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.