Recently in Metro Detroit Category

Steve Kosbau named market manager of Greater Media Detroit

Greater Media Inc. has announced that Steve Kosbau has been named Market Manager of its Detroit-based radio properties, including WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM. He will begin his new position in mid-September. The radio veteran most recently served as the President and General Manager of WDRQ-FM and WDVD-FM in the Motor City. Prior to that, he worked as the Director of Operations at WJZW-FM and WRQX-FM in Washington, DC.

"Steve is a man of great character and intellect, who will help us take Greater Media Detroit to the next level," said John Fullam, Vice President & Regional Market Manager of Greater Media Philadelphia. "We are pleased to welcome him to the Greater Media family."

"Opportunities like this are rare," said Kosbau. "It's an honor to join such a fantastic company and these legendary radio stations."\

 

Detroit Public TV to debut 2010 fall season and honor community leaders at Premiere Night"

In celebration of the 2010 fall line-up and to honor four Southeastern Michigan community leaders, Detroit Public Television (DPTV) will host its 9th Annual Premiere Night gala on Thursday, Sept. 30. Held at the Detroit Athletic Club, the event will begin at 6 p.m.

Premiere Night is DPTV's signature fundraising event, which unveils the fully-loaded PBS fall season and a variety of new local DPTV productions. Widely regarded as one of the most anticipated fundraising events in Metro Detroit, guests of Premiere Night will enjoy an elegant evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live and silent auctions and the presentation of DPTV's dedicated community leader awards.

The 2010 award winners are as follows:

• John W. Porter Leadership Award: Kimberly & Ken Whipple
• Dolores & George Riley Stewardship Award: Dr. Ronald Goldsberry
• Detroit Public Television Partnership Award: University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Detroit Public Television Visionary Award: Carol A. Goss

Patron tickets to Premiere Night are $250 each. Benefactor tickets, which include dinner at the historic Bloomfield Hills home of event co-chairs Bobbi and Stephen Polk on Sept. 22, are $400 each. Sponsorships also are available.

To buy tickets, make a sponsorship commitment, purchase advertising or donate a unique auction item, visit dptv.org or contact Sarah Kittle at (248) 305-3774 or skittle@dptv.org.

Proceeds from Premiere Night support Detroit Public Television, which provides programs and online content that educate, entertain and in partnership with the community.

 

Detroit Free Press:

The numbers are in and WKQI-FM's (95.5) "Mojo in the Morning" cohost Shannon Murphy delivered the second-highest local ratings of the year for "Live! With Regis and Kelly" when she stepped in as a guest host Tuesday. Nearly 125,000 metro Detroit viewers tuned in to WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) to watch Murphy, winner of the show's Women of Radio Cohost for a Day contest, joke with Regis Philbin and kiss Joey Lawrence ... Meteorologist Keenan Smith, who has been delivering the goods in West Palm Beach, Fla., will be joining Channel 7 in mid-September for its "Action News This Morning" and "Action News at Noon" broadcasts ... WFDF-AM (910, Radio Disney) has lined up a "Back 2 School Celebration" on Aug. 28 at Westland Shopping Center that will include a special question-and-answer session with Chloe Bridges, a star of upcoming Disney Channel movie "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam"... Names and Faces (Fri, 8/20)

 

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Michigan Radio announces new "All Things Considered" host

After conducting an extensive national search, Michigan Radio has announced that Jennifer White has been named as the station's new "All Things Considered" host. Jenn replaces Charity Nebbe, who left Michigan Radio in June to return to her home state of Iowa.

For the past two years, Jenn has been an Executive Producer and the host of the television program, "Out of the Blue: The Michigan Difference," on the Big Ten Network. She was also the host of the nationally distributed public radio documentary "Finding Our Bootstraps: Americans Deal With Recession," and has served as host of the public television programs "Secret Spaces, Childhood Places," "Out of the Box" and "Edible Legacies." Recently, she has moderated several political forums, including gubernatorial and mayoral debates for both public radio and television.

She has a background in both theater, and television and video production. A native of Detroit and graduate of the University of Michigan, she has worked at Michigan Public Media since 1999, most recently as the station's Director of Media Outreach and Community Relations. From 2005-2009, she served as Station Manager for Michigan Television, WFUM-TV.

"We're excited to have Jenn as our new afternoon host," said Michigan Radio Program Director Tamar Charney. "She has an on-air sound that exudes warmth and authority; and a deep commitment to the role that public radio journalism plays in society."

Listeners have heard Jenn filling in periodically as "All Things Considered" host at Michigan Radio since June of this year. Her first day as permanent afternoon on-air host at the station will be Wednesday, Sept. 1.

"All Things Considered" can be heard each weekday on Michigan Radio from 4:00 - 6:30 pm. The program is heard by over 230,000 listeners per week across southern Michigan on the station.

 

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CKWW offering soundtrack for this weekend's cruisers

Before you head out in your classic car this weekend to cruise Woodward, CKWW AM 580 is inviting listeners to tune in as the station revs up the 50's and 60's hits all weekend long. Touting itself as the place to hear real cruisin' Oldies on AM--where they were originally heard, cruisers can take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with the songs you listened to while cruising Woodward Avenue to back in the day. The weekend will feature the big hits and also dig into the record library for some forgotten classics too.

 

In association with the 2010 Motor City Radio Reunion, voiceover icon Ms. Randy Thomas will conduct a four-hour workshop to assist broadcasters of all ages on how to better prepare and market themselves!

This special workshop will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (248-348-5000) in Novi, MI from 10 am - 2 pm. A special recession-busting fee to attend is only $75.00! To register, please visit www.randythomasvo.com and click on "Classes" for Detroit VO Workshop. Space is limited. Sign up today!

Spend a few hours with Randy Thomas, one of the most recognized and sought after female voice talents on the planet, as she takes you inside the world of voiceovers at the highest level. She is the first woman in history to announce The Academy Awards and honored to be the voice of the live Oscar telecast seven times. Every night you hear her voice on "Entertainment Tonight" and "The Insider," two of the the most watched entertainment TV news magazine programs in the world. It's an honor to have her returning to Detroit, where she began her radio career.

The Detroit Radio Reunion is a separate cost and open only to people who work (or have worked) in Detroit radio.

Voiceover seminar highlights:

• State of the industry today
• How to make the big segue from radio personality to freelance voice over artist
• Leaving radio behind and learning to become the best voice actor you can
• What tools you need to become a top voiceover artist
• What to look for from other coaches and how to avoid getting caught up in VO marketing scams
• How to get from where you are now to quitting your full time job to do VO all day long from your home studio

Following the seminar, Randy will sign her book for you ($10 purchase).

See you there!

 

The Environment Report Wins National Environmental Award

The Environment Report from Michigan Radio has been recognized by the Society of Environmental Journalists with an Award for Reporting on the Environment. The Environment Report received a second place award in the "Outstanding Beat/In-Depth Reporting, Radio" category, for the documentary "Coal: Dirty Past, Hazy Future."

In the documentary, The Environment Report's Mark Brush, Rebecca Williams, Lester Graham and Shawn Allee take an in-depth look at the future of coal in this country. The series explored the role that coal plays in our lives and in the lives of those who depend on coal mining for a living. According to the SEJ judges, the documentary was "Ambitious, balanced, and deeply relevant......an indispensable guide to North America's most prevalent and most hidden source of energy. It's a complex, nuanced and immediately accessible piece that should be required listening for the nation." "Coal: Dirty Past, Hazy Future" was originally broadcast in January, 2010.

The Environment Report was the only Michigan news organization to receive a 2010 SEJ award. Other award recipients in the "Outstanding Beat/In-Depth Reporting, Radio" category were public radio programs "The World" and "Living on Earth."

SEJ's journalism contest is the world's largest and most comprehensive award for journalism on environmental topics. In all, there were 216 entries, with twenty-nine winners chosen in 11 categories. The finalists represented the best environmental reporting in print and on television, radio, the Internet and in student publications.

The Environment Report is a news service committed to revealing the relationship between the natural world and the everyday lives of people. The Environment Report airs on Michigan Radio every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:55 am and 5:45 pm. Michigan Radio broadcasts at 91.7 FM in southeastern Michigan, 91.1 FM in Flint, and 104.1 FM in western Michigan.

 

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AllAccess.com:

Weathercaster KAM CARMAN returns to CLEAR CHANNEL AC WNIC/DETROIT on MONDAY, AUGUST 23rd with JAY TOWERS in the Morning. "I am ecstatic to be working with JAY TOWERS and to be back on WNIC again," said CARMAN. "I feel like I'm coming home." "KAM has been a great friend of mine for over 10 years and to have her as a part of the morning show at WNIC is exciting for all of us," says TOWERS... Kam Carman Returns To WNIC With Jay Towers (Thu, 8/19)

 

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Detroit News:

A lawsuit filed last week against WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) anchor Carolyn Clifford claims she owes a food-service company more than $100,000 after personally guaranteeing bills at the defunct Detroit Fish Market restaurant owned by her husband, Frank Taylor. Sysco Detroit's suit in Wayne County Circuit Court alleges it "agreed to extend credit to the Detroit Fish Market and to continue to provide goods and services" in October after Clifford personally guaranteed to pay the bills. The restaurant closed in April; Taylor filed for bankruptcy in June and Sysco claims Clifford now owes $104,749.36... Carolyn Clifford sued after vouching for husband's bills (Thu, 8/19)

 

Channel 7 names Rexroth as next chief meteorologist

WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit has announced that Dave Rexroth will become the station's Chief Meteorologist, replacing Jerry Hodak who will be retiring in September. Rexroth will move to Action News' evening broadcasts at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 11pm starting late September.

Rexroth joined WXYZ-TV, the ABC affiliate in Detroit, in 2000 after working as a meteorologist at WFOR-TV in Miami, Florida where he covered Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Harvey. He also worked at WRBG in Albany, New York, and WOI in Des Moines, Iowa.

Rexroth says his interest in weather started at an early age. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, in the heart of tornado alley. "I remember as a child hiding under my dad's workbench in the basement during storms and I got hooked."

A physics graduate from Luther College in Iowa, Rexroth went on to earn a master's degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of Chicago where he studied under Ted Fujita, who developed the F-scale for tornado strength.

In 2007 and 2008, Dave won the Michigan Association of Broadcasters award for "Best Weather." He also received an Emmy Award in programming from the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences.

"I could not think of a better choice for Chief Meteorologist than Dave Rexroth. His comprehensive weather knowledge and personable style make him the ideal choice to succeed our legendary 'Chief' Jerry Hodak," said Ed Fernandez, Vice President and General Manager of WXYZ-TV. "For nearly a decade, the viewers of Southeast Michigan have come to know Dave and his engaging weather presentations in the mornings and I'm certain they will continue to welcome him into their homes at night."

"It's been my lifelong goal to be a weatherman and a Chief Meteorologist," said Rexroth, "and with the changing weather in Michigan, there's no better place than here, and no better station than WXYZ."

 

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WXYZ announces coverage for 2010 Woodward Dream Cruise

WXYZ-TV plans exclusive coverage of the 16th annual Woodward Dream Cruise, the world's largest one-day automotive event. Channel 7's "Woodward Dream Cruise" will be broadcast live on Saturday, August 21, from 7-9 p.m. An encore presentation will air Sunday, August 22, from 8-10 a.m.

Channel 7 anchors Stephen Clark and Diana Lewis will be at the heart of the action from a home base stage just south of Duggans Pub on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak. The show will also feature reports from Mary Conway, Carolyn Clifford, Don Shane, JoAnne Purtan, Dave Rexroth and Christy McDonald, who will be talking to cruisers and checking out their classics at locations all along Woodward. The program captures the nostalgia of the cruising era of Woodward, and profiles the collectors and car enthusiasts whose passion for the automobile has created and defined Detroit's car culture.

"The Woodward Dream Cruise speaks to the very heart of Detroit and it's passion for the cars it builds," said WXYZ-TV Vice-President and General Manager Ed Fernandez. "WXYZ-TV is proud to be the exclusive television partner of the Cruise as we celebrate Detroit's rich automotive tradition."

WXYZ-TV will also broadcast Action News live from Woodward Avenue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning.

Due to coverage of the Dream Cruise, WXYZ will move ABC-TV's coverage of that evening's NASCAR race to digital subchannel 7.2 where the station normally airs the RTV network.

 

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Detroit Free Press:

The spotlight shined bright on Shannon Murphy from her nationally televised hot seat today, but the WKQI-FM (95.5) "Mojo in the Morning" radio show co-host appeared to be nothing but cool. "The nerves actually faded away after the first five minutes or so but everything was moving so fast; the hour just flew right by," Murphy, who co-hosted "LIVE! With Regis and Kelly" with the show's host Regis Philbin, told the Detroit Free Press after she delivered a charismatic, confident and entertaining hour that featured a little Motor City love and plenty of fun personal anecdotes. Murphy was the first of four female radio co-hosts chosen to fill in for a vacationing Kelly Ripa this week from a nationwide, fan-voted on contest that concluded its final round last week... 'Mojo' co-host Shannon Murphy shines on show with Regis Philbin (Tue, 8/17)

 

Detroit News:

Fox Sports Detroit had footage of Sunday's dugout skirmish between Armando Galarraga and Alex Avila, and announcers Mario Impemba and Rod Allen were aware of the altercation. Yet, nothing at all was shown or said about it during the telecast. And that was a mistake, FSD executive producer John Tuohey told The Detroit News on Monday. "Even if there's a circumstance where you're unsure of what an argument or a potential confrontation is about, we can still deal with it," Tuohey said. "It's out there. There's no desire to hide it or make people think it didn't exist. We just, quite frankly, in the moment weren't quite sure what to say about it"... Error: Fox Sports Detroit says it should have shown Tiger scuffle (Mon, 8/16)

 

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Michael Julien exiting WDET

After 27 years of bringing an eclectic blend of music to the airwaves at WDET, Michael "Mikie Dread" Julien is hanging up the microphone for now to pursue other opportunities. Julien joined the station in 1983 as a volunteer with a commitment to bringing roots and culture to the listeners. He has been very successful at enlightening us all to the variety of Caribbean sounds while challenging us to discover music from around the world.

"It's hard to believe that 27 years ago Reggae International, a program that emphasized Reggae and world music hit the airwaves of Detroit via WDET radio. Today after a metamorphosis of sorts, it is known as The Global Mix. The main purpose of the program at the time and still is, was to offer another musical option on radio, to fill a void and expand the musical landscape in the metro Detroit area. The program showcased the correlation between different types of world music. I personally believe that music has no borders.

"Over all those cold and snowy, hot and humid nights and days, the music hasn't missed a beat and because of this it makes it difficult to end The Global Mix broadcast. I often mentioned on the program, WDET was one of my favorite places to be. As I move forward to pursue new endeavors and opportunities, my sincere thanks to all who have supported me and the program, it truly is appreciated. One Love, Peace & Respect."

Julien's last show before he heads to Maryland to pursue new opportunities will air on August 29th.

 

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Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers extend agreement with WSDP 88.1 Plymouth/Canton

After a trial run in 2009-10, the OHL's Plymouth Whalers will return to 88.1FM WSDP "The Escape" as its radio home for the upcoming season. "The Escape" - a state-award winning radio station located at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park - will begin covering the Whalers this year with a special broadcast during Plymouth's first preseason game against Windsor on Sat. Sept. 4 at 7pm during "The Clash at the Coliseum" in Chelsea, MI. 88.1FM WSDP will resume its broadcast schedule during the Whalers' season opener on Thurs. Sept. 23 in Windsor.

Pete Krupsky remains Whalers play-by-play voice with Sean Baligian providing analysis of home broadcasts. 88.1FM will carry the bulk of the Whalers games this season with a minimum of preemptions. All Plymouth regular season and playoff games will be streamed online at www.plymouthwhalers.com.

In addition, the Whalers will continue to team up with Schoolcraft College Sports Network for television broadcasts and will partner with Neulion.com (formerly Insinc.com) as the team's internet streaming provider.

The Schoolcraft College Sports Network utilizes students from Schoolcraft and Madonna University to work the Whalers television broadcasts and provides hands-on experience on the broadcasts for Plymouth-Canton students interested in learning about the media business. In addition, the Whalers will offer assistance to students interested in finding out about marketing, broadcasting and public relations.

"WSDP is excited to partner with the Plymouth Whalers and Schoolcraft College," said Bill Keith, WSDP Station Manager. "This partnership makes so much sense because it puts our local hockey team on Plymouth and Canton's radio station. We look forward to being the radio home for the Whalers as they make a long run into the playoffs."

"The Whalers and Schoolcraft have a lot in common. We both draw people from a wide range of communities in the region," said Marty Heator, the Director of Marketing at Schoolcraft College. "We both appeal to people of all ages -- the Whalers offer a family-friendly experience, and we have programs for school-age children, college students and mature adults. And we both offer exceptional value for the dollar."

"It's been great to have WSDP as a partner because the station reaches a geographic area that is important to us and the mission of the station, as an educational and creative outlet for students, is something that we can get behind."

The Whalers originally teamed up with The Schoolcraft College Sports Network in 2004-05, partnered with Neulion.com the following year and moved to 88.1FM WSDP for radio broadcasts last season.

 

AllAccess.com:

CLEAR CHANNEL Top 40 WKQI (CHANNEL 95-5)/DETROIT MOJO IN THE MORNING co-host SHANNON MURPHY, CUMULUS Top 40 WWWQ (Q100)'s JENN HOBBY, CLEAR CHANNEL AC KOST/LOS ANGELES' KRISTIN CRUZ and CLEAR CHANNEL Top 40 WXXL/ORLANDO's JAYDE are the lucky and talented foursome who will be seen live coast-to-coast when they fill in for KELLY RIPA on ABC-TV's "LIVE with REGIS & KELLY" beginning this TUESDAY (8/17). Voting ended at 9p last night on ABC-TV's website and MURPHY received the news live on the air this morning when REGIS PHILBIN and KELLY RIPA announced the news on their show. Her co-hosts MOJO and SPIKE asked listeners for support since she was named as a Top 100 semi-finalist two weeks ago. MOJO IN THE MORNING fans quickly flooded the REGIS & KELLY FACEBOOK fan page with acclamation for SHANNON MURPHY. DETROIT's MIKE POSNER even tweeted asking his fans to support SHANNON... Four 'Women Of Radio' Win Regis & Kelly Contest (Thu, 8/12)

 

Detroit News:

One of Detroit's favorite morning radio hosts could soon be showing her face on one of America's favorite morning television shows. Shannon Murphy of Channel 955's Mojo in the Morning show was named one of 10 finalists in "Live with Regis and Kelly's" Women of Radio contest. The contest winners will cohost with Regis Philbin for one day while Kelly Ripa is on vacation between Aug. 17 and 19. The top 10 list was revealed this morning, while Murphy was on the air, and the show taped her reaction as her name was called... Channel 955's Shannon Murphy named top 10 finalist to cohost 'Live with Regis and Kelly' (Tue, 8/10)

 

Abritron: Tigers' radio broadcasts rate highly in first half of baseball season

The average Detroit Tigers radio broadcast on WXYT-FM/AM 97.1/1270 during the first half of the season attracted over 193,000 listeners which translated into over 21% of radio listeners during the time the games aired. The numbers, which were measured through June 23rd, show the Tigers on WXYT had the fourth highest total listeners in the 25 markets Arbitron reports on, behind only New York's Yankees and Mets and the Chicago Cubs. In terms of percentage of radio listeners tuned in across those 25 markets, Tigers' games ranked second behind only the Cincinnati Reds broadcasts on WLW-AM.

Arbitron Releases Radio Industry's Midseason Professional Baseball Report (Wed, 8/4)

 

WDET adds Detroit native Michael Eric Dyson to weekday lineup

The Michael Eric Dyson Show has been added to WDET's weekday line-up, a program that station managers hope will provide listeners an opportunity to hear a fresh new perspective on the day's biggest stories, along with intimate conversations with newsmakers. Born and raised in Detroit, Dyson is known from his work as a scholar, commentator and author in addition to his radio work. Dyson's also a regular on CNN, MSNBC and other media outlets.

The Michael Eric Dyson Show airs from 1 - 2 p.m. weekdays on WDET-FM 101.9 Detroit.

 

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WJR's Paul W. Smith covering Traverse City auto confab

The Paul W. Smith Show, heard weekday mornings from 5:30 - 9 a.m. on WJR AM 760 Detroit, plans to broadcast live from the CAR Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City on Wednesday and Thursday, August 4th-5th. The Management Briefing Seminar is considered the foremost management event in the automotive industry and provides presentations and dialogue with today's automotive leaders.

 

By now, you've probably heard about the huge Motor City Radio Reunion to be held on September 25, 2010 in Novi. The price of tickets will be jumping from $80 to $110 by this Monday. If you'd like to save a few dollars log onto the web site: www.mcrr2010.com and order your ticket(s) now. Attendance will offer to you a chance to meet and greet many of the legendary names who made Detroit one of the most exciting radio markets in America! Already confirmed are most of the WKNR Keener jocks, Big 8 DJ's and CKLW newsmen, plus stars from WXYZ, WJR and WWJ among others. Organizers have indicated, "This will be the final such event, and those who miss it will surely regret it as time goes on. We hope you will be a part of this very special event."

 

WXYZ-TV meteorologist Jerry Hodak announces retirement

After more than 45 years on television in Detroit at WXYZ-TV Channel 7 and WJBK-TV Channel 2, Jerry Hodak today announced his retirement as of September 23rd. He made the announcement during WXYZ's 6:00pm newscast today.

While primarily known as a weathercaster for Channel 7, Hodak also spent a number of years behind the anchor desk for Channel 2.

Hodak, a native Detroiter, began his broadcasting career as a newscaster at WDET-FM at Wayne State University. He went on to report for WDBO-TV in Orlando, Florida and covered many of the early space launches from Cape Canaveral for the CBS radio and television networks.

He returned to Detroit in 1965 as a weathercaster for WJBK-TV. In 1977, he joined WXYZ as a weathercaster and Science Editor. He currently appears on Action News at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

"Jerry Hodak is synonymous with weather in Detroit and we will certainly miss his calming style, smooth approach and delivery," said WXYZ-TV Vice-President and General Manager Ed Fernandez. "We in the WXYZ family are grateful for his years of service and dedication to WXYZ, the broadcast industry, and the viewers of Detroit. Jerry is a true professional who will be sorely missed for his gracious nature and his gentlemanly style inside the halls of Broadcast House. We wish him all the best as he makes this important decision for his life and begins to enjoy more time with his family and friends."

A favorite with television viewers for his accuracy and science expertise, Hodak has earned the Television Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society and has won numerous awards for his science reporting.

Some of his most memorable work was done during the country's most significant weather events. In 1997 he went tornado chasing in Oklahoma and Texas. He covered the California mudslides in 1998, and reported from Florida on the devastation caused by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Hodak has been honored with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle Award. Earlier this year he was inducted into both the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame, and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

"Anybody who has a passion for their job and loves what they do is certainly going to miss it, but the time comes in everyone's life for a slower pace. For more than 40 years I've gotten home after midnight every night, so I'm looking forward to spending evenings with my family."

Jerry has passed his love of broadcasting down to a new generation. Two of Jerry's three daughters are in the television business.

Throughout the months of August and September, Channel 7 will celebrate Hodak's accomplishments and the many contributions he has made to broadcasting and to WXYZ-TV throughout his career. Evening newscasts will feature tributes to the man Detroit viewers affectionately know as "The Chief." Fans can meet Jerry and wish him well on August 21 at Channel 7's broadcast booth at the Woodward Dream Cruise.

 

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Detroit News:

Longtime TV anchorman Jac LeGoff, who died at 87 Tuesday, was remembered by many for his affable, laid-back demeanor on the air. "He's the last of the tranquil news guys who weren't full of flash and dash, but were that solid rock that Detroit needed and wanted," said Erik Smith, who worked with LeGoff at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7). LeGoff was so popular during his 20-year reign at WJBK-TV (Channel 2) -- Fox 2 now -- that he, co-anchor John Kelly and weathercasters Jerry Hodak and Marilyn Turner were all hired away by WXYZ in the mid-1970s. Channel 7 trumpeted its hirings with a 1974 ad campaign, "We Got Who You Wanted." "WJBK was so overpowering that the only way Channel 7 could stop it was to buy everybody -- Kelly, Hodak and LeGoff," said Tim Kiska, former Detroit News reporter and author of "A Newscast for the Masses" (Wayne State University Press) and "Detroit Television" (Arcadia). "It took WJBK years to recover." Former WXYZ anchor Bill Bonds insists that his station was becoming more competitive after its feisty coverage of the '67 riots, and solidified its position in the mid-1970s by raiding WJBK... Veteran newsman ruled the Detroit TV market (Wed, 7/28)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Jac LeGoff, the calm, straight-shooting TV anchor who worked at four Detroit-area stations in a five-decade career, died Sunday in Novi. He was 87. LeGoff was one of the first big names in the Detroit TV news market. Frequently teamed with John Kelly, LeGoff became a trusted news reader and ratings grabber on WJBK-TV (Channel 2) and WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) in the '60s and '70s. "Jac was pretty much a straight-ahead guy," said Kelly, 82, who is now retired. "The tenor of the time was nobody laughed, nobody giggled. You were solemn and you did the news." Later, as the times changed, Kelly said humor was introduced in their newscasts... Jac LeGoff: News anchor worked all over the Detroit television dial (Wed, 7/28)

 

Detroit News:

Iconic TV anchorman Jac LeGoff has died at the age of 87. LeGoff, who anchored the news desk at both WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) and WJBK-TV (Channel 2), was a fixture on local broadcasts during the 1970s, according to Channel 7. After serving in the Navy during World War II, LeGoff completed his education at Columbia College in Chicago and began his journalism career in 1948, then joining an NBC station in Youngstown, Ohio. LeGoff became news director at Channel 2, starting in 1953, before moving over to Channel 7, where he served as news anchor. Later, he served as editorial director and news anchor at WDIV-TV (Channel 4). He retired in 1990... TV news anchor Jac LeGoff dies at 87 (Tue, 7/27)

 

MLive.com

Despite a heavy-packed rookie lineup that dons a record slightly above .500, the Tigers are still sporting one of the best radio and regional television ratings in Major League Baseball. SportsBusiness Journal's John Ourand reported Monday morning that the Tigers television broadcasts are the seventh most watched in the league -- averaging 117,761 households in the Detroit market. The Tigers also attract a 6.23 average rating per broadcast, which ranks them sixth overall. The team's average ratings in the first half on FS Detroit dropped 1.9 percent from last season, but its local numbers trail only the Cardinals (9.70), Twins (7.85), Phillies (7.20), Reds (6.52) and Red Sox (6.25)... Tigers local radio, TV ratings among best in Major League Baseball (Mon, 7/26)

 

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UPI.com

Officials in Detroit say they worry that television police shows using the city as a backdrop may lead to negative perceptions about Detroit and its residents. Mayor Dave Bing has already ended the city police department's relationship with A&E reality show "First 48," and said he was stunned to see former Police Chief Warren Evans promoting a new fictional series about homicide detectives in the city, the Detroit Free Press reported Saturday. Bing said Evans' decision to participate in "The Chief" promo was one of the reasons why he demanded Evans' resignation last week... Detroit worries about television 'image' (Sun, 7/25)

 

Detroit Free Press:

Radio station WXYT has extended its broadcast agreements with the Tigers and Red Wings, according to a news release sent by the station. Terms and length of the agreement were not announced. WXYT has been the flagship station for the Red Wings since the 2000-01 season and for the Tigers since 2001. Under the new agreement, 97.1-FM and 1270-AM will continue to broadcast preseason, regular-season and postseason games... Tigers, Wings games will remain on WXYT (Fri, 7/23)

 

Detroit Free Press:

Former Detroit Red Wing Darren McCarty was hired by sports-oriented radio station 97.1-FM. McCarty will be a regular contributor to the station and co-host a variety of shows throughout the week. "I'm thrilled to have former Red Wing Darren McCarty join us at 97.1 The Ticket," said program director Jimmy Powers in a release. "Since his playing days, Darren has remained a resident of the city and is extremely passionate about all of the local teams. McCarty has always been a favorite with the fans, so I'm pleased to have him as a regular contributor." McCarty has been a hockey analyst for the Versus cable network. He had a long career with the Red Wings, playing with the team in 1993-2004 and again in 2007-09... Ex-Red Wing Darren McCarty joins on-air staff at 97.1-FM (Wed, 7/21)

 

Detroit News:

Calling all disc jockeys, talk show hosts, board jockeys, ad salespeople and other Detroit radio folk: Dick Purtan will emcee the 2010 Motor City Radio Reunion, taking place Sept. 25 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Novi. The gathering is intended to bring together anybody and everybody who worked in Detroit radio over the decades. The deadline to pay just $80 for a ticket is fast approaching -- Aug. 1. After that, tickets will be $110 each. Organizer Art Vuolo reports that almost 400 tickets have been pre-ordered, and the capacity is 450, so time is running out. Go to www.mcrr2010.com to reserve tickets. Purtan to emcee Radio Reunion (Wed, 7/21)

 

Investigative Reporter Scott Lewis Joins WXYZ-TV

ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV Detroit has announced that investigative reporter Scott Lewis will be joining the Channel 7 Action News team. Lewis joins the WXYZ "On Your Side," special projects unit that includes Heather Catallo, Bill Spencer, JoAnne Purtan and Carolyn Clifford.

