Greater Media Salutes Its Veterans
Transcription
Greater Media Salutes Its Veterans
T H E G R E AT E R M E D I A | 4 V O L . 8 FA L L 2 0 1 3 Greater Media Salutes Its Veterans WKLB-FM Program Director Mike Brophey to Be Inducted into Country Radio Hall of Fame Greater Media Philadelphia Partners with Philabundance for 2013 Day of Greater Good Inside Detroit Sports 105.1 c o n t e n t s FA L L 2 0 1 3 IN THIS ISSUE Look Who’s Making Greater Media Greater WMGK-FM’s John DeBella Honored for Efforts on Behalf of Veterans 4 People and News 5-6 Honors and Awards 8-9 Greater Media Chairman & CEO Peter Smyth Honored at USS Constitution Museum Chairman’s Dinner 8 WBT AM/FM Named AP North Carolina Station of the Year 8 WROR-FM’s Loren & Wally Inducted into Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame 9 Greater Media’s Military Veterans Put Unique Set of Skills to Work Greater Insights: How Radio Wins Snapshots 10-12 13 16-17 Community: Giving Back 14-15; 18-19 WKLB-FM’s Mike Brophey Named to Country Radio Hall of Fame Thinking Pink 20 21 Music 22-25 Interactive 26-27 Greater Good 28 Halloween Happenings 34-36 Greater Media Newspapers Photo Gallery 40-41 Babies, Weddings, Birthdays, Family 42-43 The Greater Media GRAPEVINE PUBLISHER: Greater Media, Inc. EDITOR: Heidi Raphael CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Monique Walton/MWalton Design CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Nicole Antonucci, Keith Heumiller, Amy Hull, Buzz Knight, Stella Morrison, Jack Murtha and Adele Young PRINTER: Maureen Morrow/Printex Special thanks to the people of Greater Media for making this publication possible. ADDRESS: Greater Media, Inc. 35 Braintree Hill Office Park Suite 300 Braintree, MA 02184 781.348.8600 For more information, please contact Heidi Raphael at [email protected]. GRAPEVINE IS PUBLISHED 4 TIMES A YEAR BY GREATER MEDIA, INC. ON THE COVER: Greater Media’s veterans of the military continue to use their unique set of skills. See Pages 10-12. 2 GRAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 Le tte r Fro m th e Ch ai r 3, 7 Hello Everyone, As we wrap up the fourth quarter of 2013, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for your contributions to Greater Media over the past year. You are the reason Greater Media is considered one of the premier radio broadcasting companies in the United States. We had much to celebrate in the past few months. My congratulations go out to Michelle Viera from WCTC-AM on being named Streetfighter of the Year at the 2013 Radio Wayne Awards, and to Greater Media New Jersey for once again taking top honors in several categories at the annual New Jersey Broadcasters Association Awards. I am very proud of Country 102.5/WKLB-FM’s Mike Brophey on being named among the 2014 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees. In addition, WROR-FM’s Loren & Wally were inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. What an outstanding and much-deserved career accomplishment for all three! WBT AM/FM was recently named North Carolina Station of the Year by The Associated Press during the 2013 Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas awards lunch. Special thanks to Tom Bender and Jennifer Williams for hosting the Greater Media Interactive Technology Summit in Boston. Digital content and social media continue to play an important role in our future as a company and as an industry. I was personally honored to be invited to speak at the 2013 DASH Conference in Detroit. The event, hosted by Jacobs Media and Radio Ink, was a great opportunity for the radio and automotive industries to spend time together and learn about the latest initiatives for the connected car, and potential collaborative opportunities in the future. I am inspired by the efforts of the entire Greater Media Philadelphia team in volunteering for Philabundance, Delaware’s largest hungerrelief organization. Our outstanding employees raised money, collected food and spent the day helping in various departments. Thanks to all of you for your tireless commitment to your community. On behalf of my family and the Bordes family, I wish you and your families a very happy holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous 2014! Sincerely, Peter H. Smyth G great! recognizing people who go the extra mile LOOK WHO’S MAKING GREATER MEDIA GREATER BOSTON Kerry Joyce Coldwell Traffic Director Greater Media Boston With her poised and thoughtful management style and professionalism, Kerry Coldwell directs an amazing Traffic Department for Greater Media Boston. Leading by example, she creates an atmosphere of total teamwork and composure. The Traffic Department handles whatever is thrown at them (i.e., system changes, personnel shortages, hardware problems) under Kerry’s steady and supportive leadership. Brandon Kaplan Accounts Receivable Manager Greater Media Boston Brandon Kaplan has been with Greater Media Boston for seven years and is one of the most significant employment acquisitions our group has ever made. He represents so many who come in and get the job done reliably every day without celebration or fanfare. Although the job of managing and collecting receivables is not a front-stage one, what Brandon accomplishes for our sales staff and company in general is critical to their and our overall success—his accomplishments say it all. He manages his work beautifully and engages clients and staff with a demeanor appreciated by all. The proof manifests itself in his results and the respect he receives from others; we are fortunate to have him in the Business Office. CHARLOTTE Amelia Davis Interactive Coordinator WBT AM/FM and WLNK-FM Amelia Davis is the website and email graphics specialist. Anything that you can imagine, she can do. Her attitude and enthusiasm make everyone feel confident that the job will get done right. Since joining Greater Media Charlotte just two years ago, she has quickly become the go-to person. She brings creativity to her designs that help paint the visual picture of what we do every day on the air. She is also a professional photographer, whose skills can come in very handy for our professional staff. Amelia is also an active participant in station events. You may find her updating the website and social media, setting up at an event, or managing our Event Team. Every day, Amelia is helping make WBT AM/FM and WLNK-FM, Greater Media Charlotte, greater. Anthony Michaels Program Director WLNK-FM Driven and passionate are the key words to describe Anthony Michaels. He leads by example. He knows how to make the programming staff tick. He goes above and beyond for clients. He puts the time and effort into every element, just as some of the great programming minds did back in the ’60s and ’70s. Nothing is cookiecutter. Anthony is the programming leader of Greater Media Charlotte. DETROIT Joel Morgan (aka “Van Squirrelen”) Promotion Assistant Greater Media Detroit Joel Morgan approaches every day with a passion for radio and helping people. These amazing attributes make him well suited for his role of Promotion Assistant at Greater Media Detroit. Joel joined GMD in 2007 as a member of the Event Team, but Joel’s passion for radio began at an early age. Growing up in a suburb of Detroit, he can still remember the family radio being on all the time. He learned to appreciate all types of music, but rock ’n’ roll was becoming his favorite. While still is school, Joel met a WRIF-FM Event Team member at the local bowling alley. He found out all he could about radio and the RIFF. Joel still has his RIFF Dread Card from back then. Joel focused on making radio a career by attending Specs Howard School of Broadcasting. After graduating, he worked at several stations in the Detroit market and finally got called up to what he says are the big leagues—Greater Media. As he puts it, “It was like joining the Yankees. It had been my professional goal to work at Greater Media.” “During my time at Greater Media, I’ve had the chance to really learn how each department fits together to make great radio,” Joel shared, adding, “The main thing I’ve learned is to focus on delivering great service to our listeners and clients.” Whether it’s working at a station display at Autorama, The Woodward Dream Cruise or Tigers Opening Day, Joel can always be found making sure that listeners and clients are having a great time. In his current role, Joel finds himself working directly with listeners, and he loves it! He is constantly amazed at the impact he and other team members can have in making a listener’s day bright. “To hear them say ‘I’m so happy’ when you call to talk with them about an event or prize makes me happy too.” When not at Greater Media Detroit, you can find Joel and his wife, Kim, joining in the fun concerts. They even eloped to Las Vegas and were married just prior to a Rolling Stones concert. Joel likes to joke that the Rolling Stones played at their wedding reception. They also enjoy sporting events around town or working on their house in Berkley, MI. A fun fact about Joel is his love of Legos. He’s taken Lego construction to a whole other level. With engineering precision, Joel creates large-scale sculptures from Legos. Some of his pieces include a 4-foot replica of the Titanic, a foot-tall parrot, a 4-foot-wide eagle and a very cool squirrel rockin’ out with a Van Halen guitar, complete with amplifier and beer. Doug Warner, Inna Gringauz and Chris Brunt Web and Graphic Design Team Greater Media Detroit Greater Media Detroit’s Doug Warner (pictured l-r), Inna Gringauz and Chris Brunt are shining examples of people whose efforts are making Greater Media great, not only in Detroit but also company-wide. This talented trio are Greater Media’s “go-to” team for assistance with graphic design and corporate website projects. Whether it’s creating a logo for the Greater Good campaign, designing a full-page ad celebrating the people of Greater Media or building a new section for the corporate website, Chris, Doug and Inna are always ready and willing to lend a hand. You have more than likely seen some of their amazing work online and in trade publications, but did you know that they have also lent their talents to help rework station email templates and site redesigns? One of the best things about these three talented people is their positive and fresh attitudes, and that’s what shines through in their work. No matter how busy they are, they always seem to find time. Chris, Doug and Inna exemplify the meaning of teamwork. We owe them thanks for all they do to make Greater Media Detroit greater! NEW JERSEY RADIO KJ Singh Station Engineer WCTC-AM/WMGQ-FM Greater Media New Jersey Joel also shared with us that “people sometimes think I may be a bit overenthusiastic, but I’m just so happy to have this special opportunity. I hope to continue to evolve my career at Greater Media Detroit for many years to come.” If you’re ever in need of a boost of inspiration or a reminder of why working in radio is cool, simply give Joel Morgan a call. He’s just the person to remind you! We are proud of the work that Joel does every day to make Greater Media Detroit great. KJ Singh’s skill set has grown since he started with Greater Media New Jersey. KJ handles the weekly compliance tasks for WCTC-AM and WMGQ-FM with quiet efficiency, has taken over remote-broadcast and NTR-event production, and is getting to know his way around a public file, a thankless task at any radio station. Whether it’s a high school football game on a blustery day or keeping up with EAS logging, KJ approaches his work with a positive attitude and a smile. Continued on page 7 FA LL 2 01 3 GRA PEVIN E 3 By Stella Morrison John DeBella WMGK-FM’s John DeBella Recognized for Efforts on Behalf of Veterans Philadelphia’s Veterans Multi-Service Center to Present Annual Award in Radio Host’s Honor Philadelphia’s 102.9 WMGKFM radio host John DeBella recognizes that he has come a long way in his support for veterans since standing on the front lines of a different kind—as a vocal protester of the Vietnam War. “Back in the 1980s, I was approached by Garry Maddox of the Philadelphia Phillies to help build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Philadelphia,” DeBella said. “What I didn’t know about Garry was that he was a Vietnam veteran. He turned to me and he said, ‘John, it’s time to separate the war from the warrior.’ That was truly an epiphany, a moment that changed my life.” The results of that change are evident in the recognition DeBella has received for his efforts on behalf of veterans, most significantly an award named after him honoring those who work with veterans in the community. The Philadelphia Veterans MultiService Center (VMC) re4 G RAPEVINE FA L L cently named an award after DeBella in order to recognize a person or organization each year that shows tremendous dedication to local veterans. That honor is in addition to two others DeBella has received in the past few months: the Seven Seals Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and the first annual Eagle, Globe and Anchor Award from the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, Philadelphia. “The line we use at the station is ‘They fought for us; it’s time for us to fight for them,’ ” DeBella said. “That time to fight for them never ends, and I stress that to people and did long before I was at WMGK.” Although his enthusiasm for helping veterans came long before he joined WMGK-FM, his desire to give back to the city’s heroes spread to the entire staff. For the last seven years, DeBella has hosted a veterans’ radiothon, with pro- 2 013 ceeds going to local veterans and the VMC. “The VMC was falling apart a few years ago, and nobody raised money for them,” DeBella said. “It ended up that the same people who planned the Philadelphia veterans memorial ran the VMC, and I had totally lost touch with them. We came in to help, and in 12 hours, we raised $120,000. We’ve been raising that type of money ever since.” DeBella’s efforts for the Philadelphia community don’t stop at fundraising in the six figures. His efforts have led to donations from companies and to a fully functioning thrift store for veterans. “Because of all the stuff that we have had donated, any vet working with the VMC can go to this shop and pick things that they need,” DeBella said. “Watching the VMC grow from a place ready to shut down and watching how it is now really is amazing. It’s an amazing change, and I’m proud to say I had something to do with it.” DeBella said that the outpouring from businesses in the community via WMGK-FM’s radiothon has ranged from a donation of beds from a mattress store to a local Chrysler dealer that agreed to hire and train four veterans as sales representatives at his dealership. left, WMFK-FM’s John DeBella was honored by the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service Center on September 9 for his years of service to veterans. Each year, the Philadelphia VMC will present The John DeBella Award to a person or organization demonstrating outstanding dedication to local veterans. Pictured are Bob Lord, Board President of the Philadelphia VMC; John DeBella; and Tim Meserve, Executive Director of Philadelphia VMC. right, In appreciation of his service to veterans, the Philadelphia Soul arena football team asked WMGKFM’s John DeBella to host its first Army-Navy veterans game on June 22. DeBella and the Soul honored members of our military before the game. Pictured are John DeBella (in blue #30 jersey to commemorate his 30 years on-air in Philadelphia) and local military personnel. “Those kinds of things are worth a lot more than money,” DeBella said. At the end of the day, DeBella said that he doesn’t need a plaque—he loves knowing that his work on behalf of veterans is paying off in such a big way. “I am a very lucky man,” DeBella said. “I came to a city that embraced me and I did very well. As you succeed in life, to whatever level you succeed, take care of those who aren’t doing as well. You never feel better than how you feel when you help somebody less fortunate than yourself … and for me, as long as I can do these things [for veterans], whether it’s helping vets, feeding the hungry or helping someone homeless, thank you, Philadelphia, for giving me this career, and my way of saying ‘You’re welcome’ is how I can help.” G people greater media in the spotlight PEOPLE & NEWS Greater Media Philadelphia Partners with Xfinity to Launch Weekly Rush On Demand with WMMR-FM’s Preston & Steve Show WMMR-FM Morning Personalities’ Video Series Now Available on Comcast Greater Media Signs Multi-Year Licensing Agreement with Nashville’s Big Machine Label Group Greater Media has announced a multi-year licensing agreement with Nashville-based Big Machine Label Group with regard to the performance of Big Machine’s recorded music on Greater Media’s digital and terrestrial broadcast platforms. Artists with Big Machine’s wholly owned labels who will benefit from this agreement include Big Machine Records artists Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts and Valory Music Co. artists Justin Moore, Reba, Brantley Gilbert, The Mavericks and Thomas Rhett. “We are thrilled to partner with the Big Machine Label Group, its President and CEO Scott Borchetta, and the company’s outstanding artists through this licensing agreement,” said Greater Media Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter Smyth. “This is a great example of the radio and record industries working together with the ultimate goal of being able to provide the best entertainment possible on a multi-platform basis