Current Mailbag - Mailbag Archive Index - DCRTV Front Page - Support DCRTV DCRTV Mailbag - July 3 to July 11, 2009 Latest messages listed first..... \/ July 11 Messages \/ Quoted from previous posts. . "In fact, it is highly debatable whether WHSV can be recieved over the air in most of the Winchester area, therefore, for all purposes, "TV3" is in fact a cable only channel there. Obviously "TV3" has some kind of agreement (possibly monetary) with Comcast to carry it in Winchester now, otherwise it would have been long gone from the WInchester dial,.." Now that we're almost a month into the DTV era, here in the D.C. area, you can substitute the callsign of just about any D.C. TV station for WHSV and for "TV3", plus "Washington" for "Winchester". That's the part that's scaring the TV broadcast industry. Only those TV broadcast "suits" with advanced cranial rectosis see the drop-off in viewer calls about losing their station as a good thing, thinking that these viewers only needed to re-scan their DTV box or DTV to get their prohramming. Or, perhaps put up an antenna. What they're not thinking is what I call the "FIF" in my presentations: The "Fuck-It-Factor". Those are the people who have possibly decided to spring for cable or satellite, but are more than likely to have given up on receiving such-and-such station(s) at all. Those viewers are lost. And, will never come back. Ever. And, yes, money routinely changes hands for cable or satellite carriage of broadcast TV, either directly (mostly satellite) or indirectly (purchase of spot time from the broadcaster, free spot time during local avails for the broadcaster from the cable operator, carriage of cross-owned cable nets, etc.) However, the next round of re-trans negotiations will likely be quite interesting with most broadcasters at a distinct disadvantage. The cable people know that with DTV, "LOS" doesn't always mean "line of sight". It can also mean "loss of signal", as many TV broadcasters have lost viewing area due to DTV. Given the turnaboout in events I would be surprised and disappointed if the cable and satellite people didn't seek retribution. And perhaps more, in the next round of re-trans negotiations. Also, note that I said "viewing area" -not- coverage area! Just about every DTV has the equivalent RF coverage area as they did with analog. However, every station has lost viewing area with DTV. On a nationwide basis, WHSV was one of the most seriously affected. Finally, regarding the phrase about "viewers not allowed" to receive certain stations, this concept originated at the much-beloved FCC during the "Wilmington Trial", with their analog TV shutoff back in September. The FCC actually complained about and scolded viewers who dared to complain about losing "out-of-market stations" they had watched, possibly for decades, because they "weren't supposed to be watching them". This came from FCC flacks at all levels. What's really pitiful about DTV is when a viewer is able to see the transmitting antenna(s) of the station(s) when installing an antenna for the station(s) they're trying to receive, but are still unable to do so due to the fragility of the ATSC standard. If the broadcast industry at the dawn of ATSC had a single personality with the power of a David Sarnoff, I doubt the ATSC standard that we're stuck with would've seen the light of day. -Unsigned Corporate Suit (7/11/09) If the ratings for Chris Russo's channel are as bad as he proclaimed the other day when he vented on the air, would that be enough to get sirius/xm to pony up the money to TK to put him on mornings or mid-mornings on that channel? I assume he could still do the show at XM in DC. (7/11/09) (Actually, I was hoping that Obama was actually looking at that girl's butt. At least that would prove he wasn't the elistist jackass that he appears to be.) No, hypocrite, you'd then claim he was a child molester or guilty of some such other depravity. You're not fooling anyone, jerk; take that crap elsewhere. Shawn in DC (7/11/09) Dave's response: I heard that Matt Drudge, who put the Obama gawk pic up on his site for three (!) days, was recently caught gawking at Justin Timberlake's butt..... Nothing makes local news more fun than watching THE main man himself, Marion Barry stumble and rumble his way through another mess he's gotten himself into. AND, it's even more fun to watch his completely bat shit nuts ''friends and associates'' literally run from channel 4, 7 or 9 reporters or yell from apartment windows. I giggle with joy nightly now. Marion, I raise my rusty old crack pipe and salute you! Paul (7/11/09) Frome a previous post "...WHSV-DT is a Harrisonburg DMA station and only has "must carry" rights within that DMA. In fact, it is highly debatable whether WHSV can be recieved over the air in most of the Winchester area, therefore, for all purposes, "TV3" is in fact a cable only channel there. Obviously "TV3" has some kind of agreement (possibly monetary) with Comcast to carry it in Winchester now, otherwise it would have been long gone from the WInchester dial,.."Actually the fact is that WHSV depsite being in the Harrisonburg DMA DOES has must-carry rights in Winchester. Hey don't believe me..contact Rick Ours at TV3 Winchester for that is exactly what he as been telling the local press there for the last two years. If its not the case somebody really needs to contact Mr. Ours about that bit of "wrong info" that he could had been spreading for the last few years. The signal on WHSV-DT..ah I actually know seveal people as far north as Hagerstown, Martinsburg and as far west as Charles Town who can pick up the signal. I do have to admit I find the online posts about TV3 quite funny too. For example on TVnewstalk.net somebody last year said those north of Shenandoah County, VA are "not allowed' to pick up WHSV digital signals because that would mean the DC DMA. Love it !!! Somewhat reminds me of those in the past who claim that viewers south of Maryland "are not allowed" to receive TV signals from Pennsylvania such as out of Lancaster or Harrisburg. Yes that makes as much sense as saying one "isn't allowed" to pick up say Boston's WBZ radio at night in Virginia. Yeah right. Anyway for the record I highly doubt Comcast has anything to do with TV3 Winchester other than strictly carriage only, otherwise WHSV would indeed be a memory there. (7/11/09) I’ve noticed Lite 97.5 without a right channel for the past several weeks. I used to listen to them quite a bit but with it coming out in only one speaker, I’ve bumped the knob down to WASH. Do they not know they have a problem? Or, have they turned on a computer and gotten rid of the people like most other stations have? It just sounds awful. (7/11/09) what chucklehead funk at CBS radio thinks a Mike Wise show would be interesting...somebody knows him form his NYT's days...didn't i notice a this segment of the junkies show was brought to you by the Washington redskins on wjfk in recent weaks? I see cinema arts has lost its sign along route 236 listing whats on in fairfax city, boy that Best Buy must have some big pull with all the changes going on in that area... i notice that the slowly ur make that quickly dying WaPo no longer carries a listing of schedules for a number of movie theatres in the area and is also about to drop the tv guide weekend magazine and has less and less of book reviews... why bother... when did City Paper shrink so much in size... has channel 7 mothballed the dave hill super duper storm tracker hummer for the summer or forever? let's see steve rudin sued for racial discrimination(?) at channel 5 when he decided to return on a different channel a bunch of older gentleman had to make way for mr. rudin (7/11/09) (Unsigned Corporate Suit - You are a stupid fuck, perhaps second only to Mr Hughes)... That was a little harsh... (7/11/09) Dave's response: Yeah, such nasty stuff about Michael Hughes. Not nice..... Actually, I was hoping that Obama was actually looking at that girl's butt. At least that would prove he wasn't the elistist jackass that he appears to be. (7/11/09) Minor addition to Salisbury, Md. WMDT-DT has added a third subchannel. 47.3 is now an SD "47 Storm Team" weather satellite/radar. Regards, Rick Seifert, Washington (7/11/09) Well I'm sure 980 I freaking out. It barely matters if WJFK's sportstalk is any better than 980. It looks like they're going all local, and that along with being on FM should be enough to beat 980 right off the bat. I'll do some more digging about management stuff. I asked my rep again and she's convinced CK isn't going anywhere. He apparently hired all of the new staff and is pretty well thought of. Have you heard where the Caps and Nats are going to end up? It doesn't seem like the Caps would want to stay on 1500, or go to 980 with its terrible night signal. But how could JFK carry the Wiz, Caps, and Terps? (7/11/09) Dave: I know there's a "mutual" respect between readership and yourself...and there's an obligation to publish everyone's comments, regardless of potentially foul language. However, the person accusing you of not doing any resarch into radio ratings and short-changing WTEM isn't worth your time or the publishing space. Sounds like the WJFK switch is getting to people like Bruce Gilbert and Dennis...time to update your resumes? Plain and simple, we all know WTEM has always been around 20th in the market and anyone who dares to defend their standing can only be a member of the station's staff. I know WJFK has a new line-up of talent and that's good but hiring ex-WTEM personnel as producers and management isn't a smart move. Finally, can I just make a blanket statement by saying the minute George Michael left the Nebraska Avenue NBC building, that was the moment WRC was heading in the wrong direction. It was George who hired Wally Bruckner, Dan Hellie, Jill Sorenson, Nicole Zaloumis and Lindsay Czarniak.... all {except Lindsay} have moved-onto bigger and better things...some just can't talk or know the english language, but that's not important right now. Anyway, they were smart hires and we watched true professionals bring us national stories done right. Don't blame Hakeem...people like Hakeem represent today's TV industry and deal with the fact WRC will never be able to sustain those high-standards that George Michael built and brought into our homes for 27 years. (7/11/09) It seems that we haven't heard the whole Marion Barry story yet www.washingtoncitypaper.com... However, what really astounds me is the level of reporting being done at the DC City Paper. The WaPo and the OP are doing nothing like this anymore. Kudos to the CP news staff. Robert, Arlington (7/11/09) I'm really trying to give Hakeem Dermish a break, but his sports reports are just boring. I saw on the NBC4 website where he was also a producer. So maybe he should continue down that path instead of being an on air sports guy..And maybe, just maybe, practice may make perfect, but he has a way to go before I can personally watch his entire sports segment...And wonder where George Michael is these days..Maybe he's just tending to his ranch..I know he did an appearance on a FOX5 sports special, but as part of a panel..Didn't see it, so don't know how he did. But he doesn't seem cut out to be anything but in charge. (7/11/09) Unsigned Corporate Suit - You are a stupid fuck, perhaps second only to Mr Hughes (who posts rumors that can't possibly be true). To quote Hughes - "little, low-rated sports talker" - In the demo that Zebra is trying to hit, MEN 25-49 - in the May 2009 "book", WTEM was in 4th overall - beating the following - WAMU, WGTS, WASH, WJFK, WRQX, WMZQ, WLZL, WIHZ, WHUR, WKYS, WMMJ, WMAL, WPGC...and countless others. Do some fucking research. (7/11/09) Dave's response: Now go wash your mouth out with soap. Your mother would be ashamed of the way you talk/write..... In today's Style section, talking geese commandeer the Mark Trail comic strip. See all the drama in today's Washington Post. If you don't get it, you don't get it. (7/11/09) With Vance and Doreen out, it really seems to have thrown a monkey wrench into NBC4's schdueling..I see that Craig Melvin and Eun Yang are now on weekdays and some evenings..And turned on the news this morning and Stephanie Souter (think that's her name and KNOW that's not how you spell it). So guess that means Keith Garvin may be on the weekend evening broadcast..But who knows..However, if indeed they get rid of the 5pm weekday news as has been mentioned, they'll have more "extra" people with Wendy and Jim Handley.. (7/11/09) Dave's response: With 5, 7, and 9 all offering HD local newscasts, it just seems silly that el cheapo 4's still in plain old SD. That's not how it should be if you want to remain the top-rated local TV news operation in a market..... /\ July 11 Messages /\ \/ July 10 Messages \/ Quoted from a Dave Hughes comment: "... little, low-rated sports talker...". Dave, with all due respect, since when did "Red Zebra" enlarge to being "little"? And, except when the Redskins play (or on those increasinhly rare occasions, allow the other team to lose a game as we all know that under Sneyder's ownership of the Redskins, fewer players are left who are capable of allowing the team to "win" a game) has RZ actually had ratings? Dan Snyder's affection for the Redskins reminds me of that Frank Lorenzo had for the airline industry. Both were childhood fans (As a youngster, Frank Lorenzo built model planes which he hung from the ceiling of his room.), yet ended up destroying what they seemingly loved so much. Perhaps it's indeed time for Dan Snyder to sacrifice his ego for what he seemingly "loves" so much. Sell the Redskins and Red Zebra. Cut your losses and go back to running the businesses you've proven successful. And, content yourself with the Redskin season tickets you'd otherwise not have. Unsigned Corporate Suit (7/10/09) I see some discusiion about WHSV winding up on DISH or DirecTV since it is in the DC DMA. If I am not mistaken it is in the Harrisonburg DMA which is a separate DMA altogether. (7/10/09) I for one hope that O'Meara gets the same goodbye everyone else in the past got just a simple You're fired. Why? Because no matter how great the on-air talent is that's always been the CBS way. The WQSR staff, WCBS staff, WHFS, etc, etc I don't think ever even got a decent canning by giving a good farewell show or anything it was a simple we're changing formats at 12pm or 5pm, you-re fired so go pack your bags. that's the way CBS treats everyone so why should O'Meara get treated different. WJFK's been a joke for the past 3 years at least but it always gotten a get out of jail for free card while other stations got surprisingly "Jack-ed" or got turned into one big Maryland wide blowtorch of a signal with caters to only a small part of DC. Get paid millions upon millions for not producing ratings and still have a job. But poor Mike O'Meara for being dumped by WJFK flipping fromats when his & the rest of the talkers times were up long long ago. The flunkies can change their name but they'll still be the same old flunkies in which Eliott will continue to run over in the ratings. Also WHFS2 can keep changing what HD-2 they're on but it's just a format that deseres to be the HD-1 of 99.1, 105.7 or 94.7 that'll never be because its a cookie cutter world of formats. Man WHFS-2 being heard in Baltimore on an HD-1 FM station an a WCBS style Classic Hits featuring Rouse & Company on a certain Clear Channel FM'er to take a chomp out of WLIF. I guess I just dream of the good ole days when the listeners who actually count fdor the new PPM ratings system actually mattered. (7/10/09) Former Highway Users Federation and Intelligent Transportation Society of America Communications Director Gerald Bastarache died this morning. He was a longtime member of the National Press Club and St. James Parish in Falls Church. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie, daughter Suzanne, son Robert and several grandchildren. (7/10/09) Note the last name of one of the women interviewed by the WP complaining about the CityPaper's Marion Barry BJ headline - Constance WOODY. Where are Beavis and Butthead when you need them? (7/10/09) Don Geronimo:: How much longer will Mike Sorce stay @ WGMD? [Our], yes [OUR] over / under still says 6 weeks. You're halfway done. Now go get us some more tan Orange Glo. (7/10/09) Dear Dave Hughes at dcrtv.com: Can you please find out the answers to two questions concerning the upcoming addition of ESPNU to Comcast in Baltimore (city): 1. On what date will the channel be added? August 1? 2. What will be the channel number for ESPNU? Thanks. Sincerely, Jim Fill (Baltimore) (7/10/09) Dave's response: A lot of Comcasters read the Mailbag. Anybody know? The posts from the person who repeatedly carries on about "TV3 Winchester" continue to amuse me. Now he's saying there's a rumor that "TV3" will be carried by Dish or Direct throughout the DC DMA, and perhaps even on cable systems throughout the DMA, much like WHAG is increasingly available throughout the area. THIS WILL HAPPEN WHEN PIGS FLY. First, "TV3" is not a Washington DMA station. WHSV-DT is a Harrisonburg DMA station and only has "must carry" rights within that DMA. In fact, it is highly debatable whether WHSV can be recieved over the air in most of the Winchester area, therefore, for all purposes, "TV3" is in fact a cable only channel there. Obviously "TV3" has some kind of agreement (possibly monetary) with Comcast to carry it in Winchester now, otherwise it would have been long gone from the WInchester dial, or banished to digital only, as was the recent fate of Harrisonburg's other station, public WVPT. (7/10/09) If Gene Autry, then owner of KMPC in Los Angeles, had not seen the wisdom of adding baseball to round out the station's coverage of the LA Rams & UCLA football and basketball, there would not have been a California Angels franchise...awarded to Autry on the same date as the expansion Washington Senators. Thank goodness free enterprise & clear thinking prevailed so that a station owner could also own a major sports franchise. I often wonder what the radio landscape would be like if a savvy owner like Ted Leonsis, who as partner in Lincoln Holdings also has a piece of the Nationals, bought his own broadcast property. It most likely would make Snyder's circle of rimshot signals go on the auction block within a few months. - SR (7/10/09) Re: "You Put Me Out In Denver, Cause I Wouldn't S*ck Your D*ck" ... Sounds like some old HonkeyTonk tune :) Robert, Arlington" Know it, I wrote it. (Wait, wrong joke) Ed Graham (7/10/09) "You Put Me Out In Denver, Cause I Wouldn't S*ck Your D*ck" ... Sounds like some old HonkeyTonk tune :) Robert, Arlington (7/10/09) What about the rumor on Mike O’Meara???? (7/10/09) Dave's response: Yes, it's true. He's now working at the Subway sandwich shop at the Fair Lakes Center in Fairfax..... Please...oh...please let the next round of cuts in the NBC 4 newsroom be Pat Collins. I know that many people locally just adore him, I need to flip the channel when I hear his voice. Pat Collins makes WRC sound like a market in Ames Iowa. (7/10/09) Now that ABC News has displayed clearly Obama was not checking out the teenage chick’s buttocks, I ask the management of WMAL contact Sean Hannity within the next hour and demand he go on the air at 3:00 PM and apologize for his off based and racist assertions against President Obama, using that isolated frame as proof. As ABC News has shown, the photo was isolated from video to make something appear to be there, when nothing actually was there. For Sean Hannity to use that photo to disparage the President, displays clearly his amateurish ability to rush to judgment in order to condemn the president. Well, Hannity went too far yesterday, and the management of WMAL has the duty and responsibility as a news and information center to get Hannity to admit his mistake on the air this afternoon and clear up any confusion. Or, WMAL should just cancel the Hannity program all together. We can’t have this sloppy, lazy commentary on the air any longer. WMAL call Hannity immediately and have him do the right thing. (7/10/09) "Dave's response: So, Dan Snyder's Red Zebra pays Dan Snyder's Redskins a fee to air the games. Oooookay....." Actually that is not OK. The Washington Redskins, majority owned by Dan Snyder pay a fee to Red Zebra, majority owned by Dan Snyder. Red Zebra has to pay the Redskins and Red Zebra can go out of business if they go into debt. Dannie Boy cannot just move money around freely between two independent entities as some think he can. The Redskins could spend more on advertising on RZ but Mr. Snyder has to do what is best for all the owners of the Redskins, not just his ego. Paulie G. (7/10/09) Dave's response: I realize that the FCC does not have jurisdiction over the ownership of "non-broadcast" cable TV networks like MASN and NYC's YES, which are owned by team owners, but it really should prohibit a broadcast radio station from carrying the games of a team owned by the station's owner. It just smacks of anti-trust and conflict of interest. Sure, Snyder can own radio stations, if he wants, but he shouldn't be allowed to "pay himself" to carry his own team's games, even if the radio stations and the team are part of "separate" corporate interests..... As many of you know who read the blog, when the DC Office of Tax and Revenue learned we were closing they came after us for outstanding sales tax. Fair enough. Our plan was to sell the liquor license and cover the sales tax. But the landlords put a lien on the liquor license. Also, OTR said they couldn't wait. We had to pay now or they would put an immediate lien on Nathans, on my house, and on my bank account (such as it is). I have tapped out my home equity paying back property taxes