WNOX-FM 100.3 Knoxville Format Change

By | April 8, 2020

Johnny Pirkle’s Oak Ridge FM, Inc. has “taken back” 100.3, ending the LMA with Citadel Broadcasting. The switch was flipped at midnight, following a week of unpredictable and sometimes bizarre stunting audio. We heard pigs, ‘Facebook Radio’, ‘Bill Clinton Radio’, instructions on how to put callers on-the-air, airchecks of vintage Knoxville radio broadcasts, a short clip of John Records Landecker on WLS/Chicago from 1977, obscure cover versions of several songs, etc. Finally, after an extended version of Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”, General Manager Ed Brantley welcomed everyone to the new WNOX 100.3.

Here’s the entire changeover, courtesy of The Detour Network, East Tennessee’s truly independent radio network:  http://thedetour.us/player/wnoxformatchange/

WNOX’s new schedule and talent roster is as follows:

Ed Brantley & Bob Thomas 6-10AM
Neal Boortz 10AM-12PM
Dave Ramsey 12-3PM
Dave Hooker & Terry Fair 3-6PM
Michael Savage 6-9PM
Neal Boortz Information Overload Hour 9-10PM
Laura Ingraham 10PM-1AM
Coast to Coast AM 1-5AM

All of us at Drew’s Radio Site wish the best of luck to America’s Most Powerful News Talk, 100.3 WNOX!

Photos of the New WNOX-FM 100.3 Knoxville, TN

By | April 8, 2020

Several readers have been asking me about the new WNOX facility. It is located at 8081 Kingston Pike in West Knoxville. From the outside, it appears to be a very nice facility. This is the old Danka building, located just off of Kingston Pike on the north side of the road. Owner Johnny Pirkle, General Manager Ed Brantley, and the rest of the WNOX crew will commence broadcasting on Monday, August 2, 2010.

Here are some photos which were taken today (7/29) of the building, satellite dish, utility tower, and STL dish. Click on any of the photos to enlarge them. Looks like everything’s ready to go!

WNOX Knoxville 100.3 > 98.7 Update: The Simulcast Has Ended

By | April 8, 2020

The Citadel 98.7/Pirkle 100.3 simulcast has ended. 100.3 is currently running a music loop of Big Band/Standards, interspersed with announcements that “News Talk has moved to 98.7 FM. Please change your radio dial now to 98.7 FM.”

Johnny Pirkle’s 100.3 is expected to retain the WNOX call letters and debut their new News/Sports Talk format with Ed Brantley and company on Monday, August 2, 2010.

Conclave 35 Going on NOW in the Twin Cities!

By | April 8, 2020

Are you attending the Conclave this year? If not, you’re missing out! Conclave 35 (or Conclave XXXV if you prefer) is being held from July 15-17, 2010 at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel in Golden Valley, Minnesota (suburban Minneapolis.) Full tuition is $379. Student/teacher/free agent (“on the beach”) tuition is just $159. If you prefer, daily tuition is just $189 for each day.

Here’s a brief history of the Conclave, as per their website: http://www.theconclave.com/about/

Born as “The Upper Midwest Communications Conclave”, the organization was founded in 1976 as a regional gathering of communications professionals. It was incorporated as a 501c-3 non-profit entity in 1985. Throughout the years, the Conclave’s yearly Learning Conference has grown to attract many from beyond its original Midwest boundaries, and as such, is now known simply as the Conclave.

The Conclave is governed by a Board of Directors and employs an Executive Director to coordinate the Conclave and exercise the dictates of the Board. The Conclave conducts seminars throughout the year in keeping with its mission statement, and makes available on an annual basis broadcasting school and baccalaureate scholarships.

The value of these scholarships approaches $80,000 this year and includes scholarships to Brown College of Minneapolis, Specs Howard School of Communication Arts in Detroit and The McNally-Smith College in St. Paul. The Conclave offers three baccalaureate scholarships annually to students of accredited colleges and universities. The Conclave administers the Rockwell Award, recognizing individuals who have contributed to the rich legacy of the industry in broadcasting, communicating and mentoring.