Lewis, a veteran broadcast journalist with more than twenty years of television experience in Detroit, has a reputation for breaking big stories, exposing corruption and getting results through his investigative efforts.

Lewis' investigations have led to the arrest and conviction of corrupt government officials, exposed a serial killer murdering prostitutes in Detroit, broke new ground in the 30-year old Oakland County child killer case, uncovered the neglect of developmentally disabled adults, and sparked a federal investigation that removed a Suburban mayor from office. Lewis' legendary "busted on the job" reports prompted crack downs by local government officials.

"Scott Lewis brings a wealth of experience and solid journalism to our team," said WXYZ-TV Vice-President and General Manager Ed Fernandez. "The addition of a new advocate for our community affirms our commitment to strong investigative journalism and our belief that this kind of reporting is more important than ever. With Scott Lewis joining our "On Your Side" team, Channel 7 continues to be the strongest viewer advocacy station in the Detroit market."

Previously, Lewis was an investigative reporter at WJBK Fox 2. He was honored by the Society of Professional Journalists as the 2001 Journalist of the year and was runner up for the award in 2006. He has received 13 Michigan Emmy Awards from the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences, and been honored with numerous awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. In 2010, he received the Michigan Associated Press Lifetime Achievement Award.

Scott Lewis begins with the WXYZ-TV Action News team on July 19.

 

Detroit News:

It's official. Former WJBK-TV (Channel 2) anchor Sandra Ali is returning to Metro Detroit after six years. This time around, she'll be working for WDIV-TV (Channel 4) , the local NBC affiliate confirms. Ali is coming to WDIV from Cincinnati's NBC affiliate and is moving back here with her husband, fellow journalist Shawn Ley, and their child. She will be reporting from the field on WDIV's 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts starting this week, station management says ... WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) has also made some new hires of note. Chief among them is Tim Dye , the station's newly appointed news director. Dye comes to the local ABC affiliate from the Fox affiliate in Grand Rapids ... As for on-air talent, you may have noticed the addition of Olga Breese. She has been working at WXYZ as a part-time meteorologist for a little more than a week. Breese has worked in broadcast journalism as a reporter, anchor and meteorologist for just less than a decade and comes to WXYZ from the NBC affiliate in Lancaster, Pa... Ex-Channel 2 anchor joins Channel 4 staff (Wed, 7/14)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Up-and-coming singers, bring your A-game to Flat 151 in Detroit on Thursday. WDMK-FM (105.9) will host the regional round of Andre Harrell's Super Star Soul Search Auditions, a contest that will end with one singer signing a recording contract and winning $10,000. Only one Detroiter will move on in the competition, which culminates with finals July 31 in Atlanta ... Names & Faces (Wed, 7/14)

Congratulations to Allyson Martinek, who will be celebrating her 15th year at WDVD-FM (96.3) today. The "Blaine and Allyson in the Morning" cohost tells Names & Faces that after graduating from the Specs Howard School, she sent an audition tape to the station (which was then WHYT). She says she sent out only one tape because WHYT was the only station where she wanted to work. Just three days later, she was hired and she's been at the station ever since... Names & Faces (Tue, 7/13)

 

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Dearborn Press & Guide:

"We're a miracle," Jay Korinek said. Korinek is the station adviser for WHFR-FM, Henry Ford Community College's student-run radio station. It broadcasts live 24/7 on a shoestring budget. And it understands Detroit music better than any commercial radio station in the area, Korinek said. "Our mission is to not play what the other stations play," Korinek said. "Our format is unique -- more local, Detroit, indie artists than any other station in this area. Nobody else does Detroit or Michigan artists like we do." Korinek, who joined HFCC in 1968 as an English instructor, has been with the station since its infancy. The college's WHFC Broadcasting Guild, a school club, was granted the last space on the metro Detroit dial -- 89.3 FM -- in 1979, Korinek said. The station finally began broadcasting in 1985, sending a clear signal in a 6-8 mile radius from HFCC's campus, Korinek said... HFCC's WHFR: A miracle that provides a special kind of radio (Tue, 7/13)

 

Metro Times:

Steve Wilson, the mountainous, hard-charging former investigative reporter for Detroit's Channel 7 (WXYZ) released by the station in an apparent cost cutting move last March, had planned to launch his own nonprofit independent investigative unit called The Michigan News Center July 1. However, a bigger story delayed the grand opening - breaking news regarding life and death. His own. Wilson, possibly still best known for his dogged pursuit of ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, suffered a massive heart attack the day his Michigan News Center was slated to begin operation. Alone in his condominium when chest pains struck, he drove himself to Henry Ford Hospital. "I've had a couple of other 'heart issues' through the years," Wilson says, "but this one turned out to be 'the Big One, Elizabeth.'" He says the attack completely collapsed the main aortic valve at the front of his heart... Ace Reporter Steve Wilson is Lucky to be Alive (Tue, 7/13)

 

John Gallagher exits from Greater Media/Detroit

John Gallagher has exited as market manager and general manager of Greater Media's Detroit cluster of radio stations where he was overseeing rock WRIF-FM 101.1, classic rock WCSX-FM 94.7, and soft rock WMGC-FM 105.1. He joined the group in May 2008.

A statement from Heidi Raphael, vice president of corporate communication for Greater Media reads, "Greater Media and Detroit Market Manager John Gallagher have decided not to renew our employment agreement. We are grateful for John's dedication and many contributions to the cluster, and we wish him the very best. John Fullam, Vice President & Market Manager of Greater Media Philadelphia, will serve as the acting Market Manager during our search process."

 

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WDIV to host final Republican debate before Michigan primary

WDIV-TV, Local 4, will be the only Detroit television station to carry complete live coverage of the final scheduled debate between Republican candidates before the August 3rd Michigan Gubernatorial primary election. Decision 2010: The Republican Gubernatorial Debate is scheduled to air on Tuesday, July 13, at 8 p.m. on Local 4. The hour-long debate, to be broadcast live from Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University, will be moderated by Devin Scillian, Local 4 News anchor and host of Flashpoint, Local 4's weekly political and public affairs program.

Republican candidates for governor committed to participating in the debate are Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Michigan Senator Tom George, M.D., and U.S. Representative Pete Hoekstra.

Viewers can visit ClickOnDetroit.com for an opportunity to submit their own questions to the candidates that may be included in the debate. Decision 2010: The Republican Gubernatorial Debate will also be offered via live-streaming video online at ClickOnDetroit on July 13 at 8 p.m., and will be immediately followed by an exclusive live webcast featuring analysis from experts behind the scenes at the debate.

 

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Detroit News:

Long before Paul Gross was a veteran weatherman with thinning hair, he was a young weatherman with thinning hair. Several times back then, 20-plus years ago, he ran into local legend Sonny Eliot, whose own dome has had outside assistance. "He'd pull me aside," Gross says, "and he'd say, 'Paul, get a rug.'" Ever a realist, Gross would shake his head. "Sonny," he'd say, "they're not watching me because of my looks." As on-air meteorologists go, Gross is not thunderously handsome or lightning-quick with ad-libs. He understands that. But the executive producer of weather and fill-in forecaster at WDIV-TV (Channel 4) also understands weather -- and adores it, appreciates it and continues to be awed by it. His book about it, "Extreme Michigan Weather: The Wild World of the Great Lakes State" (University of Michigan Press, $24.95) came out last week, and orders for the first 1,500 were brisk enough that the publisher is cranking out another batch... Weatherman's page-turner (Mon, 7/12)

 

Detroit Free Press:

Kevin O'Neill is back on the airwaves. The longtime Detroit radio personality -- who was let go from the morning shift on WNIC-FM (100.3) in April -- was today named the evening host of WMGC-FM (105.1, Magic), the station announced. His shift will run 7 p.m.-midnight weekdays beginning Monday. (He's also subbing for Chris Edmonds in the afternoon this week.) His 30-year career in Detroit radio has included stops at WDVD-FM, WOMC-FM and WKQI-FM... Kevin O'Neill joins WMGC-FM on evenings (Tue, 7/6)

 

Detroit Free Press:

Motor City media personality Jay Towers is adding a new stop to his busy commute: Starting July 12 he'll launch a new morning radio show on WNIC-FM (100.3). Towers, with co-host Renee Vitale, will power up Detroit commuters from 5:30-10 a.m. He'll also serve as program director for WDTW-FM (106.7, the Beat), a sister station in Clear Channel's Detroit radio cluster, Clear Channel announced today. Clear Channel Detroit, which runs WNIC, also oversees WKQI-FM (95.5), WJLB-FM (97.9), WMXD-FM (92.3), WDFN-AM (1130), and WDTW-AM (1310). "The morning show is going to be a mix of what's going on in Detroit and feature all kinds of lifestyle and entertainment news and music," Towers told the Free Press today. "We're going to keep it fresh and moving; it's not going to sound like anything else." Towers, who announced his departure from WXYT-FM (97.1, the Ticket) in January to become national talent and programming consultant for Clear Channel Radio, will still hold that role, too... Jay Towers to join WNIC-FM morning show (Thu, 7/1)

 

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Detroit News:

Jay Towers has been named the new morning host for Clear Channel's adult contemporary station WNIC-FM (100.3). Renee Vitale will co-host, and the show will start airing 5:30-10 a.m. Monday through Friday on July 12. Towers had left CBS-owned sports-talk 97.1 in January, then Kevin O'Neill and Lisa Barry were let go from WNIC's morning slot in early April, in a wave of morning host shuffling... Jay Towers taking over WNIC morning spot (Thu, 7/1)

 

Metro Traffic, a Westwood One Company, is immediately seeking candidates for Traffic Producer positions in the Detroit Market. Some people may be asked to work FULL TIME.

All positions will be based in our Southfield, MI Regional Operations Hub.

Producers use a large variety of traditional and emerging technologies to gather raw traffic data. They then confirm all leads and enter the information into our system for distribution to all traffic reporters, web and mobile platforms and broadcast and new media partners. Efficient and timely handling of all leads and data is REQUIRED of all producers.

Successful candidates may have experience gathering or reporting traffic information, a journalism background or an interest in data collection or distribution. Producers will be called upon to work Drive Times, Nights, Weekend and Holiday hours; as our hub provides complete information for our region 24/7/365. We are looking for eager applicants ready to grow in a fast paced and demanding environment.

 

Metro Traffic is also immediately seeking candidates for Part-Time and Fill-In On-Air Traffic and News positions in the Detroit Market.

Assignments may vary, based on affiliate approval, scheduling needs and candidate ability. Some shifts will be based at affiliate locations, some at the Southfield, MI Regional Operations Hub and some in our traffic chopper--including running our FLIR Gyro Cam for TV station footage. Some candidates will also be considered for On Camera television assignments.

We need our anchors to be able to gather complete and timely information from ALL available sources, digest the "big picture" of what's going on out there and then deliver compelling, concise reports to stations within the constraints of their formats.

Successful candidates will have appropriate experience in traffic and/or news reporting, writing and anchoring, the ability to work night, weekend and holiday hours, a great on-air sound and an eagerness to grow in a fast paced and demanding environment.

 

For all of the openings above, knowledge of more than one of our markets in Michigan (Detroit and Grand Rapids) and Ohio (Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo) will be a huge plus. We will train the right people on our technical systems and internal procedures. Experience IS important, but MOST important is the ability to get the job done right, on time and without drama.

For consideration, submit a package ASAP that includes an audio sample to:

Howard Bouton
Regional Director of Operations
Metro/Shadow--Detroit
3000 Town Center, Suite 2160
Southfield, MI 48075
Detroit_Job_Opening@WestwoodOne.com

**NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE**

 

Tim Dye named News Director of Detroit's WXYZ-TV

Award-winning News Executive Tim Dye has been named News Director at WXYZ-TV. Dye comes to ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV from WXMI-TV in Grand Rapids where he led the FOX station's late news to first place in all key demographics in the May 2010 Nielsen Media Research Rating survey.

Dye has more than 15 years experience in newsroom leadership and special project planning. He also served as the Assistant News Director at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids and Managing Editor at WNEM-TV in Saginaw.

"I'm thrilled for the opportunity to bring Tim Dye on board as the next news leader of WXYZ-TV," said Ed Fernandez, Vice-President and General Manager of WXYZ-TV.

"Tim is a consummate professional with a strong journalistic background and a keen knowledge of the future of news gathering for today's news consumer. With his award-winning background, strong personnel skills and knowledge of Michigan, he will be a great addition to the WXYZ team."

Dye is a highly respected news leader with strong knowledge of multi-platform news gathering. He won the Tribune Journalism Excellence Award in 2004; Regional Emmy Awards for Best Newscast in 2004, 2002, and 2001; the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Best Newscast award in 2001, and several Merit awards from the Associated Press in the Best Newscast category.

A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Dye earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts from Central Michigan University in 1984. He will begin his new position on July 19.

 

Detroit News:

Terry Nicholson had a special touch when he took to the local airwaves. The longtime WGPR (107.5 FM) radio personality had eclectic musical tastes, and loved switching up playlists to engage his listeners. "He was very dynamic. He could go from one genre to another," said his brother, Darryl. "He knew a lot of music." Mr. Nicholson died Monday, June 7, 2010, after complications from a kidney condition. He was 55. Born June 1, 1955, he grew up on the city's west side. While attending Mackenzie High School, he became a teen reporter at radio station WCHB-AM in Detroit, covering school events, relatives said. After graduating, he was hired by longtime mentor and disc jockey Wade "Butterball Jr." Briggs to work at the station as an on-air personality and teen coordinator... Radio personality was jack of all trades, mentor to the young (Fri, 6/25)

 

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Meteorologist Brandon Roux joins WDIV

WDIV Local 4 has announced the hiring of Meteorologist Brandon Roux as the newest member of the Local4Casters weather team. Roux joins the team led by Chuck Gaidica, Local 4's Director of Meteorology.

Starting July 3, Roux will be featured on the weekend editions of Local 4 News Morning with Lauren Sanders and Gail Anderson, and Local 4 News at 6pm and Local 4 News at 11pm with Steve Garagiola.

"Growing up around the Great Lakes, Brandon gets Michigan weather," said Chuck Gaidica. "He'll help make sure you're able to plan your weekends with your family, rain or shine."

Roux, recognized with the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association, most recently was the weekend Meteorologist and Environmental Reporter at WBNS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to that role, Roux worked at WFTC-TV in Minneapolis, Minnesota, KTNV-TV in Las Vegas, Nevada and KIVI-TV in Boise, Idaho. He has received several awards for weather coverage, including the 2009 Associated Press award for Outstanding Weather Operation and the 2009 Society of Professional Journalists award for Best Weather Continuing Coverage.

A native of Chicago, Roux and his wife have two children.

 

WXYZ-TV:

A helicopter being used by Channel 7 Action News has made a hard landing in a farm field in Clinton Township. Two Channel 7 employees, Ken McQuillan and Marty Herak, were on board along with the pilot, Gary Boudreau. Everyone is alright. The chopper was experiencing some type of problem when it went down. The crew heard two loud bangs, the chopper lost power and then auto-rotated safely into a field about four miles west of Selfridge... Helicopter being used by Channel 7 makes hard landing in Clinton Township (Thu, 6/24)

 

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Crain's Detroit Business:

Detroit Public Television's viewership increased last year in spite of a 2 percent decline in the number of households in the region, according to Nielsen Media Research. The average number of unduplicated households tuning in each week to WTVS-Channel 56 rose by 3 percent over the previous season to 709,500 households. Those households encompass approximately 1.5 million people, the station said in a release. Among PBS stations in the Top 25 U.S. markets, Detroit Public Television is ranked No. 2 in both prime-time and full-day viewership... Detroit Public Television grows audience by 3 percent (Thu, 6/24)

 

Remembrances by Art Vuolo, Jr.

It was very tempting to have gone for the sensational and somewhat misleading headline "JR signs off," but Joey Ryan wouldn't have wanted that, even though he had a great sense of humor. He also wanted no fancy ceremony to commemorate his life and multifaceted career in radio. However, we can still remember him as one of the most familiar voices on Detroit radio and TV, and he was one of the very best ever. Joey died on Wednesday June 23, 2010.

Seemingly, of late, I am mostly writing about friends whom we've lost, and we're losing a lot of them. Earlier this year, a group of us went up to Grand Rapids where Joseph Pietruska, best known as Joey Ryan had been transferred from the Dingell Veterans Hospital in Detroit. Back in December, legendary Detroit radio personality Lee Alan, and I went to visit Joey at the facility down near Wayne State University. Frankly, we left feeling it would be the last time we'd ever see him. I said "Lee I don't think he'll make it to the end of the year." Well, he did. In fact he lasted another 6 months! When we all went up to GR on February 13th he stunned all of us when he asked "well are ya gonna shoot a video of me before I die?" I raced to my car, where my video camcorder was stashed in the trunk. You can see that video here.

My first meeting with Joey Ryan came back in the very early 70's at WHFI Birmingham at 94.7 FM (now WCSX). He is probably best remembered, by longtime radio listeners, for his years at WDRQ in the mid-1970's, which is where he was dubbed "Mr. Boogie." In the early 1980's he was the evening DJ at WTWR (Tower 92) which is now WMXD Mix 92.3. The Tower was an oldies station and Joey did his night show 7 pm till midnight from high atop the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. That was the only time I managed to get video of him while on the air, and a clip of that footage is on the end of the video shot a few months ago up in Grand Rapids.

The group who went up to see Joey in February included Kevin O'Neill, most recently with WNIC, Kevin Sanderson, now with Metro Traffic, "the reel" Tom Ryan, former CKLW & WYUR engineer and myself. We were joined with current Grand Rapids radio folks Kim Carson, who once worked at WCZY when it was Z-95.5 and the well-known Bill Bailey who worked with Joey at 93.1 WDRQ in the 1970's. Right now, we can all say that we're certainly glad we took the time and made the effort since it turned out to be the last time we would see him. Personally, I am amazed that he hung on through nearly half of 2010. You can hear recordings of Joey on the amazing web site www.detroitradioflashbacks.net.

The last station I recall hearing him as a DJ was the short-lived Star 97 WYST (97.1 FM) now WXYT, The Ticket. While there he also did a great deal of, what is known as, booth announcing at WJBK-TV 2. Both the FM station and WWJ-AM shared the same building on 9 Mile Road in Southfield. Joey voiced hundreds of commercials, promos and presentations. He died from a number of complicated health issues and the last few years were tough on this talented radio broadcaster.

I, for one, am going to miss him, but will always be grateful that on three separate occasions had a chance to preserve his image forever on videotape, hold his hand, give him a gentle hug and assure him that he was loved by dozens of radio fans who have a superb eye and ear for exceptional talent. Joey Ryan would have been 63 on July 12th. Rest in peace my friend.

Reach Art Vuolo at artvuolo@aol.com or visit his web site at vuolovideo.com

 

Radio Ink:

U.S. District Judge Paul Borman has ordered Lynne Woodison's complaint against Greater Media's WCSX/Detroit to arbitration. Woodison, who is alleging sex discrimination at the station, had argued that, with her contract expired, the clause no longer applies. Woodison had a contract that ran from 2007 through February 2008, and continued to work at WCSX after that agreement expired. Greater Media was unable to produce a contract renewal, but did come up with a memo referring to a renewed contract that ran through February 2009. Additionally, says the ruling, "[Woodison] never protested that she was not in fact employed under a renewal of the 2007 Employment Agreement, accepted her increased $5,200/month salary, and continued to accept wages and bonuses for three months after her last day of work: from November 11, 2008 to February 28, 2009." Borman ruled that the arbitration agreement is binding even after the contract's expiration, and in any event was persuaded by Greater Media's argument that the contract had indeed been renewed. The court case is now stayed pending the outcome of arbitration... WCSX discrimination case ordered to arbitration (Tue, 6/22)

 

Cincinnati.com

After a 10-month absence to raise her new baby boy, anchor Sandra Ali is getting back into TV -- at top-rated WDIV-TV in Detroit. And husband Shawn Ley will quit Channel 12 on Friday June 25 and go to WDIV-TV with her. Sandra will anchor and report for WDIV-TV; Ley will be a reporter... Sandra Ali, Shawn Ley Returning To Detroit (Mon, 6/21)

 

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TVNewscheck.com

Dr. Oz today strengthened its case to become Oprah's replacement by securing three-year deals to take Oprah's 4 p.m. time slots on Scripps' ABC affiliates WXYZ Detroit and WEWS Cleveland beginning in 2011-12, industry sources have confirmed. Distributed by Sony Pictures Television, the hour-long talk show has now secured deals in six of the top 20 markets, including the top four. It will air at 4 p.m. in all six markets. In five markets, it will serve as local news lead-in... WXYZ, WEWS Take 'Dr. Oz' Prescription (Thu, 6/17)

 

Michigan Radio's 'The Environment Report' wins 2010 National Edward R. Murrow Award

The Environment Report from Michigan Radio has been recognized for excellence in broadcast journalism by the Radio Television Digital News Association with a 2010 National Edward R. Murrow Award. The Environment Report received the award for Best Audio News Series in the Radio Network category for "Dioxin Delays". In the five part series, The Environment Report's Shawn Allee investigated Dow Chemical and the on-going problem of dioxin contamination in mid-Michigan. The reports looked at who has been affected by the contamination, why it has taken so long to clean up, how dioxin research has affected the clean up, and what this case means for other polluted areas around of the country. The series was originally broadcast in November, 2009.

The Environment Report was the only radio news organization in Michigan to receive a 2010 National Edward R. Murrow Award. Among the other organizations competing in the Radio Network category were NPR, CBS Radio News, CNN and AP Radio News. This award is the second national Murrow Award that The Environment Report has received. The news service also received a National Murrow Award in 2002 for a report entitled "Mallard Ducks on the Decline."

The Murrow Award recognizes the "best of the best", and is considered one of the most prestigious awards in electronic journalism. In all, 59 news organizations across the country were selected to receive National Murrow awards.

 

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AnnArbor.com:

Been missing "Folks Like Us," the popular regional acoustic-music program that WDET canceled late last year? Matt Watroba -- the host of that show and a well-known area singer and musician -- will guest host for Jeremy Baldwin on "The Roots Music Project" this Saturday on WEMU, the station announced. "The Roots Music Project" airs from noon-2 p.m. Saturday on WEMU (89.1-FM), the public radio station at Eastern Michigan University... Matt Watroba to guest host on WEMU this Saturday (Wed, 6/16)

 

WDIV Channel 4 and The Parade Company set to present Target Fireworks in HD on June 21

WDIV TV Channel 4 will again be the exclusive television home of The Target Fireworks, the highest-rated local television event of the summer.

Live coverage of the 52nd annual The Target Fireworks presented by The Parade Company begins at 8 p.m. Monday, June 21 on Local 4. The three-hour primetime event can also be seen via live-streaming video at ClickOnDetroit.com.

Local 4 News anchors Carmen Harlan, Devin Scillian, Chuck Gaidica and Bernie Smilovitz host The Target Fireworks live from an exclusive rooftop venue overlooking the Detroit River. Special appearances during The Target Fireworks broadcast on Local 4 include movie star Jackson Rathbone of soon-to-be-released "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" and "The Last Airbender", Nicola Peltz of the "The Last Airbender", Tamra Barney of television's "The Real Housewives of Orange County" and a special instrumental performance of the national anthem by Bob Seger Silver Bullet Sax Man Alto Reed.

From the launch of The Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition II, to a unique look at the history of keeping cool in the summer heat, the three-hour special will also feature Big Summer Giveaways all night long. Viewers at home will be able to join in on the fun by texting to win great summer prize packages from local businesses.

 

Macomb Daily:

Former Court TV reporter Scott Weinberg resisted the temptation to become a Nancy Grace or Star Jones. But the metro-Detroit lawyer retained his passion for informing the public about legal issues. That has manifested itself as Weinberg, a former assistant Macomb prosecutor, recently began hosting the radio show, "Weinberg on the Law," from 9 to 10 a.m. Sunday mornings on WXYT-AM (1270) and WXYT-FM (97.1). It is also syndicated on www.talkzone.com and on CBS internet radio. "I love informing people about the law," Weinberg told The Macomb Daily. "I think there's a need for a show to discuss legal issues and give legal advice over the air waves." Weinberg, who has practiced for 23 years, specializes in criminal law, and is the only criminal lawyer in the Detroit area on the air... Former prosecutor hosts own radio show (Mon, 6/14)

 

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WJR's Beckmann highlighting Michigan golf destinations

During a tour that started on Friday at The Resorts at Tullymore and St. Ives in Stanwood, The Frank Beckmann Show (9am - Noon) is on the road touring some of the most prominent golf courses throughout the state of Michigan. Frank and his crew will broadcast live this week from Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs today and from The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme on Tuesday.

 

WADL TV-38 adds to sales team with climbing viewer numbers

Independent Detroit TV station WADL channel 38 continues to evolve as a broadcast property. Following last month's decision by CEO Kevin Adell to appoint veteran broadcaster Steve Antoniotti as Vice President and General Manager, the station has tapped two experienced local television sales executives to guide its sales efforts.

Antoniotti has named Scott Cote as WADL's Local Sales Manager. Cote comes to the WADL team with twenty years of television experience with the most recent including six years as the local sales manager for WWJ-TV, Detroit's CBS station. Cote has served in sales and sales management for group and national television sales organizations in Michigan and Philadelphia.

"Scott Cote brings a new level of experience and knowledge to our sales efforts," says Antoniotti. "We're confident he can help WADL maximize results as our viewership continues to grow."

Also joining the station's sales management team is Rhonda Mays, a ten year veteran of local and regional sales at WXYZ TV, Detroit's ABC affiliate, and 18 years of national television sales representation in Houston and Detroit for the Katz Media Group. Mays will focus on regional and national sales.

"Rhonda Mays has the personal connections at every level of the television advertising community to help us tell WADL's success story. We want our programming to reflect what Detroit loves," comments Antoniotti.

With WADL's substantial growth and popularity since November 2007, the station continues to upgrade its talent, programming and persona. Along with the recent changes in the sales team WADL has also announced that Petry Media will no longer serve as the rep firm of record.

 

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Detroit Free Press:

A caravan of vehicles led by Detroit police snaked its way down Mansfield to Communication & Media Arts High School, filled with crew from a new national reality TV show. A helicopter circled overhead, with another group on board taking aerial shots of the school. And the hosts of the show prepared to make a major announcement: CMA had been selected for a makeover from "School Pride," an NBC show that premieres in mid-September. With a host of building issues, including wiring and plumbing in the science labs so antiquated that students can't do experiments, CMA is among seven schools to appear in the pilot season. It also was picked because of its 97% graduation rate. Inside the school Thursday, students were oblivious. Then the fire alarm rang. Classrooms emptied. And it took only seconds for students to realize the alarm was just a ruse. Their old school, built in 1959, will get a renovation producers say will cost about six figures and will be geared to improving the way students learn. Earlier this week, students and staff got another piece of good news -- their passionate efforts to save their school paid off when it was removed from a list of schools that will close this summer... Detroit school lands TV makeover (Fri, 6/11)

 

Detroit News:

The best thing about the $10,000 giveaway at WMGC-FM is that the promotions department didn't dream it up. Or, it's that almost every one of the 4,000 people who offered ideas the first time around thought about someone else. Or, it's that instead of igniting rivalries, it inspired admiration and friendships. Or -- if you happen to play in the Richmond High School band -- it's that maybe you won't have to march anymore in 40-year-old pants. In April, Magic 105.1 conducted what amounted to a sociology experiment on the air. "How would you," asked Jim Harper and the Magic Morning Show, "give away $10,000?" The answer, resoundingly, was this: With enthusiasm, with imagination, and with an understanding that as much as we love Grandma, there are more vital things than whether she has a flat-screen TV. The giveaway was such a joyous success that Harper, his co-hosts and their secret donor are doing it again. Come July 12, some other worthy party will pick up a $10,000 check, be it to help pay for something useful or to help do something admirable... Magic 105.1 giveaway inspires charity (Thu, 6/10)

 

Mobile digital television launch gives Detroit automakers ideal mobile video test bed

With the Detroit television market among the leaders in the nation now launching Mobile Digital Television (DTV), product development teams in the automobile industry now have a local resource for testing reception of Mobile DTV -- the groundbreaking new service that delivers favorite broadcast TV programs to Mobile DTV devices including specially-equipped in-vehicle infotainment systems, mobile phones, netbooks and laptops, DVD players, and other devices.

