The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

IN TOUCH WITH THE INDUSTRY:

(left to right) Dr. Lawrence Frymire, Executive Director of NJN, Dr. Edward Meade, Jr.,
Chairman of the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority and John Wilner, Chief Engineer
Turning Channel 52 on the air in Trenton, NJ
Monday, April 5, 1971

Last month, NJN celebrated its 40th anniversary on the air. This station's history started on April 5, 1971, when WNJT-TV, Channel 52 in Trenton came on the air. A year later, WNJS-TV, Channel 23 in Camden was added. It officially became known as the New Jersey Network in 1981. By the way, the first show aired was "Mister Roger's Neighborhood." Happy birthday, everyone!

Rebecca Campbell, president of ABC-owned stations and former president/GM of WPVI-TV (6ABC in Philadelphia) was recently honored at a Philly Ad Club luncheon. Others recognized were David Cohen, executive VP of Comcast,and Robert W. Bogle, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Tribune. Congratulations to all!

We were fascinated by a short story in The Atlantic City Press about Kenneth Kin, 46, of Galloway Township. Seems he took a major leap about a year ago and left his job as an insurance adjuster to pursue his dream career in broadcasting. He is finishing his first year at Atlantic Cape Community College and now hosts “The Ken Eclectic Show” on Tuesday mornings (10:30 am to 12:30 pm on WACC Radio.org). He features rock and roll from the 1960’s as well as current artists. Good luck, Ken!

Former Philadelphian Kevin Eubanks, the long-time band leader on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Mount Airy native, was honored by the Arts & Business Council at its awards luncheon at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.. Eubanks accepted his award before business and arts leaders for his positive reflection of the region.

HD Radio is expanding in our market. But you probably didn't know that HD doesn't stand for High Definition. It's actually a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation and is the only digital system approved by the government for U.S. broadcasting. HD Radio isn't currently meant to replace regular analog broadcasting; it's offered as an addition. In Philadelphia, the three public radio stations, WXPN, WRTI and WHYY, all offer their regular analog program in digital plus an additional stream. Same with WXTU, WMMR, WBEN, WRDW, WUSL, B-101, WIOQ, WMMR, WRFF, WDAS-FM and WISX. WPEN-FM (formerly WPST) offers its sports talk and a classical music format. WMGK was originally known as WPEN-FM forty years ago. However, the CBS Radio Group offers something different. WYSP offers its regular format also with KYW Newsradio and WIP Radio. On WOGL, besides the regular format, there's also an all 70s programming, WPHT (1210 from AM) and 24/7 Phillies. According to the Phillies:

In addition to game coverage, Phillies 24/7 will broadcast a full schedule of unique daily and weekly programs centered on the team, as well as provide behind the scenes access at Citizens Bank Park, and archived audio content including classic game replays. Phillies fans can expect to hear new shows heard only on Phillies 24/7, including Phillies Today - a daily look at all things Phillies on the field and off, Phillies Phorum - a weekly opportunity for fans to ask questions via email, Facebook, and Twitter, and Phillies Playlist - a look at what's playing on a different Phillies' mp3 player each week.

Former WPEN Oldies (from the early seventies) Jock Geoff Fox, who was let go at WTNH, New Haven, after more than a quarter of a century as the station's meteorologist, has landed at WTIC, the Fox station in the same city. Because of the strong outpouring from viewers upon hearing of Geoff's termination, WTIC created a position especially for him. It's sort of Fox on Fox. Congrats Geoff.

Former NBC 10 meteorologist Amy Freeze, who recently left her gig at WFLD in Chicago, is reportedly New York bound. She plans to do weekends at WABC-TV in the Big Apple. Not bad. After all, she was just hired by the number one station in the number one market! Good luck, Amy.

Dave Moore from "Star 99.1," WAWZ-FM, in northern NJ has replaced Dan Blackman who did afternoon drive on B-101 here in Philadelphia. Chuck Knight, the station's PD said,"We were most impressed with Dave’s talent of engaging listeners, an on-air aspect we’ve been focusing on for the past year and a half." The station is owned by Broadcast Pioneers member Jerry Lee and was founded by member David Kurtz, who passed away a few years ago.

Dick Carr dropped us a note that he's launching a new website which will feature streaming audio. The site is already up and running--with Big Band music coming soon!