WRIF-FM Revs Up Dodge Rock City at Dream Cruise
Transcription
WRIF-FM Revs Up Dodge Rock City at Dream Cruise
T H E G R E AT E R M E D I A | 3 V O L . 9 S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 WRIF-FM Revs Up Dodge Rock City at Dream Cruise WMGK-FM’s Let Freedom Rock Fest Celebrates Patriotism during 4th of July Celebration Bob & Sheri Show Travels 4,000 Miles on Wildly Successful #RVCrazy Tour MAGIC 98.3 FM Sharing in Limelight of Corn Maze Tribute to Derek Jeter c o n t e n t s SUMMER 2014 IN THIS ISSUE Look Who’s Making Greater Media Greater 3 Newspapers Copy Editor Celebrates Brother’s 4 Letter From The Chair Jeopardy! Championship People and News 5 WLNK-FM’s Bob & Sheri Show Hits the Road 8 Hello Everyone, for #RVCrazy Tour Honors and Awards 10 Heidi Raphael & Sheri Lynch among 11 Radio’s Most Influential Women Daughter of Greater Media Newspapers Editor 12 Gets Rave Reviews for Performance at NYC Jazz Club Community: Giving Back 14 Snapshots 18 Interactive Corner: Greater Media Interactive Day Goes Pop 21 WMGQ-FM Shares Spotlight with 23 Derek Jeter-themed Corn Maze WRIF-FM Revs Up Dodge Rock City 24 at Woodward Dream Cruise Greater Insights: Radio Gains Voice on Council for Research Excellence 25 Music 26 Patriotism Theme of 13th Annual Let Freedom Rock Fest 31 Greater Media Newspapers Photo Gallery 38 Remembering Leslie Ishbia 42 Babies and Weddings 43 Look Who’s Reading The Grapevine 44 The Greater Media GRAPEVINE PUBLISHER: Greater Media, Inc. EDITOR: Heidi Raphael CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Monique Walton/MWalton Design CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jessica D’Amico, Kathy Chang, Troy Frisby, Jeremy Grossman, Buzz Knight, Peggy Primiano, Jennifer Williams 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: WDHA-FM & WMTR-AM are honored for Best Commercial at New Jersey Broadcasters Convention. Story, page 11. 2 GRA PEVINE SU M M E R 2 014 I hope you had a wonderful summer! As I’ve said many times, our employees are the “greater” in Greater Media. It is because of your hard work and dedication that we remain one of the premier privately held broadcasting companies in the United States. Thank you for all you do to make a positive impact in the lives of our listeners, advertisers and the communities we serve. We have had much to celebrate over the summer: WDHA-FM & WMTR-AM received the Best of the Best Commercial award at the New Jersey Broadcasters Association Convention in June for their work with “Carnation Cleaning.” Congratulations to Greater Media New Jersey SVP and Market Manager Dan Finn, General Manager Nancy McKinley and Producer Corey Goldberg for this outstanding achievement. Congratulations to Greater Media Vice President of Program Development Buzz Knight on being named to the Council for Research Excellence. I’d also like to recognize our Vice President of Corporate Communication Heidi Raphael and WLNK-FM’s Morning Show Cohost Sheri Lynch on being named among the Most Influential Women in Radio by Radio Ink magazine. This is a well-deserved and distinguished honor for both of them! Kudos are also in order for Greater Media Boston’s Director of Sales Mark Keaney, National Sales Manager Brian Samborski, Account Executive Michele Deasy, and Greater Media Detroit Senior Account Executive Kathy Flesher on being named as finalists for the 2014 Radio Wayne Awards. In addition, Greater Media Philadelphia’s WMMR-FM, Morning Personalities Preston & Steve, as well as Greater Media Boston’s WKLB-FM have all been named 2014 Marconi Award finalists. Both the Radio Wayne Award winners and recipients of the Marconi Awards were announced in September at the 2014 Radio Show in Indianapolis. We are all so very proud of you! I would also like to welcome Mike Julian as the new Director of Sales at WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM and Detroit Sports 105.1. We are thrilled to have you join the Greater Media Detroit family. Our stations continue to give back to our communities. From Greater Media Charlotte’s stations collecting peanut butter to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to Detroit Sports 105.1 FM’s Tip A Tiger charity event and John DeBella’s Veterans Radiothon in Philadelphia, we continue to make a difference in the lives of others on a regular basis. I would like to recognize and thank the entire staff at Greater Media Newspapers for their continuous efforts to reach out to the local communities we serve across the great state of New Jersey. As we move forward, I encourage you all to keep finding new, creative ways to connect with our listeners and advertisers and strengthen our brands in our local markets. Keep up the great work! Please feel free to email me at [email protected] to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to make Greater Media greater. Sincerely, Peter H. Smyth G great! recognizing people who go the extra mile LOOK WHO’S MAKING GREATER MEDIA GREATER BOSTON John Mullett Marketing Director Radio 92.9 FM John Mullett has been a strong addition to the Radio 92.9 FM team and has helped us grow our brand profile significantly. He always works with professionalism and positivity. He is brand-obsessed and always available to whoever needs help. Justin Weiner Production/Imaging Director Greater Media Boston Justin Weiner is impressive. He’s been with Greater Media for less than a year, but he’s already made a big impression. Initially hired to do commercial production and to image Radio 92.9 FM, Justin recently took on the imaging for MAGIC 106.7 FM as well. Justin manages client recording sessions with ease, instantly making the clients feel comfortable whether on location or in the studio. “He’s got a terrific attitude and he’s a true team player,” said Creative Services Director Stella Mars, adding, “Account execs are always telling me what a great job he does!” She notes that Justin’s can-do attitude and excellent people skills make him a tremendous asset to the Creative Services Team. CHARLOTTE These six Greater Media Charlotte All Stars are making Greater Media greater: Kary “Doc” Bowser Producer Matt & Ramona Show WLNK-FM Doc is doing outstanding work! He is always there to help, silently solving problems and never complaining—he is truly a wonderful, smart and creative person to be around. His ideas are wonderful for the show. We are so fortunate to have an innovator like him on the Matt and Ramona Show and at Greater Media. Marissa Anthony Sales Assistant Greater Media Charlotte Marissa sets the bar high. She is someone who has picked up and pitched in in multiple areas. She has jumped on board with enthusiasm, excitement and a great attitude. She gets the job done and will be great for the sales team! Billy Black Imaging Director WBT AM/FM, WLNK-FM There is no one better at his job than Billy. He is on top of every commercial and always there to help when needed, even at 11 o’clock at night! He does what is necessary to make the client happy and is willing to put in extra time if things are behind. He is the difference maker in how our stations sound on air. Billy is a huge asset to our radio team. Jenn Jackson Senior Account Executive and Syndication Director Bob & Sheri Show WLNK-FM She has taken the reins on creating a brand-new event for Bob & Sheri and 107.9 FM The Link to hang their hat on. The #RVCrazy Tour was a success on many levels and she was a believer from the beginning. When we started the RV project, we weren’t sure we could pull it off, but Jenn certainly believed in it and did it well. She is a complete believer in everything she does and her passion shows through everything she is involved in. Karen Davis Financial Coordinator Greater Media Charlotte Karen is doing a brilliant job! She has been a key player in stepping in when she is needed, in multiple roles. She is very enthusiastic about our finances, our events, our budgets and our radio stations as a whole. She truly goes above and beyond. Ed Nixon Producer WBT AM/FM Sometimes you don’t know he is there, but he is handling it ALL for WBT AM/FM. He quietly hums his tune while being the key instrument to get Charlotte’s Morning News on the air every morning and being a key part of getting weekend programs on the air. His strength is responding well in pressure situations, while willing to help others and solve problems. He is driven and motivated in his work and never misses a beat. times a week, practices Tai Chi daily and loves to travel. Peter says one of his favorite trips was to Cuba to get a firsthand look at the controversial island. In addition to Nightcall, Peter has another long-term commitment. He and wife Marilyn have been married 51 years. He tells us that it “seems truly impossible since we still feel and act like young lovers.” Left to right, Karen Davis, Jenn Jackson, Billy Black, Rick Feinblatt (Sr. VP Radio/Market Manager, Charlotte), Kary Bowser, Marissa Anthony and Ed Nixon DETROIT Peter Werbe Public Affairs Director Greater Media Detroit Peter Werbe’s career started like many. He did weekend fill-in and work on public service efforts for a station in Detroit. Unlike many, though, he has found long-term success marrying his passion for public service with a love of broadcasting. For 44 years, Peter has been the host of his weekly talk show Nightcall at WRIF-FM. That makes it the longest running talk show in U.S. radio history. The show, which encourages callers to voice their opinions on issues of interest to the community, airs Sunday nights 11 PM to 2 AM. “I’m very proud that WRIF offers this forum for the exchange of ideas and comments,” Peter shares. He adds that his work on Nightcall is his legacy. Over the years, Peter has usually been alone at the mic during the talk show broadcasts, but in 2005 he added WCSX-FM’s Juline Jordan as his cohost, who had been his producer since 1998. In addition to his work on Nightcall, Peter also serves as Greater Media Detroit’s Public Affairs Director. Those duties have him spearheading all three stations’ public service efforts on-air and online. The Detroit native is one of the most active people at Greater Media Detroit. He plays handball three Being in radio, we would be remiss not to ask Peter what is his favorite music. “Whenever I’m listening to a particular genre of music,” he says, “I always think, ‘That’s my favorite,’ but I could be at the Detroit Opera House listening to ‘Carmen,’ at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge watching some jazz great or at DTE outdoor music theater hearing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I collect vinyl so my tastes are all over the place.” When asked why he chose radio as a career path, Peter gives a mischievous smile and replies, “I didn’t have to get a haircut or dress up for it.” On a more serious note, he added what was more likely his real motivation for choosing radio, “Getting to play rock and roll, giving my opinions and begin able to make an impact in the community and getting paid to do it. Who could be so lucky?” It’s really Greater Media Detroit that is lucky to have Peter Werbe on our team. We thank him for all he does to make Greater Media Detroit great. NEW JERSEY Lauren Lopes Sales Assistant WDHA-FM/WMTR-AM Morristown’s got talent! Lauren Lopes only arrived on the scene eight months ago after spending time in Australia. As a last-minute candidate for the position, she knocked it out of the park in the interview and continues to impress us on the job. She has made an impact in almost every department. Although Sales Assistant is her official responsibility, she undertakes any task and executes it with tireless dedication and refreshing optimism. Continued on page 7 SU MME R 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 3 newspapers copy editor Celebrates Brother’s Jeopardy! Championship T he sibling of a Greater Media Newspapers employee has risen to national fame as this year’s Jeopardy! Teen Tournament champion. Seventeen-year-old Jeff Xie, the younger brother of Copy Editor and Greater Media Broadcast News Anchor Suzie Xie, took home the $75,000 prize after competing in the two-week tournament. The two-day final event, which aired July 31 and August 1, ended in dramatic fashion. A tiebreaker round was needed after Jeff and one of his opponents, 17-year-old Alan Koolik of Florida, tied with $54,200 in “Final Jeopardy.” To determine the winner, host Alex Trebek provided this final clue: “The battles of Shiloh and Collierville were fought in this state.” Jeff was the first to buzz in with the correct question, “What is Tennessee?,” making him the champion. A Jeopardy! fan since the tender age of 7, Jeff auditioned in New York City in November for a spot on the show after being selected from those who passed a 50-question online test in September. He was one of 250 students who were invited to attend regional in-person auditions, later receiving an invitation to attend the March taping. “I was so excited about getting the chance to audition,” said Jeff, now a senior at J.P. Stevens High School, Edison, NJ. above, Jeff Xie with Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek inset, Copy Editor and Greater Media Broadcast News Anchor Susie Xie His parents and sister were present at the taping, which took place at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, CA. “Seeing him on that stage filled me with such pride,” Suzie said. “I have always known that my brother would do great things, and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.” G Former NFL Player and Sports Personality Jermaine “Wiggy” Wiggins Joins Hot 96.9 FM GetUp Crew in Boston Former NFL player and sports personality Jermaine “Wiggy” Wiggins has joined the Hot 96.9 FM GetUp Crew in Boston. His first day on the morning show was Tuesday, August 19. with their marketplace,” said Cadillac Jack, Director of Programming at Greater Media Boston. “The deep and real footprint that Pebbles, Melissa and Wiggy each already have individually in Boston make the GetUp Crew an unbeatable team and the start of another great chapter in Hot 96.9’s success story.” Hot 96.9 FM burst onto the scene in January 2013 and continues to be one of the most successful station launches in Boston radio history. Melissa, who has been hosting middays on Hot 96.9 FM since the station’s inception, is also joining the morning team. Boston’s most beloved female radio personality, Pebbles, will continue to anchor the show. Wiggins most recently appeared on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston, where he garnered new fame as “the man with an opinion on everything,” both inside and outside the sports world. In addition, he has served as an NFL analyst and has worked in other positions at Boston sports media outlets, including Comcast 4 G R APEVINE SU M M E R 2 014 SportsNet New England, WBZ-TV, WHDHTV, New England Sports Network and the Kraft Sports Production show “Patriots This Week.” “Melissa and I have worked together for years, and I’m excited to have her back on the morning team,” said Pebbles. “I’ve also had the pleasure to get to know Wiggy over the past few weeks, and I can assure you, we couldn’t be more different! It’s going to be entertaining!” “I am super excited to be working with Pebbles and Melissa, as well as everyone else at Hot 96.9,” said Wiggins. “I can’t wait to do my part to help the Hot “Morning shows are built to excel when the 96.9 morning show continue to be one of the hottest personalities are live, local, and make a connection shows in Boston.” people greater media in the spotlight PEOPLE & NEWS Rich Klypka Promoted to Director of Sales and Circulation at Newspaper Division Ryan and Rico Move to Weekdays 10 AM to Noon on Detroit Sports 105.1 FM a tremendous run so far and are extremely popular with our dedicated Motor City sports fans.” Ryan and Rico Detroit Sports 105.1 FM weekend on-air hosts Ryan and Rico have taken over the weekday 10 AM to noon slot on the station. The “live and local” move officially went into effect on Monday, July 7. “Ryan and Rico have been with us since day one and have done a phenomenal job with our weekend coverage,” said Greater Media Detroit Market Manager Steve Chessare. “They have had Rich Klypka Ben Cannizzaro, General Manager and Publisher