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 :// TV3 Winchester reporter goes civilian  | Sunday, August 31, 2008Gray Television "TV3 Winchester" (WHSV/ABC) reporter/producer Emily Crider is off... but not too far away. Crider has taken a job across the street, literally, at Shenandoah University as an assistant coach for the women's basketball team, The Lady Hornets. Crider, who came to Winchester in the fall of 2006 to help start ABC affiliate "TV3," is a former star hoops player at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland.
| Sunday, August 31, 2008  That's what Cox Radio Richmond's Classic Rock outlet wants you to know the station as now. WKLR dropped "The Planet" moniker last month on air, but just debuted the station's new logo and website at 965KLR.com on Friday.No other changes are expected at "96-5 KLR."
| Saturday, August 30, 2008On Monday, September 8, 2008, “Nights with Alice Cooper” heads to Saga Communications Active Rocker "FM99" WNOR/98.7 Norfolk weeknights from 7 p.m. to midnight. The nationally syndicated show is heard on over 90 radio stations in the country and has been on the air since January 26, 2004. This isn't the first time Cooper's show has been on the air in Hampton Roads. Max Media Rock "100.5 MAX FM" WXMM Norfolk carried it in June 2005 to only can the show 7½ months later. Shelley, who voice-tracked nights, keeps her focus on the Tommy & Rumble morning show.
| Friday, August 29, 2008Comcast has set 250 gigabytes (GB) per month as the limit for residential Internetsubscribers' data usage, effectively quantfying the threshhold for "excessive use." (read more - Broadcasting & Cable)
| Friday, August 29, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WAVY-TV and Partners On Your Side; Farm Fresh, Langley Federal Credit Union and Jackson Hewitt, are pleased to announce that the Operation School Supplies campaign for 2008 collected over 35,000 school supplies. (read more - WAVY)
McGeorge Toyota Gives One Lucky Listener a New Prius | Friday, August 29, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... McGeorge Toyota, in partnership with Cox Radio (K95, 96.5 KLR, Y101, and Mix 103-7) and NBC 12 gave one lucky Richmond local a Toyota Prius in the “M.P.G., McGeorge Prius Giveaway!” (read more - Cox Radio Richmond)
Antitrust suit says Raycom has 30 days to divest CBS affiliate | Friday, August 29, 2008The Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit yesterday in U.S. District Court against Raycom Media, Inc., that requires the company to divest its Richmond CBS affiliate, WTVR, within 30 days. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Friday, August 29, 2008Big shakeup at classic rock radio station WAFX 106.9 The Fox. Following last Friday's morning drive broadcast of "The John & Nikki Show," comedic co-hosts John Reynolds and Nikki Reed were let go because of what station General Manager Dave Paulus described as "economics - mostly - and a lack of success in Arbitron ratings." (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
Hampton Roads drops one notch, Richmond climbs one  | Thursday, August 28, 2008 Nielsen Media Research just announced a new list of Designated Market Area (DMA®) TV rankings for the 2008-2009 television season.The research company says the total number of television households within the US is now estimated at 114.5 million (as of January 1, 2009), an increase of 1.5% since last year. Estimates are effective September 27, 2008.
| Thursday, August 28, 2008 Looks like Belo's WVEC-DT (13/ABC) is dusting off the cobwebs from its digital subchannel, 13-2.WVEC's subchannel gets a workout this evening when the NFL Carolina Panthers preseason football game is aired on 13-2 so the main channel can air the DNC (the Barack Obama speech) in Denver. No cable/telco/sat provider is carrying the channel so you'll need an antenna and a digital tuner (built-in your TV or an add-on) to view the game over-the-air. WVEC has taken the step to make a logo of the subchannel and calling it "13 dot 2." It's our guess 13-2 will NOT be going away. Stay tuned.
Justice Department denies Raycom's sale of station to group | Thursday, August 28, 2008The U.S. Department of Justice has rejected Sinclair Broadcasting Group's acquisition of WTVR, the Richmond CBS affiliate. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Wednesday, August 27, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. announced today that The U.S. Department of Justice - Antitrust Division has informed Sinclair that they are declining to approve Sinclair as the acquirer of WTVR-TV in Richmond, VA. (read more - Sinclair Broadcast Group)
| Wednesday, August 27, 2008 WRIC-Channel 8 announced today that Christina Feerick will replace Lisa Schaffner as co-anchor of the channel's news at 4:30, 6 and 11 p.m. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
 For you radio geeks out there, we were simultaneously receiving analog Adult CHR "Beach 104" WCXL Kill Devil Hills, NC and digital Gospel "Praise 104.1" WPRS Waldorf MD this morning in Virginia Beach. Enjoy! (8/27/2008)
| Tuesday, August 26, 2008The UNC football games will be heard on three FM stations in NE North Carolina this season, Clear Channel Classic Hits "Cool 92.1" WCDG Moyock, CapSan Media "Your Country 97.1" WYND Hatteras and East Carolina Radio Soft AC "Mix 96" WKJX/96.7 Elizabeth City. WKJX carries the full line-up from the Tar Heel Sports Network (play-by-play, weekly coaches call-in-shows, and 5-minute daily show). WCDG will also carry play-by-play of the UNC men's basketball games... The East Carolina (ECU) Pirates football games will return to the airwaves on CapSan Media "ESPN Radio 92.3" WZPR Nags Head after a 10-year absence on The Outer Banks. Sister "Classic Hits 104.9" WFMZ Hertford continues with NC State Wolfpack football. Back at WZPR, various college football teams from the ACC, The Big East, and other conferences from ISP Sports Network and ESPN Radio will be heard when there are no conflicts with ECU games. Plus, the NFL comes to ESPN Radio 92.3 – Sunday afternoon and Sunday night games plus Monday Night Football from Westwood One and the NFL's Carolina Panthers football play-by-play on Mix 96 along with their daily two-minute update mornings and afternoon drive... Local high school football continues on Friday nights – The First Flight High School “Nighthawks” can be heard on WYND/97.1 with Tim Cafferty and Hunt Thomas in their 18th year together covering Outer Banks sports. Manteo High School “Redskins” will once again be on WZPR/92.3 with Roland McCahan and former Manteo head football coach Punk Daniels...
