Detroit Sports 105.1 FM Now Broadcasts All Detroit Pistons Games

T H E G R E AT E R M E D I A | 2 V O L . 9 S P R I N G 2 0 1 4
Detroit Sports
105.1 FM
Now Broadcasts
All Detroit
Pistons Games
Newspapers’
Editor Raises
Funds to Honor
Wife’s Memory
Katie Couric
Keynote
Speaker at
BEN-FM’s
Woman of
the Week
Luncheon
Greater Media
Boston Teams Up
for New Wheels
for Coworker
c o n t e n t s
SPRING 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
Look Who’s Making Greater Media Greater
3
Greater Media Boston’s James Norris Has New Wheels
4
People and News 5
Detroit Sports 105.1 FM Signs Multi-Year Agreement to Air Detroit Pistons Games
8
Greater Insights: “Make Something Happen”
by Buzz Knight
9
Honors and Awards
10
MAGIC 106.7 FM Receives 19th Gracie Allen Award
10
Greater Media New Jersey Receives Susan G. Komen Superstar Award 10
Greater Media Philadelphia Named to Top Workplace List
10
Greater Media Newspapers’ Jessica D’Amico Receives
N.J. Governor’s Council Ambassador Award
11
Three Named to Radio Ink’s Best Program Directors List 11
WCSX-FM’s Stone Soup Project Has Twist This Year: Hubcaps and Healing
12
Community: Giving Back
14
Katie Couric Speaks at BEN-FM 5th Annual Woman of the Week Luncheon 15
News Talk 1110 WBT AM/99.3 FM Talent Raise Money for Charlotte Charities
17
Snapshots
18
Interactive Corner: “It’s All about the Numbers” by Tom Bender
21
Greater Media Newspapers’ Mark Rosman Teams Up with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to Honor Wife’s Memory
24
Music
26
Neon Trees Headlines Radio 92.9 FM 21st Annual EarthFest
26
Greater Media Newspapers Photo Gallery
36
Babies and Engagements 39
Look Who’s Reading The Grapevine
40
The Greater Media
GRAPEVINE
PUBLISHER: Greater Media, Inc.
EDITOR: Heidi Raphael
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Monique Walton/MWalton Design
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tom Bender, Clare Marie Celano, Troy Frisby, Buzz Knight
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: from left, Detroit Pistons mascot Hooper poses with Detroit Sports
105.1 FM Program Director Jason Dixon, Palace Sports & Entertainment President and
CEO Dennis Mannion, and Greater Media Detroit Market Manager Steve Chessare after
announcement that Detroit Sports 105.1 is the new flagship radio station of the Pistons.
2
GRA PEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
Le tte r Fro m Th e Ch ai r
Hello Everyone,
I hope you are enjoying your
summer! As I always say, at
Greater Media, our people
make us greater. Because
of your hard work and
dedication, our listeners,
communities and advertisers
are able to stay informed and
entertained on a daily basis.
As we enter the second half
of the year, I encourage all of
you to continue to focus on
creating new ways to connect
with and serve our listeners
and advertisers.
We have had much to celebrate
over the past few months:
Detroit Sports 105.1 recently
entered into a multi-year
deal to serve as the official
radio broadcast partner of
the Detroit Pistons. Kudos
to Market Manager Steve
Chessare, Program Director
Jason Dixon and the entire
team at the station for making
it happen!
Congratulations to Mike
Brophey from WKLB-FM,
Mark Pennington from
WRIF-FM and Bill Weston
from WMMR-FM for being
named among the Best
Program Directors in Radio.
Their creativity, dedication
and leadership serve as an
outstanding example to
everyone in the company and
the industry.
Greater Media Vice President
of Engineering Milford
Smith, better known as
“Smitty,” recently celebrated
his 30th anniversary with the
company. Smitty has paved
many new roads in his field,
both within the company as
well as within the industry at
large. Thank you for three
decades of service!
I would also like to
congratulate David Medlock
on his 25th anniversary at
WBT AM/FM in Charlotte.
Please join me in welcoming
Mary Menna as the new
general manager of MAGIC
106.7 FM in Boston. Her
vast experience in the Boston
market makes her the perfect
choice to take the station’s
sales, marketing and overall
performance to the next level.
I also want to commend
Greater Media Newspapers
Managing Editor Jessica
D’Amico for receiving the
Ambassador Award from
the New Jersey Governor’s
Council on Mental Health
Stigma. She was honored for
her article titled “The Sting of
Stigma.” Congratulations on a
job well done!
Thanks to all of you for your
hard work and commitment. I
know you will continue to find
new, creative ways to connect
with our communities and
grow our business. Keep up
the great work!
Please feel free to e-mail me at
[email protected] to
share your thoughts 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
Charlie Henneberry
Video Content Manager
Greater Media Boston
Charlie Henneberry has been
with Greater Media Boston for
just over three years and has had
a huge impact on the growth and
development of the Greater Media
Video Department. Charlie started
his career at Greater Media as an
intern, and his wonderful personality
and terrific attitude made him a must
hire. Charlie comes to work every day
with a smile on his face and a teamfirst attitude, which is infectious to
everyone around him. Charlie and
the other members of the video team
work long hours at station events,
and he never complains about
the workload. Charlie is making
Greater Media greater because of his
contagious positive attitude, warm
disposition and quick wit.
Julie Kennedy
Video Content Manager
Greater Media Boston
Julie Kennedy has been with Greater
Media Boston for four years and
helped build the Greater Media
Boston Video Department. Julie has a
tireless work ethic and is always willing
to help her Greater Media colleagues.
Julie is constantly ready to take on
more responsibility and find ways
she can grow within Greater Media.
All of these traits make Julie one
of the most highly regarded people
in the building. When we think of
ideal team members, Julie soars to
the top of the list. Julie is making
Greater Media greater because of her
wonderful personality, great wit and
team-first attitude.
CHARLOTTE
Karen Davis
Accounts Receivable Manager
Greater Media Charlotte
Every winning team has a solid
utility player, someone who steps up
when a need arises and confidently
navigates the situation. At Greater
Media Charlotte, our utility player
is Karen Davis. Her official title
is Accounts Receivable Manager,
but of late, she has stepped up
and tackled the position of traffic
director. After the recent departure
of the stations’ traffic director,
Karen did not hesitate to fill in the
gap. With a positive attitude and
uncompromising work ethic, Karen
rolled up her sleeves and went to
work. Her 19-year tenure at WBT
AM/FM and WLNK-FM provides
her with the wisdom and perspective
to understand what’s best for our
team and our clients. She makes it
happen. With the help of Karen’s “do
it right” philosophy, we were in very
capable hands during our transition.
Without a doubt, our entire
Charlotte team believes that Karen
Davis makes Greater Media greater.
DETROIT
Lauren Conn
Executive Assistant
Greater Media Detroit
2005 will be a year that Greater
Media Detroit’s Lauren Conn will
never forget. It’s the year her mother,
Margie, was diagnosed with breast
cancer and underwent a double
mastectomy.
Little did they know that in less than
10 years, they would be the forces
behind beginning an event that would
raise more than $1 million to fight
and find a cure for cancer.
In 2006, on Margie’s one-year
cancer-free date, she and Lauren
participated in their first Relay for Life to
benefit the American Cancer Society
in Romeo, MI, and raised $5,000.
Shortly after, the American Cancer
Society contacted them to see if they
would be interested in launching a
Relay for Life event in their hometown
of Shelby Township. Fueled by
passion to celebrate survivors, to
remember those who lost their battles
and to fight for a cure, Lauren and
her mom got to work. Joined by
many volunteers, each year the event
grew.
Relay for Life events usually take place at
a track or path. Teams camp out for
the 24-hour walk/run event. One
member from each team must be
on the course at all times during the
event.
Lauren explained that one of the ways
they make their relay fun is having
a new theme each year. Past themes
have included NASCAR, country
western, Hawaiian and holidays;
this year they’ve chosen Rockin’ Out
Cancer.
All teams focus on fundraising before
and during the event. Lauren and her
mom have sold scarves, handmade
gift boxes, flowers and hand-scooped
ice cream and held pizza dinners.
During the event there is also a silent
auction that brings in a lot of money.
Lauren said one of the most
memorable aspects of the Relay for Life
is the luminaria ceremony. “I’ve had
the honor to emcee the luminaria
ceremony each year. The track is
lined with hundreds of bags with
candles inside. It’s our chance to
remember those who are no longer
with us and honor those who have
and still fight cancer. When I get to
the part in my speech about my mom
… it’s so emotional and beautiful.”
Since beginning the Shelby Township
Relay for Life almost 10 years ago,
Lauren is thrilled with the way the
community has joined together to
support the event. Lauren shared
that “one of our high school drum
lines leads off our Survivor Walk and
businesses are always stepping up to
help out. John’s Lumber stepped up
this year to take care of lunch for all
the survivors; a local massage school
offers free massages to survivors; and
hundreds of people donate items for
the silent auction.”
When asked what the future holds
for the event, Lauren replied, “We’ll
continue to work toward a cure, and
until that day we’d like to see the
Shelby Township Relay for Life become a
$5 million to $10 million relay.”
We at Greater Media Detroit are
proud of Lauren and her mom for
their hard work and passion for
finding a cure for cancer and their
continued efforts with the Shelby
Township Relay for Life. Lauren truly
is someone who is making Greater
Media great.
NEW JERSEY
Chris Edwards
Operations Manager
Program Director
WMTR-AM
If you want someone who can operate
a station, handle the morning show
and perform magic as a program
director, then Chris Edwards is your
man. In the 20-plus years he has
been with WMTR-AM, Chris has
kept the station alive and viable in
northern New Jersey. His audience is
loyal, his peers are in awe of what he
accomplishes, and our staff loves his
creativity and dedication to radio and
Classic Oldies.
Sharon Stephen
Office Manager
WCTC-AM/WMGQ-FM
Sharon Stephen is a first-class
ambassador for Greater Media New
Jersey. She always has a smile on her
face and is willing to help in any way
she can. A great multi-tasker, she is
adept at handling the many demands
on her time, and her congenial
personality makes her a pleasure to
work with.
NEW JERSEY
NEWSPAPERS
Paul Mbiad
CDL Driver
Greater Media Newspapers
Paul Mbiad started with Greater
Media Newspapers in 2008 when the
Circulation Department assumed
the trucking process from an outside
company for better management and
operational control. Paul remains on
staff as one of the first three original
CDL employee drivers. He makes the
long haul from New Brunswick, NJ,
to the printing facility in Rockaway,
and after loading with product, to
circulation depot points in Sayreville
and Manalapan for carrier pickup.
He will also assist the circulation
staff with staging papers for carrier
pickup as needed. Paul does two such
distribution runs each publication
day of the week. After owning his own
trucking company for 22 years, Paul
retired in 2006, but he couldn’t sit
still for long and brought his level of
experience and hard work to Greater
Continued on page 7
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
3
greater media boston
Teams Up for Some
New Wheels for
Coworker
R
adio 92.9 FM Promotions
Director Jason Rossi organized
a fundraiser in the Greater Media Boston building to help
fellow employee James Norris
get a new wheelchair.
James has cerebral palsy, and
he was in need of a new chair,
so Jason came up with the
great idea to raise the money.
James Norris’s coworkers at
Greater Media Boston surprise him with
a new wheelchair and a little silliness!
In September, he began collecting money through a contest to see who could estimate
the number of cheese balls in
a giant container kept in his
office.
For a $10 donation for one
guess or three guesses for
$20, the best guesser would
receive a trip to New York
City, donated by Greater
Media Boston National Sales
Manager Brian Samborski.
Nearly everyone in the building made a donation, and,
ultimately, Director of Programming Cadillac Jack was
the contest winner.
With the money raised, Audio Engineer Mark Pagliarulo
helped Jason determine the
best wheelchair model for
James.
On Tuesday, April 29, everyone gathered in the kitchen
for breakfast and the big reveal, complete with balloons
and air horns.
When James entered the
room, he was clearly surprised to see everyone cheering. And though the new
chair didn’t come with any
strings attached, his coworkers did greet him with more
than a little Silly String!
G
97.5 FM The Fanatic Holds
Sixers Lucky Charm Contest
The winning Lucky
Charm from Jake
Spencer of Cherry
Hill, NJ
The 2014 NBA Draft is thought to be one of the
deepest drafts in recent memory. As the Radio
Home of the Philadelphia 76ers, 97.5 The Fanatic
wanted to help provide as much luck for the team
to get the #1 pick. The Fanatic requested Lucky
Charm submissions from their listeners to send
with the Sixers to the draft lottery. Each person
who submitted an entry received two tickets to an
upcoming Sixers game, and the person with the
best Lucky Charm won four season tickets to the
2014-15 season.
The winner was Jake Spencer of Cherry Hill, NJ.
His lucky charm? An actual piece of the glass
backboard that was shattered by prolific Sixers
dunker Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins
during a game against the San Antonio Spurs at
the Spectrum on December 5, 1979. Sixers legend
4
G R APEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
Julius (Dr. J) Erving had the charm with him at
the lottery, but it may not have been as lucky as
hoped. The Sixers ended up with the third pick in
the draft set for June 26. However, along with the
10th pick the team acquired in a trade, the Sixers
have a great opportunity to improve the team this
off-season.
people
greater media
in the spotlight
PEOPLE & NEWS
David Medlock
Celebrates 25 Years at
WBT AM/FM in Charlotte
Tops in Sales at Greater Media Boston
Chris Cabral, MAGIC 106.7 WMJX-FM
Account Executive, was the #1 biller for the
Greater Media Boston cluster in 2013.
Chris Cabral
Paul Sullivan, Senior Account Executive for
MAGIC 106.7 WMJX-FM, billed more than
$900,000 in direct business in 2013.
