Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2006 > June
June 2006
6/30: Jimmy won’t be on GST after all
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former 99Xer Jimmy Baron was given a weeklong sub gig for the Kimmer next week, July 3-7. But he got himself in trouble because of some offhand comments he made on his blog about Kimmer’s modest number of listeners possibly lynching him (jokingly, of course) and that GST boss Randall Bloomquist told him not to worry about ruffling feathers. Jimmy told me the Kimmer got steamed and so did some sales people there. So Jimmy won’t be on GST after all. “I was fired,” he said, with a mixture of regret and bemusement.
“If you want to play on the team, you gotta support the team,” Randall said Friday afternoon. “We didn’t care for the characterization of the audience [by Jimmy].” Still, he added, “we might work together down the road. Just not right now.”
Instead, he’s using a talks how host from Las VEgas named John David Wells to work Monday through Thursday. Eric Von Haessler from the Regular Guys will fly solo on Friday.
The lesson: blogs can get you in trouble. (His wife Lisa, a PR gal and Sunday Paper columnist, questioned him about posting such comments. So sometimes, yes, the spouse is right.) Then again, Jimmy and GST in its current incarnation isn’t a natural fit anyway.
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6/30: Hot 107.9 creator steps down
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mary Catherine Sneed, not a household name outside of radio circles, is leaving Radio One, which operates more than 70 radio stations nationwide including four in Atlanta. She had been chief operating officer since 1998 but will be known locally as the exec who helped launch Hot 97.5 (now Hot 107.9) as Atlanta’s first hip-hop station in 1995. That shook the foundations of V-103, which soon added Greg Street and began playing rap. She also boosted Ryan Cameron’s career by giving him the morning show slot before a contract dispute 18 months ago led to his return back to V-103. As a white female, she also overcame stereotypes to become a well-respected radio programmer and wheeler dealer in the hip-hop world. Not coincidentally, Radio One is led by Cathy Hughes, a strong black woman.
“I am going back to consulting,” Sneed told Billboard Radio Monitor. “I think I have a lot to offer in the urban field both in sales and programming. I also want to consult Hispanic stations on sales, which is a wide open field and reminds me of where urban radio was 15 years ago.”
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6/30: Paris Hilton single
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Paris Hilton attempting a singing career sounds like a bad idea. In fact, her notoriety is what many may say is the reason she even has a record, not necessarily any actual talent.
But our music critic Nick Marino Friday wrote about how the song “Stars are Blind” is actually frothy reggae fun along the lines of Blondie’s “The Tide is High.” Her vocals are breathy and oddly coy. Both Q100 and Star 94 have jumped on the song. It’s now the 10th most played song on Q100 with 40 spins the past week and the 21st most played song on Star 94 with 30 spins. Nationally, after about a month out, the song is up to 24 from 30 a week earlier, according to allaccess.com. It’s likely to hit the top 10 given its rate of momentum.
The question is: would folks like the song more if they didn’t know it was Paris Hilton? Would that very knowledge color listeners’ opinions good or bad? Q100’s Melissa Carter said she was inclined to hate the song but can’t help but like it. I get a sense a lot of people feel the same way. For folks who have heard “Stars are Blind,” do you fall into Melissa’s camp? Or does the fact it’s Paris make it impossible for you to like it?
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6/30: Internet radio study
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s an interesting study showing that 40% of folks (but more likely if you’re younger) go to specialized Web sites to listen to streaming music rather than AM/FM station streams. More details here
hear2.0: Users Like Internet Radio, But… June 29, 2006 By Chuck Taylor, Billboard magazine
A new survey from hear2.0 says that among those Americans who have listened to streaming Internet radio, 40% do so at specialized sites such as Live 365, Launchcast or Yahoo Music. However, more listen to online radio at local or distant radio station sites. Further, online radio usage of these specialized sites is dramatically higher than for radio station sites among persons 12-34.
The research is based on a 1,000-person nationwide telephone study of persons aged 12-54.
In total, 40% of online radio listeners say they’ve tuned in a specialty Internet radio site, while 26% said they had listened to local radio stations online and 22% reported listening to Web sites of distant stations. Usage of specialized Internet radio sites was dramatically higher than local or distant radio sites among persons 12-24, marginally higher among persons 25-34 and in a dead heat with local and distant radio over age 34.
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6/29: WGKA-AM shuffles lineup, triples signal
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With Dave Ramsey moving to 640/WGST-AM, 920/WGKA-AM shuffled its lineup. Today, Mike Gallagher moves from 9 p.m. to midnight to the noon to 3 p.m. spot against Rush over at WGST. Dennis Prager gets bumped from noon to 2 p.m. to Gallagher’s old spot. Michael Medved gets an extra hour, now going from 3 to 6 p.m. Bill Bennett (6-9 a.m.), Laura Ingraham (9 to noon) and Hugh Hewitt (6 to 9 p.m.) remain the same.
All the talkers are syndicated. The station, which started at 920 in August 2004, said it might consider a local talker during weekdays as early as 2007.
WGKA recently added their own traffic person Chris Monroe, formerly of WGST. And they’re using the Weather Channel.
And the station, if you haven’t noticed, amped up its signal three weeks ago, basically tripling its power. “Our footprint, we’ve added a million people to 3 million,” said Jeff Carter, operations manager.
By the way, for those who saw it earlier, I had posted an email Lanny West, 99X PD Leslie Fram’s hubby, a few hours ago. He just requested I remove it though he never explicitly said I couldn’t post it. As a courtesy, I took it down. The contents basically attacks the credibility of former 99Xers Chris Williams and Whip, defends his wife Leslie and disparages my journalistic abilities without pointing out any inaccuracies in the story I wrote on Sunday.
Here was his followup email (which he didn’t ask NOT to be printed so here it is). I do like the fact he .cced it to his attorney Jay Max Davis.
