dcrtv.com - Mailbag - September 6 to September 13, 2008

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DCRTV Mailbag - September 6 to September 13, 2008

Latest messages listed first.....
\/ September 13 Messages \/

Again, no GWB nor Microsoft to blame for your lack of cell phone video. The problem extends from the divestiture of the Bell System. Judge Greene's misguided ruling was signed into law by Jimmy Carter. I don't think I need remind you of which party he was representative of at the time. The diverstiure law more or less prevents a dominant wired company from providing services to a wireless company. Its supposed to be 'competition' whereby, for example, Verizon cannot provide high speed, high capacity fiber service to Verizon Wireless without special exemptions. The law prefers 3rd party companies be used for such interconnects. Those services then require new fiber runs, new destruction of streets, trees, sidewalks, roads etc to run such fiber,,,and that takes many hours and $$$ to get through zoning, soil conservation, park preservation and other green groups. You don't have video because, thanks to Jimmy and Judge Green, it is almost impossible to get video to a cell fone site. FiberTower appears to be making inroads as the go between to handoff terrestrial circuits to tower tenants. Thanks Jimmy for putting us 15 years behind Europe and the former USSR. (9/13/08)

Do these networks realize how idiotic they make themselves look? I just finished watching Anderson Cooper (CNN) doing most of his 7 pm show standing in either a river or in water rushing down a street while he was wearing hip waders. He wasn't just doing a report. He was actually doing the news with stories from all over, train wreck, Obama, Palin, etc. How stupid. (9/13/08)

I have the Jim Zorn coaches show on NBC4 w/George and Sonny and maybe it's me, but it appears that Coach Zorn really doesn't want to be on there. George started the show off by saying "I'm trying to figure out how to ask this" and Zorn says "Just ask it"..He just seems like he wants to discuss the facts with no jokes, no silliness. (9/13/08)

Ravens/Texans postponed to November 9, according to ESPN. Local CBS affils will revert back to normal CBS Monday night lineup. sports.espn.go.com (9/13/08)

Dave's response: Whew. That's a relief. Won't miss "Two And A Half Men".....

Re: "So is there tension in the Fox5 newsroom between the hyper blonde one and the leopard blouse wearing one?"..Which anchor is the leopard blouse wearing one?..I've also seen the Commerce Bank ad with time and temperature where they're both blank. I've seen other ads cut off in the middle of the ad or have some sort of technical difficulty and too wondered how the companies were compensated since I'm assuming they've already paid for that ad time. (9/13/08)

Let's do a CNN style DCRTV Mailbag FACTOID TECH check: YES, Rush uses a Mac (not sure about iPhone)....... YES, President Clinton promoted DMCA copyrights protection............ NO, not Apple's fault, they've been FIGHTING AGAINST the DMCA mainstream media & Microsoft over this ever since............ NO, Apple is NOT ELITIST, although I'll admit the company is quite left wing last I checked, but any old mp3 file works on any iPOD last I checked. And, if buying Apple = Elitist, that would make most incoming freshman this college year ELITISTS since they're all buying Macs & iPhones apparently! (HAha!)............. YES, Windows Media Player has the most stringent of DMCA copyright protections and the Microsoft ZUNE works with the fewest of music services and available music making MICROSOFT the TRUE TOOL of the WE WANT DMCA media elite corporations (Zune isn't even compatible w/ XBOX! HAha!)........... YES, George W. Bush is COMPLETELY at fault for letting the Microsoft monopoly off the hook, no 2 ways about that, and that ultimately is the reason we do not have real internet video standards such that someone with a smartphone near a powered cell phone tower, but without power in their home, could stream live TV news and information about their dire situation, say in Houston........... Finally, YES, there is such a thing as a battery powered HDTV set...... www.alibaba.com... Sony also has an OLED model in the works too, but they will be ridiculously expensive so its doubtful many will be in the real world before NEXT hurricane season or maybe several more! END FACTOID CHECK. :-) (9/13/08)

RUSH LIMBAUGH ONLY USES APPLE MACS & IPHONES, THAT LIBERAL RAT BASTARD!!!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHA (sorry couldn't resist) (9/13/08)

How about moving the Ravens- Texans game to St Louis for Monday night? St Louis plays the Giants Sunday afternoon at 1pm so couldn't the NFL accommodate both teams by playing the game Monday night in St Louis? I know rescheduling can be hard but come on guys. You do not need a rocket scientist to figure this out. (9/13/08)

Is the WMAL picnic being held today, at the big park where their transmission towers are? (9/13/08)

Dave's response: The future Citadel Acres mini-mansion housing development?

To the poster who posted the information that Verizon Fios channel 88 is showing news about IKE, thank you. I have family in that area (Port Arthur) and didn't know about that stations. (9/13/08)

It's true, George W. Bush is not responsible for DMCA, but he IS RESPONSIBLE for letting MICROSUCK run an ILLEGAL MONOPOLY and GET AWAY WITH IT SCOTT FREE and that is what continues the DMCA woes because Windows Media Player is not available for any platforms outside of THE MICROSOFT MSNBC MONOPOLY and that is why you cannot watch many internet videos on various platforms outside of Windows or in Houston's case, your BLOWN-OUT WINDOWS! (9/13/08)

DMCA, or Digital Millenium Copyright Act has nothing to do with George Bush. The DMCA was passed on Oct 12 and signed into law in October 28, of 1998 by America's first euro-centric Socialist Presidente', WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON. It was his give back to Hollywood and the mainstream media, along with the recording and movie companies, for all their years of support in thinking about tomorrow and his dream of elitist socialism. It was also intended to fulfill Gore's dream of taxing and regulating content on the Internet, which Congress otherwise would not let him do. Maybe an independent prosecutor should check it out. And pray tell, what does Microsoft have to do with your ability to receive content on an iPhone, which is an Apple product? Everyone who has ever dealt directly with Apple knows that in their quest for elitist purity, Apple makes sure that their products and personnel do not interface well with anyone or anything. God help you if you try to repair or return anything to Apple. Once again, you liberals reap what you sow and blame others for it. (9/13/08)

Mr. Hughes, I have been reading your postings for many years now. Most of the time I find them to be right on the money, I even use your postings to help me make decisions on advertising. However, I happen to disagree with you about giving Bryan Nehman grief over doing car dealer ads. Of course it probobly has a lot to do with the fact it's my ad that he is doing. As a car dealer we are always looking for an edge over and above the competition and we believe someone with a reputation like Bryan's does just that for Manassas Chrysler Jeep. Since most people have a problem trusting a car dealer, a trusting voice like Bryan's lends validity to what we do. Give the man a break, he is just doing his job, and by the way Chris Core would have still been doing it if I had not read it first on DCRTV that he was out. Thanks for listening and keep getting the stories out way ahead of the main stream media, I can make better advertising decisions when I check who has a job and who dosent, sometimes long before I hear it from my radio rep!!!! Chris Glass, General Sales Manager, Manassas Chrysler Jeep (9/13/08)

Dave's response: As I said in my Rant, I think Bryan does an excellent job voicing car dealer ads. I'm glad he's helpful in increasing your business. My Rant was an underhanded slap at radio stations that pressure news anchors/reporters to do ads. And how WMAL's "news department" has become a joke now that old 630's being turned into a "small market-sounding station" by the clueless clowns at Citadel.....

ESPN is reporting that the Baltimore @ Houston game cannot be played at Reliant Stadium on Monday due to damage, so they are looking for another site or will make up the game at a later date. ... Charles in Winchester (9/13/08)

ESPN is reporting that the Ravens/Texans game will NOT be played Monday Night, thus no Ravens game TV in the Balto/Wash area, because of too much damage to the stadium’s roof. There are no details as to when or where the game will be made-up. (9/13/08)

FYI: Tina Fey will appear as Sarah Palin in a skit on tonight's SNL hosted by Baltimore boy Olympic star Michael Phelps, but Barack Obama has canceled due to the hurricane and wisely so. However, the AP story about Obama scaling back his campaign appearance today are actually false, the event is going on as scheduled. This false story has now been repeated by all the major networks & newspapers sadly. All Obama did was tell Joe Biden to stay home! If that's what the AP calls "scaling back" or "canceling", then the AP needs ta go see da WIZARD for some DICTIONARY! LOL (9/13/08)

I realize that it is popular to cite GWBush as the source of all evil, but it was Clinton who signed the DMCA into law, in 1998. (9/13/08)

You read so much about the changes in the business, and how radio is just not what it was years ago. Even back in the early 70's, I saw the writing on the wall because it was a revolving door lacking real security. The old WKTK proved that to me. Today, far more are being let go, and unfortunately, the difference is, one has less owners to choose from when looking for new employment. I had several chances to do radio full time, but instead chose the Army and have a pension after 30 years.I don't regret that move, and I had fun on weekends in radio. If you are contemplating getting into the business, learn multiple fields, even PR, because you just can't count on much security today, and that extends beyond radio. And by the way, being a nice guy won't guarantee job security, we have seen some top notch professionals get canned just as quickly. Best of luck to Scott Parker and many at Metro, at least they did not get fired a week before Christmas! Tom Conroy (9/13/08)

I believe it was the previous GM and not Alan Horlick who signed JC to her current deal. Before condemning Alan, how 'bout doing your homework? (9/13/08)

Here's some more live streaming news coverage from Houston's CBS & NBC affiliates.... www.click2houston.com... www.khou.com... I'm quite impressed that all the Houston TV stations have their news live via the internet, although I doubt many people have power to watch on TV or via the internet. I guess there are those with laptops & dialup maybe that can see this? Unfortunately, you cannot watch these live TV news streams via an iPhone or many smart phones due to, ummmm, yes, you guessed it, COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS thanks to Congress's DMCA Act! I'm sure everyone in Houston with an iPhone will sleep well knowing their TV stations' news and video feeds are copyrighted and protected from being stolen while their property and lives are at risk! Thank you once again Microsoft & George W. Bush! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr (9/13/08)

Dave's response: I'd guess that if you were in a hurricane your power would be out. As well as the power serving your cell phone towers. If not, those cells would probably be overloaded and you'd have great difficulty making a call. I'd imagine that your best connection to the outside world would be a battery-powered TV or radio. Oh, come February, all of those battery-powered analog TVs and TV band radios will no longer work. Anybody know of a battery-powered digital TV, or a radio that can pick up digital TV audio? I thought not.....

Watch streaming video from Houston television. abclocal.go.com/ktrk (9/13/08)

Dave's response: Video didn't load for me at 8:40 AM. Must be overloaded.....

Verizon FiOS is running local coverage of Hurricane Ike from Houston TV station KTRK on Channel 88 in the DC-Baltimore area right now. Amazing shots. (9/13/08)

When will management be held responsible for ruining a news station? We trash the talent on this website, but the bottom line is they do what is offered to them. We probably all would. Allan Horlick re-signed JC to a HUGE no cut contract. He should be the one fired! JC makes what 3 anchors who work twice as hard as her do. When a company is run in to the ground (Freddie, Fannie), the BOSS is responsible. Sh*t rolls downhill but starts at the top. Get rid of him and his poor decisions with the talent he has in his newsroom. Then air out the newsroom...it stinks (9/13/08)

I've had it with the terribly un-watchable HD signals from SINCLAIR's WBFF FOX45 and CW 54 during prime-time programming. And isn't The CW supposed to be in 1080i? WNUV has it in 720p, but skipping every second, and that's not just intermittent, its been doing it constantly for months and months. HAha! I'm glad somebody mentioned York PA's FOX 43, I never could receive their analog signal, but I used to get WGAL 8 good enough to watch different NFL games way way back. But now I just noticed TRIBUNE's WPMT FOX 43 has a construction permit to expand its signal to include to the south of Baltimore, even Columbia, MD! Not to mention, Tribune's WDCW CW 50 has also applied for a maxed out DT signal that might just hit Baltimore well also! Add WTTG FOX 36 and WOW! I'm gonna have to reconnect the old big-ass Channel Master and check this out! MAYBE, BA-BYE SINCLAIR LOSERS! :-) (9/13/08)

Re: 100.7 The Bay - The morning ratings were in the tank with Emry and the station needed to make a change so that it would finally have a strong lead-in for the rest of the day, which has been doing fairly well. "Bob & Tom", not a good idea in my opinion, but that's what it is for now. We'll see if their ratings go up. If they don't, then no more Bob & Tom. It sounds like you have some kind of a gripe with their PD. You should take it up with him then. (9/13/08)

/\ September 13 Messages /\

\/ September 12 Messages \/

A 9:35 PM Friday, WRC/4 ran a "time and temperature" from Commerce Bank where both were blank. Does Commerce get its ad money back? (9/12/08)

Carl in Olney writes: "Conveniently she works at WAMU, which is now in the old (Channel 9-named) Broadcast House, or maybe it's across the street." Carl, WAMU is located directly ACROSS Brandywine Street from the old WTOP/WDVM-Channel 9 "Broadcast House. (Gannett-owned WUSA-9's "Broadcast House" is located further south on Wisconsin, near the McDonald's, formerly Roy Rogers). WAMU's building, now owned entirely by the American University, was once home to part of the West German Defense Ministry's military attache office here in Washington; the rest of the attache office was in an adjoining house. The venerable old Broadcast House now houses a gym on the 1st floor, with offices in the remainder of the building. WAMU's transmitter and tower remains on the AU campus at Massachusetts and Nebraska Avenues, behind the school's old Broadcast Center, where I spent several years as a local reporter for WAMU. And if you'll indulge a little shameless self-promotion, be listening Monday morning as my colleagues and I at Federal News Radio make the big, big jump (some might call it a leap...) from 1050 AM to 1500/820 AM! Have a good weekend, everybody! - Max in Mild West Arlington... (9/12/08)

Compare that Redskins TV coverage map with the NFL Week 1 Ravens TV coverage..... www.the506.com... Just Baltimore and Salisbury/OC, no DC, no PA, no VA, no WV. Kinda pathetic don't ya think? If I were the Baltimore Ravens, I would be filing a complaint to the NFL or CBS. It's no wonder the Baltimore TV market keeps dropping in market size even though the metro area is growing, and much bigger and wealthier than such higher Nielsen markets such as Indianapolis. It's pretty clear that the Nielsen TV market rankings are suspicious at best, totally false at worst. Even Washington DC is lower in market size via Nielsen than in reality on almost every level. The Nielsen rankings go against every government market ranking you could possibly come up with and seem to favor, for lack of a better term, "Cause Celeb" NEW SMALL MARKETS! Indy is NOT bigger than Baltimore, and probably never will be. And you wonder why Baltimoreans have such an inferiority complex? Geesh! (9/12/08)

In a policy switch, the rescheduled Ravens/Texans football game will be available via DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket package after all, excluding the TV markets getting the game on CBS. ESPN lifted its Monday night exclusivity to allow for the arrangement. Everett W. www.profootballtalk.com (9/12/08)

Dave, Due to Ike and the bad Wx in Houston the game between the Ravens and the Texans will be seen in BALTIMORE only on WJZ-TV at 8:30pm on Monday night. Should anything change I will let you know. Have a good weekend and keep dry! www.dcexaminer.com... Cheers, Jim (9/12/08)

About Ravens angst..... Sorry wrong again, this week's Redskins game is not a national game yet will air in parts of WV, all of Virginia, all of Maryland except Garrett county, and most of central PA! If you don't believe me, check it out.... www.the506.com... When does that happen with the Ravens? Ummm, like almost NEVER! But you are correct about one thing, the hurricane is oddly enough giving the Ravens MORE TV coverage than normal actually, but for all the wrong reasons. (9/12/08)

So is there tension in the Fox5 newsroom between the hyper blonde one and the leopard blouse wearing one? One good rating period for O'Mirror and back to the 2 week vacations? I still find the O'mirror show a snoozefest. I don't dig the Cowherd show on ESPN980 someone please bring back Dan Patrick to D.C. market! Couldn't lil' danny run some other sports talk show syndicators progrums on one of his other red zebra stations or that would piss off ESPN? And over the air digital TV broadcasts suck! pixalation pixalation and is Melissa Scott gone from the D.C. tv market? (9/12/08)

(snip) It should be interesting, Bicknell is outspoken and at times, explosive.ANG (snip) Yes...and at other times Bicknell is ANG! BOBB (9/12/08)

Don't know how long he's been back since his brain surgery, but just saw FOX5's sports guy Dave Benz doing a high school football game..So it looks like he had a succesful recovery. Good for him. (9/12/08)

Tybois - a simple FCC search shows that WWWT-FM is indeed licensed to Manassas. (9/12/08)

Dave...you left off your list the king of malignant egomania...Chris Matthews...he's a very prominant member of that group. -- Bobbie (9/12/08)

nfl.fanhouse.com - Dave/all: I find this to be a pesky little story where the NFL fan ultimately loses. Here’s the irony of the story: people in Houston (where the game will be broadcasted locally) will be evacuating to areas where the game will be blacked out. Nice. -Nick in Rockville and Boston (9/12/08)

What happened to Kornheiser? At one point he was a down to earth man, and once he left the Post and WTEM and and went to ESPN he has become a man with a huge ego? Why Tony? Why? He is not funny anymore and laughs at his own incompetence. (9/12/08)

Dave's response: Tony suffers from a malady called malignant egomania. So does Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, and Keith Olbermann. It's curable - but only if caught early.....

First it was the teenagers agreeing with almost everything that their peers or teachers said by saying "absolutely". Then it was the interviewees being interviewed by reporters saying "absolutely". Then it was the street reporters answering the anchors with their idiotic questions saying "absolutely". Now it is the anchors and some commentators saying, "absolutely". Count every time someone says "absolutely" tonight on the local news. (9/12/08)

Dave's response: Indeed.....