Paul Sullivan
97.5 FM The Fanatic to Host The Jayson Stark Show
Jayson Stark
G
Senior Account Executive
David Medlock celebrated his
25th anniversary at News Talk
1110 WBT-AM on March 13.
Medlock was recognized for
his service at a luncheon in his
honor. The surprise luncheon
included current and past staff
members along with his wife
Tammy, daughter Kelcey and sons
Tyler and Clay. VP and General
Manager Rick Feinblatt presented
Medlock with a beautiful humidor
and two round-trip airline tickets
to anywhere in the country he and
his wife would like to go.
top, David Medlock poses with his
family after being honored at his
anniversary luncheon.
bottom, David Medlock reacts to
being surprised at a party celebrating
his 25th anniversary at News Talk 1110
WBT-AM.
Medlock joined WBT on March
13, 1989, then owned by JeffersonPilot Communications. He came
from Chapel Hill, NC, where he
was serving as the News Director.
Before coming to Charlotte, he
said he had “never sold anything in
his life.” He started with a modest
draw and has since become the
highest revenue generator in the
history of the radio station.
97.5 FM The Fanatic announces
that The Jayson Stark Show will
be broadcast live from The Green
Parrot in Newtown, PA, on select
Mondays throughout the baseball
season. ESPN baseball expert
Jayson Stark will host the one-hour
show. The first show aired on
Monday, April 7, from 6 to 7 PM.
Stark will continue to be a regular
contributor on the Mike Missanelli
show every Wednesday at 4:30 PM.
“I may work for ESPN now, but
I’m still a Philadelphian,” says
Stark. “So the only thing cooler
than joining my buddy Mike
Missanelli every Wednesday is
getting my own personal hour of
radio, where I get to talk to my
favorite Philadelphians about the
Phillies and the sport they play, mix
in a little trivia and do our best to
turn this extravaganza into a show
that’s even more fun than spending
a summer evening hanging out in
Ashburn Alley.”
Originally from Philadelphia,
Jayson Stark has written and
reported for ESPN on Major
League Baseball since 2000.
Prior to ESPN, Stark covered
the Philadelphia Phillies for The
Philadelphia Inquirer, and twice was
named Pennsylvania’s Sportswriter
of the Year by the National
Sportscasters and Sportswriters
Association. Stark is a senior
baseball writer for ESPN.com,
where his contributions include
blogs, features and video blogs.
He also appears as an analyst on
a variety of ESPN television and
radio programs. Stark also has
written three books, including his
newest baseball book, Wild Pitches:
Rumblings, Grumblings, and Reflections on the
Game I Love.
The Jayson Stark Show, presented
by Univest, a financial solutions
provider, will be open to the
public, live from The Green Parrot
located at 240 North Sycamore
Street, Newtown, PA.
Continued on page 6
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G RA PEVIN E
5
people
Continued from page 5
PEOPLE & NEWS
Gary Minoff Named Market Controller
at Greater Media Detroit
Mary Menna Named General Manager
of WMJX-FM in Boston
Gary Minoff
Gary Minoff has been named as the
new Market Controller at Greater
Media Detroit.
Mary Menna
Greater Media announces Mary
Menna has been named the
General Manager of Greater
Media’s MAGIC 106.7 WMJX-FM
in Boston. She began the newly
created position on May 27.
The legendary Boston radio
veteran most recently served as the
Market President of Clear Channel
Media and Entertainment, Boston,
where she spent 25 years serving
in a variety of capacities, including
Director of Sales, General Sales
Manager, National Sales Manager
and Account Executive. While in
that capacity, she also managed
Clear Channel’s Providence
market for four years.
In the newly created position,
Menna will be responsible for
overseeing the management and
sales responsibilities of WMJX-FM.
She will report directly to Greater
Media Boston Vice President and
Market Manager Rob Williams.
“Mary Menna is unquestionably
among the best managers in
Boston media and has built an
enviable track record of success
and respect among her team,
her peers and her clients,” said
Williams. “In the newly created
position of General Manager of
our flagship brand, MAGIC 106.7
FM, Mary will work closely with
me, our Director of Programming
Cadillac Jack and Director of Sales
Mark Keaney to help our cluster
continue to grow and reach its full
potential.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to be
starting a new chapter of my career
in the newly created position of
General Manager of the legendary
MAGIC 106.7 in Boston,” said
Menna. “I am excited to be
reunited with many of my former
colleagues and to be working with
Rob Williams, Cadillac Jack and
the entire talented MAGIC team.”
Menna began her radio career
straight out of Boston College
at WBCN-FM. She went on to
work at WBZ-AM, WBOS-FM,
Kiss 108 and WJMN. Menna has
been named among the “Most
Influential Women in Radio”
by Radio Ink magazine, a respected
national industry publication.
A native of Italy, Menna grew up
in New Jersey and now resides in
Sudbury, MA, with her husband,
Peter Darveau, and two daughters.
Minoff most recently served as the
market controller at CBS Detroit
since March 2012, where he was
promoted to the position after two
months on the job. Prior to that, he
worked as the director of finance for
G R APEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
“His experience and leadership made
Gary the perfect choice for the market
controller position for our Detroit
cluster,” said Steve Chessare, Market
Manager of Greater Media Detroit.
“We look forward to having him join
the Greater Media Detroit family.”
Milford Smith Celebrates 30 Years
at Greater Media
Milford Smith
Greater Media Vice President of Radio
Engineering Milford “Smitty” Smith
proudly celebrated his 30th anniversary
at the company on April 10, 2014.
Over the years, Smitty has blazed new
trails on behalf of both Greater Media
and the radio industry at large.
“It is such a privilege to have Smitty on
our team over the past three decades,”
said Greater Media Chairman and
CEO Peter Smyth. “His leadership,
expertise and passion have been a
driving force behind the success of our
organization. He has made Greater
Media greater.”
He has been recognized with countless
awards over the past three decades,
including receiving the prestigious
Radio Engineering Achievement
Award from the National Association
of Broadcasters (NAB) in 2005, given
to individuals for their significant
contributions that have advanced the
state of the art of broadcast engineering.
In November 2010, he was selected to
receive the 2010 RadioWorldmagazine
“Excellence in Engineering” award
given annually to an individual
who “embodies the highest ideals
of the radio broadcast engineering
profession.”
In addition to his daily responsibilities
overseeing the engineering division
at Greater Media, he serves as a
member of the Institute of Electrical
6
ABC Radio/Radio Disney/Citadel
Broadcasting/Cumulus Broadcasting
from September 1997-December
2011. Previous to that, Minoff
served as the controller for Clear
Channel Broadcasting from July
1994-September 1997 and the Vice
President of Sky Broadcasting from
March 1990-July 1994.
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE),
the Society of Broadcast Engineers
(SBE), and the Association of Federal
Communications Consulting
Engineers (AFCCE). Smitty is also
active in its FASTROAD technology
advocacy program as a member of its
technical advisory group and is also a
member of the newly formed Radio
Technology Committee.
He is likewise active in the National
Radio Systems Committee (NRSC),
serving as its overall chairman and is
a member of various subcommittees
and working groups, including its
Digital Radio Broadcasting (DRB)
subcommittee, its Radio Broadcast
Data System (RBDS) subcommittee
and its AM & FM Analog
Broadcasting (AFAB) subcommittee.
Working with other radio companies
and iBiquity Digital Corporation,
he has been involved in research and
development efforts over the years,
which have led to the FCC permitting
significant increases in permissible
transmission power for FM HD Radio
stations.
His current work in the area centers
around asymmetrical sideband power
levels, digital channel boosters and alldigital AM transmission.
He holds a B.S. degree in physics from
Amherst.
Continued on next page
Greater Media Announces
New Management Lineup in Philadelphia
Dave Scopinich Rejoins WMGK-FM as General Sales Manager;
Chris Kirchner Named Sales Manager at 97.5 The Fanatic WPEN-FM
Dave Scopinich
Greater Media has announced two
major management moves in the
Philadelphia market.
Dave Scopinich has been named
the new General Sales Manager at
WMGK-FM. He began his career
as an Account Executive at Greater
Media Philadelphia’s WMGK-FM
in 2003. For the past decade he was
with CBS Radio, where he ascended
the ranks to become General Sales
Manager at WOGL and WPHT in
Philadelphia.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dave back
to the Greater Media Philadelphia
family,” said Paul Blake, Vice
Chris Kirchner
President and Director of Sales at
Greater Media Philadelphia. “His
vision is consistent with our client
commitment of coaching, ideas and
results.”
In addition, Chris Kirchner has been
named Sales Manager at 97.5 The
Fanatic WPEN-FM. Kirchner has
been with Greater Media Philadelphia
for the past 20 years. He previously
served as General Sales Manager at
WMGK-FM.
great!
Continued from page 3
LOOK WHO’S MAKING
GREATER MEDIA GREATER
Media. Paul is a dedicated worker,
always ready to work no matter what
the weather or traffic brings. Every
week at the end of his shift his coworkers always hear, “If you need
me for anything, call me.” Paul has
been married to his wife, Louisette,
for 55 years. He has five children,
four grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.
PHILADELPHIA
Melissa Demyan
Assistant Promotion Director
97.5 FM The Fanatic
Melissa Demyan is an integral part of
97.5 FM The Fanatic’s promotional
machine. Melissa is constantly
working to make The Fanatic’s events
bigger and better for listeners and
clients, while creating a top-notch
Fanatic Ground Crew and Fanatic
Fantasy Girls teams. She also excels at
sports-marketing idea generation and
execution for The Fanatic sales staff
and sponsors.
Steve Vassalotti
Producer
97.5 FM The Fanatic
Steve Vassalotti has worked day and
night during the Flyers season and
has done an outstanding job. He
produces the Jon and Sean Show
during the day, and when there is
a Flyers game, he is the lead studio
producer. It makes for a long day and
night, but he handles it extremely
well and was praised by the Flyers’
announcers throughout the season.
G
“Chris’s leadership and commitment
to client results will be a major asset to
The Fanatic,” said Blake.
Greater Media Boston Announces Promotions
Scott Morello has transitioned
from production back into
programming as the new Assistant
Program Director at Hot 96.9
FM, effective May 12. Morello
spent a number of years in various
programming roles with Bell
Media in Canada before joining
the Greater Media team last year.
“I’m really looking forward to
collaborating with Scott on the
continued growth of our newest
brand, Hot 96.9,” said Cadillac
Jack, Director of Programming at
Greater Media Boston.
in terms of meeting our sales
needs as well as by making sure
our stations have the best imaging
possible on the air,” said Cadillac
Jack.
In addition, Justin Weiner has
added the responsibility of imaging
MAGIC 106.7 FM to his current
Radio 92.9 FM duties.
Scott Morello
“I know firsthand how talented
Justin is, and I’m excited to be
working with him again on a daily
basis to keep MAGIC’s brand
evolving to match our audience’s
tastes for many years to come,” said
Cadillac Jack.
Deirdre Dagata
Coinciding with Morello’s
promotion, Stella Mars has
assumed new responsibility as head
of the Production Department/
Creative Services Director,
reporting directly to Cadillac Jack.
“I’m confident that under Stella’s
leadership, the department will
continue to flourish as it has done
over the past several months, both
Deirdre Dagata has joined
Creative Services at Greater Media
Boston as a Production Assistant.
She will continue to do her
weekend air shifts on Hot 96.9
FM and will incorporate part-time
production responsibilities into
her workweek.
Greater Media Boston’s Creative Services Team: Doug MacAskill, Tony Baglio,
Stella Mars, Joe Plett and Justin Weiner
SP R I N G
G
2 01 4
G RA PEVIN E
7
detroit pistons
Announce New Radio
Broadcast Partnership
with Detroit Sports 105.1 FM
Multi-Year Agreement Includes All
Pistons Home and Away Games
Palace Sports and Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Den-
nis Mannion and Steve Chessare, Market Manager of Greater
Media Detroit, have announced that the Detroit Pistons have
signed a multi-year agreement with the radio broadcasting
company for all Pistons games to be aired on the FM dial on
Detroit Sports 105.1 FM, effective immediately.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Greater
Media Detroit and look forward to collaborating on innovative
ways to enhance coverage of Detroit basketball for our fans,”
said Mannion. “Detroit Sports 105.1’s alignment with ESPN Radio is a natural fit for our organization, given its extensive coverage of the NBA. We are also pleased to have the ability to
partner with Greater Media sister stations like WRIF-FM (101.1
FM) and WCSX-FM (94.7 FM) to provide ancillary Pistons programming as well as Palace Sports and Entertainment concert
and event promotions.”
“We are delighted that fans will find themselves tuning to Detroit Sports 105.1 to hear all the excitement of Pistons games,”
said Greater Media’s Chessare. “We are thrilled to have the ability to deliver a thoughtful, passionate and progressive listening
experience for our fans. Adding NBA play-by-play to Detroit
Sports 105.1 is yet another significant step forward in fulfilling
our commitment to offer fans the finest in consistent sports
programming like they’ve never had before.”
Chessare added, “Advertisers who have been part of the Pistons broadcast have an improved and consistent platform to
have their message shared with fans like they’ve never had before.”
Under the new agreement, Detroit Sports 105.1 will provide
around-the-clock coverage of the team, including daily Pistons’
Minutes on the stations, talking about all aspects of the team
throughout the broadcast week. In addition, Detroit Sports
105.1 will serve as the flagship station for the Pistons Radio Network, which includes stations throughout Michigan and northwestern Ohio.
8
GRA PEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
from left, Detroit Sports 105.1 FM PD Jason Dixon and Palace Sports &
Entertainment CEO Dennis Mannion listen as Greater Media Detroit Market
Manager Steve Chessare speaks during press conference.
Detroit Sports 105.1’s HD2 signal will also carry additional content throughout the day, including expanded game-day coverage, Pistons features, game replays and more. This content will
be distributed on digital platforms such as the Pistons and Detroit Sports 105.1 mobile apps as well as each entity’s website.
