Record-breaker: OSU gets $128M for radio, TV rights
West Virginia, Misc. Ohio: The TV and radio networks controlling broadcast rights to Ohio State sporting events will pay the university $110 million over the next 10 years.
The deal announced last night is the most lucrative agreement in college sports, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
An Ohio State press release says that Cleveland-based IMG Worldwide and Columbus-based RadiOhio Inc. will together manage all publishing and broadcasting of the university's sports, including play-by-play and coaches shows, except for rights held by the Big Ten Conference.
In addition, IMG will assume responsibility for about $18 million in production, payroll and related costs associated with the broadcasts.
Eugene Smith, Ohio State associate vice president and athletic director, said in a prepared statement that the arrangement "helps to ensure the long-term financial stability of Ohio State Athletics by continuing to fund our 36-sport program."
IMG, a marketing, public relations and talent agency, already controls Ohio State's publishing rights. The new agreement, which begins July 1, also gives IMG control over everything from signage inside OSU facilities to corporate sponsorships and coaches' endorsements.
RadiOhio presently holds Ohio State's radio rights, and its Columbus-based sports-talkers, WBNS-AM/FM, serve as flagships for the university's athletics events. The company is a subsidiary of the parent company of the Columbus Dispatch and also operates the Ohio News Network, along with two TV stations.
Tri-state radio stations presently in the OSU network include WNIO (1390) and WBGG-FM (106.1) in Youngstown; WVLY (1370) in Wheeling; WCDK-FM (106.3) in Steubenville; and WOHI (1490) in East Liverpool.
Altoona's Bithell laid off
Johnstown-Altoona-State College: Dave Bithell, news anchor at Hollidaysburg-licensed WRKY-FM (104.9) and its sister stations at Forever Broadcasting, is the latest casualty of the company's budget cuts.
The 39-year local radio veteran was fired by "Rocky 104.9" last week for "budgetary reasons," according to the Altoona Mirror.
Former WFBG talk-show host Steve Clark, who was laid off in January, calls Bithell a victim of the consolidation of Johnstown, Altoona and State College radio stations into the hands of Forever and its affiliates.
"If you work in radio in this area, there are two companies that own all of the stations --- the [Dave] Barger group and Forever," Clark tells the Mirror. "It's not like the old days when, if you would lose a job, you could jump around. If you lose a job, the only way to stay in radio is to leave town. There is nobody else."
New charges for ex-6 weatherman
Johnstown-Altoona-State College: Former WJAC-TV (6) weatherman Jay Patrick is now facing theft charges, according to the Tribune-Democrat.
Patrick (whose real name is James Holcomb) was charged last week with stealing $7,500 from a landscaping contractor for which he was working.
The 43-year-old was convicted in 2004 of sexual assault and related offenses. The victim was 6 years old at the time of the assaults.
Patrick fled the United States before his sentencing but was recaptured in the Ukraine earlier this month. He was remanded to Cambria County Prison last week.
Police have also charged Patrick with escape, forgery and receiving stolen property. Preliminary hearings will be scheduled on those charges; a new date for Patrick's sentencing on the assault charges has not yet been set.
Flood City loves M*A*S*H
Johnstown-Altoona-State College: Tribune-Democrat columnist Michele Bender asked her readers to vote for their favorite and least favorite sitcoms and dramas.Her informal poll puts the long-running Korean War comedy "M*A*S*H" as an all-time reader favorite. But Johnstown viewers (at least those who wrote to Bender) hate CBS's "Two-and-a-Half Men," starring Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer.
What, no hate for "According to Jim"?
Après this, le déluge
Monday Morning Nostalgia Fix:
Investors were nervous on the last Monday in March, 1929, after stock prices tumbled five to 10 percent.
Cynics claimed that consumers were over-extended on credit, that businesses were over-capitalized, and that banks were taking wild gambles on investments they didn't understand.
But financial experts reassured the public that America's financial system was sound. There was "no sound reason for fearing anything like a financial or industrial collapse," the New York Times told its readers. "The fundamental conditions are nearly all as promising as ever."
As we all know, the stock market continued to go up and up forever, and there were absolutely no lessons for anyone to learn.
. . .
