November 2009 Archives

Michigan Radio looks at Generation Y Michigan

Over half of all Michigan's public university graduates leave the state within one year of graduation. Michigan Radio (WUOM 91.7 Ann Arbor / WFUM FM 91.1 Flint / WVGR FM 104.1 Grand Rapids) intern Lauren Silverman will probably be one of them. Lauren never had any intention of moving to the state of Michigan; it just happened to be where the University of Michigan was located. And she probably won't stay after she graduates. However, according to many thinkers, young college graduates--like Lauren--are the people Michigan needs most.

On November 5, Lauren will launch a new series for Michigan Radio called "Generation Y Michigan" in which she explores why young adults in the Generation Y cohort are, or are not leaving Michigan. These stories will air on Morning Edition (M-F, 5-9 am) and All Things Considered (M-F, 4-6:30 pm) throughout the following several weeks.

"Generation Y Michigan" will examine how young people view Michigan, what Michigan needs to do to retain young people, and what Lauren's generation is hoping the future of the region looks like. Lauren will talk to demographers, employers, and, most importantly, young people (like herself) who have or will be making the decision about whether to stay or go. The on-air portion of this series will be accompanied by a blog at www.GenerationYMichigan.org, where listeners can discuss this issue, take part in polls, and view supplementary articles, photographs and essays on the topic.

Lauren is studying Political Science and Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Michigan. She worked with Youth Radio in California for 6 years, has filed 8 stories with NPR, including installments of the Day to Day series "What's the New What", and is currently working on a story for Marketplace.

AllAccess.com:

PLYMOUTH WHALERS junior hockey will air, at least in the near-term, on the PLYMOUTH-CANTON SCHOOL DISTRICT's noncommercial Alternative WSDP (88.1 THE ESCAPE)/PLYMOUTH, MI. The station will air a few games in NOVEMBER (starting SATURDAY (11/7) with PETE KRUPSKY at the mic and CLEAR CHANNEL Sports WDFN-A/DETROIT host SEAN BALIGIAN joining him for home games, and will evaluate the possibility of future broadcasts at that time... WSDP To Air Junior Hockey In November (Mon, 11/2)

• Horizon Christan Fellowship is selling FM translator W286AU 105.1 Allegan to World Radio Link for $9,500 pending FCC approval and closing.

• No notable activity for November 2.

• The FCC approved the purchase of FM translator W214BH 90.7 Mt. Pleasant by Central Michigan University from Great Lakes Community Broadcasting. Sale price was $5,000.

Detroit News:

Almost lost in Charles Pugh's campaign and triumphant victory Tuesday was his status as a gay man. Now the sexual orientation of the new City Council president creates evidence of a singular Detroit political truth: celebrity trumps all. While there was national chatter on Twitter and other social media sites about Pugh's "first" accomplishment on Wednesday, Pugh didn't trumpet his sexual orientation during the campaign. Instead, this neophyte pol, who has had a long career on Detroit radio (WJLB-97.9 FM) and TV (WJBK-Fox 2 News), ascended to the top of an 18-candidate field, largely on the basis of perceived credibility and trust built through years of on-air exposure. Even static in the media about his financial problems -- including a condo in foreclosure and a record of late rent payments -- failed to disrupt Pugh's powerful airwave frequency... Pugh's star status wins over Detroiters (Thu, 11/5)

In his broadcaster's version of a world he relishes, Budd Lynch has been on the power play for 65 years. Not the penalty box, mind you, which is what one might figure would be the disposition of a man who left his right shoulder and arm on a tract of land in France in 1944, a few hours after a three-inch German rocket bored through him. "My mother always had an Irish philosophy in life," Lynch was saying over lunch last week. "It's a pleasure to grow old. "Many are denied the privilege." So, there we have it, one man's credo for happiness that he will again celebrate tonight at Joe Louis Arena as a big crowd, with Budd Lynch bobblehead dolls in hand, toasts a 92-year-old hockey icon whose life has been as resonant as his voice. Not coincidentally, it will be the 60th anniversary of the first Red Wings telecast that had as its play-by-play announcer one Budd Lynch... Budd Lynch celebrates 60 years with the Red Wings (Thu, 11/5)

Although uninsured rates are relatively low in the area, thanks in large part to the benefits many auto workers have, the number of people without health insurance will increase as unemployment rates increase, Oz says. Because of this, the heart doc, surgeon and author who became a household name thanks to his allegiance with talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey, is planning a health fair with WDIV-TV (Channel 4), the local station that airs his syndicated "The Dr. Oz Show" weekdays at 3 p.m... Dr. Oz plans health fair in Metro area with Ch. 4 (Wed, 11/4)

WXYZ-TV and Art Van Furniture announce canned food drive

It touches our neighbors, our friends, our co-workers and all too often, it touches our own lives. More than one in eight people in Michigan will need emergency food assistance this year. In the past six years, 51,000 families in our area have fallen into poverty, and with skyrocketing unemployment, and the rising cost of food, health care, and fuel, the need in our community continues to grow.

