt Watroba.

Detroit Today features for the first week will include:
Monday- Opening Day in Detroit; Features include a conversation with Dan Dickerson, a story from former Detroiter and baseball fan, NPR's Don Gonyea, a look at what it is the Tigers' groundskeeper does and Matt Watroba has a conversation with his dad from Tigers' spring training in Florida. Also, Chuck Horn presents a music review of a new baseball CD box set.

Tuesday- Auto Industry; Has Detroit put all their eggs in the automotive basket, and if so what can we do about it? We'll hear from automotive analysts, as well as the governor's office on their plans for the near future. A social worker from MI Works, a social service that helps former auto workers transition into new jobs.

Wednesday- Education; What's the current state of education in this state, and in Detroit? Rev. Jimmy Womack, as well as others involved with the recent proposed school closings discuss the many issues.

Thursday- Health Care; Why are big hospitals being built in the suburbs, while access to heath care within the city isn't as accessible. We'll talk with Detroit Renaissance president Doug Rothwell about economic growth in the city, and a conversation with Dr. Calvin Trent about bridging the cultural divide.

Friday- Faith; On this Good Friday, Reverend Robert Jones and his wife Beatrice will discuss Easter while Rabbi Wolpe will discuss the Jewish Holiday Passover. The reverend and his wife will also perform some spirituals in-studio. A local woman discusses culinary alternatives to Passover fare, and we'll hear the story of one woman trying to preserve her heritage by keeping her families tradition of designing Easter eggs.

Baseball is fun again, the way it's supposed to be. Just ask Dan Dickerson. Entering his eighth season in the Tigers' radio booth and fifth as the lead play-by-play announcer on WXYT-AM (1270), he uses the word a lot these days. Maybe it's because it didn't come up a lot of nights during his first six years in the booth, when the Tigers were averaging nearly 100 losses. Not that he's complaining, after last season. "I've always loved this job, but then you realize how much more fun it can be," Dickerson said. "I hadn't ever even experienced a winning season. It was just a blast. With a winning team, there's just more stuff to talk about, more good stuff"... Tigers' long-awaited fun reaches broadcast booth (Mon, 4/2)

Anchor Devin Scillian, photojournalist Tim Pamplin and editor Vanessa Ogletree won the 2007 Edward R. Murrow Award for Best News Documentary for their work on the special "The China Syndrome: Where Did All the Jobs Go?" The Murrow Award is one of the highest honors for television news... WDIV wins documentary award (Mon, 4/2)

News-talk WJR AM 760 morning host Paul W. Smith will sit in for syndicated host Rush Limbaugh on Friday, April 6th. The Rush Limbaugh Show airs live from noon-3pm. In addition to WJR, which airs it live, the program is heard on several other radio stations across Michigan.

The next time Rod Allen is working a Tigers game, listen carefully. Allen, color analyst for Tigers telecasts, is fun to listen to and insightful. He might be the best color analyst in Motown. Allen, a former Tigers outfielder, is so good at telling you what's going to happen before it actually does. Although Allen technically was wrong, his best example came about a year ago... Allen has the gift of foresight (Wed, 4/4)

You have to give it up for fans and viewers of local newscasts. They notice everything and are always armed with questions about their favorite anchors and reporters. For instance, one reader called me as soon as he stopped seeing WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) reporter Val Clark on the air. No worries, my dear reader. Clark has been doing a lot of weekends, covering for reporter Heather Catallo , who has been out on maternity leave. Now that Catallo has returned, you will be seeing a lot more of Clark during the week, Grace Gilchrist, WXYZ's vice president and general manager assures us... Channel 7's Val Clark to return to weekdays (Wed, 4/4)

For 12 years, the studios of WDET were home for late-night heartthrob Liz Copeland and her radio show. Her heady nocturnal mix of sweet sounds, from classic techno to Curtis Mayfield to Nick Cave to Alice Coltrane, provided a perfect soundtrack for insomnia, all-nighters and hookups... Motor City Cribs- Liz Copeland's studio space (Wed, 4/4)

WDVD Names Fig Creative Services Director:
ABC Hot AC WDVD/DETROIT officially names former WWCK/FLINT, MI PD BRIAN "FIG" FIGULA as Creative Services Director. FIG has been in an interim position with the company since DECEMBER 2006, replacing 25-year station veteran CHRIS CONN. In addition to production and imaging, FIG will also handle on-air duties. And be sure to look for FIG to make an appearance on the FOX-TV comedy "WAR AT HOME" with MICHAEL RAPAPORT on SUNDAY, APRIL 22 at 7:30p ET; he'll be an extra at a graduation party. (Tue, 4/3)

Michigan Radio, the public radio station of the University of Michigan, finished a successful Spring Membership Drive last Friday, March 30, bringing in more than $730,000.

The 2007 Spring Membership Drive raised money through a variety of sources, including:
- Over $580,000 in contributions from listeners.
- Over $150,000 generated from corporate support linked to first-time and renewing member incentives. These incentives were critical in recruiting over 700 new members during the Spring Membership Drive.

This drive’s success amounts to a three percent increase in listener contributions over last spring’s drive. Membership support is the single largest source of income for the station.

“It’s gratifying to see that more and more listeners value our service and are willing to make a personal investment in supporting their station,” says Director of Broadcasting Steve Schram. “The success of Michigan Radio is in our listeners’ hands and they recognize their responsibility to keep the station strong.”

Michigan Radio includes WUOM (91.7 FM/Ann Arbor), WFUM-FM (91.1 FM/Flint), and WVGR (104.1 FM/Grand Rapids). Michigan Radio is a service of Michigan Public Media.

Ohio Media Watch is reporting that Michigan Radio has hired Vincent Duffy to take over as news director for WUOM/WFUM/WVGR as well have some opportunities to do some work for WFUM-TV 28 Flint. Duffy is currently the program director for Kent State University's WKSU, a job he will leave in May to make the move to Ann Arbor.

The news director slot at WUOM opened in February when Jerome Vaughn left the stations to rejoin WDET-FM 101.9 Detroit.

WOMC PD Steve Allan Exits:
CBS Oldies WOMC (THE MOTOR CITY'S 104.3)/DETROIT PD STEVE ALLAN and the station part ways after a three year run. No word on an official replacement, however consultant GARY BERKOWITZ is in the chair until a new PD is named. (Thu, 4/5)

Talk about your late Christmas gifts. Soft rocker WNIC-FM, traditionally the first station to play Christmas music by segueing Halloween's "Monster Mash" into Yuletide's "Come All Ye Faithful," ended up on the top of the radio ratings heap in Wednesday's Arbitron tote of listeners for December, January and February... Santa pulls WNIC ratings to the top (Thu, 4/5)

The first pitch has been thrown, pennant raised and hopes renewed. And for Tigers fans, that's only the beginning. They now have more choices in how -- and when -- to get their Tigers fix. Take Channel 7 (WXYZ). The station has added an interactive feature at wxyz.com called "The Dugout." Anchors/reporters Vic Faust and Tom Leyden, along with interactive content manager Dave Manning, post stories, interviews and other material that doesn't fit into the three- to four-minute daily sportscast. They were thrilled with their Web-only pregame show from Opening Day... 'Dugout' feature gives Tigers fans their fix (Thu, 4/5)

Top 5 stations among listeners age 12 and up: WNIC FM 100.3, WMXD FM 92.3, WJR AM 760, WJLB FM 97.9, and WKQI FM 95.5... Winter phase 2 radio ratings chart, Detroit (Wed, 4/4)

Veteran Detroit broadcaster and music aficionado, Judy Adams is doing two weekly radio shows available to metro Detroit listeners on two local FM stations: Smooth Jazz WVMV-FM 98.7 and College oriented CJAM-FM 91.5 and to music fans all over the world on the internet at V987.com and CJAM.ca.

This week's highlights:
- The Judy Adams Program, Tuesdays at 9:00 AM on CJAM, expresses the universality of music. Presenting an array of genres from different time periods that exemplify the ultimate musical expressions and creations from a culturally diverse palate. Jazz, rock, world, blues, folk, roots, electronic and beyond. On Tuesday April 10th, Judy will present music from the new Angelique Kidjo CD, "DJIN DJIN", with guest appearances by Carlos Santana, Amadou and Mariam, Alicia Keys and others.

- The Jazz Cafe Discovery Series Radio Program, Sundays at 11pm on WVMV, features live on tape performances of new and emerging Detroit-area Jazz talent recorded at the Jazz Cafe and at the Music Hall. On Sunday April 8th, performances by the Tracy Kash Thomas Quartet and M.L. Leiber's "Magic Poetry Band" recorded this past week at the Jazz Cafe Discovery Series at the Music Hall in downtown Detroit will be featured.

Almost every Tiger game is on television this year, and now that the Extra Innings package is going back on cable, you can watch the Tigers from almost anywhere. Except for some parts of Northwest Ohio... TV problems in Northwest Ohio (Thu, 4/5)

Some Wayne State students are upset about Detroit Public Radio 101.9 FM WDET's decision to scale back its music in favor of more news and information programming. WDET has decided to cancel several music shows including "Alternate Take with Liz Copeland," "The Best of the DSO," "Day to Day" and "Front Row and Center." The station kept Ed Love's jazz program. Michael Julien's Global Mix will continue to air at its usual time. The "Arkansas Traveler" and "Folks Like Us" music shows will remain on the program schedule... Student opinions vary on WDET's shift from music to news (Fri, 4/6)

Local public radio stations wrapped up fundraising drives last week, exceeding their goals. WEMU, which broadcasts from Eastern Michigan University, exceeded its fund-raising goal by 18 percent, raising $130,145 in its March 23-31 donation drive. "We're thrilled that we've had such great community support,'' said Molly Motherwell, development director for WEMU... Fundraisers exceed goals (Sat, 4/7)

Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ-Channel 7 will look to broadcast another conference in an attempt to recoup revenue now that the Big Ten is moving its non-national football games this fall to its own satellite channel. Last season, WXYZ bought 11 games, including six with either the University of Michigan or Michigan State University, to broadcast over the air in addition to the network games, said Marla Drutz, the station’s programming director. With the advent of the Chicago-based Big Ten Network, those games no longer will be available for over-the-air broadcast. The 24-hour network starts in August on DirecTV and initially will carry at least 35 football games not picked up by ABC or ESPN... Big Ten Network takes football games from WXYZ (Mon, 4/9)

The apologies have been made. But the story is far from over. The Don Imus controversy has moved on to the implications of what happens next -- to his career and, more important, to the national conversation about race. Word broke Monday night that the syndicated "Imus in the Morning" radio show will be suspended for two weeks on CBS Radio and MSNBC, beginning April 16... Apologies, and then what for Imus? (Tue, 4/10)

Yes, we are angry over radio host Don Imus losing his mind on his nationally syndicated show and calling members of the Rutgers University women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos." But step away from the anger for a minute. Imus may have done us two favors. First, his comments were incendiary. If they incite haters to do harm, then he will have aided and abetted hate crimes, which has to make law enforcement consider hate speech as a motivation for crime... Get rid of Imus -- and sexist rap, too (Tue, 4/10)

This isn't shaping up to be a good week for womankind. I've written recently about the twin oppressions of racism and sexism, arguing that for me, the sting of sexism cuts deeper. As if to help me reiterate the point, along comes shock jock Don Imus, insulting the Rutgers University women's basketball team, eight of whom are African American... Imus insult is a double whammy (Tue, 4/10)

CIMX Launching 'World Premier Fridays'
CHUM LTD. Alternative CIMX (89X)/WINDSOR-DETROIT launches "WORLD PREMIER FRIDAYS" beginning FRIDAY THE 13TH. Each week at 9p, nighttimer JAY HUDSON will debut a new album in its entirety. This FRIDAY, 89X "WORLD PREMIER FRIDAY will debut the new NINE INCH NAILS "Year Zero" CD. You can tune-in at www.89xradio.com. (Tue, 4/10)

Local cable providers are jumping on the Tigers bandwagon. Some 95 percent of operators statewide, including the largest in Metro Detroit, picked up Wednesday night's Tigers vs. Orioles game, despite it being bumped from its familiar home on FSN Detroit. The game was carried on the newly created FSN Plus feed, which will pick up at least three more Tigers telecasts in the next week when games conflict with the Pistons or Red Wings. The feed is temporarily slotted into cable providers' basic lineup -- on Comcast Local or the Home Shopping Network, for example... FSN Plus pulls off juggling act to air baseball with Wings, Pistons in playoffs (Thu, 4/12)

Will America go crazy for a sharp-dressed man from Canada? We'll know soon, as CBC icon Don Cherry joins NBC's Stanley Cup Finals coverage. Details have yet to be ironed out, but Cherry and NBC analyst Brett Hull, a former Red Wing, will guest on each other's networks. It's a shame it's taken this long for the outspoken Cherry and his unique wardrobe to migrate across the border... Cherry joining NBC? Sweet! (Thu, 4/12)

Grapes and Hullie -- the new morning show on MSNBC? Nope, during the Stanley Cup finals Don Cherry and Brett Hull will appear together on both NBC and CBC. The exact details are TBA, but the two talked about the alliance with reporters during a Tuesday teleconference... Cherry, Hull to stir the pot (Thu, 4/12)

CBS dumped Don Imus from his radio program Thursday, a major move in a media saga that has morphed into a societal referendum. It was a significant moment not just for broadcasting, but also for the culture at large. "Not having him on radio completes the penalty or response that was commensurate with what was done," said Rev. Horace Sheffield III, who's been involved in local efforts to call for Imus's firing. Sheffield said the pressure was on CBS to act, especially after MSNBC announced Wednesday it was canceling the Imus simulcast...
Imus' firing resonates beyond radio (Fri, 4/13)

If there's one thing Metro Detroit can't get enough of, it's sports. But are there enough sports fanatics in the metropolitan area to support two 24-hour sports-talk radio stations? So far, the answer is yes. Southfield-based WXYT-AM (1270) in January announced a contract extension with the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, making it clear the station will continue battling Farmington-based ratings and revenue leader WDFN-AM (1130). "The great thing about sports stations has been even though they never do well - if you look at the ratings book, they're never a big contender - they're wonderful for reaching males," said Dick Kernen, vice president of industry relations for the Southfield-based Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. "As such, they are great favorites for people who like to sell things to men." Because of that, both stations have earned revenue that would be hard to match if they changed formats. WDFN has been the traditional winner but has lost ground to its competitor in both the ratings and revenue categories. WDFN grossed $5 million in 2005, according to BIA Research Inc., compared to $4.2 million for WXYT. The 2006 number is likely higher for WXYT, though, thanks to the World Series run of the Tigers... WXYT, WDFN battle for 1st place in sports radio (Thu, 4/12)

Two years ago, entertainer Bill Cosby issued a call to action in Detroit that spawned a coalition of social service agencies appropriately called ARISE Detroit! Beginning Sunday, the organization will host its own action-line radio show, the first of its kind to link people with the social service help they need. The show, which will air from 4:30-5:30 p.m. each Sunday on WCHB 1200 AM and www.wchb1200.com, will also feature profiles of help agencies and ARISE partners... ARISE Detroit! turns on radio connections (Sat, 4/14)

AT&T has applied to offer television service in at least 21 municipalities throughout metro Detroit in its bid to challenge cable's dominance in offering channels not available with an antenna. Officials in the following communities confirmed they have received applications: Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, Canton, Dearborn, Detroit, Farmington, Farmington Hills, all five Grosse Pointes, Harrison Township, Livonia, Novi, Roseville, Royal Oak, Southfield, Taylor, West Bloomfield and Wyandotte... AT&T targets at least 21 spots for TV (Sat, 4/14)

As some of hip-hop's biggest stars gather in Detroit today, the fury over Don Imus' recent radio comments has drawn attention to the misogynistic lyrics common in hip-hop music and culture. At issue is why it's considered OK for one group to say specific words and taboo for another, and whether there's an issue of hypocrisy at play... Imus storm hits hip-hop world (Sat, 4/14)

Two battles are under way now in Washington, D.C., that are likely to change the way you listen to the radio. What's at stake: services like satellite radio, high definition radio and Internet radio. The issue is what those services should pay to broadcast music -- and how much, if any, of it you'll be allowed to record or timeshift to listen to later. The majority of radio stations in the metro area also broadcast live on the Web, joined by independent Web-only stations around the state. Today at the National Association of Broadcasters meeting in Las Vegas, the Radio and Internet Newsletter Summit will meet to talk about skyrocketing royalty rates for those online broadcasters. Also affecting those broadcasts is the Platform Equality and Remedies for Rights Holders in Music (PERFORM) bill in Congress, which could change how songs are transmitted on the radio and whether they can be recorded or saved for later play... Saving on-air music may end (Mon, 4/16)

In an attempt to find good homes for hundreds of homeless kittens, cats, puppies, rabbits and dogs, Greater Media’s Classic Rock WCSX-FM 94.7 will sponsor “Pet-A-Palooza.” The annual event will take place on Saturday, June 2nd at Heritage Park in Taylor, MI and on Saturday, July 28th at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights, MI.