| Tuesday, August 26, 2008Classic rock veteran Mike Arlo on Saga's "106.9 The Fox" WAFX Suffolk moves to mornings from middays beginning Tuesday, September 2. Arlo replaces "The John & Nikki Show" that was let go last week. The Fox adjusts its weekday on-air lineup to just three jocks with Arlo to be heard 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., station Program Director Mike Beck is on after Arlo until 6 p.m. with Dave Taylor holding down nights. Afternooner Mike Anthony was let go.
| Tuesday, August 26, 2008The future of television is arriving for consumers in parts of Hampton as Verizon introduces FiOS TV over its revolutionary fiber-optic network here. FiOS TV currently is available to consumers in parts of Chesapeake, Newport News and Virginia Beach. (read more - Verizon FiOS) (more from - The Daily Press)
| Sunday, August 24, 2008Who broadcasts the most local news during the week? That would be Roanoke’s NBC affiliate, WSLS (Channel 10), when the station adds a 5 a.m. newscast starting Monday. Meanwhile, its crosstown rival, the CBS affiliate, WDBJ (Channel 7), is “strongly considering” doing the same. (read more - The Roanoke Times)
| Sunday, August 24, 2008Fewer dropped calls and quicker Internet access are features of an improved Verizon Wireless network that has moved into a portion of Southwest Roanoke. This month, the company added a cell site in the area surrounding Patrick Henry High School... (read more - The Roanoke Times)
Baker Family Station's "Big Country 105.3" WBNN Dillwyn/Charlottesville middayer Connie Gill exits. Lea Ann Anthony assumes the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. slot. She comes from sister Country "98.3 The Bull" WCEF Ripley WV... (8/23/2008)
| Friday, August 22, 2008 The John & Nikki morning show was canned after it aired this morning on Saga Communication's Classic Rock "106.9 The Fox" WAFX Suffolk. The duo, John Reynolds and Nikki Reed, first aired together just over 13 months ago when the station replaced Reynolds' first partner, Leila Rice, with Nikki Reed the then news director/mornings at sister rocker "FM99" WNOR/98.7 Norfolk.Before moving over to WAFX, Reed was with "FM99" WNOR/98.7 Norfolk's morning show, Tommy & Rumble, for 13 years. Reynolds was with the station since April 2004 when he moved to Hampton Roads from a sister station in Springfield IL. We hear the Saga cluster (WNOR, WAFX, WJOI/1230) is trying to trim its budget. Earlier this month, the cluster laid off several from its promotions department, including coordinator Brandon Jackson and Director/Marketing Lisa Griffin. We also hear even the receptionist was let go for Ottomation. Back at WAFX, there are no format changes coming. Surely more to come...
| Thursday, August 21, 2008 Raycom Media (soon to be Sinclair Broadcasting Group) "CBS6" WTVR Richmond ND Chip Mahaney announced yesterday that he is resigning from the station. He's been named the new Director of Digital Content for the EW Scripps Company in Cincinnati OH. Mahaney started with Channel 6 just last year, July 9, incoming from FOX O&O "FOX4" KDFW Dallas where he was that station's Managing Editor. He says, "I'm here in Richmond through the second week of September, and I start at Scripps on September 15."
