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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...
Telemedia Broadcasting's 'Virginia Rockin' Oldies' WGRQ Colonial Beach has recently promoted Jim Herring to be their new PD. Herring was Director of Sales & Marketing for Telemedia the past two years. Jim will also have future on-air duties. Herring’s programming experience covers a number of years serving as an air personality for Richmond’s classic rock '96.5 The Planet' WKLR, former rocker 'XL-102' WRXL, WVGO, former modern rocker 'The Buzz' WBZU, 'The Bear' WKIK - remember those last four - and country 'K-95' WKHK as well as Charlottesville’s '3WV' WWWV, WOBR Nags Head and WFLS. “With the addition of our new country station, Thunder 104.5 (WGRX-FM), Rockin’ Oldies 95.9 has needed to have a little more focus,” states WGRQ/WGRX GM Tom Cooper. “We believe that Jim’s programming background will enable us to fully utilize his talents in this area in order to serve the needs of Telemedia Broadcasting, Inc. in an even greater capacity.” There are currently plans to launch a new afternoon drive or midday shift in early January with Herring serving as host. Telemedia Broadcasting is based out of Annapolis with their local office in Fredericksburg..... (12/6/02)
Shore radio news..
On Saturday November 30th, Bay Broadcasting's 'Mix 106.5' WKHW flipped back to oldies from classic/modern rock. Now imaged 'Oldies 106.5 - Delmarva's Great Oldies Station', WKHW will primarily play the 60s & 70s along with some hits from the 50s. When owned by Great Scott, 'KHW was a satellite oldies station - Oldies 106.5 - the Bay Broadcasting incarnation will be live & local. Owner Mike Powell does mornings, Adam Riggins & Mike Deane round out the day so reports ESRTV. WKHW will soon mix in some holiday tunes with the oldies. Sister station 'Bay Country 96.9' WBEY Crisfield will go all-holiday on December 24th..... (12/5/02)
Channel 35 chooses Redskins over Vick...
 This comes under the heading of: "You've got to be kidding me!" says Jerry Linquist of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Sunday at 1PM, FOX will carry four games including Atlanta-Tampa Bay and the NY Giants-Washington. In Richmond, who's bigger: Michael Vick or the Redskins? The folks at 'FOX Richmond' WRLH don't have to ask. They know. That's why, as popular as Vick has become nationally, he's no match for three lousy QBs and a disappointing 5-7 record when it comes to area interest. Given a choice between the two games, Channel 35 went burgundy and gold. Station Manager Bille Lane said "We are the Redskins' station... you HAVE to air the Redskins here." OK, so he knows he'll be on the receiving end of some complaints by not opting for the 8-3-1 Falcons (Vick etc) and 9-3 Buccaneers (Sapp etc) . After all, Channel 35 went out of its way to make sure as many Vick . . . sorry, Falcons games as possible (five) could be seen in Richmond this season. But . . . through games of November 11, the average local rating on WRLH for the Redskins was 14.5/26.5 share. Atlanta games did a 7.7/14.8. We're talking a 188% gap in ratings and 179% in share. Talk about a no-brainer. By the way, Hampton Roads' 'FOX43' WVBT and DC's 'FOX5' WTTG are both scheduled to show the NY-'Skins game. Will any of these stations and/or network switch the game?..... (12/5/02)
FCC Daily Digest...
WRLH-DT (26/FOX) is granted a 6-month extension to the CP to build out their DTV. They are already on the air - at low power. Over at WTVR-DT (25/CBS), their request for an extension to build out their CP for the DTV is dismissed. No indication why. They too are on-the-air. And finally, WRIC-DT (22/ABC) is back on the air after a couple of days being dark for equipment replacement and they're back with "rave" reviews..... (12/5/02)
"How do you rate local news coverage?"
That's the question purposed at PilotOnline.com. Rate each station at the following links...
WAVY (10/NBC)
WVBT (43/FOX)
WTKR (3/CBS)
WVEC (13/ABC)
Larry Bonko of the Virginian-Pilot is taking the survey of readers and will publish the results in a later column. A year or two ago, he asked readers to put together their "Dream Team" news team - the best of the best in news anchoring, weather and sports. Pretty cool. The reason for this new poll is that according to a survey of over 100 NDs, the "cheesy" side of local TV news is expanding. Read the entire article at pilotonline.com. You can also leave your personal comments at that link. Gotta go..... (12/5/02)
Local winter weather...
  Of the local channels here in Hampton Roads, all were pretty much in agreement what was going to happen today - as to who was going to get what and when. As usual, I tuned to Channel 3 (WTKR/CBS) and 13 (WVEC/ABC) for my winter weather forecasts. The best are from the NWS (forecast dicussions). Both Jeff Lawson & Evan Stewart at WVEC and Dave Parker & Mike Simon at WTKR gave solid forecasts that had me watching. Parker and Simon are a solid team; just on the "wrong" channel for me. Does anyone watch Channel 10 (WAVY/NBC) for solid, in-depth weather coverage? Not me..... (12/5/02)
Dwayne Edwards of WPER featured...
 AllAccess.com this week chats with MD/morning co-host Dwayne Edwards of Contemporary Christian 89.9 WPER Culpeper. He answers AllAccess' weekly feature called "10 Questions With..." in their Christian programming section. By the way, Edwards first gig in radio was an internship and later a job in 1997 at WXCY. He's been at WPER for almost three years now..... (12/4/02)
The DC City Council unanimously passes a bill banning non-competes...
 From InsideRadio... Yesterday afternoon’s tally was 13-0 — despite months of lobbying by players like Radio One, Sinclair and the Maryland-DC-Delaware Broadcasters Association. AFTRA Washington-Baltimore Executive Director Pat O’Donnell tells Inside Radio the “Broadcast Industry Contract Freedom Act of 2002” should affect several hundred workers in the District — anybody who works in radio, TV, cable and some related vendors who’s got a personal services contract. The bill’s language pointedly includes entities that supply news, weather and sports to broadcast stations — meaning Westwood’s Metro/Shadow. The bill goes to Mayor Anthony Williams for his signature, and then a mandatory 30-day review by Congress. O’Donnell believes the bill will be law by early January 2003. She says “I’m pleased the DC Council has recognized the importance of prohibiting non-competes, and allowed all broadcasters in DC the freedom to work.” AFTRA targets Maryland next, then Virginia. No wonder Radio One’s Cathy Hughes was urging the District Council to spike the “Contract Freedom Act” — Radio One’s corporate office moved out of the District several years ago to new quarters in Lanham, MD. That’s the next state that AFTRA’s eyeing for passage of non-compete legislation. They’ll start the drive in the House of Delegates in January. Then it’s on to Virginia. AFTRA’s strategy has been to wage the fight using a state-by-state battle plan. Last year’s victory in Illinois — overturning Governor Ryan’s veto — gave AFTRA significant momentum..... (12/4/02)
CBS has top three shows; wins TV week...
The top 10 shows for the week of November 25th to December 1st according to AC Nielsen were... (show, network, rating) "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 13.0; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 12.4; CBS Sunday Movie: "The Christmas Shoes," CBS, 11.4; "Monday Night Football" (Philadelphia at San Francisco), ABC, 11.4; "Law & Order," NBC, 10.7; "Still Standing," CBS, 10.4; "Judging Amy," CBS, 10.3; "JAG," CBS, 10.1; "60 Minutes," CBS, 9.9; "Frasier," NBC, 9.8.
CBS wins the week with 13.4 million viewers (8.2 household rating, 14 share), NBC 11.9 million viewers (7.1/12), ABC 11.4 million viewers (6/10), FOX 9.2 million viewers (5/8), UPN 4.9 million viewers (2.1/4), The WB 4 million viewers (though it beat UPN with its 2.7 rating, 4 share) and PAX 1.3 million viewers (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..... (12/3/02)
BT goes to New Hampshire...
When Clear Channel's rocker 'XL102' WRXL segued to alternative (102-1 The X), BT (Brandon Terry) didn't quite fit-in with the new format. But CC didn't won't to lose him either. Since the flip, BT was helping PD Casey Krukowski during the transition. He has now landed afternoons at sister rocker '100.3 WHEB' in Portsmouth NH. Even though it's a smaller market (#56 to #116), WHEB is second in the 12+ ratings behind a powerhouse country outlet. BT told AllAccess.com back in October, "Clear Channel is a world class organization, and they have treated me like an important member of the team, but sometimes you aren't a part of the vision and such is the case with 'New Rock 102.1 The X.'" WHEB is exactly what WRXL was! BT will continue to voicetrack nights on '98 Rock' WACL Harrisonburg and afternoons on '99.3 The Fox' WFQX Winchester. He starts at WHEB Monday, December 16th..... (12/3/02)
HDTV update in Richmond...
VARTV "hears" that WRIC-DT (22/ABC) will be offline for most of this week due to encoder problems. There has been audio and video drop-outs when WRIC-DT has been on the air. They're getting a new encoder from their vendor. Over at WTVR-DT (25/CBS), for the next three months or so expect them to be "on" only during primetime hours and maybe weekends when the network is beaming HD programming (i.e. football games)..... (12/2/02)
West End cable subs getting answers from the web...
When their high-speed Internet connections slowed to a crawl, AT&T Broadband customers called the company for answers. When they got answers that didn't satisfy them, they turned to the Web. Consumers of all kinds of products and services are going online to discuss their common experiences, malfunctioning products, and good and bad stories. The Internet has become a reliable center for problem solving and a staging area for consumer action. In this case, the group of AT&T subscribers, many of them in western Henrico County, created a discussion topic at BroadbandReports.com, where they commiserated over their broadband problems and analyzed responses from the company. There, they shared and parsed the answers they got from AT&T customer support, reviewed options and planned their next move, as individuals and as a group. McGregor McCance has the rest of the story at timesdispatch.com..... (12/2/02)
Mayflower Marathon is a huge success...
 Saga's classic hits '106.9 The Fox' WAFX held their 6th annual Mayflower Marathon ended up with some great results. Over 250 tons (or 375,000 meals) of food and still counting! You can check 1069thefox.com for all information and pictures. This has become the largest food drive in the state of Virginia and per capita, one of the biggest in the country according to GM Dave Paulus. The 53-hour food drive was 'hosted' by The Fox morning "Jeff & MC"..... (12/2/02)
FLS' Annual Shoe Fund Auction starts Monday...
In what has become a Fredericksburg tradition, WFLS will begin its Annual Shoe Fund Auction Monday at 5AM with 25-year veteran morning man Brian Strobel and Penny Wack. Items include autographed items from country artists like Trace Adkins, SheDaisy, The Dixie Chicks, Kathy Mattea and others to autographed footballs from Washington Redskins players and scale cars from Bobby Allison and 2002 Winston Cup Champion Tony Stewart. There are also two tickets (club level) to the December 29th Washington Redskins game vs Dallas Cowboys up for bids. All items and when they can be bid on can be seen at wfls.com Just look for the Shoe Fund Auction items..... (11/30/02)
UPN Richmond back to normal...
 We're you having trouble watching Richmond's Channel 65? You weren't alone. The station had a fire in its transmission line on Wednesday the 20th. WUPV continued to be available to most cable customers but not to OTA (over-the-air) viewers. The problem was fixed the next day - almost said GM Gerald Walsh. "Viewers in outlying households might have experienced 'diminished' reception. Work was done on the tower Wednesday and Channel 65 was back to full power on Thanksgiving..... (11/29/02)
Cat Country to be sold...
'Cat Country 100.3' WARV Petersburg is being sold to MainQuad Communications. Charles Giddens owned it as Honolulu Broadcasting but passed away from cancer in September 2001. The station is being sold by his widow Joanne to MainQuad for $1.2M. Cox Radio has had a joint sales agreement with WARV. MainQuad also owns 'Smooth Jazz 93.1' WJZV and 80s-90s Hits 'Star 107.3' WBBT in the Richmond area along with four other stations. Way too early to tell if the format will stay..... (11/27/02)
Morning show co-host/anchor-reporter wanted...
 Mid-Atlantic Network is still looking for a morning show co-host for 'The Memories Station' WFVA-AM 1230 Fredericksburg. Their looking for an 'experienced' news anchor/reporter who will not only co-host the morning show on WFVA but anchor the show's newscasts. This person will also serve as a reporter for WFVA and sister station Hot AC 'B101.5' WBQB. It was announced that longtime host John Parker at WFVA will be leaving in early 2003..... (11/27/02)
Oldies 92-9 looking for a PD...
 Ironically, they already have one... Randy Brooks. If you remember, Brooks used to program sister stations new country 'Eagle 97.3' (now known as 97-3 The Eagle) WGH and heritage country WCMS. About six months after Barnstable flipped urban oldies 'Soul Classics 92.9’ to 'Oldies 92-9' (WWSO), Randy took on the additional responsibility of PD/afternoon drive at WWSO. Shortly after that, his sole responsibility was to WWSO with John Shomby overseeing things at the country outlets. Yesterday at AllAccess.com, an ad was placed by John Shomby himself for a PD position at Oldies 92-9. So what's happened to Brooks this past year? Was he forced to go to WWSO to be forced out? Will he stay with Barnstable cluster at all? ..... (11/27/02)
More Christmas music...
Contemporary Christian WODC-FM 88.5 "Your Lighthouse" (88.5 Virginia Beach, 97.9 South Norfolk, 103.7 Chesapeake and 103.9 in Norfolk) will begin mixing in Christmas music beginning Sunday December 1st and increase it's frequency until December 15th when it will go all Christmas during regular format and end the Christmas music on December 26th by taking requests of favorite Christmas music. They'll be "Keeping the Christ" in Christmas!..... (11/27/02)
CSI gets knocked down to fourth...
The top 10 shows for the week of November 18th to 24th according to AC Nielsen were... (show, network, rating) "Friends," NBC, 17.0; "ER," NBC, 16.5; "The Bachelor," ABC, 16.3; "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 16.2; "Will & Grace," NBC, 15.5; "Will & Grace" (special), NBC, 14.5; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 12.8; "Law & Order," NBC, 12.1; "Frasier," NBC, 11.8; "Monday Night Football: Chicago at St. Louis," ABC, 11.7.
Last week overall, CBS led with 13.2 million viewers (8.8 household rating, 14 share), NBC 13.17 million viewers (8.7/14), ABC 12.5 million viewers (7.7/12), FOX 9.1 million viewers (5.5/9), The WB 5.4 million viewers (3.3/5), UPN 4 million viewers (2.5/4) and PAX 1.2 million viewers (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..... (11/26/02)
The Shore's '103.3 The Shore' WESR will be adding holiday tunes to their music mix starting after the day after Thanksgiving. WESR will increase the frequency of holiday music until December 23rd when its back-to-back all-holiday music thru Christmas..... (11/26/02)
New software releases...
Do you have AOL's Instant Messenger, MusicMatch Jukebox, RealOne Player? Well, all three have recently been updated with new versions. AOL Instant Messenger, the stand alone version outside of the AOL service, has released version 5.1. MusicMatch has released version 7.5 of its JukeBox. Open the MusicMatch JukeBox, click "Options" then "Update Software." The RealOne Player from RealNetworks has a new 'build' (6.011.830) for Version 2.0. Open the player, click "Tools" then "Check for Update". Remember besides emailing us at editor@vartv.com, you can also reach us on Netscape, AOL, Compuserve (via your Instant Messenger) at screenname VARTV Mobile or on the MSN Network/Windows Messenger at screenname VARTV..... (11/26/02)
Radio One Richmond fills OM/PD slot...
Kevin Gardner joins Radio One's urban oldies 'Magic 105.7' WJMO and urban AC '104.7 Kiss FM' WKJS as their new OM/PD. Gardner comes from Cumulus Tallahassee (gospel 'AM 1410 The Light' WHBT, urban '96.1 Jamz' WHBX & oldies 'Groovin 102' WWLD), where he was PD/MD and afternoon-drive talent. Gardner began his career doing the morning-drive at WOKB Orlando in 1986. For the next four years, he held positions at WWPD Florence SC, KDKO Denver CO and back to South Carolina to WWDM in Columbia. Later, he moved to Washington DC in 1990 to serve as AMD/afternoon-drive for WDJY & WJZE. After spending three years in DC, Gardner headed to his hometown of Philadelphia to work on the morning show at Clear Channel's urban AC WDAS-FM..... (11/25/02)
A fourth Hampton Roads station to belt-out holiday tunes...
 Saga's adult standards 'Joy' WJOI-AM 1230 will switch to all-holiday music the day after Thanksgiving. WJOI has a loyal following with it's format geared to the older audience. Is cross-town 'competitor' Barnstable's adult standards 'AM 1050 The Fog' WFOG (1050), who uses Jones Radio's Music of Your Life, going to do the same? (11/25/02)
Virginia Broadcasting's 'NBC29' WVIR-DT 32 Charlottesville VA has been in a testing mode since mid-October. Expect regular programming by the end of this week. Their high-power transmitter (1000 kW) won't be installed until Albemarle County approves a new tower. They hope to be on the air with their high-power transmitter by the end of next year. Right now they're only at 6.5 kW at 1005'..... (11/25/02)
Veteran jock is fired from a Clear Channel station...
