Drag this link onto your Home button to make VARTV your Homepage.
|
|
|
» If you have any news, updates, additions or corrections... e-mail them to editor@VARTV.com. | | |
A dawn of a new station...
 Clear Channel recently blew up new country 'J93' WJLM Roanoke for one of it's "Sunny" clones - an AC format. They're now known as 'Sunny 93.5.' WJLM has an anemic signal compared to sister country WYYD and the mega blowtorch that Mel Wheeler has '94.9 Star Country' WSLC. CC has now pitted 'Sunny 93.5' up against another Mel Wheeler blowtorch - #1 rated AC 'Q99' WSLQ. Good luck..... (12/31/02)
Three CSI repeats leads to a CBS ratings win...
 The top 10 shows for the week of December 23rd thru the 29th according to AC Nielsen were... (show, network, rating) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 13.0; "NFL Monday Night Football: Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay," ABC, 11.6; "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" special, CBS, 10.6; "NFL Post-Game Show," Fox, 9.3; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 9.0; "Friends," NBC, 8.7; "Law & Order: SVU," NBC, 8.5; "Without a Trace," CBS, 8.4; "NFL Monday Showcase," ABC, 8.3; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 8.1.
For the week, CBS averaged 9.9 million viewers (6.4 rating, 12 share), ABC 8.3 million (5.1/9), NBC 8.2 million (5.3/10) NOTE:
NBC's rating was higher than ABC's despite fewer viewers, an indication that more people were watching NBC alone, FOX 7.1 million (4.3/8), UPN and The WB 2.9 million each (1.8/3 each) and PAX 1.1 million (0.8/1). A ratings point represents 1,067,000 households, or 1% of the country's estimated 106.7 million TV homes. The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given show.
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (12/31/02)
Recent sign-on settles on simulcast...
 MainQuad's brand new WYTT-FM (99.5) Emporia VA signed-on doing an all-holiday format. Now it's after Christmas and they have settled on simulcasting sister station '97Q The Beat' WLGQ-FM (97.9) Gaston NC. '97Q' is exactly what sister station WBBT-FM (107.3) Powhatan VA was - dance and party hits of the 70s and 80s. WBBT was known as 'Dance Hits 107.3.' NOTE: MainQuad has also been simulcasting WSMY-FM (103.1) Alberta as '97Q The Beat' with a legal ID as WLGQ Gaston, WYTT Emporia, and WSMY-FM Alberta all together in the same break. Right now 103.1 is off the air. What's a little puzzling about this simulcast is that both frequencies - 99.5 and 97.9 - have almost identical coverage areas. 97.9's signal is a little father south than 99.5's. Maybe this will be a short lived. For now, the WLGQ/WYTT/WSMY website is at 97qthebeat.com..... (12/31/02)
Slow news...
 I was trolling around the web today and ended up at MainQuad's 80s-90s 'Star 107.3' WBBT website. On it, I found something interesting - well I thought so. They have an online "Advertising Presentation;" a Macromedia Flash file on why you should advertise with them and sister station 'Smooth Jazz 93.1' WJZV. When you go to star1073.com, click on the link on the right side of the screen. The Flash file is quite large (~5.57MB)..... (12/31/02)
Lindquist's thoughts...
Jerry Lindquist of the Richmond Times-Dispatch gives us his thoughts from this past weekend's sports. One piece he wrote about and which I too saw is worth rewriting...
Yesterday, while "The NFL Today" on CBS was using animal puppet Alf to explain the AFC playoff picture (forced laughs all around), "Fox NFL Sunday" had comedian Jimmy Kimmel poke at rival network panelist Deion Sanders - and his pregame show - with a big, sharp stick.
"Who does he think he's kidding with this comeback nonsense?" Kimmel said. "When he retired, Deion Sanders was a below-average player on a [bad] team. If you switch channels right now, you'll see he still is."..... (12/30/02)
Where in the world is Tal White?
 VARTV reported back on 12/17/02 that WTKR's (3/CBS) "This Morning" program seen 5AM-7AM had a new meteorologist - Patrick Rockey. Rockey comes from 'News 4' WYFF (NBC) Greenville SC where he anchored their weekend weather segments. With Rockey's arrival, the morning show now has been completely revamped. I speculated where former "This Morning" meteorologist Jeffrey Prior was. He's still with NewsChannel 3 as their new #4 person behind Dave Parker, Mike Simon and Rockey. So what happened to Tal White the former #4 weather guesser? He appears to be out - of weather anyways. VARTV saw a new weather department on-air promo this weekend and White wasn't in it. He's still on their website but is now listed in the reporter's section. Hmmm..... (12/30/02)
Allen Price is off the air!
 The Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting that Allen Price, the afternoon drive-time host on Clear Channel's 'NewsRadio 1140' WRVA, has been replaced. PD Randall Bloomquist made the announcement on the air yesterday and said, "We thank him for all of his contributions to the station and hope he will stay with the Clear Channel family." Hmmm. Sounds like it was Price's decision. Price stared at WRVA in April 2000 where his criticism of Richmond council members Bill Johnson, Sa'ad El-Amin and Gwen Hedgepeth, and Richmond's Sheriff Michelle Mitchell garnered a lot of his attention. It was the feud with council member Reva Trammell that made headlines. It began when Price started calling her "Reva Trampell" on-the-air and ended with Trammell filing criminal charges against him for making harassing phone calls to her house. He said there were ONLY three phone calls she said there were five. Even though the charges were just a misdemeanor, a judge eventually dismissed them. Bloomquist said that Michael Graham would be the new afternoon-drive host; the same duties he had at sister station WTNT from 4-7PM in Washington for the past year. He'll be live from Richmond on January 13th. In the meantime, a show called "Local Richmond Talk" will fill the gap. On that same day, the nationally syndicated Michael Savage's show "The Savage Nation" comes back to WRVA - last heard here in 2001- will replace Lionel weeknights 10PM-1AM. Lionel's Saturday afternoon show remains untouched. Savage is a nutritionist and herbalist who founded the Paul Revere Society, which advocates making tax cuts permanent, closing the country's borders, deporting illegal immigrants and requiring all immigrants to sign a loyalty oath. According to Bloomquist, Savage "makes (Rush) Limbaugh sound like a liberal"..... (12/28/02)
FCC business...