for the building, and back rent to the landlords, close to $200,000. OTR wants another $22,000 by Monday, or the liens occur. So, a friendly reader, Jerome Wiley Segovia, made the suggestion that if 220 people paid $100 each, we could cover the debt. I'm grateful for the idea. I put it out there and, so far, thirty or more loyal Nathans fans and friends have come forward with checks ... walking them in the door, sending them in the mail. If you want to help, here's what you can do: Write a check out to Nathans Restaurant. Mail it to: Jon Moss, Nathans, 3150 M Street NW, Washington DC 20007... but do it to day, because we will no longer have access to the building after July 14. Or, walk it in. We'll be there. Or, I'll come to you and pick it up. (I have a car for one more day!) Anything you can do is appreciated. More than appreciated. I hate to be this desperate, but my house means everything to me. It's the only asset my son and I have left after 12 years of keeping Nathans afloat. I'm sorry it has to end this way. But if the situation were better we wouldn't be closing. Warm regards, Carol... PS- To those of you who have already contributed, the biggest hugs and thank you's. Please come in this weekend to say good-bye. (7/10/09) I suppose the return of Joe Radio, Red Ring of Death, and Snacks Of The Round Table on WJFK are out of the question now right? (7/10/09) (Today's touts a discounted $17.76 admission fee at the Newseum.....) Wow, what a bargin, where do I sign up. Take the '1' off and maybe we'll talk. (7/10/09) Seems like if the Skins were to re-appear on 106.7, that would be an admission by Danny Boy of abject failure of the whole Red Zebra experiment. And we all know Snyder NEVER foolishly spends money...hmmmmm - - - - - Larry in Luray (7/10/09) Dan Snyder needs to sell his pathetic little radio stations and find a "real station" to air the Skins. In recent days, 1260 goes back and forth between audio and a constant tone. Actually, it's more tone than anything else. It's clear that Danny Boy has no clue as to how to run a radio group and the folks he has hired (from managers to administrative) are just the laughing stock.It's getting painful to witness the demise of radio stations that once were great in the DC area. Also, what's the deal with the DC101 tower not having tower lights for weeks at a time? You've got a massive tower near the beltway with all kinds of air traffic (traffic copters, medical copters, small planes, etc.) and NO lights! They're back on now, but that never lasts for very long. It's a disaster waiting to happen... (7/10/09) What the hell was Stephen A. Smith doing on MSNBC's Morning Meeting discussing the situation with General Motors (GM)? So the guy gets the boot from ESPN because they realize he is a one-trick-pony (he didn't even know that much about the NBA which he touted as his specialty), and now he is on MSNBC discussing heavy news. Is MSNBC the place where ex-ESPN losers/wingnuts go to die (see Keith Olbermann). Hahahah MSNBC, what a piece of crap network. (7/10/09) Now this was when Stern was funny! (7/10/09) Does anyone know how long the Junkies were supposed to be on vacation? Wasn't it 2 weeks 'vacation' like MOMS? If so BDK during his movie reviews this morning may have dropped a big hint regarding the flip as he said twice,"Be sure to tune in Monday as the boys will be back live in studio"... BTW Dave, any idea if JFK will keep BDK's Movie Show in the new lineup? -matt in sterling (7/10/09) Dave's response: Yeah, BDK's movie reviews will be a "great fit" on the new 106.7 The Fan. BTW, I am growing tired of seeing his smiling mug staring back at me when I leave my local Best Buy. Kinda scary..... 'No proof the rumor isn't true' - Nice try - there is also no proof the rumor IS true. You may be right that someone at WJFK is planting this to rattle WTEM's cages. In that case - they are using you. They know you will print any rumor so they used you to get to WTEM. 'Reported news 'as it is being made' . Not always a pretty picture' - This ain't news, Dave - it is rumor and innuendo. If it were (quote) news you would have vetted your source and demanded some level of proof that this could be happening. As for thow this benefits Snyder if it happens? Right now he has an exclusive. Do you really think CBS will pay the Redskins a fee to allow their programming to run on WJFK, too? Would it benefit WJFK? For sure. But it would gut WTEM and make it even harder to sell in non-Redskins times. If any 'talks' occurred on this it would be because WJFK could use this kind of promotion to launch their new vehicle. Do some digging, Dave. If CBS would be willing to spend that money on Redskins rights fees that means they have a war chest to promote the new sports station. Very unusual in today's radio climate. (7/10/09) Dave's response: Go ahead, whip me. I've been a very bad boy. I deserve it..... Dave: Let's not go through "shock and awe" hearing about the fact Dan Snyder could be his game broadcasts to a CBS-owned property like WJFK...it's the perfect business decision. Snyder doesn't let embarrassment bother him! Even better if sports were to move to 94.7 and like to great for all. HOWEVER, the initial vibes I'm getting aren't very good. Last night in Georgetown, I ran into a former WTEM'er who told me all 106.7 is doing is hiring market retreads like producer Chris Johnson and other low-paid people and that's all. Again, all the money and focus will be talent...and that's fine. I was told Johnson basically got tossed out of 980's building and was a complete disaster. What's next, Pollin, Sheehan and Czaban moving over 106.7? Please CBS, don't be stupid...keep it original and don't continue the trend and re-cycle people. (7/10/09) in re the Casey Kasem article in yesterday's post. WAs that an article about a great radio institution or another opportunity for a print guy to bash radio? It seems Mr. Garvin thought the gist of the story was that radio is dead. This from the only medium that is deader than radio. Newspaper guys revel in the chance to point out how bad radio is - if only to make themselves look less so. Last I checked 94% of Americans listen to radio every week. How many of them have newsprint on their fingers? Want clearer proof - the Post could not even summon up one of their own writers to do a piece on Casey's retirement (you would think Marc Fisher would have an opinion or two). No, they bring in a syndicated column. Newspapers version of voice tracking. (7/10/09) Sometimes, your naivete of how the radio business works is truly astounding. That, and the fact that you will apparently print anything anyone says to you leads to the ridiculous post about the Skins going back to JFK. If you had just scratched the surface on that one - even a teeny bit - you would have known it was bullshit from the start. So, Dan Snyder would over pay (by millions) for radio stations so he could broadcast his own team and garner ALL the advertising revenue. Revenue, by the way, that would be greater than any rights fee CBS or anyone else would be willing to pay. Seems like a logical business move, right? But, wait, a competitor rears its head. So, of course, Dan Snyder's immediate reaction would be to put HIS OWN DAMN TEAM on their airwaves - thereby completely devaluing the station(s) he owns. Sounds like a brilliant strategy to me. Remember, Dave, when you print something - even though you label it as rumor - it gains a bit of credibility just because it was in print. Sorry, pal, but someone snookered you on this one. (7/10/09) Dave's response: There's still no proof that the rumor - that CBS was taking to Snyder about putting the Skins on JFK - isn't true. Considering the source, I do think that talks took place or are taking place. Heck, even if the Skins air on both WTEM and WJFK it would be a "win" for both Snyder, who gets better coverage of his team (and the advertisers) in its home radio market, and for CBS, who can claim the Skins are on their new station. All I can say is that something's "up." When I report rumors, I always consider the validity of the source. And this one comes from someone with a very solid JFK connection. Also, it's very likely that CBS is "planting" the rumor. Big CBS is thumping its chest and saying: "Here we come, Snyder, to bury your little, low-rated sports talker." That, in itself, is news, I think. DCRTV has always reported news "as it's being made." Not always a pretty picture..... Regarding the statement that Snyder doesn't receive a fee for the Broadcast rights from his Red Zebra stations. That is not true. The Redskins are paid a 4.5 million dollar rights fee from Red Zebra every year for the privilege of airing the games. The majority owner of RZ is owned by Snyder, but it is set up as a completely different company . The NFL will not permit a team to own its radio outlet and no charge the rights fee. The fee must be at or near the league average. (7/10/09) Dave's response: So, Dan Snyder's Red Zebra pays Dan Snyder's Redskins a fee to air the games. Oooookay..... /\ July 10 Messages /\ \/ July 9 Messages \/ Dave's response: " But isn't Hagerstown technically part of the DC TV market? ". It is and that is why they are on the DBS services and FIOS. Last I heard Hagerstown's ( Chambersburg, PA actually ) WJAL-TV is on DBS too within the DC market. Also lately I have been hearing rumors that Winchester's ABC affiliate "TV3 Winchester" ( WHSV-DT 49.3 ) may be ending up on either Dish Network or Direct TV by the end of the year. Since Direct TV's main dish to receive the DC local signals I have been told is located in Winchester it shouldn't be any trouble getting that on-air signal even if it is coming out of Page County, VA. Besides Gray/WHSV really needs to do something soon as far as getting people to know that they ( T3 Winchester ) are NOT a cable-only Comcast channel since with the recent major cubacks at Comcast/Winchester and at Winchester Community Television as a result people are "assuming" that TV3 Winchester will be cutting back too like dropping their local news for example even though Comcast has nothing to do with them. The rumors I have been told are actually hurting them. Now back to Hagerstown's NBC 25, even though NBC ( WRC ) doesn't own them, I have heard over the years that NBC4 still has some control over what NBC 25 can/can't do like NBC25 can't get WRC removed from the Hagerstown's TV cable system for example. Heck awhile back when WHAG started branding themselves as "NBC 25" somebody once told me that WHAG actually had to get permission from WRC NBC 4 to allow them to brand themselves as NBC 25. On a similar note a few years back when WHSV/Gray launched "TV3 Winchester", I seem to remember reading at the time in the Northern Virginia Daily where Gray/WHSV at first wanted to use the brand "ABC3 Winchester" but ran into an issue with WJLA ABC7 over the use of "ABC" so they went with "TV3 Winchester" instead which BTW satisifed WJLA. So even though NBC 4 doesn't own NBC 25 nor does ABC 7 own TV3, the "big guys" still have at least some control as to what the "little guys" within the same DC DMA can/can not do. (7/9/09) Is Chris Kinard no longer the program director at WJFK? Does that mean he'll just get downshifted back to exec prod for the Junks? (7/9/09) Dave's response: No word on any PD change at JFK, but that would be my guess for CK..... CBS radio has no problem with the uninformed crap that spews from the mouth of Anita Marks, but they have a problem with an innovative and original show such as Playmakers? Figures. Pete (7/9/09) "Ok, so [we] do our share of bashing him and in our opinion..." Stop saying we when you write your far too lengthy love letters to Dcrtv's Mailbag, you don't represent anyone who posts here but yourself!!! (7/9/09) Marion Barry's latest adventures in the DC City Paper www.washingtoncitypaper.com (7/9/09) Dan Snyder moving his football team broadcasts off of his stable of low power radio stations onto another company's property?? What's next?! Oh, wait... I've seen "Mr. Six" several times recently on ads for Six Flags amusement parks. Mr. Six was banned from 6F commercials shortly after Mr. Snyder took over that company and it then went bankrupt. WTF? Robert in Arlington (7/9/09) Tom Gavin??? I wasn't aware he was even still alive...let alone still doing his dreadful radio show..... (7/9/09) Dave's response: Tom Gavin lives..... What's the deal with Jim Vance? I thought he was back...he was briefly. But again tonight, Craig Melvin is subbing for him. I hope Vance didn't come back too soon, and I hope everything is okay with him. -- Bobbie (7/9/09) Dave's response: Yeah, the word was that he was gonna take a few more weeks off to recuperate..... Dave, Where did you get this Redskins to JFK rumor?? It's 100 percent false... (7/9/09) Dave's response: We labeled it as a rumor and it came from a JFK source..... We can't wait for THE SAILING CHANNEL to air locally. I think it will help teach alot of people about boating safety. Signed, Marquis Cooper, Corey Smith, Will Bleakley (7/9/09) Not sure what to make of your latest rumor. Getting the Redskins on WJFK would be a real feather in the cap for the proposed flip. However, why would they just discontinue The Mike O'Meara Show altogether? Since it is syndicated to a dozen or so stations nationwide, should TMOS not have the opprotunity to at least search for another station to host the show? (7/9/09) As we bid the MO'MS on WJFK adieu (and wonder if there's another local show in his future), I have found the silver lining in this dark cloud (not that the departure of the MO'MS is all that dark) . . . it's that Katie, that jabbering nitwit, will no longer pollute the airwaves. Sincerely, TMU (7/9/09) Now I'm not an intellectual so I don't know what "twist in the wind" means, but if it means Mike O'Meara and his entire staff know that they don't have jobs in two weeks then yes JFK is letting Mike O twist in the wind. (7/9/09) Don Geronimo:: There is no better time to purchase 1-3 radio station clusters [200K - $20M bargain range]. So why is Mike Sorce wasting his time @ WGMD. Ok, so [we] do our share of bashing him and in our opinion, deservedly so. But let's step-back and throw Sorce, O'Meara and other talented jocks, a big business bone. In many ways, there is no better time to become radio 'masters of their own domain.' than now. With their experience, talent, loyal brand following, clout and connections, leave the egos and baggage at the door and form a partnership. Draft a business plan complete with talent and day by day operations, invest a minimum 20-51% equity and have your agent assist in putting together the remaining financing as well as securing a quality station broker. Recessionary times and tight credit markets aside, [you] will find private equity / institutional capital, or private share placement that would be purchased by savvy individual investors, radio veterans and your fans, to finance the balance of your venture. Just don't hire any CBS Radio Management and you'll be fine. Gentlemen, seize the radio day and don't forget Dave Hughes would make a great consultant! (7/9/09) this is why radio is dying!!! each city has to have 12 music stations that sound EXACTLY the same and the only talk shows left are either fucking political or god dammed sports talk both of which are so boring to listen to. there's only so much you can bash about your local teams and the current president and what you think he either doing or not doing right!!! At least with talk stations like WJFK (R.I.P.) and KLSX in L.A. they had good pop culture talk shows like Mike O'Meara and John Londons Inferno in S.F. and Frosty Heidi and Frank in L.a. and Danny Bonaduce in Philly that talked about todays stories in a comedic way. CBS radio Sucks they have ran FM Talk radio it into the ground since Howard Stern left. (7/9/09) Dave's response: I had a dream last night. Every radio station sounded like WINC-FM. Kind of a blandish version of hot adult contemporary, sprinkled with a few more-current oldies..... why would the skinz going back to JFK even be a remote possibility since snyder finally picked up a pseudo-crown jewel for his empire of low power radio stations? must... add... more... explanation as to why that makes even a shred of sense (i.e., snyder looking to shoot the red zebra entirely). THANKS! (7/9/09) Dave's response: Simple. Snyder doesn't get paid to run the Skins on his own station. But CBS would pay him to run them on their station..... Why is JFK Letting Mike O Twist In the Wind? Is it just me,or does this strategy seem to lack all class? (7/9/09) ("2:00-4:00 – John Thompson Show w/ Scott Lynn (they have good chemistry from their national show)..... 4:00-7:00 – The Sports Reporters (don’t mess with a good thing).) You must work for WTEM. WTEM is an abortion and Andy Pollin's presence on any show, and as PD, is a ticket to mediocrity and much worse. WJFK would be wise to stay away from TK...what exactly were his ratings locally? (7/9/09) Don Geronimo:: Dave, the answer to whether the CBS Verizon flyer was a fraud can be solved by Mike Sorce. Yesterday as you recall, Sorce tweeted twitpic.com - Just got this in my email box from CBSradio. Glad I'm still on their mailing list :)" If Sorce didn't lift the DCRTV CBS Verizon clipart and place it on his Twitter page then he knows who sent it to him and whether or not it may be a hoax. Solve this puzzle Geronimo. For a second time, NAME YOUR CBS SOURCE - SORCE! (7/9/09) Dave's response: It is possible that Don got it from a CBSer. I posted a link to the DCRTV graphic, which I made from a PDF file, via twitter.com/dcrtv, and one of Don's CBS contacts may have forwarded it to him without telling him where he got it. We must give Don the benefit of the doubt..... (Quote) Someone "bordering on the edge of sanity" is perfect for talk radio (End) Whoa... a fleeting image of Tom Gavin just went through my mind. Whoof, glad that's over... (7/9/09) Ernie Baur on Out of the Past TV show lookoutlee.blogspot.com (7/9/09) “Will Ferrell could play Don and John C. Reilly could play Mike.....” More like Wilford Brimley as Don and John Goodman as Mike……………. Bob in B-more (7/9/09) Dave: Dan Steinberg at D.C. Sports Bog gave DCRTV some great props today re the switch at WJFK. Shawn in DC. (7/9/09) Dave's response: Dan's a good guy, unlike Paul Farhi. Now I understand why Tony Kornheiser on his old WaPo Radio show said he wanted squirrels to go for Paul's eyes..... Hey Dave, hate to talk about advertisers, but do you think Sunny James could get a better photo for her ad? Every time I scroll down and run into that immensely large advertisement, coupled with those big eyes, I get scared. Please help! (7/9/09) I noticed on FIOS in Loudoun County the channel line-up includes WRC-TV (NBC 4 in DC) and WHAG (NBC affiliate in Hagerstown, MD). Are they allowed to do this? I remember growing up the cable company in Montgomery County, MD carried all of the affiliates from both DC and Baltimore, MD. It was great during the NFL season to watch different games on the NBC and CBS stations. (7/9/09) Dave's response: If WRC's owner NBC doesn't mind, then local cable systems can carry Hagerstown NBC affiliate WHAG. Otherwise, cable systems would have to black out out-of-market duplicative network and syndicated programming. But isn't Hagerstown technically part of the DC TV market? I do remember that Reston's cable system continued to carry Baltimore NBC affiliate WBAL for a long time after dropping Baltimore's other TVers in the early 1990s, presumably because WRC didn't raise a stink..... I just did a search on Yahoo! on the topic and here's what I found out from the link to the FCC that I was led to: "Must-carry" rules apply to a station's primary signal only. "Retransmission consent" rules apply to digital subchannels. Hope that helps. Andrew Fauver (7/9/09) Dave's response: And since WNVC/MHz is not a major network affiliate, or a commercial station even, its digital subchannels of foreign news networks are probably being carried by RCN as a "favor," and therefore can be dropped at the slightest whim..... www.radiosomd.fm - Currently has founder John Hunt live from 7:00 - Noon. Has Adult Alternative format (7/9/09) Chad Dukes said last night on his webcam chat that no one from the O&D show was losing their jobs, but he wouldn't comment on the Mike O'Meara show. (7/9/09) Dave's response: My sources say that Oscar Santana will be heading over to JFK sister PGC to do something there. Hmmm. Maybe the "Big O & Donnie" morning show?..... Dave, your ideas for DC radio changes are on target. Loved your rant a few days ago. But this morning, I read "...flip 980 to political talk. With "ragin' righty" Paul Bicknell doing mornings," I get a lot of e-mails from Paul that make me question his sanity. That certainly means that he would be a great morning man on a political talk station. Hell, I'd hire him again. Seriously, all DC talk and sports talk stations will fail if they are not live and local. National syndication, voice tracks, or repeater stations suck. The only one that gets ratings is Rush, and he only works when he is surrounded by local shows and news. There are too many other ways to get music, news, talk, and sports. The ONLY thing that separates radio from other delivery systems is its ability to be LOCAL. Bad local hosts would be easier to listen to than Hannity, Savage, and Ingraham. Used to be, if you wanted to win, your station had to be better, or different. Now you have to be local. If they were all local you could return to step one. Ed Graham (7/9/09) Dave's response: Someone "bordering on the edge of sanity" is perfect for talk radio - or a cable news show..... Here is what 980 should go with to compete with the new JFK format: 6:00-8:00 – Mike & Mike (I hate them, but the suites love them so I know they wont go away)..... 