Meanwhile, this week in Pittsburgh radio, Westinghouse engineer Vladimir Zworykin was demonstrating a new method for transmitting pictures or text via wireless.
The experiments were being conducted over Westinghouse's KDKA when the station was otherwise off-the-air. KDKA, incidentally, was then located at 980 kHz --- or, because most radio dials were then still calibrated in wavelengths instead of frequencies, 305.9 meters.
"The day is not far off when you may flash a photograph or a letter of several hundred words to friends in Tokio, Paris, Buenos Aires or any distant point, in less than a minute," reported the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, a Hearst newspaper and one of the city's two afternoon dailies.
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WICU's pink screen on Dish
Erie-Meadville: Yesterday, Dish Network subscribers like myself noticed a problem with WICU's feed to Dish Network. During most of Sunday afternoon and evening, Dish subscribers tuning into Channel 12 found nothing but a pink screen with occasional programming cutting in. I have heard a few people complain about this occuring from time to time, but yesterday was the worst. The reason why this is happening is because WICU (like many other local Erie TV stations) is feeding Dish its digital channel which is currently on very low power on DT 52 (12-1). WICU would be better off if they feed Dish their other digital channel until June 12th which is on 35-3 thanks to sister station WSEE DT.Miles takes cut in pay
Pittsburgh:WQED's President and CEO George Miles has taken a 30% pay cut. That's just one move in a series of cost-cutting measures taken by the company. Mr. Miles had been criticized earlier in the week by the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy who said a pay cut should be made so the company could weather the economic climate better. A $734,000 operating loss for the first five months of the fiscal year was announced at the quarterly meeting yesterday.
Miles announced that a lot of viewers and other people have been uninformed about what the company is doing to keep costs down. "Some folks were saying we shouldn't be asking for additional money because we hadn't cut our expenses. That's not true," said Miles. Last summer's budget was considered to be a "hunker down" budget which could weather the storm. However, with the continued recession, many cost-cutting moves were taken in December. Aside from Miles' pay cut, six other top executives took pay cuts averaging 23%, other employees received salary freezes and contributions to retirement plans were also cut.
Add to this the fact that state funding cuts could also be in the works if the proposal by Governor Rendell is approved. That would amount to a $1.1 million loss for WQED and a $7.9 million loss for eight stations statewide. One board member said that if that happened, "WQED could become a very different place - a shadow of itself."
Nonetheless, WQED Multimedia forecasts ending the fiscal year (September 30) in the black.
Pittsburgh TV Pioneer dies
Pittsburgh:Edward J. Young - a behind-the-scenes TV pioneer in Pittsburgh - died Tuesday at the age of 90. After marrying and a career with the Defense Department, Mr. Young returned to Western Pennsylvania to take a job with DuMont Television Network - WDTV-TV (3) - as director of the Wilkins Amateur Hour. Later he would go on to work at WIIC-TV (11) and KDKA-TV (2) before settling in at WTAE-TV (4) in 1960. Former co-worker, Fred Young (no relation) remembered him as a "very likable man". The late Mr. Young was the director for "Paul Shannon's Adventure Time" and "The Hank Stohl Show" before he worked with on-air folks like Paul Long and Joe DeNardo. In the 1970s, WTAE General Manager John G. Conomikes named Mr. Young the WTAE representative to the cable industry in Western Pennsylvania. After retiring in 1984, he spent 10 years as a consultant to keep up-to-date on the industry.
Ed Young is survived by two daughters, a sister and two grandchildren.
Dymond new Connoisseur Erie Market Manager
Erie-Meadville: Breaking News: There's a new Dymond at the Boston Store. Connoisseur Media has announced that Nancy Dymond is the new Market Manager for the Connoisseur Erie stations including WRTS-FM "Star 104", WRKT-FM "Rocket 101", WXBB-FM "94.7 Bob FM", WTWF-FM "93.9 The Wolf", WJET "Jet Radio 1400" and WFNN 1330 "Fox Sports Radio." Nancy comes to Erie with 25 years of experience including time with Fritz Broadcasting as VP/GM in both Saginaw and Lansing, Michigan as well as time as DOS with Radio One in Detroit.Jones exits KDKA
Pittsburgh:Keith Jones, co-anchor of the KDKA-TV (2) morning news, will be leaving the station April 3. He has accepted a new job at WTSP-TV in Tampa, Florida. Jones tells the Post-Gazette, "My family and I adore Pittsburgh and are sad to leave, but the economic environment we're in indicated it was time to move on. I'm incredibly blessed to have had a couple of job offers."
