Curtis Kay Reflects Back On 30 Years At Wdha-fm Greater Good

Transcript

4 V O L . 5 f a ll 2 0 1 0 Curtis Kay Reflects Back on 30 Years at WDHA-FM The Greater Good Campaign Gives Back to Local Communities MAGIC 106.7 & WMMR-FM Take Top Honors at 2010 Marconi Awards Greater Media Newspapers Article Spurs $25,000 Donation to New Jersey Schools WBT-AM/FM’s John Hancock Celebrates 20 Years in Charlotte MAGIC 105.1 Unveils PROJECT LittlePinkDress  c o n t e n t s f a ll 2 0 1 0 in this iss u e Letter From The Chair Table of Contents: Look Who’s Making Greater Media Greater 3 People & News 4-5 MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Candy O’Terry Adds Movie Roles to Long List of Accomplishments 6-7 Greater Media Newspapers’ Meredith Reccoppa Always After Her Personal Best 8 Community/Giving Back 10-12 Halloween 14-15 Snapshots 16-17 WDHA-FM’s Curtis Kay Still Enjoying the Ride After 30 Years 18-19 WMMR-FM Morning Show Duo Heats Up the Airwaves…on TV 20-21 Interactive Corner 22-23 WJRZ-FM’s Heliport Stands Ready to Serve VIPs, as Well as U.S. Military and State Police 24-25 Covering All the Bases 26-27 Greater Media Corporate Profile 27 Music at Greater Media 28-30 Awards 32-33 Weddings/Families/Babies 35 The Greater Media GRAPEVINE PUBLISHER: Greater Media, Inc. EDITOR: Heidi Raphael CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Monique Walton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Clare Celano, Adele Young, Debbie Catalano, Amy Hull, Brian Donahue, Amy Rosen, Ed Nolan, Rebecca Morton, and Tom Bender PRINTER: Maureen Morrow/Printex Special thanks to the people of Greater Media for making this publication possible. ADDRESS: Greater Media, Inc. 35 Braintree Hill Office Park Suite 300 Braintree, MA 02184 781.348.8600 For more information, please contact Heidi Raphael at [email protected]. Grapevine is published 4 times a year by greater media, inc. o n t h e c o v e r PHOTO BY JEFF GRANIT/GMN STAFF Two soccer players head for the ball during a girls’ soccer game on September 30 at Allentown High School in New Jersey. Allentown defeated Nottingham High School from Hamilton, NJ, 3-2. 2 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 Hello Everyone, As we reflect over the past year, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to all the hardworking women and men of Greater Media for your continued commitment and dedication. Despite the challenging economic times, you have all risen to the challenge with tremendous energy, talent, innovation, and commitment. As we look ahead to 2011, we continue to see forward movement in the industry and the individual markets we serve, and Greater Media is well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum because of your efforts. In keeping with the communitydriven mission of our company, Greater Media recently unveiled the “Greater Media Greater Good” Campaign. This exciting new, company-wide initiative is aimed at helping those in our industry and the communities that we serve. Throughout the year, we will be supporting various organizations through fundraising initiatives and “Greater Media Day of Greater Good” events within our local markets. Special thanks to Jennifer Williams, Chris Brunt, and Inna Gringauz from Greater Media Detroit for their assistance with this worthy project. Over the holiday season, the campaign was dedicated to the Greater Good of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. This outstanding organization provides support for our colleagues in the broadcast media industry, from young families to senior citizens, who have fallen upon difficult times due to loss of employment, health-related issues, and other unexpected hardships. I encourage you to consider the Broadcasters Foundation when making your charitable contribution decisions. Congratulations to MAGIC 106.7FM in Boston for being named “AC Station of the Year” and WMMRFM in Philadelphia for winning “Rock Station of the Year” at the 2010 Marconi Awards in Washington, DC. It is a wonderful tribute to all the amazing women and men who make the stations greater on a daily basis. I would also like to recognize Pete Forester on being named “National Sales Manager” of the Year at the Radio Wayne Awards. Kudos are in order for Milford Smith, Vice President of Engineering, on being named the recipient of the 2010 Excellence in Engineering Award from Radio World Magazine. His expertise and experience continue to blaze new trails on behalf of our company and the radio industry. I am very proud of him for all he has accomplished. I would like to welcome Steve Kosbau as the new Market Manager and Matt Spatafora as the new Director of Sales for Greater Media Detroit. Their leadership will drive us forward in the Motor City. Our award-winning newspaper division continues to make a difference in the local community. A recently published article resulted in a $25,000 donation by a reader to a local school system. We are so very proud of the entire staff for their commitment to the communities they serve. As we approach the new year, I would like to encourage you to keep creating fresh ideas and looking for new ways to expand our presence in on-air, online, interactive, and print media. Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] to share your thoughts on how we can continue to make Greater Media greater. I hope you and your families are enjoying a very safe, happy, and healthy holiday season! Sincerely, Peter H. Smyth G great! recognizing people who go the extra mile Look Who’s Making Greater Media Greater BOSTON Rebecca “Crystal” Margolis Director of Marketing & Promotions, Radio 92.9 FM Crystal’s involvement with marketing and sales and “make it happen” attitude make her the “go-to” person when it comes to creative ideas and execution. With a seemingly impossible “to do” list each day, she accomplishes each and every task with efficiency and poise. Account Executives credit Crystal for turning a fiveminute conversation into creating an idea that has resulted in closing many deals. She makes herself available for client calls, brainstorming, and final execution. Crystal is particularly accomplished in helping solve client needs and objectives. She truly makes Greater Media greater every day! Ken West Program Director WROR-FM & Radio 92.9 FM Ken is a humble, but extremely efficient manager who keeps it fun, always reminding us it’s radio! He cares as much about his people as his product. As co-worker Lauren Boyle puts it, “he allows his staff to take an active role in decisionmaking, encourages us to stay creative, and always plays to everyone’s individual strengths.” Charlotte Alex Krasnoff Integrated Sales & Marketing Coordinator WBT-AM/FM & WLNK-FM In her three years working in the combined WBT and WLNK sales departments, Alex Krasnoff has emerged from sales assistant to Integrated Sales & Marketing Coordinator. As the main “go-to” resource for all of Greater Media Charlotte’s sales team, Alex spends each day fielding different requests and duties to help make them a more efficient and effective sales force. She creates many graphics and implements those ads into our online platforms. Alex relishes the opportunity to get creative and loves designing event logos. Her designs help us set a very impressive stage for our highly visible off-site promotions. Todd Haller Executive Producer“Bob &Sheri”/Music Director WLNK-FM Has it been ten years already? Todd Haller has helped wake up an entire nation thanks to his producing duties with Greater Media Charlotte’s nationally syndicated morning show “Bob & Sheri Morning Show.” Todd preps the hosts with material that becomes hilarious on-air fodder and books guests that appear on the show. After the mics are turned off, he switches into production mode and ensures that custom production is handled for both WLNK and the affiliate network. Can you guess the greatest perk for Todd? It’s getting to travel with “Bob & Sheri” as they visit affiliate markets throughout the country! Nice way to rack up the frequent flier miles! Detroit Michael Gagliano Production Director WRIF-FM For the past 11 years, Michael “Gags” Gagliano, has been an important part of the team that makes 101 WRIF Detroit’s Home of Rock & Roll. Being the station’s Production Director keeps Gags pretty busy, but he still finds time for family and fun! He loves spending time with his two children, Amber age 11 and Ryan age 10. Gags enjoys his job and feels it’s perfectly suited for his personality. It also allows him to channel his sense of humor and obsessive attention to detail. Michael “Gags” Gagliano is one of the people that makes Greater Media great in Detroit. Char Litvin Assistant Business Manager Greater Media Detroit When anyone at Greater Media Detroit needs someone to “Show Them The Money”… the go-to person for the past ten years has been Assistant Business Manager Char Litvin. Always there to lend a hand, Char goes the extra mile to help out. A great example of this is her annual role of WRIF-FM Harley Fest banker. She joins the WRIF team at this allday event and helps make sure it’s a huge success. When not at work, Char loves to spend time with her family. She and her sister can often be found shoe shopping. Her wonderful personality, professionalism, and dedication to doing the right thing are some of the many reasons Char Litvin makes Greater Media great! New JerseY Chris Alesi Promotions Coordinator WMTR-AM & WDHA-FM From Intern to Production Assistant to Promotions Coordinator, Chris has proved to be versatile and extremely creative. He is always looking for ways to make WMTR and WDHA’s on-site promotions entertaining for the listeners and profitable for the client. In addition to a great smile and winning attitude, he makes a great Easter Bunny cake. Kaitlyn Zullo GMNJ Interactive Department Team Member Kaitlyn is a great addition to the GMNJ Interactive department. Kaitlyn was an intern with the NTR department before coming on-board full time. She is an extremely hard worker who is incredibly organized. Kaitlyn comes up with great ideas and always makes things work. She is dedicated to getting the job done no matter what. Greater Media Newspapers Jennifer Peyton Retail Manager Greater Media Newspapers In 2010, Retail Manager Jennifer Peyton has increased hospital advertising revenue by 20.7 percent over 2009. This equates to over $100,000 in new revenue. She builds strong ties to the communities that the hospitals serve and has even stronger relationships with their marketing partners. Jennifer, who has been with Greater Media Newspapers since June 2004, is fun and energetic, and these two attributes drive her to be successful. It’s great to have her as a team leader. Kathy Chang Staff Writer Greater Media Newspapers Kathy Chang has every quality a newspaper could want in a reporter. She is a dedicated journalist, a talented writer, and a top producer. A self-starter who joined the newspaper division in September 2005, Kathy takes the initiative day after day to seek out and secure the best stories from her beats and to make sure no stone is left unturned in her work. She can always be relied upon. Kathy is also a very productive videographer, regularly creating informative news films for the company’s website. Aside from her work, Kathy is also a friendly and bright presence in the newsroom. She is one of Greater Media Newspapers’ real treasures. philadelphia Rodney Byrd Engineer Greater Media Philadelphia The past few months have been especially busy at the 97.5 FM The Fanatic. The station has done over 75 remote broadcasts in the last two and a half months and behind it all is Rodney Byrd. Everyone thinks you just flip a switch and the mics go on from a restaurant, well there is a little more to it than that. During the Phillies playoff run, we had no idea what time they were going to play and when the games would be. Rodney coordinated every remote around this, even on weekends. We are very lucky to have a person that is as dedicated as he is to his job and to the station. Lani Ilano Traffic Manager The Fanatic 97.5 FM Lani was among the recipients of our recent Above and Beyond awards in Philadelphia. She started with Greater Media in February of 2010 and came into the office on her first day (after the city got hit with 20 inches of snow)! Lani has been a joy to work with from that very first snowy day. She has a “can-do” attitude and is always looking to help. Lani’s hard work and dedication to her job is one of the reasons the station had record billing months in September and then again in October of 2010. G FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 3 people people & News Brian Baldinger Exclusively Featured on 97.5 FM The Fanatic During Football Season Brian Baldinger Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman and current NFL Network Analyst Brian Baldinger was heard exclusively featured throughout the football season on 97.5 The Fanatic. “Baldy” was a weekly guest on the “Mike Missanelli Show” on Thursday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. and the “Tony Bruno and Harry Mayes Show” on Tuesday afternoons at 12:45 p.m. Brian also co-hosted “Inside the Birds” with Dan Schwartzman every Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Brian Baldinger played for three NFL teams in his 13-year career including the Philadelphia Eagles. After his playing career, Baldinger went on to become a highly respected NFL analyst for Fox Sports and the NFL Network. He is considered as one of the hardest working and well-prepared commentators in the business. “Brian’s energy, passion, and NFL knowledge is truly second to none,” said 97.5 The Fanatic Program Director Matt Nahigian. “We were thrilled to have him join The Fanatic on a regular basis and bring some great football talk to the Delaware Valley.” Kris Abrams Named Program Director at Greater Media’s WLNK-FM in Charlotte Kris Abrams has been named as the new Program Director at WLNK-FM 107.9/The LINK Kris Abrams in Charlotte, North Carolina. He began his new position on October 22nd. Abrams is no stranger to Charlotte radio. He worked as the Assistant PD/Music Director for 104.7 WMXC-FM and KISS 102 in the mid-‘90s. After leaving Charlotte, the radio veteran went on to become the Program Director of WRIT-FM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In addition, Abrams also served as Operations Manager for Citadel Communications in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before moving to Phoenix, where he served as a Program Director/Operations Manager for CBS Radio. “Kris is a strategist, very creative and is an excellent addition as we continue to build one of the most unique HOT ACs in the country with our entertaining personality line-up of Bob & Sheri, Kelly McKay, and Matt & Ramona,” said Bill White, Operations Manager at Greater Media Charlotte. “It is great to be back in Charlotte,” said Abrams. “The opportunity to work with Bob & Sheri and Matt & Ramona, along with the great staff at WLNK, is a one-of-a-kind opportunity in today’s radio environment. Greater Media offers the kind of culture that programmers want to be a part of.” 96.9 WTKK-FM’s Jay Severin Features Dr. Keith Ablow for A Psychological Talk on Life and the News Dr. Keith Ablow 96.9 FM - Boston Talks’ Jay Severin is now featuring Fox News Psychiatry Contributor Dr. Keith Ablow on Thursdays at 3 p.m. for the new segment “Dr. Keith on Call,” a psychological approach to the headlines. Keith Ablow, M.D., has earned the title “America’s Psychiatrist” by helping millions of people take control of their lives by understanding the patterns they’ve developed that are firmly rooted in the past. “Psychological insight shouldn’t be confined to the couch,” says Dr. Ablow. “The psychological truth behind each of our lives also plays in the background of major news events and issues that shape our people and our times.” He continued, “Jay and I intend to dig relentlessly to the core of the local and national psyche into the heart of what is really happening in the minds of listeners and newsmakers alike.” “After 25 years in politics and media I can safely say Doctor Keith Ablow displays more extraordinary intelligence, insight, and cleverness into ‘Why People Do What They Do’ than anyone I have ever known,” says Severin. “I am tremendously excited about the unique and entertaining dimension Keith Ablow will add to this radio show....not to mention how handy it will be for me, in particular, to have a psychoanalyst nearby.” Keith Ablow, M.D., is one of America’s leading psychiatrists. He is the author of numerous books on overcoming depression, anxiety disorders, and other psychological challenges and serves as the Fox News expert on psychiatry and as a contributing editor at both Good Housekeeping and Men’s Fitness. Dr. Ablow’s transformative bold strategies are the founding principles for LivingtheTruth.com and incisively presented in Living the Truth: Transform Your Life Through the Power of Insight and Honesty. An Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts Medical School and graduate of Brown University and John Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Ablow practices in Newburyport, MA and New York. Matt Spatafora Matt Spatafora has been named Director of Sales at Greater Media Detroit. He most recently served in a similar capacity (in addition to other previous sales and management positions) over the past ten years at WDRQ-FM and WDVD-FM in the Motor City. People & News continued on next page 4 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 People & News continued from previous page Steve Kosbau Named Market Manager of Greater Media Detroit Steve Kosbau has been named as the new Market Manager of its Detroit-based radio properties, including WRIF-FM, WCSXFM, and WMGC-FM. The radio veteran most recently served as the President and General Manager of WDRQ-FM and WDVD-FM in the Motor City. Prior to that, he worked as the Director of Operations at WJZW-FM and WRQX-FM in Washington, DC. “Steve is a man of great character and intellect, who will help us take Greater Media Detroit to the next level,” said John Fullam, Vice President & Regional Market Manager of Greater Media Philadelphia. “We are pleased to welcome him to the Greater Media family.” Sue Edelman Named Content Manager at Greater Media Boston Sue Edelman Sue Edelman has joined the company’s Boston-based radio cluster as the new Content Manager at the Greater Media Marketing Group. Sue has worked in the web space for more than a dozen years as an editor, producer, and product manager. Her experience runs the gamut from education and entertainment sites to businessto-business sites. She graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and has studied graphic design at the New England School of Art and Design. Since 1988, she has hosted and produced a community radio program on WMFO-FM in Medford, MA. A self-confessed web geek and radio junkie, Sue loves beagles, the harmonica, and the Peanuts gang. SOME Lucky BEN-FM listeners had the opportunity to strut their stuff on the catwalk at the Oxford Valley Mall Fashion Show on September 11th, 2010. BEN-FM’s Marilyn Russell hosted the extravaganza, which included a onehour mall-wide shopping spree for the BEN-FM models. BEN-FM listeners model at The Oxford Valley Mall Fashion Show with Marilyn Russell. Freihofer’s Bread Awards Playground to Woodrow Wilson School in Framingham, MA WOODROW Wilson School in Framingham won the 1st Annual Freihofer’s Pride of the Neighborhood Sweepstakes. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony and park dedication took place on September 17, 2010. The community was invited to come out and enjoy refreshments. of this community to come together in the same way that Freihofer’s has brought families and friends together for generations.” The contest, which was promoted on 105.7 WROR-FM, took place from January to April 2010. Schools were encouraged to register to win by logging on to Prideoftheneighborhood.com and sharing why their community was the most deserving of a brand-new playground. More than 153 people entered for a chance to win a brand-new playground for their community. “Opportunities like this are rare,” said Kosbau. “It’s an honor to join such a fantastic company and these legendary radio stations.” 93.3 WMMR-FM Unveils 5th edition of “Preston & Steve’s Totally Office Calendar 2011” MORE than 2,500 loyal WMMRFM and “Preston & Steve” fans recently packed Chickie’s & Pete’s Sports Bar in South Philly to pick up their complimentary 5th edition of “Preston & Steve’s Totally Office Calendar 2011.” Fans waited up to an hour and a half to have their calendar signed by all 13 women featured inside the calendar, along with the entire “Preston & Steve Show.” The Making of Preston & Steve’s Totally Office Calendar video will also soon be available for free via Comcast On-Demand on the “Preston & Steve” channel in the Get Local Section in Philadelphia viewing areas. The calendar is available for purchase at WMMR.com. BEN-FM Listeners Strut Their Stuff at Fall Fashion Show Preston & Steve and friends at the calendar release party. “When I entered the sweepstakes, I didn’t even think there was the slightest chance we would win, so I am absolutely thrilled that Woodrow Wilson won and that we can finally upgrade parts of our playground to meet code and to make the grounds look nice and friendly,” said Anita Chaves, a teacher at Woodrow Wilson School in Framingham. “Thank you so much for your generosity!” “Since 1913, Freihofer’s Baking Company has worked to bring our community delicious healthy baked goods, making Freihofer’s the Pride of the Neighborhood,” said John Schaefer, Director of Sales, at Freihofer’s Bread. “This year, we are excited to recognize Woodrow Wilson Elementary School as the winners of the Pride of the Neighborhood contest and present the school with a new playground. We hope the playground will allow families and friends FA L L WROR Street Team at the playground dedication. Children enjoying the new Freihofer’s playground. The Freihofer truck parked at the event. 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 5 movies special feature BY CLARE MARIE CELANO MAGIC 106.7-FM’s Candy O’Terry Adds Movie Roles to Long List of Accomplishments This “Radio Girl,” Singer, and Talent-Show Judge Is Featured in Two Films MOST people have a “buck- from left to right Candy O’Terry. et list” of things they’d like to do or accomplish during their lifetime, and now Greater Media Boston’s Candy O’Terry can cross off another item on her list. The award-winning radio personality entertains listeners on MAGIC 106.7, Country 102.5, and 96.9 Boston Talks. She has also sung duets with Grammy-nominee Jim Brickman and has recorded a love song with singer-songwriter Charlie Farren. The song “You Are the Only One” is a collaborative effort between O’Terry and Farren and went to Number 34 on the AC chart. She also cohosts the award-winning radio show “Exceptional Women” with Gay Vernon, heads the Alliance for Women in Media/Boston, and serves as a judge for Community Auditions: Star for a Day, the Boston/New England Emmywinning talent show. As of April 2010, O’Terry, who is the assistant program director at MAGIC 106.7, can now add movie roles to her résumé. “Being in a movie has always been on my bucket list. Now, I can check it off,” O’Terry said, explaining the back story to this achievement. O’Terry, who joined Greater Media Boston in 1990, said a radio listener asked her to emcee a premiere of a local film last year. ”I thought to myself, ‘Gee, I’ve never had the opportunity to emcee a local film, and I bet I could 27 Down Movie Poster. CO2 Movie Poster figure it out,’ ” O’Terry said. The film was 27 Down by Wild Beagle Productions. “I must have done a good job because I got a call asking me if I would be interested in the role of newscaster for another Wild Beagle production by director John Depew called CO2,” she said. This “radio girl,” as she refers to herself, wondered what it would be like to actually be in a movie. Although she auditioned for several other parts in the movie, the newscaster role was an easy fit. Her scene was shot in the small town of Derry, NH. “There is no pay for this,” she noted. “Just the experience to try something outside my comfort zone. It was scary, but it was fun.” Her role consisted of 30-45 seconds on screen. “The rest of the scene with me in it is on the cutting-room floor,” she said with good-natured humor. “The movie is about carbon sequestration. I was called on in the movie to incorporate the weather report into a newscast to comment on how warm the weather was in the valley. Although it was fall, the weather had a lot to do with the phenomenon that descended on this small town,” she explained. The movie is about a disaster that hits a small coal-mining town in Pennsylvania, where carbon dioxide covers the town, suffocating almost every living creature in its path. According to Wild Beagle Productions’ website, the story was borrowed from a reallife 1986 disaster in Lake Nyos, a crater lake in Cameroon, which is about 50 km or 31 miles from the border of Nigeria, when a magma-spurred geologic eruption occurred 50 miles under the floor of the Cameroon Lake. Carbon dioxide escaped through the water’s surface, causing the suffocation of 1,700 villagers and 3,500 livestock. “My scene took an hour to shoot, then you sit around and wait,” she said. O’Terry’s scene involved people walking around in a general store. “There’s a TV hanging on the wall, and I’m on it,” she explained. “I talk about how unseasonably warm the weather is. It’s about four seconds,” said O’Terry, who was allowed to choose the name of her character. She chose the name Candace Malone. “It’s about a four-second shot. If you blink, you’ll miss me.” She has another shot that she said is about the same length of time. “These are my two shots of fame. The rest of my hour is on the cutting-room floor,” she laughed. O’Terry said her husband, Tom Gaffny, was even recruited to play an extra in the movie. “There are eight survivors in this town, and unfortunately he isn’t one of them,” she laughed, adding that she and her husband checked to see who had the longer time on camera. “I think he won. Even as a dead body, he had more time than me,” she said. The location where the rest of the movie was filmed was Ayer, MA, a small town outside of Boston. With her usual light-hearted humor, O’Terry said that the mayor of Ayer shut down the whole town on a Sunday morning “so that Continued on next page 6 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 people could die all over his streets.” O’Terry was asked to host and emcee the red carpet extravaganza that took place on October 23 at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA. “It was a sold-out event with hundreds of guests,” O’Terry said. She added that she called Georgannette Chatterley, an art student at Massachusetts College of Art, to craft a dress for the occasion. “I wore a dress made of melted records put on a body form and then crafted into four panels,” the actress said. “The dress was amazing, but it was impossible to sit down in it and hard to walk up the stairs in,” she said, adding, “The fear of a wardrobe malfunction when you are wearing a dress made of melted records, glue, spray paint, and Velcro is very high.” Her role as Candace Malone got the director’s attention, and she was the cast in a second movie, Luke Eleven, written and directed by Bryan W. Stewart. O’Terry is in 13 scenes in this film. “I play the lead character’s mother. My character’s name is Nina Wallace, a Biblethumping, born-again Christian. This is a major role in the movie,” O’Terry said, adding that she was very excited to do it. Luke Eleven, which is a biblical reference, is scheduled to be released in 2011. This film was shot in private homes in Whitman, a small Massachusetts town, and at University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. “There is very little glamour with hair and makeup for me in this film. In fact, they make me up to look older for the role.” Tangible proof so far of her very first movie experience is already on her office wall—a framed poster for CO2. “My name was way down at the bottom, but at least it’s there!” she said. G G Human Resources Update By Karen Suddreth, SPHR Corporate HR Manager Greater Media, Inc What Keeps Me Up at Night – Texting While Driving Does this sound familiar? You’ve just completed a long, hectic day and you’re driving home, enjoying a few minutes to yourself before your post-work life kicks in. Your mobile communication device (DROID, iPhone, BlackBerry) starts yelling at you that you have a new e-mail, phone call, or text message. You remember that you left one unresolved issue at work, and you feel you just have to look at your phone and respond. The next thing you know, you‘re driving and texting a short message…something you swore you would never do! Let’s face it – we are all pulled by our electronic devices to respond instantly, whether it’s an e-mail, text, or phone call. Sometimes our better judgment takes a back seat to common sense and we kid ourselves into believing we are “being more efficient” or “multi-tasking” and that we can do both safely – respond and drive simultaneously. If we are lucky, we send that email or text and continue on our merry way. Unfortunately, luck is fickle. It only takes one glance away from the road to find yourself and others in a life-threatening situation. At this point, you may be saying, “OK, Karen, I get it – stop beating the NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING drum.” But G I ask you to hang with me a little longer to review some statistics. National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah Hersman states, “The number of people killed by drivers distracted by the use of an electronic communications device is the equivalent of a major aviation accident every week. “In a December 2009 speech, Chairman Hersman shared the following statistics: • Approximately 40,000 people die each year on our nation’s highways. Distracted driving is a cause of many of these accidents. • Drivers who use a hand-held device are at a 1.3 times greater risk of a crash or near crash than drivers who are simply driving – and if the driver is dialing, that number increases to a 2.8 times greater risk. Almost triple the risk of just driving. • Of drivers in the United States, 81% admit to cell phone use while at the wheel, and 45% acknowledge that they have been hit or nearly hit by a driver using a cell phone. Pretty sobering statistics. The good news is we can change these numbers through simple behavior modification. Not only will it keep you and others out of harm’s way, you will be following company policy. As a reminder, Greater Media prohibits the use of any handheld device while driving a company vehicle. Hands-free devices, while slightly less risky, should only be used at times and in a manner that will not distract you from operating the vehicle safely. In closing, I want to share my wish for all of us – that we make a private pledge to ourselves to remain safe, healthy, and alive by not texting while driving. No need to announce it on Oprah, or make a big splash in The Grapevine. Just take a few quiet moments and decide that you value your life and the life of others over remaining “connected” every minute of the day. The call or message can wait. Greater Media is a great place to work, and the reason is THE PEOPLE, all the people. Let’s not lose a single one from an avoidable tragedy. In keeping with the community-driven mission of the company, Greater Media is pleased to unveil the Greater Media Greater Good Campaign. This exciting new company-wide initiative is aimed at helping those in our industry and the communities that we serve. Throughout the year, the organization will be supporting various organizations through fundraising initiatives and Greater Media Day of Greater Good events within local markets the company serves. The first recipient of the effort was the Broadcasters Foundation of America. To support the campaign, the company recently created a special microsite exclusively for employees to use to make a contribution (if they so chose) to the Broadcasters Foundation. In addition, the company will be hosting a series of Greater Media Day of Greater Good events throughout 2011, in which employees will be volunteering within the communities that the company’s radio and newspaper properties are geographically located. “We are very excited about this wonderful initiative,” said Greater Media Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth. “The women and men of Greater Media are incredible people who make the company and the communities we serve greater on a daily basis.” G G FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 7 best special feature BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Greater Media Newspapers’ Meredith Reccoppa Always After Her Personal Best Advertising Consultant Is Passionate About Running – Whether It’s a Marathon or Just for Fun SHE’S young, she’s pretty, she’s fit — and she can run a 7:49-minute mile. Meredith Reccoppa, who joined Greater Media Newspapers, Freehold, NJ, as an advertising consultant in March 2008, found an outlet years ago that allows her to connect with her thoughts, focus, and have fun — running. In between working at a job she “really loves,” Reccoppa, whose enthusiastic personality lends itself to the work she does at Greater Media Newspapers, has taken what began as a way to stay fit and expanded that goal into a new venture — marathon running. And, according to her stats, she’s coming up with some impressive race times. “To me, running gives me that ‘me’ time I look for,” Reccoppa said. “I always ran here and there, but as I got older, it became something I really enjoyed; so naturally, you do more of something you like. The running actually progressed into a hobby I love. When I run for leisure, it’s a way to focus my thoughts and try to see things more clearly.” Reccoppa, a native of Manalapan, NJ, who now lives in Old Bridge, NJ, has always been physically active, playing soccer in high school. Running