dcrtv.com - Mailbag - June 4 to June 11, 2009

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DCRTV Mailbag - June 4 to June 11, 2009

Latest messages listed first.....
\/ June 11 Messages \/

So HFS2 has been on air for over 30 hours now. Does it sound like HFS? Or a clone of a copy? Neglected ears wanna know what we've been missing. (6/11/09)

Dave's response: The two hours that Cerphe hosted at noon Wednesday sounded like classicly cool HFS. However, the automated alt rock since then sounds pretty much like automated alt rock.....

Well, the big day has arrived. All the major TV broadcast stations in the U.S. will turn off their analog transmitters. Depending on their individual situations, some stations will change the channel on which their digital transmitters broadcast. Despite $2 billion of government spending (subsidy to convertor box manufacturers) and the NAB's repeated attempts to explain the change to the unwashed, the unwashed remain confused. Well, grandma, if'n you got a TV that uses an antenna and you ain't got no convertor box then, you no longer get to watch your stories. That may light a fire under grandma to acquire a convertor box or, better, give the TV away and take up reading. Of course, the FCC "managed" the techology change in such a way that reception isn't as reliable as it used to be. The indoor antenna is a less feasible solution even in strong urban signal areas. Me? I get cable AND I put up a rotating roof antenna. Now, let's see some truly compelling programming on those extry sub-channels every over-the-air broadcaster promises like, say, perpetual weather forecasts. (6/11/09)

For the last time, I hooked up a set of rabbit ears to my 1996 Zenith analog TV set(normally it's connected to cable TV). It's hard to pick up TV stations in Fredericksburg, but with some twists and turns I got a couple of DC stations (WRC 4 and WPXW 66) and a couple of Richmond station (WRIC 8 and WWBT 12) fairly well. Last time I'll be able to do that without a converter box. I'll try it again tomorrow night to see how well it does with the new DTV channel placements for WJLA and WUSA. Oh, the reason some stations are changing at 12 noon vice 12 midnight is to field calls from viewers during working hours. That's WTVR's philosophy (according what I heard on their newscast tonight, while driving from Richmond to Fredericksburg on my car's FM radio - another thing I won't be able to do anymore). Change is inevitable, I guess. Sigh. No more low-VHF tropo TV DX. Signing off for the last time in analog. Dave in Fredericksburg (6/11/09)

additions/corrections to the Just Outside DC/Baltimore list: 64 WDPB PBS Seaford... 64.1 WHYY HD... 64.2 Y Arts SD... 64.3 Y Info SD... (and) 31 WRDE Rehoboth Beach... 31.1 MyRTN9 SD... wishing that somebody would put up even an SD NBC signal for those of us away from the cable lines..... thanks (6/11/09)

Dan Gaffney at WGMD reported on Twitter that Jared Morris will move to 7-10pm, when Don Geronimo takes over 9am-12noon. They will be live and local from 5:30am-10pm, except for Rush from noon to 4pm. Michael Savage gets the boot, though WICO-FM at 92.5 next to WGMD at 92.7 airs Savage from 6-9pm, which means an hour earlier than on WGMD. Two questions, can Don fit in with sponsors doing live spots in the studio, and the high commercial load of WGMDas well an NO delay. How long can WICO-FM be all syndication all day long. The reason WGMD does so well revenue wise is they super service the advertisers, and they also don't screen calls. This is going to be very interesting. (6/11/09)

Dave's response: But I presume Geronimo's CBS contract will prohibit his show from being "heard" in markets where there are CBS stations, like DC. Including webstreams and podcasts?

I don't know who Rich Lieberman is, but if he's a media commentator he should know that Howard Stern has a five year contract with Sirius, for the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. You won't hear him on terrestrial radio "some time in 2010," because he's under contract to Sirius until 2010 ends unless Sirius goes bankrupt before then. -Ari (6/11/09)

Dave's response: Yeah, the earliest Stern could get out of his Sirius contract would be 2011. I've always liked Howard, ever since his DC101 days in the early 1980s. But he looks increasing pathetic with that hair - as seen on "Letterman" earlier this week. No 55-year-old guy has hair like that. Gotta be a wig.....

re "Sheehan is on vacation. He's back a week from Monday. They're running Colin Cowherd. Also - aren't their offices still in Silver Spring? Not that this would be an excuse, but merely a reason as to why a receptionist wouldn't know what's happening in their Rockville studios" So in other words I was lied to by the receptionist who on my second call said that the engineers "are aware of it" and that Sheehan should be "back on the air in a few minutes". Nice. Just get rid of people who call by lying to them. (6/11/09)

Dave's response: All of Red Zebra's radio studios - for WTEM, WTNT, and WWRC - are in the Clear Channel building, 1801 Rockville Pike, Rockville. The now-defunct Triple X studios were in the World Building over in Silver Spring.....

"That's not race designation, you dumbfuck. That's language. Oh Lawdy... LOL! -Silvie- "Uh, Silvie, you really need a good dictionary, get back on your medication and get that junior high school diploma. And such language for a "lady." Very revealing since no one in this mailbag has thrown an obscenity at you. Chris surely wouldn't approve and neither would Judge Sotomayor. (6/11/09)

How is Don Geronimo going to fit in with the format of WGMD? No friggin way. I agree with the other poster. This gig will last as long as his last one did. (6/11/09)

Just checked most of the Wash. & Balt. TV web-sights for DTV info. It looks like it's noon tomorrow for DC and 12:30 for Balt. Some even explain the physical digital channel that their on now and the the new channel their going to. Only channel 4 lacked any info at all. Bob Fairfax (6/11/09)

Want the perfect example of the phrase, the pot calling the kettle black? Ladies and gentleman, Mr. Mike O'Meara! Has entire segments reading negatives posts against him and stating he can't believe the hate, then goes on to spew venom against everyone and anything - hey Mike I guess it takes a hater to know a hater. Constantly complains about people interrupting him ("I talk, you talk, I talk, you talk) when he is CONSTANTLY interrupting and talking over everyone form callers to the rest of the staff. Tells people to not take it personally (just said this to Buzz in a condescending way ) who takes things more personally than Mike??!! Well I guess he is just worried that he won't be around much longer - take your pick, the rumored switch to sports talk at WJFK or the inevitable for a fat, angry, lonely 50 year old who smokes and drinks too much. KP (6/11/09)

Re: "What a sad commentary on Sorce when CBS, in all its disarray, won't re-activate his contract. Enter the Sad Clown music." Play that music for CBS, not Geronimo/Sorce. He's newly married, living at the beach and has a new job. CBS is bleeding money and owns a flock of crap stations. Somebody made a stupid decision. It wasn't Geronimo. (6/11/09)

Christian: BRILLIANT post! Well said. There are more of us out here. we're just busy working instead of sitting in mom's basement monitoring radio shows. Sylvie: some of us actually have a sense of humor and understand the finer points of sarcasm and humor. We luv ya babe (6/11/09)

Why don't the TV stations just tell everyone on what channel they are (will) be transmitting? This business of keeping this information a big secret (unless you dig around on the internet for it) is plain stupid. Especially when the transmitters are in several different directions it is so much easier to simply enter the active channel numbers instead of having to scan several times to cover each direction. Also, since UHF antennas have a narrow beam pattern, it makes more sense to punch in the desired channel number and rock the rotator back and forth until the receiver locks onto the signal. Recently I heard one station say in effect: "We aren't going to tell you what channel you are watching now, but in a few days we will move to another channel which we can't tell you what that is either; good luck finding us." H (6/11/09)

[snip] WJFK is the last good entertainment on radio. If it goes I go. [end snip] Amen, brother. Make sure you tell WJFK sponsors this, too. Damn right I patronize Velocity Five, Farrish Dodge/Jeep (w/ Geico insurance to cover my new Jeep Liberty), Backyard Grill & Bar, Hooters, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Fractured Prune, NoVa Brewfest (do yourself a favor and go), Jerry’s Subs, and The Front Page (Bloody Mary bar at breakfast is money). If JFK flips to sports, it sounds like there will be at least two fewer people listening to those ads, and I’ll venture to bet quite a lot more. (6/11/09)

So... tomorrow the sun goes down for analog television; and from most accounts it's just going to be an un-coordinated, haphazard ending. Stations flipping their switches at all hours of the day, with basically no fanfare. Am I the only one who thinks that's kind of anticlimatic? A standard format of 60-plus years being put to rest, and in most control rooms it's just going to be : "ok, Bill, throw the switch-- good signal. Hey, you wanna get a sandwich?" Maybe it should've been all set for midnight across the board, instead of at times when many people aren't home to witness it, and see first hand if their converters work. Nonetheless, is anyone planning to record some OTR analog when the plugs are pulled? How about some firm times from the affiliates? (6/11/09)

When is Pulse 87.7 supposed to sign on? I thought it was 6/1, but still Spanish programming, any news? (6/11/09)

Dave's response: No news.....

Whoa... didn't see THAT one coming... www.nbcwashington.com (6/11/09)

WJFK is fine as is. They got 3 good programs for the working day. If they would just round out the evenings and weekends with locally produced shows, people would stick around longer and the overall ratings would improve. We don't need another DC sports station that can't talk sports worth a damn except to give more Redskins coverage than they deserve. WJFK ain't broke, but it could get better in the basic format its already got. (6/11/09)

Geronimo:: Sorce's stint at WGMD 92.7 FM will be as short-lived as his stay at WOCN. [We] say six weeks before staffers of WGMD tire of Geronimo's "act." too. What a sad commentary on Sorce when CBS, in all its disarray, won't re-activate his contract. Enter the Sad Clown music. (6/11/09)

Kind of surprised that Chris Paul would just abruptly leave. And especially while Donnie Simpson was on vacation. Well, maybe they'll hire Tony Perkins back to be Donnie's sidekick. (6/11/09)

If WJFK goes sports I am about DONE with radio altogether. There is no decent music station on terrestrial radio anymore. Sports talks sucks after about 5 minutes. Political talk just sucks WJFK is the last good entertainment on radio. If it goes I go. (6/11/09)

Some poor woman from the FCC (named Jessica Almond) was taking questions from the public today on the Washington Post Chat. Almost question was nutty (hey, that's a good pun), and her answer was always one the following: 1) You are doing it wrong; 2) no, the "digital tier" in cable has nothing to do with "Digital TV". 3) If you have an HDTV it will work tomorrow, too; 4) If you have cable it will work tomorrow, too; 5) That's odd, perhaps you should call 1-800-YOU-IDIOT. She was a saint to not answer about half the questions with: "Haven't you ever connected a VCR to your TV? The Converter box connects the same way, doofus!" A few actually asked normal questions, such as why sometimes some channels come in better than other times. Unfortunately, her answer had to be the same that was given back in 1948: Adjust your antenna, or buy a more powerful one. I tell you, she probably had to bang her head against the wall for two hours after it was o ver just to clear it. -- Carl in Olney (6/11/09)

Whoever the fucking imbecile is that co-hosts that horrible talk show is at Noon on Newschannel 8 is, I WISH she read this site because I have a question for her. Just how did you get that job? You're obviously not any kind of ''journalist'' regardless of where you went to school. Arch Campbell was talking about the new John Travolta movie and talking about how he thinks Travolta is a good actor and this moron brings up Travolta's son recently passing away. WHAT the fuck does THAT have to do with anything? CHEEEERIST, you're stupid. Whoever you are. Give that co-hosting job to someone like Julie Parker. At least she seems to be competent. THAT chick isn't. She makes Holly Morris look like a Rhoads Scholar. Paul (6/11/09)

With the recent comments here regarding WUSA's web site, I decided to see for myself if it's quality was as poor as Dave and others here have indicated. I've concluded it's due to a lack of self-esteem at the station.... How else to explain the upside-down television set they're featuring next to their logo in the top banner? www.wusa9.com... Incredible. Just incredible. (6/11/09)

To the concerned listener of ESPN980, Sheehan is on vacation. He's back a week from Monday. They're running Colin Cowherd. Also - aren't their offices still in Silver Spring? Not that this would be an excuse, but merely a reason as to why a receptionist wouldn't know what's happening in their Rockville studios. Just my .02 (6/11/09)

Re: "That's kinda dumb. That means if you're watching with an antenna, you'll have to "rescan" the TV bands several times during the day." Here in the Cleveland market, all of the major commercial network affiliates (ABC/NBC/CBS/Fox) and even the mini-network affiliates (CW/MyNetwork TV) are doing the switch at the exact same time, 10 AM Friday. (6/11/09)

Dave's response: Good idea. All the stations in a market should make the switch together at a well-publicized time.....

Dave, thanks for describing "The Weekly Standard" as Center-Right. I've become so used to seeing it described as an Ultra-Right Warmongering Extremist rag that I'd come to expect that sort of thing from those who don't subscribe to the magazine (which I love). Christian (6/11/09)

Dave's response: That "center-right" wording is from Paul Bedard's US News piece.....

So here is the story of the trainwreck that they call WTEM. I called the switchboard and a nice young lady had no idea that the wrong show was on the air. Said she would refer the matter to the engineers. At 12:54 I called back and she said that the station was aware of the situation and that the regular show should be back on the air "within a half hour". I asked how Kevin Sheehan could be sitting in the next office and NOT be on the air and yet a show that they get off of a satellite could be on the air. Obviously it is possible to have Sheehan on the air since on the quarter hour Scott Linn is doing live updates on baseball scores and other sports news. If he can be on the air how can Sheehan not be? Hell maybe I am the only who cares? (6/11/09)

HFS HD 2- To celebrate the launch, I wore my old WHFS “Rock for the 90’s...Evolve” tee shirt while working out at my neighborhood gym in London last evening. (The shirt was procured at, of all places, Nordstrom at Tysons I seem to recall.) However, the party has started but there’s still no music for most of us. C’mon Cerphe, get the web stream Up and Flowing!!! Mark O. (6/11/09)

Dave's response: We've been reporting about a possible re-launch of WHFS for the past two or three months - probably longer. Seems that CBS could have had the website and webstream up for yesterday's launch. I think the "C" in CBS stands for "confused," at least when it comes to the DC radio market.....

It doesn't really matter if this is true or not, and no city of license is given; it's still a lesson in WTF *not* to do if you run a radio station (credit: Dana Puopolo, posting on Broadcast.net) --- It appears that a Cumulus station went silent during the chief engineer's mandatory furlough week. The staff couldn't call him because, well, he was furloughed! He wasn't answering his phone, page or whatever means of communication he had. The station was reportedly off-the-air for a long period of time and other employees stood by in helpless horror because, well, he was furloughed! (6/11/09)

12:10 pm and WTEM is still playing the Coward show. Sheehan not show up for work? Someone else canned? What is the story? (6/11/09)

The lower shore gets it's first HD2 station. WBEY, 97.9 has been broadcasting in HD for sometime. Now they add Bay Rock on HD2, as well as a Pocomoke City translator at 95.5. (6/11/09)

Vincent in Triangle: I believe that the Nats will always be the ugly sister on MASN. Angelos and company may be subtle about it, but the Nats will always get the short end of the stick. Which is why the entire concept of Angelos owning the Nats television rights was ludicrous to begin with. On another point, WJFK has to be smart about this sports talk thing, if true. They can't try to "out Redskins" WTEM. That won't work. But if you put someone up against Pollin and Czaban, for example, who can intelligently talk baseball and hockey and college basketball other than Maryland, that gives people a reason to tune in. And whatever happened to the old style of talk radio where the listeners just called in to talk about whatever sports topic was on their minds? Every show doesn't have to do that every day. But WTEM NEVER does it. I hope WJFK does at least some of that. (6/11/09)

(I suspect I was wrong about WFED, I listen on a internet streaming radio, and FED probably doesn't have rights to stream the game at all. ) You are wrong. No radio station in the country has the right to stream baseball games. But MLB will happily SELL it to you. The game DID resume on WFED. (6/11/09)

About antennas and DTV: DTV requires a stable signal, which is really difficult to get with an indoor antenna. Anything that caused your analog reception to waver will likely cause DTV reception to drop out. Rabbit ears are probably the worst thing you can use. A lot of people are reporting good results with a simple, cheap bowtie antenna (such as shown in this picture: rsk.imageg.net). Better results would likely be had with a two-bay bowtie antenna with reflector, such as pcgeeksonwheels.com -- although designed for outdoor mounting, this is likely still small enough to find a place in many apartments (years ago I had a 4-bay bowtie antenna in my apartment). There is also a popular indoor model of the 2-bay antenna (www.hdtvprimer.com), but the smaller reflector will result in poorer performance. But with any indoor antenna, individual results WILL vary greatly. Make sure you can return an indoor antenna if it doesn't work well for you. ~~CA in BC (6/11/09)

Dave's response: My rabbit ears have a "loop" UHF antenna, but I still don't get that great reception. It'll be interesting to see if 7 and 9 get stronger with their DTV moves to VHF.....

I just hope they didn't dig up the Chris plant. ;) KOF (6/11/09)

Hey Dave-- Have to chime in on the DTV transition. I was in Baltimore last Sunday morning and had the chance to see DTV from the converter box. Awesome picture, but it kept freezing up, so we eventually went and watched it through a HD Comcast box. The converter picture was much better, but the unsteady signal was unwatchable. The odd thing is, I was within eye shot of the candelabra watching WBAL and it was not steady. I really wonder how good the signal will be out of the city limits when the switchover occurs. This might be a good day to buy some cable or satellite stocks. (6/11/09)

Dave's response: I have a DTV attached to a pair of rabbit ears as a "test scenario" of "real world" reception. I'm located in Reston, about 10 miles from most NW DC TV transmission towers, with the antenna in an east-facing window (facing DC), on the second floor of a building that's about 350-400 feet above sea level. And I get about half of the local broadcast TV signals reliably. The rest either frequently freeze or don't come in at all. I advise no one to try to watch DTV via an antenna. You will go crazy - especially when you change channels. Get cable or satellite.....

Dave, what's wrong with Channel 9's website? Every day I look at it, it's worse than the day before. They would be better off pputting up a "Site Under Construction" sign. Really bad, man!!! (6/11/09)

Dave's response: I have Ranted that 9's site is ugly as shit.....

