PBRTV - Pittsburgh Area Radio/TV Mailbag

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

PBRTV Mailbag October, 2004

This same KDKA/CBS 2 thread keeps repeating itself in here so here goes. WJZ is not changing to CBS 13. The revamped logo is only a couple of years old. As far as the other former Group W stations: only KDKA and KPIX in San Francisco were already CBS television stations before the transition. KYW in Philly and WBZ in Boston were both NBC stations before hand. WJZ was ABC. TG (October 28, 2004)

Eric's Response: Yes, I agree this thread keeps repeating...and therefore this is a good place to stop stringing it along.

I apoligize for emailing you a lot lately. I did some more research on the former Westinghouse stations. Of the four, KDKA-TV is the only one that was already CBS prior to the Westinghouse takeover in 1995. WJZ-TV in Baltimore was ABC, while KYW-TV in Philadelphia and WBZ-TV in Boston were NBC affiliates. I don't know why I keep bringing this up, though. But I figured this way, everyone would know. You were saying, though, that the GE-NBC merger occured around the same time. According to NBC's web site, GE acquired RCA in 1987, in turn acquiring NBC. So there was actually an eight-year difference. Disney's buyout of ABC was actually closer to the Westinghouse-CBS deal. That occured in 1996. So Westinghouse could've bought out ABC instead. Sorry, but I can't see KDKA-TV with ABC and WTAE-TV with CBS. Thank God that at least in Pittsburgh, there was no switch needed. (October 28, 2004)

I have some hope for the CBS 2 Pittsburgh/KDKA-TV thing: I found several CBS O&O stations that, even though they use CBS in the name, the call signs are in the logo. So, even if KDKA-TV becomes CBS 2 Pittsburgh, they may still use "KDKA-TV" somewhere in the logo. Currently, besides KDKA-TV, here are the other CBS O&O stations with the call signs as part of the logo: WCBS-TV New York City AKA "CBS 2" KYW-TV Philadelphia AKA "CBS 3" WJZ-TV Baltimore (Still has old Group W logo, though they may end up as CBS 13) KEYE-TV Austin AKA "K*EYE" (Nice name with the call sign, considering it's CBS.) Also, besides WJZ-TV, are there any former Westinghouse stations that had to change affiliates whenever Westinghouse bought CBS in 1995? KDKA-TV, of course, has always been with CBS, but according to earlier messages, WJZ-TV was an ABC affiliate under Westingouse. If so, please list their former affiliation. (October 27, 2004)

Eric's Response: WJZ is out of PBRTV's jurisdiction...talk to DCRTV about that. Anyway, it has been confirmed at least twice that KDKA will NOT lose its callsign. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the weather tracker ball at the transmitter just had "KDKA" painted on it within the last month or so. Also, Rob Owen from the Post-Gazette (who must read PBRTV or get the same emails we do) got it from the horse's mouth that KDKA-TV will remain KDKA-TV not only on paper but in appearance...so we do not need to worry about that!

I was reading your article about KQV switching from CBS News to AP. Well, if K-Rock ends up taking a big ratings slide after Howard Stern leaves, I have a suggestion: On 93.7 FM, change the callsigns to KDKA-FM, and move all of its current shows from AM 1020 to FM 93.7, and change the name to NewsTalk 93.7 KDKA-FM. As for AM 1020, just switch it to a NewsRadio format with CBS News, similar to it's sister station in Philadelphia, KYW 1060. (I can get that station in sometimes on my radio, as well as WBZ 1030 in Boston, which is a talk format.) So the name would be NewsRadio 1020 KDKA. Come to think of it, right now, KYW and KQV have the same slogan: "Give us 22 minutes, we'll give you the world." Also, despite the fact that KDKA Radio is the number one station in Pittsburgh, don't be surprised if WPGB takes over down the road. Having been in college last year, many young people my age, including myself, "ride the fence" politially, which means it takes the best out of both liberal and conservative viewpoints, but not at a moderate standpoint. WPGB, if you take time to listen to it, has both sides on a political issue, and is very even. (Despite the fact that it's owned by Clear Channel, which supports Bush.) KDKA Radio, on the other hand, leans more to the right, even though KDKA-TV tends to lean towards the left. Plus, WPGB has better ratings than KDKA among younger listeners. I hate Rush Limbaugh, but everything else is good on WPGB. (October 27, 2004)

Eric's Response: I would NOT be surprised to see WPGB take over...in one of the more specialized categories. PGB is going to be more popular among the younger audience because it's NOT KDKA which seems to catch the older people. However, I have yet to hear anything remotely moderate on WPGB.

What does UPN stand for? Couldn't find it spelled out in pbrtv.com. Thanks, New to Pittsburgh (October 20, 2004)

Eric's Response: United Paramount Network. It is a national network, seen locally on WNPA-TV.