TMG's (tmgcentral.com) Paul McDaniel picks up part-time/swing duties at Cox Radio Country "K95" WKHK/95.3 Colonial Heights/Richmond... (8/20/2008)
Why is WJCD/107.7 called "Smooth Jazz" when most of the music on the station isn't even close to "jazz?" Just asking... (8/20/2008)
| Wednesday, August 20, 2008 The FCC recently granted a request from Sinclair Communications to move the antenna and increase the power of it's Country outlet "US106" WUSH/106.1 Poquoson. Soon, WUSH will be beaming a stronger signal and moving much closer to the heart of Hampton Roads, from the West Norfolk section of Portsmouth. On the station's website..."Thank you for your overwhelming support by signing our petitions. Despite repeated protests by (Max Media Country) Eagle 97 (WGH-FM) to block our power increase, we won. On August 15th, 2008 the FCC ruled in our favor and granted our application to move our tower and increase our power for our listeners." Owner Bob Sinclair also made the announcement on-air at 5 p.m. A book could be written of the plight of the 106.1 signal in Hampton Roads. Needless to say, the folks at Sinclair are quite happy... Clear Channel Norfolk recently submitted to the FCC to change the community of license (COL) of Urban AC "105-3 KISS FM" WKUS from Norfolk to Windsor. For WKUS, the "move" doesn't mean much, losing an area of just over 3,500 potential listeners. The other half of the move, will mean a whole lot more to the cluster when Smooth AC "Smooth Jazz 107.7" WJCD changes it's COL from Windsor to Norfolk; an increase coverage area of over 1M potential listeners. The allotted location for the new antenna location for WJCD is just east of the Norfolk Naval Base but this could easily change when the station's application is submitted to the FCC.
| Wednesday, August 20, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... SportsRadio 1400 WKAV, Charlottesville’s only fulltime sports radio station, has hired Adam Gottschalk to host its weekday afternoon show, which is being renamed The 4th Quarter. Gottschalk has spent nearly eight years covering sports in the Charlottesville area including the last two years as the University of Virginia Sports Radio Network Coordinator. (read more - WKAV)
“Alex Scott: A Stand For Hope” airs on CW27, WGNT-TV! on Saturday, August 23, 2008 | Wednesday, August 20, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... CW 27, WGNT-TV is pleased to announce the special broadcast of “Alex Scott: A Stand for Hope” on Saturday, August 23, 7:30 – 8 PM and an encore presentation on Sunday, August 24, 10 PM – 10:30 PM. This special presentation is all about how a little girl and a simple lemonade stand can do amazing things. (read more - WGNT)
| Wednesday, August 20, 2008One of Richmond's most familiar faces on television news is going off the air. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Tuesday, August 19, 2008Three weeks ago when the Hook spoke with Adam Gottschalk, former UVA play-by-play guy with the Virginia Sports Network, he predicted that his next job would not be in sports. Yesterday, Gottschalk inked a deal with Monticello Media’s WKAV Sports Radio 1400, a Fox radio affiliate, and will be on the air up against his former colleagues at WINA. (read more - Charlottesville The HooK)
| Monday, August 18, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WLEE, News Talk 990 is pleased to announce that Bill O’Reilly and Dennis Miller will be joining the station’s lineup effective Monday, 08.18.08. (read more - WLEE)
| Monday, August 18, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Eagle Christian Radio, owned and operated by former Silver Dolphin Communications owners Rick and Rachael Brady, has been launched as an Internet radio ministry. (read more - Eagle Christian Radio)
| Sunday, August 17, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Tri-City Christian Network, which owns WFTH Faith 1590, Central Virginia's first full-time African American Gospel Station announces the appointment of Jamila Joy as General Manager, effective August 18, 2008. (read more - WFTH)
| Friday, August 15, 2008Brad Ramsey, VP/GM of Gray Television's Charlottesville Newsplex ("CBS19" WCAV, "ABC16" WVAW-LP, "FOX27" WAHU-LP, "MYc'villeTV"), announced last Thursday that Jeremy Settle was promoted to Vice President of News & Operations. The promotion was effective immediately.
| Thursday, August 14, 2008 Cox Enterprises Inc. announced today that it intends to sell all of its stand-alone community newspapers, including those that comprise Cox North Carolina Publications Inc. — The Daily Reflector in Greenville, The Rocky Mount Telegram, The Elizabeth City Daily Advance and 10 associated non-daily community newspapers. (read more - Elizabeth City's The Daily Advance)
Sludge-A-Thon celebrates 2 years in Richmond to benefit local soldiers | Thursday, August 14, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... To celebrate two years in Richmond, Sludge, Abe, and Dash of The Morning Sludge will stay on the air for 28 hours straight!They hit the air today at 6 AM and will remain on the mic until tomorrow at 10 AM. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Thursday, August 14, 2008 Verizon FiOS TV is now even better for customers in the Richmond and Virginia Beach areas as the company is launching 21 new channels, including 16 additional high-definition (HD) channels. (read more - Verizon FiOS)
| Wednesday, August 13, 2008Cox Radio Alternative "Y101" WDYL/101.1 Chester/Richmond taps Mojo as the station's new Program Director. Mojo has already left Pamal Broadcasting's Modern Rocker "100.5 The Buzz" WHHZ Newberry/Gainesville FL where he's been the past seven years (ever since the station went Modern Rock from a CHR) most recently that station's PD, MD and morning host. Mojo fills the vacant PD spot since Eric Kristensen resigned last November, leaving for Chicago. Mojo starts Monday, August 25.
