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

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

AllAccess.com:

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

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

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

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

WXYZ-TV and Art Van Furniture announce canned food drive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AllAccess.com:

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

Long time Northern Michigan broadcaster Merlin (Zeke) Dumbrille has retired after 58 years on the air with WTCM after his program on Friday, October 30th.

Dumbrille was the host of WTCM's Farm & Orchard Time, heard weekdays at 11:45 am since 1963. On his show, Merlin talked with MSU Extension Directors from the five county Traverse City area about current problems growers face, and offers solutions to keep them operating at a good profit margin. He also talked with Soil Conservation Officers from the area county conservation districts, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council members in Petoskey and area Foresters, all on a regular weekly basis.

Overall, Merlin had been with WTCM for 58 years, and retired as the Farm Director and Public Affairs Director for the station. He has won numerous local and State honors for his coverage of farm related news and information. He also regularly covered activities for the National Cherry Festival and produced the broadcast of the entire National Cherry Festival Grand Cherry Royale Parade until this past summer when he stepped down from those duties.

Dumbrille is a Life Member of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Traverse Bay, and was previously a President. He is currently the President of the Traverse City Masonic Building Association, and a Corporate Member of Munson Medical Center. He is a relief motion picture projectionist at the State Theatre in downtown Traverse City. For the past thirty-three years, Merlin has been the audio technician for the broadcast of the Central United Methodist Church Sunday Services in downtown Traverse City.

Merlin and his wife of 55 years, June, have lived in Traverse City their entire lives. They've raised three children and have three grandchildren.

Congratulations to Dumbrille on his outstanding career of serving Traverse City area radio listeners!

Traverse City Record-Eagle:

The Michigan airwaves will soon be without the voice and host of one of its longest-running talk shows. Merlin Dumbrille, host of "Farm and Orchard Time," and farm director and public affairs director for WTCM Radio, retires as of today. In 1964, Merlin began hosting the popular "Farm and Orchard Time" program on WTCM radio in Traverse City. For more than 45 years, Merlin kept Michigan farmers and the public up to date on important agricultural issues of the day, featuring farm news and information to keep his listeners better informed. He talked with Michigan State University Extension directors from northwest Michigan's 5-county area about current problems growers face and offered solutions to keep them operating at a good profit margin. Soil conservation officers from the area county conservation districts, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council members in Petoskey and area foresters were also regular guests on his show. This silver-tongued legend provided up-to-date information on farm and food-related programs to members of the agriculture community with insightful questions and commentary... Hats off to Dumbrille (Sat, 10/31)

As Ryan Terpstra busily prepares for another edition of the "Sean & Terp" show at Clear Channel's downtown studios, co-host Sean Baligian is nowhere to be seen. He certainly can be heard, though. Loud and clear. The "Sean & Terp" show airs on WMAX-FM (96.1) -- or, as it's more commonly known, ESPN 96.1 -- and Terpstra mans the booth in Grand Rapids. Baligian is an equal partner, albeit from almost 150 miles away, at the WDFN studio in Detroit. Naturally, it takes a little time to adjust to communicating with your broadcast partner when he isn't the same room as you are, but both said it hasn't been an issue since the show debuted Aug. 17... 'Sean & Terp' show on ESPN 96.1 features co-hosts 150 miles apart (Fri, 10/30)

Federal authorities say a Detroit television reporter tried to use underhanded means to gain access to a Madison Heights veterinarian clinic where an FBI dog was being treated for mortal wounds resulting from a shootout with the leader of an Islamic fundamentalist group. And now she could be in hot water. The owner of the Veterinary Emergency Service clinic in Madison Heights said WDIV-TV (Local 4) reporter Natalie Sentz told the manager that she had been sent to the facility Wednesday by the FBI to make arrangements for disposing of the dog's remains... WDIV reporter used false story to try to see shot FBI dog, feds say (Fri, 10/30)