International Religious Society Inc filed with the FCC today for a "License to cover" for their outstanding CP for WXRE-LP (channel 250L1 - 97.9 @ 100 watts) Danville VA. When licensed, WXRE-LP will be only the third LPFM in the state. The very first was WKJV-LP Bristol VA owned by Belle Meadows Baptist Church. They were licensed on August 12, 2002. There are two other LPFM stations holding CPs including one in Williamsburg - WJRX-LP (channel 273 - 102.5 @ 100 watts). Owned by the Christian Life Center, their CP expires in mid-February 2003. Now for a little "LPFM-101"... LPFMs (Low-power FM) operate with an ERP (effective radiated power) of 100 watts or less. There are two classes "L1" - 100 watts/"L2" - 10 watts with max facilities of 100 watts ERP at 100 feet HAAT (antenna height above average terrain). The approximate service range of a 100 watt LPFM is 3.5 mile radius; up to 7 miles if "conditions" are right. LPFM stations are available to noncommercial educational entities and public safety & transportation organizations but aren't available to individuals or for commercial operations..... (12/27/02)
National and local HDTV news...
The CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) has reported that DTV product sales totaled 304,920 units in November 2002. This pushes the yearly total to almost 2.2 million units in 2002. The November unit sales were up 56% over the last year. CEA projects that 2.5 million units will be sold in all of 2002 and 4 million in 2003 - reaching 10.5 million by 2006. Note: The CEA defines DTV products as integrated sets and monitors. In local HDTV news, WVEC-DT (41/ABC) has decided to start their broadcast day at 11AM on New Year's Day with of the Tournament of Roses Parade. The parade though will not be broadcasted in high-def by the network..... (12/27/02)
Musical chairs at the #1 spot for Hampton Roads radio...
 This time its Barnstable's new country '97-3 The Eagle' WGH-F; the #1 radio station (6.5 rating/12+) according to Arbitron which released the numbers earlier today. The Fall Phase II period covers September, October and November. Saga's active rocker 'FM99' WNOR who was alone at top last month drops to second with a 6.4; that's up 0.1 from last month though. Third is Entercom's urban AC '95-7 R&B' WVKL with a 6.1 - up 0.5, 4th is CC's urban '103Jamz' WOWI at 5.9 down 0.1, 5th is Entercom's AC '2WD' WWDE at a 5.8 down 0.4, 6th is sister 'Z104' WNVZ at a 5.2 down 0.4, 7th is Barnstable's Inspirational Contemporary at a 5.0; up 0.1, 8th is Saga's classic hits '106.9 The Fox' WAFX with a 4.8 down 0.1, 9th is Barnstable's heritage country WCMS staying even from last month at a 4.7 and 10th is Entercom's modern AC '94.9 The Point' WPTE down 0.1 to a 4.6. One notable this Trend is the 1.2 increase over at 'NewsRadio 790' WNIS, up to 4.5. That's good news. The rest of the cluster had an "off" month. Alternative '96X' WROX and AAA '93-7 The Coast' WKOC, with its blowtorch signal, each mustered only a 2.2 with talker continuing to hover around a 1, this Trend a 1.1. The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com..... (12/26/02)
'Lite 98' still on top in Richmond...
 Arbitron's Fall Phase II numbers for Richmond were released earlier today. CC's AC 'Lite 98' WTVR retains the top spot with an 8.5 rating up 0.2. Radio One's urban 'Power 92-1 Jamz' WCDX is second again at 7.9 up 0.2. Cox Radio's country 'K95' WKHK has leveled off and stays even with a 7.4 for third. 4th is CC's 'NewsRadio 1140' WRVA with a 6.3 up 0.4 and 5th is Cox's classic rocker '96-5 The Planet' WKLR with a 6.1 up 0.1 from last month. A notable, MainQuad's 80s-90s hits 'Star 107.3' WBBT continues to "hold its own," bucking a trend around the country that sees a lot of these stations flipping to some kind of Hot AC. Also, it was recently announced the MainQuad has purchased 'Cat Country 100.3' WARV Petersburg. Will they keep it country? The last two Trends they've garnered a 0.5 with their rimshot Richmond signal. The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com..... (12/26/02)
Taking a closer look at the annual good, bad and ugly...
Jerry Lindquist of the Richmond Times-Dispatch looks at radio and TV locally and nationally for the year 2002. Read the whole thing at timesdispatch.com.... (12/26/02)
Two Channel 16s come to a compromise...
 WBOC-TV (16) Salisbury MD and WHRO-DT (16) Norfolk VA announced on Christmas Eve that they have set aside their differences and settled an interference dispute. Here's the deal, WHRO-DT licensed to Hampton Roads Educational Telecommunications Association Inc has agreed to cut power levels to 25% (temporarily) in order to eliminate interference caused to WBOC-TV's analog signal operating on the same channel. The dispute was one of several interference problems reported by analog stations when nearby digital stations began service. So far, all of the identified conflicts are in areas with large bodies of water. A well-known phenomenon called "ducting" boosts the range of broadcast signals when transmissions carry over water. Anyways, WHRO-DT is authorized to operate at 950kW. For now, they will only operate at 237.5kW of power during the digital-TV transition. WBOC-TV licensed to Draper Communications will withdraw its objection to WHRO-DT’s license application. Back in June 2002, WBOC-TV asked the FCC to cut WHRO-DT's authorized power in order to eliminate interference it created when they signed on their digital-TV service. WBOC objected to the grant of WHRO-DT’s license application to operate on channel 16 at its maximized power of 950kW. Under the compromise, WHRO-DT will be able to operate at full power on channel 16 when WBOC-TV's analog signal goes dark and switches to digital-only broadcasts on a separate signal - channel 21. The agreement between the two stations still needs the blessing of the FCC..... (12/26/02)
Survivor finale leads CBS ratings win...
