Radio changes

[longtimefirsttime]

You saw it here (before the crash). ESPN is leaving WKNR soon (for AM 1540, not 1520 as the article states).
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

I would assume WKNR will pick up Fox Sports or Sporting News as it's national partner. Their parent company has a reputation for being cheap so I don't see an expansion of local programming. Also 101.7 out of Dover will be moving to Jackson Township soon. There have also been some rumors about WHBC, as there have been some changes in its parent company NextMedia (but nothing confirmed).

[The Butler]

Sounds like you have been reading the same blog I have about local media. Interesting that the owner of 1540, Good Karma is the son of Mel Karmazin, CEO of Sirius. I guess I should feel lucky that I'm in range of ESPN 990 since 'KNR won't be carrying it any longer.

[longtimefirsttime]

Yes, I would suspect some shakeups soon. WTIG will continue being....well...WTIG. However they will have a niche with ESPN.

[GrowlingTiger87]

Having XM is a beautiful thing. I can listen to ESPN radio 24/7 if I'd like.

[longtimefirsttime]

There are going to be some sizeable changes over the next few months (both on local and Cleveland radio). It will be interesting to see what ClearChannel does now that they own Rock 107. It will also be interesting to see what they're going to do when they officially move the Dover station to North Canton. WHBC's parent company reportedly is ready to make drastic changes. Once the changes begin, it will have a domino effect.

[GrowlingTiger87]

There are going to be some sizeable changes over the next few months (both on local and Cleveland radio). It will be interesting to see what ClearChannel does now that they own Rock 107. It will also be interesting to see what they're going to do when they officially move the Dover station to North Canton. WHBC's parent company reportedly is ready to make drastic changes. Once the changes begin, it will have a domino effect.

When did 107 get bought out by Clear Channel?

[DAWGH8R]

Butler,

You live at the YMCA in downtown Massillon ???? I have a HORRIBLE time getting WTIG to come in if I get 200 yards away from downtown !!

I think they use one of these !!!
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[The Butler]

When did 107 get bought out by Clear Channel?

Just went down yesterday.

DAWGH8R, I actually can get the signal in downtown Canton with my little transiter. Most mornings though I'm using it to pick up Sirius set up in another office.

[longtimefirsttime]

What I would do if I were ClearChannel (certainly they don't need my advice) is keep 107 a rock station but freshen it up. It has a stale sound to it right now. The true question is what they're going to do with 101.7 when it moves north. The logical answers are Adult Contemporary to go after WHBC (who allegedly are already in panic mode and may make massive changes to the AM side) or go with Contemporary Hit Radio to go after 92.5. When you go to this website you are redirected to WKDD's website.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

It may mean they're going to add a CHR station locally or it may just be some showmanship on the part of ClearChannel to throw people off. Let's just say the local management of the WKDD/WHLO/WARF group and the management of WZKL haven't always gotten along and like to throw "internet jabs" at one another. Changes are coming soon.

[GrowlingTiger87]

Just so long as they don't get rid of my buddy, and fellow Tiger fan, Fish Head, I have no problems with it.

[longtimefirsttime]

Yes I've heard he's a big Tiger fan and one of the few there now that I can say shows true personality. I hope the transition goes smoothly but with ClearChannel (and their voice tracking procedures) you never know.

[GrowlingTiger87]

How true that last statement is. Fish Head sits with us at Tiger games, and has for years. Great guy. It would be sad if CC let him go.

[fyrewood]

Yep Todd "Fish Head" Fisher is a huge and true Tiger Fan and one of the better DJ's, if not the best DJ at Rock 107. He's an old classmate of my sister's (WHS Class of '83) and I've known Todd since way back at old LJ Smith Elementary. If for some odd reason they got rid of Todd, I'd probably stop listening to WRQK.

[GrowlingTiger87]

...If for some odd reason they got rid of Todd, I'd probably stop listening to WRQK.

You and me both.

