PBRTV - Pittsburgh Area Radio/TV Mailbag PBRTV - Pittsburgh Area Radio & TV

PBRTV Mailbag July 12-31, 2004

I know I am a bit late sending my comments on the format change at 93.7, but better late than never. Like most people, I am saddened at the loss of B937 as I have been listening to it since around 1990. I knew absolutely nothing about the format change until after the fact. I live in Punxsutawney and can pick up 93.7 FM quite well and sometimes, if the atmosphere is right, I can pick up a 93.7 classic rock station based in central PA. When I first heard of "K-Rock," it was very hazy out and I simply thought that I was picking up the central PA station better...until I found out that no matter how close to Pittsburgh I got, the classic rock station was still there. Then I find out to my dismay that the 93.7 I knew and loved was gone. I am not a fan of classic rock music, so the format change has me somewhat disgusted. 93.7 FM has been removed from the #1 preset on my car radio (that honor now goes to 106.7). Since I am well outside of Pittsburgh, I can at least pick up other stations in other markets for my new music fix, such as 99.1 WGLU-FM in Johnstown. I also like 106.7 WAMO-FM since I am now able to pick it up here (I remember not being able to get WAMO-FM at all in Punxsutawney). In a way, these two stations I now listen to pale in comparison to WBZZ-FM, but...I kind of saw the end of B937 coming. Around 2003, B937 lost the pizzaz it once had, but it was still one of my favorite stations. The morning show took a bit of time to get used to without John Kline and I noticed that BZZ started to speed up the music a bit. (KISS FM, 96.1, does this and I HATE IT...the songs are sped up enough that they are ruined and I cannot listen to them.) As time went on, I discovered myself tuning to 99.1 and 106.7 more and 93.7 less. Once BZZ started incorporating old school music into the rotation (i.e. Anything Goes Lunch) I started tuning in more. Now, it has turned into nothing more than a spin off of WDVE and I am sad to see it gone. I wish the best of luck to all of the DJs that lost their jobs as a result of this format change. Now I have to get used to Anji and GQ on the WAMO Wake-up Show. They do a good job on the show and I am growing to like them. John Kline may be on Star 100.7, but it is just not the same as it was when he was on BZZ. Thanks, Doug L. (July 30, 2004)
Eric, Do you know anything about Fox 970 no longer airing Stan Savran over the internet? I have not been able to connect and just a "Off Air" message. Thanks, Ron H. Baltimore, MD (July 28, 2004)
What's going on with KROCK? I heard Dave around 3 PM today. Are they getting permanent DJ's or what? Ryan (July 26, 2004)

Eric's Response: Haven't heard anything about the DJ scene...but we have heard that Dave and Melanie have been on the air in the last couple of weeks.
Shawn Yancey; Anchor; WTTG-TV FOX 5 DC * She is being considered for the main anchor positioon at 5p and 10p. She will been rotating with a FOX 5 long-timer until the ND could determine who it is. (July 22, 2004)

Eric's Response: Shawn was an anchor/reporter for WTAE-TV before leaving for DC a few years ago.
Hey Eric, I saw a blurb about my tribute site for B94. I appreciate the ink. Please understand though I did NOT spend 7 years there. I spent a total of about 3 off and on since 1997. Please correct this when you can. Thanks! T.J. Hess (July 22, 2004)