The events will include family and pet-oriented activities. In addition, attendees are encouraged to bring their pets to the event. Prizes will be awarded for cutest pet and best-dressed pet contests. Additionally, various pet vendors will be on-site selling pet-related products and services.

2007 “Pet-A-Palooza” includes:
• More than 800 kittens, cats, puppies, dogs and rabbits in “Adoption Alley” from approximately 30 humane organizations that need good homes. Qualified individuals can adopt an animal on-site. Adoption fees range from approximately $50 to $125.
• Former Detroit Tiger pitcher Milt Wilcox will attend “Pet-A-Palooza” with his nationally-known Ultimate Air Dogs Competition.
• Performances by the Rock-N-Roll K-9’s: thirty-five dogs demonstrate speed and agility skills to rock-n-roll music.

Soft Rock WMGC-FM 105.1 will hold its “Magic 105.1 80’s Prom Dance Party” at Andiamo Italia in Warren on Friday, April 27th, 2007. The event will feature hors d'oeuvres, plenty of dancing, a photo booth and live music from That 80’s Band. Prizes will be awarded for the best 80’s outfits. There will also be tasty appetizers and a delectable chocolate fountain, courtesy of Andiamo Italia of Warren. Tickets to the event are not for sale - interested potential attendees can tune in to WMGC or visit the station's web site at www.DetroitMagic.com.

So you think you can sing better than those "Idol" folks? Prove it on television when WDIV-TV (Channel 4) once again holds its Super Singer contest. Only five of Metro Detroit's most talented vocalists will be chosen as finalists. From there, all five will perform live on WDIV's annual fireworks show in June. Auditions take place Friday and Saturday at area malls... WDIV hosts 'Super Singer' contest (Wed, 4/18)

FSN Detroit will televise Saturday’s Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series between the Pistons and Orlando Magic. Coverage begins at 6:30 PM with Pistons Insider. The game is also available in high-definition on FSN HD.

Announcers are George Blaha, Greg Kelser, Ryan Field and Matt Shepard. FSN also has extensive coverage immediately following the game on Pistons Live.

Below is the three-sport programming lineup Saturday on FSN Detroit, which also
includes that afternoon’s Tigers game, as well as Red Wings playoff postgame coverage:
• 12:30 PM – Tigers Live
• 1:00 PM – MLB: Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox (also on FSN HD)
• 5:30 PM (approx) – Red Wings Live: As soon as Game 5 of the Red Wings-Calgary series is complete, FSN interrupts regular programming to provide postgame reaction, highlights and analysis.
• 6:30 PM – Pistons Insider
• 7:00 PM – NBA Playoffs: Game 1, Pistons vs. Orlando Magic (also on FSN HD)
• Postgame – Pistons Live: Complete coverage from the Palace, including coaches’
press conferences, player reaction, highlights and analysis.

The TV schedule is set for the first round NBA playoff series between the Pistons and the Magic Game 1 is the only game not scheduled for broadcast television. It will air 7:00 p.m. Saturday on FSN Detroit and ESPN... Pistons playoff TV schedule (Thu, 4/19)

The Motor City's diverse musical talents will be honored once again at the annual Detroit Music Awards (DMA), which will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, at the State Theatre, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

WVMV-FM 98.7 morning host, jazz flutist, and DMA nominee Alexander Zonjic and his band will perform with the Motor City Horns at the 16th annual event. The Motor City Horns recently performed with Bob Seger on his U.S. tour.

Zonjic is nominated for two awards this year: outstanding jazz instrumentalist and outstanding modern jazz artist or group

This year's DMAs, operated by the non-profit Motor City Music Foundation, will honor musicians in 70 categories for all genres of music -- from rock to rap, country to gospel, blues to jazz and funk. Votes are cast from a pool of 2,750 registered members of the Detroit music community. A full list of nominees is available at www.detroitmusicawards.com.

WEMU (89.1 FM), Eastern Michigan University's public radio station, has launched WEMU2, a second channel on high-definition radio, the first public radio station in Michigan to do so. "The era of digital for your local radio station brings the promise of higher quality sound, new and increased programming, and richer data services,'' said Arthur Timko, station general manager, in a prepared statement. "WEMU is certainly proud to be not only the first public radio station in Michigan to transmit digitally, but also the first to multicast, i.e. provide a second completely different program service on the same frequency.'' A high-definition radio is required to receive the second channel. Currently unhosted, WEMU2 plays a mix of AAA (adult album alternative), roots, folk, Americana and blues from local, national and regional artists... A first for WEMU: Public radio goes high-def (Sun, 4/22)

In an unexpected announcement Tuesday, Detroit public television station WTVS-TV (Channel 56) board of trustees announced it had accepted immediately the resignation of president and general manager Steven R. Antoniotti, who led the station since 1995. In a news release, the board said Antoniotti "tendered his resignation because of an acknowledged failure to comply with station requirements, unrelated to financial matters"... Detroit Public TV president quits (Wed, 4/25)

Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan, received ten awards from the Michigan Associated Press for news coverage in 2006.

All entries aired between January 1 and December 31, 2006.

“On behalf of the Michigan Radio News team, we are very pleased to receive these acknowledgements of excellence from the Associated Press,” said Director of Broadcasting Steve Schram. “Receiving these important awards is a credit to our news team, who are unfailingly committed to generating meaningful and important news reports for listeners across the state.”

These awards follow the February and March announcements by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters that Michigan Radio has been named Public Station of the Year and received nine 2006-2007 MAB Broadcast Excellence Awards.

If you didn't catch the Drew & Mike interview with O.J. Simpson that aired April 18, you can still hear it at wrif.com. It all came about when an unnamed source who had the Juice's cell number (to set up a golf game) passed it on to the WRIF-FM (101.1) morning duo, who phoned Simpson and chatted with him for some time. The Hall of Fame running back, who was prosecuted (but not convicted) for the 1994 murder of his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman near her home in Los Angeles, answered his phone in a Jamaican patois before admitting who he was... Hear Drew & Mike interview O.J. on wrif.com (Thu, 4/26)

I'm a big fan of old-fashioned letter writing. Putting pen to ink, or fingers to keyboard, and saying something heartfelt. This letter is going to New York City, dated April 26, 2007: Dear NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman: I'm a hockey fan, and I'm worried about a serious problem. The Red Wings open the second round of the playoffs tonight by playing host to the San Jose Sharks at Joe Louis Arena. I'd love to watch the game on TV, but I already know that's not going to happen ... Radio show "Parker and The Man" returns to the airwaves Monday, finding a new home from 9 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday, on WCHB 1200... Versus telecasts exclude some fans (Thu, 4/26)

In a surprise move, Steve Antoniotti has parted company with Detroit Public Television, where he served as president and general manager since 1995. Antoniotti tendered his resignation, according to a release from Detroit Public Television, because of an "acknowledged failure to comply with station requirements, unrelated to financial matters." Dan Alpert, Detroit Public Television's chief operating officer and TV station manager, will fill in as acting general manager while a replacement is sought... Detroit Public Television manager resigns his post (Thu, 4/26)

First I was a listener. Then a supporter. A volunteer. Then I got ticked off at WDET (www.wdetfm.org) and became a boycotter. Now I’m a listener again — a freeloading one — and the Detroit public radio station is begging for money during its on-air spring pledge drive. They’re not getting it. Not until I’m convinced 101.9-FM won’t betray me again. ’DET dumped Tavis Smiley, Terry Gross and Ira Glass in September 2004. That’s when I launched my boycott. (Thank goodness they sent the “Car Talk” guys away, too.) It was painful missing Judy Adams’ and Martin Bandyke’s music programs during that time, but denial is the essence of boycotting... You can't have my money yet, WDET (Thu, 4/26)

News/Talk WJR AM 760 and Michigan State University will again join forces to present Champions for the Kids, a special golf event to benefit the non-profit organization “Yatooma’s Foundation For The Kids. ”

Registration has already begun so don’t miss your chance to join MSU Coach Tom Izzo and WJR at the second annual “Champions For The Kids” golf tournament to be held July 29th & 30th at the prestigious Oakland Hills Golf and Country Club. All funds raised through this two-day event will go directly to those in need through “Yatooma’s Foundation For The Kids.” The tournament begins with a VIP dinner and auction at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham on Sunday, July 29th and is followed by a day of golf at the world renowned golf course on Monday, July 30th.

Founded by Norman Yatooma on Father’s Day 2003, “Yatooma’s Foundation For The Kids ” was inspired by memories of the overwhelming grief, financial pressure and insecurities that the young children of the Yatooma family suffered as a result of their father’s tragic murder. As a result, Yatooma started this non-profit organization to help children overcome the challenges they face with the painful loss of a parent through a full spectrum of assistance including financial advice, help in the home, counseling and support services.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For registration and sponsorship information, call 1-888-987-KIDS (5437) or visit www.wjr.com or www.forthekidsfoundation.org.

Lawson Deming, who portrayed campy Detroit TV vampire Sir Graves Ghastly, surrendered to the Grim Reaper on Tuesday night at his Ohio home. His demise -- he was believed to be 94 -- was reported by Keith Milford, gravemaster of www.SirGravesGhastly.com. The site seems destined to keep Deming's bad jokes -- "What's the favorite meal of sea monsters? Fish and ships" -- alive indefinitely. His passing marks another nail in the coffin of the period when local TV stations used kitschy, over-the-top horror movie hosts to entertain kids on Saturday afternoons... TV host Sir Graves is dead (Fri, 4/27)

Sir Graves Ghastly made Saturday afternoons fun. With the perfect mix of camp and kook, he frightened and delighted thousands of Metro Detroit kids once every weekend for 15 years. But the playful vampire couldn't resist the Grim Reaper forever. Lawson Deming -- the actor who played local TV legend Sir Graves Ghastly -- died in his Cleveland home of congestive heart failure Tuesday, one day after his 94th birthday, his son David Deming says... TV legend Sir Graves Ghastly dies at 94 (Fri, 4/27)

For nearly 55 years, Ted Heusel talked to listeners over the airwaves, even once broadcasting from his bed after he'd broken his ankle. "He always worked,'' said his wife, Nancy. "He always did his radio programs.'' Theodore Heusel died at home around 1 a.m. today, after seven years battling colon cancer. He was 86. Heusel had been broadcasting on various Ann Arbor area radio stations since 1948, when he started as a part-time DJ at WPAG while at graduate school at the University of Michigan. In 1952, he accepted a job as a full-time radio broadcaster. He also worked for radio station WOIA, moving to WAAM nearly 25 years ago, coming back after his show was once axed and moving from a weekday show to Saturday after his health deteriorated... Ted Heusel made state's hall of fame (Fri, 4/27)

Soft Rock WMGC-FM 105.1 and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center will present the 2007 National Cancer Survivors Salute from 5 – 7 p.m., Sunday, June 3 at the Sheraton Detroit in Novi, honoring fifty metropolitan Detroit cancer survivors. The event, hosted by Cyndy Canty from The Magic Morning Show, will include appetizers, music, door prizes, a cash bar and an auction to help raise money for cancer research.

Currently, Magic 105.1 and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer are seeking nominations of cancer survivors who face each day with courage and dignity in their fight against cancer and serve as an inspiration to all of us. Each nomination should include why this person is being nominated and include the nominee and nominator’s full name, address and phone number. Full details on the Magic 105.1 and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center 2007 National Cancer Survivors Salute can be found at www.detroitmagic.com.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools WSDP-FM 88.1 is set to present their annual Radio Auction on Saturday May 12, from 9am to 10pm and has recruited a team of special guest auctioneers to help with the auction. Each guest will work with two student auctioneers. Some of the guests include Dr. Jim Ryan, Plymouth-Canton Schools Superintendent, Chris Edmonds, WNIC Morning Radio Host, Pam Rossi of WCSX, John Bommarito of Ann Arbor’s 107.1FM, and State Representatives Phil Lajoy and Marc Corriveau. A complete list is available at the station’s website, www.881TheEscape.com. Listeners can also tune in to the auction via the station’s live web feed, available from the website.

Area businesses, which are still being contacted by station volunteers, still have time to support the student radio station by donating an item. Businesses benefit from the exposure they receive while the item is up for bid. Most importantly donations help a very worthwhile program.

This year’s auction is even more significant as the school district is considering budget cuts with WSDP on a preliminary list of cuts for the 2008/2009 school year. The auction is the first of many fundraisers to help save the radio station, which is celebrating 35 years of serving the Plymouth-Canton Community.

New items will be auctioned off every half-hour. Listeners can support the station by calling in bids throughout the day. There are many great items to bid on including autographed memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates, and services from local businesses. A Dream Board of the more unique items will be available for bidding all day long.

Last year the station raised just about $12,000 and this year they've set their mark at $15,000.

The WSDP staff would also like to thank New Liberty Bank for returning as a Key Sponsor of the auction. They would also like to thank Tom Yack, Canton Township Supervisor, and State Representative Phil LaJoy, The Rector family and Plymouth AM Rotary for sponsoring a half-hour of the auction. Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring a portion of the auction can e-mail Bill Keith at keithb@pccs.k12.mi.us.

In recognition of national “Nurse Appreciation Week,” Magic 105.1’s Jim Harper & The Magic Morning show will broadcast live from 6 to 10 am from five area Metro Detroit hospitals between May 7th and 11th in an effort to pay tribute to nurses and hospital professionals.

In addition, a light breakfast will be served at each broadcast, compliments of Tim Horton’s, Whole Foods, Providence Hospital, St. John Hospital and Medical Center and Beaumont Hospital. Red Wings Shoes will sell shoes and GM Mobility will have a display on-site each day.

May 7: Crittenton Hospital, Rochester
May 8: Providence Hospital, Southfield
May 9: Henry Ford Bi-County Hospital, Warren
May 10: St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit
May 11: Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak

The American Nurses Association has officially designated this year’s theme "Nursing: A Profession and a Passion" in recognition of the countless nurses who make a difference in the lives of others in our community. Nurse Appreciation Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.

For the 11th year, Alexander Zonjic will be performing a charity concert for the Windsor Downtown Mission to benefit the homeless on Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 12. A new location, Assumption University Chapel, has been selected for the annual event.

For the first time, since the inception of the annual concert, Alexander Zonjic’s mother will be there in memory only. Elena Zonjic passed away last October. “I am going to dedicate this performance to her,” said Zonjic.

