Current Mailbag - Mailbag Archive Index - DCRTV Front Page - Support DCRTV DCRTV Mailbag - July 6 to July 15, 2010 Latest messages listed first..... \/ July 15 Messages \/ WCAO was located at 811 W. Lanvale Street through the 1930s until the late 1940s. From examining the Broadcast Yearbooks, I was able to determine that WCAO moved to the townhouse at 1102 N. Charles after the 1946 book was published, but before the 1948 book was published. They stayed at that location until the mid-1960s. According to the data in the 1965 and 1967 Broadcasting Yearbooks. WCAO moved to the Plough Bldg. after the 1965 book was published, but before the 1967 book was published. (7/15/10) RE: RE:WRC/NBC age discrimination: That's why I was asking about a suit being pursued by all those over the age of 40 who have not been interviewed or hired, after applying for a WRC/NBC position. I don't know about the legalities of those who received buyouts. Their agreement may or may not prohibit them from participating in any age discriminations suit. But I wasn't asking about them. I am, however, still interested in contacting anyone involved in a WRC/NBC age discrimination HIRING suit. Sorry for any confusion. Thanks to anyone who can suggest contacts! (7/15/10) I believe that WCAO's affiliation with CBS was during the pre-Plough ownership days. When I came to Baltimore in 1961, the studios and offices were at 1102 N. Charles Street which was, once upon a time, a beautiful 4-story town-home. One of the station engineers had been a studio musician who took part in "live" broadcasts from Baltimore for CBS.....Johnny Dark (7/15/10) Dave, I’m not surprised your friend is being asked to pay a $500 deposit to Comcast to get their service moved to a new location after having a period –however brief- of non-payment. As a regulated business, they are entitled to do just that -no matter how big a company may be. In this economy, the criteria for keeping a good credit score will only get tougher. And, I don’t see any legislature getting involved in this. Television is not a necessity of life. That is why “TV only” cable companies are legally classed as a “public convenience” in many places. However, when a Cable company offers telephone service, it becomes a CLEC (Competitive Local Exchange Carrier), regulated by both the FCC and whatever state or territorial agency regulates public utilities. And, there’s a long history of having to pay utilities deposits of regulated levels based upon a customer’s credit history (Or, lack thereof.) in order to get service started. Now, as for broadcast TV (un)availability, that’s a matter to bring before the Congress. But, they’re too busy getting re-elected to care about broadcast TV reception. The FCC? They don't care either! They are too busy trying to circumvent Congress and courts to get their regulatory mitts on “broadband”. In fact, the FCC is seriously considering taking the traditional full-duplex telephone system generations have successfully used into a half-duplex VoIP standard, all for the sake of “expanding broadband availability”. I agree with you that the FCC is responsible for adopting a DTV standard which denies former reception levels to millions of Americans. If COFDM could be downloaded successfully to every TV and converter with every station making encoder changes, I think that would be a good first step. There would also have to be changes in power levels and perhaps channel assignments to make it work. Will we ever see the U.S. adopt a DTV standard that really works? The odds of that are equivalent with possibility of the United States government declaring a nationwide tax holiday. –Unsigned Corporate Suit (7/15/10) To Bill Powers of LA, Yes, WCAO was a CBS affiliate. Here is matchbook from what year I have no idea. (7/15/10) Dave's response: The picture didn't survive the sending..... Now don’t get me wrong because I have WINC on my car radio preset and I enjoy the programming BUT they post a classified ad on DCRTV for a “Promotions Coordinator” and “ideally” they want that person to do on air (with a possibility of a short daily shift) as well as webmaster skills. Seriously?? I realize WINC is in Winchester and job duties are very often consolidated in smaller markets but you honestly want to label this job as “Promotions Coordinator” when they prefer someone with on-air and web skills? Good God. Centennial Broadcasting sounds like a mini ClearChannel. Sure, the salary is “negotiable” but let’s face it…it ain’t gonna be much in Winchester. (7/15/10) I need some enlightenment. I was looking at eBay to see what kind of stuff people might sell relating to WCAO and lo and behold, someone is selling CAO matchbook cover, presumably from the 50s, that shows CAO was a CBS station then. Not having grown up in Baltimore, I was unaware CAO was the CBS outlet back then. I guess somehow I assumed it would have been FBR though CAO certainly had a better signal. If WCAO was CBS, when did that all change? Just curioius. Bill Powers, Los Angeles, CA. (7/15/10) (From DCRTV's Classified Ads:) Radio Broadcasting Job Vacancy - WINC AM / WINC FM/ WXBN FM/ WXNB FM - PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR - Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC (stations 92.5 WINC FM, 104.9/105.5 The Bone, NewsTalk 1400 WINC) in Winchester, VA has an immediate opening for a promotions coordinator. Job Description: The successful applicant will be responsible for coordinating all promotional activities—sales and programming—for the station group. He/she will coordinate and assist with the planning, organization and execution of all station promotions and events with advertising clients and non-profit organizations; assist with the implementation of on-air promotions, sales promotions, and handle daily maintenance of the stations’ three websites. The successful applicant will work closely with the market manager, sales manager and operations manager in helping to grow ratings and revenue. The ideal candidate will also perform on-air duties on both FM’s, including vacation relief and possibly a short, daily air-shift. Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have previous promotions or marketing experience; experience in website design and maintenance; experience with Photoshop or similar software; and excellent presentation, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. College graduates are preferred. Previous radio experience (including on-air) is desirable but not necessary. Ideal candidates must be self-starting, creative, strategic thinkers and be comfortable in a fast-paced, multi-task environment with daily deadlines. Salary: is negotiable and is dependent on experience and existing skill-set of successful candidate for this position. Please send cover letter and resume to: Jeff Adams, Operations Manager, Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC, P.O. Box 3300, Winchester, VA 22604, Email: jadams@winc.fm (please put “promotions coordinator” in subject), Fax: (540) 722-3295. (7/15/10) (From DCRTV's Classified Ads:) Radio Broadcasting Job Vacancy - WINC AM / WINC FM/ WXBN FM/ WXNB FM - Job Title: Assistant Engineer/IT - Description: Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC. has an immediate opening for Assistant Engineer/IT Specialist. Our cluster is comprised of 92.5 WINC FM, 104.9/105.5 The Bone, NewsTalk 1400, and Cable Channel 6. This position requires a real Jack of all Trades! If you are a person that enjoys keeping all systems functioning at a high level and helping create and implement improvements, let us know! Skill set should include: studio/broadcast systems, graphics/photoshop, interacting with clients, IT experience, maintenance, and the ability to rapidly react to any technical difficulties. Broadcast Engineering experience is preferred, but not necessary. This position will also occasionally help provide IT support to our Fredericksburg Cluster (travel expenses reimbursed). Please email cover letter and resume to : Valerie Mayer HR, 520 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Winchester VA 22601, Or email: vmayer@winc.fm. No phone calls please. Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC. is a privately held broadcast company with operations in Winchester/Northern VA, Fredericksburg, and Roanoke/Lynchburg. Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. (7/15/10) The Yacht Club. Where desparate and dysfunctional sales girls go to meet over confident and dysfunctional sales guys, and usually leave with an even more phony GM or producer. Sometimes the guys leave with the GM or producer. It amazes me that the same women who would file a lawsuit against a coworker's innocent compliment, when given at work, will go to the YC to solicit the very same comment, from the very same jerk. (7/15/10) (quote) Well, how about an FM in Philly and FM in DC. Does that work for ya? (end) Works very well. What on-air name do we know you as, and what stations are you referring to? And how does being employed and heard on two stations entitle you to order others around as to how they should do their shows? What have you got against people having fun? (7/15/10) Last night while visiting the in-laws in Front Royal, I noticed a very strange ad that I saw on their Comcast system. The ad was about the Westboro Baptist Church saying that Shirley Phelps will be coming to Front Royal "soon" and that the people of Front Royal & Warren County must avoid any contact witht them or otherwise they could be sued..and this includes COUNTER PROTESTING !! Lets see here, Shirley Phelps can hold a sign that says "God Hates Private John Doe..Thank GOD for dead soldiers" or signs implying that the dead solider ( or whoever is the focus of their pickets ) is gay, that is ok since her free speech is protectedso therefor she can't be sued. BUT if I were to show up at one of their pickets holding up a sign saying "God Hates Shirley Phelps" or "Shirley Phelps is a lesbian..burn in hell bitc*" or something similar then she can sue me, I will lose my job, my house, etc...I don't see how. Yes I know the group is a bunch of lawyers but still. Anyway the ad, the guy in the ad looked like somefrom from the Hell's Angels motorcycle club and the ad didn't say why Westboro would be coming to Front Royal in the first place. On a similar note didn't these people picket outside a local DC radio station years ago? I am thinking it was WMZQ but I am not sure. (7/15/10) To whoever wrote "All Silvie, all the time," there is good news. Charles County's most celebrated housewife is reportedly inked to host a Waldorf version of "The Jeannie Tate Show." (7/15/10) "ZombieWoof... that creature all da ladies been talkin' about!" Frank Zappa (w/ help from Ricky Lancelotti, Tina Turner and the Ikettes) (7/15/10) To the poster that suggested to go get a show on a competing station and show 'em how its done. Well, how about an FM in Philly and FM in DC. Does that work for ya? (7/15/10) Thanks for the numbers!!!! I am surprised it is so close. I can not believe that many people leave TEM after Mr Tony gets off the air. Where do they go? Money wise, are the Junks worth it now? Canned M&M almost ties. Anyone know their old ratings before the flip? (7/15/10) And what public good does COMCAST/NBC offering more minority programs and cable networks really offer? Don't we have enough already? It's like throwing a political correctness carrot at very fat rabbits that are already well fed enough. Shouldn't the merger be judged on its merits alone and not some sleazy payoff to special interests? But I wouldn't be shocked if the sleazy payoff to lawmakers works. Nothing in Washington surprises me anymore. (7/15/10) Dave Hughes: You are so correct about today's tech. My parents just this year got rid of a Zenith color TV set that was purchased as a high school graduation present for my sister in, get this... 1 9 7 7 !!!!!! AND IT STILL WORKED FINE! Even a decent picture. Other than sitting for a few years after my sister moved out of the family house, it was in continuous use and the last few years was on their back covered porch. So it suffered from heat/cold extremes all year round! The only reason they got rid of it is because it was unsightly looking and huge for the picture size. LOL Conversely, I have 2 LCDs that are less than 2 years old and the digital outs are already fried and my brand new HDTV set has an issue already. And it's very hard to get BEST BUY to over the counter replace anything anymore if you don't buy the extended warranties. They defer everything to the manufacturer wherever possible. (7/15/10) Dave, sorry to hear about the computer going bad on you. Had this happened thirty years ago, you'd be forking over several thousand dollars just for a hard drive! Check out some classic ads at www.informationtechnologyschools.org... -Al Peterson KJ4IVD (7/15/10) Dave's response: In the old days, computers lasted 5-6 years before going bad. Now, it's 2-3 years. TVs the same. I have an old tube TV that's pushing 10 years. But lately, I've had flat screens die at 2 years and the latest at only 5 months, which was still under Best Buy warranty and got repaired..... You requested the numbers and your predictions are pretty close. Latest ratings period (May) numbers for Men25-54 are: Junkies 5th (6.1) vs. Mike&Mike 6th (5.7)... Wise 5th (5.5) vs. Kornheiser 1st (7.1)... Wise 4th (5.6) vs. Sports Fix 6th (4.9)... Lavaar 6th (5.3) vs. Thompson 5th (5.7)... Lavaar 8th (4.7) vs. Sports Reporters 4th (5.4)... Overall Mon-Fri 6a-7p, WTEM is 4th and WJFK is 5th. (7/15/10) (snip) Someone needs to tell WKHZ that "performing" between every song does not mean a washed up dj grunting (end snip). Look mate, I haven't been part of the conversation until I read your comment, but HOOGAS what "performing" is, and why should it matter to your way of thinking? Do you abuse chess players in the park because they take too long to move, or yell at 3rd graders in a school play because they can't act? Jeez fella, don't get your scrote in a squareknot. "Performing", much like chili or porn, is whatever one interprets it to be. You don't like it? Then don't listen, or go get a show on a competing station and show 'em how its done. Relax and let these guys have some fun. (7/15/10) My train ran off the track back in '97. Perhaps you've heard the song. the wordless (7/15/10) The law of unintended consequences may be hitting WBAL Radio 1090. I believe I may be typical of the “average” WBAL listener. After more than a week of the WBAL Radio 1090 programming change, I find I listen to Ron Smith less than I did before when he was in the afternoons, and overall I listen to WBAL less as I do not listen to the afternoon News Journal. I still try to catch C4 as much as I can, but overall my listening time has decreased. If this stands true for others, then the programming change does not bode well as a gain for WBAL in terms of ratings and therefore advertising revenue. Richard Dahms (7/15/10) To the poster who wondered about bars for adults of a certain age in Bethesda, there used to be one, the Yacht Club, run by former bossjock l'il Tommie Curtis, aka the MatchMaker. To the poster who wondered about the music on Handel on the Law, either you were listening on the internet and the station doesn't want to pay the going rate to voice talent in the commercials, or more likely, it's the show's bumpers that you're hearing. Have you heard Cab Calloway singing Hi-de-Hi-de-ho yet? All Silvie, all the time. I would pound it. Dave, glad to see that people with more money than sense have rallied round, but really..... thousands of people contributing a few dollars each? What kind of gaming system are you shooting for? Why not just fix your computer? The one you took out of the closet (nice choice of phrase by the way) should be totally sufficient for checking and sending email and browsing news sites, which is really all you need to do to run this site. - ZombieWoof (7/15/10) To the guy offering key male demos.... TEM vs., JFK: Males 24-54; head to head. 1) Junks vs. M&M 2) Wise vs. Mr. Tony 3) Wise vs. The Sport's Fix 4) L&D vs. JT2 5) L&D vs. The Sports Reporters. My Guess is: 1) JFK wins easy but down now with K&M 2) TEM wins (Junks lead in does not helpless Wise) 3) TEM (Mr. Tony and Sheehan On his show helps lead in) 4) Close - toss up of old black men versus young black men (Minus MOS #s) 5) TEM (Mr. Tony has called it the highest rated show on the station) OOBBEE (7/15/10) /\ July 15 Messages /\ \/ July 14 Messages \/ Re: "The poster who likened Silvie to Brooke Adams (the actress, not the young model) was spot-on. And they both remind me of Jennifer Beals. Imagine the confusion when all three show up for the same soirée!" Oh well, two outta three ain't bad. (7/14/10) Someone needs to tell WKHZ that "performing" between every song does not mean a washed up dj grunting and that page views are more important than hits. (7/14/10) In thirty-eight years, The Price is Right never had a contestant guess the exact value of prizes in the Showcase showdown. Until Terry Kniess outsmarted everyone — and changed everything. If you didn't see it happen when the show aired, on December 16, 2008, here's the video www.youtube.com... Now, Esquire magazine writer, Chris Jones, tells the inside story of what happened on taping day and how Terry Kniess beat The Price Is Right with a perfect bid. www.esquire.com... (7/14/10) I don't get all the beating up on WBAL. An earlier mailbagger wrote about a replay of an interview. Has anyone ever listened to WTOP? They do it all the time. Most news stations do. There is usually audience turnover and just because something was on once doesn't mean it won't be new to others, so I get what they're doing. I've heard the new format and like it a lot. The people on the air there sound energetic -- not like the anemics on some other news and news talk stations. And I like Stash from 98 Rock. He's a personality and that is something sorely missing from most sportscasters in Baltimore: PERSONALITY. And they did a good job yesterday when Steinbrenner died. They had some good interviews. Last week I heard an interview with some girl whose father was murdered by the mother. It was a great interview and they played it longform and unedited. It was excellent! I travel a lot for my job and have listened to some big radio stations in Philadelphia, Detroit, Denver, Houston. Compared