Some random stuff:MASON OUT: It doesn't seem like long ago that we were congratulating long-time WQMX/94.9 operations manager Kevin Mason on his new gig as VP/GM of a record company in Nashville.Unfortunately, it appears the volatile nature of the music business has left the former Akron country programmer without a job.AllAccess reports that Mason's new employer, Rust Records, is folding up its tent along Nashville's Music Row, leaving Mason and everyone else with the company out of work.Of … [Read more...]
It’s Lewis With Levine For Rants
Posted on February 14, 2007 · Leave a Comment
As hinted earlier, from even the same source, former WKNR sports talk host Kendall Lewis is "back on the airwaves". Well, the cable lines and satellite waves.Akron Beacon Journal sports media columnist George M. Thomas reports that Lewis will join FOX Sports Net Ohio's 2007 version of "Cleveland Rants", co-hosting with FSN Ohio's Les Levine. The show's new season starts March 5th.The show aired last year with Levine and WKNR/850's Neil Bender, but the 2007 version will not be simulcast on the … [Read more...]
Weather Claims Northwest Ohio Radio Tower
Posted on February 13, 2007 · Leave a Comment
In extreme weather, like, well, we're experiencing now, broadcast facilities often take hits.That's just what happened to Findlay's WFIN/1330, which lost its 280 foot tower Tuesday during near-blizzard conditions in the Northwest Ohio city. The tower collapse took the station off the air.Via its website, the station says it is hesitant to say when it'll be able to reconstruct the tower. But the message from WFIN says it is "in the process" of figuring out a way to return to the air on an … [Read more...]
Ex-WHBCer Back Doing Talk On 1480
Posted on February 11, 2007 · Leave a Comment
This is an odd one for at least two reasons.We got a tip that this Sunday night, NextMedia oldies WHBC/1480 Canton is airing a three hour local call-in talk show, from 7-10 PM.Not only that, the host of this evening's show may surprise you: Brady Russell.Yes, the same Brady Russell who was let go from sister AC outlet WHBC-FM/94.1 "Mix 94.1"'s afternoon drive show just over two years ago for his on-air comments related to protesters at the second inauguration for President Bush.Quoting Russell … [Read more...]
Children’s Hospital Radiothon
Posted on February 10, 2007 · Leave a Comment
It's that time of year again for the folks at Clear Channel's WKDD/98.1.The Akron/Canton hot AC outlet undertakes the 8th Annual "Have a Heart - Do Your Part" radiothon for Akron's Children's Hospital, this weekend.It actually started Friday, and continues with pledge lines open (866-543-0981) this Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 9 PM. You can also donate online at the station's website.We hear that new this year, the radiothon becomes almost a telethon, or maybe you can call it a … [Read more...]
Next On The WKNR List: Les Levine
Posted on February 9, 2007 · Leave a Comment
OMW hears that local sports talk veteran Les Levine is next up in the "Saturday Morning Sports Show" hopper at Good Karma sports WKNR/850, Saturday from 9 AM to noon.We're not sure if that means anything - if the presence of Levine in that time slot one week after WJW/8 "FOX 8" sports anchor Tony Rizzo means that new WKNR owner Craig Karmazin wants to hear a rotation of possible future WKNR hosts for himself.Or, it could be nothing more complicated than tapping some local sports media veterans … [Read more...]
Three Thursday Things
Posted on February 8, 2007 · Leave a Comment
Some stuff that's been hanging around and really, really needs to be freed:DIRECTOR'S CUT: As an OMW reader, you're probably used to a look "inside" various local radio and TV operations, usually involving talent moves or other station changes.You can't get any more "inside" one local TV station without showing up on their doorstep, thanks to a relatively new blog.WKYC/3 senior producer/director Frank Macek's "Director's Cut" is must reading for those who want to know all the details of why … [Read more...]
Up From The Minors
Posted on February 7, 2007 · Leave a Comment
The long-time play-by-play voice of the AAA Buffalo Bisons is following a number of players for that Indians minor league team, and is moving up to the major leagues.Bisons' radio voice Jim Rosenhaus has been named as radio pre-game host, and producer/engineer, for the Cleveland Indians Radio Network broadcasts - which originate at flagship station Clear Channel talk WTAM/1100.The position had been advertised as an opening for some time.OMW believes that it's a new hybrid position, and doesn't … [Read more...]