 The top 10 shows for the week of December 16th thru the 22nd according to AC Nielsen were... (show, network, rating) "Survivor: Thailand," CBS, 13.5; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 11.9; "Survivor: Thailand Reunion," CBS, 11.6; "Raymond," CBS, 11.3; "Monday Night Football: New England at Tennessee," ABC, 11.2; "Friends," NBC, 10.6; "Judging Amy," CBS, 10.1; "Law & Order," NBC, 9.7; "Still Standing," CBS, 9.5; JAG," CBS, 9.2.
For the week, CBS averaged 12.7 million viewers (8.2 rating, 14 share), NBC 9.2 million viewers (6.2/10), ABC 9.1 million (5.9/10), FOX 6.4 million (4.0/7), UPN 3.8 million (2.3/ 4), The WB 3.4 million (2.1/3) and PAX 1.4 million (0.9/2). A ratings point represents 1,067,000 households, or 1% of the country's estimated 106.7 million TV homes. The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given show.
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (12/24/02)
DirecTV coming to Richmond?
 It appears so anyways. There has been some discussion on two websites including lyngsat.com that the Richmond locals are being tested. At Lyngsat, it shows the channels on DirecTV 5 located at 119° West. The channels listed are:
920-WTVR (6/CBS) 921-WRIC (8/ABC) 922-WWBT (12/NBC/WB) 964-WCVE (23/PBS)
965-WRLH (35/FOX) 966-WCVW (57/PBS) 967-WUPV (65/UPN). Nothing official has come from DirecTV so there's no timeline when it will be rolled-out - maybe January or early February 2003. In Hampton Roads, all the locals except independent 'SKY4' WSKY Manteo NC are already available on DirecTV. And speaking of WSKY, they will be included in the "Norfolk Locals" but there has been a delay in doing so..... (12/24/02)
Beach media firm eyeing another TV station...
Virginia Beach based Max Media has its sights set on a TV station in Portland ME - the 76th largest TV market in the US. Max will have a financial interest in WMPX; currently a PAX O&O but soon to be a FOX affiliate early next year. (UPDATE: WMPX dropped PAX programming right after Christmas). Max is the same company who recently took part ownership in four former Ray-D-O-Biz radio stations in NE NC - Hot AC 'Beach 104' WCXL Kill Devil Hills NC, 'Water Country 94.5' WWOC Hatteras NC, country WQDK Ahoskie NC and full service 'NewsRadio 560' WGAI Elizabeth City NC. Their other TV holdings include 'ABC 18/28' KWYB-TV/LP Butte/Bozeman MT (market #195), 'NBC 16' KTGF-TV/DT Great Falls MT (market #187) and 'ABC 23' KTMF-TV/DT Missoula MT (market #169) and is currently in a deal to buy a TV station in Bowling Green KY (market #180). Back in '97, Max Media had 17 radio and TV properties, including four in Hampton Roads, before selling to Sinclair Broadcast Group in 1998. After a quiet year, Max picked up the five TV stations in Montana. The company is owned by John A Trinder, Gene Loving, Chuck McFadden and Tim Robertson..... (12/23/02)
A new and improved Weather Lab...
 Belo's WVEC (13/ABC) is now airing on-air teasers that a new and improved '13 News Weather Lab' will be unveiled on Super Bowl Sunday - January 26. The promo didn't say exactly when or what we'll see. There could be a brief news segment within the halftime show of the football game but that's speculation on my part. The show "Alias" gets the sweet time slot right after the Super Bowl festivities then the local news will air. It might not be until then we'll get to see to new on-air "look." In VARTV's personal opinion, they already have the best weather department in Hampton Roads with Jeff Lawson, Evan Stewart, Craig Moeller and Julie Wilcox. In a close second is The Triple Doppler folks including Dave Parker and Mike Simon over at WTKR (3/CBS). As for WAVY (10/NBC)... never mind..... (12/23/02)
Financial picture looks good for Hampton Roads TV market...
 Larry Bonko of the Virginian-Pilot reports that TV stations in the market will be bring in an estimated $103.1 million in 2002, up from $98.2 million in 2001. The year 2000 was a big one partly due to political advertising - $110.4 million in local TV revenue. This is according to BIA Financial Network, a company based in Chantilly that estimates revenue for US TV stations. BIA is predicting an increase of 5.1% in revenue for 2002 which could pushed the local intake to $105 million. Larry passes on a little fun fact. WNBC-TV (4), the NBC affiliate in New York, is estimated that it will take in $320 million in 2002. That's three times what ALL of the Hampton Roads TV stations will take in combined..... (12/23/02)
Humorous Holidays...
From our sister site PBRTV, a humorous look at what things might be like if Clear Channel could actually own the holidays..... (12/23/02)
Expanded hours...
 Effective January 2nd, New York Times owned WTKR-DT (40/CBS) will be on the air from 5PM-11:35PM (the end of the 11 o'clock news) daily. Their current schedule is 6PM-11PM. Come March 2003, WTKR-DT will expand from 12N to 12:37AM (the end of "The Late Show with David Letterman")..... (12/23/02)
More reasons to fire up your new HDTV from Christmas...
RCA has stepped up as a sponsor of CBS high-definition-TV broadcasts of the NFL's AFC Divisional Playoffs January 11th and 12th and the AFC Championship Game January 19th. The three telecasts will be a unified broadcast meaning that the commentary and analysis will be the same on both the HD and standard-definition broadcasts. Previously, the high-def broadcasts would have a complete different staff including on-air commentary. Remember, I you do get a new HDTV "monitor" for Christmas, you'll also need a STB (set top box) to receive the OTA signal. Those games will be available on WTKR-DT, WTVR-DT and WUSA-DT..... (12/23/02)
WVBT news...