to them, WBAL sounds great. Last time I was in New York, I listened to WINS and WCBS. WINS sounded so yesterday. WBAL is moving in the right direction! Charles (7/14/10) "I would kill to see the real key male demo numbers of the two head to head". I'll give you whatever numbers you want, pulled for any daypart/timeframe you mention. Post it in here and you'll get a response from me. Mikey G. (7/14/10) The poster who likened Silvie to Brooke Adams (the actress, not the young model) was spot-on. And they both remind me of Jennifer Beals. Imagine the confusion when all three show up for the same soirée! (7/14/10) re:Only 184 stations added HD last year...well duh, Clear Channel stopped adding them when the economy went south...as I assume most everyone else did - since it costs a relative TON to add HD. In addition - to compare the total number of stations to the number that has switched is a goofy as well. How many AM's in markets of all sizes will never flip over - or go dark in the meantime. (7/14/10) What we already knew, but is nice to have in writing: Only ~0.3% of radio listeners are using HD Radio. Only 184 stations added HD last year: investigativereportingworkshop.org (7/14/10) Latest Limbaugh tirade draws fire www.allaccess.com (7/14/10) So Prince de Jour took BET away from Donny. And now Tigger does what Donny couldn't do either,,,get syndicated!! Hats off to those who can. Donny was overpaid, over promoted and his act only worked in this town,,,duece proof de jour. Ben overpaid for him and he knew it as soon as the deal was done, but things catch up to folks eventually. (7/14/10) While Verizon works on the technical solution to expand MASN2, why don't they put all Nats games on M2 and O's on M1? It seems if you are in Baltimore and want to watch your local team, you only get a 50% chance to see it in HD. The DC area has both HD feeds, so even if there are fringe Baltimore fans they have the option to watch in HD. I know this leaves the Nats fans in Baltimore out, but I don't see too many of their hats or jerseys worn up here. (7/14/10) All these negative things about TEM must be coming from JFK guys…. I think Dukie himself wrote the one about him being obnoxious. (All publicity is good publicity?) I would kill to see the real key male demo numbers of the two head to head. I love the Junks but I am going back and forth between them and Mike’s new show now. They will still own 9-1000 for me. (Even Lavar and Duke added another hour…..I wonder why? Mike, are you listening? Sleep another hour and delay the podcast for your own sake.) But at 1000 am the choice is Mike Unwisely Vs Mr. Tony??? Are you kidding? And the, the Fix works for me when it comes to all sports. Two hours with an old reporter is enough pure sports for me. JTII drives me to Mike’s Podcast with some of Fukes show until Andy and Czab. Mr. Tony and The Sports Reporters work for me because they have personality and don’t limit it to old rock and pure sports 100 % of the time. I know the format is hurting the Junks for me as a listener. It’s totally hamstrung Duke’s talent. Let me see….”Snacks of the Roundtable” or Duke’s sometimes painful attempt to get Lavar to sound listenable. If it was just Drab and Dukes, I might listen more. Program directors? Who cares when the talent has talent and personality? DC101’s PD calls there effort “alternative”. That is an insult to the ghost of HFS. How many PDs did Don and Mike successfully work AROUND to get great ratings. How many DJs work like to go PDless? Just my opinion. I have said it before and will say it again. Two stations, one good set of talent with regard to sports radio between them. And, the freedom on one helps the talent perform. OOBBEE (7/14/10) Still don’t know why the Mike and Kirk show stops at 900 AM. Are they checking PPMs numbers to compare 8-900 vs 9-1000 am? I am still flipping between M&K and the Junks. Anyone else? Junks had a rep from Radar Online discuss Mel Gibson’s ranting after 900 am right after M&K did their last segment on it. Great lead in for me and Junks. (7/14/10) Dave's response: I'd rather have Kirk and Mike on from 6 AM to 10 AM than from 5 AM to 9 AM. But maybe Mike has to get back to Manassas in time to do his podcast..... Dave sez: "Media people should know that if you want something kept private, don't post it anywhere on the internet." An even safer alternative: have a contractor come out to your house to dig a sub-basement, have it furnished, then climb down into it for the rest of eternity. Internet or no, someone is going to be recording your voice or catching you on camera, no matter what. An innocent scratch across an itchy nose will air on a TV gossip show with the declaration that the subject has a chronic cocaine problem. Two seconds of an out-of-context conversation will proclaim one as a cannibal or worse. And imagine the fun when someone's voice is played backwards, and something that (not even remotely) sounds like "burn the flag" is revealed. Careers and lives are ruined. Media people, actors, sports figures and politicians, heed the warning: ve are vatching your effry moof... (7/14/10) "Wordless"; Is there a caboose to your train of thought? (7/14/10) (Case in point: Ann Wog's recent Facebook status line being posted on DCRTV. That just sucks, Dave! How about some privacy for our favorite DC hosts, entertainers, producers, etc.? ) Privacy??!!?? After you post something on a public space like Facebook?????? You gotta be kidding. (7/14/10) Dave's response: Come on! Media people should know that if you want something kept private, don't post it anywhere on the internet. Duh..... RE:WRC/NBC, In reference to the NBC age discrimination suit. I have heard nothing about that. It would in vain because all the folks who took the buy-out signed an agreement that they would forego there right to sue NBC for anything ,so it would be useless to embark on a Age Discrimination suit. (7/14/10) Hey Dave, just wanted to chime in once again on the sports reporters and PM drive radio in general. Honestly, I gotta say, I have a hard time finding stuff to listen to. I do a lot of flipping. I did like Chad & Lavar for a bit. I dont mind Lavar, it's Dukes to me who is just annoying and obnoxious as hell and unlistenable. As for the sports reporters, sometimes they are OK, but like everyone else, I agree they are just a bit too cliche for sports radio. Yesterday, the once again cliche sports radio topic of how to fix the MLB all-star game, and what do you know? Everyone said that not all the teams needed a respresentative. Ok, well that segment took 8 seconds. They just need to find real stuff to talk about. The other guy I listen to, but im just about done with is Jeff Kuhner. Wow, does that guy have energy! but hes over the top even for me. Im just glad since Ray is gone on vacation that someone else this week can "play clip 1 baby!" (7/14/10) [someone told me there's no program director {former was fired} at ESPN980 and that answers a few questions] Buzz. Would you like to try again in the bonus round, where our point values double and triple? Oh, and that's what people talk about at bars in Bethesda, CJ. [Mr. Snyder are you listening?] I think he has bigger fish to fry. (7/14/10) Dave: Mike/Fairfax is usually fair about his posts and was totally accurate about his recent analysis of the sub-par programming on ESPN980. However, a later response from someone suggested that Mike was listening 24-hours a day and obviously, that wasn't the case. Last week in a Bethesda bar, someone told me there's no program director {former was fired} at ESPN980 and that answers a few questions. The current situation there suggests that management must think very highly of themselves and further supports the high levels of arrogance displayed by their talent...which equals? talking down to the listeners and making fun of "tasered victims." Therefore, management doesn't care about Sheehan's poor use of the English language or lack of respect for Laverro and they certainly don't police the arrogance or poor content levels of Doc, Pollin, or Czaban. Mr. Snyder are you listening? (7/14/10) Been Listening to the WBAL Afternoon News Journal this week. What a mess! Monday when the storms blew through, they were playing Tony Panns canned forecast till 4. Nothing like hearing you might see a Thunderstorm this afternoon, when Shari was mentioning Severe T-Storm Warnings in the area. then at 4. Tom Tasselmyer comes in with all the details. Then, you have 98 rocks stash doing sports. Re-played Ron Smith interviews in PM drive. I was really disappointed. WBAL radio used to be so proud. (7/14/10) Poor Ed Norris. Is he on vacation this week? Sounds like Steve Davis has already elbowed big Ed into oblivion. There's no way those two guys will ever get along. This morning, you could almost hear Davis breathing heavy from lacing up his track shoes to climb up Ed's back. (7/14/10) Hi Dave, Thought you'd find this interesting - SO, on the same day that Verizon Fios announces it will finally (FINALLY!!) dedicate one of its hundreds of channels to MASN2, Fios is blacking out the MLB All-Star game for users that don't have a cable box. Yup, I was going to watch the game on a spare TV (it's a digital TV that's connected right to the cable, NO cable box) while working on the computer, but surprise - FOX 5 ISN'T THERE! Channel 4, Channel 7, Channel 9, WETA - I can still receive those just fine tonight. But there's NO channel 5 - no All Star game. Interesting. (The game can be seen just fine on my cable box, though.) I was going to rant at someone in Fios-land, but there's no - NO - customer service after 8pm. Even their online chatroom is closed! Very sad... (7/14/10) Miss Silvie, perhaps I don't agree with most of your political views but then again I don't know who to believe anymore. Anyways if you ain't using them Crowded House tickets I might be interested in buying them can I FB friend you. You do look like actress Brooke Adams and I ain't just shoveling the old windsong(henry blake). I believe the show is sold out. Always loved Split Enz! Has CHWO, or whatever its call letters are now, 740 am out of Toronto cut back on its power or changed signal direction just can't seem to be able to pick it up on my car radio after dark the last few weeks like I use too. I sure miss the oldies rock 'n' roll shows on Friday and Saturday nights. I must admit a growing fondness for Alan Colmes and the collective group of nutjob teabaggers that call his show every night. Its kind of a hoot to hear Colmes cut down the numbnuts. Thats late evenings on WKBW 1520 am out of Buffalo, which still seems to come in strong as ever unlike CHWO. Well its nice to hear old Tom Grooms back on the air overnites on 105.9 fm. I guess can't be called the Groomsyard anymore? Is New Riders of the Purple Sage on the playlist? Now as for over he air digital tv what a load of horse hockey we were fed by FCC. Everytime a plane goes over the signal goes bad, everytime the wind is over 20 mph the signal goes out, most times if I get up and walk around the room well you get the picture pun unintended but nevertheless. I'm on a fixed income so it was either internet acess or cable tv. Well I think cable tv programming absolutely sucks so I went with the internet access. And I hit the bars for sports. I swear the next time some 20something waitress calls me Sweetie or Honey I'm going to scream that's Sir! to you kid. Ain't there no bars around here for folks over 40? I do kind of get the feeling that in few years that over the air digital tv will be abandoned leaving another segment of the population cast aside as whats happened with radio and recorded music industry. What has happened to the old analog system? Is it being used? Did someone make a bundle of cash over selling analog bandwidth? Think I'll head over to ICON bar in toothless fairfax on thursday to hear Arrington fracture the english language some more and see if he makes as little sense in person as he does over the air. The Wordless (7/14/10) "Yes the Arrington Show is dreadful, and Dukes...well he's a sell out. BUT they get the 25-54 demo ratings so everyone at WJFK is happy!" - Arrington and Dukes are tied for 18th with a 2.6 share in that 25-54 demo. They don't "get ratings". Throw a dart at your dial and you'll find a frequency that beats them. (7/14/10) I'm 33 and virtually never watched TV in the living room. Guess it has something to do with having a 12" black and white TV with 3 channels until I was 10 in it was located in the kitchen. When I was 10, I bought my own 19" color tv from working, and when I was 12 cable first moved into my neighborhood. I paid for it, so it was in my bedroom, and that's just where I've always watched TV. I bought a new 26" TV about 4 Christmases ago for the living room, so when the family comes over they'd have something to watch... and that's about how many times that TV has ever been turned on, 4 times in 4 years. I'm have a tiny little 30" TV for the bedroom with a OTA DTV receiver hooked up to it, and get 6 English and 1 Spanish channel. I watch maybe 3 to 5 hours a week of TV, pretty much all Letterman/Ferguson, occassionally a rerun of Cops from the 80s on the CW channel. I personally can't stand commericals. I usually buy an entire season of a show and watch it in about 4 days straight, not that there's much I watch. (7/14/10) Oh, Ibiquity has announced the latest on the incredible adoption of HD radio, standard in new cars and as an after-market accessory: Standard on the BMW 5 series and Jaguar XJ (actually, old news) plus the Jensen VM9324 at $ 429 MSRP, the Jensen VM9314 at $429 MSRP and the JVC KW-NT3HDT at $ 1,100 MSRP. When you go to get yours, watch yourself. At these prices, they'll be flying out the door! John (7/14/10) RE: [ " Stop with the whiny liberal handout BS. Pay your bills like everyone else and lack of cable service won't be a problem. " ]...... I'm gonna make a guess here. Let me guess, you're a federal employee? Because that was spoken just like a stereotypical DC federal employee, at least the ones I know. They say things like that not realizing technically they are on government welfare and financially supported by Dave Hughes' friend who cannot get COMCAST cable. Ironic huh? But true, especially in these tough economic times. When's the last time the federal government laid off anybody? It's easy to be arrogant and snooty and condescending when you're living off the feds, which is the same as living off the backs of the rest of the hard working country, many of which have been laid off in the last 2 years. So eat shit and die ass clown. (7/14/10) /\ July 14 Messages /\ \/ July 13 Messages \/ Just clarifying the story about MASN2 HD on FiOS1- this HD channel will only be available to areas that currently have FiOS1, which is DC, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery & PG Counties. Areas not included are Howard & A.A. Counties, the Baltimore area, Delaware, Harrisburg, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Verizon says (@fiostv on Twitter) that the initial area includes 70% of its customers in the MASN footprint. @fiostv is saying that they are working on getting MASN2 HD for the rest of the areas I listed, but as usual, Verizon will never say when to expect it. Bob Bradford (7/13/10) Has anyone other than me been working weekends or bored enough to listen to AM talk 570? I like the financials, real estate and computer shows on AM when I'm working and have heard thie "Handle on the Law" program several times. There seems to be a very overlong use of instrumental guitar rock between breaks, I was wondering what it was about then I realized- duh- it is blank space that would be filled with advertisers--if the station was able to sell it. I wondered to myself why the station doesn't go ahead and repeat some of their paid advertisers ads. Maybe it's all just getting phoned in or there is no one in the studio. Weird. (7/13/10) Does anyone know how to get in contact with others involved in the pending age discrimination suit against NBC/WRC? Although I know a lot of experienced individuals have been bought out or laid off in the past 2-3 years for "economic" purposes, I'm specifically interested in those who have have a concern that NBC and WRC has hired few, if any individuals over the age of 40. (You'd think this might be a concern to the higher-ups working for the NBC/Comcast merger.) Any contact information would be appreciated. (7/13/10) Dave, I love reading your mailbag, and the hate that the emailers spew! Got to mention Mike in Fairfax. This guy writes essays at least once a week about what WTEM is doing wrong. He must listen 24 hours a day to this station that he HATES. It's just comical. You don't like it, listen to something else! (7/13/10) RE: Comcast Cares... Are you kidding me? Since when did digital cable TV service become a right and not a privelege. And you're telling me that her converter won't pick up the local digital channels at all? Stop with the whiny liberal handout BS. Pay your bills like everyone else and lack of cable service won't be a problem. (7/13/10) Would someone please, for the love of the Fox 5 viewing audience, tell Julie Wright,, she CANNOT pull off that look! Yikes! (7/13/10) Re: "Attention Stalking Mailbaggers .... Get a life and stop trying to 'friend' me. -Silvie-" Now I guess you know how it feels to be stalked, huh stalker Silvie? And I can't even imagine who would want to "friend" you on Facebook - or anywhere else for that matter. (7/13/10) Yes the Arrington Show is dreadful, and Dukes...well he's a sell out. BUT they get the 25-54 demo ratings so everyone at WJFK is happy! (7/13/10) Dave, Got to object to your characterization of The Examiner, suggesting that is something other than respectable. I realize that you oppose their editorial stances, but all have a right to their own opinions, and that's what that is. Journalistically, it is a well written publication making use of some fine writers/journalists who are responsible for a considerable amount of local content. Consider the competition from the Washington Post, known as The Express. Post writers have refused to allow their material to be used in that paper. That leaves it somewhat void of locally produced journalistic content. Much of their material tends to be short clips from the AP wire. The Examiner makes good use of it's talent and