8:00-10:00 – Colin Cowherd (see above)..... 10:00-12:00 – TK Stack Money (can’t wait until he’s back on the air)...... 12:00-2:00 – The Locker Room w/ Doc & Sheehan (I thought they were TERRIBLE at first, but it’s obvious that they’ve developed an odd couple-type chemistry)..... 2:00-4:00 – John Thompson Show w/ Scott Lynn (they have good chemistry from their national show)..... 4:00-7:00 – The Sports Reporters (don’t mess with a good thing). -Ben (7/9/09) Dave's response: If (when) JFK goes sports talk, Dan Snyder should sell his little radio group to Bonneville, which could flip 980 to political talk. With "ragin' righty" Paul Bicknell doing mornings, David Burd and Carol Joynt (the "happy couple") doing afternoons, and syndie talk the rest of the time. Bonneville could put TOP on 92.7 to improve its coverage eastward, to the Bay, put Federal News Radio on 570, and flip 1500 to classic country with I-95 trucker shows at night. And sell 94.3, 730, and 1260. Hell, just shut down 1260 and save on the power bill..... I've also noticed that RCN is no longer carrying MHz 5 since it was switched to Al Jazeera. Not too happy about it, either. Do must-carry rules apply to a situation like this? FiOS cannot get to my neighborhood too soon. (7/9/09) Dave's response: I don't know if the FCC's "must carry" rules require local cable systems to carry a local TVer's digital subchannels. Anyone know? I just wanted to thank Mike O'Meara for all the years of entertainment that he has provided for all of us listeners. Mike you are one of the most talented people in radio I have ever heard and your talent will be greatly missed. I certainly hope this is not the last we have heard of you in radio. I certainly hope that CBS is able to find a place for you somewhere in the cluster... Dave I don't pretend to have the first clue of the relationship between Don and Mike but Don has had nothing but praise for Mike on his show on WGMD and has said he would love to have Mike on as a guest but their contracts do not allow either to go on either's show. Now that there is no show I am not sure where things stand with that. I hope to hear Mike on at one point, that would be great. -Michael Popovec (7/9/09) I have to disagree with the numerous posters who are hating on the Czabe and Pollin. I currently think The Sports Reporters is the most entertaining sports show in the area. What makes the show great to listen to is the humor and the incorporating of pop culture references into the discussion of sports (like the junkies). In fact, it is the only show on ESPN 980 worst listening too. I think it would be a great fit for the new sports talk on WJFK. (7/9/09) Re: "CBS Announces new format at the Verizon Center"....I think there was a typo in the invitation. It was supposed to say the Verizon Phone Booth in front of the arena. That should be just about the right size. (7/9/09) Dave's response: Is the invitation a fraud? It was sent to me by someone with a CBS address. And it does have an RSVP contact for a real person at CBS's Lanham HQ on it, which I did crop out of the graphic. I know CBS and other radio companies will often stage a private meeting to make advertisers aware of a radio format flip and get them on-board for the launch. We'll see..... Hate to see Mike get canned......Oh well, I bet they'll both be back together next year! (7/9/09) Dave's response: I don't know. I'm pretty sure that there's some bad blood between Don and Mike. They didn't get together at that Caps' playoff game earlier this year. Don never guested on Mike's show. And Mike didn't go to Don's wedding this spring. I guess Mike could continue his syndicated Westwood One show, but I wonder if his non-compete contract with CBS/WJFK would prevent that. Mike could move down to Ocean City and start a rival late morning show on some station other than WGMD. Hey, that gives me an idea for a movie screenplay. Imagine two old radio guys from a big city, former partners and now rivals, doing competing shows in some small resort market. The makings of a great comedy! Will Ferrell could play Don and John C. Reilly could play Mike..... Via Twitter – RT:@dcsportsbog LaVar Arrington on WJFK rumors: "If you thought I had a lot to say as a Washington Redskin, you have no idea." More later. (7/9/09) The LaVar Arrington and Chad Dukes show will air from 2pm to 6pm. (7/9/09) I was looking at the latest WDCN-LP Channel 6 FCC app and its signal coverage for PULSE 87.7 or whatever it's called. Here's an interesting comparison of how well the signal will compare. Surprisingly not too shabby... (7/9/09) Dave's response: Last time I checked, 87.7 was still Spanish..... Aw, Jesus... now they're seeing Michael Jackson in cloud formations!!! www.ebaumsworld.com... Fast-forward to the 1:27 mark. (7/9/09) RE: [So rumor has it that Sarah Palin might sign on with Fox News. Wonder what Jeff in Bowie will have to say about this since he bashes conservatives just like most others in the mainstream media.] Man, I have to tell you I'm currently laughing so hard that I think I just spotted! Boy are you conservatives getting really really good at playing the victim! Who knew that life could suck so much to come from a long line of white, male, privileged and paranoid and to be totally out of power! Four years ago, who'd-a-thunk we'd have republican congressmen (plural) tweeting about how Democrats are treating them just like Iranian protesters, and a Drama-Queen Governor who gives up and throws in the towel because a late night comic said some mean things about her! Seriously, we all really, really do appreciate how you red-meat conservatives don't like the fact that you've gotten your butts savagely kicked in the last two back-to-back election cycles, and that you now have to stomach a "colored fella" as your president, and for a cherry on top of the Sundae, you are currently in a serious boo-hoo mode over having to pronounce the four words "Minnesota Senator Al Franken", but look...Let me help you with an intervention - (PATTON SLAP) FOR GOODNESS SAKES - GET A GRIP, MAN! You've all thrown yourselves a SEVEN FREAKING MONTH LONG pity party now - don't you think that maybe its time for you all to wipe away your crocodile tears and slip into your big boy panties? Here's an idea; how about you climb down off that proverbial cross so you can tear it down and use the wood to build yourself a bridge and GET OVER IT! - Jeff in (enjoy your time in the desert, boys...you certainly earned it!) Bowie (7/9/09) For those of you who missed last week's edition of "The Leebo Show", you missed: ----Leebo actually knowing what he was doing for at least the first 40 minutes. ----Leebo reading tons of commercials in a very professional way that would have made Ed McMahon proud. ----Eddie the Bobblehead Expert who explained why he doesn't have a life. ----Venus & Serena Williams' grunting at Wimbledon. ----again no Ravens cheerleaders. ----an hour full of really stupid sports stuff, one-liners, crazy music bumpers, and assorted things you will never hear on radio except on "The Leebo Show." If you haven't listened to this tripe yet, I suggest you do so soon before someone really gets mad and does something really stupid. Thank you. Thursdays 6-7 PM, www.wcbm.com... Cochise Caplan, the agent to Leebo (7/9/09) /\ July 9 Messages /\ \/ July 8 Messages \/ Wow, I live in Baltimore, I listen to alot of talk radio and I can honestly say I remember Bill Rohland as being a really awful broadcaster when he was on WHFS talk in Baltimore. The decision to put him on air makes me happy because if they are choosing such mediocre talent, WJFK Sports is not being programed to be a powerhouse and they are likely to fail. (7/8/09) Ha! WJFK now being programmed by Tom Bigby, who ran some of D&M's former big affiliates and who Don would often ridicule on the air for his portliness (BIGby) and managerial ineptitude. Watch it, I best he just DOES decide to call it 'THE FAN.' Everyone remember "The Bobs" from Office Space? "Mr. O...Meera? What would you say... ya DO here?" (7/8/09) Will Czaban’s Fox show get on the air at JFK? The show reairs at noon everyday on Fox, so it would be nice to hear him from 12-3. They should be able to get Wise’s and Lavar’s shows on before and after Czabe. (7/8/09) Hey Dave, Big fan of your site. As far as you know, who is making all the programming change decisions at WJFK? C.K.?, CBS management? I assume both. Others? Thanks for your input Matt (7/8/09) Dave's response: I'm hearing someone by the name of Tom Bigby, who is working with some of CBS's other FM sports talkers, including its new sports outlet in Dallas..... I have been listening to WJFK for 10 year. If the big wigs want to get rid of something at WJFK get rid of Fox Sport weekends. I like the radio personalities on WJFK. I even like Chad Dukes! This really sucks. I will be changing the station if WJKF becomes a sports station. James in Centreville (7/8/09) I'm sick of reading the pedophile comments (about Michael Jackson) constantly posted here... (7/8/09) Dave's response: Me, too. That thread is finito..... So rumor has it that Sarah Palin might sign on with Fox News. Wonder what Jeff in Bowie will have to say about this since he bashes conservatives just like most others in the mainstream media. (7/8/09) Thought I saw Jim Vance on the evening news yesterday, but just turned it on and Craig Melvin anchoring with Wendy Reiger..Hope he's o.k..Maybe he came back too soon.. (7/8/09) Re;..That classified from Winchester's Rock 104.9/105.5 looking for a new program director..OK what happened to Ron Baker? Fired? New Gig? Actually I am a bit surprised that Centennial even has an ad for such a position. I wonder why Jeff Adams and Centennial hasn't got in touch with Chuck Carrol and Elwood King/Ben Gates both of whom were let go by crosstown Clear Channel after being on the airfor them for several years plus Chuck was at one time a program director for WFQX for a number years as well . Its a shame Centennial & jeff Adams didn't know there is talent right there in their own backyard. (7/8/09) Case Closed! MJ as a ''pedophile'' and ''child molester'', Yes the trial in this decade if was found not guilty because of the ineptness of the D.A.'s office. Guess you forgot that he paid 20-30 million dollars to the parents of a child back in 1993. NO ONE pays that much money if you didn't do anything. (7/8/09) Re:"Dave, did that CBS Radio invite come from a LEGIT source? Shit looks like an awfully amateur attempt at graphic design. Looks fake." I agree. And the really botched part of it is the stretched CBS Radio logo. When I saw that "invitation" I began to wonder if all these leaks about JFK going sports were fake. On the other hand, Dave, feel free to pass along my name to CBS for a graphic designer position--if that thing is real, they sure need one. ~~CA in BC (7/8/09) Don Geronimo:: Mike Sorce 'cuts & pastes' to a new low? Put this is the 'how low can Geronimo go' category. In a lame attempt to further rail on CBS Radio, did Mike Sorce lift the DCRTV CBS Verizon clipart and place it on his Twitter page? twitpic.com/9paqm - Just got this in my email box from CBSradio. Glad I'm still on their mailing list :)" In the interest of transparency, NAME YOUR CBS SOURCE - SORCE! (7/8/09) Dave's response: Ha ha ha! Dave, did that CBS Radio invite come from a LEGIT source? Shit looks like an awfully amateur attempt at graphic design. Looks fake. (7/8/09) Dave's response: It came from dmason@cbs.com. Does that mean anything? Ha ha ha..... Lindsay Czarniak:: Based upon that pic and the stripper spelling of her first name, time to start the "Help LINDSAY Czarniak get boobs" fundraiser. O'Meara chips in the first $100? (7/8/09) Was I in a drunken stupor or did I see a commercial recently for the Lee Majors Bionic Hearing Aid? Man the lovely Farah bites the big one and this is what old Lee is up to. Does anyone know how many pounds Michael Jackson's impacted colon weighed? And Matt lauer with another hard hitting interview. today.msnbc.msn.com... Who is this guy? And where was Bill Cosby? And apparently O'Meara has landed a new gig with the same old gang. KCJJ in the heart of Corn Country has him still doing his show and now for an additional hour of interviews that will fascinate you even more. 1630kcjj.com... With the new world of digital over the air tv I must say the bull sh8t about superior quality was just that. Can't hardly get channel 9 no more and yes I've rescanned a number of times. what the hell can I do with football season coming on. And over at the MHZ network I must protest the addition of Al Jaz English channel. I hear an anti- Israel slant and a pro Moslem bias in a number of news stories plus another bleeding all news/ talking head channel. I much preferred the German channel, BVN, they had variety shows, game shows and entertainment oriented documentaries, plus some hot looking blonde babes hosting a number of shows. Seems like Frederick Thomas' anti- European bias demonstrated once again in his programming. Hey gotta give the dude a Boo! hey what happens to Tom Gavin now, see? (7/8/09) Dave's response: Ah, BVN was Dutch, not German. I miss those "sing-along-in-the-town-square-to-really-awful-tunes" shows on BVN. The Dutch are such happy people..... Lindsay Czarniak at the Kastles season opener dinner earlier this week at Teatro Goldoni. Pic from FBDC. (7/8/09) Dave wrote: "Perhaps they're renting out a sports venue like the Verizon Center to make a announcement about 94.7 Fresh FM? Ha ha ha....." Yeah, they're launching the new & improved version -- 94.7 Ultra Fresh FM! (7/8/09) Concerning Verizon internet problems earlier on Wednesday; Verizon has confirmed outages in the following states: CA WA IN IL VA MD OH DC MI OR PA NY NJ CT VT WI. However, many or most of their customers in Virginia were back to normal by the two o'clock hour. Speculation is that the outage is tied to the ongoing global cyberattack thought to be perpetrated by North Korea. (7/8/09) I won't say the Jackson Memorial was *not* a "TV event" ... just that if it were meant *primarily* as a made-for-TV event, the staging, prep, scripting, lighting, flow of performers etc would have been much more showbizzy and 'luv-ya-babe' than it was. I won't belittle the family for trying to make a profit from the telecast - they have a big debt to pay off - but it still remained dignified and sure wasn't staged like a Super Bowl halftime event or the "Ken Berry WOW Show" (oh, go look it up ya lazy sh**s...). (7/8/09) "As [we] said before, some radio bits run their course" --- You don't speak for any of us that post on this mailbag... (7/8/09) That wacky sporadic-e! On the way home last night, I was listening to 100.7 The Bay. About the time I got to the Ballenger Creek area of Frederick, while listening to Lynard Skynrd, I was suddenly listening to a newscast with local news from the state of Missouri! It only lasted a few minutes; if I wasn't in a hurry, I could have pulled over, logged a few more minutes of the broadcast, and gotten positive ID. In any case, I was probably listening to KMZU in Kansas City, MO. Good times! And the hits just keep on coming! Mike in Frederick, and the entire Dashboard DX Society. (7/8/09) DCRTV Dave, The bottom half of that CBS gif looks like someone's buttocks. Did Mike O'Meara find another job already? Toodles! --Chris in DC (7/8/09) BREAKING NEWS:: CBS UNVEILING THE NEXT BIG THING @ VERIZON CENTER. It's been learned that CBS Radio will announce on Tuesday that they are implementing every programming idea that they have stolen from Dave Hughes & DCRTV- all without so much as a thank you, hug, or consulting fee. Payback Dave, take O'Meara with you as your guest! (7/8/09) (From DCRTV's Classified Ads:) Winchester, VA's Rock 104.9/105.5 has an immediate need for a program director/on-air talent. The successful candidate for this opening should possess some or all of the following: · Experience on-air in the rock format and an understanding of the presentation of the format in all dayparts. · Experience in management as a program director or assistant program director. · Experience with music scheduling software, preferably Selector/Linker. · Experience with digital delivery systems, preferably Audio Vault. · Experience in writing/producing imaging that cuts through the clutter and gives the listener benefits to listening to the radio station. In addition to the above qualifications, the successful candidate should also: · Be a natural leader, displaying this ability through his/her work ethic and attitude. · Understand thoroughly that to win on the air you have to win on the street. · Have a thorough understanding of and a game plan for marketing a radio station in the 21st century. · Have the ability to think strategically and plan proactively in all areas connected with being a program director. · Be an expert motivator and a proactive talent coach. · Lead by example. Competitive salary and excellent benefits package await the successful candidate. Winchester is a fast growing market in a very attractive area of the country just a short drive from Washington, DC and Baltimore. Packages (cover letter/resume/programming philosophy/ratings success/salary requirements) immediately to: Jeff Adams, Operations Manager, Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC, Rock 104.9/105.5, 520 N. Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester, VA 22601. Email your package to jadams@winc.fm. PLEASE DO NOT email any audio at this time. If that is desired I will contact you for it. Centennial Broadcasting is an equal opportunity employer. (7/8/09) To the Jacko defender Paul: OJ was found not guilty too. But I also think he did it. On another subject, I agree with the poster who expressed the view that he/she hoped WJFK could come up with better hosts than the rumored Lavar Arrington and Mike Wise. Talk about predictable and boring...... (7/8/09) If CBS's "big announcement" is WJFK flipping to the tired sportstalk genra, I'm taking WJFK off my presets. Viva Mike O'Meara, viva Big O and Dukes! (7/8/09) Dave's response: Perhaps they're renting out a sports venue like the Verizon Center to make a announcement about 94.7 Fresh FM? Ha ha ha..... Regarding the previous post concerning the M. Jackson memorial telecast. It said in part, “His memorial service was not a made-for-TV event, but a very dignified and heartfelt remembrance, a little over 2 hours long. I don't think that's too bad a slice of time to give to the guy.” I will agree with some of this, but thinking that it was not made-for-TV is at least questionable. Did you happen to notice the copyright information at the very end of the telecast? It was by the same company who was promoting the concerts in England and, as I understand, will be selling DVDs of the memorial and the last rehearsal – all in HD. (7/8/09) "And for the dopes who refer to MJ as a ''pedophile'' and ''child molester'', I take it you morons voted Republican. I'm pretty sure he was found ''not guilty''. Time to let it go. Paul" Let's cut to the chase. Would you have let your kids spend unsupervised time with Jackson Paul? If not, why? Case Closed! (7/8/09) Don Geronimo:: File Sorce's latest Twitter post under uncomfortable and classless "Another good one. Thanks to Janet for stopping by with the new giveaway lobster bibs! Felt like Regis&Joy Philbin 2day. Ah, togetherness." Janet is no Freda and she sure the hell isn't hottie Joy Philbin. Freda wearing a lobster bib - classy & sexy. Jan wearing a lobster bib - wipe your chin sweetheart As [we] said before, some radio bits run their course and need to be shelved - like Geronimo keeping his third wife Jan Susan Boyle Sorce on the radio lowdown. Time for a shower. (7/8/09) Short little note. Mike Wise appeared on the “Locker Room” with Kevin Sheehan with the tongue-in-cheek greeting “Kevin, I can’t just get away”. Maybe Wise was referring to his upcoming gig on 106.7 FM. (7/8/09) What the hell is wrong with Comcast in Montgomery County? How many times will I be watching something on ESPN only to have the show interrupted mid-stream by commercials? It was bad enough when spots were being cut off for other spots, but now the actual shows?! (7/8/09) To the person asking about connection problems with Verizon DSL this morning, I thought it was just my computer. I've been having all kinds of connection problems (in Alexandria), especially with CNN, MSNBC, ABC, and washingtonpost.com. Sometimes I'm connected, sometimes not. I really didn't want to call Verizon's customer service because I don't find them helpful. I've always preferred Verizon to Comcast for many reasons ( I have to use Comcast for cable), but I have found Comcast's customer service far superior to Verizon's...for one thing, it's easier to reach a live person at Comcast. -- Bobbie (7/8/09) Dave: I applaud Mike {in Fairfax} for his candid points about yesterday's afternoon programming on ESPN980....totally on the money with everything. Just inexcusable and amateur-like the way Sheehan handled the McNair story and that's exactly what I've been talking about...management doesn't know how to coach talent and arrogance takes over. If I was Snyder, I'd totally clean house and give some thought to re-stocking. I think the audience knows there's some funny business going-on with Pollin and Czaban and we're not stupid...stop lying to the listeners about their absences. Finally, If Thompson's going to be on vacation, have someone fill-in for him and allow Doc to go solo. What a painful two hours and most of all, Doc has NO clue, he really doesn't...seriously, zero. I'd rather listen to Phil Haws in place of Thompson and talk about golf for two hours than hear Doc's street talk. (7/8/09) 'nuther