Jones has been at KDKA since 2005, but previously worked at WPXI as a weekend anchor and reporter. In between he spent two years at WOWK-TV in Charleston, West Virginia.
WTOV to convert early
Misc. Ohio: There is good news for those awaiting WTOV in Steubenville to convert to digital. It appears that the station has been given the green light to convert early after stating to the FCC that several Pittsburgh area analog stations are available to viewers in the Wheeling / Steubenville market. The conversion will take place on April 16th at 12:30pm. The channel will move to DT 9 from DT 57 which will give the market its second VHF DTV station after WTRF DT 7 converted last month. Viewers will have to rescan their converter boxes or digital TV sets in order to watch the station."American Scary" DVD features local talent
National News:Many cities throughout the span of decades from the 50s to the 80s had "horror hosts" on a local TV station. Pittsburgh, of course, had Channel 11 and "Chilly Billy Cardille". A new DVD documentary has been released called "American Scary". The video celebrates the hey day of this type of programming - one which lives on via low-power stations and the Internet. Although not clear whether Cardille shows up - although we suspect that he might - local makeup artist and special effects guru Tom Savini makes an appearance. Savini currently runs a school for special effects makeup in Monessen. The documentary - featuring interviews and historical content - can be purchased at www.americanscary.com.
WQED to flip to Digital April 1
Pittsburgh:We've reported this before, but the date is nearing. WQED-TV (13) will be turning off its analog signal at 6:00 am on April 1. The plans we've seen call for WQED's Digital signal to flash cut to 13 from 38 once the analog signal is off making it the only market station to retain it's original channel allocation.
Person Profile: Kevin Delaney
Person Profile:
You may have noticed the ad in the right hand column over the last week for Kevin Delaney's Voiceover Intensive which is a couple of weeks away. Although he's an "unknown voice" on radio and TV, I thought it would be pretty neat to feature such an artist.
Name: Kevin Delaney
Birthplace/Current Location: Pittsburgh; I have lived in Los Angeles for the past 11 years.
Briefly explain your profession to us. I'm a voiceover artist. I perform for radio and TV commercials, animated projects, video games, toys, or any other kind of recording where a voice is needed.
What inspired you to get into voiceovers? I was a young actor in Pittsburgh, and I needed work! Seriously, I've always enjoyed using my voice. When the opportunity came up to audition for some local radio spots, wild horses couldn't have kept me from it.
Do many on-air talents - hosts and DJs, for example - do what you do? Some, though I couldn't say exactly how many. They're different fields, and each requires a different set of skills.
Describe your all-time favorite gig. A few years back, I was the voice of Mister Ed at the TV Land Awards. Allan "Rocky" Lane, the original voice of Ed, passed away in 1973. I got to step into those shoes (hooves, I suppose) and perform opposite Alan Young, who played Wilbur on the show.
Tell us about your Commercial Voiceover Intensive happening on April 4. I'm on a mission to bring Hollywood-caliber voiceover training to Pittsburgh. Our April 4 session will focus on performing in radio and TV spots. We'll also talk about how to structure a commercial demo that will knock an agent's socks off. Since we'll be working in a studio, we can closely simulate the dynamics of a recording session. A splendid time is guaranteed for all!
For more information about Kevin and the Voiceover Intensive, visit his website at www.KevinDelaney.net.
Frattare to Waynesburg U.
Pittsburgh: Longtime Pirates play-by-play man Lanny Frattare has joined the faculty at Waynesburg University, the school announced today.
Frattare, who was heard on Bucs broadcasts for 33 years until retiring at the end of last season, will serve as an assistant professor of communications and special assistant to the department of university relations.
His teaching duties will include courses in sportscasting, news announcing and public speaking, and he will also work with student sportscasters for the university's athletics games, the school said in a press release.
A private university affiliated with the Presbyterian church, Waynesburg is located south of Pittsburgh in Greene County and has about 2,500 students, including 1,500 undergraduates.