 Suprised? VARTV has learned that 20-year radio veteran Double D was fired from urban AC 'Vibe 105.3' WSVY. Double D was their production director and on-air talent heard Monday-Saturday 3PM-7PM. Was it ratings? They just came off of a great Trend. In his bio, which by the way you can't read because it has already been taken down at vibezone.com, he stated he began his radio career back in 1982. He was first hired by Vibe in 1997, moved to Philadelphia to do radio in 1999 and came back for "round 2" in June 2000. Here comes the irony. In his bio under the question "Career Accomplishments"; his answer was "Being in radio for 18 years and never being fired." Happy Holidays from Clear Channel Norfolk..... (11/24/02)
Hampton Roads might have THREE full-coverage ALL-holiday music stations...
 When is the last time that this has happened around here? Never. Starting tomorrow (11/25), Barnstable's 'Oldies 92-9' WWSO will go all-holiday music for the next "31 days." Entercom's AC '2WD' WWDE was to switch to all-holiday music after Thanksgiving but got wind of Oldies 92-9's planned switch on Monday. So at 5PM last Friday, 2WD decided to start the holiday tunes earlier.  Note that the Delilah program heard on WWDE weeknights 7PM to midnight is already in holiday "mode" too. Usually around these parts, it was WWDE adding holiday music to their regular playlist and slowly increasing the frequency of holiday tunes towards December 25th. The rimshot signal from Maranatha Broadcasting's Contemporary Christian 'Praise 105' WFMZ (104.9) played 24/7 Christmas music from Christian artists last year, BBN's WYFI (99.7) featured Christmas music as did Peninsula/Middle Peninsula/Northern Neck area AC 'Xtra 99' WXGM. This might be the first time ever that two full market coverage stations (non-satellite fed) went all-holiday music. As I write this, Clear Channel's urban AC 'Vibe 105.3' WSVY is playing back-to-back holiday tunes from Black artists - "Christmas Hits and Jammin' Old School." Are they going all-holiday too? Holy cow! This is getting out of control. SVY might have something here - playing holiday tunes from Black artists. If you're in the VARTV listening area and hear a station playing partial or all-holiday music, let us know! Email us at holidaytunes@vartv.com..... (11/24/02)
WUPV'a OTA signal nowhere to be found...
If you used to watching 'UPN Richmond' WUPV over the air, you may have noticed that they have been MIA for the last several days. VARTV heard that earlier last week there was a fire at the station in Ashland and haven't been seen since. Emails have been sent to Channel 65 and were returned back to VARTV as undeliverable..... (11/24/02)
Richmond, the land of wrenchheads...
Anybody who doesn't think this is the land of wrenchheads, think again so says Jerry Lindquist of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Richmond finished ninth among metered markets in NBC's (WWBT/12) Winston Cup coverage this year with a 12-race average rating of 7.5 (15 share). That's 34% better than 2001 and made the Richmond market the second most-improved, trailing only Chicago's 38% to a 3.3. Final national numbers came out earlier today. In overnights of 53 top-metered markets, NBC/TNT combined did 4.5, up 13% over a year ago - the first of the $2.4 billion, six-year NASCAR deal shared with FOX. Greensboro (12.9) and Charlotte (11.1), NC, remained Nos. 1 and 2. No surprise there. Quoting NASCAR-on-NBC/TNT analyst Benny Parsons: "I think being Winston Cup champion is going to be a tough thing for Tony Stewart. It will be interesting to see how [he] handles his role as the sport's leading ambassador..... (11/23/02)
Virginia now has a state-wide Amber Alert program...
 Governor Warner said reports about abducted children will be broadcast immediately on radio & TV and posted on highway message boards under a statewide "Amber Alert" program. Warner said, "With the Amber Alert plan, in the event a child is abducted we want to make sure the public can assist you in the most rapid and coordinated fashion." Police activate the Amber Alert after determining that a child 17 or younger has been abducted and is in danger. Information about the child is sent to radio & TV stations, which interrupt regular programming to report the abduction. VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) also will use electronic message signs along major highways to tell motorists to be on the lookout. Warner's initiative expands on regional programs already operating in the Richmond, Northern Virginia, Spotsylvania and Roanoke areas. Attorney General Jerry Kilgore said Wednesday that creation of a statewide Amber Alert will be part of his 2003 legislative agenda. Warner said he does not oppose asking the General Assembly to convert the program from an administrative policy to a law. The Virginia Amber Alert program's website can be found at vaamberalert.com..... (11/23/02)
It's been reported today that WTVR-DT (25/CBS) was on the air around 5:30PM. WTVR would be the fourth DTV in Richmond to sign-on. At 9:30PM, all four of Richmond's DTVs were on the air..... (11/22/02)
Richmond will have at least two all-holiday music stations...
 It looks like Hoffman's adult standards 'EZ 100.5' WZEZ Goochland will be going to an all-holiday music format starting either the day before or the day of Thanksgiving.  They have a countdown clock on their website at wzezradio.com. They went all-holiday last year at this time with much success ratings wise. Clear Channel's AC 'Lite 98' WTVR will also go all-holiday this coming Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, at 9AM..... (11/22/02)
Lite 98 back on top in Richmond...
Arbitron's Fall Phase I numbers for Richmond were released earlier today. CC's AC 'Lite 98' WTVR regains the top spot after plummenting in the Summer book (12.1-7.7) to a 8.3 rating. Radio One's urban 'Power 92-1 Jamz' WCDX is second again at 7.7. Cox Radio's country 'K95' WKHK falls from the top perch in the Summer book to third at 7.4. Cox's classic rocker '96-5 The Planet' WKLR shoots up to fourth with a 6.0 with CC's 'NewsRadio 1140' WRVA rounding out the Top 5 at 5.9. The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com or insideradio.com..... (11/22/02)
FM99 has the #1 spot all to itself...
 Saga's active rocker 'FM99' WNOR is all by itself at the top (6.3 rating/12+) according to Arbitron which released the numbers earlier today. The Fall Phase I period covers August, September and October. WNOR was in a tie with Clear Channel's urban '103Jamz' WOWI for the Summer book. No longer. '103Jamz' slides to 4th with a 6.0 rating. 2nd is Entercom's AC '2WD' WWDE with a 6.2 with 3rd going to Barnstable's new country '97-3 The Eagle' WGH at a 6.1. Rounding out the Top 10 is Entercom sisters urban AC '95-7 R&B' WVKL & rhythmic 'Z104' WNVZ at 5th... 5.6, 7th is 'Oldies 92-9' WWSO... 5.0, 8th is Contemporary Inspirational 'Star 94.1' WXEZ & classic hits '106.9 The Fox' WAFX... 4.9 and 10th country WCMS & modern AC '94.9 The Point' WPTE... 4.7...Top 11 25-54 all persons demo...
1. WGH & WAFX... 7.5
3. WNOR & WVKL... 7.3
5. WWDE... 6.8
6. WWSO... 6.0
7. WPTE... 5.9
8. WXEZ... 5.6
9. WOWI... 5.5
10. WNVZ... 4.0
11. WSVY & WNIS... 3.6 The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com or insideradio.com after 5/6PM..... (11/22/02)
Anchor Ed Hughes treated for colon cancer...
 Ed Hughes, the anchor who’s been with WTKR (3/CBS) for over 34 years, has colon cancer and underwent surgery this week to remove a tumor from his intestines. Larry Bonko of the Virginian-Pilot says he’s resting comfortably at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and expects a full recovery. Hughes who’s 64 said, “I'm upbeat and optimistic.'' He will undergo chemotherapy once a week when he recovers from the 4 1/2 -hour surgery. He expects to be off the job for five to six weeks. Hughes said he’s drawing support from his family and co-workers at WTKR – even WVEC, his competition, sent him flowers..... (11/22/02)
Marathon broadcast...
On Monday morning, November 25th at 5:30AM, the morning duo Jeff and MC of Saga's classic hits '106.9 The Fox' WAFX will begin their annual 53-hour marathon broadcast to benefit hungry families in Hampton Roads. "The Fox Mayflower Marathon" is the largest food drive in Virginia and one of the largest in the nation. Donations can be dropped off at Pembroke Mall in Virginia Beach and Coliseum Mall next to Bennigan's in Hampton..... (11/21/02)
Cable TV denied...
 Amy Johnson of The Virginia Gazette reports on one family's trouble of simply wanting to get cable TV for their 9-year-old daughter. But never imagined how difficult it would be with Cox Cable. The family lives in Williamsburg. The entire article is online at vagazette.com..... (11/21/02)
LPTV to be sold...
LPTV WVBN-LP (19) Virginia Beach VA files with the FCC to "Voluntary Assignment of License" from Izzo Family Trust to JBS Inc. The selling price is unknown. JBS Inc has two other LPTVs in Hampton Roads - W31BG (19) Yorktown VA and W39BW (39) Newport News VA - that simulcasts each other with locally produced (it looks like a high school production) religious programming and ShopNBC. Channel 19 broadcasts MTV2 with a highly directional antenna off Salem Rd that is only receivable in Virginia Beach. They also hold a CP to move WVBN to channel 18..... (11/21/02)
Don London interviewed...
 Barry Fiedel and Pat Martine of Hitmakers Magazine interview Don London the Director of Programming at Entercom's rhythmic 'Z104' WNVZ, AC '2WD' WWDE and urban AC '95-7 R&B' WVKL. Modern AC '94.9 The Point' WPTE, the other station in the cluster has its own PD - Steve McKay. Get the entire scoop on Don here at hitmakersmagazine.com..... (11/21/02)
There's a new classified ad today. Click on the "Classified Ads" link on the left navigation panel..... (11/20/02)
VCU sports media news...
 VCU's 'Ram Replay,' a taped-delayed telecasts of men's basketball home games, enters its second season with a new home. Last year, the games were seen on 'UPN65' WUPV. This year, they'll on Sundays on WCVW (57/PBS). That's correct: a public broadcasting station, no commercials, etc. "But our sponsors were OK with PBS-style 'acknowledgments' in lieu of regular 'call to action' style advertising," said Associate AD Tom Shupe. "It will be a full-blown, five-camera production of the games in their entirety." The first of 16 will be this Sunday (10AM-noon) of Saturday's exhibition matchup with Virginia Union. Robert Fish calls the action, with Joe Cantafio the analyst. On the radio side, Terry Sisisky begins his 23rd season (WLEE/WHAP) with yet another broadcast partner - John Moreau, who is retiring as a college hoops official after 32 years..... (11/20/02)
Public television in a money war...
The bad blood between Virginia's public television stations has come to a boil says Gregory Robertson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The issue is state money and who gets how much. On one side is the Richmond-based Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corp which operates five TV stations - including WCVE Richmond and WHTJ Charlottesville, WCVE (88.9) Richmond. On the other side of the dispute are competing stations aligned with the “Virginia Association of Public Television Stations” - WHRO Norfolk, WVPT Harrisonburg, WBRA Roanoke and WETA Washington DC. "They want money and they don't care who get hurts in the process. The bottom line is in hard times, people tend to be greedy," said Westwood Smithers, executive VP of Commonwealth Public Broadcasting. Smithers said WCVE and its affiliate stations are threatened with losing more than $875,000 in state funding under a proposal being pushed by the state's other public television stations. The money would then be redistributed to other public broadcasting stations including WETA, which would receive its first infusion of state money, amounting to about $200,000. The rest of Robertson's article can be found at timesdispatch.com..... (11/20/02)
NBC wins Nielsen week, ABC second...
The top 10 shows for the week of November 11th to 17th were... (show, network, rating) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 18.3; "Friends," NBC, 15.8; "ER," NBC, 15.7; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 13.3; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 12.9; "Law & Order," NBC, 12.7; "Survivor: Thailand," CBS, 12.5; "NFL Monday Night Football: Oakland at Denver," ABC, 12.4; "Scrubs," NBC, 12.4; "Will & Grace," NBC, 12.1.
Last week overall, NBC averaged 13.6 million viewers (9.0 rating, 14 share), CBS 12.7 million viewers (8.4, 13), ABC 10.6 million (6.8, 11), Fox 7.7 million (4.7, 7), The WB 4.7 million (2.9, 5), UPN 4.2 million (2.6, 4) and PAX 1.2 million (0.9, 1). Remember, 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..... (11/19/02)
HDTV coming to Cox Cable Hampton Roads...
 And the date looks like February 2003 according to John Chester from A/V dealer Domes in Chesapeake. Last Friday, Domes was visited by several Cox Cable personnel with all kinds of POP (Point Of Purchase) materials; stating "Cox HD Coming Soon!". They told Domes employess that they will not be renting the converter boxes but selling them through local retailers for $499 (That's the same rate for COX customers in Phoenix and Omaha who have the HD service already available to them). John describes the new converter as silver, with composite video, S-video, Sub-D 15 video and component video outputs with Firewire upgradability. Motorola is supplying the converters. Planned stations... all of the local DT stations, HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, Discovery-HD, ESPN-HD (starts in April). Domes can be found online at domesav.com..... (11/19/02)
FCC grants Bell Broadcasting's WUPV-DT (47/UPN) Ashland VA request for an extension of time to complete the construction of their DTV station. They filed as a precaution just in case they couldn't get on the air by December 4th (which they anticipate they will be). The December 4th date is from the first extension they filed last Spring.
2WD to play Christmas music...
UPDATED: (originally posted 11/12/02) Entercom's AC will go ALL "holiday" music starting Friday November 29th. If you lose track, there's a countdown clock on their website at 2wd.com. 2WD never played "holiday" music 24/7 but would increase the frequency of holiday tunes in its playlist the closer it got to Christmas. This year they're switching gears. VARTV hears too that WWDE is avoiding the term "Christmas" to not offend or exclude those who observe Hannukah or Kwanzaa. We also hear that an additional 50 new artists will be added to this year's holiday format... This will give 2WD a great whole market sampling with 13 days left in the ratings period..... (11/19/02)
Chesapeake-Portsmouth Broadcasting's Spanish 'Radio Vida' WRJR-AM 670 Claremont VA files with the FCC a "Petition for reconsideration and admendment" for a CP on a new experimental station WR2XJR (nighttime only). Right now they hold a CP for 7 watts (0.007kW) nighttime coverage. The experimental station would increase that to 700 watts (0.700kW) at night. Protection needs to be given to "clear channel" stations in the Northern Hemisphere. Their biggest concern is the blowtorch in Chicago - WSRC-AM 670
Young Broadcasting's WRIC-DT (22/ABC) Petersburg VA files with the FCC to "License to cover construction permit." NOTE: The only other licensed DT in Richmond is WWBT-DT (54/NBC/WB)
Problems at WTKR-DT...
 If you're a fan of Hi-Def programming from CBS and live in the Hampton Roads area, well you're poop out of luck. The New York Times owned WTKR-DT (40/CBS) will be off the air for the next few nights. They're having encoder/STL problems. Ted has his hands full. Remember, all of CBS' HDTV programming can be found at cbs.com/info/hdtv/..... (11/18/02)
Sky4 to added to DirecTV line-up...
 The question is when. Independent 'Sky4' WSKY Manteo is installing a microwave link from their distribution tower in Moyock to the DirecTV site on VB Blvd. The equipment is in and ready to go up but they've run into a structural snag with the tower at the DirecTV site which could be will be resolved this week. What WSKY wanted to do is run fiber from their microwave feed at Cox but that caused too much "heartburn" for the people over there. By the way WTKR (3/CBS), WAVY (10/NBC), WVEC (13/ABC), WHRO (15/PBS), WGNT (27/UPN), WTVZ (33/WB), WVBT (43/FOX) and WPXV (49/PAX) are already available on DirecTV. On a second subject … the "little" station just bought a new EFP microwave live truck that you should start seeing around in the next month or so. I say it is new but they purchased it off the Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles CA where it was being used for the next Jim Carrey movie called “Bruce Almighty” … Sky4 plans to use it in their local programming effort in 2003. This isn’t an ENG type news van … much larger … VARTV will be getting pictures of the truck when it is done … still waiting artwork. Finally, has anyone noticed the much smaller "bug" WSKY superimposes on your screen. "Bugs" are those transparent network and/or local station logos in bottom right-hand corner of your TV screen so you know AND don't forget what channel you're on. Sky's previous bug was quite large..... (11/18/02)
WODC's website gets fresh paint...
UPDATED: (originally posted 11/12/02) Christian Contemporary '88.5 Your Lighthouse' WODC has finally gotten around to throwing fresh paint on their website. They have been promising it for awhile now. The Lighthouse can be heard on 88.5 in Virginia Beach and on repeators at 97.9 South Norfolk, 103.7 Chesapeake and 103.9 in Norfolk. Their website can be found at wodc.com. Speaking of WODC, they're also increasing the power on their 97.9 translator in Portsmouth and have already increased it in Norfolk on 103.9..... (11/17/02)
More Max Media rumblings...
VARTV hears that two former Ray-D-O-Biz stations - Hot AC 'Beach 104' WCXL Kill Devil Hills NC and 'Water Country 94.5' WWOC Hatteras NC - could be getting new LIVE morning shows in the near future. Right now it's the Carolina Virginia Show that's heard on both stations (Editor's opinion - they're awful). As I've said before, I'm really interested to see what happens to WCXL. They put a really good rimshot signal here into Hampton Roads (if "a really good rimshot signal" makes any sense). When owned by Bill Ray, the name "Hampton Roads" was included in the top-of-the-hour ID. By no means do I think they would be a Top 10 station (who knows?), but if the right format was on AND marketed well, they could make an impact here in Hampton Roads. One suggestion - lose the "Beach 104" moniker. Come up with something "catchy." (11/17/02)
Just "Comcast" please...