 First... LIN TVs 'FOX43' WVBT has ended their search for a co-anchor for their 10PM newscast. Beginning January 2nd, David Nelson will join Nicole Livas to co-anchor that newscast. Nelson replaces Kelly Wright whose contract was not renewed earlier this year. Nelson comes from CBS affiliate 'Eyewitness News 3' WFSB Hartford CT - the 27th largest TV market in the country. While there, he anchored the top-rated morning newscast at WFSB. In addition to his anchor duties, he'll work as a weeknight reporter for sister station WAVY (10/NBC). Nelson was born and raised in Nashville TN. He spent seven years working as a broadcaster at several different radio stations in the Nashville area. His first TV job was as an associate producer at WSMV, the NBC affiliate in Nashville. He has worked as a reporter in Panama City FL and as an anchor in Carbondale IL, Amarillo TX and Knoxville TN. Some quirky side notes... Nelson is a huge basketball fan. Not only does he like watching games, at 6' 6", he also likes to play the sport. He's also a big Beatles fan. He still owns every Beatles album ever released on vinyl. I'm not sure how the folks at WAVY/WVBT came across Nelson but there is a station in the Hartford market owned by LIN TV - WTNH (ABC). Lastly, to expand on the November TV sweeps, WVBT's 10PM newscast received a 2.8 rating vs LNC5's 0.7 (0.5 for May 2002)..... (12/23/02)
Hampton Roads has two traffic reporting firms; soon to have three...
 (UPDATED 12/23/02) Deborah Markham of the Virginian-Pilot takes a look at the area traffic reporting networks in today's Virginian-Pilot Business section. Right now, there are two. Metro Networks, based in Houston TX, is the nation's largest traffic information provider with offices in Virginia Beach (and Richmond) has 23 radio stations and three TV stations. Metro, in some markets, use the name "Shadow Broadcast Services." The other provider is "Hampton Roads Traffic Network" which is heard on five stations the Hampton Roads Radio Group (WWSO, WXEZ, WGH-F/A, WCMS & WFOG-A) started. Note: WFOG doesn't provide on-air traffic updates. Starting January 2nd, a third player will enter the Hampton Roads market. "Clear Channel Traffic" will start with the local CC stations - WBHH, WOWI, WSVY & WSVY with intentions to pursue others outside the CC set as well. That shift will drop Metro's stations to 19. Clear Channel Traffic started in 1997 in Atlanta as Total Traffic Network. It's now in 59 cities across the country with new cities opening every month! CC Traffic will be headed up by Brian Kelly, a 26-year radio vet, who will continue as morning personality on CC's smooth jazz/NAC 'CD 107.7' WJCD. The Director of Operations for Metro Norfolk and Richmond is Leila Rice. Almost every major station in Hampton Roads "subsrcibes" to a traffic reporting network. The entire article can be found online at pilotonline.com. Below is the Hampton Roads break-out...
In Richmond, CC Traffic is already heard on the CC cluster - WRVQ, WTVR-F, WRXL, WBTJ, WRVA-A and WRNL-A. The operations in Richmond is overseen by Scott Stevens, a long time area radio vet, and Paul Richards..... (12/23/02)
 KM Broadcasting's LPTV W60BR (25) Cheaspeake VA has filed with the FCC for "License to cover construction permit." They were previously located on channel 60. That section of the TV band is being auctioned off. Besides moving to channel 25, they have been reclassified as a "Class A" licensed facilty. W60BR currently broadcasts MTV2 at 20kW using a directional antenna..... (12/20/02)
Alden Aaroe stories live on...
Ray McAllister of the Richmond Times-Dispatch recently wrote two columns about the late Alden Aaroe who was Richmond's voice of the morning on WRVA-AM. After two columns, he didn't intend to write anymore on him but readers seemed to have "decreed otherwise." For more go to timesdispatch.com..... (12/20/02)
Afternoon slot filled...
Clear Channel's alternative '102.1 The X' WRXL Richmond has a new afternoon jock - Alyssa. The 2-6PM drive had been voice-tracked. Not only will Alyssa be doing afternoons, she is the new Promotions Director for "The X"..... (12/19/02)
Two stations battle for the hearts and minds of Nirvana fans...
 Greg Weatherford of Style Weekly Richmond writes an excellent article about WRXL's shift to '102-1 The X' and going up against Cox Radio's 'Y101' WDYL. Greg contacted me last week for input on the story and I appreciate the VARTV blurb in his article. The entire article is online at styleweekly.com..... (12/18/02)
Suffolk likely to yank cable TV franchise...
 This rarely happens with both sides usually coming to some kind of agreement. It's gone passed that for Charter in Suffolk. The Suffolk City Council is expected to move ahead with the revocation of Charter's franchise with the city. The council is being asked to adopt an ordinance that says Charter violated both the city cable TV rule and the franchise settlement agreement it struck with Suffolk two years ago. The company was supposed to have completed a $12-million digital rebuild of the city's cable system by June 30th. This same ordinance gives the city manager the authority to initiate the search for a new cable provider. Charter officials have said the project was finished by the final deadline. The city says the company failed to meet time limits throughout the process..... (12/18/02)
CSI was the week's most popular show...
The top 10 shows for the week of December 9th thru the 15th according to AC Nielsen were... (show, network, rating) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 16.1; "ER," NBC, 14.7; "Friends," NBC, 14.5; "Law & Order," NBC, 13.0; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 12.2; "Survivor: Thailand," CBS, 11.1; "Monday Night Football: Chicago at Miami," ABC, 10.7; "Scrubs," NBC, 10.7; "Will & Grace," NBC, 10.7; "The West Wing," NBC, 10.2.