| Wednesday, August 13, 2008This Saturday, there will be one less single country radio personality on the market, as Bonneville "95.7 The Wolf" KBWF San Francisco's Mike Vincent takes the matrimonial plunge. The lucky bride is Christina Bevilacqua, a native of the Bay Area of California, and the main reason why Mike left his APD and afternoon post at Freee Lance-Star's 93.3 WFLS Fredericksburg late last year. This will be the first time that wedding bells will ring for the 41 year old personality. According to Mike, "I guess it took me longer than usual to meet 'Miss Right', but that's ok, because Christina is worth every moment of the wait". An afternoon wedding in San Francisco's North Beach section is planned, followed by a 2 week honeymoon to Italy.
| Wednesday, August 13, 2008An Abingdon-based religious television network plans to buy Roanoke TV station WDRL for nearly $5.3 million, according to a filing with the Federal Communications Commission. (read more - The Roanoke Times)
| Tuesday, August 12, 2008 It has been announced that Jay Styles, current APD/MD at Cox Rhythmic "Hot 98-1" WHZT Seneca/Greenville SC, will do mornings at Clear Channel CHR "Jammin'" WJJS/104.9, WJJX/102.7 Appomattox Monday, September 2. Styles will replace current host, Rich Minor, who is leaving for New York.Jammin' midday host Nicky will join Styles leading to speculation that Premiere Radio Networks' nationally syndicated "On-Air With Ryan Seacrest" could fill Jammin's afternoons. Stay tuned...
| Tuesday, August 12, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 92.9 The Wave (WVBW-FM) shines the spotlight on the best decades of music with “20 Years in 20 Days”. Starting Tuesday, August 12th, 92.9 The Wave will feature a different year of Top 40 hits starting with 1970. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Monday, August 11, 2008Living Faith Ministries has agreed to purchase WDRL Roanoke-Lynchburg, Va., for $5,250,000, according to an FCC filing seeking approval of the deal. (read more - TVNEWSDAY)
| Saturday, August 9, 2008 Urban Gospel "Rejoice 1540" WREJ Richmond morning host and music director Randy Johnson was recently saluted in June 2008 as “Outstanding Radio Host of The Month” by the national publication “The Gospel News” home based in Tuskegee AL. Johnson is also a nominee for “The Aunt Pauline Well Award” at the Gospel Music Workshop of America “GMWA” being held at The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, home of the Grand Ole Opry, August 9 through 15. The nominees for this award are Gospel radio announcers being recognized from stations around the country.
| Saturday, August 9, 2008Raycom Media's "CBS6" WTVR Richmond has named Sean Robertson as its new weekend sports anchor. Robertson had worked on a free-lance basis for WTVR since October 2007. In addition to his free lance work at Channel 6, he has also worked for Virginia State University's WVST/91.3 Petersburg, been a play-by-play announcer for the Petersburg Generals baseball team, and most recently worked as a play-by-play announcer for the soon departing Richmond Braves. Robertson places Greg Burton who gave up his TV sports gig for his radio sports at Red Zebra Broadcasting's Sports "ESPN 950" WXGI Richmond.
| Friday, August 8, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... After hundreds of auditions and millions of votes, FOX43 announces the new and very first FACE of FOX43. Each night this week a top five finalist was eliminated on FOX43 News at 10. Brandy Marie Hamilton, Kerry Abner, and Antonio Jones were eliminated first, leaving Chase Skylar DeMayo and Kelly Gaita as the final two. Last night, Chase and Kelly waited in anticipation as the envelope was opened by FOX43 anchor Nicole Livas, revealing Kelly Gaita as the new FACE of FOX43! (read more - WVBT)
| Thursday, August 7, 2008 Long time Gospel radio host Lowell Pretlow, most recently heard Word Broadcasting's WYRM/1110 Norfolk and for many years on WPCE/1400 Norfolk, passed away July 24, 2008. Memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 4. Powell was well known as host of The Sunday Gospel Classics as well as overnights on servicing many years as Willis Broadcasting’s WPCE. Since 2005, he was a voice and host of The Gospel Hour on WYRM. Powell's voice was heard on many radio stations around the U.S. including "Rejoice 1540" WREJ (the station's legal ID). Pretlow leaves behind his wife of 11 years, two sons, grandchildren, many friends, radio colleagues, and thousands of loyal listeners.
| Tuesday, August 5, 2008The final list of stations that Clear Channel can't keep because they put their local clusters over the current FCC local-market limits has been released by the newly gone private company. Three stations are in the Roanoke/Lynchburg market: Country "106-1 The Bull" WZBL Vinton, and the Sunny FM simulcast on WSNZ/101.7 Lynchburg and WSNV/93.5 Salem. Clear Channel moved it's stronger format, CHR "Jammin'" WJJS//WJJX, to the stronger signals in the market last December to 104.9/Roanoke and 102.7/Appomattox. Rock WROV/96.3 Martinsville and Country WYYD/107.9 Amherst remained untouched.