As an antidote to all the nasty-grams being posted, I want to laud Kavitha Cardoza of WAMU 88.5 FM for an excellent -- let me repeat, excellent -- 10-minute interview with Michelle Rhee, the superintendent of the DC schools this morning that aired at 0850. Good questions, intelligent follow-ups; I learned more about the DC schools, present and future, than I ever knew about any school system just from Ms. Cardoza's intelligent, non-cliched, direct questions which allowed Ms. Rhee to give equally clear, direct answers with no weasel words allowed. Maybe this reporter is whom Channel 9 needs. Conveniently she works at WAMU, which is now in the old (Channel 9-named) Broadcast House, or maybe it's across the street. It's only a 15-minute walk to bail out the new Broadcast House. (Didn't the old East German Embassy used to be there on Brandywine St., too?)-- Carl in Olney (9/12/08)

DC is hub and so is Philly in the new Metro layout... (9/12/08)

I have sat in the row behind Mike Walter at a handful of Redskins games and he seems like a great guy. On another note, funny to hear all this Ravens angst yet again. Richmond is not in their secondary market, nor that's why the Monday game would not be allowed to air there, nor would a Steelers game. Not as sure about the Redskins. Just be happy WUSA is going to show the Ravens. I think the ratings for the Philly-Dallas game will still be better in the DC market, and that game is cable only. .... Charles in Winchester (9/12/08)

Hey, to the poster who seemed to be responding to my rant about putting the failed Bob and Tom show on The Bay 100.7,in place of Chris Emery, just so some part time programmer could pretend he can get better ratings. My sister- in- law works for the City Paper which is owned by the same company, and her friends are in media or ad agencies. Over the weekend, I got an earful from them about management and how pissed the radio sales people were because the ratings had come out, with the mornings way up, right when they got rid of Emery. I didn't say nobody else was any good - but I don't see what the "voice" has to do with being entertaining? I'd have to agree that the others sound better on commercials, but they shouldn't try to goof around with callers, or the traffc girl, bc it just sounds kind of lame. The emails I've gotten say I got it right about mamagement and the money. (9/12/08)

Re: "(Snip) Laura Ingraham ...'Have a problem? It's your husband's fault.' (end snip) Could the poster be confusing political pundit Laura Ingraham with relationship-fixer Dr. Laura Schlessinger?" Christ, I was. Please write off my idiocy as post-Gustav, pre-Ike drunkenness. The MOM Show still sucks, irregardless. (9/12/08)

DirecTV has live coverage of Ike from KHOU-TV in Houston up on Channel 361. Some incredible pictures there. -Brian (9/12/08)

Update on the NFL Ravens/Texans game..... "NOTE: The Baltimore-Houston game will air live Monday night on the following stations: WJZ Baltimore, WUSA Washington, WBOC Salisbury, WHP Harrisburg, KHOU Houston, KFDM Beaumont and KBTX Bryan. Stations that were to have aired it on Sunday are assumed to now be airing the New England-NY Jets game." That's the latest news. I believe WHP in central PA normally carries the Steelers don't they? And, I assume this means all other CBS markets, including nearby Richmond & Norfolk markets will air regular CBS programming. Funny how Redskins games and Steelers games often get clearance in those nearby markets, yet the Ravens are often squeezed even off of Washington area TV. Typical NFL, always screwing over Baltimore. (9/12/08)

Lots of criticism of the NFL for not moving the Ravens/Texans game on BaltimoreSun.com...... www.topix.net... "This line says it all... "Keeping the game in Houston goes against the league's recent trend of moving games affected by severe conditions." What does that mean? It means its ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! DUH! If they move the game, season ticket holders have to be refunded money and tickets sales will be poor so the money won't be recouped, well unless they moved it to Baltimore, in which case a Monday night game in Baltimore would probably sell out over this weekend. But don't hold your breath on that! And to add insult to injury, they're now saying this storm could be far worse than Katrina! How outrageous pathetic uncaring money-grubbing NFL! There should be more criticism of this decision in The Sun and on ESPN." Read it while you can, The Sun deleted all of yesterday's bitter comments that were even far worse on the NFL, Roger Goodell, and even The Sun. hehe (9/12/08)

Congressman Tom Davis on this morning's Federal Drive on FederalNewsRadio. He was on the air talking with us about the MMS scandal in the dept of the Interior. And, swear to God, it sounds like he was in the bathtub. (9/12/08)

CEO Tom Beusse's promised revamp of the Metro Networks division focuses on consolidation - 60 operations centers shrinking to 13 "regional hubs" - and more reliance on digital technology. Westwood expects cost savings of $25-30 million a year, partly from cutting 15% of existing staff. But it will take a re-structuring charge of at least $20 million in this quarter. More at Radio-Info.com. (9/12/08)

This coming Sunday night Davy Jones/Paul Bicknell will be interviewed on the Maggie Pascal Show on WCBM (680AM)at 7:00PM. Discussion will center around Bicknell's (colorful career in broadcasting) There will also be discussion on politics and Read Street Sound and Video the company that Bicknell Co-owns withAudio Video Engineer Jay Harrison. It should be interesting, Bicknell is outspoken and at times, explosive.ANG (9/12/08)

The Poison At Channel 9... Todd Mcdermott did not get good ratings at WUSA, and that's why he was let go. It's part of the business for major market anchors. Lesli Foster will also be taken off the major shows in due time because of the same reason, and because she's no more than the freelance reporter hired out of Baltimore a few years ago by an incompetent, emotionally unstable news director by the name of Dave Roberts. Leslie is no more than a general assignment reporter, at best, in the DC market. A poster stated some people in the WUSA newsroom will not miss Mcdermott. Todd was only a small part of the massive problems that have faced this newsroom since the early 90's, when the station began firing competent reporters, anchors, and producers--it continues to this day. The WUSA newsroom has a small faction of employees who have spread poison in the newsroom for many years. They consist of reporters, anchors, managers, and producers who continuously stir up problems for fellow employees whom they are jealous of, and feel insecure around. Sound petty? You better believe it, but unfortunately it's true. A more surprising fact is that many of these untrustworthy WUSA employees are veterans. They are the ones truly keeping this newsroom in such a crappy state of affairs. But some of the credit must also be given to wacky decisions by Gannett managers. Shuffling the titanic chairs on the deck of WUSA is yet another crazy, stupid, and idiotic move by the #4 station in the DC market. Lesli Foster solo at 6 on the signature show? Give it 6 months, and don't be surprised if the station gets rid of her. Derrick Mcginty on the 11? His ratings were just as bad a Mcdermott's. Plus, Mcginty will never be a smooth major market anchor, no matter how many different shows and co-anchors you give him. I'm sure Brikman was warned about WUSA's unstable news operation before she left Philly, but we're all blinded by the almighty dollar. She had no choice but to take the money at WUSA, but she probably realizes the anchor chairs at 9 are like revolving doors, and her time is limited as well. Someone suggested Pann replace Topper. Topper was nearly replaced by a female weathercaster out of LA a few years ago, but she wised up after doing her homework on WUSA, and stayed on the West Coast. But she was offered the top weather job at 9. Topper is living on borrowed time and he knows it. Eventually he and JC will disappear. JC will obviously go first. And 9 is fooling itself in thinking Haber is the answer as sports director. He looks foolish with that orange/tangerine fake bottle tan, and his presentation has never been good or well received---at Fox5, ESPN, or in the community. People always say WUSA made a huge mistake when they dropped Gordon Peterson. Guess what? Gordon had crappy ratings too. No one was watching him. There is poison at WUSA. You can continuously get rid of the newcomers, but until the poison is removed from that newsroom---people will continue to get shafted. Many of these poison employees at WUSA will read this post, and the words will hit home. (9/12/08)

On yesterday's 9-11 anniversary, I noticed that NBC's Today Show didn't go live to New York at 8:46 AM (the moment the first plane hit the World Trade Center seven years ago) to show the ceremonies there. Instead, they were doing a segment on how boys are struggling in grade school these days. But that's not half as bad as Fox News Channel touting its Opinion Dynamics polls while the commemorations at the WTC site, Pentagon and Shanksville, PA were going on. One of the polls showed McCain with a significant edge over Obama when it comes to who would be a better Commander in Chief, and there was another one where Palin led Biden in some category. With the candidates themselves suspending campaign activities to observe this solemn occasion, it was despicable for Fox to engage in partisan politics while ostensibly covering the ceremonies. Somehow, I doubt they'd have even mentioned those polls had the results been favorable to the Democratic ticket. Getting back to the Today Show, the program's weather guy made a rather thoughtless (if not callous) remark a few days ago when he said that it was "probably a good thing" Hurricane Ike was moving across Cuba because storms tend to weaken over land. While no doubt focusing on the imminent threat to Texas and Louisiana, he apparently forgot that Cuba's not an uninhabited island. Regardless of what one may think of the Cuban government, the people living there certainly didn't deserve a major natural disaster. Mike, Fairfax (9/12/08)

Someone suggested that within a year, Leslie Foster will be doing the noon news replacing J.C. Hayward..When the heck is J.C. leaving anyway?..I could've sworn she was supposed to be gone from the air by now..As for Todd McDermott, he gets a divorce and then loses his job..HMMM..Sounds familiar..Kinda like the Tom Sater story..Sorry, I had to do it..I'll now apologize and go sit in the corner.. (9/12/08)

Being more linear only one of many problems for WVIE. Wednesday after the 6pm report, a program called Women Talk, or something like that came on. Guess what, it WAS two women talking, and not about sports. I know it was paid, but when you change format, you have to make all of the content change - - PSAs, commercials, everything. Doesn't any station know how to change format? I still haven't gotten over the "still tweaking" excuse for Post radio, and its recent editions. Ed Graham (9/12/08)

Dave said: "I'm guessing there aren't a lot of other stations that run commercials for creams to remove stretch marks during Jim Rome's show"..... I remember when WHFS first started on 99.1 back in the day. I think half of the ads were for C-O-M-P-O-Z, Compoz! Howie (9/12/08)

I have stayed away from dcrtv of late because of the insulting, demeaning nature of many of the people who post, but there was one on here recently that fits this bill that I simply cannot ignore: the totally insulting post about W*USA 9’s Mike Walter: “I sure hope they don't move that Mike Walter over to evenings, the self-centered little twerp. Met him in person at an event and got the same impression. Can't stand him.” To this hopelessly clueless poster, I don’t know when you met Mike, or why on earth you had that impression, maybe you were hammered or possibly had just been lobotomized, but Mike is one of the most sincere people around; he’s one of the nicest, most professional and overall good guys in this or any business and most of his colleagues feel the same way about him. He is anything but ‘self-centered’ or a ‘twerp.’ I urge you to keep such completely ridiculous and insulting assessments to yourself in the future, or when you say such mean things about someone that you really have a clue who you are talking about. Sorry, just couldn’t resist calling out the “twerp” who posted that. (9/12/08)

This I didn't know. Someone might want to tell the FCC, because they still have WWWT-FM listed as Warrenton :) Take Care, Tybois Uphold (9/12/08)

(Snip) Laura Ingraham ...'Have a problem? It's your husband's fault.' (end snip) Could the poster be confusing political pundit Laura Ingraham with relationship-fixer Dr. Laura Schlessinger? (9/12/08)

Lesli Foster is scrump-dilly-icious. If she’s on, I’m watching. (9/12/08)

Re: "...the rescheduled Ravens/Texans telecast..." and expanding on Everett W's post: NOTE (from the506.com): "The Baltimore-Houston game has been postponed to Monday night due to Hurricane Ike. It will air live on the following stations: WJZ Baltimore, WUSA Washington, WBOC Salisbury, WHP Harrisburg, KHOU Houston, KFDM Beaumont and KBTX Bryan. Stations that were to have aired it on Sunday are assumed to now be airing the New England-NY Jets game." --RB (9/12/08)

Ravens-Texans game moves to Monday night: The Houston Texans' game against the Baltimore Ravens was moved to Monday night at 8:30 p.m. EDT because of Hurricane Ike. The game will be broadcast on CBS affiliates in Houston, Baltimore and Washington as well as several smaller secondary markets. This isn't the first time a game time has been changed because of an impending hurricane. In 2004, a game in Miami between the Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers was moved from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. to allow Hurricane Jeanne to pass through the area. More at ESPN.com: sports.espn.go.com (9/12/08)

Dave, Apparantly, the Ravens game will be broadcast on CBS at the same time as the Monday night game between the Eagles and Cowboys. Could you find out if Channel 9 WUSA will be broadcasting the game for the DC Market. If not Channel 9, then who? Thanks, Eric (9/12/08)

While the Salem stations may have dropped Laura Ingraham due to the TRN scuffle, I have to think her flat (and in some areas, dipping) ratings had something to do with it. And her ratings doldrums can probably be blamed on the utter predictability of her show: 'Have a problem? It's your husband's fault.' Even the crabbiest bitch in town has to get bored with the monotony after a while. (9/12/08)

Channel 9 needs a “Vice President for Media Outreach” as much as they need a swimming pool and a tractor. In one year, I bet Leslie Foster will be on the noon shift, taking over for JC Hayward. If WUSA is shifting anchors, they should seriously consider looking at the big picture. Replacing Shutt with Pann would be an excellent start; Haber with just about anyone else would also be good thing. (9/12/08)

GWU Colonials basketball on 820 AM in Frederick? Why not UCLA or Wichita State? Or a thousand cycle tone for two hours? There would be just as much interest. Nobody in Frederick County gives a rat’s ass about GWU hoops. What a complete waste of electricity. (9/12/08)

WNUV 54 and WBFF 45 are aweful! I maybe check them out once a week and either the program is hiccuping every few seconds or the audio is out of sync. This has been going on as long as I can remember. Leave it to Sinclair that I have to tune in their ANALOG channels to watch a program! Since I still watch OTA television I've made it a habit to flip the antenna north and watch central PA's Fox affiliate WPMT 43 for HD programming. It's a medium market station but they don't fuck up a TV picture like major market Baltimore! Sinclair's conservative bent and technical fuckups can shove it. Hopefully their amateur operation runs dry and 45/54 get new owners ... (9/12/08)

Dear Dave: To Vince in Triangle, it's not just the Valley that's looking at a shutout. It's pretty much any location in Virginia outside of the Beltway for nighttime listening of any Nationals games now that only 1500 and 820 will be carrying the play-by-play. You're right in that this is happening with only handful of games left in the season and with the Nats in last place and is not all that big a deal. OTOH, this seems highly unusual to me in that it IS occurring during the season, no matter what the team's record is. It would be interesting to see what the contractual obligations are for the broadcasts. I'm sure the action is within the letter of whatever agreement was signed, but the effect is to effectively cut off (from a radio standpoint) a target audience and (from a team standpoint) someone who is listening for the first time and decides to buy a ticket to go to a future game. Like I said yesterday, I don't think that the management of the Nationals or the Capitals can be happy with this development. As for the programming on 980, I can't really comment. I took the station off my presets after Phil Wood's program was canceled, haven't listened to it in over a month, and can say that I really haven't missed it. As always, Dave, a great site! Enjoy the weekend everybody! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (9/12/08)

Dave's response: I hate to say it, but Bonneville would have made things so much easier on itself if it put a sports talker on 104.1/103.9 (Score 104) in late 2006. Oh, what could have been. Now, they're stuck with a bunch of marginal signals that they don't quite know what to do with.....

Channel 9. Will they ever get it right? JC has got to go. How do the suits expect any respect from the hard working employees as JC milks the situation for all its worth? For the good of the station she should exit in grace. No one watches Derek, now he is the star of the 11. They elevate Lesli, then demote her off the 11. She really was never more than the weekend morning anchor to begin with. Anita should have stayed in PA. as a reporter with a real newsroom. This place is getting ugly! Cute shell game Channel 9. Move around a few people who don't belong in the chairs anyhow. I'll stick to watching your weekend team and Channel 4 on the weeknights. Levin, Tony, Jennifer and Bruce are your "A" team and you all are too pompous to realize it. You suits don't deserve to run down a once proud newsroom. Gannett are you listening!!???? (9/12/08)

The problem with WWWT-FM's (via WTOP) top-of-the-hour ID, their Community of License (or COL) isn't Manassas, it's Warrenton. Have been since their WRCY days (and probably before that). A station has to say where they are licensed (like "WBAL Baltimore" or "WGRQ Colonial Beach") first and everything after that doesn't matter. If a station ID's with the wrong COL, it is somehow an "illegal ID". Take Care, Tybois Uphold (9/12/08)

Dave's response: Bonneville did get FCC approval to move WWWT's city of license to Manassas.....