For the week CBS averaged 12.07 million viewers (7.8 rating, 13 share), NBC had 12.04 million viewers (7.9/13) NOTE: NBC's rating was slightly higher because more people were watching alone in their homes, ABC 9.1 million (6.0/10), FOX 8.4 million (5.1/8), The WB 3.7 million (2.3/4), UPN 3.2 million (2.1/3) and PAX 1.3 million (0.9/1). A ratings point represents 1,067,000 households, or 1% of the country's estimated 106.7 million TV homes. The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given show.
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (12/18/02)
NewsChannel 3's new morning show weather guy...
 It looks like WTKR's (CBS) "This Morning" program seen 5AM-7AM has a new meteorologist - Patrick Rockey. Rockey comes from 'News 4' WYFF (NBC) Greenville SC where he anchored their weekend weather segments. According to his bio, Rockey was born in Virginia where he eventually earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Christopher Newport University. Later he earned a Masters of Science degree in Communications from Murray State University in Kentucky. He first came to WYFF in 1995 as a reporter but it was his fascination of weather to lead him to receive his Meteorology certificate from Mississippi State University in 1999. As a reporter there, he was honored with several awards including a Southern Regional Emmy.  With Rockey's arrival, the morning show now has been completely revamped. With this new show in place, the ratings last month during "sweeps" actually went down. The unanswered question is "Where is former morning show weather guy Jeffrey Prior?" He was only at the station for a year and a half previously working in Florida. In my opinion, Prior never seemed to "click." When he first arrived, the station had him doing these ridiculous live reports from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk reporting if it was sunny, hot or windy outside. His delivery was less than smooth - embarrassing is a better choice of words..... (12/17/02)
Fredericksburg Fall Phase I ...
 Arbitron's Fall Phase II ratings (September/OctoberNovember) for Fredericksburg were released earlier today. First was Free Lance-Star's country '93WFLS' with a 14.2, down from a 15.6 in the 12+ demo. Second, Mid-Atlantic Network's Hot AC 'B-101.5' WBQB creeps up to 10.4 from a 10.2. Infinity's talker WJFK pulls away from Bonneville's news WTOP, 6.5 vs 6.2 (they were previously tied at 5.4). Note: WTOP-FM received a 5.9 and WTOP-AM received a 0.3 for a total of 6.2. Howard University's urban AC WHUR, ABC's 'Smooth Jazz 105.9' and a surprise from Free Lance-Star's alternative '99-3 WYSK' round out the Top 5 - tied at a 3.0. Other local notables... Telemedia's country 'Thunder 104.5' WGRX and Free Lance-Star's 'Classic Rock 96.9' WWUZ are tied at 8th with a 2.7, Mid-Atlantic Network's adult standards/talk 'The Memories Station' WFVA-A is tied at 11th with a 2.1 from a 2.7, Telemedia's "Virginia's Rockin' Oldies" WGRQ is tied at 14th tumbling from a 3.0 to a 1.8, Piedmont's country WJMA is tied at 17th with a 1.5 down 0.3 and Joyner Radio's country 'C103' WCUL & Mega's tropical WBPS are tied at 32th with a 0.6. Who had the best trend? WJFK and WBTJ up 1.2. The worst? WFLS down 1.4. One of those quirky side-notes, a total of 37(!) stations made this list of rated stations this trend. The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com..... (12/16/02)
Team Broadcasting's WDLZ-FM (98.3) Murfreesboro NC files with the FCC to "License to cover." They had been off-the-air due to a collapsed tower. The new tower is taller to maximize their HAAT (the reason for a new CP and eventually a new license). WDLZ is a Class A with 3kW of power @ 328'. WWDR-AM also shares this tower. WDLZ is on now with all-holiday music and will settle on a new format after the holidays..... (12/16/02)
Clear Channel's struggling hip-hop '92.1 The Beat' WBHH Moyock NC has new on-air imaging. The previous package was done by Fatman Scoop. Sister station urban '103 Jamz' WOWI got a new imaging package last month from Pat Garrett..... (12/16/02)
November ratings are in for Hampton Roads TV...
 As in Richmond, Hampton Roads' NBC affiliate WAVY (10) is the news king here. The Nielsen ratings for the area newscasts were release recently with really no surprises. Out of the six daily newscasts broadcasted, LIN TV's Channel 10 was on top five of those with the noon news going to WTKR (3/CBS). The tightest race last ratings period was at 5PM where Belo Broadcasting's Channel 13 (WVEC/ABC) had the 5 & 5:30 time period and was just one-tenth of a point behind WAVY at 6. That's all gone now. WAVY now leads WVEC at 5PM by one-tenth of a point, has signifcantly pulled away from them at 5:30 (9.0 vs 7.2) and has a comfortable lead over 13 at 6PM (10.0 vs 8.5). The suits over at New York Times owned Channel 3 must be disappointed. They saw their low numbers at 6AM go even lower and this is with a brand new morning team of Chris Hopkins and Cynthia Brooks. The other stations remained nearly steady. 'WAVY News 10 Today' has been the ratings leader in the morning now for over 10 years. With the exception of the 6AM hour, total viewership of the news is up..... (12/16/02)
Bad Redskins bring out best in radio crew...
Jerry Lindquist of the Times-Dispatch says Sonny, Sam and Frank are at their best when the Redskins are at their worst. The trio, who do the radio side of the Washington Redskins games, are based out of Infinity's WJFK-FM (106.7) and is heard throughout Virginia on various affiliates. Read the entire piece at timesdispatch.com..... (12/16/02)
Bruner exits NewsChannel 3...
Portia Bruner who served as WTKR's (CBS) consumer affairs reporter left the station last week. She's now in Atlanta where her husband has a very successful dental practice. There was no word if she was going to seek employment in Atlanta TV..... (12/15/02)
Comcast Richmond to raise cable TV rates...
