Spring Book is out
Pittsburgh:We're a day behind...sue us.
WDVE has widened the gap at number one and KDKA at number two. Perhaps I should say that KDKA has widened the gap since the number has dropped pretty considerably. Will we ever see KDKA in the top spot again? I wouldn't hold my breath.
Someone suggested that the election year and the Pirates on FM are the reasons why WPGB is in 3rd place. WPGB came to life in 2004 - the last election year - and many of us were sure the gimmick would die after the election was over. We were fooled. As long as it's attracting listeners with Quinn, Beck, Limbaugh and Hannity, WPGB is here to stay. Another reason not to hold your breath about KDKA's placement.
Country WDSY continues a gradual drop in numbers. Is country losing the interest of listeners? Is soft rock? WSHH has lost some ground since the Christmas Blitz in the fall numbers. The pattern shows that things will change as the summer progresses. Wish doesn't need to worry, WWSW seems to be losing some ground too, but still holding up. Bob-FM WRRK seems to be gaining ground again while WJAS remains steady.
Let's move on to WLTJ. Despite the outcry of listeners when the station fired the staff and hired an automated announcer, the station seems to be bumping upwards.
Looking at the reincarnated B-94, WBZW is moving upward. Given WBZZ's final ratings before the jump to classic rock, one might say that the station was never broke and they shouldn't have "fixed" it. There's no telling what might happen between WBZW and WKST. Right now, I suspect status quo.
The 12+ numbers typically mean nothing. Stations base their ad rates on the numbers for their target demographics.
Source of info: Radio & Records.
WKBN 570 tops spring book
Youngstown: It looks like the upcoming Presidential election has helped news / talk WKBN 570 overtake country giant "K-105" in the spring numbers. The talk station has been a strong number 2 behind K-105 for the last several books. With the upcoming election, the fall book could also be good for new talk station WGFT 1330 with some strong syndicated personalities in their lineup. A 1.0 wouldn't be a surprise considering who they are up against with 'KBN. Following the top 2 is classic rocker "Y-103", hot AC "Mix 98.9", "Big 106.1", and top 40 "Hot 101." Rounding out the top ten are rock "93.3 The Wolf", WNIO 1390 in a tie with "102 Jamz" and "95.9 Kiss FM."Paulsen & Savran head to 1250
Pittsburgh:After several weeks of filling in for Fred Honsberger at KDKA, Scott Paulsen is headed to Ardmore Boulevard. Paulsen will be part of a three-man team filling in the 3-7 p.m. slot emptied after Mark Madden was fired. Joining Paulsen are Eddy Crow who moves from the mid-days and former Steelers defensive back Mike Logan. The new programs should be in place, assuming contracts are finalized, Monday, August 4.
There are several "full circle" situations with this move.
- Stan Savran will be reunited with Guy Junker for the first time since the program they hosted together on FSN.
- Savran has filled in on a part-time basis on 1250 for Junker or Crow. He had a long-time program on 1250 WTAE which began in the early '80s. (He would later work at Fox Sports 970 where he was later canned.)
- Paulsen and Crow will be reunited too. Crow used to do sports during the morning show at WDVE.