Don, thanks for the memories. I remember Dino, and Bob Studebaker, and Sara Lockard and Tal Weimer, the gm for awhile on WNUF-fm. Yes, dad wanted things done HIS way and I can just see him making you play tunes in a certain order. Maybe it DID bring him luck on the links. We all miss him......jane (October 19, 2004)

new website now online featuring Erie Radio of the 80s -- erieradio.tripod.com. -- includes audio clips from many of the local djs and the station ids (October 19, 2004)

WPTT 1360 AM is taking the Bill O'Reilly show off the air during the 1-3 PM slot, M-F. They are considering two replacements. One would be a national syndicated show. The other option is to bring John McIntire in to do a local show. This decision will be made within a matter of days. Thus, it is URGENT for the local radio listening community to speak up and tell the WPTT Program Manager that we want John McIntire. John McIntire, former host of PCNC's Night Talk and current columnist with the City Paper, will bring an engaging, articulate liberal and local voice to the airwaves. WPTT's current line up includes Doug Hoerth (7-10), Lynn Cullen (10-1) and Jerry Bowyer (3-6). Adding McIntire to this lineup will keep the debate lively and the conversation interesting. This can make a difference. Michael Ferraro, owner of A Pleasant Present, used this tactic to bring Lynn Cullen back to the airwaves when her show was cancelled a few years ago. He collected over 2000 names on a petition. If you would like to hear another liberal local talk program on the airwaves, please send me your name, address and phone number via email ASAP. This information will be compiled by Michael and presented to the WPTT Program Manager. We need IMMEDIATE action. Email sue@sitnscoop.com. This is a unique opportunity to strengthen the liberal perspective on the airwaves. You can help by adding your name to the cause. Sue Kerr (October 19, 2004)

Eric's Response: Good heavens! This sounds more like "McIntyre for President" than anything.

Thanks for the nice personal thoughts and memories re: your dad Milt Hammond / WNUF.... I casually knew his kids Jimmy and Sara Jane, as I followed Dino on the afternoon shift (Don Tush), and saw you at work at the GreenSheet. I can still recall the smell of that paper and ink upstairs! Yes, there was indeed some fine "Sounds that Swing" music on the waves back in the day. One funny thing, as I recall, was on Sunday mornings when I did early shift, Milt would pull up in his BIG green Lincoln, stomp upstairs, unto the record library, and assign me to play a stack of LP's in exact order...must have brought him good luck on the links, don't know. Hey, after all, it WAS his jukebox!! I do recall he was crazy about Nat Cole's version of "When Sunny Gets Blue". Damn if I don't think of Uncle Miltie and those days, even when I hear that melody now... Best wishes, Don (October 19, 2004)

I cannot remember the name of the very, very funny KDKA morning guy who I heard later went to California and we never heard of him again. He had two little other-earthly "people" on his show - Omycron and Noodnycron - I can't guarantee the spelling, but how I laughed over them as a newlywed working around the house. Those were the 50's - the days when we had the large wooden radios with the terrific tone - could really boom it out. I'm sure someone will remember him - do they know his name and whatever happened to him ? Too bad they aren't selling tapes of his stuff today - I think they'd sell. (October 17, 2004)

Eric's Response: You are thinking of Omnicron and Nudnicron who were members of the legendary Cordic and Company led by Rege Cordic. Cordic died in May of 1999 at the age of 74. Bob Trow passed about six months before that. Karl Hardman is still around. There is a website at http://merlin2.alleg.edu/employee/c/csherman/cordic/index.htm which is pretty much dedicated to Rege Cordic and it even has some clips of old skits they did.

My sister-in-law, Dorothy (Chuzzy) Ross, sang with the KDKA orchestra in the late 30's or early 40's. Does anyone remember her and can provide any details - I would like to find out about the 5:15 program she sang on (weekdays) and more details for her two daughters, Pat and Robin, who now live in Plano, TX and Spokane, WA Chuz also worked as a model for Hornes and Kaufmans, and was a tall auburn-haired very lively young woman ! She also sang with an all-girl orchestra, but I have forgotten the name of it. She lived on Mt. Washington and her parents were Dick and Irma Ross. Her sister was Elvie, who had a real estate office. Anyone remember them ? Are there any musical recordings from that time - two bad they weren't taping then - we don't have any records of her beautiful, melodic voice. I loved to hear her sing, "Tis Autumn", After she married my brother, Bob Gillespie, they moved to Greenville, Pa. and she never sang professionally after that. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who remembers her. Mimi Filer in Columbus, Ohio (October 17, 2004)