That Bonneville is taking the Nationals off 107.7 FM come Sept. 17 may not seem that big a deal, given how awful the team has been this season and that only a week and a half of play remains. But keep in mind that the station's coverage extends out to the Shenandoah Valley, much of which can't get MASN on cable systems -- so the Nats will be completely invisible from local broadcast media (1500 AM may have 50,000 watts, but it can't be heard out there). If I'm Stan Kasten, I'm ticked regarding my radio plans for 2009 (well, at least they beat the Redskins to Spanish-language radio). Oh, and the comments about 980's improved programming...let's see what it does once football season is over. Of course, to some of the one-dimensional yahoos here, there is only one sports season in Washington. -- Vincent in Triangle (9/12/08)

In regards to the rescheduled Ravens/Texans telecast, CBS affiliates in the primary and secondary markets of the teams will carry the game. For the Ravens, that means the Baltimore, Washington, Harrisburg & Salisbury CBS stations. Everett W. www.baltimorereavens.com (9/12/08)

I'm pretty sure the WTOP top-of-the-hour ID will probably go: "WTOP-FM Washington (103.5), WTOP Silver Spring (1050), WTLP Braddock Heights/Frederick (103.9), WWWT-FM Manassas (107.7)." but does anyone know if the WWWT calls will be scrapped? I was under the impression that WTOZ was available... Nate from Cleveland (9/12/08)

/\ September 12 Messages /\

\/ September 11 Messages \/

CK, Ralphie May sounds pretty good on your WJFK 106.7 airwaves, and it caps off an already great local "live" line-up. He's not a trained, seasoned DJ, but he sounds like he's having fun, and is moving the show along at a good clip. After hearing a live, entertaining person in there, and more so NOT hearing Rome, it's clear that you should look for a local guy/gal/team to get in there from 7-10pm. Live and Local should be 6am to 10pm from now on, and do away with Jim...Rome...and...his...awkward...pauses. (9/11/08)

You DO realize that when Korny's car was stolen, so too was his driver... ...and Danny S. - you know you got played with those AM's, when they already knew the big stick was heading for market. Grit your teeth and bite the bullet. Buy the FM. Keep the best AM of the group. Give the rest to charity for the write-off. Lose the dead-weight & yester-names. Keep the talent that really knows sports and scout for some real talent to fill in the holes (and there are many of them). Pay off who you must and drop the network crap. Either that or keep one of the AM's to throw it all on. Stop believing everything you are told about radio, 'cause none of it has benefitted you or your organization. You'll be better of in the long run. Les Ismore (9/11/08)

What is the deal with the morons at Sinclair? Baltimore's WNUV 54 is advertising that you can now watch all of its shows in hi-def/HD. Only one problem, NOPE YOU CAN'T, not unless you want a severe migraine headache. WNUV's HD feed skips, hesitates, and audio/video is completely out of sync at times all throughout the prime-time schedule making it COMPLETELY UNWATCHABLE! I'm sure these types of tech glitches happen from time to time on all stations, but, ummmmm, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR LIKE FOUR FREAKING MONTHS!!!!!! This is so ridiculous, I think the FCC should start levying fines or something. I mean, seriously, IS THE SINCLAIR ENGINEERING STAFF NOTHING BUT A BUNCH OF COMPLETE UTTER MORONS????? LOL (9/11/08)

I think it is safe to assume the endless stream of money WUSA and Gannett have to fund the likes of JC Hayward are about to come to a head. The fear management may have had in the past of “retiring” Ms. Hayward has long since eroded. Her “stock” is down and the small amount of people who watch her may be vocal at first, but a week or so of bad publicity is well worth the money saved. Her salary combined with Mr. McDermott’s will save WUSA hundreds of thousands of dollars. Look at the bottom line. In the long run, it is all that matters. We are all disposable. Take a look at this link and who remains? www.youtube.com (9/11/08)

Your item on news stringers & W*USA 9 is more of a personal battle between ONE (1) stringer & Ch.9. His beef is that he covered 4 shootings in Trinidad in about a one& one half hour period. The story was of the total violence in that small neighborhood (ie one story) To bill them for 4 is a stretch. One of the other items was to get info from stringers & compile non-video news items. This is just W*USA being too cheap to pay for video, rather they do it as a "reader". The other item saying that W*USA sends staff photogs out trailing stringers is just B.S. What we have here is a once mighty #1 news station reduced to the quality of say, Salisbury, Md. or similer small market station. Example: about a month ago, a 2 year old boy was struck and killed by a hit & run driver in College Park about 8:00 P.M. Ch. 9, incredibly, did not even send a staff photographer out to the scene, (overtime issue) and was the only station in town to not do the story as a live shot lead. The past standard used to be that video was essential to a t.v. news story. Not at 9. Perhaps they feel that if they are going to be in last place in the ratings, they might as well save a couple of bucks and be in last place. (9/11/08)

Rarely do I laugh out loud when reading news items, but I couldn't help but get a chuckle out of the Kornheiser stolen car story. Never has one man deserved what he gets more than this. Tony is a pompous, arrogant, mean person. He is worse in real life than on TV or radio. I'm glad to see any bad thing happen to him. CB (9/11/08)

Now that the Baltimore Ravens game in Houston has been rescheduled to Monday night @8:30 on WJZ 13, does that mean WUSA 9 will also carry the game or will they carry regular CBS Monday night lineup? Hmmmm. Oh, and if you think WUSA is cheap, WJZ 13 is STILL NOT CARRYING THE CBS EVENING NEWS IN HD even though they advertise it in HD at the beginning of the program! HAha! WHAT A PATHETIC & EMBARASSING CBS STATION!! No wonder WBAL TV is kicking their asses in the news ratings! (9/11/08)

Wow cd!! If what you are saying is true, that Ms. West started complaining about the mold all the way back in 1992, then you are confirming the fact of how horrendous the working situations were this whole time! You're obviously are an old coworker of Ms. West's to have such knowledge and I'm sure your "expert" opinion on this matter could make or break this case! Oh, by the way cd, since you don't know already I'll let you in on a well known fact about mold exposure, it takes years of exposure before it's worst damage is done. Sometimes people don't know how damaged they are because it's symptoms can be so ordinary and vague in the beginning and then years later the damage that has been brewing the whole time takes over the body. It's kind of like exposure to asbestos, silent and deadly, and takes years to show up. I hope this helped in your understanding of exposure to toxic mold, next time why don't you do a little research yourself before making such unintelligent remark. Maybe not everyone in this world files a lawsuit because of pie in the sky money greed. Maybe some people still file them because they really were just hurt by exposure to mold at the workplace and if it weren't for that exposure they would not have been damaged. You know cd, what's right is right, wrong is wrong kind of thing. Either way cd, if you ever decide to file a lawsuit we'll know what side of the morality fence you are on. Judge John in Frederick (9/11/08)

After further review, the new ESPN 980 as its now called is not as terrible as I and others first wrote here last month. Mike and Mike suck but Cowhurd is slowing pulling me in. Doc Walker and Kevin Sheehan seem to dislike each other but it is the best Redskins and football talk on the station. Happy that both of them seem willing to take shots at the home team. The John Thompson Show is still the weak link but Mitchell also takes his fair share of shots at the burgandy and gold. The Sports Reporters continues to be an entertaining listen thanks to Czaban. (9/11/08)

Re: "So, "WWWT, Manassas, Buenos Aires, Kuala Lumpur" would be perfectly legal." And, with internet streaming, it would even make sense... to some extent. Probably more sense than most things stations do. (9/11/08)

Re: "That second (or third) city in your legal ID has to be in your coverage area, right? WWWT couldn't say "Manassas/Seattle", right?" Nope...they could. The legal ID is done after "Manassas". (9/11/08)

Dave's response: So, "WWWT, Manassas, Buenos Aires, Kuala Lumpur" would be perfectly legal. Really.....

With the recent hurricane reports, I've noticed that Brian Williams on NBC Nightly News has been getting on-scene reports by people from The Weather Channel. Why aren't these kinds of reports being done by their own NBC WeatherPlus staff? (9/11/08)

Dave's response: Didn't NBC/Universal just buy the Weather Channel? I guess they're sharing operations.....

As a co-worker of Todd's I will say I am sorry to see him go. He is professional, polite, intelligent, and a gentleman. It saddens me that my industry doesn't have the patience to allow a person a decent amount of time to fit in with the audience. That being said I wish him well and I'm sure he will excel in his future endeavors. (9/11/08)

Dave's response: Your contract comes up at the same time the company's making cuts and - guess what - you're gone. Unless you're some kind of superstar like JC.....

Memo to Al "What's He Smokin'?" Koken -- the Ray Charles song you played today at the end of the John Thompson show was NOT "God Bless America" (as you identified it). It's "America The Beautiful". Sheesh. Some people can't get it right even when they're busy pandering on the anniversary of a national tragedy. Sincerely, TMU. P.S. You think somebody should have told Mike O'Meara -- the laziest man in radio, and that's saying something -- that multi-week vacations in September aren't really the way to go when you're trying to lure listeners to your increasingly floundering show? Or maybe he just doesn't give a damn. (9/11/08)

I cannot tell a lie. I stole Kornheiser's car. Having a great time with the car, too. I re-programmed his gps to plot routes to all his MNF destinations. Not too thrilled with the gas mileage tho'. I did donate all his Sinatra cd's to Goodwill. Those Clyde's gift cards I found in the glove compartment will come in handy. I guess ESPN will now build him a limo to take him from the parking lot to the studio. Regards Biff the Stalker (9/11/08)

Between WUSA9 & FOX5, they are running neck to neck in the anchor revolving door contest. (9/11/08)

Gimme a break, "Judge John!" Linda West started complaining about "mold" almost as soon as she started working at WFRE in 1992. If it was such a big deal then, why didn't she go after the Gibbons family? Could it be because she smelled deeper pockets when Clear Channel took over? Hmmmmmmm... cd (9/11/08)

Dave, what's with the handful of Bryan Nehman "rants" in one week? Anyway, the more Bryan's voice appears on-air, in ads or otherwise, the better it is for us, the ladies. I happen to think (and I believe I speak for many ladies on this) that his voice is the best thing that I can listen to every day. My alarm clock is set at 4:59 a.m. every week day morning and one of the biggest reasons is because he's the best news reader on the radio today. His language flows very naturally and it seems that he's not even reading a piece of paper, or computer screen. Aside from having a delicious sense of humor during the show, his voice is pure magic. A Puerto Rican friend of mine who works at the Pentagon and gets stuck in traffic daily says that the only thing that calms her nerves is Bryan's voice. I guess you can call us lady fans "The Nehman's Nympho's"! -Silvie- (9/11/08)

To the poster who's looking for opinion's regarding what other posters favorite HD channels are. I too like the Indie 97.9 channel. They give a great mix of music and the channel turned me on to some awesome new music/new artist to me from certain artists such as Crystal Castles, Shiny Toy Guns & Kings of Leon just to mention a few. Love that they mix in the classic alternative too like the Cure, Smiths/Morrisey, New Order, Depeche Mode & Catherine Wheel. I tried to tune in HFS' HD channel today but couldn't get it (cockeysville, md). Don't they have a classic alternative channel? (9/11/08)

Dave's response: Even though I get a good signal from analog 97.9 here in Northern Virginia, I've had no luck getting 98 Rock's HD Radio channels here at the DCRTV World HQ.....

Can I be the first of many to tell kornheiser he isn’t that important? Seriously man, go away. Did anyone listen to him on Monday night and his CONSTANT references to brett favre? Even tirico and jaws were getting annoyed. Maybe espn will just make it a two man booth next year, kornheiser doesn’t bring anything to the table AT ALL. (9/11/08)

“I'd love to know if the preexisting contracts between Bonneville and the four various sports entities allow for any of this.” I think you can rest assured that the changes are being made with the full knowledge and consent of the teams involved. Bonneville is a stickler when it comes to contracts – they would definitely not make a decision to flagrantly break 4 major contracts with clients without renegotiating or making some compensation. (9/11/08)

“WWWT-FM is now listed as "Manassas/Fredericksburg," even though the transmitter is near Warrenton?” The COL was changed to Manassas a year or so ago. (9/11/08)

Bonneville petitioned the FCC to change WWWT-FM's community of license to Manassas from Warrenton a while ago (year, maybe?) without any change to the station's technical facilities. I'm guessing that they did this to meet a main studio location regulation. The legal requirement for ID-ing is saying "WWWT-FM Manassas." Anything that follows is marketing, so they're free to say anything they want. Regards, Dave Loudin (9/11/08)

Dave's response: That second (or third) city in your legal ID has to be in your coverage area, right? WWWT couldn't say "Manassas/Seattle", right?

"Hey, how about 'Rock For Hockey & Soccer Moms, Barracuda 94.7'."....or how about "I'm not Muslim, but I was raised by one" All-Jihad Music all the time? (9/11/08)

Little known trivia fact:McGarry's show was officially "Mr. Music" .... that's what was printed on the official station logs. Mike (9/11/08)

In regards to the mailbag question, Sunday's Ravens/Texans (not Oilers) game is currently scheduled to air in the Washington, D.C. area, subject to change if the schedule is altered by Hurricane Ike. For future reference, NFL telecast maps are available at The506.com. Everett W. (9/11/08)

I grew up in West Chester, PA (two words, not one like in NY) . (9/11/08)

I have been following the events of the Linda West (WFRE) mold case. I found the link for the story today in the Frederick News Post here on your great website Dave. I have been in the legal field for two decades and the cases that inspire me are ones' like this. When the average, hardworking person gets harmed in some way on the job and they give it all up to go against the big corporate conglomerates (in this case Clear Channel) in the hopes that the wrong will be righted. It doesn't happen too much anymore, the whole David and Goliath scenario, but when it does it really stands out and is admired by many of us in the legal profession. Ms. West has guts and determination in order to drop everything she had to take on such a fight with the all mighty Clear Channel. I admire her strength and am in her corner on this one. Back to the point, when I clicked on the FNP link to read the story I was sadly disappointed with the vague information given. Why would the paper even print the story if that was all the information they had on it? So I did some research, made some contacts and in just a short time had some of the facts that the FNP couldn't dig up or just conveniently omitted from the story. It all paints quite a different picture than the FNP article would have one believe. First of all the claim was not denied by WC, it was disallowed. There is a difference. Secondly the Commissioner DID NOT rule that Ms. West was not ill. The Commissioner also DID NOT rule that Ms. West was not ill from the toxic mold found in her workplace. The ruling that the Commissioner DID use for the disallowance was "a mold injury is not inherent to her job" as a radio broadcaster. This is the first time I have seen this kind of ruling and it tells me one thing, the Commissioner most likely believed Ms. West was injured at WFRE but WC is still issuing her paycheck. Trying to get WC to cover a clear cut case (like a broken limb on the job) is an uphill battle led alone an acquired mold illness. Legally a disallowance of this type is a brand new beast and in my opinion can only work to help Ms. West's' inevitable case against Clear Channel down the road. And yes, a rehearing request with WC has already been filed by Ms. West's' attorney. This case is not going away anytime soon. More power to her! Judge John in Frederick (9/11/08)

Re: "Can anyone tell me if the Ravens Oilers game on Sunday at 4:15 will be on tv in Washington D.C?" The answer is "Yes". www.the506.com... Dave in LoCo Leesburg (9/11/08)

JR, regarding the Ravens/Oilers game on Sunday: 1) You obviously live under a rock to not know that it's the Houston TEXANS. There hasn't been a Houston Oilers since the 90s. 2) I'd suggest reading the Sports section of the Post tomorrow morning and it will tell you what games are on TV/Radio over the weekend for all sports. I for one, personally hope that the game is confined to the Baltimore local CBS affiliate like it was last week (fortunately could watch the more excited Jets/Dolphins game on Channel 9 in HD), so I can watch the Jets/Patriots game on the DC affiliate. God it's great to have FIOS TV which offers HD of the locals for both DC and Baltimore in Anne Arundel & Howard Counties. Something that Comcast can't say they offer, which is why they no longer have my business, which I guess is why they have folks going door-to-door offering to buy out the remaining months/years on FIOS contracts to get people to come back to Comcast. Man, talk about desperate. - Tony (9/11/08)

The kids are back in school. Isn't it time for WASH and WLIF to switch to Christmas 24/7? (9/11/08)

Dave's response: Hey, how about "Rock For Hockey & Soccer Moms, Barracuda 94.7".....

this goes to mailbagger "Paul"....dude CHILL OUT! i have seen your posts repeatedly over the years here , and the one unifying thread is that they always, always seem to have this undercurrent of anger running through them. You never seem to be satisfied with anything radio or tv here. Why do you continually keep posting such angry comments? No amount of your complaining seems to have changed a thing. Maybe , instead of pounding away furiously at your keyboard ---sending off yet another vitriolic post--MAYBE you should do a google for a good anger management therapist! (9/11/08)

If you're a Nationals or Capitals fan in northern Virginia, you better hope like heck that Bonneville buys 100.3 FM from Clear Channel and makes it an all-sports station. Otherwise, it's going to be very difficult to hear your teams. Also, has anyone noticed that in the new WTOP ID promos, WWWT-FM is now listed as "Manassas/Fredericksburg," even though the transmitter is near Warrenton? -- Vincent in Triangle (9/11/08)

In hopes are starting a discussion with the 10 people who actually own an HD radio, I thought I'd post my thoughts of some of the current sub channels (HD2/HD3) channels. I would like to hear other's opinions on stations they like/dislike. DC HD2/HD3 Radio Station Review - 88.5 HD2/3- Like the bluegrass, but would rather hear WTMD full-time either on HD2 or HD3..... 94.7 HD2 - Seemed to go to an 80s based rock format after the station switched back to classic rock, and now its rolling stones radio - I agree with Dave, it would be cool to have a progressive or alternative rock on the sub channel, but I doubt it will happen. If they are going to keep it a single artist channel I hope they rotate artists more frequently..... 97.9 HD2/HD3- Can sometimes get a signal out near McLean and when I visit Maryland, but I wish I could get it more. I love indie 97.9! It's great mix of indie, new underground rock, and classic alternative. Probably the best HD sub channel is the area in my opinion. Although I don't really listen to the classic rock HD3 sub channel too much, from what I have heard, it sounds like classic rock with a hard edge..... 98.7 - Although I like country somewhat, 70 and 80s country is not my thing. However, I think its probably a good niche.station for WMZQ..... 99.5 HD2 - same as 99.5 HD1 but without the occasional older song, also more repetitive (if that's possible) - pointless station..... 100.3 HD2 - Don't listen too much, but pretty much your standard oldies station from what Ive heard..... 101.1 HD2- Erockster is probably my second favorite station out there, however I wish it would add some DJs who know the music, and cut out some of the dancier tunes..... 103.5 HD2/3 - The unsigned banned channel is pretty cool, but they definitely need to add the scrolling artist/song title to the station, otherwise its pointless - I find the weather/traffic HD3 channel usefull sometimes. I am glad it is around..... (9/11/08)

