"What' News?" Archive January 2010

Formal Charges Brought Against Wilhite 1-6-10
F. Douglas Wilhite, the current owner of radio station WELE-AM 1380 was formally charged on Tuesday morning in Volusia County. The charges include six counts of contributing to the delinquency of a child, five counts of showing obscene materials to a minor, three counts of lewd and lascivious conduct and one count of lewd and lascivious exhibition. These charges stem from activities, in his Ormond Beach home, between Feb. 1, 2009 and May 19, 2009. Wilhite, who calls himself a nudist, is accused of hosting the teenagers in his home while he was nude, and encouraged them to be nude also, and to engage in sex with one another. The teens claim he supplied them with alcohol and showed them pornographic movies. In other reports he offered video equipment to allow them to video tape themselves having sex. If convicted, on the six misdemeanor and nine felony charges, Wilhite could face more than 15 years in prison.
This past November he was acquitted of charges that he raped and molested a 15-year-old boy at his home.

Black Crow Group Sued for Millions 1-7-10
Mark Williams of Halifax Area Newswatch is reporting that Black Crow Media has defaulted on a $39 million loan.

Rick Stacy Returns 1-7-10
CBS Radio has announced that Rick Stacy has taken the position of Operations Manager at WOMX-FM 105.1 and Program Director at WOCL-FM 105.9.

Erica Lee Fired From Mix 105.1 1-7-10
WOMX-FM 105.1 eighteen year veteran morning show co-host Erica Lee has been let go. It's part of the station "going in a different direction".

Shake Ups At Mix and Sunny 1-7-10
Besides Erica Lee at WOMX-FM 105.1 being let go, folks over at "Sunny 105.9" WOCL-FM 105.9 were also shown the door.
Laura Francis who held down mid-days and Bob Berry, the afternoon host have also been let go.

Michael Saunders On The Move 1-7-10
Michael Saunders, WJHM-FM 101.9 Program Director will be moving to Washington, D.C. to oversee programming as well as operations for Rhythmic WPGC, Tropical WLZL, Adult Contemporary WIAD, and Talkers WJFK-FM, and WHFS-AM.

Deborah Roberts Leaves WMMO 1-7-10WMMO-FM 98.9's morning show is now hosted by Shawn Burke, solo. Former partner Deborah Roberts has left the building. The word from Cox/WMMO is "...Unfortunately, Deborah’s position was eliminated. She is a tremendous talent and did a great job for us. She will be missed." When we learn where Deborah "lands", we'll post it here. Stay tuned...

Doug Clifford Moves To New Time Slot 1-8-10
After 500 shows on WSKY-FM 97.3 in Gainesville, (the show debuted in April 2000) Doug’s ‘token progressive’ interview program moves to the new time slot. Three to five guests weekly and they’ll be podcast the following week via thesky973.com. This week’s guests include Jeff Sharlett , author of The Family, a book about the Christian Right and its influence on Congress.

Scott Speaks About Erica's Exit 1-8-10
This morning on WOMX-FM 105.1 the other half of the Scott and Erica Show, Scott McKenzie talked about the firing of his morning partner for the past 18 years.

Courtesy of CBS Radio/WOMX-FM 105.1

The "Hits" Just keep on Comin' For Wilhite 1-8-10
There have been at least 20 complaints filed in state and federal courts against WELE-AM 1380 owner Doug Wilhite. Court records show that lenders and individuals seek more than $400,000. Murray Steinberg of Ormond Beach is one of the six people suing Wilhite over travel packages they purchased from the station's "Premiere Travel Show." In the latest lawsuit, BB&T Equipment Finance Corp. is seeking $27,777 for a generator, towers, desks, leather chairs and other items leased by the station. The lawsuit claims monthly payments of $2,922 have not been made since April.

GE Capital Seeks To Take Over Black Crow 1-8-10Lender GE Capital is seeking to appoint Larry Patrick as receiver for the Black Crow owned properties. GEC is owed $38,886,250. GEC and Black Crow have been in negotiations as far back as 2004 to restructure the debt, to no avail.
Black Crow operates stations in Daytona Beach as well as Valdosta, GA, Huntsville, AL, and Jackson, TN. Their Central Florida stations include WNDB-AM 1150, WKRO-FM 93.1, WHOG-FM 95.7 and WVYB-FM 103.3.

