A Closer Look

A Closer Look...

At WELE Premier Travel Show...

10-4-09 Customers Win In Small Claims Court
Wings Communications corporate owners of WELE-AM 1380 have been sued in Volusia County Small Claims Court over sales of travel packages being sold on the The Premier Travel Show. Some customers claimed the trips never happened and refunds were never given. At least one claimant has succeeded in winning a judgment against Wings Communications and owner Doug Wilhite. A lien has been filed against the station in Volusia County.

3-20-09 Judge dismisses one count in lawsuit against HTN
Posted: 2009 Mar 20 - 00:07
By Jeanne Willard Staff writer
Hometown News
VOLUSIA COUNTY - Did a newspaper article regarding a local radio travel show defame the station's owner or just report the facts? That question is at the heart of a civil lawsuit filed by the owner and host of the WELE Premier Travel Show against the Hometown News in response to an article published in July. George C. Gaskell, attorney for Hometown News, recently filed a motion to dismiss the suit filed by Douglas Wilhite and Wings Communications, Inc. against the community newspaper. In a ruling issued Wednesday, Circuit Judge William A. Parsons dismissed one count concerning negligence, but did not dismiss two other libel counts. WELE attorneys have 20 days to refile the dismissed complaint. Mr. Gaskell said it's still early in the litigation process. "I intend to litigate vigorously," he said. "I remain confident we will be vindicated." Hector M. De Jesus, attorney for Mr. Wilhite, could not be reached for comment. Mr. Wilhite, who did not attend last week's hearing regarding the dismissal motion, claims that the article entitled "Travel show draws complaints" constituted libel and defamation, injuring his business reputation. At the recent hearing before Judge Parsons, Mr. Gaskell argued that there is no cause of action for defamation. "Everything stated in the article is factually accurate," he said. Mr. De Jesus disagreed. "This article is just sprinkled with words or context that could be taken as defamatory," Mr. De Jesus said. In July, when the article was published, the travel show sold discount travel and vacation certificates that were to be redeemed for travel at a later date. The article profiled a satisfied customer as well as those who have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau, Office of the Attorney General and Seniors vs. Crime, regarding difficulty redeeming certificates and obtaining refunds. The article does not meet the legal standard of defamatory or libelous, Mr. Gaskell said. Statements that drew Mr. Wilhite's ire were either not defamatory or were made by customers and experts noted by name, he said. Citing the loss of business the station experienced following publication, Mr. De Jesus said he wants the opportunity to review the reporter's notes to determine if malice was involved.
"It's caused damage to a business that's been operating relatively unscathed for 15 years," he said. "One article and this thing is brought down to its knees." Mr. Gaskell argued that telling the truth should not expose the paper to a lawsuit. "Case law is very clear that newspapers have a constitutional right to print articles just like this - to print the truth," he said.

12-24-08 WELE Fights Back
Doug Wilhite President of Wings Communications, owners of WELE-AM 1380 has filed a lawsuit against the
Hometown News in response to an article published in July. In the three-count complaint filed Dec. 12, Wings Communications charges libel, injurious falsehood and negligence on the part of Hometown News stemming from a July 4 story regarding the WELE "Premier Travel Show". Seeking unspecified damages, the complaint claims Mr. Wilhite experienced injury to his business reputation resulting in a decrease in income and an increase in customer refund requests following the article's publication.

11-25-08 WELE Cleared of Criminal Wrongdoing
As being reported in the Daytona Beach News Journal, Ormond Beach Police said there is no evidence that the management at WELE-AM 1380 did anything criminal when it failed to return money to listeners who purchased tickets from The Premier Travel Show. Sgt. Kenny Hayes, Ormond Beach Police Department spokesman told Lyda Longo of the News-Journal; "We saw no criminal intent on the part of the owner of the radio station." "For criminal charges to apply, police would have to prove that agents of the radio station knowingly sold packages that were worthless or knowingly misrepresented the packages which resulted in monetary gain to the business. No such proof was found in any of the cases. On the contrary, police determined that the radio station did in fact have business relationships with companies providing vacation accommodations or travel services and had good faith belief that the vacation packages were redeemable as advertised." Police said listeners who have not received refunds for their tickets could try to pursue the matter in civil court.