Detroit's WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 and Art Van Furniture believe "Together We Can" make a difference in the fight against hunger in Metro Detroit.

From November 9 through December 13, donations of canned goods and other nonperishable food can be dropped off at any of the 17 Art Van Furniture locations throughout Metro Detroit. The donations will be distributed to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Gleaners Community Food Bank. Last year, Gleaners distributed 30 million pounds of food to the more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and disaster relief agencies it serves in Southeastern Michigan.

"These tough economic times have created a critical need in our community. The holidays are always a good time to focus on giving back," said Bob Sliva, WXYZ-TV Vice President and General Manager. "Channel 7 is proud to assist the efforts of these two deserving organizations that are fighting on the front lines in the battle against hunger in our community."

WXYZ-TV has a rich history of community service. For 32 years, Channel 7 has helped provide emergency food assistance to those in need throughout Metro Detroit.

Channel 7's web site, wxyz.com, has more information, including a shopping list and Art Van store locations.

• Radio Power is acquiring FM translator W284BQ 104.7 Warren from Radio Assist Ministry for $40,000 pending FCC approval and closing.

Welcome to the Christmas season

Don't look now, but once again its time for the annual battle for listeners that just can't get enough Christmas music. This morning saw the flip of both local soft rock / adult contemporary to full-time Yuletide tunes with WMGC FM 105.1 jumping first followed closely by WNIC FM 100.3.

No doubt that the annual marathon of holiday tunes is welcomed by many listeners -- with others being scared off from their favorite radio stations. Will Santa bring ratings presents or coal this year, the first with Portable People Movers in use as a ratings tool.

AllAccess.com:

CITADEL Talk WJR-A/DETROIT has unveiled a new feature, "BREAKING THE CYCLE," spotlighting business and individual success stories in the DETROIT region. President/GM MIKE FEZZEY hosts the feature. "We need to break the cycle of being our own worst enemy and thinking less of ourselves," said FEZZEY. "We need people to move to our communities with excitement and encouragement. It is our job to be their guide and show them how great the GREAT LAKES area truly is." WJR Spotlights Success Stories With 'Breaking The Cycle' (Fri, 11/6)

• License to cover granted to FM translator W264CB 100.7 Reading which moved from W261BP 100.1 Hillsdale.

AmericaJR.com

Windsor's 95.9 FM CJWF is a brand new country station built from the ground up. It debuted on Sept. 22, 2009 and is currently in a testing period. The new radio station will officially launch on Nov. 16, 2009 with a complete staff of air personalities. Many of the DJs were individuals who were laid off from other radio and television stations in the Windsor area. 95.9 CJWF will offer a mix of old and new country music with news updates at the top of each hour. "This is one of the rare occasions where we're building a station from the bottom up," said Rod Martens, program director of the 95.9 CJWF. "Everything from the console, hiring the new staff, doing all the imaging and of course getting together the library of music we're doing. It's been three months pretty well and we're just so close right now, putting the finishing touches on the studio and then we're ready to go on Nov. 16." The staff at CJWF raced to get the new station on the air just three weeks after 106.7 The Fox switched to a different music format... 95.9 FM CJWF debuts as new country station from Windsor, Ont. (Thu, 11/5)

Grand Rapids Press:

Steve Lloyd-Jones, the radio voice of the West Michigan Whitecaps who worked his first season in 2009, decided not to renew a contract with the Detroit Tigers' Class A minor league affiliate after the two parties failed to reach an agreement on his on-air schedule for 2010. One of the radio voices for sports at Grand Valley State University, Lloyd-Jones, 36, has three children younger than 5 and cited family as his reason for leaving the job. The Whitecaps play a 140-game regular-season schedule, 70 games on the road. It's not uncommon in minor league baseball to be on the road for a week or more. "Based on my family needs, my career needs to take a back seat right now. I have very young kids and they need their dad," Lloyd-Jones said. "I underestimated the toll of being gone on my kids, and we couldn't reach a compromise on a more family friendly schedule and my needs and their needs as an organization"... Steve Lloyd-Jones will not return as radio voice of Whitecaps (Fri, 11/6)

Michigan Radio expands Detroit coverage

At a time when many news outlets are cutting back on the size of their news departments, Michigan Radio has hired a second reporter to help expand its coverage of Detroit and southeastern Michigan. The station has announced the hiring of Sarah Cwiek as its new Detroit reporter. Sarah, along with current Detroit reporter Sarah Hulett, will help Michigan Radio expand its coverage of the city's economy, politics, culture, and other relevant issues.

Cwiek is already well-versed in covering the Detroit beat. Before her arrival at Michigan Radio, Sarah worked at WDET-FM as a reporter and producer. During this time, as well as being WDET's local host for Weekend Edition, she contributed spot news and feature stories to NPR for Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Day to Day. Sarah also provided news coverage and analysis during local segments of All Things Considered and WDET's Detroit Today--experience which will serve her well as one of Michigan Radio's Detroit reporters.

