Mercyhurst vs. Gannon to be televised
Erie-Meadville: Local College football fans can enjoy the crosstown football rivalry between the Mercyhurst Lakers and Gannon Golden Knights at Gannon University or on your Flatscreen. The game will be televised locally on Fox 66 WFXP (22-1 Digital) starting at noon with Jet TV / Fox 66 Sports Director Craig Smylie calling the action. (Disclaimer: Tom Lavery is an employee of Mercyhurst College stations WMCE "Jazz FM 88.5 / 104.9" and WYNE 1530.)WAVL changes format
Pittsburgh: WAVL-AM (910; Apollo) has flipped formats from Contemporary Christian music to a talk format featuring Dave Ramsey, Neal Boortz and others. The station's new moniker is "Liberty 910 AM WAVL". More as we hear it.It isn't just chilly today, it's "Chilly Billy" day!
Pittsburgh, Youngstown: This morning Pittsburgh City Council proclaimed today "Bill Cardille Day". Also joining in this proclamation is Mr. Cardille's hometown of Sharon, PA and Mercer County where Sharon is located. The proclamation mentioned that Cardille's voice was the first voice ever heard on Channel 11 on September 1, 1957 when it was WIIC-TV. His Pittsburgh career has lasted more than 50 years and he is probably best known as the host of Chiller Theater from 1963-1983. According to the Post-Gazette, Councilman Bill Peduto, who sponsored the resolution, said it's unusual for Pittsburgh to pass a legislation in tandem with other governments. The 81-year-old Cardille currently hosts the mid-day shift (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) on WJAS-AM (1320).FM Auction possible for 2011.
Erie-Meadville:News from Fybush.com reports that the FCC could be opening bids for a new Class A FM station in the Erie market next year. Auction 91 is scheduled to take place on March 29th, 2011 with a few Construction Permits up for bids. The one of interest near Erie is in Lawrence Park at 92.7 FM. The opening bid for the channel will start at $100,000 which should have some interest & will probably go much higher. As most of you may know, 92.7 is the home of London, Ontario country powerhouse CJBX or "BX-93." They operate at 50,000 watts and could present a challenge signal wise to the Class A station which cannot be more than 6,000 watts with a maximum of 225 watts going towards Lake Erie. The antenna would have to be aimed away from the lake and towards Erie but can such a setup work with a very powerful FM already at that dial position. This could also present interference issues with Low Powered FM station WXCS 92.9 in Cambridge Springs. This would not the first time an Erie station could possibly be put on the same frequency as a much more powerful Canadian station. Religious outlet WXNM LPFM 95.9 was approved a few years back and often clashes with CFPL 95.9 "FM 96" who runs about 300,000 watts while WXNM is at 100 watts. Other CPs' up for bids that day include 96.1 in Ashtabula and 95.3 in Celoron near Jamestown, New York. Both are also Class A frequencies in those areas.
Froggy 100.3 / 98.5 seeking Program Director
Erie-Meadville: Froggy 100.3 / 98.5 (WGYY / WGYI) is seeking a Program Director for the Forever Broadcasting stations. The PD candidate must have at least 2 years experience at that position and competitive salary will be offered. Candidates can contact the Pennsylvania CareerLink or stop by their offices on Chestnut Street across from the Downtown Mall in Meadville during regular business hours Monday - Friday.Smizik: Changes coming to 1250 AM
Pittsburgh:Bob Smizik reported on his blog this afternoon that multiple industry sources are saying 1250 ESPN (WEAE) will cease operating in its current manner at this time next week and that full-time employees will be let go. Expect the format - albeit the national feeds nearly exclusively - to linger through the end of the year and Radio Disney to take over at that time. It is expected that during the interim some of the programs like Penn State football and other profit-makers will continue with part-time talent hosting the programs.
Sources are saying that Disney's agreement to run the teeny bopper format on WWCS-AM (540; Canonsburg) expires at the end of the year and which point sources tell Smizik the format is to move to 1250.