of Greater Media Newspapers, announced the promotion of Rich Klypka to Director of Sales and Circulation effective June 23. In his new role, Klypka will have overall responsibility for both circulation and advertising. “In the six-plus years that Rich has been heading up our circulation department, he has made many positive changes, resulting in outstanding and reliable delivery performance while significantly reducing costs,” Cannizzaro said. Klypka came to Greater Media Newspapers from The Record in North Jersey where he began his newspaper career working summers while in college supervising subscription sales crews. After graduating from St. Bonaventure University, he joined The Record in Bergen County, NJ, as a district sales manager. Prior to joining Greater Media Newspapers in 2008, he served as The Record’s director of home delivery operations. During his career at The Record, Klypka held a number of key positions and managed all circulation sales operations, including retail, vending, telemarketing and subscription door-to-door sales. In addition, Klypka was one of the few managers selected to lead The Record’s extensive continuous improvement efforts. In this role, he served as team leader on numerous interdepartmental projects that involved editorial, production, advertising and circulation. “Rich has an excellent understanding of the importance growing advertising revenue plays in our overall success and will provide excellent leadership to both the circulation and advertising departments,” Cannizzaro said. “We are fired up to give Detroit sports fans even more local sports content,” said Detroit Sports 105.1 Program Director Jason Dixon. “Adding Ryan and Rico to the 10-to-noon slot is the next step in the evolution of Detroit Sports 105.1. With Mike and Mike, Ryan and Rico, Matt Dery, Drew Lane and Marc Fellhauer, along with the addition of Detroit Pistons basketball, I could not be more excited about the future of the station.” The duo will replace ESPN’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd. Jake Chapman Named Executive Producer and Air Talent for Pistons Radio Network Jake Chapman Detroit Sports 105.1 FM announces that Jake Chapman has been named as Executive Producer and Air Talent for the Pistons Radio Network. He began his new position on August 6. Chapman served as the Executive Producer of the Orlando Magic Radio Network for the past five years. In his new role, Chapman will be responsible for creating Pistons content for the radio station and team to be used on the station’s various digital platforms. In addition, he will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the Pistons Radio Network and will serve as host for Pistons pregame shows, postgame shows, and various other programming aired on the station and on digital platforms. “We are thrilled to welcome Jake to the Detroit Sports 105.1 and Pistons Radio Network team,” said Jason Dixon, Program Director of Detroit Sports 105.1. “His skill set and his experience working in the NBA made him a perfect fit to join us. Jake shares our vision to provide Pistons fans with unparalleled content and coverage of their team.” “We’re pleased to join Detroit Sports 105.1 in welcoming Jake Chapman to Detroit,” said Charlie Metzger, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons. “We appreciate Jake’s ability to provide entertaining and informative year-round content for our fans and look forward to his coverage of Detroit basketball.” SU MME R Continued on next page 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 5 people Continued from page 5 Tammy Lowry Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary PEOPLE & NEWS Tammy Lowry and her mom Greater Media VP of Program Development Buzz Knight Named to Council for Research Excellence Buzz Knight Buzz Knight, Greater Media Vice President of Program Development, has been named among the new approved members of the Council for Research Excellence. “We are very proud of Buzz for being named as a member of the Council for Research Excellence,” said Greater Media Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth. “His vast knowledge and experience in the radio industry will serve as a valuable asset for the council.” “It gives me great pleasure to announce our newest members and to welcome our first members from the audio community,” said Ceril Shagrin, Executive Vice President of Univision Communications, Inc. and Chair of the Council for Research Excellence (CRE). The CRE is an independent research group created in 2005 and funded by Nielsen. It is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practice of audience measurement methodology and comprises senior-level industry researchers representing advertisers, agencies, broadcast networks, cable, syndicators, local stations and industry associations. CRE members represent advertising agencies, mediabuying firms, media companies, advertisers, digital publishers, social media companies and industry organizations, including ABC, AMC Networks, CBS, Comcast, Cox, Discovery, ESPN, Gannett Co., Greater Media, GroupM, Havas Media, Horizon Media, Katz Media Group, Kimberly-Clark, LIN Media, Magna Global, the Media Rating Council, MoffettNathanson LLC, the National Association of Broadcasters, NBC Universal, Nielsen, Omnicom, Radio Advertising Bureau, Raycom Media, Scripps Networks Interactive, Starcom MediaVest, TargetCast tcm, Tribune Co., Turner Broadcasting, 21st Century Fox, Twitter, Universal McCann, Univision, Viacom and Warner Bros. Television. Greater Media Charlotte Welcomes Four New Employees Rob Armstrong Account Executive Lynn Iacovazzi Account Executive 6 G R APEVINE SU M M E R Marissa Anthony Sales Assistant Lorie Harward Traffic Director 2 014 We extend our best wishes to Tammy Lowry on her 15th anniversary of service with WBT AM/FM and WLNK-FM. She started as an Account Executive and has risen through the ranks from Local Sales Manager to National Sales Manager to NTR Director. Throughout the years we have enjoyed her dedication and enthusiasm for her job. No one does it better than Tammy! She has been a model employee for 15 years and is a true asset to the company. We appreciate the selfless service Tammy has given for so many years. As one of the original employees, she knows and loves these stations so well! Hardworking and loyal—that’s Tammy! We wish her continued success for many years to come. Tina Murley Named Sales Manager of WMJX-FM in Boston Tina Murley Tina Murley, the new Sales Manager of MAGIC 106.7 FM in Boston, is no stranger to the media business, having worked as both a buyer and seller. She most recently served as the Sales Manager of WBZ-TV in Boston for three-and-a-half years. Prior to that, the Boston media veteran worked as a Sales Manager at WBMXFM, a General Sales Manager at WODS-FM and an Account Executive at WCRB-FM. Murley began her career as a Senior Media Buyer/ Planner and Director of New Business Development at Pro Media. “Tina is a true Boston talent,” said Mary Menna, General Manager of WMJX-FM. “She has expansive media expertise, working in both radio and TV and a passion for helping clients win and coaching high performance teams. I have wanted to work alongside Tina for years and am thrilled to be able to finally see that dream come to fruition.” “I couldn’t be more honored and excited to join such a legendary company and station,” said Murley. “Having the opportunity to work at MAGIC 106.7 with the most well-respected names in the industry is a dream come true. I look forward to working with Rob Williams, Mary Menna, Mark Keaney and the talented Greater Media sales and marketing teams to bring our clients custom advertising solutions.” Murley received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Rhode Island. Continued on next page Brian Westbrook and Brian Baldinger to Host 97.5 FM The Fanatic Midday Show Brian Westbrook great! Continued from page 3 LOOK WHO’S MAKING GREATER MEDIA GREATER PHILADELPHIA NEW JERSEY NEWSPAPERS Diane Avery Greater Media Newspapers Ad Designer Embarking on a new way of thinking, the Sales Department and Art Department got together with the common goal of increasing revenue. The Sales Department handpicked accounts and worked with the artists to create a new image for customers. The Art Department had a better understanding of who the client was, and how they could capture that in an ad. One success story is Brock Farms, who have increased their spending by more than 15 percent year over year. Thanks to artist Diane Avery, owner Ed Brock continues to run ads on a weekly basis. He has nothing but praise for Avery, who continues to capture exactly what Brock wants, which at times can be hours of work. On a weekly basis, he thanks Avery and his advertising representative for their continued dedication to take his thoughts and put them in the newspaper. Thank you, Diane, for being part of the team! Brian Baldinger 97.5 FM The Fanatic announced a new midday lineup for the football season featuring former Philadelphia Eagles Brian Westbrook and Brian Baldinger. The new 10 AM to noon show, cohosted by Harry Mayes, will feature Brian Westbrook on Mondays and Fridays, and Brian Baldinger on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The new lineup started Tuesday, September 2. Adam Uzialko Taylor Lier Jeremy Grossman Greater Media Newspapers Staff Writers Greater Media Newspapers has welcomed three new reporters, all recent college graduates. The trio, all New Jersey residents, bring their talents to municipal beats. Brian Westbrook has been a regular contributor on 97.5 The Fanatic in recent years. He also hosted his own show with The Fanatic as a player during the 20082009 season. Westbrook was drafted by the Eagles in 2002 out of Villanova University and spent eight seasons in Philadelphia. He made two NFL Pro Bowls and played in four NFC championship games and one Super Bowl. Adam Uzialko joined the staff from Rutgers University where he doublemajored in political science and journalism and media studies. Adam worked at The Targum, the Rutgers daily student newspaper. A regular contributor with The Fanatic since 2010, Brian Baldinger will now expand his role to midday host. Better known as “Baldy,” Baldinger has been a permanent fixture within the Philly sports scene since he joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1992. After his successful playing career ended in 1993, Baldinger sought to develop a second career in broadcasting. His passionate and articulate approach, his specific knowledge of sports and his drive to succeed landed him a job broadcasting NFL games on Fox and immersed him in a professional broadcasting career. Taylor Lier also came to Greater Media after graduating from Rutgers. Taylor worked at radio stations at Rutgers, where she majored in journalism and media studies, and at Middlesex County College. Melissa Demyan Assistant Promotion Director 97.5 FM The Fanatic The Fanatic Fantasy Fest was the biggest event this station has done since we switched formats to Sports. Melissa Demyan spearheaded the planning of this event from day one, and all of us at the station thank her for her incredible efforts. It was a three-month process that culminated on Saturday, August 16, when we had more than 4,000 people at Xfinity Live. Whether it was dealing with listeners, clients, celebrities, or the bands, she was able to balance everything. Thanks, Melissa, from all of us at The Fanatic! Rodney Byrd Assistant Chief Engineer Greater Media Philadelphia Rodney was selected months ago to receive the Rock of ’MMR Award, a quarterly recognition of outstanding service and dedication to one’s job and the Greater Media organization. We waited for his recent return to “active duty” at the stations following medical treatment. The “Rock” recognition was based on his ability to work through a multitude of challenges, technical and logistical, involved with physically moving the entire Camp Out for Hunger operation (after eight years in the same spot) to a downtown location. Rodney was personally involved with transmission and data line installation, tent size and orientation, garbage collection/ cardboard recycling, talent RV accommodations, HVAC, security and in-house sound P/A—with local and national bands playing daily—as well as mixing the broadcast with a six-person show, guests, remotelocation shots from the parking lot and more. Fifty hours of live radio originated from the site during the week. And you know what? The entire operation went off without a hitch. Not one. And the food and money raised increased dramatically as a result of the move. A revealing fact: Rodney scheduled his chemo treatments in the weeks leading up to Camp Out for Hunger to avoid conflict, so he could be on-site to manage the event personally. Jeremy Grossman attended New York University, where he doublemajored in film and journalism. Jeremy also served as the NYU mascot. SU MME R G 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 7 By Jessica D’Amico WLNK-FM Takes Morning-Drive Show on the Road for #RVCrazy Tour Jumping into a camper and heading out onto the open road is a piece of the American dream that many never get a chance to experience. For Sheri Lynch of Greater Media Charlotte 107.9 FM The Link’s Bob & Sheri Show, it was all in a week’s work. The internationally syndicated morning-drive show’s first-ever #RVCrazy Tour took the country by storm July 3-11, traveling more than 4,000 miles to bring WLNK-FM station personalities to fans’ hometowns. “I just felt so connected to the audience,” Lynch said of the experience, adding that radio typically doesn’t allow for such up-close and personal interaction. “It does feel like you’re meeting an old friend.” And the crew of the #RVCrazy Tour met lots of them. Driving more than 4,000 miles after a kickoff party in Charlotte, NC, with listeners and sponsors—which included KOMA Unwind, Charlotte’s Got A Lot and Lindy’s Italian Ice—the radio road-trippers broadcast live from five different locations and stopped by eight affiliate stations, doing meetand-greet sessions at every stop along the way. The gang spent the Fourth of July with affiliate station WJRVFM in Knoxville, TN, where listeners gathered for a celebration and fireworks display. From there, it was on to Marion, IN, then on to Lacrosse, WI, where the Bob & Sheri Show did its first affiliate broadcast from the WLXR-FM studios on Monday morning. From Wisconsin, the caravan of two RVs headed southwest, making pit stops in Cedar Rapids, IA, on Tuesday and Great Bend, KS, on Wednesday, broadcasting in the mornings and spending time with listeners at a variety of local stops. top to bottom, Sheri Lynch poses in front of the RV. / Bob Lacey and Sheri Lynch with local fans in Grand Junction, CO / Bob and Sheri’s #RVCrazy Tour crew stopped at quirky roadside attractions on their 4,000-mile adventure. Continued on next page 8 GRA PEVINE SU M M E R 2 014 “It was enormously humbling and flattering to have people go out of their way [to meet us],” said Lynch, who got inspiration for the tour from her own family’s U.S. trek a year earlier. “At our meet-andgreets, people stood on line for a couple of hours just to say hi.” While it’s often said that people are starkly different in various regions of the country, Lynch begged to differ after the trip, saying Bob & Sheri fans were all alike in their warmth and enthusiasm. disappointed that he opted out of the #RVCrazy Tour. “Bob doesn’t camp,” Lynch said, adding that he joined the group in Grand Junction, CO, for its second-to-last broadcast stop. Although the tour was supposed to wrap up in Roswell, NM—home to a purported 1947 UFO incident that made the town famous—a last-minute decision had the roadweary crew doing its fifth day of broadcasting from Albuquerque. On Sunday morning, the team was driving through Tennessee, and planned a stop for gas in Corbin, KY. Crewmembers sent out a tweet to the show’s Twitter followers to let fans know. “We just couldn’t cover the distance,” Lynch said. “When we pulled into that gas station an hour and a half later, there was a crowd of people waiting for us,” Lynch said, adding that the number of fans, many of whom were jumping up and down with excitement, exceeded crowd