for our valued listeners.” Through this agreement, Big Machine has agreed to an innovative approach to allow digital simulcasts of the over-theair signals by Greater Media to scale affordably to support the growth of the company’s digital platform. Meanwhile, Greater Media has agreed to share a percentage of its on-air revenues with regard to the performance of Big Machine’s recorded music on terrestrial platforms. “Peter Smyth is an American broadcasting visionary who fully understands the importance of leading a healthy radio entertainment business in lockstep with a healthy recorded music business,” Borchetta said. “The broadcast industry knows that the Big Machine Label Group is fully supportive of the mission of having great radio available in as many places as possible, and this is another public vote of confidence and support for that mission.” GMNJ’s Michelle Viera Honored as Radio Wayne Streetfighter of the Year Greater Media Philadelphia recently partnered with Xfinity to launch Weekly Rush On Demand with the WMMR-FM Preston & Steve Morning Show. Listeners now will have the ability to see Preston and Steve in HD on their own big screen by going to WMMR.com and viewing the Daily Rush video series, which consists of a three- to five-minute video segment of the events that transpired each morning on the Preston & Steve Show. The videos are updated daily. “Comcast is thrilled to give Preston & Steve fans the chance to enjoy the show on the big screen, from the comfort of their couch, whenever they want to watch on Xfinity On Demand,” said Comcast Marketing Director Frank Purcell. Michelle Viera, Sports Sales Manager at Greater Media New Jersey’s WMGQ-FM/ WCTC-AM, was named the Radio Wayne Streetfighter of the Year at the 2013 Radio Wayne Awards in September at the RAB/NAB Radio Show in Orlando. To access the videos, visit the On Demand section of Xfinity, click on “Get Local,” then “Entertainment,” and then “Preston & Steve” for the Weekly Rush videos. Continued on next page FA LL 2 01 3 GRA PEVIN E 5 people Continued from page 5 PEOPLE & NEWS Dave Dahmer Named New Evening Host at Detroit’s WCSX-FM Bobby Price Named General Sales Manager at Hot 96.9 FM “Bobby is the perfect leader to take Hot 96.9 to the next level,” said Mark Keaney, Director of Sales at Greater Media Boston. “With over 20 years of experience in the Top 40/hip-hop genres, he has a passion for the format and an understanding of the unique value of our audience.” Jessica Oar Named General Sales Manager of WKLB-FM in Boston Bobby Price Bobby Price has been named the General Sales Manager at Greater Media’s Hot 96.9 FM in Boston. He began his new position on October 23. Price most recently served as the General Sales Manager and Digital Sales Manager at Clear Channel Boston’s JAM’N 94.5 FM. He has an extensive history and experience in the Boston radio market and the Top 40/ hip-hop format. Dave Dahmer Dave Dahmer has been officially named the new evening host of 94.7 WCSX-FM in Detroit. The radio veteran had been serving as the interim evening personality on the station. Dahmer has worked on the air in a variety of markets, including West Palm Beach, FL; Kansas City, KS; and Grand Rapids, MI. “His fresh perspective and outlook on ‘left of center’ topics was exactly what we were looking for nights at WCSX,” said WCSX-FM Program Director JT Tarrants. “I’m so excited to be back in the city where I was born and raised,” said Dahmer. “Detroit really is my dream market. Since day one in radio, I have been trying to get my foot in the door at Greater Media. Thanks to Market Manager Steve Chessare, Buzz Knight and JT Tarrants for making it happen.” Jessica Oar Jessica Oar has been promoted to General Sales Manager at Country 102.5 WKLB-FM in Boston. She began her new role on September 11. Oar most recently served as the Local Sales Manager at the station. Cann began her career at GMB out of Bryant College in Rhode Island as a rookie seller for Radio 92.9 FM. She quickly became a new business sensation and over the course of four years became one of the station’s top billers. She left the company to pursue a regional automotive position at Pandora, but always missed the culture and team she had at GMB. “After a nationwide talent search, the best candidate was right underneath our nose,” said Mark Keaney, Director of Sales at Greater Media Boston. “Jessica has been a stand-out sales leader for Greater Media for the past five years and has done a great job helping us build out the Country 102.5 brand. We are excited to begin this next chapter in her very successful career at GMB.” During that time, she began developing a list of ideas for the school department and deciding her position on key issues. Taking Graham’s message to heart, Naughton began volunteering with the Braintree Fund for Education. 6 G RAPEVINE FA L L When a seat on the Braintree School Committee opened this fall, Naughton decided it was time to get involved and run. She is now an elected member of the Braintree School Committee and in a position to effect positive change in her community. 2 013 Price began his career in Boston as an account executive at KISS 108 FM and quickly moved into a leadership role at JAM’N 94.5 FM. The radio veteran gained extensive leadership experience as a former General Sales Manager at JAM’N 94.5 FM and WEEI-AM. Lindsey Cann Returns to Greater Media Boston as Hot 96.9 FM’s Local Sales Manager Greater Media Boston Traffic Manager Kate Naughton Elected to School Committee About four years ago, Kate Naughton, WKLB-FM Traffic Manager and Braintree (MA) resident, attended a forum featuring (then) WTKK-FM talk show host Michael Graham, who encouraged public candidacy, with a “stop complaining and do something” message. “I am excited to get in on the ground level with the new station and help build the Hot 96.9 brand,” said Price. “I am also thrilled to be working again with Rob Williams, Cadillac Jack, Mark Keaney, Baltazar and Pebbles as well as everyone at Greater Media Boston.” Lindsey Cann Greater Media Boston scored a major victory in bringing back one of our top-performing account executives from Pandora to be the Local Sales Manager of Hot 96.9 FM. Lindsey “We brought Lindsey in this summer to help us relaunch the sales brand of Hot 96.9 FM,” said Mark Keaney, Director of Sales at Greater Media Boston. “She quickly added four salespeople and energized the team and sales momentum. We have enjoyed steady growth each month since her arrival and are poised for success in 2014.” In her spare time Cann runs, plays and coaches lacrosse, and enjoys the spinach and artichoke dip at The Playwright … hence her nickname “Cheese.” Continued on next page great! Kevin Riordan Named Local Sales Manager at WKLB-FM in Boston LOOK WHO’S MAKING GREATER MEDIA GREATER Kevin Riordan has been named as the Local Sales Manager of Country 102.5 WKLB-FM in Boston. He officially began his new position on October 28. “Kevin has a long history of success in the Boston radio market, and combined with his experience in leadership and passion for Country 102.5 FM, we thought he’d be a perfect fit,” said Mark Keaney, Director of Sales at Greater Media Boston. Kevin Riordan Continued from page 3 Riordan is a longtime Boston media veteran. He most recently worked as a Senior Account Executive at Clear Channel’s WJMN-FM since 2012. Prior to that, he served as the Local Sales Manager of WZLX-FM and WBCN-FM in Boston since 2005. In addition, Riordan spent his early career in radio as a salesperson for 16 years at WJMNFM. Scott Morello Named Creative Services Director at Greater Media’s WMJX-FM in Boston NEW JERSEY NEWSPAPERS PHILADELPHIA (l-r) Nicole Antonucci, Keith Heumiller and Kenny Walter Reporters Greater Media Newspapers WMMR-FM Promotions Assistant/ Digital Specialist Francesca Tiedeken makes Greater Media Philadelphia greater. She is being recognized for her outstanding work in promotions, programming and sales. Her projects are always completed with a positive, helpful attitude, whether it involves graphic design, social media management, online promotion, digital billboard artwork, POP materials for First Niagara Bank, and anything else that needs to be done. The Cream of the Scream Halloween artwork she developed was outstanding. She is frequently administering our social efforts … from home … on weekends … to maintain station presence and ready to lead the way with any breaking stories. She also serves on WMMRFM’s Innovation and “Rock of MMR” award committees. Francesca Tiedeken WMMR-FM Promotions Assistant/ Digital Specialist Nicole Antonucci, Keith Heumiller and Kenny Walter, the reporting team for the Independent, the Hub and the Atlanticville newspapers, work hard every day at municipal reporting and also enjoy writing regional stories. The team members are also frequent contributors to Greater Media Broadcast News. Nicole and Keith enjoyed covering President Obama’s visit to the Jersey Shore last summer. All three did a terrific job covering Superstorm Sandy and her aftereffects during the past year in their hard-hit coverage area. Kenny’s first love is sports, and he roots for University of North Carolina teams. Nicole has been with the company since July 2011. Keith joined Greater Media in May 2012, and Kenny has been on board since 2009. G Greater Media Boston Receives Public Service Award from Bay Cove Human Services Bay Cove Human Services/Center Club recently honored Greater Media Boston with a Public Service Award for being a consistent supporter of Bay Cove’s Center Club for more than seven years. Bay Cove Human Services and Center Club provide training and job placements for special needs adults. Scott Morello Scott Morello has been named the new Creative Services Director at MAGIC 106.7 WMJX-FM. He began his new position on September 16. Morello recently served as the Assistant Program Director at Bell Media’s CHUM-FM and as the Program Director of FLOW, both in Toronto, Canada. Prior to that, he spent 20 years at Clear Channel Boston, where he worked his way up to the position of Creative Services Director. “Scott is one of those unique talents that combines excellent production and imaging skills with a great, strategic mind and programming acumen,” said Greater Media Boston Director of Programming Cadillac Jack. “Not to mention, Scott is also a genuinely nice person and another great ‘A’ talent!” G Bay Cove client and Greater Media employee (for six-plus years) Leo Egan with Human Resource Coordinator Amy Hull FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 7 H O N O R S & A W A R D S Greater Media Chairman & CEO Peter Smyth Honored at 2013 USS Constitution Museum Chairman’s Dinner in Boston WBT AM/FM Named AP North Carolina Station of the Year Robert E. Smyth (right), trustee of the USS Constitution Museum, presents Peter Smyth, Chairman and CEO of Greater Media, the Charles Francis Adams Award at the annual USS Constitution Museum Chairman’s Dinner & Awards Ceremony held at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, MA, on October 17. (Photo by Greg M. Cooper/USS Constitution Museum) Greater Media Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter H. Smyth was featured among the honorees at the 2013 USS Constitution Museum Chairman’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony on October 17 at the Seaport Boston Hotel. From a fighting warship in 1812 to being named America’s Ship of State in 2009, “Old Ironsides” is not only a hometown hero but an American icon. The Chairman’s Dinner is an opportunity for all to come together to honor her and those who upheld the ideals and the very characteristics that the USS Constitution has come to represent: dedication to community, commitment to purpose, and excellence in all endeavors. Smyth received the Charles Francis Adams Award, given in honor of one of the museum’s founders. This award is presented to a person who has given of himself or herself for the betterment of the community. In the past, Smyth has been recognized by numerous organizations throughout the Commonwealth for his commitment to the Boston community. “Each award has significant meaning and the recipients were thoughtfully selected for the contributions that they have not only made to our community, but also to the museum and the preservation of history for future generations,” said Anne Grimes Rand, President of the USS Constitution Museum. Greater Media Charlotte’s WBT AM/FM received The Associated Press’s North Carolina Pacesetter Award for 2013 Station of the Year at the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas awards luncheon November 2 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The WBT News Department also received several additional AP awards for the station’s coverage of the 2012 Democratic National Convention and for other individual stories and efforts, including the following: Best Spot News: “Occupy Charlotte Eviction,” Mike Doyle, Chris Miller Honorable Mention: “Police Shooting,” Mike Doyle; “DNC Protest,” Chris Miller Best General News: Honorable Mention: “Protest,” Mike Doyle Best Use of Sound: Honorable Mention: Chris Miller above, Mike Doyle right, Chris Miller WBT AM/FM News also picked up AP awards in the Best Enterprise/Investigative and Best Newswriting categories. “This coveted honor is a wonderful tribute to the entire hardworking WBT team,” said Rick Feinblatt, Vice President and Market Manager of Greater Media Charlotte. Continued on next page 8 GRAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 H O N O R S & A W A R D S WROR-FM Morning Personalities Loren and Wally Inducted into Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame Boston’s Longest-Running On-Air Duo Has Entertained Listeners for 32 Years WROR-FM morning show Co-Hosts Wally Brine (l) and Loren Owens display their plaques after being inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. 105.7 WROR-FM morning hosts Loren and Wally have been inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, a commemoration of their 32 years together and of their significant contributions to the city of Boston. Loren and Wally’s friendship extends far beyond radio and entertainment. The duo also has been very involved in local charitable causes and traces this work back to their love and passion for the city of Boston. The Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame chooses a select few of the industry’s most noteworthy members each year, specifically those who have made major contributions to Massachusetts broadcasting and to broadcasting in general. Virtually every single weekday for the past 32 years, Loren and Wally have kept listeners laughing with their goodnatured morning-show banter as well as their hilarious parodies, such as “Tom’s Townie Tunes” and “Men from Maine.” They’ve grown up with Boston, cheering and mourning with the city during many of its most exciting, meaningful and sad events. They were on-air comforting listeners during the September 11 attacks and were cheering on the city during the recent Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots and Celtics championships. “Loren and Wally have a natural gift for radio. When you listen to their show, you feel like you’re sitting and having coffee with your best friends whom you’ve known forever,” stated Ken West, 105.7 WROR-FM Program Director. “You have to really like the people you work with to wake up at three o’clock in the morning—especially after 30-plus years—and Loren and Wally’s constant enthusiasm and encouragement has played a big part in the continuing success of the entire station.” In their three decades together, they have sold more than 80,000 Tom’s Townie Tunes, Men from Maine, and anniversary CDs to raise money for local and national charities, such as the Genesis Fund and the Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation. After the city was rattled by the Boston Marathon bombings last spring, the pair sold Fred Rogers “Boston Helpers” T-shirts to raise $46,000 for One Fund Boston to help victims. This year, Greater Media Boston and 105.7 WROR-FM announced the renewal of Loren and Wally’s contract and recently opened a new studio for the morning show team. “I’m thrilled to continue Greater Media’s relationship with Loren and Wally,” added Peter Smyth, Chairman and CEO of Greater Media. “Their longevity and success as a radio show duo demonstrates their continuing passion and dedication to WROR, Greater Media, the city of Boston and, above all, their listeners. I’m honored to have them as integral members of the Greater Media family and am excited to see where the next 30 years takes them.” The 2013 Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on September 12 at the Boston Marriott Quincy Hotel. The American Red Cross of Massachusetts Honors WKLB-FM WKLB-FM Morning Show Co-Hosts JW & Lori accepted the American Red Cross Radio Sponsor of the Year award on October 2 on behalf of WKLB-FM. The American Red Cross of Massachusetts recognized the station for its continued support. WKLB-FM has sponsored a major blood drive the past few years at the Lowell Spinners games, among other events. FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 9 By Keith Heumiller and Jack Murtha Billy Hall (Then & Now) Traffic Manager Greater Media Charlotte U.S. Marine Corps Also, Hall on patrol in Al Qaim (Iraq) Military Veterans Put Their Unique Skills Set to Work at Greater Media AMERICA’S military veterans are early 1970s was “seamless,” he said. He went back to college on the GI Bill and got a job in radio, the industry he had worked in before joining the Army. Drawing