The concert will feature Alexander Zonjic & Friends at the Assumption University Chapel, 400 Huron Church Road in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for children, $25 for adults and $45 for preferred seating and an autographed CD with flower for moms. Couples will receive a CD with VIP seats.

The Windsor Downtown Mission feeds the homeless, offers them spiritual and moral support, provides health care, referrals, clothing and employment support.

“The Windsor Downtown Mission does good work and I am especially eager to help out a good cause in my hometown,” said Zonjic. “The Assumption Chapel will provide an intimate and special setting for the concert.”

For more information and tickets, call the Windsor Downtown Mission at (519) 973-5573.

As the bright lights focused on him and the cameras rolled, the show's host, Carlo Ginotti, hit his mark on the studio floor, told a few jokes, introduced his special guests, and then broke for a "word from their sponsors." Welcome to "The Royal Oak Show," a talk show, about, well, Royal Oak. It's not quite "The Tonight Show," but if you live in the city, this could be your chance to be on TV. The show airs on WROK, the city's cable station that operates out of the basement of City Hall, and is seen by a few thousand viewers... TV for the people (Tue, 5/1)

A lurid murder case, Bob Seger's triumphant comeback and a faltering Michigan economy all factored into the Winter Arbitron ratings for January-March, which were released Tuesday. News-talk WJR-AM (760) and all-news WWJ-AM (950) both did well, topping the overall ratings for everybody (ages 12 and older), at No. 1 for WJR and No. 2 for WWJ. In the morning, WRIF-FM (101.1)'s Drew & Mike regained their No. 1 spot, while Mojo in the Morning on WKQI-FM (95.5) had a nice bump upward going from No. 5 to No. 3. Fall's leader, Steve Harvey on WMXD-FM (92.3) plummeted from No. 1 to No. 5. WWJ ranked second... Murder, Seger help news stations top radio rankings (Tue, 5/2)

News-talk WJR-AM (760) moved back to the top of the heap in the Arbitron radio ratings released Tuesday among all listeners for the first quarter of 2007. It's an early present for the landmark Detroit station which marks its 85th birthday on Friday. Last month's leader, soft rock WNIC-FM (100.3), plummeted as expected as its December ratings for holiday music were factored out of the total, which is based on the last three months of listening. News provider WWJ-AM (950), buoyed by major news stories like the Tara Grant murder, the Troy office shootings and the Virginia Tech massacre, zoomed to second place among all listeners. There were plenty of other noteworthy numbers... WJR returns to No. 1 among all listeners (Wed, 5/2)

Detroit age 12+ radio ratings, Winter 2007

StoryCorps Griot, a one-year initiative to gather and preserve in sound the life stories of African American families across the country, will be in Detroit to record stories of endurance, resilience, achievement and hope. Working in partnership with WDET 101.9 FM, StoryCorps Griot will document the history of Detroit area families and friends for generations to come.

A StoryCorps interview is a 40-minute conversation between two people who know each other. A trained facilitator will be present and serve as a partner throughout the interview process to help participants have a comfortable and meaningful experience, and to handle all technical aspects of the recording.

Participants will take home a broadcast-quality audio CD, and with permission, copies will go to the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress and to the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian. Segments of interviews may also air on WDET 101.9 FM.

Visit www.storycorpsgriot.net to make a reservation, see sample questions, listen to clips and learn more about the Griot Initiative.

Where: Campus Martius Park - 800 Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit
When: May 10th through June 16th
Hours: Mon/Thurs/Fri 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sat./Sun. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
How: Call 1-800-850-4406 to reserve your appointment

There are a limited number of appointment slots available, so interested participants are encouraged to sign up soon.

Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan, has completed its search for a News Director. Beginning May 7, Vincent Duffy will take the reigns of Michigan Radio’s award-winning news staff.

Duffy comes to Michigan Radio with an impressive resume of public broadcasting experience. Most recently, he has served as the Director of Programming and Operations at WKSU in Akron/Cleveland, Ohio. He has also hosted a weekly news round-up program entitled “NewsNight Akron” on WNEO/WEAO, Akron’s public television station, and served as an adjunct professor at Kent State University.

Prior to his time as Director of Programming and Operations, Duffy spent seven years as the station’s News Director. During that time, he earned six national Edward R. Murrow awards, as well as many other prestigious commendations. Among them are two National Headliner Awards, a Gabriel Award, a national Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and Best Reporter in the State of Ohio by the Ohio SPJ. In 2004, Vincent was named Best Producer by Ohio Education Telecommunications.

As Michigan Radio’s News Director, Duffy will supervise and guide the station’s news team. In this role, he will be responsible for continuing Michigan Radio’s commitment to helping listeners understand how their lives and their communities are affected by issues and events in the news.

“I’m very enthusiastic about joining the news team at Michigan Radio,” said Duffy. “The reporters there are some of the best in the business and I hope that together we can continue Michigan Radio’s long tradition of public service excellence.”

Two things happened recently that remind us why relations between different races and the haves and have-nots in America -- and in Michigan -- are so poor: First: Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca asked a judge to forgive a bank robber's transgression because he was desperate and faced homelessness ... Second: Two weeks after shock jock Don Imus was fired, shock jock Rush Limbaugh began playing a little ditty on his radio program called "Barack, the Magic Negro." Think "Puff, the Magic Dragon." Now, Barack Obama is no female college basketball player, so Limbaugh, unlike Imus, did pick on someone his own size. (Actually, he picked on someone bigger, smarter and more relevant than he is.) And Obama, when asked about it on WJR's Paul W. Smith show Wednesday morning, said he wasn't bothered. He's right. If elected, he won't have time to answer every kook who calls him a name. But that doesn't mean black folks shouldn't be bothered... The insulting unfairness should offend all (Fri, 5/4)

Music has been a big part of Carolyn Stone's life. She played the tuba in the band while growing up in the Detroit suburb of Romeo. She sang in the church choir and at weddings. She would often scribble the lyrics to songs on the back of a napkin or on a piece of paper. Not all that long ago, Stone was the lead singer for the group Ghetto Puppet. She played at most of the key music venues in the Motor City while working part-time at a radio station... Music brought Carolyn Stone to radio career (Fri, 5/4)

Last spring, WOMC completely stopped using the 'Oldies' term, instead shifting to the awkward name and positioner, "The Motor City's 104.3 WOMC" which was often coupled with "The Hits You Loved Growing Up". Ratings-wise, the results of last year's renaming have not been very successful with the station having lower listener numbers in each quarter since. Typically, WOMC's ratings are the strongest during the warm weather months so making the switch now should help gain back ratings momentum through the summer and into the fall as loyal listeners - especially those with ratings diaries - can identify the station more concisely. Today's name change came complete with new jingles and the additional return of the identifier 'The Greatest Hits of the 60's and 70's.'

The station is currently without a permanent program director and instead is under the guidance of consultant Gary Berkowitz. Interestingly WOMC joins another high profile CBS Radio station, this one across Lake Michigan in Chicago, in reverting back to a previous name this week. Talk WCKG-FM 105.9, which has had abysmal ratings in the Windy City, dropped its 'Free FM' moniker and went back to calling itself 'Chicago's FM Talk Station', perhaps signaling that there will soon be more changes to other CBS properties around the country.

Former CBS Radio top exec Joel Hollander is widely viewed as the person that directed many dramatic changes to the company's radio stations, including the roll out of the 'Free FM' talk concept in major markets along with the dropping of the Oldies format in several of the same cities. New CEO Dan Mason has reportedly been traveling around the country and been involved in addressing some of the stations that have been under-performing since the changes under Hollander's watch.

As for WOMC, the station's music selection still dips in to the early 1980s in addition to its normal focus on Motown and The Beatles. It still sounds a bit strange to hear a Billy Joel 80's tune being played as an Oldie, but especially when it comes right after hearing "The Greatest Hits of the 60's and 70's." Can radio stations go back home again? WOMC is about to find out.

Sports WDFN AM 1130 has announced the addition of a Detroit radio staple to its weekend lineup, home improvement guru Murray Gula. "Home Improvement with Murray Gula" will air Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8 to 10 am on WDFN.

Gula has been answering home improvement questions for 20 years as a broadcast veteran and building expert and is currently a featured expert on home improvement issues for WXYZ TV-7.

A native Detroiter and Director of the Michigan Construction Protection Agency, a nationwide notice and lien processing service, Murray has spent over 35 years in the building industry as a Master Electrician, Licensed Builder and Building Inspector.

Whether it’s help with a remodeling project, building a new home or addition, or simply answering questions about electrical, plumbing, insulation and just about anything else in the home improvement and repair universe, Murray Gula is the guy for metro Detroiters.

Rock WRIF-FM 101.1 has unveiled details of the 9th Annual Motor City Harley Davidson Harleyfest. The event, sponsored by Miller Lite and Motor City Harley-Davidson®, will take place on Saturday, June 16th at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights.

HarleyFest is an all-day event that brings together Harley-Davidson® motorcycle enthusiasts from throughout the state of Michigan to celebrate great music, great food and great bikes. Both bikers and non-bikers are welcome.

Admission to the festival in the park is always free and will feature a live music stage featuring some of Detroit’s hottest local bands. In addition, there will be a “Best of Bike” show for prizes in various categories, a vendor village featuring everything from clothes and jewelry to airbrush artists, plus lots of delicious food and drink, live auctions featuring autographed memorabilia, a day-long live broadcast by WRIF and more. Gates to the park will open at 11am.

In addition, there will be a special Harley-Davidson “Rock-n- Roll Ride for Kids,” which will leave from Motor City Harley-Davidson®, located at 34900 Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills to Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights, the morning of the event.

Sign-up begins at 9am in Farmington Hills. The will ride leave for HarleyFest, accompanied with a police escort, at 11am sharp. Riders are asked to pay $25 per person to participate in the ride, which provides them with a special Rainbow Connection collector’s pin, parking fees for HarleyFest and a donation to The Rainbow Connection. For more information on the ride call Motor City Harley-Davidson® at (248) 473-7433. Last year’s ride drew over 1,000 participants.

At 3:00pm, previously qualified WRIF winners will gather on site at the event to see which one of them will drive away with the ultimate Harley-Davidson® prize….a 2007 1200XL Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster and a two year lease on a Ford F-150XLT. The RIFF will be qualifying listeners to win keys for this exciting giveaway on the air, at Harley Fest parties around the city as well as by picking up an entry form at the Harley Fest display at participating Farmer Jack and CVS locations. Listeners are encouraged to tune into 101 WRIF for complete details.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Rainbow Connection Over the past eight years; Harley Fest has helped to raise over $290,000 for various charities, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Karmanos Cancer Institute.

WCSX-FM 94.7 is working with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County to complete the "WCSX House That Classic Rock Built". The House is located at 191 Mechanic Street in Pontiac. It is two blocks South of Huron Street (M-59) and three blocks East of Woodward.

Help us build the "WCSX House That Classic Rock Built" go to www.wcsx.com to:
* Volunteer your time
* Make a secure on-line donation
* Be a guest DJ and host your own hour of music

94.7 WCSX will be broadcasting live from the building site:
* Today, May 9th, from 9am-2pm with Karen Savelly sponsored by Metro PCS
* Friday May 11th from 2-6pm with Ken Calvert sponsored by Jet's Pizza
* Friday May 18th from 6-9am with the whole 'CSX Gang for the dedication of the "WCSX House That Classic Rock Built"

News-talk WJR-AM (760) and morning host Paul W. Smith continue what's become an annual tradition with remote broadcasts across Michigan to showcase some of the state's great cities and tourist locations. The first broadcast was this morning from the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Tomorrow from 5:30 - 9 AM, Smith will be at the Sugar Beach Resort in Traverse City and on Friday the show will originate from the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth.

In addition to highlighting these popular travel destinations, Smith will also talk to local business and government leaders in each city.

The past four months have been a process of trial and error for Juliet Huddy and Mike Jerrick. If their names don't ring a bell, chances are they could in a month or two. That's because the hosts of Fox's "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet," which airs locally 9 a.m. weekdays on WJBK-TV (Channel 2), are starting to get noticed. In Metro Detroit, for instance, viewership among women 25-54 has increased from a 1.6 rating in January to 2.0 rating in March... Fox's 'Morning Show' rating is up (Wed, 5/9)

General Motors vice chairman Bob Lutz will be a special guest on a live taping of "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!," the irreverent National Public Radio quiz show, next Thursday, May 17, at Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater. Lutz will appear as the show's "Not My Job" contestant, for which he'll answer questions outside his area of expertise (and maybe win a prize for a listener). The show will air nationally on the following Saturday. Locally it can be heard at 11 a.m. Saturdays on WEMU and WDET; it repeats on WDET Sunday evenings at 9 p.m, and airs on Michigan Radio WUOM-FM (91.7) Saturdays at noon... GM's Lutz to play NPR game show (Thu, 5/10)

Detroit officials acknowledged Wednesday that a tax-exempt community fund paid $8,605 for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his family to spend a week at a posh California resort last August. But they said the mayor's stay at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., was part of an effort to raise money for the Kilpatrick Civic Fund, which the mayor created to boost community life in Detroit... $8,605 went toward Kilpatrick family’s bill at resort (Thu, 5/10)

(Originally published May 20, 2005) The most combative journalist in Detroit walked away from his latest confrontation with the mayor Tuesday disheveled and seething. He'd just been cursed, shoved, grabbed, kicked and punched. His dress shirt was untucked, his hair was a mess. Sweat dripped down his forehead. It was inevitable, really, that the melee would break out - the only question was when and how forcefully the whole thing would explode... Newsman Steve Wilson: Bulldog or Bulldozer? (Thu, 5/10)

WYCD catches a star- Country megastar Tim McGraw dropped by Detroit's WYCD-FM (99.5) the other day to bang the drum for Halfway to Hazard, a new country band he's producing. McGraw played with the band on several live tunes and spent a good hour on the air... Names and Faces (Thu, 5/10)

The Michigan chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Science unveiled nominees Thursday for the 2007 Local Emmys to be presented June 16 at the Gem Theatre (strolling hors d'oeuvres at 4 p.m.; presentation at 6 p.m.) It bodes to be a happy night for WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), which along with its affiliated independent producers, scored 30 nominations. Second was Fox Sports Net Detroit, which dominated the sporting categories and garnered 24 nominations... Local Emmy nods are out: 7, FSN lead pack (Fri, 5/11)

W288BK FM 105.5 Rochester Hills is now broadcasting, carrying the programming of classic rock WQUS FM 103.1 Lapeer. The station filed with the FCC for its license to cover this week specifying it would be translating WQUS, which is owned by Regent Broadcasting.

Hearing WQUS on this translator is somewhat of a surprise as the original application for the station specified the translator would be carrying the signal EMF's WAKL FM 88.9 Flint. WAKL is programmed with the Contemporary Christian 'K-Love' format.

W288BK's 12 watt transmitter is located near downtown Rochester, but can be heard clearly as far away as the northwest corner of Sterling Heights.

Rock WRIF-FM on Friday announced the winner of the station's 2007 “WRIF Rock Girl” competition – Taylor Robinson from Canton, Michigan. Taylor made it through three rounds of online voting and the scrutiny of 3 judges at a live event last Thursday at the Emerald Theater in Mt. Clemens to be crowned with the title of WRIF Rock Girl.