counts she has seen at some planned radio station events. “We were blown away.” “We broadcast from inside the Bounder,” she explained, saying it was a tribute to the AMC show Breaking Bad, complete with show producer “Super” Todd Haller re-creating a famous shot of main character Walter White in the desert in his “tighty whitey” underwear. Fans of Lynch’s counterpart, Bob Lacey, may have been While the stop was impromptu, its unplanned nature didn’t detract from that morning’s show. “It was great fun,” Lynch recalled. The scantily clad caper provided one of the tour’s most popular social media posts, but then the rest of the trip was no slouch in getting listeners engaged online, with a 600 percent increase in activity during the tour, according to Lynch. “The event generated an additional 71,000 visits to our website, more than 60 percent of which was driven by social media,” said Jonathan Mauney, Director of Digital Strategy and Account Development for The Link. “The digital content was also great for our sponsors, who got above-average click-through rates on advertising placed on the #RVCrazy Tour website.” In addition, the hashtag #RVCrazy trended nationally on Twitter, and the show received extra publicity through local news outlets along the way. “It’s not enough to just have a radio station website or to say, ‘Hey, we play Katy Perry,’” Lynch said of the changing face of radio and the demand for online engagement. “To get your message to kind of leap out, you need to do something different.” And the #RVCrazy Tour was about as different as it gets. Several WLNK-FM team members and four kids age 12 and younger—one of them Lynch’s 10-year-old daughter Caramia—piled into one RV, dubbed the “Clown Car,” and the second motor home was packed with Lynch, her husband Kevin and four of their older kids, along with a promotional team member and their friend, Uncle Sparkles. Despite the close quarters, everyone got along just fine, Lynch said. “We’re pretty good at the whole road-trip thing,” she said, adding, “You do get a little road ragged.” The smiling faces that greeted the gang at every stop, however, made all the miles worthwhile. “It was a privilege,” Lynch said. “It was a pretty powerful reminder of what an intimate and incredible medium we work in.” Station staffers are already working on next year’s tour. Photos, videos, blog posts and more can be found at www.bobandsheri.com. G The Dark Side of Oz Comes to Clark Park with WMGK-FM Classic Rock 102.9 WMGKFM and Awesome Fest presented a free screening of the classic rock curiosity that many refer to as The Dark Side of Oz, on Thursday, July 10, at University City’s Clark Park in Philadelphia. Pink Floyd’s record-breaking album Dark Side of the Moon was synced up to the movie Wizard of Oz and shown on a huge 30-foot outdoor screen, revealing the astonishing coincidences that occur at least 20 times during the movie when the album’s sounds, music and lyrical content seem to match what is taking place on screen. The Dark Side meets Oz phenomenon caught the public interest in the mid’90s, spawning tons of online discussion groups, as well as websites, specifically designed to chronicle and expound upon the uncanny coincidences that occur. Although the members of Pink Floyd have stated that they never had any intent to match up their album’s content with the movie, the interesting coincidences still remain. WMGK-FM midday DJ Debbi Calton introduced the film. WMGK-FM’s Debbi Calton and listeners at the Dark Side of Oz screening SU MME R 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 9 H O N O R S Greater Media’s WMMR-FM and WKLB-FM Named among 2014 Marconi Award Finalists & A W A R D S WBT AM/FM Senior Account Executive Scott Whitlock Earns Earle J. Gluck Award The story of WBT AM/ FM and the Boy Scouts of America in the Charlotte region is about key elements in a community coming together. The National Association of Broadcasters has announced the finalists for the 2014 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, honoring radio stations and on-air personalities for excellence in broadcasting. Greater Media Philadelphia’s WMMR-FM was named a finalist in the Major Market Station of the Year category. In addition, station morning personalities Preston & Steve were also among the finalists selected in the Major Market Personality of the Year category. Greater Media Boston’s Country 102.5 WKLB-FM was named in the Country Station of the Year category. The winners were scheduled to be announced September 11 during the Radio Show in Indianapolis. Major Market Station of the Year WMMR-FM, Philadelphia Major Market Personality of the Year Preston and Steve, WMMR-FM, Philadelphia Country Station of the Year WKLB-FM, Boston Recently, at the Boy Scouts Mecklenburg County Council recognition dinner, legendary host James K. Flynn was the master of ceremonies. The keynote speaker was Bo Thompson, the current WBT AM/FM host of Charlotte’s Morning News. Thompson, who had never met Flynn face to face, had the opportunity to publicly thank James K. for being a role model to a youngster who “always knew he wanted to be a radio host.” As part of the night’s activities, Scott Whitlock, a top to bottom, The Earle Gluck Award as presented to WBT AM/FM and WLNK-FM Senior Account Executive Scott Whitlock / Selfie of Scott Whitlock with the station’s Earle Gluck Hall of Fame bust / Scott Whitlock and WBT AM/ FM Charlotte’s Morning News Host Bo Thompson / Scott Whitlock, Bo Thompson and former WBT Morning Show Host James K. Flynn / Bo Thompson gives keynote address. Continued on next page 1 0 G RAPEVINE SU M M E R 2 014 H O N O R S Senior Account Executive for WBT AM/FM and an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow and Scoutmaster for a local troop, was awarded the Earle J. Gluck Training Award presented by the Charlotte Kiwanis Club to the Outstanding Trainer of the Mecklenburg County Council. Interestingly, Mr. Gluck was a founding father of WBT radio, a former president of the local scouting chapter and an inductee into theWBT Hall of Fame. Bo Thompson, an Eagle Scout and currently a Cub Scout leader for his son’s den, spoke on how his love for scouting and his love for radio merged in his teen years. He also reflected on how our journeys may & circle around, and we may have a chance to relive our lives, giving to our youth, through the lens of a parent or mentor. As for the events coming together, Bo said it was surreal to be speaking in the church where he earned his Eagle Scout rank, to share a meal with James K. Flynn and have his friend earn the Earle J. Gluck Award. This year will mark the 100th anniversary of scouting in Mecklenburg County. Bo Thompson and Scott Whitlock will be a part of the leadership team, as scouting reflects on the impact on the youth in the Greater Charlotte area. Who better, than a pair of Eagle Scouts working for the legendary WBT AM/FM to tell great stories to their hometown? A W A R D S WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM Take Top Honors at 2014 New Jersey Broadcasters Association Convention Greater Media New Jersey’s WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM won Best Commercial for Carnation Cleaning at the 2014 New Jersey Broadcasters Association. The awardwinning spot features a fictitious situation where a homeowner has a house full of workers when instead they should have called Carnation Cleaning Corporation of Morristown, NJ, because they do it all! The event was held at Caesars Atlantic City on June 17-18. Special congratulations to Producer Corey Goldberg. SU MME R 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 11 Gabrielle Stravelli By Jeremy Grossman delivers breakout jazz performance at Metropolitan Room Singer Is Daughter of Greater Media Newspapers Managing Editor Gabrielle Stravelli is proud to say that she can finally make her living as a musician. Perhaps the only person prouder is her mother, Greater Media Newspapers Managing Editor Gloria Stravelli. In the past year, Gabrielle’s jazz career has reached impressive heights, so much so that she was able to quit her day job and focus solely on her music. Since graduating from the University of Cincinnati College– Conservatory of Music, Gabrielle has developed a loyal fan following. She has worked with major names in the jazz business like Billy Stritch and Wynton Marsalis. But the big leap came when she booked a four-night solo show at the Metropolitan Room jazz club in Manhattan in July. “When you book four shows in any room, you never really know how it’s going to turn out,” Gabrielle said. “You just take a leap of faith.” It turns out that leap of faith paid off. When Gabrielle and her mother sat down to read The New York Times review of her show—the kind of review that could make or break any artist— they were thrilled. “Gabrielle Stravelli Intoxicates at the Metropolitan Room” read the headline on the review, written by influential New York Times critic Stephen Holden. In his review, Holden described Stravelli’s voice as bright, rippling and exuding a natural effervescence. The fact that she’s been performing to sold-out shows— so much that a fifth show had to be added in August— combined with the unanimous critical acclaim in print and online, promises that Stravelli is on her way to becoming one of the next major names in the world of jazz. “Things tend to be a bit ‘looser’ on a jazz gig,” Gabrielle said when explaining what appeals to her about the genre. “I love the conversation that takes place between all of the musicians on the bandstand when we’re all listening to each other and discovering and creating the music together in the moment.” Gabrielle’s performances also incorporate other genres, including pop, cabaret and musical theater. “I think of myself, proudly, as a hybrid of sorts … I’ve always listened to many different types of music, and I think now more than ever, that’s true of so many people. Do you know anyone whose iPod library has only one or two genres? I don’t!” Legendary cabaret performer Marilyn Maye, whom Gabrielle describes as one of the “best performers on the planet,” directed the breakout show. The pairing is a perfect fit; in his review, Stephen Holden mentioned that he hadn’t seen such a tumultuous ovation at the Metropolitan Room since Maye’s initial appearances there several years ago. “I loved working with her as a director,” Gabrielle said. “She pushes you, lovingly, to give your very best and nothing less. “She dipped and swooped, twirling notes and phrases with a confidence and playfulness that recalled Ella Fitzgerald in her prime,” Holden wrote. left to right, Legendary cabaret singer Marilyn Maye, musical director of Gabrielle Stravelli’s show at the Metropolitan Room, adds the finishing touches to her dress. Gloria Stravelli Photo For Gabrielle, this positive review is more than just a pat on the back, it’s a sign of big things headed her way. Gabrielle Stravelli performs with her trio during the July 17 opening of her Metropolitan Room debut show in Manhattan. Kevin Alvey Photo. Continued on next page 1 2 G RAPEVINE SU M M E R 2 014 She also stresses the importance of never performing in a ‘selfish’ way—never making choices on stage because you’re in love with your own voice or because it’s fun for you to do in a certain way. It’s all about loving the audience and giving them the most exciting, entertaining show possible.” As for Gabrielle’s own advice for aspiring vocalists? Practice, practice, practice and hustle, hustle, hustle. “So many people think that singing is easy—that you just open your mouth, sound comes out, and voila! You’re a singer!” she said. “It takes so much work to be a singer, but it should! No instrumentalist just picks up their instrument and plays it like a professional. The same goes for a singer, and if you really know your craft, people will recognize that and respect you for it. “Now, after you’re done practicing for the day, get out there! People have to hear you in order to hire you. Be in the scene and support other musicians and performers. Go sit in at clubs and restaurants where other people are playing. You can’t get discovered sitting on the couch, right?” Of course, it also helps to have a mom who cares. “My mom and immediate family have always been super supportive of me, and that’s a real blessing,” Gabrielle said. “I never had to deal with parents who nagged me to become a doctor or a lawyer or to ‘get a real job,’ and that’s a huge gift. It’s hard enough to try to make your way as a creative person in the world, so I feel very lucky to have always had support at home.” Her mom also feels fortunate to have a supportive “family” at work. “I had emailed the link to the Times article to a coworker, who then shared it with Executive Editor Donna Kenyon. She in turn forwarded it to the entire editorial department,” Gloria said. “By the time I got into the office, everyone was celebrating with me. How wonderful is that.” To learn more about Gabrielle Stravelli’s music, visit www.gabriellestravelli.com. G Hot 96.9 FM Hosts Studio Launch Party Hot 96.9 FM Presents Drake vs. Lil Wayne The all-new Hot 96.9 FM celebrated summer by showcasing some of Boston’s best concerts with its listeners. Major shows included stops from Beyoncé & Jay Z, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, New Edition, Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga and the highly anticipated battle show of Drake vs. Lil Wayne. Hot 96.9 FM’s Pebbles, Big Mack and Jermaine “Wiggy” Wiggins with VIP-pass listeners before the Drake vs. Lil Wayne concert August 25 at Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA. Hot 96.9 FM’s Deirdre Dagata kicks off the new studio with a new break. The all-new Hot 96.9 FM recently had its studio redone with state-of-the-art equipment. Greater Media Boston Engineers turned around the studio in a mere nine days and made it look larger than life. Hot 96.9 FM celebrated the renovation with an internal staff party at the studio that featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with APD Scott Morello and Morning Show Host Pebbles. The Greater Media Boston staff was invited to tour the studio and treated to a little dance party. Hot 96.9 FM finished the summer season by hosting a VIP Pre-Party at the Xfinity center in Mansfield, MA, at the Drake vs. Lil Wayne show for 100-plus listeners, hosted by the GetUp Crew and Midday Jock Deirdre Dagata. The VIP Pre-Party featured a complimentary BBQ, interactive photo booth to create some unforgettable memories, and tailgating games like beer pong and cornhole. SU MME R 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 13 community GIVING BACK Charlotte’s WBT AM/FM Serves Up Peanut Butter N’ July For the third consecutive year, John Hancock, who can be heard 3-6 PM on News Talk WBT 1110 AM/99.3 FM, teamed up with Harris Teeter and Jif for the Peanut Butter N’ July campaign to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Each Saturday during July, John Hancock was on hand at one of the participating stores, helping to collect peanut butter and spreading the word about the cause. High in protein, peanut butter is one of the most valuable commodities for a food bank and one of the items most requested by those who benefit from their services. This past summer, WBT AM/FM launched a campaign to bring attention to the importance of this product. WBT AM/FM Host John Hancock accepts donations. 