was something she started about five years ago to keep in shape. clockwise from left New York Liberty Half Marathon. Divas Half MarathonTM, an all-women 13.1-mile race. New Jersey Marathon. Meredith Reccoppa preparing for race.. “I started just walking two or three miles at a time. Then, I began jogging in between the runs,” she said. by More and Fitness magazines. “We trained and ran together for this first race,” she said. Reccoppa began enjoying the sport more than she had ever anticipated and introduced some sprinting every five minutes or so into her workout to build up speed. After the race, her friend dropped the idea of competitive running, but Reccoppa kept on going. That was April 2009. Since then, she’s run eight more races. And she sees no reason to stop the journey. In 2006, she began running more seriously, working her way up to five miles a day and increasing her time to build endurance. During a workout, she’d run, jog, and sprint. “I only do the sprinting twice a week because, otherwise, it’s just too much,” she said. Her marathon running started when she and a girlfriend noticed an ad in Fitness magazine for a half-marathon and thought it might be fun to try. The race, an all-women, 13.1-mile half-marathon, was sponsored jointly She said the More/Fitness race was her most memorable and made her realize just how much she enjoyed running. In fact, the November 13 race in Richmond, VA, was a full marathon with 26.2 miles of road mapped out to challenge runners like Reccoppa. The avid runner said when she is in a half-marathon, “I’m competing against myself and my time from the previous race, so I stay confident and run my hardest to reach my goal.” Reccoppa incorporates other modes of exercise into her daily workouts. “The first five minutes of my training run is a warm-up. I also make sure to always stretch after a training run or a race to avoid pulled muscles, etc.,” she explained. “Along with running four to five times a week, mixing between speed interval training and long runs, I weight-lift two to three times per week” because strong arms and a strong core are essential in running. She also incorporates lunges and squats into her weight-lifting routine and does kickboxing at least once a week, along with other types of cardio such as the elliptical trainer. “I also do a lot of walking as well,” she said. As far as what type of nourishment she puts into her body while training, Reccoppa said she eats “lots of protein,” including chicken, fish, yogurt, and cottage cheese. She also consumes protein shakes after a workout, while training, which she said usually requires an average of 16 weeks for a marathon. Since this running enthusiast manages to keep up a six- to seven-mile run a day and 10-15 miles on Saturday, her long run day, she is already working out most of the time, whether Continued on next page 8 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 she is training for a marathon or not. After all, she runs between 40 and 65 miles per week. After working her way up to 20 miles in one day, she is now working back down to 12 miles in one day, according to a training schedule, which alternates miles per day. She “loads up on carbs” the night before a race, eating foods such as lots of pasta (usually whole wheat pasta), fruit, and oatmeal, among other foods. City Half Marathon, where she clocked 7:49 per mile and came in 13th in her age group; the Divas Half Marathon, where her pace was 7:55 per mile. Coming in close was the Philadelphia Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon on September 19, where she marked 8:05 minutes per mile. She said this was her favorite race. Before she races, all she typically consumes is a bagel with almond butter. Fuel along the way consists of gel packets. She said there are many stops on the route with replenishing liquids such as Gatorade and water. “And at the finish line, there’s lots of food waiting for you,” she said. Her husband, Damian, and her parents were there, as they are at all races, to cheer her on. In fact, Reccoppa and her husband make good use of her running experiences by finding interesting places to visit in the area where she’s running. For example, when she ran the Philadelphia ING Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon, they spent the day in the city sightseeing, checking out the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. She’s run for the sport of competition, and she’s run just for fun, for instance the Divas Half Marathon at Long Island, NY, on October 3. The couple enjoys taking day trips to interesting places, as well as going to shows, concerts, and hockey games. Reccoppa has earned some impressive race times for her short marathon career. In the Divas race, an all-women, 13.1-mile halfmarathon, she came in 80th out of 2,815 runners. In her age category that number streams down to placing 16th out of 503 competitors. Competing in races is not without challenges for Reccoppa. Her most challenging course was the Captain Bill Gallagher 10 Mile Island Run in Sea Isle City, NJ, in August. She managed to attain a pace of 8:56 minutes per mile while running, not on pavement, but on sand. “At the 12th mile we were each given a tiara and a pink boa to wear,” she said laughing. “After I crossed the finish line, I was handed a rose by a man dressed like ABC’s The Bachelor. I also received my medal and a cup of champagne. It really was a fun race.” She admitted she was a bit nervous about running the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, her first full marathon, on November 13 in Virginia, but she was also “extremely excited.” This inaugural race was held to celebrate the power of being a woman, according to Reccoppa. The bling was a fun bonus. Underplaying her accomplishments with quiet modesty, this runner is definitely enjoying the ride. Her best numbers so far? The October 17 Atlantic Her goal was to finish her first full marathon in approximately four hours, and she did even better, finishing in 3:39:25, a time that qualifies her for April’s Boston Marathon. She came in 32nd out of 275 runners in her age group. “I was crying at the end,” she said. “It was such an amazing and unforgettable experience, the most difficult so far and one of my proudest accomplishments.” At Ratfest ... Rockyn Robyn Lane and Creed’s Scott Stapp. Pictured are the winners of “Most Honest Golfers” award: (l-r) Morning Sidekick Gotts, Promotion Director Doug Sjonvall, Local Sales Manager Mike Normand, listener, Al Porter, and LADACIN Network’s Patty Carlisimo. Gotts (aka the WRAT-FM Cash Cow) qualified listeners to win $1,000. At the Uproar Festival, the Rat crew got backstage to hang with Halestorm: (l-r) Eric G. of WRAT; promotions staff, Arejay Hale; Lizzy Hale; Gotts (in court-appointed diaper...a morning show thing...); Promotion Coordinator Maria Ceizak; Joe Hottinger and Josh Smith of Halestorm. The winners of the Ratfest Opening Act Band Search, Almost There with the Rat’s Rockyn Robyn Lane. The tireless Rat Promo crew at Ratfest: (l-r) Eric Graziano, Nicole “Snookie” Viscito, Vince Matthews, Mike Johnson, Jackie “Snackie” Mitchell, Promotion Coordinator Maria Ceizak, and Promotion Director Doug Sjonvall. WRAT-FM air staff presenting Live Nation’s Jim Steen with his honorary Ratfest 2010 plaque: (l-r) Morning Co-host Marty Martinez, Rockyn Robyn Lane, Live Nation’s Jim Steen, Morning Co-host Carl Craft, night-timer Steve Hook, and PM Driver Jim Steal. G FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 9 community giving back 94.7 WCSX-FM Announces the First Annual Feed The Need Food Drive Greater Media Newspapers Article Spurs $25,000 Donation to Schools Aid from Philanthropic Foundation to Offset Cutbacks in NJ School District - By Amy Rosen Greater Media Newspapers, winner of the “2009 New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists’ Stuart and Beverley Awbrey Award” for distinguished public service by a community newspaper, has proved once again that the power of the press is alive and well and making a positive impact on the communities that its papers serve. When Barry Tobias, Vice President of the philanthropic Peter Jay Sharp Foundation, New York, and a resident of Manalapan, NJ, read an article about the formation of the Foundation for ManalapanEnglishtown Regional Schools (MERS) in the June 16, 2010, edition of his local paper, the News Transcript , he contacted Pat Berger, MERS Foundation president, to find out more about the organization. 94.7 WCSX-FM presented the first annual Feed The Need Food Drive to benefit Forgotten Harvest. The event took place November 13-14 at all Metro Detroit American Home Fitness Locations. The station asked listeners to open their cupboards and donate nonperishable food items during this two-day drive, which featured live broadcasts and “satellite” remotes from five different American Home Fitness locations throughout the weekend. Listeners who donated 20 cans or more at each location received a $25 Buffalo Wild Wings gift certificate. Tobias determined that the Foundation for MERS could benefit from the Peter Jay Sharp Foundation’s charitable endeavors and advised the brand-new school foundation to apply for a grant. Happily, a $25,000 grant was awarded and designated to support children in need who want to take part in school performing arts programs, but can’t afford the participation fee initiated this year to offset school-funding cutbacks. All food donations benefited Forgotten Harvest, whose goal since 1990 has been to to relieve hunger in the Detroit metropolitan community by rescuing surplus, prepared, and perishable food, and donating it to emergency food providers. For more information, go to www.forgottenharvest.org. A $100 fee is charged to Manalapan-Englishtown pupils who WMGK-FM was a proud sponsor of the Purplestride Philadelphia 2010 Walk for Pancreatic Cancer. 1 0 g r ap e v i n e FA L L greater media gives back to the community 2 010 want to receive instrumental music instruction in the fourth through eighth grades, and a $50 fee is charged for sixth- through eighth-grade students who want to participate in choir. Seventh- and eighth-graders who want to participate in the middle school’s musical play must also pay a $50 fee. Berger said, “Part of our mission is to have community involvement, and this is a perfect example of that. The community newspaper [News Transcript] printed an article about the foundation, a member from the community saw the article, and now we have a $25,000 grant to help the schools. It’s terrific, and we are so grateful to the Peter Jay Sharp Foundation for supporting our students.” Said Tobias: “The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation is a significant donor to educational institutions in the tri-state area. It supports a wellrounded education — not just reading, writing, and arithmetic. That’s why it supports the arts.” Tobias added that he was delighted to learn about the Foundation for Manalapan-Englishtown Regional Schools because it is “the perfect conduit to get the money to the schools to implement the programs in the appropriate way.” Representing the school foundation, Berger announced at a recent meeting of the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education that the $25,000 grant money was used to set up the Peter Jay Sharp Opportunity Fund for Performing Arts. It is divided into three categories for students who qualify and will encourage beginners, allow students of all levels to receive instrumental lessons and instrument rentals, and allow students to participate in choir and theater programs. “The grant from the Peter Jay Sharp Foundation will benefit the students of the district as it will provide students in grades four through eight with greater opportunities to explore the fundamentals of playing an instrument and to participate within other areas related to performance arts,” said Jodi Klask, the district’s supervisor of music and assistant principal at Lafayette Mills School. “Instrumental music, chorus, and participation in the musical provide students opportunities to broaden their academic and social development.” In an e-mail to Mark Rosman, editor of the News Transcript , Berger wrote, “A major success of our foundation came because of your article on our foundation in the News Transcript this past June. Thank you for that initial article!!!” Young WMGK-FM listeners at the ADA Walk in Philadelphia. A group of WMGK listeners get set to walk at the Free to Breathe Lung Cancer Walk in Philadelphia. MAGIC 106.7 FM Participates in Boston’s Memory Walk 102.9 WMGK-FM Teams Up With The Philadelphia Flyers To Present the 9th Annual DeBella Turkey Drop Team “Radio Mess” Walks in Memory of Jeff Messerman in Boston’s 1st Annual Brain Tumor Walk WBT-AM/FM Names 2010 Hometown Hero MAGIC 106.7’s Midday Host Nancy Quill with WCVB-TV Meteorologist Harvey Leonard The “2010 Hometown Hero Award” named after Ray Gooding. The Greater Boston Memory Walk to benefit Alzheimer’s Research and Support Programs. The annual Greater Boston Memory Walk raises money each year for the Alzheimer’s Association. Proceeds raised help fund research and provide support to patients and their families through education, care consultation, advocacy, support, etc. MAGIC 106.7’s Nancy Quill walks every year in memory of her Dad, who suffered from Alzheimer’s and passed away in 2000. Nancy was joined on stage by WCVB-TV Channel 5 Meteorologist Harvey Leonard, who cheered on the walkers! WMMR-FM’s Pierre Robert Hosts PAWS Benefit: Cosmic Caring for Pets 2010 For the third year in a row, 102.9 WMGK-FM and the Philadelphia Flyers teamed up to raise turkey donations for this year’s 9th Annual John DeBella Turkey Drop. The event took place at Love Park in Philadelphia and benefited CityTeam Ministries, Philadelphia, an organization that provides food and services to less fortunate individuals, families, shelters, and food groups in the tri-state area. WMGK-FM Morning Personality John DeBella thanked the crowd for their donations during intermission at the Turkey Drop. “The Flyers and their fans have been extremely generous to us the last few years,” DeBella said. “We’re thrilled to have their passionate support again this year.” Less than six months ago, on April 3rd, 2010 the world lost Jeff Messerman, who was Greater Media Boston’s National Sales Manager for WKLB-FM/WROR-FM/ WTKK-FM. A true gentleman and businessman, Jeff was a role model to all at GMB. His smile and hearty laugh lit up every room he entered. Anyone who had the opportunity to meet him was truly touched by his positive attitude and passionate spirit. On October 2nd, 2010 “Team Radio Mess” walked in honor and in memory of this amazing man, raising over $3,600 for the Brain Tumor Association. Through various events to date, the GMB staff has raised over $21,000 in Jeff’s memory. WROR-FM Presents Loren & Wally’s Annual Yard Sale The effort was capped off on November 20th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when Pierre Robert, his dog Lucy, and PAWS were on-site with animals that were available for adoption. WBT-AM/FM recently awarded Corey Gaitan of Rock Hill, South Carolina the “2010 Hometown Hero Award” for his efforts in making a miraculous difference in the life of one local little girl. In late July, Corey, a Rock Hill Utilities worker, stopped for a break at a local convenience store. While his co-worker went into the store, Corey witnessed a young girl choking. Her mother was attempting the Heimlich maneuver and trying to give her daughter water. Corey picked up the little girl, correctly positioned her and slapped her between the shoulder blades several times. When he heard something hit the ground, he saw that he had dislodged the sucker in the little girl’s throat. 