| Monday, August 4, 2008Entercom's Urban AC "95-7 R&B" WVKL continues to be the most listened to radio station (12+ demo) in Hampton Roads, but just barely this time. Sister station Rhythmic "Z104" WNVZ/104.5 continues to rise and was just two-tenths of a ratings point from the lead. Third was Max Media Country "97-3 The Eagle" WGH, fourth was Urban "103Jamz" WOWI/102.9 and fifth was sister Urban AC "105-3 KISS FM" WKUS. Other notables: Sinclair's Country "US106" WUSH/106.1 inched up to a 2.6, but is still waiting for a full market signal upgrade. Clear Channel's Smooth AC "Smooth Jazz 107.7" WJCD continues its slow rise. WJCD/107.7 and sister WKUS/105.3 will be swapping COLs (community of license)... sometime. This will significantly increase the reach of 107.7 in Hampton Roads but will have little effect on the new 105.3 coverage area. The Spring ratings book was not very kind to Max Media's Rock "100.5 MAX FM" WXMM. The station dropped to 1.4 (12+ demo)...
| Monday, August 4, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... The Pittsburgh Steelers visits the Minnesota Vikings for a pre-season game on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 8 PM. This live broadcast will air only on CW 27, WGNT-TV. (read more - WGNT)
| Sunday, August 3, 2008Brenda Smith and her husband became curious last winter about the workers who showed up in their neighborhood around Old Providence Road in Virginia Beach. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Saturday, August 2, 2008 The city has filed a legal complaint asking a court to decide whether Cox Communications has violated terms of its cable television franchise in Portsmouth. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
Non-duplication pacts block NBC shows | Friday, August 1, 2008 Because of federal non-duplication rules, cable television subscribers in some area counties can no longer view NBC programming on Greenville-based WITN Channel 7.Mediacom, the cable provider for much of northeastern North Carolina, is required by the Federal Communications Commission to block NBC-owned programming on WITN and post a non-competition notice while the network's shows are broadcast on Norfolk-based WAVY Channel 10. (read more - Elizabeth City The Daily Advance)
| Friday, August 1, 2008A divided Federal Communications Commission has ruled that Comcast Corp. violated federal policy when it blocked Internet traffic for some subscribers and has ordered the cable giant to change the way it manages its network. (read more - MSNBC)
| Friday, August 1, 2008The local (Richmond) news shows at WWBT Channel 12 are now being broadcast in high definition. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Thursday, July 31, 2008Local (Hampton Roads) CBS affiliate WTKR will broadcast three of the Washington Redskins' five preseason games. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot) Editor's Note: WVEC (13/ABC) Hampton/Norfolk will carry most of the Carolina Panthers preseason football games this season including the first game versus the Indianapolis Colts on August 9...
Judge had issued arrest warrant for ex-talk show host | Thursday, July 31, 2008A former radio talk show host (on WZRV/95.3) wanted by authorities for failing to appear in two area courts on embezzlement charges showed up Wednesday for sentencing. (read more - The Northern Virginia Daily)
| Thursday, July 31, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 92.9 The Wave (WVBW-FM) is proud to announce that American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has joined their family of legendary broadcasters. Seacrest's "American Top 40" makes it's debut on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 7:00 AM. American Top 40, Ryan Seacrest's original syndicated radio show, features the hottest Top 40 current adult hits of today. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Thursday, July 31, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WDZY, Radio Disney AM 1290, owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company, is now broadcasting in HD.Radio Disney AM 1290 Richmond is a 24/7 radio network devoted to kids, tweens and families... (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Thursday, July 31, 2008Removed at the request of Nielsen Media...
| Wednesday, July 30, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 92.9 The Wave (WVBW-FM) is honored to announce that Dick Lamb, host of Dick Lamb and The Morning Wave, will celebrate 30 years of morning radio in Hampton Roads on Thursday, July 31, 2008.Dick Lamb, who founded and co-owned the first Adult Contemporary FM radio station in Hampton Roads with Larry Saunders and Gene Loving, has been one of the most popular morning radio personalities... (read more - VARTV Press Room)
Wray has skipped 4 sentencing hearings | Wednesday, July 30, 2008The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a former local radio talk-show host convicted of embezzlement from the Sportsplex in Kernstown. (read more - The Winchester Star)
| Wednesday, July 30, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... JMU football and men's basketball will remain on Max Media's ESPN Radio 1310. Tony Mercurio, Program Director and afternoon host on ESPN Radio 1310, made the announcement...."This contract will keep popular JMU football and JMU men's basketball on ESPN Radio 1310 thru the 2011 JMU football season, and thru the 2011-2012 JMU men's basketball season... (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Tuesday, July 29, 2008 After comments blasting autism as just another over-diagnosed American problem, controversial radio personality Michael Savage has been dumped by a Charlottesville station. And for at least one local talk-radio host, the dismissal of “The Savage Nation” comes none too soon. (read more - Charlottesville's The HooK)
| Tuesday, July 29, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... SportsRadio 1400 WKAV, Charlottesville’s only fulltime sports radio station, has signed an affiliation agreement to carry the 2008 Washington Redskins radio broadcasts beginning with this Sunday’s Hall of Fame Game against the Indianapolis Colts (air time 5:00pm).“We’re very pleased area Redskins fans will be able to hear Larry Michael, Sonny Jurgensen, Sam Huff and the entire broadcast crew..." (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Tuesday, July 29, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Another first for WWBT NBC12 when this week we mark the beginning of NBC12 News in High Definition, leading the way in the era of HD local news and weather for Central Virginia viewers. With an extensive upgrade to the NBC12 Master Control and Studio operation, NBC12 is now airing all of its local newscasts in High Definition. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Tuesday, July 29, 2008 The FCC has slapped Cox Radio's Country WKHK-FM/Richmond, VA, with a $5000 fine for accidental airing of the Emergency Alert System two-tone attention signal, as well as failure to protect the switch used to initiate the tone. (read more - RADIO ONLINE)
| Tuesday, July 29, 2008Nichole Williams said she never would have bought her townhouse in Virginia Beach if she knew she would have no choice about paying for telephone, Internet and television service for 25 years. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Tuesday, July 29, 2008Katie Couric began tonight's (last night) Evening News with, "Good evening, everyone. And welcome to our first broadcast in high definition." Unfortunately some viewers around the country watching in HD only saw Couric, they couldn't hear her. (read more - TVNewser)
Florida-based Airwaves For Jesus waste no time putting call letters on its newly granted construction permit for a radio station on 90.5, Pamplin City. They grab "WEQP" for the Class A station to serve Pamplin City, Appomattox and Farmville... (7/28/2008)
| Monday, July 28, 2008Raycom Media's "NBC12" WWBT Richmond launched their newscasts in high-definition beginning yesterday at 6 p.m. Channel 12 went with a soft launch; wanting to focus on their new HD Weather system and to make sure they were ready to go in time for the Olympics beginning 8/8/08.