[death]

WHBC is for sale..The question is whether or not NextMedia will get anywhere near the 43.5 million dollars they paid for the combo in 2000...once Jim Johnson retires, I wonder if they will even bid on the Federal League or NBC contracts they currently hold..much could change..

[The Butler]

Whatever happens I think they will still cover local sports. For local stations, it's pratically a license to print money.

[longtimefirsttime]

Whatever happens I think they will still cover local sports. For local stations, it's pratically a license to print money.

A very true statement. It's part of the reason why WHBC has remained strong in the ratings, years after most AM stations have faded.

For WTIG, Tiger sports is the ONLY thing that keeps them on the air.

[The Voice]

Did I hear that the Boyd family may take over WHBC ?? The real money maker at WHBC 'IS' the AM.. not the FM.. check the books, or for that matter ask any advertiser about the difference in rates between the AM and the FM..
regarding 990.. If the station were in the right hands.. (those who were friends with Ralph Regula).. the station would increase to 1000 watts 24 hours
a day.. and immediatly move BACK to Massillon.. programming would benifit with a mix of hometown talk, community service sports and oldies .. as far as Clear's continued investment into the area's radio market.. (by the way I HATE 'clear'.. all they do is take grass roots radio out of the formula which in my opinion directly affects localism, which to me is the REAL reason for radio anyway).. regardless.. perhaps 101 COULD become smooth jazz..

tv

[longtimefirsttime]

Did I hear that the Boyd family may take over WHBC ?? The real money maker at WHBC 'IS' the AM.. not the FM.. check the books, or for that matter ask any advertiser about the difference in rates between the AM and the FM..
regarding 990.. If the station were in the right hands.. (those who were friends with Ralph Regula).. the station would increase to 1000 watts 24 hours
a day.. and immediatly move BACK to Massillon.. programming would benifit with a mix of hometown talk, community service sports and oldies .. as far as Clear's continued investment into the area's radio market.. (by the way I HATE 'clear'.. all they do is take grass roots radio out of the formula which in my opinion directly affects localism, which to me is the REAL reason for radio anyway).. regardless.. perhaps 101 COULD become smooth jazz..

tv

Voice, you clearly "get it." I agree completely with your opinions on the subject. As far as what's going to happen to WHBC (and for that matter Rock 107 & WJER), there are many theories floating around right now. Changes will be made soon but how drastic they will be remains to be seen. It was reported today that the GM of WHBC AM/FM is no longer working for the station. What that signifies, I don't know.

[longtimefirsttime]

I know Butler and Seeker will want to read this.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[death]

The FM has been the money maker for a while now, except in the fourth quarter of the year..my sources tell me that both versions of WHBC lost around 100-thousand dollars in the first quarter of 2006...its one of the reasons why blood has been spilled on South Market in Canton..

[BUCKEYE1]

[QUOTE=death]The FM has been the money maker for a while now, except in the fourth quarter of the year..my sources tell me that both versions of WHBC lost around 100-thousand dollars in the first quarter of 2006...its one of the reasons why blood has been spilled on South Market in Canton..[/QUOTE Why would there be any changes at WHBC-AM,especially in the morning when I have heard before that in the Arbitron ratings they kick butt.I am not disagreeing with you,I just dont understand.I enjoy Fred and Pam Cook.Do you think they would be let go?:help:

[longtimefirsttime]

[QUOTE=death]The FM has been the money maker for a while now, except in the fourth quarter of the year..my sources tell me that both versions of WHBC lost around 100-thousand dollars in the first quarter of 2006...its one of the reasons why blood has been spilled on South Market in Canton..[/QUOTE Why would there be any changes at WHBC-AM,especially in the morning when I have heard before that in the Arbitron ratings they kick butt.I am not disagreeing with you,I just dont understand.I enjoy Fred and Pam Cook.Do you think they would be let go?:help:

Not likely. They have a following and AM drive on the AM is a moneymaker. My guess is any cuts would be made overnights and weekends (when games are not on).