"The political and economic changes that are taking place in Detroit will affect the whole state," said News Director Vincent Duffy . "Adding Sarah Cwiek to our news team at a time when other media outlets are closing or reducing their coverage demonstrates our commitment to telling the important stories in our state."

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kalamazoo College and a Master of Science in Environmental Policy from the University of Michigan.

Detroit Free Press:

The Parade Co. announced today that Art Van Elslander, the Art Van Furniture store founder and chairman, and WJR-AM (760)'s Paul W. Smith will be the co-grand marshals of the 83rd America's Thanksgiving Day Parade. One is known for his furniture, the other for his well-known voice, and both are local icons with a long history of supporting Detroit... Art Van Elslander, Paul W. Smith share grand marshal honor for Thanksgiving Day parade in Detroit (Wed, 11/11)

Detroit News:

The Zelig of Detroit politics, Jonathan Kinloch, may have lost with voters this week in his bid to become a $50-a-meeting charter commissioner, but he's landed a gig as a radio chatterbox. Kinloch, a music producer, former school board member and current library commissioner, adds yet another title to his resume Nov. 16 when he begins his weekday stint from 9-10 p.m. behind the mic at WDTK 1400-AM for the eponymous "Jonathan Kinloch Show." There's an intriguing symmetry to the announcement, since one of the charter candidates that bested Kinloch -- Reggie Reg Davis -- left the radio airwaves to pursue the commmission. Kinloch should make for interesting listening... Kinloch lands radio gig (Fri, 11/6)

• Construction permits were granted to WBNZ FM 92.3 and WOUF FM 99.3 which will swap their communities of license. WBNZ 92.3 will change from Beulah to Frankfort and WOUF 99.3 will change from Frankfort to Beulah.

• Construction permit granted to FM translator W264CB 100.7 Reading to move to 101.3 as W267BE and change community of license to Montgomery. The translator would also move to the southwest.

• No notable activity for November 9-10.

Grand Rapids Press:

Tracy Forner will leave his morning anchor duties at WXMI-TV (Channel 17) to head back to Indianapolis. His last day will be Nov. 25. Forner joined Fox 17 in August 2008 after a six-year stint at the Fox affiliate in Indianapolis. Before that, he worked at WZZM-TV (Channel 13), WLHT-FM (95.7) and WLAV-FM (96.9). "It's a simple matter of not wanting to be away from my family anymore," said Forner, whose wife, Elizabeth, and three young children still live in the Indianapolis area. "As hard as we tried to sell our home and find comparable work for my wife here, it wasn't happening. "We were fully committed to coming back and being a part of West Michigan again. Now my only focus is for my family to no longer be apart. There will always be opportunities for me to work, but my children only grow up once, and I refuse to miss any more of that." WXMI news director Tim Dye is looking for a replacement for Forner, he said... WXMI-TV morning anchor Tracy Forner returns home to Indianapolis (Sun, 11/15)

Detroit Free Press:

"Oh the weather outside is frightful," we sang, windows down last weekend while driving along Fort Street. With the sun shining as the temperature rose into the mid-60s, it certainly felt more like delightful. We stumbled upon Christmas music as we surfed the stations on my car radio, and I'm afraid that, at least when the kids are with me, the dial now vacillates between the two that play 24-hour holiday songs. After an excruciating "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" -- made lovable only because of the mixed-up lyrics sung by my 4-year-old and squeals from my 21-month-old in the back seat -- I tried to switch stations. But that drew nothing but howls... We may be rushing things, but we need a little Christmas now (Sun, 11/15)

The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun

The Federal Communications Commission has stripped the radio licenses from the former operator of a chain of low-power stations based in Mt. Pleasant. A recent decision by the FCC revokes the licenses for several non-commercial educational stations from groups controlled by former Mt. Pleasant resident James McCluskey. McCluskey is still apparently licensed to operate a low-power community FM station from an Elizabeth Street home. The station, with the call sign W214BH, was not part of the recent action. But according to Mt. Pleasant tax records, that home has been sold and he no longer lives there... FCC revokes licenses of former broadcaster (Sun, 11/15)

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

Tri-Cities radio listeners can get their fill of all-Christmas programming on WHNN FM 96.1 which made the move over the weekend joining numerous other stations across the country featuring nothing but holiday hits through Christmas. WHNN's regular format is classic hits, which will likely return in late December.

Crain's Detroit Business:

To remain relevant amid a cacophony of cable and digital television, radio and Internet choices, Detroit Educational Television Foundation is emphasizing local programming that can be broadcast on multimedia platforms. Soon it plans to take its show on the road with new mobile productions -- which will lower production costs. Amid its move to a multimedia platform, the foundation, which operates as Detroit Public Television/WTVS-Channel 56, has managed to close out a $22 million capital campaign and shift its programming to five areas critical to the region while reducing its operational costs by $2.4 million. It also has brought in more than $1 million in new funding to support its new local and national programs in core areas. DPTV has done it all while ramping up production at its new, state-of-the-art studio and offices in Wixom. Plus it has successfully managed the transition from analog to digital broadcasting... Dialed in: Detroit Public Television redoubles commitment to local programming while cutting costs (Sun, 11/15)

There is only two days left to place your bid on the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation's FINAL Online Auction of 2009. Proceeds from this event go to support broadcast scholarships, internships and education...please helps the mission to secure a future broadcast workforce by bidding today!

