By RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com, originally filed Thursday, September 3, 2015.
Pete Combs, former radio reporter at News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB, has found a new reporting gig at a news station in Seattle.
He starts Sept. 14. He freelanced for eight months after being let go from WSB, where he worked for nine years.
"Everywhere I have looked, radio news is contracting," Combs said in an interview Tuesday. "There are fewer and fewer jobs for guys like me."
Combs said he received job offers at a station in Cape Cod, Mass. and at Fox News Radio in New York City, but the salaries were miserly given the high costs of living in those areas. The Seattle job, he said, doesn't pay as well as WSB did but was good enough for him to move.
"It's a town where the media is very vibrant," he said. "It supports a traditional all-news station."
Combs' son Daniel also lives in Seattle. And he purchased his home in Powder Springs at the depths of the recession so he'll make a hefty profit that will go into his new home in Seattle.
On Facebook, this post received more than 390 likes:
After being a freelancer for eight months, I am proud to announce that I've taken the morning reporter position at KOMO Radio in Seattle. Karen and I are moving immediately. My first day is September 14. I hate to leave Atlanta. I've had a great time there and will always have strong ties. But I've always said that we in radio are the best-dressed, most well-paid migrant workers in the world. So feets, don't fail me now!
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Tim Andrews, a long-time member of the Rock 100.5 morning show (previously the Regular Guys), announced on Facebook last week that he is growing up:
So, after 11 years, I'll no longer be living the life of the sad bachelor. The dorm room is closed and adult life begins. Wish me luck!
He hardly ever talks about his personal life on the show - unlike "Southside" Steve Rickman, whose wife Amanda cleaned out his closets this week - literally.
Who is Andrews' girlfriend? He won't say and I'll respect his privacy on this one. (It's not exactly a secret per se and the woman is a public figure. So if you know, you know.) The news is that he is moving in together with said girlfriend. Is a ring forthcoming? Not yet.
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
94.9/The Bull has been beating Kicks 101.5 for a couple of years in the ratings. It's now trying to catch up with Kicks in terms of its annual country concert.
Called Big Country Fan Jam, the Bull's big event is now at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, a move up from Wild Bill's. It's on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $28.75 to $72.45 after fees.
The headliner: Dierks Bentley (23 top 40 country airplay hits, 13 No. 1's)
His supporting acts: Kip Moore (four top 40 country hits), Mattie & Tae (two hits, including "Girl in a Country Song") and Canaan Smith (a No. 1 hit in "Love You Like That")
But it's hard to beat the two headliners for Kicks Country Fair on November 7 at the same location: Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts.
Of course, the bigger names include higher prices: $40.10 to $141.10. (Buy tickets here.)
Going back more than 20 years, McGraw has compiled a whopping 58 top 40 hits and 26 No. 1 hits. That's so many No. 1 songs, he would have trouble playing them all in one concert.
Over 15 years, Rascal Flatts has rounded up 34 top 40 hits and 12 No. 1 hits.
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
The top 10 songs on Atlanta radio in total spins, according to Mediabase 24/7:
- Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd
- Fight Song - Rachel Platten
- Lean on Me - Major Lazer
- Photograph - Ed Sheeran
- Good For You - Selena Gomez
- Uma Thurman - Fall Out Boy
- Cheerleader - OMI
- Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon
- Planes - Jeremih
- Comfortable - K Camp
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Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
IHeartMedia also provided me with the top songs and artists this summer in Atlanta among its listeners here:
TOP SONGS OF SUMMER IN ATLANTA
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
TOP ARTISTS OF SUMMER IN ATLANTA
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