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 :// WREJ nominated  | Saturday, December 30, 2006  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WREJ 1540 Rejoice Radio in Richmond, Va., has been nominated for The 22nd Annual Gospel Stellar Awards 2007 in Medium Market Radio Category for Gospel Radio Station of The Year. WREJ is an affiliate of The Rejoice Radio Network “Musical Soul Food” own by Davidson Media Group. The Richmond on-air staff is headed up by The President of Virginia Announcers Guild Ed Stephens Jr., Urban Inspiration Consultant and Morning host and Music Director Randy Johnson formerly on WGPL 1350 in Norfolk VA.The 22nd Annual Gospel Stellar Awards 2007 will be held at “The Grand Ole Opry” in Nashville Tennessee January 13th 2007.
| Friday, December 29, 2006For larger news channels in the Hampton Roads area, like WAVY-TV 10 or WVEC-TV 13, stories about leaf collection, flu shots, local festivals or small community volunteer groups would usually be little more than a blip on the screen, in between coverage of crime, the military and politics. (read more - Daily Press)
Telecom firm aims to lure cable customers to TV service | Thursday, December 28, 2006 The battle between cable and telephone operators to snag customers in one of the most competitive markets in the country is playing out in a Fairfax mall, where shoppers lounged in front of high-definition televisions, surfed the Web and fiddled with the latest cellphone yesterday.Here, at its new store in Fair Oaks Mall, Verizon Communications is attempting to market speed... (read more - The Washington Post)
| Tuesday, December 26, 2006 As first tipped here several weeks ago, Clear Channel has flipped Soft AC "107-7 Lite FM" WJCD Windsor/Norfolk to "Smooth Jazz 107.7." The station had been doing all-holiday music since early November. It was 33 months ago on March 1, 2004 when Clear Channel dumped Smooth Jazz (CD 107.7) on WJCD for a new simulcast with 92.1/Moyock (dropped Hip-Hop "92.1 The Beat" WBHH) as "92.1/107.7 Lite FM." Ratings floundered for the next two and a half years.The last track heard on the "new" Lite FM was Brook Benton's "This Time Of The Year." After a short top-of-the-hour ID at just after 12:02 a.m., "Smooth Jazz 107.7" was born. The first three tracks were David Benoit's M.W.A. (Musicians With Attitude), Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together" and Fattburger's "Oye Como Va." Listen to the format flip here...  After the nationally syndicated Delilah show was over on Entercom AC "2WD" WWDE/101.3 Hampton/Norfolk, at midnight, the station quietly repositioned itself as a Soft/Lite Rock station. Gone are "The Best Variety of the 80s, 90s and Today" and the newer "Four Decades, Four Songs... One Station" positioners for the new "Continuous Soft Rock, 101.3 2WD." The birth of Max Media's Classic Hits/AC "92.9 The Wave" WVBW on July 21, 2005 spelled the eventual death of the AC format on WWDE 18 months later. 2WD was hit hard in the mornings, losing long, longtime morning hosts Dick Lamb and Paul Richardson to The Wave and 13-year station vet Jeff Moreau exiting seven months later.The group Chicago's rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful" was the last track heard on the old 2WD. The first songs heard on the new "2WD" were Journey's "Who's Crying Now," Counting Crows w/ Vanessa Carlton's "Big Yellow Taxi," Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love," Rascal Flatts' "Bless The Broken Road," and Paul Davis' "I Go Crazy." Listen to the format flip here..
  I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the readers and supporters of VARTV for a great year, our most successful! We'll be continuing to update VARTV throughout the holidays; don't stop sending the emails and press releases. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all... (12/22/2006)
Cox Radio AC "Mix 103-7" WMXB Richmond went all-holiday music today at 12... (12/22/2006)
Latest ratings show lineup and personality shifts don't net gains | Friday, December 22, 2006Hmmm. Maybe some of those much-touted changes, moves and additions to television this fall -- both national and local -- didn't work out as planned. Nielsen Media Research's November "book" is out for Richmond, and here's some of what it includes: (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Friday, December 22, 2006 Andrea McDaniel, longtime anchor of WWBT's "NBC12 News Today," is stepping down as morning co-anchor. She'll continue to do projects for the station as well as serve as a fill-in anchor. McDaniel, whose morning show is among the area's top-rated newscasts, joined WWBT in 1985. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Thursday, December 21, 2006Sinclair Communications Variety Hits "93-7 BOB FM" WPYA Chesapeake will offer its "A to Z on B.O.B." week-long feature -- over 2006 songs played in order from A to Z with no repeats for seven days straight. More details on BOB's website at 937bobfm. "A to Z on B.O.B." starts Tuesday, December 26.
| Wednesday, December 20, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... CW Richmond, WUPV-TV channel 65, will for the fourth consecutive year broadcast the “Yule Log” on Christmas Day from 6:00am to 10:00am as part of its holiday-themed programming. The “Yule Log,” which will air without commercial interruption, is a full-screen image of a hearth fire accompanied by holiday music.“CW Richmond is happy to continue this tradition of presenting the ‘Yule Log’ to our viewers. We hope it will continue for years to come” said Gerald Walsh, vice president/general manager of CW Richmond.
| Monday, December 18, 2006 Cavalier Telephone has cut a few legal corners that cable companies must take to sell its television service, city officials say.Cavalier, however, disagrees with a city lawsuit that claims the company is breaking federal and state law. Cavalier says its TV product, which it began selling to Richmonders in June, is not "cable" TV. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Monday, December 18, 2006Liberty University is swapping its CP (construction permit) for a 10-watt translator on 102.5 (W273BB) in Richmond for two Positive Alternative Radio (PAR) proposed translators; 13 watts on 101.5 (W268BD) in Harrisonburg and 10 watts on 96.7 (W244BP) in Charlottesville. PAR will use the Richmond signal to rebroadcast programming from its CCM "Virginia's Positive Hits" WJYJ/90.5 Fredericksburg and Liberty will use its two new proposed signals to rebroadcast its CCM "Victory FM" WRVL/88.3 Lynchburg.
| Monday, December 18, 2006In a recent FCC filing, Clear Channel Communications says that radio station divestitures will be required in larger markets. Since Clear Channel will essentially be a new company (to go private), some current clusters exceed current ownership limits and will no longer be grandfathered. Last month, we reported that the company was selling all of its stations in the Charlottesville and Salisbury markets. Now our friends at RBR.com say, after mulling through the FCC filing, "(a)ccording to the data that Clear Channel filed with the FCC, it will be selling off... 2 stations (including at least 1 FM) in Washington, DC,... [and] 4 FMs in Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA." RBR went on to say that, "all of the divestiture deals will be done before the company buyout closes and if any of the divestitures haven't closed, the stations will be put into trusteeship."