To the poster who suggested that right-wing announcers apologize to DHS Secretary Napolitano for denigrating the report on right-wing fanatics after the murder at the Holocaust Museum: There's no reason to do so on the basis of the report. I read the report, and it was very big on generalities and very thin on specific threats. When it did identify a specific threat, it identified returning veterans from the Iraq War who would be radicalized. James Von Brunn, according to his personal story, was a World War II veteran. Had I handed a report as vague as the DHS report to my superiors, it would have been immediately rejected. -- The level of political discourse on Washington radio is ear-bleedingly awful. Rush Limbaugh is a showman first; his mission is to entertain. His imitators forget that. And, while Rush distracts the left into pointing at him, there is a strong intellectual streak among American conservatives which is still reflected in such magazines as National Review and The Weekly Standard. -- So, Rush, you have succeeded. You distract the broad masses on both sides! -- GAB in the Airless Cubicle (6/11/09)

Hey, Jingle Freaks! Get yer own: www.pams.com (MP3) (6/11/09)

While scanning the DTV Station list, something caught my attention... Is WBOC Salisbury technically allowed to use the channel designations of 16.1 AND 21.2? I thought for sure the FCC specifically disallowed TV stations from using their DTV frequencies in that way so that every current station would appear as the same channel number as previously regardless of where their actual frequency lands to make everything equal for every station. Obviously WBOC can market their sub-channel any way they want over cable TV and whatnot, but upon checking the WBOC website www.wboc.com, they are in fact claiming to be using those channel designations. Has the FCC policy changed or could this cause an FCC fine possibly if WBOC actually does this tomorrow? Oh, and in a related DTV story, I noticed that WJZ 13 has been running a DTV conversion story on the news with Adam May claiming that CBS policy is to offer the best quality picture unlike the other local TV stations, and that's why there will be no WJZ sub-channel ever. Hmmmm. Why does this explanation sound suspicious? Well, WJZ doesn't even do their local news in HD and appear to have no plans to convert any time soon so I sort of believe COST is the REAL reason for no WJZ sub-channel. Also, it's interesting that WJZ addressed the sub-channel issue after it appeared on DCRTV too, hehe. Aren't folks at CBS not even allowed to go to DCRTV.com? Hmmmmm. :-) (6/11/09)

(RE WJFK's MMA show) Take a look: www.washingtoncitypaper.com... This article doesn't tell you that BloodyElbow.com is actually one of the biggest sites in the entire sport and that the rankings in USA Today are co-branded with BloodyElbow.com and the most visible rankings in all of MMA. (6/11/09)

If WJFK does go sports Tom Bigby will be the person guiding the transition. (6/11/09)

Jesus...enough of the Silvie based mailbag posts already. A solid weeks worth of them? They aren't even on topic at this point. (6/11/09)

Two things: Is Patty Dvorak somehow related to famed IT curmudgeon John C. Dvorak? WJZ here is B'more is claiming that Jessica Kartalija was first on the scene at the Holocaust Museum...? (6/11/09)

RE: Even with no sub-channels, DTV uses a lossy compression scheme. There is always just one data stream; add any sub-channels, and the number of bits in that data stream must by divided between each channel. Whether you actually _see_ any degradation of the HD channel when sub-channels are added is another matter; the whole system is designed to disguise data losses as much as possible." This is very complicated but you are essentially right. In the end a lot of it has to do with the size of set you have and viewing distance though. This is a simplistic explanation as technical as it is. Lets start out at the camera. 1080i and 720p both output a uncompressed serial digital signal at 1.485 Gb/s. Sports is generally shot in 720p because with lots of motion, interlaced scans tend to have more digital artifacts when highly compressed even though 1080i has more pixels. Moving on, for the purposes of the backhaul from the production truck to the network the signal is encoded, compressed and modulated to under 45Mb/s in order to fit into a standard DS3 fiber link or 36 MHz satellite transponder. Once it hits the network it is demodulated further compressed remodulated and sent to the station. Likewise, the station demodulates it then further compresses it and remodulates it into an ATSC 8VSB signal with a maximum data rate of 19.39Mb/s which has to be shared between the primary channel and any or all subchannels. So with all the compression, mux/demux, and mod/demod that happens there are a lot of variables. Some brands of equiment perform better than others etc. (6/11/09)

The Nats game tonight went into a rain delay in the bottom of the 9th. At 11:40pm the Nats started playing again...except if you're listening on 1500am or watching via Cox Fairfax, (and several other local cable systems) they didn't go back to the game... Cox Fairfax rejoins the game having missed the bottom of the 9th and the top of the 10th (about 20 minutes). I suspect I was wrong about WFED, I listen on a internet streaming radio, and FED probably doesn't have rights to stream the game at all. (6/11/09)

The Nationals, on MASN2 Wednesday night, were in the bottom of the ninth down 2-0, --none out, runner on first, 2-2 count on the batter -- when the home plate umpire ordered the tap on the field at 9:30, Comcast in Prince William switched back to C-SPAN2, normally on that channel. The Baltimore game on MASN ended a few minutes later, and after "O's Xtra," MASN went to ESPN News. Usually, when the MASN2 game is still going on after the MASN game ends, MASN picks up the other team, and in a rain delay, there are cut-ins at the top and bottom of the hour to inform viewers of conditions. No updates on the Nats. What gives? I've defended the channel over charges of Baltimore bias, but now after this, not to mention that MASN didn't carry the drafting of Stephen Strasburg live (the radio simulcast from WJZ was airing a REBROADCAST of an audio interview with Orioles announcer Joe Angel!), I'm having second thoughts. -- Vincent in Triangle (6/11/09)

Should Grandy and Andy, Sean, Rush, and Levin, go on the air and apologize for their chastising and mocking of the Homeland Security memo, now that the memo has been proven once again, with Wednesday's killing, to be prescient? Of course they should, but they wont. Since Mr.Duckworth, of WMAL, who personally defended his talk show hosts chastising the Homeland Security memo as "liberal nonsense," and he said, "when it comes to liberals, you are allowed to paint with a large brush;" should Mr. Duckworth now resign in shame? (6/11/09)

(regarding a previous post) "Mark Levin has just told his listeners that his book "Liberty and Tyranny" is number 1 on the New York Times Best Seller List again this week". I guess it's time for me to get an eye exam - I thought it said "Liberal Tranny"! (6/11/09)

Thanks for the info on 1280 Mike P... Burt in Denton (6/11/09)

Quote: "You had to once again include the race designation." That's not race designation, you dumbfuck. That's language. Oh Lawdy... LOL! -Silvie- (6/11/09)

If WJFK gos all sports, have a baseball show and get Phil Wood . Maybe on the weekends (6/11/09)

Hey, its "PC'ers Pile on Silvie month" at DCRTV everybody! Go ahead and take a jab at her! Even for the usually low DCRTV standards of mailbag content, this has really scraped its way to new depths, Dave. (6/11/09)

/\ June 11 Messages /\

\/ June 10 Messages \/

This is one of the better, more sensible posts I’ve seen of late: “I'd sure like to see Danny get some competition in the sports radio market, but I hate to see WJFK be the competition. It is the last local radio station we have.” Dat true, brother, dat true: I’d like to see Danny Boy’s trophy wife ogled by a dozen of his landscapers swimming nude in his pool But unfortunately, this is also true: if, as you say, “ I am a huge Junkies listener, but I never tune in to WJFK. I do it all on podcast.” then that also means you are NOT doing what? Listening to the ads that accompany the Junkies’ show on WJFK: therefore you can’t possibly be BUYING OR USING the products advertised. Therefore WJFK’s ad revenue is going down because people are doing what you are doing. Therefore they will being going out of business but have a bang-up web site where everything is free (and don’t tell me the pop-up and other ads on the site are not simply ignored). I know: I frequently do the same but on weekends (they used to run best of WJFK but no more). But I DO listen to them and their ads (and occasional BUY advertised products) LIVE during the week: even the nighttime replay shows, which also have ads. That is what you call SUPPORTING the “last local station”. In a free market, you may not get what you pay for (terrestrial radio after your initial purchase and a nominal amount of electricity or batteries IS FREE), but if you pay for nothing, you will wind up with nothing. Radio first and foremost was invented to SELL SOAP. So BUY SOME SOAP! Okie Dokie pal? (6/10/09)

CBS radio in DC is in such disary that honestly it's beyond any reasoning of repair. I agree with the previous poster that had WJFK going on to 94.7. Have Tony on in the mornings and move the Junkies to nights where you could have live scores and talk. WHFS on 99.1 would work but CBS won't take that gamble. As for El Zol.....it had it's shot and maybe a move to 106.7 would help it out. As for PGC.....it's sunk by 99.5, time to either step up to the plate or just get used to the poor ratings. Dan (6/10/09)

--To the person who asked about 1280 in Seaford, DE. Yes 1280 is alive and well as Adult Hits-Sue-AM-- When did that happen, Michael? It was simulcasting your country station as recently as this past Saturday afternoon when I passed the tower on Route 13 (which is the coolest looking old "radio" building, BTW)... (6/10/09)

Dave - I know this is your site, but enough with the Silvie posts. Back to radio/TV/newspaper discussion, please. (6/10/09)

Who's gone in a change of format to sport's talk at WJFK? O'Meara or Big O and Dukes. Frankly, I think Big O and Dukes handle sport's talk way better than O'Meara. And if not for O's laugh I can actually enjoy the Big O /Dukes show far more than O'Meara. Is Weasal part of the reburt of WHFS on HD radio? And I see product placement on channel 7 "news" in the mornings with McCafe coffe cups strategically placed on the anchor desk. Yuck! Have any of the former channel 7 er's found employment since being let loose in January And please Ms. Brown you don't need so much red rouge you look fine without it. (6/10/09)

"I spoke with a few Verizon people on-scene and they were very nice. The diggers were all Spanish-speakers ..." Well, there you go again, Silvie. You just couldn't stop with "I spoke with a few Verizon people ..." You had to once again include the race designation. You'll never get it or why your posts smack of your racist views. (6/10/09)

Hey Dave, Hope all is well, been a long time since I posted, congrats on HFS-HD2...I was curious, if WJFK flips to sports would they move Mike O'Meara to mornings and the Junkies to the afternoon?...I saw you rone Philly comment, its funny I was just saying to some of my Philly radio friends the other day that I could see CBS moving the sports talk on WIP to WYSP if YSP' ratings continue to lag. I could see the day where WFAN is put on 92.3 in NYC if their Fresh or Amp format does not work out and CBS feels the FM band would be a better home for WFAN. Not sure what they would do with the AMers however. In Philly CBS could put a 50s-60s oldies station on WIP, kind of like a HD2 for WOGL...To the person who asked about 1280 in Seaford, DE. Yes 1280 is alive and well as Adult Hits-Sue-AM. -Michael Popovec (6/10/09)

The NYPD has now assigned a detective to this case. The "Angriest Team on TV" story is hilarious. www.nydailynews.com... gawker.com... (6/10/09)

Mark Levin at the six PM hour juxtaposed today's shooting by a deranged idiot with Obama's policies causing angst among the populous. This crap can be heard on WMAL. God Bless the family of Mr. Johns. (6/10/09)

I have heard plenty of conservative/right wing callers get through and air their opinions on the Diane Rehm Show, in fact on a weekly basis. They do usually get shorter shrift, and if they are not concise or start to ramble and sound like they are reading from a script they get vaporized pretty quickly. Compared to Rush's screened calls Rehm's show is a virtual free for all. (6/10/09)

Re: I've been reading the Mailbag for years. Other than myself, I count one regular conservative Mailbagger: Silvie //// Yer countin is real bad boy, whut bout ole Porter Jervis ? (6/10/09)

An update to my earlier rant: Mark Levin has just told his listeners that his book "Liberty and Tyranny" is number 1 on the New York Times Best Seller List again this week, making it the number 1 nonfiction hardcover for 10 of the past 11 weeks. That's a lot of Conservative Book Club bulk purchases! It's clearly being bought stuck in the Right Wing "bubble," and no one else. Christian (6/10/09)

To Christian re Silvie: The gravemen of the complaints of some mailbaggers is really not with Silvie’s posture and comment on various issues. Read them again. It is with her blatant, relentless and unbridled references to ethnicity and race in many of her recent posts. Those references are totally unnecessary in this forum and only serve to confirm that she has an unnatural focus on race as a necessary element in her posts. Racism often manifests itself by one’s proclaiming an overt and predominate concentration on their (or others) ethnicity (Latina, “Rican,” etc.). We’re all the products of an ethnic background. Most of us are just plain AMERICANS. We’re not Latino(a)s, Caucasians, African-Americans, or whatever. We’re just AMERICANS and that’s the way we see ourselves. Silvie smacks of being a bigoted and prejudiced individual whose constant posts here, along with her smart-ass sign-offs, only serve to confirm and validate that. She needs to start carrying the banner of an American and think of herself as such. /s/ Lee Greenwood (6/10/09)

"Dave's response: I hope they didn't damage the Chris Plante statue?" Thankfully, not... that's in the backyard next to the bird bath. I spoke with a few Verizon people on-scene and they were very nice. The diggers were all Spanish-speakers and I chit-chatted with them about what they've been doing and how long they've been doing it. There was a lady with a clipboard barking orders, and another boss, both of whom were also pleasant. -Silvie- (6/10/09)

Hey Dave, Tonight is Steve LeVeille's 10th Anniversary show on Boston's WBZ 1030. Last night Garrison Keilor actually called him live (to wish him congrats!) on air during the 3AM hour and said that that call was the biggest surprise in his ten year stint there! Keilor also spoke of the highlights of his career!! All The Best, Dave in Waldorf (6/10/09)

I don't know why we should all be so.. excited about HFS's ressurection on 94.7 HD-2 . HFS-2 sounded great when it was the HD-2 on 105.7. All music, and very good song selection. I listened online 8hrs a day to it at work everyday for 6 mos. until it went off the air. Now 5 months after it's appearing agin on 94.7 HD-2 and it sounds like they're trying to give it a little bit of CBS-FM resurrection with past DJ's doing air shifts. Yet somehow this is all for an HD-2 that doesn't reach Baltimore where the Alt-rock HFS had it's best numbers. We still have El-Zol a sucky Spanish station with no ratings stuck on 99.1 that has good coverage into B-More and all the way past the MD-PA line. No congrats to CBS on this because until the alt-rock is back on 99.1 or even 94.7 so that I can place it on my #1 preset the first day and rock out to a station that beats both DC101 & Ch. 1043 it's all irrelevant at this point. How about putting El-Zol on 1580? Or why does it seem so difficult to pull off the rather simple move of flipping 94.7, 99.1 & 106.7 all in one day much like CBS did with 102.7 & 105.7 in 2001. Fresh is only repeating a mix or 107.3 & 97.1, they will never make a dent into either. 106.7 is a Wash only signal that covers Wash. only and 99.1 will cover where HFS got it's best ratings, which is not in Washington. Simple on July 03, 2009 flip 94.7 to 94.7 "The Fan WJFK-FM DC", 99.1 to 99.1-HFS "DC & Baltimore's legendary HFS is back on 99.1 WHFS-FM Annapolis!", and 106.7 EL-Zol. (6/10/09)

Attached is a photo of what my front yard looked like this morning when workers came to my Charles Co. neighborhood to lay down Verizon fiber for FIOS. They came, they saw, they conquered. They did this to about 20 townhomes in my street an dtwo neighboring streets. The property owners had no say in the matter and the digging started promptly at 8:30 a.m. The 'baby plantain tree' that my grandma sent me from Puerto Rico was totally demolished! :-( -Silvie- (6/10/09)

Dave's response: I hope they didn't damage the Chris Plante statue.....

(regarding a previous post) Somebody asked about whether the DC TV stations will be switching to digital at Noon or at Midnight, on the appointed day. According to an article in Sunday's Washington Post, the transition will be phased-in at different times on June 12th. "Stations will be shutting off their analog signals throughout the day on Friday. In Washington, the CBS and ABC affiliates plan to shut off their signals in the morning, while the rest plan to make the switch between noon and midnight." Here's the link to the item www.washingtonpost.com (6/10/09)

Dave's response: That's kinda dumb. That means if you're watching with an antenna, you'll have to "rescan" the TV bands several times during the day. Ooookay.....

HFS-2 as they are calling it is coming in _very_ strong down in the hole where I live in Arlington. One of my HD receivers has a signal strength bar and it's pegged. (I'll be damned, just as I started to write this, Alice in Chains' Down In A Hole is playing). Pretty good programming, promising and I look forward to more. I have really been enjoying DC101/erockster HD-2 for awhile now, but unfortunately I can't get it stable in my house. Lee Highway runs east-west along the edge of a ridge. Drive from Lee and Glebe, south on Glebe down a steep grade for a mile, and get to Washington Blvd at the bottom of the ridge, where my abode is. I was thinking DC101 HD-2 may be coming from the north and doesn't make it south over the Lee Hwy cliff. Oh well, when it rains it pours. Two good HD music station where once there were none. BTW, for those looking for an HD receiver for a car I definitely recommend Crutchfield in Charlottesville, VA www.crutchfield.com/hdradio... They have good receivers and low prices, but importantly they will send you a listing of the parts and adaptors you will need and send detailed installation instructions with pictures specifically for your vehicle. Super customer support if you have a question too. (I don't work for them - just a happy customer). Robert in Arlington (6/10/09)

Dave's response: I just kinda wish that CBS had done this HFS resurrection back in February 2007 on 94.7's main signal, instead of the Globe-to-Fresh fiasco.....

Does anyone know what time the TV stations will switch off to move their digital channels to their new frequencies (for those that do). Is that midnight Thursday? Charlie / Springfield (6/10/09)

Dave's response: The local DTV channel change info is at our DTV Listings page. If you see a "current" channel listed in parenthesis, that means there's a DTV channel change coming for that station. The biggie channel channel changes will be 7, 9, 11, and 13, which will be moving their DTV signals from UHF back to their old VHF dial positions once their analog signals go off. I don't know the exact time the changes happen. The midnight before 9/12 or the midnight after, or during the day some time. Anybody know?

