What's News Archive July 2005

What’s News?

July 2005

Launa Joins "The Fiasco" 7-2-05
Longtime WXTB-FM (98 Rock) Tampa, night time host Launa, will join "The Fiasco" consisting of Pat Lynch, Taco Bob, and producer CJ at WJRR-FM 101.1 on July 11.

Philips Phile Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament 7-8-05
Jim Philips Presents The Inaugural Philips Phile Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament on Saturday, July 30th starting at 5:30pm at the Embassy Suites in Altamonte Springs. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Mustard Seed of Central Florida. For info call Call (407) 916- REAL (7325).

Disney to Spin Off Radio Stations? 7-13-05
The Walt Disney Co. is considering a multistep transaction that would result in a spin-off of its radio stations and radio network group, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. Disney may still hold onto the radio group, which consists of 71 stations including WDYZ-AM 990, Orlando and WAJD-AM 1390 in Gainesville and a separate radio network. A spokeswoman for Disney's radio business declined to comment on the Journal story. The Journal said interested bidders could include Citadel Broadcasting Corp., Entercom Communications Corp., and Emmis Communications Corp. The ABC Radio Network produces and distributes programming to about 4,800 affiliate radio stations around the country, including such talk radio personalities as Paul Harvey, Sean Hannity, and Larry Elder. It also distributes sports programming from ABC Sports and ESPN, as well as music and entertainment shows, including family-friendly pop music from Radio Disney.

Karmazin Interested In ABC Radio? 7-14-05
The New York Post reports that Sirius Satellite Radio's Mel Karmazin is considering a bid for Disney's radio unit. Karmazin joined Sirius after leaving Viacom. Disney has hired investment banks Bear Stearns and Goldman Sachs to shop its ABC Radio division, which could be worth more than $3 billion. Last week Karmazin and Disney CEO Bob Iger were spotted talking at investment bank Allen & Co.'s annual gathering of in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Brad James Named VP At Genesis 7-15-05
Brad James is now Vice President of Programming & Marketing for the Tampa-based Genesis Communications, which operates WIXC-AM 1060, Titusville; WAMT-AM 1190, Pine Castle; WHOO-AM 1080, Kissimmee; WWBA-AM 1040 Pinellas Park; and WLVU-AM Dunedin. Brad most recently has been PD of Clear Channel's WDAE-AM 620, St. Petersburg for the past four years and is a 20 year veteran of Tampa radio.

Dr Laura Out-Mike Gallagher In 7-16-05
WFLF-AM 540 is dropping the Dr. Laura Schlessinger show from it's weeknight line-up and will bring in Mike Gallagher. Gallagher is syndicated by the Salem Radio Network. Gallagher will be heard on a delay as his show is live from 9AM to Noon Eastern time.

Jack Wilson Passes 7-18-05
Jack Wilson, 75, of Leesburg passed away Thursday, July 14th. Jack was a barber and a sports announcer for Leesburg High School for 40 years. E.J. McNair, general manager of WLBE-AM 790, said Wilson was the "driving force" for the program. “When I first started hearing him, he had a good voice and delivery,” McNair said. “He was a homegrown, homespun broadcaster. That made him good for Lake County. He kept Leesburg sports at the top of his priorities." When Leesburg High School’s football stadium was condemned, Wilson joined with other local businessmen, known as the "Silly Six" in helping to raise money to construct a new stadium at Leesburg High School. Jack served two terms on the Leesburg City Commission and as mayor in 1970.

Pete DeGraaff Joins WGNX & WTTB 7-19-05
Former WXXL-FM 106.7 assistant program director and music director, Pete DeGraaff, has moved to WGNX-FM 99.7 and WTTB-AM 1490 as operations manager and program director for the Vero Beach stations.

Sexy Savannah Slides Over 7-19-05
The Sexy Savannah, who has been part of "The Monsters" on WTKS-FM 104.1, has made a move off of the Russ Rollins morning show. Savannah is now a member of the cast of the Shannon Burke show heard mid days on WTKS. Savannah told Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel that the move as a "mutual decision," saying she was simply ready for a change. Rollins said she surprised him last week with the news and he was hurt both personally and professionally by her decision.

WMEL-AM Launch Coverage 7-26-05
WMEL-AM 920, Melbourne will carry "live and local" coverage of the launch of Discovery today.
John Harper and crew at WMEL-AM 920 did a fantastic job of covering the launch of Discovery today. It was all locally produced and was what true local radio still does best--inform and entertain. Hat's off to WMEL-AM 920 for their professionalism and local flavor.

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