| Friday, December 15, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... In the essence of its commitment to serving Hampton Roads and Northeastern North Carolina, WAVY TV is proud to present “A Year On Your Side 2006.” As part of the ongoing On Your Side promise, WAVY News 10 places a spotlight on stories that impacted viewers’ lives in 2006.The hour-long primetime special airs Friday, December 29th at 8pm and will revisit undercover investigations, 10 On Your Side success stories, severe weather coverage, and breaking news situations all brought to viewers in 2006. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Friday, December 15, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WJCD is launching Smooth Jazz 107.7 on December 26th. Program Director, Travis Dylan, has this to say about the move, “We have literally heard from thousands of listeners on this, and as 2007 approaches, we’re ringing in the New Year with a format that is music to Hampton Roads’ ears. I’m looking forward to working with Broadcast Architecture President Allen Kepler... (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Friday, December 15, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... CapSan Media is celebrating the anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight with a “First Flight Weekend.” The Outer Banks’ newest country stations—Wilbur 92.3 and Orville 97.1—will feature the first number one songs from country music’s biggest superstars starting Friday at noon and lasting through Sunday evening.Listeners will be treated to three days of all-time-great, number one songs from artists like George Strait, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson... (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Friday, December 15, 2006 Lincoln Financial Group's "NBC12" WWBT Richmond has announced that Casey Kelly is the new anchor for its "12 News First at 4." Kelly arrives in Richmond via Albany NY where she was a former news anchor for Time Warner Albany's cable-only outlet "News 10 Now." She's replacing Christina White, who left NBC12 this past summer. Kelly will co-anchor the 4 p.m. newscast with Gene Cox, starting on Monday (12/18).
| Thursday, December 14, 2006 Construction continues on the dual TV3 Winchester (WHSV) and SU (Shenandoah University) Television facility on Millwood Avenue. TV3 Winchester will begin daily news broadcasts by no later than Jan. 15, 2007. SU Television will also use the facility to create programming and special projects for the university as well as WCT (Winchester Community Television)... (read more - SU.edu and TV3 Winchester)
| Thursday, December 14, 2006City of Richmond residents will be able to sign up for television service from Verizon Communications Inc. by the end the month.A Verizon official confirmed last week that service would be available by February, but the company unveiled a more specific timeframe today at a news conference at its headquarters downtown. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Thursday, December 14, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... A big congratulations to 94.9 The Point's (WPTE/Virginia Beach) Chuck, Jenna and Woo Woo morning show for generating over $386,000 to benefit the Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughter this past weekend. The event spanned (four) days of live broadcast from the lobby at CHKD in Norfolk, Virginia. This years total was the highest in the station's (five)-year history!
| Wednesday, December 13, 2006To borrow a thought from Charles Dickens, it is the best time for WVEC's local newscast, the worst times in the WTKR newsroom. ABC affiliate WVEC, which established itself as the leader in the 5 to 6:30 p.m. news block months ago, ate up more Nielsen real estate by inching ahead of WTKR at noon in the November sweeps. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Wednesday, December 13, 2006The NFL has offered one free week of its network programming to two cable-TV operators who don’t carry the channel, and one will show the Texas Bowl between Rutgers and Kansas State. Cablevision will broadcast the NFL Network only for the Dec. 28 bowl game. Commissioner Roger Goodell told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the week of Dec. 24-30 would be offered as a “free view” for customers of Cablevision and Time Warner Cable, two of the nation’s largest cable carriers. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Wednesday, December 13, 2006Jeff Havis, former GSM (General Sales Manager) of Urban AC "95-7 R&B" WVKL, is leaving Entercom Norfolk to return to Memphis TN. He takes a similar position for Clear Channel Gospel "Hallelujah 95.7" WHAL Horn Lake MS/Memphis and Urban AC WDIA/1070 Memphis, the nation's first African-American formatted radio station. Havis said, "I would not trade my time with Entercom with any other experience, but to manage these stations is a once in a life-time opportunity."
| Tuesday, December 12, 2006 DAVE: Hey Brad, Congrats on the new sign-on! It's not everyday that you get to be a part of a brand new station; how's it going so far in your new "The Corner" of the world, coming from programming WQKL Ann Arbor?BRAD: Well, it's very unusual for a brand new station to sign-on in 2006. WCNR is unique in that it involved a complex move of signals in Harrisonburg, VA to make room for 106.1 FM to sign on in Charlottesville. It's literally a new signal in the market, and listener response has been highly positive already! (read more - Triple A Radio)
| Monday, December 11, 2006Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church (CRPC), on Wheaton Rd in Hampton, has agreed to assign it's CP (construction permit) for WRPC-LP/103.7 to Peninsula Family Radio (PFR). Since this is a LPFM and both entities are non-profits, there is no sale but PFR will reimburse CRPC $5,000 for securing the initial CP and pursuing the construction of the station. CRPC, on behalf of PFR, also has requested a new antenna site from the current proposed location, about 3 miles to the northeast in Hampton. In the FCC filing, it stated "Peninsula Family Radio's purpose is to collect and distribute via FM radio, information about local news events, scores, traffic, and news of interests to youth."
| Friday, December 8, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Las Vegas based Q Advertising and Public Relations (Q) announced today the appointment of Kory Raftery to the position of Account Executive. Raftery will work within the firm overseeing various Public Relations accounts. An award winning journalist and communicator, Raftery brings a wealth of media knowledge to the table for Q. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Friday, December 8, 2006Jamey Singleton, the former WSLS (Channel 10) weatherman, walked along Gus W. Nicks Boulevard in Vinton, wearing a dark suit and red and black tie. Cars zipped by him. There was a chance of rain, he said. The night air was chilly. Singleton wasn't doing a weather spot. He was going to be in a Christmas parade. (read more - The Roanoke Times)
| Friday, December 8, 2006
| Thursday, December 7, 2006Clear Channel is bringing back the Smooth Jazz format to WJCD/107.7 Windsor that it blew up on March 1, 2004. Right now, the station dumped it's Soft Adult Contemporary format in early November for all-Christmas music. As "Lite FM," the station never took off; garnering either a 1.1 or 1.2 (12+ persons) the last five ratings periods. The very last rating as "Smooth Jazz, CD 107.7" was a 3.0 (12+ persons). The Smooth Jazz format is on the air in Hampton Roads but you'll need an HD radio to hear it. It's currently on WKUS-HD2 (105.3-2). When it moves to WJCD, Clear Channel will put a new format on WKUS-HD2. The new "Smooth Jazz 107.7" on WJCD will launch on Tuesday, December 26.
| Thursday, December 7, 2006Comedian Ian Bagg, the comic whose set was interrupted when Andy Dick jumped the Improv stage and called the audience "a bunch of 'n-words'," has started baggin' on Andy, saying that Dick may not have been sober that night. What a surprise. Recreating the scene for the "Tommy & Rumble Morning Show" on WNOR FM99 in Norfolk this morning, Bagg said, "Andy is an idiot, he was obviously out of his mind, I'm guessing he was on some sort of drug -- there was a meth lab dragging behind him when he ran up on stage." (read more - TMZ.com) Editor's Note: The audio on the TMZ.com website of Tommy & Rumble is slowed down. Who knows why... A cleaner and longer version can be found on FM99's website at FM99.com...