"AM 740" changes call letters
Erie-Meadville: News from Scott Fybush over at Fybush.com reports that the new owner of "AM 740" (now called "Zoomer Radio") Moses Znaimer has recently changed the call letters from CHWO to CFZM. I had initially had the new calls letters in the wrong order as CFMZ. Our thanks go out to Brian Smith at the "Ontario DX Association" for updating me on this. (http://www.odxa.on.ca/cfzm) The new call letters were put in place in order to be similar to his other Toronto area station CFMZ "Classical 96.3." Thus far, no other changes have taken place at the Pop Standards / Oldies station which has filled the void in several areas where other such stations have changed formats.Garrison replaces Orlando at Jet TV
Erie-Meadville: Yesterday (July 24) WJET TV 24 (DT 58) unveiled who would be replacing Pittsburgh bound Trina Orlando on both the morning and noon newscasts. Cassandra Garrison will become anchor of Jet TV's "Good Morning Erie", "Action News 24 at noon" and "Fox 66 News in the Morning." Cassandra has been a field reporter for both Jet and Fox 66 since September of 2007. Before that, she has interned at WEWS TV 5 in Cleveland and CNN International. The Cleveland native earned her Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast News at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She will begin her anchor duties on July 31st. Also, sports anchor Craig Smylie is heading out the door for a new job over in Jamestown, New York. Meanwhile, it appears that the station is still searching for an evening co-anchor after the departure of Karla Mullenax a few weeks ago.Milford to stand trial
Pittsburgh:Former KDKA-AM (1020) news reporter Rob Milford will stand trial on two charges after a June 16th incident where he was in possession of a firearm in a court facility and carried the firearm without a license. Milford's attorney, Wendy Williams, tells WTAE-TV that her client is innocent because he didn't know the loaded gun was in his briefcase. Milford told investigators that the gun belonged to his girlfriend and was left in the briefcase, but had forgotten that it was there. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating whose gun it really is.
Milford was initially placed on suspension but resigned from KDKA radio three days after the incident.
Erie TV in the digital age (how I see the possibilities)
Erie-Meadville: In just a matter of a few months, there will be a change in the way most Erie TV viewers who use only an antenna or use it in addition to their cable or satellite service will watch TV. As we all know by now, all full powered TV stations will be shutting off their analog signals on February 17th at 11:59:59. The digital age will change how TV is viewed from the local airwaves whether you have an HDTV set or a converter box for your existing TV. From what I have seen thus far from watching stations out of Youngstown and Pittsburgh, Erie viewers could be in for something special if local stations do their homework and simply ask what viewers want. The possibility of more choices (even for those who rely exclusively on an antenna) is something that most TV viewers would love. I could see WJET TV 24 adding a 24 hour weather channel with live radar you could access anytime you would like to. The region's most powerful doppler should be available 24/7 for those who may not have a computer to access it online. Of course, there are other possible networks out there that are not available on the local airwaves. Until a few months ago, "The CW" was only available to those with cable or satellite. That changed when WSEE TV 35 (DT 16) added it's CW affiliate "WBEP" to a second sub channel on 35-2. A third was added with WICU TV 12 on 35-3 in order to help with that station's digital coverage area which is limited on 52-1. Will a "MyTV" affiliate be added to one of the other local stations sub channels? One network that just went away far too soon was the 24 hour music video channel called "The Tube." I thought it was one with potential since they actually played videos unlike MTV, CMT and VH-1. Maybe a similar idea will come back once digital really gets going. Another network I can occasionally tune in from Pittsburgh's WPXI TV (DT 48) is called "RTN" or the Retro Television Network. It has that feel of "TV Land" in it's early days before adding more reality fluff like the "music" channels I just mentioned. You can find TV classics like "Petticoat Junction", "Get Smart", "Hawaii Five-0", "Kojak", "Magnum P.I." and so on. The addition of "Retromercials" adds the authentic touch to this network. As an Erie TV viewer, what options would you like to see on the expanded airwaves, if any.Local student hopes to win talent deal
Pittsburgh:Isaiah Smith of Point Breeze is a June graduate of Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and is planning to go to Point Park come fall. But first, Smith needs to get through the ABC Series "High School Musical - Get in the Picture" - where he became on of 12 finalists last night. The winner gets to star in a music video during the end credits of the new HSM movie and also receives a talent deal with ABC and a recording contract with Walt Disney Records.
Smith was discovered by a scout who saw him perform in CAPA's production of "Children of Eden". He left for Salt Lake City a few days before school ended and even missed his graduation ceremony. He tells the Post-Gazette that it's been a humbling experience admitting that "the biggest adjustment was accepting the fact that everybody is so different and has something unique to bring to the table."
Smith isn't really a reality show fan. "They just take up space on TV," he says. But he has a new appreciation for them saying that this show "is all about building up personalities and performers."
