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  :// Jim Jacobs returns to Richmond Radio as General Manager of Davidson Media Group's Richmond Radio Cluster  | Tuesday, May 6, 2008  May 5, 2008-- 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."We are thrilled to have Jim join our growing Company. His local experience and his deep knowledge of the radio industry will help us continue our strong growth in Richmond." says Peter Davidson, President and Founder of Davidson Media Group, LLC Felix Perez, Davidson Media Group Executive Vice President said, "Jim's 40 year broadcast background including On Air, Operations, Creative, and Sales make him the ideal person for this challenging position". Jim Jacobs, a 30 year Richmond resident, came to Richmond to do Morning Drive on WRNL, and has since held positions that include Afternoon Drive host on WRVA, member of the team that launched WRLH TV, Creative and Sales for Fouts and Son Advertising, and VP of Operations for 4M Media Group, the predecessor to DMG in Richmond. Jim is an experienced "coach" and a great believer in building through teamwork, cooperation, creativity and open communication. DMG's Richmond Radio cluster is a market leader that takes seriously its commitment to the community. We have a very good, hard working team in Richmond that will only get better, commented Perez. The Davidson Media Group includes Richmond's most successful Hispanic stations WVNZ 1320 and WTOX 1480, News Talk WLEE 990, and Urban Gospel WREJ 1540. The Davidson Media Group consists of 40 stations from North Carolina to Pennsylvania with Operations Offices in New York and Charlotte. To contact the Davidson Media Groups Richmond cluster, call (804) 643-0990, or contact Felix Perez in New York at (212) 813-6771.
| Monday, May 5, 2008 Portsmouth, VA – May 5, 2008 – 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. On Saturday, May 3rd, FOX43 will begin accepting video entries online at MYFOXHamptonRoads.com. The winner will receive a one-year contract with the local FOX Affiliate and represent the television station at local community events, be featured on-air and on MYFOXHamptonRoads.com.Top candidates for the FACE of FOX43 should be energetic, fun-to-watch spokespeople, who are familiar with Hampton Roads as well as FOX43 programming. Top candidates will also be efficient with web and mobile communications systems, including texting, blogging and uploading video, as well as operating still cameras and simple video cameras. “The search is on!” said Judy Triska, Creative Services Director for FOX43 and WAVY-TV. “We are looking for an outgoing, creative talent who can represent FOX43 and be a face that all of Hampton Roads will identify with.” Those wanting to participate should log onto MYFOXHamptonRoads.com to review the eligibility requirements and submit a one to two minute video entry. Only one entry per person will be accepted; multiple entries will be disqualified. Entries must follow all guidelines and entry form must be completely filled out for an entrant to qualify. Additionally, FOX43 may hold audition tapings at future audition sites. Any audition sites will be announced on MYFOXHamptonRoads.com and on FOX43-TV. Deadline for entries is Friday, June 27, 2008. Soon after, the FACE of FOX43 will be announced!
| Monday, May 5, 2008NORFOLK — 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. The inaugural class consists of football legends Bruce Smith and Clarence “Ace” Parker, basketball coaches Charles “Lefty” Driesell and Marcellus “Boo” Williams, longtime women’s basketball star Nancy Lieberman, baseball executive Dave Rosenfield, and wrestling coach Billy Martin Sr. Here is a brief synopsis of the accomplishments of the inductees, in alphabetical order: Tony Mercurio, of ESPN Radio 1310 and Chair of the Committee, said: “Many cities have their own Sports Halls of Fame. This should have been done a long time ago, a Sports Hall of Fame that represents Hampton Roads. This is a first-class list of people who made tremendous contributions in helping to build the Hampton Roads area into a special sports community. The committee did a marvelous job in naming our inaugural class." A banquet will be held this summer at the Hits at the Park restaurant at Harbor Park in Norfolk to formally induct the inaugural class. The date of the banquet and ticket information will be announced soon. Media members interested in setting up interviews with any of the inductees can contact Tony Mercurio by phone at 671-1000 (ext. 252) or by email at Blastman@espnradio1310.com.
CW27 PRESENTS “STORM AID 2008” ON SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2008 FROM 8 – 10 PM | Friday, May 2, 2008 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. Storm Aid 2008 will broadcast live on WGNT-TV from the CW 27 Studios on Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 8 – 10 p.m. This ground-breaking telecast will be hosted by CW 27’s own Kafi Rouse and Dick Lamb from 92.9 The Wave. All donations will benefit the United Way of South Hampton Roads Tornado Recovery Fund.United Way of South Hampton Roads is an experienced relief agency that is capable of meeting the storm victims’ needs efficiently and quickly. Furthermore, United Way provides a long-term plan to work with each family to help them return to normalcy as soon as possible. “Storm Aid 2008 encourages us to look beyond the devastation to the rebuilding of our community. We are honored to support United Way of South Hampton Roads which has a thorough, long-term plan for recovery” said CW 27 Vice President and General Manager Steven Soldinger. “During Storm Aid 2008, we would like to reach as many viewers as possible and raise as much as we can.” Storm Aid 2008 hosts Rouse and Lamb will bring the inspirational stories of survivors to the audience along with encouraging messages from our community’s leaders. The call-in phone number is (757) 454-0213 which will only be available during the live broadcast. Anyone interested in making a substantial contribution may call Kafi Rouse directly at (757) 398-3152 no later than Friday, May 2 at 5 p.m. CW 27, WGNT-TV is a part of the CBS Corp. Television Stations Group and currently reigns as one of the highest rated CW affiliates in the country. CW 27 is a dominant television force in Hampton Roads, leading our market with top-rated entertainment like Dr. Phil, Judge Judy, WWE Smackdown!, America’s Next Top Model and Judge Joe Brown and can be seen in HD on channel 707 on Cox Digital Cable in Hampton Roads.
| Thursday, May 1, 2008 RICHMOND, VA. APRIL 28, 2008: 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. Audio & Video producers and editors will find tracks ranging from country to hip-hop, jazz to gospel, and everywhere in between for easy royalty free download. “When I started TMG, I never knew I’d be producing music for commercial and film use this soon!” said Paul McDaniel, TMG President and SVP of Route 5 Records. “Truth be told, Raye was sitting on a hard drive full of music from years of producing for various projects that were up for grabs! All I did was edit and loop!”MYTRACKSHACK.COM is now live with new tracks being produced and uploaded weekly. Royalty free advertising jingles will be included in the coming weeks. “It’s an incredible feeling to come in to work every day and do what you love.” Said Raye Smith, President of Route 5 Records and Music Director for TMG. “TMG has helped me think outside the box and increase revenue streams. You truly are only as good as the people you surround yourself with… and if I’m eating steak, so is Pauly!” TMG productions offers non-union Voice Over Talent, Advertising Jingles, Imaging for Radio & Television, and Custom music scoring for production and film scores as well as duplication, media placement, and recording studios. For further information, contact Paul “Pauly Madison” McDaniel at 804-677-5336, 804-612-1207, or Pauly@tmgcentral.com.
| Thursday, May 1, 2008 VIRGINIA 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. Columbia recording star and emerging gospel superstar Tye Tribbett and G.A. will headline Picnic at the Pavilion. This is the second visit to Hampton Roads for Tye Tribbett. He recorded his soon to be released live album and DVD at the Rock Church on Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach. Also appearing at the 2nd Annual Picnic at the Pavilion is Seven-time Grammy Award winner CeCe Winans, multiple Grammy Award winner and Dove Award nominee Beverly Crawford and Stellar Award nominee Maurette Brown Clark. Other artist performing include: James Fortune and FIYA, Jimmy Hicks, Norman Hutchins, Isaiah D. Thomas and Elements of Praise, Nu Beginning featuring Damon Little and newcomer Spensha Baker. "Hampton Roads is becoming a Mecca for gospel artists", says Dale Murray, Star 94.1 Program Director and Afternoon Drive On-Air Personality. "In the past three years we've have several national gospel artists record their projects here including Stellar Award winner and Grammy Nominated Donnie McClurkin." A limited number of tickets are still available at Ticketmaster locations, at the Harbor Center Box Office, Charge-By-Phone at (757) 671-8100, or on-line at WXEZ941.com.