The Conclave is also home to W.E.C.A.N. – The Women’s Education and Career Advancement Network. Learn more about this important Conclave outreach committee HERE!

The Conclave has been made unique by design to accommodate, nurture and protect the special needs of the Conclave’s most important communications resource – YOU!

Conclave’s Mission

“Through education, the Conclave’s mission is to improve the quality of broadcasting and related industries so they may better serve the public interest.”

What about your mission? The mission of your radio station -as stated in your license- is to best serve the public interest. Not your company’s best interests. Not your label’s best interests. But the best interests of the real owner of your frequency- your public! That’s why the Conclave’s mission is to help you learn how to best serve the needs of your listeners. In return, you invest in your career just as much as you invest in your industry’s future. Consider it our common mission. It’s what the Conclave is all about.

How Do I Get To the Learning Conference, the Conclave’s focal conference?

The Conclave is the best conference value in the industry. Shop the others and compare and you’ll be convinced that the Conclave is the ultimate educational destination for all industry professionals. The July learning conference is held yearly in Minneapolis. Details of the 2010 Learning Conference – the conference’s 35th Anniversary – will be announced shortly.

What can I Expect from the Learning Conference?

The Conclave Learning Conference draws radio and music industry professionals, students, teachers, promotion companies, suppliers, syndicators and free agents. The Conclave is proud to provide an all-inclusive setting regardless of job title or job status. The gathering generally attracts 800+ people who attend over 40 sessions with an all-star caliber faculty. Past faculty has included industry luminaries such as Rick Cummings, John Gehron, Elroy Smith, Doc Wynter, Carl Gardner, Lon Helton, Joel Raab, Mike McVay, Sam Weaver, Jay Meyers and Ginny Morris. Past Keynote presenters have included Alan Colmes, Mitch Albom, Jessie Ventura, Sam Donaldson, Ralph Nader, G. Gordon Liddy, Bob Costas and Mike Veeck. The Conclave also hosts performances from legendary artists like Willie Nelson, Def Leppard, Nickelback, Styx, Graham Nash, Roger McGuinn, Tantric, Theory of a Deadman, Three Days Grace, Amy Grant, Michael McDonald, Blue County and REO Speedwagon. Enough said – We’ll see you in Minneapolis!

Is the Learning Conference the only Conclave learning/teaching experience?

Absolutely not! In addition to the Learning Conference, the Conclave annually presents TalenTrak, a one-day seminar expressly created for air talent in all formats, dayparts, and market sizes. Details of the 2010 TalenTrak are forthcoming.

So, the Conclave is just about conferences and scholarships?

The Conclave also presents on-line opportunities through its webinars. Begun in 2008, Conclave Webinars have quickly become the industry’s number one destination for on-line learning. Look elsewhere on this website for details regarding the next Conclave webinar.

How can I get involved with the Conclave?

The first step toward stepping on board the Conclave as a volunteer is to become an Executive Committee member. ExComm members devote as much time as they have available to Conclave activities – agenda creation, marketing & promotion, web/Internet activities, mentoring, outreach, fundraising and scholarship. For more information, contact the Chair of the Executive Committee Lester St. James: lester@theconclave.com

WNOX 100.3 Knoxville Keeping News/Talk?

By | April 8, 2020

I know we’ve got a few Knoxville Radio Geeks here, so I wanted to update you on the ongoing saga of WNOX 100.3:

WBIR.com is reporting the format will remain News/Talk after control of the station’s programming reverts back to owner Johnny Pirkle and Oak Ridge FM, Inc. Most of the current programming will move to 98.7 as the lease agreement for 100.3 between Pirkle and Citadel Broadcasting comes to an end. 100.3’s new lineup will feature Ed Brantley in morning drive, a local sports talk show with a yet-to-be-announced host in afternoons, and syndicted talkers in the remaining dayparts.

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?odyssey=mod_sectionstories&storyid=126398&catid=2

Is this the real format? Or is this going to be the biggest “GOTCHA!” in the history of Knoxville radio?

Please discuss…

RadioShack PRO-106 Digital Scanner $399.99

By | April 8, 2020

Heads-up, scanner fans! If your area has “gone digital” and you can no longer hear police/fire/EMS/public service communications, here’s a great deal on a digital scanner. RadioShack has put their PRO-106 on sale for $399.99. You save $100 at The Shack, but only for a limited time.