follows several local beats of interest to the commuters who read the tabloid papers, including DC, the surrounding county governments, Metro, and state level news of interest to suburbanites, and major sports news, as well as sports commentary. They also feature Nate Beeler, whose cartoons are great regardless of one's politics. (7/13/10) Big news: Its not illegal anymore to say sh*tf*ckp*ssc*cks*ck*r anymore: www.thewrap.com (7/13/10) Dave, I had to share this one with you, talk about a lost gem that I found: WOW - I finally tracked down an old RADIO BUDDY - Ray Banister - the 1st Program Director of world famous KROCK radio in LA, California. I took Ray with me for his first job at WABB in Mobile, Alabama back in 1971 two hippies leaving San Diego, California with hair down to our asses in a VW "hippie" bus, and Cali tags, we were looked at in Mobile like to space aliens - WOW - what a find - I had to share it with ya - J.J. Hitman McKay/Ocean City, Maryland (7/13/10) Yesterday's Sports Reporters (on WTEM) had to be one of the worst broadcasts in the history of that program. First (and least significantly), Andy Pollin and Steve Czaban began with a discussion of the weather - something they do fairly often but you could hardly come up with a lamer, less creative way of opening a talk show. About an hour later, we were treated to more World Cup bashing (although thankfully that soccer competition's over so they can't rip it anymore). Czaban pointed to the USA's '3-2' win over Algeria as one of the few entertaining matches in the entire tournament and neither Pollin nor Chris Knoche corrected him (the final score was actually 1-0). How could you have three hosts whose job it is to stay abreast of what's happening in sports and not one of them can recall the score of one of the most memorable matches in this country's soccer history (played less than three weeks ago)? The fact that neither team could dent the net until the final two minutes when Landon Donovan scored to advance the US to the next round is what made that match especially compelling. At the tail end of the program, Czaban and Pollin made light of an elderly woman dying as a result of a taser incident. These 'lighter side of the news' segments on talk radio used to emphasize stories that put a smile on your face (such as the pet gerbil that wakes up a family just in time to escape from a burning house) - now hosts seem to prefer grotesque or horrific stories and I find that very disturbing. But by far the worst idea was to open the phones on "what would you like to see blown up?" (for the anniversary of disco demolition night at a baseball game in Chicago three decades ago). I'm sorry - a day after the World Cup related bombings that killed 74 people (including Americans) in Uganda, it could hardly have been more inappropriate to be pursuing a topic like that. When a caller brought up the name of longtime ESPN anchor Chris Berman (who Pollin and Czaban have been taking mean spirited cheap shots at for years in a way that smacks of petty jealousy), it finally seemed to dawn on them that the show was heading straight into the abyss and they quickly bailed out of the segment - but there was no excuse for doing it in the first place. Mike, Fairfax (7/13/10) FiOS is going to start carrying MASN2-HD on channel 501. forums.verizon.com (7/13/10) To the person who "had" to pull over on the beltway today...gimme a break. Secondly, The U.S. Court of Appeals today struck down the FCCs indecency policies...who will be the first to pull the trigger? (7/13/10) Here in the Mailbag I see many complaints/rants about Comcast. What about Cox in Fairfax County or Fredericksburg?? Dave, I don't want the site to become "Complaint Corner," about cable service, just interested. (7/13/10) Re: "How about some privacy for our favorite DC hosts, entertainers, producers, etc.?" Silvie, in my reading of that update, it appears Anne Wog wanted to spread the news far and wide. It doesn't sound like she was looking for privacy. As someone else in the media, I realize that I have to control my Facebook account...and if I want to put something up only for "my friends", I have to control my FB "friends" list accordingly. Anyway, congratulations to Ms. Wog on her new gig in Boston! (7/13/10) Off topic, but my 2 cents... With all due respect and sympathy to his family upon his death, if you are a Nats or Orioles or Pirates or Indians fan or any small market club, you really cannot be a George Steinbrenner fan because he is symbolic of all that is wrong with MLB. And that is one team spending 6X the amount of another team and guaranteed being in the playoffs every season. And Steinbrenner proved something else in the process... you can throw money at a problem and make terribly bad decisions and still screw it up and not win the World Series or solve your team's problems or really any problem in the world for that matter. Teams like the Rays grew home-grown talent while Steinbrenner brought to the table store bought talent largely over the decades that he owned the Yankees. I'm sure he will be sorely missed by Yankees fans and ESPN (basically Yankees fans too), but his brand of TRYING TO BUY THE WORLD SERIES WILL NOT BE MISSED. Maybe now that he's gone, MLB will finally address the issue of a salary cap or more aggressive revenue sharing. Otherwise, the Nats and Orioles are doomed to failure without making every single decision correctly and a dozen flukes along the way just like the Tampa Rays. (7/13/10) I actually had to pull my car over on 495 this morning because I was laughing so hard when Kirk and Mike were ripping on Mel Gibson...its so good to have these two together on in the am...(thanks boys for almost killing me!) (7/13/10) The news of Mr. Steibrenner's passing is indeed sad. Though someone should advise ESPN that this event does not warrant pre-empting their entire programming schedule. Look at the facts. The guy was 80. He suffered a massive heart attack and was a virtual "Capt. Pike" especially after seeing his dramatic ceremonial "roll-out" during the most recent game at the "old" Yankee Stadium. To me, the saddest thing was that he passed on the day of this year's All-Star game. May God keep you "Boss", Rusty Gibson (7/13/10) Loved your rant today about the unemployed friend who can't get TV programming. Your rant hit a nerve with me. I literally had just hung up the phone from Comcast to pay a portion of my bill to restore my internet and cable when I checked in with DCRTV... BTW your rant from 7/9 was awesome too. Comcast is one ugly bitch. Comcast and NBC is the ugly bitch that every boy f&%^ed in high school just to wind up with a lifelong case of the crabs. Just look at the way Comcast/NBC is dealing with the FCC's request for information and trying to get questions answered. Tell your friend to hang in there. She's certainly not alone in her plight. Hanging out at Starbucks or Barnes & Noble for the wi-fi won't be so bad. Maybe I'll pick up a date or two . . . or three. (7/13/10) "Domenica Davis To NYC"....Domenica has been in NYC working for Fox for awhile. She's just making a jump to NBC. (7/13/10) Tangentially related to dc media-CNN reports George Steinbrenner has died of a massive heartattack. (7/13/10) Thanks to whoever posted the Harvey Pekar video. I did business with him and he was a nice guy. Wow, Letterman and Schaeffer's hair looks weird. Letterman seems much nicer these days. Of course, he was VERY nice to a certain intern. Sadly, George Steinbrenner and Generalissimo Francisco are both still dead. Remember when he caused that kerfuffle with George Costanza over the calzone. Gold, Jerry, gold! - ZombieWoof (7/13/10) Silvie, the whole point of Facebook is NON-privacy. So don't you worry your Milfy little head about Ann Wog, who according to the creepy commercials lost 30 pounds since February. From a search of past mailbags I came accross a report that she likes callers to ask about her nipples. Is that true, and is there still time? Speaking of which, Silvie.... - ZombieWoof (7/13/10) Looks like the 105.5 translator (doing WAMU-HD2) near Reston wants to move to near Bethesda. The FCC just granted the move that'll also reduce the power from 250 watts to 99 watts (though higher up on the new tower), directional. Bob/VARTV.com (7/13/10) So EB is definitely the spoon that stirs the Junkies soup isn't he! I'm not crazy about EB cause sometimes he dominates too much(Lurch goes quiet a lot of the time) and shovels too much bull shit. But without EB the show doesn't have same energy. You think EB will explode at JP this week over the numbnuts move by JP. Aw man, sad too see Jeremy Hubbard depart ABC World News Now but just found out Michelle Mielan seemingly got canned from CBS Up To The Minute overnites. I thought surely she'd have another year. Previos anchor Meg Oliver was there 3 years. This creature of the night hates change. I agree most sincerely about how awful Arrington is doing a sports talk show and frankly he's making chad dukes worse. Must be frustrating as hell for dukes too be doing the show. So I guess that sequel of Mad Max won't happen now. Is he crazy? The Wordless (7/13/10) WTOP predicts the future. This is on their website at 6:43 am Tuesday: "LORTON, Va. - Fairfax County Police say a person found what could be human remains on the side of a road in Lorton Tuesday.A police spokeswoman says a person found several items, including a possible human skull, on Furnace Road near Route 1 around 8 p.m. Tuesday.The items will be sent to a lab to determine if the remains are human and if foul play was involved." So human remains will be found in about 12 hours? Boy, even WMAL is not that good at predicting the future. (7/13/10) Attention Stalking Mailbaggers: I am NOT going to the Crowded House concert! Just because you keep stalking my Facebook interests/info page, and you see that I like Neil Finn doesn't necessarily mean that I'm going to go see him and his band at Wolf Trap. Get a life and stop trying to 'friend' me. -Silvie- (7/13/10) In the mid-1960s, the Studio Line number at WPGC was 779-1580. Sometimes, when you got a busy signal, you could hear (and converse with) other people who were dialing in. The resulting chat was a little choppy, because you could only really hear what was being said, and speak, during the "clear" portion of the busy signal, which were louder and more obnoxious back then. I don't know how common this was, but I remember it happening several times. It would be interesting to hear from an old C&P Telephone technician about this, if there's one out there. (7/13/10) Los Angeles Times columnist, David Lazarus, looks at the intriguing prospect of a smaller package in your future. www.latimes.com (7/13/10) I agree Silvie with your comment. That's way I've steered away from Facebook. I knew a good reason would come along soon. So therefore no Facebook for me. Good night, Fitz (7/13/10) I called WMAL when they had that Hayworth clown on and I asked them to ask Hayworth about his association with Jack Abramoff. Ann Wog hung up on me. I called the WMAL morning show on a Tuesday and requested an edited Pelosi line Mark Levin used the night before not be used for "Say that Again" the upcoming Friday because it was edited. She acted confused, and I pointed her to a website with the full unedited clip. She hung up on me. The edited clip was then used on Friday's "Say That Again." I spoke to Ann Wog when the subject was "the biased liberal media and the 'conservative' media being pushed out of the debate," and asked if I can go on the air and point out Sean Hannity's plant calls. She said she could not put that on the air. Good luck Ann; you are out of that cesspool of WMAL. Silvie, see you at the Crowded House concert. (7/13/10) /\ July 13 Messages /\ \/ July 12 Messages \/ Hello, I totally agree with your rant regarding inability to get TV reception without cable. Those converter boxes do nothing! I just finally packed my 10" TV away because I just couldn't get reception even adjusting the antenna. I think the biggest mistake made was to force digital onto the consumer. I suppose that the cable companies lobbied hard for this one, but I refuse to pay $50-$100 per month just for TV. Analog was just fine and should have been allowed to stay in place. I joined Netflix and watch TV using my DVD player. Whatever works! (7/12/10) Harvey Pekar has died, but this was the night Letterman wished he would. (7/12/10) Dave, I think it's plain wrong when you post messages from Mailbaggers who have nothing else better to do than to copy & paste stuff from other people's Facebook wallpages. Case in point: Ann Wog's recent Facebook status line being posted on DCRTV. That just sucks, Dave! How about some privacy for our favorite DC hosts, entertainers, producers, etc.? -Silvie- (7/12/10) A Note from your favorite "genius commenter". First, my sister and I buried my mother back in 1998. Second (if you are who I think you are), I'll say it again, before your lady was your wife, I could have had her clothes off before the first commercial break of "Desperate Housewives". Wait a minute, even now considering how you probably "perform", I could could probably have her on my couch right now. Now be a good little critic and listen to some "old skool" James Brown. Don't even bother to answer back. Like your ole lady you put me to sleep! (7/12/10) Just because you only have a TV in the living room does necessarily mean you won't have to get a new converter box and clunky Comcast remote. The DTV conversion of Comcast's cable systems sometimes still requires people to get new equipment and renders HDTV sets directly connected to the cable line virtually useless by themselves. (7/12/10) Dave, Please endeavor to be crack free before "writing" a rant. English no good. (7/12/10) [snip] Having a TV in your living room doesn't mean that set IS YOUR LIFE, asshole! [end snip]. Dear genius commenter: I just left your Mom’s house (Whoronto is lovely this time of year!), and she wants you to come home and clean up the basement. (7/12/10) The Washington Examiner is more respectable than your sad little website will ever be. I love how you constantly take shots at conservatives; it shows you to be the ignorant fool that I knew you were all along. USA Today is probably right up your alley, huh? Jonathan Miller (7/12/10) Dave's response: Ha ha ha..... Re: "It was almost painful to watch Arch fumble his way through the show. He does not do well without a partner." IMHO Arch Campbell never did well ... period. He always seemed ill-at-ease when on camera and he never seemed to impart a comfortable feeling to his viewers. I think he was way over-hyped in all the years he was at WRC. And his attempts at being humorous always seem contrived and don't go over very well. (7/12/10) While it would suck to lose 20+ minutes of the TK show, WTEM could run 120 minutes of PSAs and commercials from 2-4pm and it would not bother me a bit. Coach (when he is there) and Doc are really unlistenable - if 106.7 wants to create a horror show they could pair that duo with Lavar and Chad Dukes to create radio from hell. (7/12/10) Saw Tom Sater on channel 9 last night..Seemed kinda nervous like this was his first job..But then again, it has been awhile for him..Otherwise, he did pretty good..Also, looks like he's aged a bit. But then again, haven't we all? (7/12/10) Having a TV in your living room doesn't mean that set IS YOUR LIFE, asshole! When you hold down a full and a part time job you really don't have much time for channel surfing. I actually spend what free time I have up at a Barnes and Nobles perusing for books I end up buying online from Amazon.com. While we're on the subject of televisions (high def I hope-smile!), nobody but stuck up assholes use an armoire. That piece of furniture is in the house because of the wife or an an asshole of a guy is living there. Those magazines you suggested??? Oh, please, if Harpers, or the Atlantic isn't on life support it soon will be. Give me a computer or a "home" orientaged (something along the lines of House Beautiful) any day! Those publications you suggested are written for folks that have nothing else better to get pissy about. One final thing, I'm glad you found yourself a lady that didn't have a TV in her living room. I'm willing to bet before you got your hands on her I could have helped her out of her clothes in my living room while "Desperate Housewives" was on my TV. Oh, yeah, you didn't suggest any music to listen to. Let me suggest something for you! How about some "old skool" James Brown www.youtube.com (7/12/10) Just an update, I did indeed play "Sylvie" for Silvie by The Steep Canyon Rangers as my first song on Fitzgrass. It doesn't appear that she was able to listen to it. Apparently somebody posted something in here in the past that really ticked her off, so I guess she's gone (reminds me of that Hall & Oates song) but oh well, I tried but not much more that I can do. I will continue to play the best bluegrass for your ass (s) in the Northern VA area and beyond on the net. Fitz (7/12/10) So far I am loving Kirk and Mike. This really is a good pairing of talent. Unfortunately the station's web master still has not fixed the podcast for Friday the 9th. The link for hour 2 is still broken. (7/12/10) If you haven’t read Dr. Fussell’s book, than please don’t critique. He states clearly if you need to have a TV in the living room, hide it in an armoire or wheel it away when not in use. I don’t have a TV in the living room, and I married a woman who didn’t have a TV in her living room. It says, to the public “my living is my TV.” What is next when you already have a TV in your living room; installing a small dorm like refrigerator next to your barcolounger, so you wont have to make too much of an effort during the commercial break to have access to your Dr. Pepper, left over lasagnas, or nacho cheese dip? Do you also think it is acceptable to have a TV viewable in the dining room so you can combine your two favorite indoor pastimes, two times daily, and three times on weekends? Do yourself a favor; remove the television from your living room, subscribe to a couple of good magazines, (Harpers, the Atlantic, New York, Skeptic, New Yorker, National Journal come to mind), put copies of these magazines, and maybe a few books, in your living room (the book “Eats, Shoots, and Leaves” is always a good book