Current Mailbag - Mailbag Archive Index - DCRTV Front Page - Support DCRTV DCRTV Mailbag - April 4 to April 11, 2008 Latest messages listed first..... \/ April 11 Messages \/ To Don G, I guess we should say Mike S. It was my pleasure to be one of the MANY fans that followed your many storied, sat in my car waiting for a comerical to walk in the house. If you ever read this post, I just wanted to say, while I will miss you, congrats on being able to retire. God Speed. - Alex in Sterling (4/11/08) Re: Don Geronimo's retirement - The King is dead. Long live the King! Jack, Silver Spring (4/11/08) Don's farewell was poignant and well done. It was a very emotional end to a long career that has seen its share of ups and downs in an industry that has changed tremendously in the last ten years. I look forward to hearing from Don in the future...if not on the radio then maybe in print. It might be therapeutic for him and for us as well if he would consider writing a book about his life on the air and off. There is a wealth of material that would make for a great manuscript! In the meantime, enjoy your new life Don and be happy. You'll be missed. (4/11/08) Here I sit, roughly 16 years later after I first heard the Don and Mike Show. In fact it was in the back of my best friend's dad's station wagon as we headed into Baltimore on I-395 on a gray Thursday in March of 1992 to watch a Baltimore Blast game I believe it was and my best friend's dad said "you got check these guys out, their hilarious." Here I sit listening to the final show on my computer in my condo in North Ocean City ironically very close to where Don will be spending a lot of time in his retirement. Here I sit totally choked up that its over and hearing In My Life. Here I sit still not believing that I am living out a childhood dream that was brought out about because of the fun and excitement that a Don and Mike Show brought to the radio and a chance to do the same. I am one of those guys who sat out in his car just to listen to the jocks entertain and talk up a record and hit the post. Don's words that there are few of us left in the business anymore really resonated with me. I know times have changed in radio but one can only hope that a return of the past in someway will happen so as to revive radio. Even in 2008 with Ipods and MP3 players, kids who have visited me at the station while on air still think how it cool it is in what we get to do and love it when I let them play the music or record drops and liners for me. Let's never forget how special it is to have the privilage of being behind the microphone and having the airwaves to speak, those of us in radio we get to be in the spotlight to connect with people (which as Don said is most important), inform them, entertain them, brighten their day, be there for them. We have such an opportunity to do so many things, all of which have nothing to do with being a jukebox...There are times when even the best of jocks has to remind him or herself of that, we can't go through the motions, we have to prepare and put on a show as best we can even if we think no one is listening (someone always is)...Its up to us, especially younger jocks to carry on as best we can in keeping personality & entertainment & localness in radio. In 2008 I know its not about drop-ins and jingles (although I love using them) but its still about being someone they look forward to hearing and someone they feel like is their friend and can rely on for a joke or something that brightens their day and or informs. Those are all the things that Don and jocks like him did. I want to preface with what I next say by mentioning how fortunate I am to have a PD that gets it and allows me freedoms that most in the industry do not have anymore...I know Don listens to pretty much nothing but satellite radio these days but I hope if he ever happened to tune into the radio while on Coastal Highway and he came across one of my breaks that he would hear radio a little bit like it used to be with the passion, fun and connection to the listener. Maybe I could even make him laugh with something I said. But all the time knowing how he played a part in who this jock is, how he performs and how thankful the jock was for being one of my biggest radio influences. -Michael Popovec (4/11/08) I'm going to try to steer clear of the inevitable douchebaggery, and not reply personally to some of the douchebag posters (don't hold me to that). Whoa, here I go! Cheeseburger in Paradise fetishits: there's a difference between a copyright and a trademark. Lookit up in the book. You can't copyright a title but you can trademark all kinds of things. To "amfdapjdjenvagladtoseedggoaway ": [radioguy voice]DOUSSSSSHHHHBAGGGG[radioguy voice]. I'm astonished by the negativity here, today, gentlemen. I myself had a creeper during the last hour, and anyone who has a problem with that can suck me. Caller X (4/11/08) Just wanted to thank Dave, first for posting what Don had to say during his final broadcast on DC airwaves. It kept me informed on one of DC's biggest stories of the day. Also, thanks to Don & Mike for the years of laughter they brough into my mornings and afternoons of working my way around the Beltway. Good luck, Don with the new adventures. Lisa in Ashburn (4/11/08) Doni G., Goodbye ya S.O.B. I have never been more sad to lose a DJ (but you are so much more). You’re the man!! You have tugged on so many strings over the years, you are the best! I admire you. Love ya... Just another one of your window lickers!! Kelly ~Spokane WA. (4/11/08) Hey Best Goodbys, Please feel free to shut the F#@k up. You only feel comfortable lobbing your semi-literate, Thesaurus-dependent, prepared-in-advance garbage post because of the anonymity of the Internet. You are not smart, as evidenced by your inability to CLEARLY and concisely state what you think, and you are also clearly desperate to impress people you don't know and will never meet to make yourself feel important. You are just SAD. Also, when trying to appear smart by posting on an internet website, you might try to not shoot yourself in the foot by misspelling "Goodbys" you freeking moron. (4/11/08) Since others are sharing their “D&M” memories, I’ll share what they did with a story from an informal bull session. One day, I recounted an experience from when I was earning my second undergrad degree - the business one (The other is in Engineering…)- and my girlfriend of the era and I encountered an ex-girlfriend of mine (who was also an ex-roommate of my girlfriend) in a nearby to the campus supermarket on a Saturday morning. My ex- and her roommate were ahead of us in the express line at checkout with what looked like a shopping cart load of stuff that they wanted to pay for by check! Now, the express checkout line was plainly marked “10 Items or Less Cash Only”. (ATM cards had yet to be invented, kiddies!) Since my ex-was an English major my girlfriend couldn’t resist saying, “Must be an English major who can’t read!” I couldn’t resist following-up with “Or, a math major who can’t count!” That part made it to air in a bit on their former morning haunt. But, it w as und oubtedly Freda’s influence who kept my girlfriend’s additional taunt from air, “Or, a sex education major who can’t f**k!” Don, get the rest your soul and heart need. And, have some fun along the way! When you’re ready, come back to radio on your terms. Not anybody else’s. You are among the few who could make radio not just as good as it once was, but better than it is today! Unsigned Corporate Suit (4/11/08) No shit, Sherlock...Don even gave John Landecker credit for the "Boogie Check". Quit being a jackass! (4/11/08) I said on the mailbag right after Freda passed away and I'll say it again today. "Don't worry Donnie...Everything will be alright..." Pat R. in Smothern Maryland (4/11/08) Len Downie's interview at The Q&A Cafe is now up on youtube at www.youtube.com... Carol (4/11/08) Old men lose speed and perspective and thoughts shrink down around a diminished self where the past gets leveraged and sold with increasing self importance and price. This final D+M theater is sad and excruciating. It is like listening to uncomfortable sometimes desperate, irrelevant disassociated graspings at a funeral which suffer more from loss of nuance and perspective than truth. I can imagine D+M were funny terrors in younger more courageous days when firework serotonins sparked a stronger imagination . These guys are now old shuffling audio pucks on an outdated long gone radio shuffleboard. As listeners, some of our 'crunch the messenger' might be recognition that time has moved on and that they can no longer deliver their younger selves to our old-self ears (maybe also the transformant terror that we ourselves might meltdown into a public freakdom like this) Fitting their gated patrician perspective, Best Goodbys. (4/11/08) WHFS cuts off Don Geronimo's final good bye for Orioles pregame!??? Nice move CBS radio and Dave Labrozzi... (4/11/08) Dave's response: As expected..... Thanks Don and Mike for 16 years of friendship. You will be missed. To Dave LaBrozzi and anyone else involved in the raping of the final Don and Mike Show, I hope it was worth it. You cut off Don's last hour for a fucking Orioles PRE-GAME SHOW??? I will never turn this station on again, and will encourage advertisers and friends to stay away. You should be ashamed. Greg Lisek, Westminster, MD (4/11/08) Ok...where can I get a chance to download D&M's last show? I know someone's gotta post it! (4/11/08) from the NYTimes books NL today: review of "RIGHT OF THE DIAL - The Rise of Clear Channel and the Fall of Commercial Radio." Interested parties may click through here: www.nytimes.com... Mark/CharmCity (4/11/08) Thank you Don for an amazing ride. I've been listening since the start during the WAVA days...I moved to the area as a middle schooler right around the time that D&M started. I followed them to WJFK, and have loved the show even more as an adult. (interesting fact...my "first time" was with D&M on in the background...really) It has been a strange week for me listening to the older stuff and actually remembering hearing the bits the first time. The old jingles - I was singing along with them. So crazy. So while I will miss you & the D&M show dearly, thank you for the wonderful memories. Best of luck with whatever life brings you. (4/11/08) "Boogie Check" was created by John Landecker on WLS...not Don Geronimo. I have airchecks of it. Donnie G ---aka Mike Sorce--isn't in the room. (4/11/08) To Dave in Sterling - Donnie G. is not likely to answer my earlier question, but since you appear to be so enamoured of the great one, why not answer the question on his behalf: "Would you be entering "retirement" today if your 2007 temper tantrum/breakdown #5 actually worked and you managed to muscle the Junkies out of morning drive time at JFK?". You should really talk to some of the many people who had to work with his saintliness over the years - that would be an eye-opener for you. Case in point: Two years ago (on air) XM Radio had an employee appreciation day @ the NY Ave. complex. Ron Bennington (of Ron and Fez) met Sherri Elliker of "The Broads (XM 155)" and learned she was a former D&M producer. Ron said: "How did that work out for you?" Sherri replied: "Well, you know...(silence). Ron: "Why does it always seem to turn out that way with those guys?". That little exchange speaks volumes for those who know. Good riddance DG. (4/11/08) Try to find references to "Cheeseburger in Paradise" made before Jimmy recorded the song. You wont find much-"Cheeseburger in Paradise" was not part of common language. Let me go this way, Jimmy can't claim he owns the phrase "Come Monday" because it can be shown it has been used thousands of times before. However, CBiP is commonly associated with Jimmy, was a product of his creative juices, and he copyrighted it first. Got it? (4/11/08) Anybody wanting a better live feed of D and M online try the one from KHTK.com--Rob (4/11/08) Three years ago, after Frida's passing, I vividly recall in this mailbag many, many people saying her death would "be the end of the Don and Mike Show". While I did not 100% buy into this notion, listening to Don's explination of retiring today...I must give those people their due...albeit quite late....Her death WAS, in fact, the end of the show.... (4/11/08) Re, Robin in Frederick: "So, if 'names, title, and short sayings' can’t be copyrighted, why does Jimmy Buffet routinely sue restaurants that use the name ”Cheeseburger in Paradise”. Happened right here in beautiful downtown Frederick." Well, he's a partner with the Outback Steakhouse folks in a restaurant chain by that very same name, the name of his famous song... (4/11/08) This last D&M show is absolutely fantastic and will make me miss Don even more. The final "goodbyes and memories" from the individual show members are both classic and endearing. Don, you've been called many names, both good and bad, but through it all you've always been honest and open to us listeners. Thanks to Rob and Buzz for sharing absolutely classic radio moments this past week, and thanks to Don for just being you. Best of luck to you, Don in whatever you decide to do, and best of luck to the rest of the "gang" for a new beginning on Monday. (4/11/08) Regarding PLB’s comment regarding the silence over WARW’s “15 years in 15 days”…I had gotten so bored with the station that I switched to The Bay. It wasn’t until I read about it here that I tuned in again. Could it be a case of “too little…too late? Robin in Frederick (4/11/08) How nice to see Eun Yang in the mornings on WRC Ch. 4. Someone who can do more than mumble the news in the morning. Can we keep her and send Babs Harrison out to pasture? Robin in Frederick (4/11/08) So, if “names, title, and short sayings” can’t be copyrighted, why does Jimmy Buffet routinely sue restaurants that use the name ”Cheeseburger in Paradise”. Happened right here in beautiful downtown Frederick. (robin in frederick) (4/11/08) I've ranted and raved like an imbecile about Donny G. and how bad the show's gotten numerous times on here. I'm sure the last show today will be a gem. I can't listen. I can't bring myself to reach that dial. I'm remembering all the fun the show used to be. I'm remembering how the show actually made me smile during some of my personal crisis. I'm going to leave it at that. I think, instead, I'll listen to Outlaw Country on Sirius. I WILL be tuned in Monday for Mikes's show. ESPECIALLY with the sexiest Republican ever to don courteroys, Beth Ann. Happy Trails, Don. Thank You. Paul (4/11/08) Way to go WJFK. I have had the internet stream on all day with no problems. As soon as the Don & Mike show began it started going on and off and buffering. I hope they put this show on Itunes quickly so I can actually listen to it!!! Asshats!!! (4/11/08) Dave in Sterling, I have questions. Has he given you a ring yet? When's the wedding? Is he taking you to OC for the honeymoon? OH MY GAWD! To be that obsessed! EEEEEEEk! WHOOPSIE! (4/11/08) I will miss Don Geronimo. After years of not listening to him, I found out during a month-long leave of absence 15 years ago that the best way to listen to D&M is, as they always said, four hours straight. Since then I've been hooked. Were there times it didn't work for me? Yup -- that annoying 'mailman' guy always had me changing channels, for instance -- but for the most part it's been inspired genius. When I was still newspapering I interviewed Geronimo for a story about a local political loser and, despite Geronimo's obvious worry that I was going to be another writer twisting his words to make him look bad, I thought he was an intelligent, witty, good guy. And, for all the ranting and raving in this mailbag and elsewhere about his supposed 'bad' nature ("Bitter, self-loathing sociopaths with a boatload of mental health issues.." - jesus, dude, take a valium and lighten the F up), that's how I've come to think of Geronimo: A Good Guy, a great radio presence and the best ear for Pop music still on the air. My advice to music stations in the O.C. area: beg, plead and grovel to get Geronimo to take over, even if he doesn't want to be on-air. Give him anything he wants, including ownership. I wish I could pass back to Geronimo some of the great fun he's given me over the years. Dave in Sterling (4/11/08) I'm dying to hear Don and Mike's last show but I work until 6. Does anyone know whether it will be available online? does WJFK plan to run it on Saturday afternoon? (4/11/08) Dave's response: JFK does run D&M reruns on the weekends. Maybe today's farewell could be reaired on Saturday on 106.7. Not a bad idea..... Looks like Mr. Hughes has taken an obnoxious page from VP Chaney's press book with his one word, smarmy response.. -snip- WBFF 45 is reporting that today is their 37th anniversary.... Dave's response: So..... -end snip - (4/11/08) Dave's response: Are we supposed to care that Channel 45 is 37 years old today. Maybe on its 40th or 50th birthday we might do a little respective..... RE: [ " WBFF 45 is reporting that today is their 37th anniversary.... " ]... The WBFF date sounds legit since Sinclair Broadcasting (under it's various names but same family through the decades) has owned WBFF since day 1. I used to work at a retail sales company that advertised 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, & the biggest laugh of all their 50th Anniversary Sale, ALL IN THE SAME YEAR! Speaking of such sales hoaxes, I noticed Baltimore's WUTB 24 did a similar promotion this year advertising an anniversary that went back to the old channel 24 WMET days (failing to mention the dark years! haha) Not to mention that WUTB also used to advertise as Baltimore's MY24 News, which was basically just the FOX5 news rebranded with no Baltimore content! (4/11/08) My Dearest Mr. Geronimo, Thank you for the years of laughter you have given me. I first heard you on WPGC and was hooked. I have loved you long time. I have known and loved you longer than I have any of my wives (bitches). You were not always there for me but you are still the longest relationship I have had outside my family. I love you man. Ride off into the sunset and rest. Good night Mr Sorce wherever you are. Elkridge Steve (4/11/08) Way to go Dave......You called the Greg Tantum departure very early. Although those guys on Idaho Avenue seem to give you a lot of info; this is another example of why you rock! Tony Rome (4/11/08) Dave's response: Well, we were right on two of the three counts - that Greg Tantum would be leaving 3WT soon and that he'd be going back to California. We did not get the last bit right - that he'd be going to work for Bonneville's new station in LA. But, hey, if we can get 66.6 percent of 95 percent of all our rumors right, I'll take that as a relative success..... At last, our long afternoon drive time nightmare is over!! Whoo-Hoo!! Donnie G., don't hurry back on our account - you deserve every minute of your upcoming "retirement". May it last no fewer than 25 years...but sadly it won't. Bitter, self-loathing sociopaths with a boatload of mental health issues crave nothing more than attention, so next week when you announce your "return" from retirement, why not start with a tell-all blubber-fest on the "Dr. Laura" show - it will be great radio - as opposed to the D&M show circa 1997-2008! Rhetorical question El Donaldo: Would you be entering "retirement" today if your 2007 temper tantrum/breakdown #5 actually worked and you managed to muscle the Junkies out of morning drive time at JFK? amfdapjdjenvagladtoseedggoaway (4/11/08) WTEM's Pollin and Czaban aren't the only ones that ignore hockey. Everyone at WTEM and everyone at Triple X act as if the Caps run to the playoffs is an inconvenience. Is it that hard for each of the sportstalk stations to get a hockey person that can do with the Caps what guys like Pollin, Czaban, Walker, Sheehan, and Weinstein do for the Redskins? Al Koken would be fine but he's buried by his basketball and football cohorts. Steve Colby or someone of his backround should get a part-time radio gig to help the others during the most exciting playoff season there is. (4/11/08) With all of this talk about Katie Couric possibly getting lined up for the Larry King/CNN gig, Ryan Seacrest must be on the sidelines crying big boo-whos. I hear boy-wonder wanted that job too. I guess trying to fill the shoes of Rick Dees, Dick Clark, Merv Griffin, and Casey Kassem is just not enough. Did I leave anybody out? (4/11/08) Dave's response: How about David Lee Roth to replace Katie? It might just work this time..... I haven't listened to Geronimo in decades. Never cared to. But I'll always have fond memories of his early years at WPGC. I was a young teen and regularly listened to his evening "Boogie Check." I couldn't wait to call in for my 5-10 seconds of evening fame. My schtick was being "the mayor of Scaggsville." For some reason, Geronimo found that amusing and he always played off of it. Great memories. (4/11/08) " Dave - I want to take issue with this post in the mailbag: "Randi Rhodes quit ... yeah, sure she did ... right after they slid that paper under her nose that said, 'sign here, get the hell out, and you can tell everyone it was your idea to leave.' Have another drink, Randi." This kind of thing is really not up to DCRTV's high standards. If the person who submitted this cannot provide a link for a bona fide journalistic news source to confirm the scenario that has been suggested, I think you have an obligation to delete the post. While this person is fully entitled to his/her personal opinion of Randi, they are not entitled to fabricate 'facts'. ---Dave's response: I have pulled that post....."