Jazzy Detroiter and former WVMV-FM (98.7) morning host Alexander Zonjic is ready to pay tribute to the station's now defunct smooth jazz format with a double-header celebration tonight and Halloween at the flutist's Seldom Blues supper club. "This is not going to be a pity party; it's really a tribute to the station," Zonjic says of the celebration, which will feature artists like Tim Bowmand and Dave McMurray and some of the station's former personalities. Zonjic, the morning host for the last dozen years on V98.7, did his last show Oct. 2, the Friday the adult contemporary station flipped formats and became mostly Top 40. He says he's been bombarded since then with e-mails, Facebook messages and tons of questions and support... Parties honor jazz station (Fri, 10/30)

Since its introduction to our airwaves, homes, and day-to-day activities, ann arbor's 107one has become a welcome staple of the community and the Ann Arbor lifestyle. With the acclaimed Studio A2 and Studio A2 On The Road broadcasts, listeners have tuned their radios and opened their ears to thousands of live and local performances that we all talk about and remember.

Last year marked the first time those memorable performances were captured on disc for everyone to enjoy. The result was the Live From Studio A2, Volume One benefit CD, which helped raise thousands of dollars for the Michigan Theater Foundation and its focus for live entertainment for more than 80 years: the historic Michigan Theater on Liberty in downtown Ann Arbor.

The station is pleased to announce that they have taken the newest and best live performances, both from artists' visits to their studio and adventures across the area to create Live From Studio A2, Volume Two.

With songs handpicked and carefully re-mastered to showcase the amazing talent that comes through our town, Live From Studio A2, Volume Two boasts a pedigree of emerging and chart-topping artists and acts that will be the perfect complement to your collection.

With stand-out tracks from artists on the rise like James Morrison, Brett Dennen, Vienna Teng and Donavon Frankenreiter, to artists you've loved for years like Feist, Indigo Girls, They Might Be Giants and John Hiatt, Live From Studio A2, Volume Two illustrates what makes Ann Arbor truly special with its eclectic mix of talent and artistry. The project is made possible once again by the generous support of our friends at Bank of Ann Arbor and Sesi Motors.

Proceeds from the disc will benefit The Michigan Theater Foundation, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to operate, preserve and maintain Ann Arbor's historic Michigan Theater for the benefit of the community and the arts. Established to save the theater from demolition in 1979, the foundation works every day to raise the considerable funds needed to maintain the theater and its programs.

Live From Studio A2, Volume Two to benefit the Michigan Theater will be released Tuesday, November 3rd and available exclusively at Borders stores in Ann Arbor (downtown Ann Arbor on Liberty, Arborland on Washtenaw and Water's Place on Lohr Road), Brighton, Canton and Novi with the introductory price of $12.99.

Don't have Live From Studio A2, Volume One yet? What are you waiting for? Borders will be offering BOTH volumes together for $20. That's a savings of over six dollars and the perfect way for you or a friend to check out what truly rocks in Ann Arbor.

As Central Michigan University prepares to purchase Flint's public broadcasting station WFUM-TV, the new likely owners are promising viewers more local programming in the city and surrounding areas. CMU this week agreed to purchase WFUM (Channel 28) from the University of Michigan for $1 million with money from its reserves and to be repaid by CMU Public Broadcasting, which would acquire the Flint station. The sale won't be finalized until the Federal Communications Commission approves the license transfer. "It certainly allows us to continue to provide public broadcasting to the Flint area and that was something that was in jeopardy," said CMU Spokesman Steve Smith, who said CMU expects to take control of programming by mid to late November... WFUM would bring more local programming to Flint under Central Michigan University ownership (Thu, 10/29)

Returning to Grand Rapids to play music is something country star Dierks Bentley is looking forward to doing, especially when it helps benefit children. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter will headline Sunday night's B-93 Roofsit Concert for Kids in Van Andel Arena. Sponsored by WCBT-FM (93.7), the event is a part of the radio station's long-running annual drive to raise money for West Michigan agencies involved in treating and preventing child abuse and neglect. Taylor Swift performed last year in the Roofsit's inaugural concert... Dierks Bentley returns to Grand Rapids for B-93 Roofsit fundraiser (Thu, 10/29)

WZZM-TV 13:

