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VARTV News Archives - May & June 2008
» If you have any news, updates, additions or corrections... e-mail them to editor@VARTV.com.


The Spot Factory

:// (Former WAVY/WVBT GM Ed) Munson to head KPHO
LIN TV veteran Ed Munson named GM of Meredith’s CBS Phoenix affiliate

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LIN TV veteran Edward L. Munson is the new general manager of Meredith Broadcasting Group CBS affiliate KPHO Phoenix. (read more - Broadcasting & Cable)

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:// Cox, eyeing FiOS, to test wideband in N. Virginia
Operator looks to DOCSIS 3.0 to deliver 150 Mbps downloads down the road

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Cox CommunicationsCox Communications’ Northern Virginia division announced it will test DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems -- which the MSO said could eventually deliver as much as 150-megabit-per-second downloads -- as Verizon brings FiOS Internet 50-Mbps service into the market. (read more - Multichannel News)

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:// WTKR GM names News Director
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Today (6/26), WTKR General Manager, Jeff Hoffman announced the next News Director to lead Newschannel 3. (read more - WTKR)

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:// Blacklocke steps up to the plate
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NewsBlues is saying that Tina Luque-Blacklocke, News Director at Raycom Media "News 10" WIS (NBC) Columbia SC, resigned yesterday to fill the ND slot at Local TV's "NewsChannel 3" WTKR (CBS) Norfolk. If so, Blacklocke replaces Shane Moreland who was fired one week ago Thursday.

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:// Local (Richmond) CBS affiliate WTVR to be sold
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The Richmond television-station dominoes are falling into place.

If the deal is approved by the Federal Communications Commission, WTVR will be sold to Sinclair Broadcasting Group of Hunt Valley, Md. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)

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:// WTVR-HD2 goes Smooth AC
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Clear Channel's WTVR-HD2/98.1-2 Richmond has dropped The JAZZ Club in favor of Broadcast Architecture's Smooth Jazz Network, considered a Smooth AC format. The new on-air lineup looks like this:
Weekdays:
Ramsey Lewis - mornings
Miranda Wilson - middays
Dave Koz - afternoons
Maria Lopez - nights
Billy Raven - overnights
Weekends:
Brian Culbertson - mornings
Kenny G - middays
Norman Brown - afternoons
Paul Hardcastle - nights
Billy Raven - overnights
The changes are effective immediately.

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:// Radio host misses Warren court date
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A former local (Warren/Front Royal) radio talk show host (WZRV/95.3) continued his trend of not showing up for court dates by failing to appear Tuesday in Warren County General District Court. (read more - The Northern Virginia Daily)

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:// LIN TV reaches retrans agreement with Comcast
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A couple of weeks ago, LIN TV and Comcast announced a retransmission agreement of LIN TV's broadcast television stations' analog and digital signals. The agreement covers stations owned and/or operated by LIN TV in 15 markets served by Comcast.

LIN TV, which owns WAVY (10/NBC) Portsmouth and WVBT (43/FOX) Virginia Beach, has a handful of subs with Comcast in Mathews and Northumberland Counties.

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:// CBS6 to go to Sinclair, FOX35 gets dumped to Carma
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Sinclair Broadcast GroupFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) announced today that it has agreed to buy the assets of WTVR-TV (CBS 6) in the Richmond-Petersburg, Virginia market from Raycom Media, Inc. for $85.0 million and simultaneously sell the license assets of WRLH-TV (FOX 35) to Carma Broadcasting, LLC (a Sinclair shell company). (read more - Sinclair Broadcast Group)

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:// Fourth newsroom employee leaves WTKR Channel 3
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David Craft, the assignment manager at WTKR News Channel 3, left the television station Monday, general manager Jeff Hoffman said. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)

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:// The Christmas that you missed
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97-3 The EagleFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 97.3 the Eagle (WGH-FM) has teamed up with Alion Science and Technology, USO of Hampton Roads and Ocean Breeze Waterpark to present The Christmas that You Missed Wednesday, June 25, 2008.