I can guarantee that there will absolutely be no Ravens-Oilers game on Sunday...as for a Ravens-Texans game, that depends on Hurricane Ike, but the Oilers will DEFINITELY not be playing the Ravens. G.K. in Timonium (9/11/08)

Dear Dave: You write "It will be difficult to hear those Bonneville sports broadcasts in Northern Virginia if they're no longer on 107.7. For sure....." That's the understatement of the year. The nighttime signals of 1500 and 820 are basically unlistenable out here West of Wild Western Fairfax County. Now without the signal at 107.7 (and it's Leesburg repeater at 104.3, which I assume is also making the switch), the only reliable over-the-air signal is WAGE at 1200 AM. But even they have been skipping Nats games of late. At least I still can listen to games on XM, but it carries home team broadcasts only meaning no Charlie and Dave for road games. From a Nats standpoint I'm basically covered so I can't complain. But it seems to me that the Nats management can't be happy, nor Caps owner Ted Leonsis, especially after that late season run that the Caps had last year because I'd think he would want to build on that momentum. While there are a lot of Redskins fans out here, the same can be said of Nats and Capitals fans, so it's not like there isn't a target audience. I would think that both teams would seriously rethink their relationship with Bonneville. Again Dave, a great site! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (9/11/08)

I would love to see some of the competent former WRC staff move to WUSA. People like Susan Kidd, Jim Handley, Suzanne Malveaux, Debbi Jarvis and Linda Vester. They need to do sometning at WUSA now. (9/11/08)

The guy who flew into the rocks in his flyingsuit was interviewed live by Matt Lauer in 8am segment of Today this am, and responded to a question about what he was thinking as he approached the rock wall and he responded "holy shit." Lauer blanched, and later he, Viera and Roker joked that the central time and west coast feeds would bleep it out, and showed Lauer's reaction take. Hilarious! (9/11/08)

Channel's 4 and 7 have done the entire DC community a disgrace by not showing the Pentagon Memorial coverage live. ESPECIALLY this 9/11. Having a crawl at the bottom of the screen telling people that they can see live coverage on Newschannel 8 is NO excuse. Channel 4 COULD'VE spared us ONE FUCKING hour of Ann Curry to have coverage too. But I guess it's all about the money. No special time for people to experience a heavy moment. I guess that empty head Alison Starling will fill us all in at Noon. Fuck You, 4 AND 7. Your stations have NO sense of compassion or integrity. I'll never watch either EVER again. Paul (9/11/08)

Pulling GW basketball off 107.7 FM is one thing but I never imagined that Bonneville would do that to the Washington Nationals too, especially with the baseball season still ongoing. That couldn't possibly be the deal that the Nationals signed off on with Bonneville. For that matter, a full WTOP simulcast on 107.7 will also leave the Washington Capitals hockey and Navy football down to 1500/820 only. I'd love to know if the preexisting contracts between Bonneville and the four various sports entities allow for any of this. Everett W. (9/11/08)

Dave's response: It will be difficult to hear those Bonneville sports broadcasts in Northern Virginia if they're no longer on 107.7. For sure.....

Can anyone tell me if the Ravens Oilers game on Sunday at 4:15 will be on tv in Washington D.C? Thanks so much. JR (9/11/08)

Someone commented about Cambria County residents in the DC area. As a kid I spent my summers near Prince Galittizan State Park during the 60's. Being from Baltimore, I knew good radio. Back in those days the two stations that really battled it out were WFBG and WVAM in Altoona. As I recall, FBG was owned by the same company that owned WFIL Philladelphia at the time, pretty much the same jingles and playlist, and both had great talant for a small market. One thing we would notice was the line of PA cars heading down I-70 to DC and Baltimore. I suppose that area lacked good jobs pretty much like down here in Roanoke, so they commuted on Sunday and Friday to the big city.I have to say, in this market it's extremely rare to find an opening in radio, Roanoke is full of well seasoned veterans from all over the country. It took me a year just to get in "on call" at WSLQ. Tom Conroy (9/11/08)

K&M being discussed with even a little interest, when’s the last time that happened, 10 years ago? K&M, of course the grass was greener on the other side … it was over a leaking septic tank! So when does Kirk, on hands and knees, ask WIYY to take him back yet again? What would that be, third or fourth time? (9/11/08)

Interesting note about Mr. McDermott. I once had a WUSA insider tell me that McDermott was a better reporter then he was an anchor. That was kind of confusing since he was hired as an anchor and not a reporter. (9/11/08)

Guest throws out the "Holy S-bomb" on the Today Show this morning during the base jumper live interview with Matt in studio. (9/11/08)

"But do the pigs wear lipstick?" Hey what's all the fuss? I love pigs with lipstick! W.J. Clinton (9/11/08)

Dave's response: Ever see Rush in drag? Check out Palm Beach late night nightlife some night......

Todd McDermott gone?..Wow..What the heck is going on over there at channel 9?. Well, he's still on their website, which is unusual since most stations get rid of their bios quick, fast and in a hurry when people leave..On a related note, anyone heard how Tracey Neale's doing? (9/11/08)

I wasn't shocked to see Channel 9 make an anchor change. Try this one on...Former WRC G-M and now WUSA G-M Allen Horlick should try to hire one of the big WRC anchors and start a mass exodus. WRC is on the decline and it would be good to see Channel 9 make a dent in the rating's race. Of course, WUSA still needs to find a replacement for Brett Haber!!! (9/11/08)

Dear Biden-hating DCRTV poster: Go f yourself, hard. Love, Delaware (9/11/08)

Too bad Gordon Peterson is happily employed at the resurgent WJLA. I wonder if there is anybody left at WUSA who regrets that the station threw away so much of the veteran talent from the late 90s onward? (9/11/08)

McDermott gone from Ch. 9 does not surprise me, although it's always sad when someone who is trying to do a good job just doesn't make it. He always struck me as a lightweight. They probably should have put him out in the field reporting for a while to beef up his credentials. Website bio confirms he has only been a news reader in the studio, and that's sure how he came off. And I knew something was up when they wouldn't let McGinty anchor by himself anymore. Not that Brikman saves the show, because they have her off doing stupid segments on how to firm up your thighs or whatever. I sure hope they don't move that Mike Walter over to evenings, the self-centered little twerp. Met him in person at an event and got the same impression. Can't stand him. (9/11/08)

I was shocked when Todd McDermott signed off on WUSA (channel 9) after Wednesday night’s 11 p.m. newscast. Do you have any info on where he’s headed?!? (9/11/08)

Todd Mc Dermitt just said good bye at the end of the 11 pm newscast.....This was his last night....... (9/11/08)

That radio tower thing is hilarious! Good to see some links to Johnstown's WJAC-TV. I guess there are more former Cambria County residents like myself down here than I thought. It shouldn't surprise me though -- there's hardly anywhere to work in that area. Also, "Good Morning America is doing its show in Harpers Ferry next week: www.journal-news.net (9/11/08)

/\ September 11 Messages /\

\/ September 10 Messages \/

Hell, McCain plagiarized W's speech from 2000 in his own speech accepting the nomination. Talk about calling the kettle black... (9/10/08)

Maybe former caught red-handed plagiarist & JFK wannabe Joe Biden is writing Obama's speeches now? Although maybe not, Biden is afterall from Delaware where there are more chickens than people and pigs combined! LOL (9/10/08)

Dave's response: But do the pigs wear lipstick?

Another fundraiser for ABC-7 tonight as "Cinderella Man" (brought to you by Allbritton) is on instead of the reality shows (crap) and 20/20. Big market, small-time station. I expect this kind of programming from a station in Iowa, not Washington DC. (9/10/08)

Re: "Arbitron will probably be forced to drastically over-sample some minorities and make the whole system politically correct in order to avoid some ridiculous government sanctions imposed by either local or state gov’ts or the FCC. Utterly ridiculous, and shameful." Sadly, you are correct. What a shame.... we must oversample certain demographics just to get "good numbers". They don't want to be correct, they want to skew the numbers to get the results they want. It's just political correctness BS. Just like the rest of the media out there when they take political polls. But that's another subject entirely. Not a sermon, just a thought. Dave in Fredericksburg (9/10/08)

Obama wasn't plagiarizing the Post, he was QUOTING it . . . Jeebus, everyone needs to take a step back and breathe for a second. Then, maybe, we might be able to get the media, and then, perhaps, ourselves to focus on the ISSUES in this election for a change. As I've often said, the main problem with the American electoral system is the electorate. Yours in Christ, Rusty Shackleford (9/10/08)

(snip) Did Obama plagiarize a Washington Post Cartoonist? (end snip) Oh hell, why stop there? www.youtube.com (9/10/08)

Murph, you crazy sob……how’s the world treating you? All is good here. Life is smooth, family is well and I’m now playing the senior role. If my memory serves me right, you only played one role when we laughed, lived and worked at WMOD…(what a great time, fond memories)You were the “hotdog” role. Now, back to my pet clams.PLB:0) (9/10/08)

Now, Chas, I thought I warned you about the burgeoning military/industrial complex when I left office. Ike (9/10/08)

“Time for them to bug out of something that is none of their business and go on with more pressing issues.” Dave in Fredericksburg, I agree with you 100%. But to be clear, it’s not the technology that the Hispanic and black broadcasters are quibbling with, it’s the methodology. They claim that blacks and Hispanics are under-represented on the panels, as are cell-phone-only households (of which Hispanics have a higher percentage than whites). In a few cases Arbitron’s own numbers bear that out, although not really enough to make a difference. The bottom line is that PPM is finally revealing the gross exaggeration of minority radio listening that diary “weighting” was designed to hide. Unfortunately, though, it looks like the same thing is about to happen with PPM: Arbitron will probably be forced to drastically over-sample some minorities and make the whole system politically correct in order to avoid some ridiculous government sanctions imposed by either local or state gov’ts or the FCC. Utterly ridiculous, and shameful. -Brian (9/10/08)

Did Obama plagarize a Washington Post Cartoonist..? Before Obama led into his now controversial comments about lipstickTuesday night he said this... "John McCain says he’s about change too. Exce- and and so I guess his whole angle is - watch out, George Bush - except for economic policy, healthcare policy, tax policy, education policy, foreign policy, and Karl-Rove-style politics, we’re really gonna shake things up in Washington" Now check out this Tom Toles Cartoon from the Washington Post LAST FRIDAY!!! www.washingtonpost.com (9/10/08)

So Paul Bicknell playing 7 different roles should not surprise anyone! When I worked with him, he played a Hamburger role, Dinner role, Bagel role and many other sundry roles, all of them tasty! I pity the make-up artists job! And by the way, if it weren't for Schizo's, none of you, and I do mean NONE OF YOU would have jobs! Be nice to the crazy people! We have real long memories! Pat Murphy (9/10/08)

Face it, HD RADIO is a bust, few people can receive it and there'll be more problems if they boost the power than problems fixed! When is the FCC going to take decisive action about FM & AM Digital Radio? Like, for instance, how about expand the FM band, give FMs a full 2nd digital signal, then follow the TV model and eventually turn off the analogs or turn them all over to digital? Seriously, IT MUST BE ALL DIGITAL TO SURVIVE AGAINST A MONOPOLY ALL-DIGITAL SATRAD SERVICE, not to mention the ALL-DIGITAL iPOD/iPhone/iTUNES generation that pays no attention to analog radio at all. DUH! And all-digital would mean additional revenue sources since people would actually be able to RECEIVE the digital signal for a change and possibly consider advertising on it. And all-digital could possibly save AM radio by solving a lot of the current interference problems while still providing FM quality audio on AM. This has to be FCC-mandated like with HDTV. Market forces have failed once again just like with the old AM Stereo debacle! IBOC is a failure, its time for the lazy-ass FCC to wake up and smell the coffee and take deliberate action to correct past FCC mistakes regarding terrestrial radio. Face it, all you talented FCC engineers & policy makers F'd UP and the tech world passed all you losers behind! Now get off your asses and FIX THE PROBLEM before it's the end of terrestrial radio as we know it! (9/10/08)

Eddy (Graham) I'm sorry if I felt I was being "dissed" I just usually expect that from a flag button wearing, scum sucking, lipstick covered pig.such as you. All is now forgiven. See you at the towers. I'm sick and tired and I'm not going to take it anymore. PLB:0) (9/10/08)

Eddy, such a nice boy and so easily easily trained. Such fond memories. Remember the "sandbox" and "little" Eddy Graham. You two played so nice together we (all) my alters loved the way you two smiled at one another. And the kicking of sand at each other...so playful! PLB:0) (9/10/08)

Friends, A brief note to let you know I’ve accepted a position with the U. S. Naval Institute – a very independent forum for discussion of defense issues. The Institute’s best-known product is Proceedings magazine. Published continuously for 135 years, it was described to me by Mark Thompson of Time as being “yeasty and feisty.” USNI also publishes Naval History magazine, and its Naval Institute Press imprint publishes some 75 defense-related books each year. I’m excited to be part of the Institute’s efforts to facilitate a free exchange of ideas within the military – as well as working to bridge the “understanding gap” separating the Nation’s civil and military communities. I’ve joined a management team still in search of a senior executive to lead fundraising efforts of the Naval Institute Foundation. In my department, I anticipate an opportunity to hire a mid-level researcher/speechwriter/media associate well-versed in international relations. Should you happen to know anyone who’d do well in either post, I’d be grateful for suggestions. And if I can be of any help to you from this new post, please let me know. Best, Chas Henry (9/10/08)

When I was a very, very, very... yes, very young boy, my Socialist Studies teacher told me that Ed Graham had been converted to Socialism by Eugene V. Debs when they were in summer camp together during Reconstruction. Of course, ALL of my teachers were Paul Bicknell and his alter egos! - Ed. "The Youngster" Rodriguez (9/10/08)

Kudos to whoever at 105.9 followed George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" with the Chiffons' "He's So Fine" this morning. (9/10/08)

Dave's response: And what about 94.7 playing Heart's "Baracuda" just past 10 this morning. A paid song for the McCain campaign?

RE: WYRE. Hell, the "flagship" WKHZ doesn't even have anyone that KNOWS how to press the buttons and make things work. WYRE is getting thier audio via an internet feed! (9/10/08)

Dear Davy Jones, that was a compliment, you flag button wearing, scum sucking, lipstick covered pig. Just kidding, but I know how ashamed you are that I am a proud liberal pinko. I hope you can still help me Sunday when we steal WMAL's towers. - - The PPM measuring tool will change the ARBITRON. Any methodology changes things. It will be different, maybe more or less accurate, but different. PDs will have to program to make listeners actually tune in. Just getting them to note in the diary won't be enough. - - Mel K is moving ahead according to plan. Forget about the share holders, just be sure to make yourself look good enough so you can cash out when the new buyer takes over, and maybe stay on as CEO with a great new package. - - Really is nice that I can hear the same syndicated sports news on three Baltimore stations. I tuned into the V last night at 6:03 and heard commercials until I pulled into my driveway. WNST was already a few minutes into the Fighting Ungers. Remember, PIs and bonus spots cause tune out. In the first few weeks of the new format, just play the paid ones. If your format works, that's all you ever have to do. Just my opinion, but the new WVIE doesn't improve on anything in Baltimore. To win, you have to be better, or different. The way WCBM is creeping up on WBAL, I think that you are wasting WVIE. It would be nice if you could get BOTH stations right. Ed Graham (9/10/08)

From www.wjactv.com: Police in Somerset County (PA) are trying to figure out how a radio tower went missing in Windber. Police say a group of people had a very thorough plan to get all 120 feet of steel and copper down from the old Windber radio tower. Police believe the thieves threw cables over the guidelines of the tower and yanked it down with a truck. Police also found cut bolts and torch marks on nearby grass. Police say the tower had to be cut into small pieces in order to get it out of the wooded area, but they can't figure out how they did it without anybody noticing. "There's probably a half a dozen routes that come in and out of that area. At least 20 four-wheelers and ATV riders go through there a day," said Paint Township Police Chief Rick Skiles. The thieves also got away with a 300-pound Penelec transformer full of copper. The radio tower hasn't been used for years, but the family who owns it was in talks with a company to use the tower to bring wireless Internet to Windber. "There was an Internet company that approached my son. That's all gone now, so what're you going to do? He lost a good bit of money," said Jay Shaffer. The Shaffer family is offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. The police chief said convicted could face felony charges. (9/10/08)

The Post story on Sirius-XM misses a few things. True, the credit crunch impedes SIRI's ability to borrow but the article doesn't mention perhaps Karmazin's biggest impediment: his company's anemic CCC+ rating (S&P), in other words, junk. The long-term debt is about 6x times SIRI's cash and cash-equivalents, and the company has negative free cash flow. Karmazin's answer? Issue some $450M in stock, diluting shareholders. Nice. I might be interested in buying their debt and having Karmazin pay me, but wouldn't go near the stock for now - and it's too late to short it. SIRI is, to quote Gordon Gekko, a dog with fleas. - Paul Brandus (9/10/08)

Dave's response: It's just a matter of time before Mel puts the New York Avenue building on the market. First, he has to work out the logistics of feeding all of the XM streams from NYC. But once he does that, Sirius XM will kiss DC goodbye. As Rush says, "Do not doubt me".....