The agreement also calls for Pistons game broadcasts to be
streamed on the station and team websites as well as on their
mobile apps.
Pistons broadcasters George Blaha, Mark Champion and Rick
Mahorn will continue their play-by-play and analyst roles under
the new agreement.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Palace Sports and Entertainment,” said Detroit Sports 105.1 Program Director Jason
Dixon. “This agreement is more than a standard rights agreement; it’s a content creation agreement. The Pistons and Detroit Sports 105.1 will be generating an unprecedented amount
of team-related content that will be distributed over multiple
platforms. The structure of this deal allows for creativity and
innovation that we intend to take advantage of. I truly believe
it could become a model for future professional sports rights
agreements.”
In addition, the new partnership will include Greater Media sister stations WRIF-FM and WCSX-FM, which will also provide
content and create exclusive events for Detroit sports, music
and entertainment fans throughout the year.
G
G
Buzz Knight
Vice President of
Program Development
Greater Media, Inc.
G
Greater Insights
Make Something Happen
At this point in the year, it’s time
to figure out some ways to
make something happen within
your organization. I know you
are incredibly busy and you are
doing some form of meaningful
work … but it’s always good to
get into re-evaluate mode. Here
are some specific thoughts
to get you going in the right
direction toward meaningful
and satisfying action.
First and foremost, revisit all
of your yellow pad ideas that
might have slipped through the
cracks. Sometimes ideas have
been stalled in a committee
or someone has thrown cold
water on them but the ideas
can be resuscitated. This can be
a valuable exercise especially if
these ideas fit one of your key
priorities for improvement.
Second, we all need a big
reminder that we are in the
business of building fan loyalty. A
sales staff views them as listeners;
in marketing they are viewed
as customers; to programmers
they are fans. Treat your listeners
like fans and never forget that
relationship.
WMGK-FM’s John DeBella and Religious Figures
Send Blessing to Phillies before Home Opener
Next, stop and listen to the
produced sound of every element
on your radio station—not just
produced imaging but even
commercial production.
Put a hypercritical ear on every
facet of your brand.
If you are a music station, there is
nothing better than driving down
the highway with the top down,
blasting a station at high volume.
Great songs are awesome but a
great piece of production brings
our whole package together.
Set new production standards
to make your brand undeniably
awesome!
Last and most important, think
about the beauty of building
and maintaining the integrity of
a brand.
These are cherished assets in
each of our communities, and
frequently we can lose sight of
what these brands mean to the
market.
Many times negative press
turns into negative energy, and
our job as leaders is to keep a
winning attitude. Develop and
maintain a routine that fosters
an environment to create small
victories that will lead to more
important victories and a sense
of winning accomplishment.
The 100.1 WJRZ-FM Money Machine Is Back!
102.9 WMGK-FM’s John DeBella presided over a ceremony on
Monday, April 7, in which three religious figures from the tristate blessed the baseballs that the Phillies would use during
their home opener later that day.
Presiding at John DeBella’s 8th annual Blessing of the Balls at
McFadden’s at Citizens Bank Park were the Rev. Jeff Raffauf,
pastor of West Lawn United Methodist Church; the Rev. Joe
Campellone, president of Father Judge High School; and
Rabbi Gregory Marx, of Congregation Beth Or. The clergymen
performed three separate blessings. In 2008, when DeBella
had these three religious figures bless the home opener
baseballs, the team went on to win a World Championship
later that year. DeBella’s hope was for a similar result from this
year’s Blessing of the Balls!
The John DeBella Show’s live broadcast began at 6 AM with
the blessing at 8:30 AM. Attendees at the broadcast had the
chance to win a free pair of tickets to that day’s home opener
as well as other WMGK-FM prizes. In addition to the pastor,
priest and rabbi, Phillies public address announcer Dan Baker
joined The John DeBella Show on-site at McFadden’s that
morning. Jayson Stark, senior baseball writer for ESPN.com,
also appeared on the show as a call-in guest.
Who doesn’t love winning some cold hard cash? The WJRZFM Money Machine was back in action in April, handing out
up to $500 to listeners! The format was simple: “Be caller 10
when you hear the JRZ Money Machine activate at 8:30 AM,
11:30 AM and 3:30 PM, and you could win $25, $50, $100 or
$500 cash! Your pin number is 1001!”
Once they were caller 10, they had to dial “1001” to activate
the Money Machine. Robotic and “cha-ching” sounds would
play over the air and then the Money Machine would say,
“You…won…$500” or whichever prize amount they won. Not
only did this contest promote appointment listening, it also
provided a great element of suspense and surprise for our
listeners.
Later in the day, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM, 102.9 WMGK-FM hosted a
tailgate party on the front lawn of the Holiday Inn Stadium at 10th
and Packer avenues with plenty of games and giveaways.
G
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
9
H O N O R S
MAGIC 106.7 FM’s
Exceptional Women Series
Receives 19th Gracie Allen Award
&
A W A R D S
Susan G. Komen Affiliate Honors
Greater Media New Jersey
Candy O’Terry
MAGIC 106.7 FM received its 19th Gracie Allen Award for the
Exceptional Women series, hosted by Morning Magic’s Candy
O’Terry. This is the Exceptional Women series’ 37th award
overall since it began in 1992, a national record.
The Gracies are presented by the Alliance for Women in
Media Foundation for excellence in programming created by
and for women.
This award was for O’Terry’s segment titled “Grace Under
Fire,” which featured three women who saved lives after the
Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013. Whether at
the finish line, in the operating room, or during the manhunt,
these women exemplified true courage and grace under fire.
Left to right, Robbin Friedell, Assistant National Sales Manager for Greater
Media NJ; Marie Senkeleski, Promotions Director, WJRZ-FM; Bert Baron, Program & Creative Director/Air Talent WCTC-AM/WMGQ-FM; and Nancy Healy,
Executive Director of the Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey affiliate
The Susan G. Komen Renew the Promise event,
a celebration honoring the nonprofit’s dedicated supporters,
was held at The Conference Center at Mercer, West Windsor,
NJ, on March 13. Greater Media NJ received the Komen
Superstar award for the stations’ support throughout the
years in support of breast cancer research
and local community-grant programs.
Greater Media Radio Again Named a Top Workplace in Philadelphia
Greater Media Radio in
Philadelphia has been named
one of the Top Workplaces
in Philadelphia for the
third consecutive year. The
Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily
News and Philly.com conduct
the annual survey. Hundreds
of companies take part in the
survey, but only a few select
companies are awarded the
Top Workplace designation.
Greater Media Philadelphia
owns and operates four radio
1 0
G RAPEVINE
SP RIN G
stations in the area, WMMRFM, WMGK-FM, WBENFM and WPEN-FM, which
entertain more than two
million listeners each week.
“Great companies start with
great employees,” says John
Fullam, Vice President/
Market Manager for Greater
Media Philadelphia. “We
are fortunate to have
such an extraordinary
team dedicated to serving
Philadelphia, our listeners
2 014
and advertising partners
every day.”
This survey is unique because
the judges are the employees.
The evaluation for the Top
Workplaces program is
based entirely upon feedback
from an employee survey
conducted by Workplace
Dynamics in the fall of 2013.
The Philadelphia Inquirer ran
a special insert on Sunday,
March 23, to announce this
honor.
The Top Workplace edition
features the employeenominated companies,
honoring those companies
who are getting it right and
distinguishing themselves
from other businesses.
H O N O R S
&
A W A R D S
Greater Media Newspapers Editor
Honored with 2014 Ambassador Award
Jessica D’Amico
The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma
has presented a 2014 Ambassador Award to Greater Media
Newspapers Managing Editor Jessica D’Amico for her article
“The Sting of Stigma.”
Ambassador Awards recognize those in the media who
champion the council’s mission to educate the public about
mental illness, to combat stigma, and to engage communities
in the process of embracing mental health.
The council selected D’Amico’s story as this year’s winner
in the category of “Print Media: Feature Coverage” and
presented the award on May 1 during a ceremony at the
Crowne Plaza in Monroe, NJ.
Appearing in Greater Media Newspapers publications
on February 27-28, 2013, “The Sting of Stigma” explored
many of the social challenges faced by people with mental
disorders.
Best Program Directors in America
—Radio Ink Magazine
Mike Brophey poses with
his award, for which he
was honored for “his vision,
leadership and dedication
to Country radio.”
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
11
left, WCSX-FM’s Jim O’Brien and Trudi Daniels preview the unveiling of the
94.7 WCSX-FM Stone Soup Project car.
right, The Stone Soup Project car on display
94.7 WCSX-FM
Stone Soup Project
Hubcaps and Healing: How One Classic Car
Helped a Family Honor a Loved One
Eleven years ago, 94.7 WCSX-FM did a wacky radio bit
challenging listeners to rebuild a junker car into a classic car,
relying solely on donations. It quickly became something
more than a stunt. Metro Detroiters opened their garages
and their wallets to build the first car. Mechanics and bump
shops volunteered their time and parts. Raffle tickets were
sold, and 100% of the proceeds went to a local charity. Stone
Soup Project was born, raising more $1.2 million for local
charities over the years. And the cars themselves have won
awards.
This year’s Stone Soup Project is so much more than about
the car. It’s about a great man, Gilbert Bunch of Livonia, MI,
whose family donated a 1970 Pontiac Firebird in his honor.
Bunch spent three decades as a building engineer. On the
weekends he spent his time helping others take care of their
houses and their cars. After two years of retirement, he had
finally cleared his calendar to work on his pride and joy, a
1970 Pontiac Firebird. Unfortunately, a sudden heart attack
prevented him from restoring the disassembled car. Bunch
left behind his wife, Valerie; three boys, Jim, Mark and Matt;
and the Firebird. The family didn’t know what to do with the
car. Then an idea came to them: Stone Soup.
Bunch loved the Stone Soup Project and bought tickets for
the raffle every year. He attended meetings at the mechanic
shops to watch the progress of the car. Bunch was a Stone
Soup fan; he liked the concept, the cars and the commitment to charity. Bunch’s stepson, Jim O’Brien, said, “The
best thing we could do for him would be a rolling tribute to
generosity and gearheads.”
Underway
Jim O’Brien, the 94.7 WCSX-FM morning show co-host who
also oversees the Stone Soup Project, said, “You can see it in
the eyes of the men and women who come to work on the
car. When they hear the story for the first time, some wipe
away tears, others straighten up and vow to make this car
something special for Gilbert’s wife and kids to be proud of.
This is what we do best in Detroit. We build things. Stone
Soup is a symbol of everything that’s right in the Motor City.
It will be an honor to turn this car into an incredible show
car, while raising money for Holy Cross Children’s Services in
Detroit.”
Ice Nine Group has begun to work on the Stone Soup Firebird. One of the first things 94.7 WCSX-FM had to decide
was the paint color! BASF donated the paint. They selected
some of their top paint colors, and WCSX-FM asked listeners to help decide what colors to paint the car. The winning
colors were blue with black trim.
Stone Soup Project is also made possible with the help of
Advance Auto Parts, Discount Tire, BASF, Ice Nine Group,
D&S Engine, Monaghan’s Towing, and the many volunteers
who donate their time to the project.
Holy Cross Children’s Services, the beneficiary of Stone Soup
Project, provides specialized schools and children’s services
throughout Michigan that include foster care, supervised
independent living, specialized residential and day treatment services, community-based treatment services, onsite
schools and neighborhood support centers.
G
1 2
G RAPEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
H O L
I D A Y S
Great Day for the Irish and
WCTC-AM at St. Patrick’s Day Parade
WLNK-FM Pumps Up
Green River Revival
WCTC-AM Program Director/Morning Host Bert Baron (l) with
grand marshals of 2014 South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
above, Rafters enjoy the spirited water-color change at the U.S. National
Whitewater Center.
below, WLNK-FM’s Kelly McKay poses with listeners who participated in the
Go Green Color Run.
WCTC-AM Morning Host and
Program Director Bert Baron
marched in this year’s St.
Patrick’s Day Parade in South
Amboy, NJ, one of the largest
events in the state honoring
all things Irish. Thousands of
green-clad spectators lined
the city streets on Saturday,
March 8, waiting for the
popular event to step off.
Blessed with beautiful
weather, this year’s event
featured floats, marching
bands and bagpipe groups
winding their way through
the streets of South Amboy.
U.S. Representative Frank
Pallone and local politicians
walked together near the
front of the procession. There
was even a green fire truck,
courtesy of the Jackson Mills
Volunteer Fire Company.
This year’s Green River
Revival, hosted by the
U.S. National Whitewater
Center, was a huge success
with a great turnout from
the community, who were
looking to celebrate St.
Patrick’s Day weekend with a
little “green” family fun!
Parade organizers thanked
WCTC-AM for all the support
it provided, and the station
looks forward to Irish-themed
revelry and fun once again in
2015!
Thousands of people
gathered to watch the river
turn shamrock green and
the kayakers and rafters float
down the waterway. 107.9
WLNK-FM played an active
role in the event by providing
an upbeat atmosphere with
music and kids’ activities
during the entire event.
WROR-FM Helps Listeners Celebrate the Holidays
Hank Morse from The Loren & Wally Morning Show hit the
streets and got up close and personal with the WROR-FM
audience for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day!
On Valentine’s Day, dressed in a sharp white tuxedo with
the Bee Gees’ greatest hits playing from his pocket, Hank
delivered roses and tickets to see Barry Gibb to significant
others of desperate listeners whose Valentine’s Day was
turning out to be a tragedy before WROR-FM came to the
rescue! With calls into the station upon delivery, Cupid Hank
shared “how deep is your love” with the world!
left, WROR-FM’s Hank
Morse with Carol, one of
the lucky winners of the
Valentine’s Day giveaway.