----So you pulled a post that was clearly SARCASM, although in line with the way a lot of companies work (your site your rules, no argument there) then reproduced it, effectively reversing the pull---yet on your main page, you clearly state AirAm Fires Rhodes - 4/10 - Suspended talker Randi Rhodes (left) and Air America network have officially parted company[.]" So which is it? The original poster was probably right. It's a beautiful day, get outside, take a stroll and clear the noggin. Caller X (4/11/08) Has channel 7 dropped World News Now overnights for bloody infomercials? I could live with Mika Brzezinski in the anchor chair for CBS. She worked at CBS for many year's. Seems to have some journalistic integrity and not the "hey, look at me" sort of person Ms. Couric seems to be. Is Ms. Brzezinski a former D.C. ite? Of course, Mr. Moonves should go with the ultimate 'look at me" and put his wife in the anchor chair. Turn the news into another gossipy piece of crap. David Gregory is only 37. Guess that explains some of his childish behavior. Don can Tom borrow the Batman suit for a personal appearance at the Manassas Hooters? Kiss Boardwalk Elvis for me. (4/11/08) DEAR DON,thank god you're leaving the airwaves.Now maybe we can read the pages of DCRTV and the mailbag without hearing about you for awhile. Please don't ruin O.C with your lardass on the beach. Not a pretty sight!!!!! ....... AMF from DELMARVA.................... (4/11/08) WMUC 88.1 FM will be hosting a Record Swap tomorrow to benefit our little college radio station. Saturday April 12th, 10am-3pm in the Atrium of the Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland, College Park. Over 30 tables full of vinyl and more! Free admission, great prices, live DJing from the 'MUC staff. Yes, college kids play with vinyl too. Last minute tables still available. Email scotty at wmucradio.com for more info. (4/11/08) Dear Don Geronimo, you've certainly contributed to the broadcast industry over the years. For that all respect is due. However, to just disappear into the sunset, leaving early is kind of tough on your listening audience. Can't you understand they want BLOOD..they want PAIN...they want REDEMPTION. I personally hope the future lies on the third floor of the "WHACKY WARD". for about 3 months to unload the demons you've inherited. So angry, so out of touch. I truly hope you regain your feelings. You were always "untouchable". WHOOPSIE! (4/11/08) "Dave's response: Hmmm, Doug Tracht to replace Katie Couric at CBS News? Damn, that's a good idea....." Hell that's a fantastic idea! Imagine tuning into the CBS Evening News with Doug Tract and getting something like this - blip.tv (4/11/08) At a past Superbowl week broadcast there was a press conference with, I believe, one of the quarterbacks scheduled for the main banquet room in the hotel near radio row (The room where all the talk shows set up their booths). At 3:55 PM the room was packed with talk show hosts and sports reporters. Live on the air, with a wireless microphone, Don went into the room, walked up to, and onto the dais, sat down at the table, and said in a very serious tone, "Hi, I am Don Geronimo and I would be happy to answer any questions." The incident caused a major confusion and angry outbursts in the room, and nobody knew just what to do. That took real balls, Don, and for those of us who almost peed our pants laughing so hard, we thank you. God Bless, and come back when you are ready, we will be waiting. (4/11/08) WBFF 45 is reporting that today is their 37th anniversary.... (4/11/08) Dave's response: So..... "While this person is fully entitled to his/her personal opinion of Randi, they are not entitled to fabricate 'facts'." Man I'm still laughing over that one. Poor Randi the object of fabricated facts. Although in my opinion I think someone is on to something. She would never resort to such a thing. While I'm at it, how about Greaseman for Katie's replacement! (4/11/08) Dave's response: Hmmm, Doug Tracht to replace Katie Couric at CBS News? Damn, that's a good idea..... Don, thanks for all of the great radio you and Mike have given to us over the years. I've been a listener of the Don and Mike show ever since they snatched the morning zoo torch out of the shaky hands of Charlie & Harrigan on WAVA.. Because of Don and Mike, I almost won a date with Tyra Banks.... but ended up eating dinner at Bridges with Shirley from "What's Happening" instead. Thanks for the memories and laughs. Perrynoid (4/11/08) Dave - I want to take issue with this post in the mailbag: "Randi Rhodes quit ... yeah, sure she did ... right after they slid that paper under her nose that said, 'sign here, get the hell out, and you can tell everyone it was your idea to leave.' Have another drink, Randi." This kind of thing is really not up to DCRTV's high standards. If the person who submitted this cannot provide a link for a bona fide journalistic news source to confirm the scenario that has been suggested, I think you have an obligation to delete the post. While this person is fully entitled to his/her personal opinion of Randi, they are not entitled to fabricate 'facts'. (4/11/08) Dave's response: I have pulled that post..... I'm not happy with the decision to not play D&M's final hour but you have to realize this all was last minute and its possible that contractually they can't not play the O's pre-game with the commercials, etc. At least they are re-airing on Saturday. (4/11/08) Make sure you mention the failure of MASN to show its game in HD on Thursday. The entire game was shown in SD stretch-o-vision, while the only thing in HD was the score ticker that would show up on the bottom of the screen every so often. It looked like a problem with the feed from their truck at the stadium, but maybe you can get an explanation from them. They certainly aren't responding to their viewers. Now, they have 40 O's games and 39 Nationals games in HD this season. (4/11/08) WHFS's decision to not air the 6 to 7 pm hour of Don & Mikes last show says much about the decision making at WHFS. A useless orioles pre-game show or the last hour of Don's final show. I don't even like Don & Mike and even I think for the fact that it is Don's final show they should have the entire show on WHFS and put the orioles pre-game on 1300 and then have HFS break into the Orioles game at 7. I love how CBS-Baltimore suits talked about how great Dave LaBrozzi is, and all that. But look at this decision, plus his comments to a poster here about KMS. Cut me a break, KMS suck and at some point CBS has to admit that was a bad investment, except it won't be LaBrozzi or Pillips to admit it. How he handled WQSR's flip & the decision to make that change when there were more simple & less controversial decisions that could have been made. How many times has he fired then brought Jason Kidd back? Isn't Kidd the genius PD who would play a popular current CHR/Top-40 song followed by Lady in Red a few years back on 106.5? Great combo there! Why was Steve Rouse canned from WLIF exactly if it wasn't a budget cutting move, and they did want him to take a pay cut right? If that's not budget cutting I don't know what is! Watching LaBrozzi & the suits at CBS-Baltimore give each other a pat on the back for a "great job" on the stations is freaking hilarious! (4/11/08) Jesus, Don. I'm going to miss you. God bless. steve in iowa (4/11/08) It seems /some/ franchises had a problem receiving MASN-HD last night. Rest assured HD is delivered 1080i/59.94 16x9. It seems nobody reading DCRTV realized that Monday and Wednesday were in HD (or at least chose not to comment.) You can always contact MASN via the website or phone when you notice a problem. Also see: www.avsforum.com (4/11/08) Dave's response: A local Comcaster tells me - "We pass through what is provided and can not change any format." So, the ball's now in MASN's HD "court"..... Who gives a flying rat's ass about the 'Best of' for the D&M Show'? They sucked then and they suck now. Can't wait for Mike O'Meara start his own show with Beth McBride as producer. The bad ingredient is Don Geronimo (Mike Sorce)... (4/11/08) /\ April 11 Messages /\ \/ April 10 Messages \/ I’m watching the Nat game on MASN in (supposedly) HD tonight (Thursday) and it looks nothing more than “stretch-o-vision” on Comcast ch. 226 (Arlington County). I do have pix-in-pix and to see the differences and it seems that Comcast /MASN are running slightly different commercials on the analog and “HD” channels, but the game action and shots are exactly the same . I don’t know if anyone from Comcast or MASN reads this board, but if you do please don’t fuck with the viewer and try to sell something this that is you don’t have. I’d be happy to watch the Nats in SD (though I do think that it is “low rent” considering what other RSN’s are doing), but don’t call your broadcast MASN- HD when it not!! (4/10/08) Dave's response: I flipped by the game on channel 226 on Comcast Reston and noticed the same thing. Sure looks like standard-def stretch-o-vision. Not real HD. Hmmm..... Thanks to whomever put that list together from D&M's past. In re-reading it and remembering back through the years...I guess one thing hit me. One reason I always came back to D&M was that Don has always been the ultimate radio geek and proud of it. He made it big in several of the largest markets in the country and always stayed the radio geek that those of in radio (whether it be po-dunk or not) revel in, even if he had turned cranky and a bit dark since the passing of Freda. Plus, even approaching 50, he did it while still being relevant and not turning into a Harden or Weaver(great in their own ways but a bit old style for me :). Its probably just because Don and I are about the same age I guess - but the passing of their afternoon show is something else that marks a point in time along the way that I will always remember - like the passing of their morning show on WAVA...just one of those things that when you are in middle age - makes you miss (some) of your youth...take care Don and good luck Mike. (4/10/08) Oh, “Legs”! You have a gift for understatement! (And, TNX for the kind words.) How about your take on “True Oldies” sometime? I like the “Viagra” pun, considering the house joke for an old WTOP logo. Yes, Bonneville made a ton of money off WTOP and WFED, and you are right about them being on the downside with WGMS. Pity Bonneville was drinking the media buyers Flavour-Ade and killed-off WGMS after putting it on rimshots only a bit better than Dan Snyder’s. Making the best of a bad situation put WTOP on 103.5, the best Bonneville had. WMAL-TV proved daily for 25 years that AU isn’t the best site in town. While shutting off the Stereo (I’m old enough to capitalize it.) and ditching the SCA helped (Sell an SCA, be it at 67KHz or 92KHz, and you’re selling off 10% of your modulation for each one.), it doesn’t overcome a site that is fair-to-good at best. You are right about Bonneville having what I call the testicular courage to try WaPo radio. OK, it failed. But, at least Bonneville was willing to try it. They may not always be the brightest spark in the box of Class G2 white dwarf stars when it comes to consistently successful radio in the east (They are experts in the west. But, that’s like comparing a good porterhouse to rotting apples.), they are willing to try something nobody else would. Bonneville’s future moves here and elsewhere will bear watching. However, Bonneville could’ve pulled in a lot more coin had they gone sports talk on 104.1, while still pairing 103.9 with 103.5. I realize Bonneville’s LDS church values play a role in their corporate conduct (Like, they won’t start a superior format against an existing struggling competitor as that could be considered cruelty.), they are still learning the D.C. market. If you’ve ever lived in the west before moving to the D.C. area, you know what I mean. It’s more a culture shift than a culture shock. I’ll step off my soapbox, dodging the pasture pudding with my Justin Ropers. Unsigned Corporate Suit (4/10/08) It is unbelievable how much great radio the people at WJFK have been sitting on while running the same tired Best of Clips segments during vacations and days off. I don’t think they know what a gold mine this stuff is, especially if you’re a relative newcomer to the area and missed so much of what’s being played today. They should have gone to a 4 day week (like Carson) and played more of this stuff on a regular basis. (4/10/08) Regarding the recent posts criticizing Pollin and WTEM for their poor coverage of the terrific Caps story, every criticism is well deserved. However, kudos to COMCAST SportsNet and 3WT which have done a fabulous job of covering the Caps all season on, respectively, television and radio. Both have particularly shined during the remarkable streak down the stretch. (4/10/08) (from BradBlog.com) RANDI RHODES QUITS AIR AMERICA, MOVES TO NOVA M RADIO - Popular Progressive Talker Leaves Beleaguered Network Following Suspension, Joins Former Colleague Mike Malloy at New Network... www.bragblog.com (4/10/08) Randi Rhodes will be on with Larry King on CNN tonight. (4/10/08) Ok, Don & Mike listeners in Baltimore on WHFS, here's how Friday's special show is being handled (according to a nice lady by phone at the station earlier-- she took the time to check on this) You can tune in at 3:00 for Don's last show, and they will run it live up to 6PM. Then they'll go into the Orioles pregame talk, followed by the game just past 7. So that last hour WILL get pre-empted-- if you're running tape, hard disk or whatever don't say you weren't warned! BUT, as consolation, this Saturday, HFS will open up 12noon to 4pm for the full Don & Mike finale. (You still should be able to rely on WJFK-DC's Listen Live option online if you want it all live tomorrow) (4/10/08) Howard Stern? Didn't he used to have a radio show? (4/10/08) Dave's response: Howard K. Stern? Hey Dave, Love your website, I read it every day (where else will I find the local media gossip?)Thought you might want to know - Cox just announced that they're now carrying Comcast SportsNet in HD. Perfect timing for Caps and wizards playoff action! Thanks for keeping me in the loop - Kathleen (4/10/08) Dave's response: Yeah, we got the newsblurb up yesterday. Apparently, Cox added CSN-HD on 4/4. Still nothing on their website about the addition..... Dave's response (about Randi Rhodes): I hear she's working on a book - "Pissing Away A Promising Talk Radio Career"..... let's not go overboard. she might be a decent broadcaster, but she's also one of the looniest talkers on the left (and that's saying something). take a look at some of her conspiracy theories. she'd fit in perfectly at daily kos or huffpo should they get a podcast going. (4/10/08) I'm glad to see that Randi Rhodes came to her senses and was smart enough to finally leave Air America Radio. As I understand it, the suits there are big time Hillary Clinton supporters and Randi's recent comments about her in San Francisco, pretty much sent them over the edge. From day one, Randi was the only person on the Air America airstaff with a solid background in radio and a proven track record - with ratings that matched (and often exceeded) Rush Limbaugh's - when she was in Palm Beach. Air America's management (if you can call it that) has been in an auto-destruct mode for a while now and Randi was truly wise to bail out when she did! Former Air America host, Mike Malloy, tells the story of the whole sorry mess here: www.samsedershow.com... I'll be tuned-in on Monday to Green 960-AM, when Randi lands there. Can't wait to hear what she has to say! (4/10/08) Radiogotterdammerung Teabaggin' Alex Trebek Geronimo, clip-on suit by Mr. Guy Phone Booth Olympics in the Tyson's Corner parking garage Bart your six-year-old weatherman Don's Earth Dog brother Jim Three words that strike fear into the hearts of men: Honk For Cash Major Bill Smith at Graceland on Elvis Death Day Halloween spooks outside my window "It's Veteran's Day" - and a forty-minute long recording of various holiday drop-ins That damn bellhop bell Don's horrific real-life family situations, and the courage it took to air all the dirty laundry "Theme from Tetris" Cheese The Shake-n-Bake Challenge Jim Nantz and Tom Brady in love Ol' Cottontip Can you get to ten? and Rudy Martzke in a bathrobe Guerilla broadcasting from the Super Bowl "My hair grows" Charlie. Charlie Haines. Boutros-Boutros Burbank Love you Freda, love you Bart and wait! there's more... Don, I miss you already. You and Mike have brightened my mornings and then afternoons for damn near twenty years. I've heard your son grow from a little boy to a fine young man. I cried in my car for an hour when Freda passed and mourn her still. The Eastern Shore SPCA will be getting another donation in her memory tomorrow. I wish you a happier future, with my sincere thanks for all you've brought to Washington. Your show helped bind us together as a community, though the suits in DC and New York were always and unfortunately completely unable to grasp that fact, for which we are all the poorer. Don't go away mad, Don, just take care of yourself and your loved ones. We'll be here if you ever want to come back. (4/10/08) You know...the most disappointing thing about this weeks series of Don and Mike Shows, is the fact that what WJFK has been running during their show "retrospectives" is EXACTLY what they should have been running on the immense amount of "Best Of's" all along! This weeks shows have actually been very entertaining from a nostalgia standpoint....Yet, for many years now, WJFK felt the need to shove 3 weeks old clips down our throats on days when they were not broadcasting live....I firmly believe that had WJFK been doing THESE type of "Best Of's" all along....Listeners would not have spewed quite as much venom each day when they were off...That's just my opinion.... (4/10/08) "Let me get this straight. 3WT launched it's full format in late January. From January to February the station total week 25-54 share increased 175% ranking #18. In one month of the new format 6-10 a.m. grew nearly 400% 25-54 with 2.9 in the critical demo. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. more than doubled in one month. In one month cume and Time Spent Listening was up in all dayparts including weekends. Who knows what the future holds for any of us but faced with these facts, to declare something a "failure" in any projects first month of life is, well, stupid" And an ant can lift 2500% of its own weight. And the personality responsible for that blip is now gone from the station completely. Please. (4/10/08) I'm stranded out of town, anyone know if the last Don & Mike show will be streamed LIVE via WJFK's website ? --- Desperate in Florida (4/10/08) Well, I guess you heard about the tornado that hit CNN Center a few weeks ago. Fortunately, no one was killed. However, at first, police thought they had found a dead body. But it turned out to be Larry King before makeup. Sorry, Dave. You got me started with your news blurb. Roddy Freeman (4/10/08) maybe this latest incident was the straw that broke the camel's back for randi rhodes. she had already brought a ton of bad publicity to air america for the time she not only got drunk and face planting, but lied to her bosses about what happened and then said nothing for days when it was implied on air that she may have been the victim of a "hate crime". (4/10/08) Dave's response: I hear she's working on a book - "Pissing Away A Promising Talk Radio Career"..... Suggestion to WTEM. Give Andy Redskin a vacation until the NFL draft and let Scott Linn handle the Sports Reporters for awhile. He knows a lot about hockey and used to handle the post game show for the Caps back when WTEM covered their games. (4/10/08) Shirley, you jest Schelby is 55? and talks like a 14 year old. Once again, enjoyed the radio duel of Johnson and Consur calling the Bullets wonderful win over the Celtics! Maybe WTEM should call in Ron Weber for his take on the Capitals skate for the cup, does Rod Langway still have a bar in the area? Just another way Geronimo has messed up O'Meara's life. Here the Capitals are en fuego and O'Meara can't enjoy it having to panic over the new show. Which reminds me could we see that picture of O'Meara and his young lady at a Caps game... (4/10/08) "No one does news on the radio any better than the crew at WBAL. WBAL and WTOP are what radio news should be." Exactly true; but then WBAL messes it all up by mixing their talkbots in with the story. The newsroom is itself top-notch, though. Howie (4/10/08) Gee, remember back when a good Howard Stern Show controversy would have sent this forum into a frenzy for days? I guess not enough people actually have sat radio. Howie (4/10/08) Chris Plante broadcasts live tomorrow Friday, April 11 on 630 WMAL from 9 a.m. - Noon from the Newseum. -Silvie- (4/10/08) Dave's response: Great! I don't think there's been enough local media coverage of the Newseum's grand opening. Not...... Just thought I'd let you know - if you don't already, Randi Rhodes has quit AAR. airamerica.com... I know she's only heard on 3WT's Frederick station but I thought I'd let you know since you had her suspension on the front page a few days ago. (SF's) Green 960 has already stated she'll be back with atleast them green960.com... Mala (4/10/08) Not sure how newsworthy this is but Artie Lange had a rather ''dramatic'' departure from the Howard Stern show this morning. I suspect the whole ''blow out'' could have been contrived but it was rather interesting. Paul (4/10/08) I've seen a couple of the Today shows with Kathie Lee and there's little to no chemistry between her and Hoda Kobe. Now, it has only been a few days, but I won't be watching that show on a regular basis..On an unrelated note, someone asked about Stacy Cohan. I just saw her a few days ago on FOX. I don't know what kind of contract she has with them, but it appears that she's just freelancing with the station. (4/10/08) Glad to hear Bill Ashley is doing well after surgery. I hope his daughter will let him know that he is in our thoughts and prayers. (4/10/08) "It looks like The Washington Times is getting the first chat of the playoff season. They will have Caps owner, Ted Leonsis, on at 2:00 PM tomorrow." Both WTOP and 3WT had Ted on live Monday morning. (4/10/08) ”Congratulations to the idiots at WTEM, especially Czaban and Pollin, for ignoring the greatest story in Washington sports in years - the 2008 Washington Capitals” – Did you really expect anything more from these two? I blame Pollin for this and still to this day don’t understand what is so appealing about him as a “Sports Reporter”. He should apply for Bram Weinstein’s job at XXX since all he knows about is the Redskins. (4/10/08) Happy 55th to 94.7's Schelby today! Take comfort in knowing that both Weasel and Cerphe are older. (4/10/08) The problem with the HFS HoCo shooting coverage was there wasn't ANY coverage...none...zip...nada. I can see the host not talking about it, but when the top of the hour ID introduces "in-depth team coverage" and the first story is 24-hours old...yeah and tell me that's rain dripping down my leg. Put the talk shows aside. No one does news on the radio any better than the crew at WBAL. WBAL and WTOP are what radio news should be. (4/10/08) Has anyone else noticed the Spanish language pirate at 87.7FM near the Springfield interchange? It's a STRONG stereo carrier with at least a 5 mile radius, unfortunately - there's almost no modulation. Crank your car tuner up to maximum to hear religion in Spanish - on the left channel only. - grin - Ah, the things you find when you're listening for WTVR from Richmond... -Jeremy in Alexandria (4/10/08) Dave's response: There is a low-power Spanish language TV operation on channel 6 transmitting from Arlington. And that's exactly where its audio carrier would be..... "the $10 million they have coming in is just one big smoke screen" Not nearly the size of the $50 million cloud of gas Bonneville is touting to cover their stupidity. I wonder how many times the management there can say that they had the courage to try something new, what a bunch of horseshit. Get paid for trying? Really. (4/10/08) Congratulations to the idiots at WTEM, especially Czaban and Pollin, for ignoring the greatest story in Washington sports in years - the 2008 Washington Capitals. (4/10/08) DC now has more going on in pro and college sports than ever before, yet its "sports" talk stations are terrible. Most of the local hosts have very narrow areas of expertise and are at a loss to say anything insightful about anything but what they played, coached, or grew up focusing on most as a fan. Good sports talk hosts have something other than the obvious to say. They have inside news about the teams or thoughtful analysis about what's happening on the field, ice, track, or court. Good hosts can do this in both an informational and entertaining way. The DC sports talk stations simply don't have people like that so I don't listen anymore. (4/10/08) Drudge has linked to an R&R update on the Randi Rhodes situation: www.radioandrecords.com (4/10/08) Let me get this straight. 3WT launched it's full format in late January. From January to February the station total week 25-54 share increased 175% ranking #18. In one month of the new format 6-10 a.m. grew nearly 400% 25-54 with 2.9 in the critical demo. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. more than doubled in one month. In one month cume and Time Spent Listening was up in all dayparts including weekends. Who knows what the future holds for any of us but faced with these facts, to declare something a "failure" in any projects first month of life is, well, stupid. Perhaps the one poster knows the accounting model for BIA so well because it's the same sort of logic and math he or she uses when evaluating new projects. (4/10/08) How about a competition between Colleen Carew from 100.7 The Bay and Sarah from 98 Rock for “Battle of the Media Hotties”? (4/10/08) "BIA is rarely correct" or such words from several posters. Those words are mighty correct. Their understanding of math and data integrity actually makes Arbitron look credible. Their asset valuation techniques are such a joke that it is impossible to figure out what you actually purchase when they have handled the due diligence of a sale. BIA = Bad Investment Advisors. (4/10/08) It looks like The Washington Times is getting the first chat of the playoff season. They will have Caps owner, Ted Leonsis, on at 2:00 PM tomorrow. (4/10/08) Steve Czaban and Pollin are unbelievably stupid. Here's an opportunity to talk about one of the greatest stories right now in sports (in their own backyard) and they continually throw it aside as if there's anything bigger going on right now locally. Okay the wiz are getting healthy and maybe on the verge of making a run, but this caps team is so exciting to watch -- best player in the game, great young stars you can root for, hot goaltending, new coach who really turned this team around, acquisitions at the trade deadline. But since czaban and pollin know nothing about the sport, they'll toss it aside and talk about terps spring practice or a 3rd string safety the redskins signed. You guys are missing a great time, enjoy not having any listeners CLOWNS. -- Adam (4/10/08) Re: WHFS -- several things are obvious. First, there's no continuity of programming. KMS is doing a show that doesn't do anything to lead into Troy Johnson who's doing a show that doesn't help lead into Brian Wilson who IS doing more of the same type of show as Ed Norris, etc. To flip-flop on the Don & Mike decision is bad enough, and with no promotion or information on the website, how do you know if they'll break away for the O's or not? And if they break away, why even put the last show if you can't hear the last hour? Re: Brian Wilson's first show, it sounded to me like things were being changed up until the last minute. Who does weather? When to take a break? Those things usually are decided upon (and not by the host) prior to the show going on the air. And if, as he mentioned at one point, there were lots of people in the studio, that's not good for the host, too much distraction. As for the lockdown in HoCo, what more could be said about it other than what was in the local newscasts? It's not like the talk host would sit there for a hour constantly talking about a school lockdown. (4/10/08) I am going to be heading back to Fairfax from Newport News at 2 tomorrow. Are there any stations along the way that I can catch the final Don and Mike show? (4/10/08) Dave's response: Other than the DC area's 106.7, you're kinda out of luck. D&M long ago lost their Richmond and Norfolk area outlets..... Everyone needs to know that the BIA revenue is rarely correct. The WTOP number for 2007 is very close, but the rest of the top ten is wrong on 5 counts. This report is nothing but a survey given to Market Managers. They can submit any number they want, and the report is usually about half right. Did I just read “Just Call Me Legs” try and defend the 4 failures that Bonneville has had during the past 3 years? Are you kidding me? He or she should change the moniker to “Just Call Me Stupid” (4/10/08) (Good news for Redskins owner Dan Snyder's Triple X ESPN sports talker, which posted 2007 revenue of $10M, way up from $1M the year before) Not so fast...first of all they launched in July of 2006, before the Redskins season started and did WAY more than $1 Million...(note to Dave and others...the BIA numbers are often as realiable as Arbitron). but more importantly, the $10 million in 2007 sounds good doesn't it? not when you consider this...more than $8 million of that is from the Redskins Broadcast. the same $8 million (or thereabouts) WJFK brought in when they had the Redskins. Remember the rights fees that Snyder was getting from WJFK? $8 million, plus $2 Million in promotion. WJFK then had to cover ALL the other expenses...sonny, sam, and Larry/Frank's HUGE salaries, travel, equipment, etc... that cost them somewhere in the range of $2 million more. Now Redskins Radio has all those expenses, PLUS Riggins and his huge salary, the purchase of 3 stations for $33 million, rent, other salaries, other expenses like entertainment for all those clients, etc...and they are STILL getting the $8 million they were getting before, but now they have all the expenses! they are losing more money at that operation than any other station in this market...guaranteed! the $10 million they have coming in is just one big smoke screen. JC (4/10/08) Ah gotta point on an error here......"(snip) It sort of like everyone on here raving about Barry Lee in Winchester or whomever in Hag town or God help us Harrisonburg or choose another po-dunk market...(snip)...Don't forget Tom Tucker on WRNR-AM 740's "Eastern Panhandle Talk" or David Welsh on WEPM-AM 1340's "Panhandle Live!" in Martinsburg."....... True about Tom Tucker & WRNR but with WEPM Its JAY YOUNG !!!!!! I would think one would put someone who has been in the market for over 25 years rather than someone who who just started working at WEPM and Welsh is only a part-timer, while Young is their Program Director and Martinsburg's number ONE radio host in the ratings. I would think Jay deserves the credit for anything connected to Martinsburg's WEPM and WICL. (4/10/08) Got any idea where Stacey Cohan is now? (4/10/08) John Scott, P.D. at Green 960-AM KKGN in San Francisco, says that as of April 9, Randi Rhodes is no longer an employee of Air America Radio. www.green960.com (4/10/08) I enjoyed hearing Robb and Buzz on Big O and Dukes today. If the Robb that was on O&D, is the Robb thats going to be on Mike's show, then I think it will be very successful. Robb Speiwak of Don and Mike, was like a 1950's evil genus caricature. I hope we get to see the real Robb on the new show, and not the outlandish stereotype he was on D&M. Robb has the potential to be a very interesting radio personality. He needs to drop the schtik and be himself. He's very funny and insightful. (4/10/08) Has anyone heard from Matt Elliott lately? F the Hobbitt! does the Graham Movie theater still have that joke line? Don Geronimo, the hags from Vermont say they finally got you off the air! Is Don going to be taking care of lil' Miguelito Hemphill till Mike is done doing the show? But seriously would there be something wrong with a Big Don O'Brien and Mike O'Meara show? I'm Dick, she's Pat and that is that! It's time you started living, It's time you let someone else do some giving MEOW Now where did my Dixie Cups go to? You're going to have to live with that boner a long time! From the ticker, Joe Mama Ah, the cavalcade! Memories pressed between the pages of my mind. Memories......fade to black (4/10/08) Dave, Dave, Dave... Was wondering if it was that time of the month for the Viagra truck to show up for you and those other poor souls with a itching, burning case of ED for WTOP and Bonneville. I find it amusing that despite the usual carping and complaining here, they're laughing all the way to the bank - literally. To the poster who writes: "It's the revenue they've lost becuase of their dumb ass decisions that really counts." Gee, I had no idea Karnack the Magnificent was posting to this panel. Exactly how do you know what revenue they lost due to decisions they've made? Another poster rightly points out that one of the smart decisions they made was to expand Federal News Radio to an over-the-air signal, a station and news website that makes a tidy amount of money for the cluster and the company. Bonneville was, unfortunately, on the downward side of the curve for WGMS, and whether on 103.5 or 104.1/103.9, the advertisers began to "drink the cool-aid" nefariously spread by the young-ish ad business that classical was a dying format. Z104 was a noble effort hurt by the fact that it was on suburban 'rimshots' that no matter how hard you tried, there's no way they'd ever have a competitive metro-grade signal. It was the same when the station was XTRA-104 and oldies. And as for Washington Post Radio, hey, it was an idea that didn't work out. If they hadn't at least tried with the Post, that money might have gone to another station, perhaps one of the Clear Channel sticks. But I guarantee you there's no way that the Post wouild have worked with CC, as lame as that company has become (just look at the failure of their privatization financing effort, and tell me that this is a "successful" and well run company. And while 3WT may not be raking in the dough now and posting the ratings, I'm waiting to see the upcoming book from the Caps playoff run, and also when the Nationals begin to get their act together and begin breaking in that new ballpark. I find it amazing how much the viagra crowd here on the 'bag dumps on Bonneville, while Snyder and the vastly under-performing "Triple-Sec" pretty much get a pass here almost all the time. {gingerly stepping off the soapbox in pink Chucks Converse hi-tops} - Just Call Me "Legs" P.S. to the Unsigned Corporate Suit: You keep posting just as long as you like, honey, as long as you have some intelligent thoughts to pass along, the naysayers are just that. (4/10/08) /\ April 10 Messages /\ \/ April 9 Messages \/ RE: TK facelift. Not sure that would help much. Perhaps they should lower his body instead. (4/9/08) Leave Kathie Lee Gifford alone, if you want to pick on someone, pick on Kelly Ripa, she's like nails down a chalkboard. (4/9/08) More on WTEM's pathetic treatment of the Washington Capitals. They've decided to assign a beat reporter (Jerry Coleman) to cover the Caps for the playoffs. So Coleman's first report is about the young roster of the Caps and how defenseman Serge Federov will be a calming influence. Sucks for Mr. Coleman. Federov is center. Can WTEM's reporting be any worse? (4/9/08) Dave...I think you got a mistake on your front page story about revenue...there is no way Washington Post Radio billed $10 Mil in 2006. the station launched around april 1st and the word on the street was that it billed about $4 mil in 2006 which was really only part of a year. 3WT didn't go on until sometime in the fall of 2007, so the numbers for 2007 you are reporting (of $5 Mil) sound correct, but they are really the numbers of Wa Po Radio. with the 3 card monty that bonneville has played with their frequencies and call letters, the folks at BIA must have got something wrong. (4/9/08) Dave's response: That's according to BIA's info. Maybe that includes the brief period in early 2006 when WTOP was on 1500/107.7, which became WaPo Radio...... Ref : This post is directed to the "patronizing post to Ed Graham" this gives me a chance to make a shame-less plug. Why wait for the break-up, Starting Monday Morning April 14th 6-9am COMMUNITY RADIO 107.9 hits the air with real “COMMUNITY” radio. “McKay in the Morning” Show will feature “Oldies” from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s (all hand picked) along with yep, LOCAL NEWS….LOCAL SPORTS and LOCAL SCHOOL information too! Glenn the Engineer will sit-in with HITMAN most mornings and will show up at the weirdest places EARLY in the morning with MIC in hand, Like back in the day -We can't wait - If you're not going to be in the area, Sorry! but you can still check it out via: COMMUNITY RADIO 107.9 on line www.wees.org "click-it" WE’LL BE ON THE STREETS MORE THAN A BALTIMORE HOOKER !!! J. J. “Hitman” McKay/Ocean City, Maryland (4/9/08) Mike in Fairfax is right. One gets the impression that Pollin is hating life because the Caps remarkable run has made big news around town and caught the attention of much more than hard core hockey fans, which means he has to talk about it. Pollin's poor attitude is even more apparent because Czaban and, usually, their guests like Thom Loverrero or Mike Wise, are more open minded on the subject. Pollin uses the same pompous and condescending tone about pretty much everything except the Redskins and Maryland basketball. However, I think he is very mistaken in his view that the Caps story is going to go away for good if and when they are bounced from the playoffs. What has become apparent is that Ovechkin is more dominant in his sport than any other DC athlete has been for a very long time and the Caps have a very young core of talented players. They will be knocking on Lord Stanley's door for many years to come and a lot more people will be paying attention than in the past. My advice to Pollin is that he go right out and buy "The Idiot's Guide to Hockey". And start reading. (4/9/08) Kathy Lee Gifford followed by Mumbles Harrison on Channel 4. Perhaps Satan DOES live in DC [according to the Post] Paul (4/9/08) Dave's response: So, Ann Coulter lives here? Hmmm..... Oh my god! How awful can HFS be? I second the writer who suggests the call letters change to WTF? I would have rather heard Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys. With all of his history of mental problems, he's still more entertaining than the talk show Brian Wilson. It was the same old same old cliched talk show. Wilson clearly is short-timing it on the cheap while HFS flip flops over and over in search of an identity. My kid's school is in a lockdown in Howard County, and it's never mentioned on the station now promoting its "in-depth team coverage..." What a complete, absolute, 100% total joke. I loved LaBrozzi's email to Scott: "Kirk and Mark are a heritage morning show that were #1 in Baltimore for 11 years in a row." Yeah we're all stupid. Too stupid to even ralize that since the move over to HFS, they're a bit, fat, money sucking turd of a lame show that can't even crack the top 15. (4/9/08) This post is directed to the "patronizing post to Ed Graham". Man you are one sarcastic SOB! The concepts that Ed posted are solid. He was not searching for sarcasm, he was stating his thought. He's had as many successes and failures as anyone else in this "Dog eat Dog" business. The industry sucks. Watch, just watch the FCC will be breaking up the monopolies soon. Maybe then we can start to enjoy real "ENTERTAINMENT, INFORMATION COMMUNITY INVOLVED RADIO". Question, do you remember what NEWS once stood for????? WHOOPSIES!! (4/9/08) Ed Graham, you miss the obvious. WTOP is such a fabulous success