(And tell me about all the local shows you hear on JFK nights and weekends. Garbage......) So, RROD Radio hosted by Chad Dukes on Wednesday nights, Tech411 hosted by Oscar Santana on Tuesday nights, and BDK Movie Reviews on Friday nights aren't live or local? Also, what about Pat Goss' Garage on Saturdays and Performance MotorSports on Sundays. They're not live or local either? (6/10/09)

I've been reading the Mailbag for years. Other than myself, I count one regular conservative Mailbagger: Silvie. I can tell from Silvie's e-mails that I don't agree with her on some issues, but I appreciate that one person -- yes, just one person -- who sends messages to the Mailbag proudly claims to listen to WMAL. What baffles me is the invective from people who can't stand her, and dub her a racist, being beneath them, not worthy to be heard. That's such a typical liberal response to people who express opposing opinions forcefully, as though proudly carrying the banner of Puerto Rican while flaunting PC conventions makes her a bigot. The high-toned lectures from several Mailbaggers, some of them unnamed, are pompous and insufferable as they try to eradicate such "unsavory" opinions from the Mailbag. Meanwhile, profanity-laced tirades and semi- or not-so-semi pornographic stuff finds its way into the Mailbag, but these same commenters can't be roused to impassioned condemnation of such material. It's really revolting, the posts telling Silvie to "go somewhere else," etc., as though a Free Republic type has no place in the "civilized discourse" that we all know characterizes the Mailbag. Then there's the unnamed poster who writes in about "plant" calls to Sean Hannity's show. Imagine! A show that allows someone to echo the host's own viewpoint! What an outrage! Surely no young women listen to Sean Hannity, and if they do, they could never put two words together during a broadcast conversation. So they read a script. I mean, I've NEVER heard someone call into, say, "The Diane Rehm Show," and read something that sounds like it might be talking points! Never happens! The leftwing crowd would never stoop to such tactics (Rush calls these folks "seminar callers"), and if they did, their left-leaning favorite radio-show hosts would NEVER put the calls on the air. One more thing. Remember the Mailbagger who wrote in to point out Mark Levin's outrage of the day, then mentioned how his book would be number 1 on the New York Times bestseller list for a week before descending into obscurity, driven by Conservative Book Club bulk purchases? Yeah. So now that the book has been number 1 on that list for 9 of the 10 past weeks, where is that brave unnamed Mailbagger? Still monitoring the talk shows for any sign of a slip of the tongue, like the Stasi characters in "The Lives of Others," I guess. Christian (6/10/09)

Isn't it kind of strange that not ONE local station carried any coverage of the really strange shooting at the Holocost Museum and instead ran crawlers at the bottom of the screen saying ''full details at 5''? Wouldn't a really strange and major story that affects our area be reason enough to break into soap operas or Ellen Dr. Phil? By 5 the story's played out. Paul (6/10/09)

Washingtonian's Top 50 Journalists list: I came in at #206. Al McGilvray (6/10/09)

(Has Paul Farhi, the supposed radio reporter, ever gotten into a car and figured out what station has the best signals? He writes that WJFK has a superior signal and would have an advantage. Who is he kidding? Some of the Capitals playoff games were on WJFK and I could barely get the game in the upper parts of Montgomery County) It all depends on where you are! In much of Virginia WTEM is a far worse signal. All things considered, if you can have an AM or FM signal that reaches comparable population concentrations, you are MUCH better off with the FM because there is so little AM listening here in DC. If only only sports station survives, I put my money on the FM. (6/10/09)

Dave's response: Exactly. If you live in Hyattsville where 980's transmitter is, or in DC's northeastern suburbs, where the 980 signal is powerful and JFK's ain't, or in Prince Frederick near 92.7 or Warrenton near 94.3, you get WTEM better than 106.7 JFK.....

I know that the CBS radio suits are not known for their fantastic judgment, but if the rumors are true, you have to question the logic of flipping WJFK to a sports format in July, arguably the worst part of the year for sports. It just doesn't make any sense if you are trying to build an audience for a "new" radio station. (6/10/09)

Dave's response: With the pro football season just getting into gear in a town devoted to the Redskins? Hmmm.....

(WJFK - It is the last "local radio station we have.) Say what?!!? WTOP? Mix? Donnie Simpson? Elliot? Russ Paar? And tell me about all the local shows you hear on JFK nights and weekends. Garbage...... (6/10/09)

(Litzinger was last heard on the now-defunct Washington Post Radio.....) He's been doing CBS Radio News newscasts and subbing for Charles Osgood on CBS Radio, heard locally on WTOP... (6/10/08)

Sam Litzinger was smart enough to bail from Washington Post Radio before the plug was pulled and go back to work with CBS Radio News, where he remains employed today. (6/10/09)

I'd sure like to see Danny get some competition in the sports radio market, but I hate to see WJFK be the competition. It is the last "local radio station we have." I think if they could put together a great local lineup, it would be a great change. However, if this is truly a cost-cutting move, then they are unlikely to put together a local lineup. They'll just plug in to more Fox Sports Radio (ESPN has an exclusive deal with Danny, so you wont get Mike and Mike or any of that). And Mr. Tony WILL NOT happen - he commands way too much money, I am sure. Here is an idea, though, instead of Mike Wise - why not Dan Steinberg? Also, I love to read all you fossils out there discussing ratings. Ratings are completely irrelevant today. I am a huge Junkies listener, but I never tune in to WJFK. I do it all on podcast. WJFK, and the Junkies in particular, get that ratings are nice, but they are now content providers for a variety of platforms (podcast, web, youtube, etc.). The weekly PPM numbers prove how worthless ratings are - shows jump up and down those charts every week. In the real world, you slowly develop, or lose, an audience. (6/10/09)

The full list of Washingtonian's Top 50 Journalists is now online here: www.washingtonian.com... Enjoy! (6/10/09)

Update: NYPD Is Investigating Fox Newser Accused of a Cyclist Hit-and-Run The New York Police Department confirms that it is investigating the alleged death ride that a Fox Newsstaffer Don Broderick took a cyclist on in Central Park last week. (6/10/09)

Paul Farhi is a complete joke as a journalist. In one article he has 3 glaring mistakes. First, he refers to Vinny Cerrato's "daily" show. WRONG. He was on Mondays and Fridays only, sometimes just once. Second, he said JFK had the rights to Capitals games. WRONG. They picked them up for the playoffs, but don't have the broadcast rights. Third, he said JFKs signal was stronger. WRONG. A blantant judgement by a guy who knows nothing about signal strength. What happened to journalistic integrity. Guys used to get fired for printing lies in newspapers. (6/10/09)

Rest in Peace:: Mike O'Meara Show. April 14, 2008 - July, 2009 (6/10/09)

Will the switch to digital hurt local news ratings wise? Are people still upset at the switch to digital? Could there be a local backlash? Look at 9. No one watches 9News as it is. Wouldn't the switch make any viewers vanish even more? Paul (6/10/09)

"In related news, there are rumors that CBS will put sports talk on an FM station in Chicago, joining its FM sports talkers in places like Baltimore, Detroit, and Dallas....." That has to mean that CBS is looking to simulcast - or move - "The Score" WSCR AM-670 on the FM dial, which would be a huge move for them. And WSCR is on a clear-channel 50,000 watt signal that was once home to WMAQ for generations! -Nathan from Cleveland (6/10/09)

Dave's response: The mind wanders. Closer to home, maybe CBS could put Philly sports talk AMer WIP on 94.1 FM, in place of struggling rocker WYSP.....

The HFS HD2 launch is great news. CBS should be congratulated for taking this conclusive step, despite the abysmal overall business climate, to cater to the DC area’s long-suffering supporters of the station. Also on the plus side for listeners, the station’s HD location should result in a lower spot load for some time to come, and hopefully allow the programmer(s) more liberty than they would have on a primary FM signal to create an adventurous music mix. I bet this will cause an uptick in HD radio purchases in the area...no doubt one of the motivations behind CBS’s move. It’s disappointing, however, that there will be a delay in creating the new web presence, including online streaming. It must be well within the capabilities of CBS/WTGB to put up at least a temporary HFS HD 2 home page and a link to a functioning media player right away. Mark O. (6/10/09)

Dave's response: Yeah, even if an HFS website isn't ready to go yet, it should get a 'net stream up. CBS certainly has the resources to do that.....

Two issues: 1.) Mike O' was completely running down WMAL yesterday talking about the station having no ratings or rating that a not even registering on the radar. I read on DCRTV that they are AHEAD OF YOU, CHUNKY MONKEY!!!!!! You dropped even further in ratings. Soon even the dorky Hannity will trump you, and that will be sad. 2.) All the previous postings about racism: it doesn't matter what color you are, or what nationality. Racism knows no color or creed. If you don't know that you're not a racist, YOU'RE AN IDIOT!!!!!! -end ranting- Tim in Warrenton (6/10/09)

Has Paul Farhi, the supposed radio reporter, ever gotten into a car and figured out what station has the best signals? He writes that WJFK has a superior signal and would have an advantage. Who is he kidding? Some of the Capitals playoff games were on WJFK and I could barely get the game in the upper parts of Montgomery County and could not receive the signal at all inside my home. I can easily pick up WTEM in West Virginia and in central Pennsylvania. (6/10/09)

Dave's response: Yeah! Paul Farhi is a nice guy, but he really should have me "fact check" some of his stuff.....

The Baltimore Oprah Winfrey / Richard Sher version of People are Talking was carried in Salisbury. I couldn't remember if it was WBOC or WMDT but I do certainly remember watching it there and being surprised that a WJZ produced show was being syndicated. I don't doubt any of the rest of the info regarding People are Talking and it is quite fascinating that such a little known show produced such huge stars. I also remember reading that it did not do as well in syndication as Evening/PM Magazine did, so I guess that's why it was mostly carried on Group W stations only. I don't think there ever was a DC version of People Are Talking either as DC never had a Group W station. I also got the WGN thing wrong too, but I'm pretty certain Oprah Winfrey was NOT FIRED by WJZ 13. Oprah did however do an interview where she said she didn't get along with one of the anchors at WJZ and/or something to the effect that she was being held back because she was a woman at WJZ. She did not name Jerry Turner or anyone in management at WJZ at that time nor has she ever, but lots of people have presumed that Jerry Turner is who she meant since he pretty much called all the shots at WJZ back then. I think that Oprah was upset that she really never got a fair shot at the 6 & 11PM newscasts on WJZ, other than as a fill-in anchor. But back then, Jerry and Al Sanders were icons in Baltimore and WJZ dominated local news like few stations ever have for such a long time, so there would never have been a place for her as a lead anchor in those newscasts. (6/10/09)

re: WJZ not carrying any subchannels, “because they degrade the main channel and since we carry so many sporting events, we wouldn’t want to do that.” I find that very interesting. When watching CBS sporting events in hd (over-the-air) on my 10 foot screen with a projector, I find WJZ's picture and sound to be superior to local WUSA, channel 9. Now I know why. (6/10/09)

Re: "Correct me if I’m wrong, but a single sub channel at 480 still allows for a 1080 primary channel without ANY signal loss, correct?" You're wrong. Even with no sub-channels, DTV uses a lossy compression scheme. There is always just one data stream; add any sub-channels, and the number of bits in that data stream must by divided between each channel. Whether you actually _see_ any degradation of the HD channel when sub-channels are added is another matter; the whole system is designed to disguise data losses as much as possible. Obviously, most of the other stations do not think you'll see anything amiss--with the exception of WTTG and WDCA, all the other HD stations have sub-channels. WETA, with its 3 subchannels, always shows severe effects of bit-starving on its HD channel, the others no so much although it is there. So there is some basis for WJZ's claim, although I doubt most people would notice much difference if they added one sub-channel. (6/10/09)

Regarding Farhi's article in the Post, the Caps' flagship radio station is WFED but WJFK-FM did pick up their playoff games this year due to conflicts with Nationals broadcasts on AM-1500. As far as WJFK going all sports is concerned, the station already carries syndicated programming from Fox Sports Radio during overnights and weekends and that would probably continue when and if the switch is made. Perhaps JFK will try and lure FSR morning drive host Steve Czaban away from WTEM and give him some local hosting duties in addition to his national show (which it wouldn't be able to air live if the Junkies retained their current timeslot). The Kornheiser possibility can't be ruled out either. Of course Czaban's a co-host on 980's Sports Reporters, and during one of the sports updates yesterday Frank Hanrahan said "the Nationals have the number one selection [in the Major League Baseball draft] and will likely take Steven Strasburg with that top choice". Andy Pollin instantly jumped all over him for the 'unprofessional' use of the term "we" when referring to a local team. Pollin (who must have mistaken "will" for "we'll") needs to chill out - there are bigger things to get bent out of shape over than the word choices of update people. I've noticed that ABC's been running sappy human interest stories (generally something heartwarming or tragic involving a little kid) on the halftime shows of its NBA playoff telecasts. Is that really the best placement for such features? - seems to me that most viewers are 'into the game' and would prefer the TNT approach of focusing on analysis of the action during halftime. Most media outlets treated Tiger Woods winning the Memorial golf tournament on Sunday as a bigger deal than Roger Federer winning the French Open, which is mystifying to me since Federer's victory completed a career grand slam (all four tennis majors) and tied Pete Sampras' record for most major titles while the Memorial's not even one of golf's majors. For whatever reason, tennis has slipped considerably in terms of TV and radio attention over the past ten or fifteen years - Mad Dog Russo (on his Sirius XM show) went ballistic over NBC not showing either mens semifinal live but nobody else seemed to care that much. Mike, Fairfax (6/10/09)

Hello. Think this is interesting. I wrote an email to WJZ in Baltimore asking them why they didn’t have any subchannels. The program manager emailed me back. She said “because they degrade the main channel and since we carry so many sporting events, we wouldn’t want to do that.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but a single sub channel at 480 still allows for a 1080 primary channel without ANY signal loss, correct? Ca (6/10/09)

SO if you get to hear HFS2 make its debut today you're part of an exclusive club....waitaminute....that lines already taken isn't it. Damn. Well then I guess its Washington and...uh...Washington's number...17 alternative-ish rock ....tgb..tgb..tgb...TWO! Oh I forgot ...D-D-D-D CHHT!! .....hfs.....devolve.... (6/10/09)

Dave's response: While WTEM's ratings aren't so hot, it does attract a solid core of young male sports crazy men that many advertisers crave. Despite its low ratings, it bills pretty good, relatively speaking. The problem CBS has is that it doesn't dominate anywhere in DC radio. The new Fresh FM will always be the third or fourth female-oriented station, losing out to WASH and WRQX. PGC is an "also ran" to Hot 99.5 and KYS. JFK continues to follow WTOP and DC101 in male demos. CBS desperately needs to get one of its four major FMers into the top 10 on a regular basis. That's why I've suggested a major shift of CBS's signals - JFK's sports/guy talk to inside the Beltway 94.7, El Zol to more of a broader bilingual contemp hit outlet on NoVa's 106.7, a resurrection of bi-market heritage alt rocker WHFS on 99.1, and an "Amped" PGC. The only thing the launch of Fresh has done is given Clear Channel another top 10 station with the surge of classic hits/rock WBIG.....

Dave, you've hit on the million dollar question for WJFK: whither MOMS? The Junks will make the transition seamlessly (they can certain be just as idiotic doing another 30% sports); let's assume (because when you ASSUME, you make an ASS out of U and ME) that Mr. Tony gloms the 10-12 slot for American Idol chat and candy bar breakdowns, followed by Mike Wise and Lavar Arrington (or some variation thereof) . . . but what about MOMS? He plainly CAN'T begin to do four hours of sports talk; Mr. Tony won't, either, but Mr. Tony is entertaining. Methinks the bang that WJFK will get for the bucks won't be there . . . or, in the alternative, could they pick up Czabe's morning sportsfest on FSR, push the Junks in back of Czabe (or move them to PM drive), the Wise/Arrington good-time hour after that . . . frankly, I'm not buying the "WTEM isn't getting numbers" argument. WTEM is HORRIBLE, indigestible radio right now, except for the Sports Reporters. Sincerely, TMU (6/10/09)

The topic of the TV talk show "People Are Talking" was brought up recently on another site. The previous poster was right...People are Talking was indeed syndicated but only in name only, Much like what Group W did with PM/Evening Magazine in those days..same show, perhaps the same features but the hosts were different in each market that did the show. For example when Boston's WBZ did "People Are Talking" at the same time sister WJZ did theirs, the host for the WBZ version was Tom Bergeron. NYC's WOR did it as well and I am pretty sure out in San Francisco, KPIX had People Are Talking too but I have no idea who their local hosts were. I would like to say that in Pittsburgh, KDKA's version of People are Talking would later become "Pittsburgh2Day" but I am not sure. WMDT was the Salisbury station that carried People Are Talking but being a small market maybe they did carry the Sher/Winfrey edition, that I am not so sure. Long before he became the host of "Today", Matt Lauer worked at Richmond's then WXEX-TV channel 8. I seem to remember that WXEX was looking at picking up "People are Talking" for the Richmond market and having him to be the host but WXEX decided to give Matt "PM Magazine" instead. Interesting how many future big names were in one way or another connected to "People are Talking" such as Oprah Winfrey, Matt Lauer and Tom Bergeron. One correction about Oprah..when she went to Chichago after Baltimore..it was WLS who got her and not WGN.Actually it was her local WLS show that had paved the way for her syndicated show which began in 1986. Myself I have always laughed at stroies about how Oprah "didn't like Baltimore" and/or "WJZ". Funny those same stories were said about her days in Nashville ( before Baltimore ) where she "didn't like WTVF channel 5", how "Oprah and long time Nashville anchor Chris Clark hated each other"..of course they have turned out to be false as well since I have seen pics over the years with Oprah and Chris Clark ( I believe he has since retired from WTVF and the Nashville market ) and the two are still friends, like her and Richard Sher. (6/10/09)

Who was that who wondered why Harris Teeter went away in Fairfax? They might still be open today if only they sold some of THESE products: foodnetworkhumor.com (6/10/09)

Farhi writes: "CBS Radio plans to take on the Snyder-owned stations in July by switching WJFK (106.7 FM) from its guy-centric talk programs to sports talk, people involved in the change say." I'm going to go cry for a bit and then start writing letters to see if I can get a station that'll podcast O&D to pick them up. *sigh* www.washingtonpost.com... -G in Laurel (6/10/09)

Dave's response: I think there's a good bet that the Junks will stay, since they started out as a sports show. Their morning ratings are OK, and could improve with some tweaking. They'd be a perfect fit for a sportsy JFK. But will O'Meara stay? Big salary, large expensive show staff, not the greatest ratings numbers. Not really a sports show. As for BO&D - much much much cheaper salaries. Sounds like they could more easily do a sports show than O'Meara could. Or will CBS plug into the satellite feed for much of the day and night. Stay tuned.....