Comcast plans to raise the monthly cost of its basic television package by $2.59 to $42.21 on January 1st. The cost of its higher-end digital TV service, which offers several digital packages that range from $55.95/mo to $85.95/mo, will increase by $5/mo. Though Comcast and AT&T Broadband are now a single company, they don’t yet have uniform programming packages or pricing structures. AT&T Broadband's customers will continue to operate on their existing programming packages but those prices are also going up. AT&T Broadband's "full standard" basic cable monthly rate is increasing to $37.21 from $34.49. AT&T digital TV packages increases aren't available because the offerings and price structure are being examined as part of the Comcast merger. Both companies say that rising operational expenses, including plant maintenance costs and vehicle expenses as factoring into the rate increases. By the way, with the merger complete, Comcast plans to expand services, such as VOD (video-on-demand) that were only available in Chesterfield County, to the former AT&T system. Read the entire article at timesdispatch.com..... (12/15/02)
 Just shortly announcing the acquisition of KNOU-FM (104.5) in New Orleans, Steve Hegwood, President/CEO of On Top Communications, has more major news coming out of 'The Big Easy.' Lamonda Williams has been tapped to be PD for the station. She was most recently with Radio One's urban 'Power 92-1' WCDX as their PD and midday personality until she exited in March of this year. On Top owns 'Hot 102.1' WWHV Virginia Beach and has other properties in the Jackson MS and Albany GA markets..... (12/14/02)
Hoyt exits The Fox...
 Saga Communications' classic hits '106.9 The Fox' WAFX announces that night jock Jerry Hoyt is leaving to pursue other professional and academic opportunities. Hoyt tells me that he will be pursuing a master's degree in communications at Johns Hopkins University, teaching part-time at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, as well as continuing his part-time air weekend air personality duties at Bonneville's modern AC 'More Music 104' WWZZ in Washington DC. Mike Beck, the PD at The Fox, tells VARTV "We thank him for his many contributions to the Fox over the past 18 months, and we wish him the best." For now, Pat Bankssss will be filling in 7PM-12M until a replacement in found. Pat is a "strong" candidate for the position as well. Beck went on to tell me that "We are accepting applications effective immediately for the 7-12mid position. This is a rare opening at one of the strongest stations in Hampton Roads, including the opportunity to fill-in for Market Icon Mike Arlo and PM Driver, Mike Anthony. Interested professionals should email me at mgbeck@1069thefox.com"..... (12/13/02)
UPDATED (from 12/11/02): Raycom Media's WTVR-DT (25/CBS) files with the FCC for "License to cover construction permit." They will be broadcasting at 400kW of power instead of 410kW as stated in the CP..... (12/13/02)
Olivia Fox will be online today...
 Olivia Fox formerly of the Russ Parr Morning Show will have a live web-chat today. Olivia claims she was “abruptly terminated” from Radio One while they were trying to work out a new contract. Her old one wasn’t up for another year. Fox says she’d accepted Radio One’s offer to increase her pay for next year, but she wanted further hikes in the out-years. That’s when she says Radio One halted the talks and blew her out says InsideRadio.com. She’s hosting the live online chat at 1PM on oliviafox.com..... (12/13/02)
FCC activity...
 William & Mary's WCWM filed an application for a booster station on channel 215 (90.9). Here's what they want to... They are licensed on 90.7. They have a CP to move for a full broadcast station on channel 215B1 (90.9). The antenna for this location (in Charles City County) is much farther west than 90.7's (in Williamsburg) but will increase their coverage area significantly. But at the same time, the signal around Williamsburg will be reduced somewhat. Once the new facility is constructed for 90.9, they want to use the old facility (their current one now at 90.7) for the booster station. Right now, 90.7 is at 1.6kW @ 125'. The power would be reduced to just 25 watts when the 90.9 frequency comes alive. The booster station's 60dBu contour line will not go outside of the main facility's 60 dBu contour line. The 90.9 frequency will be directional with 13.5 kW of power @ 269' ...
On Top Communications files to shift voluntary control of all its stations (including urban 'Hot 102.1' WWHV Virginia Beach) from Steve Hegwood (President/CEO) to MMG Ventures LP..... (12/12/02)
CBS threatens to stop HDTV...
Faced with a hostile reaction to the broadcast industry’s preferred copy-protection method, Viacom-owned CBS is threatening to cease all high-definition programming during the 2003-2004 season reports Broadcasting & Cable. A CBS boycott of HDTV would be a blow to the government’s effort to generate consumer and equipment-maker interest in the switch to digital transmissions. Besides airing all 18 of its prime time comedies and dramas in HD, CBS has offered an impressive lineup of HD sports. That includes the 2001 Super Bowl, the NCAA Men’s Final Four and the Masters Golf tournament during the last three years. A variety of industry groups, including Silicon Valley companies and consumer-equipment makers, argued that the so-called broadcast flag will not be effective in preventing unauthorized streaming of copied programming over the net and is not necessary to ensure that high-quality digital programming is made available for free over-the-air broadcasts. CBS-HD can be seen on WTKR-DT, WTVR-DT and WUSA-DT..... (12/12/02)
RDS being used by 96X and 93-7 The Coast...
 Several weeks ago, Sinclair Telecable sisters AAA '93-7 The Coast' WKOC and alternative '96X' WROX implemented the RDS (Radio Data System) feature for car radios. Entercom's 'Z104' WNVZ is the only other station in Hampton Roads ulitilizing RDS. Z104 just displays "Z104" on receivers. With this feature, which is available on most newer cars now, it allows you to read the title and artist information for most of the songs on The Coast and 96X. It also has a whole bunch of additional features like traffic alerts, station moniker etc. I stumbled upon an informative article on the 96X website at 96x.fm explaining the features available with RDS..... (12/12/02)
Another successful food drive...
