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Person Profile: Chris Shovlin
Person Profile:
Name: Chris Shovlin
Do you have an "air name"? In college, "The Doctor" (because my frat brothers said I knew how to operate!!!)....but none since.
Age: 55
Birthplace/Current Location: WBZY-AM, WMBA-AM, WBVP-AM/WWKS-FM (On-Air and VP/GM), WYDD-FM (The Gunner Network Sports Talk Show with Bob Prince), WISH 99.7, WJAS, also WBGN-TV and Comcast.
Have you had any other jobs outside of the broadcasting industry? After getting booted at WBVP, I worked as the Western Development Director for Pennsylvania Special Olympics while working parttime at WISH and WJAS. My first real job, outside of the family grocery store, was a laborer in a steel mill (Crucible Steel in Midland) while I was in college. I worked there for three summers.
Who are your mentors/inspirations? On-air: Church Wilson (WBVP), Jack Fleming (Steelers Radio Net), Paul Shannon, Bill Cardille, and Bill Burns (from TV). I am currently inspired by Dr. Nick Trombetta, the founder of the PA Cyber School and the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School....a true visionary and leader.
Tell us about your family. I grew up in a great, happy, and loving family in Midland, PA where my Dad was Mayor and my Mom worked in my Grandfather's corner grocery store. My grandfather was a great inspiration (work ethic). He worked until he was 99 and lived to 102. My Dad was just a dedicated community leader who did all he could for our hometown. My Mom stressed education.
I have a brother and two sisters (Tim is for years younger than me and lives in Akron with his wife and 3 kids - two daughters in college and a son in high school, Joyce who is a year younger than me lives in Erie with her husband and who has one son who is married and lives in Phoenix, and Sharon who is 15-years younger than me lives in Chicago with her husband).
What's one item we might find in your refrigerator on a regular basis? Cold pizza.
You have so many responsibilities in the business. How do you keep them all straight and do you ever sleep? I like to think I play a real-life game of "Asteroids" (the old video game). I shoot the closest thing to me so it doesn't get me first! I really have to watch the calendar and watch closely. Just this past week I did my radio show on WJAS from Pittsburgh and from Connecticut where I was broadcasting RMU Basketball, I was live at the Home & Garden Show twice, I covered a shift for Bogut, and I'm going out of town again for the NCAA Tournament....all that and meeting with our Sales staff and doing what in-office stuff I do.
Who would you like to see interviewed for Person Profile? Carol Finelli and/or Cris Winter.
Revisiting the past
Pittsburgh:Ed Salamon was kind enough to share some photos from his recent book signing events with us here at PBRTV.
Above: Jack Bogut, Frank Gottlieb, Perry Marshall and Ed discuss the book at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, South Side Works (3/11/10)
Above: Ed and Mike McGann discuss book at Borders in Northway Mall (3/12/10)
Above: Ed signing books at Barnes and Noble, South Hills Village (3/13/10)
Above: Jack Bogut, Jimmy Roach, Perry Marshall and Ed discuss book at Barnes and Noble, South Hills Village (3/13/10)
Above: Jack Bogut, Jimmy Roach, Ed, Perry Marshall and Dave James at Barnes and Noble
Above: Ed, Mark Roberts and Mike McGann discuss book at Borders, East Liberty (3/13/10)
Above: Mike McGann, Ed and Mark Roberts at Borders, East Liberty
Ed Salamon's book, Pittsburgh's Golden Age of Radio, [$21.99, Arcadia Publishing] is available at local retailers, online bookstores or directly from ArcadiaPublishing.com or by calling (888) 313-2665.
Romigh officially at WKBN
Misc. Ohio:Mike Romigh has been a long-time substitute at WKBN (570) Youngstown, but he is now taking over the morning show at the station after Robert Mangino's departure. Mangino, ironically, is now the evening host at KDKA. "It should be noted that Mike will be only the 3rd Morning Drive Host on 570/WKBN since 1980, said Clear Channel Youngstown VP/Market Manager Bill Kelly. Romigh was at KDKA from 1989-2006 and has also worked for the American Cancer Society.
With Romigh's arrival, the morning schedule will adjust slightly. Mike will be heard from 6:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Dan Rivers' show will extend an hour in length airing from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
A little birdie told me...
Musings From Eric:Actually it was liner notes...
For those of you who have a copy of O'Brien (no relation) and Garry's CD from several years back, you'll know from those liner notes that it has been 35 years since the duo was paired on WTAE Radio. March 10, 1975. (So we're five days behind...!) You might just want to celebrate by "popping that gem in your rig" and listening to it! My favorite - the Kaufmann's Dental spot in which Mr. O'Brien cracks up... now THAT is an advertisement!
On another note...