| Thursday, December 7, 2006Verizon Communications Inc. will start selling its new television service in Richmond by early February. Some customers in the area are already receiving letters allowing pre-registration for the service.Spokesman Harry J. Mitchell said today that the company is working closely with the city to negotiate a contract to sell TV here. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Web site’s live traffic video coverage expands along congested highway corridor | Wednesday, December 6, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... The TrafficLand Company, based in Fairfax, VA, announced today the addition of seven new real-time traffic camera views in the Fredericksburg, VA area to its network. The new camera views, located along I-95, extend the continuous coverage available on www.trafficland.com from Washington, DC to Fredericksburg, VA. The company’s Web site and other real-time video-based services are used by commuters, public safety agencies, media and others. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Wednesday, December 6, 2006Listeners of a Richmond radio station played Santa Claus yesterday, donating more than $1,200 to a western Henrico County family whose Christmas display was vandalized. Part of Jeff Wray's 250-figurine, 40,000-light display was vandalized early Sunday. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Tuesday, December 5, 2006THEY CAME. They saw. They shrugged. That in a nutshell is how Hampton Roads viewers have reacted to Katie Couric succeeding Bob Schieffer as the anchor of the evening news on CBS. Their reaction to the other changes in TV land prompted by Couric's move have been much stronger. Curious viewers flocked to Couric's newscast when it signed on in September with much fanfare. They have gradually drifted away. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Monday, December 4, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WAVY NEWS 10 SUNRISE and WAVY NEWS 10 TODAY are once again #1 at 5:00am and 6:00am in the November 2006 ratings. WAVY has placed first at 6:00am for 63 consecutive Nielsen rating periods, going back to 1990.Hampton Roads also gave WAVY NEWS 10 AT 11PM bragging rights for first place for the 46th consecutive sweep. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
Jammin JJS Mornin' Mess guy gets a chance of a lifetime | Monday, December 4, 2006 Back in late October, we reported that Rich Minor, with CC CHR "Jammin JJS" (WJJS/106.1 Vinton/Roanoke//WJJX/101.7 Lynchburg), had just gotten back from Los Angeles, after being a contestant on Sony's nationally syndicated gameshow "Wheel of Fortune." Minor went through several auditions, was chosen to be a contestant and taped the show in LA. Well, his appearance airs nationally today and can be seen locally on WDBJ (7/CBS).
| Monday, December 4, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 100.5 Max-FM (WXMM-FM) once again teams up with the United States Marine Corps annual Toys For Tots campaign. This year, in addition to collecting toys at various drop location throughout Southside Hampton Roads and the Peninsula, Max-FM has teamed up with local musicians to "Rock for Tots." (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Monday, December 4, 2006  We've learned that "The John Tesh Show," heard mornings on Clear Channel Soft AC "107-7 Lite FM" WJCD Windsor/Norfolk, is shopping for a new affiliate in Hampton Roads. It's our "intelligent" guess that Lite FM will not return to it's Soft AC format after it's finished doing all-Christmas tunes. So what will it do?
| Monday, December 4, 2006In a four-minute piece on tonight's NBC Nightly News, investigative correspondent Lisa Myers reports on a lawsuit filed by a top-ranked Arab-American FBI agent who charges that he has been left out of the war on terror. The last time Myers had the luxury of four minutes of airtime on Nightly News— where the total news hole is roughly 23 minutes, after commercials — was in September. (read more - USA Today)
| Sunday, December 3, 2006In today's Pilot, entertainment reporter Larry Bonko says, "I’m not absolutely sure about this, but I believe WJOI-AM (1230) and WVBW-FM (92.9) were the first two stations to do wall-to-wall Christmas music this year. Joining them is WWDE-FM (101.3)..." Out of those three stations, it was probably in a matter of hours of each other on Black Friday (11/24) when they went "wall-to-wall Christmas music." It was Clear Channel Soft AC "107-7 Lite FM" WJCD Windsor being THE first in Hampton Roads, two weeks ahead of the aforementioned stations. Southside Hampton Roads and NE NC listeners have also been treated to all-Christmas tunes via East Carolina Group's Soft AC "Mix 96" WKJX/96.7 Elizabeth City since Monday, November 20. Listeners on the Peninsula also have an additional choice on AC "Xtra 99.1" WXGM Gloucester.
| Sunday, December 3, 2006Excitement was in the air at the Talbot Commons senior apartments: That nice man Joel Rubin was coming to speak. Who wouldn't be excited at that? It wasn't every day that a TV personality showed up at the Norfolk complex - and not just any personality, but one with a brain in his head, who had something to say. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Saturday, December 2, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 97-3 The Eagle (WGH-FM) Midday Personality Karen West takes the reader on an intimate journey of her sister Ginni, a vibrant young woman battling breast cancer. Ginni taught her by example how to live with a positive attitude and learn from life's experiences. Karen reveals the early life tragedy that motivated Ginni to fight to live, even though her prognosis was terminal. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Friday, December 1, 2006 It is one of Hampton Roads’ most listened to radio shows, “The Z Morning Zoo with Nick, Tricia and Shaggy”; and now, what has heretofore only been heard can be seen when “ZooTV” debuts on CH4 Hampton Roads, WSKY TV on Monday, December 4, 2006, 6pm – 10:30pm.A joint project with Z104 (WNVZ-FM, Norfolk/Virginia Beach) and WSKY TV, “ZooTV” will give listeners and viewers an insiders look into the crazy world of the Z Morning Zoo. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Friday, December 1, 2006 We hear that the Washington Redskins owner Dan Synder's Red Zebra Broadcasting as officially taken over Urban "Hot 102.1" WWHV Virginia Beach. Snyder agreed to purchase the bankrupt station from Steve Hegwood's On Top Communications at the end of July for $4.25M.One of Red Zebra's first decisions was to cut most of the staff, on and off the air. This is who we know are out so far... Jocks: Ree-Up, Nino B. Mixers/DJs: DJ Hutch, DJ Ruckus, DJ Hipp, DJ Ruckus, Joe Swinga aka "Crazy Love," DJ Sal and DJ L.E.S. Plus all part-time and intern staff have been let go. The main on-air staff is still around Tracey Steele (middays), Showtime (afternoons), Smooth (nights) and the only mixer left DJ Boz. More to come... Stay tuned.
| Friday, December 1, 2006 The national newscasts ratings for Hampton Roads in November 2006 mirrored what happened at 6 p.m. on each respective station."The World News with Charles Gibson" on WVEC (13/ABC) lead at 6:30 with a 9.19 rating, 15 share. Second was "The Nightly News with Brian Williams" on WAVY (10/NBC) with a 7.48/12 with Judge Judy on "CW27" WGNT right on William's heels -- 7.28/12. "The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric" was a distant fourth on WTKR (3), pulling a 4.04/7.