| Wednesday, April 30, 2008 (Charlottesville, Va.) — As licensees of the public airwaves, broadcasters have an obligation to further “localism” by serving the needs and interests of the specific local communities that they are licensed to serve. The Virginia Association of Broadcasters and WCAV-TV CBS 19, WVAW-TV ABC 16, WAHU Fox 27, WVIR-TV NBC 29 and the radio stations of Monticello Media (NewsTalk 1260 AM WCHV, Country 99.7 WCYK, Hot 101.9 WHTE, SportsRadio 1400 WKAV, Tom @ 107.5 WWTJ and Generations 102.3 & 94.1 WZGN) believe that new localism rules being proposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hinder local stations. In addition, the proposed regulations would have the effect of increasing operating costs without any consequent public benefit.In the 1980s, the FCC relieved broadcasters of many one-size-fits-all localism rules; these included formal rules for “ascertaining” community needs and interests, requiring minimum levels of non-entertainment programming, and requiring stations to keep programming logs of all material broadcast every day. By relaxing these regulatory burdens, the FCC gave stations more flexibility and discretion to identify and serve the specific needs and interests of their local communities. Broadcasters are successfully serving their local communities in today’s more flexible regulatory environment through the broadcast of local news, sports, public affairs and emergency information. Stations are also active participants and sponsors of local community organizations, events, programs and charities. Sadly, the FCC is proposing to “turn back the clock” to the same 1970s-style regulatory regime that it repealed during the 1980s. Here are some examples: Even before broadcasters faced serious competition from cable, satellite and the Internet, the FCC determined that localism mandates were an unnecessary regulatory burden. The current market pressures — both from within the broadcasting industry and from other media — assure that broadcasters simply cannot survive in today’s competitive environment without providing high-quality local programming to their viewers. Local broadcasters are among the cornerstones of the communities they serve. In order for these stations to survive and continue to offer localized public service, stations cannot be held to outdated standards that amount to government "make work." To find out more about how this FCC proposal could affect your community, please call:
| Tuesday, April 22, 2008 April 22, 2008 — Portsmouth, VA: WAVY-TV is the proud recipient of two 2008 RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Awards. The stations won in the categories of Continuing Coverage for “The Michael Vick Investigation” and in the Feature: Hard News Category for “Growing Up Behind Bars.”“Both stories came to us through the power of 10 On Your Side,” said Kathy Hostetter, News Director. “We strive for excellence, and these two Murrow Awards validate that.” Hostetter added. The Radio-Television News Directors Association & Foundation has been honoring the best of the best in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. The award was created to initiate the pursuit of excellence in journalism that supersedes the standards set previously by Edward R. Murrow himself. Yet another honor was bestowed on WAVY News at an awards ceremony held last weekend at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Richmond West. The Station On Your Side also collected five additional awards from the Virginia Associated Press in the in the following categories: Best Weathercast Outstanding Effort by an Individual Producer, Year-Round Sports, Investigative Reporting and Feature/Human Interest. “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the Associated Press, and it is a reflection of the hard work our team of reporters, photographers, producers and managers do every day.” said Kathy Hostetter, News Director. WAVY News 10 and FOX 43 News at 10pm continue to dominate the late news race in Hampton Roads and were ranked #1 and #2 in late news viewing in February 2008.
| Monday, April 21, 2008The complete list of the 2008 Virginia Associated Press Broadcaster Awards: Gallimore Award The Robert Gallimore Distinguished Service Award goes each year to a distinguished veteran in the broadcasting industry in Virginia. This year’s recipient is Sabrina Squire of WWBT-TV, Richmond. College Division Best Television Feature goes to Maureen Linke and Ameesha Felton of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond for “VCU Insight.” Spot News Non-Metro Radio, Superior Award for Spot News goes to WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg for “Trucks Tangle I-95 Traffic” Meritorious Award goes to WBTM, Danville for “Fatal Plane Crash in Local Neighborhood.” Metro Radio Superior Award in Metro Radio for Spot News goes to WRVA, Richmond for “Fiery Crash.” Television Superior Award goes to WTKR-TV, Norfolk for “Air Show Plane Crash” Meritorious Awards go to WSLS, Roanoke for “Truck Fire” and WTKR, Norfolk for “Danger on the Waves” Continuing News Non-Metro Radio, Superior Award goes to WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg for “What’s Polluting Fairview Beach?” Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to WRVA, Richmond for “Virginia Tech Massacre.” Television, the Superior Award Story goes to WSLS-TV, Roanoke for “Virginia Tech Shootings” Meritorious Awards go to WTVR-TV, Richmond for “Chaos at City Hall” and “Red Light Runners” Year Round Sports Non-Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to WBTM, Danville. Television, the Superior Award for Year Round Sports goes to WAVY-TV, Portsmouth. Meritorious Awards go to WVEC-TV, Norfolk and WTVR-TV, Richmond. Best Sports Anchor Television, the Superior award goes to Ted Alexander of WTKR-TV. Documentary/In Depth Non-Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg for “Focus: Recovering from a Brain Injury.” Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to WRVA, Richmond for “Michael Vick Saga.” Television, the Superior Award goes to WJHL-TV, Bristol, for “Santa Train.” Meritorious Awards go to WWBT-TV, Richmond for “Fire” and WTVR-TV, Richmond, for “Ghost Train.” Best Feature or Human Interest Story Non-Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg for “The Weiner Is…” Meritorious Award goes to WBTM, Danville for “Miracle Child.” Metro Radio the Superior award goes to WRVA, Richmond for “Happy 400th.” Television, the Superior Award goes to WTVR, “Ear Fetish.” Meritorious Awards go to WAVY-TV, Norfolk for “Racecar Lady” and WTVR-TV, Richmond for “Seal of Survival.” Outstanding Effort by an Individual Reporter Non-Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to Deirdre Blake, WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg. The Meritorious Award goes to Kathryn Davis of WBTM, Danville. Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to Matt Demlein of WRVA, Richmond. Television, the Superior Award goes to Courtney Robinson of WSET-TV, Lynchburg. Best Feature Photography The Superior Award goes to Bob Hogenson of WTVR-TV, Richmond for “Seal of Survival.” Meritorious Awards go to Dwight Nixon of WWBT-TV, Richmond for “Shoot/Don't Shoot” and Jemon Haskins of WSET-TV, Lynchburg for “Utility Rodeo.” Best Investigative Reporting Television the Superior Award for Best Investigative Reporting goes to WSLS-TV, Roanoke, for “Travel Agency.” Meritorious Awards go to WWBT-TV, Richmond for “Cockfighting Ring” and WAVY-TV, Norfolk for “Jumping Jeeps.” Individual Producer Television, the Superior Award goes to Virginia Rideout of WAVY-TV, Norfolk for “Air Show Tragedy.” The Meritorious Award goes to Robert Bennett of WVEC-TV, Norfolk for “Shooting.” Best Weathercast The Superior Award for Best Weathercast goes to Jon Cash, Cheryl Nelson, & Jeremy Wheeler of WAVY-TV, Norfolk. Meritorious Awards go to Brantley Ussery, Stacy Berman & Myles Henderson of WCAV, Charlottesville and Zach Daniel of WTVR-TV, Richmond. Best News Anchor Non-Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to Deirdre Blake, WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg. The Meritorious Award goes to Chuck Vipperman of WBTM, Danville. Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to Andy Doernan of WRVA, Richmond. Television, the Superior Award goes to Rob Cardwell of WTVR-TV, Richmond. The Meritorious Award goes to Gene Lepley of WWBT-TV, Richmond. Best Web Site Non-Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg for www.wflsnews.com. The Meritorious Award goes to WBTM, Danville for www.wbtm1330.com. Television, the Superior Award goes to WVEC-TV, Norfolk for www.wvec.com. Meritorious Awards go to WCAV-TV, Charlottesville for www.wcav.tv and WWBT-TV, Richmond for www.nbc12.com Douglas Southall Freeman Awards for Public Service in Broadcasting Non-Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to WBTM, Danville for “Health Beat.” The Meritorious Award goes to WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg for “What’s Polluting Fairview Beach?” Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to WRVA Richmond for “Who’s In Charge of City Hall?” Television, the Superior Award goes to WSET-TV, Lynchburg for “The Lyme Controversy.” Meritorious Awards go to WVEC-TV, Norfolk for “School Bus Safety” and WWBT-TV, Richmond for “On Your Side.” Outstanding News Operation Non-Metro Radio, the Superior Award in Non-Metro Radio goes to Frank Hammon, News Director, WFLS-FM, Fredericksburg. Meritorious Awards go to Chuck Vipperman, News Director, WBTM, Danville and Phil Goodwin, News Director, WJMA, Orange. Metro Radio, the Superior Award goes to Deanna Malone, News Director, WRVA, Richmond. Television, the Superior Award goes to Amy Morris, News Director, WDBJ-TV, Roanoke. Meritorious Awards go to Chip Mahaney, News Director, WTVR-TV, Richmond and Nancy Kent, News Director, WWBT-TV, Richmond.
| Saturday, April 19, 2008 Charlottesville, VA – April 18, 2008 – WVIR-TV today announced that, effective Saturday, April 19, at 6 p.m., NBC29 News is available in high definition. This is the Charlottesville station’s first live, locally-produced, HD broadcast, and is the result of more than five years of planning and construction and an expenditure of more than 3 million dollars.In announcing NBC29 News in HD, General Manager Harold Wright said, “All of us at WVIR-TV are proud to be the first station in Central Virginia and the Central Shenandoah Valley to broadcast local news in high definition. We also believe WVIR-TV is the first station in the state to convert its entire broadcast plant to a state-of-the-art digital operation in anticipation of the end of analog broadcasting.” WVIR-TV employs more than 100 people who produce more than 30 hours of local news each week. For national news the station is an affiliate of both the NBC and CNN television networks. In addition to its main newsroom in Charlottesville, the station operates news bureaus in Waynesboro and at the state capitol in Richmond. WVIR-TV serves 11 counties in Central Virginia and the Central Shenandoah Valley. The station is owned by Virginia Broadcasting Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waterman Broadcasting Company which operates two other television stations, WBBH and WZVN, in Fort Myers, Florida.