The Person Profile is BACK! We have several folks in the pipeline to be profiled, but we are beginning this Friday with Chris Shovlin. Stay tuned...
Is it time for some News Talk competion?
Erie-Meadville: Only a few years ago, Erie had two News Talk stations with a lot of local programming. Today, Erie has only one News Talk station with mostly syndicated fare. That station is WJET 1400 which does have a local morning show with syndication the rest of the day without #1 ranked talk show host Rush Limbaugh. Connoisseur Media who owns the station stated that it was too expensive to keep Rush on its schedule. Rush was replaced by fellow Conservative Dennis (That's the News and I am outta here!) Miller. Of course this led many to tune into other stations over the air or online for the former Jeff Cristie. Jet Radio also cut the services of former News Director Matthew Locke a few years back. He was replaced by newscasts from Jet TV. With two of most formats in the Erie market, is it time for some News Talk competition to Jet 1400? A station with Rush in its lineup. Crosstown rival Citadel could have a great FM News Talk format on either "Z-102.3" or "Country 98", both stations lagging in the latest numbers to "Rocket 101" & "93.9 The Wolf" respectively. Don't laugh, this could really happen if the proposed music tax on radio stations is approved. You could see a lot of FM stations across the country drop music formats for Talk or Sports in order to avoid paying the royalty tax. Is Erie ready for such a move? In addition Jet does not stream any of its audio which could be a plus if a competitor decides to stream its audio. Not to mention having an FM signal that would carry much further 24 hours a day than Jet's limited 1,000 watts which is non existant to most listeners outside city limits at night. Of course you would need a mix of local & syndicated fare on such a station.Hazlett: Radio not in tune.
Pittsburgh:PBRTV was recently referred to an article by Terry Hazlett in the Washington Observer-Reporter which we quickly realized was a follow up to a piece first published a month ago.
In the original piece, Hazlett talks about the 2 foot snowfall from early February and how he was affected by it - initially by the loss of power and heat. But as it turned out he was more affected by the lack of storm information coming through his old, battery-operated radio. "Who knew that my best friend from the '60s could be so distant and disengaged 40 years later, when I needed it most?" Hazlett asked.
The follow-up shared several emails Hazlett received from many others who tried to do the same thing - refer to their battery-operated radios when the power was out. It seems there are lots of disenchanted listeners.
Still another follow-up looked deeper into the problem. Why are listeners turning to other sources to listen to music? Answers ranged from "Radio isn't fun anymore." to lack of music variety usually based on the "research".
And finally... today, Hazlett gives 'the last word' to John Garry of the former "O'Brien and Garry" morning show. Garry gives praise to Dimitri Vassilaros and Mike Romigh as they attempted to provide some information on their evening programs the night after the big storm but says KDKA, in general, failed. He doesn't have much higher praise for KQV or WPGB for that matter. "As one whose professional career spanned 30-plus years in Pittsburgh radio, I'm embarrassed and saddened. There are many wonderful stories, nationally and locally, of radio rising to the occasion in dire times. This is not one of them," Garry writes.
City Paper: "Life after WAMO"
Pittsburgh: This week's Pittsburgh City Paper covers the "Life After WAMO" showcasing the feelings of listeners to the former urban-formatted station now that has been off the air for 6 months. The article also showcases what some of the former WAMO airstaffers have been up to in the meantime.RUMOR MILL: Station moving
Pittsburgh:RUMOR MILL: We're hearing the rumors fly (again) that KDKA (1020) is about to announce a move to join its FM sisters (KDKA-FM, WDSY and WZPT) at Foster Plaza in Greentree. There is no official word as to if or when the move will take place, but this is hardly the first time the idea has been tossed around.
The last time we remember this move being discussed was in 2005, ironically around the same time of a massive water main break caused a flood outside - and inside - of Gateway Center. The water flowed into the parking garages and generally made life miserable around Gateway Center for several days as cleanup efforts continued. KDKA-TV suffered damage to its news vehicles and also some production equipment.
Lady Lakers playoff hockey on WQLN 54-3
Erie-Meadville: Fans of the impressive #1 ranked Mercyhurst Lady Lakers hockey team can watch the team as they go into the first round of playoff action this Saturday afternoon. Image Sports Network in partnership with WQLN Public Media will carry the game live over the air on WQLN 54-3 at 2pm. The game may also be carried on the Image Sports Network on Time Warner Cable systems in Erie county since WQLN 54-3 is only available over the air.WZUM off-air
Pittsburgh: Carnegie-licensed WZUM (1590) is apparently off the air due to some unpaid bills and access to the station has been padlocked by the landlord. The station is licensed to Believe and Achieve Family and Educational Center. - Tom Taylor on Radio InfoWDUQ enters next phase of sale
Pittsburgh:The next phase in the sale of WDUQ will be a long process including fundraising and a public awareness campaign. But the work will be done behind closed doors. Station management and Public Radio Capital - a nonprofit group helping to preserve public radio - and the Pittsburgh Foundation are looking at ways to keep the station's format in place under new ownership. As a result, a new nonprofit organization called Pittsburgh Public Media has been created. 'DUQ's General Manager Scott Hanley tells the Post-Gazette, "Pittsburgh Public Media and its board are engaged in confidential conversations with many different businesses, community organizations and institutions about potential collaborations." Hanley and others remain very tight-lipped about any other possible plans.
