KDKA-TV News Director leaves
Pittsburgh:KDKA-TV (2) News Director Colleen Marren is leaving the post after nine months to return to WTIC in Hartford, Connecticut to assume the same position there. It's a job she held during the early 1990s and it will allow her to be closer to her family. Anne Linaberger, assistant news director, will fill in while a search is made for a new applicant.
Marren tells the Post-Gazette, "I feel very good about what we've accomplished as a team here. It's very hard to leave. This is a great American city, but the only one thing that's going to trump that is going home."
Local HD newscasts coming to Youngstown
Youngstown: Just when you thought it would take years for a TV market the size of Youngstown to produce local High Definition newscasts, guess again. New Vision Television has been putting all of the pieces together since 2007 in order to produce and air HD newscasts on WKBN, WYFX and WYTV. In fact, upgrades for HD are being made on the WYTV set in addition to the power increase we reported on earlier for the ABC affiliate. The WKBN / WYFX set was completed last fall in anticipation of the HD upgrades. The stations currently have eight HD cameras for field reporting but may have to resort to some SD cameras for heavier newsdays. Also laptop computers will be used to edit news stories out in the field. The HD newscasts are expected to begin on April 19th. Another upgrade will be similar to the HD upgrade WKBN DT 41 (27-1) did by also adding WYFX on 27-2. WYTV DT 36 (33-1) will begin broadcasting its MyYTV station on 33-2 in HD before April 19th. It's unclear if the "My Valley Weather" channel on 33-3 will be eliminated since two HD channels will be on WYTV. This will leave WFMJ's CW affiliate "WBCB" on 21.2 (20) as the only network in the Valley in SD. You can also check www.wkbn.com/ or www.wytv.com/ for more details on the upgrades.Dr. Tom making waves
Erie-Meadville: Most of the time we see comments here about most radio stations being less about the personalities and more about profits. Who would have thought that a retired Cardiologist would shake things up on the radio dial. Dr. Tom Arno is just what the radio doctor ordered. You can hear Dr. Tom on Cool 101.7 (WMVL) in Meadville or online at www.cool1017online.com Monday evenings and Tuesday - Friday afternoons. His mix of humor and insight brings something more than a typical card reader to the microphone. Dr. Tom also an unofficial meteorologist for the station. He does a lot of research on the always changing weather in this region and contributes forecasts to Cool. He is also a Weather Watcher for Jet TV. Recently, more listeners have become aware of Dr. Tom courtesy of the syndicated "D.C. and the Family" morning radio show. (Airs on Cool from 9am - Noon, tape delay 10am - Noon.) The show was recently picked up by Cool after it was dropped by crosstown rival WUZZ 94.3 / WUUZ 107.7. According to the Meadville Tribune, Tom sent an e-mail to the show welcoming them to the station's lineup. Next thing he knows, he is asked by one of the show's producers to be a weekly guest sharing his medical advice with a much broader audience of about 50 stations. (He airs on Fridays during the show.) Even bigger is a strong possibility that he could get his own syndicated medical radio show though the network D.C. is on. To say that Dr. Tom is taking radio by storm would be an understatement but is much needed on the airwaves.WPXI Mass telecast to move for news
Pittsburgh:According to the Post-Gazette, beginning April 11, WPXI (11) will start its Sunday morning news at 5:30 a.m. in an attempt to go after ratings from WTAE (4). As a result, a local Catholic Mass which has aired on channel 11 for many decades will be relocated to 11.2 for over-the-air viewers and PCNC for Cable viewers. Those who receive their television by satellite will no longer be able to see the Mass as neither satellite company carries the extra channels. The Mass will replace informercial airtime sold by WPXI on RTV and will continue to be produced by the station. Channel 11 approached the Catholic Diocese about this change about a month ago.
Meanwhile, the station has also hired a new general assignment reporter. Keep an eye out for Julie Fine who arrives mid-April. She comes from her hometown, Buffalo, New York where she has been on the air at WKBW for the last eight years after working at WJET in Erie.
Milford pleads 'no contest'
Pittsburgh:Former KDKA Radio newsman Rob Milford pleaded "no contest" on Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a handgun to the security checkpoint at the Allegheny County Courthouse in June 2008. Milford, now living in Pensacola, Florida, was entering the courthouse to cover the trial of the East End rapist when the .38-caliber revolver was discovered in his briefcase. Judge Jeffrey A. Manning ordered Milford to pay court costs but no additional penalty was given, according to the Post-Gazette.
Notes
Pittsburgh:Scott Fybush reports this morning:
- WZUM (1590) is facing more problems from the FCC. A violation was issued earlier this month showing that the station's directional array was out of phase during a Fall '09 inspection. As a result, higher-than-authorized signals were going out. A proper legal ID was not executed during the time of inspection either. Last week we reported that the station was sending out dead air after the studios had been padlocked for unpaid rent.
- WAOB-AM (860) is on the air simulcasting its sister WAOB-FM (106.7). Meanwhile, WPGR (1510) airs separate programming.
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.