“Richmond Radio Station Aids American Cancer Society” | Friday, April 18, 2008 RICHMOND, VA – April 18, 2008: WMXB/The New Mix 103.7’s Morning Show host’s Jack and Jen, with the help of their listeners, replaced fundraising money stolen from a group of UVA students. The money was being collected for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.The UVA students were collecting money at The Mellow Mushroom in Charlottesville, Virginia, when they were assaulted. The robber shoved one of the students down and stole their envelope containing $425. Jack and Jen interviewed a representative from the local American Cancer Society during their morning show and discussed the tragic event. Thanks to the help of their listeners, Mix 103.7 collected more than $3600 for the American Cancer Society before 9am. “We were outraged. This is about as low as you can get. But our listeners are the best and they came to the rescue for us. The Mix 103.7 phone lines were lit solid for 2 hours,” said Jack Indigo, Morning Show personality. “At the end of the morning, we collected over $3600 in pledges for the American Cancer Society.”
Facebook users can interact with over 6,000 live traffic cameras worldwide and share live views of traffic, weather or event conditions with their friends | Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Fairfax, VA —TrafficLand®, the largest, authorized aggregator of live traffic video, announced today the release of the TrafficLand Facebook application. Users of the popular social networking Web site can use the application’s features to share live images from the TrafficLand camera network. The application allows Facebook users to attach camera images to their profile pages, messages sent to other users and to postings on a friend’s Wall.The application provides links that allow users to view live video from their selected camera as well as view any of the more than 6,000 traffic cameras in over 60 markets worldwide currently available on TrafficLand’s public Web site, www.trafficland.com. The images update to show live views from the selected traffic cameras whenever Facebook users open a page containing the TrafficLand application. Users can view all of their friend’s cameras on the TrafficLand application page, as well as the top 10 most watched TrafficLand network cameras by selected city and worldwide. “TrafficLand video content is used by commuters, first responders and some of the biggest names in news and traffic reporting,” said TrafficLand Founder and CEO, Lawrence Nelson. “We also know many of our users just like to look at live camera views from interesting places like New York City, London’s Piccadilly Circus or New Zealand, purely for entertainment. By integrating TrafficLand into Facebook, we’re giving our users an important new way to interact with our content, whether it’s to stay on top of local road conditions or just have some fun with it.” About TrafficLand, Inc. TrafficLand has developed patent-pending technology to enable reliable distribution of thousands of CCTV (closed circuit television) video feeds from multiple Departments of Transportation camera networks. The company aggregates and broadcasts live traffic video via the Internet, and through its media partners. First responders and federal emergency management agencies can access an enhanced traffic video application through a single, secure interface called TrafficLand Video Distribution System™ (VDS), to aid emergency response and incident management. For more information about TrafficLand, please visit http://corporate.trafficland.com.
| Monday, April 14, 2008The Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, presented by ESPN Radio 1310, has announced it's committee...There are 18 members comprising the Hall of Fame... Fans have been going to espnradio1310.com to vote... It started with 60 candidates, in which the fans could vote for up to 10... There are now 40 names on the ballot and the fans can vote for up to five. The fan voting, plus the vote of the committee will comprise the first induction class. "We plan to have our next meeting on April 30," noted Tony Mercurio, Program Director of ESPN Radio 1310. "We should name our class in early May, with the our banquet this summer." Mercurio added, "There are many cities that have their own sports Hall of Fame...It is about time that we started one for our great area of Hampton Roads." Here is the list of the HAMPTON ROADS SPORTS HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE: Jack Ankerson- Hampton Roads Sports Authority. Local sport’s legend
| Monday, April 14, 2008 Hot on the heels of signing KBCS in Washington state, WRN, the international London-headquartered TV and radio transmission company has partnered with WHRV 89.5 FM, a public radio station in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, to re-broadcast its 24 hour news and current affairs channel overnight.WHRV 89.5FM is part of WHRO, a regional media company that promotes education, culture and citizenship to the citizens of Hampton Roads, Virginia through two television stations, two public service radio stations and four digital radio stations. Marina Lois, Product Development & Distribution Manager at WRN, says “It’s always a pleasure to team up with stations that promote world views. WHRV is a leading speech radio station in Virginia and WRN is very happy to be able to provide its listeners with news and current affairs programming from its North American network.” WHRV will now have access to programming from reputable international broadcasters like KBS (Korea), RCI (Canada), RNWI (Netherlands), Channel Africa, Radio Romania, Radio Poland and many others. WHRV has already had a great listener response to its new programming. Heather Mazzoni, Programme Director at the station, says “WRN brings our listeners world wide news and public affairs, something that was missing from our market. We have the largest concentration of military personnel in the United States so there’s a keen interest in world wide coverage in the Hampton Roads market. WRN has over 75 radio stations around the world that take programming from one of its nine news and current affairs networks broadcasting in English, French, German, Russian or Arabic.
| Thursday, April 3, 2008 Norfolk, VA. WVEC-TV13. Starting April 14th, the best evening news team in Hampton Roads is about to get better! 13NEWS anchor Janet Roach joins David Alan on 13NEWS at 5:30pm.“I’ve enjoyed every minute of being part of the hardest working morning news team in Hampton Roads for almost six years,“ said Janet Roach. “But I look forward to being able to make a bigger contribution to our 90 minutes of news and working with David Alan. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and I’m excited.” “I’m a big Janet Roach fan,” said David Alan of 13NEWS. “She is someone who commits herself to the news she reports each and everyday. I could not be more pleased that Janet will be joining me each night at 5:30.” “The addition of Janet Roach to the evening lineup strengthens our outstanding team of Regina Mobley, Sandra Parker and David Alan, a team of evening anchors our viewers know and trust.” Lebenson added. Janet will continue to co-anchor 13NEWS at Noon with LaSalle Blanks. Plus, on April 14th, 13NEWS Anchor Vanessa Coria moves to weekday mornings on 13NEWS DAYBREAK. She’ll join LaSalle Blanks and Craig Moeller from Studio B. “I’m really excited about expanding my role on 13NEWS DAYBREAK.” said Vanessa Coria. “I look forward to spending the mornings with our viewers and continuing to cover the news stories that help people make informed decisions about their families, finances and communities.” “This team knows the community,” said Rich Lebenson, Executive News Director, “…they’ll be on top of all the breaking news, from Hampton Roads to the world, getting our viewers ready for the start of the day.”
| Thursday, April 3, 2008On April 1, 2008, Birach Broadcasting Corporation of Southfield, Michigan closed on its Bankruptcy Court acquisition of the licenses and assets of Virginia Beach, Virginia AM Radio Stations WVAB-1550 & WBVA-1450 [Bayside] for $345,000 cash. The Seller of the stations was Chapter VII Trustee R. Clinton Stackhouse, Jr. of Norfolk, Virginia. The closing of the sale took place following FCC approval of an emergency petition for authorization, after Virginia Beach Police reported “a criminal act,” involving the clipping of the support wires and the destruction of the 2 stations’ tower on March 16th. The stations have been silent since the tower incident. The principal owner of Birach Broadcasting Corporation is Sima Birach. The company owns a number of radio stations across the country. The Media Broker, appointed by the court, for the sale is Ray H. Rosenblum of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Rosenblum said that he worked on the bankruptcy sale for 4 years.
| Thursday, March 20, 2008The Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters Luncheon is set for 1 p.m., Saturday, April 19 at the Crowne Plaza Richmond, West. Awards will be presented in a number of categories for television, large and small market radio news operations. Among the categories: Best Coverage of a Continuing News Story, Best Spot News Coverage, Best News Anchor and Outstanding News Operation of the Year. In addition, the AP annually presents its Robert Gallimore Award to a distinguished veteran in the broadcasting industry in Virginia. The awards presentation was moved from a dinner to a luncheon due to recent constraints placed on broadcast news operations due to budgets and allows those attending to return to their stations without requiring an overnight stay or late night drive. Those planning to attend should make their reservations now. The luncheon is open to broadcasters, their spouses and friends to professionals employed in associated fields and college students. Dinner is $35 for broadcasters, their spouse or date. Non-broadcast professionals are $40 and journalism students $25. Names of those attending should be sent to Stacey Carroll at the AP in Richmond scarroll@ap.org.