Through the online voting campaign, the girls were whittled down from 32 to 16 to 8. The “Fabulous Four” were announced at the event last night with the help of our emcees, Trudi Daniels, Arthur Penhallow, Doug Podell, Scott Randall and 2006 WRIF Rock Girl, Lisa Welch. Then, it was up to our panel of judges to decide. Judges included MGM Grand Detroit’s Courtney Bliznik, Red Wing Alumni John Ogrodnick and “Mr. Skin” of MrSkin.com fame. After a series of competitions, including WRIF and Rock trivia, a simulated traffic report, a talent competition and a “show us your style” fashion show, Taylor was crowned “WRIF Rock Girl” by reigning Rock Girl, Lisa Welch.

In addition to the title of WRIF Rock Girl, Taylor will receive a $40,000 salary, a position on the air as afternoon traffic reporter, and she’ll star in a WRIF billboard campaign and a WRIF ad in the July issue of Stuff Magazine.

Taylor is a graduate from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She plans to go back to get her masters as well.

Soft rock WMGC-FM 105.1's Jim Harper & The Magic Morning Show are accepting final nominations for the 6th Annual "Women Who Make Magic®" Awards. The banquet and dinner will be held on Monday, June 11, 2007 at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom on 14 Mile in Warren. National recording artist and Magic 105.1FM on-air personality John Tesh will be a special guest, presenting an award and spending some time sharing a bit of his “intelligence for life.” He will also sign autographs at the event. Tickets are available at the Andiamo box office or by calling 586-268-3200.

The "Women Who Make Magic®" Awards began back in 2002, in an effort to recognize and pay tribute to women who have made a difference in the lives of others in their family, workplace or community.

"Women Who Make Magic® is the program for which we're most proud. To hear the stories about these women is both inspiring and humbling. I know the world is going to be OK when I'm reminded that these beautiful, empowered, caring and intelligent women are walking the earth like Guardian Angels,” said Jim Harper, WMGC Morning Show Personality and Operations Manager.

Every Friday from February - May, Magic 105.1FM's Jim Harper and The Magic Morning Show announce the name of a candidate, based on nomination letters they receive from friends, family and co-workers suggesting why the individual should be recognized. Each selected nominee receives two tickets to attend the Women Who Make Magic® Awards Banquet and a $50 Kroger gift card. Approximately 30 women will be recognized at the Awards dinner in June.

Anyone interested in submitting a nomination should send a letter explaining why the candidate should be considered to:
Women Who Make Magic®
Magic 105.1FM
One Radio Plaza
Detroit, MI 48220

Nominations can also be e-mailed to: women@detroitmagic.com. Please include a photo of your "Magical" nominee! Deadline for submissions is May 31, 2007.

Last week, the Associated Press reported what it called "an alarming number of Americans" stopped watching TV over the past two months: Nationally, more than 2.5 million fewer people were watching ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox than at the same time last year, statistics show. But that trend wasn't true in the Detroit area. Everyone has a theory to explain the plummeting national ratings: early Daylight Savings Time, more reruns, bad shows, more shows being recorded or downloaded or streamed online. But there wasn't a need for explanations here. "Detroit is different than the rest of the country in so many ways including television viewing," said WJBK-TV (Channel 2) research chief Kelly Collins... Detroiters still watch, but ratings drop nationwide (Sun, 5/13)

Rev. Al Sharpton, lately best known for being the scourge of the currently jobless Don Imus, came to Troy Wednesday to address the AdCraft Club at its annual Radio Day presentation at the San Marino Club. Why Radio Day? Sharpton hosts a weekday radio talk show syndicated by Radio One that’s heard from 1-4 p.m. daily here on Radio One’s WCHB-AM (1200). And 11 minutes into a 20-minute address to an audience of radio and other advertising folks, Sharpton explained why Imus had to go while making a couple of points on the application of the concept of freedom of speech... Sharpton explains how Imus was ousted (Wed, 5/16)

Good-bye, Opie & Anthony. XM Satellite Radio suspended them and their New York-based morning radio show for 30 days, effective immediately, possibly setting the stage for their eventual dismissal. A tamer, public airwaves O&A will continue to be carried from 6-9 a.m. weekdays on WKRK-FM (97.1), a CBS spokeswoman said Tuesday. The O&A comedy tour is due to hit DTE Energy Music Theatre on Aug. 4. The offense: The duo allowed a homeless man to utter profanity and talk about wanting to have sex with some famous women on their XM-only show, which runs from 9 to about 11 a.m. and isn't bound by normal broadcast standards... XM radio yanks Opie & Anthony (Wed, 5/16)

The Rev. Al Sharpton, whose campaigning helped lead to CBS Radio shock jock Don Imus losing his job last month, was the keynote speaker at the Adcrafter Club Radio Day luncheon Wednesday at the San Marino Club in Troy. Sharpton's appearance, requested by Radio One-Detroit general manager Carol Lawrence-Dobrusin, couldn't have been more timely, with shock jocks in hot water all over the place this week... Sharpton: Imus firing a consumers' rights issue (Thu, 5/17)

While Jim Johnson of 'JJ & Lynne' on Classic Rock WCSX-FM 94.7 is chaperoning his son’s school trip to NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, AL next Monday – Wednesday, May 21-23, filling the void will be Detroit funnyman John Heffron who will co-host the Classic Rock Morning Show with Lynne Woodison.

Heffron, winner of NBC’s reality series “Last Comic Standing,” has become the comic to watch and love. The newly-married 33 year-old comic recently nabbed a development deal with ABC for his own sitcom and wowed the crowd in another half-hour standup special for Comedy Central. John’s been on the road non-stop, performing in comedy clubs, colleges and theaters across the country.

Heffron started his comedy career as a student at Eastern Michigan University, skipping night classes to perform. After graduating, John toured the college circuit with material that became his first comedy CD, “Kid With A Cape.”

John just released his third comedy CD, “The Better Half,” featuring material that has matured with him, moving from college and video games to the adjustment of being married with weekly visits to Home Depot.

Rebecca Williams, reporter and producer for The Environment Report on Michigan Radio, has been selected to receive a first place National Headliner Award for her series of reports on the Emerald Ash Borer, entitled “Tree Killing Bug Wiping Out Ash.”

Williams’s award is in the category of “Breaking News or Continuing Coverage of a Single News Event,” and surpassed both ABC News Radio and CBS Radio News to take the top spot in that category.

“Tree Killing Bug Wiping Out Ash” is a continuing series of stories about how this invasive beetle has killed over 20 million trees. People in the nursery and firewood industries have lost their livelihoods, homeowners and cities are struggling to pay for the damage, and scientists are warning that we don't fully understand the extent of everything that could be lost in our forests.

The National Headliner Awards program was founded in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City. It is one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic merit in the communications industry.

This year’s awards will be presented to recipients at a special ceremony in Atlantic City on May 19. Outstanding journalists from around the country will gather to honor their fellow news writers, photographers, and reporters.

“I’m thrilled,” says Williams, “to receive this recognition of our in-depth coverage of such an important problem.”

The Environment Report from the GLRC is a production of Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan. The Environment Report is an environmental news service distributed free of charge to more than 140 public radio stations in 16 states.

There are probably a finite number of places in the country where more than 1,500 people would jam a place like the Michigan Theater to listen to the making of a radio show, but Ann Arbor is one of them. The National Public Radio current-events quiz program, "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me,'' with host Peter Sagal, announcer-scorekeeper Carl Kasell and panelists Adam Felber, Kyrie O'Connor and Charlie Pierce, came to town Thursday night for a live taping of their fast-paced, unscripted and irreverent look at the news. "We were warned if we weren't good enough, they'd start projecting an obscure Czech film,'' Sagal quipped... Throng could barely wait for 'Wait, Wait': 1,500 pack theater for NPR show (Fri, 5/18)

Soft Rock WMGC-FM 105.1 is joining forces with the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan by forming a special Magic 105.1FM team to walk in the first-ever CLF Walk for Hope & Support.

Magic 105.1FM afternoon on-air personality Jim Paolucci will host this year’s event and has formed a team, “Paolucci’s Pals.” to help raise funds for this great cause. The 3-mile charity walk will start at 9am and conclude with lunch which will immediately follow. Water at the halfway point of the walk will be provided by Oakwood Hospital.

The mission of Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is to provide and promote compassionate, personalized support to people in Michigan affected by leukemia and other related disorders.

“I know firsthand how devastating illnesses such as these can be for the entire family. Join me in support of these brave kids and their families,” said Jim Paolucci.

Registration is available at: www.active.com/donate/clfwalk/jimpaolucci. On-site registration the day of the event will also be available.

Purtan has hosted the Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon for 20 consecutive years, raising more than $16.4 million dollars for The Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Club Program. The Bed and Bread program brings food, shelter and services to countless people within the community. The program shelters 2,100 every night and serves over 12,300 meals each day to men, women and children in need.

“Dick’s commitment to helping others in need embodies the spirit of the Evangeline Booth Award,” said Major Norman Marshall, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “He serves as a role model for all of us to do the most good. The Salvation Army could not make the impact it does without his generous support.”

Purtan has been inducted into the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the National Radio Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The Morning Show with Purtan’s People is also included in the archives at the New York Museum of Radio and Television Broadcasting. In their first-ever “Best of Detroit,” HOUR Detroit Magazine selected Dick Purtan & Purtan’s People as the city’s best radio morning show. In 2006, HOUR Detroit named him the “Best Local Radio DJ.” The readers of the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press have also voted Purtan the Best Radio Personality.

Others who were honored by TSA with Evangeline Booth awards included, “A Purpose Driven Life” author Pastor Rick Warren, Actress Dixie Carter, Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott and former Pepsico CEO Steven Reinemund.

Big Ten Network president Mark Silverman is confident by the time the network launches in August, fans around the league will have access to the channel devoted 24 hours a day to Big Ten sports. Silverman, on the Michigan campus Tuesday to discuss the status of the network, particularly in terms of cable distribution, said 40 cable companies, including 12 in Michigan, are on board, along with DirecTV... Big Ten Network confident it will deliver (Wed, 5/23)

For those who missed the announcement, the Big Ten Network will debut in August. Who will see it remains another matter. Big Ten Network officials, including president Mark Silverman, were in Ann Arbor on Tuesday pitching all of the network's attributes. But when the inevitable topic of distribution arose, Silverman could say only that he was optimistic. The network currently has an agreement with DirecTV and a number of smaller cable outlets throughout the Midwest that will make it available in 15 million homes. It does not, however, have an agreement with cable giants such as Comcast, which serves many Michigan homes, despite preliminary meetings... Big Ten Network might be hard to find (Wed, 5/23)

The Big Ten Network has lots of programming that local sports fans will want to watch on TV, but it has yet to secure a deal with the cable distributor that can make that a reality. Three months from its launch, Big Ten Network president Mark Silverman made a stop in Ann Arbor on Tuesday to detail its progress. Silverman touted the number of football games - at least two per school - and men's basketball games - 60 percent of the schedule - that will be shown this season. He also highlighted the vast amount of HDTV programming that will be available from the start... Big Ten Network seeks a distributor (Wed, 5/23)

WYCD Rocks The House With 25th Annual Hoedown
CBS RADIO Country WYCE/DETROIT reports that 1.1 million Country fans showed up for the 25th ANNUAL WYCD DETROIT HOEDOWN that was held from MAY 18-20. The event was held at the HART PLAZA in Downtown DETROIT. Artists that played this year included THE WRECKERS, TRACY LAWRENCE, JOE NICHOLS, LITTLE BIG TOWN, EMERSON DRIVE, DARRYL WORLEY, DANIELLE PECK and many others. (Tue, 5/22)

WDET-FM 101.9, Detroit Public Radio, will bring its daily public affairs program "Detroit Today" to downtown Detroit's Campus Martius Park for a live broadcast on Thursday, May 24 from 10:00am to noon. The broadcast will take place at the StoryCorps Griot booth, currently at the park as part of an African-American oral history project touring the US.

Matt Watroba is hosting Detroit Today this week, and will be discussing the significance of StoryCorps Griot coming to Detroit and feature some of the oral histories already collected. Tentatively scheduled guests for this special edition of Detroit Today include local civil rights
leader Arthur Johnson, Juanita Moore, director of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Bob Gregory, Director of Campus Martius Park, Joel Silvers, local film maker, as well as StoryCorps Griot facilitators.

Listeners are invited to join the conversation live on Thursday by coming down to Campus Martius Park from 10am to noon during the live remote broadcast.

Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan, is set to cover this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference. During the week of May 28, the station will air special reports on Michigan’s economy and other topics to be discussed at the conference, followed by a one-hour special program from the conference on Friday, June 1 at 9 am.

This annual Detroit Chamber of Commerce conference presents an opportunity for Michigan’s lawmakers and industry leaders to explore the issues deemed critical to Michigan’s future.

Before and during the conference, Michigan Radio’s news team and other public radio reporters throughout Michigan will pool their resources and present in-depth reports on our state’s economy. These reports will examine transportation, education, rebuilding Michigan’s economy, and the role of government. Michigan Radio, as well as public radio stations around the state, will air the reports during “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”

Friday’s program, “Michigan’s Bottom Line: Perspectives on Fixing the Economy,” will be co-hosted by Michigan Radio News Reporter/Producer Sarah Hulett and Michigan Public Radio Network Director Rick Pluta.

“This project, the independent features and the one-hour special, will give listeners a good sense of how communities across the state are faring in this economy and how they’re preparing for the future,” states Hulett, who is also the program’s story editor.

“Morning Edition” on Michigan Radio airs weekdays from 5:00 to 9:00 am. “All Things Considered” airs weekdays from 4:00 to 6:30 pm.

Michigan Radio will begin its annual Summer Documentary Series this Tuesday, May 29th. The programs will air at 9 pm every Tuesday night between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Each week, the program will explore a given topic in depth with some of public radio’s best producers. The series begins with five new shows from RadioLab, public radio’s curiosity-driven investigation into how things work.

For a complete schedule of Michigan Radio’s Summer Documentary Series, visit www.michiganradio.org.

This holiday weekend Oldies CKWW AM 580, Motor City Favorites, will kick-off the unofficial start of summer with the “AM 580 Summer Weekend”, spotlighting some of the best “summer oldies” songs throughout the weekend. From the Beach Boys to Stevie Wonder, the sounds of summer will be heard on AM 580.

Plus, as an added bonus AM 580 will air “The Beach Boys: Warmth of the Sun” radio special this Sunday at 12 noon. The Beach Boys are synonymous with summer and their new CD collection: “The Warmth of the Sun” features 28 career-spanning tracks in a sunup to sundown musical journey through the rich musical legacy of “America’s band”. This hour-long broadcast goes behind the scenes with fascinating new interviews with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and Al Jardine.