opinion on the Michael Jackson Memorial and its related coverage: The guy entertained us for 40 years. His memorial service was not a made-for-TV event, but a very dignified and heartfelt remembrance, a little over 2 hours long. I don't think that's too bad a slice of time to give to the guy. Besides, it's not Michael; it's those oatmeal-headed TV execs that decided that wall-to-wall coverage of freekin' *everything* was warranted, and to engage the other stations and networks in a game of "mine's bigger" (my coverage, my helicopter shots, my special editions, my cool graphics etc). We found out nearly 15 years ago during the OJ/Bronco chase that cameras can indeed be dispatched to anywhere with almost no notice, making almost anything into a clock-stopping news event. That's what happened here. It's big while it's happening, but through the filter of passing time we realize "that was really overdone" (really, in retrospect, who gives a shit today about Elain Gonzales or the protesters in front of Terry Schiavo's hospital?). Final tally - the media was overreactive, Michael is still dead, and we have to get up in the morning to start renaming airports in his memory. Let that be it. (7/8/09) From a previous post: And for the dopes who refer to MJ as a ''pedophile'' and ''child molester'', I'm pretty sure he was found ''not guilty''..." Michael Jackson was indeed found not guilty in 2004 ( ? on the year ) but in 1993 when a child claimed that Jackson had molested him, Michael Jackson paid the little boy & the family off in exchange that the child & family will say nothing. As Elton John said at the time "..if someone had accused me of such a crime and I know I was innocent..I would NOT give them a damn penny". Even though Jackson claimed the payout was not an admission of guilt and he did it just to get on with his life, a lot of people DID take it as just that, an admission of guilt. Really if someone would had accused you of something as sick as molesting a child and you know you didn't do it, what would you do? Fight it in court or simply write out a check to the person/persons who had accused you in the first place? Jackson did the latter. As I can recall, shortly after the 1993 molestion charge and that payout, I believe Jackson had went public and warned everyone in radio and television that if anyone, anyone would dare to call him a child molestor he would sue them. Back in 1994 I was working at a radio station in Indiana and I can remember hearing rumors about Jackson suing this station or suing some dj after they went on the air and called Jackson a "pedophile". The thing was, no call letters or names were ever mentioned so I guess those "lawsuits" were a myth kind of like those stories that has been around for years about actor Tom Cruise suing people who just happened to look at him right in the eye, even out in public. One hears the stories about Tom suing but nobody it seems can give out an actual name of somebody who really was sued by Tom Cruise because they had looked at him in the eye. (7/8/09) Another E-skip-- While driving in the Gaithersburg area on Monday early evening, listening to WYPR 88.1 [Baltimore and Frederick alternating back and forth], I suddenly picked up KDHX 88.1 out of St. Louis. It held on for about a minute or two before 'YPR came back through. (7/8/09) (In terms of promotion potential, it's better for a franchise to have its games carried by a 24 hour sports talker than a non-sports station like 1500-AM (the current flagship for the Caps and Nationals).) That may be true EXCEPT if a sister station of the 1500-AM station is WTOP, the most listened to station in town, and part of the deal is cross promotion of the team. Which I believe was part of the Caps deal. And it also depends upon whether the suits and hosts on the sports talk station are going to treat the team and sports with respect. That, of course, was not the case when the Caps were on WTEM. As a Caps fan, I am happy with 1500 AM for the most part and hope they stay there. BTW, I am not at all pleased with the names for potential hosts that I'm hearingfor WJFK. Lavar Arrington? We have enough ex-Redskins doing media in this market. Mike Wise? He's about as superficial as it gets. How about doing something progressive for a change and doing a nationwide search for some new blood who can talk intelligently about a wide variety of sports? And how about, heaven forbid, a woman host? Just regurgitating the formula that has made WTEM so mediocre is a recipe for disaster. (7/8/09) Verizon DSL: Anyone else having problems connection to various sites this morning? (7/8/09) Who knows, maybe Michael was telling the truth when he insisted he never did anything "improper" with all those boys. Have you ever in your life heard of ANY guy who has gotten in bed with somebody else's kid WITHOUT doing anything improper? Now that's wacko. ;) MJ was merely living up to his nickname. (7/8/09) Dear friends - We host our last Q&A Cafe at Nathans tomorrow. A bittersweet occasion, of course. The Q&A Cafe was created in October 2001 as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. From there it took on a life of its own, giving me an opportunity to stay in journalism, giving Georgetown a fixture in the city's chief industries - politics, media, policy, law - and gave a wonderful group of regulars the opportunity to enjoy a unique weekday lunchtime salon. I mean, Nathans may be the Titanic, but The Q&A Cafe - proudly - lifts off the deck a certified success, and a legitimate TV show on DC Cable. I may have failed with Nathans but I succeeded with my little show and want very much for it to find a new home and to remain on television. After my book is done, I could see the program as my future. Plus other stuff. Some people suggest I become a marketing consultant, others a dominatrix. I could be happy running a marina, smuggling rum, hanging with pirates. We'll see. Couldn't be happier that our last Q&A Cafe at Nathans features a good friend, and Georgetowner, author Jane Stanton Hitchcock. Many of you were at my last interview with Jane at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. You know she's loaded with amusing dish, an interesting life story, and practical understanding of the publishing industry. This will be a goody. I hope you have your reservations. Please reconfirm or book with Jon Moss at 202.338.2000. Georgetown Cupcake is making a special "Mortal Friends" GC. Yum. Think gold and dangerous. We welcome all the town's strippers, too, since they are prominent in the book. One prominent character, Jim Kimsey, will be among us. Another, Catherine Reynolds, has not responded to my invite. I'm a character, too, Joy Croft. Haha. All good fun. Some of you are probably in there and don't know it. We will have books for sale and Jane will gladly sign. You've been a great audience. I'm grateful. I'll have a new website in a week where you can keep track of The Q&A Cafe, and me, and more. A lot of you ask how I'm doing. Thank you. I'm fine. I'm mellow. Eager for what's next. See you tomorrow, Carol..... Here's who has appeared at The Q&A Cafe: LETITIA BALDRIGE, BOB WOODWARD, COKIE ROBERTS, DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, TOM BROKAW, DEB JOHNS, DAVID VISE, JACK EVANS, DAN TANGHERLINI, JOHN RIGGINS, FRED SMITH, LESLIE COCKBURN, CHRIS MATTHEWS, DR. TINA ALSTER, MPDC CAPT. PETER NEWSHAM, JACK EVANS, SALLY QUINN, MAYOR ANTHONY WILLIAMS, ADRIAN HIGGINS, CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS, C. DAVID HEYMANN, SOPHY BURNHAM, SKIP NEWCOMB, HARRY SHEARER, BOB BALABAN, MICHAEL McKEAN, MARK PLOTKIN, ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, KATHLEEN MATTHEWS, CHRIS WALLACE, ANA MARIE COX, DR. RICK LEVY, BILL PLANTE, SEPTIME WEBRE, DR. WAYNE CALLAWAY, AMBASSADOR H.E. DEVINDA SUBASINGHE, DAVID HUME KENNERLY, TONY TAVARES, FRIDA BURLING, EDITH SCHAFER, MICHAEL ISIKOFF, DR. WILLIAM HASELTINE, MATT COOPER, KENNETH FEINBERG, BARBARA CHILDS-PAIR, DAVID GREGORY, CRAIG CRAWFORD, TORIE CLARKE, SANFORD AIN, ERICA JONG, MARION BARRY, ROXANNE ROBERTS, GEN. BERNARD E. TRAINOR, KATHERINE (KATIE) TARBOX, DAVID PATRICK COLUMBIA, FRED THOMPSON, GEORGE STEVENS, JR., SUSAN ISAACS, GORDON PETERSON, DR. MICHAEL HOCKSTEIN, ANN HAND, DC Police Chief CATHY LANIER, JEFF GANNON, HARLAN K. ULLMAN, DEBORAH JEANE PALFREY, MARK SHIELDS, DAVID BURD, DAN RATHER, HOWARD FINEMAN, MARK WARNER, SHEILA JOHNSON, MICHAEL HERRRALD, AMY HOLMES, SAM DONALDSON, CARL CANNON, JONATHAN ALTER, PHILIPPE COUSTEAU, STAN KASTEN, SCOTT SIMON, DOUGLAS FEITH, THEODORE SORENSEN, CHUCK TODD, MICHELLE RHEE, ROBERT BENNETT, BRENT GLASS, ROBIN GIVHAN, CHRISTOPHER GUEST, C.Z.GUEST, GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, MALCOLM “MIKE” PEABODY, ANDREA MITCHELL, WALTER ISAACSON, EPISCOPAL BISHOP JOHN CHANE, MICHEL RICHARD, DAVID CORN, TERRENCE SMITH, BOB SCHIEFFER, JACK VALENTI, LLOYD GROVE, DR. MARILYN BENOIT, HELEN THOMAS, ANDREW COCKBURN, ELLEN SANFORD, DAVID KELLER, MARK BUSCAINO, CHUCK VANCE, ADEL AL-JUBEIR, AMBASSADOR JAN ELIASSON, RABBI BARRY FREUNDEL, MPDC LT. PAT BURKE, JANE LYNCH, JOHN ZOGBY, JOHN MICHAEL HIGGINS, DAN SNYDER, SALLY BEDELL SMITH, TINA BROWN, BOB COLACELLO, JOSEPH WILSON, FRED GRAHAM, KITTY KELLEY, TIM RUSSERT, AMBASSADOR H.E. KASIT PIROMYA, ARUN GANDHI, NANCY TAYLOR BUBES, SHELDON COHEN, JOHN DEGIOIA, MARSHA J. EVANS, ANTHONY LANIER, JANE STANTON HITCHCOCK, ANDREW KOHUT, RICK KAPLAN, CAROLE RADZIWILL, PATRICIA DUFF, DAVID C. LEVY, LINDA FAIRSTEIN, NEIL LIVINGSTONE, JAMES CANNON, MAURY POVICH, CONNIE CHUNG, AMY ARGETSINGER, VERNON E. JORDAN, JIM ARSENEAULT, CHARLIE COOK, JIM LEHRER, CARLY FIORINA, JIM VANCE, DR. PETER LEVIT, KENNETH ADELMAN, GEORGE MICHAEL, JONATHAN TISCH, JOHN F. HARRIS, MONTGOMERY BLAIR SIBLEY, PETER GREENBERG, FRED GRANDY, CONNIE SCHULTZ, ROBERT FRANK, VALERIE PLAME WILSON, ROBERT NOVAK, AMB. PIERRE VIMONT, DAN GLICKMAN, MARTHA JOYNT KUMAR, DAVID BALDACCI, BOB RYAN, DR. MICHAEL JACOBSON, LEONARD DOWNIE, JR., RICHARD MOE, TUCKER CARLSON, MARK PENN, TED LEONSIS, LT. ANDREW BALDWIN, QUINN BRADLEE, JONATHAN CAPEHART, HUGH NEWELL JACOBSEN, KIMBERLY DOZIER (7/8/09) The Michael Jackson coverage is way over the top, both nationally and on the loca l television and radio stations. But that is this country these days. More and more a celebrity driven culture, which is very dangerous. BTW, why have Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton seen fit to try to make this a racial thing? ( I know the answer, it is a rhetorical question). If anything, Jackson's bleaching of the skin, messing with his nose, etc. made it seem he wanted to be white. Wacko Jacko indeed. (7/8/09) "The Capitals would be crazy to go to WJFK if, in fact, the Wizards have already signed up with that station. Frankly, the Caps are the hotter property right now and would be wise not to play second fiddle to any other franchise in town." In terms of promotion potential, it's better for a franchise to have its games carried by a 24 hour sports talker than a non-sports station like 1500-AM (the current flagship for the Caps and Nationals). On the other hand, if Ted Leonsis is negotiating with WJFK he'd better get some assurances that his hockey team (which came within a game of knocking out the eventual Stanley Cup champs) won't be treated like the poor stepsister of an NBA team that didn't even win 20 games last season. If he's considering going back to WTEM, it's of course unrealistic to expect a media outlet owned by Dan Snyder to give the Caps anything approaching the attention lavished on the Redskins. Nonetheless, Leonsis should insist that they be treated a lot better than was the case the previous time the station had the radio rights. Speaking of 980, on Kevin Sheehan's show yesterday he teased an upcoming segment with "lessons to be learned from the violent death of [ex-Titans and Ravens QB] Steve McNair" and it turned out to be a somewhat tongue-in-cheek discussion between him and producer Marc Sterne of how to cheat on your wife more discreetly than McNair apparently did. I'm sorry - there's absolutely no room for levity or jocularity when you're dealing with something as tragic and disturbing as the McNair story, and to make light of infidelity and act like it's no big deal is totally indefensible. I'd previously thought Sheehan was a more responsible talk show host than that - apparently not. Sports Reporters was in 'best of' mode again yesterday despite Steve Czaban being in town and doing his syndicated morning program (although Andy Pollin's away on vacation), which suggests that nobody from the show's regular rotation of guest 'reporters' was available. Perhaps they're all too busy trying to land gigs on WJFK, with the notable exception of ex-USA Today football writer Larry Weisman who's now on Snyder's payroll and may become an extremely frequent guest on Reporters soon. Mike, Fairfax (7/8/09) Re, "Does anyone care about don + mike anymore? Why do you feel the need to update us on one of the two nearly everyday?" Dude-it should be apparent by the posts here, LOTS of people are still very interested in Don and Mike. Why do you think there are people trying to find podcasts for Donni's show in Rehoboth airing on a single station. I think some people need to recognize, when it comes to Dcrtv.com, it's the Dave Hughes show, and he'll say what he wishes.... Xarias (7/8/09) I'm trying to figure out which is sadder: Fox5's Laura Evens having to talk to that human slime from TMZ every night like he's ''credible'' or Fox5 picking up the ''black Howard Stern'' Wendy Williams gabfest. And for the dopes who refer to MJ as a ''pedophile'' and ''child molester'', I take it you morons voted Republican. I'm pretty sure he was found ''not guilty''. Time to let it go. Paul (7/8/09) RE: 45 and MJ. Maybe it was just counter programming. I read in the trades this morning that the LA PD had been prepared to fly MJ's casket to the Staples Center via helicopter due to what some news organizations (the major networks) had predicted in crowd size -a crowd of a million or more on the route. Turns out that the LAPD or ChiPs didn't have to do any crowd control on the route or at the site. Fewer than 1000 were outside the center. Also said - maybe the press whipped itself into a frenzy that really didn't exist with the generation that only knows Michael from Oldies radio...? Classic. (7/8/09) Does anyone care about don + mike anymore? Why do you feel the need to update us on one of the two nearly everyday? (7/8/09) Nice politically correct spin put on the Whacko Jacko molestation case. Ever hear of a restrictive clause? The charges against MJ were not dropped 'with prejudice'. They were dropped AFTER he agreed to a settlement. Don't quote half of the report. You don't settle when you are innocent. He was a pedophile. (7/8/09) Where is JIm Handly? (7/8/09) This morning, Kane said HOT 99.5 will get a new digital studio in 1 1/2 weeks. They will move in to a temporary office while the old equipment is removed. The station will temporarily go off the air during the transition. (7/8/09) Dave's response: Maybe Kane is going digital himself. Why pay a real person do to Hot 99.5's morning show when a computer that sounds like Kane could do it a helluva lot cheaper. Hmmm..... Certainly nothing new here with Fox45 not carrying the MJ funeral. They rarely interupt their paid programming for anything, unless the Fox network requires it. Someone needs to check the overnight ratings to see if it was the right decision for their viewers. (MJ accusations notwithstanding) (7/8/09) Dave's response: I have no problem with Fox45 not carrying MJ's memorial. He's not a former president. He's an entertainer. I can see the cable "newsers" covering the service, but having the broadcast networks all pre-empting regular programming for the funeral of an entertainer does seem like a bit "much." If Edward R. Murrow was running CBS News today, I bet he'd pass on live coverage of the event. The problem with journalism today, especially TV journalism, is that there are too few journalists. Look, I love her, but Katie Couric ain't a journalist. Oh, how about CNN's Wolf Blitzer breathlessly hyping the Usher song tribute to Jackson yesterday? Ah, Wolf, you're no journalist either. You're a cable news "carnival barker"..... Was WBFF's decision NOT to broadcast the Michael Jackson funeral based on those child molestion charges? Last week there was a news report about how some radio & TV stations who were flat out refusing to do anything as far as Michael Jackson was concerned and the reason why was 100% based on that including not to air the funeral. I believe one station down south was planning to go as far as flashing on the screen sources where victims of child sexual abuse can turn to, to get help while at the same time the station would be airing the funeral of Michael Jackson. However I don't know if this was a "joke" or if it really happened. (7/8/09) Dave, love the CBS radio rant but one problem, it involves common sense, something that CBS radio execs don't have. WHFS in your form is a pipe dream......a hell of a idea but CBS will never take the gamble. WJFK won't be on 94.7, they are going to point at the PPM's and say but we are getting at the female demos with Fresh FM. El Zol although it has it's merits, won't move to 106.7 because again, common sense doesn't exist with CBS DC Radio. I do think that Amp/Now might hit on 95.5, just a hunch that they MIGHT do that if they take their heads from out of their a$$es. Nah, that is asking too much from them though! Dan (7/8/09) Re "Hats off to FOX 45 for not broadcasting the child molester's funeral." ABC, CBS and NBC devoted their entire half hour to the freakish, bleached one. PBS' News Hour used its first 45 minutes on Obama's trip to Russia, broke down the meetings with Medvedev and Putin, then ethnic strife in western China, then the Dow being way down, etc, etc... before going to ten minutes on the weird circus in LA. I have increased respect for them. Robert in Arlington (7/8/09) RE: "Hats off to FOX 45 for not broadcasting the child molester's funeral. It was a waste of time There is more important things going on in this world. To WBIG compareing MJ to John Lennon give me a f*cking break" Shut. Up. Idiot. Last time I checked, MJ was acquitted on ALL 9 counts brought agaisnt him. I'm not saying his behavior wasn't questionable, but you're either convicted or you're not (and I thought he would be). However, he wasn't, and so to wrecklessly call him a child molester (the day of his funeral no less!), is just plain disrespectful. So give ME the f*cking break! (7/8/09) /\ July 8 Messages /\ \/ July 7 Messages \/ Hats off to FOX 45 for not broadcasting the child molester's funeral. It was a waste of time There is more important things going on in this world. To WBIG compareing MJ to John Lennon give me a f*cking break (7/7/09) If the Bullets are going to WJFK do their games get priority over the Terps? Will the Terps remain on WJFK? Frankly, I think Terp basketball has far more fans than the Bullets. In the latest edition of On Tap magazine DCRTV Dave's good friend Serfe is interviewed. In the article it is mentioned that one Oscar Santana is going to be occasionally jockeying on the new HSD WHFS, and Weasal too! Has channel 7 downsized the number of reporters they use in the mornings? (7/7/09) Same TK? Yes. Its the same one. He works from his home in Cleveland(?) or nearby. He runs 7 nights a week - 6 of which are mostly live. Sunday night is pre-taped. His son fills in for him. Pretty good show. And not many people have created two live 5-6 or 7 night a week music dayparts via syndication and been successful with them both.