| Friday, July 25, 2008Federal regulators formally approved the merger of the nation's only two satellite radio operators Friday, ending a 16-month-long drama closely watched by Washington and Wall Street. (read more - USA Today)
| Friday, July 25, 2008 Allbritton Communications’ WJLA Washington, D.C., is replacing its Local Point TV multicast channel with programming from Retro Television Network, which supplies way-off-network programming to more than 70 stations. (read more - Broadcasting & Cable)
| Friday, July 25, 2008 LIN TV's WAVY (10/NBC) Portsmouth, WVBT (43/WVBT) Virginia Beach has parted ways with late news/political reporter Esther Pierre. Pierre's bio has already been pulled from their website. She was with the stations just seven months. Pierre also made a tour at "NewsChannel 3" WTKR (CBS) Norfolk from 2001-2003, leaving for New York in September of that year.
| Friday, July 25, 2008 Yesterday, Great Scott Broadcasting's Classic Rock "K-Rock 106.5" WKHW Pocomoke City MD (and heard on Virginia's Eastern Shore) requested to go "silent" up to 180 days thru the FCC. The station has been off the air since June 23.Great Scott told the FCC that "WKHW(FM) ceased broadcasting on June 23, 2008, as a result of a dispute between Great Scott and its business partner in a longstanding time brokerage agreement that resulted in the abrupt termination of the relationship." The owners want the 180 days "to allow Great Scott sufficient time to coordinate restoration of service on the station... Great Scott has been working to develop a new source for day-to-day programming on the station, including exploration of a relationship with a local noncommercial broadcast station." (7/25/2008)
| Friday, July 25, 2008Starting tomorrow, Sinclair Communications Modern Rock/Alternative "96X" WROX/96.1 Exmore/Norfolk will be adding more Classic Alternative (80s/90s) titles to its playlist. There's no format change but Program Director Jay Michaels says the station will have the appeal of being a bit older. On Monday, 96X debuts a new weekday schedule: 6-10 a.m. -- Mancow Morning MadhouseFormer night slammer James Steele moves to nights on sister Variety/Adult Hits "93-7 BOB FM" WPYA (what station hasn't Steele been on at Sinclair?). The nightly "The Late Late Rock Show" on 96X moves to weekends only in the same time slot.
| Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Last week, Sinclair Broadcasting's "CBS6" WTVR Richmond picked up reporter Sam Brock from Gray Television's "TV3 Winchester" WHSV (ABC) Harrisonburg to fill one of the positions vacated by the departures of Laureen Martinez and Tim Trudell.Following Brock out the door was fellow reporter Jenny Brockwell who is now an account executive with Clear Channel Winchester.