The event is for military families who were separated at the Holidays due to deployment. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Poquoson residents to see more choice, competition as City Council awards cable franchise to Verizon
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Verizon FiOSPoquoson residents are a major step closer to having an innovative, reliable and competitive alternative for their cable television services, thanks to a unanimous vote by the City Council Monday evening (June 23) authorizing Verizon to offer its fiber-optic-powered FiOS TV. (read more - Verizon)

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:// Les Smith left 3, "not fired"
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Anchor/reporter Les Smith has quit Local TV's "NewsChannel 3" WTKR (CBS) Norfolk. His bio and pic have disappeared from the station's website and did not anchor this evening.

Smith joined WTKR just eight weeks ago, co-anchoring the 5:30 p.m. newscast with Domonique Benn.

Smith left LIN TV's WAVY (10/NBC) Portsmouth/Norfolk in April 2007 after being with "Wavy" for over 22 years. He sat out a one-year non-compete before appearing on WTKR in late April of this year.

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:// The tough customer - Ten percent solution? Digi-signals stoke fears of imperfect pictures
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"Television," says Bob Jenkins, Chief Engineer at Channel 29, the NBC affiliate here in town, "is imperfect."

He wasn't talking about the artistic content of shows, but about the quality of signals used to deliver those shows into our homes. (read more - The HooK)

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:// Two WTKR managers depart amid lagging news ratings
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The news director and assistant news director at WTKR NewsChannel 3 are “no longer employed at WTKR effective immediately,” the station’s general manager said Thursday in a staff memo. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)

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More house cleaning at Local TV's "NewsChannel 3" WTKR (CBS) Norfolk. News Director Shane Moreland and the station's assistant ND, Melissa Klinzing, were both canned today. Stay tuned... (6/19/2008)

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:// Verizon to boost FiOS Internet speeds
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Verizon Communications Inc. is set to offer faster speeds for FiOS Internet customers in response to the growing popularity of bandwidth-heavy activities such as video downloading and photo-sharing, according to a draft of an announcement due on Wednesday. (read more - Reuters)

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:// 99.3 The Vibe – The Morning Vibe Blazes into Fredericksburg
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99.3 The VibeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 99.3 The Vibe announces the hiring of ‘The Entertainer John Blaze’ as host of “The Morning Vibe,” debuting the week of June 16th.

John Blaze, a radio vet, most recently from WCKX (Power) 107.5 in Columbus, OH, from the highly rated Blaze & City Night Show. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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Former Director of National Sales for Clear Channel Richmond and Norfolk, Bill Davis, has joined Beasley Broadcast Group as National Sales Manager for its five radio stations cluster in Las Vegas NV... (6/16/2008)

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:// 100.5 Max-FM is Rockin* the World
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100.5 MAX-FMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... KUWAIT * Brian Farley, a Virginia Beach based soldier in the United States Navy serving in Kuwait, gets a taste of home every day by listening to 100.5 Max-FM via internet stream. Recently, Farley submitted a play list to MAXFM.FM... (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Broadcasters, vendors file for FM HD power hikes
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Eighteen commercial and non-commercial radio broadcasters and major broadcast equipment makers filed with the FCC last Tuesday in support of a proposed power increase (MM Docket 99-325) for FM HD signals. The broadcasters included Clear Channel, CBS Radio, Emmis, Entercom, Greater Media and Cox Radio. (read more - RBR.com)

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:// Radio host is again a no-show in court; lawyer brings note
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A former Front Royal radio talk show (WZRV/95.3) host failed to show up for sentencing on an embezzlement charge in Frederick County Circuit Court for a third time on Friday, with his attorney instead giving the judge and prosecutor a doctor's note. (read more - The Northern Virginia Daily)

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:// Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum to unveil plans for George Aubrey and Marg Crump Terrace
Construction to Be Completed in September 2008

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Country Music Hall of FameFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Made possible through private philanthropy, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will break ground this month for the construction of a new 2,657-square-foot walled garden terrace at Fourth Avenue South and Demonbreun. Construction is expected to be complete in September 2008. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// DJ has no reservations about sharing his story with others
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Dion Chavis, a local (Hampton Roads) radio personality who goes by the name Showtime, did not have what you would call “a warm and fuzzy relationship” with his father. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)

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NBC News "Meet The Press" moderator Tim Russett has died. He was 58... More at MSNBC.com... (6/13/2008)