on his military experience with radio and television production, Lake has been able to rise through the ranks and put his military skills to good use Most veterans, however, continue to at Greater Media. serve their country even after returning home. In virtually every profession- “The Army really helped me to grow up. It al field, military vets continue to apply made me a better person and it also made their unique set of skills, training and ex- me a better employee and a better superperience to drive productivity and help visor,” Lake said. “I think employers should strongly consider today’s veterans for the move America forward. same reasons that the service helped me.” At Greater Media, military veterans of all ages fill a number of key roles and pro- Weekend Morning Show Host Don Russell vide invaluable support to offices across has been on the air at WBT AM/FM in Charlotte for more than 40 years. Prior to that, the country. Russell served as a Communications TechniCharley Lake, Program Director for cian, Second Class, in the U.S. Navy for fivePhiladelphia’s WMGK-FM in Bala Cyn- and-a-half years. wyd, PA, served in the 96th Civil Affairs Group for the U.S. Army during the Viet- While stationed in Iceland, Japan and Pennam Era. Joining the Army in 1969, Lake sacola, FL, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, was promoted to acting sergeant by Russell worked to repair encryption and dethe time he was honorably discharged cryption equipment and teletype machines. in 1971. His two years of service, he says, He began his broadcast career in Florida in were a valuable period of time in his life. 1970. A self-described “hell-raiser” in college before joining the Navy, Russell said he “I was essentially a hippie college kid in made a number of connections in the mili1969 when I entered the service, and I tary that made for an easy transition back quickly realized that that part of my life to civilian life and the start of a long, sucwas over,” Lake said. “The service taught cessful career in radio. me to be responsible for myself and for others. It taught me to be dependable, “The most important skill I acquired while in to honor deadlines, to be respectful of the service was learning how to get along those with more knowledge and expe- with all types of people. It has served me rience. It taught me how to work with well my whole career,” Russell said. “While I didn’t learn anything ‘broadcast-wise’ in the others toward a common goal.” Navy, I did befriend a guy who worked at Lake’s transition to civilian life in the the Armed Forces Radio Station while I was in Iceland. I knew I could do what he did— often celebrated for their selfless deeds and sacrifices on foreign soil, whether on the European front in World War II, in the jungles and marshes of Vietnam, or on the streets of the Middle East. Tony Baglio (Then & Now) Creative Services Director Greater Media Boston U.S. Air Force 1 0 G RAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 left to right, Jeremy Campbell (Then & Now) Digital Content Manager Greater Media Detroit U.S. Air Force Roy Ranous (Now) Promotions Assistant 100.1 WJRZ-FM (New Jersey) U.S. Army Charley Lake (Now) Program Director WMGK-FM (Philadelphia) U.S. Army left inset, Loren Owens (Now) The Loren & Wally Show (Co-host) WROR-FM (Boston) U.S. Marine Corps Don Russell (Now) Weekend Morning Show WBT AM/FM (Charlotte) U.S. Navy Jim O’Brien (Now) Morning Show Producer WCSX-FM (Detroit) U.S. Navy talk, smoke and play rock ’n’ roll records—so I did.” Russell said he believes military veterans have leadership skills and “a high threshold of tolerance.” “They should be vigorously recruited,” he said. Roy Ranous, Promotions Assistant with 100.1 WJRZ-FM in Manahawkin, NJ, served as a Private First Class in the U.S. Army’s Military Police Corps from 2007 to 2008, before being honorably discharged with a service-connected disability. He joined the Army, he said, to find direction. Ranous recalled how his decision to join the military came about: He was working as a janitor in a supermarket and having a particularly bad day when he encountered “a nasty mess” in a bathroom. Right then he decided “enough was enough.” “I had no idea what I was going to do with my life,” Ranous said. “The minute I left work I drove straight to my local recruiting station to enlist. I felt there were no other options for me at the time.” Ranous said he made a number of lasting relationships with his fellow soldiers, growing extremely close with men and women from all walks of life. Re-entering civilian life was stressful, he said, as he worked part time in a heavy-equipment shop and then full time at a cable company while waiting to hear back about possible tuition benefits through the GI Bill. Eighteen months after his discharge, those benefits came through. “I instantly went to [my local community college] to sign up for classes,” Ranous said. “I had been interested in being a journalist since I was a boy. I used to dream of being the next Peter Jennings. … One year and 52 credits later, I transferred to Monmouth University in 2011.” Now married with a 4-yearold son and a daughter due in January, Ranous is 30 credits away from graduation. He says his time in the Army has helped him learn to adapt more quickly to new situations and accomplish any mission set before him. “Whatever my task is, I put my best foot forward and don’t stop until the job is done,” he said. “Then I move right on to the next task.” sippi and Missouri, Campbell performed security maintenance for the B-2 stealth bomber and the bunkers that housed its payload. He also served for a year as a member of the Honor Guard, staging parades and other ceremonies for the entire state of Missouri and half of Kansas. Coming from a long line of military veterans, Campbell joined the Air Force to give back to America and work toward a college education. His experience in the service made for an easy transition to the private sector, he said. “I believe that there are a lot of attributes that the military helps develop that set veterans apart, and I believe more employers should try to recruit more veterans,” Campbell said. “Many veterans have a very strong work ethic. They have respect for their superiors, they pay attention to detail, and they will do what it takes to ensure the job is done.” From a young age, Jean Fries, a Corporate Paralegal in Braintree, MA, knew she wanted to serve her country in the armed forces. She enlisted in the U.S. Air Force one month after high school graduation and soon was deployed to the Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany during the first Gulf War. After four years of active duty, Fries joined the Air Force Reserve. Continued on next page Jean Fries (Now/Then) Paralegal Greater Media, Inc. U.S. Air Force ALSO: • Fries in-flight in 1988: Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, 28th Air Refueling Squadron, providing in-flight refueling for many types of aircraft, including the F-117 stealth fighter, which was instrumental in the success of the Persian Gulf War in 1991. • Fries’ squadron performing in-flight refueling • Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota – The KC-135 flying over Mount Rushmore, one of Fries’ most cherished photos, signed by her entire squadron. Ranous said employers should hire veterans not because they deserve special treatment, but because they have a unique understanding of the value of teamwork, dedication and perseverance. Jeremy Campbell, Digital Content Coordinator for Greater Media Detroit, served as an airman in the U.S. Air Force from 1993 to 1997. Working at Air Force bases in Texas, Colorado, Missis- FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 11 She said she was then selected to train as a paralegal specialist, which led to her graduating in the first class of the Judge Advocate General’s School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. Fries continued to serve in the Air Force before she was honorably discharged in 1996 as a staff sergeant. cial copywriter, a producer and an on-air talent. While stateside, he created training films and instructional snippets for the Air Force. In Greenland, Baglio turned out productions for the American Forces Radio and Television Service. “I had studied communications and worked as a tele- “Joining the military early in life provided me with discipline, work ethic, dedication and leadership skills—all of which gave me a solid foundation to be successful in life, no matter what career path I chose,” Fries said. She also realized how hard people are willing to fight for freedom, Fries said. One of her most striking memories was the throng of messages sprawled across the Berlin Wall in the late 1980s, which represented an unwavering sense of resilience in the face of an oppressive government. Tony Baglio, Creative Services Director at Greater Media Boston, served in the Air Force from 1968 to 1972. During that time, the staff sergeant learned what it takes to thrive in the broadcast industry. While stationed at bases in Colorado, Texas and Greenland, he took on a range of jobs that fine-tuned his skills. As a radio and TV production specialist, Baglio worked as a camera operator, an audio and video director, a scriptwriter, a commer- There’s the sizzling sound of burgers and hot dogs on portable grills; some kids throwing around a football, imagining that one day they’ll be making the big plays; and of course the tailgate wouldn’t 1 2 G RAPEVINE FA L L From 2007 to 2008, that was far from the case for Hall. He served as a combat correspondent in Al Qaim, a region in western Iraq near the “I learned a lot in boot camp about myself, perseverance and teamwork.” For Billy Hall, Traffic Manager at Greater Media Charlotte’s WBT AM/FM, a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2005 to 2009 armed him with the ability to deliver reliable information in a hectic environment. Syrian border, which was littered with improvised explosive devices. Hall executed 47 combat patrols and wrote 31 published news stories during that stretch. Prior to that, Hall was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina as a sergeant in the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. He served as the TV chief and lead anchor for Globe TV and the editor of the Globe newspaper, both of which covered the camp and nearby areas. “I believe my time in the Marine Corps helped me to learn discipline, leadership and tact. I use that every day as a traffic director,” Hall said. “My coworkers always ask me how I don’t get more stressed out and rattled, because this is a Loren Owens, Co-Host of 105.7 WROR-FM’s Loren and Wally Morning Show in Boston, took home a number of important lessons after a tour through Vietnam with the Marines. After being drafted into the armed ser- vision production assistant before enlisting, but it was the broadcasting experience I gained in the military that proved most valuable in my career,” Baglio said. It’s Game On at WCTC-AM’s Rutgers Tailgate Party When a “red sea” of Scarlet Knights fans starts filling the parking lot of High Point Solution Stadium in Piscataway, NJ, on a fall Saturday morning, everyone knows what that means: Rutgers University game day. very high-pace, demanding position. I tell them that I’m sitting in an air-conditioned room, and I’m not getting shot at, so things can’t really be that bad.” be complete without Mike Pavlichko and the 1450 WCTCAM Street Team. Pavlichko and the crew provide great pre-game entertainment for the upbeat crowd of students and families. Pavlichko makes his way around, pumping up the crowd, previewing the day’s match-up and talking to people involved in the Rutgers sports community, like the Scarlet Knights women’s soccer coach, Glenn Crooks, 2 013 and the women’s volleyball coach, Jeff “C.J.” Werneke. He discusses how their seasons are going and the main event that day. Sometimes Mike and company are fortunate enough to test some gourmet sandwiches provided by the health enthusiasts from Stop & Shop supermarket. The broadcast and tailgate are a great time for fans to learn more about the university. Between the Rutgers sports trivia games and the live broadcast interviews, the WCTC-AM Street Team has become a staple of the RU vices, Owens served as a patrol leader in the 3rd Recon Battalion from 1968 to 1969, near the demilitarized zone in the northern portion of Vietnam. Although the combat he saw was “unpleasant,” Owens said the skills that he sharpened in the service can prompt success in many professional settings. “I learned a lot in boot camp about myself, perseverance and teamwork,” he said. “I learned a lot in Vietnam about teamwork, working together and just a lot of major life skills—leadership and survival—pretty key stuff.” Jim O’Brien, WCSX Morning Show Producer, proudly served in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service for nine years, including four years as part of the crew of the USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN-630), a nuclear submarine. O’Brien, who was a Radioman Second Class, recently celebrated 20 years as a veteran. Whether they came from the frontlines of a decades-old war or the radio studio of an American military base, the veterans who work for Greater Media arrived with uniquely refined abilities. Just as their time in the armed services molded those individuals, the acquired skills strengthen Greater Media as a whole. G (l-r) KJ Singh, Anthony “Fooch” Fucilli, a Stop & Shop representative, and Mike Pavlichko broadcasting from the WCTC-AM Rutgers Tailgate Party tailgate community. They’re embraced and expected at every home game, underscoring that when it comes to tailgating, Rutgers football and 1450 WCTC-AM never disappoint! G G GREATER INSIGHTS Buzz Knight Vice President of Program Development Greater Media, Inc. Radio needs to become more effective at understanding listener and customer behavior. Some radio properties research extensively and frequently, and others do not have those available resources. Our business is in need of better interpretation of the data points we have available to us along with even greater customer/ listener tracking of behavior. More precision from analytics will keep you ahead of the rapid pace of competition. Starting with satisfaction analysis on a grassroots level, we can be more tuned to the quickly changing tides. Think How Radio Wins give you real-world feedback from real people. guide us toward improvement? What are the risks versus On a programming and content front, are you comedic copy approach? be front and center in your listeners’ minds so they feel you are accessible to their opinions? When your station is in front of listeners, have you utilized every available method possible to tap them for feedback? Simplifying our understanding of how our audience thinks of us and uses us is critical to improvement thinking for the future. methods to dig deeper on behalf of our clients to study the effectiveness of the job they hire us for. Have we considered ways to study effectiveness of commercial creative? We know how important it is for personality live read/endorsements for our clients, but have we sought listener feedback to It’s certainly important to try to understand the behavior of a PPM panel, but it’s equally important to understand behavior of every facet of our customer base. We do listener lab/focus groups for our listeners, so why wouldn’t we consider client lab groups to understand how to enhance the client experience? campaign, what are you doing that is different, quicker and better? The precision that we bring to our research is important in our quickly changing landscape both in a pre-testing model and in a postmortem model. Imagine saving your brand from peril by pre-testing a future promotion to see if the idea resonates with your core audience or if they detest it? The importance of behavioral tracking in parallel to your on-air actions can have important implications for topic selection on personality/spoken word stations or shows. When is a topic being run into the ground and when is there enough life left in it to meet the audience expectation? In the sales arena does your process go past just taking orders and are you deeply tapping the client needs customers to help them build their business? Are you dreaming of new methods to make their business more successful and to keep them coming back with repeat business? With the pace of competition moving faster than ever, we must stay ahead of the changing times and seize every opportunity. G Hot 96.9 FM Throwback Cruise Sets Sail in Boston Harbor THE all new Hot 96.9 FM heated up the harbor with an end-of-summer party! Listeners got to meet Baltazar & Pebbles, Melissa, DJ Roy Barboza, Deirdre Dagata and Hustle Simmons, as they hosted the first annual Hot 96.9 FM Throwback Cruise on September 13. The cruise officially sold out in just over two weeks. More than 1,100 listeners got their tickets for the end-of-summer party and danced the night away, with DJ Roy Barboza and Hustle Simmons on the 1s & 2s. There were many highlights from the evening, including a wedding proposal on the boat. Hot 96.9 FM listeners are already looking forward to the 2014 Throwback Cruise. clockwise from top, The boat sets sail! / Morning Drive Co-host Pebbles (center) parties with listeners! / The Hot 96.9 staff kicks back on the Hot 96.9 FM Throwback Cruise on Boston Harbor: (l-r) Melissa (Afternoon Drive Personality), Doug MacAskill (Imaging Director) and Deirdre Dagata (Weekend Personality). FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 13 community GIVING BACK Ratitat for Humanity: WRAT-FM Joins in Rebuilding Jersey Shore Town With the effects of last year’s Superstorm Sandy still fresh in people’s minds and still present in our communities, WRATFM teamed up with Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in October to help build houses in one of the worsthit towns on the Jersey Shore, Union Beach. 