(he ditched the other one a few years back due to contract disputes). Cool guy. (7/7/09) "But the broadcasters are subject to the new rates for any songs streamed over radio station Web sites." ... because listening to the exact same thing over the internet _doesn't_ provide promotion for artists and labels?? (7/7/09) Saw this on craigslist as I was job hunting. Would the show in question be Face The Nation? I'm not too boned up on my Sunday morning talk shows. washingtondc.craigslist.org (7/7/09) No more Seinfeld on Fox5? Thank F----- God! Just don't touch The Simpsons. Now, let's all gather in front of DCRTV Dave's house, hold hands and sing a rousing rendition of ''We Are The World.'' Paul (7/7/09) Dave, you always bash the Post when you beat them on a story. Steinberg reporter the Wizards to WJFK 26 hours ago!!! In fairness, you should probably give them a little more credit for scooping you. (7/7/09) Dave's response: I think the Examiner's Jim Williams maybe even kinda scooped Dan. Congrats to both..... (Snip)...the syndicated Tom Kent(snip)...Is this same Tom Kent "TK TK TK" from the WAVA Power 105 days of the mid 80's? Tom in Wheaton (7/7/09) Not really related to broadcasting on the least coast... But, I had to take a look at that "oldie but goodie" music video, the link for which is further down the board. And, it made me think of one place we always try to take family, friends, or associates past when they're visiting us here in the Southland: The SDG&E generatiing plant at San Onofre, along the west side of the 5 freeway, just south of the surf beach park! The most prominent aspects of its contribution to the landcsape would've been a perfect backdrop for that video! -JFP (Relaxing at home and well away from the crowds at Stapes Center!) (7/7/09) Councilwoman Belinda K. Conaway, who represents the 7th District of the Baltimore City Council, honored students of the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland. She awarded students Dr. Nancy Offer, Nathan Green, Matthew Halbrook, Christina Smiley, Matthew Koch, and Theodore Simms with two certificates of recognition for being honor students. The first was from The Baltimore City Council and was signed by Council President Stephanie Rawlings Blake. The Second was from the City of Baltimore and was signed by the honorable Shelia Dixon, Mayor of Baltimore City. “It is always an honor to host a member of the Baltimore City Council ” Stated John Jeppi, President of the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland. “All of us at BIM are very proud and grateful that our students were acknowledged by the City of Baltimore.” The school is located in Baltimore, Maryland and is now in its 40th year of professional career training. It is one of only nine nationally accredited broadcasting schools in the United States. Major courses in radio, television production, news, and news with a sports emphasis, is taught in both day and evening schools. (7/7/09) Online Radio Stations Strike Big Deal on Royalties::The future of Internet Radio appears more secure after a handful of online stations reached an agreement Tuesday to head off a potentially crippling increase in copyright royalty rates. The deal is the product of two years of negotiations between webcasters and copyright holders. In March 2007, a ruling by the federal Copyright Royalty Board dramatically raised the rates that Internet radio stations must pay artists and recording labels - leading many online radio stations to warn that the new rates would put them out of business by eating up as much as 70 percent of revenue. Under the agreement, large commercial webcasters will pay copyright owners up to 25 percent of their revenue or a "per-performance" rate that is below the rates set by the Copyright Royalty Board. Smaller webcasters will pay either a percent of revenue or a percent of expenses.Traditional AM and FM broadcasters are exempt from copyright royalty rates for over-the-air radio play, because that airplay is thought to provide free promotion for artists and labels. But the broadcasters are subject to the new rates for any songs streamed over radio station Web sites. (7/7/09) Dave, I PD'd a CHR station in Massachusetts back in the 80s when Michael Jackson's juggernaut was tearing up the charts. We participated in the mass simultaneous play of "We Are the World". It was eerie dialing up and down both AM and FM bands and hearing the same song everywhere, offset a little here and there by only a few seconds. Critics called it maudlin and a "manufactured event", but you will never hear or see anything like it ever again. Somehow I don't think 300 million simultaneous "Tweets"on a predetermined date will ever mean the same thing. -Al Peterson (7/7/09) The Jackson Memorial service: are we seeing a new all-time TV viewing record here? Comparing the event to the moon landing, Princess Di, M*A*S*H etc, there are far more TVs in far more locations than ever before, and its not hard to believe that viewers could number in the billions. It'll be interesting to see how this all shakes out. (7/7/09) Dave's response: I watched a little bit of it. Now, I can't get "We Are The World" out of my head. The horror, the horror..... The Capitals would be crazy to go to WJFK if, in fact, the Wizards have already signed up with that station. Frankly, the Caps are the hotter property right now and would be wise not to play second fiddle to any other franchise in town. By the way, how funny is it that WTEM, which so mistreated the Caps prior to their departure two years ago, may now be in the position of having to come to beg them in order to have any live pro sports other than the few Redskins games per year. What is the phrase? Delicious irony? (7/7/09) I can't speak for whether Chad Dukes would be reluctant to break up his team with Oscar or not, but this isn't the first time. When they were both on 105.7 middays, Oscar was let go and Chad carried on for a few months as Ed Norris's sidekick and an afternoon sports host on 1300AM. Howie (7/7/09) I must disagree with Mike in Fairfax when he says that Pollin and Czaban have been going easier on the Redskins since Snyder bought WTEM. I don't know how anyone can make that claim if you heard Pollin's sarcastic and cutting comments, made multiple times, about Vinny Cerrato and his radio show on WTEM last season. Czaban was his usual self in the weekly interviews with Zorn, drawing pointed responses from the coach more than once. The one thing I do think they have cut back on is personal insults about Snyder's height, ego, manner, bullying, etc . Which I certainly don't find inappropriate given Snyder's ownership of the station. (7/7/09) on speculation of the future or lack thereof of Big O and Dukes: If you are a regular listener, you know Chad's passion is being on air. I think Chad will do what he has to do to stay on air, regardless of Oscar. Chad does seem to be loyal to his friends, but demands on being the center of attention, he does not play second fiddle well. Before they went on vacation, I noticed that Chad was bringing up sports related topics whenever he had the opportunity. The self-preservaton was in effect. Oscar seems out of his element when discussing sports. i have a feeling Oscar is going to be looking for work... (7/7/09) WJFK message boards are down….the end must be near. forum.wjfk.com... Stefan Belzer (7/7/09) There's been a lot of speculation about the future of Mike O'Meara and The Mike O'Meara Show recently, but I'd like to know what's going to happen to Oscar Santana if Chad Dukes does get paired up with LaVar Arrington on the new Sports Talk WJFK? Is Chad bailing on his longtime sidekick with great reluctance or is he doing so with little or no regret? Does Oscar have a future in radio (on the air) without Chad Dukes? If so, where might he wind up? (7/7/09) Fox5 and Seinfeld... Chnl 20 already airs Seinfeld at 11pm or 11:30pm (7/7/09) Dave, I agree with your ideas as to how to fix CBS/DC, though I think "Johnny Dark's Musicradio" would be a better fit for 1580AM. However there is one thing a lot of people tend to forget here...we are talking about CBS. CBS has been known to fire people even if their ratings are good. Example is Denver's KXKL-FM Kool 105. Their morning show was tops in that city for the longest time and their evening announcer "Da Boogieman" was a local radio legend ( think Johhny Dark ) and of course he had great ratings too, but still CBS fired those fine folks anyway only to be replaced by CHEAPER talent, WAY cheaper actually and in the case with "Da Boogieman" the syndicated Tom Kent. Same thing with CBS/Dallas, forgot what his name is but 98.7 K-LUV had a jock on their weekends who had such big ratings that he ruled Dallas, fired by CBS. Look at what CBS/LA did with KNX/KFWB, talk about a mass firing of pros With that being said I always get a kick hearing people when they say how CBS "can not fire" The Sports Junkies, Don or Mike. Ah if CBS can find a way..well? WJFK may very well go sports, but I just dont see the Sports Junkies being there a year or two from now or whenever their contracts are up if not sooner regardless of ratings and once the contracts Don Geronimo & Mike O'Meara, I doubt CBS will keep them either on their payroll. No really the only way we will experience a better sounding WJFK, a return of HFS, a better 94.7, CHR for Baltimore, etc... is if CBS would do in DC and Baltimore the same thing they did in Denver and a few other places..that is to sell their stations to somebody else on the cheap and to get out of town. (7/7/09) WAMU 88.5 announced today that Ed Walker, Washington radio legend and host of WAMU 88.5's The Big Broadcast, has been nominated to the National Radio Hall of Fame in the category "Local or Regional – Pioneer." Walker is one of four nominees in his category and one of 16 nominees on the 2009 National Radio Hall of Fame ballot, which the public may vote on until midnight August 1 at nrhof.votenet.com. "I have had the pleasure of working in radio and television in the same market for more than 50 years, and I have loved every minute of it," said the 77-year-old Walker. "If I were to win and be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, it would be the shining moment of my career." As a child, Walker dreamed of a career in broadcasting. By age 10, he was operating a low-powered radio station in his basement. Walker's professional radio career began in 1951 as an American University freshman and one of the founders of WAMU-AM, the campus radio station that preceded the current FM station, WAMU 88.5. The same year, Walker met fellow AU student Willard Scott, who soon became his good friend and radio partner. In 1952, the pair started a weekend radio show at WOL called Going AWOL, and, in 1955, they launched the comedy show Two at One at WRC and became the "Joy Boys" — a nickname that stuck when they used a song of the same name as the show's theme music. In the late 1950s, the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service began broadcasting many of the half-hour shows, which brought the Joy Boys to service members around the world. The program continued in various time slots and iterations on WRC until October 1972, when WWDC added the show to its schedule. WWDC aired the last Joy Boys show on July 26, 1974. Walker has also worked at radio stations WPGC and WMAL and television stations WJLA and News Channel 8. "I am so pleased that Ed has been honored with this nomination to the Hall of Fame," said WAMU 88.5 General Manager Caryn G. Mathes. "His incredible career and personal story are an inspiration to us all. He is a central figure in Washington radio history and deserves to be recognized as a pioneer." In December 1990, Walker's career came full circle when he returned to WAMU to host The Big Broadcast. He was asked to take over the station's longest-running program from his friend, John Hickman, who became too ill to continue as host. The Big Broadcast features a collection of vintage radio programs from the 1930s, '40s, and '50s, including Gunsmoke, The Jack Benny Show, The Lone Ranger, and Fibber McGee and Molly. The show, which airs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays, has been a weekly feature on WAMU 88.5 since Hickman created the show in 1964. (7/7/09) "Regarding the CBS Management in Washington DC: Firing one of the Three Stooges" ...Would those 3 stooges be Larry,Curly and Moe?...oh wait that's SAM, REGGIE AND MICHAEL. (7/7/09) (Re:"Dear Mr. MegaUpload, WHERE THE F*** are you? Was Don G off today or what? WE NEED OUR FIX. Please share. I'll send you a lobster. --Chris in DC... Dave's response: He may have gotten a "lawyer letter" from CBS.....") Guys...what ever happened to the D&M gamp?? Kind of a fightclub safe haven. Xarias (7/7/09) The person who was posting the Don Geronimo Show links on this mailbag was downloading the torrents from another site and re-uploading those files to his own spot on Mega. The person that was actually recording the shows and creating the torrents was in danger of legal action due to the person who re-upped and posted here. That is why the original torrent creator stopped recording and upping the shows. The person who was re-upping to Mega must not do that again or relay the information here on the mailbag or the original uploader will never record again. If you folks want the files outside of the mailbag bad enough you can find them.... Keep looking! (7/7/09) I see where Fox 5 is already heralding the premiere of the syndicated "The Office", which is set to air weeknights at 7:30 PM, the time slot that "Seinfeld" has kept for the last 15 years. Question: what is to become of "Seinfeld"? Will it move to 6PM? Fox doesn't have the 11 PM slot like many Fox stations because of news. Could it be going away? Seinfeld already has had the longest continuous local access run of any syndicated limited episode show in history. Could it be temporarily going out of syndication for a rest? Inquiring minds want to know. Giddyup! (7/7/09) Yesterday between 6 and 7 PM there was some good E-skip in Rockville. I was on my way to a doctor's appt so didn't have time to get into it intensively, but managed to identify two faraway FM's on the same freq: KGRC (Real 92.9, Quincy, IL) and KMXN (X-92.9, Kansas' Rock Alternative) from Osage City, serving the Lawrence-KC area. KOF (7/7/09) Would it kill CBS Radio and WJFK to at least let its listeners know what its plans and/or goals are? All we get are rumors and innuendo, and in the process it looks like 2 of the 3 shows many of us treasure are going away without any word allowed from them. Big O and Dukes and The Mike O'Meara Show are two of the best things on DC radio. After all these years they are kicked to the curb without even a farewell? CBS Radio is soon to lose this one listener for sure. (7/7/09) Regarding the CBS Management in Washington DC: Firing one of the Three Stooges will not solve the problem. The problem is the guy in New York. He has allowed this Fellini movie to run for years, and years. They killed WJFK. They could never do anything with a great 94.7 signal. Today, WPGC is dying a slow death. The new "Fresh" format is an ill conceived joke up against formidable stations like WASH and MIX and the new WJFK only has a chance to finish 2nd in a two horse race. The guy in NYC is the problem and he is hanging on for dear life. As long as he is in the chair the Stooges will survive. (7/7/09) What is the deal with WJLA on fios, at least on the HD channel (I didn't check non-HD) in Anne Arundel County? Three times over the past month the channel has been 1 hour behind. I have tuned in around 7:30am to find the local news still on and the time and temperature in the lower right showing 6:30am. Good Morning America came on an hour late and Regis Kelly as well. I am not sure at what point they corrected the issue but it then happened 2 more times. Switching to Baltimore's ABC2 showed their channel airing the correct shows. Any ideas? Heard any other people talking about it? (7/7/09) Dave's response: One hour behind? I've noticed on my Comcast system that the local TV broadcasters may be 5-10 seconds "behind" their on-air signal, but an hour? That's crazy..... Dave: Ok, I fully admit I didn't give much thought to the new WJFK sportstalk format moving to 94.7 and once again, Dave is right!!! This would be the perfect scenario for a potentially successful sportstalk station in DC. Onto something that's not mentioned and that's the terrible and low-budget coverage of the AT&T Golf provided by Comcast Sportsnet. I thought Haber was bad but last weekend's material on Comcast was truly embarrassing! I was in North Carolina over the weekend and watched some of their reports and whether it was cable tv or Directv, the picture quality was awful and Gary Williams looked like he didn't want to be on the set with Chic Hernandez. Furthermore and as anticipated, Chic really acted like he was Tiger's best friend and you could tell Tiger knew Chic's act. I'll bet anything that if MASN were to start a news "SportsCenter"-type show, Johnny Holiday would give you more intelligent insight than Chic. Finally, can someone whisper to Jill Sorenson that she needs to refine her use of the english language. She really didn't match well with Lisa Hillary last night and it's another example of bad TV. Mr. Angelos needs to think twice about where his money's going. (7/7/09) On the occasion of MJ's service today, I want to point out he was entirely bogus. His "moonwalk" on which his career was made famous, was actually stolen from the Lovin' Spoonful's Zally Yanovsky. See proof, just :22 into the video. RIP Zally, we know the truth. www.youtube.com (7/7/09) Don "Scooter" Geronimo:: Twitter "Waiting on fireworks at our friends house at the inlet We drove the scooter to beat the OC traffic" Hey Delmarva, when you see Mike Sorce riding around on his scooter, pull-up next to him, roll down the window and remind him who gave it to him - Mike O'Meara - and that real men ride Harley's! (7/7/09) Came in around 6:45 to see Vance on the news..But come 11pm, no Vance..Guess he's easing his way back.Glad to see him back though.. (7/7/09) Re; Lawsuits...for some reason I still can remember hearing about a number of wacky lawsuits back in those "good ole days" involving some of the local DC & Baltimore media. Now whether or not they were true I have no idea but I can remember back in 1979 when KISS played the old Cap Centre, the story goes that someone from WJLA had got backstage and was actually filming the band putting on their makeup only to get caught by Paul Stanley ( or maybe it was Gene or Ace or Peter ). Then somebody from the band got ahold of the reporter and beat the hell out of him and damaged WJLA's equipment..result lawsuit between KISS and WJLA. Dont ask me what the outcome was LOL. Then there was some incident where somebody had took a pic of a popular DC sportscaster buying a pack of smokes at a 7-11 only to have this sportscaster get highly upset and threaten to sue the person who took that pic unless he/she handed over that camera. I heard the sportscaster in question was George Michael while others had said it was actually the late Glenn Brenner who raised hell. Guess we will never know for sure. And wasn't there some very nasty lawsuit between the old WBMW B106 ( now WJFK ) and WAVA back in the mid 80s which ( according to rumor ) was one key reson why B106 had got out of the top 40 game? What was that all about? Around the same time as B106 vs. WAVA I went to Columbia School of Broadcasting (1986) I can remember our instructor telling us about how channel 9 had once received some very nasty photos in the mail of then weatherman Bill Kamal taken at the DC Eagle bar. and how channel 9 had went after that person who was bragging about making those photos public. Of course of instructor at the time was a known joker but after what happend down in Florida with Kamal..looking back now maybe he wasn't joking afterall. (7/7/09) /\ July 7 Messages /\ \/ July 6 Messages \/ CBS won't sign Tony K for the new WJFK for one reason, Tony probably is asking for too much money. He would be the perfect fit for a 7am-10am or a 8am-11am shift. Move the Junkies to afternoon drive. Big O and Dukes for middays. Get rid of the best of and informericals on the weekends for sports talk and sporting events. Nights are devoted to sporting events or talk, pending on what is going to be carried after the format flip. Call me crazy but it might all work if they take your idea Dave and move the station to 94.7 FM. Wait though, common sense and CBS radio don't go well together of late, so it's going to stay at 106.7. Dan (7/6/09) WPMT-Fox 43 advertising for morning anchor. Wouldn't be surprised if the male anchor, Wyatt Everhart, is out. He's bounced around a lot. Both anchors on that show have been there less than a year. (7/6/09) Oldie but a goodie... the Nipple Nipple Song (misunderstood lyrics): www.youtube.com (7/6/09) Dear Mr. MegaUpload, WHERE THE F*** are you? Was Don G off today or what? WE NEED OUR FIX. Please share. I'll send you a lobster. --Chris in DC (7/6/09) Dave's response: He may have gotten a "lawyer letter" from CBS..... Is La Martucci back to mornings on channel 9? BTWS, does she color her hair like that in tribute to Mrs. Slocum? Geez, before reading the stuff about Sir Donnie G. I thought that was a picture of Chris Core and Mr. Sorce yucking it up. I need new glasses but still....So what's Donnie G.'s take on Sarah Palin giving it up? And what gives with CBS not letting O'Meara say adios after all those years. Albeit, listening to the "best of"? a bit today with all his sloppiness conducting an interview still confirms in this listener's sic mind that he sucks as the lead of a radio progrum Is channel 20 close to overtaking ION channel 66.1 for most hours of infomercials per day? And WTOP really won an Edward R. Murrow award for that dribble they broadcast? As Mr. Murrow use to say Good Night , and Good Lick! (7/6/09) Don Geronimo:: Sorce has a new BFF. The radio gift that keeps on giving. Sometimes if life, people get what they deserve. Case in point, Mike Sorce. It's been two weeks since the DGS debuted on conservative tilted WGMD. A job [we] gave Sorce 6 weeks at. A job that is just as bad a fit as is Mike O'Meara's new career as a produce clerk. However, knowing that Sorce and his agent put him in his current "conservative radio nightmare," and NOT CBS, we hope he and the comedy which is his professional and personal life, stick around for a bit longer. In the "sometimes you can't make this shit up" category, last week Sorce and his new ultra conservative wife Jan celebrated the birthday of WGMD's right wing, anti-abortion zealot Dan Gaffney with his conservative wife. A foresome from hell! Judging by the picture, these two guys look like they could be found on Castro street in S.F. But don't miss the bigger comedic picture here. First of all, in any other time in Sorce's life, you wouldn't catch him having dinner with such a righty loser as Gaffney nor dating someone like conservative top-heavy Jan. But with the very insecure Sorce, desperate times call for desperate measures. Secondly, at what point during that Sarah Palin love fest B-Day dinner disaster does Sorce excuse himself from the table, go the men's room, look into the mirror, splash water on his face while asking himself "Jesus Christ, what the fuck am I doing?" At this point, it's not about if [we] think Sorce will last six weeks at WGMD. It's now, when will he drive his pink gay scooter off the nearest bridge. (7/6/09) Dave's response: Hey, Don was seaching for radio as it used to be, when radio stations were owned by local guys who had a direct role in running the station. Not managed by a puppet having his strings pulled by large, faceless corporation - like large market WJFK is. And maybe Don's found what he was looking for in a small market