Contestants can now register to win a Prius in the McGeorge Prius give-a-way | Wednesday, July 23, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Cox Radio (K95, 96.5 KLR, Y101, Mix 103.7) and NBC 12 will begin accepting applications today for the “M.P.G., McGeorge Prius Give-a-way!” This 4 week contest will result in one lucky Richmonder driving away in a 2007 Prius! (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Portsmouth residents are a major step closer to having an innovative, reliable and competitive alternative for their cable television services, thanks to a unanimous vote by the City Council Tuesday night (July 22) authorizing Verizon to offer its fiber-optic-powered FiOS TV. (read more - Verizon)
| Monday, July 21, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WAVY-TV continues its legacy of market leadership today with the launch of the area's first and only High Definition (HD) newscasts. WAVY-TV has maintained a history of “firsts” in Hampton Roads. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
LIN TV's WAVY (10/NBC) Portsmouth/Norfolk began HD newscasts today with its noon newscast, the first to do so in Hampton Roads. Editor's Note: My 12-year old daughter noticed that meteorologist Jon Cash looked "different." He now has gray hair... (7/21/2008)
| Sunday, July 20, 2008With a quick twist of the radio dial over the past few years, sports fanatics in Central Virginia have become accustomed to hearing talk show host Jerry Miller fill the air with numerous catchy, often comical, phrases. (read more - Charlottesville Daily Progress)
| Saturday, July 19, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... AM 990 WLEE airs “It’s Your Job!” Starting Friday, August 1, featuring Dr. David Schein as host, presented by Claremont Management Group. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Thursday, July 17, 2008LIN TV's WAVY (10/NBC) Portsmouth/Norfolk begin promoting today on air that the station will be doing HD newscasts. When this happens, the station will be in HD mode from 5 p.m. to 1:36 a.m. weekdays come this fall (NBC national news is already in HD, Entertainment Tonight and The Insider will go HD this Fall, primetime, and the Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien late night shows are already in HD). No word... yet, if sister station "FOX43" WVBT Virginia Beach will follow suit.
| Thursday, July 17, 2008 Thanks to Mother Nature, Charlottesville’s PBS affiliate is transitioning to digital broadcasting a little earlier than expected — and that means free digital converter boxes for some local residents. (read more - Charlottesville Daily Progress)
| Thursday, July 17, 2008News7's Travis Wells will become News7's sports director when Mike Stevens leaves the position later this month. "It was clear right away that Travis was the right journalist for the job," said news director Amy Morris. (read more - WDBJ)
Jayna! who does afternoons/nights as well as Promotions Director duties on CHR "93-7 KISS FM" WAZR Woodstock/Harrisonburg is leaving this week. She's been tapped to do middays on Berkshire Broadcasting's Hot AC "98Q" WDAQ/98.3 Danbury CT starting Monday, July 21... (7/16/2008)
Local TV "NewsChannel 3" WTKR (CBS) Norfolk military reporter Stacy Davis is exiting the station for Capitol Broadcasting's WRAL (5/CBS) Raleigh. Davis' fiance, a photographer at WTKR, is joining her in Raleigh at a competing TV station... (7/16/2008)
Clear Channel CHR "Jammin' JJS" WJJS/104.9 Roanoke morning show host Rich Minor will be stepping down later this summer for a yet announced gig in NY... (7/16/2008)
| Wednesday, July 16, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WLEE, News Talk, 990, today announced the signing of Don Imus as the station’s new morning host beginning Monday, July 21st. Imus is bringing his team back to Richmond radio, including newsman Charles McCord. The show will air 6am to 9am. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Tuesday, July 15, 2008CBS will officially take Evening News with Katie Couric into the HDTV era Monday, July 28, when it will begin broadcasting in the 1080-line interlace format. (read more - Broadcasting & Cable)
| Tuesday, July 15, 2008Verizon, as part of its promise to federal regulators to eliminate analog TV service for FiOS TV, will stop distributing analog versions of broadcast signals in Maryland and Northern Virginia starting July 21. (read more - Multichannel News)
| Monday, July 14, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Studio Center Total Production, the Nation’s largest production company, announces the hiring of Heather Garrett and Brian Bartusiak as Coordinating Producers. They will be overseeing all aspects of pre-production for the company's Film and Video Division. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Saturday, July 12, 2008Amy Miller, PD for Davis Media's Triple A "92-3 The Tide" WTYD Deltaville/Williamsburg and Classical "WBACH" WBQK West Point/Williamsburg, has left the cluster and the state. Miller told staff and friends, "I've made a conscious decision to leave the station (and Williamsburg) because I'd like to take some time and pursue some other goals professionally." She heads for Boulder CO.
| Saturday, July 12, 2008Verizon has started selling its FiOS television service to businesses in Virginia and 12 other states where the company has installed its new fiber optic service. (read more - The Daily Press)
Wray misses fourth Frederick County sentencing hearing | Friday, July 11, 2008A Frederick County Circuit Court judge Thursday ordered the arrest of a former radio talk show host convicted of embezzlement after the man failed to appear for his fourth consecutive sentencing date. (read more - The Northern Virginia Daily)
| Wednesday, July 9, 2008 Two Rivers Communications has announced that Kris Richards is the Group's new Operations Manager for AC "101-7 Bay FM" WKWI Kilmarnock and Country WIGO/104.9 White Stone on the Northern Neck. He will also program WIGO. Richards recently held the PD/morning host post at East Carolina Radio's Country "Dixie 105.7" WRSF Columbia/Outer Banks NC. Reach out to him at onair@1049wigo.com.