Eric's Response: Done! :)
Hi Eric: Snipped a press release about KNDD (The End) in Seattle from AllAccess. Could this ever happen in Pittsburgh? A radio station that listens to and cares about the listener and the music?
"ENTERCOM Alternative KNDD (1077 THE END, SEATTLE'S ORIGINAL ALTERNATIVE)/SEATTLE continues to re-position the station. A message on the station's website states: Over the past several months, we've gone back to you, our listeners, to reaffirm and reclaim our alternative beliefs. Taking your feedback and suggestions to heart, we, the entire staff of 1077 THE END make this Alternative Declaration: It's about the music. We will listen to our listeners and treat them with respect. We will tell you the artist and title of every song we play. We will support local music, band, and shows. We will respect the music, artists, and our listeners by never talking over songs. We will seek out and support new music. We will employ knowledgeable deejays and give them control of their shows. We believe in diversity and will be open minded about what music we can play. We will play any good song on an album, not just the "hit" single. We will surprise you with songs we haven't heard in a while. We will play more songs and repeat them less often. In addition, THE END has several on-air promos with Station Mgr./PD PHIL MANNING acknowledging feedback and suggestions from listeners. And before we leave THE END, MD/nighttimer HARMS premieres a new specialty show tonight (7/16), simply entitled, "THE NEW MUSIC SHOW." The one hour show will feature brand new music every FRIDAY night at 11p and rebroadcast on SUNDAY at 7p."
What a concept. There is a big "Classic Alternative" tussle happening in Seattle. Check these links: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2001821071_kndd23.html
In there, it quotes Phil Manning. Eric, did Phil Manning program 104.7 when it was WNRQ, the alternative station in town? Personally, I would like to hear an Alternative Progressive radio station. Many listeners get enough angst at work. Gimme some King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, mix in some Blue Oyster Cult, Joan Jett, sprinkle in J Geils, a touch of Living Colour - and a dab of The Fixx, hold the Bon Jovi. Infinity - take a risk for a change. I’ll get off my soapbox now. Thanks. Mike Kirven (July 20, 2004)
My ride to work in the morning just hasn't been the same since 93.7 changed their format. I don't like the music and I have no idea who the DJ's are. I think Howard Stern should have a format for expressing himself, but Infinity has made a big mistake in Pittsburgh. I won't listen to 93.7 anymore. Of course at this point I haven't found any station I enjoy listening to. So much for radio in Pittsburgh. (July 19, 2004)
Eric, When will the DJ's start at the new 93.7 K Rock? (WRKZ) Thanks, Ryan (July 19, 2004)
Re: Earlier message about tanning to the radio: That was Chuck Brinkman....not only on kqv...But on 1250/wtae........it was the Chuck Brinkman Suntan Club....into every stop set which was only ten minutes....Chuck would tell listeners to roll over!!!!...With today's long sweeps listeners could get burned!!!! (July 19, 2004)
Eric, Do you know if there are any FM radio stations for sale at this time in the Pittsburgh market? Also, have you heard any buzz about stations changing format, especially given the exodus of BZZ? Thanks, Brad and Stephanie (July 17, 2004)

Eric's Response: In two words...no and no. If you are talking major FM stations, I know of none for sale. There may be some out in the fringes, but many of those are owned by Corporama too! As for any other stations changing to provide a place for disgruntled B listeners...I'm not holding my breath just yet.
Hi Eric, Just an update on WRKZ 93.7 K Rock. As I was listening to the station this morning, they started to add some disc jockeys. I heard Dave this morning from the former Dave, Bubba, Shelly, Brian morning show from B 94. It sounded though that Dave didn't enjoy working at K Rock. I predict Melanie Taylor will be the midday person for K Rock. What's your prediction for the K Rock Disc Jockeys? Have a good weekend. Todd (July 17, 2004)

Eric's Response: I don't have any predictions right now, however, Melanie might be a pretty good bet. It may have appeared as though Dave didn't sound happy, but in reality he may have had to change his persona a bit to fit the format. In all honesty, a DJ surviving a complete format change is pretty rare. So I have the feeling we'll be hearing either new voices or folks moving around from other stations.
Hey Eric: My friend and I used to oil ourselves down and sit on the black top listening to a certain radio show over the lunch hour (KQV??? help!!! around 1973-1977) in Pittsburgh, every 15 minutes or so they would say "turn" and I can't remember who it was. I've been living in Ottawa, Canada for the last 16 years or so and would love to know who and what station it was....Love love love your site... Regards, Debbie, Baldwin, '77 (July 17, 2004)