because their management put their BEST product on their BEST distribution channel, 103.5. They tried to save the modestly-profitable WGMS on 104.1 and 103.9 but those signals didn't reach the right areas. So they further strengthened fortress WTOP by adding 103.9. They are now selling 104.1 for a very nice profit. Any other company would have kept the somewhat more profitable Z104, but classy Bonneville tried to preserve the classical music format. When that didn't work on 104.1 they forged a public-private partnership with WETA to save classical in Washington. As for Washington Post Radio, name any other broadcast group in the country that would have tried such a bold experiment. Name one, Ed. You can't. But it kept any competitor from coming after TOP. And Ed, you never mention WFED which Bonneville launched as the first-ever Internet news station and became the first-ever Internet radio station to migrate to broadcast. WFED has a profitable little niche tapping into revenue sources other Washington radio stations can't touch. Ed, you should have as many of these "failures" to your credit. (4/9/08) Ed (Graham) I read your post re: WTOP/WBAL. Very interesting. As for what to do with WBAL AM, give it to a charity, then it's a non-profit, write off...God I'm good-WHOOPSIE! (4/9/08) "Dave's response: I did make an inquiry to Bonneville about whether its DC radio cluster revenue went up or down in 2007, despite the big growth for TOP. They said they'd get back to me. I'm still waiting....." What difference does that really make though, WTOP would have grown regardless? It's the revenue they've lost becuase of their dumb ass decisions that really counts. Assuming everything stayed the same, one would venture to guess that WGMS and Z104 would have added close to $13-15 million per year to WTOP's number, so that's easily $40 million dollars that have been squandered away since they began the orchestrated destruction of their cluster. And that doesn't count the amount of money they lost on the Post radio failure. Its anybody's guess how much revenue this seemingly endless series of blunders has cost Bonneville. (4/9/08) Here's something for the DCRTV BackRoom. Video of Carol Randolph back when she had that channel 9 show. Who be that studly dude on couch? www.youtube.com... Maybe Don Geronimo should go over to Greaseman's house and lift weights with him. Watch It! bob from toothless fairfax (4/9/08) Is Biff from burke a big donor? Now where be that caps key to oh so emphasize me point. (4/9/08) Good to hear Tony Kornheiser is realistic about his appearance. I'm no prize either, so I know where he's coming from. But Tony, the COMBOVER!!!! What the eff are you thinking?!! YOU'RE NOT!!! You know what's really offputting? I was listening to Oscar-Soon-to-be-Deported-Santana talking about his traffic ticket woes this a.m. and then the cows on the view along with Trisha Yearwood started chowing down on ribs and deviled eggs. A careless person could lose an arm on that set. BUT-- the downward spiral of the BM eaters website, as noted, has gotten exponentially worse. Today they're all complaining about how their lives are so much worse than Don's, all sparked by a post saying "Leave Don alone, he's done his job and moved on" --- creepy white trash stuff like "I'm not wishing any harm on the man;let's just say here's hoping he reaps what he's sown." from Elwood -- SmDnBz wrote: "The guy spent years making fun of his most loyal of listeners that showed up for the "gatherings" at the studio....Well so-f[...]cking-long, jerkoff. You bitter, old man." --- Have you SEEN the pictures when the Children of the Corn showed up? -- jlo wrote " I've seen more sadness than he will ever know. I will re-iterate. Eff him and the high ass he rode in on."--- seems like a bunch of complainers here. -- Where's the Tantalus Device when you need it? Biff from Burke (4/9/08) Maybe you can answer this one for me Dave. I like many others are very happy that the Greaseman is back on a major DC station in DC101. Even if it's just Saturday, it's a start. So what gives with their website? Not one mention on their website that I can find that he's back. Are they ashamed or something or just merely testing the waters first before giving him some well deserved publicity? (4/9/08) Dave's response: I dunno..... I am an agenda poster! I wore an agenda Ribbon!! But I think the BM eating BooHoo fest deserves a separate post for FreeBird, whom Don gave as much time as he wanted on the show, and he tried, but not being a pro-fessional, well.... "F[...]k Don. He dissapears just days before his retirement date leaving extremely loyal die hard fans begging for the tiniest little hint of what has happened to the show for 3 weeks...skipping lunch..staying in a cold car to be able to listen for just a few more minutes.That is known as true love. Me..ive been hit with tragedy left and right recently over these last few years myself..losing my father-both grandmothers-losing one child-watching another one being born with missing feet-then having some clown steal his prosthetic leg at age 4 leaving him unable to walk for a month till new ones can be made.." --- Now that right there is funny, I don't care who you are. The baby with missing feet is a brilliant touch, and when you combine that with Clown-Crime, BRILLIANT!!! as Buzz would say. My own son, Billy, was born with a burlap sack full of leaves for a body and just a head. You may have heard of him. Biff from Burke (4/9/08) Thanks to the anonymous writer for saying it all. Most posters have never questioned the success of WTOP, but the way the other stations have been destroyed makes you wonder. I know WTOP is a huge success. You have to know that they are packaged and sold better than any area station. They have legacy call letters and most importantly, an exclusive format. They made the shift to FM before most AMs even thought about saving their news or talk formats from disaster. However, whoever made the decisions on their other format changes should be sent back to night school. Maybe they should have hired Lee Abrams. My question is, will the powers that made these changes be in charge if WTOP ever gets competition? With so much money available and so few formats working, a major player might go after the news audience in DC. This will be an interesting year. Aside to WBAL, you sound great - - move to FM and you'll survive another 15 years. The big problem then is what to do with the AM. Ed Graham (4/9/08) WOW! I always thought that the reports of WTOP's billing were exagerated...but to see the list of revenue by DC radio stations on the front page is remarkable. Just a few years ago, WTOP was BEHIND WPGC and WJFK for the top spot in radio revenue (which was somewhere around $30 million I think). if I'm reading it correctly, now WTOP is almost DOUBLE the billing of the next closest station. it's like they are playing a different game. now I understand why so many posters bash Bonneville. it is always feels good to knock the top dog, doesn't it? based on this report, it looks like they are laughing all the way to the bank. BA (4/9/08) In the early hours of April 9, Comcast made changes to the channel line-up in Howard County and possibly Baltimore and Harford Counties. They added digital channels CNN HD, History HD, TLC HD, WE, Fuse, IFC, and ION Life. They deleted analog channels ION, G4, and TruTV, leaving nothing but snow on those channels. Also, they deleted 13 west coast movie service feeds. So, if you subscribe only to the analog tier or to a movie service, you now get less channels for the same price. What a bargain! (4/9/08) Dave's response: Comcast dumped most west coast feeds from the premium channels a few years ago via the Reston system. We still get the west feeds of the main HBO and Cinemax channels, but that's all. I miss 'em. They certainly give you more movie choices at any given time..... (snip) It sort of like everyone on here raving about Barry Lee in Winchester or whomever in Hag town or God help us Harrisonburg or choose another po-dunk market...(snip)...Don't forget Tom Tucker on WRNR-AM 740's "Eastern Panhandle Talk" or David Welsh on WEPM-AM 1340's "Panhandle Live!" in Martinsburg. (4/9/08) (Dave wrote: That third panel in the cartoon - Albie Dee!) Uh, Dave, that means that Albie would have to have hair to hold those rollers, no? Marge (4/9/08) I'm not the only one questioning if WHFS is going to bail out on the D&M Show's final-final hour. Look, the Orioles game doesn't start until AFTER 7pm. You guys (HFS) don't need to spend the better part of an hour pre-hashing it, anyway. Just come on at 7, run over the lineups, give some stats, and go to break before the first pitch--how hard is that?? I would think that any contract with the O's would only stipulate that you carry the game itself entirely, and have no ironclad clause on pre-game show lengths. Or as an alternative, just bump the pre-game over to Jack-FM like you did a number of times last year. Problem solved-- or does that just make too much sense? I'm one of who knows how many in B'more who do not want to hear the word "Orioles" between 6-7pm this Friday.... capeesh??? (4/9/08) WTEM should be embarassed at its anemic treatment of the Capitals' return to the playoffs after a five year absence. Rising from the worst record in the league at one point in the season to first in their division, the Caps are clearly the biggest sports story in DC right now. A few minutes of discussion on the John Thompson show cut off abruptly to make way for an interview regarding ABC's Dancing with the Stars isn't exactly what I'd call adequate coverage. After wasting about forty minutes arguing over whether Wayne Curry (the former PG county exec) is in the Redskins Ring of Honor, Andy Pollin and Steve Czaban consigned the Capitals to two or three minutes at the tail end of Sports Reporters yesterday. It's almost better if they ignore them completely as long as Pollin insists on getting on his patronizing high horse and dissing the team and its fans by calling this 'a nice little story that everyone will forget about the minute they get knocked out of the playoffs.' Translation - 'the sooner they're done the better so we can devote full attention to things that actually matter like the Redskins draft.' Doc Walker did have Caps TV analyst Craig Laughlin as a guest on his show, but he can't seem to buy a hockey call when he opens the phone lines and I think that's a reflection of his listenership not being very representative of local sports fandom in general. A few years ago, I was visiting Nashville, Tennessee when the Predators (the NHL team down there) were making a playoff push. You couldn't tune in local sports radio for three minutes without hearing hosts and callers talking hockey and that's Nashville - not Toronto, Montreal or Detroit. Up in Philly, WIP is probably providing vastly more coverage of the upcoming Capitals/Flyers series than WTEM is. At least the local TV stations get it, leading off most of their sportscasts with the Caps over the past few days. On another topic, Bram Weinstein's probably better off leaving Red Zebra which is basically a publicity outlet for the Skins. While he didn't hesitate to criticize the team's play on the field and roster moves where called for, it's clear that there was a line he wasn't allowed to cross. Mike, Fairfax (4/9/08) A voice of sanity from the BM eaters website:-----OMFG,....Why do you feel the need to spew venom and hatred for someone who has spent OVER 20 DAMN YEARS entertaining the masses and still having a normal life. He went through hell and back and STILL came back to entertain us. Don has earned his rest and relaxation... I can't fathom what he went through when Freda passed away. Did he come back early... yeah maybe, but remember back to that gut wrenching show that he did solo where he said that it was his INTENTION to retire at the end of 2006 (he had even bought property in Florida for crissakes).......But because you have a keyboard and feel safe behind it, you think you should just rag on the guy?? If you hate him so much and think the show sucks as bad as some of you claim it is... just be happy he's gone; stop being a hater and don't announce it to the world!!! .....Sorry, but this crap is really making me angry... Don has given so much, and asks for nothing in return. Just enjoy the last week and then leave...../rant off.....-hypes ---- quoted by Biff from Burke (4/9/08) The “arm chair PD’s” have never questioned the success of WTOP. The criticism is doled out because of the destruction, and poor management of Z 104, WGMS and Washington Post Radio, not to mention 3WT. The management gets an A+ for WTOP and an F for the other 4 stations. Usually that track record will get you a trip to the unemployment line. (4/9/08) Dave's response: I did make an inquiry to Bonneville about whether its DC radio cluster revenue went up or down in 2007, despite the big growth for TOP. They said they'd get back to me. I'm still waiting..... Here's the reason the following is true: (snip) "As of late 2007, just 15.9 percent of the 10,625 US radio stations were managed by women" (end snip)... guys got into radio to attract women... www.krud.com (4/9/08) Dave's response: That third panel in the cartoon - Albie Dee! Happy Wed....1. Chicken Noodle News - now that's funny. 2. Where are all the arm chair PD's who've been second guessing Bonneville and their changes in the DC market over the last couple of years? WTOP came in 10th nationwide in billing and #1 in the market. And that is an awful $$ year. Billing vs Ratings? 3. JJ "hitman" - Someone posted that we "don't" get it. I think the only thing we don't 'get' is him always hyping himself on this board. He may be the biggest fish to ever hit the shore - but he's nothing in DC...It sort of like everyone on here raving about Barry Lee in Winchester or whomever in Hag town or God help us Harrisonburg or choose another po-dunk market. It seems that "hitman" is the biggest fish on the shore and in his own mind...4. Best of Don and Mike. They couldn't have spend any time on this. And to leave out the early JFK stuff and most of the WAVA stuff is a crime. Even the airchecks on reel radio from WAVA don't do that show justice. I'm a radio geek - one of my best of shows would be for them to just play back the thousands of drops the show has used over the years...starting with the older woman who use to start his shows with "are you Don Geronimo...are you Don Geronimo...hmmm sure look fine" or whatever she used to say - and they would end up with that damn electronic phone sounder he's been using the last year or so. (4/9/08) It won’t be a problem if Baltimore misses the last hour of the final D and M show….they were going to take that day off anyway, just like normal. (4/9/08) 105.7 apparently says they're running the final D&M show Friday. Good move. However, the Orioles play in Tampa at 7:10 Friday night---105.7 usually has a 1-hour pre-game show. If that's the case, the most compelling part of the "final" show (the last hour---and final "good-bye" from Don) isn't going to be heard in the Baltimore area. What a shame! Dave, any word to the otherwise of this scenario? If the final hour is pre-empted, CBS-Baltimore would be wise to re-broadcast the show, in it's ENTIRETY, at a PRE-ANNOUNCED future date...maybe sometime this weekend. (4/9/08) Dave's response: Hmmm..... What the big boys at the big networks used to call Chicken Noodle News will probably end up being the only authentic provider of broadcast news, if you consider cable to be broadcast. How ironic. No more NBC News White Papers. No more "Harvest of Shame" documentaries from the Tiffany Network. Just Dancing with the Stars and American Idol. Ah! The promise of television to provide high class entertainment (symphony orchestras, opera) and education (lectures on the Great Philosophers). La Couric will be around for a while, as she represents high level GroupThink in corporate culture. People tune in to watch her pantyhosed shins. (4/9/08) Very sorry to hear of Bill Ashley's situation with pancreatic cancer. Needless to say, he and his family are in my prayers and thoughts at this difficult time. -John Pinckney (4/9/08) /\ April 9 Messages /\ \/ April 8 Messages \/ If anyone’s been mildly wondering what Diane Kepley’s been up to since she left WTOP, she’s been doing stories for AP. Follow this link for a story she did on Starbucks: www.yahoo.com. Chris in Alexandria (4/8/08) "Dave's response: It is kind of amazing how much older-sounding Geronimo sounds compared with 10 years ago. Voice much lower and raspier....." Too many cigars and martinis for the 1 kittiney one? Aw shucks, looks like not much of the best of Don and Mike 20th Century style is going to show up on this alleged "Best of" weak. Damn shame, imo, it was the bestest of times. Long live the true super producer Diana Silman! Although did I hear robbay say "Memphis Riot" bit scheduled for Thursday? Still not enough for this long time mistener. Major Bill Smith, Larry Williams, battling carl, whoops, Robert Shields, Al Molinaro, did they finally get in touch with him?, Shirley McLaine, Tony Randall, McLean Stevenson, Telly, Chuck Connors, Danny Thomas, Anthony Newley, Ailene Cunningham, Laura Korn and last but certainly not least Dick Van Pat, no Dick Van Pat in the last week of Don and Mike Best of's ever? that's just not right! Hey Buzz tell me what's a happenin'! Might there be a Don and Mike museum set up back in toothless Fairfax with the blow up doll on display? I seem to recall back in JFK's hey day of Stern and DnM show number 1 ratings they pulled in $30 million a year in ad revenue? (4/8/08) Washington Is the 9th largest radio market not 8th Atlanta(8th)has passed It In size. (4/8/08) I just hope Joe Ardinger continues to do "Trick or Beer" each Halloween on the new show! (4/8/08) To everyone picking on the "Hitman" for returning to the airways on LP 107.9 fm in o.c... A commercial free radio station, You have missed the point of why he is doing it... J.J. Actually enjoys doing a morning radio show, If you do not understand why he has been on 3 different stations in the last few years,... You do not know how crazy the radio business has become since his heydays on KHI ... I am thrilled that he has been Asked to do a morning show again ..(How many of you get asked to do a morning drive show??). And I am just as thrilled that he has asked me to sit in with him again when I can, Like I did on WCTG... (And like him, That 2hour+ commute to Chincoteague became too much for me...) Hope all of you are going to tune in...Glen in Ocean City...... (4/8/08) Hmmm… CBS outsourcing news to CNN? It’ll be interesting to see how IBEW and AFTRA take this. Murrow must be spinning in his grave. Network news is very much a “Tiffany” product… lots of image and lots of costs with little immediate financial return. However, it could be but the beginning. We’ve already lost NBC and Mutual on the radio news network side. Until this development, I would’ve said Citadel would’ve killed ABC network news (They’ve already done it to ABC Radio Sports…) next, but now… I’m not so sure. Maybe CBS will be next to pull the plug. First radio, and later on broadcast TV could get the news ax. But, have no fear news junkies… Fox will always have “news”. They will still call it fair and balanced. But, since it may be the only broadcast news you get, will anybody know the difference? Or, worse yet, even care??? Unsigned Corporate Suit (4/8/08) Then Again, Maybe Bonneville will start a AAA in DC just like they did in L.A. today. DC sure needs a real AAA. (4/8/08) Dave's response: B'ville doesn't have an available FM signal for a music format, unless it wants to move TOP off 103.5 and put it back on rimshot 107.7 and AMer 1500..... for the person who asked about the character of jorge, I never mentioned this but those who remember him might appreciate this: The guy who did jorge also did the story flute guy, the porno guy (who'd read porn passages), the harmonica elvis guy, the crying guy, and a few more that escape me for the moment (4/8/08) I've been watching for years on the various BM eaters websites listening to the whining about how Don and Mike in any particular year are worse than they were before... so in any particular year they must have really sucked, because they were always better before, right? Listening to best-of today, they are much better now than they were 12 years ago -- and I was a devoted fan then. You know what's really gone downhill over the years? The BM eaters message boards. WhatleyPosse4Life, Caller X (4/8/08) Dave's response: It is kind of amazing how much older-sounding Geronimo sounds compared with 10 years ago. Voice much lower and raspier..... You know, I have really been enjoying hearing some of the truly good old days of the D&M show. Hearing Freda yesterday and the way she spoke to Don with love but still not putting up with his BS and today being able to hear Don's enjoyment of doing the show 13 years ago. I wonder why they haven't been playing any of this really old, good stuff for the last several years when they are in BODAM mode? I think Don has made the right decision by leaving (maybe not early to screw his co-workers) but it is obvious that he doesn't enjoy doing this anymore. Thanks WJFK for letting them play REAL best-of segments this week so maybe we can fondly remember the show and not leave with bitter tastes in our mouths. (4/8/08) Don - Thanks for all you taught me about showmanship! You will be missed long after CK burns the "Best Of" reel-to-reels! It was a pleasure! Cherokee, Somewhere in TX ... this week (4/8/08) A classic D&M was when they had the contest "win a date with Tyra Banks" on April first. Tyra was in town and did the morning news shows that day. D&M had a dozen or so winners lined up in the parking lot that afternoon and Tyra was to come and pick who she would have dinner with. The long white Limo pulled up in the WJFK Parking lot and out stepped Shirley Hemphill! April Fools! Shirley took all the "winners" out to dinner. (4/8/08) SNIP Bruce Radio debuts at Midnight on 100.3FM Honda Center concert tonight marks first Orange County appearance in over seven years. Los Angeles, April 7, 2008: ...At Midnight, April 8, V100 KRBV will change from LA's R&B Station in order to debut a one-of-a-kind radio experience. SNIP Not to put too fine a point on it but technically midnight April 8 has already occurred this a.m. No Bruce yet on the stream, no R&B either for that matter. It sounds an awful lot like 94.7 The Globe. Even though I'm a big Bruce fan, I could live with whatever format they're streaming today. Tom in Silver Spring (4/8/08) Dave's response: Just got this from Bonneville..... Bonneville International returned to the Los Angeles radio market this morning when at 10 a.m. local time it launched its highly anticipated new station, 100.3 The Sound (KRBV-FM). 