11-5-08
On November 30, 2008 Doug Wilhite, Wings Communications President of WELE-AM 1380 announced that problems caused by the "Hometown News" caused him great financial hardship and the station is up for sale.
Below you will find coverage from the original article from The Hometown News as well as the Daytona Beach News-Journal, as well as audio from Central Florida News 13, WFTV, and WESH-TV as well as Doug Wilhite's explanation.

Dec 22, 20087 Hometown News	Jul 3, 2008 Hometown News	Oct. 31, 2008 Hometown News

News-Journal 10-31-08	News-Journal 11-5-08	News-Journal 11-24-08


CFNews 13 Audio Report 10-31-08	WFTV Audio Report 10-28-08	WESH 2 Audio Report 10-31-08

	Doug Wilhite on WELE 11-3-08

At the Ratings 11-4-07
The Summer ratings for Orlando and Ocala are available here. WDBO-AM 580's Central Florida's Morning News with Jim Turner was the most listened to morning show. Tom Joyner (syndicated by ABC) on WCFB- FM 94.5 was the second most listened to morning show in Orlando. Steve Harvey, (syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks Inc., a subsidiary of Clear Channel) on "102 Jamz", WJHM-FM 101.9 came in third. The "K92 Morning Crew" on WWKA-FM 92.3, came in at number four. 104.1's (WTKS-FM 104.1) Monsters in the Morning round out the top five.
The afternoons saw WPYO-FM 95.3 in the top spot followed by WMGF-FM 107.7, (ABC syndicated) Sean Hannity on WDBO-AM 580, Shadow on WWKA-FM 92.3 and rounding out the top five in the afternoon; Jim Philips and crew of the
Philips Phile on WTKS-FM 104.1.

At Scott and Erica 8-22-07
WOMX-FM 105.1's Scott McKenzie and Erica Lee have been the morning team for 16 years. Scott was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1956. He began his career at WNKO-FM 101.7 in Columbus in 1978, using the air name Scott Friedman. Then it was on to WTHZ-FM, Tallahassee in 1986, where Scott met his wife to be, Fran. In 1989, Scott and Fran headed to WXGT-FM in Columbus, Ohio. Then Scott spent a year at WZOU in Boston, then on to Orlando and WOMX-FM 105.1. Scott spent his first month on the morning show with long-time Orlando personality Alan Spector. Then on October 29, 1990, Metro Traffic Services' Erica Lee joined the "MIX 105.1" morning show as the newscaster. Erica grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey and moved to Florida in 1975. She has worked at stations in Jacksonville, Panama City and Tallahassee. Erica is a Florida State University alumni. On January 3, 1991 Scott McKenzie was named the new morning show host, with then newscaster, Erica Lee. In 1994, 1995 ands 1996 Scott McKenzie and Erica Lee were nominated as "Personalities Of The Year" by Billboard Magazine. In January of 2007, Scott and Erica signed a new contract that will keep them on the CBS owned station until the year 2011.

At WXXL-FM 106.7's Jayde 8-5-07
Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel wrote in his Taking Names column of August 2, 2007, writes about Johnny Magic's new morning partner Jayde. Back in January of this year she was working, as "Trish", at Sacramento California's KDND-FM 107.9 as part of the "Morning Rave". Ten employees of (KDND-FM) "The End" were fired and the morning radio show was canceled. This was as a result of a water-drinking contest that left Jennifer Strange, a 28-year-old mother of three, ill hours before she died, apparently of water intoxication in a contest called "Hold your wee for a Wii". The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department investigated the contest, the district attorney determined no one was criminally liable for Strange's death. The two hosts, Lukas Cox and Steve Mane, are filing a wrongful termination lawsuit against Entercom, the parent company of KDND (107.9 The End). Cox, Mane and Trish (as well as 40 other defendants) have all been named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Jennifer Strange. Trish Sweet, (now known as Jayde) the third DJ who hosted the show, is not suing.