“More than 15,000 people turn out for annual festival” | Thursday, March 20, 2008 RICHMOND, VA – March 18, 2008 – On Saturday March 15th from 12p-6p, more than 15,000 people turned out to 18th Street in Shockoe Bottom for the 5th annual Shamrock the Block festival. A portion of proceeds from the event went to Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now.)The event was put on by Three One One Productions, together with Cox Radio Richmond’s 96.5 the Planet, Mix 103.7, and Y101 as media sponsors. Five bands, including headliners The Georgia Satellites, Stone Lucy, Speed8limit, 4play, and Conditions played on the Scion main stage. “I think we definitely had the perfect circumstances this year,” said Fisher, Program Director for Mix 103.7, 96.5 the Planet and Y101. “Great weather, great crowd and great music. Shamrock the Block was a win all-around.” This year’s festival had even more “green” featuring environmentally friendly products and information available about saving the planet. “Shamrock The Block has become the rite of spring in Richmond! Three One One Productions has used Cox Radio as our media partner for the past five years and the event just continues to grow,” said Micki Long, Event Director for Three One One Productions. “Cox worked with us to promote the event and the great programs that SCAN uses to fulfill its cause. It’s nice to know that Richmond still supports outdoor festivals and the work of this great charity.” Pictures from Saturday can be viewed at shamrocktheblock.com.
| Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Fredericksburg, VA, 93.3 WFLS is one of 50 finalists from across the country for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Crystal Radio Award. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations across the country for their outstanding year-round commitment to their community.The NAB Crystal Radio Award honors the public service that a radio station has performed over the past year. The public service must have been performed from the previous year, January 1, 2007 thru December 31, 2007. The WFLS entry included public service events, such as: Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Radio-thon, Salvation Army Shoe Fund, Toys for Tots Drive, American Red Cross Blood Drives, Hope House Festival of Trees, Mattress Discounters School Supply Drive, Fredericksburg's First Friday, Fredericksburg's Lunch at Hurkamp Park and many more events. Finalists were chosen by a panel of judges representing broadcasting, community service organizations and public relations firms. Finalists will be honored and winners announced at the Radio Luncheon, sponsored by ASCAP, on Tuesday, April 15, during the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Recently, WFLS was named the 2007 Country Radio Broadcasters Small Market Radio Station, Humanitarian of the Year, at the Country Radio Seminars in Nashville. For further information, please contact Sean Quinn with the WFLS Promotions Department at 540-374-5502 or at squinn@wfls.com.
| Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Virginia Beach, VA – Studio Center Total Production announces Chris Karvellas as the new Creative Director/Director of Photography for Studio Center Total Production. He will be overseeing all aspects of direction and photography for the film and video division. Karvellas has over 25 years in experience in Film and Television working as a Director and Director of Photography. Having been a part of award winning efforts for programming such as: HBO's Real Sports, New York Yankees feature work for their network, “Madison Square Garden Network” and the “YES Network” (Yankees Entertainment and Sports) as well as feature work for the New York Mets; he brings a wide scope of knowledge and talent to the Studio Center table. His work has been seen on Biography, History Channel, MTV, VH1, Discovery, Lifetime, Food Network, Speed Channel, Fox Sunday Night Hoops, Major League Baseball, NBC, ABC and he’s done feature work for CBS National News. He spent three years producing and directing national commercials and image features for the Ladies Professional Golf Association. He's directed and DP'd both film and video commercials nationally and regionally. Most recently he’s completed DP duties on the independent film, “House of Fallen”, shot in Hampton Roads—soon to be headed to a variety of film festivals and later released to the public. “We can’t tell you how pleased—and fortunate--we are to have Chris join us at this time in Studio Center’s growth. His creativity, talent and skill raise the game for our film/video division and will make us stronger in the marketplace. He brings so much to our Studio Center family and we’re excited to say the least”, says William “Woody” Prettyman, CEO of Studio Center Total Production. Chris is a native of Baltimore and attended University of Maryland. He played professional soccer for two years (Kansas City Comets and the Buffalo Stallions) and in between he worked as a dresser on Broadway for the Tony award-winning actor, Len Cariou. Studio Center Total Production produces radio, film & video TV commercials, documentaries, CD-ROMS, in addition to in-flight entertainment, computer games, toys, corporate training programs and in-store announcements for clients in all 50 states and provides foreign voice-overs for 23 countries around the world.
| Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Fredericksburg, VA, 93.3 WFLS received word on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 that the station was named the 2007 Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) Small Market Humanitarian of the Year. The award was presented by Radio Ink Magazine during a luncheon at the 2008 Country Radio Seminars in Nashville.The CRB Humanitarian Award honors the public service that a country radio station has performed over the past year in their market. The public service must have been performed from November 1, 2006 thru December 31, 2007. The WFLS entry included public service events, such as: Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Radio-thon, Salvation Army Shoe Fund, Toys for Tots Drive, American Red Cross Blood Drives, Hope House Festival of Trees, Mattress Discounters School Supply Drive, Fredericksburg's First Friday, Fredericksburg's Lunch at Hurkamp Park and many more events. “We are deeply honored to receive this award and to be recognized by our industry for our ongoing commitment to our community. This award is the result of the numerous hours our staff contributes to public service” said WFLS General Manager, John Moen. WFLS Program Director, Paul Johnson said, “WFLS takes great pride in its involvement in the Fredericksburg community. We believe being a great radio station means making a difference in the lives of our listeners, and being a part of what’s important to them. Our staff is very excited that their efforts locally have been recognized on a national stage.” For further information, please contact the Sean Quinn with the WFLS Promotions Department at 540-374-5502 or at squinn@wfls.com.
SpeakEasy to Feature Programs from NPR, PRI and WHRV Local Programming | Tuesday, March 18, 2008Norfolk: WHRO has added to its family of digital radio stations with the launch today of SpeakEasy. The new station will feature 24-hour a day programming from National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media, and will include a daily repeat of WHRV 89.5FM’s popular call-in talk show, HearSay with Cathy Lewis. SpeakEasy will be heard on 89.5.2, one of the digital tiers of WHRV-FM, and is being programmed by WHRV Program Director Heather Mazzoni. “For listeners without digital radios, the station can be accessed through our website, www.whro.org or www.whrv.org.” SpeakEasy’s programming will be intelligent, entertaining and edgy. “It will provide voices and perspectives not previously heard in this market, such as Israel Radio, Channel Africa, China Radio, Radio Sweden, Radio Prague, KBS World Radio and Radio Canada International,” Mazzoni said. “In addition, listeners will hear the second hour of the Diane Rehm Show and Talk of the Nation, as well as the radio version of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, National Geographic and Democracy Now.” SpeakEasy is the newest addition to WHRO’s family of digital stations, which include radioNtenna, The 1920s Radio Network and Connoisseur Classics. WHRO is a regional media company that promotes education, culture and citizenship to the citizens of Hampton Roads, Virginia through a variety of services. Every day, thousands of viewers and listeners tune in to broadcast programming on WHRO's public television and two public radio stations, WHRO 90.3FM and WHRV 89.5FM. Since its founding more than 45 years ago to support education, WHRO has employed creativity and technology to serve its mission to enrich audiences through content that educates, entertains and promotes understanding. Owned by 17 local school divisions, WHRO delivers educational and new media services to more than 286,000 students and 25,000 educators per month as well.
92.3 FM set to begin carrying sports programming 24/7 | Thursday, March 13, 2008 Outer Banks, NC, 3/13/08: CapSan Media has launched the first full time sports radio outlet on the Outer Banks, on 92.3 FM. ESPN Radio began being broadcast on the frequency as of 7am, Thursday March 13th.Regarding the new format, Program Director Matt Cooper said “We looked very carefully at finding something that fills a void on the local airwaves. We think the Outer Banks is an area that will embrace the exciting and dynamic programming of ESPN Radio.” 92.3 formerly broadcasted country music as part of the Wilbur 92.3-Orville 97.1 simulcast. Country music will continue to be heard on the 97.1 frequency. Regarding the launch of ESPN Radio 92.3, CapSan Media CEO Bill Whitlow said “In today’s world of increasing media fragmentation, it is becoming more difficult for advertisers to spend their media budgets wisely. We believe this station will offer advertisers targeting active, affluent men a very direct path to their desired customers.” Local market mainstay Hunt Thomas will serve as the Local Sports Director and Assistant Program Director Jeff White will cover regional sports action. CapSan Media, lead by Bill Whitlow and Jason Baker, owns and operates 4 radio stations serving Northeastern North Carolina: 99.1 The Sound WVOD, Classic Hits 104.9 WFMZ, Country 97.1 WYND and ESPN Radio 92.3 WZPR.