Eric's Response: Anyone else tan to the radio?
Hi Eric, I was told by a friend that your station wanted input on what music should be played. I have LOVED the music so far. If Pgh. wants to stay with the times, we have to continue to play new rock, but also stick to the past greats. I was pleased to hear U2, Judas Priest and some of the other 80's rock and metal. Anything metal, punk or alternative is great to me. Thank God B94 is gone. We're not a a top 40 type of city. We have more guts than that. I won't be listening to Howard Stern, but if you need to please the crowd, I can change the station for a few hours. It's nice right now to have cool music to listen to on the way to work. Thanks, Cathy-Wexford (July 16, 2004)

Eric's Response: I'd love to take the credit, but you'll have to thank the folks at Infinity Broadcasting.
I think you are correct. :-) The present WWSW-FM did sign on as WMOT. There is an article about it on file at the Pennsylvania Department of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. I used a poor choice of words. Jason Togyer (July 16, 2004)
While I've lived in CT most of my life, my roots are in the Beaver Valley and I've kept track of Pittsburgh area broadcasting for many decades! I'm responding to Jason's supposition that WWSW-FM began as such. Immediately, WMOT on 94.5 came to mind. I just referred to Jeff Miller's outstanding "History of American Broadcasting - http://members.aol.com/jeff560/jeff.html to confirm my memory. In the FM section, his 1946 listing shows WMOT on 94.5 and licensed to WWSW Inc. at the Hotel Keystone, key personnel, etc. and listed the debut date as August, 1941. Jeff 's 1948 listings (which I provided to him from my copy of the June, 1948 issue of "Radio Craft") continue to show WMOT on 94.5 His 1950 listing for the channel shows WWSW-FM. Thought you'd like to know! Keep up your great work with PBRTV. 73, Bill Davies Amateur W1UDQ and was in broadcasting for 14 years North Haven, CT (July 16, 2004)

Eric's Response: I think in order to be fair, I do believe you are right about it being WMOT. I think Jason meant to say that the station was WWSW-FM before becoming WPEZ and then returning as WWSW.
Some additional info on the "Wilkens" subject. Indeed the host of the Amateur Hour at 6pm on Sunday evenings was Al Noble, who was also a DJ on KQV for a time. "Jane Wilkens" who did the commercials on the show was really Gloria Okon (not sure of the spelling). Abbie Neal passed away a few months ago out in Las Vegas. Mike S. (July 15, 2004)
Eric: In your mailbag, I saw a reference to Abbie Neal. Sadly, she passed away earlier this year at age 85. A couple years ago, my pal, Lou Christie, sent me a CD that I thought contained new stuff that he himself recorded. When I opened the envelope, I was quite surprised to find a CD titled, "Lou Christie Presents..Abbie Neal and Her Ranch Girls: America's Favorite All Girl Western Band." The CD featured some great vintage recordings from radio and TV appearances the girls made in the '40s and '50s. I never realized that Lou--who grew up not only listening to, but being a part of the Pittsburgh doo wop/R&B scene (before his hits, like "Lightning Strikes")--was influenced by such pure country. Lou and Abbie were apparently friends for many years. I thought the CD, which was her final album, was a classy tribute by Lugee. If you log on to www.louchristie.com, you'll find info on the Abbie Neal CD and her obit (I hadn't realized that she started out with Cowboy Phil, who I only vaguely remember listening to, on WHJB in Greensburg.. Of course, he was LONG gone by the time I worked there). Hope everyone is well back home in Pittsburgh! Ed Weigle (July 15, 2004)
hello my name is stacy and i used to listen to b937 all the time. then it was taken off the air and for about a week i refused to listen to the new stuff but then one day i turned it on and ever since then i havent turned my radio station in my car. i even changed the station at work and my coworkers love it too. its about time we get a good rock station. thanx for changing. stacy (July 15, 2004)