for the coffee table-it is funny, educational, and well written with great conversation starters), and see how much better your life will become. Oh; stop watching Fox News. Next subject; Rob Spewak should apply for the open WMAL position. I understand Rob is a big Love Boat fan so it may work out well. Don't Rob and Fred ahve a common friend named "Bernie Koppel? Rob and Mike can also carpool to work. Austin Hill was subbing for Plante today. Where is Plante? Has he been kidnapped? Is he being held hostage and sexually tortured in a dungeon like-lair in Charles County by a "birther Latina?" Silvie, see you at the Crowded House concert in two weeks. Are you inside or do you lawn it? (7/12/10) Dr. Paul Fussell's "guide to social class" sounds like the City dwellers answer to Foxworthy's "you might be a redneck!". I don't care what Dr. Fussell says my TV, PC, (or my surround sound system) aren't gonna leave my living room. When your living room is doubled up to the dining room you have to make adjustments. He's right about one thing. The living room is for socializing. I can attest to that. I have helped many a lady out of her clothes while they were sitting on the couch in my living room. (7/12/10) With a name like "Fussell", which one can just imagine being pronounced as though one has a silver spoonful of Prize Pig crap upon ones tongue, one is most likely to have the ability to extrapolate the contents of such a timely and crucial piece of utmost importance to a populace so heavily burdened with the unpleasant and trivial concerns such as having to step over a dreadfully disheveled homeless person on ones way to the wine boutique that has that ever so lovely choice of enticers or perhaps dismay to find said business now closed due to the slight pinch the economy has caused to those less entitled to the finer life than ones self,or esteemed colleagues, and therefor below notice. The rest of us could probably give a fuck less. Donnie (7/12/10) Hi Dave--do you have the most recent ratings for Richmond Radio? (7/12/10) Dave's response: Go to radio-info.com and click on the "ratings" tab..... From laradio.com: Jack Wells, KABC Talk show host from 1963-67, died June 27 from complications of a stroke at a Los Angeles nursing home. He was 86. He was a pioneering broadcaster who hosted Baltimore's first morning tv show. Jack created and hosted a LA tv show on KHJ/Channel 9, called The Age of Aquarius. Wells decided to go into radio during World War II, when he served in Europe as an Army radio operator with Chuck Thompson, who went on to become a legendary Baltimore Orioles announcer. Wells also did voiceovers and guest starred on shows such as Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless and General Hospital. (7/12/10) Someone asked how to get a copy of the July 4th party countdown from Big100. I don't know, but I suppose it was a copy of their regular playlist in different order. (7/12/10) In the book Class, A Guide to the American Status System, Dr. Paul Fussell outlines how to determine by points a families social class by observing what is in (or in not) their living room. You get points for having things like a messy stack of books in the corner, a thread worn oriental rug, high ceilings, displayed fresh flowers (not plastic), a Tiffany lamp, and hardwood floors (not wall to wall carpeting). You get points deducted for having things in your living room like a bookcase housing objects other than books, plastic covers on the furniture, an immaculate oriental rug, a large family portrait, and a Television. He argues , Television in the living room is a marker of the lesser educated and the lower class; the living room is for socializing and a television hinders that role. The see the checklist, click here. www.umsl.edu... Let the flames begin. (7/12/10) At around 10:55, on ESPN980, Kevin Sheehan (in the studio) was talking to Mr. Tony and the rest of his show (in Rehobeth). Up to that point, the remote had worked reasonably well (although they did lose Liz Clarke from South Africa on a phone call), but suddenly Kevin was talking to himself . . . the station immediately went to commercial, and that's where they've been since; it's now 11:15. And, you know, 20-plus minutes of commercials are STILL more entertaining than the John Thompson Show! Sincerely, TMU (7/12/10) re: "I am trying to find the complete list of Big 100.3 July 4th countdown of top 400 party songs. Does anyone have this list or know of the link to it?" www.idigbig.com (7/12/10) Big 100.3 party songs list request... Go to www.idigbig.com, then type "party songs" in the search box. Andrew Fauver (7/12/10) I saw this today on Ann Wog's facebook today.... My Big News! Share, Today at 7:54am... It’s always fun to start on a new adventure and I have a big one right around the corner. For those who haven’t heard: after 4 years at WMAL I am packing up and moving to Boston! I have accepted a new position as the Executive Producer of The Jim & Margery Show on 96.9 Boston Talks. DC has been an amazing place to live and to work and I thank everyone for their kind words. I’ll be at WMAL until 7/23 and will be working hard during that time to make The Grandy Group the best show on the air. If you know anyone who is looking for a producer gig in DC, please let me know. I will happily put them in touch with the right people at WMAL, as they are now “actively seeking a replacement.” (7/12/10) I am trying to find the complete list of Big 100.3 July 4th countdown of top 400 party songs. Does anyone have this list or know of the link to it? Thanks.... (7/12/10) Good morning, In my New York Social Diary column today, thoughts on A Midsummer's Spy Scandal. Also, a farewell to Emmanuel Lenain, who's off to Shanghai. www.nysocialdiary.com... At some point soon I'll have a link on my website to the interesting TEDx event I hosted yesterday at the Newseum. Fifteen speakers, from a runner to a comic to a poet to a political operative to a philanthropist to a combat surgeon to an anthropological bartender, each talking about reinvention. It was sponsored by Cynergy, and I thank them for inviting me to be the moderator. Have a good week, Carol (7/12/10) I agree w/ John in Hanover. I dont have a TV in my bedroom either. The bedroom should be for 2 things only. However, I generally sleep on the couch. (7/12/10) Re: "The last place that I want a television is in the bedroom. My tv is in the living room. That's the same room my parents put their's in in 1954." Watching TV is not the major source of pleasure in my bedroom either, but c'mon now. Talk about living in the stone age. (7/1/2/10) Bring back Tom Joyner Morning show on 102.3, I miss it. It helps me in the morning to make my trip to work a fun and relating trip. Please 102.3 bring back the morning show. I like the 120 hours of non-stop music, but really miss the Tom Joyner morning show... Washington listener (7/12/10) Dave's response: I'm told he'll be back on 102.3 by Wednesday..... Found former Philadelphia native and morning dj Kevin Fennessy streaming live from coast1013.com. Hi Kev! (7/12/10) Does anyone know what happened to Kyle Osborne on NewsChannel 8? I haven't seen him on air recently, and Google is absolutely no help. He still shows up on the NC8 talent page. I never watched it regularly, but I saw some of Entertainment Forecast last night and there was no Kyle, just Arch Campbell. It was almost painful to watch Arch fumble his way through the show. He does not do well without a partner. (7/12/10) "Life is much too short to waste it watching all this garbage" - My same thoughts about this mailbag. (7/12/10) Dave's response: The very fact that you bother posting here shows that you're sort of a hypocrite. Ha ha ha..... (RE WMAL:) what do you think of the woman who is trying out today, from the hill newspaper? a big step? when was the last time a woman "co-hosted?" (7/12/10) Dave's response: WMAL hasn't had a permanent female co-host for mornings since way back when Jane Norris co-hosted with Bill Press and Andy Parks..... /\ July 12 Messages /\ \/ July 11 Messages \/ The last place that I want a television is in the bedroom. My tv is in the living room. That's the same room my parents put their's in in 1954. I don't go to bed to watch television. Actually, I don't watch fours of tv a week and that's mostly news. Life is much too short to waste it watching all this garbage. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (7/11/10) "Dave, I was recently informed that local radio icon "Davy Jones" (AKA Paul Bicknell) is featured in the current edition of the Maryland Gazette." Big deal! I hear Mr. Collings was once featured in an issue of Pennysaver. Sincerely, James (7/11/10) Sorry confused JohnnyUinHanover... Having digital cable and having your cable system switch to all digital and delete all the analog channels are 2 different things. YOU are confused. You will dislike the coming COMCAST changes, trust me. What will eventually happen to you is that bedroom HDTVs will become useless without a converter box and you'll have to probably get all new remotes and converter boxes for the rest of the house. Once again, I'll repeat... the reason you are happy with COMCAST is because this process has YET to happen to your cable system. It has only happened in the DC/Baltimore metro area. (7/11/10) Dave, Here's another complaint from COMCAST of CENTRAL CONNECTICUT. The Mets/Braves baseball game on TBS was blacked out on TBS because the game was being shown locally on WCCT-TV Channel 20. However the game ended at 4PM and TBS remained blacked until 5PM. Marc (7/11/10) I guess when you have no direct competition WERQ 92Q you can be the top rated station in your format in Baltimore. In my opinion when you lose two major urban station`s in less than six years 1997-2003 that is a black eye on Baltimore(WXYV-V103 and WXYV-X1057) i do not think that urban radio in Baltimore is all that great. Baltimore is a shrinking radio market 19th to 22nd so as someone said it must have been a slow news weekend in D.C. (7/11/10) Dave's response: Both DC's WPGC and WKYS have heavy listenership in Baltimore, with both regularly placing among the market's top 20 radio stations in the Charm City ratings..... Re: "It looks like Radio-Locator.com will be going down the drain soon as far as its usability. It appears they can no longer generate new signal plots anymore. The 2 latest signal changes in this area (WVIE & WAGE) cannot be generated. :-( " Don't blame Radio-Locator, blame Uncle Sam. They are ditching the "Tiger" free map server. See this note when you go to WAGE's FCC linked location plot: www.census.gov... "As of late May 2010, the TIGER Map Service will no longer be available. This application used geography from the 1990 Census. The Census Bureau determined that it was time to retire the service. We are working on new web mapping services which we hope to release in conjuction with the 2010 Census data in early 2011. We are sorry for any inconvenience this change may cause." (7/11/10) ["Parris doesn't own the land where the transmitter for WKHZ sits. In fact, he doesn't even have a lease for the land.'] You really need to blow it out of your ass, pal. Parris has a lease on the land, and has had one for the past 9 years. Get your facts straight. Sign of a bitter ex-employee, or someone that got their quarter stuck in the "vend-o-station"... ["The 1k power for WKHZ hasn't been reality for years, they broadcast at less than 250 watts daytime because the FCC keeps extending the STA from when one tower fell."] Another sign of a bitter ex-employee. I'm beginning to narrow this poster down. One of two people, and your use of the English language is too good to be one of the two. The current power is 250 day / 50 night non-directional. There is no possibility of building another tower on that site to make the station 1000/230 directional again. The FCC has no choice but to extend the STA, let the station re-license at that power, find a new site, or take it dark. The FCC does not want stations to go dark - so they will allow the STA to continue indefinitely. Since you are such a bitter ex-employee, file a complaint against his "ghastly" operation... ["And the last I heard, Parris doesn't own WYRE."] Finally, our bitter poster gets a correct statement. However, take back my statement about correct use of the English language. (7/11/10) May not be news worthy...Frank Ahrens of the WaPo is getting married today...Story on E9. (7/11/10) Dave's response: I hope that he and Paul Farhi will be very happy for many years to come..... Just a note on the KHZ story. Parris doesn't own the land where the transmitter for WKHZ sits. In fact, he doesn't even have a lease for the land. So nobody will come along and make an offer. The 1k power for WKHZ hasn't been reality for years, they broadcast at less than 250 watts daytime because the FCC keeps extending the STA from when one tower fell. And the last I heard, Parris doesn't own WYRE. (7/11/10) Sorry to disappoint you but we have digital. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. P.S. My internet is very fast. (7/11/10) The "KHZ Music Lab" has helped bring me back to the AM band. I've actually set a button for 810 AM because there's something 'correct' about hearing beach music and oldies on an AM station. Maybe there's a revival of the AM band in the works, what with the monster WBAL 1090 AM programming some solid news in the mornings and afternoons. I've also set a button there. So out of my six pre-sets on AM, it's 880 WCBS, 810 WYRE, 1090 WBAL, 1430 WNAV, and two TBDs. Any suggestions ? (7/11/10) Just a few weeks into the merger between the Loudoun Times Mirror and the Loudoun Independent we failed to receive our copy of the Loudoun Independent this week. Not sure if this was just an oversight or a sign of things (not) to come.... (7/11/10) Hey Mr. Sakata, the sensation that put a hurtin' on your tastebuds was probably from an old jockstrap from your day as a catcher. I hear it was retrieved from the old Memorial Stadium site when Cal Ripken broke ground there for his latest project. Tippy Martinez (7/11/10) I used the article on Paul Bicknell to wrap some rockfish. The fish ended up tasting old and pretentious. - Lenn Sakata (7/11/10) I read with interest your post on the "Parris and Bicknell's KHZ Music Lab." I've often wondered what I would do with a 250 watt daytimer (WYRE) or a 1KW/230w night "cripple" high frquency (1590) AM like WKHZ. First of all, I would like to have the stations on or near the beach, preferably on the Carolina Coast say maybe in or near Wilmington, etc. Second, with massive power like that, I don't have to worry about competing with the big corporate titans because I can't. So, the alternative is just to "have FUN with it." That's about all you can do. It's is also a great way to give experience to newbies looking for their first gig. On the other hand, my fear is that in a few years, some big developer will roll through and tell me the land my tower is on is worth more as a townhouse development and he will pay me big bucks to hand in my license. WMAL is rumored to have been offered csh to give up the land they are on but turned it down. Many great AMers have succumbed to this. So "have FUN with it" while you can! (7/11/10) Dave's response: It's commonly known that the real estate value of WMAL's tower site in North Bethesda is more than the value of the radio station's technical facilities and license. Citadel could always move WMAL to FM (105.9), and then sell the 630 license, without the land. The new owner could put 630 (now playing Polkas) back on the air from another less expensive site, like maybe WTNT's in Germantown or WAGE's new one in Ashburn..... JohnnyuinHanover,Pa, Just googled "highest paid phila. ceos" and at the top of the list is Brian Roberts of comcast who makes just over 24 million dollars. Enjoy your slow internet and tv. (7/11/10) TO JohnnyuinHanover,Pa , the COMCAST sympathizer.... WAIT until COMCAST does the digital conversion on your older analog cable system. THEN GET BACK TO US ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU LOVE COMCAST. Until then, your Comcastic sycophant comments are useless to the rest of us. (7/11/10) I hear Paul Bicknell finished his interview at another newspaper later that day. AHHHHmen (7/11/10) ["Hi Dave, I've noticed on your cable page you’ve referenced letters you’ve received from Comcast customers. We’d love to have the opportunity to follow up directly with any customers that may reach out to you so we can answer their questions and address any concerns they may have. If you are able to share their contact information, I’ll be happy to have someone on our customer care team follow up. Thanks, Alisha Martin, Senior Manager of Public Relations Eastern Division, Comcast Cable"] TRANSLATION: QUIT AIRING OUR DIRTY LAUNDRY! (7/11/10) /\ July 11 Messages /\ \/ July 10 Messages \/ Holy Crap!! Who is programming 94.7's HD2 HFS Freeform Weekend?! I started listening to it because of the tip here on dcrtv.com. This is some of the most enjoyable and creative music radio I have heard in over twenty (30?) years. I hope this will lead to something :) Robert, Arlington (7/10/10) Dave, COMCAST bought out our local cable company a few years ago. It was Hanover Cable TV that came into being in the 1970's. Hanover Cable TV was owned by the same people who owned WHVR (1280 ) and WYCR (98.5) When there was talk of COMCAST buying it, I was very concerned because of everything I read on DCRTV. I've had no problems and I can't remember any outages. I will try to live with the increase but as I stated, I can live without TV if I have to. I will say that after dial-up, I am extremely happy with their internet service JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (7/10/10) Regarding choosing ala carte cable channels, we had that in Harrisonburg back in the early 90s. When you added up the bill for the fewer channels you really watched and wanted, the total came to more than if you bought the whole menu. (7/10/10) Ann Wog is the type of radio producer (news talk format or otherwise) that any number of DC radio producers yearn to be like. In the years that I've dealt with her via e-mail or by phone I've noticed that she's run a tight ship and has produced very consistent, informative and enjoyable shows with "Grandy & Andy", "Plante & Grandy" and now "The Grandy Group". As soon as my alarm clock went off at 4:59 a.m. very week day, I just knew that I would get all my news of the day condensed in a span of 4 hours in a very likable format. Ann will be missed very much by the fans and listeners. Good luck to you! Bring back Geoff Holtzman or Jerry Klein to take her place and produce. -Silvie- (7/10/10) Dave, We've got one up on you. Up here in the Borough of Hanover, COMCAST gives us BBC World News. I cannot complain about a DVR because I do not have one. I do not have a VCR either. If COMCAST winds up costing too much, I will cancel it. I can live without TV. I've done it before. When my oldest child was getting ready to start school in1969, I thought it was best to throw out the TV. We went without one until 1983. I bought a black and white set then to watch the Orioles when they made the World Series. (Last time by the way.) If costs are to high, I'll junk it again. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (7/10/10) Dave's response: Is that a former Adelphia system? I know that Comcast carries some channels on its acquired Adelphia systems - like Fox Movie Channel in Loudoun County - that it doesn't normally offer on most of its systems. Probably due to old Adelphia carriage contracts..... Beacuse I don't watch News Channel 8, this is probably not news to some. But I stopped to watch it for a few minutes today and noticed that Horace Holmes was doing sports..The last time I saw him on t.v., he was a news anchor/reporter..Does he usually do sports or is he filling in for someone?. And I thought I read awhile back that Doug McElway was co-hosting that show Let's Talk, but I just saw a commercial for that show and two women were advertised as co-hosts..Guess I'm just not in the know. (7/10/10) Congratulations to Paul Bicknell for getting himself and his station some press. Sure, it was in a paper that covers little league games and has about as much impact as hollaring out of your window. But props to you nonetheless! (7/10/10) Dave's response: I thought it was the Montgomery Gazette. But it's the much smaller Maryland Gazette in Glen Burnie. But that's cool. The link's up on the front page..... "Dave, I was recently informed that local radio icon "Davy Jones" (AKA Paul Bicknell) is featured in the current edition of the Maryland Gazette." --Must have been a slow news day at the Gazette. Any mention of how much he had to pay to get that column printed? AHHHHH (7/10/10) I've been sitting listening to the HFS Freeform weekend which is the first time I've heard it, at first it made me think wtf? With the types of songs they were playing but it's actually pretty cool that they're playing all sorts of stuff. It's different, once again the people at the head of the HFS programming are showing why HFS is the best rock & alternative rock music station in Maryland. (7/10/10) Dave, I was recently informed that local radio icon "Davy Jones" (AKA Paul Bicknell) is featured in the current edition of the Maryland Gazette. How great for him and his wonderful show! Rusty (7/10/10) (excerpt) A producer for WMAL's morning show from the North American Radio Network? That's laughable ... Shake it up with a really strong pro in that position. (end excerpt) Really Strong Pros come with Really Strong Price Tags (I know; I'm one of them and very selective about my employment options). If money-hurtin' Citadel could run WMAL off volunteers and a hamster wheel generator, it would. (7/10/10) I wonder if Ann Wog who recently left WMAL any relation to another Wog I"m familiar with? Froggy 98 in Altoona has a Polly Wog on the air. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (7/10/10) I'm not happy about a price increase at COMCAST but I will live with it. On a brighter note, gas is $2.49 here in the Burough of Hanover. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (7/10/10) Around 8:30 a.m. yesterday , I too heard the hype on WMMJ about some big changes coming at 10am which obviously didn't occur. They were broadcasting voice mail messages supposedly left by listeners. The messages went from suggesting a change to Christian music, leaving it the way it is because the person liked the no talk format, and someone supposedly upset because she didn't know what was going on and that the station should let the listeners know..And we're supposed to believe that these are actual voice mail message?..In any case, why promote a change if everything's not in place....Also, regarding the Craig Melvin post, the morning weekend anchor Aaron Gilchrist wasn't on this morning, but Kimberly Suiters said Aaron would be on this evening, Craig's usual anchor time..So, maybe he's still in NY in talks with the powers that be?..Who knows. (7/10/10) For Johnny in Hanover: Comcast Cable is about three weeks away from putting into effect its second price increase in less than one year. On Aug. 1, the company will boost the average York County customer's bill by roughly 3.5 percent, said Bob Grove, a spokesman for Comcast Cable's Keystone Region. That increase is on top of a 1.9 percent price hike for the average Comcast customer that took effect Nov. 1. (7/10/10) Dave's response: Today at the Reston Festival, Comcast will have a booth with a Brian Roberts-like contraption that hooks to your ankles and hangs you upside down. And it shakes you down. All the coins drop out of your pockets into a tray that funnels them into a container that goes straight to Comcast..... A producer for WMAL's morning show from the North American Radio Network? That's laughable. Doesn't Citadel already have a so-called board op from there? I think that's the one that sleeps in their car under the building and "washes" & changes in the Citadel bathrooms. It would be like hiring a certain cable radio brokered host for a drive time network slot. As my old Granny used to say "Sometimes you just have to hose out the barrel and start the moonshine makin' all over agin!" Best to Ann Wog in Boston. I think WMAL's best bet is to look for someone with fresh ideas who isn'y tied to the same ol' same ol'. Shake it up with a really strong pro in that position. (7/10/10) John Collings (& Crew), I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed our "Spot" last night. As Kevin was well prepared to discuss the Ringo issue. Yes, I'll call in again next week as promised. Ciao 4 now, Rusty Gibson (7/10/10) Dave, I’m going to have to respectfully disagree with you on this one. For “a la carte” to truly reflect the marketplace, no channel should be exempt regardless of its “value”. (I remember when General Sarnoff gave an early RCA TV to Arturo Toscanini (director of the NBC Symphony), Sarnoff was aghast to learn that the Maestro’s favorite viewing was wrestling!) I say that because in addition to the aforementioned costs of the local origination “extortion” channels, some cable companies are now forced to pay cash for carriage of some broadcast stations, a concept likely to expand as the depression in advertising worsens. DBS has paid to carry local stations since they started carrying broadcasters. That’s why DBS has always charged their customers extra for broadcast. And, Verizon and AT&T have been doing likewise since their starts. The argument is oft made that “tying” of networks allows “niche” programming to get a start or continue. Otherwise these networks would supposedly either never get started or swiftly die of economic euthanasia. BET and C-SPAN are usually cited as examples. As one who remembers the “bleached bones” of many a UHF pioneer (including WOOK-TV/WFAN-TV in D.C. (for which I’d love to see a thread or even a tribute page here on DCRTV!)) the marketplace is efficient but cruel. But, I remember BET getting its start in the basement of WDCA with Donnie Simpson doing “Video Soul” and being strictly evenings and overnight only, Robert Johnson didn’t need the “subsidy” of other networks to make BET work. He risked his own fortune. While it did have “one-armed China Bob” and the “VAST TV Auction”, the early BET embraced creativity, risk, and reward, concepts largely eschewed by the “media pros” of today. As for C-SPAN, the first time I saw a Congressman addressing an otherwise empty chamber, the service proved its enduring worth to me –None! A number of years ago, I was at a trade show in Texas and in one of the “hospitality suites” I heard a guy who’d apparently had a bit too much of the free libations suggest that “if a cable system had a problem with non-paying customers, they should shut off every channel but C-SPAN and see what happens”. I later read in one of the trades that a system in New York tried it and their delinquent payment rate was cut by 85%! That might not work around here. I bet if C-SPAN goes out for Comcast or Cox, the number of calls would rival that of trouble during the Super Bowl for any other place in the U.S.A. Yes, there are broadcast channels and cable nets I’m willing to pay for. But, the majority are unavailable to American viewers via cable or satellite because of culturally xenophobic and protectionist legislation. SHVIA is but one of those laws. As I enjoy my elder years, while I recall when WTTG was a DuMont O&O and D.C. had only four channels, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to watch Britain’s “Channel 4”, France’s TF1, Germany’s ARD, or RTL from Luxembourg in real time on my 73” Mitsubishi or DVR the programmes to suit my viewing schedule –if I’m willing to pay for it! And, that’s the dilemma it seems everyone in TV has trouble understanding. There’s no such thing as “free TV”. Ever! Anywhere! Either you pay an “Annual License Fee” (or tax) to the government for TV or the price paid for products and services advertised on TV includes a percentage for its promotional (or ad) budget, a cable/satellite bill, or a mix thereof -there’s never been :”free TV” anywhere. For “a la carte” to be “fair and balanced”, all TV broadcasters and cable services need to have equal access to the rewards the marketplace offers. And, to its risks. –Unsigned Corporate Suit (7/10/10) Dave's response: The perfect place for the "a la carte" video idea? The internet! Ahhh, it's pretty much already there, duh. You can buy your video channels/programs directly from the originator, and not need the "middle man" distributor - the old grunky cable company. Perhaps Comcast sees that the cable TV biz will be obsolete within the next decade or so - and that accounts for its "last gasp" reach for NBC. Before it's too late! OK, go ahead, FCC, let 'em have it. QVC will probably be worth more than NBC by 2020. Ha ha ha..... The producer of WMAL's morning show was named Wog? Somehow it fits a right-wing station...and suddenly I'm thinking of Randy Newman's "Sail Away." -- Vincent in Lynchburg (7/10/10) It shouldn't be terribly difficult to find another producer for WMAL. The North American Radio Network is a block away on Wisconsin Ave., and I'm sure they could walk someone across the street to WMAL in the short term. (7/10/10) Oh, no has donnie g. already blown out a producer. I thought Jodi, with only a few weeks on the job, had a hell of a lot of potential as producer. Really liked her sense of humor. I think the female presence on the show is a positive. Even with Donnie g. repeating a lot of stuff, you had 2 years to come up with new stuff, I still find him way more entertaining than Mr. O'Meara. How's that for a backhanded compliment Donnie G. I have some interest in a Big O, Robbay, Buzz podcast. I think Big O, who has creative radio ability that can't be taken advantage of in the hyper drive "me" centric O'Meara podcast, and Buzz can work at a slower tempo with Robbay putting some more funny in the podcast without being the constant laff track for O'Meara. Fred Grandy didn't have anything with blowing Andy Parks out at WMAL did he? (7/10/10) It looks like Radio-Locator.com will be going down the drain soon as far as its usability. It appears they can no longer generate new signal plots anymore. The 2 latest signal changes in this area (WVIE & WAGE) cannot be generated. :-( (7/10/10) /\ July 10 Messages /\ \/ July 9 Messages \/ The concept of allowing cable to be consumed a la carte reminds me of my days eating in the Hibbs cafeteria at Virginia Commonwealth University in the mid-1980s. The food plan was priced based on their best guess for how many people would actually show up to eat their 15 or 20 meals a week. When the money ran out near the end of the semester, we would get more “rainbow” roast beef and moonrocks (what we called the Salisbury steak). Right now, the people who aren’t watching ESPN are somewhat subsidizing those who do. If the cable companies ever do let us pick and choose our own lineups ($2 for that one, another 50 cents for this, 35 cents for that), I think a lot of people are probably going to be surprised by the bill or disappointed by the paltry offerings... Charles in Winchester (7/9/10) Dave's response: Sure, some little-watched cable networks would go out of business, not being "subsidized" by all those cable subscribers who never watch them. But, those that do survive would obviously air higher quality programming (a la ditching infomercials) in order to be popular in the "a la carte" universe. Cable systems would still offer discounted packages for those who want lots and lots of channels, regardless of whether they watch them or not, but most cable subscribers would pay less since they'd be paying only for the channels they really watch. And most people probably regularly watch fewer than 40 or 50 cable channels. Why pay for the other 150+ that you don't want or need, like you do right now..... Out here in San Diego, when I turned on my TV today there was a system message waiting on the screen. I have AT&T U-Verse, which is a cable-like service. I think it's similar in concept to the Verizon set-up you have there. Anyway, here's what the message said: "At midnight on July 14, our contract with AMC, IFC, and WE tv channels (all owned by Rainbow Networks) is scheduled to expire. Although we've been working to negotiate a fair agreement with Rainbow Networks, the programming fees they are seeking are not reasonable. We can’t and won’t give in to unfair programming costs for our customers. We continue to negotiate with Rainbow Networks. However, if a fair agreement isn’t reached by July 14, Rainbow could require us to remove their programming from our lineup to try and force us into an unfair deal." Well, that's just lovely! Corporate intrigue and threats just in time for the premiere on Season 4 of Mad Men! Frankly, other than Mad Men and Breaking Bad, I have very little use for AMC. Their heavily edited, frequently interrupted versions of movies is unwatchable. IFC is fine. And I don't think I've even heard of WE. I've had AT&T U-Verse since late 2008 and I really like it. Over the years, I've also had the other two TV services that are available in San Diego County, Cox and Time Warner, and AT&T U-Verse is better technically and also in terms of cost. I understand that AT&T doesn't wish to be screwed, but as a viewer, I don't wish to be screwed either! You'd think that with the economy being in the doldrums that both companies would have a bit more flexibility - not to mention a little compassion for viewers - but you'd be wrong. I don't plan to switch to Cox or Time Warner if AMC goes dark on U-Verse, but I will be writing to AT&T and Rainbow Networks about this situation. If all else fails, thank God for iTunes, which also offers Mad Men! (7/9/10) Dave, as a consumer and businessman, I appreciate your pain regarding the Comcast buy of NBCU. However, some simple economics are in play. This is “vertical integration” in its purest form as Comcast will (in the case of its owned channels) total control from concept to delivery. Of course, vertical integration brings what some call “efficiencies”, which are usually permanent job and career elimination. Having said that, both broadcasters and cable networks have the cable and satellite companies by the throat by requiring “all or nothing” carriage. In the case of a broadcast network which has O&O’s and cable networks, there is currently no statutory ban on requiring carriage of something like a nascent “The Needlepoint Channel” (Remember 25 or 30 years ago when ESPN carried a lot of crap?) and perhaps less-popular networks in order to carry a popular cable network, or the local co-owned broadcast TV station. This carriage is of course in addition to any per-channel fees for carriage. This is in addition to advertisers often facing a similar situation in their ad buys. Broadcasters with less dense vertical integration have less to bargain with. Where broadcasters own a “local cable news channel”, it’s usually offered only to cable as a freebie, but not promoted as such lest the broadcaster anger the satcasters which broadcast needs (along with cable) in this digital era where many TV stations have lost even tower-visible OTA reception. Answers? Were the FCC to require Comcast to sell its channels “a la carte” as a condition of approval, Comcast would likely appeal and win in court on several points, not the least of which is that the FCC currently lacks the statutory mandate regulating merchandising. The only likely relief would be legislative. However, while Congress could enact a “telecommunications antitrust act”, whether it would fly in the courts is questionable. One political hot potato would be the fate of all those local origination channels which towns, cities, counties, etc., demand of cable TV companies in a manner reminiscent of extortion, as part of a franchise award. Not only are the cable TV companies required to provide a channel slot and transmission equipment for these “shotgun channels”, but most of the time “state of the art” production equipment (and training of government employees or volunteers in its use), equipment maintenance, and sometimes even studio facilities are required to be provided at the expense of the cable companies. And, ultimately their customers. A statutory requirement of “a la carte” without allowing customers to delete the channels mandated by local government (and the associated costs tacked onto your cable bill) would likely fail in the courts. The local government channel requirement is one reason I went with satellite in 1999. Why? As a broadcaster, I feel government’s only responsibility in telecommunications is on the technical