The May 2007 Sweeps book has closed with WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) walking away with several key victories, namely for its 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts. While WXYZ has maintained the No. 1 newscast at 5 p.m. for nearly 30 sweeps periods (thanks in large part to a formidable "Oprah" lead-in), the 6 p.m. newscast is new territory for the local ABC affiliate. This time around, WXYZ pulled an 8 rating in households, compared to WDIV-TV (Channel 4) with a 7.4 rating... WXYZ-TV is tops in evening news (Fri, 5/25)

Andy Evans has been the baseball equivalent of a solid utilityman the last four years at WLQR-AM, 1470. He has crammed a lot of duties into his part-time job. Evans has hosted a two-hour sports show on Sunday mornings called "The Sports Trenches," done morning and mid-day sports updates and some production work, and served as the top fill-in for afternoon sports talk show host Norm Wamer on "The Front Row." Evans also had been the radio voice of the Bowling Green State University hockey team on the campus radio station, WBGU-FM, 88.1. All of the long hours and hard work have finally paid off for Evans, a 27-year-old graduate of Eastwood High School and BGSU. He has landed a full-time position as afternoon sports anchor at another Cumulus Media station - WTKA-AM, 1050, in Ann Arbor. He starts June 4... WLQR's Evans earns sports talk job in Ann Arbor (Fri, 5/25)

Beginning June 4, WEMU (89.1 FM), Eastern Michigan University's public radio station, will begin a series of on-air changes. They start with the debut of "Fair Game,'' a news and entertainment program hosted by Faith Salie from Public Radio International, which will air from 7 to 8 p.m. weeknights, following "All Things Considered.'' "89.1 Jazz'' with Michael G. Nastos will air from 8 to 11 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; on Mondays "Cuban Fantasy'' will air from 8 to 10 p.m., "Brazilian Sol'' will move to 10 p.m. to midnight and "The Outside Within'' will air from midnight to 2 a.m... Listen for changes to WEMU lineup (Sun, 5/27)

It would be understandable if Cavaliers play-by-play announcer Fred McLeod acted like a father trying to choose between his children during the team's Eastern Conference finals series against the Detroit Pistons. After all, McLeod spent 22 years in the same role for the Motown team. But it's not the case at all. McLeod, who is a native of Northeast Ohio (he lived in Strongsville until he was 14 and eventually returned), said there's no wiggle room when it comes to his loyalties. "The minute I came to Cleveland, that's where my allegiance is," he said. "No, I don't feel any divided emotions whatsoever. In a way it's like being traded -- being a free agent"... McLeod is over Detroit (Sun, 5/27)

Christian Talk WLQV AM 1500 held it's second annual radiothon for Food for the Poor on Thursday, May 24 and once again exceeded its goal. Food for the Poor is the third largest charity in the United States dedicated to helping the suffering poor in the Caribbean.

WLQV partnered with Food for the Poor to build four homes for four families in the poverty ravished parish of St. Mary, Jamaica at a cost of $10,400.00. By the end of the day WLQV listeners had contributed a total of $20,913.00 which will build 8 homes.

Last year the station raised in excess of $12,000.00 and built five homes.

In the sports world, every event must open and close with a commercial. This column could never be classified as an event, but I warn you I'm opening it with an unabashed commercial. And, if you go to the bottom of the column, you'll find a closing commercial. Father's Day is Sunday, June 17, and I want to do Ole Dad a favor -- keep him from getting another tie. The easiest way: give him an Ernie Harwell Audio Scrapbook. It was fun to work on this book. Gordon Miller and Gary Spicer put me in the Southfield studios of Ron Rose Productions with Bob Harris, the voice of Duke basketball and football. He asked questions and I responded. No script, just off-the top of my head. We recorded 10 hours in three sessions. Then, Miller, aided by engineers Leo Gillis, Chip Kipps, and Dion Roddy, edited all that talk down to four discs of an hour each... Ernie Harwell: Listen to the greats this Father's Day (Mon, 5/28)

"Bridging the Racial Divide 3" is set to air at 8 p.m. Tuesday on WTVS-TV (Channel 56). And now, here's the reeeeeeest of the story. The subject is the impact of the news media on race relations in metro Detroit. The show was taped last week, in part at Oakland University and Wayne State University, with a mix of news media pros and everyday folks. Emery King, the former Channel 4 anchor, and WJR-AM's (760) Paul W. Smith cohost. They kicked around the impact of the news media, crime coverage in the city and the suburbs, the Tara Grant murder coverage, newspaper blogging, the Don Imus affair and newsroom diversity... WTVS show looks at race, media (Mon, 5/28)

Noted Artist Pablo Davis, who worked alongside Mexican artist Diego Rivera on his renowned Detroit Industry murals in the early 1930’s, was an honored guest. The frescoes, considered to be Rivera’s most important work in the U.S. frame the courtyard where the Gala reception was held.

Other honored guests included the Hon. Vicente Sanchez Ventura, Hon. Jorge Sanchez, both Consuls of Mexico, and Duron Marshall representing U.S.. Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. All the guests were serenaded by Grammy nominated Mariachi Band “Salvador Torres.”

A ninety-minute program was held at the DIA Auditorium to give out special honors in what is planned to be the first of an annual event. The evening was hosted by WJR Radio’s Paul W. Smith of the Paul W. Smith Morning Show.

Scott Walker Named PD At WOMC
ALL ACCESS has learned that SCOTT WALKER has been named the new PD at CBS Oldies WOMC/DETROIT. This marks the return of SCOTT to CBS, as he programmed Oldies WOGL/PHILADELPHIA for 20 years from 1981-2001. Most recently he was PD for COX Classic Hits WJGL (THE NEW 96-9 THE EAGLE)/JACKSONVILLE. (Thu, 5/31)

Longtime WWJ-AM (950) producer Pat Batcheller will jump to Detroit Public Radio WDET-FM (101.9) on June 18 to take the job of afternoon host for "All Things Considered," 4-7 p.m. daily. WDET news director Jerome Vaughn has been hosting "All Things Considered" most recently, but according to WDET public relations and promotions director Kevin Piotrowski, Vaughn's workload as news director has made it difficult for him to also pull the afternoon shift.Pat Batcheller to move from WWJ to WDET (Thu, 5/31)

The daily public affairs program "Detroit Today" on WDET-FM 101.9, Detroit Public Radio, is broadcasting live from 2007 Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference taking place on Mackinac Island this week. Feature reports, discussions and interviews with Michigan political and business leaders will be featured as WDET's Quinn Klinefelter hosts "Detroit Today" this week. The show airs from 10am to noon.

News/Talk 760 WJR will bring its listeners live coverage from the conference. The three days of meetings, discussions and speeches traditionally result in a number of breaking news stories.

Hosts Paul W. Smith (5:30am-9am) and Frank Beckmann (9am-11:30am) will feature a long list of guests on their broadcasts today, May 31st, and Friday, June 1st from Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Smith will also host a live program featuring the "Big Five"on Friday afternoon, a special time from 3 to 5 pm. Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Macomb County Commission Chair Nancy White and Windsor, Ontario Mayor Eddie Francis will participate in this lively, topical, roundtable discussion, surrounding significant issues facing the area.

WJR-AM (760) —about to move ownership-wise from ABC Radio to Citadel on June 12 —led the Detroit radio ratings race again. The news/talk station garnered a 5.9 slice of all listeners aged 12 and over during February, March and April, according to Arbitrend’s monthly report of listenership for the previous three months. That was up from a 5.5 for 2007’s first quarter. Rounding out the top 5 was Clear Channel’s urban formatted WJLB-FM (97.9) in second place with a 5.5 reading. CBS’ all-newser WWJ-AM (950) was third with a 5.4. Greater Media rocker WRIF-FM (101.1) was fourth with a 4.9 and Clear Channel hits player WKQI-FM (95.5) was fifth with a 4.7... Radio ratings: WJR leads again among all listeners (Thu, 5/31)

Detroit phase 1 age 12+ radio ratings chart (Thu, 5/31)

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, the University of Michigan Football Team will take over Ann Arbor Radio’s four stations – Sports Talk 1050 WTKA (1050 AM), W4 Country (102.9 FM), 107one (107.1 FM), and WLBY Ann Arbor’s Progressive Talk Radio (1290 AM) – to benefit U-M C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital. Plus, from 3 – 7 p.m. the radio-a-thon will be broadcast live across the state on “The Huge Show” hosted by Bill Simonson. “The Huge Show” – which is headquartered in Grand Rapids – will broadcast from the studios of WTKA in Ann Arbor, and heard statewide on the “Huge” radio network: 97.5 FM-Muskegon, 730 AM-Lansing, 1280 AM-Mt Pleasant, 1330 AM-Flint, 1380 AM-Greenville, 1440 AM-Dowagiac, 1660 AM-Kalamazoo... June 7: U-M football takes to the airwaves to benefit C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital (Thu, 5/31)

Keener13.com reports that Paul Christy, who held various on-air and programming positions at Detroit area stations WCAR, WABX, WKSG, WMXD, and WWKR, passed away earlier today. Christy also spent time at legendary Top 40 outlet WCFL.

A funeral mass for Christy is scheduled for Wednesday, June 6th, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Ledge. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 5th from 6-8 pm at the Palmer, Bush, and Jensen Family Funeral Homes' Delta Chapel on Saginaw St. in Lansing. Visitation at the funeral home will continue Wednesday morning beginning at 10 am until service time at the church.

Giordano To WQKI For Morning Mojo Fun
RACHEL GIORDANO is heading to CLEAR CHANNEL Top 40 WKQI (CHANNEL 955)/DETROIT as MOJO's morning show producer, coming from the same past at LINCOLN Top 40 WSTR (STAR 94)/ATLANTA. (Mon, 6/4)

WBFH broadcasters top all high school broadcasters in Michigan for fifth year in a row

Bloomfield Hills School District radio broadcasting students won more state broadcasting awards from two different state broadcasting associations than any other school in Michigan. The students broadcast on the district’s FM radio station WBFH, also known as “The Biff”.

Paul Christy, a key figure in Detroit radio for more than 30 years, died in Grand Ledge Monday morning after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 69. Christy, whose real name was Christides, was an on-air personality, but he was also a programmer whose influence is still felt, launching such programs as the sultry nighttime music show "Pillow Talk" on WNIC-FM (100.3). He also brought a young Ann Arbor radio personality up to WNIC, where he became that morning powerhouse known as Jim Harper (now on WMGC). Born in Pontiac, Christy attended Central Michigan University. In the grand tradition of young radio talent, Christy worked all around the country before settling back in Detroit in 1970... Influential radio personality, 69, dies (Wed, 6/6)

Longtime local radio personality Rhonda Hart died overnight Monday at her home. She was 46. The cause of death was unknown. Hart was a 25-year veteran of several Metro Detroit radio stations. At the time of her death, Hart was working at Christian radio station WMUZ FM (103.5), where she co-hosted a morning show with Jon Culbert. Hart was hired at WMUZ two years ago, said General Manager Frank Franciosi. Franciosi said he hired Hart because he was struck by how genuine she was... Radio personality Rhonda Hart dies (Wed, 6/6)

For the Michigan football program, Thursday and Saturday will be all about raising money for Mott Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital. Things kick off with a 12-hour radiothon beginning at 7 a.m. Thursday that will be on four Ann Arbor stations, including WTKA 1050. Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, his assistants and current and former players will participate. Last year, the radiothon raised more than $40,000... Carr leads two days of fund raising (Wed, 6/6)

Local reality star Keith Famie continues to pursue the cultures that have made Metro Detroit what it is today. Last year, Famie, who is of French and Italian heritage, celebrated the area's Italian community. This month, he'll spotlight Polish Americans in his show "Our Story," which airs on 7 p.m. June 16 on WXYZ-TV (Channel 7)... Local reality star's TV show spotlights Polish (Wed, 6/6)

163 homeless animals were adopted from “Adoption Alley” at the 3rd Annual WCSX Pet-A-Palooza on Saturday, June 2nd at Heritage Park in Taylor, MI. The event was presented by VCA Animal Hospitals and Petco.

Pet-A-Palooza also featured Vladae The Dog Wizard, the Rock and Roll K9’s and Milt Wilcox’s Ultimate Air Dogs. Dogs from all over Metro Detroit competed in the Cutest Pet, Best Dressed Pet and Best Pet Trick contests as well.

The next Pet-A-Palooza is scheduled for Saturday, July 28th from 10am to 7pm at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights.

At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, the rabbit ears and the rooftop antennas that still guide television signals into nearly one of every five U.S. homes will be rendered useless -- unless they are tethered to a new device, including two versions unveiled this week, that the government will spend as much as $80 a household to help families buy. The V-shaped rabbit ears, which have stood sentry in some living rooms and dens since the early 1950s, risk going the way of the eight-track tape player or Betamax in 20 months... Converters signal a new TV era (Fri, 6/8)

I'm one of the few people who know the sordid truth about John Tesh, a man so seemingly nice that people make fun of him for it. Since he'll be in Warren on Monday, courtesy of WMGC-FM, I figure it's my duty to spread the word ... By reputation, Tesh has no sharp edges. A pianist, composer, radio host and former "Entertainment Tonight" co-anchor, he'll speak Monday night at the sixth annual WMGC-GM (105.1) Women Who Make Magic Awards at the Andiamo Showroom in Warren... John Tesh shows his true colors (Fri, 6/8)

Scheduled: In Detroit on Saturday, a national forum on the decline in black radio ownership and the impact of black talk radio at the Last Chance Academy, 6311 W. Chicago. Bob Law, the former vice president of New York's WWRL and the nation's first black national talk show host, will appear on the Rev. Horace Sheffield's 9-10 a.m. broadcast of "On the Line" on WGPR-FM (107.5) before joining broadcasters from across the state for the 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. discussion... Names and Faces (Fri, 6/8)

WION, Radio 1430 in Ionia will be stretching its signal area thanks to a construction permit granted to the station by the Federal Communications Commission in late April. However, it may be a year before listeners in fringe areas such as Portland, Lowell, Rockford and Carson City begin to hear the improvements. The station's owners, Jim Carlyle and Jim Aaron, said this improvement will put a more circular signal over the entire area and bring Portland, Lowell, and Lake Odessa, along with more of I-96, into the primary daytime signal of WION. “Belding and Greenville will also remain in the strongest signal area,” Carlyle said. The area where the station can be received will be expanded to include Grand Rapids, Lansing, Charlotte, Hastings and St. Johns, according to the station's engineering firm... WION set to expand its signal (Fri, 6/8)

Dick Purtan easily wins the title of being Detroit radio's best friend to comedians. Over parts of five decades and now at WOMC-FM (104.3), he's provided many a laughmeister with radio time to drum up local audiences. Now it's time for a payback. WOMC'S 1st Annual Dick Purtan Comedy Night Out features Kathleen Madigan with Michael Kosta, Peter Berman, Greg Warren and what are billed as some of metro Detroit's best aspiring comedians. (They'll probably be perspiring, too!) It all happens July 13 at the Royal Oak Music Theater, 318 W. Fourth St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; seating is at 7:45 p.m. and the show will run from 8-10 p.m... Comedians sign on for Purtan's benefit (Sun, 6/10)

We start the week with an epitaph for veteran Detroit broadcaster Paul Christy, who died last week after succumbing to the effects of Parkinson's disease: The speaker is Ed Christian, chairman of Grosse Pointe Farms' Saga Communications and Christy's longtime friend and employer... Radio vet Christy is remembered (Mon, 6/11)

Cumulus/Ann Arbor, Michigan Footballers Raise Funds
CUMULUS' ANN ARBOR stations -- Sports WTKA-A, Country WWWW (W4 COUNTRY), AAA WQKL (ANN ARBOR'S 107ONE), and Talk WLBY-A -- turned over 7a to 7p JUNE 7 to the UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN football team for its annual radiothon to raise over $117,000 for the UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN's C.S. MOTT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL and WOMEN'S HOSPITAL. The radiothon got an extra boost when BILL SIMONSON's GRAND RAPIDS-based statewide syndicated "HUGE SHOW" sports afternoon show joined the radiothon. WTKA, W4, and 107ONE also broadcast live from SATURDAY's CARR'S WASH FOR KIDS event held by U-M coach LLOYD CARR. (Mon, 6/11)

Jay Hudson Named MD At 89X
CHUM LTD. Alternative CIMX (89X)/WINDSOR-DETROIT names JAY HUDSON MD. HUDSON has been Acting MD since joining 89X for nights in late DECEMBER. Prior to joining 89X, HUDSON was juggling parttime duties at crosstown GREATER MEDIA Active Rock WRIF and CITADEL Rocker WKQZ (Z93)/SAGINAW, MI. 89X PD VINCE CANNOVA said, "JAY has taken on this role since starting at 89X. His attention to details, communication skills, music knowledge, understanding of the demo, and drive and passion for radio all make him the perfect fit for 89X." HUDSON told ALL ACCESS, "It feels great to be in this position as music director and on-air at a station I grew up listening to and admiring. I look forward to taking 89X up to the top. It goes to show that hard work does pay off if you make that sacrifice." (Mon, 6/11)

The Thursday, June 14 game between the Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers will be televised live by WJBK-TV, FOX 2 in Detroit starting at 1:00 PM. The game, originally slated for FSN Detroit, will also air on the following regional affiliates: CW-7 in Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids, MY-5 in Flint/Saginaw and WUPW-FOX 33 in Toledo.