Thanks to Wicked Cupcakes of Shark Tank fame, Hank and
a couple of leprechauns from the WROR-FM Street Team
spread the luck o’ the Irish to local businesses celebrating
St. Paddy’s Day by tuning in to 105.7 WROR-FM! Surprise
deliveries of 12-packs of Bailey’s Irish Cream and Guinness
Cupcakes had Irish eyes smiling!
above, WROR-FM’s
Hank Morse poses with
Debbie while handing out
Wicked Cupcakes on St.
Patrick’s Day.
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R APEVIN E
13
community
greater media
gives back to the
community
GIVING BACK
MAGIC 106.7 FM Lends Support to
Boston High School Benefit
Coyle and Cassidy High School
in Taunton, MA, held its fourth
annual CC Live fundraiser on April
4 at Showcase Live with proceeds
from the evening designated to
advance the pursuit of excellence
in all areas of student life.
MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Nancy Quill
hosted the festivities with her
sister, Barbara Quill, a teacher at
the school. The evening featured
food, cocktails and an auction,
along with performances from
students, faculty, alumni and the
Quill sisters!
MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Nancy Quill (l)
and her sister Barbara co-host the
CC Live fundraiser.
CC Live has become a tradition
as parents and sponsors come
together to celebrate and support
Coyle and Cassidy High School.
MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Hosts Sip in the Park Fundraiser
at Boston’s Fenway Park
MAGIC 106.7 FM presented
A Sip in the Park fundraiser on April
25 at Fenway Park in Boston.
The event raised more than
$62,000 for suicide-prevention
programs in support of the
American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention. Morning Personality
David O’Leary, who is the chair of
the foundation’s Boston chapter,
served as the co-chair of the event.
MAGIC 106.7 FM Morning Host
David O’Leary and Kate
Eisenberg co-chaired the event.
MAGIC
106.7 FM’s
David O’Leary
speaks for the
attendees of
A Sip in the
Park fundraiser
benefiting
the American
Foundation
for Suicide
Prevention.
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.
Jersey Shore Firefighters to Get Specialized Disaster Training,
Thanks to WRAT-FM’s Mayday Benefit Concert
The band Fuel packed the
Headliner nightclub in Neptune,
NJ, on May 2, as part of WRATFM’s Mayday celebration to benefit
a local fire department.
welcomed Brett Scallions and
Andy Andersson from Fuel to The
Rat studios, where they performed
their latest single, “Soul to Preach
To.” Thanks to these down-toearth rock bands and the fans who
donated their time and money,
members of the Belmar Fire
Department, who spend countless
hours serving and protecting
their community, will now be one
step closer to being prepared for
anything that comes their way.
Fuel did not disappoint the
packed house of locals who
attended the fundraiser to support
the Belmar, NJ, Fire Department.
The Rat’s Morning Personality
Gotts hosted the show, which
included several local opening
bands and a silent auction.
More than $12,000 was raised
for the fire department, which
will be used to provide current
firefighters and new recruits with
training in specialized emergency
procedures for catastrophic events
like Superstorm Sandy.
top to bottom,
Brett Scallions and Andy Andersson
from Fuel perform in the WRAT-FM
studio.
The Rat’s Gotts and Scotty B on
stage working the crowd
Prior to rocking the stage that
night, The Rat’s Jimmy Steal
1 4
G RAPEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
New Jersey’s WRAT-FM, WJRZ-FM and WDHA-FM Staffers Play Celebrity Poker!
Thanks to a great relationship
with the folks at PartyPoker and
the World Poker Tour (WPT),
95.9 WRAT-FM, 105.5 WDHAFM and 100.1 WJRZ-FM were
invited to play in the 2014 WPT
World Championship Media Event during
the World Poker Tour taking place at
the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa
in Atlantic City, NJ, on April 28.
Representing the stations at the
charity poker tournament were
Doug “The Promorat” Sjonvall,
Marketing Director of WRAT-FM;
Matt Knight from the WJRZ-FM
morning show; and Mike Cocheo,
overnight personality at WDHAFM.
The event started with a reception
at the Borgata that included some
of poker’s top pros as well as some
non-pros from radio, print and
TV, who would be vying for the
top prize of $8,000 donated to a
charity of the winner’s choice.
Tournament players included Mike
Sexton, the World Poker Tour’s
TV commentator; poker superstar
Phil Hellmuth; Ken Daneyko of
the Stanley Cup champions New
Jersey Devils; NJ Devils-76ers
CEO Scott O’Neil; 76er greats
top to bottom,
WJRZ-FM’s Matt Knight (r) with
NJ Devils-76ers CEO Scott O’Neil
/ WJRZ-FM’s Matt Knight (l) with
poker superstar Phil Hellmuth /
WRAT-FM’s Doug Sjonvall (r) with
World Poker Tour’s Mike Sexton /
WDHA-FM’s Mike Cocheo (r) with
former NJ Devil Ken Daneyko
Darryl “Chocolate Thunder”
Dawkins and Malik Rose; WPT
commentator Vince Van Patten;
WPT pro Marvin Rettenmaier;
poker pro/commentator Matt
Savage; and the World Poker Tour
Royal Flush Girls.
WJRZ-FM’s Matt Knight was
seated at table 1, where he was the
only non-pro. WDHA-FM’s
Mike Cocheo was seated at table 2,
sandwiched between the imposing
figures of Darryl Dawkins (6’11”)
and Phil Hellmuth (6’7”). Across
from him were female pro Kara
Scott and three WPT Royal Flush
Girls. At Doug Sjonvall’s table
were NJ Devils-76ers CEO Scott
O’Neil, Ken Daneyko and three
poker pros.
Sjonvall took down a heads-up pot
early on against Daneyko with a
full house to win an autographed
Philadelphia 76ers basketball. The
first of the three Greater Media
representatives to get knocked out
was Cocheo, who realistically didn’t
stand a chance with Hellmuth to
his right. Next to go was Sjonvall.
WJRZ-FM Morning Man Matt
Knight made it to the final table.
Knight, a die-hard New York
Rangers fan, was at the final table
with the likes of Daneyko and
O’Neil. Knight was knocked out
in eighth place by O’Neil. His
knockout prize? An autographed
Devils jersey hand-delivered from
across the table by Scott “Mr.
Devil” O’Neil.
The charity tournament winner
was New York Daily News writer Chris
Baud with Daneyko coming in
second; both winners donated
their prize money of $8,000 and
$2,000, respectively, to the charity
of their choice.
Greater Media New Jersey was
honored that WRAT-FM, WJRZFM and WDHA-FM were three
of only four radio stations invited
to this charity tournament of
professionals, and they held their
own, mostly thanks to the poker
skills of Matt Knight!
Katie Couric Featured at BEN-FM’s Woman of the Week Luncheon
Marilyn Russell and 95.7 BEN-FM
hosted their 5th annual Woman of the
Week Luncheon on April 14, featuring
award-winning journalist Katie
Couric as the keynote speaker, as
well as Alicia Vitarelli, co-anchor
of Action News for ABC’s Channel
6; Nancy G. Hesse, Senior Vice
President of Patient Care Services
at Cancer Treatment Centers of
America; and Jennifer Bilotta,
Comcast Business Services.
Couric spoke about the
importance of mutual support and
personal growth, discussed her new
position with Yahoo, showed her
mom side with an update about
her daughters, and even offered a
quote from former U.S. Secretary
of State Madeleine Albright:
“There is a special place in hell
for women who don’t help other
women.”
Attendees, including business
professionals, clients and station
listeners, also had the chance to win
23 different raffle prizes, including
a $1,000 gift certificate to Mealey’s
Furniture, luxury spa and skincare baskets, and an all-inclusive
vacation for two to Punta Cana
with all proceeds going to Katie
Couric’s charity, The Jay Monahan
Center for Gastrointestinal Health.
Couric’s husband, Jay Monahan,
died of colon cancer at age 42.
In total, more than $3,000 was
raised at yet another outstanding
luncheon.
clockwise from top,
BEN-FM’s Marilyn Russell with
Katie Couric before the 5th annual
Woman of the Week Luncheon
/ The luncheon featured more than
20 raffle items with proceeds benefiting The Jay Monahan Center for
Gastrointestinal Health. / Keynote
speaker Katie Couric addresses a
crowd of more than 450 people.
Continued on page 16
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
15
community
GIVING BACK
greater media
gives back to the
community
Greater Media Boston Lends a Hand at Telethon
On April 15, the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon tragedy,
a group of Greater Media Boston staff members participated in WCVBTV Channel 5’s telethon to benefit One Fund Boston.
Staff from WBOS-FM, MAGIC 106.7 FM, Hot 96.9 FM and WRORFM answered phones and took pledges from listeners and viewers at the
Boylston Street finish line site.
WCTC-AM Supports Easter Seals’
Walk With Me New Jersey 2014
More than 1,350 people came together for the Easter Seals of New
Jersey’s 5th annual Walk With Me & 5K Run at MetLife Stadium, home of
Super Bowl XLVIII, in East Rutherford, NJ, on April 12 to make the
event a huge success and raising more than $120,000!
1450 WCTC-AM Morning Host and Program Director Bert Baron and
the WCTC-AM Street Team offered support with music, entertainment
and prizes, giving away Broadway tickets, lottery scratch-off tickets and
more to those who came to raise money for Easter Seals.
Miss New Jersey 2014 Cara McCollum with WCTC-AM Program Director and
Morning Show Host Bert Baron
Hot 96.9 FM’s Deirdre Dagata, Channel 5’s Kelly Tuthill
and Radio 92.9 FM’s Amy Brooks
1450 WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM Staff
“Go Red”
Celebrating National Wear Red Day with Go Red for Women, the 1450
WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM staff joined in the nationwide
movement on the first Friday in February to promote awareness of heart
disease.
WROR-FM’s Julie Devereaux
MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Tina Gao
For more than 11 years, the American Heart Association has sponsored
National Wear Red Day to raise awareness in the fight against heart
disease in women. Greater Media has always been a proud supporter of
the event, encouraging everyone to show support for the cause.
1450 WCTC-AM and MAGIC 98.3 FM staff members celebrate National Wear
Red Day with Go Red for Women.
Hot 96.9 FM’s Jackson Blue interviewed by Channel 5 anchor Kelly Tuthill
Continued on next page
1 6
G RAPEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
News Talk 1110 WBT AM/99.3 FM Talent
raise money for
CHARLOTTE CHARITIES
Listeners Share
Personal Stories during
John Hancock’s Father’s
Day Pancake Breakfast
Every year in March, WBT AM/FM Host John Hancock has a special
broadcast celebrating Father’s Day. It’s not the traditional holiday in
June, but one sparked by the passing of his father, where listeners call
in honoring and remembering their fathers. For nearly 20 years, on or
around March 16, Hancock opens the phones and listeners share their
stories.
For the second year, the weekend of the broadcast, WBT AM/FM held
John Hancock’s Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast, a morning filled with fathers
and their sons, daughters and family, with the proceeds to benefit the
Charlotte Men’s Shelter. Listeners enjoyed pancakes, sausage, coffee
and juice for their donation. Hosted at a local church and staffed by
area Boy Scouts, the breakfast raised more than $2,000 and provided
the shelter with 10 brand-new pairs of work boots. Listeners not
only enjoyed the company of the WBT AM/FM hosts but also that of
Carolina Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera.
Keith Larson’s Annual
Motorcycle Ride
Raises $25,000 to Help
Sick Children
Listeners joined WBT AM/FM Host Keith Larson on April 26 for
the 12th annual Keith’s Ride. The police-escorted motorcycle ride,
held on the last Saturday in April, benefits children in the Charlotte
community who are battling life-threatening illnesses.
Starting in the Charlotte suburb of Matthews, the 182 motorcycle
riders started their morning with breakfast from sponsor Hardees as
they filled up their tanks before leaving on the 90-plus mile trip, with a
break north of Charlotte at Lake Norman. They returned to the WBT
studios for barbecue and live music.
With more than 300 people at the after-party, and many donations
online, Keith’s Ride raised more than $25,000 to help four local
children: 3-year-old Harlan “The Hero” Sullins, who is bravely
battling a brain tumor; Coy Shue, who is 5 years old and fighting a rare
bone cancer; Elijah Clark, 16, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma;
and Brett Gideon, 13, with Ewing sarcoma.
WBT AM/FM Host John Hancock
with Carolina Panthers Head Coach
Ron Rivera
Left to right at the Father’s
Day Pancake Breakfast are
Boomer Von Cannon, WBT
AM/FM Traffic; Charlotte’s
Morning News Host Bo
Thompson; WBT AM/FM Host
John Hancock; Charlotte’s
Morning News Producer John
Moore and his daughter;
and WBT AM/FM Host Keith
Larson.
At the WBT AM/FM studios, the
Charlotte skyline provides the
backdrop as hundreds of Keith’s
Ride participants enjoy live music
and barbecue.
Addressing the 180-plus motorcycle riders, WBT AM/FM Host
Keith Larson holds up a photo of
Coy Shue, one of the children the
charity ride benefits.
Continued on page 22
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R APEVIN E
17
snapshots
greater media
in pictures
FACES & PLACES
1
2
15
8
17
18
10
9
16
3
19
11
4
5
12
6
20
7
21
13
1 8
G RAPEVINE
S P RIN G
2 014
14
22
23
1. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM’s Matt Dery (l)
with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan. 2. Detroit Sports 105.1
FM’s crew with ESPN’s Mike and Mike
during a VIP client party at Ford Field.
3. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM’s Marc Fellhauer,
Drew Lane and Tom Mazawey broadcast
live from downtown Detroit during Tigers
Opening Day. 4. Detroit Sports 105.1 FM’s
Tom Mazawey and Matt Dery flank new
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Joe
Lombardi (center) during a VIP client party
at Ford Field. 5. WDHA-FM’s Curtis Kay
broadcasts live for St. Patrick’s Day with
fellow jocks Scott Lynch and Kim Mulligan.