Saw it then
Monday Morning Nostalgia Fix:
An alert PBRTV reader points out that last Monday marked the 55th anniversary of the famous CBS-TV "See It Now" broadcast that focused on U.S. Sen. Joe McCarthy, who became famous (some say infamous) for his investigations into alleged Communist infiltration of the federal government.
The March 9, 1954 program --- memorably recreated in 2005 by George Clooney for his film "Good Night, and Good Luck" --- is widely credited with leading to McCarthy's ultimate downfall.
If today's journalism students have any knowledge of "See It Now" host Edward R. Murrow, who died in 1965, it's as the man who "took down Joe McCarthy."
Murrow's bravery can't be understated --- until that Tuesday night at 10:30, few other journalists had dared challenge "Tailgunner Joe" --- but he and his "See It Now" crew didn't really "take down" McCarthy.
McCarthy destroyed McCarthy. Murrow only had to give McCarthy a rope and let him fashion his own noose.
And that caused many, many uncomfortable moments in Pittsburgh, the headquarters of Murrow's sponsor --- the Aluminum Company of America, better known as Alcoa ... (more)
WTRF DT 7 with the power of 3
West Virginia:Yesterday (Sunday), I was actually able to pull in WTRF DT 7 from Wheeling. (It was a tropo event not an e-skip as Scott Fybush stated in the comments section, thanks for the correction.) The long time CBS affiliate is now carrying three major networks with use of their digital sub channels. You can catch CBS HD programming on 7-1, Fox (Fox Ohio Valley) SD on 7-2 and ABC (ABC Ohio Valley) SD on 7-3. In the past, over the air viewers could get CBS on WTRF 7 and NBC on WTOV 9 but had to pull in Pittsburgh area stations for other networks. (WTOV will convert to full powered digital on June 12th.) You will need a converter box or digital TV in order to pull in the new sub channels. From what I saw, it looks like WTRF is trying to fill some network gaps that could not be filled previously. Viewers there can now even enjoy a locally based 10pm newscast on "Fox Ohio Valley."
FCC tells Sivik to shut down pirate station
Erie-Meadville: Friday's Meadville Tribune featured a front page article regarding the FCC's battle with Darrell Sivik and his pirate radio station called "Braveheart Radio" located at 88.3 FM. This is the second time since 1998 the FCC has told Darrell to shut down the illegal station, which has a coverage area of 20 miles from its broadcast location on Williamson road in West Mead Township. Darrell has vowed that the station is legal and will fight the FCC in court in order to keep the anti government based programming on the air (complete with commercials in the non commercial band from 88.1 - 91.9). Darrell was recently released from federal prison after his property was raided in March of 2004 by the agency of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for various firearms violations. He could now either face fines or more prison time if the station is not shut down. He welcomes the FCC to stop by and check out the station.WANB-FM gets new (old?) callsign; More stations remove webcast
Pittsburgh:Sort of. Long-time Waynesburg FM station, WANB (103.1) has switched its callsign to WKVE. The station is owned by Broadcast Communications and will soon have a new home in Mt. Pleasant, PA. B.C. owner, Bob Stevens has used the 'KVE calls before on his former station (97.5 FM; now WDDH) in St. Mary's PA during the mid-1990s. The calls were most recently used at a K-Love outlet in North Carolina.
In the interest of disclosure, this editor works part-time for Broadcast Communications but actually got the scoop from our friend Scott Fybush. Several weeks ago, you might remember the story on PBRTV regarding Renda Broadcasting's removal of streaming audio from its music stations. Fybush is reporting that WBEB (Philadelphia) owner Jerry Lee has done the same at his station to protest the new SoundExchange licensing fees. Lee feels the fees "no longer make streaming a viable option." He goes on to mention that by 2015 nearly half of the station's revenue from the streaming audio would go directly to SoundExchange which would destroy any possibilities for growth business opportunity for stations AND musicians.
Voice your KDKA opinions...on KDKA. (3/19)
Pittsburgh:Do you have questions about what happens "behind the scenes" at KDKA-AM (1020)? Now's your chance to go straight to the boss. KDKA's general manager, Michael Young (who is also CBS Radio's senior vice-president and Pittsburgh market manager), will take complaints, compliments and questions live on-air Thursday, March 19, 7-8pm during "Pintek Tonight" hosted by Mike Pintek. Listeners may contact the show through the call-in lines or Instant Access feature available at KDKAradio.com.