Rodney,
The email was sent to you personally and not to the blog as I stated in the body of the email. No I did not specifically say not to post the email but that was implied when I stated that I was not looking for ink on this but rather to share accurate information. Please remove the email from your blog.
I am sending this request to my attorney as well.
Thank you and that you for your time.
Lanny West
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6/28: Star adds Dixie Chicks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While Kicks and Eagle, the two country stations, continue to keep the Dixie Chicks off their playlists due to listener feedback, top 40 station Star 94 has started playing the Chicks’ first single “Not Ready to Make Nice.” I heard it last night and it caught me offguard.
The album “Taking the Long Way” has sold more than 1 million copies in its first month largely without radio airplay. Nationally, the single barely scraped the Billboard country top 40 a few weeks back. It’s already falling off the Billboard Pop 100 chart, ranked at no. 40 this week after peaking at 23. It peaked at No. 32 on the AC chart and is now at No. 35.
“Star 94 is not trying to make any political statement,” said Mark Kanov, Star 94’s veteran general manager. “We’re not saying what they said was good or bad or right or wrong. The music they’re playing is good. People are buying their music. We’ve gotten lots of calls from people asking us to play it.”
He said, so far, reaction has been 75 to 80 percent positive, 20 to 25 percent negative. “We’ll play it awhile, get reaction and test it.”
“The fact that country radio has abandoned them is their prerogative,” Kanov added. “We think the music speaks for itself.”
Before Natalie Maines’ anti-Bush statements in 2003, the Dixie Chicks were one of the top country radio acts in the country with hits such as “Ready to Run,” “Long Time Gone” and “Travelin’ Soldier.” The trio even had a crossover hit with a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” which was played on Lite 94.9, B98.5 and Star 94, among others.
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6/28: Dave Ramsey on WGST nights
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With Phil Hendrie “retiring” from radio and pursuing an acting career, WGST-AM is replacing him with consumer advice man Dave Ramsey, a syndicatd talker who had been on 920 WGKA-AM. He’ll be heard from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. His press release says he is heard on 280 radio stations nationwide with 2 million weekly listeners.
“We have built a strong presence in Atlanta over the last couple years on our former affiliate,” said Bill Hampton, executive vice president of “The Dave Ramsey Show,” in the press release. “To be able to carry that momentum over to WGST is exciting for us. We seem to be saying this a lot lately, but adding WGST to our affiliate list is yet another validation for our program. I’m very happy for Dave and our whole team.”
Listeners from across the country call in daily to ask Ramsey about: how to stop fighting with their spouse, teach their kids about money, save for retirement, kick a gambling habit, get out of debt and other life issues they are struggling with. Recent theme hours include “twentysomethings,” “real estate,” “women only,” “plasectomies” and of course “Debt Free Friday” – where listeners call in to tell Ramsey how much debt they have paid off and that they are now DEBT FREE!
To ask Ramsey a question, call in during the show at 1-888-825-5225 or send an e-mail to daveonair@daveramsey.com. For more information about “The Dave Ramsey Show” visit www.daveramsey.com.
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6/27: Rashan Ali is pregnant
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rashan Ali, co-host of the A Team on Hot 107.9, is pregnant with her first child. She and her husband of four years Brian are due in December. She said she’s had a smooth first trimester. No morning sickness, which is causing rampant jealousy among her friends.
Jimmy Baron’s blog
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
http://www.myspace.com/jimmybaron
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6/27: The Regular Guys
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Larry Wachs of the Regular Guys called me this morning to complain about something. I wasn’t sure at the time what he had in mind, but he said it was because of my 99X story on Sunday. I had written about how the station has lost its ratings and he was wondering why I didn’t give the Regular Guys credit for helping knock down the Morning X in the 1998-2004 period. In retrospect, I admitted I should have at least mentioned it because it is true: the Regular Guys did impact the Morning X numbers. But I said I was thinking in a broader station sense and that was an omission. Still, the mornings do drive stations like 99X and as the morning show weakened, so did the rest of the station. And even when the Regular Guys were gone for a year from spring 2004 to spring 2005 after that infamous indecency snafu, 99X was unable to take advantage of their absence.
With 99X’s morning show in transition, the Regular Guys should do well this spring. Their ratings numbers are solid but not quite where they were during their peak in 2002-04.
6/27: Back to the ATL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was on vacation last week in Honololul/Waikiki. I did get to listen to a little Hawaiian radio. The jocks in general were often pretty mediocre compared to what we get here in Atlanta, which isn’t surprising given the size of the market. Cox, which owns WSB-AM, Kiss, the Beat and B98.5, has several stations there including Crater 96.3. I actually heard this: “We’re voted No. 1 in Hawaii for most music while you work.” Democracy at work — in Atlanta and Honolulu!
6/23: 99X story
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My 99X story, which I should have gotten in the paper ages ago, is finally in this Sunday’s paper and online now.
Tell me what you think. What does 99X need to do to regain its footing? Is it already on its way? What type of morning show does the station need?
6/23: Baron subbing for Kimmer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former 99X morning host Jimmy Baron, in an interesting experiment, will be subbing for the Kimmer on WGST July 3-7 from 3 to 7 p.m. after Rush. Will the eclectic thoughts of Baron fit the post-Rush audience? Does this actually mean anything? Who knows?
Baron did a one-night sub for Chris Krok a few weeks ago with Mark Arum on WSB-AM (though that didn’t really mean he was trying out. It was more for fun.) And he has tried out for a job at a news/talk station in San Francisco, which is still a possibility. 99watch.org reports he did another test run with Free FM 106.9 in SF this week with Christopher Calandro producing.
6/22: Wylie takes over afternoons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I haven’t been able to reach anybody at Kicks about whether Bill Cellar goes back to middays but here’s the info they released by press release. I also don’t know about the status of Sandy Weaver just yet.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WYLIE ROSE MOVES TO AFTERNOONS AT KICKS
Thursday June 22, 2006 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Richards, Operations Manager, Kicks 101.5 WKHX-FM, Atlanta, GA An ABC Radio station 770-521-1015
ATLANTA GA – KICKS evening personality Wylie Rose announced as the new afternoon host. “Wylie has a passion for the music, and a passion for everything country,” said ABC Radio Atlanta President and General Manager, Victor Sansone.
