ESPN Alegedly Withholds Information in Syracuse Rape Scandal

In one of the more disgusting and hypocritical events in the history of American broadcasting, there we find that the leading hypocrites have metaphorical blood on their hands as well. Disney owned ESPN have been at the forefront rabble-rousing against the Penn State University scandal. But after watching this short video, you can see why they should now be running scared.
Gotcha!

FSN Pittsburgh + 2 other affiliates to Change Name next year!

FOX Sports Network is in some trouble in the PR department after the announcement that 3 of their affiliates in major US markets have decided to re-brand themselves to "Root Sports". This move would be a clear signal to "the sports worldwide leader" that the competition simply cannot hang in the ratings.

I don't know exactly what "Roots" is going to be like, but I am sure it doesn't sell easy. Will it be an all-sports network? Will it incorporate an outdoors nature sports?

Also getting the ax will be Seattle and Denver who will also lose their FSN coverage.

I for one am very disappointed that this decision will affect one of my regional channels, but according to the story, it will not affect the local broadcast rights according to the story which is good because in Pittsburgh they will be keeping the fastest and highest demanding broadcast in the Penguins local coverage.

Czaban Makes Triumphant Return To Morning Radio

As announced on his website's blog, Steve Czaban will be returning to morning radio since his eight month hiatus.

Sporting News Radio, as a subsidiary of Mission Media Group of Scottsdale, Arizona, has hired me to host their morning drive shift from 6-9 a.m. from our Washington D.C. area studios.

Which is fantastic news considering Czabe's NFL football is about to start up on yet another season. It was surely hard for Steve Czaban to walk away from the network he and his crew most certainly

It wasn't just the sheer volume of emails from you listeners, it was their staggering depth. I am talking about 1500-word-plus emails describing just what it was that made the show so meaningful to them.

You guys remembered a billion more details of segments we did, or moments we had, than I ever could.

And that pretty much sums up the kind of show that Czabe has. A loyal cult-like following that entertains with witty banter that includes a slice of life and serves it up to the audience.

You can't keep a show like this down for long. It was only a matter of time before Czabe was broadcasting with another mic flag in tow.

Virginia Beach Morning Show Creates a Crowd

Even if a radio publicity stunt may go horribly wrong, some schools of thought believe that there is no such thing as a bad publicity stunt. However, when the local police get involved, then it is time to rethink the strategy. As an April Fool's Stunt, Z104 (WNVZ-FM), a Top 20 hits station in Norfolk, VA decided that it was a great idea to tell people that hip-hop artist 50 Cent would be shooting a video on a local beach. Then sweetening the pot was the lie that 50 cent would also be listening to demo CDs.

Officer Adam Bernstein with Virginia Beach Police said, "It was a joke and we appreciate that. But, as a police department we have to worry about crowd control and traffic, even if it is a hoax you might have thousands of people show up anyway."

Even though the article didn't quite capture the disappointment that the community listeners had, the way that the large response of gullible people caused a potential safety hazard was well along the out-of-bounds standard of April Fools Pranks.

Upon Further Review FSN Pittsburgh is Scandalized

Even though the result of the game was unaffected of the controversial moment, a severe punishment was handed down after the broadcast networks rights holder to the defending Stanley Cup champions.

FSN-Pittsburgh was blamed for not providing all critical views to the alleged goal that Simon Gagne scored during the last meeting. During the review, the "NHL War Room" in Toronto concluded that there was not enough evidence to overturn the non-goal call on the ice.

In a statement, FSN Pittsburgh -- the local broadcasts rights-holder for the Penguins -- said, "There is nothing more important than the integrity of the game. During last Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, a definitive replay of a Flyers goal was not aired prior to the conclusion of the official review and, as a result, a Flyers goal was not awarded. Fortunately, this did not change the outcome of the game. Nonetheless, FSN Pittsburgh's failure to provide video to the league officials in a timely fashion was wholly unacceptable. FSN Pittsburgh has addressed this matter and has taken steps to ensure that such a failure does not occur again."

The Penguins followed with a statment: "We fully support FSN Pittsburgh in its reaction to this issue. The integrity of the game is paramount."