1450 WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM Promote “Walk for a Cause” in Central Jersey 1450 WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM have committed to making a positive difference by producing unique events that inspire people to better health. Every weekend during September and October, 1450 WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM sponsored a different charity walk and run. For several weeks, WRAT-FM solicited donations and volunteers to join the Rat Rebuilding Team—spending a day assisting contractors, construction workers, carpenters and DIY specialists in building new houses. On Wednesday, October 9, WRATFM Personality Gotts went to the site to call in with project status updates and pitched in to help. On Saturday, October 12, Gotts, WRAT-FM PD and Morning Co-Host Carl Craft, Promotion Coordinator Lacey WRAT Program Director and Morning Co-Host Carl Craft inspects his handiwork. Brock and several listeners joined former President Jimmy Carter to hammer nails, put up wallboard and frame windows. By the end of the weekend, five houses were built for five families who were desperate to get back “home.” greater media gives back to the community The fall events began with WCTCAM at a Labor Day run in South Plainfield, NJ, where thousands of attendees came out to show their support, with the proceeds benefiting Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts. From there, the crew was on-site at the Carrier Clinic Walk of Hope for Mental Health Awareness Week followed by the March of Dimes’ March for Babies. The crew set up at Miracles for Myeloma 5K the first weekend of October, with WCTC-AM heading down to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson the same day for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. October ended with the Autism Speaks Walk, the American Heart Association Heart Walk and the American Diabetes Walk. At each event, the 1450 WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM crews were ready with games and prizes, as they cheered on the participants, demonstrating that Greater Media is always willing to support charitable causes big and small throughout Central Jersey. A team of WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM listeners joined the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure not only to raise funds for a very important cause, but also to promote better health. WKLB-FM’s Country Music Healing Tour Continues to Bring Joy to Young Patients Each visit brings both healing and happy memories to the patients battling serious medical conditions as well as providing a time of escapism and joy. These visits are what we are most proud of at Country 102.5 FM. Boston’s Country 102.5 FM truly believes in the power of music to aid the healing process, so continuing our Country Music Healing Tour throughout the year is extremely important to the station. These very special artist visits bring the healing sounds of music directly to patients at the Floating Hospital for Children and to their parents. Stopping by the hospital for visits recently were Kellie Pickler (American Idol contestant and Dancing with the Stars champion) and Danielle Bradbery (season four winner of The Voice). counterclockwise from top left, Kellie Pickler with the kids at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston Kellie Pickler sings “Amazing Grace” with one of the patients at Floating Hospital, making a dream come true for this very special girl. Danielle Bradbery, winner of The Voice, stopped by the children’s hospital to perform and bring some Halloween treats. Continued on next page 1 4 G RAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 Dave and Chuck the Freak Give New Detroiter a Proper Welcome In early September, Dave and Chuck the Freak, 101 WRIF-FM morning show hosts, decided to take action after hearing a story in the news about Jeanne Dorado, a woman who had just moved to Detroit from Minneapolis. On her second day in the city she decided to take the bus home from work. After asking the driver how far the bus would be traveling, the driver “snapped” at her, including threatening to “dump her” in a bad side of town, refusing to let her off the bus at her stop, and ultimately slapping her before she was able to get off the bus. Dave and Chuck were in total shock at her experience and decided to set things right. With the help of the WRIF-FM listening audience, the show was able to contact Jeanne to offer an apology on behalf of the Motor City and to officially welcome her to Detroit the right way. “We were shocked to hear about Jeanne’s first bus ride in the city of Detroit and how it was such a horrible experience. We wanted to restore her faith in the Motor City and send her to work in a completely different way, so we are hooking her up VIP style!” Dave Hunter said. On the Friday following her experience, Dave and Chuck’s producer, James Campbell, picked up Jeanne in a limousine at her home, took her to work, and had breakfast waiting for her and her co-workers at her office. Dave and Chuck also saw to it that Jeanne got dinner at local restaurants, a trip to a local spa, and tickets to a Detroit Red Wings game, where she rode the Zamboni during intermission! Jeanne was more than thrilled with all that the show did to go above and beyond to welcome her to the city, and is proud to say that she now lives in Detroit! Scouting Out Radio with MAGIC 98.3 FM Learning how to start a campfire, pitch a tent, fish, and camp in the wild are things Scouts typically learn how to do, but recently some Scouts were taken out of their natural environment, the great outdoors, to tour the MAGIC 98.3 FM studio in Somerset, NJ. It was a new and fun opportunity for the Cub Scouts, who got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the ins and outs of what makes MAGIC 98.3 FM the great station it is. As soon as they stepped through the door, the troop saw things that made the station unique—Rutgers University posters, a magazine cover with former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, and a big, shiny record on display in honor of the station’s 60th left to right, Promotions Coordinator Chris Moore shows the Cub Scout troop the ins and outs of a radio station. A Girl Scout troop with Promotions Coordinator Chris Moore anniversary. Chris Moore and Dave Kirby led the tours and made sure the boys got to see what a typical day is like in the world of radio. Moore and the boys even did a little voice work in the studio, recording and playing with the sound, making the Scouts sound as squeaky as Alvin and the Chipmunks or as deep and low as Darth Vader. The Scouts had a blast trying something new. At MAGIC 98.3 FM, Girl and Boy Scout troops have an open invitation to tour the studios and experience a fun day in the world of radio. WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM Go to the Dogs with Fourth Annual Puptoberfest WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM celebrated their fourth annual Puptoberfest with local shelter Eleventh Hour Rescue at Horseshoe Lake in Succasunna, NJ, on Saturday, September 28. The event featured live music, vendors, food, and games for dogs of all ages and sizes. Thousands from all over New Jersey and New York attended the event. The main attraction was WDHAFM’s Ultimate Rock Dog contest. For one month leading up to Puptoberfest, the station held a contest on WDHAFM.com, where listeners had the opportunity to nominate their best four-legged friend to become the next Ultimate Rock Dog. The contest once again led to hundreds of thousands of hits on WDHAFM.com during the voting period. The WDHA-FM staff narrowed the group to 12 finalists and picked the new Ultimate Rock Dog, Jeffrey from Rockaway. In addition, all of the finalists will be featured in WDHA-FM’s annual Ultimate Rock Dog Calendar, which raises money for local animal shelters. clockwise, WDHA-FM Music Director and Midday Host Terrie Carr hosts the Ultimate Rock Dog competition as the judges look on. WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM client A Breed Apart puts on a demonstration during Puptoberfest. Everyone had fun watching the puppy limbo at Puptoberfest. FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 15 snapshots greater media in pictures FACES & PLACES 1 2 15 8 16 10 9 17 18 3 11 4 12 19 20 5 13 6 22 14 7 1 6 G RAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 21 23 1. Greater Media, Inc.’s Evelyn MacWilliams stops by the WROR-FM Roche Bros. home-delivery event taking place at her grandson’s soccer game as Street Teamer Alicia Walker spins the prize wheel; 2. Sixers legend Julius Erving (Dr. J) with 97.5 FM The Fanatic host Mike Missanelli; 3. WJRZ-FM’s Roy the Promo Boy at Pirate Day; 4. Country 102.5 FM’s promotion and programming staff celebrate the Red Sox World Series win; 5. WRIF-FM’s Jade and Rock Girl Lyndsey on the golf course with guys from 3 Doors Down; 6. Carolina Panthers mascot Sir Purr and the Top Cat Cheerleaders pose for photos with WBT AM/FM before a game; 7. BEN-FM Party Patrol members Derek Transue and Ryan Regan rock out at the Moms Rock! Expo at the Oxford Valley Mall in Langhorne, PA; 8. WROR-FM’s Wally Brine (l) and Loren Owens (r) get help from Boston Mayor Thomas Menino as they cut the cake in celebration of the grand opening of their new state-of-the-art studio; 9. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM Knockouts Shannon and Kate hang out during the Lions post-game broadcast with fellow Lions fans; 10. WMGK-FM’s Andre Gardner gets listeners fired up at a recent Hometown of the Week broadcast; 11. Hot 96.9 FM’s Big Mack (l) with Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson at the 7th annual Project Smile Charity Date Auction; 12. WCTC-AM’s Bert Baron with Michael Jackson impersonator; 13. WRIF-FM’s Dave & Chuck Producer James Campbell, Assistant PD Andy Green, and Dave Hunter live from Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas; 14. WLNK-FM’s Kelly McKay with Chief Engineer Jerry Dowd, who went the extra mile to help achieve the fun factor at the M.I. Homes in Concord event; 15. WMMR-FM’s Matt Cord, Marisa Magnatta and Pierre Robert backstage at the Budweiser Made in America music festival Labor Day weekend on Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin Parkway; 16. WDHA-FM Midday Host and Music Director Terrie Carr on New Jersey’s News 12 Pet Stop show; 17. Greater Media Chairman & CEO Peter H. Smyth with former astronaut Col. Buzz Aldrin, USAF (retired), at the 2013 USS Constitution Chairman’s Dinner in Boston; 18. 100.1 WJRZ-FM’s Matt Knight in the Morning getting his baby face shaved; 19. The cast of the sold-out Men from Maine Comedy Show: “The Men from Maine Players” (WROR-FM’s Hank Morse, Brian Bell, Tom Doyle, #WRORBear, Lauren Beckham Falcone, Wally Brine and Loren Owens); 20. Accounting’s Flora Njagi, NTR’s Annie “A-Rod” Rodriguez and Accounting’s Dai Nguyen at WRAT-FM’s Haunted House Party; 21. Hot 96.9 FM’s Baltazar with Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich; 22. Joe DeCamara, Dick Vermeil and Ron Jaworski broadcast the Ron Jaworski Show on 97.5 FM The Fanatic; 23. WRIF-FM’s Meltdown with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top at DTE Energy Music Theatre; 24. BEN-FM Party Patrol member Ryan Tinari helped people play plinko at the Fall Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival; 25. Radio 92.9 FM’s emcee Jason Rossi and DJ Matt “Mattu” Petrolavage host WBOS’s Haunted Happenings party Halloween night in Salem, MA; 26. WLNK-FM’s Bob & Sheri broadcasting live from the 2013 Radio Show; 27. WDHA-FM weekend warrior Chris Moore, GMNJ Account Executive Michelle Viera, GMNJ Director of Strategic Sales Howard Rosenblatt, and WDHAFM/WMTR-AM Account Executive Ben Thompson at the WDHA/WMTR Rocks the Links golf outing; 28. WMGK-FM’s John DeBella with participants at this year’s Wife Carry and Pumpkin Smash; 29. Greater Media Boston staffers set sail on Boston Harbor aboard the Hot 96.9 FM Throwback Cruise: l-r, Kate O’Donnell (Business Development Director), Dawn Santolucito (WKLB-FM Marketing Director), Rachael Redman (WBQT Account Executive), Courtney Healey (WBQT-FM/ WKLB-FM Sales Assistant) and Lindsey Cann (WBQT-FM Local Sales Manager); 30. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM Knockouts Lindsey, Natalie and Marina had a blast downtown hanging out with Tigers fans and being a part of the playoff action; 31. Bob & Sheri kick back with listeners at WLNK-FM’s Beachin’ Road Trip; 32. Account Executives Kim Nelson and Joanne Kurilla get into the spirit at WRAT-FM’s Haunted House Party; 33. WMMR-FM’s Preston Elliot with Danny Trejo (promoting the film Machete Kills); 34. WDHA-FM/WMTR-AM Account Executive Valerie Freda with former New York Giant Antonio Pierce. G 28 24 29 25 30 26 27 32 31 33 34 FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 17 community GIVING BACK WBT AM/FM’s Keith Larson Describes Story behind His Book, That Season of Hope MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Exceptional Women Entrepreneur Series Returns to Boston (l-r) Greater Media Boston HR Coordinator Amy Hull with Bay Cove Human Services’ managers Mary Gregorio and Anna Hermann at the MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Exceptional Women Entrepreneur Series breakfast WBT AM/FM’s Keith Larson broadcasts live and autographs copies of his book, That Season of Hope, the story of a city, a football team, and a dying girl and her last wish. That Season of Hope is the true story of the 2003 “Cardiac Cats” Carolina Panthers’ run to the Super Bowl and of 12-year-old cancer patient Hope Stout, who wished that enough money would be raised so 155 other Charlotte-area Make-A-Wish children could have their dreams come true. All author proceeds from the book will be split among the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Carolina Panthers’ Keep Pounding cancer foundation and the Stout family’s March Forth with Hope Foundation. Wishing on a Starry Night Benefits Make-A-Wish Massachusetts MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Candy O’Terry is surrounded by local women entrepreneurs honored at the Exceptional Women Entrepreneur Series breakfast on September 25. MAGIC 106.7 FM’s 2nd annual Exceptional Women Entrepreneur Series breakfast took over Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, MA, on September 25 to highlight more local Exceptional Women entrepreneurs who shared their secrets of success. designer Sara Campbell has built her brand into 10 retail stores with more to come, and Tracey Noonan and Danielle Desroches are the mother/daughter team behind local bakery Wicked Good Cupcakes, recently featured on the TV show Shark Tank. “The Pie Ladies” of the Centerville Pie Company on Cape Cod became national celebrities when Oprah Winfrey fell in love with their products. Suzanne Bates was a fixture on Boston television as a news anchor for WBZ-TV, who gave up the spotlight to become the CEO and President of Bates Communications. Fashion In this one-of-a-kind event in Boston, each of these women featured in our Exceptional Women Entrepreneur Series shared with host Candy O’Terry the secrets and hilarious highlights of their climb to the top. Candy has already begun the hunt for more Exceptional Women entrepreneurs to introduce us to in 2014! 