The lawyer for Grand Rapids radio station B-93 says the Ionia Director Of Public Safety told station executives it was safe to hold their Birthday Bash at the Ionia Fairgrounds last summer. "The Director Of Public Safety made the determination it was safe to proceed," says B-93 attorney Jon March. Approximately 1,400 vehicles were stranded when the fairgrounds flooded during the concert June 20. Many were severely damaged or totaled. Radio station lawyer Jon March laid the blame on the Ionia Public Safety Department after a hearing on how to handle claims from owners of damaged vehicles... B-93 blames Ionia Public Safety Director for flooding mess (Wed, 10/28)

We are all for a good prank and think we have a good sense of humor, but one Northern Michigan radio station has sunk too low. On Tuesday, listeners to WKLT's morning radio show were told trick or treating was canceled across the area because of the recent sicknesses breaking out. Parents and children were upset and called the offices of area chambers of commerce and even the News-Review to find out more. In light of all the school closings and various nursing homes asking children not to trick or treat at their facilities, to some people the canceling of trick or treating in a community was a feasible scenario. It turns out this was a "prank" perpetrated by this radio show. It was a prank that played off the fears of area families already worried about a serious flu spreading through the schools. It was bad timing, not funny and in poor taste (especially since it, in a big way, played off the emotions of children looking forward to a fun evening out)... Shameful radio 'trick' is no treat (Thu, 10/29)

It's one of metro Detroiters' favorite holidays - and WDIV Local 4 will help celebrate by airing a primetime All 4 Halloween special along with exclusive features on Local 4 News, contests and photo sharing on ClickOnDetroit.com, and a Halloween-eve Freaky Forecast on JustWeather.com.

On Wednesday, October 28 at 8:30 p.m., Local 4's resident Halloween expert, Chuck Gaidica, hosts a half-hour All 4 Halloween special, taking viewers on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Erebus, the haunted house that was voted No. 1 scare by Local 4 viewers in the 2009 Vote 4 The Best Haunted House category. Witness the birth of animated monstrosities created by Monster-Tronics in South Lyon and destined to unleash terror around the world. Then, see how Troy resident Tom Nardone has taken pumpkin carving to a new extreme using pyrotechnics and power tools.

The All 4 Halloween special also brings you a captivating and creepy look at the accidental mummies from the historic exhibit at the Detroit Science Center. And, contestants of The Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition share recipes for healthy Halloween treats, courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Plus, see childhood photos of your favorite Local 4 personalities dressed up for Halloween - can you guess who is who? Don't miss All 4 Halloween Wednesday, October 28 at 8:30 p.m., following NBC's Monsters vs. Aliens Halloween special at 8 p.m.

In addition, all week on Local 4 News look for special All 4 Halloween features, including Halloween Haunts showcasing outrageous front lawn displays and the annual much-anticipated reveal of Chuck's own very special trick-or-treat costume.

And Local 4, which is calling itself the official station of Halloween, has a web full of eerie interactive entertainment on ClickOnDetroit.com, where more people click than on any other web site in metro Detroit. Can you guess how many pumpkin candies are in our ghostly jar? Enter the Ghost How Many contest for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Meijer. See amazing photos from metro Detroiters of pets and kids in cool and creative costumes. Check out the 4 The Best Guide to your favorite Haunted Houses and Cider Mills in southeast Michigan.

Detroit News:

Rain or shine, meteorologist Kim Adams delivered weather forecasts to viewers of WDIV-TV (Channel 4) off and on for seven years. But when motherhood beckoned for a third time, Adams had to make a decision, and she chose her husband and kids. Last week, station management announced the move was mutual and Adams would not be returning. "In the end, I decided I couldn't 'have it all' and chose to resign," says Adams, who gave birth to her third child, Alexander William Daudert, in April. Her contract with the local NBC affiliate expired while she was on maternity leave. "The people at WDIV have been so kind to me, and it made the decision very difficult. I still can't watch the news without feeling a little sad. But my children are my world, and I don't want to miss these years with them." Viewers who miss Adams, a Mount Clemens native, and her sunny disposition can look for her in her new role as spokeswoman for 1-800-Hansons, a local windows and home improvement company. She shot her first commercial last week... Kim Adams puts her family ahead of forecasting (Wed, 10/28)