 When it was announced that AT&T Broadband and Comcast were going to merge, the chosen name for the new company would be "AT&T Comcast." That's been scratched. Not to confuse current and future investors in the company, it's been decided to just call themselves "Comcast Corporation." Good-bye forever the AT&T Broadband name..... (11/16/02)
Another revamped website...
The #1 radio station in Hampton Roads - Saga's active rocker 'FM99' WNOR - has redone their website at fm99.com. Looks good..... (11/15/02)
Some say they can't hear Admirals hockey games...
 Tris Wykes of the Virginian-Pilot reports ever since the games switched from WHKT-AM 1650 (now a Radio Disney O&O) to Ronn Cowan's Hot Talker/Sports '1450 The Buzz' WBVA, some people just get static when trying to tune in. Admirals fans in Western Branch, Deep Creek, Bowers Hill, Suffolk and portions of the Peninsula say they generally had few problems receiving WHKT's signal. Their tower was and is located near the Chesapeake-Portsmouth border not far from Chesapeake Square Mall beaming out 1kW at night. WBVA broadcasts at 1kW from a tower near the intersection of Newtown and Diamond Springs Rds in Virginia Beach - much farther east. Cowan fires back with “there’s always going to be a gap in coverage, and there always was in the past. There were a lot of people in Virginia Beach, myself included, who couldn’t get the games the last few years.’’ The VARTV HQs is near Mt Trashmore in Virginia Beach and WHKT IS hard to pickup. Read the entire 'debate' at pilotonline.com..... (11/15/02)
Congrats to Julian Nieh...
 Part-timer/fill-in man Julian Nieh of Entercom's rhythmic 'Z-104' WNVZ won "Best New Talent" in the Washington DC market at the Washington DC 2002 AIR Awards given out on Novemeber 13th. He received this award for performing similiar duties at Clear Channel's CHR 'Hot 99-5' WIHT..... (11/15/02)
NASCAR's ratings continue to grow...
 Rain or shine, NASCAR's ratings continue to grow. With Sunday's race from Homestead FL, bringing down the curtain on the 2002 Winston Cup schedule, Nielsen numbers for NBC/TNT's share have grown 13% percent. In Richmond, they've improved 34% to a 7.5 rating (15 share). That makes Richmond, among 50-some metered markets, ninth best in viewership to date say Jerry Lindquist of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. From all indications, the NBC/TNT gang of rain-delay specialists were much-improved from 2001 when, with the notable exception of pit host Bill Weber, they seemed out of sync. Having to follow, and being compared to, the zanies on FOX (WRLH 35) didn't help, of course. The bar was simply set too high - but the gap is closing. "We're having a lot more fun [this year]," booth analyst Benny Parsons said Thursday, "[and] that has helped our broadcasts." One thing Wrenchheads tuning into Sunday's telecast starting at noon on WWBT (12/NBC) can be sure of - NBC will be concentrating on Tony Stewart and Mark Martin, running 1-2 for the championship..... (11/15/02)
Fredericksburg Fall Phase I ...
Arbitron's Fall Phase I ratings (August thru October) for Fredericksburg were released earlier today. First was Free Lance-Star's country '93WFLS' with a 15.6 in the 12+. Second, Mid-Atlantic Network's Hot AC 'B-101.5' WBQB edging up to a 10.2. Infinity's talker WJFK and Bonneville's news WTOP tie for third at 5.4. Telemedia's country 'Thunder 104.5' WGRX rounds out the Top 5 at a 3.6. Other local notables... Free Lance-Star's alternative WYSK is tied at 6th with a 3.3, Telemedia's "Virginia's Rockin' Oldies" WGRQ is tied at 8th with a 3.0, Mid-Atlantic Network's adult standards/talk 'The Memories Station' WFVA-A is 10th with a 2.7, Free Lance-Star's 'Classic Rock 96.9' WWUZ is 11th with a 2.4, Piedmont's country WJMA is tied at 15th with a 1.8 and Joyner Radio's country 'C103' WCUL is tied at 29th with a 0.6. Who had the best trend? WGRX. The worst? WWUZ and WGRQ. The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com..... (11/14/02)
Cox in the news... again.
Virginia Cox bandwidth "abusers" are receiving letters warning them of their gluttony, but more interestingly listing the actual limits of the service (2GB/day and/or 30GB/month of downloads and 1GB/day and/or 7.5GB/month of uploads). While the letter itself lists the hard limits, the Cox website does not and the company's acceptable use policy is traditionally vague: "You must ensure that your activities do not improperly restrict, inhibit, or degrade any other user's use of the Service, nor represent (in the sole judgment of Cox) an unusually large burden on the network itself...." Staying with Cox, in Hampton Roads, customers are blaming the $1 million tax error in Chesapeake for the recent rate hikes starting November 1st. Cox officals say "No." They go on to say that this is a traditional time of year for rate hikes - to cover increased programming costs etc. They're getting almost an extra $10/month from yours truly. Robert McCabe of the Virginian-Pilot has the complete story..... (11/14/02)
Morning host at WFVA to exit...
John Parker, long time morning host on 'The Memories Station' WFVA-AM (1230) will be retiring in early 2003 after 21 years in Fredericksburg, and 55 years in the business. John has had an illustrious career in radio and television. He got his first big break doing play by play for the Michigan State Spartans football team in the 50s. From Lansing MI, John did evening sports on WWJ-TV in Detroit. In the 60s, John did television and radio broadcasts for the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Chargers. In the 70s, John did basketball play-by-play for University of Las Vegas and gave UNLV its famous nickname - “The Runnin’ Rebels.” While in Vegas, he hung out with Robert Goulet and frequent interviews included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Betty Grable. John Parker will be greatly missed by all. Speaking of WFVA, they now have their own website at am1230wfva.com, a brand spanking new logo and revamped webpage..... (11/14/02)
FCC approves AT&T Broadband, Comcast merger ...
 The FCC today approved the proposed merger of AT&T Broadband and Comcast Cable, bringing the creation of the country's largest cable TV firm one step closer to reality. The deal still needs approval from the US Department of Justice. The combined entity would serve about 27 million subscribers in 17 of the country's top 20 markets. The next-largest operator, Time-Warner Cable, serves about 13 million subscribers. Since the merger would not eliminate competition in any of the cities affected, analysts expect it will pass review by Justice, which examines whether combinations violate antitrust laws. There was no indication when Justice might rule. Both companies have systems throughout the VARTV coverage area. The largest impacted area will be Richmond. Read all about in the Richmond Times-Dispatch..... (11/14/02)
Cox decides to just 'eat' a $1 million tax error ...
 Cox Communications has paid $1 million in back taxes to the City of Chesapeake and won't try to recover any of that money from customers. The $1 million is the guesstimate cost of a glitch discovered last month in which Cox residential telephone customers were underbilled for a local consumer utility tax for 2 1/2 years. Somehow at Cox, "25%" became "25 cents.'' A decades-old law mandates that companies offering residential phone service in Chesapeake charge a utility tax of 25% on the first $50 of a monthly bill, up to $12.50. The news is almost too good to be true for a cash-strapped city that only a few months ago weighed an array of tax increases and is still dealing with the impact of budget cuts says Robert McCabe of the Virginian-Pilot. The mistake within Cox was made in early 2000, when they began its residential phone service in Chesapeake and continued until last month. Cox has about 17,000 residential digital telephone customers in Chesapeake..... (11/13/02)
A bigger 'Hampton Roads'...
 The federal government is redrawing the country’s 280 metropolitan areas from No. 1 New York to No. 280 Enid OK. Under one plan, Hampton Roads could add five counties with nearly 95,00 residents. That would boost the area’s population to almost 1.7 million humans. It could move Hampton Roads up the list of biggest metro areas - becoming 27th-biggest in the country - moving past Orlando, Indianapolis and San Antonio. Two things are for sure. First, our the area will get a new official name – “Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News VA-NC'' It has been “Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News VA-NC.” Still undecided is whether “Hampton Roads'' will be part of that name. The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission endorsed the official name “Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (Hampton Roads), VA-NC.'' Historically, there’s never been an official metropolitan area name that included a nickname - Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill NC never has been officially known as “The Research Triangle'' and Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point NC never has been officially “The Piedmont Triad.'' Lastly, the government will definitely add at least one more area - Surry County. The feds also will create two new “micropolitan statistical areas'' in North Carolina - the three counties around Elizabeth City (Pasquotank, Perquimans and Camden) and the county surrounding Kill Devil Hills (Dare County, which includes nearly all of the Outer Banks). Those four counties also might be combined with Hampton Roads into a single Combined Statistical Area as mention above with Surry. The last time Hampton Roads grew was when Mathews and Isle of Wight Counties in VA and Currituck County in NC were added. The U.S. Office of Management and Budget will make the final decision, with local input in the spring of 2003..... (11/13/02)
Battle of Brains returns...
Students and schools participating in the newly revamped "Battle of the Brains" come from as far away as Charlottesville, Fredericksburg and Williamsburg. That means they can't even watch the television show they will be on.
But this interest that the students are showing is one reason the program is back on the air. The show, which pits students from two high schools against each other in a test of knowledge, was canceled earlier this year by WCVE (23/PBS). Ratings were low, but students, parents and faculty called for it to reappear somewhere on TV. Hello RICH TV (formerly BLAB-TV) - available on channel 7 on AT&T Broadband and channel 8 on Comcast. "Battle of the Brains" will air tonight the season's first two half-hour shows at 9. The show has a new hostess, Michelle Gary, a new theme song, a new set (constructed by technical school students) and a new format..... (11/13/02)
CSI rules the Nielsen ratings...
The top 10 shows for the week of November 4th - November 10th were... (show, network, rating) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 17.2; "Friends," NBC, 17.0; "ER," NBC, 15.5; "Will & Grace," NBC, 13.4; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 13.1; "Monday Night Football: Miami at Green Bay," ABC, 12.8; "Law & Order," NBC, 12.6; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 12.1; "Law & Order: SVU," NBC, 11.6; "Survivor: Thailand," CBS, 11.3.
Last week overall, CBS led with 14.2 million viewers (9.3 household rating, 15 share), NBC 13.3 million viewers (8.6/14), ABC 10.5 million viewers (6.7/11), FOX with 7.4 million viewers (4.5/7), The WB 5.0 million viewers (2.5/4), UPN 4.2 million viewers (2.5/4) and PAX TV 1.2 million viewers (0.9/1). Remember, 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..... (11/13/02)
Verizon outlines plans...
 Verizon is counting on the appeal of a single bill. Today they outlined their plans to offer long-distance telephone service in Virginia. It emphasized the benefits of "bundled" services that give customers one bill. That bill might include Verizon telephone, high-speed Internet, corporate data and wireless phone services. Verizon offers just one such bundle now, combining local and long-distance telephone services, but it plans numerous combinations. McGregor McCance of the Richmond Times-Dispatch spells it all out. Here's the Daily Press slant..... (11/12/02)
Ray-D-O-Biz employess now Max Media employees...
It's final! The papers have been signed between Ray-D-O Biz and Max Media. It became offical at noon today as all the employees now work for Max Media. Also Mike Smith has just been announced as the new GM for all 4 stations - 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. He's worked in Greensboro and just recently for the Entercom cluster in Hampton Roads. Still no word on when the 'Carolina Virginia (morning) Show' hosted by previous owner Bill ray will be going... it should be very soon..... (11/12/02)
FCC grants "Voluntary Assignment of License" of WCKO-AM 1110 Norfolk VA from Metropolitan Group to Word Broadcasting Network..... (11/12/02)
Video-on-demand on Comcast in Chesterfield...
 Comcast spent more than $3 million in the past year to add VOD (video-on-demand) to the Chesterfield County cable system. VOD lets subscribers rent movies and other programming for a 24-hour period but it requires no disc or tape. Movies and shows are delivered digitally with the same functionality as a regular VHS or DVD rental. They can be paused, restarted or stopped as much as the customer likes within the viewing period. Though Comcast doesn’t release figures for subscribers, new servers let Comcast store 800 hours of VOD programming, up from just 250 a year ago. Without error, the equipment must handle "transactions," which refers to every instance a customer hits "pause," "rewind" or another VOD function. Cable industry analyst Mark Kersey of ARS Inc said Comcast is among the most aggressive companies at rolling out VOD. In Chesterfield, movies recently released for rental cost $4.99 for 24 hours of access. Other VOD programming, including kids' shows, ranges from $1.99 to $2.99. Some say
early factors that may affect VOD's early popularity is that movies that leave theaters make a stop in video rental stores before becoming available either through cable company pay-per-view channels or VOD. Whether VOD will be a service added quickly to Richmond-area AT&T Broadband subscribers after the company merges with Comcast is unknown. Oddly, Comcast has emphasized the ongoing importance of VOD as part of its national strategy not AT&T Broadband's fast-selling service – digital telephone. Chesterfield digital cable subscribers have access to two flavors of VOD. One includes movies and other programming that costs for each 24-hour rental. The second is available to those who pay for HBO or Showtime. Each channel includes an inventory of programs available at no extra cost in VOD format. HBO subscribers, for example, can access a limited number of back episodes of "The Sopranos" through video-on-demand..... (11/12/02)
fredericksburg.com was recently redesigned ...
...and I must say as a daily reader it is much improved. The site is run by the same fine folks at the Free Lance-Star..... (11/12/02)
A cool article on Skywire Communications based in the West End...
Holly Carroll of the Richmond Times-Dispatch interviews Jay Silvio and Casey Quinlan, the husband-and-wife team that operates SkyWire Communications Inc, a mobile satellite uplink company that helps TV networks broadcast the news. The entire article can be found at timesdispatch.com..... (11/11/02)
World Series didn't do well in Richmond...
Richmond viewers were even less interested in the all-California World Series than the rest of the country. Nationally, the Anaheim Angels-San Francisco Giants matchup did an all-time low 11.9 rating/20 share. In Richmond, the Series finished with a 9.8 rating/15 share. The seventh game did a 13.1/19 kept it from being worse locally..... (11/11/02)
Channel 13 news...
After a trial run, Janet Roach of WVEC's (ABC) "13 News Daybreak" will continue as co-anchor of the 5:30PM newscast as well. That means working a split shift. Her day starts around 4AM. How is she coping with the long hours? asks Larry Bonko of the Virginian-Pilot... "Naps and vitamins,'' said Roach, whose bosses feel the need to showcase her before a larger dinner hour viewership. More from WVEC... Bonita Harris, co-anchor of LNC5 (Local News on Cable) is off the job until January for maternity leave. Congrats to Bonita..... (11/11/02)
Tom Randles... the musician...
 Tom Randles, the WTKR (3/CBS) anchorman who's also a recording artist, tells Larry Bonko of the Virginian-Pilot his second album, "Starting From Scratch'' is about 50% complete. Want to see him jammin'? "Occasionally, I've been sitting in Friday nights at Jack Quinn's Irish Pub Restaurant in downtown Norfolk with a local band called Big Daddy,'' said Randles..... (11/11/02)
Ralphie is whacked!
 If you caught last night's episode of HBO's Sopranos, it was a shocker to see that Ralph Cifaretto was whacked at his home by Tony himself. This is exactly what the critics have said was lacking from this season..... (11/10/02)
Lisa, Liz...
 Someone posted in the DCRTV mailbag that Lisa Carr of Hot AC 'B101.5' WBQB sounded like and looked like Liz Kelly over at Hot AC 'Mix 107.3' WRQX. VARTV did some 'checking' around and well, they are one in the same. Lisa tells me at 'BQB, she's their MD and midday personality and over at 'Mix' she's on Sunday mornings from 6:30-10AM and also fills-in for night girl Amy Paige during the week. Lisa has been in the business for almost 10 years starting out in Tucson - interning - while she earned her BA at The University of Arizona at Tucson. Lisa has come a long way and now is on radio in a Top 10 market. Congratulations! (11/8/02)
Updated logo for WBQB-FM 101.5 Fredericksburg VA in the station description..... (11/8/02)
The latest technical/background changes...
- Added station logo for Radio One's Urban AC WKJS-FM 104.7 Crewe VA...
- FCC grants "License to cover construction permit" for Paxson O&O 'PAX49' WPXV-DT 46 Norfolk VA...
- FCC grants "Voluntary Assignment of License" to Hubert N Hoffman Jr Family Trust for WZEZ-FM 100.5 Goochland VA and WGGM-AM 820 Chester VA. Hubert N Hoffman Sr is deceased...
- Added a WGAI-AM 560 top-of-the-hour audio clip in its station description...
- WRLH-DT (FOX/26) in 480i (low-powered) then WRIC-DT (ABC/22) (testing) signed on October 31, 2002. Richmond now has three digital signals - WWBT signed on in January...
- Willis Broadcasting based in Norfolk is in the process of dumping more radio stations - this time two in Virginia and one in North Carolina...