According to the PG article, CMS Station Brokerage lists the WDUQ license at $12 million, but civic leaders believe the value to be closer to $5 million. The 25,000-watt Pittsburgh signal and the four translators expanding the signal to other regions, make the station appealing to other potential buyers including nonprofits, community groups, and religious organizations.
Meanwhile, 'DUQ is the largest overall listenership of out of the three public stations - including WYEP and WQED-FM.
So, what if WDUQ's format of jazz and NPR programming is taken away? Both WYEP (91.3) and WQED-FM (89.3) have shown interest in preserving the signal. WQED has offered to pick up NPR programming and even share services and studio space if 'DUQ becomes independent. Regardless of what happens, WQED Multimedia executive vice president and COO Deborah Acklin says the variety of public radio programming will be preserved in Pittsburgh. WYEP has also offered to help, but has not released any specific details of their plans except to also offer studio space in a yet-to-be-finished part of their new building.
Meanwhile, WQED is ready to pick up the NPR programming like "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered" if the need becomes likely and may seek the options of using HD channels or online streaming of the programs. The station has also expressed the possibility of staffing a newsroom for local news coverage while continuing its classical music programming.
WKVE transitions
Pittsburgh:Broadcast Communications Inc. today turned off WKVE's Waynesburg transmitter at 103.1 and shortly after 4:00 pm turned on the new Mount Pleasant transmitter. The current programming consists of a looped announcement to Greene County listeners as where to find WANB's programming. Station owner Robert Stevens said that the announcement should run consistently through the end of the week, if not a little longer.
WANB-AM receintly moved from 1580 down to 1210 and is repeated on 105.1. WKVE-FM now operates from Mount Pleasant, still at 103.1 and is expected to be repeated over 104.1 from Waynesburg.
DISCLAIMER: Well, yes, I know you know... but I started the looped announcement with my own two hands!
WYTV DT to upgrade signal in Spring
Youngstown: According to a recent post by on AVS Forum, WKBN, WYFX & WYTV CE Thomas Zocolo said that the power upgrades for WYTV DT 36 (33-1,2 & 3) should be completed by April or May. They had hoped to get the work done late last year but they had to first complete the WKBN DT 41 (27-1 & 2) antenna move to the top of their tower, which had a set deadline with the FCC. Weather also delayed that project which in turn postponed WYTV's upgrades until this year. The expected power increase for WYTV will benefit more viewers relying on antenna reception of local stations in and surrounding the Mahoning Valley.Tuning into my Internet Radio
National News:Over the last few months I have been simply amazed by my Myine Internet Radio. Sure, I could have purchased another computer and ran it off WIFI in order to listen to stations available on the internet. However, I wanted something simple that focused on audio streams which I could run off my WIFI router. The Myine Internet Radio does that and more and can work separately from the computer. Heck, the computer does not even have to be on for the radio to work. There are several radio models out there which will work with WIFI or a direct connection. The Myine only works with WIFI but works very well no matter where I am using it in the house. Needless to say, the selections are endless for music or talk. It's also great that there is no subscription to use this outside of the internet service you already pay for unlike my satellite radio I mostly use in my vehicle. This would definitely be an option for those tired of the limited selections available on the local airwaves.
CMG offers business channel on 16.2
Pittsburgh:CMG Media Ventures, a Pittsburgh comany, has launched a new local business station on broadcast channel 16.2 (WQEX). The new subchannel will provide business-related programming, 60% of which will be from national syndicates and what remains will be local. President and CEO of CMG, Chris Thorpe told the bizjournal, "Our business channel will address the challenges, triumphs and training for business owners and corporate leaders in addition to allowing consumers to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of business. The company has plans to launch additional channels by the end of this year.
There is no word if WQED Multimedia is helping in the venture or if it's receiving any compensation for the use of the subchannel. WQEX's main signal is leased by the pubcaster to Shop NBC as a commercially-licensed station.
PBRTV Hat Tip to Mark.
Cook new PM Jock at WQHZ
Erie-Meadville: Fybush reports that Dave Cook is the new PM drive host at WQHZ (102.3) Erie. Cook was the "Dave" of "JohnDaveBubbaShelly" for many years on Pittsburgh's WBZZ - the original incarnation of "B-94".Catching up on things we missed...