[The Butler]

Why would there be any changes at WHBC-AM,especially in the morning when I have heard before that in the Arbitron ratings they kick butt.

Even though their ratings are good, sales are down. Clear Channel has been undercutting 'HBC's ad rates.

[longtimefirsttime]

Even though their ratings are good, sales are down. Clear Channel has been undercutting 'HBC's ad rates.

I hope WHBC doesn't go to those annoying "5 second and under ads" that ClearChannel uses ad nauseum. I can hear it now "Now it's time for WHBC News, powered by Ohio Edison." :thumbsdown:

[death]

Does WHBC-AM own the market in morning drive...a resounding yes..the problem is the rest of the dayparts..

WHLO-AM and Shawn Hannitey have either beaten or tied 'HBC in their core demos for the last five or six ratings books..

With the Indians in the tank, and likely to stay there for the rest of the decade, their night time numbers are much weaker..

[longtimefirsttime]

Apparently as of a few minutes ago WKNR has switched to Fox Sports Radio (they're signal is horrible here at night). Also ClearChannel has some people buzzing with this new possible Rock107 website.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[longtimefirsttime]

The changes will take effect very soon.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[The Butler]

Good Karma Broadcasting, owner of WWGK/1540 Cleveland "Cleveland's ESPN Radio 1540", is buying it's established format competitor, much larger sports talk station WKNR/850.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

This could get interesting.

[longtimefirsttime]

People in the radio industry knew something was afoot when he bought WWGK. The Karmazin family are movers and shakers and you knew buying a standalone low-powered daytimer AM station was not the end of the process. The station he owns in Wisconsin has a professional sound. Maybe finally some money will be pumped into WKNR. I don't doubt that he will also make a serious bid at some of the major sports team broadcast rights (especially with ClearChannel making cuts across gthe country).

I also heard Peter Brown was let go at his station in Wisconsin. Maybe he could again end up in Cleveland.

[Tiger54]

The FM has been the money maker for a while now, except in the fourth quarter of the year..my sources tell me that both versions of WHBC lost around 100-thousand dollars in the first quarter of 2006...its one of the reasons why blood has been spilled on South Market in Canton..

What do you mean by that? . . . . blood has been spilled. . . . . Jim Johnson, Bourquin, Fred Chenevy, Pam Cook all seem to be there. I have thought that Johnson should have been out of there years ago---he is Canton's version of Caples! I really like Fred---he is the class of the station. And Pam Cook is sickening.

[BUCKEYE1]

What do you mean by that? . . . . blood has been spilled. . . . . Jim Johnson, Bourquin, Fred Chenevy, Pam Cook all seem to be there. I have thought that Johnson should have been out of there years ago---he is Canton's version of Caples! I really like Fred---he is the class of the station. And Pam Cook is sickening.What is wrong with Pam Cook?I have met her and I think she is a very sweet and nice lady.She makes a nice foil to Fred Chenevey's craziness in the morning:grinning:

[obie0130]

i agree, if she isn't reading something that is already written for her, like the news, traffic or weather, pam cook ads nothing to the show. i usually find myself turning the station when she starts to talk.

[Spize]

Regular radio is dying, won't be too long before no major names will sign regular radio deals and all will go to Satellite radio.

Those that stay local may survive believe it or not. Because once most of the national hosts got to Satellite the only reason for local radio will be local news/weather talk. That is the only reason I ever turn off the Sirius unit in my truck. Everyday regular radio loses 10,000 listeners in the U.S.A. to satellite radio, that is a fact (6,000 to sirius and 4,000 to XM). Nobody is buying the HD radio, that will go the way of AM sterio me thinks.

The one major radio personallity that is NOT in this area anymore that could draw ratings to a station is Tom Leykis, and who knows what is going to happen when his contract is up in March 2007... He could just join Howard in Satellite Radio land.