- LIN's FOX affiliate WVBT-DT and Belo's ABC affiliate WVEC-DT were granted "licenses to cover construction permit" for their digital TV stations ...
- Religious/Shop NBC W39BW (39) Newport News VA files with FCC to increase its ERP to 150kW (now 50kW), change to non-directional and lower the height of antenna...
- Added Delmarva Broadcasting's WXMD-FM 92.5, University of Maryland - Eastern Shore WESM-FM 91.3 Princess Anne MD and WKHW-FM 106.5 Pocomoke City MD to the VA's Eastern Shore market page...
- Have decided to add WLSA-FM 105.5 Louisa VA to the Fredericksburg market page...
- Added W05BQ (5) Norfolk VA which is a translator of WJGN-CA (5) Norfolk VA to the Hampton Roads market page...
- Class A WXOB-LP (17) Richmond is granted "license to cover" by the FCC...
Mark Bradley back in town?
 VARTV hears that Mark Bradley who once was did mornings at Entercom's Hot AC '94.9 The Point' WPTE is back... But in a completely different capacity. We hear that he'll be in sales within the Entercom cluster with nothing to do on the programming end of things. Bradley left The Point to become the PD up in Baltimore on Clear Channel's classic hits 'B104.3' WOCT (now WXFB). He got fired. VARTV is still in the process of getting more details... Stay tuned...... (11/8/02)
Oops...
 Yesterday morning there was a little gaffe heard on Clear Channel's 'NewsRadio 1140' WRVA. During the "Richmond's Morning News with Jimmy Barrett," a Rolling Stone magazine writer had just started a phone interview with Barrett when all of a sudden the sound dropped out. Listeners were 'treated' to several minutes of commercials for local businesses like "Carpets on Call" and "BOS - Blinds Our Specialty," followed by a lovely interlude of "techno bumper music." When Barrett came back on the air, obviously embarrassed, he explained the problem was a glitch in their "Prophet Systems" machine..... (11/8/02)
Classic rock in Richmond...
 If you're a regular listener to Cox's classic rocker '96.5 The Planet' WKLR, you can hear them use the on-air liner "Richmond's ONLY classic rock station." Well, not to be out done, the folks at Free Lance-Star's 'Classic Rock 96.9' WWUZ now has a liner "Fredericksburg's ONLY classic rock station, Richmond's OTHER classic rock station..." I like that!  Richmonders can also receive a third station - Saga's classic hits '106.9 The Fox' WAFX - that plays that "type" of music. Back over at WWUZ, some listeners may think that they have done something with it's power. It hasn't but Monday's switch to a new studio also meant a switch to a new computer system which means the music is on a wave file and makes the songs sound "brighter" and nothing's lost..... (11/7/02)
Sports director and station officially part ways...
 Jerry Lindquist of the Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting that it's official that Chip Tarkenton no longer is employed by WRIC (8/ABC), the station's sports director. Channel 8 ND Bill Foy said, "We met with Chip and reached a mutual agreement to part company... we thanked Chip for his many years of service to the station and wished him well." His last appearance on air was September 16th. He went on vacation and didn't return after his contract ran out September 30. Lindquist says "Other people familiar with the situation said, technically, Tarkenton wasn't AWOL until he didn't appear to work Oct. 8." A week later, Channel 8 removed his name from their 6 & 11PM newscasts. Tarkenton had been the sports director for WRIC since 1988. It looks like Kevin Brandmeyer will move up to the station's sports director slot..... (11/7/02)
Some Hampton Roads TV news...
Game 7 of the World Series between the Angels and Giants got a 12.0 rating on 'FOX43' WVBT. But the 'Skins on October 20th at 4 in the afternoon gathered a whopping 18.6. The Washington contest with the Indianapolis Colts on the night of Game 7 of the World Series got a 10.5 on cable(!) - very close to the baseball game...
The new morning duo of Chris Hopkins and Cynthia Brooks of WTKR's 'NewsChannel 3 This Morning' pushed that program's ratings from a 5.2 to a 5.6 in its debut. Both Hopkins and Brooks replaced Kurt Williams (now co-anchoring the area's #1 nooncast with Ed Hughes) in the morning. Even though the network, CBS, has debuted four new anchors (Harry Smith, Julie Chen, Hannah Storm and ReneSyler) for "The Early Show," WTKR will continue to co-opt the 7AM hour with CBS, filling it mostly with local news, weather and sports...
Remember military reporter Sharyn Alfonsi who left WVEC (13/ABC) three years ago? She left Channel 13 for a station in Seattle. Since June, she's been in the nation's 6th largest TV market - Boston - as a general assignment reporter for CBS O&O WBZ..... (11/6/02)
Beach 104 has a new owner...
 It became official today that NCRB has taken over ownership of all Ray-D-O-Biz radio stations. Located in NE North Carolina, the stations are Hot AC 'Beach 104' WCXL Kill Devil Hills, 'Water Country 94.5' WWOC Hatteras (both are 100kW blowtorches), country WQDK Ahoskie and full service 'NewsRadio 560' WGAI Elizabeth City. All three of the FMs, for the most part, are satellite fed - no live jocks. Bill Ray and wife Lisa are Ray-D-O-Biz. Eugene Loving heads NCRB, a subsidiary of MaxMedia. Before this transfer, NCRB had a 50% controlling interest in these stations - now it's 100%. Say "bye-bye" to the ridiculous "Carolina Virginia Morning Show' hosted by Bill Ray himself. The show's last day either was today or will be this Friday. Good-bye to the Ray Comm Sports Network too. What will the new owners do with these stations, if anything? Time will tell of course. In my personal opinion, WCXL is the most promising of the group. With the right format and marketing, they can continue as one of the market leaders in NE NC but also be a player in the Hampton Roads radio landscape too. WWOC's stick is in the middle of nowhere with almost half of its signal over the Atlantic Ocean. WQDK has its niche around Ahoskie and then there's WGAI. The Elizabeth City market (#249) has been rated three times now with GAI garnering a 0.6 each time - just plain lousy. Even out-of-market 'NewsRadio 790' WNIS did better in GAI's home turf..... (11/6/02)
CBS, NBC vie to control Thursdays...
The top 10 shows for the week of October 28 - November 3 were... (show, network, rating) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 17.3; "Friends," NBC, 15.6; "ER," NBC, 15.3; "Law & Order," NBC, 13.5; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 12.7; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 12.2; "Scrubs," NBC, 11.4; "Law & Order: SVU," NBC, 10.9; "Monday Night Football: N.Y. Giants vs. Philadelphia," ABC, 10.9; "Will & Grace," NBC, 10.9.
For the week, CBS averaged 12.8 million viewers (8.4 rating, 14 share), NBC 12.4 million (8.3, 13), ABC 10.4 million (6.5, 11), Fox 9 million (5.5, 9), the WB 4.3 million (2.7, 4), UPN 4 million (2.5, 4) and Pax TV 1.4 million (0.9, 1).
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (11/6/02)
Election on Richmond TV...
Look for hourlong news specials devoted to national election coverage at 10 tonight on CBS (WTVR-Channel 6), ABC (WRIC-Channel 8), and NBC (WWBT-Channel 12). The local affiliates also will carry crawls at the bottom of the screen during primetime with election news. Channel 12 also will have live updates at 8 and 9PM, Channel 8 plans special announcements for winners in key races, Channel 6 also plans cut-ins. Election coverage will dominate the late-night newscasts as well. WCVE-Channel 23 and WCVE-Radio (88.9 FM) will simulcast a wrap-up of state election returns at 10PM. At 10:30, Channel 23's "Perspective" will feature an interview with Virginia's new speaker of the House, Del. William Howell..... (11/5/02)
New transmitter maps...
VARTV has updated some of it's transmitter maps with many thanks going out to Parris B Wood for putting them together. They're always accessable using the left navigation panel..... (11/5/02)
CVE meets membership drive goal...
WCVE (88.9 FM), Richmond's public radio station, finally met its $300,000 fall fund-raising goal - but it took three extra days. Well... not exactly. According to Sarah Bartenstein, director of communications for the Community Idea Stations (WCVE-TV 23, WCVE 88.9, WCVW-TV 57), the fall membership drive is normally 12 days. This year, the station was optimistically hoping to do it in nine days - too optimistically, as it turned out..... (11/4/02)
NBC acquires Bravo...
 Rumored for weeks, NBC has come to terms with Cablevision to acquire Bravo, the film and arts cable network, for $1.25 billion. Bravo has a distribution of 68 million households. The addition of Bravo means NBC now has three national cable properties -- news channels MSNBC and CNBC, in addition to Bravo. NBC also has minority stakes in ValueVision, which it operates as Shop NBC, the A&E Network, and the History Channel. Bravo is its first cable entertainment outlet. NBC president Andrew Lack said the network plans to share programming and resources with Bravo. It gives NBC a platform for its NBC Studios and NBC Enterprises to develop crossover projects for both original scripted programming and reality shows. NBC could air some Bravo-developed projects and Bravo could be used for additional NBC sports programming. Bravo can also be used to air repurposed NBC primetime programming to try to reach a broader audience..... (11/4/02)
VA Sniper and Washington DC mic flag policy...
The following was emailed to me in response to a comment made about "mic flags." For the original comment made on VARTV, scroll down the page to the headline "Those DC Bullies..." (10/9/02)
I don't agree with the tone reportedly used at Fredricksburg, but it might be useful to give some history to the no-flag strategy around Washington to better understand the basis for it.
More than 20 years ago, in response to the congregation at bigger news events of local radio and Washington and Baltimore television stations, there was a voluntary cooperative agreement to forego mic flags in order to simply create more room on the mic stand. This was in the early days of when thoughtful TV crews began proffering a light stand to make a mic tree, and the move was seen as allowing more mics, goosenecks, and Rowi clamps on such trees before they'd topple over.
Before that, reporters and producers generally crowded a newsmaker with handheld mics, making it tougher not only to get the sound but also to get a decent video or film shot.
As a newsgatherer in the Washington, D.C. area for nearly 25 years, I'have been at "out of town" stakeouts and news conferences, most notably in Baltimore, where the no-mic flag agreement does not apply. It's not a pretty sight.
Hopefully the Fredricksburg encounter was intended to be a chance to make room for more folks on the stand, since the no-flag rule really helps everyone in a field situation. Most crews shoot tight, when you think about it, and so do the still photographers, so the chance to get free visibility for a station at such venues is really not very strong. Save the flag to promote your station in the field during one-on-ones, the liveshots, or for back in the studio when you've got a newsmaker guest interview... (11/4/02)
Late kickoff for Sunday's playoff games...
 After the success of last years late start for Saturday NFL postseason games, the league will push back the times for Sunday games. Last years experiment generated a six percent increase in viewership. The league hopes the same magic will deliver on Sunday’s, the most watched day/night of television viewing. “Our belief is that the Sunday games will be available to more,” said Dennis Lewin, NFL senior vice president of broadcasting. “It’s great for networks and the league.”
NFL Playoff Schedule:
Saturday, Jan 4
NFL Wild-Card games at 4:30PM & 8PM (ABC)
Sunday, Jan 5
NFL Wild-Card games at 1PM & 4:30PM (FOX & CBS)
Saturday, Jan 11
NFL Divisional Playoffs at 4:30PM & 8PM (FOX & CBS)
Sunday, Jan 12
NFL Divisional Playoffs at 1PM & 4:30PM (FOX & CBS)
Sunday, Jan 19
NFC Conference Championship Game at 3PM (FOX)
AFC Conference Championship Game at 6:30PM (CBS)
Sunday. Jan 26
Super Bowl XXXVII at San Diego 6:15PM (ABC) ..... (11/4/02)
Gotta pay up...
Eure Family Limited Partnership sees its application for review of its $8,000 FCC fine for lack of red obstruction lighting on its tower for WXEZ-FM Yorktown (which it sold in October) denied. Eure had claimed that it leased space to Bullseye Broadcasting for oldies 'Surf 92.3' WSRV Deltaville and that Bullseye was supposed to monitor the tower lights..... (11/2/02)
New hosts for RVA's "Home Improvement Show"...
Some changes have been made in the hosts of 'NewsRadio 1140' WRVA's Home Improvement Show. Starting tomorrow (11/2), the show will be hosted by Richard and Charles McKann, a pair of amusing local characters who also happen to be plumbing and electrical contractors. They replace the guys from Mr Handyman who have hosted the show since this past spring. The show is delivers two hours of tips and ideas for improving your home. It's heard every Saturday from 7AM to 9AM..... (11/1/02)
Moving...
Free Lance-Star's 'Classic Rock 96.9' WWUZ will be broadcasting from their brand new studios in Fredericksburg beginning this coming Monday. Right now they're still in a "cabin in the woods"..... (11/1/02)
Imaging re-launch of WOWI...
 DaSho Creations CEO and WJLB Detroit Creative Services Director Jason Alexander and Pat Garrett, signed an exclusive imaging deal to re-launch Clear Channel's urban '103Jamz' WOWI. The launch will take place tomorrow (11/1). Some of DaSho clients include other Clear Channel urban properites like WGCI Chicago, 'Q93' WQUE New Orleans, '92-7 The Beat' WJBT Jacksonville and '106-5 The Beat WBTJ Richmond. You can listen to the package here (~1.58MB).... (10/31/02)
FCC chairman proposes overhaul of policy on airwaves...
 From AP (Associated Press)... The government's top communications regulator wants to revamp the nation's current policy on the airwaves. FCC Chairman Michael Powell says he rejects the notion that there are not enough airwaves to go around for broadcasters who want them. He says recent FCC tests in five major U-S cities found that there are many unused spectrum "holes," especially when some airwaves are used only at certain times and are otherwise left empty. Powell is proposing an overhaul of telecommunications policy involving the range of radio frequencies used for everything from television broadcasts to wireless Internet devices. Powell says he hopes technology and new FCC policies will take advantage of empty airwaves. Consumer advocates praise that position. They say that more efficient uses of the radio spectrum could bring us lower prices and more competition for telephone, video and broadband Internet services..... (10/31/02)
More on the possible Richmond radio station move-in...
Joby Cunningham of the Free Lance-Star gets more on the scoop about a possible signal move-in to Richmond. VARTV first reported this late last week and seems that in addition to what was reported it involves a couple of more stations in a station-swap. Joyner Radio out of North Carolina is buying adult standards WCVA-AM and country 'C103' WCUL -FM in Culpeper from Culpeper Broadcasting. Piedmont Communications is buying 'Country 105' WLSA-FM Louisa from Mid-Virginia Broadcasting. Piedmont already owns oldies WVCV-AM and country WJMA-FM both in Orange. With that said, the companies have worked out a deal where Piedmont would swap WJMA to Joyner and Piedmont would take over WCVA-AM and WCUL-FM. Eventually, Joyner plans to move WJMA from Orange to Midlothian and in all likelihood drop the country format already heard on 98.9. Read Joby's entire article at fredericksburg.com..... (10/31/02)
New website...
 Great Scott Broadcasting's Soft AC 'Lite Rock 107.5 & 103.5' WKHI (& WJNE Bethany Beach DE) now has a website at literockdelmarva.com. They recently flipped from a satellite fed Hot AC format to Soft Rock. WKHI can be heard on most of VA's Eastern Shore. Still in the VA's Eastern Shore "market," the new station on 90.1 Nassawadox owned by religious programmer CSN (Calvary Satellite Network) has taken the new calls of WJCN..... (10/31/02)
Corporate bungle...
 Larry Bonko of the Virginian-Pilot wrote if you worked for The Family Channel (now ABC Family) when it operated out of Virginia Beach, you should get a good laugh from this news: According to the Disney brass, the channel is " a chronically underperforming cable network" for which Disney paid too much. When Pat Robertson and his son, Tim, ran The Family Channel from offices in the Lynnhaven section of Virginia Beach, it was successful. The Robertsons' International Family Entertainment sold the channel to FOX/Saban, which in turn peddled the channel to Disney for $5.2 billion in July 2001. The Disney thinking was to repurpose (time-/day-shift) programming from it's other networks ABC, ESPN etc..... (10/30/02)
Richmond media news...
"The Bopst Show" an eclectic music show hosted by Chris Bopst is adding a second show to adult standards 'Unforgettable 1320' WVNZ. Starting tomorrow, it can be heard from 2-5PM every Thursday and 4-6PM every Friday..."The John Boy and Billy Big Show" heard on classic hits '96-5 The Planet' WKLR ( and 96.7 WKJX NE NC) is among radio shows invited to participate in The White House's "Radio Day," being held today in Washington..."Weakest Link," which airs at 10AM weekdays on Channel 6 WTVR (CBS) [and WSKY (4/IND) 6 & 6:30PM] will feature three Richmond contestants during November: Richmonder Carolyn Henderson on Monday, University of Richmond student Sarah Glick on Nov. 13, and Louis Dowdy of Petersburg on Nov. 7...ABC's "Good Morning America" will broadcast live from Lexington on Veterans Day, November 11th. The broadcast is part of a special ABC project, "50 States-One Nation-One Year," exploring life in America today..... (10/30/02)
New reporter joins WFLS...