via WGMD. Happiness is what's important. And if Don's found that, I wish him all the best..... Dave, I see Jim Vance on the 6pm news....I thought you said he was gone until later in the summer? (7/6/09) Dave's response: A source told us on 6/24 that Vance would be off the air for about six weeks. Miraculous recovery! Good afternoon --- in your story below -- you misspelled Leinwand once (was written Leinward). Thanks very much, Alan Leinwand (7/6/09) Dave's response: Whoops. It's fixed. Thanks, Alan..... After listening to the "Best of" today, where MOM sucked Eric Idle's ass for about 15 mins...I mean seriously...thats the best you could do?!! Maybe we're better off if that door is closed...nay SLAMMED SHUT..Maybe B.A. was the smart one after all. WB Centreville, VA (7/6/09) Jim Vance is back on Channel 4! Yippeee!!! He looks good. Wendy is also back (she always looks good). Now all we need is Jim Handly, and of course, Doreen. -- Bobbie (Nothing against their subs...all of them have done a good job, in my opinion.) (7/6/09) Hey, Dave...have you checked out the new website of Dan Abrams, formerly with MSNBC, Mediaite.com? Howard Kurtz wrote about it in today's Washington Post. I checked it out, and it looks like it has things of interest to news/political/media junkies, although it's not well designed, in my opinion. It's a little hard to maneuver, at least for me, but it looks promising. Seems like he has a lot of interesting information. Check it out, if you haven't already. -- Bobbie (7/6/09) Dave's response: Hey, let's hope it puts the butt-kissing Mediabistro out of business. Ha ha ha..... Thanks for posting that notice about Ed Walker's nomination to the Radio Hall of Fame. Voting on who gets into the Hall is open to the public, and we'd love to get the word out and help bring in as many votes as possible for Ed. There are more details on voting for Ed at wamu.org. (FYI: People do have to register at the Hall of Fame site to vote) ... Thanks, Kay Summers, Director of Marketing and Communications, WAMU 88.5 (7/6/09) Casey Kasem. You'll be missed. caseyrant.mp3 (7/6/09) WJFK has closed their online forums and removed all links to them from their website. You can still access them here forum.wjfk.com but as you can see you can't post anything and the boards have been deleted. (7/6/09) Greetings again from, well, here… if WJFK turns all-sports and they disband Big O and Dukes, someone ought to pick them up. Oh that’s right, it won’t happen because radio stations now don’t care about having good radio, they just care about making money… if I have to read one more blurb on here about the Biden or Obama kids I’m gonna have to turn off my pacemaker and let nature take it’s course. They are just kids – it’s people like YOU who go on and on about them that turn the media one way or the other. If you let them be kids, they’ll just be normal people. You people who go on and on about the press handling them this way and that – GET A FRIGGIN’ LIFE… and on that same note, why do some people like more fat in their sausages???... to the poster about Comcast changing from analog to digital, I can tell you in the wilds of Western Prince William County they JUST moved the Cartoon Network off of analog this weekend – so no more from them. They must not have kids. Or a heart… I (heart) Wipeout and it’s beautiful co-host Jill Wagner. She’s amazing… I miss the Alan Prell from WEEL-1310 and his Swap Shop that he had on. Now THAT was good radio… I was all upset this weekend because my delivered edition of the Washington Post was not delivered. I called the special number and they delivered it an hour later. I was then VERY disappointed that I had wasted so much time getting it delivered – cuz it consisted of about 12 pages and no content whatsover… Tina Louise STILL looks beautiful at the ripe old age of 132… Michael Jackson was a great entertainer – but enough already. He was a pervert and we shouldn’t be all ga-ga over the funeral – unless you just think it’s a show and he’ll pop out of the casket with an even pointier nose – he may look like the evil man on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Now THAT’s an old school reference!….and STOP worrying about the president’s kids – you have enough problems of your own. Larry King Jr. (#2). (7/6/09) Producer opening at JFK jobview.monster.com (7/6/09) ".......He worked in Boston at WMEX before coming to WCAO......." Isn't WMEX the station where the owner blew his brains out before changing the call letters to WBIX? (7/6/09) Dear Friends, After 40 years of serving millions of happy and loyal customers, and opening its doors 365 days of every year, Nathans will close at last call on Sunday, July 12. This ends an era of delicious, interesting and often outrageous moments at what Zagat called "the quintessential Georgetown saloon." We hope over the next week you will find the time to come in and enjoy a last drink and meal with us. We wish we could give it away, but economic reality is that we need your dollars. Also, if I may, I urge you to be please be generous with the staff. With a heavy heart and much gratitude, Carol Joynt (7/6/09) Dave, Radio Armageddon is coming!!! Can you share this w/the mailbaggers? Radio Bankruptcy Fireworks insidemusicmedia.blogspot.com (7/6/09) yet another rant about The Sports Reporters...I think i figured out why it's so bad (aside from the hosts). It's the topics! they did something other day like "biggest local bonehead sports moves." I mean really? the reason WFAN does so well is because they talk about the games and the players! Thats what I'd rather hear. I dont love Fox Sports radio if that gets picked up by JFK, but I'll certainly give it a chance. Im dying for good sports radio around here. (7/6/09) Christian: AT40 from the 80s is heard on Jack FM in Baltimore on Sunday nights at 8. My wife & I listen to it every week and try to guess the year. According to Wikipedia, AT40 from the 70s is on WLIF at 8AM on Sundays, but I can’t find a schedule on WLIF’s web site to verify that. Both are syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks. Interestingly, the 70s version is three hours and the 80s version is four hours. (7/6/09) Wow, this week is a great test of how awful radio will be beginning the 20th of July. All of the WJFK shows are in best of mode for the entire week and, if you are a good listener as I am to O&D and Junkies, then you will have heard everything already. I will be listening and enjoying next week when my 2 shows come back but have no idea what I will listen to beginning the 20th. Anyone know of good shows in other markets that stream so I can hear non-polital entertainment talk shows during the day while chained to my desk? I listened to Eliot this morning - good call for him to work the week JFK gives up. (7/6/09) REF: Casey Kasem's Retirement...I believe AT40 first played in Baltimore on WCBM. Then when I was at WLPL, we played the transcription record version of it. But as far as great countdown shows go, how about Johnny Dark's Top 40 Countdown Saturdays from 10-2 on WCAO! Totally professional is the only way to describe Johnny Dark and his air work. Steve (7/6/09) BREAKING NEWS: PALIN KIDS ANNOUNCE PLANS TO RESIGN FROM ALASKA GOVERNORS' FAMILY IN ORDER TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH NEW GOVERNOR -- WASILLA, Alaska — In a stunning weekend announcement, the children of Sarah and Todd Palin stated they unanimously plan to resign from the Governor's family in the coming weeks to accept positions in the new administration. The Palin children — Bristol, Snap, Crackle, Pop and Trig -- said that the “media circus” surrounding their mother's increasingly bizarre decision making process has made it “impossible for us to focus on the job to which Alaskans indirectly elected us.” The Palin children concluded by pledging that through their forthcoming adoption by Lt. Governor Parnell, they would all work diligently and faithfully to "restore honor and dignity to the First Family of Alaska.” - Jeff in Bowie (7/6/09) Since COMCAST moved to all digital programing I've had nothing but problems finding my stations. Every morning I have to rescan. Every station has shifted signals. They have also begun taking the basic cable stations off air and only have digital stations. Some of these aren't even showing up any more. Can someone out there help my old feeble mind comprehend and understand what is going on and when it will end? Tim in Warrenton (7/6/09) Dave's response: I was not aware that Comcast had transformed any of its area cable systems to all-digital. Most DC/Baltimore area Comcast systems are still analog for channels below 100 and digital for the channels above 100. I take it that you don't have a cable box, since that would handle all the channel shifting automatically..... Channel 4 wants viewers to explain “how they did it,” those who managed to acquire tickets to the Michael Jackson send-off. As Mr. Jackson’s mother incisively worried the other day, if it takes much longer to bury the pop star, his soul may begin to wander, thereby adding to our national security woes. There is so little news, and so much “news” on the TV and Internet, that something – anything – must be used to distract pesky viewers from tuning away. Meanwhile, Robert Strange McNamara died peacefully at home in his bed. A highly logical man, his flaw was in failing to predict how a peasant army could defeat a Superpower. Strange indeed. (7/6/09) "BUT, [Brian] Mitchell is coming across like a whining punk with his recent ranting. WTEM said the move was made for economic reasons. They also let Koken go. And there are plenty of hosts who remain on WTEM who criticize the Redskins, including Pollin and Czaban who got Gibbs so p.o.ed that he wouldn't do their show any more." That show with Gibbs was four or five years ago and well before the acquisition of the station by Dan Snyder. Anyone paying close attention since 2007 could tell that Pollin and Czaban toned down their criticism of the Skins somewhat last season, although the coaching change may have played a role in that. Coverage of the AT&T National golf tournament on 980 was definitely scaled back from past years (going back to the Kemper Open era) when there'd be remotes from Congressional or Avenel all weekend long featuring most of the station's local hosts. Kevin Sheehan and golf shop owner Phil Hawes were apparently the only ones doing weekend duty this time around. Regarding WJFK-FM possibly airing segments from out-of-town sports talk shows, that might be interesting at first but I'm not sure it's sustainable in the long run unless done on a very limited basis (perhaps when a big game's coming up between a Washington team and its rival in the other market). Most talk stations make their feeds available on the internet anyway, while a few high profile local shows are carried nationally on satellite radio or cable/satellite TV (such as Dallas host Randy Galloway on XM and WFAN's Mike Francesa on the YES Network). As far as Johnny Holiday getting a gig on WJFK is concerned, in addition to hosting the weekly Terps coaches shows for years I think he filled in for Kornheiser on WTEM a few times back in the 90s. On the other hand, does George Michael have any experience with the format outside of occasional guest appearances? With a few exceptions here and there (notably John Thompson on 980), sports radio execs prefer to go with younger, more edgy hosts less likely to pull punches. Mike, Fairfax (7/6/09) Just submitted this to NBC 4: Relatively new guy Keith Garvin is doing a pretty good job anchoring the weekend newscast. Two things, though: he needs to stop the lip smacking noise when he starts a new story; and, he needs to stop looking so wide-eyed scared when he's anchoring. (7/6/09) KC Casem Calls It a Day - Dude, I don't know if Casey Casem is still heard locally, but you gotta give it up for the man, the legend. Surely there's some local angle that justifies a front-page blurb? blogs.ajc.com... Christian (7/6/09) Dave's response: Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for cigars. Ponderous, man, ponderous..... Okay, if the Wizards are overpaying to get on WJFK, that means 106.7 is dead as the Wiz will never be a ratings draw on radio. Lose O'Meara and Big O and Dukes and the Capitals and you know that this will be another disaster from CBS. Watch WFLS, WFRE, WBQB and WIYY beat 106.7 in the 12+ numbers and in cume. Stephen (7/6/09) That Allan Prell website dates back about three years, when he subbed for Jim Bohannon and ABC radio became interested for awhile. Nothing has ever come of it that I know of. The Uncle is over seventy now, and I'd guess that he's happily in retirement. If someone knows more I'd love to hear it. Howie (7/6/09) Love your blog/newsletter, do you do link exhanges? Kevin www.radiofacts.com (7/6/09) Dave's response: I don't have a links page anymore, but I'll be happy to give you a shout out in the Mailbag..... ("My reliable sources tell me that Jim had surgery several weeks ago for a medical condition. Obviously, he wishes his privacy, and Channel 4/WRC has not made a public announcement about his absence.") This makes sense and I totally respect his right to privacy, but I am still confused about Doreen. I have seen her fly solo on many newscasts and, I think, by the side of another male anchor at 6pm, so why is she MIA? (7/6/09) Dave's response: Doreen did make a public announcement that she's taking off the summer to be closer to her family. My sources tell me that a family member is in poor health. She's expected to return to 4's airwaves in September, if the budget-cutting NBC station hasn't replaced its evening news block with fluffy entertainment crap and syndicated game shows..... (every local sports team will offer to overpay CBS to get their games on the station) Give me a fucking break...WJFK with their 22,500 watts doesn't hit Washington DC consistently - nor does it hit PG county, or most places going north or east. I have trouble with JFK in northern MoCo. The teams that want to hit PG County, Washington DC and *anywhere* east certainly won't. WTEM's 50,000 watt AM signal covers, well, everywhere. Their FM stations cover the west, as well as east and south. Is there really a comparison for coverage? Certainly not. (7/6/09) Dave's response: As I've said before, if CBS is flipping JFK to sports, it would be smart to put it on 94.7, which better covers the Maryland suburbs. Then move El Zol to 106.7, which better covers Hispanic Northern VA, and restore a music-intensive alt rock or AAA WHFS on 99.1, to cover both the DC and Baltimore markets. Fresh 94.7 was a mistake here in DC, where WASH and Mix 107.3 are so strong with chicks. WTEM's 980 AM 50,000-watt signal is great during the daytime hours, but at night it drops to only 5,000-watts with a directional array that doesn't get out to the west very well. After dark, there are huge portions of ESPN 980's listening area - western Fairfax, northern Montgomery, Loudoun (home to the Redskins!) - that don't get a solid signal, even via the rimshot FMers in Warrenton and Prince Frederick..... No candid shots of this White House? Just saw the Obama kids getting off a jet in Moscow. Last week Drudge ran several photos of the President supposedly giving "the evil eye." Have seen many unflattering pix of the First Lady with caption "Gorilla Girl" under them. Each day, Fox tries to find the most footage that portrays this President in the worst light possible. Not to mention the many photo shopped moments you can easily find and that this White House makes no effort to suppress. ACH (7/6/09) OK, so no "update" on Jim Vance, but is there an explanation as to why he suddenly disappeared in the first place? Is it a coincidence that Jim and Doreen are both MIA? Plus, I always thought that Jim Handly and Wendy Reiger were the #2 anchor team, so what is up with Craig Melvin and Eun Yang? Not bad, but not really ready for primetime IMO. (7/6/09) Dave's response: My reliable sources tell me that Jim had surgery several weeks ago for a medical condition. Obviously, he wishes his privacy, and Channel 4/WRC has not made a public announcement about his absence. And I will respect that and not divilge any specifics of Jim's condition. What'll probably happen is that Jim will return to the airwaves later this summer and Paul Farhi will report it in a "scoop," completely ignoring the fact that DCRTV first reported it in mid-June. And the trade press will link to Farhi's piece and give him credit and praise for it. Ah, how do you sleep, Tom Taylor? I noticed on the Sacramento board of the web site Radio-Info.com that KHTK-AM in Sacramento supposedly has a job posting for an on-air position. Could they be looking for a local show to replace the Mike O’Meara Show? (7/6/09) (snip) Didn't the now defunct PAX-TV (end snip). PAX has been rebranded ION. Al McGilvray (7/6/09) Dave: I don't want to say I told you so. However, last month I did tell everyone it will happen...Sportstalk 106.7/WJFK. Of course, every local sports team will offer to overpay CBS to get their games on the station and that's why ESPN980 is done. I hope this will be a lesson for Dan Snyder in that high-priced, know-it-all people like Bruce Gilbert, Czaban, Sheehan, and Pollin were all a waste of time and money. Let's face-it, there was never an upgrade in programming or talent and people finally got tired of the same old sound. Question now, what to do with 980 if you're Snyder? How about cleaning house and try to buddy-up with Comcast or MASN and simulcast some of your shows for better exposure. Now, for the new WJFK, how about some fresh talent that feature kick-axx guests! Please, please don't take a page from 980 and not take calls because the hosts know nothing about sports or afraid to deal with the public. Here's an idea for WJFK, how about simulcasting partial segments of other CBS O&O sportstalk shows, kind of like Fox's "Soup" show during the overnight. Let's hear a segment from WFAN or the Eagles crying over a loss on WIP. I think this would be an interesting bit. (7/6/09) I was doing my usual google search this morning and found this.... allanprell.com... Allie elf may return! I wonder who in Baltmore might take the show? (7/6/09) Dave's response: CBM could use a lefty voice..... Dave, when you look into your crystal ball, do you see any rumors that WJZW will soon flip? They are currently sitting in the basement for both 12+ and 25 - 54 ratings. Certainly another format (or format tweak) could do a little bit better....thoughts? - Drew from Fairfax (7/6/09) Dave's response: I like JZW's "True Oldies" format and I hope, that before Citadel drops it due to low ratings, they drop piped-in morning man Imus first and try doing a music-intensive, locally-based morning show. That might be all JZW needs to boost its ratings. Putting some cool local personalities in other dayparts, some promotion, etc. Hell, if CBS would cut Don Geronimo loose, he'd be perfect for 105.9's morning show. The only format flip that, I feel, would make sense for 105.9 would be to put Citadel sister talker WMAL on FM. DC is an FM market and WMAL would do better on 105.9..... The reason the Obama kids have not been the subject of media coverage has nothing at all to do with them being better behaved than the Bush twins or cuter than Chelsea. It is because the White House has let the media, and especially its photographers, know that the penalties for any use of any unauthorized photos will be severe. The new 'open' administration of the enlightened dictator has decided that they will release low-res photos through a FlickR website. The media can choose which they like, and then call to obtain a high-res electronic file. Thus, the White House knows which organization has which pic before it is shown to the public. Ask a WH photog about the shot taken of one Obamabrat waving from the balcony. Ask AP about what happens when you run the photo anyway. Ask Brian Williams about the hard and enforced limits of covering the Obama White House, even under privilege. Censorship. Any other word you can think of that is more appropriate? There are no accidental or candid shots taken of this White House. (7/6/09) From the Front Page: "Radio giant Clear Channel is ... vulnerable to defaulting on its massive debt load in the fourth quarter unless it renegotiates with its lenders or raises cash." Jeeeezus jesusjesusjesusjesus (said while slowly shaking head)... how many times does this need to be said? Sell off some stations to raise money. Why hang on to the loser properties dragging you down? He who dies with the most toys dies anyway! (7/6/09) The recent comments in the mailbag about Sarah Palin, Don Geronimo, contracts..etc..could they really sue ove their "problems"? Could Sarah Palin had sued David Letterman? Can Don Geronimo sue CBS in order to get back on the radio in the DC market? Recently I was in California ( Burbank ) while there I had read an interesting article in their local paper about some "retail store manager" from Fredericksburg, VA who while on vacation last year in Palm Springs did a porno called "Woof Strapped. Just before the filming of the movie he had signed a bunch of contracts and stuff, shot the movie and that was that. Six months ago "Woof Strapped" came out and ended up being a huge hit making a ton of money for the company who had made the flick. Oh that manager from Fredericksburg despite being the "star" was only paid $250 for his role. Now this guy is suing the porn people who made his movie, not for the low money they paid him but rather for...his own embarrasssment !!! Upset because his photo had appeared on the box, made the rounds in various porn magazines and his movie has popped up on various web sites..oh the newspaper article claimed