Rose is a ten-year radio veteran, with all of her radio work in Georgia. She has previous afternoon and morning show experience in Macon, Georgia, and Athens, Georgia.
She fills the afternoon host vacancy left when afternoon talent, Cadillac Jack, moved to host the KICKS Morning Show on May 22nd of this year.
According to Mark Richards, Operations Manager, “Wylie has a contagious personality. She lives the life of our listeners; she is a fan of the music; and really has her finger on the pulse of Atlanta.” I am thrilled Wylie will be driving all of us home on KICKS.”
“KICKS has always been the station where I wanted to be. This is a fantastic way to celebrate my four years at the station!” said Wylie Rose.
Rose will take over as The New KICKS Afternoon Host, immediately.
6/22: Geller in “creative straitjacket”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s an email i got today from Geller after he left Q100 a few days ago. Clearly, he does not like the changes made by new management. He made it sound like a mutual agreement that things weren’t working out. (He also like one sentence paragraphs. I also fixed any spelling errs. Else, it’s verbatim)
Hey Brotha,
Sorry about the delay in response. I’ve just been getting my thoughts together.
First off, Thanks for all the nice Q100 words you have given me and my former TEAM in the past. Much appreciated.
Here is my deal.
I have never been more proud to work with the team that was in place at Q100.
It was a dream.
It was fun.
It is what you work an entire career for.
I have NOTHING bad to say about ANYONE at Q100. They are ALL amazing talents.
I however, was not happy.
For the first time in 8 years I was NOT happy going into work.
The main reason for this was the formatic changes made on WWWQ.
Dylan allowed us to be ourselves. To do a show. This is soooooo rare in todays Top40, CHR world.
I love him for that. He is a genius in my mind, and a REALLY good person.
Formatic changes were made to Q100. Changes that halted that approach.
To put it simply, I felt my what I loved about Q100 was taken away.
I am a creative person. I don’t do radio for the money or any other reason.
I do it because it allows me the creative outlet I need. I love that.
I felt I was in a creative straightjacket.
I simply was not happy.
I was not what they are looking for.
It was agreed we should go our seperate ways.
I am now looking for another gig. A show. A small market morning show would be ideal.
Somewhere I can learn how to execute a morning show, and maybe be as good as Mr Weiss.
I can only hope to be that good.
I never expected to last 3 months in Atlanta, and I’m very thanful for everything that has happened to me.
I have NO negative feelings. Everything is ALWAYS for the best.
Its simply a time for me to find a new challenge. Something that will let me rediscover my passion for radio .
I hope you are well.
Thanks again.
best, G
6/22: Interesting take on 102.5
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a radio expert’s take on the breakthrough that is 102.5, now a hybrid R&B/black talk station with a lineup of Harvey/Dyson/Sharpton/Baisden. It’s kind of inside baseball but potentially interesting if you like that type of thing.
6/21: Harvey impressions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m not around this week to hear Steve Harvey in his first week airing in Atlanta. How does he sound? What do you like or dislike so far compared to SiMan? And how is SiMan doing at night?
6/21: Krok getting tasered
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just like Fred Powers a couple of years ago on WGCL-TV, WSB-TV night-time talker Chris Krok is going to get tasered to show it’s a safe and effective way to subdue a perp.
Here’s the press release:
MEDIA ADVISORY NEWS/TALK 750 WSB HOST STUNNED WITH TASER GUN Nighttime Host Chris Krok Personally Demonstrates Stun Gun Safety
WHO: KrokTalk Host Chris Krok 10pm-2am weeknights on News/Talk 750 WSB
WHAT: Hit with a TASER gun
WHEN: Wednesday, June 21, 2006
TIME: 10:00 p.m.
WHERE: News/Talk 750 WSB 1601 West Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30309
Chris Krok, host of KrokTalk weeknights from 10pm until 2am on News/Talk 750 WSB believes stun gun or TASER use by law enforcement actually saves lives and is willing to be “tased” to prove his point.
“People demonize cops for using TASER saying they’re bad and cost lives,” Krok said. “I know they save lives, and to prove it, I’m going to put my money where my mouth is and get tased myself.” Krok will demonstrate the use of the TASER during his live broadcast on Wednesday, June 21st at 10pm. This month the Justice Department announced plans to study the use of electrical stun guns also known as neuromuscular incapacitation devices (NMIDs) by law enforcement personnel over traditional lethal and non-lethal weapons.
News/Talk 750 WSB is Atlanta’s source for news, weather, traffic, and entertaining and informative talk. WSB is also the home to nationally syndicated talk show host Neal Boortz and consumer watchdog Clark Howard. The station is owned and operated by Cox Radio Inc. (CXR), which is one of the largest radio broadcasting companies in the United States, owning 79 stations in 18 markets.
6/20: Geller gone from Q100
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
According to www.allaccess.com, Q100 night-time guy Geller is out after about two years. Not sure why yet but the station changed ownership last month so changes are inevitable. (Getting rid of, then bringing back Jamie Massey has been the other major move so far.) Geller wasn’t there as long as his predecessor Jeff Miles, who left for a station on San Francisco and is now middays as “Cruz” at Kiss in Dallas, Bert’s old station. Here’s his page
So were you a fan of Geller? Not? Any good ideas for replacements in town among the unemployed (or underemployed) jocks?
Here’s Geller’s myspace if you want to send him a note.
