Pittsburgh Radio & TV Online

WTAE Weather causes several stirs

2008-07-05T17:34:00-04:00

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"?)

Meanwhile, the other stir that seems to be happening at the WTAE weather center is the amount of interference the watches and warnings seem to be causing for people. Listen, I know I'm preaching to the choir when I say this, but GET OVER IT! That's what television and radio are for - INFORMATION! Well...maybe that's what it was for. Pardon me for having the false impression that anybody really cares about what goes on around them anymore. Yes, you probably remember that I was upset last summer about missing a segment of a program due to interruptions by the weather folk. Well this time it's different. Read here (4th & 5th posts). I'll wait.

So it seems to me like WTAE did more to prevent the actual interruptions this time. But then again, I suppose all the jargon on the screen might have prevented a clear view of the EURO 2008. I bet it would be a bear during the Tour de France too since you wouldn't be able to see the spokes on the bicycle wheels. So I guess I understand. Actually it just points back to the old cliche, "You can never please all of the people all of the time."

Humble Pie...

My July 4th was spent as a work day. I filled in for Barry Banker at WKHB and was done by 1. I had wanted to head out to a department store not far from where work was to find some clothes I couldn't find at the one close to home. (Does anyone else find that when you shop for clothes they have everything but your size, but go far from home and they have plenty?) Because this store was out of my range of regular knowledge, I punched it up on my VZ Navigator (Verizon's accurate rendition of a GPS) and away I went. But before I knew it, it took me over Ardara Road. This twisty, turny, flopsy, bopsy, no shoulder road which narrows somewhere in the middle. I thought sure I was going to die. But again, before I knew it, I was at the other end - the Ardara Post Office. (It seems my VZ Navigator is set to direct me away from heavy traffic hense the computerized version of "I know a short cut!")

I chuckled to myself because Ardara was the location for the 2005 WRCT Radio 9 Fourth of July Weekend Picnic. (Someday I'll dig up the recording for you to hear.) Jay Thurber and I had sent reporter Roy Molehill out to the Ardara Run Parklet to hold a picnic for anyone who happened by. The family who did happen by were only there because they use the parklet as a bathroom for their dog - none of them had heard of WRCT of course. The picnic was great up until Lefty Zucchini's daylight fireworks went amiss and blew the shelter and equipment to smithereenies. Roy recovered but I still don't know what happened to Lefty.

Why am I telling you this? Oh right, well you see it got me to thinking that when he isn't Jay Thurber, he's Jason Togyer - writer. And, the last time I wrote one of these here musings, I said something inherantly wrong - although it was intended to be funny. As I mentioned last time, time and computer issues have been plaguing me lately - more so the time. I haven't been able to give much time to PBRTV as I would personally like, but Mr. Togyer has. Well it seems as though the tongue-in-cheek comment I made was not taken lightly and well I would like to make this a public apology to a gentleman whose help I greatly appreciate...without him, this website would be nothing. Next time I'll try to write at a time when I'm less frustrated. I would certainly like to return as a guest for next year's Radio 9 FoJ Picnic...that is if the apology has been accepted.

Speaking of the aforementioned writer...

If you regularly read Jason's blog you'll know he's been busy on a project for the last three or four years. Well, he's in the final throws of completing the project - a book about G.C. Murphy's. The book is due out this fall...and I'm certain you'll want a copy!

Replacing Madden to take team approach

2008-07-03T12:24:00-04:00

"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...

PBS 45/49 moves to Akron and will change on air identity

2008-06-30T10:35:00-04:00

News from our friends at "Ohio Media Watch" reports that PBS outlets WNEO 45 (Alliance) and WEAO 49 (Akron) will begin broadcasting from their new headquarters at the United Building in downtown Akron on July 1st. The stations were previously located in down Kent & will ironically join NPR affiliate WKSU 89.7 at the same location. The PBS outlets will also drop the "PBS 45/49" identity this fall with "Western Reserve PBS" to coincide with the new name of the company, "Western Reserve Public Media." The station follows a new trend of over the air stations dropping their station numbers. Another in the area is "Fox 17/62" slowly phasing out that identity for "Fox Youngstown." While some stations are no longer using the numbers on air, others that are going digital next February on another channel position are electing to keep their analog number mapped in order to keep the identity viewers are familiar with after the transition. So far, WKBN DT 41 will stick with 27, WFMJ DT 20 will remain 21 and WYTV DT 36 will hold on to 33.

Nene to voicetrack

2008-06-27T15:16:00-04:00

Wednesday was the last time Bob-FM afternoon-driver John Nene was on the air. Nene is moving to Minneapolis where he will be getting married soon. However, Nene will not become a stranger to WRRK-FM (96.9). Instead he will begin voice tracking weekend programs. He's scheduled for Saturdays 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (PG)

Johnny Marx back on the air

2008-06-27T11:50:00-04:00

From the "Better Late Than Never" files, Former "93.9 The Wolf" middayer Johnny Marx has resurfaced on crosstown rival "Country 98 WXTA" as of June 16th. Johnny has taken over the afternoon shift from Rick Peters, who is no longer with the station. It's good to see a well known personality back on the airwaves & one that has adapted to the country format since his days at the former "US 93.9" before it's flip to "The Wolf."