107.9 FM The Link Midday Host Kelly McKay stopped by to see John Hancock and donate two cases of peanut butter to the cause. Beginning July 1, the station placed donation bins at 37 participating Harris Teeter grocery stores throughout Mecklenburg County and around the Charlotte area. Listeners were encouraged to stop by to donate a plastic jar of peanut butter. WDHA-FM Morning Jolt’s Operation: Salute Gives Back to NJ Veterans WDHA-FM’s Morning Jolt with Jim Monaghan and Kim Mulligan honored New Jersey veterans this past Memorial Day with the firstever Operation: Salute auction on WDHAFM.com. WDHA-FM set up a series of hard-to-get items for auction on WDHAFM.com that included a golf foursome at a local country club and a guitar autographed by New Jersey Devil Patrick Elias, as MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Nancy Quill (r) backstage with her sister and co-emcee, Barbara, and New York event planner and producer Patrick Menton. G RAPEVINE SU M M E R well as one-of-a-kind experiences including a chance to cohost the lunch hour on WDHA-FM with Midday Host Terrie Carr or a personal baseball lesson with Morning Jolt Host Jim Monaghan. The proceeds benefited the G.I. Go Fund, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide help to veterans looking to find employment, access to housing, and assistance securing education and health benefits. In total, the 11 auction items generated more than $2,800 for the G.I. Go Fund. MAGIC 98.3 FM & WCTC-AM Cheer On Paint-Splattered Runners in Komen Kolor 5K Runners pass by the MAGIC 98.3 FM tent. 1 4 greater media gives back to the community 2 014 MAGIC 98.3 FM and 1450 WCTC-AM got together with Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ, to add a little color to the summer. Participants arrived at the park in the morning to run through a three-mile path, while being covered with paint by strategically positioned staff members. The Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Komen Kolor 5K commenced on June 14, and what started with a stampede of white shirts ended with a cavalcade of orange-, blue-, and greensplattered men and women. The Kolor 5K tickets included day passes for the theme park, which meant Komen Kolor 5K runners get covered in orange paint. that the fun didn’t end after the paint ran out. MAGIC 98.3 FM and 1450 WCTC-AM were on the scene, providing music and entertainment along the trail. The MAGIC 98.3 FM tent was located at the very start of the 5K, ensuring that the staff had frontrow seats when the runners were met with their first coat of orange paint. Additionally, a raffle box gave guests the opportunity to win a family pack of tickets to a waterpark, undoubtedly the best way to clean off after a successful Kolor 5K! Continued on next page Local High School Choir Wins WROR-FM Contest to Sing on Stage with Foreigner The Brockton High School choir performed for the Loren & Wally Morning Show. At every stop along their tour Foreigner works with a local radio station to conduct a contest to find a high school choir to sing “I Want to Know What Love Is” live on stage with them. Each winning school receives a grant of $500, and additional funds are donated to the GRAMMY Foundation for music education programs. 105.7 WROR-FM hosted the Boston “I Want to Know What Love Is” contest, and after beating out their competition via online voting at wror.com, the “Juke Box Hero Fantasy” came true for Brockton High School. The choir performed live in-studio with the Loren & Wally Morning Show and a few days later on June 19 took the stage with Foreigner at the Blue Hills Bank Pavilion. Local Youth Shadow WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM Staff Last spring, WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM began a shadowing program with the youth group from Daytop New Jersey, a substance abuse treatment center in northern New Jersey. The students spent the day touring the WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM facilities in Cedar Knolls, NJ, learning about the air studio, production, sales, programming and promotions. After their tour, the students were treated to a working lunch, where managers from every department explained what they did and how their job affects the overall success of the radio station. This visit is beginning an outreach program between Daytop and WDHA-FM/WMTR-AM. The students will return in the fall to continue to shadow the different departments as well as have an opportunity to create programs of their own to better learn how the radio station works. WDHA-FM’s 4th Annual Rock N’ Ruff Adoption Day Is Huge Success 105.5 WDHA-FM celebrated its fourth annual Rock N’ Ruff Adoption Day and Pet Supply Drive on June 7 at the WDHA-FM studios in Cedar Knolls, NJ. The event supported nine local shelters that came to the studios to showcase some of their most adoptable pets to the WDHA-FM listeners. Celebrities on hand included Daniel “the Beagle” Dwyer, a gaschamber survivor, and rescue dog advocate Anne Marie Lucas, star of the hit TV show Animal Cops, as well as the rock band Adrenaline Mob, who performed an acoustic set live for the audience. The event also featured the first-ever WDHA-FM Metallicat Booth as well as a cat trailer to keep the adoptable cats on-site cool. WDHA-FM topped it off by giving away many prizes, including tickets to WDHA-FM’s Rock the Rock with Aerosmith in September and a trip to Dog Camp, the Winery Dog’s fantasy band camp in July. The event supports local animal shelters as well as WDHA-FM’s Rock N’ Ruff program. Created in the spring of 2010 by WDHAFM Midday Host, Music Director and animal lover Terrie Carr, the feature has found homes for hundreds of homeless animals in New Jersey. Rock N’ Ruff is supported by a biweekly adoption web piece produced by Terrie and WDHA-FM, and is also constantly featured “on the road” at different pet events around New Jersey, including WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM’s Puptoberfest, which takes place each September. Case for Adoption Day and Pet Supply Drive found homes for 25 animals and raised a record amount of supplies for the participating shelters in just three hours. clockwise from top, WDHA-FM’s Terrie Carr with Anne Marie Lucas of Animal Cops WDHA-FM’s Metallicat arrives at Adoption ay. WDHA-FM’s Curtis Kay, Scott Evil and Terrie Carr with Winery Dogs’ “Dog Treats” winners WDHA-FM’s Scott Evil and Metallicat with an adoptable kitten Adrenaline Mob performs live. Continued on page 16 SU MME R 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 15 community GIVING BACK greater media gives back to the community Detroit Sports 105.1 FM, Tigers Players Help Raise $23,000 at Tip A Tiger The 4th annual Tip A Tiger charity event proved to be another success. Detroit Tigers players served drinks to fans on June 5 at CJ Mahoney’s in Troy, MI, to raise money for the Detroit Tigers Foundation. The organization is an affiliate of Illitch Charities, which promotes youth baseball in the Greater Detroit area. Tigers pitchers Joba Chamberlain and Joe Nathan led 10 of their teammates to sling drinks for tips, which also benefited Nathan’s Save It Foundation and Chamberlain’s Delivering Dreams Foundation. Joining the two relievers were 2013 American League Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello, Nick Castellanos, J.D. Martinez and more. 101 WRIF-FM Holds First Biker Bash At the DTE Energy Music Theatre on July 19, 101 WRIF-FM hosted the first annual Biker Bash along with ABC Harley-Davidson and Made In Detroit. The morning kicked off with a Charity Ride to Biker Bash with the proceeds benefitting Ted Nugent’s Kamp for Kids and Freedom’s Angels. Once at the party, there was live music, a vendor village, a dunk tank, mechanical bull, food and drinks. Then that night, Ted Nugent took the stage inside the amphitheater to rock for his hometown. But it isn’t a Riff party if it is not over the top. So for five weeks leading up to the Biker Bash, listeners had their shot to score one of 101 keys that could unlock a 2014 Dyna Low Rider Harley. And this wasn’t just a standard motorcycle ... this one was customized and autographed by Detroit’s own Kid Rock. All of the key winners arrived at the party to see who would unlock the oneof-a-kind Harley-Davidson. After many keys were tried, Riff listener Mitch’s key popped the lock and he was the new owner of a Kid Rock-autographed Harley! Fox Sports Detroit personalities also took part in the fun, including Tigers TV commentator Rod Allen, Craig Monroe, Shannon Hogan, John Keating and the Fox Sports Detroit girls. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM afternoon hosts Drew Lane and Marc Fellhauer broadcasted live from Tip A Tiger. Attendees had the option of bidding on autographed sports memorabilia, courtesy of Take 2 Authentics. More than $23,000 was raised for charity by the end of the night. Other Greater Media Detroit personalities on hand were: 101 WRIFFM’s Anne Carlini, Meltdown, Screamin’ Scott, Jade, Andy Green and WRIF Rock Girl Ashley, along with 94.7 WCSX-FM’s Trudi Daniels, Jim O’Brien, Dave Dahmer, Pam Rossi, Jim Paolucci and Scott Shepard. top to bottom, Detroit Tigers pitcher Joba Chamberlain with the Detroit Sports 105.1 Knockouts during Tip A Tiger. / Detroit Sports 105.1 FM’s Matt Dery and the Knockouts visit Drew Lane and Marc Fellauer as they broadcast live from Tip A Tiger inside CJ Mahoney’s. clockwise from top, Rock Girl Ashley with the customized Dyna Low Rider Harley signed by Kid Rock / WRIF-FM key winners wait their turn to try their luck. / The Biker Bash Charity Ride departs ABC Harley-Davidson en route to DTE Energy Music Theatre. / WRIF-FM listener and Biker Bash winner Mitch with Meltdown, Screamin’ Scott, Anne Carlini and Riff Rock Girl Ashley Continued on next page 1 6 G RAPEVINE SU M M E R 2 014 MAGIC 98.3 FM and 1450 WCTC-AM’s Charity Golf Tournament Promotes Top-Notch Medical Care Central Jersey’s own MAGIC 98.3 FM and 1450 WCTC-AM hosted their 2nd annual Charity Golf Tournament at Royce Brook Golf Club-West on July 16, in Hillsborough, NJ. Located in the heart of Somerset County, the Royce Brook Golf Club-West is routed through abundant forested areas and wetlands, ranking in Golf Club Digest’s Top 20 courses to visit! its emergency department. The raffle winners were announced at the awards banquet and dinner. Prizes included golf bags, a Weber Genesis Series Grill, a 39-inch LED TV, Yankees tickets, a $50 World of Beer gift card, Six Flag Great Adventure passes, a woman’s Movado Museum watch, a Frigidaire Wine Cooler, and many more. The weather was absolutely beautiful and sunny as 21 foursomes registered bright and early to play. The event ran from 11 in the morning until 8 o’clock in the evening with groups teeing off at 1 PM. The foursomes started their day with bags of small gifts, including three golf balls, courtesy of the MAGIC 98.3 FM and WCTC-AM team. After registration everyone was invited to a barbecue lunch with the choice of enjoying the meal inside or on the patio overlooking the course. The sun was shining for tee-off at 1 o’clock. At hole 17, there was a meet and greet with WCTC-AM Host and Program Director Bert Baron. Baron gave foursomes a morning drive, allowing groups to receive an extra drive off the hole. After registering, guests had the choice of purchasing raffle tickets and mulligans. Proceeds from the raffle tickets went directly to Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Saint Peter’s initiated this campaign to raise $8 million in philanthropic funds to support a $17 million renovation and expansion of “With some of the groups my shot was the best, with some other top to bottom, WCTC-AM Program Director Bert Baron (left) and MAGIC 98.3 FM Morning Show Host Chris McCoy hosting the golf outing banquet / Marketing and Event Coordinator Chris Moore plays golf pong. / From left, Account Executive Frank Migliorino, Account Executive Lew Skeen, Bert Baron, Chris McCoy and Chris Moore groups my shot was the worst. All in all it was an exciting day for our listeners and sponsors,” said Baron. At the clubhouse, MAGIC’s on-air host Jeff Rafter was also holding a meet and greet while broadcasting live and replenishing guests with cold beer, courtesy of sponsor Miller Lite. Guests could also enter to win the Frigidaire Wine Cooler at Rafter’s tent by participating in golf pong. The hole-in-one prizes included $10,000 and a new car sponsored by Crystal Auto of Green Brook. By 6 o’clock, all the foursomes finished golfing and everyone joined the MAGIC 98.3 FM and WCTC-AM team for cocktails and dinner while the awards ceremony was being held. Saint Peter’s raised more than $3,000 through the raffle tickets. The company ended up selling over $150,000 in sponsorship advertising. We look forward to a third year of this event with the support of everyone who helped make this fun event such a success! 100.1 WJRZ-FM Launches Hittin’ the Links Golf Outing 100.1 WJRZ kicked off summer by doing something great for the community with their inaugural WJRZ-FM Hittin’ the Links charity golf tournament to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County on June 26 at the picturesque Sea Oaks Country Club in Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Big Brothers clockwise from left, WJRZ-FM Program Director and Afternoon Drive Host Glenn Kalina (left) and Matt Knight in the Morning / Enjoying WJRZ-FM’s first Hittin’ the Links golf outing are Senior Account Representative Erik Stromborn, WJRZ-FM Promotions Director Marie Senkeleski, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County CEO Sue Sedivec, Glenn Kalina and Greater Media NJ Senior Vice President/Regional General Manager Dan Finn. / WJRZ-FM Program Director and Afternoon Drive Host Glenn Kalina (right) with the golfers Big Sisters of Ocean County offers life-changing, preventive programs that help children avoid risky behavior by pairing them with a positive adult role model. They currently provide community-, school- and sitebased programs to more than 600 county children, ages 5 through 17. The golfers enjoyed a welcome lunch BBQ and an amazing day of golf with lots of prizes that culminated with an awards banquet hosted by Program Director and Afternoon Drive Host Glenn Kalina. 100.1 WJRZFM was able to present a check from the proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County for $5,709. Continued on page 22 SU MME R 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 17 snapshots greater media in pictures FACES & PLACES 1 6 12 14 13 7 15 16 2 17 18 8 3 19 9 4 10 5 1 8 11 G RAPEVINE SU M M E R 2 014 20 21 22 1. The Detroit Sports 105.1 FM Knockouts pose with Matt Dery and Detroit Pistons radio play-by-play man Mark Champion during the NBA Draft Party at the Palace of Auburn Hills. 2. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM’s Drew Lane, Matt Dery and Marc Fellhauer pose with Detroit Pistons dancers during the 2014 NBA Draft Party at the Palace of Auburn Hills. 3. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM staffers enjoy the sun with Tito’s Handmade Vodka girls during the first Matt Dery Golf Outing at Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club. 4. WCSX-FM displays the Stone Soup car at the Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise. Patrons purchased raffle tickets to benefit Holy Cross Children’s Charities. 5. WCSX-FM winners of the Perform on Stage with Foreigner contest! Members of the choir from the Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music won the WCSX-FM contest for a chance to perform live on stage with the band Foreigner at Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, singing “I Want to Know What Love Is.” 6. WMTR-AM’s Chris Edwards poses with a classic car at Dalessio Chevy Buick. 7. WMTR-AM’s Promotions staffer Thaddeus at a local car show. 8. WDHA-FM’s Curtis Kay, Terrie Carr and Kim Mulligan with the winner of WDHA-FM’s Ultimate Summer Hookup Prize Pack giveaway on June 14. 9. WDHA-FM’s Scott Evil and John Hodorovych enjoy the grand opening of Joe Canal’s sports bar. 10. WDHA-FM’s Promotions Staff Member Gabby with members of the Kiss Army before their show in Holmdel, NJ. 11. WMMR-FM’s Caseyboy (l) and Matt Cord (r) en route from Philly to Atlantic City for Tour de Shore charity bike ride. 12. WMMR-FM’s Caseyboy (right) and an official Coors Light Explorer host a #SkipFriday afternoon event at Xfinity Live in Philadelphia. 13. WMMR-FM’s Jacky Bam Bam goes “Starchild while a young fan goes with Gene Simmons’ “The Demon” look at the Kiss/Def Leppard concert on August 3. 14. Jake Johnson & Damon Wayans Jr. from Let’s Be Cops stop by the Preston & Steve studio for a Buddy Cop Trivia Pop-Quiz. 15. WMMR-FM’s Markus heads up Team WMMR for the American Cancer Society Bike-a-thon, finishing in 7th place in team fundraising. 16. Walking Dead star Michael Rooker dons a Preston & Steve Walking Deadinspired T-shirt at the Philadelphia Comic Con Wizard World. 17. WMMR-FM’s Pierre Robert debuts the new Tom Petty record on cool blue vinyl during Pierre’s daily Vinyl Cut feature. 