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.

Canadian Communications Pioneer Dies

I like to listen to the Toronto media through streaming Internet audio quite often. One name that stands out frequently is Ted Rogers of Rogers Communications. He is known throughout Ontario and Canada for having an empire of broadcasting and sports ownership. Remember the Skydome? In 2003, he bought the naming rights to make it the Rogers Center.

Ted passed away in his Toronto home today reportedly surrounded by his family. An official statement was made by the company to say

It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors of Rogers Communications Inc. announces the death of our colleague, leader and friend, Edward Samuel "Ted" Rogers, the founder of the company, a visionary communications industry pioneer and an icon in Canadian business.

I would like to agree with that. I feel a little bit of loss by the news, but having not known the man personally.

Sirius Welcomes Added XM Channels

Sirius and XM have now enacted their merging content plans and I cannot be any more excited about it. Since my Sirius radio was a gift, I soon longed for the day when I could also listen to some of the channels that were exclusive to XM.

The "Best of XM" package can be found on the enclosure link to the blog post. It means that I would be able to hear the NHL Network channel called "Home Ice" channel as well as the MLB package and more NCAA Sports channels dedicated to specific conference affiliations like the ACC and Big 10.

But it isn't all just sports, it also includes the allegedly wacky and controversial "Opie and Anthony" show.

For those people who have maintained a subscription to XM can also purchase a "Best of Sirius" which includes Howard Stern 100 as well as other celebrity sponsored channels as well as NFL football channel.

The Sirius/XM merger looks to benefit both companies as well as the subscribers now they have available all possible content, but equal exposure to new content from here on out!

Pirates Broadcaster Retires

Long time Pirate announcer Lanny Frattare has decided to call it quits after being witness to 15 years of an inept organization with no hope in sight. Frattare, who's familiar style to Pittsburgh sports fans, became the voice of the Pirates after long time broadcaster Bob Prince. Prince's legacy, to those who remember him, posed a large challenge to fill his spot, but Frattare walked up to the plate and consistently delivered the home run calls. His voice became the standard package to Pittsburgh fans while watching Pirates baseball.

I briefly met him in the Pirates broadcast press box in passing while he was getting ready before the game. I remember he made eye contact with me, gave me a polite greeted gesture, and continued on through the door. That moment signaled to me that he didn't allow the stature of his stardom to

The next fellow to fill his shoes will most likely be walking into the same situation as Frattare did all those years ago.

Sirius and XM Get To Merge

It took the Gov't a long time to figure out that satellite radio was not a monopoly; that it had other competition and the NAB knew it all along. While the merger was waiting to go through, it subsequently put Sirius and XM people on hold in their careers until things fell into place. I didn't like how it held up two profitable companies in limbo.

But just as the wait for approval was painstakingly slow, the vote came down to the wire as well.

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to approve the buyout, with the tiebreaker coming Friday night from Republican commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate.

That is the most stand out sticking point to the whole storyline. Howard Stern, a subculture pop icon, railed against Pres. Bush for the ongoing war, but now he has to eat crow that the party lines have been drawn.

The approval was a major blow for the land-based radio industry, which lobbied hard against the buyout. It was also opposed by consumer groups, various members of Congress and state attorneys general, all of whom argued a satellite radio merger would hurt consumers and was not in the public interest.

I currently own a Sirius Starmate and Boombox and listen to it a lot in the late night hours. My dad just bought a car with XM in it. So, as a sports fan, I would really love to get to hear all the sports on one system soon.

I will keep up on how they will amalgamate the stations into one product.

Bon Voyage, you MF'er!

If Hillary Clinton made similar remarks about the tragic condition of Ted Kennedy and she still gets to keep her job and siphon off the limelight of her celebrity status, then Mark Madden, including his army of loyal listeners known affectionately as "M F'ers", would still be continuing the highest rated sports radio broadcast in Pittsburgh right now.

"I'm very disappointed to hear that Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts is near death because of a brain tumor. I always hoped Senator Kennedy would live long enough to be assassinated." - Mark Madden

That quote does indeed seem cruel and it eventually did him in as those words got him fired from ESPN 1250AM in his native Pittsburgh.