Reportedly the station has been losing money for several years, thus the reason for the recent personnel cuts of Eddy Crow, Joe Destio, Eartha Jackson and Jim Colony. Apparently the station had been up for sale but the weak economy and the weak 5000 watt signal on 1250 didn't bring on any buyers. The arrival of 93.7 The Fan (KDKA-FM) didn't help either as listeners and advertisers made the switch to the FM station, despite the fact that 1250 has maintained a ratings lead.
Further reports say that Clear Channel is likely to adopt the ESPN programming on WBGG-AM (970) which currently carries Fox Sports.
Stay tuned...
Just asking ...
Signal-to-Noise: (Commentary/Editorial) (This story has been edited since publication to clarify a point. See note at the end. -- Jason)Does it bother anyone else that a mysterious group calling itself "The Public Notice" is running underwriting announcements on public, non-commercial radio stations --- including Pittsburgh's WYEP* and WDUQ --- right before an election?
Because to this commentator, it sure seems like a backdoor way of slipping paid political advertising onto public radio stations.
"The Public Notice" has a website, but there's almost no information about who's behind it. They don't list a board of directors and they won't reveal who's funding it. They don't even list a mailing address.
If The Public Notice is truly dedicated to providing "clear, unbiased, and useful information," then why isn't the group releasing "clear, useful" information about its own organization?
If you click on a page that says "Donate," the Public Notice website warns you that your contribution isn't tax-deductible for charitable purposes.
Tax-deductible groups are prohibited from lobbying and generally must file public statements that disclose their sources of income and their expenses. Because "The Public Notice" isn't tax-deductible, it doesn't have to follow those rules. (more)
Clark to exit CBS Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh:CBS Pittsburgh VP of Programming Keith Clark has apparently resigned from his position effective October 1. Clark has been with the company for years having overseen programming for the former B-94 (93.7 WBZZ & WBZW) Star 100.7 (WZPT) and Country WDSY (107.9). Clark will be moving on to HD Velocity Broadcasting as Executive VP/Director of Private Entertainment where he will oversee new business development initiatives in the private entertainment and media sectors and over see the company's private performance platform "First Spin."
Velocity's President and CEO, Philip Elias tells All Access, "Keith brings such a depth of experience and passion for the music and entertainment industry to First Spin and Velocity Broadcasting. His addition will enable Velocity Broadcasting to open doors into the most well-known music and entertainment companies that are looking for new and innovative ways to engage fans."
Clark says he has become passionate about Velocity's vision and looks forward to join the company leading the ongoing development of the entertainment experience of the future.
TBN to donate low powered stations
National News: TBN: The Trinity Broadcasting Network has made a huge donation of 155 LPTV (Low Powered Television Stations) which in this case are translators to the MMTC: The Minority Media and Telecomunications Council. The MMTC is a group that promotes ownership with minorities and women. Among the TBN stations on the list are 3 stations in the PBRTV coverage area. They include W48CH (Channel 48) Erie, W52BO (Channel 52) Meadville and W52DS (Channel 52) in Youngstown. Low powered stations are still allowed to broadcast an analog signal but the stations in Erie & Youngstown had applied to go digital. With digital, the translators would have carried 5 different TBN channels. It may be impossible for the MMTC to accept all 155 stations but my guess is that TBN is looking to focus more on Cable & Satellite distribution in smaller areas rather than using over the air translators. As of now, it's not clear as to what programming changes may occur on the translators.Football fans held hostage by Buffalo again