100.3 The Sound showcases a sparkling new music format that promises “an all-out dedication to The Music” and features “…a broad playlist – everything from the seminal rock of the late ‘60s and ‘70s to the offspring of those geniuses, including some great music that came out last year, even last week.” With all the talk about Don Geronimo’s retirement, I just want to say that he was an awesome top-40 jock on WPGC (and elsewhere) back in the day. Roddy Freeman (4/8/08) "Another possibility would be for CBS to keep its correspondents in certain regions but pair them with CNN crews." That makes all the sense in the world. Why should the networks each rent headquarters for a bureau in a city overseas when they can share facilities and crews and satellite time, but keep their own correspondents? This has been the nature of pool coverage of presidential overseas trips for decades. (4/8/08) I wanted to chime in on the Don Geronimo departure. I have listened to Don Geronimo since my youth dating back to his WPGC days. This guy has provided me with lifelong memories and was the reason that I wanted to be in radio. When I was in high-school I would go to a couple of Don and Mike appearences like: Save the Babe (Quarterback Babe Laufenberg) and the Redskins 1987 Superbowl Victory Parade in DC where Don and Mike were broadcasting. Don came up to me and put me on the air and I will always remember that even though he hurled insults at me the whole time. It was great radio. In 1989-1991 I had the pleasure of working at WAVA as the producer (Phone Pig as Don called us) of the afternoon and evening shows for Big Don O'Brien, George McFly and Chris Leary. I was working with Sandy Weaver one weekend and Don came into the office, looked at me and said, "Who the hell are you?" Before I could explain who I was he left - my idol dissed me. It was ok however --- this guy did not owe me anything and to be working at the station he built was the best honor of all. There are some Don and Mike Memories of my own that I would like to share: 1) When Don and Mike released helium inflated blow-up dolls from the Fairfax Station of WJFK shortly after they began. It was classic radio as listeners tracked the dolls down 66 and the beltway... 2) The Uhhhh Game: I won this on several occassions back in the WAVA days... 3) When I was "Phone Jammer Greg" answering the phones to take the 10,000th caller for the first WAVA Mazda Miada giveaway and Don and Mike recognized me for the first and last time on their show... 4) Wild Bill - the Elvis guy... 5) Telephone Destruction... Don - thank you for letting me grow up with you! Thank you for the many 100's of hours you entertained me on my drives to high school, while I did homework, while I had my first and second child and now as you entertain me through your last week. Those who criticize you today only wish they could have the level of talent and achievement you have had through the years. The are angry radio wannabes. All my best Mike Source (Don Geronimo). May you enjoy endless hours on the beach and watching the Price is Right! Greg (4/8/08) HA! CBS outsourcing reporting to CNN. what's next? is pravda going to outsource to granma? (4/8/08) Headline from the Drudge Report, referring to the bank, not the radio station: WAMU gets $7B infusion, cuts jobs, sees big loss... (4/8/08) The "unsigned" poster about the writing style of Greaseman fans and the programming on Saturday morning I'm sure does not have the talent nor has he or she had the radio career Doug Tracht has had. Regrets, too few to mention, but Grease keeps going. Ken/Bethesda (4/8/08) Before Don Geronimo took his early retirement, he went on and on about how he didn't want a big deal made of his scheduled departure in late May. No tributes, special programming, no nothing. It all sounded so righteous and noble. And full of crap. But maybe the people at WJFK listened. And nobody was planning anything special. They call his bluff. So, Donnie retires early, and, lo and behold, we have an entire weeklong tribute to the radio god. Really? Four days of sugary praise and glorified reruns. All leading up to one last triumphant return to the mike by Donnie for last time to bestow his greatness on his loving fans. Are we supposed to bow and heave roses at his feet for his final appearance? Anybody get the feeling that Donnie's ego just couldn't handle a quiet goodbye? Let's be honest. Donnie G's raging ego both made the show listenable and took its toll on the its lasting quality. And this is his one last chance to revel in his own juices. (4/8/08) something interesting going on for don geronimo over at the wjfk fm site. dcrtv dave do you think mr. geronimo , using a different moniker, will show up on sirius? why is sirius stock price lower than xm stock price? i figure sirius is the power player in the merger. with the donandmikewebsite down i guess no big blow out on the dnm bowling shirts or keychains and sponges. is Sunday considered a weekend day? drove by o'meara's and saw no sign of activity robbay more 20th century best of don and mike! will robbay put on the pilgrum suit one last time on Friday and give Don Geronimo a salute with a single tear rolling down his cheek as the Esclade drives off for the last time. be neat if they tied the tombstone for evil kenito to the rear bumper. who played the character of Jorge? (4/8/08) I will say upfront that I’m not a fan of Charlie Rose. I think that he enjoys hearing his own voice and very often interrupts the people he is interviewing –and if he is interviewing a big-time celebrity it is a “yuck-fest” on his part. That said, he was using the Bloomberg studios in NYC for his PBS show and, I believe, Bloomberg rents time at the National Geographic TV studio at 17th & M St. in DC for some of their shows. Perhaps when Charlie is doing his show from DC it will be at NGS. (4/8/08) We get the following forwarded to us about the new Bonneville FM outlet in Los Angeles, which it is buying from Radio One..... Bruce Radio debuts at Midnight on 100.3FM Honda Center concert tonight marks first Orange County appearance in over seven years. Los Angeles, April 7, 2008: He has entertained audiences for over 35 years with his brand of heartland rock infused with pop hooks, poetic lyrics, and Americana sentiments centered around his native New Jersey. His iconic status stems from the concerts and marathon shows in which he and the E Street Band present intense ballads, rousing anthems, and party rock and roll songs, amongst which Springsteen intersperses long, whimsical or deeply emotional stories. He is an eighteen time Grammy Award winner and the recipient of an Academy Award. (wikipedia.org) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band return to Southern California tonight and tomorrow for a concert at the Honda Center. At Midnight, April 8, V100 KRBV will change from LA's R&B Station in order to debut a one-of-a-kind radio experience. Bonneville International will start Bruce Radio on 100.3FM. It will be all Bruce! For the first time in history, the music icon will be the focus behind an entire radio station dedicated to his music and his legacy. Bruce Springsteen`s latest release, Magic, debuted at Number One on Billboard`s Top 200 album chart upon release and then reclaimed the top spot two weeks later. The album has been certified Platinum in three countries and Gold in an additional ten. Visit www.bruceradio.com for additional details, and join the fan discussion. (4/8/08) Dave's response: Sounds to me like a temporary format, to give Bonneville a few months to quietly build an FM news talker in LA. Maybe 3WT PD Greg Tantum should still keep looking for that new LA pad, huh..... /\ April 8 Messages /\ \/ April 7 Messages \/ So the Feds sue Fox, eh? So much for the theory that Rupert Murdoch has the Bush Administration in his pocket/wallet. Then again, the matter isn't settled yet. Bush could call off the attack dogs and bury the turds before the flies even have a chance to get their licks in. Naturally, nobody would know the real story, so the theory would remain ... a theory, unless Fox loses and Ruppy has to write a check to Uncle Sam. (4/7/08) Dave, Don was on afternoons on WAVA from March 1985 - December 1985. December 15, 1985, he moved to mornings with Mike to do "The Morning Zoo". (4/7/08) Dave's response: Glad to know that my memory isn't completely faulty..... Rob and Buzz are bleeding into today’s DNM Show Podcast I am presently listening too, kind of sounds like a DVD running commentary with the two of than laughing along with the show I will have to re-listen later to catch all the background chatter… (4/7/08) At the risk of enraging the Angelos haters (I'm one of them actually), I have to say that this DCRTV news statement is patently false...... "The regional sports network owned by Peter Angelos" - MASN is co-owned by the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals and the ownership percentage changes over the years. I believe the Nats now own 10-20% of it and will eventually own 40% or possibly even more or all of it because by then Angelos will be dead and his heirs will be selling all the shit for cash cash cash! (4/7/08) As a long timer in the radio biz and a talk radio junkie, I'd like to wish Don all the best in his future plans and endeavors, whatever they may be. I discovered Don and Mike soon after moving to the DC area in 1990, and immediately was hooked. I even did a little board op work back in 1993-94 on the network side, inserting network commercials into the feeds of G. Gordon Liddy and Don and Mike while at Unistar Radio. I also had the pleasure of bumping into and chatting with Don and Mike while waiting on the press credentials line on a broiling September day at the Pentagon as we prepared for our respective broadcasts on the first anniversary of 9/11. Don and Mike have long provided a great source of entertainment and enjoyment for me. I have to say that I am one of those folks who have long thought that Mike was unquestionable the funny one, and that at times, Don just seemed flat out unfunny to me... just a setup guy for Mike. After the death of Don's beloved wife, however, when Mike had the opportunity to sit in the pilot's seat, I came to greatly appreciate Don. It has become abundantly clear to me that Don was the absolute glue that held that show together for so long and guided it so seamlessly. Mike has seemed surprisingly uncomfortable in the lead role, and that really concerns me in terms of the forthcoming success or failure of his show. I like Mike so much, and he really is funny and talented, but I sincerely question the wisdom of putting him at the helm of a show. I wish Mike all the best, but unless he thrives when the spotlight belongs to him alone, I have my doubts that the show will be very long lived. Don, thanks again for all the memories! You really were the cog that made the wheels turn for so long. I hope you can take a deep breath and garner some long overdue tranquility in your life. I hope we haven't heard the last of you. From one radio guy to another, many thanks to both of you, Don and Mike, for so many years of smiles. Good luck and go get 'em, Mike! (4/7/08) Dave's response: I remember listening to Don and Mike on WAVA in the 1980s, during my many hours sitting in gridlock while working for an area radio/TV trade pub. I believe they started out in afternoons and then moved to mornings on 105.1. When Salem bought the station in the early 1990s and flipped it to religious talk, they moved to JFK-FM, doing afternoons with Howard Stern on in mornings..... Hello, I sent an email to a number of the members of CBS management regarding the poor decisions being made at 105.7 WHFS and received the email you see below. Something worth noting is where Dave Labrozzi confirms what you now have as a rumor on your front page, that Don and Mike's final show will be broadcast live on the station this Friday. Hope you find this information useful, Scott (4/7/08) Scott, We appreciate your e-mail regarding the programming of 105-7, WHFS. While you may not agree with all of our programming decisions, we do thank you for your passion toward the station. The Ed Norris Show is the #1 rated talk show in all of Baltimore. Kirk and Mark are a heritage morning show that were #1 in Baltimore for 11 years in a row. The Junkies did a great job for us and I applaud their success in DC, but we had the opportunity to grab the #1 local show in town so we made the change. Don and Mike are legends in the business and have had a tremendous run in Baltimore and we thank them for their years of great radio. We are planning to run the final Don and Mike show on Friday as our way of saying "thank you" to a true radio icon, Don Geronimo. Again, thank you for your input. Have a great day. Respectfully, Dave LaBrozzi, Vice President of Programming, CBS Radio Baltimore Is this Don and Mike Segment with Brian Wilson really one of the 'best of' from over the years? Or is this week only the 'best of' since they were on WJFK? Will there be any segments from their WAVA days? (4/7/08) Love him or hate him, JJ "Hitman" McKay is as true a radio professional if there ever was one. I worked at 100-KHI in the late 80's and have had nothing but the highest respect for him. I'm glad that he's able to get a slot at a radio station that will allow him to do radio the right way, without any of the hassles from the "suits". Good luck, JJ...I'm actually a little jealous! Gary "the Beav" Edsall (4/7/08) Listening to the "classic" best of now playing on 106.7. The energy level then (1996) compared to now is remarkable. But then, we were probably all more energetic in 1996, weren't we? (4/7/08) I assume the Post meant to print that today's Orioles game would be on WAGE/1200, not WBAL/1200. Of course, the game isn't on WAGE either. There isn't a way to know what games that station will air from day to day anymore. As far as WHFS potentially blowing out Ed Norris for the Don and Mike farewell, there's still the problem of that last D&M hour being blown away by Orioles pregame. If there isn't a way to clear that final hour ever of Don and Mike in Baltimore, I don't see the point of airing the rest of it. Everett W. (4/7/08) Dave, in your Hottie bio of Don Geronimo, no mention of his early 1980s stint at WPGC? I remember him doing afternoons with the Top 5 at 5 countdown. Even then he had a love-hate relationship with listeners, grousing at them when they voted "I Know What Boys Like" by the Waitresses as the top song of the day. I found it refreshing to hear a DJ criticize the records that he was paid to play. (4/7/08) Dave's response: I just pulled the first couple graphs from the Wikipedia entry. Blame them..... Re:"NBC Washington started handing out Sony HD cameras to all network field crews". Let's be clear about one thing before someone makes a huge assumption: HD cameras in the hands of NBC Washington's network shooters does not portend the imminent debut of HD broadcasts for News4 Washington. The Jim & Do Show won't go HD until HD cameras are handed out to WRC-TV's local shooters as well. (4/7/08) The Don and Mike Website is now non-responsive. It seems they are really pulling up the stakes and taking the circus out of town! (4/7/08) Dave's response: I get a "page has moved" message and whiteness when going to donandmikewebsite.com..... On page 3 of today's sports section in the Post, the Orioles game is listed for 3 PM on WBAL, which is said to be on 1200 AM. Further proof that, when it comes to local radio, the Post remains clueless. (4/7/08) (Dave's response: Damn, does CBS Baltimore know what it's doing? They update the website to make it seem that the new line-up happens today. But, no, not until Wednesday. Go figure.....) That’s what made it so confusing. The web site schedule sure made it sound like the new line up was in effect today. But, the “On Air Now” box indicated that Troy Johnson was still on the air. However, listening to the actual show, it was clear that it was actually Ed Norris on the air. If they had a few more hands, none of them would know what the others were doing! (4/7/08) Dave, I just read your post that stated the new line-up at WHFS will start on Wednesday the 9th? Does that mean the folks in Baltimore will not be able to hear the don and Mike Farewell show on Friday the 11 on WHFS? (4/7/08) Dave's response: Yeah. That's what it looks like..... The reason "WHFS" hasn't instituted its new lineup yet is that the Orioles have afternoon games both today and Tuesday. They have a 3:05 game at Camden Yards today against Seattle, and tomorrow they have a 1:30 pm game in Texas. Since "WHFS" carries the O's games, they will broadcast those two games the next two days. Then on Wednesday, the new lineup will take effect. Kirk and Mark mentioned that this morning. (4/7/08) I tuned in to WHFS’s live stream to check out Brian Wilson’s noon debut. However, no Brian Wilson. Troy Johnson is still on the air. Maybe the new lineup isn’t quite ready to debut after all?... It’s not Troy Johnson… it’s Ed Norris still on at noon... Just spoke to the receptionist at WHFS. According to her, Brian’s show will be debuting on Wednesday. Still no love for the D&M farewell show on Friday, I guess. (4/7/08) Dave's response: Damn, does CBS Baltimore know what it's doing? They update the website to make it seem that the new line-up happens today. But, no, not until Wednesday. Go figure..... Dave....about your rant, the WHFS deciding to NOT run D&M anymore is a numbers game. The spring book started Thursday and starting the new line up today is not as dangerous as waiting another week. The station's ratings are in the shitter and they are trying to establish a new foothold early in the book-to build identity before it gets too late. Do I agree with canning D&M early, NO. Do I think that that racist Troy Johnson should be on the air anymore, NO. (4/7/08) Now that Bram Weinstein has moved on to ESPN news they can get “Polly Anna” to do the Redskin Reports. Bram should leave his “rose colored” glasses at his desk for an easy transition. (4/7/08) Say Dave!!!!! Have YOU noticed that all GREASEMAN FANS share a peculiar writing style?!?!?!?!?!!!!!! It sure is GREAT to know that GREASEMAN FANS can be identified by their use of certain punctuation MARKS!