From WFLS... WFLS News welcomes Bob Jones to its award winning staff of reporters. Formerly of (Mid-Atlantic Network's Hot AC) WINC-FM, MSNBC and (Bonneville's news) WTOP, Bob brings years of knowledge and experience to the team. Listeners will find him anchoring the morning news on (sister stations alternative) '99-3 WYSK' and ('Classic Rock 96.9') WWUZ-FM as well as filing reports for WFLS-FM. We're still looking for the right person to fill the part-time news opening on staff... The ad for that position can be found in the Classified Ads section of VARTV..... (10/30/02)
A must see...
Mal Vincent, the Virginian-Pilot movie critic gave the new release "Jackass: The Movie" a NO star rating. Yep... no stars. It's an on going joke in Hampton Roads if Vincent gives a movie 5-stars - don't see it and vice-versa. With a no-star rating it must be really good. The movie is based on the TV series that airs on MTV by the same name..... (10/30/02)
Game 7 of World Series was the #1 primetime program...
The top 10 shows for the week of October 21-27 were... (show, network, rating) World Series Game 7: San Francisco at Anaheim, Fox, 17.9; "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 15.6; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 13.7; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 12.4; World Series Game 4: Anaheim at San Francisco, Fox, 11.8; World Series Game 6: San Francisco at Anaheim, Fox, 11.8; "Survivor: Thailand," CBS, 11.7; "Friends," NBC, 11.5; "Law & Order: SVU," NBC, 11.5; "Law & Order," NBC, 11.3.
For the week, FOX averaged 16.3 million viewers (10.2 rating, 16 share). CBS 12.6 million (8.4, 13), NBC 11 million (7.5, 12), ABC 9.4 million (5.9, 10), The WB 4.6 million (2.9, 4), UPN 3.9 million (2.5, 4) and PAX TV had 1.2 million (0.9, 1).
NBC's "Nightly News" won the evening news ratings race, averaging 11 million viewers (7.9 rating, 15 share). ABC's "World News Tonight" had 10.6 million viewers (7.5, 15) and the "CBS Evening News" had 8.8 million (6.2, 12).
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (10/30/02)
Former 'B101.5' Breakfast Flakes co-host resurfaces...
 And guess where? In Fredericksburg at cross-town rival WFLS. VARTV hears that Bridget Dean is now the new Promotions Director at Free Lance-Star's country '93WFLS.' She started on Monday. Dean use to co-host WBQB's popular morning show with Alan Baxter. That slot over there has not been permanently been filled yet.... (10/29/02)
Someone's using RDS...
  Sinclair Telecable's AAA '93-7 The Coast' WKOC and sister alternative '96X' WROX started to utilize the RDS feature on car radios at the beginning of this week - again. RDS - Radio Data System - which allows radio stations to broadcast simple text messages i.e. station call letters, format, title & track of current artist playing, traffic etc... to newer car radios hasn't caught in this country as it has in Europe. Right now, The Coast and The X are using it to show station moniker ('93-7 | THECOAST' and '96X | 96-1 & | 106-1 FM') and the title & artist of the current track playing on the air. This isn't the first time that they've done this. It was tried earlier this year on those two stations but didn't last very long at all - maybe a couple of weeks. One of the biggest fears years ago was if a station was going to broadcast the tracks it was playing, a competitor could "copy" that list and use it to their advantage. Well times have changed. That information isn't too hard to get your hands on these days. By the way, RDS does not work on the AM band..... (10/29/02)
Remember Elden A Hale?
He was WTKR's (3/CBS) GM in the mid-90s. He's most remembered for firing popular meteorologist Dr Duane Harding. The thinking at the time is that he wanted someone younger, hello Dave Parker - their current chief meteorologist. However, the move outraged viewers and was the beginning of the mass exodus of very popular AND talented personalities. Hale was also the one who instituted the "Rooftop Weather" where the meteorologists would do the weather segments on the roof of the Channel 3 studios - no matter what the conditions outside were. Just plain stupid and ridiculous. Anyways, he's been picked to run another CBS affiliate, another channel 3 but this time it's in the Hartford CT market - 'Eyewitness News' WFSB. WFSB is the dominating local news outlet in the nation's 28th largest TV market..... (10/29/02)
Russ Cassidy honored...
 AllAccess.com reported that the Virginia Country Music Association recently awarded Barnstable's heritage country WCMS middayer Russ Cassidy with their coveted Pioneer Award. Cassidy has been with CMS since 1970 and was given this honor for his continuing efforts in the promotion country music. Speaking of WCMS and adult standards '1050 The Fog' WFOG for that matter, PD Jack Prater sits down with AllAccess.com for their "10 Questions With..." in the Country section..... (10/28/02)
A TV first in Hampton Roads...
 WAVY might have the crown when it comes to being the first local station to broadcast a digital signal but WGNT-DT was the first to broadcast an HDTV program that originated in Hampton Roads. And their proud of it. All the digital stations here just "pass-on" the digital signal from their respective network with no local hi-def programming. The program to make it the first was the movie "Witness." The chief engineer for WGNT/WGNT-DT George Randell says, "The movies are recorded here at WGNT on a HD Panasonic D5 tideotape machine. Paramount sends them to us via a CBS HD satellite feed that we record. We don't do any upconversion, as they come to us in HD... we record and air this movie package in 1080i HD. The same film is recorded, from a different satellite feed, onto an NTSC machine, for use on WGNT NTSC Channel 27. Local commercials cut into WGNT-DT are upconverted from the NTSC side." Future movies to broadcasted by WGNT-DT... "Top Gun" 11/9/02 at 8:00P & 11/24/02 at 2P, "North Dallas Forty" 12/15/02 at 2P and "Scrooge" 12/21/02 at 8P & 12/22/02 at 1A. All will be 16:9 aspect ratio/1080i HD..... (10/28/02)
CBS' football pre-game show is still playing catch-up...
Jerry Lindquist of the Richmond Times-Dispatch rants about the 'The NFL Today' pregame show. In Richmond, "The NFL Today" is pulling a 1.9 rating/4 share on WTVR (6) and is being blown away by "Fox NFL Sunday" (4.3/10) on 'FOX Richmond' WRLH (35). It's really that close. Lindquist's entire article can be found at timesdispatch.com..... (10/28/02)
UNC fans listen-up...
 If you're craving Tar Heel sports, you might just be in luck. Maranatha Broadcasting's Christian Contemporary 'Praise 105' WFMZ (104.9) now belongs to the Tar Heel Sports Network. This year, WFMZ is carrying the University of North Carolina football games each Saturday and will also carry men's and women's basketball for the 2002-2003 season. Praise puts in a 'rimshot' signal to Hampton Roads..... (10/28/02)
Cox Fredericksburg adds channels...
Starting this Friday on November 1, Cox Communications will offer two new premium channel options for digital customers. TV Asia will launch on channel 257 at $14.95/mo and The Filipino Channel (TFC) will be available on channel 259 for $11.95/mo. I wonder if there's a rate increase along with channel additions? It's that time of year..... (10/28/02)
Nikki Landry heard in DC...
 Nikki Landry who was the night jock for Mid-Atlantic Network's Hot AC 'B101.5' WBQB in Fredericksburg - very briefly - has resurfaced in DC. She's started three weeks ago as a part-timer at Clear Channel's country WMZQ. Her regular show is on Sunday nights from 8PM to midnight. She has country on-air experience. Before going to WBQB, she was at Citadel’s ‘Cat Country 96’ WCTO Allentown PA where she co-hosted their morning show under the name Cat Collins..... (10/27/02)
WCVE-FM extends fall fund-raising drive...
Richmond Public Radio WCVE (88.9) fall membership campaign, a fund-raising drive that was supposed to end today (Saturday), will be extended until Monday and possibly Tuesday. As of yesterday (Friday), the station was only half way to its goal of $300,000..... (10/26/02)
Hot 102.1 news...
On Top Communication's (Steve Hegwood) urban 'Hot 102.1' WWHV announces a new midday host - Burgandi. She was already heard doing Saturday mornings from 10AM to 2PM. She replaces Lex Coupe who isn't on the air anymore. It's unknown if she's still with the station. Finally, Hot 102.1 had their best ratings book ever in their short life span - up to a 1.7 from a 1.0 (70% increase). Plowing thru the numbers, they are also up to a 3.7 in the '18-34 All Persons' demo. I just told someone the other day that "Hot's" on-air presentation is sounding better and better. You can listen to WWHV online at hot1021.com. The new on-air looks like this...
Russ Parr Morning Show w/ Olivia Fox
Burgandi
Spank-Luva
Pezo Coconutz
Herkules
|
6AM-10AM
10AM-3PM
3PM-6PM
6PM-10PM
10PM-2AM
| (10/25/02)
Richmond could be getting a new radio station...
Maybe just maybe. Let's break it down. The owners of country WJMA 98.9 (Piedmont Communications) licensed way up in Orange are requesting a change in the community of license to Midlothian and reclassify the license on channel 255B1 (98.9FM with an antenna height up to 328' and 25kW of power or any combination of those two). 98.9 would provide a first local service to Midlothian and in essence provide Richmond with a brand new signal. Piedmont with Old Belt Broadcasting Corp want to shift Old Belt's '98.9 Kiss Country' WKSK South Hill (currently 312' @ 15kW/licensed as a Class C3) to channel 270A (101.9FM). So far so good. Here's the big obstacle. Entercom's urban '102Jamz' WJMH (102.1) Reidsville NC is licensed as a Class C. The FCC has since tweaked that classification making 102Jamz's antenna not high enough under the new guidelines. Piedmont and Old Belt would like to take advantage of this. But, Entercom has 30 days to respond to either say "OK" and WJMH-FM would be reclassified as a Class C0 or put in an application to the FCC to increase it's antenna height which would give them three years to build the CP out and would put an end to this realignment to the FM Table of Allotments for the time being. Stay tuned..... (10/25/02)
WBQB looking for morning co-host...
 CORRECTED: Mid-Atlantic Network's Hot AC 'B101.5' WBQB is advertising for a morning co-host for its popular "Breakfast Flakes" show. Co-host Bridget Dean is gone. For now, Alan Baxter is solo with Robert Workman with Heather Harwood formerly of CC Charlottesville filling in until a permanent co-host is found. There seems to be a little turnover over at The B recently. Their night jock Nikki Landry recently exited the station only being there for a few months. That spot still hasn't been filled. All that aside, 'B101.5' consistently ranks as the #2 station in the Fredericksburg market behind powerhouse country '93 WFLS'..... (10/25/02)
Enough said...
A new #1 radio station in Richmond...
 Arbitron's Summer book for Richmond was released earlier today with some surprises. Cox Radio's country 'K95' WKHK is now Richmond's #1 radio station (12+) with a 9.7 rating. CC's AC 'Lite 98' WTVR plumments ratings-wise (12.1-7.7) but ties Radio One's urban 'Power 92 Jamz' WCDX for second. 'Lite' had been a solid first the previous three "books." Radio One's urban oldies 'Jammin Oldies Magic 105.7' WJMO continues to improve to take fourth place all by itself. 'NewsRadio 1140 WRVA' rounds out the Top 5. The old 'XL102' WRXL slid again this book to 2.7. Cross-town rival alternative 'Y101' WDYL had its best book in five - up to a 3.7. The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com ..... (10/24/02)
New #1 radio stations in Hampton Roads...
 Saga's active rocker 'FM99' WNOR and Clear Channel's urban '103Jamz' WOWI are the new #1 radio stations in Hampton Roads; spring's #1 Entercom's AC '2WD' WWDE falls to 6th. Arbitron released the numbers earlier today which covered June 27 to September 18. There's a crowd forming at the top...
Here's how the Top 10 (12+) shapes up...
1. WNOR (FM99) & WOWI (103Jamz) with a 6.3
3. WGH-F (97-3 The Eagle)... 6.1
4. WAFX (106.9 The Fox) & WXEZ (Star 94.1)... 6.0
6. WWDE (2WD)... 5.9
7. WVKL (95-7 R&B)... 5.7
8. WNVZ (Z104)... 5.4
9. WPTE (94.9 The Point)... 5.3
10. WCMS... 5.2
Top 10 25-54 all persons demo...
1. WAFX... 9.0
2. WNOR & WVKL...7.4
4. WWDE... 6.9
5. WPTE & WXEZ... 6.6
7. WGH... 6.5
8. WOWI... 5.2
9. WWSO... 4.7
10. WCMS... 4.3
Cluster totals... #1 Barnstable (23.1) [WWSO/WXEZ/WGH-F/ WGH-A/WCMS/WFOG-A], #2 Entercom (22.3) [WNVZ/WVKL/WWDE/WPTE], #3 Saga (13.6) [WNOR/WAFX/WJOI-A], #4 Clear Channel (13.0) [WOWI/WSVY/WJCD/WBHH] and #5 Sinclair (9.3) [WNIS-A/WROX/WKOC/WTAR-A]. The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com or insideradio.com ..... (10/24/02)
Some Richmond sports TV ratings...
Baseball:
For the World Series on FOX , Nielsen numbers show a 25% drop in viewership on the East Coast from last year's contest . After two games, the average national rating for Angels-Giants was 10.7 - down 16% from the 2001 Series between the Yankees and Diamondbacks. The record low is 12.4 for the 2000 Yankees' romp over the Mets. In Richmond, the first three games have averaged just a 9.0 rating (14 share) in the market of 505,000 TV households (1.2 million potential viewers). The games are carried on 'FOX Richmond' WRLH (35)...
Football:
From Jerry Lindquist of the Richmond Times-Dispatch - Wow! Here's a surprise: The Washington Redskins remain the biggest draw locally, averaging a 15.1 rating/28 share on Fox affiliate WRLH-35. That's up 2% over a comparable time last year. Despite a reworked (again) "The NFL Today" on CBS, the Fox pregame show is showing a 6% increase in this market (4.3/10) while Deion Sanders, Dan Marino and friends are pulling a 1.9/4 - minus 19 percent - on CBS affiliate WTVR-6. That's a reflection, of course, of the drawing power of the Redskins combined with AFC games that seldom, if ever, are must-see. With the Redskins on ESPN's Sunday-night package this week, Channel 35 lucked out with a Saints-Falcons matchup - Aaron Brooks vs. Michael Vick - with lots of local appeal...
Soccer:
Sunday's MLS Cup 2002 on WRIC (8/ABC) did a 1.5 rating (3 share) in Richmond which is very good for soccer. By the way, The LA Galaxy defeated the New England Revolution 1 to nil in two overtimes..... (10/24/02)
Art Bell retiring again...
On last nights program, Art Bell, still plagued with unbearable back problems, announced his retirement as host of Coast to Coast AM -- effective December 31,2002. Art informed listeners that Coast to Coast AM's regular fill-in
host, George Noory, will be his successor. Bell plans to serve as an occasional guest-host for Noory in the future. Weekends will continue to be hosted by Barbara Simpson. For futher details and quotes go to coasttocoastam.com. Also on this site will be information on George Noory. Coast to Coast AM can be heard locally on 'NewsRadio 560' WGAI from 2AM til 6AM and on 'NewsRadio 790' WNIS from1AM til 5AM..... (10/24/02)
VARTV better that ever...
Over the last week or so, several improvements have been made to the VARTV pages. First, now on top of the homepage above the news headlines is a new section called "The Latest Technical/Background Changes." This section is dedicated to "behind the scenes" (a la FCC filings, changes within the VARTV pages etc…) & other non-newsy stuff. Second, every frequency listed (AM/FM/TV) on the VARTV market pages now have a link to the FCC database according to a station's Facility ID. The query uses data extracted from the Media Bureau's Consolidated DataBase System (CDBS). It's unofficial but for the most part is accurate. Third, all FM stations are licensed as "channels" i.e. channel 291A means a Class A station located on 106.1FM, channel 290C2 would be a Class C2 licensed station on 105.9FM. All FM stations listed within the VARTV market pages now include the channel number. Finally, all links outside of VARTV open in a new browser window. The HTML coding now conforms to W3C standards. I’m always open for comments and suggestions to make VARTV even better. If you have news, updates, additions or corrections, please e-mail them to vartv@cox.net..... (10/23/02)
NE North Carolina news...
 East Carolina Radio's WKJX-FM (96.7) Elizabeth City files minor change to a pending application with the FCC to correct a typo in the longitude for the antenna location. The CP is to change the antenna location, to change the license from a Class A to C2 with an increase of power to 50kW and to increase their HAAT (Height Above Average Terrain).
NOTE: When this CP is built out, a predicted signal of 50dBu could cover the entire Southside of Hampton Roads (a la 'Beach 104' WCXL Kill Devil Hills). They simulcast on 95.3 WOBR Wanchese NC, broadcast a rock format as '95.3 & 96.7 - The Rock Experience' with John Boy & Billy in the mornings..... (10/23/02)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation the #1 primetime program...
The top 10 shows for the week of October 14-20 were... (show, network, rating) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 18.6; "ER," NBC, 16.2; "Friends," NBC, 16.1; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 13.6; "Law & Order," NBC, 12.8; "Survivor: Thailand," CBS, 12.8; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 12.7; "Will & Grace," NBC, 12.6; World Series Game 2: San Francisco vs. Anaheim, Fox, 11.9; "Scrubs," NBC, 11.3.