Detroit's Mobile DTV channels on two local TV broadcast stations were officially launched on June 3rd during a special event sponsored by the Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), which represents hundreds of broadcast TV stations throughout the country. In addition to an informative seminar about the technology staged for the benefit of automobile industry executives, today's kickoff event included an in-vehicle demonstration showing a variety of Mobile DTV devices receiving the programs broadcast live from WDIV and WXYZ.

"The introduction of Mobile Digital Television in Detroit changes the broadcast landscape in dramatic and exciting ways. When Mobile DTV consumer devices are widely available, people will be able to take their favorite news, information and entertainment programs with them wherever they go," said Marla Drutz, Vice President and General Manager of WDIV-TV Detroit, the flagship station of Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc., a leading member of the OMVC. "WDIV is proud to be one of the leaders in broadcasting to mobile digital TV devices, and we know our viewers will appreciate taking along our newscasts, weather, sports and their favorite entertainment programs."

"WXYZ is committed to being a trusted source of Detroit-area news and information, whenever and wherever our audience demands it -- whether it's on air, online or, with today's announcement, on the go," said Ed Fernandez, the vice president and general manager of WXYZ, the Scripps-owned ABC affiliate in Detroit. "This mobile technology marries the promise of better and faster information for our valued viewers with the potential to help our area's businesses strengthen their marketing programs."

"The launch of Mobile DTV broadcasting in the Detroit market is critical for the success of this exciting new technology, because this is where decisions are made about the future of automotive infotainment systems. Complementing favorite recorded programs offered on DVD, the addition of Mobile DTV to an automobile will mean instantaneous access to local traffic reports, news, developing weather, and of course your passenger's favorite shows. WDIV and WXYZ are taking a leadership role in the broadcast TV industry, and we're delighted to add them to the list of stations around the country now offering Mobile DTV capability," said Anne Schelle, Executive Director of the OMVC, which represents nearly 900 broadcast TV stations throughout the U.S.

Today's OMVC workshop for automotive industry executives was co-sponsored by LG Electronics and Harris Corporation, co-developers of the ATSC Mobile DTV Standard. Harris is the leading provider of mobile TV broadcast equipment, and LG is the leading supplier of mobile DTV receiver chips for automotive and other applications.

The Detroit television market is among the first in the nation to begin transmitting Mobile DTV signals of broadcast programming. Last week, the Open Mobile Video Coalition launched the first-ever Consumer Showcase of Mobile DTV with hundreds of local viewers in the Nation's Capital now experiencing Mobile DTV on specially-equipped cell phones and netbooks with ongoing focus group studies featuring DVD players and mobile receivers equipped to pick up Mobile DTV signals.

 

Michigan Radio expanding local news coverage

Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan, is announcing several changes which will allow the station to expand its local news coverage, produce more online news content, and devote more resources to investigative and accountability focused journalism. The moves are in response to the changing face of news reporting locally and nationwide, and research about the type of information and news coverage that existing listeners want.

As part of these changes, Lester Graham, formerly the host and Senior Editor for The Environment Report, will be responsible for creating Michigan Radio's new investigative/ accountability reporting unit. His focus will be to research and report on topics that require a more involved examination than is currently available. Among the areas he'll focus on will be state government, education, the environment, jobs and the economy.

In addition, Rebecca Williams will become the new host of The Environment Report. She is currently a reporter/producer for the program. The Environment Report will move from an emphasis on national environmental stories, to a focus on covering issues directly affecting Michigan and the Great Lakes region. The Environment Report is committed to revealing the relationship between the natural world and the everyday lives of people, and will continue to air on Michigan Radio during Morning Edition and All Things Considered, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:55 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Lastly, Mark Brush will become Michigan Radio's new online news content specialist. In this role, he'll work with the station's news staff to augment the web presentation of stories with additional source materials, slide shows, audio features, side bar stories, and other elements designed to create a rich, multi-faceted news presentation on the station's website (www.michiganradio.org). Michigan Radio was recently selected as one of five pilot public radio stations nationwide to participate in a project called "Core Publisher", which will allow the station to better integrate NPR and local station news content; create more local online initiatives and special project websites; and content optimized for mobile devices.

"The media landscape is changing all across the country and public media has an obligation to respond to help fill in the gaps in news coverage that are forming at the local level," says Michigan Radio Program Director Tamar Charney. "In addition, our listeners have told us that they wanted to see the station focus on more investigative journalism, more local and statewide news coverage, and also to provide them with more online news content. These changes will allow us to do exactly that."

These changes will take effect the week of June 7, 2010.

 

Detroit Free Press:

Fanchon Stinger will be back on the air soon -- even on a Fox affiliate -- but this time the former Fox2 Problem Solver and morning anchor will read the news in Indianapolis. Stinger is scheduled to debut as an anchor of the 10 p.m. news on Fox59 in Indianapolis on July 6. She also will co-anchor the station's 5 p.m. news broadcast when it debuts in September. It's been two years since Stinger left Fox2 (WJBK-TV) in Detroit, her career derailed by revelations that she was involved with Rayford Jackson, a key figure in the Synagro sludge disposal scandal... Fanchon Stinger set to be anchor in Indianapolis (Tue, 6/1)

 

WDIV tops competition in evening news ratings

WDIV's Local 4 News won at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., while Local 4 News: First at 4 p.m. and Inside Edition essentially tied with Oprah in the 4-5 p.m. time period during the May 2010 Nielsen ratings period for the Detroit television market. Local 4 News experienced a combined growth of 21 share points over May 2009 for the largest increase of any local station (compared to WXYZ's 8 share and WJBK's 5 share).

Local 4 News at 5 p.m. garnered a 7.2 household rating and a 17 share to win the 5-6 p.m. time period over WXYZ's 5.8 rating / 13 share and WJBK's 4.9 / 11. WDIV's 5 p.m. offering registered a growth of 20% in household ratings over the previous year.

In the 6-6:30 p.m. time period, Local 4 News at 6 p.m. finished #1 in household ratings scoring an 8.2 household rating and an 18 share (compared to WXYZ's 5.8 / 13 and WJBK's 4.1 / 9). In addition, Local 4 News at 6 p.m. won in the key demo market of adults ages 25-54 and tied in women ages 25-54. This signifies a 6% increase in share over the previous year.

Local 4 News at 11 p.m. enjoyed the highest ratings of news on any station, in any time period. In May 2010, Local 4 News at 11 p.m. garnered an 8.7 household rating and a 16 share (compared to WXYZ's 6.4 / 12, WJBK's 10pm 7.8 / 12, and WJBK's 11pm M-F 4.8 / 9). In addition, May ratings for Local 4 News at 11 p.m. topped the late newscast of all NBC affiliates in the top 10 markets nationwide.

In the 4-5 p.m. time period, Local 4 News: First at 4 p.m. and Inside Edition garnered a 5.1 household rating and a 13 share, nearly tying Oprah on WXYZ, which earned a 5.2 household rating and 14 share. Local 4 News: First at 4 p.m. and Inside Edition registered a growth of 58% in ratings of the key demo market of women ages 25-54 and 38% share over the previous year.

 

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Detroit News:

Irv Romig loved clowning around to brighten a kid's day. For decades the longtime circus performer known as Ricky the Clown regaled young viewers throughout Metro Detroit on his own local TV show. And even through his 80s, he continued donning a wig, bright makeup, rubbery nose and colorful outfits for personal appearances. "He had an amazing transformation. Truly he became a different person," said Ed Golick, master of detroitkidshow.com, which profiles area children's programing from the 1950s and 1960s. "He put his heart and soul into his clowning. He lived and breathed being a clown." Mr. Romig died Sunday, May 23, 2010, after an illness. He was 90. Born Feb. 1, 1920, in Detroit, he grew up with parents who both performed in the circus. Performing through his teens, Mr. Romig later served in the Army as an infantryman and K-9 Corps dog trainer, according to Detroit News archives. Returning to the United States, he joined the Detroit Shrine and Ringling Brothers circuses as a rider and clown. He later appeared in the 1952 film "The Greatest Show on Earth," relatives said, and wed Rose Dobo, who became part of his act. In the early 1950s, he joined WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), eventually hosting a program as Ricky the Clown... Performer loved life as Ricky the Clown (Mon, 5/31)

 

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Gary Post-Tribune:

Somewhere along the line, Andrew T. Melin, Valparaiso's next school superintendent, gave up on the idea of being a sportscaster. He worked in high school at WSDP-FM, a noncommercial student radio in Plymouth, Mich. In college, as he earned his degree at Michigan State University in telecommunications, he also worked at an East Lansing station that broadcast college games. "I worked in media many years," said Melin. One day, as he watched his boss be ripped away from a sports position he had held for 25 years, Melin became unsure of his chosen career path... Melin started out doing radio play-by-play (Sun, 5/30)

 

Chris Edmonds joins WMGC-FM for afternoon drive

Ryan Seacrest is out and local is in at soft rock WMGC-FM 105.1 starting on Tuesday June 1st as Chris Edmonds signs on for afternoon drive (3 - 7pm). Edmonds was most recently heard at classic hits WOMC-FM hosting mornings on an interim basis following the retirement of Dick Purtan and hosting co-hosting a Sunday brunch show. Prior to the work at 'OMC, he was hosting mornings at soft rock WNIC-FM.

WOMC announced and launched a new morning program this past week.

 

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ESPN.com:

The question comes up occasionally, lending credence to Dan Dickerson's call-it-like-I-see it approach. The guy has been the radio voice of the Detroit Tigers for only seven years, but people approach the mild-mannered Dickerson and ask when he'll deliver something he can truly call his own. Something that will stick to Dickerson the way phrases did to his predecessor, the late Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell. Even after Dickerson became the Tigers' lead broadcaster in 2003, he resisted the urge to describe regular occurrences the way Harwell did by mentioning houses on the side of the road or pegging a hometown on fans who snared foul balls. "I just thought when you force it, it sounds forced," Dickerson says.It took Harwell -- who died May 4 at age 92 -- some 40 years to come up with his familiar "loooonnnngggg goonnnne" home run call that became part of Michigan's summer soundtrack. Dickerson chooses to keep things simple, occasionally peppering his broadcasts with his subtle, nuanced stylings rather than a forced shtick... Ernie Harwell inspires Dan Dickerson (Tue, 5/25)

 

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Rob Davidek named as program director for WWJ AM

All-news WWJ AM 950 Detroit has promoted Rob Davidek to program director, a role he adds to his current responsibilities of news director. Davidek, who has been with WWJ in various roles since 1993, takes the spot vacated earlier this year by Georgeann Herbert.

Davidek commented, "It's an honor and privilege to be named PD for a heritage station like WWJ. I'm excited about what the future holds for not only Michigan, but also Michigan's only all-News radio station. We have a great staff, and I look forward to meeting the needs of the community as we begin our next 90 years of broadcasting."

 

AllAccess.com:

GREATER MEDIA Classic Rock WCSX/DETROIT has named BRENT ALBERTS Program Director. He will officially begin his new duties on MONDAY, JUNE 7th. ALBERTS most recently served as Dir./Rock Programming at CITADEL BROADCASTING, where he was based out of the GRAND RAPIDS and LANSING markets. He also held programming jobs with LEE ABRAMS and the Superstars format, before going on to become a Classic Rock Specialist at KMYZ/TULSA. Prior to that, he did stints in MIAMI, JACKSONVILLE, ATLANTA, CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, SEATTLE, DALLAS/FT WORTH, and NASHVILLE. "BRENT brings a wealth of Classic Rock experience to DETROIT, which has been and always will be a rock city." said Market Mgr. JOHN GALLAGHER. "We look forward to BRENT leading our team of veteran on-air personalities at DETROIT's exclusive home of Classic Rock. "I am very excited and honored with the opportunity of joining GREATER MEDIA and the legendary WCSX in DETROIT," said ALBERTS. "The staff is the best in the business. I look forward to helping them take this station to the next level"... WCSX/Detroit Names Brent Alberts As PD (Tue, 5/25)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

For a kid growing up in Detroit in the 1960s, it was better than going to the circus or the zoo. That's how I remember my family's visits to the home of Ricky the Clown. Ricky -- born Irvin Romig -- died Sunday at age 90. It boggles the mind to think how many kids he made laugh in a lifetime of clowning. I was one of those kids, but luckier than most, because Irvin and my dad, Richard Panzenhagen, were best friends. They grew up under the same roof on Mt. Elliott in Detroit... Ricky the Clown made generations of kids laugh (Tue, 5/25)

 

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Andrew Humphrey joins Local 4 News morning team

WDIV-TV Local 4 News has changed the assignments of two of its weather forecasters as the station has announced that Andrew Humphrey is joining the early morning team to bring metro Detroiters his up-to-the-minute forecasts. Andrew will join Rhonda Walker and Guy Gordon each weekday morning from 4:30 a.m. right through NBC's The Today Show. His weather forecasts will also be featured each weekday on Local 4 News at Noon.

"We're excited to have Andrew join our dynamic morning news team", said Deborah Collura, VP of News for WDIV and Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc. "We know metro Detroiters will appreciate waking up to his positive spirit and lifestyle forecasts to help plan their day."

Humphrey, a University of Michigan graduate, has been the weekend meteorologist on Local 4 News since 2002. He is proud to have earned the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist distinction and a 2009 Emmy award for weather anchoring from the Michigan Chapter of NATAS. He has also received the 2006 Spirit of Detroit Award and a Community Service Award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

Former morning weather host Eric Braate will now handle weekend weather duties for WDIV.

 

column written by Art Vuolo, Jr.

On Monday, May 24th WOMC-FM (104.3) will premier it's new morning show. Ever since Dick Purtan did his last program on March 26th Chris Edmonds and Stacy Duford have been keeping the seat warm. My guess was that THEY would be the successor to Dick and Purtan's People. When I heard them the following Monday, I feared that my hunch was not going to pan out. Yet, I recall telling WOMC program director Tim Roberts that it was a brilliant move bringing them on board for weekend duty, so they'd be "in the house" to take over mornings when Mr. Purtan decided to retire. So much for second-guessing.

Let me say from the start...or almost the start, that I think Tim is one of the best PD's I've ever met and feel he will keep both of his stations (WOMC & WYCD) high in the local ratings. He and his crew did an incredible job with the recent Downtown Hoedown and this summer we can expect big things on August 21st at the Annual Woodward Dream Cruise. In fact, the huge Motor City Radio Reunion being planned for late September started with an idea from Tim Roberts! This is why I am somewhat perplexed by the new host of WOMC's morning show.

It's an interesting cast. I was happy to get a call from Dr. Don Carpenter of WYCD telling me the good news that ace news personality Bob Schuman was returning to Motown. He left a couple of years ago to anchor the morning news on 50,000 watt WOKV down in Jacksonville, FL but things didn't work out. After significantly increasing the ratings, they let him go. Go figure. So, Robert K. Schuman returns and he's the best! For weather, the TV personality with the most radio experience, WDIV-TV's Chuck Gaidica will handle the highs and lows and that's a good move because the Chuckster is the best! To produce the morning show and dilute the in-studio testosterone, Rachel Nevada will be segueing up to Fashionable Ferndale from the Golden Tower of the Fisher Building and WJR. She had been the longtime producer of The Mitch Albom Show. Good move. She has major name recognition and should bring much to the table.

The big surprise came with the choice of the host of the show...Bobby Mitchell. Don't misunderstand me, Bobby is a great talent and for "radio geeks" (like myself) who have real good memories, Mitchell did his first tour of duty in Detroit at the old WHYT-FM (96.3) back in the mid-1980's under PD (now consultant) Gary Berkowitz. Oddly enough he worked with Bob Schuman who had also just come to Detroit. When Bobby left town he went to Houston, Miami and Dallas. Again, he's a very good jock with a great personality....BUT (there it is...the anticipated BUT) I do not understand why an "out-of-towner" was brought in when we have, not one or two, but three excellent morning show talents in town and all three are currently "available." They are: Jim (J.J.) Johnson formerly of WCSX, Chris Edmonds formerly of WNIC and Kevin O'Neill also formerly with WNIC. Each of these three has over a quarter of a century of tenure on the Detroit radio dial and have had good ratings and a large fan-base. Sadly, there is enough unemployed radio talent in this city to staff several entire radio stations. It just makes me ask, why are people being brought in from elsewhere? Just thinking out loud. How dangerous is that?

 

WADL Ch. 38 Detroit names Antoniotti as station manager

Steve Antoniotti, who currently serves as National Sales Director for Adell Broadcasting which broadcasts WADL TV-38 and WADL DT-2, will become the station manager at WADL TV-38 and WADL DT-2.

Antoniotti joined Adell Broadcasting in June 2008 and has been responsible for garnering national attention to the WADL TV-38 brand.

"I am confident that the wealth of broadcasting knowledge and experience Steve Antoniotti brings to WADL TV-38 will prove to be an attribute to our progressive broadcasting company," states Kevin Adell C.E.O. WADL TV-38 and The Word Network.

Antoniotti has an impressive resume which includes his tenure as General Manager WTVS-Channel 56, President and General Manager at WJBK, News Director in St. Louis, News Director at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles and KTVY-TV in Oklahoma City. His early television experience included work as executive producer at Detroit's ABC affiliate (WXYZ-TV) as well as a producer at both WJBK-TV and the NBC affiliates (WWJ-TV, which is now WDIV-TV) and extensive work in news departments in New York City.

"WADL is on a path of progress and it is the company's opinion that in Steve Antoniotti we have the most qualified person with a broad and successful track record to take the station to the level," states Lewis Gibbs, President WADL TV-38.

Antoniotti earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

 

Detroit News:

Today CBS Detroit announced its long-anticipated replacement for radio legend Dick Purtan on the WOMC-FM (104.3) morning show: Bobby Mitchell, who currently hosts "The Saturday '80s Show" out of Dallas for the ABC Radio Network. Bob Schuman will handle news, and Rachel Nevada will do traffic and entertainment, as well as produce the show, which starts Monday. The station has also hired Chuck Gaidica, longtime WDIV-TV meteorologist, and will call the show "The Bobby Mitchell Show with Chuck Gaidica," to air 5-9 a.m. Monday through Friday, beginning May 24. "Bobby Mitchell is a seasoned pro who loves Detroit, and teaming him with Chuck Gaidica, Detroit TV's No. 1 personality, is a win-win venture for WOMC," Debbie Kenyon, market manager for CBS Radio Detroit, said in a statement. Tim Roberts, WOMC operations manager/program director, added that Detroiters can expect a "fun, friendly and topical local show" every morning... Bobby Mitchell to replace Dick Purtan on WOMC (Thu, 5/20)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

The answer to who will be replacing Dick Purtan permanently has been answered: CBS Radio Detroit announced today that Bobby Mitchell will start Monday on WOMC-FM (104.3). The former Detroit WHYT-FM personality Mitchell, who will be leaving his KPLX-FM Dallas-based "The Saturday '80s Show," will join Chuck Gaidica in the Motor City for their "The Bobby Mitchell Show with Chuck Gaidica." It will air live weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and feature news by Bob Schuman, and Rachel Nevada will provide traffic and entertainment reports and produce the show. "I'm elated to be joining the CBS RADIO Team at the legendary WOMC, and I'm excited about the great ensemble of talent we've assembled for the show," Mitchell said in a statement released by WOMC today... Bobby Mitchell to replace Purtan on WOMC-FM (Thu, 5/20)

 

Detroit Free Press:

Mike Stone was announced today as the permanent co-host of "The Morning Show with Bill McAllister and Sara" from 5:30-10 a.m. on WXYT-FM (97.1). Stone returned to the Detroit airwaves on 97.1 in December as a regular contributor to the station, including as a morning-show fill in. "Mike Stone has been a tremendous asset to our station," program director Jimmy Powers said in a released statement. "Over the past couple of months, Stoney has demonstrated why he is such a great talent. ... The show will continue to grow as the chemistry between them continues to build"... Mike Stone gets permanent gig on 97.1 morning show (Mon, 5/17)

 

An innocent 2007 contest held by Clear Channel's contemporary hits WKQI-FM 95.5's Mojo in the Morning show has captured the attention of the national press after it as realized that the winner of it's "Stripper 101" event was newly crowned Miss USA Rima Fakih. Photos of the event, attended by women only, have been posted on the station's web site since 2007 - but appear to be causing controversy for Miss Michigan / Miss USA Fakih even though she remained clothed throughout the contest.

 

MojointheMorning.com

TMZ.com

Detroit Free Press

Detroit News

Google

 

WJR and Forgotten Harvest to host Radiothon to help Metro Detroit Children

News-Talk WJR AM 760 and Forgotten Harvest have announced a one-day radiothon to benefit food rescue for children in Metro Detroit. On Wednesday, May 19, 2010, the station will feature interview segments with Forgotten Harvest from 6 a.m. on the Paul W. Smith Show through the Frank Beckmann Show, the Rush Limbaugh Show, the Sean Hannity Show and the Mitch Albom Show at 7 p.m. Listeners will be encouraged to donate to Forgotten Harvest, the region's only food rescue organization, by calling 1-888-332-7140. Additionally, the organization's website, www.forgottenharvest.org, will accept donations throughout the day and will be linked with wjr.com.

The radiothon is part of Forgotten Harvest's "Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids," which is raising funds to rescue and deliver fresh, nutritious food for children to eat during the upcoming summer vacation and other times when they would ordinarily be eating meals at school. Forgotten Harvest plans to raise enough funds to help feed 20,000 children per day.

"The latest reports show one in four children face hunger or food insecurity in our country. Every corner of Metro Detroit is affected by this crisis," said Susan Goodell, President and CEO of Forgotten Harvest. "This radiothon and partnership with WJR will help Forgotten Harvest expand our ability to rescue more fresh food and get it to children who otherwise would not have access to healthy meals when they're not in school."

Hosted by various WJR personalities throughout the day, the radiothon will feature interviews with Forgotten Harvest leadership to show the impact Forgotten Harvest has on the Metro Detroit children and their families. Every dollar raised in the telethon provides meals for five local children. Radiothon partner Busch's Fresh Food Market will challenge listeners to help Forgotten Harvest meet a matching goal of $25,000.

 

Forgotten Harvest was formed in 1990 to fight two problems: hunger and waste. Forgotten Harvest is on target to 'rescue' 19 million pounds of food this fiscal year by collecting surplus prepared and perishable food from 455 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 160 emergency food providers in the Metro Detroit area.

 

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Michigan Radio to examine, contrast Detroit Public Schools

Detroit's education system is in the midst of a crisis. In a new series, "Rebuilding Detroit's Schools: A Tale of Two Cities," Michigan Radio (WUOM FM 91.7 Ann Arbor / WFUM FM 91.1 Flint / WVGR FM 104.1 Grand Rapids) will examine the current educational challenges in Detroit, and how the city can learn from the reform strategies being used in New Orleans schools. These reports will begin Monday, May 17, and air for two weeks.

The Detroit Public School district (DPS) consistently falls at the bottom in academic progress among America's large urban districts. New Orleans' education system was in a comparable state before Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast in August 2005. However, in the aftermath of the storm, New Orleans became a laboratory for change by necessity. School leaders began to reconsider the direction of the city's low-performing public school system and to take action to improve it.

Though Detroit hasn't suffered a physical calamity of Katrina's scale, the city has suffered through years of economic devastation. As Detroit works to recreate itself, some school officials are looking at using reform strategies implemented in New Orleans to tackle the similar hurdles that DPS faces. Michigan Radio reporters Jennifer Guerra and Sarah Hulett have spent weeks looking at the two cities' school systems and talking with students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and experts about their issues. Throughout "Rebuilding Detroit's Schools: A Tale of Two Cities," Michigan Radio will air reports from both cities, looking at the educational challenges Detroit faces as well as the reform strategies currently at work in New Orleans.

"Rebuilding Detroit's Schools: A Tale of Two Cities" will air on Michigan Radio during Morning Edition (M-F, at 5:20 a.m. and 7:20 a.m.) and All Things Considered (M-F, at 4:50 p.m.) the weeks of May 17-21 and 24-28.

The series will be accompanied by a special call-in show airing on Michigan Radio and WWNO Public Radio in New Orleans at 3 pm on May 25. Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe will host "A Tale of Two Cities: Lessons the Motor City Can Learn From the Crescent City," a discussion about how reform in New Orleans has set an example for Detroit. More information about the call-in special and the series, as well as supplementary online resources, are available at twocities.michiganradio.org.

"Rebuilding Detroit's Schools: A Tale of Two Cities" is made possible by grants from The Kresge Foundation and The Skillman Foundation.

 

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Detroit Free Press:

There were countless intriguing stories told and memories recounted during Michigan football's "takeover" of WTKA-AM during Friday's 7 a.m.-6 p.m. radio-a-thon. The event featured former U-M players and coaches, and it was another success, raising $66,000 to benefit the University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital and specifically the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund. The most intriguing moment might have come in the final 10 minutes of the 11-hour event when U-M athletic director Dave Brandon and football coach Rich Rodriguez offered an incentive -- a fivesome of golf with them for a $3,000 contribution... U-M radio-a-thon raises $66,000 for hospital (Sat, 5/15)

 

Detroit News:

Rumors that WXYZ-TV Channel 7 "Action News This Morning" co-host Erik Smith was leaving the station have been floating around for months, but the chatter reached a fever pitch this week. One story was that the veteran host, a 7 employee since 1962, was yanked from the morning show (which also features Alicia Smith , Dave Rexroth and Erin Nicole ), which prompted him to quit. Someone close to Smith affirmed to us that he's leaving, with his last day to be May 26, although the veteran host had not returned our call as of press time. When we queried WXYZ executive producer Sandy McPhee Thursday afternoon, she said: "Erik had a personal day off yesterday, but he was on the show this morning!" But isn't his last day May 26? McPhee replied, "We're still working on the details"... Society Confidential: Erik Smith, Channel 7 in talks over his departure (Fri, 5/14)

 

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AllAccess.com:

CITADEL Hot AC WDVD (96.3 DVD)/DETROIT air talent DANA LUNDON has been promoted to become an official member of the BLAINE & ALLYSON MORNING SHOW. According to PD RON HARRELL, "MS. LUNDON has been filling the information role since late FEBRUARY and has proved to be a bright asset to the program. DANA has been one of our best utility players on the part-time staff capable of morphing into many different roles as jock, producer, remote talent and all-around solid radio junkie. We like her passion for the job and her love of radio." LUNDON's previous experience includes middays at crosstown WOMC and MD at WKQI... Dana Lundon Joins The WDVD Morning Show (Thu, 5/13)

 

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Lions' preseason contests to all by in HD on WWJ-TV

The Detroit Lions and WWJ-TV have announced that all four of the team's 2010 preseason games will be broadcast in high-definition for the first time. The games are scheduled to include Saturday road matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 14th (7:30 p.m.) and Denver Broncos on August 21st (9:00 p.m.) and home contests versus the Cleveland Browns on Saturday August 28th (5:30 p.m.) and Thursday September 2nd (7:00 p.m.) against the Buffalo Bills. The two home games at Ford Field are subject to NFL blackout restrictions which would result in those games being aired on a time-delayed basis.

The switch to HD is a result of a partnership between WWJ-TV, the Detroit Lions, CBS Sports and local retailer ABC Warehouse.

"This is an exciting evolution in our partnership with the Detroit Lions," said WWJ-TV vice-president and general manager Trey Fabacher. "The NFL in high definition is great television!"

In the broadcast booth this year will be WWJ-TV Lions Pre-season veterans Matt Shepard doing play-by-play and the sideline team of Steve Courtney and Charlie Sanders. Joining the crew this season will be Michigan native Rob Rubick, the veteran color analyst who for more than eighteen years has been providing his experienced insight into broadcasts of football at all levels from high school through the pros. His unique background coupled with his experience as a tight end for the Lions will provide a solid addition to the broadcast team.

 

University of Michigan athletes and coaches to help conclude WTKA's Month of Mott

University of Michigan legends will take control of the Sports Talk 1050 WTKA airwaves on Friday, May 14th to conclude Sports Talk 1050 WTKA's "A Month of Mott" to raise funds for the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital.