| Wednesday, March 12, 2008 In recognition of World Kidney Day, Radio Richmond is partnering with the National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias on Thursday, March 13 to broadcast a day-long radio-thon. Tune in to WLEE 990 AM, WVNZ 1320 AM, WREJ 1540 AM, or WTOX 1480 AM between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to learn all about kidney disease, hear personal testimonies from transplant recipients, and participate in an exciting fundraiser.Gift packages big and small will go to listeners who call in a pledge a donation while the Foundation is on the air. A Kidney Car, generously donated by Chesterfield Auto Parts, is the featured item up for bid. National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias staff members will be in the studio for the duration of the radio-thon to answer any questions callers have about kidney disease prevention and treatment, as the day’s ultimate goal is greater public awareness of this epidemic. Chronic kidney disease is on the rise in Virginia. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimates that, nationwide, the number of adults living with the disease has jumped by over 30 percent in less than a decade. The National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias advocates prevention education and regular testing as essential tools for stopping the spread of kidney disease. Listen to the radio-thon to learn more about the Foundation’s free kidney health evaluations. The National Kidney Foundation of the Virginias is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.
| Monday, March 10, 2008 CHESAPEAKE, VA – CH4 Hampton Roads, WSKY-TV is pleased to announce an expanded television package with the Norfolk Tides in 2008. The first game of the season will be the Tides home opener on Thursday, April 3 against the Buffalo Bisons, with a broadcast time of 7:00 pm. After the success of the 2007 season, WSKY-TV and the Norfolk Tides are excited about the opportunity to grow a partnership, thereby increasing the 2008 broadcast package to include 20 games.“We are proud to be working with the Norfolk Tides once again and to have the opportunity to bring an expanded package of live home and road games to fans in Hampton Roads“ said Glenn Holterhaus WSKY-TV President / GM. The 2008 Broadcast Schedule is as follows: Thursday, April 3 7:00pm Norfolk Tides vs. Buffalo Bisons“We are thrilled to expand our television package with WSKY-TV this season” said Tides President Ken Young. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our team, and we are excited for the 2008 season to begin.” The Tides are entering into their second season as the top affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. For more information on the Tides, log onto www.norfolktides.com. For further information please contact Ed Marlowe or Mary Stott at 757-382-0004.
| Saturday, March 8, 2008 SportsRadio 1400 WKAV, Charlottesville’s only fulltime sports radio station, will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in a new way this year with the introduction of the Dan Patrick program to the station’s line-up. The Dan Patrick Show will be heard week days from 9:00am-noon.To celebrate Patrick’s arrival on St. Patrick’s Day, WKAV’s Jerry Miller will be broadcasting his Sports Rap show live from Wild Wing Café on Main Street in Charlottesville on Monday, March 17 from 3:00pm-5:00pm. “Adding Dan Patrick to SportsRadio 1400 is another in an on-going and growing list of commitments Monticello Media has made to providing the strongest possible radio products to the people of the Charlottesville market,” said WKAV Program Director, Joe Thomas. “This is an exciting time. We come off wall-to-wall coverage of the ACC Men’s Basketball tournament to have Dan Patrick join us on Monday as we begin coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. It is truly March Madness at SportsRadio 1400 WKAV,” added Thomas. Patrick recently left ESPN where, among other things, he hosted a radio program on their radio network since 1999. That show was heard on more than 325 stations. Patrick was the second cable commentator to receive the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association’s National Sportscaster of the year in 2000. In 1998 he received a Sports Emmy Award for his work as an ESPN studio host and he received a CableACE Award in 1997 for his work on SportsCenter. Patrick’s assignments have included the sporting world’s biggest events including the NFL’s Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, MLB’s World Series and the Olympics. Monticello Media is a private, Charlottesville-based company operating six radio stations in the Charlottesville market which it purchased last October. In addition to Charlottesville’s only fulltime sports station, SportsRadio 1400 WKAV, the company owns NewsTalk 1260 AM WCHV, Country 99.7 WCYK, Hot 101.9 WHTE, Tom @ 107.5 WWJT and generations 102.3 & 94.1 WZGN.
| Thursday, March 6, 2008 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – 92.9 The Wave (WVBW-FM) kicks off their first-ever radiothon to benefit the childhood cancer program at Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters on Thursday, March 6, 2008.The “Wave Goodbye to Kids Cancer” Radiothon will consist of a live broadcast to take place from the lobby of CHKD in Downtown Norfolk from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 6th and Friday, March 7th hosted by Dick Lamb, Jennifer Roberts, Paul Richardson, Paul McCoy, Mike Allen, Suzanne Snowden, and Ted Alexander. The live broadcast will consist of current and former cancer patient interviews who will tell their story of hope and healing. “This is our opportunity to give back to the children and their parents who have been dealing with the devastating effects of childhood cancer and provide hope for the future. CHKD is an excellent health care facility that we are fortunate enough to have right here in our own backyard” says Dick Lamb, host of The Morning Wave and Vice-President of Radio Operations for Max Media. Donations can be made to CHKD by calling 757-668-9000 between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM and on-line at www.929thewave.com.
| Tuesday, March 4, 2008 Beginning Monday, March 17, 2008 Richmond broadcaster, Kirby Carmichael, will mark another milestone in his extensive career when he becomes the newest member of the WCLM – Radio-1450AM air staff. “It was an offer I could not refuse,” said the legendary broadcaster, who admits that he is happiest when he is behind the microphone entertaining Richmond audiences.“The solid gold, soul music format of WCLM-Radio-1450AM will offer me and my audience the opportunity to enjoy the hits we love but are rarely played on most radio stations these days,” said Carmichael. Kirby Carmichael has more than 30 years of broadcasting experience which includes stints with Richmond’s former WANT-AM radio and most recently WRVQ-Q94FM. “The WCLM Radio-1450AM family is pleased to welcome Kirby and his fans,” said WCLM Radio-1450AM owner, Preston Brown. “Kirby’s knowledge of radio and what audiences want will add dimensions to our product.” Starting March 17, 2008 Kirby Carmichael’s fans will be able to hear him again from 2pm – 6pm Monday – Friday on The Heart and Soul of Richmond, WCLM-Radio 1450AM.
| Thursday, February 28, 2008 NewsTalk 1260 AM WCHV radio has announced the addition of the Dennis Miller Show to its line-up. The five-time Emmy award winner and four-time Writers' Guild award winner will offer his unique take on the day's topics with comedy and satire starting Monday, March 3, 2008. Miller’s 3-hour talk show will air weeknights at 10:00pm and will feature listener calls as well as interviews with high-profile guests.“We’re very pleased to add Dennis Miller to the NewsTalk 1260 AM WCHV line-up,” said WCHV program director and morning host, Joe Thomas. Thomas was added as morning host in October of last year, shortly after the station was purchased by Monticello Media. Thomas is followed by Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Lars Larson and now Dennis Miller. “If we were a baseball team this line-up would be equivalent to the 1927 Yankees’ Murderer’s Row,” said Thomas. After six seasons as the Weekend Update anchor on Saturday Night Live, Dennis Miller has become a household name through an eclectic mix of television, cable, film and sports broadcasting platforms. The Santa Barbara resident, who had a nine year run on the HBO live talk show "Dennis Miller Live," has also written and starred in six solo one-hour HBO comedy specials. He was the host and executive producer of CNBC's "Dennis Miller," a topical interview talk show, has starred in various feature films, written a series of bestselling 'Rant' books, and provided color commentary for ABC's "Monday Night Football." In addition to hosting The Dennis Miller Show, he continues to tour, perform at corporate dates and create and star in new TV/comedy specials. Monticello Media is a private, Charlottesville-based company that purchased and operates six radio stations in the Charlottesville market. Those stations are: NewsTalk 1260 AM WCHV, Country 99.7 WCYK, Hot 101.9 WHTE, SportsRadio 1400 WKAV, Tom @ 107.5 WWJT and generations 102.3 & 94.1 WZGN.
| Thursday, February 14, 2008 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – 92.9 The Wave (WVBW-FM) is proud to offer Hampton Roads it’s only local request and dedication show. “Night Waves” with market veteran Suzanne Snowden begins on Thursday, February 14th.“Night Waves with Suzanne Snowden” will be a show that celebrates life and the good in relationships, friendships, and family. The show will give the listeners of 92.9 The Wave the opportunity to get their request or dedication on the air in a timely manner. It will not be all dedications. Listeners’ requests will be the primary focus of the show. Songs that rarely get radio airplay from “yesterday” and newer songs from “today” that are just becoming popular. “This is an exciting time for 92.9 The Wave and I could not be happier to have Suzanne on our station at night. It will be great for Wave to finally give Hampton Roads, and especially military families, an outlet for making a musical connection with their loved ones. Many can hear the show overseas at 929thewave.com” says 92.9 The Wave Program Director and afternoon host Mike Allen. Night Waves will originate from 92.9 The Wave’s studios in Virginia Beach and will be heard weeknights from 7:00 PM to Midnight.