Hey Ed (Graham) that was really a cheap shot!!! I've never bothered to expose your frailties to the public. Too many....I may be schizophrenic.., but only one of us is. The other six have worked with you, and are trying to forget the pain. PLB/DJ/Granny/ummmmmmmmmmmmmm! (9/10/08)

Does WYRE have a CE? Or even an E? How about someone who could go in and push buttons until something happens? As I type this, they are broadcasting yet another installment of their seemingly never-ending Festival Of Dead Air. It's a daily feature. But shouldn't they save it for after sunset? ~~CA in BC (9/10/08)

As I've said before - there is probably no technological problem with the PPMs. From what I've seen, I'm fairly certain that it has been the people who have been filling out the diaries that was the problem all along. If you get the same results in all areas that urban and foreign language stations aren't doing as well as originally percieved with paper diaries, then it isn't a technology issue. If the radio station is sending the PPM information correctly and the PPM device can receive and record the information - and you can prove that - I can't see the problem. You can't lie to a PPM (well, you can, but not as easily). But you can definitely lie on a paper diary. Unless it can be perceived that there was a technological issue with PPMs and all groups of people are properly represented with the ratios that they have been previously with paper diaries, then these folks complaining don't have a leg to stand on. I can't see how the NY AG is getting involved in this matter. Time for them to bug out of something that is none of their business and go on with more pressing issues. Dave in Fredericksburg (9/10/08)

As noted at the end of its schedule announcement, George Washington Colonials men's basketball will again air on 1500 & 820 AM during the 2008-09 season. However, the other component of the former 3WT (107.7 FM) was not mentioned and presumably will no longer carry GW games. Everett W. gwsports.cstv.com (9/10/08)

Perhaps one of the legal geniuses (and, I mean the real lawyers; not armchair postulates) could explain what earthly business Arbitron's PPM is to a state attorney general, other than his propensity for grandstanding. To my non-lawyer way of thinking, even IF Arbitron had designed a meter to exclude certain groups from measurement and say, for the sake of argument, a clear cut violation of the groups' civil rights had occurred, wouldn't that be a federal issue? Mechanically speaking, I find it amusing that ANY group would even TRY to claim unfairness when Arbitron has weighted their samples (unfairly, in many cases) TOWARD black and hispanic listeners for decades. The PPM hears the stations. Period. Does anyone honestly believe that a mechanical device is telling itself, "I do not understand Spanish. Does not compute." Or, "I do not like Kanye. Does not compute." Please send your replies to the mailbag or Soundoff, Box 8550, Washington. Best Soundoff of the Week wins some of Dave Hughes' bandwidth! (9/10/08)

Dave's response: Hey, I can't afford to give away bandwidth. But I do have some well-worn camo pants that I could afford to part with.....

Okay, mystery solved regarding the "missing" WCTN tower in the Live.Maps.Com photo from a few days ago. Now, have there been any new developments regarding the missing center tower at the 1600-AM site across the pike from Montgomery College in Rockville? (9/10/08)

Dear Dave: In response to an email from yesterday characterizing my Dad's relationship with Chicago Public Radio and what is coming up in the near term with CBS, all I can say is "My employer should be that disgusting." Yes, I'm absolutely thrilled for him! Again, Dave, a great site! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (9/10/08)

"Davy Jones" on the old "top 40" WPGC among his many other local radio gigs, is doing seven different characters throughout the series..." Much like his work on DCRTV. Ed Graham (9/10/08)

Here is a link to Tom and Gurvir picture of the twins for those who have asked. The twins name are Virginia Grace and Lena Caroline. eitmfans.blogspot.com (9/10/08)

Radio tower stolen for scrap! www.wjactv.com (9/10/08)

/\ September 10 Messages /\

\/ September 9 Messages \/

Ever the sensitive type when raw nerves are touched on, eh? You've answered your own question, actually. If Laura Ingraham asked a "stupid question" twice, then why didn't the smart lib lawyer answer it? 'Cuz he knew that his reply would be followed by a brilliant rant from Laura that would end up having him shifting yellow in his Depends, that's why. Also Dave, I'm called "misguided" all of the time. No sweat. My husband calls me misguided constantly when I *dare* to add basil instead of parsley in different dishes I make. Don't mess with his parsley! -Silvie- (9/9/08)

re: "Here's how NOT to enhance your resume and...." Hey Chris Emry, good to see you're OK but get over yourself dude, you weren't the ONLY recognizable person on that station, others remain. Michael, Colleen & Klug come to mind. They may not have your tenure in the market but then again they haven't bounced around like you and they all clearly have superior voices! Sheesh the ego! (9/9/08)

"I'd really like to see that family pic of Gurvir and her twins, but I only get the Post on Sunday and I didn't see the picture online. Is there anyway someone can upload it?" Hmmm, if only there was some way to see the picture. Gee, I'd be willing to pay someone 50 cents even! (Hint: Go to 7-11. Buy a paper. Support local media. Then, get life.) (9/9/08)

Great. XM subscribers will have access to the NFL, but Sirius subscribers won’t have access to MLB. Thanks a lot, Mel. Somehow I just knew you’d manage to F this up. -Brian (9/9/08)

I actually agree with Silvie. Nobody is forcing that guy in California to listen to that station. All he has to do is change the station and move on. I think people let their politics get in the way of their better judgement too often. Although, I don't get Silvie's love for Chris Plante - she always makes her point without attacking somebody else and is conversational in her tone. (9/9/08)

!Viva Silvie! !Viva Radio! !Abajo Senor Pendejo! ... Blog on, mi amor... Ed. Rodriguez (9/9/08)

FYI - My Comcast system in Reston has just added WRC's Universal Sports digital subchannel on channel 207. - DCRTV Dave (9/9/08)

Hey Silvie, Laura Igraham asked a stupid question. Do you mean we lost 4,000 souls to take out Saddam? ..no! it was Weapons of mass destruction, remember?..It was only when Bush found out there was no weapons did he say we took out a dictator..we have those (dictators) all over the world. Laura Ingraham is an apologist for Bush-Cheney. She should have told us the war was a sham.she had all those Republican buddies. Silvie, stop writing in this blog. (9/9/08)

Dave's response: Whoa! Even though Silvie is a misguided soul, she is always welcome to post in this "blog".....

Attention all of you Jr. Program Directors!! Here's how NOT to enhance your resume and end up with a Guaranteed -to -Fail Morning Show –e.g. Bob & Tom on The Bay: Big Loud Owner, (aka BLO) tells GM to fire PD because the Uppity Little Sh*t told him the truth about his laughable expectations (a 4 share 12+!?!!?!) with little/no signal in some important areas of the market, and a promotion budget of $0. The hapless GM starts his national PD replacement search and discovers, after six months, NOT ONE decent successful candidate is willing to work for gas- station- attendant- salary especially when they hear BLO's fantasy. They tell him the same thing the UPSPD did, crack up, and walk away. Enter the recently fired (after less than a year in DC) Can't-Find-a-Job PD. Before DC, CFJPD was in Philly. GM loves Philly! CFJPD agrees to become CFAJ Part-Time PD – 3 days a week. Now CFAPTPD wants to make his mark on the station & needs TIME to find a real job, and figures he can maybe stick around if he launches a New Morning Show! So he cans Morning Guy (thus ridding the station of its ONLY recognizable brand. In no time at all, ex-MG is back on the air, in the very same market that blew out CFAJPTPD. After a 2 month search, GM and CFAJPTPD discover that (shocker) NOT ONE decent morning show is willing to work for restaurant host wages, especially in light of BLO's irrational expectations. And that, boys and girls, is how you end up with "Bob and Tom"...a show that had already FAILED in Baltimore, and (here comes the irony) was replaced by …wait for it….the MG they just dumped! There will be a quiz. Terryetal. (9/9/08)

Anyone know why Baltimore's WJZ 13 does not broadcast the CBS Evening News in HD ? Kinda pathetic considering WJZ is a CBS owned and operated station! (9/9/08)

Gurvir can show me her twins anytime, hell she can even show me the babies. (9/9/08)

I'd really like to see that family pic of Gurvir and her twins, but I only get the Post on Sunday and I didn't see the picture online. Is there anyway someone can upload it? (9/9/08)

Dave's response: I did search for it on the Post's website but couldn't find it.....

Did you notice that ABC's World News (Tonight) has been in HD since 9/1? I didn't see any mention of it in the past 10 days. James (9/9/08)

Elkridge Steve... JEEZ! Let it go. I listen to Kirk and Mark every day. Its hard not to miss Lopez but times change. You have to let it go. Sure, Kirk is abrasive...but funny most of the time. Mark is funny too and pretty damn smart. Shamrock is a great addition and he's funny. No- the show doesn't sound like the old "KML". It sounds better- more grown up....Its not 1998. You need to move on. Your muses are beginning to grow old and stale and you are starting to sound like Alannis Morisette. Nails on the chalkboard, my friend. Move on. Get a girlfriend. Eat an eclair. Something. Please. -Joe in Pasadena (9/9/08)

Carl Kasell working for Chicago Pubic Radio? That's disguisting! From R&R: "R&R has confirmed that the popular NPR weekly syndicated game show "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" has a TV pilot version being developed by CBS Entertainment. Host Peter Sagal and judge/scorekeeper Carl Kasell will appear in the pilot, with show creator/executive producer Doug Berman serving in a similar role for the TV version The hour-long show is produced by Chicago Pubic Radio in association with National Public Radio and is structured like a quiz show, focusing on current news subjects." (9/9/08)

So WWRC 1260 will be operating at a measily 1250 watts for at least a solid year? Geez, that's gonna attract some ratings, NOT! I sure hope Snyder got a sweetheart deal! HAha! (9/9/08)

Fox 5 did announce this a.m. the birth of Gurvirs twin daughters, they also had her live on the phone and showed pictures of her with the babies. Note: Tom Sater was not in any of the pictures shown on Fox 5 this a.m., but there is a nice family photo in today's Washington Post Style section. (9/9/08)

On 9/8/08 Tom Conroy pondered: "With all the talk about selling the CBS Baltimore cluster to one or more buyers, one has to wonder why so much time and money went into the design and construction of such a great new facility just two years ago..." Initially, window blinds at the CBS Radio Baltimore building had been raised, lowered, opened, shut and even tilted in some of the offices. Market Manager Robert Philips, feeling that the building's aesthetic appearance had been compromised by this expression of employee freedom, dispatched CBS's window treatment consultant Gary "Next Day" Blindkowitz who advised management to offer the offending shades 1/2 of their previous year's slat salary for the coming year or be dismissed. Additionally, due to contractual non-competes, these blinds will not be permitted to adorn any windows within a 50 mile radius of the city of license for one calendar year. CBS Corporate, which remains frustrated by this lingering dilemma, is considering selling the Baltimore facilities to Levelor Corporation in exchange for cash, some old sheets and a couple of curtain rods. (9/9/08)

Ouch -- Sirius stock is down 7% on the day, Sirius subscriber forecast is way below its previous pace, Sirius revenue outlook has market analysts scratching their heads and CEO Mel Karmazin says advertisers are leaving Sirius "in droves. (www.marketwatch.com)" Hope everybody held onto their transistor radios. (9/9/08)

(Snip) Today's Rush Limbaugh show...One signing fat lady sponsoring another signing fat lady (snip): Is that "signing" as in "signing for the deaf," or did your phat phingers mean to type "singing?" (9/9/08)

When I went to the DCRTV website just now, I was quite surprised at the Gurvir/Tom Sater post on the front page. I usually watch FOX's morning news and find it unusual that FOX5 hasn't made that announcement. I also see nothing on their website. But then again, although it's great and happy news for the parents, their family and friends, I'm sure it's a touchy situation at the station as far as informing the viewing audience. Especially since it's now been confirmed in the press (although not FOX5 press) that she's married to Holly Morris' ex-husband. HMMM.. (9/9/08)

Let me set the record straight. I do not hate Mark. I do not hate Kirk. I do not hate Shamrock. I do not know these guys well enough to say I hate them. What I hate is the “show” they throw out there as entertainment. Mark may well be a wonderful guy. Is he entertaining on the radio? He might be under different circumstances. But at this moment and time, the answer is NO. Is Kirk entertaining on the radio? If you enjoy his telling stories of how he and his buddies used to hold girls down and cop a feel, and think that behavior is perfectly normal behavior for boys. OK he might be. For those of us who have daughters, NO. As for Shamrock, Surprisingly, I think he puts the most effort into the show. Still, Entertaining? NO. So individually they may be entertaining with their own shows, but this show is Unfunny, Untalented and Uninformed. As for their longevity…really….would we even be having this conversation if it were not for Lopez. Elkridge Steve (9/9/08)

So, a half-dozen or so channels will be added to each spectrum receivable by current XM and Sirius radios... Are they dropping channels to make room for the new ones, or are they cranking up the compression? ~~CA in BC (9/9/08)

Dave, about the guy suing KRLA over their conservative content - he must be filing it uder ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) because he lost all his fingers and can't change the station. And about some of the hosts that he's personally suing - Michael Medved’s show hosts an inordinate number of liberal guests and callers. Laura Ingraham as well. Once, she had someone from “Lawyers Against The War” on. She asked him nicely if we were better off with Saddam gone. He refused to answer ("Duck of the day!"). She asked him again and the same thing happened. He hung up and when Laura’s producer tried to call him back, the man screamed obscenities at him. But she gave the lib a chance. Dennis Miller, for the record, does have leftist views on some issues -- "I don’t object to Larry marrying Steve but if an Islamofascist wants to firebomb their wedding, then THAT I have a problem with!". -Silvie- (9/9/08)

Today's Rush Limbaugh show on WMAL was sponsored by the Washington National Opera. One signing fat lady sponsoring another signing fat lady. (9/9/08)

I find it interesting that the FIRST public announcement of Gurvir giving birth to her twins was given to Elliott in the Morning. Why has FOX5 not said anything?. Or did I miss their announcement?.. (9/9/08)

Dave's response: For years, we weren't supposed to talk about the relationship between Gurvir Dhindsa and Tom Sater. Even though everyone knew there was one. Now we can. Whoopie.....

I saw this (Gurvir/Sater) item today and wondered WHAT RUMORS ON DCRTV? WHAT DID I MISS? Please send me an item with the rumors that Tom left his wife Holly for Gurvir [believe me I can understand why!!!!] (9/9/08)

Dave's response: We didn't do a news item on it, but there was a lot of Mailbag chatter. Some of which we did remove after complaints from someone speaking for a certain someone at Fox5.....

So, let me get this straight....I've waited all this time for the Sirius/XM merger and as a Sirius subscriber I STILL won't be able to get Major League Baseball games, but XM subscribers CAN get NFL games? What kind of bullsh*t is that? G.K. in Timonium (9/9/08)

(Lefty MSNBC Pressured By Righties?) you would think if republicans wanted to pressure networks to get rid of left wing "journalists", they would aim higher than the network that barely shows up in the ratings. i read a nice summation of matthews and olbermann somewhere (i think ace of spades): they were both neck deep in the tank for obama, but matthews was more of a fanboy who would at least entertain the idea of a competing viewpoint and even questioning obama supporters as to his qualifications, whereas olbermann was driven by his abject hatred of anything to the right of chris dodd and couldn't separate his "opinion" and "neutral journalist (HA!)" personalities. (9/9/08)

(Would ESPN even take Olbermann back at this point? LOL) he was kinda, sorta back for a while. he did an hour on dan patrick's radio show when dan was still with ESPN. (9/9/08)

Comedian Ralphie May sat in with the Junkies this morning, for nearly two hours, and was impressive enough the CK offered him a chance to do his own show this Thursday from 7-10pm, which he accepted. Landfill, an intern from Big O and Dukes, will be running the board for him. Just thought you'd like the info. (9/9/08)

This morning I took the dive (all the way to the bottom of the barrel) I took an hour of my day and endured "Bob and Tom"on 100.7. I swear, if this is supposed to be entertainment it's hit rock bottom! Those two have NOTHING! They seem to tolerate one another, forced laughter, forced conversation...BAD, really BAD. I also had the pleasure of listening to at leat 9 commercials back to back. I don't know how the sales team "cons" the advertertisers into believing they are getting a great buy. Honestly, Chris Emery is a breath of sunshine compared to these two bozos. There's also a female element, she's as grating as a fingernail on a chalkboard. BOBB (9/9/08)

(The Maryland ,Middle Tennessee State game Saturday night on Comcast sunk to an all time low. Audio and following the action were terrible, Chick Hernandez and the guy he was teamed up with sounded like Broadcasting 101, talk about pitiful.) I couldn't agree more; you beat me to the punch. I have DISH Network and the game was literally unwatchable. Anyone know what the problem was? Shawn in DC (9/9/08)

RE: Wilmington Digital Switch: It would have been amusing if some wag had arranged for the symbolic prop to be a knob that is turned from analog to digital. That would have been a nice parting shot. (9/9/08)

For the second day, I tried to listen to Bob&Tom on 100.7, and for the second day, I quickly gave up. Apparently, these guys write a new chapter on lame with every show. The Bay should have kept Chris Emry, or at least given Michael Fillipelli a longer shot. Hell, I'd have been happier if they'd called up Nino Greasemanelli for the drive time slot, for cryin' out loud! Fortunately, as a previous poster stated, there are lots of stations to choose from here in the BaltiWash metropolis. No one has to listen to B&T - just punch the next button! I, for one, am done with The Bay during the morning drive; I'd rather listen to the Maryland DOT Travelers' Advisory Radio loop tape for an hour than suffer through five minutes with those asshats. Your mileage may vary… Mike in Frederick and the Dashboard DX Society. "Niagara Falls! Slowly I turned, step by step…" (9/9/08)

I caught the first hour or so of Jerry Coleman's new PM drive show on WVIE yesterday. I'll start this out by saying I enjoyed Jerry on both 98 Rock, and WBAL when he did the morning updates. That being said, asking a guy who is used to doing a 2 minute spot, to fill 3 hours is something entirely different. Now that he's had all of his friends and former co-workers call in, ie, Szaban, Kenny Albert, ect., what's he going to do for day 2 and beyond? I used to work with Bob Pettit....all the way back when he and I were both at WGRX. I like Bob, but anyone that knows him, and the Mangione's for that matter know this, they're both notoriously "frugal". I didn't say cheap, but you get the point. I don't expect much from WVIE, cause I know they're not going to get much to work with, budget wise, from management. Best of luck Jerry.....see you back on the unemployment line in about 16 months. (9/9/08)

(clip) Red Zebra purchased only the the license and transmission system less the towers, tuning houses and land at WWRC (end clip). Tech question: What remains of the transmission system minus those three components? Only the main and backup transmitters? Is the building housing the transmitters included? This is rapidly getting a little too weird for me. (9/9/08)

(Redskins owner Danny Snyder cries to the FCC) More proof that Joe in Essex is a tool. A little bit of research first next time, Joe. Funny - you know you have the FCC in your pocket when the person signing the FCC document for you is actually an FCC official. Wow... (9/9/08)

Okay, so this is the problem with HD radio. I too found the all Stones programming on 94.7-2 and liked it. And it lasted all last week, not just one day. So I check back last night and this morning to see what they are playing and THE STATION IS OFF THE AIR. (9/9/08)

Dave's response: Just checked and 94.7's HD2 is running - but it's silent. Way to go CBS! You know, that's a major problem HD Radio faces. The signals often go missing with no explanation. I wouldn't mind sinking some dough into a car HD Radio if I had some sort of guarantee that DC101's wonderful erockster would be there. But you never know if the HD2 will evaporate or get replaced with something else come tomorrow.....