Local TV "NewsChannel 3" WTKR (CBS) Norfolk sports anchor/reporter Jason Barr has left the building after three years. Barr is headed to Raycom Media's WMBF-DT (32/NBC) Myrtle Beach/Florence. The brand spanking new station is signing on August 8, 2008, just in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in Beijing, China... (7/9/2008)
| Wednesday, July 9, 2008Davis Media's Triple A "92.3 The Tide" WTYD Deltaville/Williamsburg taps Tim Kimble for the station's new morning show host. Kimble recently left Centennial Broadcasting's cluster in Fredericksburg (Hot AC "B101.5" WBQB, News/Talk WFVA 1230) and was previously a producer at ABC Radio's (now Citadel Communications) News/Talk WMAL/630 Washington DC.
| Wednesday, July 9, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC) announced today that James R. (Jim) Berman has been named president and general manager of WVEC-TV13, Belo’s ABC affiliate in Hampton/Norfolk, beginning August 4, 2008. He will join WVEC-TV13 from WHP-TV and WLYH-TV in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania... (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Capsan Media (“ESPN 92.3” WZPR Nags Head, “Your Country 97.1” WYND Hatteras, Triple A "99-1 The Sound" WVOD Manteo, “Classic Hits 104-9” WFMZ Hertford) partner Jason Baker is buying out partner Bill Whitlow’s interest in the company for $1.Whitlow was an equal partner (at 41.117%). The buyout brings Baker's interest in Capsan to 82.234%.
| Tuesday, July 8, 2008FOX Sports Radio Network will add Cumulus Media's News/Talk "Super Talk 101.7" WWBU Radford/Blacksburg as a new affiliate beginning in August. What does this mean? National sports updates from FOX Sports every hour/half-hour and not a format flip.
| Sunday, July 6, 2008 NBC Universal says it has reached a deal to buy The Weather Channel from Landmark Communications Inc. for an undisclosed sum.NBC already operates a cable and broadcast weather service called NBC Weather Plus... (read more - USA Today)
| Sunday, July 6, 2008Cox Radio's Classic Rock "96-5 KLR" WKLR Fort Lee/Richmond fills middays with Stevie Lynne. She's currently heard on a similar shift on Saga Communications Rock "3WV" WWWV/97.5 Charlottesville. Lynne drives down I-64 to start at WKLR on Monday, July 21.
| Wednesday, July 2, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... His listeners have known it for years but now The Virginia Association of Broadcasters has made it official; “Dave’s Morning Show” is the best Morning show in Virginia. The award was presented at the 71st Annual Virginia Broadcasting Awards, held June 27th at the Hilton Virginia Beach. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Wednesday, July 2, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WVEC-TV13 Medical Editor Kathryn Barrett retires her broadcast post after 25 years of industry excellence. “This was a difficult decision, but in the end, I wanted to spend the remaining time at home as my son enters his senior year in high school,” said 13NEWS Medical Editor Kathryn Barrett. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Wednesday, July 2, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WAVY TV 10 claimed three first place honors and one runner up recognition from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters 71st Annual Awards, held at the Hilton at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Friday, June 27, 2008. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Wednesday, July 2, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Red Zebra Broadcasting, a media company based in Washington, D.C. and known for its primary investor Daniel Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins football franchise has entered an agreement to purchase radio stations in Roanoke and Lynchburg, VA from Centennial Broadcasting, LLC. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Wednesday, July 2, 2008Redskins owner Dan Synder's Red Zebra Broadcasting is acquiring the Centennial Broadcasting cluster in the Roanoke/Lynchburg market (WZZU/97.9 Lynchburg, WZZI/101.5 Vinton/Roanoke, WLNI/105.9 Lynchburg, WLEQ/106.9 Bedford) for $8M. A LMA (local marketing agreement) went into effect yesterday. With this acquisition, the Redskins will have O&O stations in Washington DC, Richmond, Hampton Roads and now Roanoke/Lynchburg... More to come... Stay tuned!
| Wednesday, July 2, 2008Some concerned Hampton Roads viewers are circulating a petition in support of WTKR-TV news personality Barbara Ciara. Ciara, a Hampton University graduate at NewsChannel 3 since 2000, has seen her role shrink since August from anchoring three newscasts to just one show at noon. She was also removed from news department management. (read more - Daily Press)
WAVY-TV/DT (10/NBC) and WVBT-TV/DT (43/FOX) are included | Wednesday, July 2, 2008 LIN TV, a local television and digital media company, and Charter Communications announced today (7/1/2008) that the two companies have reached an agreement for the retransmission of LIN TV’s broadcast television stations’ analog and digital signals. (read more - LIN TV)
| Wednesday, July 2, 2008Virginia radio and television stations were recognized for excellence in broadcasting at the 71st Annual Virginia Broadcasting Awards, held June 27th at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Va. This year's gala event included a red carpet reception and was followed by a special awards ceremony recognizing individual achievement in broadcasting... (read more - Virginia Association of Broadcasters)
| Tuesday, July 1, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... The search heats up as online voting begins on MYFOXHamptonRoads.com for the first FACE OF FOX43. In the first two days of voting, contestant videos have been watched more than 48,000 times – logging over 40,000 votes! First round voting gives online viewers a chance to vote until midnight Sunday, July 13 for their favorite FACE OF FOX43! (read more - VARTV Press Room)
Television and Radio documentaries receive top awards | Tuesday, July 1, 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WHRO was honored by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters at its 71st Annual Summer Conference, held on June 27th in Virginia Beach. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
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