93.3 WMMR-FM midday host Pierre Robert and the Oxford Valley Mall recently reminded listeners that pets need love during the holiday season! The station collected critical pet supplies for the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), an organization that helps abandoned and abused pets find new homes. The items included paper towels, heavy-duty/contractor trash bags, bleach, laundry detergent, as well as clay cat litter and canned cat/dog food. In addition, cash donations were also accepted. Corey Gaitan’s life-saving heroics garnered him WBT’s 2010 “Hometown Hero” award. WROR-FM Presents Loren & Wally’s Annual Yard Sale. According to American Red Cross, out of all who are CPR-certified, only 10% will actually act in an emergency situation. For saving a six-year-old’s life without thinking twice, Corey Gaitan was selected as this year’s WBT Hometown Hero. Loren & Wally with Yard Sale shopper and fan. The 3rd Annual Loren & Wally Yard Sale at Kimball Farm in Westford was a huge success! Through table rental fees, WROR-FM raised over $2,000 for the Brain Tumor Society. “The Loren & Wally Morning Show” was joined by Red Sox pitcher Bill “The Spaceman” Lee, comedian Bob Marley, comedian Tony V, and thousands of bargain-hunting early birds! At the awards luncheon, Gaitan was awarded the “Hometown Hero” trophy as well as a cash donation to his charity of choice supplied by sponsor Bank of Commerce. Gaitan donated his $2,500 to the Rock Hill Children’s Attention Home. Community: Giving Back continued on next page FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 11 community giving back WMTR-AM Lends a Helping Hand to Breast Cancer Walk Magic 98.3 FM Presents 1st Annual Central Jersey Women In Business Awards WDHA-FM & WMTR-AM General Manager Nancy McKinley was presented with the Mary Mulholland Spirit Award. Women In Business Awardees MAGIC 98.3 FM recently presented the 1st Annual Central Jersey Women In Business Awards. The event served as a celebration for influence, ingenuity, and action uniquely positioned to provide incisive commentary on the importance of women within business. Hosted at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey, the station honored several successful businesswomen and businesses for their growing success within the community. In addition to drinks and hors d’oeuvres, attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner and a comical act, which kept everyone laughing in their seats between speeches. Classic Oldies 1250 WMTR’s Chris Edwards gave a helping hand in hosting the Ninth Annual Saint Clare’s Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness on September 19, 2010. The Saint Clare’s Foundation hosts this 5k walk every year to raise awareness of breast cancer and promote early diagnosis, while raising vital funds to support treatment of breast cancer through Cancer Care at Saint Clare’s. Over 2,000 people came to the event and helped raise over $140,000 for this great cause. Station Manager Nancy McKinley was also on board for the event. She was presented with the Mary Mulholland Spirit Award, recognizing outstanding volunteer leadership and support of The Women’s Health Center. WDHA-FM & WMTR-FM Host Puptoberfest In September, WDHA-FM and WMTR-FM partnered with local animal shelter, 11th Hour Rescue for Puptoberfest, a day-long play date for listeners’ favorite four-legged friends. More than 3,000 listeners and dog lovers came out to Craigmeur Picnic Grounds in Rockaway, New Jersey for the event. WDHA and WMTR jocks were onsite all day with games like doggie dancing, puppy limbo, and even a DJ look-alike contest. WMTR’s Chris Edwards got into the fun by performing as the Great Raja, a pet psychic who can communicate with dogs’ true thoughts. The event was a huge success for local animal shelter 11th Hour Rescue. For years 11th Hour has found homes for some of New Jersey’s homeless animals. They featured a memory lane with pictures of dogs they had fostered that had since been adopted and held a parade of adopters. With the help of WDHA and WMTR, 11th Hour Rescue was able to adopt over a dozen more dogs the day of Puptoberfest. WDHA-FM Midday Host, Terrie Carr poses with her “look-alike” dog. WMTR-FM’s Morning Team Host, Chris Edwards as The Great Raja, Dog Psychic. Community: Giving Back continued on next page 1 2 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 MAGIC 106.7 FM Makes Strides Against Breast Cancer in Boston MAGIC 105.1 FM and Project Runway’s Joe Faris Enlist Celebrities for PROJECT LittlePinkDress to Benefit Breast Cancer Research MAGIC 105.1 FM recently teamed up with Project Runway’s season five contestant and local Detroiter, Joe Faris for PROJECT LittlePinkDress to help raise funds for breast cancer during the month of October. The nationally renowned designer created a shell of a denim dress and enlisted five celebrities to have them co-design their own version of the dress. The dresses went on tour throughout Metro Detroit, where people were able to go to view and bid on them, along with the opportunity to have lunch with the designer that made the particular dress. The celebrities who have volunteered their time to participate in the project included: Erin Cummings of the new ABC show, Detroit 187; Christy McDonald, reporter for Channel 7 News; local celebrity, Karen Newman; Lauren Podell, traffic and reporter for Channel 4, and Georgea Kovanis, fashion reporter for The Detroit News. Currently, Faris and the celebrities are designing these unique masterpieces, which was unveiled at MAGIC 105.1’s Pink Party on October 7, 2010 at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. Once the dresses were revealed, a gorgeous display was slated to make its way to Art Van locations throughout the Metro Detroit area for people to view. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit a local breast cancer charity. “This is an incredible opportunity,” said Faris. “I have a very dear friend who is going through treatment for breast cancer right now. This disease is affecting more and more people all the time. I really hope PROJECT LittlePinkDress not only raises funds but also continues to raise awareness about this disease.” At press time, the designer was preparing to launch Motor City Denim Company, a full denim line. For more information about PROJECT LittlePinkDress, please e-mail Aimee Spencer direct at aspencer@ greatermediadetroit.com or go to www.detroitmagic. com. This event is made possible by DMC Huron Valley Sinai Hospital’s Sinai Center for Women and Charach Cancer Treatment Center. top to bottom Kim Khazei, Matt Lorch, and MAGIC 106.7’s Candy O’Terry at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. MAGIC 106.7’s Don Kelley on stage at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Making Strides Walk. MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Candy O’Terry emceed the 18th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk with 7 News Anchors Matt Lorch and Kim Khazei, along the Esplanade at Hatch Memorial on October 3, 2010. Making Strides is held in a number of markets, but the Boston walk is the largest and the most successful in the country. Forty thousand people gathered to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer at the 18th annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Walkers followed the fivemile route along the Charles River Esplanade to proudly honor breast cancer survivors and fondly remember those who have lost their lives to the disease. Making Strides is the nation’s oldest and largest one-day breast cancer fundraiser, and is the American Cancer Society’s signature event during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. FA L L G 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 13 H A L L O W E E N MAGIC 98.3 FM Presents 2010 Halloween Bash MAGIC 98.3 FM’s 2010 Halloween Bash was eerily festive and fun. Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey, the location served as the perfect location for frightening excitement and delicious hors d’œuvres for the more than 200 special listeners who attended the annual event. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to win passes to attend the private party through multiple on-air and online giveaways that filled the guest list within 32 seconds. The haunting music of The Greatest Nameless Band (GNB) rocked the house all night long. Games, prizes, and a costume contest rounded out the evening. WMGK-FM Hosts Haunting Good Time at 4th Annual John DeBella Masquerade Bash U.S. Marines Present WMGK with Award at Event More than 400 listeners turned out to compete for the coveted $1,000 grand prize at WMGK-FM’s 4th Annual John DeBella Masquerade Bash at Finnigan’s Wake in Center City, Philadelphia. The haunting good time took place on October 29th and was hosted by legendary morning man John DeBella. In addition, WMGK-FM’s Ray Koob broadcasted live from the event. Second and third place prizes of $250 and $500 were also awarded. In addition to the costume contest, listeners were encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots campaign. As a result, the Marines collected a total of four large bins of toys and raised more than $3,600 during the evening. In appreciation for WMGK-FM’s support in 2009 (which helped over 93,000 children in the Delaware Valley wake up with toys on Christmas Day), the U.S. Marines presented the station with a special award, designed by Walt Disney, at the end of the evening. WMGK’s Charley Lake, Ray Koob, Debbi Calton, and Mike Samsel at the 4th Annual DeBella Masquerade Bash. Costume Winners from MAGIC’s Halloween Bash. 1 4 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 John and Lisa DeBella with WMGK’s Jackie Sherman and Steve McLean. H A L L O W E E N MAGIC 105.1 FM Celebrates Halloween in the Motor City MAGIC 100.1 FM Turns the Tables on Reality Show Stereotypes at the 73rd Annual Toms River, NJ Halloween Parade Greater Media New Jersey’s MAGIC 100.1 FM decided to have some fun with some of the state’s misguided stereotypes portrayed on some of the recent television reality shows at this year’s 73rd Annual Toms River, NJ Halloween Parade. Morning Show personality Cyndy Canty with her husband, Sean. Morning Crew: (l-r) Mike Bradley, Fay Samona, & Jim Harper. MAGIC 105.1 Promotion Staff Miners. WMMR-FM’s Rock N’ Roll Halloween Celebrating Halloween the entire month of October, Preston & Steve invited listeners to the scariest local haunts for the Scare The Piss Out of You Tour. They brought it all to a head on Halloween Weekend with a sold-out MMR Creep Show concert featuring the Black Crowes and Jacky Bam Bam’s Rock N’ Roll Halloween Party! clockwise from top left, “Snookie” and the Police. MAGIC 100.1 FM Float in the 73rd Annual Toms River, NJ Halloween Parade. MAGIC 100.1 FM Crew. clockwise from top, Preston & Steve Calendar Girl Angela (far left), a few WMMR listeners and Pierre Robert (right, in tie-dye) take part in the costume festivities at the Jacky Bam Bam Halloween Party. The Black Crowes perform to a sold-out crowd at WMMR’s Creep Show. MMaRmy member Jason Gooch donned makeup at the historic Eastern State Penitentiary. MMaRmy member Sean Burke gets excited for a “Preston & Steve Show” Halloween stunt in Center City Philadelphia. Reported to be the second largest Halloween Parade in the world, the event was the perfect opportunity for MAGIC 100.1 FM to set the record straight on one particular television show offender, Jersey Shore. The MTV reality show has received vast amounts of controversy and attention regarding the portrayals of Italian-American stereotypes, involving everything from hair gel to spray tans and laundry. It’s also drawn scrutiny from locals because the cast members were not residents of the area nor a good representation of what the Jersey Shore is truly all about. The staff and listeners of MAGIC 100.1 took things into their own hands, complete with exaggerated costumes, hard attitudes, and flying fist pumps, as they declared “CHARGED: MISREPRESENTATION OF THE REAL JERSEY SHORE.” FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 15 snapshots greater media in pictures faces & places 1 15 8 2 16 10 9 17 3 11 4 12 5 18 19 6 13 7 14 1 6 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 20 21 23 30 28 22 1. Radio 92.9 brings a virtual snowboarding experience to the Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo; 2. Congratulations to the “Greater Media Gangstas,” the Champions of the American Advertising Federation Charlotte Halloween Dodgeball Tournament! (l-r: John, Jonathan, Jesse, Mark, KC, Brad); 3. Mike Randall, Doug Podell from WCSX, and the Motor City Mad Man Ted Nugent backstage at DTE Energy Music Theatre; 4. Sue Cope (WROR) and audience assistant filled the stomachs of some very hungry listeners at the Cooking with Cope event at KamAppliances; 5. GMNJ Assistant Nat’l Sales Mgr- Robbin Friedell (l) and Reg’l Exec Asst – Jenn Mundy (r) in NYC seeing the B’way show Elf at their annual sales outing; 6. WMTR’s Chris Ales with New York Jets defensive tackle, Kris Jenkins; 7. Promo Director Doug Sjonvall is ready for the big jump with promotions staff Nicole and Lisa at the MAGIC 100.1 Hi-Def Halloween Party; 8. WDHA’s Kristen Mendoza and Casey Klein at A Walk For Big Brothers Big Sisters; 9. Boston Prod Director, David O’Leary receives a flu shot from Myra during GMB’s flu shot clinic; 10. WRAT DJ Gotts (r) chats with Adv. Dir., Bob Waitt (l) and Gen’l Mgr/Publisher Ben Cannizzaro during a visit to GMN, during a promotional appearance for The Rat’s “Cash Cow” promotion; 11. WBEN Promo Coord Jenny Wildman enjoying delicious samples from the McCafe truck with GMP’s Missy Carr and Donna Gallagher; 12. MAGIC Street Teamer Leah Hatten at the Belkin Farms appearance; 13. Mascot Merlin & the MAGIC 100.1 warp speed tshirt sling shot – warp factor 5 Merlin!; 14. Preston & Steve scooped their custom Bassett’s Ice Cream flavor with proceeds benefiting the Philadelphia Police Foundation; 15. On his honeymoon in Mexico, WLNK’s IT Coordinator, Frank Wilson was snapped sporting his LINK backpack; 16. A Fanatic fan at the Race for Hope Walk; 17. Eng Jeff Hansen holding the Grand Prize and 251 pieces of candy – winning the “Guess How Much Candy is in the Jar” contest at GMB’s end of summer BBQ. 18. WMTR Station Manager, Nancy McKinley poses with Rep Rodney Frelinghuysen; 19. MAGIC 100.1 midday host, Debbie Mazella with lucky Nissan Cube winners; 20. WTKK’s Eagan & Braude with Macy Gray; 21. A large crowd gathers in front of the WBT set at the Charlotte Blues & BBQ & enjoy some great BBQ!; 22. Boating & Outdoor Recreation Festival at Metro Beach – Neal Hillstrand and Mike Fourtner from Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch with Juline Jordan; 23. WDHA Prom and Event Coord Marie Senkeleski and Nite Space Jock Lindsay Klein pose at WDHA’s Monster Bash; 24. MGK’s John DeBella with the winners of the “no hands” pumpkin carrying contest at Linvilla Orchards; 25. Radio 92.9 hosted a pre-Bruins home opener bash with Bud Light giving away a pair of Bruins tickets for the game; 26. Nationally syndicated host Bob Lacey during a “Smart Chicken” live remote at a Charlotte area grocery store; 27. WMTR Morning Team’s Chris Edwards poses with his dog “look-alike” at Puptoberfest; 28. Pierre Robert with two “Twins” at the Robbins Diamonds Dash – a hightech scavenger hunt to find a $10,000 diamond; 29. 105.7 WROR’s very own Hank Morse & WCVB-TV5’s Randy Price hosting the Walk Now For Autism Research at Suffolk Downs, raising more than $850,000 for Autism Research; 30. Rat’s 14th annual Haunted House Halloween Party 2010: Jimmy Steal, Marty Martinez & Carl Craft as the Chilean Miners, Steve Hook as Where’s Waldo and Rockyn Robyn Lane as the Miner’s Mistress; 31. Sales Exec Joanne Kurilla w/her Angus Young AC/DC husband Stephen at the MAGIC 100.1 Hi-Def Halloween Party; 32. MGK’s Rachel Gordon, WBEN’s Amanda Fefer, Colin Smyth, WBEN’s Christine Razzano-Quigley, and Mkt Mgr John Fullam at Colin Smyth’s and Niki Shaffer’s going-away party; 33. Pierre Robert and contestants in the 2010 Robbins Diamonds Dash; 34. The winner of “Win BEN’s Ride” being congratulated by Marilyn Russell; 35. WBT enlisted the services of a nearby Roman soldier at the Annual Greek Festival to guard the registration materials; 36. WTKK hosted the 1st Annual Braveheart Awards, alongside MA Senator Scott Brown. G 31 29 24 33 32 34 25 26 27 35 36 FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 17 30 years special feature BY CLARE MARIE CELANO WDHA-FM’s Curtis Kay Still Enjoying the Ride after 30 Years The Versatile Air Personality/Program Director Stays in Tune with the Music, His Listeners, and the Community SOMETIMES, it’s good to know that some things in life stay the same. top to bottom A picture of Curtis from early in his WDHA career. WDHA General Manager Nancy McKinley presents Curtis with a plaque commemorating his 30th anniversary. It’s a sure bet that listeners of Greater Media New Jersey’s WDHA-FM’s “Rock of New Jersey” feel that way about longtime radio personality Curtis Kay, who has been talking to his listeners and playing their favorite hit tunes for 30 years. WDHA staff together celebrating Curtis Kay’s 30th Anniversary. Kay is celebrating his 30th anniversary with WDHA-FM, and as he has said in previous interviews for Grapevine, “When it stops being fun, I’ll go work at Wal-Mart.” This is a man who loves his job, loves his listeners, loves his music, and loves the community he serves. And, those are the reasons he has opted to stay on year after year at the Morristown-area station in an industry where it is not uncommon for radio hosts to move from one station to another. Kay is unique in this respect. When asked why he has decided to stay with WDHA all these years, Kay said, “This station has always been what I was looking for. I love the New Jersey area. The radio station was exactly what I wanted — good rock, ahead of the curve, and more importantly more in tune with its local audience. It doesn’t seem like 30 years,” he said. WDHA began broadcasting out of Morristown in 1961 and was launched as a Top 40 station. It has been a rock station for over 30 years and has been branded as a mainstream rock station for the past ten years that showcases all types of music: heavy metal, blues, jazz, as well as bands ranging from The Grateful Dead to Phish. Kay, who is also the station’s Program Director, has