6. WDHA-FM’s John Hodorovych with
listener Leprechaun Mike before the Morristown St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 7. WMTRAM’s Steve Pellittiere (l) and Chris Edwards
represent the station in the Morristown St.
Patrick’s Day Parade. 8. WMTR-AM’s Steve
Pellittiere (l) and Chris Edwards during Nurses Week 9. Jeff Troast, WDHA-FM’s Curtis
Kay and WDHA-FM Account Executive Valerie Freda after a Cinco de Mayo broadcast.
10. Philadelphia Wings mascot Mad Dog
gives BEN-FM two thumbs up. 11. Even cats
love BEN-FM! 12. Party Patrol members Megan Sokolowski, Jamie DelVishio and Derek
Transue practice some hula-hoop tricks at
the Philadelphia Science Carnival. 13. 95.7
BEN-FM Morning Show Host Marilyn Russell poses with Party Patrol members, Jason
Gooch and Al Lee, at the Manayunk Spring
StrEAT Food Festival in April. 14. Charlotte’s
Morning News with Bo Thompson broadcasts live as part of the WBT AM/FM Road
Show at Stacks Kitchen. 15. WBT AM/FM
Sports Director Jim Szoke, with Charlotte
Knights’ General Manager Dan Rajkowski,
and Erik Spanberg of the Charlotte Business
Journal, in the press box at the new BB&T
Ballpark. 16. WBT AM/FM Host Keith Larson
at the pre-festivities for the grand opening
of BB&T Ballpark, the new Charlotte Knights
stadium. 17. 100.1 WJRZ-FM Midday Host TJ
Bryan lends his bartending skills for the Bartenders Competition. Chocolate martini, anyone? 18. 100.1 WJRZ-FM’s on-air personalities
get ready to race to the JRZ Beach House!
19. 100.1 WJRZ-FM’s Glenn Kalina, Richie V,
Matt Knight, Barbara Farragher, Ricky A and
Marie Senkeleski join the JRZ Mascot at the
Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 20.
100.1 WJRZ-FM’s Overnight Host Ricky A
lost a bet against Matt Knight in the Morning
and had to jump into the 45-degree Atlantic
Ocean in NY Rangers gear! 21. WLNK-FM’s
Anthony Michaels hosted an on-ice game
during a Charlotte Checkers hockey game.
22. WLNK-FM’s Matt Harris competes
in the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K to raise
money in the fight against colon cancer.
23. Max Sweeten, from WLNK-FM’s Bob &
Sheri Show, hosts a Spring Concert Series
at Shoppes at University Place in Charlotte.
24. WLNK-FM’s Promotions Coordinator Rachel Ferebee hangs out at the grand opening of the Charlotte Knights’ BB&T Ballpark.
25. WLNK-FM’s Ramona Holloway chats
with a listener at a Habitat for Humanity
ReStore remote. 26. WLNK-FM’s Anthony
Michaels and Kelly McKay enjoy a little pampering while visiting the Sandals Grande St.
Lucian Beach & Spa Resort. 27. WMGK-FM’s
Andre Gardner and excited listeners at a
Hometown of the Week broadcast from Geraghty’s Pub in Burlington, NJ. 28. Several religious leaders along with John DeBella gather for the annual Blessing of the Balls to kick
off the Philadelphia Phillies’ home opener. 29.
WRIF-FM’s MD Andy Green, Jade and PD
Mark Pennington broadcast Saturday morning’s Mark and Andy Show live on location
with a free public Bacon Bar. 30. WRIF-FM
Midday Host Anne Carlini and Promotion Assistant Emily Hiller with monster truck Grave
Digger. 31. WRIF-FM Evening Host Screamin’
Scott and Rock Girl Lyndsey battling on the
green at the Michigan Golf Show. 32. WRIFFM Weekend Host Jade checking out the
Bat Boat at the Detroit Boat Show 33. WRIFFM’s Dave & Chuck the Freak broadcast live
for St. Paddy’s Day. 34. One of the lucky
WCSX-FM listeners inside the WCSX Cash
Machine. 35. Country 102.5 FM staff hangin’
with the Swon Brothers inside the Foundation Room at the House of Blues for a special
Red High Heel Club event. 36. Country 102.5
FM Night Host Keith Stephens (l) backstage
with Thomas Rhett before he hit the stage at
the House of Blues in Boston.
G
25
24
26
27
29
30
28
31
32
33
34
35
36
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
19
37. Country 102.5 FM’s JW and Lori hang
with Hunter Hayes at Tsongas Center before a sold-out show. 38. Dancing with the
Stars host and former WMJX-FM personality Tom Bergeron with Kathleen Smyth
and Greater Media Chairman/CEO Peter
Smyth backstage on April 7 in Los Angeles.
39. Actor Eddie Izzard (center) with WMMR-FM’s Preston & Steve Show members.
40. British primatologist Jane Goodall with
WMMR-FM’s Pierre Robert. 41. Actor Jon
Lovitz (center) with WMMR-FM’s Preston
& Steve Show. 42. Actor Jon Lovitz with
WMMR-FM’s Marisa Magnatta. 43. Actor
Rob Schneider (center) with WMMR-FM’s
Preston & Steve Show. 44. Actor Tom Arnold (center) with WMMR-FM’s Preston &
Steve Show. 45. WMMR-FM’s Kathy Romano with the hairstylists at Kathy’s Cuts,
benefiting Wigs for Kids charity event.
46. WMMR-FM’s Jaxon, Sara and Pierre
(from left) at Jaxon’s Winter Ender Bender
concert. 47. WMMR-FM’s Pierre Robert at
the Phillies home opener with a fan (and
his new T-shirt) 48. Participating in Cupid’s
Undie Run fundraiser for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, as part of Loren & Wally’s
Family Jewels Team, are Lauren BeckhamFalcone and PJ the Eternal Intern (minus
Hank, who was busy hosting an event).
49. Loren and Wally with LBF and guests
at their annual Valentine’s Dance. 50. The
WROR-FM Bear in one of the Bruins parody music videos, which can be seen at
youtube.com/1057wror. 51. 94.7 WCSXFM’s Trudi Daniels, with Macomb County
Executive Mark Hackel, gets ready to participate in the Let’s Move Festival of Races
5K run to benefit the Macomb Health and
Fitness Foundation. 52. WCSX-FM’s Karen
Savelly hosts a WCSX Cash Machine event
for listeners to win lottery tickets, cash
and WCSX-FM prizes! 53. Four Tiger Cub
Scouts from Pack 152 in Jackson, NJ, show
their best rocker hands in front of a WRATFM van, after getting a tour of the studio.
At left is Sean Primiano, son of Peggy
Primiano, Greater Media Newspapers’ Special Sections Editor 54. Rapper Drake with
Greater Media Boston’s Justin Weiner.
G
snapshots
37
38
39
40
42
41
43
46
45
2 0
G RAPEVINE
F
SA
P R
L L
I N 2G0 2
1 30 1 4
48
54
52
51
44
47
50
49
greater media
in pictures
FACES & PLACES
53
G
Tom Bender
Senior Vice President
Greater Media
Interactive
G
Interactive Corner
It’s All about the Numbers
In the ever-changing world of
digital, one of the most plentiful
byproducts of our tools and
online activity is data. Reams
of it. The magic of advanced
technology is that we can
quantify activity down to the
most individual level and roll
it up into overall trends and
reporting.
In fact, did you know that
Greater Media stations average
5.4 MILLION hours of online
listening each month and that
we have almost 800,000 online
listeners each month? Or that
our station websites average
2.7 MILLION visits a month?
The metrics create the value of
our digital presence; they are
the proof of performance that
advertisers look for.
Unlike the familiar broadcast
ratings, digital metrics have
yet to be commonly accepted
and tested over time, nor
are they available in one
consolidated and uniform
format. Our company has
platforms for desktop websites,
mobile websites, mobile apps,
streaming audio, video, social
media and more. With the
underlying technology evolving
at light speed, the data available
for analysis is a digital fire hose
of numbers. It is difficult to
know which ones to focus on
and how to interpret them to
create a successful strategy.
There is no general agreement
on what key metrics should
be used to measure digital
engagement, nor do advertisers
agree on which numbers they
consider the most effective.
managers can see how they are
performing on their websites,
audio streams, social media,
and database marketing efforts.
Recent audience research
shows that 20-30% of the
loyal listener interaction with
our stations is coming through
digital platforms. Whether it’s
listening online, social media
posts, e-mails or text messages,
listeners are rapidly changing
the interactions with their
favorite station.
“The Digital Dashboard” report
was designed to help busy
program directors, promotion
managers and interactive
managers measure the
effectiveness of their strategy
on a monthly basis and plan
and create growth goals for
their online assets.
The key indicators can form
a direct feedback from the
listeners and users of our
websites and services to show
us which content is the most
effective, or which online
promotions produced the best
results. They can also help
decide our priorities allocating
staff time and hours to those
digital efforts that will produce
the best return.
The monthly report began in
April and will be refined and
improved as new developments
warrant. The old saying is
“Every picture tells a story.” It
needs to be updated in the
digital age. “Every number tells
a story.”
To help focus our digital
strategy, Greater Media’s
programming and interactive
departments have collaborated
to distill this flood of numbers
into a one-page report of
key indicators for each of our
stations. In the reports, station
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
21
community
GIVING BACK
greater media
gives back to the
community
MAGIC 98.3 FM Broadcasts at
Embrace Kids Radiothon
MAGIC 98.3 FM broadcasted live
for two days at the Embrace Kids
Foundation’s 7th annual Embrace
Kids Radiothon April 5 and 6 at
Rutgers University’s Louis Brown
Athletic Center in Piscataway, NJ,
to benefit kids with cancer and
blood disorders. The radiothon
was moved to a larger venue as a
result of the event’s continuing
growth and success.
Embrace Kids Foundation
offers comprehensive support
to families, including financial
assistance, an education program,
counseling, and holiday events for
the children, along with unique
programs and services that deliver
a thorough and compassionate
method of bringing care to
families when they need it most—
above, APD/MD and Midday Host
Debbie Mazella with Evening Host
John Lisk at Embrace Kids Radiothon 2014
below, MAGIC Morning Show Host
Chris McCoy with Program Director
and Afternoon Drive Host Jeff Rafter at Embrace Kids Radiothon 2014
when their child has a catastrophic
illness.
MAGIC 98.3 was on-site with
a live broadcast both days from
10 AM to 6 PM. On Saturday, it
was Assistant Program and Music
Director/Midday Host Debbie
Mazella joined by Evening Host
John Lisk; on Sunday MAGIC
Morning Show Host Chris
McCoy along with Program
Director and Afternoon Drive
Personality Jeff Rafter took over
the airwaves. Both days were filled
with interviews of families that
have been helped by Embrace
Kids, and the grand total raised
was more than $622,533.98!
MAGIC 98.3’s Embrace Kids
Radiothon has been part of the
annual Rutgers University Dance
Marathon for several years. In
that time, the donations to
help children and families in
the community have increased
each year, despite a challenging
economy.
“This is a signature event for
WMGQ. It ties us to community
on all levels by exposing the radio
station to Rutgers students and
alumni while benefiting a local
nonprofit organization and
satisfying our broadcast sponsor,”
said WCTC-AM and WMGQFM Station Manager Dan
Henrickson.
MAGIC 98.3 FM Presents Kidfest 2014
The little ones ran rampant once
again as MAGIC 98.3 FM hosted
Kidfest 2014! One of New Jersey’s
hottest, free, fun-filled family
events was back for its fourth
year at the Rutgers University
College Avenue Gymnasium in
New Brunswick, NJ, on Saturday,
March 22, with a supporting
sponsorship from The Children’s
Hospital at Saint Peter’s University
Hospital.
counting contest, appearances by
live characters, coloring center,
sports, and health information,
including free blood pressure and
blood sugar screenings for parents
and examinations for teddy bears.
Filled with the laughter of
children having a wonderful time,
Kidfest 2014 offered families a
wealth of activities: games, crafts,
cupcakes, live music, princess
photos, a Medieval Times jousting
match, face painting, magician
John Pizzi, balloon animals, sock-
The dedicated staff of MAGIC
98.3 FM completed another
successful Kidfest for the families
of Central Jersey and once again
brought forth an educational and
fun event for the children. With
the help of our excellent clients
and Rutgers University, all who
attended were entertained for
hours and won multiple prizes.
MAGIC 98.3 FM looks forward
to a fifth year once again at
Rutgers University and anticipate
year five to be the biggest yet!
Children and parents gather in a
circle for one of the many KidFest
activities.
The crowd at KidFest made the
rounds and stopped by the many
different booths.
MAGIC 98.3 FM Observes Nurses Week 2014
National Nurses Week 2014
kicked off once again in May,
honoring the hard work, sacrifices
and contributions of our nation’s
nurses. Celebrating the birthday
of Florence Nightingale, the
founder of modern nursing,
MAGIC 98.3 FM broadcast
live from a different hospital in
central New Jersey each weekday.
MAGIC Morning Show Host
Chris McCoy took to the airwaves
to promote expert advice on
current health issues.
The station honored the
hardworking nurses as they lead
the way in reaching out to their
patients, neighbors and families
to make sure everyone who is
in need of healthcare is treated
properly and to the fullest extent
to maintain their health.
MAGIC 98.3 FM
Morning Host Chris
McCoy poses with
nurses at Robert
Wood Johnson
University Hospital
for Nurses Week
2014.
2 2
G RAPEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
Greater Media Boston Supports
Wining and Dining for a Cause
The 5th annual Gourmet Gala: Wining and Dining for a Cause to benefit oncology
services at the North Shore Medical Center and the Mass General North
Shore Cancer Center was held on March 28 at Acura of Peabody, MA.
The event featured food tables from upscale North Shore restaurants
and live and silent auctions. Greater Media Boston personalities served
as guest hosts.
MAGIC 106.7 FM’s Nancy Quill bids during the private auction at the
Gourmet Gala.