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, anyone else notice that SATURDAY MORNING programming is generally for SHIT?!?!!!!!!???!!!!! (4/7/08) So, if the Capitals game is on at 7pm on Friday, April 11, will there be any conflict with Don's farewell show? I know that there's been little to no pre-game for the Caps in the past, so I would imagine it would be a seamless switch after D&M sign off at 6:54 or so directly into game coverage at 7. Just wondering. - William (4/7/08) Dave's response: I asked a JFKer and got this reply - "No conflict. We'll start just before 7 with pre-game after D and M are done and we go into stop set"..... It makes me sick that the WHFS call letters are now being used on a Baltimore sports station that has nothing to do with the old, independent music radio station that Greg in Reisterstown says "had a coolness all its own." I couldn't agree with any statement more than that one. There was no set list, and there was always a pleasant surprise when one's favorite DJ played a new record that few people had ever heard before it aired on WHFS. I don't have anything against the current station that uses the WHFS call letters except that they use the WHFS call letters. JOHN IN STAFFORD (4/7/08) RJF wrote, "I can attest that WEES-LP covers from lower OC to Bethany from doing that drive up US1...." Dude, you're off by over 100 miles. "US1" runs from Florida to Maine and not through Delmarva. The Coastal Highway is Maryland Route 528 and Delaware Route 1. He also said, "It's what 'left of the dial' radio once was and that's something that is sorely needed these days." The last time I listened to WEES-LP they were playing a repeating CD of children's songs. That's sorely needed? Sounded like a waste of wattage to me. Unsuited Corporate Sign (4/7/08) Could Bonneville show any more contempt for its regular lame gas-bag 3WT programming than when they switch over to the Nats pregame? They don't even wait for a commercial break or an end to a sentence. They simply switch in mid-sentence. Since Bonneville finds these shows so irrelevant, why don't they just play Muzak between Nats and Caps and Navy games? It would be an improvement and the production values would go up. You can fade out on Muzak. And how about rebroadcasting Nats games at midnight? No doubt the ratings would improve for that time slot. 3WT--what a piece of junk. (4/7/08) Dave, Have you heard anything about what Verizon Fios channel will be carrying MASN HD for the Nats/Marlins game tonight? (4/7/08) Dave's response: According to the HD channel listings at masnstudios.com, Verizon's FiOS MASN-HD channels are "to be determined"...... At one time (long ago in a galaxy far, far away) WHFS was the leader in alternate and underground rock music. It was a station catering to both the Washington and DC markets and had a coolness all its own. Now, WHFS is the home of "Traffic every 15 minutes All Day Long" and "The Gary Stein Sports Ticker"...please...change the call letters to WTF because that's what most of us are thinking. At the very least, HFS could have given us Don Geronimo's last week on the air, but that was even too much for the idiot suits at "Baltimore's Hot Talk" to give to its listeners. And Radioheads wonder why people are heading to satellite radio and iPods for their entertainment? Greg in Reisterstown (4/7/08) Both the Post this morning and NBC TV network news last night showed images from Charlton Heston's speech at the NRA a few years back; the one where he held the musket on high and delivered the now stock pry-it-from-my "cold dead hands" sound bite. No one else has come forward, so I call dibs on the musket. (4/7/08) "-------I guess the folks at Citadel are paranoid--and read DCRTV------" I'm not so sure they read DCRTV. If that were the case, why are they still paying a part time drive time announcer a full time PD salary? (4/7/08) I know when I was ESRTV Editor I was very critical at times and now that I am in the business you learn things and if I had to do it over again, I would do things differently but I think that one post is way out of line re: JJ McKay. The man loves radio and will have a free forum with no commercials to do his thing. What does it matter what station it is on? When you have had the career he has had and molded the talent he has, he can do whatever he wants and shouldn't be criticized for trying different avenues of radio. I welcome the addition of him back to the market. Having jocks like him in the market can only help make me be an even better DJ. I love the challenge of going up against a Sandi Alexander (who gave me my first ever tour of a radio station & who I have a great respect for) and EJ Foxx (who I grew up listening to on 92 Star & also highly respect), they keep me on my game...As others have reiterated, 107.9 has a great signal--with its tower on top of the Golden Sands in OC, WEES has an unbelievable reach for an LP-FM because of the great height. -Michael Popovec (4/7/08) I am so saddened by the turn D&M have taken...I have listened since WAVA...my daughter and Bart were born within a month of each other...both are graduating this spring/summer after taking a semester off due to personal events in their lives...I was looking forward to Don's last months on the radio...Sitting by my pool or on my porch in the afternoons will not be the sam. (4/7/08) "“Oh, I saw the new REM album in Borders - on sale - for $15.99. It was $10.99 in Target. Guess where I bought it.....” REM??? Wow, Dave, what’s next for you - the new Journey album? -Brian" I realize this is a joke, but if you look at Dave's music list I see that he likes REM and B-52's and no Journey. That "old" hipster can rock (not that you are old Dave!!). (4/7/08) Rich, your post was right on the money with regard to the "Hitman" and the state of radio. JJ, it's great to have you back on the OC airwaves. Your dedication to the business speaks for itself. I wish you all the best and it's broadcasters like you that continue to inspire. It's not how many watts, but what's in your heart and soul. My friend you have both. Buddy, I hope to share a drink with you at the Purple Moose. Maybe I can drag Johnny B. with me. Blessings. Joyce Conroy (WHFC) (4/7/08) CAPS GAME SCHEDULE - SERIES C..... Friday, April 11, 2008 - 7 p.m. - Philadelphia at Washington - WJFK/WFED..... Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 2 p.m. - Philadelphia at Washington - WJFK/WFED..... Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 7 p.m. - Washington at Philadelphia - WJFK/WFED..... Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 7 p.m. - Washington at Philadelphia - WJFK -ONLY..... Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 1 p.m. - Philadelphia at Washington - WJFK/3WT..... Monday, April 21, 2008 - TBD - Washington at Philadelphia ..... Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - TBD - Philadelphia at Washington (4/7/08) What's with the E. Shore people stabbing each-other in the back? I have worked at most of those stations and have nothing bad to say about the people that I've worked with. Brian Cleary is a good guy, and to kick someone when they are out of a job is pretty low. I've never worked with or met "The Hitman", but hey cool, he's on WEES-LP. I can attest that WEES-LP covers from lower OC to Bethany from doing that drive up US1, and that's great. Truly alternative radio and hats off to them. People that are at an LPFM aren't looking to make millions ( or anything ) , just to do a fun show. I know because I volunteered at one for two years. Before you bash, try doing a show at one. It's what "left of the dial" radio once was and that's something that is sorely needed these days. Remember folks, it's a small market and these guys are not making millions by any stretch, and trashing them for doing what they love to do is petty. The Eastern Shore has a lot of great stations for its market size, and the people that work in this over-saturated radio market make peanuts, so be nice. You're lucky to have them and they know that they are lucky to have you. -RJF (4/7/08) Please, can anyone tell us what is happening at one of the last local radio stations, WFLS. There seems to be a moron on the loose, as longtime djs have dropped like flies in the last year or so..I don't give a rip about the syndicated shock crowd, please somebody, tell me what's happening with the local personality radio I love. Please, thanks. (4/7/08) On the channel 5 news just a few minutes ago they reported on a fatal shooting in Palmer Park. The reporter referred to the occupants of the house where the shooting occurred as a "Jamaican family". What if she had said "a black family lived where the shooting happened"? There would be hell to pay. (4/7/08) Dave's response: I recently heard a local radio newscast which said that police were looking for a "Hispanic man" for a crime. No other description. So, what does a "Hispanic man" look like? Desi Arnaz? Ricky Martin? Bill Richardson? Sheesh..... /\ April 7 Messages /\ \/ April 6 Messages \/ Dave: Just a quick note regarding the return of the ' Hitman ' to Ocean City radio airwaves: to the Hitman bashers of the world out there who either think they know more than most when it comes to radio, they obviously have know idea what they are talking about. The fact of the matter is, one, who really cares who posted the ' rumor ' about JJ coming back to the radio. And two, leave JJ and his 3 sons out of it. The man has a nice resume in the radio business for over 40 years. So what that he has jumped around lately between stations. Radio isn't what it used to be 25 years ago with voice tracking and the suits cutting every cost except for the receptionist at the door with the low cut skirt answering the phones. If you don't like the fact that JJ is on a LP station, simply don't listen. Others will and I am sure as in the past, they will surely be entertained. Rich, Ocean City (4/6/08) I’m disappointed with the absence of comment at NBC/U selling off the tower at their site on Nebraska Ave. Unfortunately, it’s part of a long-term trend where there are tax advantages to leasing capital assets rather than owning them. Or, for that matter, building or developing/improving them. Alas, much the same can be said of having employees. There’s no financial incentive to the creation of employment. Indeed, quite the opposite –Just look at what happens to a company’s stock when it announces a massive layoff. Or, for that matter, look at the Dow, NASDAQ, S&P500, etc, when there’s an unexpected increase in unemployment. I recall that while he was in office, President Clinton once said that he foresaw a future where most Americans would be “contractors”, going from “assignment to assignment” in their working life. Pity that flies in the face of what working people, unions, and decent companies have worked so hard to achieve. Why bother having “quality” if there’s no immediate direct financial benefit to the Company? Evelyn Freyman, where are you now that we need you? Unsigned Corporate Suit (4/6/08) Hello, everyone - The newspaper business is in a state of flux, searching for ways to redefine itself and be relevant - and profitable - in the digital post-wood pulp age. Still, for the moment, the front lines of journalism are the print media. What does it mean to be leading The Washington Post through these changing and important times? Find out Thursday, April 10, when I interview Leonard Downie at The Q&A Cafe. Downie brought the Post into the new century as managing editor and executive editor. In the last few weeks there have been rumors he may soon take a buy out. Will he? Won't he? We will talk about that, the Post, the '08 campaign and much more on Thursday. Please join us. Next week we welcome Scott Simon, host of NPR's "Weekend Edition," author of a new novel, "Windy City," Cubs fan, and the inhabitant of an interesting life. I interview Scott on Thursday, April 17. Then we catch up with journalists, columnists and authors David Corn and Michael Isikoff. Perhaps you read their book, "Hubris," which dissected the bungling of the Iraq war. Michael is a featured investigative correspondent for Newsweek. David is the Washington Bureau Chief of Mother Jones Magazine. We wrap up the month Wednesday April 30, with the maestro of talk, CNN's Larry King. Coming in May we have Richard Moe, head of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who appears on May 8, and pollster and author Mark Penn, who is the guest on Thursday, May 22. More to come in June, including Tucker Carlson. Reservations can be made weekdays between 10 and 5 with Jon Moss at 202.338.2000. The doors open at noon, the program begins at 12:30, and the fee is $35, all inclusive. For more about these show tapings, links to our youtube channel, weekly reports in the Washington Social Diary, and life on the edge in my blog, Swimming in Quicksand, please visit our website: www.nathansgeorgetown.com. That's all, for now. Carol (4/6/08) RE: WEES coverage. I used to live in Bethany Beach-and could pick up WEES loud and clear. As a matter of fact-they have great coverage. I could actually pull them in with a Stereo signal just east of Salisbury-and before you interject, it was not the LPFM from Milford. 102.1 actually would not lend great coverage, as 101.9 comes in patches and 102.1 from Philly is a constant splatter. Steve (4/6/08) According to BDK's movie show on Sunday, the Caps playoff games will be aired on WJFK 106.7. Mike in Waldorf (4/6/08) Dave's response: Just got the Front Page blurb up. Still, I've never figured out why anyone would listen to hockey on the radio..... I guess the folks at Citadel are paranoid--and read DCRTV. Remember a few weeks back when the results of the Imus poll were discussed here on the mailbag-and how the majority were not happy of his return. Ha--went to check out the poll today and instead of offering the results of the poll, it just says "thanks for voting." Whats wrong Citadel, scared for us to really find out what people think about your Titanic? (4/6/08) Anyone know what's going on with the WAGE proposed move to AM 1190 at 50,000 watts? It's been almost a year and a half and the only thing I can see from FCC records is that the "BBC" has filed an objection to the upgrade & move? Is that THE "BBC"? HAha! Or is it "Baltimore Business Council" because Baltimore will lose business news that no one listens to already via WBIS 1190? What's next? Grandmother files FCC complaint and holds up million dollar project because music of your life is going to disappear? :-) (4/6/08) Hell, if WEES-LP moves to 102.1 FM at 100 watts as proposed, that'll probably be enough to cover from Bethany to Berlin quite nicely not to mention Ocean City totally. All they'd have to do is add the Orioles and Ravens to the Hitman mornings and I'd be happy to turn off any of those 50,000 watt CHEAP CHANNEL stations with 87 commercials an hour and no music all summer long! :-) (4/6/08) “Oh, I saw the new REM album in Borders - on sale - for $15.99. It was $10.99 in Target. Guess where I bought it.....” REM??? Wow, Dave, what’s next for you - the new Journey album? -Brian (4/6/08) Dave's response: I bought the new B-52s' album, too. Nice to see those hipsters getting some serious airplay on 94.7 of late..... I agree with Jim on the poster who is so sure he has the Caps / Nats conflicting broadcasts all figured out. Speculation Schmeculation. In spite of the mailbag entry yesterday, which pretty much laid out the scenario as reported during Caps broadcasts all week, the original poster seems to think WTOP would give up 4 hours of broadcast time (times X 16 playoff games) & all that spot inventory. The only point on which previous posters are correct is that the Navy Pointsettia Bowl game aired on WTOP on December 20, 2007 when the Caps were on 3WT at the same time. A rare contractual clause with the Naval Academy I'm sure. It will be announced as official sometime today by the Capitals, but I'm positive that the real scenario is that all Caps playoff games will be on 106.7 WJFK as well as whatever Bonneville station is available (3WT or WFED) with the same broadcast crew. The NHL official times will be issued after the Pittsburgh/Philadelphia game this afternoon, but the most likely scenario has the Caps playing at home Friday and Sunday since the Wizards play at the Verizon Center Thursday & Saturday. I'd bet my Capitals signed practice jersey on it! - LET'S GO CAPS!!! (4/6/08) Hmmm....if Brian Cleary goes to WEES-maybe they could voice track and save money...hmmm....WAIT, here is the lineup....Hitman in the morning, DJ Batman during the day, Brian Cleary tracking PM and Wookie at night-broadcast live from Club Pulse OR H2O....they could go hit music and give WKHZ a run for thier money--HAHAHAHA (4/6/08) Finally! Some good news about Baltimore's FOX 45. Sinclair has decided to enter into the HD news race. With 45's HD debut slated for May, 2008... It would appear that 45 could and might possibly be poised to become the first Baltimore station to broadcast news and local programs in high definition... I'm praying and hoping that FOX 45 will be able to successfully pull it off. As for Scripps owned ABC channel 2 (WMAR-TV), Hearst owned NBC channel 11 (WBAL-TV), and CBS owned channel 13 (WJZ-TV)... I'm guessing that viewers may not be expecting any HD news from them quite yet. (4/6/08) WJFK-FM carrying local Capitals postseason broadcasts was mentioned in a mailbag post Saturday. The arrangement would obviously be because of 3WT's conflict with the Nationals. The Washington Capitals haven't put out a press release with the specifics of the arrangement yet. Everett W. (4/6/08) Congrats to JJ "Hitman" Mckay returning to radio via the Low Power WEES. Maybe they could employ another out of work radio veteran...Brian Cleary. It could be Hitman in the morning, and Brian Cleary in the afternoon... (4/6/08) "When the Caps and Nationals have scheduling conflicts, the Caps will be heard on WTOP 103.5 while the Nats will be heard on 1500AM and 107.7FM. Earlier in the year, when a Navy football game and Caps game conflicted, the Navy game was moved to WTOP. So I am sure the suits at Bonneville will shift the Caps to WTOP. No chance in hell the Caps are shifted to WFED." I love it. Here is a poster absolutely sure of himself, unburdened by any facts at all. He's totally wrong, but that's what makes reading the mailbag so amusing. Jim (4/6/08) Holy crap-the Hitman has landed on an LPFM--he must feel really proud! Hell, he'd have more people listening on WKHZ. Wait-I think the 100 watter LPFM actually goes farther that WKHZ. Well, no matter what-either place can afford a paycheck. (4/6/08) Also, I just heard a promo on WJFK promoting that they will be carrying the Capitals playoff games. Is that legit? Are they carrying the network broadcasts, or the local ones that would normally air on 3WT? (4/6/08) How 'bout a riddle for a slow Sunday at the DCRTV mailbag? On the cover of bestselling author Janet Evanovich's book "Rocky Road To Romance", she wrote: "Rocky Road is a happy story of a guy who owns a radio station, a likeable overworked woman who does the traffic report, and a dog named Bob. They all fall in love, they outsmart some bad guys, and they eat a lot of dessert. ... I was living in northern Virginia when I wrote (it), and I pretty much set it in my backyard. I researched it by visiting radio stations and riding the beltway in the WTOP traffic car with a multi-tasking-lunatic who could drink coffee, drive, and give traffic reports all at the same time." Any educated guesses as to identity of traffic reporter she rode shotgun with? (4/6/08) What is going on with the HAIR COLOR of NBC 4 sports anchor Dan Hellie? I don’t think it is my television, as everyone else looks the same. (4/6/08) WFMD Frederick has announced that it will no longer carry regularly scheduled Orioles games. See Wednesday's and Sundays Frederick News Post. (4/6/08) Dave's response: I'm told that WFMD will carry some Orioles weekend contests. More if the team's any good this season..... Congratulations "Hitman" In 15 years you've worked your way from a paid job at a 50,000 watt Flame thrower to a volunteer at a 100 watt Non-commercial, community station. No money in that! Oh, and watch the payola and plugola from the KHI days, the commission doesn't take too well to that especially on the LPFM's. Let's see he's been at little stations like WKHZ, WRXS, WCTG, oh and what happened to the job at Seacrets, why if your such a talent didn't you end up there AT WOCM? Such a talent , what's next a 10 watt pirate station? (4/6/08) "......Sorry to hear the bell tolling for Borders.Was in the toothless fairfax store last night......." This poster is absolutely correct. Toothless is the perfect word. This weekend was educator weekend, and