Pittsburgh:...cause sometimes people get busy away from their computers!!!
- Yes, WKVE (103.1) will soon be broadcasting from Mt. Pleasant. No word on the exact date yet, but there have been announcements that the WANB programming will be on 1210 AM and its new FM translator 105.1. Stay tuned.
- Fybush.com reports that WIIC (the low-power TV station, not what is now WPXI) was punished by the FCC for changing channels without approval. WIIC-LP was authorized to use channel 29 but during an inspection in December 2007, the FCC found that it was on Channel 32 and had been for several months. WIIC is owned by Abacus Television which didn't deny the unapproved swich but did ask for a break on the proposed $4000 fine. The FCC settled for $3200 because of previous compliance after Abacus failed to show financial documation to justify hardship.
- The Post-Gazette is reporting that syndicated talk host Bruce Williams will be ending his program on Friday. Williams is heard locally on KQV (1410) and has been there for 27 years. Replacing the program come Monday (3/8) will be Laura Ingraham weekdays 7:00 -10:00 p.m.
Former KQV newsman, Schaefer dies
Pittsburgh:KQV Radio (AM-1410) is reporting the passing of Otto "Mark" Schaefer at the age of 84. Schaefer was a newsman at the station from 1966 until the early 1990's. A New York native, he was once batting practice pitcher for the Giants before serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II. Schaefer began his news career at stations in Alabama and worked his way to Pittsburgh where he was one of the original anchors at WIIC-TV (now WPXI-TV 11). He left Channel 11 to work for KQV.
Schaefer is survived by 5 children and their families.
Hat tip to Jeff Roteman who has an aircheck of Schaefer here.
5 Beacon Broadcasting Radio Stations For Sale Following Owner's Death
Youngstown, Misc. Pennsylvania, Misc. Ohio:The Executor for the estate of the late Harold Glunt has announced that the 5 Beacon Broadcasting, Inc. radio stations in Ohio and Pennsylvania are being put up for sale.
The Media Broker for the sale is Ray H. Rosenblum of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to Mr. Rosenblum, the stations are WANR (AM-1570) in Warren, OH; WRTK (AM-1540) in Niles, OH; WGRP (AM-940) and WEXC (FM 107.1) both in Greenville, PA; and WLOA (AM-1470) in Farrell, PA.
Harold Glunt, the principal owner of Beacon Broadcasting, died on January 25th. The Executor of his estate is his son, Dennis Glunt. In a statement to Beacon employees, Dennis Glunt said that "this move will help to stabilize the employment at the stations and best preserve value for the estate.
Book Review: Pittsburgh's Golden Age of Radio, by Ed Salamon
Pittsburgh:
"I am glad to have the opportunity to write this book because it preserves history that is important to a lot of Pittsburghers," says Ed Salamon, in the Introduction of his new book, Pittsburgh's Golden Age of Radio, [$21.99, Arcadia Publishing; Available at local retailers, online bookstores or through Arcadia Publishing.com or (888) 313-2665]. The book will be released on March 8 as part of Arcadia Publishing's "Images of America" series.
This book is a must-have for anyone who remembers, or has an interest in the history of Pittsburgh radio. Ed Salamon has made the effort to write about stations and personalities ignored by other sources over the years. As is the case with the majority of the Images of America books, Pittsburgh's Golden Age of Radio features over 200 vintage pictures, broken up in 3 chapters, showcasing behind-the-scenes stories never told outside of the industry. Many of the photographs are the property of the author, but also featured are pictures from the private collections of Jack Bogut, Carl Eckels, Terry Caywood, Bobby Vinton, Mike McGann, the late Ira Apple and more! I found photos of a young Frank Gottlieb and a young Clarke Ingram - neither one of whom have aged a bit!
When was the last time you thought about stations like WPEZ (94.5) or WAMP (1320)? When did you last hear of on-air personalities like Frank Tomasello or Buzz (Aston) and Bill (Hinds)? Did you know that WPGH was once an AM station at 1080 and "PGH" didn't stand for Pittsburgh? Whether you lived it or whether you're learning about it for the first time, you'll be enthralled by Pittsburgh's Golden Age of Radio.
Ed Salamon is no stranger to Pittsburgh radio. In 1970, the Pittsburgh native was hired by KDKA Radio to publicize the station's 50th anniversary. From there he had a successful career in radio including programming a New York radio station, partnering with Dick Clark in a radio network and serving as the president of programming for Westwood One. He also taught radio programming at two universities.
Salamon will be doing a book tour the week of the book's release. On Friday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. he will be at Borders at the Northway Mall in Pittsburgh's North Hills. On Saturday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m. he'll be at the Barnes & Noble at South Hills Village; and 4:30 p.m. at the Borders in East Liberty.