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:// Rally for the troops
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88.1 The Love StationAmerican Family RadioFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... American Family Radio, Logos Bible Software and Hosanna Victory Church are proud to announce an upcoming rally to show our military men and women our support. The “Support Our Troops Rally” will be held on Friday, June 20th at 7 PM at Hosanna Victory Church of Richmond, 7903 Midlothian Turnpike. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// National morning show Rick and Bubba coming to Virginia!
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93.1 The WolfFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Nationally-syndicated morning Show Rick and Bubba, who can be heard weekday mornings on 93.1FM The Wolf in Richmond from 6am-10am, are coming to Chester, VA on Thursday, June 19 as part of their National Promotional tour for their new book, “Rick and Bubba for President-The 2 Sexiest Fat Men Alive Take on Washington.” (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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Sinclair Communications' Alternative "96X" WROX/96.1 Exmore/Norfolk recently upped Tamo Sein to Music Director. She previously assisted PD Jay Michaels... (6/12/2008)

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:// Mike Stevens leaving WDBJ
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Mike Stevens
Mike Stevens is leaving his job as sports director for WDBJ-TV (Channel 7) to become the director of communications for the city of Salem, according to a news release from the city.

Stevens confirmed his job change in an interview with The Roanoke Times a few minutes ago. (read more - The Roanoke Times)

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:// Virginia indie WDRL is back on the block
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The previously announced $6 million sale of MNE Broadcasting's WDRL Roanoke-Lynchburg to Liberty University has fallen through, and the station is up for sale again. (read more - TVNEWSDAY)

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Clear Channel Norfolk re-dos their websites for Urban "103JAMZ" WOWI/102.9, Classic Hits "Cool 92.1" WCDG, "Smooth Jazz 107.7" WJCD and Urban AC "105-3 KISS FM" WKUS... (6/10/2008)

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:// Studio Center names Julie Rosmer General Sales Manager
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Studio CenterFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Studio Center Total Production announces the hiring of Julie Rosmer as General Sales Manager. She will be overseeing all aspects of new business development for the company’s multiple audio and video services. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// What's going on at "FOX43" WVBT?
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Recently the LIN TV outlet has been doing their 10 p.m. newscasts from sister station WAVY (10/NBC) Portsmouth. FOX43's "Sports Wrap," which airs nightly at 10:50, is being shot using Chroma key; where an anchor stands/sits in front of a green screen with superimposed graphics overlayed onto it.

Yesterday, "trouble" hit the two stations when "WAVY News 10 Today at 6" aired 12 minutes of commercials from 6:42-6:55 a.m. All that was stated on air was they were having technical issues and apologized.

At night, during WVBT's 10 p.m. newscast, the station ran 24 minutes of commercials from 10:06-10:30. Co-anchor Nicole Livas came back on long enough to say that there were major issues that prevented them from being able to bring them a newscast and they re-ran the 6 p.m. news of WAVY.

The wall-to-wall commericals on WVBT from 10:15 to 10:30 was the second most watched programming that quarter hour just behind "CSI: Miami" on WTKR (3/CBS). Go figure...

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:// Race between WAVY, WVEC newscasts heats up
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WAVY and WVEC may each have something to crow about in the latest Nielsen ratings, but the competition between the local television stations is fiercer than ever. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)

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:// LIN TV and DirecTV announce retrans agreement for HD signals
WAVY-DT and WVBT-DT included

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LIN TV Corp, a local television and digital media company, and DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading satellite television service provider, today announced they have entered into an agreement for the retransmission of LIN TV’s broadcast stations in both analog and high-definition. (read more - LIN Television)

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:// 100.5 Max-FM rocks Hampton Roads with an innovative programming concept
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100.5 MAX-FMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 100.5 Max-FM (WXMM-FM) is the first radio station in the world to actually allow listeners total control to program the music. This new and innovative concept will allow each listener to select from thousands of “rock titles”, and program the music on 100.5 Max-FM. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Verizon Wireless to acquire Alltel, become largest carrier in U.S.
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Alltel, VerizonWireless carriers Verizon Wireless and Alltel reached a merger agreement under which Verizon will buy Alltel for $5.9 billion and assume the rural carrier’s $22.2 billion debt. (read more - TWICE)

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:// The best TV gets even better - Verizon FiOS TV adds new channels
More than 60 new channels - including at least 25 in HD - to be added this summer

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Verizon FiOSVerizon FiOS TV customers will get even more great programming this summer as Verizon adds more than 60 new channels to the lineup, including high-definition (HD), sports and multicultural content. Verizon plans to expand its lineup to offer by the end of the year up to 150 HD channels... (read more - Verizon FiOS)