Black Crow Files Complaint Against WELE Transfer 1-9-10
On his January 8 program, WELE-AM 1380's Big John talked about Black Crow Media, (owners of WNDB-AM 1150 as well as other Daytona Beach stations) having filed a complaint with the FCC about Wings Communications (Doug Wilhite) transfer of the license to Goliath Radio (Big John). As part of his program Big prays to whom it may concern (being that he is a "recovering catholic") and asks for (divine?) guidance. Here is his prayer for this week.
Big John WELE-AM 1380 1-8-10

Bumpy Road Ahead For Goliath 1-11-10
As a follow up to the item we published on Jan. 9th here's an update on objections filed with the FCC on the transfer of the license of WELE-AM 1380. A "Petition to Deny" was filed by Black Crow Radio, L.L.C. on Dec. 28, 2009. Informal objections were filed by West End Media Group, Inc., Murray L. Steinberg and Barbara F. Steinberg as well as George and Constance Colby.

Black Crow Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy 1-13-10
In a maneuver to save their stations, Black Crow Media has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. General Electric Capital Corp. had filed suit over the alleged default on a $38,886,250 loan plus attorney fees and other expenses. Black Crow owns stations in Tennessee, Alabama and Florida. The Daytona Beach stations include WNDB-AM 1150, WKRO-FM 93.1, WHOG-FM 95.7 and WVYB-FM 103.3. Black Crow attorneys were scheduled to appear in court, in New York City on Thursday. This will delay court action for the time being.

1-14-10
Daytona Beach based Black Crow said in a statement, said it will continue to operate its 22 radio stations during the restructuring. "Unfortunately, over the past year, and despite enormous efforts to reduce expenses," wrote Mike Linn, President of Black Crow, "economic conditions have finally deteriorated to a point where it has become impossible for us to support our existing debt." Black Crow claimed debt of around $45 million when it filed for bankruptcy protection.
Under Chapter 11, Black Crow is seeking to voluntarily restructure its debt and will also ask the court to allow them to maintain employee payroll and health benefits, fulfill certain pre-filing obligations and to honor all customer programs. "We want to assure everyone - our customers, suppliers, our people and our communities - that our stations will remain open for business as usual," Linn said. "This is an extremely difficult decision that I believe is necessary to ensure that Black Crow will have access to the resources necessary to serve our communities in a manner they deserve." According to the lawsuit filed GE Capital, they do not want to close the Black Crow stations, but they are seeking to have a designated receiver appointed, W. Lawrence Patrick, president of Patrick Communications to continue the operation of Black Crow's assets.

Doug Clifford On WSKY 1-15-10
This week on Doug Clifford's "Hour Of Hope", topics include Haiti and the rise in U.S. military suicides. The program is heard on Saturdays from 5AM-6AM and repeated from 11PM-Midnight on WSKY-FM 97.3. Podcasts of the program are available the following week on thesky973.com.

More Jail Time For Shannon Burke 1-15-10
Shannon Burke, who is currently serving a six-month jail sentence in Seminole County will have to serve another 60-day jail term for violating his probation in Orange County. Orange County Judge Faye Allen ordered Burke to begin this new sentence after completing his current six-month sentence. Burke was arrested in May, 2009, on charges related to shooting both his wife and her dog. In November, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of cruelty to animals (for shooting his dog) and guilty to a misdemeanor charge of using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Both of which were a violation of his probation.

Melony McKay Reported Safe 1-15-10
From Carol Alfonso: Central Florida News 13 reports that the New Missions team which has WPOZ-FM 88.3's Melony McKaye had been evacuated from Haiti to the Dominican Republic.

Goliath Radio Fights Back 1-15-10
Goliath Radio, LLC has filed a "Motion to Strike" as well as "Opposition" in the case of the transfer of the license of WELE-AM 1380. A "Petition to Deny" was filed by Black Crow Radio, LLC. on Dec. 28, 2009. Informal objections were filed by West End Media Group, Inc., Murray L. Steinberg and Barbara F. Steinberg as well as George and Constance Colby. These motions are the latest in the battle of the transfer of the WELE license from Wings Communications (Doug Wilhite) to Goliath Radio (Big John).