For the week, CBS won the Nielsen crown for the fourth straight week, averaging 12.7 million viewers (8.4 rating, 14 share), NBC was second with 12.3 million (8.2, 13), Fox with 10.9 million (6.9, 11). ABC had 9.4 million viewers (6.1, 10), the WB 4.9 million (3.1, 5), UPN 4.1 million (2.6, 4) and Pax TV 1.3 million (0.9, 1).
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (10/23/02)
Things continue to roll at 97-3 The Eagle...
Several news items coming from Barnstable's new country '97-3 The Eagle' WGH-F. First, they have a new music director - its Mark McKay their afternoon jock. Second, they are now sporting a new station logo to coincide with their new on-air imaging as '97-3 The Eagle.' They were previously known as 'Eagle 97.3.' Finally, WGH and sister 'Oldies 92-9' WWSO have a new marketing director - Frankie Ramon. All these changes are in addition to the recently filled night slot with WCMS's Dee Stevens and several weekend shifts including Troy Shannon formerly of Entercom's rhythmic 'Z104' WNVZ. It looks like for now that new Director of Operations for the Barnstable cluster John Shomby has concentrated his efforts on WGH..... (10/22/02)
WTVZ names new chief engineer...
 Sinclair Broadcast Group announces a new chief engineer for 'WB33' WTVZ-TV and WTVZ-DT - Robert Guzman. He's been on the job for a couple of weeks now. Before arriving to Channel 33, Guzman served as chief engineer for various stations within USA Broadcasting/Univision. VARTV hears he already has his hands full. Also at WTVZ, Bonnie Pihlcrantz has been promoted to traffic manager from staff accountant. She also worked as credit manager for the station..... (10/22/02)
No changes planned at The Buzz...
Last Saturday expecting to hear FOX Sports Radio on 'Hot Talk & Real Sports - AM 1450 The Buzz' WBVA, several VARTV readers ended up tuning in to a talk program called "The Weekend." Well there are no plans to add more talkers to the weekend line-up. Owner Ronn Cowan told because of equipment changes he had to air that alternate programming. He did apolgize for the interuption and went to tell me that the only time FOX Sports Radio would be interrupted would be by an AHL Norfolk Admirals hockey game or the NFL. The Buzz airs hot talkers like Lex & Terry in the mornings, Don & Mike and Tom Leykis weekdays and FOX Sports radio all weekend long..... (10/22/02)
Fall Classic numbers so-so for now...
 After registering an 11.2 rating for game one, viewers tuned in for act two of the World Series. Fox averaged an 11.5/18 share for the night. The game, won by the Anaheim Angeles 11-10 over the San Francisco Giants, reached its high point around 10 pm with 16 million people. Ed Goren, president of Fox Sports, said in a recent interview he would like to start the World Series on weeknight instead of Saturday nights, which is dominated by college football and other programs on cable and lack of television viewing for that night. Game Three, Four and Five will take place in San Francisco beginning Tuesday at 8 pm. The series is tied 1-1..... (10/21/02)
A new classified ad at VARTV...
Free Lance-Star Publishing's radio cluster in Fredericksburg is looking for a part-time news reporter. All the details are on the "Classified Ads" page..... (10/21/02)
Changes coming to Cox Cable Hampton Roads...
Cox Cable Hampton Roads announces several pricing changes effective November 1st and channel line-up changes effective November 15th. First the prices. On the 1st, Cox increases the "Cox Expanded Service" by $2.85/mo but decreases the "Cox Plus Service" by 40¢/mo. So the net result for the "Cox Standard Service" (Expanded + Plus) is an increase of $2.45. Other notable prices changes - all premium movie channel packages increase by 50¢/mo, digital cable (any package) increases $1.84/mo (digital package $1.50 + digital receiver $0.34) and a 73¢/mo increase for analog converters. For Cox High Speed Internet, all customers will see an increase of $5/mo ($39.99/mo for cable TV/telephone customers and $49.99/mo for non-customers). If you rent a cable modem, that rate decreases by $5/mo. Purchasing a modem thru Cox is now $119 down $80. The largest increases come with professional home installation situations. Cox Digital Telephone rates are unaffected. Now on to the channel changes. Starting on the 15th, the Encore movie channel will be added to the Digital Movie Package on channel 210. It's still considered a mini-premium service ($1.95) for analog customers. I won't be surprised if Encore is dropped from the analog-tier in the near future.  Showtime Beyond will be added to the Showtime Multi-Channel Premium Package on channel 344. Beyond is devoted exclusively to Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror and "promises to take you 'beyond your wildest dreams'.” FOX Sports World will be added to channel 231 in the Digital Sports & Information Package. This channel features exclusive live soccer coverage, including English Premier League and World Cup qualifying matches. Also on the 15th, two channels will be dropped - MuchMusic/MMUSA on channel 240 and the International Channel on 224. MMUSA will be missed by me. This year they have revamped the channel and I thought they were putting a good product on. I guess Cox's "survey of customers" thought differently. I've noticed that several larger cable systems having been dropping the International Channel from their line-ups including Comcast in NoVA. Coming soon is Entertainment On Demand (EOD) by iCONTROL. As Cox states "bringing you the luxury of viewing movies with the power to order instantly, pause, fast forward, and rewind – without the hassle of going to the video store – and no late fees! EOD includes some of the biggest Hollywood movies, classic films, do-it-yourself, and more." I'm a Cox Cable subscriber with almost all of their services. If I looked at the rate guide correctly, my bill with Cox just went up a whopping $9.45/mo. Ouch! All the changes (for the greater Hampton Roads area) can be viewed online at cox.com/hamptonroads..... (10/21/02)
Troy Shannon back on the air...
 Shannon last heard in Hampton Roads on Entercom's rhythmic CHR 'Z104' WNVZ has popped-up on Barnstable's new country '97-3 The Eagle' WGH doing weekends. If you recall, Shannon, who was one-third of the Z Morning Zoo, was fired over an incident at The Beachouse in Virginia Beach last July. Shannon was with 'Z-104' in the late 90s, left for awhile for Citadel's rhythmic CHR 'WiLD 97-9' KKLD in Oklahoma City then came back to Hampton Roads for the morning gig at 'Z-104'. Since John Shomby took the post of Director of Operations for the Barnstable cluster, he's been looking to put a spark into WGH i.e. wanting high energy jocks (CHR experience a plus) and even changed the on-air imaging from 'Eagle 97.3' to '97-3 The Eagle.' ..... (10/21/02)
FLS was right there...
Free Lance-Star's WFLS were the first to broadcast from the scene of the Ashland shooting Saturday night and coverage continued into the early hours of Sunday morning broadcasting the then half-hour press briefings that began at 10PM. On Sunday, FLS covered the press conefrence, breaking into NASCAR coverage of the race from Martinsville. They were ready to go live again for an evening press conference, but were told there would be none... minutes later Moose made his 'cryptic' announcement from Rockville. FLS was told that all info on the Ashland shooting will be handled through the task force in Maryland..... (10/21/02)
96X is back to 'normal'...
After stating on-air that their transmitter was on the fritz, alternative '96X' WROX is back to broadcasting its regular signal on 96.1. It was so bad Friday night, that they were broadcasting in mono and that did help - a lot..... (10/20/02)
More talk on The Buzz?
'Hot Talk & Real Sports - AM 1450 The Buzz' WBVA usually carries Fox Sports Radio ALL weekend-long to compliment their hot talk format during the week. Something changed this weekend though. They had a program called "The Weekend" on-air yesterday - some sort of talker. I'm not sure how long this program was on but got two emails from VARTV readers stating their displeasure. Today, Sunday, it was back to Fox Sports Radio. An email has been sent to owner Ron Cowan and I'll let know if he responds back. Switching gears but staying with The Buzz, all home and away games of Norfolk's AHL hockey team the Admirals can be heard on WBVA..... (10/20/02)
Cox Radio rejects payola-like practice...
 Cox Radio plans to sever its ties with independent record promoters to distance itself from a payola-like practice rampant in the music business reports Jeff Leeds of the LA Times. The decision makes Cox the first big broadcaster to revolt against the record labels' three-decade-old practice of hiring independent "middlemen" to push songs to radio programmers. Critics say the promoters' existing deals with major radio companies smack of payola, or undisclosed payments made in exchange for airplay. Cox will not renew contracts with record promoters whose contracts have expired in recent weeks and will end its remaining promotional contracts as they expire during the next year. Independent promoters currently have deals with 14 of Cox's pop, rap and rock music stations and pay Cox an estimated $1 million a year in "promotional" fees. Atlanta-based Cox runs 79 radio stations including country ‘K95’ WKHK, classic rock ’96-5 The Planet’ WKLR, Hot AC ‘B103’ WMXB, alternative 'Y101' WDYL and LMAs ‘Cat Country 100.3’ WARV in Richmond. It ranks seventh nationally in the number of stations owed but is third in sales. The five major record conglomerates now spend about $100 million a year on independent promoters to influence radio airplay. Promoters attempt to sidestep the anti-payola law by paying radio stations annual fees — often exceeding $100,000 — that they say are not tied to airplay of specific songs. In return, stations give promoters advance copies of playlists. Promoters then bill record labels for each new song that gets played. Record executives also criticize Clear Channel and Radio One for requiring record labels to pay designated promoters to pitch songs to their stations..... (10/19/02)
Hard to hear 96X...
The past several days, if you've tried to hear Sinclair's alternative '96X' WROX and got a lot of static, it's not your radio. According to the on-air jocks it's their transmitter that's dying. DJs Mike and Bob were actually joking how horrible the sound was on the 96.1 frequency and instructed listeners to tune to 106.1 - the 250-watt translator in downtown Norfolk. The new transmitter will be installed tomorrow. It could provide a better sounding signal..... (10/18/02)
Deejay to leave 'cabin in the woods' for studio in the city...
Rob Hedelt of the Free Lance-Star chats with afternoon jock Dr Henley Smythe of 'Classic Rock 96.9' WWUZ. WWUZ's studios soon will be shifted from out of the woods to Fredericksburg. WWUZ is owned by the parent company of the Free Lance-Star newspaper. Read the entire story at fredericksburg.com..... (10/18/02)
Sinclair Telecable vs Tidewater Communications...
Initially I thought Sinclair Telecable, the owners of alternative ‘96X’ WROX Cape Charles and 106.1 WEXM Exmore (currently simulcasting ‘93-7 The Coast’ WKOC) wanted to move WEXM’s community of license to Belle Haven – a couple of miles up the road from Exmore. This would have been Belle Haven’s first local aural transmission service. Secondly, they wanted to reallot Channel 241B (96.1) WROX from Cape Charles to Exmore to maintain the community’s sole local aural transmission service. That proposal has been withdrawn. This "thing" is much bigger! This realigning of the table of allotments involves several frequencies (96.1, 96.9, 97.9 98.3, 105.9 and 106.1) and several communities. I reported several months ago that Hampton Roads might lose a signal at 96.1. WRONG! That will NOT happen. What WILL happen (as of right now) if Sinclair gets its way is a new Class A station on 106.1 in Poquoson - yep... Poquoson. There's been just one stumbling block. The owners of WNOR/WAFX/WJOI (Tidewater Communications) don't want to see that happen. Why? Competitive reasons. The thinking might be that the owners of 96X would use the new allocated signal to better their coverage (spotty downtown Norfolk coverage). This isn't over yet..... (10/18/02)
New night jock at WRXL...
Clear Channel's new alternative '102.1 The X' WRXL announces its new night host Eric Olson. His show called 'The Eric Show' will be heard weeknights 6PM to 10PM on the X starting this coming Monday. Olson was a weekend jock at cross-town rival Cox Radio alternative 'Y101' WDYL..... (10/18/02)
New on-air line-up at Power 92-1 Jamz...
Radio One's urban 'Power 92-1 Jamz' WCDX announces a new lineup after Zxulu departs to crosstown rival CC's urban '106-5 The Beat' WBTJ....
Russ Parr Morning Show w/ Olivia Fox
Talus Knight
Terry Foxx
Bad Boyz w/ Big Nat & DJ Foot
Rosetta Divine
|
6AM-10AM
10AM-2PM
2PM-6PM
6PM-10PM
10PM-2AM
|
(10/17/02)
Some Richmond sports TV ratings...
In Richmond, the race at Lowe's Motor Speedway this past Sunday did a 7.1 rating on 'NBC12' WWBT. That was 15th best out of the top 55 metered markets and clobbered the ALCS final (4.2) and NLCS Game 4 (5.2). The two-hour rain delay (4.4) had more viewers than either of the baseball games as well as the first game (3.0) of an NFL doubleheader on WTVR (6/CBS). But to nobody's surprise, the Redskins/Saints game on FOX Richmond (WRLH 35) blew away the competition with a 14.3 locally..... (10/17/02)
Has Tarkenton blown off Channel 8?
Still no word on Chip Tarkenton's future at WRIC (8/ABC). The station's sports director since 1988 hasn't been seen on camera since September 16th. His contract expired September 30th, but station brass say it's an ongoing policy at Channel 8 to work without a contract while negotiations are under way. Jerry Linquist of The Richmond Times-Dispatch says last night, for the first time, the ABC affiliate removed any reference to Tarkenton on its news at 6 and 11PM. Second banana Kevin Brandmeyer has been sitting in and, from all indications, could replace Tarkenton. The station is actively pursuing a weekend sports anchor..... (10/17/02)
Fredericksburg Summer Book ...
Arbitron's Summer Book (June 27 to September 18) for Fredericksburg were released earlier today. First was Free Lance-Star's country '93WFLS' with a 14.7 in the 12+. Second is Hot AC 'B-101.5' with a 9.8. Infinity's talker JFK flies up to 3rd after being 12th just last month. WTOP was 4th with WGRQ filling out the Top 5. Telemedia's 'Thunder 104.5' WGRX sinks back to where it was last winter after a very promising Spring showing. Free Lance-Star's WWUZ and WYSK were both up solidly this time around. The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com..... (10/16/02)
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation blows past Friends...
The top 10 shows for the week of Oct 7-13... (show, network, rating) "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 19.4; "Friends," NBC, 16.6; "ER," NBC, 16.1; "Law & Order," NBC, 13.8; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 13.3; "Will & Grace," NBC, 13.3; "Survivor: Thailand," CBS, 12.3; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 12.1; "Scrubs," NBC, 11.6; "The West Wing," NBC, 10.9.
For the week, CBS averaged 13.2 million viewers (8.9 rating, 15 share), NBC 12.4 million (8.3, 14), Fox 10.1 million (6.7, 11), ABC 10 million (6.4, 10), The WB 5.2 million (3.2, 5), UPN 4.2 million (2.6, 4) and Pax had 1.3 million (0.9, 2).
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (10/15/02)
LaRue comes through first of two surgeries with flying colors...
 WFLS News Anchor and Reporter Tabitha LaRue is in good spirits following ovarian cancer surgery Monday. LaRue, 28, has stage IV ovarian cancer. Her husband Curtis said the doctors told him "they got it all" and noted that doctors removed cancerous growth from the upper abdominal area and pelvic areas along with several lymph nodes in the pelvic area. There was no damage to any internal organs during the surgery. It'll be about four weeks before LaRue will be healthy enough to undergo another surgery to remove cancerous growth in her neck. Meanwhile, she's recovering at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. On Friday, LaRue was in Denver CO to accept two Clarion Awards from the Association for Women in Communications. The awards are for a radio program on ovarian cancer that aired in July of last year and for her online personal story detailing her battle with the disease. Both can be found at wfls.com. Get well soon Tabitha! (10/15/02)
What a long day...
 The folks over at Belo's WVEC (13/ABC) must like what they see in Janet Roach. She was originally hired away from Baltimore's WMAR (2/ABC) noon newscast to do mornings from 5AM to 7AM. She came to Hampton Roads to fill the spot vacated by Brittany Suddith. Now WVEC is thinking about having her come back and co-anchor the 5:30PM newscast with David Alan. She's already had a trial run and it looks to be permanent..... (10/15/02)
Q94 fills afternoon slot...
Travis Dylan returns to his old stomping grounds to the afternoon drive for CC's CHR 'Q94' WRVQ. Travis was previously their MD. He's been doing the 3PM to 7PM slot on Top 40 'K92' WXLK Roanoke where he's #1 in many key demos. Travis fills Q94's 3PM to 7PM slot that PD Billy Surf vacated. Surf is now heard in the mornings who replaced Jeff Wicker. Speaking of a Music Director... while that post is not open, expect Surf to call on his programming prowess for additional input..... (10/14/02)
Star jock exits...
  Afternoon jock Javier Hernandez formerly heard on Main Quad's 80s-90s 'Star 107.3' WBBT has left the station and joined the Army. His goal is to go into the Special Forces. We wish you luck. Joey Butler is now covering the 3PM to 7PM shift vacated by Hernandez. Kelly, formerly of 'Catfish and Kelly' on Cox's country 'K95' WKHK, is on from 10AM to 3PM..... (10/14/02)
Networks credit Channel 6...
 Richmond's WTVR-Channel 6 lived up to its "News 6 Network" logo Friday when its morning coverage of the shooting near Fredericksburg started appearing on national news channels reportd Douglas Durden of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Both CNN and Fox News as well as CBS used WTVR footage Friday, crediting the station on screen. ND Mark Neerman said "We have been all over the country today... we were the first nationally with live pictures from there." Channel 6 sent three crews to the scene, including the satellite truck, as soon as the first reports came in that there had been another shooting in Northern Virginia. "It's an interesting change in the business that you can have a CBS affiliate that now has its video on both FOX and CNN. The industry has changed so much - the video is shared a lot more than it used to be," he said..... (10/13/02)
DJ Bee is coming back to VA...