How does Fahri continue to have a job as a "reporter"? He writes another article about local radio with a mistake in it. this time he "reports" that WJFK currently has the broadcast rights to the Captials. Not true. amazing this guy still has a job. (6/10/09)

The Weekly Standard has never made money. It was created to be a vehicle for Neocon's propaganda. Does anyone remember back in the 90's when they delivered multiple copies to each office on the hill every week with headlines about Sadam's WMD's? At the build up to the war, many Democrats referenced the BS in the Weekly Standard as fact. TWS broke the "story" of Iraqi officials meeting with Atta in Prague, the broke the story of a baggage handler in Indonesia also being in Sadam's army ( and I thought my commute was bad), to this day they contend Sadam was going to work with Osama, and they ran with Sadam's Nuclear ambitions involving Niger. TWS is not a news weekly, it is a bunch of BS. (6/10/09)

Damn! HFS goes back on the air today with 10% of the listening audience missing because my truck and the HD radio in it are in the shop. (6/10/09)

Look like Great Scott has put on a brand new station. 106.1 and calling it Studio 106. Sounds like they are trying to go after the older crowd from 98.9. Sort of the same format they had years ago with Jammin 95.3. Sounds really good so far! I like it! (6/10/09)

With all this talk about performance tax...(from all access.com-Is Bono Being Boycotted? "several stations within a major radio broadcast group notified the artist's label that they would no longer play his single on the air." The filing also alleges unfair treatment of other artists by radio stations in FLORIDA, DELAWARE and TEXAS. It does not identify any of the stations but accuses the stations of unlawfully putting their own financial interests above their obligation to serve the public. The group asks the FCC, which regulates the public airwaves, to investigate. ) If I'm not mistaken,Radio stations don't have to play anything they don't want to play. And doesn't radio stations "charge for air time" to people who want to advertise? Isn't playing a song advertise that the music is out there to buy? So just charge the artist and labels for the 4 minutes worth of air time that the song takes up. end of problem. (6/10/09)

I noticed a goofy post on Baltimoresun.com regarding Oprah from a Washington, DC resident oddly, basically saying that Oprah hates Baltimore and does not own a condo here and probably doesn't even like Richard Sher, so I felt like responding (and did so on Baltimoresun.com too).... Oprah owns 2 Ritz Carlton condo/townhouses in Baltimore, I believe they are or will be connected as a single unit and are on the water in the Inner Harbor and will have an impressive waterfront view. It was in The Baltimore Sun. AFAIK... Oprah has never considered Baltimore as a dark spot in her career, in fact the exact opposite is true! However, she did make it clear once in an interview that she did not like Jerry Turner and some WJZ management at the time, but she didn't name him by name which I think was classy since he's been dead for so long, but it was still obvious who she meant. In addition, Oprah once visited Baltimore and visited WJZ-TV and NOT WBAL-TV, the station that carries her show. It made the news in fact and was on DCRTV.com. I'm sure the folks at WBAL were kinda ticked off, but hey, she's Oprah and that lead-in is what helps WBAL's news #1 so I doubt they'd have the nerve to even complain. So, obviously, she's still friends with Richard Sher or why else would she cancel a trip to Africa and come to DC? DUH! And Oprah wasn't fired from WJZ 13! At least as far as I remember. Oprah got stolen away by WGN Chicago after People are Talking was syndicated to several markets for a brief period of time, including Salisbury, MD (not sure what other markets it ran in). People forget that People Are Talking was #1 in the ratings in Baltimore, so much so, that Westinghouse attempted to syndicate the show but was unsuccessful in doing so, except to a few small markets, but the attempt got Oprah Winfrey noticed elsewhere. So yes, Oprah does still have an affection for Baltimore. It's just that it's only ONE of her many homes now! :-) (6/10/09)

Someone needs to tell the management of local TV news that they are overdoing it with “Breaking News.” Tonight, WJLA’s late news started at 12:07am due to the NBA game running late. They ran their special “BREAKING NEWS!” open, and Leon Harris came on to say they had TWO breaking news stories: Creigh Deeds winning the Virginia Democratic primary and the severe storms that rolled through the area earlier in the evening. Uh, Leon (and WJLA management), both of those stories were several hours old by that point and hardly qualified as “breaking” news. Sure, they are both big stories, but that’s as far as I would go with it. Sheesh. BG (6/10/09)

Oprah makes surprise appearance at local emmys w/ Richard Sher... weblogs.baltimoresun.com (6/10/09)

RANT........ COMCAST is desperate, they are bleeding customers in every location FIOS comes to. FIOS still beats even Comcast's newest highest speed and that news release is phony too. That's ONLY a MAX speed, not to mention Comcast limits Peer to Peer and high speed file transfers and has been cited by even the FCC for doing so! Yet, I've only seen that story on the internet oddly. Has anyone seen the latest Comcast false advertising that's currently running? It's utterly DESPICABLE! The one where the (presumably VERIZON installers) destroy a house during installation? C'MON, that ad is like an act of desperation advertisement or the work of POND SCUM or BOTH! Look, Verizon is hardly a great company either, but lets face it, they have a better faster product and invested way more money than Comcast in the DC/Baltimore internet infrastructure race in the last decade while SUCKCAST sat on their asses and rose cable rates over and over and over with few substantial infrastructure improvements and reaped all those profits as a monopoly. I'm surprised Verizon hasn't sued SUCKCAST yet honestly. No other company outside of infomercials runs more deceptive false advertising than Comcast that I can think of and the local media, both TV and radio news, will not step in to analyze these ridiculous Comcast claims because ???? Ummmmm, DUH, POTENTIAL LOST AD REVENUE!!! BINGO! DING DING DING! Comcast spends millions on ALL local TV/radio channels, as does Verizon I might add. But the loss of either one of those advertisers would be devastating to almost any local station. So you all sit silent. Everyone in DC/Baltimore local news should hold their heads in shame in my opinion. You sold out your viewers/listeners for a quick buck once again. Whatever happened to stations not accepting blatently slanderous or false advertising? Do we not have any standards anymore at all? (6/10/09)

Hi Dave, A couple weeks ago I saw a piece you ran on the Radio and TV Museum in Bowie. I am attaching a new “sign” photo. If you notice, the old one had a power line shadow running through it. While working at XM I would stay in Bowie and got to know the folks at the Radio History Society. I did some audio projects for them and after a time was asked to help re-vamp their website. Dan Schroeder, a long time associate based in Michigan has agreed to volunteer as Webmaster and I am acting as coordinator between him and the Board. Despite my departure from XM in December, I am continuing in that capacity from Philadelphia. So far the changes have been mostly “under the hood”, moving to a new host and beefing up security but, we HAVE revised the top logo banner and added or fixed a number of the menu items. A couple fun things we’ve already added are radio links to several aircheck sources and a viewer for the opening sequences of 50’s TV programs. A lot more things are coming too. If anyone has links to media sites, especially from the Baltimore-Washington area, please have them shoot me an email at jr2009@jrruss.com. Regards, JR (6/10/09)

/\ June 10 Messages /\

\/ June 9 Messages \/

Reason #43 why Fox Business can't be taken seriously as a competitor to CNBC. Who's on first? gawker.com (6/9/09)

Cute punchline in Tuesday's "Non Sequiter" comic strip in the Post. I'm sure cartoonist Wiley Miller thought he was making a ha-ha with his "Lars from Mars" payoff, but he unknowingly referenced a popular and long-running local cable comedy show created by and featuring Larz LaComa. Formerly airing live on the old Media General cable system in Fairfax (later Cox), "Larz from Mars" found a home in Arlington a couple of years ago. BTW, Wiley Miller was schooled in art at Virginia Commonwealth University in the early 70s. (6/9/09)

Dave, Tony Pann was at WBAL-TV sometime in the last century. If memory serves me correctly, MaryEllen worked the week-end shift at Fox43 but left to go the WBFF. Sometime after that, she came back to York. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (6/9/09)

Tony Perkins has never looked comfortable to me, from network to local, from host to meteorologist. I could never understand how he got the network gig. He always seems ill at ease and like he's in an awkward, uncomfortable environment. That makes viewers feel the same way. His personality also suffers from a lack of spontaneity and "effervescence." IMHO, the broadcast media just isn't his forte. (6/9/09)

FYI Tony Pann's wife, MaryEllen does the weather on Fox43 in York, Pa. on week-ends. She is also sitting in on the morning news for Lynette Charles this week. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (6/9/09)

Dave's response: Yes. I do believe that Mr. and Mrs. Pann live in the Baltimore area. He heads south to work at 9 and she north to 43. Didn't MaryEllen used to do the weather on Baltimore's 45? And didn't Tony once work at a Baltimore TVer? 11 was it?.....

Silvie, for chrissake, will you stop taking up space in the mailbag by asking Dave if he's had any response to your recent irrelevant question. If he had gotten a responsible response, he'd post it you idiot. Or maybe it's because nobody gave a rat's ass about that post of yours and felt no need to reply. Now just get back to hating the rest of the world who doesn't subscribe to your racist holdings. And yet another sign-off of yours that let's us know your viewpoint of the world. Or was that sarcasm and your sense of humor too? Silvie, you're a disgusting human being. (6/9/09)

(Snip) "Fuck like a beast" ...featuring topless women on stage.. (End snip) Which is why I no longer suggest DCRTV to high school students trying to learn about the broadcasting business. Al McGilvray .,,this is funny LOL Having worked in radio for so many years I can tell ya that there is no shortage of jocks with potty mouths LOL...oh for the record Martinsburg, West Virginia's WRNR AM 740 for many years had employed Bill Hutton ( the same guy behind XM's now defunct "Lucy" channel ). Nice guy but yea Bill was known for salty language too and the playing of soundtracks of prono flicks ( the moans and such ) when he did that Saturday night show some years back on Martinsburg's 97.5 FM..stuff Hutton had claimed on his show that he got from...WRNR !! (6/9/09)

Today: CNN's Wolf Blitzer with his Sarah Palin puppet... Or is it the other way around? (6/9/09)

Just heard that CC Philadelphia market manager Manuel Rodriguez is out, replaced by someone from Pittsburgh. (6/9/09)

When is FOX5 going to decide what they want to do with Tony Perkins. One day he's a wannabee weather guy (it's obvious that Tucker runs the show in that area), another day, he's out in the field "doing someone's job", another day he's co-anchoring in the station (of which he seems quite uncomfortable), another day he's doing Neighborhood News...YADAYADA... (6/9/09)

Wuaaaa!!! Wuaaaa!!! Oh the princess is upset that I've resorted to 'name-calling'... grow some balls, will ya? So, Dave, have you received any e-mail replies about the original inquiry at hand from yesterday regarding "Washington standards"? -Silvie, The Homophobe Hetero - (6/9/09)

To: "I had been a weather producer for over 10 yrs in NYC" - - Please Stop the Rain. * * To: Silvie, the Bigoted One, You are a hot tamale, latina. Maybe someday, you'll see the light and take a walk on the wild side. Democrats have more fun. Although, Sarah Palin's toenails looked great. * * CBS=WTF can't wait to hear the new HFS, Oh, that's right, I don't have an HD radio. They are wasting so many signals, you'd think they could find one real radio station to broadcast HFS. It would be better to have it on a weak signal that might be available, then to put it on a medium that is already obsolete. * * Remember when research was used to find out what the listener wanted? My research shows they aren't getting what they really want. * * The MARC train sucks. Ed Graham (6/9/09)

www.thetonightshowwithconanobrien.com... Here's a link to Trull Busters!, a segment on last night's Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien where Channel 9's Armando Trull is featured. Conan gives no reason for messing with Armando, but he says they just like to do it. Its in the second segment of the show 11:40 into the broadcast... (6/9/09)

Silvie, you're so full of bs - and sarcasm (yea, right) - that both are coming out of your nostrils. Nothing you can say mitigates the obvious, and everyone in this mailbag can see through you and your weak attempts to cover your racist-held beliefs. Now you've resorted to direct name-calling. Hmm, must be getting to the Rican/Latina (your words) nerve again. Your signed last post tells it all - and don't claim sarcasm (or humor, since you have none) once again. (6/9/09)

Silvie, if you were even slightly funny, you might have people displaying a sense of humor. People who blame their audience for not laughing at their material aren't good comics, they're just not funny people. Your constant focus on race isn't funny--it's racism. It is the definition of racism. Look it up. I liked you better when you were giving daily updates on those unknown midwestern ultra-conservative radio nutjobs you like so much. Hmmm...wonder if that's where you learned to view the world based solely on skin color? (6/9/09)

Man, Tony Pann is one of the nicest people I’ve ever dealt with. Honest to a fault, he’s a great weather guy, he’s not sensitive and he’s very perceptive. Let’s get off him. On the other hand there’s Sylvie…what is that all about? Man, she seems to be looking for trouble everytime she emails this site. Ease up lady. Life is too short. (6/9/09)

Been a few days since I had check the mailbag here but I did noticed that someone had brought up director John Waters and his movie "A Dirty Shame". Don't know much about the behind-the-scenes of that movie but John Waters, I have sometimes wondered how he and the great late Divine got away with such stuff like eating of dog poop ( Pink Flamingos ) or that rape scene in Female Trouble for example considering that not only were those scenes filmed in MARYLAND but the free state back then I believe had their own censorship borad when it came to movies,TV, radio and music. I would like to say the Maryland Censorship board ( or whatever it was called ) was discontinued.in the 80s but it was very much alive during Water's heyday. Then again I can't recall ever hearing of a movie, song, tv show or whatever that was actually banned in Maryland which makes me wonder what was the purpose anyway.I don't think they had much say on anything other than opinions. Now in Virginia, I do remember the Beastie Boys uproar back in 1987. Not so much with their music but rather it was due to their live shows. As I can remember The Beastie Boys did a concert in Hampton Roads ( Norfolk Scope ? ) only to feature this inflatable huge penis in the background while the trio was playing with it until the penis shot out confetti. It was joke but not to Virginia in seems who "banned" the Beastie Boys from ever doing another concert within the commonwealth. I seem to think this went as far as then Governor Baliles contacting the then big CHR stations in the state ( 105 WAVA & WBMW B106 in Northern Virginia, Q94 in Richmond, WGH-FM 97 Star & Z104 Hampton Roads and K92 in Roanoke ) DEMANDINGthose stations to stop playing the Beastie Boys music. of course that never happened but the state of Virginia I believe did help cancel a Beastie Boys show at the Patriot Center not long after the Hampton Roads incident. Nevermind the fact that some weeks before the planned Fairfax Beastie Boys show, the band WASP was screaming "Fuck like a beast" at a concert in Richmond and Billy Idol was doing a show in Hampton featuring topless women on stage..but it was that PENIS that had upset Virginia so much. Kinda of funny to think about it now but as a result I think there were some bands who refused to play Virginia for many years but that of course as has changed in recent times like the Rolling Stones doing a show in Charlottesville some years back for example. (6/9/09)

That dude needs to leave tony pann alone, he’s a good guy who is also good at his job with not a lot of the BS you get from most weather folks. (6/9/09)

"Lack of sense of humor" - That was also sarcasm, you hosebag. Whatever. Thanks for playing along. So, can someone - anyone - PLEASE reply to the question that the graceful African-American critic of Craig Melvin stated about Melvin not meeting "Washington standards"? What the hell is that? -Silvie, the Bigoted One- (6/9/09)

To whom this concerns, I am a bit surprised and alot annoyed with News Blues and your website for copying and running with a article, slamming one of the best weather forecasters in D.C. Tony Pann. First off, Tony is NOT a weekend weather "GUESSER" as he has been dubbed, because I personally worked with him in NYC for over 2 years. When we worked together, we would BOTH prepare a forecast and compare notes before ever presenting the forecast on tv. This is not the norm when the on-air talent and weather producer ( me at the time) collaborate on a forecast to make sure that it is the BEST possible forecast to present to the general public. I had been a weather producer for over 10 yrs in NYC and worked with many on-air talent and very few did as good a job as Tony! Also, unlike some others,he has never in his career, ripped off the National Weather Service forecast and run with it on-air. Moving on to point #2... "FAILS TO MAKE A CREDIBLE POINT" is another issue I have a problem with. The credible point of the article has been made and that is: WITH SO MANY WEATHER FORECASTERS / PERSONALITIES TO WATCH THESE DAYS, TO HELP THE GENERAL PUBLIC DIFFERENTIATE ON WHO TO WATCH, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY WHICH WEATHER STATION HAS THE BEST GROUP OF WEATHERCASTERS, WeatherRate Inc. WAS FORMED TO SURVEY ALL THE TV MARKETS AND GIVE THERE REPORT. Third point... "SHAMLESSLY PROMOTES HIS OWN BOOK" ...well all I have to say to that is , If your good, why not Promote it! NewsBlues should certainly be ashamed of even bringing up that point. Lastly..."OPENLY ADMITS BIAS" ...WHERE? I read the article a few times and no shred of evidence that Tony was being bias or slanting his opinion in anyway. All I have left to say on this matter, is get your facts straight, before you try to slam someone! Sincerely, S. Sumner (6/9/09)

Dave's response: Again, I didn't say it. It was the quoted opinion of Mike James, who does NewsBlues. Might I suggest that you forward your rant to him.....

Well, I usually do not do this, but I have to comment on the story from Newsblues. I can not get in there, so I don't know who wrote it...but they obviously did not read my article. There is no slant or bias...as a matter of fact, the president of WeatherRate (the subject of the article) posted a nice comment! And...yes, my book is about the public's perception of media forecasts...so of course I'm going to place a link there! Could I use spell check more often? Yes. :) So...I will make an official "call out" to the author of that blurb in Newsblues...who are you? Did you get caught in a storm when I said it would be sunny? :) Tony Pann (6/9/09)

Dave's response: It was the opinion of Mike James, who edits/writes NewsBlues.....