pretty much done it all in the industry. He’s even had a day proclaimed in his honor by the mayor of Hanover Township, Ronald Francioli, where the station is located. April 27, 2006, was officially designated Curtis Kay Day. He’s also interviewed top rock icons such as Geddy Lee of Rush, Bruce Springsteen, Ozzy Osbourne, John Paul Jones and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, and Angus Young from AC/DC, among others. The list is long and varied and he recalls a funny incident when he interviewed Osbourne on the phone. “We couldn’t even use the interview because we couldn’t hear him and we also couldn’t understand a word he said. It sounded like mumbling. It really was funny. Even Ozzy started to laugh,” Kay remembered. But through the glitz and glitter of all the famous personalities Kay has connected with, his most important memory is modest and down to earth. “I was asked to prepare the music for the New Jersey Special Olympics in Trenton,” Kay recalled. Kay said that he Continued on next page 1 8 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 did this for three consecutive years in the mid-1990s and remembered it as an “incredible experience.” “It was an unbelievable parade of athletes led by the New Jersey State Police. I met with officials from the Olympics, whose headquarters were in New Brunswick at the time. We went over ideas and how we wanted it to be. We used rock and pop music,” he said. This experience, he said, was “over the top” and “still sticks out in my mind.” Although the station basically plays classic rock, according to Kay, WDHA has always made time in its classic rock play list for new artists. “We can play AC/DC, Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and Def Leppard and also play bands like Halestorm and American Bang. We are always introducing new artists to New Jersey. We are the only station in New Jersey to do that.” When asked what it is has been like to interview some of the top names in rock, Kay said, “They put their pant legs on one leg at a time just like I do.” His biggest concern is that the interview goes well. That’s what can make him a bit anxious. “You want to make sure it goes well and you don’t have people storming out of the studio.” He does some research but not a “ton of preparation.” “I like to find out things about an artist that may not have been focused on in other interviews, like what their kids are like or hobbies they may have. I like to have them talk about the more human side of themselves, in addition to their music,” Kay said. He remarked on his interview with Geddy Lee. “Geddy is very passionate about baseball. Pretty soon we were just talking about baseball and not music,” Kay said. Kay added that the unique thing about WDHA is that its format has remained the same for as long as he has been a DJ there. Times may have changed but the station’s format is a source of stability to Kay, who loves it and his listeners who want it. His listeners are not the only ones who count on Kay; his station manager, Nancy McKinley, also counts on him to do what he does best. McKinley said that Kay is probably one of the busiest people at the station. “He is constantly juggling programming, personnel schedules, and issues; training on-air talent; overseeing the website; interacting with sales, promotions, and production; and directing the imaging and the station’s branding. He has to be attuned to listeners’ music tastes and lifestyle and deal with special requests from me or corporate, all while doing an afternoon on-air shift that is one of the best rock shows in radio. He just gets the job done,” McKinley said. The station manager said Kay arrives early in the morning and doesn’t leave until late in the evening. “His attitude is positive, his outlook realistic and his mind very creative. And, he has a great sense of humor,” McKinley said. “Although you will rarely see him in a suit and, heaven forbid, a tie, Curtis Kay is one of the most professional men I have ever had the pleasure of working with in our industry.” So what does Kay turn on when he is not in the studio with his earphones on? “My music taste is very diverse. I listen to all kinds of music from Big Bands to rock,” he revealed. Kay’s advice to any up-andcoming would-be radio personalities? “Find something you love to do and you will never work a day in your life.” He adds that he has been very fortunate to have been able to live by this philosophy over the years. Greater Media Boston Human Resource Coordinator Amy Hull recently led one of nine roundtable discussions on communication and multiculturalism at the 4th Annual Multicultural Conference at UMass Boston’s campus this past fall. BEN-FM Presents an Evening of Wine, Women, & Wisdom BEN Morning Show host Marilyn Russell (weekdays 6 a.m. – 9 a.m.) recently hosted BEN’s Woman of the Week Wine and Cheese event at Pinot Boutique (2nd and Market in Olde City). Some of the most influential women in the area had the opportunity to socialize, sample wine and cheese from Pinot Boutique, and listen to two speakers share their knowledge and unique networking techniques. Shenielle Jones of Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia and Yashima White Azilove, owner/manager of Magnate Marketing & Consulting, LLC were the featured speakers at the event. The Woman of the Week miniseries grew out of Russell’s weekly Woman of the Week radio program (Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.). Many of the women who attended the event have been guests on Russell’s Woman of the Week radio show. In addition, BEN listeners that registered to win passes were among the attendees for the laid-back, but informative and friendly gathering. Each week during her Woman of the Week radio program, Marilyn Russell interviews dynamic women in the Delaware Valley that are making a significant impact in the community via their business, their charity work, or a combination of both. He adds that this type of interview gives the listener a different perspective of their favorite artists. BEN-FM listeners enjoyed wine and cheese tastings during the BEN-FM Woman of the Week Miniseries at Pinot Boutique. G FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 19 airwaves special feature BY BRIAN DONAHUE WMMR-FM Morning Show Duo Heats Up the Airwaves ... on TV Preston & Steve Enjoy Unique Relationship with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia clockwise from left WMMR’s “Preston & Steve Show.” Preston & Steve in friendship. WMMR-FM’s “Preston & Steve Show” has long enjoyed a close kinship with the folks from the popular television series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The series’ actors have been occasional guests on the 93.3 FM airwaves, and creator and star Rob McElhenney can always be counted on to support the morning show’s annual Camp Out for Hunger. Preston & Steve on mic. WMMR’s listeners donated over 1,100 pints of blood at WMMR’s “I Bleed for Preston & Steve” blood drive. Preston & Steve the first to donate… Preston & Steve Crew at their Annual Camp-out for Hunger. That relationship was taken to new heights this fall as Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison were cast in a radio-themed episode of the TV show, now in its sixth season and broadcast nationally on FX. “Rob called me around late spring and said they were thinking about doing a ‘Preston & Steve’-type of an episode, certainly a radio episode, and wanted to know if our show would want to be involved,” said morning show Producer Nick McIlwain, who developed a friendship with McElhenney over the years and has even appeared as a background character on the series. “I said, ‘Definitely, however you want to involve us.’ He said, ‘It might make you guys look kind of goofy.’ I was like, ‘We don’t care; we’re more than happy to be self-deprecating, and to cross-promote our show on your show.’” WMMR soon had a script of the show, “Mac’s Big Break,” and McIlwain and Program Director Bill Weston then Continued on next page 2 0 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 coordinated the scheduling with McElhenney and the show’s associate producers. Preston and Steve wound up shooting scenes both in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center, and in L.A., where most of It’s Always Sunny is filmed. The episode, which aired in October, opens with Preston & Steve taking a call from McElhenney’s character, Mac, as he and his buddy Charlie try to answer a trivia question for a shot at winning a week at the “WMMR Beach House.” As the characters attempt to search for the answer on a computer is comically botched, Preston & Steve have to warn Mac repeatedly to stop cursing on the air. A relatively random guess wins Mac the opportunity to take a shot from center ice at a Flyers game. Making the shot would score him VIP passes to the beach house, which Mac felt would launch him into the inner circle of the Philadelphia sports elite. The hockey scene comes later in the show and features Preston & Steve prominently. Filmed just before the start of a Flyers game, the scene finds Mac dreaming up a triumphant performance, but in reality winds up unconscious, face down on the ice. “I’m biased, but I think it’s one of the funniest episodes I’ve ever seen,” McIlwain said. Weston loved the outcome as well. Most exciting, perhaps, were the many plugs the station received, particularly in the hockey scene. The It’s Always Sunny crew created a special WMMR shirt for Steve to wear on the rink, and the goal that Mac shot for was covered in the station logo. “The other thing I really liked was, when the episode opened, they had a closeup shot of an old boom box and in the frequency display they had 93.3 dialed in,” Weston said. “A lot of guys wouldn’t do a close-up; they’d do a far-off shot. So, just little things like that...I thought it was great.” The episode also featured a subplot in which the other characters diss mainstream radio and start their own illfated podcast, with Danny DeVito as their de facto producer. At one point as Dennis and Dee’s in-progress talk show goes from bad to worse to complete silence, DeVito chimes in through a mouthful of crackers, “Dead air!” “I loved the fact that it was about radio even though some of the cast was dismissive about it,” Weston said. “You can’t take yourselves too seriously, you know.” Greater Media Boston’s National Sales Team Hosts the 1st Annual Bostoberfest The Greater Media Boston National Family hosted 24 clients and reps from around the country for the first annual Bostoberfest weekend, which kicked off on October 22nd. The weekend was packed with activities catered to showcase Boston. Cocktail party at The Stateroom, trolley tours, F1 Racing, Sam Adams Brewery Tour, dinner in the North End, and a show at the Improv Asylum provided non-stop entertainment for their guests! The turnout was terrific and there’s much demand for Bostoberfest II. GMB National Sales Manager Brian Samborski surrounded by clients and Katz sales reps. (standing l-r) NSM Brian Samborski, Director of Sales, Chris Paquin, and National Sales Assistant Linda Welch O’Grady with Bostoberfest guests. DeVito’s lines in particular have made for some hilarious drops on the WMMR airwaves since the episode aired. And so continues the reciprocal relationship of two shows from separate broadcast mediums but with equally sharp senses of humor and, of course, a common tie to the City of Brotherly Love. Expect more give and take in the future. “Anytime they need anything...,” McIlwain said. “[McElhenney] is just a really good guy.” 105.7 FM Hosts Thanks for Serving Dinner Aboard the USS Salem 105.7 WROR-FM gathered more Last year, the It’s Always Sunny gang made a sizable donation to “Preston & Steve’s” charity food drive, and even offered up a role as an “extra” on the show to anyone who gave 500 pounds of food. “They’re very kind in that regard,” McIlwain said. “Anytime we want to work with them, they’re usually great about doing it. “To use kind of a geeky word,” he said, “it’s a neat relationship we have with those guys. We like working with them.” than 150 veterans and their families to participate in a Thanks For Serving Dinner aboard the USS Salem, a preserved Naval cruiser in Quincy, Massachusetts. The dinner, donated by Marty’s Catering, was served military style (down the line) in the galley and on the mess deck of the ship. Upon completion of dinner, attendees were treated to the comedy of Mike MacDonald. In addition, station personnel toured the cruiser with some of the men who served on it, as well heard from volunteer tour guides, who spoke with pride about their experiences and service. It was amazing to see and hear how 1,500 men lived away from their families to serve our country. In addition, WROR staff spoke to listeners who have served and continue to serve in various branches of the military. WROR-FM welcomes veterans and their families. (l-r) Marty’s Catering, WROR-FM Account Executive Jesse Carbone, young Marine getting ready to serve in the galley. Wally thanked everyone for their service. G FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 21 G Interactive Corner BY TOM BENDER Spotlight on Greater Media New Jersey’s Interactive Journey For this issue, we turn our focus to the Greater Media New Jersey cluster, and asked Tony Odachowski to tell the story of their interactive efforts. Thanks to Dan Finn, Tony, and everyone in New Jersey for embracing these new tools and capabilities. Things just took off from there. Kaitlyn Zullo, Interactive Designer and Content Manager, established design standards for each of our market sites. She created a Style Guide, and Tutorials for video, email, and social media. She then trained each key staff member. Like all Greater Media markets, after migrating our websites over to the Emmis Interactive system, we faced the challenge of how to best use these new capabilities. Staff members had to be trained and accept a change in their job function; our websites were in need of a major overhaul not only with design, but with better content. Sales teams had to introduce our new capabilities to key accounts; and we had to accomplish all this while dealing with our unique challenge – geography. Kaitlyn explains her approach. “I think consistency is the most important element we can bring to the Greater Media web experience. A consistent look and feel in the design helps build recognition and familiarity with the users, which leads to customer loyalty and trust. Once we’ve earned their loyalty, it is our responsibility to provide them with the most engaging and visually exciting experience we can…day in and day out.” To create more face time for staff with the interactive team, we changed our interactive department’s base location. Now, one team member spends at least two days a week in one market – Morristown, New Brunswick, or Belmar. This way they can attend sales and promotion meetings, work with PDs, train staff, and be available on a consistent basis each week for anyone who needs help. Our six stations and staff are spread out over five buildings and well over one hundred miles. Meeting with a program director, training a promotion staffer, or attending a sales meeting was a 50-mile drive, not a walk up a flight of stairs. Dan Finn, New Jersey Senior Vice president/Regional General Manager, was fully supportive of changing our model and providing us with any assets we needed. Tom Bender spent time with us analyzing our situation. One of his key suggestions was working with a web consultant, who met with the interactive team and each station’s program and promotion directors. We came up with a clearly defined mission statement for each station. Our mission statements became a “funnel” from which all web elements had to pass through. Another key change in our model is the monthly Lunch and Learns. They allow the interactive team to help the sales staff feel comfortable with the ever-changing digital world, understanding new technology, and brainstorming solutions for clients. Since we started them our sellers have closed four key accounts with integrated programs, big dollars, and results. The goal is making sellers comfortable with our new capabilities and enhancing relationships with our key Interactive Corner continued on next page 2 2 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 accounts, as well as making our sellers more comfortable with digital and new technologies as the salesperson job description changes. Training is a key. Billy Clanton Jr., Interactive Technical Director and the MacGyver of Webmasters, empowers program, promotion, and news directors to use the tools we have to better serve their brands. Tools like Andomedia, Delve, and the toolbox of features in Emmis Basestation have made building and developing content easier for users of any skill level. One tactic that has greatly helped everyone maintain contact with our distant markets is Interactivelink, our monthly newsletter. It is designed to: spread our vision, inform staff of policies and procedures, recognize contributions, introduce and explain new technologies and products, upgrade staff skills, generate and provide ideas, and improve morale. The next progression is an interactive newsletter for key accounts. We hope this initiative will help our sales team further share Greater Media’s unique capabilities with clients and separate us from the competition. Everyone’s role is changing – program directors, on-air staff, account executives, sales managers, and promotion directors. The on-air personalities’ job is to build listener engagement. Besides sounding smooth on the air, they now must connect with listeners and advertisers through blogs and on Facebook fan pages. All of our program directors have done a great job teaching their personalities to build engagement. With the help of our PDs we are employing various techniques for social media. Besides featuring a Facebook “like” button on our sites, we are looking into ShoutOmatic, a free web service that allows users to post audible messages on Facebook and Twitter. ShoutOmatic has radio written all over it. We are always trying new technology. “Falling forward” is a good thing. At WDHA-FM we are trying location-based applications like Foursquare. We are not yet sure if Foursquare will cross over into mainstream, but so far we have over one hundred followers. We are also introducing QR or “Quick Response” codes. These 2-D barcodes are becoming popular in the digital world and can be used many ways, especially for on-site promotions. Using a QR scanner in a smart phone, a user can easily access information with the click of a button. A QR code promotion was just presented to our Jersey Shore Coors distributor for 2011. The promotion will be a “Find the Blue Mountains” games, which lay perfectly onto Coors’ strategy of “If the mountains are blue, it’s cold.” Listeners will scan the QR codes that will be found in bar locations, on our websites, and on the client’s website. After scanning, if they receive a blue mountain, they get a chance to register to win top line prizes. It’s all about metrics and driving listeners back to our sites. 