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:// Ramsey moves from Gray Television's WHSV to Gray's Charlottesville station group
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Bob Prather, president and COO of Gray Television, today announced that Brad Ramsey has been named vice president and general manager of Gray’s Charlottesville station group, including WCAV CBS19, WVAW ABC16, and WAHU FOX27. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Red Zebra Broadcasting expands in Washington DC
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Red Zebra BroadcastingFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... SILVER SPRING, MD – Red Zebra Broadcasting today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire WTEM (Sportstalk 980), WTNT (570-AM) and WWRC (1260-AM) from Clear Channel Communications, creating an exciting new combination of local and national talk radio programming. (read more - Red Zebra Broadcasting)

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:// Charlottesville Newsplex's Burchett to Dothan
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Bob Prather, president and COO of Gray Television, today announced that Roger Burchett has been named vice president and general manager of WTVYTV, the CBS affiliate in Dothan, Alabama. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Engadget.com: FiOS TV to add 27 new HD channels in July
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Although rumors from well respected forum posters give us a good reason to get excited, there's nothing quite like getting confirmation from the source. The linked PDF is the FiOS lineup that will be effective next month in Portland and includes 27 new HD channels not currently available to FiOS customers. (continue reading - Engadget.com)

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:// Wendy Williams coming to 99-5 Jamz
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99-5 JAMZFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... First Media Urban WYTT-FM 99-5 Jamz, Emporia VA is please to announce that syndicated radio host Wendy Williams is coming to nights starting Monday, June 9th at 6 p.m.

CJ Riddick Program Director says, “The staff and myself is very excited with Wendy coming to the station. Her unique style of radio and controversy will bring something different to the area.”

In addition to Wendy, the station will be adding syndicated Baka Boyz Hip-Hop master mix show starting Friday night June 13th at 10 p.m. The new 99-5 Jamz weekday schedule:
6-10am -- Big Boy's Neighborhood
10am-2pm -- CJ in the midday
2-6pm -- The Afternoon train ride with D-Train
6-10pm -- The Wendy Williams Experience
10pm-2am -- Lover's Only Slow Jams (except Fridays)

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:// Jim Webb to appear on Public Radio program
State Senator to guest on June 7th edition of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!

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WHRVFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Norfolk: Senator Jim Webb will be the special guest on Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, the NPR news quiz that airs every Saturday on WHRV 89.5FM at 11:00 a.m. (read more - VARTV Press Room)


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:// CW27 welcomes new Interactive Media Manager
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Rachel Galloway
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... CW 27, WGNT-TV is pleased to announce the arrival of Rachel Galloway, the station’s new interactive media manager. Rachel joins CW 27 from Norfolk, Virginia where she was an Internet Content Producer at WVEC.com. (read more - VARTV Press Room)


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:// 8th Annual K95 Pontiac GMC CountryFest
“K95 and Pontiac GMC Present Sugarland and Dierks Bentley”

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K95FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Sugarland and Dierks Bentley headlined the 8th Annual K95 Pontiac GMC Countryfest at the Richmond International Raceway Complex. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Max Media's ESPN Radio 1310 (WGH-AM) celebrates 16 years of all-Sports
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ESPN Radio 1310FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Friday, May 30, mark(ed) the 16h anniversary of WGH-AM (now ESPN Radio 1310) being an all-sports radio station. (read more - VARTV Press Room)


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:// Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame announces August 13 date for inaugural induction banquet
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... The Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame will induct its inaugural class of seven honorees at a banquet on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Hits at the Park restaurant at Harbor Park in Norfolk. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// WTKR Norfolk, VA names Jeff Hoffman GM
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NewsChannel 3Local TV today named Jeff Hoffman, the former general manager of WAFF Huntsville, Ala. (DMA 83), to lead its Norfolk, Va., CBS affiliate WTKR.

Hoffman, a 15-year TV management and news veteran, starts his new position immediately. He succeeds Dave Bunnell who left the station last month. (read more - TVNEWSDAY)

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:// 13's Kathryn Barrett to exit
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Kathryn Barrett
Belo WVEC (13/ABC) Hampton/Norfolk Executive News Director Rich Lebenson announced to staff this morning that Kathryn Barrett will exit the station in July. Barrett started at WVEC 26 years ago on the station's magazine program “Tidewater Evening” then moved into the news department. Most recently she served as the station's Medical Editor.