And the job opening at the web site
FT On-Air Personality
LOCATION: Cumulus Atlanta 780 Johnson Ferry Road, 5th Floor Atlanta, GA 30342
SUPERVISOR: Dylan Sprague, Programming Director EXPERIENCE/
SKILLS Must have at least 2-3 years experience on-air in a large/medium market – only candidates with this experience will be considered. In addition, candidates should have production skills; knowledge of FCC rules and regulations; and experience operating a control board, remote broadcasting equipment and other related equipment.
JOB SUMMARY:
The basic job function is to host on-air from 6pm-11 pm, Monday-Saturday.
NOTE: Employees must have six months of service in their present position, and a fully competent performance rating to be eligible to apply for a posted position.
CONTACT:
Please mail, e-mail, or fax resume, salary requirements and MP3 file of voicework to:
Lisa Doyle Kelly
Market Controller and HR Manager
Email: Lisa.Kelly@cumulus.com
Fax: 404-497-4714
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
6/20: Question of the day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Someone over at www.radio-info.com said they don’t like the Regular Guys since they came back to 96rock. (Larry Wachs and Eric Von Haessler were taken off the air for a year after an indecency snafu in March of 2004 but returned to 96rock in the spring of last year.). The only major differences are tightened indecency rules that makes it tougher for them to talk about sex and the absence of Southside Steve Rickman. Question: do you think the show is better, worse or the same as it was before 2004? Would bringing back Southside Steve help or hurt? Do you think he would even do it if asked?
Ratings in the winter indicated they’re close but not quite where they were before their absence. They’re still doing far better than Bob & Tom, the syndicated show that ran while they were gone.
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6/19: Ryan wins regional Emmy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At the Southeast Emmy awards Saturday night, V-103’s Ryan Cameron won his second Emmy for hosting duties on “Atlanta & Company” at 11 a.m. weekdays on NBC. Cameron won one back in the mid 1990s for work on an NBC news show. Have folks caught him on TV? How do you think he does vs. his radio show?
6/19: Hot b-day bash
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For those of you who attended the Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash, how did you like it? It was a full house at Philips Arena, a change of scenery from past years when it was at the outdoor shed HiFi Buys Amphitheatre. Jay-Z made a surprise appearance and T.I. gave props to his fallen friend.
6/19: Double Down off to Tampa
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Buzz overnight guy Double Down (AKA James Howard) is off to become the program director at the Clear Channel rock station in Tampa dubbed 98rock, according to allaccess.com.
I met him at the Crash Bash a few months ago. He was also the assistant to Clear Channel senior vp Marc Chase and as a young guy in his mid 20s, he’s clearly ambitious and had plans to go into management. So this move isn’t a surprise at all. He was only at the Buzz for about a year. Given his credentials, this is a rather impressive jump for him but given his boss was Marc Chase, not a surprise.
6/19: Q100 in the NYT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bert sent this out over the weekend. “Father Crunk,” who we profiled a few weeks back, is the subject of a story in the New York Times.
Here’s what Bert wrote:’
The story is here. This is the on line version of the printed column in the New York times on June 17th.
Just to give you some background:
Every few weeks, Father Bailey joins The Bert Show in studio. His focus is the dysfunction in Hollywood and pop culture. His theory is that we shouldn’t laugh at Hollywood’s dysfunction. We should embrace and learn from it ‘cause a lot of it pertains to lessons taught in the bible. But he delivers his “Bert Show” sermons in such a hip, street-like, crunk way that you can’t help but listen to him.
If the link to the NY Times article isn’t working by the time you check it out, I’ll cut and paste the entire article for you at the bottom of this e-mail. In the meantime, if you want to hear any of his segments, check it out at here.
Bert
(I didn’t include the cut and paste. I try not to do that. I’d rather you link to the actual story so the paper gets credit for it, so to speak - Rodney)
6/16: SiMan says goodbye to AM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After four years, R&B/talk station 102.5’s Silas “SiMan Baby!” Alexander ended his morning show today upbeat as always after folks like Ken Ford, Shirley Franklin and the other morning shows in the building wished him off. While Steve Harvey takes over Monday, SiMan gets to keep a job — just in the evenings. And seriously, if SiMan is bitter about it, he isn’t showing it.
“I want to give another special thank you to Radio One and v.p. and general manager Wayne Brown,” SiMan said at 9:56 a.m. today on the air. “I keep telling people in the real world, he could have called me and said, ‘Have a good show this morning?’ ‘Yah.. I had a pretty good show.’ ‘That was your last. Steve Harvey starts on Monday.’ He didn’t do that. Instead, he said, ‘We are going to keep you in the house. Steve Harvey will take the mornings to a new level.’ ”
SiMan’s producer and the program director Derek Harper said, “All the listeners over the past few years, they became family. I want to shout out to SiMan baby. I’ve worked with many personalities in this cityand out. Everyone can attest that he’s one of the most personable and easy people to work with. That’s a testament to your success. I know your family is here to support you today. They’ll have to get used to seeing you in the mornings. You’re a real professional. I’m just glad you’ll still be here.”
6/16: Beantown love for Toucher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This was forwarded to me by Tom Taylor, editor of Inside Radio from The Boston Herald. It’s quite kind.
6/16: Kimmer wins warrant case
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Fulton County magistrate court judge Stephanie Davis Thursday afternoon threw out a warrant application against Kim “The Kimmer” Peterson, who was accused by Will Jones of assault against him after a Veteran’s Day parade.
Jones, 55, of Atlanta, who represented himself, had filed the warrant application May 10 accusing Peterson of a crime November 11. He said Peterson had attacked him for his anti-Bush protest and hurt his shoulder, resulting in his inability to work as a door installer. The reason Jones filed the warrant application is because the Atlanta police department detective Don Haff had investigated the case and decided the Kimmer hadn’t done anything wrong.
Peterson, at the hearing, found two witnesses who said Jones was actually the aggressor. Ultimately, Judge Davis said Jones failed to create enough proof that a crime was committed.