Red Zebra purchased only the the licensce and transmission system less the towers, tuning houses and land at WWRC. The situation as described in the application is accurate, and to some degree predates the actions of the tenant. But the tenant really did do consideraable damage to the site. The property remains under the control of Clear Channel. This situation at WWRC is not a fault of Red Zebra. (9/9/08)

The Maryland ,Middle Tennessee State game Saturday night on Comcast sunk to an all time low. Audio and following the action were terrible, Chick Hernandez and the guy he was teamed up with sounded like Broadcasting 101, talk about pitiful. Had either done a game before!! I don't think So!! Both were absolutely unwatchable. My buddies and I would like to apply to Comcast for a job. I doubt if we could do any worse. Shawn, Bethesda (9/9/08)

Speaking of football, has NBC fired Keith Olbermann from Football Night in America too yet? If not expect that shoe to drop soon. No one wants to hear that man's phony trick lingo plays anymore. Talk about somebody who's worn out their welcome! GEEZ! Would ESPN even take Olbermann back at this point? LOL (9/9/08)

I LOVE/CAN'T RESIST posting this......... Redskins owner Danny Snyder cries to the FCC and here's why you'll not hear WWRC AM 1260 for THE NEXT FUCKING YEAR!!!! HAHA!........... From FCC public records fjallfoss.fcc.gov ............. "WWRC SEEKS EXTENSION OF SPECIAL TEMPORARY AUTHORITY TO OPERATE WITH DAYTIME PARAMETERS AT VARIANCE AND/OR REDUCED POWER WHILE MAINTAINING MONITOR POINTS WITHIN AUTHORIZED VALUES, AND NIGHTTIME NON-DIRECTIONALLY WITH POWER REDUCED TO 25% OF AUTHORIZED VALUES. AS STATED PREVIOUSLY THE ARRAY WAS DAMAGED AS THE RESULT OF ACTIONS OF A GROUND LEASE TENANT. DURING THE STA PERIOD WWRC HAS RESOLVED THE LEGAL EVICTION ISSUES INVOLVED WITH THAT TENANT. WORK IS TO START SOON ON A FULL ASSESSMENT OF THE DAMAGES TO THE ARRAY. WWRC WILL IN THE NEXT WEEK BE MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO REMOVE FILL FROM THE SITE LEFTOVER FROM THE TENANT. AN EXTENSION OF THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE DAYS IS REQUESTED TO ALLOW WWRC TO CONTINUE PROVIDING SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC WHILE WORK CONTINUES."........... Maybe Danny Snyder charged the tenant too much as a PARKING FEE? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (couldn't resist, way too easy) What's probably happening is that Snyder is selling the profitable land around the towers little by little and deceiving the FCC like many AM station owners often do. Look at all the AM stations in Delaware & elsewhere that haven't had actual towers since the 1980s! OUCH! But true. Yet the FCC continues to just sign off on STA after STA extension to keep these charlatans in business and renew their FCC licenses. And the FCC will let DannyBoy get away with it too just like every OTHER AM radio station owner gets away with this ploy. Just watch. I bet I'm right. :-) (9/9/08)

Dave's response: Yeah, but Snyder does not yet own WWRC. He's still leasing it from Clear Channel (AMFM in the FCC app) while the FCC is still reviewing the license transfer. So, isn't it, technically, Clear Channel who filed the above?

/\ September 9 Messages /\

\/ September 8 Messages \/

I can't believe Petit et al at WCBM haven't given Ted Patterson a more prominent place in the new WVIE! Here's a man who knows Baltimore sports like the back of his hand. This is the type of person they need to get this off the ground. Think credibility and familiarity! They have a genuine ace in the bullpen and now they're ignoring him. Another great "management" decision. I'll give this format 1 year max. And i'm not playing golf at Turf Valley anymore... (9/8/08)

Memo to 1370 in Baltimore: the FSR late night host you air 10 PM-2 AM is "JT The Brick", not (as seen on your temporary website at v1370.com) "J.T. Brick". "JT The Brick" is a nickname he gained as a regular caller to Jim Rome, and he got into radio after winning one of Romey's "smack offs". "Brick" isn't a last name. Check out the link to his FSR website, if you don't believe me... (9/8/08)

There is no excuses for not having a Ravens NFL TV Free Broadcast on cable 30+ miles from the Stadium. No excuses its pure nonsense! If it takes an act of Congress or the State Legislaure to fix it so be it.John T. Henneman (9/8/08)

To Elkridge Steve and all you other Mark (of KMS) haters out there: Will you please shut the fuck up? Your Mark bashing is really getting old. He may not be everyone's cup of tea on the radio but he's got a hell of a lot more talent, personality, and experience than some of the other ego-driven, GM/PD ass-kissing, people on Baltimore airwaves today. Not to mention he wouldn't have lasted this long in the dog-eat-dog business of radio if he was as bad as you portray. And I've met him a couple times at various events and he was an extremely nice person who seemed to GENUINELY care about the listener (take a hint other Baltimore DJ's) . So lay off, and get a life. But in case you just can't help yourself, do us all a favor and direct your rants towards someone or something that really deserves it (like WZBA's decision to air the un-Baltimore Bob & Tom Show). (9/8/08)

With all the talk about selling the CBS Baltimore cluster to one or more buyers, one has to wonder why so much time and money went into the design and construction of such a great new facility just two years ago. This just goes to prove how fast things are changing in the industry with consolidation. In my early career, studios stayed in place for quite some time, now it seems like every few years moves are made. Though an exception is the locally owned operations and WPOC, which had been in the Rotunda since back in the Nationwide days. Tom Conroy (9/8/08)

"Has there been any reference to or discussion about the audio lag during HD NFL games?" I've definitely noticed an audio lag on WRC's digital channel during both the Skins and the Colts game, too. It was even more noticeable during Football Night in America because you see the person who's talking much more often. I've also noticed the same problem during the Olympics and both of the recent conventions. It seems to occur whenever they're broadcasting anything that's live in HD. I, too, use FIOS but I've observed the same problem OTA, so I believe the problem is WRC (not FIOS). (9/8/08)

Dave: Update on the CC Salisbury bloodbath! It was based on an up coming law suit over sexual harrassment. The used the to fire the suits and claim their accounts as house accounts. Lowers the bottom line for the impending sales of 92.1 and 105.5, the the other stations as a group. Note: This is great opportunity to pick up some talented sales people. Also, 12 days til WMDT turns off analog in Salisbury. The are switching early since channel 53 their digital goes away, and February is a not a good time to do antenna work. (9/8/08)

Channel 4 should find any way to hire George Michael back. Lindsay is annoying and the other guy is a stick of wood. Channel 4 sports actually makes Tim Brant interesting. Lindsay's voice is like nails on a chalkboard and she's way too hyper. She makes even Holly Morris seem sedate. What's so appealing about her anyways? NO one's talking about the MTV Awards. NO one is ''angry'' at anything. The only thing people SHOULD be angry at is themselves for wasting 2 hours. Everyone's knows Bush is a retarded cowboy anyways! And Cheney has Hitler like delusions. And NO one cares that the Jonas Brothers were made fun of. Britney DOES look really yummy tho! Paul (9/8/08)

CBS WILL sell the Baltimore cluster come hell or high water.. the LAST thing Labrozzi & Phillips (aka Dumb & Dumber) will do is upset the apple cart while they are finding new suitors. So, Kirk , Mark & Shamrock will be staying put. + PLUS + "The Bay" is now handing them listeners by choosing to go with Bob & Tom) (9/8/08)

RE: [ " Fading under several coats of beige paint are images of Katharine Graham and Ben Bradlee. Coming soon: a flat screen TV monitor that will feature slide show images from the daily paper... " ]......... Slide show images? Ummm, aren't we firmly in the video/internet age? Do they even realize how irrelevant they've become? Apparently NOT! HAha! :-D (9/8/08)

The secondary market designation forces Baltimore Ravens road/away games onto Washington, D.C. television. Since the Ravens opener was at home, WUSA was under no obligation to air it. Everett W. (9/8/08)

Dave, if a new guy is doing the weather on weekends at ch. 7, do you know what happened to my old buddy Joe Witte? -- Paul (9/8/08)

Dave's response: Anybody know?

(regarding a previous post) "Snyder buys crap signals with terrible facilities and wants them to be perfect overnight." If you think 92,7 sounds bad now, you should've heard it when it first signed on in '71 or '72, as WESM. The owner was connected to a broadcast engineering consulting company in Falls Church. I can't, for the life of me, recall the name of the coompany, but the son-in-law of one of the consulting business owners ran the station. The control board was homemade, as was the transmitter! It wasn't until a new owner took over in '73 and the station became WMJS, that it had a "store-bought" transmitter. (9/8/08)

Re: "Squealers Nation….." LOL!! You may want to rethink your outbursts. If you have a purple ass, maybe it's from the Steeler Nation ramming five Super Bowl trophies up there and I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be the one's doing all the "squealing"! See you September 29!!!!! (9/8/08)

Does anyone know if there is a streaming version of 94.7 HD2 available like maybe on AOL radio which is supposed to be carrying CBS stations now? Tom in Wheaton (Huge Stones Fan) (9/8/08)

Tuned in to the Bay this morning and it sounds like they are now carrying the “Bob & Tom morning show” from CA instead of their normal local morning show with Michael Fillipelli. I don’t particularly miss Chris Emery but this is an unwelcome change. Ryan (9/8/08)

Saw this posted at BaltimoreSun.com, any bright person have an answer for this poor soul? ::: "DISH network has decreed that Washington and Frederick Counties are in the DC viewing area, so I was stuck watching the Jets and Dolphins. I was under the impression that most of Maryland (save PG and Montgomery counties) was technically part of the Ravens' market. Therefore, I'm stuck watching whatever the D.C. CBS affiliate decides to air. If my impression is correct, doesn't this violate some sort of NFL agreement?" ::: I thought DC was a secondary market for the Ravens forcing every game to air if possible. Has that changed? (9/8/08)

I know it's pointless to ask, but what exactly is moronic about going to a live web page about V1370 that's on the parent company web site, and comes up in a Google search for 1370? Honestly, radio stations, on the average, have the worst-designed and worst-maintained web sites of all. And while we're on the WCBM web site, ya gotta love that featured link for www.wcbm.tv ! (9/8/08)

NO NO NO NO NO. Just when you thought CBS was starting to make the right moves in Baltimore, They muck it up some more. The only thing that makes sense in keeping Kirk, Mark and Lop…..OOpppss Shamrock, is to keep rats on a sinking ship so they can drown and have their lifeless carcasses wash up on some distant shore. Dave, trust me you really don’t want to pick up 105.7 right now. Wait for the talent (snicker) fire sale. As for me, back to the old screeching noise on my alarm clock. At least that serves a purpose. Mark buddy, Untalented, Unfunny and Uninformed is not the way to go through life. Just for future reference; Yes I want fries with my order. Elkridge Steve (9/8/08)

Any status on Gurvir Dhindsa and her babies? I thought I heard she was due in August. Hope all is well with her. (9/8/08)

Dave's response: Haven't heard anything.....

I saw the MTV awards last night.To me, personally it was AWFUL! That idiot Russell Brand was the most irritating host I've ever encountered on TV. He was crass, rude, disrespectful and to be honest gross. His comments about the President, the Jonas Brothers were unacceptable. He should be banned from all television, in fact he should be banned from the US. On the other hand, congrats to Brittany. She looked Mahvalous, just mahvalous...I know (Marvelous). That idiot Brand ruined her comeback. I was hoping one of the celebs would slap that ass. (9/8/08)

Looks like FOX Sports 1370 is still WVIE. I guess that call letter change FCC app was way too expensive! Wow, that makes 2 Baltimore Sports talkers with names no one can relate to, 1370 The VIEW and WJFK 1300 w/ the Washington call letters! HAha! At least everyone knows what WNST stands for, even though few people can actually receive the station! :-) (9/8/08)

Dave's response: In many cases, stations now brand themselves with slogans and not calls. And just keep the old ones even if they no longer "stand" for anything - a la WJFK on 1300, WJZW on 105.9, and WHFS on 105.7. CBS is probably kicking themselves for dumping WARW from 94.7 with the return to classic rock.....

dave, i thought this was cute.... (9/8/08)

Dave's response: I'm very conflicted on Sarah Palin. Personally, I like her. She sounds like a very interesting, take-charge kind of person. The underdog. The anti-politician. Although, I don't agree with her on many issues and do have a serious concern that she may not be ready to be president if McCain was to conk out during his first year. But, then again, the Democratic Congress will probably stop her if she tries to do anything too crazy. The presidency isn't as powerful as many think it is - witness the neutered George W. Bush after eight years. But I do like Palin taking down the ego-bloated media-types. I do agree with Matthews and Olbermann on many issues, but they are unsufferably "self-important".....

::::: "Gee, that's a mighty strange sports talk station they're advertising for V1370"::::: Try V1370.com M O R O N ! And no, The 1st place Ravens have NOT abandoned the eastern shore of MD and 93.5 THE BEACH has a MONSTER SIGNAL that covers much of Delmarva! And the SQUEALERS NATION can kiss my purple ASS! There are 2 types of people that cause trouble in OC every summer, trailer park trash Squealers fans, and New YAWKUHS! LOL (9/8/08)

An interesting story is unfolding as MTV gets a barrage of complaints concerning last night's Video Music Awards. Go to the MTV website and look at their viewer comments (link at the bottom for feedback) - there are more than 4,000 complaints already filed and more coming in quickly. It was a disgraceful show with a British host that ridiculed republican politics, called our sitting president a "retarded cowboy," promoted pre-marriage sex (and ridiculed the Jonas Brothers for being chaste), and said that if we don't vote for Obama then we're racist. Not sure if Viacom/MTV realize how far they crossed the line last night - it was disgusting to see the AP report that called the host "refreshingly ignorant." I suspect that this thing isn't over - there were a LOT of pissed off people. :-) (9/8/08)

There are two things that I have questions about regarding the posts. 1. If Steve Rudin is there, does that mean that Joe Whitey is gone? His bio is still up on WJLA... 2. What else could they cut at News 4. One of their anchors. Don't really care for any of themm... Thanks! (9/8/08)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't NBC 4's sports dept get a hardcore slashing a few years ago? And now they're going to do it again? (9/8/08)

Dave, 94.7 is still running Rolling Stone Radio on their HD2 station. I am thinking this may be more permanent then you originally thought. If you were programing the HD2 station, what format would you use? (9/8/08)

Dave's response: I was told by a station suit that they would be running other single-band-for-a-day candidates on 94.7's HD2. Actually, I like the all-Stones format. Call it "Stoned 94.7 HD2." Also, it might be nice if 94.7 could do something regarding the progressive rock WHFS heritage on their HD2. That'd be cool.....

BOBB wrote about the Philly soft jazz station changing to "a younger approach to today's soft rock." Now that will grab a lot of audience, NOT! It might be a great format, but that statement is a negative to all listeners of all ages. Too many changes and too much bad radio going on to really comment, but I am enjoying all of the comments on DCRTV about radio in DC and Baltimore. The many formats suggested and the ones now on the air really have to be done well. Or they suck, and people just don't like stations that are irrelevant. Good to see that both markets now officially have too many sports stations. As Little Richard said in 1958, "Honey, Honey, Honey - - Get up offa dat money." Ed Graham (9/8/08)

Hey Mark….its great that you can cuss when you aren't on the air. I wouldn't be so defensive if I were you…Channel some of this energy into the radio show. Please? ~AdamAnnapolis (9/8/08)

Dave's response: Damn, I wish I could hear 105.7 here in NOVA. I just get splatter from Don Imus on 105.9 on 105.7.....