OK the numbers are in again and OH MY -insert feigned shock here- WLZL is WHAT?!?? Is that a 1 followed by a 9??!? Isn't that NINETEEN?!? I believe thats a SLIP DOWN from previous numbers. Yet not a whisper of a format flip,no ultimatums such as WJFK,WPGC or WTGB got all year long. Instead we get the brainstorm in a thimble with the "Resurrection of WHFS" on a SIDE channel of a 17th place station. Thats not resurrection it's regurgitation. I thought I already knew how skewed CBS's collective brain was but I REALLY GOTTA ASK: WHAT kind of FUKTARDS ARE YOU??? Go ahead assholes ignore an entire demographic right in front of your face and while you're at it keep kissing up to the ghost population. You're not only stupid you're UnAmerican. CBS gets a BIG FUCK YOU from me. I'm done waiting for the real HFS. (6/9/09)

You write of Tony Pann "shamelessly promotes his own book." I find that is funny from somebody who's website, DCRTV, is listed 79 times on its own main page. And it asks for money more than PBS. (6/9/09)

Dave's response: Go back and re-read that newsblurb. It was a direct quote from NewsBlues, NOT me.....

In regard to your rant about the overly-large photo of Kobe Bryant in The Washington Post, play fair. You know that when a game ends late, early editions of a newspaper will run a large picture. In later editions that photo will be shrunk and additional stories, sidebars, stat boxes, etc., will fill some of that space. Usually your DCRTV Rants are "right on," but maybe this one should have been "left off." - Ray Frantz Winchester, Va. (6/9/09)

Dave's response: Post ombud Andy Alexander moans about how the Post has to put news on the web, rather than in the print edition, because of conserving costly newsprint. So, did you see today's Post? An almost half broadsheet pic of an ant on the front of Style, ditto with like-size sunset pic page 2 of Style, and a third of a broadsheet pic of a Nats' pitcher on page 5 of Sports. If print page space is so scarce, the paper seems to run a healthy dose of huge pics on a daily basis.....

"Quote: "here's Silvie again reminding us of her ethnic background and going right into the "racist" historical commentary." I was being sarcastic... y'know, sense of humor?" Cut the bs Silvie. You told us on a prior post that you possessed, "... a short fuse and a lack of sense of humor." Remember that post or is your memory selective? Stop trying to mitigate your racial and ethnic commentary which has no place here or anywhere else. You have revealed your true self and it's not flattering. Quite frankly, it's repulsive. And you again end your latest post with another ethnic ID. So totally unnecessary and disgusting. Some folks never learn. Just ask poor ol' Joe in Essex. /s/ an American. Not an xxx American, just a plain American. (6/9/09)

Today's Flashback in print: While returning from an all night horror-thon at the Ranch Drive-in in the late1960s, Harden and Weaver on the radio . . .:Frank Harden says, "And the new RFK playground on 7th Street will have swings, see saws, and monkey bars. Jackson Weaver: "I didn't know they drank." (Snorted up the free coffee, by the way.) ACH (6/9/09)

More people listen to Tom Gavin’s radio show that watch Perky Katie: cry a little you loser you. CBS EVENING NEWS FALLS TO ALL-TIME LOW; 5,180,000 VIEWERS FOR COURIC... drudgereport.com (6/9/09)

While most DTV stations will have reduced signal coverage areas, there are a few anomalies of increased coverage that will happen on Friday. A couple TV stations will have significantly greater coverage towards Baltimore than before...... WPMT FOX 43, York, PA (a Tribune station btw) and WGCB 49 Red Lion, PA, a religious/independent station. Many people in the Baltimore market will be able to receive those DTV stations that they could not receive via analog. And WDPB 64 in Seaford Delaware (a relay of WHYY 12 Philadelphia) will finally have a signal that reaches to Salisbury and almost to Ocean City. And it appears both WBOC & WMDT have directionalized their signals in a north/south fashion so as to better cover the Delmarva peninsula like never before. Overall though most stations nationwide will probably have reduced coverage areas from everything I've read. We shall see on Friday. I sure hope the Acting FCC Chairman has the phone # for Comcast handy, hehe. -- Joe in Essex :-) (6/9/09)

Quote: "here's Silvie again reminding us of her ethnic background and going right into the "racist" historical commentary." I was being sarcastic... y'know, sense of humor? Is there ANYONE except Dave who possesses this quality here? Sheesh! -Silvie, the Wisest 'Latina'- (6/9/09)

Dave, did you see Conan's bit last night involving Channel 9's Armando Trull? It's a new segment called Trull Busters - Conan had some guy fall down while Armando was doing a recent piece in front a Metro station. It's available at www.thetonightshowwithconanobrien.com about 11:40 into the show. (6/9/09)

Dave's response: My advice to Conan - get a shorter website address. Sheesh.....

No offense, Dave. But your mailbag on this site has degenerated into mainly nothing more that a gaggle of whiners, know it alls, and potty mouths. Where did all the useful opinions go without the namecalling and "advice" hidden in a verbal slam? Love the site, but really think you need to reevaluate your mailbag submissions. (6/9/09)

Dave's response: I never "evaluate" Mailbag submissions unless they're in really bad taste. You just gotta go with the flow. And, yeah, sometimes it is a rather stinky flow. But that's the "joy of the bag".....

WTOP -- the self-proclaimed, (1) Storm Watch Station, and (2) The biggest swinging-dick and baddest-ass PPM station in the world -- was knocked off the air this morning by a couple of thunderstorms. Memo to Mike Moss: When you don't have your weather guys, call up Verizon for the latest forecast and transcribe it -- instead of flailing around trying to ad lib the forecast. (6/9/09)

Excerpt from Dave's Rant: "Washington Post ombudsman Andy Alexander moaned about how the Post is trying to "conserve costly newsprint" and therefore running longish stories for free on the web instead of providing them to paying subscribers in the shrinking print edition" - Well, when I opened my Sunday "supplement", I noticed an announcement that the post is now operating the same passive Sunday TV Schedule opt-out scheme in P.G. County that they've used in other delivery regions. Now, I have a great suggestion...instead of opting out of the TV Schedule, why not let us opt-out of the USELESS AND WASTEFUL PILE OF ADS they stuff in that section? They could print a one-sheet listing the ads that would normally appear in the Sunday Post and folks could simply log-on to washingtonpost.com, scan the online version and print out what they REALLY want to look-at. Plus, they'd increase their "hit" count and thus collect more from online advertisers. Whoops!!! Sorry, I was making sense there wasn't I...I'll be quiet now. Jason Robards (6/9/09)

Well, well, well ... here's Silvie again reminding us of her ethnic background and going right into the "racist" historical commentary. It tells volumes about you, Silvie and where your thought processes lie. Why do we have to be reminded of your ethnicity, once again? You're the only poster who does that. And will you please turn off the tv and just stick with listening to AM630. (6/9/09)

Back around 1970, publications like TV Guide used to talk about how owning a TV station or network was like having a license to print money. Audiences, who had nothing better to do, tuned in in droves to any of the three networks. Times now are tough. The glamour and glitz has worn off broadcast anything. Cable distribution has broadened the choices. DVR and Tivo allow consumers to time shift and commercial skip. Radio went the way NAB lobbyists importuned Congress to allow: down the crapper. GM and Chrysler dealers are closing up around the country and they are big broadcast ad buyers. Banks are not too keen to loan money on high ticket items. So, if the "talent" on the local news broadcast isn't up to snuff (per standards set back in the day) then chalk it up to cheapness, lack of sufficient revenues to program smartly AND satisfy investors, and a lack of interest among the suits. Local broadcast news is simply a more cost-effective way to sell advertising than old movies and syndicated reruns. It isn't really news anymore. It's infotainment packaged to look like news. You take a 20-something fresh outta university with a communications degree, put her shapely figure in front of a gas station price sign, hand her some copy to read, and broadcast her "report" about rising prices. There. You've "informed" the viewers. (6/9/09)

we are in the midst of a thunderstorm here in wheaton....ironic...don't know if 1500 was also affected. Rita (6/9/09)

(from Monday) The powers that be at WEBR do in fact have a different set of rules for Donny G-wannabe Tom Gavin. Multiple suspensions? If that were anyone else there, they'd been thrown out, permanently (not Monday anymore) Who said "multiple" suspensions? I'm familiar with only one from nearly 9 years ago for playing "Funky Motherf***er." Anything after that, phooey. BTW, it's not limited to Tom. The host of "Justice For All" was 'permanently' removed nearly a decade ago for violation of WEBR policies and took FCAC to court to get back on air. No, it seems the only way to truly get kicked off the air forever at WEBR is to spray the room with kerosene on your way out and toss a butt over your shoulder. Look, if you have your own show on WEBR, why not devote some energy to publicizing it and getting a new audience to listen in? Expending efforts to only cut someone else down only make you the LOU-CZAR. (6/9/09)

/\ June 9 Messages /\

\/ June 8 Messages \/

With all due respect...who gives a rat's ass what happens at WEBR?? They're not even a real radio station, are they? (6/8/09)

"Tom's been suspended before for playing some rather raw music" --There's a surprise...further proving what I've believed all along. The powers that be at WEBR do in fact have a different set of rules for Donny G-wannabe Tom Gavin. Multiple suspensions? If that were anyone else there, they'd been thrown out, permanently. Signed - a current WEBR on air personality. (6/8/09)

Quote: "His delivery is not up to the Washington market standards." May I ask you to define what these standards are? Your points about cadence and diction remind me of the time when I stated that Susan Kidd's "diction" was wonderful and that she should've never been let go by NBC4. I got shit from people in this very mailbag who called my remarks "racist", etc. But since I'm a Puerto Rican girl, I simply *cannot* be a racist for Heaven's sake! Craig Melvin is okay, but in time he could get better. If you want to talk about diction and cadence horror shows, may I refer you to Barbara Harrison. What are you doing watching NBC4 anyway, dude? FOX5 is the place to be... they have splendid diction there! -Silvie- (6/8/09)

Good ol' WRC! I remember when the lobby was marble with some vaguely European modern furniture that offered a place to wait, before heading downstairs to radio or through the glass doors to TV. There was even a small room seen through a reception window, with an telephone cordboard switchboard set up and an actual operator. Out of the lobby, down the hall, on the left, you'd find the newsroom and even a small radio booth. On the right side of the hall, were the TV Studios with, I think, a control room between them. A little further down the hall, at one time, was the commissary. I only ate there once, circa 1968, and I don't recall the food being extraordinary. In the TV studios, I remember a small "Today in Washington" set, across from the local news set (which NBC seemed to change every 3 or 4 years). The radio area downstairs has been pretty well covered in the fine Great 98 website www.98wrc.com so I won't go into that here. A question about the WRC lobby: At some point, the lobby was completely redone and featured a curved wall that was fabric-covered. When would that have been? (6/8/09)

Since Channel 5 didn't have the decency to return my email I will call them out here. This morning some clueless blond street reporter was doing a story on a crime wave in some neighborhood in PG County. She repeatedly referred to break-ins of houses as "robberies" and "house robberies". A robbery is the taking of property by force as in when someone points a gun at you and takes your wallet or hits you over the head and takes your stuff. A BURGLARY is when someone breaks into your house and takes your crap but no violence is involved. If 10th graders usually have no problem understanding this concept why can't a supposed professional? Would she call a murder a theft? A shoplifting a rape? I don't think so. Get it right... (6/8/09)

I'm the Craig Melvin poster. I'm African American, so the racist moniker doesn't wash. (6/8/09)

To the Craig Melvin pathetic poster (right)... Signed: Ray Nagin, quarantined in China (6/8/09)

Channel 4's Craig Melvin drives me crazy as well! His broadcast sounds like a 20 minute sports report. Yes he is way out of his league, but the other stations are way ahead in the rookie anchor department. Did you catch Channel 9 this weekend, looks like a high school AV club? I do like the lips of Pamela Brown on Channel 7. What is the name of her lip doctor, he's done a great job?! (6/8/09)

To the two guys bickering about Chad Dukes reviewing movie trailers as Mike Bracken reviews the actual movies, I think you're missing the point, Chad is a narcissist. Well not a full blown narcissist, most of them have the common decency to work out, clean-up, and otherwise care about their appearance and not become a more ratty-haired version of Chris Farley near the end, but he does reign king of the "making it all about him" title at WJFK. This, of course, is ironic, or maybe not at all ironic, considering his love of accusing others of behaving this exact way, but Chad is great at making any bit about what HE thinks and what HE's doing. Whether it's twittering about how poor other people are at at twittering compared to HIM, accusing friends of not being good enough friends to HIM, or HIS snap judgments based on one guy in underwear in a 30-second movie trailer should affect the reviews of an utterly-without-self-esteem movie reviewer, it's clear the pattern is not a pattern but a full blown way of life for making yourself number 1 at all times. Not that this is a bad thing, he's made a career of it, whether talking ad nauseum while the seemingly without a care Oscar Santana sits by quietly and Chad waxes poetic about movies no one has seen, MMA fights no one has seen, or inside jokes no gets, it's a tribute to an ego that is completely undeserving of any of it, which is why he tries soooo hard to keep the focus on him so no one notices how much more interesting any other subject would be. Anyway, somewhat hypocritical mailbag message about HIM always making it about HIM over, so until next time here's hoping Chad realizes all those years he hated on Donnie G were in spite of the fact that he's more and more like him than he'll ever even know. - Jason (6/8/09)

Is 1280 AM still in existence in Seaford DE? Why so much about a new low powered station on 105.5 in Seaford? Sounds like someone has nothing better to do but whine. (6/8/09)

Here's an update on the WNVC/WNVT DTV situation. From their web site: "On June 12, 2009, MHz Networks 1-5 (30.1-30.5) will be broadcast from the Fairfax County tower in Merrifield, VA and MHz Networks 6-10 (30.6-30.10) will be broadcast from the Prince William Country tower." Apparently, they will not use "56" in their PSIP data, but will combine the two RF channels into one 10-sub-channel group. This will be interesting up here in Baltimore, since I will probably receive WNVC and not WNVT (naturally there are 2 channels on WNVT I would like to see). The correct channel assignments are shown: 30-1: MHz Worldview SD... 30-2: NHK World TV SD... 30-3: Metro Chinese Network SD... 30-4: RT (Russia Today) SD... 30-5: BVN (Al Jazeera beginning July 1) SD... 30-6: SABC News International SD... 30-7: France 24 SD... 30-8: Nigerian Television Authority SD... 30-9: Vietnamese TV 4 SD... 30-10: Euronews SD... (6/8/09)

I completely agree with the post about Craig Melvin. He is the worst DC anchor hire in a very long time. The man "spits" out his words and looks like such a rookie compared to nearly everyone else in the market. Whatever person is responsible for bringing him here should be fired. I too change channels because he is like listening to fingernails on a chalkboard. The man needs to spend many years in a small market and get some help with his on-air delivery. Please, channel 4, do yourself a favor and get rid of him now! (6/8/09)

Dear suits at NBC4, I've really tried to like Craig Melvin. Really. And now that he's been subbing on weekday nights, I find that he still annoys the living daylights out of me. Simply, the man cannot talk. His cadence is never correct for the story context, and his diction is seriously lacking. His delivery is not up to the Washington market standards. It's obvious they are grooming him, perhaps as a replacement for Vance? There is simply no way he could ever fill Jim's shoes. This 30+ year viewer of channel 4's news will definitely switch if I forced to watch Craig. I already turn off any newscasts he's currently on. (6/8/09)

A little bit of DC trivia for those so inclined: WRC-TV's upper Northwest campus is the former site of the "Hillcrest Childrens Village"... a home for orphaned, abandoned and neglected children which provided educational and vocational training in addition to a caring environment. If GE should follow through with their threat to unload the broadcast division, you might say that the folks who presently occupy 4001 Neb Ave will become orphaned, abandoned and neglected anew. (6/8/09)

(Re: Today's Rant) Fyi, the photo was temporary -- just holding space in that edition until the lakers game ended. In the late editions, the big photo was replaced with the game story and other material. (6/8/09)

Has anyone seen that incredibly, unintentionally hysterically funny ''Metromix.com'' commercial on WUSA9? What mentally challenged reject actually sat down, looked at it and thought it was great? Can that station ever do anything right? Paul (6/8/09)

Good afternoon, There's a recent posting in the Mailbag section that says, four years ago, Creigh Deeds came within a hair of defeating Republican Bill Bolling for lieutenant governor. Actually, Deeds came very close to defeating Bob McDonnell for attorney general. Bill Bolling crushed Leslie Byrne in the lieutenant governor's race that year. Not sure if it's worthy of correcting or deleting the post, but just wanted to give a heads-up. Thanks, -- Scott (6/8/09)

Deal with it, Dave. You might as well accept the reality that NBC4 Washington will not originate a local HD news broadcast under their current owner. The suits at 30 Rock won't fork out the cost of upgrading facilities as long as WRC-TV, the 4001 Neb Ave campus and the whole blinkin' TV network are for sale to the right buyer. And not only has the broadcasting division been hemorrhaging money like never before in its 83 year history, the parent Scheinhardt Wig Company recently suffered its first quarterly loss since the Revolutionary War! (6/8/09)

Dave's response: I'll "deal with it" by not watching local news on 4. Ha ha ha.....

FCC on crack continued: A bigger question than why they would license a station to Seaford, DE whose signal doesn’t reach the town would be why would they license it on 105.5 when there is a 3,000 watt station operating on that frequency 20 miles south of Seaford in Salisbury? (6/8/09)

Dave, you write that Creigh Deeds "wasn't even on the radar" until the Post endorsed him. Who'd you vote for in the Lt. Gov. race last time? Deeds came within a hair of beating Bill Bolling. His name recognition statewide among voting Dems HAS to be higher than Brian Moran, unless you live in the Northern Virginia bubble, where anyone from "downstate" isn't even "on the radar." I'm a Republican who actually considered voting for Deeds tomorrow, not because I'll vote for him over Bob McDonnell, but because if the Dems are going to pluck off the governorship this year, he's the best candidate. But people usually cross party lines to vote for the weakest candidate, so I decided my principled vote would best be left uncast. I hope Deeds gets the nomination, but coming from a loyal Republican, that just might be the kiss of death. That's what moderation gets you in a primary vote. Christian (6/8/09)

Dave's response: While McAuluffe and Moran and Deeds can all beat McDonnell in liberal NoVa, me thinks that Deeds, being the only downstater Dem, will have the best chance of beating McDonnell across "real Virginia" in the general election in November. That's why I'll probably be voting for Deeds tomorrow. If I get around to voting. Not sure, yet.....