95.9 The Rat rolled out the Hi-Def Den on wrat.com. This was your typical artist of the day contest, but with a blogging/social twist. Listeners were told the artist of the day and had to listen for it. When they heard the artist of the day they had to comment what the title of the song of the day was for that hour on a special Hi-Def Den Bulletin Board, the Emmis blog tool. We have made big strides in video. Our video efforts go far beyond repurposed TV commercials on our stream pre-roll. We have all the video tools necessary to produce professional quality video high-end cameras, audio gear, lighting, and state-of-the-art editing software like Final Cut Studio. Billy Clanton, Jr. and Kaitlyn Zullo are trained videographers. They have trained key staff in each market through our Video Guide tutorial. Evidence of our video products are: Debbie’s Road Trip on WMGQ-FM and MAGIC 100.1, Box of Rock, Rock N Ruff, Homegrown Spotlight and D-Tube on WDHA-FM, Rat-TV on 95.9 The Rat, and in-studio performance on WCTC-AM. We have become a mobile nation. Listeners are moving quickly beyond just accessing the Internet on their desktop and laptop computers. Smart phones are the next frontier. They are having an impact on our listeners’ everyday behaviors and their use of radio. We are in a unique position to capitalize on the new mobile movement. Clanton, Jr. says, “Our goal is to take a mobile for dummies approach, by making our sites mobile-friendly, with no app necessary to listen live and stay up-to-date with the latest elements being featured on our homepages. No longer are we looking to radio as just one medium. It’s our radio stations, as a brand, which we are building. It doesn’t matter to us, just as long as they DO listen and listen often.” Our success has brought on new workload challenges. To address that, we are trying out an advanced content management system with a company called WizeHive and have developed an interactive intern program with local colleges to provide more hands to help with the increased work. We are very proud of the strides we have made as a team here in New Jersey and look forward to growing our digital business in 2011. G 101 WRIF-FM Presents the 1st Annual Rocktoberfest throughout Downriver. The 16 semifinalist teams from these tournaments went on to the finals, which took place at Rocktoberfest. One team won the grand prize – a trip for two to Las Vegas for the World Series of Beer Pong® Finals! 101 WRIF-FM presented the 1st Annual Rocktoberfest Event on September 25th at Heritage Park in Taylor, MI. The event was a celebration of the arrival of fall and featured great food, the “Marines Man Card Village” with vendors and games, an Oktoberfest Beer Sampler, the WRIF Beer Pong Finals, a “Sports Den” to watch favorite sports, and live music in the Biergarden throughout the day from The Polish Muslims, Cruizin’ Jupiter, Mustache Baby, and Rockstar. Leading up to Rocktoberfest, local Beer Pong (only water was used to play the game) teams had the chance to hone their skills at several pre-party tournaments that took place at venues Admission to the event was free. A portion of the proceeds from the event WRIF Rocktoberfest Live Music. WRIF Rocktoberfest Tug-o-War. benefited The Junior League World Series, The Friends of the Seniors, and also the family of Officer Matthew Edwards, the Taylor Police officer who was recently killed in the line of duty. In keeping with the spirit and tradition of the actual Oktoberfest held in Munich, Germany each September, a representative of the City of Taylor “tapped the first keg” to commence the official kick-off of the event. “We are very excited that WRIF selected the City of Taylor to host their first annual Rocktoberfest event. It was a fun and safe event for all who attend. We’re hoping to make it an annual event,” said Dennis McDermott, Deputy Director of Taylor Parks & Recreation. FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 23 vip special feature BY CLARE MARIE CELANO WJRZ-FM’s Heliport Stands Ready to Serve VIPs, as Well as U.S. Military and State Police Engineer Bill Clanton Ensures That the New Jersey Heliport Is in Peak Operational Form MOST Greater Media employees know that the company publishes ten weekly newspapers and owns 23 radio stations, but how many are aware that our Braintree, MA-based company also owns a heliport? Bill Clanton, who serves Greater Media New Jersey as Chief Engineer for WJRZ-FM and WRAT-FM, explained the history of the WJRZ Radio Heliport located in Manahawkin, NJ. According to Clanton, who has been with WJRZ-FM for 20 years, Greater Media has owned the heliport since 2000 when the company acquired WJRZ. Clanton, who has always wanted to work in radio, said he was pleased when the WJRZ acquisition took place, offering him the opportunity to work for Greater Media. The chief engineer, who resides in Stafford Township, NJ, says that the heliport had been closed for ten years before Greater Media decided to reopen the central New Jersey facility at his suggestion. “The heliport license is valuable and only lasts for a certain number of years,” Clanton said. “If we didn’t use it, we’d lose it, as the saying goes. We got [the heliport] all revamped and built up for full inspection, and this was our second summer having it open.” The heliport operation is working out very well, he said, 24 g r ap e v i n e FA L L adding that the license is for daytime use only. The heliport has seen the likes of many well-known people landing on its property, including former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio and other noted politicians. Even Santa Claus has hitched a helicopter ride to the heliport. A host of celebrities who spend their summers on New Jersey’s popular Long Beach Island have also had helicopter transport to this landing strip. “We’re very secluded and private. People don’t even know we’re here,” he said. He added that often the people who land there don’t want to be recognized. “They usually arrive in limousines and are swept up quickly. Sometimes I don’t even get to see who they are. We are out in the woods here. It is exciting when something big happens,” he said. Clanton said that he was not at liberty to reveal the names of any celebrities because of a confidentiality clause in the contracts with the clients. In addition to noted celebrities, the New Jersey State Police, as well as the United States Coast Guard and other branches of the United States armed forces, use the heliport. “The Coast Guard will use us if they need to get more divers or more manpower out to an accident or if there is a ship in trouble,” Clanton explained, adding that the Coast Guard has also used the heliport for training missions. “We are also an emergency landing zone area for any he- 2 010 Helicopter on the ground in Manahawkin, NJ. licopter with engine trouble. We are also used by paramedics and first aid squads when emergency medevac procedures are needed,” he said. He added that local television stations, such as Philadelphia’s WPVI, have used the heliport. “The heliport was a way to create some nontraditional revenue for the station,” Clanton said. “If you own it, and you don’t use it, you’re wasting it and losing money. We were just months away from having the license expire. I think it is a shame to waste an asset.” Clanton said he initially did some research on the heliport and contacted Milford Smith, vice president of radio engineering for Greater Media, Inc., to start the ball rolling. He said that Smith was instrumental in reopening the heliport. Clanton’s responsibility for the heliport is to oversee its maintenance and operations, which includes changing windsocks and working on any repairs. He also works with regular contractors, such as businesses that keep the area clear of tall trees. “We must follow specific regulations for tree heights in order to allow for clear sight and landing,” Clanton said. Runway maintenance is also included in his job description, as is working with clients to set up and schedule landings. When asked why Clanton took on this project, he said he has always been “fascinated” by aircraft. “They are nice to look at, and it’s great to watch them when they come in,” he added. Many helicopter landings at the WJRZ heliport are flown in by Hovan Aviation, which Clanton said owns six helicopters. “They are out of Maryland,” he said. “We have about 50 flights a year, mainly in the summer.” When Clanton took some time off this past summer for health reasons, he credits Pete Smeal, Director of Engineering for Greater Media New Jersey, and Dave Brown, Chief Engineer for WDHA and WMTR, for keeping the heliport in tip-top shape for him while he was away. When Clanton is not manning the heliport or at work at the radio station (a job he said he loves), the engineer enjoys working on municipal committees and civic organizations. He is on the Tourism Council in Lake Como, NJ, and is a volunteer for the Office of Emergency Management in his hometown of Stafford Township. G 1450 WCTC-AM Personalities & Listeners  Make a Difference to Help Paralyzed Rutgers Football Athlete  SIX thousand dollars will be added to the Eric LeGrand “Believe Fund,” thanks to 1450 WCTC-AM morning personality Jack Ellery and the midday host and Program Director, Bert Baron. The Fund was established in an effort to help defray expenses for paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, a defensive lineman from Colonia. LeGrand suffered a serious spinal injury while making a tackle in the RutgersArmy football game this season. As a result, the star player was completely paralyzed from the shoulders down. Recently, LeGrand received some encouraging news when his condition was upgraded. Though still paralyzed, the new diagnosis now allows the hope that his condition may improve in the future. “As soon as we heard about the Fund, the radio station decided to see how we could aid,” said Ellery, a long-time staple at the New Brunswick based facility. “We have done things like this throughout the years I have been with 1450 WCTC-AM. When we reached out to our audience once again, they once again came through.” “There have been so many worthy causes we have supported through the years it’s difficult to remember them all,” said morning Program Director Bruce Johnson. “WCTC was instrumental in buying a school bus for the St. Francis Mission in South Dakota. We sent WBT-AM/FM’s John Hancock Celebrates 20 Years in Charlotte Six thousand dollar check that will be added to the Eric LeGrand “Believe Fund” truckloads of food and clothing, all donated by our listeners, to Florida after several devastating hurricanes. In addition, we raised a great deal of money to buy phone cards for the troops in Iraq, and our efforts for the Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka saw our listeners contributing twenty-five thousand dollars. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”  “Jack Ellery is a fund-raising dynamo,” stated WCTC General Manager Dan Henrickson. “I doubt that there is another radio personality in America who has done more than Jack Ellery for folks in need. He has been associated with the station, on and off, since 1962. There is no one I know who can encourage an audience to raise money for worthy causes quite like Jack. But he’s not entirely alone in the effort. In addition, our midday personality, Bert Baron, with the help of the Qdoba restaurant in New Brunswick, also brought in a considerable amount for Eric LeGrand.” 97.5 FM The Fanatic to Air NFL Sunday Night & Monday Night Football WBT AM/FM Personality John Hancock recently celebrated his twentieth year on the air in the Charlotte market. On the evening of October 20th, WBT-AM/FM personality John Hancock was ready to begin another broadcast of his popular show on News Talk 1110. But much to his surprise, his broadcast was then “taken over” by fellow WBT personality Keith Larson and “Charlotte’s Most Beloved” was forced to celebrate his twentieth year as an on-air personality in the Charlotte, NC market. 97.5 The Fanatic Philadelphia once again carried play-by-play coverage for all of the 2010 NFL Sunday Night and Monday Night Football games. Week one featured a Sunday Night NFC East match-up of the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. It was Donovan McNabb’s first regular season game in a Redskins uniform after spending his whole career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Week one for Monday Night Football featured a double-header with the Baltimore Ravens vs. the New York Jets (7 p.m.) and the San Diego Chargers vs. the Kansas City Chiefs (10:15 p.m.). 