(BTW I bring up Tom Leykis because he DID bring up the ratings and made 100.1 FM #1 in less than a year, they dropped him once the rating went up for local talk... which was the plan from the beginning)

[MR EMPTY PANTS]

WHBC is for sale..The question is whether or not NextMedia will get anywhere near the 43.5 million dollars they paid for the combo in 2000...once Jim Johnson retires, I wonder if they will even bid on the Federal League or NBC contracts they currently hold..much could change..

having fed contracts is like owning stock in beanie babies.

[gotigers1]

WJER-FM is going off the the air starting Dec. 26th. The former owner is buying back the AM station from Clear Channel to keep a station running in Dover.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[longtimefirsttime]

Not a big surprise. They have been working on the new transmitter site on 22nd St. NW in Canton (off Whipple) for weeks now. Petricola can spin it any way he wants, but his greed cost the residents of Tuscarwas County their heritage FM station. After he sold it to Clear Channel, he claimed he had no idea they would move it to it to their Canton cluster. Anyone who knows anything about radio knows they were not going to keep it there. He can say he's happy running an AM signal that will bill a fraction of what the combo did and has a horrible nighttime signal but you know he's not. The truly happy ones are the ones at ClearChannel and the sales staff at WTUZ (the only FM station remaining in Tuscarawas County).

[shooter]

Being an old ham, for me satellite radio will never replace signals in the night.

[The Butler]

Being an old ham, for me satellite radio will never replace signals in the night.


Sirius, the best radio on radio.

[shooter]

Nope, nothing like like listening to Radio Moscow in the 60's on my Hallicrafters. Night after night of America is failing, America will fall under the onslaught of the workers paridise. It does tend to put this muslim stuff in perspective.

[longtimefirsttime]

Well I'm sure the purchase of WKNR has the ClearChannel folks paying attention. They have just signed a new contract with the Browns to be their radio home through 2008, with a club option for 2009. That leaves all three major sports teams locked up for a few years. If Good Karma could acquire a FM station, then it would be a more viable option. By what I've read lately, I would expect a "more local" approach on WKNR soon.

[longtimefirsttime]

The new WHOF 101.7-FM is expected to sign on in the area sometime next week.

[longtimefirsttime]

The new WHOF 101.7-FM is expected to sign on in the area sometime next week.

It took a little longer than initially expected to make some technoligical upgrades. They're expected to sign on this afternoon.

[The Butler]

So much for the speculation that they would go country. Looks like Clear Channel is taking dead aim at WHBC FM. They were up when I got to may car a little after 4:00. I'm not sure of what different formats are called but I think it comes under the heading of Adult Conpemtorary. [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

*edit* - Note to ltft, I posted the above before reading the Mighty Blog of Fun(tm).

[longtimefirsttime]

They made it clear within the first 10 seconds who they were going after. They likely view WHBC-FM as ripe for the picking and they're going to "squeeze them between WHOF and WKDD." The radio war in Canton is on.

[longtimefirsttime]

The new morning man for 101.7 has been named.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[longtimefirsttime]

And the rest of the lineup from the Ohio Media Watch website:

"10 AM-2 PM - Daune Robinson (voicetracking in from the Clear Channel World Domination HQ on Oak Tree, where she is heard on country WGAR/99.5 and oldies WMJI/105.7)

2-7 PM - Jon Marochino (long-time swing/weekend guy for hot AC sister station WKDD/98.1)

7 PM-midnight - Sean Stevens (midday personality at Clear Channel Youngstown sister AC outlet WMXY/98.9 "Mix 98.9")

OMW hears whispers from Freedom Avenue that this new on-air lineup will begin on Monday, February 5th..."

[The Butler]

The swapping between WKNR and ESPN 1540 continues. Today was the last day for Jim Isabella's (sp?) High School Sports show on WKNR. While not a big Massillon booster, he did include the discussion of Stark County sports in the show, unlike the coverage from the PD. The show is moving to sister station ESPN 1540 with a signal that doesn't reach far. The show will be streamed. The Saturday shows will now be The Golf Show w/ Brinda and Jim Hanlon from 7-9 and the Saturday Morning Sports Show from 9-noon.