Some of the items up for bids include MSU Men's Basketball tickets, MSU Men's Hockey tickets, registration to Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts Media Course, and a suite a the Palace of Auburn Hills for a Detroit Pistons game.

To view all the items, register, and bid, click here or go to michmab.com and click on the Online Auction button.

Cornerstone University expands West Michigan radio reach

WCFG FM 90.9 Springfield/Battle Creek signed on last week (Friday, Nov 6th) as a full-time rebroadcaster of WCSG FM 91.3 Grand Rapids. WSCG/WCFG features an adult-focused Contemporary Christian format that usually finds itself among the most popular stations in a very busy radio landscape across West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Press:

Terri DeBoer and Rachael Ruiz soon will be adding a co-worker to their lifestyle show "Eight West" thanks to WOTV4's "The Face of 4" contest. The winner gets a one-year contract, the opportunity to represent the station on air and in the community and also act as a correspondent on "Eight West." Oh, and did I mention they also get $20,000? was announced this week on "Eight West." People can vote on wotv.com now through Nov. 29. The person with the most votes will be given an automatic pass to the finale. Five others will be chosen by WOTV 4 to move on to the final round of competition. The winner will be announced the week of Dec. 7... Top 20 chosen for WOTV's 'The Face of 4' contest (Tue, 11/17)

WZZM-TV:

At the beginning of October, Ellen Tailor of HOT-FM's "Todd Chance Radio Show" embarked on an ambitious fundraiser to help local survivors of breast cancer. Her mother was diagnosed with the disease just over a year ago. After undergoing treatment, she is now a survivor. Tailor decided to challenge listeners, if they could raise $10,000 to help other survivors, she would "bare it all" and pose in the buff for an art class at Kendall College. "She and other breast cancer patients are poked and prodded and feel so vulnerable when they are being put out there, that me doing this art class is nothing compared to what they go through," said Tailor. Just one month later, listeners had held up their end of the bargain, and $11,700 was donated to the Compassionate Cancer Care Center at Metro Health Village... HOT-FM's Ellen Tailor 'Bares It All' to help breast cancer survivors (Mon, 11/16)

Detroit News:

The former co-host of the "JJ and Lynne" morning show on WCSX-FM (94.7) filed a federal lawsuit against the classic rock station's owners Tuesday, alleging she was sexually harassed by her co-host James Johnson and retaliated against when she complained about that and the fact he was paid more. According to the complaint, Lynne Woodison Lyman joined WCSX in 1997 and co-hosted with JJ from 2000 until November 2008, when the station cited low ratings in terminating the show. "Plaintiff was surrounded by a discriminatory and unlawful work environment where women were described as sex objects and derided on a daily basis," Lyman alleges in the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit by her attorney, Deborah Gordon of Bloomfield Hills... Ex-WCSX DJ sues, says she was harassed (Wed, 11/18)

Keener13.com

He had the job we all wanted, the foot in the door at the greatest radio station in town. In the world that was radio back in the 1960s, the overnight shift was the proving ground, the place where the program director tested new talent, and the assignment from whence stars were often born. Some loved the lifestyle and made overnights their brand. WJR's Jay Roberts was one of the most famous, helping us drift off to sleep for over two decades as the captain of "Nightflight 760″. Jim Jeffries had a different idea. When he came to Detroit from Keener's Battle Creek sister station, Jim knew that even with WKNR's highly directional nighttime signal, there were thousands of people out there who depended on the overnight guy to keep them awake... Jim Jeffries obituary (Wed, 11/18)

• Wayne Kowalski was issued a $500 forfeiture by the FCC to FM translator station W251AD 98.1 Alpena for late license renewal and unauthorized operations. Forfeiture Order (.pdf)

• No notable activity for November 13 and 16-17.

Traverse City Record-Eagle:

David Poinsett produces local television programming and doesn't want area residents to miss shows he or anyone else creates here. But he's concerned that could happen if Charter Communications follows through on plans to rearrange where certain public, educational and government access channels -- or PEG channels -- are located. "I think it weakens our access to this great community resource," Poinsett said. Traverse City officials also oppose Charter's plans to shake up the access channels and expect to file suit against the cable provider within the next week. They've hired two law firms experienced in such cases to take on the chore... City plans to sue Charter over channels (Wed, 11/18)

Detroit News:

Jim "JJ" Johnson reacted Wednesday to the news that his former WCSX-FM (94.7) co-host Lynne Woodison Lyman made allegations against him in a lawsuit filed against their former employer, Greater Media Inc. Lyman filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against the classic rock station's owners alleging sexual harassment (by Johnson, and other employees), retaliation and gender and age discrimination. Lyman charged that Johnson "showed her nude photographs on his computer screen on a daily basis and would harass her with derogatory terms and sexual references while they were broadcasting on the air." Lyman co-hosted the "JJ and Lynne Morning Show" from 2000 until 2008, when Greater Media let the duo go. Although Johnson is not being sued, he issued his own statement... DJ denies allegations of former co-host (Thu, 11/19)