I was told to do a separate story so here’s the link
Amusingly, the Kimmer didn’t recognize Jones at all in the courtroom and had to ask former WGST program director Mike Rose, who knew Jones. He also had bail money in an envelope on the off chance Jones did win the case.
The case took nearly two hours and Jones was given a lot of leeway in his questioning. It was a lot more informal than an evidentiary hearing or actual court case. The judge was fair and patient with both sides. At one point when Jones was cross-examining the Kimmer, one of the court officers stepped forward and warned them that this wasn’t an argument, that Jones was to ask questions and the Kimmer was to answer them.
Not knowing law, I’m not sure what Jones’ next legal step will be if he chooses to pursue one.
6/16: Back in time w/Weber
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I dug up a story about Joe Weber selling his “Voice of the Arts” station he had in 1999 at 1190. He came back and bought 1160 about three years ago and resurrected the format. And now it’s at its third home at 1690. His money came from cake frosting.
Constitution Home Edition
Date: Wednesday, 12/15/1999\
Headline: WGKA sale changes format from arts to talk Byline / Source: Miriam Longino / Staff,
Atlanta’s arts community is stunned by the news that eclectic little arts station WGKA-AM (1190) has been sold and will change formats to Christian talk in February.
“When I heard the news, I got weepy,” said Joann Kresic, manager of marketing and public relations for the Rialto Center for the Performing Arts. “I was completely taken aback. This was the great little station that could. They have been enormously supportive of the arts in Atlanta, and the listeners have been so loyal. The station had such great personality, and it will be missed.”
Owner Joe Weber broke the news late Monday to his staff of seven, signaling an end to three years of some of the city’s most diverse and unpredictable programming. (WGKA’s lineup will stay on the air until the deal is closed in February.)
Under Weber’s ownership, 10,000-watt WGKA went from all-classical music in 1996 to a quirky mix of classical, pop, show tunes, jazz, big band, klezmer, soul, folk, spoken-word recordings and sound clips from classic films. It isn’t unusual for the station to play a James Brown R&B tune followed by a Beethoven symphony followed by the lonesome crooning of Edith Piaf.
Weber has encouraged his creative team to take risks on-air. For example, the station provides traffic reports from performance artist Stefan Fllambeau, who gets around town on MARTA. Radio therapist Dr. Anthony Fllambeau, author of “Growl Like a Dog,” provides advice about relationships —- but doesn’t speak to his brother Stefan. Even the serious comes with a touch of attitude on WGKA. The show “Jewish Perspectives” is hosted by “Rockin’ Rabbi” Steven Lebow.
Although the station never was commercially successful, it caught the attention of nearly every major arts group in the city. WGKA runs promotions with the Rialto, Agnes Scott College, the Woodruff Arts Center, the Atlanta Ballet, the Atlanta Opera, the Georgia Shakespeare Festival and the Robert Ferst Center for the Performing Arts at Georgia Tech.
“It’s a shame we’re losing an arts station,” said Dolly Purvis, manager of news services at Agnes Scott College. “I thought it was a nice balance to (public station) WABE because it was a different kind of diversity.”
Weber said the decision to sell the station was both financial and personal. Although WGKA’s audience has grown to about 50,000 listeners, he was never able to turn a profit.
“I was kind of at a crossroads with the station,” he said. “I got approval to go to 25,000 watts, but I would have had to buy a new transmitter… . That’s a pretty substantial investment. Although we’ve made some headway with increased revenue, it’s a far cry from the kind of money that could justify that. But it’s not strictly financial. My primary business is going through some major changes, and more of my time and attention is being focused there. I haven’t been able to spend as much time doing things I like at the station, like programming.”
Weber is the owner of the nation’s largest supplier of commercial frosting products, the H.C. Brill company in Tucker, which is expanding its operations.
WGKA program director Mike Rose says “it’s not impossible” to be successful with an alternative arts station such as WGKA, “but it is an extremely difficult road.
“It takes a lot of time and effort and money to keep it going. It’s not as simple as launching a station like 95.5 The Beat that has a target audience right there,” he said. “Any station that appeals to a higher-brow crowd is going to take longer to develop a niche. Each year it got a little better. But apparently it wasn’t quick enough. I feel bad for the people who work here. For many, it wasn’t just a paycheck. It was a passion and lifestyle.”
Weber declined to name the company that is purchasing WGKA, but did confirm that it is a chain group that plans to turn the frequency into a Christian talk station. It will be the 16th Christian station on the air in the metro area.
“I’m proud of what we did,” Weber said. “I’m proud we took the stuffiness out of classical music, which has basically killed it on radio across the country… . I would love to do something arts related in the future, maybe open a repertory movie theater.”
As for WGKA’s vast collection of music, Weber says he is going to “box up all the CDs and take them home.” But fans of the station’s classical music can pick up a souvenir Saturday, when WGKA will auction its vinyl albums —- some dating back 40 years. The sale runs from noon until 6 p.m. at the WGKA studios, 2999 Piedmont Road N.E. in Buckhead. Information: 404-231-2395.
6/15: Nelly, T.I. at Hot bash Sat.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hot 107.9 is celebrating its 11th anniversary with Nelly, T.I., Lil Wayne, Big Boi, Young Jeezy, Young Joc, D4L, Lil Jon, Chamillionaire, et. al. at Philips. The cheaper seats appear to be sold out already.
Here’s the press release:
ATLANTA, Georgia (June 13, 2006) – HOT 107.9 has been on the Atlanta airwaves for eleven years. As one of the pioneer hip hop stations, HOT 107.9 has grown into one of the most highly respected and powerful stations in the country.
To commemorate its eleventh anniversary, HOT 107.9 will host its annual Birthday Bash on Saturday, June 17, 2006 at Philips Arena, doors open at 5:00p.m. Show starts at 6:00p.m. Tickets are still available at all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com, Philips Arena box office or charge by phone at 404.249.6400. Ticket prices range from $10.79 and $25 (which are now sold out), $45 and $100 for baller seats. This star studded event is guaranteed to sell out, once again. Ticket prices will increase on the day of the show.
