What's News? Archive October 2009

Customers Win In Small Claims Court 10-4-09
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 the radio station and owner Doug Wilhite. A lien has been filed against the station in Volusia County.

The Return of Shannon Burke 10-8-09
Shannon Burke, former WTKS-FM 104.1 midday host, will be returning to the Central Florida airwaves on Saturday. According to the Orlando Sentinel he'll be joining the Saturday afternoon line-up from 2PM-4PM on WORL-AM 660. "It's a show that's just about recovery, alcohol recovery, drug addiction," he said. "I really feel it's something I need to do, to give to the community." he told the Sentinel. He will be paying for the time himself and selling the commercial time. He has committed to the time slot for at least 12 weeks. Burke also said he's talking to other stations in the market.

JJ Duling On The Move 10-8-09
JJ Duling who latest stop was the Program Director of Classic Rock WQMF-FM and Variety Hits WLUE-FM for Clear Channel Louisville, Kentucky cluster, has exited.

Mike Lyons Passes 10-8-09
Thanks to Greg Galloway for passing this news along.
This from the WORJ web site.
"Neal Mirsky - 10.8.2009
A few minutes ago, at around 2:30am, our dear friend Mike Lyons passed away. Mike fought very hard to beat this terrible disease and in the end he passed peacefully, surrounded by his sister Deb and his close friends Robin & Rick Birkbeck, Lee Arnold and myself. As sad as this is, it's a great comfort to all of us that Mike's struggle is over and he can finally rest in peace. So many of you have called and emailed with prayers and love for him. There is no doubt that he took great comfort in knowing that he was leaving this world loved by so many people. It seems a gross understatement to say that Mike Lyons was a very special and unique individual, full of humor and with great passion for life, people and music. He will be dearly missed." Mike had been battling both liver and pancreatic cancer. Mike was 57. In Memory

More On Mike
Mike a native of Kittery, Maine came to Orlando at at early age. Mike was a 1970 graduate of Edgewater High School. His career began in 1971, in Orlando, as a writer for the city's first "underground" newspaper, "The Watcher. Mike became Music Director/disc jockey for WORJ-FM 107.7, WDIZ-FM 100.3 and WHTQ-FM 96.5 in Orlando, Program Director for WXTB-FM 97.9 in Tampa, and spent the last eight years of his radio career as mornings/Assistant Program Director at WZTA Miami. Mike entered the record business in the mid-90's. From 1995-2000 he was VP of AAA Promotions at Lee Arnold Marketing. Mike joined TripleARadio.com as columnist (The Forest) and contributing editor in 2001.

Bubba Joins Burke For New Show 10-10-08
Shannon Burke's new show premieres today at 2PM on WORL-AM 660. His first guest is another former WTKS-FM 104.1 employee - Bubba "WhoopAss" Wilson.

New Voice At WTMG 10-10-08
TonyC (pronounced tonic) will join WTMG-FM 101.3 for nights beginning October 12.

Happy Birthday! 10-12-08
Happy 33rd birthday to WNDB-AM 1150 Marc Bernier Show producer Phil "Dr. Phil" Kincaid. Happy birthday Phil! Also a happy birthday to WORJ-FM 107.7's Doug Van Allen.

Wilhite Back In Jail Under $1.56 Million Bond 10-15-09 11:18PM
WELE-AM 1380 owner and President of Wings Communications, Doug Wilhite is facing a slew of new charges. Volusia County sheriff’s spokesman Gary Davidson said Wilhite was taken into custody on warrants stemming from the ongoing investigation into accusations of sexual activity with a minor. That investigation has revealed that there are several additional victims, aged between 14 and 16. "He was picked up at his home shortly before 9 p.m.," Sheriff spokesman Gary Davidson said. Wilhite, who is 56 years old, was arrested back in July after allegations were made by a 15 year old boy, that he engaged in sex acts with a 15-year-old boy. Wilhite’s bail on the latest charges has been set at $1.56 million.

10-16-09 5:30AM
Wilhite was taken into custody on warrants stemming from information from seven additional possible victims, Volusia County sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said. The teens said they did not have sex with Wilhite, but they told investigators that Wilhite would parade around his house naked. Allegedly, he offered them alcohol, showed pornographic movies and encouraged them to have sex with each other while he watched. Five of the seven said they did get naked in front of Wilhite, at his insistence. It is also allege they played pool in the nude at his house, while others said Wilhite said "house rules" required them to remove their clothes if they wanted to use his workout room. One of the girls said she had sex in front of Wilhite, both in his house and in the back seat of his car as Wilhite drove and watched, Davidson said. Two other girls said they had sex with a boy, and later learned Wilhite was watching. He was arrested at his home at 9:15 p.m., Davidson said. Reportedly, when investigators came to arrest Wilhite he refused to get dressed was wrapped in a what looked to be a foil type blanket. Wilhite is being held on six counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor; five counts of showing obscene material to a minor; three counts of lewd and lascivious conduct; and one count of lewd of lascivious exhibition. Wilhite told WKMG-TV hat he is innocent and that it was "a conspiracy thing".