Barnstable's heritage country WCMS and 13 News WVEC teamed up for the "Feed the Hungry Food Drive." The Drive collected over 93,000 pounds of food - enough to make over 71,000 meals. Congrats to everyone involved especially Jack Prater, Joe Hoppel and Jennifer Roberts of WCMS and Craig Moeller and Evan Stewart at WVEC..... (12/12/02)
A change of heart in Fredericksburg...
 John Parker has decided to put off his retirement a while longer and will remain as morning co-host of WFVA - The Memories Station AM 1230. VARTV had reported back on November 14th that he would will be retiring in early 2003. A month later, he has changed his mind. The legendary Parker's career has already spanned 55 years, including radio and television stints in Michigan and Las Vegas, prior to coming to Fredericksburg 21 years ago. At sister station Hot AC 'B101.5' WBQB, Heather Harwood has been named permanent co-host of the popular 'B101.5 Breakfast Flakes' with Alan Baxter and Robert Workman. Heather has worked in Dayton OH for 'Lite 99.9' WLQT-FM and for 'Mix 107.5' WUMX-FM in Charlottesville prior to joining WBQB in November..... (12/11/02)
97-3 The Eagle listener appreciation concert ...
John Shomby, Director of Programming and Operations for the Barnstable Norfolk cluster, told AllAccess.com that '97-3 The Eagle' WGH is "gearing up for their first ever listener appreciation concert to be held this Saturday (12/14) at the Beach House. Pinmonkey will be the headlining act for the event and the two openers will include the local winner of USA Networks "Nashville Star" competition and WGH's morning show band, The Ill-Eagles featuring co-hosts Jimmy Ray and Jay"..... (12/11/02)
November ratings are in for Richmond TV...
 Things continue to look very good for the folks over at Channel 12 (WWBT/NBC). WWBT's decision to program Dr Phil at 3 and local news at 4PM seems to be paying off. The good doctor is beating both "Guiding Light" on WTVR (6/CBS) and "General Hospital" on WRIC (8/ABC). And the 4PM newscast paired with Inside Edition at 4:30 not only beats the competition, it is doing better than Oprah did in that time period a year ago. WWBT's local newscasts win all their time periods except the noon news, where WTVR's CBS daytime strength has always pulled them to the top. With the exception of that newscast and at 5AM, WWBT's audience is either the same or more than Channels 6 and 8's audiences - combined. In the November book, it appears WWBT continues to close in on WTVR at noon, now only one rating point and one share point behind..... (12/11/02)
Around the Hampton Roads radio dial...
 It sounds like that 'Hot 102.1' WWHV Virginia Beach is using their old antenna. When they first signed on, they used an antenna located on top of the Dolphin Run Condominiums at Rudee Inlet, literally right on the beach. If this is the case and you're located outside of Virginia Beach, you're out of luck. With an antenna height of just 167', the signal basically just covers Virginia Beach. I was in Chesapeake this morning (I-64) - the signal there was unlistenable (but it was there). On I-264, the closer I got to the beach, the signal greatly improved. On the AM band, Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting's Spanish variety 'Radio Vida' WRJR Claremont was off the air this morning. ¡Dios mio! ..... (12/11/02)
NBC wins weekly TV ratings race...
The top 10 shows for the week of December 2nd thru the 8th according to AC Nielsen were... (show, network, rating) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 18.0; "Friends," NBC, 15.8; "ER," NBC, 15.2; "Prime Time" Special Edition, ABC, 13.7; tied: "Monday Night Football": New York Jets at Oakland, ABC, "Scrubs," NBC, and "Will & Grace," NBC, 12.2; "Survivor: Thailand," CBS, 12.0; "Law & Order," NBC, 11.2; "Law & Order: SVU," NBC, 11.1.
Claiming six of the top 10 shows, NBC took the week with 12 million viewers (7.9 household rating, 13 share), CBS 11.1 million viewers (7.4/12 share), ABC 9.7 million viewers (6.3/10), FOX 7.7 million viewers (4.7/7),
The WB 3.7 million viewers (2.3/4), UPN 3.3 million viewers (2.1/3) and PAX 1.5 million viewers (1.0/2 share - one of their stronger showings). A ratings point represents 1,067,000 households, or 1% of the country's estimated 106.7 million TV homes. The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given show.
But perhaps the week's most remarkable ratings coup was by HBO with "The Sopranos." The season finale was seen by 12.5 million cable viewers, beating all the broadcast networks in its time slot. If the cable program were included in the Nielsen rankings, it would have claimed 19th place - even though HBO reaches only about one-third of all the nation's TV households. Wow!
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (12/10/02)
Hot 102.1 now on the air at reduced power...
 UPDATE: At 3PM, they are on the air but not at full power. My Sony Walkman, which picked 'Hot 102.1' loud-and clear before, is now barely audible. PREVIOUS: Sometime before noon yesterday (12/9), On Top's urban 'Hot 102.1' WWHV started experiencing problems - being off the air. I heard midday host Burgandi at noon saying something to the effect "We have been experencing some problems..." and started to go into the "Top 5 at Noon." Shortly after the countdown began, the station was going in-and-out again. Around 12:30PM, it was off for good. As of this writing (9:30AM-12/10), they're still off-the-air. If I'm correct, I believe the ratings period just finished up. This wouldn't be good way to wrap up the Fall ratings Book..... (12/10/02)
Richmond HDTV news...
Two stations - WRIC-DT (8/ABC) and WRLH-DT (35/FOX) - began beaming digital signals last month. WTVR-DT (6/CBS) should begin airing a digital signal in the next month or so reports the Times-Dispatch. WTVR-DT recently installed its digital transmitter and is testing it now, said Matt Heffernan, director of operations and technology. The station received another six-month extension from the FCC but Heffernan says "…I would think we should be up in the next month, unless something happens". These stations join WWBT-DT (12/NBC) which has been broadcasting a digital signal since January of this year. The aforementioned stations didn't meet the original deadline because of construction delays. They and Commonwealth Public Broadcasting, which operates WCVE (23) and WCVW (57), formed a partnership to have a digital tower built next to public broadcasting's building in Chesterfield. SpectraSite completed it this fall. The FCC deadline for the public TV stations is May 2003 but Channels 23 & 57 aren't likely to meet that deadline. WCVE (23) should be on the air by midsummer, while WCVW (57) is looking at alternatives - low power - to reduce costs. The cost for Channel 23 for example to go digital is estimated at $2.4 million. Even though WUPV-DT (65/UPN) wasn’t included in the story, they too have been working at the site in Chesterfield County..... (12/10/02)
Successful radiothon...