WDUQ hires new reporter
Pittsburgh:WDUQ-FM (90.5) has hired Erika Beras to fill the newly created position of the Staunton Farm Foundation Behavioral Health Reporter. Beras comes from the Miami Herald where she covered breaking news and health and science stories. She earned her Masters Degree from the Columbia University School of Journalism while working as an intern at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. She has written for magazines as well.
At WDUQ, Ms. Beras will cover stories relevant to the behavioral health community and their connections to the community. The position is being funded through a grant from the Staunton Farm Foundation and is working in collaboration with the Thomas Scattergood Foundation Behavioral Health Reporter at WHYY in Philadelphia.
Curve adds Fox Sports 970
Pittsburgh, Johnstown-Altoona-State College: Pittsburgh's "Fox Sports" WBGG (970) has been added to the network of stations carrying broadcasts of the minor-league Altoona Curve.
A double-A farm team of the Pirates, the Curve will also be heard on Altoona's WVAM (1430); WHUN (1150) in Huntingdon; WKGE (850) in Johnstown; WWGE (1400) in Loretto; and WTRN (1340) in Tyrone.
WBGG has committed to carrying at least 55 games during the 2009 season.
The team says the arrangement makes the Curve one of the few double-A affiliates to have a full-power broadcast outlet in the hometown of its parent organization.
WKKX's Jeffers dies
West Virginia: WKKX (1600) nighttime host Tod Jeffers died March 1. He was 67.
A Moundsville native and U.S. Army veteran, Jeffers' broadcasting career spanned 45 years, including American Forces Radio, the former WMOD (1370) in Moundsville, WWVA and WHLL in Wheeling, and several stations in central Pennsylvania.
He was also heard on Penn State men's basketball broadcasts.
Jeffers' passing came less than two weeks after the death of his colleague and fellow WKKX host, George Kellas.
Jeffers is survived by a daughter, Vicki, of Chippewa; a son, Andy, of State College; two brothers; a sister; and several grandchildren.
Interment was private.
Ex-WJAC-TV weatherman arrested
Johnstown-Altoona-State College: Former WJAC-TV (6) meteorologist Jay Patrick has been arrested in the Ukraine after four years on the lam.According to the Tribune-Democrat, Patrick --- whose real name is James Patrick Holcomb --- was arrested in the capital, Kiev, on Wednesday and will be extradited back to Cambria County to face charges.
Holcomb, 43, was arrested in 2004 and pleaded no contest to charges he sexually assaulted a young girl. He fled while on house arrest and was declared a fugitive.
A deputy U.S. marshal in Johnstown told the newspaper Holcomb apparently had been living under an assumed name. Marshals had also chased leads elsewhere in Europe and Asia.
60 Years for WICU TV 12
Erie-Meadville: In a few days, Erie's oldest television station will turn 60. WICU TV 12 first hit the airwaves on March 15th, 1949 signing on as the first ever "Channel 12" in the nation. The station had it's construction permit approved before the FCC put a freeze on additional new TV station construction permits. The next station would not come on the air in Erie until WSEE TV 35 signed on in 1954. WJET TV 24 would then follow in 1966 after that it would be WQLN TV 54 in 1967 and then WETG TV 66 in 1986 (which would later become WFXP). With the new age of television dawning in Erie, WICU would be an affiliate of all four major networks NBC, ABC, CBS and DuMont. In addition, Channel 12 carried lots of locally produced programs using just one camera at their State street studios. I was able to watch a special produced in 1989 called "WICU, The First 40 Years" thanks to Jim Griffey, who loaned me his recording of the program. To see how much research was put into that program was simply amazing. Seeing legendary names like Vance McBryde, Shirley Ramsey, Hyle Richmond, Dave Forsythe, Jean Carnes, Bill Knupp, Ned McGrath, Bill Cardille, etc. says a lot about the quality programming that was put on the WICU airwaves over the years. It's doubtful that WICU will put together another such program to celebrate their 60th anniversary because of the ownership changes since then. Of course, you are welcome to share your memories of WICU with the PBRTV World.DuMont pioneer and WTTG-TV founder dies
National News:Thomas Toliver Goldsmith, Jr. passed away at his home in Lacey, Washington on March 5. Among his many accomplishments, Goldsmith was the Director of Resarch at the Allen B. DuMont Laboratories from 1936-1966 and founder of Washington, D.C. station WTTG-TV (5) in 1945. The station was a DuMont Network-owned station (as was Pittsburgh's WDTV-TV (3) - later KDKA-TV (2) ) and dubbed with Goldsmith's initials. WTTG still exists today.