“Dave's response: Ahhh, isn't their replacement, David Gregory, a flaiming liberal, too?” Yes Howdy Doody Gregory is just as far left as the other two but it would appear he has slightly more self-control. Speaking of Olbermann, what the hell is with his O’Reilly obsession? He even referenced him during the football pre-game last night. I mean a shot here or there fine but ever fricking night it’s the same thing. That boy isn’t right. It’s pretty creepy. (9/8/08)

Dave- The word of my untimely demise circulated by your posters was erroneous bullshit. We were all at FM Talk 105-7 this morning. Kirk McEwen, Shamrock and myself. Back from our "unscheduled vacation" that we scheduled in February. Rested, tan and still employed... I know that this is a sad day for Steve in Elkridge- but I'm sure he'll get over it as he hopelessly hands someone yet another pack of smokes at the Quickie Mart. ~Mark Ondayko (9/8/08)

Dave's response: It's straight from the Don Geronimo Playbook. Get some listeners to post unfounded rumors on the most important local media website and then rage about it. Publicity - it's all good. By the way, how about getting Geronimo to sit in as guest-co-host for a few weeks with Kirk and Mark? He's still under contract to CBS Radio, you know. Would definitely juice up 105.7's ratings. Hmmm.....

Bill: The Ravens have not abandoned the Lower Shore by any stretch. As one mailbagger already pointed out the Ravens have two affliates on the Lower Shore. I am so very happy that my sister station 93-5 The Beach is one of them we are a new Ravens affliate for the 2008 season and for what I hope is a long time to come. The Ravens were extremely happy to have us on board and in my dealings with them have been great to us. In addition The Ravens Wrap Show is now back on 93-5 The Beach, now on Thursday nights from 7-8:30pm being broadcast from the Greene Turtle in North OC hosted by myself along with former Baltimore Colt Bruce Laird, Tony Lombardi from profootball24x7.com and OC local and former Lehigh College player John Gehrig. I invite you to come out. The last half hour is replayed before we pick up the network pre-game on Sunday's...We have also added local and NFL sports content to our entire cluster...As a whole the Lower Shore market does a pretty good job with football, we have the Ravens and Redskins covered, two stations run Westwood One games so you get to hear football games all day Sunday including the Sunday night and Monday night games if your on the road. I'm going to continue to work here to provide the best content/coverage I can.-Michael Popovec, Sports Director-Great Scott Broadcasting-Georgetown, DE (9/8/08)

Its now Official, Morning Radio in Baltimore SUCKS, esp if you like MUSIC with your Drive to Work. As of the "re" debut of the Bob and Tom abortion this morning on 100.7 the ONLY choice for music fans is JackFM or Mix106.5, both of which I enjoy listening to, God, CBS/Infinity must be smiling all the way to the bank, or at least the arbitron bank. Lets see, 98Rock, Mickey nope, 104.3 Elliott HELL no, and now add 100.7 to that list with an even "we are the ONLY ones that get our own jokes and laff at them constantly and ridiculously" BIGGER HELL NO !!!! Guess the only choice that I will be left with after this is the iPod on my iPhone. (9/8/08)

Dave, In addition to WCAU.... Greg Tantum was program director of KFWB in Los Angeles for most of the 90's. Programmed KING in Seattle. Was assitant program director with Tom Bigby at WIP during the formative years of WIP. He was program director at KSDO (San Diego) when owned by Gannett and was part of the team which initially converted KOGO to spoken word. And at KGO the news director has 100% programming resonsiblity for morning and afternoon drives. Fyi...... (9/8/08)

I gave Bob & Tom another try today as well. I remembered not liking their show a number of years ago on 104.3, but I figured "maybe they've changed". Well, nope, still don't like it. My co-worker is all fired up and pissed off at "The Bay" for bringing the guys who repeatedly kick Baltimore and Baltimore sports fans to a Baltimore station and I guess he has a good point. I just tuned in on the way in and after 30 minutes, tuned out. I suspect that a lot of people did that this morning. I flipped from 100.7 to 100.3 and even though it was a bit weak, I think I found my new morning station. That's the nice thing about this area, there is a lot of stations to choose from. (9/8/08)

The reason there was no Orioles game played on Salisbury radio on Sunday is that there was NO ORIOLES GAME ON SUNDAY! The Orioles moved Sunday's game to Saturday at 1:05 pm (which was rained-out anyway) so as not to collide with the Raven's Opening Day. This would have meant that both teams would have been playing at both stadiums at the same time. (9/8/08)

What are you talking about? Kirk AND MARK were BOTH on the air this morning. I was listening and Mark was talking about how they missed the Republican National Convention last week because of their "scheduled 'un-scheduled'" vacations (as they put it). Your sources are fairly unreliable apparently. G.K. in Timonium. (9/8/08)

Has there been any reference to or discussion about the audio lag during HD NFL games? I noticed it during the skins game and again yesterday during the Colts game. The lag was not noticeable until they showed someone commentating then you could see that the audio and video were out of sync. I have Verizon FiOS. (9/8/08)

I only listen on Mon & Fri morning for their "Bet the Box Office" bit but I heard both guys this AM during the bit and tuned in again at about 9:45 after reading your post .... huh? Both guys are still on the air. YMMV (9/8/08)

Dave's response: Are you sure it wasn't a Mark sound-a-like? Or Maybe Mark had gone out for an extra-long bathroom break when the DCRTV listener tuned in? Hmmm.....

You are so wrong…Greg Tantum programmed WCAU-AM, Philadelphia in the mid-90’s and was responsible for the Frank Rizzo Show (wow that was something else, too). Take it from me, I was there. (9/8/08)

Here's even more confirmation that Smooth Jazz is not a good option for programming! - GREATER MEDIA has flipped WJJZ/PHILADELPHIA from Smooth Jazz to AC as "NOW 97.5," billed as "a younger approach to today's soft rock." BOBB (9/8/08)

Dave, A friend of mine from Orlando called me about that very same topic you mentioned, regarding local sports being cutback at the NBC O&O's. Well, I'm not sure you agree, but when George Michael decided to leave WRC and said everyone's was being fired and NBC had no commitment to sports, George ended-up being right! We didn't believe him at the time but at this point, George was right-on the money. Let's face-it, Brett Haber loves himself more than the job and Tim Brant is the Mon-Fri guy who can't wait to call a Maryland game on TV. If NBC makes the cuts here in DC, that may not be a bad thing...nothing against Czarniak or Hellie. The tragedy is/will be that this possible move will almost justify every news director's belief that sports doesn't deserve more than 1-1/2 to 2-minutes of the viewer's time. Now, it's only a matter of time when the news anchor will be reading or doing the voice-over for game highlights and the sports departments will disappear. George picked the perfect time to retire. Now I understand he was telling his loyal viewers that local sports on TV "will be a thing of the past." Thanks, CLucas (9/8/08)

ABC 7 stated over the weekend that the new weekend weather man is now Steve Rudin (SP?). What happened to Whitty? NO mention on dcrtv! (9/8/08)

Face it, there is no one at Red Zebra with any experience in running a radio group. Gilbert may have been a good programmer at ESPN and in Dallas but he has 0 experience in running a radio station. Everyone in this company is learning on the job, even recent hire Greg Tantum (a very good news director) who had never programmed a talk radio station until he came to DC. It’s pretty amazing to watch this company spend all this money for little or no result! The football team and radio group have a lot in common. (9/8/08)

In Re: "MSNBC removing lefties Keith Olbermann and DC-based Chris Matthews as the anchors of live political events"... Great! Now if we could just get Fox to remove all of their righties... (9/8/08)

Dave's response: Ahhh, isn't their replacement, David Gregory, a flaiming liberal, too?

Kirk McEwen was back on the air at 105.7 this morning, but no sign (or mention) of Mark..... (9/8/08)

Let us be clear. Snyder can’t find a Chief Engineer because he screws people. The engineering community is very tight knit, and they know how the previous engineers have been treated. Snyder buys crap signals with terrible facilities and wants them to be perfect overnight. Why? Because he is Dan Snyder. He has screwed everyone that has ever worked for him, and he boasts about the misfortune he inflicts to others! (9/8/08)

Gee, that's a mighty strange sports talk station they're advertising for V1370: www.wcbm.com/wvie.shtml --Looks like another case of management not knowing or caring what's going on. That schedule doesn't even match what they were doing last week. (9/8/08)

Dave's response: Go to GoDaddy.com and buy a real web address for 1370 and point it to the 1370 page on the CBM site. What would that cost? $15 a year. Sheesh.....

Boy did WZBA drop the ball on this one. The 2 clowns that they added to morning drive are terrible. I gave it a try and didn't crack a smile once. If I want to listen to talk, it sure as hell won't be listening to Bob and Tom. Bad move! Joe (9/8/08)

Re: "Ravens abandoning the lower Easter Shore". It's no wonder, anybody walking around the Salisbury Mall will more than likely see a lot more Pittsburgh Steeler items then either the Ravens or the Redskins. The Steeler Nation has a few Black and Gold bars in O.C. and if the Steelers are on network TV, you can bet that they can be watched on either a station out of Salisbury or Norfolk. In fact, wait and see how many Terrible Towels are waving in Baltimore on Dec. 14th. (9/8/08)

Dave: Regarding the ESPN980 debacle...it's simple, the high priced management team doesn't care about the company or product!! Obviously, management couldn't be bothered to listen to their own product. Good radio people are very hard to find...slick talking management types like Bruce Gilbert and his staff come by the thousands. If I was Snyder, I would clean-house and show the sportstalk fans in this market he's serious about business and start fresh...with people who care. It's not always about the money! (9/8/08)

Dave's response: Dan Snyder's DC radio operations present a particular challenge for a chief engineer and his staff. There are six radio stations using six different, very spread-out transmitter sites: 980 Hyattsville, 570 Germantown, 1260 Silver Spring, 730 Mount Vernon, 94.3 Warrenton, and 92.7 Prince Frederick. Imagine just having to drive from site to site in heavy DC area traffic. No wonder Snyder's having trouble finding a CE.....

I tuned by 105.7 a few minutes ago..and discovered they're carrying ESPN Radio! Would this be because someone forgot to kill the simulcast of 1300? Or could it be that they're going to simulcast ESPN1300 from now on? Was just wondering! As for no coverage of the Orioles and Ravens in Salisbury: not sure about this..but I would think you could get 106.3 (the heat)..the do still carry the Ravens..don't they? It is a shame that it's not that easy to get coverage of the Orioles and Ravens on the shore; where I am, I can pick up the Orioles on 105.7 reasonably well. But if we happen to be traveling over into Delaware, it gets a little difficult..wait a minute..what about WGMD (92.7)..didn't I read that they were carrying Ravens games? Am probably confused! Tom in Denton, MD (9/8/08)

Dave's response: I can't hear 105.7 here in Northern Virginia. Let me know if K&M show up at 6 AM.....

"but apparently, the Ravens have abandoned the lower Eastern Shore as part of its fan base. Why do Baltimore sports teams hate Salisbury so much?"...Hey Bill, if you actually scanned around, you would hear the Ravens on TWO FM frequencies in the Salisbury area, 92.5 and 93.5. Also, the O's are on WICO AM too...All you need to do is check each respective teams website to find out that information.... (9/8/08)

/\ September 8 Messages /\

\/ September 7 Messages \/

I have it on good authority that the personnel of WTEM did not realize that their station was off the air for almost 24 hours until someone read it on this site. With syndicated network crap all weekend long how would they know? (9/7/08)

I noticed 980 was off the air on Saturday while driving in my car. I sang a tear-jerking rendition of Oh, Danny Boy and shed a tear for the Deadskins. (9/7/08)

Dave's response: I flipped by the station this morning, and all seemed OK. But I have 94.3 programmed into my car radio, not 980.....

Excellent points all, Papa Mango. The trick now will be to get all those fans of that music genre to listen to an AM station. No FMer in their right mind in the greater DC/Balto area will want to host such a format, leaving only a desperate AM on the brink of going dark to give it a whack... just like the way it happened in 1978! (9/7/08)

(The whole political song controversy is nothing but a PR ploy by faded stars like Heart and Jackson Browne....) You know who should REALLY be upset? DADDY YANKEE!!! HE ENDORSED MC CAIN! btw..The Dems ..had better music at their convo...Stevie,Mike McDonald.. THE G.O.P......Cowboy Troy??? (9/7/08)

I did notice WTEM was off the air around 10:00 this morning, up until 12:15. The audio was off but the carrier was still on. GAB in the Airless Cubicle (9/7/08)

Dag-nabbit! I get SO annoyed at this business of posters (and others) delegating such a large percentage of listeners to pop-standards and classical music to the World War II generation. I'm smack dab in the middle of the baby boom, my nieces are in their thirties, and since we were all in our teens, we have had an appreciation for those styles of music! Does the fact that most Broadway attendees are adults mean that Broadway can and will fade away? No. To the moron who suggested that all Michael Buble can do is cover Frank Sinatra tunes, at least look at the guy's discography first. I'm looking at my i-pod right now and there is Ne-Yo, Estelle, Benny Goodman, Bobby Darin. So, with 13,000 radio stations in this country alone, there is room for a zillion boring, sound-alike classic rock, country, adult/contemporary... but NO room for any pop-standards? Yes...that is why my little i-pod is killing your big radio. Maybe your radio is not so BIG as that beautiful Shannon Bream's BIG BOTTOM! Ha! Your Mangrove Mama's Mangrove Papa (9/7/08)

To add to the insult of no Orioles games on the radio in Salisbury, now there's no Ravens games. AM 960 is currently playing the Titans vs. Jaguars as part of its ritating NFL Sunday schedule, and the Redskins have a Salisbury affiliate, but apparently, the Ravens have abandoned the lower Eastern Shore as part of its fan base. Why do Baltimore sports teams hate Salisbury so much? There are more than 130,000 people living in Wicomico , Worcester and Somerset counties - a sizable audience to just give back to the Redskins.... Bill, Salisbury, MD (9/7/08)

Re: Chrissie Hynde, Rush Limbaugh and "My City Was Gone"...you don't need to look it up in Wikipedia, I shared the story in an earlier Mailbag entry! The song came out, if I recall, in 1984...right about the time that Rush Limbaugh started his then-local show on KFBK in Sacramento. He's used it since pretty much the beginning. Somewhere, I unfortunately lost a tape of Rush as a local host on KFBK in 1986...same song, same Rush, just with call letter mentions and time checks! This was two years before he went to New York City and went national... (9/7/08)

(quote) That, my friend, is what continues to kill the current Music of Your Life format all across this great country (end quote). I can't totally agree, Mr Yuck, as there is much more. Sure, some remakes don't deserve attention, but how else can new life be blown into songs more than a half-century old? Mo, MOYL is fizzling for other reasons; first, taking it out of the hands of local talent. I hosted a PM drive show for three years at the nation's first MOYL station in Springfield MA, and listeners were thrilled that they had someone they could call and say "thanks for the music". Now if a listener is lucky, they might get an auto-response boilerplate email from syndicated host Wink Martindale and nothing more. Second, the need to evolve and embrace newer "nostalgia"-style music. When MOYL creator Al Ham was alive, he let no one touch his precious format and forbade the addition of appropriate cuts from modern times (Manhattan Transfer, Olivia Newton-John & Gene Kelly's duet from "Xanadu", Broadway cuts, et al). It was only after the format was sold off that a little flexibility came into play. IMO it still isn't enough; there is more to life than Toni Tennile and Linda Rondstadt's "standards" album. Lastly, there is the natural turnover of the audience itself; WWII-era music tracks are a hard sell when the veterans of the day are dying off 1,000 a day. Sponsors are harder to come by now than they were circa 1978-1980 when MOYL took to the air -- what's left to sell to the 75-85 year old? Speedboats? I think not. So yeah, MOYL (and Nostalgia in general) is in trouble; yet having said all that, I would happily host and promote a show at any DC area station that would make a serious commitment to locally-produced Nostalgia programming (1940s thru 1985), even though I remain some 25 years younger than the target audience. (9/7/08)

RE: Kenny King. You know, this guy knows his shit and is very marketing and branding keen. Think of why they run the "Fresh" liners. And why they did the Jack'sI-pod stint a while back (when 94.7 was trying to flip). They have the market cornered, in some aspects. (9/7/08)

(modern 'standards' by artists such as Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr, Diana Krall and possibly Josh Groban) ...and that, my friend, is what continues to kill the current Music of you life format all across this great country. Michael Buble covering Sinatra. Yuck. (9/7/08)

OTA Reception problems: I have never received audio on WRC's 4.3 since it started up. All I get is quarter-second bursts of very loud noise. I do get audio on 4.2. ... My reception of WETA's digital signal has been poor since the storm moved through. I'm wondering whose antenna may have been damaged--mine or theirs? WHUT was also poor yesterday afternoon but seems normal today, as are the other channels, so I'm assuming the problem is at WETA but I'd like to hear if anyone else has noticed a problem. (I'm in SW Balto County, and WETA is probably the weakest of the DC-area DT stations here, even when my reception was solid.) ~~CA in BC (9/7/08)

Dave's response: That's going to be another big problem with digital TV. In the old analog days, if you cut your signal power a little bit due to some technical problems, your viewers got a slightly more snowy signal. But they still got a signal. With digital, if you cut your power even just a little, some of your viewers will get absolutely nothing. Not good.....