Bummed about not being able to attend the Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony at Campus Martius Park this year? Don't worry. WJBK-TV (Channel 2) is streaming live video of the sixth annual event on its Web site, www.MyFoxDetroit.com, beginning at 6:43 p.m. Friday... WJBK-TV will stream tree lighting (Thu, 11/19)

Bloomfield Hills School District radio students win seven awards in nationwide High School Radio competition; WBFH wins 2nd place in Best High School Radio Station in the Nation competition

Bloomfield Hills School District radio broadcasting students won a total of seven awards in five categories at the Seventh Annual John Drury High School Radio Awards ceremony held November 7, 2009 on the campus of North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. Based on the number of award winners, WBFH won 2nd Place, Best High School Station in this national competition.

The John Drury High School Radio Awards were created to recognize excellence in high school radio broadcasting. These awards were named in honor of award-winning ABC-Chicago news anchor, John Drury. The entries were submitted last May. The awards were presented by North Central College and their student radio station WONC-FM (www.wonc.org).

Five WBFH students were nominated for eight awards. WBFH students won two 1st Place awards, four 2nd Place awards and one 3rd Place award:

• Best Promo, 1st Place: Patrick Garretson, Lahser senior
• Best News Feature Story, 1st Place: Ridwan Alam, 2009 Andover graduate
• Best Sportscast, 2nd Place: Ryan Bloom, Andover senior
• Best Newscast, 2nd Place: Ridwan Alam, 2009 Andover graduate
• Best News Feature Story, 2nd Place: Josh Loney, Andover senior
• Best Sports Play-By-Play, 2nd Place: Josh Loney, Andover senior
• Best Promo, 3rd Place: Patrick Garretson, Lahser senior

Also nominated for a Drury Award in the PSA category was Chad Shepard, Lahser senior.

The Best High School Radio Station 2nd Place Award was presented to the WBFH management team consisting of Station Manager Pete Bowers and Assistant Manager/Technical Director Randy Carr. WLTL of LaGrange, Illinois won 1st Place and WGBK of Glenview, Illinois took 3rd Place in the station competition.

"I congratulate all the winners and nominees," said Bowers. "I'm very proud of our students who won and for WBFH winning second place in this national competition".

First place award winners were also given a $1,000 scholarship to attend North Central College.

WBFH, also known as The Biff, is a non-commercial, educational radio station broadcasting at 88.1 on the FM dial and online at www.wbfh.fm.

WJR to again air coverage of Thanksgiving parade

Tune to WJR AM 760 next Thursday, November 26, 2009 as the Voice of America's Thanksgiving Day Parade plans to provide the most complete coverage of this holiday tradition. Join WJR parade coverage co-hosts Lloyd Jackson and Katherine Leslie along with the rest of the WJR staff as they bring all of the sights and sounds of America's Thanksgiving Parade to WJR listeners starting at 10am.

Co-Grand Marshals of this year's parade are Art Van Elslander of Art Van Furniture fame and WJR's Paul W. Smith.

• Contemporary Christian WJOG FM 91.3 Good Hart/Petoskey (Smile FM) was granted its license to cover for a power increase from 600 to 6,000 watts.

• FM translator W260BX 99.9 Lansing was granted its license to cover to change its primary station to WUNN AM 1110 Mason.

• FM translator W266BS 101.1 Cassopolis was granted its license to cover to change its primary station to WGTO AM 910 Cassopolis, change its community of license from Wakelee to Cassopolis, and change frequency to 101.1 from 89.7.

Saginaw News:

While it doesn't look a lot like Christmas in the Great Lakes Bay Region yet, Program Director Scott Stine says listeners are getting into the spirit with the help of "all Christmas music, all the time" at WHNN-FM, 96.1. "It was 60 degrees outside when I was stringing up my Christmas lights and decorating the place for the holidays," Stine said. "But I had the Christmas music on, and I was loving every minute of it." Morning cohosts Johnny Burke and Blondie recently launched the new format, and it will continue through Christmas Day, said Stine, who also hosts the Saginaw Township radio station's late afternoon broadcast... Christmas comes early to WHNN (Thu, 11/19)

AllAccess.com:

The state of MICHIGAN has one of the highest unemployment rates in the U.S. The staff at CITADEL Top 40 WHTS/GRAND RAPIDS knows how difficult it is for many area families to put food on the table. On NOVEMBER 22nd, the station will present PASS THE GRAVY, a canned food drive/concert to benefit local charitable organization GOD'S KITCHEN (which served over 195,000 meals to the hungry in 2008)... WHTS Grand Rapids Is Helping The Hungry (Thu, 11/19)

CKWW adds John Records Landecker to Sunday lineup

Get out your bell bottom pants, your platform shoes and turn on the Hi-Fi because Sunday nights on AM 580 are about to get groovier. Starting this Sunday night, AM 580 will air "Into The 70's" hosted by legendary radio personality John Records Landecker. He will bring his style and knowledge of the 70's to this music intensive show which will air Sunday nights from 7 PM to 12 AM on AM 580.