Barrett will leave on Friday, July 11 but will still contribute "occasional medical stories to 13 News on a freelance basis."

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:// Hackers take over Comcast portal for several hours
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Hackers took over and defaced Comcast Corp.'s Web portal for several hours overnight, leaving a cryptic message on the site that the company's 14.1 million subscribers use to access e-mail, news and technical support. (read more - Yahoo! Finance)

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:// 100.5 Max-FM brings mixed Martial Arts event to Norfolk
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100.5 MAX-FMFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 100.5 Max-FM (WXMM-FM) presents Cagefest 4 * Rise Above at the Ted Constant Convocation Center on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia on Saturday, May 31, 2008. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// FOX43 searches for the face of FOX43 and announces on-site audition June 13
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FOX43FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... The search continues for Hampton Roads’ first Face of FOX43. The selected winner will be the face, the voice and the personality of FOX43 and MYFOXHamptonRoads.com. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Man to serve 3 years for child porn charges
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A former Patrick County radio station owner and news director (WHEO) will serve three years in prison for convictions on child pornography charges. (read more - The Roanoke Times)

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While the rest of us were enjoying hamburgers and hot dogs, Saga Active Rock "FM99" WNOR/98.7 Norfolk APD/MD/middays Sonja Morrell was giving birth to her baby girl -- Ashley Elizabeth. In the meantime, longtime FM99 swinger Chode will handle middays while Sonja is on maternity leave... (5/28/2008)

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:// WWBT wins every newscast - everyday in Richmond
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NBC12FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... The May 2008 sweeps period just concluded and WWBT /NBC12 in Richmond is once again the clear News Leader. From early morning to late night, NBC12 News is number one in ratings for every local newscast they produce. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// CW Richmond leaving soon
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Southeastern Media Holdings' (a subsidairy of Raycom Media) is moving the entire Master Control Operation's for "CW Richmond" WUPV/65 Ashland/Richmond to Charlotte, to based at Raycom's WBTV/3 (CBS). WUPV is currently run out of "CBS6" WTVR but that station, we're told, has a new owner to be announced very soon.

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:// Storm Aid 2008 presented by CW27 raises $17,000 for families...
CW27 holds successful telethon during primetime...

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CW27 Storm Aid 2008On Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 8 – 10:30 p.m., CW 27, WGNT-TV interrupted its regularly scheduled programming to present STORM AID 2008. This live telethon aired solely to raise contributions for the families affected by the April 28 tornados that devastated the Hampton Roads community.

Because of the help of the Greater Hampton Roads area, CW 27’s STORM AID 2008 was able to raise $17,000! (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// New GM at Mainline
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We hear that Russ Devries has accepted the position of General Manager for the Mainline Richmond cluster (Country "93.1 The Wolf WLFV, Adult/Variety Hits "98-9 Liberty WWLB, 70s-60s Hits "107-3 BBT" WBBT//WARV). Devries was with Raycom Media's "CBS6" WTVR Richmond since early 2006; his strength there was in new media revenue. WTVR, we hear, already has a new station owner lined-up.

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:// Hampton Roads May 2008 TV sweeps numbers
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Removed at the request of Nielsen Media...

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:// FM99 defends the Beach with Web site aimed south
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THE CITY of Virginia Beach has a new ally in its public relations battle with rival resort Myrtle Beach: WNOR FM99.

FM99's notoriously outlandish Tommy & Rumble are taking the normal morning radio comedy one step further, as they respond to a Myrtle Beach marketing effort that criticized Virginia Beach. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)

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:// WAVY News 10 and FOX43 excel in May 2008 Nielson ratings
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WAVYFOX43FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WAVY-TV continues to dominate morning and late news in the May Nielsen ratings period. WAVY News 10 was the most watched news station combining all newscasts Monday through Sunday in Hampton Roads. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Nicholson named GM of KTVK-KASW Phoenix
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The former head of Belo’s WVEC Hampton-Norfolk, Va., moves to the Valley of the Sun to run its independent-CW duopoly and cable channel. (read more - TVNEWSDAY)

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:// ABC and NBC nearly tied in news ratings
CBS remains a distant third