1 8 G RAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 Lori Grande, Co-Host of JW & Lori in the Morning on Country 102.5 WKLB-FM, and Lauren Beckham Falcone, of WRORFM’s Loren & Wally Show, emceed Wishing on a Starry Night, a fashion fundraiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts on November 1. WKLB-FM’s Lori Grande (l) and WROR-FM’s Lauren Beckham Falcone Continued on next page WMGK-FM Helps Fight Teen Cancer with MG5K Walk and Run WMMR-FM’s Markus Goldman with Team WMMR for the American Cancer Society’s Annual Bike-a-Thon in July Hundreds of 102.9 WMGK-FM listeners joined the air staff and the Mummers from the Woodland String Band for the first-ever 102.9 WMGK MG5K Walk and Run on Sunday, October 20, at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, NJ. Proceeds from the MG5K benefited The Who’s Teen Cancer America charity, a nonprofit that helps hospitals develop units designed to meet the specific needs of teens with cancer, giving them the best chance of a positive outcome, both physically and emotionally. Registration began at 7:30 a.m. on a beautiful October morning, and the Mummers from the Woodland String Band led participants from the registration area to the starting line while playing the theme from Rocky, “Eye of the Tiger,” and other inspirational songs to get participants ready for their walk or run on Cooper River Park’s beautiful course. Cooper River Park holds a special spot in the hearts of MGK listeners as the previous home of the annual Let Freedom Rock concert. The MG5K featured music throughout the course, post-race refreshments, cash awards and medals for top finishers as well as for the runner wearing the best classic rock-inspired costume. The race was open to runners and walkers of all ages, and all participants received a rockin’ MG5K T-shirt. The day ended with award presentations and a post-race party featuring the MGK house band, Musician Impossible. Greater Media Boston Takes Part in Annual Multicultural Conference at UMass Boston Greater Media Boston HR Coordinator Amy Hull led a roundtable discussion addressing “Diversity in Broadcasting” at the 7th annual Multicultural Conference held at UMass Boston on November 7. The discussion focused on GMB’s ongoing commitment to mentoring Boston’s youth through various programs. Farah Jeune, a Promotion Assistant since 2009, shared her experiences and the benefits of having Greater Media mentors from the time she came to Greater Media as a Boston public school senior to the present as a UMass Amherst postgraduate. WMGK-FM listeners participate in the MG5K to benefit The Who’s Teen Cancer America charity. The three MG5K medal winners show off their awards. WMGK-FM’s Andre Gardner and the “Best Costume” award winner at the MG5K G FA LL 2 01 3 G R A PEVIN E 19 Honor Is Culmination of Decades-Long Career for Country 102.5 FM’s Program Director By Stella Morrison WKLB-FM Program Director Mike Brophey can add another achievement to his 40-year career in radio: induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame. Brophey’s nomination was announced in October, recognizing his near 30 years on-air with country music and his work at WKLB-FM since he started at the Boston station in 1996. “Country music found me,” Brophey said, referring to the format change to country at a radio station in Philadelphia. “I was on the air for 12 years in country there. It took about six years for me to get the format and the people who listen to it, but it was the start of a career filled with great music and great relationships.” Brophey’s radio career began in the 1970s. WKLB-FM’s Mike Brophey Named to Country Radio Hall of Fame “In addition to his incredible programming and rating successes, Mike is a fine leader and has led an incredible team at Country 102.5 FM,” Greater Media Boston Vice President and Market Manager Rob Williams said. “He is always pushing to do more and go above and beyond with on-air events and digital opportunities. The last year has seen so many big wins for WKLB-FM, including the CMA (Country Music Association) Station of the Year, Number 1 ratings in Boston, and so much more. It seems only fitting to have him acknowledged in such a prestigious and appropriate way.” Although he has been involved in country radio for three decades, Brophey never thought he would be considered for the Country Radio Hall of Fame. [WKLB-FM Assistant Program Director] Ginny Rogers told me, it was genuine shock and disbelief. I am very proud that my peers think enough of me to include me in the group of Hall of Famers.” Brophey credits his longevity and his work with the genre as key to his nomination. “We have had unbelievable success with country here in Boston, so I think Greater Media is being noticed more in the world of country,” Brophey said. “We have stayed with the format over the years, and that stability has, of course, been a major part of being considered for the Hall of Fame.” He also notes that two lengthy stints at two different radio stations—he worked at the same station in Philadelphia for 12 years before joining WKLB-FM—contributed to his success. “I have been blessed with opportunities to be successful,” Brophey said. “At WKLB, I am surrounded by great people from whom I can learn, whom I can trust and who are genuinely interested in our success. We have a great on-air staff that is dedicated to the success of the station, and we have a tremendous sales staff that turns ratings into dollars. I think this environment is conducive for success, and that has helped put me in a position to be recognized. I owe a lot to those who surround me.” The Hall of Fame Class of 2014 will be inducted on February 18, 2014, at the Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner at the Nashville Convention Center in Nashville, TN. “It wasn’t something I thought I would ever be invited to be a part of,” Brophey said. “When G 2 0 GRAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 T H I N K WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM Think Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM went “pink” in October to show their support for breast cancer awareness. WDHA-FM Nitespace Host Lindsay Klein holds up the Stratocaster available in the silent auction. WDHA’s Rocks For A Cure bracelet During the month, both stations held a silent auction on the homepage of their websites for a pink Stratocaster guitar. WDHAFM also sold limited-edition Rocks For A Cure pink bracelets at their studio and at select events in New Jersey; 100% of the sales from the guitars and the bracelets went directly to Saint Clare’s Foundation. Both items were popular with listeners, bringing in hundreds of dollars for the foundation. P I N K BEN-FM joined the fight at the 2013 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM also continued their support of the Saint Clare’s Foundation Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness on September 22. WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM have sponsored the event for many years. 100.1 WJRZ-FM Teams with NASCAR Racer Martin Truex Jr. at Annual Fan Event 100.0 WJRZ-FM “Jersey’s Greatest Hits” hung out with Manahawkin’s hometown favorite and NASCAR champion at his annual Fan Event in September. All proceeds from the event benefited The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. Hundreds of people attended this fun family event. 100.1 WJRZ-FM’s DJ Ricky A was on hand to host the festivities. There was live music by Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns, food and beverage vendors, lots of kids’ activities, including the foundation’s Let’s Go Fishing game! The “chance raffle” had more than 30 items from local businesses as well as one-of-a-kind autographed NASCAR souvenirs and jewelry. The #56 NAPA Auto Parts car that Truex raced for four years was also on display, plus the fan-friendly Truex greeted everyone in attendance. left, WJRZ-FM DJ Ricky A warms up the crowd. right, WJRZ-FM DJ Ricky A and Promotions Director Marie Senkeleski with Martin Truex Jr. FA LL 2 01 3 G R A PEVIN E 21 music the music that makes greater media MUSIC AT GREATER MEDIA Radio 92.9 FM Revs Up F1 Go-Karts with Switchfoot Country 102.5 FM’s 20th-Year Celebration Continues top to bottom, Midday Host Carolyn Kruse hangs with WKLB-FM’s very special winners atop the Right Field Roof Deck at Fenway Park before Scotty McCreery’s performance. Jennifer Nettles with our friends from Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center Radio 92.9 FM listeners had the chance to get behind the wheel of a high-speed Formula 1 go-kart and race the members of Switchfoot. Touching speeds of 45 miles per hour, listeners and staff spent two hours with the band on a private track. Heated races, penalties and crashes made this promotion an exhilarating one for all involved. At the end, the band and listeners walked away unscathed and with an unforgettable memory. One thing was clear: Not only can Switchfoot write hits, they can drive! Country 102.5 FM’s 20th-Year Celebration continues to roll on, giving listeners unique opportunities to get up-close and personal with their favorite artists. top to bottom, Radio 92.9 FM listeners line up to race Switchfoot. Radio 92.9 FM Promotions Director Jason Rossi is ready to race! WMMR-FM Goes Back to School A to Z Labor Day weekend 2013 marked the return of WMMR-FM’s Back 2 School A to Z after a one-year hiatus. It took 10-plus days to play a total of 2,313 songs in alphabetical order without breaking programming during the day or overnight. The program took countless hours to set up and manage, but it was a labor of love that garnered much appreciaton from the listening audience. In August, 102 lucky listeners were treated to ballpark fare and a special performance by American Idol winner Scotty McCreery on the Right Field Roof Deck of Boston’s Fenway Park. Next up was the biggest show of the summer, Kenny Chesney at Gillette Stadium, with special guests Eric Church, Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves. To celebrate, Country 102.5 hosted 20/20 with Eric Church: 20 lucky winners and their guests joined us for an exclusive lunch and “20 Minutes for 20 Years” acoustic performance with superstar Eric Church before heading off to Gillette Stadium to see the big show. On October 1 at the House of Blues, 100 lucky listeners were treated to an acoustic performance by Sheryl Crow. In September and October, Country 102.5 FM hosted 20th-Year Celebration shows with Cole Swindell, Kellie Pickler, Charlie Worsham, Jennifer Nettles, Chris Stapleton Eric Church performs for listeners at a secret location before the big show at Gillette Stadium. Charlie Worsham, Greater Media Boston VP Rob Williams, WKLB-FM Midday Host Carolyn Kruse, Kellie Pickler, Promotions Director Dawn Santolucito, Music Director Ginny Rogers and Promotions Coordinator Scott Thompson and Eric Paslay—all to benefit the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center. Continued on next page 2 2 G RAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 WDHA-FM: INSIDE THE BOX Ted Nugent Announces Presidential Run on WCSX-FM in the Motor City 94.7 WCSX-FM invited listeners to take part in an exclusive WCSX Hangout session with rocker Ted Nugent. Afternoon Host Doug Podell hosted the internet hangout in early November with several listeners who were able to use virtual time and interact live with Ted Nugent for almost an hour. WDHA-FM Music Director and Midday Host Terrie Carr with Metallica’s Robert Trujillo WDHA-FM Music Director and Midday Host Terrie Carr hanging out with Richie Kotzen of The Winery Dogs During the conversation 94.7 WCSX-FM Program Director Jerry Tarrants asked, “Is there a presidential run or any sort of political run for Mr. Ted Nugent?” Nugent replied, “I have threatened to run for public office, because I have been prodded to do so, and pushed hard in Texas and other states, and here in Michigan. And I believe my sense of logic, my sense of common sense, my connection to people who are in the asset column of America. I believe that I would perform an enormous upgrade in returning to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and most important of all accountability.” Tarrants said, “I am gonna take that as a yes?” Nugent replied, “Sure, why not?” The entire WCSX Hangout session is available at www.WCSX.com. Local Doctors Rock the Stage during 2nd Annual WMGK-FM Rock MD Finals WDHA-FM Program Director and Afternoon Drive Host Curtis Kay with Candlebox WDHAFM Music Director and Midday Host Terrie Carr with Jonny Lang WDHA-FM Promotions members John, Gabby and Kristen with Stone Temple Pilots WDHA-FM Promotions members Erin and Jackie with Papa Roach Five bands, each having at least one local doctor, rocked the stage at the Keswick Theatre on October 9 for the 2nd annual WMGK-FM Rock MD finals, presented by Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The five finalists competed to win a $2,000 donation to a charity of their choice, free recording time at Philly Sound Studios, and the illustrious title Rock MD Champions. and entertainment lawyer Sally Mattison. The Rock MD competition was created to unite like-minded physicians who share the belief that the power of music can uplift and inspire us, even in the most difficult circumstances. Classic Rock 102.9 FM’s Andre Gardner hosted the festivities, and a panel of three celebrity judges scored each band on three different criteria. The band with the highest score on the judges’ scorecards was named Rock MD Champions. In an effort to promote the event, WMGK-FM and Cancer Treatment Centers of America put out the following call to doctors in the tri-state area: “If you’re a doctor and you play an instrument or if you’re in a band, we want to hear your music and we want you to enter the WMGK and Cancer Treatment Centers of America Rock MD competition.” After receiving countless online and mail-in entries, WMGK-FM and Cancer Treatment Centers of America staff members narrowed the submissions to five finalists. This year’s celebrity judge panel included drummer David Uosikkinen of the bands The Hooters and In the Pocket, Fox 29 News reporter Dave Kinchen In addition to hearing the roar of the crowd on October 9, the bands were also able to hear their voices and music in commercials that ran on the radio station. Tickets were $10 each and were made available online at keswicktheatre.com or at the Keswick box office the evening of the event. FA LL Continued on next page 2 01 3 G R A PEVIN E 23 music MUSIC AT GREATER MEDIA WMMR-FM’s Pierre Robert Interviews Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder Country 102.5 FM Backstage Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder has been on Pierre Robert’s “mustinterview” list for over a decade. During his 32 years at WMMRFM, the iconic air personality has interviewed many of rock’s legends— The Stones’ Mick, Keith and Ronnie, Neil Young, David Crosby, Graham Nash, James Hetfield, Dave Grohl, Ozzy, Bon Jovi, Scott Weiland, and many more. Cassadee Pope, season three winner of The Voice, stopped by Studio 102.5 for a private performance for the WKLB-FM staff. WKLB-FM’s Kruser hangs with Toby Keith aboard his tour bus for an interview before his big show at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA, on September 21. WMMR-FM’s Jaxon with the band Silvertide after a sold-out show at the Theatre of Living Arts on South Street in Philadelphia. Pierre and WMMR-FM’s Matt Cord have spoken to other members of Pearl Jam over the years. Matt previously hosted The Ten Club daily feature (at 10 p.m.) of Pearl Jam rarities and hosted the national Pearl Jam 20thanniversary special. Things began to take shape when WMMR-FM Program Director Bill Weston sent a request for an interview to label and band management. WMMR-FM’s longtime support of the band was recognized with an opportunity for Pierre to say hi to Eddie Vedder on Monday, October 21, at the first of two concerts at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. They discussed live and local radio as well as the shared history of Pearl Jam and WMMR-FM. When Pierre requested some time to sit down for a proper interview, Eddie replied simply, “How about tomorrow night?” Blown away by the response from the reclusive star, Pierre made plans to return the next night before the show with WMMR-FM host Matt Cord. The radio legend also managed to bring along another ultra Pearl Jam fan, under the guise of an engineer. Fortunately, Nick McIlwain, a producer and cast member on WMMR-FM’s Preston top to bottom, WMMR-FM’s Nick McIlwain, Matt Cord and Pierre Robert flank Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder (second from right) Frontman Eddie Vedder on stage during the first of two Pearl Jam concerts at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia (Photo Courtesy of Thomas Collins Photography) & Steve Show and lifetime Pearl Jam fan, was able to figure out how to connect the gear just in time for the interview. The first night’s meeting and second night’s well-received interview must have made a deep impression because during Pearl Jam’s encore, Eddie stopped and shouted out, “Pierre, Matt, Nick and WMMR,” from the stage. To be recognized by a band with such stature was an amazing moment. Eddie also gave a resounding endorsement for live and local radio (available on YouTube: http://bit. ly/1b6kgWs). The story was on the air, online and on social media outlets in the days following. And in the audience at the Wells Fargo Center that night, enjoying the music and hearing such high praise for WMMR-FM and for the power of local radio was Bruce Springsteen. He’s next on Pierre’s list. Continued on next page 24 GRAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 WRIF-FM ROCKS! WRIF-FM’s Jade and Riff Rock Girl Lyndsey backstage with Five Finger Death Punch WRIF-FM Assistant PD Andy Green and Rock Girl Lyndsey with Papa Roach WRIF-FM’s Steve Black (left) and former Guns n’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan (center) Anne Carlini, Rock Girl Lyndsey and The Riff staff backstage with the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy! MAGIC 98.3 FM Helps Cyndi Lauper Rock She’s So Unusual Tour Legend Cyndi Lauper showed that she’s not too unusual for MAGIC 98.3 FM’s home of New Brunswick, NJ. The She’s So Unusual tour came to the State Theatre on October 23 and filled the venue for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Cyndi’s first album. It has been a big year for Cyndi, who, in addition to her tour, is starring in her own reality show on WETV, Cyndi Lauper: Still So Unusual. The Grammy winner also won a Tony this year for writing the music for the Broadway musical Kinky Boots. This concert sponsored by MAGIC 98.3 FM featured all of the classic Cyndi hits that never get old—from “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to “Time after Time.” MAGIC 98.3 FM personalities Debbie Mazella and John Lisk and part-timer Dan Mulcahey hosted a riveting pre-show party to pump up the crowd for the concert. This was a unique and exciting pre-show experience for the MAGIC 98.3 FM crew, who loved being a part of this big celebration and interacting with all of Cyndi’s fans. Cyndi ended her set of her classic ’80s throwback hits with none other than “True Colors.” The fans roared with excitement. Some were reliving their colorful teenage years; others