We're just four days away from the debut of the second new TV network in the United States, and thousands of viewers in the Cincinnati market aren't sure they'll be able to see it.After Sinclair WB affiliate WSTR/64 took an early ride on the MyNetworkTV Express (or maybe it's a limited stop local), and the new CW network took a pass on small independent UPN outlet WBQC-CA "UPN 38", CW landed on a new subchannel of Clear Channel CBS affiliate WKRC's digital outlet...to be called "CinCW".After … [Read more...]

Regular OMW readers know we've been keeping track of the behind the scenes activities at the FOX owned and operated stations group, which includes local WJW/8. Over the past few months, they've been unveiling revamped local websites, and even doing set and graphics makeovers in some markets.The first evidence of that in Cleveland is now live, as "MyFoxCleveland.com" has gone public in what appears to be an open beta test.We say that because we haven't seen it promoted on the station, and the … [Read more...]

UPDATE 12:32 AM 9/13/06: OMW hears that WHBC VP/general manager Rich Bossler and general sales manager Sue Motts have both exited, along with one other (off-air/office) staffer.We hear the new acting VP/general manager at WHBC is the general manager of NextMedia's cluster in Saginaw MI, Floyd Evans.For those wondering what other pieces of footwear are about to drop on Market Avenue South, OMW has NO indication at this writing that any other major changes are about to happen.Our original item is … [Read more...]

Unlike the last time we talked about looked like changes in the lineup at Rubber City Radio Akron market country powerhouse WQMX/94.9, this time, it appears to be for good.OMW has confirmed that the new lineup for WQMX on the station's website is officially in place, as of this week.The moves include several time slot shifts involving mainly existing WQMX staffers:* Morning drive host Scott Wynn is joined on the "WQMX Country Club" by new co-host Shannon Alexander, who moves into mornings from … [Read more...]

It's been hinted about for some time, but Air America's rumored lineup changes will finally be official at the liberal talk network...starting a week from today. And it brings a change for one partially Ohio-based talk host.OMW hears that in the official announcement, as rumored and even reported by the host himself, "Majority Report"'s Sam Seder will move into the 9 AM-noon ET slot on AAR.And though that means "The Sam Seder Show" will indeed bump former Cincinnati mayor Jerry Springer off of … [Read more...]

There's been yet another exit from Cumulus' Toledo cluster, but is there a return in the works in the same building?FMQB reports this afternoon that top 40 WTWR/98.3 APD/MD/afternoon drive/imaging guy Eric Chase is now out at "Tower 98.3". As far as we know, Chase continues his part-time work in Detroit. OMW hears he got the word of his exit from his "day job" in Toledo while on vacation."Tower" hasn't had a program director since Brent Carey's exit back in July.And about that possible entrance … [Read more...]

Like the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Roger Brown, we're focusing this Monday on sports media items. But we have some tidbits Roger doesn't have:KEEP RANTING: We're heading into the last weeks of yet another lost Cleveland Indians season, with the Tribe, despite better play lately, nowhere near a playoff berth.That means FOX Sports Net Ohio will have to make a decision about "Cleveland Rants", the radio/TV simulcast featuring the network's Les Levine and WKNR/850's Neil Bender. The show has … [Read more...]

This must really break his heart.WTAM/1100 morning co-host and sports anchor Casey Coleman won't be on the sidelines for Sunday's Cleveland Browns home opener against the New Orleans Saints.In Saturday's "TipOff" column in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Michael K. McIntyre reports that Coleman came down with pneumonia following a chemotherapy treatment, and has doctor's orders to not work as Browns Radio Network sideline reporter during the team's regular season opener.He has been heard doing his … [Read more...]

Just clearing out the OMW "Hold" file for the weekend:WJER-FM GAMES: While we're trying to figure out when Clear Channel-owned WJER-FM/101.7 will move up from Dover/New Philadelphia to soon-to-be sister station WRQK's site in Canton - we paid another visit to the station's website.The station's sports calendar lists events on 101.7 through the Ohio State/Michigan football game on November 18th.We're not sure if that means anything...probably not, as such things can always be moved.But OMW has … [Read more...]

The Cleveland radio market and Sandusky are separated by a few dozen miles, and have a difference in population of a few million people. But both are now either seeing sports radio competition...or about to see it.When we mentioned the first new sports entrant in the Lake Erie "Vacationland" region - Norwalk daytimer WLKR/1510 "ESPN 1510" - we forgot to mention two things.First, the station does run high school football. It can't be live on Friday nights, due to the station's daytime status, … [Read more...]