| Tuesday, February 12, 2008VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – 97.3 The Eagle/WGH-FM presents the 17th Annual St. Valentine’s Day “Mass Wedding”, Thursday, February 14, 2008 at Grand Affairs in Virginia Beach. 97.3 The Eagle, morning show personalities Jimmy Ray Dunn and Jennifer Lewis, selected couples on the air that requested to get married on Valentine’s Day. All in all, forty-one couples have agreed to say “I Do” during the live broadcast on Valentine’s Day. The wedding will be broadcast live from Grand Affairs between 6am and 10am. Jimmy Ray and Jen will serve as the best man and matron of honor for the couples. After each couple has been introduced the ceremony will begin with the couples taking their vows simultaneously live on 97.3 The Eagle. 97.3 The Eagle has married hundreds of listeners over the past sixteen years. Each year various national recording artists such as Martina McBride, Keith Urban, and Steve Holy have provided live entertainment for the “first dance”. This year 97.3 The Eagle is pleased to welcome Lonestar’s former front man, Richie McDonald.
| Tuesday, February 12, 2008 Max Media Country "97.3 The Eagle" WGH hosted it's 17th Annual Country Cares for St Jude Kids Radiothon. This year the Hampton Roads area pledged over $337,000 to St Jude Children's Research Hospital."In the past three years thanks to the tremendous support of our listeners we've raised over 1 Million Dollars for St Jude" said WGH-FM Program Director, John Shomby. St Jude Children's Research Hospital was founded in 1962 by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility anywhere. Discoveries made there have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. For more information about St Jude Children's Research Hospital log on to www.stjude.org.
Richmond’s Country Station Continues 18 Year Commitment to St. Jude | Monday, February 11, 2008
RICHMOND, VA – February 11, 2008 – WKHK/K95 held the 18th annual “K95 Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon” February 7th and 8th. K95 raised $222,613 in donations during the two day event.“I am so proud of the K95 air staff for their heart and effort in supporting an organization that helps child victims of cancer everywhere,” said K95 Program Director Buddy Van Arsdale. “But, most importantly, I am proud and grateful for the K95 listeners and sponsors who came through with their contributions to St. Jude.” The donations were generated from listeners, corporate sponsors, online donations, and an online auction. K95 hosted a 2nd annual 5k run/walk called “The Run for Kids that Can’t” on Saturday, February 9th at Robious Sports and Fitness. The event raised about $3,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We are absolutely thrilled with the response to the St. Jude’s Radiothon, said Cox Radio-Richmond Vice President/ Market Manager Bob Willoughby. “The K95 audience proved once again that they have tremendous generosity.”
| Monday, February 11, 2008 Red Zebra Broadcasting’s WXTG, THE NEW 102.1 FM and 1490 AM “THE GAME” is pleased to announce the addition of the Dan Patrick Show and the Jim Rome Show to its’ Monday through Friday line up. The Dan Patrick Show and the Jim Rome Show will debut on “THE GAME” Monday, February 18th. Patrick will air from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. Jim Rome will follow from noon until 2:00 pm. Station manager John Castleberry thinks the two new shows will further enhance “THE GAME’s” position as the Major League Sports station in Hampton Roads. “To be able to add two of the biggest names in sports radio to our lineup is a huge plus. They offer two vastly different but entertaining styles and their ability to attract the top stars in sports as guests is unsurpassed.”Dan Patrick and Jim Rome join “THE GAME’s” sports talk line up which features Fox Sports Radio, The John Castleberry Show and the John Riggins Show. “THE GAME” is also the exclusive home of the Washington Redskins, the NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Washington Nationals and major college football and basketball on the Westwood One and ISP radio networks.
| Friday, February 8, 2008 Olive C. Ezell, a radio veteran, brings her unique talent to WRRW. Caribbean Diaspora is a new radio program focusing on Caribbean, African and Latin-Caribbean music, history and culture. This radio program airs on Sunday evenings on 100.9 FM at 6:00 p.m. in James City County, Williamsburg and surrounding vicinity. Streaming on www.wrrw.fm Sunday’s at 6:00 p.m.Formerly an on-air personality with the following: WHOV-FM Hampton University “Personalities from the Communities” and WNSB-FM Norfolk State University-“High Profile.” Ms. Ezell has interviewed such personalities as, the late Mrs. Rosa Parks, Tim and Daphne Reid, television and movie producers. Olympic Gold Medalist, Nancy Hogshead among others. As a freelance writer, Olive has produced articles for the New Journal & Guide Newspaper and Hampton Roads Happenings. Olive C. Ezell can be reached at: caribbe@hrfn.net or (757) 838-8713vm.
| Thursday, February 7, 2008 No, he is not 1,000 years old. But CBS Television Distribution talker Dr. Phil McGraw, the last big first-run hit in syndication, will celebrate episode No. 1,000 on Monday, February 11 at 5 PM on CW 27, WGNT-TV. With guest stars Oprah Winfrey, Jay Leno, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, the University of Southern California's drum line and the Laker Girls, this is a celebration you don’t wanna miss!Dr. Phil is America's most popular psychologist and lifestyle strategist. His success stems from his signature "get real" approach to helping his guests solve their problems, stripping through their emotional clutter, getting down to the bare bones of their issues and giving them the challenge they need to move ahead. Dr. Phil champions those who suffer from such silent epidemics as domestic violence, child abuse, depression, racism, substance abuse and other health issues that are prevalent in society, but go largely undiscussed by their victims. Covering a full range of topics from news headlines to coping with life's challenges, Dr. Phil offers viewers a positive, transformational and entertaining experience like nothing else on television. Dr. Phil airs Monday – Friday at 5 PM only on CW 27. CW 27, WGNT-TV is a part of the CBS Corp. Television Stations Group and currently reigns as one of the highest rated CW affiliates in the country. CW 27 is a dominant television force in Hampton Roads, leading our market with top-rated entertainment like Dr. Phil, Judge Judy, WWE Smackdown, America’s Next Top Model and Judge Joe Brown and can be seen in HD on channel 707 on Cox Digital Cable in Hampton Roads beginning Thursday, February 21.
Hampton Roads 20 to Countdown Top Country Music Songs Every Sunday | Thursday, January 31, 2008 Hampton Roads, VA – Cox customers in Hampton Roads can now watch as the top 20 country music songs are counted down on a new COX 11 show called Hampton Roads 20 that will air every Sunday night. The top 20 songs will be determined each week in a website vote by Eagle 97 listeners.Hampton Roads 20 is the result of a partnership between COX 11 and 97.3 The Eagle. During the week, 97.3 The Eagle listeners can vote on their favorite country music songs at the Eagle website at www.eagle97.com. Then, the top 20 songs chosen will be counted down on Hampton Roads 20 every Sunday at 9 pm on COX 11. Along with the top 20 countdown, the show will feature news and updates from the national and local country music scene, concert news, special guests and exclusive interviews. The hour-long show, hosted by Mark McKay, will originate from the Eagle 97 studios.Country music is very popular in Hampton Roads," says Dan Cawley, COX 11 station manager. "COX 11 is excited about teaming up with Eagle 97 to develop another avenue for local fans to pursue their passion for country music.” "With the strong bond that Mark McKay has with country artists from the Nashville music scene, we'll be able to give the viewer lots of inside information and news plus some of the best music and videos to come out of the city,” says John Shomby, Director of Programming and Operations for 97.3 The Eagle. “Country music fans in Hampton Roads are going to love this show.” Hampton Roads 20 will encore several times during the week on COX 11. For a complete schedule, visit www.cox11.com. COX 11 is the exclusive local channel of Cox Communications in Hampton Roads and can be seen by more than 415,000 subscriber households in the region. Eagle 97 radio is owned and operated by Max Media, based in Virginia Beach.
“Dean” Of Local TV Sportscasters To Do Daily 7:30 Report On Top-Rated FM99 Morning Show | Wednesday, January 30, 2008(Chesapeake) A major media partnership has been created between FM99’s Tommy & Rumble and local TV sports icon Bruce Rader. Rader, a fixture in Hampton Roads for three decades, will do a daily live sports report to air on 98.7 at 7:30am. The subject matter will go well beyond the scores and include candid commentary on both local and national stories. “We couldn’t be more excited about Bruce joining the show,” said FM99 morning co-host Rick Rumble. “Believe me, we tried to get more excited, but it just wasn’t happening.” Bruce's work with various charitable organizations, as well as his own Bruce Rader Charities Foundation, has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Hampton Roads area. Bruce is one of the top Olympic reporters in the nation, working with NBC News covering three Summer Olympic Games: Atlanta, Georgia, in 1996, Sydney, Australia, in 2000, and most recently the 2004 games in Athens, Greece. In both 1996, and 2002 Bruce was selected to carry the Olympic Torch. In 1996, he carried the torch through Charlottesville, Virginia, during its worldwide trip to the Atlanta Games, and in 2002 he carried the torch in Arlington, Virginia in the shadow of the Pentagon. Bruce made his official FM99 debut on Wednesday, January 30th. The Tommy & Rumble show can be heard weekdays on from 5:30-10am on 98.7.