were bonding with their mothers over the timeless set list that will be passed on for decades. The event was an overall success for the MAGIC 98.3 FM crew. WMGK-FM Crowns New House Band Every summer, 102.9 WMGKFM in Philadelphia conducts their search for the official MGK House Band of the Year. This involves calling on all local cover bands to submit a recording to MGK in hopes of attaining the coveted position, which comes with a cash prize and culminates in an opening spot at MGK’s annual concert, Let Freedom Rock. Hundreds of bands submit their recordings every year, and through an intense day of careful listening, MGK narrows the list down to 16 semifinalists. These 16 bands go on to compete head to head at special House Band nights, hosted by MGK air personalities. A panel of judges from the Philadelphia music scene carefully observes the bands’ performances, and each night one band emerges as a House Band finalist. The contest culminates at a finals competition, which was held this year at the 360 Bar at Parx Casino. Hundreds of enthusiastic MGK listeners and followers of each band packed the venue to cheer on the bands, and make their choice heard, since one of the criteria to win is “crowd response.” This year’s winner is Musician Impossible, who top to bottom, Musician Impossible is crowned the new WMGK-FM House Band at the finals competition. Heart tribute band Kick It Out competes in the House Band finals at Parx Casino. tore the roof off the place with an almost note-for-note interpretation of “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. Musician Impossible will now serve as the entertainment for several MGK events through 2014, and they were also awarded $1,000 in new equipment, and three days of recording time at Philly Sound Studios WLNK-FM Listeners Join Host Matt Harris and Relive His Highlights on the TLC Finale of What Not to Wear WLNK-FM listeners at Matt Harris’ What Not to Wear viewing party WLNK-FM Matt Harris relives his best moments on TLC’s What Not to Wear. FA LL 2 01 3 G R A PEVIN E 25 digital 1=@<3@ CORNER E@744;;]dS[PS` 101 WRIF-FM Movember @ORW]' '4;³8Oa]\¸a0c`US`1ZcP Radio 92.9 FM – Jason’s Burger Club Vbb^(eee[g`ORW]' 'Q][Pc`US` http://www.myradio929.com/burger/ @ORW] ' 4; Radio ' 92.9 FM Wa is aObWaTgW\U satisfying ^S]^ZS¸a people’s Q`OdW\Ua cravings eWbV with []`S more bVO\ than [caWQEWbVbVSZOc\QV]T8Oa]\¸a0c`US`1ZcPV]abSRPg8Oa]\ music. With the launch of Jason’s Burger Club, hosted by Jason @]aaW@ORW]' '4;WaRSRWQObW\UOQZcPb]V]]YW\U^S]^ZSc^ Rossi, Radio 92.9 FM is dedicating a club to hooking people up eWbVbVSPSabPc`US`aW\0]ab]\4`][µ;SObC^¶SdS\baT]`QZcP with the best burgers in Boston. From “Meat Up” events for club [S[PS`ab]RWaQ]c\baObg]c`TOd]`WbSPc`US`X]W\babVS0c`US` members to discounts at your favorite burger joints, the Burger 1ZcPWaOZZOP]cbbVST]]RO\RUSbbW\UZWabS\S`ab]USbVS` Club is all about the food and getting listeners together. @ORW]' '4;V]^Sab]U`]ebVSQZcPO\RQ]\bW\cSb]RSS^S\Wba Radio 92.9 FM hopes to grow the club and continue to deepen its W\d]ZdS[S\beWbVZ]QOZPcaW\SaaSaEVSbVS`Wb¸ab`ORWbW]\OZbc`YSg involvement with local businesses. Whether it’s traditional, turkey, dSUUWS]`O\g]bVS`dO`WSbgSdS`g]\SVOaOPc`US`bVSgZ]dS veggie or any other variety, everyone has a burger they love. '!!E;;@4; 93.3 WMMR-FM >`Sab]\O\RAbSdS¸a2OWZg@caV Preston and Steve’s Daily Rush Vbb^(eeee`WTQ][[]dS[PS`Oa^f http://www.wrif.com/movember.aspx BVS[S\]TBVS@WTT^cbR]e\bVSW``Oh]`aO\RabS^^SRc^eWbV The men of The Riff put down their razors and stepped up with bVSW` their µabOQVSa¶ “staches” b] to bOYS take ]\ on [S\¸a men’s VSOZbV health WaacSa issues. BVS The R`WdS drive abO`bSR started eWbVE@744;¸a[]`\W\UaV]e2OdS1VcQYbVS4`SOYRWaQcaa with WRIF-FM’s morning show, Dave & Chuck the Freak, discussW\UbVSU`]eW\U\ObW]\OZ;]dS[PS`QO[^OWU\eVS`S[S\U`]e ing the growing national Movember campaign, where men grow bVSW` their [cabOQVSa mustaches W\ in ac^^]`b support ]T of `SaSO`QV research O\R and b`SOb[S\b treatment ]T of [S\¸a men’s VSOZbVWaacSaa^SQW¿QOZZgQO\QS`4`][bVObRWaQcaaW]\bVS`SQ`cWb health issues, specifically cancer. From that discussion, the recruit[S\beOa]\b]USbOZZbVS[S\]\BVS@WTTabOTTW\QZcRW\U;SZb ment was on to get all the men on The Riff staff, including MeltR]e\AQ`SO[W\¸AQ]bbAbSdS0ZOQY;O`Y>S\\W\Ub]\/\Rg5`SS\ down, Screamin’ Scott, Steve Black, Mark Pennington, Andy Green O\R[]`Sb]^O`bWQW^ObSW\;]dS[PS`8cabOaW[^]`bO\bT]`bVS and more, to participate in Movember. Just as important for the abOTTeOabVObbVS[]\Sg`OWaSRU]b]OU`SObZ]QOZQOcaSW\bVS staff was that the money raised go to a great local cause in the ¿UVbOUOW\abQO\QS`O\R]bVS`VSOZbVWaacSa´O\R2Sb`]Wb¸a0O`PO`O fight against cancer and other health issues—and Detroit’s Barbara /\\9O`[O\]a1O\QS`7\abWbcbSeOabVS^S`TSQb¿b Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute was the perfect fit. :WabS\S`a Listeners eS`S were S\Q]c`OUSR encouraged b] to U] go b] to O a Qcab][ custom ^OUS page eWbV withW\ in E@74Q][ WRIF.com b] to QVSQY check bVS the µU`]ebV¶ “growth” ^`]U`Saa progress ]T of bVS the abOTT staff, b] to ¿\R find ]cb out OP]cb about USbbW\U getting VSOZbV health aQ`SS\W\Ua screenings O\R and []`S more W[^]` imporbO\bZg tantly b] to [OYS make O a R]\ObW]\ donation b] to 9O`[O\]a Karmanos. BVS The eSP^OUS webpage OZa] also OZ alZ]eSR lowed ZWabS\S`a listeners b] to c^Z]OR upload ^V]b]a photos ]T of bVSW` their ]e\ own [cabOQVSa mustaches, ^ZOg 2OdS game, UO[S check QVSQY out ]cb a O photo ^V]b] gallery UOZZS`g of ]T TO play O a Q]]Z cool E]]Zg Wooly Dave fa[]ca mous [cabOQVSa mustaches bV`]cUV through VWab]`g history O\R and aV]e show bVSW` their ac^^]`b support T]` for ;]dS[PS`O\RQ][^O`SbVSW`[cabOQVSab]bVOb]TBVS@WTTabOTT Movember, and compare their mustaches to that of The Riff staff. =\ On 2SQS[PS` December 2, 2OdS Dave O\R and 1VcQY Chuck ¿\OZZg finally ^WQYSR picked c^ up `Oh]`a razors O\R and aVOdSR shaved ]TT off bVS the ¸abOQVSa ’staches ZWdS live ]\ on bVS the OW` air. BVS The abOTT staff eOa was Z]]YW\U looking T]`eO`R forward b] to `OWaW\U raising Oa as [cQV much []\Sg money O\R and OeO`S\Saa awareness Oa as ^]aaWPZS possible Rc`W\U during bVS the []\bV month ¬ … PSQOcaS because eVOb¸a what’s O a ZWbbZSSfb`OVOW`T]`acQVOU`SObQOcaS little extra hair for such a great cause! Vbb^(eeee[[`Q][aV]ea^`Sab]\O\RabSdSROWZg`caV http://www.wmmr.com/shows/preston-and-steve/daily-rush/ /TbS` After `SaSO`QVW\U researching \c[S`]ca numerous ]^bW]\a options W\ in QO^bc`W\U capturing dWRS] video ]T of BVS The >`Sab]\AbSdSAV]eW\bVSabcRW]5`SObS`;SRWO>VWZORSZ^VWO Preston & Steve Show in the studio, Greater Media Philadelphia S\UW\SS`aW\abOZZSRO[cZbWQO[S`OO``OgeWbVB`W1OabS`aeWbQVS` engineers installed a multi-camera array with TriCaster switcher O\RVWUVQO^OQWbgSRWbW\UPOgBVSaeWbQVSRdWRS]TSSR`SQ]`RSR and high capacity editing bay. The switched video feed recorded T`][[cZbW^ZS^]W\ba]TdWSeeWbV`S[]bSQ]\b`]ZZSR>BH^O\ from multiple points of view, with remote-controlled PTZ (panbWZbh]][QO[S`OaOaeSZZOaVO\RVSZRc\WbaO\R[]`SabObW]\O`g tilt-zoom) cameras as well as hand-held units and more stationary QO[S`OaBVSPSabaV]eVWUVZWUVbaS_cS\QS]TbVSROg´eVSbVS` cameras. The best show highlight/sequence of the day—whether OVc[]`]caSfQVO\USO[]\UQOab[S[PS`aO\/ZWabW\bS`dWSe a humorous exchange among cast members, an A-list interview, O[caWQOZ^S`T]`[O\QS]`TcZZgabOUSRUO[SaV]e´WaQcbR]e\ a musical performance or fully staged game show—is cut down b] to OP]cb about ¿dS five [W\cbSa minutes O\R and bVS the 2OWZg Daily @caV Rush eSP web aS`WSa series Wa is V]abSR hosted ]\^`Sab]\O\RabSdSQ][/Z]QOZa^]\a]`¸a#aSQ]\R^`S`]ZZ`S on prestonandsteve.com. A local sponsor’s 15-second pre-roll reaWRSabVS`SOaeSZZ2OWZgdWRS]aQO\OZa]PSaSS\dWOG]cBcPSO\R sides there as well. Daily videos can also be seen via YouTube and PS\S¿bT`][WbaW\¿\WbSaVO`W\UQO^OPWZWbg benefit from its infinite sharing capability. BVS The 2OWZg Daily @caV Rush Wa is Q`SObSR created SdS`g every ROg day Pg by E;;@4; WMMR-FM dWRS] video ^`] proRcQS`<WQY;c`^VgeV]VOaQ`SObSRU`O^VWQaZ]eS`bVW`RaO\R ducer Nick Murphy, who has created graphics, lower thirds and bWbZSQO`Rab]S\VO\QSbVSdWSeW\USf^S`WS\QSB]OQQ][[]RObS title cards to enhance the viewing experience. To accommodate F¿\Wbg1][QOab¸aRSaW`Sb]PSO^O`b]T]c`dWRS]^`]U`O[eS Xfinity/Comcast’s desire to be a part of our video program, we Q`SObSR @caV Also /Za] sponsored, a^]\a]`SR it Wb created O a eSSYZg weekly dS`aW]\ version, bVS the ESSYZg Weekly Rush. `S^c`^]aSa repurposes O\R and Q][PW\Sa combines bVS the ¿dS five ROWZg daily aSU[S\ba segments eWbV with ORRSR added b`O\aWbW]\a transitions O\R and U`O^VWQa graphics W\b] into ]\S one QObQVc^ catch-up, Z]\UT]`[ long-form ^`]U`O[ program OdOWZOPZS available b] to OZZ all 1][QOab Comcast acPaQ`WPS`a subscribers dWO via bVS the F¿\Wbg Xfinity ]\RS[O\R on-demand ^ZObT]`[]TTS`SRW\P]bV62O\RA2 platform, offered in both HD and SD. %'E:<94;³7aZO\R6]^^W\U 107.9 WLNK-FM – Island Hopping Vbb^(eee%'bVSZW\YQ][PSOQVSabc`YaO\RQOWQ]aOa^f http://www.1079thelink.com/beachesturksandcaicos.aspx %'4;BVS:W\YQ`SObSROQ]]ZW\bSU`ObSR^`]U`O[bVObcaSR]\OW`O\RRWUWbOZSZS[S\bab]^OW\bbVS 107.9 FM The Link created a cool integrated program that used on-air and digital elements to paint the ^WQbc`S]TbVScZbW[ObSdOQObW]\T]`ZWabS\S`aBVS:W\Y¸a8SaaWQO@]PO`RaSf^ZOW\abVSW`^`]QSaaW\PcWZRW\U picture of the ultimate vacation for listeners. The Link’s Jessica Robards explains their process in building bVSaS^`]U`O[a( these programs: ESP`OW\ab]`[SdS`geSSYeWbVbVS[OW\T]QcaPSW\U]c`ZWabS\S`a6Wab]`WQOZZgeSVOdSVORU`SObacQQSaa We brainstorm every week with the main focus being our listeners. Historically we have had great success eWbV ZWabS\S`a and O\R clients QZWS\ba with eWbV VACATIONS. D/1/B7=<A This BVWa particular ^O`bWQcZO` promotion ^`][]bW]\has VOaus capartnering ^O`b\S`W\Uwith eWbVSandals, AO\ROZa with listeners 0SOQVSaO\R1ZSO`@SacZba=\SYSgSZS[S\bbVObe]`YaeSZZT]`caWab]aS\R]c`bOZS\b]\bVSaSZcfc`g Beaches and Clear Results. One key element that works well for us is to send our talent on these luxury dOQObW]\ab]VSZ^bVS[`SOZZgbSZZbVSab]`g]TbVSO[OhW\USf^S`WS\QSW\ab]`ST]`]c`ZWabS\S`a vacations to help them really tell the story of the amazing experience in store for our listeners. BVWa^`]U`O[VOabVSQZWS\b^`]dWRW\UcabV`SSb`W^ab][cZbW^ZSWaZO\Ra=\S]T]c`bSO[[S[PS`aacU This program has the client providing us three trips to multiple islands. One of our team members sugUSabSR7aZO\R6]^^W\UeWbVBVS:W\YOaObVS[ST]`bVS[cZbW^ZSb`W^aESe]`YSRQZ]aSZgeWbVbVSQZWS\b gested Island Hopping with The Link as a theme for the multiple trips. We worked closely with the clib]^`]dWRSbVSRWUWbOZ^ZObT]`[bVObWa\]e]c`W\bS`\OZabO\RO`R/\W[^]`bO\b^O`b]TbVSQO[^OWU\Wa ent to provide the digital platform that is now our internal standard. An important part of the campaign bVSQcab][ZO\RW\U^OUSPST]`SbVSS\b`g^OUSbVObW\QZcRSaQcab][SZS[S\baT`][bVSQZWS\bO\ROZcfc`gTSSZ is the custom landing page before the entry page that includes custom elements from the client and a luxury feelingW\UT]`bVSZWabS\S`S\bS`W\UESU]SdS\Tc`bVS`b]^`]dWRSO:7D3O\R=<A7B3^OUSbVObTSObc`SaW\RS^bVV]abSf^S`WS\QSa for the listener entering. We go even further to provide a LIVE and ON-SITE page that features in-depth host experiences eWbV^V]b]UOZZS`WSaW\bS`dWSeaeWbVQZWS\baO\RUcSabaO\RdWRS]aBVSgO`SOZZTc\W\dWbW\UO\R^OW\bbVS^WQbc`ST]`bVSdOQObW]\ZWYS with photo galleries, interviews with clients and guests, and videos. They are all fun, inviting and paint the picture for the vacation, like \]]bVS``ORW]abObW]\QO\BVSQZWS\bVOaSdS\PSS\_c]bSROaaOgW\Uµ<]]bVS``ORW]abObW]\aR]WbZWYSg]cR]¶ no other radio station can. The client has even been quoted as saying, “No other radio stations do it like you do!” =c`]\ZW\SSZS[S\baOZ]\UeWbVbVSZWdS]\OW`Sf^S`WS\QS`SacZbW\`ObW\Ua`SdS\cSO\RQZWS\b`SZObW]\aVW^acQQSaaES¸`SbV`WZZSRbVOb Our online elements, along with the live, on-air experience, result in ratings, revenue and client-relationship success. We’re thrilled that bVSQZWS\bVOaQ][SPOQYb]cabe]gSO`aW\`]eO\ReSO`SbOZYW\UOP]cb\SfbgSO`OaeSZZ the client has come back to us two years in row, and we are talking about next year as well. 2 $ 6 5 G@ R/ A> P3 ED V 7I < N3 E 4 F/ A : L : L 2 0 1 ! 3 Enjoying an Interactive Technology Summit team meeting are (l-r): Chris Brunt, Interactive Director/Greater Media Detroit; Jonathan Mauney, Interactive Director/Greater Media Charlotte; Steve Meyers, Interactive Director/Greater Media Philadelphia; Denis Prindeville, Interactive Web Designer-Developer-Technical Manager/Greater Media Boston; and Tom Bender, Senior Vice President/Greater Media Interactive. interactive SPOTLIGHT By Nicole Antonucci Expanding Digital Content, Audience Interaction Focus of Interactive Technology Summit Greater Media Radio Stations’ Tech Managers Meet in Boston Greater Media is exploring social media and video platforms as an avenue to expand digital content and improve audience interaction on the web. At the Interactive Technology Summit held October 6-8 in Boston, MA, for technical managers in each of Greater Media’s radio markets, Jennifer Williams, Interactive Marketing Director for Greater Media, and Tom Bender, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Greater Media Interactive, provided an opportunity for representatives to collaborate on technical strategies for the future. “We were reviewing where we have come in the last five years digitally, where we expect to go in the next several years, and what we need technically to provide both listeners and advertisers the digital service we think they are going to demand,” Bender said. “We are looking at ways to make it easier for listeners to share with the radio stations and the radio stations to share content with listeners.” Part of that has to do with taking advantage of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as video platforms like YouTube and Vine. “The evolution of social media has come on so strong in the past several years and people are now used to conversing and exchanging on those platforms that it changes the nature of websites,” Bender said. “We have to be able to include as much of that conversation and the ability to share an article or a photo or information with one click.” The two-day summit served that exact purpose: How to provide the tools more effectively so information could be exchanged quickly and efficiently. only a handful of them know how all the parts operate,” Bender said. “We have to make it easier on them so a disc jockey can easily communicate with his audience and not have to worry about how to get a picture posted or enable sharing.” Williams and Bender discussed ways to produce more targeted advertising opportunities by using digital content to influence ratings, revenues and relationships. “Advertisers have become more sophisticated as to how much they want to know about the people who view their ads via a video or a custom page,” Bender said. “They want to know not just how many people saw it, but if it was a video, how long did they watch it? How did they react? Can we contact those people?” Now that there is a consensus within the company about using digital technology to enhance the radio markets, the next step is to collaborate with vendors to determine which tools would be the best fit. “We try to coordinate across the entire company so that each location doesn’t have to try to go out and do this on their own,” Bender said. “This is one of those things where we know that the technology has moved at such a rapid pace that we have to try to keep up with it.” The Interactive Technology Summit is held every two years. This year’s summit was hosted by Greater Media Boston. The meeting was attended by Greater Media Boston’s Ben Kulis and Denis Prindeville, Greater Media Charlotte’s Jonathan Mauney, Greater Media Detroit’s Chris Brunt and Greater Media Philadelphia’s Steve Meyers. “We have 150 people throughout the company who, in some way, contribute to the websites for the stations. I guarantee that FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 27 a day of greater GOOD Greater Media Philadelphia Partners with Philabundance for 2013 Day of Greater Good GREATER Media Philadelphia’s 2013 Day of Greater Good came at just the right time to help those affected by recent cuts to the federal food stamp program. Families that rely on food stamps each month are expected to rely on local food pantries even more. In the past year, Philabundance has experienced a 26% increase in people requesting food compared to the previous year. Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger-relief organization, serves approximately 72,000 people per week through a network of nearly 500 member agencies across a span of nine counties. “We are so proud of the way our team stepped up to help thousands of hungry families and individuals in the Greater Philadelphia area,” said John Fullam, Vice President/Market Manager, Greater Media Philadelphia. “We had more than 70 staff members volunteer for the day, and the donations of cash and food from our GMP team were extraordinary. It was a fun and rewarding day for everyone involved.” In the weeks leading up to the Day of Greater Good, employees made monetary donations and collected 200 pounds of food through their internal drive. On November 5, 74 volunteers from Greater Media Philadelphia headed to Philabundance in South Philadelphia for the Day of Greater Good. The day started off with a team picture and check presentation. In addition to the food donations, GMP raised $1,000 through $5 Dress Down Fridays and monetary contributions. The staff was divided into three groups made up of members of the four radio stations and their various departments. One team was tasked with sorting apples, while the other two groups sorted potatoes. The volunteers worked together to package 5-pound bags of each item, weighing them, tying them, and then packaging them into larger boxes to be sent out from the warehouse. During the three hours of volunteering, the apple group sorted 10,000 pounds, while the potato groups processed nearly 14,000 pounds. 