Erie-Meadville: Sadly if you are a Steelers or Browns fan, your games will not be on WSEE today. Whenever Buffalo plays on the road, their games must be televised by the closest affiliate to that team and that happens to be Buffalo in the Erie market. A majority of football fans in the Erie region are either Steelers or Browns fans with a few Bills fans in the area. You see posts on Facebook from frustrated fans having to either go to a sports bar, go to a friend's house with Armstrong cable or listen to the games on WJET 1400 in Erie or WUZZ 94.3 from Meadville. I think this system is outdated as there should be a way to see your teams without forking over $200.00 to do so. If Directv would sell the Sunday Ticket by the team or game you want to watch, they would have way more subscribers than they do now. That or free up the CW affiliate to carry an alternate game. Roger Goodell, it's time to consider the majority of fans in Erie who are not being served. Update: According to a post on the AVS Forum, You can check out http://www.channelsurfing.net/ and find various programs including most NFL Games there. It will come in handy next week since The Bills are at New England next Sunday.Community for Kanzius Telethon airs Thursday
Erie-Meadville: The 3rd annual "Community for Kanzius" telethon will air on Thursday September 16th on all 3 Lilly Broadcasting stations live from the Millcreek Mall's main stage. This will be done if there is not too much wind for the live truck according to Scott Bremner. The CW WBEP 3 will air the entire telethon from 5-8pm while WICW 12 & WSEE 35 will air telethon updates during regular programming & join The CW from 7-8pm. You can find WBEP on channel 3 on most cable systems & on Dish Network. Over the air, the station is on 12-2 and 35-2 (DT 12 & 16 respectively.) All proceeds will benefit the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation. (Note: The telethon was carried on all 3 Lilly stations and raised over $180,000. Accepting donations at the Mall helped as well since this was the first of hopefully many years there until this becomes the official cure for cancer.)Ratings Madness
Pittsburgh:The August 2010 Ratings are out and KD fans can relax as the station has pulled itself back up to third place. One notes that the gap between KDKA (1020) and WPGB (104.7) is again growing allowing one to ask if having a majority of local programming as opposed to syndicated is beneficial? WDVE (102.5) is still at number one but down .3/point. Ironically, up .3/point is WKVE (103.1) which has achieved its highest number since going on in early-May at .7. Coincidence?
If DVE continues to slide, sister WKST (96.1) could become the new number 1 as some speculated last month.
As a non-PPM carrying observer, one might think that WLTJ would garner better ratings as it seems to be on EVERYWHERE. However, the station holds its long-standing place just below the top 10. Sister station WRRK seems to be picking up the slack though, perhaps allowing 'LTJ to remain where it is.
WPKV (99.3) seems to be gaining steadily as it touts the "K-Love" format.
And even with a cume of 12,800, WMNY (1360) manages to pull a 0.0.
Still listed are WAMO-FM, WPTT-AM and WGSM-FM. Hmmm...
Steelers offering play by play on team website
Pittsburgh: Yesterday Pittsburgh Steelers play by play voice Bill Hillgrove told listeners that they could listen to the game through the team website at www.steelers.com/ . I checked and the WDVE audio feed of the game was there. The feed is delayed as is most internet streams but it's an option for those who cannot listen to the game on the radio for whatever reason. I'm not sure if this is a one time deal since the NFL only offers game day feeds two ways through their website or on Sirius XM. Other teams may be doing this and you may want to check it out. Let us know if other teams are streaming live games.Jet TV promotes from within
Erie-Meadville: Congratulations to WJET /WFXP TV for two well deserved promotions from within. One is long overdue as Kim Thomas will become Sean Lafferty's co-anchor on Action News 24 and Sean's fill in on Fox 66 News at 10pm. A nationwide search took place after Selena Wiles left to go back to West Virginia but Jet TV News Director Lou Baxter found a great talent from within to fill the void. Kim has also worked at crosstown rival WSEE before leaving for Jet. Also Craig Smylie has become the Sports Director for the stations a few weeks after Luke Simons left for Texas. The station is still seeking a weekend sports anchor and has asked former Sports Director Scott Wylduga to fill in while the search continues.Last of the former Beacon stations changes formats
Youngstown:Following Friday night's high school football game carried on WEXC 107.1, the station known briefly as AC "C-107" become the newest "K-Love" affiliate. EMF Broadcasting purchased WEXC along with WGRP 940 and WLOA 1470 and will simulcast on all 3 stations until a buyer for the 2 AM stations is found. K-Love plays more Adult Contemporary style of Christian music while their sister network "Air 1" is more Christian Rock based. The closest Air 1 affiliate is out of Ashtabula county in Jefferson, Ohio on WCVJ 90.9.