Station debuts new logo and look | Monday, January 28, 2008January 28, 2008 – Portsmouth, VA: Today marks the debut of FOX 43’s new anchor, Eric Harryman. Eric teams up with Nicole Livas Monday through Friday for FOX 43 News at 10pm. He will also be seen on WAVY News 10 in a reporting role.Eric’s debut mirrors bigger changes on the FOX 43 newsroom as the station debuts a new logo for the FOX affiliate and a new graphics and music package. Eric joins FOX 43 from KIVI-TV in Boise, ID where he was the weekday morning co-anchor for the past 3 years. Eric is originally from the Sonoma, California area. He got his start ripping scripts at KCAL in LA before landing a news assignment desk job at KCBS-TV. Eric also worked in a variety of capacities with the 2002 Winter Olympics Games in Salt Lake City, UT. Eric’s tour then took him to Grand Junction, Colorado as anchor/reporter for the CBS affiliate, KREX. In addition to his anchoring duties at KIVI in Boise, Eric also contributed with general assignment and investigative reporting. The Idaho Press Club has recognized his work. “We are excited to have Eric join the FOX 43 news team,” said Kathy Hostetter, WAVY/FOX 43 News Director. “Eric’s expertise on the anchor desk and his award-winning reporting are assets I think our Hampton Roads viewers will appreciate.” FOX 43 remains the exclusive 10 p.m. broadcast newscast in Hampton Roads, giving viewers news, sports and weather an hour earlier.
| Sunday, January 20, 2008The following email was sent out by Bob Carey, the president of Syndicated Solutions, which syndicates The Rick & Bubba Show heard on Main Line's Country "93.1 The Wolf" WLFV Ettrick/Richmond... Rick and Sherri Burgess lost their three year old son Bronner last evening in an accidental drowning in the family pool. Rick was away in Tennessee speaking at a teen retreat/seminar when he received the news and immediately returned home. Bronner is the youngest of Rick’s five children. To ensure our 48 network affiliates continue to receive programming during Rick’s absence, Bill Bussey “Bubba” will be hosting the show solo tomorrow with assistance from show producers Calvin “Speedy” Wilburn and Demarco “Don Juan” Williams. They will be sharing this sad news with the listeners. On Tuesday, current plans call for a best-of show so that everyone associated with the program can attend funeral services for Bronner with the Burgess Family. I (Bob Carey) will be traveling to Birmingham tomorrow and may stay to assist in hosting the show with Bubba on Wednesday and Thursday AM. On Friday another best-of show will likely be broadcast with Rick’s possible return coming next Monday, 28 January 2008. As details are finalized, more info will be forthcoming. If you’d like to reach Rick and offer condolences, feel free to EMail him via rickandbubba@syndicatedsolutions.com and please do keep the Burgess family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this truly tragic loss.
| Thursday, January 17, 2008 January 17, 2008 — Portsmouth, VA: WAVY-TV announces that Esther Pierre has been named late news reporter and will serve as part of the “10 On Your Side” political team. Esther Pierre is new to WAVY-TV, but not new to Hampton Roads. She was morning feature reporter for WTKR-TV in 2001. Esther got her start in TV at WAND-TV in Decatur, IL. From there she headed back east to work for News 12 New Jersey and Fox 5's "Good Day New York" morning show. “Leaving family behind in the New York metropolitan area was hard, but, I have adjusted well to Hampton Roads’ milder weather and great people!” said Esther. Esther is a graduate of Howard University. She also has two master’s degrees: One in Education from the University of Bridgeport, and the other in Political Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois. “Esther brings a variety of skills to the WAVY and FOX 43 newsroom,” said Kathy Hostetter, News Director. “Her vast knowledge of politics, sources and the Hampton Roads area are key assets, and we’re happy to bring Esther on board the #1 team!” WAVY News 10 continues to dominate the late news race in Hampton Roads and was the most watched newscast in November 2007.
Barbara Hamm Assumes New Position; Bobbie Fisher to Head Communications | Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Norfolk: Barbara L. Hamm has assumed the position of WHRO’s Chief Community Affairs Officer, effective January 9th. She will produce programming for WHRO’s public television station, including a new public affairs program hosted by Cathy Lewis, and a magazine-style program geared toward the interests of the African American community in Hampton Roads. In addition, she will serve as back-up host for HearSay with Cathy Lewis, with her first program being aired on February 1st. Hamm has served as WHRO’s Chief Communications Officer since March 2006. She is a former Director of Station Relations and News Director for WTKR TV.Bobbie Fisher has assumed the position of Chief Communications Officer. Fisher came to WHRO in 1996, serving most recently as Director of Corporate Communications. She will have responsibility for the communications, public relations and marketing functions of WHRO’s family of services, which include public television (WHRO TV15/HD15.1), WHRO Kids and WHRO Create; two public radio stations (WHRO 90.3FM and WHRV 89.5FM); the WHRO Voice Radio Reading Service; four new digital radio services and WHRO’s vast educational services.
| Wednesday, January 16, 2008Star 94.1 (WXEZ-FM) was named 2008 Stellar Awards Large Market Radio Station of the Year. This is the first year that the station has been nominated in the category.Stations across the country are nominated based on their market size and asked to submit a presentation about the station’s outreach and community effort. “We are so pleased to have been recognized by the Stellar Awards” said Dale Murray, Star 94.1 Program Director, “however we know this honor means nothing without the great support we receive from our listeners in the Hampton Roads area.” The 23rd Annual Stellar Gospel Awards were handed out January 12 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. This year the Stellar Awards were hosted by CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin and Byron Cage. The Award Ceremony honoring artists was taped and is scheduled to air in the area Sunday, January 27 at 2pm on WVBT-FOX.
| Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Charlottesville’s newest radio station, generations 102.3 & 94.1, has announced that Steve Walker will be joining the generations team as morning host. Walker’s 35-year radio career has spanned Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia with most of his career spent getting up early to welcome listeners to another new day.“If we had our druthers, we would have had someone hired for this position earlier but Monticello Media’s commitment to Charlottesville is to provide the best product possible and as much as we wanted to get our live morning show underway we just hadn’t found the right person,” said Vinnie Kice, Monticello Media Operations Manager and Generations 102.3 & 94.1 Program Director. “With Steve coming on board we’re really excited that we have the right person for Generations and the right person for the Charlottesville market.” “When you’ve been in radio as long as I have you’ve witnessed and experienced a lot of change, some of it good, some not so good. I’m really excited to be coming full circle, back to working for a small, private, locally-based company that cares about the community. That’s what good radio is all about and that’s what I’m all about,” said Walker. “I’m about to step into one of the greatest jobs in radio, in one of the greatest cities in the country. Generations 102.3 & 94.1 is going to be such a fun place to work. The management is great, the music is perfect and I promise you’ll wake up every morning with a song and a smile.” Walker is an avid motorcyclist, hunter and shooter. He’s donated over 16 gallons of blood and been recognized for his work with the Cancer Society, YMCA and Conservation District. Generations is a fresh look at “era based” programming incorporating the best music of the 70’s along with evergreen songs from the 60’s and compatible songs from the 80’s. It was launched on November 2, 2007. The new generations 102.3 & 94.1 can be heard on 102.3 FM and 94.1 FM and is streaming on the internet at www.generations1023.com. generations 102.3 & 94.1 features music by the Eagles, Marvin Gaye, Elton John, Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Journey, Beatles, Chicago and the Rolling Stones along with some Carole King, 10cc, Raspberries, Spinners, and Moody Blues. Monticello Media is a private, Charlottesville-based company that closed on the purchase of the six Charlottesville Clear Channel radio stations on October 4, 2007. They do not own any other radio stations in any other markets. Since purchasing the stations, Monticello Media has introduced the new generations 102.3 & 94.1, the new Tom @ 107.5, added a live, local morning show to NewsTalk 1260AM WCHV and hired Melissa Neeley as news director. The other Monticello Media stations include Country 99.7/WCYK, Hot 101.9/WHTE and SportsRadio 1400 WKAV.
| Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Monticello Media operations manager Vinnie Kice is will be roasted in honor of his 30-years in radio on January 26. The roast, to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Route 250 in Pantops, will feature a number of former co-workers and Charlottesville radio personalities, including Tom “Evans in the AM” and Larry “The Legend” Taylor, along with some additional “famous people”, “Well, they think they’re famous,” said Kice, “I think infamous is more accurate.”The event will serve as a fund raiser for the Charlottesville Police Department’s effort to purchase a new community vehicle. Tickets to the upcoming Van Halen and Bruce Springsteen concerts at the JPJ and an overnight stay with breakfast at the Double Tree will be among items auctioned to raise funds. Kice began playing Top 40 music during the overnight shift on WCHV in January of 1978 when the music was played on turntables with 45s. After moving up into afternoon drive and then morning drive he was hired by Jay Lopez in 1982 to do mornings and serve as program director of WWWV. “Don’t ask me too much about those days because the 80s were kind of hazy - it was all Lopez’s fault,” said Kice. His radio career in Charlottesville included doing mornings on country WCYK when it was at 102.3 FM and he also worked for WVAO, WUMX, WFFX and WSUH. Shortly after Monticello Media purchased the Clear Channel stations in October, Kice was named operations manager of the six station operation. He also serves as program director of Tom @ 107.5 and Generations 102.3 & 94.1 where he hosts the afternoon drive air shift. Tickets for the roast are not available for purchase. The only way to obtain tickets is to win them from Generations 102.3 & 94.1. “I really don’t know what to expect out of some of these guys, assuming their parole officers let them out for the evening, so we’re requiring a minimum age of 21 and trying to keep women and children a safe distance from the area,” said Kice.