For fans not able to see the game live, FSN Detroit presents the debut of Tigers Squeeze Play – a 30-minute version of that day’s telecast, condensed to show every meaningful play in the contest. Fans will see every pitch that results in a strikeout, hit, walk, homerun, double-play, and other key developments. Tigers Squeeze Play will air Thursday at 7:00, 8:00 & 10:00 PM.

“Tigers Squeeze Play is another great addition to our vast array of Tigers programming,” said Greg Hammaren, Senior Vice President/General Manager, FSN Detroit. “We’re excited to deliver this creative alternative to Tigers fans throughout the region.”

FSN Detroit’s coverage of the Tigers goes to 3.2 million cable and satellite households throughout Michigan, as well as portions of Northwest Ohio and Northern Indiana.

Tigers TV schedule updates:
The following recent changes have been made to the Tigers television schedule:
- Thu. June 14 vs. Milwaukee 1:00, Now on WJBK FOX-2 (originally scheduled for FSN Detroit)
- Sun. June 24 at Atlanta 8:00, Now on ESPN (originally scheduled for WJBK FOX-2)
- Sun. July 1 vs. Minnesota 8:00, Now on ESPN (originally scheduled for WJBK FOX-2)

Fox Sports Net Detroit will replay the June 12th Detroit Tigers - Milwaukee Brewers game, featuring pitcher Justin Verlander's first no hit game, today at noon. The performance by Verlander was the first by a Tigers pitcher at home since 1952.

Tigers play-by-play broadcaster Mario Impemba called the first Tigers no-hitter in a generation and not once did he actually mention it -- at least until after the final out. Neither he nor his broadcasting partner, Rod Allen, used the phrase "no-hitter" during Justin Verlander's dominant, 4-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. The announcing team's superstitious decision was part of an unwritten baseball rule: Don't jinx a pitcher flirting with the rare feat... How radio and TV called Verlander's no-hitter (Wed, 6/13)

Mourned: Longtime Detroit radio voice (WCHB-AM and WGPR-FM) Larry Dixon. He died last week after a fight with throat cancer... Names and Faces (Wed, 6/13)

Larry Dixon, the smooth-talking afternoon voice on Detroit's R&B powerhouse WCHB-AM back in the 1950s and '60s, died after a long battle with cancer on Monday, June 4. He was 78. Many Detroit radio personalities had a part in Motown Records' success back when AM radio was king, but Dixon was truly crucial. In 1959, he tipped off United Artists Records in New York about a hot local hit, Marv Johnson's record "Come to Me," put out on Tamla Records by Berry Gordy Jr. According to Detroit radio historian David Carson , United Artists did more than pick up "Come to Me" for distribution, they bought out Johnson's contract altogether. That allowed Gordy to come home to Detroit with $25,000 in his pocket to get his fledgling record company off the ground... Ex-WCHB DJ Larry Dixon dies (Thu, 6/14)

Tigers broadcasters Mario Impemba, Rod Allen and Dan Dickerson are blessed with strong vocabularies, used to describe many innings of baseball over a season. But Tuesday night, the most sacrosanct, yet unwritten, law of baseball kicked in and strongly edited their word choices: Never utter the words "no-hitter" while a pitcher has one going. Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander tossed a complete game, no-hit gem against the Brewers at Comerica Park. And Tigers broadcasters desperately avoided stating the obvious -- until the 4-0 victory was over... Mum was the word in the booths (Thu, 6/14)

Hey, if we want to be kept in the dark, we'll watch "The Sopranos." Not baseball. They gave hints as to what was going on, but both the TV and radio announcers honored the tradition of avoiding the forbidden words -- no-hitter -- while Justin Verlander was pitching one for the Tigers on Tuesday night for fear of jinxing him. Oh, come on. How can mere words hurt if Verlander wasn't jinxed by all those seagulls hanging around Comerica Park? Aren't they like albatrosses? Anyway, it's one thing to observe a superstition in the dugout, but isn't it the broadcasters' job to tell fans what's happening?... It's a ... shhh, that's a no-no (Thu, 6/14)

The Tom Joyner Sky Show, the largest, free, live African-American entertainment series in the country, returns to the Motor City Friday, June 22, 2007 at the Detroit Opera House with Chrysler Jeep Superstores as a sponsor ... The Sky Show features performances by national recording artist/groups such as Angela Winbush, Donnell Jones, and After Seven. The show draws record crowds during its broadcasts across the nation... Press Release (Wed, 6/13)

WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) edged WDIV-TV (Local 4), 18-14, in the latest Detroit and Michigan awards for TV excellence, the local Emmys. But WDIV's 14 awards -- including wins by affiliated independent producers -- are impressive considering they came from just 19 nominations. Channel 7 had 30 nods, including more than one in some categories. The list of winners was provided to the Free Press before Saturday night's awards ceremony by the presenters, the local chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. WJBK-TV (Channel 2) was third with six statuettes, which came from 10 nominations. Fox Sports Net Detroit had five wins out of 24 nominations. Public WTVS-TV (Channel 56) and its affiliated producers won three, as did WMYD-TV (Channel 20), all by its affiliate producer Palace Sports & Entertainment... WXYZ leads the city in Emmy wins (Sun, 6/17)

When 25,000 people show up at a Tulsa, Okla., charity concert, it probably was organized by Scott Herrold. Herrold and another Plymouth-Canton schools alum, Jake Bugeja, are among the top 30 broadcasters under 30 years old, according to the Edison Media Research group. The search was conducted through nominations. Most of the winners are from U.S. stations. The listings were announced locally by Bill Keith, station manager of WSDP, the school district's student FM radio station at 88.1. Herrold graduated from Salem High School in 1998. Bugeja graduated from the Starkweather Education Center program in 2002... Salem, Starkweather alums are radio aces (Sun, 6/10)

Fans of local bluesman Thayrone and his "Bone Conduction Music Show,'' which airs on WAAM (1600 AM) Sundays from 7-11 p.m., can now listen to past shows on his revamped Web site, www.thayrone.com... Missing Thayrone? Check out the Web (Sun, 6/17)

Dennis Miller is scheduled to visit Detroit on Thursday, June 28, where he will broadcast his nationally syndicated radio program live with News-Talk WDTK AM 1400 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Andiamo Riverfront restaurant in the General Motors Wintergarden, Renaissance Center.

Following the broadcast, which is open to the public, the Emmy-award winning "King of Rants" takes his unique brand of topical and often scathing comedy to the Detroit Opera House for an 8 p.m. performance to benefit the Jewish Vocational Service (JVS).

"Detroit loves Dennis Miller," said Chris MacCourtney, general manager of Salem Detroit. "His grasp of the news and quick wit make him the perfect addition to our line-up."

Miller joined the News Talk line-up at WDTK in March 2007. The Westwood One nationally syndicated host is now heard in more than 100 radio stations nationwide, including 10 Salem News Talk stations. His show is heard in Detroit on 1400AM WDTK weeknights from 6 – 9 p.m. Listeners can enter to win "Dinner with Dennis" by registering online at www.wdtkam.com.

JVS, a nonprofit organization offering career development and employment services to the Metropolitan Detroit public, is celebrating 65 years of providing the Detroit area with specialized human services to help people meet life challenges. Tickets to Miller's JVS' Detroit Live! are available through ticketmaster.com or by calling 248-645-6666.

WXYZ-TV, Channel 7, will broadcast a live one-hour kick-off salute of the Detroit International Riverdays on Friday, June 22, from 7 - 8 p.m. The special, "Summer In The D: A Riverfront Celebration", will give viewers a front row seat to the grand opening of Detroit's Riverwalk and showcase the newly completed sections of the Detroit International Riverfront.

With a studio located on the riverfront in Seldom Blues restaurant, news anchors Stephen Clark and Carolyn Clifford will co-host the live broadcast with contributions from reporters Mary Conway, Alicia Smith, and Dennis Neubacher.

In addition to the festival reporting and interviews with key event and city dignitaries, "Summer In The D: A Riverfront Celebration" will also include exclusive television coverage of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's live, free concert that will be taking place adjacent to the "new" Riverwalk during the broadcast.

"WXYZ is pleased to be a part of the Detroit International Riverdays and be the first Detroit television station to broadcast this inaugural event. As Detroit's leading television station, we'll bring a wealth of production resources and expertise to the broadcast. It is truly a privilege to be a part of this wonderful celebration," said Grace Gilchrist, WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 General Manager.

Soft Rock WMGC-FM, Magic 105.1, is raising money for the nation’s largest Breast Cancer 3-Day team. The “3 Days of Magic” team will be led by Fay Samona, producer for Jim Harper & the Magic Morning Show, and four-time walker Sandra Bourdeau during the Michigan event which will run from September 28th through 30th. WMGC’s team of over 200 registered individuals has set a $205,000 team fundraising goal with over $175,000 having already been raised at press time.

The Magic team is walking in honor of radio personality Mike Bradley’s mom, Genevieve Sibel. Mrs. Sibel passed away on Feb. 9, 2007 after a one-year battle with breast cancer. Bradley is a member of the Magic Morning Show.

“I am so proud to be participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day this year, along with 205 of my fellow Magic walkers. I am honored to walk in the memory of Genevieve Sibel, Mike Bradley’s mom, who suffered from breast cancer until her passing in February 2007. I know these 3 days will be a mixture of tears, laughter, blisters and challenges, but I know it will truly be 3 days of magic!”

Local establishments will be hosting fundraisers to help the “3 Days of Magic” team reach their $2,200 per person goal. On June 30, the Outback Steakhouse in Chesterfield Township will be holding a pancake breakfast fundraiser from 8:30 to 11 AM. Also on June 30, Rocky’s Baker Streetcar Bar in Hamtramck is hosting an all-you-can-eat spaghetti event from 4 to 8 PM.

More information on other upcoming fundraisers and the “3 Days of Magic” team is available at my.detroitmagic.com/morningshow/3-days-of-magic.

Greater Media's three Detroit radio stations have launched a free classified service to each of their respective web sites: www.wrif.com, www.wcsx.com, and www.detroitmagic.com.

Touted as an easy way to help promote things such as charity events and fundraisers, the listings offer over 90 categories including posting resumes, job openings, buying/selling cars and homes, school events and reunions, wedding/anniversary/birth announcements, garage sales, and bands & gigs.

To help gear up for the “Windsor Elvis Festival” next weekend, CKWW AM 580, Motor City Favorites, is proud to present “The Elvis Story” beginning this Saturday.

At age 6 he received his first guitar. At age 21 he had his first #1 record. The rest is Rock ‘n Roll history. Hosted by legendary broadcaster Charlie Van Dyke, The Elvis Story is an 11-part series that looks back at the life and career of the world’s most famous musician. It will air Saturday mornings at from 10 - 11 a.m. throughout the summer.

Right now, somewhere in the country, some guys in suits can't agree on how we should be able to watch Michigan or Michigan State football on cable this fall. The Big Ten Network (BTN), a cable/satellite channel alliance between Fox and the conference, is set to launch at the end of August. Every Big Ten team, including U-M and MSU, will have football, men's and women's basketball games and other sports on the 24-hour channel. Except there is one, not-so-small snag: The BTN will only be on in Michigan if you have DIRECTV (part of Fox owner Rupert Murdoch's media empire) or Buckeye Cable (Ohio/Michigan border). Other cable providers, such as Comcast, are still negotiating with the network... Big Ten Network still hitting snags (Thu, 6/21)

When Lynn Rivers began her public affairs talk radio show in 2004, the former congresswoman knew about political strategy, the U.S. Constitution and the interview process, albeit from the other side of the microphone. But she didn't know about radio. So when it came time to sign off of that first show, she simply stopped talking. There was no sign off, no call letters for the station, no ending... Radio show on WEMU keeps Rivers in public eye (Thu, 6/21)

WDVD Gives Away Free Gas And $96,000 Shopping Spree
CITADEL Hot AC WDVD/DETROIT gave away $10,000 in free gas as part of the station's "$96,000 SHOPPING SPREE" promotion. Listeners were required to crack a four-digit code to win. According to WDVD Dir./Marketing & Promotions JULIE LAW, "With gas prices at an all-time high, we felt we should seize the moment and give a listener three years of free gas. The response was overwhelming for one of the largest gasoline giveaways to one person by one radio station." (Thu, 6/21)

WDIV-TV 4 will provide television and Internet viewers with three specials to help celebrate the first annual Detroit International River Days. A half-hour primetime special, Rockin’ on the River, airs Friday, June 22, at 8 p.m followed on Saturday, June 23 with live Internet video from the DTE Energy Parade Of Lights and wraps up on Local 4 with exclusive live coverage of the grand finale, the Target Fireworks on Wednesday, June 27, starting at 9 p.m.

Rockin’ on the River, airing Friday at 8 p.m. and hosted by Carmen Harlan, Devin Scillian, and Chuck Gaidica, takes your family into the middle of the action live from the all new Detroit River Walk. The special will showcase many of the exciting River Days events, from helicopter rides and jet ski demonstrations, to air dogs, carnival rides, music and more.

Rockin’ on the River will also include a behind the scenes preview of what to expect at the first ever DTE Energy Parade Of Lights presented by Local 4, and an opportunity to meet the five Super Singers who will compete live during Local 4’s broadcast of the Target Fireworks.

Saturday night starting 10 p.m., Local 4 will feature live updates from the DTE Energy Parade Of Lights within NBC programming, and exclusive live streaming video of the big event online at ClickOnDetroit.com.

Then, on Wednesday, June 27, starting at 9 p.m., WDIV will provide exclusive coverage of the summer’s biggest event and the River Days grand finale. Local 4’s live telecast of the Target Fireworks hosted by Carmen Harlan, Devin Scillian, and Chuck Gaidica begins with a Super Singer competition like no other before, with the winner selected by at-home viewers’ text message votes.

This year’s Super Singer on-stage judges are Local 4’s morning anchor Ama Daetz, Ty Treadway, soap star and host of “Merv Griffin’s Crosswords,” and Yvan Pedneault, star of the Toronto production of “We Will Rock You.”

Rock WRIF-FM’s morning show hosts Drew & Mike will send one lucky winner and a guest to San Francisco to see this year’s Major League Baseball All Star Game. The duo will give the trip away through a Home Run Derby contest to take place this morning at the WRIF studios, located at One Radio Plaza, Detroit, MI 48220.

Throughout the week, Drew & Mike have been qualifying listeners on-air to join the morning show tomorrow, June 22 at 7am to participate in the contest. There are a total of 15 qualifying contestants. The contestant, or their pre-selected “ringer”, who hits the most home runs in a series of two rounds of whiffle ball pitches, will win the trip to San Francisco, courtesy of Rock Financial.