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It so far has been a back-and-forth battle in the ratings between the top two evening newscasts, while CBS remains a distant third ... and dropping. (read more - THR.com)

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:// WVEC-TV13 remains most watched station In Hampton Roads
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WVECFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... WVEC-TV13 is the most watched station from sign-on to sign-off, building on its winning streak against all competition during the all important evening news periods of 5:00, 5:30 and 6:00. 13NEWS maintained its viewership with almost a 30% greater share of news viewers than the nearest competitor. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Heart and Soul
WCLM (AM1450) carries Richmond radio back to the old days

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Chocolate Chip’s cell phone won’t stop ringing, and it’s about to run out of juice. Chip left his charger last night on the North Side, and it’s too much trouble to take the bus from Hull Street to get it. (read more - Richmond Magazine)

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:// Channel 4 News retains ratings lead, barely beating Channel 7
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The local (DC) TV news dynasty that Jim Vance and Doreen Gentzler built is shakier than ever, but it has held on for another ratings victory. (read more - The Washington Post)

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:// (Richmond-based) Media General to cut 11% of work force
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Media GeneralMedia General Inc., the newspaper publisher and television station operator, said Thursday that it will have cut its work force by nearly 11 percent by October to reduce operating costs. (read more - TVNEWSDAY)

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The Star Radio Group's WFLS News website (Fredericksburg) has been redone. Check it out at WFLS.com/news... (5/21/2008)

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:// Mainline Richmond news
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Jake Glenn is back on the air on Mainline's Country "93.1 The Wolf" WLFV Etterick, doing Fridays 7 p.m.-midnight ("Friday Free For All" request show) and Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m...

And there’s a new imaging voice at Adult/Variety Hits "98.9 Liberty" WWLB – John O’Hurley. Yes, the game show host (“Family Feud”) and “Seinfeld” alum is now doing imaging. It’s a package deal, O’Hurley is doing imaging for both of Mainline’s Adult/Variety Hits stations – Richmond's Liberty and Dayton OH’s "92.9 Fly" WGTZ.

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:// FCC rules against Lynchburg station WLNI
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The Federal Communication Commission has ruled that the owner of Lynchburg’s talk radio station WLNI (105.9 FM) can’t restrict the former owner from airing talk radio in Bedford County. (read more - Lynchburg The News & Advance)

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:// Roanoke radio loses a legend
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To his WKBA Listeners he was "Cousin Zeke". Therl Leonard passed away on May 19, 2008. Cousin Zeke's radio career started in 1945. (read more - Roanoke Radio)

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:// Norfolk: Entercom stations sweep key demos; WUSH debuts
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ENTERCOM grabbed the top spot across all three demos with Urban AC WVKL and Rhythmic WNVZ sharing leadership, while sister Hot AC WPTE posted some nice gains. (read more - AllAccess.com, registration required)

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:// Digital TV transition not as easy as advertised
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The government-ordered switch to digital television broadcasting next year promises razor-sharp picture and orchestra-like sound -- that is, if the signal actually comes in. (read more - The Washington Post)

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Is reporter/anchor Brian Farrell at Belo's WVEC (13/ABC) Hampton/Norfolk OK? He was anchoring the news this weekend on the station and appeared to have lost a large amount of weight. He didn't look well... (5/18/2008)

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:// “Team WFLS” rasies over $4,000 for TAPS!
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93.3 WFLSFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... 93.3 WFLS Morning Show host, Jessica Cash, and “Team WFLS” have raised over $4,000 for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). WFLS and United States Marine Corps partnered up to form “Team WFLS” for the 2008 Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon on Sunday, May 18. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// General manager gone after a year at WTKR
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After one year on the job, the general manager of TV station WTKR NewsChannel 3 has departed amid depressed ratings for the CBS affiliate. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)

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:// CBS Corporation to acquire CNET Networks, Inc
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CBS CorporationCBS Corporation has entered into an agreement to acquire CNET Networks, Inc. it was announced today by Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. (read more - CBS)

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Cox Communications Roanoke announced today that they will be adding 5 new HD channels to their line-up on Tuesday, July 1 -- CNBC HD, Lifetime HD, Sci-Fi HD, Travel HD and USA HD...