 There has been much speculation where DJ Bee was going land after his departure from Infinity's urban 'X105.7' WXYV Baltimore. Well its back where he started at - CC's urban '103 Jamz' WOWI. Bee will be taking the 6PM-10PM weekday slot. DJ Bee started out at WOWI doing a mix from 5 to 5:30 on Fridays with KJ Holiday formally OM at CC Norfolk, who is now in Detroit at WJLB as PD. He was then shifted to 2AM-6AM and later moved to prime time from 6PM to 10PM where he came up with the name "Tha Block." Bee left 103 Jamz last October for the newly converted ‘X105.7’, which continues to rise there in the ratings. Bee first got started in radio when he moved from Philly to Richmond and worked at the University of Richmond's radio station WDCE-FM 90.1. WOWI was his first commercial job. Bee is well respected and might be the answer to push '103Jamz' back over to #1 in Hampton Roads. The new weekday on-air line-up as of 10/14...- The Supreme Team 6AM-10AM
- Chris Caliente 10AM-2PM
- The Boodah Brothers (Big B & DJ Law) 2PM-6PM
- DJ Bee 6PM-10PM
- Big Dose 10PM-2AM ..... (10/13/02)
News...
 WFLS will carry today's press conference (regarding the sniper shooting spree) live from Spotsylvania County at 10AM. Also in the market, WFVA carried both of the Spotsylvania police press conferences live. In addition, WFVA's News Director was on the Sean Hannity Show along with Chris Core discussing the story..... (10/12/02)
The Eagle fills night jock slot...
 Barnstable's newly renamed new country outlet '97-3 The Eagle' WGH-F has found their new energetic night jock. They didn't have to go very far to get her. It's Dee Stevens who was previously heard on sister heritage country WCMS on the weekends. This is effective immediately. Speaking of WGH, Jack Wilson who was heard overnights on The Eagle was fired last week but has landed a new gig at Entercom's Modern AC '94.9 The Point' WPTE doing weekend work..... (10/11/02)
FCC OKs digital radio...
 As expected, the four-member FCC unanimously passed an order today paving the way for radio broadcasters to immediately begin broadcasting digital transmissions for FM and AM daytime. The three-part order sets 'HD Radio' developed by iBiquity as the digital radio standard. The order also takes into account the resolution of nighttime AM and potential interference to some services, particularly the reading service for the blind. Based in Columbia MD, iBiquity, the sole developer and licenser of digital radio technology, is backed by 15 of the nation's largest radio groups, such as Clear Channel and Infinity Broadcasting. "It's a proud moment for the industry," said Michael Powell, chairman of the FCC. Digital radio promises consumers better sound fidelity and a more robust signal with less interference. In addition, digital radio allows broadcasters the ability to offer consumers interactive services. "This order position terrestrial broadcasters to be in a strong position to respond to the many other new technologies offered consumers," said commissioner Kathleen Abernathy. The first group to commit to the digital radio transition is Radio One. Last month, Radio One said it would adopt HD Radio technology for its stations in Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, Detroit and Atlanta. More broadcasters are expected to follow suit..... (10/10/02)
KK Holiday returns to WKYS...
 After a stint with MTV, KK Holiday is back in radio and back at Radio One's 93.9 WKYS Washington DC for nights. Holiday replaces 2 Face and D-Masters, collectively known as the Wild Boyz, who recently exited the station. Holiday did evenings at KYS before heading to Service Broadcasting's 'K104' KKDA Dallas before seguing to MTV for about a year..... (10/10/02)
Where in the world is Chip Tarkenton?
 Apparently, WRIC's (8/ABC) sports director Chip Tarkenton has gone AWOL. His last appearence on air was Spetember 16th. ND Bill Foy told Jerry Lindquist of RTD, "We haven't heard from Chip in three weeks... He took vacation beginning in mid-September and hasn't come back. We certainly don't have any concerns about his well-being or whereabouts." He went on to say "His contract expired at the end of September but it is not unusual, in fact, it's a matter of routine here that when employees' contracts expire, they continue working." Sources outside the station but familiar with the situation said Tarkenton wasn't officially AWOL until Tuesday the 8th. Tarkenton joined Channel 8 as sports director in September 1988. In the meantime, Kevin Brandmeyer has been sitting in on the 6 and 11PM newscasts. We'll keep you posted..... (10/10/02)
Those DC bullies...
Someone in the "biz" told me this story about the media that were in Fredericksburg on last Friday covering the shooting of the Spotsylvania woman...It's "stupid" how the national and DC media act in their effort to cover the story. I heard one of the cameramen ask the only Richmond TV station there to drop their mic flag. A Baltimore TV station and myself put our mics up just before the press conference, so nothing was said to us. But what the DC media needs to remember is that they are NOT in their market anymore. They can't ask... no demand was more like it... the local media to adhere to the rules that may apply to them in THEIR market. Sure, if I was in DC I'd oblige by the rules. But when they're 50 miles south of the beltway it's a different story, different rules. BTW, why do they think stations pay $50-$100 for those things for anyway... just to drop them? ..... (10/9/02)
Hampton Roads media observations...
Has anyone seen the new 'Oldies 92-9' WWSO TV spot? I did last night and one thought crossed my mind... what a waste of time. I really can't remember the commercial even if my life depended on it (that's bad... isn't it?). All I remember is the Oldies 92-9 logo spinning around a couple of times at the end of the spot. Why should I listen though? Do you play great music? Have an entertaining morning show? Is it "fun" to listen to at work? Don't get me started on Barnstable station websites, ugh...
 Disney recently closed on WHKT-AM (1650). That's their O&O for Radio Disney here and they want everyone to know about it. Billboards have been popping up everywhere - along the Interstates (64,264,464,564 and 664), major highways and I even spotted some on the "mall directories" at MacArthur Center. They're well designed - simple and to the point. They state "Music Kids Love - Not Kids Music" along with a photo of Michelle Branch and Aaron Carter and a big "Now on AM 1650." I've listened to them a bit and noticed they've taken out the cheesy Disney themed music and now play straight G-rated Top 40 music. As I've said before, Hampton Roads is one of the top markets for Radio Disney. With AM 'HD Radio' (digital) less than a year away and will sound like today's FM counterpart, the folks at Disney might have something here - more and more listeners migrating to the AM band???
In my cable bill this month, I was informed as a Cox Digital subscriber of a FREE 30-day preview of Showtime and The Movie Channel. Cool! Showtime can be found on Chs. 340-3 (or 69) and The Movie Channel on 360-1 (or 70). The preview period is from November 1st thru the 30th. If this is a Showtime Networks promotion then other cable operators might have a similar offer...
A VARTV reader recently spotted the 'Hot 102.1' (WWHV) Ford Explorer and noticed it had Maryland plates on it. I bet ya that truck is OWNED by Steve Hegwood..... (10/9/02)
Capital City HD update...
It seems there has been some progress. Crews were at the community site (tower) yesterday (10/8) finally starting work on the bridge; an overhead rack to carry the lines from the combiner building to the tower itself. There's a road between the building and the tower and they need to go overhead because there are so many lines running underground. WRIC (8/ABC) is basically finished with their transmitter. WTVR (6/CBS) is finishing their installation now. Apparently, WRLH (35/FOX) has their transmitter on site, but it's basically still "in the box." The transmitters go to a combiner, which combines the signals to allow them to share the tower. There are two separate antennas on the tower, which will be shared by four stations. The overall plan is to add a 3rd antenna, which will allow for maybe six stations to go up on the same tower. Those six are WTVR, WRIC, WRLH, WUPV and the two PBS stations - WCVE and WCVW. Channels 6, 8, 35 and 65 are still shooting for November as a sign-on time but ALL four have recently filed six-month extensions with the FCC just in case. WWBT-DT is the only digital TV signal in Richmond. They've been on the air since December 2001..... (10/9/02)
Channel 6's GM resigns...
Douglas Durden of the Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting Mark Pimentel; the GM at ‘News 6’ WTVR (CBS) is no longer with them. According to Jeff Rosser, group vice president for Raycom Media, which owns WTVR, said Pimentel resigned on Monday. He had been GM there since April 1999, when he replaced Sheila Oliver. "I really enjoyed my 3½ years at WTVR. We made a great run, and the ratings increased. I'm happy about my time there and the people at the station now. There's a good team in place," Pimentel said yesterday. "My contract is up, and I decided to move on and pursue some other things. I wish the station well." When Pimentel first came to Richmond, he said improving Channel 6’s news ratings would be a top priority. After 3½ years, Channel 6's 6 and 11PM newscasts were still unable to change NBC12’s (WWBT) lead in the market. Pimentel was responsible for several key changes in the anchor lineups. Shortly after his arrival, evening co-anchor Angie Miles announced she would not be renewing her contract. Soon after that, longtime anchor Charles Fishburne was let go. Stephanie Rochon and Ray Collins were hired in their places. Rosser will be in charge of WTVR until a new GM is hired. Rosser said, “We're very pleased with the management team at the station. From all indications, we believe we'll continue to achieve stability at the station and don't anticipate any changes." (10/9/02)
Friends & CSI neck-n-neck...
The top 10 shows for the week of Sept 30-Oct 6 were: "Friends," NBC, 17.6; "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," CBS, 17.4; "ER," NBC, 15.9; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 14.3; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 13.2; "Will & Grace," NBC, 13.2; "Law & Order," NBC, 13.1; "Survivor: Thailand," CBS, 12.5; "Still Standing," CBS, 12.0; "Scrubs," NBC, 11.8.
For the week, CBS averaged 13.3 million viewers (8.8 rating, 15 share), NBC had 12.6 million viewers (8.4, 14), ABC had 9.5 million (6.2, 10), Fox had 8.1 million (5.5, 9), the WB had 5 million (3.2, 5), UPN had 4.1 million (2.6, 4) and Pax TV had 1 million (0.7, 1).
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (10/8/02)
Question du jour...
Larry Bonko of the Virginian-Pilot wrote the following this past Sunday...Am I the only one who thinks that flying local news anchors to high school games in a helicopter to pass out souvenir footballs is as small-timey as it is unprofessional? Such is WAVY's (10/NBC) "Friday Night Flights." This isn't Paducah. VARTV response: I agree 100%..... (10/8/02)
Tony Soprano eats Krispy Kreme doughnuts...
 In last night's episode, Tony Soprano went to the dorms at Columbia University to visit his daughter Meadow. With him, he brought a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Not only are they the BEST doughnuts on the planet, I own stock in KKD. A great plug for Krispy Kreme. In an earlier episode last year, Tony was heard listening to Clear Channel's classic rocker 'Q104-3' WAXQ. WAXQ actually used that fact for on-air promos. Now if I could get Tony behind a computer reading VARTV... bada-bing! (10/7/02)
Elliot In The Morning...
 Elliot debuts on CC's alternative '102.1 The X' WRXL. It was rumored for awhile that this was going to happen and it finally has. Based out of Washington's 'DC101' WWDC, this is Segal's first station he's syndicated to. It was a very low-key welcome to Richmond. The first mention was when news-reader Diane was giving the forecast she mentioned Richmond and Elliot said "Oh, yeah we're on Richmond now." He field several callers from outside of DC and wanted to know who is was up against. The elliotinthemorning.com website is back up this morning but not much on it though. By the way, Elliott been heard on 'DC101' since June 1999, when he departed from sister New York station 'Z100' WHTZ. He was heard on their Z-Morning Zoo..... (10/7/02)
Mikenna off Q94...
VARTV hears that Mikenna will no longer be heard part-time on the air at Clear Channel's CHR 'Q94' WRVQ. We're not quite sure the exact reason but it stemmed from a incident at a 'Q94' club night. Mikenna will continue to produce the Allen Price Show on sister AMer 'NewsRadio 1140' WRVA. Mikenna recently replaced former producer Josh Johnson who left to persue other oppurtunities - school. If you recall, Troy Shannon formerly of Z-104's Z Morning Zoo (WNVZ), was fired due to an incident at a station-sponsored event..... (10/6/02)
Several new faces coming to NewsChannel 3...
 UPDATED: Starting the 28th of this month, 'NewsChannel 3 In The Morning' (WTKR/CBS) will have two new faces to wake-up to. Both are from Florida and CBS affiliates - Cynthia Brooks from 'News 12' WPEC West Palm Beach and Chris Hopkins from 'Wink TV' WINK (11) Ft Myers. Brooks had been doing mornings and the noon newscast at WPEC and Hopkins been doing the 5AM, 6AM and noon newscasts for WINK. Hopkins is no stranger to Hampton Roads. He graduated from Kempsville High and NSU and started his broadcasting career at WTAR where he rose to news director. With these new additions, current morning anchor Kurt Williams will be shifted to the # 1 rated noon newscast with Ed Hughes. Lee Mahaffey, Kurt's former co-anchor, is now in Richmond. Both of these new anchors have their plates full. Channel 3's morning show is rated third out of three morning programs. In the latest ratings, dominant WAVY with "WAVY News 10 Today" posted a 7.0 to WTKR's "NewsChannel 3 This Morning's" meager 3.2 at 6AM...
 On the weekends there's another change. ND John Wessling will welcome new anchor Karen May. She'll take over at 6AM Saturday and 7AM Sunday for Brian Farrell. He'll return to reporting from the Peninsula. May comes from 'Eyewitness News 5' WTVH Syracuse NY (yet another from a CBS affiliate) where she co-anchored in the mornings and at noon. She began her career as a reporter for 'ABC19' WHOI Peoria IL. Prior to her first job, May received her Bachelors degree in journalism from The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She also earned a Masters from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University..... (10/6/02)
Wait & see...
Well the FCC has heard all of the arguments from both sides to the WHRO-DT vs WBOC-TV "conflict." Shortly, they will render a decision in the case. WBOC (16/CBS) Salisbury was complaining interference from WHRO (16/PBS) Norfolk. WHRO countered back with a lot of 'Shore' residents have their antennas oriented incorrectly - to try to pick-up Baltimore TV stations - the closest large market to them. During this investigation which included a lot of field-testing on both sides, WHRO-DT had to reduce their power down to 25% from 950kW to just 237.5kW. For the Hampton Roads area, this didn't affect viewers. It was areas like Williamsburg, VA's Eastern Shore and the Outer Banks that couldn't receive the WHRO-DT signal anymore. Remember with digital it's basically all or nothing when it comes to TV signals - you get it or you don't. Now that the decision is in the hands of the FCC, WHRO-DT has returned to full-power; hopefully to stay that why unless the FCC has something to say..... (10/6/02)
102.1 The X's new on-air line-up...
It was this morning on Washington's 'DC101' WWDC that Elliot Segal finally came out and said he will be also be heard on WRXL. The following will be the immediate on-air line up for the X starting Monday...- Elliot In The Morning 5:45AM-10AM
- PD Casey Krukowski 10AM-2PM
- LeeAnn Curtis (VT-ed from DC101/The X is looking for local talent) 2PM-6PM
- Music (the new night host will be announced soon) 6PM-10PM
- Loveline 10PM-12M
BT (Brandon Terry) is out but they are helping him find a new gig. BT told AllAccess.com, "Clear Channel is a world class organization, and they have treated me like an important member of the team, but sometimes you aren't a part of the vision and such is the case with 'New Rock 102.1 The X.'" BT will continue to help acting PD Casey Krukowski during the transition. Speaking of BT, he will continue to voicetrack nights on '98 Rock' WACL Harrisonburg and afternoons on '99.3 The Fox' WFQX Winchester for now..... (10/4/02)
WUPV-DT files for another extension...
The owners of WUPV-DT (UPN), Bell Broadcasting, call this filing "a precautionary measure." They blame final tower modifications and a receipt of a certificate of occupancy for their transmitter building for the extension. SpectraSite whose building out the site only has to build a "bridge" that's necessary to run the transmission line between the transmitter and the tower. Because of complications relating to the positioning of underground utilities, SpectraSite has been delayed in constructing the foundations for the bridge. WUPV-DT's current 6-month extension expires December 4, 2002. If there are no delays, WUPV-DT should be on-the-air by then..... (10/4/02)
More changes at Clear Channel Norfolk...
If you are a regular listener of popular personality Bobby J of CC's urban AC 'Vibe 105.3' WSVY then you noticed something different this week. His show 'Oldies but Goodies' show has been bumped - to midnights to 4AM (Monday-Thursday). In his place, Vibe has shifted "The Quiet Storm" with Phil Nelson to 7PM to midnight. It was heard 9PM to 2AM. It appears that the weekend sked has not been touched. Here's the new line-up on Vibe 105.3...- Tom Joyner Morning Show 6AM-10AM
- Chaz Saunders 10AM-2/3PM
- Double D 2/3PM-7PM
- The Quiet Storm w/ Phil Nelson 7PM-12M
- Oldies But Goodies w/ Bobby J 12M-4AM..... (10/4/02)
Carlito Gee IS gone...
