We spent many days back when Good Karma Broadcasting bought the Cleveland station now known as WWGK/1540 saying this: this 1,000 watt East Side daytimer couldn't be owner Craig Karmazin's only plan in the market.And while things became clearer when Karmazin bought 50,000 watt WKNR/850, there's now a signal upgrade plan for the small station which has become known as "Cleveland's AM 1540, KNR2".Good Karma has filed with the FCC for facilities changes for "KNR2"...calling for a daytime signal … [Read more...]
BREAKING NEWS: Columbus’ “Blitz” Stunting
Posted on April 3, 2008 · Leave a Comment
We know nothing about it, yet, but our Columbus readers tell us that North American rock WBZX/99.7 "The Blitz" is stunting this afternoon.We're told by numerous listeners/OMW readers in the market that they're interspersing computer "beeps" with a message that "your radio station is rebooting", promising "completion" by Friday at 5 PM.A similar message shows up - after a couple of seconds or so - when visiting the station's website... … [Read more...]
Up For Air For A Bit
Posted on April 3, 2008 · Leave a Comment
We've still got the "Gone Fishin'" sign up - and that's a stretch, since your Primary Editorial Voice(tm) hasn't ever actually picked up a fishing pole.A lot has happened, and we're just here to mention some stuff we haven't put up due to our continued absence.For one, we mourn the passing of more broadcasters with Ohio ties who have recently passed away, like Wes Hopkins (WAKR/1590 Akron, then-KYW/1100 Cleveland) and former WHK/1420 Cleveland personality Scott Burton.Other brief items, in no … [Read more...]
Another Passing
Posted on March 25, 2008 · Leave a Comment
We hate putting up two pieces of very bad news in a row, but...OMW hears that long-time former WTVN/610 Columbus production director Scott Kahler has died.His name has appeared once here before. Kahler was let go from Clear Channel Columbus in late 2006 in a round of budget cuts. In addition to his tenure in that building, we're told Kahler also spent time at WBNS and WLVQ.An obituary for Kahler can be found here, with information on memorial services this weekend.We're told his voice is … [Read more...]
RIP Your LEEEEEADER
Posted on March 24, 2008 · Leave a Comment
When you think of the phrase "larger than life radio personality", one Jack Armstrong is the first name that comes to mind for many who have heard him.A number of radio trade sites report today that Armstrong died over the weekend in his North Carolina home.In Cleveland, the man born John C. Larsh took the air name Jackson Armstrong, and "Your LEEEEEEADER" blazed his trail on the old WIXY/1260 and then-WKYC/1100 (now Radio Disney's WWMK and Clear Channel talk WTAM, respectively).He gained fame, … [Read more...]
BREAKING NEWS: WHBC’s Russell Out In Budget Cuts
Posted on March 20, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Even in better economic times, even when radio groups aren't firing people left and right for "budget reasons", it's often said that taking a vacation in radio is dangerous.NextMedia talk WHBC/1480 Canton talk show host Brady Russell found that out.OMW hears from numerous sources that NextMedia pulled the plug on Russell's employment Thursday...while he was on vacation from his afternoon drive show on "NewsTalk 1480". He was scheduled to return to the airwaves on Monday the 24th - which won't … [Read more...]
It’s Official: Rover To 100.7, Er, WMMS
Posted on March 17, 2008 · Leave a Comment
As reported here weeks ago...it's been officially announced at Oak Tree.Clear Channel rock WMMS/100.7 has announced the start of "Rover's Morning Glory" on April 1st, according to a company press release that found its way to our humble mailbox.A clip from the release is below. Though the show won't debut on good ol' 100.7 FM until 4/1, Clear Channel says they'll "preview" the show on wmms.com and on the HD2 subchannel of 100.7 starting tomorrow.The release is below...and RoverRadio.com is … [Read more...]
Hey, THERE’S The “Q” in “Q92”!
Posted on February 29, 2008 · Leave a Comment
It took them over five years, but D.A. Peterson Canton market top 40 outlet "Q92" finally has the station's historic calls back.WDJQ/92.5 Alliance became WZKL in 1992, after a format change to oldies ("Kool 92"). But after abandoning oldies to return to a hit music format, the station wasn't able to reclaim the "WDJQ" calls...since the calls landed on a U.S. Coast Guard ship - the Damon B. Bankston, if you're curious. (And no, the ship wasn't pumping out today's favorite hit music.)OMW hears … [Read more...]
RIP: Allen Saunders, Former WHLO VP/GM
Posted on February 28, 2008 · Leave a Comment
The Akron Beacon Journal reports this morning that former WHLO/640 vice president/general manager Allen Saunders, who went on to become the first voice of CNN, has died at the age of 84.Saunders guided the Akron station from the early 60's into the late 70's, and then became Cable News Network's first "voice of God". It took no less than James Earl Jones to replace him as the news network's voice.The article (written by former WHLO'er Jim Carney) doesn't mention that Saunders was indeed WHLO's … [Read more...]
Willie Strikes Again
Posted on February 27, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Clear Channel talk WLW/700 and Premiere Radio host Bill Cunningham has managed to make himself the talk of the nation, politically.You've probably been living under a rock in the past day if you haven't heard of his remarks warming up a Cincinnati audience for an appearance by presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain.McCain reportedly did not hear Cunningham taking verbal potshots at Democratic candidate Barack Obama, or his use of the Democratic candidate's middle name (Hussein). … [Read more...]