[longtimefirsttime]

While not a big Massillon booster, he did include the discussion of Stark County sports in the show, unlike the coverage from the PD.


That's an understatement. Other then talking about the tradition (while glowing about Canton McKinley because he used to live there) he hates Massillon. He apparently isn't too fond of Perry either. He called your wrestling facilities a "rinkydink bandbox" on the air once. While I believe shows that discuss high school sports are a good idea, his gets stale fast. How many times do we have to hear the same callers from Barberton and Mentor week after week?

[longtimefirsttime]

Since this has been an ongoing "media geek" thread, I must admit admit I'm excited by this release in April.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[The Butler]

The new line-up for WKNR has been announced.

6:00 - 10:00 am
Mike and Mike in the Morning

10:00 - 12:00
Tony Rizzo

12:00 - 3:00
Jim Rome

3:00 - 6:00
Kenny Roda

6:00 - 9:00
Greg Brinda

AM 1540 has also been branded as "KNR-2" and will carry a combination of Fox Sports and ESPN programming. The signal doesn't come close to Stark County but they will be streaming 24 hours a day.

[obie0130]

i guess i won't need to tune in until after 10 am. what are they thinking?

[longtimefirsttime]

I think the lineup is better than before. Brinda was stale in the AM and I've always liked Rizzo (especially from the old days on WHK).

[obie0130]

i like the local lineup. m&m are horrible.

[longtimefirsttime]

Rizzo in his first week on WKNR is better than Brinda has been in years. Today he said he wanted to fight Colin Cowherd. There have been calls from old WHK listeners like Mr. Insight, Road Apple, etc. Hopefully Red will call in. Funny stuff!

[longtimefirsttime]

WHK, Ohio's oldest station, turns 85.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Tiger2001]

I really can not stand Tony Rizzo! His voice and his approach just dont do it for me.

Maybe it doesnt help that he was a complete ass when i met him on the sideline of PBTS...

[The Butler]

Former ESPN "Dream Job" winner David Holmes is now doing sports on WHBC AM. He's usually on afternoons but he has been doing mornings this week while Sam is in Winter Haven. There have been rumors that Jim Johnson may be near retirement.

[xtiger]

I really can not stand Tony Rizzo! His voice and his approach just dont do it for me.

Maybe it doesnt help that he was a complete ass when i met him on the sideline of PBTS...

I don't know if anyone knows this or not, but Rizzo's dad is the infamous
John Lanigan, longtime Cleveland TV/radio personality.

[BUCKEYE1]

I don't know if anyone knows this or not, but Rizzo's dad is the infamous
John Lanigan, longtime Cleveland TV/radio personality.
X Tiger.I was under the impression that Tony Rizzo's dad was Jack Reynolds who,when I was younger did some announcing for "Big Time Wrestling and worked for channel 43,I believe

[xtiger]

X Tiger.I was under the impression that Tony Rizzo's dad was Jack Reynolds who,when I was younger did some announcing for "Big Time Wrestling and worked for channel 43,I believe

I'll have to call his show!

[longtimefirsttime]

xtiger-I've never heard that Rizzo and Lanigan are related. They worked for many years together (as part of the Lanigan & Malone show) and reportely remain close friends.

Buckeye1-You have an excellent memory. The legendary Channel 43 Cleveland wrestling announcer used Jack Reynolds as an alias. His real name is Joe Rizzo.

[longtimefirsttime]

According to an area radio blog, Ohio Media Watch, WHBC AM is slowly transitioning into a mostly talk format. They say longtime afternoon guy Brice Lewis is gone and Brady Russell is in his place doing a talk-intensive show. Russell did afternoon drive on WHBC FM several years ago until he reportedly made "a colorful response to protesters at President Bush's second inauguration" that drew several complaints.