HOT 107.9 will also host a pre-Birthday Bash Block Party outside Philips Arena on Philips Drive, Saturday, June 17, 2006 from 12p.m. until 5.p.m. The block party will showcase some of the hottest cars and bikes in the Southern Region, around with Hip Hop and R&B’s finest.
6/14: Steve Harvey talks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Steve Harvey said he’s psyched to join the Atlanta airwaves Monday at 102.5, which is now a hybrid R&B music/talk station.
Harvey, best known for his standup comedy and his long-running sitcom, is now a syndicated morning host on more than 20 radio stations nationwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Detroit. He launched syndication just this past October.
“It’s absolutely the funniest morning show on the planet,” Harvey told me. “I’ve done the math on this. It’s not bragging. It’s just common sense. I’m a professional stnadup. That’s what I do. No other morning show [syndicated, at least] has a professional standup that’s been doing it the way I’ve been doing it.”
He also said the radio show allows him to reveal multiple facets of himself, including his inspirational side. Also unlike TV, “I have more control.”
At the same time, he won’t trash talk his rival Tom Joyner, heard locally on Kiss 104.1, which has a much stronger signal than 102.5. “I respect him,” Harvey said. “ I enjoy him. We’re friends. That’s all.”
Harvey will replace Silas “SiMan” Alexander, the morning host for 102.5 since 2002. SiMan will do evenings from 7 p.m. to midnight.
A gracious SiMan said he’s appreciative that 102.5 is keeping him on as the local voice and face of the station, even if it means a much lower-profile time slot. “It’s a good move for the station,” SiMan said. “Steve has star power. And he’s funny.”
Once exclusively an R&B music station, 102.5 has gone through a transformation the past year with the additions of all-talk Michael Eric Dyson and Al Sharpton from 10 to 3 p.m. and relationships guru Michael Baisden from 3 to 7 p.m. Both Baisden and Harvey blend R&B music with entertainment. Harvey said he plays three or four songs an hour, focusing mostly on new stuff. “I want to keep R&B alive,” he said, even though he is an espoused lover of “old school.”
The station’s new slogan: “Grown folks radio, the new 102.5.”
Insiders will be amused that Harvey used to work with Radio One in Los Angeles on their station the Beat. They had a dispute over syndication. (Harvey says Radio One was resistant.) So he left. Now in Atlanta at least he’s back working with Radio One. Harvey was kind about Cathy Hughes, the Radio One founder. Smart not to burn bridges.
6/14: Kimmer in court 6/15
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Remember when WGST’S the Kimmer got into a fistfight with Bush protester Will Jones after last year’s Veteran’s Day parade? Well, Jones sued and there’s a court date June 15 at 1 p.m. at the Fulton County magistrate court, room 1A. I’l definitely have to stop by for that and report back on what transpires.
6/13: Steve Harvey joining 102.5
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
R&B/talk station 102.5, which recently added Michael Eric Dyson and Al Sharpton to its lineup, is now bringing in actor/comic/radio host Steve Harvey in mornings. Harvey, who has been on the “Original Kings of Comedy” tour and helmed his own sitcom for several years, is syndicated out of New York and will take over from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for Silas “SiMan” Alexander, the station’s first morning host for the past three-plus years. Harvey starts June 19.
SiMan fans, don’t despair: he will now take over from 7 p.m. to midnight. He made the announcement this morning.
Harvey is heard on 22 other stations so far, including those in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas and Philadelphia. More locally, he can also be heard in Savannah, Macon, Albany, Birmingham and Dothan.
The rest of the lineup stays the same, including Dyson (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Sharpton (1-3 p.m.), and Michael Baisden (3-7 p.m.)
Harvey had been heard for a few years in Los Angeles but has been syndicated the past year or so. He’s never been aired here but what do you think of him as a radio host for those who have heard him in other cities?
6/12: Toucher defends Globe comments
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’ are comments by Fred Toucher, who started at WBCN in Boston last week, on his Web site after the Boston Globe story came out last week. Apparently, he got some flak for saying the New Englanders are more open minded than folks down here.
Also, here are photos of the new WBCN team. Toucher — whats’ up with your haircut??? Funny bio descriptions though.
From FredToucher.com (registration required)
I know some of you are upset about the comments I made in the Boston Globe about Southeners not being as open minded or intelligent as those in the Northeast.
Let’s face it audiences in the Northeast are more open minded than those in the South. Why do you think that the only major market that didn’t have Howard Stern was Atlanta? Why aren’t Opie and Anthony on in the ATL? Why do you get crucified everytime you say a bad word about George W? Jesus, put on any David Cross album and here what he says about his hometown. However, David still sells places out when he comes back to the south.
I made fun of southern rednecks for 7 years on Atlanta radio. So you know what if you liked my show: You aren’t a [explective] redneck! Remenber the ANA? The anti-neck army? Jesus people lighten up!
6/12: 1160/1690 switchover
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I reported last week that Joe Weber, the new owner of 1690, has dropped Air America as of today except for Al Franken. He is hoping to convert some AA listeners to his standards format but that could be a challenge.
I’m certain Air America will find another signal on the AM dial down the road so fans of the format shouldn’t be bummed for too long. And if you’re at work with a broadband connection, you can stream. Or you can get XM Satellite Radio ($12.99 a month).
1160, which had been Weber’s “Voice of the Arts,” is now business talk, if that’s your cup of tea.
6/9: 1160 going business talk
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Davis, GM of 1160 and 1690, said the music format goes to 1690 (which will keep Al Franken) and he will swap out a business talk format, likely Monday, on 1160. He says this is a unique format in town. It sounds like it will be like CNBC on the radio. Is that a useful format on the AM dial here?