| Friday, December 1, 2006The Big Lick Report has learned from an anonymous source that Ex-Storm Team 10 weather man Jamey Singleton has continued his pursuit of weather in the online community that caused his termination. In the video of today's forecast, posted yesterday on MySpace, Jamey announces that he's been told people still want to hear the weather from him. (read more - Big Lick Report)
Bevins tops radio chart once again | Friday, December 1, 2006Who is Richmond's most popular radio personality? It's hardly a surprise - WTVR's Bill Bevins, whose morning show on Lite 98 continues to attract the most listeners overall. And what is Richmond's most popular radio sound? WKJS' urban adult contemporary format. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Thursday, November 30, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WGH-FM, 97.3 The Eagle, is proud to once again send ten very deserving local children to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for Christmas, in the twelfth edition of “Jimmy Ray & Jen’s Disney Kids.” The trip is Tuesday, December 12 through Sunday, December 17. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
Five stations launch real-time traffic video service | Thursday, November 30, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... TrafficLand, Inc., based in Fairfax, VA, announced today it is supplying real-time video content from 161 Hampton Roads, VA-area traffic cameras to the WNIS, WTAR, WPYA, WROX and WZNR radio stations’ Web sites. The five stations, broadcasting in the Hampton Roads, VA market, are owned by Sinclair Communications.TrafficLand’s real-time video Web embed service uses interactive maps to show roadways and traffic camera locations. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Thursday, November 30, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WVEC-TV13 remains the most watched station in Hampton Roads for local news, according to ratings recently completed for November 2006.“I'm proud of the efforts of our team,” said President and General Manager Nick Nicholson, WVEC-TV13. “This is a competitive news market, and we continue to improve our overall news position, by maintaining a solid lead in the 5-6:30 news block... (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Thursday, November 30, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Effective today, Jimmy Ray Dunn, morning show personality on WGH-FM, 97.3 The Eagle has signed a multi-year agreement with Max Media of Hampton Roads. Along with his on-air partner, Jennifer Lewis, “The Jimmy Ray and Jen Show” will continue to entertain the morning drive audience over the airwaves. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Thursday, November 30, 2006Removed at the request of Nielsen Media...
| Thursday, November 30, 2006Comcast cable TV subscribers in the Charlottesville region will soon be able to receive high-definition television shows, in addition to other enhancements, though subscribers will also be stuck with a rate increase on their monthly bills. “Not too far down the road, we do expect to offer high-definition services in Charlottesville,” said Lisa Altman, a Comcast Corp. spokeswoman. (read more - The Daily Progress)
| Wednesday, November 29, 2006Comcast’s takeover of Adelphia Cable is proving a boon for the local Gray Television stations as they land prime spots lower on the dial, while their fiercest competitors get the boot– or the less desirable spots Newsplex stations now hold. “It’s huge,” says Newsplex general manager Roger Burchett. “It’ll make a huge difference immediately.” (read more - The HooK)
The Hampton Roads Saga Communications cluster (WNOR/98.7, WAFX/106.9, WJOI/1230) has a rare opening -- this time for a Director of Interactive Media Sales. Click "Classified Ads" on the left navigation panel for the complete details.If your station/organization has any positions available (media oriented), get them on VARTV! You would be surprised who's reading..... (11/29/2006)
| Wednesday, November 29, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Gray Television (Gray) will change channel positions on the Comcast cable channel line-up, effective Thursday, December 28, 2006. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Wednesday, November 29, 2006A Virginia Beach mortgage broker and two company officers have sued WAVY-TV 10, some of its affiliated companies and employees, and a viewer who complained about the company for defamation.Mike and Val Robinson, chief executive officer and president, respectively, of D and D Home Loans Corp. in Virginia Beach claim the Portsmouth-based station and others defamed them and their business during an "10 On Your Side" segment that ran Feb. 3 called "Stolen House." (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Tuesday, November 28, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 100.5 Max-FM (WXMM-FM) once again teams up with the United States Marine Corps annual Toys For Tots campaign. This year, in addition to collecting toys at various drop location throughout Southside Hampton Roads and the Peninsula, Max-FM has teamed up with local musicians to “Rock for Tots”. Starting on Thursday, November 30th, local bands will “battle” each other at Mary Jayne’s Lazy Horse Bar and Grill on Cedar Road in Chesapeake. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Effective today, middayer Jason Paige resigned from Clear Channel CHR "Q94" WRVQ/94.5 Richmond, where he was heard on-air 10 a.m.-12 noon, as well as his full-time production duties for Clear Channel Richmond. Over the past 12 years, Paige's duties have included morning show producer, middays for 10+ years, chief producer, Imaging Director, Assistant Program Director (APD) for WRVQ, as well as his most recent production duties for all six stations (WRVQ/94.5, WTVR/98.1, WRXL/102.1, WBTJ/106.5, WRNL/910, WRVA/1140) in the cluster. Reach out to Jason at (804) 377-3535 or at jp@jasonpaige.com... Jon Barry has exited from Cox Radio's Soft AC "Mix 103-7" WMXB Richmond. Actually it was a week before Thanksgiving. Barry was with the station for over 16 years as the afternoon personality in the several incarnations WMXB has been through. We're told that Barry will focus on his voiceover business at JonBarry.net. Reach out to home at vo@jonbarry.net...
| Sunday, November 26, 2006 Portsmouth is about to receive a nice little boost from the CBS Television Stations Group.The group will soon combine the operations of its stations in Tampa, Fla. (WTOG), and Atlanta (WUPA) with those of WGNT in Portsmouth. Starting Jan. 1, the whole shebang will be run from the WGNT studios and offices on Spratley Street in Portsmouth with WGNT General Manager Steve Soldinger in charge. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
The website for Gray Television's WHSV (3/ABC) Harrisonburg received an extreme makeover just before Thanksgiving at WHSV.com..... (11/26/2006)
| Saturday, November 25, 2006 Which came first, the HD radio--or the HD radio programming?Perhaps a better question might be this: If a song plays and there's no radio receiver out there to hear it, does it make a sound? High-definition digital radio, which produces CD-quality sound and allows broadcasters to piggy-back a number of programs simultaneously on one signal, is traditional terrestrial radio's answer to both satellite radio and the iPod. (read more - Fredericksburg The Free Lance-Star)
Most customers will see about a 3% increase on their cable bills | Saturday, November 25, 2006 Comcast customers in the Richmond area will pay more for cable TV starting at the first of the year.Monthly rates for full standard analog service will increase 5.5 percent in the metro area, from $49.71 to $52.45, Comcast spokeswoman Lisa Altman said. That package includes local stations as well as channels such as ESPN, CNN, Nickelodeon and MTV. The company's Internet and telephone rates are not increasing. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Friday, November 24, 2006 Red Zebra Broadcasting's (originally On Top Communications) Urban "Hot 102.1" WWHV Virginia Beach original midday host is leaving the station for Sinclair Communications' start-up Rhythmic AC "Energy 106-1" WNRJ Poquoson/Hampton Roads. Burgandi was Hot 102.1's only midday personality, nearly five years. It's heavily rumored that WWHV will dump it's format next summer for Sports and will build a new station around the NFL's Washington Redskins. In recent months, longtime staffers Herkules (now at Radio One Urban WKYS/93.9 Washington), DJ E (now focusing on running nightclub "The Alley" in Newport News), and Pezo Coconuts (now with Radio One's Urban "Hot 107.9" WHTA Hampton/Atlanta GA) have all exited the station. Burgandi starts her new midday gig, Monday December 4 on Energy 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.