I never really liked Mark Madden professionally, but having met him personally he was nice to me and felt approachable. A part of Mark's shtick was that he was a very rude shock jock, but he had a respectability about him that he had pro athlete connections out the wazoo. The side to his personality that always deserved a big thumbs down from me is that he flat out stole his catch phrases from his pro wrestling buddies from his days in World Championship Wrestling. There really wasn't an original thought in that man's head. In that way, I am glad that Madden is now gone, summarily dishonorably discharged.

Montreal Station Preforms "Dangerous" Stunt

A Montreal Rock station CHOI (96.9 FM) engaged in some psychological warfare today as the character "Super Pig" and a fellow conspirator taped a Montreal Canadiens jersey to the iconic Rocky statue in Philadelphia, PA. You can watch the photos here.I would never try something this dangerous as knowing Philadelphia's reputation. I have been there plenty of times to know that Philly will not take this lying down.

When I was at Penn State, we continued the tradition called "guard the lion" - an all night party the night before the Penn State Football Homecoming game. The logic being that any rival school would not deface the Nittany Lion statue as it currently sits in the grotto just outside the Rec Hall gymnasium.

Not that I would condone such an act, but would we see a Philadelphia banner flying from Stade Olympique in the near future for retribution?

FCC Looking For Feedback

The FCC is considering retrofitting its rule book with a slew of vintage regulations that broadcasters say will mire them down with endless paperwork and tax their resources into a state of paralysis.

Among the rules the FCC proposes to reinstitute are ascertainment panels for neighborhood watch groups to give their input on such topics as the songs on a station’s playlist, hosts, advertisers and overall content of stations. The FCC also is considering re-crafting procedural guidelines for processing license renewal applications, similar to the process in place in the 1970s, and re-enacting the main studio rule to eliminate remote studios and stop voicetracking.

I love the idea that voicetracking is getting a look at during this examination process. With the advent of station formats that feature jock-less and wide ranges of play lists, this rule could affect the way station managers hire and demand the on-air talent be live while broadcasting.

Terrestrial radio must pull out all the stops now that it will be competing with a Sirius/XM company. I expect a renaissance of local talent to rise up against national broadcast formats.

Myron Cope Dies and Pittsburgh Mourns a Legend

The really old guard of radio broadcasting has tragically died. Myron Cope, the long time radio, TV, and print journalist in Pittsburgh succumbed to illnesses, but his legendary style will live on forever.

Fond memories were already begun to be recorded by everyone who knew or came in contact with Myron. His sports legacy will never be surpassed by anyone today. Myron's style changed broadcasting as he discovered how to entertain his audience as well as inform them.\Myron Cope affected sports fandom by first perfecting the balance between "broadcasting homer" and "broadcasting legend". He openly led the cheers with his pattented yellow "Terrible Towel". His personality was blended on a palette of quirky humor and ethnic pop culture. When Myron got out of control, he invented words and sounds to fill in his thoughts so he didn't create dead air.

Perhaps today, up in Heaven, Myron Cope is commentating on a big game with Howard Cosell.

"Free Radio" a Hit with Me

One of the things that I look for in watching a television program is weather or not I could relate to the situation or subject matter. "The Office" had such a cult following that some people either knew about the pop culture or maybe even lived in a small town like Scranton, PA. I gave it a chance, but I just didn't appreciate the nuances of the show.

Flipping around the digital cable, I found a show called "Free Radio". It is a show that was created from the comedy minds of Lance Krall and Rory Rosegarten. Lance plays a bumbling inept intern who is thrust into the spotlight of KBOM morning drive radio after the regular host Rip Rebel defects to satellite. He then goes on to sandbag guests because he is inexperienced and the true gem of the show is watching the real celebrities squirm. And through the miracle of modern technology, you can watch the opening segment of the show.
This is going to be a really great show that I will certainly will want to watch as the storyline evolves as Lance becomes a hit personality and how he interacts with his foil Anna Vocino. I think it is a real slice of life that some broadcasters have to put up with.

Check it out on the web or check with your local listings for VH-1.