Landecker is a native of Ann Arbor and was inducted into the Radio Wing of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work on WLS in the 1970s.

Sounds of Sinatra will now start an hour earlier and air from 5 until 7 PM on Sundays.

Michigan Radio and Olympia Entertainment welcome A Prairie Home Companion to Detroit

Public radio station Michigan Radio (91.7 FM Ann Arbor/Detroit) and Olympia Entertainment are scheduled to present a live performance of A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, the celebrated variety show produced by Prairie Home Productions and presented and distributed by American Public Media. On Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 6:00 p.m., host Garrison Keillor and special guests will take the stage at the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit for a live, national broadcast.

Although the show has performed live in Michigan on several occasions, this marks the first performance of the program from Detroit. The February 27 A Prairie Home Companion show will feature live performances and comical skits by Keillor and the Prairie Home cast. Keillor will weave local humor into the show and share his signature monologue, "The News From Lake Wobegon," with Detroit audiences.

Tickets go on sale on through the Fox Theatre box office, through Ticketmaster (Ph: 800-745-3000), and online at olympiaentertainment.com on Saturday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m.

A native Minnesotan, Garrison Keillor began working at Minnesota Public Radio in 1969. In the summer of 1974, he hosted the first live broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion, a program now heard weekly on over 580 public radio stations by over 4 million listeners. The program regularly airs Saturdays on Michigan Radio at 6 pm and is repeated Sundays at 12 pm. Keillor also hosts a daily five-minute radio program, The Writer's Almanac, and is a frequent contributor to Time. He is the author of 13 books and winner of numerous awards for his broadcasting and literary work.

With Philip Brunelle, Keillor has performed with many orchestras, including the Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and National symphonies. He has received numerous awards for his broadcast and literary work, including: membership in the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters (2001); The National Humanities Medal (1999); and a Grammy Award for the recording of Lake Wobegon Days (1985).

• The construction permit for WMKT AM 1270 Charlevoix to increase daytime power to 50,000 watts from its current 27,000 was canceled at the request of WMKT. The station has filed for a new construction permit to increase daytime power to 50,000 watts.

• FM translator W264CB 100.7 Reading was granted a construction permit to change frequency to FM 101.3 as W267BE and move to Angola, Indiana. The translator's community of license will also change to Angola where it rebroadcast co-owned WLKI FM 100.3.

WDIV to offer Detroit Thanksgiving Parade coverage from 6 a.m. - Noon

It's Detroit's favorite holiday tradition, and "Together We Shine" - this year's theme for the 83rd America's Thanksgiving Parade live from Woodward Avenue. WDIV-TV Local 4, the official television station of America's Thanksgiving Parade, brings home the excitement and grand spectacle of balloons, bands, celebrities and floats like no one else can.

Hosted by Carmen Harlan, Devin Scillian, Chuck Gaidia, Bernie Smilovitz, Guy Gordon and Rhonda Walker, Local 4's live broadcast of America's Thanksgiving Parade starts Thursday, November 26th at 9 a.m., following Local 4 News Morning, also broadcast live from the Parade route, beginning at 6 a.m.

"For as long as anyone can remember, Local 4 has been the station of Hometown Traditions," said Marla Drutz, VP and General Manager of WDIV Local 4. "We're so very proud to partner with The Parade Company in bringing home the treasured tradition of America's Thanksgiving Parade. It's a great way to usher in our coverage of the next Hometown Traditions, the North American International Auto Show in January, and the 2010 Winter Olympics starting February 12th."

On Thanksgiving morning, Local 4 News Morning live coverage from all along the Parade route will start at 6 a.m as Guy Gordon, Rhonda Walker, Paula Tutman and Lauren Podell report live from Woodward Avenue, with latest Parade weather forecasts from meteorologist Eric Braate and up-to-the-minute traffic and parking updates from Heather Zara to avoid delays and road closures for those headed downtown. Local 4's live broadcast of America's Thanksgiving Parade starts at 9 a.m., with hosts Carmen Harlan, Devin Scillian, Chuck Gaidia, Bernie Smilovitz, Guy Gordon and Rhonda Walker. Guests include Bethenny Frankel of The Real Housewives of New York City, Cheryl Burke of Dancing With The Stars, appearances by former American Idol contestants Danny Gokey and Josh Gracin, and performances from Dave Edwards of Detroit's own The Look and Detroit blues-legend Johnnie Bassett.

Throughout America's Thanksgiving Parade broadcast on Local 4, watch for details on how you can text to win a gift card worth $250 or $500 from the Somerset Collection. Live coverage of the Parade will also be streamed online at ClickOnDetroit.com. Plus, viewers can vote for their favorite high school band in America's Thanksgiving Parade. The band with the most votes will be named the winner of the Battle of the Bands.