Hi, I just came upon your website, by accident actually, and just want to thank you for your kind words on radio station WNUF-fm (100.7). The station was owned by my dad, j. milton hammond (the eccentric owner -- correctly described) who passed away January 3, of this year. He was a great guy and truly loved the Big Band sound. Up until his death he still talked about buying another radio station to play those tunes again`. He traveled with the Big Bands right out of college and loved the sound (he met my mum over the phone while placing a call to one of the orchestra leaders -- she was a telephone operator). Actually, I grew up listening to the big bands and liked them a lot, too -- even though kids my age were into rock 'n roll. Not that I wasn't into that, too, but the Big Bands had something special. The family decided to play his beloved Big Band sounds at the funeral home. I know he was smiling and maybe even doing a little dance. He was ahead of his time. I play the sounds frequently while driving. It's soothing, happy, makes -you -feel- good sound makes driving a bit more entertaining. Anyway, thanks again. (October 16, 2004)

I have 6 of Terry Lee CD's. I was going to copy them and sell them to friends from the Pittsburgh area. My husband is concerned with copy rights. Is there copy rights on all 6 CD's. I am really interested in knowing this before I get into trouble. If offering to sell them to freinds only against the law. It has been over 30 years since they have been made. Thanks CH (October 16, 2004)

Darrell Edwards is the afternoon host on WKZV 1110am Washington. He is an excellent announcer. Vito (October 15, 2004)

Hi Eric: Just found your informative webpage. I'm a native Pittsburger now living in the Baltimore area. I worked in radio briefly in the mid 70's, at WPLW-Carnegie, religious format owned by some Oklahoma Baptists (a bit of a stretch for a Catholic kid from Duquesne U), and later at the gone but not forgotten WNUF, Big Band 101. Owned by J.M. Hammond, of "Green Sheet" fame. I understand Milt passed away in early 2004. I worked the afternoon 1-7 airshift, and was on air one day in the summer of 1976 when the building at 404 North Ave. went up in flames. The second of three fires at the place!! All in all, I remember it as the most fun I ever had while making minimum wage. We had a cast of funny characters doin' there thing upstairs. A few of the air talent are still around the Pgh. area. Dino Orsatti, Sara Lockard, Bob Studebaker, etc. We were lucky to have a really golden voiced pro, Darrell Edwards, who did the night shift, voiceovers and commercials. He at one time was Rege Cordic's night guy at KDKA. I'd like to know if he and some of the others are still around. I don't get back to the 'Burg often, but am certain that there's not much on the waves these days that even resembles "Uncle Miltie's Jukebox", as we used to affectionally call it. Take care, all the best to Pittsburgh radio. Sadly, there's just very little originality or creativity legt anymore....(October 15, 2004)

Eric's Response: Ok, 3 fires and now a flood. The Millvale area suffered some extensive damage a few weeks ago during Hurricane Ivan's deluge. The ground floor of the building (drugstore/diner) was totally ruined. The creativity and originality is there...it's just that nobody lets you put it on the air anymore!

Dear Eric, Just wanted to know if you or anyone has heard anything else about anymore changes coming to WLSW 103.9. Also just curious as to what people think of the new weeknight format that is on instead of the oldies. Just curious because I have heard alot of comments about the new format. Thanks!! (October 15, 2004)

John Paul Dellacamera ("JP") was the voice of the Pittsburgh Spirit indoor soccer team. He is now the voice of the New York-New Jersey Metrostars, and recently did Olympic soccer for NBC in Athens. Al McGilvray WAZT Woodstock, VA (October 14, 2004)

Dear Mr. O'Brien: Were you aware that a documentary aimed at school children from circa 1980 preserved the WTAE-TV news intro. from that era? The documentary was called "TV News" or "Television News." It was part of a "Media Probes" series. It was hosted by John Cameron Swayze, perhaps most famous as the 1950s NBC news program "Camel News Caravan." It was released around 1980. The program explored issues about local television news in the United States. It briefly profiled the Frank N. Magid Company's overhaul of channel 2 in Greensboro, N.C. It also told the story of Jerry? Foster, the helicopter news photographer for KPNX-TV (channel 12) in Phoenix, Arizona. One of the most interesting parts of the program was when it played introductions for various local TV newscasts from across the country. One was for WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh. It was a cut of the Mason Williams/Mike Post "Classical Gas" piece. Images of the Pittsburgh area were flashed in rapid succession, including a paper boy delivering a newspaper from his bicycle in a residential area (from interesting angle that included a rising or setting sun), a trolley shot from a couple of angles, and an aerial shot of Three Rivers Stadium. I believe that other Hearst TV stations had similar local news introductions with the "Classical Gas" piece in the same era [e.g. WBAL-TV (channel 11) in Baltimore]. Other news intros. in the documentary were for WMAR-TV (channel 2) in Baltimore and KPNX-TV in Phoenix. It also showed a promo for WPVI-TV in Philadelphia -- the character actors sang a song about why the watch "Action News." There was also a promo from KNXT (channel 2 -- now KCBS-TV) in Los Angeles -- Connie Chung, then a local news anchor, can be seen on a monitor in one shot of the newsroom. I believe that a few university libraries, at least, still have copies of this "Media Probes" documentary. Best regards, Jason Lafayette, Calif. (October 14, 2004)