Listeners are invited to join Sam Webb, Ira Weintraub and an amazing star-packed line up Friday, May 14th for the 2010 Radio-thon in support of the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund.

The WTKA in-studio/on-air guest line up is as follows:

• 7 - 9 am- Lloyd Carr and Charles Woodson
• 9 - 10 am- Jerry Hanlon
• 10 - 11 am- Steve Hutchinson
• 11 am - Noon- Gary Moeller
• Noon - 1 pm- Brian Griese
• 1 - 2 pm- Jake Long
• 2 - 3 pm- Jeff Backus
• 3 - 4 pm- Jerame Tuman and Aaron Shea
• 4 - 5 pm- Mike Hart, Ron Bellamy and Drew Henson
• 5 - 6 pm- David and Jan Brandon and Rich Rodriguez

Fans can call 1-800-559-2657 in from 7am-6pm on May 14th to make a donation. All contributions provided through the Radio-a-thon will benefit the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund. This fund aims to support and encourage ground-breaking innovations for new pediatric treatments and is critical to moving these initiatives from brilliant idea to viable therapies.

While any and all donations are accepted, radio-a-thon incentives include: $25 = "All in for Michigan, All in for Mott" t-shirt; $10/ month for a year = autographed Charles Woodson photo; $500 = 2 pre-game sideline passes to a UM Football game (Massachusetts, Bowling Green and Illinois).

 

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Fox Sports Detroit to air today's Tigers/Yankees makeup game

Both games of today's split doubleheader between the Tigers and New York Yankees (1:00 & 7:00 pm) will be televised on FOX Sports Detroit / HD. Today's afternoon game is a makeup for a rainout last evening.

 

The Oakland Press:

Nashville's flood victims will certainly be on the minds of attendees at the 2010 99.5 WYCD Downtown Hoedown this weekend in Detroit. It won't be far from their wallets, either. Throughout the free festival, which runs Friday-Sunday (May 14-16), the radio station will run a Nickels For Nashville campaign to raise money for the American Red Cross' relief efforts in Music City. Collection points will be located around Hart Plaza, while a large container on the Hoedown stage will keep a running tally of the donations. In a statement, WYCD Operations Manager/Program Director Tim Roberts explained that, "We've heard from countless artists that their homes are flooded, bands have lost their gear and obviously they aren't the only ones. So many families have been displaced because of this disaster. Even during all of this, the Nashville artists still remain fully committed to entertaining their loyal fans in Detroit... In turn, we wanted to do something special to rally behind them and support the relief effort"... Downtown Hoedown to collect money for Nashville flood victims (Mon, 5/10)

 

WDVD extends Radiothon

Pop WDVD FM 96.3 has extended its Radiothon to benefit the Children's Miracle Network through 7 p.m. today, Friday May 7th. The event kicked off yesterday and is being broadcast live on WDVD from the south tower of Beaumont Hospital in Royal.

The 96.3 WDVD Cares For Kids Radiothon is being hosted by morning drive personalities Blaine and Allyson are working overtime towards building an unprecedented showing of generosity for the children of Southeast Michigan, truy to ensure every child has available to them the care they need.

100% of the donations that are collected will go to Michigan hospitals. Donations can be made by telephone at (866) 963-GIVE or online by Clicking Here.

Visit 963wdvd.com for more details, and multimedia content from the event.

 

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FOX Sports Detroit to re-air Ernie Harwell Tribute several more times

Ernie Harwell: We'll Remember has been scheduled to air on the cable sports outlet at the following times this weekend:

• Saturday, May 8 - 4:30 pm (after Tigers-Indians postgame coverage)
• Sunday, May 9 - 4:00 pm (after Tigers-Indians game)
• Tuesday, May 11 - 1:30 pm
• Thursday, May 13 - 6:30 pm

In addition, FOX Sports Detroit will air portions of the tribute that is planned for Harwell prior to the Tigers' game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park on Monday during it's Tigers Live pregame show beginning at 6:30 p.m.

 

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Detroit Free Press:

As a tribute to the late Ernie Harwell, "a long moment of silence" will be observed Saturday afternoon during national broadcasts of baseball games on Fox. Fox Vice President of Communications Dan Bell, in an e-mail to Michael Rosenberg of the Free Press, explained that during the top of the third inning, Fox announcers "will tell the audience that we are doing this, and then just let each respective game play without commentary." Detroit-area viewers will see the Yankees-Red Sox game, while the Braves-Phillies game will be broadcast in certain other markets ... Locally, 97.1-FM (The Ticket) will rebroadcast Harwell's final game, from 2002, at 10 a.m. Saturday... Fox, 97.1 will honor Ernie on Saturday (Fri, 5/7)

 

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Doug Podell steps down from programming responsibilities

Veteran, and extremely successful, rock programmer Doug Podell has made the decision to give up his responsibilities as PD for WCSX as well as Director of Rock Programming for Greater Media/Detroit. "After 30 years of programming some of the best Rock stations in America, I have decided to shift gears and focus on what I truly love -- being on the air," says Detroit native Podell. "After being off the air for a year and recently returning, I realized just how much I missed it and how my contributions are better suited for what's happening today."

Podell will continue to be heard weekdays on 'CSX from 2 - 6 p.m.

Prior to returning to the air on WCSX, he was PD for WRIF from 1994-2008 and also held that title at Cleveland's WNCX.

"Doug's contributions have been vital to the success and image of Rock in Detroit for more than 30 years," said John Gallagher, Greater Media/Detroit Market Manager. "We are very fortunate to have him as a valued member of the WCSX-FM airstaff."

 

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Christian K-Love network expands into Metro Detroit

As had been previously announced, Educational Media Foundation has taken over the operations of the HD2 stream of WMXD FM 92.3 in Detroit and placed its Christian contemporary K-Love format on the digital-only outlet that is owned by Clear Channel. However, those with analog receivers can hear the programming on a series of FM translators licensed around metro Detroit including 105.5 Rochester Hills, 98.3/99.1/102.3 Detroit, and 106.3 Westland.

EMF obtained the rights to WMXD-HD2 via a swap of an FM translator in Minnesota. Prior to airing the K-Love format, WMXD-HD2 was airing a Gospel-based format and EMF's translators were simulcasting the formats of stations like WVMV 98.7 Detroit and WQUS 103.1 Lapeer.

 

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Michigan public radio stations to present gubernatorial candidate forum

Michigan Radio (WUOM 91.7 Ann Arbor / WFUM 91.1 Flint / WVGR FM 104.1 Grand Rapids) is partnering with the League of Conservation Voters and the Detroit Free Press to host a bipartisan Gubernatorial Forum at Central Michigan University on Wednesday, May 12. The forum, in which gubernatorial candidates will discuss key issues facing Michigan's next governor, will be broadcast live on Michigan Radio and other public radio stations around the state, from 7 to 8 p.m.

The forum will focus on three major challenges the next governor must confront- rebuilding the state economy, creating jobs, and safeguarding Michigan's natural resources. The candidates will have an opportunity to address the critical connection between economic and environmental issues and discuss the best public policies for managing these high-stakes areas.

At this time, Republican businessman Rick Snyder and State Senator Tom George along with Democratic Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith (HD-54) have all agreed to participate in this forum.

The moderated, non-partisan forum will be broadcast live from 7-8 p.m. on Michigan Radio and many other public radio stations around the state, and also live-streamed over the internet at michiganradio.org. The event will be held at CMU's Plachta Auditorium, and it will be free and open to the public on a first-come basis.

The public is invited to submit questions in advance for the candidates, which may be used during the forum. That can be done at: www.michiganradio.org/forum.

 

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New call sign for FM 98.7 Detroit

On Monday, top 40 Amp Radio (98.7) dropped the WVMV call sign that was associated with the station's previous smooth jazz format and replaced it with WDZH which obviously stands for.... nothing obvious!

 

Ernie Harwell, Michigan's most beloved broadcaster ever, has died this evening at the age of 92 in his home in the Detroit suburb of Novi after an inspiring fight with bile duct cancer.

There will be countless accolades and articles written about the life of a man that cared for his family, friends, and fans in a way that no one ever has before or will again. Whatever it is that is written, it won't be enough to capture just how much Mr. Harwell meant to our state.

Godspeed Ernie and thank you.

 

 

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Detroit Free Press:

In Ernie Harwell's voice, the South rose again and conquered Michigan in a way no one else ever has. When Harwell arrived in Detroit to join the Tigers radio broadcast team in 1960, he was an unknown to Tigers fans. When he died Tuesday night at his home in Novi, at 92, after nearly a year-long bout with cancer, he had a strong case as the most beloved figure ever in Michigan. He rose to that cherished place through the combined power of radio and baseball and just as importantly his own charm and warmth, which were as steady through the decades as his unchanging Georgia accent. Harwell did Tigers radio from 1960 through 1991, then -- after an ill-conceived dismissal by the Tigers that lasted only one season -- he did a combination of Tigers radio and TV from 1993 through 2002. He ended his 55-year big-league career at the end of 2002 season... Ernie Harwell dies at 92 (Tue, 5/4)

 

In a telephone interview tonight, Detroit Tigers legend Al Kaline was asked why Harwell was so overwhelmingly popular in Michigan. "There wasn't a nicer person," Kaline said. "He had time for everybody. He lived here and stayed here. He didn't just work here and then go away in the off-season. He would have young announcers up to his booth all the time and give them advice. He had time for everybody." Kaline worked as Harwell's broadcast partner on television in the 1990s... Dignitaries share warm memories of Ernie Harwell (Tue, 5/4)

 

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Detroit News:

Ernie has died. After a battle against bile duct cancer, one he knew he would lose, Ernie Harwell died Tuesday. He was 92. With his death, Michigan -- and baseball -- loses one of its most beloved figures. For 55 years, Harwell was a major league broadcaster, 42 with the Tigers. He broadcast his last game Sept. 22, 2002. Instead of moving away from the Detroit area, he spent his final years in Novi, still being part of our lives as an author and corporate spokesman. William Earnest Harwell was born Jan. 25, 1918 in Washington, Ga. As a boy, his family moved to Atlanta, where he grew up loving newspapers and baseball, which is how and why he became a paperboy and a batboy for his hometown minor league club, the Atlanta Crackers... Legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell dies at 92 (Tue, 5/4)

 

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MLive.com

The voice that we fell asleep to while listening to baseball games on transistor radios, the one that called Detroit Tigers games for four decades and became part of our lives, has gone silent. Ernie Harwell died Tuesday of cancer. He was 92. Harwell was the 1981 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, placing him in the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown as a broadcaster. He said that his induction speech and the Christian testimony he gave at a Billy Graham Crusade in Tampa were the two most memorable speaking engagements of his life. He loved God, baseball, his family and countless friends. "When you met Ernie Harwell, you walked away feeling you were his best friend," said Tigers radio broadcaster Jim Price, who first met Harwell as a rookie catcher with Detroit in 1967. "People who never met him before would say, 'It's like I've known him forever.' "He was very unique that way." Harwell was a one-of-a-kind person and broadcaster, who had first-hand experiences with nearly every big name in the history of the game... Hall of Fame Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell dies at 92 after battle with cancer (Tue, 5/4)

 

WJR's Paul W. Smith on the road for annual tourism visits

News/Talk WJR AM 760 morning host Paul W. Smith kicked off his annual tour of Michigan vacation hotspots today with a stop in Monroe at Monroe Community College's La-Z-Boy Center Meyer Theatre. Future stops for the show's live broadcasts (5:30 - 9 a.m.) include:

The Marriott Hotel in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, the Ramada Plaza Ojibway Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday, The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island on Thursday, and at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn on Friday.

As in years past, each broadcast will feature interviews with local business and government leaders in each city. More info is available at wjr.com.

 

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FOX Sports Detroit moves tomorrow's Tigers game TV coverage

Due to a conflict with game three of the Detroit Red Wings / San Jose Sharks NHL playoff game, the May 4th Detroit Tigers/Minnesota Twins game has been shifted from FOX Sports Detroit to FOX Sports Detroit Plus. Visit foxsportsdetroit.com for channel information.

 

FOX Sports Detroit enjoying April in the D with Wings' ratings; coverage of series against San Jose Sharks set

FOX Sports Detroit attracted its third largest viewing audience all-time for Tuesday's Game 7 of the NHL Western Conference Quarterfinal series between the Detroit Red Wings and Phoenix Coyotes. Based on data received from Nielsen Media Research, the 9:00-11:45 p.m. telecast registered a 16.7 household rating in the Detroit metro area, an average of 315,663 homes tuned in over the course of the telecast (one rating point equals approximately 18,902 households). The telecast peaked at a 20.3 rating (383,710 households) from 10:45-11:15 as the Red Wings were on their way to a 6-1 victory to capture the best-of-seven series four games to three.

Tuesday's viewership ranks No. 3 on the network's all-time ratings list, trailing a pair of Red Wings games from last year's second round playoff series against Anaheim (17.5 for Game 7 on May 14, 2009 and 17.1 for Game 5 on May 1, 2009).

FOX Sports Detroit is averaging an 11.5 household rating for five Red Wings games this postseason, 9% greater than the 10.7 rating for the first five playoff telecasts in 2009.

With the release of the schedule for the Wings/Sharks second round series, FOX Sports Detroit is scheduled to televise games 3 through 7. Versus has national exclusivity for Game 1 and 2 (Versus is subject to blackout in the FOX Sports Detroit coverage area for games 3 - 7).

Western Conference Semifinals: #5 Detroit Red Wings vs. #1 San Jose Sharks

• Game 1 - Thu. April 29 at San Jose, 9:00 PM ET Versus (national exclusive)
• Game 2 - Sun. May 2 at San Jose, 8:00 PM ET Versus (national exclusive)
• Game 3 - Tue. May 4 at Detroit, 7:30 PM ET FOX Sports Detroit / HD
• Game 4 - Thu. May 6 at Detroit, 7:30 PM ET FOX Sports Detroit / HD
• Game 5* - Sat. May 8 at San Jose, 10:00 PM ET FOX Sports Detroit / HD
• Game 6* - Mon. May 10 at Detroit, 7:30 PM ET FOX Sports Detroit / HD
• Game 7* - Wed. May 12 at San Jose, Time TBD FOX Sports Detroit / HD

 

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WRCJ reports success in membership drive

The music will continue at Classical/Jazz WRCJ FM 90.9 as the station has successfully reached its spring fundraising goals. Listeners are still encouraged to make contributions by visiting wrcjfm.org or by calling (866) 909-9725. Contributions of $30 or more will get a WRCJ Eco-Tote Bag as a thank-you gift.

WRCJ is owned by the Detroit Public Schools and operated by Detroit Public TV.

 

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Toledo's AM 1560 returns to air

After being off-air for several days while work was being done on the station's equipment, AM 1560 Toledo is back on the air with a new format and call sign under new owner CSN International. The former talk outlet WTOD is now WWYC and features religious programming based out of Twin Falls, ID as part of the Calvary Satellite Network. WWYC replaces CSN's FM translator which was previously heard on FM 100.7 -- that station is now back on the air as well carrying the modern rock format of Cumulus' WXKR-FM HD2 (The Zone).

 

The Tuesday, April 27 Detroit Tigers-Minnesota Twins game will now be televised on FOX Sports Detroit Plus. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. with Tigers Live, followed by the game at 7:00.

Game 7 of the Red Wings-Phoenix playoff series will be on FOX Sports Detroit, starting at 8:30 with Red Wings LIve, followed by the game at 9:00. A list of FOX Sports Detroit PLUS channel numbers is available at www.foxsportsdetroit.com (click "Channel Finder").

 

AllAccess.com:

CUMULUS Classic Rock WXKR/TOLEDO's WXKR-HD2 Translator (W265CB) at 100.9 FM re-launched Alternative on FM and HD TODAY as "TOLEDO'S NEW MUSIC ALTERNATIVE 100.9 THE ZONE" under OM/PD DAN MCCLINTOCK. The Alternative station previously aired at 106.5 THE ZONE before WRWK switched to a Sports simulcast of WLQR-A 10 months ago... Alternative Returns To Toledo At 100.9 The Zone (Fri, 4/23)

 

RadioInfo.com reporter extraordinaire Tom Taylor reports that Michigan attorney General Mike Cox has filed information with federal bankruptcy court that Citadel (which owns several radio stations in Detroit, Grand Rapids and mid-Michigan) has "failed to file its 2008 Michigan Business tax return and to remit the taxes, penalties and interest," and that Michigan doubts "as to whether the debtor's proposed plan [to re-organize and flush away two-thirds of its debt] is offered in good faith." The AG's office also claims that under Michigan law, "Certain 'responsible persons' and officers [are] personally liable for certain unpaid corporate obligations."

Michigan is an an unsecured creditor as Citadel proceeds through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the state has obviously decided to make an attempt to collect on those taxes.

 

WJR's Paul W. Smith broadcasts live from Beijing

WJR continues its coverage of auto shows around the globe with this morning's (5:30 - 9 a.m.) live broadcast of the Paul W. Smith Show from the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. Smith hears from automotive movers and shakers at one of the world's largest car shows.

Also featured on WJR today is this evening's Big Story with Lloyd Jackson (7 - 8 p.m.) who will be hosting Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. Mayor Bing will take listener calls at (800) 859-0957.

 

Detroit News:

Anne Thompson owes her success to a lot of things, among them talent, timing and perseverance. Odd business that television is, she can also thank a quadruple murderer from Lincoln Park. When you see her now, she's someplace glamorous, important or both, reporting for NBC News. To find her a bit more than 20 years ago, though, you'd have needed to look in Channel 4's doghouse. "I was going to be fired," Thompson says. The executive who ran the newsroom at WDIV-TV had told her in clear, short syllables that the trap door was open, and the only question was how quickly he'd be able to drop her through it. Instead, she wound up spending 11 years at WDIV, living in Farmington Hills and then Grosse Pointe Farms before NBC snapped her up in 1997 and sent her to Chicago... NBC reporter turned challenge into opportunity (Mon, 4/19)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Today at 6 a.m. the voting begins on WMGC-FM's (105.1) web site for the "How would you give away $10,000?" contest Jim Harper is hosting through his "Magic Morning Show." Voting is to run through April 30 before the winner is announced May 4 ... Southfield-based WPON-AM (1460) is to launch "Spooky Talk" at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Hosted by Dearborn resident Clyde Brown, "Spooky" is a family-oriented talk show, centered on all things supernatural that is to run weekly from 5-5:30 p.m... Names and Faces (Mon, 4/19)

 

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Michigan Radio wins eleven Michigan Associated Press awards

Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan that includes WUOM 91.7 Ann Arbor, WFUM 91.1 Flint, and WVGR 104.1 Grand Rapids, received eleven awards from the Michigan Associated Press for news coverage in 2009, including nine "Best Of" awards, one Honorable Mention, and the award for General Excellence in the Non-Commercial Radio category.

The judges--AP members from outside of Michigan--enthusiastically praised many of winning entries. Of the station's "GM Bankruptcy" Spot News report, the judges noted "This is how news is done. Top-notch work...." The judges also praised "Facing the Mortgage Crisis," Michigan Radio's long running project dealing with the state's foreclosure crisis, as "...public service journalism at its finest."

All entries aired between January 1 and December 31, 2009. The awards were presented at the Michigan AP Awards Banquet this past Saturday, April 17th in Southfield.

 

Detroit Free Press:

Chris Hansen's latest project isn't just another look at what's happening in the Motor City. "America Now: City of Heartbreak and Hope," which airs at 7 tonight on "Dateline NBC," is a journey home for Hansen that focuses on the city's economic blight, population flight and political scandals and also on the people who are pouring their hearts into improving the situation. The veteran correspondent -- who's famous for his "To Catch a Predator" investigations -- grew up in Bloomfield Township and covered the city and region for local stations WXYZ-TV and WDIV-TV before joining NBC News in 1993. Hansen talked recently about the "Dateline" episode, which puts Detroit's challenges into perspective for a national audience... NBC looks at the spirit of Detroit (Sun, 4/18)

 

WXYZ TV names Eduardo Fernadez as station's new VP/GM

Eduardo Fernandez, accomplished television executive and experienced community leader, has been named vice president and general manager of WXYZ, the Scripps-owned ABC affiliate in Detroit.

"Ed is known throughout the industry for his commitment to a high-quality on-air product, his strong record of sales success and his passion for community enrichment," said Brian Lawlor, senior vice president of the Scripps television division. "More than any other market in America today, Detroit needs a local television voice that will be a passionate advocate for its citizens and businesses, and no TV executive is better suited for that task than Ed Fernandez."

Fernandez begins his new assignment on April 26. He replaces Bob Sliva, who retired earlier this month after leading the station since 2007.

Most recently, Fernandez, age 47, served as president and general manager of NBC Universal's WSNS, Telemundo Chicago, where he was responsible for all station operations, including news, sales, marketing and promotions, engineering, and production.

Before joining Telemundo in 2003, Fernandez worked for 14 years at WXMI Fox 17 in Grand Rapids. He joined the station as a local sales manager, served as general sales manager, station manager and eventually became vice president/general manager. Earlier in his career, he served as an account executive for Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV and WZZM-TV as well as WSB-TV Atlanta.

Fernandez, whose stations have won numerous local Emmys, has received a number of awards, including the Central Michigan University Distinguished Alumni award, Grand Rapids Business Journal "Forty Under Forty" award and St. Augustine College's "El Puente" award for his commitment to the Chicago Hispanic community.

Fernandez's professional involvement includes membership with the Michigan Association Broadcasters and the Illinois Broadcasters Association Board.

Originally from West Michigan, he earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast and cinematic arts from Central Michigan University. He was the Robert R. McCormick/Tribune Foundation Fellowship Recipient through the National Association of Broadcasters. He also completed a management development course and leadership, innovation and growth program through GE/NBC Universal's executive training program.

The Chicago resident will be relocating to Michigan. He has three teenage daughters.

 

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96.3 WDVD launches Project Prom Princess

Prom is one of the most important events in a young lady's life. Unfortunately, many high school students and their families are feeling the hurt of our tough economy. This should be no reason for girls to be denied the time-honored tradition of going to Prom. 96.3 WDVD & Somerset Collection will make every effort to make sure less fortunate girls receive a FREE Prom Dress! 96.3 WDVD will be collecting gently worn formal dresses, shoes and accessories (less than 5 years old) at Somerset Collection (upper level, next to Saks Fifth Avenue) Friday, April 16- Sunday, April 18, 2010. 96.3 WDVD on-air personalities will broadcast from inside the Project Prom Princess space all weekend long. Our mission is to fill the store with racks of dresses, shoes and accessories to make hundreds of girls feel like a true Princess on Prom Night.

The first one hundred people to donate a dress will receive a pair of Sheryl Crow at DTE Energy Music Theatre, June 19h.

Young ladies that are in need of a Prom dress, log onto www.963wdvd.com to fill out a request form. Selected girls will be asked to join us inside the Project Prom Princess store to pick out a free dress for Prom.

More information on Project Prom Princess is available on the station's web site.

 

Grand Rapids Press:

Jim Price is down to one kidney, but the cancer is gone. And his peace of mind has returned. "It was a life-or-death thing if they hadn't gotten it out when they did," said Price, the radio analyst for Detroit Tigers games and a catcher with the 1968 world champions. "I just have the one kidney now, but I can lead a normal life. "Something like this gives you a whole different perspective." He is embarking on another West Coast trip, with Detroit playing Friday night against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field, and life is good again. Price, 68, is back for his 18th season as a Tigers broadcaster. But several days before Thanksgiving, he got the news that made him wonder if there would be another season. "I had a large, cancerous tumor in my kidney that was exploding my kidney," Price said. "It was so big, and I didn't even know it. I went to the bathroom and there was a lot of blood when I urinated. My wife, Lisa, made me go to the emergency room. She strong-armed me." There wasn't any time to waste after X-rays and a full-body scan revealed the problem. Five and a half hours worth of surgery at Beaumont Hospital in Troy two days before Thanksgiving saved his life... 'Life is good again' for Tigers radio analyst Jim Price after bout with cancer (Thu, 4/15)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Motor City commuters who tuned into WRIF-FM's (101.1) top-rated "Drew & Mike" morning show Wednesday briefly heard a few words from former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Hosts Drew Lane and Mike Clark thought they'd give the Dallas-based Kilpatrick a heads-up that new reports about Manoogian Mansion shenanigans were making headlines back home. Their call was disconnected after the two radio hosts identified themselves, but when they redialed seconds later, Kilpatrick picked up with a chuckle. The ex-mayor told the dynamic duo he's busy starting his life over in Texas and doesn't want to be featured on radio and TV or in newspapers... Drew, Mike dial up Kwame (Thu, 4/15)

 

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Classical/Jazz WRCJ using hard sell in fundraising campaign

A marketing e-mail from Detroit Public TV operated classical/jazz WRCJ FM 90.9 begins with what's either a desperate plea -- or an outright threat, depending on your point of view: "The CBC has cut back on classical music. A Detroit "smooth jazz" radio station is off the air. Detroit went nine years without a classical music service when the old WQRS changed formats. Don't let this happen again! Please support WRCJ 90.9 FM as it concludes its Spring Membership Drive. Classical Days and Jazzy Nights rely on tax-deductible contributions from listeners like you, but we're short of our goal. We must stay on track to keep classical music alive on Detroit airwaves."

The message is pretty clear - without more financial support, the station's programming is in jeopardy. While run sby DPTV, the Detroit Public Schools is the owner of WRCJ.

Potential donors can visit wrcjfm.org or call 866-909-9725 to contribute.

 

AllAccess.com:

CLEAR CHANNEL Rhythmic AC WKTU/NEW YORK morning star PAUL "CUBBY" BRYANT will now be simultaneously heard on CLEAR CHANNEL Rhythmic AC WDTW (106.7 THE BEAT)/DETROIT. He also can be heard on WMIA/MIAMI and KSYU/ALBUQUERQUE... Cubby Gets The Beat In Detroit (Fri, 4/9)

 

column written by Art Vuolo, Jr.

I'm not sure how you feel, but I like to wake up to human voices. I like to know what the day ahead is going to be like. I want to know about the weather, the traffic problems, the important news, and the light-hearted stories that make me want to say Hmmm. I want humor, funny stories and, dare I say it... entertainment! My bed is surrounded by three, count 'em, three AM-FM radios and one home-style satellite radio. The one I wake up to has pre-set push buttons which allow me to easily punch up any number of various stations on both bands. I usually don't go to Sirius XM until after 10 a.m. when most terrestrial stations shift into a more music mode, and it's often not the music I want.

On the FM side I land most often on Indianapolis-based Bob & Tom, which I re-transmit from my Internet Wi-Fi Radio via their flagship station, WFBQ (known as Q-95). Three times per hour, that show takes a six minute break, which is when I sample other morning fare. Often, if another show keeps me interested, it will take me longer to return to the boys from Indy. On the FM side, I go to Drew & Mike on WRIF (101.1), MoJo & Crew on WKQI (95.5), Blaine & Allyson on WDVD (96.3) or Stoney, Bill and Sara on WXYT (97.1 the Ticket). Since Dick Purtan's departure I hit the WOMC button less, since it's mostly music and, until such time when Chris Edmonds and Stacey DuFord are allowed to be funny, I'll wait on 104.3 FM. My WNIC button is about to be exchanged for WYCD (99.5) for Dr. Don and Rachael Hunter.

My reason for that exchange was the recent disposal of WNIC Breakfast Club hosts Kevin O'Neill and Lisa Barry. I used that word "disposal" because that's what the radio industry has been doing with what we once referred to as the "on-air talent." Corporate radio, as it is now commonly called, cares little about what comes out of the speaker, but mostly about the profit and loss columns. This is why we, the listeners, are considered the lowest common denominator within the radio broadcasting equation.

Most of the members of Detroit's radio fraternity are good people, who sincerely WISH they could do better, with larger staffs, bigger budgets and creative programming. Sadly, today's economic climate has greatly restricted the incorporation of the very elements that made radio a fun place to work and a fun place to listen.

When Dick Purtan retired on March 26, it signaled the end of an era. Dick got out at the right time. He even honestly stated it on TV saying that "it just wasn't as much fun anymore." Think about it. A few years ago he lost two key cast members in Gene Taylor and shortly there-after Mark "Doc" Andrews. In the last year we saw his show get trimmed by an hour, the loss of longtime engineer John "ankles" Stewart and news reporter Dana Mills. The new method of taking radio ratings, known as the Personal People Meter (PPM), has made more music and less talk more popular. It also gives radio companies a good excuse for trimming expensive personalities in exchange for DJ's that just know how to hammer out the hits, interjecting very little of what we used to call "entertainment."