At The New York Connection 7/13/07
Pete Simonson made an interesting observation recently. "...Did you realize that with Chris Russo handling the morning duties at WFAN (AM 660), it makes two former WKIS employees who have moved to ""The Big Apple"? Frank Reed went to WNBC (later WFAN after Radio 66 went dark back around 1977) and was there in a variety of time slots for 4 years or so..." That got me to thinking about other folks that passed through Central Florida Radio and made it to the "Big Apple".

The latest Orlando Alum to head fro New York is Jill Strada, former WPYO-FM 95.3 Program Director/Music Director. Jill joined "Hot 97" WQHT-FM New York City as Assistant Program Director/Music Director in 2007.

Herb Oscar Anderson WDBO-AM 580-1948
H-O-A became best known for his successful show on the legendary WABC-AM 77. HOA was crowned the "Morning Mayor of New York." Anderson has also recorded for Capitol, Verve, MGM and Columbia.
Here's Herb On WABC-AM 77 with his show opening each morning

Roby Younge WTMC-AM 1290, WLUS-AM 980
Roby began his career at age 15 at WTMC-AM 1290, and then moved to WLUS-AM 980. Roby was fired from WABC-AM 77 in New York City, in October of 1969 when he talked about the rumor that Beatle Paul McCartney was dead. It was an hour and a half before program director Rick Sklar got Les Marshak in to relieve Yonge. Thanks to Jonathan Wolfert via Allan Sniffen's page about Musicradio 77 WABC for the audio. Roby died on July 18th, 1977 of a heart attack at the age of 54 in Miami.
Roby Younge on WABC Oct. 1969

Frank Reed
WFIV-AM 1080, WVGT-AM 1580, WABR-AM 1440, WORJ-FM 107.7, WOCL-FM 105.9 WKIS-AM 740
After a long stint in Central Florida, in 1977 Frank got a call "from out of the blue" from Bob Pittman, (MTV, AOL, etc) to fly up to NY and interview for WNBC-AM 66. Eventually ended up doing afternoons, then moved to middays to make room for a guy who I was told did something really "different"; yep, I got replaced by Howard - Howard Stern. Frank worked between Don Imus and Howard Stern for about 3 years, then was replaced by Soupy Sales.
Frank Reed On WNBC May 24, 1985
8-14-08-After 19 years at WFAN-AM 660, New York, Chris leaves the CBS owned station.

Don Gould   WEZY-AM 1350, WAMT-AM 1060, WMMB-AM 1240, WKIS-AM 740
Don moved to WNBC-TV in New York in 1982 as sports anchor where he backed up Marv Albert and Len Berman for 10 years. In addition, from 1983-91, he was also seen on the NBC Network alongside Connie Chung on "NBC News at Sunrise" Don also anchored the "ESPN Sportscenter" in the mid eighties. In 1993, he began the first of two turns at WCBS-AM 880 and the ABC Radio Network. From 1995-1997, Don was the weekend sports anchor for WPIX-TV, Channel 11 in New York. After a try at retirement he has returned to New York radio as weekend sports anchor on WINS-AM 1010.
Here's Don on WINS-AM in 2007

Gene Burns WKIS-AM 740
Gene arrived in Orlando in 1971 for what would become his first stop in at WKIS-AM 740. Gene headed to Philadelphia in 191 and spent 1 year there before heading back to Orlando. gene spent four more years at WKIS and then on to Boston's WRKO and then on to WOR-AM 710 in New York. WOR would syndicate the Gene Burns Program to 162 stations across the country, including WDBO-AM 580 on a delayed basis. Gene was heard on WDBO at 10PM.