When not on TV, Isaiah Smith enjoyes singing R&B music and initially intended on becoming an instrumental major at CAPA. He was in 10th grade when he decided to become a musical theater major. He's looking forward to a "well-rounded career" and although his first love is on the stage, he wouldn't mind doing some filming too.
Bologna back at WPXI; Bowman hired full-time at KDKA
Pittsburgh:A week or so ago, it was just a rumor, but the male population who used to swoon over Julie Bologna on WPXI-TV (11) can get ready to do that once again. After a 3-year absense to KTVT-TV in Dallas, Bologna will return soon to deliver the forecast during the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. (on WPGH) newscasts. Chief Meteorologist Mike LaPoint will remain on the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. WPXI GM Ray Carter tells the Post-Gazette that this will make the largest weather team in the market. Bologna's previous work at WPXI was from 1999-2004.
Meanwhile, over at KDKA-TV (2), former WPXI meteorologist Dennis Bowman has been hired as the permanent morning and Noon meteorologist. Bowman has been freelancing at KDKA since he moved back to the area a few years ago. KDKA Management opted to get rid of Valerie Abati who hadn't even been at the station for a year. No comments from management or Abati were made to the Post-Gazette, but it's speculated that the morning news ratings and viewer complaints could have played a role. Bowman is expected to start his new venture on Wednesday.
Update 8/6/08: Comments for this article are closed.
Farewell hauls in the troops
Pittsburgh:Normally when I'm working at WKHB-AM/WKFB-AM (620/770) I'm there alone...and most of the time in the afternoons. But this week I was far from either. I had to fill in during the mornings and this morning, I was far from alone! That's because it was the Farewell to Porky Chedwick on 770's Morning Memory Show. I wasn't quite prepared for the party which, for an office suite across from a dentist's office, was packed to the gills!
Caveman Ralph hosted a dynamic show interviewing Porky, his wife Jeanie and several other guests including Henry Deluca. The discussions ranged from Porky's days as a sports announcer right up to the two "Pork-stock" festivals held at Three Rivers Stadium several years ago. Join me for a look at a few pictures from the event.
UPDATE: We would be remiss if we didn't mention Porky's appearance on DJ George's "Oldies Oasis" the Wednesday before the big day. Porky was given the opportunity to host the program as if it was back in the old days.
WYTV DT seeks power increase
Youngstown: According to a report from our friends at Ohio Media Watch, Parkin Television filed an application back on June 20th and is seeking a power increase for WYTV's digital signal on DT 36. The digital signal has been running at 50kw, which is far below the power output of both WFMJ DT 20 and WKBN DT 41. According to the FCC application, the power would jump to 1000kw, which would be the highest in Youngstown for a digital station. With limited time before the transition & winter weather coming in a few months, the equipment & tower upgrades would take place after the digital transition deadline. It would also cover my area a lot better than the station does now with the occasional picture break up. Predicted coverage area info is at http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/FMTV-service-area?x=DT1251536.html or just search under TV Query at the FCC website.Pork the Tork on the air this week
Pittsburgh:It seems that Porky Chedwick's departure won't be without celebration. He's apparently been running the circuit of Oldies programs at WKFB (770) over the last week and will make what could be his final Pittsburgh-based appearance on Friday Morning, July 18. That's when Porky will join 770's Morning Memory Show (7 - 10 a.m.) and its host Caveman Ralph to bid adieu to his listeners. Co-host Frankie Day is on vacation.
Porky, 90, and his wife Jeanie are headed to Florida where you might think the Bossman would retire. But we understand that there are plans to do a Florida-based radio program as well as produce some shows for airing in the Pittsburgh market.
DISCLOSURE: This editor works for Broadcast Communications Inc. - specifically WKHB (620) & WKFB (770). This editor just happens to be covering the morning shifts this week and will try to have some coverage from the event.