So, after Mr. Purtan left in a blaze of glory, surrounded by lots of family and close friends, the radio landscape in Detroit was suddenly up for grabs, as other shows scrambled to steal away audience from 104.3 WOMC. Don't expect that station roll over and die. Far from it. Throughout the next few weeks a new and exciting image will occupy the space previously known as the home of Purtan's People, but it will take time and (the always lacking) money.

Meanwhile, other stations in town are clamoring for Dick's listeners. Did you see the big ad that Greater Media took out in the paper? It was a tastefully done campaign to get you to try out Jim Harper and his crew at WMGC, known as Magic 105.1. Good move. Perplexing is why did Clear Channel Radio dump 30 year market veteran Kevin O'Neill and 25 year morning staple Lisa Barry? I don't think it was money. That company now has Jay Towers on the payroll, but he can't go on the air locally until this summer when his "non-compete" clause with CBS Radio expires. So why was the trigger pulled now? I have no idea.

Lisa has survived a plethora of morning partners dating back through Chris Edmonds and Chuck Gaidica, but now she's also seeking her next opportunity. Kevin O'Neill, as we've stated in previous columns, is among the nicest and kindest broadcasters in this town. He's worked at WDRQ, WHND, WOMC, WYCD, WDVD and WNIC over the past three decades. He's never made, what industry insiders would call, big money but, has been as loyal to each station as anyone in recent years. So, what do Mr. O'Neill and Ms. Barry get as their reward for such unprecedented loyalty? They were told, on Easter Monday no less, as they ended their program that it was their last. They were coldly escorted out of the building with little regard for the service given to the WNIC audience. It was the only LIVE show on the station. Every other time slot at 100.3 FM is voice-tracked. That is where it may sound live, but it's all put together in a computer. You can't call in and talk to the jock on the air, or make requests. When major news breaks, you won't hear about it, because the computer doesn't know about it. The death of Michael Jackson was proof of how bad that can be. Worst of all, it's not getting any better. It's getting worse. Very few of the DJ's on any music station throughout the nation are live.

The last venue of actual LIVE radio can be found on news, news-talk and sports-talk stations. However the vast majority of such stations take most of their programming from a syndicator via satellite. We are lucky here in SE Michigan with a sports station (WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM) that is mostly live and local. We have a second such station on AM WDFN (1130) which reverted back to a number of local hosts. Best of all, we have WCHB AM 1200 for the black community, a great all-news station, which is never automated, in WWJ-AM (950) and a heritage news-talk giant in WJR-AM (760) and they all sport a diverse cast of outstanding on-air personalities.

Before I get labeled as being too negative I'll remind you that earlier in this writing I heaped plenty-o-compliments on numerous broadcasters. However, my main issue with today's TALK radio is the extreme division it causes. It seems that a talk station is either ALL right-wing conservative or ALL left-wing progressive (the new word for liberal). About 85% to 90% of talk radio throughout this land is conservative. Some of what I've heard on Rush, Sean, Glenn and the like is outrageously disrespectful. On a recent Michael Savage (an appropriate name) Show I stumbled upon the program just in time to hear him make the most outlandish accusations against the current presidential administration. Regardless as to whether you voted for Barack Obama, the commander-in-chief deserves a certain level of respect. Savage was spewing forth commentary that, only a few years ago would not only get him fired immediately, but escorted out of the building. Instead that type of treatment goes to nice people like Kevin O'Neill and Lisa Barry, as previously described. Go figure.

Hardly anyone currently working in the radio industry, if they're being 100% honest, will say that the business is better and more fun than ever, because it isn't. Let's hope that radio will, one day soon, realize that the way into the listeners heart, and most importantly their ears, is to offer something that we can actually get excited about. Wow....what a concept!

 

Reach Art Vuolo at artvuolo@aol.com or visit his web site at vuolovideo.com

 

MetroMix Detroit:

It was madness in March, that's for sure. Metromix's inaugural Detroit Radio Battle -- the NCAA-styled elimination tournament featuring 16 of metro Detroit's top radio shows and most colorful personalities -- has a winner: 89X's Mornings with Dave and Chuck "The Freak." Netting more than 60% of the final round's tally and registering more than 25,000 votes by Metromix users throughout the tourney helped lift the CIMX-FM (88.7) morning show to the big victory. "It's incredible -- there's a lot of amazing talent in the city and a few of the finalists (were) in our own company, so to even be considered among that group in the first place was a big deal for us. Then to win the whole thing is just the icing on the cake of a great year for the Dave and Chuck 'the Freak' show," " Dave Hunter says to Metromix after learning of the victory. The tournament was completely unscientific... Detroit Radio Battle 2010: And the winner is... (Wed, 4/7)

 

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WCSX joins in on Opening Day Fun

Classic rock WCSX-FM midday host Karen Savelly will be broadcasting live tomorrow from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. from the Elwood Bar and Grill on East Adams across from Comerica Park to help celebrate Tigers' Opening Day. The party will feature the chance to win Tiger tickets, prizes and more.

 

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On the 40th anniversary, AM 580 to presents "And In The End...The Break-up of The Beatles"

On April 10th, 1970, Paul McCartney told the world that they had heard and seen the Beatles as a band for the last time....the Beatles were breaking up. This Saturday night on the 40th anniversary of the world's most famous group calling it quits, CKWW AM 580 will air a two-hour special: "And In The End...The Breakup of The Beatles" from 7 to 9 PM.

"Breakfast with the Beatles" host Dennis Mitchell looks back at how and why the Beatles ended as a group. He'll talk with Yoko Ono along with former Apple Records chief Ken Mansfield, Tommy Roe, and many others who were part of this historic event in music history. The special will also feature rare audio of the Beatles, plus a lot of great music the band produced before and after that time. He will also examine why their music continues to have such a profound influence.

"And In The End...The Break-up of The Beatles" airs this Saturday, April 10th from 7 to 9 PM with an encore broadcast on Monday, April 12th from 7 to 9 PM.

 

WDIV honored with 2010 Murrow Award for Overall Excellence

WDIV-TV Local 4 has been honored for excellence in journalism by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). The station is a proud recipient of a coveted 2010 Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in news coverage.

RTDNA has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. The Edward R. Murrow Award is considered one of the most prestigious awards a news organization can achieve, embodying the spirit of excellence in journalism.

WDIV Local 4 News won the top award for overall Outstanding Excellence in Region 7 of the large market TV category and is the only station in Southeast Michigan to receive a 2010 Morrow award.

 

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Michigan Radio to explore life of "Muslims in Michigan"

Michigan Radio (WUOM FM 91.7 Ann Arbor / WFUM FM 91.1 Flint / WVGR FM 104.1 Grand Rapids) is partnering with the University of Michigan Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies to launch a new project examining the religious, ethnic, and social lives of the state's diverse Muslim population. This "Muslims in Michigan" initiative will consist of a five-part radio series, film events, speakers, and a community conversation.

The Muslims in Michigan radio series, which airs April 12-16, will explore topics such as sharia law, halal meats, and the construction of a new mosque in Grand Rapids. Additionally, Michigan Radio's reporters will profile individual Muslims who have recently converted to Islam. The series will include contributions by reporters Jennifer Guerra, Sarah Hulett, and Dustin Dwyer. The station will broadcast these reports all next week during Morning Edition at approximately 6:20 and 8:20 am, and during All Things Considered between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

The Muslims in Michigan Community Conversation supplementing this radio series will take place on Thursday, April 15, at 7 pm at the Arthur Miller Theater on the University of Michigan's North Campus. This event will be an opportunity for listeners and members of the community to learn more about Michigan's Muslim population. Information about this event, and others associated with this project, can be found at muslimsinmichigan.org.

 

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Crain's Detroit Business:

Detroit Public TV has acquired a $1.5 million high definition truck and mobile studio. The 35-foot Ford F650 vehicle was purchased thanks to funding from local nonprofits the Kresge Foundation and the Hudson-Webber Foundation. The truck includes a mobile studio outfitted with the latest in video and audio production technology. The vehicle also carries a diesel generator for areas without electrical service. Jeff Forster, vice president for production and station enterprises at Detroit Public Television, said that the mobile studio will allow the station to do more work from the field. . "The truck will allow us to reflect the culture and arts that goes on in Southeast Michigan," he said... Detroit Public TV acquires HD production truck (Wed, 4/7)

 

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WJR's Frank Beckmann Show to broadcast from Detroit Opera House for Tigers' opening day

News/Talk 760 WJR's Frank Beckmann Show (Weekdays 9am-Noon) will broadcast live on Friday, April 9th from the Cadillac Café at the Detroit Opera House located at 1526 Broadway in Detroit, directly across the street from Comerica Park to help kick off MLB baseball in Detroit for 2010.

 

With yesterday's departure of Kevin O'Neill and Lisa Berry from morning drive on soft rock WNIC FM 100.3, the station has tapped market veteran Renee Vitale for 6 - 10 a.m. where she will be reporting on traffic and news live during a music-intensive program that the station hopes can attract listeners looking for less talk in the morning.

I incorrectly reported yesterday that the remainder of WNIC's weekday lineup was voicetracked - that is not the case with Theresa Lucas broadcasting live from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Kristin Burns hosting afternoon drive live from the WNIC studios from 3 - 7 p.m. At 7, the syndicated Delilah program is aired through midnight.

 

As the 2010 Major League Baseball regular season takes flight, radio ratings company Arbitron has released a report on how well baseball play-by-play did for stations in Portable People Mover markets during 2009. Coverage of the Detroit Tigers on CBS Radio's WXYT-FM/AM was a definite hit when comparing the results against teams in the other 22 PPM markets in the U.S.

Among men age 25-54, WXYT and the Tigers rank second only to the St. Louis Cardinals and their flagship KTRS. And even when considering overall audience numbers (all listeners age 6+), the WXYT/Tigers combo was the fifth most popular combo, averaging a game-time cume 158,600 listeners - above the top-10 MLB team average of 115,000. The New York Yankees are the runaway leaders in overall cume.

It's no surprise then to see increased coverage of play-by-play sports on the FM dial across Michigan. The Tigers now enjoy FM coverage not only in Detroit, but in Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, Manistee, and most recently in Cadillac. Sports fans appear to be very loyal to their teams' broadcasts on the radio, and that seems to be especially true with the local combination of Dan Dickerson and Jim Price on the Tigers' broadcasts.

 

Flint Journal:

OK ... by now, I've heard the outcries from those vocal commenters who love to rant about the April in the D songs. But your hate just keeps me going. April in the D is unstoppable, and as long as Fox Sports Detroit keeps the promo going, I'm going to keep reporting on it. With opening day for the Tigers going on today and the Red Wings clinching a playoff berth, this April is sure to be exciting even without the Pistons advancing to the playoffs. Below, FSD senior VP and general manager Greg Hammaren was kind enough to answer a few questions (his responses are italicized below) about April in the D, hate mail, viewer feedback and his thoughts on the state of Detroit sports... Interview: Fox Sports Detroit Senior VP/General Manager Greg Hammaren discusses the origins of 'April in the D' (Mon, 4/5)

 

updated: Tue 4/6, 8:15 a.m.

Clear Channel owned soft rock WNIC FM 100.3 fired morning personalities Kevin O'Neill and Lisa Berry after their show today. In an e-mail, O'Neill reports that the move was, "Not totally unexpected but always an awful feeling when it happens. Ironically, my final break on air I mentioned that it was 30 yrs. yesterday (April 4) that I was first on the air in Detroit at WDRQ in 1980. Had no idea that would be my final break. The only thing I keep telling myself is that each time I've been let go I've gone on to something better. This will be the case, too, I'm sure."

With the recent departure of Dick Purtan from classic hits WOMC FM 104.3, this makes two very high profile morning drive slots currently open in Detroit -- and even with the area's poor economy, one would think these jobs would be filled on a permanent basis sooner rather than later. Understandably WOMC is moving slowly, naming Chris Edmonds and Stacey DuFord as interim hosts while listeners adjust to not having Purtan on-air.

Today's move by WNIC might be more startling to listeners than Purtan's previously announced retirement to many that might have been counting on hearing familiar voices during morning drive on other stations instead of even more changes to their radio dial. Consider that soft rock competitor WMGC FM 105.1 recently has run full page ads in local newspapers inviting former Purtan listeners to sample the Magic Morning Show hosted by Jim Harper.

Are bigger changes on the horizon for 100.3 in terms of either the station's programming direction or personality lineup? Is this an early move to clear the way for Jay Towers to return to the airwaves once his non-compete expires in July?

 

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Detroit News:

Clear Channel-owned WNIC (100.3) fired its "Breakfast Club" morning show hosts, Kevin O'Neill and Lisa Barry, after their airshift Monday morning. WNIC is replacing them with a "very music-intensive" show, according to station operations manager Todd Thomas. He says it was a move prompted by the Arbitron PPM (portable people meter). "Looking at how PPM operates, we're finding that a lot of music really moves the needle," Thomas said. "With the morning show, we were going up against some of the juggernauts that we have in town, it was like David and Goliath, so that was the reason for the decision." WNIC's morning show ranked No. 1 among listeners ages 35-64 over the holiday season, when it played Christmas music, but by February it was tied for 11th place in that demographic (for the overall, 12-plus demographic it ranked No. 14). Monday was almost exactly the 30th anniversary of O'Neill's arrival in Detroit. "The ironic thing was, without knowing what was going to happen, in the final break this morning I alluded to the fact that 30 years ago yesterday, April 4, was my first day on the air in Detroit," said O'Neill, who was still a bit dazed. "Ten minutes later, I'm being marched down the hallway." It was a year ago that O'Neill, then on afternoons at the adult contemporary station, was tapped to replace Chris Edmonds when he was let go from the WNIC morning show. Edmonds is filling in at CBS-owned WOMC-FM (104.3), since Dick Purtan's retirement last week.. WNIC drops morning team O'Neill, Barry (Tue, 4/6)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

WNIC-FM (100.3) host Kevin O'Neill was celebrating a big career anniversary Monday, but things turned quickly sour when he and cohost Lisa Barry were fired soon after signing off from their morning "Breakfast Club" show. "I'm still scratching my head about this," O'Neill told Names & Faces on Monday afternoon. He was the afternoon host at the Clear Channel Detroit-operated WNIC before taking over mornings a year ago. He noted that on Sunday, he marked the 30th anniversary of his career in Detroit broadcasting. O'Neill thinks that the "Breakfast Club," which has dipped in the ratings in recent months, should have been given longer to bounce back, especially in light of the recent departure of popular morning host Dick Purtan at WOMC-FM (104.3). Barry, who has spent 25 years on Detroit radio, including stints at WYCD-FM (99.5) and WXYT-AM (1270), said she loved working at the soft-rock WNIC with "one of her best friends" and will cherish the fans who tuned in... WNIC morning hosts let go (Tue, 4/6)

 

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AllAccess.com:

CLEAR CHANNEL AC WNIC/DETROIT "Breakfast Flakes" KEVIN O'NEILL and LISA BARRY are out. The pair were informed this morning after wrapping up their show... Morning Change At WNIC/Detroit (Mon, 4/5)

 

Macomb Daily:

The next best thing to playing a professional sports contest is announcing it. That's according to Austin Drake, a L'Anse Creuse High School senior who was awarded second place in the state for his sports radio broadcasts by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. "I love sports," Drake said. "I've played basketball, roller hockey, football, tennis. I did BMX bike racing, freshman, JV and varsity baseball, soccer. But I decided, about the time I was in middle school, that I wasn't going to make it in sports. So I figured, if I am not going to be able to get into that, what would be the second best thing? Getting behind a microphone and talking about sports, and getting paid to do it." This is Drake's second MAB award. Last year, he placed first in the Sports Play-by-Play category, earning him the honor of doing play-by-play as a student broadcaster for the MHSAA Radio Network for the 2009 Class A Boys Basketball Finals at Michigan State University, which he was asked to do again, for this year's win... L'Anse Creuse senior earns award from Michigan Association of Broadcasters (Mon, 4/5)

 

Detroit Free Press:

When you cohost a popular radio show known for its celebrity interviews and up-to-the-minute gossip, keeping up with pop culture isn't a hobby. It's a full-time assignment. "It's 24/7, yeah," says Spike of the "Mojo in the Morning" team at WKQI-FM (95.5), describing how much time he spends following the latest scoops. "Because of our job, we have to be aware of everything and pretty much know it before everybody else. So when I'm home, I'm always on the Internet, to my wife's chagrin. And when I'm not home, my BlackBerry is ringing off the hook." An on-air personality who's famous for his sarcastic humor and prank phone calls, he enjoys staying current on the show-biz world. The married father of two does unplug from the Web and unwind during family vacations. But the day he gets back, "I'm connected all night trying to see what I missed, who did what, what's going on," he says. Spike talked to us recently for a pop-culture profile, another in a series of visits with prominent metro Detroiters... Pop culture profile: WKQI-FM's Spike (Sun, 4/4)

 

As the Detroit Tigers prepare for the 2010, television partner FOX Sports Detroit has announced its plans for the upcoming year of broadcasts on the regional outlet. Some items of note:

• The Wednesday, April 7 Tigers game at Kansas City (8:10 pm first pitch) will be joined in progress on FOX Sports Detroit / FOX Sports Detroit HD at approximately 10 pm, immediately after the Red Wings-Columbus hockey game. The Tigers game will re-air in its entirety starting at midnight. During the non-televised portion of the game (8:10 to approximately 10:00 pm), FOX Sports Detroit's John Keating will participate in a live chat session from Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City at Foxsportsdetroit.com.
• For the fourth consecutive season, the Tigers home opener (Friday, April 9 vs. Cleveland) will be simulcast on FOX Sports Detroit / HD and WJBK FOX 2 in Detroit.
• FOX Sports Detroit plans to deliver nearly all of its 158 Tigers telecasts this season in high-definition. The only exceptions will be any games shifted to FOX Sports Detroit Plus (currently only April 11) or if HD production or transmission facilities are unavailable on a given date.

 

The Oakland Press:

The Bloomfield Hills School District's radio station WBFH, also known as The Biff, will begin broadcasting its 34th Annual Biffstock pledge drive from 7 a.m. Thursday, April 15, through 2 a.m. Saturday, April 17. WBFH students will be collecting money and pledges from listeners in the community to help underwrite radio station enhancement expenses. The shift schedule and other pledge drive information can be found on the station Web site, www.wbfh.fm. Listeners can also follow the station on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheBiff881. Listeners who would like to make a pledge can do so by calling 248-341-WBFH... Student radio station plans two-day broadcast (Fri, 4/2)

 

Detroit News:

Retirement is not the end for Bob Sliva. As he packs his boxes and enjoys a few last slices of goodbye cake, he prefers to look at the move as the start of something new, he says. "Everyone keeps telling me I'm still a young man," Sliva, the vice president and general manager at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), says. He turns 60 on Thursday and leaves the job behind this week. "I certainly feel young. For me, retirement means I'm closing the chapter on my career here but the book is still open." Sliva announced his retirement in January. He has been the vice president and general manager at the local ABC affiliate for a little over two years, a job he took after venerable WXYZ veteran Grace Gilchrist retired. Prior to that, Sliva worked in various jobs in and around the station for 21 years. The most recent was as vice president and director of sales for the Scripps Howard Television Group. With so many years at WXYZ, it's no surprise that Sliva said he looks at his co-workers as family... WXYZ's Sliva ready for next chapter (Thu, 4/1)

 

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WDIV-TV newscasts rank #1 at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 11pm

WDIV-TV Local 4 News: First at 4 triumphed over first run editions of Oprah for the first time in the time period of 4-5 p.m., and Local 4 News won handily at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. in the March 2010 Nielsen ratings period of the Detroit television market.

In the 4-5 p.m. time period, Local 4 News: First at 4 p.m. anchored by Ruth Spencer garnered a 5.1 household rating (RTG) and a 14 share (SHR). Following at 4:30 p.m, Inside Edition with Deborah Norville earned a 5.2 household rating and a 13 share. First-run editions of Oprah on WXYZ earned a 4.4 household rating and 11 share, down 8% over the previous year, while Local 4 News: First at 4 p.m. and Inside Edition registered a growth of 27% and 18% respectively in share year to year.

Local 4 News at 5 p.m. garnered a 6.9 household rating and a 16 share in the 5-6 p.m. time period (compared to WXYZ 5.6 RTG, 13 SHR and WJBK 4.6 RTG, 10 SHR). Local 4 News at 5 p.m. registered a growth of 7% in household ratings over the previous year.

In the 6-6:30 p.m. time period, Local 4 News at 6 p.m. finished #1 in household ratings scoring an 8.4 household rating and an 18 share (compared to WXYZ 5.6 RTG, 12 SHR and WJBK 4.1 RTG, 9 SHR). In addition, Local 4 News at 6 p.m. won in the key demo markets of adults ages 25-54 and women ages 25-54. This signifies a 13% increase in share over the previous year, while competitor WXYZ is down 8% share year to year.

Local 4 News at 11 p.m., the perennial powerhouse of late news anchored by Carmen Harlan, Devin Scillian, Chuck Gaidica and Bernie Smilovitz, dominated all local newscasts with the highest ratings of news on any station, in any time-period. In March 2010, Local 4 News at 11 p.m. garnered an 8.7 household rating and a 17 share (compared to WXYZ 5.6 RTG, 11 SHR, WJBK 10pm 8.4 RTG, 14 SHR, and WJBK 11pm M-F 5.5 RTG, 10 SHR). In addition, Local 4 News at 11 p.m. beat the late newscast of all NBC affiliates in the top 10 markets nationwide.

The WDIV programming lineup in other dayparts also fared well. The Ellen Degeneres Show (10-11 a.m.) was #1 and continues to lead in all key demographics. At 3-4 p.m. time period, Dr. Oz was #2 (2.5 HH RTG, 7 SHR), experiencing an increase of 75% in share for the time period year to year. And in the time period of 7-8 p.m., Wheel Of Fortune (9.9 HH RTG, 19 SHR) and Jeopardy (8.4 HH RTG, 15 SHR) are the top-rated shows, and continue to experience growth, up 6% in share from the previous year. The Tonight Show with Jay Leno was also #1 in the 11:35 p.m. time period with a 5.4 household rating and a 13 share, up 17% rating and 18% share over January, the final month of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (4.6 HH RTG, 11 SHR).

Also in March, ClickOnDetroit.com, WDIV's local and national news, weather, sports and entertainment website, scored over 22.4 million page views, setting an all time record for page views in the month of March. ClickOnDetroit.com is currently the #1 local media website according to ComScore ratings.

 

Detroit Free Press:

Fox Sports Detroit boss Greg Hammaren is champing at the bit. He wants to get outdoors and start yard work. "It's my passion, my therapy," he said. But there's something else in the air called "April in the D," and it has Hammaren and his station giddy. Free Press sports writer Mike Brudenell caught up with Hammaren recently... 'April in the D' rocks for the folks at Fox Sports Detroit (Wed, 3/31)

 

Add nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner's name after Bill Cosby's on the list of celebrities signing on to help Detroit Public Schools recruit and retain students. Joyner broadcast his morning show Monday from Renaissance High School, telling listeners on WDMK-FM (105.9) that he was supporting the district's "I'm In" campaign to attract more students to the city's schools. "It's a desperate situation here," Joyner said, referring to the schools that are closing as enrollment shrinks. DPS emergency financial manager Robert Bobb joined him on air to talk about enrollment and his academic goals for the district... Radio star Tom Joyner starts recruiting for DPS (Tue, 3/30)

 

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Channel 7 has an app for that

WXYZ-TV, Channel 7, the first station in the Detroit market to offer an iPhone app, hit the 20,000 mark for downloads in March 2010. The station's WXYZ.com iPhone app continues to be the only app for local news in the Detroit area. Since its launch in January 2010, the WXYZ.com app has become a favorite with local iPhone users - nearly 25,000 now carry it in their pockets each day.

The iPhone app is part of Channel 7's continuing commitment to provide viewers with the information they need wherever and whenever they need it. The application offers up-to-date weather forecasts, live radar, live traffic data, school closings and the very latest news in Metro Detroit, including in-depth reporting and video created specifically for mobile users.

"We know metro Detroiters have moved beyond the era of wanting news just a few times each day," said WXYZ New Media Director Seth Myers. "Our iPhone app - and the content we provide for BlackBerry and other smartphone users - is always fresh and ready whenever you have a moment for the news."

The app also allows those who use it to participate in the news process, by sending photos and video directly to WXYZ-TV.

In addition to its iPhone app, WXYZ-TV has seen triple digit growth in its mobile reach with page views to all mobile devices up more than 450% from February of last year to February of 2010. "Clearly, there is a growing demand for news and information on the go," says WXYZ Vice President and General Manager, Bob Sliva.

 

Detroit News:

It's not just the sound of Detroit radio that changed when Dick Purtan retired last week. It's the look, too, and the American Mustache Institute is concerned. Deeply concerned. Friday, declares Aaron Perlut, was "a sad day for not only the Mustached American community of Detroit, but for people of Mustached American descent everywhere." He stopped short of demanding that another Mustached American be appointed to take Purtan's place, but the institute is keeping a close eye on developments here, and you'd better believe that WOMC-FM (104.3) knows it's being watched. "We may need to hire a mustache consultant," says Tim Roberts, the station's operations manager and program director. "Obviously, Dick was using one of the best ever." I spoke to Roberts on Monday about his plans for the morning show because it's the best radio job to open around here since the last time Purtan left a station, when he jumped to WOMC from WKQI-FM (95.5) in 1996... The Mustached American community is reeling since Purtan's departure (Tue, 3/30)

 

Edmonds, DuFord in for mornings at WOMC

It's considered only an interim move for now, but its no surprise that classic hits WOMC FM 104.3 has tapped veteran morning personalities Chris Edmonds and Stacey DuFord to host morning drive as of this morning. An announcement on who will be the permanent hosts is not expected for at least two months.

Edmonds and DuFord are familiar voices to morning audiences, both having been popular members of WNIC 100.3 FM's 'Breakfast Club' morning show over the years and have most recently been hosting a Sunday Brunch program for WOMC.

The station has also announced a two-hour commercial-free block of music that will run from 8:30 - 10:30am weekdays.

Morning drive on WOMC is open for the first time in years with last Friday's retirement of Dick Purtan who stepped away from his mic after 45 years.

 

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WDET gets political; launches editorial collaboration on Right Wing Extremism

Wayne State University's public radio outlet WDET-FM 101.9 is launching an effort to report on the rise of Right Wing Extremism along with The Jewish News, The Arab-American News, Latino and The Michigan Chronicle. In a release, WDET general manager J. Mikel Ellcessor reveals that, "The collaboration has been in development since December and was intended to go public in early April, but the events of the last 48 hours have indicated a need to advance the timeline."

"Throughout the last election cycle, the presence of extreme rhetoric, violent imagery and fear-inducing tactics grew. Since the election and inauguration, the continued use of this rhetoric has contributed to an environment that is fostering violence from the extreme right and has resulted in multiple instances of domestic terrorism. With the passage of the health care legislation, the instances of politically-motivated violence are on the rise."

The release continues, "The last year has seen explosive growth of three distinct groups, the Tea Party movement, the Patriot movement, with the militias as their paramilitary arms, and the nativist anti-immigration movement. While these are distinct movements with their own animus, there is a well documented, and rising, level of extreme rhetoric coming from all three groups."

The partnership will present its work during the weeks of March 29 and April 5th and publish original editorials, host interviews and call-in segments on WDET's Craig Fahle Show, encourage related media, both ethnic and mainstream, to host conversations and engage the audience through a variety of social media.

For more, visit wdetrwe.org.

 

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WYCD announces full Hoedown lineup

Country superstar Dierks Bentley was the mystery artist that revealed the 2010 lineup for this year's Downtown Hoedown music festival, scheduled for May 14 - 16 at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit, on WYCD. The big unveiling happened at 7 a.m. during the Dr. Don morning show.

Some of the featured acts will include Bentley himself, Julianne Hough, Darryl Worley, the Zac Brown Band, Steel Magnolia, and Uncle Kracker. For the complete lineup and show times, visit wycd.com.