Chris Russo WKIS-AM 740
Chris graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park in 1982. Before WKIS-AM 740 in March, 1984, Chris worked at WEXI-AM 1000 in Jupiter and WOKV-AM 690 in Jacksonville. Chris became well known for his rapid-fire banter and vast sports knowledge. During his stint at WKIS, when it became clear that the people of central Florida were having trouble understanding his intense New York accent and the station sent him to see a speech therapist twice a week.
After working at WMCA-AM 570 for a little more than a year, he caught the attention of WFAN Morning Show Host, Don Imus. Imus brought Russo on-board the "Imus in the Morning" show as the Sports Reporter. WFAN paired up Russo with Mike Francesa, who was the co-host of the mid-day show. 2008-Chrsi would leave WFAN and sign with Sirius Satellite Radio.
Here's Chris with Yankee manager Joe Torre on WFAN

Brian Thomas   WBJW-FM 105.1    WOMX-FM 105.1
Brian was the program director at WBJW-FM 105.1 "BJ105" from 1985 to 1987 and WOMX-FM 105.1 "Mix105.1" from 1988 until 1991. In 2006, WCBS-FM 101.1 New York known as "Jack-FM", named radio veteran Brian as its program director.

Ed Tyll WTKS-FM 104.1
Ed would leave Orlando and WTKS-FM 104.1 for KABC-AM in Los Angeles. After a few other stops Ed made it to New yolk and WLIE-AM 540 in Long Island. Edward Tyll is now doing stand up comedy in and around New York.

Mike Harvey     WROD-AM 1340    WSHE-FM 100.3    WEBG-FM 100.3
In the year 1964, at the age of 18, Mike was about to make his Orlando radio debut at WLOF-AM 950. But,
WROD-AM 1340 in Daytona Beach also made Mike an offer and broadcasting from Daytona Beach - hmm let's see - the beach - girls - radio just seemed more appealing. By the time Mike was 24 it was off to New York City.
Mike now has two programs in syndication; The Mike Harvey Show nightly and Super Gold on weekends.

Bob O'Brien WOCL-FM 105.9
From August of 1988 until September of 1989 Bob worked in New York with legend Norm N. Nite at the United Stations Radio Network's “Solid Gold Scrapbook” as writer/producer for the syndicated 5 hour weekly oldies magazine.

Rick Stacy WHLY-FM 106.7
In 2003, Rick would move to WNEW-FM 102.7 in New York. The station became "Mix 102.7", switching to dance hits, mainly from the 1970s and 1980s.

Kris Earl Philips WDAT-AM 1380 WOGO-AM 1550   WMFJ-AM 1450   WRMF-AM 1060
WSBB-AM 1230 WFKS-FM 99.9

Kris worked in New York at "Z100" WHTZ-FM 100.3.

At Ratings 1-25-07
In his Blog dated Jan 25, 2007 Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel posted the ratings of the top 20 shows and stations for both mornings (6-10) and afternoons (3-7). The ranking is for total listeners ranked by Arbitron in the Orlando market. A reader posted the following comment;
Scott--
Great list of call letters for the top 20 stations. But, who are they? What's the name of the show, where are they on the dial? Your column is great, but you gotta get on the stick on this. Posted by: Kurt | January 25, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Scott replied
I hear ya, Kurt. unfortunately, this blog thing's not my really my day job - and Arbitron doesn't give me a way to cut and paste (and ok, to be honest, once you get past the top 10, even I'm not sure of all the show names.) but i can direct you to one place that has the call letters for every station, the lineup -- as well as pretty much the entire history of each station as well. It's a good site for local radio folks anyway, as it's all Central Florida stuff, run by a true fan who knows the biz. It's here:
http://cflradio.net/
Hope that's of some help anyway.
So we thought about doing a follow up. So here is the complete list along with call letters, programs and formats. Thanks to Scott Maxwell for the mention.