Steelers and Browns preseason games on MyYTV
Youngstown: Recently, I saw a promo on "MyYTV" (WYTV's digital sub channel at DT 33-2) stating that the new digital station would carry most of the Cleveland Browns preseason schedule. With this news, I decided to check out the WYTV website and found that were talking about carrying 2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers preseason games on MyYTV as well. Of course this can be done since most preseason games are carried on different days. A couple of exceptions are national broadcasts which are indicated*. For Cleveland: August 7th vs. Jets at 7:30/ 18th vs. Giants (*ESPN national telecast) 8pm / 23rd vs. Lions at 4pm / 28th vs. Bears at 7:30. For Pittsburgh: August 8th vs. Eagles at 7:30 / 14th vs. Buffalo (in Toronto) 7:30 / 23rd vs. Minnesota (*CBS national telecast) 8pm / 28th vs. Carolina (*Possibly on "Fox 17/62" or DT 27-2 since the Browns game will be on MyYTV at the same time.) With the new digital sub channels, it makes things easier for stations to keep network programming on the main ABC, CBS & Fox affiliates in this case while moving sports to the new digital stations. Such moves will not be a big deal to cable customers in the Mahoning Valley since MyYTV is available on most systems. It's bad news for satellite customers who do not get such digital sub channels through Directv or Dish Network. Let's not forget those who still watch analog TV exclusively with an antenna. Both will have to get a digital converter box in order to watch most of the preseason games. It's too bad this could not be utilized in the regular season so that both Steelers & Browns fans could see their games every week. Why not use MyYTV for a Steelers game if the Browns are already on WKBN. It's something the NFL should look into in areas where there is more than one team of regional interest. Update: I received an email regarding this topic and the person mentioned that some people in the Mahoning Valley can pull in KDKA TV 2 / DT 25 (2-1) from Pittsburgh as well as WKYC TV 3 / DT 2 (3-1) out of Cleveland. I'm not 100% sure about WKYC's digital reaching there because of KDKA's analog signal. I was aware of the two flagship stations but was trying to promote the local digital station in Youngstown carrying both teams in the preseason. The two analog stations could work out this year, but will no longer exist on February 18th, 2009.Madden returning? Bettis to 1250?
Pittsburgh:Not confirmed: Mark Madden returning to the airwaves via Clear Channel's WXDX-FM (105.9). That could be the situation this fall after Madden's no-compete is up. According to Bob Smizik, sources claim Madden and WEAE (1250) agreed to a buyout after firing him in May after nasty comments regarding Senator Kennedy. The format of the show remains a mystery, but it's apparent that he'll take over the 3-7p.m. slot. Smizik figures that Clear Channel will frown upon the attacks he used to place on people such as Myron Cope or Hines Ward.
On the flip side of the token, CC may be looking forward to having Madden for his knowledge and love of the Penguins whose broadcast contract is up with Clear Channel after the upcoming season. His show would be a perfect lead-in. (WEAE (1250) and even KDKA (1020) would love to be able to pick up a sport broadcast contract!)
ALSO NOT CONFIRMED: Meanwhile, on Ardmore Boulevard, rumors have been floating that Jerome Bettis might be a part of the team taking over where Madden left off.
Stay tuned.