101 WRIF-FM Takes The Plunge
For the past several years staff from
101 WRIF-FM have taken The
Plunge—the Detroit Polar Plunge. The
Polar Plunge is an annual event put on
by Special Olympics of Michigan
in downtown Detroit. Participants
throughout metro Detroit gather
to jump into the Detroit River,
all supported by sponsors and
donations that the “Plungers”
gather in the weeks leading up to
the event.
For the past few years, the Riff
Rock Girl has also taken The Plunge
in support of this great cause. For
six weeks leading up to the event,
WRIF-FM drives listeners to make
a donation online to get the Rock
Girl to make her jump in a bikini.
This year Riff Rock Girl Lyndsey
was joined by WRIF-FM Music
Director Andy Green and “Dave
& Chuck the Freak” Producer
James Campbell. The three of
them gathered at the Detroit
River with more than 500 fellow
plungers on a very cold Saturday
in February. Mother Nature did
not disappoint this year—the
temperature was below 20 degrees
when the jumping started! Despite
the frigid temperatures, Lyndsey,
Andy and James, along with all of
their supporters, raised more than
$180,000 for Special Olympics of
Michigan.
WKLB-FM’s JW & Lori Invite Young Philanthropist
to Meet Hunter Hayes
WKLB-FM’s JW and Lori made
one girl’s dream come true in May.
awareness about childhood hunger
on his We’re Not Invisible tour.
After hearing about her
community service work, JW
and Lori spoke with Leominster,
MA, middle school student Kylee
McCumber on the air to talk about
a charity project she started.
The country star stopped to speak
with Kylee backstage about her Kare
Kits program, posing for a picture
along the way. That night, she also
met Danielle Bradbery, winner of
The Voice season 4, and country duo
Dan + Shay.
In addition to her studies, Kylee
found time to launch Kylee’s Kare Kits
for Kidz, packing and distributing
weekend food kits for children who
are in need.
The Kare Kits, comprising
nonperishable food, were designed
to feed elementary school students
in the Massachusetts city who do
not have enough food to last them
over the weekend.
“Kylee hasn’t stopped grinning
and has been sharing stories with
family and friends nonstop!” her
grandmother said a few days after
the concert.
But Kylee is not done yet: She’s
already looking to extend her
burgeoning Kare Kits program into
the summer.
To honor the enterprising young
woman’s efforts, Kylee and her
grandmother, Lori Bateman, were
also invited to see Hunter Hayes in
concert, where they met up with JW
and Lori.
Hayes, who is one of Kylee’s
favorite singers, has been raising
WKLB-FM’s JW, Lori Bateman, Kylee
McCumber and WKLB-FM’s Lori at
the Hunter Hayes concert in May
from top to bottom, Riff Rock Girl Lyndsey talks to a fellow
Polar Plunger. / Lyndsey, James and Andy take The Plunge. / WRIF-FM
Music Director Andy Green, Rock Girl Lyndsey, and “Dave & Chuck
the Freak” Producer James Campbell prepare to be the last
ones to enter the Detroit River.
Continued on page 24
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
23
By Clare Marie Celano
Newspapers’ Managing Editor
takes on fundraising campaign for
LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
Mark Rosman Honors Memory of Late Wife
during 15th Anniversary Year of Her Passing
It’s all about the timing …
to our nomination for Man/Woman
of the Year and that he said yes in
memory of Stephanie. Accepting
the nomination is a big decision
and a big commitment. We are
very proud of Mark and the work
he has done. It is wonderful that
he is doing it.”
For Greater Media Newspapers
Managing Editor Mark Rosman,
the time was right to undertake
an effort that would honor
the memory of his late wife,
Stephanie, and help those fighting
the same illness, Hodgkin’s
lymphoma, that took Stephanie in
April 1999.
Rosman said he has raised $7,700
of his $10,000 goal for LLS.
He said the funds raised by the
campaign will go to the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society and
ultimately toward research into
blood cancers and to patient
services. The winners of the Man/
Woman of the Year event were named
at the May 17 gala.
When Stephanie died 15 years
ago, she left behind her husband,
Mark, and the couple’s 4-year-old
son, Nathan. Rosman is a single
dad to the now-19-year-old, who
just completed his freshman year
at Penn State University.
When asked, he said yes to a
nomination to participate in the
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
(LLS)’s Man/Woman of the Year
campaign, which involves raising
funds for the society.
Rosman, who has been with
Greater Media Newspapers since
1982, is managing editor of three
of the company’s newspapers: News
Transcript, Tri-Town News and Examiner.
He also appears on Greater Media
New Jersey’s WCTC-AM each
Thursday with morning host
Bert Baron to discuss some of the
articles that appear in the current
week’s edition of Greater Media
Newspapers. Rosman is also part
of Greater Media’s Broadcast
News video, which features
reporters and editors discussing
articles that appear in that week’s
newspapers.
Rosman said although he had
never participated in a public
fundraising event, he felt enough
time had passed since Stephanie’s
death for him to take on a project
to help others who are fighting the
disease.
24
G RAPEVINE
S P RIN G
top, Mark, Nathan and Stephanie
Rosman
bottom, Mark Rosman is pictured
with Grace Abraham, 7, of Rochelle
Park, NJ, who was diagnosed with
Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April 2013.
“During the fall of 2013, I was
at a point where I wanted to try
some new things, and when this
opportunity was presented to
me, I thought it represented
something outside my comfort
zone,” Rosman said. “In addition,
2014 is the 15th anniversary of
Stephanie’s passing, and I thought
this fundraising campaign would
be a significant way to honor her
memory.”
He said he was “surprised and
honored” when asked to be a
candidate in the Man/Woman of the
Year fundraiser.
James Wishbow, a member of the
LLS Board of Directors, said, “We
were thrilled when Mark said yes
2 014
Rosman said he made use of
today’s technology for the
campaign.
“My primary way of raising
funds to support my campaign
was to send e-mails to personal
and professional contacts I have
made over the past 30 years.
In addition, Stephanie’s sister,
Wendy Lieberman, and her
husband, Arthur, also sent out
e-mails to their personal contacts,
asking for support for this most
worthy cause,” Rosman said.
“Robin Russo from our office
organized a fundraiser at
Cheeburger, Cheeburger in
Manalapan. Many people from
Greater Media Newspapers
enjoyed lunch at the restaurant
that day, and a portion of the
proceeds was donated to my
campaign.”
When asked how this undertaking
affected him personally,
considering his own story,
Rosman said, “I tried to remain
focused on the task at hand,
raising money to fight blood
cancers, and hoped that Stephanie
would be proud of the effort I was
making by doing something that is
a bit out of the ordinary for me.”
The LLS set up a fundraising site
where people could donate to his
campaign. On the site, Rosman
is pictured with Stephanie and
4-year-old Nathan in a family
photo. On his site he writes, “It is
an honor to have been nominated
to participate and to help raise
funds that will further research
into blood cancers. I know from
my own personal experience how
devastating it can be when a loved
one receives a diagnosis of cancer.
The news leaves you speechless.”
On his site, he refers to the loss of
his wife to Hodgkin’s lymphoma
and said, “An otherwise healthy
person, Stephanie was cut down
by something we never expected to
face. I know that many families are
dealing with this same reality today
and I want them to have a better
outcome.”
He said funding for research is
critical.
“The Man/Woman of the Year program
is the link between us that can
produce a better outcome for so
many people,” Rosman said. “I
realized the effort I am making
is not necessarily for those who
have lost their life to cancer. The
effort is for individuals who are
fighting cancer today and need
to know other people are doing
what they can to raise money for
research that may lead to a cure. I
am confident that Stephanie, who
was a friend to everyone she met,
would understand if I told her my
focus has shifted just a bit from
making this effort on her behalf
to helping those who are fighting
cancer today.”
In a newspaper column about
the campaign, Rosman wrote
about his fundraising effort
and said the Man/Woman of the Year
program has two young people
who are inspiring those who are
participating in the campaign.
Mike Missanelli Hosts 5th Annual Golf Outing
One of those children, Grace
Abraham, 7, of Rochelle Park,
NJ, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s
lymphoma in April 2013.
“That is the same cancer that
Stephanie had, so to say that I
feel a connection with this young
lady would be the understatement
of the year,” he wrote. He said
Grace has returned to school and
is getting back into the swing of
things.
The young man who is lending his
name to the Man/Woman of the Year
effort is Justin Pritikin, 14, of the
New Egypt section of Plumsted
Township, NJ.
“Justin was diagnosed with acute
lymphoblastic leukemia in March
2012,” Rosman wrote, adding that
now, two years post-diagnosis,
Justin is in remission and is back
to school, playing basketball and,
as an eighth-grader, sat on the
high school varsity boys basketball
team’s bench, assisting the team’s
head coach.
“I can only say it is inspiring to
see young children who are faced
with a significant battle in their
lives put everything they have into
that battle so they may eventually
regain the sense of normalcy they
had before being diagnosed with
cancer.”
Rosman said he feels like the
future of youngsters like Grace
and Justin is “in our hands” right
now.
“I hope people will continue
to support the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society so that
children and adults can get the
most current treatments available
in the fight against blood cancers.
I have never taken part in anything
like this before. In the end, the
timing was right and the cause
was honorable,” he said. “I hope
the money I have been able to
raise will in some small way help
advance the fight against blood
cancers. I do not want any more
parents to lose a child and I do not
want any more children to lose a
parent.”
G
WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM
Celebrate 5th Annual KidFest
KidFest, an event created to help local families combat cabin fever,
celebrated its fifth anniversary this year at New Jersey’s Sheraton
Parsippany.
right, 97.5 The Fanatic’s Mike
Missanelli at his annual golf outing
with the DiAngelus family
On May 1, 97.5 The Fanatic’s Mike Missanelli hosted his 5th annual Golf
Outing at Seaview Golf Club, located outside of Atlantic City. Benefiting
the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, the Missanelli Golf Outing gave
Mike’s listeners the chance to see how good his game actually is!
The March 2 event featured dozens of vendors, tons of live
entertainment, a game room, a therapy dog area, prizes and more for
the thousands of WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM listeners looking to get
out of the house after a long winter. They were also entertained by a
caricaturist, a Medieval Times sword fight, former New York Yankee
Roy White, and a clown from the Big Apple Circus.
Missanelli was in a foursome with the DiAngelus family, who donated
$3,000 to play with Mike, and Mike was disappointed they didn’t win
the top foursome prize.
The golfers were joined by special guests Jeremiah Trotter (former
Eagles linebacker and Fanatic host), Fran Dunphy (Temple University
men’s basketball coach), Phil Martelli (St. Joseph’s University men’s
basketball coach) and Tom McGinnis (Philadelphia 76ers radio
play-by-play).
A Big Apple Circus performer helps
a youngster learn how to spin plates
at the WDHA-FM and WMTR-AM
KidFest.
An Irish dancer performs a front kick.
SP R I N G
G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
25
music
the music that makes
greater media
MUSIC AT GREATER MEDIA
LOOK
WHAT’S HAPPENING
21st Annual
Radio 92.9 FM EarthFest
AMERICAN
alternative rock band Neon Trees headlined the 21st annual
Radio 92.9 FM EarthFest on May 17 at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)’s Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston. They were joined by
reggae band The Wailers, British alternative rock band Morning Parade, and Smallpools, an emerging American indie pop band.
The family-friendly festival annually showcases national and local music acts, environmentally friendly products and local nonprofit environmental organizations. The
event, which was presented by Whole Foods Market, also featured Kids Planet, an
interactive area designed for families and children under age 12.
Attendees to Radio 92.9 FM EarthFest were encouraged to take advantage of the
free bike valet service offered by MassBike or to use public transportation.
top to bottom,
A crowd of thousands gathered for Radio 92.9 FM’s 21st annual EarthFest. / Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees
at EarthFest Photo Credit: 13 Photography
WDHA-FM: INSIDE THE BOX OF ROCK
clockwise from bottom left,
WDHA-FM’s Curtis Kay and Terrie
Carr with British rockers Heaven’s
Basement / WDHA-FM Music
Director and Midday Host Terrie
Carr with members of Judas Priest
/ WDHA-FM Account Executive
Valerie Freda along with Midday
Host and Music Director Terrie
Carr with Anne and Nancy Wilson
of Heart / WDHA-FM’s Terrie
Carr and Curtis Kay with rockers
Monster Truck after their live
performance in Studio D
2 6
G RAPEVINE
S P RIN G
2 014
country
SPREADS THE LOVE
Country 102.5 FM
Hosts Spread the
Love Benefit
Concert, Featuring
Easton Corbin,
American Young
The Boston Marathon is a special event for the city, and this year’s race
meant even more. On April 18 Country 102.5 FM held a very special
benefit concert with Easton Corbin and American Young at the Hard
Rock Café, all to help raise funds and awareness for Kenny Chesney’s
Spread the Love Fund. The fund benefits post-acute care at Boston
Medical Center or other Boston hospitals for victims of traumatic
injuries from the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy. The event was a
celebration of survival and strength and helped to raise more than
$16,000 for the Spread the Love Fund!
Country 102.5 FM
Hosts
CD Release Party
for Sara Evans’
“Slow Me Down”
Sara Evans dropped her latest CD “Slow Me Down” in March and
celebrated with an exclusive CD Release Party with Country 102.5 FM! Sara
played to a sold-out crowd at the Royale in downtown Boston on March
12. But before she took the stage, she stopped by the Floating Hospital
for Children to visit with the children being treated.
Sara Evans visits with a
patient at the Floating
Hospital for Children at
Tufts Medical Center.
Sara Evans performs
at the Royale for the
Country 102.5 FM
CD Release Party.