 Entercom's modern AC '94.9 The Point' WPTE morning show hosts "Chuck & Jenna" raised more than $261,000 for The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters during a radiothon held over the weekend. The pair kicked things off last Thursday (12/5) and broadcast a total of 50 hours through Sunday (12/8) taking pledges from Point listeners..... (12/9/02)
Showing the 'Skins game was the right call...
 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers handedly beat the Atlanta Falcons and Mike Vick or is it Michael on Sunday. It was debated if area FOX stations were going to carry that game or the Redskins vs. NY Giants game. Hampton Roads' 'FOX43' WVBT, DC's 'FOX5' WTTG and 'FOX Richmond' WRLH didn't give it a second thought. 'Skins all the way. It turns out that the Washington game was the good game and the Tampa/Atlanta match-up was a blowout. Stations aren't bound by what games to air. Example, Roanoke. 'FOX 21/27' WFXR/WJPR chose to air the Tampa/Atlanta contest instead of Washington/NY. In hindsight, not a good move... not only was the game a blowout, I'm sure the station heard "about it" from a lot of angry 'Skins fans..... (12/9/02)
AT& T Broadband not to “broad” in Henrico...
 Complaints about less than stellar Internet connection speeds have come mostly from western Henrico County but other local subscribers say they have experienced problems so says the Times-Dispatch. AT&T Broadband said "unprecedented demand" for its cable Internet service is bogging down some local subscribers, who have complained their high-speed connections are performing worse than dial-up modems. AT&T's basic cable Internet service offers download speeds of up to 1,500 kbps (or 1.5 mbps) and upload speeds of up to 300 kbps. It also markets a higher speed service. The company on Friday said it is in the process of upgrading a significant part of its local network to add more capacity and "it should relieve the current pressure on the system." Henrico County Supervisor Richard Glover plans to ask the county manager to put AT&T Broadband "on notice" that its recent customer service performance is unacceptable. "I think we're back to probably the level of calls where it was six months ago when AT&T was just totally lax at following up on service," Glover said. Back in February, the county sent AT&T a letter demanding that the company improve its customer service or face fines. The threat of fines was removed in April..... (12/9/02)
Shocker! Olivia Fox exits morning show...
The syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show, heard on 28 radio stations around the country, lost it's co-host Olivia Fox. According to her website oliviafox.com, her departure is to due the decision of management of Radio One. She says on her site, "I'm no longer employed by the Russ Parr Morning Show... Look for me on a new station coming real soon." Fox's last day Friday the 6th. It's been reported that she had at least one more year left on her contract with Radio One. Russ Parr is heard locally on 'Hot 102.1' WWHV Virginia Beach, 'Power 92-1 Jamz' WCDX Richmond and Parr's home station 93-9 WKYS in DC..... (12/7/02)
ODU men's basketball on cable TV...
 Flipping through the channels, I stumbled upon the ECU Pirates vs ODU Monarchs men's basketball game on COX Cable channel 71. This channel is the "Cable Marketplace" designated for local informercials. The game was being televised by Pirates Sports Television Network with local spots being filled by CableRep. This is the first time I've ever heard of this. Was it on channel 71 because someone was broadcasting a game involving the Monarch's or maybe ECU sports matchups will be picked up by COX? ..... (12/7/02)
On Top picks up another station...
Steve Hegwood's On Top Communications has completed the purchase of urban 'U104.5' KNOU New Orleans from JP Broadcasting. On Top owns new urban 'Hot 102.1' WWHV Virginia Beach. The New Orleans market is dominated by CC's urban 'Q93' WQUE. Along with closing on KNOU, On Top has completed a $20 million recapitalization. Hegwood told AllAccess.com, "The acquisition and financing gives the company the resources to realize our goal of creating dominant urban format clusters in our markets." Along with KNOU and WWHV, On Top also has 'Hot 97.7' WRJH//WJXN Jackson MS and 'Hot 106 Jamz' WFFM//WRXZ Albany GA. On Top's world HQs are located in Lanham MD just around the corner of his former employer's HQs - Radio One..... (12/7/02)
The late Alden Aaroe...
Ray McAllister of the Richmond Times-Dispatch has an excellent article today about the late Alden Aaroe who was a WRVA radio icon for 47 years. Aaroe passed in 1993. McAllister had an article on him yesterday (12/5) which prompted many reader responses (12/6). Here's the original article published December 5th and reader reflections on December 6th..... (12/6/02)
Vibe has found their new afternoon drive jock...
 Jerry Carter formerly middays at urban AC 'Vibe 100.1' WVBE-FM/AM Lynchburg/Roanoke will fill the vacant slot in the afternoons at CC's urban AC'Vibe 105.3' WSVY Norfolk. If you recall, 20-year radio vet Double D was fired from 'Vibe 105.3' a week before Thanksgiving. He served as their production director and on-air talent - heard Monday-Saturday 3PM-7PM. Rumor had it that Double D was let go because of ratings. Vibe's chief competiton is Entercom's urban AC '95-7 R&B' WVKL which is doing quite well. Quite frankly, I didn't think Vibe was going to last. But, WSVY's ratings have been on a steady increase ever since they swapped frequencies with sister smooth jazz/NAC 'CD 107.7' WJCD. Janet stuck with 'em..... (12/6/02)
WGRQ announces new PD...
|
|
| |