| Thursday, November 23, 2006One of the intriguing minidramas of radio lately has been the whereabouts of Michael Baisden, the afternoon host on WRKS (98.7 FM). Baisden has never been very elusive. He's a motivational speaker who carved out a successful career as a syndicated radio host, and his goal has never been to have a low profile. (read more - New York Daily News)
| Wednesday, November 22, 2006Drew Berry, general manager and vice president of WMAR-TV (Channel 2), will leave the station Dec. 1 to join the faculty of Hampton University in Virginia. The 50-year-old executive has been at WMAR since 1997. He was news director and station manager before assuming his current duties in 2000. (read more - The Baltimore Sun)
| Wednesday, November 22, 2006 You might want to adjust your TV set. WRLH, Richmond's Fox affiliate, is still experiencing the transmitter problems that took it off the air more than a week ago. But while working to repair the problem, the station hopes to install a low-power antenna that could broadcast the signal to some viewers. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Tuesday, November 21, 2006 When longtime listeners of WCNC-AM 1240 tuned in on Oct. 1, many were no doubt surprised not to hear Big Band music or the local live morning show that had been staples of the radio station's broadcasts for decades.Instead, listeners were treated to "Grand D, La Mas Mexicana" music, a format that encompasses the different regional traditions of Mexico, and other programming targeted at Hispanics. (read more - The Daily Advance)
Several new classified ads have been posted on VARTV the past two weeks...
If your station/organization has any positions available (media oriented), get them on VARTV! You would be surprised who's reading..... (11/21/2006)
| Tuesday, November 21, 2006Jack Alix, 64, a fixture on Washington rock radio in the 1960s known as "JA the DJ" who most recently was head of marketing and promotions for Clear Channel Communications stations in Richmond, died Nov. 15 at Johnston-Willis Hospital in Richmond. He had emphysema, diabetes and pneumonia. (read more - The Washington Post)
| Tuesday, November 21, 2006Verizon has boosted the price of its FiOS TV system by $3.04 to $42.99 for new subs, while continuing to hold to the current price of $39.95 for its current subs.Verizon spokesman Cliff Lee says that the price change, the first since the service launched in September 2005, reflects the additional value of almost 20 more channels. (read more - Broadcasting & Cable)
| Monday, November 20, 2006 After a firestorm of criticism, News. Corp. said Monday that it has canceled the O.J. Simpson book and television special ''If I Did It.'' ''I and senior management agree with the American public that this was an ill-considered project,'' said Rupert Murdoch, News Corp. chairman. (read more - The New York Times)
| Monday, November 20, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Charlottesville, VA – Gray Television’s WAHU FOX27 is announcing it will NOT air the O.J. Simpson interviews scheduled to air November 27th and 29th. An announcement concerning replacement programming will be forthcoming shortly.Gray Television, Inc. owner of Charlottesville’s WCAV CBS19, as well as it’s sister stations, WVAW ABC16 and WAHU FOX27, is a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray operates 36 television stations serving 30 markets. Each of the stations are affiliated with either CBS (17 stations), NBC (10 stations), ABC (8 stations), or Fox (1 station). For further information regarding this press release, please contact Maria Critzer at 434-220-7529.
Clear Channel Hot AC "Mix 93.1" WSVO Staunton/Harrisonburg dumped the format this morning and is now "The Valley's Holiday Music Station..." (11/20/2006)
| Monday, November 20, 2006Entercom Norfolk (Modern AC WPTE/94.9, Urban AC WVKL/95.7, AC WWDE/101.3, Rhythmic WNVZ/104.5) has acquired the services of Christopher "Chris" Click as the cluster's first Imaging Director. He had a similar position with the Clear Channel Miami (5FM, 2AM) cluster. Click starts at Entercom Monday, December 4.
| Monday, November 20, 2006The plug may not have been pulled yet on the local broadcast of a controversial interview with O.J. Simpson, who describes in a soon-to-be-released book how he would have killed his ex-wife and her friend - if he'd done it. The Washington Post reported Sunday that the LIN TV Corp., which owns WVBT-TV in Portsmouth, had ordered its Fox-affiliated station to not air the two-part, two-hour interview scheduled for Nov. 27 and 29 on the Fox network. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Sunday, November 19, 2006Over at CHR "Q94" WRVQ/94.5, APD (Assistant Program Director) and midday host JR (Jonathan Reed) is out, heading for warmer weather at CC sister CHR "97-9 KISS FM" WFKS Neptune Beach/Jacksonville as the afternoon jock and the station's APD. Back at Q94, middayer Jason Paige gets longer hours. The shift was split between Paige and JR. JR starts at Kiss on Monday, November 27... The original PD (Program Director) for Urban "106-5 The Beat" WBTJ, Déjà Vu, returns to the market this Monday... via voicetracking from The Big Apple. Déjà Vu currently holds down the midday slot at CC Urban "Power 105.1" WWPR New York NY. She replaces Mahogany Brown in the same time period...
| Sunday, November 19, 2006 Several TV stations affiliated with the Fox network – including the one in Norfolk – have been ordered not to broadcast a controversial interview with O.J. Simpson, whose new book describes how he would have killed his ex-wife and her friend, if he’d done it. The two-part, two-hour TV interview is scheduled to be aired on the Fox network Nov. 27 and 29 and was conducted by publisher Judith Regan. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Saturday, November 18, 2006Jamey Singleton is still coming to terms with the damage to his reputation and how he lost his job at WSLS after all that's happened to him in the last year. Singleton invited us to his home the day after Channel 10 terminated him. He agreed to talk about his drug addiction and the My Space picture that cost him his job. (read more including video - WDBJ.com)
Clear Channel Soft AC "Sunny FM" WSNV/93.1 Salem/Roanoke, WSNZ/102.7 Appomattox/Lynchburg went all-holiday today. Their Internet stream stays with the Soft AC format..... (11/17/2006)
| Friday, November 17, 2006Keith Bennett has exited Clear Channel Norfolk as General Market Voice and Traffic Reporter for the cluster to start his own radio affiliate relations business called "Surf Dog Media." Surf Dog already has its first client, a new prep service called "Preppermint" which enables "customers to put one of their news items on a station website with a click." Besides CC Norfolk, Bennett was with Standard News Radio Network, Metro Network Norfolk, WNOR, WKOC, and WLRT radio stations and Radio Profits in Newport News. Hit up Surf Dog at 757-321-1748.