A judge rejected class-action status today for a lawsuit against the owner of B-93 radio after a June flood damaged hundreds of cars at the B-93 Birthday Bash at the Ionia County Fairgrounds. Ionia County Circuit Judge Suzanne Kreeger agreed with B-93 lawyers, who argued that each case would be different because car owners had varying levels of liability. Kreeger said she would be willing to revisit the request for class-action status later. About 1,400 cars were stranded in a grassy parking lot along the Grand River after flood waters rose quickly June 20 during the concert. Many of the cars were totaled by insurance carriers, but some people carried only basic coverage and were ineligible for replacement reimbursement... B-93 Birthday Bash gets temporary reprieve in flood lawsuit (Tue, 10/27)

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved a proposal to submit an offer to purchase WFUM TV in Flint for no more than $1 million. The television station, currently owned and operated by the University of Michigan, would broadcast from Bay City to the metro Detroit area, Interim University President Kathy Wilbur said the board viewed it as an opportunity to significantly expand the university's coverage into critical areas such as southeast Michigan. "It allows us to expand academic programs on the behalf of CMU, especially through Prof Ed," Wilbur said. "We're so focused on our enrollment question and retention question, this gives us another avenue in which to pursue that." The Board met in special session today in the President's Conference Room in the Bovee University Center to discuss the television station. A purchase and interim management agreement will now be drafted so CMU can take over the station as soon as possible... Board of Trustees approve acquisition of WFUM TV station in Flint (Tue, 10/27)

Television Broadcast:

Public TV stations in Michigan are the latest recipients of federal DTV transition grant money. Central Michigan University's public TV stations received $750,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development fund, according to The Michigan News. The money was secured by Michigan Democratic Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin. The grant money will go toward digital production equipment including cameras, editing, mixing and storage equipment. The coverage area of this grant includes the digital stations serving central and northern Michigan. CMU's PBS member stations include WCMU-TV, WCML-TV, WCMV-TV and WCMW-TV... Michigan Public Stations Net $750,000 in Federal Funds (Tue, 10/27)

BLACKBURN RADIO Country CJWF (FM 95.9)/WINDSOR, ONTARIO (CANADA) has announced its first-ever station concert with CANADIAN Country artists JOHNNY REID and VICTORIA BANKS, even though the station hasn't yet signed on the air. CJWF is hosting the show with REID and BANKS on DECEMBER 11th at the WINDSOR FAMILY CREDIT UNION CENTRE and is offering an exclusive ticket pre-sale through their website beginning WEDNESDAY (10/28) at www.windsorsfm959.com... CJWF Announces Station Concert Before It Hits The Airwaves (Mon, 10/26)

editors note: CJWF is on the air with test programming

CKWW AM 580 to air "The War Of The Worlds" Halloween Night at 10 PM

On Halloween night, AM 580 will once again turn back the clock to air one of the most infamous radio broadcasts of all time. "The War of the Worlds" was originally broadcast in 1938 as part of the "Mercury Theatre On The Air" program. Based on the H.G. Wells science fiction novel, this radio show starring Orson Welles had a nation convinced aliens were invading. Despite numerous disclaimers, the simulated news bulletins were so believable that panic gripped the country as thousands actually thought aliens had landed in Grover's Mill, New Jersey and were taking over the world.

AM 580 has re-played this historic broadcast every year at Halloween since the early 1990's.

Legendary TV comedian Soupy Sales passed away at a hospice facility in the Bronx, NY yesterday at 9:51 p.m. at the age of 83. Sales got his start in TV on Channel 7 in Detroit in the late 50's at WXYZ-TV. He had a popular kids show called "Lunchtime with Soupy." One of his most memorable "stunts" was when he asked the kids to get a dollar, money with presidents pictures on them, and send it to him. Some reports say Soupy got nearly $20,000!

In 1998 Soupy came back to Detroit and was the guest of honor at the Detroit Radio Reunion. He was introduced by popular Detroit radio icon Dick Purtan. He did about 7 minutes of hysterical stand-up comedy.

In the early 1990's Soupy was a guest morning host on WKHM-AM (970) in Jackson, MI 80 miles west of Detroit, 35 miles south of Lansing. He was "on fire" all morning long says Radio's Best Friend...Art Vuolo who got it all on videotape.