The RadioShack PRO-106 features 39,000 channels, easy-to-use menus, local area SAME weather alerts, and much more. The receiver is sensitive and works well with both digital and analog signals. In addition to trunked 800Mhz, it receives conventional VHF and UHF frequencies, as you would expect. Get complete specifications at RadioShack.com or at your local Radio Shack store.

Sale price valid through June 5, 2010 at participating RadioShack stores.

KTOK Oklahoma City’s Mark Shannon Dead at 58

By | April 8, 2020

Long time Oklahoma City radio personality, Mark Shannon, passed away early Saturday morning. Mark was a talk show host on Newsradio 1000 KTOK. He had been battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia since October, 2000. After spending time at the hospital, he was released Friday night to go home. Surrounded by his family, he passed away.

Mark Shannon was 58 years old.

Rush Limbaugh: “Obama’s Katrina…That Damn Oil Slick!”

By | April 8, 2020

Yesterday, Rush Limbaugh predicted that the growing BP oil spill crisis in the Gulf of Mexico will become “Obama’s Katrina.” This of course is in comparison to the political damage suffered by former president George W. Bush as a result of the federal government’s delayed response to Hurricane Katrina.

Rush stated that President Obama “does not have any desire to manage” and that Obama is “getting even with this country for all of it’s transgressions in the past.”

What do you think? Does this disaster have the potential to cast a major cloud (or in this case, a major oil slick) over Obama’s presidency as Katrina did over the presidency of George W. Bush?

South Dakota’s “Sunny Radio” Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Today

By | April 8, 2020

John & Heidi Small’s Sunny Radio is moving closer to it’s debut. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at noon. According to information posted on the “Sunny Radio” Facebook fan page, projected air date is May 15, 2010.

Jim Hockett has been hired as Sunny’s news and sports person. Jim has recently been doing news for a group of stations in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Jamie Small will serve as Traffic Director and receptionist.

Based in Brandon, the new station will be heard on 1520AM as well as 92.1FM via translator. Recent changes to FCC rules now allow FM translators to rebroadcast AM stations. In addition, the station can be heard online at www.mysunnyradio.com

Joe Biden Drops F-Bomb on Live Broadcast at Health Care Bill Signing

By | April 8, 2020

Regardless of your political persuasion, you have to admit Obama’s signing of the controversial health care bill was a big deal. For Vice President Biden, it was a very big deal. So big, in fact, that Joe seemed to forget that he was on live radio and television, potentially being heard by millions. Sure enough, the microphones on the presidential podium picked up his words loud and clear and broadcast them to the world.

“This is a big f—ing deal!”

Will the Passage of ObamaCare be a Boon for Talk Radio?

By | April 8, 2020

Now that the health care bill has passed, the pundits are determining who the winners and losers will be. I haven’t heard much regarding the potential impact of ObamaCare on talk radio.

You may remember that talk radio proliferated after the election of Bill Clinton as president. Rush Limbaugh in particular used this event to grow his audience substantially. Who could forget how he began each day’s program with “DAY 55, AMERICA HELD HOSTAGE!” Many speculated talk radio would enjoy a similar spike in listenership after the election of Barack Obama. However, this did not materialize for the most part.

Now, people are fired up as never before. A Facebook group entitled “I bet we can find 1,000,000+ people who disapprove of the Health Care Bill” has attracted more than 443,000 members as of this writing. This group was created less than 48 hours ago. The radio industry is in desperate need of momentum these days and this issue could potentially provide it. What do you think? Could the passage of ObamaCare prove to be the “stimulus package” for radio in general and talk radio in particular?

John E. Small Purchases KSQB-AM from Backyard

By | April 8, 2020

Score one more for local radio in South Dakota! The FCC reports that John E. Small’s Cup O’ Dirt, LLC is purchasing KSQB-AM 1520 from Backyard Broadcasting. Presumably, KSQB will become a joint venture with John’s online radio station “Sunny Radio – Where it’s Always in the 80s”, located in Brandon, South Dakota. The website also mentions plans for a future FM frequency of 92.1Mhz.