6/8: The River’s 1st DJ coming 6/26
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
97.1/The RIver PD Chris Miller said Lexie Kaye will talk four times an hour between 5:30 and 8:30 and not for any real length of time. “She’s just a really natural sounding person on the radio,” he said. “We wanted someone who had natural charm that jumps out of the speakers but doesn’t need a lot of words to say it.” She will start Monday June 26. Miller was hired a few months ago with the eventual intention of taking over the late afternoons. The River will stay jockless middays, evenings and nights.
Overall, expect Lexie to keep the jabber minimal, as is the ouvre of the station.
Want to know about her? Check out her Web site at www.lexiekaye.com.
Her bio:
I was born in the North and raised in the pseudo South of Florida, spending most of my time on the beach and in the water. For over 13 years I’ve been doing radio, traveling throughout Florida from Miami to Panama City Beach, as well as New York. Now, I reside in Savannah, Georgia and work out of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. For the last four years I’ve done freelance work in television doing commercials and voice overs. In my free time, I like to volunteer with different charity organizations in the community as well as spend time with family, good friends and Henry.
You can listen to her on-air voice here.
Her 106.1 bio below notes that she’s a Gator who relishes Dawg losses. I’m certain she won’t be saying that on air on the River!
I was born in the North and raised in the pseudo South of Florida. I’m a graduate of the University of Florida, a loyal Gator who bleeds Orange and Blue and relishes the victories against Georgia BullDawgs! I’ve been in radio for over 13 years and won’t stop till I’ve conquered all media! The public demands it!!
Favorite Things:
To Listen To…Chris Cornellof Audioslave/Soungarden; Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters
To Wear….lipstick and high heels
To Drink….VERY dirty martini
To Do….I can’t tell…some things have to be left to the imagination
To Watch….the Gators beat the Dawgs (in any sport) GO GATORS!
Here’s the press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COX RADIO APPOINTS LEXIE KAYE AS FIRST ON-AIR PERSONALITY FOR ATLANTA’S NEW CLASSIC HITS STATION “97.1 FM THE RIVER”
Atlanta – June 8, 2006 – Cox Radio (NYSE: CXR) announced today the appointment of Lexie Kaye as the first on-air personality for “The New 97.1 The River” WSRV-FM serving Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Kaye’s morning show will air weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Ms. Kaye had most recently worked in a number of on-air and behind-the-scenes positions with Adventure Radio, Inc., serving the Savannah, Georgia region. Her radio show aired on Adventure Radio’s 103.1-FM WGZO The Drive serving Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Rock 106.1-FM WFXH serving Savannah. In addition, her behind-the-scene experience includes off-air programming, production and web-oriented positions.
“Lexie has a proven track record of developing solid relationships with her local listeners,” said Chris Miller, Program Director of “The New 97.1 The River.” “She’s a disciplined, creative on-air professional whose natural personality makes her a perfect choice for The River’s morning drive.”
Prior to her work in the Savannah region, Ms. Kaye held on-air positions in Panama City, Florida, Binghamton, New York and Brunswick, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in public relations.
Contact: Chris Miller WSRV Program Director
6/8: Boston Globe take on Rich, Toucher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former 99Xers Rich Shertenlieb, Fred Toucher and Crash Clark get introduced to the Boston Globe audience here.
6/7: Al Franken staying at 1690
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Joe Weber, who recently purchased WWAA-AM/1690, will be migrating his eclectic music format (everything from Pavoratti to Springsteen, Beethoven to Aretha) from 1160 starting Monday June 12. 1690 has run liberal talk show syndicate Air America the past couple of years. Weber is planning to keep only Al Franken from noon to 3 p.m. He says his focus is on mornings and drivetime and by keeping Franken, he hopes to grab a few of those Air America fans. This does mean no more access to Rachel Maddow, Janeane Garafalo, Jerry Springer and Randi Rhodes unless you have XM Satellite radio or you can listen online. 1160, which Weber also owns, will simulcast until he creates a new format there. He wouldn’t say what he’s going to put there.
Jon Sinton, Atlanta-based president of Air America, said he’s seeking a replacement station in the area but doesn’t have a deal set with anybody yet.
In 2004, a group of liberal investors created Air America as a counterpoint to the conservative talk show hosts that dominate the airwaves such as Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham. Besides well-known non-radio types such as Franken and actressa and comic Garafalo, Air America included acerbic Randi Rhodes and former WSB-AM talker Mike Malloy, an Atlantan who is heard at nights.
The network struggled through financial and management problems in its first year and is not yet consistently cashflow positive, Sinton said. “Having started a bunch of radio stations, I know you need at least 36 months to build a business,” he noted.
Nationally, Air America is now up to about 88 affiliates, reaching two-thirds of the American population, up from 48 percent a year ago. It draws more than 3 million listeners a week. Among its strongest cities include Portland, Miami, Boston, Los Angeles and Denver where major radio companies such as Clear Channel, Entercom and CBS are able to promote the network, Sinton said. He added that he knew Intermart, the previous owner, had purchased the station with plans to improve the signal and then sell it off quickly.
“I was happy with the signal but I was never happy with the marketing,” Sinton said. In fact, Intermart barely marketed 1690 and didn’t even hire a local sales person to sell ads.
WWAA-AM ranked 28th in the most recent spring Arbitron book, tied with conservative talk station 920/WGKA-AM, but Sinton noted that the average Air America’s listener spends far more time with the station than typical radio listeners.
Weber said he can’t reveal what he’s going to eventually air on 1160 but will simulcast 1690 for now. He said he purchased 1690 because it has a better night-time signal and overall coverage of the city of Atlanta.
6/7: 99X morning show opening
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This rather odd job listing was posted on www.allaccess.com this morning, confirming that the current Axel & Leslie morning show is temporary. Come one, come all! (For a quick review — Fred Toucher and Crash Clark started Monday at WBCN-FM in Boston as the afternoon show with Rich Shertenlieb. Jimmy Baron is still job hunting. Wally is temping at the Buzz with Whip. Fat Kid starts at the Mountain as the late night guy in Chattanooga.)