Wilhite To Be Released 10-16-09
Circuit Judge John Doyle ordered WELE-AM 1380 owner Doug Wilhite be released on his own recognizance today. The judge said Wilhite was arrested on a "frivolous" anonymous tip. The tip came in to Crime Stoppers stating that Wilhite was packing his boat and preparing to leave the area. Judge Doyle chastised the State Attorney’s Office for acting on the tip and criticized Assistant State Attorney Tiffany Adelman for not making the defense aware of the pending arrest. The latest charges are contributing to the delinquency of a minor; five counts of showing obscene material to a minor; three counts of lewd and lascivious conduct; and one count of lewd of lascivious exhibition. The judge's release of Wilhite today does not affect the new charges. Wilhite was scheduled to stand trial next week on the original charges of engaging is sex acts with a teenage boy multiple times. On Thursday night he was arrested at his home at 9:15PM.

Clay Daniels Passes 10-19-09
Pete Simonson for lets us know that WHOO-AM 990's Clay Daniels has lost his battle with cancer this past Saturday. We have his obituary from the Orlando Sentinel here In Memory.

Wilhite Trial Delayed 10-19-09
The trial of WELE-AM 1380 owner Doug Wilhite was supposed to start today. The judge delayed the trial on sex charges related to his July arrest. After Wilhite's second arrest last week on additional sex charges, and a judge ruled Monday that pre-trial publicity would prejudice a jury. Meanwhile, the bond on the July charges were dropped, so Wilhite will be freed from jail sometime today on his own recognizance. The trial is now scheduled for next month.

1:51 PM-Wilhite was released this afternoon from the Volusia County jail.

Lacrosse Comes To Orlando and Genesis Has It 10-22-09
The Orlando Titans professional Lacrosse team and Genesis Communications have reached an agreement that will make WHOO-AM 1080 "ESPN 1080 The Team" and WAMT-AM 1190 the official radio home of the team. As part of the agreement, all Orlando Titans games during their inaugural 2010 season will be broadcast. The broadcasts, which will occur in a three-hour window, will include a pre-game show and when time permits a post-game show. In addition, Genesis will produce a one-hour "Meet The Titans" show, which will help introduce the National Lacrosse League team to Central Florida. Other highlights of the agreement include a daily "Orlando Titans Report", which will air weekdays during the 2010 season, on-air ticket giveaways on home-game weekends, and integration of the Orlando Titans in appropriate station promotions and marketing plans. The agreement covers both the 16-game regular season schedule, plus any post-season playoff games that involve the Titans. The regular season begins on Jan. 8, when the Titans host the Philadelphia Wings at Amway Arena. It will be the first time a professional lacrosse team will play a home game in the State of Florida. The team has hired Marc Daniels to serve as play-by-play man for Titans broadcasts. The long-time voice of the University of Central Florida athletics, Daniels has hosted several highly-successful radio programs, including "The Beat of Sports", heard from 9-11AM daily on WHOO-AM 1080.

Anthony's Attorney Says They Are Not Selling Interviews 10-22-09
Yesterday we reported Bubba the Love Sponge offered George and Cindy Anthony $25,000 for a 1 hour live interview on his syndicated show. Today, the Anthony’s attorney, Brad Conway, said Bubba has not contacted him and he only became aware of the matter after being contacted by the Orlando Sentinel. Conway said “My clients are not selling interviews to people.” Their daughter, Casey, is charged with the first-degree murder of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Gene Martin Rides Again 10-25-09
The Gene Martin Show Returns to WRZN-AM 720 "Sunny 720" beginning November 2nd, 2009. Gene's show will air Monday thru Friday from 10AM-Noon. Listeners will be treated to an all new updated show with music by such artists as Sinatra, Clooney, Bennett, etc., call in contests and conversation. The Gene Martin Show has always had a loyal following and aired on the station for almost 17 years. (initial air date was March 23rd, 1992).

WUCF To Celebrate 30 Years 10-27-09
The University of Central Florida’s listener-supported station, WUCF-FM 89.9, will celebrate its 30th anniversary next month with an on-campus concert and special brunch. “For 30 years, our programming has reflected our commitment to deepening the cultural awareness of our community,” said Jan Whitehouse, WUCF’s marketing specialist. Whitehouse added that the station has focused its efforts on the entire Central Florida area -- not just the university. To celebrate its success, the station will host a studio tour and reception at its on-campus facility Friday, Nov. 13. Afterward, guests and the Central Florida community are invited to a “Jazz Concert Celebration” in UCF’s Visual Arts Building. The concert, which starts at 8 p.m., will feature world-renowned clarinetist Allan Vaché performing with the UCF Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are $10. Admission is free for students with a UCF ID card.