97.5 The Fanatic carried the national Westwood One Radio play-by-play broadcast. The play-by-play announcers for Sunday Night Football were Dave Sims and James Lofton. The play-by-play announcers for Monday Night Football were Kevin Harlan and Boomer Esiason. Larson, WBT-AM/FM’s midday host, had coordinated the broadcast takeover from behind the scenes with Hancock’s staff, Greater Media management, and the promotions team. Hancock received several on-air congratulations from old broadcast friends as well as listeners with their most “beloved” memories. “It was wonderfully chaotic fun,” commented Larson, “but there was such a great response; people had to wait to get on and those who did rolled patiently with the delays.” “I was totally surprised, humbled, and honored,” said Hancock. “I would have never dreamed this long a run (although I had to do it in two segments) at a 50,000 watt, three-letter call, heritage radio station.” During the broadcast Hancock even received a congratulatory e-mail from his proud mother, who was listening from Dallas, Texas! Hancock continued, “I’m a lucky guy, and God has blessed me in so many ways, but my time in Charlotte and at WBT-AM/ FM will always be my life’s signature, and for that I am grateful to you all.” FA L L G 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 25 special feature BY BRIAN DONAHUE multitasking Covering All the Bases The Multitasking Kevin McAlpin Enjoys Many Roles at 97.5 FM The Fanatic FOR a smaller, growing radio station, having employees who are versatile is a big plus. And versatility is one of the chief qualities that 97.5 FM The Fanatic and 950 AM ESPN Philadelphia found in a young up-and-comer by the name of Kevin McAlpin. His title…make that, titles, say it all: Promotions Coordinator, Phillies Beat Reporter, and Sports-Update Anchor. On an average day, McAlpin can be found scheduling and coordinating staff for the WPEN-FM stations’ events and broadcasts, contacting prize winners and making sure they receive what they were promised, updating the station’s Facebook and Twitter accounts so that people know where they can turn for the latest sports news and interviews, and any number of other tasks. When baseball is in session, things can get particularly a little crazy for McAlpin as a beat reporter. During long home stands for the Phillies last season, his first on the beat, he would find himself working 16- or 17-hour days to handle his various responsibilities. Not that he minded. “It was amazing; I loved every minute of it,” he said. “I had an amazing opportunity where I was able to watch baseball, do in-game updates, and interview players post-game in the clubhouse. Another part of the job I enjoyed was interacting with my followers on Twitter during games [as they] would constantly ask questions, share their thoughts and just talk baseball.” Over six months, McAlpin went from zero followers on Twitter to more than 3,400. Much to his delight, the Phillies gig landed him some segments for ESPN Radio and various affiliates, and even scored him a few cameos on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” His job can be fun, but it can also be quite complex, and hectic. Consider October: As the Phillies made a run for the National League pennant, the Eagles were making their share of headlines on the gridiron with a revolving door at quarterback and the return of Donovan McNabb to Philadelphia as an opponent. Just planning a day’s schedule of events and broadcasts, and dealing with the uncertainty of whether the Phillies would have another playoff game the next day, can be the greatest challenge. “Obviously, my primary job responsibility is making sure all our events are coordinated, scheduled, and staffed. We had to plan events and broadcasts for Phillies events without having game times as late as the night before,” McAlpin said. “It was definitely a crazy few weeks trying to keep things balanced between my main responsibility in promotions and my secondary assignment covering the Phillies.” But, said Mike McMonagle, Promotions Director for 97.5 The Fanatic/950 ESPN Philadelphia, this is where McAlpin excels. “He is great at coordinating where all the people, clockwise from top left Kevin getting ready to do a Sports Update at The Fanatic. From his days as a Phillies intern, Kevin is seen here sitting in the visiting radio booth at Fenway Park in Boston. Kevin running the board at WMGK-FM. vehicles, equipment, talent, etc., need to be at all times. And when he’s done doing this, he spends nights at the ballpark making his in-game Phillies reports back to the station and getting audio for the next-day’s shows to use.” It’s a job that McAlpin has been working toward most of his life. Though he’s only a few years into his radio career, he’s had plenty of experience, going back to his school days in Havertown, west of Philadelphia. As early as sixth grade, he knew he wanted to be in radio. As a freshman at Haverford High School, he applied to be a DJ, knowing it was extremely rare for a freshman to get his own show. But after auditioning, he was given a weekly show on Friday afternoons, and by the end of the year he was assistant promotions director. By the time he graduated, he also served as production director, music director, and assistant program director. There was never a doubt about the career path he would pursue. McAlpin attended Temple University, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in broadcasting, telecommunications, and mass media. Here he showed a passion for sports. He had always loved the Phillies, but at Temple he and his friends were the die-hards who painted their bodies and rallied for the basketball team in the front row. Their support won them school-funded road trips to tournaments — the men’s Sweet 16 in Atlanta; a women’s tournament in Ames, Iowa; a volleyball tournament at the University of Florida. “I’m the kind of person who can pretty much watch whatever sport is on TV, much to my girlfriend’s delight,” he joked. In 2007, McAlpin landed his Continued on next page 2 6 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 G The Fanatic Unveils the Xfinity Studios, only from Comcast in Philadelphia Greater Media Corporate Profile Jean Fries   Philly’s First FM Sports Station Unveils New, Innovative Marketing Program Corporate Paralegal Greater Media, Inc. How long have you been at Greater Media? I just celebrated my fifth year anniversary this past October. How did you end up working at GMI? One day while listening to a Greater Media radio station, I heard an announcement for employment opportunities. I went home and immediately went to the website and applied for my current position. Education/Background After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the United States Air Force. After the first Gulf War was over, I was able to crosstrain into the Air Force’s newly created career field for paralegals and was in the first class to graduate from the Air Force Judge first real job in radio as a parttime Ground Crew (street team) member when the station was still just 950 ESPN. As part of the promotional team, he represented the station at events and broadcasts. “I loved it,” he said. “Anyone who knows me knows I’m quite the talker. I started working with SportsRadio 950 and also worked for our other sister stations’ crews as well. The experience of working on the street was a lot of fun, and something I really enjoyed.” It was clear to his supervisors that they could call on McAlpin at the last minute and count on him to help out with anything in a pinch. McMonagle notes that McAlpin showed ambition and dedication, even in a Advocate General School for Paralegals at Maxwell AFB, AL. What do you like most about working at Greater Media? I enjoy everything about being employed at Greater Media, especially working with such great people every day at the company’s corporate office. What has been the most memorable experience you’ve had since you joined the company? The most memorable experience I’ve had since I’ve joined the company would be attending the Exceptional Women Awards each year. It is an honor and privilege to be able to listen to the stories of the recipients who have overcome obstacles, but manage to find the strength to inspire others. What’s your favorite type of music that you enjoy listening to? Prior to working at Greater Media, I only listened to rock-n-roll, but since I started working here part-time role. He was promoted to Promotions Coordinator in early 2008, and he has been working as a sports update anchor throughout his time with the station. He started as the Phillies beat reporter at the beginning of the 2010 season. His career may be young, but it’s already packed with memorable moments. There was his first-ever update, when he played a cut of Jayson Stark but referred to him as Jayson “Stork.” It was just nerves, of course, and it made for a good laugh off the air. The highlight so far, he said, was Halloween Friday 2008, the day of the Phillies’ World Series championship parade. Overall, McAlpin said he has enjoyed being part of the and discovering our country station, I’m now a huge country music fan — Yeehaw! What is your favorite food? I pretty much eat anything but seafood. Do you have any hobbies/ special interests? I love to spend time with my family traveling and camping. I also have a boxer dog, named Jaeger, who I enjoy very much. What is something that people don’t know about you? Prior to working at GMI, I owed my own child care and enrichment center. GREATER MEDIA Philadelphia has entered into a yearlong agreement with Xfinity Studios, only from Comcast, as the official broadcast studio sponsor of 97.5 FM/950 WPEN. “The Fanatic Broadcasting Live” was recently launched by Afternoon Drive Host Mike Missanelli. If you came back in another life, what would you be and why? Definitely a rock star or country music singer, since I love to sing but can’t carry a tune! G growth at WPEN over the past few years. “When I started on the crew, we were the new kids on the block. Now, we’ve established ourselves and become a place people turn to when they want to hear not only local sports, but national perspective. Watching and helping the station grow has been very exciting and rewarding,” he said. Likewise, his efforts are appreciated. “Kevin comes to work every day ready for new challenges,” McMonagle said. “The sports landscape is constantly changing, so every day is different, with different responsibilities and new obstacles. Kevin takes all of this in stride, with the attitude that we can be better and we can always improve our promotions.” G The naming rights will be in effect for a one-year period. The deal includes full studio naming rights program, including Interactive, streaming, on-air giveaways, and listener sit-in program elements. In addition, the station has an official “Xfinity” chair located in the studio, which professional players, coaches, and other timely guests will be able to sign when they stop by the Fanatic. At the end of the one-year program, the station will auction off the chair and give 100% of the proceeds to charity. “Comcast was looking for an innovative communications technology platform to highlight the additional choice and control Xfinity delivers to consumers,” said Matt Cowper, Director of National Sales of Greater Media Philadelphia. “Partnering with Philly’s First FM Sports Station, WPEN/97.5 The Fanatic, gives Xfinity the opportunity to reach consumers in a new, unique, engaging, and innovative way. The partnership highlights the benefits of both brands giving Philadelphia consumers a new choice for sports and entertainment.” FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 27 music the music that makes greater media MUSIC at greater media WMMR-FM’s “Big Pink” at Roger Waters’ The Wall 93.3 WMMR-FM’s custom-made inflatable pig (a la Pink Floyd’s Animals album) flew proudly outside the venue, as the station welcomed legendary performer Roger Waters to Philadelphia for a three-night stint to perform The Wall. Alexa Ray Joel Visits MAGIC 106.7 FM in Boston MAGIC 105.1 FM and Aldi Present the Finals of MAGIC Glee 2010 clockwise from top left MAGIC Glee 2010 (logo) Winning Glee Group: Stoney Creek High School. Celebrity judges: (l-r) Karen Newman (local singer/actress), Christy McDonald (from WXYZ Channel 7); and Brian Pastoria from Harmonie Park Studios in Detroit. MAGIC’s Candy O and Alexa Ray Joel. MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Candy O’ Terry recently interviewed Alexa Ray Joel (daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley) for MAGIC Backstage. The singer was recently in Boston to promote her new single, “Notice Me.” The upbeat tune has become the theme for an endorsement campaign for Prell shampoo. Her mother, famous international super model Christie Brinkley, is no stranger to Prell. She was the face of the hair care product during the ‘70s. MAGIC 105.1 FM and Aldi solicited local high schools to submit a video of their glee or choral group for the opportunity to win $10,000 for their school. The response was overwhelming and the ten high schools that made the cut include: Fraser High School, Birmingham Groves High School, University of Detroit – Jesuit High School, Avondale High School, Chelsea High School, North Farmington High School, Stoney Creek High School, Shrine High School, Fenton High School, and Anchor Bay High School. Over a three-week period, Metro Detroiters had the opportunity to go to www.detroitmagic.com for their chance to cast their ballot, which made up 49% of the total vote. On November 13th, 2010, MAGIC 105.1 enlisted three celebrity judges, including Christy McDonald of Channel 7, local singer and actress, Karen Newman, and owner of Harmonie Park Studios, Brian Pastoria, to decide the final winner. Alexa Ray Joel performing “Notice Me” at MAGIC. The winning group received $10,000 for their school group, as well as a recording session at Harmonie Park Studios and the opportunity to perform live at the Campus Martius Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 19th, 2010. Music continued on next page 2 8 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 WCSX-FM’s Mark Pasman to Receive Blues Alive Award in Memphis 102.5 WKLB-FM Gives Listener the Ultimate Experience with Taylor Swift! Country 102.5 FM gave one lucky Boston listener the chance of a lifetime with the “the Country 102.5 Total Taylor Experience.” Grand Prize winner Michelle from Malden, MA, was flown to New York City to attend the singer’s private performance at the United Nations. In addition, she was given a guided tour of the Big Apple and attended several of Taylor’s New York media events, including her appearance on the Late Night with David Letterman show and a concert in the JFK airport. Michelle interviews Taylor on her private jet! The winner was then was whisked away in a private jet with Taylor and midday host Carolyn Kruse to Los Angeles, where she interviewed Taylor while 30,000 feet in the air. Upon landing in Los Angeles, Michelle had the opportunity to attend all of Taylor’s media events, including her appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show. 102.5 WKLB-FM Is Boston’s Country Music Connection Mark Pasman WCSX-FM’s Mark Pasman, host of “The Motor City Blues Project” on Sunday nights, will receive a “2011 Keeping the Blues Alive Award” from the National Blues Foundation. The awards will be presented at a brunch on February 5, 2011 in Memphis, Tennessee. Toby Keith, one of David Nail and the the biggest country JaneDear Girls permusic stars, chose formed live as a part to end his American of the Country 102.5 Ride Tour in Boston at Rockin’ Country Music the Comcast CenSeries at the Hard Rock ter on September Boston. Pictured 25th. Toby played is Country 102.5’s to a packed house, Country 102.5 hostCarolyn Kruse, but before he took ed The Band Perry’s the stage in front of CD signing party here Ginny Rogers, and Dawn Santolucito 19,000 screaming in Boston. In the fans, Country 102.5’s photo is Music Direc- with Universal Music Group Nashville ReCarolyn Kruse tor, Ginny Rogers; cording Artist David boarded his palatial Program Director, tour bus for a little Mike Brophey; and Nail and Warner Bros. one-on-one chat. Morning Show Co- Recording Artists the JaneDear Girls. Host, Lori Grande. The legendary Motor City on-air personality is among 21 recipients who will be recognized for playing “an important part of not only promoting blues music but of preserving it as well,” said Art Tipaldi, spokesperson on behalf of the Foundation. “It’s fantastic,” said Pasman. “It’s always nice to know that somebody else has noticed what you’ve done. I’ve been quite blessed to have this little island on Sunday night radio where I basically come in with my satchel of CDs and go nuts for three hours. “The Motor City Blues Project” has been airing on WCSX for 22 years, garnering an audience of more than 35,000 listeners. When he’s not on the air, he is busy performing as the host of Pasman’s Supersession shows, which bring together all-star musicians from around the Motor City. FA L L Music continued on next page 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 29 music MUSIC at greater media RADIO 92.9 MUSIC NOTES WMGK-FM Asks Listeners to Put Another Brick in Its Wall Radio 92.9 Street Teamers John Sholl and Amy Walsh with Alice in Chains before their concert that was presented by Radio 92.9 in Boston. WMGK-FM Classic Rock Squad-er Missy Carr at the Roger Waters broadcast at The Wells Fargo Center. Radio 92.9 Street Teamer Chuck Small with Aaron Lewis of Staind during a Radio 92.9 soundcheck party. WMGK-FM listeners pose with their “brick” before the Roger Waters show during Ray Koob’s broadcast. Radio 92.9’s Bridget Gioia with “Justin Bieber” In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s release of The Wall, WMGK-FM asked listeners to share their favorite memories of how the album impacted their lives during the sold-out Roger Waters shows at The Wells Fargo Center in November. Fans wrote down their thoughts on a paper “brick” that was then attached to a large board. Brick by brick, a wall of WMGK listener memories was built! WMGK’s Ray Koob broadcasted live for all three nights of the concert and was eager to see how technology could impact the show 30 years later. “The last time I saw this show, Germans nearly killed me in a riot after the concert,” said legendary station morning personality John DeBella, who shared his own memories of his experience of the Berlin Wall being torn down. He added, “But I do have a big chunk of the Berlin Wall (and a piece of Roger Waters’ ‘Wall’) to show for it.” 30 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 Radio 92.9 and Coors Light send a lucky winner to see the Dave Matthews Band. Music continued on next page WDHA-FM Wraps Up the Summer with Two Big Concerts at the PNC Bank Arts Center WDHA-FM celebrated the bittersweet end to the summer concert season by throwing not one, but two great concerts at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey. The first show was WDHA’s annual Rock the Park, which this year featured Grammy Award winners Creed, rockers Saving Abel, and up-and-coming artists, American Bang. Also featured that day were the finals to WDHA’s Fully Loaded Tailgate where one lucky listener walked away with everything needed to have the ultimate tailgating experience. Country 102.5 FM’s Lori Grande Interviews Today’s Hottest Stars at Country Music Awards in Nashville One week later, WDHA was back out at the Arts Center, this time to host the aptly named End of Summer Meltdown. Listeners got a chance to come out and see the WDHA jocks interview some of their favorite artists such as Halestorm and Airbourne. Lori Grande and Keith Urban Lori Grande and Tim McGraw Country 102.5’s morning show co-host Lori Grande recently headed to Nashville to bring Boston listeners exclusive coverage of the Country Music Awards held in Nashville. She sat down and chatted with the biggest names in the music business, including Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert, and many more. WDHA’s Scott Evil interviews Stone Sour at WDHA’s End of Summer Meltdown. WDHA jocks pose with American Bang at WDHA’s Rock the Park. 94.7 WCSX-FM Revs Up for the 2010 Birmingham Cruise Jim Braude & Margery Eagan Host Massachusetts Gubernatorial Candidates at 96.9 WTKK-FM Studios 96.9 FM-WTKK’s Jim Braude and Margery Eagan hosted a radio debate between the three candidates in the race for Massachusetts Governor on September 16, 2010. Republican Charlie Baker and Independent candidate Treasurer Tim Cahill all vied for Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick’s seat in the statewide election on November 2, 2010. The video and audio of this one-hour, commercial-free, LIVE debate were streamed live and made available online as a download/podcast at www.969bostontalks.com shortly after the show. The free event featured live broadcasts from 94.7 WCSX-FM throughout the day, including a “Family Fun Zone” with a bounce house, caricatures, face painting, and clowns, as well as a food court featuring delicious food in a courtyard setting, lots of beautiful classic cars, and a live entertainment stage with performances from: Longneck Strangler, Danny D, Detroit’s premier Rod Stewart impersonator, and Roy Caldwell. In addition to questions from Jim and Margery, the debate featured listener questions for each candidate. “96.9 Boston Talks is honored to host the debate between our candidates for Governor of Massachusetts,” said Program Director Grace Blazer. “Jim Braude and Margery Eagan’s live and local morning show created a smart and tactical venue for Governor Patrick, Mr. Baker, and Treasurer Cahill to be heard loud and clear in the Commonwealth.” Jim Braude and Margery Eagan, can be heard daily on 96.9 FM, WTKK from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Jim Braude is also the host of NECN’s Broadside and Margery Eagan is a columnist with the Boston Herald. 