And this will also make Keno very happy as "WHBC will become one of the first affiliates of the new Westwood One syndicated talk show hosted by comedian/commentator/former Monday Night Football voice Dennis Miller."
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

The blog also mentions that WHBC is currently at a disadvantage because many of the top talk hosts are already committed to other stations in the area.

[longtimefirsttime]

OMW has this note about WHBC:

"As NextMedia oldies WHBC/1480 Canton moves towards what looks like a firm date for the launch of its talk format on April 2nd, we have been pondering who will take the mid-morning time slot - you know, 10 AM-noon, the slot between the morning show with Fred Chenevey and Pam Cook, and Westwood One syndicated talker Dennis "Obscure Cultural References" Miller.

Did you notice? We said "pondering".And for good reason, as OMW hears that it's all but official - Canton community activist Ron Ponder will be the host in that time slot.

Ron who?

We don't live in Canton, so we don't know much about him. But a quick Google search turns up his current role as chairman of the group "Coming Together Stark County" and a prior stint heading up the Canton branch of the NAACP. Ponder apparently also does video production out of his own Canton-based firm, and for at least some time, hosted a public affairs program called "Ponder The Issues" on Canton LPTV outlet WIVM-LP/52. We don't know how long the program lasted, but it's not on the station's current schedule...a station which has since added simulcaster WIVN-LP/29 Newcomerstown, aimed at Dover-New Philadelphia.

We also turned up links to black gospel outlet WINW/1520 "Joy 1520", back a few years ago not long after it restarted. You'd expect with his community group experience, he'd get compared to another African-American community activist - WTAM/1100 Sunday night host Art McKoy. But we're not sure they're all that similar, based on what we've read about Ponder.

We believe he was one of the Sunday night tryout hosts after Brady Russell, who's already launched into talk on his new weekday program. So, assuming all the I's get dotted and T's crossed with Mr. Ponder, the WHBC weekday talk radio lineup will be complete. We still understand that the station has eyes on either Sporting News Radio or FOX Sports Radio for nights and some weekend fill, though we have no idea what else the station plans to run on weekends."


OMW has also listed former WHBC announcer Brice Lewis Lewis will be on 101.7 WHOF Saturdays 10 AM-3 PM and 12-5 PM on Sundays.

There has been extreme pressure from WHBC's parent company to improve it's bottom line, especially on the AM. It certainly can't help when ClearChannel started "My 101.7" recently.

[BUCKEYE1]

Since WHBC-AM is going all-talk will they still have Fred and Pam in the mornings or will they be let go too?

[Al.]

Since WHBC-AM is going all-talk will they still have Fred and Pam in the mornings or will they be let go too?


It appears Fred and Pam have been talking more lately.

[longtimefirsttime]

Since WHBC-AM is going all-talk will they still have Fred and Pam in the mornings or will they be let go too?

All indications at the point lean toward them remaining.

[longtimefirsttime]

"Prison humbles broadcaster"
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
(An article on Bruce Drennan)

[longtimefirsttime]

This article helps explain why so many "traditional radio listeners" have gravitated to satellite radio and/or MP3 players.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[MTiger]

I rarely get in the car without my iPod these days- local radio has gone down the tubes. When they're not playing the same ten songs over and over, they're airing huge blocks of commercials. There have been times when I have taken a five minute trip to the store, gone through a few preset stations in my car, and not heard ONE song.

[CarlE]

I have Sirius. I NEVER listen to mainstream radio anymore.

[The Butler]

Changes continue at WKNR. Roda moving to 6:00 pm and Mark "Munch" Bishop takes his 3:00 slot. Brinda will be doing the Indians post games shows.

The changes appear complete at WHBC, now called Newstalk 1480. Fred and Pam are still doing AM's. Local "community activist" Ron Ponder is on from 10:00 'til noon. Dennis Millers' new show occupies the noon to 3:00 slot.