(WJLA-TV wins Chesapeake AP Broadaster Association Award www.wjla.com. It's the only DC station to receive the awards.) No, it5's not. WTOP swept all or nearly all the radio categories. (6/8/09)

The WUSA/9 issue seems to be cable related. There's no problem with the over the air signal. Everett W. (6/8/09)

("Looks like WUSA got the hint, just go tot he black screen (no bars necessary). Joking aside, no signal for quite some time.") Think it was just Comcast. I lost it and went to my rabbit ears and it was still there. It was back a short while later! (6/8/09)

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Tony Dill. He was a bright, positive, presence at WTOP Radio, who did his job exceedingly well while elevating morale all around him. Phil Wood is right--Tony did dead-on impressions, including, as I recall, Jamie Bragg and Bob Dalton. I'd known he'd had a highly successful career with NBC, but had lost touch. Tony Dill will be missed. Jim Bohannon, Westwood One Radio. (6/8/09)

Looks like WUSA got the hint, just go tot he black screen (no bars necessary). Joking aside, no signal for quite some time. (6/8/09)

" Deeds was not even on the radar until the Post endorsed him - and now he's leading in the Dem polls....." I don't know if it's so much the Post playing "kingmaker" as it is a McAuliffe backlash. I'm a registered Democrat, and I must get three to four mailings a week from him, some of which look like "official" or non-partisan items (comparing candidates) until you look at the fine print. It was bad enough he was perceived as a Clinton carpetbagger, but this is overkill! I think much of the support for Deeds in northern Virginia is from anybody-but-McAuliffe pragmatists like myself who figure he would have a better chance of stopping him than Moran would (and that McDonnell would easily beat McAuliffe in the general election). Also, since Deeds is from central Virginia and not well known here, I've noted that in his local radio commercials it is noted that he's "pro-choice" (geez, I hate that euphemism, just as I hate people calling themselves "pro-life" when they support capital punishment) so people in this part of the state don't think he's one of those Falwell-style rural Bible thumpers. -- Vincent in Triangle (6/8/09)

Your rant about the post ed.'s. I am having trouble understanding your point. Is it that the post is (in your view) a king maker? Or that the wrong candidate is getting the shine up from them? Or that fact that print media is on life support yet it may be relevant to political campaigns? Warren Brown announced his early retirement in the post yesterday. Will the car pages still be there? Will Terry Mcauliff crawl back under his rock if he loses? If I threaten to drop the print sub again with the POST pay me to keep it? (6/8/09)

Dave's response: Yeah, my point is that the Post seems to be a "kingmaker" in Virginia. With populous Northern Virginia now in the Old Dominion's "driver's seat," the Post seems to have a lot of influence with the voters here. Deeds was not even on the radar until the Post endorsed him - and now he's leading in the Dem polls.....

Do you know if Brainbox is still in business? www.brainbox.tv... Appreciate any info. (6/8/09)

Starting to wonder if those questionable local signals on 101.7 FM aren't large retirement facilities or some other type of campuses. Many have short-range radio transmission systems tailored to their clientele, and when those pups are wired up wrong they can radiate for quite a distance (several miles though?). The EWTN channel bombs in very loud on the Beltway in and around the Little River Turnpike exit. Why EWTN would be rebroadcast in this manner is a mystery; they talk a lot about abortion on that channel, and a lot of folks in retirement homes are kinda past the age where contraception is much of a concern. (6/8/09)

Re: "Anyone know how/why the FCC would license a radio station to a community for which its signal does not even reach at all even under fringe reception conditions? Is this even legal?" That's a translator. FM translators don't have to provide even nominal coverage to their COL. Someone who knows the rules could tell us why... (6/8/09)

Re: "Pete and Brenda" - quoting another poster: "How are we supposed to support them? I can't find them on the radio anywhere." I'm glad P&B are advertising here, and that Dave has found a good new client. My only question is...WHY? Are Pete and Brenda hoping to land with a local show on a DC/Baltimore area station? Are they they looking to syndicate, and hope to land on an area station that way? Why do they pay for the ads here? (6/8/09)

Any truth to "The Buggles" doing a reunion? Will their first post-reunion release be "Digital Killed TV Broadcasting?" Unsigned Corporate Suit (6/8/09)

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\/ June 7 Messages \/

(Just a quick "reality check" for you WMAL yakkers and FOXnews Gurus....A poll conducted between 5/31-6/4 by Research2000 shows approval/disapproval ratio within the Latino community for Supreme Court Nominee Sonya Sotomayor is a rock-solid 82/5.) Were you leftists of the "big tent" Democrat Party also running similar surveys when your Democratic Senators were blasting Bush Hispanic nominees Miguel Estrada and Alberto Gonzalez? You know, calling them unfit to be jurists and run Justice? (6/7/09)

".......DCRTV welcomes "Pete And Brenda In The Morning....." How are we supposed to support them? I can't find them on the radio anywhere. (6/7/09)

Saw the post in memory of Fred *Wright Sorce. My sentiment totally. Lot of class in that my man or woman (what a nice gesture)? PLB (6/7/09)

Dave....instead of "Whoop-de-doo!" you should use Steve Langford's phrase from Howard 100 News..."Who gives a shit", who gives a fuck?" That would be perfect to describe WJLA winning anything. (6/7/09)

TNT started carrying NASCAR Sprint Cup this week (Fox did the season to this point) and when they went through their pit reporters prerace - which included Lindsay Czarniak. (6/7/09)

Freda Wright-Sorce:: June 7, 1955 - July 10, 2005. On this day, you and Don Geronimo are missed by the radio community. You will not be forgotten or replaced. RIP (6/7/09)

(RE: DCRTV's new DTV List:) Hello: Spotted a few things: W06CJ changed its call sign to WDCN-LP a while back. Also the network's name is "Unsion" rather than "Unison" or "Unision." WMDO-CA does have a digital channel. It's on channel 8, and last I heard was supposed to be mapping to 47-1, but was having an equipment problem that caused it to flip between that and 1-1 almost continuously, crashing some receivers. I have heard nothing more about it in the last several months. Hope that helps. - Trip (6/7/09)

WJLA-TV wins Chesapeake AP Broadaster Association Award www.wjla.com. It's the only DC station to receive the awards, as the others are in Baltimore. (6/7/09)

Dave's response: Whoop-de-doo!

Good News for DC, about WTGB HD2 ressurrecting WHFS. I could be wrong, but it seems like the new station could only be the ressurrection of WHFS 99.1 in the late 90's, not WHFS 102.3. It would be nice if Tom Grooms, David and Damian Einstein, Adele Abrams, Josh, Bob, and Weasel could make at least guest appearances on WTGB HD2 (WHFS). Here in Boston, WBCN has tweaked it's format several times in the past 41 years, but it's still here. So on WBCN HD2, they are ressurecting WBCN circa 1968, broad and eclectic, www.wbcn.com programmed by WBCN original PD, Sam Copper, "it's not a nostalgia trip" it goes from the 50's right to today. Let's hope that WHFS goes eclectic, not just modern rock. (6/7/09)

it's official! The Channel 9 weekend news is unwatchable! The sorry rookie anchors they put in front of the camera, the Fairfax Days segment, both out of focus and lighting are not worth the electricity to power my TV. Please Channel 9, when you are in a hole, stop digging. You have nothing to be proud of except dead last in the ratings. Are you waiting for a stimulus package!!?? It ain't comin'! (6/7/09)

Hey Dave, What happened to the 5am newscast on WBAL TV (11). Curious to see "paid programming" on instead of Lisa and Kate..... (6/7/09)

HI Dave, You may know about this, but if you search for WAAM TV and go down to Kilduffs media page, you'll find some great pictures of the old WAAM and WBAL TV. (6/7/09)

Anyone having trouble receiving 100.3 HD signal this weekend. No HD-2 channel, no HD on 100.3-1. I'm in Burke, VA (6/7/09)

Dave's response: Yeah, I'm getting no digital signal from WBIG on Sunday morning here in Reston. Also, the analog signal sounds weaker than normal.....

Just a quick "reality check" for you WMAL yakkers and FOXnews Gurus....A poll conducted between 5/31-6/4 by Research2000 shows approval/disapproval ratio within the Latino community for Supreme Court Nominee Sonya Sotomayor is a rock-solid 82/5. For comparison, Rush Limbaugh's approval/disapproval rating among Latinos in the same poll is a dismal 3/77. In terms of just how well the two biggest Limbaugh/Gingrich/Buchanan conservative talking points against Sotomayor are playing in the Latino community, Latinos approve of the idea of empathy in a judge by a ratio of 79/4; and disagree with statements that Sotomayor is a racist by a wide margin of 83/2. The message to the Republican Party should be clear: With the possible exception of Silvie, it's fair to say that Latino support for Sotomayor is overwhelming and unconditional. While your actions are appealing to your red-meat "hate-inspired" xenophobic base, you continue these attacks at the peril of your party in the next election cycle. Face it - continuing such personal attacks against the nominee is clearly the electoral equivalent of taking a match and a gas can to your beloved "Big Tent" Republican myth. (6/7/09)

Dave's response: One thing I have learned from all these years of watching cable "news" and listening to talk radio is that anybody can make a poll show anything they want. They can be "weighted" in many ways - how the questions are phrased, who gets called, etc. - to back up any opinion/candidate. They're pretty much all bullshit, at least the ones that get released publicly.....

(Quote) Without Tom Gavin and his 2 hours of "how NOT to do a radio show" show no one could appreciate good WEBR shows like Midnight Mutants or The Other Guys (etouQ) *sigh*... so change the station. You really needed someone to tell you that? (6/7/09)

That Washington Post story on the big HDTV Switch made me laugh out loud, I could not believe it, had to read it twice!......... I find it hysterically funny and ironic that #1) the acting FCC chairman does not have either cable or satellite TV, but more importantly, #2) Now that the leaves have grown back on the trees, the acting chairman of the FCC has finally realized even HE is having trouble getting DTV channels and so is not prepared for The Big Switch himself! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Between the failed & underpowered poor rollout of HD-Radio (which isn't even high quality audio nor can hardly anyone even receive it), the underpowered HDTV transmissions that people will have trouble receiving on Friday, & the HDTV converter coupon fiasco over the winter, it's just more proof the FCC could be run better by a room full of baboons! I can't wait until Friday. I guess the Chairman of the FCC will be calling to order Comcast cable on Friday. Too Funny! -- Joe in Essex :-) (6/7/09)

FCC on crack... Rules allow a licensee to locate the transmitter up to 50 miles from the license city. Further, studios must be not more than 50 miles from the transmitter. Therefore, the main office and studio can be up to 100 miles from the license city. WNVT analog ch 53 used this loop hole years ago. The license city was Richmond, VA, transmitter in Goldvein, VA, offices and studio in Annandale. (6/7/09)

Dave - The Fresh DJ pictured is Nikki Landry formerly of the Wolf in San Fran and also formerly from B101.5in Fredericksburg. Bill (6/7/09)

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\/ June 6 Messages \/

Re: [["Fresh 94.7 may finally have a real and live DJ..."]] Well, she sure is cute... :) alf (6/6/09)

(regarding a previous post) Somebody asked the other day about whether the DC TV stations will be switching to digital at Noon or at Midnight, on the appointed day. According to an article in the Washington Post, the transition will be phased-in at different times on June 12th. "Stations will be shutting off their analog signals throughout the day on Friday. In Washington, the CBS and ABC affiliates plan to shut off their signals in the morning, while the rest plan to make the switch between noon and midnight." Here's the link to the item www.washingtonpost.com (6/6/09)

"Anyone who can't appreciate TOM GAVIN don't know sh8t about radio!" --This is actually correct. It's the same as saying that without there being evil in the world, there would be no good. It's the same concept here. Without Tom Gavin and his 2 hours of "how NOT to do a radio show" show no one could appreciate good WEBR shows like Midnight Mutants or The Other Guys. (6/6/09)

Anyone who can't appreciate TOM GAVIN don't know sh8t about radio! (6/6/09)

Fresh 94.7 may finally have a real and live DJ... www.947freshfm.com... She just started on-air under an hour ago! (6/6/09)

Dave Hughes is correct on the HD Delay. Radio stations broadcasting in HD have a seven second delay between analog and digital. HD will be in real time, and analog will be seven seconds behind. This is to allow a seamless transition between HD and analog when the HD signal drops out. Seamless? Kinda, depending on the radio. Is it a good system? Kinda, but the HD signals are greatly underpowered. If the transmitters are inside the beltway and you live outside the beltway... Good luck. (The same goes with TV HD. See the new commercials about having to buy a new antenna by June 12th...) (6/6/09)

More proof the FCC is on crack... www.radio-locator.com... Notice the little town of Seaford, DE way at the bottom of the picture? Anyone know how/why the FCC would license a radio station to a community for which its signal does not even reach at all even under fringe reception conditions? Is this even legal? How does this stuff get approved? Does the FCC just like have a room full of monkeys with ink pads and stamps? (6/6/09)

The Post did that "opt-in" deal for the weekly TV Guide in Alexandria a few months ago. I opted in, and it worked out fine, except now I receive the guide on Sunday instead of in the Saturday supplement package where it used to be. -- Bobbie (6/6/09)

Saw your item about the Post lead editorial. But how bout those 'props to WTOP and Plotkin? They don't do THAT very often! (6/6/09)

Re " Honestly, Why Bother Having Mike Bracken On? Let's make one thing clear. I love listening to Big O and Dukes and WJFK. Hell I listen on the Weekends...." /// That's all that really matters, isn't it ? Your complaints, however valid, are music to the ears of any programmer or deejay, because it means you are listening, even while irritated. All the better. Watch Howard Stern's Private Parts, or go back and read posts in the archives about Don Geronimo and his treatment of some recurrent guests, to include movie reviewers. It's the same formula and technique. Your complaint is validation of their success in capturing you (and probably others) as a listener, otherwise you would simply change the station and not bother posting such an in depth he said/she said rehash. (6/6/09)

Honestly, Why Bother Having Mike Bracken On? Let's make one thing clear. I love listening to Big O and Dukes and WJFK. Hell I listen on the Weekends, even when they have those stupid "The Other Side" Shows and so on. BUT. I'm just so sick of Chad changing Bracken's review. To any real fan, whether you have the balls to admit it or not, you clearly know that Chad tries to put his opinion on Mike Bracken's review, and today when Oscar said "Oh, Bracken' don't change your review now!" after Chad started to trash it, it was just so sad and pathetic.... So I ask why bother? Let's take today for example. Before Bracken even Reviews "The Hangover" Chad goes on a tirade about how Paul Blart MALL COP!!! and this movie are the same because HE SAW a baby get hit on the head by a door. and how stupid people are base on THE FACT HE, yes I said HE, has SEEN the TRAILERS, YES HE HASN'T SEEN THE MOVIE BUT BASICALLY A COMMERCIAL, BUT BECAUSE HE IS CHAD, HE IS RIGHT... OOOOOOHHHH!!! Mr. Dukes saw A TRAILER, As You All Know, That Means He HAS SEEN THE ENTIRE MOVIE! and he thinks it sucks, so I guess it sucks right? Thats' such a Joke. But knowing Chad, he won't have the balls to admit he is wrong(Has he ever?), so why not just resolve the whole issue? Just let Chad review Movie Trailers and Forget about Bracken. Let's bring on Mike once a week just to make fun of his exwife and hear about what Chad really thinks about trailers. Cause as we all know that's all that matters.... I saw the movie today before I heard the show on Podcast and it's just a joke. Now, I could be wrong with what I'm about to say, but Didn't Chad say the same thing about Forgetting Sarah Marshall? Trashing the Judd Appatow crew and now he says it's a good movie. To quote Chad... Get over yourself. Douche... (6/6/09)

(quote) Public radio or not...How does anyone running a station allow [the Tom Gavin Show] on their airwaves? (etouQ) "Public radio" it ain't; it's public ACCESS radio and the rules are different. The concept of Public Access means there is a resource for ANYONE from the general public to use electronic media to spread their message, no matter how unpolished it may be... which may explain the crummy TV shows you might see on some cable systems - like fun with dentistry or cooking with possum. Years ago, Tom took the class, passed the test, proved his competency on the air and got a show. Over the years it's moved to different times and days, but it is still on the roster and he enthusiastically looks forward to it each week. And legally speaking, the agreement between Cox and Fairfax County means he has the legal right and privilege to broadcast his message for as long as he wants to. Tom's been suspended before for playing some rather raw music, but that was it. Frankly, I wish more cable systems with access channels put up a "radio station" the way Cox Fairfax does. Then you'd have the choices in programming that are totally lacking on OTA radio. [Writer was formerly affiliated with Fairfax Public Access and WEBR] (6/6/09)

I am shocked and extremely saddened to hear that Tony Dill passed away. I broke into radio with Tony at WTOP in 1973. We were good friends. He used to bring his electric football game - that noisy, vibrating relic of the 1950's - over to my apartment in Fairfax and we'd play on the dining room table. Tony was funny, smart, had solid instincts for the business, and did dead-on impressions of most everyone in the newsroom. Much too young. How sad for his family and friends. Phil Wood (6/6/09)

Speaking of new studios, Kane said HOT 99.5 is supposed to get new studios this summer, probably like WMZQ's. (6/6/09)

I just received The Washington Post TV Week for the week of June 7. On the cover it says You have only 3 issues of TV Week left ... unless you tell us otherwise. The Post is rolling out a new system June 28 called "Opt-In" for home delivery subscribers in Prince William County Starting June 28, only those Prince William County subscribers who have told us they want TV Week will get it a home. They are doing to reduce The Post's Cost. (6/6/09)

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\/ June 5 Messages \/

Looks like WMZQ's got some new studios. They posted these to their website yesterday or today... wmzq.com... Kinda sleek lookin' if you ask me... (6/5/09)

Last night a group of us were watching the 2004 John Waters movie "A Dirty Shame". A buddy of mine ( from Baltimore ) claims that the big rumor over the years was that John Water's idea to come up with "A Dirty Shame" came to him by checking out local Baltimore talk radio. Come to think of it I seem to remember watching an interview with Selma Blair and I believe she had made a similar claim as well though she didn't give names as to who inspired whom but my buddy "swears" that the idea for the "Fat F*** Frank" character was based on, though very indirectly by none-other than WCBM's Frank Luber. Is there any truth to any of this? I checked out the IMDB page on "A Dirty Shame" and nothing is said about the connection between the movie and WCBM or any other station. (6/5/09)

Cook Inlet Radio Partners bought WPGC FM and WPGC am from First Media. Cook Inlet Radio Partners had nothing whatsoever to do with WTOP. When First Media sold to Cook, Dan Mason became President of Cook Inlet Radio Partners. Cook owed WPGC in Washington, WZGC In Atlanta, a station in Houston, one in Provo, Utah, the country station in Chicago, a station in Boston, and one in Seattle. (6/5/09)

After a couple weeks of tuning in to hear what The Tom Gavin Show was all about, he was finally on this week...And to sum it up...it was f**king dreadful....Public radio or not...How does anyone running a station allow that on their airwaves? If he is the "man" at WEBR, they might as well just shut that station down. There has to be better programming on there than his show.... (6/5/09)

(Has mega dropped out of the deal or do we just hafta wait a lil longer??) Mega's deals fell through in Chicago and Los Angeles. I'm not sure what is happening in LA, but in Chicago - they relaunched 87.7 as a Smooth Jazz outlet, to replace the one that just died. (6/5/09)

Dave's response: I just don't see the future Pulse 87.7's "dance music" format has being terribly viable here in DC. Especially on a low-power signal in a "conservative" (biz-wise) radio market like Washington is. Yeah, it might work in NYC, which is five times larger than DC. Yeah, it might be cool to listen to, but I just can't see it working here. Frankly, smooth jazz might be a better option here, too, since we lost Smooth Jazz 105.9 in February 2008.....