Wow. So Donnie Simpson never seriously wanted to do a nationally syndicated radio show. Damn. Ben Hill and Jay Stevens really got took on that one then. I recall specifically that syndication rights and production support were part of the deal. He played them for fools, and it appears played them quite well. How disappointing. Perhaps Donnie made sure those syndication sample tapes sounded just right to scare off potential shows. WPGC sunk >$100,000 into promoting the syndication of that show, at two NAB confabs, and only got four responses,,,and now we know why there were no takers. Class Act Donnie. Not. Thanks for wasting my time on worrying about the tech part. (9/7/08)

People are having trouble getting WRC-1 since 4.3 was added. www.satelliteguys.com...WRC-1 DC station video disappeared - SatelliteGuys.US (9/7/08)

Dave's response: I haven't noticed any problem with WRC's main HD signal via my Comcast system, but I've noticed that the digital NBC Weather Plus still has no audio via Comcast's 208.....

Re: ...after all, Rush has been using uber-liberal Chrissie Hynde’s “My City Was Gone” as his opening music for nearly 20 years, and she’s never done anything about it." Not true. See the article on the subject in Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org. Not a sermon, just a thought. Dave in Fredericksburg (9/7/08)

Am I the only one to notice that WTEM has been off the air since yesterday afternoon? (9/7/08)

Dave's response: Yeah, still off at almost noon on Sunday. Anyone else notice?

The whole political song controversy is nothing but a PR ploy by faded stars like Heart and Jackson Browne. So they play Barracuda at the convention because Sarah Palin had that nickname in High School. BFD. Is anyone really stupid enough to think that means that friggin' Heart is endorsing the ticket? Give me a break. They play "Start Me Up" at Redskins games, but does anyone think that means that the Stones are Skins fans? Jeez. (9/7/08)

The time-of-day and temperature bug onscreen during The Today Show gives the INCORRECT TIME. All week. Bigger, faster, cheaper, downsized: WRC-DT. (9/7/08)

Dave's response: During yesterday's tropic thunder, I noticed that WRC's NBC Weather Plus digital channel had no audio.....

Sylvie asked, “There’s nothing the Wilson sisters can do as long as the McCain campaign pays the ASCAP fees, right? ASCAP covers public broadcast for an event, just as they cannot tell a nightclub or sports event not to play their song, I thought.” You’re partially correct, Sylvie, but since ASCAP represents songWRITERS, not performers, paying ASCAP only covers the song itself, not a specific performance or rendition of it. So there’s not much the writer(s) of Barracuda can do, but because Heart’s recording of the song was used, they may have some recourse. Then again, maybe not…after all, Rush has been using uber-liberal Chrissie Hynde’s “My City Was Gone” as his opening music for nearly 20 years, and she’s never done anything about it. –A fellow GOPer (9/7/08)

RE; "CC and CBS lack creativity"- Mix is already using "Fresh" positioners so as to keep CBS from launching "Fresh 94.7", they did the same thing to try and block "94.7 jack FM" from becoming reality. it seems as though Mix PD Kenny King keeps an eye on goings on over at Bonneville and CBS. (9/7/08)

This is my opinion on the Heart controversy. The stadium has blanket coverage (although different contracts) with the three publishing houses. This coverage is for events inside the arena - from hockey games to tractor pulls. The Repub convention is no different then a one-off tractor pull. The arena pays a quarterly or yearly and amount based upon the attendance at the arena. I do not know what the formula is, but for example the arena had 1.8 million people walk through the door during a quarter year, then 1/2 cent per person (or whatever is contracted) per person would be paid to the the publishing house. If Mrs Palin played that song everywhere she wen went, Heart may have a case - but lawyers could argue it both sides. Obviously radio and tv ads would be different. (9/7/08)

"Finally, the bottom line in all of this is that... those Wilson girls both gots BIG BOTTOMS!!!" Well, I've always found that big bottom girls make the rockin' world go round. To the poster who said "fair use is now over" conventions are neither "adds" [sic] nor stage performances (even though they are performed on a stage) under the law. The whole point of fair use is that the creator doesn't have veto power. On the other hand, is using the entire song "fair use"? I know enough to know I don't know, which puts me ahead of most posters on this topic, and further, I don't care. What the McCain campaign should have done was find the most offensive Ludacris song available and played that. I can't imagine that theme music influences votes but THAT would get press. That having been said, it seems incredibly stupid for politicians to use music by people who aren't on their side, or songs that they simply don't understand. Think Ronald Reagan and "Born in the USA". To be fair and balanced, Clinton's use of "Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow)" was masterful. Now Dave, your obsession with the Globe. If you listen to it less, you will like it more, or at least it will disappoint you less. I dip into it a couple times a week, and am usually pleased enough to stay for a couple songs. Listening to it every day is just insane. You want good rockin'? Check out your Doodad Daddy on DC101 on Saturday morning. Yesterday he opened the show (at least I think it was the opening) with Nirvana's cover of Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" which was the B-side of 1972's "Space Oddity" (those in the know, know). Okay, now the bear lovers among us can start lotioning-up for the (presumed) return of Andy Parks on AM-630 Monday morning. Bryan Nehman is nice eye-candy, and it makes us feel better to fantasize that he's a Democrat, but there's no substitute for that strong, hairy Limboesque body. As Jethro would say, "Grannie, I'm fixin' to fap!!" (9/7/08)

Meteorologist Steve Rudin was doing the weather on WJLA’s 11PM news tonight. I’ve seen him on NewChannel 8 before, but not on 7. As you know he worked with Doug Hill at Channel 9 before, but Doug Hill didn’t take him along to Channel 7 when he left Channel 9 (9/7/08)

Re: 950, 1050 and old MOR/Nostalgia: With the possibility that 950 will go brokered ethnic, why not get a group dedicated to keeping nostalgic/MOR music on the air to put that format on 1050, especially if Bonneville intends to unload it! (Of course, I think 730 would be a better home for such a format, but it remains to be seen if Snyder will do such a thing and move Spanish sports to either 570 or 1260). Digressions aside, 1050 covers the grater Washington area with a much better signal than 950. The only thing is that I'd locate the transmitter site to Wheaton and use 1540's stick if that's possible. I would, however suggest that the station might want to play modern 'standards' by artists such as Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr, Diana Krall and possibly Josh Groban. If the station plays big band or features a big band special, include some Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Brian Setzer as well as the 'traditional' sounds. I'd also suggest that the station may wish to survive (partly) on donations (I understand WHAT in Philly does this) and also suggest alternative fundraising methods, such as holding a dance or concert. (9/7/08)

The aerial picture from live search appears to be an older photo from before the dam was completed at the Falls Road golf course, when WCTN was operating on an STA with one tower. I can assure you that WCTN is operating using two towers on the golf course. For the tech geeks, one is an original tower (as seen) and the other is a new tower (next to a new transmitter building) which is a folded unipole. The old transmitter building (not the green building to the two o'clock of the tower, but the smaller building just past the 12 o'clock in the trees) has been abandoned. (9/7/08)

/\ September 7 Messages /\

\/ September 6 Messages \/

Hey ESPN 980! If you're going to carry Zorn's press conferences, how 'bout putting mics out in the crowd so we can hear the fucking questions being asked and not just the answers! Or, perish the thought, have Zorn repeat the questions! What a waste of airtime! Regards Biff (9/6/08)

Kudos to Newschannel 8 for their continuous live coverage of the weather today. While not everyone has gotten a lot of rain, we’ve got 9 inches and counting here in Oakton. As someone who’s had to monitor the weather as part of my job today, I really appreciate their coverage. This is turning out to be a lot more than the 2-4 inches that was predicted… (9/6/08)

Dave's response: With digital cable and with the HD versions of the local channels in the 200-range of my Comcast system, I rarely venture into the sub-100 channel range, where NewsChannel 8 is, and watch the local analog signals any more.....

re: WXLN. I worked briefly at WXLN in 1971 (need to check my old pay stubs for the exact date :) doing weekend work. My shift consisted of playing old radio dramas hosted and performed by Orson Welles -- which were actually pretty entertaining. They were 25 minute episodes played on large reels. The rest of the shift involved doing newscasts twice an hour. We also played music tapes on some funky automated system that alternated two tape decks. The studios were at Congressional Plaza (ironically not far from the existing Clear Channel complex at 1801 Rockville Pike). I also recall a friendly pro named Jarret Day who was the program director. I parlayed that gig into a nice on-air music gig at Dave Sampson's WSMD-FM in Waldorf. But, that's another story... (9/6/08)

I never thought I'd say this but a big MAJOR 2 twisted thumbs up to channel 7 for their constant coverage of the storm. And a wet, gnarled thumb up to [ugh] Fox5 for the half hour updates. I guess the other stations decided a crawl across the screen was good enough. Paul (9/6/08)

Dave's response: I was expecting, maybe, to see Topper and his team on 9.2 - but no. They did such great coverage during one of the severe thunderstorm outbreaks over the summer.....

On the subject of WCTN, did they lose a tower? Radiolocator-dot-net has them down as a two-stick directional, on the SW edge of a pond in the Falls Rd Golf Course. But this bird's eye view from maps.live.com maps.live.com distinctly shows only one. Whassup? (9/6/08)

Dave's response: A storm in July 2005 knocked down one of WCTN's towers and bent another, pics below.....

Okay, fine. That's an argument a lawyer might try to make in court. However, a convention is actually a closed event, regardless of whether or not it is broadcast. There is no endorsement by the copyright holder, implied or otherwise, simply by the work being broadcast at such an event. It’s not too difficult to see that some will stretch the facts and circumstances to fit their agenda on this issue. But even still, it would have to be argued before a judge of like temperament to gain any traction. Of course there is only one GOP convention, and it is over now, so such a case is no longer relevant. The only reason Heart sent out a cease- and-desist letter was to make a political statement, and above all, garner some free publicity off the GOP. -Silvie- (9/6/08)

Why is listening to the opera broadcast like Redskins games? You know it's going to turn out tragically but there are moments of beauty and technical competence in the opera. -- GAB in the Airless Cubicle (let me out!) (9/6/08)

I found out that when a channel is added like 4.3, it automatically doesn't show up. You have to rescan the channel list on the DTV converter. Les in Adelphi (9/6/08)

Dave's response: My antenna-fed DTV didn't find 4.3 when I first flipped though the channels, but when I "backed up" after hitting 5.1, it "found" it.....

My memory cells are not playing "fast and loose" as much as you might think but I admit I know NOTHING about what happened after the plug was pulled on Doug Bailey's programming of the station. I was never aware that Bailey had any part of it, quite the opposite. If it was an automated MOR for a time before it found religion, give me some dates, I'd be interested to know, and exactly where the broadcasts originated from. The Parker and Bailey show was only that - a daily show with live talent (!) - not the entire broadcast day, and the rest of the day was a nostalgia format, only for a couple months. What happened after that, I don't know - never listened - couldn't get 950 anyway. The organ wasn't imported from a distant city; most of it came from Washington, DC, like the Loew's Capitol and the relay came from the Knickerbocker (sp), the console from the ballroom of the Shoreham Hotel.::: There was talk of renting space in the office next to Bailey's agency at 140 Congressional Lane but I don't know that it ever happened... or where the station broadcast from once Bailey was out of the picture.::: Bailey had open reel tapes of the station's opening day and a few complete broadcast days, but I fear they are lost. (9/6/08)

Once again, like the cowards of the left on the streets of St. Paul, a lefty slammer slinks out, without the confidence in their convictions to sign their name or show their face, take a swipe at Silvie, then run to hide behind mommy's skirt. First, the Wilson sisters aren't "non-Canadian," they are "FAKE Canadian." Had you BEEN working in Canadian radio in the 1970's, when they broke, you could have heard the record reps selling their Canadian status to qualify as Canadian Content material. They SOLD their FAKE Canadian citizenship hard. Also, has anyone explored the ownership of their music and publishing rights? Most artist catalogues are owned by multi-billionaires like Sir Paul McCartney or by corporations and investment groups. Finally, the bottom line in all of this is that... those Wilson girls both gots BIG BOTTOMS!!! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! Your Mangrove Mama's Mangrove Papa (9/6/08)

"Bill from KCK" has the facts right about WXLN, (supported by the Washington Post archives). If it weren't for the fickle finger of fate, Bill would have actually programmed that station. Sign-on was December of 1971 from Doug Bailey's digs in Congressional Plaza. Parker & Bailey were live for morning drive. Non-live programming consisted of "the golden age of radio" ("Old Time Radio" transcriptions along with what the Post called "adult contemporary music".) On January 19, 1972, for instance, the Post's Gary Arnold announced "The WXLN Salute To Golden Entertainment" including a live show with theatre organ performance at the "Virginia" movie theatre in Alexandria. However, by April, things got muddy. The last mention of Parker & Bailey in the Post radio listings was March 30, 1972. The last time any WXLN show highlight appeared in the Post was April 12, 1972. The end was near. The investors had abandoned ship. A legal notice published in the Post states an application was filed May 4, 1972 for FCC consent to transfer control of WXLN to Christ Church of Washington. WXLN 950 AM had long been dark by spring 1973 when Christ Church debuted WCTN from its studios in the Cabin John Shopping Center. (How do I know that? I worked at WCTN and have the pay stubs to prove it.) (9/6/08)

Here's wishing everyone a safe Saturday. I agree with the fellow Mailbagger about the Bob and Tom show on WZBA. Forgive me for sounding like a broken LP with cue burn; however, I must agree that Bob and Tom are nothing short of a poor choice for this market. Again, the definition of insanity rearing its ugly head over and over. Bob and Tom, if I am not mistaken, were tried before in Baltimore with less than successful results (and I am going easy here). Personally, I miss Chris and Colleen together on The Bay. Again, to save money, let's go syndicated and see what results it will produce or let's just fill time in the morning. There are so many talented broadcasters in this market without a job and this is what they pick. Indulge me friends on this one, but if I were Donald Trump, I would say to the person making this decision...you get the drift. Enough. Blessings for today. Joyce Conroy (9/6/08)

Sylvie, If the McCain camp in public tries to present the copyrighted property "Barracuda" as an endorsement of Sarah by juxtaposing the Heart song with Sarah, in a stage production or advertisement, Ann and Nancy Wilson (the non Canadians) have every right to say "Stop it now; no more fair use; we don't want out intellectual property associated with that brand (woman) who wants to ban books from public libraries." The Republican National Convention, by their own admission was a "political add, for McCain and Palin," or to be more precise, in my opinion, a "stage production" (Lee Atwater would be so proud.) There are laws governing the use of copyrighted music as integral parts of adds or stage productions. The non Canadian Wilson sisters have every right to ask the McCain camp to stop, and tell them "fair use is now over." I personally think if they want a 70's song for Sarah, the Republicans should go to "Run Joey Run," by David Geddes. It involves a pregnant daughter, guns, and a teenage girl wanting to get married, which are all points in Sarah's message. (9/6/08)

Perhaps the Wilson sisters will take to heart the 33% drop in sales that the Dixie twits have suffered since they dissed the religion and gun crowd that used to buy their records. America is CONSERVATIVE,,,Moveon. The outcry from the media in the last week following the announcement of McCain's VP shows how out of touch the media and celebrity really are. (9/6/08)

Bill from KCK, your memory cells are on the right track but playing real loose with the actual facts. WXLN hit the air in late 1971 and stayed around until very late 1973 or early 1974. Yes, it began with Doug Bailey's live show, with the theatre organ imported from St. Paul, etc. But, by spring 1972, the station had morphed into an automated MOR format. While their original format certainly harkened back to the days of the Don MacNeill Breakfast Club, Arthur Godfrey Time, etc., there was no apparent attempt to make it relevant to the time that it was on the air. Also, with the sophisticated voice tracking and automation gear that's available now, any station could be made to sound like a "pearl" by one talented individual. You're right, though... it's ironic that this is all being played out on Potomac/Cabin John's 950 AM! (9/6/08)

There was pressure around 1948-1950 for a statewide network of FM stations in Maryland - based at the University. States such as Wisconsin, West Virginia and (I think) North Carolina have statewide FM networks. Frequencies were available back then. But the state legislature didn't want "Curly" Byrd - then president of the U of Md - to have a mouthpiece to meddle in state politics. The idea was quashed and no funding was forthcoming. That's how I was told the story. (9/6/08)

If the NAB was so dead set against the Sirius-XM merger, why don't they put it out of business the old-fashioned way: COMPETE against it, make it superfluous; tell their megacraptastic corporations to USE their less-valued stations in *gasp* DIFFERENT ways instead of slicing up the same audience for safe, sanitized, consultant-approved playlists smaller and smaller and complaining about the shrinking ratings? (*pant*pant*) Why in the world should a decent broadcast facility like WBIG be treated like a white elephant when there are thousands of musical styles completely unrepresented on the radio dial (and even thousands upon thousands of recordings in the represented styles that NEVER get played)? Imagine that 37 years ago there actually was a showbiz/ broadway/ hollywood/ live music/ comedy station. Imagine that once upon a time DC actually had a full-time real jazz station--more than one, even. Beautiful music? XM has a beautiful music channel, but it suffers from a very limited scope. Try the music on WBIG with a real playlist--if the station is so worthless, what could it hurt? Nobody ever got anywhere by only saying "Me too". ~~CA in BC (9/6/08)

/\ September 6 Messages /\

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