that this dude is claiming that my making a gay porn movie he could be forced to reigister as a sex offender per-Virginia Law ( I do NOT see how that is possible though ). Yet despite those contracts, contracts that HE had already signed, that point blank said that his image "could" appear elsewhere, the manager is suing anyway and from what I read, the case may very well go to trail. if this guy wins I guess that would send a message that contracts..well they really do mean nothing in this day and age. Last I heard this guy's lawsuit did get many of those porn pay-per-view channels to take down that movie. If he had no case to begin with, why would they had bothered in the first place? Palin & Letterman..could she had sued Letterman if she really wanted too? If the answer is yes, whats really stopping Bill Clinton from suing Limbaugh and the others who had attcked him over the years? Yes.."Free Speech" but that still doesnt stop lawsuits from happening just doesn't let people go to jail over speech for the most part. Didn't the now defunct PAX-TV sue a radio jock some years back because the jock had said on the air that "PAX sucks"? Florida's MJ Kelly has been known to be "sue happy" over the years, suing people who didn't like him as well as "saying things" about him and his wife on the air. My husband was telling me he can remember reading about the Colorado's Focus On The Family religious group 2 years ago had filed a suit against either FOX or NBC ( he doesn't remember which one ) over plans for one of their shows who had a skit in the works that made fun of Focus On the Family. Wouldn't this fall under "parody"? I had always thought that was protected. Suing over "hurt feelings","being embarrasssed"" or "..being made fun of "despite being in the public eye...no wonder lawyers are making a ton of money today. (7/6/09) Dave's response: Anybody can sue anybody. The point is winning the lawsuit and collecting damages. American law makes it very very difficult for anyone who is considered a "public figure" - including politicians and radio/TV personalities - from prevailing in slander and libel suits against them. Heck, even your friendly webmaster would be considered a "public figure." Sure, Bill Clinton could sue Rush Limbaugh, but any judge would toss the suit out of court. However, in the UK the laws are different and some public figures/celebrities have succeeded in winning lawsuits against reporters/media figures..... Hi Dave, A little inside for you. JFK is dead. All the rumors are true. No MOM show after the "vacation". Junks will stay. The sales staff will likely be fired or walk on their own. Jeff Hedges will retire or move out since he refused to sell #1 sales demos for reasons that have alienated his sales staff. Oh and also, only half of the crew at JFK know it's dead. Mike said his good byes and handshakes last week. The good news is we have a ton of sports coming your way! Like the Mystics and the DC soccer team, their name escapes my fat corporate head, and the Nothingnals!,(baseball). It's gonna be great! (7/6/09) About the only thing that Sarah Palin left out of her resignation announcement the other day was: "You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore". Unfortunately, this isn’t the last we’ll be hearing of her. Barring any newly uncovered scandal involving the soon to be ex-governor (or her hubby, Todd), she'll probably hook-up with Fox News, so her visibility will continue - and she'll also do a lot of stumping around for Republicans who'll be in future races for Governor/Senator/Representative. This will ensure Palin a steady supply of political IOUs. Everybody thought Nixon was deader than Julius Caesar, back when he was defeated in the California gubernatorial race in 1962, against Pat Brown. Yet, in ''66, Nixon hit the "rubber chicken dinner" circuit on behalf of other GOPers, then he cashed-in his political chits, for his run in 1968. Back then, people said it was the greatest comeback since Lazarus. If Sarah Palin does land at Fox, it will be a modern day version of what her hero Reagan did. After he finished his last term as California governor in '75, he signed-up with Mutual Radio and did daily political commentaries, to maintain a platform and presence - looking ahead to bigger things, with a run in '76 and then finally winning the GOP nomination and the presidency, in 1980. Of course, with Palin, let's hope to God that there is no higher elective office for her in the years ahead, as that would spell doom for us all and the end of life as we know it! (7/6/09) To paraphrase the ten thousand-time-repeated Sean Hannity mantra about Obama's refusal to go on FoxNews during the primary, "If Sarah Palin is so thin-skinned that she can't handle a little good natured ribbing from someone like David Letterman, then how the hell is she supposed to be able to handle a confrontation with someone like Kim Jong Ill?" Face it: the self-dubbed "Sarah-cuda" has time and again proven herself to be nothing more than a platitude-spouting political neophyte who was promoted well beyond her abilities and made an entire career out of knowing when to wink at the camera. She was never mentally or emotionally prepared to be Governor of Alaska, much less Vice President of the United States. Quitting only proved that point. - Jeff in (seriously...what kind of idiot quits their job over hurt feelings?) Bowie (7/6/09) All you partisans are a bunch of douche bags. Sarah Palin quit, Chelsea Clinton is ugly, and Janet Reno looks like a man. Who cares? What you should care about is this huge debt that has been run up in the last eight years and is being compounded in the next four years. You all are fed a bunch of lies that politicians and the media keeps feeding you. Here is idea. Move to New Zealand or Australia because the shit is going to pile to the ceiling in this country. Paul (7/6/09) Dave, Pass along to Jim Williams another local legend to give WJFK some instant credibility. Johnny Holliday!! Johnny is already heard on the station doing terps football and basketball. Adding Holliday and George Michael would be a major factor in getting that new Sports format off and running. (7/6/09) Sarah Palin didn't quit because of David Letterman or meanies in the news media. The reason she has been scrutinized and mocked, is because she proved that she was unprepared for political prime time, again and again. She has been embolden by her status within a certain section of the political landscape as a sort of Joan of Arc. This has worked well in keeping her in the limelight, and keeping her popular with the folks who already like her. Letterman apologized because he was wrong, and it wasn't a few people picketing his studio that made him apologize, it was the same mainstream media which Palin has railed against that put the pressure on Letterman to apologize for his inappropriate humor. As vapid as Palin is, her comeback and rebuttal vs. Letterman, was one of her best moments, IMHO. Folks, it takes more than a poor election cycle for Republicans to eat their own, but that is exactly what we are witnessing. Palin, gallivanting around and shooting off her mouth may keep her Q score high, but it has very little to do with Republicans regrouping. Establishment Republicans hate her, but are too scared to touch her, lest they offend me-maw and pe-paw, who admire her fightin' spirit. Mix in the Ensign and Sanford scandals, and true believers are running out of moral stalwarts. Palin may not have policies or ideas that she can explain in a cogent manner, but she has learned that the cameras and bright lights like her. To think she quit as the Governor of Alaska so she could run for President, is ludicrous. She would be pilloried and destroyed in the primary process before the Dems started rolling video tape. Her new life starting next month is going to suit her pocketbook just fine, without the worries afforded by elective office. She is going for the money in the true spirit of capitalism, and I don't blame her. (7/6/09) re: front page story on DC sports teams using WJFK as leverage ..... Not sure if its been reported here yet, but Wizards to WJFK is a done deal. Word is that they actually over-paid a bit to buy the time to get on WJFK. -- Tony (7/6/09) (I've noticed since the transition on Friday last that the NHK World channel on the former MHZ network has changed from narration in english to most programs to dropping that feature. Seems like only the news given every half hour, a change on NHK WORLD from few months ago which I find ponderous and the J-Melo music program( a favorite of mine) are still spoken in English or have English translation, bummer.) I thought so, too, but on a whim I tried the SAP option on my converter box and voila! (7/6/09) /\ July 6 Messages /\ \/ July 5 Messages \/ Jeff in Bowie seems to have lots of time on his hands bashing everyone in the column. Sarah Palin is not a liberal so get over it. Jeff sounds like he might be one of the 10 listeners of Air America. (7/5/09) Okay, let's beat that dead horse. The fact is that David Letterman did apologize twice and Palin accepted his second apology. Limbaugh has never apologized. 2. The joke wasn't about Janet Reno--that's a lie. The complete joke, as told by John McCain: "Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father." I'll leave that to the readers as to who that was about. As for the Bush twins they put themselves out there when they were arrested for under aged drinking in an Austin lounge, and then allowed themselves to be photographed girl wrestling on the floor of a bar just to mention two items. As for the Obama girls they're eight and ten and have behaved impeccably so far. I believe Biden's daughter, Ashley, has been sniped at on several occasions by the press. There is a video of a woman who may or may not be her snorting coke and nobody will use it because it is inconclusive as to whether of not it is her. One of the jokes is that her coke dealer just bought Belgium. Not very funny, but none of this stuff usually is. ACH (7/5/09) I don't wanna beat a dead horse, but ACH sure has a weird screwed view of the news media. #1... David Letterman only apologized AFTER protestors started showing up at the Ed Sullivan Theater and after initially refusing to apologize! LOL #2... The Chelsea Clinton joke mentioned seems kinda pale in comparison to the vitriol about Palin's family and the 2nd joke was really a joke about Janet Reno, NOT Chelsea! You could argue the media was tougher on the Bush twins in fact based on those jokes. They were basically called drunken alcoholic kids repeatedly, but still, once again, since they were older, and made some mistakes, I see it has harmless. I'm still waiting for a single liberal to give a decent logical explanation and make a case for why the vitriolic attacks on a Downs Syndrome kid and a 14 yr old with regards to underage sex are not only in poor taste, but clearly show a media bias. And keep in mind, these attacks on Palin in general are also coming from so-called "mainstream media", the kind that's supposed to be unbiased, not just late night comedians and bloggers. And once again I ask, where are the Obama & Biden kids' jokes? Hmmm. I rest my case. (7/5/09) RE: [To Jeff in Bowie. I am not going to reply to such liberal nonsense.] Probably the smartest move you have made all week. After all, "facts" always do seem to have that amazing liberal bias. If Palin were a liberal, people like you wouldn't be singing praise of her "brilliance" in quitting her post as Governer a year and a half before the end of her first term. You would be too busy labeling her "Cut-and-Run Sarah" - Jeff in (This stuff just writes itself) Bowie (7/5/09) Hi! I recently heard that WBAL-TV 11 was replacing The Bonnie Hunt Show with Dr. OZ in the Fall. Any word if any Baltimore stations have picked her up instead?? Thanks! (7/5/09) I noticed an error in my post regarding Bob Foster. So let's try it again. The stations I know he worked at include WCAO, WITH, WTIX, WIBG and KRFC. Roddy Freeman (7/5/09) Roddy Freeman had it right. Bob Foster and I worked together at WEAM. He left and went to WMEX in Boston and urged Max Richmond to hire me. By the time, I was hired to go to WMEX, Bob left and went to WCAO in Baltimore. Eventually, I was hired by WCAO and Bob and I worked together again but only for a couple of months before Bob went to WITH. Yes, I did do two stints at WEAM, 58-60, and 65-66...Johnny Dark (7/5/09) " . . . Chelsea Clinton and the Bush Twins but most were pretty harmless in my opinion." The two most despicable "jokes" about Chelsea Clinton were the one by a former TV host (when she was 12) when he put up the photo of Socks, the cat and then a picture of Chelsea saying the White House now had a dog, and the other one was about Janet Reno being a 14-year old Chelsea's father. Those stories weren't told by late night TV comics by the way, but, respectively, by Rush Limbaugh and John McCain, both of whom should have known better. Limbaugh, unlike Letterman, has never apologized and McCain only did so when beginning his run for President, years later. ACH (7/5/09) To Jeff in Bowie. I am not going to reply to such liberal nonsense. (7/5/09) RE: [ " Gov. Sarah Palin's attorney threatened to sue The Washington Post and New York Times among countless other media organziations. Does that make Palin on-topic? " ].......... Nope, it just adds DCRTV.com to the list of people to sue! HAha! But, seriously, the FBI released a statement that there is no pending investigation of Palin, so she has a good case against these so-called legitimate news organizations for running nutjob blogger rants as if they are major news stories. And as far as Palin not being able to take the heat so she should get out of the kitchen, let's take an honest look. Sure, there were jokes about Amy Carter and Chelsea Clinton and the Bush twins, but most were pretty harmless in my opinion. I've not seen a single joke about President Obama's kids or Joe Biden's once. Let's see how they react when the heat is on. As for Palin, its just been ridiculously way over the top... jokes about the Down Syndrome kid, the bastard child, the unwed pregnancy, and even a joke about the 14 yr old having sex with an MLB player! Anyone who thinks that's fair treatment by the media is a nutjob in my opinion. I'm not even a Palin fan either. I honestly cannot figure out for the life of me why the media gravitates so much to her either in a negative or positive way at all. Oh, and finally, seriously, does anyone really believe Katie Couric is smarter than Sarah Palin??? That infamous interview was like a female re-make of the movie Dumb and Dumber! LMAO :-) (7/5/09) RE: "Have you folks listened to the latest upload of Don's show, what do you think?" Yes I've listened to it and I think you're completely wrong. The change has been that more callers are getting it and the calls are getting better. Incredible one-of-a-kind radio. Delmarva is blessed to have Don instead of the putrid Glenn Beck from 9-noon. B1231. (7/5/09) RE: [Ms. Palin had more than her share of heat put on her by the Libs, no support from women's groups at all and vicious attacks especially from the Obama based media like MSNBC. Lets see Dianne Feinstein or Barbara Boxer take attacks like Palin did. Oh wait, those two are Democrats. So Buzz off and shut up liberal loons! Bill from Easton] Here's something for you to chew on, Bobby: "Fair or unfair, I think she does herself a disservice to even mention it...When I hear a statement like that coming from a woman candidate with any kind of perceived whine about that excess criticism or, you know, maybe a sharper microscope put on her, I think, man, that doesn't do us any good. Women in politics, women in general wanting to progress this country. I don't think it's, it bodes well for her -- a statement like that...It bothers me a little bit hearing her bring that attention to herself on that level." - For those of you who are curious about why my reply is in quotes, it is because these are not my words -- they are the words used by Sarah Palin during a Women and Leadership event back in March 2008. Governor Palin was asked about Senator Clinton's harsh response to media scrutiny - and criticism - Hillary received on the campaign trail during the Democratic primaries, specifically about Senator Clinton's response to media comments about the Clintons "pimping" their daughter Chelsea out on the campaign trail. Palin made it clear then to moderator Karen Breslau of Newsweek newsweek.com that she considered Clinton's response unbecoming. So, sit your ass down, Bob...name calling is making you look like an ignorant tool. - Jeff in (Conservatives are so amazingly hypocritical, yet somehow seem to forget that many of there words are recorded) Bowie (7/5/09) You are most certainly right. The Republican Party is in disarry. However, this does not mean that the Republican Party is on the verge of extinction. It's simply not as powerful as in the past. Trying to destroy the GOP only means that the Democrats would fission into two or more parties and there would STILL be a conservative party. How many of Lincoln's cabinet, including Lincoln himself, were former Whigs? How many were Democrafts at one time? (Vice-President Johnson was one). Here in Washington, this is a big issue, because politics is our main industry. --We see this in our radio programming, where everyone wants to get a voice on the air to influence the public debate. However, until someone can get their voice on FM besides NPR and WTOP, this is going to be irrelevant.-- The Washington area does not have powerful AM stations except WFED, because of the vampire bloodsucking power-hungry New York clear channel stations. The only way that AM stations are going to gain a substantial listening audience is to bootstrap their signal onto HD Radio. Where I am in AA County, I can't quite hear WMAL's relay on WRQX-2, but closer to the city it would be more audible. Were I the owner of Red Zebra's stations, I would carry WTNT and WWDC on the HD portion of the FM stations, which do get coverage outside the city, where many people commute. -- Of course, there are probably financial and technical reasons this hasn't been done -- but why not try to pick the low-hanging fruit first and improve the AM stations' coverage? GAB in the Airless Cubicle (7/5/09) To Bruce: I don't know about early in Bob Foster's career. But the stations that I'm aware he worked at were WCAO, WITH, WTIX, WIBG and WTIX. You are correct that Johnny Dark did 2 stints at WEAM. He worked in Boston at WMEX before coming to WCAO. Roddy Freeman (7/5/09) Boy, the Republican party is in disarray ! First, cronies from both sides of the aisle helped create the current mess. Second, for all those who worship Sarah Palin, there are many more that don't, to include a sizeable portion of the Republican party. My hunch is that Palin makes a lot of money in the future, and to rule out running for the Presidency would be counterproductive to that goal. Obviously, she is popular with a segment of the populace, and she is going to milk that, in a sense is striking while the iron is still hot. It's interesting, the people who defend her rarely do so using terms such as intelligent, consummate, erudite, or ever cite what plans or policies she promotes that would solve the countries ills, but described her in emotional terms. To unite the Republican party and to capture independents,new voters, and a share of minorities you still need something to say beyond: why is everybody always picking on me? The circuitous babble and tortured analogies that Palin rolls out every time she opens her mouth, only work for a bare minority of the population. While some applaud the naked narcissism of her low substance breathy staccato off-teleprompter speaking style, most see a shallow individual that is operating primarily on style and looks. Hopefully, she is intelligent enough to know that her future is to operate on the outskirts of real political power than to re-enter the fray. She would do nicely on The View, a talking head on Fox News, or simply tour the country making speeches to her flock of like minded bobble heads. (7/5/09) Im so glad too hear Don Geronimo on WGMD .Don has proven he can pull off a balls to the wall solo show and so the talent he is. I only wish he could have picked a station with more coverage . That being said, beggers cant be choosers .Welcome back Don .Please be wearing your lobster bid on my next visit, Love Uncle Dennis (7/5/09) Would anyone know if Bob Foster ever worked in Boston, Norfolk, or at WEAM in Washington? I think Johnny Dark worked at WEAM. Possibly at two different times. The second being 1965 to 1966? Thanks. Bruce (7/5/09) Happy 5th. Couple of things from Yesterday and Baltimore listening. Was scanning the dial when the Steve McNair news broke. WBAL radio was running Sporting News Radio and they were all over it. Flipped to Fox Sports on 1370 and ESPN 1300 and nothing. You would think ESPN, being hooked up with ABC would be on it, but nothing at all. I then flipped to Sirius and their ESPN channels and still nothing. It was almost an hour later before I heard them "break" the story. On a related note. How cheap can CBS radio and The Fan be? They were re-running Cal's 2131 game. Nothing at all on McNair. Radio really does suck. I was not home, but I have to think the news-ers broke in with this story. (7/5/09) Sarah Palin cant take the heat? Ms. Palin had more than her share of heat put on her by the Libs, no support from women's groups at all and vicious attacks especially from the Obama based media like MSNBC. Lets see Dianne Feinstein or Barbara Boxer take attacks like Palin did. Oh wait, those two are Democrats. So Buzz off and shut up liberal