Michigan-Based Chiller Drive In TV show goes national on RTN

TV's Wolfman Mac's Chiller Drive-In will now air nationwide on RTN, the Retro Television Network, beginning Saturday, November 28, 2009. The Michigan based, family friendly hosted horror TV show will now be available to over 80 million households via both cable and digital broadcast thought out the United States with this agreement.

Chiller Drive-In will air on RTN every Saturday at 10pm. In addition, Chiller Drive-In will still air locally at midnight on flagship broadcast station WMYD My-TV 20 in Detroit, as well as broadcast affiliates in Florida and Michigan. "We've come quite far in a short amount of time," says host and executive producer 'Wolfman Mac' Kelly, "It just seems like yesterday we were taping shows in front of a piece of black fabric with cobwebs on it, using a my hand-held camcorder, for airing on community access TV."

The premise of the show is simple: Wolfman Mac and his shady sidekick 'Boney Bob' show B-Movies at the dilapidated the Chiller Drive-In theatre in the fictional town of Hauntington Heights. Adding in the mirth is an ensemble cast of characters who bring up the camp when the movie projector stops. "Our humor is along the lines of what you would expect from movies like Shrek or a Bugs Bunny cartoon. The grown-ups get the jokes while the little monsters laugh because they see mom and dad laughing," says Kelly. Unlike many other horror hosts, 'Wolfman Mac' is a friendly werewolf with a sense of humor. Think of him as a cross between Herman Munster and Tim Allen.

Key to Chiller Drive-In are the Horror and Sci-Fi movies from the 1950's through the 1970's. Chiller Drive-In features titles such as House on Haunted Hill, Zontar, The Thing from Venus, King Kong Escapes and many more. "Viewers always tell me that the worse the movie, the better they like it," adds Kelly, "... and with an abundance of cheezy, low budget, tacky films from that era, I don't see us running out of these movies any time soon."

"Chiller Drive-In" is a 100% Michigan written, produced and video taped production. Filming is done exclusively at the Erebus Haunted Attraction in Downtown Pontiac. With the tremendous excitement about the film and video industry working in Michigan, Kelly, a native of Mt. Clemens, feels that he was ahead of the curve, "This is where I live and work, and I'm proud that our production can be shot in a climate receptive for making TV and movies." Kelly has also become a champion for all things Michigan, and uses his program as a platform for sharing what's right about the area.

So crawl up to the graveyard, dig up a date, pop some popcorn, turn the lights down low and get ready to giggle and shiver with Wolfman Mac's Chiller Drive-In. For additional information, visit www.chillerdrivein.com.

WDIV-TV and Forgotton Harvest to host telethon to help more rescued food get to Metro Detroit Families

WDIV-TV and Forgotten Harvest have announced the first-ever telethon to benefit food rescue in Metro Detroit. On Monday, November 30, 2009, the station will air regular segments from 5 a.m. through the 11 p.m. newscast to encourage viewers to donate to Forgotten Harvest, the region's only food rescue organization, by calling 1-888-332-7140. Additionally, the station's Web site, www.clickondetroit.com, will accept donations throughout the day.

"This year, the need for fresh, nutritious meals extends into every corner of Metro Detroit," said Susan Goodell, President and CEO of Forgotten Harvest. "This telethon and partnership with Local 4 will help Forgotten Harvest expand our ability to rescue food and get it to local families who need our help more than ever."

Hosted by WDIV-TV personality Beth McLeod, the telethon will feature vignettes that show the work of Forgotten Harvest in action and demonstrate the impact the organization has on the Metro Detroit community.

This holiday season, Forgotten Harvest is conducting its first-ever 'Good Neighbor' campaign to raise funds as well as awareness of the unprecedented need for rescued food throughout the region.

"Throughout the years we have been proud of and impressed by the amazing generosity of Local 4 viewers," said Marla Drutz, VP and General Manager of WDIV-TV. "With this telethon we believe our large audience of Metro Detroiters will once again step up to help neighbors in need and support the important mission of Forgotten Harvest."

The Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers have all donated pairs of tickets that will be given to telethon donors who contribute $100 or more during designated times. A series of community partners are supporting the telethon through community challenge matching grants including PNC Foundation ($50,000); Kroger ($30,000); Art Van Furniture ($25,000); Busch Markets ($25,000); Jewish Fund ($10,000).

"Forgotten Harvest is addressing a critical need in the Detroit metro area," said David Boyle, regional president for Michigan for National City, now a part of PNC. "The PNC Foundation grant will leverage their ability to relieve hunger and redirect surplus food to the network of emergency providers serving our neighbors."

Forgotten Harvest Forgotten Harvest was formed in 1990 to fight two problems: hunger and waste. Forgotten Harvest 'rescued' more than 12.5 million pounds of food last year by collecting surplus prepared and perishable food from more than 400 sources, including grocery stores, fruit and vegetable markets, restaurants, caterers, dairies, farmers, wholesale food distributors and other Health Department-approved sources. This donated food, which would otherwise go to waste, is delivered free-of-charge to 155 emergency food providers in the Metro Detroit area. Learn more about Forgotten Harvest and how to help drive hunger from our community at www.forgottenharvest.org.