Eric's Response: Many news stations, and I don't think they were just Hearst-owned, had that middle part of Mason Williams' "Classical Gas" as their news theme. It was, I think, before my time in about 1974. I think the concept came from Intelesound who probably paid nice royalties to Mason Williams! Sounds like an interesting program to me.

Eric, This might seem alittle out of hand but, I have been watching WPXI News and it seems like Peggy Finnigan is never on set. Did she leave or what? Just curious...Ryan, Kennedy Twp. (October 13, 2004)

Eric's Response: Peggy is on from 5 - 6:30 PM nightly. I'm not sure what kind, if any, assignments she takes, but I know that her family does come first. To my knowledge she has not left the station.

Hello Eric, I tried to click on the link you provided to the Sinclair Article, but you have to register with the Los Angeles Times to read the article. I found another link and also what Michael Moore plans to do. I thought your other readers might be interested in the links w/o having to subscribe to the LA Times (even though its free). I think you're just subjecting yourself to SPAM when you do register with them. http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2004/10/9/220649.shtml and Michael Moore's plan: http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/10/9/211257.shtml. Eric, I am a regular reader and frequent poster on your site. I hope you will post BOTH of these links (just to be "fair and balanced") :-) Also, check your mail for a PayPal donation to your site. Scott Cranberry Twp. (October 10, 2004)

Eric's Response: Scott, I thank you very much for both websites and of course the donation! I am working on finding the Pay Pal Donation site...which for whatever reason...I have not found on their site yet.

I am very excited Howard Stern has chosen to take his show to Sirius Satellite Radio. However, it is not for the normal reason people might expect. I am a Sirius stockholder!!! The stock is up almost $1/share since the announcement after doing nothing for months. WAY TO GO HOWARD!!! (October 7, 2004)

What's going to happen with WRKZ 93.7 K-ROCK after 2006 when Howard leaves to go to Sirius? Ryan Kennedy Township, PA (October 7, 2004)

Eric's Response: As I told Scott Tady of the Beaver County Times, it's WAY TOO EARLY to tell. There may be an up and coming act (local or national) ready to take over...or there may be another format flip. But this is 14 months away...WAY TOO EARLY to tell.

Infinity's decision to switch WBZZ 93.7 "B94" in favor of WRKZ 93.7 "K-Rock" may have seemed like a wise move at the time. However, an article in today's USA Today (http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2004-10-06-stern_x.htm) states that Howard Stern will be moving to where he belongs: satellite radio. Now he will not have to deal with the FCC and those that want to hear him will have to pay. So, the question is, what happens to WRKZ? The main draw for this revamped station was supposed to be Stern and he will be leaving by the end of the year. Kevin - Cranberry (October 6, 2004)

Eric's Response: That's the end of NEXT year. The deal doesn't begin until 2006.

I happened on this site by mistake. When I noticed that WDVE was mentioned I read on. One person was looking for Marsy Posner McFerron (my cousin). She is currently living in Aiken South Carolina and was on WBBQ until recently. (October 6, 2004)

Eric, Here is some news about 107.1 WJJJ...Well the name of the station is going to be called Majic 107.1...that station is going to be the old 104.7...i think they might put some of the old 104.7 DJ's like Brother Matt. I know in the future alot of disgruted WJJJ listeners in Pittsburgh are going to be undisgruted knowing there going to get there Jammin Oldies Station back. Vick (October 5, 2004)

Eric's Response: Well that should be great for the people in Westmoreland County. 107.1 has some of, but not the greatest presence in Allegheny County. It has to back off because of only being second channel from sister 106.7.

What I found unusual was that South Side Radio was transmitting from the basement of the South Side Carnegie Library. And had been given a grant by some South Side organization, either community development or Chamber. I would listen to the interviews sometimes. But didn't anyone ask is this legal? They had a sign on the birmingham bridge and another on carson street. which is how I found out about the station. Then I read an article in the South Side Reporter. I remember thinking I wish I could get a grant to start a low power fm. the original frequency was around 92.5 or 92.3. (October 4, 2004)

It seems that in the recent week, Youngstown radio has been more active than Pittsburgh. But I have just caught on to what they are calling the new 96.7 The River. I really like the adult format. Is it the same River format the 96.1 in Pittsburgh used a few years back? (October 3, 2004)

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