loons! Bill from Easton (7/5/09) Dave's response: I am sure that the press has grilled both Feinstein and Boxer on every aspect of their pasts. Didn't Di-Fi's husband have some shady biz deals? Look, Palin put her family in the spotlight during last year's presidential campaign. That was her decision. They went with her to rallies, and they were all there, on-stage, at the convention. They went on talk shows. And the media covered them - and covered them. Hey, a lot of the anti-Palin scuttlebutt came from Palin's enemies in her own party! She feuded with the former governor of her own state - a Republican. She feuded with former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens - a Republican. She even feuded with John McCain at the end of the presidential campaign. Quit blaming MSNBC, which nobody watches anyway..... Any update on Jim Vance?.. (7/5/09) Dave's response: Nope..... Give me a break. For you to compare the complete irresponsible trashing Palin and her family received from the left wing elite media to what one talk show host may or may not have said about Obama and his wife (while the rest of the elite media was fawning all over them) is beyond assinine. One of the stupidest things I've ever read on this board, in fact. (7/5/09) Dave's response: I was just pointing out the mountain of crap that one one (!) righty, Rush, said about Obama. I didn't mention the mountain chain of anti-Obama crap from the army of radio righty talkers, the likes of Hannity, Beck, Savage, etc. Every politican gets "irresponsible trashing" from the media..... Gov. Sarah Palin's attorney threatened to sue The Washington Post and New York Times among countless other media organziations. Does that make Palin on-topic? www.politico.com (7/5/09) (From DCRTV's Classified Ads:) In these tough times, we all need someone who can reassure us that everything will be alright. Choose the voice that your listeners can relate to, someone that they feel that they can talk to. Choose the voice of Jay Daniels. With years of experience in both radio and television, Jay talks to the people. No, he's not running for political offfice; he's just advertising his voice-over work. Whether it be for local commercial production or station imaging, let Jay do the talking for your sales client. Or perhaps you need a time-slot filled with a voice, call on Jay for your voice-tracking needs on an adult formatted station. If you have a need, call Jay. Aircheck & voice-over leads are available upon request. Feel free to e-mail Jay Daniels at jaymdaniels@gmail.com or call him at (434) 382-9527. Let's do business sometime! (7/5/09) /\ July 5 Messages /\ \/ July 4 Messages \/ Re: "Don mentioned he was in a meeting with the WGMD team on Wednesday. That meeting seemed to have affected the new broadcast. Thursdays show was hosted by a much too congenial and far less entertaining Don Geronimo." We're witnessing the beginning of the end of the Don Geronimo show. Everybody who hires him knows what they're getting in advance, and any attempt to change his on-air behavior will result in failure. He'll either get fired, or mutually resign, from the new gig. My bet is the former, and within the next month. (7/4/09) Azteca America has a network of low-power broadcast TV stations. In each market, the company has deals with the cable provider and usually one of the satellite networks. Here in Atlanta, the local Azteca America station is on DIRECTV and on the first digital tier of Comcast Cable. Cable subscribers with basic only do not receive it. Roddy Freeman (7/4/09) Dave's response: I believe Azteca America has the same deal with Comcast in the DC metro. We get WQAW on basic digital, not basic analog..... Flagrante delicto…..Just another one that is plain stoopid, did you ever stop to think that there are still some strong, brave and willing politicians out there? Palin goes against the grain all of the time. She is not hiding anything, she’s independent and does what her heart tells her is right. When, oh WHEN are all of you flaming LIBS gonna really take a look at the current economy, the current job situation, the current political positioning and the current bunch of CRONIES that are methodically destroying this nation? You all seem to have your head crammed up your anal cavity WAKE UP AND SMELL THE U.S MINT AND THE PRESSES THAT ARE BURNING MONEY WORTH NOTHING due to inept management of the current management-WOW (7/4/09) It appears that RCN is no longer carrying MHz5 after MHz Networks launched the Al Jazeera English. Has anyone else noticed? (7/4/09) And to think O'Meara and crew have higher ratings than Hannity and his "plant" callers on WMAL. (7/4/09) Does anyone know how much a major market station has to pay per year to carry the Sean Hannity show? 50k, 100k, 200K or more? (7/4/09) Hey, how come people in Minneapolis-St. Paul get free TV antennas from the FCC and nobody else does? tinyurl.com (7/4/09) Hey guy. I agree with pretty much everything Brian Mitchell says about Snyder and Cerrato and their management of the Redskins. BUT, Mitchell is coming across like a whining punk with his recent ranting. WTEM said the move was made for economic reasons. They also let Koken go. And there are plenty of hosts who remain on WTEM who criticize the Redskins, including Pollin and Czaban who got Gibbs so p.o.ed that he wouldn't do their show any more. And the simple fact is that Mitchell was not very good on the radio. So for you to assume that Mitchell was, in fact, fired for criticizing the team is irresponsible. That is a matter is open to considerable dispute. (7/4/09) To chime in on CBS making local programming decisions--another prime example is the Flashback weekends on WLIF. The ratings are through the roof for this "specialty weekend." If CBS corporate actually paid attention, they would probably bring Oldies/Classic hits back in Baltimore! (7/4/09) ".....Mr. Xxxxxxxx, Someone recently mentioned you are offering DGS recordings on paintyourbaldspotdotcom. Should this be true, my hope is you have gained the consent of the person....." If it is not already known I am quite sure (my opinion only) the administrator of RadioGodsForum is most likely the person behind this "threatening" email to www.paintyourbaldspot.com as he and followers on that site have stated similar comments to that of the message. (7/4/09) I'm sooooo confused Dave Hughes... I clicked on www.DCRTV.com, a website about local media, and got www.SarahPalinSucks.com instead. Has David Letterman hacked into your website again? Hehe. :-) (7/4/09) Or maybe, just Maybe, Governor Palin tired of all the vicious and irresponsible attacks on her family by elite the left wing media, some of whom populate this board. (7/4/09) Dave's response: Or how about the loads and loads of crap just one righty talker, Rush, had said about Obama and his wife during the past year. It cuts both ways. Ms. Palin clearly can't take "the heat." She's wise to get out of "the kitchen"..... Dave I am letting you know that I am watching the Twlight Zone marathon. Quite enjoyable. Thirty pack is about halfway downed and this year I decided to grill two half smokes ahead of time. I also hired an off-duty police officer to stand in front of my house and he has strict orders to arrest anyone who disturbs me with those annoying fireworks. (7/4/09) Alaska federal prosecutor Jos. Bottini hinted during the Sen. Stevens trial in DC that there would be more indictments in a state politics scandal. I bet Grandma Palin just got told something by the Justice Dept. Or maybe, as with many Bible-beating Republicans, she or her snowmobile husband will soon be outed in flagrante delicto. Or maybe there's some more irresponsible breeding and the need to 'spend more time with family.' Anyway, this unelected running mate of a loser presidential candidate is now done. With no political office, she's a has-been and qualified only as the next analyst on Fox TV. (7/4/09) Dave's response: Fox "News" at 10 PM - goodbye Greta, hello Sarah..... Mark Simone filling in for Hannity & Levin and Mark Davis (former WRC host) filling in for Limbaugh are the only fill in hosts worth a sh*t. Why Simone doesn't have his own national baffles me. (7/4/09) Hannity has never questioned purely "racist" remarks against "non Whites" by White people. Please Google "Hannity"+" Turner" to see my point (I encourage, no, I beg, the management of WMAL to do this). However, whenever "non Whites" talk race, Hannity is always quick to point the finger. Please Google "Hannity racist," and you will be amazed at the outcome (again, I beg management of WMAL to do this). Sean Hannity's crap can be heard on WMAL. Should WMAL apologize to Jamie Foxx, and all the minorities in the DC area, for Hannity's disgusting, unneeded, and unwarranted inflammatory remarks? They should; it is the right thing to do, but they wont. WMAL has never apologized for their host saying awful and inflammatory statements (Chris Core's MLK day rant, and Michael Graham's ICE t-shirt day, come to mind). WMAL prove me wrong this time. (7/4/09) Congratulations to Mike Berry and Skip McCloskey for ten years of "The Great 98 - WRC" website! They're celebrating the milestone with an all-new audio/video presentation of Reunion's 1974 hit, "Life Is A Rock, But The Radio Rolled Me", featuring the artists mentioned in the song and many WRC memories. www.98wrc.com... Thanks for your dedication and all the work that has gone into your website and the music-video! (7/4/09) The only good thing I can say about CBS Radio is that they really do let the markets make decisions for themselves about 90% of the time. Take Baltimore. Like him or not, Bob Philips is a fucking genius. He hired former dethroned police commissioner / HBO Wire star Ed Norris to host a nitty gritty, blood and guts morning show. People in Baltimore fucking love him. Then he hires three of the top Television Sports Anchors to host the shows after Ed! Holly Cow! Then he’s got Dreppard’s ratings and revenue juggernaut – Orioles Radio Network, Terrapins Radio Network with Johnny Holiday and the damn Ravens Pregame Show that’s still kicking WBAL and 98 Rocks ass. Then there’s D.C. If they let CK do his thing, rock the “Sports Junkies” in the Morning, do an “Out To Lunch” style midday show with the guy from the Post, Chad and LaVar in afternoon and cutting edge, funny ass night show… You’ve got two major sports stations in the Mid-Atlantic. (Don’t forget 1067 has the Terps… What if they get the Nats… Oh Shit it’s over for ESPN 980…) CBS is one fucked up company, but it’s trying… With Fresh, the Fan’s and Online… That’s more than the Channel is doing. They’re ready themselves for bankruptcy and the sell off of assets. See CNBC. See ya. (7/4/09) /\ July 4 Messages /\ \/ July 3 Messages \/ RE: [ " Dave's response: Comcast carries TV Azteca America WQAW here in Reston (and, I assume, throughout the entire DC market) twice - on channels 198 and 616, the latter part of the Spanish language tier..... " ].......... A quick check of Baltimore city, Harford, Howard, & Baltimore counties shows that WQAW-LP / TV Azteca America is not carried in the basic or basic digital tiers of any of Comcast's cable systems in the Baltimore area, with the exception of AA county. I think that kind of explains the reason for their FCC application. (7/3/09) more threating email re: DGS on megauploads ... Mr. Xxxxxxxx, Someone recently mentioned you are offering DGS recordings on paintyourbaldspotdotcom. Should this be true, my hope is you have gained the consent of the person kind enough to record this program. Otherwise it could disappear quickly as it appeared. Thank you for your efforts to keep an archive alive. --- Mike (paintyourbaldspot.com - webmaster) (7/3/09) It looks to me like the new channel 20, WQAW-LP might have the same signal and transmitter site as 99.1 El Zol in Crofton. I don't think Baltimore has any low power TV stations except for Towson U's tiny station, which I don't think too many people can even get. This is only Baltimore's 2nd LPTV station and people might actually receive this LPTV station! I think other LPTVs were applied for, but never went on the air. Baltimore doesn't even have an ION affiliate in fact. Oh, and I don't think Comcast carries WQAW, at least not on the basic channel lineup in Baltimore or Baltimore County. Maybe this is the reason for the signal upgrade? (7/3/09) Dave's response: Comcast carries TV Azteca America WQAW here in Reston (and, I assume, throughout the entire DC market) twice - on channels 198 and 616, the latter part of the Spanish language tier..... I find it hilarious that FOX5 uses TMZ as a resource for anything regarding Hollywood and/or celebrities..How can they give any credibility to that show?..It's a tabloid show!!..Guess FOX5 needs to promote the show since it comes on right after their news..But hey, I truly can't take seriously anything reported by TMZ...Also, got a glance of Holly Morris on the mid-day news and talk about pale..Does she EVER get any sun?..And if not, girl, get some self tanning lotion or bronzer..You're looking sick.. (7/3/09) Here's the proposed new channel 20, WQAW, not too shabby coverage for Low Power TV... (7/3/09) Dave's response: Looks more like a Baltimore market TV station than a DC one. And, what does it matter if WQAW is already carried by Comcast..... Just found you're site...very informative in regards to the D.C radio and TV scene. Great job ! (7/3/09) Dave's response: Thanks..... I have listened to all of the Don Geronimo Shows on WGMD. A long time fan I have been enjoying the progrums and it seemed as if Don was being permitted to be himself and grow a younger audience for that station by doing a similar show to the one he did with Mike on WJFK. He was mocking the folks that did not grasp where he was leading and would call to talk about the local government or hang up on the dummies that might break the show rules (caller's giving themselves nicknames.) Don was doing a good show still holding on to that gruff edge. Don mentioned he was in a meeting with the WGMD team on Wednesday. That meeting seemed to have affected the new broadcast. Thursdays show was hosted by a much too congenial and far less entertaining Don Geronimo. Don allowed the callers to steer the program into a far more generic, vanilla local show. Don stated that he "was going to tolerate" callers when they phoned in to talk about the local government and he was all sweet and understanding with those that had a complaint. It was bad radio. Don please take control of your program and continue to do things the way you started out. I think, with time, your natural biting sense of humor and tougher, faster than what those listeners are used to on-air personality will grow your time slot on that station a younger, wealthier audience. I hope that is what the WGMD management was looking for when they hired Don for their station. Have you folks listened to the latest upload of Don's show, what do you think? (7/3/09) Funk Radio Online, the nation's online source for uncut funky music has premiered 2 shows in it's line up. A Funkafied Nation Part 1 and Badd Ass Funky Brass. Next week the FRO Network will premier it's tribute to the late great Michael Jackson with The Funkasation of MJ featuring nothing but the rarely heard funky tracks of Michael from the J5, The Jacksons and his solo work. KEEP THE FUNK ALIVE! Go to www.funkradioonline.com and check it out. (7/3/09) MOM is on tape! (7/3/09) "Don Ho was a great Hawaiian, He was a favorite son of Hawaiians, he belonged to Hawaiians, and Hawaiians shared him with the world." There I said it. Am I a racist? Get your Freedom Concert tickets, since Christmas, Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day, they have been going fast. Sean Hanity's crap can be heard on 630 WMAL. (7/3/09) Len Downie talks about the now-scrubbed health care event today at 4 and 11 on NewsChannel 8. (7/3/09) Hey Dave, Who would have thought anybody would actually agree with Fred Grandy? That Post "salon" mess is just embarrassing. Grandy is dead-on about how Katharine Weymouth put all the blame upon some anonymous marketing department. Her house was being used -- and she wasn't aware? Give me a break. The buck stops at the top, Ms. Weymouth. The whole mess is shameful and the damage to the Post's reputation is still being assessed. The mere appearance of compromising newsroom integrity in this day and age of where people have 1,001 other media outlets means people will leave the Post and not come back. I'd even go so far as to call for her head. Keep up the great work, Dave! --Chris in DC PS: That megaupload person is awesome. To whoever you are, keep 'em coming. (7/3/09) A number of years ago, I saw an item on a TV engineering website addressing things like channel 1, the KLEE-TV "reception" in the UK three years after it changed calls to KPRC-TV, and channel 37. IIRC, the discussion on channel 37 mentioned the channel's relationship to both the wavelength of hydrogen and the need for a baseline for radioastronomy in the 410-1420MHz region.. It also mentioned that if you received a signal on channel 37, "getting a QSL may get you a one-way trip to the planet Davana"! -Unsigned Corporate Suit (7/3/09) re: "Enough with Don and Mike"---I feel the same way every time there's an HFS circle-jerk in the mailbag. (7/3/09) (Dave's response: Look, DC is the top political market in the whole nation. Then look at WMAL, the market's main political talk station - 16th in the latest PPMs.) Comment. Their ratings are crap because their programming is crap. Jamie Fox said of Michael Jackson "We want to celebrate this Black man. He belongs to us and we shared him with everyone else." Sean Hannity declared that was a "racist" remark, saying if you said that about a "White" person you would be tarred and feathered. Well Mr. Hannity, the same was said about Frank Sinatra in tributes, using the word "Italian," and there was not a peep from anyone. You suck, Hannity, and the world would be a better place if your jaw was permanently wired shut. Get you Freedom Concert tickets, as always, they are "going fast." (7/3/09) It's a shame what's happening at CBS. Both radio & TV. A lot of people on this board have been saying "Fuck CBS" of late. The pity is some of them have more reason to say it than others because they see the tarnish on "Tiffany" getting ever worse from within. The CBS old-timers are thoroughly disgusted with some of them saying "Fuck CBS" not just on a daily basis, but several times a day. (7/3/09) Web-controlled broadcasting may be coming here! Last Sunday (28/6), CBS debuted the industry's first 100% user-controlled, on-air radio show using a new social Web service called "Jelli". Every Sunday between 10 p.m. and midnight "LIVE 105" in San Francisco (KITS-FM), listeners will take over the station's programming. More than the ancient phone-in requests, "Jelli" allows full listener control,as if they were in-studio. Web-based real-time voting and other features let listeners create the playlist,even seconds before it plays. The web-community can also vote to pull a song off the air immediately.This could be coming to 94.7 as CBS is starting to consider "Fresh" to be a stop-gap. The talent and promo bidgets for Fresh tell it all.Also,"El Zol" is having numbers challenges. Seems that there is something of a migration of their listenership out of the area. Stay tuned, as they used to say. (7/3/09) Sports on 106.7 is a done deal.. However, it's also acknowledged to be "programmed to fail", again becasuse of what we've talked about. But, because it's worked elsewhere there's pressure to make it work here. Pity...Sometimes it takes failure to prove to an idiot that they are indeed an idiot. (7/3/09) Brian Mitchell is just not holding back on Lil dan snyder and Low rated WTEM (justifiably so, btw)...On Fox 1370 (or WVIE as you call it , Dave). Mitchell was ripping athletes who are "homers,-more at : www.washingtontimes.com... Marcus , Clarksville (7/3/09) clearcarreers.clearchannel.com - If you have any friends in the business, here is an opening. (7/3/09) Is this the solution to all of our DTV problems or are there aliens at work within our government deliberately preventing a DTV solution? Hmmmm........ A look at the mysterious and often overlooked Channel 37, sort of X Files like huh? hehe :-) en.wikipedia.org... www.ae5d.com (7/3/09) New Channel 20 for Annapolis/Baltimore/DC?........ It looks like we might be getting a new DTV station, well sort of. Actually, one moved from the eastern shore of MD to Crofton actually........ WQAW-LP 69 has applied for an improved signal & transmitter location change that will add the Baltimore to Annapolis areas as well as parts of DC on WDCA 20's old analog frequency. fjallfoss.fcc.gov. (7/3/09) The Don Geronimo Show 7/2 www.megaupload.com (7/3/09) I just wanted to say thank you to the person(s) posting the Don Geronimo shows. Thank you, I really appreciate it. (7/3/09) "Yesterday, I was driving back from Richmond and was forced to listen to Sheehan's show and the guy needs to lose the arrogance along with learning how to talk." What? Arrogance and speaking clear English aren't his challenges. He's quite easy to listen to (especially as compared to others on that station) and is more self-effacing than arrogant. Other than Czaban, nobody else on that station has his level of intelligence and knowledge. He could use a partner but him solo is probably low-cost for WTEM and it's still better than the show that follows. Wouldn't surprise me if they put him with Kornheiser if he goes to back to WTEM but I'd rather see him with Czaban. Also, anyone know where Doc Walker's been? Hopefully still employed, Doc is still the best on football. (7/3/09) /\ July 3 Messages /\ Jump to the Mailbag Archive Index.....