Public Radio Host and Jazz Artist Jae Sinnett to Produce and Host | Tuesday, January 15, 2008Norfolk: The R&B Chronicles – a weekly 60-minute radio retrospective of classic African American R&B and Soul music – which debuted on WHRV 89.5FM on January 5, 2007, will begin its second year with a stellar lineup of artists whose music will be explored by popular jazz artist and WHRV producer/announcer/educator Jae Sinnett.During its first year of production, The R&B Chronicles doubled its listenership, attracting listeners new and old to its exploration of American rhythm & blues and soul music. This year, Sinnett will feature the music of legendary performers Graham Central Station, Lou Rawls, The Four Tops, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Parliament/Funkadelic, The Spinners and Otis Redding, and many more. In addition to his radio hosting duties, Sinnett tours with The Jae Sinnett Trio, giving concerts and workshops all over the country. He has nine recordings to his name, and has performed with some of the top names in jazz, such as Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Chuck Mangione, Branford Marsalis, Cyrus Chestnut and many, many more. “We’ve been very gratified by the response to The R&B Chronicles,” says Sinnett, “and will continue to expand our listenership with this classic soul music.”
| Monday, January 14, 2008Norfolk, VA. WVEC-TV13 is the first to deliver every newscast, presented in digital widescreen.“Studio and field cameras, graphic elements, etc. are now seen in a widescreen (16x9) aspect ratio which matches the screens on high definition television sets...,” said Director of Technology John Dolive, WVEC-TV13. “The widescreen picture is available to viewers who watch WVEC-TV13 directly off air on channel 13.1, on Cox Cable on channel 713, on Verizon FiOS on channel 813, and news video on WVEC.COM,” Dolive added. “As the penetration of HD sets continues to climb, this was a logical progression for 13NEWS.“ said President and General Manager Nick Nicholson, WVEC-TV13. “We have been broadcasting much of ABC prime time programming like Grey’s Anatomy and Lost in high definition (HD) which is in a 16 x 9 widescreen format, and last year we started broadcasting Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy in HD. While 13NEWS is being produced in standard definition, I believe those viewers watching on HD sets will appreciate the new widescreen presentation. WVEC-TV13 is proud to be the first in the market to take this step, delivering quality content in its enhanced look.” Nicholson added. “Each week, the 13NEWS team will be delivering 31 hours of content.” said Executive News Director Rich Lebenson, 13NEWS. “That doesn’t happen without a lot of hard work and planning behind the scenes. Our viewers watching us in standard (4X3) will continue to receive our best efforts, while viewers who are ready now with 16x9 sets can experience Hampton Roads news in a new way.” Lebenson added.
| Monday, January 14, 2008 Burbank, CA, January 14, 2008 – World Wrestling Entertainment® fans will soon be getting their weekly doses of high-energy entertainment delivered in stunning high definition. Beginning January 25 Friday Night SmackDown® on The CW will be delivered in HD. WWE’s switch to high-def was made possible by a series of upgrades to the company’s television studios in Stamford, Conn. The $20 million HD renovations included refitting of equipment to broadcast WWE programming and global pay-per-view programming in high definition on cable and satellite systems around the world.“The move to high-definition programming is another step in WWE’s ongoing mission to provide fans with the most engaging, exciting product possible,” said Mike Grossman, Senior Vice President, Television Operations. “This upgrade will be the first of many technological advances for our brand in 2008.” WWE programming reaches nearly 16 million people per week in the U.S. “Monday Night RAW” on USA Network is the most watched regularly scheduled program on ad-supported cable television in the U.S. “Friday Night SmackDown” on CW is the No. 1 program on broadcast TV Friday nights among males 18-24.
Blood drive raises more blood than any other in Richmond | Thursday, January 10, 2008RICHMOND, VA – JANUARY 9, 2008 - Virginia Blood Services and Cox Radio-Richmond partnered together on Monday, January 7th for a record setting blood drive raising 322 qualified blood donations.January is an important time of year when the area’s blood supply is always at its lowest. The blood bank had a critically low state of O positive and B negative blood. After this one blood drive, Virginia Blood Services now has an acceptable level of both blood types. “It was the most successful blood drive in Virginia Blood Services history in Richmond,” said Nancy Conry, Director of Public Relations for Virginia Blood Services. All four of Cox Radio-Richmond’s stations supported the blood drive, including 96.5 the Planet, Y101.1, K95 and Mix 103-7. “This event really shows how all of our listeners are willing to help when the community needs it most,” said K95 program director Buddy Van Arsdale. “I was proud to see how our staff was able to work together to create such a flawless event.”
| Monday, January 7, 2008 At noon on Monday, January 7, 2008, the Free Lance Star’s WYSK-FM Fredericksburg pulled the plug on its Alternative Rock format. The station then launched into its new incarnation, 99.3, The Vibe, with Justin Timberlake’s “Sexyback.”OM Paul Johnson described The Vibe as “A blend of contemporary Urban, Rythmic, and Top 40. Our tag line is Fredericksburg’s New #1 Hit Music Station.” The station will be a blend of current format heavyweights like Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Kanye West, and Sean Kingston, along with liberal doses of 80’s and 90’s dance, and even some 70’s Old School. The station has applied for the call letters WWVB. “Fredericksburg has no real CHR station, and no stations for the Urban audience,” Johnson explained. “We’re excited about tapping into an audience that is grossly underserved.” Jim Spector will take over PD duties for the station. WYSK MD Chris Manning will stay with the group, taking on a variety of roles. Morning Man Jay Kole, however, was a casualty of the change. No other personnel changes were announced. The Vibe will broadcast on 99.3, and also on 93.3 HD2. WYSK will still operate as an internet only station, streaming Alternative Rock at wysk.com.
| Thursday, December 20, 2007Virginia Beach, Virginia (December 20, 2007) William “Woody” Prettyman, CEO of Virginia Beach, VA based Studio Center Total Production announced today the acquisition of Tonic Studios, New York City. “This is something that we have been working on for over a year so we are very happy to have it done. Picking up seven rooms in NY along with such a talented staff only makes it easier for our clients to get superior audio and video production,” Prettyman said. Tonic, located in mid-town Manhattan, at 50th East 42nd Street, www.tonic.tv, excels at long form mixing, feature film scores, promo mixing, advertising and sound design. Having already won numerous Emmy’s, ASCAP and Grand Mercury awards, Tonic brings award winning expertise to the Studio Center Total Production family. Tonic works extensively with a diverse group of high profile clients such as 48 hours, Dora the Explorer, All My Children, Mystery Diagnosis, and MTV’s Boiling Point.Studio Center Total Production, founded 41 years ago, is the nation’s top volume commercial production house. With a large and experienced union and exclusive non-union talent roster, Studio Center Total Production produces over 10,000 radio and TV commercials annually for clients like A&E, AOL, BMW, NASCAR, Blockbuster Video, Bud Light, Cartoon Network, Domino’s, GEICO, Heineken, The History Channel, Lowe’s, McDonald’s, NASA, Pepsi, Starbucks, Subway, Victoria’s Secret and The Washington Post. Studio Center Total Production has received over 5,000 awards over the last four decades, including local, regional and national Addys, Tellys, Clios, Silver Microphones and a Grammy Award for participation in recording George Carlin’s audiobook, “Napalm and Silly Putty.” Studio Center Total Production now has 24 studios in six cities including New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Memphis, Nashville and Virginia Beach. Studio Center Total Production produces Radio and TV commercial audio, audio for documentaries, computer games, toys, websites, corporate training programs, government training films--in all 50 states and 23 countries around the world.
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