Most of the Comcast systems in Virginia have added AMC HD, Disney HD, Family HD and SCI HD today to their channel line-ups... (5/15/2008)

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:// George Allen to co-host ESPN Radio 1310's "Tony Mercurio Show", Friday, May 16
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Former Governor/Senator George Allen, a weekly guest on the "Tony Mercurio Show", will co-host the show this Friday, May16th, from 3-6 on ESPN Radio 1310... (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Study: Cox, Comcast Internet subscribers blocked
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Cox Communications appears to be interfering with file-sharing by its Internet subscribers in the same manner that has landed Comcast Corp. in hot water with regulators, according to research obtained by The Associated Press. (read more - Yahoo! Finance)

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:// Comcast buys networking site Plaxo
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Cable MSO Comcast beefed up its online services by agreeing to buy networking site Plaxo for $170 million. (read more - Broadcasting & Cable)

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:// WTKR rumblings
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We hear that Local TV LLC "NewsChannel 3" WTKR Norfolk GM David Bunnell was canned resigned yesterday. Bunnell lasted just one year as GM/President of WTKR. He previously had a similar position with Grant Communications' "FOX21/27" WFXR//WWCW Roanoke/Lynchburg...

All is well, we're told, in the newsroom between reporter Mike Mather and ND Shane Moreland. We hear the two had a big spat in the newsroom but have since kissed and made up...

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:// (Richmond) Radio figure Jay Martin dies at 52
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Gerald Martin "Jerry" Warner, better known as radio personality Jay Martin, died of kidney failure Friday in a Henrico County hospital. He was 52. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)

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:// Broadcasters rollout second generation of HD2 programming
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The HD Digital Radio Alliance, a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate consumer adoption of HD Digital Radio, today announced that member companies are continuing the outpour of creativity and ingenuity with the second generation of HD2 programming... (read more - HD Radio Alliance)

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:// Orioles extend radio reach to Richmond... in new partnership with WLEE 990 AM
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The Orioles today (5/12) announced a partnership with Richmond, Virginia radio station WLEE 990 AM that adds the Richmond news-talk station to the Orioles Radio Network. The partnership officially begins on Tuesday (today, 5/13)... (read more - Baltimore Orioles)

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:// Hot 101.9 to help give Harry a hand!
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Hot 101.9FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... While Hot 101.9 was pleased local police were able to find Earlysville’s All Good Groceries’ Harry the Hot Dog buried in a wooded area recently, we were saddened the dog nappers’ rough treatment of Harry resulted in missing parts. So a Hot 101.9 Give Harry a Hand Day will be held at All Good Groceries Saturday, May 17... (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// For immigrants, faith can be a saving grace
Radio Poder 1380 has held monthly prayer services at several (Richmond) area churches

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Radio PoderPraying for their families Rosa Hernandez panicked when she saw several immigration officials standing outside her screen door. In the Honduran family of six, only Hernandez's husband is in the U.S. legally. "My heart tore," she said in Spanish to about 60 people gathered recently for a monthly service at Southside Church of the Nazarene in Chesterfield County. (read more - Richmond Times-Dispatch)

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:// Comcast considers cap on Net usage
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ComcastComcast, the nation's second-largest Internet service provider, is considering setting an official limit on the amount of data that subscribers can download per month and charging a fee for those who go over. (read more - USA Today)

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:// Top Hampton Roads radio stations for the winter
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97-3 The EagleUS106The Eagle has been wounded.

In its Arbitron rating performance debut – for the winter period – upstart radio station WUSH-FM US106, America’s Country, did more than make inroads against well-established country music format competitor WGH-FM 97.3 The Eagle. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)

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:// WTKR drops lawsuit against Suffolk over access
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News station WTKR is dropping its lawsuit against the city for the restrictions placed on the media following last week’s tornado. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)

Editor's comment: Whatever WTKR's intentions were, this lawsuit has made their credibility sink even more...

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:// WTVR, WVKL most listened to stations in Richmond, Hampton Roads
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Clear Channel Soft AC "Lite 98" WTVR/98.1 garnered the most listeners (12+ demo) in Richmond this past Winter followed by Clear Channel Urban "106-5 The Beat" WBTJ, Radio One Urban AC "KISS-FM" WKJS/99.3//WKJM/105.7, Clear Channel News/Talk "NewsRadio 1140" WRVA and Radio One Urban "iPower 92-1" WCDX...