Goldsmith was 99 and is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen, three children, six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
(Obituary)
PBRTV would like to acknowledge 'Rich' who sent us this information who states, "Sad to me that his death has gone completely under the radar of the national media, who owe a LOT to people like Dr. Goldsmith."
UPDATE: WTTG picked the story up from PBRTV.
Ladies and gentlemen...the Beatles!
Erie-Meadville:Our friend and WYNE PD "Captain Dan" Geary has some very exciting news regarding weekend programming on WYNE 1530. The station will now carry two very popular Beatles programs. The first is one that was carried on the former "Froggy 94.7" called "Beatles Brunch". The two hour program is hosted by Joe Johnson will feature band interviews, Beatle news as well as special live performances and rare studio recordings. The Brunch will air Saturdays from 10am - Noon. Meanwhile, "Breakfast with the Beatles" will also air on WYNE Sundays from 11am - Noon. This program is hosted by KLOS (Los Angeles) D.J. Chris Carter who is also a music and film producer. You can also find news about the program on Facebook. Both programs make their debut this weekend on WYNE 1530 or on the station's website worldwide at http://wyne.mercyhurst.edu/ where the station also broadcasts 24 hours a day.
The late, late show
Monday Morning Nostalgia Fix: On Friday, Jimmy Fallon wrapped up his first week as the new host of NBC's "Late Night," the franchise launched in 1982 by David Letterman and recently vacated by Conan O'Brien.
O'Brien (and his old sidekick, the underappreciated Andy Richter) will take over "The Tonight Show" in June when Jay Leno moves to prime-time.
The 1993 debut of "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" in Letterman's old time slot was memorably awful. O'Brien --- then a TV writer and producer who had little previous on-camera experience --- looked nervous and awkward during his first weeks.
In later years, O'Brien himself made fun of his first few seasons. During a special celebrating his 10th anniversary as "Late Night" host, guest Mr. T gave O'Brien a gift to congratulate him for seven years on the air.
"T, I've been on for 10 years," O'Brien said.
"I know that, fool," Mr. T said, "but you only been funny for seven!"
Of course, O'Brien grew into the role. Fallon looked wooden last week and his jokes thudded to the ground, but Aaron Barnhart of the Kansas City Star thinks NBC will allow him to grow, too.
We decided to take a look back at the debuts of a few other famous late-night TV hosts and see what the reviewers said. (We're ignoring the notorious bombs, like Fox's two legendary turkeys, "The Chevy Chase Show" and "The Wilton-North Report.")
More after the jump ... (more)
Brian James - Voiceover artist made stop in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh:Tom Taylor on Radio-Info reports the death of voiceover artist Brian James. James apparently died of a heart attack. He was just 48. Colleagues said that James was someone his clientele could rely on and had a keen sense of imaging and production. His Pittsburgh connection came when he worked at WBZZ (93.7) - the original B-94. James also worked at KIIS in LA, KFRC in San Francisco and WLW in Cincinatti. He was also the voice of TV's "Extra".
Control your enthusiasm
Nonsense:1969: Channel 53 returns to the air after a 15-year absence.
1985: Bob Prince comes back to the Pirate broadcasting booth for three final games.
2008: Terry Lee's "Music for Young Lovers" is heard again in Western Pennsylvania for the first time in 20 years.
Once every generation, a legend in Pittsburgh radio and TV history returns.
This is not one of those times.
The "Monday Morning Nostalgia Fix" is back on March 9.
Only on PBRTV: The ones to watch for the hometown advantage that stands up and tells 'em you're from Pittsburgh.