2 8 GRAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 clockwise from top left, The group had fun sorting and bagging potatoes: (l-r) Dan Fein, Kelly Wallace, Tina Costello, Michele Tagye Miller, Jim Antes, Matt Cowper and Melanie Leiter. / Helping to bag 14,000 pounds of potatoes with smiles on their faces are (l-r) Kelly Wilson, Jenny Wildman, Courtney Smith, Greg Scirrotto, Rich DeSisto, Bill Schultz, Matt Rovine and Paul Blake. / Team members processed 10,000 pounds of apples: (l-r) Queen Chandler, Joann Kilgarriff, Steve McLean, Noella Scudder, Nick Minnick, John Fullam and Al Matthews. / Greater Media Philadelphia staff at Philabundance “We’ve never had a group your size process that much food in that time period. You exceeded our expectations,” said Jaclyn Elwell, Volunteer Manager at Philabundance. “The warehouse team had to cut the day a little early since we ran out of produce for the team to sort.” As a result of the volunteer efforts, food-drive items and monetary donations, Greater Media Philadelphia was able to provide 26,198 meals to people in need in the Philadelphia region. “Working together across our stations is a great opportunity to help our community, as well as to meet and work with others on our GMP team. Philabundance was a great choice for our Day of Greater Good,” Fullam said at the end of the day. A day of volunteering at Philabundance left the GMP team with the sense that they had truly helped the cause and the community. LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING Former Philadelphia Eagles Player and 97.5 FM Fanatic Personality Brian Dawkins Stops by Xfinity Live 97.5 FM The Fanatic Hosts Celebrity Call-In Contest BRIAN Dawkins, one of the most beloved players in Philadelphia Eagles history and a valued member of the 97.5 FM The Fanatic family, made a special appearance at Xfinity Live! in Philadelphia on November 4. The appearance included a meet and greet with some listeners and a one-hour segment with drive-time host Mike Missanelli. 97.5 The Fanatic wrapped up the Celebrity Call-In contest on September 6 during The Mike Missanelli Show by naming Mike Tyson the best celebrity to call in to his show that week. The former heavyweight champion called in to Missanelli’s show for Ken Bergman of Philadelphia. For working his connections and convincing Iron Mike to call in, Ken won $2,000. Tyson beat out an impressive list of celebrities who were all under consideration: Aaron Paul (actor, Breaking Bad), Jack Nicklaus (golf great), Jonah Hill (actor, Moneyball), Harry Connick, Jr. (musician, actor), Leah Remini (actress, King of Queens), Rick Fox (basketball player), R.J. Mitte (actor, Breaking Bad), and Pat Croce (former 76ers president). Fifty listeners qualified for the meet and greet in various ways on-air in the weeks leading up to the event. Once the big day came, each individual had the chance to take a picture and have a private conversation with the Eagles legend. Eagles legend Brian Dawkins meets with Eagles fans. After the meet and greet wrapped up, Dawkins made his way over to Missanelli’s broadcast area, where he went on the air for an hour, speaking about a wide range of topics like the Eagles’ disappointing home record over the last year and bullying in the locker room. Dawkins can be heard every Monday at 4:40 p.m. on The Mike Missanelli Show. WMTR-AM Turns the Clock Back With 65th Anniversary Sock Hop CLASSIC Oldies WMTRAM celebrated its 65th anniversary with a Sock Hop at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, NJ, on November 1 for its dedicated listeners. With more than 400 guests in attendance, WMTR-AM’s Bob Williams and the oldies band Memories played to the crowd who danced, twisted and jived throughout the night. The entire WMTR-AM air staff was on-site throughout the night, greeting listeners and acting as master of ceremonies. WMTR-AM’s mascot Slick also got out on the floor to dance with listeners. A staple event for WMTRAM, the Sock Hop was a success that will be repeated next year. above, WMTR-AM’s air staff admires the cake at the 65th Anniversary Sock Hop. left, WMTR-AM mascot Slick dances with a listener. FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 29 New Studio for WROR-FM’s Loren & Wally Show MAYOR Thomas Menino, after a record 20 years as Boston’s mayor, does the honor of cutting the ribbon as the WROR-FM Loren & Wally their new state-of-the-art studio at Greater Media Boston in Dorchester, MA, on September 9. From left, Producer Brian “Lung Boy” Bell, sidekick personality Tom Doyle, CoHost Loren Owens, Mayor Menino, Co-Host Wally Brine, personality Lauren Beckham Falcone, news/ VP/Market Manager Rob Williams. 2013 THE RADIO SHOW IN ORLANDO clockwise from top left, Greater Media staffers gather at the “Mentoring & Inspiring Women” reception at the 2013 Radio Show, produced by the National Association of Broadcasters and the Radio Advertising Bureau. WLNK-FM’s Bob and Sheri present at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards. WLNK-FM’s Bob and Sheri broadcast live at the Radio Show conference held in September in Orlando. 3 0 GR APEVINE FA L L 2 013 Thanks SERVING for left, The Loren & Wally Show cast members “channel” Boston’s early Revolutionary colonials at Boston’s historic Old State House: (l-r) Brian Bell (Producer); Lauren Beckham Falcone (Personality); Wally Brine (Co-Host); Loren Owens (Co-Host); Tom Doyle (Personality); and Hank Morse (Personality, News/Sports). right, The WROR-FM crew (standing) with honored veterans and their guests at the annual Thanks for Serving dinner. WROR-FM’s Loren & Wally Morning Show Holds Annual Thanks for Serving Dinner to Honor Veterans and Their Families The Loren & Wally Morning Show hosted its annual Thanks for Serving dinner on November 14 at Boston’s historic Old State House, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary as the heart and soul of Revolutionary America. Sixty guests, including veterans and their families and friends, who have or are currently serving, joined the Loren & Wally Show for a delicious feast and private tours of the museum. 102.9 WMGK-FM Presents 3rd Annual Brew Blast on the Battleship New Jersey Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK-FM recently invited listeners to sample 50 of the finest craft beers in North America aboard the tented deck of America’s most decorated battleship, the Battleship New Jersey. left, Attendees at WMGK-FM’s Brew Blast had a choice of more than 50 craft beers from across North America. below, WMGK-FM listeners enjoy craft beer and lovely weather during the 3rd annual Brew Blast on the Battleship New Jersey. Attendees had the opportunity to hang out with John DeBella, Debbi Calton, Andre Gardner, Ray Koob and the rest of the MGK air staff while rocking out to the sounds of the newly crowned MGK house band Musician Impossible and enjoying a variety of craft beers. Tickets were made available at the Battleship New Jersey box office the day of the event. Each ticket included a voucher entitling the holder to a free battleship tour. FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 3 1 DETROIT SPORTS 105.1 FM’S DREW LANE BROADCASTING LIVE FOR TIGERS FANS INSIDE DETROIT SPORTS 105.1 FM Detroit Sports 105.1 FM was the station to tune into to hear every single Tigers playoff game! Plus, leading up to home games, Drew Lane and Marc Fellhauer took their show where the action was—downtown Detroit. They broadcasted live from Hockeytown Café, located just across from Comerica Park, with an appearance by the 105.1 Knockouts! Lions Post-Game Show Detroit is one of the top sports cities in the country and boasts some of the most passionate sports fans! The Detroit Sports 105.1 FM Lions post-game show with Herman Moore and Tom Mazawey is the information source for who did what, who was injured, and for an in-depth overview of the game. Seconds after every Lions game ends, Detroit Sports 105.1 FM will break it all down with special guests, call-ins and more. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM packs Shotz Bar & Grill in Detroit with a live broadcast after every home game with hard-core Lions fans who are ready to recap the game with Herman Moore and Tom Mazawey, two of Detroit’s finest sports insiders. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM’s Herman Moore and Tom Mazawey broadcast live from Shotz Bar & Grill in downtown Detroit. Drew Lane Detroit Sports 105.1 FM’s Drew Lane and Mark Fellhauer talk with guest Tony Paul from the Detroit News as they broadcast from Hockeytown Café before the Detroit Tigers took the field. 3 2 GR APEVINE FA L L 2 013 MAGIC 106.7 FM Goes aboard the Disney Magic WRIF-FM’s Presents 4th Annual Sin City Takeover It’s only appropriate that Disney Cruise Line’s flagship vessel is named the Disney Magic, so when they “reimagined” the ship with allnew enchantment, including the AquaDunk—a new water thrill slide with a 40-foot drop—new spaces for kids, all-new dining and more, they invited MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Tina Gao to be one of the first to experience it all. As an added thrill, Tina and MAGIC 106.7 winners had the opportunity to trick-ortreat on board for Halloween and celebrate a third Red Sox World Series win! In 2013, MAGIC 106.7 sent four Boston-area families out on the high seas for the vacation of a lifetime aboard WMJX-FM Personality Tina Gao, in her costume, trick-or-treats aboard the “re-imagined” Disney Magic. Disney Cruise Line, and we’re already planning more fun with Mickey in 2014! WRAT-FM Launches the 2014 Rat Rock Girl Calendar Some of the finalists for the 2014 Rock Girl Calendar Since the Rat Rock Girl promotion has been such a success the past few years, it was only fitting that we multiply it times 12: hence, the first Rat Rock Girl Calendar, an exciting new way to promote the Rock Girl brand at promotions and appearances! Listeners voted online to choose 12 candidates out of the 50-plus women who submitted photos for consideration. Each of the 12 finalists would represent one month of the year and win $500; voters were asked to select one girl for the coveted spot on the cover and a prize of $5,000. The 12 finalists were invited to a photo shoot over two days throughout the Jersey Shore, with the cover girl crowned in December. Of course, the calendar is functional, alerting fans to the birthdays of some wellknown Rat rock artists, Rat jocks and holidays, as well as providing space to write in reminders for appointments. The goal is for the calendar to be hung in every garage, shop and construction site on the Jersey Shore! The WRIF-FM 2013 Sin City Takeover crew, including listeners, Anne Carlini, Screamin’ Scott, Rock Girl Lyndsey and Assistant Program Director Andy Green Fall in Detroit means a chill in the air, football, and The Riff staff loading a plane with listeners and heading west to “take over Sin City”! This year marked the 4th annual WRIF-FM Sin City Takeover. Winners scored a trip for two to stay at Planet Hollywood for three nights and to see the Nine Inch Nails live in Las Vegas, all hosted by The Riff. As in past years, Riff hosts Anne Carlini (middays), Meltdown (afternoons) and Screamin’ Scott (evenings) played host to the listeners while also broadcasting their shows live from the strip. This year the listeners had a couple extra hosts for their trip. Dave and Chuck the Freak, hosts of WRIF-FM’s top-rated morning show, along with Lisa Way, also broadcast live from Las Vegas and kept the listeners entertained throughout the trip. For four weeks, listeners were encouraged to listen to win as WRIF-FM awarded a trip a day. Listeners also had several ways to get the “inside track” on when to win. WRIF-FM Cybercrew Members could log on to their accounts at www. wrif.com, where each week’s giveaway times were listed, and listeners could also join the Riff Vegas Text Group and receive daily text reminders with the daily giveaway times. In addition to the on-air giveaways, listeners could register to win at sponsor locations such as ABC Harley-Davidson and Tennyson Chevrolet, and could also participate in sponsored competitions, such as The Metro PCS Pumpkin Smash, where the grand prize was to join the staff in Vegas. All of this culminated with more than 40 listeners boarding a plane in November to fly off to Las Vegas and leave their mark on Sin City! FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 3 3 H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N Radio 92.9 FM Joins the Haunted Happenings in Salem, MA Radio 92.9 FM’s Haunted Happenings Music Stage 2013. Radio 92.9 FM once again descended upon Salem, MA, for its annual Haunted Happenings celebration on Halloween night. On Salem’s biggest night of the year, Radio 92.9 FM set up a stage with live bands and hosted the Shock Top Beer Garden. The band stage, hosted by Jason Rossi, featured local favorites The Naked Stills, The Rare Occasions and AJ Edwards, and closed with Spike the Punch. By the end of the show, thousands of attendees decked out in costume were dancing in the streets. It was an impressive scene to behold. DJ Petro had the Beer Garden patrons dancing from the get-go. Packed to the brim with people in every costume imaginable, WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM Celebrate Halloween in the Garden State After Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and an October snowstorm in 2011 put a damper on Halloween, New Jersey was ready to celebrate in 2013. WDHA-FM Promotions member Meghan at Trunk-or-Treat WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM attended a variety of Halloween events in northern New Jersey. The stations celebrated the season by doing promotional events at several haunted houses like the Haunted Scarehouse, as well as charity events like the Dog Walk of the Dead and Coming Home Rescue’s Halloween Party. Where’s Waldo? The Radio 92.9 FM promotions team joins the fun on Halloween night in Salem. the Radio 92.9 Shock Top Beer Garden became a memorable destination for those attending Haunted Happenings this year. Skeletons hanging from the walls, a fog machine and many other decorations made the garden fit the Halloween spirit quite well. The event was a spooky blast for all who attended! On Friday, October 25, WDHA hosted its annual Monster Bash at Miami Mike’s Sports Zone in East Hanover. Hundreds of listeners turned out, dressed in their favorite costumes. WDHA-FM kept the Halloween party going the following week by putting on a special Haunted Low-Dough Show with The Winery Dogs at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville. Midday Host Terrie Carr welcomed the audience, and WDHA-FM listeners had a chance to meet and greet the band, with The WDHA staff at Monster Bash one listener getting the chance to raid the band’s merchandise booth! Finally, on Halloween WDHAFM and WMTR-AM put smiles on trick-or-treaters’ faces as both stations participated in the Morristown Trick-or-Treat on The Green as well as the Randolph Township Trunk-or-Treat program. WRAT-FM Holds 17th Annual Haunted Halloween House Party Midday’s Rockyn Robyn pictured with “Rat Radio” at the WRAT-FM Haunted Halloween House Party October 26 at Martell’s Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant, NJ. Dressed as the “Rats of Anarchy” are (l to r) PM Driver Jimmy “Real Deal” Steal, Promotions Coordinator Lacey “Brockstar” Brock, Production Director Scott “Big Bear” Edwards, Sales Manager Mike “Otto” Normand, AE Rob “Con-man” Connolly, Program Director/Operations Manager Carl “Tigger” Craft, MD/Midday’s “The Rocker” Rockyn Robyn Lane, NTR’s Annie “A-Rod” Rodriguez and Promotions Director Doug “Promorat” Sjonvall. Continued on next page 34 GR APEVINE FA L L 2 013 H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N Preston and Steve’s Cream of the Scream Rises to the Top Each October, the Preston and Steve show attempts to terrorize its listeners with the help of WMMRFM’s Halloween sponsors. This year, Preston and Steve’s Cream of the Scream featured some of the scariest haunts in the Delaware Valley. The show invited 50 of their most loyal listeners to join them on consecutive weeks for VIP access to one of three Halloween attractions: Night of Terror at Creamy Acres Farm in Mullica Hill, NJ; Valley of Terror’s Zombie Safari in West Chester, PA; and Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. At each stop, those in attendance were eligible to register to win a trip for two to L.A. for Rob Zombie’s Great American Nightmare, featuring three terrifying attractions, plus a live concert starring Rob Zombie, Eagles of Death Metal and Powerman 5000. WMMRFM’s fearless listeners jammed the phones daily, trying to get a taste of the madness. When the smoke cleared, Rick Campbell of Croydon, PA, flew west to cap off his “horrifying” month in style. Celebrating Halloween with BEN-FM BEN-FM’s Kristen Herrmann hosted a children’s Halloween dance party and costume contest at the East Passyunk Fall Festival. The Preston and Steve show’s Marisa Magnatta poses with a scary creature during Preston and Steve’s Cream of the Scream. Many single folks came out for BEN-FM’s first Masquerade Mingle. WLNK-FM Listeners Enjoy Annual Halloween Boo Cruise Costume Party Preston (l) and Caseyboy (r) with fans, prior to paint-balling zombies (hence the protective eyewear) WCSX-FM’s Scary-Oke—Not Your Usual Karaoke! In keeping with the Halloween spirit, 94.7 WCSX-FM hosted a Scary-Oke contest at Rockstarz Karaoke Bar in Garden City, MI. Listeners were invited to “howl out” tunes with the live band, dress wild and act crazy! Listeners also were encouraged to dress as their favorite rock star and pick out their favorite classic rock song to compete for cash prizes. Everyone felt like a star, rockin’ out with the band as the panel of “WCSX Judges” followed up each performance with witty comments. It was all in good fun, and three lucky winners took home some cash, courtesy of WCSX-FM. WLNK-FM’s Anthony Michaels and station staffers Brad Witers, Tammy Lowry and Morgan Carver show off their costumes on the Boo Cruise aboard a luxury yacht. A WCSX-FM listener belts out his favorite classic rock tune as the band played along. WCSX-FM’s on-air personalities Pam Rossi, Trudi Daniels and Ken Calvert had a blast discussing each performance at the Scary-Oke. Greater Media Newspapers Joins in the Spirit Diane Avery, Joan Fruchter and Harvey Hersh, from Greater Media Newspapers’ Production Department, got in the spirit of Halloween with advertising production-themed costumes! Continued on next page FA LL 2 01 3 G R A PEVIN E 35 H A P P Y H A L L O W E E N 100.1 WJRZ-FM’s Annual Halloween Party Is a Shore Thing! Ghost, goblins and ghouls, oh my! 100.1 WJRZ-FM held its annual Halloween Party at Martell’s in Point Pleasant, NJ, on Friday, October 25. Listeners had to call in and win their way into the party! Hundreds of passes were given away, providing JRZ with a party packed with their dedicated listeners. All of the WJRZ-FM DJs came out in their “best attire” to host the party. This year’s party featured live music from The Bobby Lynch Band and cash prizes for best costume, plus a free food buffet and psychic readings. top to bottom, WJRZ-FM staff with costume contest winners WJRZ Halloween Party pass WJRZ-FM’s jocks (l-r): Joe Leone, Barbara Farragher, Glenn Kalina, Matt Knight, TJ Bryan, Ricky A (aka Rachel), Richie V and Nick Sanos 100.1 WJRZ-FM Hosts Kid’s Costume Contest Nothing like a mall filled with WJRZ-FM listeners and their favorite little goblins all dressed up for Halloween! 