Steve Czaban Show Ends It's Run on FSR

FOX Sports radio, in my opinion, presents an alternative to the broadcast that other sports radio networks provide. And none such sports talk show in the 6-9am EST time slot had been more unique than "The Steve Czaban Show" which was previously "The First Team on FOX". Steve Czaban, who spit time nationally, was also posting double duty with local radio for the Washington D.C. area as well as featured in the Milwaukee market. But like the trueism states, all good things must come to an end - leaving Czabe's contract with FOX radio not renewed for the 2010 year.

Just like on the show, the "Monday morning quarterbacking" about the controversial ouster from FOX national broadcasts, saw fans criticize FOX for not promoting the radio network on their television stations, nor developing a similar synergistic plan like their competitors at the "world wide leader".

Speaking as a devoted listener, I enjoyed the FOX morning show in it's run with Czaban because it was able to capture many of the critical elements to an entertaining radio show. I was first hooked to Czabe when I realized that his social world-view was shaded towards a conservative outlook. When a sports story hit national attention, it was a nice change of pace that Steve Czaban would formulate a commentary that was contrary to his liberal colleagues. Secondly, he bravely intertwined his own personal life as he recounted anecdotes of his career, family, hobbies, and beer consumption. Thirdly, he was a maestro at intertwining the voices of his other broadcast teammates (Scott, Al, Lo-Def, etc.) appreciating their input to the topic. Czabe's show was hosted by the quintessential man's man.

Even though Czabe is "old skool" when it comes to broadcasting, he does have his own stamp on the information superhighway. Czabe.com presents the world according to him as "The Daily Czabe", a depository of beautiful buxom women with written commentary of sports special interests. For now, this is what the fans of the show have to hold on to until his fans get that fix of sports punditry like the jock junkies we all are.

Vocally, "Czabe", along with his broadcast cohorts, had the smooth delivery that was both comforting and familiar. He didn't clown up the show with a phony delivery. Sure he got exited and yelled, but it wasn't the over-saccharine and caffeine-addled approach like his comedic competitors use. Instead, Czabe took to the airwaves as a regular guy who presented a show that was just - real.

FOX's decision to chose another direction leaves a sour taste of the "what if"s, when the misappropriated genius of Steve Czaban and his crew would have us scratching just how successful the show could have been had the right support structure been offered.

Honsberger Dead

Pittsburgh radio and television broadcasting legend Fred Honsberger passed away due to complications of various ailments. He was 58 years old.

Honsberger was the established conservative voice in the city of Pittsburgh broadcasting on KDKA during late afternoons. He would also be the first local radio broadcaster celebrity to venture out into television suplimenting his radio broadcasts with a TV show on PCNC called "Fred Honsberger Live!"

He also got his start in State College, PA broadcasting at WRSC-AM as well as being in Harrisburg's WKBO-AM.

Pennsylvania Legislators Continue Push for LPFM Signals

Progress in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives regarding the short wave or low power FM signals have crept a little further suggesting more control to communities that wish to broadcast small radio stations.

“This is a long time coming for the many organizations who want to set up low power radio stations across the United States,” said Congressman Terry. “Our legislation will give a voice to groups who want to provide greater awareness and involvement in their community.”

This would be most beneficial to Community Colleges and High Schools who want to further improve the curriculum. Rep. Mike Doyle, who's son attended Penn State Greater Allegheny, mentioned the University's WPSM station that is currently broadcasting through the Internet but has better designs of an over the air frequency.

The Local Community Radio Act would repeal the Radio Broadcast Preservation Act’s requirement that radio stations in a given market be 4 intervals apart.

The rough part of pursuing this type of endeavor is the opposition that the FCC would possibly make on behalf of already established FM signals in fear of interference.

Mike Lange Reveals His Secrets to Broadcasting

There are 3 generations of Pittsburgh hockey fans who know the comfortability that comes with Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange. His unique style his his trademark on the game which, in my opinion, transcends the game to the point that it never really feels like a Penguins game without him.

But even though the seasons have piled up on the veteran broadcaster, Lange still keeps up with the changing lineups adapting to the constantly changing updates with the teams.

"You have to do your due diligence, you have to do your work. You have to find out what is going on with that team, how much they have changed? They could have a coaching change. What's the philosophy?" Lange said.

Watching the interview video from KDKA actually feels like it should be required viewing for any broadcasting student. Learning from Lange's routines and dedication to his craft is what makes a standout broadcaster even better.

[Cross-posted at Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic]

Penguins TV Ratings Reach Record

Now that the Penguins have climbed back to Stanley Cup prominence, all of the fans that are now interested in the team again have been a small part of a historic night in more ways than just one. With the Stanley Cup banner that went up on Friday, so did the ratings to a phenomenal degree.

Friday night’s telecast of the Pittsburgh Penguins season opening 2009-10 game versus the New York Rangers registered a 10.5 average HH rating on FSN Pittsburgh, according to Nielsen Media Research. The telecast, viewed by more than 120,500 households in the Pittsburgh DMA, set a new record rating as the highest ever for a Penguins season opening game telecast

I am amazed at the record being that high! Congratulations to the Liberty Media Group who runs the FSN Pittsburgh studios.

Did they count in the research that the FOX Sports Network telecast was seen in homes all across North America having been simulcast on the NHL Network?

[Cross posted: Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic]

Paul Harvey's "Rest Of the Story" Reaches Final Chapter

For just about everyone who has ever worked and studied radio broadcasting knows the tremendous legacy of Paul Harvey. Paul began working in radio in high school 1933, but he continued in 1944 after the War a time when America really needed a beacon of hope. Now, because of that tenure, Paul leaves the airwaves permanently taking with it a folksy style that American broadcasting may never ever get back.

In my own radio career, Paul was a featured broadcaster during my tenure at WRSC AM and WBLF AM in State College. His broadcasts started at 11:30 AM at that time, leaving few options to fill in the 11 AM first half hour. We then continued the evening with Paul's classic "Rest of the Story" monologue at 5:20 PM before we started the local sports talk shows. One day, I was working as the producer and a technical glitch caused the cutting of the end of the Paul Harvey story broadcast. I got so many calls asking me what had happened. I missed the end of it too and had no answer for the big pay off closing line. So, I know how much Paul's broadcasts can mean to a community.

He was elected to the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 from President George W. Bush

In my opinion, listeners to radio today see a vast competition to get people's attention with a perpetual decline in standards. "Shock-Jocking" works to a degree, but at what cost? Paul Harvey, while he was broadcasting, was living proof that broadcasters didn't have to be controversial.

I would hope that production directors everywhere would tribute this great American by playing a minute of "white noise" as an alternative instead of going silent.