Kids protest gas prices when cable is cut

2008-06-25T11:48:00-04:00

This story has definitely caught my attention. Two Salt Lake City kids are learning about the impact of higher gas prices when their mom had to eliminate cable TV from the already tight family budget. The two sisters (7 and 9) decided to vent their frustration over losing their favorite cartoons by protesting the rising fuel costs with picket signs in hand. In times like this, it really does make you realize what you can and cannot do without in a budget. Like many business, both cable and satellite TV services could feel the impact of some subscribers having to eliminate pay TV from the family budget in order to have gas in the car to get to work or the grocery store. Perhaps, it could bring a renaissance of over the air TV antennas back to homes or apartments across America. Let's not forget that this renaissance would have a new addition with TV converter boxes available in order to watch free TV. It might be time to order your $40.00 government converter box coupons in order to lessen the cost of up to 2 boxes per household. Would you make a one time purchase by investing in an indoor or outdoor antenna? What are your thoughts about going back to free TV. Please let us know here at PBRTV.

Ambridge grad on ABC's Kimmel Show tonight

2008-06-25T10:51:00-04:00

On tonight's Jimmy Kimmel Show (12:05 AM; ABC - WTAE-TV (4)) the musical performance will be by the All-For-Nots which features Ambridge High School grad Erica Harsch on drums. According to the Beaver County Times, the group is "like a modern day Monkees" in that they are a "reality-blurring band" which got their start on a much hyped web-based program. They could also be seen weekly on a 15-minute program on Satellite TV's HD Net.

Harsch plays a very shy Amish woman adapting her life to being on the road with an indie-rock band. You can find her on the website (sorry no link available) in a "short" called "The Shtop" where she walks into a Sheetz and becomes confused about how to order an 'M-T-O'.

Bell back temporarily

2008-06-25T10:52:00-04:00

Viewers of WTAE-TV (4) may have been surprised to see Wendy Bell back in the anchor chair Monday night. Bell gave birth to twin boys a little over a week ago. Just after the weather segment Bell announced that she was back until the twins were big enough to come home. The babies were born eight weeks early and both children weigh less than 3 pounds and aren't able to be released yet. So, rather than waste the maternity leave while the babies are receiving the "best of care", Bell has opted to save it for when they do come home.

(Almost un-necessary aside: We're taking bets that someone will e-mail PBRTV or even Rob at the Post-Gazette during that time to ask if Wendy has left the station.)

Anchor leaves WTOV-TV

2008-06-25T10:35:00-04:00

Anchor Natalie Pasquarella, who anchored the 11 PM news on WTOV-TV (9) has left the station for sister station WSOC-TV (9) in Charlotte, N.C. She will begin her duties in August when she co-anchors the early morning and mid-day newscasts. At WTOV, Pasquarella did live news reports during the evening news and would follow up on the stories from the anchor chair at late night. She also did investigative pieces. Earlier this year, the West Virginia Associated Press rewarded her for her investigative reports. Pasquarella is a native of Stubenville and began her television career while going to school and Kent State in Ohio where she reported for KSU-TV 2. She later worked in New York and for an Ohio PBS station before arriving at WTOV.

Pittsburgh filming boom continues with local story

2008-06-25T10:24:00-04:00

Ohio Valley General Hospital may have looked more like the set of General Hospital or ER this week as film crews and a slew of actors (Daryl Hannah, Steve Gutenberg & George Lopez are a part of that list) moved in to begin taping "Shannon's Rainbow". The story isn't only being taped locally, but was written locally by actor John Mowod and KDKA morning man Larry Richert about a 17-year-old girl and a horse named Rainbow. It's about an experience Mowod's own brother had with a horse a decade ago. Joe Mowod was a horse trainer at The Meadows Racetrack at the time and had a horse who was ill. Ignoring the recommendations that the horse should be put down, Mowod nursed the horse back to health hoping that it could live a normal life. The horse ended up surpassing that goal and won a race at the Red Mile in Kentucky. That was the nucleus for John Mowod's creation.

Mowod and Richert picked up steam on the project about five years ago when they met Frank Johnson, co-founder of Summit Works Films. From there they fought hard to have the film shot in Pittsburgh. "We wrote Western Pennsylvania into the script. The money people, they wanted to make it in New York, New Mexico, Utah, Illinois. We fought really hard to get it made in Pittsburgh," Mowod told the Tribune-Review. It took a while, but the decision to film here was nudged on when Pennsylvania passed a $75 million tax credit for film productions shot here.

In addition to the "A-list" actors, look for John Mowod to play the role of a horse trainer in the film. Larry Richert will make an appearance too.