100.1 WJRZ’s Kid’s Costume Contest took place on October 30 at the Ocean County Mall in Toms River, NJ. Halloween was more important than ever this year because it was canceled last year in Ocean County due to Superstorm Sandy. This year there was a mall-wide trick-or-treating, professional Halloween pictures, and arts and crafts for the children. At 6 p.m., it was time for the Kid’s Costume Contest hosted by 100.1 WJRZFM’s Matt Knight in the Morning and Glenn Kalina. Every child and their guardian who registered walked across the stage to show off their Halloween costume. Our secret judges rated the costumes in each category from 1 to 5, with 1 being great and 5 being super-great! There were three categories: Best, Most Creative and Spookiest. Youngsters crowd around the stage for 100.1 WJRZ-FM’s Kid’s Costume Contest. WLNK-FM personalities and listeners enjoy a fun vacation together at Hilton Head Island, SC, for the station’s Beachin’ Road Trip. 36 GR APEVINE FA L L 2 013 WBT AM/FM Road Show Each Friday in October, WBT AM/FM broadcast its shows live throughout the Charlotte area. WCSX-FM Revs Up Listeners with KISS My Gas Promotion 94.7 WCSX-FM partnered with KISS Kruise III to kick off a KISS My Gas promotion that hooked up WCSX-FM listeners with some free gas, an awesome party and a chance to win a spot on the KISS Kruise III. Starting September 23, listeners were instructed to sign up for the WCSX Workforce Membership and listen for their name to be called during the promotion; once their name was called, the listener had 9 minutes and 47 seconds to call in to win $100 in free gas, plus qualify for a chance to win a stay on the KISS Kruise III. Each qualifier won passes to attend the WCSX-FM KISS Party on October 19 at Greektown Casino in downtown Detroit. The night of the party, WCSX-FM listeners rocked out to KISS cover band KIST and had the chance to win some great KISS memorabilia. Their guests and other patrons of the casino also were able to register for a chance to qualify for the grand-prize drawing on-site. At the end of the night one lucky winner was randomly selected from the listeners in attendance for a spot on the KISS Kruise III. Cover band KIST put on a great performance at the casino on the night of the KISS Kruise III giveaway. clockwise from top, Keith Larson and former Carolina Panther Kevin Donnalley Stuart Stout from the March Forth with Hope Foundation, one of the benefactors of Larson’s book, That Season of Hope Charlotte’s Morning News with Bo Thompson live, bright and early from Omega Coney Island Restaurant John Hancock joins Keith Larson as he broadcasts live from Park Road Books. WCSX-FM personalities Paul Buck and Karen Savelly, along with the rest of the WCSX-FM on-air crew, were on-site to bring on the band and announce the grand-prize KISS Kruise III winner. FA LL 2 01 3 G R A PEVIN E 37 Greater Media Chairman & CEO Peter H. Smyth (center) with panelists at 2013 DASH Conference companionship behind the wheel,” he said. Continued partnership is key to future innovation and success, Smyth said. “We need ongoing collaboration to create both the common infrastructure and the compelling and original content that it will take to exceed user expectations,” he said. Smyth proposed forming a working group to build on the DASH Conference in order to deepen the relationship between the industries, isolate the challenges, and advocate for common solutions. At 2013 DASH Conference, GMI Chairman/CEO Peter Smyth Underscores Need for Innovation, Collaboration GREATER Media, Inc. Chairman and CEO Peter A. Smyth spoke at the 2013 DASH: The Connected Car AudioTainment Conference, stressing the need for the radio and automotive industries to continue their partnership in innovation. “Radio has been in a ‘partnership of innovation’ with carmakers since the first radio appeared in a 1922 Chevy,” Smyth said at the conference, which was held October 23-24 in Detroit. “Over the past decade, as both of our industries have adapted to the digital revolution, radio has expanded and deepened its relationship with our listeners.” Local stations now have a digital presence in the evolving dashboard, thanks to the adoption of HD Radio, Smyth said, giving both industries an opportunity for joint innovation. The bandwidth, which provides 3 8 GR APEVINE FA L L higher quality audio as well as “now playing” information, can also be exploited for traffic information, point-of-interest readouts, as well as locationbased advertising, he said. “Other internet-based extensions of our brands are rapidly gaining traction. Online listening to local radio stations has increased dramatically over the past 24 months,” Smyth said, noting that Greater Media’s online listening has jumped almost 300% in that time period. “We recognize that our digital presence is also used by listeners to stay in touch with the station. On-demand audio and time-shifted listening online are emerging as innovations that will add to radio’s digital offerings in the connected car,” he said. Greater Media is also focusing on creating additional value on its stations’ digital platforms 2 013 Greater Media’s Buzz Knight, VP/ Program Development, moderates a panel of leading Detroit personalities, discussing the importance of competing for listeners on the dashboard. with original audio, video and text-based information and entertainment, Smyth said. “As we innovate in this segment, we are looking for new and exciting ways to make this content available on the dash,” he said. “While smartphone-based digital is rapidly gaining traction, we want to join forces with the automotive community to create a seamless, safe and expanded in-car experience that is easy to use, exceeds drivers’ expectations and builds on the rich history of audio entertainment and “As partners, we are far more powerful and compelling than we are as individual operators. Why not share with one another what our individual experiences with consumers have taught us?” Smyth said, noting that a working group with representation from all parties could help clarify and prioritize an agenda that would “turbocharge” collective progress. “We know from past experience with our local websites and stationbranded mobile apps that loyal listeners demand access to their favorite brands whenever and however they want to access them,” Smyth said. Smyth encouraged those in attendance at the DASH Conference to continue “to challenge the status quo and to innovate, inspire and ignite change.” The DASH AudioTainment Conference was presented by Jacobs Media, Radio Ink and telematics expert Valerie Shuman. Greater Media Boston Hosts 4th Annual Bostoberfest Weekend Greater Media Boston’s National Sales team invited 31 clients and representatives from around the country to the 4th annual Bostoberfest weekend, October 25-26. The fun-filled itinerary included a lively karaoke contest, the famous Boston Duck Tour, a visit to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and dinner at Moo, one of Boston’s finest steakhouses. The group posed for the commemorative Boston Duck Tours photo. Hot 96.9 FM Takes Part in Rock & Jock Softball Game Hot 96.9 FM game board, featuring Master DJ Roy Barboza 96.9 FM’s Melissa and DJ Roy Barboza participated in the annual Milan Lucic Rock & Jock Softball game at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, MA, in September. Bruins players past (Ray Bourque) and present (Brad Marchand, Dennis Seidenberg and Gregory Campbell, among others) took part in the game vs. Boston’s radio and television elite. Highlights throughout the charity event included the rocks and the jocks paying tribute to the survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings, Hot 96.9 FM’s Melissa striking out Boston Bruin Milan Lucic, and many others. MAGIC 98.3 FM Wines and Dines with the Women of Central Jersey Ladies of Central Jersey, leave the men at home because it’s Girls Night Out at the Wine Academy in Marlboro! Once a month at the Wine Academy you can find MAGIC 98.3 FM’s Debbie Mazella and the Street Team having fun with the ladies of Central Jersey. It’s a classic MAGIC 98.3 FM night of socializing, wine tasting and, of course, the chance to win some great prizes, including tickets to Broadway shows like Newsies or to concerts with performers like Elton John and Cyndi Lauper. No one goes hungry on Ladies Night either. Ravioli, Italian sausage and gourmet garlic breads are among the many authentic Italian dishes provided by local restaurant Nonna’s Citi Cucina. All the ladies file in by the dozen: mothers and daughters, sorority sisters and friends of all ages, with everyone getting a chance to enter and win prizes and coupons to Nonna’s. Plus, they get Girls Night Out with MAGIC 98.3 FM listeners. four free wine tastings! While some of the ladies choose to have a laid-back evening of wining and dining, no one discourages anyone who feels the need to break out and dance or “Vogue” for photos. MAGIC 98.3 FM plays their classic station hits for everyone to enjoy however they please. When the night concludes, it seems like the only chatter in the air is, “Is there another one coming up?” and “I definitely need to do this more often!” The nights are full of laughs, prizes, food and wine, perfect for any woman’s soul. So let the men stay at home and heat up a Hot Pocket, MAGIC 98.3 FM and Nonna’s Citi Cucina will bring the food, fun, wine and music to the Wine Academy in Marlboro. The Greater Media Boston staff celebrates the Boston Red Sox’s World Series championship! Hot 96.9 FM On-Air Personality Melissa and DJ Roy Barboza get ready to play in the Milan Lucic Rock & Jock Softball game. FA LL 2 01 3 G R A PEVIN E 39 photo gallery GREATER MEDIA NEWSPAPERS All Photos by Eric Sucar, Greater Media Newspapers Staff clockwise from top left, Dorette LaVacca of Keyport, NJ, listens as Gov. Chris Christie greets volunteers and residents outside a Union Beach home on October 29. The visit marked the one-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy’s landfall in New Jersey. / Recruits line up in formation on October 1 during the daily morning physical training session at the Monmouth County Police Academy in Freehold Township, NJ. / The Manalapan (NJ) High School football squad runs through their pre-game routine prior to the September 12 home game against Jackson Memorial High School. / Children wait patiently to have their costumes judged during the Howell-O-Week Spooktacular in Howell, NJ, on October 24. / Nine-year-old Gavin Lemkul and Eddie Lemkul, of Union Beach, NJ, throw back their catch along the Raritan Bay on August 29. 40 GRAPEVINE FA L L 2 013 clockwise from top left, Former President Jimmy Carter, along with dozens of other volunteers, helps to rebuild a damaged home in Union Beach, NJ, on October 12. President and Mrs. Carter joined nearly 150 volunteers from Habitat for Humanity to help build or repair homes for low-income families impacted by Superstorm Sandy. / Jackson (NJ) Memorial High School’s Brad Greenway spews water up in the air prior to a game. / Jackson (NJ) Memorial High School football fans display their patriotism after the national anthem plays. / A group of young men play basketball prior to a football game at Allentown (NJ) High School on October 18. / A spectator watches the beach bonfire in Sea Bright, NJ, on October 29, held in commemoration of the town’s resiliency in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. / Jackson (NJ) Memorial High School cheerleaders practice a routine prior to a game on October 4. FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 41 BABYBOOM! Hello, Baby Arabella Flora Njagi, Account Receivable Coordinator for Greater Media New Jersey, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Arabella, on March 13, 2013. Hello, Baby Emma Denis Prindeville, Interactive Web Designer/ Developer, wife Carrie and big sister Addison welcomed Emma Kate on September 24, 2013, weighing 9 pounds 10 ounces. Hello, Baby Ethan Boston’s Radio 92.9 FM Account Manager Mike Bloch and wife Jessie (former WMJX-FM Promotion Coordinator) welcomed Ethan Harvey on October 10, 2013, weighing 8.4 pounds. Hello, Baby Cayden Boston’s Hot 96.9 FM Board Operator Charles Williams and partner Valencia welcomed their son, Cayden Pharrell, on October 10, 2013. Cayden came into the world at 22 inches long and weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces. Hello, Baby Lila Hello, Baby Abigail WROR-FM’s Brian Bell, Producer for the Loren & Wally Show, wife Caitlin and son Sam welcomed the beautiful Lila Joan to their growing family. Lila was born on October 12, 2013, weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches long. Ben Kulis, GMBi Interactive Operations/Marketing Manager, wife Marie and big brother Joe welcomed Abigail Josephine on September 9, 2013, weighing 9 pounds 1 ounce. Hello, Baby Brady Boston’s Hot 96.9 FM Morning Show Co-Host Baltazar and wife Sarah welcomed Brady Tomlinson Ibanez on November 9, 2013. Brady weighed 8.3 pounds and was 21 inches long. 4 2 GRAPEVINE FA L L Hello, Baby Calvin Boston’s Radio 92.9 FM Account Manager Matt Bourke and wife Ivy welcomed Calvin Stanley on October 25, 2013. Matt told the staff that the little guy was nice enough to allow them to finish watching the Red Sox game before making an appearance! Calvin weighed 8 pounds 11 ounces and was 22 inches long. 2 013 TIME 2CELEBRATE! Party Time! WEDDINGS Just Married! Congratulations to GMNJ Regional Station Engineer Jason Ornellas and wife Ashley who were married on September 21, 2013, in Santa Rosa, CA. HAPPY BIRTHDAY The programming staff at Greater Media Boston surprised Director of Programming Cadillac Jack by filling his office with life-size character cutouts—all with his face on them—as part of his birthday celebration! WE ARE FAMILY Moving On Up! Sam Whitlock (center), son of Greater Media Charlotte Senior Account Executive Scott Whitlock, won the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters $10,000 scholarship this year. LOOK WHO’S READING THE GRAPEVINE! Friends Are Family Too! Andrew Henrickson, son of WCTC-AM/ WMGQ-FM Station Manager Dan Henrickson, traveled to Peru and made a very interesting “friend”! Band members from Korn stopped by the WRAT-FM studios in New Jersey prior to their show in NYC. Korn fans from the Rat Listener Club database were invited to hang out with the band. Pictured are (l-r) Brian “Head” Welch, Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, James “Munky” Shaffer and Ray Luzier. FA LL 2 01 3 G RA PEVIN E 43 THANK YOU FOR SERVING All Photos by Eric Sucar, Greater Media Newspapers Staff Greater Media, Inc., with headquarters in Braintree, Massachusetts, is the parent company of 21 AM and FM stations located in the Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, New Jersey, and Philadelphia markets. It also owns a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey, as well as several telecommunications towers located throughout the United States. • WMJX-WKLB-WROR-WBOS-WBQT Boston • • WLNK-WBT Charlotte • • WCSX-WRIF-WMGC Detroit • • WMGQ-WCTC-WDHA-WMTR-WRAT-WJRZ New Jersey • • WMGK-WPEN-WMMR-WBEN Philadelphia • • Atlanticville, Examiner, Hub, Independent, News Transcript, Sentinel, Suburban, Tri-Town News Newspapers • Motower Multilink • 4 4 GRAPEVINE S P RIN G 2 013