 The rumors are true. Anthony Moore, his real name and a mixer at Clear Channel's urban '103 Jamz' WOWI and hip-hop '92.1 The Beat' WBHH, is out. No word yet why... his decision or WOWI's decision. His name and bio have already been pulled from the WOWI's website. Rumor has it that he was seen on Birdneck Rd (Steve Hegwood's Hot 102.1 WWHV)..... (10/3/02)
WBYM getting new tower and equipment...
 Hampton Radio II owned classic country '1490 The Goldmine' WBYM-A Hampton is in the midst of building a new tower and installing new equipment. John McIntyre told me "it's a huge project and if it can go wrong so far it has... This is my first tower project and hope it's the last." With the new tower being built right next to the old one and the new equipment, John says WBYM will have "a solid 30 mile radius from the (Hampton) Coliseum." It will increase their daytime coverage by 60% and nighttime coverage by 35%. Completion date is somewhere around 30 to 45 days from now. This is good news for Washington Redskins fans; WBYM carries their games. This is the first of four years the games will be on The Goldmine. They'll more than likely pick-up listeners in their current fringe area that would rather not listen to them now because of a weak signal. By the way, they also recently revamped their website at 1490thegoldmine.com..... (10/3/02)
Cahill named CC Regional VP of Programming for Virginia...
Clear Channel VP of Operations for Virginia Bill Cahill has been upped to Regional VP of Programming for the Virginia Trading Area. The reclassification continues Clear Channel’s previously announced new national programming structure. Clear Channel has stations in Hampton Roads, Richmond, Roanoke/Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Blacksburg and Harrisonburg. Cahill is based in Richmond..... (10/1/02)
Friends on top of the season's first primetime TV ratings...
The top 10 shows were "Friends," NBC, 20.3; "CSI," CBS, 18.2; "ER," NBC, 16.9; "Everybody Loves Raymond" special, CBS, 15.3; "CSI: Miami," CBS, 14.9; "Everybody Loves Raymond," CBS, 14.7; "Frasier," NBC, 14.1; "Will & Grace," NBC, 13.9; "Scrubs," NBC, 13.8; "MNF: St Louis vs. Tampa Bay," ABC, 12.5.
Networks CBS, 13.9 million viewers (9.1 rating, 15 share); NBC, 13.4 mil (8.9, 15); ABC, 9.9 mil (6.6, 11); Fox, 7.1 mil (4.5, 7); the WB, 4.5 mil (2.8, 4), UPN, 4.2 mil (2.6, 4); Pax TV, 1.2 mil (0.9, 1).
The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week of September 23 to 29th can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (10/1/02)
WGH-F is reimaged...
Director of Operations John Shomby continues to make changes at the Barnstable cluster. New country WGH-F is now known as 'Today's Country 97-3 The Eagle.' They were known as 'New Country Eagle 97.3' for the longest time. Also at GH, the syndicated Lia, the country music version of the AC format's Delilah, has been shifted to sister heritage country WCMS-FM (100.5). Shomby is looking for someone to fill the 7 to 12 slot at WGH - a high energetic person with CHR experience being a plus. Tonight and tomorrow night Nathan James will be filling in..... (10/1/02)
Practice makes perfect...
It was heard this morning on 'DC101' WWDC that Elliot stopped using 'DC101' on-air and now promoting a new toll-free number... 866-2 ELLIOT. As one reading of VARTV called it "...it's all part of the transition folks." Sounds like Elliot is getting ready for syndication. First stop - 102.1 The X? Interesting to note, the URL down below for "Elliot In The Morning" came back with an error message - "You are not authorized to view this page"..... (10/1/02)
Just when I thought it was over with...
It was brought to VARTV's attention yesterday of this website - elliotinthemorning.com. It's heavily rumored that he'll be heard on '102.1 The X' WRXL. It could be early as next Monday? ..... (10/1/02)
Lucky 7...
Being the President, CEO, CFO & COO of VARTV, I can do this – so here it goes. Today is I and my wife's wedding anniversary. I have been married to my best friend now for seven years with many many more to come. If it wasn’t for her, there wouldn't be any VARTV. Brenda, I love you very much and Happy Anniversary! (does she read VARTV?) (9/30/02)
102.1 The X...
VARTV is just going to sit back and see what happens over there at WRXL for mornings..... (9/30/02)
TV Sweeps Hell...
I found this RealAudio file... It's funny. Those folks in newsrooms have a sense of humor. Click here to listen..... (9/29/02)
Richmond radio news from our 'source'...
Let's start with The X (WRXL), the hot topic at the moment...
Buddy Rizer, DC101 PD, is the brand manager for The X. Casey is interim PD, but people says permanent stripes may be tagged to Casey. Jon Ballard said that all will be revealed in a few days pertaining to
Elliot (Segal). Roche said Monday at 6, we will know more about Elliot's syndication deal. Casey said that B.T. is still employed by CC and will probably still do afternoons at the station. Roche from DC101 may VT evenings for The X, more than likely nights will be VT'ed at The X...
On to Q94 (WRVQ)...
Could Zack Daniels come back home and do afternoons at Q94? RXL??? Time will tell...
The Beat (WBTJ)...
I talked to Mike Street the other day. Mike said that the Xzulu deal had been brewing for quite a while. He's been talking to the "Big Lip Bandit" since February! Seems like Xzulu wanted to flee R1 (Radio One) Richmond
badly. That cluster has had bad times in the last 6 months. Former PD Lamonda is at PGC (WPGC Washington DC) right now..... (9/27/02)
'ESPN Radio 1310' WGH-AM to increase power...
 Those are the headlines coming out of the Barnstable cluster this morning. The all-sports station has received approval from the FCC to increase its power from 5,000 watts to 20,000 watts. This will significantly improve the quality of the signal and coverage area for WGH-A. They'll be installing a new digital transmitter as part of its power increase. This will allow the station to transmit its current analog signal and 'HD Radio' (a digital AM signal) once a digital standard has been approved. Construction has already started with the upgrade expected to be completed early 2003. GM Andy Graham said “This upgrade will not only allow us to reach a wider geographical area but will provide a noticeable improvement to the areas we already cover. This investment will provide additional value to our listeners and our advertisers.” (9/27/02)
A new radio war brewing in Richmond?
Arbitron's Summer Phase II trends for Richmond were released earlier today with some more surprises. Cox Radio's country 'K95' WKHK is now just one-tenth of a ratings point from being the top station in the Capital City. CC's AC 'Lite 98' WTVR is still # 1 - barely - after slipping 1.4 points. Radio One's urban oldies 'Jammin Oldies Magic 105.7' WJMO slid ahead of sister 'Power 92 Jamz' WCDX for a solid third place. With that said, that drops Power another notch to fourth - CC's '106-5 The Beat' WBTJ is sixth! With Zxula shifting to The Beat, will his arrival also shift more listeners to WBTJ? Do listeners care? WRXL had a miserable Phase II slipping to a 2.2. I can hear the suits now at CC saying it was a good move to shift XL102 from rock to '102.1 The X' - an active rocker. Time will time on that one. The entire 12+ ratings can be found at radioandrecords.com ..... (9/26/02)
Hampton Roads Summer Book Phase II...
Arbitron's Summer Phase II trends for Hampton Roads were released earlier today. Entercom's AC '2WD' WWDE holds that razor-thin lead over CC's urban '103 Jamz' WOWI again... 6.6 vs 6.5. Both stations slipped. The biggest increase comes from Steve Hegwood's On Top Communications owned 'Hot 102.1 WWHV. Even though they just saw an increase of 0.4, it's so hugh because of their small audience. Every day they sound better and better. The biggest drop comes from Entercom's urban AC '95-7 R&B' WVKL - down 0.8. In the adult standards format war - ok, I'm overdoing it a bit - Barnstable's new 'AM1050 The Fog' WFOG has finally shown up in the 12+ numbers and its taken a chuck of Saga's 'Joy' WJOI-A 1230 audience. For the most complete and detailed 12+ rankings anywhere (Yes, better than R&R's), click here..... (9/26/02)
NBC12 was knocked off-the-air ...
 Frank Hammon of WFLS News is reporting that WWBT had been "dark" for nearly 15 hours since early this morning when it's main (yesterday) and backup (today) transmitters were struck by power surges. Their OTA signal came back up shortly before 5PM. Frank's entire article can be found at wfls.com. There's also a brief update at nbc12.com..... (9/26/02)
Alternative? Modern Rock? New Rock? Active Rock?
Will the real WRXL please stand up. There seems to be confusion over the actual name of the format over at '102.1 The X' WRXL. Clear Channel considers it 'Active Rock.' All of the ads, news headlines, etc on 1021thex.com are from CC's 'Active Rock' HTML generator. They do have an 'Alternative' generator (WXDX Pittsburgh, WBZY Atlanta). WRXL is listed as an activer rocker on the VARTV Richmond market page. By the way, the old XL102 website was getting fed with HTML coding from the "AOR" generator - Album Oriented Rock..... (9/26/02)
NIGHTS ON THE BEACH!!!!...
This ad was placed on All Access.com yesterday afternoon...Barnstable Broadcasting's Hot Country (Eagle 97.3) WGH-FM is looking for an up and coming 7p-Midnight personality. CHR experience is a plus. Working the phones a must! If you're anywhere near the area, we want to talk to you NOW!!! Get your resume and tape as quickly as possible to : John Shomby, Director of Programming and Operations, Hampton Roads Radio Group, 5589 Greenwich Rd., Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 or e-mail and MP3 the info to jshomby@eagle97.com. No Calls Please!! Barnstable Broadcasting is an equal opportunity employer. What's interesting is that the 7PM to midnight slot has Lia from Jones Radio Network. Her show just started seven months ago on WGH. Former WGH PD Randy Brooks took several jocks from WGH and WCMS to fill spots over on sister 'Oldies 92-9' WWSO. Was Lia ment to be a temporary solution or does Shomby look at it as it was bad decision by Brooks to bring Lia on in the first place? Shomby - don't stop there..... (9/26/02)
Convergent Broadcasting buys two NE North Carolina stations...
The President/COO of Convergent Broadcasting, Bruce Biette, announced that the company has entered into a purchase agreement with OBX Broadcasting/Finney broadcasting to acquire two stations in NE North Carolina, soft AC '92.3 The Wind' WYND in Nags Head and 'Classic Hit Country' WNHW-F in Hatteras. These are his first two stations. “We are excited about entering the Elizabeth City/Nags Head market,” Biette said. “The Outer Banks is an area rich in history and one of America’s premiere vacation destinations. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the community.” Convergent was founded in January 2002 by Biette for the purpose of acquiring and operating radio stations in small and medium-size markets. These stations aren't burning up the ratings chart. WYND is near the bottom of the Elizabeth City/Nags Head market (#247) with a 1.1 12+ share and WNHW at 1.7..... (9/26/02)
Jude Redfield exits the WeatherLab; replacement is announced...
 Jude Redfield, the number four meteorologist of the 13 News WeatherLab, had his last broadcast Sunday morning on LNC5. Anchor Eric Turner had a huge cake on the news desk gave some nice parting words to Jude. Redfield exited WVEC (13/ABC) to return to his hometown of Cincinnati OH to be a meteorologist for Clear Channel's powerhouse WKRC (12/CBS). He'll be part of their 'Doppler 12 Weather Center.' In Hampton Roads for just over a year, Redfield came to Belo's Channel 13 from WSIL-TV (3/ABC) in Southern Illinois. With his exit, WVEC announces his replacement - Julie Wilcox of Grapevine TX, part of the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex. After graduating from Syracuse University, she worked as a reporter for NBC affiliate WNYT Albany NY. She left two years ago to study meteorology at Texas A&M. Wilcox is the only female meteorologist on-air in Hampton Roads. This isn't the first time that WVEC has had a female meteorologist. Several years ago, Chikage Windler was on the staff before leaving for TXCN in Texas and now can be seen on NBC4 WRC in Washington DC..... (9/25/02)
New 2003 population estimates for TV DMAs...
 With the start of the new Fall 2002 TV season a couple of days ago, AC Nielsen recently released revised population estimates for the country's 210 TV DMAs. In the State's capital, Richmond slips a notch to #59. With an increase of just 0.075%, Richmond now has 504,990 TV "homes". They were #60 in 2001. In Hampton Roads, they jump back up to #41, as they were in 2001, with an increase of 3.6% "homes" to 677,610. Hampton Roads was #42 last year. Other notable markets... Roanoke/Lynchburg remains at #67, Tri-Cities TN-VA jumps three spots to #90 and Harrisonburg remains even at #178. The complete list of all 210 TV markets can be found at nielsenmedia.com..... (9/25/02)
Emmy's come out on top of the primetime TV ratings...
ABC jumped the gun on the new fall season and found itself somewhere unusual in the week's ratings - first place in viewership. The Emmy awards, broadcast Sunday on the eve of the new season, drew just under 20 million viewers to take fist place. Over on HBO, second episode of The Sopranos on Sunday drew 11.2 million viewers, down from the 13.4 million people who watched the first week. Still not bad - they were going up against the Emmy Awards show. The entire prime-time TV ratings list for the week of September 16 to September 22, 2002 can be found at the San Francisco Chronicle..... (9/25/02)
CE Cummings Sr, a founder of WKIE, dies at 70...
Dr Charles E Cummings Sr, a physician and radio station executive, died Friday in Richmond. He was one of eight black Richmond businessmen who founded Richmond's first black-owned radio station WKIE-AM 1540 in 1977. The station first started with R&B with gospel on Sundays. Later, it was the first all-rap station in the country. The group purchased two additional area radio stations, WSOJ-FM and WKJS-FM. A funeral will be held next Tuesday at 12N at the Allix B James Chapel in Coburn Hall at Virginia Union. The burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The complete story can be found at times-dispatch.com..... (9/24/02)
A new classified ad at VARTV...
Free Lance-Star Publishing's radio cluster in Fredericksburg is looking for a News Anchor/Reporter. All the details are on the "Classified Ads" page..... (9/24/02)
John Lassman out at WRXL...
As we reported yesterday, citing budgetary reasons, CC let go PD John Lassman. MD Casey Krukowski has been named Interim PD. 'DC101' WWDC PD Buddy Rizer is assisting the station as a 'Brand Manager', working with Regional VP/ Programming Bill Cahill. John joined XL last February 2000 after working as Director of Marketing at Detroit rocker '101 WRIF' and before that at ABC's now defunct modern rocker trimulcast 'Zone 105' KZNR/KZNT/KZNZ Minneapolis MN. Word has it that the new '102.1 The X' will announce a new morning show later this week, presumably Elliot Segal from 'DC101'..... (9/24/02)
It's all about interpretation...
 WBOC-TV (CBS) Salisbury MD, operating in analog on channel 16, insisted that a new interference study proved that WHRO-DT (PBS) Norfolk, on digital channel 16, is creating illegal interference to its signal. WBOC dismissed WHRO’s earlier interpretation of a Wallace & Associates report suggesting that misdirected antennas among the markets viewers are largely to blame for interference. WHRO went on to suggest to educate viewers about proper antenna orientation but WBOC lawyers fired back with 'not only is that infeasible, but also is a wholly ineffective cure to the real problems - new interference from WHRO.' Back on September 13th, WHRO told the FCC the Wallace study showed that WHRO isn’t the source of interference. Instead, many viewers on the Eastern Shore point antennas - both at cable headends and oceanfront high-rise buildings toward Baltimore, the closest major market. By the way, both stations funded this study. In the meantime, WHRO-DT continues to broadcast at 25% of power (237.5kW vs 950kW) and the stations haven’t reached a long-term solution either..... (9/24/02)
Website problems have been fixed...
 I heard from VARTV readers who use Netscape's Communicator 4.79 and older that the text on the page was literally disappearing. After banging my head on the desk all morning, I decided to just download an older version of Communicator and try to figure out what the hell was going on. I finally figured out that it was some JavaScript on the page "messing" things up. I want to thank everyone who helped me figure out this mess! I'm going to keep this old version on my computer to hopefully avoid this problem again. By the way, the site renders correctly in IE 6.0SP1, Netscape 7.0 and Opera 6.05..... (9/23/02)
Where's Elliot Segal? and RXL's PD is out!
 Oh those rumors... Rumor had it that Elliot Segal from CC's 'DC101' WWDC was going to be heard on sister Richmond active rocker '102.1 The X' WRXL. Well... this wasn't the case. It was just music. Due to budgetary cuts PD John Lassman is out..... (09/23/02)
Congrats to FLS' Tabitha LaRue
WFLS News found out that it will be awarded with a SECOND prestigious Clarion Award from The Association for Women in Communications. This award is related to the one announced earlier. Last month, they learned it had won one of this year's awards in the category of "Women's Issues Radio Program, One Time" for the broadcast of "Focus: Ovarian Cancer Causes and Detection." Anchor/reporter Tabitha LaRue wrote and produced the 15-minute segment that aired last year. The second award is in the category "On-line Journalism Special Feature Section" for Tabitha's Story: In Her Own Words. Tabitha shares her feelings as she battles ovarian cancer. Since that orginial story came out, it has been updated three times. The six-inch tall glass crystal awards will be presented on October 11 in Denver CO. All of this year's Clarion winners can be found at womcom.org..... (9/23/02)
"Technical Difficulties"...
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