side. But, that’s another rant for another day. –Unsigned Corporate Suit (7/9/10) Dave's response: Obviously, basic cable, including local must-carry signals and public/access/community channels, would be exempt from an "a la carte" option..... I finally listened to the Kirk and Mike show this morning. What's with Mike's frequent reference to Kirk as "a black man on a white radio station"? That struck me as odd and a bit uncomfortable. Robert, Arlington (7/9/10) I think ESPN is on to something with this LeBron James special. They should turn it in to a weekly program. Call it "The Big Announcement", or "To Be Announced". Next, they could have the inevitable, annual Brett Favre "I'm coming back for 1 more year" installment. Got to have one of ESPN's all-time favorites "T.O." announce where he will play this year. How about the NCAA announcing the sanctions for the next big program (like the recent USC scandal). Tiger to announce what tournament he'll play in next. The trainer of the Kentucky Derby winner announcing his decision on running the horse in the Preakness. All-Star/Pro Bowl teams, or the next big coach firing/hiring. Who John Cena will wrestle in the next pay-per-view. (Oops, sorry, wrong network.) The list is endless. Why not? All pretty worthless to me, but people will apparently watch this kind of stuff. (7/9/10) Dave, while I agree with your general point about the Comcast-NBC merger, I have reservations about offering an "a la carte" option for subscribers. I can easily imagine MSNBC fans blacking out Fox News and vice versa, or viewers of TBN blocking out Logo. I'm concerned that too many subscribers will end up living in ideological cocoons, save from any possibility of exposure to information that might challenge or contract their worldviews. I'm not suggesting that a fan of MSNBC has to force himself to watch Fox. My concern is with that fan eliminating the possibility of running across Fox while channel-surfing. I don't know about anyone else, but I want to have my worldview challenged now and then. (7/9/10) Dave's response: While Comcast and other cable companies can continue to offer their current packages of channels, why couldn't they also sell their channels on a per-channel "a la carte" basis? If someone wants to live in an "ideological cocoon," then they should have the freedom to do so. Look, I pay close to $100 a month for four Comcast tiers - basic, expanded basic, digital basic, and digital premiere. That's something like 200 channels, when I only regularly watch 30 or 40. Since Comcast does have the technology to activate only the channels I want on my box, why can't it sell me exactly what I want at a per-channel price? Perhaps Comcast could offer a tier of only news channels, or a tier of cooking/home design channels that are better targeted to viewers' interests. If I want MSNBC and Fox News, I also have to pay for Nickelodeon and the Golf Channel - which I don't watch or want. The reality is that you are spending your hard-earned cable TV dollars to support networks that you and very few other people want. Look, when I go to the grocery store, I don't have to buy diapers and green beans in order to get potato chips. The same should be true with cable TV service, too. Comcast is not consumer-friendly, and Genachowski's corrupt FCC doesn't give a shit..... Hey Dave – it’s 4:15 and still no big announcement on Majic 102.3 as they have been teasing since the Tom Joyner Show this morning. They changed the announcement time from 10:00 to 4:00, and now they are running promos saying that they are “broadcasting live in HD and on the web”. Still no deejays, just music and promos. Perhaps they jumped the gun in teasing the so-called big announcement? (7/9/10) I refused to watch the Lebron James special on ESPN last night because the entire thing was so sleazy and ridiculous. But (local angle) I heard Michael Wilbon was involved in it, which means he has thrown away any journalistic credibility he ever had. Shameless whore is the phrase that comes to mind, in my view. (7/9/10) I've listened to Kirk and Mike for the past few days and I think it is great. Mike is reall energized and at the top of his game. Yeah Kirk is getting top billing while Mike is clearly in charge of that show but so far it is reminding me alot of the old "Kirk, Mark, and Lopez" show on 98 Rock and Kirk wasn't running that ship either despite having the top billing there too. As a matter of fact, I'm having a hard time calling O'Meara, Mike and not Mark because of how familar the whole thing sounds. KML was never the same after Lopez died and neither was Don and Mike after Freda's death but it seems to me though that both Kirk McEwen and Mike O'Meara have been re-engerized by their pairing and this could be the start of some great things for 105.9. (7/9/10) ["John Thompson - Is he gone from 980? Sports Fix went 4 hrs this week. Just curious... Dave's response: On vacation....."] That's a good one. We should be so lucky. Everyone (most of all Red Zebra management) would be very happy if this were true. (7/9/10) Saw this on Facebook from Nestor (WNST): "I'm initiating another American Idol-style search for Baltimore's next sports media personality. Anyone interested in throwing their resume/blog/cover letter my way, feel free..." (7/9/10) "How are the PPM ratings being received by radio folks in the industry where there is PPM listener measurement? Is it a thumbs up or thumbs down for PPM? Also, in simple every day language can someone explain how this technology works." It's not perfect by any means but it sure beats the "memory test" methodology of diaries! It measures what people actually listen to and for how long, not what they "recall" listening to. But they need a bigger sample size and Arbitron charges too much. It works like this: Arbitron calls you to get you to agree to carry around a small device (like a small beeper) for up to 2 years. At night the device is placed in a dock which both charges it and transmits the data to Arbitron. It will hear the tone inside the radio signal even if carried in a woman's purse. As long as Arbitron detects motion and use, users accrue points for rewards. There is inventive to carry it. (7/9/10) I was either high or someone is lying to me. Some TV station was running commercials hyping Strasburg vs. Lincecum, tonight. However, I see Lincecum WILL NOT be starting. I guess he isn't pitching since he will be in the all-star game...ALSO, FOX 5 needs sensitivity training for black women. Poor Allison Seymour's hair started to nap-up during her outdoor shoot today due to humidity. Poor lady :( She even commented about it...lol (7/9/10) Re: "Big changes" coming to WMAL: Am surprised that Citadel would consider toying with the Grandy Group, a team that is, after all, in the top 20, and just one ranking behind newlywed (4th) Rush, who clocks in at #19. Speaking of which, can anyone name a city where Limbaugh is ranked lower? Have searched and can't find one. ACH (7/9/10) Please, NBC, hire Craig Melvin away from the DC area. He is the worst anchor I have ever heard on the air in DC. Why anyone thinks the guy has a shred of talent is beyond me. I've never heard anyone SPIT words at viewers like he does. Get him OUT of here! (7/9/10) Hey Dave – have you noticed that the promos running on Majic 102.3 promising something “big” at 10:00 this morning have now been changed to say that something big will occur at “4:00”? I’m listening now at work and sure enough, nothing happened at 10:00. (7/9/10) Anita Marks pulling a shift on WFAN this AM with Sid Rosenberg. (7/9/10) How are the PPM ratings being received by radio folks in the industry where there is PPM listener measurement? Is it a thumbs up or thumbs down for PPM? It's billed as more accurate as it only measures what's actually happening in the lister word. Is the technology flawed or is it flawless? Also, in simple every day language can someone explain how this technology works. (7/9/10) John Thompson - Is he gone from 980? Sports Fix went 4 hrs this week. Just curious. (7/9/10) Dave's response: On vacation..... According to Dullesdistrict.com WAGE is not back on the air, at least not yet. The station "went dark" back in August of last year, and by FCC rules, needs to do three weeks of on-air testing before August 1. That's what you may be hearing if you're scanning the AM dial and hit 1200. Once the tests are done, the frequency will return to silence for a few more months. DullesDistrct.com reports that if there are no surprise developments in building the tower and transmitter site, the folks at WAGE could be back on the air possibly by Thanksgiving. www.dullesdistrict.com (7/9/10) Kirk and Mike have been GREAT today! Methinks a good chemistry can form there. O'Meara is still one of the most entertaining story-tellers on radio. He can take even the most mundane incidents and weave them into a funny story. Check out today's bit about his experiences with the parking garage attendent over the past three days. (Told it sometime around the 6:30-6:45 timeframe). Classic O'Meara! (7/9/10) Jack Shelton of the Everybody Loves Kane Show group on Facebook had emailed everyone that Kane was moving to Florida. If you go to the page, Kane posted to quit emailing because it is not true. I wonder if Jack Shelton is an intern www.facebook.com (7/9/10) "Dave's response: Yeah, Bicknell and Geronimo, too. Leisure World Radio. Ha ha ha....." -This begs the questions.... Will Paul abandon his shift after an hour and turn up at a rival station later that day? Or will he stick around long enough to berate all the women on-air personalities? AHHHH (7/9/10) Hey I don't know if u heard it but in the opening of his show yesterday, Donnie G revealed that he walked away from $5Million dollars by leaving the last 2.5 years of his contract on D&M Show.You rarely hear them talk hard numbers so I thought that was a juicy detail worthy of a post..... Joe (7/9/10) Channel 8's Phillip Stewart on their Washington Business show tonight sporting some glasses. Yum! (7/9/10) (regarding a previous post) "WMMJ 102.3 is running promos that promise something big starting tomorrow at 10:00 a.m." Will they announce that Andy Parks will be spinning the hits there soon? (7/9/10) Dave's response: Yeah, Bicknell and Geronimo, too. Leisure World Radio. Ha ha ha..... So Kane's following LeBron's lead, and heading to Florida where the state income tax is Zero! Smart move Kane! With the Bush Tax Cuts are expiring at the end of the year, he has to make up the difference somehow! So did AFTRA abandon the requirement of LIVE Jocked Shows based out of DC? How is Hot getting around that? (7/9/10) /\ July 9 Messages /\ \/ July 8 Messages \/ From Everybody Loves Kane Show on Facebook: KANE WILL BE MOVING TO TAMPA. AT THE END OF THE YEAR. KANE SHOW WILL STILL BE ON. BUT IT WILL BE FROM LIVE FROM TAMPA NOT WASHINGTON DC (7/8/10) To the person who was wondering about websites that publish current ratings, my personal favorite is Inside Radio/M Street’s www.stationratings.com. Also, Radio Online (www.radio-online.com) is a good (but not great) alternative. As always, thanks! EJM (7/8/10) Elvis has officially left the building - baltimoresun.com... Apparently he was stolen from the top of a greasy spoon diner near Baltimore. Too funny! (7/8/10) It’s been a long while since I’ve posted. BIG 100.3 had counted down the top 400 party songs of all time. I listened to some of it, but when I looked at the top 400 list, I noticed they played a couple of songs they haven’t played since changing formats 4 years ago. I saw Louie Louie by the Kingsmen and Tequila by the Champs on the list. Hmmmm. Ed Jones, Bel Air MD (7/8/10) I agree with some of the earlier posters. Spent about 30 minutes on Wednesday and 30 minutes on Thursday listening to Kirk and Mike. That was all I needed. Back to Elliott. (7/8/10) WMMJ 102.3 is running promos that promise something big starting tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. (7/8/10) Memo to Chris Plante; while the cat’s away the mouse will play. Silvie called and [flirted] spoke with your substitute host, Austin Hill, this morning. Right there, on the air, she cheated on you with a fill in, Chris. Take a day off and look what happens. You need to get that woman back in line. (7/8/10) Rusty....Looking forward to our discussion Friday night. Which, by the way, can be heard live at 11pm at www.fcac.org/webr. And in honor of Ringo's 70th birthday - Peace and Love, Rusty. -TOGS (7/8/10) Do you think Donnie g. really walked away from $5 million(as he said on Wed. podcast) when he left WJFK to get his shit together or it was part radio world embellishment? I don't know, I don't know seems like O'Meara ain't got no governor on. I could see were Kirk McEwen might get pisssed if O'Meara's dominance of air time continues. Personally I think O'Meara's strength lies in the impressions and his improvisational ability. But I get feeling that he has tired of that and now rellies more on his own pontifications which I find somewhat ponderous and rarely funny. Plus he doesn't like ELVIS! The word abides (7/8/10) Dave's response: Don left WJFK in April 2008. His contract with CBS Radio lasted until October 2010. As part of the "early out" deal, he'd remain under contract to the firm - and not be allowed to go to any non-CBS stations in the DC market or any other market where CBS owns stations - but not get paid. He did give up a big bundle of money, but not sure if it was $5 million. So, now with him back on a CBS station - KHTK in Sacramento - I'm sure he's collecting a CBS paycheck again. But nowhere near what he was getting at JFK, to be sure. Yeah, I do agree that the new 105.9 morning show sounds an awful lot like "THE MIKE O'MEARA SHOW with Kirk McEwen"..... I too switched over to 105.9 during a Junkies commercial. Heard fart noises during "Love Me Two Times." That's all I needed to hear. Switched over to WTOP until the Junks break was over. I've got no problem with Kirk. He sounds like an adult. But come on, Mike...it's not 1985 anymore. It's time to start talking and acting like a big boy, not a morning zoo has-been. (7/8/10) Radio & Records once published Arbitron ratings for each market when the numbers would come out. Of course, Radio & Records is no longer being published. Has another publication or on line site assumed this valuable service with the complete listing of the 12 plus numbers of the current book and the recent past books? Does anyone know? (7/8/10) Dave's response: Radio-Info.com and AllAccess.com both publish a lot of radio ratings numbers from all around the country..... Complete Kudos go to WETA on their Emmy Nominations. Long overdue! I especially enjoy their programming during "Pledge Drives". Last night's episode of Ken Burns' "Baseball" was truly Fab. Especially for a baseball junkie like yours truly. And Miss Sylvie I hope that my comments didn't offend you. Hey "JC", despite advice from friends yes I'll call in tomorrow evening. I'm quite looking forward to debating the drummer issue with Kevin (among other things i.e. (c)rap et al. And in the future, the next time you choose to place in our studio my image atop someone wearing a Yankee jersey (though This Oriole fan began to give the Yanks their long overdue respect since 9/11/01 -afterall they were previously a Baltimore franchise. Please ask me first. Peace, Rusty Gibson (7/8/10) Jonathan Murray pays for his time on WBAL. That segment is a long-form commercial, which is why he promotes his company and his RBC affiliation. Most news-formatted stations have a closing bell report (local one) that is a paid for advertisement. WCBM has one, WMAL has one, WTNT has one and WBAL also does. (7/8/10) I had to write in response to the person on 7/7 who wrote about WBAL's news show with Sherry. I'm disappointed about Smith too, but I went back and forth between him and WTOP. There's a lot more news on BAL now, and I really like that. The show is ok and its only been a couple of days. But what got me to write about the letter from the other day was that the guy was concerned with the guy Jonathan Murry. I couldn't care less. He's something BAL should have abandoned when they changed the show. My iPhone tells me all I need to know about my stocks all day long and about wall street. Murry is a tune-out if for no other reason than for his voice. I just can't believe that out of every change they made, the writer thought a meaningless segment like that was of worth. If WBAL felt they had to make a change in the afternoon, good. I am still able to catch Ron sometimes, though not as much as before. Gene (7/8/10) Hey Dave, You're site is a breath of fresh air!! I enjoy reading your rants and will be signing up for the plus side of your site. I am so happy that someone is enthusiastic about radio these days!! I am one of those radio guys, who actually works in radio because I enjoy it and I am one of the many folks in radio who trudges along out of sight and mind on the airwaves, and regardless of how corporate radio has gone, I can find solace that many I am just one of many folks in radio who don't have a mega contract but I actually enjoy this trade regardless of whatever I am compensated (it is often said that you won’t get rich in radio). Radio has been dying for years in terms of creativity and thinking out of the box; programmers who are stymied by the corporate mandate, disc-jockeys who are told what to say and when to say it, and yes, the same out-dated and corny talent that permeates our DC Airwaves even today. When will a corporate shop take a chance by hiring someone other than the O'Meara's of the World? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy listening to O’Meara, but I know there's other viable and fresh local talent out there! Also, when will corporate sports radio, finally hire a few non-sport (what I mean by this is minorities who haven't played a sport, much like the white sports casters that permeate 106.7, The Fan) minorities to serve at the hosting helm? LaVar Arrington, and John Thompson do not count as they played sports. It constantly befuddles me as radio guy, listener and as a minority, why is it that these corporate radio suits will not do the aforementioned? If a bunch of white men can get together and pontificate on all things sports, then why can it be the same for minority sport casters? Why do white men get to have all the fun in sports radio? I'm quite sure, there's some study tucked away somewhere (knowing the nature of radio). Black sport casters would give a different dynamic and spin on things. However, we can't blame new corporate radio for that, because that trend has been happening for years. And the bastardization of the local morning show with syndicated crap? I know it's done to save money, but when will someone truly step out of the box, and go against the programming grain and not do the tried, true, boring and predictable? When will someone step forward on the local radio programming front and go back to when radio was truly enjoyable for the listener? But that will never happen because radio is so corporate these days. There is no imagination, so, when all else fails, just go for talent that had their day in the sun and cross your fingers that they will attract enough numbers to sell commercials! Here’s an idea for corporate radio: For every several stations that they own in one market, why not make one station experimental and use the revenue from the other stations to carry the experimental station until it finds its niche. For example, if it’s a music station, you can have a truly expanded playlist, give the talent free reign in what to talk about (in other words, let them be truly creative by providing a virtual canvas to excite the listeners by engaging in total zaniness as well as truly thought provoking conversation) and hire fresh and new talent to the airwaves. The D.C. area is full of un-tapped radio talent. These folks love radio so much that they’ll work for half of what most radio talent make because they just want the opportunity to be the on-air! If I ever have the opportunity to purchase a radio station, I will fully take advantage of the fresh and new talent that is waiting for their opportunity to shine on the airwaves, and I will not be afraid to set new programming standards and break away from "trends". In an era where you can’t really distinguish the sound of one station from the other in terms of the over-all sound and even the on-air staff, radio is in desperate need of some kind of creative burst of energy and imagination! For once, I would like to see the scientific approach removed from radio programming! When is corporate shop going to have the moxie and the proverbial big kahuna’s to step away from the pack, even if it is to have one station that is different from the norm? I love radio, because of the immediateness and the one-on-oneness with listeners; where else can you stop regular programming to cover an important event (think 911 and hurricane Katrina). I just wanted to let you know, that there are thousands of little folks like me who tow the line every day in radio not because of the money, but because they still believe (to some extent), about the small impact they can make in someone's day via with music, personality or with their voice. Knowing that you can bring a smile to someone’s face or even illicit emotion from something that you may have said on-air is way better than having a station that is cut from the same mode as the rest! Warmest Regards, Kevin :-) (7/8/10) If the WAGE carrier is on the air, whether testing, programming, or silent, they must give a station ID near the top of the hour. Not doing so is a violation of the rules. Report them so that they can be fined! Yeah, that's the ticket! (7/8/10) Kirk and Mike - I listened to 5 minutes of this train wreck and switched back to the Junkies. Little do these guys realize that they've become the DJ's that they mock. Mike's fart noises and other sound effects are tried along with the impersonation's. No Chemistry. Sorry but Donnie boy carried Mike. (7/8/10) Dave, They probably put WAGE back on temporary to keep the license alive for another year. But you'd think they be on 1190 instead of 1200, their 'new' frequency. And don't forget when WAGE hits the airt on 1190, WBIS Annapolis goes away. Dave Schmidt www.oldiesradio1620.com (7/8/10) This is just odd; the WMAL has moved the intelligence level of the morning show down a full 30 IQ points now that Andy has left. I would have never thought Fred, an Ivy leaguer, would cater to and expound the most vulgar elements of modern conservatism , but he has. From Mrs. Fred’s birther claims, to this morning’s Black Panther false assertions and misleading racial commentary, Fred has evolved into a whack job, fact challenged, partisan hack. (7/8/10) Dave's response: I agree. Fred and Bryan are doing a particularly poor job at pretending to be nutjob righties..... I've actually been pleasantly surprised by WBAL's new afternoon program. It is an interesting mix of news and lighter stuff. To me, Stash doing sports is refreshing. Let's face it, most of the sports broadcasters in town are like robots who read wire copy, give scoreboards, or act like shouting know-it-all pompous loudmouths. I've enjoyed hearing his interviews with Ravens players. As for the "Closing Bell" report, who cares? Thanks to the internet, I know what my stock do throughout the day. The guy who does that report really doesn't offer much insight, and personally I can't stand his voice. When he was on with Ron, Ron used to challenge him when he made nonsensical comments. The new afternoon show keeps me informed when I'm driving home and it even makes me smile a little bit. (I almost peed my pants when they played some freak guy who saw two rainbows...LMAO!) It's a pretty contemporary approach and kudos to WBAL for the effort. I've always liked the news on that station, and I like the way they are using all of their news reporters in the program. I think if they were on FM like WTOP, they'd do even better in the ratings. Sometimes the anchors on WTOP plod along and sound like they're bored. And WTOP replays a lot more recorded stuff that WBAL ever has. As for Ron, I'm a Ron fan. Always have been and always will be, and he gets me to tune in whenever he's on. Beside that, I enjoy his column in the newspaper, and his selection of articles on WBAL's website is my most interesting reading every day. I think this is a good move on across the board. (7/8/10) Regarding WAGE being back on the air, the simple reason is in the newsblurb: "the station went dark in August 2009". Now that its July 2010, they have to resume broadcasting *something* in order to avoid losing the license. The FCC cancels the license of any station that has been off the air continuously for 1 year. That would also forfeit the WAGE upgrade CP. So its not a surprise that they're on the air now. Perhaps WAGE will be on for awhile to reset the 12-month clock, then go silent again.... (7/8/10) The Sports Reporters on their worst day still run entertainment circles around Chad and Lavar's show. And thank God the regular 106.7 7pm show people (Bill) are back from their vacation. Kevin and Rock were simply AWFUL as fill in's, complete garbage. Their act may work in the dog hours of the weekend, but they were an embarrasment in psuedo prime-time. (7/8/10) Mike O'Meara just mentioned to a caller that there may be some cross-pollinization between the show and his podcast. And just pimped the Podcast on the sign-off. Regardless, if he can keep both up that's just a bonus for all of us. Got myself a new station pre-set in my car: WVRX 105.9. Good early rapport between Kirk and Mike, nice mix of decent rock tunes and easy banter between themselves and callers. The 7:00 am news segment where Mike grilled the news guy/producer (Shamrock) on is USAF service was CLASSIC! (7/8/10) Didn't Mike make a big fuss online about how the podcast of TMOS was a priority that his new employers knew about going in? 2nd day, distancing himself doesn't sound so good. But a paying gig will do that to people. -BW (7/8/10) The following comes from a top WTOPer..... Usually AM Radio has the signal problems (like during thunderstorms). But very hot humid weather distorts FM signals, sometimes causing far distant FM signals to replace the regular signal. It is called "tropospheric ducting" and this current heat wave is doing a number on some signals. Here's a guide prepared by WTOP Newsroom Technical Manager Brian Oliger to help newsroom staffers answer questions from curious or concerned listeners: We have had several reports of "popping", "fuzzy-sounding" audio and interference from other stations. Dave (Bonnevelle V.P. of Engineering Dave Garner)says because of the intense heat, our signal has been subject to highly unusual amounts of tropospheric ducting the past couple of days. (Dave was hearing distant FM stations interfering with 103.5 while he was on the top side of the Beltway, practically in the shadow of our tower.) Ducting, or the "bending" of FM and TV transmission signals, can occur during periods of unseasonably high heat and humidity, when the signal encounters warmer rather than cooler air in the atmosphere. You can find more info here: wikipedia.org. If we get calls from listeners complaining about the signal, I would just explain that the heat and humidity affect radio signals in unusual ways and this can result in poor reception. It usually doesn't last too long in any particular place. (7/8/10) Dave's response: I have no problem with the strong FMers, like 103.5. But the rimshots are terrible this time of the year, like 94.3, WTEM's Warrenton relay, or the Baltimore FM stations here in Northern VA..... One thing Dave, heard Mike shy away from mentioning the podcast when asked (by a caller).. what was that about? (7/8/10) Dave's response: Maybe Citadel's ad reps don't like Mike using his 105.9 soapbox to promote his outside business interests, a la the podcasts. It's like giving away ads for free..... Steve Chenevey, where you be man??..This every other week of Tony Perkins filling in is killin' me..And I don't want to change the channel because I love Allison Seymour and FOX5 is the only local news that stays on through 10am..Oh well..Steve, just come on back, and soon.. (7/8/10) I am forwarding you a story about a former journalist, Wade Simmons. He worked at the Prince George's Gazette. He is a good friend. Please help him however you can. --rob www.washingtonpost.com (7/8/10) Daryl, if you are willing to post your phone number or e-mail address here, I can arrange for you to get WMAL airchecks. (7/8/10) So is Audrey Barnes a permanent reporter on FOX5's payroll?..Reason being, I've seen her doing reports for quite a few days in a row..Seen her much more than some of their supposed regular reporters..Good addition..Hope they keep her. (7/8/10) Noticed that WBIG and WMZQ HD streams were off the air July 4th. Any idea why? The Real Oldies and the Classic Country are two of the very few musical radio offerings that appeal to anyone over 50. Anyone know the HD power of some ofthe locals? (7/8/10) /\ July 8 Messages /\ \/ July 7 Messages \/ If Pat Collins is the "King Of The Long Pause", then perhaps a recent Mailbagger's post should have recalled the absolute Lord and Master. Of course the late great Paul Harvey! R (7/7/10) Dave: Wow, I wanted to follow-up an earlier post regarding the same old "Sports Reporters" and boy, was that person right on-target when he said all Pollin does is sound arrogant and re-hash the same old material use Knoche and someone from CSN.com as a guest. Well today, that's exactly what's going-on!! Sad part is, Czaban sounds like he's just sitting there scanning the internet for free golf products he can get and doesn't pay attention or care about what's being said. Now, it's quite annoying. I guess we can expect bad programming until September, that's when people or advertisers will start to care. (7/7/10) RE: [ " Dave's response: The first syndicated client of the new Kirk and Mike show? Should be Baltimore's 100.7 WZBA..... " ]...... Yes, but do you really expect an idiot who stuck with the INDY based BOB & TOM show for so long with bad ratings to make such a great decision Dave? Unlikely, but a great idea. Could potentially be a game-changer in ratings as far as 98Rock vs. The Bay's ratings positions. If you remember, Kirk was only let go by 98Rock for money reasons, not bad ratings, and he is well known here. Don & Mike got tepid ratings in Baltimore but sort of a cult following, but that was probably because they were on an AM station that no one was listening to much in the first place. (7/7/10) RE" Kirk and Mike - Got a chance to listen this morning....and I was quite impressed...for two guys that have NEVER done radio radio together, they both sounded great...and that Shamrock guy is a keeper. See ya Junkies & Elliot....hello K&M!!! _bob_ (7/7/10) What's up with this? Does Radio-Locator.com no longer have the ability to generate signal plots now that the FCC Tiger maps service is gone or is this just a glitch? By the way, the FCC has yet to decide what to do and can no longer produce new signal plots for both FM and TV stations if there is any change in service or signal upgrade. I have a sneaking suspicion they're just going to scrap the whole idea even though its in the public interest to know in my humble opinion. (7/7/10) [The . . . two . . . of . . . them . . . should . . . have . . . a . . . pause- . . . off....] They'd both lose to the king of pause, WRC's Pat.... Collins... (7/7/10) "Haven't seen Debbie Jarvis for awhile" As recently as the last 4-6 weeks Debbie Jarvis has been voicing PEPCO's radio spots that air on WTOP so I'm guessing she's still with PEPCO but maybe in another area. -Tom in Wheaton (7/7/10) Dave's response: I don't think that PEPCO has any other areas. It pretty much serves DC, and parts of Prince Georges and Montgomery counties. And nothing else..... I made it a point to listen to Kirk & Mike this morning for about 30 minutes on my way into DC and I thought that they were great together, especially for their first day. I never listened to 105.9 before because they are nearly impossible to receive in Anne Arundel County where I live, but if I could get the station, it would be my favorite or one of them. The two classic rock stations that come in well are both "Freebird" dull, 98 Rock is stuck on hair bands, and DC101 is "Elliott on the Phone" and 90's pop-rock, so I'm usually stuck with WRNR playing their watered down alternative stuff as my best choice unfortunately. Kirk & Mike would do well in Baltimore too - we love Kirk here and Mike has a strong following too. That music format would do well too. Maybe they can look at buying WRNR which seems to change hands pretty often, or any other station up here? Anyway, Kirk & Mike are far better than the other choices and so is the music on 105.9. Thanks, J. (7/7/10) Dave's response: The first syndicated client of the new Kirk and Mike show? Should be Baltimore's 100.7 WZBA..... Whatever happened to the rumors of wholesale changes at WJLA (particularly on GMW) and at Neschannel 8? (7/7/10) Daryl, rights to any Harden and Weaver shows presumably belonged to the WMAL licensee at the time, Evening Star Broadcasting, and now their assignee, Citadel. That's unless some special deal was cut. Frank Harden is still around. Maybe the AFTRA office could put you in touch. (7/7/10) I wanted to listen to Kirk and Mike but forgot they ended at 9A. So I listened to the station for a while. It sounded really good. I have not listened to a second of music on DC terrestrial radio in years, preferring satellite and my iPhone. I will probably go back. Congrats to the station and good luck to Kirk and Mike. I also hope this proves that DC always needed a station that sounded like 98 Rock. There is only so much “Marcy Playground” a person can handle. (7/7/10) Turned on Sportsyak 980 just now, and it appears that Mr. Tony may be on vacation, because I caught around two minutes of Colin Cowherd. Wow, that's just dreadful. He makes Jim Rome sound like Winston Churchill. The . . . two . . . of . . . them . . . should . . . have . . . a . . . pause- . . . off. Sincerely, TMU (7/7/10) It's truly sad and disappointing to see a heritage radio station floundering like it has for the last 12 months. The latest changes are nothing short of mind-boggling and it makes you wonder if Ed Kiernan is simply throwing stuff against the wall to justify his existence where he actually provides very little value. While an afternoon drive-time news block is clearly a proven model across the country, WBAL's execution is an embarrassment to a radio station that prides itself on being one of the most respected radio news operations in the country.Shari Eliker is a awkward, clumsy excuse for a news anchor. Her presence on the show which carries her name is an insult to the hardest working people in the building - the AM news team. And WBAL Radio, which has a respected sports journalism history, now uses Stash from 98 Rock as its sports voice in its afternoon news block - so far delivering an amateurish read of headlines and untimely recorded interviews. It's clear that Kiernan is valuing so-called "synergy" between AM and FM over maintaining the integrity of the WBAL news operation. The "Closing Bell" report with Jonathan Murray now happens a solid 20 minutes after the closing bell. And on... and on... and on... What's even more incomprehensible is the idea that WBAL would move their most valuable and proven asset, Ron Smith, OUT of afternoon drive by choice. For two decades, Ron Smith has been able to talk about and give his opinion on the news of TODAY. And now he is relegated to commenting on the news of YESTERDAY as a result of his morning daypart. Yes, he'll probably pull better numbers than Shari, but at what cost to the advertisers who will be looking for a nice discount on the new Ron Smith Show. It saddens me to witness the destruction of what was such a wonderful radio franchise. (7/7/10) Got to hear Mike O'Meara once again in my car while commuting. . .things are right in the world. I agree about the bonus of hearing him live and over the airwaves. Happy Mike's got another gig. That said, I REALLY hope he and Buzz, Robb and Oscar keep the podcast going. Despite the shortcomings of a podcast format, not live, no callers. They really DO have about the most entertaining show going. The Friday bonus hour is a nice touch. Would love to see the podcast get picked up by more affiliates, and perhaps someday go live again. VIVA MIKE O'MEARA!!! (7/7/10) According to rumors, Clear Channel has come up with a new formula. If the budget for the morning show is more than 