| Friday, November 17, 20063 Daughters Media Inc. of Forest has bought WGMN-AM 1240, ESPN Radio's Roanoke affiliate. The company has bought WGMN and five other stations from Clear Channel Communications for $2.6 million, said 3 Daughters Media chief executive officer Gary Burns. (read more - The Roanoke Times)
| Friday, November 17, 2006Two area media outlets will get new leaders in the weeks ahead as Warren Fiihr takes over as general manager and vice president of WSLS (Channel 10) on Nov. 27 and James Baum joins Blue Ridge Public Television as its president and chief executive officer starting Jan. 8. Fiihr, who is returning to WSLS, has been general sales manager of WKRG-TV, Media General's CBS affiliate in Mobile, Ala., since May 2003... (read more - The Roanoke Times)
| Friday, November 17, 2006A heroin addiction, a federal drug case and a frenzy of negative publicity were not enough to pull popular WSLS (Channel 10) meteorologist Jamey Singleton from the air. Factor in a mean MySpace prank, though, and the forecast got much gloomier. (read more - The Roanoke Times)
| Thursday, November 16, 2006 Media General Broadcast Group's "NewsChannel 10" WSLS (NBC) Roanoke has terminated meteorologist Jamey Singleton effective immediately. WSLS did make an announcement on-air during its evening newscasts. A comment on the station's website stated "(t)he decision to terminate Jamey was made after he violated the morals clause of his contract, which stipulates that contracted employees not become involved in any situation that can be found to be offensive or out of line with community standards. The most recent incident involved an inappropriate photograph (Editor's note: nude) made public by way of e-mail." The statement went on to say, "... WSLS has been very supportive of Jamey during past tribulations, including admitted heroin use, but we cannot continue to tolerate problematic behavior." The station fired meteorologist Marc Lamarre earlier this year after his near-fatal heroin overdose in February.
| Thursday, November 16, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Tonight NBC12's (WWBT/Richmond) 4, 6 and 11pm anchor Gene Cox will be inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle for The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter. The Silver Circle recognizes television professionals who have devoted a quarter century to broadcasting and have made significant contributions to the industry. This special Emmy Award is awarded to only a select few in our industry.  Past honorees include Bob Schieffer, Ted Koppel, Judy Woodruff and Nancy Dickerson. Gene will receive the award at a ceremony tonight at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington D.C. The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is a nonprofit, professional organization serving the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. television community.Gene Cox joined NBC12 in 1978.
| Thursday, November 16, 2006 As part of its just announced sale, Clear Channel Communications says it will sell 448 of its 1,150 radio stations, in 90 markets over market #100. The company is also selling its entire 42-station TV group, operating in 24 markets. Locally, the Charlottesville and Salisbury radio clusters will have the "For Sale" sign hung outside. More to come...
| Thursday, November 16, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Radio personality Showtime, Mr. Talk of the Town, is ready to show and prove as he brings Tha Trap to (Red Zebra Broadcasting) WWHV/HOT 102.1 FM every Monday-Friday 7 p.m.-12 mid. Showtime is being promoted from a part time position at the station and takes over after Pezo Coconuts departure to (Radio One) Hot 107.9 in Atlanta. "I feel confident Show can bring listeners the edginess of the streets and keep it fun for crossover listeners," comments Pezo. Showtime has been a jock at Hot since 2002 and has been patiently waiting for this opportunity. Tha Trap is a way for me to connect with the community and have an impact on today's youth. I want to reach out to the people and let them know that I'm just like them. I come from the same circumstances they came from and I was able to do something positive with my life. There is something in Tha Trap for everyone, says Showtime. Tha Trap blazes the airwaves nightly and features the 7 o clock Trap Mix with DJ Hipp and the 9 o' clock Blast with DJ Sal. Other features include Face Off, Make Me Wanna Holla and Radio Apollo. Showtime can be contacted at showtime757@tmail.com.
| Thursday, November 16, 2006 From Reuters... Clear Channel Communications, Inc. said on Thursday that it agreed to sell itself for $37.60 per share, or nearly $19 billion, to Thomas H. Lee Partners L.P. and Bain Capital Partners LLC. The deal is worth $26.7 billion including $8 billion in debt, the company said.The nation’s largest network of radio stations, Clear Channel Communications, agreed Thursday morning to be bought for $18.7 billion, in a deal that may test private equity’s seemingly insatiable appetite for media properties. A consortium that includes Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital won the bidding with a $37.60-a-share offer, beating out a rival consortium of Providence Equity Partners, the Blackstone Group and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company. (read more - The New York Times)
HD feeds of WAVY and WVBT thisclose to being added? | Wednesday, November 15, 2006Cox Communications is increasing the monthly price for Internet access by $2 and the price for cable television by $2.65 in January. In addition, the company will drop the cost of its high-definition/digital video recorder box from $9.95 a month to $5.50 - the same price as a regular cable box. This means HDTV owners will get programming from Cox at no extra charge. (read more - Daily Press)
Richmond to get Telemundo TV affiliate | Wednesday, November 15, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... ZGS Communications announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire six low-power television stations which will extend and enhance its already significant television operations. Five of the new stations are located in Florida, including WDYB-LP channel 53, WMVJ-LP channel 29, WPXG-LP channel 31, all Class A stations serving the Orlando market, as well as WWWF-LP channel 47 in Tallahassee and a construction permit for W22DB channel 22 in Gainesville. ZGS will also acquire WKYV-LP channel 45 in Richmond, Virginia. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
At 12 noon, Clear Channel Hot AC "Mix 107.5" WCJZ flipped to "Charlottesville's Holiday Music Station..." (11/15/2006)
| Wednesday, November 15, 2006 Veteran Richmond broadcaster Jack Alix, 64, (DC: 60's-70's - WEAM, WPGC, WEEL, WINX, WXTR, etc; Richmond 70's-present - WLEE, WRVQ, WMXB, WBBT, WXGI, Clear Channel sales, etc.) passed away this morning. He was in ICU for the past five weeks with pneumonia. Alix was best known for his 70's syndicated radio show "Rock 'n Roll Roots," at one time heard on 143 stations around the country. Alix recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Richmond Association of Broadcasters this past spring. For more about Alix's background, especially his early years in broadcasting, please visit Jack Alix's page on AMandFMMorningside.com website. More details to come...
| Wednesday, November 15, 2006Entercom Rhythmic "Z104" WNVZ/104.5 Norfolk Music Director and "Z Morning Zoo" co-host Shaggy just got upped for three more years at the station.
| Tuesday, November 14, 2006According to Chief Meteorologist Mike Harvey on New York Times' "Your NewsChannel 3" WTKR (CBS) Norfolk, the VARTV world headquarters are located in "Virginia Bitch." He made the innocent slip intro-ing the 5:30 p.m. newscast tonight. Harvey quickly corrected himself with a chuckle. When he threw it back to the anchors, Barbara Ciara and Kurt Williams both had serious faces on; not acknowledging the slip-up.