18. Up-and-comers Royal Blood bookend WMMR-FM PD Bill Weston and MD Sean Tyszler. 19. The Loren & Wally Morning Show after the #ALSicebucketchallenge #StrikeOutALS. Poor LBF—tough being the only girl in the boys club! 20. The Loren & Wally Morning Show takes listeners on a Codzilla ride! 21. 105.7 WROR-FM crowns Boston’s Hottest Mom! Happy Mother’s Day! 22. Eamon from the WROR-FM Street Team at the Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival. 23. WRIF-FM Midday Host Anne Carlini with NASCAR driver Joey Logano at the WRIF-FM studios. 24. WRIF-FM Personality and Asst. PD Andy Green prepares to head to the WRIF-FM Biker Bash in a sidecar. 25. Rock Girls Ashley and Lyndsey with a lucky Riff listener as they waved the starting flag at the Detroit Grand Prix. 26. WRIF-FM Weekend Host Steve Black with Detroit Tigers TV announcer Rod Allen. 27. WRIFFM Afternoon Drive Host Meltdown with Detroit Tigers pitcher Joba Chamberlain. 28. WRIF-FM’s Jade Springart having a good time with Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer. 29. WRIF-FM Evening Host Screamin’ Scott supporting the men and women of the Army with customized WRIF Army Stickers 30. WJRZFM’s Matt Knight in the Morning loving Pirate Fest! 31. WJRZ-FM Midday Host TJ Bryan “clowning around” the circus! 32. WJRZ-FM Program Director and Afternoon Drive Host Glenn Kalina with 2014 Cutest Pet winner, Chloe! 24 23 25 26 28 30 27 29 31 32 Continued on next page SU MME R 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 19 snapshots greater media in pictures FACES & PLACES 33. WJRZ-FM’s and WRAT-FM’s mascots are best buds! 34. Hot 96.9 FM’s Street Teamer Brian holds Captain America’s powerful shield at a Motor City Comic Con press event. 35. Hawaiian Shirt Friday with (l-r) John Lisk, Bert Baron, Ginny Otte and Dan Henrickson 36. WCTC-AM Program Director Bert Baron with Emmy-award winning writer, comedian and actor Dennis Miller backstage at The Borgata in Atlantic City. 37. Program Director and Morning Show Host Bert Baron with Lea Moelk, Mrs. New Jersey International 2014. 38. Mike Pavlichko (l), Bert Baron (center) and Dan Henrickson (r) at the Rutgers Big 10 Big Party. 39. Hot 96.9 FM’s Melissa, Roy and Big Mack meeting New Edition. 40. WCTC Program Director Bert Baron (l) backstage at the NJ Performing Arts Center with rock and roll legend Tommy James. 41. Buzz Knight, VP, Program Development, takes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. 42. WCSX-FM’s Ken Calvert and Jim O’Brien hand out trophies at the KC Casual Golf Outing 43. Brian Bell, producer for WROR-FM’s Loren & Wally show, participated in the Run to Home Base at Fenway Park in July. He ran the 9K inside Fenway Park to benefit the Home Base Program with his neighbor, Afghanistan veteran Sgt. Rob Breese. 44. WKLB-FM’s JW and Lori and Lori take a selfie with Sheryl Crow. 45. The Country 102.5 FM crew with Rascal Flatts at the annual Country 102.5 Country Music Festival 33 34 35 36 G 37 38 39 40 43 42 2 0 G RAPEVINE FA S UL M LM E2 R 0 1 23 0 1 4 41 44 45 G By Jennifer Williams Director of Interactive Marketing Greater Media, Inc. G Interactive Corner Greater Media Interactive Day of Creativity Goes Pop “Once you ‘got’ Pop, you could never see a sign again the same way again. And once you thought Pop, you could never see America the same way again.” —Andy Warhol Pop culture and music are the focus of much of the content creation work done by the Greater Media Interactive team. We find great truth in Warhol’s words regarding getting “Pop” and how that applies to our storytelling mission. That’s why we felt it was fate that the world-premiere presentation of the Warhol on Vinyl: The Record Covers, 1949– 1987+ exhibit recently opened at Cranbrook Art Museum near our Detroit offices. We were thrilled to be able to host the GMI Internship Day of Creativity at Cranbrook Art Museum on July 23. Held quarterly, the Day of Creativity is a fun part of the internship program syllabus. Our day began with a private tour of the exhibit from Shoshana Resnikoff, Collections Fellow with Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research. Resnikoff offered us insight into unique pieces in the collection, including three recently discovered covers. She took time to talk with the team about the lasting legacy of Warhol’s work that can still be seen in album art today. As you would expect, we spent time in the listening booths that were a part of the exhibit. There we could select albums featuring Warhol art—yes, vinyl—and listen to and experience the relationship between the art and music. After the tour, we headed to lunch to discuss what we learned from the exhibit and Warhol’s contribution to music and Pop culture. The day, designed to inspire us to look beyond the ordinary and discover the extraordinary, will go down in the books as one of our favorites. Learn more about the Warhol on Vinyl: The Record Covers, 1949–1987+ exhibit at: cranbrookart.edu/museum. G top to bottom, Day of Creativity at the Cranbrook Museum / GMI Digital Content Manager Troy Frisby at the Warhol Listening Station / GMI Digital Content Manager Erica Banas at the Warhol Listening Station below, Graphic Design intern Natalie Guido’s take on celebrating Andy Warhol’s birthday / Souvenirs from the GMI Day of Creativity We were amazed to see the wide range of album art that Warhol created from the cover art for Thelonious Monk’s 1954 album with Sonny Rollins and Frank Foster to the 1960 spoken word printing of Tennessee Williams Reading from The Glass Menagerie, The Yellow Bird and Five Poems to the Rolling Stones’ iconic Sticky Fingers cover art. SU MME R 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 21 community GIVING BACK 102.9 WMGK-FM’s 8th annual John DeBella Veterans Radiothon was a huge success. The radiothon has already raised $144,173 to benefit local veterans via the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC). One of this year’s biggest contributors was rocker Rod Stewart. The raspy-voiced singer donated $10,000 as well as an autographed guitar. The guitar raised $2,500 in one of the online eBay auctions that the station held. All funds raised from the online auctions also went to the VMC. Rock Legend Rod Stewart Donates to DeBella Veterans Radiothon on WMGK-FM The Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service Center’s mission is to provide services, programs, opportunity and advancement to veterans of the U.S. military and their families. Each year they serve 2,500 individual veterans, provide more than 172,000 meals to homeless veterans, and place more than 300 veterans in jobs and more than 500 in housing. An impressive list of celebrities called in on Friday, June 14, from 6 AM to 6 PM to voice their support for this year’s radiothon: Kiss’s Paul Stanley and comedians Jeff Foxworthy, Dom Irrera and Lewis Black. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter also called in to encourage listeners to support the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our country. G top to bottom The John DeBella Show staff poses with Rod Stewart backstage at Rod’s show at the Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, in December. The guitar they are holding was signed by Rod, and auctioned during this year’s Veterans Radiothon to raise money for the cause. John DeBella’s wife, Lisa, and her sister, Angela Kapp, also made a significant contribution to this year’s radiothon. They matched every $100 donation, resulting in an additional $15,000. The donation was made in memory of their father, decorated World War II veteran Harold Kapp. G RAPEVINE SU M M E R WMGK-FM advertisers also rose to the occasion this year. Donations came in from Delaware Valley College, CertainTeed, Keswick Cycle, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, SugarHouse Casino, Pennsylvania National Guard, Drexel University, Godshall’s Quality Meats, and Always Best Care Senior Services. Comcast Spectacor, Dave Magrogan Group and The Patriots Motorcycle Club also made sizeable contributions. Over the past eight years, John DeBella has raised more than $644,173for the VMC in his annual radiothon. His dedication to veterans has been recognized by various organizations—the VMC has named an award after him and in 2012 he received the Veteran Champion of the Year award from the Philadelphia Small Business Association. “In December we had a great interview with Rod, and he invited the show backstage to meet and have a drink,” commented the very grateful John DeBella. “We arrived with a guitar and asked him to sign it for the Veterans Radiothon. That’s when we found out what a huge veterans supporter he was, and he offered to call back for the radiothon. We were thrilled to have him back on the air, and shocked when we later found out that he made a $10,000 donation through the VMC website. The man walks the walk.” 2 2 greater media gives back to the community Rock icon Rod Stewart donated this signed guitar as well as $10,000 in support of the WMGK-FM Veterans Radiothon. WMGK-FM’s John DeBella and Jen Posner and Major Brock Schultheis of the Pennsylvania National Guard 2 014 WMGQ-FM Is Media Sponsor for By Kathy Chang Derek Jeter-Themed Corn Maze at NJ Farm Unique Idea Has Received National Attention WMGQ-FM MAGIC 98.3 is in its second year as media sponsor for the annual corn maze at VonThun Farms in South Brunswick, NJ. The corn maze tribute to Derek Jeter at VonThun Farms in Central New Jersey has garnered national attention. This is the second year that WMGQ-FM has been the media sponsor for the maze. This year’s theme is a tribute to Derek Jeter, the longtime New York Yankees shortstop. “Derek Jeter is admired by many, even those who don’t like baseball or the Yankees,” said Jeff Rafter, Program Director and Operations Manager at MAGIC 98.3 FM. “He did it the right way: hard work and class. He has received many tributes and gifts this year, as he plays his final season.” Cindy Von Thun, whose family owns VonThun Farms, which includes her husband Bob Jr. and his parents Bob Sr. and Sue, said as they were brainstorming ideas for this year’s theme, Derek Jeter’s name was floating around. “My son Tim and a lot of our employees are fans of Derek Jeter,” she said. And since Jeter, dubbed Captain Clutch, is retiring this year, the Von Thun family thought it would be a great way to honor his successful career. The theme is “Tribute to Derek Jeter.” “This was something different and [Derek Jeter] is an all-around great guy that we all have much respect for,” Cindy Von Thun said. Carved into the farm’s five-plus-acre corn maze—stalks reaching 6 to 7 feet tall—is a likeness of Derek Jeter, his number 2, and the words “Thanks Captain Clutch.” The corn maze tribute features four miles of twists, turns and fun interactive family activities. The design has reached national attention through media coverage— from blogger Perez Hilton to ESPN and The Seattle Times. Rafter said because the corn maze is very unique this year, they are not too surprised by the national coverage. “We are happy to be part of it … it sure is fun,” he said. Von Thun said the themed corn mazes began in 2008. She said they come up with a rough draft of a design, which is plugged into a computer program, and they work with The Maize, Inc. out of Utah to make the design a reality. This year, the company did a walk-through in July and cut the maze. The inaugural corn maze in 2008 was themed for the Farmers Against Hunger, a New Jersey-based organization to preserve and enhance agriculture, farming and related activities and businesses in New Jersey through educational, informational and promotional programs. Over the next few years, the maze was themed for the Rutgers University football team. One year, the maze was themed for the Brothers Helping Brothers, an organization of firefighters helping other firefighters who are injured or killed in the line of duty. Along with the corn maze, VonThun Farms, located at 505 Ridge Road, features apple and pumpkin picking, and more than 20 weekend attractions for the whole family, including hayrides, inflatable bounces, farm animals and more. This year marks the farm’s 26th season of family agri-tainment offered on the farm. The maze will be open daily through October 31. Additional agri-tainment activities are offered on weekends. G SU MME R 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 23 By Peggy Primiano WRIF-FM Collaborates with Dodge for DODGE ROCK CITY AT WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE Millions of people come from near and far to see all different cars cruise Woodward Avenue in Detroit every year at the Dream Cruise. This year, Dodge partnered with WRIF-FM to bring Richard Rawlings from Discovery Channel’s Fast N’ Loud reality series to the Woodward Dream Cruise (WDC) on August 16. N’ Loud reality show. Richard and his friend Dennis came in for WDC. He drove the Hellcat up and down Woodward with WRIF Rock Girl Ashley throughout the day. A custom-wrapped Dodge/ WRIF Winnebago followed them along the route. In the Winnebago, the Dodge Girls, the WRIF Street Team, and Dennis passed out T-shirts, WRIF stickers, and Hellcat paddles,” Sbrocca explained. WDC started in 1995 when a group of volunteers looked to relive and re-create the nostalgic heydays of the ’50s and ’60s, when youth, music and Motor City steel roamed Woodward Avenue. That year, 250,000 people participated. Today, WDC is the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars from around the globe. “The official Dodge area, Dodge Rock City, was located at 13 Mile and Woodward. We were on site from 9 AM to 9 PM. Our jocks, Anne Carlini, Meltdown and Screamin’ Scott, were the masters of ceremony for Dodge Rock City. We had live broadcasts and live bands all day. At one point, there were so many people at the site that you couldn’t move. Even Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis noted that WDC never saw a crowd like that before,” she added. WRIF-FM’s partnership with Dodge for this event began when Account Executive Andrea Sbrocca reached out to Dodge advertising agency Universal McCann with an idea to do a Motley Crue giveaway. “Motley Crue’s ‘Kickstart My Heart’ is in the Dodge commercials right now, and we felt Dodge and WRIF were a perfect marriage since both parties are affiliated with Motley Crue. The agency came back to us about doing the giveaways with Motley Crue but also doing it at WDC. There were several meetings with the partners and Dodge executives about the best way to implement this huge event on such short notice. We had about four to six weeks to pull it off,” Sbrocca said. At the event, WRIF-FM partnered with Dodge to promote the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat. “Dodge also has a relationship with Richard Rawlings of the Fast 24 G RAPEVINE clockwise from top left, Richard Rawlings and Dennis from Fast n’ Loud with WRIF-FM Sales Rep Andrea Sbrocca and Riff Rock Girl Ashley at the Dodge Rock City Party / Dodge Rock City partygoers watch Richard Rawlings welcome the band Rockstar to the stage. / WRIF-FM Midday Host Anne Carlini and Riff Rock Girl Ashley check out the limited-edition Dodge Hellcat WRIF-FM sticker. / Richard Rawlings from Fast n’ Loud with Riff Rock Girl Ashley before the Woodward Dream Cruise. / WRIF-FM booth at Dodge Rock City Party / Riff Rock Girl Ashley and WRIF-FM Sales Rep Andrea Sbrocca with two of the Dodge Hellcat Girls / Richard Rawlings, for Discovery Channel’s Fast n’ Loud, on the air with Dave & Chuck the Freak (Cohost Lisa Way in the foreground) S U M M E R To publicize WDC and Dodge, WRIF-FM debuted the Hellcat at Dave & Chuck the Freak’s BBQ Bash on August 1. Kuniskis and other Dodge executives drove two 2015 Hellcats to the event. At the event, Dave & Chuck the Freak interviewed Kuniskis, who announced that WRIF was partnering with Dodge for WDC and that the Dodge area would be called Dodge Rock City. Special VIP Motley Crue fliers were given away at the event too. “This event created a lot of buzz about the Hellcat and Dodge Rock City for WDC,” Sbrocca said. “The next event we collaborated on was the Motley Crue concert on August 9 at DTE Energy Music Continued