This comes on the heels of Aberdeen-based Dakota Broadcasting’s purchase of 9 stations from NRG Media which occured in late December. Local radio ownership is enjoying a welcome resurgence in the Mount Rushmore state!

AM1500 KSTP To Become “1500 ESPN Twin Cities”

By | April 8, 2020

This is big news, kids. KSTP-AM has been Talk since the 1980s. It has been owned and operated by the same Hubbard family since the 1920s. On Monday, February 15th, KSTP-AM will transition to “AM1500 The SportsTalk Station.” Patrick Reusse and Joe Soucheray will combine for a 6 hour block, weekdays from Noon-6. Reusse will be on solo from Noon-2, Joe and Patrick from 2-4, then The Mayor and “Garage Logic” from 4-6.

Also, a new partnership with ESPN will gradually evolve. Colin Cowherd will be heard from 9-Noon, beginning on February 15th. Soon, ESPN’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning” will follow. Eventually, the station will be branded as 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.”

Read the official release from Program Director Steve Konrad and President/General Manager Ginny Morris here

The C. Crane Radio: A Quality Product that Performs as Promised

By | April 8, 2020

Recently on a radio message board, a participant asked if the CC Radio was “all that.” Apparently, he/she had heard the hype, seen the advertisements here on Radio Geek Heaven, and wanted to know if the radio measured up.

I found my first CC Radio at a Florida pawn shop back in 2001. Sticker price was $29.99 and I paid $25 out the door. Price new was $180. Obviously, the pawn shop had no idea what this was. They just assumed it was a standard AM/FM portable and priced it accordingly.

FM and TV band performance (Channels 2-13) was very good. But it’s the AM sensitivity that really makes this radio a champ. Reception was nearly equal to my GM Delco car radio with fixed mast antenna. That’s saying a LOT since the Delcos with a whip are true DX hounds. What makes it superior to other portables? Better circuitry and a larger, heavier ferrite bar antenna. Most internal AM antennas are about 3 inches long. The CC’s is 8+ inches! You’ll FEEL the difference too, as soon as you lift the radio. They’re much heavier than your average portable. That’s a good thing.

Besides pulling in distant stations, the big ferrite bar also allows the CC Radio to be extremely directional. Again, this is a good thing, since it allows you to separate stations on the same frequency. Ferrite bars receive best off their sides and null off their ends. Just like a horizontal longwire antenna. So, this works best if the 2 stations are close to 90 degrees opposite of each other. Example: 1340Khz in the Fargo, North Dakota area. On a car radio, you can hear 2 stations fighting for the channel: KDLM/Detroit Lakes, MN and KXPO/Grafton, ND. Even though Grafton is twice as far away, the signals are relatively equal because the soil conductivity between Fargo-Grafton is much better vs Fargo-Detroit Lakes. It drops rapidly as you go east into Minnesota. On a car radio, you hear a mess of both stations. Standing in the parking lot of West Acres Mall and holding the CC Radio, I was able to receive both stations completely free of the other, simply by rotating the radio 90 degrees! Ditto for 1230 with Morris, MN vs Thief River Falls, MN. This is very useful if you’re trying to pull out a distant station that’s co-channel with a stronger one.

My only gripe was the LED frequency segments. They gradually began going out, one at a time, until there weren’t enough segments left to read the frequency. This took about 3 years. I didn’t want to hassle with sending it in for repairs, so I sold it “as-is” on eBay for $46. Which meant I made a profit of $21 and had free use of the radio for 3 years I understand this problem has been addressed and fixed in the newer versions. (Mine was a first generation CC Radio.)

The current version is the CC Radio 2. Since TV has gone digital and the TV band on these radios has been rendered worthless, it has been replaced with 2 meter ham band reception. The 162Mhz weather frequencies are also included.

C. Crane sells these new for $159.95 on their website. But you can save $10 by purchasing through Amazon.com. Price is $149.95 with FREE Super Saver shipping. For complete info, just click the link immediately preceeding or following this post.