In Hampton Roads, Entercom Urban AC "95-7 R&B" WVKL continues to be the top-rated station as it has been for the past year and a half. No station has been on top that long in the market for over 15 years. WVKL was followed by another market Urban AC, Clear Channel's "105-3 KISS FM" WKUS. Third was Entercom Rhythmic "Z104" WNVZ/104.5, fourth Max Media Country "97-3 The Eagle" WGH and fifth Clear Channel Urban "103Jamz" WOWI/102.9...

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:// Geoff Moore joins WFLS, Fredericksburg
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... The search for the replacement for 31 year market legend Brian Strobel ends on May 12th, when Geoff Moore joins Jessica Cash on the WFLS morning show. WFLS PD Paul Johnson says, “Geoff is the perfect fit. He has a natural style, relevant ideas for content, and a keen awareness of the importance of community involvement. Brian was loved in this town because he tried to make a difference in people’s lives. Geoff will do the same.”

Brian Strobel retired at the beginning of 2008. Most recently, Moore was the morning co-host at Clear Channel Hot AC "Mix 100.7" WMTX Tampa FL.

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:// Manassas, Va... City Council awards cable franchise to Verizon
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Manassas residents are a major step closer to having an innovative, reliable and competitive alternative for their cable television services, thanks to a unanimous vote by the City Council Monday evening (May 5) authorizing Verizon to offer its fiber-optic-powered FiOS TV. (read more - Verizon)

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:// Verizon to expand... all-fiber network and FiOS Internet, TV in Hampton Roads...
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Verizon is ramping up its all-fiber-optic network upgrade in the Hampton Roads area, bringing the benefits of the fastest Internet speeds on the market and superior picture quality to more consumers. (read more - Verizon)

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:// Jim Jacobs returns to Richmond Radio as General Manager of Davidson Media Group's Richmond Radio cluster
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Davidson Media GroupFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Richmond VA Davidson Media Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Jacobs as General Manager of its four station radio cluster in Richmond, Va. effective April 28, 2008. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// WTKR files suit against Suffolk because of media restrictions in tornado-damaged areas
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A local (Hampton Roads) television station filed a lawsuit today against the city for its restrictions against the media in areas hit by last week’s tornado. (read more - The Virginian-Pilot)

News Director Shane Moreland comments about the lawsuit on WTKR.com...

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Cox Media Hampton Roads has tapped Cy Prince as its new GSM... (5/5/2008)

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:// WVBT FOX43 SEARCHES FOR THE FACE OF FOX43
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FOX43FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Are you the FACE of FOX43? The search has begun for the local FOX affiliate’s very first spokesperson. The selected winner will be the face, the voice and the personality that is FOX43. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame names seven in inaugural class
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... The Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce its first seven inductees, an inaugural class that includes coaches, players and administrators who left a lasting impact on their sports and their community. The inductees were selected by a 19-person committee along with input from fans in online surveys. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// CW 27 holds LIVE telethon for Hampton Roads families affected by tornados
CW 27 presents “Storm Aid 2008” on Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 8 – 10 p.m.

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CW27 Storm Aid 2008FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... CW 27, WGNT-TV is committed to the Greater Hampton Roads area. The tornados that touched down on Monday, April 28 ripped the houses but not the heart of our community. People and organizations have shown their support in so many ways and CW 27 is pleased to announce its contribution to the storm’s victims. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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:// TMG is proud to announce the launch of MYTRACKSHACK.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... The McDaniel Group, LLC is has officially launched MYTRACKSHACK.COM, a collaborative effort with Route 5 Records, LLC. MYTRACKSHACK.COM is a royalty free music download site for commercial, film, podcast, and website production. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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We hear that Steve Shaw, the Interactive Media Manager for CBS O&O's "CW27" WGNT Portsmouth, "CW44" WTOG St Petersburg/Tampa and "CW Atlanta" WUPA (69), has resigned and is on his way to a new venture in Hampton Roads. Stay tuned... (5/1/2008)

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:// Award winning line-up to perform at Star 94.1’s Picnic at the Pavilion
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WXEZVIRGINIA BEACH, VA * Star 94.1 (WXEZ-FM) launches their annual outdoor gospel music festival, Picnic at the Pavilion, on Saturday, May 3rd at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion in Portsmouth.

This year's event includes some of gospel music's biggest and brightest musicians. (read more - VARTV Press Room)

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