Officer Jim Bishop Bounced By WDBO 10-28-09
After reporting traffic for WDBO-AM 580 for 16 plus years, Officer Jim Bishop has been shown the door. WDBO General Manager Susan Larkin told the Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell: “We wish him well and appreciate everything he’s done for 16 years.”

Steve Harvey Morning Show Coming 10-28-09
The Steve Harvey Morning Show will bring its entire cast to Orlando to kick off the 30th anniversary of the Florida Classic pitting Bethune-Cookman University against Florida A&M University. The radio broadcast of the nationally syndicated program will be free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis from the Amway Arena Nov. 20. Doors will open 5:30AM. The Steve Harvey Morning Show is heard in Central Florida on WJHM-FM 101.9.

Officer Jim Responds 10-29-09
Officer Jim Bishop responded yesterday (10-28-09) in Scot Maxwell's "Taking Names Column" in the Orlando Sentinel:
"Thanks everyone (well, almost everyone) for the very kind comments. I'm glad that I had the chance to become part of so many lives over years and please, if you see me around town somewhere please stop me and say "hi". Thanks for listening and remember....put down the cell phone and drive safely! Posted by: Officer Jim | October 28, 2009 at 05:20 PM"
Today Scott talked to Jim and here is what he told Scott:
Word that he was losing his job definitely came as a surprise.
"Oh yes," Bishop said. "But I totally understand it. Business is business. My biggest regret is that I didn't have a chance to say goodbye."
So I asked Bishop what he would've said, and he said he never ceased to be amazed -- and touched -- by how friendly and supportive listeners were through the years. They would ask about his children (who are now grown) and say they
were always interested in his life. " So I just wanted to say thanks for letting my family be part of their family.”
Bishop said he actually planned on retiring in a year or so, but station execs surprised him by moving up the date. (Word around the station is they wanted someone who could do more for cheaper.) "Like I said: Business is business," Bishop said. "There’s not a thing bad I can say bad about Cox radio.”
Now that's a class act. And Bishop also reminded folks that he's not going anywhere. You can still find him at the Florida Safety Council -- and, he added, "on the Casselberry golf course. © Orlando Sentinel 2009

"Midday Volusia" To Debut 10-30-09
A new talk show will debut on Monday, November 2, at Noon on WELE-AM 1380. The one hour program will be co-hosted by former Daytona Beach Mayor Paul Carpenella and Wally Maroon known as the "Condo King". Carpenella is also the proprietor of Chez Paul on Beach Street in Daytona Beach. The program will be heard Mon-Fri from Noon-1PM.

Sileo Suspended 10-30-09
Dan Sileo heard mornings locally on WYGM-AM 740 has been suspended by Clear Channel. Sileo reported that the Tampa Bay Bucs football team was for sale. Sileo stated the owners had lost a fortune in the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. Director of Public Relations for the Bucs Jeff Kamis called the Sileo's comments “unsubstantiated rumors”. In a statement on buccaneers.com, co-chairman Joel Glazer said "The report today by WDAE’s Dan Sileo about our family and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is 100 percent false. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not, nor have they ever been for sale. In addition, our family or any of our related companies have never invested one penny with Bernie Madoff.
The report is baseless, irresponsible and slanderous. This type of behavior by Mr. Sileo and his company Clear Channel will be dealt with in the appropriate manner.” Clear Channel said Sileo has been suspended pending further investigation.

Frank 104.3-Sinatra and More Becomes Frank Talk 104.3 10-30-09
WIFL-FM 104.3 has changed the Traci Bower created format from "Frank 104.3, Sinatra and More" to "Frank Talk 104.3". The daily line up includes Imus in the Morning, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brezezinski, Glen Beck, Mark Levin, The Liberty Works Network and Coast To Coast AM. Frank 104 Sinatra and more will be heard on the weekends.

Jai Alai Fronton To Close 10-31-09
Orlando Jai Alai closing down after 47 years. What does this have to do with Central Florida Radio? Greg Galloway tells us that "...Tom Doyle, who was a fixture in Orlando Radio, was an announcer there for years and years." Tom worked at many Orlando area stations, including, WORZ-AM 740, WORL-AM 1270, WABR-AM 1440, WDBO-AM 580, WLOF-AM 950 as well as general manager at WORJ-AM 1270 / WORJ-FM 107.7 and WHOO-AM 990 / WHOO-FM 96.5.