Marc Bernier Celebrates 20th Anniversary 1-18-10
Marc Bernier will be celebrating his 20th year on WNDB-AM 1150. Congratulations Marc!

Thanks Scott Maxwell 1-18-10
Yesterday, Orlando Sentinel columnist, Scott Maxwell, gave us a nice mention in his "Taking Names" column. Thanks Scott.

Live And Local Is King On WKIQ 1-19-10
WKIQ-AM 1240 owner O.K. Walters has let us know that they are airing "...at least 3 live high school basketball games each week, most of them with high school students as announcers - classic old school AM radio. The schools and parents love it and it is doing well with the sponsors. We also carry live play by play of all Orlando Titans pro lacrosse games, and we will be the only Orlando area station carrying MRN Radio/NASCAR. We will air 27 live Sprint Cup races, as well as the entire week of Daytona 500 coverage.

An Act of Love for Haiti – A Valentine’s Day to Remember 1-23-10
ZSHOWZ humbly announces An Act of Love for Haiti – A Valentine’s Day to Remember, to be held Sunday, February 14 at Shriner’s Auditorium located at 2300 Pembrook Drive in Orlando, with eight bands performing throughout the day. Doors open at noon, first act begins at 1 p.m. A complete schedule and line-up will be announced within the week. Performing acts, individuals working the event, and the Shriner’s Auditorium are volunteering their time and talents to make this a successful benefit. All proceeds to be presented to a charity to be determined that is actively involved in Haitian relief and represented at the event. This Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for Central Florida to come together and show real love to our Haitian neighbors. A nominal $20 donation will be asked at the door in exchange for an afternoon full of top-notch entertainment. Shriner’s Auditorium offers a full bar, lots of great seating and an excellent venue to spend a Sunday afternoon to remember the victims of the Haitian earthquake. Incredibly delicious BBQ will be available from Backwoods Boy’s BBQ. Many volunteers are needed for this huge undertaking, including folks to immediately begin distributing posters around town as well as people on site the day of the event. A silent auction is also being considered in order to raise additional funds. If you are experienced with silent auctions and would like to assume this project or if you would like to volunteer in any fashion, please send an email to volunteer@AnActofLoveforHaiti.com. Thank you for your support.

More On WOMX, CBS And Erica Lee 1-25-10
According to Richard Bilbao of the Orlando Business Journal, a drop in listeners as well as CBS Radio revenue preceded the firing of 19 year veteran, Erica Lee, from WOMX-FM 105.1. You can read the article here:
Orlando Business Journal.
And speaking of Mix 105.1, CBS Radio has a position posted for; "Morning Show Air Talent WOMX-FM/MIX 105.1 is looking for our next morning star. We need an energetic, outgoing, collaborative member to join our heritage morning show. You need to embrace new technology, know that the work starts as soon as the show is over (on air is play time), love appearances, and to be locked into what 30-40 year old women are thinking, doing and living!..."

Tuddle Gone From The Monsters 1-28-10
Patrick Fowler, better known as Tuddle, part of the WTKS-FM 104.1 "Monsters" has been fired by Clear Channel. Tuddle had been with the Monsters for nine years. Patrick began as an intern and was finally hired by Clear Channel. Tuddle was well known for the many stunts the Monsters would dream up for him. Fowler is also the host of WYGM-AM 740's "Let's Talk Racing".

WELE Signal Back To 5,000 Watts 1-29-10
WELE-AM 1380's Big John announced today that the signal is back up to the authorized 5,000 Watts daytime. Big has begun to repair some of the technical problems the station has suffered.

More Insight Into The Firing Of Erica Lee 1-29-10
Here's a great read on what is really going on at WOMX-FM 105.1. Here's the link to Joey Mo at Orlando Examiner.

Happy Birthday Erica! 1-31-10
Celebrating a birthday on Tuesday, Feb. 2, is Erica Lee formerly of the WOMX-FM 105.1 "Scott and Erica Morning Show". Happy birthday Ms. Lee!

WONQ Celebrates 25 years On The Air 1-31-10
WONQ-AM 1030 is celebrating their 25th year of serving the Spanish population in Central Florida. Congratulations!