on next page 2 014 Theatre in Detroit. Dodge is the national sponsor of the tour, and WRIF was there to broadcast live from the concert, so it made perfect sense to be on site together. At WRIF’s display, we set up two Dodge Hellcats and also gave away fliers for the Dodge Rock City event,” she said. Dodge Rock City was also publicized at the August 11 Motorcycle Mondays at Albert’s on the Alley in Garden City; August 13 at Dooley’s Bike Night in Roseville; and at WRIF-FM’s Meltdown broadcast, which was live at The Rockstar Energy top to bottom, The WRIF-FM Booth at the Dodge Rock City Party where attendees could play the “Hellcat” ringtone on their phone to redeem for a Dodge Gas Monkey Garage T-shirt. / Chuck Urquhart, Lisa Way, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, and Dave Hunter with the 2015 Dodge Hellcat at Dave & Chuck the Freak’s Backyard BBQ G Uproar Festival at DTE Energy Music Theatre. At the Dream Cruise, WRIF held hourly drawings for a pair of tickets to the November 8 Motley Crue concert at Joe Louis Arena, Detroit. Attendees were also in the running for the grand prize: the Ultimate Motley Crue Experience at the November 8 show, to include upgraded tickets and a meet/greet with the band. “This was our first collaboration with Dodge but I am sure it’s not the last. There has been talk about maybe doing something at the North American International Auto Show (in Detroit) in January. We see Dodge Rock City as being an annual event. Our hope is to make 2015 even bigger and better than this year was!” Sbrocca said. G Buzz Knight Vice President of Program Development Greater Media, Inc. G Greater Insights Radio Gains a Voice on the Council for Research Excellence I recently received some exciting news about being added as a member of the Council for Research Excellence. When I first heard about CRE right after the acquisition of Arbitron, I was intrigued about what this organization could bring to the audio industry. Many of you I’m sure know little or nothing about the Council for Research Excellence. CRE consists of 40 Nielsen clients who are senior-level research professionals representing agencies and media companies. Since 2005, the council has collaborated on many research projects with the intent to give impactful data across the industry. It was formed and funded by Nielsen as an independent “think tank.” As a member of both the Radio Advisory Council and the National Association of Broadcasters’ Committee on Local Radio Audience Measurement, I know that both committees advocated Nielsen to admit members of the audio community into CRE so radio could get its well-deserved seat at the table. Our industry should be pleased that Nielsen heard that request loud and clear and complied with that request. So why am I excited about being a member of the Council for Research Excellence? First and foremost, as a proradio advocate, I’m glad we are in the same discussion as our counterparts in TV. The CRE roster is very rich and experienced, and to have radio on that team is a thrill. (Check out website at www. researchexcellence.com.) Second, I love being exposed to new intelligent minds that all of us in the industry can learn from. The CRE mission is to identify specific methodological research on audience measurement and report the findings to the Nielsen client base. Members from radio besides Greater Media are Univision (Kathleen Bohan), Radio Advertising Bureau (Andy Rainey) and Katz Media Group (Stacey Schulman). though all media outlets face new challenges and opportunities every day, radio does have its own unique set of them to consider. In my view, “research excellence” means that whether it’s your own internal “think tank” or it’s the Council for Research Excellence, you bring together the brightest, most curious minds and ask questions about listener/ consumer behavior to help grow your brand. As radio tries to meet all of its challenges head-on, we need to “sharpen our saw” and learn from the television industry and consumers. I hope that all of us can bring a fresh perspective and curiosity from within our industry. Even SU MME R G 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 25 music the music that makes greater media MUSIC AT GREATER MEDIA LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING Radio 92.9 FM Presents New Musical Obstacle Race: Rock and Run Boston RADIO 92.9 FM recently launched a brand-new obstacle race called Rock and Run Boston. The inaugural race took place at the newly developed Assembly Row in Somerville, MA, on June 21. The course for Rock and Run Boston was approximately 3.1 miles long and featured a mix of fully staffed obstacles such as monkey bars, climbs, hurdles and walls. Rock and Run Boston also featured live musical acts at every mile marker along the course. After crossing the finish line, runners were invited to relax at a post-race party featuring a beer garden for adults and interactive demos and sampling from event sponsors and partners. The party was capped off by an exclusive performance by a national recording artist. Radio 92.9 FM is no stranger to the event space, having owned and produced the long-running and hugely successful Radio 92.9 Earth Fest for almost two decades. Rock and Run will further Radio 92.9 FM’s commitment to creating fun, innovative events for listeners in the Boston market. “The Radio 92.9 team is excited to bring to Boston what promises to be a physically challenging and hugely entertaining event,” said Rob Williams, Vice President and Market Manager of Greater Media Boston. “We’re especially happy to raise needed funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.” The race was open to males and females over the age of 16. The cost of entry included an official Rock and Run racer shirt, entrance into the exclusive post-race concert and refreshments at the postrace party. Racers were also able to register either as a “solo artist” (single runner) or as a “band” (team) with 3-10 runners. Big Data and Nemes were two of the bands that Rock and Run participants heard as they made their way to the after-party. 2 6 G RAPEVINE S U M M E R 2 014 The official charity partner of Rock and Run Boston was the Wounded Warrior Project, whose purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. Continued on next page COUNTRY 102.5 FM Listeners Pack Zac Brown Band Pre- and Post-Parties The Zac Brown Band continued a country music tradition at Fenway Park in Boston this summer, playing two sold-out shows on June 27 and 28. Country 102.5 FM was there, continuing our own tradition of great pre- and post-parties on Lansdowne Street, and handing out hundreds of brand-new Country 102.5 FM T-shirts to listeners at the show! Zac Brown did not disappoint, with amazing covers of Jimmy Buffett and Led Zeppelin, as well as performing his own megahits like “Sweet Annie” and “Chicken Fried.” Plus, lucky Country 102.5 winners met Zac before the show at his one-of-a-kind “Eat and Greet.” It was two nights of country music the city will not forget! Clockwise from far left, Zac Brown takes to the stage at the historical Fenway Park for the first of a twonight sold-out series. / Country 102.5 FM fans scoring their new shirts before heading into the soldout show / Program Director Mike Brophey and Music Director Ginny Rogers hang with Zac Brown before the big show at Fenway Park. / Nothing compares to having your name on the Green Monster. Continued on next page 94.7 WCSX-FM Rocks the Riverfront with Annual Concert Series Each summer 94.7 WCSX-FM rocks the Detroit riverfront with its Rockin’ on the Riverfront concert series! This free concert series has been a staple in Detroit for nine years, and the lineup gets better and better! The series ran every Friday night from July 9 through August 15. This year’s lineup included The Guess Who, Leon Russell, Starship, April Wine & The Rockets, Eddie Money, and America! This year WCSX-FM took things a step further and gave local bands the chance to open for three of the six Rockin’ on the Riverfront shows. Three lucky bands opened for The Guess Who, Leon Russell, and Starship! left to right, Listeners get ready for the show. / Leon Russell performs at WCSXFM’s Rockin’ on the Riverfront concert on July 18. SU MME R 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 27 music the music that makes greater media MUSIC AT GREATER MEDIA WRIF-FM Announces Rocktober Throwdown Lineup 101 WRIF-FM presents global rock heavyweights Five Finger Death Punch and Volbeat at Compuware Arena on October 8, 2014. Joining the headliners are special guests Hellyeah as direct support and Nothing More as the opener. at the format. Their latest, “Dead but Rising,” recently hit the peak of the chart. Since forming in Copenhagen in 2000, Volbeat has released five studio albums and two live offerings that have turned the band into superstars, collecting platinum discs and prestigious awards and making them one of the most talked-about bands around the world. Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies debuted at No. 1 in Denmark alongside Canada, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Austria. The new release saw a debut at No. 2 in Finland, No. 4 in the Netherlands and Sweden, and No. 9 in the United States. The upcoming tour marks Volbeat’s fifth visit to North America this album cycle. This past year, the band has been one of the largest touring draws on the European continent. Cumulatively, Volbeat has performed for more than a million fans since the current album was released. Five Finger Death Punch, undoubtedly one of the most relevant and successful rock bands globally, dominated 2013 with the releases The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 1 and Volume 2. Both volumes debuted on the U.S. Billboard album chart at No. 2 (more notably, within a four-month period) and in the top 10 mainstream charts across the globe. The two albums feature two No. 1 radio hit singles (“Lift Me Up” featuring Rob Halford of Judas Priest and “Battle Born”) and have combined sales of more than 600,000 units to date. The multimillion-selling rock titans’ current single, “The House of the Rising Sun,” is their 13th consecutive top 10 hit at Active Rock radio. After roughly eight years, three albums, countless tours as headliners and as participants on “can’t miss” festival bills and hundreds of thousands of albums sold, Hellyeah is making its biggest and boldest statement yet with Blood for Blood, which debuted June 10. The single “Sangre por Sangre (Blood for Blood)” hit the top 30 after only two weeks at rock radio. Following Australia’s Soundwave Festival and shows across Japan and Southeast Asia, Five Finger Death Punch just concluded a sold-out European headlining tour. Volbeat’s Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies has sold more than 300,000 copies in the U.S., according to Soundscan, alongside hundreds of thousands of digital singles. The Danish quartet received their first Grammy nomination in the Best Metal Performance category for “Room 24” (Volbeat featuring King Diamond), and won Germany’s Echo Award for Best International Alternative Act. The band’s repertoire has become a staple at Active Rock radio, cementing their relevance with six consecutive No. 1 singles Hailing from San Antonio, Nothing More released their self-titled album June 24, which includes their top 10 radio single “This Is the Time (Ballast),” a gut-punching blend made all the more powerful by a keen lyrical sophistication and philosophical undertone, which sets them apart from their contemporaries. Continued on next page 2 8 G RAPEVINE SU M M E R 2 014 Scott Stapp of Creed live in Studio D WDHA 105.5 FM Live from Studio D You never know who’s going to be hanging out in Studio D! These past few weeks we’ve had: top to bottom, Pat DiNizio of The Smithereens with WDHA-FM’s Morning Jolt hosts Kim Mulligan and Jim Monaghan / New rockers Lullwater hanging out with Midday Host and Music Director Terrie Carr top to bottom, The Dead Daisies with WDHA-FM Program Director Curtis Kay and Midday Host and Music Director Terrie Carr / Black Stone Cherry hanging out with WDHA-FM Program Director Curtis Kay top to bottom, The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band with Midday Host and Music Director Terrie Carr / WDHA-FM Account Executive Val Freda with Tom Keifer of Cinderella SU MME R 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 29 Morning Magic’s Candy O’Terry hosted a special premiere of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at the AMC Boston. Our own Ninja Turtles felt the need to share! MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Pete Smith, Hot 96.9 FM’s Adam Ciccio, and Rob Hogan, also of MAGIC, are superfans of the movie. LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING clockwise from top left, MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Candy O’Terry was honored by the organization Strong Women, Strong Girls, as one of Boston’s “10 Women Who Lead.” Pictured are Exceptional Women Hosts Candy O’Terry (left) and Sue Tabb. Candy had an award-winning summer, receiving a Gabriel Award as well adding another Gracie to her collection. / MAGIC 106.7 FM’s is again presenting the popular Family Film Festival at the Prudential Center each Saturday this summer. Listeners are encouraged to bring their blankets and enjoy free family-friendly movies on a giant inflatable screen. / Greater Media Boston bid a fond farewell to a one-of-a-kind employee in James Norris (seated), who is off to California for a new opportunity. Pictured with him at one of his many send-offs are MAGIC’s promo gurus Rob Hogan (left) and Pete Smith (far right), along with imaging and production wiz Justin Weiner and the dummy simply known as BOB. / not pictured, MAGIC 106.7 FM’s David O’Leary and Morgan Prue like to fight…sometimes with each other. They both take the martial art Taekwon-Do, and both recently achieved something special. David was promoted to a 4th-degree black belt, and Morgan, who is a 5th degree, competed at the World Championships in Rome, winning a silver medal. 