Mornings at 99X
99X in Atlanta is looking for an individual or team to wake-up one of the nation’s premiere cities. If you are a Howard wanna be, you go for the low hanging fruit and you still think strippers in the studio are good radio, you are not our show…although Sirius might hire you. If you think you have the goods to help 5 million people navigate mind-numbing traffic every morning, read on.
Let’s take a little test. Question 1) Are you funny, creative and clever? Question 2) Have you ever been before a Grand Jury? Question 3) Do you enjoy live reads?
If you or your show answered yes to question #1 why the hell are you in radio? If you’re totally confused send your package to: Rob Roberts, Chief Career Counselor, Cumulus Atlanta, 780 Johnson Ferry Road, 5th Floor, Atlanta GA 30342. Please don’t send cookies or small pets.
Cumulus Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer
robroberts, 6/7/2006 6:40:01 AM Message #185305
6/6: Status of Sonya Hamm at Praise
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Praise 97.5 morning host Sonya Hamm has been out for a few weeks for personal reasons but her boss Wayne Brown wouldn’t say why. He did say she will be back soon though.
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6/6: Jamie Massey back at Q100
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I hear that Jamie Massey (best known doing morning traffic on Star 94) is returning to Q100 after being laid off a month ago. Instead of pow-wowing daily with Dylan in the afternoons, she’ll be focused on traffic mornings and afternoons at Q100 and 99X. That’s a lot of work and does mean taking a nap in between but she’s a vibrant personality and it’s great Cumulus, the new owners, were able to find a place for her.
Mitch Evans, who has been the substitute sporst guy the last few months on the various incarnations of the 99X morning show, will be off after this week but might be back in a few weeks when 99X is expected to bring in a full-fledged revamped morning show.
6/6: Tim Rhodes auditions on Dave
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former 96rock afternoon host and long-time employee Tim Rhodes, who was let go earlier this year, auditioned this past weekend at Dave FM. There is no weekday positions open right now so it’s likely as a fill in and weekend jock, along the lines of former 99Xer Yvonne Monet. Here’s his myspace page.
Here’s his June 4 entry:
Sunday, June 04, 2006
My first show…
Sucked! They say getting back on-air is like riding a bike; NO IT ISN’T! I made rookie mistakes. I didn’t flow. I said 96rrrr29DaveFm once. I didn’t get the DaveFm website right… 5 months off the mic, and almost 2 yrs since doing a solo show, the rust really showed, but I REALLY had a blast. I hope things work out. I’ll keep ya posted. And many THANKS for the love I received from my MySpace friends. You guys are the best!
6/6: New station in Helen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a press release from the owner of the new station at Georgia 105.1 Helen. This appears to be a “Jack” type format with live jocks and a heavy emphasis on local content.
Listeners Vote for Favorite Format; The All New Georgia 105 Born June 1 st, 2006! June 5, For Immediate Release
Oconee River Broadcasting, LLC flipped radio station WHEL-FM to The All New Georgia 105 on Thursday, June 1, after just over 2 weeks of gathering votes.
Since May 15 th, the station had been asking listeners to vote at the station’s former website for what they wanted 105.1 to become.
Listeners voted overwhelmingly for an Adult Hits station that they could listen to for long periods of time with little repetition of music. The All New Georgia 105 compiled a list of thousands of songs from 5 Decades to make up its playlist.
A cross-section of Georgia 105 Artists includes The Police, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Eagles, Paul Simon, The Rolling Stones, Sheryl Crow, Steve Miller Band, and Matchbox Twenty. Voters also said that they wanted local information and a reasonable amount of talk, but without the silly chatter, and they didn’t like DJs talking all over their favorite songs. Georgia 105 pledges not to have any silly DJ chatter, and no talking over songs.
Listeners voted overwhelmingly for a local station – one that based in North Georgia for North Georgians – not an Atlanta station piped in onto their frequency. Georgia 105 is produced locally, and broadcasts 100% original content – you can’t hear Georgia 105 anywhere but 105.1 in North Georgia! Finally, listeners told us that they bleed Red-and-Black, and they wanted their Bulldogs! As a result, The All New Georgia 105 is thrilled to be North Georgia’s New Home of the Georgia Bulldogs, carrying every play of all Football & Men’s Basketball games.
The station’s airstaff includes Todd Michaels in Mornings, market veteran Eileen Kimble in Middays, and longtime North Georgia personality KJ Allen in afternoons.
The station is online at Georgia105.com, with contact links to email the air personalities, a community events calendar, and more!
Contact information: KJ Allen. The All New Georgia 105, Box 256, Helen, GA 30545. (706) 878-1051.
6/5: Chris Cotter update
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For folks who are wondering what happened to former 790/the Zone sports talker Chris Cotter, he’s now a sideline reporter for the Mets sports network in New York. I spoke with him today. He has to travel a lot but it sounds like he’s having a good time hanging with the Mets. It helps right now, he says, that the Mets are doing well.
6/2: Fat Kid’s new job
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fat Kid, former 99X morning show stunt guy, just informed me that he has left his car salesman job to be the night-time jock at the Mountain in Chattanooga. He sounds excited. He said he got advice from both Fred Toucher and Leslie Fram that helped him do his audition.
6/2: WGCL’s Rich Noonan out in October?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since i don’t have a place for local TV news, I’m going to place this here:
The Philadelphia Daily News reported that local CBS anchor Rich Noonan’s contract has not be renewed this October. He came to Atlanta’s WGCL-TV in November 2004 from Philadelphia. Noonan, 44, declined to comment to me but did tell the Daily News, “It’s just shocking. I was doing a great job,” He told the paper the station itself recently said he’d been doing a great job and ratings increased every period since he started at the fourth-place station. Station manger Andy Alford confirmed the information Noonan provided but due to policies about discussing personnel departures, he said he couldn’t comment beyond that.
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