• WPBN-TV Ch. 7 Traverse City was granted a construction permit for its permanent digital facilities on Ch. 47. WPBN-TV will broadcast from Kalkaska County and also use a fill-in translator on Ch. 50 to cover a portion of its former analog coverage area that would be without service with the move northeast.

• No notable activity for November 23.

Detroit News:

For many of the residents of the Rio Vista Co-op Apartments, the digital transition in June was like having the carpet yanked from underneath them. When the nation switched from an analog broadcast signal to digital in June, it produced plenty of short-term headaches. Americans without cable or satellite dishes struggled with converter boxes and antennas attempting to haul in the new signals to bring them their old broadcast channels. But at Rio Vista, which sits on the edge of Mexicantown in southwest Detroit, residents found they could no longer receive Channel 23, WUDT -- the station responsible for the Spanish-language network Univision. To many, it was like being cut off from the rest of the world... Digital TV leaves thousands behind (Fri, 11/27)

Readers have been e-mailing, calling and asking me about former WDIV-TV (Channel 4) anchor and reporter Ama Daetz. The Northern California native worked at our local NBC affiliate for nearly three years until her contract expired this summer. Blame it on the station's shrinking budget or management's decision to go in a different direction, but when Daetz's time was up, she wasn't asked to stay. Requests to find out the specific reasons from management and Daetz have gone unanswered. In February, WDIV bosses took Daetz off the anchor desk and put her back in the field... WDIV-TV reporter winds up in California (Thu, 11/26)

• Full service WION AM 1430 Ionia was granted its license to cover for changing its daytime power from 5,000 watts using a 3-tower array (directional) to 4,700 watts using a single tower (omnidirectional).

Longtime former Detroit DJ Joey Ryan critical

By: Art Vuolo, Jr.

Many of you may remember this very talented jock from his early days at WHFI-FM (94.7) Birmingham, which is now WCSX. Joey Ryan was there in days when the studios were in a modest A-Frame on Rankin Road in Troy. The GM was Don Bosco, and that station was home to some of Detroit's most memorable personalities such as Lee Alan, Marc Avery, Ira J. Cook, Bob Edgington, (Little) Don Alcorn, Don Zee and others. Well Joey worked there too, but made his biggest splash in the 1970's at (then Top 40) WDRQ-FM (93.1), now Doug-FM.

One of his most memorable moments was when he dialed up a number and told the person at the other end that had they answered with (instead of hello) "WDRQ's a ball" they would have won $1,000! The reply ON THE AIR was "Oh Bullshit." A classic contest goof!

Joey later worked as the night jock in the early 80's on WTWR-FM (92.3), now Mix WMXD, when it was Tower 92 FM with Ted Anthony mornings, Ron T mid-days and Steve Edwards (Schram) as PD and PM drive jock. Kevin Sanderson was the overnight jock. Joey was on from 7 'til midnight and cooked with great oldies when he was known as "Mr. Boogie".

His voice will long be remembered as the "booth announcer" at TV2 WJBK in the early 90's. He was the little guy with the BIG voice. Back in 2005 we were looking for Joey so he could attend our last major Detroit Radio Reunion in September of that year. Unbenounced to any of us, about that time Ryan, who was born Joseph Pietruska III, now 61, had suffered a stroke which seriously affected the right side of his body. It did NOT, however, affect his speech.

On Sunday November 29th I received a call from radio enthusiast Kevin McMahon of Macomb Township who put me on the phone with Joey's close friend Chris Root. Chris proceeded to tell me that Joey was currently in the Detroit Veterans Administration Hospital, soon to be transferred to the Grand Rapids VA Hospital Nursing facility.

For any of you who remember this extremely talented man, PLEASE send a card or a note to him so that before we lose him he will know that there are legions of us of out here who DO remember him and so before he dies, he can know that his old fans still care. This must be done quickly as the prognosis is NOT good and he may only have a week or two left. The address is: Joey Ryan Pietruska c/o VA Hospital Nursing Facility,3000 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Let's send Joey out with a smile on his face. It's the least we can do.

God bless you all.

ART VUOLO, JR.
Radio's Best Friend
www.vuolovideo.com
artvuolo@aol.com

Grand Rapids Press:

Take a peek at Shelley Irwin's weekly planner and you'll find she's carved out time to judge a contest, emcee a luncheon, run a half-marathon, attend a charity picnic, sit on a variety of boards of directors, participate in a bike ride and perform on a local stage. Oh, and she has a full-time job, too. The strawberry-blond dynamo is host of the morning show on WGVU-FM (88.5), the National Public Radio affiliate at Grand Valley State University. She jam-packs her mornings, afternoons and evenings with interviews, civic functions and nonprofit work, tackling everything she does with gusto. Irwin is involved with local libraries and civic groups, the Salvation Army, the Epilepsy Foundation and Girl Scouts. She has moderated events for the World Affairs Council, Leadership Grand Rapids, the Center for Women in Transition and many others... Profile: Morning radio show host Shelley Irwin (Sun, 11/29)