30% of its revenue, cuts have to be made. Wow, that seems a little low. Will this spread? Should the junkies be very, very afraid? John (7/7/10) Around 6:50 this morning, WVRX carried a spot by Income at 55 that, to my ears, came close to a coded appeal to race-based resentment. The ad claimed that the government was biased in favor of poor people by giving them public assistance while "middle-class people like you and me" were ignored and in danger of falling further into debt. Dave, did the ad sound like that to you? (7/7/10) Dave's response: I listened to the first 15 minutes of the new Kirk and Mike show at 5 AM and then fell back asleep until after 7. So I missed it..... ""Is it possible to actually hear the Arbitron PPM tones as they are aired?" Maybe your dog can hear them, but you can't. The tones are sub-audible." That is exactly INCORRECT. They are not sub-audible and to put them in the hyper range of dog only hearing wouldn't work as radio is limited to 15khz at the top end of the audio spectrum. They are actually psycho-acoustically masked within a range that can be replicated by even the worst radio and designed to work under the toughet audio circumstances. Even if there is complete dead air with just the pilot carrier playing you cannot hear them. (7/7/10) ''What the hell has Gurvir Dindsha-Fox 5 got on today''And what do YOU wear to work, Snappy Clothes Person? I have a feeling you don't even HAVE a job. She looked fine...Dummy. I couldn't agree more about the Kirk and Mike show. Seems refreshing to me. It's better than having to put up with Elliot. I hate podcasts and internet radio too. Internet Radio seems like the Land of the Unwashed and Untalented. Paul (7/7/10) Hi, Could you please tell me the website for 105.9 the edge? I can only find it under the old smooth jazz website. I would like to be able to listen to Mike O'Meara's show on the stream if possible. Thanks for your help. Bob (7/7/10) Dave's response: theedge1059.com..... Dave, MASN’s website indicates that Channel 50 was going to broadcast last night’s Nats game, but when I turned the game on, they were showing regular programming from The CW. As a FIOS customer, I was looking forward to seeing the game in HD, but had to switch over to crappy MASN2 to watch the game in SD. Do you know why Channel 50 didn’t show the game? Dave (7/7/10) Dave's response: I thought that 50 was only carrying Sunday afternoon Nats games from MASN..... "Is it possible to actually hear the Arbitron PPM tones as they are aired?" Maybe your dog can hear them, but you can't. The tones are sub-audible. (7/7/10) I have listened to Kirk & Mike and am not impressed. Bad chemistry and too much music. Ready for failure, imho. Alas. -BW (7/7/10) What the hell has Gurvir Dindsha-Fox 5 got on today! She's dressed like she is at a damn nightclub rather than anchoring a news show. Hey we know it's hot as hell out there but she's in an air condtioned studio working as a news anchor!! Tacky, tacky. If she has to wear something sleeveless at least make it something a bit more classy and not nightclub wear. Allison Seymour shows so much more class than Gurvir in dressing. (7/7/10) Don't it make more sense that the new Don Geronimo show would go with the CBS sports talker in D.C.? Plus what about all those nasty things that Geronimo said about lil' dany over the years. Please don't tell me the Lavar"I don't make no sense" Arrington show beats The Sports Reporters in ratings? Geez I didn't think anything could be worse than the John Thompson show but the Arrington/ Dukes thing has topped it in being bad radio, imo. But I guess some CBS exec must be in love with Arrington to give him another hour. Something does seem up over at The Sports Reporters. Are contracts coming to an end for Pollin and Czaban(btws, hate Stephen A. Smith and haven't listen too one millisecond of his radio show). Pollin does seem to be phoning it in lately with the same topics for discussion coming up again and again. i.e. should Strasburg be on All-Star team on Tuesday show. And also getting the same guests again and again, i.e. Knoche. Miss Silvie looks like actress Brooke Adams, wife of actor who played Monk on tv. And you meanies out there I tuned in channel 7 last Saturday night and it weren't no Pamela Brown it was Rebecca Cooper. "Don't toy with me." Barney Fife. And Andrea McCarren sighting last Saturday night filling in for Bruce Johnson on channel 9. (7/7/10) Is it possible to actually hear the Arbitron PPM tones as they are aired? Are they ugly and objectionable like the EAS? I've tried to catch them, but apparently I'm not listening long enough and don't really know what I'm listening for. (7/7/10) /\ July 7 Messages /\ \/ July 6 Messages \/ I don’t know Jackie Bradford, and she’s probably a terrific leader. But I find it interesting, and possibly a sign of the times, that a financial person is running a major TV station. For the most part, GM positions in radio and TV are occupied by former sales people and sometimes by former programmers. Both types are business-minded people who know broadcasting. Roddy Freeman (7/6/10) "How many decades of success and market dominance do you morons need before you'll admit what is obvious to the rest of the planet? It's amazing how jealousy and envy can make even smart people say the dumbest damn things." Those decades have come and gone. They would still be on top if they were any good and people cared So I guess the rest of the planet knows what is obvious.. As an engineer of almost 40 years I have to ask how many years have you worked in radio? Engineers are smart enough to adapt and change with the time or we would be out of jobs. I don't envy these people I think it is sad that people like you and Dave continue to cling to a by gone era. Radio has changed, they haven't, neither have you. Unlike yesteryear people no longer vote for their stations. PPM is a demanding mistress and I don't think either of these guys (Don or Mike) can afford her. Sure there will be a spike in numbers. People like to watch (listen to) a train wreck. Nice thing is we will know by the end of the month. Me I will tune in tomorrow just to listen to them blame all their screw ups on technology while doing a remote broadcast. Funny thing is I KNOW that that the least problems and highest numbers occur when stations are in automation and more music is played. Look at the numbers for any radio station that flips and plays only music the first couple of months. (7/6/10) Yeah I don't believe that about Mike. He was probably very nice at The Edge today. He's got a job, who wouldn't be nice. Sour Grapey people... (7/6/10) Okay so another DC Radio One station went up in the ratings. According to the latests PPM's, it was Praise 104. Considering what happened to the staff of the last Radio One station (WMMJ) and if I were a Praise 104 jock I would be getting an air check and resume togethor. Radio One is a company that has a documented history of canning people when they pull down some decent numbers. Don't believe me? Just ask the former morning guy at WERQ in Baltimore. When his station was number one in that market they kicked him to the curb about 18 months ago. Doesn't anyone think it's kind of weird that a station's ratings success can get people kicked out of the building? I guess in that mindset anyone working at Radio One's WOL have nothing to worry about. They can pretty much plan their retirements. (7/6/10) Saw former channel 4 anchor Clay Anderson being interviewed today as a spokesperson for Pepco..Haven't seen Debbie Jarvis for awhile. Wonder if he's taken her place..In any case, good to see him..I liked him as an anchor.. (7/6/10) Re: "Actually I am one of those engineers that has been laughing at "has beens" like Don and Mike because their prima donna attitudes come back to bite them in their fat asses everytime. While I have had a consistently good paying job for more years than they have been around --- they come and go." Seriously, how stupid is this argument going to get? D&M were on the air in the DC market for TWENTY-THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS and, while they changed stations a couple of times, they got progressively better deals, until they were THE HIGHEST PAID ON-AIR TALENT IN THE MARKET. How many decades of success and market dominance do you morons need before you'll admit what is obvious to the rest of the planet? It's amazing how jealousy and envy can make even smart people say the dumbest damn things. (7/6/10) I am sick of boring predictable done-past Redskin radio types like Arrington and Bmitches. Much like the high corporate Georgetown priest Thompson, they offer me nothing more than an afternoon sleeping pill. Who actually listens to this drivel? Who actually cares about the billion dollar $35.00 parking fee 4-12 losing Redskins or their proud disciples who are running on the gas of stupid millionaire restaurant sewers. I generally enjoy WJFK sports radio but Arrington makes me want to invest in sleep centers. (7/6/10) Glenn Beck announces the Course Syllabus for Beck University: www.glennbeck.com. In his intro vid, Sir Weeps-a-Lot introduces every book in his li-bary (that is, except for his dog-eared and highlighted copies of Catcher in the Rye and the Turner Diaries...apparently Beck keeps those under his pillow next to the handgun). You know how people say that Community College is like a university alternative for people who are not smart enough to get into a REAL university? Think of "Beck-U" as kinda like a Community College alternative for people who are not smart enough to get into a REAL Community College. (7/6/10) ["I can't tell you how funny it is to read the emails from dumbass know-it-alls who call Don Geronimo and Mike O'Meara (and now Kirk McEwan) "washed up, has-been DJs" every time they get another job. Open your eyes. Despite all of your childish attacks on them over the years, they are still working on-air, still cashing those checks, still popular...while you're sitting in your mom's basement wishing you could get a job. Time to grow up or shut up, dude."] Actually I am one of those engineers that has been laughing at "has beens" like Don and Mike because their prima donna attitudes come back to bite them in their fat asses everytime. While I have had a consistently good paying job for more years than they have been around --- they come and go. And when all his constant talk and blathering kills their ppm ratings he will be gone yet again. And eventually PD's will realize that less talk and more music is what really works. (7/6/10) Oh boy...can't wait for tomorrow morning at 105.9! MOM waltzes in as the white knight. It is doubtful that he and Kirk have had any practice time to see how their timing works or if their bits actually work. Kirk has to adjust to the huge ego. And all the nwhile Kenny King is chattering in their ear about what it should sound like. Chances of them hitting the ground running? Its not like this is a major market or anything. Why should you be prepared from day one? The good news is that both MOM and Kirk are talented. Whether that turns into entertaining chemistry is a question mark. Even they can't know. (7/6/10) Drew Forrester to 105.7 The Fan? Laughable. That no talent hack isn't even good enough for a tinwhistle AM station, and we're to believe CBS Radio wouold be interested in him? Donkeys will fly over the frozen wastes of hell before that happens. (7/6/10) Does anybody remember Harden and Weaver of WMAL radio? I've been searching everywhere I can think for who might own the broadcasts and whether they've released them on CD or something. Is there a way to find out? -daryl (7/6/10) Hey John: Thanx for the invitation. I actually enjoyed meeting Kevin @"CelebrateFairfax". Yes, I'll call in towards the end of the show. And please pardon my mistake regarding the post that I erroneously thought was made by you. Rusty (7/6/10) Rusty, first of all let me just make you aware that the "Melody" post you referenced was not from me, or anyone associated to my show. Face it, Rusty. Apparently someone other than myself was listening to your show last Friday. Thanks for the great drops, by the way. To the task at hand. Ringo Starr. You say that you have to be a drummer to understand. Well, it so happens that we have one on our show! Show co-host Kevin, whom you've met, has been a drummer in quite a few bands for many years. And he'd love for you to call in this Friday to debate this. How about it? I know you're good for it. Hell, I've given you credit for being brave enough to call us! You absolutely have a bigger sack than others who hate our show, and for that I definitely respect you! So, can we pencil this debate in for Friday night, Rusty? -TOGS. P.S. Hi Paul! (7/6/10) I have never been able to listen to 105.7 for an extended period of time. Maybe it is something about their hosts, with the exception of Ed Norris, which I find grating and annoying. That may be why the stations ratings aren’t any good. Getting better hosts would help. Also, I am sure the dreadful O’s are sucking life out of the station. When the Ravens begin play and the talk focuses on them, the ratings might be different. (7/6/10) Drew Forrester... on 105-7? Bitch, please! The idea of that is hysterical for so many reasons. (7/6/10) Dave, some of your posters in the mailbag section are funny 1057 The Fan is a SPORTS station so what else would you expect but for them to try to talk more sports in the morning. Its not WCBM,WBAL, or WTOP. Its a sports station Norris should have been gone when the station flipped to sports. Say what ever you want about the blond bimbo in afternoon drive but since her contract was not renewed 1057 The fan`s ratings have tanked. Controversy drives ratings she should have been named morning driver. I would have keep 1057 urban or CHR Rhythmic but that is just my opinion. The Orioles suck ratings will not get better Steve Davis in the morning is a good move to me. Also Ed Norris is making good money doing that show it has to be six-figures he was making close to 200,000 as the police commish. (7/6/10) At some point in the next few months, the 105.7 morning show will become "The Steve Davis Show with Ed Norris," followed thereafter by Norris' quiet exodus from the station. -Rick (7/6/10) I can't tell you how funny it is to read the emails from dumbass know-it-alls who call Don Geronimo and Mike O'Meara (and now Kirk McEwan) "washed up, has-been DJs" every time they get another job. Open your eyes. Despite all of your childish attacks on them over the years, they are still working on-air, still cashing those checks, still popular...while you're sitting in your mom's basement wishing you could get a job. Time to grow up or shut up, dude. (7/6/10) Hmmm, no signal plot for the 24,000 watt night time WVIE Sportstalk 1370 yet at www.radio-locator.com, I wonder why, they're usually pretty quick at posting FCC data and generating signal plots. But with a more than 3X ]power increase, I would think it would make a huge impact, except to the northwest where they have those huge nulls to protect other stations. Certainly should increase the signal a lot in places like Parkville, Carney, White Marsh, Essex, Middle River, & Dundalk though where I often find it unlistenable at night now. (7/6/10) John you will be pleased to know that my Beloved Melody did in fact "pummel" me in the shower ('Twas wonderful). And Sylvie, you're still a hottie! BTW, I had fun exchanging banter with you on your show last Friday (and no, I couldn't hear you over the telephone - despite your pleas to "turn down the radio"). I still maintain that Ringo is the most innovative drummer in Rock history. Though you'd have to be a drummer to understand. "Just listen to the bridge in "I Want To Hold Your Hand". You see he was the first to ever "ride" on a closed hi-hat. Which has since become the norm for drummers everywhere. You're welcome to look it up and challenge me on this. As once again you'll see that I'm correct. Peace, Rusty (7/6/10) I saw that Fox Morning News now pushes product endorsements DURING the weather forecast. Unreal. And may I suggest Holly Morris do ALL her nutty stories in a tight T shirt and short tennis skirt. Yes, I watch TV far too closely. Paul (7/6/10) WBAL Afternoon News Journal Rehearsal... (7/6/10) There are lots of interesting tidbits floating around the walls at CBS. Ed Norris strongly objected to having Weinman removed from the morning lineup but the brass felt Davis's personality wouldn't allow for Weinman to make a contribution. There's also some whispers that Jen Royle will be sitting alongside Scott Garceau when football starts in another month. And Bob Philips evidently went to Orioles management with the names of both Davis and WNST's Drew Forester to be Norris's sidekick and the Oroles originally objected to both and then settled on Davis but they put Philips on notice that any overly harsh criticism of the team by Davis wouldn't be tolerated. Davis was called out by the Orioles several times when he was at WBAL. Love the site, Dave, keep up the good work. (7/6/10) 105.7, what are you doing? Ed Norris has a fine show, there is enough O's and Ravens talk the other 20 hours of the day. Bad move by CBS. They want to force Ed Norris out because he doesn't talk 100% sports. Dumb dumb dumb. -BW (7/6/10) Ed Norris show is now “Norris and Davis” (in the morning, don’t you know). Good bye, Ken Whineman, hello Steve Davis. Poor ole Eddie’s head must be spinning—I’ll bet he never anticipated what a cluster F radio could be. And he thought the politics and back room scheming were bad in big city government! How long before it’s “Davis in the Morning”? John in Baltimore (7/6/10) Dave...Due respect to Geronimo, but: he walked away from a nationally syndicated show... got fired in Ocean City(!!!) and pissed off most people in town He is NOT going to replace the Sports Reporters..the highest rated show on 980. Mike S, give us a break...you made your choice...now live with it. You are yesterday's news. A FORMER fan. (7/6/10) Daljit Dhaliwal seen anchoring in Washington for Al Jazeera English (7/6/10) I noticed that last week, the FCC approved WVIE Fox Sports 1370 to upgrade to 24,000 watts nighttime. That'll give them a significantly better night time signal as ESPN 1300, and obviously WNST 1570. (7/6/10) /\ July 6 Messages /\ Jump to the Mailbag Archive Index.....