94.7 WCSX-FM hosted the 2010 Birmingham Cruise on August 21st in Downtown Birmingham between Lincoln and Brown. top to bottom WTKK Morning Show Host Margery Eagan fires a question to the candidates: (l-r) Governor Deval Patrick (D); Charlie Baker (R); and Treasurer Tim Cahill (I). For the diehard cruisers, WCSX-FM offered tickets to the “Cruiser Spectator Zone,” which included reserved bleacher seating right on Woodward, free parking, and complimentary lunch and dinner inside the VIP tent from Zazio’s! top to bottom Birmingham Cruise Event Signage. Cars “cruise” Downtown Birmingham during the 2010 Birmingham Cruise. (l-r) Charlie Baker; Governor Deval Patrick; WTKK’s Margery Eagan; Treasurer Tim Cahill; WTKK’s Jim Braude. FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 3 1 awards greater media Greater Media Managers Named among the Best by Radio Ink Magazine John Fullam Rick Feinblatt Daniel Henrickson Nancy McKinley Daniel A. Finn Radio Ink Magazine recently unveiled its list of the Best Managers in Radio as nominated by industry professionals. Greater Media is the ONLY group that has at least one manager in nearly each market category. WMMR-FM & WMJX-FM Take Top Honors at 2010 NAB Marconi Awards in Washington, DC WMMR-FM Named “Rock Station of the Year” & WMJX-FM Named “AC Station of the Year” 93.3/WMMR-FM was named “Rock Station of the Year” and MAGIC 106.7/WMJX-FM took “AC Station of the Year” at the 2010 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Marconi Awards. The event took place on September 30th, in conjunction with the 2010 Fall Radio Show at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, DC. “We are very proud of the entire WMMR-FM and WMJX-FM teams for receiving both outstanding honors,” said Peter Smyth, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Greater Media, Inc. The NAB Marconi Radio Awards were established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi. These prestigious awards recognize stations and individuals for their excellence and performance. Finalists were selected by a task force of broadcast professionals and voted on by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy. Greater Media Program Directors Named among the Best by Radio Ink Magazine Buzz Knight Grace Blazer Mike Brophey Bill White Greater Media is pleased to announce the following managers have been named among the top Program Directors in the Radio Industry by Radio Ink Magazine: Buzz Knight: Vice President of Program Development, Greater Media, Inc. Major Market Category: John Fullam, VP & Market Manager/Greater Media Philadelphia Grace Blazer: Program Director, 96.9 WTKK-FM/ Boston Large Market Category: Rick Feinblatt, VP of Radio & Market Manager/Greater Media Charlotte Mike Brophey: Program Director, 102.5 WKLB-FM/Boston Bill White: Director Of Operations, WBT-AM/FM and WLNK-FM/Charlotte Small Markets, 101-199 Category: Nancy McKinley, Station Manager, WDHA-FM & WMTR-AM/ Morristown, New Jersey : Daniel Henrickson, Station Manager, WMGQ-FM and WCTCAM/New Brunswick, New Jersey The individuals were chosen based on nominations from their peers throughout the industry and confirmed by market research. The managers were featured in the October 18th issue of the publication. Corporate/Regional Category: Daniel A. Finn, SVP & Regional Market Manager/ Greater Media New Jersey They were all featured in the November 15th “Best Managers in Radio” issue of the publication. coming in first at greater media Pictured (l-r): Paul Blake (V.P./Director of Sales & Marketing for GMP); Buzz Knight (V.P./Program Development); Bill Weston (WMMR Program Director); Don Kelley (V.P. WMJX/Director of Programming); Pierre Robert (WMMR Personality); and Peter Smyth (Chairman and CEO, Greater Media, Inc.) Awards continued on next page 3 2 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 Greater Media’s Milford K. Smith Jr. Receives 2010 Radio World “Excellence in Engineering Award” Greater Media Vice President of Engineering Milford K. Smith Jr. was the proud recipient of the 2010 Milford K. Radio World “ExcelSmith Jr. lence in Engineering Award” from the editors of Radio World, the news source for radio managers and engineers. The announcement was made by U.S. Editor-in-Chief Paul J. McLane. He is a past recipient of the “Radio Engineering Achievement Award” from the National Association of Broadcasters, and is a member of the Institute of Electrical Recipients of the award represent the highest ideals of the U.S. radio broadcast engineering profession and reflect those ideals through contributions to the industry. and Electronics Engineers, the Society of Broadcast Engineers, the National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, the Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers, and the National Association of Broadcasters. Clay Freinwald of Entercom, John Lyons of The Durst Organization, Michael Starling of National Public Radio, and Richard “Andy” Andresen of Cumulus Media. Smith will be featured in an upcoming issue of Radio World newspaper and will receive a plaque commemorating the award. Greater Media New Jersey’s Pete Forester Named Recipient of the Radio Wayne “National Sales Manager of the Year” Award at the 2010 Radio Show in Washington, DC WBT-AM/FM’s Sonier Lands Reporting Honors Smith is vice president of radio engineering for Greater Media, the parent company of 23 AM and FM radio stations in Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Philadelphia, and New Jersey as well as a group of weekly newspapers and several telecommunications towers. “Smitty sometimes seems to be on a first-name basis with everybody, and everybody with him,” says McLane. “We shouldn’t let that familiarity cause us to overlook his remarkable contributions to radio engineering, to industry standards-setting, and to new technology development. A small group of people are among the top technical opinion-makers in our field. Smitty is among their leaders.” “We are so proud of Milford Smith on receiving this distinguished honor from Radio World,” said Greater Media Chairman & CEO Peter Smyth. “He is a shining example of someone who continues to make Greater Media and the radio industry greater on a daily basis. It is a privilege to have him on our senior management team.” In addition to his work at Greater Media, Smith is chairman of the standards-setting National Radio Systems Committee. He has served on its IBOC standards development working group, its RBDS subcommittee, and its AM Broadcasting subcommittee; and he is the former long-time chairman of its DAB subcommittee. Last year’s recipient of the “Radio World Excellence in Engineering Award” was Gary Kline of Cumulus Media. Previous recipients include Jeff Littlejohn of Clear Channel, “We are so proud of Milford Smith on receiving this distinguished honor from Radio World,” - Greater Media Chairman & CEO Peter Smyth. Greater Media New Jersey’s Pete Forester has been named as the recipient of the 2010 Radio Wayne “National Sales Manager of Year” Peter Forester Award by Radio Ink Magazine. The official presentation took place on September 30th, 2010 during an official luncheon at the 2010 Radio Show at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, DC. The finalists were chosen by a panel of respected industry judges, honoring the top managers and salespeople in radio. The Radio Wayne Awards were inspired and named after Radio Wayne Cornils, a radio broadcaster who served many years as an executive vice president of the RAB. About Radio World/NewBay Media Radio World is the news source for broadcast radio managers and engineers. NewBay Media’s marketleading brands are centered on five vertical markets: Pro Audio, Broadcast & Video, Musical Instruments, AV/Consumer Electronics, and K-12 Education. NewBay publishes and produces more than 40 publications and show dailies, 50 websites, 30 daily and weekly ENewsletters, three Expos, and more than 50 custom publishing efforts, annually. NewBay reaches more than 3 million readers in print and 1 million online and in person, around the world in more than 100 countries. Additional information can be found by visiting www. nbmedia.com and radioworld.com. WTKK-FM’s Michael Graham Receives The Good Scout Award Congratulations to contributing WBT-AM/ FM News anchor and reporter Jeff Sonier for being honored with Jeff four 2010 radio and Sonier individual achievement awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas (RTDNAC). Sonier received awards in the following categories: 1st Place – WBT/General News – Series of reports on Mecklenburg ABC Board spending. 1st Place – WBT/Investigative – Series of reports on North Carolina spending on the state airplane fleet. 1st Place – WBT/Political-Election – S.C. Primary / North Carolina Runoff. N.C. 2010 Radio Reporter of the Year Sonier is a respected broadcast news veteran in the Charlotte market. Greater Media Charlotte is privileged to have him devoting his available energies to working with WBT News. Michael Graham receives The Good Scout Award from a young member of the Knox Trail Council. On September 23rd, the Scouts, leaders and members of the Knox Trail Council proudly awarded the 2010 Good Scout Award of Framingham to 96.9 Boston Talks’ Michael Graham, a recognized leader who has been unselfish in his service to others on an individual and community basis. Michael was honored for his work with the Fisher House Boston, helping raise money to support the families of wounded soldiers. FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 3 3 photo gallery greater media NEWSPAPERS Solemn Moment A member of the West Point Band plays at the Casing of the CECOM Color Ceremony at Fort Monmouth, NJ, on September 10. The ceremony marked the official transfer of the U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command CECOM from Fort Monmouth, NJ, to Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Collision Soccer players from Freehold Township and Howell high schools in Central Jersey collide as they battle for the ball during a soccer match on October 7. The teams played to a 2-2 tie. Photo by Jeff Granit/Greater Media Newspapers staff LPGA Legend Golf great Annika Sorenstam played in the Forsgate Foundation’s Charity Golf Classic on September 28 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, NJ. Greater Media Newspapers covers this skills exhibition and skins game annually. Photo by Jeff Granit/Greater Media Newspapers staff Photo by Eric Sucar/staff 97.5 FM The Fanatic’s McNabb Tug of War Event - October 1st at Tony Luke’s in South Philly. Photo of the winners from the Donovan McNabb Chunky Soup Tug of War Competition. The pro-McNabb team beat their anti-McNabb counterparts. One of the losing team members belly-flopping into the pool. Pro-McNabbs right before they went into the pool of Chunky Soup. Mike Missanelli was told that the losing team had to jump into the pool of soup. 3 4 g r ap e v i n e FA L L 2 010 congratulations Here Comes the Bride! Greater Media Philadelphia gave a wedding shower for National Sales Promotions Coordinator, Maura Dunleavy Raynor-Smith, who was married on October 9th to Spencer Raynor-Smith. WEDDINGS We Tied The Knot! Greater Media Boston National Sales Manager, Brian Samborski married Megan Perry on September 17 at St. Mary’s Church in Charlestown, MA. We Tied The Knot! The newest addition to the MAGIC 106.7 FM sales staff, Errol Silverman, married Tina Silverman in Rockport, MA on August 12th. We Tied The Knot! The National Sales Team! (Matt Cowper, Maura, and Jaime Frankel). Maura with WMMR-FM Sales Assistant Meghan Collier. Greater Media Boston Accounts Payable Coordinator, Janet Upton married John Doughty on September 18th at St. Charles Church in Woburn. The reception was held at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA. family We Tied The Knot! Kristina Dickey, daughter of Pam Rossi (host of the “Over Easy” show on WCSX), got married on 101-10. Pictured (l-r): parents, Mark and Pam Rossi, David and Kristina, and Maid of Honor, Alyssa Rae. Sheila Smith Greater Media Detroit recently celebrated Executive Assistant/HR Coordinator, Sheila Smith’s “39 and Holding” birthday. Andrew Henrickson Dan Henrickson’s son, Andrew, is going to Rabat, Morocco for three months. The program (like a miniPeace Corps) is arranged through Cross-Cultural Solutions. Andrew will work with orphans and at-risk youth. Andrew raised the required funds from family and friends. Giving back to others is part of his DNA. Drew feels that he has been blessed and wants to share his energy and skills to help others. milestones Joel Gajewski WMGC-FM Local Sales Manager Joel Gajewski and his wife Stacy celebrated their ten-year wedding anniversary on September 29th. BABIES We Tied The Knot! 96.9 FM WBOS Senior Account Executive, Matt Bourke married Ivy Koch on September 10th at the Boston Harbor Hotel in front of 200 of their closest friends and family. We Tied The Knot! On September 5, WLNKFM’s Interactive Technology Coordinator, Frank Wilson married former WLNK-FM Promotions Coordinator, Casey Bruner. Hello, Baby Connor Hello, Baby Evan Hello, Baby Makayla Senior Account Executive from WRAT-FM and MAGIC 100.1 FM, Cheryl Carlisle-Bednar and her husband David gave birth to Connor Joseph Bednar on August 22nd. Evan Christian Combs was born to WRIF-FM Account Manager, Kim Combs and her husband Chris on August 12th. WDHA-FM’s Weekend DJ, Pat Blowers, and wife Eileen welcomed Makayla Lee on August 11th. FA L L 2 01 0 g r ap e v i n e 35 LOOK WHO’S READING THE GRAPVINE! Actress, philanthropist, and author Marlo Thomas recently stopped by the WMJX-FM studios to talk about her new book, Growing Up Laughing. Dateline NBC’s Chris Hansen at Greater Media Detroit. International recording artist Macy Gray took time to check out the Grapevine after chatting with Jim & Margery on 96.9 WTKK-FM. Legendary recording artist Patti Austin visited the WMJX-FM Studios. Greater Media, Inc., with headquarters in Braintree, Massachusetts, is the parent company of 23 AM and FM stations located in the Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, New Jersey, and Philadelphia markets. It also owns a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey, as well as several telecommunications towers located throughout the United States. • WMJX-WKLB-WROR-WBOS-WTKK Boston • • WLNK-WBT Charlotte • • WCSX-WRIF-WMGC Detroit • • WMGQ-WCTC-WDHA-WMTR-WWTR-WRAT-WJRZ New Jersey • • WMGK-WPEN-WMMR-WBEN-WNUW Philadelphia • • Atlanticville, Examiner, Hub, Independent, News Transcript, Sentinel, Suburban, Tri-Town News Newspapers • Motower Multilink •