Headliner Easton Corbin (r) with special guests American Young
at the Country 102.5 FM Spread the Love Fund benefit concert
Posing with the check from the Spread the Love concert are
(l-r) Music Director Ginny Rogers, American Young’s Jon Stone and
Kristy O, Easton Corbin, morning show Co-Host Lori Grande, Promotions
Director Dawn Santolucito, morning show Co-Host John Willis, Program
Director Mike Brophey and Promotions Coordinator Scott Thompson
Continued on page 28
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R APEVIN E
27
music
the music that makes
greater media
MUSIC AT GREATER MEDIA
102.9 WMGK-FM Listeners Pick Choir to
Perform with Foreigner at Let Freedom Rock Fest
Hot 96.9 FM Hosts Throwback House Party
You remember back in the day when we used to move the furniture to
the side, post the DJ by the kitchen and rock out? Well, Hot 96.9 FM’s
Roy Barboza is the DJ, and Boston’s House of Blues was the spot! Hot
96.9 FM partied on May 7 with a sold-out crowd and threw down like
it was 1995. The evening featured live performances from Ja Rule and
Naughty by Nature, with a portion of the proceeds donated to The
Lieutenant Walsh–Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund, established
for the families of police Lt. Edward Walsh Jr. and firefighter Michael
Kennedy, who died in a March fire in Boston’s Back Bay.
The whole Hot 96.9 FM
team poses to
commemorate the
Throwback House Party.
Classic Rock 102.9 WMGK-FM
announces that the Cherokee
High School Concert Choir is
the winner of the station’s Classic
Rock Choir contest.
More than 10,000 people voted
online for their favorite choir/
chorus among finalists Cherry
Hill High School West’s West
Singers, Valley Forge Chorus and
Cherokee High Concert Choir,
with Cherokee
High receiving
the most votes.
The WMGKFM staff had
selected three
finalists, posting
portions of their
submissions
on the station
website to help
listeners choose
their favorite
choir.
members of the military with
various on-stage activities. A
portion of the ticket proceeds
will benefit local veterans via
the Philadelphia Multi-Service
Center.
Foreigner is 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.” At
Foreigner’s
core is
founder and
lead guitarist
Mick Jones,
the maestro
whose
songwriting,
indelible
guitar hooks
and multilayered talents continue to
escalate Foreigner’s influence.
He is joined by lead vocalist Kelly
Hansen, bass guitarist Jeff Pilson
and multi-instrumentalist Tom
Gimbel.
From the
moment the
doors open
at 5:30 PM
until the last
note is played,
patriotism will
be an ongoing
theme.
Rapper Ja Rule takes a selfie with Hot 96.9 FM’s House Party crowd.
Naughty by Nature on stage at the House of Blues
The Cherokee
High School
Concert Choir
will now have
the honor of
performing Foreigner’s huge
hit, ‘I Want to Know What Love
Is,’ live on stage with the band
at the station’s annual summer
concert, 102.9 MGK’s 13th
annual Let Freedom Rock Fest on July
3 at Susquehanna Bank Center
in Camden, NJ. They will also
receive a $500 check from
Foreigner.
The Let Freedom Rock Fest will feature
Foreigner, Styx, former Eagles
guitarist Don Felder and MGK’s
official house band, Musician
Impossible (from Delaware
County, PA). From the moment
the doors open at 5:30 PM
until the last note is played,
patriotism will be an ongoing
theme. The MGK air staff will
host the festivities and will honor
Spawned from a suburban
Chicago basement in the early
’70s, Styx is best known for the
hit songs “Lady,” “Come Sail
Away,” “Too Much Time on My
Hands” and “Renegade.”
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer
Don Felder was the lead
guitarist of The Eagles for 27
years. During that time he cowrote their biggest hit, “Hotel
California.”
Continued on next page
2 8
G RAPEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
100.1 WJRZ-FM Presents
The Beatles: A 50th Anniversary Celebration
It was one of those moments when you will always remember exactly where you were.
February 9, 1964, was the date that the Beatles changed America. More than 73 million
viewers tuned in to watch the first performance of the Beatles on American television.
On February 9, 100.1 WJRZ-FM celebrated one of the most legendary nights in
American history with a sold-out concert at The Strand Theatre in Lakewood, NJ.
There were performances by Denny Laine of the Moody Blues and Wings, as well as
by Terry Sylvester of the Hollies and members of Badfinger! They played the Abbey
Road album from front to back, along with Wings, Hollies and Badfinger favorites and
many more favorite Beatles tunes. The VIP winners enjoyed a pre-show party with
the JRZ on-air personalities, with Beatles songs, movies, giveaways and ’60s-style TV
dinners!
top to bottom,
Denny Laine and Terry Sylvester performing at The Beatles: A 50th Anniversary Celebration
/ Website banner / Denny Laine and Terry Sylvester / WJRZ-FM on-air staff and Senior Vice
President/Regional General Manager Dan Finn (standing, far right) with Denny Laine (back row,
second from left) / WJRZ-FM’s Glenn Kalina (l) and Terry Sylvester
Continued on next page
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
29
music
the music that makes
greater media
MUSIC AT GREATER MEDIA
100.1 WJRZ-FM Hosts Women’s Expo 2014
WDHA-FM Rocks Studio D with Monster Truck
WDHA-FM welcomed Canadian rockers Monster Truck on April 23
to Studio D in Cedar Knolls, NJ, for a live performance that rocked
both on-air and online.
The band did a full electric setup with the help of Greater Media
New Jersey Director of Technical Operations Keith Smeal as well as
Creative Director Mike Cocheo. After a sound check, Studio D was
ready to rock with the band; multiple staff members and six lucky
contest winners were in attendance.
The band gave a candid interview with WDHA-FM Midday Host
Terrie Carr about their experiences touring in the United States. They
then plugged in and rocked through two of their hits, “Old Train” and
“The Lion.”
Listeners were pampered with free haircuts, free makeup
lessons and free massages at the annual Women’s Expo
presented by 100.1 WJRZ-FM and Deborah Heart and Lung
Center on February 8 at the Pine Belt Arena in Toms River, NJ.
Thousands of people came to check out more than
100 vendors, products and services. There was plenty
of entertainment for everyone, including cooking
demonstrations, Zumba, cake-decorating lessons, and Miss
Senior New Jersey contestants showing off their singing and
dancing skills! Attendees also had the opportunity to win
great prizes, such as a Bulova watch, ski passes and a 13-piece
living room furniture set.
Their performance was streamed live to viewers who logged in to watch
on WDHAFM.com. After the performance, Interactive Technical
Director Tom Stark pieced together a multi-camera music video for
each performance that was posted on WDHAFM.com for those who
did not get a chance to watch the performance live.
Listeners wait for the expo to open.
Monster Truck vocalist and bassist
Jon Harvey performing live
The Studio D audience takes in the
live performance.
BEN-FM Prepares for 2nd Annual Summer BENder
95.7 BEN-FM will
present its 2nd annual
Summer BENder:
Replay America – The
Ultimate 80’s Festival
- starring The GoGo’s, Patty Smyth of
Scandal, Martha Davis
& The Motels, Cutting
Crew, and Naked Eyes
featuring Pete Byrne.
This year’s Summer
BENder will be held
on July 11 at PPL Park
in Chester, PA, with a
crowd of 3,000-5,000
people expected for
some mid-summer fun!
Thousands attended the annual WJRZ-FM Women’s Expo
in February.
WJRZ-FM on-air personalities on stage
3 0
G R APEVINE
S P RIN G
2 014
MAGIC 98.3 FM Honors the 2014
Teachers Who Make Magic
Jersey’s finest teachers
and staff with prestigious
awards and speeches that
recognized their success
within the classroom and the
community.
MAGIC 98.3 FM Program Director
and Afternoon Drive Host
Jeff Rafter introduces this year’s
Teachers Who Make Magic.
MAGIC 98.3 FM’s annual
Teachers Who Make Magic
awards honor the unique
educational methods used
to inspire the children and
young adults of New Jersey.
At this year’s awards dinner
held April 30 at the Pines
Manor in Edison, MAGIC 98.3
FM saluted 24 of Central
These teachers are now
lifetime members of
the Teachers Who Make
Magic class, with each
member inducted by a
superintendent, principal,
coworker, or parent of a
student. Drinks and hors
d’oeuvres kicked off the
evening while people came
in and mingled with other
teachers and staff. The
evening included a comedy
act that kept everyone
laughing between speeches.
For MAGIC 98.3 FM, it was
an honor to celebrate the
hardworking educators of
Central Jersey and award
them in our own way for their
dedication to their craft.
WCTC-AM’s Bert Baron on Hand for
Taste of Middlesex 2014
WCTC-AM Observes Earth Day with
Live from the Lawn Broadcast and Recycling Event
1450 WCTC-AM, the
Somerset County Division
of Solid Waste Management
and Newtech Recycling
celebrated Earth Day 2014
with a Live from the Lawn
broadcast on April 22 at
the WCTC-AM studios in
Somerset, NJ, and with an
electronic-waste recycling
event from 7 AM until noon.
Listeners and guests were
invited to stop by for free
coffee, breakfast goodies and
newspapers, all while saving
Newtech Recycling was on hand
to collect old electronics during
the Live from the Lawn Earth Day
broadcast.
the planet and properly
disposing of old electronics
they may have had in
storage.
Attendees also got to meet
WCTC-AM Morning Host and
Program Director Bert Baron
as Jersey Central chatted
with local New Brunswick
Mayor Jim Cahill, Middlesex
County Freeholder Director
Ron Rios and Freeholder H.
James Polos.
From left, Engineer KJ Singh, WCTC
Program Director and Morning Show
Host Bert Baron, New Brunswick Mayor
Jim Cahill and Freeholder H. James Polos
WROR-FM Hosts
Townie Tune Tourney in Boston
a friendly and fun night of
tastings and liquor pairings.
Proceeds from the event,
which was open to the
public, benefited several local
charities.
Pines Manor Director of Operations
Joseph Amore (center) and
WCTC-AM Morning Host and
Program Director Bert Baron
(right) interview a chef during the
17th annual Taste of Middlesex.
The 17th annual Taste of
Middlesex, emceed by 1450
WCTC-AM Morning Host and
Program Director Bert Baron,
was held at the Pines Manor,
Edison, NJ, on March 24 with
more than 55 restaurants,
caterers and beverage
distributors participating in
Central New Jersey finedining restaurants and
caterers were welcome to
showcase their products
and services. Each year
the Edison Chamber of
Commerce teams with the
Pines Manor to host the very
successful Taste of Middlesex,
with 700 to 800 people
coming out to eat and drink
in support of local charities.
The popular community-wide
event also allows fine-dining
eateries to showcase their
culinary skills to acquaint
patrons with their local
establishments.
In honor of March, tournament season, and thanks to
the very talented Tom Doyle, The Loren & Wally Morning
Show hosted the biggest tournament ever—the WRORFM Townie Tune Tourney! Sixty-four Townie Tunes
battled it out via online bracket; the morning show
hosted a Tourney Kick-Off and Wrap-Up Party; and one
person who filled out a bracket won $1,000! The winning
Townie Tune was the “Rectum of Edmund Fitzgerald,”
a parody of Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of the
Edmund Fitzgerald” about an uncomfortable visit to the
doctor. The “Golden Banana,” a “Copacabana” tribute to
a local gentlemen’s club, came in a close second.
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R APEVIN E
3 1
WCTC-AM Taps into March Madness with Trivia Throwdown
Playing into the college basketball action known as March Madness, 1450
WCTC-AM and Miller Lite offered Central Jersey sports fans and bar patrons
the opportunity to take part in the first-ever WCTC-AM Trivia Throwdown!
1450 WCTC News Director and trivia mastermind Bruce Johnson hosted at
four Central Jersey sports bars as patrons showcased their college and NBA
trivia knowledge, facing off with other patrons to win bar prizes, shirts, hats
and throwback NBA jerseys as well as entering into the running to win a bigscreen TV!
At the end of each event, the winner was offered a spot in the Trivia
Throwdown Final Showdown in the “Talktagon” with Bruce Johnson,
Morning Host and Program Director Bert Baron, and Rick Yocum of Warren
Distributing Company to take on winners from other bars for Miller Lite gear
and prizes, including a Sony 50-inch TV!
top to bottom,
Trivia Throwdown contestants field questions from WCTC-AM News Director Bruce Johnson.
WCTC-AM News Director Bruce Johnson quizzes the Final Showdown listeners.
WMMR-FM Listeners Dazzle at Preston & Steve’s Cardboard Classic
Once again, WMMR-FM listeners outdid themselves with their creativity
at Preston & Steve’s Cardboard Classic on Friday, March 7. Entries ranged
from a full-on Wizard of Oz-themed 25-foot sled complete with costumes,
characters and PD Bill Weston as the Great and Powerful to a life-sized-replica
JP Mascaro & Sons Trash Truck (including a cab you could actually sit in and
steer!). It was a day full of fantastic wipeouts and, conversely, well-constructed
sleds like the 1920s Steam Engine replica.
Thousands of fans attended to catch the action and witness the wonder at
Jack Frost Mountain in the Pennsylvania Poconos, about an hour north of
Philadelphia. More than 100 sleds descended (or attempted to) the Tubing Hill
in an attempt to reach the finish line in their homemade cardboard creations.
The event kicked off with the Fastest Sleds competition, with the winner
clocking in at 9.01 seconds. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third
place for Best Design, Best Coors Light Themed Sled, and Best Harley
Themed Sled. Everyone tried to reach the finish line—some did, some didn’t,
but everyone had a blast!
above,
WMMR-FM’s Pierre Robert
hangs on tight while heading
downhill in the front of the
Pontoon Party sled.
right,
The crowd gathers to watch
Preston & Steve’s Cardboard
Classic.
One group makes its way down the hill on a Wizard of
Oz-inspired sled.