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Radio personality Tom Joyner broadcast his morning show today from Renaissance High School in Detroit. Joyner, a Detroit Public Schools alum, was supporting the district's "I'm In" campaign to attract more students to the city's schools. "It's a desperate situation here," Joyner said, referring to the DPS schools that are closing as the enrollment shrinks. He was joined for part of his show by DPS Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb, who also talked about enrollment and his drive to attract more students... Tom Joyner takes radio show to Renaissance High (Mon, 3/29)

 

The Oakland Press:

Fans of radio legend Dick Purtan tuned into WOMC-FM Friday to hear Purtan's final show on the air. Purtan, an Orchard Lake resident, retired after 45 years in the business. Many old friends showed up for his last day, including DJ Tom Ryan, local TV personality Bill Bonds, Purtan's whole family including wife, Gail, and their six daughters, representatives from Specs Howard, Purtan's lawyer Henry Baskin and Amy Andrews, wife of the late Doc Andrews, a long-time member of "Purtan's People." As for the new show format, an interim big-name personality will start Monday. Fans who still want to keep in touch with Purtan can still find him at www.dickpurtan.com... Dick Purtan signs off after 45 years (Sat, 3/27)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Just after 9 a.m. Friday, Dick Purtan signed off into retirement, giving his "eternal thanks" while playing his favorite song, "Softly, As I Leave You" by Frank Sinatra. Purtan's final broadcast on WOMC-FM (104.3) ended a 45-year Detroit broadcasting career that took him to five different AM and FM stations ... No official announcement has been made about Purtan's replacement on WOMC, but earlier in the week, he said he expected an interim host to be on the air Monday. On Friday, Debbie Kenyon, CBS/Detroit vice president and market manager, said an official announcement about the WOMC morning show is about two months away... Purtan signs off a last time (Sat, 3/27)

 

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Bloomfield Hills School District radio broadcasting students win 14 state broadcasting awards from the Michigan Association of Educational Broadcasters

Seven high school students from Bloomfield Hills School District won 14 state radio broadcasting awards from the Michigan Association of Educational Broadcasters (M.A.E.B.) at their annual Share-a-thon held March 23, 2010 at the University of Detroit Mercy. Students from both Andover and Lahser operate the District radio station WBFH, also known as "The Biff", from the studios in Andover High School.

The M.A.E.B. is an organization made up of high school and college radio stations and one vocational broadcasting school from around the state. The awards were given to the student's level of performance: Gold Microphone, Silver Microphone, and Bronze Microphone. The following WBFH students won awards at the ceremony:

• Josh Loney, Andover senior: Production-Gold, Interview-Gold, Air Check-Gold, MAEB Promo-Silver, Newscast/Sportscast-Bronze
• Chad Shepard, Lahser senior: Sports Play-By-Play-Gold, Production-Silver
• Ryan Bloom, Andover senior: Sports Play-By-Play-Gold, Production-Bronze, Newscast/Sportscast-Bronze, Talk Show (with Drake Deitch)-Bronze
• Patrick Garretson, Lahser senior: Production-Gold
• Alex Scharg, Andover senior: Sports Play-By-Play-Bronze
• Kevin Furlong, Andover senior: Production-Bronze
• Drake Deitch, Andover senior: Talk Show (with Ryan Bloom)-Bronze

The keynote speaker was Matt Shepard, co-host of the Shep and Sharp Show which airs from 3-6 p.m. on the sports talk station WDFN 1130 AM in Detroit. Other guest speakers included Marie Osborne of WWJ 950 AM and Curtis Paul of Citadel Broadcasting in Detroit.

The WBFH management team of Pete Bowers, Randy Carr and Ron Wittebols were active in the event serving as award judges, award presenters and breakout session moderators.

 

updated 4:34pm

Detroit News:

Dick Purtan wrapped up his radio broadcast career today at WOMC-FM (104.3) with TV satellite trucks and a standing-room crowd in his studio, a bit more attention than when he started. Back in late May 1965, in the midst of a frenzy over the Friday arrival of nighttime jock Scott Regen to WKNR-AM, Purtan slipped into town to start a late-night shift on the station almost unnoticed. He hit the ground running with a wild show with mile-a-minute quips, and his voice has rarely been absent from the Detroit airwaves since. On the air today, Purtan noted the glut of media trucks, and he said he was stopped on his way in by the Ferndale police. "He said, you didn't think we wouldn't escort you in today, did you?'" Purtan said. The morning show host's wife, Gail, and several of his six daughters (including, of course, on-air sidekick Jackie Purtan) were among the throng in the studio, and a side room decorated with retirement banners and balloons awaited 9 a.m. and the official finale. All week, friends and colleagues have phoned in to his "Purtan's People" morning show to wish the veteran broadcaster well, and he's gotten in many plugs for his Web site, dickpurtan.com, where he promises fans can stay in touch with him and sidekicks "Big" Al Muscovito and Jackie Purtan. There has also been the expected teasing... Purtan wraps up 45 years on air (Fri, 3/26)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Just after 9 a.m. today, Dick Purtan signed off into retirement giving his "eternal thanks" while playing his favorite song, "Softly, As I Leave You" by Frank Sinatra. The final broadcast on WOMC-FM (104.3) ends the hall of fame broadcasting career punctuated by a historic 45-year run on five different AM and FM stations over the Detroit airwaves. In his Ferndale studio with many of his six daughters, including "Purtan's People" cohost Jackie Purtan, his wife Gail, and some of his grandchildren, Purtan used the last few minutes to thank the many people who worked with him over his career, the media, and his listeners, who he said became family as they followed him from station to station "whether I was playing music you liked or didn't." Purtan started the morning driving to work with his wife, who came to the studio for the very first time in his long broadcasting reign. They were escorted into the WOMC studio by police... After 45 years, Dick Purtan turns off mike (Fri, 3/26)

 

Friday, April 9 will be more than the Tigers' home opener in the state of Michigan. It also will be Ernie Harwell Day. The Michigan Senate unanimously passed a resolution Thursday -- hey, like anyone would dare vote against Ernie! -- declaring April 9 as his day of honor. The Tigers play the Indians at 1:05 p.m. at Comerica Park. SR 136, sponsored by Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, was adopted with the entire Senate and Lt. Gov. John Cherry asking to be included as co-sponsors. The nine-paragraph resolution, which includes the use of "whereas" six times, stated that "generations of Michigan residents and Tigers fans have grown up listening to Ernie Harwell and often reminisce about his unique broadcasting style that includes a sweet Southern drawl, the annual visit from the Voice of the Turtle, and familiar phrases such as ... 'looooooong gone' "... April 9 is now Ernie Harwell Day (Fri, 3/26)

 

Syndicated radio host Tom Joyner is to broadcast his show 6-10 a.m. Monday from Renaissance High School in Detroit. Joyner is a Detroit Public Schools graduate in town to support the "I'm In DPS" enrollment campaign. His guests are to include emergency financial manager Robert Bobb and DPS graduate Jessica Clements, who sang the district's "Great Things Are Happening" song. Joyner also plans to visit Mumford High. His show is heard in Detroit on WDMK-FM (105.9)... Tom Joyner to broadcast show Monday (Fri, 3/26)

 

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WDIV-TV and Forgotten Harvest to host telethon to help children throughout Metro Detroit

WDIV-TV and Forgotten Harvest have announced plans for a one-day telethon to benefit food rescue for children in Metro Detroit. On Wednesday, March 31, 2010, the station will air regular segments from 5 a.m. through the 11:00 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.

The telethon marks the culmination of Forgotten Harvest's "Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids," which is raising funds to rescue and deliver fresh, nutritious food for children to eat during the upcoming Spring Break, Summer Vacation and other times when they would ordinarily be eating meals at school. Forgotten Harvest plans to raise enough funds to help feed 20,000 children per day.

"The latest reports show one in three children are hungry in an area that covers 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 more fresh food and get it to children who otherwise would not have access to healthy meals when they're not in school."

Hosted by WDIV-TV personality Beth McLeod, the telethon will feature vignettes focusing on local families that depend on organizations that receive fresh food from Forgotten Harvest. These segments will demonstrate the positive impact Forgotten Harvest has on Metro Detroit children and their families. Every dollar raised in the telethon provides meals for five local children.

"We first partnered with Forgotten Harvest for a telethon last year and were immediately impressed by how this cause prompted 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."

Just in time for a new baseball season, the Detroit Tigers have donated pairs of tickets that will be given to telethon donors who contribute $120 or more during designated times.

 

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Michigan Radio Raises Record Amount during Spring Membership Drive

Michigan Radio, the public radio service of the University of Michigan that includes WUOM FM 91.7 Ann Arbor, WFUM FM 91.1 Flint, and WVGR-FM 104.1 Grand Rapids, finished a very successful spring membership drive on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The on-air fundraiser, which ran from March 17- 24, generated over 7000 pledges totaling more than $730,000 from donors throughout the station's listening area. Of that, more than 2400 pledges came from first time donors to the station. The $730,000 amount is a record for a spring membership drive at the station.

Overall, the station saw a fifteen percent increase in total dollars raised compared to last spring's membership drive. The station also continues to see an increase in donors contributing online, with a third of all pledges coming through the station's website.

In addition to the financial donations, the station also received contributions from 18 food donors and the services of almost 400 volunteers who helped in answering phones. The money raised during the membership drive helps pay for programming costs at the station, with membership support being the station's single largest source of income.

 

Detroit News:

Just in time for Dick Purtan's last broadcast on WOMC-FM (104.3) Friday, after 45 years on the air in Detroit, the Detroit Historical Museum is reviving Purtan's part of its "Detroit's Classic Radio Voices" display. The exhibit opens after Purtan's final broadcast Friday and runs through May 2. On display are personal artifacts such as Purtan "best of" compilations, the Olympic torch that the Buffalo native was given prior to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, awards and other Purtanalia... Historical museum to revive Dick Purtan exhibit (Thu, 3/25)

 

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Michigan Radio to air special call-in program with Governor Granholm

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm will take telephone calls from across the state in an exclusive live call-in show to air on Michigan Radio, and other Michigan public radio stations, this Friday, March 26, from 9 to 10 a.m.

The hour-long call-in show with the Governor will be hosted by Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network managing editor and state capitol bureau chief. The program will have an open format with Gov. Granholm fielding questions from listeners on a variety of topics. The Governor is expected to focus on the state budget, school reform, and her general plans for her final year in office.

Listener phone calls will be accepted during the program by calling toll-free (877) 952-7870.

 

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Creation of Upper Midwest Local Journalism Center will yield programming on the transformation of the region's economy

Michigan Radio (WUOM 91.7 Ann Arbor / WFUM 91.1 Flint / WVGR FM 104.1 Grand Rapids), together with Chicago Public Radio and Cleveland's ideastream® (WVIZ/PBS and WCPN-FM), have received a multi-year grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to create the Upper Midwest Local Journalism Center. The center is designed to produce programming focused on a major regional story: the opportunities for the transformation of the Midwest from a fundamentally industrial-based economy to a post-manufacturing one.

Significant resources at each organization will be committed to this long-term project. Collectively, the stations' will hire three reporters, a Senior Editor, and a Senior Producer for Social Engagement. The reporters, one at each station, will produce feature reports and web extras that will air on all of the stations, while the Senior Producer for Social Engagement will lead the stations' efforts on the web and in using social media to create a regional platform for discussion and debate about the economic recovery of the region.

As recipients of the $972,000 grant, one of five regional grants announced by CPB today, Michigan Radio and its partners will tell the story of "Changing Gears: Remaking the Manufacturing Belt." The stations' ongoing coverage will look at the past, present and future of the industrial Midwest through the production of feature reports, regional call-in discussions, community town hall events, blogs and other online features.

"Throughout our region's economic challenges, Michigan Radio has placed a high priority on keeping people informed and engaged in discussing options for the future," said Steve Schram, Director of Broadcasting at Michigan Radio. "In response, we have produced significant content around the issue, including special series like Facing the Mortgage Crisis, Generation Y Michigan, and Foreclosing on the American Dream. We saw the need to expand and diversify this coverage, and took the lead to apply for this grant, and asked our colleagues in Chicago and Cleveland to join us in making this a regional effort."

"Changing Gears: Remaking the Manufacturing Belt" will look at the economic, social, environmental and cultural angles of this important story, and explore what has and what has not worked in terms of improving the region's economy. This multi-platform editorial project will:

• Highlight today's innovators.
• Look at how families and individual workers are working to re-invent themselves and how they are making the best of bad times.
• Spotlight tech-savvy companies, including those in the clean energy industry.
• Profile towns and cities in transition, as they move from heavy industry and manufacturing to new ways of working.
• Follow stimulus dollars to uncover their impact.
• Search for ways the region can collaborate across state lines.
• Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas about the issues and solutions facing the communities of the Great Lakes.

Throughout the coverage, Michigan Radio and its partners will tell the stories of individuals, families businesses, and innovators -- their struggles and solutions, their efforts to reinvent themselves, and their capacity to make the best of bad times.

Michigan Radio's collaboration with two of the largest public radio stations in the Great Lakes area will allow the three organizations to pool their resources and diverse perspectives. As a result, this region's most important story--its economic future--will receive the most comprehensive coverage possible.

 

Detroit News:

As Dick Purtan prepares to turn off the mic at WOMC-FM (104.3) this Friday after a 45-year career in Detroit radio, he is being feted by colleagues and famous guests, past and present. "We have been through nine presidents together," Purtan reminded listeners on Feb. 11, when he announced his retirement. While there won't be any presidential call-ins this week, Bob Seger, Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Regis Philbin, Dr. Oz, University of Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing are among the many who will phone in during his last week on the 5 a.m.-9 a.m. morning show. In the past month, Purtan has waxed nostalgic about his career, which included many highlights before he even got to Detroit. He brought the Beatles to Cincinnati in 1964, scraping together the down payment to book them at a local venue. There was the time in Jacksonville, Fla., when Purtan got to interview President John F. Kennedy in the days when radio reporters with microphones could run up to presidents without being tackled by the Secret Service... Dick Purtan's last week on the air is a love-in (Tue, 3/23)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

On Monday morning, Names & Faces hosted a Freep.com Web chat from the WOMC-FM (104.3) studio as Dick Purtan entered the final week of his 45-year Detroit broadcasting career. The morning provided a couple of revelations. First, Purtan said that CBS Radio, which owns and operates WOMC, hasn't yet hired a full-time replacement for Purtan. Listeners who tune in next week can expect to hear a healthy dose of music while an interim host holds down the station's morning spot. Second, Purtan revealed that "Purtan's People" personalities (Big) Al Muskavito and Jackie Purtan will be contributing regularly to DickPurtan.com while continuing their careers in comedy writing and broadcasting... Names and Faces (Tue, 3/23)

 

New Greater Media/Specs Howard collaboration aims to assist Michigan small business

Specs Howard School of Media Arts, with Greater Media Detroit, will offer Michigan businesses a chance to better their brands in its Extreme Logo Makeover contest starting March 22. The online initiative provides a unique opportunity for small to medium-sized business owners to have their company logo redesigned for free to meet the challenges of a new economy.

"The Extreme Logo Makeover contest is designed to be mutually beneficial to both students and the business community," said Lisa Zahodne, president and COO of Specs Howard. "One company will win a new logo to strengthen its brand identity, while the students will receive real-world design experience."

To enter, business owners simply submit their current logo to www.winalogo.com with a short narrative on why the business needs a new logo and why it deserves to win.

Participants will be judged based on their company story, current logo and fulfillment of basic eligibility requirements. The contest is open to the owner or officer of a legal business who are 18 years or older. The company must have been in business for at least six months, be headquartered in Michigan and have an existing company Web site and logo.

The grand prize is a gift certificate for a company logo redesign, provided by the students from Specs Howard¹s Graphic Design and Digital Arts programs, with a retail value of $1,500, based on a maximum of 30 design hours. The winning company will choose one of several designs provided by the students for its new logo. The contest deadline is April 25. For more information or to enter the contest, visit www.winalogo.com.

With a legendary broadcast curriculum spanning 40 years, Specs Howard School of Media Arts added a Graphic Design program in 2008 and announced the new Digital Media Arts program in late 2009, along with the school¹s new name Specs Howard School of Media Arts. The Digital Media Arts program provides students with a comprehensive foundation for a career in the growing digital media field.

 

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AllAccess.com:

CBS RADIO Country WYCD/DETROIT PD TIM ROBERTS has named COOPER for the night show. COOPER, who comes from CBS RADIO's Top 40 WBZW (B94)/PITTSBURGH, replaces DAVE FULLER, who will devote fulltime attention to his afternoon drive duties on 'sister' station Classic Hits WOMC/DETROIT... Cooper Joins WYCD For Nights (Mon, 3/22)

 

Detroit Free Press:

When people retire, there's usually a cake, a card and a party. But when Dick Purtan does his last morning show Friday on WOMC-FM (104.3), there will be a feeling across metro Detroit that a legend is leaving a radio landscape he's reigned over with humor and grace for 45 years. Yet Purtan has always been more than a beloved king of local broadcasting. He seems like a friend on the morning commute. "Purtan's People" is the name for his program and on-air team, but it's also what many listeners consider themselves after growing up with him. There will be overwhelming gratitude for the laughs and the sense of community that he brought to his legion of fans. And there will be questions about the future. What will Purtan do next? What will local radio be like without him? And given radio's current challenges, will there be another radio personality with the wide appeal and professional longevity that he's enjoyed? For Purtan, the plan is to enjoy retirement and stay connected with his radio audience in new ways... What's next after Dick Purtan? (Sun, 3/21)

He's raced a hippo, pushed hundreds of cars through the snow at a drive-in theater and raised more than $23 million for the Motor City's homeless and hungry people. On Friday, there'll be one more big event in the life of Dick Purtan. He'll say good-bye to a 45-year career in Detroit radio. Purtan has hundreds of stories to share about his storied career, and he's planning to put them all in a book. In the meantime, he took time to reflect and laugh with the Free Press. Here is Dick Purtan on Dick Purtan... Purtan on Purtan (Sun, 3/21)

 

The Oakland Press:

Jake Sigal, the 28-year-old founder of Ferndale-based companies Myine Electronics and Livio Radio, didn't waste any time finding his calling in life. "I started off when I was 7. I ripped apart my dad's VCR with a screwdriver and I've been tinkering with electronics ever since. I've been taking stuff apart and trying to put it together ever since," he said. His companies focus on bringing Internet-based music to the masses. "Engineering and music are my two passions, and I've found a way to put them together," said Sigal, who initially had scholarships to be a percussion major at some conservatories before deciding to study engineering. Sigal said his companies make devices that are simple and usable by all people, including baby boomers: "I want my mom and dad to have access to digital audio without all the bells and whistles. Technology is hard. My parents are more tech-scared, so that's why we have familiar buttons and keep things simplistic. We've won design awards, because we did it right. We've found the balance between technology and simplicity"... Ferndale companies bringing Internet radio to baby boomers (Sat, 3/20)

 

Michigan Radio wins eleven Michigan Associated Press Awards

Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan that is made up of WUOM FM 91.7 Ann Arbor/WFUM FM 91.1 Flint/WVGR FM 104.1 Grand Rapids, received eleven awards from the Michigan Associated Press for news coverage in 2009. The station took top honors in ten out of the eleven categories for noncommercial radio stations, including General Excellence.

Michigan Radio received 'Best Of' Michigan AP Awards in General Excellence, Best Newscast, Best Spot News, Best Individual Reporting, Best Continuing Coverage, Best News Documentary, Best Feature Story, Best Enterprise/Investigative Reporting, Best Natural Sound and Best Web Site. The station also received an honorable mention for News Documentary.

All entries aired between January 1 and December 31, 2009. The awards will be presented on Saturday, April 17th in Southfield, Michigan.

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Jim Harper solved one mystery while starting another Thursday morning when he revealed some info about those "How would you give away $10,000?" billboards. On his "Magic Morning Show" on WMGC-FM (105.1), Harper said he'll give away $10,000 in a special contest designed to aid a listener's worthy cause. The $10,000 isn't coming from his station. Instead, it was provided by an unidentified donor. Now under way is a contest in which listeners can suggest causes worthy of the money. The only catch, if you can call it that, is that they must suggest an organization, not an individual person. You can go to the station's Web site, detroitmagic.com, now through April to post your ideas... Harper to give away $10,000 (Fri, 3/19)

 

Detroit News:

A five-page lawsuit that could spell more trouble for former broadcaster Fanchon Stinger and her ex-boyfriend, Rayford Jackson, a Detroit businessman convicted in the Synagro Technologies sludge scandal. Motorcyclist David Sugg sued both last week for at least $25,000 over a May 2007 car crash. The lawsuit claims Jackson was driving a 2006 Ferrari that swerved in a "violent manner" and struck Sugg's 2002 Honda motorcycle on Interstate 696 near I-75. Sugg claims he lost control of the bike and flew to the ground at highway speed. Sugg is suing Stinger, a former WJBK-Fox 2 personality, because she was the registered owner of the sports car... Paper Chase: Ex-TV broadcaster sued by motorcyclist (Thu, 3/18)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Former Fox 2 broadcaster Fanchon Stinger had a fast Ferrari. And she let her ex-boyfriend and convicted felon Rayford Jackson tool around in it. So says a five-page personal injury lawsuit filed recently against Stinger and Jackson in Oakland County Circuit Court by a man who claims Jackson was driving the car registered to Stinger when he crashed into his 2002 Honda motorcycle on May 19, 2007... Stinger faces lawsuit after ex's 2007 crash in Ferrari (Thu, 3/18)

 

AllAccess.com:

ALL ACCESS hears that CBS RADIO News WWJ-A/DETROIT PD GEORGEANN HERBERT has resigned from the station to launch her own business involving music. HERBERT's resume includes stops as OM at CBS RADIO News WBBM-A and the old Talk WMAQ-A/CHICAGO and reporter/producer/ND positions at WCHV-A and WWWV/CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA; WFIR-A and WPVR/ROANOKE; WRVA-A/RICHMOND; and WTAR-A and WLTY/NORFOLK. HERBERT's resignation will be effective MARCH 31st... Georgeann Herbert To Exit WWJ-A/Detroit (Fri, 3/12)

 

The other shoe drops in the previously-announced move of EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FOUNDATION's FM translator K279AZ/COTTAGE GROVE, MN to downtown MINNEAPOLIS, with the filing of a contract to swap the facility to CLEAR CHANNEL's AMFM BROADCASTING LICENSES, LLC in exchange for programming rights to the HD-2 multicast channel of CC's Urban AC WMXD (MIX 92.3)/DETROIT... Swap Gives CC Twin Cities Translator (Fri, 3/12)

 

The date has been set and preparations are being made for what promises to be THE must-attend media event in Detroit for the year 2010! A cast of half a dozen people who organized the last such gathering in 2005 have re-assembled and are planning a LAST BLAST Detroit Radio Reunion for Saturday September 25th. The exact location is being currently decided, but will likely be in the Novi area. The 2005 and 1998 events were at the Hilton (turned Sheraton) Hotel at 8 Mile and Haggerty in Novi.

A number of milestones are occurring this year. Among them are Specs Howard celebrating 40 years of the famous broadcasting school, now with the emphasis on the media arts. Hot and heavy rumors have also been circulating of a possible WSHJ-FM reunion of alumni from the famous Southfield High School station at 88.3. Radio Reunion organizers are hoping that gathering can be slated for Friday night the 24th so WSHJ staffers coming in for the Radio Reunion can attend the both events. In a tight economy, it just makes sense to schedule such gatherings on the same weekend so attendees only have to make one trip instead of two.

Organizers are planning to honor at least 3 people at the Detroit Radio Reunion: Dick Purtan, Specs Howard, and Sonny Eliot. Purtan, for his 45 years of entertaining us at WKNR, WXYZ, CKLW, WCZY/WKQI and WOMC. Howard, for his 40 years of running the famed school that bears his name in Southfield. Finally, Sonny Eliot who (later this year) celebrates his 90th birthday still doing weather on WWJ, which also turns 90 years old in August as the first station on the air in the USA.

The last Detroit radio reunion was held in late September of 2005, and although it drew just over 300, a number of people missed it for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was Hurricane Rita headed for the Texas coast. This year we are hoping for good weather and a great chance for hundreds of radio folks to come together one last time for a "group hug." According to our records, since the last get-together we've lost over 22 more of our friends. So, we thought we'd better hurry.

The reunion committee includes; Mike Seltzer, Millie Coffey, Jo-Jo Shutty-MacGregor, Terry Holmes, Dick Kernen, and Art Vuolo.

If you ever worked in any capacity at any station in southeastern Michigan or surrounding areas, please get in touch with Art Vuolo at artvuolo@aol.com so we can make sure that you're on the roster of those attending.

Since there is never enough time to visit at such affairs, an after-glow birthday party is also being planned by Art for the day after. So things should be hopping Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It will be a trifecta weekend for everyone! Please spread the word, via phone, e-mail, regular mail, Facebook, Twitter or smoke signals to anyone you feel should be at this event!

Keep watching DetroitRadioReunion.com for more information!

 

Community-targeted Politics & Life show shifts to WGPR

The Politics and Life talk Show, which began in 2008 on AM 1500 WLQV, has moved to FM on WGPR 107.5 where it is now heard Saturdays at Noon. Host and owner of the show Nina Calahan-James made her debut on WGPR along with political analyst/co-host Dalton Roberson Jr. on March 6th.

In 60 days, Calahan-James has expectations to increase the program to 2 hours from it's current 60 minutes. The program is a supported by volunteers and independently financed as a community out-reach on air production which was designed to enhance listeners knowledge of government, politics, and issues that impact daily living as well as motivating citizens to make better informed decisions. The talk show presents an innovative vibrant freshness of interviewing national and local political leaders.

Calahan-James has created three segments just for Detroit Public Schools students to participate in. A regular segment on the show, The Honor Student Showcase, will be hosted by Dexter Perry, Taylor Trammell, and Laniesha Evans, three seniors at Mumford High School along with Dustin Morris, a Journalism & Debate Club member from Cass Tech. The female students have been participating in the Detroit Free Press High School Journalism Program for two years. Trammell is the editor-in-chief and Evans is the managing editor of their high school paper, the Mumford Times. The Talk Show Honor Student Showcase program is open for two more teens to join the team.

On the new WGPR 107.5, the Politics & Life Talk show will create two new segments for the high school students. This first segment, the ABC's Accomplishments of Black Creativity will be hosted by Mumford senior Taylor Trammell. The second segment, 1000 DCD or 1000 Days to Change Detroit, will be co-hosted by high school senior student Dexter Perry, featuring Detroit City Council Members and Charter Commission members who will appear on the show. All students will present reports that are factual and informational as it relates to government, politics and the world in which they live. Students prepared for their radio debut by recording commercials which aired this week and recording segments at WGPR.

Reginald 'Reggie' Davis, a popular radio personality on Detroit's 102.7 WHTD-FM and now a Detroit Charter Commissioner, is currently negotiating with executive producer Calahan-James to join the talk show team and host a weekly segment related to the Detroit community life.

Check out previous versions of the program at http://www.PoliticsandLifeTalkShow.com.

 

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Low power AM station on the air in Hamtramck

A new Part 15, low power, non-commercial AM radio station is broadcasting on 1610 from Hamtramck. Known as 'The Station', the stated mission "is to play, promote, and export Michigan music to the people of Earth."

Outside of the limited over-the-air listening range, tune in via the The Station's web site: station.hamtramckstar.com.

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Fifty years ago Friday -- it was a wintry day in Detroit, with temperatures in the 20s -- fans for the first time heard Ernie Harwell describe Tigers baseball in his soft Southern drawl. At 1:25 p.m. on March 12, 1960, if you tuned to WWJ-AM (950) or WKMH-AM (1310), you would have caught the opening game of the Grapefruit League season from Lakeland, Fla. In the broadcast booth at Henley Field that day were Harwell, partner George Kell and engineer Howard Stitzel... Ernie's first call with Tigers hits 50 (Thu, 3/11)

 

Crain's Detroit Business:

Detroit Public Television mined little-known family foundations as part of its strategy to close out its recent $22 million capital campaign. "In addition to the larger foundations, we had to go to the indigenous population of family foundations, largely unknown," said WTVS-Channel 56 board Chairman Richard Rassel, who is director of global client relations at Detroit-based law firm Butzel Long P.C. Clover Technology L.L.C. founder George Riley, whose family foundation committed $5 million to Channel 56 and sold it its new, production-ready headquarters in Wixom, "is typical of that family foundation donor base that we all need to look at more closely as we go forward in these challenging times," Rassel said... Detroit Public Television tapped all sources for capital campaign (Tue, 3/9)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Oscar night was a big deal for ABC, whose telecast of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards drew some encouraging numbers. The biggest night in movies, hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, drew 41.3 million total viewers to the Alphabet Network on Sunday. It was the largest audience since 2005, the year Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby" was the big winner, according to the Nielsen folks. Locally, WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) also had its biggest Oscar numbers in five years. About 927,000 metro Detroit viewers tuned in to watch Kathryn Bigelow become the first woman to win the best director prize... Oscars draw big ratings (Tue, 3/9)

 

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Toledo radio watchers wait for changes to AM 1560, FM 100.9

In a story that's been excruciatingly slow to finalize, there have been some recent developments in a station swap between religious broadcaster CSN and Cumulus Media. Moving from Cumulus to CSN is AM daytimer WTOD 1560, which will replace CSN's FM translator that was heard on FM 100.7. That translator is now off the air, but is expected back on the air soon at FM 100.9. There's no certainty among radio watchers in Toledo as to what Cumulus will be airing on the translator ... speculation is either it will become part of 'The Ticket' (FM 106.5 / AM 1470) or rebroadcast 106.5's HD2 'The Zone' alternative rock format.