Morning (6 AM to 10 AM, total listeners)

1. WCFB-FM 94.5 - Tom Joyner Morning Show (syndicated) (Urban Contemporary)

2. WMGF-FM 107.7 - "Magic Morning Show" Dave Collins and Leslye Gale (Soft AC)

3. WDBO-AM 580 - "Central Florida Morning News" Jim Turner, Officer Jim, Scott Anez, WDBO news staff (News/Talk)

4. WXXL-FM 106.7 - "Doc and Johnny" Doc Holiday and Johnny Magic with Grace (CHR)

5. WJRR-FM 101.9 - "The Fiasco" - Pat Lynch, Taco Bob, Launa, CJ and The Shot Doctor (Alternative Rock)

6. WOMX-FM 105.1 - "The Scott and Erica Morning Show" - Scott McKenzie, Erica Lee, Jay Edwards, Zack Skyler
(Hot Adult Contemporary)

7. WWKA-FM 92.5 - "K92FM Most Music Morning Show!" - Ellis B. Feaster, Melissa Moore and Skid the Producer (Country)

8t. WTKS-FM 104.1 - Monsters in The Morning (Hot Talk)

8t. WMMO-FM 98.9 - Shawn Burke & Deborah Roberts (Adult Hits)

10. WPYO-FM 95.3 - "The Freshest Morning Show in the O" - Obie and Lil Shawn (Hip Hop)

11t. WRUM-FM 100.3 - "Los Anormales" (The Abnormal Ones) John Musa, Jenny, Clandestine and Crazy Sam (Spanish)

11t. WJHM-FM 101.9 - The Steve Harvey Morning Show - syndicated (Urban Contemporary)

13. WNUE-FM 98.1 - "La Buya" Epi Columbus, Albert King, Super Martinez, Diana Raquel (Spanish)

14. WLOQ-FM 103.1 - "Good Morning Orlando" Marc Taylor, Robyn Austin (Smooth Jazz)

15. WHTQ-FM 96.5 - Dixon & Willoughby with Alan Spector (Classic Rock)

16. WEUS-AM 810 - Scott Shannon's True Oldies - syndicated (Oldies)

17t. WRLZ-AM 1270 - "Despertando" (Waking Up with) John and Damaris (Spanish)

17t. WOKB-AM 1600 - Steve January (Gospel)

17t. WOCL-FM 105.9 - "The Morning After Show" Drew Garabo, Sexy Savannah, Silent Rob (Alternative Rock)

20t. WQTM-AM 740 - Dan Sileo (Sports Talk)

20t. WFLF-AM 540 - "Start Your Day The Right Way with Pat Campbell!" Pat Campbell (News/Talk)

("t" - denotes tie)

Afternoon (3 PM to 7 PM, total listeners)

1. WMGF-FM 107.7 - Ken Payne (Soft AC)

2. WTKS-FM 104.1 - "The Philips Phile" - Jim Philips, Moira, Oddo, Jack and Jana (Hot Talk)

3. WDBO-AM 580 - Sean Hannity (Syndicated) (Talk)

4. WPYO-FM 95.3 - Priya B (Hip Hop)

5. WCFB-FM 94.5 - "The Cruise with Eric "Hollywood" Davis" (Urban Contemporary)

6t. WOMX-FM 105.1 - Jeff Cushman (Hot Adult Contemporary)

6t. WJHM-FM 101.9 - Jay Love (Urban Contemporary)

8. WJRR-FM 101.9 - "Buckethead" (Jason Bailey) (Alternative Rock)

9. WXXL-FM 106.7 - Jana Sutter (CHR)

10. WWKA-FM 92.5 - Billy Michaels (Country)

11. WMMO-FM 98.9 - Jerry Steffen (Adult Hits)

12. WLOQ-FM 103.1 - (Smooth Jazz)

13. WRUM-FM 100.3 - Raymond Torres (Spanish)

14. WNUE-FM 98.1 - DJ Franchy (Spanish)

15. WHTQ-FM 96.5 - Hildi (Classic Rock)

16. WOCL-FM 105.9 - Jody and Scott (Alternative Rock)

17. WFLF-AM 540 - "Bud Hedinger Live" (News/Talk)

18. WPCV-FM 97.5 - Jeni Taylor (Country)

19. WQTM-AM 740 - "The Finish Line" - Jerry O'Neill, The Shot Doctor and producer Mike Tuck (Sports Talk)

20. WRLZ-AM 1270 - "El Tapon" (The Cork) Edwin Roman and Alma Musik (Spanish gospel)

What's New Biographies In Memory Sounds Misc. Links Chronology What's News?