I heard that the grand prize was a Jelly Belly jelly bean dispenser. I used to enjoy going there, but now, I actually get more culture by going to the Wegmans down the street. Incidently, I wonder if Dave remembers when that Borders used to be a Giant Food Store. (4/6/08) Dave's response: And the new Giant down the street used to be a Hechinger. I used to buy a lot of DVDs in Borders, but they've let their video department go to shit. Oh, I saw the new REM album in Borders - on sale - for $15.99. It was $10.99 in Target. Guess where I bought it..... Ref: "So Hitman's coming back to Ocean City airwaves. Well it's probably WKHZ the little AM where it was before. He's burned bridges with just about everyone else. A word of advice for Hitman, don't expect to get paid by WKHZ, unless you're buying the time and reselling it, since they and WQMR 101.1 don't pay their bills." OK HITMAN haters and lovers alike, what part of fm-airwaves didn’t you guys get, One of my 3 sons gave Dave at DCRTV a heads up about the return of the Hitman. To my knowledge WKHZ is not an FM radio station in Ocean City and 106.5 is a Pocomoke radio station. First of all by giving the information to DCRTV many of you in the business should know that more folks check out DCRTV than you realize, My phone has been blowing up since the word was released. The part about “burning bridges”, please give me a break – I have never been “fired” from any of these stations in 40 years of broadcasting – we might have parted ways because of station being sold or whatever, But I have never “burned” a bridge, Yes I have fired people for not doing a good job at whatever station they were working for me at the time, Please know what you’re talking about before you point and click. Here is a list of the stations mentioned - 1969 KCYN Flagstaff, Arizona – 1970 KDIG San Diego, California – 1971 WLIQ Mobile, Alabama - 1972 WNAV Annapolis, Md. – 1973 WZAM Mobile, Alabama - 1974-76 WAMD Aberdeen, Maryland. – 1976-77 WJPS Evansville, Indiana – 1977-78 KDKO Denver, Colorado – 1978-79 KXXV Colorado Springs, Colorado -1979-1984 WASA/WHDG Havre de Grace, Maryland – 1984-93 WKHI Ocean City, Maryland -1994-1996 (My own station WRXS Ocean City, Maryland) 1996-2003 Seacrets Nite Club Manager – 2003-Present - General Manager Purple Moose Saloon, Ocean City, Maryland. While working part-time at these other fine stations on the shore for example - 96.5 WCTG Chincoteague, Va. 1590 KHZ Ocean City, Maryland. And a return to 106.9 WRXS in Ocean City, Maryland – Starting Monday April 14th I’ll be doing mornings Monday thru Fridays 6-9am on another Ocean City radio station WEES 107.9 in the Gold Coast Mall in OC…Can’t wait – No Signal – No Ratings – No Problem, It’s the way radio used to be back in the day, Pop on a CD, crack open the MIC and whatever happens will happen, Those listeners will be having fun with ZERO commercials per hour unlike keeping a #1 Morning Show on top for years with 28-30 Units per hour along with Sports, News, Weather and whatever else they would stick up our Ass at the last minute. One thing is for sure, there is no way the listeners will be having more fun than me - that I know for sure. Dave I thank you for the time and the support - best of Luck to Don and Mike in whatever they are going to do, love both those guys and have for years. And Big Ups to the Grease for coming back on air in D.C. My 3 sons are doing their own thing and none were interested in the radio business, But I have told them that for 40 plus years in radio, I never worked a day in my life and most people can't say the same, It was a great business until the a**holes in the suits walked through the doors and started counting beans. J.J. “Hitman” McKay/ Ocean City, Md. (4/6/08) The problem with airing Caps postseason games on WTOP would be multiple preemptions of the all-news format, not just the one night's preemption required for Navy's bowl game. Anyway, the word on the Capitals post-game radio show is that a strong signaled station yet to be identified will pick up conflicted Capitals postseason broadcasts. Everett W. (4/6/08) Grease and DC-101-a winning combination! I saw your big behind on the radio!-Tom Soul (4/6/08) When the Caps and Nationals have scheduling conflicts, the Caps will be heard on WTOP 103.5 while the Nats will be heard on 1500AM and 107.7FM. Earlier in the year, when a Navy football game and Caps game conflicted, the Navy game was moved to WTOP. So I am sure the suits at Bonneville will shift the Caps to WTOP. No chance in hell the Caps are shifted to WFED. (4/6/08) If Greaseman's Saturday morning show on DC101 goes well in the ratings, is there a good chance that he might end up on either the morning or afternoon drive slot during the week? JOHN IN STAFFORD (4/6/08) Dave's response: I can't imagine alt-ish rocker DC101 replacing Elliot with the Grease, unless Elliot leaves. However, these days, the Grease might be a better fit for classic rock hits WBIG and its mornings..... /\ April 6 Messages /\ \/ April 5 Messages \/ Gotta be more than a one-paper reader, friend, ‘cos the same Beetle at the mic has been splashed all over the Wall Street Journal, as well (and just as readily IDed). ¡Hasta luego! Mark/CharmCity (4/5/08) What do you mean WKHZ doesn't pay thier bills? They should be able to-they only have 2 out of three towers running 250-ish watts day. Don't they already have an am show, some sort of bad imatations or something for a few hours a day. (4/5/08) WFMD has no idea what their listeners want or if they want to listen to "talk shows". They didn't conduct any surveys nor did they ever ask anyone. What they do know is that syndicated talk, often played hours or even days after the live broadcast, is cheap. (4/5/08) CSN HD is now on cox ch 734( at least it was on last night). (4/5/08) When I heard the Greaseman start his show this morning on DC101 with James Brown's "Dr. Feelgood" I rolled the windows down and my car and cranked it up to let everyone know that the Grease had returned! Damn...it felt soooo good to hear him back on the air. I still have one or two "DC-101 Greaseman for President" bumperstickers from 1984 that I may have to slap on the car. Nino, if you're reading this, I can assure you that myself and the rest of your fans have waited for this to happen for a looooong time. For the rest of you so-called "radio personalities" be afraid...be very afraid. Radio the way it should be has returned. G.E. (4/5/08) Sorry to hear the bell tolling for Borders. Was in the toothless fairfax store last night. Had some gimmicky singing contest going on. Preferred the days when they'd have real music acts playing. Noticed for several years now that the CD section has been quite sparse. Inquired couple of times and told they'd just had sale and they hadn't re stocked yet. Yeah right. Of course, the cd selection at Best Buy these days is down right pathetic. Still I find the prices to be better at Border's than at Barnes & Noble. Even with the membership discount at B&N they price items so high to start with it don't help much. I still miss Tower Records. (4/5/08) Why is everyone saying, "Great to have the Grease back on D.C.'s airwaves"? Don't you people own an AM radio? He's been on WDMV and WMET since, what, 2003? Jeez, change bands once in awhile will you? (4/5/08) If you're wondering what that guy who used to do the Smooth Jazz Brunch on Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY is doing with his time these days... He's still around... sitting on the sideline or, to be more accurate, sitting at the starting line! Back when Smooth Jazz 105.9 employed him, his little race car flew their numbers proudly... ...but, since February 29th, when Citadel Broadcasting told him to pack up and leave! He'd leave behind his car's number as well but, replaced it with... can you guess? Although still around, livin' life 13.925 seconds at a time, it's the full time radio race for which he hungers! (4/5/09) DC101 needs to update their website now that Mr. Tracht is now back on the airwaves. Need to get the word out that the GREASEMAN is on the air! Dave in Fredericksburg (4/5/09) hey - I just found your site - really cool site. I was searching for HD and XM radio info. Does WMAL 'cast their AM and PM commute shows in HD? how does that work? on an HD radio, what is their channel #? I can't find any info on WMAL HD, except that they are listed as an HD station. Their AM signal is poor in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Your help will help!! DonScott (4/5/09) Dave's response: WMAL runs its HD Radio signal during daylight hours with their daytime antenna pattern - sunrise to sunset. If you have an HD Radio, all you need do is tune in 630 AM and, if the signal's strong enough at your location, it should tune into the digital HD signal. In the USA, digital radio is transmitted on the same frequency as the main analog signal. Unlike TV, which uses a different channel..... If anyone missed Grease's debut it's on www.98wrc.com on his Ring Dang Doo page. One thing is for sure...DC101's online streaming sucks! Over modulated and missed half of the bits when they covered up commercials. (4/5/08) AHHHHH for at least 4 hours all was right with DC101. It's about Damn time that the Grease gets back on D.C airwaves!!!Great to hear the GREASEMAN back on a big sounding station. Even if it's only for a few hours a week I'll be listening!!!!!!!!!!! A.M.F from DELAMRVA (4/5/08) It's a shame about WFMD dropping so much of its Orioles coverage. Baseball on the radio seems to be a lost art outside of the major league teams in their own home markets. Maybe the digital subcarriers will start picking up broadcasts someday. Otherwise, we'll eventually just be left with satellite or paid net streams. Everett W. (4/5/08) The overlap scenario is the one I feared when the Washington Capitals signed up with Bonneville radio. It's only a pure happenstance of scheduling that no overlaps with the Nationals have occurred already. It would be a crying shame if the best sports story in D.C. and one of the best in professional sports today was consigned to a 44-watt nighttime signal. Everett W. (4/5/08) Is Jim Williams the laziest reporter in town? All he had to do is call Kurt Kehl with the Capitals or Greg Tantum at 3WT to know that the most likely scenario, if the Caps make the playoffs, would be the Capitals go to WFED when the Nats play and that in addition the team is planning on buying time on WJFK. Or maybe Jim should listen to a broadcast once in a while. Jonathan Warner has been right on top of all the playoff permutations for the Capitals for weeks. LETS GO CAPS! (4/5/08) "Grease Resurfaces On DC101 " Schweet! Are ya listening Estelle ya pig!? (4/5/08) Dave, The Caps play their last regular game of the season tonight. CSN will likely set an all time Caps TV rating record as fans watch to see if winning the game against Florida would mean a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. NBC, Versus and of course are rooting for a Caps victory because of super star Alexander Ovechkin is a big time national and international ratings draw making Washington very attractive to the networks that cover the NHL. Meanwhile on the local radio front what would happen if the Caps would make the Playoffs since both they and the Nationals air on 3WT? Would someone get bumped to WFED or maybe WTOP???? It all depends on tonights big game on CSN....Stay tuned.... www.examiner.com... Cheers, Jim (4/5/08) Channel 4 ran a story last night about videos being shown on gas pumps WHILE you're filling your car at a few stations. What moron came up with this idea? Are we that brain dead as a society that some dope thinks we need constant stimulation coming at us from every possible angle? Another complete waste of technology. And Welcome Back, Uncle Nino Greasemanelli!!! Paul (4/5/08) Hey DJ Jeff T. A little nervous that your protector has left CC? Who's gonna cover your lame butt now that Chase bailed? It's only a matter of time Jeffrey. (4/5/08) "To the "Unsigned Corporate Suit" I could not have said it better. - Maybe not but I'll bet you could have done it with far fewer words. Most everyone else does. I hope the guy throws a few bucks Dave’s way once and awhile considering all the server space he takes up. (4/5/08) So Hitman's coming back to Ocean n City airwaves. Well it's probably WKHZ the little AM where it was before. He's burned bridges with just about everyone else. A word of advice for Hitman, don't expect to get paid by WKHZ, unless you're buying the time and reselling it, since they and WQMR 101.1 don't pay their bills. I know for a fact. Burn once..... (4/5/08) It’s interesting that WRC is selling their tower, but I’d guess that they will still own the land on which the tower sits. Now this is presuming that NBC owns the land, which I have no idea if that is true or not. I’d guess that the bean counters in NYC have something in mind for this deal. Do the existing towers (because there is more that one at this location) need repairs? Will all of the Nebraska Ave. facility be moved? The building is rather old, (circa 1964?) and moving the studios for WRC and the networks (NBC, CNBC, MSNBC) might make sense and they (NBC) will have a deal to transmit from the current location. I’d guess putting up and new tower is almost impossible in The District. (4/5/08) Dave's response: Interesting question. Just how many local radio and TV stations actually own their tower(s) - or lease tower space from someone else? To the "Unsigned Corporate Suit" I could not have said it better. (4/5/08) If WFMD is more focused on the talkshows, then why do they still play every Maryland game and other sport events? There's nothing better than to be listening to Glenn Beck and a discussion only to have him never come back from a break. It was one of the most annoying things (besides the power down at night) about that station. Craig HF/WV (4/5/08) The Grease..08:00 (4/5/08) I thought Greaseman was supposed to be on this morning on DC101. As of 7am he wasn't there. Are they putting him on the Saturday mid-day slot, perhaps? (4/5/08) How long before Don Geronimo becomes Daniel Day Lewis at the end of the movie “There Will Be Blood”? (4/5/08) Rupert Murdoch, News Corporation CEO, spoke on Wednesday at Georgetown University's School of Business. He talked about his acquisition of The Wall Street Journal, MySpace, the future of broadcast television and his role in creating Fox News. Rupert Murdoch's appearance at Georgetown will air on C-SPAN, Saturday, April 5 at 10pm ET. (4/5/08) While there is concern about the MASN Orioles Broadcast... There is a shinning light. Tom Davis, host the the Pre-Game and Post-Game on Radio Monday through Saturday, and... a Flashback to the "Good Old Days of HTS" is hosting most Sunday's on the new "HTS" - MASN. Like the Sports Broadcasters that came before him, it's good to be an O's Fan. Thanks Tom. Go O's (4/5/08) /\ April 5 Messages /\ \/ April 4 Messages \/ Dave - Former WFLSer Kristen Nash seen at WGRQ today. Reported to start there mid-days on Tuesday. Adler/Nash to headline line-up. WFLS's Penny Wack already on mid-days at sister country Thunder 104.5 and Fredericksburg legend Brian Strobel seen in the halls of Thunder today. (4/4/08) Never has history repeating itself seemed so SCHWEEEET, Greaseman back on DC-101!!! Welcome back Doug, give em hell. Gator (4/4/08) Corporate Suit: Your post about "Mike" was both gruesome and fuckin' ponderous. Hardly what I would call "giving the guy a fuckin' break". Caller X (4/4/08) Unsigned corporate Suit do you know "Mike" personally? A terrible thing happened but not an endless excuse for treating people like "S" . Kind of curious the donandmikewebsite is shut down already before the last official show? was the website a source(no pun intended) of contention between geronimo and cbs? the don geronimo controlled donandmikewebsite took forever to make changes and was essentially a clusterf8ck but the cbs'ers get it shut down on the jiffy. Nothing more on the retirement or early ouster of Don Juan? the way this has all played out has O'Meara in a bad spot power wise with CBS, don't it? Was listening to Czban/Pollin show this afternoon with Clint Howard the movie reviewer. Clint mentioned his wife, when did that happen? Does he still take baths and get fan mail from prison inmates? Meanwhile heard this BDK movie reviewer fella on the Chunkies show this morn. Ugh. Plus too me the Chunkies are just a ponderous spittle of their way overused catch phrases and words and very little originality and humor, well not counting the Chunkies laffing at their own tiresome "S" And then over to Imus, ugh again, if they have totally neutered the political incorrect nature of the show then forget it , just run the Oldies music in the morning instead of that Imus spittle. And way too much news and commercials on Imus too. Michael Scott Shannon does talk a bit like he has pebbles in his moth but ain't that the technique they teach at the columbia skool of broadcasting? (4/4/08) Howie, it sucks for you control freaks to not be subsidized with your one-share syndicated right wing talks. Baltimore 105.7, is a conservative white suburban cop show station scrambling to make money and Troy Johnson is typical of energetic new voices reflecting recognition of a new era of 'clear channel stock' economics. Sorry for your sad ass loss. (4/4/08) Yes, that could be his son that posted the "rumor", but evidently Michael Popovec does not know the "Hitman"'s name either ? DOH! --Joe in Essex PS: GOOD LUCK HITMAN! :-) (4/4/08) NBC/Universal-WRC may have sold their tower but WMMJ does not transmit from that stick. They are over at AU. And by the way. The WKYS 3 bay antenna has been missing from the channel 4 tower for over a week. Guess they are on their aux. Anyone notice a change in signal? (4/4/08) There have been a lot of very cruel and negative posts about the upcoming retirement of Mike Sorce. (“Don Geronimo”) So far, I’ve only seen one post here that mentions the incident that, more than any other, motivated this decision. It is of course the sudden, violent death several years ago of Mike’s beloved wife Freda in an auto collision. Say what you wish about the “Don & Mike Show”, but will somebody give the guy a fuckin’ break? Among the skills I’ve had to acquire to carry out my responsibilities over the years has been to attend a training program on how to help employees deal with the death of a colleague and death in the immediate family of an employee. While death is an unpleasant experience for most of us to contemplate, when it happens unexpectedly and violently to someone comparatively young, the psychological harm can be devastating. Imagine the emotional trauma of going from “See ya later” to never seeing them again because the grievously horrific nature of the injury or injuries prevents the “open casket” viewing that is so often de rigeur in our society. The “closure” that comes from that is so important. And, Mike was likely denied that. Even Mike himself has said more than once that he returned to the air way too soon after Freda’s death. I don’t think CBS did Mike any favors by letting him return to the air so quickly. Indeed, I seriously doubt Bonneville would’ve allowed this to happen. Had Mike been working for them when this tragedy occurred, I have no doubt Jim Farley and Joel Oxley would’ve been doing all they and the Company possibly could for not just Mike, but his family as well. While work is often good therapy in the grief process, it can be counter-effective when the survivor and the deceased shared that work, either directly or indirectly. Like Mike and Freda did. So, like his show or loathe it, cut Mike Sorce some slack. Let him get his life back together. And, as I write this, a station in L.A. has lost one of their evening hosts in order to allow him to recover from losing both of his parents within 45 days of each other. So, let’s bring back to this business something else that used to be an important part of it that is gone: Fraternal Compassion. Unsigned Corporate Suit (4/4/08) No I believe Eddie is his son. Well welcome back Hitman! If I had to venture a GUESS, I say a GUESS--Hitman will surface on K-Rock 106.5 out of Pocomoke City...Dave, I guess Brian is going to be late for that 10am-1pm gig because as I understand it, BW will be on Noon-3pm. -Michael Popovec (4/4/08) There is yet another vein of thought regarding the suspension of Randi Rhodes, and it comes courtesy of Stacey Cohen of Cohen Creative: "Cheap shots, no class and no brains. Rule of Thumb: Never get drunk." Ah, maybe NOW we've hit the primary issue! (4/4/08) Oh, and in case you didn't