 

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88.1 WBFH's Randy Carr recognized

The Board of Education of the Bloomfield Hills School District presented Randy Carr with the Support Staff Recognition Award at their regular meeting March 4 at the Gary M. Doyle Center in Bloomfield Hills. Carr is the Assistant Station Manager and Technical Director of the school district radio station WBFH 88.1 FM, also known as The Biff.

Candidates for this award must be nominated by at least two individuals, citing the exceptional personal qualities and work characteristics that make the person an outstanding employee who has made positive contributions to the District.

Carr has been the Assistant Station Manager at WBFH for 10 years. Before that, he worked in commercial radio for 30 years as an air personality and broadcast engineer at the following stations: WYCD, WKQI, WCZY, WAAM, WTKA, WCAR, WCXI and WVMO.

Carr supervises the station from 1-9 p.m. each school day. During that time, he assists the radio students as they perform on the air during their shows. He assists students when recording productions which air on the station. As Technical Director, he makes sure the hardware and software are working properly.

As a member of the WBFH management team with Station Manager Pete Bowers and Program Director/Remote Supervisor Ron Wittebols, Carr has helped make The Biff a well respected program in the state and the nation. WBFH was recently named the Michigan Association of Broadcasters 2010 High School Station of the Year, the sixth time in eight years receiving that honor. WBFH also has been named the Best High School Station in a national competition three times in the last four years.

 

Detroit News:

Carl Nielbock was a stranger in a new land. Listening to legendary radio personality Martha Jean "The Queen" Steinberg helped him persevere. The 24-year-old moved from Germany in 1984 to meet his father and connect with his African-American roots. Nielbock, whose mother is white and father is black, settled on the east side with his father. Their day began, like so many others in Detroit, by listening to Steinberg's radio show. "She was very inspirational. She eloquently explained the situation we find ourselves in," said Nielbock, 50. "She talked about how you can overcome problems and that you can make it despite all the adversity." Nielbock, an ironworks artisan, has worked since Steinberg's death in 2000 to honor her with a 16-foot statue on Belle Isle. He met with her daughters, Sandra and Trienere, last week to discuss efforts to raise $300,000 to complete the project... Building on legacy of Martha Jean 'The Queen' (Sat, 3/6)

 

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AllAccess.com:

CLEAR CHANNEL Rhythmic AC WDTW (106.7 THE BEAT)/DETROIT has announced its 2010 SPRING BEATRAVE. The APRIL 24th show features STEVIE B., LISA LISA, C+C MUSIC FACTORY featuring FREEDOM WILLIAMS, ROB BASE, THE COVER GIRLS and SHANNON... BeatRave Set At 106.7 The Beat Of Detroit (Fri, 3/5)

 

Michigan Radio named Public Radio Station of the Year

Michigan Radio, the public radio service from the University of Michigan, has been named Public Radio Station of the Year for 2009 by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB). The award was announced Wednesday evening at the MAB's annual Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference in Lansing. This is the eighth time in nine years that Michigan Radio has been named Public Radio Station of the Year.

The Station of the Year recognition is based on total points that a station receives in various judging categories. Michigan Radio was recognized as Station of the Year in Group 2, which is for public radio stations with more than $2 million budget.

In addition to the Station of the Year award, Michigan Radio received a total of fourteen Broadcast Excellence Awards, including eight Best in Category awards and six Merit awards.

 

The ratings for Detroit NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Ch. 4's news and Olympics broadcasts beat the top ten markets nationwide and the station won handily in early evening news at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., late news at 11 p.m., and primetime coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics in the February 2010 Nielsen ratings period of the Detroit television market.

Local 4 News at 5 p.m. garnered an 8.3 household rating (RTG) and a 17 share (SHR) in the 5-6 p.m. time period (compared to WXYZ 6.7 RTG, 14 SHR and WJBK 5.2 RTG, 11 SHR). Local 4 News at 5 p.m. registered a significant growth of nearly 20% in household ratings over the previous year.

In the 6-6:30 p.m. time period, Local 4 News at 6 p.m. finished #1 in household ratings scoring a 10.1 household rating and an 19 share (compared to WXYZ 6.3 RTG, 12 SHR and WJBK 4.5 RTG, 9 SHR). In addition, Local 4 News at 6 p.m. won in the key demo market of adults ages 25-54. This signifies a 25% ratings growth over the previous year, while competitor WXYZ is down 6% household ratings year to year.

Local 4 News at 11 p.m., the perennial powerhouse of late news anchored by Carmen Harlan, Devin Scillian, Chuck Gaidica and Bernie Smilovitz, dominated all local newscasts with the highest ratings of news on any station, in any time-period. In February 2010, Local 4 News at 11 p.m. garnered a 10.3 household rating and a 19 share. (compared to WXYZ 7.4 RTG, 14 SHR, WJBK 10pm 7.8 RTG, 12 SHR, and WJBK 11pm M-F 4.9 RTG, 9 SHR). Local 4 News at 11 p.m. was the only late news to demonstrate growth, up another 17% in household ratings over the previous year. In addition, Local 4 News at 11 p.m. beat the late newscast of all NBC affiliates in the top 10 markets nationwide.

From the Opening Ceremony of 2010 Winter Olympics and throughout the 16 days of intense competition in Vancouver, WDIV averaged a 15.7 in household ratings and a 25 share (compared head-to-head to primetime programming on WXYZ 7.0 RTG, 11 SHR and WJBK 5.3 RTG, 8 SHR), up 35% in primetime household ratings and 39% in share over the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

On Friday, February 12, WDIV's broadcast of the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony garnered a 21.1 household rating (RTG) and an 34 share (SHR) in the 7:30 p.m.-12:15 a.m. time period, up 34% from the 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in Beijing (15.7 HH RTG, 30 SHR), and up 76% in household rating from the 2006 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Turin (12.0 HH RTG, 20 SHR).

On Wednesday, February 17, as snowboarder Shaun White, speed skater Shani Davis and downhill skier Lindsey Vonn brought home Gold Medals for the U.S. team, WDIV garnered a 20.6 household rating and a 32 share, ranking #1 for household ratings over all NBC affiliates in the top ten markets nationwide.

In addition, on Sunday, February 28, while Team USA battled Team Canada, WDIV's broadcast of the Men's Hockey Gold Medal game finished just shy of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The WDIV programming lineup in other dayparts also fared well. The Ellen Degeneres Show (10-11 a.m.) was #1 and continues to lead in all key demographics. In the 4-5 p.m. time period, Local 4 News at 4 p.m. followed by Inside Edition with Deborah Norville virtually tied WXYZ's Oprah in households. And in the time period of 7-8 p.m., Wheel Of Fortune (11.2 HH RTG, 20 SHR) and Jeopardy (9.9 HH RTG, 17 SHR) are the top-rated shows, and continue to experience growth, up 14% in household ratings from the previous year.

Also in February, ClickOnDetroit.com, WDIV's local and national news, weather, sports and entertainment website, scored over 22.4 million page views, setting an all time record for page views in the month of February.

 

97.1 The Ticket to host free SportsFest on March 20

WXYT-FM 97.1 The Ticket, will present the "97.1 The Ticket SportsFest" - the ultimate metro Detroit sports fan appreciation event on Saturday, March 20 at The Rock Financial Showplace from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.. Admission is free. Parking is $5 per car. Details can be found at www.971theticket.com.

SportsFest will bring together fans and activities related to all four major local sports teams for a fun filled interactive day for sports lovers and families. 97.1 The Ticket, which can be heard on-air, online at www.971theticket.com and through mobile devices, will broadcast live from SportsFest beginning at 10 a.m. The event will showcase premier areas designated to each Detroit sports team (Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, Pistons) featuring youth clinics, pro shops, memorabilia displays, mascot appearances, sports courts, speed pitch machines, inflatables and more. Other show highlights include autograph sessions with current and former Detroit players, a Sports Pub to watch the college basketball tournament, roundtable discussions with Ticket personalities, contests, and a Minor Leagues area for the kids. 97.1's Ticket Chicks will be onsite along with the Detroit Pistons Dance Team Automotion.

"Detroit's sports fans are the most passionate and dedicated fans around. SportsFest was created as a one day free fan fest to recognize this passion and thank our listeners and fans," said Program Director Jimmy Powers.

 

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Metromix Detroit

Who's ready to rock, girl? It's time for WRIF-FM (101.1)'s annual Rock Girl search for that special someone to represent the legendary Detroit powerhouse radio station at concerts, VIP events and even on the air... The winner of the competition will be rewarded with a $40,000 salary, a scholarship to Specs Howard School of Media Arts, rep the station at events and on air and more. A series of four casting calls over the next few weeks at local bars and establishments will celebrate the new crop of talent, familiarize themeselves with the station and its personalities and provide plenty of opportunities of fun to interact with the public and...party!... WRIF 2010 Rock Girl Search (Wed, 3/3)

 

Detroit News:

The 2010 Pistons Care Telethon will run throughout today, beginning with live radio and television broadcasts at The Palace of Auburn Hills and culminate with tonight's Pistons-Celtics game at 7:30 p.m., broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit and 97.1-FM, the Ticket. Proceeds from the telethon will benefit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to feed needy Michigan residents. TV viewers and radio listeners interested in donating can call (877) 499-2010 toll-free or donate online by visiting www.nba.com/pistons and clicking "Donate Now"... Pistons Telethon will help feed the needy (Tue, 3/2)

 

Jack Torry, whose book "Henderson's Light: Drinking, Driving and a Deadly Encounter" (Countinghouse Press, $25.95) detailed a tragic 1965 car crash that took the lives of three Birmingham Seaholm teens, including swim team star Roddy Henderson, will appear at 11:30 a.m. today on the Craig Fahle Show on Detroit Public Radio, WDET-FM (101.9). The Fahle show runs from 10 a.m. to noon... Author Jack Torry gives interview on WDET-FM (Tue, 3/2)

 

Broadcasting & Cable:

WDIV Detroit has been a pioneer in using Streambox's software-based encoder for IP-based newsgathering in both the Detroit area and internationally. The station relies on it instead of traditional microwave and satellite links to backhaul coverage for both TV newscasts and its Website. The NBC affiliate, owned by Post-Newsweek, has used Streambox to cover everything from a local long-distance yacht race to the aftermath of January's massive earthquake in Haiti, combining it with both wireless EVDO data cards and BGAN broadband satellite transmitters. This winter, WDIV took its use of the Streambox system one step further in an effort to improve its local severe-weather coverage. The station reached a deal with Michigan roadway authorities to place video-capable 3G smartphones loaded with Streambox software in 25 plow trucks... Streaming Snowplows Circle Detroit (Mon, 3/1)

 

Guest column by Bill Kalmar, former Director of the Michigan Quality Council

Congrats to Dick Purtan and his talented team for the $2.3 million raised in the 23rd annual Salvation Army Bed and Bread Radiothon! It was an exciting day as his legions of listeners and fans called in their pledges. We called our pledge in early and felt good all day as we heard the stories of how that money is assisting those less fortunate. And no one directs the all day activities better than Dick Purtan!

Money raised by the Radiothon will go a long way to feeding the over 5,000 people daily that the Bed and Bread trucks serve. In addition, two new trucks have been dedicated to Dick and Gail Purtan and Doc Andrews and Gene Taylor from money pledged by listeners. What a great honor for Dick and Gail and a wonderful legacy for Doc and Gene!

Dale Johnson of the Salvation Army mentioned that pledges would push the campaign "over the top" and callers did just that! And it happened because as the song says -- Dick Purtan "You're the top".

You're the top -
You're the louvre museum.
You're a melody from a symphony by strauss.
You're a bendel bonnet, a shakespeare sonnet, you're mickey mouse.
You're the nile - you're the tower of pisa.
You're the smile - on the mona lisa.
You're the top, you're mahatma ghandi.
You're the top - you are napoleon brandy.
You're the purple light of a summer night in spain.
You're the national gallery,
You're garbo's salary,
You're cellophane.
You are sublime, you're a salmon dinner.
You're the time - the time of the derby winner.

During the month of March I know that Dick and his Purtan's People will be featuring excerpts from the "Best of Purtan" and all of us are looking forward to that. But somehow I think once he retires and settles into a lifestyle of assisting charities and doing the work that is most dear to his heart, we will be exposed to more of the "Best of Purtan" because whatever it is he does, he does it BEST and the best is yet to come!

Congrats Dick on 45 years in radio and congrats on the accomplishments yet to be realized!

P.S. And yes I changed "turkey" to "salmon" in the lyrics!

 

Toledo Blade:

Even before cracking the November ratings book and crunching the newscast numbers, WNWO-TV, Channel 24, general manager Jon Skorburg had to know how his station fared. It's been the same every ratings period since Channel 24 began broadcasting nearly 45 years ago: WNWO is in last place in all competitive newscasts. One thousand: That's approximately how many viewers between the ages of 25-54, the prime advertising demographic, the Nielsens say tuned in to Channel 24 at 11 p.m. That's 22 times less than those who watch WTOL-TV, Channel 11, and 17 times less than those who tune in to WTVG-TV, Channel 13. In the average number of total viewers for that same newscast, WNWO was watched by 5,000 people, compared to 57,000 and 40,000 for WTOL and WTVG, respectively... Reshaping Toledo's Channel 24 (Sun, 2/28)

 

AnnArbor.com

WEMU (89.1-FM), the public radio station based at Eastern Michigan University, has announced new overnight programming starting Monday. Replacing the syndicated "Jazz with Bob Parlocha" will be a new national show with a broader musical focus called "Undercurrents." It includes jazz but also a variety of other genres. The full press release from WEMU: 89.1, WEMU, Eastern Michigan University's public radio station, will debut a new overnight music service beginning at 10 p.m. Monday, March 1. "Undercurrents," hosted by Peabody Award winner Greg McVicker, comes from RadioCamp LLC and distributed by Native Voice One: The Native American Radio Service, replaces the previous overnight program, the syndicated "Jazz with Bob Parlocha." "Undercurrents" is called "American music with a passport" and lives up to that claim with an intriguing, well-produced, expertly hosted, and very listenable mix of rock, blues, jazz, folk, native, Americana, funk, electronica, reggae, roots, world, dub, and alt country music" said WEMU's program director, Clark Smith... WEMU changing overnight programming with "Undercurrents" (Sun, 2/28)

 

A nice scene at Oakland Mall in Troy this evening just past 10 o'clock as Dick Purtan and crew put the wraps on their 23rd successful Radiothon to benefit the Salvation Army's Bed and Bread Club in Southeast Michigan. After the final tally of $2,339,440 was announced, Purtan spent several minutes shaking hands and chatting with the standing-room only crowd that had gathered at the mall for the duration of the 16-hour event.

Although the pledge tally fell about $60,000 short of their all-time record, the amount did surpass the $2.2 million raised in 2009.

Purtan is retiring from WOMC FM 104.3 on March 26th and this was his last Radiothon as host.

 

Detroit Free Press:

It's just a little bit after 10 a.m. and more than $580,000 has been raised at Dick Purtan's annual radiothon to benefit the Salvation Army. The scene at Oakland Mall today is filling up quickly with fans and longtime friends who share a sense of community with Purtan, who announced two weeks ago that he will retire his "Purtan's People" morning show March 26, the final bow of a nearly 45-year Motor City broadcasting career... Dick Purtan radiothon raises thousands (Fri, 2/26)

 

It will likely be an emotional scene today as Dick Purtan hosts his final radiothon to benefit the Salvation Army. "For me, this is the culmination of these past 23 years of work," Purtan told the Free Press of the Dick Purtan Radiothon, which has raised nearly $22 million for metro Detroit's homeless and hungry people. Purtan announced two weeks ago that he will retire his "Purtan's People" morning show March 26, the final bow of a nearly 45-year Motor City broadcasting career. The news of his retirement is sure to put an even brighter spotlight on his biggest annual event... Broadcasting legend Purtan to host final radiothon today (Fri, 2/26)

 

After nearly a decade of busting bad guys, bulldog Channel 7 investigative reporter Steve Wilson is losing his job. But he's not losing his sense of humor. "Isn't it ironic that Kwame Kilpatrick still has his job after I'm losing mine?" he observed wryly this week. "That will teach you a lesson in fairness." In a way, Wilson outlasted the man perceived to be his nemesis. Arriving just before Kilpatrick finished first in the 2001 mayoral primary, Wilson stuck around as chief investigative reporter at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) well after Kilpatrick resigned as mayor, spent 99 days in jail and moved his family to Texas. That's cold comfort in a television market that just a few years ago bristled with investigative reporters. Wilson's imminent departure in what he characterized as a cost-cutting move, coupled with Scott Lewis' sign-off at WJBK-TV (Channel 2) in December and cutbacks in the investigative unit at WDIV-TV (Channel 4), show that one way local stations are dealing with financial pressures is by shrinking the high-impact -- but high-cost -- special project teams... Reporter Steve Wilson losing job at Channel 7 (Fri, 2/26)

 

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Detroit News:

Steve Wilson, the dogged Channel 7 chief investigative reporter known for pursuing ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick for alleged misdeeds from Detroit to California, is being ousted, he said Thursday. "It's a business decision made by a corporate owner who is not in this community," Wilson told The Detroit News on Thursday night. He said he was given notice that his contract would not be renewed when it expires next month. Wilson also posted the news on DetroitYes.com, a popular local Web forum. "Simply put, Channel 7's corporate management in Cincinnati just does not see the value in continuing to invest in me and the work I do here in Detroit," he wrote on the forum. The award-winning reporter, who joined WXYZ in 2001, said he hopes to launch a nonprofit that would house an investigative reporting team producing items for other media outlets... Steve Wilson loses job as TV reporter at Ch. 7 (Fri, 2/26)

 

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A Prairie Home Companion announces special musical guests for Detroit show

Michigan Radio and Olympia Entertainment will present a special live performance of A Prairie Home Companion, this Saturday, February 27. Host Garrison Keillor and special guests will take the stage at Detroit's historic Fox Theater for a live, national broadcast beginning at 5:45 pm.

Saturday's show will feature live performances by special musical guests, including blues and soul legend Bettye LaVette, Detroit singer and songwriter "Sir" Mack Rice, and gospel singers Jearlyn and Jevetta Steele. Host Garrison Keillor will weave local humor into the show and share his signature monologue, "The News From Lake Wobegon," with Detroit audiences, in addition to performing comic skits with the Prairie Home cast.

Bettye LaVette, who has been recording soul music since 1962, is best known for her 2005 album I've Got My Own Hell To Raise and Grammy-nominated 2007 album The Scene of the Crime. She has previously appeared on NPR's All Things Considered as well as Late Night with David Letterman, The Conan O'Brien Show, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

"Sir" Mack Rice has been a nationally prominent songwriter for over 50 years, and lives in the Detroit area. He has written compositions for artists including The Staple Singers, Eddie Floyd, Johnny Taylor, Rufus Thomas, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Busta Rhymes, and Ike and Tina Turner. Among his best known compositions are "Respect Yourself" and "Mustang Sally," a song he wrote and recorded, that gained even greater popularity after Wilson Pickett covered it in 1966.

A Prairie Home Companion is currently carried coast-to-coast on over 580 public radio stations, with a nationwide audience of over 4 million listeners. The show regularly airs across southern Michigan on Michigan Radio (91.7 FM in Ann Arbor & Detroit, 91.1 FM in Flint, 104.1 FM in West Michigan) Saturdays at 6:00 pm and is repeated Sundays at noon.

 

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Flint Journal:

For the uninitiated, it might be hard to grasp exactly what "A Prairie Home Companion" is, and what makes it so popular. It's a throwback serial radio program, sure, but one that combines live theater, music, comedy and melodrama into an entertainment stew that works unbelievably well... Love 'Prairie Home Companion'? See it live Saturday in Detroit (Fri, 2/26)

 

Detroit News:

The 23rd Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon to benefit the Salvation Army kicks off Friday at Oakland Mall. Because Purtan announced his retirement from radio earlier this month, all are hoping for a blowout, with more donations than usual. Over the years, the radiothon has raised more than $22 million for the Salvation Army's Bed and Bread Club, which feeds the hungry and shelters the homeless in Detroit. "It's such an important program, so many people are fed off of it," Purtan told The News in an interview earlier this month. "It feeds, oh gosh, nearly 5,000 people a day, 365 days a year. It shelters 570 people (men, women and children) 365 days a year." Purtan's last day on the air on WOMC-FM (104.3) will be March 26. The radiothon will continue after that, but Purtan's involvement going forward is still being worked out... Purtan kicks off radiothon Friday (Thu, 2/25)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

The 23rd Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon being held Friday to benefit the Salvation Army, will be the last for the WOMC-FM (104.3) radio personality before his retirement in March. The radiothon, which is being held in Troy at the Oakland Mall Center Court between 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., has raised nearly $22 million for The Salvation Army's Bed and Bread Program since its' launch in 1988... Purtan to host his last radiothon Friday (Thu, 2/25)

 

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WDIV hires Gary Macko as new GSM

WDIV-TV Ch. 4 has announced the hiring of Gary Macko as General Sales Manager of WDIV Local 4, the flagship station of Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc. Macko, a veteran television general sales manager for over ten years at stations in New York and Tennessee, will assume the role in mid-March.

"We're thrilled to have Gary join the Local 4 team. He's just the right guy to take on this critical role," said Marla Drutz, WDIV Vice President and General Manager. "Gary's years of experience in the industry and enthusiastic leadership of our sales team will be a great benefit for all of our clients looking to create effective and innovative campaigns on-air and online."

Prior to joining WDIV, Macko served as general sales manager at WMC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Memphis, Tennessee, since 2001. Before that, Macko held the role of general sales manager at WKBW, the ABC affiliate in Buffalo, New York, and WTVH, the CBS affiliate in Syracuse, New York, where he had been promoted from the position of local sales manager.

Macko will oversee sales efforts for WDIV-TV's programming including Local 4 News at 5 and 6 p.m. and Local 4 News at 11 p.m. (the number one-rated newscast in Michigan and top NBC affiliate local newscast) and signature events including exclusive television coverage of the International Freedom Festival Fireworks, America's Thanksgiving Parade, and the Olympics.

 

AnnArbor.com:

The Federal Communications Commission recently granted WCBN-FM -- the University of Michigan's nearly 40-year-old, not-for-profit, student-run radio station -- the opportunity increase its power from 200 watts to 3,000 watts. But in order to take advantage of this, WCBN must purchase a new transmitter and antenna (the station has received quotes in the range of $20,000-$80,000 for each, plus the cost of installation), and the FCC has provided WCBN with a window of 3 years to make the change. To this end, WCBN is now seeking listener testimonials, which will be used to petition for support from the university and other student organization umbrella groups... U-M's student radio station, WCBN, seeks listener testimonials for funding petitions (Tue, 2/23)

 

Detroit's Downtown Hoedown sets 2010 dates

The 28th annual Downtown Hoedown has been set for May 14th - 16th and will once again be sponsored by country WYCD-FM 99.5 Detroit. The artist lineup will be revealed starting on March 12th. For details on what's been billed as the USA's largest free country music festival, visit www.wycd.com.

 

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Crain's Detroit Business:

When yawning and bleary-eyed metro Detroiters begin their day on March 29, absent from their car radios for the first time in 45 years will be the voice of Dick Purtan. Known for his humor, charity work and trademark mustache, Purtan announced on Feb. 11 that he's retiring next month from oldies station WOMC-FM 104.3, ending a career that began more than 50 years ago. That includes on-air stints at different Detroit stations since 1965. Widely considered a pioneer of the modern morning radio format of comedy bits, chatter and music, and the recipient of nearly every imaginable award in the business, Purtan exits the industry at a time of immense change. Some of that change has been pressure from radio station managers and owners to talk and laugh less on air, and play more music instead... Dick Purtan leaves a changing industry (Sun, 2/21)

 

Detroit Free Press:

"Mojo in the Morning" is celebrating its 10th anniversary on WKQI-FM (95.5) this week. It's been a decade of jokes, phone scams, celebrity dirt and engaging interviews from the team that includes Mojo, Spike and homegrown cohost Shannon Murphy. The show, a consistent top 5 performer in the morning ratings race, might be best known for good times, but leader Mojo says the most gratifying thing about his involvement is its connection to the community. "Success was always the plan, but the coolest thing is interacting and working with our listeners through Time Team Detroit," Mojo said of the organization established to coordinate volunteer efforts and mobilize the show's listeners... Mojo's morning crew reaches a milestone (Sun, 2/21)

 

New York Times:

It was an instinctual move, honed through years of watching the Olympics on television. Tom August, a resident of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., changed channels to see what was on CBC, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. It's an option available to many American border cities like Detroit, Buffalo and Seattle, and a secret escape for Americans who do not want to watch NBC. But as August soon realized, that option was not available for the Vancouver Games. CTV, Canada's largest private broadcaster, won the rights to broadcast the Vancouver Games, and August's cable company does not carry it... Canadian TV Switch Displeases Americans (Sat, 2/20)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

Paul Carey, who was Ernie Harwell's partner on Tigers broadcasts for 19 seasons, said it's "heartrending" to see Harwell deal with his terminal cancer. "He's the most gentle, the most tolerant, most patient man I've ever known," Carey said Friday morning at the Tigers' spring training camp. "He's just one of a kind. There will never be another Ernie." Carey said he has been talking to Harwell about once a week. Their most recent conversation was Monday... Ernie Harwell's ordeal saddens Paul Carey (Sat, 2/20)

 

Detroit Free Press:

CNN's Soledad O'Brien will lead a panel discussion at Ford Motor's 29th annual Black History Month Celebration on Friday. O'Brien will moderate a program titled "Voices of Communication: Shaping the Story of Black America." Also participating: syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, Essence magazine's Angela Burt-Murray, TV One's Jonathan Rodgers and filmmaker David Wilson. WDIV-TV (Channel 4) anchor Rhonda Walker and state Sen. Martha Scott, D-Highland Park, will be honored for their community work at the event, which is open to the public... Ford Motor to salute Black History (Wed, 2/17)

 

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Detroit News:

Jerry Hodak , the chief meteorologist for WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), and his former colleague, retired anchorman Bill Bonds, are being inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes reporters, editors, publishers, broadcasters, educators and others who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Hodak and Bonds are part of the group's 25th anniversary class... Jerry Hodak, Bill Bonds to enter journalism Hall (Thu, 2/18)

 

Guest column by Bill Kalmar, former Director of the Michigan Quality Council

Country singers have a way of expressing their thoughts and views unlike any other artists. How else can we account for songs such as, I Guess I Had Your Leavin' Coming, or I Bought The Shoes That Just Walked Out On Me, or how about, If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me. Rhett Akins had a hit a couple of years ago with a ditty titled, That Ain't My Truck. Here's a verse: "That ain't my shadow on her wall, Lord this don't look good at all, Cuz that's my girl -- my whole world... But that ain't my truck".

And while on the subject of trucks, every day thousands of our fellow citizens look for the distinctive red and white Salvation Army Bed and Bread trucks that traverse through the various neighborhoods of our community. These are people who through no fault of their own have become disenfranchised. Imagine, if you can, being hungry and homeless - especially during this coldest time of the year! It's a heartbreaking thought but unfortunately for many in our community it's a way of life.

Fortunately, the Bed and Bread trucks of The Salvation Army have become a lifeline for the underprivileged. Each day The Salvation Army Bed and Bread trucks serve nearly 5,000 meals on the streets of Detroit. In some cases, the cup of soup, sandwich, and perhaps a cookie, is the only sustenance some of our fellow citizens will receive for the entire day. And no matter the weather, the Bed and Bread trucks are there to provide what is a life saving meal for too many.

Most of us in the area have never seen the trucks and that is a good sign. It means that we are in the warm confines of our homes, gainfully employed, and have never experienced the trauma of life on the streets. Not seeing The Salvation Army Trucks means that our lives have not been impacted by the strains of unemployment or some tragedy not of our making. As such, I think it is incumbent upon us to assist those people who look for and see the Bed and Bread trucks everyday!

The country song may state that "it's not my truck", but I truly believe that the Salvation Army trucks belong to everyone in the community who want to assist those less fortunate. The Salvation Army trucks make no distinction to race, color or creed because the trucks provide nourishment to everyone! And, believe it or not, there are in fact people who have had the trucks in their lives and as a result of the assistance from The Salvation Army are now back on their feet and are contributing to the Bed and Bread campaign themselves.