Mister Rogers open house on hold
Pittsburgh: Those looking forward to seeing the Mister Rogers set reconstructed in 'Studio A' (newly christened "Fred Rogers Studio") will have to wait indefinitely for the event. An open house was to be held later this summer with the Neighborhood of Make-Believe reconstructed as it would be for taping. WQED Spokeswoman Rosemary Martinelli told Rob Owen that WQED hopes to reschedule the event for a later time. 'QED was unable to confirm a sponsor in time for the event.Trina Orlando to leave WJET for KDKA
Pittsburgh: According to a report in the Erie Times, current Jet TV and Fox 66 morning & noon news anchor Trina Orlando is going home. She is leaving Erie and will become the Westmoreland county reporter for KDKA TV/DT on August 1st. Her last day on WJET will be July 30th. Trina has been anchor of "Good Morning Erie" and "Action News 24 at Noon" since 2006 as well as "Fox 66 News in the Morning", which is a relatively new newscast that airs from 8-9. A graduate of USC's Annenberg School for Communications, her internships included a few stops in Pittsburgh including KQV, WTAE TV and KDKA. This Westmoreland county native will be a lot closer to her family and should feel right at home with her new position at KDKA.ABC coming to the Ohio Valley
West Virginia: That's right, ABC will finally get an affiliate - well sort of - in the Wheeling/Steubenville market. Our friends at Ohio Media Watch are reporting that WTRF-TV (7), a CBS affiliate, is adding another digital subchannel (7.3) to carry ABC programming. West Virginia Media, who owns WTRF, will be doing the same thing with their nearby sister station WBOY-TV (12), an NBC affiliate in Clarksburg/Weston. The transition is to take place August 1. Until then, Ohio Valley residents will have to continue relying on Pittsburgh's WTAE-TV (4) and Columbus' WSYX-TV (6).Tolo dumped from Seattle station
Pittsburgh: Alert Reader Dave informed us that former KDKA Sports host Thor Tolo is out of a job in Seattle. Tolo was let go from KDKA in 2004 just before landing at KGNW - a religious station. KGNW is owned by Salem Communications who opted to go "in a different direction" with the "Live in Seattle" program. Tolo says he has no regrets and hopes to stay in the business somewhere in the Puget Sound region.WKSN 1340 brings oldies back to Jamestown, NY.
Erie-Meadville: News from radio-locator.com regarding the Jamestown, NY / Warren, Pa. market. Media One station WKSN 1340 has brought back it's previous "Kissin' Oldies" format, which was dropped for news talk not too long ago. I found the flip to news talk weird because the station was actually in direct competition with sister station WJTN 1240. I thought that sports would have been a smarter format move at the time. Some talk programs that aired on WKSN have moved to WJTN after "The Hall Closet" host Ray Hall was fired from the station. A move which occured after he read a sexual harassment document on air with some indecent language George Carlin would been very proud of. WKSN has picked up Scott Shannon's "True Oldies Channel" network. It will be interesting to see how well the station fares against the 50,000 FM oldies powerhouse "92 Gold" WRRN 92.3 from across the border in Warren, Pa.Honsberger keeps in touch with listeners
Pittsburgh:If you've missed Fred Honsberger lately, it's because he's been dealing with more health issues. In a statement at kdkaradio.com, Honzman mentions, "For several months, I have been delaying some medical tests and procedures that should have been done a while back. About three weeks ago, I fractured my shoulder and decided that I might as well take care of everything all at once." He goes on to say that it's nothing serious but stuff needed to be taken care of. Honsberger hopes to be back on the air soon.
Do you have your DTV converter box(es) yet?
National News: With just about 6 months to go before all full powered analog TV stations cease broadcasting, have you ordered your DTV converter box coupons yet? You have until March 31st of 2009 to apply for the coupons. I purchased two converter boxes including the Digital Stream DTX 9950 and the much hyped Dish Network / Sling Media "DTV Pal." Both have analog pass-through, which is handy so that I can watch my satellite when the boxes are off. (Of course you can also use that function to watch low powered analog TV stations after the 2/17/09 deadline as well.) As you may know in my area near Cochranton, I can pull in more than one TV market. With Dish only making the Erie TV locals available in my area, it's a plus to have other markets available with an outdoor antenna. As for the converter boxes themselves, I'll start with the Digital Stream DTX 9950 at $59.99 +tax. I first purchased the DTX 9900 at Radio Shack but it did not have the analog pass-through like the 9950. Once I heard they had a box with the analog pass-through, I exchanged it. Most boxes do have program listings but what I like about the DTX 9950 is the EPG program listings for a particular channel (when available from a station) which is available for up to 12 hours. You can also see what a particular program is about if you