Personally, I hate to see the demise of R&R. Always considered it the best of the trades, and I'll never forget the one (and only) time I got a mention in it. On the other hand, it was good to see a post from Fred Klimes, whose retirement I helped finance. I traded emails with Bob Moke a few weeks back. He's programming the 40s channel at XM these days, and loving it. I learned so much about on-air presentation from Moke back in my WFBR/WLIF days. Finally, it's always a pleasure to read Ed Graham's comments. Despite all the good-natured ribbing I've directed his way, he remains the most knowledgeable man I've ever known on the subject of radio. It's validating to read his views and opinions, and it's more than a crime that he's on the outside looking in. Ed and Bob--professors of radio. I'm so grateful our paths crossed. Gary, WHFC, Bel Air. (6/5/09)

Another poster mentione dthat WUSA's digital changeover would happen during Letterman. If ia m not mistaken the deadline is 12 noon not 12 midnight. Does anyone know if I am right? (6/5/09)

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Rush Limbaugh? www.dailykos.com (6/5/09)

Just received word that Tony Dill passed away very recently.... "When NBC started the all-news network NIS (News and Information Service) in 1975, Tony was hired from WTOP along with Charles McCord (now Imus sidekick), Ann Taylor (now with NPR in DC), Gary Nunn (now with ABC News?), Rusty Lutz (ABC News in DC) and at least one other WTOP staffer I cannot seem to recall at the moment. At NIS they worked with a young Jim Farley, one of the original NIS producers who moved over from WINS. Tony was a terrific guy with nan amazing sense of humor." (6/5/09)

Dave's response: Anybody know more?

(I can assure you that Cook Inlet Radio Partners did not own WTOP during that time, before that time, nor after.) Maybe confusing Inlet with Outlet? Found this online: "By the end of the eighties WPGC-FM had emerged as the market's top station. Other leading stations at the time included Greater Media's beautiful music station WGAY (99.5), Viacom's country stration WMZQ (1390 AM and 98.7 FM), Cap Cities/ABC's adult contemporary station WMAL (630), Albimar's urban contemporary station WKYS (93.9), Emmis' contemporary hits station WAVA (105.1), ABC rival Q107 and Outlet's news leader WTOP (1500). Outlet also owned adult contemporary WASH (97.1)." (6/5/09)

(An interesting side note, the WTOP history is wrong. The 94.3 booster was not launched until Bonneville had control of the properties. EAB.) Ed, not so. We were in the process of doing the 94.3 deal when the first word of the Bonneville LMA came out. But Ginsberg and Bruce Reese gave Steve Swensen the OK to go ahead before the deal was done. And the rest is history. (6/5/09)

The only pajama radio personality I want to see is Amy Morris. Thank you. media.bonnint.net (6/5/09)

Dave's response: What if a WTOPer sleeps in the nude. Can they show up at work that way?

Re: "Dave's response: I'm not an engineer, but I think the delay on 103.5 is in order to sync WTOP's analog signal with its digital HD1 signal..." Isn't the delay in HD playback due to buffering of the signal within the HD receiver? I found I cannot listen to an analog radio simultaneously with an HD radio on the same station because there is an "echo" effect with one's playback a very slight fraction of a second behind the other. I had thought the delay was generated by the HD transmitter. That is until I had two different make HD radios on in the house. Receiving the same HD signal, the playback of one was _way_ more delayed behind the other than the analog/HD delay, although still probably no more than a fraction of a second. I imagine a seven second delay must be from another cause. BTW, I cannot listen to DC101's excellent HFS-like HD-2 programming in my house because of the HD/analog switching back and forth of the signal which is marginal where I live. Robert in Arlington (6/5/09)

Former WRC News Director Vickie Burns... Just heard she's "out" at NY's WNBC. (6/5/09)

Dave's response: Anybody know more?

Hi Dave, The Radio Time Link below was for KFWR 95.9 The Ranch in Fort Worth. The site I' letting everyone know about now is www.radioSOMD.fm Southern Maryland's first real Streaming Internet Radio Station @ radiosomd.fm is known as "The Pulse of Southern Maryland". The alternate url is: somd.com/radio... Thanks! Dean in Southern Maryland (6/5/09)

I really enjoy the arguments on DCRTV about formats and politics, but I do have a point to make about the state of radio. I think we need about 35 more sports stations in DC, and another 15 WHFS clones.. You have to remember Radio is much like Hydrogen. Hydrogen is not an energy resource and neither is Radio. It is an energy (content) carrier. Technology is offering better carriers these days, and instead of Radio providing more relevant and entertaining content, it has offered weaker content that is not as user friendly as other delivery systems. The only hope for Radio now is local, more entertaining, more interesting, more compelling content - - and fewer stations. Let networks use satellite, Internet, cable, and other better carriers. Local stations should be just that, local. Get rid of the duplicated national content and serve your listening area. Stop thinking of Radio as being the attraction, it's just a delivery system. You have to be better or different. Still waiting for Radio to get out of the 1980s. Ed Graham (6/5/09)

Dave, I can't say I understand the "Citizens Journalism" page added not too long ago to the A section of the Washington Times, but the major story on today's Citizen's Journalism page is a well written piece on the impact of proposed pay-for-play legislation on religious and minority broadcasters: www.washingtontimes.com... Deborah Simmons, who I believe was Op-Ed Editor at the Times until recently, gets a cobyline, which suggests that the "citizen's" copy is reworked by someone on staff, or another professional writer, who shares the byline. Anyway, the content of the piece was eye-opening. I was especially struck by Cathy Hughes' comment: "Trying to pay new costs called for in the legislation could silence many black-owned stations and 'force others to abandon their commitment to provide free music, entertainment, news, information and money-losing formats like gospel and black talk,' Mrs. Hughes said recently in an open letter to her 'Radio Family.'" So gospel and black talk are money losing formats? Isn't Radio One invested in both formats? Christian (6/5/09)

I think I speak for every former fox45/Sinclair employee when I say “GOOD” to them losing 85mil in the 1st quarter. They’d lose a lot more if they actually paid people what they should be earning. The Smith’s are total assholes and hope they continue to lose money, you get what you deserve jerks. (6/5/09)

Regarding COMCAST Sportsnet/MASN: I think the CSN' s strategy was very shrewd when it became apparent that they couldn't get the Nats games. They already had the Caps, Wiz and United (and I think the Mystics and Kastles too) and they did a deal with the Redskins to become their official station, broadcast preseason games, get special access, do the Redskins Nation show, etc. Although CSN still covers the Orioles and Ravens, their coverage clearly took a DC area tilt at that point, which only makes sense since DC is the much bigger market. MASN, on the other hand, was already perceived of by DC area sports fans as a Baltimore station due to the Orioles/Angelos ownership connection and, short of simulcasting John Riggins' short lived radio show for a few months and signing up a few DC area college basketball teams' games, MASN hasn't been able to do anything to disabuse DC area residents of that notion. CSN pretty much boxed them in. Now, MASN appears to have given up and accepted life as a smaller market station, since they have saturation Baltimore coverage and make little effort to cater to DC area sports fans, other than the Angelos-tainted Nats connection. Which is fine, since COMCAST Sportsnet does a much better job. (6/5/09)

Dave: Thanks for the answer to my delay question. Has anyone driven up around western Howard/Carroll counties and noticed 88.1 WYPR switching back and forth on a regular FM radio? I think that that may be the point where 88.1 in Baltimore and 88.1 in Frderick are "bumping into each other" but I'm not sure. Howie (6/5/09)

Aw, alfie. I'm so sorry I offended your sensibilities. Where should I send your flowers and candy, sweetcheeks? (6/5/09)

Things that make you go "Hmmm" dept: Why is it that WTOP on 103.5 has a seven second delay, but not WTOP on 1050AM? Why is it that 105.7 maintains a seven second delay for Orioles broadcasts but its affiliates, such as WTTR 1470, don't? Howie (6/5/09)

Dave's response: I'm not an engineer, but I think the delay on 103.5 is in order to sync WTOP's analog signal with its digital HD1 signal. If you're in a weak reception area, especially driving in a car, your HD Radio will cut back and forth between the digital and analog signals, and if they're not perfectly in sync, it'll result in a maddening listening experience.....

R.A. Campbell, who in the early '60s spun classical LPs at WASH-FM and read the news for sister station WDON, shares these details: "The (WDON) AM signal was phone lined (from 11216 Ga. Ave.) to the transmitter building (2647 University Blvd. W.). FM announcers recorded newscasts on an Ampex 350 and fed the AM on cue. I would monitor Don for 'here is Alan Campbell and the news' and I would roll the tape down the line to his console which was then fed to the AM transmitter. (A wire running up the FM tower)." More at: racampbell.tripod.com (6/5/09)

Newspapers - it is starting: "News & Messenger offers e-edition... By Staff... Published: June 4, 2009... A PDF version of the News & Messenger is now available every day via the newspaper’s Web site, www.insidenova.com. Users can follow the link to the e-edition or go directly to newsandmessenger.com to access the electronic version of the newspaper. The e-edition does not replace the content that can be found on insidenova.com but rather gives users an opportunity to read the entire newspaper from front to back online, as it appears in its printed version. All content in the daily paper is replicated in the e-edition, including advertisements and classifieds. The e-edition is being offered at no cost until June 15. After June 15, the e-edition will be free for subscribers to the News & Messenger, but they will have to create an account to access it. Non-subscribers can access the e-edition for $1.60 a week. For more information about subscriptions, contact circulation customer service at 703-369-5556." (6/5/09)

WUSA-TV 9 in DC: Are you reading this? About next Friday's conversion to DTV-- There is one, and I mean only one appropriate way to put your analog signal to bed for the last time.... The classic "Flag Evolution" sign-off that you used in the '70's and '80's, as seen here: www.youtube.com... It appears that other stations around the country who made the flip back in February dug into their archives in the same way (see Youtube also), so how about it? Sure, it may be around the point Letterman's only halfway into his show at midnight, but come on, its a one-shot thing, and a fitting way to end the analog era. (6/5/09)

As the CE of WPGC-FM from 1990-1993, I can assure you that Cook Inlet Radio Partners did not own WTOP during that time, before that time, nor after. We had our own little AM to play with. WTOP was, at the time, (1992) owned by Evergreen which did try to purchase WPGC. Karmazin won that prize because Ginsberg was an idiot who thought he could brow beat Mason into selling it to him. That is as close as WTOP ever came to being partnered with WPGC. An interesting side note, the WTOP history is wrong. The 94.3 booster was not launched until Bonneville had control of the properties. EAB. (6/5/09)

While en-route to Dulles this morning, I heard a *loud* carrier on 1640 while driving through Reston . I presume this is KFP-942, alyhough no ID was heard. However, underneath, and eventually peaking-up as I drove closer to the airport was WGN-874, which was ID'ing on what sounded like an endless loop PROM (As we called such devices back in the stone age!)... I didn't hear CynthIA on Gibraltar Seamship Line's last remaining U.S.-territory outlet, KJI-955, so I could get the traffic/WX on WTOP while driving near their site. -Unsigned Corporate Suit (6/5/09)

Nice job by Vincent in his summary of MASN! Personally I believe the talent structure for the Nats is outstanding. Bob Carpenter is a solid play by play guy, Rob Dibble is okay, (Don Sutton was much more professional and easier on the ears). Nats Xtra gives me everything I want in a pre and post game show. The voice of the Terrapins, Johnny Holliday as the show's host is a Washington legend. His partner Ray Knight has seen it all as a player, manager and broadcaster for ESPN. The Two of them are terrific as a team. The ownership issue of MASN has no effect on the quality of the telecast. It's baseball folks!. Sure it would be more enjoyable if the Nationals were winning more games but hopefully that will come in time. Shawn, Bethesda (6/5/09)

If I recall correctly, Cook Inlet Partners ran WPGC for a while. GAB in the Airless Cubicle (6/5/09)

"The Nats got hosed on the MASN deal and continue to get the shaft. They will ALWAYS be second class citizens on a station run by another team with which they compete for fans. It was a f'ed up deal from day one and MLB completely caved to Angelos. Fact is, I know Nats fans who won't watch the games on television to this day as long as they are on MASN. The area would have been much better served if COMCAST SportsNet got the Nats games." I can see your point regarding CSN's greater familiarity in the Washington area due to the Capitals and Wizards -- teams the Baltimore market is only peripherally interested in -- but I think Washington fans have to get over it...and having little love for Cuban Pete myself, I understand where D.C. folks are coming from. I think MASN does a reasonably fair job in dividing up games. Normally, the team whose game is on first gets the MASN delivery, with the team playing later (further west) going to MASN2. That happened on Washington's western trip last month, and the same thing is currently happening with Baltimore. When the teams are on simultaneously, the slots tend to be allotted based on the opponent; if one team is playing a more high-profile rival (Phils and Mets for the Nats, Yanks and Bosox for the Orioles), they normally get the MASN slot. Okay, so some of the games aren't in HD, but since when is that considered a constuttional right? And again, it appears the two teams are affected equally. If MASN is perceived as a "Baltimore" station, it's because Comcast has locked up most D.C.-oriented programming (Caps, Wizards, United, ACC), leaving MASN with George Mason, Georgetown and little else. As a result, most of its local advertisers are Baltimore-oriented. Would I prefer to have the Nationals on CSN? Sure, but I don't think the broadcast product, or ratings, would necessarily be any better. Once the Nats are a compelling, competitive team, they will draw viewers no matter what station they are on. For now, as I've stated before, they are bad product in a market which hasn't had a thriving baseball culture since the 1930s. -- Vincent in Triangle (6/5/09)

Is there more than one bootleg FM station in our area at 101.7? No sign of the usual EWTN rebroadcast this evening (5:45PM) going thru Annandale, but there was some Kenny G-type saxophone jazz being played and coming in strong along Wilson Blvd heading from Ballston to 7 Corners. This is getting interesting... (6/5/09)

Dear "I Don't Suffer Fools", If you couldn't tell I was being just a bit facetious in my post, than I'll save a place in line for YOU at Brains R Us... (Ha-Ha-Ha) By the way, why do you have to be so nasty in your replies? Don't you have the ability to just correct the misinformed without sounding so freakin' arrogant! alf (6/5/09)

Dear "Unsigned Corporate Suit"... nobody will even care about what? (hahaha) By the way, your posts are some of the most intelligent posts on DCRTV. Refreshing! alf (6/5/09)

What, if anything, can you find out about whats up w/ the 'Alleged' New Pulse 87 here in dc? The station did go dark @midnight June 1st but as of thursday morning, resumed spanish broadcasting. Has mega dropped out of the deal or do we just hafta wait a lil longer?? (6/5/09)

/\ June 5 Messages /\

\/ June 4 Messages \/

Re: "For the roughly two-and-a-half mailbaggers still following the WDON thread..." I wonder who the other one-and-a-half are??? I have been enjoying every bit about this thread. I grew up near Wheaton and WDON was the very first rock 'n roll station I listened to, on my brand new "transistor radio." Later WINX 1600 and WPGC 1580 and WCAO 600. And listened to WABC and WBZ at night on the car radio. Robert in Arlington (6/4/09)

Time for Fred Klimes to come in from that picnic table behind the WCBM transmitter room at 68 Music Fair Road and offer up the story behind the WDON move from University Boulevard to Georgia Avenue. Why Fred, why? For extra credit, I volunteer that the record store that was once located in the 11200 block of Georgia Avenue was Band Box Music. It was next to the veterinary hospital. Band Box later relocated to the corner of Veirs Mill Road and Ennalls Avenue. The site later became a Duron Paint store, and is now part of the Chuck Levin complex. Somebody please stop me before I totally geeze out. (6/4/09)

Noticing an open carrier on 87.7 with no ID's and no sign of the Spanish language Christian progranning taht had been there. Looks like "The Pulse" is about to start... I wonder how much promotion their launch is going to get? Or, has radio become such a collective yawn, that nobody will even care? Unsigned Corporate Suit (6/4/09)

alf: The "Idiot!" at the end of the post wasn't a signature. It was a reference to the moron who repeatedly demonstrated their stupidity by claiming that Dan Mason ran WTOP and Cook Inlet Partners owned WTOP, something that anyone with the slightest knowledge of the Washington radio market over the past two decades knows is false. Now you need to head over to Brains R Us. Your order is waiting at the "Lack of Reading Comprehension" window. That nasty enough for you? Sign me, I Don't Suffer Fools! (6/4/09)