The talk radio industry has provided Americans with a town hall-like forum that has disappeared from the political landscape. That open discussion is now being threatened by those who seek government control of speech. Democrats in Washington have suggested they may seek a new "fairness doctrine" that would require radio talk show hosts to zip their own lips and keep track of time spent speaking on different sides of issues. Even a leading Republican, U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, suggests conservative talk radio hosts need to be dealt with after Americans recently railed against the ill-conceived immigration bill... Government shouldn't play favorites on talk radio shows (Fri, 6/22)

For a shorthand description of Dennis Miller as a radio host, there's this one: the Al Franken of the right. OK by you, Dennis? "Listen, Al's a good friend of mine," says Miller, who's fine with the comparison but would like to clarify the "right" part. To be precise, he considers himself "more libertarian on most things than I am far right. It's just on the war, I guess, I'm construed to be Curtis LeMay now. But I just don't trust radical Islamic fundamental terrorists, sorry." That's Miller for you, dropping the name of the gung-ho Cold War Air Force general into the opening minutes of a conversation... Smart mouth: Just try to keep up with Dennis Miller's politically tinged, fiercely intelligent comedy (Sun, 6/24)

Internet radio listeners may find themselves without their favorite entertainment tomorrow, as hundreds of streams around the Web shut down for the day in protest of new royalty fees assessed for the music they play. Participants in the day of silence include big names like Yahoo!, Live365, Rhapsody and MTV Online, along with dozens of smaller outlets for music online, like WEMU-FM, in Ypsilanti... Radio on the web faces silent protest on Tuesday (Mon, 6/25)

Gene Maxwell knows the music and the equipment and he even knows the DJ he's sitting in for at WNIC-FM, so it only makes sense that he's back -- until you remember why he left. He was let go. Or downsized, if you prefer, since nobody new took his place. Either way, after 29 years on the air at WNIC (100.3), he was out the door. And seven months later, he's back inside, messing with the armrests on Kevin O'Neill's chair from 2 to 7 p.m. weekdays while O'Neill recovers from heart surgery... Former WNIC jock doesn't hold grudges (Mon, 6/25)

Michigan Public Media, the public broadcasting service from the University of Michigan, has hired public broadcasting veteran and Detroit native Kathy Agosta as its new underwriting manager. Agosta will head the corporate support department for Michigan Radio and Michigan Television starting July 2nd.

For almost two decades, Agosta has been a development/marketing professional in public broadcasting, working in a variety of positions and stations. Kathy is currently senior director of corporate affairs at Chicago Public Radio where she directs local and national corporate sponsorship activities. Under her leadership the corporate team has raised over $5.4 million in
sponsorships. Agosta has distinguished herself as one of public broadcasting’s top professionals. She has directed corporate marketing and development departments in areas such as Portland, OR, Washington, DC, Sacramento, CA, and Seattle, WA.

“All of us are thrilled to be welcoming Kathy to the stations,” said Development Director Larry Jonas. “She brings tremendous experience to our corporate support team. Her enthusiasm for, and demonstrated commitment to, public broadcasting makes her ideal for this role. We're lucky to have her.”

Wednesday, July 11 is an off-day for the Detroit Tigers as they conclude the All-Star break, but it’s an appointment viewing night for their fans when FSN Detroit delivers an encore telecast of Justin Verlander’s June 12 no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers. The three-hour presentation begins at 7:00 PM.

The historic game – the sixth no-hitter in the franchise’s 107-year history – will be replayed in its entirety as described by FSN announcers Mario Impemba and Rod Allen, followed by approximately 40 minutes of coverage as it originally aired during the Tigers Live postgame show with Mickey York, Angie Mentink and Trevor Thompson.

Of all the rivalries the Big Ten Conference has created, the fight between its fledgling TV network and a cable giant is the one grabbing headlines nationwide. Ongoing negotiations between the Big Ten Network and Comcast turned ugly last week, and the fight extended to Monday, when U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., sent a letter of concern about the issue to Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany... Dingell jumps into cable TV showdown (Tue, 6/26)

Series to airs Wednesday, July 4 from 10am to 3pm and Sundays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5 at 8pm

An afternoon of video games with a Harvard sleep expert. A first-hand look at the psychological power of the doctor’s white coat. A lesson on the dire effects of sleep deprivation, through the eyes of a new mother. Radio Lab, WNYC Radio’s highly-acclaimed show about wonder, discovery, and big ideas, is back!

The five-part series Radio Lab will air on Detroit Public Radio (WDET 101.9 FM) on Wednesday, July 4 from 10am to 3pm and be rebroadcast in five hour-long segments on Sunday evenings July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5 at 8pm.

Radio Lab is a science show for people who think they don’t like science. Often, media coverage of science is largely reduced to either a sexed-up, politically-charged controversy or a dry, lifeless, technical summary of academic findings. Radio Lab breaks the mold, re-creating the thrill of “Aha!” moments in scientific breakthroughs, and bringing to light the ways – big and small -- they affect our everyday lives.

This season, co-hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich tackle five new fascinating topics: Placebo, Sleep, Zoos, Memory and Forgetting and Mortality. They begin with seemingly simple questions – Could the best medicine be no medicine at all? Is there such a thing as a good cage? Is love a more powerful force than memory? – that serve as a launch pad into the unknown. Embarking on a curiosity spree, they unearth the implications of the latest scientific findings, stumble into surprising stories, and traverse philosophy, history, and culture, checking in all along the way with the scientists doing the real work.

The result: a potent elixir of current science, first-person storytelling, radio theatre, and poetic reflection, all wrapped up in some of the most innovative sound design ever to spill out of the radio.

Alexander Zonjic announces the first annual Jazz Fest on Bob-Lo Island as part of his series of four summer jazz festivals he produces in the Detroit metro area. From Birmingham to Trenton to Monroe and now Amherstburg, Zonjic produces four major summer outdoor jazz festivals that feature local and national artists and attract thousands of music fans.

The San Diego District Attorney's Office on Wednesday rejected filing criminal charges against Channel 7 investigative reporter Steve Wilson after Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick accused the combative journalist of impersonating him on the telephone to obtain his hotel billing records. "We decided we could not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt or that Steve Wilson was the person who was on the phone," said Paul Levikow, a spokesman for the district attorney's office. Levikow said his office generally does not comment on cases but changed protocol because of the unusual nature of the case... No charges against Channel 7's Wilson (Thu, 6/28)

Ready for election fever? Ready or not, tonight at 9, XM Satellite Radio kicks off P.O.T.U.S. '08/XM Channel 130 , a new channel that will by September be devoted 24/7 to the '08 presidential race. It all starts with tonight's live PBS presidential debate featuring the Democratic presidential candidates, hosted by Tavis Smiley at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The satcaster also will carry the PBS forum for Republican presidential candidates on Sept. 27... XM radio is devoted to '08 race (Thu, 6/28)

Don't mess with Michigan and Michigan State fans and their televised football. Dozens of upset and concerned Wolverines and Spartans e-mailed me, worried contentious negotiations between Comcast and the Big Ten Network (BTN) could spoil their fall viewing. The cable giant and network are sparring over fees and placement, something that's standard for any new channel. But fan concerns are legitimate because it could lead to changes in the TV landscape. Cable bills could be higher and some providers might opt not to carry the network... Fans concerned with Big Ten negotiations (Thu, 6/28)

The Arbitron monthly ratings report card for June covering the months of March, April and May translated into the following: Lots of top stations lost listeners, yet maintained rank. Out of the month's top 10 ranking stations (11 with ties) for all listeners ages 12 and older, eight lost listeners or stayed the same from last month's tote. WJLB-FM (97.9) and WJR-AM (760) tied for first, despite losing listeners. Tied-for-seventh WYCD-FM (99.5) country was the biggest gainer, with a 0.4 surge, matched by 20th-place WXYT-AM (1270), the latter coming from Tiger baseball listening... Stations lose listeners, but still rank at the top (Thu, 6/28)

Detroit spring phase 2 ratings trend (Wed, 6/27)

Detroit’s WGPR 107.5 FM has signed a five-year deal with New York City-based Arbitron Inc., the radio-audience-measurement company, to deploy its new Portable People Meters. Details on the agreement were unavailable. The PPMs are pager-sized devices that more accurately measure radio-listening habits without interaction from the user. The system replaces Arbitron’s traditional diary method in which listeners write down what they listened to during a week... WGPR signs deal for portable meters (Mon, 7/2)

Michigan Radio, the public radio service of the University of Michigan, has received 13 awards for excellence in journalism from the Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Metropolitan Chapter for news coverage in 2006. SPJ Awards for each chapter are judged by an impartial
outside chapter to ensure that each entry is given an unbiased review. These entries were judged by the Indiana SPJ Chapter.

At Michigan Radio, we do our best to produce excellent coverage of issues important to our audience everyday,” said News Director Vincent Duffy. “It’s great when our peers in the news industry recognize those efforts.”

Michigan Radio received SPJ Awards for 2006 in the following categories: Breaking/Spot News, General News, Features, Sports News, and Newscasts. All entries aired between January 1 and December 31, 2006.

WYCD and Nu-Way Kitchen & Bath are teaming up to support the Michigan Humane Society with the 1st Annual Edwards and Lee Dog Walk. WYCD afternoon drive hosts Chuck Edwards and Linda Lee, both dog lovers, will be on hand Saturday, July 21st at 950 S. Old Woodward in Birmingham for a variety of contests and a dog walk through downtown Birmingham. Registration begins at 8:15 am with the contests starting at 9:00. The dog walk will follow at the conclusion of the various contests.

Nu-Way will be donating a percentage of the days sales to the Michigan Humane Society along with collecting cash donations. The Michigan Humane Society will be on site at the event wich is expected to draw hundreds of dogs and their owners.

Call (248) 283-8400 for more information.

Detroit News sports columnist Bob Wojnowski (Wojo) and his co-host Mike Stone (Stoney) will go national next week, as Stoney&Wojo have been invited to guest host the syndicated Jim Rome show on Friday, July 13 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on WDFN-AM (1130). The duo's regular slot on WDFN is from 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays. It's good timing; Stoney and Wojo might get some national money rolling into the coffers during their July 19-20 radiothon benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at World Sports Grille, inside Gameworks at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills... Stoney & Wojo: They're nationwide (Tue, 7/3)

Communicom Closes On Davidson's WDRJ-A
RICH KYLEBURG's COMMUNICOM has closed on its $3.8 million purchase of Gospel WDRJ-A/DETROIT from DAVIDSON MEDIA GROUP. With this closing DAVIDSON exits and COMMUNICOM enters the market. JOHN PIERCE was exclusive broker. (Tue, 7/3)

Local 4 moves news director to digital position: Neil Goldstein, WDIV-TV (Local 4) news veep, is moving to a new job at the Post-Newsweek-owned NBC affiliate. Station boss Steve Wasserman announced Tuesday that Goldstein is the station's new vice president/marketing and digital development, effective immediately... Names and Faces (Wed, 7/4)

National Public Radio's Terry Gross, host and producer of the program "Fresh Air," will appear Sept. 28 at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor to tell stories, play audio highlights from her career and interact with the audience. Gross has been a part of "Fresh Air" since 1975, when it was a daily, local public radio show in Philadelphia. "Fresh Air" is now carried by 160 stations, and can be heard daily in the Detroit-Ann Arbor area at noon on WEMU-FM (89.1) and WUOM-FM (91.7), and 3 p.m. on WDET-FM (101.9)... 'Fresh Air's' Terry Gross to appear in Ann Arbor (Thu, 7/5)

Michigan Radio, the public radio service of the University of Michigan heard on WUOM-FM 91.7 Ann Arbor, WFUM-FM 91.1 Flint and WVGR-FM 104.1 Grand Rapids, will host a live broadcast the popular NPR news program “Talk of the Nation” on Thursday, July 26, from 2-4 pm at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

This live broadcast will focus on the 40th anniversary of the Detroit Riots of 1967. Panelists will discuss the social and economic factors that led up to the riots, and what, if any, changes have come about because of them.

Additionally, the program will examine the current state of Detroit’s once-booming automotive industry, as it embarks on one of the most important labor negotiations in its history.

“Talk of the Nation” is a lively mid-day call-in program hosted by award-winning NPR journalist Neal Conan. The program features an exchange of ideas and opinions on the issues that dominate the news landscape. From politics and public service to education, religion, music, and healthcare, “Talk of the Nation” offers listeners the opportunity to join enlightening discussions with decision-makers, scholars, authors, and artists from around the world.

Michigan Radio was one of the flagship stations for “Talk of the Nation,” carrying the program since its inception in 1996. “Talk of the Nation” is heard weekdays on Michigan Radio from 2-4 pm and has a loyal following of over 160,000 listeners per week. Nationally, the program is broadcast on over 200 NPR stations, to more 3 million listeners each week.

Neal Conan has had a long involvement with NPR as reporter and editor for NPR News, anchor for NPR live events coverage, and host of NPR's Weekly Edition: The Best of NPR News. Conan played a major role in anchoring continuous live coverage of developments during the terrorist attacks and aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, and the war in Iraq.

This event is open to the public. For more information on Michigan Radio’s live broadcast of “Talk of the Nation,” visit michiganradio.org.

Greater Media Detroit Senior Vice President & Regional General Manager Tom Bender will be officially inducted into the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Hall of Fame. The presentation will take place during the MAB's annual conference on Tuesday, July 10th, at the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids.

Bender, who is responsible for overseeing Greater Media's Detroit-based radio properties, including WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM, has been with the company since 1986.

"We are very proud of Tom and all he has done for both Greater Media and the radio industry," said Greater Media President and CEO Peter Smyth. "It is an honor to have him on our team."

For one afternoon, specifically from noon-3 p.m. Friday, I will tune in to "The Jim Rome Show" on WDFN for longer than five minutes. Normally, Rome's cultish and popular show is a collection of jokes beaten into the ground through repetition and callers ego-stroking the host. But things will change Friday: WDFN's own Stoney and Wojo will guest host for the first time in lieu of the vacationing Rome. That's huge exposure -- Rome is the No. 1 nationally syndicated sports show, reaching more than 185 stations and two million listeners... Stoney and Wojo ready for Rome's show (Thu, 7/12)

Take a weather quiz and win prizes or vote for the best local rock band all at my fox detroit.com , WJBK-TV's (Channel 2) user-friendly Web site. Click on the weather tab for Ben Bailey's weather quiz, which asks all sorts of tough questions about ultraviolet rays ... High-def TV owners have a special place in the heart of local PBS affiliate WTVS-TV (Channel 56 or Channel 56.1 for HD folks). To find out how special they are, all these technologically advanced couch potatoes have to do is visit wtvs.org and click on "TV schedules" to open up a whole new world of exclusive programming and features that traditional TV watchers can't get... Take WJBK-TV's weatherwise quiz (Fri, 7/13)

Sports Radio 1130 WDFN's Stoney & Wojo Radiothon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is taking place from 3pm Thursday, July 19th to 7pm Friday, July 20th at the new World Sports Grille at Gameworks inside Great Lakes Crossing Mall. Afternoon drive hosts Stoney & Wojo will be broadcasting live for 28 hours straight to raise money for Leukemia & Lymphoma research.

Listeners can bid on hourly and run-of-show auction items including signed memorabilia, two trips to Chicago to see the Detroit Tigers, various electronic equipment including mp3 players and portable navigational devices, golf with former Lion great Herman Moore, sporting event suites, and more. People who come out can enjoy various activities including a free-throw shooting contest for great prizes and a wide array of exceptional games inside GameWorks.

During the 28 hour event, Stoney and Wojo will be joined by some of the biggest names in local and national sports and a select few guests may even make a surprise appearance on-site. Stoney and Wojo, heard weekdays between 3 and 6pm, raised over $155,000 during last year’s Radiothon and exceeded the $1.15 Million mark in the event’s 9-year history.

The 10-Year Anniversary of this great event promises to be the biggest and best ever. “This event is very special to the entire radio station,” Program Director Rona Danziger said. “The advances to fight this terrible disease have been amazing but there’s still so far to go. We just can’t thank our listeners enough for helping us raise money every year for this wonderful cause.”

Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan, has produced a special audio documentary exploring the Detroit Riots of 1967. The one-hour documentary, titled “Ashes to Hope: Overcoming the Detroit Riots,” airs Tuesday, July 17 at 9 pm, with an encore presentation on Monday, July 23 at 3 pm.

In the summer of 1967, chaos broke out in the streets of Detroit. “Ashes to Hope: Overcoming the Detroit Riots” includes reports from the award-winning Michigan Radio news team examining what happened, why it happened, and how the ‘67 riots changed our state. The documentary will also look at how the riots changed relations between police and neighborhoods, inspired music, and changed the lives of the individuals whose first-person stories will be heard during the hour.

In addition to the hour long documentary, Michigan Radio will air a series of reports about the Detroit riots during Morning Edition and All Things Considered from July 16 – 27. The station will also host a special live broadcast of the NPR program “Talk of the Nation” in Detroit on Thursday, July 26, that will, in part, examine the Detroit riots from a national perspective.

“Michigan Radio strives to bring our listeners stories about our local communities,” said News Director Vincent Duffy. “We are committed to discussing this important part of Michigan’s history with our listeners throughout the state.”

Pat Batcheller has joined the WDET news team as the new local host for NPR's afternoon news magazine "All Things Considered" (airing weekdays from 4pm to 7pm). A native of the area, Batcheller grew up in Trenton and is a graduate of University of Michigan and Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. His professional experience has always been focused on news with his first job in radio at WKZC in Scottville, Michigan as News Director. From there he worked in news radio at stations in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo and Howell before landing back in Detroit at WWJ where he was a producer and editor for nine years. During his career, Pat has been honored with many awards from the Associated Press and Michigan Association of Broadcasters for breaking news, feature reporting and newscasts.

"Being the youngest in my family, I was always the last to know what was going on - I think that is why I got into news," said Batcheller. "I hope after hearing a newscast, listeners feel that they learned some things and got to know their community a little better."

Detroit Public Radio and Michigan Radio are pleased to be hosting a live nationwide broadcast of the popular NPR news program “Talk of the Nation” with Neal Conan, on Thursday, July 26, from 2-4 pm at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

This live broadcast will focus on the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit riots. Panelists will discuss the social and economic factors that led up to the riots, and what, if any, changes have come about because of them.

Additionally, the program will examine the current state of Detroit’s once-booming automotive industry, as it embarks on one of the most important labor negotiations in its history.

Listeners are invited to be part of the audience for this live broadcast. Admission is free, but space is limited and advance reservations are required. If listeners would like to attend, they can sign up for tickets at wdet.org. There is a limit of 2 tickets per person.

The Channel 56 analog transmitter antenna will be shut down for tower work early Saturday morning from 3:30-5:30 a.m. ET. A second shutdown will occur on Sunday, 7/22 from 7-10 a.m. The antenna work will affect only viewers who receive the station's analog broadcast over the air or on satellite; cable subscribers will still receive Channel 56 during the shutdown times. WTVS' digital broadcasts (56.1, 2, and 3) will not be affected by this work.

The radio world has been buzzing since New York's CBS Radio -owned WCBS-FM dumped the Jack FM format on Friday and reverted to oldies. It was two years ago, that the successful oldies station enraged many listeners (including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg ) by dumping its predominantly '60s music mix and disc jockeys, for "Jack." The Jack format -- known as "Doug-FM" here in Detroit -- mashes together a disparate mix of songs, mostly from the '80s, but dipping into the '70s, as well. The intent is to ape the jukebox qualities of an iPod to draw a younger audience. Proving the fallacy of programming local stations from the home office, some markets have embraced Jack while in others, it's tanked (in Detroit, Doug, aka WDRQ at 93.1-FM , isn't a smash hit, but does reasonably well)... 'Oldies' have a hard time finding space on FM dials (Thu, 7/19)

Detroit Public Radio will be airing special reports beginning Friday, July 20th through Friday, July 27 relating to the riot that happened in Detroit in July 1967. These special features will be
aired during "Morning Edition" (weekdays from 5am to 10am), "Detroit Today" (weekdays from 10am to noon) and "All Things Considered" (weekdays from 4pm to 7pm).

Highlights from the many stories the WDET news team is working on
include:

Friday, July 20: Noah Ovshinsky takes a look at the summer of love -- looking at the counterculture (hippies) in Detroit that summer before the riot began

Monday, July 23: Pat Batcheller visits 12th and Clairmount; View of the riots from reporters (archive piece)

Tuesday, July 24: Owners of burned out businesses reflect on the riot; Two ministers do what they can to recapture the peace

Wednesday, July 25: A look at how Detroit's music was affected by the riots

Thursday, July 26: Quinn Klinefelter looks at the view that the disturbance was a rebellion...not a riot; A look at the creation of Focus Hope and New Detroit

Friday, July 27: A broadcast of part of a panel discussion at Wayne State University on what Detroit is doing to move forward

Listening to something different on the radio this weekend? Maybe -- and you might not even be changing stations. With the second quarter Arbitron ratings due next week, it's a good time to see how weekend radio differs from the regular weekday offerings. Stations divide along strategic lines when it comes to grabbing your ear on Saturday and Sundays. Some stay with the same approach that brings in listeners all week long. Some change to reflect that people's habits aren't the same on the weekends. As classic rock WCSX-FM programmer Bill Stedman put it: "Do you do on the weekends what you do Monday through Friday?"... Station break: Radio broadcasters change their tune on weekends (Sat, 7/21)

Former Ann Arbor sports radio host Dave Shand has sued University of Michigan athletic director Bill Martin, claiming that Martin "essentially used economic blackmail" to force his firing. A lawsuit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in downtown Ann Arbor, alleged that Martin told Shand's bosses at WTKA-AM (1050) that station would lose its rights to broadcast Michigan football unless it dismissed Shand. "Either way you slice it, it's illegal for Bill Martin to interfere in Dave's private employment contract," said Nicholas Roumel, Shand's attorney. When Shand was fired in April, the station's general manager, Bob Bolak, declined to discuss the reasons behind the move. Bolak could not be reached for immediate comment Tuesday afternoon... Fired radio host sues Michigan athletic director (Tue, 7/24)

Brian Williams is scheduled to be in Detroit today to do the "NBC Nightly News" from downtown.

The network anchor, who displays a sharp wit when he makes the talk show rounds, sounded extra sincere when asked about his reasons for coming here. "The Detroit viewing audience ... is enormous and very loyal," he said of his sweeps month visit. Speaking from his New York office on Monday, Williams described his plans for the trip and his ties to the Motor City... Live from Detroit, NBC news (Tue, 7/24)

Bill Flemming was known for his trips around the world. Name an exotic locale, and he probably had been there for his job with ABC's "Wide World of Sports." But Flemming, the well-known TV sportscaster who made his name on "Wide World" and worked in the business for nearly 60 years, was a Michigan man all the way. He grew up in Ann Arbor, graduated from the University of Michigan, raised his family in Bloomfield Hills and spent the last decade summering at his cottage in Good Hart, Mich., until he died Friday from prostate cancer at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey at age 80... Michigander made mark all around 'Wide World' (Tue, 7/24)

"NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" returned to Detroit on Tuesday, and the city acted as a backdrop for a report on -- what else? -- the decline of the auto industry. The story, "Slow Lane?," was pegged to "Detroit's hurry-up effort to go green," and featured General Motors' and Ford Motor Co.'s efforts to offer customers more environmentally friendly vehicles. Reporter Kevin Tibbles interviewed representatives from Ford and talked to GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz at GM's headquarters in the Renaissance Center. The verdict? It may not be easy going green, "but for Detroit, it's essential," said Tibbles' report. The show also featured a taped interview with Detroit City Council member Martha Reeves, conducted by Williams outside of Hart Plaza... Williams spotlights autos, Reeves in Detroit broadcast (Tue, 7/24)

WRIF's merry pranksters Drew & Mike shot ahead of their morning competition, WYCD morning man Doctor Don is starting to make a dent in the a.m., and WJR sits atop the overall ratings pile yet again, as the spring 2007 Arbitron ratings were released Wednesday. Rock station WRIF-FM (101.1) had a very good spring, going up to No. 4 in overall radio listenership during the months of April, May and June. WRIF's No. 1 morning team Drew & Mike consolidated their lead over the rest of the pack, with a 9.9 share, up a whole point from their No. 1, 8.8 share in the winter ratings. The duo are two points ahead of No. 2 ranked WWJ... WRIF duo widens a.m. ratings lead (Thu, 7/26)

Wednesday's release of Detroit Arbitron radio ratings for the second quarter of 2007 showed the following:

• News-talk WJR-AM maintained the overall lead among all listeners ages 12 and older. The No. 1 station in the age 25-54 demographic many advertisers prefer was rocker WRIF-FM with a 7.6 rating.

• Mornings were dominated by WRIF's Drew Lane & Mike Clark. In the age 25-54 race, they scored an impressive 14.6, 1.7 better than their first-quarter tally. Steve Harvey on WMXD was second, far back with an 8.1. Among all listeners, Drew and Mike had a 9.9, followed by WWJ's Joe Donovan and Roberta Jasina with a 7.1... WJR-AM remains at No. 1 with metro Detroit listeners (Thu, 7/26)

Detroit Spring 2007 age 12+ radio ratings (Wed, 7/25)

A former metro Detroiter was among four people killed Friday afternoon in Phoenix when helicopters from two TV news stations -- covering a police chase live -- collided and crashed to the ground. Craig Smith, a former pilot for WXYZ's Chopper 7 in Detroit, was piloting the KNXV/ABC Channel 15 helicopter when it collided in the air with a helicopter from KTVK Channel 3, an independent station owned by the Belo Corp. media corporation. Both helicopters fell down into a park in central Phoenix and caught fire. Smith was killed along with his photographer, Rick Krolak, and pilot Scott Bowerbank and photographer Jim Cox, both working in the KTVK helicopter. No one on the ground was hurt... Former metro Detroiter, pilot killed in news copter crash (Fri, 7/27)

Last Saturday's LIFE section asked about your weekend radio listening habits. Some replies follow... Sinatra finishes his weekend (Sat, 7/28)

Coming to town: Syndicated morning star Russ Parr, heard on WHTD-FM (102.7), Aug. 3 with performances by Mims, B5, the Alliance, Al Fatz, Eric Danell, Cupid, Dream and Kin Folks, live from 6-10 a.m. at the Millennium Center, located at 15600 J.L. Hudson Drive, in Southfield ... Retiring: Longtime evening jazz host Michael G. Nastos, from WEMU-FM (89.1) effective Monday. A mainstay of the WEMU music staff, Nastos has hosted the evening program for more than 27 years... Names and Faces (Sat, 7/28)

With the 2007-08 football season only weeks away, the flagship station of MSU football, News/Talk 760 WJR, has announced that Steve Courtney will host this season's WJR Tailgate Show. Heard three hours prior to home game kick off, the two hour WJR Tailgate Show is filled with exciting interviews and pre-game discussion. Tune in to the first tailgate broadcast of the season, 9:00am on Saturday, September 1, 2007. The MSU Spartans will take on the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers starting at noon.

WYCD MD Ron Chatman To Exit
CBS RADIO Country WYCD/DETROIT MD/Digital Director RON CHATMAN is exiting to pursue other opportunities. (Fri, 7/27)

Talk radio station WJR 760 AM remained atop the Detroit market in the latest listener rankings, fueled primarily by the popularity of Rush Limbaugh’s afternoon show.

The station had a 5.6 share for the April 5-June 27 measurement period, up from a 5.5 over the previous period, according to numbers released this week by Columbia, Md.-based Arbitron Inc., which tracks radio listening. WJR was ranked first overall in the preceding ratings period, as well... WJR first in ratings period (Wed, 7/25)

Michael G. Nastos, longtime evening jazz host at WEMU (89.1 FM), has signed off the air. He was expected to announced his retirement on his show Friday, according to the station. He has hosted the evening program for more than 27 years, first as a part-time employee, then for the past 12 years as a full-timer, serving as the station's chief music librarian and "Jazz Datebook'' editor when not on the air. WEMU will conduct a national search for a successor, hoping to have someone in place by the end of September. In the meantime, other WEMU on-air hosts will cover Nastos' shift... Nastos leaving WEMU (Sat, 7/28)

Al Payne Named OM For Radio One Detroit Cluster
RADIO ONE SVP Programming JAY STEVENS confirmed the appointment of AL PAYNE to the position of OM/PD of their DETROIT radio cluster. PAYNE will oversee Urban AC WDMK, Urban WHTD and Black Gospel WCHB. He will work with WHTD PD SPUDD to guide the programming strategies of that station. SPUDD will remain in place. “AL has brought vision and a passion for excellence over the past three years to our RICHMOND market, and I am pleased to afford him this opportunity for growth in a larger market,” commented STEVENS. CAROL LAWRENCE, Market Manager for the MOTOR CITY cluster, added: “We are thrilled to have AL PAYNE join RADIO ONE/DETROIT as Operations Manager/Program Director. AL’s track record of ratings success in DALLAS and RICHMOND speaks for itself. His dedication to precision and unmitigated passion for what he does makes him a welcome addition to our DETROIT operation. I look forward to partnering with Al and seeing great things happening for the DETROIT market.” PAYNE will officially begin his new duties MONDAY, AUGUST 13. (Mon, 7/30)

Sports WDFN is hosting the 5th annual MEATA, Men Eating All The Animals; a celebration of men eating meat. Midday host Sean Baligian will be broadcasting live from The Compuware Sports Arena in Plymouth on Friday, August 3rd from 9am to noon and hanging out afterward to celebrate eating meat.

Listeners are invited to bring meat and wild game of any kind as the grills are lit up bright and early. Every piece of meat available, from the common hamburger to venison and other exotic meats, will be hitting the grills during the event. The station is asking participants to bring a canned good for the Oakland County Food Bank to help feed those that are less fortunate. Participants will also have an opportunity to submerge Sean Baligian in a dunk tank for the chance to win baseball tickets and other great prizes.

As a big proponent of red-blooded foods, self-proclaimed carnivore Sean Baligian started up the concept of MEATA in response to the world-wide animal rights organization PETA-People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the feedback has being overwhelming. Listeners can stop by the Compuware Sports Arena in Plymouth on their lunch break for some free grub or take the day off entirely and spend it with Sean and the whole crew of meatlovers from WDFN.

News/Talk WJR's Paul W. Smith (Weekdays 5:30am-9am) will guest host the nationally syndicated The Rush Limbaugh Show on Thursday, August 2, 2007. The Rush Limbaugh Show can be heard on WJR and other stations across Michigan weekdays from Noon-3:00pm.

WRIF-FM 101.1, Detroit’s rock station for over 36 years, has announced that the station will be the official radio broadcaster of the 2007 Detroit Indy Grand Prix, presented by Firestone on Sunday, September 2nd.

The race will be simulcast on 101.1 FM beginning at 3:00pm, including pre-race activities, originating from Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. The race will commence at 3:45pm and continue through 6:00pm. In addition to airing the simulcast of the race, WRIF will be broadcasting live from Belle Isle throughout the weekend, giving listeners highlights, traffic updates and more.

”We feel the return of the Grand Prix to the City of Detroit is another positive step toward re-energizing the downtown area and we wanted to get on board to show our support. We’re very proud to be airing the race”, said WRIF Operations Manager, Doug Podell.

Soft Rock WMGC-FM, Magic 105.1, will present a day of nonstop movie watching for a cause. “Hollywood Nights” is a 24-hour movie marathon to benefit the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. The event will be at the Emagine Theatre in Novi from 1