3 0 G R APEVINE S U M M E R 2 014 at Boston’s MAGIC 106.7 Morning Magic’s David O’Leary hosted an event at Fenway Park called Climb America. More than 600 people were on hand to raise money for the Heart Association. Greater Media Boston has been on a mission to get fit! Each week WKLB-FM’s Keith Stephens takes time to lead staffers through a grueling but rewarding Insanity Workout, which we all love! Pictured are some of the regulars with Keith, also known as Coach. PATRIOTISM RINGS, LOCAL CHOIR SINGS AT 13TH ANNUAL WMGK-FM LET FREEDOM ROCK FEST Those attending Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK-FM’s 13th annual Let Freedom Rock Fest on Thursday, July 3, at Susquehanna Bank Center kicked off the July Fourth weekend by rocking to three acts responsible for creating some of the greatest rock anthems of all time—Styx, Foreigner, former Eagles guitarist Don Felder, witnessing and participating in numerous patriotic activities aimed at thanking area veterans and reveling in the excitement of two local groups, Delco’s Musician Impossible and Marlton’s Cherokee High School Concert Choir, as they got their moment to shine on the big stage. In addition to having a local color guard and national anthem singer take the stage, the station also gave attendees the opportunity to thank and honor local veterans who were stationed at a kiosk (organized by the Veterans MultiService Center) on the concourse. Local veterans were available to shake hands and pose for photo with attendees, many of whom posted the photos on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #selfieswithheroes. Two local groups who won WMGK-FM contests got the thrill of a lifetime when they took the stage in front of the thousands in attendance at the Camden, NJ, waterfront venue. The winners of MGK’s House Band competition, Delaware County’s Musician Impossible, got the crowd warmed up for Don Felder by kicking off the festivities at 6 PM. Later in the evening, the Cherokee High School Concert Choir helped Foreigner wrap clockwise from top left, John DeBella and the Cherokee High School Concert Choir at Let Freedom Rock Fest before the choir’s performance on stage with Foreigner during the song “I Want to Know What Love Is” WMGK-FM’s John DeBella and Styx at Let Freedom Rock Fest WMGK-FM’s Kathy Wagner and Debbi Calton with Styx up this tremendous evening of music by joining them on stage to perform the band’s megahit “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The students from the Marlton, NJ, high school received the most votes in the station’s Classic Rock Choir Contest to earn the honor of taking the stage with the legendary rockers. Foreigner is hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world. They’re responsible for some of rock’s most enduring anthems, including “Juke Box Hero,” “Feels Like the First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Dirty White Boy” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Spawned from a suburban Chicago basement in the early ‘70s, Styx is best known for melding the style of progrock with the power of hard rock guitar, strong ballads and elements of American musical theater. The band is best known for the hit songs “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” “Too Much Time on My Hands” and “Renegade.” The WMGK-FM staff at Let Freedom Rock Fest with Foreigner cowrote their biggest hit, “Hotel California.” After leaving the band in 2001, Felder has recorded and/or performed with legends such as Elton John, Bob Seger, Stevie Nicks, Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Don Felder was the lead guitarist of The Eagles for 27 years and SU MME R G 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 3 1 WBT AM/FM and WLNK-FM Add Street Party to SkyShow Festivities SkyShow 2014, presented by Napa Auto Parts and Carolina Chevy dealers, took place on July 3 at the brand-new BB&T Ball Park in Uptown Charlotte. The Charlotte Knights recently moved from Fort Mill, SC, to Uptown Charlotte, and took SkyShow, produced by WBT AM/FM and 107.9 FM The Link with them. The fireworks from BB&T Ball Park in Uptown Charlotte 107.9 FM The Link’s listeners wait to enter the field from the dugout to sit in the “Coolest Seats in the House,” a promotion sponsored by Acosta Heating & Cooling, to watch the fireworks. To add to the fun, WBT AM/FM and 107.9 The Link held the first-ever Street Party prior to the game and fireworks show. The Street Party consisted of live music, bounce houses, a Ferris wheel, food vendors, a rock wall and more! The fireworks, presented by TV station Fox 46 Carolinas, lasted roughly 30 minutes, claiming the status of the largest fireworks show in the Southeast. The choreographed soundtrack was meticulously planned to go along with the show, providing fantastic entertainment to the people inside BB&T Ball Park as well as viewers across the street at Romare Bearden Park. All in all, WBT AM/FM and 107.9 FM The Link’s SkyShow provided entertainment for more than 30,000 people in the city of Charlotte. A veteran and his wife watch the fireworks. Greater Media Philadelphia’s 97.5 FM The Fanatic Named Radio Home for Temple Football Greater Philadelphia market can hear Temple football games on its new football flagship, The Fanatic 97.5 FM. Temple University Athletics, along with its multimedia rights holder, Learfield Sports’ Temple Sports Properties, has announced a multiyear agreement with Greater Media Philadelphia, naming WPEN-FM the official home to Owls football. Starting with the 2014 football season, fans in the 3 2 G R APEVINE S U M M E R “We’re excited to announce that The Fanatic, one of the nation’s top sports stations, will broadcast Temple football games for the next three years,” said Temple University Vice President and Director of Athletics Kevin Clark. “We are looking forward to a great season on the field and happy to have an excellent broadcast partner to provide our fans 2 014 all of the action.” “This is a wonderful partnership for us,” said Program Director Matt Nahigian. “We are proud to be representing the Owls and their exciting college football program.” Temple Sports Properties oversees all aspects of the Temple Sports Network, including securing talent and radio affiliates. Learfield Sports manages the exclusive multimedia rights to 99 collegiate properties in the country and has prominence in all of the major conferences. Learfield’s rights encompass all athletic department media and sponsorship components, including stadium signage and numerous content distribution platforms. The company also offers its college partners licensing and trademark consulting, concessions and hospitality services, and professional ticket sales. Thousands Jam Lansdowne Street for Country 102.5 FM Street Party The 2nd annual Country 102.5 FM Street Party returned to Lansdowne Street behind the Green Monster of Historical Fenway Park in Boston on July 27. The sold-out show, 6,500 listeners in all, packed the street, and concertgoers braved some early-afternoon showers to support some of their favorite new artists. The stage outside the House of Blues was rockin’ with performances by Kelleigh Bannen, Natalie Stovall and the Drive, The Cadillac Three, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Josh Thompson, Frankie Ballard, Dustin Lynch and Eric Paslay. Highlights included the homecoming of Berklee graduate Natalie Stovall, the unexpected and crowd-pleasing scaling of the stage by Frankie Ballard, the high-energy stage moves of Dustin Lynch, and the soulfulness of master songwriter and headliner Eric Paslay. The show started at noon and let out just after sunset, rewarding Country 102.5 FM listeners with a fun-filled day of live country music in the city! clockwise from top left, Dan + Shay take over Lansdowne Street for the 2nd annual Country 102.5 FM Street Party. / Brothers Osborne get the crowd rockin’ at the Street Party. / Eric Paslay closes out a stellar day. / 6,000 fans take to Lansdowne Street for the Street Party. / Frankie Ballard went to new heights for his fans at the Street Party. / The Country 102.5 FM Street Team hanging with The Cadillac Three / Program Director Mike Brophey and Music Director Ginny Rogers backstage with Natalie Stovall and The Drive / On-air personalities for the Street Party (l-r) Hank Morse, Carolyn Kruse, JW, Steve Kelly, Lori Grande and Keith Stephens gear up for the nine Street Party interviews in the artist lounge. / Dustin Lynch’s high-energy performance at Street Party was one for the books. SU MME R 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 3 3 97.5 The Fanatic Launches Fanatic Fantasy Fest WRAT-FM Cohosts 2nd Annual BrewFest at the Ballpark The BlueClaws minor league baseball team, 95.9 WRAT-FM and Shore Point Distributing hosted the 2nd annual BrewFest at the Ballpark at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, NJ, on Saturday, June 28. 97.5 FM The Fanatic hosted their inaugural Fanatic Fantasy Fest on Saturday, August 16, at Xfinity Live in Philadelphia. This fun and interactive party was highlighted with guest appearances by Eagles legends Brian Dawkins and Ron Jaworski; ESPN’s NFL reporter, Sal Paolantonio; and ESPN’s fantasy football expert, Eric Karabell. All The Fanatic on-air hosts, including Mike Missanelli, Harry Mayes, Jon Marks and Sean Brace, were on hand to meet Philly sports fans. The two four-hour sessions (noon-4 PM and 6-10 PM) featured beer sampling, food and merchandise. Each guest received a specially branded glass for use at the event that they could keep as a souvenir. More than 100 styles of beers were available, including local, regional, national and international brands. The day was highlighted by many special giveaways. The Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers each gave away a pair of season tickets. Miller High Life gave away a 2014 HarleyDavidson. Ocean City Golf gave away an Ocean City, MD, golf trip. Time After Time Watches gave away two sets of his and her watches, and TravelSmiths gave away a Hard Rock Café tropical vacation. There was also a buffet option for the first time, where fans received access to a Pasta Action Station, Carving Station with flank steak, chicken tenders, assorted wraps, and cookies. 95.9 WRAT-FM was on-site, broadcasting live during both sessions and running games for prizes. “Our first BrewFest at the Ballpark was a smashing success, and we were excited to bring the event back to FirstEnergy Park,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “95.9 WRAT and Shore Point Distributing have been great partners of ours.” “Craft beers are hot right now, so what better way to introduce over 75 different styles of beer and expand one’s tastes than with the Lakewood BlueClaws ball field as a backdrop?” said Doug Sjonvall, WRAT-FM Promotion Director. Proceeds from the event benefited BlueClaws charities, which raise money for after-school services, youth and educational programs, and military programs. Two local bands, Rivers Monroe and Foxtrot & The Get Down, performed throughout the day, while fans took part in the many activities, including fastpitch, dodgeball, bumper-soccer, golf lessons with a PGA golf pro, dunk tank and other great games and activities. It was an amazing and fun day for the station and the several thousand listeners on hand. top to bottom, Brian Dawkins and Mike Missanelli at the Fanatic Fantasy Fest / The crowd at the Fanatic Fantasy Fest / The finals for the Fanatic Foosball Tournament / Team Jon & Sean at the NJMP Go-Kart Challenge / Sal Paolantonio and Mike Missanelli at the Fanatic Fantasy Fest / Fanatic World Cup Party at Pagano’s 34 GR APEVINE S U M M E R clockwise from top left, Crowd at the 2nd annual BrewFest at the Ballpark / People waiting in line for the early session at the BrewFest / Famous Seamus, The Rat’s wandering trivia guy, hangs out at the BrewFest. / The Rat pack plays Super Pong for prizes. 2 014 WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM Hit a Home Run with Ump Day 1450 WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM visited the TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, throughout the summer to get in on the fun of Somerset Patriots baseball. The weather wasn’t always perfect, but rain or shine, it was hard not to have a blast once those pitches started flying. 1450 WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM were always positioned right next to the stadium’s entrance, with their prize-wheel games available to any patrons who felt up to the challenge. Lottery tickets, Jersey Boys paraphernalia, and more were awarded to those who gave the wheel a spin. On top of that, guests could enter to win a variety of family four-packs, from Six Flags Hurricane Harbor to Sesame Place–the lucky winners would be announced during the seventh-inning stretch of a game. We loved seeing fans come out and support their favorite team, so much so that we helped a few of them get there. MAGIC 98.3 FM Gives Lucky Listeners a Day at “The Sweetest Place on Earth” MAGIC 98.3 FM gave listeners a chance to say “yes” to summer, all summer long with Hersheypark Monday. Program Director and on-air host Jeff Rafter held on-air giveaways each Monday for the month of June for a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to Hersheypark, billed as “The Sweetest Place on Earth.” With 12 thrilling roller coasters, nine unique water attractions, and more than 65 rides and attractions including more than 20 kiddie rides, there is something for everyone to enjoy. New additions to the theme park include the Cocoa Cruiser, Tea Cups and Sweet Swing, all located in Music Box Way and The Hollow. Jeff Rafter hosted a live show from the park in Hershey, PA, on July 24, a pleasant Thursday afternoon. It was an exhilarating day full of fun and thrills. People at the park were able to meet and greet Jeff and spend an exciting day on the rides and attractions. clockwise from top right, Jeff Rafter and Zoo America / Jeff Rafter doing a live broadcast from Hersheypark / Rollercoaster in action at the theme park For the entire month of July, MAGIC 98.3 FM and the Somerset Patriots collaborated on Ump Day. Every Wednesday that month, visitors to the MAGIC 98.3 FM website could enter to win a four-pack of passes to various Somerset Patriots games. With the dreariness that comes with getting through Hump Day, Ump Day was a great way to bring some fun back to the middle of the week. Talk about a grand slam! top to bottom, Kids at the Somerset Patriots baseball game spin the wheel. / A family enjoys MAGIC 98.3 FM’s Ump Day. WMMR-FM’s Preston & Steve Feature Not Your Average Listener WMMR-FM’s Preston & Steve have some very unique listeners, so they decided to feature a few each month in what they call Not Your Average Listener. They’ve had a hulahoop YouTube sensation; a University of Pennsylvania veterinarian who performs autopsies to examine the cause of death or to study how disease affects animals’ body parts; and a trick-shot artist, who performed his billiards shots in-studio on a regulation-sized pool table. Each Not Your Average Listener honoree is featured in a segment with Preston & Steve discussing what they do and also how and when they started listening to the show. Then, the audience gets to vote, via text, if the honoree is “not average” enough to warrant a $250 cash prize. Most of the time, the prize is awarded, with the promotion sponsored by a client. The most recent honoree was balloon artist Jason Secoda. He creates balloon sculptures, some of which use 700 or more balloons, including the life-sized Preston & Steve top to bottom, Balloon artist Jason Secoda with one of his sculptures / Preston & Steve with the balloon sculpture sculpture he brought to the studio. Jason also has won international balloon artist competitions, does everything from weddings to birthday parties, and likes to keep people guessing as to what he will come up with next. SU MME R 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 35 Detroit Sports 105.1 FM Celebrates NFL Draft at Draft Battle 2014 The Detroit Sports 105.1 personalities let their competitive natures shine during the first annual Draft Battle competition. Matt Dery, Drew & Marc, and Ryan & Rico each led a team of 10 listeners to select the most correct picks during the 2014 NFL Draft. The event took place May 8 at CJ Mahoney’s in Troy, MI. Each team had five minutes between selections to collectively decide on their draft pick. Higher point values were given for correct selections deeper into the first round. Successfully guessing whom the Detroit Lions would draft resulted in double the points. WROR-FM Fans Help Find Billy Joel Lookalikes Whose dad, uncle or next-door neighbor doesn’t resemble “The Piano Man,” Billy Joel? We bet you can think of one or two guys! Because Billy was coming to Boston’s Fenway Park, and rather than just giving these coveted tickets to caller 10, WROR-FM ran a Does Your Dad Look Like Billy Joel? contest. It didn’t hurt that Father’s Day was right around the corner, too! We took entries via web and got more than we ever expected! And, they were spot on! The people voted, and the top 5 were invited to the Loren & Wally Morning Show, where the grand-prize winner was announced. Our winning dad even rode around with Loren & Wally before the Billy Joel concert … fooling people all over Boston! Matt Dery’s “Team Deez” ended up victorious to become the first-ever Draft Battle champions. Team members were awarded individual trophies, while Dery claimed the station hardware and bragging rights for the next year. left, Lookalike poster right, Loren & Wally with the Billy Joel lookalikes clockwise from top left, The Detroit Sports 105.1 Knockouts with Draft Battle participants / Detroit Sports 105.1’s Matt Dery led the winning team during the first annual Draft Battle at CJ Mahoney’s. / Detroit Sports 105.1 Host Matt Dery and Producer Ron Crichton pose for a photo during the draft festivities. Mowers, Start Your Engines: 94.7 WCSX-FM’s Hosts Mower Bowling 94.7 WCSX-FM’s Jim O’Brien hosted the first annual WCSX-FM Mower Bowling event on Father’s Day weekend at Weingartz in Utica, MI. WCSX-FM gave listeners the opportunity to come out and participate in a lawn-tractor obstacle course that included maneuvering around cones, steering around pink flamingos, tossing ping-pong balls into cups while passing by and then driving the mower into a set of bowling pins as the big 36 GRAPEVINE finish! Many people came out to play, and one lucky listener won a $2,000 lawn tractor! clockwise from top right, Participants in the WCSX-FM Mower Bowling showed off their skills by navigating around pink flamingos. / 94.7 WCSX-FM’s Jim O’Brien congratulates the winner of a $2,000 riding lawn mower! / A set of bowling pins awaited drivers at the finish. S U M M E R 2 014 left, Winning dad and his son pose in the middle with the Loren and Wally Morning Show team, Brian “Lungboy the Producer” Bell, Loren Owens, Lauren Beckham Falcone, Wally Brine, Hank Morse and Tom Doyle. WMMR-FM Sets Sail on Craft Beer Dinner Cruise with Jaxon and Jacky Bam Bam WMMR-FM and the Spirit of Philadelphia teamed up with iconic Philadelphia craft brewery Yards for a Craft Beer Cruise on the Delaware River, hosted by WMMR-FM’s Jaxon. For one low price, listeners were treated to a dinner paired with one of the region’s best breweries and their summer seasonal brew, Saison, plus a party aboard the ship featuring MMR’s Jacky Bam Bam as DJ. A year in the making, the event allowed guests to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner as the Spirit of Philadelphia cruised past Philly landmark bridges on a beautiful July evening. WMMR-FM overnight DJ Jacky Bam Bam mans the wheels of steel aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia. WMMR-FM’s Jaxon (left) and Jacky Bam Bam (right) with a fellow craftbeer cruiser and MMR listener 100.1 WJRZ-FM Gives Listeners a Shot at a Real Jersey Shorecation! The Jersey Shore is more popular than ever, even for the people who live in the Garden State! 