WYNE 1530 goes online

2008-06-24T06:13:00-04:00

Fans of WYNE 1530 can now hear the oldies station anywhere in the world. Simply go to http://northeast.mercyhurst.edu/wyne/ and click on the mic for streaming stereo audio. The audio is only available during the time when the station itself is on the air. A chart explaining the sign on & sign off times is also on WYNE's website. So now Captain Dan fans can rejoice with a clearer "signal" during the early morning hours of his program. Kudos to Bill Shannon for this great addition to the internet.

Bulletin ... bulletin ... bulletin!

2008-06-23T12:26:00-04:00

In memory of George Carlin, here's an almost surreal bit of black-and-white TV.

It's Carlin, just 29, doing "Wonderful WINO" on ABC's "Hollywood Palace" on Saturday, Dec. 10, 1966.

The then-clean cut comedian is introduced as "one of the best" by (believe it or not) Jimmy Durante.

Less than six years later, Carlin, sporting long hair and a mustache, would be arrested in Milwaukee, Wis., on obscenity charges for doing his "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" routine from his brand new album "Class Clown."

The charges against Carlin were later dismissed, and if the Great Schnozzola was offended, he didn't say anything.

Goodnight, Mr. Carlin, wherever you are:

P.S.: Contrary to popular belief, New York's WBAI-FM wasn't cited for playing "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" over the air. In fact, on Oct. 30. 1973, the station played Carlin's monologue "Filthy Words," from his latest album "Occupation: Foole."

A listener complained to the FCC, and the resulting court case, FCC v. Pacifica Foundation, established the current (though nebulous) legal standards for broadcast obscenity.

George Carlin dead at 71

2008-06-30T05:40:00-04:00

The man who one time said "The Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" on stage has passed away. Comedian George Carlin died of heart failure yesterday (June 22, 2008). The "Seven Words" routine was first performed in Wisconsin back in 1972, resulting in his arrest with the charges later dropped. In wasn't until George's routine was played on a New York City radio station, when the Supreme Court took notice. The court ruling in 1978 would ban such offensive language on both TV and radio when children may be watching or listening. It's language you have to pay to hear on cable or satellite tv as well as satellite radio. George has been on HBO several times as well as "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. And who could ever forget other routines he created like his radio parody "Wonderful WINO" (See Jason's "You Tube" clip above) in which he based it on Top 40 radio stations of that time period. Another was "Al Sleet, Your Hippie Dippy Weatherman." It was people like George and the late Lenny Bruce who basically opened the doors for radio shock jocks like Don Imus and Howard Stern. Programming Note: NBC aired the first episode of Saturday Night Live from October 11th, 1975 with George Carlin as the first host of this groundbreaking program.

Nobody asked...but I'm still here

2008-06-22T13:00:00-04:00

You've probably come to expect that Mr. Togyer has become the sole proprietor of PBRTV.com. After all, this Eric guy they claim the site was created by really hasn't been showing his face that much. Well there are several reasons for that and while we really don't like excuses, it's kind of hard to maintain a website when:

You're at your part-time job where there might be fancy knobs and controls connected to a 5.5 kw transmitter, but the computer technology pre-dates high-speed connections.
You have the high-speed connection at your headquarters but your computer can't handle all of the spyware that comes through on that high-speed connection.
Portable technology merely consists of a cell phone which, although web-enabled, is extremely hard to visit a website let alone maintain one.

So no, Jason hasn't taken PBRTV over, rather he's maintained it as any editor who has a constant connection should. For that I am grateful. That said, I realize we have neglected several areas of this site and I plan to work on that over the rest of the summer. We have some inkling that we should return to full status at the headquarters soon, but please bear with us.

Read on....

Along those lines, we are aware of some outdated information on the pages...and I plan on making it a priority over the summer to update and repost that information. I would also like to thank those who have sent some follow-up and new information regarding their wherabouts for the "Where Are They Now?" page. I thank you for your patience in my getting that information posted.

Please be nice...

Might I kindly suggest that before you make a comment on any story that you please review our Comment Guidelines. Specifically, I point out items 2 & 3 from that list.

2. Personal Attacks -- While criticism and comments about any topic are welcome, personal attacks on people are not. Depending on the nature of the message, it will either be edited or thrown out entirely.

3. Definition of a Personal Attack -- Sometimes this isn't easy to decide. Simple criticism of someones radio/TV show is NOT a personal attack. For example, "The John Shmo Show is awful because it lacks appeal" is NOT a personal attack. Professional criticism is certainly acceptable. To say someone is a jerk, an idiot, is having an affair, etc. is not fair to that person or anyone else. The message will be deleted.

The final part of the latter rule was overruled in several comments left recently as the substance was good, but one word/sentence ruined the whole thing. Whosoever moderated the comment merely edited the offending remarks. All we ask is that you please use good judgement when typing your comment. Likewise, if you see a message that somehow passed through the moderators please let us know about it!

In closing...

Thanks so much for your patience and for visiting PBRTV.com. Your readership means the world!

Taking a look back

2008-06-20T14:23:00-04:00

This feature from Tuesday's Post-Gazette & this follow-up feature from yesterday's PG shows a recollection of ads from radio of yesteryear. How many do you remember?