advance further. That and a signal meter which goes up to 100 with the best reception in the green area of the meter. However, the remote has an analog / digital (A/D) button which only serves the same function as the power button. Other than that, the box is really top notch & performs flawlessly. I currently use it on my kitchen TV. Now, the Dish "DTV Pal" at $51.00 (at the time) which just arrived last week. The folks at Echostar / Dish Network decided to release a over the air converter box with similar features to some of their Dish Network satellite receivers. Why? Well that's a simple question to answer. It's an alterior motive to possibly get those who purchase a DTV Pal now consider signing up with Dish Network later. (Obviously, I jumped the gun by already having Dish Network.) I decided to get the DTV Pal online through Solid Signal. (There has been a drastic price increase since my order, so shop around for the best deal possible.) The DTV Pal came with a similar Dish remote to the ones for my satellite receiver. However, this remote does not power the TV like the Digital Stream remote does. I solved that problem by using an old Dish Network remote for the box as well as my TV, DVD recorder and sound system. Of course the DTV Pal has analog pass-through but also has a signal meter (which also reads up too 100) you will see every time you change the channel. The EPG is also similar to the one I have on Dish Network. You can see all of the channel listings & what programs are on or will be on up to 7 days in advance. I scanned ahead and was only able to get a day's worth of program information. (That probably varies from station to station.) Another function that only the DTV Pal currently has is a timer that works with your VCR or DVD recorder. With the kitchen adjacent to the living room, I could not have the DTV Pal in the kitchen because of the remotes on the same frequency. I may accidentally change the channel on the satellite in one room while trying to change the channel on the DTV Pal or vice versa, so I put it in the bedroom in order to avoid such problems. Overall, both converter boxes perform very well for my area and will make both TVs' useful even after the transition. You are welcome to drop a line or two regarding your converter boxes or if you have any questions before purchasing one.WTAE Weather causes several stirs
Musings From Eric:I think every source in Pittsburgh (even WTAE-TV's website) has neglected to mention the weekend presence of meteorologist Michael Haynes. That leads me to believe one thing - he's temporary. I could be wrong, but given that he doesn't even have a bio page is a pretty clear indication of that. He shouldn't feel bad, Dennis Bowman doesn't get any credit on the KDKA-TV site as an occasional fill-in so there you have it. (Yet Joe DeNardo still gets credit and WTAE even took his name off of the weather brand!) Since Don Schwenneker left early in the year, Haynes was needed to help fill the gap over the weekends for Erin Kienzle who has also been seen during the weekdays where we used to find Don.
Well, here's one reason why I think Haynes' presence on 4 is temporary. He is otherwise occupied during the week - as Chief Meteorologist in the Wheeling market at WTRF-TV (7). Prior to WTRF, he spend 5 1/2 years at WVVA-TV in Beckley, WV. He has also chased some powerful storms and has even experienced a hurricane. This is definitely a man who gets involved in his work!
What's the other reason? Well Rob Owen seems to be under the impression that Julie Bologna is returning to the market. Bologna used to hold down the morning WX duties at WPXI before heading down to KTVT in Dallas in 2004. Her contract is apparently up this month and you know that means she might be "freed up". Bologna refused to comment when Owen contacted her, but he went on to say that putting her back on in the mornings up against her former employer could be a boon to WTAE. (Of course, it's no secret that she was a hit with the male crowd in the Pittsburgh area. Just ask WQED's Dave & Dave!) "Stay tuned"... I'm sure Rob will keep us posted. (Or is that "gazetted"?)
(more)Replacing Madden to take team approach
Pittsburgh:"We are committed to a team concept, a bunch of people." That's what WEAE (1250) general manager Mike Thompson told Bob Smizik regarding the replacement of ousted afternoon drive host Mark Madden. It's likely that the show will have two hosts and a third person as news reporter. The list of possible candidates is sizable although some possibilities probably won't happen. For instance, Ellis Cannon and Tim Benz have been considered, but both remain under contract with Clear Channel. Although Stan Savaran works at the station part time, his committments at FSN Pittsburgh wouldn't allow him to be able to do a 3-7P shift.
One name that is drawing some attention is former New England radio host Andy Gresh. Gresh is a local native, but was most recently heard doing a talk show in Providence R.I. He's also heard nationally on ESPN Radio. He was a guest earlier this week when Chris Mack and Mike Logan were hosting and drew favorable reviews from the listeners.
Stay tuned...