100.1 WJRZ-FM gave away a week’s vacation at the Van Dyk Group beach house on Long Beach Island during their Shorecation Giveaway! And when they say beach house, they mean the house is literally on the beach! Beautiful oceanfront views are right outside the windows. about the Artist of the Day in the weekly email blasts. The qualifiers won a stack of New Jersey Lottery scratch-off tickets. All of the qualifiers then came out to the beautiful Captain’s Inn on the bay for the finale! Listeners enjoyed live music and games, and one lucky person was named the grand-prize winner. Listeners qualified onair by calling when they heard the Artist of the Day. The station also gave their online Listener Club members an extra chance to win and the inside scoop Dave & Chuck the Freak Hold First Backyard BBQ WRIF-FM’s Dave & Chuck the Freak are always looking for ways to give back to their fans. And in summertime in Michigan, what better way than with a BBQ! On August 1, the duo held their first-ever Backyard BBQ at the Riff studios “Backyard.” The only way in to the party was to win, so listeners were encouraged to win on the air, register online, and to stop at BBQ ticket drops across the Metro Detroit area. Starting at 8 AM on the day of the BBQ, more than 250 listeners showed up at the WRIF-FM’s “Backyard” to have a party with Dave, Chuck, Lisa and James, along with the rest of the Riff staff. The show did their last hour live outside at the BBQ while attendees ate BBQ ribs, pulled pork, chicken and more from local BBQ joints. There was a bounce house, a dunk tank to “dunk the Rock Girl,” plus all in attendance had a shot to win tickets to Lollapalooza that weekend in Chicago, BBQ grills and smokers, Tigers tickets, concert tickets, and more. And Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Dodge and a big WRIF-FM fan, stopped in to unveil the brand-new Dodge Hellcat for the first time to the general public. Chuck the Freak and Lisa Way took the Hellcat for a test drive while fans cheered them on! The party carried over to the afternoon, with listeners leaving loaded with prizes and stuffed with plenty of BBQ! clockwise from above, Dave and Chuck the Freak with Lisa Way and Andy Green live from the Backyard BBQ / Fans getting in on free BBQ at Dave & Chuck’s Backyard BBQ / Chuck, Lisa, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis and Dave check out the brand-new Dodge Hellcat. / Chuck the Freak takes the wheel of the Dodge Hellcat. clockwise from top right, 100.1 WJRZ-FM Shorecation qualifiers / 100.1 WJRZ-FM beach house / On-air staff in front of the WJRZ-FM beach house SU MME R 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 37 photo gallery GREATER MEDIA NEWSPAPERS All Photos by Eric Sucar, Greater Media Newspapers Staff clockwise from top left, Zach Chrzan of Middletown, NJ, waits patiently before an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, presented by Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ, on July 10. / Erik Stern, 12, (from left), Robyn Stern, Alex Stern, 14, and Gregg Stern, all of Morganville, NJ, share a hug during a memorial service at Temple Beth Ahm in Matawan, NJ, on July 2. The Jewish community came together in honor of three slain Israeli teens. / Fans of all ages react to the action on the screen during a viewing party for the United States vs. Belgium World Cup soccer match. The screening was held on July 1 at North Brunswick Township High School, which boasts USA goalie Tim Howard as a graduate. / Michael D’Alessio, 4, of Toms River, NJ, feeds a baby goat at the petting zoo at the annual Freedom Fest held at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Upper Freehold on July 8. / Breann Carpenter (center), along with her fellow graduates, waits patiently before the start of the 48th annual commencement exercise held at Jackson Memorial High School June 24. 38 GR APEVINE S U M M E R 2 014 clockwise from top left, Natalia Rosenstock, 4, (front) and sister Giovanna Rosenstock, 6, of Sayreville, NJ, await their turn on the Train Station ride at the St. Ambrose Parish Carnival in Old Bridge, NJ, July 16. / FBI agent Shawn Mullen (center) and North Brunswick Police Department Detective Michael McCormick (right) run through a mock arrest by handcuffing Brandon Villegas (left), 12, during the North Brunswick Junior Police Academy on July 23. Law-enforcement officers explain various areas of police work to junior cadets during the annual event. / Miranda Spinelli (center) and fellow classmates make their way to their seats during commencement ceremonies at Jackson Memorial High School on June 24. / Sophia Joseph (center), 7, and Madison Postiglione, 6, (far right), along with other children, try their luck in the fishing game at the St. Ambrose Church Carnival in Old Bridge, NJ, on July 16. / Kailey McFadzean, 3, of Parlin, NJ, enjoys a pony ride on June 18 at the St. Stanislaus Kostka Church Carnival in Sayreville, NJ. / Colts Neck football and lacrosse standout Anthony Garguilo poses under the bleachers of the football field at Colts Neck High School on July 11. Continued on next page SU MME R 2 01 4 G R A PEVIN E 39 photo gallery GREATER MEDIA NEWSPAPERS clockwise from top left, Christian Morales, 11, of Monroe Township participates in a hula-hoop event at the Immaculate Conception Church carnival in Spotswood, NJ, on June 10. / Children take part in a Sports & Fitness game at the 40th annual Monmouth County Fair in Freehold Township, NJ, on July 24. / Delaney Hughes, 3, of Neptune Township, NJ, enjoys a spin on the merry-go-round at the Monmouth County Fair on July 24. / Female volunteers of all ages work on a Superstorm Sandy-impacted home in Sea Bright, NJ, on July 17. Habitat for Humanity of Monmouth County took part in Women Building Week, where women were trained to build decent and affordable homes. / The cast of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale huddles prior to an outdoor performance at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ, July 10. / Seventh-grade language arts teacher Diane Heilman (center) reacts to her hair being cut as part of a Locks of Love fundraising event held at Hammarskjold Middle School in East Brunswick, NJ, on June 12. Eight teachers and some students had their hair cut as donations to Locks of Love. 4 0 G RAPEVINE S U M M E R 2 014 MAGIC 98.3 FM’s Listener Party Offers a Treasure Hunt at the Jersey Shore MAGIC 98.3 FM held its Listener Party at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Beach at Point Pleasant on a bright and beautiful Friday afternoon on July 11. The event was held for listeners who won a family fivepack on-air, which included wristbands for unlimited rides and an exciting treasure hunt on the beach. Winners signed in at the MAGIC 98.3 FM table located on the boardwalk, where they received their wristband, and a blue raffle ticket they were to take to the other MAGIC tent stationed on the beach. MAGIC’s on-air host Dan Mulcahey met and greeted the winners at the beach, where they were given a shovel to dig up a little container with a label of their prize hidden in the sand beneath colorful pinwheels. Each winner then took the reward label to the boardwalk tent to retrieve a prize, which varied from a 39-inch LED TV, watches, tickets to Violet on Broadway, Somerset Patriots baseball tickets, lottery tickets, and much more. Winners and beachgoers alike were also able to enter a raffle for a chance to win a pair of tickets to Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Program Director and onair talent Jeff Rafter also made an appearance, doing a live broadcast from the boardwalk while the event continued on this perfect beach day. As the pinwheels and prizes began to dwindle over the course of the day, the Jenkinson’s Listener Party came to an end. WMGQ-FM’s treasure hunt proved to be a successful and enjoyable turnout. above, MAGIC 98.3 FM tent on the boardwalk below, MAGIC 98.3 FM’s Dan Mulcahey with a prize winner and family / MAGIC 98.3 FM’s Jeff Rafter and a listener posing with his prize after winning a 39” LED TV. 1450 WCTC-AM’s Tommy G Gives Listeners the Real Dish about Restaurant Week With the summer season well underway, New Brunswick, NJ, city officials and businesses owners prepared for the 5th annual Restaurant Week, with 1450 WCTC-AM’s Tommy G at the helm, leading listeners to the top restaurants in New Brunswick! Each year, dozens of New Brunswick-based restaurants participate in this two-week event with various specials, discounts and deals for customers. They are the most delicious weeks of summer, giving the dining community an opportunity to enjoy exceptional meals, no matter what their budget is, and offering a wide variety of options from the city’s noted international and American cuisines. Sampling the food and beverages offered by each of the locations was just part of the fun as the interviews with local vendors kept the laughs rolling throughout the drivetime home and had dining patrons nearly choking on their meals with laughter. The city of New Brunswick is the home of 1450 WCTC AM, and Tommy G knows how to connect with radio listeners, both longtime and new, through lighthearted fun and entertainment news without the fluff. Everyone involved has certainly added a new belt notch from all the meals sampled and greatly anticipate the many new restaurants planning to open in 2015! Tommy G and his crew visited a few of the locations over the twoweek period, bringing afternoon excitement to Harvest Moon Brewery & Café, Mike’s Courtside Sports Bar and Grill, and the newest business to hit New Brunswick, World of Beer. top to bottom, World of Beer in New Brunswick / (l-r) Tommy G, Spanky, Marty and Jackie / Sweet Potato Tots SU MME R 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 41 100.1 WJRZ-FM Listeners Join Matt Knight at the Round Table Hear ye, hear ye! 100.1 WJRZ-FM’s Matt Knight in the Morning gave away tickets to listeners to join him on the WJRZ Chariot up to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ! Medieval Times is an exciting, family-friendly dinner attraction inspired by an 11thcentury feast and tournament. Guests are served a four-course banquet and cheer for one of six knights competing in the joust and other tests of skill. The listeners joined Matt Knight at his round table to watch their knight battle to save the princess from the evil knight. WJRZ-FM must have been his good luck charm because in the end, their knight was crowned the winner! But he wasn’t the only winning knight of the evening: Matt Knight was “officially” knighted by the king himself! clockwise from top, WJRZ-FM’s Matt Knight in the Morning with the king of Medieval Times / Listeners in front of the WJRZ Chariot / WJRZ-FM’s Matt Knight in the Morning gets knighted. Reminiscing about “Back in the Day” at Greater Media Newspapers remembering Leslie Ishbia, Market Controller and Business Manager for Greater Media Detroit, passed away on February 2 after battling a rare form of cancer. A group of current and former Editorial Department employees gathered together in June at the American Hotel in Freehold, NJ, to reminisce about the “old days” at Greater Media Newspapers—when reporters stayed until wee hours of the morning to get their copy in before deadline, when computers took up half of their desk space, and when fact-checking often involved not Google but yearly almanacs and a reference librarian! One thing everyone agreed on: Greater Media was a great place to work—whether it was their first job out of college or one they had had for a decade or more. The camaraderie was a perk everyone has never forgotten. 4 2 G RAPEVINE S U M M E R 2 014 Leslie is survived by her three beautiful children, son Jared and twin sisters Lindsay and Nikki, and her partner, Jimmy Farber. A Motor City native, she was named Market Controller in 2011, a position she held for just shy of three years. “Leslie was very generous and would do anything for anyone. She was one of the most easy-going people you would ever want to meet. Nothing bothered her,” said Patty Russel, her GMD coworker and friend of 25 years. “I think of her every day.” Prior to joining Greater Media Detroit, she had spent more than two decades in the radio industry, beginning with Viacom Radio Detroit before going on to work with Clear Channel and ABC Radio. Leslie was known for having a sweet tooth and for being passionate about shopping and travel, and she will always be a member of the Greater Media family. hello baby! married! WMMR-FM Account Manager Adam Bush and wife Ashley cut their cake. The couple was married July 19, 2014. Hello, Baby Parker Jennifer Peyton, Inside Advertising Sales Manager at Greater Media Newspapers, Manalapan, NJ, gave birth to a baby girl, Parker Mary, on May 10. She joins her sister Paige and brother Palmer. es ide! m o c here the br WMMR-FM’s Pierre Robert (right) poses with his producer, Chris “Pancake” Ashcraft, and wife Kristina (aka Mrs. Cake) at their wedding on June 7, 2014. No Wall Too High, No Mud Too Deep for Two Newspaper Editors Lucky WCSX-FM Fan Wins Harley in High Card Showdown 94.7 WCSX-FM hosted its first High Card Showdown bike giveaway and gave 128 lucky listeners a chance to win a limited WCSX-FM biker vest and a shot at winning a Harley-Davidson FXST Softail motorcycle. All the WCSX-FM jocks were on hand on Friday, May 16, at Tin Fish in St. Clair Shores, MI, dealing the cards until our lucky winner, Theresa Lertola, had the final high card and won the Harley! Jessica D’Amico and Brian Donahue, editors at Greater Media Newspapers, celebrate with a cold beverage after making their way through the mud in the Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Race at Raceway Park in Old Bridge Township, NJ, on July 12. WCSX-FM’s Trudi Daniels, Jim O’Brien, Uncle Buck, Karen Savelly and Dave Dahmer pose with the winner and the guys from Detroit Motorcycle, who supplied the Harley prize. The lucky winner of the HarleyDavidson FXST Softail is Theresa Lertola! SU MME R 2 01 4 G R APEVIN E 43 LOOK WHO’S READING THE GRAPEVINE clockwise from top left, Lina Carollo from ABC’s The Quest visits the 100.1 WJRZ-FM studio with Program Director and Afternoon Drive Host Glenn Kalina. / Joe Piscopo reads The Grapevine in the 100.1 WJRZ-FM studio. / Hulk Hogan reads The Grapevine with 95.9 WRAT-FM’s Afternoon Drive Host Jimmy Steal and 100.1 WJRZ-FM’s Matt Knight in the Morning. / Lea Moelk, Mrs. New Jersey International 2014, checks out The Grapevine. 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 G RAPEVINE S P RIN G 2 013