How can we be a part of this tremendous movement? On Friday, February 26th from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Dick Purtan of 104.3 WOMC will be hosting his 23nd Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon live from the Oakland Mall to raise money for the Salvation Army's Bed and Bread Club. To support this very worthwhile endeavor, you can become a member of The Bed and Bread Club by contributing just $120 (or just $10 a month), which will help feed one person in Detroit for a year. Or, for $240 (or $20 per month) you can help feed two people. And for that $240 donation you will receive a commemorative collectible plate signed by Dick Purtan.

Of course no donation will be refused and all are certainly welcome! Dick Purtan has been conducting this Radiothon for 22 years and because of his commitment and the generosity of the community, nearly $22 million has been raised for The Salvation Army's Bed And Bread Club. Last year's campaign raised more than $2.2 million!

If you have never seen the Bed and Bread trucks, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. However, we need the trucks to keep running for those less fortunate. And yes, I know that there are many worthwhile charities that need our support. But the Salvation Army campaign strikes at the very heart of our own community, so won't you somehow find it in your heart to contribute to The Bed and Bread Club? Just call (248) 307-1043 between now and February 26 and make your donation so that those who rely on the trucks will continue to see them everyday. Don't be the person in the song, If The Phone Doesn't Ring, It's Me. Dick Purtan and his team are waiting for your call! Make their phones ring!

And if you happen to pass one of the trucks on the road, give a wave knowing that your contribution is helping to provide a lifeline to many of our community's neediest citizens. And contrary to the country song, that truck belongs to all of us! I'll be doing my part - won't you join in too!

 

For more information on the 23rd Annual Dick Purtan Radiothon visit womc.com.

Online donations are also being accepted right now! Click to make your secure donation.

Be sure to become a fan of the Radiothon on Facebook: Dick Purtan Radiothon to benefit the Salvation Army's Bed & Bread Club page

 

column written by Art Vuolo, Jr.

Frankly I'm getting tired of losing so many friends in radio. It's is one of the worst parts about getting older. James R. Marik, best known to radio people, as J. R. Nelson, was not a close friend, but we've known each other since first meeting in 1983 at this new station in the swampy Meadowlands of New Jersey. It was a Newark station called WVNJ at 100.3 FM, that had just undergone a complete makeover by Scott Shannon. It was now WHTZ Newark, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut's Hot Rockin', Flame-throwin' Z-100! I was there on the Friday after Thanksgiving in 1983, less than four months after the station signed on back on August 2nd. I even brought the legendary Joey Reynolds (now at WOR NYC) who Scott Shannon allowed to audition (on the air) for a job. It made for a great, and now priceless video. J. R. Nelson was part of that original staff. The video of him and Ross Brittain and Jonathan Bell (who's still at Z-100) all singing "Shout" by the Isley Brothers is still vivid in my mind.

J. R. Nelson died yesterday, February 16th from, what his partner Sue Peters felt was a heart attack. The Oak Harbor, OH native was only 60, and would have been 61 next month. He was going to lay down for a nap and fell on the bed. He had also been battling from bladder cancer. In recent years J. R. has been in Detroit as Director of Imaging and Creative Services at country WYCD-FM (99.5) and later at classic hits WOMC-FM (104.3) both owned by CBS Radio. He and Sue shared a home in Rochester Hills, in suburban Detroit.

J. R. Nelson had one of the best sets of pipes in the business. A distinctive voice that was immediately recognizable. He...and it, will surely be missed. I know that I will certainly be sending a DVD of that November 1983 video to Sue Peters. It may make her cry, but I know it will also make her smile.

Rest in peace JRN...you were among the best.

 

Reach Art Vuolo at artvuolo@aol.com or visit his web site at vuolovideo.com

 

AllAccess.com:

JIM MARIK (A.K.A. J-R NELSON) passed away in his sleep this afternoon after a three-year battle with cancer. J-R is probably best known for being part of the original Z100/NYC morning show with SCOTT SHANNON. He also ran his own voiceover service for years and most recently, worked at CBS RADIO/DETROIT... J-R Nelson Succumbs To Cancer (Tue, 2/16)

 

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Fox Sports Net/Detroit updates Pistons schedule

During the course of the season, FOX Sports Detroit picked up two Detroit Pistons games that were originally scheduled to be nationally televised on ESPN - Dec. 9 vs. Philadelphia and March 21 at Cleveland. In exchange, two games have been removed from the local TV schedule - Feb. 27 at Golden State and March 13 at Atlanta. These games will not be available for local viewers.

The Pistons' schedule with TV availability can be viewed at www.foxsportsdetroit.com/pages/pistsonsschedule.

last updated 8:36 p.m.

 

Two veteran Detroit-area radio personalities announced plans to move on from their current gigs on Facebook this morning:

Lisa Jesswein, morning show co-host at pop WDVD-FM 96.3 posted on her Facebook account the following-

I invite you to take joy in all that is new in your life. I have decided to leave the morning show on 96.3 WDVD to forge a new path. I am so very grateful to all who have followed me over the years, those who met me at WDVD and those who will continue to watch my progress. Where will I end up? Hmmm...stay tuned! :-)

 

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Weekender Steve Black of rock WRIF-FM was less mysterious about his destination on his posting-

Time to announce my new job. Starting tomorrow I'm the Program Director at 103.9 The Fox in Flint. I will be on the air weekdays starting Wednesday. I will be finishing up my WRIF duties over the next couple of weeks. I'm excited to be going back to my hometown! I can't thank Doug Podell and Mark Pennington enough. They have taught me well. I'll have a new Fox FB page up on Monday. please friend us when you can.

Black grew up in Flushing and has been on Detroit radio for nearly 20 years at six different stations including WRIF. The Fox 103.9 is Cumulus Broadcasting's classic rock WRSR-FM Owosso/Flint.

 

Purtan retirement announcement gets lots of coverage

The Detroit media is not hesitating to provide coverage to yesterday's announcement that Dick Purtan has decided to retire from the daily radio grind next month. Some of the updated stories are below:

 

Detroit News:

Detroit radio icon Dick Purtan announced on his morning show Thursday that he's signing off after a long run as host of one of Detroit's top morning shows. His last "Purtan's People" radio program will be March 26. Purtan told his WOMC-FM (104.3) listeners that he and wife, Gail, decided over the two-week Christmas holiday that it was the right time to retire, almost 45 years after he came to Detroit to take the late-night shift at the hot pop music station WKNR-AM (1300) in May 1965... Dick Purtan: Time to retire after four decades on Detroit radio (Fri, 2/12)

 

Detroit Free Press:

After 45 years on the Motor City airwaves, it's the end of an era for Dick Purtan, known for his distinguished voice, signature moustache and warm-hearted humor. After 14 years on WOMC-FM (104.3) -- and almost 50 years since his Detroit market debut at WKNR-AM -- the legendary broadcaster said Thursday he'll step away from his morning-talk mic on March 26... After 45 years on Detroit airwaves, beloved radio host Dick Purtan will retire in March (Fri, 2/12)

 

The Oakland Press:

Dick Purtan's fans reacted quickly Thursday to the news he had decided to retire March 26 after 45 years in radio. "I'm holding several hundred messages here in my hands," said Purtan, one of the giants of Metro Detroit morning radio and host of the Oldies 104.3 WOMC Morning Show with Purtan's People... Radio legend Dick Purtan will retire (Fri, 2/12)

 

WXYZ-TV Ch. 7:

With Videos: Longtime Detroit radio personality Dick Purtan has announced he is retiring from the airwaves, effective March 26. Purtan told his listeners on his WOMC-FM radio program Thursday morning... Radio Legend Dick Purtan to Retire (Thu, 2/11)

 

WDIV-TV Ch. 4:

ClickonDetroit.com has several videos available... Search ClickonDetroit.com (Thu, 2/11)

 

WJBK-TV Ch. 2:

With Video: A Detroit broadcasting legend is calling it a career after almost a half-century of making us laugh. Dick Purtan has been a fixture on the radio dial for 45 years. His last day on WOMC is March 26... Dick Purtan Says He's Retiring in March (Thu, 2/11)

 

Also, please check out Art Vuolo's latest column here on Michiguide.com:

Dick Purtan hangs up the headphones

 

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NBA's Detroit Pistons set to host 3rd Pistons Care Telethon

The Detroit Pistons plan to continue their tradition of giving back to their community by hosting a day-long telethon on TV, radio, and at the Palace of Auburn Hills on March 2nd. The press release:

The Detroit Pistons have announced that the 2010 Pistons Care Telethon benefiting Food Bank Council of Michigan will take place on Tuesday, Mar. 2. The team is devoting the entire day leading up to the Pistons' game against the Boston Celtics, including their in-arena presentation and game broadcasts, to raise money for FBCM. The telethon begins at 6 a.m. with live radio and television broadcasts at The Palace and runs throughout the day, culminating with Pistons-Celtics game at 7:30 p.m., broadcast on Fox Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket.

As Michigan families struggle to weather the state's troubled economy, the demand on community food banks is higher than ever. This year's telethon benefiting FBCM will dedicate all proceeds to feed Michigan residents in critical need throughout the state. The FBCM also supports Michigan farmers by working with them to provide fresh produce to those in need. The team and entire Palace Sports & Entertainment organization is asking for the support of the Pistons community.

"The Food Bank Council of Michigan has the ability to stretch minimal donations into maximum efforts," said PS&E President and CEO Tom Wilson. "Just $10 feeds a family for a week; $100 provides a student a backpack that can be refilled throughout the school year and $200 feeds a senior for an entire year. We have the opportunity this year to do something great for our friends and neighbors right here in Michigan."

Donations can be made immediately by clicking here. Online donations will be accepted until March 2. Donors interested in participating on the day of the telethon will be provided a toll free number to call throughout the day. To learn about other fund-raising programs that allow individuals, businesses, schools or churches to get involved, please call the Pistons community relations department at 248-377-0100.

The FBCM provides statewide leadership to food banks in their efforts to alleviate hunger through the distribution of surplus food to those in need. FBCM gathers food and funds to help stock Michigan's food banks. The food is then distributed throughout the statewide food bank network. Millions of pounds of this food are surplus vegetables, fruits and other grocery items that, for one reason or another, cannot be sold. For more information, please visit www.fbcmich.org.

"It is always heartwarming to see a community come together to help one another," said Jane Marshall, executive director of the FBCM. "Michigan food banks are stretched beyond the limit and cannot keep food on their shelves to keep up with the increased demand. The financial disaster of Michigan is taking a toll on Michigan families, so we hope those who can donate help in some way."

In 2008, the Pistons became the first professional sports team in Detroit and in the NBA to present an entire home game as a charitable fundraiser. The 2009 Pistons Care Telethon benefiting Feed The Children raised more than $450,000 in pledges and helped to provide food and personal care items to 25,000 families across Michigan.

 

Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame adds five

The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame recognizes reporters, editors, publishers, owners, photographers, broadcasters, educators and others who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Since 1985 the Journalism Hall of Fame has continued the tradition of honoring journalists begun in 1952 by the Michigan Newspaper Hall of Fame.

The class of 2010 includes:

• Bill Bonds- iconic TV anchor at WXYZ-TV 7 and WJBK-TV 2 in Detroit
• Ron Dzwonkowski- Detroit Free Press associate editor and columnist
• Dawn Hertz - Media Lawyer with the firm Butzel-Long
• Jerry Hodak- Detroit TV reporter and anchor since 1965; currently the chief meteorologist at WXYZ-TV
• James Pooler- Detroit Free Press reporter

The Hall of Fame banquet is scheduled for Sunday, April 18, 2010, at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. Contact Michigan State University's School of Journalism at 517-353-6430 for more information.

 

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MLive.com / Associated Press:

Ernie Harwell will receive the Vin Scully Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports Broadcasting. The Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers will receive the award on May 5 in New York. The 92-year-old Harwell was the voice of the Tigers from 1960-02. He said last September he has inoperable cancer, a month after surgery for an obstructed bile duct. He was honored with a tribute during a game at Comerica Park on Sept. 16. Harwell's 55-year career began in Atlanta in 1946. He moved two years later to the Brooklyn Dodgers. After stints with the New York Giants and Baltimore Orioles, he started his long association with the Tigers. Harwell was voted the 1981 Ford Frick Award for major contributions to baseball by the Hall of Fame. The Scully award is named for the longtime Dodgers broadcaster, who won the Frick Award in 1982. Scully helped form Fordham's radio station WFUV, which is the award's sponsor, and joined the Dodgers broadcast crew in 1950. Tigers' Ernie Harwell to receive Vin Scully Lifetime Achievement Award for broadcasting (Thu, 2/11)

 

column written by Art Vuolo, Jr.

No radio personality in Detroit radio history has been more iconic than Paul Richard Purtan, who along with J. P. McCarthy, is the longest running on-air talent on the Motor City radio dial. McCarthy joined WJR in the late fifties and (except for a brief stint at San Francisco's KGO) remained in the Fisher Building until his untimely death on August 16, 1995. In fact, when I was commissioned to produce a six hour documentary called "The History of Detroit Radio" in 1971, an entire chapter was devoted to "Detroit's Super Stars;" McCarthy and Dick Purtan!

Mr. Purtan, however, had a far more mobile career but, was always true to Detroit. I was familiar with Dick prior to his even coming to Motown. I heard him on top-40 legend WSAI (AM 1360) in Cincinnati, where he helped bring the Beatles to the Queen City. He was Paul Purtan in those years, following Dick Wagner. Back then, in the mid-1960's, stations just didn't put jocks with the same first or last name on the air back-to-back. So, when he arrived in Dearborn at WKNR, the well-remembered "Keener 13," he preceded Paul Cannon, so his real first name of Paul was dropped and he began using the name Dick, since his real middle name IS Richard. He was also clean-shaven in those early days as evidenced by this photo taken in the old WKNR production studio in the summer of 1965.

Dick arrived about the same time as a Kansas City DJ by the name of Rock Robbins...but that was too close to another big name in Detroit radio, Robin Seymour. So, Rock Robbins took the name of Scott Regan and he arrived at Keener 13 just prior to Purtan. Dick needed some promotion to counter Regan's "skateboard contest," and came up with the "picture contest." You needed to draw a picture of what you thought Purtan looked like. Well, I already had an 8 X 10 black and white photo of "Paul" Purtan from WSAI. So, I cheated and drew a darn good rendering of his likeness....but still didn't win the contest.

Dick started at Keener in the 10 pm till 1 am time slot and was truly outrageous. Dick is from Kenmore, NY a suburb of Buffalo. At first he was almost as crazy on the air as another Buffalo native (now in NYC) Joey Reynolds, but later turned out to be as smooth as still another Buffalonian by the name of Tom Shannon. Soon he segued to mornings at WKNR and become increasingly popular. This caught the attention of WBAL Radio 11 (1090 AM) in Baltimore to woo him to Maryland. That lasted less than two months. He used a "non-WBAL" word on the air when he said "guts." He also did a parody about Spiro Agnew, before he was VP of the United States. That didn't sit well with the brass inside the beltway.

So, soon after he left, the Dickster was back in town and spent the next ten years at WXYZ (AM 1270). Infact his program director for part of that run was James K. Davis, aka Big Jim Edwards from the Big 8 CKLW in 1970. Then in another odd twist of circumstances, Purtan wound up across the river in Canada at CKLW (where Davis/Edwards had been, just a few years before, as a Big 8 jock) working for well-remembered general manager Herb McCord. This was just at the tail-end of the "glory days" of CKLW as a Drake-style top-40 powerhouse.

Dick will also be remembered as one of the originators of the "put-on" phone calls, while over at CKLW, since rules about such pranks in Canada were less constrictive than those of our FCC. Personally I will never forget his phony call to the late Bob Ufer, UM's ultimate "homer announcer" offering him a job at ABC Sports! Also, how a clip from his show got my "radio on video" montage banned at a convention of the National Association of Broadcasters. All he did was hold up a pair of dark blue satin underwear briefs, a listener sent him for his birthday, with his first name embroidered on the fly! It was outrageously funny, but the NAB thought it was in bad taste and pulled the plug on the video. Thankfully, they are a lot more progressive today.

After years of cruising through the Detroit-Windsor tunnel, Dick flipped to the FM dial at WCZY-FM when it was called Z-95.5. Mid-stream in his tenure next to Mel Farr Ford (Ten Mile & Greenfield in Oak Park) the station changed call-letters to WKQI and was known as Q-95. When he finally felt he couldn't relate to the current hit music anymore, he made the move to "Fashionable Ferndale" the Detroit suburb that is home to CBS-owned WOMC-FM (104.3) which has morphed from a traditional oldies (late 50's, 60's & 70's) station to today's more prevalent classic hits fare (late 60's, 70's & 80's). It's been a 14 year run at WOMC, which (for the past 4 years) has also been the flagship station for University of Michigan Football. It's unsure how Purtan's departure might affect that relationship, but U-M equipment manager, and frequent Purtan guest on Tailgate Shows, Jon Falk, will miss him greatly.

Dick has won just about every award and honor one can achieve in a single lifetime from the NAB, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, trade publications and civic and charitable organizations.

Tongues are already waggin' about who might succeed him. With a glut of out-of-work radio personalities the possibilities are bountiful. J.J. and Lynne and, recently hired for part-time at WOMC, Chris Edmonds and Stacy DuFord seem like a couple of strong candidates. Edmonds and DuFord are currently on Sunday's 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. at 104.3 FM.

Mr. Purtan is the father of six daughters, three of whom are in the broadcasting industry; Jennifer, Jackie, Jill, Joanne, Jessica and Julie. He's grandfather to seven grandchildren as well. I fondly recall videotaping daughter JoAnne's wedding in 1993. I stunned him and his wife Gail by (without their knowledge) getting most of the biggest names in Detroit TV news to congratulate JoAnne and Eric on their nuptials! I also remember him giving me more than I asked for in his compensating me for that video job. What a prince he is! Yup, he's one of the last of the truly "good guys" in radio.

Dan Mason, who runs CBS Radio, started out as a DJ, so he knows first hand, what a loss this is for WOMC...which stands for Wayne, Oakland & Macomb Counties, making up greater Detroit. But, in the fall I tell everyone that WOMC stands for Where Only Michigan Counts! CBS/Detroit VP & Market Manager Debbie Kenyon said, "No one has made more of an impact on Detroit radio than Dick Purtan. He's truly one-of-a-kind."

In late May of this year Dick would have been on the air in the Motor City for a remarkable 45 years! A celebration will no doubt mark the occasion and regarding that talk of another Detroit Radio Reunion, Dick emceed the last three such events, and according to local marketing executive and past reunion committee member, Mike Seltzer..."no one in Detroit can emcee like Dick."

Also his annual Salvation Army radiothon has raised over 2 million for the last couple of years which, in this economy, is incredible. He will do the annual event again on February 26th live from the Oakland Mall in Troy.

Purtan's wife Gail is an honest-to-God walking miracle who has survived both breast and ovarian cancer for the past 13 years! She is an incredible woman, and after 50 years of marriage they would like to enjoy the future together at their home in West Bloomfield and their get-a-way place in southwest Florida. Oh yeah, and he plans to do a lot of sleeping after that final show on March 26th.

Happy Retirement Richard from all of us in your "buddies and pals" club and all listeners whose lives you've touched since your arrival May 24, 1965. Good luck to our AM-FM-MC-DP...DICK PURTAN!

 

For more on the career of Dick Purtan, be sure to check out Keener13.com too!

 

Reach Art Vuolo at artvuolo@aol.com or visit his web site at vuolovideo.com

 

One of the biggest stories in Detroit morning radio history is breaking today with Dick Purtan's announcement that he's going to be retiring next month. This most certainly will be one of the biggest radio stories of the year and will likely have repercussions for any number of stations as the scramble begins to lure and/or maintain morning listeners as a new landscape takes shape in morning drive.

Here's hoping Mr. Purtan has a long and happy retirement!

 

Audio of today's announcement, courtesy of WOMC

 

Press release from CBS Radio Detroit:

Legendary Detroit radio personality and Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Purtan today announced his retirement from CBS Radio Detroit's 104.3 WOMC. After 45 years on the air in Detroit, the last 14 hosting morning drive on WOMC, he will retire effective March 26, 2010.

Purtan, regarded as one of the country's most respected, revered and recognized air personalities, is an icon in radio broadcasting. During his long career he has been installed in both National Radio Halls of Fame, as well as the Michigan Broadcasters Hall of Fame and has won the coveted "Marconi" as the nation's top radio personality. Along with many other honors and awards, he earned a television Emmy in 1980 for his stellar performance emceeing the Detroit Emmy TV Awards television special and was selected to run as an Olympic Torch bearer in 2002.

Purtan's show is always topical and infused with intelligent comedy - taking listeners to the edge, but never "crossing the line". He is nationally recognized as the father of the original "Put-On Call" which has become a programming staple on many radio stations around the country. Surrounding himself with a cast of characters, both real and imaginary, he excels in what radio was meant to be - "theater of the mind." An equal opportunity satirist, Purtan has good-heartedly skewered everyone and everything in the public eye.

"I was trying to put off retirement until the Lions made it to the Superbowl," said Purtan, "but frankly, I've got to get some sleep."

He added, "It's been my honor to have been welcomed into the homes and lives of the people of Southeast Michigan for the part 45 years. It's been a ball... and besides all of the fun, I hope we've made a difference."

"Unfortunately, we are losing a legend," noted Debbie Kenyon, Vice President and Market Manager for CBS Radio in Detroit. "No one has made more of an impact on Detroit radio than Dick Purtan. He is truly one-of-a-kind. Millions of people have woken up to Dick's voice in the morning...his departure will leave a void I'm not sure anyone can fill."

Purtan's dedication and commitment extends beyond his morning show. The Detroit News recognized his charitable contributions by naming him a "Michiganian of the Year" in 1993. This past September he and his wife Gail were bestowed the honor of being "Goodfellows of the Year" by the Detroit Goodfellows Organization for their on-going commitment to charitable causes.

Throughout his career Purtan has helped many charitable organizations and countless people in need. His annual Radiothon for The Salvation Army's Bed and Bread Program has raised more than $22 million since 1988 to feed the homeless and hungry in the Metro Detroit area. This year's Radiothon will be held on Friday, February 26, at Oakland Mall in Troy from 6:00am-10:00pm and broadcast on WOMC and streamed live on www.womc.com. His Radiothon is the largest single day, single radio station fundraiser in the country.

He has also been active in fund raising for Ovarian Cancer Research at the Karmanos Cancer Center through the Gail Purtan Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and has been an avid supporter of Children's Hospital among other charities in the Metro Detroit area.

Purtan's career path began in his hometown of Buffalo, N.Y. and included stays in Syracuse, N.Y.; Jacksonville, Fla. and Cincinnati, Ohio. While at the latter destination, he personally arranged for The Beatles to perform in Cincinnati during their first tour of America in 1964. He and Gail scraped together $2500 (their life savings) - and convinced four of his fellow jocks to do the same - to secure the Fab Four's performance. When they took to the stage, it was Purtan who introduced them. In 1965, he traveled north on I-75 for his first Detroit job at the legendary WKNR - Keener 13. In 1968, he was wooed to WBAL in Baltimore, where he did the morning show for five weeks before being fired to being "too wild for the town." A month later, he returned to morning radio in Detroit on WXYZ - 1270 where he stayed for 10 years. Then in 1978, he crossed the river to CKLW AM in Windsor, Canada., Four years later, he switched to the FM band (and shortened his commute) by moving to WCZY FM in Detroit - which later became WKQI. In 1996, he moved to WOMC, where he has been ever since.

Purtan and his wife Gail reside in West Bloomfield. Together they raised six daughters (Jennifer, Jackie, Jill, JoAnne, Jessica & Julie) and now boast seven grandchildren (five boys and two girls).

 

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Detroit News:

After 45 years in Detroit, longtime air personality Dick Purtan called it a career this morning, announcing on his "Purtan's People" radio program that his last show will be March 26. Purtan told his WOMC-FM (104.3) listeners that he and wife Gail had decided over the two-week Christmas holiday that it was the right time to hang up the microphone, almost exactly 45 years since he first came to Detroit to take the late-night shift at WKNR-AM (1310) after being hired there in May 1965. "I must tell you, I've been blessed to do something I've loved and that I truly enjoy, but I have to be honest, I have been enjoying it less lately," Purtan noted... Dick Purtan is retiring from radio (Thu, 2/11)

 

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Detroit Free Press:

In between weight-loss jokes and adult-contemporary radio hits, Dick Purtan announced early this morning on his radio show that he will be retiring after 45 years on Detroit airwaves. Purtan said the decision is something that he and his wife Gail have discussed for years, and that it was not easy to come to and that timing it was always going to be difficult, but after 14 years on CBS Radio's WOMC-FM (104.3), he'll step away from his morning-talk mic March 26... Radio legend Dick Purtan to sign off after 45 years (Thu, 2/11)

After 39 years in Detroit radio, preceded by stints in his hometown of Buffalo and Cincinnati, Dick Purtan enters broadcast Valhalla on Saturday night in Chicago. The morning mirthmaker will be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame... Flashback: Dick Purtan on his career, inspiration (republished Thu, 2/11)

 

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WDIV-TV Channel 4:

Detroit radio legend Dick Purtan announced moments ago he is retiring. Purtan has worked in radio for 45 years. He has hosted the morning show at WOMC since April 1996. He said he has loved the job with all his heart, but the passion is not there anymore. He said he will spend the next two months doing radio like he has been and then he looks forward to throwing away the alarm clock... Dick Purtan To Leave WOMC (Thu, 2/11)

 

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WXYZ-TV Channel 7:

Longtime Detroit radio personality Dick Purtan has announced he is retiring from the airwaves, effective March 26. Purtan made the announcement on his WOMC-FM radio program Thursday morning. In making the announcement, he said "I was trying to put off retirement until the Lions made it to the Superbowl but frankly, I've got to get some sleep." Purtan also said "It's been my honor to have been welcomed into the homes and lives of the people of Southeast Michigan for the part 45 years. It's been a ball... and besides all of the fun, I hope we've made a difference." In addition to his on-air work, Purtan has work tirelessly for charity... Dick Purtan To Retire (Thu, 2/11)

 

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WJBK-TV Channel 2:

One of Detroit's most popular radio hosts is calling it a career. Dick Purtan announced Thursday that he will retire this Spring. The longtime host of the morning show on 104.3 WOMC says his last day will be March 26... Dick Purtan Says He's Retiring in March (Thu, 2/11)

 

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MLive.com:

Detroiters received some sad news this morning during their daily commutes -- longtime local radio host Dick Purtan announced he would be retiring in late March of this year. Purtan has been on the air in Detroit since 1965, first at Top 40s stations WKNR and WKQI before landing at WOMC, where he has been entertaining morning listeners since 1996... Detroit radio legend Dick Purtan announces plans to retire (Thu, 2/11)

 

Detroit Free Press:

It has been some 19 years since Paul Carey left the Tigers' radio booth. For almost a generation, Carey was the voice of the middle three innings during Tigers broadcasts. He also was Ernie Harwell's engineer and an owner of a pretty memorable voice in his own right. Carey worked at WJR for 35 years. At 81, he still loves the game, the team he covered and the state that produced him. Free Press sports writer Shawn Windsor recently caught up with Carey at his home in Rochester. Q: What have you been doing the last 19 years?... Radio voice Paul Carey: Life after the Tigers (Thu, 2/11)

 

WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) anchor Stephen Clark, Pete Misiak of WJR-AM (760), WJBK-TV (Channel 2) sports anchor Dan Miller and other local personalties are stepping away from their day gigs to share the stage in the Spotlight Players' presentation of Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" ... WEMU-FM (89.1) is hosting a benefit Saturday at Ann Arbor's Northside Grill, where the station's personalities will wait on tables. All tips go to WEMU, a public station... Names and Faces (Thu, 2/11)

 

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Detroit News:

Hockeytown loves the Winter Olympics. While NBC overspent for the rights to show competitive cold-weather sports and stands to lose a whopping $250 million as a result, Red Wings fans and the network's local affiliate, WDIV, will reap the rewards when the 2010 Vancouver Games begin Friday. And it doesn't matter Red Wings captain Nick Lidstrom will be playing for Sweden. The point is: He'll be playing ... For Olympic junkies who enjoyed seeing events live on the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) in years past -- you're out of luck this year. The International Olympic Committee awarded the Canadian broadcasting rights to the 2010 Vancouver Games and 2012 Summer Olympics in London to CTV Inc. That means there is no longer continuous, live Olympic coverage on CBC for audiences in Michigan. CTV is not available in Michigan...