[longtimefirsttime]

They are taking a chance tinkering with WHBC like that. Obviously music on AM doesn't work at most stations anymore. But WHBC's ratings have remained strong as the heritage station in the market. They were smart enough to keep the focus on local news and sports, but with most of the "big talk names" locked up on other stations, it will be intersting to see how this works. I'll admit I don't have much hope for Dennis Miller in the afternoon but I'm sure Keno would disagree.

Wow Brinda's stint in the 6-9 shift didn't last long. :jestera: I give Karmazin credit for at least trying to freshen up the WKNR lineup.

And AM 1350 in Akron is dropping the " liberal talk" format to go back to sports.

Also Bruce Drennan is scheduled to be on Bob Frantz's AM 1100 show Friday in the 9AM hour.

[Al.]

I heard one caller on WHBC's talk show around 5:30 pm last night voice his opinion when asked, "how do you like the new Newstalk format?"
His reply was: "This talk stuff would be ok one or two days a week, not 24/7. Most of WHBC's listeners are old people and they want to hear old-people music." :poke:

[obie7661]

I heard one caller on WHBC's talk show around 5:30 pm last night voice his opinion when asked, "how do you like the new Talknews format?"
His reply was: "This talk stuff would be ok one or two days a week, not 24/7. Most of WHBC's listeners are old people and they want to hear old-people music." :poke:

You're right Al. I'm old and I like that old-people's music.

[Al.]

Former ESPN "Dream Job" winner David Holmes is now doing sports on WHBC AM. He's usually on afternoons but he has been doing mornings this week while Sam is in Winter Haven. There have been rumors that Jim Johnson may be near retirement.

Apparently, his stay was for a short cup of coffee. It was announced yesterday (his last day) that David Holmes is going to a Toledo TV station.

[The Butler]

Apparently, his stay was for a short cup of coffee. It was announced yesterday (his last day) that David Holmes is going to a Toledo TV station.

I heard him at 4:05, but didn't hear the announcement. Thanks.

[longtimefirsttime]

I'm sure MTown was thrilled when he found out Michael Reghi will be heard often on WKNR.

Reportedly WHBC has been flooded with calls, mostly negative, about the format change.

[longtimefirsttime]

Jim Albright, who is doing a 6-10 AM weekend shift, is taking more calls from dissatisfied listeners. He is explaining, in simple terms, about why the decision was made to switch formats. He says with the high music licensing fees (a portion of a station's gross) that are required, it simply is not financially viable to do a "talk sometimes, music sometimes type of format." He says you have to go either all music or all talk and the "all music on AM" days have passed us by. He says he would support doing a weekend oldies show if it wouldn't be too cost prohibitive. Thanks ASCAP and BMI!

[BUCKEYE1]

Jim Albright, who is doing a 6-10 AM weekend shift, is taking more calls from dissatisfied listeners. He is explaining, in simple terms, about why the decision was made to switch formats. He says with the high music licensing fees (a portion of a station's gross) that are required, it simply is not financially viable to do a "talk sometimes, music sometimes type of format." He says you have to go either all music or all talk and the "all music on AM" days have passed us by. He says he would support doing a weekend oldies show if it wouldn't be too cost prohibitive. Thanks ASCAP and BMI!If Jim Albright is doing weekends 6-10AM(which is OK since I like him)I assume Massillon school teacher Dave Scheetz no longer works for WHBC?:usflag:

[Perry74]

As far as KNR goes, I liked Roda in afternoon drive and I think "Munch" talks to fast. I've always liked Tony Rizzo, he's entertaining, although his show is so short he cuts most callers off after about 30 seconds.

As for WHBC, I never really listened except for the local sports. I do like Dennis Miller, he is one of my favorite comedians, so I have been listening in.

Bruce Drennan is doing a live call in show on STO in the afternoon (3-6). I've always liked Bruce so there is lots of variety out there.