know I was "Bob Craig" at WINX and changed to Bobby Dee shortly there after. It was my first job. Hope you are well. Duck (4/4/08) Dave's response: Wow. Didn't know that. Thanks, Bob Duckman..... WINC-AM 1400 in Winchester dropped the Orioles for the Nationals' 2008 season. WEPM-AM 1340 in Martinsburg still carries the O's. (4/4/08) Dave, Harry Chapin performed at Constitution Hall and was recorded by WASH-FM. In Harry's honor, when he died, they aired the concert. We are looking for a copy of this performance. I was told you might be able to help. I have left a message with the program director in hopes they still have it in their archives. Sincerely, Pegge Strella, Chapin Offices, 16 Gerard Street, Huntington, NY 11743, 631-423-7558 (4/4/08) Dave's response: If anyone can help Pegge, please contact her..... The Don & Mike best of mode started with a discussion on their move to Sirius Radio....hmmmmmm...... (4/4/08) Maybe Clear Channel should just foreclose the company…seems to be in vogue right now. (4/4/08) What are the suits thinking at WHFS? Better yet, are they capable of thinking? Do they have a clue to what they want to do with that station? They offer jobs to Steiner and Rodricks, and then to Brian Wilson? Sounds like they are struggling for anyone they think can do talk. You couldn't find two more opposite ends of the spectrum that Steiner and Wilson. So it sounds to me that rather than having a programming strategy, they're letting whoever they can find dictate the strategy. Now that's management. I listened to Wilson during the old B104 days and enjoyed him. But by the time he surfaced on WBAL he was old, and tired, and he had about three topics for his talk show. It was the same stuff over and over and over. I sampled him once or twice when I was on a trip in Ohio. Nothing there for me to be curious enough to check him out on HFS. (4/4/08) It is my understanding that the Randi Rhodes comments were made at an event sponsored by Air America. Yes, it was not on the air, but if you are representing a company at a company event, you still have to watch what you say. That being said, she shouldn't be fired, just let her back on the air to return to not being heard. In a liberal and highly political market like DC it cannot get on a station with a good signal and barely registers in the ratings. (4/4/08) Everett is right - there could be a contractual item in Rhodes' agreement that states something like, "(talent) agrees not to engage in behavior or conduct detrimental to the network, its advertisers or ancillary interests." Getting on stage as a representative of the company (and not just as a hired standup comic) and saying that a Presidential candidate is [a potty word + a derogatory term commonly used against women] is enough to invoke such a line item from the contract and apply discipline. Really now, if you ran a $2.00 network like Air America, you'd be cautious too. (4/4/08) I guess when the "Hitman" himself posts a rumor that he's coming back to the OC airwaves starting April 14th, we can assume that's a fact right? :-) (4/4/08) Does anyone know the AM stations that carry the Orioles Games? Apparently 1300 does not carry them, Opening Day had the announcers talking about the game from a local bar. (4/4/08) (snip)Dave's response: Plus, what she said she didn't say on her show. She said it at a gathering in San Francisco. If she said it on her show, then maybe Air America could get upset. Right? Hmmm.....(endSnip) I would think she was speaking in her capacity as a leading (?) liberal radio personality... which means she's speaking as "Air America's Randi Rhodes"... so she would be representing her company at a public event and therefore could be violating her agreement with them regarding standards of conduct. Maybe? -djmr (4/4/08) Who gives a shit about Randi Rhodes being ''suspended''? The peace sign is 50 years old today. Let's all have a groovy day, man! Paul (4/4/08) Will someone please inform the cheery Jim Williams of the Examiner that "Ripken" is spelled with an "e" between the k" and the "n" - not "Ripkin." After a 20+ year Hall of Fame career by Cal, you'd think a sports guy would get it right. To quote Mr. B. Bunny, what a maroon. (4/4/08) "J.J. Hitman McKay back to the Ocean City fm-airwaves 6-9am starting Monday April 14th - more details are on the way, stay tuned." Must be a HUGE radio station with a TON of CASH to promote the show...for free on DCRTV. (4/4/08) I just tried to log onto the Don and Mike show web site to find it has been taken down. Looks like the end for the boys. I really don't understand why WJFK is not going to give the Mike O'Meara show a shot in Baltimore, he already has an audience from the old show, what's to loose? Looks like the decision was made quite a while ago. I wish Mike, Buzz Beth Ann, Joe and Rob all the best. (4/4/08) Re: "(Dave's response: Amen. If you're interested in the freedom of the press, maybe Hillary's not your candidate.....) neither is obama. it was his people who had a tizzy and shamed geraldine ferraro into resigning from hillary's campaign when she (accurately) said that obama was doing so well mainly because he's black." Not to be too picky, but what on earth does complaining about a comment from a political opponent have to do with freedom of the press? Dave in Sterling (4/4/08) DCRTV adds: That means WHFS, which had been running Don and Mike in the afternoon drive slot, won't be airing Don Geronimo's farewell show on Friday, 4/11..... Question: what does this mean? Did I miss some new info on D&M's last show? Thanks! (4/4/08) Randi Rhodes' suspension may not be a free speech issue but it could be a contractual one. Whether Air America had the right to yank Rhodes may be a question of what employment conditions had been agreed upon in advance. Everett W. (4/4/08) Dave's response: Plus, what she said she didn't say on her show. She said it at a gathering in San Francisco. If she said it on her show, then maybe Air America could get upset. Right? Hmmm..... J.J. "Hitman" McKay back to the Ocean City fm-airwaves 6-9am starting Monday April 14th - more details are on the way, stay tuned. Eddie/Ocean Pines (4/4/08) So what is the story with Kristin Nash leaving WFLS? I enjoyed her show there and when she was at WAGE several years ago. (4/4/08) The true hypocrisy of the Randi Rhodes situation is this: If it had been Limbaugh or Hannity who called Hillary a f#cking whore, the very same people who are defending Ms. Rhodes so-called free-speech rights would be the ones calling for Rush or Sean to be fired on the spot. The problem with political correctness, you see, is that it cuts both ways. -Brian (4/4/08) RE: Air America suspends Randi Rhodes... No one's free speech is being abrogated, whether the Clinton campaign called Air America or not. The last I checked, Air America is a a company, not a government entity, therefore there is no Constitutional protection of free speech. The Constitution Of The United States, and specifically the First Amendment says... "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." At no place in the Bill of Rights, or anywhere else in the Constitution does it prevent a private entity (as in, not a government agency) from restricting a member or employee from publicly expressing anything. Like with the XM/Opie and Anthony situation, Randi Rhodes is the employee of a company, which has every right to manage their staff according to their standards of behavior. I'm sure Ms. Rhodes was well aware of those standards when she made the statements she made. Agree with her statement or not; believe she should have been suspended or not, the fact is, she's an employee who displeased her company by her behavior. The company has every right to take any action they deem appropriate and as a company and not a government body, Ms. Rhodes Constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech was not abridged. Happy Friday... djmr (4/4/08) Dave's response: Technically, AA has the right to yank a talker off its airwaves for any reason. But, if it came at the prompting of a major official of the government, a la Senator Hillary, it does bear some scrutiny - and criticism. Heck, if AA ain't careful, it's gonna lose its six remaining listeners..... Dear dear dear...to the individual with an AXE to grind with Mr. Hughes...get off the pot. Dave's sources are on target most of the time. Also, he owns DCRTV. Now, let's look at the ever dwindling circulation of the Post. To say they are getting desperate is an understatement. I will never understand why some of you posters are always trying to dis-credit this site. It's without a doubt "THE SOURCE" for all media activity in the DC/Baltimore/Eastern Shore area. True, at times Dave gets fooled by some devious rumor monger, but he always admits that fact, FAR from true re: the Washington Post. PLB:0) (4/4/08) My response to the below post: Brian is still around, has been around and will be around. He's tasted great success and failure, so has every broadcaster in the business worth his or her salt. Every broadcaster has "ups and downs". If you haven't been bounced then you're either an ass kisser or you got out of the business before the hatchet fell. That DOES NOT mean lame, a retread or a "conspiritor". To the idiot that posted below.."birds and nats"...great selection of lame retreads". Your turn to salvage whatever credibility you possess. WHUPPER!!! (4/4/08) To answer a previous question, KCJJ is sticking with the Mike O'Meara show and we have been informed by Westwood One that they believe in O'Meara and will actively promote the show. We will dearly miss Don but Mike is extremely talented and we feel comfortable enough to commit to carrying the show for at least two years. Steve Bridges, owner of KCJJ, Iowa City (4/4/08) Dave's response: I'm hearing that we'll be hearing much more Buzz on the new show, including, maybe, hourly "news" updates..... Could 98 ROCK's heyday be over? Looking at the latest trends (now they are trends) shows 98 ROCK loosing some ground. As a matter of fact, thier night time show is tanking with less than a 2 share. The rest of the station got beat by WWMX. If Hearst were smart-they would tank 98 ROCK and take WBAL to 97.9. Then with the 50kw signal at 1090, go Oldies. Do it before WSMJ does....cause thier numbers are yelling format change....hell AM Drive barely even showed up--I think WVIE got better numbers in the day than WSMJ!. WCBM will continue to chip away at WBAL and HFS will take the lower end of the WBAL demo. (4/4/08) Dave, Sunday's have a Baltimore connection. MASN broadcasters Buck Martinez and Garry Thorne will be spending their Sunday's working national broadcasts. Martinez has been named the lead baseball analyst for the TBS Sunday Game of the week and will be in the booth with Chip Carry. Starting this week on Sunday at 1pm on TBS will be The Sunday Afternoon Game of the week. Like FOX the folks at TBS will have a complete season of baseball with all games starting at 1pm. This week it is the Red Sox and the Blue Jays. Those fans looking for Cal Ripkin, Jr. will have to wait for a while he will handle the All Star announcement show and also the pre game show on TBS. They will again cover all the games of the National and American League Divisional Series and this year they will have the American League Championship Series while the NLCS will be on FOX . So that means MASN and O's fans will see Jim Hunter and Jim Palmer on most Saturday and Sunday broadcasts with Thorne and Martinez coming back for weekday duties. Have a good day and great stuff on Don and Mike - what a soap opera and you have been all over it! Job well done my friend. Cheers, Jim www.examiner.com (4/4/08) I turned on FOX5 news this morning and Dave Ross was doing a sports segment. I continue to watch it and then Steve Chenevy is doing the sports. What's up with that?..And is Diane Roberts still with FOX5? (4/4/08) The FCC requires sponsor identification on radio and TV spots, but has no control over newspaper. I agree with Dave that the WP should have their own standards, but they usually don’t mess with paid ads. It really bothers me that radio and TV are allowed to run spots for phony medicine that doesn’t work. My least favorite is Head On. It’s just a stick of wax. Looks like WBAL will have the younger demos sucked out by a FM station, and Rush/WCBM are dividing their upper demos. It’s a shame, but I have been saying for a long time that WBAL has to move to FM. WTOP was smart enough to do that, but can’t seem to do anything else right. Moving Ed Norris and adding Brian Wilson will create some action. If they wait any longer, it might be too late for WBAL to make the move. It’s simple, most powerful AMs wait until their 8 share drops to a 2.5 or 3 before they are forced to admit that AM is not the way to go for News or Talk. Most people will only push the FM buttons. 1090 could be a huge sports presence in Baltimore. 98 Rock is not what it used to be. Shame WBAL doesn’t have two FMs. I actually have a plan for AM survival, but it is a hard sell. Ed Graham (4/4/08) Tuned in to Big O and Dukes for the big 30th birthday, and SO PROUD that right off the bat Chad threw out a big thank you to Mrs. Santana, and whether you like it or not, learn to love it, ‘cause Mama Santana’s the best thing going today! Woooo!!!!! Caller X (4/4/08) (regarding "The Randi Situation") Personally, I think Hillary Clinton is more of a "c*nt", than a "f*cking whore". But come to think of it, she IS a "Corporate Whore". Free Randi Rhodes! Power to the People, Right On! (4/4/08) "You go Brian....glad you're back. I hate these self judging idiots that take the time to critique the "pros". The idiot that posted.."rush wannabee". Hey Howie, you support the BIRDS..now, that's a decison a loser would make. Brian has always done well and will in his new position. Howie. go suck an egg-WHUPPER!" Way, to make your point with dispassionate logic. Brian hasn't always done well. He's been bounced from a lot of stations and is a tired, old retread. This isn't 1982 and he won't be doing Brian and O'Brien. He'll be doing that lame political conspiracy c**p he's been doing for the last twenty years. Gee, I hate self judging idiots who think that the only opinion that should exist is theirs. Howie (who'll still be picking up the Birds and the Nats on the radio whenever possible) (4/4/08) "Why is Troy Johnson even on Baltimore radio? The show is a big liberal, racist one-sided rant for 3 hours." After all, everyone knows only big conservative racist one-sided rants belong on BALTIMORE radio. Howie (4/4/08) Just because Bonneville is starting with music in LA doesn’t mean they will end up with that format. It will take at least 6 months to start up a news station. The facility alone could take that long. They will not do music. The money is in the spoken word format. (4/4/08) Dave's response: Why not make it KTOP for a while and relay the DC all-newser? I'd love to hear the new legal ID - "WTOP Washington, WTLP Braddock Heights-Frederick, and KTOP Los Angeles. From Bethesda to Beverly Hills, your coast-to-coast radio news giant." Hmmm..... So, Air America host Rhandi Rhodes was suspended for remarks she made about Hillary Clinton. Well, that answers the age-old question, if a tree falls in the woods and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound. Apparently not! (4/4/08) You aren't really lecturing on "journalistic ethics," are you? You write a blog that relies on unidentified, unconfirmed sources. What makes you an expert on journalistic ethics? Furthermore, what is wrong with creative advertising? The Post has no obligations to label ads or tell its advertisers how to market their product, unless an ad crosses the line of decency (however that is defined nowadays). You should stick to the rumor mill and let someone else decide journalistic ethics. (4/4/08) Dave's response: Nice to hear from you, Mr. Downey. I do think the Post has a journalistic obligation to label ads as ads, if they're not already obvious as such..... Hey--got a lady friend in radio? Today's deadline day for nominations for the Most Influential Women in Radio. Get your fave to Wendy Bernstein at wendy@radioink.com today. I'm nominating Creating Powerful Radio / Life Stages consultant Valerie Geller, of Geller Media International. So many broadcasters, including those in DC, Boston, NY and around the world have been influenced by Valerie. She's truly one of the Most Influential Women in Radio! Rita (4/4/08) (Dave's response: Amen. If you're interested in the freedom of the press, maybe Hillary's not your candidate.....) neither is obama. it was his people who had a tizzy and shamed geraldine ferraro into resigning from hillary's campaign when she (accurately) said that obama was doing so well mainly because he's black. (4/4/08) Isn't it ironic how Randy Rhodes has got suspended for using the word "whore", yet her radio rival Stephanie Miller has gotten away with saying that word - and then some - on CNN, Fox News and C-SPAN? Isn't it ironic... don't ya think? (4/4/08) Dave's response: It's interesting how Hillary's "people" can call around to media outlets and get media people suspended for speaking their minds. Kinda scary, huh. Calling a presidential candidate or a president a "whore" is speech fully-protected by the Constitution. You have the right - and even the responsibility - to say that if that's what you think..... Those schedule changes taking place at WHFS makes me wonder how long it's been known that Don Geronimo wasn't coming back? Seems like there had to be some pre planning over at WHFS to make these changes or this was the plan for May 30th? If Baltimore is dropping the Mike O'Meara show before it even starts must not be good news for rest of Ham and Egg network. Will the first two affiliates KCJJ and the KHTK the Big Sac stick with O'Meara? Now that Mr. Geronimo is no longer a public figure I guess picking on him is out of line but is there something more to the sudden departure than burn out? I've often wondered is Janet the girlfriend for real or just a creation for the show? (4/4/08) This is certainly good news about the start of the new Mike O'Meara show! Don's been phoning it in for almost a year now. Donnie (Mike Sorce), what the network is saying is: Don't let the door hit you in the ass as you leave! I'm glad Beth Ann McBride is coming back. She left because she wasn't making enough money in the DC market/area and she really belonged here. I hope management is making it worth her while. I wish Mike and the gang all the best. On another front, O'Meara's in Manassas is not a bad place to hang out. Show your appreciation for a greta guy and stop in on the weekend and buy a few drinks and some decent pub food. Get them to oen during the week. Not for the enrichment of Mike but for the good of the neighborhood. A lot of people work at O'Meara's and they need the place to succeed. Good luck guys and welcome back Beth Ann! (4/4/08) I’m surprised no one noticed this item in Sunday’s Post Magazine about former channel 9 morning traffic reporter Nicole O’Brien: www.washingtonpost.com (4/4/08) To answer the one reader’s question somewhere down the page on if Mike O’Meara’s show will be syndicated. Per a blurb on Radio & Record’s site (See: “Geronimo Pulls The Rip Cord Early”), “Westwood One has already announced it will continue to syndicate the new show.” I guess we’ll see how long this lasts. It’s one thing if the network plans on supporting the show, it’s another if the majority of the stations that carry D&M will support Mike as well. or go in another direction. (4/4/08) To Carl in Olney: Your observation about WJZW during the 6pm hour is accurate. During that time-they are locally programmed-so thier music comes from the hard drive in DC. Other times, the music is delivered from the bird-which is the result in the sound quality. When the music is local (PM drive and overnight)-it does sound crisp and clear. (4/4/08) While I despise Randi Rhodes, the foul mouthed whore that she is, I continue to be amazed at the power that the Clinton's have. Rhodes was at public appearance, not on the air, and was exercising her First Amendment right to free speech and she gets suspended. Another replay of the David Shuster suspension when he used a perfectly understandable usage of the phrase "pimped out" to describe the use of Chelsea Clinton on the campaign trail. If Rhodes language was objectionable on April 3rd why wasn't it objectionable on March 22nd? (4/4/08) Dave's response: Amen. If you're interested in the freedom of the press, maybe Hillary's not your candidate..... /\ April 4 Messages /\ Jump to the Mailbag Archive Index.....