3 2
G R APEVINE
S P RIN G
2 014
93.3 WMMR-FM
Partners with
Philadelphia Wings
for Pierre Robert
T-shirt Night
The Philadelphia Wings
professional lacrosse team
celebrated Pierre Robert
T-shirt Night during their
home game versus the
Calgary Roughnecks on April
4 at Wells Fargo Center. The
first 2,000 fans received a
Number 93 “Pierre” player
T-shirt.
Thousands of fans in
attendance also got to
witness the unlikeliest of
honorary face-off captains,
since Pierre refers to all
Philadelphia teams as the
“Boys in Blue” and is not
known for his sports acumen.
The promotion was met with
rave reviews, a win-win-win
for the client, the station and
the fans!
top to bottom,
WMMR-FM’s Pierre Robert takes the field at a
Wings’ home game.
93.3 WMMR-FM’s Pierre Robert holds up his
Number 93 “Pierre” shirt.
MAGIC 98.3 FM Observes National Grilled Cheese Day with What Else?
Americans love grilled cheese
sandwiches, and so what
better way to honor one of
America’s favorite comfort
foods than to celebrate
National Grilled Cheese Day
by offering workers in two
local businesses a tasty,
cheesy sandwich!
In observance of April’s
National Grilled Cheese Day
MAGIC 98.3 FM teamed
up with Chef M.J. Brando’s
Microwaveable Grilled
Cheese Sandwiches to
provide 100 grilled cheese
sandwiches to two lucky
Central Jersey businesses!
MAGIC 98.3 FM’s Evening Host John Lisk (far right) and Weekend Host Brett Radler (far left) pose with employees
from Catholic Charities’ Edison Family Service Center.
Delivering a toasted grilled
cheese sandwich in under
two minutes, Chef MJ
Brando’s Microwaveable
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
were a huge hit!
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
3 3
WMGK-FM’s John DeBella Comfort Food Fest
Takes Food Favorites to Next Level
Vie for 102.9 WMGK-FM’s 7th
annual John DeBella Comfort
Food Fest. Those who
attended registered for an
invitation by going to wmgk.
com.
What could 10 of the most
celebrated chefs in the
Philadelphia area do to
elevate basic comfort foods
like chili, pierogies, pot
pie, meatloaf, or mac and
cheese? That’s what a room
of 400 invited guests came
to find out on Tuesday, March
11, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at
Ten chefs attempted to
tantalize the taste buds of
the crowd and the judging
panel enough to take home
the evening’s top prize,
the DeBella Golden Spoon
Award. This year’s judging
panel featured Fox 29 News
co-anchor Mike Jerrick, Philly.
com’s Michael Klein, and
chef/restaurant consultant/
media personality Hope
Cohen.
Previous Comfort Food
creations from other chefs
have included wild boar chili,
duck confit and foie gras
pierogi, chorizo meat loaf,
cheese steak tortillas, and
barbecued marinated pork
belly in a steamed bun.
left, News Anchor Mike Jerrick, Chef
Hope Cohen and WMGK-FM’s John
DeBella with this year’s Golden
Spoon winner, Chef Scott McLeod
of Cuba Libre at Comfort Food Fest
2014
right, Attendees sample food from
Philadelphia’s top restaurateurs at
the Comfort Food Fest
WRIF-FM Rocks Tigers Opening Day
In Detroit one day has come
to signify the end of winter
... the Detroit Tigers Opening
Day. Likewise, the WRIFFM Opening Day Party has
become an annual event
many fans look forward to.
On March 31 as the team
prepared to take to the field
for the first time this year,
The Riff got the party started
early across the street at The
Fillmore.
part of the party was that it
was free for everyone to get
in! More than 7,000 listeners
hit The Fillmore throughout
the day to make the party
one of the biggest in the
city as Detroit gets ready for
another year of baseball.
clockwise from top,
Dave, Chuck the Freak, Lisa Way
and Andy Green live from Opening
Day
More than 2,000 people take in
the Tigers home opener on the big
screen of The Fillmore Detroit.
Dave & Chuck the Freak
took their show on the road
to The Fillmore to start
broadcasting live at 6 AM,
and they brought breakfast
with them! The first 150
people through the doors
started their morning with
free coffee and donuts from
Tim Hortons.
Dave Hunter takes a “selfie” with
fans on Opening Day.
The marquee at The Fillmore Detroit
for WRIF-FM’s annual Opening Day
Party
Midday Host Anne Carlini
and Afternoon Host
Meltdown kept the party
going throughout and after
the game. Local band Pistol
Day Parade took the stage
about an hour before game
time to get the crowd rockin’.
And for listeners at the party
without tickets to the game,
The Fillmore lowered the
60-foot high-def screen so
everyone could have the best
seats in the house. The best
34
GR APEVINE
S P RIN G
2 014
WMGK-FM’s John DeBella Hosts
Philly Area’s Largest Canine Event
102.9 WMGK-FM morning
man John DeBella hosted the
12th annual DeBella Dog Walk
at picturesque Green Lane
Park in Montgomery County,
PA, on Sunday, May 4, from
11 AM to 3 PM. Thousands of
pet lovers and their fourlegged best friends attend
the Philly area’s largest
canine carnival every year,
which continues to grow in
popularity. The Dog Walk
is a free, outdoor gathering
for people and their dogs
that features entertaining
dog demonstrations and
interactive games, the
ability to get advice from
experts such as trainers and
veterinarians, as well as the
opportunity to learn about
various breeds from the 25
to 30 shelters and rescue
groups on-site. Throughout
the event, people can get
information that will help
them become better pet
owners while enjoying a
super-sized play date with
their four-legged best friend.
This year’s dog
demonstrations featured a
variety of talented canines,
including Frisbee dogs,
“dancing” dogs and a
member of the Abington
WMGK-FM
listeners and
their furry
friends could
compete
in a variety
of games,
including
the “longest
kiss between
owner and
dog” contest.
Police Department’s K-9 unit.
Dogs took part in games
such as lure coursing, musical
hoops (musical chairs for
dogs) and doggie tic-tac-toe
to win treats. Both dogs and
owners had the opportunity
to win prizes in the “longest
kiss between owner and
dog” contest as well as the
Simon Says contest. Photo
opportunities abounded as
owners were afforded the
chance to take their pooch’s
photo inside the “Dogs
Playing Poker” painting
and the Beatles’ Abbey
Road album cover (picture
George Harrison holding a
dog leash!). One dog was
crowned Mayor of Dogville
as a result of an online photosubmission contest that John
DeBella conducted. Also onsite were a food vendor and
two caricature artists.
John DeBella has dedicated
himself to the welfare of
animals throughout his
30-plus years on-air in
Philadelphia. He hosted the
DeBella’s Dogs segment on
NBC’s 10! Show for years.
In 2008, he was honored
with an award at the Morris
Animal Refuge’s 11th annual
Fur Ball fundraiser.
WMGK-FM’s
John DeBella and this
year’s Mayor
of Dogville at
the DeBella
Dog Walk
Thousands of
WMGK-FM
listeners and
dog enthusiasts
attended the
DeBella Dog
Walk.
“Mike & Mike” Broadcast Live on
ESPN and Detroit Sports 105.1 FM
from Ford Field for Opening Week
ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike”
show traveled to Detroit on
Monday, March 31, ahead
of the Detroit Tigers’ home
opener against the Kansas
City Royals. Mike Greenberg
and Mike Golic from “Mike
& Mike” broadcasted live
from inside Ford Field for
the highly anticipated MLB
opening-week games for
the 5th annual ESPN Audio
Baseball Tour.
Detroit Lions new head
coach Jim Caldwell and Ann
Arbor resident and voice
of ESPN Monday Night
Football Mike Tirico were
among those invited to
join Mike & Mike on the set.
After the show, from 10:30
to 11:30 AM current Lions
players Rob Sims and Joique
Bell appeared inside the
stadium’s Breadstick Bar &
Bistro.
Sports fans were invited to
watch Mike & Mike as they
broadcasted live on ESPN
and Detroit Sports 105.1 FM.
The event was free and open
to the public.
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic of Mike & Mike interview
Detroit Tigers’ starting pitcher Max Scherzer at Ford Field during
Tigers Opening Day.
WRAT-FM Begins Simulcast on
107.9 FM in Manahawkin, NJ
WRAT-FM commenced
a simulcast at 10:28 AM
Saturday, March 8, of
its award-winning live
programming on 107.9 FM in
Manahawkin, NJ.
107.9 FM began simulcasting
95.9 FM The Rat out of Lake
Como, NJ. Both frequencies
will remain live 24/7,
delivering mainstream rock.
In addition to the 107.9 FM
simulcast, The Rat can also
now be heard on sister
station WJRZ-FM’s HD2
signal at 100.1.
“WRAT-FM already
broadcasts from the
optimum geographic
location near the MonmouthOcean border on 95.9 FM,”
said Greater Media Senior
Vice President and Regional
General Manager Dan Finn.
“Now, by simulcasting on
107.9 FM in Manahawkin,
it allows us to increase
The Rat’s footprint on
Long Beach Island and the
surrounding area. We’re
absolutely thrilled and are
confident the listeners will be
too.”
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R APEVIN E
35
photo gallery
GREATER MEDIA NEWSPAPERS
All Photos by Eric Sucar, Greater Media Newspapers Staff
clockwise from top left, Marcus
Lominy of Old Bridge (NJ) High
School competes in the pole vault
during the NJSIAA Central Jersey
Group III and IV Track & Field
Sectional Championships in
Toms River, NJ, on February 7.
/ Sayreville War Memorial High
School fans cheer during the
Greater Middlesex Conference
basketball tournament semi-final
game against East Brunswick
High School on February 25.
/ Shore Regional High School’s
Trevor Houlis competes in the
long jump during the Monmouth
County Track & Field Championships held at Holmdel High School
on May 7. / The Colts Neck High
School basketball team celebrates
after winning the Central Jersey Group IV final game, 41-28,
against Hunterdon Central on
March 10. / Instructor Lisa Lewis
leads a Zumba class during Girls
Night at the Park Avenue Elementary School in Freehold Borough,
NJ, on March 14. The event, which
included keynote speakers and
break-out sessions, was sponsored by the Freehold Borough
Educational Foundation.
36
G R APEVINE
SP RIN G
2 014
clockwise from top left, Katie Tirabassi,
along with the rest of the Freehold
Township High School softball team,
runs through her warm-up routine
prior to the game against Howell on
April 2. / The Alchemist Theatre Company waits patiently prior to taking
the stage for the production of In the
Heights at North Brunswick Township
High School on April 3. / Red Bank
Catholic High School’s Julie Krasutsky
tries to elude Ocean Township defenders during the first half of their game
on April 17. / Frank Mitchell of Marlboro, NJ, arrives in his 1965 Pontiac
GTO at Kruise Night in Freehold, NJ,
on May 1. / Jonathan Vernachio, 9,
(center) of Beachwood, NJ, along with
the other members of the Pipes and
Drums of Barnegat Bay, runs through
a rehearsal in Toms River, NJ, on March
5. / 94-year-old Doris Geller of Edison,
NJ, shares a dance with DJ Mel Witschi
during the 90s Birthday Bash held at
the Edison Senior Center on May 1.
Continued on next page
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
37
WCSX-FM Helps Unveil
New Jimi Hendrix Stamp
94.7 WCSX-FM morning show’s Trudi and Jim
joined the U.S. Postal Service for the unveiling of
the new Jimi Hendrix stamp on Friday, March 14, at
The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music in Royal
Oak, MI.
In tribute to Hendrix’s featured rendition of “The
Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock in 1969,
guitarists were invited to bring their electric guitars
and amps for a unison tribute performance of the
national anthem prior to the unveiling. The anthem
was led by SRC guitarist Gary Quackenbush.
After the reveal, the U.S. Postal Service was on-site
selling the new Jimi Hendrix Forever stamp.
WCSX-FM giveaways included tickets to
Experience Hendrix at the Fox Theatre on April 3.
3 8
G R APEVINE
S P RIN G
2 014
top to bottom,
WCSX-FM’s Trudi and Jim take center stage to introduce the new
Jimi Hendrix Forever stamp.
The Jimi Hendrix Forever stamp is unveiled at The Detroit School
of Rock and Pop Music.
hello baby!
engaged!
Hello, Baby Liam
Jessica RoBards of Greater Media
Charlotte and husband Ryan welcomed
Liam Breckenridge RoBards into the
world on March 16, 2014.
Hello, Baby Gus
How to tire out a toddler? Have a baby!
Jersey Martel, age 4, is now big sister to
baby brother Gus, who was born April
21, 2014. Proud parents are Jamie Martel,
Marketing Director at Boston’s WRORFM, and Eric Giordano.
es ide!
m
o
c
here
the br
Congratulations to
WDHA-FM Nitespace
Host Lindsay Kelin on
her engagement to
Mike Hrynio.
family
Surprise Baby Shower!
Jennifer Peyton, Inside Advertising Sales
Manager at Greater Media Newspapers,
was given a surprise baby shower on
March 27 by her colleagues. Jennifer
gave birth to a baby girl, Parker Mary, on
May 10, 2014. Parker is joined by older
sister Paige and older brother Palmer.
!
e
c
a
J
,
lcome
we
Kathy Romano, from WMMR-FM’s
Preston & Steve Show and Traffic,
and her husband Dennis have become
foster parents. Jace, age 21/2, is a sweet,
affectionate, smart little boy who is
thriving in their home. Kathy says there
are challenges to being a foster parent
but having Jace bless their home
is the easiest part.
SP R I N G
2 01 4
G R A PEVIN E
39
LOOK WHO’S READING THE GRAPEVINE
clockwise from left, Katie Couric, who spoke at
BEN-FM’s Woman of the Week Luncheon, checks out
The Grapevine. / Fuel’s Brett Scallions and Andy
Andersson heard it through The Grapevine
during a stop at WRAT-FM’s studio in New Jersey.
/ Vaden Todd Lewis and Clark Vogeler of the
Toadies reads The Grapevine during a visit to
Greater Media New Jersey.
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