Person Profile: Bill Alexander
Person Profile:
Name: William Eric Alexander
Do you have an "air name"? Bill Alexander
Age: 42
Birthplace/Current Location: Birthplace: Pittsburgh PA, Grew up in Mars, PA, Now live in Brownsville, PA
What Stations have you worked at? WVCS-FM (now WCAL) 1984-1988, Talent; WLSW-FM (on air name at that time - Dave Ericson) 1988-1990 Disc Jockey; WMBS-AM 1992-1995 Announcer/Talkshow host; WASP-AM/WASP-FM 1995-1997 Talkshow Host/Asst. Operations Manager/Sales; WMBS-AM 1997-1999 Talkshow host; WJPA-AM/FM 1999-2000 Parttime DJ; WMBS-AM 2000-2001 Talkshow Host and Program Director; WMBS-AM 2002-2003 Parttime DJ and Promotions and Website Design; WJPA-AM/FM 2003-2006 Fill-in Weekend DJ; OnLine with Bill Alexander: The Netio Show 2006 - Present.
Have you had any other jobs outside of the broadcasting industry? Public Relations, Marketing, Sales, Web-design.
Tell us about OnLine with Bill Alexander: The Netio Show.
NETIO [ne-tee-oh]: n, a word combining 'internet and 'radio' into an online stream (or download) of digital audio entertainment.
OnLine with Bill Alexander was originally a night time talkshow that I used to host on WMBS Radio 2000-2001. When I was introduced to internet broadcasting/Podcasting in 2006, I took the original program's format and converted it to an online program. OnLine with Bill Alexander is a "Traditional" Radio Talkshow on the Internet. This is a caller interactive talk program. We discuss News, Entertainment, Sports, Politics and whatever is going on in the world.
The term NETIO was coined in 2006 when I said on the program that I could not call this RADIO and needed a new term. A caller from Mississippi suggested NETIO (interNET + radIO). And from that point on it has been called "OnLine with Bill Alexander: The NETIO Show" or just "The NETIO Show".
What inspired you to start it? I missed hosting a talk radio show.
How long ago did you start it? September 2006
When are you on the air? Live on Wednesday Nights at 10:06 pm at http://www.OnLinewithBillAlexander.com.
Who are your mentors/inspirations?
Inspired by: Jack Bogut, Doug Hoerth, Lynn Cullen. Mentors: Kim Smith (WASP-AM), Jim Morgan (WMBS-AM), Ron Dawson (WMBS-AM) and James J. Humes (Humes Broadcasting Corporation WASP-AM)
Tell us about your family. Married to my wife for 12 years and we have 3 wonderful kids.
What's one item we might find in your refrigerator on a regular basis? Milk (4 Gallons - Remember, I have 3 kids!)
Who would you like to see interviewed for Person Profile? Jack Bogut, Lynn Cullen or Jim Lokay.
WQLN DT back to full power
Erie-Meadville: Good news for WQLN DT 54-1 (50) viewers, the digital only TV station is now back at full power. This has been quite a process going back to mid September when lightning damaged the antenna. The decision was then made to no longer offer WQLN on the analog side due to costs for something that would (at the time) have be shut off in a few months on February 17th, 2009. (Of course that deadline is now June 12th.) The tower crew had to wait out a few days of cold weather which kept ice on the tower until Wednesday (March 4th) when the temperatures finally warmed up a bit and work could be completed.Cullen heads to WAMO 860
Pittsburgh: The Radio-Info board, along with Monday's Tom Taylor column are awash with buzz that Pittsburgh's "Lone Liberal", Lynn Cullen, will be returning to the airwaves this month. We hope she gets a decent time slot since WAMO-AM's (860) nighttime signal isn't the best in the world.WTAE files to get repeater signal
Pittsburgh:Scott Fybush reports that WTAE-DT (4/RF 51) has applied for a special temporary authortiy to run a "replacement service" translater on RF 22 - the signal vacated by analog WPMY-TV. These services are authorized to fill the gaps which could receive the station in analog but have fallen outside of the DTV range for the same station.
Because of WTAE's transmitter location in Buena Vista PA (AKA - Elizabeth Township), the loss for digital includes densely populated areas of Northern Allegheny County, Southern Butler County, Southern Armstrong County and Northwest Westmoreland County. This transmitter location has often been a problem - even for analog.
Therefore WTAE has requested authorization from the FCC for a 9.25 kW digital translator on channel 22. The translator would be placed on the WQED tower in Oakland.