[longtimefirsttime]

If Jim Albright is doing weekends 6-10AM(which is OK since I like him)I assume Massillon school teacher Dave Scheetz no longer works for WHBC?:usflag:

I do not see him listed on their new schedule.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[longtimefirsttime]

The Clear Channel sell-off continues.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[longtimefirsttime]

From Todd Porter (the usual TP disclaimer applies):

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

"WHBC-AM 1480 Sports Director Jim Johnson is leaving the station in June after more than 30 years in the business. Johnson’s deep voice added professionalism to the station’s broadcast of high school sporting events, and his professionalism in the industry was always appreciated. He will be missed.
The station is giving him a proper send-off, against Jim’s wishes of course, with a roast during its June 1 morning show. There should be quite a list of roasters that should make for good radio. "

[The Voice]

ok LT; I guess the bigger question is .. 'Is he leaving', or, 'Is he retiring' ???
A big difference there.. Just wondering.

tv

[The Butler]

I'm pretty sure it's a retirement.

[The Voice]

Thats a smart thing, seeing that WHBC has gone out of their way to really screw things up..(dismissing long term employees etc).. Wondering how this will affect their high school broadcasts this fall.. should be interesting.

tv

[Marie]

I hate the new format on WHBC. I used to listen every morning to Fred and Pam, but now all they do is talk. I enjoyed waking up to that 60's music. Ron Ponder is really boring. There are better talk shows on other stations if you want to listen to talk.

I wonder who will do the sports? or will that get boring too.

[Tiger2001]

"Munch" is horrible.....brother

[longtimefirsttime]

ok LT; I guess the bigger question is .. 'Is he leaving', or, 'Is he retiring' ???
A big difference there.. Just wondering.

tv

JJ is retiring. He has wanted to do it for awhile now. Sam Bourquin was hired (away from WTIG when they were working him to the bone and paying him around minimum wage to be their sports director/Canton-Akron Indians play by play man) several years ago and was groomed to be JJ's eventual replacement.

Most of the feedback I've heard (they do accept listener opinions on the subject on their call-in programs) has been negative about the format change. But on the other hand their reason for changing also makes sense. The music licensing fees are way out of control and it makes it even tougher for an AM station to play music today.

[The Voice]

Thanks LT for the info.. and good luck to Sammy ..

tv

[longtimefirsttime]

Here's a decent article on the state of radio in Northeast Ohio.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[obie7661]

One reason radio in Northeast Ohio is in a constant state of flux -- is because WHBC sux ... IMO.

[The Butler]

Today is Jim Johnson's last day and they are giving him a nice send off. Most radio folks never get to do a "last show". I'm sure many of you will get a kick out of one of his going away presents; a lifetime pass to any and all Federal League games. :laugh:

[gotigers1]

Today is Jim Johnson's last day and they are giving him a nice send off. Most radio folks never get to do a "last show". I'm sure many of you will get a kick out of one of his going away presents; a lifetime pass to any and all Federal League games. :laugh:

Wow, I didn't know today was his last day...

Some of you may not care for him, but he was a voice that I've heard every morning since I was a kid. My mom always had WHBC on in the kitchen when I was gettig ready for school. Even now I still have WHBC playing in the morning while I am getting ready for work so I can hear the morning news.

[longtimefirsttime]

Despite some poor (in my opinions) choices by its parent company, there are several decent people left at WHBC.

[Ms V]

I agree. I still listen in the morning while I get ready for work. Jim Johnson to be will always be the sports voice for WHBC. I can't stand the "talk radio". I have switch to 101.7 for work listening.

Good luck to Jim Johnson

[Ms V]

Oops to me

[Smitty]

... Most radio folks never get to do a "last show"....

That's true.

I do remember listening to the final "Jeff & Flash" morning show on WMMS, oh so many years ago....

[CarlE]

That's true.

I do remember listening to the final "Jeff & Flash" morning show on WMMS, oh so many years ago....

Really? I don't remember that. Why did they leave? I remember Kid Leo left for some record executive gig in NYC but I don't remember the specifics of Jeff and Flash.