Regional sports net, MASN, to be added April 2007 | Tuesday, November 14, 2006 Cox Communications Inc. plans to raise the monthly cost of its most-popular cable television package by 6 percent next year - the steepest increase in four years.The price of the "standard" cable package, which includes 69 channels with the combined "limited" and "expanded" tiers of service, will climb to $46 a month from $43.35 starting Jan. 1. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Monday, November 13, 2006Clear Channel Richmond recently launched their HD radio (HD2) subchannels over the air. Now they're available online at each station's respective website:
| Sunday, November 12, 2006Antoinette Essa, co-anchor of WWBT's "12 News at Noon," is leaving the television station. Her last day will be Dec. 1. Essa, who also serves as the station's "Twelve About Town" reporter, said she is leaving Richmond to be closer to family. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Sunday, November 12, 2006I got a good laugh this morning after reading the end of The Virginian-Pilot entertainment reporter Larry Bonko's column. Just over a week ago, Bonko was comparing the three local morning newscasts in Hampton Roads in "Wake Up and Smell The News." When commenting on "The Anchors" section of his piece, Bonko notes that LIN TV WAVY (10/NBC) Portsmouth/Norfolk anchor Kerry Furey "... badly needs a new 'do," referring to her very short hair. In today's paper, Bonko publishes Furey's e-mail response, telling him why it's short and ends her comments with "... and despite your opinion, I get many compliments." Well, Furey could shave her head and still get compliments. But Bonko did get me thinking. What if Furey's hair was, maybe, past shoulder length, styled to the right, flared... ah, never mind... none of this has any effect on one's ability to anchor newscasts.
| Saturday, November 11, 2006Following a small fire at our Carter's Mountain transmitter site on Thursday evening, ABC16's analog signal has been off the air. As a result, we have turned on our digital transmitter broadcasting on Channel 16. (read more - Charlottesvillenewsplex.tv)
| Thursday, November 9, 2006Not long ago, Brian Strobel and Jessica Cash were morning-drive country radio rivals. On Monday morning, they'll become partners on WFLS. Cash, who spent over seven years doing mornings for Washington-area country radio station WMZQ ending in July 2002, teams up with Strobel, a morning fixture at WFLS in Fredericksburg for almost three decades. (read more - Fredericksburg The Free Lance-Star)
| Wednesday, November 8, 2006Three weeks ago, Mac Watson, the gleefully annoyed afternoon talk-show host on WRVA 1140-AM, was riffing on phone messages from angry listeners. They didn’t like his on-air tirade against a woman protesting President Bush during his visit to town. (read more - Style Weekly)
| Wednesday, November 8, 2006As with the political races in Virginia, the news coverage of those races was also close, but the highest percentage of Hampton Roads viewers were tuning in to Belo's WVEC (13/ABC) Hampton/Norfolk for their elections news coverage. The early morning ratings still went to LIN TV's WAVY (10/NBC) Portsmouth/Norfolk -- 5-7A, WAVY - 6.54 (rating)/19.5 (share) vs. WVEC - 5.42/15.5. Channel 13 lead the noon newscasts, sliding by WTKR (3/CBS) Norfolk and more than doubling WAVY's numbers. The 5-6:30 news block was much more competitive, with WAVY coming very close during the 5:30 show but WVEC again won every half hour. WTKR was fourth behind programming on "CW27" WGNT Portsmouth/Norfolk. The national news at 6:30 was very tight. WVEC took the first quarter hour with "ABC News with Charles Gibson" but WAVY won the second half with "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams." WVEC squeaked by WAVY during the 6:30 half hour by just 0.03 of a ratings point -- 7.59 vs. 7.56, both had a 12 share. But ALL the shows at 6:30 were beaten by Judge Judy on WGNT -- 7.75/13. In primetime, ABC had a head start on the other networks, starting their national coverage at 9:30 instead of 10 p.m. on NBC and CBS. It paid off in Hampton Roads, WVEC almost doubled WAVY's viewership and almost tripled WTKR's numbers. Local coverage on LIN TV's "FOX43" WVBT Virginia Beach did well, placing third during the 10 o'clock hour. The national coverage ratings carried into the late night local newscasts where it was WVEC (8.41/14), WAVY (7.88/14) and then WTKR (3.31/6).
| Tuesday, November 7, 2006Former MD/Midday host Brion O'Brion with Entercom Urban AC "95-7 R&B" WVKL Norfolk has landed on his feet, as he accepts overnights at Clear Channel CHR "Channel 96-3" KZCH Derby/Wichita KS.
| Tuesday, November 7, 2006I mentioned last week that I didn’t believe that there are any local radio stations broadcasting online. I asked anyone in the "know" to let me know if that had changed. I received an e-mail from Steve Knupp with the Clear Channel network. (read more - The Daily News Record)
| Tuesday, November 7, 2006Davis Media's Triple A "92.3 The Tide" WTYD Deltaville/Williamsburg has been promoted Amy Miller to Program Director effective immediately. She previously served as the station's Music Director. In a prepared statement, Davis Media Owner/President Tom Davis said, "As many of you know, we have enjoyed exceptional growth in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Chesapeake market since going on the air in Williamsburg last year. What you may not know is that an enormous part of that success is due to the exceptional job done by Amy Miller, The Tide's Music Director."
| Tuesday, November 7, 2006It's a jolting rumor: Longtime Tampa Bay area station WTOG-Ch. 44 will soon transfer most of its operations to a sister station in Norfolk, Va., exporting most of the 38-year-old outlet's jobs and ending its status as a major local institution. (read more - St Petersburg Times)
| Monday, November 6, 2006PD, as in Production Director. Teri-Michelle has taken over as Production Director for Sinclair Communications Adult Hits "93-7 BOB FM" WPYA, Alternative "96X" WROX/96.1, and Rhythmic AC "Energy 106-1" WNRJ. Teri-Michelle has been with Sinclair for over 10 years and was previously heard on sister stations WNIS and WTAR and handled many behind the scenes tasks for the entire group. Before that, she hosted Reggae Rave on Sinclair's now defunct format, The Coast.
"Big Country 105.3" WBNN Dillwyn/Charlottesville is now streaming their audio all over the Internet at BigCountry1053.com..... (11/6/2006)
| Monday, November 6, 2006New York Times' "Your NewsChannel 3" WTKR (CBS) Norfolk adds Vanessa Murdock to it's Triple Doppler weather team. She'll be seen doing the weekend evening and late night weathercasts for the station, replacing exited Kelli Durand. Murdock jumps a ton of TV markets, hailing from Gray Television's "ABC16" WVAW-LP Charlottesville. This past summer, Murdock was voted second most Favorite Weathercaster by readers of Charlottesville's The Daily Progress.