Joey Reynolds also featured Soupy at the famous Wax Museum in New York City for a video when Soupy posed as a wax statue and fooled sight-seers who didn't know he was REAL. Priceless.

In NYC Soupy was the mid-day host in the later 1980's at WNBC-AM (660) between after Don Imus and before Joey Reynolds.

Soupy's health had been slipping for the past couple of years. He would have been 84 this January. Soupy has thrown his final pie, and he WILL be missed.

contributed by Art Vuolo

Detroit News:

Soupy Sales, the rubber-faced comedian whose anything-for-a-chuckle career was built on 20,000 pies to the face and 5,000 live TV appearances across a half-century of laughs, died Thursday. He was 83. Sales died at Calvary Hospice in Bronx, New York, said his ex-manager and longtime friend, Dave Usher. Sales had many health problems and entered the hospice last week, he said. At the peak of his fame in the 1950s and '60s, Sales was one of the best-known faces in the nation, Usher said... Comedy's pie-faced Soupy Sales dies (Fri, 10/23)

After decades in the historic Penobscot Building in downtown Detroit, urban radio stations WJLB-FM (97.9) and WMXD-FM (92.3) are moving to owner Clear Channel Detroit's corporate headquarters in Farmington Hills in mid-November. Clear Channel Detroit president/market manager Til Levesque told her staff that the move was the last step in a six-year process to consolidate Metro Detroit operations in one central location... Detroit radio stations move to Farmington Hills (Thu, 10/22)

Detroit Free Press:

Soupy Sales, the rubber-faced comedian who made an art form out of taking a pie in the face and delighted a generation of Detroiters with his loopy TV show on Channel 7 in the 1950s, died Thursday night in New York. Sales, who had been in ill health for several years, was 83. His former manager, Dave Usher, said Sales last week entered a Bronx hospice, where he died. He is survived by his wife, Trudy, and two sons, Hunt and Tony. "He was the first person from Detroit television whose first name had instant recognition from coast to coast," said former Channel 7 anchorman Bill Bonds... Detroit entertainer Soupy Sales is dead at age 83 (Fri, 10/23)

Wolfman Mac extends his reach: Fans of Wolfman Mac's Saturday-night "Chiller Drive In" variety show on Detroit's WMYD-TV (Channel 20) should be howling at the moon now that his fictional Hauntington Woods neighborhood is expanding. About two weeks ago, Traverse City's WLLZ-TV (Channel 12) and WNFM-TV in Ft. Myers, Fla., picked up the Wolfman's show... Names & Faces (Fri, 10/23)

Michigan Radio shortens Fall membership drive and exceeds goal

Michigan Radio, the public radio service of the University of Michigan, finished a very successful fall membership drive on Wednesday evening. The on-air fundraiser, which ran from October 14 - 21, generated over 7100 pledges totaling more than $850,000 from donors across southern Michigan and northern Ohio. The money raised helps pay for programming costs at the station, with membership support being the station's single largest source of income.

Remarkably, contributions exceeded the fundraising goal of $712,000, even though Michigan Radio reduced the amount of on-air fundraising time in comparison to previous years. In response to listener requests, the station cut back its fundraising hours by over 25% compared to the 2008 fall drive and over 35% compared to fall, 2007.

As part of this effort to reduce on-air fundraising time, Michigan Radio tested an innovative approach on the first day of the membership drive. On Wednesday, October 14, the station attempted to raise the entire first day's goal in just one hour, between 7 - 8 a.m. This move proved to be very successful, and donations during that single hour surpassed the goal threefold.

Total contributions during Michigan Radio's 2009 fall membership drive exceeded fall 2008 numbers by more than $80,000, making this the most successful fall fundraiser in station history. Of the money raised, over 2,000 pledges came from first time donors to the station. Listeners could contribute either by calling in their pledges to phone volunteers or by pledging online via MichiganRadio.org.

"We're extremely grateful that our Michigan Radio listeners continue to place strong value on our service with their demonstration of outstanding financial support," said Director of Broadcasting Steve Schram. "Thanks to this record setting response, we hope to continue to reduce the hours of on-air fundraising, and bring our listeners more of their favorite public radio news and information programming."