Is the move of La Martucci to noon by request? I've thought the Noon news on channel 9 carried a lot more news than the three ring circus that the morning show is. Is La Martucci moving to Noon to bring her act to the show with the possible departure of J.C. Hayward? Speaking of the channel 9 morning progrum maybe when the gals are seated in them director's chairs for a chit chat the camera angle could go be just a wee bit lower. You know like with Fox News Babes. But now that Mr. Bernstein is moving to mornings that kind of messes up the image. I like watching Ms. Dhindsa playing with her copy on channel 5 but now seem to be bringing the camera way in close so don't get to see Ms. Dhindsa playing with her copy. Amnd now with the impending switch over to digital over tha ir tv I says it all sucks! The supposed superior signal strength of digital is just bull sh8t. It all sucks. And I love that old dj. jive talk of Scott Shannon. I miss that kind of dj patter of yore. Clap for the WOLFMAN! (6/4/09)

For the roughly two-and-a-half mailbaggers still following the WDON thread... The 1961-62 Broadcasting Yearbook first lists the 11216 Georgia Avenue address for WDON's studios. The 1972 Broadcasting Yearbook shows the address back at 2647 University Blvd W again. Here's Google Maps' Street View of the location today, "Mangos Mercado Latino Y Deli": DCMemories.com... The Dunkin' Donuts is still there, but just like 1540 AM itself, the shopping strip now caters to a latino audience. As for the year that the station went to a C&W format, early 1964 sounds right. In her December 1963 interview in the Washington Post, Jean Dillard mentioned that the Dillards' stations had already started playing country music early in the mornings. DCMemories.com... I guess the response to that format was strong enough to warrant a full-time switch. The Dillards sold the AM in June 1974 and Don's radio career ended. (Of course, John Kluge's Metromedia had already bought WASH-FM in July 1968.) (6/4/09)

I'm going to be selfish here and ask all of you to help some hardworking people keep their jobs. If you haven't heard, record labels (as if they don't already make enough $$) are lobbying Congress to pass the Performance Tax, which would make radio stations all across the county pay to air music, basically. I'm not trying to be political here, but read the following and make whatever decision is right for you. The recording industry is lobbying Congress to pass legislation that would require radio stations to pay a new royalty for every song broadcast over-the-air. Congress has repeatedly rejected this idea on the grounds that there is a mutually beneficial relationship between record labels and artists, on the one hand, and radio stations, on the other. However, the threat of passage is now greater than in the past. Historically, Radio does not pay for the right to “perform” music over the air, and the recording industry does not pay Radio for the value of the airplay we provide. Rather, the airplay results in significant promotional value accruing to the record labels and artists, and we benefit from use of the content. This Performance Tax legislation would upend this fair and historical balance, and forever change Radio as we currently know it. We must ask for your support to prevent this legislation from becoming a reality. Please go to saveyourradio.com to learn more about what the labels are proposing, and sign a petition opposing the Performance Tax. This petition will be distributed to Members of Congress. I think, at one time or another during our day, each of us enjoys listening to our favorite format - whether you're driving, waiting to pick up kids, cooking or washing dishes in the kitchen - whatever. Let's do what we can to keep it that way. Thank you - we'll return you to your regular programming now. (6/4/09)

RE: [[Cook Inlet Partners NEVER owned WTOP. Go to WTOP.com, and check out the station's History page after you go to Brains R Us to pick up your waiting order. Idiot!]] *** Another nasty post... but why does he sign it, "Idiot"? Does he think we can't figure THAT out? alf (6/4/09)

"I can verify that WDON studios were in a store front on Viers Mill Road" I think that the gentleman is confusing Viers Mill Road with Georgia Avenue. WDON's studio was located in a small recessed shopping center on the east side of Georgia Ave. The shopping center also contained a record store and a bookstore. It was about two blocks south of the intersection of University Blvd and Georgia Ave. Another tidbit that I have not seen mentioned is that WASH, on University Blvd, had large block letters "WASH' on the front of their building. It was not uncommon for women to show up with baskets filled with laundary thinking that it was a laundromat. (6/4/09)

I’ve heard everything from Offspring to POTUSA to Buddy Guy and Bill Kirchen so far, so good. Dean in Southern MD 95.9 The Ranch "The Sound of Texas radiotime.com (6/4/09)

I have a feeling WX KIM has learned a valuable lesson: you can NEVER trust Toppy and Howie. Tootles! (6/4/09)

Also in the mix to acquire some supermarkets is an investment firm owned by Dolly Parton. The company is trying to buy HarrisTeeters, Big Star and Piggly Wiggly. The new corporation will operate under the name of Big Wiggly Teeters. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (6/4/09)

Dave's response: Add Giant Food - Big Giant Wiggly Teeters.....

RE: [I just love how you leftists call people like Limbaugh and Hannity polarizing...What happened to all of the tolerance and inclusivity you guys champion?] Certainly "Us Leftists" do display plenty of tolerance for those who express an opposing viewpoint, and are tolerant of respectful debate. The difference is, Limbaugh and Hannity ARE blatantly polarizing, and "Us Leftists" simply have no tolerance for racial bigotry (Barack the Magic Negro, Rush's pronunciation of "Reverend Jackson, etc.), homophobia (calling someone a Limp-wristed Pansy, Lisping mockery, calling Barney Frank "The Banking Queen", etc), sexism (Calling any woman a "feminazi", or pretty much anything else Limbaugh has to say about women), outright deceit (selectively editing quotes, promotion of debunked rumors, etc.), fabrication (Obama supports infanticide, Nancy Pelosi demanded a larger jet, Sotomayor hates white men, etc.) and hypocrisy (Republican judicial nominees under Bush deserved an "up or down" vote, while democratic nominees under Obama deserve "long and careful consideration" and filibuster must be ruled out). Those are just the tip of the iceberg, Pal. There are plenty more examples are available if needed. (6/4/09)

Will Mormons save iBiquity by purchasing HD radios? I don't get the purpose of the switch from traffic & weather to sermons and quoting from the Book of Mormon. They are both just voice so couldn't the bitrate be reduced to have an HD4? It's supposed to be technically possible but perhaps only on an HD-only station--as if that's going to happen with the few HD radios out there. Dolly Parton would be funnier in the "Giant Teeters" joke. Pamela Anderson just makes me think of hepatitus. Most of the time, JackFM's analog signal is ok for coming from Baltimore but couldn't a DC FMer put it on an HD sub-channel? Some days Jack doesn't make it down here at all. (6/4/09)

The posts concerning WDON, Don Dillard, etc. have brought back many memories to me. I was Chief Engineer for WDON and WASH from 1962-1968. I can verify that WDON studios were in a store front on Viers Mill Road. The studios for WASH and both transmitters were in the building on University Boulevard. (I thank the person who posted the recent picture) The business offices for both stations and Commercial Radio Equipment Company were on F Street in downtown Washington. During my time there I completed the installation of an RCA BTA-R AM transmitter to replace the one built by Everett Dillard and raise the WDON power from 250 to 1000 watts. I guess that I could write a book about those stations, about building WETA-FM in 1970, about my experiences as Chief Engineer of WCBM 1976-1988, and my contract engineering (Hytek Services Co,) for many stations. However, that would be too long and boring to put here. So, I will continue to lurk on this site and enjoy comments from other people whom I've met along the way. Fred K. , Finksburg, Md. (6/4/09)

Dave, while I applaud a seeming step in the right direction, I'm sorry, but no announcement regarding HD Radio, not even the "resurrection" of HFS, is big news. It's basically like saying that The Godfather is being released on HD-DVD the day AFTER Toshiba killed the format. HD Radio is a market non-starter, wanted by almost nobody, available to few, and damaging analog signals coast to coast. I'll get excited when it comes back on a real station which I can receive with good reliability on any radio manufactured for the last ~40 years. Bob in Forest Hill (6/4/09)

Dave's response: I agree with your assessment on HD Radio. But the "new" WHFS will also be available via a webstream, and, in a few years, we'll all be able to get that in our cars.....

So…Kim Martucci is going to be on 9am and noon newscasts from now on. Something might be up, because one has to think, with the weekend morning newscasts gone, that either (or both) of those shows is next on WUSA’s chopping block, especially if JC Hayward ever bows out. BG (6/4/09)

Cook Inlet Partners NEVER owned WTOP. Go to WTOP.com, and check out the station's History page after you go to Brains R Us to pick up your waiting order. Idiot! (6/4/09)

I just love how you leftists call people like Limbaugh and Hannity polarizing simply because they don't agree with your twisted and delusional views. Have you ever listened to Rush? Probably not. The polarization lies with you and other like-minded non thinkers. What happened to all of the tolerance and inclusivity you guys champion? Frauds! (6/4/09)

"Dan Mason never "ran" WTOP. In the mid-70s, Dan was PD of WPGC when it was owned by First Media (an enterprise of the Marriott family). After a stint as a GM in San Antonio, Dan returned to First Media as its president." Right only as far as you go. When First Media became Cook Inlet Partners, Dan was named President and they bought WTOP. Dan headed Cook Inlet Partners (WTOP was their biggest station) from about 1988 until he went to Group W in 1993. So he did so run WTOP. (6/4/09)

(" Pamela Anderson is in talks to acquire both the Harris Teeter and Giant supermarket chains. New name of the company "Giant Teeters") Which reminds me of my younger days growing up in beautiful Laurel, MD in the 60's and 70's - looking out of my brother's bedroom window toward the huge, neon GIANT FOOD sign glimmering 1.5 miles away at the Laurel Shopping Center (our house was at the highest point in town; and before the trees in the distance outgrew the view, you could see the neon signs downtown from his room). The sign consisted of 9 separate neon tube clusters; one per letter. Every now and then, one or more would be out of service and you would be presented with the following variations: (a) ANT FOOD; (b) IAN FOOD; (c) GNT FOOD; and my personal favorite (d) GIANT FOO! Smokey Stover. (6/4/09)

Cant stan kasten convince baseball to let them out of MASN deal and possibly sign on with CSN ? Then you can have MASN as a 99% Baltimore station and same for CSN in DC. (6/4/09)

(Effective Monday, Howard Bernstein will do the 5-to-7 AM newscast, Kim Martucci will be on WUSA's noon news. Martucci will continue on WUSA's 9 AM newscast.) It’s about time that redheaded Lurch was on the bottom and I’m sure that fiancé who “proposed” live on WUSA to her will be relieved to get the lug off of him: she’s a babymaker (“That’s a man baby!”) in waiting. No if we could just get that uber hottie traffic gal Angie Goff and the former Swedish porn star Anita Brikman to show us a little more skin things would be better at what’s left of channel 9. Maybe have them making out in their bikinees doing a traffic story in front of the Bay Bridge on a Saturday morning? (6/4/09)

RE: "NO way Dan Mason is gonna piss off WTOP (which he used to run, if you recall)." Dan Mason never "ran" WTOP. In the mid-70s, Dan was PD of WPGC when it was owned by First Media (an enterprise of the Marriott family). After a stint as a GM in San Antonio, Dan returned to First Media as its president. It's just a different bunch of Mormons. (6/4/09)

(Dave's response: A very smart move for Bonneville. They're LEASING the station to Air America. Just sit back and collect those rent checks for a dink-watt station that no one listens to anyway. Brilliant. Oh, I still think CBS should start a headline-based news/traffic/weather service on 94.7 and give TOP some competition - "News 24/7 On 94.7, The News Globe, WTGB".....) Dave, I agree the the LMA of 1050 by Bonneville is a very smart move. But look at the combined news shares of WTOP and WAMU. There's no room left for a third news station in this market! These two stations have sucked all of the oxygen out of the room. Besides, CBS would never take on WTOP. Not just because news is an expensive format, but because the CBS Radio Network would lose the biggest afiliate they have that isn't an owned and operated (o and o) radio station in their entire line-up. NO way Dan Mason is gonna piss off WTOP (which he used to run, if you recall). (6/4/09)

Howie: you will never convince me that the Nats having their television rights controlled by another team that is competing for many of the same fans isn't a complete screw job. Stan Kasten has publicly expressed frustration of the lack of control of television rights and he's right. (6/4/09)

The following was forwarded to DCRTV by the author.....

From: Art Brodsky, Subject: a modest suggestion for Bonneville, To: dhorowitz@bonnevillechicago.com.... Mr. Horowitz, I'm Art Brodsky, from the Washington, D.C. market. I hope you don't mind if I write with a modest suggestion for you -- to switch Washington's Federal News Radio to an Air America affiliate. Before you hit the Delete button on this note, let me give you the quick reasons why I think you should consider it: 1) Demographics. We are a wealthy, very Democratic area with a large politically attuned audience. 2) Air America wasn't given a fair chance. Yes, I know Red Zebra pulled the plug on AA and its books were terrible. On the other hand, there signal is terrible. I know, because as a dedicated listener, it was a challenge to hear AM 1260 when near power lines or when it got dark. And there was no promotion at all for the station. 3) Bonneville is better suited to Air America. You have a lot more advantages -- far superior signal, far better promotional muscle and a better organization overall. With those factors, plus some local content mixed in with the syndicated shows, you could make a real difference here and in the national political dialog. I'm not proposing this simply to have progressive talk in Washington. As a business matter, I think Bonneville could do well executing a plan that frankly didn't have much of a chance of success. and make the station a real standout operation while blowing WMAL out of the water. You could sign a contract with AA for a couple of years to see how it goes. It couldn't be much worse than what you have now, and the upside has vast potential. Thanks again for your time. rgds, Art Brodsky, Olney, MD (6/4/09)

(regarding a previous post) "So Air America will be on 1050 AM. We will see how long that lasts, since they have maybe 50 listeners at once." Dear Sir or Madam: I will personally donate $100 to your favorite charity if you can provide proof of your stupid claim about the size of the Air America Radio listening audience. Just forward the info to DCRTV Dave. I'll trust him to verify the 'proof' you submit and he'll let me know where to send the check.) Look at the ratings for Air America in the past and now. And they declared bankruptcy a couple years ago. The facts speak for themselves. (6/4/09)

Any news on why the weather people are switching places on Channel 9? Howard to mornings and Kim to mid-day? Sterling Jones (6/4/09)

I've heard that AA is going to put Lionel on in the morning. Personally, I can't stand the guy... (6/4/09)

(quote) Wow, those clever folks at Bonneville... add left wing nutjob programming on one station that no one was or will ever listen to, then add Mormon right wing nutjob propaganda to another! (end) Not so clever... take away the "Mormon" qualifier and you have exactly what Red Zebra did with 570 and 1260 only a few months ago. I don't think that financial fluff would have appeared on WWDC if 700 WDMV hadn't mismangled itself and skidded into a ditch last year. (6/4/09)

"RE: I always used the R & R website to check up on the Arbitron ratings for various markets around the country." I'll now use RadioDailyNews... Bob/VARTV (6/4/09)

FYI, EL Rushbo is also heard daily on WFMD AM 930 in Frederick, MD. And we thank them for that. (6/4/09)

Dave's response: Frederick schmedrick.....

Wow, those clever folks at Bonneville... add left wing nutjob programming on one station that no one was or will ever listen to, then add Mormon right wing nutjob propaganda to another! Too funny! Why CBS or Clear Channel has not attempted to do a standard all news format in DC astounds me to this day. I realize it's costly and will bleed money for quite some time, but ultimately, I think Bonneville is nutty enough of a company to be beaten. Is everyone in DC afraid of Mormons or something? Competition is good. (6/4/09)

Dave's response: A very smart move for Bonneville. They're LEASING the station to Air America. Just sit back and collect those rent checks for a dink-watt station that no one listens to anyway. Brilliant. Oh, I still think CBS should start a headline-based news/traffic/weather service on 94.7 and give TOP some competition - "News 24/7 On 94.7, The News Globe, WTGB".....

Is Dick Lillard still around? Dick hosted shows on the old Bethesda WHFS and Baltimore's 98 Rock called "The Roots of Rock and Roll", which were very good shows. (6/4/09)

Regarding the folding of R&R, Television Week magazine announced that this week’s print edition is their last. Their website will continue, however. (6/4/09)

What has happened to the Baltimore Sun reporting on the local TV ratings? Did that person get canned? (6/4/09)

I've lived through the old Senators and the new Nationals, Griffith Stadium, RFK Stadium and the new park. The team in DC (whatever they have been, are, or will be called) has not and will never draw well on a consistent basis. DC's population is too transient, the product has always been mediocre at best, and as a spectator sport, baseball is boooring to watch. (6/4/09)

The Nats didn't get hosed on the MASN deal. MLB may have been, but not the Nats. The Nats are getting paid at least what they would have were they on CSN, plus they're gaining a stake in the company. And if the Nats were on CSN and the ratings were similar, CSN would be seeking rebates or at least a smaller contract the next time. MASN has to keep paying based on a set formula regardless of ratings. I doubt that the average casual sports fan in DC really thinks about the MASN deal and Angelos before he/she decides whether or not to turn on the Nats game. That behavior would be reserved for a few diehards. For those who won't watch, I personally think the Nats coverage has been pretty good with Carpenter and Dibble and the Nats Xtra team is always solid. Howie (6/4/09)

Why shouldn't "Radio and Records" go out of business? Both industries in its title have been intent on putting themselves out of business for a long time now. ~~CA in BC (6/4/09)

Dave's response: What did a print subscription to R&R costs per year? Many many hundreds of dollars. And, in this recession, with layoffs abounding, what's the first thing radio stations are gonna cut? Subscriptions to trade pubs. And, with many programming decisions, especially music playlists, coming from a central corporate office these days, people at the local stations don't have such a need to see the national radio music stats that R&R and the other trade pubs provided. Plus, now radio folks can get their news from free sources all over the web, including All Access and DCRTV. All bad news for R&R.....

("Bonneville To Lease 1050 To Air America - 6/3 - First on DCRTV. Bonneville has signed a deal to lease the signal of 1050 AM, currently a relay of all-newser WTOP (and currently sporting the WTOP-AM calls), to political lefty talk radio network Air America.") Damn…and once again I'll likely lose the only reliable traffic I can get on the AM radios in my antique cars… (6/4/09)

Dave, Please look into WTOP using it's HD3 channel for the Mormon Channel, instead of the previous all traffic and weather. I bought an HD radio (I know, I know) because of the traffic and weather, and now I feel like it was a bait-and-switch. Thanks (6/4/09)

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