In short, if you’re a radio DX’ing geek and can afford it, this radio is a must-have. To answer the message board poster’s question: yes, this radio IS definitely “all that.”

Pete de Graaff Exits Florida’s Space Coast Radio

By | April 8, 2020

Another downsizing casualty as Pete de Graaff’s OM post is eliminated at Treasure & Space Coast Radio. This Vero Beach, Florida cluster consists of WGYL-FM 93.7, WOSN-FM 97.1, WJKD-FM 99.7, WJBW-AM 1000, and WTTB-AM 1490.

Central Florida readers who frequent this site will remember Pete from his days at XL106.7/Orlando. Reach out to Pete at petedegr@hotmail.com or call (407) 718-4622.

Radio Disney Silences 6 AM Stations

By | April 8, 2020

Six of Radio Disney’s AM stations have been taken silent. The company has requested FCC authority to remain silent while the stations are sold off.

The six stations affected are:

KALY-AM 1240 – Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico
KMUS-AM 1380 – Sperry, Oklahoma
WCOG-AM 1320 – Greensboro, North Carolina
WHKT-AM 1650 – Portsmouth Virginia
WMNE-AM 1600 – Riviera Beach, Florida
WRJR-AM 1010 – Portsmouth, Virginia

Sale arrangements for WHKT and WMNE have already been filed with the FCC.

Midwinter Madness Electronics Show Buffalo, MN

By | April 8, 2020

Figured I’d give a plug for the upcoming hobby electronics show in Buffalo. It’s the 29th annual Midwinter Madness, sponsored by the Robbinsdale Amateur Radio Club. Not just ham radio, but computers, hardware, software, components, peripherals, and a wide variety of hobby electronics. If you’re interested in obtaining an amateur radio license, VE testing will be available. The Morse Code requirement has been abolished. Code knowledge is no longer needed for any class of ham license!

Prizes to be given away: Grand Prize is your choice of an MFJ-269 antenna analyzer or a Yaesu FT-7900 Dial Band Mobile. First Prize is your choice of a Yaesu FT-60R handheld or a Heil Pro-Set with ADI radio interface cable and foot switch. Additional prizes include 4 ARRL gift certificates for publications to be drawn individually. 2 for $50 and 2 for $25.

Midwinter Madness will be held Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 8:00AM-1:30PM at the Buffalo Civic Center in Buffalo, MN.  For information on tickets, swap tables, directions, etc, check out the Robbinsdale ARC website: www.k0ltc.org 

This is a decent show.  Well worth checking out if you’re in the Twin Cities area.

KIXX/KKSD/KSDR Collapsed Radio Tower Photos

By | April 8, 2020

Thanks to Mike Johnson, Operations Manager of Aberdeen’s Dakota Broadcasting for providing these photos. This was an 820 foot broadcast tower, located northeast of Watertown, South Dakota. It had served as the transmitter site for KSDR-FM 92.9 Watertown, KIXX-FM 96.1 Watertown, and KKSD-FM 104.3 Milbank.

KPLO-TV/FM Tower Collapses Due to Icy Weather

By | April 8, 2020

The severe icy conditions in central South Dakota have brought down a 1,905 foot TV and FM tower near Pierre. According to a station engineer, the guy wires snapped due to the weight of the ice buildup. The tower then crumpled and collapsed onto the ground. During the collapse, the top 300 feet of the tower struck a power pole, damaging the lines and causing a power outage.

This tower was home to the transmitting antennas for KPLO-TV 6 and KPLO-FM 94.5.

Minnesota Woman’s Piracy Penalty Reduced by Judge

By | April 8, 2020

A U.S. district court has reduced damages for Jammie Thomas-Rasset, the Minnesota woman whom a jury found liable of copyright violations last year.

“The need for deterrence cannot justify a $2 million verdict for stealing and illegally distributing 24 songs for the sole purpose of obtaining free music,” wrote Michael Davis, chief judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.

In June of 2008, a federal jury in Minnesota found Thomas-Rasset liable for willful copyright infringement and ordered her to pay $1.9 million. Judge Davis has reduced the amount to $54,000, or $2,250 per song.

The RIAA did not immediately comment on this action.