Condolences to the family and friends of Radio RF/Broadcast Engineer David Armstrong who passed away last Saturday evening at the transmitter site for Clear Channel KTRH/740 Houston TX. Armstrong worked for stations in the Roanoke, Charlottesville and Richmond areas in recent years. He is survived by his wife Barbara Armstrong. Services will be in Houston some time this week. Condolences to the family and friends of the President and owner of WLQM-FM/AM Franklin Pete Clark who passed away Saturday after battling complications from diabetes. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Sunday, November 5, 2006Howard University's Urban AC WHUR/96.3 Washington will launch its HD2 channel on Thursday, November 16 according to Radio World. General Manager Jim Watkins told the magazine that students from the Howard University School of Communications will be involved with new channel, called “The World.” The subchannel will also be streamed on the Internet. The station has been giving away Boston Acoustic Recepter HD radios to pre-promote the launch.
| Saturday, November 4, 2006 The Virginia Lottery is conducting a talent search for hosts of its televised drawing shows. Requirements include the ability to perform on live TV, punctuality and dependability, living within a 30-mile radius of Richmond and the ability to work from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m., from 10 to 11:15 p.m. and weekends. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Saturday, November 4, 2006 WRVA-Radio (1140 AM) cut three people from its news staff this week: Craig Butterworth, longtime news anchor and reporter; Paul Richards, afternoon traffic anchor; and Tom Callan, news anchor and reporter. Callan has already lined up a new job. "I am fortunate. I was just hired by KSL Radio to do what I love to do - to cover news vigorously," said Callan... (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)
| Friday, November 3, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 97-3 The Eagle (WGH-FM) heads to Nashville, Tennessee for “Country Music’s Biggest Night – The 40th Annual CMA Awards” on Monday, November 6, 2006. Mark McKay, afternoon host on 97-3 The Eagle, will broadcast live from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tennessee throughout the weekend and concluding on Monday afternoon. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
Starts with Adelphia's high-speed Internet service | Friday, November 3, 2006The transition from Adelphia Communications to Comcast Corp. is under way following Comcast’s acquisition of part of the beleaguered cable television and high-speed Internet service provider earlier this year. A Comcast representative declined to specify how long the transition will take or whether rates will change. (read more - Charlottesville's The Daily Progress)
| Friday, November 3, 2006The FCC has granted Mel Wheeler's WVBE/610 Roanoke a power increase to 10kW during the day and 2.5 kW at night. The station is currently doing 5kW day and 1kW at night. WVBE, for now, simulcasts with Urban AC "Vibe 100" WVBE-FM/100.1 Roanoke.
| Friday, November 3, 2006Clear Channel cost cutting and consolidation hit its Richmond and Hampton Roads clusters earlier this week. At its Norfolk cluster (WCDG/92.1, WOWI/102.9, WKUS/105.3, WJCD/107.7), Jerry Carter the host of the Quiet Storm on Urban AC "105-3 KISS FM" was let go. He's been replaced by nationally syndicated Quiet Storm host Keil Lamont. Big Dose is now the only LIVE personality on the air during the entire weekday schedule at the highly-rated station.EJ Greg, heard weeknights from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Urban "103Jamz," is out. The up and coming "Ottomation" is now heard from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the week. Also out, is Copy Writer/Public Affairs radio host and veteran radio announcer/journalist Cheryl Wilkerson, one person in promotions, and "Gabe the Engineer." At "NewsRadio 1140" WRVA Richmond, Craig Butterworth, Tom Callan and Rick Genova (from Traffic) were let go. Inside info says that a couple of positions in news and traffic reporting were merged. There were rumors that the entire news staff of WRVA was fired. Far from the truth, were told.
| Friday, November 3, 2006NEWS. Weather. Traffic. WTKR, WAVY and WVEC, the local network affiliates, serve them up weekday mornings to go with their viewers' coffee. Those early-morning newscasts are all about striking that perfect balance between doing hard news (violence in Iraq, sanctions against North Korea) and providing some levity before people grab their car keys. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot) Which morning broadcast news show (in Hampton Roads) do you watch? (VOTE)
| Thursday, November 2, 2006"Crash" permanently slides into afternoons from nights on Alternative "102-1 The X" WRXL Richmond. Titus is heard nights from 7-10... Classic Country "104.9 The Bull" WZBL Roanoke is now streaming their audio LIVE on the Internet at 1049thebull.com...
| Thursday, November 2, 2006Clear Channel Soft AC "107-7, Lite FM" WJCD Windsor/Norfolk has dumped its format and gone all-holiday music. We believe they are the first to do so in Virginia and NE North Carolina.
| Thursday, November 2, 2006The Richmond Times-Dispatch is negotiating with its employees’ union after firing two prominent editors and unveiling a plan to restructure its newsroom staff. The newspaper dismissed John Dillon and Howard Owen, both deputy managing editors, Oct. 24. Two days later, Executive Editor Glenn Proctor announced a proposed newsroom reorganization... (read more - Style Weekly)
U.S. Congresswoman Thelma Drake visits Entercom Modern AC "94.9 The Point" WPTE Virginia Beach. (read more - VARTV Press Room)
Landmark Communications' The Virginian-Pilot newspaper has redone their website at pilotonline.com..... (11/2/2006)
| Wednesday, November 1, 2006If you feel cheated because you missed out on the TV broadcast of the Indianapolis Colts' scintillating come-from-behind-victory over the Denver Broncos, join the club. Instead of watching Peyton Manning channel the spirit of Johnny Unitas late Sunday afternoon in the Mile High City, Hampton Roads viewers who were tuned to CBS witnessed Ben Roethlisberger reach new lows as his struggling Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the dismal Oakland Raiders. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)
| Wednesday, November 1, 2006Hampton Radio II's WLRT/1490 Hampton has dumped the Classic Country format for Talk. The line-up so far for weekdays, effective today:
10 a.m. - noon -- LAURA INGRAHAM Noon -- PAUL HARVEY 3-6 p.m. -- JERRY DOYLE 6 p.m. -- BENNY PARSONS-ELI GOLD-PIT REPORTERS 9 p.m. - midnight -- RUSTY HUMPHRIES 1-4 a.m. -- ALAN COLMES
| Wednesday, November 1, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Long time DC radio vet Jessica Cash is joining Fredericksburg Country powerhouse WFLS as morning co-host.“WFLS represents everything I love about being in radio,” Cash said. “I’m excited to be back in the Country format, and I admire the way this station embraces its listeners. I can’t wait to be a part of that.” (read more - VARTV Press Room)
| Wednesday, November 1, 2006Clear Channel Communications Richmond flipped the switch officially on four new HD-2 channels Halloween. Formats had been tested on WRXL HD-2 the previous week. Here are the formats:
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