Eric's Response: I'm always thanked or blamed for something I didn't do!
I remember now. It was Al Noble. Thanks for replying so fast. Yes the Amateur hour was one. Esther (July 15, 2004)
Hi Eric. Slim Bryant had a radio show on KDKA called the KDKA Farm Hour in the 1940's. In January 1949 he appeared on the first broadcast of WDTV/KDKA from the Syria Mosque in Oakland, and later hosted the "Slim Bryant And The Wildcats Show" on WDTV and later KDKA TV. Slim is alive and well and living in Dormont as we speak. As far as "Jane Wilkins," There was a group known as the E-Z-C Ranch Girls" that appeared on KDKA back in those days. They were sponsored by Wilkins Jewelers, and E-Z-C stood for Easy Credit, (Wilkins Is The Place Where You Can Get It!!). The leader of this group was Abbie Neal, who is living in Reno, Nevada at the age of 80. Hope this helps. Bruce - Ingram PA (July 15, 2004)
Dear Eric, I'm not sure it applies here, but I'm looking for information of a country &western program on either WDTV or KDKA in the 50's. Slim Bryant performed on this program. Also a trio of sisters from Tintown PA played here. I would like to knoew the trio's band name. Also remember "Jane Wilkens" who always did the ring commercials for Wilken's Jewelry. And the host was a man. I can see him but don' remember his name. Blond hair. I think his first name was Al. Any help on this program is welcome. (July 14, 2004)

Eric's Response: Well WJAS had a Wilkin's Ameteur Hour many many years ago. That might be something that moved to television in the 50s. My guess is that if the host was a man...with Blond Hair...and the first name of Al...it would be Al McDowell.
I see Darieth Chisholm has made a comeback to WPXI. I've also seen her in some station promo's. Good to see her back! - Jim, Pittsburgh, PA. (July 14, 2004)

Eric's Response: Yes, the comeback was made about 3 months ago. It is indeed good to see her back!
Bender is currently doing mornings with his wife Jackie at Top 40 KBKS in Seatle Washington. He's been there for several years! David Edgar (July 14, 2004)

Eric's Response: Well thank you David Edgar! How in the world are things with you?! :-)
In response to the K-ROCK survey, I have twice unsuccessfully tried taking the survey myself. It didn't freeze my computer, but both times when I executed my preferences in music, it wouldn't complete it and kicked me back to the main screen. I was thinking it was just me, but now I feel its happening to others. Thanks for the info on WRKZ, the additional info about Cat Country and Cool Pop is correct as I go back to eastern PA about once a month. Red 102.3 was WHYL-FM for many years before the changeover. Scott Lithgow (July 13, 2004)
Good grief, Eric, I don't write in an eon, and suddenly I'm moved to write twice in a week. OK, some WRKZ history, if I may. First off, I believe WRKZ stood for "Robert K. Zimmerman," who once owned that station as well as WRSC in State College and some other properties. WRKZ became part of the Citadel chain of stations, "reaching across America, one station at a time," its Web site says. Citadel changed its call sign in 2002 to WCAT-FM (Cat Country), then recently to WCPP (or "Cool Pop"). It kept WCAT as the call sign another country station, "Red 102.3," also in the Harrisburg market. Hope it helps ... Pat Cloonan. (July 13, 2004)
Hello to all, I was wondering when people were viewing to take the K - Rock Music Survey IF the website froze your computer? I know my Computer is a piece of crap and maybe it won't let me view it for some odd reason. So, I was wondering if anyone else had this problem? (July 13, 2004)
In response to the question about what B94 Disc Jockey's were our favorite, my personal favorite was Bender back around 1996 or 1997 when he was the evening disc jockey. He was my favorite DJ of all time, he had a great show and had such a great radio personality. When Variety 96 changed to The River, Bender moved there to host the morning show, but it just wasnt the same as him on B94. Does anyone happen to know what happened to Bender by any chance? I'd love to hear him again!! (July 12, 2004)

Eric's Response: If I recall, his wife was heavily involved in the show as well. Bender went from WDRV on to Richmond, Virginia. I think he is now somewhere on the West Coast.
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