Ron Smith Passes; 1370 re-launches as WHYP
Erie-Meadville:From the Northwest:
The Titusville Herald reported Thursday that WGYY-FM (100.3) and WGYI-FM (98.5) have suffered their second loss in less than a year. Program Director and midday host Ron Smith died Thursday of heart failure. The 49-year-old had been with the Froggy stations for a little over three years where he was known as "James Pond" and spent over three decades in the business. Smith's death is the second death the station has seen this year after the death of Karie Shields back in May.
On Friday, WWCB-AM (1370) relaunched itself as "Cool 1370" WHYP-AM and is programmed by Joe Vilkie of Vilkie Communications. The format is said to be similar to Linesville-licensed WMVL (101.7)
WCYJ reportedly broadcasting on 99.5
Pittsburgh:Waynesburg College's student station WCYJ has operated at 6 watts on 88.7, but has been off the air for some time. One observer reports that it resurfaced on 99.5 FM with a 7 watt signal. The FCC query shows that 99.5 is a Construction Permit granted in early August.
The 88.7 license was granted in 1981.
1540 becomes "The Farm"
Youngstown:
On August 18th,
Beacon Broadcasting sold 1570 WANR in Warren, and 1540 WRTK, in Niles, to
Whiplash Radio LLC. New owners Chris
and Kathy Lash are currently operating the stations on a time brokerage
agreement, until the FCC approves the sale.
The Lashes currently operate 89.3 WYNS radio in Waynesville, OH and have owned and built stations in PA, Tennessee and Florida. Chris Lash is a 32 year veteran broadcaster, and will be the General Manager of the two new properties. Other current staff members will stay in place at the stations. 1570 WANR will remain Fox Sports Radio 1570 and continue its rich tradition of local high school sports.
On Wednesday, September 1st,
Lash debuted a new format on WRTK. The
new 1540 The Farm features classic country favorites from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. “My family are all farmers in and around
Pittsburgh, so the format and name came from my many days working along side my
cousins, and uncles, while listening to the radio in the barn” said Lash. Currently there are no stations in there
Youngstown-Warren radio market with the format.
The new 1540 The Farm will also feature live web streaming 24/7 of the format at www.youngstownscountrylegends.com. WRTK is a daytime only station, signing on at sunrise, and off at sunset. The 24/7 streaming will allow listeners to enjoy the format, even when the station is off air. Lash will serve as the station’s morning man, and more local talent will be added shortly. The Lashes renovated the old WRTK studios in Mineral Ridge, and will move both stations to that location shortly. “These stations have a rich radio history. And it is my goal to return them to their former glory. It's what I do, it's what I’ve done in my career.” added Lash. The two new Whiplash Radio stations are the only independent stations in the Youngstown-Warren market.
Baker in charge of Beck site
National News:Tom Taylor reports in his email blast today that national talker and recent honor restoration host, Glenn Beck has a new news and opinion website. TheBlaze.com is intended to be different from the host's main website and, according to Taylor, appears to be taking on a similarity to the Huffington Post. (Obviously not the same viewpoint...)
The managing editor for the website is former WTAE-TV (4) anchor, Scott Baker. Baker was let go from channel 4 in 2006. In 2007 he became co-founder, co-editor and Chief Operating Officer of Breitbart.tv until recently. Baker is still a principal at Hot Metal Media here in Pittsburgh where he co-hosts and produces The B-Cast with Liz Stephan.